ã€ŠArc of Fireã€‹


 Chapter 1: Script Murder? No, Itâ€™s Time Travel!

    When Wang Zhong saw the silvery-haired girl in military uniform before him, his first reaction was to think it was a COSPLAY from some hardcore military-themed anime game that wasn¡¯t pandering to otakus.

    Usually, he¡¯d take a second look at such a sight, but the vibrations of the floor and walls interrupted his appreciation.

    "What the hell is that?¡± he asked loudly, only for the dust falling from the ceiling to float into his mouth.

    The beautiful girl in front of him shushed him and whispered, ¡°Tank!¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned, ¡°Tank?¡±

    He scratched his head, trying to figure out what was going on. He first tried to recall the events leading up to now, but couldn¡¯t remember anything besides getting drunk¡ªah, it was almost Chinese New Year, and he¡¯d had a drink with some friends.

    Could it be that his friends had dragged him to a murder mystery role-y caf¨¦ while he was drunk?

    And then he just happened to run into this beautiful girl and they started a game together? Wow, what luck, better add her on WeChat first.

    Wang Zhong reached into his pocket for his phone, but instead of finding it, he pulled out a document.The document cover felt very sturdy, like it was made of leather. Wang Zhong was impressed; the shop was pretty good, with realistic settings and props.

    Then he opened the document and was stunned by the photo inside.

    What¡¯s going on? That¡¯s not me in the photo!

    It was only then that Wang Zhong btedly realized something all the people around him had inmon: they were all fair-haired, blue-eyed foreigners.

    Where are my friends?

    Did they leave me behind to y a murder mystery game with strangers?

    Could it be¡­it¡¯s not a murder mystery game, but¡­ but that I¡¯ve traveled through time?

    Wang Zhong just briefly considered this possibility, but immediately dismissed it. One must believe in science; this was definitely a prank by his mischievous buddies, damn it, ying me for a fool.

    The resentment that had just begun to build dissipated after another nce at the beautiful girl before him; damn, this was even better, he definitely had to connect with the foreign beauty on WeChat.

    His prankster buddies were probably hiding somewhere, watching the joke unfold. Well, I¡¯ll add the beautiful girl on WeChat, and that¡¯ll wipe the smiles off their faces!

    Just then, the rumbling sound grew closer, and the vibrations in the walls and floor became more pronounced.

    Wang Zhong noticed two small windows by the wall he was leaning against. They were ced high up, with sunlight nting through them.

    They seemed like basement light wells; Wang Zhong had a ssmate who moved to Beijing after graduation and always lived in such basements, often sharing photos on his moments, asionally ying with various prison cell jokes.

    He tiptoed a little, drew closer to one of the windows, and peered out.

    He saw a pair of military boots near the window.

    For a murder mystery game, isn¡¯t this a bit too realistic?

    He was puzzled when suddenly more pairs of boots appeared. It felt like there was a toon passing by outside.

    What in the world?

    The next moment, Wang Zhong saw the source of the trembling and rumbling ¨C tank tracks.

    The murder mystery caf¨¦ not only had a toon¡¯s worth of actors but also got hold of a tractor? That¡¯s not right, is it?

    Wang Zhong¡¯s breath quickened; he vaguely felt that he truly might have traveled through time.

    So, that rxed, carefree, unconcerned mood vanished instantly.

    He retreated and took another look around the basement room.

    Aside from him and the beautiful girl, there were four males, all with Northern European faces.

    Everyone was wearing the same style of military uniform, mainly khaki with a somewhat drab green cor section.

    Three of the men were holding rifles, which Wang Zhong thought looked a lot like the Mosin¨CNagant.

    The rifles had bays fixed, and one of the bays was stained red.

    Wang Zhong looked several times at that red stain, thinking that it couldn¡¯t have already been used to kill someone, could it?

    The remaining man held a weapon that looked a lot like the Finnish Suomi submachine gun, his uniform slightly different from the others, with two V-shaped marks on the sleeve.

    "Sergeant?¡± Wang Zhong tentatively asked.

    The submachine gun man looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°What, do you need a diaper?¡±

    The men allughed but quickly subdued their voices.

    The girl turned her face away, embarrassed.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Diaper?¡±

    The sergeant nced at Wang Zhong¡¯s crotch.

    Wang Zhong looked down and discovered he too was wearing a khaki uniform, and the color of his crotch was noticeably darker, spreading out radiantly.

    He felt it, and sure enough, it was wet!

    "This isn¡¯t my pee!¡±

    Truly, it wasn¡¯t! I¡¯m freaking out here!

    Wang Zhong, though he¡¯d never been on a battlefield, did not think he was the type to wet himself at the first sign ofbat¡ªprobably.

    No, definitely!

    The pee also felt mostly dry, it definitely wasn¡¯t fresh, so who¡¯s was it?

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered the document in his hand and hurriedly flipped it open.

    The photo in the document was of a young and handsome guy with a frivolous smile, obviously also with a European face, next to which was all in a script that Wang Zhong had never seen before, somewhat resembling Cyrillic. Astonishingly, Wang Zhong understood their meaning.

    It was then that Wang Zhong realized that from the beginning, everyone had been speaking a foreignnguage, but he understood it as if it were Chinese.

    Wang Zhong found his name next to the photo: ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky,¡± and there was a prefix before the name, which tranted into Chinese might mean something like sir or excellency?

    By now, the rumble of the tank had moved away, and gunfire could still be heard in the distance.

    At that moment, the sergeant with the submachine gun spoke up, ¡°The gunfire is about one or two kilometers away from us, definitely the forces of Duke dimir still resisting. We should cross through enemy territory and join up with the duke.¡±

    After finishing, the sergeant turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°Your Excellency, what do you think?¡±

    One of the soldiers mocked, ¡°Why ask him? Be careful he wets his pants again! From now on, his nickname will be ¡®Pissypants Rokossovsky¡¯.¡±

    "Shh! Careful the count doesn¡¯t settle the score with youter and lock you up!¡± another soldier said, although his warning to hisrade was unequivocally delivered in a sarcastic tone.

    The sergeant seriously said, ¡°The count is ourmander, of course, we need his agreement. Count, what do you think of what I just said?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, what can I think? I¡¯ve onlymanded troops in a game; I¡¯m aplete outsider. It seems like nodding is all I can do now.

    Normally, this is when the cheat would activate.

    Come out, Deep Blue.

    The next moment, Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective shifted to an overhead view.

    What the heck? Have I be some kind of satellite spirit? Is there really a cheat?

    Unfortunately, most of the satellite view was dark, with only the basement they were in clearly visible.

    He then realized this was the familiar overhead perspective from the real-time strategy games he knew so well. With years of experience ying real-time strategy games, he immediately recognized that the highlighted figure in the view must be himself.

    This satellite view even had an interface; that thing in the top right corner of the view must be the unit tab¡ªthe symbol of the forces under hismand.

    Currently, inside the unit tab, there was only a solitary unit: Wang Zhong¡¯s consciousness immediately noticed a tag that read: ¡°Lieutenant Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    Well, the only unit is myself? What happened to me being themander?

    Just then, Wang Zhong heard a girl¡¯s voice and hurriedly switched his view back to himself¡ªit seemed the switch was as easy as a mere thought.

    The girl said, ¡°I think Sergeant Semyon is right, Alyosha, let¡¯s do that.¡±

    Alyosha, the nickname for the name ¡°Aleksei¡± of the body he inhabited¡ªRussians typically used nicknames only with close associates. With acquaintances, they would use the patronymic, which in this case was the lengthy middle name ¡°Konstantinovich.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Wait a moment! The enemy just passed by; it¡¯s not good to act rashly. Let¡¯s wait here for a while.¡±

    In reality, Wang Zhong wanted to buy time to understand the cheat. If they started moving, who knew what dangersy ahead and they wouldn¡¯t be able to properly examine the cheat.

    The sergeant hesitated but eventually nodded, ¡°Then we wait a bit. Be careful not to be discovered by the Prussians.¡±

    The Prussians, that must be the name of the enemy.

    There definitely is no country named Prussia on Earth; I must be somewhere other than Earth.

    Wang Zhong once again entered the overhead perspective, and his first attempt was to focus his attention on the girl in the room with him; sure enough, her name popped up: ¡°Ludm Vasilyevna Malyukhova, Captain, Prayer Hand.¡±

    Huh? What¡¯s a Prayer Hand?

    Wang Zhong had assumed the girl was a medic.

    He focused on the term ¡°Prayer Hand¡± for a second, but no further exnation appeared.

    What the hell, this cheat is wed.

    Although he could clearly see Ludm¡¯s designation, she did not appear in the unit tab list.

    Reluctantly, Wang Zhong shifted his attention to the other four people.

    Sergeant Zakayev and then a lengthy string, Private First ss Semyon and then a lengthy string, Private Ivan and then a lengthy string, Private Yuri and then a lengthy string.

    The sergeant was a submachine gunner, and the rest were riflemen.

    Wang Zhong also wanted to check their ammo situation but, unfortunately, there was none.

    Having determined he couldn¡¯t glean more from these people, Wang Zhong turned his attention to the house beside them.

    He could see through the roof of the house they were in, and through the floors of the first and second floors to the basement. He thought whether he could switch the disy to other floors, to get a better look at the ground floor situation.

    But it was useless.

    He then tried to view the situation of his own people who were engaged in distant fighting, but he was unable to do so.

    Could it be this cheat is merely a change of perspective, and I¡¯m actually seeing the same information that my eyes can see?

    To verify this, Wang Zhong switched back to his own perspective, stood up, went to the window, and looked outside.

    Maintaining this position, he switched to the overhead view, and then noticed that thendscape outside had appeared.

    He saw a street, no, half a street because he could only see the buildings across from their basement.

    However, this view was much clearer than with his own eyes. With his natural vision, he could only see the ground floor of the buildings, not even knowing how many floors there were. But with this overhead view, he could see even the rooftops clearly.

    This cheat still had some merits.

    Just as Wang Zhong was appreciating the cheat, he heard footsteps.

    Hearing footsteps from an overhead perspective was as if the sound wasing from heaven.

    Wang Zhong realized it was because the footsteps wereing from above his head; his hearing hadn¡¯t switched to the overhead perspective.

    No wonder the gunfire still sounded so distant.

    He switched back to his natural perspective and saw that everyone in the room was looking at the ceiling.

    Wang Zhong also looked up to see that the ceiling was made of wood, and someone was currently stepping on it with heavy boots, producing a loud thumping sound.

    Then someone spoke in a foreignnguage he couldn¡¯t understand.

    If he had to say, it had a bit of a German feel to it, but Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t be sure.

    Ludm murmured softly, ¡°Prussians!¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong saw a crack in the ceiling and had a bold idea.

    Just now, with my own eyes, I could only see the opposite building¡¯s first floor, but after switching perspectives, I could see up to the second, third, and even the rooftops. Could it be¡­?

    He decided to give it a try.

 Chapter 2: The First Subordinate

    Wang Zhong carefully picked up a stool and ced it under the crack, then tiptoed onto the stool.

    That way, he just managed to bring his eyes close to the crevice.

    Then he switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view.

    With the bird¡¯s-eye view, he could see everyone in the basement staring at him dumbfounded.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t bother with the others and directly switched the view to the first floor.

    This time the switch was sessful.

    Wang Zhong actually couldn¡¯t see anything through the crack, but after switching views, he had a clear view of the entire room on the first floor.

    The entrance led directly into the living room, with stairs to the second floor on the left, and two doors leading to other rooms.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t see the other rooms, but he had aplete view of this one, including the enemy soldiers with their heavy footsteps.There were two enemy soldiers, dressed in ck military uniforms, helmets with spikes on top, reminiscent of the German helmets from World War I.

    Wang Zhong focused, and sure enough, information about the enemy appeared, but there were no names or affiliations, just the type of soldier: both were riflemen.

    The two soldiers clearly weren¡¯t very alert, one was rifling through drawers while the other took a bite from the bread on the table, then scrunched his face and spat it back out.

    He cursed under his breath, which Wang Zhong didn¡¯t understand.

    However, Wang Zhong was feeling quite good about himself at the moment, after all, having a cheat made one feel different ¨C it invariably gave him more confidence.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to switch back to tell everyone the situation upstairs, the soldier eating the bread threw the bread away and headed toward the doors to the other rooms.

    He left Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision.

    No matter how hard Wang Zhong tried, he could no longer see him.

    Wang Zhong heard someone beside him hiss.

    He switched back to the bird¡¯s-eye view of the basement and saw a private by the door with his finger to his lips; he must have been the one who had hissed.

    Immediately afterward, Wang Zhong also heard footsteps, and they were noting from upstairs.

    The soldier who had just left the field of vision was moving down the stairs to the basement!

    Wang Zhong hurriedly returned to his normal vision and whispered, ¡°Two riflemen, one upstairs looting, the other one¡¯se down.¡±

    The sergeant looked at Wang Zhong, and it was clear from his expression that he did not believe him.

    It made sense, after all. Peering through such a narrow crack anding away with so much information would make anyone skeptical.

    What¡¯s more, Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡°predecessor¡± had just embarrassed himself by wetting his pants. Put yourself in the other person¡¯s shoes; he would not trust someone on the battlefield who had just wet himself.

    By now, the enemy had reached the door. Upon finding it locked, he began to smash at it with the butt of his gun.

    The banging on the door made Wang Zhong tense up.

    He felt that it would be better to have a weapon in hand under such circumstances, so he drew his pistol.

    Nobody noticed Wang Zhong pulling his gun, as everyone¡¯s attention was fixed on the main door.

    After a few hits, the enemy outside stopped. Just as Wang Zhong thought the enemy might be giving up, anguage he did not understand came from the other side of the door.

    Ludm, hiding in the corner, whispered, ¡°He said the door can only be locked from the inside, he knows we¡¯re in here, and he¡¯s telling us toe out.¡±

    The sergeant clicked his tongue, ¡°No choice now, we have to break out.¡±

    He nced down to check the chamber of his submachine gun.

    "Xiemiao, move away from the door; I¡¯ll shoot the enemy through it!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, how could this be okay? There was another enemy upstairs. If you fire, you¡¯ll draw them all here.

    He stepped forward, grabbed the sergeant¡¯s gun, and whispered, ¡°No! Use the bay! There¡¯s another enemy on the first floor! We hide against the wall in the blind spot of the doorway, Ludm goes to open the door, act scared, try to pull the enemy in, and Xiemiao will stab the enemy from the side.¡±

    The sergeant stared at Wang Zhong, even ncing down at his crotch.

    Clearly, he was hesitating whether or not to listen to a coward who wet himself on the battlefield.

    The enemy was still loudly demanding an answer.

    A secondter, he gestured for the others to hide.

    Seeing the sign, Ludm shouted something in the enemy¡¯snguage, and the voice outside suddenly quieted down.

    Then, the enemy responded in a much softer tone.

    Ludm: ¡°I¡¯m going to open the door.¡±

    The sergeant pulled Wang Zhong aside into the blind spot next to the door.

    Xiemiao, closest to the door, gripped his rifle with the bay attached tightly.

    Wang Zhong pressed himself against the wall, trying hard to make his breathing less noticeable.

    To tell the truth, Wang Zhong was very nervous, his palms sweaty, barely able to hold his pistol steadily. He had to hold his gun with his left hand, rubbed his sweaty palm vigorously against his clothes, and then switched back.

    Damn, he didn¡¯t know if his cheat had any enhancement to personalbat; if not, then without any enhancement, he was just a ¡°nk¡±, and facing the enemy would mean certain death.

    Ludm adjusted her uniform, and perhaps because she was European, she really was voluptuous. Despite having a delicate face, her figure was incredibly curvaceous.

    She continued to respond to the enemy while moving to the door to grab thetch, and finally, she looked at the sergeant.

    That look didn¡¯t go to Wang Zhong, the nominalmander, indicating that even now, Ludm still saw the sergeant as the one calling the shots.

    The sergeant nodded, and Ludm immediately pulled the door open,pletely disregarding Wang Zhong¡¯s opinion.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t see the enemy from his angle, but he had the bird¡¯s-eye view; a quick switch would reveal the enemy¡¯s eyes widening.

    After all, Ludm was genuinely attractive.

    Ludm reached out to grab the enemy¡¯s rifle, pulling him into the room.

    The enemy came in without any resistance.

 Chapter 3: The First Subordinate (2)

    Semyon made a split-second decision, lunging forward with the bay aimed at the enemy¡¯s nk.

    The enemy let out a ghastly scream.

    Ludm was quick on her feet, smothering the enemy¡¯s mouth with her hand.

    But it was toote. From the first floor came another enemy¡¯s query, ¡°Gas wrench?¡±

    In a moment of desperation, Wang Zhong said to Ludm, ¡°Scream! You scream!¡±

    Ludm immediately let out a piercing scream as if she was being sexually assaulted.

    Wang Zhong saw the enemies were stunned because he hadn¡¯t done anything yet, he was even a body¡¯s length away from Ludm with a rifle between them.

    Semyon stabbed several more times, and the fiercely resisting enemy finally stopped moving.

    Immediately, Wang Zhong said to Ludm, ¡°You lie on the table, hold on to this dead bastard, and keep screaming to lure the second enemy down.¡±Ludm did as she was told.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to issue an order to Semyon, he saw Semyon had already hidden beside the door.

    This bird¡¯s-eye view was pretty convenient, literally keeping an eye on all directions.

    The second enemy appeared at the door and upon seeing Ludm, he outrightughed: ¡°Wow, to death or glory, huh!¡±

    The lust-driven enemy didn¡¯t even notice the bloodstains on hisrade and walked straight into the room.

    Semyon shouted and lunged forward with his bay.

    But this enemy was quick, dodging the thrust and grabbing a helmet to smash it onto the overextended Semyon¡¯s head.

    Semyon screamed in pain, likely pierced by the spike on the helmet.

    Damn, could that spike reallye in handy like this?

    The enemy yelled out, pulling out a dagger and stabbing it into Semyon.

    From his bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong clearly saw that Semyon was no longer moving. Shifting his focus didn¡¯t provide any exnation.

    Private Ivan lunged with his bay, striking the enemy in the heart.

    The enemy stared at Ivan, his mouth agape, but said nothing.

    Maybe because Wang Zhong had been watching everything from this bird¡¯s-eye view the entire time, it felt surreal to him until he switched back to his own eyes and smelled the thick scent of blood.

    Ludm: ¡°Are there any more enemies?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°With all thismotion and no inquiry, there should be none.¡±

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong went to the door to check outside and found that outside was also a basement, not the corridor he had assumed. In this room, a staircase against the wall led to the ground level.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We should head to the rooftop first, to assess the surroundings.¡±

    This cheat of his needed a field of view; getting to the rooftop would probably ¡°light up¡± the surroundings.

    He turned around to look at the people in the room and saw everyone staring at him.

    The sergeant said, ¡°No, we leave directly. Do you want the enemy to spot us on the rooftop?¡±

    Ludm stood up from the corpse: ¡°We already lost one person luring the enemy down here for a surprise attack. If you had just opened fire, sergeant, we¡¯d all probably be dead by now!¡±

    The sergeant shook his head: ¡°This was just blind luck, a greenhorn who wets himself on the battlefield won¡¯t get lucky every time! We should leave now before the enemy notices us! Vasilyevna,e with us, we¡¯ll ensure you get back to the allied forces and return to your unit!¡±

    Wang Zhong was momentarily confused before realizing that Vasilyevna was Ludm¡¯s patronymic. Russians address someone of general acquaintance or higher status with their patronymic, and it is impolite to call them by their first name alone.

    Well, maybe not Russians, since this isn¡¯t Earth, but clearly, the people here followed the Russian convention.

    Ludm hesitated, then said, ¡°No, I support the Major.¡±

    The sergeant shook his head, ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing I can do, we¡¯re going!¡±

    With that, he pushed past Wang Zhong who was standing at the doorway, clutching his submachine gun as he headed for the stairs to the first floor.

    The two privates followed him.

    In the blink of an eye, the room was left with only Wang Zhong, Ludm, and three dead bodies.

    Ludm looked regretful.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You can still catch up with them.¡±

    Ludm bit her lip and looked at Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I think in our current situation, the chances of survival with either side are not high.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    He took a deep breath and turned towards the corpses.

    He picked up Semyon¡¯s gun and handed it to Ludm: ¡°You need something to defend yourself; can you shoot?¡±

    Ludm took the gun and proficiently checked the chamber, then looked up at Wang Zhong: ¡°I scored higher than you in shooting, Major, don¡¯t you remember?¡±

    "Oh, is that so?¡± Wang Zhong mused internally, what kind of pure loser had he reced.

    After salvaging another rifle, several grenades, and some ammunition from the other two bodies, Wang Zhong decided to move out.

    He moved stealthily up to the ground floor, promptly switching to the bird¡¯s-eye view.

    It was then that he noticed in the upper right-hand corner of his field of vision, aside from himself, there was another badge, focused on the new badge it read: ¡°Captain Ludm Vasilyevna Malyukhova, Divine Arrow.¡±

    So, people who would follow his orders would be added to the badge?

    And what in the world was Divine Arrow?

    Wang Zhong switched floors and suddenly realized he could see the basement as well.

    Could it be that, like in real-time strategy games, this ¡®cheat¡¯ allowed him to see through the eyes of the troops under hismand?

    This was indeed convenient, as gainingmand over more troops would widen his field of vision.

    Regardless, he now had a soldier under hismand.

    And such a beautiful girl at that.

    Wang Zhong cautiously moved to the second floor and discovered that it had been hit by artillery; there was arge hole in the wall facing the street.

    Ludm: ¡°We were originally on the second floor, but before we could destroy the enemy¡¯s tank, we received a direct hit from a shell, and the entire Divine Arrow squad was reduced to just myself.¡±

 Chapter 4: The First Subordinate (3)

    What¡¯s the Divine Arrow team?

    Ludm: ¡°Sergeant Zakayev¡¯s infantry battalion was supposed to be covering us nearby. Our team, including the infantry battalion, is under yourmand, Colonel! But you got so scared by that shell that you pissed your pants and scurried into the basement to hide!¡±

    So that¡¯s why Sergeant Zakayev doesn¡¯t want to be under mymand, Wang Zhong thought to himself¡ªit made sense.

    Wang Zhong looked at Ludm: ¡°Trust me, I have¡­ I am no longer who I was before!¡±

    Indeed, he was no longer the same person.

    The cowardly wimp must have been scared to death, and I die in another world probably due to drinking, I guess, and then I end up in this coward¡¯s body.

    It doesn¡¯t matter, what¡¯s important is whates next.

    After calming Ludm¡¯s emotions, Wang Zhong was about to turn around to survey the situation when he suddenly remembered something very important and continued to ask Ludm: ¡°We¡­ err¡­¡±

    Asking Ludm which country he belonged to now seemed inappropriate. It might even cost him the little bit of trust he had just gained and lose his only subordinate.Forget it, survivales first.

    Wait a minute, if it¡¯s about survival, wouldn¡¯t surrendering also be an option?

    After all, I¡¯m a Chinese person, there¡¯s no need to fight to the death for a country whose name I don¡¯t even know.

    Maybe Wang Zhong¡¯s expression gave away his thoughts, because just then, Ludm said: ¡°If you¡¯re thinking of surrendering to the Prussians, I¡¯ll shoot you first!¡±

    Well, that option¡¯s off the table.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he¡¯d better take it one step at a time.

    He crawled to the edge of therge hole andy down, peeking out from the edge while switching to an overhead view.

    Boy, the entire fan-shaped area ahead¡¯s terrain had been ¡°lighted up.¡±

    Of course, some buildings higher than the second floor still blocked the view, leaving patches of shadow.

    Within the area Wang Zhong could see, enemies were disyed. Wang Zhong even spotted Zakayev¡¯s squad.

    They were moving along an alley, with the enemy right in front of them.

    Then Wang Zhong watched as they encountered the enemy, not even having time to think about what reaction to make.

    There was a half-track armored vehicle among the enemy; its machine gun immediately opened fire, and the leading sergeant was knocked down in the first burst without even firing a shot.

    The two privates following the sergeant tried to run but were caught by the tracer bullets from the machine gun and fell to the ground. The squad was wiped out just like that.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong heard Ludm¡¯s anxious voice: ¡°The gunfire is close, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Sergeant Zakayev is dead, they¡¯re all dead. They happened to run into the enemy¡¯s half-track armored vehicle.¡±

    Ludm fell silent for a few seconds, then asked, ¡°So what do we do?¡±

    She didn¡¯t even question how Wang Zhong knew all this.

    Wang Zhong observed the east in the overhead view, since Sergeant Zakayev headed east, he guessed the friendlies must be to the east.

    About three blocks away, Wang Zhong spotted friendlies inbat.

    He couldn¡¯t see too far from the overhead view. The problem was there were a ton of enemies on the route, along with at least ten tanks and armored vehicles.

    After watching for a while, Wang Zhong found that although there were many enemies, the buildings significantly obstructed their line of sight. As long as he could maintain the overhead view, it was possible to sneak through.

    The keyy in two points: first was whether he could control his movements in the overhead view.

    After all, this system didn¡¯te with a mouse; he couldn¡¯t really move troops with a click like in real-time strategy games.

    Wang Zhong targeted himself and thought about having the figure lying on the ground move a bit.

    To his surprise, as soon as the thought emerged, his body really moved, and he even felt the tactile sensation of his body scraping against the floor.

    Feeling these sensations in the overhead view was quite strange, and Wang Zhong felt a strong dizziness¡ªit was likely because his brain hadn¡¯t adapted to the condition, causing the dizziness due to the mismatch between physical sensations and visual perception.

    Simr to the principle of some people getting dizzy from 3D games.

    Wang Zhong moved again and ended up too dizzy to bear.

    He had to give up on moving himself while in the overhead view.

    But could he move Ludm?

    He tried to ¡°use his powers¡± on Ludm, attempting tomand her with his mind, but it was to no avail.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong realized he had done something stupid: Damn it, why use my mind? Just give the order out loud.

    "Ludm,¡± he said, ¡°do you see the window on your right hand? Go over there and look outside, be careful.¡±

    Ludm eximed: ¡°How can you see behind you?¡±

    "Just had an impression. Go!¡±

    Ludm moved to the window, and so Wang Zhong gained a view of the back of the room.

    This works!

    Thenter on, let Ludm provide the view up front, and I¡¯ll follow behind!

    Wait a second, wouldn¡¯t it be too ungentlemanly to let the girl take the lead like this?

    After a brief hesitation, Wang Zhong shamelessly chose the option that gave him a higher chance of surviving.

    He said: ¡°Ludm, I think I know the way. You¡¯re a good shot, you take the lead, let¡¯s get moving.¡±

 Chapter 5: Injured

    So, Wang Zhong¡¯s small squad set off like this.

    If I have to say, a grown man having a young girl take the lead does feel a bit embarrassing.

    But thest time I fired a rifle with live ammo was during military training in college, where I fired a total of five bullets and missed the target with one.

    If I were to go in front and encountered the enemy, even if I shot first, there¡¯s a high chance I¡¯d miss and then most likely just be an easy target.

    Wang Zhong watched Ludm from an overhead perspective, and at this time, he could tell she was very well-endowed, her form heaving with her movements, clearly visible even from above.

    But right now, Wang Zhong was not in the mood to be distracted, focused intently on the enemy¡¯s movements. After all, this was a battlefield, and anypse in concentration could be fatal.

    Ludm squatted at the corner, cautiously peeking out.

    Wang Zhong instantly gained aplete view of the other side of the corner, and he could even see the first floor of the building directly opposite Ludm.

    Thanks to this view, Wang Zhong spotted enemies on the left, probably because it led to the city¡¯s main thoroughfare.He wanted Ludm to move right, so he tried tomand her with his mind, but it was no use.

    Thereupon, Wang Zhong called out softly, ¡°Ludm!¡±

    The girl turned back, and Wang Zhong pointed to the right, ¡°Go right! There are no enemies on the right!¡±

    It¡¯s not that Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to give the order quietly; it¡¯s just that he didn¡¯t understand tactical hand signals, nor did he know if the hand signals in this world were the same as those on Earth.

    Ludm turned to the right, and Wang Zhong immediately followed, the two of them moving one after the other to the next intersection, fortunately without encountering any enemies.

    The girl stopped at the intersection, looked back at Wang Zhong with suspicion, ¡°How did you know there were no enemies this way?¡±

    Wang Zhong casually brushed it off, ¡°I guessed.¡±

    Ludm frowned, ¡°Guessed? Do you realize how bad it would be if we ran into enemies?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I know. This time, go left.¡±

    He had already mastered the skill of speaking in an overhead view, though the disorientation still made his head spin, but it wasn¡¯t as severe as before.

    Thus, even as he conversed with Ludm, he had already confirmed there were no enemies on the left and, incidentally, the sound of gunfire wasing from their left as well.

    Measured in terms of the cardinal directions, that would be the east.

    This meant that the chances of running into friendly forces if they moved east were very high.

    Ludm stared at Wang Zhong for a second before ultimately following the order and crouched as she crossed the street corner.

    Wang Zhong immediately switched back to his natural vision¡ªhe still couldn¡¯t navigate while using the overhead view, as it made him extremely dizzy.

    With his natural vision, Wang Zhong ran to the street corner and peeked out, just in time to see Ludm¡¯s retreating form.

    Although the girl¡¯s figure was tempting, the limitation of this perspective was too great; Wang Zhong switched back to the overhead view without any attachment, being watchful of the surroundings.

    Just as he switched back, he saw a jeep driving down the alley behind him.

    He immediately crossed the corner, narrowly avoiding the jeep¡¯s field of view in the nick of time.

    However, moving his own body while in the overhead view brought on an intense dizziness that assaulted his brain, forcing him to exit the overhead perspective as he leaned against the wall and began to retch.

    He heard footsteps behind him and immediately turned and raised his gun, only to find Ludm running back towards him.

    "I saw you weren¡¯t well, so I came back¡­¡± The girl looked concerned, ¡°Your face is pale, what suddenly happened?¡±

    To Ludm, it seemed that Wang Zhong had turned pale out of the blue.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯m fine!¡±

    Despite feeling dizzy, he didn¡¯t forget about the jeep, so he immediately peeked his head a tiny bit outside, then switched to an overhead view.

    The jeep was indeed making its way along the street; there were three people in the vehicle, with the driver unarmed, a sergeant in the passenger seat with a submachine gun, and what appeared to be an officer in the back, wearing arge cap.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Jeep, hide quickly!¡±

    Immediately after, Wang Zhong noticed that there was no open building on either side of the alley; it was definitely toote to hide.

    So he made a split-second decision to change orders, ¡°No, hand grenade!¡±

    While saying this, he switched back to his natural vision and took out a hand grenade, unscrewing the cap at the end¡ª

    Suddenly, he changed his mind and handed the grenade to Ludm beside him, ¡°You throw it!¡±

    Wang Zhong had never thrown a hand grenade in his life; if he did the throwing, he might just make things worse.

    The enemy had submachine guns, and at such a close distance, if the first wave didn¡¯t kill the enemy, both he and Ludm would probably be done for right there.

    Ludm, with a speechless expression, ¡°I haven¡¯t thrown it many times either. After all, I¡¯m a prayer. Not like shooting and horse riding, which I often practiced at home.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Still better than me, just poke your body out and throw it when I say.¡±

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong switched to the overhead view again.

    Wait a second, shouldn¡¯t I vacate the corner?

    But there was no time left. The jeep was almost upon them, and Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Now!¡±

    Ludm leaped out from the corner with an agile step, raising her hand.

    Wang Zhong saw something arcing towards the enemy¡¯s vehicle.

    But the thing didn¡¯t explode right away!

    Ludm had thrown it as soon as she pulled the pin!

    Wang Zhong watched as the sergeant in the passenger seat aimed the submachine gun at Ludm!

    In a moment of desperation, he poked his head out and yelled, ¡°Look out!¡±

    The enemy was also tense, and upon hearing the shout, they immediately swung their guns around and fired at Wang Zhong.

    By the time Wang Zhong ducked back, it was a fractionte, and his shoulder felt as if it had been hammered.

    Immediately after, the submachine gun bullets rattled against the bricks at the corner of the wall.

    The next moment, the grenade exploded.

    From an overhead perspective, Wang Zhong clearly saw the firing sergeant blown off the vehicle, while the driver mmed into the steering wheel, passing out.

    The hat of the officer in the back seat flew off, and it was unclear whether he was dead.

    The uncontrolled car charged straight towards Ludm!

    The girl, nimble as a hare, lightly leaped to dodge.

    The jeep thus crashed into the civilian house by the road.

    Wang Zhong exhaled in relief and ordered, ¡°Pick up that sergeant¡¯s submachine gun,¡± while switching back to normal vision to check his wound.

    His shoulder was a red mess, and upon tearing it open, he found a bullet had left a scar as wide as a finger.

    The moment he saw the wound, searing pain struck Wang Zhong¡ªwhat happened to adrenaline preventing pain?

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first instinct was to search for a medical kit to see if it contained morphine or simr drugs.

    He did find a medical kit, but upon opening it, he only found bandages and a packet of powdered substancebeled sulfanmide.

    In war movies, medics often poured powdered substances into wounds in emergency treatments, but Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know if this was sulfanmide and didn¡¯t dare to sprinkle it, instead using the bandages to wrap his still-bleeding arm.

    It¡¯s said that the brain secretes substances to numb itself against pain, perhaps that mechanism was at y because after Wang Zhong bandaged his hand tightly, the pain significantly subsided.

    Ludm approached with the submachine gun, and immediately noticed Wang Zhong¡¯s arm, ¡°You¡¯re injured?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I¡¯m just wrapping it for fun.¡±

    He didn¡¯t know why he felt the need to be sarcastic.

    Ludm¡¯s expression grew noticeably calmer, ¡°It doesn¡¯t look too serious.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Did you get the submachine gun? What about the ammo?¡±

    "Got it all,¡± Ludm patted the ammo pouch slung across her waist.

    Wang Zhong nced at it. The way the ammo pouch was slung gave off the feeling of the German army. He took a closer look at the captured submachine gun; indeed, it closely resembled an MP40.

    Noticing Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze, Ludm said, ¡°I¡¯m not very good with this, you should take it instead. I¡¯m more confident with bolt-action weapons.¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed at his shoulder, ¡°Does it look like I¡¯m in any condition to shoot a gun?¡±

    In reality, any strong use of his arm caused his shoulder to throb with a pain like knife cuts.

    Ludm sighed, tightened her grip on the submachine gun, and muttered, ¡°I¡¯ve only ever seen the Prussians use this kind of gun. Luckily I understand theirnguage to know which part is the safety¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s move, the grenade explosion and car crash have probably already drawn the enemy¡¯s attention.¡±

    Ludm took a couple of steps forward, then turned back to look at Wang Zhong, ¡°Shall I help you?¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up, ¡°I was hit in the arm, not the leg. Let¡¯s go!¡±

    A momentter, the two-person team that was Wang Zhong and Ludm had moved on to another intersection.

    Ludm peeked out, and Wang Zhong saw that about two hundred meters north of the intersection, both sides were engaged in fiercebat.

    Soldiers in khaki uniforms upied avish building, firing a barrage of weapons from the windows down to the street.

    The ck-d soldiers were scattered on both sides of the broad east-west main road behind various types of cover.

    Wang Zhong spotted two burning tanks on the street, presumably destroyed by the khaki-d forces¡¯ anti-tank firepower.

    But oddly enough, Wang Zhong looked around and couldn¡¯t pinpoint the location of the anti-tank guns.

    As he wondered, Ludm turned her head.

    Immediately, Wang Zhong lost most of his field of view¡ªthe system he was using only provided a vision in the direction the eyes were facing, much like the vision mechanism in hardcore real-time strategy games like ¡°Men of War.¡±

    Ludm called out to Wang Zhong behind her, ¡°Come quick! We just need to cross the street, and we should be able to link up with our allies!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You go ahead; I¡¯ll catch up immediately.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll scout for enemy fire for you.¡±

    This conversation¡­ I let you cross because I made sure there were no enemies!

    Before Wang Zhong could voice hisint, Ludm stood up and dashed across the street.

    Once assured she was safe, Wang Zhong switched back to normal vision and began to move.

    Now his view was severely limited to himself; he¡¯d lost control over the battlefield¡¯s overview, and inner unease set in, with a nagging fear of being hit by a stray bullet.

    Better a short pain than a long one!

    Wang Zhong steeled his heart and sprinted, bolting out of the intersection and across the expansive street.

    Ludm was hidden behind amppost, vigntly holding the enemy¡¯s submachine gun.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong reached her than the door of a shop on the street corner swung open.

    A soldier in khaki uniform poked his head out, ¡°Quick, get in!¡±

    Wang Zhong patted Ludm on the shoulder, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    With that, he was the first to rush into the shop, with Ludm closely following.

 Chapter 6: Accident

    After barging into the room, Wang Zhong let out a sigh of relief.

    Perhaps because he had put his mind at ease, his wound began to hurt.

    So he yelled with full breath, ¡°Medic!¡±

    Immediately, a female medic appeared, ¡°Who¡¯s calling?¡±

    "Me, me!¡± Wang Zhong raised his left hand¡ªthe right one was injured and couldn¡¯t muster much strength. He could raise it, but it would hurt.

    The female medic rushed over and swiftly tore off Wang Zhong¡¯s sleeve, skillfully unraveled the bandage, ¡°Who did this dressing?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I did it myself. It was an emergency. We had just blown up an enemy jeep, and we didn¡¯t know when the enemy would hear it ande over.¡±

    The female medic, ¡°This is horribly done, and you haven¡¯t disinfected it, it¡¯s already starting to fester. Expect a fever. The good news is the bullet went through.¡±

    As she spoke, she took out a packet of yellow powder and sprinkled it all over Wang Zhong¡¯s wound.Wang Zhong screamed in pain.

    The female medic teased, ¡°Don¡¯t scream, your girlfriend is watching.¡±

    Originally observing the outside, Ludm immediately turned her head upon hearing this, ¡°I¡¯m not his girlfriend. I am a prayer hand, part of the 55th Divine Arrow Group, but my Divine Arrow was destroyed by a tank.¡±

    When Ludm said this, she nced at Wang Zhong, hesitated briefly before adding, ¡°I narrowly escaped under themand of Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov.¡±

    In reality, right after Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky had been bombarded by a tank, he had fled pell-mell into a basement¡ªliterally in a most undignified scramble.

    By saying this, Ludm was preserving Wang Zhong¡¯s dignity.

    Realizing this, Wang Zhong surreptitiously closed his legs, which he had spread apart, fearing someone would notice the stain on his trousers.

    The pee wasn¡¯t his; it was best if it went unnoticed.

    The officer who had just let the two in frowned slightly, ¡°Colonel Rokossov¡¯s battalion¡¯s defensive area is two blocks away. Has this battalion already copsed?¡±

    Wang Zhong recalled the scene he had witnessed from the second floor; it seemed there were no khaki-d troops left resisting nearby.

    So he answered, ¡°Yes, my unit has disintegrated.¡±

    The reason for the disintegration, of course, was the sight of theirmander ignominiously taking cover, which would make any unit fall apart.

    The questioning officer cursed and fiercely rubbed his stubbly beard.

    Ludm nced at Wang Zhong and said, ¡°The enemy¡¯s assault was too fierce; there was nothing we could do.¡±

    Wang Zhong remembered, Ludm called him Alyosha, which was a nickname for Aleksei. If the custom in this country was simr to that of Earth¡¯s Russia, calling each other by nicknames implied they were rtively close.

    Perhaps Ludm¡¯s assistance in covering for him was due to this rtionship.

    Wang Zhong felt slightly dejected.

    He thought he had already won the girl¡¯s trust.

    Ludm continued, ¡°I need to rejoin my unit. My squad has been dispersed across the entire 79th Division, there must still be some of myrades alive, and I want to join them.¡±

    "You¡¯re just in time,¡± the stubbled officer said, ¡°Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s squad just lost their prayer hand. I¡¯ll get someone to take you there, Stepan!¡±

    A burly middle-aged man appeared, ¡°Sergeant Major, did you call me?¡±

    The stubbled one pointed at Ludm, ¡°Take this captain to Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s squad, she¡¯s a prayer hand.¡±

    The burly man nodded, ¡°Follow me.¡±

    Ludm stood up, gently cing her hand on Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Alyosha, you¡¯re wounded; go and rest properly. If I don¡¯te back, take care of my parents for me.¡±

    This girl obviously knew the peeing colonel quite well.

    Even though Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even know the name of the country they were in, with no patriotic fervor, as a man, with the girl preparing to face death so bravely, he couldn¡¯t possibly show cowardice.

    "No,¡± he said, ¡°I¡¯ve only got a light injury; I can still fight.¡±

    Ludm seemed surprised and stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds before smiling sweetly, ¡°Not this time. If you¡¯re worried I might think less of you, rest easy. I couldn¡¯t possibly look down on you; you got injured trying to save me.¡±

    Indeed, Wang Zhong had shouted to draw attention when he saw the enemy aiming at Ludm, which got him hit.

    Ludm went on, ¡°If you remove yourself from the front lines now, no one will hold it against you. Leave honorably, and after you¡¯ve healed, give those Prussians a taste of their own medicine!¡±

    After speaking, Ludm turned decisively, giving the burly man a nod, ¡°Lead the way.¡±

    The two then left.

    The stubbled Sergeant Major snapped his fingers, ¡°Xie Na, finish dressing the colonel¡¯s wounds, and find a stretcher bearer to take him to the rear.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No! I can be evacuated, but first I need to report the intelligence I¡¯ve gathered to¡­¡±

    To whom?

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t recognize anyone.

    Wait a second, his identification seemed to have the unit number on it, but he hadn¡¯t remembered it in the rush.

    Before he could reach for his ID, the stubbled man said, ¡°Do you mean to tell Duke dimir?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes! I¡¯ve juste back from enemy territory, and en route, I killed a high-ranking officer in a jeep!¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know why he was trying so hard to stay at the front line; his original n was to survive in this chaotic world, and to achieve that goal, he should have been safely evacuated to the rear.

    Perhaps it was Ludm¡¯s performance that had stimted him.

    Or maybe he just didn¡¯t want to leave Ludm alone on the front line.

    When he had a moment, Wang Zhong checked his vision and found that on the interface of his ¡°cheat,¡± Ludm¡¯s ¡°soldier tag¡± was gone; he had be amander with no troops under him again.

    Just as Wang Zhong was feeling conflicted, Bearded Guy spoke up, ¡°Okay, technically speaking, you are a Lieutenant Colonel, and we have no choice but to follow your orders. Anton!¡±

    Another decorated private entered the room: ¡°Present!¡±

    Bearded Guy: ¡°This is Lieutenant Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, take him to themand center.¡±

    "Carry him there?¡± asked the private in surprise.

    Wang Zhong stood up on his own, pushing away the medic who was still trying to wipe the bloodstains off him: ¡°I can walk.¡±

    Private: ¡°Please follow me.¡±

    ¡­

    Following the private to the backyard, Wang Zhong realized that an opening had been made in the courtyard wall; from the looks of the edges, it was clearly intentional.

    "Did we make this hole?¡± he asked the private.

    "Yes, the duke ordered it to be made,¡± the private answered with evident pride. ¡°The duke has experience in civil wars; he said it would help connect the defense areas. We worked all night to break through these walls. Of course, the Prussians also helped a lot, with their bombs!¡±

    While talking, the two passed by a crater five or six meters in diameter, with the surrounding buildings half-copsed.

    "See the spire ahead? Saint Maria Cathedral, they say it¡¯s a building from six hundred years ago, built of huge stones, even 155mm heavy artillery can¡¯t do anything to it! Now it¡¯s the duke¡¯s headquarters!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked toward the spire the private was pointing at, then noticed that there was no cross on top of the spire; instead, there was a sun emblem.

    This really wasn¡¯t Earth; even the religions were different.

    Five minutester, Wang Zhong arrived in front of the cathedral.

    The guiding private saluted the sentries at the door and then announced loudly the arrival of ¡°Lieutenant Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    A lieutenant immediately came out from the cathedral: ¡°The Colonel has arrived? The duke is waiting for you.¡±

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brow slightly; the duke is waiting for me?

    The private saluted Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m heading back now.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the opportunity to learn the military¡¯s way of saluting and imitated it: ¡°Thank you, I wish you good luck from here on out.¡±

    The private walked away without looking back.

    Wang Zhong followed the lieutenant who hade to receive him into the cathedral.

    Although most of the sky outside was covered in gunpowder smoke, sunlight still shone through the stained ss windows, coating the interior of the cathedral in ayer of sacred light.

    The lieutenant led Wang Zhong through the chapel, into the sacristy at the back.

    The sacristy had now been transformed into amand center, covered with at least six radios and eight telephones as far as the eye could see. The kind of ¡°tick-tick-tick¡± telegraph sound that¡¯s often heard in old war movies filled the room.

    A huge map of the city¡¯s defenses hung on the northern wall.

    The map was covered with arrows indicating enemy attacks.

    Duke dimir stood with his hands behind his back in front of the map.

    The lieutenant snapped to attention with a salute: ¡°Sir, Count Rokossov has arrived.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows; they used titles of nobility here rather than military rank?

    Duke dimir turned to Wang Zhong: ¡°You are still alive, that¡¯s great, the Crown Prince personally sent a telegram ordering me to ensure your safety.¡±

    The Crown Prince?

    Wang Zhong briefly recalled the equipment he had seen used by both parties on his way here, clearly that of World War II level armies; how was there still a Crown Prince?

    Had World War I not happened?

    It could be; there was a notion that the end of World War I was actually just an indefinite ceasefire, and that World War II and World War I were essentially the same war.

    Duke dimir turned to his aide: ¡°Arrange for forces to escort the Colonel back to Yekaterinburg immediately.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Wait! I came to report on the situation at the front!¡±

    Duke dimir didn¡¯t listen to Wang Zhong, continuing to give orders to his aide: ¡°Also, get the Colonel a new pair of trousers that fit. My tailor should have enough cloth.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked down, then realized that the water stains were actually quite clear; people had just pretended not to notice earlier.

    This made his ears instantly burn hot, even though the stains were not his doing.

    Just then, a shrill whistling sound came from the sky.

    Duke dimir¡¯s face changed dramatically, and he roared with all his might: ¡°It¡¯s naval artillery!¡±

    The next moment, the roof was pierced by a 381mm heavy artillery shell.

 Chapter 7: First Encounter with Divine Arrow

    What does it feel like to take a direct hit from a 381mm shell up close?

    At any rate, Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts were severed in an instant.

    For the ten or so seconds after the shellnded, it was impossible to think at all; his whole head buzzed violently, as if ten thousand church bell towers were tolling simultaneously right beside his ears.

    In a daze, Wang Zhong¡¯s subconscious convinced him that he was surely deaf, because apart from the buzzing noise his brain conjured up from the shock, he couldn¡¯t hear anything else.

    But he wasn¡¯t deaf, and with a sharp ringing in his ears, about eighty percent of his hearing returned; he could faintly hear screamsing from not too far away.

    Wang Zhong¡ªLieutenant Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky struggled to rise from the ground, ncing at what remained of themand post building.

    More than half of the entire sacristy had copsed, and the remaining structure bore obvious cracks.

    The fallen ceiling buried nearly all of the telephones and telegraph machines, and themunications troops, as well as the staff officers who supervised them, were almost entirely wiped out.

    The telegraph sounds that had filled his ears just moments ago were reced by screams.Dazed by the st, when Wang Zhong saw a staff officer desperately scraping his severed hand out of the rubble, he sharply realized he should check for injuries on himself.

    It seemed he wasn¡¯t injured¡ªapart from the arm that was already wounded.

    Wang Zhong was astonished; at that moment, his brain finally seemed to function again, and cold sweat btedly trickled down.

    Did he just narrowly dodge the Grim Reaper¡¯s scythe?

    He looked beside him and saw the duke, pressed down by two guards, lying on the ground.

    The guards must have been sacrificed, covered in blood.

    Staggering over, Wang Zhong pulled the guards aside and found the duke beneath them, his head bleeding and at hisst gasp.

    "Duke dimir!¡± Wang Zhong shouted loudly, ¡°I¡¯ll find a medic for you right away!¡±

    "Don¡¯t bother, hurry up and go!¡± The duke managed a few words before wincing in pain, it took him a long while to continue, ¡°If the battleship can shell us, it means¡­ it means the navy didn¡¯t stop the enemy, this city¡­ is indefensible!¡±

    With that, the duke¡¯s head slumped, and he passed out.

    Just then, the medic finally arrived. He was a burly soldier, who roughly pushed Wang Zhong aside and checked the duke¡¯s pulse.

    "I need to perform cardiac massage on His Grace, the duke, right here!¡±

    Wang Zhong took a step back, giving space to the medic.

    That¡¯s when he heard someone calling him: ¡°Lieutenant Colonel! What do we do next?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned in confusion, looking at the person who had spoken.

    The man had one less stripe on his epaulette than Wang Zhong, a captain with reddish-linen hair¡ªWang Zhong might have been stunned by the st, because the thought that popped into his mind was that in Japanese games, this hair color mostly belonged to the protagonist.

    The red-haired captain repeated his earlier words: ¡°Lieutenant Colonel! What do we do next?¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed at himself, ¡°You¡¯re asking me?¡±

    Captain: ¡°Yes, you¡¯re the highest-ranking officer I¡¯ve found!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze instinctively shifted to the duke, observing the sturdy medic performing CPR on him, seemingly with no hope of revival yet.

    He turned back and said, ¡°Look for someone else, there must still be survivors.¡±

    Captain: ¡°I¡¯ve already looked! I¡¯ve been searching ever since the shelling, for twenty minutes now.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, finally realizing he hadn¡¯t been dazed for just a minute, but had been unconscious for at least twenty minutes. No wonder the duke was already in bad shape when he came to; he had been lying under the two guards, bleeding out for so long.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Uh, I¡¯m a bit dazed, let¡¯s rify the situation. How many people have you gathered so far?¡±

    In truth, what Wang Zhong most wanted to ask was ¡°What¡¯s the name of our country,¡± which should have been on his ID, but he had forgotten to look, preupied with finding out his own name and neglecting the name of the country.

    It wasn¡¯t a good time to pull out the ID to check now¡ªgiven the urgent circumstance.

    The captain answered, ¡°I¡¯ve rallied the staff for logistics and the field hospital. Most of the guard battalion has fled; themunicationspany too, we can¡¯t get in touch with any assigned units at the moment.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°The guard battalion fled?¡±

    Captain: ¡°The battalionmander of the guard battalion is probably killed by the st; I haven¡¯t found any other officers, given the current situation¡­ ¡±

    Just then, the medic trying to save the duke gave up the resuscitation and stood up, shaking his head to the sergeant beside him.

    The sergeant eximed, ¡°All is lost, the duke is dead, all the senior officers have been wiped out! Now only the Duchess¡¯s male pet and the Crown Prince¡¯s piss brother are left! Run for it!¡±

    Wang Zhong, not sure where his decisiveness came from, bellowed, ¡°Catch him, execute by shooting!¡±

    The soldiers nearby instinctively followed Wang Zhong¡¯s order, but hesitated after capturing the man.

    The sergeant kept shouting, ¡°Are you crazy! What I¡¯m saying is the only way out! Look at the lieutenant colonel¡¯s pants, he¡¯s pissed himself! Let¡¯s capture these high-ranking twats and surrender to the Prussians!¡±

    Wang Zhong even looked down specifically to make sure that he hadn¡¯t ¡°opened the gates¡± during the bombardment.

    The sergeant was still moring, and the soldiers holding him were clearly hesitant.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized that if he did not make a swift and decisive statement, the troops might disband.

    Once the troops were gone, his fate would be in others¡¯ hands; he could only control his destiny if he had the troops.

    Drawing his pistol, his shoulder wound began to ache.

    He could only clench his teeth, raising the pistol at the still-shouting sergeant.

    Before firing, he didn¡¯t hesitate at all, but his first shot went awry, only knocking the sergeant¡¯s hat off. He fired a second shot, but it only hit a distant wall.

    Apparently, shooting at the head from this distance was too difficult for someone attempting to fire a pistol for the first time¡ªespecially with an injured shoulder.

    So Wang Zhong took a few steps forward, closing the distance while he shifted his aim to the chest, and at a distance less than three meters, he fired three shots in session, abruptly silencing the shouts of the officer.

    When he had blown up that truck full of Prussians, Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t personally pulled the trigger. This was the first time that Wang Zhong had fired at a person, and also his first kill.

    Wang Zhong felt unexpectedly calm, perhaps because he had seen too many dead and had grown ustomed to it?

    He lowered his gun and said to the soldiers who had restrained the officer, ¡°You did well. I will take over themand and lead everyone home.¡±

    One of the two soldiers said, ¡°My home is here, in this city.¡±

    Wang Zhong was startled for a moment before he remembered that these people were defending their homnd. He didn¡¯t even know the name of the country yet.

    If he had only wanted to save himself, he could have just taken off his uniform and hidden away as an ordinary person.

    After all, he wasn¡¯t an officer, nor was he from this country; he had no obligation to fight for it.

    While Wang Zhong was thinking this way, he suddenly remembered Ludm.

    If he ran away and this troop fell apart, what would be of Ludm?

    Wang Zhong had no loyalty to a country whose name he didn¡¯t even know, but he knew Ludm, and the girl was still fighting.

    He wanted to see Ludm again, to tell her he wasn¡¯t a coward, to wash away the negative impression left by his pre-transmigration cowardice.

    Thus, Wang Zhong made up his mind, and he said to the local soldier, ¡°You¡¯re right, this is our home. The German devils¡ªthe Prosen devils want to take it from us, and we will never agree!¡±

    Nima, that was a close call almost saying ¡°German devils¡±; those Prussians in their ck uniforms did indeed have a Germanic vibe.

    Wang Zhong turned to the captain and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±

    "Sergei Nikyevich Romanov.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked subconsciously, ¡°Are you from the royal family?¡±

    The captain looked puzzled, ¡°No. The surname of the royal family is Antonov.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I know. It¡¯s just that the artillery has left me deaf, and my hearing isn¡¯t too good.¡±

    He made a random excuse and continued on the real issue, ¡°Try to restoremunication with the front line, organize personnel to rece the positions of the guard battalion, gather soldiers who are willing to continue fighting.¡±

    Perhaps because Wang Zhong¡¯s voice was a bit loud, a fair amount of debris and dust fell from the ceiling.

    Wang Zhong looked up at the sky and asked, ¡°This ce isn¡¯t safe anymore, is there a more robust building nearby?¡±

    Sergey, ¡°There is a bank building nearby made of concrete, and it¡¯s still rtively intact.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Let¡¯s move there.¡±

    After saying that, he strode away from the swaying sacristy.

    The chapel outside was also bombed into a mess; the colorful stained ss that had impressed Wang Zhong before the bombardment was now shattered on the ground.

    The bank building was already empty; the guard battalion had set up machine gun positions here, but no one was manning them.

    Wang Zhong looked back at the two soldiers following him and ordered, ¡°Set up the machine guns.¡±

    The two soldiers immediately went to do so.

    At that moment, intense gunfire came from a distance, signalling that the Prussians were attacking.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯m going to the roof.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than he sprinted up the stairs, taking them two or three at a time straight to the rooftop.

    Since there were no railings on the roof, Wang Zhong had to lie down near the edge and raise his binocrs to observe. He was actually just pretending to use the binocrs; changing his viewpoint to an overhead view was much clearer!

    First he verified the troop markers on the interface, and found that there was only one new markerbeled ¡°Remnants,¡± hovering his attention over it revealed the following exnation:

    A mob consisting of the field hospital¡¯s doctors and nurses, logistical department menials, as well as Honor Guards and the military band, who had never seen a battlefield, might be more adept at blowing trumpets than fighting.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue.

    Even though they were just remnants, Wang Zhong still gained their field of vision, but all the views were superimposed together without any specific indication of who they came from.

    As for control, he didn¡¯t have any way at all; even for Sergey right beside him, he couldn¡¯t issuemands by thought alone; he had to speak them aloud.

    However, with the external aid, Wang Zhong could clearly see the battle unfolding just a block away.

    The Prussians were advancing along the main east-west thoroughfare of the city. The khaki soldiers were resisting by relying on a sturdy five-story building¡ªyes, the very same building Wang Zhong had seen during their escape.

    The sergeant who had brought Wang Zhong tomand must be in some building on the south side of that structure.

    He didn¡¯t know where Ludm was¡ª

    Just as Wang Zhong had this thought, he witnessed a scene that took himpletely by surprise: a rocket fired from a window of a two-story building, trailing a long plume of smoke, crossed the entire street and hit a Prosen Tank that had juste into view.

    The tank immediately stopped moving, mes spewed from the top hatch, followed by tank crew members engulfed in mes jumping out and rolling on the ground to extinguish the fire.

    Subsequently, the tank¡¯s ammunition detonated, throwing the turret high into the air.

    Bazooka? RPG?

    Wang Zhong checked the distance and felt something was off; the rocket had flown over a thousand meters. With this distance, aside from whether rockets like the Bazooka could shoot that far, just aiming was a big issue.

    From this distance, the tank was just a small point, especially in aplex urban environment.

    At that moment, a word came to Wang Zhong¡¯s mind: Divine Arrow.

    The Divine Arrow was actually a missile?

    And ¡°Prayer Hand¡± was actually a radio operator?

 Chapter 8: Evil Spirits in the Smoke

    To confirm this, Wang Zhong, who was lying beside him, asked Captain Sergey, ¡°Is Divine Arrow a kind of rocket?¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued to confirm, ¡°Guided by prayers?¡±

    "The prayer givers pray to God, and then God guides it.¡±

    Sergey seemed to be making an effort to make his voice sound more devout, but he failed.

    By now, Wang Zhong had already determined that Divine Arrow was a kind of radio or wired guided weapon. It was just that the world might have developed again after the destruction of civilization, and modern people were unable to decipher the ancient technology used to make Divine Arrows.

    As an experienced yer of ¡°War Game: Red Dragon,¡± he immediately realized how important this kind of anti-tank missile was under the current circumstances.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Sergey, send someone to get in touch with the Divine Arrow team. That should be Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s Divine Arrow team.¡±

    Ludm had joined Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s Divine Arrow team, and Wang Zhong remembered clearly that Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s team had lost their prayer giver, which is why Ludm had been urgently added to the group.Captain Sergey, ¡°Understood.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued to observe the front line.

    After losing their tanks, the enemy did not stop their attack.

    The Prussians used mortars tounch a smoke screen, blocking the Divine Arrow team¡¯s view, and then a second tank, pushing the still-burning wreckage, charged forward.

    Wang Zhong was impressed, ¡°The enemy is very experienced.¡±

    Captain Sergey, ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice? There is an iris flower symbol on the enemy¡¯s sleeve, which is proof they took part in the Carolingian campaign.¡±

    Wang Zhong had no idea what the Carolingian campaign was, and he didn¡¯t dare to ask in case it wasmon knowledge in this world.

    But Carolingian ¨C there was a Carolingian dynasty in the history of the Earth¡¯s Franks. Could it be that in this timeline, France was also steamrolled by the Germans, no, by the Prussians?

    And now these attacking Prussian troops, were they veterans who had participated in steamrolling through Carolingian?

    While Wang Zhong was pondering this, he saw the group that had justunched Divine Arrows leave their original position, apparently nning to move forward, to get past the smokescreen.

    "What the hell?¡± Wang Zhong muttered under his breath, ¡°Advancing forward can indeed bypass the smoke¡¯s barrier, but by doing that, you¡¯ll be just two to three hundred meters from the tanks. The tanks could even hit you with their machine guns!¡±

    "Huh?¡± Captain Sergey made a puzzled sound, ¡°I didn¡¯t think to move forward?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Not you! Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s team is moving forward, it¡¯s too dangerous! Stop them!¡±

    Captain Sergey looked puzzled and nced in the distance where he could only see a bunch of buildings,pletely unable to see Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s team.

    In fact, without an overhead view, it was impossible to get such detailed front-line intelligence from the rooftop because most of the view was blocked by buildings.

    Captain Sergey, ¡°I don¡¯t even know where they are. How did you see them?¡±

    Wang Zhong shut his mouth. It would be rather troublesome to exin the use of an external helper, and he¡¯d have to be careful in the future to only issuemands without telling others why he was giving those orders.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong had already confirmed through the overhead view that Ludm was indeed there¡ªher figure was too good to miss, and with that silver hair, she could be easily recognized even from an overhead perspective.

    The current priority was to stop the Divine Arrow team from making a deadly mistake, but there was no way to contact them now.

    Just as Wang Zhong was worrying, Sergey said, ¡°I¡¯ve contacted the artillery group in the rear; the artillerymander wants to speak with you.¡±

    Wang Zhong switched his view back and took the handset¡ªonly then did he notice that at some point, the signalman had run the telephone line up to the rooftop.

    "This is Count Rocossov speaking, go ahead.¡±

    He almost blurted out ¡°This is Wang Zhong¡±!

    "Count Rocossov? Why are you inmand?¡± The voice on the other end was very surprised, ¡°It¡¯s over¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong was very astonished; from the information the duke had revealed before, the Count Rocossov he was portraying was a friend of the Crown Prince, yet these people expressed their opinion of Count Rocossov so bluntly¡­

    "Duke dimir is dead, killed by the Prussian Battleship¡¯s bombardment. We¡¯ve suffered heavy losses. If you¡¯re calling to make light of our predicament, you might as well hang up now.¡±

    "No, wait a moment. I¡¯m calling to tell you that the Prussians are about to reach our artillery position, and I can still provide you with one round of support. After that, you¡¯ll have to fight without artillery support.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately zoomed his view to the farthest distance, which from such a height made it feel like looking at satellite images on Google Earth.

    Then something unexpected happened; there were troop icons on this ¡°satellite map.¡±

    At Wang Zhong¡¯s location, there was a symbol with a rectangle and an X, representing infantry, while on the east side of the city, there was a marker for artillery.

    The marker was now green, and Wang Zhong felt like he had their vision.

    He zoomed in for a closer look and, indeed, he had the artillery¡¯s field of view.

    Was it because he was on the phone right now?

    As Wang Zhong was studying his own exploit, the person on the phone said, ¡°Give me the coordinates, and I¡¯ll shoot the shells as far as I can. Then you guys just have to fend for yourselves!¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly noticed that there were still quite a few smoke bombs at the artillery position.

    A n suddenly struck him.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Do you have smoke bombs?¡±

    There was silence for a second on the phone, and then the reply came, ¡°Yes. What about it?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯ll give you coordinates, shoot all the smoke bombs over there.¡±

    Since the Prussians used smoke to obscure the vision of the Divine Arrow team, allowing their tanks to engage at a distance they excelled in, we could do the same.

    Using smoke topletely strip away vision, then let the infantry charge and engage the enemy in meleebat.

    During meleebat, the direct firepower of tanks would be useless.

    Of course, this would also prevent the machine guns from being effective, but the machine guns would be targeted and taken out by the enemy tanks anyway.

    The only question was whether the front-linemanders couldprehend the meaning of this round of smoke and seize the opportunity to counterattack.

    However, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t care about that much; his actual goal was to save Ludm¡ªif the enemy tanks¡¯ vision waspletely stripped by the smoke, they naturally wouldn¡¯t be able to fire at the Divine Arrow team which Ludm was part of.

    Wang Zhong adjusted his field of view; his overhead perspective came with coordinates, which he then reported.

    Unbeknownst to him, Captain Sergey beside him was staring with wide eyes, his mouth agape.

    After Wang Zhong gave the coordinates, the other side repeated them and then reconfirmed the order, ¡°Fire all the smoke bombs at these coordinates, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Right, fire them all. Don¡¯t use live rounds; this coordinate is right at the tense spot between the enemy and us, lots of the shells will fall on our own men.¡±

    Smoke bombs aren¡¯t very lethal; as long as you¡¯re not unlucky enough to be hit directly, they won¡¯t cause injury.

    "Understood. After firing these smoke bombs, we¡¯ll have to retreat. The enemy¡¯s machine guns have surpassing fire that¡¯s already reaching us, you get that?¡±

    "Got it! Fire!¡±

    From the other end of the phone came the roar, ¡°Fire!¡±

    Then the call was hung up.

    Wang Zhong used his overhead view to try to see the effect when he heard Sergey ask in surprise, ¡°You just called out the coordinates like that? Using just a telescope?¡±

    "Yes,¡± Wang Zhong replied nonchntly.

    "But¡­ they all say that you scored zero in every military subject!¡± Captain Sergey said.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, what a coincidence? That suits me just fine; I¡¯m a person with no military knowledge anyway, so I won¡¯t have to worry about giving myself away in the future.

    As he thought this, the smoke bombs came down.

    In an instant, the entire block, both enemy and ally, was engulfed in white smoke.

    Even Wang Zhong¡¯s overhead view was covered so tightly that he could see nothing.

    What happened next depended on whether the front-line infantrymand was cowardly or not.

    Wang Zhong had just this thought when he heard through the dense smoke a deafening war cry, ¡°Ura!¡±

 Chapter 9: Hooray!

    Time rewound a little.

    When Colonel Ivan Panzhyevich Yegorov, themander of the Third Rear Amur Group, saw the tank destroyed by the Divine Arrow, he immediately cheered, ¡°Well done!¡±

    The staff officer from the nobility, Pavlov, frowned.

    But Yegorov didn¡¯t care about that. One could tell from his name that he was not on the same page as the nobility.

    The nobility liked to be meticulous when naming, and they would never choose amon name like Ivan.

    Ivan Panzhyevich Yegorov was of peasant origin, ascending to the rank of colonel through his merits in the Civil War and the Winter War. It was said that if it weren¡¯t for the Civil War and the subsequent purging that almost wiped out the noble officers, Yegorov would never have be a colonel of the regiment.

    The staff officer Pavlov, also from the nobility, had looked down on Yegorov from the beginning. When the war had just started, he even attempted to rece Yegorov inmanding the troops but was rebuffed.

    Not only that, to avoid listening to Pavlov¡¯s nagging, Yegorov went to the front lines, leaving the nearly hollowed-out regimental headquarters to the noble gentlemen.

    He had thought that the noble gentlemen wouldn¡¯t daree to the front lines, but to his surprise, Pavlov actually followed him there, murmuringints and picking faults even more than before.Later, the Prussian Army¡¯s attack proved that Yegorov¡¯s experiences from the Civil War and the Winter War were indeed effective, significantly reducing the casualties of the troops.

    However, Yegorov¡¯s experience couldn¡¯t negate the gap between the two sides inbat experience, weaponry, and battle preparations.

    Most of the Third Rear Amur Group were new recruits, and they had not prepared for the outbreak of war at all.

    In fact, the entire Empire was unprepared.

    The Imperial Chancellor had assured in a broadcast just the day before the war broke out that war would not happen and that the Prussians were targeting the West.

    Considering the rushed response to the battle, Yegorov was already content with the oue.

    He raised his voice and shouted to the rookies, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid! Just crouch behind the wall and shoot, you don¡¯t even need to aim! The enemy is human, too, they¡¯ll be scared when bullets whiz by their ears! Keep cocking the gun, keep firing! Don¡¯t think about anything else!¡±

    As he spoke, not far from him, a Maxim machine gun was firing intensely.

    Suddenly, a shell hit the sandbags in front of the machine-gun position.

    The explosion instantly swallowed Yegorov¡¯s following words.

    The hastily constructed fortifications couldn¡¯t withstand the tank gun.

    With its stand and wheels for movement, protective tes, the entire machine gun, weighing dozens of kilograms, was lifted like a toy and overturned on the ground.

    The upper half of the machine gunner waspletely blown away, and the ammunition bearer had his shoulder sheared off, exposing the white bone.

    Screams filled therge room.

    "Stop yelling!¡± Yegorov roared, ¡°Sukabule! Assistant gunner! Get the machine gun back in action!¡±

    As he said this, Yegorov peeked out and saw the second tank turning the street corner.

    "Hmph, the second Divine Arrow will take care of you!¡±

    As he spoke, Yegorov looked hopefully in the direction of the Divine Arrow team, then realized that smoke had already obscured the entire street.

    The Prussians used smoke to cut off the line of sight of the Divine Arrow team, while ensuring the tank had visibility to fire.

    The enemy indeed hadbat experience.

    Yegorov looked towards his rookie subordinates.

    Most of the new recruits were not cowards, as the conscription area of the Amur province for the Third Rear Amur Group was known for its tough folk. Before enlisting, eight or nine out of ten had probably taken part in fights against neighboring viges over water sources; they were notcking in courage and ferocity.

    Unfortunately, courage and ferocity were useless on the battlefield. No matter how tough one was, they couldn¡¯t go up against the tanks¡¯ machine guns and cannons.

    Right at that moment, Yegorov heard the whistling of shells in the sky.

    As an old soldier, he immediately judged that the impact area was nearby.

    Not only that, but he also discerned that the shells wereing from behind¡ªfired by their own side.

    "Sukabule!¡± Yegorov cursed, ¡°The damned nobility wants to tten us together with the enemy! Get down!¡±

    Yegorov himselfy t on the ground, carefully supporting himself with both hands so as not to liepletely t, while he opened his mouth¡ªnew recruits didn¡¯t understand this and would probably be stunned into stupidity by the heavy artillery!

    As he spoke, the shellsnded.

    But the sound of the explosion was small, as if a three-hundred-pound fat man had let out a fart.

    Yegorov looked up in confusion and saw white smoke pouring in through the window.

    Outside, he could faintly hear the sound of Smoke Bombs hissing.

    Why Smoke Bombs?

    Staff Officer Pavlov also voiced his confusion, ¡°Why Smoke Bombs? That doesn¡¯t make sense! I never learned about this at the Suvorov Military Academy!¡±

    Suddenly, Yegorov pped his thigh andughed heartily, ¡°Brilliant!¡±

    Pavlov was shocked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Yegorov paid no attention to the staff officer and belted out at the top of his lungs, ¡°Brothers! Grab your weapons! Follow my charge, and chop down anyone in ck uniforms! Ura!¡±

    By this time, the smoke had already filled the room, and it was impossible to see people just a few meters away. Yegorov drew the saber that had been with him for many years, and without caring whether anyone was following, he shouted ¡°Ura¡± as he took a strong step and jumped out the window from the second floor to the ground.

    When hended and felt the numbness in his feet, he continued to shout, ¡°Amur Group! Charge! If we lose the hand-to-handbat, we will beughed at by women for a decade! Ura!¡±

    The new recruits might not understand modern warfare, but they knew how to fight with weapons.

    So, a thunderous shout of ¡°Ura¡± echoed to the skies.

    Suddenly, figures appeared in the smoke ahead, and Yegorov swung his sabre with all his might.

    The sh was technically perfect, cutting only through the skin and flesh without getting stuck in the bone, just gliding over it.

    The sh severed the trachea and the artery at the throat, a not-sorge wound but deadly. The soldier in ck clutched his neck and fell.

    Yegorov kept moving forward. The smoke obscured visibility, which was fine since enemy recognition was unnecessary in this situation¡ªanyone approaching face-on would definitely be an enemy, just chop them down.

    "Anyoneing face-on is an enemy!¡± Yegorov yelled, ¡°Even if you chop the wrong person, they¡¯re deserters! Kill them!¡±

    In the midst of the chaos, he heard engine noise and charged toward it, straight up to a tank.

    With a leap, he was on top of the tank.

    Unfortunately, Yegorov had no idea how to operate the Prussians¡¯ damned contraption.

    So, he pulled out a grenade, pulled the pin, and stuffed it into thergest hole on the tank¡ªthe barrel.

    There was a muffled ng, but the tank showed no response.

    Yegorov didn¡¯t care. Ack of response meant it wasn¡¯t loud enough, so he called out behind him, ¡°Grenades! Give me grenades!¡±

    Someone from within the smoke tossed up a belt with four grenades attached to it.

    Yegorov shoved them one after another into the tank barrel.

    Just then, the tank¡¯s hatch unexpectedly opened, and a Prussian Army officer poked his head out. With arge cap and headphones across the head pressing down on the cap, the moment he saw Yegorov, he raised his submachine gun¡ª

    Yegorov didn¡¯t have time to draw his sabre, so he used the grenade as a club, smashing it into the officer¡¯s face and promptly pulling the pin before shoving it into the tank¡¯s hatch.

    The Prussian officer shouted something, but Yegorov couldn¡¯t understand.

    A sh inside the hatch, and the officer immediately shut up. Yegorov took his submachine gun and tore off the Iron Cross from his cor.

    "Ura!¡± Yegorov shouted.

 Chapter 10: Out of the Blue

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s side, he could only hear the shouting of ¡°Ura¡± but could not see anything, leaving him panicking.

    After a while, he realized, ¡°I just wanted to cover the advance of the Divine Arrow squad and protect Ludm. The purpose has been achieved when the smoke was deployed.¡±

    He immediately shifted his attention to Yeca Neiko¡¯s squad where Ludm was, noticing that the squad had stopped advancing.

    A muscr man was leaning against the wall, attempting in vain to observe the situation through binocrs.

    Wang Zhong guessed that this man must be Monk Yeca Neiko.

    Ludm was leaning against the wall, still holding that rifle.

    At that moment, Captain Sergey beside Wang Zhong said, ¡°Contact with the third rear Amur Group has been restored.¡±

    Wang Zhong had no idea which group the rear Amur Group was, so he asked, ¡°Is it the group thatunched a counterattack in the smoke?¡±

    "What?¡± Captain Sergey¡¯s voice wasced with confusion.Wang Zhong: ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear the ¡®Ura¡¯ shouts?¡±

    He had thought that the battle cries had reached the location of his physical body.

    Sergey: ¡°What ¡®Ura¡¯ shouts?¡±

    So, it turned out that he could hear sounds ¡ª significantly loud ones ¡ª from his bird¡¯s-eye view.

    No wonder the sound of guns and cannons was so clear when overlooking; Wang Zhong had previously thought it was something he was hearing in person. He had never been on a battlefield and couldn¡¯t tell how close or far the sounds of gunfire were.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Never mind, hand me the phone.¡±

    He switched back to his normal perspective and took the receiver from Sergey¡¯s hand, ¡°This is Wang¡­ Count Rokossovsky speaking, go ahead.¡±

    "Count Rokossovsky? Where¡¯s the Duke?¡± The person on the phone had a loud voice that hurt Wang Zhong¡¯s ears.

    "The Duke is dead, the enemy¡¯s naval artillery destroyed the headquarters just now, and most of the staff are dead too. Now, I am the suprememander,¡± Wang Zhong said, trying to sound more authoritative, thinking it would help to assert control over his subordinates.

    The person on the other end asked, ¡°Who ordered the Smoke Bombs?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I did, why?¡±

    "Good job! Weunched a counterattack, routed the enemy facing us, and took out at least one of their tanks and two armored vehicles! That was an excellentmand, Your Excellency the Count! No, my lord!¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Sergey, who couldn¡¯t make out the words from the other side without the receiver and only returned a confused look to Wang Zhong.

    The person on the phone continued toy on thick praise, ¡°My staff officer says he¡¯s never heard of such a thing at the Suvorov Military Academy! Count, let¡¯s have another round of smoke, and we can keep holding!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°No more smoke left, the enemy is nearly at our artillery positions; that was theirst round of supportive firing. From now on, we can only rely on ourselves.¡±

    On the other end of the phone, the loudmouth who had just been givingvish praise suddenly fell silent.

    A secondter the voice asked, ¡°The artillery has beenpromised, does that not mean we will soon be surrounded?¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s heart skipped a beat.

    He hadn¡¯t thought of this at all just now, as the situation was too sudden, and he was too eager to cover Ludm.

    Another voice came through the phone, ¡°But that¡¯s the very person who just led us to a brilliant counterattack, how could he have not thought of this?¡±

    Sorry, I really hadn¡¯t thought of that.

    Wang Zhong could only keep a straight face, trying hard not to let Captain Sergey see any ws.

    Being surrounded was not a joke; an army that is cornered can only die slowly even if it continues to resist.

    Although Wang Zhong thought surrendering was not a problem, considering the mood and current situation, it was already toote to even mention surrender.

    He could only pretend to resist, fight valiantly, and then consider other options.

    Wang Zhong switched to the overhead mode and then noticed an additional military badge; he focused on the badge and could see its description:

    The third rear Amur Group, mostly made up of new recruits, but the main nonmissioned officers had participated in the Civil War and the Winter War.

    Internal war? Winter warfare?

    Wang Zhong really wanted his Golden Finger to exin these two terms, but unfortunately, the Golden Finger ignored him.

    In addition to gaining a soldier¡¯s token, Wang Zhong also obtained the vision of the Third Amur Group, which greatly expanded the visible range.

    That¡¯s not right, considering the size of a group, isn¡¯t this range a bit small?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Has your group¡­suffered many casualties?¡±

    "Yes,¡± the loud voice from the other end fell quiet, ¡°Most of our group is made up of new recruits, many of whom haven¡¯t gone throughplete training. These kinds of recruits usually don¡¯t survive the first hour on the battlefield. The good news is, they¡¯re all seasoned soldiers now.¡±

    This counts as good news?

    Wang Zhong used ¡°everyone¡¯s¡± eyes to observe the battlefield, and at this moment, he noticed something.

    After the enemy facing the Amur Group retreated, there seemed to be no troops behind them.

    Could the routed enemy have led the subsequent echelons away as well?

    Wang Zhong checked again, more carefully this time.

    In the meantime, the Amur Group¡¯smander on the phone was saying, ¡°Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do: we¡¯ll pull back to our starting positions and let the engineers leavendmines and trip wires in the areas we¡¯ve taken¡­¡±

    "No!¡± Wang Zhong interrupted him, ¡°You¡¯ve just encountered a gap in your front, and I require you to abandon your current defensive line and continue to attack. Command will catch up with you, and if contact with other groups can be established, they will follow as well.¡±

    There wasplete silence on the other end of the line for a good second: ¡°Advance towards the enemy? That¡¯s bold! But I like changing ns!¡±

    While the loud voice was talking, Wang Zhong also heard someone mumbling, ¡°This defies logic! At a time like this, we should be pulling back, reorganizing the defense line! Blind attacks are a one-way ticket to death!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought: It¡¯s not a blind attack, I can see very clearly with the help of an external advantage; there are only sporadic soldiers in front of you, and no organized enemy forces.

    Strike hard in one go, and then find a way to return to our lines.

    Upon further deliberation, as the attackers, the enemy¡¯s subsequent echelons probably didn¡¯t expect to be attacked.

    Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t versed in military matters, but he knew in mercenary warfare, the element of surprise, catching the enemy off guard, sometimes proved decisive. Maybe this could be worth the gamble.

    Rather than being surrounded, it¡¯s better to break out and then figure out a n.

    Once Wang Zhong was sure that there truly were no organized enemy forces in front, hemanded in a firm tone: ¡°I, Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, order the Third Amur Group to advance¡ªnot just forward, but towards due west. Do you understand?¡±

    "Understood.¡± Just from the response on the phone, Wang Zhong could picture a robust Russian man readying himself for action.

    Then, almost as if possessed, he said, ¡°Now repeat my order back to me!¡±

    What the hell, why make someone repeat it? The aftereffects of watching too many epic battles?

    But there was no hesitation on the other end; they immediately repeated Wang Zhong¡¯s orders word for word.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, begin now. We must act swiftly, and we must act fast!¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhong was surprised to find that he had lost the vision of the Third Amur Group.

    So, it¡¯s only when I can directly converse with them that I can see their vision?

    But the soldier¡¯s token on the interface was still there, implying that as long as the troops epted mymand, they would appear on the token.

    As Wang Zhong was examining the Golden Finger, Captain Sergey by his side said, ¡°There¡¯s a problem. That is, there are many critically wounded in the field hospital; they definitely won¡¯t be able to keep up with us, this¡­¡±

    With seriously wounded in tow, not to mention breaking out, moving at all would be an issue.

    Wang Zhong pondered for a moment, then said: ¡°Give me paper and a pen; I want to write a letter to the enemymander who will take over.¡±

    Sergey: ¡°You¡­ n to leave them behind?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Taking them with us, we definitely won¡¯t be able to get out. Recruit volunteers from among the nurses to stay behind and care for the wounded, and let those lightly injured who can move join us in the breakout.

    "Don¡¯t argue anymore, the enemy isn¡¯t a beast.¡±

    That¡¯s what Wang Zhong said.

 Chapter 11: â€œMilitary Prodigy

    Prosen Empire military side.

    Lieutenant General Von Dietrich, Commander of the 25th Prussian Infantry Army Group and a Lord, watched the smoke rising from the city with suspicion.

    His headquarters were on a small hill outside the city, which afforded an excellent view, even allowing visibility of the battleship Emperor Friedrich on the distant sea.

    For this reason, he could clearly see the smoke now spreading through the city streets.

    After a brief moment of thought, the Lord sought his Chief of Staff¡¯s opinion, ¡°Is there white poison gas?¡±

    The Chief of Staff shook his head, ¡°I haven¡¯t heard about that, phosgene¡­ isn¡¯t this white.¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich pinched the binocrs in his hands, his fingers nervously twiddled the knobs on the binocrs, a habitual action when he was thinking.

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°Could it simply be smoke?¡±

    "Smoke from the defenders?¡± Lord Von Dietrich clicked his tongue, ¡°Then they wouldn¡¯t be able to utilize the firepower of the machine guns or exploit the range advantage of the Divine Arrows! In the Carolingian Campaign, we used smoke bombs to cover our tanks as they charged through Divine Arrow¡¯s effective range, smoke is the attacker¡¯s good friend, the defender¡¯s nightmare!¡±The Chief of Staff shook his head, ¡°Maybe the enemymander is ayman?¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich shook his head, ¡°The enemymander is the experienced Duke dimir; he has receivedprehensive military education and would not make such a basic mistake¡­¡±

    While speaking, a staff officer rushed in, ¡°This is bad!¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich said, ¡°Start with ¡®report¡¯!¡±

    The staff officer immediately stood up straight, heels clicking resoundingly as he saluted, ¡°Report!¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich was still not satisfied and scolded, ¡°As an officer, no matter how urgent, one must act in an orderly manner, the subordinates are watching. Do you understand, Captain Hoffman!¡±

    "Understood!¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich then nodded contentedly, ¡°Good. Now, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    "Division 54 reports via wireless that the Ante Empire hasunched a counterattack, they¡¯ve already lost contact with the 353rd Regiment under theirmand. Fugitives have appeared near the division headquarters!¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich was stunned, ¡°A counterattack? The war has only been going on for two days, and we¡¯re already at the foot of Ronied? Everywhere we¡¯ve gone, Ante Empire¡¯s troops have copsed like a house of cards, do they still have the morale to mount a counterattack?¡±

    The Chief of Staff reminded, ¡°You just said the enemymander Duke dimir is quite capable.¡±

    "Right, I did say that!¡±

    The Lord turned towards the map.

    "But if the enemy has the morale and organization tounch a counterattack, why not retreat instead? I mean, breakout to the rear?

    "Even if they face our attack and manage to breach the defensive line, they can¡¯t escape. From here to the border is a march-in of a million-strong army!¡±

    While speaking, he forcefully tapped the area between Ronied city and the border line on the map with his cane, repeating, ¡°A million-strong army, do you understand? Even if His Grace¡¯s forces were to break out entirely, only doom awaits them!¡±

    After speaking, he stared at the map for a few seconds, then shook his head, ¡°No, it can¡¯t be an offensive. It¡¯s just a counterattack, an attempt to shake our formation and create a chance for them to withdraw.

    "General Hohte¡¯s Armored Troops will soonplete the encirclement of Ronied. This is a futile move.¡±

    As he spoke, the Lord looked at the anxious staff officer: ¡°Order Division 54, immediately dispatch someone to steady the scattered regiment, find the dispersed regimental headquarters¡­ no, I will speak with Division 54 myself. Is the telephone line connected yet?¡±

    "Not yet, Your Excellency, we¡¯ve only just learned the location of the 54th Division¡¯s headquarters, and themunication vehicle has just been dispatched.¡± Themunications officer immediately replied.

    Radiomunication requires decryption, which leads to transmission dys, and there¡¯s a high probability that wireless could be intercepted by the enemy. Telephone is much safer andmunication quality is iparable to wireless, butndlines must beid, which can only begin when both ends have stopped moving.

    Lord Von Dietrich waved his hand, ¡°Alright, use the radio then, I want to speak with Division 54.¡±

    After speaking, Lord Von Dietrich took the lead toward the door.

    The staff officer at the door hurried to open it, then stood up straight, his chest puffed out proudly as he watched the Lord leave.

    In the adjacentmunications room, themunications officer bellowed into the radio handset, ¡°Rhein Rhein, respond if you hear me!¡±

    "Rhein¡± was the call sign of the 54th Division.

    After several calls, the officer handed the handset and headset to the Lord, ¡°It¡¯s connected, Brigadier General Haussen of the 54th Division.¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich grabbed the items and cleared his throat, ¡°This is Von Dietrich, what¡¯s the situation on your end?¡±

    "I don¡¯t know, the situation is chaotic, lots of fugitives.¡± General Haussen¡¯s voice was intermittent and filled with static, ¡°The fugitives say that Antonov¡¯s Guards haveunched an attack; some say that the Eastern Holy Church has dispatched its pdins.¡±

    Lord Von Dietrich frowned, ¡°Get to the bottom of it as fast as you can! I believe it¡¯s a limited counterattack by the enemy!¡±

    "But Your Excellency, the enemy used heavy artillery tounch smoke bombs. There¡¯s no wind now, and the ground is enveloped in smoke; nothing can be seen. Using so many smoke bombs for merely a probing attack doesn¡¯t make sense.¡±

    Dietrich looked outside the window; even from themunications room, he could see the thick smoke rising from the city.

    Lord Von Dietrich raised his voice, ¡°No, no, attacking at this time doesn¡¯t make sense! It¡¯s just a defensive counterattack! Where could he be attacking to? Behind us are countless Prosen troops!¡±

    "But Lord¡­ the enemy¡­ the fugitives¡­ what¡¯s going on?¡±

    Von Dietrich¡¯s brow was tightly furrowed, ¡°Brigadier General Haussen! Brigadier General Haussen! There¡¯s gunfire on your end, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    However, all he got in response was static noise.

    Dietrich handed the headset and microphone back to themunications officer, ¡°Eliminate the malfunction as soon as possible!¡±

    Themunications officer immediately checked the radio¡¯s own status, and then the hand-cranked generator before reporting, ¡°Lord, there are no mechanical failures.¡±

    Lord, ¡°Then keep calling!¡±

    Themunications officer did not dare to dy and immediately shouted into the microphone, ¡°Rhein Rhein, please answer if you hear this!¡±

    The Lord began to pace in themunications room, tapping his palm with his cane as he walked.

    After a while, the Lord took out his pocket watch and nced at it, ¡°It¡¯s been five minutes, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    "It might be that Rhein¡ªI mean Division Fifty-Four¡ªhas experienced a mechanical failure. But¡­¡±

    Themunications officer hesitated.

    Lord, ¡°But what?¡±

    "But the division headquarters has several high-powered radios, it¡¯s hard to imagine them all failing at the same time.¡±

    The Lord pursed his lips, his face gradually darkening as he ordered, ¡°Division Fifty-Four may have run into trouble, our estimate of the enemy situation may have been too optimistic. Where is the Army Group reserve now?¡±

    "They have already reached Shulsherfka.¡±

    Lord, ¡°Isn¡¯t that still over ten kilometers away from us? Why is it moving so slowly?¡±

    The Chief of Staff replied helplessly, ¡°Traffic jam. The road conditions within the Ante Empire are worse than we imagined. The operation n took ¡®highways¡¯ to be modern roads with asphalt surfaces, but they¡¯re justpacted dirt roads in reality.

    "The road capacity is very low, and it¡¯s also hard on the vehicles.

    "So the motorized troops are all stuck on the road.¡±

    The Lord made a face as if he had eaten something disgusting, ¡°There¡¯s always a problem on the battlefield, if not here, then there, but it¡¯s always somewhere. Is there any way to contact Division Fifty-Four now? Keep calling!¡±

    Thest sentence was addressed to themunications officer, who quickly picked up the microphone and continued the mechanicalbor.

    The Lord looked at the other staff.

    The Chief of Staff spoke up, ¡°The Army Group¡¯s reconnaissance battalion has cavalry, we could consider sending them.¡±

    The Lord pointed his cane out the window, ¡°Even though we¡¯re outside the city, Division Fifty-Four has already entered it.¡±

    Just then, themunications officer who was still trying to make contact suddenly stopped calling and said, ¡°I have an idea. We can call the Armored Troops assigned to support our attack. There are radios in the tanks.¡±

    Lord, ¡°Next time remember to say ¡®report¡¯ first.¡±

    "Report!¡±

    "Don¡¯t make up for it now! I¡¯ve already heard your suggestion. Let¡¯s do it that way. Do you know the frequency for the Armored Troops?¡±

    Themunications officer nodded, ¡°Of course, we have heard the Armored Troops¡¯munications before.¡±

    "Then call them.¡±

    Themunications officer leaned in close to the microphone again, ¡°This is Eagle¡¯s Nest, this is Eagle¡¯s Nest, calling themander of the Armored Troops.¡±

    The Lord continued his pacing, his cane tapping against the palm of his left hand.

    "Your Excellency, we¡¯re connected!¡± Themunications officer, pleasantly surprised, passed over the headset and microphone.

    The Lord took the items for the second time, ¡°I am Lord Dietrich, who am I speaking with?¡±

    A voice with poor Prosen came from the other end, ¡°It¡¯s your Antean grandpa!¡±

    What followed was all in the Anteannguage.

    The Lord, being a member of a distinguished family, spoke not only Prosen but also Carolingian and Antean. In fact, before the outbreak of the war, there had been considerable contact between the courts of Prosen and Ante, which is why a non-aggression treaty had been signed.

    Thus the Lord understoodpletely the other¡¯s cursing, and then asked in Antean, with virtually no ent, ¡°So, are you an Ante soldier? You wouldn¡¯t be speaking from the headquarters of Division Fifty-Four, would you?¡±

    The person at the other end was clearly unprepared for this situation and fell silent.

    After a moment, the voice responded, ¡°I don¡¯t know which division this headquarters belongs to, I can¡¯t read your Prosen characters! Anyway, there are plenty of maps and documents here, all captured; naturally, there will be staff members who understand yournguage to study them closely!¡±

    The Lord furrowed his brows in frustration and decided to extract more information, asking, ¡°Brave Anteanmander, may I know your esteemed name?¡±

    "You think I would disclose that information to you? Go to hell! Clean your neck and wait for it; I don¡¯t understand your writing, but I can read maps! I know where your headquarters is located! Just you wait!¡±

    Lord, ¡°Wait! Antean officer!¡±

    He called out several more times, but the only response was the hiss of static.

    The Lord turned to the Chief of Staff, ¡°Have the Guard Battalion, the Reconnaissance Battalion, and the Special Battalion ready forbat. Bring the tanks from the headquarters to the hilltop to prepare for the enemy¡¯s attack!¡±

    The Chief of Staff nodded, ¡°Understood!¡±

    The Lord looked towards the thick smoke that now shrouded a quarter of the city area and clicked his tongue, ¡°Duke dimirmands like this? But as I recall, during the joint military exercises between our two countries, the Duke was quite a stickler for rules¡­

    "To take down one of our division headquarters and initiate this counterattack, the person behind it is a military genius!¡±

 Chapter 12: Through the Times of Yesterday

    Colonel Yegorov smashed the radio with the butt of his gun, and then told the soldiers around him, ¡°Stop looking. Gather all the papers and send them to the back.¡±

    "Wait a minute!¡± Staff Officer Pavlov stopped the soldiers who were about to throw various documents into the basket, pulling out one of the papers, ¡°This document contains the unit number. This is the 54th Infantry Division of the Prosen Twenty-fifth Army Group, which participated in the Carolingian Campaign; the division¡¯s crest has an iris, which is a mark of participating in the Carolingian Campaign.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°But we still crushed them! The idea of Duke Aleksei turned out to be quite reliable; we really made it to the enemy¡¯s division headquarters without any obstructions!¡±

    Pavlov corrected him: ¡°It¡¯s a count, and you shouldn¡¯t preface a title with a name, you should at least use a patronymic, call him Count Konstantinovich.¡±

    Yegorov waved his hand dismissively: ¡°I¡¯m just a rough man, I don¡¯t understand all your twists and turns! The count¡¯s order was to attack and advance, let¡¯s continue.¡±

    Pavlov eximed in shock: ¡°Continue the attack? We have already emerged from the smoke; stumbling upon a division headquarters was unexpected for the enemy! Now they are prepared! And you¡¯ve just¡­¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°I was just bluffing them! Come look!¡±

    Yegorov pointed at the enemy¡¯s map and said: ¡°The enemy¡¯s headquarters is here, on top of the hill, overlooking the entire city of Ronied. It also controls the highway into the city and can hit the railway that passes through the city. The enemy must think we¡¯re going to attack here!

    "But the order we received is to break out, that is, to move to the back¡ªeastward. We have to take this side road out of the city. I know this little path; it¡¯ll lead us through arge thicket. By the time we rush out, it¡¯ll be nightfall, and we can retreat via the small path under the cover of darkness!¡±Pavlov: ¡°Are you sure that¡¯s what the count meant? Maybe he wanted to break out and fight to the death.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°How could that be! We wouldn¡¯t have brought the field hospital then. Trust me, the count definitely wants to break out and survive; it¡¯s just that he happened to discover the breach at the front.¡±

    "But¡­¡±

    Yegorov ced his hands firmly on Pavlov¡¯s shoulders: ¡°Listen! I really don¡¯t know the count¡¯s intentions, but I do know mine! I¡¯m not nning to die here! The Prussians are indeed hateful, and I want to thrash them too!

    "But how can I beat them if I¡¯m dead?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°You¡¯re just afraid to die, you have no sense of honor!¡±

    "What?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°I tell you, if the chain with the army hadn¡¯t died, he would have sent you to the tribunal by now! The charge would be cowardice and surrender!

    "But I remind you, ording to the regtions, if the militarymander shows any signs of cowardice or surrender, I as the staff officer have the right to strip him ofmand!¡±

    Yegorov, in a burst of anger, grabbed the staff officer by the cor: ¡°What did you say? Where were you when I was smashing Prussian heads with a grenade just now? And you dare say I¡¯m showing cowardice and surrender?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°You chose the escape route!¡±

    As the two were at daggers drawn, the sound of a car engine came from outside the door.

    **

    Let¡¯s rewind the time a little bit.

    Wang Zhong led the remnant troops of the headquarters and the field hospital unit on their departure.

    Before leaving, he had Captain Sergey dispatch messengers to convey the message to the other troops under the duke to prepare for a breakout from the front¡ªeastward.

    Whether the message could be delivered was beyond Wang Zhong¡¯s control.

    In any case, Wang Zhong led the group on their departure, and he was at the forefront.

    Soon the troops entered the smoke created by the rear artillery. By this time, the smoke had dispersed quite a bit, and the obscuring effect had decreased, which increased visibility within the fog.

    However, the scope of the fog had also spread. Wang Zhong walked along the main street for quite a while and was still within the fog.

    The white expanse looked very much like the game ¡°Silent Hill,¡± half of the horror atmosphere of which owes to the thick fog that envelops the setting of the story.

    Fortunately, Wang Zhong had a top-down perspective, but sadly, he couldn¡¯t keep it on while walking¡ªthe disconnect between cognition and vision would instantly make Wang Zhong violently sick.

    He could only walk a few steps before stopping to change his viewing angle.

    This behavior greatly astonished Captain Sergey, who he felt might start getting suspicious if it continued.

    But without looking from an overhead view, there was no way to remain on guard against the enemy. With the naked eye, one could only see a few meters around, and if one were to run into the enemy unexpectedly, a burst from a submachine gun could end his journey right there.

    Wang Zhong could only reduce the frequency of his stops and endure the dizziness that came with using the overhead view while moving as much as possible.

    As he was struggling with this issue, the group finally emerged from the smoke, and immediately a Prussian-abandoned jeep at the roadside caught Wang Zhong¡¯s eye ¨C it was the same model that Ludm had blown up with a grenade.

    Wang Zhong made a snap decision and said to Sergey, ¡°Let¡¯s go, get in the car. Take two guards with us, we¡¯ll drive straight ahead!¡±

    Sergey, ¡°Are we just driving away? Who¡¯s going tomand these troops? We don¡¯t have any walkie-talkies!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We just need to keep following the road, there won¡¯t be any problems. Besides, in case of an emergency, we can always send someone back with orders.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s consideration, Captain Sergey nodded.

    Wang Zhong then asked, ¡°You can drive, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know how to drive himself, mainly because he didn¡¯t see the need to learn in the current situation ¨C if there was no rush, he could take the subway, and if he was in a hurry, he could just hail a cab through DiDi.

    Captain Sergey, ¡°I often drive for the Duchess. Leave it to me.¡±

    Wang Zhong remembered something that the sergeant who had been shot had said ¨C wasn¡¯t this Captain Sergey the Duchess¡¯s gigolo?

    ¡ª Forget it, why do I care about that!

    Wang Zhong got straight into the car, ¡°Drive!¡±

    The two guards were agile and jumped into the back of the jeep in an instant, without even opening the rear doors.

    Sergey got into the driver¡¯s seat, started the car and barely drove a few paces when he eximed, ¡°The feel of driving this is so smooth, much morefortable than our domestically produced ¡®Lada¡¯ cars!¡±

    Lada cars, indeed, that ssic Soviet automobile brand whose poor performance had be a part of Soviet jokes.

    As Captain Sergey drove through the devastated city, hemented with a hint of sadness, ¡°Such a beautiful city. I quite liked that coffee shop, often apanied the Duchess there.¡±

    Wang Zhong followed Sergey¡¯s gaze and noticed that only the iron sign hanging toward the street from the coffee shop remained intact; the shop seemed to have suffered a hit from artillery fire of 152 millimeters orrger.

    Passing by the front of the coffee shop, one could see that the inside was almostpletely destroyed, with coffee pots and the like in shambles.

    Sergey gritted his teeth, ¡°Damn Prussians!¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips; truth be told, he still didn¡¯t harbor much hatred for Prussians ¨C after all, it wasn¡¯t his country or his homnd that was invaded.

    Up to now, his goal was still to survive the war.

    At that moment, soldiers in khaki uniforms began to appear alongside the road, looking as if they had just been through a fierce battle.

    There were quite a few corpses in ck uniforms lying among the buildings lining the streets and roads.

    It seemed Wang Zhong had caught up with the attacking vanguard of the Third Amur Group.

    Just then, a roar came from a building ahead:

    "What did you say? Where were you when I was smashing a Prussian¡¯s head in with a hand grenade just now? You dare use me of cowardice and surrender?¡±

    "But you chose the route of escape!¡±

    Wang Zhong patted Sergey on the shoulder, ¡°Stop in front of that building! The one where people are arguing!¡±

 Chapter 13: Conserving Strength to Better Eliminate the Enemy

    Captain Sergey parked the vehicle in front of the building, and Wang Zhong hurried down with brisk steps, took a couple of steps, then remembered something important, turned around, and said to Sergey following him, ¡°Give me your pants.¡±

    Sergey reacted as if facing a great enemy, ¡°No way! If I do that, I won¡¯t have anything to brag about in front of girls anymore!¡±

    Wang Zhong put on a stern face, ¡°This is an order! It¡¯ll affect the morale of our troops, and if morale copses, we¡¯ll only be able to meet in a prisoner of war camp.¡±

    Wang Zhong actually thought that meeting in a prisoner of war camp wouldn¡¯t be such a bad thing, but given the current situation, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to say ¡°Let¡¯s surrender.¡±

    He could only struggle for a bit.

    Sergey was still ying tough, ¡°I think us exchanging pants in public could also have an immeasurable impact on morale.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked around, ¡°No one is paying attention to us, right now they¡¯re more worried about the enemy, hurry up, it will only take a few seconds to switch!¡±

    "You¡¯re the one who¡¯s done! I¡¯m ruined!¡± Sergeyined while taking off his pants, and Wang Zhong also unbuckled his belt to take off the pants with Aleksei¡¯s ¡°authentic¡± signature.

    Underneath the military trousers were boxer shorts, and realizing this, Wang Zhong let out a huge sigh of relief.However, just at this moment, a group of officers came out of the building.

    The officer at the front was a Lieutenant Colonel, just like Wang Zhong, and he was stunned by the scene before him.

    The staff officers behind the Lieutenant Colonel were even more dumbfounded, their mouths open in an O shape.

    Forcing himself to look nonchnt, Wang Zhong slipped into the pants he had switched for.

    Sergey was a bit shorter than Wang Zhong¡¯s current body, so he had to try his best to pull up the waistband.

    Afterpleting the change of clothes, Wang Zhong put on a stern face, ¡°What were you arguing about just now? I could hear you from a great distance!¡±

    "Ah?¡± The questioned Lieutenant Colonel looked at Wang Zhong, blinked his eyes, and asked tentatively, ¡°Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s me. Don¡¯t you recognize my voice? I recognize yours, Colonel Ivan Panzhyevich Yegorov of the Third Rear Amur Group.¡±

    The main reason Wang Zhong remembered such a long name was that the dog tags had the unit number and the name and rank of themander written on them.

    Also, because of the Golden Finger, Wang Zhong knew that the people he encountered were from the Third Rear Amur Group, and with both pieces of information, he could naturally infer that the man before him was Colonel Yegorov, themander of the Third Rear Amur Group.

    Before responding to Wang Zhong, Yegorov took a moment to nce at Captain Sergey, who was still putting on his trousers, his gaze lingering on the water stains for a full second.

    Wang Zhong stepped forward, blocking Yegorov¡¯s line of sight, ¡°Lieutenant Colonel, even though we hold the same rank, I¡¯ve been entrusted by the Duke tomand the entire force, I am your superior.¡±

    Yegorov hadn¡¯t reacted yet, but the staff officers beside him saluted.

    It was then that Yegorov had his realization and stood at attention to salute, ¡°You were a Count all along, I should be saluting you.¡±

    Wang Zhong mimicked the gesture and returned the salute, ¡°What were you just debating about?¡±

    Yegorov answered, ¡°Just now, my staff officer Pavlov was insisting that we directly attack the enemy¡¯s army group headquarters marked on the map we captured, iming that we should go and die!¡±

    The staff officer stepped forward, ¡°That¡¯s not right! What I said was that we should fight bravely to thest moment. That¡¯s the enemy¡¯s Corps Command, and our valiant fighting might change the situation on the battlefield to some extent!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first reaction was no, absolutely not!

    He didn¡¯t even understand the name of his own country yet, let alone feel any sense of loyalty.

    Before Wang Zhong could speak, the staff officer Pavlov continued, ¡°If Colonel Yegorov insists on fleeing, we can only consider it an act of treason and hand him over to the Tribunal!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly, ¡°Did I just hear a term that should not appear in this context?¡±

    The Tribunal? Another way of saying a military courtroom?

    Yegorov¡¯s tone was clearly hesitant, filled with an air of bravado, ¡°The Tribunal! Hmph, where are all those judges who strutted around peacocking before? They¡¯ve run off without a trace first!¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked; he had absolutely no idea about this Tribunal or the judges these two were discussing. Could it be something like the military police?

    Due to hisck of knowledge, he chose to keep his mouth shut and listen some more before speaking.

    But Yegorov turned the conversation towards Wang Zhong, ¡°Let His Excellency the Count say it! His Excellency the Count¡¯s intention must certainly be to retreat through the small path.¡±

    Wang Zhong was startled. There was a small path? A way to retreat? That was wonderful news!

    But no, he had to restrain himself, not to let others see any ws.

    Wang Zhong looked sternly at the two officers.

    What should he say? Clearly, Yegorov knew of a small path that could be used to retreat to the rear, so he should support Yegorov.

    But this staff officer named Pavlov had a resolute look, obviously prepared to embrace a noble death.

    Just as Wang Zhong was struggling with what to say, he suddenly remembered the opening scene of ¡°Patton,¡± his favorite movie: General Patton standing before the American g, delivering a long speech thatsted several minutes.

    Though Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t remember the exact words, he could recall the general idea, so he said out loud, ¡°Major Pavlov, you are very brave, and your courage is admirable.¡±

    The staff officer stood tall and proud, adopting the pose of a victor.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°But, through the ages, no victory has been won purely by shedding blood and sacrifice! To achieve victory, it is not enough for us to shed blood and make sacrifices alone, we must also make the enemy bleed and sacrifice!

    "We must make the enemy bleed more than us!¡±

    Wang Zhong paused, as if to emphasize his words, giving others time to digest them.

    But in fact, he had forgotten what to say next. He vaguely remembered a line about ¡°cleaning our tracks with the enemy¡¯s blood,¡± but felt that using it directlycked persuasive power.

    Hence, Wang Zhong began to improvise, ¡°You just said that by attacking the enemy¡¯s Corps Command, we might disrupt the enemy¡¯s arrangements, dying their advance by a day or two.

    "I can only say, you have overestimated the role of one regiment, and you have overestimated the role of a Corps Command!

    "Across the entire front, the enemy has hundreds of divisions in action, dozens of Army Groups attacking! What¡¯s the use of just disrupting one Army Group?

    "No, it is useless! A more effective approach now is to send these soldiers, who have endured the first wave of fire, back to the rear to regroup, to resist the enemy¡¯s attacks more effectively!

    "Preserving our fighting force now is to better annihte the enemyter, to make the enemy bleed and sacrifice until the dayes when we return the fire to their own country, and let them defend their homes!¡±

    Good, this is the moment, time to use Patton¡¯s famous line!

    Wang Zhong paused to gather his thoughts and then dered emphatically, ¡°And then, what we must do is crush their skulls under our boots, and clean our tracks with their blood!¡±

    Major Pavlov stared at Wang Zhong for several seconds before relenting, ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve convinced me. Even though I¡¯ve seen you change your wet trousers, you¡¯ve still convinced me.¡±

    Come on, do you really have to bring up that wet pants incident? I didn¡¯t pee them!

    Damn it, look at the mess that coward got me into!

    Oh my God, if I get a chance, I¡¯m going to kick that coward¡¯s ass so hard!

 Chapter 14: Maps

    Whileining inwardly, Wang Zhong kept a straight face, ¡°Everyone has their first time on the battlefield. We¡¯ll see, Major Pavlov.¡±

    "Report the situation now. Have we encountered any resistance from the enemy?¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong was guessing that observing from an overhead perspective might be more useful than Colonel Yegorov¡¯s direct reports.

    But formalities still had to be observed, just like those who cheated in games before transmigration yed along to some extent.

    And listening to the report might also provide some intelligence that he couldn¡¯t discern from the overhead view.

    Yegorov: ¡°We haven¡¯t encountered anyrge-scale resistance. The enemy is in disarray, and many of their units don¡¯t understand what¡¯s happening and are retreating along with the ones that are already in retreat.¡±

    As he spoke, Yegorov rubbed his nose, ¡°If you ask me, these Prussians are not as tough as the Manheimers in the winter war! They were able to defeat the Carolingians before because the other side was even weaker!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°We should always assume the enemy is capable. Did you just say you found a map?¡±

    "Yes, this is the enemy¡¯s division headquarters! We¡¯ve captured their maps and documentspletely!¡± Yegorov pointed toward the building behind him, ¡°Come over and take a look!¡±With that, he turned and walked inside.

    Seeing this, Staff Officer Pavlov immediately said, ¡°Yegoroves from a peasant background; he can be a bit crude.¡±

    "I don¡¯t mind,¡± Wang Zhong said bluntly. He himself came from a working-ss family and had many rural kids in his ss during high school. He really didn¡¯t mind such things.

    Or rather, transmigrator Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have the same snobbery as the nobility of this era.

    Upon entering the room, Wang Zhong immediately noticed therge map on the wall, which was exactly what he needed right now! His overhead view was too limited and he had no idea about the overall situation.

    And on the map, there were country names, and only now did Wang Zhong finally realize that the khaki uniform he wore belonged to the Ante Empire.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know which part of the the Ante Empire was located in because the wall map was only a regional one.

    Looking at the ce names on the map, it appeared to be a province of the Ante Empire, with the western edge bordering the Prosen Empire, the point of departure for the Prosen Army¡¯s offensive.

    Simrly, by the ce names, Wang Zhong learned that the city they were currently defending was called Ronied, with the sea to the south of the city, from which the enemy¡¯s naval artillery shelling hade.

    The Duke had also mentioned, ¡°The navy failed to stop the enemy,¡± before his passing.

    The only question was whether the sea to the south was a rgeke¡± like the ck Sea or a real ocean.

    He still needed to obtain a world map as soon as possible.

    However, being in the military, and amander at that, he should be able to ess maps rtively easily. There should be no need to worry about that¡ªprobably.

    Yegorov had already started exining: ¡°This is the enemy¡¯s deployment map. Their military symbols are simr to ours, as the nobilitymunicated a lot in peacetime. Look here, this symbol, doesn¡¯t it look just like themand symbol on our side?¡±

    Pavlov said irritably, ¡°That is themand symbol. Our country uses the abbreviation HQ to represent headquarters, and the enemy does the same. Additionally, this eagle symbol here represents the Army Group Command.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    He looked up at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong studied the map for a moment.

    He would often y military games, such as the strategically focused and mildly hardcore ¡°Hearts of Iron,¡± and more tactical, hardcore board games like the SGS series, and so on.

    When Wang Zhong was in elementary school, there was a reader interactive section in ¡°Tank & Armored Vehicles¡± magazine that simted historical battles. It regrly published historical battles along with abbreviated situation maps, allowing readers to cut out the maps, plot their own ns, and exin each step in writing.

    After receiving letters from readers, the editorial department would select some of the more feasiblebat ns and have professionalsment on them.

    Wang Zhong always participated in this interactive column, but his bat ns¡± were never adopted.

    However, by taking part in this activity, he had acquired basic map recognition abilities, which were further enhanced by his experience ying military games.

    Wang Zhong quickly finished assessing the deployment of the Prosen forces on the map and murmured, ¡°The enemy has left many gaps in their pursuit of speed.¡±

    In modern warfare, there are no strict front lines. In Hearts of Iron, a term coined by a yer for a certain type of division is ¡°Line-filling Division,¡± which essentially aims for the ultimate cost-effectiveness ratio with the sole purpose of filling gaps in the front to prevent small enemy detachments from slipping through.

    Even with ¡°Line-filling Divisions,¡± there were still ¡°gaps¡± on the battlefield, especially in the World War II era where the area a division had to cover greatly increased, leaving plenty of gaps through which to slip.

    In thetter part of World War II, the Soviets summarized their mode of attack as inundating the German defense lines in a deluge.

    The Germans, with their high military quality, could often hold their ground at certain strongpoints for a long time, while the Soviet strategy specifically targeted these points, intending to surround but not attack them, cutting off the supply lines behind these strongpoints.

    After considerable study, Wang Zhong¡¯s confidence surged, ¡°I might actually be able to slip through the enemy¡¯s gaps and get back to our side.¡±

    He turned to Yegorov, ¡°Did you just mention a small path?¡±

    Yegorov immediately pointed at the map, ¡°Yes, right here. The Prussians did not mark it in detail on the map, so I think there might not be any enemy presence on it. Besides, there are forests nearby for hiding from enemy aerial reconnaissance.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good, are you familiar with this road?¡±

    "I¡¯m from around here,¡± Yegorov said. ¡°Before I joined the army, I often drove ox carts loaded with goods on this path.¡±

    "Ox carts!¡± Pavlov snorted, ¡°Slow and stinky.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°Not every peasant can afford a horse, and we¡¯re no Cossacks.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Continue, are you sure we can get back to our lines this way?¡±

    "Of course. Leave it to me. But there¡¯s a problem, aren¡¯t we supposed to be in full retreat now?¡±

    Wang Zhong was at a loss for words; he didn¡¯t know.

    Seeing Wang Zhong silent, Yegorov sighed, ¡°Then it¡¯s dicey, not knowing how far back we¡¯d have to retreat to encounter friendly forces. During the civil war, I experienced such a massive defeat, copsing over a thousand miles at a time, stopping only when the enemy¡¯s logistics couldn¡¯t keep up and they couldn¡¯t pursue any further.¡±

    Wang Zhong actually wanted to ask about the civil war, but it seemed to bemon knowledge in this world, so it was awkward to bring it up.

    Just then, Captain Sergey burst into the room, saluted, and reported loudly, ¡°The monks of the state religion have caught up!¡±

    Pavlov was overjoyed at the news, ¡°Great! There may be Hymn Monks!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brows furrowed tightly.

    Hymn Monks?

    What the hell is that?

 Chapter 15: What to do when a teammate sends help without saying a word, urgent, waiting online.

    The new term made Wang Zhong frown.

    Previously, the prayer hand appeared to be a radio operator responsible for guiding missiles; now what in the world was a Hymn Monk?

    However, judging by the reactions of the people around him, this seemed to bemon knowledge, so Wang Zhong didn¡¯t dare to ask.

    They had just mentioned the Tribunal, who knew if its duties included executing those possessed by strange otherworldly spirits.

    He had to behave like a person from this world and not give himself away.

    But Wang Zhong remembered that he had another question to ask, so he inquired, ¡°Are Monk Yeca Neiko and his Divine Arrow squad among these monks?¡±

    Sergey hesitated, ¡°Uh, I didn¡¯t ask. Maybe you should ask the priest directly?¡±

    Before he had finished speaking, a tall, brown-haired male entered the room, followed by a bunch of soldiers.

    Their military uniforms were khaki as well, but the style was different. If Wang Zhong were to describe it, his own group outfitted forbat wore training uniforms, while this group donned dress uniforms better suited for asions with a strong sense of ceremony.The group entering wore shoulders adorned with sun-based motifs, which reminded Wang Zhong of the sun emblem on the cathedral roof at the duke¡¯s headquarters.

    It seemed these men were the monks of the national religion.

    The first to enter, the brown-haired male, asked, ¡°Who is themander here?¡±

    He looked back and forth between Wang Zhong and Yegorov.

    Wang Zhong remembered that he and Yegorov were both lieutenant colonels, and he could onlymand Yegorov because of the ¡°trust¡± from the duke.

    Actually, there was no such trust; the duke only had time to tell him to run fast.

    Not thinking much about it, Wang Zhong stepped forward and said, ¡°I am. Duke dimir has entrusted me with themand of his troops.¡±

    The brown-haired man frowned, ¡°Howe you¡¯re only a lieutenant colonel?¡±

    At this moment, a man behind him interjected sharply, ¡°Did His Grace the Duke transfermand authority with a written order?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to look at the speaker and saw a man wearing a greatcoat cap, which sported blue edging.

    "Judge, now is an emergency situation. To ensure the functioning of themand core of the troops, we can spare the red tape,¡± the brown-haired man turned to re at the person who had interrupted their conversation.

    Judge¡­ it seemed these two were from the Tribunal after all, the Tribunal, the blue edging on the greatcoat caps¡ªWang Zhong clicked his tongue, quietly shelving his thoughts, and silently noted down ¡°to be careful about what one says in the presence of someone with blue edging on their greatcoat cap.¡±

    The blue-capped man bowed slightly, ¡°Apologies, Bishop, sir.¡±

    He then took a step back, scrutinizing Wang Zhong with eyes that appraised like one would value a live pig.

    Forcing himself not to pay attention to that gaze, Wang Zhong addressed the ¡°Bishop¡±: ¡°I am Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov, and I am themander of these forces right now.¡±

    Bishop Stepan Aleksandrovich Polok saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°My respects to you, brave Count. I am Stepan Aleksandrovich Polok. I have brought thest contingent of monks; we have some Divine Arrows left, which should be able to destroy quite a few of the enemy¡¯s tanks!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is it Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s Divine Arrow squad?¡±

    Bishop Stepan seemed surprised: ¡°You know Monk Yeca Neiko?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I know their prayer hand Ludm; she was originally one of my soldiers¡ªmy prayer hand, but our Divine Arrow squad has been wiped out, leaving only her without any Divine Arrows.¡±

    Bishop Stepan: ¡°I see. I will make sure Monk Yeca Neiko takes good care of Miss Prayer Hand.¡±

    Hmm? Could it be that the Bishop has some strange misunderstanding?

    Wang Zhong was toozy to correct it, considering one of the reasons he took action was to ensure Ludm¡¯s survival; it would be good if she received special care.

    "So we¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to continue when he was interrupted by the Bishop.

    Bishop Stepan: ¡°We¡¯re going to counterattack the enemy, right?¡±

    For some reason, the Bishop looked full of anticipation.

    Wang Zhong hesitated for a moment, ¡°Uh, this¡­¡±

    Bishop Stepan clenched his fists: ¡°We must show the Prussians our spirit, tell them our homnd of Ante will not be easily defeated!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth hung open, why were these people so eager to rush to their demise?

    "No, please, calm down,¡± he snapped back into the conversation, ¡°We¡¯re advancing because the enemy¡¯s defenses ahead are weak; they did not anticipate an attack. Our current position is the enemy¡¯s division headquarters, and this division is certainly in chaos; we can easily jump out from their encirclement.¡±

    As Wang Zhong spoke, Bishop Stepan looked at him with a significant expression, as if viewing him as a problem.

    After Wang Zhong finished, Bishop Stepan raised his voice: ¡°Jump out of the encirclement? Isn¡¯t this a counterattack?¡±

    "It is a counterattack, of course, it is, look around!¡± Wang Zhong spread his hands, ¡°We¡¯ve taken down the enemy¡¯s division headquarters, isn¡¯t that a counterattack? Counterattacking and breaking through are not in conflict. We need to retreat to our next line of defense and then join the defensive operations.¡±

    Bishop Stepan turned his head to exchange nces with the two Judges.

    Wang Zhong always felt something was off about these three.

    When the Bishop looked at Wang Zhong again, he asserted decisively, ¡°This is desertion!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s a tactical retreat to preserve our forces for a better chance at annihting the enemy.¡±

    Bishop Stepan, ¡°That sounds like an excuse!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, no, listen to me. If we hold onto thend but lose the people, we¡¯ll end up losing both. By preserving our forces and appropriately giving up somend, we can achieve victory and keep both the people and thend!¡±

    That was the instructor¡¯s reasoning, which Wang Zhong directly borrowed for his argument.

    Bishop Stepan red at Wang Zhong, ¡°This is unquestionably an act of treason! His Majesty has just issued an order; thend of the mothend is sacred and invible! Everyone must fight to the veryst moment!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s scalp tingled. Fight to the veryst moment? The ¡°mothend¡¯s¡±nd is sacred and invible? Damn it, I only learned the name of the country by looking at the enemy¡¯s map, and to me, it¡¯s just a name on a map!

    I am Chinese!

    And it¡¯s an order from His Majesty the Emperor, damn it, Ie from a country that has always advocated, ¡°When the king enfeebles himself through righteousness, who will dare to be unrighteous?¡± Even the emperor can¡¯t order me to go to my death!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Impossible. Launching a do-or-die attack under these circumstances would be a senseless waste of our living forces! We will counter-attack, but that might be a year from now, or even two, three yearster! What we need to do now is to retreat, trade distance for time, and establish a new defensive line!¡±

    Bishop Stepan red at Wang Zhong, as if the appreciative expression that was there earlier never existed.

    Momentster, he darklymanded, ¡°Judge Shaposhnikov, arrest the Count¡ªno, we¡¯re about tounch an assault, and probably no one will be able to escort the Count. We must enforce martialw, and for the crime of desertion¡ªexecute him by firing squad, now, immediately!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s head genuinely tingled. Did this idiot understand the consequences of executing a military officer on the battlefield?

    Huh? It seems I executed a deserter too¡­ But the problem is, I¡¯m not a deserter!

    The Judge called Shaposhnikov smiled as he opened his holster¡ª

    At this moment, Wang Zhong was exceedingly nervous, with countless thoughts shing through his head:

    Should I give Yegorov an order? If Imand Yegorov to shoot these people down, will he listen? What if I order him to strafe these ¡°Monks¡±?

    What would the oue be?

    Won¡¯t I still end up getting shot?

    Suddenly, he remembered something.

    Before the shells fell, Duke dimir was nning to evacuate Wang Zhong¡ªthat is, Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky¡ªbecause¡ª

    Because the Crown Prince made a phone call to the Duke¡¯s headquarters.

    Huh, it seems I do have connections above?

    At that moment, Shaposhnikov drew his pistol.

    Yegorov immediately stepped in front of Wang Zhong, his right hand almost lifting the captured submachine gun¡ª

    Wang Zhong restrained his gun, and dered loudly, ¡°Bishop Stepan, it seems you are not well-informed about who I am. I am a dear friend of the Crown Prince, and if news of my execution reaches the Crown Prince¡¯s ears¡­¡±

    Having said that, Wang Zhong then thought self-deprecatingly: What am I doing? Threatening someone about to nobly embrace death; how can this be effective? They¡¯re about to die; why would they care what the Crown Prince thinks?

    But Bishop Stepan clearly hesitated.

    So, this bastard didn¡¯t really want to die after all¡ªthat¡¯s what Wang Zhong initially thought, but then he noticed that Bishop Stepan nced at Yegorov and the submachine gun in his hand.

    Did Stepan just fear Yegorov and his submachine gun?

    Just then, Bishop Stepan yielded, ¡°Fine, but I will record everything, document who it is that wants to abandon our sacrednd, defying the Emperor¡¯s orders!¡±

    In that instant, Wang Zhong seriously considered whether to take advantage of the chaos in battle to shoot these bastards dead covertly, to avoidter trouble.

    After all, it was still uncertain just how solid his rtionship with the Crown Prince was; acting decisively now could prevent prolonged troubles.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong always felt a sense of discordance emanating from these three, especially the Bishop, whose initialvish praise and subsequent turn of face both seemed like an act in a y¡­

    Just then, a pleasant female voice came from the doorway: ¡°Report!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his head, expecting Ludm, but instead saw a strange girl with ck hair braided in pigtails hanging behind her neck.

    "I have just received a message from the Argesukov Hymn Choir; capable troops are to head to Shepetovka immediately, where Duke Meishikin is organizing the defense!¡±

    Wang Zhong had no idea where Argesukov was, nor did he know anything about Shepetovka, but he quickly countered, ¡°We can make it!

    "This is the troop that has defeated the Prussian Army, prating one of their division headquarters, with experience inbat and victory, which will surely benefit the defensive operations substantially.¡±

    The Bishop looked a tad disappointed, ¡°If that is the case, then there¡¯s no helping it; organize the retreat, Count.¡±

 Chapter 16: Square Shoe Nails and Round Shoe Nails

    Wang Zhong once again sized up the girl who had brought the ¡°orders,¡± noticing that she seemed to have some Eastern descent¡ªwhich made sense. If the Ante Empire was an alternate dimension version of Tsarist Russia, it would likely have many Eastern people living within its borders.

    However, the girl¡¯s eyes weren¡¯t ck, which considerably reduced the sense of Wang Zhong finding a familiar face in a foreignnd.

    Upon closer inspection, the girl¡¯s ck hair also wasn¡¯t purely ck.

    Moreover, as if corresponding with the Eastern features, the girl¡¯s figure was drastically different from Ludm¡¯s¡ªit was likeparing heaven and earth.

    Of course, this was mainly because Ludm was quite voluptuous¡ªthe nurse who had bandaged Wang Zhong before was also quite curvy. Perhaps the females among the Ante People tended to be fuller figured.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are you a Hymn Monk?¡±

    The girl looked at Wang Zhong with confusion, but after seeing his rank, she immediately stood at attention and saluted: ¡°Lieutenant Colonel! I am thest survivor of the Ronied Hymn Choir, Hymn Monk Sufang Batu Wendusu.¡±

    The name Batuvindasu sounded very Mongolian; surely, this girl had Eastern heritage.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You said you¡¯re thest survivor?¡±"Yes, the church where the headquarters was located came under heavy artillery fire. The Hymn Choir was in a building next to it¡ªI heard that this was what happened. I survived because I had been sent out with Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s Divine Arrow squad,¡± she exined.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I was at the scene when the shelling happened. His Grace was killed, and the entire staff of the headquarters andmunications team were all wiped out; your colleagues from the Hymn Choir must have been inside.¡±

    A shadow fell across the girl¡¯s face; her long eyshes drooped as she cast her gaze to the ground: ¡°They¡­ I hope they went to heaven without any pain.¡±

    As she spoke, the girl made a gesture in front of her chest.

    Wang Zhong had not paid attention when he saw people making the gesture before, thinking it was a cross, but now he realized it was not a cross at all, but an inverted triangle.

    It was a close call that he noticed; otherwise, making the sign of the crosster might have given him away.

    At that moment, Bishop Stepan stepped between Wang Zhong and the girl, asserting in a loud voice: ¡°There¡¯s no time to lose; we must depart at once! Shepetovka is far from here. If we walked, it would take days, and that¡¯s if we could even arrive!¡±

    Wang Zhong red furiously at this man¡ªwho had just been about to execute him¡ªand recalled the sense of discord he had previously felt about him¡ªabout them.

    During World War II, at the start of Operation Barbarossa, Germany deployed arge number of ¡°fifth column¡± agents¡ªspies¡ªinto the Soviet Union to sabotage and disrupt the actions of the Soviet military.

    Could these people be doing the same?

    Wang Zhong thought again about this man¡¯s wariness towards Yegorov¡¯s submachine gun.

    That reaction¡­ It almost felt like he was treating Yegorov as an enemy on alert.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong had a stroke of inspiration, recalling a scene from the movie ¡°The Brest Fortress¡± and decided to repeat what he saw: ¡°I want to see the sole of your shoe! The soles of our country¡¯s shoes all have round anti-slip studs, but the Prussians¡¯ studs are square! If you¡¯re an undercover spy, the shoes you¡¯re wearing might just be from the Prosen!¡±

    In the movie, a Soviet officer used this tactic to bluff a German spy; in reality, there was no difference between the two sides¡¯ shoe studs.

    But thinking they had overlooked this detail, the German spy let his guard down and exposed a weakness, after which justice was swiftly served.

    Wang Zhong simply thought to give it a try.

    Bishop Stepan¡¯s face remained calm, and he said indifferently: ¡°Alright, look if you must! Afterward, I will also want to see your shoe studs.¡±

    Then, he leaned on the table and lifted his foot for everyone to see the studs.

    Square.

    The bishop stiffened.

    Yegorov aimed his submachine gun at the bishop and demanded, ¡°Exin yourself, Your Excellency.¡±

    At that moment, Hymn Monk Sufang spoke up, ¡°When you think about it, it¡¯s very strange. Bishop Stepan should be taller. But you, you do look a lot like him¡­¡±

    The other Monks also showed hesitation: ¡°Indeed, the bishop should be taller.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Have you been with him the entire time?¡±

    "No, we were following the third Amur Group as ordered by you, the count, serving as guides for the field hospital and the headquarters, Your Excellency. The bishop joined us midway¡­ But he does indeed look exactly like the bishop!¡±

    Wang Zhong also drew his gun, ¡°That¡¯s because the Prosen people carefully selected someone for infiltration and destruction. And I guess he¡¯s also in disguise. Someone, throw water on the bishop¡¯s face!¡±

    Yegorov immediately untied his canteen and said, ¡°This canteen of mine contains alcohol, which can remove waterproof makeup!¡±

    After he finished speaking, he unscrewed the cap and took a swig, with the scent of alcohol wafting out the moment he opened it.

    Then Yegorov poured all the water from the canteen over Bishop Stepan¡¯s head.

    The first to dissolve were the eyebrows, with the ck of the eyebrow pencil melting and running down ¡°the bishop¡¯s¡± cheeks.

    Suddenly, Bishop Stepan grabbed something from the table and hurled it at Shaposhnikov¡¯s gun!

    By then, Wang Zhong¡¯s gun was already drawn, andpared to thest time he executed deserters, his hand was much steadier this time.

    Two shots rang out, and ¡°Bishop Stepan¡¯s¡± movements slowed; his arms spread outward as he pitched forward.

    Yegorov clicked his tongue, ¡°No wonder they picked a fight like a pair of fools just now, turns out he was a Prosen spy!¡±

    Judge Shaposhnikov said, ¡°We discovered a Prosen spy before the war started. We were torturing him when the war broke out. Prosen bombers dropped their bombs. If not for that, we would certainly have destroyed the Prosen spywork in the city of Ronied!¡±

    Wang Zhong had not forgotten the scene of ¡°the bishop¡± exchanging nces with these ¡°Judges¡±.

    He spoke out loud, ¡°Just now you also drew your gun on me, how can I trust that you are not another spy? Think about it, you don¡¯t even know that I have a close rtionship with the Crown Prince. Suspicious, very suspicious.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to ask the other Monks in the room, ¡°Have these two Judges been with you the whole time?¡±

    "No, they joined us together with the bishop,¡± the Monk said, backing away to clear the line of fire, making sure not to get caught in the crossfire when Yegorov swept the area with his gun.

    Only Sufang still stood at the doorway, cluelessly.

    Suddenly, Shaposhnikov grabbed Sufang, using him as a human shield in front of himself.

    While the act of taking a hostage captured everyone¡¯s attention, the other ¡°Judge¡± drew a pistol that closely resembled a ¡°box cannon¡± and aimed to shoot Wang Zhong.

    Although Sufang¡¯s upper body was restrained, his legs could still move. At the critical moment, heunched a kick, hitting the wrist of the second man precisely and sending the bullet flying, brushing past Wang Zhong¡¯s hat.

    "Judge Shaposhnikov¡± pressed the gun against Sufang¡¯s forehead, ¡°Stay put!¡±

    Then he began to speak in Prosen.

    Yegorov opened fire, taking down the fake Judge who was not holding a hostage with a short burst from his submachine gun.

    The spy holding Sufang hostage started shouting something in a panicked tone.

    Wang Zhong took a step forward and said, ¡°Calm down, you won¡¯t escape. You¡¯d better surrender!¡±

    The spy burst intoughter, ¡°Taking away thest Hymn Monk wouldn¡¯t be too bad, ah? We know exactly how poor your country¡¯s wireless technology is!¡±

    It seemed like the enemy was about to ¡°tear up the ticket¡±!

    In a moment of quick thinking, Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Long live the Prosen Empire!¡±

    The enemy, caught off guard, paused, ¡°Huh?¡±

    In that brief moment, the gant Yegorov had already rushed forward, using the barrel of his submachine gun to force the gun away from Sufang¡¯s temple, then fired point-nk at the enemy¡¯s head.

    The spy¡¯s head burst open, leaving arge gory hole, looking much like a watermelon that had been smashed open with a hammer for 40 cents.

 Chapter 17: â€œI Guess,â€ â€œI Judge,â€ and â€œIâ€™m Sure

    The battle ended before Wang Zhong even had time to react.

    Yegorov stepped forward, stepping on the fake Judge¡¯s hand and bent down to feel his neck.

    "Dead,¡± Yegorov spat on the enemy¡¯s back after dering, ¡°You initiated this sneak attack after tearing up the non-aggression treaty, and then you y these dirty tricks!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Search their bodies, see if there are any valuable documents on them.¡±

    "How could there be? They are spies sent here to sabotage, so their documents and IDs are definitely forged!¡± Despite his grumbling, Yegorov still nodded to the nonmissioned officers below him, signaling them to start searching the bodies.

    Wang Zhong then turned to Sofya: ¡°You are¡­a Hymn Monk?¡±

    Since Wang Zhong had never heard of the term Hymn Monk, he subconsciously asked again for confirmation.

    Sofya snapped to attention: ¡°Reporting, yes, sir!¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand: ¡°Don¡¯t be so stiff, at ease. Can you contact uh¡­¡±Originally, Wang Zhong wanted to mention the ce name, but he had forgotten the long name¡ªthat was the trouble with being transported to a Western-style world. The people¡¯s names and ce names were all long.

    This was especially true in a setting reminiscent of Russia, which doubled the length.

    While Wang Zhong was blocked by the ce name, he made a quick decision to switch to a bird¡¯s-eye view, zooming out to the farthest point, and then satisfyingly noticed a veryrge ce name in the distance called Argesukov, which seemed to be a city.

    He assumed that must be where the Ante Military Region Command was located, and he seemed to have some recollection of the name, so he decisively said, ¡°Can you get in touch with the Hymn Choir in Argesukov?¡±

    Sofya: ¡°Not now.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How aboutter?¡±

    Perhaps the people of this time and space all knew what Hymn Monks were, so everyone in the room surprisingly looked at Wang Zhong.

    But Wang Zhong had no time to worry about that. He needed to understand the situation, right? Recing the count who seemed to be useless, probablycking in military knowledge, he should be able to bluff his way through.

    Sofya: ¡°As long as I have a simple altar and the necessary utensils, and time to conduct mass, I can make calls. But they may not always be heard, so I need to repeatedly call out.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But you don¡¯t need to do anything to hear others¡¯ calls, correct?¡±

    "I need to concentrate,¡± said Sofya. ¡°So it¡¯s best to have a peaceful environment. I heard the call while I was resting just now.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Understood.¡±

    He summed it up: Hymn Monks were like human radios, requiring time to set up to receive messages, and sending messages was even more troublesome, requiring a stable rear position.

    Meaning, they couldn¡¯t make use of the Hymn Monk for the time being.

    Sofya looked at Wang Zhong: ¡°Do you¡­need me to do anything?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Besides chanting hymns, what else can you do?¡±

    "I can shoot,¡± said Sofya confidently. ¡°My father was a hunter. He taught me to shoot roe deer when I was young.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to Yegorov: ¡°Give her a gun, she might be somewhat useful.¡±

    His order was executed immediately.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yegorov, what¡¯s the situation with the troops?¡±

    "Restocking and resting. Also, I¡¯ve dispatched scouts along the road to conduct reconnaissance. We should wait for their return.¡±

    Upon hearing about the scouts, Wang Zhong immediately switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view¡ªthen thinking it wouldn¡¯t look right to just stand there spacing out, he switched back, walked to the map, put on a show of examining it, then switched back again.

    This way, to outsiders, he was intensely studying the map¡ªspacing out.

    But no one knew that he was actually spacing out, right?

    Wang Zhong confirmed what he could see in his current field of vision. From his bird¡¯s-eye view, it really felt like ying a real-time strategy game.

    The area outside his vision was covered in ayer of ¡°fog of war,¡± only dim buildings and terrain visible, shrouded in a veil of grey.

    The areas within his field of vision were colored and much brighter.

    Wang Zhong quickly discovered several independent vision areas around the main force, and upon closer inspection, indeed they belonged to the reconnaissance troops dispatched by Yegorov.

    In other words, the mechanism of my ¡°cheat¡± allows me to gain the vision of the entire unit as long as I can speak with the leaders of the subordinate units.

    Not far from the main force of the Third Amur Group, heading eastward, a small path diverged from the main road, nked on both sides by birch forests¡ªthough Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t recognize the birches. He had only ever seen them bare of leaves in winter in a music video, never this lush and verdant type.

    But Golden Finger came with a guide that floated the words ¡°Birch Forest¡± above the trees.

    Why does Golden Finger insist on telling Wang Zhong these are birch trees? Perhaps because in this world, two lovers also carved their names in a birch forest?

    Wang Zhong brushed aside these irrelevant thoughts and observed the advancing scouts, who had somehow acquired horses and were now galloping along the pathway without encountering any Prussians.

    Meanwhile, on the eastern highway, the scouts hadn¡¯t gone far before they came upon a Prussian supply station, which seemed hastily guarded, with only a few guards present.

    Machine guns were mounted at the checkpoint, but the two gunners stood by their weapons drinking coffee.

    Clearly, the enemy had not anticipated an attack on this supply station.

    A group of enemy soldiers, even without weapons, were busy constructing sentry posts and vehicle barriers.

    Inside the supply station, there were plenty of trucks!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yegorov, assemble the troops.¡±

    The voice of Yegorov sounded surprised: ¡°Now? We should wait for the scouts to return with their report¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re moving east to¡­¡±

    As he spoke, he switched back to his own perspective, then realized that the map in front of him still hadn¡¯t marked the supply station.

    Damn it, how do I exin to people how I knew the supply station was there?

    The next moment, Wang Zhong had an idea, and he said to Yegorov, ¡°The Prussians are very rigid in warfare. They must have constructed supply stations at the rear. I guess it should be here!¡±

    He picked up thepass beside the map and stuck its point where he had seen the supply station.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy certainly thinks our target is their Army Group Command, so the supply station is likely to be poorly defended.¡±

    Staff Officer Pavlov frowned: ¡°Is this your conjecture?¡±

    No, I saw it with my ¡®cheat.¡¯

    Wang Zhong, with a stern face: ¡°Yes. In battle, you must make decisions on the fly. There¡¯s no time to argue with you. Yegorov, gather the troops!¡±

    Yegorov saluted and went out.

    Pavlov still looked puzzled: ¡°What¡¯s the point of attacking a supply station?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tomandeer vehicles. Dreaming of outrunning the enemy on foot is foolish; we need to escape using the enemy¡¯s trucks. The front-line enemy units might not have that many trucks, but their supply stations¡ªdefinitely for transporting supplies! Blow up the supplies, and the trucks can transport troops.¡±

    Pavlov kept shaking his head: ¡°No, no, this goes against all militarymon sense! Such a ridiculousbat n would score a zero!¡±

    Wang Zhong sternly replied: ¡°This is a battlefield, not a test.¡±

    Sufang: ¡°He¡¯s right!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Sufang quizzically: ¡°Why are you still here?¡±

    Sufang: ¡°The Hymn Monk should be with the highest-rankingmander on site, that¡¯s what the manual says.¡±

    Wang Zhong curled his lip and nced subconsciously at Sufang¡¯s chest, then he remembered Ludm¡¯s fullness.

    He had a question and asked: ¡°Monk¡­ are most of them women?¡±

    Sufang: ¡°About half and half, butpared to the military, there are indeed more women. Why do you ask?¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could answer, Yegorov came in: ¡°The troops are on the move; we should go too.¡±

    "Leave a liaison officer to tell the field hospital and logistics units following us where we are going,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    Yegorov: ¡°I have already arranged it.¡±

 Chapter 18: The Singing Sounds Like Bright Spring Sunshine

    Wang Zhong nodded, then strode out the door. Outside, he turned around and added, ¡°Bring all the maps, and the documents too. Get on our jeep.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to walk with the soldiers; mainly, he would get dizzy when he walked with this perspective. Although riding in a vehicle could also make him dizzy, it happened more slowly, and he could monitor the overall situation from a bird¡¯s-eye view for a longer period.

    Upon stepping outside, Wang Zhong saw that Captain Sergey was already waiting in the jeep.

    "You¡¯re pretty quick with your actions.¡±

    Sergey cracked a wry smile, ¡°If I sit in the car, no one will see my trousers.¡±

    So that was the reason.

    Wang Zhong got into the car and turned to Yegorov, saying, ¡°You get in too.¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°I need to be where the messengers can find me.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°Take an Ante Army g and tie it to the car. Tell the messenger corpsmander to look for the jeep with the army g.¡±As they spoke, Yegorov¡¯s guard had already fetched a g, promptly inserting it at an angle on the rear of the vehicle and securing it tightly with a few turns of a strap.

    The base color of the g was white,yered with a blue X cross in the middle, and at the top, the pattern was a double-headed eagle.

    My goodness, the St. Andrew¡¯s Cross gbined with the Double-headed Eagle emblem, that¡¯s quite bold.

    Yegorov looked at Wang Zhong with suspicion, ¡°Why must you bring me along?¡±

    Of course, because I can have the troop¡¯s view bymunicating with you!

    Wang Zhong reasoned that if he just drove away, he would immediately lose sight of the third detachment of the Amur Group.

    Therefore, Yegorov had to get into the vehicle.

    But he couldn¡¯t disclose that reason, so Wang Zhong began to make up an excuse, ¡°As amander, of course, you need to be at the very front of the troops at all times, to personally inspect the terrain where battles may ur.¡±

    Sergey looked at Wang Zhong sideways, as if he had much to say.

    Indeed, a newbie who had just wet his pants, now suddenly so brave and even keen to scout out the front, anyone would find it strange.

    Yegorov clicked his tongue, ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound like something a noble lord would say. The noble lords never go to the front lines; they only draw lines on maps. I experienced that during the civil war.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I¡¯m not quite the same as others.¡±

    It was only because there was no one present who knew the original count that he could bluff so audaciously.

    Just as he thought that, Sufang spoke up, ¡°That¡¯s not right. I heard that Count Rocossov was a frivolous scoundrel who always looked down on themoners and only came to the troops to get a military uniform so he could go back to St. Ye Katerina Fortress and brag to the nobledies.¡±

    "They also say that the Count never appears on the training grounds, not even for the morning drills.¡±

    Wang Zhong broke out into a cold sweat and could only parry with, ¡°That was then, I¡¯ve metamorphosed. I mean, bombarded into transformation by the Prosen artillery.¡±

    Sufang looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°Really? You do seem quite different from the rumors; you¡¯re not frivolous at all¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong interjected, ¡°I must remind you, I am your superior officer, themander of this unit.¡±

    "Ah!¡± Sufang eximed, ¡°Indeed, I shouldn¡¯t speak ill of you.¡±

    At this point, Yegorov had already gotten into the car and looked at his staff officer Pavlov, saying, ¡°You¡¯d better note with us. In case we¡¯re strafed by an enemy ne and killed, we¡¯ll still have you tomand the troops.¡±

    Pavlov nodded.

    At that moment, Yegorov¡¯s guard moved to get on the jeep, but Sufang beat him to the punch and slipped into the rear of the vehicle first.

    The guard questioned, ¡°Is there¡­ enough room?¡±

    Wang Zhong dered, ¡°We don¡¯t need a guard; you stay with Staff Officer Pavlov.¡±

    Having the bird¡¯s-eye view and the whole army¡¯s perspective indeed made it harder to encounter enemies.

    Wang Zhong and Ludm could have crossed back to their own lines without firing a single shot if they hadn¡¯t been spotted by the enemy while fleeing through the city, or if the military jeep hadn¡¯t chased after them from behind.

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, and Captain Sergey immediately understood, releasing the clutch, engaging the gear, and stepping on the gas.

    The captured jeep roared as it shot forward.

    The Amur Group had already begun moving out, and the jeep drove past the troops heading west.

    Wang Zhong had just pped his head when he realized the army g he¡¯d nted on the jeep was having a good effect; seeing the g charging ahead first, with Colonel Yegorov sitting in the vehicle, the troops¡¯ morale soared, and they began to shout ¡°Ura¡±!

    The cry of ¡°Ura¡± suddenly spread throughout the entire column, and everyone looked at the jeep charging ahead with fervent eyes.

    Amidst the chants of ¡°Ura,¡± a booming voice shouted, ¡°Yegorov! Lead us in thrashing those damn Prussians!¡±

    Yegorov shouted, ¡°Remember, ourmander is the great Count Rocossov! It is the Count¡¯s orders that have brought us such great sess!¡±

    Although Wang Zhong was in a bird¡¯s-eye view, his hearing was unaffected, and he heard Yegorov¡¯s words loud and clear.

    At the same time, he also clearly heard that the cheering of ¡°Ura¡± stopped abruptly after Yegorov had shouted.

    It seemed that Count Rocossov had already gained an infamous reputation among the soldiers.

    Wang Zhong switched back to the original perspective just in time to hear Yegorov shout, ¡°What are you doing? Don¡¯t stop cheering! Look, the Count is right here, charging ahead with me!¡±

    "Yegorov!¡± Wang Zhong spoke up, ¡°Let everyone sing a song, something they like, something that can boost morale!¡±

    Yegorov was in a fix, ¡°A song both you and everyone likes, I¡¯m afraid there isn¡¯t one.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°What about a military song?¡±

    "No one likes military songs,¡± Yegorov said frankly, ¡°what the soldiers like are¡­ well, rather crude things.¡±

    Wang Zhong insisted, ¡°Then let¡¯s have something crude!¡±

    Yegorov agreed, ¡°Alright! Petrov! You start, sing ¡®The Girl from the Neighboring Vige¡¯!¡±

    The Girl from the Neighboring Vige? That didn¡¯t sound like a proper song at all.

    Singing such a song at this time, wouldn¡¯t it actually undermine morale? Or should I recite a segment from War General of the Three Kingdoms?

    At that moment, Sofya suddenly started singing.

    As soon as Wang Zhong heard the tune, a chill ran down his spine; wasn¡¯t this Katyusha?

    Legend had it that during World War II, when the Germans yed Katyusha on a phonograph on their position, the Soviets heard it and became so enraged that they mounted a charge, took over the position, and captured the phonograph, with all the German soldiers there being gunned down.

    Sofya sang, ¡°It was the perfect time when the pear blossoms were in full bloom¡­¡±

    It really was Katyusha!

    After Sofya sang the first verse in soprano, the soldiers marching seemed to have agreed upon it, joining in unison, singing the chorus together.

    Katyusha stood on the steep bank

    Her song was like the bright spring sunshine

    Katyusha stood on the steep bank

    Her song was like the bright spring sunshine!

    With the song, even Wang Zhong could feel the rising morale.

    By this point, the jeep had overtaken the very front of the column, bing a true pathfinder.

    Wang Zhong directed, ¡°There¡¯s a slope ahead, drive up it. I want to have a look at the terrain.¡±

 Chapter 19: â€œPerhaps This is The Complexity of Humans

    After the jeep climbed to the top of the hill, Wang Zhong said to Yegorov, ¡°Stand in a conspicuous ce. Sufang, unfurl the banner, and make sure others can see clearly that it¡¯s our army g.¡±

    Sufang looked bewildered, as if she didn¡¯t understand why Wang Zhong was emphasizing the army g so much, but she still unfurled the g.

    Wang Zhong jumped out of the car and, holding a pair of binocrs, came up beside Yegorov. He raised the binocrs to look into the distance.

    Atop the hill, he could barely make out the enemy¡¯s supply station, but even at the highest magnification on his binocrs, the view wasn¡¯t clear. That wasn¡¯t a problem for him though; a simple switch, and everything became crystal clear.

    However, Wang Zhong¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t on the supply station, but rather on a moving patch of terrain not far from the hill they were on.

    It was the reconnaissance soldiers retreating after surveying the supply station. Wang Zhong¡¯s orders to unfurl the g and have Yegorov stand in a clear ce were all to avoid being mistaken by the recon squad for a senior Prosen officering to inspect.

    Dying at the hands of one¡¯s own army was the most valueless death in this war.

    The reconnaissance squad should have been able to see the army g by now. Wang Zhong switched back to normal vision and patted Yegorov on the shoulder, ¡°The scouts are back, go greet them.¡±

    Yegorov, also holding binocrs, looked puzzled when he heard Wang Zhong¡¯s words. He nced at the distance and then at the binocrs, ¡°You saw the scout team?¡±I saw them, from a god¡¯s perspective.

    All Wang Zhong could do was fob him off, ¡°Their camouging skills need to improve.¡±

    Yegorov¡¯s brows twisted as if he were trying to unravel a knot, and at that moment, arge figure emerged from the forest in front, holding a Prosen-standard submachine gun, ¡°Freeze, hands up!¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Grigori, put the gun down.¡±

    The towering man raised his eyebrows in scrutiny, recognizing Yegorov¡¯s face before lowering the gun, ¡°What¡¯s going on? How did youe to be here?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Forward reconnaissance. Also, just now the count noticed you from hundreds of meters away and criticized your disguise!¡±

    Wang Zhong was embarrassed; he had only made up a casual excuse, not expecting Yegorov to take it seriously.

    The man called Grigori muttered, ¡°Count? Which count?¡±

    He examined Wang Zhong closely, ¡°Don¡¯t recognize him, aren¡¯t we under themand of the Duke?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Duke perished under the enemy¡¯s naval bombardment. Now I¡¯m inmand of you. Report on the reconnaissance.¡±

    Grigori: ¡°The Prosen bastards werepletely off guard; we got close to a couple of edge sentries, and they didn¡¯t detect a thing.¡±

    Wang Zhong switched to an overhead view, but found the supply station enshrouded in the fog of war. It seemed he had to lift the binocrs to his eyes to dispel the mist of distance.

    He switched back to normal vision, preparing to lift the binocrs, but saw several Ante Army soldiers crawl out from the underbrush and stand behind Grigori.

    With an expectant look, Grigori waited, and so Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Did you bring in the two sentries?¡±

    "No, we wanted to interrogate them, but they tried to shout, so we slit their throats.¡± Grigori gestured across his neck, indicating that this gesture seems to be universally understood across multiple universes.

    Wang Zhong nodded, then lifted the binocrs and switched views again. This time, the enemy supply station ¡°lit up.¡± Indeed, it was still in that ¡°peaceful years¡± state, and no one seemed to have noticed the Ante Army g on the hill.

    Wang Zhong put down the binocrs and turned back to Sufang, ¡°Roll up the army g, no need to keep it disyed.¡±

    He turned to Yegorov, ¡°We¡¯re nning a surprise attack on this supply station. Should we have our troops stop on the reverse slope behind the hill, gather a hundred experienced veterans, and concentrate as many submachine guns and hand grenades as possible into their hands?¡±

    Yegorov nodded vigorously and immediately turned to give orders, while Wang Zhong looked at Grigori, ¡°Are you the reconnaissance team leader?¡±

    "Yes, Colonel¡ªMy Lord Count.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°After the assault team assembles, you will lead them in attacking the supply station. Do you feel confident?¡±

    Grigori smiled, ¡°A hundred men is too many. It¡¯s easy for the enemy to detect us. Ten men armed with submachine guns and grenades would suffice. I have five men here, with two submachine guns. If you can find me another five men, eight submachine guns will be enough.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What if I say you can¡¯t damage the vehicles and fuel? We need the enemy¡¯s vehicles for our retreat.¡±

    Grigori: ¡°Retreat? I thought we were going to keep attacking, to wreak havoc on the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, we can go to our deaths, but we must die with more value. In this situation, if our small force continues to attack, it¡¯s like soap bubbles under the sun, vanishing instantly without any impact on the overall situation.¡±

    Grigori: ¡°But tounch an attack just for the sake of retreating¡­ I bet your staff officer screamed at that.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°All my staff have died.¡±

    Just then, as Yegorov came back having finished giving orders, he chimed in, ¡°Staff officer Pavlov did indeed let out a scream.¡±

    He paused, his face turning stern, ¡°I request to lead this assault team.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No.¡±

    It wasn¡¯t that Wang Zhong was sparing of his talents; rather, Yegorov could ¡°open the field of vision¡± at his side. If Yegorov bit the dust,mand would go by default to Pavlov in the rear, and Wang Zhong would be limited to what he could see, significantly reducing his awareness of the battlefield situation.

    Yegorov¡¯s brow furrowed in preparation to protest, but Grigori spoke up, ¡°The battalionmander just wants to kill the enemy with his own hands. Actually, I, being more familiar with the terrain, would do the job better than him. My Lord Count, I advise against the change.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yegorov, stay here.¡±

    Yegorov was indignant. Suddenly recalling the question Wang Zhong had just posed, he demanded, ¡°You haven¡¯t answered the Count¡¯s question from earlier! Is it possible not to destroy the vehicles and fuel?¡±

    "Yes, but it will take a bit longer, considering we can no longer use explosives. We¡¯ll need to stealthily take out a few sentries and get our people into positions where they can wipe out the enemy in one fell swoop. It¡¯s not a big problem,¡± Grigori confidently exined.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll give you ten men, all selected from veterans with experience in the Winter War or the Civil War.¡±

    By this time, Yegorov¡¯s orders had been carried out to the letter. A group of soldiers, brandishing submachine guns, ascended to the mountaintop. The captain leading them saluted and reported, ¡°Sir, we don¡¯t have that many submachine guns, mainly because our casualties have been too severe, and many of the nonmissioned officers who carried them are dead.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°There¡¯s been a change of ns. Sergeant Major Grigori only needs ten submachine guns now, and also five people with stuffed homes. Whoever is willing to take on this mission, step forward.¡±

    The group of men who had climbed the mountain were volunteers to begin with. Upon hearing his words, they unanimously took a step forward.

    Wang Zhong said to Sergeant Major Grigori, ¡°You pick the men yourself. Same for the guns. You have ten minutes, then set off.¡±

    "Five minutes will do!¡± said Grigori before walking over to the volunteers.

    A sergeant took the initiative to speak up, ¡°I¡¯ll go, Corporal Grigori.¡±

    Grigori: ¡°Hmph, I thought you were dead, kid.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Grigori¡¯s military rank, puzzled, ¡°Corporal?¡±

    "When this guy was in basic training, I was a corporal,¡± said Sergeant Major Grigori.

    Just then, a youngnce corporal called out, ¡°Sergeant Major, I¡¯ll go!¡±

    "Not you,¡± Grigori shook his head, ¡°you¡¯re not married yet. You need to keep your life.¡±

    It seemed as if to preempt further volunteers, Grigori swiftly picked the remaining men, ¡°That¡¯s enough, the rest of you disperse! Go back to your homes!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, the rest will be the second echelon. If Grigori, you can¡¯t take it down, they go in. If you seed in capturing the depot, fire a signal re. Give him a signal pistol.¡±

    Taking the signal pistol, Grigori gestured grandly to the assault team he had selected: ¡°Grab your weapons, fast!¡±

    At that moment, an original member of Grigori¡¯s scouting team asked, ¡°What about us, Sergeant Major?¡±

    "Petrov, you stay back. We need someone familiar with the situation to lead the second echelon. The rest of you, follow me. Also, leave all the grenades. The Count is worried about setting off the fuel and ammunition inside, so we can¡¯t use them. Just unload them to lighten our load and move fast.

    "Don¡¯t carry too much ammo either, just two magazines each. If we can¡¯t take them down with two magazines, more probably won¡¯t help.¡±

    As he spoke, Grigori tossed his grenade pouch on the ground and pulled two magazines from his ammo carrier to hand to a soldier nearby.

    Following that, Grigori swiftly led his light-equipped force into the bushes.

    Wang Zhong stood on the mountaintop and once again struck the pose of lifting his binocrs.

    Cut to the bird¡¯s-eye view. He could clearly see the movements of Grigori¡¯s separate unit, which, aside from not being under his control, was just like a real-time strategy game.

    He watched Grigori¡¯s squad move towards the depot and soon felt a soreness in his arm.

    Well, holding up an arm for too long does cause it to ache!

    He had no choice but to put down the binocrs, and as a result, the ¡°lit¡± area of his bird¡¯s-eye view shrank abruptly.

    Nheless, he could see the field of view for Grigori¡¯s squad moving towards the enemy.

    Wang Zhong waited patiently.

    **

    To those around Wang Zhong, he appeared to be gazing off into the distance in a daze.

    Sitting in the back of the jeep, Sofya looked at Wang Zhong, puzzled. She couldn¡¯t help but nudge Sergey, who was sitting in the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°Captain, does the Count often stare off into the distance like this?¡±

    Sergey: ¡°I don¡¯t know. Before today, I had only seen him at balls. He¡­¡±

    Sergey trailed off.

    Sofya: ¡°What about him?¡±

    "Err¡­¡± Sergey deliberated for a moment and spoke in a hushed voice, ¡°He¡¯s uneducated. The Duchess really dislikes him, saying he¡¯s like a monkey in heat, only capable of speaking monkey talk.¡±

    After a second¡¯s hesitation, Sergey added, ¡°Today he wet himself on the battlefield and then forcibly took my trousers to wear.¡±

    Sofya was shocked, ¡°What? But when the Monk regiment and I were looking for you guys, all I heard was praise, saying the Countmanded effectively and caught the enemy by surprise.

    "Ludm from the Divine Arrow squad even said he was very brave, leading just the two of them through enemy territory and saved her life!¡±

    Sergey spread his hands, ¡°Maybe¡­ That¡¯s theplexity of people?¡±

 Chapter 20: Wrath

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t hear Sergey speaking ill of him, nor did he hear the news about Ludm that he was so eager to know about.

    His attention was entirely on the stealth squad.

    The squad spread outpletely. With the aid of his external device, Wang Zhong could see everyone¡¯s name and rank, which reminded him of a war game he had yed called ¡°Warrior of War,¡± except that he couldn¡¯t inspect their equipment.

    However, unlike ¡°Warrior of War,¡± where he could take control of a single soldier, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t do that; he could only watch the soldiers advance.

    Grigori led three men, sneaking into the depot from the location where they had taken out the two sentries earlier, and then headed straight for the fuel storage.

    Next to the fuel, two Prussians seemed to be counting the inventory. Grigori charged forward, taking advantage of the enemy looking down at their list to end one with a dagger.

    The other had just time to look up before a dagger pierced his throat.

    Grigori then sent one man to check the fuel area for any overlooked enemies, and with the remaining two, used the cover of trucks to approach a group of Prussian ¡°devils¡± chatting together.

    At that moment, the second group also moved, targeting the sentry by the machine gun. The sentry was killed and dragged into the bushes before he could even cry out.This group then made their way to the people by the machine gun and the guardhouse, readying their submachine guns.

    The third group circled to the only wooden house at the corner of the fuel depot.

    That was when Wang Zhong suddenly noticed something: the enemy used to be highlighted in his overhead view, but now they weren¡¯t!

    He thought about it and considered a possibility; switching back to normal vision, he lifted his binocrs.

    After switching back to the overhead view, the enemies were highlighted again¡ªDamn it, the enemies would only be highlighted if I could see them myself!

    Not only that, enemies previously not disyed inside the wooden house were now visible too, probably because there were windows. Golden Finger assumed Wang Zhong could see inside through the windows, so it highlighted the enemies.

    Wang Zhong could already imagine himself sitting in a jeep, charging at the front lines in the future.

    Brainlessly highlighting enemies, even those inside buildings¡ªif the enemy constructed bunkers in the future, a nce from Wang Zhong would highlight the machine gunners inside.

    All hidden bunkers would be nowhere to hide!

    Wait a minute, wasn¡¯t this ability particrly suited for a tankmander? By sticking his head out of the turret, he could light up all the enemies¡­

    Unfortunately, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have a single tank in his possession at the moment.

    As Wang Zhong was lost in thought, the battle erupted.

    Grigori, the sergeant first ss, was the first to strike, spraying a barrage of bullets at the enemies who were gathered together, idly chatting.

    The Prussians were caught off guard and, clearly being second-line troops equipped with bolt-action rifles, didn¡¯t stand a chance in such close-quarterbat against submachine guns.

    The noise of gunfire caused the Prussians at the entrance to turn around,pletely unprepared for the Ante soldiers who suddenly emerged from behind them; a burst from a submachine gun spun two Prussians by the machine gun to the ground.

    The guards at the guardhouse managed to scatter and three survived, but their weapons were ced far away!

    One of the Prussians wielding a shovel charged forward, only to be taken down by the second submachine gunner.

    On the house side, a scout kicked open the door and sprayed bullets inside, killing the officers and service soldiers immediately.

    However, the attacking paratroopers were apparently too excited, and ran out of bullets quickly. As one was changing his magazine, an enemy emerged from the toilet, shouting and stabbing him with a bay.

    The paratrooper slumped and was pushed out of the doorway, at which point another paratrooper at the window opened fire, taking the Prussian down.

    The fight ended rtively cleanly.

    Grigori rushed to the woundedrade, but from Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective, he could tell that the man was dead.

    When Wang Zhong had previously ordered the third battalion of the Amur Group to attack, quite a few men must have died, though he didn¡¯t see it.

    Now, having witnessed a soldier sacrifice his life following hismand, Wang Zhong was filled with mixed emotions.

    Coming from a peaceful era, he might need some time to get used to the job of sending others to their death.

    But Grigori seemed ustomed to the death of hisrades. He just felt the fallen paratrooper¡¯s neck, then tore off his dog tags, stood up, took out a signal pistol, and fired a red re¡ªHong¡¯er¡¯s signal¡ªinto the sky.

    Wang Zhong switched back to normal vision, ¡°Yegorov, have the troops advance, take over the depot, and seize the trucks.¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong got into the jeep.

    Captain Sergey asked, ¡°To the depot?¡±

    "No, wait until Yegorov has issued the orders,¡± said Wang Zhong.

    To ensure his field of vision wasn¡¯t deprived, Yegorov had to stay with him.

    If they managed to get their hands on field telephones in the future, it wouldn¡¯t be so troublesome. However, the Prussian spy had said that the Ante Empire¡¯s radio technology was rtively poor, and indeed, Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t seen a single field telephone since he had been there.

    The enemy seemed not to have such devices either.

    Yegorov quickly finished issuing his instructions; turning around, he found Wang Zhong looking at him and asked, ¡°Should I¡­ continue to follow?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes,e on up.¡±

    Yegorov climbed into the car with a look of reluctance.

    At this time, the Third Rear Amur Group¡¯s vanguard had already started up the mountain from behind the reverse slope.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Sergey stepped on the gas, and the vehicle charged forward like a bull that had been waiting to fight. The wind that met them unfurled the g on the car.

    **

    A private of the Third Rear Amur Group, Ashmi, asked the sergeant walking beside him, ¡°Sergeant, did the count really piss himself? His usual practice of leading the charge doesn¡¯t seem like that of a coward.¡±

    The sergeant nced at the distant g and clicked his tongue, ¡°The battlefield is a ce where people can transform. Maybe after he pissed himself, he became brave.¡±

    At that moment, a private walking in front interjected, ¡°On the battlefield, demons choose their champions. My neighbor was a gentle and kind man before the civil war. After he returned, he changed, and in summer, the temperature around him would drop several degrees for no reason!

    "The vige priest said he might be possessed and even conducted an exorcism ceremony.¡±

    The corporal jumped in shock, ¡°Then isn¡¯t that bad for us?¡±

    "What do you know! A person who is possessed keeps winning battles. Two hundred years ago, Suvorov was possessed. It is said that he killed two hundred Carolingian heavy cavalrymen all by himself!¡±

    While saying this, the private rubbed his nose, ¡°Just you watch. I think the count is going to rise high into the clouds! Following him, our casualties will definitely be fewer than other units. Think about it, we have already left the encirclement, while our brother units are still fighting to the death inside it!¡±

    The corporal uttered an ¡°Oh¡± in response.

    At this time the sergeant said, ¡°Don¡¯t think too much, we¡¯re just ordinary soldiers. As long as we survive, everything will be fine. You¡¯re almost through the first day, rookie, be happy.¡±

    "Hmm,¡± the young corporal nodded his head.

    **

    Sergey drove the car all the way to the station and parked it in front of the little wooden house.

    Wang Zhong got out of the car and surveyed the house, ¡°This looks like a farmhouse. What happened to the people who lived here?¡±

    The house was ratherrge and even had an attic, big enough for arge family.

    Grigori had a grim expression and did not reply.

    Sofia said, ¡°They probably fled because of the war. Many people have run away since the fighting started.¡±

    Finally, Grigori spoke, ¡°No, this family didn¡¯t leave.¡±

    Wang Zhong had a bad premonition but still suppressed the feeling and asked, ¡°Then where are they now?¡±

    Grigori dropped a ¡°Follow me¡± and turned toward the backyard.

    Wang Zhong caught up with Grigori, and Yegorov and Sofia also got out of the car to follow.

    Captain Sergey stayed in the car as if his behind were glued to the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°I¡¯ll just stay here and watch the car.¡±

    Grigori led Wang Zhong into the backyard towards a small wooden hut.

    The hut emitted a strong odor that reminded Wang Zhong of when he was a child visiting his hometown¡ªback then, the rural areas in the north still used outhouses, and the stench was the same when you got close to one.

    The foul stench and swamp gasbined into a nauseating smell.

    His ominous premonition grew stronger.

    Grigori opened the door, then stepped aside, ¡°The owners of this house are here, have a look for yourself.¡±

    Wang Zhong pinched his nose and took a step forward, only to see an entire family, from old to young, all in thetrine, with traces of bay wounds on their bodies; two adult females had even been stripped of their clothes.

    Upon seeing what was in the pit, Sofia turned around and ran to the side of the house, holding onto the wall as she vomited violently.

    Wang Zhong clenched his fists in silence.

    Because of recent history, Chinese people naturally abhor such acts of massacring civilians, and Wang Zhong felt the same.

    Before he traveled through time, when he saw a photo of a certain entity bombing a hospital, he was filled with rage, itching with hatred.

    And now, the feeling was the same.

    Before Wang Zhong could express his emotions, Yegorov punched the wooden wall of the outhouse, shattering the nks and bruises appearing on his fist at a visibly fast rate.

    "Those damn Prosen bastards!¡±

    Wang Zhong patted Yegorov¡¯s shoulder, ¡°One day, we will bring the war to their shores. Just wait and see, one day!¡±

    Even Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t realized that at this moment, his goal in this world had shifted slightly.

    Of course, for the moment, it was just a slight, negligible shift.

 Chapter 21: Make a Night Escape

    Wang Zhong took a couple of deep breaths before he finally loosened the tight grip of his fists and said to Yegorov, ¡°Have them buried.¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°Digging graves will take time, and we coulde into contact with the following Prosen Army at any moment. My suggestion is to blow up thetrine. After we take the fuel, we¡¯re going to demolish this entire station anyway. Just add a few more explosives.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s do that.¡±

    After saying this, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to see the tragic sight again and turned to leave, when Su Fang asked, ¡°Is that a child?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned back once more, following Su Fang¡¯s gaze, and indeed saw a small figure.

    Yegorov cursed, ¡°Those bastards, they drowned him in the shit.¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t bear to look any longer and turned away from thetrine, entered the cabin through the back door leading from the yard, and headed straight for the map on the table.

    Unlike the map seized from the earlier Prosen division headquarters, this one did not show the positions ofbat troops but was marked with supply lines, stations, and transport units.

    For a moment, Wang Zhong considered following this map to disrupt the enemy¡¯s supply lines, which could potentially throw them into great chaos.But in the end, the urge to survive prevailed.

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Pack up the map and documents, they might be usefulter. Have the troops board the vehicles, and engineers, arrange the explosives as quickly as possible.¡±

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered something and wondered if there would be enough soldiers who knew how to drive, so he asked, ¡°Can we find enough drivers?¡±

    "Most people have driven tractors back home, and others were part of the local transport teams in their viges, no problem,¡± exined Yegorov.

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    At that moment, Pavlov rushed in, gasping for breath, but without pausing to catch his breath, he said, ¡°Are we really going to make a run for it in cars? The roads must be full of Prussians by now!¡±

    "The branch road we¡¯re taking doesn¡¯t have any,¡± Wang Zhong answered.

    "No cars now, but eventually, we¡¯ll have to join the main road, and it¡¯ll definitely be swarming with Prussians!¡±

    Pavlov was right; although the Third Rear Amur Group had found a gap, being in enemy territory, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising to encounter the enemy at any time if they traveled along the road.

    Given the limited strength of the Third Rear Amur Group, it seemed they would be quickly wiped out.

    Wang Zhong paced a few steps inside the cabin and suddenly noticed the nting sun outside the window.

    He immediately looked at his watch and was surprised to discover that it was already seven in the evening.

    The sun had not yet set at seven, which indicated that they were at a considerably hightitude, and it was also summertime.

    Having had no experience of living north of the Yangtze River before his journey through time, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know when the sun set in the northern summers, so he asked Yegorov, ¡°How long until it gets dark?¡±

    Yegorov also checked his watch and said, ¡°Sunset is in an hour, and it will bepletely dark around eight-thirty.¡±

    After a brief moment of deliberation, Wang Zhongmanded, ¡°Set up a simple defense, we¡¯ll wait here for the logistics troops and the field hospital to follow. The logistics unit has more drivers, and we can drive away more trucks.¡±

    Yegorov countered, ¡°But wouldn¡¯t that make us even more vulnerable on the road?¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled slightly, ¡°We are driving Prosen military vehicles with Prosen crosses on the outside. We¡¯ll turn on the lights at night, and they¡¯ll think we are one of their own.¡±

    Having heard the tales of volunteers using vehicle lights at night to deceive the American forces, Wang Zhong decided to put it into practice himself.

    Pavlov protested loudly, ¡°What if we get caught, then we¡¯re done for?¡±

    Wang Zhong retorted, ¡°I will be in the first vehicle leading the way. If we¡¯re done for, I¡¯ll die first.¡±

    After saying that, he regretted it; he had meant to prioritize his own survival, but impulsively, he had shown off¡­

    He could only hope that the enemy would be really that negligent.

    Thinking it over again, Wang Zhong felt unsure, so he added, ¡°Also, assign someone brave who speaks Prosen with me in the first vehicle. He will handle any inspection by the Prussians.¡±

    Pavlov raised an eyebrow, ¡°Can¡¯t you do it?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Should I be able to?¡±

    "No, you are a Lord after all!¡±

    Are nobles of this era expected to speak Prosen?

    At that moment, Su Fang said, ¡°I can speak Prosen. I¡¯ll ride in the same vehicle as Lord Rocossov and take the lead.¡±

    Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief; even if there was trouble, at least he would face death alongside a beautiful woman.

    He told Yegorov, ¡°You ride in the first vehicle too, bring along Grigori and their sabotage team, all armed with submachine guns. If any real trouble arises, we can still catch the Prosen bastards off guard.¡±

    "Great!¡± Yegorovughed, seemingly very fond of taking the lead in a charge.

    **

    At the same time, Lord Von Dietrich was pacing back and forth in his own headquarters. ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why hasn¡¯t the attacke? Has the scouting squad from the 54th Division arrived yet?¡±

    Themunications staff officer replied, ¡°Not yet, sir. We¡¯ve been maintaining radio contact with them continuously, but their jeep broke down, and the road conditions in thebat zone are atrocious.¡±

    Dietrich asked, ¡°What about the armored units? Have we made contact?¡±

    "We¡¯ve made contact with apanymander at the front,¡± the staff officer said. ¡°He has lost contact with the armored toon assigned to the 54th Division. It could simply be a radio failure in the toonmand vehicle, of course.¡±

    Dietrich sneered. ¡°An armored toon out of contact, plus the thick smoke from the heavy artillery bombardment, and the enemy hasunched a localized counterattack. These Ante People are prepared for a fight to the bitter end. But we¡¯ve been waiting so long, where are they?¡±

    Saying that, Dietrich moved to the window of the stone manor that served as the headquarters, looking out at the four tanks of the headquarters¡¯ direct tank toon on alert in the garden.

    The Armored Troops were ready for action, with their vehicles¡¯ engines running.

    But the attackers werete.

    Dietrich demanded, ¡°Call the Air Force, I want air support!¡±

    "Lord, sir,¡± the chief of staff spoke up, ¡°it will be dark in an hour, and even if the Air Force mobilizes and arrives, they won¡¯t be able to see anything.¡±

    Lord muttered a curse and continued pacing the room.

    At that moment, an explosion suddenly came from the distance.

    He rushed to the window to look in the direction of the sound and saw a ball of orange fire rising from the ground.

    The chief of staff also leaned over, recognizing the location of the rising fireball at a nce. ¡°Looks like the forward supply depot has blown up. An Ant Air Force bombing? But there¡¯s no sound of engines.¡±

    Dietrich roared, ¡°Idiots! The enemy we¡¯ve been searching for is there! Damn it, the threats on the radio were a feint, a diversion! Deploy the troops immediately!¡±

    The chief of staff said, ¡°The reserves are stuck on the road, remember? Right now, the only forces we have on hand that can be deployed immediately are the Army Group¡¯s air defense and reconnaissance units. Should we send them?¡±

    Dietrich swore, ¡°No, this is the enemy¡¯s all-out counterattack. Sending so few troops might lead them into a trap. Tell the reserves to hurry!¡±

    **

    Wang Zhong nced behind him when he heard the explosion. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s quite dramatic.¡±

    His vehicle was at the very front of the column, and the bombs, set with timed fuses by the engineers, had exploded after the entire convoy had set out. So now he was at least a kilometer away from the supply depot, but the fireball created by the explosion still looked impressively huge.

    It was almost like a nuclear explosion.

    Although Wang Zhong had only seen images of nuclear explosions in documentaries.

    At that moment, Captain Sergey, who was driving, said, ¡°Why does it have to be me driving this first vehicle? Can¡¯t you find someone else?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°This is me trusting you.¡±

    Actually, it was because Sergey, as a nobleman, spoke both Prosen and Carolingian.

    Sergey cursed, ¡°Damn it, what kind of suicidal orders are these? Driving with the headlights on, on a main road! We¡¯re definitely going to be spotted and then riddled with submachine gun fire.¡±

    Sufang said, ¡°Even I, a girl, am not afraid. Why are you so scared?¡±

    At that moment, Sufang was squeezed into the same spot as Wang Zhong.

    The girl was t in front but had a big backside, which squeezed Wang Zhong right up against the side of the driving cabin, next to the door.

    In another context, Wang Zhong might have enjoyed it, but right now he had switched to an overhead, bird¡¯s-eye view and wasn¡¯t in the least concerned with these things.

    Wang Zhong had another reason for going first: to use Golden Finger¡¯s highlighting function¡ªenemy soldiers within his line of sight would be directly highlighted.

    This way, Wang Zhong could be warned of the enemy from distances of two kilometers or more.

    At that moment, the sky was gradually darkening, and the average person might have a visual range of five or six hundred meters¡ªanything further would be pitch ck and invisible.

    But Wang Zhong¡¯s Golden Finger vision wasn¡¯t much different from daylight.

    He thought the Golden Finger could be very useful in night battles, too.

    Just then, Wang Zhong heard Yegorov¡¯s voice: ¡°Turn left at therge white por ahead, and you¡¯ll be on the small road.¡±

    Wang Zhong spotted therge white por and the left turn onto the small road, which extended northeastward, nked by thickets on both sides.

    There wasn¡¯t a single Prosen person on the road.

 Chapter 22: Night March

    After driving on the path for a while, Wang Zhong switched back to his original perspective to catch his breath, only to find himself letting out a massive yawn just as he did so.

    Weariness seemed to be waiting for just this moment to strike, washing over him and seizing his brain.

    Wang Zhong vigorously rubbed his face, but this did nothing to wake him up.

    Damn it, just when I need to rely on my own hacks to alert me of the enemy, why do I feel sleepy now?

    However, weariness didn¡¯t care about Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts; it weighed on his eyelids like a thousand pounds.

    His consciousness drifted uncontrobly, and in his daze, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered something his father, who had fought in the self-defense counterattack against Vietnam, said:

    "Your dad might seem heartless, having gotten used to the death of severalrades and still able to eat and sleep on the battlefield.¡±

    Could it be¡ªam I the same, soon getting used to the battlefield?

    Wang Zhong fell into a deep sleep.He had no idea how much time had passed.

    When he opened his eyes again, Su Fang¡¯s face filled his entire field of vision.

    Only then did Wang Zhong realize he had fallen asleep on Su Fang¡¯s shoulder, drooling on her, and had wet arge spot on her chest.

    He hastily wiped his mouth with his sleeve and said apologetically, ¡°Sorry!¡±

    Su Fangughed, ¡°You¡¯re actually apologizing to me for this? When the rumors paint you as an even worse noble.¡±

    Wang Zhong followed Su Fang¡¯s lead, ¡°What kind of noble am I in the rumors?¡±

    Su Fang shrugged, ¡°You know¡­ like those bad nobles. By the way, are you¡ªAre you and that Ludm lovers?¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, ¡°Ludm? Why would you bring her up?¡±

    "Because you were murmuring ¡®I hope Ludm is alright¡¯ in your sleep. I heard it quite clearly,¡± the girl said.

    Wang Zhong made an evasive reply, ¡°She¡¯s a beauty; I wouldn¡¯t want her to be spoiled by the Prussians.¡±

    "Oh, I see,¡± Su Fang said, her voice carrying a somewhat self-deprecating tone.

    On the driver¡¯s seat, Sergey hesitated to speak.

    Wang Zhong asked again, ¡°How long did I sleep?¡±

    Su Fang replied, ¡°A few hours, I guess. Don¡¯t you have a watch of your own?¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong remember, and he lifted his sleeve to check the time.

    It was two o¡¯clock in the morning.

    At that moment, Sergey said, ¡°Count, there are car lights on the road ahead!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up ahead and indeed saw a long queue of lights in the distance.

    He immediately switched to an overhead perspective, and all the vehicles on the road ahead were highlighted: they were all enemies!

    As Wang Zhong observed the enemy, his body felt the jolt of the brakes.

    He quickly said, ¡°Don¡¯t panic! Braking will only draw attention. Just drive past, and we¡¯ll stop when we get close!¡±

    The jolting from braking stopped.

    Sergey¡¯s voice came through, tense, ¡°Damn it, you¡¯re insane!¡±

    Wang Zhong ignored him and continued to observe the enemy.

    Most of the cars on the highway were empty on their return trip, some still carrying the wounded and dead.

    A car had only one driver, some were apanied by a mechanic.

    Large groups of Prosen soldiers were resting by the side of the road, with many campfires burning, showing no concern at all for the possibility of air strikes or artillery fire.

    Upon careful consideration, since the enemy was moving forward with car lights on, a few campfires were rtively inconsequential.

    Sergey¡¯s voice trembled, ¡°Are we really going to drive past? They are all Prussians!¡±

    Wang Zhong switched back to his naked eye view and knocked on the rear window of the driver¡¯spartment.

    Yegorov¡¯s face immediately appeared on the other side of the window, ¡°What is it?¡±

    Wang Zhong instructed, ¡°Tell the troops, there¡¯s a Prosen checkpoint ahead. Get ready; once a fight breaks out, disembark immediately. Before that happens, no rash actions. You move only when I fire a shot; otherwise, hold your position.¡±

    "Understood.¡±

    Yegorov¡¯s face disappeared.

    Wang Zhong pulled out his pistol to check it, then concealed his hand in the shadow of the car door.

    By now, Prosen soldiers had appeared on both sides of the road, surrounding bonfires, eating canned food, and not even bothering to nce at the truck on the road.

    Wang Zhong caught the scent of the canned food, and his stomach growled loudly.

    Damn, he should have snatched something to eat while waiting for the logistics troops and field hospital.

    Looking out came a blocky object and said, ¡°I¡¯ve got somepressed biscuits, want some?¡±

    Without a word, Wang Zhong grabbed it and crammed it into his mouth.

    At that moment, the truck finally reached the busy roadside, where a Prosen nonmissioned officer, holding a submachine gun, stood in the middle of the road, his right hand raised high.

    Wang Zhong recognized the gesture; when he was young, traffic police on the road used this signal to stop cars.

    Sergey stopped the truck, breathing so heavily that Wang Zhong could hear him.

    It could have been Sergey infecting him, as Wang Zhong¡¯s own breathing started to quicken.

    He stared at the Prosen officer, trying not to look at the submachine gun on his waist.

    However, the officer had no intention of checking the people in the truck, or even shining a shlight into the cabin; he simply turned to watch the supply columns retreating on the main road.

    The enemy had never expected to encounter Ante Army members riding in their own military vehicles here!

    Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze followed the enemy, but he quietly flipped the safety catch on his pistol back on¡ªif it had fired by ident in this situation, that would have been extremely unlucky.

    Unlike Wang Zhong, whose concerns were beginning to ease, Sergey seemed to be increasingly tense, breathing as heavily as an ox.

    Just as Wang Zhong worried that Sergey might snap any moment, thest supply truck passed the intersection.

    The traffic-directing officer immediately turned around, making a ¡°hurry up¡± gesture.

    Wang Zhong smiled and nodded.

    Sergey started the truck and drove onto the main road.

    He nearly followed the returning convoy in turning left until Ludm reminded him in Prosen, ¡°We¡¯re heading to the front lines! Turn right!¡±

    Instantly, Sergey jerked the steering wheel hard to the right.

    The Prosen at the crossroads burst outughing, and someone shouted something that Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t understand.

    Once far from the crossroads, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What did the enemy just shout?¡±

    ¡°¡®Rushing back to find mommy?¡¯¡± Ludm replied, ¡°Basically, they were making fun of him.¡±

    "I just slipped!¡± Sergey protested, ¡°My palms are all sweaty, I could barely grip the steering wheel!¡±

    Suddenly, Sergey¡¯s voice dropped, as Prosen soldiers appeared again by the roadside.

    This group of Prussians sat around bonfires, eating canned food, and even drinking alcohol they must have scrounged from somewhere.

    The truck soon entered a small town where even more Prosen soldiers were roaming.

    Wang Zhong reviewed the road from above and directed Sergey, ¡°Follow this main road straight ahead; it¡¯s clear sailing!¡±

    Sergey was too tense even to respond.

    Then they drove straight into the center of the town, into the central square.

    Wang Zhong barely caught sight of a ¡°mound¡± in the center of the square before realizing, as they got closer, that it was a mountain of corpses.

    These bastards had actually killed all the townspeople??

    This was just too extreme; Wang Zhong was so shocked by the enemy¡¯s brutality that he was speechless.

    Ludm covered her mouth, struggling to stay silent.

    Only after leaving town did the girl burst into tears.

    Wang Zhong patted her shoulder; at that moment, his goals in this world subtly shifted.

    He was not a citizen of the Ante Empire and had no fondness for ¡°feudal dregs¡± like emperors and nobles.

    But the Prussians¡¯ massacre of civilians crossed a line for him.

    He looked forward to using his overhead view to teach the Prussians a lesson they would not soon forget.

 Chapter 23: Deteriorating Injuries

    However, the first problem Wang Zhong had to face was the growing urge to sleep.

    He didn¡¯t know if it was because he was close to Su Fang, butte at night, Wang Zhong began to sweat profusely, and the breath he exhaled was frighteningly hot.

    As his body heated up, his brain also became as slow as if it had been filled with lead.

    In a daze, Wang Zhong wondered if he had a fever.

    He remembered the wound on his shoulder.

    He vaguely recalled someone saying the wound was in very bad condition and that he would likely develop a fever soon.

    Who said that again?

    His mind was too foggy to remember.

    His consciousness gradually blurred, and he finally fellpletely into a deep sleep.When he opened his eyes again, the scenery shing by the window indicated that the convoy was passing through a small town.

    In a haze, Wang Zhong heard Prosen speech and immediately snapped awake¡ªhis head still foggy, of course.

    His first instinct was to draw his gun, but a slender hand held down his weapon, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they just said ¡®be careful ahead, enemy-upied zone.¡¯¡±

    Because his body felt so awful, it took Wang Zhong a moment longer than it should have to realize that the enemy-upied zone mentioned by the Prosen devils was our army¡¯s controlled area.

    He looked at his watch, but it took him a full second to understand the time: 3 a.m.

    It was only three in the morning, but the eastern sky was already turning pale, and Wang Zhong, the southern spud, had never seen the day break so early.

    Wang Zhong stared eastward for a few seconds before he remembered to switch to an overhead view to be vignt of his surroundings.

    Before he could switch, Su Fang said, ¡°You have a fever, it¡¯s because of the wound, isn¡¯t it? The mobile field hospital is right behind us and they didn¡¯t even give you any penicillin.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°They didn¡¯t have the chance, they¡¯ve mostly been chased around by the enemy.¡±

    When he spoke, the airing out of Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth was scorching hot.

    When he was silent, he didn¡¯t notice, but speaking made Wang Zhong feel thirsty, so he reached for his water bottle, only to find the broken strap.

    Then a water bottle with the cap already off was handed to him.

    Su Fang, ¡°Drink more. Sorry, I¡­ didn¡¯t realize you might be dehydrated.¡±

    "Thank you,¡± Wang Zhong took the water bottle and took arge gulp. Perhaps because he was feverish, he felt like a sponge, absorbing the water as soon as it entered his mouth.

    After guzzling water, Wang Zhong felt much better, and he switched to an overhead view, confirming that there were no enemies ahead.

    That¡¯s when Su Fang said, ¡°You should get to the rear to recuperate as soon as possible; you look very pale.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°But only after we¡¯ve escaped danger.¡±

    After that, Wang Zhong saw four tanks stationed on a hillside in the overhead view.

    He instinctively cried out, ¡°Stop!¡±

    The jolt from the braking almost made Wang Zhong vomit, and he was already feeling very ufortable, almost as if his brains were being shaken to a pulp.

    The good news was that the tanks on the hill were not enemies.

    The tanks of the Prosen Empire were painted gray, much like those of another German army in a different timeline, while the ones on the hill were all khaki.

    Don¡¯t the countries in this timeline understand the concept of camouge?

    These khaki tanks seemed muchrger than those of the Prosen Empire, aside from the main turret armed with a short-barreled gun, there were two smaller turrets in the front, looking as if they grew a weird pair at the front of their bodies.

    This design looked somewhat familiar to Wang Zhong.

    The Soviet T28 multi-turret tank?

    Wang Zhong had driven that in ¡°War Thunder¡±, noting its standout feature of thin armor but good firepower, with the 45mm gun having decent pration and damage.

    cing these things on top of a hill¡ª

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong realized something much more critical: they were sitting in a German truck!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Turn off the lights, turn them off quickly! Signal the vehicles behind us to do the same too!¡±

    Friendly fire is amon urrence on the battlefield, especially when using captured equipment.

    In the autobiography ¡°Tigers in the Mud¡± by the German ace tank operator Otto Carius, he mentioned that the armored troops unanimously agreed the T34 tank was too good not to use, so they had no qualms about using captured tanks for themselves.

    Despite painting huge iron crosses on the tanks, they still got taken out by theirrades. It was after that when old man Carius abandoned the idea of getting a T34 for himself to drive.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to die by friendly fire.

    He asked Su Fang, ¡°There are our tanks on the hillside ahead, can you get in touch with them?¡±

    Sufang looked ahead with suspicion. Although the eastern sunlight was bing more apparent, visibility on the ground was still less than five hundred meters. They couldn¡¯t see any tanks at all, and even the distant hills were only silhouettes. There was no trace of tank tracks to be found.

    Sufang, ¡°You must be delirious with fever, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can we establish contact or not!¡±

    He was sick now, feeling terrible, so his temper was a bit bad, too.

    Sufang shrank his neck and replied, ¡°Then I need time to perform Mass, and I also need to see if there is a Hymn Monk on the other side.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, realizing that they would have to think of another method.

    "The tanks should have radios; we have captured radios, let¡¯s try to see if we can call them,¡± he said.

    Sergey, ¡°We do not know themunication frequency of the tank units, nor do we know their agreed-upon codes and radio call signs. They won¡¯t believe us with the current situation on the battlefield.¡±

    Wang Zhong leaned on his forehead, feeling a headache¡ªbut this was probably not because of the difficult problem before him, but because he was running a fever.

    In such a state, Wang Zhong made a decision that the usual him would definitely not have made.

    He said, ¡°Tie a white g and the Ante Army g to our vehicle; let everyone get out of the car. You get out, too, Sufang. When it gets lighter, we¡¯ll drive forward. If we sessfully make contact with the tank units, we¡¯ll fire a signal re.¡±

    Sergey¡¯s face turned green, ¡°Do we both really have to go? Can¡¯t someone else do it? Can¡¯t others make contact with the tank units too?¡±

    Wang Zhong simply didn¡¯t hear Sergey¡¯s words. He was feverish, feeling as if his brain might start boiling at any moment.

    After waiting a few seconds without a response, Sergey sighed and said with a sob in his voice, ¡°Alright, alright.¡±

    Sufang, ¡°How do I get out? Should I climb over the two of you? Sorry, that¡¯s a bit¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong opened the door, but when he tried to get out, his legs gave out, nearly causing him to fall headfirst.

    Luckily, someone caught him in time.

    In a daze, he saw familiar silver hair.

    Ludm was supporting his shoulder, asking with concern, ¡°Alyosha, you¡­you look very pale!¡±

    It took Wang Zhong half a moment to remember Alyosha was a nickname for his own name, Aleksei. Indeed, this girl was very familiar with him.

    As he thought this, Wang Zhong released all his strength, leaning on the girl.

    Ludm stepped back to support the weight of the grown man.

    After hesitating for a moment, she still asked, ¡°Monk Yeca Neiko sent me to ask why we¡¯ve stopped. What happened?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°There are our armored troops up ahead, we stopped to avoid friendly fire.¡±

    Ludm looked ahead, her voice filled with doubt, ¡°Ahead?¡±

    At this moment, Sufang poked her head out of the car, looking embarrassed¡ªshe had just been blocked by Wang Zhong and couldn¡¯t get down.

    Seeing this, Ludm pulled Wang Zhong back a few steps.

    Sufang got out of the car, awkwardly straightening her slightly disheveled clothes, and said, ¡°Uh, I am a Hymn Monk, and ording to the rules, I must stay by the side of the highestmander.¡±

    "Oh,¡± Ludm nodded, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard.¡±

    At that time, Yegorov came to report, ¡°The military g and the white g are both tied properly.¡±

    "Got it,¡± Wang Zhong replied, reluctantly leaving Ludm to climb back into the driver¡¯s seat.

    At that moment, his limbs were still without strength, especially his injured right hand, which was limp and made it difficult to even hold a telescope.

    Currently, he certainly couldn¡¯t climb back onto the vehicle. Seeing his state, the two girls quickly came over and together pushed him up.

    Ludm, worried, asked, ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°To establish contact with the tank units to avoid friendly fire.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I go instead¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, this is my job. Your soldiers trust you, not me. If I stay, I can¡¯tmand them.¡±

    In reality, Wang Zhong¡¯s ability to think was severely limited at the moment; otherwise, he would definitely realize that the most rational action would be to send two volunteers.

    Unfortunately, he was not capable of thorough consideration now, and the people around him, after a whole day of maneuvering, had be ustomed to following his orders.

    Sergey, with a morose face, ¡°Can¡¯t you switch with me, Yegorov?¡±

    Wang Zhong closed the car door and with a wide sweep of his hand, dered, ¡°Drive.¡±

    Though Sergey appeared to be a timorous wreck on the surface, he still started the engine.

    Thus, the car bearing the white g and the Ante Army g drove eastward, facing the dawn.

 Chapter 24: â€œDamn it, youâ€™re hitting friendly forces

    Su Fang watched the truck disappear into the distance and turned to take a closer look at the silver-haired girl.

    "She¡¯s truly beautiful,¡± she eximed sincerely.

    It was then that the silver-haired girl spoke up, ¡°He must be out of his mind, the him in the past would never do such a thing.¡±

    Su Fang asked, ¡°The him in the past? Have you known the Earl for a long time?¡±

    The silver-haired girl shrugged, ¡°I¡¯ve known him since I was a child, given that ournds are next to each other.¡±

    Su Fang asked, ¡°Are you a nobledy?¡±

    "Not yet, I am a Prayer Hand now, so I cannot ept a secr title.¡±

    One cannot ept a secr title after bing clergy.

    "Oh,¡± Su Fang nodded and then asked, ¡°So will you marry the Earl in the future?¡±"Huh?¡± The silver-haired girl was momentarily stunned, then turned to look at Su Fang and grinned, ¡°You¡­ you aren¡¯t interested in him, are you? He¡¯s known for being a scoundrel. Many salons at Saint Ye Katerina Fortress don¡¯t wee him because he goes around touching everything, like a dog in heat. Come to think of it, when I was supporting him just now, he didn¡¯t try to take advantage of me, probably because he¡¯s befuddled from the fever!¡±

    Su Fang was shocked, ¡°Is he such a person?¡±

    "You aren¡¯t part of the mixed brigade hemands, the 41st, are you? His notoriety is well-known throughout the brigade. By the way, after the battlemenced yesterday, he immediately ran crying to the basement and even wet his pants. The morale of the 41st Mixed Brigade took a hit because of his behavior.¡±

    While the silver-haired girl was speaking, Yegorov coughed once, ¡°Enough. He might have been a coward before, but what I see now is a brave man from Ante! Without him, we would probably be surrounded in Ronied City by now.

    Be mindful, Monk, and don¡¯t speak of things that could impact morale!¡±

    A Prayer Hand is also a Monk, a member of the clergy.

    The silver-haired girl hurriedly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, I just¡­ just¡­¡±

    She hesitated for a long time unable to finish her sentence and just shrugged her shoulders.

    As the saying goes, in the blink of an eye, a muffled sound came from a distance.

    The soldiers around who had dismounted to rest all uniformly threw themselves to the ground.

    Yegorov, a veteran like him, waved his hand, ¡°Don¡¯t panic, it¡¯s still far away! If the artillery wasnding overhead, you¡¯d hear a ¡®whoosh¡¯ first. When you¡¯ve be seasoned veterans, you could even tell the caliber from that sound.¡±

    But the silver-haired girl suddenly shouted, ¡°The sound of the guns ising from the direction he went!¡±

    Then she grabbed Yegorov¡¯s binocrs and ran a few steps to stand on a stone by the roadside to observe the distance.

    The wind from the east blew her braids apart, causing her silver hair to fly in the dawn light.

    **

    Wang Zhong saw the tank start to run from a bird¡¯s-eye view.

    He wanted to jump out of the truck, but he simply had no strength left.

    By the time he switched back to his normal vision, a shell had alreadynded by the road, with dirt thrown up by the st flying into the half-open truck bed andnding on his face.

    Sergey directly opened the door and jumped out of the truck, leaving it to continue forward uncontrobly.

    In a daze, Wang Zhong reached out his hand to grab the steering wheel and stretched his foot to the other side, pressing down, but unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t muster the strength because of the fever, and his foot didn¡¯t move the pedal.

    However, perhaps because he didn¡¯t elerate, or maybe because the engine was damaged by shrapnel, the truck gradually slowed down.

    The tank on the mountaintop fired another round, and the truck¡¯s bed was directly blown into an orange fireball.

    The ss behind the driver¡¯s seat shattered, the fragments cutting Wang Zhong¡¯s cheek.

    Wang Zhong sat in the vehicle, tried to open the door, but his physical condition wouldn¡¯t allow it.

    It was only then that he realized there was no need for him to make the trip himself.

    Damn it, trying to stay alive only to deliver myself to death in the end.

    By now, the tanks on the hilltop might have seen the white g on the truck, or they simply confirmed the truck was destroyed and wanted to save ammunition. In any case, they stopped firing.

    Wang Zhong, sitting in the driver¡¯s seat, tried twice more to open the door but failed. Maybe the shell that had just hit his side of the vehicle had damaged the door.

    He had no choice but to mber toward the driver¡¯s side, nning to get out from the side where Sergey had jumped from.

    After all, he didn¡¯t know if the truck would catch fire.

    Being burned to death was the most painful way to go, and Wang Zhong did not want to experience it.

    Just then, he saw a white horse appear on the slope where the tanks were positioned!

    Someone riding the white horse trotted down the hill, heading straight towards the wreckage of the vehicle.

    Wang Zhong watched the white horse, even forgetting his struggle to survive for a moment.

    Switching to a bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong could clearly see that the man on the horse¡¯s back was a captain wearing a tank helmet; likely themander of this tank toon.

    The captain arrived, looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s rank on the vehicle, cursed ¡°Sukabule¡±, and hurriedly dismounted to open the door.

    After dragging Wang Zhong out of the car, the captain took a deep breath, stood up, and saluted, ¡°Captain Lubokov of the 31st Tank Regiment, Second Battalion, Fourth Tank Army, ordered to snipe the Prussian Army here!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Second Battalion? I only saw four tanks.¡±

    The captain with a bitter face, ¡°That¡¯s all that¡¯s left of us. The air raid took out most of our tanks. The Prussians equipped 20mm cannons on their nes, they can damage us from the sky, not to mention the bombs.¡±

    As he spoke he nced at the hilltop and continued toin, ¡°Our tanks are fragile, damn it, this is all the fault of that Military Industry Minister who likes multiple turrets! The Prussian tanks are all with single turrets now! When we discussed it, we also thought the Carolingian single-turret tanks are the future!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°If you knew your tanks were fragile, why did you still deploy on the hilltop?¡±

    The captain, ¡°It¡¯s a good vantage point; our 45mm guns can destroy Prussian tanks from a great distance.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What if the enemy¡¯s air forcees again? And you only have four vehicles; the enemy is endless.¡±

    The captain, ¡°We are prepared to die with honor. When we left our base yesterday, there were hundreds of us; brothers who lived and worked together. Now only a few of us are left, and we have no intention of living alone.¡±

    "No, no,¡± Wang Zhong shook his head repeatedly, ¡°You¡¯re under mymand now. I¡¯m just leading the way; there¡¯s more than half an infantry regiment out there, as well as the direct headquarters department. There¡¯s a small town behind the hill, and we¡¯ll retreat there to defend.¡±

    Wang Zhong enjoyed ying real-time strategy games, and he particrly liked one called ¡°Wargame: Red Dragon¡±. In that game, tanks that rashly entered cities would be sted by infantry with rocketunchers.

    Moreover, before his crossing over, he had watched quite a few instructional videos by ¡°Mars Patriots¡± on ¡°anti-tank gymnastics¡±, so naturally, he thought of retreating into town to fight guerri warfare with the enemy.

    This way, they could use the terrain to best avoid the weakness of the T28 tanks¡¯ thin armor, and also avoid enemy air strafing.

    This decision might not be sensible, but under the current circumstances, it was the best course of action Wang Zhong could think of.

    The captain stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and said, ¡°I just saw from the hilltop, the Prussian convoy was moving with their lights on, then they all turned their lights off suddenly. Could that be the infantry regiment you¡¯re talking about?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yeah, we mounted a counterattack, wiped out an enemy division headquarters, and captured one of their supply depots. Those vehicles are all spoils of war.¡±

    The captain scratched his head, ¡°Although I should verify your identity by procedure, but¡­ my intuition tells me you¡¯re one of us. Moreover, you¡¯re wounded and running a fever, yet you dare charge at our tank formation; this courage makes it hard to believe you¡¯re actually an enemy spy¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°So what¡¯s your decision? Skip the useless parts and tell me your decision.¡±

    The captain clicked his tongue, ¡°Our radio is broken, we can¡¯t get in touch with our superiors; ording to regtions, we¡¯re under yourmand!¡±

 Chapter 25: Upper Peniye Village

    Wang Zhong stared at the captain riding the white horse, his head fuzzy and unable to recall his name, so he asked, ¡°You¡­ what did you just say your name was?¡±

    "Lubokov.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I am Count Rocossov, and Imand¡­¡±

    It was only then that he remembered he needed to fire a signal re to notify the troops toe, so he reached for the gun holster at his waist.

    At that moment, two more soldiers came over from the direction of the tank and immediately raised their guns and shouted, ¡°Danger, Captain!¡±

    The captain, ¡°Keep calm! This is the Count! He is now ourmander! Send someone back to inform the tank that friendly forces that have captured Prosen trucks areing, and tell them not to fire!¡±

    Immediately, a private first ss turned and ran toward the hilltop, while a sergeant continued to look at Wang Zhong with suspicion.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t care less, he took out his signal gun, shakily loaded the signal re, used all his strength to raise his hand, and pulled the trigger.

    A red re slowly rose, illuminating the still-dimming sky.Wang Zhong took a deep breath, discarded the signal gun, and asked in a weak voice, ¡°Do you have a stretcher? I think I won¡¯t be able to make it to the tank by myself.¡±

    The captain said, ¡°You can ride a horse,e on, let¡¯s help you onto the horse.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°My driver jumped out of the car, bring him here dead or alive.¡±

    The captain to the two soldiers, ¡°Sergeant, did you hear that? Why not search along the road?¡±

    The sergeant, who had been suspicious of Wang Zhong, started jogging along the highway. Just as Wang Zhong was being helped onto the horse by the captain, he saw the sergeant pulling up Captain Sergey from the ground.

    That fellow had a gashed head, but he seemed to be in better shape than Wang Zhong from the way he stood.

    "Sukabule,¡± Wang Zhong cursed.

    At that moment, a Prosen Army truck approached at full speed; the wheels seemed to hit a rock, making the vehicle bounce as if it would fall apart the next second.

    When it reached the white horse, the truck swung its tail and came to a stop just before crashing into the debris.

    The passenger door opened, and Ludm jumped out, ¡°Alyosha!¡±

    Wang Zhong barely raised his hand.

    Just then, Sergeant Major Grigori, leading the reconnaissance squad¡¯s veterans, jumped out of the back of the truck, holding a submachine gun, ¡°Count!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯m fine. It¡¯s good that the tank units are alert. I ordered them to retreat into the town, set up an observation post at the hilltop. Attack maye at dawn from the Prussians.¡±

    Grigori looked at the captain holding the horse, and said with the tone of reporting military information, ¡°At about three o¡¯clock this morning, we passed through the vige of Kurasovka to the west, where we saw about a battalion of infantry, and at least 20 number three tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows lifted imperceptibly; Prosen used numbers to name their tanks in this era too.

    Captain Lubokov¡¯s voice trembled slightly, ¡°Twenty tanks! My God, we nearly exchanged fire with them on the exposed hilltop.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I have already ordered you to retreat into the vige, proceed with haste. For the hilltop, only leave Grigori¡¯s observation post.¡±

    Sergeant Major Grigori asked, ¡°Should we pull back into the vige of Upper Peniye?¡±

    Having no idea which vige that was, as he had only seen a vige behind them from his overlooking view, Wang Zhong could only reply, ¡°The vige behind the mountain.¡±

    "It¡¯s Upper Peniye vige. We can take you there first in the truck, you and Miss Mailehovna.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ludm, you should be with the Divine Arrow cohort.¡±

    Ludm pouted, ¡°I know, I¡¯ll wait here for Monk Yeca Neiko and the others, then.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, allowing Grigori and another reconnaissance man to lift him into the truck¡¯s passenger seat.

    The truck started up, following the highway forward, circling around the east side of the hill, and there was Upper Peniye vige.

    Lubokov¡¯s tank toon came down from the hill, smashing through the stone walls of the fields, and drove onto the highway from diagonally across, following behind Wang Zhong¡¯s vehicle.

    Wang Zhong switched to an overhead view and found he had acquired a new identity tag: Fourth Tank Army, 31st Tank Regiment, Second Battalion, themander being Captain Lubokov.

    A tank battalion with only four tanks left, all of them are the thinly-armored T28 multi-turreted tanks, how can we fight with these¡­

    Wang Zhong looked up at the vige of Upper Peniye, and it took him several seconds to realize that the vige actually had a number of two-story buildings, and it seemed that there was even electricity.

    Looking carefully, there was a fairlyrge factory building on the east side of the vige, with a sign that read ¡°Tractor Station¡±.

    Wang Zhong asked the sergeant driving, ¡°What is a tractor station?¡±

    The sergeant was surprised, ¡°ording to the new agriculturalw, the local lord has to pledge his property for a loan to set up tractor and seed stations, haven¡¯t all viges with lords in residence had them over these ten years?¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked.

    However, Upper Peniye vige was more modernized than he expected, which gave Wang Zhong some ideas about defeating the enemy.

    These two-story buildings and the streets all reminded Wang Zhong of the ¡°anti-tank gymnastics¡± performed by some vigers before he traveled back in time.

    The tanks of this era were not like Merkavas; molotov cocktails could take care of them, and you didn¡¯t even need ¡°anti-tank gymnastics¡±, just throw the cocktails from the second floor was enough.

    As for where to find materials to make cocktails¡ªwhat a joke, in this Ante Empire, which was closely rted to the Russians (Muscovites), Wang Zhong didn¡¯t believe he couldn¡¯t find high-proof alcohol in the vige.

    Thinking of this, Wang Zhong smiled.

    The sergeant driving the car looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s side face with suspicion, as if he wanted to ask something but didn¡¯t dare.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Just as they entered the vige, Wang Zhong saw an old woman with her grandson standing at the doorway, looking around.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Stop the car!¡±

    The vehicle screeched to a halt, and Wang Zhong rolled down the window, shouted to the old woman, ¡°Run! Don¡¯t stay here! The Prussians will ughter you!¡±

    The old woman, ¡°Sir, you don¡¯t look well, why don¡¯t youe in and rest a bit?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Go quickly! Take your family and leave!¡±

    The old woman, ¡°Sir, you tell us to go, but where can we go? Those in the vige who had rtives elsewhere have already left. But we have been in this vige for generations and have no rtives to turn to.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°They will ughter you!¡±

    The old woman showed a somewhat sad smile, ¡°Then let them kill us, at least we die on the soil of our homnd. Now running away, being disced, perhaps we still end up dead, but in a foreignnd.¡±

    With Wang Zhong¡¯s now impaired thinking capacity, he couldn¡¯t think of any words to refute, he was at a loss on how to persuade the old woman to take her grandson and leave.

    Just thinking that in the near future they might be killed by the Prussians in their owntrine, a surge of sorrow rose in his heart, lingering heavily in Wang Zhong¡¯s chest.

    At that moment, Captain Lubokov jumped down from a tank behind and ran to Wang Zhong¡¯s door, saluting, ¡°We have received orders from the Fourth Tank Army to hold Upper Peniye at least until tomorrow night before retreating to Bogdanovka.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Tomorrow night?¡±

    He checked his watch, and by calcting nightfall at eight o¡¯clock, Lubokov¡¯s four tanks had to hold out here for thirty-eight hours.

    Lubokov with a gloomy face, ¡°We might be done for here.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, with me here, we¡¯ll teach the Germans a lesson!¡±

    Lubokov asked in confusion, ¡°Germans?¡±

    Wang Zhong was so muddled that he didn¡¯t even think to correct the term.

    He pointed to a big house on the roadside, ¡°I¡¯m setting up the headquarters here!¡±

    Actually, he was just pointing randomly.

    Lubokov, ¡°But¡­ once the battle starts, that building will be the target of the enemy¡¯s first wave of artillery fire. It would be better to choose a house inside the vige!¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his voice, ¡°Get Yegorov toe to me!¡±

 Chapter 26: â€œProcedure? This is the Procedure!

    As soon as Yegorov stepped through the door, the first words out of his mouth were, ¡°Why is the headquarters on the front line? It¡¯s too dangerous. Move to the middle of the vige instead, I saw it from outside, a three-story building.¡±

    Wang Zhong was drinking water. When he saw Yegorove in, he directly handed the cup back to thendy of the house and wiped his mouth before saying, ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that now. Do you know how to make improvised incendiary bombs? You use spirits, rece the cork with a piece of cloth soaked in alcohol, and light the cloth before you throw it.¡±

    Yegorov said, ¡°Of course I¡¯ve seen them, the people of Manahaim used these things against us during the Winter War.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Then why didn¡¯t I see you use them in Ronied?¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°Because we couldn¡¯t find the right kind of alcohol. The homemade spirits the peasants drink are too low in alcohol content and too impure to ignite. To make it work, we would have needed to use gasoline, but we¡¯re an infantry unit, not motorized infantry. We don¡¯t have any gasoline¡ªthough we do have plenty of fodder for the mules and horses.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I don¡¯t believe that you couldn¡¯t find any spirits!¡±

    "There are spirits, in the cers of the nobles.¡±

    At this point, the woman who had just given Wang Zhong water spoke up: ¡°The Lord Boye in town has a distillery. Every year, he uses wheat to make vodka, which is then sold in Argesukov.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Do you hear that? Go requisition that distillery.¡±Yegorov looked troubled: ¡°I¡¯ve already sent people there, but they were turned away by Lord Boye¡¯s estate manager.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°The estate manager?¡±

    Clenching his teeth, he stood up: ¡°I¡¯ll go see what this is all about.¡±

    He took a couple of steps, then turned to look at thendy: ¡°Miss Natasha, you¡¯d better run quickly. These Prussians, they¡¯re no better than beasts.¡±

    Thendy smiled: ¡°I heard what you advised to olddy Ilynichna next door. But her whole family hasn¡¯t left, and you see, as a widow, I have even less reason to go. The Prussians couldn¡¯t possibly kill us all, could they? If they killed everyone, who would farm this vastnd?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°But I¡¯ve seen their indiscriminate ughter! The vige square is piled with bodies!¡±

    Thendy replied, ¡°Then we can only ask you to take revenge for us.¡±

    Wang Zhong understood that unless witnessed firsthand, no one would believe the enemy to be so brutal.

    He wanted to persuade her further, but there were more pressing matters at hand, so he dropped the subject.

    Turning away, he took a couple of steps, stumbled, and then called out to Yegorov: ¡°Get a stretcher! I¡¯m running a fever and don¡¯t have the strength to walk!¡±

    Yegorov immediately shouted to his subordinates: ¡°A stretcher!¡±

    Just then, Staff Chief Pavlov entered and, upon seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s condition, said, ¡°Count Rocossov is not fit tomand the troops in this state, better let him move back with the field hospital.¡±

    Wang Zhong retorted, ¡°Are you trying to strip me of mymand? How dare you!¡±

    At that moment, he was feeling terrible, and people are often bad-tempered in such circumstances, and especially obstinate.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to retreat. All he wanted was to give these damn Prussians a beating.

    That was all he wanted to focus on. Anyone who suggested otherwise would incur his wrath.

    When his fever subsided, he would probably be shocked by the decisions he made in that moment.

    Wang Zhong asserted, ¡°I think you¡¯re a spy, just like that fake bishop, trying to throw ourmand system into chaos! Guards! Execute him by firing squad!¡±

    Pavlov immediately caved: ¡°No, that¡¯s not what I mean!¡±

    A corporal had already stepped forward with a rifle; it seemed that Staff Chief Pavlov wasn¡¯t very well-regarded among the regr soldiers.

    Pavlov raised his voice: ¡°I¡¯m just concerned about your health! Spare my life!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Keep spouting nonsense and I¡¯ll take your head!¡±

    At that moment, the stretcher arrived, carried by two bearers who looked bewildered because they saw no wounded person.

    Wang Zhong pointed in front of him: ¡°Put it here!¡±

    The stretcher bearers quickly set the stretcher down in front of him.

    He unceremoniously sat on the stretcher and waved hisrge hand, ¡°To the distillery! Yegorov, follow me!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The distillery was right next to the tractor station Wang Zhong had seen before, appearing to be part of the local lord Boye¡¯s estate.

    In front of the ornate iron gates, several thugs already stood guard with shotguns.

    Carried by two stretcher bearers, Wang Zhong made straight for the gates.

    A thug raised his right hand in a ¡°stop¡± gesture, ¡°This is Lord Boye¡¯s privatend, halt, soldier!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We¡¯re requisitioning this ce, including the distillery and the liquor inside it.¡±

    The thug turned and shouted, ¡°Mr. Korshov!¡±

    A scribe-looking fellow with a bulbous belly emerged blearily from a side room near the gates and yawned his way over, ¡°What is it?¡±

    "This colonel said he is requisitioning the distillery.¡±

    Korshov, ¡°Do you have the requisition orders?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The Prosen bastards are only twenty li from here! We need strong liquor to make Incendiary Bombs.¡±

    "Oh? What¡¯s that got to do with us?¡± Korshov spread his hands, ¡°Before Lord Boye retreated, he entrusted this ce to me, and you need proper procedure to requisition it.¡±

    Wang Zhong, already in a terrible mood from illness, snapped, ¡°Obstructing our military preparations, I suspect you¡¯re a Prussian spy!¡±

    Korshov, ¡°Then you should go to the Tribunal¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong drew the gun at Yegorov¡¯s side and shot Korshov in the stomach.

    The thugs with shotguns were startled; clearly, they hadn¡¯t expected Wang Zhong to actually shoot.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°They are the enemy! Spies! Open fire!¡±

    Yegorov raised his submachine gun and started spraying bullets.

    A few secondster, it was quiet in front of the gates.

    A toon of infantry jogged over, and the sergeant in the lead called from a distance, ¡°Commander! What happened?¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°Found some spies. Nothing major.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Get their keys, open the doors, and requisition all the liquor inside. Get an old soldier who knows how to make Incendiary Bombs to lead the others in making them.

    "The remaining soldiers experienced with Incendiary Bombs will split up, one old soldier taking two new recruits, the recruits carrying the bottles, the old soldier throwing them. Take control of the two-story buildings on both sides of the streets!

    "Yegorov, find a good spot to set up the machine guns, aiming to cut off the enemy tanks and apanying infantry, creating opportunities for the grenade throwers!¡±

    Yegorov nodded, ¡°Understood. Additionally, I suggest we establish the headquarters inside the distillery.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the distillery building in front of him.

    Yegorov, ¡°It¡¯s clearly reinforced concrete; even if the enemy uses heavy artillery, it won¡¯t budge. It can serve as our final fortress.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t care about that, his eyes were on the distillery¡¯s water tower, ¡°That water tower, is it the tallest building in the vige?¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a bit taller than the steeple of the church.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good. The headquarters will be here.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°There¡¯s also Lubokov¡¯s tank unit, what do you think¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°These tanks are an important mobile support force; I¡¯ll personally decide where to position them.¡±

 Chapter 27: Itâ€™s Time to Show Real Micro-control Skills

    Wang Zhong, of course, had never been to a battlefield; his true homnd hadn¡¯t waged war in more than thirty years.

    But he had yed a game known as ¡°Russia¡¯s Genshin,¡± called War Thunder, in which he had ample experience in annihting enemies and knew which terrain could shield a tank¡¯s vulnerable nks.

    There were three main roads to the vige of Peniye, two of which entered the vige from the west and, along with the road exiting the vige from the east, formed a Y shape.

    If the south is considered ¡°the bottom,¡± then it¡¯s a lying-down Y, with the open end facing west.

    But in reality, these three roads did not directly intersect, instead, they enclosed a triangr area in the middle of the vige.

    To the north of the area was the luxurious manor of local lord Boye, the main body of which was a three-story red-brick building.

    The most significant building within the triangle was the local church, its height rivaling that of Lord Boye¡¯s three-story manor, with an even taller bell tower.

    Next to the church was the vige mill, a mechanical mill with a steam boiler.

    Further south were two two-story buildings, homes of the wealthy ss in town, and it was said that one of them was the emperor¡¯s forestry officer.And the winery that Wang Zhong chose as hismand post was located on the eastern side of thesendmarks, beside the single leg of the lying Y; a few steps out of the winery gate, and he would be at the triangr area.

    Of course, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t even take these few steps himself and had to be carried over on a stretcher.

    "Stop!¡± he called out at the mill¡¯s entrance, squinting as he looked toward the western side.

    From his bird¡¯s eye view earlier, he had thought he¡¯d be able to see one of the vige¡¯s western entrances from this position, not expecting that, in reality, a distant stone wall and a wooden structure would block his view.

    Wang Zhong immediately realized that this was an ideal terrain to force a 1V1 between enemy tanks and his own. The road to the west wasn¡¯t wide enough for two tanks to travel side by side; the enemy would definitelye one after the other.

    Moreover, there was a way to retreat from this spot; if too many enemies poured in, one could reverse back and hide behind the mill.

    The mechanical mill was two stories tall, enough to hide even the bulky andrge T28 tank.

    Wang Zhong immediately shouted, ¡°Someone! Call Captain Lubokov over here!¡±

    Soon, Tank 422, with the tactical number, was deployed to this street corner.

    Wang Zhong, his head heavy and drowsy, exined to the tankmander, ¡°When more than two enemy tanks appear in your field of vision, back up and let the mill shield you!¡±

    Themander of Tank 422 was a sergeant, who looked extremely nervous and kept nodding at Wang Zhong¡¯s words.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Measure the distance now, so you ensure a hit with the first shot when you see the enemy!¡±

    Themander replied, ¡°Understood, see the enemy and then retreat!¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned, thinking he had misunderstood due to his addled brain.

    Mounting a white horse, Lubokov cursed, ¡°Listen to the count¡¯s orders properly! The count is asking you to measure the distance now!¡±

    The sergeant asked, ¡°Measure the distance? Measure what?¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°How long have you been a tankmander?¡±

    The sergeant replied, ¡°One day, I¡¯m a substitute from another crew!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Rece them with an experienced crew for this position.¡±

    Lubokov sighed and said, ¡°I¡¯ll do it. Stay here, measure the distance, and if facing more than two enemy tanks, retreat into the mill¡¯s shadow, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Right.¡±

    He then directed the stretcher bearers to assign missions to the other two tanks, instructing them to use the terrain to their advantage and surprise the advancing Prosen tanks with hit-and-run artillery.

    As for Tank 422, whosemander was overly nervous, Wang Zhong thought for a moment and decided to position them in the courtyard of the winery, keeping them as thest reserve.

    Upon hearing that their mission was to be the reserve, the sergeant, who had been amander for only a day, visibly rxed.

    After arranging the tasks for the tank forces, Wang Zhong was about to order the stretcher bearers to carry him back to the winery when he saw a car stop in front of the church. A middle-aged man got out of the car and looked up at the church¡¯s bell tower.

    "This position definitely has a good view,¡± he said, ¡°lift the Divine Arrow up! Let¡¯s give the Prussians a little shock from the clock tower!¡±

    It seemed that this was Monk Yeca Neiko, the onemanding the Divine Arrow team.

    Ludm squeezed out of the back of the truck and, seeing Wang Zhong, looked a bit surprised: ¡°Alyosha?¡±

    Monk Yeca Neiko then noticed Wang Zhong, stood at attention, and saluted: ¡°Count Rocossov, I pay my respects to you.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    At this time, Yeca Neiko¡¯s subordinates unloaded the Divine Arrow from the truck.

    It was the first time Wang Zhong had seen this weapon up close, and even though his cognitive abilities were somewhat impaired at the moment, he still noticed that the Divine Arrow was different from what he had imagined.

    Thus, he asked, ¡°Where is the guidance system? This looks just like an ordinary rocket!¡±

    He remembered that such anti-tank missiles usually had a significant guidance system. When he was a child looking at light weapons magazines, those anti-tank missiles were always shown withrge sighting devices.

    But this Divine Arrowuncher was just a bare sliding rail, crudely beyond imagination.

    Monk Yeca Neiko looked confused: ¡°Didn¡¯t you see the holy emblem on the head of the Divine Arrow?¡±

    Wang Zhong, his brain burning fiercely, didn¡¯t catch on immediately: ¡°Holy emblem?¡±

    The private responsible for carrying the Divine Arrow even turned it in his arms specifically so Wang Zhong could get a clear view of the holy emblem on the head.

    Monk Yeca Neiko nced at Ludm: ¡°Captain Mailehovna has been an excellent prayer caster, she¡¯s already scored a hit on an enemy tank. ording to the regtions, I should apply for abat mark for her, but you know our situation¡­¡±

    It was only then that Wang Zhong¡¯s brain caught up: Holy emblem, prayer caster, so the Divine Arrow really was guided by ¡°Divine Power¡±?

    He had thought it was like the Mechanicum in Warhammer 40K, which, unable to understand high technology, had turned it into a religion.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand: ¡°I understand. Are you preparing to go up the clock tower?¡±

    Yeca Neiko nodded: ¡°Yes, the view from the clock tower must be excellent.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But the enemy can see you just as clearly. The Divine Arrowunch will have an obvious smoke trail, right?¡±

    He had seen the trajectory of the Divine Arrow from a bird¡¯s-eye view, and it was as clear as it could be.

    Yeca Neiko: ¡°The smoke trail is indeed very clear, but even more so is the light from the warhead during guidance. What about it?¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand: ¡°Then going up the clock tower is a bad idea. You¡¯ll be spotted as soon as the first one is fired, and enemy tanks will pay special attention to the clock tower.¡±

    A clear view usually cuts both ways.

    Wang Zhong pointed to the church: ¡°I suggest setting up multipleunch sites, each with a Divine Arrow, and carry this light frame to move quickly after firing, shoot and change position!¡±

    Yeca Neiko: ¡°ording to the manual, we should snipe the enemy tanks from a ce with a wide view as much as possible, making full use of the range advantage of the Divine Arrow. The Divine Arrow can hit targets two kilometers away! The enemy¡¯s tank guns can¡¯t fire that far.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy will use smoke to block your view, they did that in the battle for Ronied!¡±

    Even with a high fever, Wang Zhong still remembered what happened in Ronied. At that time, Yeca Neiko¡¯s team had destroyed an enemy tank, and then the enemy infantry set up smoke to block their view.

    Clearly, the Prussians were well-versed in how to counter the Divine Arrow.

    Yeca Neiko still wanted to object: ¡°But¡­¡±

    "There are no buts, I am the currentmander. I forbid you to go up the clock tower!¡±

    At this point, Yegorov stepped in to mediate: ¡°How about this, we¡¯ve found several good machine gun positions that are also suitable for the Divine Arrow, why not set up the Divine Arrow there? Infantry can cover you!¡±

    Yeca Neiko hesitated for a moment, then said: ¡°Alright, I hope the Count isn¡¯t making this decision out of a fevered mind. I also hope he isn¡¯t giving special treatment to Miss Mailehovna!¡±

    With that, he cast a nce at Ludm.

 Chapter 28: The First Wave of Casualties

    The perspective temporarily moves away from Wang Zhong.

    After settling into the shooting position arranged by Yegorov, Monk Yeca Neiko red at Ludm, ¡°Captain Mailehovna, your boyfriend really takes care of you.¡±

    Ludm¡¯s full name is Ludm Vasilyevna Malyukhova.

    The girl frowned, ¡°In Ronied, we really only fired one ¡®Divine Arrow¡¯ before our vision was blocked by smoke, he is not wrong.¡±

    Yeca Neiko, ¡°I heard that he pissed his pants as soon as the battle began! How could someone with that kind of tactical acumen point out the problems? No, he just doesn¡¯t want you to be in danger!¡±

    Ludm, ¡°But didn¡¯t he lead us out of the encirclement? Although he really is ayabout usually, but¡­¡±

    "How can ayabout suddenly be a military genius? No, there is absolutely no chance of that! I will record all of his orders today in thebat log, I definitely will!

    "If we can¡¯tplete the mission in Upper Peniye, he won¡¯t be able to escape the me!¡±

    In fact, the task of defending Upper Peniye for 38 hours was given to the second battalion of the 31st Tank Regiment of the Fourth Tank Army; the third rear Amur Group and Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s ¡®Divine Arrow¡¯ squad had no obligation to hold here.But Wang Zhong still issued the order to hold, treating it as a mission for the entire unit.

    No one objected, even those who knew the order was given to the second battalion of the 31st Regiment did not say anything. Perhaps the unit had seen enough of the Prussians¡¯ atrocities during the retreat to be infuriated.

    **

    As for Wang Zhong, he waspletely befuddled now, his brain functioning on a single track, utterly unable to consider too much.

    Back in the manager¡¯s office of the distillery, Wang Zhong gulped down arge ss of water, but still felt his mouth was dry.

    "Water!¡± he shouted aloud.

    One of the two privates who had just carried the stretcher took on the role of an orderly and fetched Wang Zhong anotherrge cup of water.

    At that moment, Chief of Staff Pavlov entered the door with some people and seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s condition, said, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you follow the field hospital and retreat?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The field hospital is here?¡±

    "It¡¯s already arrived.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Get me penicillin and some fever-reducing medicine! Also, tell them not to retreat in the enemy¡¯s trucks, but to use the local peasants¡¯ horse carts instead. Hire as many locals as possible!¡±

    By the time the locals brought the field hospital to the rear with their horse carts, Upper Peniye would likely be upied by the enemy, so even if unwilling, the locals would have to retreat with the unit.

    Chief of Staff Pavlov, ¡°I¡¯ll have the clerk see how many rubles we still have¡­¡±

    "Can¡¯t you issue IOUs, you idiot?¡± Wang Zhong was in pain, so his temper was bad.

    Seeing this, Pavlov said, ¡°I¡¯ll make arrangements¡± and quickly left, leaving only a few staff officers in the room with Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Get me a radio. Ask what the radio call signs of the tanks are!¡±

    The staff officers exchanged nces, and themunications officer said, ¡°I¡¯ll go find Captain Lubokov of the tank units right away.¡±

    A short whileter Lubokov arrived, and upon hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s question, frowned, ¡°The enemy¡¯s tanks might each have a radio, but we only have a radio in mymand vehicle.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up at the sky and said helplessly, ¡°Alright, tell me your call sign, and I willmand you using the radio.¡±

    Although Wang Zhong had no actual experience in tank battles, he realized from his gaming experience how significant the advantage of this bird¡¯s-eye view was in close-quarters citybat.

    Not to mention anything else, from the bird¡¯s-eye view he could see which direction the enemy tank guns were pointed. Anyone who has yed World of Tanks and been taught a lesson by being pointed at by a gun barrel knows what this means.

    Lubokov, ¡°My call sign is tactical number 420.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll use that tomand you.¡±

    Lubokov looked around with a puzzled face, ¡°You¡­ aremanding from here?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Of course not, when the battle starts, I¡¯ll move to an open spot with good visibility, just follow my orders. Go now.¡±

    Lubokov saluted and turned to leave.

    ¡°`

    The tall man with sses wearing a Red Cross Armband entered the room as he was stepping out, ¡°I heard someone was asking for antibiotics?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I need them. Who are you?¡±

    "I am Doctor Raskolnikov, Count. I have seen you at the salon before.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Oh, good day, Doctor Raskolnikov.¡±

    "Raskolnikov.¡± The doctor corrected him and approached Wang Zhong. After apologizing, he ced his hand on Wang Zhong¡¯s forehead, ¡°Your condition is very bad. You should be evacuated to the rear as soon as possible, why don¡¯t you follow the field hospital and retreat?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No! I won¡¯t abandon my troops!¡±

    In fact, ording to Wang Zhong¡¯s initial goal, which was to save his own life, he should choose to retreat now, but in his delirium, he only wanted to fiercely beat up the Germans¡ªno, the Prussian devils¡ªwith his own troops.

    The doctor was somewhat moved, ¡°I¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I didn¡¯t know you had this side to you.¡±

    "Did you think I was a yboy? That I¡¯d only wet myself on the battlefield?¡± Wang Zhong grew angry.

    His single-threaded brain now had only one thought: ¡°It¡¯s not just me who wets themselves, I¡¯m sick of everyone ming this on me!¡±

    So he began to rage, ¡°No! I am not that kind of coward! I¡¯ll make you all see! Whoever suggests sending me to the rear again is colluding with the enemy! Because you all know that with me here, I can strike the enemy hard, that¡¯s why you¡¯re trying every means possible to send me away!¡±

    The doctor was startled by Wang Zhong¡¯s sudden outburst of anger and took a step back, saying, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, please don¡¯t shoot me.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s execution of the local noble¡¯s butler had spread, and as he had previously shot a fake bishop and a fake judge, there were rumors in the troops that ¡°Count Rocossov would execute anyone suspected to be the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Medicine! Then quickly take the viger¡¯s cart and scram!¡±

    The doctor immediately opened his bag and took out a bunch of medicines and ced them on the table.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even ask how to take them, he grabbed the bottle, twisted it open, threw several pills into his mouth, and gulped down the water.

    At that moment, a gunshot rang out from outside, sounding very distant.

    Wang Zhong immediately switched to a bird¡¯s eye view, focusing his attention on the small hill to the west¡ªthe one initially guarded by Lubokov¡¯s tank.

    Sergeant Major Grigori¡¯s observation post was firing.

    Through their eyes, the armored units of the Prussians could be seen advancing on the highway.

    Wang Zhong counted, at least twenty Panzer III tanks, and an equal number of half-tracks, marching majestically past the wreck of the truck he had left behind.

    The roar of the engines could be heard clearly even from the sky.

    The tank leading the way had more antennas than the others, and a closer view revealed to Wang Zhong that the tank¡¯s tactical number was 141, with an eagle emblem beside the number.

    None of the other tanks had this eagle emblem, Wang Zhong guessed it might be a sign of themander¡¯s vehicle.

    Looking more closely at officer peering out from the turret of Tank 141, the officer¡¯s cor could be seen adorned with a gold decoration on a red background.

    Looking even closer, the officer turned out to be a cyclops!

    Too much German vor, too much.

    The Cyclopeanmander moved his mouth and the Tank 141 stopped, the turret began to rotate.

    The next moment, Wang Zhong felt like he heard the German word ¡°FIRE,¡± and the tank¡¯s muzzle ejected mes and thick smoke.

    Almost simultaneously, Wang Zhong lost his vision; neither the tanks nor the half-tracks were visible anymore.

    He quickly raised his perspective and saw a cloud of dust rising from the hill, two scoutspletely engulfed by the dust cloud.

    What the hell? Did the guy spot the scouts firing their warning shots?

    Wang Zhong suddenly had an ominous premonition.

    He switched back to his original perspective and shouted to the doctor, ¡°Go! The enemy is about to attack, hurry up and go!¡±

 Chapter 29: Saying Goodbye to the Bell Tower

    Commander Shrifen, Major Shrifen, scrutinized the dust clouds on the hillside for a while before sneering, ¡°The enemy¡¯s scouts don¡¯t even carry field telephones. The Ante Empire is more decayed than we imagined.¡±

    Over the headset, the voice of his tank toon leader came through: ¡°They are an inferior race, yet they upy the fertile ck earth!¡±

    "We¡¯vee to exterminate the pests!¡±

    "Exactly, hahaha!¡±

    Shrifen replied coldly: ¡°The enemy is in front of us, no idle chit-chat over the radio.¡±

    "Sorry, Major.¡±

    "My apologies.¡±

    Shrifen then asked, ¡°What¡¯s the result of the truck inspection?¡±

    Although the Major had not issued an order to inspect the truck, he believed that his subordinates would definitely have it checked after the marching column stopped.True to his expectations, the radio immediately ryed, ¡°Major, it¡¯s our truck. Before dawn today, a squad of mechanized infantry passed us. It might belong to that unit. But I didn¡¯t find any of our army¡¯s bodies in the truck.¡±

    Shrifen cursed, ¡°Why weren¡¯t they stopped and checked when the convoy passed through? We are the spearhead of the attack, and ording to the march order, the other units are all behind us!¡±

    The radio fell silent.

    Shrifen: ¡°Who was on dutyst night? I¡¯ll spare you confinement with the enemy before us. But if you survive the fight, await your punishment!¡±

    Having spoken, Shrifen momentarily shut off the tank¡¯s transmitter and gave the driver orders through the internalms: ¡°Leave the main road, up the mountain!¡±

    His Panzer III with the tactical number 141 left the road and climbed the hill which concealed Ante Army sentries.

    The voice of thebat group¡¯s staff officer came through the earphones: ¡°Major, shouldn¡¯t we let the infantry scout it out first?¡±

    Shrifen: ¡°There¡¯s no need. Ante People have no talent for warfare. They only fight by the book. Just consider how poorly they fared in the Winter War!¡±

    "The Ante People will set up sniper positions on the hilltops since that¡¯s what their textbooks teach them! If we haven¡¯t been attacked by now, then there¡¯s no one atop the hill. I¡¯ll prove it!¡±

    Having said that, Shrifen straightened up, exposing half his upper body from the protection of the tank hatch¡ªthe Panzer III¡¯s hatch was specially designed to open forward and could serve as a shield for themander when peering out.

    Vehicle 141 made its way almost to the top of the hill.

    It was then Shrifen¡¯s line of sight could finally overlook the hilltop to see beyond, so he shouted, ¡°Stop!¡±

    The tank halted abruptly, jolting heavily.

    Shrifen raised his binocrs. He had lost an eye in the Carolingian campaign but stubbornly continued to use binocrs as though he had never be a cyclops.

    "The Ante People have fortified the town, with some buildings appearing quite solid.¡±

    Momentarily, the staff officer riding in themand half-track also arrived up the hill. He jumped out of the vehicle and stood next to Tank 141, raising his binocrs.

    "Considering that Ante Army unit that passed us off as ours this pre-dawn, they must¡­¡±

    "Major!¡± an ensign officer interrupted the staff officer¡¯s words, ¡°Look here, there are track marks on the ground; an Ante Army tank stopped here!¡±

    Shrifen turned toward the ensign: ¡°Well done, Ensign, can you tell where the tracks go?¡±

    "Down to the vige on the hillside, Major!¡±

    The chief of staff frowned, ¡°Tanks and infantry, plus this kind of strong brick construction, we should wait for the heavy artillery. They actually gave up this high ground just like that. If we set up artillery observation posts here, the heavy artillerying up could st them to ashes!¡±

    Shrifen: ¡°The heavy artillery is stuck on the roads, and by the time they arrive, it¡¯ll be toote. Ante People¡¯s tanks are very outdated, and the Air Force has mostly destroyed them; a few tanks won¡¯t make much difference.

    "Deploy the troops. How many smoke bombs does the mortar toon have left?¡±

    The logistics staff replied, ¡°Not many, officer; we¡¯ve been pushing forward with no systematic resupply.¡±

    "Then let¡¯s not use them yet.¡±

    Shrifen looked down at the vige below again and said, ¡°If the enemy has a ¡®Divine Arrow¡¯, it will be in that clock tower.¡±

    After finishing his observation, Shrifen put down his binocrs and lifted his thumb as a reference, estimating the distance by sight.

    "Two kilometers, the enemy¡¯s Divine Arrows are not so precise at this distance, have Hoffman¡¯s crew take over. The shooting position is right here!¡±

    Soon, a number three tank with the tactical number 170 drove up the hill and stopped near Shrifen¡¯s number 141.

    Shrifen pressed his throat microphone and said, ¡°Hoffman, the target is that bell tower, the enemy¡¯s Divine Arrow team is definitely inside. The 50mm high-explosive shells of the Panzer III might not prate the stone walls, so I want you to urately deliver the shells through the windows of the bell tower.¡±

    Armor-Piercing Shells could naturally prate stone walls, but their damaging effect might not be very good.

    However, hitting the windows urately from two kilometers away required not only superb shooting skills but also a bit of luck.

    In fact, hitting the bell tower at this distance would already be considered passing.

    But Shrifen had confidence in his team¡¯s ace gunner.

    Shrifen: ¡°Hit it and I¡¯ll reward you with a pack of canned food!¡±

    Laughter from the tankers came over the radio: ¡°Major, who needs your canned food now? Look around¡ªthere¡¯s an endless supply of beef and women to sleep with!¡±

    "Indeed, we are only a bit short on bread!¡±

    Shrifen: ¡°Then the reward will be in Imperial Marks, and if you miss, it¡¯s solitary confinement for you!¡±

    Hoffman whistled: ¡°Just watch me!¡±

    Tank number 170 rotated its turret, beginning to aim.

    Shrifen nced at his subordinates, then turned back to look at the foot of the hill, pleased to see his troops hadpleted deployment forbat, ready tounch an attack.

    At that moment, the gun fired.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    "They¡¯ve fired?¡± Monk Yeca Neiko was shocked as the whistling sound of the shell passed overhead; everyone instinctively looked up.

    The next moment, the explosion came from behind.

    Monk Yeca Neiko rushed to the opposite window, just in time to see dust breaking through the bell tower¡¯s windows.

    Then he saw two guards running out of the bell tower¡¯s main door, panic-stricken onto the street.

    The next moment, therge bell crashed onto the first floor of the bell tower, and the bell, as tall as a person, started bouncing, with its dull toll torturing everyone¡¯s ears.

    Monk Yeca Neiko cursed: ¡°Sukabule!¡±

    He looked at the others.

    A munitions handler said, ¡°If we were in the bell tower now, we¡¯d be like that bell¡­¡±

    Ludm: ¡°We can counterattack! The one who fired must be their best gunner! Taking him out could save many of us!¡±

    "No!¡± Yeca Neiko reprimanded the people who started to move after Ludm¡¯s words, ¡°They¡¯d just reverse and evade now, which would only expose us! Wait for them toe into the open, when they have nowhere to hide, then we shoot!¡±

    After stopping everyone, Yeca Neiko muttered to himself, ¡°It actually hit as predicted¡­ could he really be a genius?¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Shrifen frowned, observing the vige¡¯s response.

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°It seems there¡¯s no Divine Arrow stationed in the tower. The enemy might have abandoned this vige.¡±

    Shrifen: ¡°Even so, we must advance into the vige inbat formation. Second Armored toon and infantry, begin the push!¡±

    The Second toon mainly equipped the Panzer IV tanks for infantry support, with their short-barrel 75mm howitzers not suitable for anti-tank but extremely effective against infantry.

    The Chief of Staff nced at the staff officer already standing by and nodded gently.

    So the staff officer blew the whistle that signaled the start of the offensive.

    The Panzer IV tanks of the Second toon emitted thick smoke from their exhaust pipes as their tracks crushed the ck soil, rolling over the hill.

 Chapter 30: Divine Arrow Establishes Authority

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t dare to lie down, for he feared that once he did, he would fall into a deep sleep.

    When the bell tower was under artillery fire, Wang Zhong had specifically switched to Yeca Neiko Monk¡¯s squad ¨C by now they were all considered under Wang Zhong¡¯smand, likely counted among that cluster of ¡°routed soldiers¡±, allowing Wang Zhong to draw the scene closer at any time.

    He saw Yeca Neiko lying at the window on the street-facing side, staring wide-eyed at the stricken bell tower.

    Before Wang Zhong could take pleasure in Yeca Neiko¡¯s astonishment, he heard Ludm say, ¡°We can fight back, that tank must be the enemy¡¯s ace!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought, no, big sister, if you fire from here and expose yourself, they will retract.

    In the game War Thunder, where arge number of missile vehicles have been implemented, Wang Zhong had gained extensive experience in countering missiles, and he knew that retreating into cover and deploying smoke bombs could effectively disrupt missile guidance.

    The enemy was currently on the hillside, and a simple reverse gear would take them out of sight, while the enemy was almost two kilometers away from the town. For a missile ¨C Divine Arrow ¨C to travel that distance would take quite some time, enough for the enemy to react!

    Although Wang Zhong was anxious, there was no way for him to issuemands to Ludm and the others, after all, they were not actually units under Wang Zhong¡¯s control in a game!

    Fortunately, at that moment, Yeca Neiko Monk, who was very experienced, shouted, ¡°Stop! If we fire now, they will run away!¡±Seeing that Ludm and the others stopped what they were doing, Wang Zhong finally breathed a sigh of relief.

    Yeca Neiko Monk likely had experience from the Winter War and even the Civil War.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong put his mind at ease, than at least twelve tanks rolled over the ridge line, entering Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision, all carrying thick and short ¡°infantry tank¡± guns, which looked strikingly like the number four.

    The tank destroyed by Yeca Neiko Monk¡¯s Divine Arrow squad in Ronied was one of this type.

    A dozen secondster, infantry skirmish lines and half-tracked vehicles also appeared.

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, the enemy¡¯s firepower was much stronger than he had anticipated; just the machine guns on the half-tracked vehicles numbered over a dozen, not to mention those on the tanks, the density of firepower was astounding.

    Byparison, the Third Rear Amur Group¡¯s machine gun firepower had been severely depleted and couldn¡¯tpare at all.

    Observing Yegorov¡¯syout, Wang Zhong discovered that Yegorov hadn¡¯t set up machine gun positions outside the town at all, clearly not intending to exchange fire with the enemy in open terrain.

    The only light machine gun positioned at the edge of the town was there to cover for the Divine Arrow squad, and it was expected to move as soon as the Divine Arrow squad relocated.

    Wang Zhong shifted his view back to the Divine Arrow squad and saw that they were ready tounch.

    Yeca Neiko Monk, using binocrs to observe the enemy, said in a low voice, ¡°Do you see tank with tactical number 181? It has additional antennas; that¡¯s the Prussians¡¯mand vehicle.¡±

    Ludm also held binocrs: ¡°I see it, tactical number 181.¡±

    Yeca Neiko: ¡°It¡¯s up to you then, let me know when you¡¯re ready.¡±

    "I¡¯m ready,¡± Ludm replied.

    Wang Zhong was also ready; this time he wanted to witness firsthand how Divine Arrow¡¯s guidance worked. At least for now, Ludm didn¡¯t appear to hold anything resembling a radio remote control device in her hands.

    Yeca Neiko: ¡°Fire!¡±

    The gunner pressed the button on theuncher, and the rocket¡¯s tail me instantly filled half the room, blowing off the portraits hanging on the opposite wall with a tter!

    Wang Zhong, raising his viewpoint, saw the rocket tracing an arc towards the enemy, its head glowing like a re.

    For a moment, Wang Zhong truly felt as though he was ying ¡°War Game Red Dragon¡±, where missiles were made extremely bright to be more noticeable, like fireflies, so that yers could clearly see the missile trajectory even when at a high aerial view.

    The enemy¡¯s tanks obviously hadn¡¯t reacted, continuing in their original direction, and they were hit as such.

    After the explosion, the tank maintained its forward motion as if nothing had happened, then mes shot out from the engine radiator, and the vehicle abruptly stopped, with all the crew members jumping out of the tank and efficiently hitting the ground.

    The next moment, the tank¡¯s ammunition detonated, and mes burst forth from the open hatches.

    At that moment, Tank 182, which was advancing to the left of 181, came to an abrupt stop and rotated its turret¡ªthey had actually already located where the Divine Arrow was fired from!

    Although the Divine Arrow had a very apparent trail, the fact that the enemy could determine the firing team¡¯s position so quickly could only mean that they were indeed experienced.

    Just as Wang Zhong shifted his attention back to the Divine Arrow team, the enemy fired. The hurried shot was not urate, merely hitting the wall beside the window.

    The brick wall was instantly breached, and the shockwave from the explosion blew off Yeca Neiko¡¯s hat.

    Yeca Neiko shouted, ¡°Quick, retreat! Grab the stand and run!¡±

    The two shooters picked up the stand and dashed toward the room¡¯s main door, with Ludm close behind them.

    Yeca Neiko was thest one, and just as the group stepped out the door, the second shell came.

    This time, the shell flew through the window and hit the opposite wall.

    As the shockwave and shrapnel swept across the doorway, Yeca Neiko had just stepped outside.

    He stumbled and fell to the ground, cursing loudly, ¡°Sukabule!¡±

    Ludm turned back and pulled Yeca Neiko up, ¡°Can you still walk?¡±

    "Yes! I just grazed my foot. Hurry to the second position!¡±

    The squad ran straight out of the house, and at the same time, the light machine gunner who stayed behind to cover them started firing¡ªto draw the tanks¡¯ attention and spread their focus.

    Yegorov¡¯s men had already broken through the walls in the courtyard, so the Divine Arrow team quickly moved to the adjacent yard.

    Right then, the third shell from the enemy came, still targeting the window where the Divine Arrow team had been,pletely ignoring the machine gunner.

    The third high-explosive shell directly pierced through the house, with bricks tumbling into the street on the other side.

    Then the tank began to turn its gun barrel, clearly aiming for the machine gun this time¡ª

    Wang Zhong¡¯s heart was racing; he almost cried out: Run, you guys, run!

    Unfortunately, his thoughts could not reach the two brave soldiers.

    And they were too far from the tank to see such a slight shift in the tank gun¡¯s barrel without an overhead view and binocrs. By the time the machine gunners stopped firing and nned to move, the tank fired.

    When the shell made impact, the machine gunner and the ammunition handler had just left the shooting window. The shockwave caught up with them, knocking them to the ground.

    Wang Zhong immediately lost sight of the two men.

    He felt some regret; he didn¡¯t even know their names¡ª

    Just then, a second Divine Arrow was fired from the adjacent building, aimed straight at the enemy tank that was still in its original position!

    Wang Zhong¡¯s heart raced alongside the Divine Arrow towards the enemy.

    The light struck right at the ¡°chief¡± position on Tank 182, detonating on the vertical steel te.

    The next moment, the tank¡¯s turret was blown away by the st wave of sympathetic detonation, even before the Prussians inside had a chance to escape! Wang Zhong could even see the body of a Tank Operator being hurled into the air!

    But more tanks stopped, and they had all located the firing position of the Divine Arrow.

    As it was said than done, the first barrage was fired.

    In the blink of an eye, several 75mm high-explosive shells hit the building where the Divine Arrow team was situated!

 Chapter 31: Fierce Battle in the City

    The Divine Arrow team proved to be clever this time, with the firing group at the first window on the west side of the ground floor, while Ludm, responsible for guiding the missiles, and Monk Yeca Neiko, who indicated the targets, were at the window of the kitchen next door.

    After firing the rockets, theunch team immediately left for another position, leaving only Ludm to guide the missiles.

    At least eight mortar shells hit the firing window, copsing half of the house, but Ludm and Monk Yeca Neiko made it out in one piece!

    It seemed that the Divine Arrow team was still capable of destroying quite a few tanks!

    Before Wang Zhong could celebrate, artillery fire rained down from the sky.

    Judging by where the shellsnded, it was hurried mortar fire without precise aiming; some even fell into Peniye vige itself.

    None of the shells exploded violently; they simply burst into clouds of smoke with a sound akin to firecrackers.

    Mortar smoke bombs! It looked like this was also a standard Prussian Army tactic when facing the Divine Arrow.

    Wang Zhong shifted his gaze toward the edge of his entire field of vision, staring at the cyclopeanmanding officer on the mountain top, wishing he could psychically snipe him and plunge the enemy into chaos.¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major Shrifen observed the dispersal of the smoke.

    The artillery observer¡¯s ranging binocrs were set up right next to his vehicle, with firing data constantly being transmitted directly to the vehicle-mounted mortar units on the hillside through verbalmands.

    The second bombardment was much more urate; a smoke wall formed in front of the vige, and even Shrifen could not see clearly what was happening inside.

    He raised his right hand, ¡°Alright, cease fire!¡±

    Themands to stop firing came from the mortar toon leader behind him.

    When the artillery fire ceased, the chief of staff said, ¡°The enemy has deployed two Divine Arrow units in such a small vige? There must be a significant force. Should we wait for the heavy artillery¡­¡±

    Shrifen responded, ¡°What two Divine Arrows? Haven¡¯t you noticed that our attacks did not trigger any Divine Arrow sympathetic detonations? Considering the intervals betweenunches, this is the same Divine Arrow unit constantly changing positions.

    "Each position probably has only one Divine Arrow, allowing them to move quickly by carrying just theuncher frame. We¡¯ve seen this tactic in Carolingian; Chief of Staff, you did not participate in the Carolingian campaign, did you?¡±

    The chief of staff fell silent.

    Shrifen continued, ¡°The enemymander is quite excellent, surely having studied many reports from the Carolingian campaign; he knows our tactics.

    "If it was also him who stole our truck and ordered it to advance with its headlights on, then today we must eliminate a great future threat to the empire.¡±

    Chief of staff: ¡°Then we should all the more wait for the heavy artillery¡­¡±

    "If we wait for the heavy artillery, he will have fled! The enemy is still not well-established; look, there are no sandbags, no barbed wire and anti-tank stakes in the vige, probably no minefields either. Now, relying on our advantage in troops and firepower to grind them down and seize an opportunity to capture him is the best strategy!

    "If we wait for the heavy artillery to arrive, the enemy will be ready, and we will only suffer even more severe casualties!¡±

    Shrifen stopped and watched the assault troops enter the smokescreen created by the mortars.

    He looked up at the sky, ¡°With the sun this bright, the west wind will be blowing soon. The smoke will disperse and everything will settle.¡±

    As soon as the words fell, the sound of machine gun fire came from within the smoke. The sound, tearing like ripping canvas, was that of the empire¡¯s standard model 34 general-purpose machine gun.

    It was clear that the attacking units were using machine guns to suppress the windows on the edge of the vige.

    Then, the sound of cannons followed; Shrifen immediately recognized them as the No. 4¡¯s 75mm guns.

    "It¡¯s started, just wait and see,¡± Shrifen said confidently.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong discovered that his bird¡¯s-eye view could see through smoke¡ªhe couldn¡¯t make out what was inside the smoke, but he could clearly see everything before and beyond it.

    Ordinary people couldn¡¯t see past the smoke, but Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective could.

    He wasn¡¯t sure whether this was just how strong Golden Finger was, or if it was a bug.

    However, this was of little use since Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t mentally control his troops and had to rely on the radio beside him. As it turned out, the radio could only call Captain Lubokov¡¯s vehicle¡ªonly that car had a radio.

    This feeling was a bit like ying auto chess; once the deployment was set, it was up to the pieces to fight it out themselves.

    After the enemy tanks crossed the smoke line, they immediately began firing at the windows of the buildings.

    Wang Zhong had a habit in various military games of doing the same: regardless of whether there were enemies in the buildings, firing first and asking questionster, depleting supplies rather than manpower.

    The Prussians¡¯ firepower was fierce; with dozens of machine guns firing, many wooden window frames were simply sted to pieces.

    As for the wooden houses, entire walls were dismantled.

    Then, a tank with the tactical number 185 fired its cannon at the westernmost red-roofed building, copsing the corner of the house and sending tiles flying halfway into the sky.

    As they approached the vige, the enemy tanks slowed down, and the infantry, spread out in skirmish lines, overtook the tanks and charged towards the vige.

    On the very outskirts of the vige was a stone wall where the vigers had fenced off several small courtyards to keep some livestock. Now this stone wall had be the first line of defense against the enemy.

    Apparently, the Prussians weren¡¯t used to carrying explosives, so they had to construct humandders to scale the wall.

    In the blink of an eye, Amur Group submachine gunners hidden on the ground floor opened fire.

    Because of the cover provided by the stone wall, the earlier enemy machine gun fire had not reached the windows on the ground floor.

    As the submachine gunners shot down the enemies climbing the wall, riflemen hiding by the wall quickly lobbed grenades over it.

    These grenades were clearly thrown by veterans, who had held them for a moment before releasing; they exploded as soon as they hit the ground, wounding and killing many Prussians outside the wall instantaneously.

    The next moment, the tanks fired, sting an opening in the stone wall.

    Immediately, the enemy¡¯s grenades were thrown through the gap into the courtyard.

    Wang Zhong clearly saw one of the veteran defenders catch one of the grenades, intending to throw it back when it exploded in his hand.

    The veteran¡¯s upper body was shredded by the st, covering the face of a recruit with blood and viscera.

    The recruit screamed in terror, only to be impaled in the stomach by an enemy¡¯s bay that rushed in.

    A brutal melee battle was underway.

    Meanwhile, the enemy tanks continued to fire as they advanced toward the vige.

    Tank number 185 decided to enter the vige from the southwest road, and Lubokov¡¯s tank was exactly ambushed next to the mill at the end of this road.

    Wang Zhong quickly switched back to the naked eye view and grabbed the radio on the table, ¡°Lubokov, the enemy is about toe into your sight!¡±

    "What?¡± Lubokov eximed, ¡°How can you see them? I can¡¯t see a thing!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Watch the front, tell your gunner to be alert!¡±

    While shouting, he switched back to the bird¡¯s-eye view; indeed, he saw tank number 185 enter the vige, appearing right within Lubokov¡¯s firing range.

    "Good Lord!¡± Lubokov muttered, ¡°Fire, fire now!¡±

    A puff of white smoke came out of Lubokov¡¯s tank¡¯s gun barrel.

    Wang Zhong clearly saw a stream of sparksing out of tank number 185.

    But the tank didn¡¯t explode; it just came to a stop.

    Lubokov¡¯s anxious voice shouted over the radio, ¡°Reload quickly, we didn¡¯t hit them!¡±

    From Lubokov¡¯s perspective, it was impossible to tell if the enemy had been hit or not.

    But Wang Zhong could see, thanks to his view, as the highlighted enemies inside the tank suddenly reduced by three, leaving only two who couldn¡¯t possibly drive the vehicle.

    After all, this wasn¡¯t ¡°War Thunder.¡± If only two crew members remained, they would continue to fight, but in reality, morale wasn¡¯t that high, and crews would usually abandon the tank after losing one or two key members.

    Wang Zhong saw the highlighted two climbing out of the tank from the bottom hatch.

    That¡¯s when the third machine gun from the Amur Group finally rang out¡ªunlike the enemy¡¯s sharp tearing sound, the Ante Army¡¯s heavy machine gun sounded solid, matching its bulky appearance.

    As Wang Zhong was distracted, Lubokov fired a second armor-piercing shell, hitting the now-empty tank number 185 again.

    "Lubokov! That tank has been destroyed! Watch out for the next one!¡±

    "How do you know it¡¯s destroyed? Where are you watching the battlefield from? Count, you can¡¯t direct blindly! Reload!¡±

    Wang Zhong adjusted his view, wanting to see Lubokov¡¯s condition, only to find out that he had gone inside the tank.

    Tanks actually have a very poor field of view, which is why tankmanders in World War II liked to poke their heads out to observe the situation.

    For someone like Lubokov to retreat inside the tank without infantry cover in urbanbat was essentially offering victory to the enemy infantry.

    Just then, tank number 186 of the Prosen Army moved forward.

    Wang Zhong heard Lubokov screaming over the radio, ¡°Retreat when facing two enemy tanks! Retreat now!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ?????

    Since Lubokov had already moved, and the tanks of this era had no stabilizers, the shot went wild, and the armor-piercing shell struck the second floor of a building on the street, blowing a hole in the wall.

    The enemy tank stopped, fired a shot at Lubokov who was retreating.

    The shot was clearly a high-explosive shell that exploded on the front armor of Lubokov¡¯s tank, shattering all the mill¡¯s windows.

    Lubokov¡¯s cries suddenly disappeared from the radio.

    But his tank neither caught fire nor stopped; it continued to reverse past the cover of the mill until it crashed into the exterior wall of the distillery and stopped, though the engine still roared as if trying to knock down the wall.

    Wang Zhong was astounded, thinking, was it a high-pressure shock from a high-explosive shell that knocked them out?

    The next moment, he didn¡¯t need to ponder that anymore because tank number 187, which hade in from the northern road, hit Lubokov¡¯s tank with an armor-piercing shell.

    The T28, already lightly armored with arge silhouette, now exposed its broadside and exploded into a towering fireball.

    The explosion happened right beside the distillery Wang Zhong had chosen as hismand post, shattering the windows around him.

    It was over, he could no longer count on it. Let¡¯s see the other tanks; there were two more set up in ambush positions¡ª

    But then Wang Zhong saw another tank heroically charge out of its ambush position.

    It fired a shot, but as it didn¡¯t stop to shoot, the shot flew wide, and then the tank, while firing its machine gun, rammed into enemy tank number 187.

    What the hell?

    No matter, there was one more tank in ambush. After the infantry used Molotov cocktails to wear down the enemy tank, the final blow from this tank would surely turn the tide!

    Then, thest tank in ambush also broke cover, with the tankmander poking his head out and manually operating the anti-aircraft machine gun on top of the tank.

    While firing, he shouted, ¡°The captain has nobly met his end! Let¡¯s fight to thest moment like true Cossacks!¡±

    Turns out this tank had seen what happened to Lubokov.

    The enemy tank number 186, upon seeing this, immediately fired an armor-piercing shell.

    Despite the short 75mm gun being primarily for anti-infantry use, with lower chamber pressure and initial velocity of the shells, it was still a 75mm caliber!

    One shot created a hole on the front twin machine gun turretsrge enough for Wang Zhong to see from the air, followed by the tank catching fire and graduallying to a stop.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but facepalm. What was that all about?

    Let the infantry deal with those tanks entering the city!

    While thinking this, enemy tank number 186 began to advance, but the machine gun hidden in the basement opened fire, mowing down a swath of infantry following the tank.

    Taking advantage of this opening, two infantrymen on the second floor by the road popped their heads out and lobbed Molotov cocktails at the tank.

    The first Molotov cocktail precisely hit the tank¡¯s rear radiator grille, immediately engulfing it in mes.

    The second hit the turret.

    Wang Zhong guessed that some of the fuel might have seeped through themander¡¯s observation hatch into the turret.

    The next moment, the hatch cover was jacked open by two-meter-high mes.

    The loader opened the side hatch, attempting to exit from the side of the turret, only to run into the barrel of the machine gun.

    That¡¯s more like it! Well done, third Amur Group!

 Chapter 32: The Star of Victory Will Shine Upon Us

    ¡°`

    But Wang Zhong soon lost his cheer.

    He found that, like the German Army, which organized troops around machine guns, the Prussian Army had a feature of the mid-German forces: they were broadly equipped with rifle grenades.

    In real history, the German Army didn¡¯t start equipping rifle grenades inrge quantities until the middle andter parts of 1942. At the start of Operation Barbarossa, German squads generally only had hand grenades.

    The Prussian Army, likelyprised of veterans, used rifle grenades with masterful skill. As soon as machine gun positions were discovered, they were quickly bombarded with rifle grenades.

    Although Wang Zhong didn¡¯t think these rifle grenades could effectively kill the machine gun crew since the guns were inside buildings and were positioned cunningly, getting hit by rifle grenades would inevitably lead to relocation and that would create gaps in firepower.

    Of course, the enemy didn¡¯t have an overhead view like Wang Zhong, and figuring out the machine gun positions was a challenge. However, they solved this problem withbat experience and sheer numbers.

    Moreover, the enemy was clearly very familiar with this kind of urban meat grinderbat thatbined infantry and tanks. The infantry led the way for the tanks, clearing each room with grenades, while tanks sent machine gun spots flying, one after another.

    After fighting for half a day and losing six tanks and over a hundred men to injuries or death, the Amur Group had also lost three heavy machine guns and the lives of dozens of grenadiers.Although only seven or eight buildings on the western side of the vige had been taken by the Prussian forces, Wang Zhong, with his oversight, could already tell that the fall of Peniye was just a matter of time if things continued this way.

    The only constion was that the Amur Group¡¯s morale was high. Despite facing massive losses, they continued to bravely contest the enemy for control of every house.

    Wang Zhong knew that to change the course of the battle, he must eliminate all of the enemy¡¯s tanks. Without the tanks, those half-tracked vehicles that freely leveraged machine gun firepower apanying the infantry wouldn¡¯t pose a threat.

    But now, four enemy tanks had secured the two main roads on the western side of the vige, and the firepower points along the roads didn¡¯t dare to shoot, as any attempt would invite return fire from the tank guns.

    The enemy was advancing along the main roads, rapidly approaching the town center with the church and the mechanic¡¯s mill.

    Wang Zhong noticed that in Boye Manor, the three-story estate to the north of the church, thest heavy machine gun that hadn¡¯t fired was on alert. He surmised that the moment the enemy infantry stepped into the open space in front of the church, they would likely be heavily wounded.

    Plus, the heavy machine gun position Yegorov chose was very cunning. For the enemy tanks to hit it, they had to enter the open space right in front of the church.

    The problem, however, was that Yegorov no longer had any anti-tank firepower.

    The Divine Arrow team led by Monk Yeca Neiko, after their line of sight had been blocked, intended to retreat to the manor. Still, they moved toote and failed to cross therge road on the northwest side of the vige in time, now trapped in a two-story building beside the road.

    Unfortunately, this building only had windows on the north and south sides, leaving Yeca Neiko¡¯s squad without a good line of sight on the enemy tanks on the street.

    The enemy infantry had already advanced to about fifty meters away from them.

    They couldn¡¯t rely on the Divine Arrows and had to depend on Molotov cocktails.

    However, the enemy advanced too swiftly; only the initial batch of Molotov cocktails made it to the grenadiers on the second floor on the vige¡¯s western side.

    The bulk of the Molotov cocktails producedter were now piled up in the distillery, with no option but to be transported forward by hand, bit by bit. Whether they could be delivered on time or prove effective was still uncertain.

    The enemy now knew their tactics here. The infantry wouldn¡¯t allow tanks to proceed without securing the buildings on both sides of the street.

    They must find a way to destroy the enemy¡¯s remaining four tanks.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze turned towards thest T28 tank parked in the distillery.

    But this vulnerable behemoth would likely be blown up the moment it appeared before the enemy!

    Wang Zhong brooded over the battlefield from his vantage point.

    At that moment, he was burning with fever, feeling light-headed, as if he could ascend to heaven at any moment.

    Maybe it¡¯s best to give up?

    He had fought well enough, and now, being so gravely ill, no one would me him if he passed out.

    Close my eyes, and even if there¡¯s a flood, it has nothing to do with me ¡ª isn¡¯t this the perfect attitude for a defeatist?

    Perhaps because of this thought, Wang Zhong¡¯s consciousness grew blurrier. In his haziness, he saw in a house at the west end of the vige, two Prosen soldiers discovering locals hiding in a cer.

    Wang Zhong recognized these locals; they were the same family who had refused his advice when he first entered the vige. He remembered their neighbor, thendy, mentioning the olddy with her grandson, named Ilynichna.

    Ilynichna was clinging tightly to her grandson, shielding him with her aged body.

    Her son and daughter-inw were also there, huddled together, trembling.

    Prosen soldiers scrutinized Ilynichna¡¯s son, interrogating him in Prosen but the olddy could only shake her head repeatedly, saying, ¡°We don¡¯t know, we¡¯re justmon folk.¡±

    Suddenly, one of the Prosen soldiers yelled and stabbed Ilynichna¡¯s son to death with a bay, then shouted in Antenguage, ¡°Deserter!¡±

    Another Prosenughed, ¡°Coward!¡±

    Ilynichna¡¯s daughter-inw sat there stupefied, agape, as the olddy pleaded desperately.

    At that moment, a sergeant entered the cer, nced down, and started cursing vehemently, all while lifting his submachine gun and firing into Ilynichna¡¯s family.

    The daughter-inw was gunned down instantly, and although the olddy tried to protect her grandson, she too fell after being hit by several shots.

 Chapter 33: The Star of Victory Will Shine Upon Us (2)

    Thest child standing seemed incapable of grasping the concept of death. He nkly stared at his fallen family members, then at the still-smoking barrel of Prosen¡¯s sergeant¡¯s submachine gun.

    The sergeant went up to the boy and kicked him over with one foot, then with another foot, snapped his delicate neck.

    Wang Zhong was shocked by this bloody scene and snapped back to rity.

    The vige wasn¡¯t even upied yet, and these beasts had begun to massacre! What they intended to do after taking over the vige was unimaginable!

    No! Wang Zhong forcibly shook his head, trying hard to stay alert.

    Because he knew that if there was any chance to turn the tables now, it could only be his own ¡°cheat¡±.

    He had to make full use of the cheat to destroy the enemy¡¯s remaining four tanks.

    He looked over at thest tank in the distillery, the tactical number 422 T28 multi-turret tank.

    This thinly-armored behemoth couldn¡¯t possibly withstand the enemy head-on. He needed to find a way to get to their side, or even behind them! He had to utilize the ¡°Golden Finger¡± of the overhead view!Wang Zhong pulled his view to the farthest, overlooking the entire battlefield.

    He noticed something: the smoke from the enemy¡¯s mortar fire hadn¡¯t dispersed yet, so the tanks behind the enemy couldn¡¯t see the situation in the vige.

    In other words, if he left the vige now and took a wide detour outside the vige, the enemy¡¯s following tanks wouldn¡¯t be able to see it.

    Give such an order to the 422 crew?

    Considering the recent performance of the tank troops, the training andbat experience of the Ante Army¡¯s armored forces were questionable¡­

    The rank-and-file soldiers were indeed courageous, but that was all they had.

    Most importantly, they didn¡¯t have the overhead view and had no idea of the enemy¡¯s position!

    To use thisst tank to wipe out the enemy¡¯s four tanks, there was only one way:

    I have to personallymand this tank!

    The moment this thought arose, Wang Zhong switched back to the normal view.

    His heart was pounding fiercely for the first time, making Wang Zhong truly understand what it meant to feel one¡¯s ¡°heart nearly bursting out of the chest.¡± The flood of adrenaline that was secreted made him, who had been weak and listless, spring to his feet.

    Sofya standing next to him with a handkerchief was stunned.

    As soon as Wang Zhong saw her, he grabbed her shoulders and stared at her intensely.

    "Uh¡­ I¡¯ll wipe the sweat for you, after all, I¡¯m just a Hymn Monk, all I can do is¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°As long as I am alive, you won¡¯t be captured! Absolutely not!¡±

    Indeed, if he gave up, not only would his soldiers die in battle and the civilians in the vige be ughtered, but these lovely girls would also face the enemy¡¯s abuse!

    How could he give up?

    Wang Zhong¡¯s feverish brain now had only one thought: Screw those Prosen bastards and to hell with them!

    Sofya was still confused, ¡°Uh, you might be mistaking me for someone else¡­ I am not Miss Ludm¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong left her behind, striding out with purpose.

    At this moment, his head was as heavy as a balloon-headed doll, but he still walked with brisk steps fueled by the adrenaline rush.

    Rushing out of the main workshop of the distillery, Wang Zhong immediately spotted the 422 vehicle.

    Parked safely within the walls of the distillery, not even a single bullet had gone past it, but the tank¡¯s turret hatch was shut tight.

    Wang Zhong felt an upsurge of anger. He seemed to forget he was running a high fever, stormed up to the tank, and banged on the hatch: ¡°Open the hatch! You bastard, I¡¯ll throw a Molotov cocktail if you don¡¯t open up!¡±

    Themander of the 422, a corporal with whom Wang Zhong had a brief acquaintance, opened the hatch and popped his head out: ¡°Don¡¯t throw!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Everyone else is fighting in blood, and you¡¯re acting like a coward here as a reserve!¡±

    "I¡­ I¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong pulled off his headset and microphone in one go: ¡°Get out!¡±

    "Eh?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I said get out!¡±

    The corporal hesitated for a moment, ¡°Will I be shot? Deserters are to be executed!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯ll be shot if you don¡¯t get out, now get out!¡±

    The corporal mbered out shakily but still stood by the turret, unwilling to leave: ¡°I¡¯m not deserting, it was you, Count, who ordered me out¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong kicked him off and climbed into the turret himself, putting on the headset.

    The corporal lying on the ground called out, ¡°Here¡¯s your tank helmet¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t be bothered with him. His brain simply didn¡¯t have the capacity to consider too much right now, like how being inside the turret increased the chances of survival, or how without a tank helmet, one would be bruised from knocking against the turret. He hadn¡¯t thought about any of these things.

    All that he was focused on now wasmanding the tank, pulling off a beautiful nking action to break the enemy¡¯s assault.

    After putting on the headset, he realized he could hardly hear anything because of the ringing in his ears.

    It was said that early Soviet tank equipment was quite backward, forcing themander to use a wrench to knock signals for orders. He could only hope that this tank was somewhat more advanced.

    Wang Zhong mmed the headset a few times, then his head. The ringing in his ears got even worse.

    After all, he had a high fever and a rush of adrenaline. A little ringing was the least of his issues.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t care anymore and shouted, ¡°Rather than this ringing, give me some battle music!¡±

    Perhaps it was psychological, but the ringing in his ears seemed to take on the rhythms of music.

    However, Wang Zhong was too dazed to discern the song.

    He didn¡¯t care and gave the order directly: ¡°Move forward! Head out the gate!¡±

    The wreckage of Captain Lubokov¡¯s vehicle provided some cover just outside the gate.

    Wang Zhong¡¯smand was executed. The engine of the tank roared, slowly starting to move forward.

    The soldiers at the gate hurriedly opened it.

 Chapter 34: The Star of Victory Will Shine Upon Us (3)

    The tank rolled out halfway when Wang Zhong issued his secondmand, ¡°Turn left.¡±

    Turning left meant going east, which looked like fleeing.

    Actually, Wang Zhong was making a nking maneuver.

    The driver didn¡¯t raise any objections, or perhaps he did, but Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t hear him.

    He had tinnitus¡ªno, that¡¯s not right, it wasn¡¯t tinnitus anymore, it was indistinguishable music.

    In fact, he couldn¡¯t hear anything now: the sounds of gunfire, the roar of engines, the screams of soldiers dying, and so on were all drowned out by the ringing (music) in his ears.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Su Fang stood at the doorway, watching Count Rocossov speed away in a tank.

    Someone eximed, ¡°The Count is fleeing in a tank!¡±Su Fang shouted loudly, ¡°No! He has not run! He said that as long as he lives, he would never let me¡­ let us be captured! By shaking our morale like this, I should have you shot!¡±

    The shouter immediately fell silent.

    Su Fang then looked out the gate again, where by now, nothing was left but the tracks of the tank.

    Count Rocossov, can I truly trust you?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Turn right!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t hear a response and could only pat the top of the turret forcefully: ¡°Turn right, ah ah!¡±

    The tank¡¯s right track mmed to a halt, swinging the vehicle around in a tailspin toplete the right turn.

    Wang Zhong was shaken so severely he felt his brain might burst out.

    At this point, he was still in themander¡¯s view mode, vomiting uncontrobly.

    But that didn¡¯t stop him from giving orders: ¡°Follow the stone wall, main gun pointed straight ahead, load the high-explosive shell!¡±

    The order was perfectly executed, and by that time, the tank had just passed the southernmost wooden hut in the vige¡ªprobably an outhouse¡ªand the view suddenly opened up. A Prosen half-track vehicle was parked at the edge of the wheat field.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Emergency stop! Emergency stop!¡±

    The tank braked hard, and thanks to the T28 being a rather long tank, the jolt was minor during the emergency stop; otherwise, Wang Zhong would have likely been thrown out.

    The Prussians near the half-track were shocked. The machine-gunner on the vehicle, who was firing at the vige, hurriedly turned the gun barrel upon seeing the tank.

    "Target the half-track vehicle, fire!¡±

    The smoke from the gun muzzle obscured Wang Zhong¡¯s vision, although it was just a small 45mm gun, the firing action was still quite intense.

    The front half of the half-track was blown up into the air, and the surrounding Prosen soldiers immediately fell like bowling pins.

    The machine guns in the two small turrets at the front of the T28 rattled off, and in an instant, there were no longer any standing figures left.

    Wang Zhong, by this time, felt a bit weak in the legs and simply sat on the edge of the hatch, leaning to the side and propping himself up with the hatch cover: ¡°Continue forward!¡±

    At this moment, Wang Zhong finally rified the persistent music in his ears¡ªit turned out that he was hallucinating from a fever, mistaking his physiological tinnitus for music.

    He clearly heard a voice singing beside him:

    Listen, the horn of battle sounds the rm/dress in uniform and grab your weapons/the youth brigade assembles/to march and unite as one to defend the country!

    Wang Zhong nodded to the rhythm of the song, without forgetting to give orders, ¡°Rotate the hull thirty degrees to the right, turret turn 90 degrees, load the armor-piercing shell!¡±

    As the tank turned, the machine guns on the forward turrets fired tracer rounds non-stop like Death¡¯s scythe reaping everything Prosen.

    Wang Zhong even had a moment to pay attention to the distance, making sure the smokepletely blocked the enemy tanks behind.

    Vehicle 422 charged all the way, eventually encircling the southwestern entrance of the vige.

    "Right turn,e to an abrupt stop when you hit the main road!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s order was executed with precision.

    After a brief shaking, Wang Zhong confirmed with his naked eye the backs of two enemy tanks.

    "Target the left tank, fire!¡±

    The shockwave from the cannon¡¯s firing kicked up all the dust on the ground around them.

    A hole immediately appeared on the back of the target, but from the naked-eye perspective, it was impossible to tell if the tank had been destroyed.

    But from Wang Zhong¡¯s overhead view, it was clear that all three crew members inside the target turret were done for.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Load the armor-piercing shell! Switch targets, aim at the right tank!¡±

    As the turret turned, it so happened that Wang Zhong¡¯s earpiece was ying the chorus part of a song, so he hummed along, ¡°Let¡¯s say goodbye dear mother, please kiss your son goodbye~¡±

    At that moment, the enemy infantry noticed the tank behind them, and a brave sergeant charged at the tank, knocking on the hatch with his hand.

    The coaxial machine gun opened fire, turning the sergeant into a sieve, but the tracer rounds also exposed the direction of the iing machine gun fire, the enemy¡¯s tank began turning its turret!

    Wang Zhong yelled, ¡°Fire!¡±

    He didn¡¯t know if the loading wasplete, he couldn¡¯t hear.

    However, the moment he yelled, the cannon responded to him.

    The armor-piercing shell hit the target, the rotating turret immediately stopped, and the next moment, the enemy tank operators crawled out of the tank.

    The coaxial machine gun ungraciously imed their souls.

    At this time, Wang Zhong, through the overhead view, noticed that two tanks on another street suddenly stopped attacking the defending infantry.

    One started to turn around on the spot while the other seemed to n cutting through a side alley.

    It must have been the radio¡ªthe second destroyed tank had informed its teammates via radio that they were being nked.

    Wang Zhongughed, fighting street battles with someone who¡¯s good at navigating maps?

    He immediately gave the order for the tank to enter the alley next to them.

    As they moved, he continued to hum along to the song in his ear:

    Goodbye, mother, don¡¯t be sad, bless us with a safe journey~

    As he sang the chorus for the second time, Wang Zhong directed the tank to the side of the enemy¡¯s number 188 vehicle, and with amand of ¡°Fire!¡± the enemy vehicle¡¯s ammo detonated, and its turret flew high into the air.

    Only one left!

    That one had looped back to the northwest vige entrance, attempting to encircle Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s response was straightforward¡ªdirect the tank onto the main street, turn the barrel southwest, and wait for it to appear.

    While waiting, the tank¡¯s machine gun harvested Prosen soldiers on the street.

    Wang Zhong was only concerned with humming:

    Goodbye, dear hometown, the star of victory will shine upon us~

    Thest tank appeared, and without waiting for Wang Zhong¡¯smand, the gunner stepped on the firing pedal, and the armor-piercing shell hit the center of the tank¡¯s body.

    The target almost instantly burst into mes, with the Prosen tank operators emerging from the hatch engulfed in fire, frantically rolling on the ground to extinguish it.

    Wang Zhong personally took up the machine gun on top of the tank turret, spraying the enemy tank operators, singing as he fired, ¡°Goodbye, mother, don¡¯t be sad, bless us with a safe journey! Ura!¡±

    A deafening ¡°Ura!¡± echoed from every street corner as the infantry of the Amur Group poured out like a tidal wave, attacking the enemy who had lost their tank cover.

    Proudly, Wang Zhong dered, ¡°We¡¯ve won!!!¡±

    Then, as if he had used up thest bit of life in him, he passed out.

 Chapter 35: First Taste of Victory

    Yegorov, like everyone else, rushed out from the hiding shelter.

    Yegorov was never absent from a charge.

    The enemy had already suffered heavy losses in the town¡¯s meat grinderbat, and with all their armored strength wiped out in a short time by a sneak attack from Tank 422, even the battle-hardened Prussian veterans¡¯ morale copsed instantly.

    On the contrary, the morale of every soldier in the Amur Group went through the roof as they witnessed Tank 422¡¯s remarkable feat to different extents.

    This was evident from the deafening cheers of ¡°Hurrah.¡±

    Yegorov loved personally leading a charge in such situations.

    The enemy was quickly driven out of the vige.

    Aside from a few veterans who hadn¡¯t had their fill of killing and were pulling the bolt at the edge of town for target practice, the rest of the soldiers all gathered around Tank 422, shouting ¡°Hurrah!¡± around the tank.

    The roaring ¡°Hurrah,¡± as if His Majesty the Emperor himself had arrived at the front lines.Yegorov had to use his burly physique to push through several overly excited soldiers and spent a few minutes squeezing past them to reach the side of the tank.

    It was then that he clearly saw that it was Count Rocossov sitting on the tank.

    The count looked in a very bad state, his face was ashen, and he was sweating profusely.

    The soldiers hadn¡¯t noticed the count¡¯s abnormality at all, which was not their fault; since the war began, they had been in constant retreat, and they had not won a battle in a long time¡ªeven such an insignificant local victory.

    While everyone was celebrating the victory with great excitement, suddenly, the count swayed and fell off the tank but was immediately held up by countless hands.

    The soldiers shouted excitedly, throwing the count up into the air¡ªthey actually thought the count was celebrating!

    Yegorov shouted at the top of his lungs, ¡°Cut it out! You¡¯ll shake the count to death! He has a high fever! Cut it out!¡±

    At this time, inside Tank 422, the tank operators were not as excited as the infantry outside.

    It¡¯s not that they weren¡¯t happy about the victory; it was just that they had literally danced with death and hadn¡¯t recovered yet.

    The count was feverish with ringing ears and couldn¡¯t hear. In fact, there had been all sorts of wails and howls inside the tank, and none of these tank operators had any actualbat experience. They really couldn¡¯t bear the kind of life-risking and blood-licking tactics just now, and could only relieve their fear by shouting.

    Now, the battle was over, and like exhausted screamers, everyone slumped in their seats.

    Finally, the driver reacted first, letting out a feeble howl, ¡°Oh oh oh oh! We¡¯re alive! Hurrah!¡±

    The loader and the gunner looked at each other and shouted together, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    They had just started shouting when the count fell out of the tank.

    The closest gunner reached out to catch him but missed.

    "It¡¯s over!¡±

    "The count¡¯s been smashed!¡±

    "Our star of victory!¡±

    A bunch of them scrambled, opening the hatch and climbing out of the tank, only to see the soldiers tossing the count almost as high as the second floor.

    Yegorov picked up a submachine gun and swept a barrage into the sky; the festive crowd finally quieted down.

    Yegorov said, ¡°The count has a high fever! Do you want to kill him? Get a stretcher, take him to the hospital!¡±

    The field hospital was originally supposed to withdraw in the vigers¡¯ horse carts, but the enemy arrived too quickly, and they had time to set out.

    The soldiers, awakened as if from a dream, hurriedly ced the count on the stretcher, brought in haste, and then followed to the hospital with the stretcher-bearers.

    Yegorov climbed on the tank and cursed, ¡°Where are you going? The enemy has only been driven back, not defeated! Quick, clear the battlefield, collect the enemy¡¯s weapons, especially the machine guns and submachine guns!

    "Go check the tanks that haven¡¯t caught fire to see if their machine guns can be dismantled! And the ammunition, gather as much as possible!¡±

    Only then did the soldiers disperse.

    Yegorov turned his head and looked at the tank operators with a doleful expression.

    The gunner asked, ¡°What should we do?¡±

    Yegorov said, ¡°Why was the Countmanding you?¡±

    The gunner replied, ¡°Our tankmander was very scared. He locked the hatch and cowered in the turret shaking when we were in the distillery yard. Then the Count came over and knocked on the turret hatch, saying¡­¡±

    "With a gun knocking on the turret hatch,¡± the loader corrected.

    The gunner continued, ¡°Right, came over with a gun to knock on the turret hatch, and said ¡®You spineless coward, get out here¡¯.¡±

    The driver confidently said, ¡°No, he said ¡®You whimpering woman, get out here, or I¡¯ll st you¡¯.¡±

    The gunner questioned, ¡°Is that so?¡±

    "Yes, that fierce,¡± the driver nodded, then looked to the mechanic, ¡°Don¡¯t believe me, ask him.¡±

    The mechanic also nodded, ¡°Indeed, that fierce.¡±

    The gunner went on, ¡°Anyway, we were directlymanded by the Count. The Count had us drive straight out of the vige; he had it all figured out, which round to load for each shot, crystal clear.¡±

    "Yes, crystal clear.¡±

    The gunner continued, ¡°We had just left the vige when we saw an enemy half-track, possibly an ambnce, and we sent the vehicle and the Prussian wounded sky-high with one shot!¡±

    The mechanic chimed in, ¡°The Count was even singing, saying goodbye to the enemy¡¯s mother!¡±

    "No, no, no,¡± the driver shook his head, ¡°You¡¯ve got to consider the context, you uneducated guy, didn¡¯t you go to night school? The Count was saying farewell to his own mother, as he was about to go into battle.¡±

    Yegorov was utterly confused, ¡°The Count calling for his mother? Singing? What the heck?¡±

    Then several tank operators responded in unison, ¡°He was singing! And it was a song we hadn¡¯t heard before!¡±

    The gunner added, ¡°The lyrics were not only about saying goodbye to his mother but also to his hometown, saying the star of victory would shine upon us!¡±

    The others firmly agreed:

    "Right, the star of victory, I heard it very clearly.¡±

    "It went something like this, let me find the tune, do-re-mi-fa-so¡­ Got it, ¡®Farewell, my dear hometown~ the star of victory will shine upon us~¡¯¡±

    After the driver sang, everyone else immediately nodded in agreement that it was indeed the song.

    Yegorov frowned, looking at the group of tank operators.

    At that moment, Monk Yeca Neiko came over, ¡°Colonel Yegorov, we need a new firing position. I think that the peripheral positions won¡¯t be usable when the enemy attacks again.¡±

    Just as Yegorov was about to reply, he saw Ludm from Yeca Neiko¡¯s Divine Arrow squad looking around uncertainly.

    "The Count has fainted, he¡¯s been taken to the hospital,¡± Yegorov informed her.

    Ludm was startled, ¡°Eh? I¡ªI wasn¡¯t looking for him! Umm, I actually was looking for him. Monk, could I¡­¡±

    Yeca Neiko said, ¡°Go ahead, but make sure you¡¯re back before the enemy attacks again.¡±

    Ludm immediately turned and ran toward the hospital.

    After she left, Yeca Neiko continued the previous topic, ¡°I need a newunch position. We still have three Divine Arrows; with a good setup, we can take out three tanks.¡±

    He paused, then gave a self-deprecating smile, ¡°Damn, that¡¯s still not as many as the Count alone took out.¡±

    The gunner from Tank 422 spoke up loudly, ¡°We were a part of it too, your Holiness!¡±

    Yeca Neiko quickly corrected himself, ¡°Right, it was your crew under the Count¡¯smand that took out more.¡±

    Yegorov then said, ¡°I¡¯ll ask the group logistics to see if they can find some paint, so we can mark your kill rings.¡±

    Kill rings are circr symbols painted on the barrel of the tank gun; one ring represents the destruction of one enemy tank.

    The crew looked at each other and smiled.

    It was then that Yegorov asked, ¡°How are the other crews doing?¡±

    The expressions on their faces froze.

    Only then did they emerge from their joy of victory, realizing that many of theirrades, with whom they¡¯d spent days and nights, had perished in the recent battle.

 Chapter 36: Major Shrifenâ€™s Decision

    Major Shrifen frowned, watching the defeated soldiers retreating from the white smoke that hadn¡¯t entirely dispersed yet, his brows twisted like hemp ropes.

    The Prosen Army¡¯s tanks were all equipped with radios, so he had just listened to the entire radiomunication of thest four tank crews.

    "The enemy is behind us! Behind us!¡±

    "We¡¯re surrounding it!¡±

    "It¡¯s gone!¡±

    "Tank 187! Tank 187, do you copy?¡±

    "All units be advised, we are the only ones left!¡±

    ¡­And then there was no more information. Obviously, all the Panzer IV tanks apanying the attack had been taken out.

    It sounded like an enemy tank had circled around tounch a surprise attack?Did the enemy also have such experienced tank operators?

    At this moment, over the radio, Shrifen¡¯s top ace Hoffman said, ¡°Major, let¡¯sunch another attack! I want to take on the enemy¡¯s ace!¡±

    "No,¡± Shrifen coldly refused, ¡°The Panzer III is not suited for supporting infantrybat, it¡¯s 50mm high-explosive shells are too weak, not very effective against the brick and stone structures of the vige.¡±

    "But¡­¡±

    "Do you want to be hit by the enemy¡¯s Molotov cocktails?¡±

    The attacking Armored Second toon had already reported heavy use of Molotov cocktails by the enemy; every building with more than two floors in the vige was dangerous for the tanks.

    No, if the apanying infantry were cut off by enemy fire, any building would pose a danger to the tanks.

    The Shrifen Combat Group was originally assigned two Panzer IV tank toons, but had lost half of them during several days of offensive operations¡ªmost due to mechanical failures that led to their temporary abandonment.

    The double-row suspensions that the Empire¡¯s military department took pride in had a multitude of issues during the Carolingian campaign, and the terrible road conditions of the Ante Empire only magnified the defects of the double-row suspensions.

    Just now, the Shrifen Combat Group had lost all of its Panzer IV tanks, leaving only the Panzer III tanks, which were designed to counter enemy tanks.

    Besides that, the casualties among the infantry and half-track vehicles were also worrying. The Shrifen Combat Group¡¯s objective was to quickly pass through regions with no or light enemy defenses and disrupt their deployment.

    However, Major Shrifen was not nning on abandoning the offensive. He turned his head towards the artillery staff officer, ¡°How many high-explosive shells do we have left for the onboard mortars?¡±

    "Ten rounds per gun, Your Excellency,¡± the staff officer replied with utmost respect.

    Shrifen curled his lips, ¡°And the smoke bombs?¡±

    "Only two rounds left for each mortar.¡±

    After pondering for a few seconds, Shrifen asked, ¡°How soon can the 351st Armored Grenadier Corps behind us arrive?¡±

    The chief of staff shrugged, ¡°Depends on the traffic jam. If it¡¯s not too bad, they¡¯ll be up by the afternoon. In fact, the troops that passed through at midnight, many thought they were the 351st Armored Grenadier Corps.¡±

    The 351st Armored Grenadier Corps was also a reinforcement for the Shrifen Combat Group, but Shrifen had left them behind for the sake of a speedier assault because of their slightly slower motorization.

    The 351st Corps was equipped with the Model 18, 75mm infantry guns, whose high-explosive shells could effectivelypensate for theck of infantry tanks.

    Also, these were howitzers capable of indirect fire, which could be used to cover the area with fire ahead of time, destroying the enemy¡¯s manpower and defenses.

    Additionally, the 351st Corps hadbat engineers, whose methrowers and demolition charges would give the enemy a tough time.

    After brief contemtion, Shrifen made his decision, ¡°Rally the routed troops, understand the situation inside, including the enemy¡¯s defensive arrangements and firepower. Conscript volunteers from the defeated troops to act as the vanguard in the next offensive.¡±

    Over the radio, Hoffman asked with a tone of regret, ¡°Are we not attacking anymore?¡±

    "Of course we will continue the attack, but we¡¯ll wait until we¡¯re more confident. At least until the supply truckse up and resupply the mortars with ammunition,¡± Shrifen replied.

    Finishing his statement, Shrifen cated Hoffman, ¡°Don¡¯t rush, the enemy¡¯s ace will surely be handed over to you to deal with.¡±

    Having finished, he shut off the radio¡¯s transmission capability and muttered, ¡°Damn it, Peniye isn¡¯t even an important vige. Why is there such determined resistance?¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a noble¡¯s hometown, so they¡¯re covering the movement of their assets? Inferior races erupt withbat power, isn¡¯t that just the case?¡±

    Shrifen snorted, ¡°However, I have to admit, the enemy¡¯smander is doing a good job, he must have learned a thing or two from interacting with our forces.¡±

    Before the Prosen Empire tore up the non-aggression pact, there was quite a bit of interaction between the nobles of both countries, including on a military level.

    After the Ante Empire¡¯s defeat in the winter war, they even sent some military interns to Prosen to learn.

    Maybe the onemanding the defense of Peniye is one of those interns.

    Shrifen thought with full confidence.

    When Ludm ran to the entrance of the hospital, she bumped into Hymn Monk Sufang Batu Wendusu.

    Both stopped in their tracks and looked at each other.

    Sufang said, ¡°Uh, are you here to see him?¡±

    "You too?¡±

    "I¡­ I¡¯ve received new hymns, so I came to report to the suprememander.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°Oh. Then let¡¯s go in together. Do you know which bed he¡¯s in?¡±

    "He¡¯s amander, must be in the best bed, right?¡±

    Saying this, Sufang took the lead into the hospital, only to be greeted by the strong smell of blood, causing her to frown deeply.

    At a bed near the door, an amputation surgery was underway. The bald doctor yelled, ¡°Hold on! There¡¯s no anesthesia left! Clench your teeth! Otherwise, you may bite off your tongue!¡±

    Then came a muffled scream, what with the person¡¯s teeth clenched, it sounded as if it wereing through ayer of cloth.

    Sufang nced at the bucket next to the operating table, which was filled with severed hands and feet.

    She covered her mouth, struggling not to throw up.

    At that moment, a burly nurse appeared before Sufang, ¡°What are you twodies here for? You don¡¯t look like you need bandages with your limbs intact.¡±

    Having seen death on the front line, Ludm was much calmer than Sufang and replied loudly, ¡°We¡¯re looking for Count Rocossov!¡±

    "Over there!¡± The nurse pointed to a door on the side.

    Sufang ran as if escaping, only to see another nurse inside the door, gathering blood-soaked gauze that had lost all its original color and looked as if it had been mixed in mud¡ªthe mud, however, was red.

    Without lifting her head, the nurse said, ¡°The Count is inside.¡±

    Sufang nodded and dashed through the inner door.

    Count Rocossov (that is, Wang Zhong)y in a bed by the window, with the field hospital¡¯s director standing beside him.

    Ludm rushed to ask, ¡°How is he?¡±

    The director replied, ¡°Stressbined with a fever caused him to sweat too much, leading to severe dehydration and shock. We¡¯re rehydrating him with IV fluids and have used some antipyretics, he¡¯s not in any great danger.¡±

    Both girls let out a sigh of relief, then exchanged a nce.

    Suddenly remembering her mission, Sufang hastily asked, ¡°When will he wake up? I¡¯ve got thetest broadcast from the Argesukov choir.¡±

    The director answered, ¡°His injuries are not serious, but with a high fever, how long he remains unconscious depends on the person. I can¡¯t tell you. Is it very important news?¡±

    Sufang spread her hands, ¡°This¡­ It¡¯s just a broadcast of exemry battles, telling everyone that the enemy is not invincible¡­¡±

    "We already know that,¡± Ludm interrupted Sufang, went to the Count¡¯s bedside, and gently stroked his hair, ¡°He has already shown us in practice.¡±

 Chapter 37: â€œUntil One Day

    Wang Zhong was actually dreaming at this time.

    He dreamed he had returned to the real world, holding New Year¡¯s goods and just entering the neighborhood where he grew up.

    As a result, all the neighbors in themunity were a blur of blood and flesh.

    He dreamed that he had reached the bottom of his own building, and Neighbor Zhao, who was ying chess, had only half his head left.

    Yet, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t frightened by these bloody figures; it was as if everything was normal, an ordinary daily sight.

    He went upstairs, arrived at his own door, and saw his parents pasting the ¡°fu¡± character upside down.

    His father was standing on a stool, his left eye a gaping hole, the eyeball dangling out, connected only by a single nerve to the socket.

    His mother had a terrifying wound on the top of her head, where her brain could be seen.

    Wang Zhong seemed to finally sense something wrong and asked, ¡°Dad, Mom, how did you end up like this?¡±The two old people looked at Wang Zhong as if he had asked a foolish question.

    "We¡¯re dead, killed by the invaders,¡± his father said.

    "And you¡¯re talking about us,¡± his mother teased, ¡°At least we¡¯re still whole. You¡¯ve only got your head left when you came back!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked down and, indeed, found he had no body; in the next moment, the New Year¡¯s goods he should have been holding spilled all over the ce.

    Then he woke up.

    When he first opened his eyes, the bright light blinded him, and it took a couple of seconds for his eyes to adjust to the light before everything in front of him came into clear view.

    He sat up suddenly, confirming his body: thankfully, it was all there.

    At that moment, a girl¡¯s voice entered his ears: ¡°You¡¯re awake!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brain was still short-circuiting, wondering why there was a girl¡¯s voice.

    Following the voice, he saw a pretty girl with silver-white hair sitting by the bed, looking at him with concern.

    Behind the girl was another girl, with braided hair, quiet and demure looking.

    Wang Zhong stared at the two girls for a few seconds before he remembered that he had transmigrated, and the country he was in was resisting the invasion of the Prosen Empire.

    Then in his mind shed the scene of Prosen soldiers ughtering the olddy Ilynichna¡¯s family in the basement.

    At this time, Wang Zhong¡¯s brain was still feverish, and he could only vaguely remember that after seeing this scene, he himself, in a fit of rage, had personally driven a tank to repel the enemy¡¯s offensive.

    At this point, the docile girl with braids handed him a water bottle: ¡°You need to drink water, Count. Just now, you fainted because of dehydration.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the water bottle and gulped down all the water, then pushed the empty bottle back into the girl¡¯s hands.

    After that, he stood up.

    "Wait a moment, you¡¯re still feverish!¡± the silver-haired girl tried to stop Wang Zhong, reaching out to hold his shoulders.

    But Wang Zhong said, ¡°I have things to do, Ludm!¡±

    It was then that Wang Zhong suddenly remembered her name was Ludm, and the other girl¡¯s long name started with Sofiya.

    Having fully recalled the events, he switched to an overhead view to confirm the enemy¡¯s movements.

    The enemies had all retreated to the reverse slope of the western hill, and Wang Zhong could barely make out some of the enemy through the overhead view¡ª they seemed to be the same group who had attacked in the morning.

    Themander was still that cyclops.

    If the enemy¡¯s strength had not increased, then even an assault shouldn¡¯t be too worrisome.

    Wang Zhong knew that the remaining tanks of the enemy were designed for anti-tankbat, unsuitable for supporting infantry in an assault¡ªtheir cannons had a small caliber and low charge, relying on high velocity to prate tank armor.

    After confirming this, Wang Zhong switched back to his original viewpoint.

    His recent fainting was probably also rted to the racing in the overhead view, which he had done too long and too intensely, leading to motion sickness.

    Wang Zhong stood up.

    Ludm hesitated, missing the chance to stop him.

    Though his steps were unsteady, Wang Zhong still strode out of the room where he had been lying.

    As soon as he left the room, the smell of blood nearly made him faint on the spot.

    He saw mountains of gauze, all soaked with blood, colored a dark purple.

    A few young nurses were working hard to deal with the gauze while crying.

    Seeing Wang Zhong, they quickly stood up, trying to adjust their uniforms.

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Carry on with your work.¡±

    Having said that, he steadied his shaky steps and walked past the mountain of gauze into the next door.

    The smell of blood was even stronger here, mixed with an indescribable stench.

    The wounded soldier lying by the door tried to sit up and salute as soon as he saw Wang Zhong enter, but he struggled in vain as he couldn¡¯t rise¡ªhis left arm was missing beyond the forearm, wrapped in a bandage soaked with blood, and he simply couldn¡¯t support his upper body.

    Wang Zhong stepped forward and pressed down on the soldier¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Just lie down and rest.¡±

    As soon as he spoke, all eyes turned toward him.

    As a result, all the lightly wounded soldiers stood up, and the more severely wounded soldiers also exerted themselves to sit up.

    Every single person strained to lift their chin, noses pointed to the sky.

    The wounded soldiers whose right hands could still move saluted Wang Zhong in unison.

    Wang Zhong paused for a moment, then raised his hand in return, ¡°You have allpleted your mission. Recover well. Where is Yegorov? Why hasn¡¯t he organized carts from the locals to evacuate you?¡±

    "We¡¯ve been sent.¡± A person dressed as a doctor told Wang Zhong, ¡°Every cart in the vige has been hired. These are the lightly wounded, waiting for the carts to return and take a second trip. But with the current situation, it¡¯s questionable how many carts wille back.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No matter how manye back, evacuate as many as possible.¡±

    Having said this, he stepped forward again and walked through the ward.

    In the courtyard outside, many corpses wereid out, all ssified as having no value for rescue after being brought to the field hospital¡ªpoor souls.

    Witnessing this scene, Wang Zhong wanted to remove his hat in respect, but when he raised his hand to his forehead, he realized he wasn¡¯t wearing a hat.

    As he turned around, he saw Ludm holding his hat and following behind him.

    "Thank you.¡± Wang Zhong took his hat, nning to hold it over his heart in a moment of silence, but that would take too much time. So he instead chose the soldiers¡¯ way, putting on his hat and saluting all the bodies lying on the ground.

    Afterward, he passed through the yard and went out the door onto the streets of Peniye.

    There was a street barricade on the road, made of furniture and sandbags¡ªWang Zhong was certain this hadn¡¯t been there in the morning during the defense battle. He must have been unconscious for quite a while, long enough for Yegorov tomand the construction of temporary fortifications with sandbags.

    Two individuals chatting behind the street barricade sprang to attention as soon as they saw Wang Zhong.

    Someone shouted, ¡°The Count is awake!¡±

    In the next instant, the young soldiers of the third reserve Amur Group scattered in various buildings all ran out.

    A toon leader berated loudly, ¡°What is this, a zoo? Form ranks, eyes right¡ªdress!¡±

    His toon instantly formed up in front of the houses, on the strewn debris of the street.

    Seeing this toon organize, the other toon leaders snapped to attention, and shortly after, the Ante infantrymen who had been defending the street were all assembled and in formation.

    Wang Zhong hesitated for just a moment, losing the chance to stop them from forming ranks. Now, as he looked at the troops lined up along the street, he was the one feeling awkward.

    At that moment, Yegorov came running over, ¡°Count, why have the troops assembled?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, I have no idea either, but faced with Yegorov¡¯s serious expression, and the even more stern face of Staff Chief Pavlov who apanied him, he could only say, ¡°I think we need to boost morale.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°I see. The soldiers have all been speaking of your bravery. Your speech will surely inspire them greatly.¡±

    Wang Zhong was dumbfounded but had no choice but to go along with it.

    Fortunately, as a transmigrator, he had plenty of material he could crib from.

    Wang Zhong took a step intending to climb onto the truck parked by the roadside, but his weak legs from the fever made it impossible for him to get on. However, Yegorov, Ludm, and many others rushed over to assist him, hoisting him onto the bed of the truck.

    Wang Zhong stood in the truck bed and announced loudly, ¡°Soldiers! Comrades! We have defeated the Prosen Empire!

    "Though this is but a small, insignificant victory, it proves one thing: if we each do our duty, without negligence, without errors, making the best arrangements, we will prove once again that we can defend our homnd, keeping it safe through the storm of war!

    "We can defeat the seemingly invincible Prosen invaders!

    "Even if it takes many years, even if we fight alone!

    "I know that many historic, glorious kingdoms have already been trampled under the Prosen iron hoof, I am aware that many countries have fallen into their darkest hours, ravaged by the Prosen iron hoof.

    "Even so, we must never lose heart! We will persist to the end and usher in victory!

    "We shall fight them in our homnd¡¯s fields!

    "We shall fight them on the snowy ins!

    "We shall fight them in the skies!

    "We will never surrender!

    "Until the day we drive thest Prosen out of our sacred homnd!

    "Until the day we bring the mes of war to theirnd!

    "Until the day we nt the g of victory upon the then Emperor¡¯s pce! Hoorah!¡±

    All responded in unison to Wang Zhong:

    "Hoorah!¡±

    The deafening roar of ¡°hoorah¡± soared to the heavens.

 Chapter 38: The Determination to Transcend Time and Space

    Major Shrifen was inquiring about the location of the 351st Regiment behind the staff when a strange noise suddenly came from the upper Peniye vige.

    Because it was quite far away, the noise was very faint, but the major had good ears and still heard a lot of people shouting ¡°Ura¡± in unison.

    "The morale of the enemy is pretty high,¡± he said.

    Themunication staff officer didn¡¯t catch on, ¡°What? Are you talking about the 351st Regiment?¡±

    "I¡¯m talking about the enemy,¡± Major Shrifen looked in the direction of the upper Peniye vige.

    The chief of staff suggested, ¡°We could let the mortars fire a rapid barrage, with the infantry guns of the 351st Regiment in the back taking over the firepower from the mortars.¡±

    "No,¡± Shrifen waved his hand, ¡°The victor has the right to celebrate victory without being disturbed. In the end, they will be crushed by us anyway, so let them live in the illusion for now.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡ªby the side of Count Rokossov.

    Sufang listened with tears in her eyes, incessantly tugging on the clothes of Ludm beside her¡ªmainly because Ludm was the only woman in sight, and she had no one else¡¯s clothes to pull on.Ludm, however, looked astonished; she didn¡¯t even care about her sleeve being violently tugged but gazed doubtfully at Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov sitting on the truck.

    Ludm couldn¡¯t help but mutter softly, ¡°Is this still the same Alyosha?¡±

    Yegorov, the seasoned veteran, overheard her and said, ¡°Men transform on the battlefield, maybe for the better, or perhaps for worse. The count seems to have changed for the better.¡±

    Ludm still frowned, ¡°But I studied with him at the Pushkin Public School in Saint Yekaterinburg, where he always got zero on his essays. And he liked to write some nonsensical rhymes and present them as poems to the Grand Duke¡¯s daughter.¡±

    Yegorov said, ¡°Perhaps in his view, those were candid words inspired by emotions, just made particrly moving by the baptism of war fires.¡±

    Ludm wanted to say more, but Rokossov got down from the truck.

    He was still running a fever, so his steps were unsteady; Ludm decisively stepped forward to help him.

    Moreover, the girl was prepared to be taken advantage of, even pushing out her chest.

    However, Rokossov merely said thank you and then proceeded along the street.

    The soldiers continued to shout ¡°Ura¡± at the Count.

    Yegorov clicked his tongue, ¡°During the civil war, even Marshal Mikhailovich never enjoyed such treatment!¡±

    Ludm looked puzzledly at the somewhat unfamiliar back of her childhood friend.

    Wang Zhong waspletely unaware of the girl¡¯s thoughts.

    Perhaps in another situation he would have taken a longer look at the girl¡¯s face, or taken advantage of the physical contact just now.

    But right now, he wasn¡¯t in the mood for that.

    Right now, a woman would only affect the speed with which he drew his sword¡ªno, that phrase is too archaic, it should be said that it only affects the uracy of the machine gun fire.

    Of course, another big reason was that he still hadn¡¯tpletely recovered from his fever.

    For someone like Wang Zhong who was already running a fever, antibiotics wouldn¡¯t work so quickly; aplete recovery from fever might not happen until tomorrow, or even the day after.

    But the current situation didn¡¯t allow him to lie in a sickbed and rest.

    The enemy was less than two kilometers away on the rear slope, and they could receive reinforcements at any time.

    Conversely, on his side, let alone reinforcements, even themunication with superiors had been cut off.

    The Ante Army primarily relied on telegraph for long-distancemunication, but Ante Army radios were only assigned up to the level of the Infantry Division.

    Add to that the fact that themunications troops of His Grace the Duke had been wiped out by naval gunfire, and Wang Zhong now had not a single radio¡ªand even if he did, he wouldn¡¯t be able tomunicate, because there was no one who could decode the messages.

    In short, Wang Zhong¡¯s small unit waspletely cut off from the higher-ups.

    The higher-ups might still think that the 2nd Battalion of the 31st Regiment of the 4th Tank Army was guarding this ce.

    So in such a situation, how could Wang Zhong even think about resting?

    Of course, there was another option not to stand their ground here, to simply run away, considering the orders were given to the 2nd Battalion of the 31st Regiment of the 4th Tank Army, and had nothing to do with Wang Zhong¡¯s own troops.

    However, this option had already been ruled out by Wang Zhong.

    At this time, Wang Zhong¡¯s objective had seriously deviated from the initial one of ¡°saving his own life¡±, but he had not yet realized this change.

    He was just single-mindedly thinking about how toplete the mission, how to beat the damned Prosen Army.

    As to why he shouldplete the mission or why he should beat the Prosen Army, he hadn¡¯t had time to think in detail.

    He even had only a vague concept of what he was supposed to do right now: he wanted to go see how Ilynichna, the olddy living at the westernmost end of the vige, and her family were doing.

    That was the superficial reason that prompted him to jump onto the tank and strike out alone.

    Wang Zhong reached the crossroads between the distillery and the machinery mill.

    The wreckage of a T28 tank was parked beside the distillery¡¯s fence.

    A white horse stood next to the tank, gently rubbing its muzzle against the tank gun turret.

    Wang Zhong stopped, looking at the white horse.

    He remembered Captain Lubokov who liked to ride a white horse.

    This must be that white horse, considering the tank was indeed Lubokov¡¯s chariot.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and asked Yegorov, ¡°Where¡¯s Captain Lubokov?¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°He¡¯s still inside the tank; we haven¡¯t had the time to bury our fallenrades.¡±

    Wang Zhong remembered Lubokov¡¯s performance in battle and said, ¡°He was brave, but unfortunatelycked enough experience.¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong also wanted to add, ¡°He didn¡¯t hear my orders clearly,¡± but after giving it some thought, the idea that he could tell someone driving a tank whether the enemy had been destroyed from hismand post in the distillery was too strange upon close inspection.

    So he didn¡¯t say thetter part.

    To be honest, among the four tankmanders, Lubokov was the only one who could really be relied upon. The others were either reckless fools or spineless idiots.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If the enemy doesn¡¯t attack tonight, let the logistics department take Lubokov¡¯s body out and find a ce to bury him.¡±

    "Yes,¡± Yegorov nodded.

    Wang Zhong looked at the white horse.

    He raised his uninjured left hand and made a gesture to the horse: ¡°Come.¡±

    The horse looked at Wang Zhong for a second before turning around and gently nuzzling Wang Zhong¡¯s hair with its nose.

    Wang Zhong had never ridden a horse and didn¡¯t know how to interact with one. He only remembered that in ¡°Red Dead Redemption 2,¡± to calm a newly acquired horse, you had to gently pat it on the neck.

    So he followed what he remembered and gently patted the white horse¡¯s neck.

    The horse was very tame and rubbed its nose against Wang Zhong¡¯s cheek.

    After petting the horse enough, Wang Zhong grabbed the reins and handed them to Yegorov: ¡°Let logistics take good care of it. I might need to ride it when I retreat tomorrow night.¡±

    "Understood.¡±

    Wang Zhong took onest look at the tank turned to scrap metal and took a deep breath.

    The morning¡¯s battle had imed more lives than just Lubokov¡¯s; there was no time to mourn the young captain.

    Wang Zhong continued walking westward.

    Along the way, the soldiers kept cheering for him until Yegorov shouted, ¡°Stop cheering! Keep fortifying the defenses! Get moving, you swine!¡±

    Only then did the soldiers scatter.

    Wang Zhong finally saw the house of the elderly Ilynichna and her family¡ªit was the westernmost house in the vige, directly in the path of the enemy¡¯s assault.

    Standing at the entrance, he could see the Prussians¡¯mand tank on the hillside.

    The one-eyed man was there.

    Wang Zhong stared at the hilltop for a few seconds before retracting his gaze and pushing open the wooden door.

    He went straight down into the basement.

    The Ilynichna family was still in the basement, maintaining the postures they were in when they were murdered.

    Flies buzzed annoyingly about the basement.

    Wang Zhong walked slowly forward and saw that the old woman was still protectively holding her grandchild, but the child¡¯s life had already been taken by a bullet of evil.

    Wang Zhong thought of his parents in his dream.

    Then he remembered his visit to the Memorial Hall of the Victims in Nanjing Massacre by Japanese Invaders during his first summer vacation at college.

    Before entering the memorial hall, Wang Zhong thought it would be nothing more than some photos and exhibits, butter he realized he was wrong.

    The Memorial Hall, starting from the sculptures at the entrance, used a very artistic approach to create an atmosphere of solemnity and destion. Once inside, the photos were disyed with shocking impact.

    After leaving the hall, Wang Zhong silently bought a bunch of white flowers and ced them in front of the Peace Memorial.

    Because of modern history, Chinese people naturally sympathize with the invaded and naturally hate the aggressors whomit atrocities.

    This is something rooted in the gics of a hundred and fifty years of suffering.

    Here, in this basement, Wang Zhongpleted his final ideological transformation.

    Yes, I am not a person from the Ante Empire, and I have no affection for the imperial regime. I think nobles should all be hanged.

    But I cannot tolerate bestial acts happening before me.

    Expecting me to stand by and do nothing? No way!

    Wang Zhong bit his tongue slightly, just enough to taste the salty iron of blood spreading in his mouth.

    If saying that in the morning he had unconsciously chosen to jump onto the tank as the most efficient way, and the most likely toplete the n, now Wang Zhong was consciously, and able to weigh the pros and cons, choosing to fight the invaders to the end.

    The moment he made this decision, Wang Zhong was filled with pride.

    He had always admired the International Brigades in the Spanish Civil War.

    And now, he too was an Internationalist Warrior.

    For justice!

    To protect the weak!

    To eliminate evil!

    Wang Zhong decided to fight to the veryst moment as Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.

    With an uplifted spirit, Wang Zhong turned around and said to Yegorov, ¡°Bury them immediately. Also, recruit young adults in the town who are willing to fight with us. Have them stack the bodies of the enemy at the entrance to the vige.

    "Right at the entrance to this house.¡±

    Yegorov asked with a frown, ¡°What are you going to do?¡±

    Wang Zhong said through gritted teeth, ¡°I want to make the Prussians feel fear.¡±

 Chapter 39: Ignite the Torch

    Wang Zhong¡¯s orders were swiftly executed.

    Soon, a mound over one story high appeared at the entrance of the vige.

    Wang Zhong stood by with his hands on his hips supervising, asionally reminding, ¡°Remember to take the bullets and grenades off their bodies; I don¡¯t want to set them on fireter and have the bullets go off like firecrackers.

    "It would be terrible if someone were hit by a stray bullet.¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry,¡± Yegorov said at his side, ¡°All the ammunition has been collected. Even though their rifle bullets don¡¯t fit our rifles, I still ordered them all to be taken away, just in case. These bullets and the captured rifles are stored in the winery¡¯s warehouse.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, without any additionalment.

    Soon, the young people of the town brought over thest corpse, tossing it onto the top of the pile of bodies, then stood in ce, looking at Wang Zhong in unison.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s all?¡±

    "Yes, all the bodies that could be found on the streets are here.¡±Wang Zhong: ¡°Less than I imagined¡­ Didn¡¯t I recall killing many enemies?¡±

    Yegorov turned to look at the staff officer Pavlov, who immediately reported: ¡°The number of enemies killed should be just this many. Your recollection is not wrong; it¡¯s just that many of the people you shot down weren¡¯t dead. We took in those wounded soldiers ording to the principles of humanity.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Humanitarian principles only apply to humans; beasts do not enjoy humanitarianism. Moreover, we do not have so many medical supplies, do we? Bring out the wounded soldiers. And the surrendering enemies ¨C Prosen soldiers are brave and skilled in battle, they would never surrender, it must be a ruse!¡±

    Pavlov hesitated: ¡°This¡­¡±

    He kept looking at Yegorov.

    Yegorov: ¡°Count, if we kill the wounded and those who have surrendered here, when weunch our counterattackter, even if we have broken the enemy¡¯s morale, they will be forced to fight to the death. We will suffer greater casualties.¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, falling deep into thought as he faced therge mound of corpses.

    At that moment, Lubokov¡¯s white horse, somehow having loosened its reins, left the hitching post and came beside Wang Zhong, gently rubbing against his hair.

    Wang Zhong sighed, speaking with a tone of great regret, ¡°You are right; we can¡¯t push the enemy too hard, we have to think about future counterattacks. Just burn this many then, get some gasoline from our cars and pour it over.¡±

    "I already gave the order just now, it is ready,¡± Yegorov said and then gestured to the sergeant who had been waiting beside him.

    So, the sergeant led two privates, each carrying a can of oil, pouring it wildly over the pile of corpses.

    As they were pouring the oil, Wang Zhong looked towards the western hill.

    Without binocrs, one could barely make out the silhouette of a Prosen Tank parked on the top of the hill, the people were indiscernible.

    But when Wang Zhong switched to an overhead view, the enemies on the hill would be highlighted ¨C because it was Wang Zhong¡¯s own field of vision.

    Wang Zhong clearly saw that one-eyed man watching this way through a telescope.

    Unfortunately, from an overhead view with the enemy holding a telescope, it¡¯s hard to clearly see the other side¡¯s expression.

    But Wang Zhong quite fancied imagining him grinding his teeth in hatred at this moment.

    If that were true, then the effort to pile up the corpses was worth it.

    Too bad Wang Zhong was feeling unwell now, truly unable to climb up on the mound of corpses. Otherwise, he would definitely climb up to show off, to fiercely infuriate the leaders of those beasts.

    However, even though he couldn¡¯t climb up himself, that didn¡¯t mean he couldn¡¯t express his contempt.

    So, Wang Zhong pushed aside the sergeant who was still pouring oil, took an unsoiled Prosen helmet, threw it on the ground as a footrest, and stepped onto it with his military boot.

    Stepping on it wasn¡¯t enough; Wang Zhong felt for his pockets but didn¡¯t find any cigarettes.

    He looked towards Yegorov.

    Yegorov took out tobo: ¡°I¡¯m poor, I can only smoke the ones I roll myself, which you are not used to. Ask Pavlov¡ªhe¡¯s nobility.¡±

    Pavlov took out a silver cigarette case, opened it, and took out a very carefully rolled cigarette, handing it to Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Excellency.¡±

    Wang Zhong took a cigarette in his mouth.

    Pavlov took out an ornately carved lighter and lit it for Wang Zhong.

    In fact, in Wang Zhong¡¯s imagination, he should have been smoking arge cigar, and after puffing halfway, he would flick it disdainfully like Sheffield in ¡°Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2,¡± so that the cigar butt would fly onto a pile of corpses and ignite a roaring ze.

    Oh well, this will do.

    Stepping on the enemy¡¯s steel helmet, Wang Zhong leisurely smoked half a cigarette, waiting for the soldiers to finish pouring out thest barrel of oil, before he nced at the distant hill.

    Even without an overhead view, Wang Zhong knew that the enemy¡¯s leader was there.

    Wang Zhong blew a smoke ring, flicked his cigarette butt with a gentle motion, and it traced a bright arc beforending on the pile of corpses.

    The mes whooshed up at once, spreading over the entire mound of bodies in an instant.

    Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t expected there to be a survivor inside; the person screamed upon being scorched by the fierce mes and, driven by the desire to live, crawled out of the heap, tumbling to the ground and rolling over and over.

    Unfortunately, it was toote as the fire had already taken hold, and rolling on the ground was certainly not going to extinguish it.

    Maintaining his foot-on-helmet stance, Wang Zhong watched the enemy struggle on the ground, ¡°Don¡¯t shoot, let him burn.¡±

    He just watched as the enemy gradually stopped writhing, turning into a burning human shape on the ground.

    Then he raised his head to look up at the hill.

    Major Shrifen had been watching through the binocrs until the soldier stopped struggling, only then did he put them down.

    His lips were quivering as if suppressing the urge to curse aloud.

    His chief of staff put down the binocrs as well and said, ¡°This is the enemy¡¯s psychological warfare tactic, hoping to prompt us into a rash attack before the follow-up troops catch up.¡±

    Major Shrifen asked, ¡°Who is this person? I mean, the bastard who lit the fire!¡±

    The chief of staff replied, ¡°We don¡¯t know. The attack failed, and we didn¡¯t capture any prisoners to interrogate, so we¡¯re unaware of their unit designation and structure, as well as who theirmander is.

    "However, soldiers have reported that the tactical number for the tank maneuvering behind enemy lines at the end was 422. ording to the enemy¡¯s tactical numbering pattern, this likely belongs to a unit under the Fourth Tank Army. This army was reported to have been eliminated by the Air Force in thebat situation report this morning.¡±

    Shrifen gnashed his teeth and muttered, ¡°The Air Force¡¯s reports can¡¯t be trusted one bit!¡±

    He took a deep breath, looked at the increasingly raging fire at the entrance of the vige, and asked with indignation in his voice, ¡°Where is Regiment 351? Where is Regiment 351?¡±

    "The regimentalmander said over the radio that they should arrive in an hour.¡±

    "Tell them to make it faster!¡±

    Though Regiment 351 was assigned under Major Shrifen¡¯smand and was part of Shrifen¡¯sbat group, the regiment¡¯smander, Major Franz, also held the rank of major, putting him on the same level as Shrifen, so Shrifen had to be careful not toe on too strong when giving orders.

    This made him all the more furious.

    The reason thisbat group was known as Shrifen¡¯s was primarily because the current Emperor, Reinhard von Hohenzollern, wanted to diminish the influence of the Junker Nobility in the military, promoting young officers more familiar with modern military technology vigorously.

    Especially those young officers without noble backgrounds.

    As such, the young Shrifen became themander of thebat group, which was named after him rather than the typical Junker Nobility Major Franz, despite Franz¡¯s three decades of military service and his belief that the oue of wars still depended on infantry and artillery.

    Now the oue of the battle hinged on the speed at which the old noble woulde to their aid!

    Shrifen red ferociously at the raging bonfire at the vige entrance.

    "No,¡± he said to himself, ¡°we cannot lose our cool. Attacking now would only y into the enemy¡¯s hands. This brutal demon will eventually pay the price.¡±

 Chapter 40: The Calm Before the Storm

    After provoking the enemy and dering his resolve, Wang Zhong decided to make the most of his time by bundling up and sleeping off a sweat.

    It was his general approach to dealing with a cold and fever: sleep under a heavy nket, sweat profusely, and the fever would often subside significantly.

    This method was certainly not scientific, but after so many years, it had be habitual behavior.

    So Wang Zhong returned to hismand post, drank a lot of water, wrapped himself in the thickest nket he could find, and went to sleep.

    He was convinced that when he woke up, his condition would be much improved, and his mind would be clearer.

    Ludm had been wanting to talk with Count Rocossov, but she didn¡¯t expect him to go straight to themand post, bundle himself in a thick nket, and lie down.

    The girl stood frozen next to the map table in themand post, wondering if this was the same Alyosha who stuck to the girls at the dance and salon like glue?

    At that moment, someone patted her shoulder, and she turned to find that it was that Eastern girl with the surname Batuvindasu.

    "What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ludm asked, puzzled."Don¡¯t you need to return to the Divine Arrow group? Aren¡¯t the Divine Arrows unfinished? If the enemy attacks now, you might be toote to return,¡± she said.

    Ludm replied, ¡°What about you? Don¡¯t you need to be at your post?¡±

    "I am a Hymn Monk, I¡¯m supposed to stay right beside the suprememander,¡± the girl spread her hands.

    Just as Ludm was about to respond, Monk Yeca Neiko walked in, and as soon as he entered, he said loudly, ¡°Captain Mailehovna, there you are! We were worried that you couldn¡¯t find the group¡¯s current location since you haven¡¯t returned.¡±

    Ludm felt somewhat embarrassed since she had indeed been away from herbat post for too long.

    Without a prayer hand to guide them, the Divine Arrows were just oversized rockets, capable of traveling far but with low uracy. Without the prayer hand, the Divine Arrow group was useless, unable to fulfill any purpose.

    "I¡¯ll return immediately,¡± said Ludm, and she took one more look at Rocossov curled up in the nket.

    Monk Yeca Neiko also nced at the count and said, ¡°Without him, we would have been sacrificed. He saved us twice, once from going up to the bell tower, and the other time when we were trapped.¡±

    "Yes,¡± Ludm responded softly.

    Yeca Neiko continued, ¡°You knew him from before, right? Did you know he was such a hero?¡±

    "No,¡± Ludm answered truthfully, ¡°though he¡¯s always had a high opinion of himself, to my knowledge, not a single girl liked him. No, actually, all the noble girls in Saint Ekaterina Fortress treated him as a joke.¡±

    "He¡¯s not one anymore. And did you see those soldiers just now? Anyone who treats him as a joke will have their skin peeled off by the soldiers. Come on, let¡¯s go. I¡¯ve given you plenty of time. It¡¯s time to get back to business, Captain Mailehovna,¡± said Yeca Neiko.

    Ludm nodded her head.

    Yeca Neiko turned and walked out, and Ludm followed his steps, looking back every three steps.

    The Hymn Monk stood beside the sofa that Count Rocossov used as a bed and waved at Ludm.

    Wang Zhong slept soundly this time.

    Perhaps after resolving the internal hesitation, one can sleep soundly.

    When he opened his eyes, he was surprised to see that it was still light outside. His second sensation was thirst, after all, he had soaked the nket with sweat.

    He threw off the nket and sat up, grabbing therge ss he had ced on the table earlier and gulped it down, feeling his braine alive afterwards.

    He must still have had a bit of a low fever, but the ringing in his ears was gone, and the explosive headache from the morning had almost disappeared.

    His head was just a little heavy.

    Wang Zhong carefully stood up, moved his body a bit, and then looked to his side.

    Sufang was standing next to him, holding a kettle: ¡°Need more water?¡±

    Wang Zhong pushed the empty cup toward the girl: ¡°Fill it up.¡±

    After the second cup of water, Wang Zhong finally sat down, pulled up the overhead view, and surveyed the battlefield.

    The defensive fortifications of Peniye vige had obviously improved a great dealpared to when they were resisting the enemy in the morning, with many sandbag barriers erected.

    Support points like windows and balconies had also been reinforced with sandbags.

    It was clear that Yegorov was doing his best to strengthen the vige¡¯s defenses, but unfortunately, the Third Rear Amur Group was already on the run and didn¡¯t bring much in terms of defensive supplies.

    The vigeckedmon defensive instations like barbed wire andndmines.

    When they had seized trucks from the enemy supply depot, Wang Zhong had asked about what kinds of supplies the enemy had there. The answer he received was that there were only ammunition and fuel. The enemy didn¡¯t think there was a need to stop and defend, so they hadn¡¯t allocated transport for any frontline defensive materials.

    In short, although Yegorov was experienced, a good wife can¡¯t make a meal without rice; the defenses of Peniye were as good as nonexistent.

    The good news was that it was already six o¡¯clock in the evening, and they just needed to hold out for another 26 hours before they could make their escape.

    Wang Zhong shifted his viewpoint to the enemy.

    Then he realized that their field of vision could barely make out the top of the western hill but couldn¡¯t see the enemy behind it at all.

    It seemed it was up to Wang Zhong to personally climb up for a better look.

    So, Wang Zhong switched back to his original perspective and stood up again.

    The bell tower had been half destroyed by an enemy shell, but the water tower of the distillery was still standing and probably not any shorter than the bell tower.

    Seeing Wang Zhong walking out, Su Fang hurriedly followed him, ¡°Please rest a while longer. The enemy hasn¡¯t attacked yet. Take advantage of this time to rest, have a meal or something¡­¡±

    "I am indeed hungry, bring me some bread and meat.¡±

    Wang Zhong said this as he left the distillery manager¡¯s office and entered the courtyard of the distillery.

    Panzer 422 was parked in the courtyard, with the tank operators busily maintaining the vehicle.

    Upon seeing Wang Zhong, everyone immediately stopped what they were doing, stood to attention, their backs straighter than if the Great Emperor hade for an inspection.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°At ease, carry on. Wait, where¡¯s yourmander?¡±

    The tank operators exchanged nces, and finally, the gunner spoke on behalf of everyone, ¡°He¡­ he didn¡¯t dare to be themander any longer, and went to check on your horse.¡±

    "My horse?¡± It took Wang Zhong a second to remember that he had inherited a white horse from Captain Lubokov, ¡°Oh, that horse. Do you know its name?¡±

    "Ah? Oh, the horse? The Captain called it Bucephalus.¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback; he knew the name Bucephalus. It was the name of Alexander the Great¡¯s beloved horse, akin to ¡°Red Hare¡± in Chinese culture.

    Although Captain Lubokov had given the horse such a name, he had unfortunately fallen in the first battle, prompting Wang Zhong to sigh.

    The cowardly private had gone to look after the horse, so had Panzer 422 be his personal vehicle?

    Wang Zhong nced at the three-turret tank.

    Frankly, the tank was ugly, and its performance was terrible. If he¡¯d had any other choice, Wang Zhong would never have considered it as his personal vehicle.

    However, with his limited resources, he had to make do with what he had.

    This wasn¡¯t a game, where a soldier could just turn a wrench a few times to fix up an enemy¡¯s abandoned Panzer IV. In reality, tank repair would require an entire maintenance factory with hundreds of mechanics.

    So, he had to make do with the unattractive Panzer 422.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Make sure it¡¯s well-maintained; it might carry a heavy burden soon!¡±

    "Yes, sir!¡± the tank operators answered with spirit.

    Wang Zhong nodded and began to climb the stairs of the water tower.

    Luckily, the water tower had stairs instead of adder that would have required climbing by hand, so Wang Zhong ascended quite smoothly to the tower¡¯s summit.

    Standing at the top, he raised his binocrs.

    From this height, he had the illusion that he was even higher than the hill to the west.

    Then he switched to an overhead view.

    The enemy on the reverse slope behind the western hill was all lit up.

    Wang Zhong took a sharp breath.

    He saw trucks descending from the highway and arge number of infantry moving into battle formations.

    He also spotted at least a full battery of infantry guns being unloaded from the trucks, each with a barrel that looked thicker than that of a demolished Panzer IV¡¯s tank gun (in fact, they were all 75mm).

    Not only that, but he saw a supply truck parked next to the enemy¡¯s self-propelled mortar battery, with gunners moving shells onto the mortar vehicles!

    Enemy reinforcements had arrived!

 Chapter 41: Two Slices of Bread

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong was trying to take a closer look at the enemy¡¯s attack formation, but suddenly he noticed tracks on the ground leading off to the side.

    A single vehicle couldn¡¯t possibly have left such distinct tracks on the grasnd, only multiple half-track vehicles could have left the highway from the same spot.

    Wang Zhong immediately followed the tracks in search of this enemy unit, but after heading north for a while, the tracks went out of his field of view.

    What were these Prussians up to by heading directly north?

    Not quite understanding their intentions, Wang Zhong began to check the edge of his field of view just in case.

    Since his perspective depended on the direction he was facing, with no visibility at the back of his head, he had to switch back to normal vision to turn and face north.

    Su Fang had followed him up the water tower, and seeing him look north, she asked with a puzzled face, ¡°Aren¡¯t the enemies to the west?¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have time to answer; he switched back to the overlooking perspective.Indeed, he found the tracks right to the north of Peniye vige.

    Good lord, these guys took a detour and ended up making a square! Wang Zhong¡¯s field of view was circr, so he couldn¡¯t see the corners of the square.

    There were three roads converging on Peniye, forming an inverted Y shape.

    The enemy¡¯s previous attacks had alle from the west, entering the vige through two westward roads, so Yegorov¡¯s defensive positions were mainly facing the west.

    To the east, the only road was lined with field hospitals and other nonbative units, and fighting forces were extremely scarce, with only some lightly wounded soldiers armed for defense.

    It looked like this enemy unit that had detoured around was nning to enter the vige from that one and only eastern road, for a pincer attack!

    If they seeded, it would be bad!

    Wang Zhong skillfully switched perspectives, turned around, and found himself face to face with Su Fang.

    Su Fang: ¡°?¡±

    Wang Zhong stepped aside to gain a view of the east and switched perspectives again.

    At the end of his eastern field of view, he saw enemy half-track vehicles driving onto the main road!

    The enemy had already taken their positions!

    Each vehicle was carrying more than a dozen soldiers, packed like sardines.

    The enemy had taken a rectangr route, so methodically that, in theory, they shouldn¡¯t be overloading the vehicles. They aren¡¯t Indians, after all.

    One could only specte that a half-track vehicle broke down during the detour, forcing the passengers onto other vehicles.

    To be honest, if the enemy decided to y armored cavalry and charge with the half-tracks, they might actually catch Wang Zhong off guard.

    But they stopped and began to deploy their troops!

    So these Prussians can¡¯t fight without deploying their troops, huh?

    Wang Zhong hurriedly thought of a n. The first thing he thought of was to find Yegorov and reassign a unit to establish a defensive line at the rear.

    Then he considered maybe pretending not to have noticed the nking maneuver to set up an ambush.

    As he was about to choose this n, a sh of insight crossed his mind.

    He carefully examined the enemy¡¯s equipment.

    Eight half-track vehicles¡ªthese were also the characteristic equipment of a certain military force from another dimension, with the mention of armored grenadiers always involving this type of half-track vehicle.

    German forces usually used the abbreviation sdkfz + a number to name these half-track vehicles, hence they got the nickname ¡°SD Confucius¡± in the Chinese circle.

    Among these half-track vehicles, there were versions with cannons, ranging from 20mm to 45mm, and Wang Zhong liked to use them for fun in ¡°War Thunder¡±.

    But the eight half-tracks that had outnked this time were all equipped with only machine guns.

    Wang Zhong scrutinized the enemy infantry¡¯s equipment more closely.

    Thanks to the aerial view cheat, Wang Zhong could clearly see how many magazines the enemy submachine gunners had brought.

    After close observation, he was sure that the enemy wasn¡¯t equipped with single-soldier anti-tank rockets like the Panzerfaust; at best they only had anti-tank grenades.

    The enemy had no anti-tank firepower!

    And behind them was the great in; to avoid detection, the position where the enemy deployed was at least 1,500 meters from the vige!

    A 1,500-meter open in! And that was at least! It could well be 2,000 meters!

    A single tank parked at the vige entrance could send the whole enemy unit to meet their maker! He wasn¡¯t even sure if God was in charge of this world.

    After realizing this, Wang Zhong was ecstatic. He switched back to normal vision, turned around, leaned over the water tower railing, and was about to call out to the tank operators below in the courtyard when something caught his eye from the corner of his vision.

    He looked up immediately, just in time to see smoke rising from the western hills.

    Then, the sound of artillery shells tearing through the air ruptured his eardrums.

    Enemy shelling!

    While Wang Zhong was busy with the nking unit, the enemy had moved their artillery to the hilltop!

    ¡°`

    The first shell fell in the wheat field west of the vige, sending dirt flying as high as a two-story building!

    "The charge on this shell is a bit too much!¡±

    Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Artillery iing! Take cover!¡±

    Before his words faded, the second whistling sound came, Wang Zhong distinctly felt the object making the noise fly over his head¡ªit seemed to be aimed high.

    Turning around, he saw the house on the eastern edge of the vige being hit, its roof sted away in arge chunk.

    Wait a second, one shot too close and one too far¡ªthe enemy is adjusting their fire!

    If the third one falls in the vige, the rapid firing will begin!

    The third screech came, and before Wang Zhong could react, the roof of the mechanical mill was hit.

    The explosion nearly blew Wang Zhong off his feet.

    Luckily, the distance was somewhat far, and neither the shrapnel nor the shock wave reached Wang Zhong.

    At this moment, Sufang rushed over and pushed Wang Zhong to the ground.

    The girly on top of Wang Zhong¡¯s back.

    Wang Zhong heard her urgently say, ¡°You can¡¯t die!¡±

    The next moment, more whistling sounds came.

    The explosions tore at Wang Zhong¡¯s eardrums one after another.

    Could just one battery of howitzers produce such an effect?

    Wang Zhong vaguely understood why artillery was called the King of War.

    However, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t just lie there.

    He was lying facing west, so he couldn¡¯t see what was happening in the east, but he could imagine the enemy¡¯s troops circling behind and advancing towards the vige.

    Action must be taken immediately!

    He rolled over, flinging the Sufang on his back to the ground, and jumped up, shouting, ¡°Tank operators to your stations,¡± as he rushed down the stairs.

    The tank operators were all lying around the tank and only got up when they heard Wang Zhong¡¯s voice.

    Wang Zhong reached out and dragged the loader from under the tank, then climbed directly onto the tank.

    By this time, the gunner had already reached the turret and, opening the side door for the gunner and the loader, asked as Wang Zhong climbed in, ¡°My Lord Count, what has happened?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I spotted the enemy¡¯s nking troops from above, on the eastern side. The enemy doesn¡¯t have anti-tank weapons; we have to block them at the eastern entrance to the vige.¡±

    "Understood!¡± The gunner nodded and climbed through the side door, followed closely by the loader.

    Wang Zhong ascended the turret, squeezing into themander¡¯s hatch, and put on the headset and the internal microphone.

    At this point, the driver and electrician had also entered the tank.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°How many high-explosive rounds do we have left?¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry, we haven¡¯t fired many high-explosive rounds, there are still 42 left!¡± came the gunner¡¯s voice through the headset.

    Before Wang Zhong could reply, a shell fell in the courtyard, copsing part of the enclosing wall.

    Several shrapnel pieces struck the tank¡¯s armor, ringing with a ng.

    Wang Zhong thought for safety¡¯s sake I should get in the tank first¡ª

    At this time, Sufang climbed onto the tank, standing on the grill above the engine, at the back of the main turret.

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Get down!¡±

    Sufang replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to use this anti-aircraft machine gun!¡±

    As she spoke, she adeptly operated the machine gun on top of the turret, aiming forward.

    Wang Zhong insisted, ¡°I¡¯ll operate the machine gun! You get down.¡±

    "You¡¯re feverish, you might not shoot urately!¡±

    Wang Zhong wanted to say more, but thinking that the enemy could be creeping in from the east at any moment, he had no choice but to let her be.

    Wang Zhong directed, ¡°Driver, engage forward gear, and go! Turn left out of the gate, head east until you reach the junction.¡±

    The driver confirmed, ¡°Same route as this morning, I got it!¡±

    The tank charged out of the brewery gate, taking a sharp turn.

    Just then, the building across from the brewery was hit by a shell, and broken tiles cascaded down. Wang Zhong ducked his head, feeling the gravel pattering against him.

    Sufang was struck by a tile, cutting a gash above her right eye, and blood flowed down.

    Wang Zhong urged, ¡°You¡¯re bleeding, get down!¡±

    "I won¡¯t!¡±

 Chapter 42: Tank No. 422 Speeding through the Wilderness

    Major Shrifen still stood atop hismand tank, observing the vige of Peniye.

    Next to the tank stood an officer with half grey hair. Unlike Shrifen, this officer did not wear the mboyant red decorations, so he appeared to be of a lower rank.

    But in reality, he was themander of Armored Grenadier Regiment 351, Major Franz of the Prosen National Defense Force, who should be considered Shrifen¡¯s peer.

    "It seems the enemy hasn¡¯t noticed our nking maneuver,¡± Major Franz put down his binocrs, ¡°I can congratte Major Shrifen in advance.¡±

    Major Shrifen¡¯s face remained stern, ¡°No, the enemymander is a tough nut. I will not celebrate prematurely until I¡¯ve broken through their defenses.

    "Prepare the infantry for assault, mortars fire smoke!¡±

    The Prosen Empire¡¯s smoke tactics were originally developed to counter Divine Arrow, which could hit Prosen tanks from two or even three kilometers away while the uracy of tank guns at this range was less than reliable.

    Therefore, Prussian Armored Forces Director Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch decided to universally equip the armored troops with vehicle-mounted mortars to apany assaults and heavily supply them with smoke bombs.

    Laying down a smoke screen with mortars before armored assaults became a standardbat method for the Prosen Empire.Soon, Prosen infantry units also realized that this tactic could effectively limit enemy fire points during assaults, so they started to distribute smoke bombs inrge quantities as well.

    The mortars, freshly resupplied, did not even need to adjust their aim and began rapid-fire, quickly forming a wall of smoke on the western side of the vige.

    Major Shrifen consulted his watch, ¡°There are two hours left until dark. If all goes well, we can spend the night in the vige. Begin the attack.¡±

    Apanied by a whistle, the tanks apanying the assault initiated first, advancing at a pace coordinated with the infantry.

    Meanwhile, the infantry of Regiment 351 followed closely behind the tanks.

    The No. 3 tank was not an infantry tank, and its tank gun¡¯s power was limited, but it was still suited as a mobile cover for the infantry.

    Furthermore, the machine guns on the tanks could suppress enemy fire points.

    Major Shrifen watched all this from hismand tank and murmured softly, ¡°It¡¯s your move now, don¡¯t disappoint me, the arrogant Mr. Ante.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At this moment, Wang Zhong was speeding through the vige.

    For an instant, he wondered, what if he was just unlucky and got hit by a shell falling from the sky while racing?

    He realized he had never considered this possibility, his mind solely focused on defeating the enemy.

    Just as Wang Zhong pondered this, the tank emerged from the eastern exit of the vige.

    In the setting sun, the fields were coated in ayer of gold, and the soldiers in ck uniforms were as visible as dark bugs in a rice jar.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Stop the tank!¡±

    The moment the order was given, the tank came to an abrupt stop.

    Su Fang was thrown forward, even pushing the machine gun out of alignment.

    Wang Zhong, bracing the hatch, ordered loudly, ¡°Load high-explosive shell, target the half-track on the road directly ahead!¡±

    "Loadingplete!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Fire!¡±

    The st from the gun muzzle swept the surrounding wheat away.

    A plume of smoke rose in front of the target, hitting low.

    The machine gun on the half-track immediately opened fire, a whip of tracer bulletsshed towards the tank, sparking a string of sparks on the armor.

    Su Fang, not the least bit scared, swung the machine gun around for a counterattack.

    The two machine guns at the front of the tank also began to fire back, but their targets were the skirmish lines across the field.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Quick, load!¡±

    "Loadingplete!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This time make it urate! Fire!¡±

    With the gunner stepping on the pedal, the gun muzzle once again erupted in mes.

    An orange fireball soared up from the left side of the target vehicle, the chassis overturned by the st of the explosion.

    From an overhead perspective, Wang Zhong clearly saw the body of an enemy being thrown high into the air.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good! Load again, next one!¡±

    After finishing, he switched back to encourage Su Fang with a pat on the shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t just focus on the vehicles, hit those infantrymen!¡±

    Su Fang turned the gun and swept the whip of death across the skirmish line.

    Just then, the driver shouted, ¡°Smoke! The enemy¡¯s deploying smoke!¡±

    Wang Zhong quickly looked forward, indeed he saw white smoke rising from the fields.

    Switching to an overhead view, it was clear that the enemy infantry were throwing smoke bombs.

    It was evident the enemy was well-trained, skillfully employing the tactic as a single smoke bomb could cover most of the troops and half-tracks.

    The loader shouted, ¡°Loaded!¡±

    The gunner then cried out, ¡°I can¡¯t see the target anymore! What should we do?¡±

    At this time, the enemy was still over a thousand meters away from the vige entrance, right in the tank¡¯s firepower advantage zone.

    But if the enemy came within a hundred meters, the situation would be rife with unpredictability.

    Not to mention, if the enemy used a bolt-action rifle to shoot at Wang Zhong, he couldn¡¯t take it and would have to get inside the tank. Standing on the tank¡¯s cooling grille, Su Fang had nowhere to hide and could only rely on the turret for cover.

    When the enemy approached to fifty meters, the threat of anti-tank grenades would increase significantly.

    Having observed the enemy¡¯s movements from a bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong made a snap decision and ordered, ¡°We can¡¯t stay here, driver turn right thirty degrees, let¡¯s hit the main road and run for it!¡±

    Themand was immediately carried out.

    The tank headed down the main road, speeding toward the southeast.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Turret, turn left!¡±

    "How much?¡± the gunner asked loudly.

    Switching back to the naked-eye perspective, Wang Zhong grabbed Su Fang¡¯s hand that was on the machine gun and forcefully turned the machine gun in another direction.

    "Pull the trigger!¡±

    Su Fang immediately pulled the trigger, and tracer bullets swept through the smoke.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Aim in the direction of the tracer bullets!¡±

    "Got it!¡±

    As the turret turned, the tank finally circumvented the first wave of enemy smoke, gaining a view of the half-track vehicle!

    It was just within range of the tank gun!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Stop the tank!¡±

    The driver mmed on the brakes.

    When the tank stopped, the barrel jolted violently up and down.

    At the instant the jolting stopped, the gunner stepped on the pedal and fired.

    As a result, the shot flew over again,nding behind the half-track vehicle among scattered infantry, sting one unlucky soldier into the sky.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized that the gunner might not be particrly skilled at range estimation, and he remembered that early Soviet tanks had very rudimentary range-finding devices in another time and space, unlike the German forces with a mature and convenient range-finding system.

    So early Soviet tanks were at a significant disadvantage in long-range duels.

    This time and space might be the same.

    But in the bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong could see specific coordinates and could roughly estimate the distance by mental arithmetic using the coordinates.

    So he immediately switched to the bird¡¯s-eye view, estimated the distance, and ordered, ¡°Distance 980 meters! Gunner! Nine hundred and eighty meters!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°How do you know?¡±

    "Estimate, don¡¯t worry about it, just shoot with this reading!¡±

    "Loaded!¡±

    "Fire!¡±

    As the gunner stepped on the pedal, the cargo bed of the still-moving half-track blew open, and the vehicle quickly came to a stop.

    The machine gunner, engulfed in mes, jumped off the vehicle and rolled over on the grass.

    At this point, the enemy infantry released smoke again, just blocking the tank¡¯s line of sight.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Start moving, keep circling the enemy! There are six more half-tracks and over a hundred infantrymen! Let¡¯s annihte them in the open!¡±

    Tank 422 moved again, the tracks churning up a lot of dark mud.

    This time they didn¡¯t go far before another half-track entered the view.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Emergency stop! Distance 910 meters! Don¡¯t pick the wrong gauge!¡±

    The tank had just stabilized when the gunner stepped on the pedal and fired.

    This time, the target exploded into a fireball and slid across the open field for a while before stopping.

    Su Fang¡¯s machine gun rattled as Wang Zhong nced at the sight on the gun and noticed that the girl had also adjusted the distance ording to his instructions; the long whip formed by the tracer bullets swept urately over the enemy¡¯s columns.

    The well-trained enemy immediately hit the ground.

    This reminded Wang Zhong of that famous Vietnam War meme: running away is the enemy, hitting the ground is the well-trained enemy.

    But here, the enemy was indeed well-trained. Su Fang hadn¡¯t even finished her burst when the enemy released smoke again.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Keep circling the enemy!¡±

 Chapter 43: Crossfire

    Yegorov was standing by the window watching the west, seemingly unafraid of the enemy¡¯s artillery fire.

    The main reason was that the three-story Boye mansion he was in was quite sturdy, and the 75mm infantry artillery might not necessarily take it down.

    Even more robust was the main building of the winery; perhaps the Prussians had not anticipated such a solid reinforced concrete structure in such a small vige.

    Yegorov had it all figured out, if they really could not hold on, they would withdraw to the winery and resist relying on the solid building.

    It was at that moment, amidst the enemy¡¯s cannon fire and explosions, that he heard a different kind of artillery sound.

    "Is the tank firing?¡± Yegorov turned his head to look behind him¡ªat the east.

    After a second of hesitation, Yegorov quickly moved to the window on the eastern side.

    Because the building blocked his view, he couldn¡¯t see the tank, but he could see the smoke set up by the enemy on the eastern ins.

    The Ante Army also had smoke bombs, however, they were ¡°advanced experience¡± learned from the Prussian Army.Yegorov muttered to himself, ¡°It seems the Prosen devils have circled to the east, Count Rocossov is engaging the enemy with his tank! How did he find them?¡±

    As he spoke, Yegorov lifted his binocrs in a futile attempt to observe the battle, but since he still could not see the situation, he turned his head to Sergeant Major Grigori and said, ¡°Take a machine gun to the eastern edge of the vige, find a good position and set it up. The count only has one tank, and the enemy has set up a smoke screen, so they might not be able to fully block the enemy.¡±

    Grigori saluted, ¡°Leave it to me, Colonel Yegorov.¡±

    After seeing Grigori off, Yegorov looked east again and murmured, ¡°How did the count discover the enemy¡¯s nking maneuver?¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Perhaps this is what makes a military genius.¡±

    Just as the words fell, a 75mm shell hit the wall of the main mansion building, but it didn¡¯t blow through the wall, only causing a pile of dust to fall sparsely from the ceiling.

    Yegorov looked at the beams overhead to make sure the house was not going to copse, then turned to re at the chief of staff, ¡°You, talk less!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At that time, Wang Zhong watched as thest half-track vehicle turned into a burning wreck.

    He elevated his view and quickly counted the remaining infantry on the ins.

    About sixty or seventy infantry had survived, scattered across the ins.

    The enemy closest to the vige would enter it after another five hundred meters.

    The most urgent task now was to quickly return to the entrance of the vige and hold it, as it would be difficult to deal with the infantry once they entered the vige with the tank¡ª even if Wang Zhong had cheats.

    Just then, a machine gun appeared in the window of a building at the very eastern edge of the vige and began firing at the enemy on the ins without a word.

    This machine gun was seized from the enemy; its firing sound was not the dull thud of the Ante Army¡¯s heavy machine guns but a sharp, tearing sound like ripping canvas.

    Wang Zhong saw all this clearly and immediately decided to drive the tank to the side of the vige entrance to set up a crossfirework with the machine gun at the entrance.

    Without the half-tracks, the enemy had lost their mobility and mobile cover, making it difficult for the infantry to break through the crossfire on the ins.

    "Driver, stop, turn on the spot 180 degrees!¡±

    Even Wang Zhong heard the sound of the driver pulling the lever¡ªthis tank didn¡¯t have a convenient steering wheel but relied on two control levers, one for each side track.

    As the driver operated, the tank tracks began to rotate in opposite directions, and the long vehicle started to turn on the spot.

    Su Fang was still firing, but as the tank began to turn, the tracer bullets whipped out into the in.

    "Say something before you turn!¡± Su Fangined loudly. ¡°My ammo¡¯s being wasted here!¡±

    Wang Zhong, who had no time to mind her, waited until the tank turned to his desired direction and immediately knocked on top of the turret, shouting, ¡°Stop! No more turning! Shift gears, full speed ahead, stop at the edge of the vige!¡±

    As the tank started to move, Su Fang protested, ¡°I can¡¯t shoot at the enemy like this!¡±

    Before her words ended, a bullet struck the tank gun, sending out a string of sparks as it flew away.

    Wang Zhong turned around and saw the enemy in the fields attempting to hit the tank, but at that distance, even well-trained Prosen soldiers had to rely on luck to score a hit.

    However, just like the infantry organization of another timeline¡¯s Germany, the core of the infantry squad is the machine gun¡ªand if that machine gun starts firing¡ª

    Before he could finish, the enemy¡¯s machine gun opened fire.

    Wang Zhong immediately located the machine gunner and saw that he was firing the machine gun by hand, probably because the enemy was in the wheat field and the summer wheat had grown tall. Lying on the ground, one wouldn¡¯t be able to aim, so they had no choice but to fire the machine gun while standing.

    The uracy of firing a machine gun by hand is imaginable; it looked as though tracer bullets were headed straight for Wang Zhong, but in reality, they all flew high.

    Su Fang was shrinking her neck, and had lost the sharpness she just had in killing the enemy; instead, she clung tightly to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Why are you so close?¡±

    Su Fang, ¡°I think the bullets might curve around you!¡±

    "How about you look at the wound on my shoulder and say that again? I¡¯m still running a fever!¡±

    Even though they were having a not-so-tense conversation, Wang Zhong knew that it wouldn¡¯t be surprising to get hit by a bullet under these circumstances. On the battlefield, no one can be sure.

    But what was strange was that he was not afraid at all.

    And he always felt that his fearlessness didn¡¯t have much to do with adrenaline¡ªbecause his breathing was very steady at the moment.

    No sooner had he thought this than Su Fang said, ¡°Konstantinovich, you¡¯re really brave. I¡¯m so scared I¡¯m shivering, but you¡¯re just like usual!¡±

    Konstantinovich was Wang Zhong¡¯s patronymic, and using a patronymic at such times mostly conveyed a sense of respect.

    Wang Zhong nced at the girl, and it took him a second to remember that as an Easterner she didn¡¯t have a patronymic, so he had to call her by her name, ¡°Su Fang, you are brave too.¡±

    At that moment, the driver¡¯s voice came through the headset, ¡°We¡¯ll be at the edge of the vige soon, a low wall is just ahead.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Stop in front of the low wall, face the enemy.¡±

    The tank immediately braked and then turned around.

    As if she had been holding back for a long time, Su Fang picked up the machine gun and returned fire at the Prussian gunner who had been sending tracer bullets over their heads.

    The result was unsurprisingly low.

    After all, she had just been close to the enemy, and her range was set to 100.

    Wang Zhong estimated the distance and told Su Fang, ¡°Set the range to four hundred!¡±

    "Oh!¡± Su Fang stopped firing and began adjusting the range setting.

    At that moment, the two machine gun turrets in front of the tank also opened fire, the whips of death formed by the tracer bullets and the machine guns at the entrance of the vige created a crossfire.

    After Su Fang finished adjusting the range, she joined their ranks.

    The enemy was probably out of smoke bombs by now, having no way to deal with the fire.

    A machine gunner found a mound of Earth in the field, set up a machine gun on it, and began to retaliate.

    Wang Zhong immediately grabbed Su Fang¡¯s hand and pushed her line of fire towards the enemy, whilemanding the gunner, ¡°See Su Fang¡¯s tracer bullets? Is there an enemy machine gun you see there?¡±

    "I see it!¡± As the gunner responded, he stepped on the turret rotation pedal and aimed the short, stout tank gun at the enemy.

    Gunner, ¡°High explosive, ready!¡±

    The gunner¡¯s foot pressed down on the firing pedal.

    Due to the short distance, almost the moment the gun fired, the shell hit its target, sending the Prussian machine gunner and his ammunition handler flying sky-high¡ªliterally.

    Su Fang, ¡°Take that! For shooting at me!¡±

    Cheers from the tank operators filled Wang Zhong¡¯s headset.

    But he couldn¡¯t bring himself to celebrate, because from a bird¡¯s-eye view, he saw that the enemy in front was also advancing.

 Chapter 44: Combat Engineers

    West of Peniye, Prosen tanks had crossed the mortar smoke screen barrier.

    At that time, the enemy¡¯s infantry artillery barrage had ceased, probably for fear that the dust might interfere with the tank¡¯s direct fire power.

    After the tanks emerged from the smoke, the Prussians¡¯ skirmish line also appeared.

    At this moment, apart from the roar of engines, the only sound on the entire battlefield was machine gun fireing from the east end of the vige.

    This distant sound, instead, highlighted the quietness on the battlefield.

    Without machine gun fire, the vige was tranquil.

    The mountain artillery strike had created seven or eight pirs of smoke, but it was unknown how many casualties it had caused.

    When the tanks were about two hundred meters away, they stopped advancing, probably not wanting to enter the effective range of the anti-tank rifles.

    The coaxial machine gun opened fire first, targeting the second floor windows of the buildings. This type of suppressive fire, with fierce gunfire, was meant to intimidate defenders hiding in buildings and works, making those timid defenders too scared to stand up and shoot.This kind of fire also had another effect: it caused overly tense individuals to reflexively open fire, thus revealing their positions.

    However, the Prussians¡¯ suppressive fire had no effect. The vige of Peniye remained as still as a dead snail, lying in the sunset awaiting the sun to dry out the moisture in its body.

    The Prussian infantry cautiously approached the vige.

    Suddenly, a small window on the first floor burst into mes, tracer bullets tore through the lingering sunlight, and in the blink of an eye, three Prussian soldiers were brought down.

    The next moment, the tank¡¯s coaxial machine gun swept toward the small window, followed by the tank gun, engulfing the small window in smoke and dust.

    More windows began to spit fire, and bullets poured down like a torrential rain toward enemies on the open field.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Yegorov said to the messenger, ¡°Tell the first battalion not to get too engaged; the enemy¡¯s advantage in direct fire from their tanks will cause great casualties if we keep entangled with them on the outer defenses. Hit the enemy hard once and then immediately retreat to let them enter the vige.¡±

    The messenger nodded and ran off.

    Chief of Staff Pavlov said, ¡°Didn¡¯t we set their tasks, telling them to shoot and leave?¡±

    "Just in case. Themander of the first battalion has a stubborn temper, he¡¯ll ignore everything once he gets fired up, so he needed a reminder,¡± Yegorov said.

    He knew too well the temperaments of his officers, after all, they had shared many drinks together.

    Yegorov continued to observe the west, but once the enemy came within two hundred meters, he could no longer see them, only the enemy tanks stalled at that distance.

    This was because the western side of the vige was on a gentle slope, descending from the western hill to the vige. If it had been t ground, the view from the third floor of the manor where Yegorov stood would have been even worse.

    This third floor only assured a view of the entrance on the northwest side; setting up a machine gun at this window where Yegorov now stood wouldpletely block the road entering the vige from the northwest.

    Of course, that would also mean that this window would receive special attention from the enemy tanks¡¯ direct fire.

    The good news was, Rocossov, the count, asserted that the enemy no longer had any Mark IV infantry tanks.

    The enemy¡¯s Mark III tanks had a main gun caliber of only fifty millimeters, and some of the older models even had a caliber of just 37 millimeters. The high-explosive shells from these guns could only kill a machine gunner if theynded precisely through the windows. Hitting around the window would probably not be enough to damage the thick stone walls.

    Therefore, Yegorov had prepared seven or eight machine gun crews in therge room behind the window, and several spare machine guns were also ready, just waiting for the enemy tounch an attack from the northwest street.

    Of course, before the appearance of the enemy, this window still served as an observation point for themander, since the view was too good.

    Yegorov was observing when he suddenly noticed a violent explosion on the western side of the vige. Dark objects were thrown into the air, even passing over the tops of several two-story buildings.

    "What¡¯s going on?¡± As soon as he said this, he saw mes burst out of the windows of a house on the southwest street, and a methrower soldier, engulfed in mes, jumped out of a second-floor window and hit the ground motionless.

    Yegorov eximed, ¡°methrowers,bat engineers! The enemy¡¯sbat engineers have entered the fight!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Yegorov couldn¡¯t see what was happening, but Wang Zhong saw everything clearly.

    The first battalion had fired a volley before retreating.

    Immediately after, a team ofbat engineers d in gray-painted armor arrived in a half-track.

    The half-track had something akin to a catapult, and Wang Zhong watched as it hurled an explosive pack over the stone wall.

    What an unscrupulous catapult with mechanical power!

    Forget the stone wall, the thatched hut behind it was blown into the sky.

    Then the enemy¡¯sbat engineers deftly toppled the remaining wall and filled in the pit, wading through feces to enter the yard.

    The submachine guns from ambush inside the house opened fire, but the rounds only sparked against the iron armor of thebat engineers.

    It was obvious that the pistol rounds fired by the submachine guns were not effective against the iron armor.

    The submachine gunner was either panicked or had never seen heavy armoredbat engineers because hepletely failed to attack the unprotected parts of the enemy.

    Thebat engineer leveled his methrower and pulled the trigger.

    mes shot through the windows, soon bursting out from the windows on the other side.

    The submachine gunner, engulfed in fierce mes, screamed as he scrambled out the window and fell to the ground motionless.

    Wang Zhong was astonished. Wearing heavy iron armor, using submachine guns and methrowers, and carrying explosive packs¡ªweren¡¯t these the hallmark troops of the Russians?

    So the Germanbat engineers in this time and space were also heavily armored?

    Wang Zhong watched as the enemy¡¯sbat engineers cleared an entire house with their methrowers, then used explosives to breach the partition wall between two houses and continued to clear the second house.

    No, he had toe up with a way to eliminate this squad ofbat engineers.

    Wang Zhong elevated his viewpoint.

    The enemy tanks stopped 200 meters from the vige, with a clear field of fire, making it impossible to circumvent them from the outside as before.

    He had to think of a way to set an ambush in the vige, using the tank¡¯s high-explosive shells and machine gun firepower to eliminate thebat engineer squad.

    Wang Zhong observed the enemy¡¯s direction of advance and a preliminary n began to take shape.

    He nced again at the enemy nking from the east, confirmed that there were only about twenty-odd stragglers left, then patted Sufang, who was changing bullets, on the shoulder, ¡°Okay, stop shooting once you¡¯ve reloaded. We still have a mission and need these bullets. All other machine guns, cease fire!¡±

    The two gun turrets firing in front of the tank ceased fire, followed by the coaxial machine gun of the main gun.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Driver! Turn left and head back to the highway along the edge of the vige.¡±

    Driver, ¡°Understood! Wait a minute, aren¡¯t we dealing with these enemies? There might still be quite a few left, just squatting on the ground and hiding in the wheat fields!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, don¡¯t worry, my friend, I¡¯m using cheats here. The overhead view not only gives me a crystal-clear view, but also highlights the targets. There are only about twenty live ones left from the enemy¡¯s rear group.

    But he couldn¡¯t just say it outright, ¡°The gunfire is very intense on the front, obviously the battle is at a standstill, and they need us. Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The tank started, turned left, and quickly progressed along the ridges at the edge of the vige.

    Sufang whispered, ¡°I¡¯ve never seen a noble¡ªno, I¡¯ve never seen an officer exin the reasons for their orders.

    "Officers just give orders, and the subordinates must execute them without question. If there are questions, they get scolded with things like ¡®You bunch of blockheads¡¯.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You bunch of blockheads! Execute the order! Is that what you mean?¡±

    For some reason, the tank operators in the vehicle allughed, loudly at that.

    The gunner remarked, ¡°If thepany¡¯s quartermaster shouted like that, not a single new soldier would be afraid of him.¡±

    The loader added, ¡°That¡¯s the gentlest reprimand we¡¯ve ever heard¡ªI don¡¯t know if that even counts as a reprimand.¡±

    Wang Zhong scratched his head. Just then, the tank reached the entrance of the vige, so he took the opportunity to change the subject, ¡°Stop! I need to talk to the machine gunner.¡±

    After the tank stopped, Wang Zhong called out to the machine gunner who had ceased firing, ¡°Who¡¯s inmand?¡±

    Sergeant Grigori stuck his head out, ¡°I am, Count.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy is almost wiped out, I¡¯ll leave the rest to you. Keep an eye on our rear. I¡¯m going to join the fight at the front.¡±

    The sergeant saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Good luck, Count!¡±

 Chapter 45: Flaming Sky

    ¡°`

    While Wang Zhongmanded Tank 422 to move towards the vige, thebat engineer squad had just cleared a house with a methrower.

    Wang Zhong, while ying Company of Heroes 2, liked to use methrowers, yet the game¡¯s methrowers, although powerful, were not invincible.

    The Company of Heroes series of games featured a retreat mechanism: Press the T key, and your troops would sprint away (thetest third installment seemed to have changed the key). If confronted with a methrower, pressing T fast enough could save the burning troops and allow them to retreat back to base engulfed in mes.

    But reality was not so forgiving; in real life, those hit by a methrower would lose theirbat effectiveness instantly, left to roll on the ground unable to do anything else.

    Only those with extremely tenacious willpower could continue to fight while engulfed in mes.

    The current Third Company of the Amur Group, although high in morale, had not yet be a disciplined force with that kind of willpower.

    Wang Zhong had to eliminate thesebat engineers quickly, or else they might just take over the whole vige.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªThepanymander, Sherchev, shouted loudly, ¡°It¡¯s thebat engineers, the submachine gun bullets are too weak to prate their armor, use rifles!¡±

    "But Commander, most of us are equipped with submachine guns for close-quartersbat!¡±

    "Then fucking use machine guns!¡±

    As Sherchev grabbed the machine gun from its operator, an explosion sounded from the backyard of the house he was in; thebat engineers had likely blown up the yard¡¯s wall with explosives.

    Brandishing the machine gun, Sherchev rushed to the window and began to fire through the breach.

    The firstbat engineer to enter the door hadn¡¯t yet squeezed the trigger before being hit by bullets, causing him and his armor to be pushed back several steps, with blood flowing from the gaps beneath his armor¡ªclearly, the machine gun was loaded with full-powered rounds that had prated the armor.

    The enemy still managed to pull the trigger, but due to falling backward, the methrower was raised high, and mes spouted into the air like a fountain, crossing the opposite wall andnding in the neighboring yard.

    As he continued firing, Sherchev yelled, ¡°You see? Their armor weighs at most a dozen kilos, it can¡¯t stop full-powered rifle rounds!¡±

    Submachine guns fire pistol ammunition, which has questionable prating power.

    Sherchev had barely finished speaking when a grenade was thrown into the yard.

    This was no ordinary stick grenade, but abat engineer¡¯s breach grenade, noticeablyrger than a regr grenade.

    Even elitebat engineers couldn¡¯t throw such a grenade to the second floor from that distance, so Sherchevughed, ¡°A bigger grenade¡¯s no good if you can¡¯t throw it up here¡ª¡±

    The grenade on the ground floor exploded.

    The wooden floor beneath Sherchev¡¯s feet, along with the brick wall of the first floor, copsed.

    The adjacent submachine gunner cried out, ¡°Commander!¡±

    In that critical moment,bat engineers took advantage of the lull in machine gun fire to breach through the hole in the wall.

    The submachine gunner immediately opened fire, with bullets clinking and nging off the metal armor.

    The Prussiansughed, and the methrower was aimed at the second floor¡ª

    Suddenly, a bullet struck the methrower¡¯s fuel line; the high-pressure fuel sprayed out and vaporized in the air.

    The vaporized fuel, contacting the mes at the head of the methrower, ignited and instantly engulfed thebat engineer in mes.

    Screams echoed through the courtyard.

    At that moment, Sherchev struggled to his feet and began firing the machine gun.

    True Ante men fire machine guns standing up; uracy be damned, the point is to appear fierce.

    Thebat engineer, barely alive from the fire, was finished off by a few rounds from the machine gun.

    However, another grenade sailed over the wall, the same type of breach grenade as before.

    Sherchev dropped the machine gun, picked up the grenade intending to throw it back, but just as he was getting ready, the thing exploded.

    Sherchev was blown to pieces, his blood sttered all over the wall.

    A thirdbat engineer mbered over the wall and directed his methrower towards the second floor.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong had witnessed the entire battle of Company Commander Sherchev; although he did not know themander, he was still moved by his bravery.

    Sherchev¡¯s actions confirmed what Wang Zhong suspected: machine guns or rifles could prate the iron armor head-on.

    After all, the level of technology in this world was simr to that of World War II. Sovietbat engineers back then couldn¡¯t charge machine guns either; their armor was primarily designed to protect against submachine gun bullets and grenade shrapnel.

    It was precisely because of this that the enemy¡¯sbat engineers did not take to the roads but rather chose close-quartersbat where machine guns and rifles were less effective.

    But they couldn¡¯t stay off the roads forever.

    ¡°`

    ¡°`

    It¡¯s true that there are only three main roads forming a Y-shape leading to the vige of Peniye, but there are alsoplicated side streets within the vige. If the tanks block the intersections and wait at ease, they might be able to capture all thebat engineers in one fell swoop.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong noticed that the half-track vehicle carrying thebat engineers had driven along the southwestern edge of the vige to ane leading out of the vige and stopped next to arge pile ofpost.

    Next to the vehicle was a yard with a gate leading outside the vige; obviously, the vehicle was waiting here to resupply thebat engineers once they reached this yard.

    Wang Zhong decided to target this vehicle first.

    By now, the tank had arrived in front of the mechanical mill, with two roads leading westward stretching out to both sides in front of the tank.

    In the morning¡¯s battle, Wang Zhong found that as long as the enemy¡¯s tanks were stationed at the two western intersections, they could block the whole street. Ludm¡¯s Divine Arrow squad was trapped because of this and almost got caught by enemy infantry.

    It was Wang Zhong himself whomanded the tank to fight against four and broke the encirclement.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong specifically ordered Yegorov to drive the captured Prussian trucks onto the street, which along with the wreckage of the tanks, formed a blockade. Even if the enemy tanks were to reach the entrance of the vige, they could only block the road from the vige entrance to the blockade.

    With the infantry crouching and relying on the blockades, they could still move freely on both sides of the main street.

    The firepower of our machine guns was on the second floor, allowing it to sweep over the blockade and clear the enemies on the road.

    Now, Wang Zhong realized that this blockade also limited the effectiveness of his own tank gun. Previously, stopping in front of the mechanical mill allowed control over the entire road, but now only half could be controlled.

    But this was also good; approaching the alley, the tank¡¯s body was covered, and only half of the turret was exposed, so there was no worry of being ambushed by enemy tanks.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Take the left road. Move about fifty meters and stop at the alley¡¯s entrance! Do you see the alley entrance fifty meters away?¡±

    The driver responded to Wang Zhong with actions, as the tank directly took the left road heading straight for the alley entrance fifty meters away.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Turret, turn left!¡±

    The turret immediately began to turn left.

    Su Fang was about to use the machine gun to shoot at the enemy on the street when the turret turned, causing the machine gun to move away from in front of her.

    Wang Zhong and the tank hatch blocked Su Fang¡¯s ess to the machine gun.

    Su Fang: ¡°My machine gun!¡±

    Wang Zhong ignored her as the tank had reached the alley entrance and came to a sudden stop, shaking a little from front to back.

    The half-track vehicle parked on the other side of the alley saw the tank; the Prussians on it shouted ¡°Akh-toong,¡± and turned the vehicle-mounted machine gun towards the tank, only then realizing that the firing arc was insufficient¡ªthe machine gun could only cover a frontal arc, but the vehicle was parked sideways at the alley entrance.

    Wang Zhong had not yet shouted fire when the tank gun fired.

    The half-track vehicle must have been loaded with a lot of explosives, and me-thrower fuel or something, as it immediately burst into an orange fireball that slowly rose, resembling a nuclear explosion.

    Wang Zhong just watched as fragments bearing the Prussian cross flew past him, embedding themselves into the brick crevices of houses on the other side of the street.

    Su Fang was blown off the tank by the st wave,nding butt-first on the ground, and immediately started howling, ¡°Ahh ahh ahh, my butt!¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to say something when the enemy¡¯sbat engineers climbed over the st-damaged courtyard wall.

    The enemy was clearly dazed by the explosion, freezing for a moment upon seeing the tank.

    Wang Zhong immediately grabbed the anti-aircraft machine gun on top of the tank turret¡ªthe one Su Fang had been using¡ªand fired at the enemy.

    The sight was set to 300, but Wang Zhong didn¡¯t aim; he just shot guided by the tracer rounds.

    Thebat engineers were hit by several shots and fell to the ground.

    Wang Zhong switched to the overhead view and immediately ordered, ¡°High-Explosive Shell, hit the courtyard next to it!¡±

    "No firing angle!¡±

    "Shoot the floor!¡±

    A High-Explosive Shell hit the ground, and from the overhead view, Wang Zhong could see thebat engineers inside the courtyard being thrown onto the ground.

    But their armor served its purpose; after all, the main gun of Tank 422 was only 45 millimeters, and its fragments might not prate the steel, only able to injure the enemies¡¯ limbs.

    At this moment, Sherchev¡¯s subordinates appeared.

    They charged across the alley shouting ¡°Ura!¡± and crossed the mes left by the recent explosion, using their bays to finish off the still-groundedbat engineers.

    The enemy¡¯s neck did not have any protection!

    Wang Zhong yelled: ¡°Be careful to capture the methrowers! Be careful to capture the methrowers!¡±

    Then he heard an engine sound, quickly searched for its source, and saw the enemy tanks that had been two hundred meters away starting to advance.

    It looked like the fireworks Wang Zhong had caused had made them restless.

    ¡°`

 Chapter 46: Wisdom from the Elders

    The enemy tanks seemed to still be nning to enter from the western entrance of the vige.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s tank was now stopped on the road leading to the southwest entrance of the vige. Although there were obstacles between it and the entrance, these barriers were suitable for covering infantry but somewhat ineffective for hiding such arge tank.

    As an old model with multiple turrets, No. 422 was quite ¡°imposing¡±.

    Wang Zhong immediately ordered to drive into the side alley on the left, which was where he had just passed through to destroy the enemy¡¯sbat engineer vehicle apanied by a half-tracked vehicle.

    This way, they could temporarily avoid a head-on confrontation with the enemy tanks.

    The engineering squad had just cleared the houses on the southwest side, and with his external equipment, Wang Zhong could clearly see the enemy infantry entering the houses and exchanging fire with the Ante Army infantry across the road.

    As long as the position of the tank was close to the side upied by the Prosen infantry, they didn¡¯t need to worry too much about incendiary bottles being thrown at them.

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s side, apart from the Divine Arrow and the tank beneath him, the only remaining means of anti-tank warfare were incendiary bottles. To be effective, one had to either climb to the second floor and ambush the tanks as they passed or clear the infantry around the tank before approaching for anti-tankbat maneuvers.

    Observing the movements of the enemy tanks, Wang Zhong surmised that this time they would definitely not advance without the cover of infantry.The earlier rush by the Mk.IV tanks was probably due to the enemy¡¯s assumption that the Ante Armycked anti-tank experience. After being hit with incendiary bottles, the enemy had also learned their lesson.

    Wang Zhong calcted that the enemy had brought up 8 tanks this time. The good news was that they were all Model III with slim barrels, which probably didn¡¯t have the same anti-infantry efficiency as the previous Mk.IV ones.

    Probably.

    But, given the enemy¡¯s tighterbined infantry and tank operations, the effectiveness of incendiary bottles was expected to be greatly reduced.

    It still depended on his own No. 422 tank.

    However, this multi-turret tank design was already outdated, with thin armor; one solid hit could mean destruction.

    If the Prussians fired a shrapnel shell, he too could be in big trouble.

    He must make good use of the high-angle view, trying to ambush the enemy tanks just like he did with the Mk.IV tanks in the morning.

    At this moment, the enemy tanks had reached the southwest entrance and started attacking the buildings on the street with shrapnel shells.

    Contrary to Wang Zhong¡¯s expectations, the Prosen 50mm shrapnel shells were quite effective against personnel. The main reason was the long-barreled 50mm cannon fired shells with unexpectedly high pration power, which could prate the brick walls of buildings and explode inside.

    Not to mention wooden structures.

    This was a serious problem; it was imperative to deal with the enemy tanks as soon as possible. Every extra minute of dy would result in more casualties.

    Although the Third Rear Amur Group had continuously repelled enemy attacks and morale was high, its numbers had been reduced to a dangerous level, and it was solely relying on high morale to avoid copse.

    The enemy¡¯s shrapnel shells were weak, and even after prating a stone wall and exploding, they would usually only kill two people, but if this attrition continued, morale could break at any time.

    However, directly engaging the Prussian Armored Troops from the front would likely be deadly.

    Attempting a nk maneuver was also risky, as the enemy had left four additional tanks on the periphery¡ªprobably because the infantry who retreated in the morning reported the nking done by the No. 422 tank, so now the Prussians were prepared.

    Continuing along this morning¡¯s route meant engaging in a direct artillery duel with Prussian Model III tanks in the open fields.

    Wang Zhong pondered for a second, then remembered the smoke grenades thrown by the Prussian forces he had just annihted while they tried to encircle him.

    He immediately shouted to nearby infantry, ¡°Smoke grenades! Check the fallen Prussians for smoke grenades and gather them!¡±

    After issuing the order, Wang Zhong continued to devise his n. Hand-thrown smoke grenades could at most be thrown a few dozen meters, and the current wind direction was¡ª

    He shifted back to his own perspective and realized that he couldn¡¯t make out which way the wind was blowing. As he was pondering this, he saw Su Fang.

    So he took off Su Fang¡¯s boat-shaped cap, and then he saw the ahoge on Su Fang¡¯s head swaying towards the northeast.

    The wind wasing from the southwest!

    Wang Zhong put the boat-shaped cap back on the girl¡¯s head.

    Su Fang: ???

    Wang Zhong turned to others, ¡°I need someone who¡¯s good at throwing grenades. Who can throw the furthest and most urately among you?¡±

    "Thepanymander!¡± a sergeant replied.

    "He has already sacrificed for the country, find the second best,¡± Wang Zhong said, his voice unconsciously lowering as if expressing sorrow.

    Having given thest order, he once again increased his viewpoint. He needed to find a suitable position to release the smoke, making it easier for him to perform a sneak attack from behind.

    Just then, he suddenly remembered that when he yed War Thunder, tanks had engine smoke generators for concealment, which he had used to great effect to avoid ambushes while nking.

    But that was post-war technology; the T28, this old-fashioned vehicle, should not have it. Yet, this world is not Earth, this world has magic, what if it¡¯s possible?

    Wang Zhong, holding a give-it-a-try attitude, asked the driver, ¡°Can we use the engine to create a smoke screen?¡±

    The driver clearly misunderstood what Wang Zhong meant by smoke, answering, ¡°My Lord Count, that little bit of ck smoke from the engine won¡¯t do any good.¡±

    Wang Zhong curled his lip.

    At this moment, he suddenly saw enemy tanks stationed on the outskirts beginning to move. Two tanks positioned on the southern side of the road started to maneuver to the south, clearly having learned of the location of Tank 422 and nning to circle around!

    And at this time, the enemy tank that had entered the vige had already stopped at the crossroads, and ever since it had arrived, it had not fired a single shot, probably having loaded armor-piercing shells while waiting for Wang Zhong to show his face at the alley entrance.

    Wang Zhong made a split-second decision, switched back to his own perspective, and shouted, ¡°Deploy smoke, throw to the southwest!¡±

    That way, the smoke would be carried by the wind to form a barrier, allowing Wang Zhong to escape around the outside of the vige.

    The order was immediately executed. The Prussians¡¯ smoke bombs were very simple to use and quickly formed a wall of smoke.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Driver, advance, exit the vige!¡±

    At this time, aside from Wang Zhong, no one else knew of the Prussians¡¯ movements, nor did they understand why Wang Zhong issued thismand.

    But the order was still executed.

    After all, Wang Zhong¡¯s prestige within this unit was immensely high, his orders would be followed no matter how unreasonable they seemed.

    No, not Wang Zhong, but Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov.

    The tank made ttering sounds as it drove through thene, leaving the vige.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Stop!¡±

    He looked at the smoke ahead, thinking that the Prussians really didn¡¯t skimp on materials; the smoke was so dense that nothing could be seen with the naked eye.

    At that moment, an excellent idea urred to him.

    As a child, Wang Zhong was very fond of an old movie called ¡°Heroic Tank Operator¡±, which was about the story of Tank 215 operated by heroic crew members during the Korean War.

    It included a segment adapted from a real battle situation: the Americans nned to use heavy artillery to bombard the stalled Tank 215. Themander then instructed the driver to rev the engine wildly, creating a loud noise, and then gradually throttle down, making the sound get quieter. As a result, the American soldiers thought the crew of Tank 215 had fled, so they extended their bombardment further back.

    Wang Zhong decided to emte the heroic deeds of his predecessors.

    He gave the order, ¡°Driver, listen up, I want you to put it in neutral, then rev the engine, let it roar. Then gradually reduce the throttle, make the sound quieter and quieter.¡±

    Driver: ¡°Understood, My Lord Count!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Loader, one armor-piercing shell, quick! How many armor-piercing shells do we have left?¡±

    "Over twenty, enough to send a few enemies packing. Armor-piercing shell loaded!¡±

    Wang Zhong, looking at the enemy tanks in the overhead view, muttered, ¡°Shoot, now it¡¯ll take two shots to knock out one enemy.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Inside Tank 422, all crew members were drenched in sweat. Wang Zhong was exposed outside, feeling the breeze and beside him a beautiful woman, utterlyfortable¡ªunlike inside the tank, which was stuffy and hot, and noisy to boot.

    But the crew¡¯s morale was high.

    Especially when they heard Wang Zhong¡¯s words through the earphones: ¡°Shoot, now it¡¯ll take two shots to knock out one enemy.¡±

    The loader and the gunner exchanged nces, then looked down at the mechanic and driver in front of the tank.

    The entire crew exchanged knowing looks.

    The gunner mouthed: ¡°He¡¯s still nning to take out ten more!¡±

    Loader: ¡°This time we¡¯re avenging the wholepany!¡±

    All tank operators revealed ecstatic expressions but dared not make a sound¡ªfor ording to the rules, idle chatter on the internalms duringbat was considered a disruption ofmand and subject to confinement.

    Moreover, no one wanted to interrupt the Count¡¯smands.

    The tank operators could onlyugh silently, giving each other high-fives.

    Then the Count¡¯s order came: ¡°Now, driver, floor the throttle!¡±

 Chapter 47: Tank vs Tank

    The two tanks nking the enemy came to a halt upon seeing the smoke, likely opting not to charge through it for caution¡¯s sake.

    So Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Now is the time, floor the elerator!¡±

    The tank¡¯s engine roared, but Wang Zhong quickly realized the problem with this approach.

    In ¡°Hero Tank Operator,¡± Tank 215 was stuck in a shell hole and couldn¡¯t move, despite the tracks spinning wildly with the gears engaged, it still couldn¡¯t get out. That¡¯s why he floored the elerator with the gears in ce, making the tracks turn.

    When the tracks turned, there was not only the roar of the engine but also the noise of the gearbox.

    Tank 422 was merely revving the engine now, with the gearbox not engaged, meaning only the gears connected to the engine were spinning freely without that characteristic grinding noise of meshing gears.

    Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t thought of this before, and now the sound made him a bit flustered.

    He began to worry that the enemy might see through the ruse, switching to a bird¡¯s-eye view to watch the two Prosen tanks on the other side of the smoke.

    The tactical numbers on the two tanks were 151 and 152, with Tank 151 sporting a longer antenna, suggesting it was the vehicle of apany or toonmander.From what Wang Zhong remembered, the real-life German army didn¡¯t have so manymand tanks with antennas, yet this Prosen army seemed to equip them quitemonly, with at least one or even two such tanks in a group of more than ten.

    The enemy clearly valued radiomunication!

    Behind every military practice lies a wealth of bloody lessons. Is there something in this world that forced the Prussians to pay particr attention to radiomunication?

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized he shouldn¡¯t be distracted; he was in the middle of battle, where anypse could mean mortal danger, with distractions possibly proving fatal.

    By now, the driver had begun to gradually reduce the throttle as instructed, causing the engine noise to decrease slowly.

    Wang Zhong could only hope that the fierce gunshots and explosions in the vige would drown out the noise from the gearbox and deceive the enemy.

    The hatch of Tank 151 opened, and a ck-uniformed officer wearing a tilted boat-shaped cap poked his head out, lifting his headphones as if listening.

    He promptly picked up the handset and issuedmands.

    The two tanks slightly changed direction, beginning to bypass the smoke curtain¡¯s nk¡ªthey had the same idea as Wang Zhong, to circumvent the smoke and seek a range advantage!

    Wang Zhong had thought that if the enemy charged through the smoke, he would take the opportunity to fire a blind shot from his advantageous overhead perspective.

    Now that the enemy was runningterally, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t dare take the risk. Targeting a moving object was already challenging, and blindfiring at a moving target set too high a demand on the gunner¡¯s skills.

    It wasn¡¯t about the gunner¡¯s technical skills, but rather about luck.

    He could only wait for the enemy to emerge before firing.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Turn the turret left, the enemy will definitely bypass the smoke, we just aim at the edge of it. Set the sight to¡ª¡±

    He made a quick estimate.

    ¡°300! Adjust ording to the situation!¡±

    Over the tank¡¯s inte, the gunner asked, ¡°What if the enemy charges through the smoke? If theye out and we can¡¯t swing the turret fast enough, wouldn¡¯t we be done for?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy fears infantry Molotovs and doesn¡¯t know the situation behind the smoke; they won¡¯t dare!¡±

    The rationale sounded convincing, and the gunner immediately dropped his objections.

    In fact, the turret had already been turning when he had asked the question, indicating hisplete trust in Wang Zhong¡¯s judgment; it was just a matter of querying.

    Wang Zhong nervously watched the enemy tanks, with Tank 152 taking the lead, about to nk around the smoke.

    Despite the risk of being discovered for cheating, Wang Zhong still warned, ¡°Get ready! The enemy ising out!¡±

    At this point, Tank 422 still had an advantage. The direction the enemy¡¯s turrets were aiming clearly presupposed that the 422 had fled, but it hadn¡¯t moved.

    Therefore, when both sides established a line of sight, the enemy¡¯s turret would probably need to turn an additional ten degrees or so to aim at the 422.

    The time needed to rotate those ten degrees was the advantage of Tank 422.

    Enemy Tank 152 charged past the smoke screen!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Wait for it, wait for him to make an emergency stop!¡±

    However, themander of Tank 152 didn¡¯t peek out, and didn¡¯t see Tank 422 right away. It kept advancing!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Never mind, fire!¡±

    The shot struck the rear of the tank¡¯s hull, hitting the engine directly, and Tank 152 lost power, starting to glide forward.

    The crew smoothly popped the hatch and climbed out.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s heart skipped a beat, and he shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t shoot! Don¡¯t reveal our position! There¡¯s another one!¡±

    But the electrotechnician had already pulled the trigger, and by the time he let go, a tracer round had already been fired off.

    Wang Zhong watched as the tracer hit the gliding enemy tank and ricocheted into the sky.

    It was over; unless the enemy were fools, they would have guessed their position by now.

    From the overhead perspective, sure enough, Tank 151 began adjusting the angle of its turret.

    Loader: ¡°Armor-Piercing Shell, ready!¡±

    Because the situation was so tense, he forgot to say ¡°loadingplete¡± and just shouted ¡°ready.¡±

    At that moment, Tank 151 suddenly changed its direction and charged through the smoke!

    Good grief, the enemy changed tactics too, nning to rush through the smoke and catch Tank 422 by surprise as it aimed at the edge of the smoke.

    Soon both sides would need to take aim again, and it woulde down to a matter of professional skill level.

    Unfortunately, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want topete with the enemy.

    "Rotate turret to the right, watch my signals!¡±

    Having said that, Wang Zhong grabbed Su Fang¡¯s hand and pulled the trigger.

    The machine gun bullets included tracer rounds, which pierced through the smoke and struck the other side.

    Wang Zhong, relying on the overhead view, adjusted the firing line of the tracer rounds until the red whip swept over the enemy tank.

    Themander of Tank 151 immediately ducked, obviously not wanting to be hit by the machine gun fire.

    But Tank 151 still continued in its original direction.

    The turret of Tank 422 had already turned in the direction of the machine gun fire.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Fire!¡±

    Never mind whether it hits or not, let¡¯s take a blind shot!

    In the glow of the setting sun, the Armor-Piercing Shell traced a shining straight line, hitting Tank 151 on the side of its turret. Wang Zhong didn¡¯t see clearly where it hit, he just saw a burst of sparks.

    Right after that, the side hatch of Tank 151¡¯s turret opened, clearly forced open by the damage from the Armor-Piercing Shell.

    Tank 151 didn¡¯t stop moving forward.

    After the morning¡¯s livebat, Wang Zhong already knew that in reality, it was very difficult to tell if a tank had been destroyed.

    Quite often, tanks that were taken out did not catch fire or smoke; they just sat there, and you couldn¡¯t tell from the outside that they¡¯d been destroyed.

    But Wang Zhong could easily judge if a tank was knocked out using his overhead perspective because enemies within his field of vision would be highlighted.

    Conversely, if the enemies ¡°went out,¡± then they were really gone.

    Wang Zhong clearly saw that the enemy loader was gone.

    He also noticed that the outline of the gunner was missing an arm.

    But the gunner was still operating the turret with the remaining hand and both feet.

    Aryan Superman, huh?

    In the game, encountering this scenario, the most one would do is curse, ¡°The nner¡¯s mom has flown out of the sr system,¡± but in reality, this was deadly!

    Tank 151 charged into the smoke and was about to burst through!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hurry up and load!¡±

    Loader: ¡°Armor-Piercing Shell, ready!¡±

    Tank 151 burst out of the smoke, made a sudden stop, and its barrel was actually pointed right at Tank 422!

    No, that¡¯s not right, the enemy tank operators were well-trained; maybe they determined their direction using the tracer rounds from Su Fang just now.

    Both sides fired almost at the same time!

    The enemy didn¡¯t even wait toe to a stop before firing!

    Wang Zhong thought to himself: Please let it fly away!

    Tank 151 exploded.

    Wang Zhong burst intoughter; in War Thunder, he had seen this kind of scenario many times ¨C firing without waiting to stop, then the shell flying off into the sky.

    At that moment, the two tanks still positioned in the rear began to move.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Quick! Load! There are still enemies waiting for us to take care of!¡±

    However the loader didn¡¯t respond.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Loader!¡±

    Suddenly, the gunner said: ¡°He¡¯s sacrificed himself, someone help me load!¡±

 Chapter 48: The Battle Continues

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong was stunned for a moment; he didn¡¯t expect that the enemy¡¯s shell had hit its mark.

    Was this luck?

    If it wasn¡¯t luck, then it was terrifying, operating the tank gun and uratelypleting an emergency stop firing with one arm disabled. What kind of ace gunner was this?

    Are all Prosen tank operators monsters?

    But there were still two enemy tanks circumventing from the south, and now was not the time to dwell on these thoughts.

    He grabbed the nearest ¡°idler¡±: ¡°Sufang! Get in the tank, I need a new loader!¡±

    After saying this, he struggled to climb out of the tank, vacating the hatch.

    In fact, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t very familiar with the tanks in this world and didn¡¯t know where the loader was supposed to get in, so he could only vacate the tankmander¡¯s hatch.¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Sufang was rtively skinny and slipped into the turret more smoothly than Wang Zhong¡ªthe T28 wasn¡¯t a particrly spacious tank.

    Once inside the turret, Sufang immediately saw that the gunner¡¯s left shoulder was covered in blood, his arm hanging limply, clearly broken.

    Her first reaction was to tell Count Rocossov, but the gunner, with his still-functional right hand, grabbed her instead.

    The gunner turned off the microphone and mouthed, ¡°There are no more living gunners; I have to do it.¡±

    Sufang was stunned; then, Count Rocossov climbed in, his rear end right next to Sufang¡¯s face.

    The Count¡¯s voice came from outside the hatch: ¡°Load quickly, there are still enemies!¡±

    The gunner pointed with his right hand to the rack holding the armor-piercing shells.

    Because the body of the original loader hadn¡¯t been moved out, the space was extremely cramped, and only someone of Sufang¡¯s size could maneuver.

    She picked up the shell, stuffed it into the tank gun, and then didn¡¯t know how to close the breech.

    The gunner demonstrated with his right hand. Since he was sitting on the right side of the turretbat room, he had to turn around to be able to reach it, blood pouring down from his left hand all the while.

    Nevertheless, hepleted the loading action.

    Sufang nodded: ¡°Got it.¡±

    After finishing, she worriedly looked at the gunner¡¯s left arm.

    Gunner: ¡°There¡¯s a first aid kit over there; tie this up for me, tight, very tight.¡±

    Sufang dug out the first aid kit, took out the bandage, and began to wrap it. For some reason, she couldn¡¯t help the tears flowing continuously, blurring her vision.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Wang Zhong was now considering how to repel the enemy. He had switched to an overhead view mode, so he had no idea that the gunner was injured.

    The two remaining enemy tanks, tactical numbers 153 and 154, were now rounding arger arc, nning toe from the south and destroy tank 422.

    Seeing the distance was now close to one kilometer, the enemy¡¯s training would have an even greater advantage.

    The most critical issue was that the enemy had two tanks. If they both came around and stopped abruptly to fire, tank 422 could only deal with one.

    Wang Zhong quickly nced at the vige and found that the tanks entering the vige were firmly blocking the entrance; he couldn¡¯t retreat into the vige.

    The only n was to use smoke for cover and then retreat east.

    But that would continue to increase the distance from the enemy, and the enemy¡¯s advantages in aiming devices and training would be even greater.

    At that moment, adrenaline flooded Wang Zhong¡¯s system, the death of the loader making him acutely aware that he was dancing on a knife¡¯s edge, skirting the gates of hell.

    Perhaps the rush of adrenaline enhanced his thinking ability, for Wang Zhong actually came up with an idea.

    He turned and shouted to the infantry beside him: ¡°Hurry, use straw or anything to hide the remains of that half-track!¡±

    The engineers¡¯ half-track had exploded gloriously when it was hit, perhaps too thoroughly, as it didn¡¯t catch fire after the st and insteady there as a charred hulk.

    Piled with straw, it looked very much like a tankying there.

    The enemy had increased the distance, which certainly made it hard to discern the deception!

    Luckily there were still some infantry nearby, not all caught up in the meat grinder battle on the streets.

    The sergeant who had just ordered to throw the smoke grenades immediately organized everyone to move straw.

    The enemy¡¯s wider maneuver actually gave Wang Zhong time to prepare.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Driver! Are you okay?¡±

    "I¡¯m fine.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Reverse, back into the yard behind us!¡±

    The recent explosion of the half-track had knocked down the eastern yard wall of the alley, allowing the tank to back into it.

    Wang Zhong nned to use the remnants of the low wall on the southern side of the yard as cover by hiding the tank and using the wreckage to absorb the first round of enemy fire.

    ¡°`

    Tank 422 backed into the yard, hiding behind a low wall, with only half its turret and one tank gun protruding.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Give me some straw too, block in front, but don¡¯t cover the sight!¡±

    The infantry immediately tossed two bundles of straw onto the tank, and then a private climbed up and propped the straw on both sides of the gun barrel, just revealing the sight.

    Just as Wang Zhong thought to duck down, another bundle of straw was ced on top of the tank turret, covering him and the hatch by a good half.

    Using his elevated perspective, Wang Zhong looked from afar to confirm that the camouge was passable; seen up close, it was full of ws, but it would be hard to spot from a kilometer away, and even with binocrs, it wouldn¡¯t draw attention easily.

    The wreckage had also been ¡°camouged¡± well; the infantry had piled up straw and even moved parts of a wooden house previously blown up by the Prosenbat engineers, making it look particrly suspicious.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Infantry, stay away to avoid idental injury from our explosion.¡±

    Despite the tense situation, some of the infantry couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud.

    They thought the Count was disying his generosity and sense of humor.

    The distant enemy was about to circle into position. Switching to the naked eye, Wang Zhong raised his binocrs to watch the edge of the smoke.

    Tank 153 charged into view.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°See it? Tank 153! Range 980 meters! Aim! The enemy will surelye to a sudden stop this time, don¡¯t rush!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, Tank 153 stopped, and the tankmander poking his head out of the turret was also observing this area.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized that he was facing the sun and that the binocrs might sh, so he hastily put them down and switched to an overhead perspective.

    He continued tomand: ¡°Hold steady! Let the enemy fire first!¡±

    Tank 154 was in position now as well; both Prosen tanks on the open field were aiming this way.

    Then, Tank 153 fired! The target was the straw-covered wreckage!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hold steady! Wait for Tank 154 to fire!¡±

    This time he didn¡¯t have to wait long, as the muzzle of Tank 154 emitted smoke and sh.

    Without waiting to confirm where the enemy shellnded, Wang Zhong shouted: ¡°Fire!¡±

    The st from the gun barrel blew away all the straw, leaving Wang Zhong¡¯s own vehicle wide open, with Tank 422¡¯s tactical number directly exposed in the sunset light!

    From the overhead view, Wang Zhong clearly saw two enemies on Tank 153 get killed and one wounded. This time they didn¡¯t hold out and abandoned the tank instead!

    Sofya¡¯s voice crept into Wang Zhong¡¯s ears: ¡°Armor-Piercing Shell, good!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Target Tank 154! Turn the turret quickly!¡±

    For some reason, the turret turned a beat slower this time, resulting in Tank 154 firing again.

    Wang Zhong thought it was over.

    In a sh, he saw a streak of light hit the low wall in front of the tank¡ªthe enemy shot too low!

    Immediately after, the shell that prated the wall hit the tank.

    The hit happened so fast that Wang Zhong didn¡¯t see what happened, only to hear the window ss in the room behind him shattering with a crash.

    Then, he saw the tow cable fixed on the tank¡¯s outer shell spring up high, whipping like ash on a nearby wooden house, splintering the wood, and embedding into the house.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t worry about that now, yelling: ¡°Fire, shoot!¡±

    Before he finished speaking, mes shot out of the gun barrel.

    He rushed to look at the enemy tank.

    It was over, from the overhead view not a single enemy was dead!

    He didn¡¯t know if the shot went astray or failed to prate!

    Just when Wang Zhong thought it was his end, the enemy abandoned the tank!

    Upon closer inspection, there were hit marks on the enemy¡¯s mantlet; it was likely their gun breech had jammed!

    In the game, a jammed gun breech only needed a tap on ¡°F¡±, and after a dozen seconds, one would be back in action. But that wasn¡¯t the case in reality; a broken breech meant abandoning the tank, waiting to be towed to a repair shop for fixing!

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed; he had won! Although only two enemies were killed in total, a win was still a win!

    Heughed heartily, then remembered there were still tanks and enemy infantry in the vige.

    The battle would continue!

    For some reason, the melody of ¡°The Battle Will Still Continue¡± echoed in Wang Zhong¡¯s heart.

    The battle will still continue!

    Passionate and soaring high!

    Young¡­

    At that moment, the Gunner said, ¡°I¡­ think I¡¯m not going to make it.¡±

 Chapter 49: Reinforcements Arrive

    Wang Zhong hurriedly slid down to his position and looked towards the gunner.

    The gunner¡¯s arm was wrapped in bandages, but they didn¡¯t seem to be of much use, as they were soaked through, drenching the uniform beneath.

    The gunner¡¯s face was covered in blood, only his lips were frighteningly pale.

    His breathing was incredibly weak, and he spoke with no strength in his voice, as if operating the main gun had drained all of his energy.

    He stared at Wang Zhong, his right hand trembling as he lifted it, pointing to the pocket on his chest.

    Wang Zhong understood immediately, reaching quickly to unbutton the pocket and pulling out a letter stained with fresh blood.

    In various movies and TV shows, he had often seen such scenes, but he never dreamed he would personally experience one.

    The letter in his hand felt as heavy as a thousand pounds.

    Gunner: ¡°Argesukov, Krugen Street 43, Alexeyevna¡­¡±After finishing his words in fits and starts, the gunner¡¯s hand slipped to the floor.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know if this Alexeyevna was his wife or his mother.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even know the gunner¡¯s name; as far as his memory could tell, he had never asked for their names.

    Not just the gunner, he didn¡¯t know the loader¡¯s name either.

    A vast guilt seized Wang¡¯s heart, as if he had done something terribly wrong.

    If he knew their names, at least he could say goodbye to them properly.

    But as he hesitated, a sudden explosion jolted Wang Zhong back to reality¡ªthis was not the time for contemtion, the battle was still ongoing!

    Wang Zhong raised his view, confirming that the recent explosion seemed to be from an enemy tank.

    Out of the eight tanks that had entered the vige, two had been destroyed, and these two were concentrated on one street.

    Wang Zhong followed the street eastward and, sure enough, he saw Monk Yeca Neiko¡¯s group moving their position, with the ammunition handler carrying thest Divine Arrow.

    A re shot up into the sky, fired by officer Prosen, probably to indicate the direction of the iing Divine Arrow.

    Following the re, Prosen¡¯s infantry started to deploy smoke bombs, blocking the vision of the Divine Arrow group.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong thought these well-trained enemies were truly detestable.

    He muste up with a way to destroy the remainder of the enemy tanks, and then Team 422 could once again sweep through the enemy infantry thatcked anti-tank capabilities.

    But to get Tank 422 moving again, they needed a gunner.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first thought was to act as the gunner himself, but then he considered the enemy¡¯s impressive expertise; a greenhorn like himself undertaking the gunner¡¯s role might endanger the entire crew.

    A trained person had muscle memory; even in a state of panic, their body would act on that memory. Wang Zhong, without any training, had no idea how to operate a tank¡¯s main gun.

    Suddenly, he recalled reading in a memoir that tank operators should be familiar with every position, or they couldn¡¯t be a tankmander.

    So he asked, ¡°Driver, do you know how to operate the main gun?¡±

    "No! And I have to drive!¡±

    Wang Zhong recalled that the memoir he read was Otto Carius¡¯s, which said that German tank operators needed to be versatile, capable of performing any role.

    But this was not Earth. The tank operators of the Ante Empire clearly did not have such requirements.

    Wang Zhong, still unwilling to give up, asked again, ¡°Electromechanic, can you operate the main gun?¡±

    No one answered.

    "Electromechanic?¡±

    "He¡¯s also gone,¡± the driver said softly, ¡°It¡¯s just a few of us left on board.¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned; he had thought that Team 422 was lucky, with only a loader lost to a frontal hit.

    As it turned out, all that was left were the driver and Wang Zhong, acting as the tankmander.

    A surge of intense destion and sorrow flooded Wang Zhong¡¯s chest.

    He finally understood what the bond ofradeship meant¡ªeven though he had no idea what the names of those fallenrades were.

    So he whispered reverently, ¡°I may not know your names, but your deeds will live on forever.¡±

    But the battle still had to be fought; after a brief moment of silence, Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Does anyone know how to operate the gun?¡±

    The infantrymen remained silent.

    At that moment, the officer who had been following Wang Zhong¡¯s orders spoke up, ¡°Maybe we should abandon the tank; we can all see it¡¯s in a bad state.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, it can still fire; it¡¯s still in fighting shape, as long as we have a gunner!¡±

    "But none of us have the necessary training. We might manage to drive a tractor or get by driving a car, but a tank¡­¡± the officer shook his head.

    Wang Zhong bit his lip.

    He was still reluctant to give up, even if they couldn¡¯t use the tank¡¯s main gun, there must be something else they could do¡ª

    Suddenly, he had an idea.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The engine! The enemy ces a great deal of importance on radiomunication; they must surely be aware that we used the engine to bluff them. So, they will be especially attentive to the sound of the engine!¡±

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong nced at an overhead view, and the smoke released by the enemy infantry caught his eye.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°And the smoke! Sergeant, how many smoke bombs do we have left?¡±

    The officer replied, ¡°We have plenty left, my lord. Additionally, we have captured aplete methrower.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then that settles it. I¡¯m giving you a mission: immediately deploy smoke along the street and let it engulf the entire vige!¡±

    Officer: ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that make it impossible for the machine guns to function properly?¡±

    "It doesn¡¯t matter! The core of this operation is to use the enemy¡¯s fear of us!¡±

    Officer: ¡°Fear, my lord?¡±

    Wang Zhong hesitated; he didn¡¯t know if the enemy feared Tank 422 after he had destroyed so many tanks. If they didn¡¯t, they were all doomed.

    But, he had to try.

    With enemy tanks providing direct fire support, the machine guns couldn¡¯t fire more than a few bursts before having to move, or they¡¯d be hit by a 50mm ¡®fruit.¡¯

 Chapter 50: Reinforcements Arrive (2)

    ¡°`

    And after deploying smoke, we might be able tounch another bay charge.

    Having made up his mind, Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Deploy the smoke, and once you¡¯ve thrown all you have, search the enemy¡¯s bodies for more. Fill the entire vige with smoke! Quick!¡±

    The nonmissioned officer saluted and turned to carry out the order.

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath, uncertain if this method was reliable, but at least it was a n. Just having a n made him feel much more at ease.

    He touched the pocket where he kept the gunner¡¯s letter and whispered, ¡°Argesukov, 43 Krugen Street, Alexeyevna.¡±

    Of course, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know this ce, and he had never been to Argesukov. He heard it was the capital of a region in the Ante Empire, and now the entire Front Army headquarters was situated there.

    However, he wasn¡¯t sure if he would ever make it to Argesukov.

    This might well be hisst moments since his arrival in this world. Given the Prussians¡¯ brutality, he probably wouldn¡¯t survive.As Wang Zhong was pondering, he suddenly saw smoke rising in the distance¡ªhis n was being executed methodically.

    He rallied his spirit, ¡°Driver, floor the elerator!¡±

    Now, it was time to see if they could intimidate those Prussians.

    If all else failed, they could use the smoke cover to charge directly into the enemy.

    "My tank is the final shell,¡± Wang Zhong thought to himself, feeling nothing amiss, as if he could hardly remember the original goal of preserving his life.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Major Shrifen eyed the vast amount of smoke rising from Upper Peniye Vige, his eyebrows twisted like pretzels.

    The chief of staff put down his binocrs and said with tense expression, ¡°The enemy likes to use smoke then charge with bays! It¡¯s what they did before!¡±

    Major Franz, themander of the 351st Regiment, said, ¡°Our forces are not afraid of closebat.¡±

    "No, Major,¡± the battle group¡¯s chief of staff turned to Franz, ¡°If the enemy dares to charge with bays under these conditions, they must havemitted their reserves. We¡¯ve already lost half our tanks and suffered heavy infantry casualties. Continuing to fight the enemy¡¯s reserves is not in our favor!¡±

    Major Shrifen clicked his tongue, ¡°The enemy¡­ they still have reserves? We haven¡¯t encountered any defensive forces with reserves so far in our advance. Also, this vige isn¡¯t of any strategic importance, is it? Would they really station so many troops here?¡±

    The chief of staff replied, ¡°Here we have the Divine Arrow units and an ace tank crew! That tank crew has already destroyed eight of our tanks!¡±

    Major Shrifen pursed his lips, while Major Franz looked at him with an expression of ¡°It¡¯s your call,¡± making Shrifen feel like the old Junker noble was just waiting to see him make a fool of himself.

    Finally, Major Shrifen nced at the sun and said, ¡°If we continue to fight, it¡¯ll turn into a night battle. Night battles favor the defenders who are familiar with the terrain. Let¡¯s retreat. Order the mortar units to deploy smoke to cover our withdrawal.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Wang Zhong watched the retreating enemy with confusion, wondering what it meant. Were they really scared off by the sound of engines?

    Impossible, right?

    There must be some other factor, perhaps their King had also ordered to halt the advance and regroup?

    But even if that were true, what did it have to do with Upper Peniye, this insignificant ce?

    Regardless, the enemy was retreating.

    The soldiers transitioned from initial bewilderment to tion. This time, there were no cries of ¡°Ura!¡± but rather cheers of celebration for those who had survived against the odds.

    Sofan, in the tank, didn¡¯t know what was happening outside and asked nkly, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why the cheering? What happened? Did we get reinforcements?¡±

    "No, the enemy is retreating,¡± Wang Zhong replied softly.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Thirty minutester, dusk began to descend.

    Wang Zhong stood beside the vige¡¯s central church, looking at the bodies being dragged out of the tank.

    The only surviving driver was also wounded, with arge shrapnel lodged in his back, so he was rushed to the hospital for emergency treatment.

    Now, only Wang Zhong, the temporary tankmander, was there to see them off.

    More bodies were moved out, taken to the church. In the two battles that day, at least two hundred had fallen, with countless others wounded.

    Yegorov came to stand by Wang Zhong, nced at the tank operators on the ground, and said nothing.

    Wang Zhong took the initiative, ¡°Report the situation.¡±

    "Currently, excluding the wounded, we only have one hundred and five uninjuredbatants left, adding you¡ªwe have a total of four hundred people capable of fighting,¡± Yegorov reported.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Is that all that¡¯s left of a regiment?¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°Yes. It¡¯s a regiment plus a tank battalion. I¡¯m running out of experienced nonmissioned officers, and it¡¯s about time we disband the unit structure. As for this tank battalion from the Fourth Tank Army, it¡¯s beenpletely wiped out.¡±

    Yegorov stressed the words pletely wiped out.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    "The tank battalion of the Fourth Tank Army was ordered to hold Upper Peniye for 36 hours. Now, they¡¯ve sacrificed all their tanks for that order,¡± Yegorov looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°My Lord Count, let us retreat. Troops that have gone through such fierce battles, whether they are reinforcements or reorganized, are a valuable force. Even for the sake of the Empire, we should retreat.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then all these sacrifices, all theserades, would they have died in vain?¡±

    "We¡¯ve dyed the enemy for at least twenty-four hours. They were supposed to be camping in this vige tonight, expecting the local girls to keep them warm! We have already¡­¡±

    Yegorov couldn¡¯t continue.

    What would happen to the people left in the vige if they retreated, the fate of Granny Ilynichna¡¯s family had already shown that.

    But Wang Zhong cared about more than just that.

 Chapter 51: Reinforcements Arrive (3)

    He turned his head and asked Yegorov, ¡°If we retreat now, how will military history record us?¡±

    "Those professors, those clueless donkeys who don¡¯t know what a battlefield is like, and those self-serving public intellectuals will say the Third Rear Amur Group and the 31st Tank Regiment of the Fourth Tank Army were all cowards.¡±

    "They won¡¯t treat the dead separately from us!¡±

    "We¡¯re going to hold out here until eight o¡¯clock tomorrow night! Yes, our forces are insufficient, but we cane up with solutions,ndmines, explosives, anything we can use!¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°But we have none. We didn¡¯t find any defensive supplies at the enemy¡¯s logistic base. They don¡¯t think they need to defend.¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, watching more and more bodies pile up in front of him; residents were bringing all the fallen soldiers of the Ante Army to the church.

    He sighed, ¡°We could try requesting reinforcements. Isn¡¯t there a telegraph office here?¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong did not have any memories of using telegraphs; by the time he was able to remember things, telegraphs were already out of use, which is why he only thought of them now, as telegraphs should be amon method ofmunication among civilians in this era.

    Yegorov: ¡°There is, but the telegraph at the telegraph office is wired, the same as the telephone. Now they¡¯re all cut. Maybe even the main telegraph and telephone offices in the big cities have been bombed by enemy aircraft. No one can send messages.¡±Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, and at that moment, seeing Su Fang¡¯s hesitant appearance, an idea struck him: ¡°We still have Hymn Monk, now that the battlefield has calmed down, and there are mass props in the church, could we have mass?¡±

    "Yes!¡± Su Fang nodded repeatedly, ¡°But I need someone who understands the mass process to help me.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let Ludme. Is one enough?¡±

    Su Fang: ¡°The smallest mass requires three people. One me, one Ludm, and one more clergy.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then we only have Monk Yeca Neiko. What¡¯s in the mass?¡±

    "Prayers, sermons, Holy Communion,¡± shrugged Su Fang, ¡°The mass is simple, it just takes a long time and there¡¯s no guarantee the other side will hear. I have to keep kneeling, reciting holy hymns and the message to convey until tomorrow morning; don¡¯t expect me to fire a machine gun tomorrow.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Go ahead, do it.¡±

    Su Fang hopped away excitedly.

    Wang Zhong looked at Yegorov: ¡°If there¡¯s no response by tomorrow morning, we¡¯ll retreat.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Can we really retreat tomorrow morning? It would be better to retreat overnight.¡±

    Wang Zhong very firmly said, ¡°Wait for a response first.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After making a decision, Wang Zhong quickly ate some beef and pickles, then chose to sleep for a while.

    He was about to pass out when he remembered he still had a low fever. It seemed even adrenaline could temporarilybat illness.

    He didn¡¯t know how long he slept, but by the time he got up, it waspletely dark outside and a bit chilly.

    After waking up, his first reaction was to feel for the letter on his person, addressed to Miss Alexeyevna at 43 Krugen Street, for Argesukov.

    He had sworn that as long as he was alive, he would ensure this letter reached thatdy¡¯s hands.

    Reassured the letter was still safe, Wang Zhong exhaled and stood up, putting on his jacket.

    He heard singing outside and thought it was part of the mass ceremony, so with the intention of seeing what was going on, he walked towards the door.

    As he went out, the guard snapped to attention with a salute that startled Wang Zhong with the sound of heelsing together.

    He scrutinized the guard carefully and saw that the private was holding his head high, his eyes burning with intensity.

    In that gaze, Wang Zhong felt the soldier¡¯s trust in him.

    That was when he suddenly remembered his initial moments after crossing into this world, when his only thought had been to survive the chaos, and that was it.

    Really, when had he be someone who could consider himself thest bullet? He didn¡¯t even know what this country looked like in its entirety.

    Although he felt a bit self-mocking, Wang Zhong had no intention of changing his current resolution.

    Because of this trust, and because he had shed blood together with them.

    Of course, there was also justice and a sense of pride ¡ª see, now I am fighting for the justice and righteousness of the world, just like the international brigades in Spain.

    Stepping out of the manager¡¯s office of the distillery, Wang Zhong stood on the steps at the factory door, looking at the soldiers gathered in the courtyard.

    They were a group of wounded, probably gathered here beside the fire and sharing roasted meat because the hospital ran out of beds.

    It was they who were singing.

    The melody of the song was surprisingly familiar to Wang Zhong; it was ¡°On the Opposite Bank of the River,¡± once chosen as the theme song for the Chinese version of ¡°How Steel Was Tempered.¡±

    A baritone hummed: lights have been kindled on the distant riverbank,

    The evening glow fades into the clear night sky,

    Mounting the warhorse, shouldering thence,

    The young soldiers ready themselves to set out,

    When the baritone sang solo, the others joined in with harmony, as if all had been trained for a choir.

    All is silent on the vast expanse of the field,

    The soldiers vigntly searched for signs of the enemy.

    In the darkness, the cold glint of bays shone.

    They encountered an enemy ambush.

    The song swiftly moved into the rousing chorus, and someone even brought out an ordion for apaniment, everyone singing aloud together:

    The warriors shouted as they charged into the enemy throngs.

    A desperate struggle unfolded on the ins.

    The chorus felt peculiarly fitting for today¡¯s situation. No wonder the soldiers chose to sing it at this time.

    Wang Zhong was thinking when the chorus ended, and the baritone began his solo:

    A soldier fell from his horse, struck by a bullet.

    He bravely sacrificed for the benefit of his mothend.

    As the baritone¡¯s voice faded, the crowd continued humming the harmony, as if to mourn therades who had died today in this manner.

    Wang Zhong stood on the steps, savoring the sadness that flowed uninhibited under the night sky.

    That¡¯s when Yegorov appeared.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Has the Mass received a response?¡±

    Yegorov shook his head, ¡°No. If we¡¯re going to retreat, now¡¯s the time, it will be dawn in two more hours.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the soldiers still humming the sorrowful song, his heart softening.

    Just then, he faintly heard the sound of engines in the night sky.

    "The enemy?¡± His first reaction was this.

    Yegorov, however, looked eastward, ¡°No, the sound ising from the east.¡±

    Pavlov, who rushed over in a hurry, said, ¡°It must be the enemy cunningly circling to our rear!¡±

    Wang Zhong ignored him and directly changed his viewpoint, only to see darkness; he couldn¡¯t see anything at all, not because his own vision wouldn¡¯t highlight the enemy.

    So Wang Zhong made a beeline for the water tower.

    After taking a couple of steps, he thought better of it and decided to get a clearer view from the vige entrance, so he called out ¡°Bucephalus!¡±

    The white horse that he had inherited from Captain Lubokov ran out from the stables, already saddled up.

    Huh, how was it already saddled?

    Wang Zhong looked towards the stables, only to find the former crew chief of Tank 422 hiding behind the stable doors.

    It seemed this guy had secretly saddled Bucephalus, nning to escape on it!

    Wang Zhong pointed at the stables, ¡°Catch that deserter for me! Execute him on the spot!¡±

    Tank 422¡¯s crew had behaved valiantly; Wang Zhong wouldn¡¯t allow anyone to tarnish their courage.

    Having said this, he mounted the horse, riding as if the movement had been ingrained in his muscles, and he galloped away on the white horse, which became a sh of lightning in the night.

    At the vige entrance, Wang Zhong raised his field of view.

    By now, the roar of the engines was very close.

    Firstly, there was no highlight, so it wasn¡¯t the enemy arriving.

    Wang Zhong peered closely at the dark objectsing down the road and suddenlyughed out loud.

    In World War II, there were many such ¡°fabricated myths,¡± such as the ¡°Zero Fighter myth¡±; in reality, the Zero¡¯s achievements were mostly gained against outdated fighters like the F2A, and newer American models like the P38 and F4F never let the Zero have the upper hand.

    Another was the German armored myth.

    In fact, at the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, the majority of Germany¡¯s victories were achieved against light tanks such as the BT7 and other outdated tanks; they suffered setbacks as soon as they encountered the T34, and Guderian even developed a ¡°T34 phobia.¡±

    Later research showed that Guderian had actually mistaken other tanks for T34s.

    The tank that frightened Guderian had, in the early days of the war, repeatedly created miracles against multiple opponents, and even stalled an entire German division¡¯s advance.

    In its presence, the father of German armored troops eximed, ¡°Our armored advantage no longer exists.¡±

    Now, the very ¡°culprit¡± that had terrified another war hero in a different time and space was approaching Peniye.

    Though there was only one, Wang Zhong, well-versed in military history, saw it as if it were a lifeline.

    For the first time, he found the stout shape of this tank to be so incredibly beautiful.

    He saw a KV1 heavy tank.

 Chapter 52: The Tranquil Moments Before Dawn

    In the midst of Wang Zhong¡¯s manicughter, the heavy tank gradually approached the white horse.

    Only at this distance did Wang Zhong clearly see the tank¡¯s tactical number: 67, perhaps heavy tanks were rare, so the tactical numbers were also one digit less.

    The tank hatch opened, and themander popped his head out, ¡°Excuse me, Lieutenant Colonel, is this Upper Peniye Vige?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, it is.¡±

    Themander saluted and then asked, ¡°Has someone here called for reinforcements? Was it you?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Did you receive the ¡®Hymn¡¯?¡±

    "No, no, I¡¯m not a Monk, I can¡¯t hear it. But after we arrived at Bogdanovka, the 63rd Infantry Army, which was organizing a defensive line there, told me that someone in Upper Peniye Vige was calling for reinforcements. It was eleven o¡¯clock at night, and the only ones who could make it in such a short time were us.¡±

    As he spoke, themander patted the turret top, ¡°This guy, though slow and prone to breakdowns, is still much faster than the legs of the infantry.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked in confusion, ¡°What about the trucks?¡±Themanderughed heartily, ¡°With the Prosen Air Force around, we¡¯d be lucky to have a few jeeps left.¡±

    At this time, the driver also poked his head out, ¡°Xie Liaosha, if there are jeeps left, it¡¯s because they know our Lada would break down on its own.¡±

    Everyone but Wang Zhong burst intoughter.

    Although Wang Zhong imed to be very familiar with Soviet jokes, as an outsider, he was a secondte in catching on andughed along with the others.

    Theughable performance of Soviet-manufactured Lada cars had be a part of Soviet humor.

    After theughter, Wang Zhong said in all seriousness, ¡°You came from Bogdanovka? How is the defensive construction there?¡±

    The task of Wang Zhong¡¯s unit¡ªin fact, the mission of the 31st Regiment, Second Battalion of the 4th Tank Army¡ªwas to hold this position for 38 hours, with the aim of buying time to establish defensive lines at Bogdanovka.

    So it was perfectly reasonable for Wang Zhong to ask about the status of the defensive line.

    Commander Xie Liaosha shook his head, ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, when we left Bogdanovka, not many anti-tank stakes had been built, only one anti-tank ditch had been dug, and the machine gun bunkers and firing positions were all under construction.

    "Rumor has it that aerial attacks were so fierce during the day that construction progress was severely hindered.¡±

    At that moment, Yegorov arrived with the staff. Hearing Xie Liaosha¡¯s words, he cursed, ¡°What is the Air Force doing? Didn¡¯t they say there are three thousand nes in Kazarlian territory? Why haven¡¯t we seen a single one of our military aircraft?¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow; if the progression of this war was simr to that of Earth¡¯s, then it was likely that the entire Ante Empire Air Force had been destroyed on the airfields at the outset, with themander of the Air Force havingmitted suicide afterward.

    Of course, this universe might differ, as after all, in this universe God still guided missiles, creating quite a significant divergence from Earth.

    Furthermore, he keenly caught on to a term: Kazarlia, which sounded like an administrative division. A division capable of deploying 3000 aircraft was probably quiterge.

    These matters could be more slowly understoodter; what needed to be considered now was how to make good use of the newly arrived heavy tank.

    The first order of business was to confirm whether its protection level was the same as in the original universe; this would determine how Wang Zhong would use it going forward.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯m not very familiar with your tank, Lieutenant. Tell me about it.¡±

    Xie Liaosha is a nickname, which Wang Zhong, as someone meeting him for the first time, certainly couldn¡¯t use; theoretically, he should call out Xie Liaosha¡¯s long paternal name, but Wang Zhong was unaware of it.

    So, Wang Zhong could only address him by his military rank.

    The Lieutenant saluted, ¡°This thing is formidable. When we joined the Winter War, it was nearly over, and Manahaim was almost winning. We took part in the final offensive, and the anti-tank weapons at the Manahaim front couldn¡¯t prate it! Had it not been for a mechanical failure that left us immobilized, we could have steamrolled the enemy all the way!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I didn¡¯t ask for your experience using it, I asked for specific details about the tank, like the thickness of its armor.¡±

    "Sorry, the specifications, right! The front¡­¡±

    The Lieutenant recited the detailed specifications of the tank. Wang Zhong actually couldn¡¯t quite remember the specific parameters of the KV1, but he thought the turret¡¯s front defense of 120 millimeters should be imprable to the enemy¡¯s 50-millimeter me throwers, and the body¡¯s sloped 80 millimeters would probably give the enemy a hard time too.

    His only concern was if the enemy brought up the 88 millimeter anti-everything gun¡ªProsen¡¯s equipment all had that Germanic feel to it; it made no sense for them tock this most quintessentially German piece.

    Fortunately, Wang Zhong had an aerial view, which meant as long as he kept a direct visual on the enemy from the front line, they would spot an 88 gun before it even got off its transport.

    The remaining question was, how to get this tankmander to relinquish his position.

    Wang Zhong looked through his aerial view and saw that the tank had not been added to the troops¡¯ roster, meaning it was not yet under hismand.

    "Lieutenant,¡± began Wang Zhong, ¡°I am Count Rocossov, the highestmanding officer here. I¡¯vemanded the troops to fight against the enemy here for a day. You can see the remains of the enemy¡¯s tanks and vehicles in the vige, and at the entrance of the vige, that Jing Guan. It was I who ordered Hymn Monk Sufang Batu Wendusu to call for reinforcements. I request¡ªI hope that you and your crew would ept mymand.¡±

    "Of course!¡± the Lieutenant agreed readily, ¡°After all, we should look at the rank.¡±

    Wang Zhong switched off the aerial view and noticed that the troop marker had not been added.

    Could it be that a verbal agreement wasn¡¯t enough; he had to gain the trust of his allies?

    Wang Zhong decided to try again, ¡°I now request directmand over you, which means I need you, the tankmander, to give up yourmand position.¡±

    The Lieutenant frowned, ¡°Have you undergone Armored Troops training? Do you know how to use the equipment on board?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, but I havemanded the 422nd tank of the Second Battalion of the 31st Tank Regiment of the Fourth Tank Army and destroyed eight tanks.¡±

    The Lieutenant pondered for a second and then shook his head decisively, ¡°No, Sir, I and my crew took part in the Winter War, we have been injured and bled together. Put yourself in my shoes, if a random officer whom you don¡¯t recognize suddenly emerged and wanted to take over themand of yourrades, would you agree?¡±

    At this point, Yegorov angrily said, ¡°Enough with the nonsense! The Count has shown his superbmand skills, and we have all witnessed it! If you don¡¯t believe it, go take a look at the tanks in the vige, and those on the fields!¡±

    The Lieutenant was stubborn, ¡°I am part of the Armored Troops; the Count is an infantry officer by the looks of it, correct? Initially, I have the right not to ept yourmand. It¡¯s just that given the current situation on the battlefield, we agree toply.¡±

    "Look at the kill rings on the gun barrel, even if you truly destroyed eight tanks, we have destroyed many more!¡±

    "Are you doubting our capability, Count?¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his hand to stop Yegorov, who was about to continue speaking.

    He wanted to take direct control as the tankmander because this cheat code would be incredibly useful in urbanbat.

    Moreover, the T28 tank was just rubbish¡ªthin-skinned and vulnerable. Without Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡®cheat¡¯, it was impossible to eliminate so many enemies.

    But the KV1 was different; its performance crushed all enemy armor.

    Besides, Wang Zhong suddenly thought of a tactic to fully utilize the KV1¡¯s capabilities without having to personally step into the role of tankmander.

    After a victorious battle and earning the respect of the crew of Tank 67, who would willingly ept hismand, there would be no rush to take over a tank.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I trust you, lieutenant. Moreover, I have fought directly against enemy tanks and am intimately familiar with their tank guns¡¯ power and precision. I have a method to fully exploit your armor advantage.¡±

    Wang Zhong dismounted and signaled to Yegorov: ¡°Map of the vige.¡±

    Yegorov gestured, and Pavlov took out the map from his bag himself.

    Yegorov was shocked: ¡°Where¡¯s the staff who usually carries the map around with you?¡±

    "Sacrificed,¡± Pavlov said calmly, unfolding the map and passing it to Wang Zhong, ¡°Speak, Your Excellency.¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but give Pavlov another look. At that moment, themander of Tank 67 also jumped off and came to the side of the map.

    Wang Zhong adjusted the map so that the side facing him was south, and then pointed to the west side of the vige, saying, ¡°This area is an open field. The enemy, in today¡¯s¡ªno, yesterday¡¯s battle had already calcted the firing data, and they will set up a smoke screen here when they attack.¡±

    Wang Zhong tapped on that point on the map.

    He had seen it clearly from a bird¡¯s-eye view¡ªthe enemy¡¯s smoke was deployed at the same location twice, so now he pinpointed the enemy¡¯s expected position for the smoke deployment on the map with utmost precision.

    Yegorov used hisrge hand to measure on the map before eximing, ¡°How did you pinpoint the smoke location just by pointing? I need to measure it with my hand as well.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Just a little trick. In any case, the enemy deployed smoke here twice today. I expect they will do it again tomorrow. My n is simple, hide at the west entrance of the vige, right here!¡±

    He pointed on the map, emphasizing the spot twice more.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The infantry will cover you with camouge. As soon as the enemy starts deploying smoke, start your engine and charge towards it. By the time you break through, the enemy¡¯s offensive line should be here.¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed several more times.

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha nodded: ¡°That¡¯s exactly our optimal range; too far and we might not hit them.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°With smoke behind you and the enemy about to nk you, simply reverse into the smoke, then wait for them to emerge while reversing.

    "You only have one tank and can maneuver along the road, but the enemy needs to spread out to cover their infantry, meaning they have to move through muddy terrain.¡±

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha asked, ¡°How many tanks does the enemy have left?¡±

    Wang Zhong recalled what he had seen from above and replied, ¡°Twenty, why?¡±

    Lieutenant Xie Liaoshaughed: ¡°Then we might just wipe them all out.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy infantry are well-trained, and they have anti-tank grenades. Be extremely cautious.¡±

    Xie Liaosha: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. We¡¯ve dealt with Molotov cocktails during the Winter War. We will be careful.¡±

    Wang Zhong reached out and patted Xie Liaosha¡¯s shoulder: ¡°It¡¯s in your hands. When I asked to take over as yourmander earlier, it wasn¡¯t out of distrust, but a wish to avenge the Tank 422 crew I fought with.¡±

    In truth, he wanted to utilize the ¡®cheat.¡¯

    But his words weren¡¯t false either¡ªWang Zhong did indeed want revenge.

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha asked, ¡°How many from your crew are left?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Just me and the driver now.¡±

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha asked again, ¡°How did you be themander? You¡¯re clearly infantry.¡±

    Wang Zhong recounted the incident with the fearful sergeant.

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha was taken aback: ¡°So that¡¯s what happened; I misunderstood you. I thought it was just some noble¡¯s whim to pilot a tank!¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°We thought the same initially, but let me tell you, the Earl is as skilled as Suvorov resurrected. When Tank 422 was around, they even called him the ¡®Star of Victory¡¯!¡±

    Though Yegorov was ttering, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t feel happy at the mention of Tank 422.

    Observing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, Lieutenant Xie Liaosha asked cautiously, ¡°May I take a look at your seat in the tank? The Armored Troops will pay tribute to those braverades, and I would like to show my respect.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°Of course, but first move the tank into position so the infantry can camouge you.¡±

    Yegorov shouted: ¡°Leave that to us; position the tank and take the time to rest!¡±

    Xie Liaosha leaped onto the tank and climbed into the turret, putting on his headset and ordering, ¡°Ashka, advance!¡±

    The tank engine roared, but after a few grumbles, the tank remained motionless.

    The driverined: ¡°Damn it, the gearbox is down again!¡±

    Wang Zhong was astonished; he knew the KV1 had a high rate of failure in the early days of the war, but he wasn¡¯t expecting it at this critical juncture.

    He hurriedly asked, ¡°Can it be fixed?¡±

    The nimble driver climbed out of the cockpit, smiling: ¡°Of course!¡±

    As he spoke, he opened therge satchel on the side of the turret: ¡°We brought a bunch of spare parts; it¡¯ll be fixed in an hour.¡±

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha spread his hands: ¡°It always broke down during the Winter War. Later, the design bureau made some improvements, iming the issue was resolved, but we still brought spares and a toolbox based on our experience then.¡±

    Wang Zhong let out a sigh of relief.

    It seemed this crew really were seasoned veterans.

 Chapter 53: Respect

    The crew of Tank 67 began to repair their vehicle, and Xie Liaosha, the tankmander, leapt down from the turret again and said to Wang Zhong, ¡°My lord Count, while we¡¯re repairing the tank, I¡¯ll go check on Tank 422.

    "I¡¯ll survey the battlefield at the same time, especially the road conditions.

    "If we¡¯re not careful, our cumbersome buddy here might just break down halfway again.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll take you for a spin.¡±

    After speaking, he pointed toward the west and took the lead in stepping forward.

    At that moment, Pavlov said, ¡°Lieutenant, have you had your meal yet?¡±

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha, ¡°No, we¡¯ve been on the move all day. At first, we were ordered to move towards Ronied, but just after we set out, we received a radio message directing us to Bogdanovka. Later, the radio broke, and then we encountered defeated soldiers blocking the road. It was tough reaching Bogdanovka, and upon arrival, we were told that this ce needed support.

    "Had we not taken such an unnecessary detour, this old fellow wouldn¡¯t have broken down so frequently.¡±

    As he spoke, he gestured toward the tank.Pavlov, ¡°Then you¡¯re in for a treat, we have some of Lord Boye¡¯s precious beef, along with potatoes and pickles.¡±

    "That¡¯s fantastic,¡± said Xie Liaosha. ¡°Let my crew eat first, I need to reconnoiter the battlefield.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This way.¡±

    A few people started to move, and Wang Zhong, who had personally maneuvered a tank through the vige, was already familiar with the terrain and began to exin it to the lieutenant as they went.

    Eventually, the group arrived at Tank 422 which was parked at the edge of the vige.

    The bodies of the tank operators had been taken by the infantry to be buried at the church, leaving only the tank in the position it had upied during the previous evening¡¯sbat.

    Upon seeing the tank, an emotion Wang Zhong had never experienced before surged within him.

    He stepped forward and gently caressed the tank¡¯s steel skin.

    Before his time travel, he¡¯d seen aic depicting an American soldier shedding tears while giving his broken jeep a fond farewell, implying that the jeep had be a closerade-in-arms the soldier couldn¡¯t bear to see captured by the enemy.

    At the time, Wang Zhong thought theic was somewhat exaggerated, but now, he understood that humans indeed could develop affection for the weapons that apanied them on the battlefield.

    Touching the cold steel of Tank 422, and remembering his fallenrades, he didn¡¯t want to let the Prosen devils have this tank any longer.

    Fortunately, the vehicle was still operational and the driver, though wounded, could continue to pilot it.

    If they had a gunner, it could even go back intobat.

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha closely observed Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, seemingly understanding something.

    He didn¡¯t disturb Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡°bonding¡± with the tank, but instead went to the front of the tank to inspect the area where it had been hit.

    Noticing his actions, Wang Zhong exined, ¡°It appears to have been hit in the front, fired by a Prosen Mark III tank¡¯s 50mm gun.¡±

    Xie Liaosha, ¡°Yes, it hit the left auxiliary turret directly, killing the mechanic operating the turret on the spot. With a hit like that, normally, only the driver has a chance of survival, you were really lucky.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°At the time, most of my body was out of the tank to get a better view.¡±

    "That may have been what saved your life,¡± asserted Lieutenant Xie Liaosha. ¡°I¡¯ve driven a T28 myself, and frankly, it¡¯s not a good tank. I¡¯d rather drive a light tank; at least they have better maneuverability and lower failure rates.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Indeed, aside from its 45mm gun, it¡¯s a useless hunk of metal.¡±

    Xie Liaosha continued to examine the stone wall in front of the tank, ¡°Strange, the bullet marks on the stone wall¡­ the shell must have flown past, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed not far away, ¡°I was hit over there, at the time¡­¡±

    He recounted the evening¡¯s engagement with four Mark III tanks.

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha praised, ¡°Well fought!¡±

    Under the starlight, one could dimly see the remnants of the wild Prosen tanks. Lieutenant Xie Liaosha gazed at the two tanks in the distance and said, ¡°To win a long-range engagement against the enemy¡¯s Mark III tanks is impressive. ording to intelligence gathered from the Castilian Civil War, the enemy¡¯s sighting equipment is very suitable for long-range firing, while we have to calcte manually based on the enemy tank¡¯s size.¡±

    Wang Zhong had also seen the Ante Army¡¯s sighting equipmentter, and wanted to try his hand at being a gunner, but found the sight consisted only of simple settings, requiring manual calction of distance based on the actual size of the enemy tank measured against the scale on the sight.

    On the destroyed Prosen tanks in the town, their sighting equipment included mechanical calctors; by simply adjusting the sight with the known length of the enemy tank, the distance could be immediately calcted.

    Furthermore, by clever design, once the distance was calcted, the reticle in the sight was also set in ce, allowing a direct shot by aligning the crosshairs.

    On the Ante Army side, after calcting the distance, the reticle still had to be manually adjusted.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong could understand why the gunner¡¯s first shot flew wide during the engagement earlier in the day.

    Had it not been for Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡°cheat¡± that directly provided the enemy¡¯s distance, they truly might not have been able to outshoot the enemy at long range¡ªno, they definitely would not have been able to.

    No wonder Lieutenant Xie Liaosha was so impressed.

    He said wistfully, ¡°Your gunner is truly skilled; he must have undergone countless shooting drills.¡±

    Wang Zhong intended to say it was he who informed them of the distance, but the words didn¡¯t leave his mouth.

    Let Lieutenant Xie Liaosha give a few more words of praise; perhaps it could even lead to a medal for the gunner. Though medals meant nothing to the deceased, it could bring some sce to his family.

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha, ¡°Shall we continue? There are more enemy tanks destroyed in the vige, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, and to prevent the enemy tanks from using their firepower to block the roads, we built some barriers along the way. You¡¯ll need to clear them to reach the vige entrance. This way.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Afterward, Wang Zhong spent half an hour with Lieutenant Xie Liaosha touring the vige, making himpletely familiar with the terrain.

    After Lieutenant Xie Liaosha returned to his own crew, Wang Zhong decided to visit the church to see the situation for himself.

    He was also a bit curious about what Mass was all about.

    The arrival of the No. 67 heavy tank for support was most likely because the Mass had been effective, and the monks chanting hymns in the rear had heard the call for help.

    When he arrived at the church entrance, the guard on duty was dozing off. Upon seeing Wang Zhong, he immediately snapped to attention and saluted crisply, ¡°Your Grace!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I am a Count.¡±

    "Count!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°May I enter?¡±

    "Yes, but please do not make any noise,¡± the guard said, gently pushing the door open.

    Wang Zhong tiptoed into the church.

    He saw Sufang kneeling in the very center of the altar, hands sped together in a praying position, with Ludm kneeling on the steps to the right of the altar also with hands joined together in prayer.

    Monk Yeca Neiko was holding something like a bell and was walking in circles around them, swinging it as he went.

    That bell-like object looked familiar to Wang Zhong¡ªit seemed that many Western religions had such a magic artifact. The British tabletop game Warhammer 40K even incorporated it into its setting, where priests of the Mechanicum liked to wave it around while chanting incantations near all sorts of grand machinery.

    Wang Zhong tiptoed to the side of the altar.

    Monk Yeca Neiko opened his eyes, nced at him, and made a shushing sound.

    Wang Zhong felt it wasn¡¯t good to just stand beside the altar, but he wasn¡¯t religious and had never prayed in his life.

    All he could do was imitate what Sufang or Ludm did while they prayed, drawing an inverted triangle in front of his chest.

    At that moment, Sufang suddenly opened her eyes and cheered, ¡°We¡¯ve got a response! Someone says reinforcements set out three hours ago!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The reinforcements have already arrived.¡±

    Sufang startled, lost her bnce, and fell forward onto the ground.

    "Ouch, my front teeth!¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to help Sufang up, Ludm opened her eyes.

    "Alyosha? Are you alright? Do you still have a fever?¡± Ludm asked, trying to stand up, but perhaps because she had been kneeling too long, her legs were numb and she stumbled, about to fall. Wang Zhong, with quick reflexes, caught her.

    She ended up falling into Wang Zhong¡¯s arms.

    With no time to appreciate the girl¡¯s ¡°stormy seas,¡± Wang Zhong directly helped Ludm to a chair and then turned to pull up Sufang, with tears brimming in her eyes, ¡°What did they say over there?¡±

    "They said that reinforcements have been dispatched for three hours and that we must hold out until eight o¡¯clock tomorrow night. The defensive line at Bogdanovka isn¡¯t fixed yet.¡±

    The information about the defensive line not being fixed had already been brought by the No. 67 tank.

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Well done. In fact, the reinforcements have already arrived.¡±

    Sufang was overjoyed, ¡°How many people?¡±

    "One tank, but that¡¯s enough,¡± Wang Zhong confidently said. After all, the enemy, apart from the 88mm anti-everything gun, simply couldn¡¯t prate the armour of the KV1 tank.

    That tank, ced in the open fields, was an impassable bulwark.

    Sufang smiled, ¡°That¡¯s good to hear. I need to rest for a bit, get me water.¡±

    Monk Yeca Neiko, obviously having officiated many Masses, promptly handed over a full water sk.

    Ludm was already drinking by the side.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You two rest well, leave the rest to me¡ªto us.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Xie Liaosha returned to his crew.

    Driver Ashka asked, ¡°How is it, how much of what the Count boasted true?¡±

    "I¡¯m afraid none of it¡¯s an exaggeration,¡± Xie Liaosha paused for a moment, then continued, ¡°The tank wrecks in the wilderness aren¡¯t very clear, but I made a round and didn¡¯t see any anti-tank guns¡­¡±

    Ashka, ¡°So it must be the Divine Arrows¡¯ doing! I asked around, and they have clergy here, definitely a Divine Arrow team. The noble young lords serving in the army always have Divine Arrow teams by their sides.¡±

    Xie Liaosha spoke earnestly, ¡°Don¡¯t say it like that. The Count might be different from other nobles. I checked the tank wrecks in the vige. Six were destroyed by tank guns.

    "I reyed the situation and estimated that two were destroyed upon entering the vige, then after closebat between infantry and tanks, the enemy had pressed into the vige, gaining the upper hand.

    "And then someone suddenly got around behind them and destroyed at least four tanks in a surprise attack.¡±

    Xie Liaosha was gesturing as he spoke, ¡°All four tanks were hit from the rear or the side, and their turrets weren¡¯t pointing in the direction of the attack.

    "Someone with skillful nking eliminated them. I must admit, I couldn¡¯t do it myself¡ªdestroy enemy tanks consecutively by circling around in a town, not even with infantry support.¡±

    Ashka frowned, ¡°All done by that Count?¡±

    Xie Liaosha, ¡°I don¡¯t know. But listen, if I get injured or die, you follow the Count¡¯smand. Then you¡¯ll see for yourselves what he¡¯s capable of.¡±

    "Don¡¯t talk so ominously,¡± the Gunner said as he picked up his te, ¡°Come on, have some beef, drink some wine. This is good stuff, supposedly taken from the local nobility¡¯s cer. It¡¯s so strong it catches fire quickly; they use it for making Incendiary Bombs!¡±

    Xie Liaosha took the bottle first and took a big swig, his face immediately lighting up with a smile, ¡°Good wine! If I have to die at dawn, it¡¯s not a bad deal to have good wine!¡±

 Chapter 54: The Eagle Above Peniye

    Wang Zhong stepped out of the church and just happened to see Tank No. 67 rumbling down the vige road.

    He gave a thumbs-up to the tank operators, watching as they passed by in front of him.

    Ludm stood behind Wang Zhong, muttering, ¡°Just one tank¡­ Can it really hold off the enemy?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate this one tank. It¡¯s a heavy tank, weighs a full fifty tons in battle, while the enemy¡¯s Panzer III is only around ten tons. It¡¯ll give the enemy a tough time!¡±

    Ludm looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s profile and hesitated for a moment before asking, ¡°Are you¡­ very familiar with this tank?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Of course!¡±

    Ludm blinked and asked, ¡°When did you be familiar with it?¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong realize his slip of the tongue. In this timeline, Aleksei was a debauchee with zero military skills!

    He could only say with feigned confidence, ¡°I just got familiar with it! Tank Commander Xie Liaosha has briefed me on the tank¡¯s capabilities!¡±"Xie Liaosha,¡± Ludm repeated, ¡°Are you already on nickname terms with each other?¡±

    Shoot, he had forgotten the Russians¡¯plicated naming conventions. In situations like this, where a superior addresses a subordinate, it¡¯s safer and more polite to use the person¡¯s patronymic¡ªsomething like ¡®whichever-evich¡¯.

    Xie Liaosha was a name reserved for those who were very close.

    The problem was, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know his patronymic, and the man had not introduced himself. He had addressed him as ¡°Lieutenant¡± the whole time, and it was only a slip of the tongue that made him blurt out ¡°Xie Liaosha,¡± a name he had heard from the driver in Tank No. 67¡¯s crew.

    It was also because the situation on the battlefield was so urgent that he hadn¡¯t thought to ask for a name.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong thought of the gunner from Tank No. 422.

    ¡ªI really should ask for their names. If they sacrifice themselves, at least I¡¯ll know whose name I should write in the eulogy.

    Though he didn¡¯t believe the enemy had weapons capable of prating the KV¡¯s front and side armor, just in case, he should still ask.

    Wang Zhong whistled loudly¡ªa muscle memory inherited from the original Aleksei¡ªand Bucephalus came galloping toward him, halting abruptly in front of him.

    He swung himself onto the horse and raced down the road.

    Ludm, left behind, got a mouthful of dust.

    Su Fang carefully examined her profile, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    Ludm murmured, ¡°In the past, he would definitely have taken advantage of a situation like that. Now, it seems like he cares more about tanks.¡±

    Su Fang replied, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s tired of it.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong galloped all the way to the vige entrance, learned the names of Tank No. 67¡¯s crew, then oversaw the infantry camouging the tank.

    With everything in order, he saw there was still half an hour until dawn.

    He decided to take a quick nap.

    After all, he had been feverish the day before and hadn¡¯t fully recovered, and they might be engaging in intense battle all day today. As themander, he couldn¡¯t afford to be the weak link.

    But he woke up less than an hourter, feeling exceptionally spirited, not at all like someone who had been gravely ill the day before.

    He stood up and noticed that Ludm and Su Fang were sleeping not far from him.

    Ludm was sprawled across the table, her face resting on her hands, drooling all over the table.

    Su Fang, meanwhile, was seated on a bench, leaning against the armrest, having fallen asleep there.

    He had managed to get a good amount of sleep the day before, but these two girls had been busy with the mass and hadn¡¯t shut their eyes at all.

    He took the towel nket covering himself and draped it over Ludm.

    Then he switched to an overhead perspective to check on the enemy situation, as if covering her with the nket had drained all his tenderness.

    Damn, relying on the allies¡¯ field of view isn¡¯t showing much of the enemy movement; I¡¯d better climb the tower myself.

    Wang Zhong put on his shoes as quickly as possible and strode out of the room.

    The guard at the door, just like the previous day, snapped to attention the moment he saw hime out.

    The sound of the guard¡¯s heels clicking together woke Su Fang. Rubbing her eyes, the girl asked, ¡°My lord, the count?¡±

    Ludm also got up and asked, ¡°Alyosha?¡±

    Then they both realized the room was empty and could only look at each other in confusion.

    "Ah,¡± Ludm suddenly said, ¡°the towel nket!¡±

    She sniffed it and said, ¡°Hmm, this is Alyosha¡¯s.¡±

    Su Fang got up and looked out the window. ¡°Why is he climbing the water tower as soon as he wakes up?¡±

    With that, the girl snatched up a hat, straightened her clothes that had be disheveled from sleeping in them, and ran out the door.

    Ludm quickly got up, but the edge of the table scraped harshly against her chest, causing her such pain that she sat back down again.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong climbed the water tower, his gaze sweeping across the horizon.

    At this moment, the sun showed just a hint of its edge in the east, while the morning fog had not yet fully dispersed, enveloping the field of view. A flock of pigeons flew across the sky, leaving behind the buzzing of their cooing.

    If not for the war, Wang Zhong would have surely thought of the ssic scene from ¡®Laputa: Castle in the Sky¡¯ where Pazu blows his trumpet to greet the sunrise.

    s, war ruins everything.

    In his field of vision, the wreckage of enemy armored vehicles was like pus-filled sores on the skin.

    Wang Zhong remembered a song: One day, / the smoke of cooking fires will return to the vige / that faint scent ofte-harvest rice¡­

    One day

    Angel sleeps peacefully

    Gently swaying in mother¡¯s embrace¡­

    There¡¯s no time for sentiment, ascertaining the enemy¡¯s situation is crucial.

    Wang Zhong switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, looking over the hillside in front of him.

    The enemy had encamped in the open field, with over a hundred tents pitched neatly and tanks lined up, as well as maintenance vehicles doing repairs.

    An armoredmand vehicle bearing the eagle g was parked near the top of the hill, alongside amand tank marked with an eagle emblem. Next to the tank was a table where Cyclops and an officer Wang Zhong had not seen before were sitting across from each other, drinking coffee.

    Drinking coffee!

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong was ovee with anger. If he had a cannon in his hands, he would have loved to fire at the enemy, flipping their table and scattering their pastries!

    Cry elegance now!

    You¡¯re elegant my ass! What right do invaders have to be elegant? Invaders should lie in the mud like dogs eating shit!

    Though burning with rage, Wang Zhong still carefully checked for any new heavy weaponry in the enemy camp, like the 88 mm anti-aircraft guns.

    Luckily, although a night had passed, it seemed the enemy hadn¡¯t been reinforced much. The artillery he saw was still the same 75 mm infantry guns from yesterday, and he didn¡¯t even spot any 47 mm anti-tank guns.

    Today looks like a good day to give Cyclops a little surprise.

    Thinking this, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but reveal a fierce grin.

    It would be even better if he could kill Cyclops with one shot.

    Unfortunately, the enemy would only observe from the hill, two kilometers away from the vige. Even if tank No. 67 moved forward out of the smoke, it would still be more than one and a half kilometers away from the hilltop. ording to Xie Liaosha, at that distance their 76 mm gun¡¯s uracy was poor, almost impossible to hit the target.

    It was a pity that there were too many enemy infantry. Rashly charging forward might leave them vulnerable to anti-tank grenades from the infantry. Furthermore, because of the heavy tanks¡¯ poor maneuverability and unreliable mechanics, Wang Zhong had to abandon the idea of letting Xie Liaosha and his crew go for a thrill ride.

    If it were a T34, it would certainly give Cyclops a run for his money.

    While Wang Zhong was observing, he heard footsteps behind him and switched back to normal vision. As he turned, he saw Sofang climbing the water tower.

    "You go rest, we won¡¯t need you during the day,¡± he said.

    Sofang clenched her fist: ¡°I can operate the machine gun!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°There¡¯s no machine gun to operate today.¡±

    Sofang: ¡°Then¡­ I¡­¡±

    Her eyes darted around as if looking for something she could do.

    At that moment, Ludm came up clutching her chest: ¡°Alyosha, you¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I remember Monk Yeca Neiko still has one Divine Arrow left, right?¡±

    "Uh, yes¡­ thest one.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then you should return to your post and get some rest.¡±

    "Eh?¡± Ludm froze, her hand still on her chest.

    Wang Zhong then looked at Sofang: ¡°Like this, if you really must find something to do, go to the hospital. There will probably be quite a few casualties today.¡±

    In truth, if the KV1 went berserk, there probably wouldn¡¯t be many casualties. But¡­ just in case?

    And mostly, Wang Zhong wanted the two girls to get some rest.

    "Go on, hurry!¡± he urged, ¡°If anything goes wrong, we¡¯re still relying on you to contact the higher-ups!¡±

    "Oh.¡± Sofang shrank her neck, turned to nce at Ludm, ¡°Let¡¯s go, Captain Vasilyevna.¡±

    Ludm looked at Wang Zhong, on the verge of saying something, but in the end, she turned around¡ª

    Just then, the roar of engines came from the sky.

    Someone below shouted: ¡°Air raid!¡±

    The two girls exchanged nces and rushed toward Wang Zhong, one on each side, tackling him to the ground.

    Wang Zhong hit the ground hard and was about to protest when he saw a camouged airne flying in from the east.

    Recognizing the shape of the ne, Wang Zhongughed out loud because he recognized it as an Il-2 Sturmovik attack aircraft, and a two-seater at that!

    The ne flew over Upper Peniye Vige, then like a cheetah spotting its prey, charged towards the Prussian Army to the west.

    The Prussian Army,pletely unprepared for an air raid, was caught off guard.

    The rockets fired from the ne hit a truck, and the Prussians stared at the rising fireball in shock, only scattering in a panic when the ne started strafing.

    The Il-2 dumped all its remaining rockets on the Prussians¡¯ heads, igniting a great fire in the enemy camp.

    Then the ne circled back and began strafing the ground with its 23 mm cannons and machine guns.

    In just three minutes, the enemy camp was littered with dozens of bodies, seven or eight trucks were burning, and the injured were wailing everywhere.

    Through the bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong could clearly see even Cyclops on the ground, clutching his head.

    Hahaha, how elegant are you now?

    The Il-2, havingpleted its attack, flew over Upper Peniye Vige again.

    Wang Zhong pushed the two girls off him and stood up, cheering at the ne: ¡°Ura!¡±

    While the people on the ground didn¡¯t have bird¡¯s-eye view, they could see the ck smoke rising from the enemy¡¯s side and joined in the chant: ¡°Ura!¡±

    The Ant Air Force was not destroyed!

    Just this fact alone was enough to boost morale!

    Along with the soldiers, Wang Zhong turned their joy into a continuous cheer: ¡°Ura!¡±

 Chapter 55: The White Horse General

    On the Prosen Army side,

    Major Shrifen cursed as he stood up, ¡°Didn¡¯t the Air Force say the Ant Air Force was finished? Are we being attacked by our own Air Force then?¡±

    Major Franz also got up, wiping the coffee off his uniform with a handkerchief while echoing the sentiment, ¡°You can¡¯t believe a word from the Air Force. It¡¯s said that Duke Meyer diverted all the Air Force¡¯s funds to renovate his castle.¡±

    It seemed that both the old officers of Junker nobility and the emerging juniors had reached a consensus: not to trust the Air Force.

    Major Shrifen turned and shouted, ¡°Adjutant, report the damage.¡±

    The adjutant came over and saluted, ¡°A total of 21 dead, 49 injured, and seven trucks have been destroyed.¡±

    Shrifen cursed, ¡°Damn Air Force, just like that I¡¯ve lost two toons! Two toons!¡±

    Major Franz said, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t this grudge be counted on the enemy¡¯s head? Luckily,st night we received the support of an entire battalion ofbat engineers; they were very effective yesterday, and deploying more engineers today should enable us to take it down.¡±

    "Hope so,¡± said Major Shrifen, looking at the sky as if worried the ne that had just attacked might circle back to surprise him, ¡°but with such a start this morning, I have a bad feeling. Didst night¡¯s sentries spot anything unusual in the vige?¡±The adjutant immediately reported, ¡°Last night¡¯s sentries heard engine sounds from the vige.¡±

    Shrifen frowned, ¡°Our enemy is very cunning, that engine sound might be a deceptive tactic. Didn¡¯t the person who shot at Tank No. 422 yesterday say that they hit it?¡±

    The chief of staff came over, recing the adjutant, and replied, ¡°Yes, the gunner believes they hit the enemy at least once. But since the enemy was still able to counterattack, it seems the hit wasn¡¯t critical.¡±

    Shrifen pursed his lips and after standing and observing the distant vige for a moment, he spoke softly, ¡°The engine sounds fromst night might be a deception. Maybe their tanks have already lostbat capability, and they¡¯re using the engine sounds to intimidate us, prevent us from deploying tanks to engage the enemy in the vige.¡±

    At that moment, Captain Hoffman from Tank Crew 170 arrived at the peak, heels snapping together, and shouted, ¡°Report!¡±

    Shrifen said, ¡°At ease, speak.¡±

    Hoffman said, ¡°I request to join today¡¯s assault. I want a one-on-one with that enemy Tank No. 422!¡±

    "Idiot! War is not a knight¡¯s joust!¡± Shrifen cursed, ¡°We are enemies, it¡¯s a fight to the death! You¡¯ll suffer if you don¡¯t grasp this!¡±

    "I assure you, Tank No. 422 will be destroyed. The Ante People¡¯s tanks are too outdated, they only won by tricks. I won¡¯t allow them to seed again!¡± Hoffman said, brimming with confidence.

    Shrifen stared at him for a few seconds before cing a hand on his shoulder and saying, ¡°Good, then this morning your toon will advance with the infantry.¡±

    He turned to Major Fritz, ¡°Hoffman is our best tank operator, and his toon is our most elite. I¡¯ve been keeping them in reserve until now.¡±

    Fritz extended his hand, ¡°Pleased to work with you, Captain Hoffman.¡±

    Hoffman quickly shook Fritz¡¯s hand.

    Even though the young Emperor now deliberately promoted those who embraced new technology to counter the old officer corps, the rank and file soldiers didn¡¯t care much for this; they still respected these old-fashioned Junker nobility officers.

    Especially Fritz, who was the spitting image of everyone¡¯s perception of the old officer corps.

    Shrifen said, ¡°Prepare for the assault. We have already been dyed a full twenty-four hours. If even the artillery battalion stuck in traffic behind us gets here, then our previous rush will have been for nothing!¡±

    However, Fritz said, ¡°The artillery battalion should be arriving soon. We¡¯ve been stuck here for 24 hours already. We might as well wait for the heavy artillery to arrive, it could reduce casualties.¡±

    "No!¡± Shrifen raised his voice, ¡°In Carolingian, we relied on tanks and Stukas, relentless assault, and it was only after that we drove the United Kingdom¡¯s forces into the sea! Heavy artillery isn¡¯t essential; this is modern warfare!¡±

    Fritz closed his mouth.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong, who had been watching the enemy finish their deployment, called out loudly to the people under the water tower, ¡°Take cover! The enemy is about to start artillery preparation!¡±

    No sooner had his words fallen than the first round of artillery barrage came crashing down.

    After once again making certain there were no anomalies in the enemy deployment, Wang Zhong, amid the roaring cannonade, strolled down from the water tower and entered the manager¡¯s office of the winery.

    The winery was the only concrete building in town, impervious to the high-explosive rounds from the 75mm infantry guns.

    Of course, if rounds were shot through the windows, they could still injure those inside, but the enemy¡¯s covering fire was in high arcs, and the angle of descent meant the shells were not so easily fired through the windows.

    Inside the room, Wang Zhong looked over the map, seemingly oblivious to the explosions outside.

    He sought the Kazaria Kingdom on the map, but only managed to find the name of the region they were currently in: the Duchy of Wostrom.

    The duchy¡¯s terrain was as t as a pancake, with the small mound to the west of Peniye probably being one of the few high points in the whole duchy.

    Furthermore, Wang Zhong also discovered that to the east of Peniye, there was arge river called the Diber, with Bogdanovka sitting right on its bank.

    While Wang Zhong was engrossed in his map study, the shelling outside stopped.

    He nced at his watch, ¡°How strange, today¡¯s barrage was so much shorter than yesterday¡¯s?¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    "Why has it stopped?¡± Shrifen asked, frowning.

    The artillerypanymander had a bitter expression, ¡°The enemy air raid just destroyed our ammunition trucks, we don¡¯t have that many shells left.¡±

    Shrifen¡¯s mouth twitched.

    Franz took the opportunity to suggest, ¡°Then we should wait for the heavy artillery¡­¡±

    "Have the mortars smoke bomb, begin the assault!¡± Shrifen interrupted Franz, ¡°Also, contact the Air Force and have them take their responsibilities seriously!¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong once again climbed up the water tower and indeed saw the enemy¡¯s mortarsying down smoke.

    The fall of smoke bombs was not a bit different from yesterday!

    Wang Zhong was unsure whether to call the enemy rigid or praise them for being well-trained and striving for perfection.

    As the smoke spread properly, the enemy¡¯s assault troops began to move out.

    And when the sound of engines reached this side, the hidden No. 67 heavy tank at the edge of the vige also fired up, rolled out of its hiding spot, and charged along the road toward the ambush position.

    But no, calling it an ambush isn¡¯t quite right, it should be a position for a head-on confrontation with the enemy.

    Within the enemy¡¯s attack column, Wang Zhong spotted a familiar face, the No. 170 Mark III tank: it was this very tank that had previously, from a distance of two kilometers, precisely hit and detonated the church bell tower with a single shot, causing therge bell to fall from above.

    The cracked bell stilly on the street now.

    The enemy had sent their elite forces forward.

    Looking closely at tank No. 170, there were two gold rings and three silver rings on its barrel.

    While Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know what the Prosen people¡¯s regtions were in this timeline, he was aware that the Sturmtiger¡¯s single soldier tank destruction medal went from five silvers to one gold.

    If these kill rings followed the same principle, then tank No. 170 had already destroyed thirteen tanks.

    Elite indeed; if it were taken out here, how many tank operators¡¯ lives could be spared!

    At the thought, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but feel pleased.

    Just then, at the edge of his vision, he saw a heavy truck enter his field of view and then stop.

    The hairs on the back of his neck bristled instantly¨Csuch heavy trucks were usually used to tow heavy artillery, and heavy howitzers over 100 millimeters were not often brought so close to the front line.

    After all, such guns had ranges of a dozen kilometers or more, making it unnecessary to bring them to the front line.

    Only direct-fire guns would be brought to the front line.

    A heavy truck towing a direct-fire gun¨CWang Zhong could think of only one kind.

    No, he had to confirm what this truck was towing.

    Wang Zhong darted down the water tower like a shot, untied Bucephalus that was tied to a stake at the door, mounted the horse, and galloped away.

    The guard at the entrance of the winery saw him and quickly shouted, ¡°Count, where are you going?¡±

    "I¡¯ll be back soon, hold your position!¡±

    As he spoke, Bucephalus dashed through the battered streets of Upper Peniye.

    The soldiers hiding behind cover all popped their heads out to watch Wang Zhong.

    "Are we charging?¡± someone asked.

    In the current situation, Wang Zhong knew that if he really gave the order to charge, this bunch might actually leave their houses and follow him on horseback into the wild.

    So he yelled out, ¡°Stay put, remember your mission! Don¡¯t move! Stay where you are!¡±

    As he shouted, he left the vige and, at the vige entrance, he pulled the reins and Bucephalus came to an abrupt halt.

    At the vige entrance, he could clearly see that the heavy truck was actually towing a pontoon bridge.

    Then he remembered¨Che had indeed seen several rivers on the map. If the enemy wanted a swift advance, they had to consider the possibility of the Ante Army blowing up bridges.

    Wang Zhong felt slightly relieved, but then thought since he hade to the vige entrance, wouldn¡¯t it be better to advance another five hundred meters and get a clear view of the enemy¡¯s arrangements?

    With smoke cover anyway, even if the enemy pursued him, theirmander, they would be stopped by Tank 67.

    So Wang Zhong continued to spur his horse forward, all the while observing the enemy¡¯s movements from an overhead perspective.

    In addition to the bridge-building team, Wang Zhong also saw many heavy engineering vehicles¨Cit seemed the enemy would have morebat engineers joining the attack.

    Just then, Wang Zhong suddenly heard someone call out to him, ¡°Count, what are you doing?¡±

    He switched from his unrestricted line of sight and saw that Bucephalus had crossed in front of Tank 67, with Xie Liaosha in the turret, eyes bulging as he stared at him.

    "Count!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m going to scout the enemy, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    After that, Wang Zhong continued forward.

    After switching his perspective, he even saw the armored recovery vehicle; they were repairing a damaged Panzer III.

    Good grief, was there an enemybined arms battalion right in front of him? Had the concept ofbined arms battalions emerged this early in this timeline?

    With the aid of the ¡°Íâ¹Ò,¡± Wang Zhong could see the color of the enemy¡¯s underwear as clear as day.

    He was enjoying the thrill of exploiting his advantage when he suddenly felt he might have gone too far forward.

    Snapping back to reality, he switched back to his own perspective, only to find that there was no smoke ahead¨CBucephalus had run too fast!

    He immediately pulled hard on the reins.

    Bucephalus, a bit overexcited, almost failed to stop, even rearing up on its forehooves.

    Wang Zhong managed, with some difficulty, to bring the spirited mount to a halt. Flustered, his actions caused Bucephalus to end up sideways across the road.

    Then, he found himself face-to-face with the enemy¡¯s great army.

    This was awkward.

    Now, he truly felt sweat soaking his back.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    But from Major Shrifen¡¯s perspective, the situation was quite different.

    The major, with his sharp hearing, had long heard the rumbling of engines from the Ante side and lifted his binocrs, eager to see what sort of fool wanted to use outmoded tanks in an open field against the invincible Prussian armored forces.

    However, Ante tankmanders seemed cowardly, preferring not to open their hatches and poke their heads out to observe.

    Just as Major Shrifen was thinking this, a white horse emerged from the smoke.

    Astride the white horse was a dashing general.

    The general pulled the reins and the white horse reared up grandly on its forelegs.

    Major Shrifen was no Junker noble and knew nothing of horsemanship, but the old Junker noble Major Franz next to him eximed in admiration, ¡°Fine horsemanship¨Cthat move is a threat to the opponent in a horsemanship contest. He¡¯s expressing his contempt for us.¡±

    The major pursed his lips.

    At that moment, the general made his white horse turn sideways, blocking the road.

    Franz: ¡°The meaning of this move is¡­¡±

    "I know.¡± Shrifen squeezed the words through his teeth, ¡°It says we can¡¯t advance a step further.¡±

    Franz: ¡°Yes. By the way, that¡¯s a fine horse. It could sell for at least three hundred thousand marks in the capital, Germania.¡±

    Suddenly, Shrifen snatched up the wireless phone, ¡°Hoffman! Kill that general! But don¡¯t hurt the horse!¡±

    "What?¡± Franz eximed in shock, ¡°That¡¯s not gentlemanly!¡±

    Shrifen sneered, ¡°No need for chivalry towards inferior races.¡±

    Then, visible on the hillside, Tank 170 came to a halt.

    It was a thousand meters away from the white horse general and Shrifen had no doubt that Hoffman could hit the target with precision.

    The turret of Tank 170 began to rotate!

    In a sh, another steel beast tore out from behind the white horse general through the smoke.

    This beast was bigger than any tank in the Prussian Empire; its tracks crushed the helmets left behind by fleeing soldiers, and the powerful roar of its engine echoed across the in.

 Chapter 56: The Burning Wilderness

    Wang Zhong shouted to number 67, ¡°Hit that 170!¡±

    Fearing the tank couldn¡¯t see where number 170 was, he also stretched his hand toward the direction of 170.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Tank number 170, with Commander Hoffman, suddenly changed the order, ¡°Target that big tank! Don¡¯t be afraid, Ante people¡¯s tanks are all show, and we¡¯re loaded with armor-piercing shells! Take it down!¡±

    To execute the order not to harm the horses, Hoffman had the loader load armor-piercing shells.

    Although armor-piercing shells do contain explosive charges, their fuse wouldn¡¯t activate when hitting a person.

    This design originated from the experience summarized by the Prosen Empire during the Castilian Civil War and the Carolingian campaign, where armor-piercing shells were to have the ability not to detonate when piercing some soft targets, allowing them to shoot through targets like wooden houses to strike enemy armor hidden behind.

    Therefore, a skilled gunner could naturally use armor-piercing shells to urately kill a person mounted on horseback, and incidentally, not harm the horse.

    Now, this armor-piercing shell naturally undertook the task of sending the enemy¡¯s huge object sky-high!Hoffman was full of confidence, and the moment he fired before the enemy did, he felt he had won.

    The projectile struck the giant tank like lightning, leaving a trail of sparks on the mantlet.

    The huge tank continued forward as if nothing had happened and aimed its gun at Hoffman while moving.

    It fired directly!

    Because it was firing on the move, the shot hit the ground.

    But before Hoffman could breathe a sigh of relief, the shell ricocheted and hit tank number 170.

    Hoffman: ¡°Quick¡ª¡ª¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Watching tank number 170¡¯s turret flying into the sky, Wang Zhong burst into loudughter.

    Such an ace crew, if reced with a Tiger or Panther tank, who knows how many of our soldiers they would kill.

    At this point, three enemy tanks stopped, seemingly readying to shoot.

    Wang Zhong immediately turned his horse around and took off!

    As he passed by tank number 67, he also patted the top of the tank gun¡¯s turret and said a word of blessing.

    Then he plunged into the smoke.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Inside tank number 67, the driver Ashka asked through the inte, ¡°What was the Marquis doing here?¡±

    Lieutenant Xie Liaosha replied, ¡°You don¡¯t understand? He assigned us this suicide mission, so he came to the front himself to show he shares life and death with us.¡±

    After saying that, Xie Liaoshaughed, ¡°The Marquis probably doesn¡¯t know, we simply can¡¯t die.¡±

    The gunner alsoughed, ¡°I actually wish there were more enemies to kill!¡±

    The loader chimed in: ¡°Armor-piercing shell, ready!¡±

    "Emergency stop!¡±

    The tank braked hard, causing everyone¡¯s heads to hit the armor. Even with their cushioned tank helmets, Ante Army tankers often suffered bruises after driving for a day.

    Xie Liaosha: ¡°Find the nearest target! Take out that 171! Fire!¡±

    The roar of the main gun shook everyone¡¯s ears, and the wholebat room filled with the smell of gunpowder.

    The brass shell casing fell onto the floor of thebat room, making a crisp sound.

    Through the narrow view of themander¡¯s periscope, Xie Liaosha saw tank number 171 stop.

    At this point, the enemy¡¯s counterattack followed, and everyone in the tank could hear the thud of enemy armor-piercing shells hitting the armor.

    Ashka shouted, ¡°They¡¯re really enthusiastic!¡±

    With nothing else to do at the moment, the driver took up the hull machine gun and began to rattlingly sweep the enemy¡¯s skirmish line.

    Xie Liaosha: ¡°Load high-explosive shells! I think these enemy tanks don¡¯t need armor-piercing shells. High-explosive shells can also kill surrounding infantry.¡±

    The loader shoved a high-explosive shell into the breach and swung the breech block closed: ¡°High-explosive shell, ready!¡±

    Xie Liaosha: ¡°Turret turn left six degrees, no, make it seven! Fire!¡±

    Although themander¡¯s viewing port was very small, Xie Liaosha still saw the enemy tank engulfed in mes, Prosen tankers covered in fire escaping from their tank and scattering.

    "High-explosive effective! Continue with high-explosive! Keep turning the turret left!¡±

    "High-explosive, ready!¡±

    "Fire!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Shrifen put down his binocrs and eagerly asked his chief of staff, ¡°What kind of tank is this?¡±

    The chief of staff and several staff officers were frantically flipping through the battlefield recognition manuals issued by the headquarters: ¡°Wait a moment, still searching!¡±

    "Useless! Hurry up!¡±

    After scolding the staff, Shrifen picked up his binocrs again.

    The tank with tactical number 67 simply sat on the road, calling out the most elite tank crews under Shrifen¡¯smand one by one.

    The armor of Prosen tanks was like nothing in front of that big gun tube, one hit, one kill.

    On Prosen¡¯s side, the attacks on the enemy were like scratching an itch, producing nothing but sparks and no effect whatsoever.

    In an instant, half of the tank toon had turned into scrap metal, and the situation for the infantry was even worse; there was no cover in the open field, and they were being mercilessly mowed down by enemy machine guns.

    Thankfully, the wheat in the field was tall, and the infantry could hide their figures by lying down.

    But Major Shrifen couldn¡¯t be happy at all; his armored forces couldn¡¯t just lie down in the grass!

    Prosen¡¯s armor advantage, had it all been wiped out just like that?

    Why would there be such a tank?

    At this moment, the chief of staff finally turned to a tank and shouted, ¡°Found it! It¡¯s a T-34 model! Front armor 60 millimeters!¡± (In real history, the German army initially always mistook the KV1 for the T34)

    Shrifen: ¡°The hell is sixty millimeters?? How could sixty millimeters possibly stop our armor-piercing shells?¡±

    Chief of staff: ¡°Wait a second, there is a note here: This model of tank uses sloped armor, so the effective thickness from a perpendicr shot shouldn¡¯t be considered as 60 millimeters¡­¡±

    Shrifen got anxious: ¡°Then the hell should we do?¡±

    "There¡¯s no mention of that here. The General Staff Headquarters has no data either¡­¡±

    Shrifen swore under his breath.

    At that time, Major Franz suggested, ¡°Release smoke, cover the remaining tanks as they retreat, and have the infantry engage in closebat.¡±

    Shrifen thought for a moment, then nodded, ¡°That¡¯s all we can do.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong noticed that the other side had begun releasing smoke.

    There were only two attacking tanks left; they both started to retreat.

    And the enemy infantry, under the cover of smoke, began to approach Tank 67.

    I have a mask, so I¡¯m not afraid of smoke, but Xie Liaosha doesn¡¯t.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong suddenly had an idea. He rode Bucephalus to the front of Boye Mansion, the defensive focus of Yegorov.

    "Yegorov! Are any of the enemy¡¯s half-tracks intact?¡±

    Yegorov poked his head out: ¡°There is one, what¡¯s up?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Get someone to take the methrower we captured yesterday, wear the enemy¡¯s cuirass, get on the half-track and follow me!¡±

    Seven minutester, a half-track was armed. Sitting on it was a sergeant with a methrower, two corporals in armor wielding submachine guns, a private manning the front machine gun, and a second lieutenant from the supplypany driving.

    Wang Zhong was still riding the white horse, but now he had brought a submachine gun and suspended the ammo belt on the saddle, then nced at this small force.

    "Follow me. Where my submachine gun fires, aim the methrower there.¡± After giving brief instructions, Wang Zhong galloped off once more.

    Bucephalus was indeed a fine horse. After running back and forth over a couple of kilometers, it had only broken a slight sweat; its stamina was plenty.

    It carried Wang Zhong, leading the charge out of the vige, and the half-track made a great effort to catch up from behind.

    While galloping, Wang Zhong surveyed the terrain; first, he passed through the smoke to reach Tank 67, where he patted the hatch.

    Xie Liaosha popped out of the hatch: ¡°The enemy released smoke, they¡¯re cunning!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You pull back! I¡¯ll lead the infantry upwind to set the fire, let¡¯s burn them all!¡±

    Xie Liaoshaughed: ¡°That¡¯s a good idea!¡±

    In the meantime, the half-track passed through the smoke, and Wang Zhong immediately ordered, ¡°Turn upwind! Follow me!¡±

    He turned his horse around, kicked the horse¡¯s belly, and Bucephalus started to run nimbly and briskly.

    Tank 67 was started up and began to back into the still-dispersing smoke, while the half-track followed Wang Zhong towards the upwind direction.

    Wang Zhong sped against the wind until he almost reached the advancing enemy skirmishers.

    Then he raised his submachine gun and began to spray bullets in a chosen direction. It didn¡¯t matter if he hit anything; the most important thing was to signal the direction.

    The half-track caught up, with the machine gunner firing green tracer rounds in the same direction.

    The methrower operator stood up and began to shoot mes in the direction of the tracer rounds.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Start up, keep it moving! Burn as you go! No need to see the enemy!¡±

    He could already hear enemy screams in the smoke.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Burn them to death!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major Franz put down his binocrs, unable to bear watching any longer.

    Grasnd fires spread quickly in the summer, and a wildfire starting from the upwind direction would soon sweep across the entire grasnd.

    Troops lying in the grass were at risk of being burned to death.

    Without waiting for Shrifen¡¯s orders, hemanded his aide-de-camp directly, ¡°Fire signal res, retreat! And have someone immediately establish firebreaks in the grass, or we¡¯ll be burned too.¡±

    Shrifen: ¡°I am themander of thebat group!¡±

    Major Franz turned to him, ¡°Then please give the order. If we don¡¯t retreat now, the troops will just be fertilizer for the grassfield in the fire.¡±

    Major Shrifen¡¯s face was stern, and it took a second before he ordered, ¡°Retreat, and create istion strips in the grass at the same time. Damned enemy, why didn¡¯t they set fire to the grasnd yesterday?¡±

    "Perhaps they didn¡¯t have a methrower,¡± said Major Franz. ¡°Such a brilliantly cunning general would not have failed to think of this.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong returned to the entrance of the vige, looking at therge fire sweeping across the grasnd, and pped his thigh, ¡°Damn, I should have set a fire in a night raidst night!¡±

    With so many instances of fire warfare and night raids in The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, evenbined night raids and fire attacks, how could I forget! I failed as a Chinese!

    Oh Marquis, oh Marquis, I have let you down!

    The others didn¡¯t know what he was thinking and cheered, ¡°Ura!¡±

    "Burn them to death!¡±

    "This is so satisfying!¡±

    "Ura!¡±

    The fluctuating cries of ¡°Ura!¡± made it seem like the soldiers¡¯ morale was even higher than the mes sweeping across the grasnd!

 Chapter 57: Peripheral Defense

    Wang Zhong had hoped the wildfire would ze through and blow away the Prosen people.

    But he soon discovered the enemy had used bulldozers to clear a firebreak, and any scattered mes were quickly extinguished with hand grenades.

    As a child, Wang Zhong watched ¡°The Little Soldier Zhang Ga,¡± where the guerris set the enemy¡¯s watchtower on fire, only to have the enemy put out the fire with hand grenades. Initially, he thought it was an over-the-top anti-Japanese drama, butter he heard from old veterans that it was actually true.

    It turned out that even children¡¯s films back then could have veterans who had realbat experience as military consultants, unlike theter anti-Japanese dramas.

    It seemed that this wildfire strategy wasn¡¯t so easy to use after all.

    The fire kept burning until four o¡¯clock in the afternoon.

    Mounted on his white horse, Wang Zhong looked out over the grasnd, which had be a stretch of ashes, and couldn¡¯t help but think about the scenery he had seen that morning.

    The stark contrast between the twondscapes made him acutely aware of the presence of war.

    The sight brought to his mind the song ¡°One day, the smoke will return to the vige, that faint smell ofte rice¡­ fragrant in the evening.¡±Now was not the time for sentimentality.

    After the big fire had consumed all the wild grass, it gradually died out, and the enemy couldunch an attack at any moment.

    Xie Liaosha, peeking out from atop the turret of the same pulled-back 67th heavy tank gun at the vige entrance, asked, ¡°My lord Earl, how shall we fight this time?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I suspect the enemy will use smoke to gradually close in on you. So we can¡¯t leave you out in the open like before.

    "The good news is that the fire has scorched all the grass, so the enemy can no longer hide in it. I suggest you park next to that house.¡±

    He pointed towards the southwest, at a small building on the edge of the vige.

    As a house on the vige edge, the small building had been fought over repeatedly, its roof torn off, and several big holes in its walls, the whole structure vulnerable to copse at any time.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°There, your cannon can cover two main vige entrances, and we can set up crossfire on both sides of the vige to protect you, gunning down any enemy trying to rush over and throw grenades.

    "We can alsoy in ambush with submachine gunners behind the low walls on both sides of you, making sure the enemy¡¯s advance is met with fierce resistance.¡±

    Xie Liaosha nodded, ¡°Very good. But I have a question, why didn¡¯t we hold the outer defenses of the vige before? I noticed that few buildings on the perimeter bear the marks of direct hits from tank guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Because defending the outskirts of the vige makes it easy to be targeted directly by enemy tanks, and our most effective anti-tank weapon is the Molotov cocktail, which is why we let the enemye in to fight at close quarters, giving us a chance to destroy their tanks in the melee.¡±

    He paused, then added, ¡°We had a few T28s at the time, and it¡¯s clearly unrealistic for this kind of tank to engage in open firefights with the enemy, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    "Indeed,¡± Xie Liaosha said with a grin, ¡°Now we¡¯re here, we can engage the enemy in the open, and we¡¯ll make sure to take out the enemy before they destroy our machine gun positions.¡±

    Wang Zhong cautioned, ¡°Don¡¯t be so sure, Lieutenant, the enemy might use smoke to obstruct your vision, and those Prosen people are quite skilled at using it.¡±

    "Then we can be mobile and bypass their cover. Leave it to me,¡± Xie Liaosha said, patting his chest with a proud smile.

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder and then rode his horse straight to Lord Boye¡¯s manor, nning to tell Yegorov to adjust the deployment.

    But after only a few steps, he saw Yegorov approaching with a group of men.

    From a distance, the regimentmander shouted, ¡°I guess we should take advantage of our firepower on the outskirts of the vige, so I¡¯ve already ordered everyone to adjust their positions. Don¡¯t worry about the machine gun position I chose.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded. Although he had cheats, he was still a novice with no military experience, still growing and learning.

    Leaving the cement of the machine guns to the old soldier Yegorov was the best course of action.

    Still, Wang Zhong felt he needed to offer a few words of advice to highlight his role as themander. He said, ¡°Ensure a clear field of fire! Fully cover the 67th vehicle! And organize a squad of veterans skilled in hand-to-hand and close-rangebat to stand by around the tanks, ready to take down any approaching enemy troops.¡±

    "Let Sergeant Grigori take care of this task,¡± Yegorov replied, ¡°With him there, the enemy¡¯s infantry won¡¯t get close.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and decided to return to his VIP spot: atop the water tower!

    This position allowed him to clearly see everything around him, and he could quickly enter the concrete distillery for cover once the enemy¡¯s artillery preparation began.

    No sooner had he climbed up the water tower than the enemy started firing smoke.

    This time there was no artillery preparation?

    Wang Zhong was extremely surprised and hurriedly checked the enemy¡¯s artillery position, afraid that the enemy was up to some fierce trick, such as dismantling their guns and carrying them to the front line to assemble and fire at ground level.

    Then he realized he had been overthinking it; the enemy¡¯s infantry guns simply seemed to be out of shells.

    Could it be that this morning¡¯s solo raid by the IL-2 had blown up the enemy¡¯s ammo storage? Could it be such a coincidence?

    No, the IL-2 pilot must have deliberately targeted what looked like a stack of supplies to shoot their rockets at, hitting either canned food or ammunition.

    Well done! Wang Zhong silently gave a thumbs up to the Ant Air Force. Although they only showed up for the first time since the war began, and it was just a single aircraft, they did a good job!

    Throughout the fierce battles of the day, casualties caused by enemy artillery preparation ounted for at least sixty percent, with the remainder being losses from close-rangebat.

    It was a pity there was only one IL-2. Had there been a squadron of four, the enemy wouldn¡¯t have been able to organize an attack.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At this time, in Bogdanovka, 63rd Army¡¯s headquarters.

    Officially it was the 63rd Army¡¯s headquarters, but in fact, the Duke of Vostrom himself was also there.

    As the Duke held the rank of Lieutenant General, the 63rd Army¡¯s headquarters was now also the 41st Army Group¡¯s headquarters.

    The Duke was studying a map when his most trusted intelligence staff entered the map room: ¡°My Lord, the nes that volunteered to support Peniye have returned today. The pilot reported no sight of our tanks. It was a group of infantry defending the vige of Peniye, and there¡¯s also a field hospital in the vige, visible from the air with a Red Cross to deter enemy bombing.¡±

    The Duke cursed, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Hasn¡¯t anyone told them that the Prosen bastards would bomb the Red Cross? These pieces of shit, afraid that the veterans will recover and return to the front as experienced soldiers, are deliberately targeting the hospitals!¡±

    The staff officer noticed the Duke¡¯s slip of the tongue but hesitated and did not point it out.

    The Duke cursed, took a breath, and then asked, ¡°Why is there a field hospital? From where did this field hospital retreat?¡±

    "That¡¯s not something we know,¡± the intelligence staff answered. ¡°There are far too many field hospitals that we¡¯ve lost contact with now.¡±

    At this moment, themander of the 63rd Army spoke up, ¡°Yesterday, locals were continuously arriving with horse-drawn carts carrying wounded soldiers. They said they were from the Ronied City field hospital.¡±

    The Duke immediately rushed to the map table to check the map, ¡°Ronied? Weren¡¯t all of our forces there wiped out?¡±

    "It seems not. The wounded also said that they belong to the 3rd Rear Amur Group and are now under themand of Count Rokossov.¡±

    "Why didn¡¯t you tell me yesterday?¡± the Duke demanded.

    Themander spread his hands, ¡°I only found out myself just now. The wounded soldiers were brought in by the local cartsst night, and it was all chaos then.¡±

    At this point, the Chief of Staff of the 41st Army Group concluded, ¡°So, the situation is clear. Yesterday the vige of Peniye sent out a distress signal, indicating that they have a Hymn Monk there, very likely a scattered Monk retreating from Ronied who joined the fleeing soldiers en route.

    "Then the fleeing soldiers encountered the remnants of the 31st Regiment of the 4th Tank Army, which had been prepared to defend Peniye, and they organized a defense on the spot.¡±

    The Military Bishop of the 41st Army Group spoke, ¡°I mostly agree with this assessment. Although the enemy would deliberately ughter clergy, there should still be some that managed to escape.¡±

    The Duke leaned on the map table with both hands, ¡°This Count Rokossov¡­ can¡¯t be that yboy brother of the Crown Prince, the good-for-nothing and ignorant Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov, can it?¡±

    Everyone exchanged nces.

    After the civil war, civilians could be officers too, so at this moment all the civilian officers present shut their mouths, as they were not very familiar with the notorious Count.

    However, the nobly born Chief of Staff of the Army Group added, ¡°Which other Rokossov could it be? If we had known this earlier, we wouldn¡¯t have sent reinforcements; surely this prodigal was just frightened out of his wits! It¡¯s highly probable the enemy isn¡¯t much of a problem, after all, even infantry could hold them back.¡±

    The intelligence staff interjected, ¡°ording to the pilot¡¯s report, the forces attacking Peniye are the enemy¡¯s armored grenadiers and tank units. Additionally,bining intelligence from other directions, I personally believe that the force confronting Peniye is a mixedbat group led by Major Shrifen, a recipient of the Iron Cross.¡±

    The headquarters fell silent.

    The Chief of Staff of the Army Group scoffed, ¡°You¡¯re telling me that a bunch of routed soldiers stopped Prosen¡¯s elitebat group? Those are veterans who have participated in the Bohemian and Carolingian campaigns, and theirmander is a tough one! Since Count Rokossov proved to be so capable, I suggest that when he returns, we should send him to Loktov to reorganize the fleeing soldiers!¡±

    After pondering, the Duke replied, ¡°That also gives him and his troops a chance to rest and regroup.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong, of course, was unaware of what was happening back at the headquarters; his focus was entirely on the enemy.

    Thanks to a cheat, Wang Zhong could see the enemy¡¯s formation clearly through the smoke.

    Besides the infantry skirmish line at the front, the Prosen had also sent tanks on a wide nk, seemingly preparing to attack the side of tank number 67.

    Unfortunately for them, the KV1 had good all-around defense, except for the engine at its rear, which was the only weak point.

    And now, tank number 67 was back against the remains of a house, with its rear shielded.

    The Prosen devils were about to be disappointed yet again, and the thought filled Wang Zhong with delight.

    The first Prosen soldier showed up from the smoke!

    The machine gun mounted on the second floor immediately opened fire. Freed from worrying about direct fire from enemy tanks, the Amur Group¡¯s machine gunner fought like a man possessed,nding precise shots that dropped several enemies in session.

    The remaining enemies all went prone.

    Their uniforms were ck, and the grasnd that had just been scorched was also ck, providing surprisingly effective camouge once they hit the ground!

    Wang Zhong had never imagined the Prosen¡¯s dark uniforms could have this effect.

    He was still in shock when the enemy threw smoke bombs. One has to admit, the Prosen troops really were battle-hardened veterans. They reacted quickly, and the cement of the smoke bombs was urate.

    But experience was on this side too. They continued to fire through the smoke, reasoning that since they still had a lot of ammunition left from looting the third group¡¯s depot, they might as well use it up, lightening their load for the evening¡¯s retreat.

    More enemies emerged from the thick smoke, and the machine gun fire Yegorov had carefully set up continued to erupt.

    Without the cover of direct fire, infantry are helpless against machine gun fire.

    Not to mention the KV¡¯s high-explosive shells.

    The fierce battle raged on. The enemy tanks reached the side and opened fire on tank number 67.

    Wang Zhong clearly saw the armor-piercing shell hit the side of tank number 67¡¯s turret, scraping off the paint!

    After two days of intense fighting, Wang Zhong had never felt this rxed.

    He even began to feel like he was ying a game of ¡°Storm the Beaches,¡± joyfully shooting at live targets.

    Just then, Wang Zhong heard an engine noiseing from the sky.

    This time it was not from the east, where their allies were positioned.

    He immediately raised his view and then realized that his cheat allowed him to see nes from even greater distances than he could see on the ground.

    It was rather logical for a cheat, despite being one.

    He saw a whole squadron of Stukas heading towards Peniye.

    Trouble.

    Wang Zhong knew at a nce that these Stukas were the B-2 model because he had flown them in games. He knew that in maximum load, they could carry one 500kg ¡°big potato¡± and four 50kg ¡°little potatoes.¡±

    The little potatoes couldn¡¯t threaten the KV1 unless they were dropped with pinpoint uracy, but the 500kg big potato was no joke.

    Tank number 67 had to get moving; a stationary target was too easy to hit.

    Wang Zhong rushed down the water tower, expertly untied Bucephalus¡¯s reins, mounted, and galloped away in a cloud of dust.

 Chapter 58: Unforgettable Summer Memories

    Wang Zhong spurred his horse into a gallop, dashing out of the vige.

    Most of the machine-gun fire was on the second floor, so Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t shot down by friendly fire.

    As he charged toward Xie Liaosha¡¯s tank crew, a tank shell fired by the enemy was deflected by Tank No. 67, which blew off Wang Zhong¡¯s hat.

    Wang Zhong had no time to care about that, as he sped along he shouted loudly, ¡°Enemy nes areing! Get moving!¡±

    At this moment, the engine¡¯s roar was already overhead, and lifting his head, Wang Zhong saw the dark shadows of enemy nes against the setting sun.

    Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Move! Dive towards the belly of the enemy nes! This type of Stuka has serious locking issues during a dive; it¡¯s not good at hitting moving targets!¡±

    However, Xie Liaosha¡¯s crew showed no response!

    Faithful to protocol, Xie Liaosha was hunkering down inside the tank turret duringbat, and with the tank¡¯s own mechanical roaring, he probably couldn¡¯t hear Wang Zhong¡¯s shouts at all.

    Wang Zhong had never cursed the Ante Empire¡¯s terrible radio level so much.He nced at the enemy nes above, feeling that any second now he would hear the infamous Death Scream of a Stuka dive.

    At this point, he saw a nearby infantryman carrying a captured Smoke Bomb and he called out, ¡°Give me a smoke bomb!¡±

    The infantryman turned out to be Sergeant Grigori, who, upon hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s shout, directly unhooked the belt carrying smoke bombs and flung it precisely onto Bucephalus¡¯s saddle.

    Wang Zhong pulled out a smoke bomb and, after pulling the pin, held it in his hand, but in his haste handled it upside down, causing smoke to spray out and smother his face.

    He quickly tossed away the smoke bomb and pulled a new one.

    Then, he tugged the reins to make Bucephalus run upwind, trying to use the smoke to cover Tank No. 67.

    As an experienced War Thunder yer, Wang Zhong was aware of how difficult it was to ¡°search for the enemy¡± in the sky. Moreover, real-world smoke would drift with the wind, and if the battlefield was filled with smoke, the enemy aircraft could only drop bombs blindly.

    In the midst of the chaos, a Prussian soldier suddenly emerged in front of Wang Zhong!

    The enemy was startled by the sight of the white horse, and it took him a moment to think to shoot, but Bucephalus kicked him back into the smoke.

    Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t even had time to react; he hadn¡¯t switched to the overhead view and so had no idea the enemy had gotten so close!

    Wasn¡¯t pulling this smoke actually helping the enemy get closer to the tanks?

    He quickly switched to an aerial view to confirm the position of the nearby enemies.

    Looking down, he saw the enemy nes circling overhead.

    Could it be that the enemy¡¯s radio technology had improved to the point of coordinating between the air and ground, and the enemy nes knew that their biggest threat below was one heavy tank?

    They wouldn¡¯t drop bombs without being sure where the heavy tank was?

    As soon as the thought crossed his mind, Wang Zhong saw an infantry officer on the ground pull out a re gun and fire it towards where Tank No. 67 was parked.

    A red re traced an arc through the sky, heading towards Tank No. 67.

    There was guidance from the ground! Was this really an army from the time of Operation Barbarossa?

    Wang Zhong could see it all too clearly from the overhead view, and naturally, so could the enemy aircraft.

    The enemy ne rolled into a diving posture.

    The famous shriek of the Stuka tore at Wang Zhong¡¯s eardrums.

    Just then, Tank No. 67 began to move, whether it was because the smoke had obscured their line of sight, making it impossible to shoot, or because they heard the ¡°Death Scream.¡±

    Anyway, it started moving.

    Seeing this, Wang Zhong pulled the reins and turned to flee. He had done everything he could; now it was up to the crew¡¯s fate.

    At the first loud bang, Wang Zhong distinctly felt the wind blow from behind him.

    This was followed by a series of massive explosions. From the sound alone, Wang Zhong felt Tank No. 67¡¯s crew was done for.

    Looking down from the aerial view, indeed he saw Tank No. 67 had stopped, settling in the in, with severalrge craters visible from the air nearby.

    The enemy ne havingpleted its bombing run was pulling up, seemingly nning to find an angle to drop the 50KG ¡°little sweet potatoes¡± hanging beneath its wings.

    Although 50KG was small among aerial bombs, for ground troops, one of these was akin to a gas cylinder; even if you were lying down, the st wave could still cause serious injury.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong saw Sergeant Grigori leading a squad of submachine gunners charge forward, using the craters from the aerial bombs as cover to protect Tank No. 67.

    Wang Zhong remembered his previous order to this group: protect the heavy tank at all costs and take down any approaching enemy.

    Even without knowing whether the tank had been destroyed, the order was being faithfully executed.

    The only good news was that the 500KG heavy aerial bomb¡¯s st had dispersed the smoke, giving Grigori¡¯s group a clear line of sight and the chance to maximize the firepower of their submachine guns.

    The enemy infantry rushing up only had submachine guns for the officers, so it was natural that they were outgunned in the firefight.

    Suddenly, a stick grenade was thrown towards the crater.

    Sergeant Grigori threw his submachine gun to the side and caught the grenade, tossing it back.

    The explosion sent the Prussian who threw it tumbling.

    But taking advantage of the submachine guns¡¯ pause in fire, more grenades were thrown!

    Sergeant Grigori drew his entrenching tool and, like ying badminton, hit the grenades back one by one.

    There he was, the vic superman, the original Astarte!

    Just then, thepletely silent Tank No. 67¡¯s engine spewed out a cloud of thick smoke.

    The enemy troops, who had been swarming forward, stopped in their tracks, terrified by the awakening steel beast.

    The coaxial machine gun in the turret rang out, and tracers demolished the enemy¡¯s remaining morale.

    But!

    The Stuka came back around!

    Wang Zhong just happened to run near a machine-gun position at the edge of the vige and he shouted, ¡°Fire at the sky! There¡¯s no visibility on the ground anyway!¡±

    With smoke covering the ground, machine guns really couldn¡¯t be fully utilized.

 Chapter 59: Unforgettable Summer Memories (2)

    The shooter immediately swung the muzzle of his gun around, then realized he didn¡¯t have enough elevation. At that moment, a private hefted the tripod of the machine gun, raising the muzzle higher.

    The machine gunner immediately opened fire.

    The tracer rounds futilely tried to stop the fleet of aircraft.

    Just then, a rocket rose from the ground, its head blooming with a Venus-like glow in the sunset.

    Divine Arrow!

    The enemy¡¯s lead ne scrambled to evade but was overtaken by the Divine Arrow as it curved in pursuit, plummeting to the ground with thick smoke and mes trailing behind.

    The remaining enemy nes, unsure of how many more Divine Arrows there were, immediately turned to disengage, swiftly descending to treetop level and sped off.

    At that moment, a re shot up from the mountaintop.

    A yellow re.Yesterday, when the enemy had ceased their attack, Wang Zhong had seen such a re too.

    It must be the signal to stop the attack.

    Sure enough, the Prosen infantry began to retreat.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Shrifen actually couldn¡¯t see what was happening in front of him; his view was blocked by smoke.

    But he clearly heard the tank engines, which had briefly stopped, roar back to life.

    "The enemy tanks are still there!¡± he shouted over the radio, ¡°Flying Eagle, Flying Eagle, I request a second strike! Use your 50kg bombs!¡±

    "Alright, this time we see the enemy tanks, let the infantry pull back a bit,¡± the lead pilot confidently replied over them, ¡°It¡¯s time to show some real skill.¡±

    As the words were spoken, a rocket ascended.

    Shrifen: ¡°Enemy Divine Arrowunched!¡±

    "I see it, may Valha protect us!¡±

    Then themunication cut off. Shrifen watched as the lead ne, trailed by billowing smoke and mes, crashed into the ground without any sign of the pilot ejecting.

    The other aircraft scattered like birds, retreating to low altitude and heading west.

    Major Franz: ¡°Damn it, the Air Force really can¡¯t be relied on.¡±

    After saying this, he turned around, and before he could speak, Major Shrifen said, ¡°We should retreat.¡±

    Major Shrifen turned to look at the sky and continued, ¡°It¡¯s getting dark. We have no way to deal with the enemy¡¯s heavy tanks. In Carolingian, we used eighty-eight millimeter k guns against the enemy¡¯s B1 heavy tanks. The anti-aircraft battalion should be up by tomorrow.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong, mounted on his white horse, stood at the entrance of the vige.

    The setting sun dipped westward, casting a crimson hue over the entire field.

    After a relentless gallop and even knocking an enemy airborne, Bucephalus had only broken a small sweat, not even breathing heavily.

    With the enemy retreating, did it mean¡ªthe mission was aplished?

    There were still two hours until eight o¡¯clock. The enemy likely wouldn¡¯t attack in this condition, right?

    Wang Zhong decided to use this opportunity when the enemycked the will to fight to move forward and verify their situation. As long as the enemy had suffered significant losses, it was highly probable they wouldn¡¯t attack again today.

    He gently kicked the horse¡¯s belly, and Bucephalus, as if understanding his intent, immediately set off towards the sunset.

    The wind swept across the battlefield, lifting Wang Zhong¡¯s hair.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Through his binocrs, Shrifen saw the officer who hade to provoke them in the morning appear again on a white horse.

    He faced the setting sun with the posture of a victor.

    Shrifen¡¯s teeth clenched with a gritting noise.

    "That bastard! Aim the infantry gun at him! st him to bits!¡±

    "Major, the infantry gun is out of ammo!¡±

    "Then use the mortar!¡±

    "The mortar can¡¯t hit that urately!¡±

    "Then use a machine gun! Find a sharpshooter!¡±

    "Our best machine gunners are all dead, Major!¡±

    "Bring mymand vehicle! I¡¯ll run him over myself!¡±

    "Major, calm down!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong looked puzzled at the disorganized enemy. He didn¡¯t bother to investigate further, as his objective was already achieved. Confirming that the enemy had suffered heavy losses andcked the capability to continue the attack, he could leave.

    If it hadn¡¯t been for Bucephalus¡¯s bravery today, kicking the enemy soldier into the air, he might have died.

    Wang Zhong reflected seriously, realizing he still needed to be cautious about preserving his life in the future.

    Speaking of which, when he had charged out earlier using the smoke to cover the tanks, he hadn¡¯t felt a trace of fear.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but remember an olddy who had oncee to give a talk at his school.

    The olddy was a sanitary officer who had been recognized with three significant merits (before the reorganization, there were no different levels of merit, only major and minor). She had joked, ¡°Looking back now, I find it unbelievable. I never knew what fear was back then.

    "Now, when I¡¯m on the street, seeing a pickpocket makes me worry whether he has a knife or aplices.

    "It seems that the courage I had back then has forever left me. Maybe it¡¯s because the dreams I had back then havee true!¡±

    With that, the olddy beamed with a radiant smile.

    "That kind of courage,¡± now Wang Zhong knew exactly what ¡°that kind¡± of courage was.

    He had somehow resonated with the predecessors of his original timeline, despite having crossed over to this world, and the feeling was remarkable.

    With such sentiments, Wang Zhong returned to tank number 67, looking at Xie Liaosha, who was bandaging his wounds: ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±

    Xie Liaosha smiled: ¡°Still alive. We¡¯re all alive. But this buddy has broken down.¡±

    He patted the turret¡¯s top armor.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Can it be fixed? We¡¯re retreating at eight tonight.¡±

    However, Xie Liaosha shook his head: ¡°It can¡¯t be fixed. The spare parts we brought have been blown up. The engine can still turn, but who knows when it will break down too, then we can only operate the turret manually.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s chest suddenly tightened.

    He had a vague premonition that something was about to happen.

    Xie Liaosha spoke up: ¡°We¡¯ll keep holding back the enemy here, fighting until thest bullet is fired. You can retreat in peace.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s lips trembled. After a moment, he said, ¡°No, I order you to try and fix the tank in the night. If it¡¯s not repaired by midnight, abandon the tank and retreat. We¡¯ll rendezvous at Bogdanovka.¡±

 Chapter 60: Unforgettable Summer Memories (3)

    ¡°`

    In order to keep Xie Liaosha from disobeying orders, Wang Zhong added, ¡°This is an order!¡±

    Xie Liaosha slowly shook his head, a blood-like hue from the sunset on his face, ¡°Sir, we cannot leave the tank to the enemy. If they repair it, they will use it against us. The armor that the enemy can¡¯t prate, we will also have trouble prating. Think about how many of our own people would die if this oldrade falls into enemy hands.

    "If we abandon the tank, we must destroy it. Right now, the enemy fears it, and as soon as it is destroyed, they will immediately begin pursuit. Trust me.¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t find the words to reply.

    Xie Liaosha continued, ¡°Give us a satchel charge. Then we¡¯ll resist until thest moment, and we can even take a few bastards with us using the satchel charge.¡±

    Wang Zhong watched Xie Liaosha, noticing a gleam in his eyes.

    ¡ª¡ª¡±Thinking back now, it¡¯s incredible how the former me never knew what fear was.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯ve taken your suggestion. Do you have any letters you¡¯d like me to pass on?¡±"Yes.¡± Xie Liaosha pulled out a letter from his left breast pocket and handed it to Wang Zhong, ¡°The address is written on it. Just mail it for us.¡±

    "I have one too!¡±

    "And mine!¡±

    Soon, all the letters from Tank No. 67¡¯s crew were in Wang Zhong¡¯s hands.

    Clutching the stack of thin sheets, Wang Zhong felt as though they weighed a thousand pounds.

    He saw Xie Liaosha and the entire tank crew smiling fearlessly.

    It took all of his strength to keep from crying in front of these brave young men.

    He pocketed the letters¡ªhis pocket already contained a bloodstained letter.

    Wang Zhong, mounted on his horse, saluted the soon-to-be-dead.

    Then, he resolutely turned his horse around and headed east.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Evening, eight o¡¯clock sharp.

    Wang Zhong lowered his hand and looked at the troops already lined up in the street.

    Compared to 38 hours before, the size of the force had drastically reduced, and nearly everyone was wounded.

    But everyone¡ª including those with minor injuries in the hospital¡ªwas full of vigor.

    Wang Zhong dismounted, helped a wounded man onto the horse, and then ordered to the entire army: ¡°All units, march!¡±

    The troops set off in silence.

    Wang Zhong also took steps.

    He saw the locals who had decided to stay, standing on the roadside, watching them withplex expressions.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Liven up! Let the locals see our spirit! Let them know that one day we wille back to fight!¡±

    Then, the orderly footsteps grew even louder.

    Wang Zhong felt it wasn¡¯t enough, so he shouted, ¡°Sufang! Start us off with a lively song! We are the army of victory, we must have the bearing of victors!¡±

    Sufang¡¯s voice came from the back of the column.

    "I remember a small town in another province

    "Peaceful, quiet, and mncholic

    "With a church, a station, and a tree-lined pathway

    "In the crowd, I sometimes glimpse

    "That familiar, dear silhouette¡­¡±

    More people joined in the chorus.

    "She wore a blue sun hat

    "A blue short coat

    "A dark skirt, the silhouette of a young girl

    "Ah, my brief, passing love!¡±

    The chorus arrived, everyone singing in unison. The beat of the song mingled with the orderly steps, the forest of bays swaying to the song, like an impassible Great Wall!

    "Tanya! Tanusha! My Takiyanne!

    "Do you still remember that fiery summer

    "I can¡¯t forget those moments

    "That time of yearning love!¡±

    The summer wind blew through the column, bringing the warmth of summer days.

    Someone unknown whistled yfully, as if scoffing at war and invaders!

    "Tanya! Tanusha! My Takiyanne!

    "Do you still remember that fiery summer

    "I can¡¯t forget those moments

    "That time of yearning love!¡±

    ¡°`

 Chapter 61: Dawn Falls on You

    Ludm walked in the middle of the column, apanied by the nurses from the field hospital.

    She kept staring at the white horse carrying wounded soldiers not far away.

    Sufang asked curiously, ¡°Why are you looking at the white horse?¡±

    Ludm whispered, ¡°He would have never let the wounded use his white horse before, definitely not.¡±

    "Who?¡± Sufang didn¡¯t catch on at first, then realized, ¡°Oh, ¡®he¡¯ huh, he¡¯s grown up, that word is¡­ yes, transformation! I read a book about insects; many insects start asrvae and end up inside a cocoon, and when they emerge, they turn into butterflies.¡±

    Ludm looked at Sufang, ¡°The Book of Insects? The one written by that Carolingian biologist?¡±

    "Seems like it.¡±

    Ludm shook her head and continued watching the white horse, ¡°Can people really change thatpletely? Isn¡¯t there a saying that it¡¯s easier to change rivers and mountains than one¡¯s nature?

    "I grew up with him. He was a jerk since childhood, just grew up to be a lecherous jerk¡­ But now, I feel like he¡¯s apletely different person.¡±Just then, a senior nurse walking in front of them turned around and said, ¡°Miss, you may not realize this, but men change when they go to war.

    "This is what my mother said, my father was also a jerk in his youth, then he went to war in Anatolia, and he changed!

    "My mother has long forgotten the events of the war, but my father remembers everything¡ªwhomanded which unit, which general was a hero and which a coward, he remembers it all.

    "If other old mene to visit at our house, they could sit in the living room and babble about these things all day long.

    "War is like magic for men; in war, they either die or turn into men who can stand on their own two feet.¡±

    This Auntie Nurse was evidently a chatterbox; once she started talking, there seemed to be no end, just rattling on and on.

    Finally, she concluded with a verdict, ¡°The count must be the same. The wounded in the hospital talk about how the Count rides his white horse through the artillery fire. If they were youngdies, they¡¯d probably be smitten by now!¡±

    Sufang looked awkwardly to the side.

    Ludm still frowned, ¡°But at the beginning of the war, he still¡­ err¡­ never mind, forget I said anything. It must be some mistake if Alyosha is actually charming enough to bewitch girls.¡±

    The Auntie Nurse burst intoughter.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    "Alyosha¡± Wang Zhong didn¡¯t care at all what the girls were talking about; he took a few steps and then looked back, always feeling like he heard the sound of an explosion.

    Walking beside Wang Zhong, Yegorovforted him, ¡°The enemy suffered more losses than we did, they won¡¯t attack tonight. Maybe by tomorrow the vehicle will be fixed, and they could even reach Bogdanovka and join up with us.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. If the enemy doesn¡¯t attack tonight, we should allow them to retreat.¡±

    "They want to blow up the vehicle; as soon as the vehicle explodes, the enemy will be alerted,¡± Yegorov paused before adding, ¡°Moreover, maybe they can hold out in Peniye for another day, giving the 63rd Army at Bogdanovka more time to prepare their defenses.¡±

    Pavlov chimed in, ¡°They came from Bogdanovka, so they know what the defense line looks like; maybe they deliberately stayed behind.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we must carry on their will and continue the fight.¡±

    "Of course.¡±

    Wang Zhong then asked, ¡°What¡¯s the process for applying for a medal?¡±

    Although it was strange for an officer to ask such a question, Wang Zhong¡¯s original identity was that of a dissolute schr, so it somehow seemed not that surprisinging from him.

    Pavlov clicked his tongue, ¡°The application for a medal has to be signed by the Military Bishop, and you blew up the Bishop.¡±

    Wang Zhong corrected, ¡°I blew up the spy posing as the Bishop.¡±

    Yegorov then turned and asked, ¡°Hey, do we still have a Military Chain in the troops?¡±

    In the darkness, someone replied, ¡°All dead, Commander. The Chapiains are usually the first to die.¡±

    Yegorov spread his hands to Wang Zhong in resignation.

    Pavlov went on, ¡°Our situation is a bit tricky; the entire highermand structure is wiped out, left in Ronied. From the clerical orders, only a Divine Arrow squad is left.

    "We don¡¯t even know after reaching Bogdanovka who we will be taking orders from.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter whomands. As long as we can fight the Prussian devils, that¡¯s good enough.¡±

    At that moment, he suddenly remembered something important¡ªhe had been fighting all along and had no idea what the date was today.

    So he feigned nonchnce and said, ¡°With these ceaseless battles, I¡¯ve almost forgotten what date it is today.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°June 29th, the first Sunday after the war started¡ªdamn, it¡¯s actually Sunday today!¡±

    Yegorov also had a sudden realization, ¡°A week into the war already? I remember the night before it started, I was nning to try out some high-ss art, so I bought a ticket for the Ronied Grand Theater, and ended up falling asleep straight through, not even waking up for the apuse.¡±

    Wang Zhong scratched his head, ¡°It¡¯s only been a week since the war started?¡±

    "Yeah, just a week. And yet we¡¯ve lost Ronied, the Prussians are advancing much faster than us during the winter campaign and the civil war.¡± Pavlov clicked his tongue, ¡°Although they are the enemy, you have to admit they are formidable.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Fortunately, the enemy advanced quickly, so we were not hit by heavy artillery. If the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery came up, we¡¯d all have to fill the gap with our bodies.¡±

    As he spoke, he recalled the feeling of being bombarded by the enemy navy¡¯s 381-millimeter guns and sincerely hoped it wouldn¡¯t happen again.

    At this moment, the first light of dawn began to appear in the east. Wang Zhong nced at his watch and realized it was almost daylight.

    Without realizing it, he had walked through the night.

    But Wang Zhong didn¡¯t feel tired at all. Before he realized he had walked all night, he hadn¡¯t felt any difort in his legs, but now they began to swell and exhibit the fatigue of a long march.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°When can we get to Bogdanovka?¡±

    Just then, the scout riding a gray horse returned and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Count, there¡¯s a farmhouse ahead!¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°Is there a well?¡±

    "Yes,rademander.¡±

    Yegorov immediately turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°I suggest we rest at the farmhouse for fifteen minutes, and fill our water bottles.¡±

    It was at that moment that Wang Zhong realized he was sweating profusely and his mouth was very dry.

    So he nodded, ¡°Rest at the farmhouse. Arrange the sentries, be on guard for pursuers.¡±

    Yegorov immediately turned to give the order.

    Calling it a farmhouse was actually a bit of a stretch; it was just a smallplex of a single-story house, stables, and a granary, surrounded by a waist-high wall.

    The granary was a tall silo, and upon seeing it, Wang Zhong reflexively wanted to climb up to survey the surroundings.

    To him now, tall buildings were like the watchtowers in the Assassin¡¯s Creed game series, naturally alluring and begging to be climbed.

    A three-generational family lived in the farmhouse, and under the lead of the old man Aleksandrovich, they weed Wang Zhong and his group.

    "My lord,¡± the old man said, ncing at the troops entering the yard, ¡°have you suffered a defeat? Are the Prussiansing soon?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We won, held off an attack from an enemy several times our size, andpleted our mission to dy their advance, sir.¡±

    The old man, ¡°So, the Prussians areing soon, right?¡±

    "Right, you should run with us. We have our defenses at Bogdanovka.¡±

    After Wang Zhong finished, Pavlov added, ¡°The trains there should still be operational. Take the train back east!¡±

    But the old man shook his head, ¡°My wife and I can¡¯t walk anymore. Can you take my daughter-inw and grandchildren? My son left the day the war started, to join the army.

    "He said we would quickly defeat the enemy and if he didn¡¯t enlist right away, he¡¯d miss his chance for glory. He even talked abouting back a noble!¡±

    As the old man spoke, a look of sorrow appeared in his eyes, ¡°We won¡¯t be able to defeat the enemy quickly, will we?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Indeed. Pavlov, the hospital could still use nurses, couldn¡¯t it? Let thisdy join.¡±

    Pavlov, looking troubled, ¡°Thedy is fine, but the children¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Let theme along. There will definitely be nurseries in the rear. We can leave them at a nursery when the timees.¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    Pavlov gestured for the daughter-inw toe.

    Just then, the sound of an engine came from the sky.

    Sergeant Major Grigori, who had been on guard next to Wang Zhong and the others, shouted, ¡°Take cover!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s our ne.¡±

    He had already seen the ne approaching from the east through a bird¡¯s-eye view.

    The soldiers who had just hit the ground were climbing up when an Il-2 appeared against the morning light in the east.

    Yegorov muttered, ¡°The number is the same as the ne from yesterday, it¡¯s the same one.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s the same one that helped us yesterday!¡±

    Sergeant Major Grigori led the shout, ¡°Hoorah!¡±

    Amidst the shouts of ¡°hoorah,¡± the ne flew low over their heads, and they could clearly see the rockets mounted under its wings.

    The ne seemed to hear the sounds from the ground and rolled sixty degrees, allowing the pilot to look at the ground and salute the people below.

    Wang Zhong felt a sense of significance, feeling that this salute gave meaning to all the struggles they had endured¡ªno, the struggles were definitely meaningful, but it was this salute that now gave those meanings a sense of reality.

    He too returned the salute from the ground to thank the pilot for his help the day before.

    After flying past the farmhouse, the ne rolled back to its normal position.

    Just then, the sun finally showed its face in the east, and the bright morning light shone on Wang Zhong.

 Chapter 62: Rocossov Returns from Hell

    Jules 914, June 29, Sunday, the 7th day of the war.

    At 0730 in the morning, Lieutenant Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky led thest organized remnants of the Ronied soldiers to Bogdanovka.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong actually spotted the defense line of the 63rd Army even earlier than the scouts did.

    In order not to attract the attention of the people around him, he specifically waited for the cavalry scouts to return and report before issuing the order, ¡°Go immediately and inform our allies that we are the Third Rear Amur Group of the Vanguard of Upper Peniye, along with us are the Ronied Support Battalion, and the field hospital. Do not fire.¡±

    The scout saluted, turned his little gray horse around, and galloped away at full speed.

    Wang Zhong left the formation and put on the air of an officer, shouting to the soldiers, ¡°Soldiers! I know you have fought bravely for a day and marched all night, and you are very tired!

    "But now a new mission falls upon our shoulders! We must exhibit the demeanor of a victorious army and inspire the morale of ourrades! Let them know the Prussians can be defeated!

    "All troops, attention!¡±The troops in front of Wang Zhong immediately came to a halt, and themand to stand at attention was passed down.

    Soon, the whole unit stopped moving.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Dress right! Eyes front! Raise your heads and puff out your chests, and walk in step! March ¡ª in unison!¡±

    The previously disordered steps now became uniform, and everyone¡¯s feet ¡°spoke¡± with one voice.

    Wang Zhong stood on a mound, watching the forest of bays passing in front of him, and nodded in satisfaction.

    Although he felt that it was time to sing a song, considering that the soldiers were indeed very tired, he decided against it.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The soldiers of the 510th Regiment of the 75th Division of the 63rd Army watched with amazement at this ragged but high-spirited unit.

    The regimentalmander, Borokino, stepped out of hismand bunker and stood on the hill watching this small unit.

    The military chain stood by his side, marveling, ¡°They look wretched, but every one of them is full of energy. It feels like they are not the remnants of a defeated force, but a troop that has won a victory?¡±

    Borokino: ¡°Don¡¯t you know? They broke through from Ronied, and then, without any reinforcements, held up against a Prussian assault group of elite forces at Upper Peniye. They destroyed dozens of tanks alone.¡±

    "Oh.¡± The chain let out an admiring sound, ¡°That¡¯s impressive. Whomanded them?¡±

    "Count Rocossov.¡±

    The chain was stunned, turned his head with an incredulous look at themander: ¡°Who?¡±

    "Rocossov.¡± Borokino repeated.

    "Which Rocossov?¡± the chain asked again, as the Rocossov surname was quitemon in Livonia and Moravia, and parts of these regions were under the rule of the Ante Empire, which, to consolidate its rule, once had the local nobles exchangends with the native nobility.

    Borokino: ¡°The one who graduated five sses after me, at the bottom of his ss.¡±

    "That Rocossov?¡± The chain was shocked.

    Borokino pointed at the troop: ¡°Look, that one, walking next to the formation. Don¡¯t be fooled by his robust appearance, he worked out just to pick up girls.¡±

    The chain scrutinized that Rocossov from a distance and said, ¡°He doesn¡¯t seem like the Rocossov from the rumors. At least by appearance, he looks now like a seasoned warrior of many battles.¡±

    Borokino pursed his lips, not answering.

    Suddenly, he stepped forward two paces and shouted, ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong now no longer reacted slowly when hearing his own name.

    Looking up in confusion, he saw a colonel he did not recognize at all.

    Shit, he thought, who the hell are you?

    But he quickly realized that looking at an ally from an overview perspective would disy a name, so he decisively switched to remember the name and then switched back.

    "Borokino Aleksandrovich, hello!¡±

    "I heard you did a good job this time!¡± the other side said.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression darkened.

    If this were the past, Wang Zhong would definitely have started to strut and show off by now.

    But now, he could not feel happy at all when he heard the praise.

    He thought of the soldiers who had sacrificed themselves in battle.

    He said: ¡°It¡¯s not good enough. I didn¡¯t do well enough. You see, Aleksandrovich, take a look at my troops, so few have returned, and they are all wounded. I did not do well enough.¡±

    The man across from him was taken aback: ¡°Ah? Uh¡­ you are Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong just nodded.

    The man waspletely baffled: ¡°Uh¡­ it¡¯s already enough! After all, you¡¯ve broken through and held your ground all alone, it¡¯s enough!¡±

    Wang Zhong just nodded his head and passed by the ¡°acquaintance¡± with his troops.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Borokino looked at Rocossov and then at the military chain.

    The chain said, ¡°He really seems to be ming himself, thinking he didn¡¯t fight well enough. So this is the kind of person Count Rocossov is¡­¡±

    Borokino stroked his cheek: ¡°Something¡¯s not right, definitely not right.¡±

    At that moment, the regimental staff officer emerged from themand bunker, reminding, ¡°We should report to the rear the passage of Count Rocossov¡¯s unit through our defense area.¡±

    "Oh yes, report it quickly. I need to make a phone call.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong¡¯s troops had just arrived on the outskirts of Bogdanovka when a jeep pulled up in front of the unit and brought the entire contingent to a halt.

    A major with a staff badge jumped off the vehicle and asked loudly, ¡°Are you the Third Rear Amur Group?¡±

    Yegorov stepped forward, ¡°Yes, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    The major nodded, ¡°Duke Vostrom has ordered that we arrange lodging and provide meals and medical supplies for you. The houses have been cleared out, and the food is ready. Follow me.¡±

    The soldiers, who had just been holding themselves up with forced pride, immediately let out cheers of genuine relief.

    Twenty minutester, Wang Zhong¡¯s soldiers and the wounded were settled in a school, and the hospital reopened its doors.

    Long tables and chairs were set up outside in the schoolyard, suggesting a makeshift dining area.

    The exhausted soldiers rushed to the tables and sat down as soon as they heard themand to disperse.

    Right next to the dining area was the ¡°mess,¡± with rudimentary stoves made of stones andrge campaign pots perched on top. A field cooking team,posed of young women from Bogdanovka, bustled about.

    The girls, with their floral scarves and rolled-up sleeves, were busy beside therge pots.

    Seeing the girls, the spirits of the weary soldiers lifted noticeably, and whistling and bowl tapping became quite a scene.

    But the girls were too busy cooking to pay much attention to them, aside from the asional smile.

    Wang Zhong watched the group and thought to himself how quickly they were able to switch gears. Justst night, they were still immersed in the grief for their fallenrades, and now, they were already flirting with the girls.

    But perhaps it was the sight of the brutal battlefield that made them realize they might not make it back the next time, so they seized the chance to approach the girls while they could.

    Who knows.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t intend to reprimand the surviving soldiers, instead, he stood by with a benevolent gaze.

    Wait a moment, speaking of which, Ludm seemed to have a nickname for me, indicating a rtionship where we could address each other in such familiar terms¡ªcould she be my fianc¨¦e?

    After so many days since his transmigration, Wang Zhong began to consider this possibility for the first time.

    He needed to ask about it as soon as possible.

    Just as Wang Zhong turned to look for Ludm, another jeep drove into the school and stopped next to the major¡¯s jeep that had directed them.

    Two burly men in church military uniforms disembarked from the vehicle, theirrge caps adorned with blue stripes.

    In the open-air dining area, a corporal was the first to spot the blue big caps and nudged his buddy, who was whistling at the girls, giving him a forceful shush.

    The whistler looked around, annoyed, but upon seeing the blue caps, he immediately sat up straight, as if he¡¯d seen a ghost.

    The others curiously turned their heads, and then swiftly shut up, with some signaling to theirrades who were still focused on the girls.

    The dining area became deathly quiet in an instant.

    Everyone watched the two Tribunal Judges approach.

    They came straight to Wang Zhong, saluted him, and asked, ¡°Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky?¡±

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, ¡°That¡¯s me. What can I do for you?¡±

    "We¡¯ve received reports that you were killed in action.¡±

    "Then allow me to enlighten you about the road back from hell,¡± Wang Zhong replied calmly.

    The battles Wang Zhong had been through could indeed be likened to hell, and he really had returned from it.

    Of course, he had also truly died.

    The Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky standing before them was, in the truest sense, a changed man, body and soul.

    For a moment, Wang Zhong wondered if the Tribunal had sensed something amiss, to consider him some champion of the devil or the like.

    After all, in a world where God could guide the Divine Arrow, the existence of demons wouldn¡¯t be surprising, would it?

    The Judge, who bore one more star on his shoulder than hispanion, began to speak, ¡°We received information from Sergei Nikyevich Romanov that you were alive, and we¡¯ve learned about yourmand up until reaching Upper Peniye.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first reaction was, ¡°Who?¡±

    Then he remembered that Sergei Nikyevich Romanov was the ¡°duke¡¯sdy¡¯s sweetheart¡± with whom he had exchanged trousers.

    At the mountain front west of Upper Peniye, Captain Lubokov, overwhelmed by tension, mistook Wang Zhong for a Prussian and took a shot at him. Sergei¡¯s head was injured, and he decided to stay put in the hospital, leaving Wang Zhong no choice but to send him back with the wounded in carts from his fellows.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is Captain Sergei alright?¡±

    The Judge made a face of disgust, ¡°He¡¯s doing very well, ranting all day about us sending him to Ekaterinburg Fortress, apparently, somedy is waiting there for him.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned¡ªthe duke¡¯sdy¡¯s sweetheart, could that actually be true? Now the duchess was a widow, and he¡ª

    He shook his head, casting aside these thoughts.

    Why bother about others? I, Wang Zhong, just need to figure out how to give the Prussians another thrashing.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I have no connection with him. I hope to replenish my troops quickly. We¡¯re still ready to fight.¡±

    Apart from personnel, he also needed to restock on tanks and artillery, T34s preferred!

    Hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s words, the men of the Third Rear Amur Group all looked his way, their eyes sharp and expressions resolute, eager for another round of arm-wrestling with the Prussians.

    The Judge scanned the crowd, took a breath topose himself, and said, ¡°Before that, we need to understand the battle near Upper Peniye. Would you be willing to join us for a while?¡±

    That was when Yegorov stepped in, ¡°Understanding the battle process isn¡¯t the mission of the Tribunal, is it? You don¡¯t handle military matters.¡±

    "You are mistaken, Colonel Ivan Panzhyevich Yegorov. The Army Group¡¯s bishop wishes to understand the battle process; it¡¯s just us he sent to fetch someone.¡±

    "After all, the staff officers are swamped right now, as are the military chains and monks; only we are somewhat idle.¡±

    The Judge cracked a smile that carried a hint of apology.

 Chapter 63: Rocossov and His Band of Heroes Receive Commendations (Alliance Hierarch Added)

    Wang Zhong stood up, but because he had walked for too long, his legs were still numb, and he nearly stumbled to his knees.

    The Judge with one more star reacted quickly to support him, ¡°Be careful, if you had an ident in front of us, we would gain even more infamy.¡±

    So you¡¯re aware of your bad reputation, huh.

    Wang Zhong thought just that, while Yegorov outright said, ¡°So you¡¯re aware of your bad reputation, huh?¡±

    Wang Zhong widened his eyes at Yegorov, wondering if he was always this bold.

    Pavlov¡¯s expression was as if he wereining, ¡°What is this peasant talking about!¡±

    The Judgeughed, ¡°Our job is to instill fear. If everyone saw us and wasn¡¯t scared, then the lurking enemies wouldn¡¯t be scared either. They¡¯d be reckless, right? So it¡¯s better for us to be feared.¡±

    Wang Zhong and his officer squad, which really consisted only of Yegorov and Pavlov, exchanged nces.

    He decided to skip over this matter and straightened his body, saying to the Judge, ¡°Lead the way. By your car?¡±"Alyosha!¡± Before the Judge could respond, a call came from behind.

    General Wang turned around to see Ludm jogging over, holding a te in her right hand with bread, grilled sausages, and pickles, and carrying a cup in her left hand.

    "Have something to eat,¡± Ludm said, ¡°Thest time you ate was at dawn, and you¡¯ve walked so much since then, you must be hungry.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, he indeed was hungry.

    He first bit into the bread, then silently put it back. It was said to be a fragrantrge loaf, but this piece of wood obviously wasn¡¯t one.

    With apprehension, Wang Zhong picked up the grilled sausage and after one bite, stuffed the rest in his mouth without another word.

    He made a note to remember in the future, to trust sausages¡ªlikely all meats were trustworthy.

    Finally, Wang Zhong picked up a pickle.

    It tasted like¡ªwell, like a pickle.

    After eating, Wang Zhong wiped his mouth and took the cup from Ludm. After a sip, he noticed it wasn¡¯t water in the cup, but milk.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Where did the milke from?¡±

    "There¡¯s a whole bucket over there,¡± Ludm said, pointing to arge bucket with a faucet in the distance near the kitchen.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah, cow¡¯s milk.¡±

    "Yes, what else would it be?¡± Ludm asked, confused.

    Wang Zhong tried not to let his eyes wander and answered, ¡°I thought it was mare¡¯s milk.¡±

    Ludm was even more perplexed, ¡°You want to drink mare¡¯s milk? Isn¡¯t that difficult to get now?¡±

    Wang Zhong drank the rest of the liquid in the cup in one go and handed it back to the girl, ¡°Cow¡¯s milk is fine. I¡¯m off.¡±

    "Right,¡± Ludm added, ¡°Monk Yeca Neiko has gone to the Army Group church; we might be deployed somewhere else. Alyosha, I¡­¡±

    Upon hearing that his Divine Arrow squad might be taken away, Wang Zhong became furious. He hadn¡¯t even secured a tank yet, and now they wanted to take his Divine Arrow? He raised his voice, ¡°Without my permission, none of you can leave! I¡¯m going to see the Army Group Hierarch now, I¡¯ll speak to him!¡±

    Ludm breathed a sigh of relief, and her expression softened.

    She seemed pleased.

    Wang Zhong, still fuming with anger, got into the Tribunal¡¯s car and sat in the back, muttering, ¡°Taking my Divine Arrows, what a joke.¡±

    Without the tank and my ¡°short-range¡± anti-tank missile group (referring to the Divine Arrow squad, which Wang Zhong saw as an anti-tank missile group) being moved, this war can¡¯t be fought. I need to have a seriousint to the Brigade Commander¡ªno, to the Army Group Hierarch!

    The two Judges also got in the car.

    Yegorov intended to get in the car as well, but the Judge said, ¡°You don¡¯t need toe. Write a report on thebat process, staff wille to get it.¡±

    Yegorov clicked his tongue and looked back at Sergeant Grigori.

    The Sergeant immediately understood, picked up the captured MP40, and sat in the backseat of the jeep, next to Wang Zhong.

    "I¡¯m a guard,¡± the Sergeant said, ¡°It¡¯s normal to bring a guard, right?¡±

    The Judge nodded and started the vehicle.

    The car thus left the school.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After the Judge had left, all the soldiers from the Third Rear Amur Group breathed a sigh of relief, and the scene quickly livened up again.

    The young girls from the field cooking team began to discuss the Count who had just left.

    They were all girls conscripted from the local area of Bogdanovka; some were even born after the civil war ended, and many were too young to remember anything during the civil war.

    Even though Bogdanovka had been bombed by the Prussians, the Prussian attacks were focused mainly on the train station and the lotive repair factory next to it, so most of the people from Bogdanovka had not really seen someone wounded or killed by Prussian nes.

    Therefore, these girls had little concept of the cruelty of war, and their imaginations of war were mainly influenced by movies, music, and poetry.

    They passionately discussed the words the Count had just said:

    "Natasha, did you hear? The Count said ¡®Then I can introduce you to the road back from hell¡¯, so cool!¡±

    "Yes, when he said those words, his expression made my heart almost jump out!¡±

    "Right, who was that girl who just brought food to the Count? She seemed just a bit older than us.¡±

    As the girls chattered excitedly while working, the auntie in charge of stirring the pot knocked the edge of the pot hard with herrge spoon, ¡°Stop chattering and focus on work, girls! Natasha, look at the potatoes you peeled; I can see spots where you didn¡¯t peel off the skin!¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than someone from the soldiers yelled out, ¡°I¡¯ll eat that potato!¡±

    This caused a round ofughter.

 Chapter 64: Rocossov and His Band of Heroes Receive Commendations (Alliance Hierarch Added) (2)

    But the olddy didn¡¯t even look at the soldiers, instead she continued to berate the girls, ¡°During the civil war, I was part of a field cooking team just like you.¡±

    "I¡¯m telling you, whether noble ormoner, handsome or mischievous, anyone can vanish without a trace!

    "The lucky ones are gone instantly, the less fortunate end up in the hospital, missing limbs, facing a lifetime of hardship!

    "Don¡¯t fall in love with soldiers, girls, don¡¯t! After the war is over, find a lucky fellow with nimble legs to marry¡ªthat¡¯s the right way! The only right way!¡±

    The aunt¡¯s words silenced the soldiers.

    After a moment of silence, Pavlov said, ¡°Auntie, this time it¡¯s different from the civil war! We¡¯ve seen with our own eyes that the Prosen devils are like demons, they ughter civilians at will!

    "We¡¯ve witnessed them dump entire families spanning three generations into manure pits!¡±

    "If we don¡¯t fight, if we don¡¯t annihte them, everyone will be killed, they will take ournd and use our corpses to fertilize their fields!¡±

    The olddy stirred the potato and carrot soup in the big pot while replying, ¡°Yes, I know. That¡¯s why I¡¯m cooking for you.¡±While she spoke, the aunt suddenly couldn¡¯t hold back her tears and began to sob quietly, reminded perhaps of some sorrowful memory.

    The girls gathered around tofort her, but the aunt shouted, ¡°Peel your potatoes! The soldiers are waiting to eat! They are still waiting¡­ to eat¡­¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Meanwhile, at themand headquarters.

    The Chief of Staff of the 41st Army Group ced a map on the table.

    "This is a map drawn by the staff officers. If it were the ignorant Rokossov, he definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to clearly exin how they made it to Upper Peniye,¡± boasted the Chief of Staff, ¡°He would be exposed instantly, and all his lies would copse without a fight!¡±

    The Archbishop of the Army Group came over to look at the map and asked, ¡°Is this map urate?¡±

    "urate, drawn strictly to scale. The biggest difference from a real map is that this one includesndmarks based on aerial photos, all specifically picked ording to the route described by Captain Sergey. If it was indeed Rokossov who directed their retreat to Upper Peniye, he would definitely remember!¡±

    The Archbishop nodded and turned to the Duke, the Commander of the 41st Army Group.

    The Duke said, ¡°Very well, let¡¯s use this to test Count Rokossov¡¯s mettle! If his previous disy of ignorance was all an act to charm the Crown Prince, then we shall rmend him for a medal.

    "If he truly is ignorant, then we must find the real person whomanded this battle and put them to good use!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The Tribunal¡¯s vehicle stopped in front of an unimpressive little building.

    Wang Zhong looked at the building with confusion, ¡°The headquarters is here? It looks just like an ordinary house.¡±

    It was even less impressive than the mechanical mill in Upper Peniye.

    The driving Judge pointed toward the city hall building not far away, ¡°Look over there, we¡¯ve put up a military and national g on the roof, and it gets bombed everyday. Fortunately, the building itself is made of reinforced concrete, which is quite sturdy.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I see, it¡¯s to avoid air raids.¡±

    The Judge said, ¡°A traitor tried to guide the Prosen Air Force to the headquarters with a Smoke Bomb, but we caught and executed him by firing squad. Now, military vehicles are not allowed to stop nearby, nor hang colors that are easily identifiable from the air. After you get out, I¡¯ll have to drive the car away. Hurry on, my lord Count.¡±

    Only after Wang Zhong opened the door and got out of the vehicle did the jeep drive away, and once everyone else had gotten out as well.

    At the entrance of the headquarters stood a young officer with a golden aiguillette on his uniform. Looking at that cord, Wang Zhong felt it resembled the ¡°adjutant cord¡± of a Sturmtiger, with a golden one indicating the adjutant to a general.

    The adjutant made a weing gesture.

    Wang Zhong, however, was not in a hurry. He observed the in headquarters, adjusted his clothes, and then strode confidently towards the entrance.

    Upon entering the headquarters, he heard the familiar ¡°beep-beep¡± of telegraph machines, and by looking down the hallway, he could see a room full of telegraphs with a crowd of operators busily working.

    The Judge led Wang Zhong into the room opposite the telegraph room.

    Inside was a table with a map, around which stood a crowd of high-ranking officers invish uniforms, their medals nearly dazzling Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes.

    Wang Zhong shifted his perspective to survey the room and got a rough idea of who was present, then saluted the highest-ranking among them, the Duke of Vozdrom, ¡°Your Excellency the Duke, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov, at yourmand.¡±

    The Duke returned the salute, ¡°Konstantinovich, I¡¯m d you could make it. Come, tell us how you managed to escape from the encirclement in Ronied.¡±

    As he spoke, the Duke pointed to the map in front of him.

    Wang Zhong immediately went forward and began to exin, using the map.

    He was already well acquainted with maps, having spent years ying various war games before he was transported to this world, some of which were purely about map exercises and aiming for realism.

    And on his way out of Ronied, he had constantly shifted to an overhead view, bing thoroughly familiar with the terrain.

    About fifteen minutester, Wang Zhong stopped talking.

    The adjutant with the golden cord immediately passed him some water.

    The Duke and the other senior officers looked at each other, perplexed.

    Eventually, the Archbishop of the 41st Army Group spoke up, ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich, weren¡¯t youst in your ss at the military academy? Our understanding is that you could barely read a map.¡±

 Chapter 65: Rocossov and His Band of Heroes Receive Commendations (Alliance Hierarch Added) (3)

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, what the hell, is the original host such a waste as toe to this?

    What to do, would it be too obvious if I im to be guided by God and get branded a heretic by the clergy and beaten?

    He spoke up, ¡°I might indeed be thest in my ss, but I can still read a map. The so-called inability to read maps must be a rumor spread by my ssmates, yes, a rumor!¡±

    The Army Group¡¯s Priest looked toward Duke Vostrom.

    The Duke said, ¡°How can you be sure that the front is a defensive gap in the enemy¡¯s line?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure; initially, I only ordered a smoke screen to block the enemy¡¯s superior firepower. As a result, the third wave from the Amur Group charged and went straight to the enemy¡¯s front-line headquarters.

    "At that time, my judgment was that the enemy must have deployed heavy troops to the east to block the breakout forces, so why not reverse the thinking.¡±

    A few senior officers looked at each other once again.

    The Duke asked again, ¡°Why did you decide to defend at Peniye? That was not an order given to you.¡±Wang Zhong: ¡°At that time, we were riding in a captured Prussian truck, and as soon as we saw Lubokov¡¯s troops, we got shelled. Continuing to ride in Prussian trucks would undoubtedly result in more shelling.

    "We had no choice but to dismount and proceed on foot. And there were only a few T28s responsible for guarding Peniye, thin-skinned and filled with fillings; the enemy could take the vige in no time and then continue to advance.

    "We would be caught up with; the enemy is mechanized troops!¡±

    Those beside the map table exchanged nces, and finally, the Duke said, ¡°Then tell us about the defense at Peniye.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the staff brought out a new map, which surprisingly detailed theyout of Peniye vige, with the position of every house marked on it.

    Upon seeing the map, Wang Zhong immediately said, ¡°This map is wrong here; this house should be directly south of the machinery mill.¡±

    He was all too familiar with Peniye, having overlooked it for two days, with many of his soldiers having valiantly sacrificed their lives there. Perhaps even when Wang Zhong grows old, he will still remember this little vige, remembering every brick and tile, every de of grass and tree.

    The Army Group¡¯s Chief of Staff said, ¡°Just make do with it and talk. This is drawn by the staff based on aerial photographs. It¡¯s not precise, but it¡¯s usable.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and began to recall the battle thatsted for 38 hours.

    30 minutester.

    The Alliance Hierarch spoke first, ¡°Well done, Aleksei Konstantinovich, well done!

    "After you have rested, go and repeat this to the Priest of the propaganda department! Make sure they promote it well; we can defeat the Prussian Army with courage and wisdom!¡±

    The Army Group¡¯s Chief of Staff chimed in, ¡°With close-quarters city fighting, you destroyed so many of the enemy¡¯s tanks! You have destroyed more tanks than many tank armies!¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow: ¡°So, I¡¯ve passed?¡±

    He could tell that these senior officers didn¡¯t believe he couldmand and win a battle; they were testing him on purpose.

    The Duke walked around the map table and patted Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich, I admit we were a bit incredulous initially about you fighting a splendid battle, but now we arepletely convinced. Perhaps you¡¯re just not good at taking tests at the military academy!¡±

    Wang Zhong responded seriously, ¡°Your Grace, it wasn¡¯t I who fought the amazing battle, it was my soldiers who fought the amazing battle. I only¡­¡±

    I only cheated.

    But Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t say that, so he stopped there.

    Yet the Duke seemed to understand everything with an ¡°I get it, I get all of it¡± expression, turned to the Priest and said, ¡°Nikita, apply for the honorific of guards for the third wave of Amur Group. And that tank regiment too, the thirty-first tank regiment, right? Apply for them too!¡±

    The Priest looked troubled: ¡°The Amur Group is easy to say, but the thirty-first regiment ispletely wiped out; there¡¯s no precedent for granting the title of guards to a unit that has been destroyed without leaving a number.¡±

    Wang Zhong was deeply distressed when he heard these words, remembering the letter from Gunner 422 in his pocket and Lubokov¡¯s smiling face.

    Just then, a staff officer came in, ¡°Report, aerial reconnaissance results are in. The enemy has not yet upied Upper Peniye, the pilot saw a number 67 heavy tank still in battle.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, ¡°They¡¯re still fighting?¡±

    "Yes, they¡¯re still fighting,¡± the staff officer nodded.

    Wang Zhong stepped forward, grabbing the Duke¡¯s hand, ¡°Quickly send armored troops to their aid!¡±

    The Duke looked troubled, ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich, the Fourth Tank Army is thest armored unit we have.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulders slumped, but then he remembered something and asked, ¡°What is the situation of the defenses, I mean, here at this location?¡±

    Themander of the 63rd Army said, ¡°We have constructed a basic trench system, but¡­ there wasn¡¯t enough time, and due to ack of cement, there are not many anti-tank piles and strong defensive positions built, the situation is very bad. If only we had one more day.¡±

    Having received the answer, Wang Zhong became more certain that Tank 67 must have known this.

    A mechanical failure was just an opportunity, because of the mechanical failure, these brave people decided to simply stay and dy the enemy for another day, to buy time for the defensive line.

    Wang Zhong once again tightened his grip on the Duke¡¯s hand, ¡°Please apply for¡­ apply for the highest honor for Tank 67¡¯s crew!¡±

    He was initially going to say ¡®Hero of the Soviet Union¡¯, but halfway through he remembered there was no Soviet Union here and he didn¡¯t know what the highest honor of the Ante Empire was.

    The Alliance Hierarch nodded, ¡°We will apply for the Gold Star Medal, the highest honor for them.¡±

    The Army Group Chief of Staff chimed in, ¡°As for you, Aleksei Konstantinovich, we are preparing to send you and your troops to Loktov for rest and reorganization. You¡¯d be in charge of reorganizing the disarrayed soldiers from the front. How about that?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No! I can still fight, give me troops, I can kill more Prussian devils!¡±

    The Duke shook his head, ¡°No, I have a premonition that this war is going to be long and nasty, there¡¯s no need for you to hurry to kill Prussians. You look very pale and extremely exhausted, without a trace of color. You and your troops need to rest.

    "We will hold the enemy at Bogdanovka for at least three weeks, by then, after you have rested, I assure you, you will be sent to the most dangerous ce.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought about it and felt that with the Duke¡¯s confidence, there must be ample troops at his disposal, so taking a rest might be good.

    With personnel and equipment replenished, they could better deal with the Prussian devils.

    So he changed his request, ¡°Then, I want to replenish personnel and equipment, I want tanks, artillery¡­¡±

    At this moment, he looked at the Alliance Hierarch and, remembering something, said, ¡°And, don¡¯t transfer my Divine Arrow squad!¡±

    The Hierarch, ¡°The Divine Arrow squad currently assigned to your division, the prayer hand is your childhood friend, right, Aleksei Konstantinovich?

    "I won¡¯t transfer this Divine Arrow squad. Although we are short of Divine Arrows at the front, I think Yeca Neiko Monk¡¯s squad also needs to rest.¡±

    Wang Zhong felt relieved.

    "What about the tanks?¡± he continued, ¡°I want T-34 tanks, the more the better!¡±

    The Duke interrupted Wang Zhong, ¡°You will definitely get personnel reinforcements, but as for equipment, we are all short on equipment now.

    "Loktov is our supply center, go there and ask the logistics department for what you need.

    "You¡¯ll rest in the city today and leave tomorrow morning, taking the empty cars heading back,¡±

    The Duke turned to the Chief of Staff, ¡°Tell the logistics department to send good wine and good cigarettes to the 3rd Rear Amur Group! And of course, beef, as much as they can eat, give them all they want!¡±

 Chapter 66: Young Friends

    ¡°`

    Following the meeting, Wang Zhong felt like he had joined a praise group, showered withpliments by everyone.

    But he didn¡¯t care about that at all; he strove to find a time to hunt for the overall map.

    From his bird¡¯s-eye view, he could only see about two kilometers around the troops under hismand and those he couldmunicate with directly; climbing heights allowed him a slightly farther view.

    This distance might correspond to just one centimeter on the map.

    He needed to find a map, preferably one of the entire battlefield or even the whole country, to understand the current situation.

    Knowing that only a week had passed since the beginning of the war, hepared it to the Barbarossa he knew of; in the first week, the furthest German units had only advanced 170 kilometers.

    If both worlds progressed simrly, then the next week should see the Minsk encirclement.

    Wang Zhong scanned around and spotted the overall battlefield map on the most conspicuous wall with a staff officer attaching markers to it, using a smalldder.So, he left the still-praising officers behind and headed straight for the map.

    When he got there, he suddenly remembered a scene from a movie and, to emphasize his professionalism, he asked, ¡°What time¡¯s reports have the map been updated with?¡±

    The staff officer on thedder replied, ¡°The north is updated with thetest reports; the situation in the south was updated at five in the morning.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and began to scrutinize the map carefully from north to south.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky raced to the map, Duke Vostrom collected his smile and looked towards hismand team.

    They¡¯d praised Rokossovsky not only because he had indeed fought well, but also because Rokossovsky had a good rtionship with the Crown Prince.

    This wasmon knowledge among the nobility.

    Otherwise, a count like Rokossovsky wouldn¡¯t be so well known that even the fifty-five-year-old Duke Vostrom had heard of him.

    Of course, the Duke had only heard rumors about Count Rokossovsky and hadn¡¯t interacted with him directly. Even if they were at the same social event, the Duke wouldn¡¯t engage much with a dissipated young aristocrat.

    The Duke watched Rokossovsky for a while, then turned to his adjutant and asked, ¡°Have you interacted with Count Rokossovsky? Is he always like this?¡±

    The adjutant nced at Rokossovsky and lowered his voice, ¡°I don¡¯t know. The Crown Prince only befriends those who share his interests, and those people are usually the bottom of the ss in any school¡ªI graduated top of my ss from the Suvorov Military Academy.¡±

    The Duke looked at Rokossovsky, then questioned, ¡°Now he¡¯s in Peniye, holding off several times his number in enemy forces. Do you have the confidence to do the same?¡±

    "No,¡± the adjutant answered without hesitation, ¡°especially not the part where he personally took a T28 to nk and take out Prosen tanks. I couldn¡¯t aplish that.¡±

    At that moment, the Army Group¡¯s main chain joined the conversation, ¡°He also rushed to the map with great urgency, obviously very concerned about the war, but I¡¯ve heard he¡¯s only in the military to make money and chase women.¡±

    The adjutant spread his hands, ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just pretending, in order to get close to the Crown Prince. Who knows?¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong was troubled in front of the map.

    As a yer of the ¡°Hearts of Iron¡± game series, he was very familiar with the ¡°Eastern Front¡± of Earth, having fought on it countless times and on both sides.

    He found that although many details were different¡ªlike the shape of coastlines, specific flow of rivers, and distribution of mountains¡ªthe map¡¯s majorponents were simr to the Eastern Front he knew.

    For instance, the northern line was mainly forest and swamp, while the southern line was primarilyrge ins.

    While the countries were organized differently, Wang Zhong¡¯s first stop, Ronied, was on the southern coast, with its location seemingly analogous to Odessa on Earth.

    Traveling southwest along the coastline, nations like Romania would be bordering, but here the map directly showed borders with Prosen.

    No wonder Prosen¡¯s battleships could dock and shell Ronied from the coast.

    What had happened in this alternate timeline¡¯s history?

    But at the moment, Wang Zhong had no leisure to ponder history; through the map, it was clear that three massive Prosen enemy clusters were advancing triumphantly.

    Even though the specifics of cities and river courses were different from the Eastern Front Wang Zhong knew, he could still tell that the Ante Army in the central line was about to be encircled.

    The situation on the southern line where he was located was also dire; they were in Bogdanovka, the capital of the Vostrom Principality and a major city on the southern front. Behind it ran the Dnieper River.

    This was arge river running roughly north-to-south, which would bend in an L-shape westward after passing the Vostrom Principality.

    Looking at the marks on the map, it seemed as if the upper Dnieper was connected to the Bog River, which leads to the northern sea, via a canal.

    It was obvious that this river defense line was extremely important.

    And Bogdanovka was the most critical barrier before the southern segment of the Dnieper River, with a tributary running through here all the way to the coast.

    Initially, Wang Zhong had thought his current location was this¡¯s version of Kiev, but then it didn¡¯t seem right.

    It was too far south.

    The Ante Army¡¯s huge southern group was deployed near the border, which was already doomed. Now the main southern forces were concentrated in Argesukov, northeast of Bogdanovka, right at the bend of the Dnieper.

    The ode Su Fang received earlier seemed toe from Argesukov, saying that it was the headquarters of the Southwestern Front Army.

    Looking at the administrative divisions, Argesukov also appeared to be the capital of the Kazarlia Kingdom, which was the overarching division above the Vostrom Principality.

    ¡°`

 Chapter 67: Young Friends (2)

    ¡°`

    Could that be this timeline¡¯s Kiev?

    The more Wang Zhong looked, the more it seemed so. If the Central Army Group continued advancing, breaking through the canal and then turning south, they could encircle Argesukov.

    But where is the other half of the southern pincer that was blocked by me yesterday?

    Why does it feel off?

    Wang Zhong desperately pondered over the map, as if he were the ¡°yer¡± strategizing in Hearts of Iron once again.

    At that moment, Duke Vostrom approached him and asked, ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich, what is your opinion on the overall situation?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied offhand, ¡°I think the Prosen Central Army Group will encircle Argesukov to the south after breaking through the canal, destroying our heavy troop concentration here.¡±

    The Duke looked at the map without giving his opinion, but the Corps Chief of Staff said, ¡°There is the entire reserve force of the Southwestern Front Army there, just the reserves amount to three hundred thousand men.¡±"No, no, that won¡¯t be the case. If the Prussians couldplete this encirclement, it would be arge-scale encirclement of over seven hundred thousand men; it would make their splendid victory in the Carolingian campaign seem insignificant. I think even the Prosen generals wouldn¡¯t believe such a thing is achievable.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the map with a heavy heart, beginning to consider what he, a mere lieutenant colonel, could do in such a situation.

    Just then, the Duke patted his shoulder, ¡°You should go back to rest. When was thest time you slept?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Twenty hours ago.¡±

    "Go and rest, you are too tired to think straight,¡± the Army Group Chain also said.

    Wang Zhong looked at them, feeling that not only himself but even these generals probably couldn¡¯t influence the overall direction of the war.

    This was only a corpsmand, and looking at the map, only the 63rd Army of this Army Group was in position, the other armies were still on the trains.

    Based on what the Duke had just said, the 4th Tank Army was also part of the 41st Group, but the 4th Tank Army had already been nearly wiped out in a counterattack.

    A general inmand of such an Army Group could only do so much in a conflict of this scale¡ªsimply hold his own line andplete his mission.

    Although worried, Wang Zhong, realizing his helplessness, epted the Army Group Chain¡¯s suggestion, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go rest now.¡±

    The Corps Chief of Staff said, ¡°We will arrange for a vehicle to pick you up from your station tomorrow and take you to the train station. The empty cars will also be organized to depart early in the morning, evading the Prosen bombardment.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Duke Vostrom gave a subaltern a meaningful look, and the young aide stepped forward to gesture Wang Zhong out.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Sergeant Major Grigori was outside the map room, smoking and waiting. Maybe because he exuded an aura of severity, the staff officers kept their distance as they passed by.

    Seeing Wang Zhong, the Sergeant Major put out his cigarette: ¡°Earl, how are things looking?¡±

    "Not bad, we can enjoy some good wine, meat, and cigarettes tonight. We¡¯re setting off early tomorrow.¡±

    "I see.¡±

    The two followed the guide out of the headquarters and then saw arge group of people gathered across the street.

    On closer inspection, they were all young kids, probably only sixteen or seventeen years old, about half boys and half girls.

    The youngsters had blocked the road all the way to the intersection.

    The young people leading the group were shouting, ¡°Why won¡¯t you let us enlist?¡±

    Wang Zhong stopped and watched them from across the street.

    A middle-aged man¡¯s voice could be heard responding, ¡°Kids, we¡¯re only mobilizing adult men right now. Look at yourselves, you¡¯ve just graduated from tenth grade! Boys and girls, we really can¡¯t draft you!¡±

    "We can hold guns too!¡±

    "I can drive a tractor! So I can drive a tank!¡±

    ¡°`

    "I¡¯ve also been in a flying club! I can be a pilot and beat the crap out of the Prosen bastards¡¯ nes!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at them and suddenly remembered a memoir he had read, which recounted how, just two days after the war began, all the children of themune had made up their minds and ran together to the enlistment office to join the army.

    When they got to the enlistment office, ¡°it seemed as if all the young people of the Soviet Union hade.¡±

    Looking at these young people, Wang Zhong suddenly thought that if he hadn¡¯t traveled through time and then the Americans hade over, he probably would also rush to the local military department.

    Thinking this way, these ¡°foreign faces¡± suddenly became familiar to him.

    So, under the call of an inexplicable sense of mission, Wang Zhong climbed onto a truck that was blocked in the middle of the road, stood on the footboard, and shouted, ¡°Young friends!¡±

    He did not use ¡°children.¡±

    The kids turned their heads curiously, looking at Wang Zhong.

    At this moment, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky¡ªWang Zhong¡ªwith the unique aura of a warrior returning from the battlefield.

    His military uniform was dirty, the bandage on his shoulder was dirty, his face was also dirty, but this did not stop him from emitting a dignified, solemn temperament.

    So the young people quieted down, all looking at Wang Zhong in unison.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I understand your feelings! But even if you enlist now, you won¡¯t be sent to the front line immediately. Because that would be sending you to your deaths!¡±

    "We¡¯re not afraid of dying!¡± some young person shouted.

    "Right, I know.¡± Wang Zhong nced at the one who had shouted, ¡°But if you die without taking down a single Prosen bastard, that kind of death is worthless!¡±

    The person who had just shouted shut his mouth.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The battlefield is hell! Even those who havepletedprehensive new recruit training and passed numerous tests, most won¡¯t survive the first hour! No, not even half an hour!

    "So even if you enlist now, you will be sent to the rear, to train for at least three months! However, I have a way that can get you involved in the action against the Prosen bastards right away!

    "Look over there! That¡¯s where the city defense engineering team is recruitingborers! You can join now and build fortifications around the outskirts of the city!

    "Each trench dug will ensure a toon survives the enemy¡¯s artillery! That toon could then inflict heavy casualties on the Prosen bastards!

    "Each anti-tank stake you set up could stop a Prosen tank!¡±

    The young people turned their heads towards the engineering station.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That is the right way to contribute to the country! First dig trenches, then when the enemyes, retreat and enroll in the military in the rear, join the training! I¡¯m looking forward to seeing you as new recruits in my unit in half a year!¡±

    The kids looked at each other.

    Then someone, not knowing who, yelled out: ¡°If digging trenches is so important, we¡¯ll go dig trenches!¡±

    "To dig trenches!¡±

    "Let¡¯s go!¡±

    The crowd surged towards thebor recruitment point of the engineering station.

    When most of the crowd had left, a colonel from the enlistment office came over.

    The colonel was missing an arm and could only salute Wang Zhong with his left hand.

    "You¡¯ve been a great help, Major,¡± he said.

    Wang Zhong saluted back: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it, that¡¯s what I should do.¡±

    The colonel looked at the kids again blocking the entrance of the engineering station and said, ¡°Looking at these kids, I suddenly feel confident. We won¡¯t surrender like the Carolingians.¡±

    Wang Zhong stated firmly: ¡°Of course not. Don¡¯t worry, of course not.¡±

 Chapter 68: Brigadier General Rocossov and His Battle Group

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong actually couldn¡¯t remember very clearly what happened after June 29.

    Mainly, he had returned to the garrison, had a hearty meal, and then fell asleep in the bathtub while bathing.

    By the time he opened his eyes, it was already daylight on the 30th.

    Wang Zhong scratched his head in confusion as he looked at the clean shirt on his body and the newly changed bandage on his shoulder.

    What happened? Who changed my clothes? Who changed my dressing?

    Where am I?

    As he sat up, he found himself more energetic than ever before, and besides the pain in his legs, he could hardly find anything ufortable.

    The high fever from a few days ago seemed as if it had never happened.Getting out of bed, he found that a new military uniform had already been neatly ced in a cab beside the bed.

    Wang Zhong touched his head, remembering that he hadn¡¯t brought any military uniform with him; in fact, he hadn¡¯t brought any luggage at all, as the situation had been rather urgent when he left Ronied, hadn¡¯t it?

    He picked up the military uniform with a sense of puzzlement, quickly put it on, and then found that it fit perfectly, as if tailor-made.

    The only person Wang Zhong could think of who could prepare such a perfectly fitting military uniform was one person.

    Just then, someone knocked on the door.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Come in.¡±

    The door opened, and Ludm entered the room with breakfast, and upon seeing him in the new uniform, she said joyfully, ¡°How is it, it fits well, doesn¡¯t it? I had it prepared by the supply department!¡±

    It really was you.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Was it you who pulled me out of the bathtubst night?¡±

    "No, it was Sergeant Major Grigori who did that, he also changed your clothes, I mean, your shirt and boxer shorts.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, but then realized something was off and looked at the girl: ¡°How do you know I¡¯m wearing a shirt and boxer shorts?¡±

    "Because I prepared them,¡± Ludm said proudly, then ced the tray on the table, ¡°Have breakfast.¡±

    On the tray were oatmeal, bread, fried eggs, bacon and¡ªmilk.

    Wang Zhong skipped the bread and directly forked a fried egg into his mouth, then was pleased to discover it was a soft-boiled egg, cooked just right with the yolk perfectly in between liquid and solid states.

    After finishing the egg, Wang Zhong picked up the bacon.

    Ludm: ¡°You need to eat some carbs! You didn¡¯t have any carbs yesterday!¡±

    As she spoke, she picked up the bread, added bacon to it, and handed it to Wang Zhong: ¡°I personally picked out this bread, it absolutely suits your taste!¡±

    You even know my preferences¡­ Could it really be a fianc¨¦e?

    Wang Zhong sized up Ludm up and down, thinking back to the first time he met her when he had nned on adding her on WeChat, and now, it seemed he had moved forward in one big step, resolving the great difficulty!

    Before Wang Zhong could indulge in the happiness brought by the girl¡¯s tenderness for much longer, the air raid siren sounded.

    Then came the sound of anti-aircraft gunfire.

    Ludm was very nervous: ¡°Quick, to the air-raid shelter!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s fine, the Prosens¡¯ target is the headquarters¡¯ ammunition depot and the train station, not us. Yesterday the corpsmand even said if we left earlier, we wouldn¡¯t get bombed by the Prosens, look at this now!¡±

    As he spoke, he activated his tactical view, only to find that, possibly because the entire troop was resting, he had lost quite a bit of vision, only the sentry at the school gate had some visibility.

    Wang Zhong thought that he needed to remind Yegorov, as the enemy could be very cunning, capable of infiltrating troops simr to the Brandenburgmandos.

    You could never ck on sentry duty.

    As he was thinking, the Prosen airnes appeared.

    Then Wang Zhong was shocked, for he saw a bomber with six engines!

    Switching back to his normal view, Wang Zhong rubbed his eyes hard.

    Not sure, take another look!

    Ludm¡¯s face was full of question marks.

    After returning to the tactical view, Wang Zhong indeed saw a heavy bomber with six engines.

    He counted the gun turrets and was surprised to find that this thing had four quadruple machine gun turrets at the nose, tail, and trailing edges of the wings.

    Additionally, there were two twin-mounted machine gun turrets, one on top and one on the belly.

    An Air Force version of the BV238?

    The BV238 was a seane made by Sturmtiger, which had ns to be converted to and-based version, but those ns were never implemented. After all, even on Earth, Sturmtiger discarded heavy bomber projects like the Me 264 to focus on manufacturing fighters for homnd air defense.

    But in this alternate timeline, the Prosens actually managed to develop this thing?

    Combining this with the Prosen Empire¡¯s territorial map he saw at the Army Group Command the day before, Wang Zhong began to wonder whether this timeline¡¯s Prosen was actually what¡¯s known as ¡°Greater Germany,¡± or even ¡°Jude.¡±

    When ying ¡°Europa Universalis¡± or ¡°Victoria,¡± Wang Zhong would always strive toward this goal when selecting Prussia. And now, this actually came naturally in this timeline?

    Then, the six-engined heavy bomber didn¡¯t seem so strange, did it?

    So the question was, had the United Kingdom been pushed back to India?

    Because he hadn¡¯t seen the world map, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t too clear on this matter.

    At that moment, the enemy nes began to drop bombs, and their target indeed was still the train station, along with the adjacent marshalling yard and lotive factory.

    Amidst the rolling sounds of explosions, Wang Zhong switched back and saw Ludm tilting her head, looking at him intently.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    "What were you daydreaming about? You even rubbed your eyes just now, what¡¯s wrong with you?¡± the girl asked, puzzled.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t mind it, just woke up from some extra sleep.¡±

    ¡°`

    "Asleep while sitting?¡±

    "Uh, pretty much.¡±

    "During a bombardment?¡±

    "I¡¯ve grown used to that rumbling sound, haven¡¯t you?¡± Wang Zhong countered.

    "That¡¯s true,¡± Ludm sighed. ¡°After you fell asleep yesterday, I went to the telegraph office in town to send a telegram home, but the ce had been requisitioned. Being a maiden of honor didn¡¯t help at all; they just wouldn¡¯t let me send a telegram.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned involuntarily. Maiden of honor was a rank in the Russian court hierarchy. Unmarried noble girls were generally maidens of honor, and those of lower nobility might not have the ¡®maid of¡¯ addition, being simply ¡®honor¡¯.

    It seemed that Ludm¡¯s family must also be of count rank.

    A match of equal social standing, eh? The probability of her being my fianc¨¦e just went up!

    Wang Zhong shook his head to rid himself of the thought. Now was not the time for romantic distractions; the day would likely be spent on the journey. Once they reached Loktov, they needed to promptly reinforce their ranks and acquire equipment¡­

    Just then, someone outside shouted, ¡°Report!¡±

    Wang Zhong recognized the voice as Sergeant Majorg Grigori.

    Ludm whispered, ¡°The sergeant major really seems to think of himself as your bodyguard. He didn¡¯t leave your side all day yesterday.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded. ¡°Come in!¡±

    The sergeant major opened the door. ¡°My lord count, a clerk from the headquarters has arrived.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°A clerk? What for?¡±

    If it were about delivering orders, it should have been a courier or a staff officer.

    The arrival of a clerk indicated that it was rted to personnel matters.

    Ludm: ¡°When I went to the telegraph office yesterday, I saw people distributing extras on the streets, with headlines about the great victory at Upper Peniye.¡±

    Wang Zhong was astonished. ¡°That¡¯s considered a great victory? I haven¡¯t even spoken to the propaganda bureau about the battle process yet!¡±

    The girl shrugged. ¡°Byst evening, some rumor had spread, and citizens started bringing gifts to our encampment. Everyone wanted to meet the ¡®heroic Rokossovsky¡¯s Troops.¡¯¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Rokossovsky¡¯s Troops? I¡¯ve never heard of this formation before.¡±

    "That¡¯s what they¡¯re calling us in the extras.¡±

    At this point, the clerk outside seemed to have run out of patience and coughed at the doorway.

    Grigori turned and red at the clerk, who immediately stepped back and hid his figure behind the doorframe.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let him in.¡±

    Only then did Grigori step aside from the doorway.

    The clerk came into the room, ncing at Ludm: ¡°Um, is this a convenient time?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s fine, go ahead.¡±

    The clerk nodded. ¡°All right.¡±

    He took out a small box, opened it, and ced it on the table. Inside were a pair of major general¡¯s shoulder straps, including versions for dress uniform andbat uniform.

    Then he took out an order: ¡°From the Personnel Department of the Southwestern Front Army, based on the outstanding performance of Colonel Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky at Ronied and Upper Peniye, with immediate effect, he is promoted to the rank of major general.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Promoted two ranks at once?¡±

    Clerk: ¡°It seems the report submitted was for colonel, but the approval came back for major general. Are you dissatisfied?¡±

    "No, not at all,¡± Wang Zhong shook his head. ¡°What troops will I bemanding as a major general? Surely I won¡¯t be a general without an army?¡±

    Though the Third Amur Group had been under Wang Zhong¡¯smand, it was actually a result of a change in the order ofmand on the battlefield; he didn¡¯t really have the authority tomand the Third Group, he was even on par with Yegorov.

    The clerk looked somewhat troubled, fiddling with the order in his hand.

    Ludm stood up and took the order: ¡°The order has indeed been received.¡±

    So there was this step as well.

    The clerk seemed relieved and then unfolded another new order: ¡°By the current order, Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky is to organize Rokossovsky¡¯s Battle Group in Loktov. The remnants of the Third Rear Amur Group, the remnants of the 31st Regiment of the Fourth Tank Army, and all remnants of Ronied¡¯s troops are transferred to Rokossovsky¡¯s Battle Group.¡±

    Wang Zhong was bbergasted: ¡°Assigning me a group of remnants? What about my reinforcements?¡±

    The clerk shrank his neck.

    Only then did Wang Zhong realize he had raised his voice, so he calmed his emotions and asked again, ¡°What about my reinforcements? Where are the tanks and artillery I requested?¡±

    "I don¡¯t know,¡± the clerk said, clutching the order. ¡°I just brought two orders. This order, you¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up and personally took the order to establish Rokossovsky¡¯s Battle Group, scanning it briefly.

    At that moment, Yegorov and Pavlov came in. Yegorov casually grabbed a piece of bread from the table, and while eating, said, ¡°It seems you¡¯ve received your order, Count. We¡¯ve just received ours too. It looks like the higher-ups want to follow the Prussians¡¯ example and form battle groups.¡±

    "Prussian devils,¡± Wang Zhong corrected.

    The clerk tentatively asked, ¡°So¡­ may I leave now?¡±

    Wang Zhong waved him off, and the clerk ran off as if he had wings.

    "These clerks!¡± Yegorov said disdainfully.

    Pavlov frowned: ¡°Technically, I¡¯m a clerk too.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Right, which is why I¡¯m not very fond of you either.¡±

    After saying this, he looked towards Wang Zhong: ¡°So, what¡¯s the n, General?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°First, let¡¯s head to Loktov and see the situation. It¡¯s a supply center. If the top brass don¡¯t give us good equipment, we¡¯ll have to find our own way. Just like we did in Upper Peniye.¡±

    In Upper Peniye, Wang Zhong and his men had essentially robbed the local Boye lord¡¯s distillery.

    Yegorovughed heartily.

 Chapter 69: Battlefield â€œLeisure Time

    Jules Year 914, July 2nd.

    The Rocossov Combat Group arrived at Lokhtov on the third day.

    Wang Zhong, with his leanmand team, was waiting on the tform at Lokhtov Train Station for the guests scheduled to arrive today.

    The guards and logistical personnel on the station tform were all tense, after all, a brigadier general was here.

    The brigadier general, formerly known as a brigade general, was renamed after the civil war to align with international standards, adopting the United Kingdom¡¯s usage of the term.

    There were only five people beside Brigadier General Wang Zhong.

    The first was Colonel Ivan Panzhyevich Yegorov, themander of the 31st Imperial Guard Infantry Regiment.

    Although the designation of his troops had changed, they were actually the remnants of the third-ranked Amur Group; they were granted the Imperial Guard designation but had neither the Guard¡¯s standard nor the characteristic rain capes, and the special weapons supplied to the Imperial Guard hadn¡¯t been issued at all.

    The second was Lieutenant Colonel Alexei Sergeyevich Pavlov, the former staff officer of the third-ranked Amur Group, now the chief of staff of the Rocossov Combat Group.After being promoted to thebat group staff officer, Pavlov¡¯s staff team consisted only of an ountant temporarily conscripted from the locale, without even amunications officer; logistics were still managed by the old quartermaster who had been brushed in from the locale¡¯s defense forces.

    In short, it was but an empty shell.

    The third person was the Monk Sufang Batu Wendusu, who had just been promoted to the main priest monk, responsible for leading thebat group¡¯s chorus, which currently had¡ªjust one person.

    The fourth was Monk Yeca Neiko, currently serving as the vice-knight andmander of the Divine Arrow Company of thebat group. Thepany currently had just one firing frame, ten Divine Arrows, a single truck, and one prayer attendant.

    However, at least the Divine Arrow Company had been replenished with ten Divine Arrows; the lone firing team was also fully staffed, and they had acquired an extra truck and a driver, making it the best-supplied unit in the entirebat group.

    This was all the senior military officers of the Rocossov Combat Group at present.

    The others had either been sacrificed or were lying in hospitals.

    Thest person was Sergeant Major Grigori, temporarily serving as the Brigadier General¡¯s bodyguard; he was watching the surroundings with vignt eyes.

    Lokhtov was not only a railway transfer station and a logistics center but also the location of thergest hospital in the nearbybat zone; most of the casualties were sent here, and the Ronied battlefield hospital that moved with the third-ranked Amur Group was also merged into the local hospital¡¯s system.

    Wang Zhong paced back and forth on the tform, making small-talk, ¡°The third-ranked Amur Group became an Imperial Guard regiment, so why is it numbered 31? Have we made 30 Imperial Guard regiments in less than two weeks since the war began?¡±

    The senior officers of thebat group, as well as the guards nearby who heard this, looked at Wang Zhong with surprised eyes.

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°There were already thirty Imperial Guard Infantry Regiments before the war began.¡±

    "Oh, is that so?¡± Wang Zhong had be ustomed to ying the part of a manckingmon sense; since the original owner was terrible, nobody would find it strange, ¡°I see. So we¡¯re the first to obtain the Imperial Guard title since the war started?¡±

    Yegorov nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s wonderful. No matter what the future holds, we have made history.¡±

    If it had been two days earlier, Wang Zhong would definitely not have said such a thing because the honor of bing an Imperial Guard was earned through great sacrifices, and he wouldn¡¯t mock the new designation in such a jesting manner.

    But Wang Zhong was probably the kind of person who adapted easily to the environment, no matter what happened or how sad it was, he would mostly forget about it after a few sleeps.

    This morning, Ludm even teased, saying, ¡°The old Alyosha is back, though only halfway.¡±

    That is to say, the original Rocossov and Wang Zhong shared somemon characteristics in personality.

    Of course, it has now been proven that Wang Zhong certainly wouldn¡¯t wet his pants on the battlefield; on this point, there was a significant difference between them.

    Just then, the distant sound of a train whistle was heard.

    Wang Zhong had already confirmed through an overhead view that the train wasn¡¯t the one they were waiting for, but at this moment he still had to y along, so he asked Pavlov, ¡°Is this the one?¡±

    Pavlov looked towards the switchman¡¯s hut at the northeast end of the station and shook his head, ¡°No, the switchman hasn¡¯t gone to adjust the tracks yet. This train is just passing through.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the train whistled again, showing no sign of slowing down, and it barreled past the tform on a track far from the station.

    The engine was pushing a railway repair car at the front, and pulling a coal wagon behind, with an anti-aircraft car, atop which were mounted quadruple Maxim machine guns on each of its three gun positions.

    The railway repair car was fitted with tracks on both sides, clearly prepared to immediately repair any section of the railway that might have been bombed by the Prosen Air Force on the spot.

    The soldiers in the anti-aircraft car were all tense, for now that it was daylight, Prosen nes could arrive at any time.

    Further back were the sealed cars, each with its doors open, and new recruits peered curiously at the outside world from the edge of the cars.

    A recruit shouted, ¡°Your Excellency the General, how¡¯s the frontline?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s terrifying! You guys might as well get ready to wet your pants!¡±

    The young recruits, utterly unaware of what awaited them,ughed heartily in brave ignorance.

    After saying this, Wang Zhong realized¡ª

    He nced at Yegorov and Pavlov.

    No one spoke anymore about wetting pants, but those who came from Ronied had heard more or less about it.

 Chapter 70: Battlefield â€œLeisure Timeâ€ (2)

    Two officers started pretending to look at the scenery.

    Shit, this won¡¯t be a famous meme in the future, will it? I don¡¯t want anything like that!

    To hide his embarrassment, he asked Yegorov, ¡°Can the Imperial Guard get specialized equipment?¡±

    "Yes, rainproof cloaks, very useful in the muddy season and when it snows heavily. Then there¡¯s the Tokarev Model 8 rifle.¡±

    In this time and space, the Tokarev semi-automatic rifle was standardized in Jules 908, hence the Model 8 designation.

    Submachine guns were only suitable for closebat; theoretically, the Tokarev semi-automatics had an advantage over submachine guns in open terrain.

    Prosen¡¯s regr infantry was still pulling bolts, so the firepower advantage brought by the Tokarev would allow the Imperial Guard to have a better middle-distance advantage over the Prosen Army.

    Theoretically, that¡¯s the case, but since Prosen Army infantry squads generally organized around a machine gun, a squad with one machine gun, the advantage of the Tokarev over bolt-action rifles would be negligible.

    Still, having an advantage was always good. Wang Zhong now dreamed of getting more good equipment for his troops.Although the oue of a war does not depend on the superiority of equipment, having good equipment is certainly better than using poor equipment, as it can reduce a lot of losses.

    Wang Zhong then asked, ¡°So when can we receive these Tokarevs?¡±

    Pavlov jokingly said, ¡°The bullets have already been transported here, we¡¯re just missing the guns and the people to use them.¡±

    Wang Zhong rubbed his forehead; these past few days, he had experienced the chaos brought by the front copsing.

    The good news was that everything was recovering, the bad news was that it wasn¡¯t recovering fast enough.

    Wang Zhong continued pacing on the tform.

    Monk Yeca Neiko then said to Pavlov, ¡°I¡¯d rather have the men replenished quickly than the guns. The barracks are so empty and quiet, it¡¯s so silent at night that you might even have nightmares.¡±

    The orders given to Wang Zhong did not specify the scale of the Rocossovbat group but, because the leader of the troops was a brigadier general, the local logistics department allocated barracks based on the standard for a brigade.

    Therge base could simultaneously amodate three thousand people, as well as their assigned vehicles, ammunition, and fuel.

    However, Wang Zhong¡¯s group had fewer than two hundred people in total, with only fifty-five infantrymenpletely uninjured.

    Of all the troops that had retreated from Ronied, only their group had arrived.

    It was unclear whether the other scattered soldiers were fighting guerri warfare, had been captured, or had been shot by the Tribunal, but in any case, they had note here.

    After all the servicemen with minor injuries had been admitted to the recovery center of the battlefield hospital, the vast camp housed only fifty-five fully intact people, plus various other logistical personnel, such as the field cooking team and fieldundry team, totaling just over three hundred people, which made the ce incredibly empty.

    The barracks housed more sparrows than people.

    All fifty-five of these fully intact men were promoted to nonmissioned officers; in theory, each person wouldmand at least one squad in the future, but there were currently no soldiers to lead.

    Wang Zhong paced the tform, talking to himself, ¡°I thought the future would be nothing but fight after fight, after fight. I didn¡¯t expect to have such a break.¡±

    Yegorovughed and said, ¡°This is your first time on the battlefield. Actually, this is the norm. A war generallysts for a month, even just one or two weeks if it¡¯s fierce, and then there¡¯s a long period of rest.¡±

    "It was the same rhythm during the civil wars.¡±

    "Only the Air Force battles passionately with the enemy every day.¡±

    Wang Zhong actually knew about this because he liked ying war games, and he had read a lot of military history.

    For example, he knew that before the Battle of Kursk, to wait for the muddy season to end, both armies on the southern front had rested for more than three months, with some units resting since February.

    But that¡¯s how it is, ¡°shallow knowledge is gained without experience.¡± Even though he had read so much military history and memoirs, Wang Zhong had not expected to have such downtime before he arrived in Loktov.

    Fortunately, Yegorov and Pavlov had experience. They had brought in musicians with the Bayan and blaika to y music during meals, and they had found a propaganda hall movie projection team to screen films every night.

    Wang Zhong only now learned that what he had always thought was an ordion was actually a national musical instrument called Bayan, which sounds quite different from the ordion.

    And the blaika is a type of triangr guitar, also a national musical instrument.

    Yegorov continued, ¡°During the civil war, I took a liking to fishing. It was an excellent way to pass the time. Just sitting by theke, an entire day would fly by. Plus, at night, you could eat salmon.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, you better not, agreeing to go fishing for salmon at Lake Baikal is not a good omen.

    Just as he was about to say this, many trucks drove into the station, stopping on the side of the tform without rails. Numerous stretcher bearers and nurses jumped down from the trucks.

    Wang Zhong and the others silently made way on the tform.

    Soon after, a whistle sounded from the west.

    The track worker came out from the cabin, performed a series of operations, and then raised a greenntern.

    The sound of the train braking came from the distance.

    At the same time, a few jeeps drove into the train station, each one carrying three doctors.

    Wang Zhong greeted the medical director Losonov, ¡°Doctor, good morning!¡±

    Losonov nodded, his expression exceedingly haggard.

    By then, the decelerating train glided into the tform and slowly came to a stop.

    The people on the train immediately sprung into action, lifting one wounded soldier after another off the train.

    There were no lightly wounded soldiers, probably because all the light casualties had remained at the fronts to continue fighting.

    The doctors fanned out, examining each wounded soldier lined up on the tform, and ced ssification tags on their chests.

    Each doctor was followed by a nurse whose sole duty was to administer anesthetics to those tagged ¡°abandon.¡±

    The stretcher teams continually carried the wounded tagged for priority treatment onto the trucks.

    Everything proceeded in an orderly fashion, as precise as machinery, all faces expressionless.

    Wang Zhong also watched all this expressionlessly.

    All his recent idle thoughts about the battlefield had been washed away.

    It was just an illusion; the cruel war was still ongoing.

    At that moment, a wounded soldier tagged ¡°abandon¡± reached out towards the direction of Wang Zhong and the others: ¡°Father!¡±

    Yeca Neiko walked toward him, taking out his old, faded holy book as he did so.

    Kneeling down, he took the severely wounded soldier¡¯s hand and ced it on the cover of the book, whispering, ¡°Speak, child. I am listening, and so is He.¡±

    Perhaps the anesthetic was taking effect; Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t hear the soldier¡¯s voice. He could only see the Monk bend down and bring his ear close to the soldier¡¯s mouth.

    Looking at all this, Sofya suddenly said, ¡°You know? The wounded in the sanatorium all like female nurses, but these dying men trust Monks like Yeca Neiko more. Even though as a Hymn Monk, I am more favored.¡±

    Wang Zhong did not respond.

    By now, Yegorov had already made a round by the wounded and came over, whispering to Wang Zhong, ¡°Lots of bay wounds. Yesterday was all shrapnel and st injuries. Today there¡¯s been an increase in gunshot and bay wounds.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Closebat has begun. It¡¯s unclear whether Bogdanovka could truly hold out for fifteen days. We must hurry.¡±

    "The problem is, even if we hurry, we can¡¯t get more people, the reinforcements are all headed to Bogdanovka,¡± said Yegorov, frowning. ¡°It¡¯s as if we¡¯ve been forgotten.¡±

    At that moment, the train station master came out of the dispatch room and shouted to Wang Zhong and the others, ¡°Your Excellency the Brigadier General, the train you¡¯ve been waiting for will arrive soon, but under these circumstances, it can only stop at the more distant dispatch tform. Please take the trouble to walk there, the pedestrian bridge is that way!¡±

 Chapter 71: The First Lesson of War

    Wang Zhong and the others had just crossed the overpass to the other side of the tform when they saw the track workers emerge from the hut again, beginning to adjust the rails.

    He switched to an overhead view and indeed saw a training from the northeast.

    There were no emergency repair cars on the train¡¯s head, and the anti-aircraft cannon mounted on the anti-aircraft car had been reced with a 25mm gun.

    Following the anti-aircraft car, as was customary, was a line of ck tank cars, though the first car had the church¡¯s sun emblem painted on its top.

    The car marked with the sun emblem had noticeably fewer people inside, and Wang Zhong, adjusting his angle, saw through the doors of the tank car, now open, an office desk within.

    It seemed that the distinguished guest they were to receive was in this car, while the people in the following tank cars were likely reinforcements being sent to Bogdanovka.

    As a brigade-level unit, the Rocossovbat group was about to be assigned a Military Bishop, primarily responsible for managing arge number of Priests and for presiding over more significant Masses.

    Of course, what Wang Zhong valued most was the Bishop¡¯s role inmunication with the church, and he had already decided that once the Bishop arrived, he would cry poverty to him every day until the Divine Arrow Company was at full strength.

    When Wang Zhong switched back to his original perspective, he could already hear the train¡¯s whistle.The train slid slowly onto the tform.

    A solidly built officer in the church¡¯s military uniform, draped in an Imperial Guard rain cloak, stood in the wide-open doorway of the church car, hands on hips, watching Wang Zhong and his group.

    Seeing this man, Wang Zhong did not know why, but he felt like marching up to him and saying, ¡°You son of a bitch, you¡¯re my Bishop?¡±

    The train had not yete to aplete stop when the Bishop jumped down and strode towards Wang Zhong and his party.

    Wang Zhong had intended to meet the man, but the unloading of other cars had started, and arge group of young men in khaki uniforms and boat-shaped caps began to disembark, immediately drawing his attention.

    By this time, the Bishop had already approached Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Aleksei Konstantinovich.¡±

    Wang Zhong, originally turning his head to watch the new soldiers disembark, immediately focused back upon hearing this form of address, a chill running down his spine. What did it mean, have we met before?

    The other party had not introduced himself, so he was definitely someone Wang Zhong knew. However, Wang Zhong had only seen the other¡¯s name inmand orders and could not even have remembered it without switching to an overhead view¡ªit was Niki Nikanorovich Popov.

    Thankfully, it seemed their rtionship was not close, and Wang Zhong had never been so grateful for theplex vic naming conventions.

    So he also referred to Popov by his name and patronymic: ¡°It¡¯s been a long time, Niki Nikanorovich.¡±

    Popov examined Wang Zhong carefully: ¡°You seem like a different person, Aleksei Konstantinovich, quite unlike how you seemed when you graduated.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed: ¡°You jest, I am still the same, maybe just with a bit more of the battlefield¡¯s aura about me.¡±

    "I thought you might say the aura of hell,¡± Popov said.

    It appeared that the Tribunal had already reported that line, ¡°Then I can introduce you to the road back from hell.¡±

    Popov went on, ¡°Before I came here, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince sought me out to ask me to take good care of his dear brother. I promised His Highness, so I will use these eyes to see if yourmand skills truly are as reported in the telegrams.¡±

    Dammit, Wang Zhong thought, what kind of embellished tales has the Duke of Vostok been telling upstairs?

    ¡°`

    Lucky for me I had cheats and a wealth of war game experience, or you would have seriously screwed me over!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You won¡¯t be disappointed. Oh, I noticed you¡¯re already wearing the Imperial Guard cloak, so does that mean the Third¡ª the Thirty-first Imperial Guard Infantry Regiment¡¯s equipment is also on this train?¡±

    He almost gave the wrong number.

    Popov released Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and shook his head, ¡°No, this is a memento from my time in the Guards Infantry Regiment. Your supplies are on the next train. This train, I¡¯ve brought the Thirty-first Regiment¡¯s Guard g and reinforcements.¡±

    As Popov said this, several Judges with blue caps came down from the train, followed by three Priests, one carrying a rolled-up g, another holding the Double-headed Eagle emblem, and a third carrying a box.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to receive the g, Popov held him back: ¡°The g must be presented in a ceremony before I can give it to you. These three are special clergy from the Grand Patriarch of St. Ye Katerina Fortress.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°Do we really need to go through this kind of formalism?¡±

    "Trust me, it¡¯s very helpful for the troops¡¯ morale,¡± Popov said.

    Yegorov then said, ¡°But what we¡¯re absolutely not short of is morale, weck everything but morale.¡±

    The Judges behind Popov immediately gave Yegorov a sharp look.

    Sergeant Grigori returned the look with an equally piercing gaze.

    Just then, a young man dressed in khaki military uniform ran up to Wang Zhong, snapped to attention, and saluted: ¡°Major General, the 535th Cadet Battalion has assembled.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°Cadet battalion? Which cadet battalion?¡±

    "From the Pokachi Infantry School and Artillery School, Major General,¡± the young man reported, holding his head high.

    Wang Zhong then noticed that his shoulder straps bore no insignia, only a border, which is the mark of a military school student.

    "What a mess!¡± He immediately turned to Popov, ¡°These men will all be officers after some time of training, how can you assign them to front-line units as reinforcements just like that?¡±

    Yegorov also agreed, ¡°ording to regtions, the Imperial Guard is supposed to be replenished with veterans returning from recovery, what¡¯s going on with assigning us new recruits?¡±

    Pavlov interjected, ¡°You¡¯re the one causing trouble, the war hasn¡¯t even been going on for half a month yet, where are the veterans returning from recovery? Look, the Major General is just slightly wounded, he just finished dealing with the pus!¡±

    These words made Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder start to feel phantom pain. He was reminded of the day before, when he cleansed the wound with alcohol during dressing changes.

    At this moment, a young man stepped forward from the ranks of the academy, loudly saying: ¡°Report! We have receivedprehensive training, our military skills are much better than average recruits!¡±

    Wang Zhong pushed aside the student in front of him and walked over to the reporting student, ¡°It¡¯s not that we doubt your military skills, it¡¯s that you should be ying a greater role. How much longer until youplete your studies?¡±

    "One year, Major General! But, Mother Ante is calling!¡±

    All of Wang Zhong¡¯s words were choked back by this statement, ¡°Mother Ante is calling.¡±

    He turned to Popov, ¡°Are there really no other units left? What about the people called up by the total mobilization?¡±

    "They¡¯re in training,¡± Popov answered, ¡°and those who are already reserves have their own units which are now heading to the front line in formation. I think it¡¯s more efficient than disbanding them to reinforce units that have taken casualties on the front. The Reserve Army believes that the first batch of inexperienced adults conscripted in October willplete their basic training by the end of the year.¡±

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The penal battalion?¡±

    Popov: ¡°How could we possibly assign a penal battalion to reinforce the Imperial Guard? Aleksei Konstantinovich, you¡¯d better consider how to use your miraculousmand skills to help them survive the war as much as possible.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, always feeling that Popov was being sarcastic.

    However, Popov did have a point¡ªif hemanded with more finesse, perhaps a majority of these young men could survive their first battle.

    He turned to ask the cadet unitmander: ¡°How many of you are there?¡±

    ¡°1,200, General sir,¡± themander replied.

    Yegorov muttered under his breath, ¡°Not even enough for a full regiment.¡±

    Pavlov red at him.

    Yegorov immediately raised his hand in a gesture of surrender: ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll shut up. You¡¯re the regimental staff officer, you¡¯re the boss.¡±

    In fact, as the Guards Regiment Commander and a colonel, Yegorov held a slightly higher rank.

    Wang Zhong ignored these two old foes; he walked to the far right of the cadet ranks and ordered, ¡°Everyone, take out paper and pen and write down your full name!¡±

    Although everyone was puzzled, they obeyed the order.

    Starting from the first row on the right, Wang Zhong collected the slips of paper and read the names aloud:

    "Alexey Nikyevich Melekhov!¡±

    ¡°¡­¡±

    After Wang Zhong had read a few names, the young man who previously shouted about his mother calling out asked, ¡°General, are you really going to read all 1,200 names at once?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the only way I can remember all your names and match them with your faces.¡±

    His statement instantly caused whispers to spread among the young men.

    The same ¡°mother calling¡± cadet shouted again, ¡°That¡¯s impossible to do! Why waste the time?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I can do it.¡±

    Even if he couldn¡¯t, he could rely on a temporary trick to help, but Wang Zhong swore that he would gradually associate all their faces with their names.

    As for the reason¡ª

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Most of you will die within the first hour, maybe even the first half hour ofbat. I can¡¯t guarantee to bring all of you back alive, but I can at least remember your names and faces.¡±

    He approached the ¡°mother calling¡± cadet, took the slip from his hand, and read out loud, ¡°Vasily Alexandrovich Leonov!¡±

    "Here!¡± Vasily responded loudly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ve remembered you, I promise.¡±

    Vasily held his head high, as if it were something to be proud of.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to move on, Vasily spoke again, ¡°General, they say you destroyed 20 enemy tanks at Peniye, is that true?¡±

    Wang Zhong corrected him indifferently, ¡°It was eight. And nearly my entire crew died, with the only surviving driver suffering a leg injury, now lying in the hospital.¡±

    This statement excited all the cadets: ¡°One against eight!¡±

    "Didn¡¯t they say the Prussians had superior armor?¡±

    "Looks like they¡¯re not so tough after all!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows knitted together as he raised his voice, ¡°The Prussians are very strong! Underestimating them will cost you dearly! Many of them are veterans who have fought in numerous wars!¡±

    The young men fell silent, looking at Wang Zhong with seriousness.

    "Let¡¯s continue.¡±

    With that, he started collecting the slips of paper from the young men again.

    Sergeant Grigori appeared with a wooden box from somewhere, following Wang Zhong, allowing him to ce the slips inside.

    Momentster, Wang Zhong read thest slip and put it into the box, saying to the Sergeant, ¡°Seal this well and keep it in my quarters where I can see it at any time.¡±

    The Sergeant nodded.

    Just then, the train transporting the young students started moving, slowly leaving the tform, while on the opposite tform the train carrying the wounded had already left earlier.

    Only the grievously wounded who had been given up for treatment remained on the tform, while the station staff were washing away the bloodstains with water. The bloody water flowed down the cement tform, staining the concrete and the roadbed stones below a deep red.

    Seeing the scene, Wang Zhong was struck with an idea: ¡°Attention, everyone! About face!¡±

    The 1,200 reinforcements turned to face the opposite tform, which was drenched in blood.

    The sight of blood quieted even the rowdiest cadet.

    All but one.

    Vasily asked in confusion, ¡°Why are those wounded soldiers left there?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Their injuries are too severe, and it¡¯s not worth using medicine to try to save them. In a while, they will be carried to the local church and handed over to the Priest.¡±

    Silence hung over all the young faces.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is your first lesson from war, students.¡±

 Chapter 72: The True Courage (Alliance Hierarch Sponsored)

    The crowd was silent, fixated on the tform across from them when Vasily suddenly shouted, ¡°Filippov, beat the drum!¡±

    Wang Zhong was startled; how could this troublemaker still be alive and kicking? Beat the drum?

    He looked at Vasily, who was exceptionally tall, standing out even among the cadets who were already quite tall, easily distinguishable over the rows of people.

    And that Filippov, obedient as ever, actually took down the marching drum strapped to his back and began to beat it.

    From the drumbeat alone, it was impossible to tell what song it was, but Vasily immediately began to sing:

    "Our march is long and hard~

    "Soldiers, look ahead!¡±

    Wang Zhong instantly recognized the song; it was ¡°Departure,¡± but wasn¡¯t it a work from the fifties or sixties?

    The other cadets immediately joined in the singing:"The team¡¯s banner flutters in the wind, themanders lead the way!¡±

    Then they entered the song¡¯s signature section; the ¡°Departure¡± in Antenguage sounded like a ¡°bang¡± made with the mouth, the beauty of this song being its use of the word ¡°Departure¡± repeatedly, like the pounding of the drum or artillery firing.

    "Soldiers, advance, advance, advance!¡±

    With the sound of ¡°Departure,¡± the cadets began to move in unison, as if marching in step.

    The chorus suddenly leaped from ¡°natural minor¡± to ¡°major,¡± opening up into a bright and clear sound:

    "My dear girl

    "On my way, I will write to you as I return!

    "Hear the bugle calling, soldiers, depart!¡±

    The railway workers cleaning blood on the opposite tform stopped and looked over across the tracks.

    Even those severely wounded, barely hanging on to life, struggled to turn their gaze this way.

    Yegorov also joined in the singing:

    "Each soldier, brave and young,

    "Their gaze sharp as an Eagle!

    "We all have the highest glory

    "For having achieved great deeds in battle!¡±

    It was only then that Wang Zhong snapped out of his shock. He was infected by the vibrant energy and fearless courage of the youth and began to sing loudly, ¡°Soldiers, advance! Advance! Advance! My dear, I will write to you, on my way as I return! Hear the bugle calling, soldiers, depart!¡±

    After one round, Vasily began to whistle, his shrill whistle much like the screech of a seagull, mocking the storm with abandon!

    As the song entered the second verse, a transport train coincidentally arrived at the station, its driver looking on in amazement at the soldiers swaying in unison on the tform.

    After the anti-aircraft carriage passed, the countless young faces in the sealed freight cars looked at the tform and also began to sing loudly.

    "Soldiers, advance, advance, advance!

    "My dear, I will write to you, on my way as I return!

    "Hear the bugle calling, soldiers, depart!¡±

    In the grand chorus, it seemed as if the train itself was hastened by their singing!

    At that moment, Wang Zhong could only think of one thing: There is only one kind of true heroism in the world, and that is to still love life after recognizing its true nature.

    And on the battlefield, there is only one kind of true heroism, which is to gear up and set out again after recognizing the horrors of war.

    He paced on the tform, each stepnding on the beat.

    At the end of the song, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Vasily, for not following parade discipline, you will clean thetrines today. The drummer, you will do it with him.¡±

    "Eh?¡± Vasily protested loudly, ¡°Didn¡¯t I just boost everyone¡¯s morale?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°That¡¯s why you are not being confined. But breaking discipline is breaking discipline. Remember, you go to clean after everyone has gone to sleep tonight, and you¡¯ll also have to carry the waste pails to the dung pit.¡±

    Just then, Priest Popov came over: ¡°Don¡¯t take my job from me.¡±

    He turned towards Vasily: ¡°Boosting morale ismendable, but discipline must not be broken. After everyone has gone to sleep tonight, clean thetrines, and then carry the waste pails to the dung pit.¡±

    The hell is the difference from my order!

    Before Wang Zhong couldin, Popov turned to the priest holding the guard g: ¡°Give me the guard g; I think this regiment really doesn¡¯t need any formalistic stuff. They are worthy of this g.¡±

    Yegorov immediately protested: ¡°The new recruits indeed have high spirits, but my veterans are even more spirited! And they earned that g with their struggles! It should go to the veterans!¡±

    Wang Zhong dered, ¡°It¡¯s all the same. Give it to me.¡±

    Popov took the g, nted the gpole, and fully unfolded the banner.

    The white background, adorned with St. Andrew¡¯s Cross, and then the Double-headed Eagle and the number 31, as well as the Infantry¡¯s insignia.

    To be honest, Wang Zhong always felt there was something off about this g¡ªthe Double-headed Eagle was grand andvish, yes, but¡ªwell, when the g wasn¡¯t unfurled, it somewhat resembled a white g.

    He shared his thoughts truthfully.

    Vasily: ¡°Pfft.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Do you want to continue cleaning toilets tomorrow?¡±

    The thorn in the side immediately tightened his face and stood at attention, chest out.

    Yegorov: ¡°It¡¯s not bad, at least St. Andrew¡¯s Cross is blue. Carolingian¡¯s g is what really looks like a white g.¡±

    Pavlov frowned: ¡°Their g has a silver fleur-de-lis pattern on it, it¡¯s just the silver on white that makes it hard to discern from afar.¡±

    Comints notwithstanding, Wang Zhong still took the Guard¡¯s g on behalf of Yegorov.

    He suddenly realized he didn¡¯t know what to do next with this g, as he hadn¡¯t seen this procedure before.

    Was just handing it to Yegorov all there was to it?

    As he was pondering, Popov said, ¡°You should pass the g to the color bearer; if there isn¡¯t one, then you need to select one.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately looked toward Vasily, who lit up with excitement at once.

    Theoretically speaking, Vasily was the tallest, and when Wang Zhong was in junior high, high school, and during university military training, it was always the tallest person who became the color bearer and walked at the very front of the ss¡¯ formation.

    But he hesitated.

    Would being a color bearer make one an easy target?

    In the end, Wang Zhong handed the g to the second tallest, Zakayev.

    Vasily: ¡°Why not me?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If you don¡¯t want an extra day of toilet cleaning, shut it.¡±

    Then Wang Zhong turned to the leader of the trainees¡¯ formation: ¡°Fall in, prepare to return to the barracks.¡±

    "Yes, General sir! All present! Eyes right!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Inside the barracks, the veterans were gathered on the parade ground, idly chatting, when suddenly someone ran past quickly, shouting, ¡°They¡¯reing! Not just with the Priest, but also a whole bunch of new recruits! Quick, fall in!¡±

    The veterans promptly stubbed out their cigarettes and started to fall into ranks,pleting the formation in less than a minute.

    Then the sentry at the gate of the barracks lifted the barrier gate and presented arms.

    A tall new recruit carrying the Guard¡¯s g led the way at the front, followed by the new recruits arranged in four columns.

    Observing the new recruits¡¯ marching, the veterans murmured, ¡°These guys march so well, are they really recruits?¡±

    "They might have served in the reserves.¡±

    "At least we won¡¯t need to teach them how to march in formation.¡±

    "Why are they still equipped with the old-fashioned bolt-action rifles? What happened to the Tokarevs we were promised?¡±

    "No cloaks either!¡±

    "Quiet!¡± barked the only unscathed Warrant Officer Sergeant Major of the regiment, ¡°Shut your traps!¡±

    A momentter, the trainees halted in front of the veterans, and at themand, they executed a crisp left turn to face the veterans.

    Between the two groups, General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky spoke loudly, ¡°These are our reinforcements. You veterans are all squad leaders now. I will personally assign the new greenhorns to you! Those called out, step forward!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Thirty minutester, the only new recruit left, Vasily, looked at Wang Zhong with admiration and asked, ¡°Did you really memorize all of our names?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself no, I cheated a bit, but you,d, I definitely remembered.

    "Yes,¡± he unapologetically admitted, ¡°I said I would remember you all, remember every person who sacrifices. It¡¯s my responsibility.¡±

    Vasily nodded, then asked, ¡°So¡­ which ¡®old senior sergeant¡¯ will take me under his wing?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re a headache, and I don¡¯t trust anyone else to handle you. Grishka!¡±

    Grishka was Grigori¡¯s nickname.

    Sergeant Major Grigori stepped forward promptly: ¡°Present!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re in charge of him! Teach him as much as you can about surviving on the battlefield before the war breaks out.¡±

 Chapter 73: The Swindling Brigadier General Rocossov

    That evening, Vasily and Filippov cleaned thetrine by candlelight.

    Vasily said, ¡°I think the brigadier really likes me!¡±

    Filippov, shocked, looked up at his much taller ssmate, ¡°Why? Just because he made you clean thetrine?¡±

    Vasily replied, ¡°It¡¯s a feeling, think about it, why didn¡¯t he let the tallest one, me, carry the g?¡±

    "Because you irritated him,¡± Filippov answered instantly.

    "No! It¡¯s because carrying the g is dangerous!¡± Vasily said confidently, ¡°He wants me to stay alive. Later, he even found the best ¡®old sergeant¡¯ to train me!¡±

    The term ¡°old sergeant¡± is an informal nickname for an experienced and respected senior nonmissioned officer.

    Filippov said, ¡°He just doesn¡¯t want you causing trouble! I think Natasha was right; you¡¯re always daydreaming!¡±

    At the mention of Natasha, Vasily¡¯s face darkened; she once was his girlfriend, but she took the initiative to break up with him because ¡°you¡¯re always daydreaming.¡±Realizing his friend¡¯s gloominess, Filippov quickly tried to make amends, ¡°She also said you were full of idealism and romanticism, look on the bright side.¡±

    Vasily stubbornly said, ¡°I think this time it¡¯s not daydreaming. The brigadier really thinks I suit his taste.¡±

    "Ohe on, you¡¯re the first person our principal can¡¯t stand! Which general would think you suit his taste?¡±

    "You don¡¯t know? I heard that when the brigadier was at the military academy, he was the person his principal despised the most! That¡¯s why he sees himself in me!¡±

    Filippov was left speechless.

    Just then, Sergeant Grigori entered, ¡°What¡¯s taking you so long?¡±

    Before he could finish talking, he frowned deeply and snatched the tool from Vasily¡¯s hand, ¡°That¡¯s not how to use this! Haven¡¯t you ever cleaned out the privy in the vige?¡±

    "No,¡± the two of them answered in unison.

    Vasily said, ¡°We¡¯re both city folks.¡±

    Filippov added, ¡°His dad is a music professor!¡±

    "Don¡¯t talk about that,¡± Vasily said, his brow furrowed, his expression even worse than when he heard Natasha¡¯s name.

    Grigori paused, then looked at Vasily, ¡°Music professor, huh? No wonder you sang well this morning. Too bad the enemy¡¯s bullets won¡¯t go around you just because you have a good voice. Let me teach you how to clean out manure first.¡±

    Vasily asked, ¡°Sergeant, have you done it?¡±

    "Of course, in the vige, everyone except the nobles¡¯ children has done it. Don¡¯t look down on this stuff. It¡¯s dirty, but it¡¯s the promise of a good harvest next year. Without it, the cost of fertilizer is unbearable!¡± Grigori spoke while skillfully working.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Meanwhile, Wang Zhong, who was ¡°despised the most by his principal during his school years,¡± was meeting with hismand team at the regimental headquarters.

    They covered the electric light with a pillowcase and drew the curtains, gathering around the map table.

    Currently, Prosen¡¯s aircraft weren¡¯t conducting nighttime bombing, so there was nomand for a ckout, but the men still consciously implemented light control measures.

    On the table, on top of the map,y a list book, and Yegorov tapped the list with his index finger, ¡°It seems like a lot of equipment has been replenished, but when ites to anti-tank weapons, we only have the anti-tank rifle, and that¡¯s not enough!¡±

    Bishop Popov asked, ¡°So, the anti-tank rifles are not effective?¡±

    "Hitting the side is a matter of luck; the front can only target the viewing ports. Sometimes, if you¡¯re lucky, you can jam the turret ring,¡± Yegorov shook his head. ¡°Most of our battalion¡¯s anti-tank rifles were abandoned in Ronied. The anti-tank rifle operators were either killed or captured.¡±

    Popov frowned, ¡°You managed to destroy so many tanks at Peniye without anti-tank rifles¡­¡±

    "That was done with Molotov cocktails. First, we need to use fire to cut off the enemy infantry and leave the tanks without infantry protection, then approach and throw the Molotov cocktails,¡± Yegorov sinctly exined.

    "But the problem is, most of the weapons we¡¯ve been supplied with are Tokarev semi-automatics, suitable for exchange of fire with the enemy on the ins. The appropriate engagement distance is one to two hundred meters.

    "Molotov cocktails, on the other hand, are for closebat and can only be used within fifty meters. At such times, submachine guns are much more useful than semi-automatics.¡±

    After a brief pause, Yegorov raised his voice, ¡°We need anti-tank guns, even 45mm ones would do, but preferably the heavy 76mm anti-tank guns!¡±

    Popov sighed, ¡°In theory, there should be no shortage of 45mm guns. If they haven¡¯t been assigned yet, it¡¯s probably because the logistics system hasn¡¯t been fully restructured yet.

    "And because of the bombing by enemy nes.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°What about the 76mm?¡±

    "Those are already in short supply and difficult toe by,¡± answered Popov. ¡°Also, I¡¯m here to be a bishop, okay? Don¡¯t treat me like a supply battalionmander. Shouldn¡¯t logistics be handled by the staff officers?¡±

    Pavlov, who suddenly received the conversational ball, replied immediately, ¡°That¡¯s true, but look, do I have anyone here? If you don¡¯t believe me, just take a look at this map on the table!¡±

    Pavlov pushed aside the supply lists to reveal the map.

    "This map is what I copy every day by running to the local military depot myself and copying their maps.¡±

    Normally, staff officers are responsible for updating the situation of friend and foe on the map based on the battle reports they receive, but without any staff officers, Pavlov had to update it himself.

    Pavlov continued toin, ¡°Because we have no logistics staff, naturally no one is arranging supplies, and even theundry and cooking teams in our camp are ones I had to request personally.

    "Before, feeding a couple hundred people wasn¡¯t a big drain on supplies, but now all of a sudden we have over a thousand. Tomorrow I¡¯ll have to go to the military depot again to ask for supplies.

    "Besides logistics and maps, we also need amunications staff officer. We don¡¯t even have amunicationspany, nor do we have any mounted couriers. When you add it all up, we¡¯re missing quite a lot!¡±

    Popov: ¡°Shouldn¡¯t the local military depots supply you with radios?¡±

    "They did, but we don¡¯t have telegraphists or cryptographers. Are we supposed to learn how to use radios and decipher codes using a codebook ourselves?¡± Pavlov sighed, ¡°I know this is because the war started less than two weeks ago, and we have just recovered from the rout, but the situation is still beyond my expectations.¡±

    At this point, Wang Zhong spoke up, ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll visit the hospital to see if there might be some telegraphists or cryptographers who were only lightly wounded. After all, they don¡¯t need to operate on the front line.¡±

    The others shook their heads in unison.

    Pavlov said, ¡°All the wounded thate here are seriously injured. Where can you find lightly wounded?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s always good to check, right? What if I get lucky and find someone?¡±

    Pavlov shrugged, ¡°Sure, you can try.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°They say we¡¯re reorganizing the troops that have broken ranks, but it¡¯s been three days, and only we havee here. Where are the troops that broke ranks?¡±

    Everyone fell silent.

    The truth was not that there were no troops breaking ranks, but rather that none hade from Ronied.

    Wang Zhong pped the table, ¡°Now we have people. Tomorrow we¡¯ll set up checkpoints outside the city to pull in recruits. The fleeing troops are bound to head east and surely pass through here. I refuse to believe we won¡¯t find anyone!¡±

    Popov reminded him, ¡°The order was only to reorganize the troops retreating from Ronied.¡±

    Wang Zhong pped the table again, ¡°Screw it! Among the civilians fleeing through here, if there are any who understand paperwork, logistics, or can send telegrams, we¡¯ll persuade them to join too. We¡¯ll tell them they don¡¯t have to go to the front line.¡±

    Popov said, ¡°Why not just conscript them?¡±

    Yegorov added, ¡°You can die away from the front line just the same. Our headquarters is just a brigademand, we can¡¯t be too far from the front, and we¡¯re sure to be bombed all the time.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°That¡¯s why we have to tell them the truth and then persuade them.¡±

    Bishop Popov looked at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and said, ¡°Is this really you speaking? Aleksei Konstantinovich?¡±

    It seemed the original owner wouldn¡¯t have been so considerate of the civilian sentiments.

    Confidently, Wang Zhong said, ¡°It really is me. Along the way here, I received a lot of help from civilians, which changed my attitude towards them!¡±

    Popov wore a ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding me¡± expression.

    Ignoring Popov¡¯s skepticism, Wang Zhong dered, ¡°That settles it. We can¡¯t just assume that Bogdanovka can hold for half a month. We need to act. If the higher-ups won¡¯t supply us, we¡¯ll find our own way. Just like we nned beforeing here!¡±

    Yegorov mmed the table with force, ¡°That¡¯s the spirit! These past few days I¡¯ve been so idle I¡¯m practically getting sick from it!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Early the next morning, the Rocossov battle group¡¯s streamlined team immediately sprang into action.

    Popov took his men to the train station to receive the military supplies designated for the battle group.

    Yegorov led people to set up checkpoints on the western roads of the city to detain passersby.

    Pavlov went to the military depot headquarters to plead poverty.

    Yeca Neiko and Sofan went to the local church to plead poverty.

    Wang Zhong went to the hospital to see if there were any loopholes to exploit.

    Everyone was in motion.

    Wang Zhong, apanied by Grigori and his assigned driver Vasily, boarded the Jeep, with Grigori at the wheel.

    Just as they were about to set off, Ludm suddenly rushed out of the dormitory, grabbing the rear car door, ¡°Wait, take me with you, Alyosha!¡±

    "What are you going to do?¡± Wang Zhong asked in confusion, ¡°Can you¡­ treat the wounded?¡±

    After all, she was a prayer hand, and since she could guide rockets to their target like missiles, she could probably make use of Holy Light or something¡ªright?

    Ludm said, ¡°What are you rambling about? Isn¡¯t the healing power of Holy Power only found in legends? It¡¯s like Prosen¡¯s Valha.¡±

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°Then what use are you at the hospital? It¡¯s dirty and¡­¡±

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong saw Pavlov off in the distance, wobbling on a bicycle as he appeared!

    With Pavlov¡¯s size, he would need at least a 26-inch bike to fit him, and a 28-inch would feel ¡°right.¡±

    But he rode a 24-inch bike, looking like a bear curled up on a fire hydrant.

    Looking at his posture on the bike was so ufortable for Wang Zhong to watch.

    Pavlov charged towards Wang Zhong, stumbling as he got off the bike, but luckily Vasily was quick to jump out of the Jeep and catch him.

    Confused, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Did the enemy break through the line? Where is your Jeep?¡±

    Pavlov panted, ¡°I left¡­ left the driver to guard it!¡±

    "Guarding what?¡±

    Grigori immediately flipped off the safety of his submachine gun and checked the chamber with a click.

    Pavlov waved his hands frantically, ¡°No! That¡¯s not it! I¡­ damn it, let me catch my breath.¡±

    After tossing aside the bicycle and leaning on Wang Zhong, Pavlov caught his breath for about half a minute.

    Having recovered somewhat, he said to Wang Zhong, ¡°This morning, I went to the military depot headquarters¡­¡±

    "I know that part. Get to the point,¡± Wang Zhong interrupted him.

    Pavlov replied, ¡°Oh. Do you know about the repair factory in the city?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°I know. They fix cars, what about it?¡±

    Pavlov exined, ¡°They have more than just cars there. They also keep the stuff that wasn¡¯t destroyed when the cars were strafed. Anything intact was taken by the military depotmand, and the broken pieces were left there.

    "Then the mechanics saw all those broken guns piled up and took parts to assemble three guns. Two 45mm ones, and one 76mm!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth formed into an ¡°O¡± shape.

    "Doesn¡¯t anyone want the guns?¡± he asked.

    Pavlov eximed, ¡°They just finished assembling them yesterday and reported it today. I rushed to the repair factory when I saw the report and had the driver guard them with a loaded pistol, forbidding anyone to take them. If we grab them now, they¡¯re ours!

    "I can¡¯t drive, so I borrowed this bicycle from one of the mechanics¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong questioned, ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you stay there yourself and let the drivere back in the Jeep to report?¡±

    Pavlov paused, confused, ¡°Huh? Oh, right. No, wait, the guns! Hurry, we¡¯ve got to grab those guns! Maybe no one wants the 45s, but the 76mm is a treasure!¡±

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh, ¡°Great! Vasily, run and order the first squad to stop their training and assemble here on the run!¡±

    Vasily didn¡¯t move.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter with you?¡±

    Vasily replied, ¡°We should send the third squad, they¡¯re from the Artillery School after all.¡±

    Wang Zhong and Pavlov looked at each other, then cursed, ¡°You stubborn mule, can¡¯t you follow orders for once without arguing?¡±

    "So, I¡¯ll go call the first squad?¡±

    "No, call the third squad.¡± Wang Zhong red at Vasily with a murderous look, ¡°Run! And run fast! Don¡¯t make me kick your ass!¡±

 Chapter 74: The Dispute Over the Cannon

    Loktov City isn¡¯trge; walking from the northernmost to the southernmost end takes just half an hour, and if you walk a bit faster, it might take only a little over twenty minutes.

    If you had a bicycle, you could ride from any point in the city to just about anywhere else within fifteen minutes.

    Wang Zhong sat in the jeep, leading the third toon in a jog, and it took less than fifteen minutes to reach the repair shop, including the time they gathered.

    Before they arrived at the repair shop, Wang Zhong could already see another group of people blocking the entrance from afar.

    This group, led by a Priest, was moring at the entrance, ¡°Why won¡¯t you let us in!¡±

    "The cannon is firste, first served!¡±

    "These cannons were supposed to be resupplied to us!¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s driver, who had also survived from Peniye, showed no fear and shouted with his pistol in hand, ¡°Nobody is allowed to touch the cannons! Staff Officer Pavlov has already requisitioned them!¡±

    The other side retorted, ¡°We don¡¯t know which Pavlov you¡¯re talking about! Is it the one who raises dogs?¡±Wang Zhong was shocked, what, there is also a Pavlov known for raising dogs in this world?

    But this isn¡¯t surprising, as Pavlov is a fairlymon surname.

    Sergeant Major Grigori was very adept, directly driving the jeep so close to the Priest leading the opposing group that he almost crashed into him before braking sharply, even pulling a tailslide and almost hitting someone.

    The kicked-up dust went straight into the faces of that group of people.

    Wang Zhong straightened his clothes, about to get out of the car, when Vasily got out ahead of him and opened the car door.

    Vasily: ¡°Your Excellency General!¡±

    The previously noisy crowd suddenly quieted down, all looking towards the jeep.

    Seeing the general¡¯s stars on Wang Zhong¡¯s epaulettes, everyone hastily snapped to attention and saluted.

    Under everyone¡¯s gaze, Wang Zhong got out of the vehicle and casually returned the salute, ¡°At ease, what¡¯s all the noise about?¡±

    Pavlov got out of the car on the other side, hurriedly walked around the vehicle to stand behind Wang Zhong, and signaled to his own driver.

    The driver immediately reported, ¡°Reporting to the General, these people are trying to take our artillery!¡±

    The opposing Bishop immediately said, ¡°Where¡¯s the order that assigned these cannons to you? Show it to us!¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the Priest.

    Though Wang Zhong¡¯s general uniform was brand new, it couldn¡¯t hide the imposing aura honed on the battlefield.

    The Priest immediately toned down his arrogance.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Which unit are you from?¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong could see the allied forces¡¯ unit numbers with his external device, but it was more proper to ask at this moment. Besides, the device showed only numbers and no further detailed information.

    The Priest answered, ¡°We are the Fifth Byshensk Infantry Division, retreated from Anlisovka.¡±

    Anlisovka, to the northwest of Bogdanovka, it seems the front lines of Prosen¡¯s offensive have fully advanced to the Bogdanovka to Voznesenye line now.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized, since when was he so intimately familiar with maps?

    It seems pondering over the map these past few days has borne fruit!

    No, can¡¯t get distracted, must deal with the matter at hand first.

    Wang Zhong nced at the soldiers of the Fifth Byshensk Division and asked, ¡°Where is yourmanding officer? Howe only a Priest has led you here?¡±

    There aren¡¯t Bishops at the regimental level in the Ante Empire. Each regiment should have a militarymander and a chief of staff, and now with only a Priest leading the group, it was very likely that both the regimentalmander and the chief of staff were casualties.

    But Wang Zhong still needed to ask, what if when they heard there were cannons, both the regimental leader and the chief of staff were in thevatory, and only a Priest could lead the troops over for the time being?

    The Priest¡¯s expression darkened, ¡°All have been sacrificed, I am now the highest-ranking officer of our regiment. ording to themand hierarchy, I have taken overmand.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Sorry. How many of you are left?¡±

    The Priest answered, ¡°There are still three hundred seventy able-bodied soldiers.¡±

    Pavlov remarked, ¡°So you all are deserters¡­¡±

    The Priest immediately got angry and raised his voice, ¡°We are not deserters! Afterpleting our blocking task, we retreated in good order! Give us orders, and we can build defenses and continue to resist anywhere!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°In the view from above, that¡¯s still desertion. We have beenbeled deserters too.¡±

    "Your Excellency General!¡± The Priest looked solemnly at Wang Zhong, ¡°I cannot ept this characterization! We fought as bravely as the third rear Amur Group at Peniye! It¡¯s just that we didn¡¯t have tanks or Divine Arrows, so we didn¡¯t destroy as many enemy tanks, that¡¯s all! We need these artillery pieces; in the next battle, we will surely achieve better results!¡±

    With a stern face, Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Hmm, I believe you can. But my troops can do better.¡±

    The Priest and his soldiers all looked unconvinced.

    The Priest: ¡°Your Excellency General, what unit is your troop?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Imperial Guard¡¯s Thirty-first Infantry Division.¡±

    "Hmph, the Imperial Guard all have their signature capes, and you¡­ which division?¡± The Priest suddenly paused, eyeing the soldiers lined up neatly behind Wang Zhong with suspicion.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Imperial Guard¡¯s Thirty-first Infantry Division.¡±

    The Priest raised an eyebrow, ¡°Is that the Peniye Hero Division that destroyed sixty tanks at Peniye?¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback for a moment, as that number probably included the half-tracks that were counted as tanks.

    But it was not the time to puncture the propaganda of the Church Propaganda Office ¡ª in this kind of desperate situation, with morale failing, heroic deeds were needed to inspire the troops.

    So Wang Zhong solemnly nodded: ¡°Yes, that¡¯s us.¡±

    The Priest took a step back and scrutinized Wang Zhong, ¡°Then you are the esteemed Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, the White Horse General?¡±

    What the hell is a White Horse General?

    Wang Zhong nced at Pavlov, who whispered, ¡°It was reported in the newspaper yesterday, or perhaps it was an enemymunication passed back by the followers of the Eastern Holy Church in Prosen.¡±

    An intelligence report passed back by the followers of the Eastern Holy Church in Prosen?

    In these past few days, Wang Zhong had learned about the local situation; Prosen did not follow the Eastern Holy Church, and the war also had a bit of the vor of the Crusades.

    Perhaps because of the existence of mystical things like Divine Arrow, the power of the church here was far stronger than on Earth.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy says I am the White Horse General?¡±

    "Yes, they say you specifically ride a horse to provoke Prosen¡¯s armored troops, arrogant and domineering!¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, he had only ridden a horse to scout too far ahead; he originally intended to stop as soon as he reached the smoke but found the overhead view difficult to control the horse, and Bucephalus ran fast, charging out of the smoke.

    So in the eyes of the enemy, he had gone out specifically to taunt them.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Actually, I was just on a reconnaissance ride. The driver of the 422 vehicle I was in was injured and couldn¡¯t drive, so I had to mount a horse to scout.¡±

    This was the truth, the absolute truth.

    But to others, it might seem like modesty.

    At this point, the attitudes of the people from the Fifth Blyatensk Infantry Division changedpletely, looking at Wang Zhong with added respect.

    Wang Zhong struck while the iron was hot, ¡°Now that you know I¡¯m the White Horse General, are you still thinking of taking this artillery piece?¡±

    The Priest clenched his teeth, looking like he still wanted the artillery. After all, he had been through bloody battles and knew how important a gun was for the next fight, how an extra gun might mean much less bloodshed. It was true that he couldn¡¯t give it up easily.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong had an idea and asked, ¡°Which division do you belong to?¡±

    "The Eighty-first Infantry Division,¡± the Priest answered.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where is that division now?¡±

    "Don¡¯t know, we¡¯ve been out of touch with division headquarters for a long time,¡± the Priest¡¯s voice lowered.

    Pavlov said, ¡°Although there is no notice of the division¡¯s number being revoked, there¡¯s no supply for this division in the logistics transportation n anymore. The supply for this group should be separately allocated.

    "It¡¯s the precursor to disbanding the number.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then it¡¯s simple; you no longer have a division above you, and my Rokossovsky Battle Group is missing a group. Pavlov, prepare the documents, apply to have them incorporated into our battle group.

    "This way, if we take the gun, it¡¯s as if you¡¯ve got it!¡±

    The Priest scratched his head, ¡°This¡­ doesn¡¯t follow the usual procedure, does it?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°During wartime, you handle special cases in special ways. Plus, the orders I received were to incorporate the routed soldiers here, and while you don¡¯t count as routed, your division is gone. You from the Eighty-first Division count as routed, right?¡±

    A division that¡¯s been annihted is certainly routed, logically.

    Pavlov looked tired as he nced at the sky, murmuring in a low voice, ¡°Damn, do you know how much paperwork this involves?¡±

    Wang Zhong pretended not to hear and continued looking at the Priest, ¡°So, what do you say?¡±

    The Priest pped his thigh, ¡°Alright, that settles it. We¡¯ll go back and wait for the orders!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After the Fifth Blyatensk Group left, Pavlov¡¯s driver finally opened the door.

    An old craftsman had already been waiting inside, and as soon as he saw Wang Zhonge in, he immediately greeted him.

    "We¡¯ve been waiting for you! We¡¯ve greased the big guns, just waiting for you to take them to continue firing on those Prosen devils!¡±

    As he spoke, the old craftsman made a weing gesture, then while leading Wang Zhong to the factory building, continued to say:

    "We actually don¡¯t know how to repair big guns.

    "But look, with so many guns, each with different parts broken, you canpare and figure out the overall structure, so we assembled three guns.

    "Two of the 45s are original parts. The 76 is missing parts, but we turned them ourselves on athe; they¡¯re passable.¡±

    Wang Zhong wanted to inspect the gun thoroughly but soon realized he didn¡¯t understand artillery at all and wouldn¡¯t be able to tell good from bad, so he thought it best to let those who knew how take a look.

    So he turned back to the young soldiers of the third toon and asked, ¡°Are you from the Artillery School?¡±

    The leader of the young soldiers nced at the NCO leading them.

    The NCO said, ¡°The Brigadier General is asking you a question, so answer it. Don¡¯t look at me.¡±

    "Yes! Brigadier General, sir!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Send out the two with the best grades to inspect this gun.¡±

    All the new recruits turned to look at a curly-haired youngster.

    The young man stepped out of the rank and saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Dmitri Ivanovich, tell me right away if this gun can be fired sessfully.¡±

    Surprised to hear his own name, the young man was slightly taken aback, ¡°You really remembered our names?¡±

    "Of course, now check the gun.¡±

    Wang Zhong did try to remember everyone¡¯s names yesterday, but he hadn¡¯t seeded yet; he still relied on his ¡®external aid¡¯ for help.

    But now, he knew there was a young man who was great at handling guns called Dmitri Ivanovich.

 Chapter 75: Even in Such Hell, the Flower of Love Blossoms

    The result of this ¡°assault¡± was a line of people jubntly hauling the big guns back to base.

    Generally, the Ante Army artillerists would use mules and horses to tow these cannons, but with none to be found in the entire factory, they had to borrow three trucks used for transporting parts and materials to pull all three guns back to base.

    The gunners, finally with cannons, were overjoyed, standing in the truck beds with a proud and spirited demeanor, as if with these few guns they could drive all the invaders out of their homnd.

    After driving into base anding to a stop, Wang Zhong jumped down from the jeep and shouted to the men disembarking from the third truck, ¡°Hurry up and unload the guns, and we¡¯ve got to return the trucks to the factory!¡±

    "You guys push the guns under that tree over there, and chop some branches to cover them up! Don¡¯t let the enemy nes spot them!¡±

    The Prosen Army¡¯s nes had been bombing Loktov these past few days, but they mainly focused on the railway stations, paying little attention to this empty base.

    However, today this base had over a thousand people, more than enough to catch the attention of Prosen pilots.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s orders were quickly carried out. The trucks left the base, the gunners pushed the guns into the shade of the trees, and then climbed up to chop down branches with machetes.

    These kids seemed to be ying rather than working as they climbed the trees, theirughter audible across the whole parade ground, distracting the infantry who were training with the veterans.Wang Zhong had no choice but to scold, ¡°Stop messing around! Act your age! You veterans should keep them in line as well!¡±

    A former veteran of the Amur Group, now a squad leader, immediately took a serious tone, scolding the new recruits and giving their backsides a few kicks for good measure.

    The work was quickly done, and Dimitri came over to Wang Zhong and saluted, ¡°Your Excellency General, where are the shells?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to Pavlov, ¡°Where are the shells?¡±

    "I¡¯ll go write the request now, don¡¯t rush me.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°While you¡¯re at it, request some military trucks too, or mules if necessary.¡±

    At the start of Operation Barbarossa on Earth, the level of mechanization on both sides was not as high as one might think; a considerable number of Soviet artillery units relied entirely on mules and horses for transport, and logistics, apart from trains, also depended heavily on these animals.

    Not only were a significant portion of the German logistics reliant on mules and horses, but many of the non-armored and non-grenadier units also maneuvered by marching and with the aid of mules and horses.

    The only army in World War II that was essentially free of mules and horses, fully mechanized, was the US Army, with its vast fleets of ten-wheel trucks and Willis jeeps, making them a force that truly operated on wheels.

    The Ante Army wasn¡¯t the American Army. The number of GAZ trucks was quite limited, and now, in this state of copse, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t really expecting Pavlov to find enough GAZ trucks.

    It would be fine just to make do with mules and horses for towing.

    In response to Wang Zhong¡¯s request, Pavlov looked troubled andined, ¡°General, you only need to move your lips, but it¡¯s me who¡¯s running around until my legs break. Not to mention, I have to prepare a pile of paperwork. At least get the staff at brigade headquarters to work with me.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow and pointed to the cadets before him, ¡°Aren¡¯t they military academy students? Can¡¯t we get a few to act as staff officers?¡±

    "No, what they¡¯ve mainly learned is how to be warrant officers, only knowing how to handle the paperwork a toon leader mighte across,¡± Pavlov shook his head, ¡°I need civilians with at least the rank of a level-nine civil official, level ten would do as well. Or students who havepleted the staff officer course¡ªeven those who haven¡¯tpleted it, but at least they should have studied it.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Is that so? Maybe we could find a few with weaker constitutions and start from scratch?¡±

    "I¡¯m already running myself ragged just getting around, and now you want me to teach students? And those with only a little bit of foundation?¡± Pavlov retorted.

    Wang Zhong also felt that seemed to be the case.

    However, Pavlov added, ¡°Still, we can consider finding a few who are better at cartography to update the maps daily, so that I don¡¯t have to do it myself.

    "Copying the signs from themand headquarters¡¯ map exactly as they are is something even newbies can do.¡±

    Wang Zhong pped his hands, ¡°That settles it. Vasily, who among you is good at drawing maps?¡±

    Vasily pointed to the thirdpany of the artillery academy, ¡°They have to learn surveying and mapping, after all, they may lead artillery observation teams in the future, while we just report coordinates based on the map.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then turned to Dmitri and said, ¡°Recruit two volunteers toe to the headquarters to draw maps. Anyway, we don¡¯t need so many people for just three guns.¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    Just as Dmitri left, the sound of engines came from the gate, and Wang Zhong turned his head to see one GAZ truck after another driving into the encampment.

    Wang Zhong muttered, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Has themand finally gone mad? The supplies they¡¯ve given us before have always been measly¡­¡±

    Then he saw Popov sitting in the lead truck, whose task should have been to go to the station to receive the supply train that was due today for Rocossov¡¯s battle group.

    It seemed that the trucks were loaded with supplies for the battle group, but where did the truckse from?

    The truck Popov was in drove up to Wang Zhong and stopped in front of him.

    The bishop jumped out of the door and blinked at the perplexed brigadier, ¡°Do you have a question to ask, Aleksei Konstantinovich?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, where did these truckse from? Borrowed from themand headquarters? Can I keep the trucks?¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry, these trucks are for us.¡± Popov turned to shout at the convoy, ¡°Quick, unload the trucks, stack the weapons on the side, and take the ammo to the storage. Those messing with the artillery over there, hurry up ande help¡ªartillery?¡±

    It was only then that Popov realized that what was covered by branches under the tree was artillery, and he quickly asked, ¡°Where did this artillerye from? You didn¡¯t snatch it from a brotherly unit, did you? I won¡¯t support you if you break military discipline!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, this is something the mechanics from the auto repair shop assembled from scrap guns. Absolutely no rules were broken!¡±

    Popov raised an eyebrow, ¡°If it were before, I definitely wouldn¡¯t believe you. Now, well, I¡¯ll trust the White Horse General of Peniye for the time being.¡±

    "Howe you¡¯ve started using that nickname too!¡±

    Popov shrugged, ¡°Everyone at the station is talking about it, and they know we¡¯re the troops of the White Horse General. Don¡¯t let everyone down in the next battle.¡±

    After speaking, he turned towards the soldiers, ¡°Quickly unload, hurry up, otherwise we might be hit by enemy air raids! It wouldn¡¯t be good if the hard-earned ammo got blown up!¡±

    Actually, the soldiers were already unloading, and Popov¡¯s urging only made everyone move a bit faster.

    The bishop turned back, took out a thick stack of registration forms from his briefcase, and handed them to Pavlov, ¡°This is the inventory list.¡±

    Pavlov sighed and turned to his driver, ¡°Go call the ountant!¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Are all these GAZ trucks sent along with the military train?¡±

    "Yes, the trucks are loaded with supplies, fastened directly onto the train, it seems His Royal Highness the Crown Prince had given strict instructions to the Imperial Logistics Department.¡± Popov crossed his arms and watched everyone bustling, ¡°Just Tokarev alone sent us three thousand pieces, we couldn¡¯t possibly use all of them. There¡¯s also a heap of heavy machine guns and anti-tank rifles.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So, can we swap our surplus weapons with the supply depot for other things?¡±

    "It seems there isn¡¯t such a system in ce,¡± Popov said, seemingly unsure, and then turned to look at Pavlov.

    Pavlov handed the checklist to the ountant who had hurried over: ¡°Go and verify the quantities against the list.¡±

    After passing his look of worry to the ountant, Pavlov replied to the two men, his face rxing, ¡°Indeed, there is no such system. However, I think themand of the supply depot won¡¯t mind taking the Tokarevs back. My suggestion is to barter with neighboring units for what we need.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than one of the unloading cadets shouted, ¡°Look, cloaks! The Imperial Guard¡¯s cloaks!¡±

    The cadet who yelled snatched a cloak, draped it over his shoulders, and stood in the bed of the truck, primping.

    The others crowded around, each eager to try on a cloak.

    Popov yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t touch anything! Wait for the quartermaster to issue them! If anyone takes one now, they¡¯ll be locked up!¡±

    The first scallywag who grabbed a cloak could only reluctantly put it back.

    Wang Zhong heard someone say, ¡°Alyosha, better wait until you have your cloak before you bring flowers!¡±

    Since Wang Zhong¡¯s nickname was also Alyosha, his first reaction was to think he was being called, but he soon realized it wasn¡¯t for him.

    Russian names often coincided¡ªa whole bunch of ¡°Alekseis,¡± and Wang Zhong even suspected that Russians unfamiliar with each other would use both the first name and patronymic to avoid confusion.

    Clearly, this ¡°Alyosha¡± was referring to another soldier named Aleksei.

    From his vantage point, Wang Zhong quickly spotted this ¡°Alyosha¡±: Aleksei Balfionovich.

    So Wang Zhong called out loudly, ¡°Aleksei Balfionovich! Who are you giving flowers to?¡±

    The cadets going for the cannon and those heading to the station to receive supplies all stopped in their tracks and stared at Wang Zhong, surprised.

    Aleksei Balfionovich said with excitement, ¡°You remembered my name?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Don¡¯t be so surprised every time. I¡¯ve said I would remember all your names. As long as I¡¯m alive, you will not be ¡®nameless¡¯ heroes. Aleksei, who are you giving flowers to?¡±

    A sharp-tongued scallywag blurted out, ¡°It¡¯s theundry squad¡¯s Natalia, Your Excellency!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then I wish you a sessful mission. To the west of the encampment, in front of the perimeter wall, there¡¯s awn where starflowers are blooming beautifully.¡±

    In fact, Ludm was the one who had discovered this, and she immediately told Wang Zhong, even making him a wreath.

    Aleksei Balfionovich¡¯s face lit up with joy, ¡°Really, Your Excellency?¡±

    "Really. You can pick them during the rest time after dinner tonight, and present them to yourdy as the sun sets,¡± Wang Zhong advised.

    Popov chimed in, ¡°As expected from the Casanova of Yekaterinburg, always understanding the way of love.¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged; in truth, he had zero experience with romance, but he had read two hundred romanceics!

    Not two hundred issues, but two hundred series!

    Popov: ¡°Alright, enough! Let¡¯s continue with the orders!¡±

    As the soldiers resumed the orderly transfer of ammunition, Popov turned to Wang Zhong: ¡°Actually, there¡¯s some good news.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh?¡±

    "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince ns to send over those troops from the capital that are specialized in parades. Those units are under the management of the court¡¯s ceremonial service, and the Crown Prince can direct them.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Pavlov frowned: ¡°You mean the ceremonial troops equipped with T35s? What good are those besides serving as a royal parade vehicle? The thickest part of their armor is only 30 millimeters, and the thinnest is just 10 millimeters!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re quite well-informed about this, huh?¡±

    Pavlov with a deadpan expression: ¡°I¡¯ve seen those things during the Winter War; they¡¯re absolutely terrible. Whoever ordered them to be taken into battle should be shot.¡±

    Popov: ¡°But you can¡¯t deny they look very imposing and majestic, perfect for parades.¡±

    Wang Zhong recalled and indeed, they did.

    Damn it, before they equip me with T34s, am I supposed to try out all the Soviet Union¡¯s quirky machines?

    Just as he finished his thought, the air raid siren sounded.

    Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Stop loading, get away from the trucks, stay clear of the ammunition, and find cover!¡±

    Usually there was a bit of time to find shelter before the enemy nes arrived when the air raid sirens went off.

    Wang Zhong, Pavlov, and Popov quickly took cover in a nearby bunker, craning their necks to watch the sky.

    From the direction of the supply depot came the sounds of explosions and anti-aircraft gunfire.

    Pavlov breathed a sigh of relief: ¡°They¡¯re hitting the supply depot again.¡±

    Just then, the sound of engines approaching rapidly from the direction of the depot could be heard, and soon two Stukas that had just dropped their payloads appeared.

    Noticing the Gas trucks parked in the encampment that had not yet been concealed, they took the opportunity to strafe them.

    One of the Gas trucks in the middle of the line immediately exploded into mes, and several more caught fire.

    The enemy nes¡¯ engine noise gradually faded into the distance.

    Wang Zhong, peeking through his overhead view to confirm the enemy nes had left, climbed out of the bunker and looked at the burning trucks: ¡°Damn it, the mechanics at the repair shop have got their work cut out for them again. Anyone hurt? Any casualties speak up now!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s typical humor immediately triggeredughter among the younger soldiers.

    The solemn atmosphere brought on by the enemy air raid was thus somewhat lightened.

    "Stopughing!¡± Popov yelled angrily, ¡°Get the fire extinguishers! If you¡¯re artillery cadets, you should¡¯ve learned firefighting! Put it out quickly! Don¡¯t let it spread to other vehicles!¡±

 Chapter 76: Heavy Hammer

    Ten minutes after the air raid.

    Thest flicker of me was finally extinguished through thebined efforts of the Third toon and the First toon, which had rushed in to assist.

    When the mes disappeared, the young people cheered as if they had won a great battle.

    Popov shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t celebrate just yet! Quickly check the burned-out vehicles for any usable parts! Inspect those that were strafed, fix any malfunctions, and if there are none, drive them to the auto repair shop for the mechanics to check again.¡±

    The soldiers¡¯ cheers died down, and Wang Zhong murmured, ¡°Isn¡¯t it okay to let them be happy for a moment?¡±

    "I don¡¯t think it¡¯s good for the future,¡± Popov replied, with an upromising attitude, ¡°this is within my scope of work.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue.

    However, the army did indeed need to maintain good discipline; Popov was not wrong, so he said nothing more.

    Popov issued a newmand: ¡°Squad leaders, check your numbers and see if anyone is injured or lost.¡±In truth, Wang Zhong had already confirmed there were no casualties through his overview perspective, but he had to pretend he didn¡¯t know and watched as the veteran squad leaders did a headcount.

    At that moment, a cart appeared at the entrance of the encampment.

    The guard at the gate initially thought to stop it but chose to open the barrier after clearly seeing the person driving the cart.

    Yegorov was wielding the long pole used for driving the cart, leading an old horse pulling a two-wheeled cart into the camp.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You have this skill too?¡±

    Yegorov sighed deeply as he stopped the cart and jumped down, handing the driving pole to the guard and looked at Wang Zhong solemnly: ¡°I¡¯m a farmer, there¡¯s no farmer who can¡¯t drive a cart.¡±

    At this time, several civilians got off the cart, and upon seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s general¡¯s stars, became uneasy, standing there awkwardly.

    Yegorov: ¡°Let me introduce you to these folks who volunteered to help us. This is Andreyevich, a tailor; this is Pierre, a cook; andstly, this is Niki, a cobbler.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brows twisted into knots: ¡°What do you need these people for?¡±

    Yegorov replied seriously: ¡°Tailors and cobblers are very important! Otherwise, when the muddy seasones, just wait for the soldiers to get sick! Are you really an Ante person or not?¡±

    Hello, no.

    But Wang Zhong could only pretend to be a spoilt fool oblivious to the hardships of the world.

    To change the subject, he asked, ¡°What about the cook? We already have a field kitchen team.¡±

    "Yes, yes, every day it¡¯s soup boiled with potatoes, onions, and carrots, dry bread. I¡¯m not disparaging thedies¡¯ cooking, but we need to diversify our diet!¡± Yegorov said, turning to the cook, ¡°What dishes are you good at making?¡±

    Pierre pushed up his sses: ¡°Carolingian traditional dishes. I was the head chef for Lord Boye back home.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°So, your name isn¡¯t Peter but you are called Pierre; your real name is Pierre?¡±

    Because there was a time when all of Europe aspired to the French court, Russians would sometimes change the pronunciation of their names to sound ¡°French.¡± For instance, one of the protagonists of ¡°War and Peace¡± named Pierre is actually called Peter, but it¡¯s read the French way, which seems more ¡°fashionable.¡±

    Wang Zhong originally thought this cook was the same.

    Pierre straightened his clothes: ¡°I am indeed Pierre, I am Carolingian, and I fled here after Carolingian fell.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah¡­I see¡­¡±

    Popov said jokingly, ¡°Great, Aleksei Konstantinovich enjoys French cuisine; you can be the general¡¯s cook.¡±

    Do I really have this setting?

    Wang Zhong shook his head: ¡°Well, it¡¯s good that you¡¯re here. As a chef, you must be proficient in managing food supplies, right?¡±

    "Yes. I was the head chef for the lord. I managed the entire kitchen operation,¡± Pierre replied proudly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, you¡¯ll manage the food supplies for the troops, and if we run out of food, I¡¯ming to you!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    On July 4th of the year 914 by the Jules calendar, just as Wang Zhong had put on his general¡¯s uniform, Popov burst into his bedroom: ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich, I¡¯ve foundmunication personnel!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Really? So no one needs to go to headquarters to copy maps anymore?¡±

    Typically, battle reports are publicly broadcast by Argesukov¡¯s Front Army headquarters, and as long as there¡¯s the capability to decode, anyone can receive, interpret and restore the situation to the battle maps.

    Up till now, the Rocossov battle group had no radiomunicationspany of its own and had to visit the station headquarters every day to copy the newly updated maps.

    Until yesterday, this was a task Pavlov had to do himself, but today, he could finally pass it on to two artillery cadets.

    Having their own radiopany would spare them the time wasted visiting the station headquarters.

    More importantly, with their ownmunicationspany, they could receive orders directly. Currently, any orders from above for the Rocossov battle group had to be ryed by the station headquarters.

    However, Wang Zhong always felt that those above might deliberately let his battle group sunbathe here.

    After all, the reports from headquarters were already iming that a counter-offensive was imminent.

    Wang Zhong, after realizing he had be a celebrity yesterday, specially looked for newspapers from thest few days to read¡ªpreviously he didn¡¯t do this because asking a 21st-century young man from Earth to read newspapers was quite a challenge.

    If one only read the newspapers, the front line was performing excellently, the Prosen Empire suffered heavy losses under the resolute resistance of the Ante Empire army, and the war situation could reverse at any moment.

    The style of this ¡°Annihte the enemy by millions with lightning speed¡± felt all too familiar.

    Wang Zhong had a bad premonition.

    All he could do was to prepare his troops as best as he could.

    "Let¡¯s go,¡± Wang Zhong draped the Imperial Guard cloak assigned to him, ¡°let¡¯s take a look. Where are they now?¡±

 Chapter 77: Heavy Hammer (2)

    Popov: ¡°The house next to the headquarters is ready. I¡¯ll take you.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Two minutester, Wang Zhong frowned as he looked at the Tribunal squad lined up before him.

    "Didn¡¯t you say it was themunicationspany?¡± he asked Popov, ¡°Why is it a supervisory team?¡±

    Popov: ¡°You¡¯ve misunderstood, Aleksei Konstantinovich. They are the local Tribunal counter-espionage unit, responsible for using radio direction-finding vehicles to detect spy radios.¡±

    "They all know how to use telegraphs and decipher codes. The best part is, they are judges themselves, so when they¡¯re deciphering, there¡¯s no need for a secret Judge armed with a gun to watch over them. Captain, introduce yourself to the Brigadier General.¡±

    The leading captain stepped forward: ¡°We have obtained the radio and codebook, and we¡¯ve already started decoding today¡¯sbatmuniques before you arrived!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What about the counter-espionage work?¡±

    Captain: ¡°All local suspects of espionage have been executed by firing squad, so there¡¯s no longer a need for radio location.¡±Such efficiency indeed, should one say this is worthy of the blue-capped Tribunal?

    Popov added from the side: ¡°They were free anyway, so I pulled them in. It saves timepared to waiting for reinforcements from themunicationspany.¡±

    At that moment, Pavlov came out from the headquarters and frowned upon seeing the group with blue caps: ¡°You actually brought over the Tribunal¡¯s electronic reconnaissance squad! Do you know how many reports I have to write for this!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied seriously: ¡°I know you can handle it, Pavlov. You¡¯re a professional military officer full of honor, an excellent clerk!¡±

    "Don¡¯t butter me up. Look at the bags under my eyes. You¡¯re well-rested, just look at me!¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s dark circles were indeed very noticeable, clearly showing that the chief of staff was worn out.

    Wang Zhong decided to quickly get away, unwilling to listen to Pavlov¡¯s grumbling: ¡°Your Excellency the Bishop! Isn¡¯t it time to receive the ceremonial troops that are being sent to us today?¡±

    As mentioned yesterday, the Crown Prince intended to cram the pce ceremonial troops¡ªwho were experts at parades¡ªonto Wang Zhong, possibly the multi-turret heavy tanks T35 which might be shy but of questionable utility.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s current idea was to use them regardless of their effectiveness.

    If the T35¡¯s armor was thin, then just dig a ditch and bury part of it to use as a fixed gun position. After all, the tank guns¡ªa 76mm and a 45mm on the tank¡ªwere not just for show.

    The tank also had machine guns!

    If used properly, they could eliminate the Prosen devils.

    Popov checked his watch and nodded: ¡°Right, if the military train isn¡¯tte, it should have arrived.¡±

    However, military trains were often dyed due to enemy air raids.

    Wang Zhong indeed had nothing else to do at the moment, as all his current tasks were logistical in nature, and his advantage couldn¡¯t be used.

    He was also clueless about handling the Ante Army¡¯s administrative paperwork; the original Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t skilled at this, with a score of zero in rted subjects, graduating only because of his good rtionship with the Crown Prince.

    Wang Zhong, a Chinese, was doing well just tomunicate with his inheritednguage skills; writing documents would be riddled with grammatical errors. Previously when Ludm asked him to write a letter home, he had scribbled a page which Ludm pointed out had seventeen mistakes.

    Since then, Wang Zhong resolutely decided to stick to his ¡°illiterate¡± persona.

    In short, Wang Zhong, who could not and did not want to deal with clerical tasks, decided to leave and wait for the ceremonial troops.

    "I¡¯m going to the station to wait, carry on with your duties! Grigori! Bring the car over!¡±

    As Wang Zhong called out, he started walking towards the car.

    Popov: ¡°I¡¯lle along.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Why would you? Help me with the paperwork! As the bishop, you have to stamp a part of the documents anyway!¡±

    Popov: ¡°The Crown Prince specifically instructed me to ensure that the goods are received by the Rocossovbat group. I am carrying out his orders.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I can receive them personally; you go help Pavlov with the paperwork.¡±

    Popov looked at Wang Zhong with a resentful face.

    It seemed he disliked clerical work as well.

    As the two exchanged res, the Gunner Dmitri ran over with a trainee: ¡°Your Excellency General! Please have a look at the ammunition the depot provided us!¡±

    Wang Zhong had one foot on the jeep¡¯s running board when he heard this; curious, he looked over and saw that Dmitri¡¯s trainee was holding a cratebeled ¡°76mm ammunition¡± painted on the outside.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    The 76mm gun was his only prized possession; if the T35 proved unreliable, anti-tank efforts would hinge solely on that 76mm gun.

    Dmitri flipped open the crate lid, revealing the tightly packed ¡°ammunition¡±: ¡°These shells!¡±

    He pulled out a ¡°bullet¡± to show Wang Zhong.

    "It¡¯s a pickle can!¡±

    Wang Zhong held his forehead.

    In various memoirs, he had read about many anecdotes of supplies being delivered incorrectly, but it was usually the wrong caliber; he hadn¡¯t seen too many cases of the wrong type of goods being sent.

    Critically, the crate was evenbeled as shells.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Go find the Chief of Staff!¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Me again? Okay, this does seem like something for me¡­ Show me the supply order!¡±

    Taking this opportunity, Wang Zhong got into the jeep, patted Grigori on the shoulder, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the train station, Wang Zhong wrinkled his nose at the smell of blood.

    He stopped a stretcher, asking the wounded soldier who seemed to be in not too bad shape, ¡°How¡¯s the front line?¡±

    The soldier opened his eyes, and upon seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s uniform and the stars on his shoulder, immediately tried to salute, but Wang Zhong pressed his hand down, ¡°No need for formalities. How¡¯s the front line?¡±

    "It¡¯s bad, I¡¯m from the Army reserve, and we were alreadymitted yesterday. The enemy is close topleting their encirclement, and by tomorrow, I reckon the evacuation trains for wounded won¡¯t be able to get out.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brow furrowed deeply.

    He looked towards Popov, ¡°It seems we need to hasten our battle preparations. I think we can start building defensive fortifications today.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Have you chosen a location for the defenses?¡±

    "Yes.¡± Wang Zhong nodded. These past few days he had been studying the overhead maps, and had already memorized the whole terrain of Loktov.

    He continued, ¡°Our defensive strong point should be set up at the fertilizer nt to the southwest. The nt¡¯s buildings are sturdy reinforced concrete, and severalmanding heights are very suitable as observation points.¡±

    "If we had howitzers, after establishing an observatory there, we¡¯d be able to control the entire southwestern side of the city.¡±

    "The walls of the fertilizer nt are doubleyered red brick structures; by creating a few small openings for anti-tank guns, the gun positions can be swiftly moved under the cover of the walls after they are exposed.¡±

    "If we had tanks, there are several belts of woods on either side of the southwest highway where we couldy ambushes for the enemy.¡±

    Popov looked at Wang Zhong, who recited all this like clockwork, ¡°You¡­ when did you learn all of this?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Before you came, I had already scoped it all out while riding Bucephalus around.¡±

    He meant that he had seen it all clearly while riding around and using an overhead view.

    Popov, ¡°But are you sure you want to use T35s for the ambush? That thing can only crawl at 10 kilometers per hour on uneven ground, slower than a person walking.¡±

    Wang Zhong also frowned, ¡°I mean if we had good tanks. Even with BT7s, I would go for an ambush.¡±

    At that moment, a siren sounded in the distance.

    The old man from the control room emerged, and he looked much older than just a few days ago, ¡°Hey, General, your train is on another tform, go over the footbridge.¡±

    Wang Zhong waved at the old man, and as he walked, he said to Popov, ¡°The day you arrived, he was still using honorifics. Now¡­ can you feel it?¡±

    Popov nodded, ¡°The people are panic-stricken.¡±

    The two men, apanied by their guards, crossed over the footbridge to the other side.

    At that time, the train had already begun pulling into the station.

    Wang Zhong stopped, standing on the bridge, looking over the long line of t cars with their secured cargo.

    He suddenly realized he had been led astray by that bastard Pavlov.

    That guy had taken it for granted to mention the ¡°parade star¡± T35 heavy tank, causing Wang Zhong to forget that the pre-WWII Soviet Army had another darling of the parade ceremonies.

    That was the B-4 M1931 203mm howitzer, the ¡°Hammer of Steel.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the eight 203mm B4 heavy howitzers steadilying to a halt on the train below, his mouth agape.

    Dammit, the fight just got rich!

    Crown Prince! Although I don¡¯t know who you are, well done!

 Chapter 78: In the Name of the Crown Prince

    Wang Zhong was ecstatically dancing when he suddenly realized something, ¡°Wait a minute! Why do I only see ammunition vehicles, and not towing vehicles?¡±

    The B4 howitzer looked like a self-propelled gun, but it actually had no power.

    Although it used a tractor chassis, it couldn¡¯t move by itself and needed another tractor to tow it.

    On Earth, there were models of this thing with their own power, but it turned out to be too heavy; its two small tracks couldn¡¯t bear the weight and would sink into a lot of ground surfaces, so they eventually gave up on it.

    Is this world different?

    Indeed, in this timeline, the tracks of these heavy guns looked longer than those of the tractors on Earth.

    So, Wang Zhong tentatively asked, ¡°This cannon¡­ Is it towed by the ammunition vehicle? Can it even pull it?¡±

    Popov cast another disdainful nce at him, ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich, what were you doing during the parades?¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged, unabashedly answering, ¡°Looking at women¡¯s chests, what about it?¡±"Pfft.¡± Vasily, who was serving as a guard with Grigori, couldn¡¯t help butugh, then received a re from Popov, immediately standing at attention and looking straight ahead.

    Popov turned back to Wang Zhong, saying, ¡°These things are for the parade, it doesn¡¯t look good to tow them with the gun barrel facing backward, so theye with their own power now.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, ¡°With the power added, how heavy would it be?¡±

    "Around twenty or thirty tons, I think. I¡¯m a cleric, ask the artillerymen for specifics. Anyway, it¡¯s not light.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So, how fast can it go?¡±

    If this thing could run 30 kilometers per hour on the road, it might be more useful than its Earthly cousin.

    The B4 howitzer on Earth had a scary-sounding name for a reason given by the German soldiers. In fact,rge-caliber 203mm artillery wasmon on the Eastern Front; the Germans had them too, and the Soviets didn¡¯t give them a nickname like XXX¡¯s Hammer.

    Mainly, the German forces used their 21CM howitzers as howitzers should be used, bombarding enemies over a dozen kilometers away, with those being bombed unable to see the big guns firing.

    But the Soviets weren¡¯t like that. Although the B4 heavy howitzer was indeed a howitzer with a maximum indirect fire range of 17 kilometers, the Soviets liked to push this thing to within 500 meters of the German bunkers and open fire.

    They even pushed it into cities for street fighting.

    The Germans could clearly see this thing slowly advancing, aiming at them.

    It was terrifying; a single shot could either kill or cripple by the shock alone. Over time, it gained the nickname ¡®The Hammer of Steel.¡¯

    Latterly, the thing became so famous, and yet was so slow to position, that often by the time it was in ce, people inside the bunkers had run away.

    If this thing could hit a road speed of 30 kilometers, those in the bunkers probably wouldn¡¯t have time to run. After all, its killing range was truly vast.

    Popov shrugged: ¡°Don¡¯t get your hopes up. This thing moves at the same speed as the marching pace during a parade when it¡¯s on its own, its travel mechanism is specifically designed for parades.¡±

    Wang Zhong was deeply shocked, the idea of cheering it up specifically for a parade was beyond his imagination.

    He sighed, asking, ¡°Can this thing be towed quickly with a vehicle for fast maneuvering?¡±

    Popov: ¡°I¡¯m just a bishop, you might consider asking the soldiers of the Ceremonial Artillery Corps about that.¡±

    By this time, the train hade to aplete stop, and the Ceremonial Artillery Corps disembarked on the tform, lining up in formation.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first impression of these Guards of Honor was that a bunch of nutcracker toy soldiers had arrived.

    The uniforms of the Guards of Honor made it feel like a chronological mess; those dressed in such uniforms should go and duel with Napoleon, not appear on such a modern battlefield.

    Wang Zhong asked Popov, ¡°Can I order them to change intobat uniforms?¡±

    "As long as you can get that many uniforms, then yes.¡±

    "Hmm, that¡¯s the way it is,¡± Wang Zhong smiled, ¡°I¡¯m sure Pavlov can get hold of them!¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong noticed several railroad workers looking anxious as they crossed the railway and began to operate the rail switch in the middle of the parallel tracks.

    From his recollection since his arrival at Loktov with his troops, he hadn¡¯t seen the rail switch operators move that switch. In fact, the tracks between the two tforms were seldom used, probably for passing trains during peak times.

    However, now the train traffic towards the battlefield was so severely disrupted by lotive losses, it never ran at full capacity, so the extra passing track wasn¡¯t needed.

    Wang Zhong watched as the workerspleted the rail switching operation and raised a greenntern.

    Soon, a train sounded its whistle and slowly glided into the station.

    This train didn¡¯t carry track repair cars or anti-aircraft carriages; it was a haphazard mix of all kinds of carriages, including tank cars and ordinary passenger and freight cars all strung together,pletely disregarding order, giving the impression it was hastily assembled and dispatched promptly.

    Wang Zhong murmured, ¡°Why do I get the feeling that this train looks like the product of ¡®send one more before the encirclement is closed¡¯?¡±

    Popov: ¡°I feel the same way.¡±

    The train came to a slow halt and before it had fully stopped, the driver opened the boiler release valve; a white steam immediately spread out from the front, engulfing the lotive¡¯s wheels.

    A driver jumped off, shouting, ¡°The lotive¡¯s cylinder is punctured; it can¡¯t go fast anymore! We need to change engines!¡±

    Wang Zhong paid little attention to the driver¡¯s words, instead fixating on the passengers of the train.

    Civilians.

    Mostly women and children, with many little faces pressed against the ss of the carriages, gazing out.

    No smiles on any face.

    Railway workers pulled over hoses to refill the train¡¯s water supply, offering water at each window. Countless hands with various water containers reached out,peting to provide water for the boilers.

 Chapter 79: In the Name of the Crown Prince (2)

    Wang Zhong saw a little girl gulping water from a sk as if she had not had a drink in a long time.

    "They¡¯re trying to send the women and children out before we¡¯repletely encircled,¡± he muttered quietly.

    Popov, ¡°Hold out for half a month¡­ looks like we can¡¯t hold out anymore.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly got a jolt, ¡°Now¡¯s not the time formenting! If they can¡¯t hold out there, we have to start moving!¡±

    He leaned over the railing of the overpass and shouted to the troops below, ¡°I¡¯m Brigadier General Rokossovsky, stop forming up, quickly unload the cannons and move them to the No. 3 stockyard over there! Then go to the nearby air defense camp to get camouges. I need you to turn No. 3 stockyard into an artillery firing position by this afternoon!¡±

    The guard of honor¡¯s major saluted, ¡°Yes, General!¡±

    Popov looked at Wang Zhong with surprise, ¡°How do you know No. 3 stockyard is suitable for artillery positions?¡±

    "I¡¯ve looked into it.¡±

    It was just a bird¡¯s-eye view.Wang Zhong, ¡°Next to it is the anti-aircraft battalion protecting the station, with a certain defensive capability against enemy air raids. If well-camouged, it can survive for a long time. That¡¯s not important, follow me to the military stationmand!¡±

    "Given the current situation, the ammunition and weapons supplies sent to Bogdanovka definitely can¡¯t get through, we must requisition them immediately!¡±

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong walked back along the halfway crossed overpass, and the others quickly followed.

    After leaving the train station, Wang Zhong sat down next to Grigori and urged, ¡°To the military stationmand!¡±

    Popov had just gotten into the vehicle when Grigori started the engine.

    Vasily was about to get in the car but hesitated, didn¡¯t get on, and turned to sprint back to the garrison.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the military stationmand, as soon as the jeep arrived, Wang Zhong strode inside, only to run into themander of Loktov¡¯s defense battalion.

    Wang Zhong stopped him, ¡°Where are you rushing off to, Aleksandr Alexandrovich?¡±

    Hearing his own name, themander was startled; Wang Zhong was speaking to him for the first time, and the voice was unfamiliar. He looked up, saw the general¡¯s stars and the cloak of the Imperial Guard, and immediately stood at attention and saluted, ¡°Your Excellency!¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand casually and repeated his question, ¡°Where are you rushing off to, Aleksandr Alexandrovich?¡±

    "The military stationmand has ordered my battalion to build defensive fortifications outside the city.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Haven¡¯t you been building them up until now?¡±

    "We dug, but not enough,¡± themander said with a somber face. ¡°We were mainly focused on concrete pillboxes, and now they want us to dig anti-tank ditches. How can we possibly dig anti-tank ditches to shield the entire southwest of the city in one day?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You can mobilize civilians in the city to dig.¡±

    Aleksandr, ¡°Threebor camps have already been organized in the city, but they¡¯ve all been sent to repair the railroad. Now, there are only women left in the city.¡±

    "Women can hold up half the sky; let them dig. It¡¯s better than failing toplete your task.¡±

    With that, Wang Zhong patted Aleksandr on the shoulder.

    Thetter nodded and strode away.

    Popov asked, ¡°You know him?¡±

    "No, just took note of his name. After all, he¡¯s themander of the local defense battalion.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued toward themand center and upon entering the map room saw a scene of flurry and chaos.

    The military stationmander was shouting into the phone, ¡°What? What? How many lotives are left?¡±

    It seemed he was on the phone with the station.

    Wang Zhong paced over to the map and looked at the most recent updates¡ªnot that long ago, Bogdanovka on the map had yet to be encircled; the enemy¡¯s pincer movement still had some distance before closing in.

    Popov also came over to look at the map, his expression serious.

    Finally, the quarter-master finished his phone call and muttered ¡°Everything is going wrong¡± before looking up at Wang Zhong, ¡°Good afternoon, General.¡±

    Actually, it was still a while before noon.

    The quarter-master¡¯s station at Loktov was quiterge, hence, the quarter-master here held the rank of brigadier general. In such work settings, officers of equal rank could skip saluting to save time.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Bogdanovka is about to be surrounded; I guess the supplies scheduled to be delivered there can no longer get through. I believe Loktov will be the next Prussian target, and I need to requisition these weapons and ammunition immediately to prepare for defensive operations.¡±

    The quarter-master asked, ¡°Do you have orders?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°The enemy ising! Are we not to issue weapons and ammunition now and let the enemy capture them to use against us?¡±

    "I have not been notified of the enemy¡¯s approach,¡± the quarter-master said, ¡°Bogdanovka is trying to break the encirclement.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°With what?¡±

    "The 23rd Tank Army isunching an attack,¡± the quarter-master answered, ¡°These are freshlymitted troops.¡±

    Wang Zhongmented, ¡°I didn¡¯t see them passing by us, did I?¡±

    "They didn¡¯t take the railway; tank units can maneuver through most rural roads.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Then most of the tanks will break down on the road due to mechanical failures! And the enemy has an Air Force too, those that don¡¯t break down will be destroyed by the enemy¡¯s Air Force!¡±

    "That I do not know,¡± the quarter-master said resolutely, ¡°Anyway, these weapons and ammunition will be transported to Bogdanovka after the breakout. Without orders, no one can move them.¡±

    Wang Zhong cursed under his breath, and just then, a staff officer rushed in, eximing, ¡°It¡¯s bad, Commander, look outside!¡±

    The two manders¡± in the room turned to look outside the window as the staff officer had pointed.

    Severalrge trucks drove into the headquarters¡¯ yard, soldiers wearing Imperial Guard cloaks and brandishing brand-new Tokarev semi-automatic rifles disembarked from the trucks and lined up in the yard.

    The 31st Imperial Guard Infantry Regiment¡¯s g pped in the wind in the courtyard.

    The quarter-master turned and red at Wang Zhong, ¡°General Rokossov, what are you nning to do?¡±

    Wang Zhong was also perplexed; he hadn¡¯t ordered any troop movements.

    Then he saw Vasily in the formation.

    Understood.

    However, given the situation, he could probably use this to pressure the quarter-master.

    Wang Zhong looked at the quarter-master, ¡°I have fought and defeated the Prussians before! No one understands them better than I do! My intuition tells me that Loktov will soon be under attack!

    "You think so too, don¡¯t you? Otherwise, you wouldn¡¯t have ordered the garrison to dig anti-tank ditches!¡±

    The quarter-master pursed his lips, offering no rebuttal.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Simrly, you know that the supplies for Bogdanovka can no longer be delivered! They might never be able to use these supplies!¡±

    The quarter-master replied, ¡°Even so, I can¡¯t give you anything without orders!¡±

    Wang Zhong felt like punching the bureaucratic idiot but then had an idea.

    "I can give you an IOU,¡± Wang Zhong paused, saw that the quarter-master remained unmoved, and added, ¡°In the name of the Crown Prince!¡±

    The quarter-master blinked, then nodded, ¡°Alright, you write an IOU, and then take whatever you want. I see that you have brought the trucks, I don¡¯t feel right about stopping you.¡±

 Chapter 80: Encounter Battle

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good! Bring me your inventory list!¡±

    A momentter, an inventory as thick as an encyclopedia was delivered to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong frowned at the sight of the list, wondering when he¡¯d get through it all! So, he asked directly, ¡°Do you have any mines?¡±

    In the uing defensive battle, he definitely couldn¡¯t rely on having a superior force or equipment; hoping to annihte the enemy was unrealistic, his only choice was to cause dy.

    And when it came to dying the enemy¡¯s advance, there was nothing better than mines.

    Wang Zhong still appreciated mines; before he crossed over, he yed a WWII RTSpetitive game ¡°Company of Heroes 2,¡± and during 1V1 ranking matches, he¡¯d habituallyy mines, letting the engineers bury them where the enemy¡¯s light armor mighte without even caring if he hadn¡¯t scouted them.

    His impression of mines was: cheap to bury anywhere, and one would profit from the enemies¡¯ misfortune.

    So now, the first thing he asked was whether there were any mines or not.

    "As far as I remember, no,¡± the logisticsmander shook his head, ¡°these things are taken away as soon as they are delivered. You can ask the defense battalion, they received a batch of mines before setting up the defenses and arranged minefields in the southwest of the city, there might be some left over.¡±For fuck¡¯s sake, Wang Zhong thought, why is it that whatever I want is missing! Yet there¡¯s no shortage of pickled cucumber cans!

    At that moment, he caught a glimpse of Vasily sneaking into the room, standing behind Staff Sergeant Grigori.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Vasily Aleksandrovich!¡±

    Vasily snapped to attention: ¡°Present!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Do you know why I¡¯m calling you?¡±

    "To continue picking manure tonight!¡± the young man replied with clear enunciation.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Well, very clever. You¡¯re knowinglymitting a mistake!¡±

    Just as he was about to scold him further, Popov interjected between him and Vasily, seriously saying, ¡°Did you falsely order the troops to assemble?¡±

    "I thought we might need more manpower to transport equipment, Your Holiness!¡±

    Popov: ¡°Go write a self-criticism report, no less than five hundred words, and while you¡¯re at it, carry out today¡¯s manure too.¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But now, I have another honorable task for you! Do you speak Prosen?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Yes.¡±

    "You can?¡± Popov was greatly surprised, ¡°What does your family do?¡±

    "My father is a university music professor, Your Holiness! He speaks both Prosen and Carolingian, so I do too.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°Very well, I want you to find two familiar ssmates, go to the logistics motor pool to get a jeep, and then fetch some wooden signs.¡±

    Vasily looked puzzled: ¡°What is this for, General?¡±

    "You three will drive the jeep, make a round in the southwest part of the city, and whenever you see a suitable ce forying mines, ce a sign that reads in Prosen, ¡®Caution: Minefield.¡¯

    Vasily brightened up at this: ¡°Alright, I like this kind of job!¡±

    The guy really did like this sort of task!

    Vasily added: ¡°I would also like to request some explosives and detonators to set up pull-activated explosives under the signs, to give the Prussians a little surprise!¡±

    Wang Zhong, liking the proposal, also became interested and said: ¡°Then I suggest you get some firecrackers and white phosphorus. If the enemy knocks over the sign, the phosphorus will naturally ignite the firecrackers, to liven up the Prussians¡¯ spirits!¡±

    Vasilyughed even harder: ¡°Perfect, perfect! You¡¯re full of ideas, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong kept a straight face: ¡°Go on, then.¡±

    Vasily turned and ran off.

    Popov called out to his retreating figure: ¡°Remember to write the self-criticism and pick manure when youe back!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the bishop, ready to speak but hesitated.

    Popov: ¡°What is it? This is my job. I don¡¯t interfere with militarymand, and you shouldn¡¯t interfere with me either.¡±

    Just then, the logisticsmander spoke up: ¡°Will this be effective?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I don¡¯t know. But it¡¯s certainly better than doing nothing.¡±

    The logisticsmander asked further: ¡°Then why write in Prosen?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Because the Ante People can¡¯t understand it, so they won¡¯t pay attention to the sign.¡±

    "Makes sense.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Enough about this, no mines then, what about cannons? I guess there aren¡¯t any, right?¡±

    "Right,¡± the logisticsmander spread his hands, ¡°now with the Prosen tanks being hyped up to the skies, everyone is crazily demanding anti-tank guns. Of course, if transportation were smooth, the 45mm guns would suffice, but transportation is problematic right now.¡±

    "As for the ZIS-3, those are already rare as it is.¡±

    The 76mm anti-tank gun ZIS-3 was indeed a scarce item at that point in time.

    Just then, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered something and said: ¡°I remember now; you sent me 76mm shells that were pickled cucumber cans! Get me the real 76mm shells!¡±

    The logisticsmander remained calm: ¡°That was an issue with the rear packing. Before, there were cases where 82mm mortar shell boxes contained 60mm mortar shells, nobody knows how they managed to fit them in despite the incorrect caliber.¡±

    "Where are the real 76mm shells then?¡±

    "They are plenty of them with the supplies for Bogdanovka.¡±

    Next, Wang Zhong began to enumerate: ¡°I also want submachine guns, methrowers, anti-tank grenades, empty bottles, and alcohol¡­¡±

    The logisticsmander: ¡°How about this, I¡¯ll open the warehouse, you¡¯ll issue an IOU for each warehouse, and you guys can go in and take what you need. Your men are already in ce anyway.¡±

    "That¡¯ll do.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    As Wang Zhong was having the trucks loaded up, Yegorov drove into the logisticsmand¡¯s courtyard in a jeep, and before the vehicle had even stopped, he called out loudly, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Bogdanovka¡­¡±

    He suddenly realized it wasn¡¯t appropriate to discuss such news loudly and cut himself short, waiting for Yegorov to approach before whispering, ¡°The enemy ising soon.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°I guessed as much. I saw lots of countrymen with their families on the run at the southwest junction.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re going to move into positions today and start building fortifications, selecting the fertilizer factory we saw before as the defense point.¡±

 Chapter 81: Encounter Battle (2)

    "Okay, I¡¯ll arrange it,¡±

    Wang Zhong then asked, ¡°In your experience, after the enemy¡¯s attack on Loktov is thwarted, where would the headquarters of the front-line troops be located, like the divisionmand post?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°That¡¯s really hard to say. In theory, the headquarters could be anywhere. Once themunicationspany sets up the telephone lines, that ce bes themand post. But it¡¯s easy to guess where the soldiers might assemble because if there¡¯s a house, it would make no sense not to use it, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So, where could it be?¡±

    "Karlinovka, Novorossk, either is possible.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to Grigori and said, ¡°Drive over here. I want to personally inspect these viges.¡±

    Grigori: ¡°Just the two of us? If the Prussians have already surrounded Bogdanovka, their reconnaissance units may have infiltrated our southwest, which could lead to an encounter at any moment.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then let¡¯s take a squad with us, add a machine gun, and have a truck follow us.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°I¡¯lle too¡­¡±Wang Zhong stopped him, ¡°You¡¯re the one tomand the defenses, and you¡¯re good at this.¡±

    After all, Wang Zhong had only yed video games, and although he had also looked at some military manuals avable online, such as the German Infantry Tactics Handbook tranted and published by Zhidu Books, he only skimmed through them.

    When it came to arranging defenses, Yegorov was the professional, much more so.

    But when it came to reconnaissance, that was definitely Wang Zhong¡¯s strong suit, especially because he had the ¡°Heavenly Eye.¡±

    Moreover, the cheatpelled Wang Zhong to do the reconnaissance himself. His troops¡¯ field of vision couldn¡¯t even highlight enemies and their overall ¡°visible range¡± was shorter; he needed to be on the front line himself to maximize the effect of this cheat.

    Incidentally, all the memoirs Wang Zhong had read emphasized the importance of personally inspecting the front line, especially if they were written by junior or middle-ranking officers.

    Wang Zhong was ready to put it into practice.

    Yegorov saluted Wang Zhong with an expression that said, ¡°You¡¯re indeed thepetent leader I thought you were,¡± assuring him, ¡°Leave it to me. And you, be careful.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ve got Sergeant Grigori with me.¡±

    Having a vic superman who could toss back seven or eight grenades with a shovel was quite reliable indeed.

    Sergeant Grigori looked into the distance, seemingly a little embarrassed.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong thus set off in a jeep to survey the terrain.

    On the jeep, besides Wang Zhong in the back seat and Sergeant Grigori in the passenger seat, there was also Dimitri, temporarily driving¡ªthe very Dimitri who was excellent with artillery.

    Following behind the jeep was a Gaz truck with a DP28 light machine gun, colloquially known as the ¡°big te chicken,¡± mounted on top of its cabin.

    A squad of Imperial Guard soldiers, armed with brand-new Tokarev semi-automatic rifles, sat in the bed of the truck.

    The vehicles had just left the city when Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Dmitri, stop the car!¡±

    The jeep immediately braked to a halt on the dirt road.

    Wang Zhong got out, stepped down the road shoulder, and pressed his foot into the fertile ck earth.

    He turned and asked Grigori who had followed him, ¡°Are you a farmer, Sergeant?¡±

    "Yes, Your Excellency.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°Then at this time of year, how fast would mules and horses travel on this kind of ck earth?¡±

    Grigori shook his head, ¡°Not fast, and it would also ruin their hooves. The vige cksmith would curse a lot. Only in winter, when the ground ispletely frozen solid, do mules and horses move more efficiently on this type ofnd. But then, the snow is usually very thick.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    If trucks lose speed off the main road and might even get stuck, and if mules and horses cannot leave the road either, then the enemy¡¯s offensive would have to unfold along the road.

    nking movements would only work for light infantry with rtively low supply demands.

    In the case of Peniye vige, where the enemy troops bypassed them, the number was small and the detour brief, ensuring that their half-tracked vehicles wouldn¡¯t stall out due to ack of fuel.

    But encircling a city like Loktov, with quite a few factories, escted the difficulty substantially.

    Besides, Loktov wasn¡¯t an isted ind on an ocean; around the city were plenty of units like the Rocossovbat group, reorganizing themselves. These units upied the viges surrounding the city and would likely initiate defenses on the spot.

    From this perspective, there¡¯s no need to worry about being encircled for now.

    Wang Zhong climbed into the vehicle, and after Grigori got in as well, he waved his hand grandly, ¡°Keep moving!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Karlinovka was a vige that reminded Wang Zhong of Upper Peniye.

    Standing on the hill north of the vige, Wang Zhong had an even clearer impression.

    Of course, this vige should be much smaller than Upper Peniye, at least through his binocrs Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t seen a distillery or Boye Manor¡¯srge estate.

    However, the church looked exactly the same as the one in Upper Peniye.

    That bell tower looked like it could easily be toppled by one shot from a Prosen Tank.

    From his vantage point, Wang Zhong discovered that there were troops from the Ante Army in the vige.

    So he decided to go in and take a look.

    After entering the vige, Wang Zhong quickly found a lieutenantmanding a small unit at the vige post office.

    "General sir!¡± The lieutenant saluted, looking tense.

    After all, the men Wang Zhong brought with him were all cloaked in Imperial Guard capes.

    Wang Zhong gave a casual hand lift in return as a salute, then got straight to the point, ¡°What unit are you from?¡±

    "Reporting to the general, we¡¯re the 133rd Air Defense Observation Post, our mission here is to report to Loktov by phone as soon as we hear enemy aircraft engines,¡± the lieutenant reported.

    Wang Zhong gave an ¡°Oh¡± and asked again, ¡°Judging by the uniform, are you Priests?¡±

    The lieutenant replied, ¡°No, we are not; we are from the Guardian Army.¡±

    Guardian Army? Does your organization also include ve workers and mechanical servants,manded by a mechanical Priest with eight octopus-like limbs attached to his body?

    No, that can¡¯t be right, it must just be a coincidence in names. After all, the Warhammer 40K setting was also cobbled together by Brits using various historical prototypes.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Where are your Priests then?¡±

    "They¡¯re upstairs listening out for the enemy nes,¡± the lieutenant responded.

    "Listening?¡± Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows.

    "Yes.¡±

    "Take me to see,¡± Wang Zhong said, then realizing his tone was a bit too forceful ¨C after all, they were not from the same unit ¨C he hastily added, ¡°May I go up to take a look?¡±

    "Please follow me.¡±

    Wang Zhong followed the lieutenant, climbing up to the third-floor tform of the post office.

    There were manyrge loudspeakers installed on the tform.

    Wang Zhong had seen such devices in picture collections rting to World War I; the British used simr equipment to listen for the sound of Zeppelin airships attacking their homnd.

    Afterward, with the invention of radar, this kind of steampunk-esque device was abandoned.

    A male Priest was sitting under the massive array of loudspeakers, wearing headphones.

    Wang Zhong softly asked the lieutenant, ¡°Does this Priest also have the power to guide the Divine Arrow?¡±

    "Probably not,¡± the lieutenant replied, ¡°Those able to guide the Divine Arrow would have angel wings on their Monk insignia. Brother Peter can only operate this sonic array.¡±

    It seemed that this device¡¯s formal name was a sonic array.

    Just as Wang Zhong wanted to ask more, Brother Peter suddenly frowned, began to manipte the panel in front of him, and the mechanical device turned the loudspeakers that were aimed at the sky towards the ground.

    Wang Zhong realized something and asked, ¡°Brother, did you hear something unusual on the ground?¡±

    Although Brother Peter did not remove his headphones, he still responded, ¡°Yes, and it¡¯s very close, keep quiet! I¡¯m identifying the sound pattern!¡±

    He picked up a book with a leather cover and flipped through it quickly, finally stopping on one of the pages.

    "It¡¯s Prussian motorcycles! There are at least three motorcycles approaching the vige!¡±

 Chapter 82: Outsmart the Vanguard

    Wang Zhong immediately rushed to the railing on the rooftop and lifted his binocrs.

    "I can¡¯t see anything!¡±

    Brother Peter: ¡°Of course, this device can hear much further than it can see! The problem is that sound takes time to travel, and the terrain might distort it.

    "It¡¯s possible there are more than three motorcycles.¡±

    He widened his eyes and took another look at the sound array setup.

    ¡ªA millimeter-wave radar that can detect ground units?

    Or is it not emitting electromaic waves and purely passive?

    He walked around the sound array, pointing at the wire and asking, ¡°What¡¯s this wire for, a sound amplifier?¡±

    "No, it¡¯s for the base motor.¡± Peter pointed to his own ears, ¡°The recognition of sound relies on my blessed ears.¡±Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh. I thought Prayer Hands, Hymn Monks, and the like were all sisters¡ªI mean, girls,dies.¡±

    He changed his terms three times beforending on a more formal address.

    Peter frowned: ¡°How could you be socking inmon sense, General? The gifted Monks are about half men, half women.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I just happened to meetdies, sorry. When will the enemy arrive?¡±

    Brother Peter took out a watch, noted the time on a clipboard, then took out a slide rule, checked the numbers on the ruler, and copied them onto the clipboard.

    Wang Zhong leaned in to look at the pair of rulers and realized they were specially designed for Doppler calctions, a kind of mechanicalputer.

    At that moment, the Monk finished his calctions: ¡°ording to my calctions, we should still have ten minutes.¡±

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers and said to Grigori, ¡°Prepare to ambush them. The enemy is on three motorcycles, with an estimated six to nine enemies arriving within ten minutes!¡±

    Grigori turned and left, and soon Wang Zhong saw him appear downstairs, starting to assign tasks.

    The terrain of Karlinovka was much simpler than in Peniye, with just one central vige road, no side alleys, and the whole vige was like a straight intestine.

    Grigori instructed the guards to hide the cars in the courtyard by the roadside, covered them with hay used for feeding horses, and arranged the machine guns in the church bell tower, covering the entire road.

    Wang Zhong also went downstairs to personally check the condition of the new soldiers he had brought.

    The new soldiers were very excited and eager to try.

    Dmitri, who excelled at gunnery, had a worried expression andined to Wang Zhong, ¡°General, why am I stuck guarding the cars? I want to fight too. Can the car drive away on its own here?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Idiot, I¡¯m having you guard the car with the engine running in case we need to make a quick getaway in an emergency.¡±

    Dmitri: ¡°Run? It¡¯s just three motorcycles, at most nine enemies, we outnumber them, and we have the element of surprise!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°On the battlefield, you always have to be prepared for the unexpected, always have an escape route.¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong thought to himself, geez, I sound like I¡¯m an experienced veteran who¡¯s been in the army for fifty years!

    However, whether it was Wang Zhong from Earth or the original owner of this body, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov, neither was much older than Dmitri.

    But Dmitri didn¡¯t think about any of this and instead nodded earnestly, ¡°I¡¯ll remember that, General.¡±

    With such a serious response, Wang Zhong himself felt somewhat embarrassed and quickly turned around and shouted to Grigori, ¡°Defeating the enemy isn¡¯t enough! I want prisoners, Sergeant Major Grigori!¡±

    The Sergeant Major nodded: ¡°Understood.¡±

    Then he turned to the young men and said, ¡°You¡¯ll shoot the first and third motorcycles; leave the second one to me. I¡¯ll capture one alive.¡±

    "Can you do it alone?¡± a young man asked.

    Grigori smiled slightly, giving no answer.

    At that moment, a Lieutenant from the Guardian Army rushed out of the post office¡¯s entrance and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Report, General, Brother Peter says the enemy is within visual range!¡±

    "Got it.¡± Wang Zhong immediately switched to bird¡¯s-eye view. At this time, his own vision was limited to the vige road because he was on the ground, but since there were machine gunners in the bell tower, he could directlymand them, and their field of vision was shared with him.

    The two machine gunners concealed themselves, lying at the edge of the bell tower windows observing outward, just in time to see the three motorcycles in the field.

    The motorcycle riders were all in ck leather jackets; on Earth, this type of jacket was exclusive to the Sturmtiger motorcycle troops. Other motorcycle units had to custom order these jackets.

    An officer whose rank couldn¡¯t be discerned dismounted, stood at the front of the lineup, and observed Karlinovka through binocrs.

    Wang Zhong shifted his view as well, confirming that his people were well hidden.

    Then he saw the huge sound array on top of the post office.

    Well alright, it seems they can¡¯t be hidden anymore.

    Shit, just now both Wang Zhong and Sergeant Major Grigori naively assumed the enemy woulde straight into the vige.

    On second thought, they were a reconnaissance force; upon arriving at unfamiliar vige, they would certainly observe from a distance first.

    The observing officer put down his binocrs, turned back, and said a few words; those who had remained on their motorcycles now dismounted, pushed their bikes off the road, and concealed them with wheat from the field.

    The nine-man reconnaissance team formed a small formation, and one who carried a backpack with an antenna moved next to the officer, handing him an earpiece.

    A field telephone!

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but smack his lips upon seeing the field telephone.

    Want!

    I¡¯m desperately in need of radio equipment!

    Even if I could just capture one field telephone without the corresponding pair to use it, that¡¯s a start; I could use it to listen in on enemy conversations, right?

    But if the enemy won¡¯t enter the vige¡­

    What can be done to lure the enemy into the vige?

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong had an idea.

    He switched back to his natural field of vision and said to the Guardian Army in the post office, ¡°Quick, start a fire, burn something inconsequential. Just make sure you don¡¯t burn any important documents. We need thick smoke!¡±

    Guardian Army Lieutenant: ¡°This¡­¡±

    "Just now,¡± Grigori crept over to report, ¡°the machine gunner said the enemy isn¡¯t entering the vige. It seems like they saw the sound array on the rooftops.¡±

    Wang Zhong was puzzled, ¡°How did you guysmunicate the information?¡±

    "The machine gunner ran down from the bell tower to tell us.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked toward the small door beneath the bell tower, where a soldier was leaning against the wall, gasping for air¡ªhe seemed to have run a bit too fast.

    Guardian Army Lieutenant: ¡°What does this have to do with lighting a fire?¡±

    "Pretend like we¡¯re burning documents and running away,¡± Wang Zhong turned to Dmitri, ¡°When the smoke goes up, you drive the jeep, dragging a broom and racing along the road, kicking up as much dust as possible. Come back when you hear machine gun fire!¡±

    Dmitri: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll tie up the broom first!¡±

    "Move quickly! Don¡¯t let the enemy call in more troops; it will be difficult to handle then!¡±

    Who knows what kinds of demons and monsters are lurking behind this group of recon scouts.

    Ten minutester, thick smoke rose from the postal office¡¯s courtyard.

    Wang Zhong, through an overhead view, made sure the enemy noticed the smoke and then mmed the door of the jeep hard: ¡°Quick! Go!¡±

    Dmitri floored the elerator and the jeep, dragging the broom, burst through the gate, raising a cloud of dust as it sped northeast along the road.

    It was fortunate that most of the roads in Kazarlia were these smooth dirt tracks; if it had been asphalt, there wouldn¡¯t have been as much dust!

    Wang Zhong switched his view, watching the enemy tensely.

    He didn¡¯t have much confidence, after all; the strategy was too rudimentary.

    He could only hope that the enemy was blinded by their desire for victory, betting on the adage that pridees before a fall.

    But at least they had tried.

    Just as Wang Zhongforted himself, the enemymander started shouting, and the scattered troops regrouped and pushed their motorcycles back onto the road.

    An officer climbed onto the first motorcycle and sat in the sidecar.

    The radio operator with the backpack set straddled the back seat.

    Wang Zhong immediately shouted, ¡°Grigori, the officer is in the sidecar of the first car! Don¡¯t hit the wrong one!¡±

    Grigori: ¡°Did you hear that? Hit the second and third ones, leave the first one to me!¡±

    The enemy¡¯s three vehicles charged toward the vige, unsure whether they were in a hurry to chase the escaping jeep or to rescue the burning documents.

    Maybe they wanted both?

    Anyway, they would know once they captured prisoners and interrogated them.

    As Wang Zhong watched the enemy, Grigori was signaling to the people in the bell tower, probably also telling them to target the second and third vehicles.

    The first motorcycle charged ahead into the vige.

    Grigori, hidden at the roadside, raised a hand.

    All three motorcycles entered the vige, but Grigori¡¯s hand still didn¡¯t drop.

    The first vehicle was fast approaching the courtyard where Grigori was hidden!

    The sergeant major swung his hand forward.

    The machine gun on the bell tower immediately opened fire, and the driver of the second car was hit right away, tilting to the left and skewing the handlebars, causing the motorcycle to veer off course and crash into a low wall, its rear wheel lifted high into the air.

    The Prosen soldier on the rear seat flew up, flew over the wall, and smashed through the roof of the woodshed,nding in the neatly stacked pile of wood.

    The machine gunner in the sidecar was unharmed, picked up the machine gun to resist, but a grenade was thrown into the sidecar.

    The next moment, the machine gun flew sky-high.

    The third vehicle was fired upon by Tokarev, with all three leather-d Prussians being hit by several shots immediately, the car itself crashing into a roadsidepost heap.

    In an instant, only the first vehicle, carrying the officer and the backpack set, remained.

    Grigori leapt over the low wall by stepping on the pile of firewood against the wall,nded directly onto the sidecar, knocked the officer unconscious with a knee strike, punched the driver off the motorbike, then, dragging the officer, jumped into the roadside pile of horse feed.

    The radio operator left behind tried to raise his submachine gun, but the uncontroble motorcycle collided with a parked cart, and the operator flew onto the cart under the force of the collision, dazed.

    Suddenly, several Imperial Guard soldiers rushed out, Tokarev¡¯s gun pointing at the radio operator.

    Wang Zhong became anxious: ¡°Don¡¯t shoot! Don¡¯t ruin my backpack set! My backpack set!¡±

    ¡­

    A minuteter, Wang Zhong looked at the prisoners in front of him, satisfied.

    A total of four alive, exceeding the mission quota.

    The backpack set was sessfully captured, and they even found maps and manymand documents in the officer¡¯s personal file bag.

    The young Imperial Guard soldiers, thrilled with the captured universal machine gun, even vainly draped the ammunition belt over themselves, cosying another dimension¡¯s Rambo.

    Wang Zhong was also very satisfied, hands behind his back, strutting back and forth in front of the prisoners, showing off.

    The enemy officer¡¯s face was half-swollen, several teeth gone; he couldn¡¯t be more miserable.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Does anyone speak Prosen?¡±

    Dmitri, who had just returned from driving, raised his hand: ¡°I do! I have participated in military technology exchanges with Prosen and specifically learned it.¡±

    It seems there are quite a few military academy students who speak Prosen; after all, the two countries were ¡°friendly nations¡± before the war broke out.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, Dmitri, youe and let¡¯s properly interrogate this officer¡ª¡±

    Just then, from the top of the post office, Brother Peter called out: ¡°Enemy nes iing!¡±

    The enemy officerughed loudly, saying in Ante, ¡°Before we started chasing you, we called in air support. They¡¯re here! You¡¯re going to die!¡±

 Chapter 83: â€œBlow the Enemy to the Moon

    All the new recruits, including Dmitry, went pale.

    Even Grigori looked ready to pounce on Wang Zhong at any moment.

    But Wang Zhong wouldn¡¯t be fooled by such talk.

    "Damn it, where in World War II could you get such fast air support? Do you think this is the U.S. Army in the Gulf War?¡±

    This isn¡¯t the game ¡°Steel Division 2,¡± where you call for the Air Force to read a bar, and they just fly in from the edge of the map!

    Wang Zhong stepped forward and pped the officer, ¡°Nonsense! You can¡¯t provide air support that fast! That ne is bombing somewhere else, just passing by nearby! You¡¯re trying to fool us, to cause trouble while we¡¯re hiding!¡±

    The officer stood tall, ¡°It seems you arepletely ignorant of the advancements in our country¡¯s military technology, foolish inferior!¡±

    Wang Zhong burst outughing, ¡°Still talking about military advancements, look at your so-called proud tank forces, aren¡¯t they being pounded by our KVs?¡±

    The officer¡¯s expression immediately turned sour.At that moment, the sound of engines came from the southwest; there was no need for a sound array to hear it directly.

    The officer wore a smug look, while Wang Zhong pursed his lips, smiling as he watched him.

    Dmitry said, ¡°Maybe we should still hide!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Look at this vige. Do you see any signs of enemy bombs having fallen here? This isn¡¯t the enemy¡¯s target, and it¡¯s not possible for enemy calls for support to be responded to so quickly, so isn¡¯t the answer obvious?¡±

    The real reason Wang Zhong was so calm was that he had already seen the enemy ne from a bird¡¯s-eye view, and its path indeed did not pass over Karlinovka vige.

    If it wasn¡¯t for that, he would never have risked everyone¡¯s lives to verify whether his spection was correct or not.

    The roar of the engines continued to approach, and Wang Zhong walked straight out of the courtyard, standing in the middle of the vige road, gazing into the sky with a fearless air.

    The Prosen officer shouted, ¡°You¡¯ll be riddled by the ne¡¯s machine guns! You¡¯ll all die!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°So will you, probably a bit earlier than us.¡±

    By now, the engine noise was so intense that the windows of the surrounding houses began to shake.

    The Imperial Guard soldiers all clung to the walls and crouched down in their positions.

    Among the captives, some simplyy t on the ground, but that officer was still staring at Wang Zhong in the middle of the road.

    Then, the sound of the engines faded away.

    Wang Zhong turned and looked at the enemy lieutenant, ¡°Where is your air support?¡±

    The lieutenant¡¯s face turned ashen.

    Brother Peter peeked out from the rooftop, ¡°The enemy ne is gone! It flew towards Loktov!¡±

    Wang Zhong spread his arms, weing the admiring looks of his subordinates, ¡°Don¡¯t be so surprised, I told you, the Prosen¡¯s integration of air and ground forces isn¡¯t that good, they couldn¡¯t have brought in nes that fast.

    "Even if he really did call for nes, it would take those guys at least an hour to fly here from the airport!

    "And this vige has not been bombed at all, it¡¯s not a target for the Prosen Air Force!¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed to his temple, ¡°Use your brains, ssmates. As long as you are smarter than the enemy, you can beat them!¡±

    The officer red at Wang Zhong, looked him up and down several times, the scornful expression he had earlierpletely gone.

    In Antenguage, he asked, ¡°May I know who you are, or rather¡­ who are you exactly?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°It seems that Prosen people don¡¯t understand etiquette very well, shouldn¡¯t you introduce yourself before asking about someone else¡¯s identity?¡±

    "You¡¯re right, I am Second Lieutenant Joseph von Hoffman of the 220th Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion. May I ask who you are?¡±

    "Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, Major General.¡±

    Second Lieutenant Hoffman was startled, instinctively took a step back, but the surrounding Imperial Guard stepped forward, several gun barrels pressing against his back.

    The lieutenant nced at Wang Zhong again and shouted something in Prosen.

    Wang Zhong turned and asked Dmitry, ¡°What did he say?¡±

    "The White Horse General. The newspapers say it¡¯s a nickname the enemy gave you.¡±

    Wang Zhong stepped closer to the enemy, smiled slightly, ¡°That¡¯s right, I am the White Horse General, the enemy you can¡¯t kill. I will fight until your empire is destroyed.¡±

    The lieutenant said, ¡°Impossible! Since its establishment, the empire has won every war!¡±

    "Then, this!¡± Wang Zhong pointed to the ground beneath his feet, ¡°This will be its final war! In at most five years, we willpletely destroy it!¡±

    The enemy officer¡¯s lips quivered, but Wang Zhong¡¯s confidence suppressed any rebuttal he might have had, until atst, he finally lowered his proud head.

    Wang Zhong gave a grand wave of his hand, ¡°Load them onto the truck, prepare to retreat!¡±

    Just then, the door of the courtyard next to the post office opened, and an old man with a walking stick came out, looking at Wang Zhong, ¡°Your Excellency, are you leaving?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We will return.¡±

    The elder, ¡°When? In five years?¡±

    It turned out the old man had overheard the conversation.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Maybe not even five years, old sir.¡±

    The elder hesitated to speak, then finally fished a few potatoes out of his pocket and put them into Wang Zhong¡¯s hands, ¡°I told my daughter-inw to take the kids and our belongings and run away, this is all that¡¯s left in the house.¡±

    Wang Zhong keenly caught the key term: daughter-inw. He had a feeling he already knew where the son had gone, no need to ask.

    He looked at the potato and realized that the old man must have been carrying it for a long time, possibly as emergency rations for himself.

    "Old man, we¡¯ve had our fill. You should keep the potato for yourself.¡±

    The elder said, ¡°I am already old. During the civil war, I tried to join the army to fight for the Secr faction, but they wouldn¡¯t have me.¡±

    The civil war in the Ante Empire was a conflict between the Eastern Holy Church¡¯s Secr faction and the Sanctified faction. In the end, the Secr faction won and elevated the current Tsar to divine status.

    The elder said, ¡°Consider this potato as myst contribution to fight for The Saint Andrew!¡±

    The Saint Andrew, the founder of the Secr faction, is the origin of the Andrew¡¯s Cross on the imperial g.

    Wang Zhong stared at the old man for a few seconds and took back the potato: ¡°I will make good use of them.¡±

    The elder said, ¡°If need be, throwing them at the enemy works too!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, and at that moment, he thought to ask the old man about the local wind direction and such.

    So he asked, ¡°Old man, have you lived here for a long time?¡±

    "All my life.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What kind of wind predominates in this area during this season?¡±

    The old man chuckled: ¡°You¡¯re nning to fire the artillery around here, aren¡¯t you? I¡¯ll tell you, at nine o¡¯clock in the evening during this season, it¡¯s mostly windless. If you fire the artillery at that time, just aim using the map coordinates, and you¡¯ll be set.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Just then, Grigori came over to salute Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Excellency the General, all the spoils have been ounted for. We have captured a total of five submachine guns, two machine guns, and various ammunition, plus one functional motorcycle!¡±

    Wang Zhongmanded, ¡°Paint our military symbols on the motorcycle and requisition it.¡±

    He turned to look at the Prosen soldiers¡¯ bodies scattered on the street and said, ¡°Bury grenades under these soldiers¡¯ bodies, hang the pins on them, so when the enemy tries to move the bodies, the grenades will be triggered.¡±

    "Yes,¡± Grigori turned and ordered, ¡°You all heard him, get to it!¡±

    Then he said to Wang Zhong, ¡°The walkie-talkies have been checked; there¡¯s no damage. Dmitry is studying the instruction manual found on the enemy¡¯s radioman.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, prepared to check the walkie-talkies, but then remembered he hadn¡¯t said goodbye to the old man and looked his way again.

    "You have matters to attend to, General!¡± said the old man as he shakily saluted.

    Wang Zhong solemnly returned the salute before heading over to his subordinates who were fiddling with the walkie-talkies.

    Leaning against the gate of a small courtyard, the old man watched Wang Zhong¡¯s figure and whispered softly, ¡°What a brave and youthful general. May The Saint Andrew protect you.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the same time, to the southwest of Loktov, Vasily showed the newly made sign to his temporary subordinate Filippov: ¡°Take a look at this!¡±

    Filippov stopped hammering, resting against the sign he just drove into the ground, ¡°Don¡¯t show me, I don¡¯t understand Prussian script.¡±

    "It says: ¡®There are nondmines here!¡¯¡±

    Filippov furrowed his brow: ¡°Using such phrases to bluff, will it really work? Feels like a child¡¯s prank to me!¡±

    Vasily retorted, ¡°We¡¯ll ce arge mine underneath this sign so the enemy will have to believe it. Come on, let¡¯s go nt it over there, just opposite the one you just hammered in stating there¡¯s a minefield.¡±

    Filippov shook his head: ¡°If the academy instructors knew, they¡¯d scold you for only having petty cleverness!¡±

    "They would also tell me, ¡®In real war, these petty clevernesses are useless!¡¯¡± Vasily mockingly impersonated the instructors.

    Filippov said, ¡°As long as you¡¯re aware.¡±

    "But look, the brigadier assigned me to this, doesn¡¯t he know I only have petty cleverness? He must do, it¡¯s to give the enemy a little surprise using these exact tricks!¡±

    While talking, the two arrived at the spot. Vasily tossed the sign onto the ground and started digging a hole.

    Filippov took detonators and explosives out of his backpack: ¡°How much should we use?¡±

    "Give it a block!¡±

    "That much? That could st a man to the moon!¡±

    "Hey, with tricks like this, better to st with force than bury a lot. Ideally, all the Prosen Army will see one explosion and then they won¡¯t dare to push over these signs anymore! Just put one block in there!¡±

    Filippov ced a whole block of explosives in the hole, then started installing the detonation device.

    Since both might be assigned to lead sapper squads, they had studied demolition and were adept at handling explosives.

    Finally, Filippov tied the detonation pull ring to the base of the sign with a wire: ¡°Done!¡±

    Vasily nted the sign into the hole and began refilling it with soil.

    Filippov yelled, ¡°Be careful! That thing couldunch us to the moon too!¡±

    Vasily, unconcerned, said after finishing, ¡°Let¡¯s go find some tin cans to throw in the fields behind, to make the enemy¡¯s mine detectors screech.¡±

    "I support this idea,¡± Filippov agreed, ¡°But where are we going to find tin cans?¡±

    "Let¡¯s buy some from the locals; I¡¯ve got rubles,¡± said Vasily, suddenly sighing, ¡°Better use it now, or we might not get a chanceter.¡±

    Filippov asked, ¡°Would the locals who stayed behind take rubles?¡±

    "If not, we¡¯ll just say we¡¯re from the Tribunal and they¡¯ll take it,¡± Vasily replied.

    "But we¡¯re not wearing blue caps.¡±

    "That¡¯s easy, we¡¯ll hide our caps and tell them the enemy¡¯s bullets blew them away! Come on, Filippov, let¡¯s give the Prussians a little surprise!¡±

 Chapter 84: Whereâ€™s My Carolingian Cook?

    Twenty minutester.

    Vasily looked at the scant pile of metal on the jeep and couldn¡¯t help but hold his forehead, ¡°This little stuff is hardly enough to cause the enemy any real trouble.¡±

    Filippov said, ¡°After all, the fake minefield we created is quiterge. If the enemy¡¯s pathway isn¡¯t where we ced these things, then it would have been for nothing.¡±

    Vasily looked around.

    The open fields near Loktov were scattered with numerous civilian houses, mostly barns and cattle sheds, with few actual homes.

    Even if there were homes, the locals had long since fled to the city, leaving behind very little metal.

    Touching his neck, Vasily muttered, ¡°Now what do we do¡­¡±

    Filippov pped his thigh, ¡°I¡¯ve got it! The supply depot sent us pickled cucumber cans thinking they were shells. The jars are made of ss, sure, but the lids are metal!¡±

    Vasily looked surprised, ¡°Eh? That¡¯s something I should have thought of, howe you came up with it this time? Ah, I get it!¡±He gave Filippov a half-smiling, half-mocking look, ¡°You¡¯ve been picking up bad habits from me!¡±

    Filippov replied, ¡°Do you think you, being that ¡®bad influence,¡¯ should be saying that?¡±

    Vasilyughed, ¡°Let¡¯s not worry about that, your idea is great, let¡¯s go! A jeep probably won¡¯t fit all that, we¡¯ll need a truck to transport the can lids!¡±

    Then the two of them, along with the rather taciturn Mikhail, jumped into a vehicle and sped away.

    The scrap metal in the truck bed ttered on without cessation.

    When they took to the main road heading toward Loktov, they suddenly saw people dressed in Civil Defense uniformsying mines.

    Vasily hit the brakes, stopping before the mines, and shouted, ¡°Who authorized you toy mines?¡±

    The weary sapper from the Civil Defense replied, ¡°Commander Alexander Alexandrovich. Hurry up and pass by, the mines are not armed yet.¡±

    "Damn it!¡± Vasily stormed out of the vehicle, fuming with rage as he approached, grabbed the sapper by the cor, and hoisted him up, ¡°Don¡¯t you know that General Rocossov is out there reconnoitering the terrain? Are you trying to assassinate the General?¡±

    Only then did the sapper notice the Imperial Guard¡¯s cloak and hear ¡°the General¡¯s¡± name; the anger on his face evaporated instantly, ¡°This¡­ It was the Commander¡¯s order toy the mines! We had no idea the General had gone out to reconnoiter!¡±

    After saying this, he turned to his subordinates and shouted, ¡°Quick, call the Commander over! Alright, stop digging, cease work!¡±

    A momentter, Commander Alexander Alexandrovich came running up, ¡°What¡¯s happening? Why the stoppage?¡±

    Before the sapper could reply, Vasily interjected sharply, ¡°General Rocossov took a squad for reconnaissance up front, he¡¯s at Karlinovka! Are you trying to blow up the General byying mines here?¡±

    The Commander was shocked, ¡°I had no idea! The General¡¯s out reconnoitering? Nobody notified me! There was also no report from the bunkers on either side of the road about seeing the General!¡±

    Vasily stated, ¡°In any case, the General is out doing reconnaissance, and you¡¯re not toy any mines on the road until he returns!¡±

    The Commander nced at the opened crates ofndminesid out on the road, ¡°It¡¯s not great to just leave the mines here. They could get strafed by enemy aircraft. We¡¯ll have to remove them back to the bunkers¡­¡±

    Vasily proposed, ¡°Here¡¯s what we¡¯ll do: give the mines to us. We¡¯re setting up a fake minefield on the General¡¯s orders. To make this fake minefield convincing, we¡¯ll need to bury some real mines. These few crates of yours are just the ticket!

    "If you nt them on the main road, an enemy tank rolling over one would quickly reveal the whole road is mined, and they¡¯d simply use explosive devices to clear it.

    "Give them to us, and we can mix the real with the fake, dying the enemy even longer!¡±

    At this point Filippov interjected, ¡°Hold on, our minefield signs are written in Prosenian. What if the locals can¡¯t understand them and walk into the minefield?¡±

    Vasily replied, ¡°That¡¯s easy enough to fix, just add a line in Antenguage!¡±

    He continued, looking at the Civil Defense Commander, ¡°What do you say?¡±

    The Commander stroked his chin, ¡°The crate near the bunkers, we can¡¯t give that to you. We still need to block off the roads near the bunkers when the General returns.

    "But you can take the rest.¡±

    Then, turning to the sappers, the Commander ordered, ¡°Start withying the mines in the fields. Post someone by the road to stop the General¡¯s vehicle when it appears, and inform them that we¡¯reying mines on both sides of the road, and to pass through with the convoy!¡±

    Vasily nodded in approval, ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Filippov, grab the mines and let¡¯s go! And pick up the can lids.¡±

    The Commander looked puzzled, ¡°Can lids?¡±

    But the Imperial Guard¡¯s jeep was already driving away.

    ¡ª¨C

    In Karlinovka vige.

    At the post office counter on the first floor, Dmitry adjusted the frequency knob to the frequency written in pencil on the manual¡¯s title page, and indeed, he heard the call sign.

    Standing by his side, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°What are they saying?¡±

    "Shh!¡± Dmitry raised his index finger to his lips, signaling silence, then cleared his throat and spoke a few rapid sentences into the receiver.

    The other side instantly responded with simr rapid utterances.

    Prosenian gave the impression of arguing, simr to the so-called ¡°efficient German¡± Dmitry had seen in some short videos before the crossing.

    After the other side finished talking, Dmitry replied with a few sentences, then put down the receiver and said to Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy says the nes are being loaded with bombs and refueling now. They can depart in an hour and will arrive in two hours.¡±

    Immediately, young men started cursing, ¡°Damn it! Knew it was a fake!¡±

    "Lucky we have the General!¡±

    Wang Zhong paid no attention to his subordinates¡¯ ttery and confirmed, ¡°So an hour to load the bombs, and two hours to arrive, right?¡±

    "Right.¡±

    Wang Zhong dered, ¡°Flight time, one hour!¡±

    With that, he rushed over to the map¡ªthis was the Guardian Army¡¯s listening post, naturally equipped with a map because they needed to record the enemy nes¡¯ daily routes to provide intercept guidance for their forces.

 Chapter 85: Whereâ€™s My Carolingian Cook? (2)

    ¡°`

    Of course, the Ant Air Force didn¡¯t yet have the power to intercept.

    Wang Zhong found apass among the mapping tools next to him, spread the legs in proportion to the scale, then inserted the steel needle into Karlinovka and drew an arc westward with the ruling pen.

    He didn¡¯t know the specific performance of the enemy¡¯s attack aircraft, but thanks to the game ¡°War Thunder,¡± he had a rough understanding of the speeds of most World War II-era attack aircraft.

    The arc represented Wang Zhong¡¯s estimate of the enemy¡¯s fastest possible speed, meaning the enemy airfields were definitely closer to Karlinovka than this curve.

    "Damn it!¡± he muttered, ¡°The enemy¡¯s field airfields have advanced to this area. Bogdanovka will be a yground for enemy bombers. No, it probably already is.¡±

    At that moment, Brother Peter came down from the top floor and directly said to the Guardian Army lieutenant, ¡°We need to leave, check the vehicles.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are we leaving?¡±

    "Yes, I heard the messages you guys derived from the enemy upstairs, and I don¡¯t want to stay here and get bombed. Also, you eliminated the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance team, and they hadmunicated with their rear, I don¡¯t want to wait here for the enemy¡¯s vanguard.¡±Before Wang Zhong could speak, the Guardian Army lieutenant interjected, ¡°We haven¡¯t received any orders¡­ Shouldn¡¯t we ask for instructions first?¡±

    "By the time we finish asking for instructions, we¡¯ll already be captured by the enemy. Those heathens will execute every capable monk. I don¡¯t want to die!¡± the Monk said decisively.

    During the days Wang Zhong was resting in Loktov, he had crammed a lot of knowledge. The Prussians didn¡¯t believe in the Eastern Holy Church, so for them, this invasion also had overtones of holy war.

    Of course, the clergy on the Prussian side had secrized, so they didn¡¯t use the term ¡°holy war.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I support Brother Peter. If the lieutenant doesn¡¯t want to go, then Monk, youe with us.¡±

    Brother Peter,pletely misreading Wang Zhong¡¯s plot, nodded: ¡°That could work. But I think the lieutenant wille. After all, he doesn¡¯t want to face the Prussian Armored Division with such meager forces.¡±

    Lieutenant: ¡°You¡¯re right. I¡¯ll go check the vehicles and fill them up with fuel now.¡±

    At that moment, Dmitry suddenly raised his hand, signaling everyone to be silent, and turned up the volume on the walkie-talkie with a serious expression.

    Prussian wasing through the speaker. Dmitry listened while consulting themunication soldier¡¯s manual, picking out the code words one by one.

    The walkie-talkie conversationsted for about twenty seconds. Once the voice ceased, Dmitry reported, ¡°I am certain that was themand vehicle of the 15th Armored Division of the enemy calling their reconnaissance vanguardpany.

    "They said the ¡®apple orchard¡¯ is about to be bombed, and the reconnaissancepany should upy the ¡®apple orchard¡¯ after the bombardment.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, reminded of the famous ¡°AF has no fresh water¡± anecdote.

    If the apple orchard is to be bombed and then upied by the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance vanguard, then it¡¯s highly probable that it refers to Karlinovka.

    Brother Peter: ¡°It¡¯s this ce. Was the leather-d guy you captured from this reconnaissancepany?¡±

    "No, ording to his papers, he¡¯s from the 220th Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion, part of the Prussian Air Force.¡± Dmitry showed everyone the first page of the seized documents.

    Wang Zhong thought, wow, even the Air Force has its own motorized infantry unit, how very German.

    Despite his quip, the task at hand remained unchanged: ¡°Let¡¯s go¡­ Wait a second, aren¡¯t we going to dismantle the sound array on the roof?¡±

    By now Wang Zhong hade to regard both the sound array and Brother Peter as his own; he certainly couldn¡¯t just leave it behind.

    Brother Peter shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s no time, that thing is too finicky to dismantle.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked disappointed, but he still turned around and took the lead out of the post office, only to find several Imperial Guard soldiers gathered around the woodshed, staring at two legs sticking out of a hole in the roof.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    "Report, General! We¡¯re discussing whether to set an IED on this man as he is, or to drag him out of the hole first andy him on the ground. After all, this posture is just too¡­¡±

    The Imperial Guard soldier struggled for a while before squeezing out an adjective: ¡°¡­humorous¡­¡±

    Well, isn¡¯t it humorous? Such arge man stuck in a woodshed in such aical posture, one would typically only expect to see this in aedy film.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°There¡¯s no need to ce a booby trap on this soldier. Just slip a note in his pocket that reads: ¡®General Aleksei Konstantinovich wishes you a pleasant upation. I have left you twenty surprises, hope you like them.¡¯¡±

    ¡°`

    In fact, there were not that many cunningly ced mines, but iming there were more could make the Prussians even ¡°happier¡±.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s orders were swiftly executed, and soon after, the convoy, now with an additional vehicle, left Karlinovka.

    Leaving the vige, Wang Zhong saw the old man who had given him potatoes, along with a group of elderly people too frail to walk, standing at the entrance of the vige.

    He called a halt to the jeep, got out, and said to the elderly people, ¡°We still have room in our vehicles, you shoulde with us. When the Prussians arrive, we¡¯ll bombard this ce with heavy artillery.¡±

    The old man who had provided the potatoesughed, ¡°General, you still worry about these matters! If there are still people in the vige, will your heavy artillery not shell it? Is it worth it to save us old bones if the enemy doesn¡¯t lose anything and can attack at full strength, causing your young men to sacrifice themselves?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This¡­¡±

    "You must shell it! Isn¡¯t that what war is all about? If shelling us could let our sons and daughters live, then st away, we¡¯ve lived long enough anyway.

    "I know you¡¯re kind-hearted, General, but if we go to the rear, we¡¯ll only consume supplies and really won¡¯t be able to do any work.

    "I have experienced war, I know how scarce food will be; it¡¯s better to¡­ leave it for the children, they need to be well-fed to kill the enemy.¡±

    The other elders nodded in agreement.

    Unable toe up with a response, Wang Zhong could only climb back into the vehicle and order it to start.

    Looking back, he saw the elderly standing at the vige entrance as if they had been abandoned in the times gone by.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    By evening, Wang Zhong had finallypleted the reconnaissance of all the viges that could potentially serve as enemy encampments.

    On his way back to the city, he unexpectedly found that the garrison troop had arranged for someone to lead the way at the entrance to the minefield.

    Arriving at the headquarters, Wang Zhong decided to start interrogating the prisoners right away, but was stopped by Popov.

    "They are Prussian soldiers, they just keep reporting their units and ranks, soldier numbers,¡± said Popov, ¡°unless you use some unconventional means.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked in confusion, ¡°Can¡¯t we use them?¡±

    Popov, ¡°After all, we are a regr army, and so are they; it wouldn¡¯t be appropriate.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to object, he saw people from the Tribunal arrive.

    Popov, ¡°You see, it¡¯s better to leave this kind of thing to the professionals. Handing it over to the Tribunal is also more proper procedurally.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, realizing that it indeed seemed to be the case.

    So he said, ¡°Of course, we should do things by the book. Dear Judges, thank you for your hard work.¡±

    The Judge nodded and moved forward to take away a prisoner with a ¡°my fate is sealed¡± expression.

    Popov said, ¡°Alright, you must be hungry too. Let¡¯s go, have some food at the mess.¡±

    Wang Zhong was indeed hungry. He turned to everyone who had been with him on reconnaissance that day, as well as the members of the Guardian Army who had been brought back, and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go, time to eat. Follow me!¡±

    Then he led a group of people to the mess.

    After that, he frowned at the mess¡¯s serving area where big pots were lined up.

    They were all full of pickles.

    Every pot was filled with pickles!

    Wang Zhong admitted that the pickles were quite refreshing and not bad to eat, but this was too much!

    At that moment, the cookdy came out and said, ¡°That restless kid, what¡¯s-his-name Vasily, said it was your order to remove the lids from the pickle cans. I saw all these cans opened and figured they would go bad quickly if not eaten, so I decided to cook them all up, make do with what we have!¡±

    Facing the vast expanse of pickles, Wang Zhong yelled, ¡°Where is my French¡ªno, wrong, where is my Carolingian chef?¡±

 Chapter 86: Incompatible as Water and Fire

    After dinner, the senior officers of the Rocossovbat group met again, with a defense map of Lokotov Cityid out on the table they gathered around.

    Yegorov was the first to speak, ¡°I¡¯ve ced both the first and thirdpanies in the chemical nt. To be honest, it¡¯s fairly sturdy there. When ites to withstanding enemy heavy artillery fire, the casualties should be lower than in the garrison.¡±

    "Another location that is quite suitable for artillery defense is here.¡±

    He pointed behind the fertilizer nt.

    "The warehouse district, which is also made of very strong concrete buildings, where we can station the reserve troops, meaning the secondpany.¡±

    "Lokotov is half an industrial city, with many concrete structures, which is one of the few pieces of good news.¡±

    Yegorov paused, then added, ¡°By the way, the logisticsmand has allocated one of theirmunicationspanies to us, and they have been busy all afternoon getting the telephone lines up.¡±

    As he spoke, Yegorov picked up the telephone on the table and continued, ¡°This is finally no longer just for show. We can now call the main position at the fertilizer nt, the hidden B4 howitzer battalion, the position of God¡¯s Arrow Company, and the Lokotov Defense Brigade.¡±

    After finishing, he put the handset back in ce.Wang Zhong: ¡°There seem to be too few ces that we can reach.¡±

    "After all, the lines were justid this afternoon.¡±

    Pavlov frowned, ¡°Why is there a phone line to the defense brigade? It isn¡¯t under ourmand.¡±

    "Now it is,¡± Popov answered, ¡°We¡¯ve established contact with Argesukov¡¯s Front Army headquarters. The Front Army has ordered us to unifymand of thebat troops in Lokotov, to hold off enemy raids by small units, and to support General Anton¡¯s counter-attack.¡±

    Wang Zhong sneered, ¡°Small units? We¡¯ve clearly heard that an Armored Division is advancing on us, with its vanguard reconnaissancepany already in Karlinovka. Popov, did you actually report the intelligence we¡¯ve gathered to the intelligence department of the Front Army?¡±

    "I reported it, but they need time to analyze,¡± Popov looked rather helpless, ¡°They might also simply not believe it, given that it¡¯s just ¡®eavesdropped¡¯ radiomunication. The higher-ups think ¡®truly important information would definitely be transmitted through a telegraph, while the enemy¡¯s Enigma machine was prepared for this purpose.¡¯¡±

    Hearing the familiar term Enigma machine, Wang Zhong immediately thought of the story of a bunch of mathematicians gathered at Bletchley Park in Ennd to decipher the Enigma code and asked, ¡°How advanced is our country¡¯s mathematics?¡±

    I remember that both the Russian Empire andter the Soviet Union had a very high level of mathematics, so if the British could handle it, the Russians should too¡ªright?

    After all, this is an alternate world; maybe in this world the entire Ante Empire can¡¯t mentally calcte multiplication or division within 100?

    In Wang Zhong¡¯s view, his question is closely rted to the topic, but to others, it seemspletely irrelevant, if not utterly non sequitur.

    The room filled with confusion as everyone looked at Wang Zhong, and themand center quieted down, leaving only the sound of the beeping from the neighboring Tribunal¡¯s radio surveince unit¡¯s improvised telegraph operators.

    Pavlov: ¡°Mathematics¡­ huh?¡±

    Popov: ¡°What does this have to do with mathematics?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Didn¡¯t we just mention the Enigma code? Just find a bunch of mathematicians to decipher it. It¡¯s only a mechanical device, not truly indecipherable. Of course, that¡¯s assuming that Ante has a sufficient number of outstanding mathematicians.¡±

    Everyone looked at each other perplexed, and Yegorov asked, ¡°Then why not capture an Enigma machine?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Simply capturing one is not enough, the Enigma machine can adjust its encryption by changing its initial settings, and even with the exact same settings, the encryption effect will differ if the starting positions of the rotors are different. So even if we capture an Enigma machine, we still need arge number of cryptologists¡­ Why are you all looking at me so ¡®affectionately¡¯?¡±

    Popov: ¡°I never knew before that you had such knowledge. I thought you just knew the dress sizes of the high societydies in the capital.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked; was this what it was like to be a yboy immersed in the game of romance? I¡¯d like to know too!

    Inserting himself into the conversation, Pavlov said, ¡°None of this matters, whether it¡¯s mathematicians or corsets, they¡¯re not what we need to worry about right now. Whether the higher-ups believe it or not, we know an Armored Division is advancing on us.¡±

    "It¡¯s said that Prosen has onlymitted 20 Armored Divisions in total, and one of them ising right at us! And against them, all our anti-tank weapons consist of only ten Divine Arrows and three anti-tank guns!¡±

    "Regarding the Divine Arrow,¡± Wang Zhong interrupted Pavlov, ¡°where is it currently deployed?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°At the fertilizer nt, the second floor of the factory building provides a good vantage point, suitable forunching the Divine Arrows, and after firing, they can move to a safe new position swiftly. Yeca Neiko is very pleased with the new firing position.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°They should be pulled back.¡±

    "What?¡± Yegorov frowned, ¡°Pulled back?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I n to use the Divine Arrow for anti-air defense.¡±

    "You intend to use the Divine Arrow to protect our 203 mm gun position?¡± Yegorov was amazed, ¡°That¡¯s quite suitable, indeed. If the 203s survive an extra air raid, the damage they could inflict on the enemy would be far greater than destroying ten tanks!¡±

    "No,¡± Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°I captured a motorized reconnaissancepany in Karlinovka today; they are part of the enemy Air Force¡¯s ground guidance unit, which inspired me. The Air Force needs to know where the targets are to bomb them. Do you get my drift?¡±

    Yegorov shook his head: ¡°I don¡¯t follow.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Lokotov is a reasonably sized city, full of buildings, and the surrounding terraincks any high mountains. I saw it clearly when I went out reconnoitering¡ªthe highest observation point the enemy can find is the barn outside the city.¡±

 Chapter 87: Incompatible as Water and Fire (2)

    "The ground guidance troops will definitely not be able to see where our heavy artillery positions are. The enemy will need to conduct aerial reconnaissance.¡±

    Wang Zhong stopped, hoping the others had grasped his meaning.

    Pavlov asked, ¡°And then?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°We¡¯ve rescued a Monk from Karlinovka who has excellent hearing¡­¡±

    "You mean a Sound Array Master?¡± Popov inquired.

    "Yes, although he discarded his listening device, he said that the town¡¯s cksmiths could quickly forge some makeshift ones. He¡¯ll be ready by tomorrow!

    "He can distinguish the engine sounds of the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance nes!¡±

    Yegorov finally understood, ¡°Are you suggesting we use the Divine Arrow to take down the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance nes?¡±

    Wang Zhong confirmed, ¡°Yes, a fighter bomber pilot is highly nervous when dropping bombs under fire from our anti-aircraft guns and might not spot a well-camouged B4unch position."But reconnaissance nes can take photos for reconnaissance, and the enemy intelligence staff can study the photos closely in a safe ce. They have a good chance of finding our artillery positions!¡±

    The others nodded in agreement, ¡°That makes sense.¡±

    "If we suppress reconnaissance and maintain good camouge, those cumbersome B4s might survive longer! Inflicting greater damage on the enemy!¡±

    Yegorov proposed, ¡°If we find anotherunch position and spread the B4s out, we can withstand more attacks!¡±

    Wang Zhong added, ¡°If we use wood and such to create fake positions, without firing, the real and fake won¡¯t be distinguishable. We just have to not fire when the enemy nes are in the air.¡±

    "Exactly!¡± Yegorov mmed the table, ¡°I¡¯ll have my boys¡­¡±

    "No,¡± Popov interrupted him, ¡°it¡¯s not a task for our boys. The church is organizing civilians and home guards for this, let them do it. Some of them are carpenters and cksmiths.¡±

    Wang Zhong queried, ¡°The church is organizing this?¡±

    "Yes, we are part of the Secr faction, and the local parish priest has great influence among the citizens. It would be different if it were the Sanctified faction.¡± Popov said with some pride.

    Wang Zhongmented, ¡°That¡¯s good. The best cards we hold right now are these B4s. The good news is, we¡¯ve captured the enemy¡¯smunication codebook, and as long as they don¡¯t change their codes, we can guess where and what units are by monitoring theirmunications.

    "I personally scouted the viges within the B4¡¯s firing range. They are mostly inhabited by the elderly, those who do not follow the Eastern Holy Church, and a few from the Sanctified faction, so we can bombard with confidence.

    "Especially at night, when the enemy is encamped, we should be able to inflict significant casualties.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Karlinovka.

    The lead reconnaissance tank of the Prosen Army¡¯s 15th Armored Division halted on the road five hundred meters from the vige, as Captain Hank peered out from the turret with his binocrs to observe the settlement.

    The smoke from the Air Force¡¯s bombing rose high into the sky, and the airborne particles formed expansive clouds turned blood red by the sunset glow.

    The terrain of Karlinovka vige consisted of a straight road running from one end to the other, so Captain Hank could see the exit on the other side of the vige from outside its perimeter.

    Therefore, he could clearly see the motorcycles belonging to the 220th Motorcycle Reconnaissance Battalion toppled over in the vige.

    Clearly, these friendly forces had been ambushed.

    The captain put down his binocrs andmanded, ¡°Gunner, shoot into every window of the vige.¡±

    The tank¡¯s machine gun immediately began firing, stuffing at least three 20mm high-explosive rounds into each window.

    Since most houses in Karlinovka were made of wood, the machine gun even tore down the window frames.

    When firing at the fifth window, the captain shouted, ¡°Stop!¡±

    The machine gun fell silent.

    No one came out from the vige, nor was there any return fire.

    Wait, someone wasing out from the vige!

    An old man wearing a military uniform from the time of the Ante Empire and Anatolian Empire war staggered out from the vige, stood at the entrance, and looked toward the Prussians.

    The captain ordered, ¡°Catch him, ask where the people who ambushed the motorcycle battalion went!¡±

    The reconnaissance soldiers, who had been in hiding by the roadside, immediately stood up and advanced toward the vige entrance.

    After the infantry moved fifty paces, the captain ordered the tank forward.

    By the time the tank reached the entrance, the infantry had already pinned the old man to the ground. A lieutenant, holding a saber, approached the tank, ¡°Captain, this is all he had on him!¡±

    The captain took the saber, examined it closely, and admired, ¡°What a fine de!¡±

    No sooner had these words left his mouth than an explosion sounded from within the vige.

    The Prosen soldiers around the tank immediately hit the ground, and the captain himself retreated into the turret, abandoning the ¡°fine de¡± on the ground.

    The steel helmet flung by the explosionnded on the ground with a ringing sound.

    Seizing the moment, the pinned old man stood up, grabbed the saber from the ground, and aimed to strike the nearest Prussian, but a submachine gun fired.

    The old man¡¯s body tensed sharply, bathed in the blood-red sunset.

    He fell down little by little.

    Although dynasties had changed, he still shed thest drop of blood for his hometown.

    Major Hank climbed back out of the turret and asked loudly, ¡°What was that explosion just now?¡±

    "Report Major, the enemy buried mines under the bodies!¡±

    The Major cursed and then ordered, ¡°Drag everyone in the vige out, ask where more mines are! Those who don¡¯t talk are resistors, shoot them all!¡±

    Soon, more than a dozen elders were brought under the birch tree at the entrance of the vige.

    The interpreter asked the first olddy, ¡°How many mines have been buried here? Where are they?¡±

    The olddy spat in the interpreter¡¯s face.

    The interpreter said, ¡°This one is a resistor! Execute them!¡±

    The submachine gun immediately rang out, the olddy fell, eyes still fixed fiercely on the invaders.

    The interpreter approached the second elder man in line, asking, ¡°How many mines are buried? Where?¡±

    The elder man said, ¡°I am a sergeant of the Thirteenth Guard Grenadier Corps, soldier number¡­¡±

    "I¡¯m asking you!¡± The interpreter pped the old man across the face several times.

    The elder man wiped the blood leaking from the corner of his mouth and continued, ¡°I am a sergeant of the Thirteenth Guard Grenadier Corps¡­¡±

    "This one¡¯s a resistor! Shoot!¡±

    Rat-a-tat-tat

    The interpreter walked toward the third one, a middle-aged man, who said before the interpreter could speak, ¡°I believe in the Prosen national religion! My family secretly worships¡­¡±

    The interpreter cut him off, ¡°Then tell me how many mines there are!¡±

    "Only five, all buried under the corpses of the Imperial soldiers in the vige! These damned inferior races, how dare they desecrate the bodies of Imperial soldiers!¡±

    The interpreter said, ¡°That¡¯s right, you are an inferior race, that¡¯s why you¡¯d betray your own neighbors.¡±

    Speaking, the interpreter turned to the surrounding Prosen soldiers and said in Prosen, ¡°Just now, they were defiant to death, one after another; I thought their national spirit had elevated! Lucky there¡¯s this one! They really are an inferior race!¡±

    The Prosen soldiersughed heartily.

    The traitor looked nkly at the Prussians, fear written all over his face.

    The interpreter stepped forward, patted his shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we treat those loyal to the Empire well. You did well, very well. By the way, who buried these mines?¡±

    The traitor answered, ¡°It was a person named Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky! He ims to be the White Horse General!¡±

    The interpreter¡¯s smile froze on his face.

    Then, ance corporal ran up to the deputymander, reporting loudly, ¡°A note written in Prosen was found on the body of our soldiers!¡±

    "Read it!¡± Major Hank said.

    "General Aleksei Konstantinovich wishes you a pleasant upation, I have left you twenty surprises, hope you like them.¡±

    Major Hank frowned, ¡°Is that really what¡¯s written there?¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    The Major exchanged a nce with the interpreter.

    The interpreter immediately pped the traitor in the face, ¡°Motherfucker! You dare to deceive us! Clearly, there are 20 mines!¡±

    "What? Twenty? I swear I didn¡¯t know! I was hiding too far away to hear clearly what their order was! I only saw them bury five!¡±

    The interpreter drew his Luger pistol and chambered a round himself.

    The traitor knelt abruptly, ¡°I¡¯m wronged!¡±

    "Those who deceive the Empire must die!¡± the interpreter said emotionlessly, raising the gun to the traitor¡¯s forehead.

    In desperation, the man shouted, ¡°Long live the Prosen Empire! Emperor Reinha¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, the interpreter pulled the trigger, the bullet hit the target right in the middle of the forehead, passing out the back of the skull, creating arge hole, his brain matter spraying onto the roots of the birch tree.

    Then the interpreter kicked the corpse away.

    The olddy standing fourth in line spit on the corpse.

    The interpreter said, ¡°I suppose you won¡¯t talk either?¡±

    "The day my sones back, he¡¯ll send all of you to hell!¡±

    Pop.

    The gunfire continued.

 Chapter 88: Firepower Supremacy

    Jules Year 914, July 5th morning.

    Wang Zhong had already taken his position at his ¡°wartimemand post¡±: actually, it was the office building of a fertilizer nt. This reinforced concrete building was quite sturdy, suitable as a front-linemand post and could also serve as a defensive position.

    More importantly, the fertilizer nt already had a telephone, which greatly reduced the workload of themunicationspany.

    The brigademand post was manned by Pavlov, and the radio was with the brigade HQ as well.

    Pavlov was strongly against Wang Zhong¡¯s practice of going to the front himself, but he was ignored.

    Yegorov actually liked this: ¡°This was supposed to be my wartimemand post. If you want to use it, I¡¯ll let you have it, and I¡¯ll go down to the troops!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You can go, but make sure to stay within the reach of the telephone.¡±

    Yegorov sighed, ¡°Then I might as well not go anywhere.¡±

    This front-linemand post was already at the furthest extent the telephone lines could reach. Themunicationspany that was hauled over from the quartermaster¡¯s headquarters couldn¡¯t extend it any further, at least not for another day before they could ensure the telephone lines reached the battalionmand post below.Ignoring Yegorov¡¯s sighs andments, Wang Zhong moved to the window and raised his binocrs.

    In fact, as soon as he raised his binocrs his perspective changed; where could a binocrs get a good bird¡¯s-eye view?

    To the southwest, the in was quiet, and there was no sign of the Prussian Army.

    After surveying the area, Wang Zhong shifted his view back and saw Dmitri and another soldier from the thirdpany carrying in the artillery observation scopes.

    The forwardmand post had the best field of vision, so naturally, the artillery observation post was also set up here, which also allowed the sharing of the telephone line with themand post.

    Dmitri was the artillery cadet with the best performance among those supplemented into the 31st Guards Regiment and was naturally assigned to the artillery observation post.

    The field telephone was now watched by Vasily, who also understood the Prosennguage.

    Dmitri set up the artillery observation scopes, the two tubes spread out in a V-shape, then he pressed his eyes against the eyepiece and adjusted the knobs toward the distant targets.

    The target was the fake minefield signs nted by Vasily and his men yesterday.

    Wang Zhong watched Dmitri operate and realized he didn¡¯t understand at all.

    After all, the military training he had received was only at the level of college military courses.

    But suddenly he discovered something he could ¡°advise¡± the professional artillery cadet Dmitri on: if the artillery observation scopes were just left there, they might reflect light and be noticed by the enemy far away!

    So Wang Zhong said, ¡°Dmitri, like this, the enemy might notice your position through the reflection. I suggest you drape the lenses withting that hasrger holes.¡±

    Before Dmitri could respond, Vasily spoke, ¡°Then wouldn¡¯t we see nothing at all?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are you stupid? The cloth is so close to the objective lens, and the image is formed way in front of the eyepiece, so you won¡¯t see the fabric through the eyepiece, it will just affect the amount of light entering.¡±

    "What?¡± Vasily was puzzled, ¡°What are you talking about? Dmitri, did you understand?¡±

    Dmitri: ¡°The general is right; it really won¡¯t affect the observation too much!

    "Artillery observation scopes are different from binocrs, which are only raised when looking. Artillery scopes are left out after the parameters are set, and indeed, they can be noticed by the enemy because of the reflection.

    "Why didn¡¯t I think of that¡­ The teachers at school didn¡¯t teach us this!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Now I¡¯ve taught you.¡±

    Dmitri looked at Wang Zhong, hesitant to speak.

    But Vasily had no such reservations and directly asked, ¡°How did you graduatest in your ss, Colonel? Your military literacy is quite high!¡±

    Wang Zhong felt embarrassed; by now, he couldn¡¯t admit that he learned this knowledge from ¡°Operation Red Sea.¡±

    Dmitri turned to the cadet who had helped him carry the artillery scopes and said, ¡°Mishka, go get some gauze from the medic, the kind with the biggest holes, used for dressing.¡±

    Mishka nodded and ran off.

    At that moment, the telephone rang and Yegorov, who was closest to the phone, picked it up: ¡°Hello, forwardmand, go ahead. What? You should have informed Divine Arrow Company first, Brother Peter! You did? Okay, we¡¯re aware.¡±

    Yegorov hung up the phone and looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°Brother Peter used that rudimentary auditory array to hear that a reconnaissance ne is flying towards us. God¡¯s Arrow Company is already prepared.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Order the assignment of three soldiers who can drive, along with a jeep and a DShK machine gun, to immediately head to the crash site as soon as the reconnaissance ne is shot down, to ensure that the enemy cannot obtain the reconnaissance information.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Let me go!¡±

    "You stay put!¡± Wang Zhong red at him, ¡°Have you heard anything valuable?¡±

    Vasily shook his head: ¡°No, the enemy is very cautious, not revealing their whereabouts at all, just mentioning ¡®progressing smoothly,¡¯ ¡®reached the first objective.¡¯ This notebook only has the call signs of the units and a few location codes; there¡¯s nothing about the objectives.

    "Besides, some of the conversations are in dialects, really heavy ents, basically unintelligible.¡±

    Wang Zhong was amazed: ¡°Dialects, huh¡­¡±

    He was reminded of the movie ¡°Windtalkers,¡± where the Americans used Native Americans as radio operators, using Native Americannguages as ¡°codes,¡± iprehensible to the Japanese.

    Therefore, Native Americans were useful to the United States for more than just scalps.

    Vasily continued toin, ¡°What¡¯s the use of listening to this¡­ I¡¯d rather be on the frontline¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong ced a finger on his lips and hushed, ¡°Listen!¡±

    The sound of engines, distinct from those of bombers.

    Wang Zhong moved to the window and lowered his body to look up into the sky.

    After switching to a bird¡¯s eye view, he finally saw the ne, a Focke-Wulf 189 reconnaissance aircraft.

    This was a professional reconnaissance aircraft that could be fitted with a camera gun. Its cockpit offered an excellent view, allowing the pilot to clearly see the ground in front of the ne in order to ensure a precise flyover of the reconnaissance target.

 Chapter 89: Firepower Supremacy (2)

    Moreover, this thing was good at surviving and had decent low-altitude performance, so it often carried out low-altitude reconnaissance and could incidentally drop a few small bombs.

    In short, it was a highly threatening type of dedicated reconnaissance aircraft.

    However, because it was a light aircraft with twin engines, it was rtively easy to be detected by Brother Peter¡¯s sound array.

    Wang Zhong stared at this ne as it crossed the minefield and flew into the urban airspace¡ª

    The Divine Arrow wasunched!

    The Prussian pilot immediately tried to evade to the left but was chased down by the Divine Arrow after it turned a corner, and following the explosion, the right engine of the enemy ne burst into mes, trailing a long plume of ck smoke.

    It plummeted to the ground, tilting as it fell.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Well done! Yegorov, the ne is heading toward the police station, send out a search team quickly, there are three people on board, they may have weapons, be careful!¡±

    "Yes!¡± Yegorov picked up the phone, ¡°Search team, move out, the enemy ne may have crashed near the police station.¡±Wang Zhong added, ¡°You must destroy the film!¡±

    Vasilyughed, ¡°If we could always block reconnaissance like this, maybe our cumbersome tractor naval guns would survive until the end of the fight!¡±

    Dmitri nced at him and said, ¡°Don¡¯t jinx it!¡±

    Yegorov repeated the order into the phone and then hung up.

    He had just put down the handset when the phone next to him rang, and he casually answered, ¡°Headquarters, go ahead. What? Okay, I understand.¡±

    After hanging up, Yegorov informed Wang Zhong, ¡°Brother Peter has heard a lot of tactical bombers and Stukas, possibly over 20.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Everyone, into the shelters!¡±

    As Yegorov issued the order, Dmitri asked worriedly, ¡°Should we go too?¡±

    Wang Zhong patted Dmitri on the shoulder, ¡°This building is reinforced concrete, with very thick external walls, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    While talking, Wang Zhong saw the enemy nes; he counted 15 Stukas and 12 Do 215s, along with several escorting Messerschmitt Bf 109s.

    As the nes approached the city, the anti-aircraft guns in the city opened fire, creating a fire in front of the formation.

    The Do 215 formation plunged into the fire, heading straight over the train station to drop bombs, while the Stukas entered their characteristic ¡°rolling¡± dive. The ear-piercing ¡°Death Scream¡± ruptured everyone¡¯s eardrums.

    That scream involuntarily made people want to duck and lie t on the ground.

    But Wang Zhong saw very clearly, all the enemy nes were heading towards the defense group¡¯s bunkers.

    Only then did he realize his vantage point covered only the Guard 31st Regiment¡¯s field of view; it was all dark on the side of the defense group, with only a unit emblem floating above the map¡¯s real scenery.

    This situation was very simr to when Wang Zhong had just takenmand of the then-named Third Rear Amur Group in Ronied.

    Could it be that by calling the defense group, he could share their field of view, just like back then?

    After the enemy nespleted their bombing, bombs fell on the defense group¡¯s position, but Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t make out the specifics of the damage, only the smoke blooms created by the explosions.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yegorov, call the defense group!¡±

    "Yes! Hello, connect me to the defense group!¡±

    A few seconds of waitingter, Yegorov said, ¡°It¡¯s connected!¡±

    As he spoke, the territory of the defense group ¡°lit up,¡± and Wang Zhong gained vision of the defense group.

    So it was.

    The troops I [personally] [directly]mand have vision, they¡¯re under mymand, but for the troopsmanded by their own officers, I only have their location. Only by connecting via the phone and establishing directmand do I gain vision of the troops.

    At that moment, Yegorov came to Wang Zhong and handed him the handset.

    Wang Zhong took the handset: ¡°What are your losses? I saw the Stukas heading towards you.¡±

    The defense groupmander, Aleksandr Aleksandrovich, responded, ¡°Two bunkers werepletely destroyed, work of these past days gone to waste, but we didn¡¯t man the positions, so we only lost equipment like machine guns inside the bunkers.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Only the bunkers?¡±

    "Also, seven or eight bombs fell on our positions, destroying the wooden decoy tank guns we had made.¡±

    Just then, a voice from the phone yelled, ¡°Enemy nes areing back!¡± Wang Zhong switched to the overhead view and saw the Stukas, after finishing bombing, circling back and starting to strafe.

    But most of the defense group was still hiding in the bomb shelters, so they didn¡¯t suffer many casualties.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°As soon as the enemy nes leave, immediately restore the positions. The enemy vanguard may arrive today.¡±

    "Understood.¡±

    Wang Zhong gave the handset back to Yegorov, who hung up the phone, and in that moment, the vision of the defense group disappeared again.

    It turned out this way, vision from non-directlymanded troops was only avable during a call. It seemed I would need to make frequent calls to various front-line units in the future.

    That¡¯s what Wang Zhong thought.

    Just then, the phone rang again.

    Yegorov picked it up, responded a few times, and then hung up, reporting, ¡°Brother Peter has heard enemy mechanized forces, apparently a considerable number of light tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    This Brother Peter and his sound array were more useful than expected, feeling almost like the listening vehicle from ¡°Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team,¡± hearing everything.

    Vasily took off his headset, excitedly asking, ¡°Are we going to use the B4 to bomb the enemy now?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Keep listening to your walkie-talkie! If you miss critical information, I¡¯ll have you shot!¡±

    Hearing that the punishment was execution rather than mucking out, Vasily shrank his neck and put the headset back on.

    Wang Zhong looked out again, waiting for the Prussians to arrive.

    At that moment, Mishka came back with the gauze, also carrying rope for fastening; together, they draped ayer of cloth over the artillery scope and secured it with the rope.

 Chapter 90: Firepower Supremacy (3)

    Dmitri pressed his eye to the eyepiece and joyfully said, ¡°I can see very clearly!¡±

    Just at that moment, Wang Zhong, from an overlooking perspective, spotted the enemy.

    A Mark II tank appeared on the southwest main road.

    It seemed that the Prosen Army of this era also assigned the already outmoded Mark II tanks to the reconnaissance troops.

    Behind the Mark II tank was a wheeled reconnaissance vehicle, followed by a half-trackden with soldiers.

    Even though it was only a reconnaissance unit, why did so many of theme marching up in such a grand procession¡­

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong noticed that this group seemed unrested, their faces showing extreme fatigue, their clothes all wrinkled and covered with leaves, as if they had slept in the wild overnight.

    Could it be¡­ thend mines had taken effect?

    At this moment, the second and third Mark II tanks entered his field of view; the strength of this vanguard was somewhat substantial.Seeing so many people, Wang Zhong decided to give them a surprise, while also shaking the enemy forces.

    He said to Yegorov, ¡°Call Artillery Unit A.¡±

    After deciding to split B4 into two positions yesterday, they took action overnight, distributing the four guns to different locations and renaming the original position Artillery Unit A.

    Of course, this ¡®A¡¯ was a Cyrillic letter.

    While picking up the handset, Yegorovined, ¡°I¡¯ve be a telephone operator!¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°Then let me do it!¡±

    "You listen to your walkie-talkie, otherwise the brigadier will get angry again. Connect to Artillery Unit A.¡±

    Dmitri hurriedly began calcting the enemy¡¯s coordinates.

    Yegorov said, ¡°Connected. Here!¡±

    Wang Zhong took the handset and immediately began to report the coordinates.

    Just having calcted halfway, Dmitri was shocked, his eyes widening as he looked at Wang Zhong.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major Hank stuck his head out of the turret, observing the city with a telescope.

    The Air Force¡¯s bombing appeared to be highly effective, and the destruction of the city¡¯s outer defenses was clearly visible.

    The Ante People were hastily repairing the damaged fortifications. Perhaps this was an opportunity for a rapid assault?

    As Major Hank thought this, he let out a huge yawn.

    Last night, the reconnaissance battalion did not dare to camp in Karlinovka for fear of mines, as they had no engineers to deal with thend mines.

    Camping in the field, Major Hank hadn¡¯t slept well.

    He hadn¡¯t gotten a good night¡¯s sleep in many days and had hoped to take a bath and get a good rest in a clean bedst night, but it all fell through!

    Damn General White Horse! Too cunning, too bad!

    Just as he was thinking, a sharp screech suddenly came from the sky; it was the sound of artillery shells tearing through the air!

    The moment the screeching sounded, the reconnaissance battalion, still not deployed around the tank, dropped like flies to the ground.

    Those still on the half-track also rushed to jump off and flopped down in the fields off the road shoulder.

    Major Hank immediately ducked back into the turret and closed the hatch¡ªthis had all be muscle memory.

    Only afterpleting these actions did he realize that the whistling sound was clearly that of heavy artillery, at least 122 millimeters.

    With the armor of a Mark II tank, resisting such heavy artillery might be problematic¡ª

    That instant, the shells hit the ground.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong called for a volley, with a total of four rounds.

    The first round fell right in the front of the enemy¡¯s formation, about four or five meters from the leading Mark II, and the st wind simply flipped the small frame of the Mark II tank onto the road.

    When the tank flipped, Wang Zhong clearly saw two prone infantrymen get crushed underneath.

    The dust cloud from the explosion immediately swallowed up the surrounding prone enemies.

    The second round fell into the field, a bit far from the enemy column, but the chunks of earth it tossed flew tens of meters,nding on the road and nging against the enemy helmets.

    The third round flew over the target andnded at the rear of the column, overturning the rear half-track vehicle.

    The fourth round hit dead center in the middle of the column, among a cluster of densely packed prone figures.

    Wang Zhong distinctly saw a Prosen soldier, along with his equipment, literallyunched dozens of meters into the air, as if he ¡°caught a ne.¡±

    By conservative estimates, this vanguard of the enemy had lost half its force to these four 203 millimeter shells!

    No wonder they say artillery is the God of War!

    Is it really that powerful?

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but think back to the day he had first traversed to this world, when he was weed by a 381-millimeter artillery round in Ronied; it was nothing short of a miracle he survived.

    There must have been about a hundred people in that room, and only two lived; he was one of those lucky survivors, unbelievable.

    At this moment, cheers came from outside.

    The soldiers didn¡¯t have telescopes, their field of view wasn¡¯t as good as Wang Zhong¡¯s, but the dust clouds created by the four artillery rounds rose tens of meters high, and they could see them clearly without scopes.

    "Ura!¡±

    Dmitri didn¡¯t cheer but calmly recited, ¡°Adjustment for firing, adjust the elevation to¡­¡±

    Mishka, the artillery trainee nicknamed with a clipboard, was quickly taking notes on the side.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°No, there¡¯s no need to fire again.¡±

    Dmitri replied, ¡°No need to fire? More urate attacks could deal a heavy blow¡­¡±

    "This is enough. The key is to tell the enemy that we have such weapons so they will never take us lightly again,¡± Wang Zhong lectured with the tone of an elder to a junior.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major Hank crawled out of the tank¡¯s bottom hatch¡ªnow it was no longer the bottom hatch, it should be called the top hatch.

    He looked around.

    Five vehicles were burning, and at least 80 motionless Prosen soldiersy on the ground.

    They had adopted the correct prone position for shell avoidance, but still could not withstand the local overpressure produced by heavy artillery.

    More people were lying on the ground, howling; cries of ¡°Mama¡± rose and fell in waves.

    Major Hank wanted to soothe his troops and decided to stand up on the overturned tank. But as soon as he tried to pull his leg out of the hatch, he realized it was bent at an impossible angle.

    The moment he realized his leg was broken, the pain which adrenaline had been blocking finally surged through him.

    Major Hank screamed at the top of his lungs, ¡°Sanitater (medic)!¡±

 Chapter 91: Blocking the Enemy with a Minefield

    Following this, Wang Zhong gained an even deeper understanding of the role of heavy artillery.

    It was just a salvo, but out of four shells, two missed their mark; it was actually thest one to fall that hit the enemy smack dab in the middle.

    Even so, for the next hour, the enemy¡¯s armored reconnaissance battalion couldn¡¯t do a damn thing except rescue the wounded, collect equipment from the wounded and the dead, and push the destroyed vehicles to the side of the road¡ªthree tasks that kept them incredibly busy.

    At first, Wang Zhong paid close attention to the enemy¡¯s next move, but after a while, he let out a sigh, pulled up a chair, and sat down by the window to look at the sky.

    Officially he was looking at the sky, but he was actually still using a bird¡¯s eye view to watch the enemy.

    His mentality had changed, now feeling like a child squatting on a school yground, having just destroyed an ant¡¯s nest with a bottle of mineral water, and now watching with relish as the ants attempted to save themselves.

    In truth, an armored reconnaissance battalion didn¡¯t pose any threat to Loktov¡¯s defenses to begin with, and now that they¡¯d been shelled by heavy artillery, they were even less of a threat.

    At eleven o¡¯clock in the morning, it seemed like the enemy had finally regrouped, and they spread out across the fields.

    Then they encountered the first ¡°present¡± Wang Zhong had prepared for them: the fake minefield.No, that¡¯s not right, the minefield close to the main road had beenid by the urban defense forces, and those were definitely real.

    Vasily also reported that they had buried two boxes of real mines in the fake minefield, mixed with a bunch of pickle jar lids to confuse the enemy.

    That should give the Prussians something to worry about.

    As Wang Zhong was thinking about this, the enemy infantry searching on both sides of the highway stepped on the mines that the urban defense forces hadid.

    One man was blown three meters up into the air, and his legs flew even farther, crossing the road andnding on the other side.

    Wang Zhong was dumbfounded, ¡°You¡¯re telling me this is a mine?¡±

    Through the optic of the artillery sight, Dmitry said, ¡°Normal. This thing has a 300-gram charge, not killing those nearby would be considered a malfunction.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, ¡°Were these anti-tank mines that wereid?¡±

    ¡°Anti-personnel mines!¡± Vasily said, ¡°I personally buried two boxes, and they were definitely anti-personnel mines.¡±

    What kind of infantry needs 300 grams of explosives to be killed?

    Could it be that the Prussians have Aesir gods? Valkyries? That can¡¯t be killed without using this much explosive?

    No, it might just be the typical Russian brute-force approach.

    Wang Zhong continued to watch the enemy, and after one person was killed, the rest of the enemy silently withdrew from the minefield. It was at this moment that the scattered enemy troops found the signs Vasily had nted.

    The soldier who discovered the sign called an officer over, probably to ask what to do.

    After a brief exchange, the soldier grabbed the sign, looking like he was preparing to pull it out to show to a higher-ranking officer.

    No sooner said than done, the ground surged upward! And then it exploded like a burst balloon!

    The fountain of soil sent the group of Prosen soldiers flying into the air.

    Excited by the sound, Vasily eximed, ¡°That sound! Could it be the big one I buried getting detonated? I buried a whole block of TNT underneath, over two kilograms!¡±

    Wang Zhong was sweating bullets, ¡°You¡¯re cruel, man.¡±

    ¡°Do you know how far the enemy flew?¡± he asked.

    Vasily: ¡°How far?¡±

    Dmitry interjected, ¡°I saw onend on the top of a barn ten meters away.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha!¡± Vasily pped his thigh andughed loudly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Pay attention to the monitoring, you idiot, I think you¡¯re nning to pick dung for the rest of your life!¡±

    Vasily hurriedly adjusted his headphones properly.

    The recent explosion had the entire Prosen Army hitting the dirt, thinking that the heavy artillery bombardment had started again.

    An officer was yelling something, and then the soldiers started to get up in twos and threes.

    A messenger ran along the line in which the troops were spread, shouting the new orders.

    Wang Zhong guessed that it was probably instructing all the soldiers to stay away from those minefield warning signs.

    The enemy began to retreat, stopping only two hundred meters away from the minefield, almost leaving Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision.

    Dmitry said happily, ¡°The enemy has retreated! It looks like they don¡¯t have engineers equipped to handle the mines!¡±

    At that moment, Yegorov, who had been manning the phone, also came to the window, holding binocrs to observe the enemy, and said in astonishment, ¡°If it was me, I would probably send out a reconnaissance team to follow along the minefield, to see how wide it is and where it ends.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken, two half-tracked vehicles loaded with soldiers headed northwest and southeast, clearly the enemymander had the same idea as Yegorov.

    Wang Zhong marveled, ¡°If we had more Divine Arrows, we could take out those two reconnaissance teams, or at least damage the vehicles to slow down the enemy¡¯s scouting.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°But we don¡¯t have any Divine Arrows.¡±

    Suddenly Vasily shouted, ¡°I hear the enemy at the frontmunicating with their superiors, their report says¡­ Let me check!¡±

    As he spoke, he flipped through the notebook that Wang Zhong had personally led a team to capture yesterday, checking the recorded radio call signs and location codes.

    ¡°The armored reconnaissance battalion is reporting to the headquarters of the 15th Division, saying that Loktov is covered by Army Group-level artillery firepower, and there¡¯s a massive number of mines! The intelligence on the defending force¡¯s numbers here may be wrong!¡±

    After tranting, Vasily looked at Wang Zhong excitedly, ¡°General, we¡¯ve been mistaken for an entire Army Group!¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled slightly, ¡°Mainly thanks to the B4 heavy artillery.¡±

    Yegorov was impressed, ¡°They certainly wouldn¡¯t imagine that there¡¯s heavy artillery here just because themander is the Crown Prince¡¯s wastrel brother.¡±

    Vasily was about to chime in when suddenly he pressed his headphone to his ear, listening intently, apparently someone was speaking again.

    While listening, he frantically flipped through the notebook and after a moment said, ¡°The 15th Division¡¯s headquarters says that the engineers will get here around three o¡¯clock in the afternoon!¡±

    The officers in the room collectively checked their watches.

    Yegorov: ¡°It¡¯s three o¡¯clock. There are only five hours left until dark, probably not enough time to clear all these minefields. Looks like the first day ofbat will end like this.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Do we have any firepower that can reach the engineers clearing the mines?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Our heavy machine guns have a max range of 1000, but experienced veterans can lob shots up to 1500, but¡­ the uracy ispletely unreliable.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No matter, don¡¯t expose the firepower points we really want to use. Set up the machine guns in temporary positions, and lob fire to cause trouble for the enemy engineers.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s just to cause trouble,¡± Yegorov blinked his eyes, ¡°you can lob from behind obstacles, making the gun and the shooter invisible to the enemy. Of course, rookies can¡¯t do this, but the few machine gunners who survived in my old unit can manage it. Anyway, it¡¯s all about probability; as long as you get the bullets close to the enemy, leave the rest to Saint Andrew.¡±

    Saint Andrew, the founder of the Eastern Holy Church¡¯s Secr faction, was also the only one from the Secr faction who had been sainted.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, get on it right away!¡±

    Yegorov immediately went to issue the orders.

    At this time, Vasily asked, ¡°What do we do before the enemy engineers arrive? Just wait around?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Seems so¡­ right?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°What was it like between the enemy¡¯s two assaults at Peniye?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I was running a fever then, went to sleep after the enemy retreated, so don¡¯t ask me.¡±

    Vasily was shocked: ¡°A fever? The fever I¡¯m thinking of?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    ¡°And you still won? Now that you¡¯re not feverish, the enemy¡¯s in trouble.¡± Even Dmitry, who had been intently observing the enemy, couldn¡¯t help turning back to say.

    Vasily: ¡°No, maybe you fight better when you have a fever.¡±

    Wang Zhong red at Vasily, thinking to himself, damn it, this asshole¡¯s mouth really does deserve a beating, any other general might have had him shot by now.

    Just then, Yegorov returned, so Wang Zhong took the opportunity to pass the question to him: ¡°Yegorov, the new recruits are asking how to pass the time between battles.¡±

    Yegorov immediately answered: ¡°Clean your guns. The first time I went to battle, that¡¯s what the veterans taught me. We were fighting the civil war as part of the Secr faction¡¯s army, defending a ce called Charytin.

    ¡°The enemyunched a total of seven attacks in one day, each repelled in about 20 minutes, then they would take an hour and a half to organize a new assault.

    ¡°So from four in the morning until nine at night when it got dark, after repelling the first attack, I asked the veterans why the enemy didn¡¯t just attack immediately. They told me the enemy needs time to regroup the forces that ran back, which takes about an hour, then resupply ammunition and form a new attack, another half an hour gone.

    ¡°And during this time, the first thing we as defenders needed to do was clean our guns; certainly a lot of sand and dust would have gotten inside during the battle, and without a proper cleaning, you might jam the next time you fire, and then you¡¯re dead.¡±

    After listening to this, Vasily looked down and counted on his fingers, then asked, ¡°From four to nine, seventeen hours, each assault taking two hours, they attacked seven times, what about the remaining three hours?¡±

    The room grew quiet.

    Wang Zhong somewhat regretted having chosen to focus on cultivating this troublesome soldier.

    Well, just a little.

    Yegorov: ¡°The enemy needs to eat, you idiot! You¡¯re on dung duty tonight, that¡¯ll teach you!¡±

    Vasily¡¯s face showed his misery, and the smile shifted to Wang Zhong¡¯s face.

    At that moment, the radio suddenly rang again, and Vasily hurriedly put on the headset to listen, flipping through the notebook while listening: ¡°This is¡­ The 15th Armored Division is requesting the Air Force¡­ to destroy something unknown. I guess they¡¯re targeting our howitzers.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Any response from the Air Force?¡±

    ¡°No response yet¡­ wait, here ites. The Air Force is asking the 15th Armored Division to provide the location.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It seems our tactic of sealing off reconnaissance is working.¡±

    There really was no ce around Loktov where you could see the two positions of B4; they could only rely on aerial reconnaissance.

    Vasily: ¡°The 15th retorted, isn¡¯t aerial reconnaissance supposed to be the Air Force¡¯s responsibility? Do the Prussians have bad rtions between their army and Air Force?¡±

    Yes, their inter-service rivalry was quite bad, amon issue among many countries during World War II.

    Vasily listened for a while longer and said, ¡°No more information. Both sides are silent.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tell Brother Peter to be extra vignt for enemy reconnaissance nes. And try to fake more artillery positions.¡±

    Yegorov immediately passed down the orders.

    Vasily: ¡°Besides cleaning guns, what else do you do to pass the time?¡±

    Really, are you still on this topic?

    Yegorov: ¡°y cards.¡±

    ¡°y cards?¡± Vasily eximed.

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s better than drinking. Either way, it¡¯s just killing time, it makes no difference. War is like that, mostly doing nothing, and it¡¯s only that one percent of the time when you¡¯re licking blood off the knife edge, but you never know when that one percent wille, so you¡¯re on edge all day long.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Did you bring any ying cards?¡±

    Yegorov pulled a deck of ying cards from his shirt pocket.

    ¡°On the front line, we usually gamble with cigarettes.¡± he said.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    In the afternoon, Yegorov contentedly stashed away the cigarettes he had just won into his document case: ¡°I¡¯ve now beaten a legend¡ªa future legendary general.¡±

    Wang Zhong tossed the ying cards onto the table with a click of his tongue: ¡°I don¡¯t smoke much anyway, I let you win on purpose!¡±

    ¡°Oh, is that so?¡± Yegorov said proudly, ¡°With your card-ying skills, you¡¯ll quickly be an easy target.¡±

    Just then, Dmitry, who had been at the artillery sight all this time, shouted: ¡°A Number One tank! A barricade-breaking vehicle modified from a Number One tank! The engineers areing up!¡±

 Chapter 92: Anti-aircraft Guns are for Ground Firing (Alliance Hierarch Additional Release)

    The staff at the forwardmand post immediately rushed to the window and observed with binocrs.

    What came wasn¡¯t just a No. 1 tank modified into an engineering vehicle for breaking through barriers, but also a range of other Prussian engineering vehicles.

    It seemed that themander of the sapper battalion wasmunicating with themander of the reconnaissance unit that had already deployed outside the minefield.

    Wang Zhong was just about to call for another artillery barrage when the gathered sapper battalion began to spread out, likely told by the armor reconnaissancemander that they could be targeted by artillery fire.

    Although the enemy scattered, they clearly underestimated the caliber of the artillery barrage and didn¡¯t disperse enough¡ªperhaps the Prussian Army¡¯s advance had been too smooth, making them careless.

    No matter what, Wang Zhong was ready to hit them with another round; position B¡¯s B4 hadn¡¯t fired yet. Each gun there had one more shell in reserve than those at position A, so it was time to fire a salvo and bnce out the ammunition.

    Wang Zhong himself picked up the phone, ¡°Connect me to position B.¡±

    ¡°One moment,¡± the male switchboard operator answered, ¡°Okay, General.¡±

    ¡°This is position B!¡±Wang Zhong, ¡°This is Rocossov, fire a salvo immediately, with a one-second interval between shots, coordinates¡­¡±

    These heavy guns created a muzzle st when firing; when the firing positions were cramped, firing all at once could affect the trajectory of the shells, so even with a salvo, it was one shot after another.

    Of course, if the position was more open, there wouldn¡¯t be this problem, and they could fire at once, but it was impossible to find such a concealed and open terrain within Lokotov City.

    After performing his mental calction of the coordinates again, Wang Zhong stood by the window with the phone and observed.

    The sound of shells tearing through the air reached them.

    Perhaps because of the aftereffects of being ¡°repaired¡± by a 381mm heavy cannon, Wang Zhong¡¯s nape went numb at the whistling sound, and he instinctively wanted to duck.

    The enemies simplyy t on the ground, everyone adopting the standard artillery avoidance position.

    The first shellnded, clearly hitting too close to the ¡°minefield,¡± even triggering an actual mine.

    From his bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong saw lids from pickle cans flying everywhere within the fake minefield.

    He hoped the next shell would be on target! No, the next shell must hit the mark!

    The next onended farther away, right at the edge of Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision, but it was much better than the first one¡ªhe clearly saw at least ten enemies lose their highlights, though he didn¡¯t know if they were dead or merely knocked unconscious.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong felt like he was gacha gaming, silently chanting, ¡°Hit it, let me hit it!¡±

    The third shell fell right between two engineering vehicles.

    The st wave instantly overturned both vehicles.

    From Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective, a whole patch of enemies lost their highlights around the impact point.

    He couldn¡¯t help but clench his fist and silently nod, ¡°Good!¡±

    One more shot, just one more! Hit it!

    Then, something embarrassing happened.

    A silo far from the first three impact points suddenly exploded; its stone walls shattered to pieces, and the stored grain gushed out like floodwaters, bizarrely spreading a patch of yellow onto the green field.

    What the hell? How could itnd so far off?

    Even if they wanted to hit a granary, they should have targeted the silo near the shelling area, since there was an enemy observation team on it¡ªdispersing the observation team would have been worthwhile!

    As Wang Zhong puzzled over why thest shell had ¡°gone astray,¡± Dmitry reported loudly, ¡°Thest gun either got the aiming solutions wrong or there¡¯s a malfunction in the gun mount or sighting equipment.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately picked up the receiver that had been resting on his shoulder, ¡°B position! Thest fired gun either got the aiming solutions wrong or there¡¯s a malfunction! Check it quickly!¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± came the answer from the other side, ¡°Checking now!¡±

    A momentter, they responded, ¡°Report, General, the aiming solutions are correct, it must be a malfunction with the gun, the cksmith and the mechanic are inspecting it now!¡±

    ¡°Fix the malfunction as soon as possible!¡± There wasn¡¯t much else Wang Zhong could order beyond that.

    He put down the receiver and continued to observe the enemy.

    Yegorov clicked his tongue in amazement, ¡°This cannon has always been prone to malfunctions since the Winter War, and when it first entered the battle, it sometimes took six to seven shots to destroy a Manahaim bunker.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°So you mean having just one malfunction is already not bad?¡±

    ¡°I mean the Empire¡¯s Ordnance Department is indeed working hard, the rate of malfunctions has been significantly reduced,¡± Yegorov shrugged.

    Then the enemy realized the shelling was over, stood up, began rescuing the wounded, and started gathering the scattered equipment and weapons.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Have your machine gunners open fire, add some fuel to the enemy¡¯s fire!¡±

    ¡°Understood!¡±

    Yegorov turned to give the orders.

    A minuteter, two heavy machine guns began firing, the arcing trajectories of tracer bulletsnding on the enemy¡¯s positions, like urinating.

    At this distance, hitting the target truly depended on faith, but as long as the intensity of fire was enough, they could always ¡°pee¡± a few to death.

    The most important thing was the catastrophic effect on the enemy¡¯s morale¡ªlike a whip of death moving back and forth above your head, how could you not panic? It made it impossible to work properly.

    Before Wang Zhong could rejoice, a Type 2 tank on the enemy¡¯s side began to retaliate, firing its machine guns in the same manner towards the courtyard of the fertilizer nt.

    Thus, a spectacle of both sides ¡°peeing¡± tracer rounds at each other ensued!

    But the Prussians had a 20mm cannon, and regardless of how fragile the Type 2 tank was, it was still a tank! The DShK heavy machine gun could indeed prate a Type 2 tank, but here the gunners had no protection, making them obviously more vulnerable under the strike of the 20mm cannon.

    ¡°`

    However, Yegorov didn¡¯t ce the machine gun on open ground; instead, he positioned it inside the factory building, firing through the windows.

    Both sides were sloppily shooting, neither with uracy, which made it difficult for the enemy¡¯s machine guns to target such small windows to prate the room.

    Yet the machine gun could continuously inflict casualties on the enemy out in the open.

    This was arcing fire, so even if the enemyy on the ground, they could still be hit in the back.

    When Wang Zhong saw that the enemy had been forced to seek cover in the shadow of armored vehicles and still asionally lost one or two unlucky souls, he felt frustrated by the low kill efficiency of the machine guns. If only he had the sort of autocannon that the enemy¡¯s mark II tanks were equipped with.

    In various war games on Earth, Wang Zhong had always favored decimating infantry with autocannons; the Skeld River, in his hands, became an infantry ughterer.

    If only his cheat was more powerful, being able to summon an anti-air gun like the Skeld River out of thin air, then he could use a quad 23mm cannon to massacre the enemy infantry¡­

    Hmm?

    Wang Zhong turned his head to ask Yegorov, ¡°The 72K anti-aircraft gun of the air defense regiment, it¡¯s a 25mm autocannon, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Though Wang Zhong had operated the GAZ truck that transported this in War Thunder, he still asked just to be sure.

    Yegorov replied, ¡°Yes, what about it?¡±

    ¡°Quick, call the air defense regiment! Ask them for two 72K anti-aircraft guns, to be towed over here by truck! And bring 2000 rounds of ammunition as well!¡±

    Why hadn¡¯t he thought of this before! Wang Zhong thought to himself that if the enemy could use their anti-aircraft guns in direct fire, then so could they!

    Twenty minutester, two 72K anti-aircraft guns, usually reserved as spare parts by the artillery regiment, were dragged into the factory building of the fertilizer nt.

    After four test shots, the shellsnded among the enemy, so Wang Zhong gave the order, ¡°Begin barrage fire!¡±

    The two anti-aircraft guns fired tracer rounds steadily falling among the enemy.

    Although they were only 25mm high-explosive shells, their killing efficiency was much higher than that of a heavy machine gun.

    All the enemy¡¯s mark II tanks engaged in shooting, yet they were unable to prate the concrete walls of the factory building.

    Yegorov joked, ¡°Wow, they¡¯re trying so hard they might see the firstyer of rebar in the factory soon.¡±

    Meanwhile, the Ante Army paid no attention to those few tanks, instead focusing all their efforts on reaping the enemy infantry.

    Finally, a truck carrying explosives for the engineers exploded, turning into a soaring fireball.

    This, seemingly thest straw that broke the camel¡¯s back, caused the Prussian Army to release smoke and start retreating backwards.

    All the armored vehicles began reversing, and the soldiers, as if they had had enough, quickly withdrew.

    Dmitri shouted, ¡°The enemy is deploying smoke! I can¡¯t see them!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy is retreating. Alright, ceasefire!¡±

    In fact, Wang Zhong could have continued to direct the autocannon fire using his cheat that wasn¡¯t bothered by the smoke, but as the distance increased, the spread of the shells would be too great, wasting them unnecessarily.

    He had no idea how long Lokotov¡¯s supplies wouldst, or how long he would need to hold this position, so he had to improve the ammunition efficiency.

    Following the order, the shooting stopped.

    Immediately after, from various ces in the fertilizer factory, soldiers who had just been driven back to their shelters by the mark II¡¯s machine guns now poked their heads out.

    ¡°Is it over?¡±

    ¡°Why did the firing stop?¡±

    ¡°Are they using smoke to attack?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it; the smoke screen is so far away, and the fake minefield hasn¡¯t been cleared yet. They must be running, right?¡±

    The soldiers questioned each other, not daring to believe they had won.

    Wang Zhong stuck his head out of a window and shouted outside, ¡°The enemy is retreating! We have repelled the enemy¡¯s first attack!¡±

    The crowd exchanged nces.

    Then cheers erupted.

    ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    ¡°It wasn¡¯t that big a deal!¡±

    The young men in themand post also cheered, their faces filled with joy.

    Vasily couldn¡¯t resist a bit of ttery, ¡°Is victory that easy? General, you trulymand like a deity!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned and turned to Yegorov, saying, ¡°We can¡¯t allow our troops to develop an attitude of underestimating the enemy! Immediately conduct ideological work with the soldiers, despise the enemy strategically, but take them seriously tactically! The enemy was well-trained, as evident by their immediate counterfire with tank machine guns!¡±

    As they were speaking, Popov came in, sighing, ¡°Why are you always taking my job?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What brought you to themand post?¡±

    ¡°A train just arrived at the station, on it were Priests assigned to us, so I brought them over. ording to the rules, eachpany should have a Military Chain, and we have actually been in vition of that.¡± Popov shrugged, ¡°The Priests have already gone to thepanies, I came to see if there¡¯s anything I could help with.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Go to the church immediately and request capable Monks, as well as the Divine Arrow! I almost used the 76mm gun to hit the enemy¡¯s mark II at such long range. But in the end, I didn¡¯t want to reveal the gun position, so I didn¡¯t fire.¡±

    Popov shook his head, ¡°The church has responded; they said the prayer masters of the Divine Arrow suffered heavy losses in the previous ten plus days of fighting, and now they¡¯re nning to let kids in grade ten of the monasteries graduate early to fill in the front lines, but they need to undergo military training.¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback, ¡°Forget it then, let¡¯s just fight with the equipment and personnel we have now.¡±

 Chapter 93: Wildflowers of the Battlefield

    After a peace thatsted until seven o¡¯clock in the evening, as the daylight began to fade, Brother Peter heard the sound of the enemy reconnaissance aircraft again.

    Five minutester, the forwardmand watched the reconnaissance ne, trailing thick smoke, plummet to the ground.

    ¡°The Divine Arrow is really effective against low-flying air units,¡± Wang Zhong eximed.

    Popov: ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a pity it doesn¡¯t work against high-flying enemy aircraft.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s difficult for the enemy to spot our well-camouged artillery positions through high-altitude reconnaissance.¡±

    He could say this mainly because, first, he had seen photos taken by Sturmtiger high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft in military history before he was transported, and second, he had confirmed the camouge of his own artillery positions from an overhead view.

    From high altitudes, it would be difficult to locate these positions with the naked eye.

    Popov: ¡°Let¡¯s hope so.¡±

    Looking at Popov, Wang Zhong suddenly had a guess and asked, ¡°Are you sticking around at the forwardmand because you don¡¯t want to help Pavlov handle a mountain of paperwork?¡±Popov said seriously: ¡°How could that be! I would never shirk my responsibilities! But many documents do not require my signature as the Archbishop of thebat group.¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to speak to Popov when Vasily, who was manning the field phone, suddenly began frantically flipping through a captured notebook.

    Everyone¡¯s attention instantly shifted to him.

    After searching for a while, Vasily reported, ¡°The enemy¡¯s 223rd Armored Grenadier Corps is encamping tonight in Karashnoye!¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately found the vige on the map: ¡°It¡¯s here; we¡¯ve scouted it. It¡¯s arge vige with nearly 100 houses, all abandoned.

    ¡°ording to inquiries in other viges, there¡¯s generally no wind around nine o¡¯clock in the evening, which would make an artillery attack more effective.¡±

    Yegorov picked up the telephone, but instead of immediately asking the operator to connect to the artillery positions, he asked Wang Zhong, ¡°How much ammunition to fire?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Three rounds per gun should do. Twenty-four rounds ought to be enough to cause trouble for the enemy. No telling when we¡¯ll get more 203 mm shells, so we should conserve.¡±

    Yegorov then instructed the operator, ¡°Connect to the artillery positions.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The 223rd Armored Grenadier Corps had entered Karashnoye, ten kilometers southwest of Loktov.

    Based on thetest aerial reconnaissance report, the nearest Ante Army troops were at Dolini Villiage to the northeast, where aerial surveince had spotted defensive positions.

    By tomorrow, the 223rd wouldunch an attack on Dolini Villiage, and once captured, they could encircle Loktov.

    The 150 half-track vehicles of the 223rd were now crammed into Karashnoye to the point that the self-propelled mortarpany assigned to the corps could only stop in the threshing yard at the entrance to the vige.

    Also in the threshing yard, filling it up, were the supply trucks of the logistics unit assigned to the corps¡ªsince the 223rd, as infantry assigned to an Armored Division, had no mules or horses in their establishment.

    The eight Panzer IV tanks assigned to reinforce the 223rd were lined up northeast of the vige, with the tank crews checking the running systems.

    After finishing the maintenance of their firearms, the infantrymen were now gathered around the fires, sharing canned food and captured sausages.

    Someone had ced a radio on the roadside gasoline drum, and from its speaker came thetest popr love song in Prussia, ¡°Lili Marleen¡±¡ªmusic broadcasted to the entire army by the Prussian military radio station.

    This night seemed no different from the first thirteen nights since the 223rd had entered the territory of the Ante Empire.

    Suddenly, the screech of heavy artillery shells tearing through the air came from the sky.

    The battle-hardened Prussians of this battalion could roughly gauge where the whistling indicated the shells wouldnd, so they left their bowls full of meat broth behind and scurried into whatever could provide cover.

    The first shellnded, striking the vige church at its center, causing the bell tower to copse from the base.

    Then, one after another, shells kept falling, demolishing houses, flinging vehicles into the air, and flipping one of the half-track vehicles in the middle of the road.

    After the first salvo, the entire vige was alight with mes and moans of the wounded.

    The surviving Prussians shakily lifted their heads but did not leave their shelters.

    About 30 secondster, a second wave of howls came from the sky again.

    A truck exploded violently, turning its fuel tanks into glowing orange spheres that rose slowly, illuminating the night like daylight.

    Therge pot of soup the cooks were tending was overturned; the scalding broth poured onto the unlucky ones nearby, creating desperate screams.

    The second round of artillery fire passed, and no one from Prosen dared to raise their heads anymore, all waiting for the next round of shells to fall.

    Some people whispered prayers, and at this time, no one mentioned ¡°See you in Valha¡± ¨C a responsemonly heard from the glorious imperial soldiers of Prosen propaganda when facing death.

    The third round came.

    The church finally copsedpletely, and senior officers and staff at the headquarters hurriedly ran out.

    The cattle that the locals had no time to take away caught fire and charged violently down the street, trampling over several unlucky fellows lying in the middle of the road.

    After the third round, the only sounds in the entire vige were groaning and the crackling of the massive fire.

    Almost a minute had gone by before themander of the 223rd Armored Grenadier Corps, still frightened, got up, nced at the copsed church behind him, and then gazed at the burning half-track vehicle on the street and the bodies scattered all over, his brow twisted into knots.

    ¡°Count the casualties! Quick! And notify headquarters immediately ¨C we had just reported our position when the artillery came. I suspect the enemy has our codebooks! We must change the codes ahead of schedule!¡±

    The radio call signs of a typical Prosen Army unit changed every three days ¨C such a change was a hassle, necessitating couriers physically delivering new call signs to various units.

    ¡°Yes!¡± the staff officer answered.

    Themander looked at the devastated vige and shouted, ¡°Quick, rescue the wounded! Put out the fires!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong looked at his watch, ¡°The shells should have hit by now, but I don¡¯t know how effective they were.¡±

    At ten kilometers from Loktov, even with Wang Zhong¡¯s advantage, he couldn¡¯t see the effects of the artillery barrage.

    Yegorov offered reassurance, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, these are 203 mm heavy guns. That unit must have suffered heavy losses; whether they can even move tomorrow is a question.¡±

    ¡°I hope so.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong finished speaking, Vasily shouted, ¡°Enemymunication! They¡¯re actually using clear text! ¡®Our unit just reported its position and was then hit by precise artillery fire. The radio call sign is definitelypromised. Please change call signs ahead of time.¡¯ General, we hit them!¡±

    ¡°Good!¡± Wang Zhong clenched his right fist as if he were a young man riding the crest of sess.

    Yegorov: ¡°This will seriously weaken the infantry attached to the enemy¡¯s Armored Division, reducing the pressure for the city¡¯s meat grinder battle tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s a problem for tomorrow,¡± Popov said. ¡°Today¡¯s fighting should be near its end; we should let the soldiers rest as soon as possible, excluding the sentries, of course.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°And clean their guns!¡±

    Yegorov nced at him and nodded, ¡°Yes, and clean their guns.¡±

    At this moment, Wang Zhong suddenly realized he was very hungry, having been too focused earlier to notice.

    And as if on cue, just when Wang Zhong felt his hunger, the voice of the cooking team¡¯s matron called out from outside, ¡°Boys! Dinner¡¯s ready!¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat!¡± Wang Zhong said excitedly.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After dinner, Wang Zhong, apanied by his guard Grigori, strolled around the position to digest their meal and took the opportunity to perform themander¡¯s duty of checking posts.

    Having made the round and on their way back, they passed by a factory building where a 72K anti-aircraft gun and heavy machine guns were deployed. Wang Zhong stopped in front of the south-western wall of the factory, examining the dense bullet marks on it.

    Just looking at the bullet marks, one could imagine how fierce the exchange of fire had been that afternoon.

    Wang Zhong followed the wall, walking up to a turn where he saw a group of young people crowded at the corner of the factory building, seemingly gazing at something.

    Grigori stepped forward, intending to let the youngsters know theirmander was there, but Wang Zhong stopped him.

    Then, Wang Zhong tiptoed to the back of the youngsters, peering along with them.

    In the night, someone held a bottle where, under the stars, one could faintly see it filled with baby¡¯s breath flowers.

    He passed the bottle of flowers to the girl in front of him, ¡°Natalia, I found these at the station, they are as beautiful as you are!¡±

    Wang Zhong remembered ¨C this was the new recruit named Aleksei, who was the same as himself, and he had a crush on Natalia from the fieldundry unit.

    What a move, bringing romance to the front! This calls for a serious critique!

    So, Wang Zhong moved a bit closer.

 Chapter 94: â€œJust Got Promoted and Already Floating Awayâ€

    Aleksei Barfinovich waspletely oblivious to everyone¡¯s stares, focusing solely on the girl.

    Natalia took off the floral scarf from her head, allowing her hair to cascade down in the moonlight as she gazed affectionately at the boy.

    She received the ss jar filled with stars, and impulsively rushed into the boy¡¯s embrace, where they kissed each other.

    Wang Zhong was beside himself with astonishment. Was this direct? Were they skipping some steps?

    He nudged the rookie in front of him, ¡°Were these two dating before?¡±

    ¡°No, Alyosha just took a fancy to her yesterday, picked flowers secretly at night, and wanted to make a move during the day, but then the enemy attacked,¡± the rookie exined without turning back.

    Wang Zhong was immensely shocked. This was their first date?

    Is this what people do on a first date?

    In the midst of his shock, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered something and prodded the person in front of him again, ¡°Isn¡¯t this Natalia from theundry team? Howe she¡¯s at the front line?¡±If she were from the cooking squad, it would make sense for her to show up here, carryingrge pots of vegetable soup on a shoulder pole. But why would theundry teame to the front? He hadn¡¯t heard of soldiers changing their clothes before a battle was over.

    ¡°The girl fancies Alyosha as well, what¡¯s so strange about that?¡± the rookie replied.

    At that moment, the kissing couple began to do things better left unsaid, and Wang Zhong was even more shocked, continuing to nudge the person¡¯s back, ¡°This quick? Isn¡¯t this wrong?¡±

    After asking, Wang Zhong remembered that in the West things tend to move quickly, like in ¡°Titanic¡± where the two just took a liking to each other, drew a picture, and then went straight to the car.

    In a foggy car, suddenly a handprint pped onto the window.

    The first time Wang Zhong watched this scene he was too young, and immediately thought of ¡°The Shining,¡± imagining the scene where an axe chops through the door, and burst out crying.

    Wang Zhong understood, but the person in front of him did not, ¡°Why are you making such a big fuss? It¡¯s just like the mature age ceremony back in the vige, making eye contact and then sneaking off into the haystacks¡ªOh my! General, sir!¡±

    The rookie snapped to attention and saluted so quickly!

    Wang Zhong was standing too close and got smacked in the chin by the suddenly attentive rookie, letting out a yelp of pain.

    The moment he stood up straight, the person behind him got hit squarely and let out a surprised cry, ¡°Hey? Alyosha, don¡¯t suddenly stand up like that!¡±

    As Wang Zhong was holding his chin, he heard the voice and became puzzled, turning around to see Ludm holding her chest, clearly in pain from the collision.

    ¡°Alyosha?¡± a surprised shout came from behind Wang Zhong, probably from the girl of theundry team.

    Realizing the potential for a misunderstanding, the Brigadier General called out loudly, ¡°The one over there is also called Alyosha; we¡¯re not the same person!¡±

    Ludm tilted her head, ¡°I know, I saw the girl call the boy Alyosha.¡±

    It was only then that the surprised rookies realized, and they all snapped to attention, saluting, ¡°Brigadier General, good evening!¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand in return and continued to watch Ludm, ¡°Why have youe to the front line? You should be with the Divine Arrow Company!¡±

    Ludm pouted, ¡°Yeca Neiko, the vice knight, said there wouldn¡¯t be any reconnaissance tonight, and I could take a break, so I came! On my way here, I also went to check on your horse!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Oh, is Bucephalus doing well?¡±

    ¡°Alright¡­ you just care about the horse, not about me?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Are you alright?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the enemy bombers were far from us, so it¡¯s okay.¡± Ludm nced at the awkward couple and asked, ¡°You¡­ have so much free time? Watching people date?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied seriously, ¡°I am checking on the posts. Don¡¯t believe me, ask Sergeant Grigori! Sergeant¡­ huh?¡±

    The sergeant had disappeared.

    Not only had the sergeant vanished, but the military academy cadets who had just been saluting beside Wang Zhong were gone too, the speed of their concealment truly befitting professional soldiers.

    Even the dating couple had fled into the shadows, running hand in hand.

    Suddenly, there wasn¡¯t a soul in sight.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Sergeant! It¡¯s your duty to protect me!¡±

    From somewhere came a response, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m here.¡±

    Great, now I¡¯m the monkey put on disy.

    He looked at Ludm with a solemn face and said, ¡°I really am checking the posts! I just happened toe across them while crowd-gazing.¡±

    ¡°And then you decided to join in for a look?¡± Ludm cut in.

    ¡°As amander, I must fully understand the soldiers¡¯ lives!¡±

    ¡°What about your life?¡± Ludm asked.

    Wang Zhong took a moment to register the question, ¡°Huh?¡±

    Ludm continued, ¡°Before, Alyosha, you needed seven or eight servants to wait on you, and you couldn¡¯t even polish your shoes.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Was I that useless before?¡±

    Ludm shrugged, ¡°Now you may still not polish your shoes, but you can do everything else by yourself.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked down at his dirty military boots.

    He suddenly remembered that in foreign armies, polishing shoes is akin to our army folding tofu blocks.

    And Wang Zhong, having transmigrated, hardly wore dress shoes most of the time in his previous life; he would only wear them for job interviews after college, and once he started working, he always wore sneakers.

    Now, Wang Zhong thought, it¡¯s a good thing he ended up in such a good-for-nothing body that no one suspected him for not polishing his shoes.

    At that moment, Ludm looked up at the sky and said, ¡°I wonder if Misha and the others have survived.¡±

    Huh? Misha? Who¡¯s that?

    Wang Zhong spected it might be someone familiar, so he tried to act knowledgeable, ¡°They must have¡­¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t even know who I¡¯m talking about! You¡¯ve never remembered the names of the servants, have you?¡±

    Ah, so that¡¯s it.

    Lucky that I¡¯m wearing such a carefree skin.

    Wang Zhong simply asked, ¡°So who are you talking about?¡±

    ¡°Misha, your maid, and Menjileliev, the old man, your steward. They all stayed in Ronied.¡±

    ¡°Ah, oh, them.¡± Wang Zhong tried hard to say something, but having witnessed the atrocities of the Prussian Army, phrases like ¡°they must be fine¡± just couldn¡¯t be spoken.

    Ludm looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°After I arrived in Loktov, I finally managed to write a letter home to tell them we¡¯re still alive, and that you¡¯ve be a general on a white horse. But so far, there¡¯s been no reply.

    ¡°But with the situation as it is, it¡¯s normal not to get a reply.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Crown Prince knows about our situation and even sent us B4 howitzers. He will surely take care of our family.¡±

    Ludm smiled, ¡°Him? As disrespectful as it sounds, I don¡¯t think he¡¯s attentive to such an extent. I rather think he¡¯s probably boasting about your achievements as his own everywhere right now.

    ¡°Sending the cannons over was also to let you achieve even more impressive results in battle.¡±

    Is, is it so?

    The image of the Crown Prince suddenly became very clear!

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered the question that had been troubling him, ¡°What exactly is Ludm to me?¡±

    It could be ruled out from their names that they were siblings, as both their surnames and patronymics were different.

    And since she was so familiar with him and could even send word home on his behalf¡ªshe could only be his fianc¨¦e.

    Having such a beautiful fianc¨¦e was rather thrilling, especially considering Ludm¡¯s silver hair and her bust, which seemed perfectly crafted for Wang Zhong¡¯s entertainment, hitting right in the sweet spot.

    Although a voice in his head was saying, ¡°This isn¡¯t the time to be thinking about such things,¡± Wang Zhong still couldn¡¯t help but want to confirm whether Ludm was indeed his fianc¨¦e.

    At this moment, Ludm said, ¡°Walk with me. Since I¡¯m already here.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Wang Zhong nodded and gestured for her to follow, ¡°Let¡¯s go this way, I¡¯ve already checked the post behind us, walking with you gives me a chance to check the other posts.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°You didn¡¯t use to be this conscientious.¡±

    ¡°I now have the self-awareness of amander.¡±

    Ludm just smiled.

    Then, quite naturally, she linked her arm through Wang Zhong¡¯s, allowing her armor toe into intimate contact with his arm, unconcerned.

    If things have gotten this intimate, she must be the fianc¨¦e, right?

    No sooner had Wang Zhong thought this than Ludm said, ¡°Your father said that he would ask for my father¡¯s permission to marry me in October. With the war starting, I don¡¯t know if it can still happen.¡±

    Alright then, she was a ¡°prospective¡± fianc¨¦e.

    Wait a second, do I still have a father in this timeline? Damn, I can¡¯t bring myself to call a stranger ¡°father¡±¡­

    Ludm: ¡°My mother alwaysined about you, saying that even if it were for a political alliance, there could be better options. She probably has no objections now.¡±

    At that time, Wang Zhong suddenly thought of a question. Ludm was such a beautiful girl and a noble at that, surely she must have had no shortage of suitors. How could she have fallen for the original owner of this body?

    So, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°You don¡¯t have any objections to me?¡±

    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve actually always treated you as a brother, after all, I¡¯ve been cleaning up your messes since we were young, and over time, I got used to it¡­ And besides you, everyone in your family is pretty nice.¡±

    Ludm looked down at the ground.

    ¡°But, after the war broke out¡­ you changed¡­ became like a hero from the stories, and you liked riding a white horse¡­ I¡­¡±

    Because her face was now thoroughly flushed, Ludm leaned on Wang Zhong¡¯s arm, using this as a way to block his line of sight.

    Too bad Wang Zhong had an overhead view and could adjust the angle to see the girl¡¯s face!

    What did this mean? Did my heroic actionspletely win over the girl¡¯s affection? Does she like the current me, not the worthless person I was before?

    At that moment, Wang Zhong thought about the inappropriate behavior of ¡°those two¡± just a while ago.

    Now it seemed like he could just pick her up and start kissing her without issues. It¡¯s their custom, after all!

    A certain part of Wang Zhong¡¯s body started to chant, ¡°You can go for it!¡±

    The only thing holding Wang Zhong back now was the dignity of a Chinese man; all he had to do was let go of that dignity¡­

    At that moment, a new thought entered Wang Zhong¡¯s mind.

    What if I die?

    Although he had so far survived many dangerous situations, the fact that he had been dancing with death had not changed.

    An old song echoed in Wang Zhong¡¯s ears:

    Maybe I¡¯ll say goodbye and nevere back¡ª

    Do you understand, do you know?

    Maybe I¡¯ll fall and never get up.

    Will you still wait forever?

    ¡­

    At this moment, all vulgar and reproductive thoughts vanished, and Wang Zhong¡¯s mind was filled with unshakable conviction.

    One should not make a loved one wait forever.

    One should not bring children into such hell.

    Not until the day when the cruel and evil great enemy is defeated, not until the day when smoke rises again from the homnd and angels can peacefully slumber.

    Only then can I embrace the girl without worries and build a future together with her.

    So Wang Zhong suppressed the impulse.

    ¡°Ludm,¡± he said, ¡°I will defeat the enemy as soon as possible, conquer the Prosen Empire, and then formally respond to you.¡±

    Ludmughed, ¡°The way you say that, it¡¯s as if you¡¯re the grand marshal who can decide the fate of this war. You¡¯re still the same, floating on air just because you¡¯ve barely be a major general.¡±

    With that, the girl yfully punched Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder several times.

 Chapter 95: â€œItâ€™s up to you!

    Jules, July 6, 914, early morning.

    Wang Zhong rolled out of his makeshift camp bed and saw Yegorov sitting on the bed beside him, polishing his boots.

    Yegorov: ¡°How did you make it back to the frontmandst night? We all thought you¡¯d find a vehicle to spend the night in.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It wasn¡¯t convenient for her.¡±

    ¡°How could she possiblye looking for you when it wasn¡¯t convenient?¡± Yegorov countered, ¡°No, no, she came to sleep with you. That Natalia, too, don¡¯t believe me? Let B4 fire a shell and as soon as the boom echoes, you¡¯ll see another Alyosha scrambling out of some corner with his pants in his hands.¡±

    Wang Zhong was amazed. Are Westerners really so open about these things?

    Yegorov waited a few seconds but got no reply, so he looked up at Wang Zhong and asked again, ¡°So what really happened? Why didn¡¯t you make thedy¡¯s wishe true?¡±

    Wang Zhong could only tell the truth.

    Yegorov was shocked, his polishing hand paused: ¡°If the war drags on for three to five years, does that mean you¡¯ll go without touching a woman for that long? What if you get frustrated? Oh, I see, you¡¯re talking about seeing a prostitute, right?¡±Wang Zhong had tough; how did the conversation end up here?

    ¡°That shows my ambition!¡± He wanted to recite a few frontier verses to Yegorov, to express his own ¡°won¡¯t return until Lon is conquered¡± heroic aspirations, but suddenly realized he couldn¡¯t trante the poetry in his mind into Antenguage.

    Damn, no more showing off with poetry.

    Just then, Popov got up too.

    All three of them were sleeping on camp beds set up in therge room next to the frontmand, each bed three meters apart.

    Popov looked at Wang Zhong with suspicion: ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich, this doesn¡¯t sound like something you¡¯d do. Although I¡¯ve indeed heard that you haven¡¯t been messing around with Ludm Vasilyevna, you¡¯re famous for not being able to control yourself.¡±

    As he spoke, Popov nced at Wang Zhong¡¯s crotch: ¡°Could it be¡­ that you¡¯re injured?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is that something a bishop should say?¡±

    Popov: ¡°I¡¯m from the Secr faction, remember?¡±

    That secr, huh? I think you¡¯re more of the high-speed faction! You go fast!

    Wang Zhong decided not to linger on the issue. If he did, Popov might start to think he was possessed¡ªthough in reality, he was.

    Looking at Yegorov, he said, ¡°I think the enemy will definitely try to remove mines today. They¡¯re going to use smoke to obscure our line of sight and cover the demining.¡±

    ¡°Definitely,¡± Yegorov replied as he spread new polish onto the boots and then carefully smeared it with the shining cloth, evening it out on the surface, ¡°I heard before the war that the Prussians liked to use smoke. I didn¡¯t expect they¡¯d be such fans of it.¡±

    Whenever the Prussians attacked, there was smoke everywhere, their usage of it was sublime.

    Yegorov continued: ¡°Inparison, we¡¯ve neglected the use of smoke. The front-line infantry doesn¡¯t even have Smoke Bombs, we have to capture them from the Prussians.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°There¡¯s so much we need to capture from the Prussians, like field telephones! Why are there so few radios?¡±

    ¡°Because the marshals still prefer using couriers,¡± shrugged Yegorov.

    Wang Zhong shook his head and stood up to stretch his aching body caused by the too-hard camp bed. Unfortunately, he carelessly pulled at a wound on his shoulder, grimacing in pain.

    It¡¯d been nearly two weeks. Why hadn¡¯t a simple gunshot wound healed yet?

    Yegorov didn¡¯t care whether Wang Zhong was in pain or not; he asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to polish your boots? Don¡¯t you want to?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought, Is it that I don¡¯t want to polish them? I don¡¯t know how! I¡¯ve hardly ever seen anyone polish boots in my life. How am I supposed to polish them when I¡¯ve never even seen a ¡°pig run¡±!

    All he could do was change the subject: ¡°Today, we need to figure out a way to prevent the enemy from demining in the smoke. Any ideas?¡±

    Yegorov looked at Wang Zhong: ¡°You are the White Horse General, and I¡¯m just an ordinary regimentalmander, as ordinary as theye. You should be the one to tell me what to do!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s exercise some military democracy! Crowdsource some strategy, you know?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Then you should go ask that entric Vasily, he might have some oundish ideas. Isn¡¯t that why you value him?¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t reply because he was already thinking of countermeasures.

    Since he had received absolutely no military education, he could only start with what he knew from games.

    In games, dealing with smoke was simple: userge caliber guns and fire explosive shells at the ground.

    When ying ¡°Advance Command,¡± seeing the enemy deploy smoke, he would unleash a barrage of BM21 ¡°Hail¡± rockets, which generally could effectively dy the enemy¡¯s offensive and even eliminate quite a few of the attacking forces.

    Drawing inspiration from the game¡ª

    Wang Zhong asked Yegorov, ¡°What do you think about us blindly firing 76mm guns at the enemy? The firing elements for several preset positions for the 76mm guns were determined the day we set up defenses, ensuring urate hits on enemy tanks at various distances.

    ¡°After switching to explosive shells, the trajectory would be more curved than Armor-Piercing Shells, and the gunners familiar with the gun¡¯s performance could deliver the explosive shells to roughly the same position based on the firing elements of the Armor-Piercing Shells.¡±

    Yegorov nodded: ¡°We don¡¯t have many 76mm guns, but we do have plenty of shells.¡±

    ¡°Pickles, too,¡± added Popov.

    All of them thought of some unpleasant things and frowned together.

    Just then, the on-duty new recruit pushed the door open and came in: ¡°Report! Brother Peter called, saying enemy reconnaissance nes are flying towards us from the southwest.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Has the brother informed God¡¯s Arrow Company?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then no need to worry.¡±

    Yegorov quipped: ¡°Let¡¯s hope the big sister of the prayer hands doesn¡¯t mispray because her beloved general doesn¡¯t understand human emotions, leading to a misfire.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That won¡¯t happen.¡±

    He himself wasn¡¯t sure why he was so certain.

    A momentter, the sound of an airne¡¯s engine was heard. Wang Zhong went to the window and looked out; he made a slight shift in his viewing angle and spotted the enemy ne¡ªit was the same Focke-Wulf Fw 189 reconnaissance aircraft as yesterday.

    As soon as the ne entered the city area, it was shot down by Divine Arrow and crashed in the residential district to the north of the city.

    When Wang Zhong switched back his view, Yegorov said, ¡°It seems we¡¯ve shot it down, so the big sister with the divine hands probably doesn¡¯t want to sleep with you that much.¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged: ¡°Speaking of which, are the pilots of the two reconnaissance nes we shot down yesterday still alive?¡±

    Answering him was Popov: ¡°One of the captains in charge of reconnaissance survived. He¡¯s been sent to the Tribunal, and any information we get out of him will be ryed to us.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and decided to go out to inspect the positions.

    He left therge room where several people slept and entered the adjoining operations center, where he saw Vasily frowning and sitting in front of the field telephone, continuously jotting down something in a notebook.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How¡¯s it going?¡±

    Vasily took off his headset and stood up to salute: ¡°General!¡±

    ¡°At ease,¡± Wang Zhong waved his hand, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    Vasily handed the notebook he had just written to Wang Zhong.

    The notebook was full of tranted content from enemymunications.

    While reading, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°It seems you don¡¯t need to refer to the seized notebook for call signs anymore?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve basically memorized them.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then why did you look so serious just now?¡±

    ¡°Because I find it strange. Yesterday, the Prussians rarely mentioned their own units¡¯ call signs and locations, even in code words. Today, look at this, so muchmunication early in the morning.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, he too felt something was amiss¡ªperhaps the enemy was deliberately leaking false information.

    But he didn¡¯t say it directly; instead, he encouraged Vasily: ¡°Why do you think that is?¡±

    ¡°I think they are intentionally leaking false information. The Prussians are very methodical and wouldn¡¯t suddenly change this much. There must be someone ordering them to change their practice.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re right, I have the same feeling.¡±

    At that moment, Dimitri entered the operations center and saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Dimitri, don¡¯t take over the artillery sight for now. Let me ask you, what¡¯s the trajectory difference between the 76mm gun¡¯s shrapnel and armor-piercing shells? How can we adjust it so that the shrapnel shellsnd in approximately the same area, based on the armor-piercing shell data that we¡¯ve already determined?¡±

    Dimitri: ¡°That depends on how far away the target is. Do you want the trajectory to end on the ground, detonating the shrapnel shells?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I anticipate that today the enemy will use smoke to cover their engineersying mines. Our response is to use yesterday¡¯s calibrated data to fire shrapnel shells to disrupt the engineers¡¯ operations.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s simple; I¡¯ll produce a new set of data immediately.¡±

    At that point, the phone rang.

    Wang Zhong picked up himself: ¡°This is Rocossov, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d bettere over to the Brigade headquarters. We¡¯ve received orders from the Front Armymand,¡± said Pavlov on the other end of the phone.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Brigade Command.

    ¡°Your unit is to hold its current position until 8 pm on July 11th to allow the Front Army to form a new defensive line.¡± After reading the orders, Wang Zhong looked up at Pavlov, ¡°So the Front Army has finally realized that Bogdanovka has been lost?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head: ¡°Not yet, we¡¯ve received many telegrams from Bogdanovka. But the 23rd Armored Division tasked with the breakout has already been destroyed. What¡¯s left of them is said to have retreated to our north at Dolgy.¡±

    Pavlov tapped on the map where there was a marker for an armored force.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Was the map updated this morning?¡±

    ¡°Yes. The Front Army intelligence department believes the force opposite us is part of the 15th Armored Division, with some auxiliary forces added. They think we can hold perfectly with our fortifications.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°The enemy¡¯s armored division has at least fifteen thousand men. Including our defensive battalion and the reconstituted 5th Bieshensk Battalion, we have just over two thousand men, and we are extremely short of technical equipment with only three anti-tank cannons! The enemy could have hundreds of tanks!¡±

    Pavlov looked distressed: ¡°The Front Army insists we only have a part of the 15th Armored opposite us.¡±

    Wang Zhong was just about to curse when explosions sounded outside.

    However, the sound was faint, like distant thunder.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s that? Is another area being shelled?¡±

    Grigori rushed into the Brigade headquarters: ¡°It¡¯s mortars, sounds like the 120mm heavy mortars.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That must be the divisional artillery of the 15th Armored.¡±

    He hadmanded the 15th Armored in the game ¡°Steel Division¡± and was familiar with their capabilities.

    He ced his hand over the phone, just waiting for the ring.

    He didn¡¯t have to wait long.

    ¡°This is Rocossov, go ahead.¡±

    Yegorov¡¯s voice came from the operations center on the other end of the line: ¡°The enemy has started using smoke. They¡¯re likely prepping for mineying by engineers. Before the smoke rose, the artillery sight caught one of the engineer tanks moving along the road, probably to clear mines there first¡ªeven though we have no mines on the road.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Open fire first, and remember to cover the front of the 76mm gun position with smoke.¡±

    Since the firing was based on pre-set coordinates for blind firing, it made sense to cover the front of their own gun positions to prevent the enemy from spotting them.

    ¡°I¡¯ll head back right away.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhong told Pavlov: ¡°Keep pleading poverty with the higher-ups; we definitely can¡¯t stop an entire armored division with just these troops we have now. It¡¯s up to you!¡±

 Chapter 96: The Arc of Fire

    When Wang Zhong arrived at the forwardmand, the enemy¡¯s engineers had already been sted into retreat.

    However, that isn¡¯t entirely urate, as after losing three of their modified breach vehicles from the number one tanks, they still managed to sessfullyunch rockets with explosive cords.

    From his bird¡¯s eye view, Wang Zhong could clearly see the traces left by the explosive cords in the middle of the road.

    After observing for a while, Wang Zhong clicked his tongue and said, ¡°Now the enemy knows we haven¡¯t buried mines on the main road.¡±

    Yegorov added, ¡°If the enemy attacks via the main road, aren¡¯t they just asking to be hit? We¡¯ve already destroyed three of the engineers¡¯ number one tanks; they would certainly suffer more losses if they advanced along the road.

    ¡°Once they¡¯re blocked on the road, they¡¯re sitting ducks. They can¡¯t even disperse, since the actual minefields are on both sides of the road.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and said, ¡°Indeed, let¡¯s see what the enemy does.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major General Randolph,mander of the 15th Armored Division, stood on top of his armoredmand vehicle, observing the destroyed number one tanks through his binocrs.¡°The enemy has already calcted the shooting elements, even managing to hit our engineers¡¯ tanks through the smoke,¡± Randolph put down his binocrs, ¡°Although the Ante Army has long been a cluster of expendable goods, this time they did a good job. An attack through the main road would result in serious losses.¡±

    The chief of staff agreed, ¡°We absolutely can¡¯t take the main road. The engineers also reported that both sides of the road are mined without warning signs. If the attacking troops get stuck on the main road, they would truly be sitting ducks.

    ¡°Perhaps we should deploy moreprehensive smoke cover and let the engineers begin mine clearance?¡±

    Major General Randolph hummed and, with his chin in hand, fell into deep thought.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    It was at this moment that Wang Zhong noticed something: the enemy¡¯s mortar carriers were within his line of sight.

    Previously, while up on Peniye, he¡¯d been able to see the enemy¡¯s mortar carriers. It seemed this was a standard operation in the Prussian military tactics manual, to push mortar carriers to this distance to fire.

    Back on Peniye, Wang Zhong had no indirect fire capability, and the enemy parked their vehicles behind the reverse slope of a high ground, so indeed, there was not much he could do about these mortar carriers.

    But now, the situation was different. First of all, there was a vast in to the southwest,pletely devoid of reverse slopes, and secondly, Wang Zhong now had indirect fire capability.

    From his high vantage point, Wang Zhong watched the enemy¡¯s mortar carriers: it appeared to be a battalion of vehicle-mounted mortars, with twelve carriers, various ammunition trucks, and half-tracked vehicles transporting the gunners, all huddled together on the in in a big cluster.

    The enemy¡¯s other units, to avoid 203mm fire, were spread out quite far, but this battalion seemed to limit its formation spread for operational convenience.

    Indeed, who would anticipate having irvoyance here, to see past so much smoke to the mortar carriers.

    Of course, the position Wang Zhong was in was elevated, so it wasn¡¯t entirely impossible to see the half-tracked vehicles housing the mortars, but such poor visibility made it difficult to urately determine the target¡¯s location.

    Therefore, they could only try firing blindly, and then adjust the point of impact.

    By then, the mortar battalion would have long fled, since they were all half-tracked vehicles with decent mobility.

    But if they didn¡¯t adjust the fire, and just mmed them with arge volley, the mortar battalion would likely be half destroyed.

    Wang Zhong was confident in the power of the B4 heavy artillery.

    So, he picked up the telephone handset¡ªafter yesterday¡¯s ¡°live test,¡± the phone had been moved close to the window.

    ¡°Connect to Artillery Position A.¡±

    After getting through, Wang Zhong read out a series of coordinates and called for a barrage.

    Dietrich, curious, who was over at the artillery team, asked, ¡°What are we firing at? These coordinates are quite a way behind where we targeted the enemy yesterday¡­ will it hit anything?¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could speak, Yegorov chimed in, ¡°Aren¡¯t we hitting the enemy¡¯s mortars? Just now, when the enemy released smoke, I saw the trajectory of the shells in the sky; the mortars can¡¯t be that far from the front line.¡±

    The flight of mortar shells was indeed slow, but to visually confirm the trajectory was a bit terrifying.

    However, thanks to Yegorov, the shelling of the enemy mortar positions now seemed reasonable, as it was impossible for them to know if they hit the target on this side, making it purely a guess from their perspective.

    As for why the guess was so precise, that must be Saint Andrew showing his power!

    After hanging up the phone, feeling that a barrage from one position wasn¡¯t enough, he picked up the phone again and said, ¡°Connect to Position B!¡±

    Take my eight massive 203mm shells, invaders!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After a brief period of contemtion, Major General Randolph made a decision: ¡°The mortar battalion will continueying smoke to thoroughly obscure the enemy¡¯s line of sight, and have the engineers prepare for de-mining.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than a howling came from the sky.

    Randolph, being an old soldier, knew upon hearing the howl that the shells wouldnd behind him, so he immediately turned around¡ª

    At that moment, the engine hood of a half-tracked vehicle carrying a 105mm heavy mortar suddenly caved in, the edges of the cover flipping up under the stress.

    Randolph couldn¡¯t see what was causing this phenomenon because the next moment, the half-tracked vehicle exploded violently.

    A handbrake flew over the top of Randolph¡¯s head, and the gust of wind blew off his crookedly worn cap.

    The major general dove from the top of themand vehicle.

    With his hands over his head, he couldn¡¯t see the second shell fall.

    It was only when the third shellnded that the major general thought to prop his body up to keep a distance from the ground, to prevent his organs from being damaged by the shock.

    The explosions continued, and amid the cacophony of the heavy artillery, smaller sts could be heard, likely mortar shells being detonated.

    The artillery bombardment came quickly and left just as fast; it appeared that the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery battalion had only fired a salvo.

    Once the whistling and explosions had stopped, Major General Randolph got up.

    The orderly immediately rushed out to start dusting off the Major General¡¯s uniform, but inadvertently pped the knee that the Major General had injured when he had dived from themand vehicle.

    With an angry roar, Randolph yelled, ¡°Be gentle! You¡¯re killing me! Get the medic! My leg, it¡¯s¡­¡±

    As it happened, Randolph already had a condition of bone hypersia, and this incident had opened the gates to his agony; he was in so much pain that he couldn¡¯t stand firmly and sat down abruptly.

    Two guards rushed over and helped the Major General lean against the side of the nearbymand vehicle.

    It was then that the Major General had a chance to survey the damage to his troops.

    Across the fieldy many half-track vehicles aze, and it seemed like some of the half-tracks had tried to move out of the artillery zone only to have their tracks broken, leaving them skewed across the field.

    The bodies of the artillerymen were scattered among the half-tracks. Randolph knew without needing a casualty count that the artillery battalion would not bebat-ready for a long time.

    He was about to issue an order when suddenly an ammunition vehicle exploded in a sympathetic detonation, scattering shells around it that triggered secondary explosions, sending up orange fireballs that made the sun seem dim inparison.

    Randolph, a nobleman, rarely cursed, but he couldn¡¯t help himself at that moment: ¡°Damn it! Reconnaissance battalion! Sweep through all the high ground outside the city, and find the enemy¡¯s artillery observation team! Even if it takes using radio detection vehicles, find them!¡±

    Randolph naturally assumed that this was the result of cunning Ante Army observers concealed at high vantage points outside the city; it never urred to him that the enemy had something like Brother.

    One should say, within the realm ofmon sense, he had made the most correct judgment.

    At this moment, the division staff officer came limping over, clearly having also made an intense move to hit the ground just before.

    ¡°General, should we wait for the divisional artillery to arrive before acting? With the help of observation nes, the divisional artillery can locate the enemy¡¯s artillery positions. ording to our intelligence, the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery is not easily moved, and our artillery can counter-battery them and they won¡¯t be able to escape.¡±

    Randolph nodded, then added, ¡°Also, have the 223rd Regiment ready to try to capture Lininy Vige and nk Loktov from the side. I¡¯ll reinforce them with a tank battalion to make up for the losses they sufferedst night.¡±

    The staff officer replied, ¡°No problem. And the front?¡±

    Randolph looked out at the glimpses of Loktov¡¯s grey urban area through the smoke and shook his head, ¡°Unless we take out the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery, a frontal assault on the city would be too costly. We can¡¯t afford that kind of loss.

    ¡°We still have to strike at Argesukov. We have to carefully use the troops that His Imperial Majesty has entrusted to us! Pull back three kilometers and establish sentry positions to prevent enemy observers from infiltrating out of the city.¡±

    The staff officer nodded and shouted to the signalman, ¡°Pull back three kilometers!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Wang Zhong was the first person on the scene to notice the enemy starting to retreat, and he might have been the only one to see it.

    He couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud.

    Were the Prosen people so dependent on their routines? So, a few bombed smokeunchers and you can¡¯t fight anymore?

    He thought about how this ¡°cheat¡±bined with artillery was really useful. He could foresee a time when he would be known for masterful artillery deployment.

    ¡°If I ever write an autobiography, maybe I¡¯ll call it ¡®The Arc of Fire¡¯.¡±

    Unfortunately, this ¡°cheat¡± only had a slightly longer range of visionpared to someone using binocrs. In the future, he might have to personally go on a reconnaissance ne, circle over the enemy¡¯s heads to see all of their deployments, and thenmand the troops via radio¡ªah, given the Ante Army¡¯s radio proficiency, perhaps air-dropping orders would be quicker.

    ¡­

    At that moment, the phone rang, and Yegorov picked it up, ¡°Fieldmand, go ahead. Are you sure? Uh-huh, I understand.¡±

    Wang Zhong guessed who was calling even before Yegorov hung up, and true enough, Yegorov said after hanging up the phone, ¡°Brother Peter heard engines of enemy vehicles moving away in the distance. The enemy might be retreating.¡±

    Although Wang Zhong already knew, he still feigned surprise, ¡°Really? That¡¯s great!¡±

    The others in the room also sighed in relief.

    Vasily, who was manning the field telephone, stretchedzily, ¡°The enemy is too weak! Is that all? I never knew war was such an easy business. Just blow them up with the B4, and they run away!¡±

    Popov put on a stern face, ready to fulfill his duties as a chain to eliminate the soldiers¡¯cence, when the phone rang again.

    This time it was Pavlov.

    ¡°I couldn¡¯t get the 203 shells. They are deployed along the border, and so is the ammunition. The rear services have told us they have sufficient 122 and 152mm shells.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Then why don¡¯t they just give me 122 or 152 mm howitzers!¡±

    Actually, the 152mm gun had overall better performance than the B4, with nearly the same range, slightly less power, but a much faster rate of fire.

    When loading a B4 howitzer, you had to use the crane attached to the ammunition vehicle; it was simply impossible to load it by hand, whereas the 152 could certainly be manually loaded by strong Ante men.

    ¡°No,¡± a sigh came from Pavlov over the phone. ¡°Also, the supply train that was supposed to arrive today was destroyed en route by the enemy¡¯s bombers, and the wreckage has blocked the railway. I don¡¯t know when it will be cleared.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What about our reinforcements? If they want us to hold until the evening of the 11th, we need reinforcements!¡±

    There was silence for a long while before the reply came, ¡°I¡¯m trying.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue in disbelief.

    He knew it wasn¡¯t Pavlov¡¯s fault; in the current situation where defeat was cascading, simply holding the line was already an achievement.

    The good news was that they had repelled the enemy¡¯s morning offensive.

    The bad news was, it was only July 6th, and the order had been to hold out until July 11th.

 Chapter 97: Horizontal Bombing

    Despite being given a seemingly overwhelming task, the senior officers of Rocossov¡¯sbat group, having done everything that could be done at hand, decided to engage in an intense game of bridge.

    It was a bit like ying a round of Gwent regardless of how urgent the situation was.

    Wang Zhong had gradually be ustomed to this pace.

    When there¡¯s nothing to do on the battlefield, there is truly nothing to do, but a Sword of Damocles hangs over one¡¯s head at all times, never knowing when it might fall and destroy everything.

    Those new to the battlefield might spend every day terrified of the sword hanging above their heads, but old soldiers like Wang Zhong be ustomed to it over time.

    Yes, Wang Zhong had only been a soldier for less than two weeks but he had already be a seasoned veteran; the battlefield was indeed a crucible for training people.

    As Wang Zhong was looking at his cards, the telephone rang.

    He picked up the receiver as a matter of course, ¡°This is Rocossov, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°This is Brother Peter, I hear arge enemy air group approaching. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s for bombing or passing through. There¡¯s arge number of six-engine heavy bombers.¡±¡°Got it,¡± Wang Zhong said, putting down the phone, and said to Yegorov, ¡°Air raid rm!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the air raid rm outside began to sound; clearly, Brother Peter had already notified the town¡¯s military stationmand and the air defense troops.

    Wang Zhong threw down his cards and went to the window to look up at the sky.

    Dmitry asked, ¡°Do we need to evacuate?¡±

    ¡°The city doesn¡¯t have a subway, and there was no nning for standard air-raid shelters before, so if you want to hide, your only choice is the cer where they store cabbage in winter.¡± Wang Zhong said, ¡°This ce is more solid than most basements.¡±

    While he was talking, Wang Zhong saw the formation of nes.

    He switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, allowing him to observe the entire formation without the limitations of the window¡¯s field of vision.

    Arge formationprised of 30 six-engine heavy bombers and an equal number of fighter nes was approaching. If this was targeting Loktov, it meant there were no longer targets in Bogdanovka that required the cover of such a formation.

    Wang Zhong was thinking when Vasily suddenly shouted, ¡°I hear the enemy clearly calling out, it sounds like ground-to-Air Forcemunication.¡±

    ¡°What did they say?¡± Wang Zhong asked, though he had a vague idea.

    Vasily: ¡°They¡¯re asking the Air Force to deal with the heavy artillery in the city.¡±

    ¡°How did the Air Force respond?¡±

    ¡°The Air Force said to find the tactical bomber squadron since they¡¯re tasked with bombing train stations and supply warehouses.¡±

    Yegorov clicked his tongue, ¡°Luckily, we moved the artillery position from near the station before.¡±

    The initial location Wang Zhong chose for the B4 position was the station¡¯s stackyard, which had now been moved to the city park north of the station and the small garden in front of the municipal building.

    These ces were naturally camouged due to dense vegetation, and it¡¯s hard to spot them from the air with the added camos ¡ª Wang Zhong had personally confirmed this with a bird¡¯s-eye view.

    The city¡¯s anti-aircraft guns began to fire, but sadly, the 25mm anti-aircraft guns had little effect on the high-flying enemy nes; they fired now simply because they were air defense troops.

    As the enemy nes approached the chemical nt, they began to drop bombs ¡ª Loktov wasn¡¯t big, so with the altitude the enemy was flying at, dropping bombs near the chemical nt meant the explosives wouldnd near the station and supply warehouses.

    The shrill whistling of the bomb tail fins made Wang Zhong¡¯s ears ache.

    Yes, different from the ¡°whoosh¡± of shells falling, this ¡°whizz¡± came from whistles specially mounted on the tails of the bombs.

    The enemy nes that hadpleted their bombing began to turn around.

    Wang Zhong moved to another window and watched as the bombs fell towards the ground.

    Thirty heavy bombers conducted a carpet bombing.

    The closely packed bombs carved thirty bloody scars on the ground.

    A cloud of dust engulfed the streets of Loktov.

    Plumes of smoke rose up one after another.

    Wang Zhong suddenly felt relieved that he did not have a view of the streets being bombed; otherwise, he would have seen the heartbreaking scene below.

    Unlike the viges outside, Loktov had many civilians living in it. Men who followed the Secr faction of the Eastern Holy Church formed militias, women joined the volunteerbor camps, and numerous elderly and children were waiting to be evacuated by train.

    It was unknown how many civilian casualties such heavy bombing would cause.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Ludm rose from the ground.

    She and the Divine Arrow sniper team were stationed on the roof of the only Anatoly public bathhouse in Loktov, ready to snipe any enemy reconnaissance nes at any moment.

    The B4 artillery position was just a street away to the north of the public bathhouse. If any enemy dive bombers targeted the artillery positions, Divine Arrow could offer some protection.

    One of the ¡°scars¡± plowed by the recent level bombing was not far from the bathhouse.

    If the enemy had dropped their bombs just a few secondster, the Divine Arrow team would have perished in the mes.

    Lying on top of the rooftop railing, she looked down at the devastation below.

    Suddenly, she saw something.

    Ludm sprinted off, rushing downstairs, with Brother Yeca Neiko shouting after her, ¡°Where are you going? Reconnaissance nes might take this chance to confirm the results of the bombing! We have to be ready for battle!¡±

    Ludm shouted back, ¡°I¡¯ll be right back!¡±

    She sped along the makeshiftdder beside the bathhouse and onto the street, rushing to where she had seen the object.

    It was a ss jar that had shattered on the ground, its baby¡¯s breath flowers scattered all around.

    A hand was still tightly gripping the jar, its skin wrinkled from using rough soap to wash too many clothes.

    Ludm picked up the hand, which was now just a palm and half of the wrist, and looked around for the owner of the hand.

    Then she saw not far away was the ce whereundry soap was distributed, where several girls assigned to Rocossov¡¯sbat group to wash clothes were squatting on the ground, sobbing loudly.

 Chapter 98: Horizontal Bombing_2

    Ludm took a bandage from her body, tore off a part, wrapped the starflowers on the ground, and cradling the severed hand, she approached theundry girls.

    She could not recognize the girl lying on the ground since it had already been darkst night.

    But the girl¡¯s severed hand said it all.

    Of course, there were also these starflowers.

    Theundry girls were crying, ¡°The captain only ordered us toe get soap! How could this happen¡­¡±

    Ludm stood silently.

    At this moment, Brother Yeca Neiko rushed to her side, ¡°You must return to your post! Without you, Divine Arrow cannot be guided!¡±

    The Monk nced at the girl on the ground, sighed, took the severed hand and starflowers, ¡°I¡¯ll take care of this here, you go back to your post!¡±

    Ludm nodded her head, walked towards the bathhouse, looking back with every step she took.¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong withdrew his gaze, came to the telephone, and ced his hand on the receiver, ready to answer the call at any moment.

    If the artillery positions suffered damage, they would report to Wang Zhong immediately.

    He was waiting for that call.

    Thirty seconds passed, and the telephone did not ring.

    Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°It seems our artillery is alright.¡±

    Yegorov said, ¡°Moving the artillery positions away from the targets that would be bombed was really a smart move.¡±

    Popov asked, ¡°Should we change the artillery positions? Could the enemy pilots have spotted that they are artillery positions?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°No, the enemy never flew directly over the artillery positions. They probably finished dropping bombs and turned away right above our heads.¡±

    As he said this, he made a circling gesture overhead.

    At that moment, the telephone rang again.

    Wang Zhong still picked up the receiver himself, ¡°This is Rocossov, speak.¡±

    ¡°This is the Fifth Byshensk Battalion, we spotted enemy armored scout vehicles on the small road southeast of our position.¡±

    The Fifth Byshensk Battalion had not received reinforcements, and their equipment had not been replenished much, so Wang Zhong had disbanded them and mixed them with local militia to monitor the two main roads leading out of the city to the southeast and northwest.

    Loktov might only be a small town, but it was impossible for Wang Zhong¡¯s small force to encircle the city in a tight defense. He could only focus on defending the front and let less important forces monitor the roads on both sides.

    Wang Zhong inquired, ¡°Southeast? Half-tracked vehicles?¡±

    ¡°Both half-tracked vehicles and a Panzer II. On the suggestion from workers at the tractor station, we disguised a tractor as a tank, which scared the enemy away.¡±

    Wang Zhong burst outughing, ¡°What? A tractor disguised as a tank?¡±

    ¡°Yes, and it worked brilliantly. As long as we piled up straw in the front, it looked just like a tank cannon turret camouged with straw. We drove this thing out, let the gearbox tter, and the enemy immediately ran away.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, and the others, who hadn¡¯t heard the conversation through the receiver, looked at him with puzzled expressions.

    ¡°You¡¯ve done very well, keep scaring the enemy and don¡¯t let them discover our actual weakness here! Great job!¡± Having said this, Wang Zhong hung up the receiver and ryed the Byshensk Battalion¡¯s method to everyone.

    Vasilyughed out loud and then was stared down by Popov, ¡°Do your job well!¡±

    Yegorov remarked, ¡°But a fake tank can only scare people after all. I still hope we get real tanks soon. Then His Excellency the General will be able to showcase his talent in tankmand.¡±

    It seems in Yegorov¡¯s eyes, Wang Zhong has already be a genius tankmander.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I saw from the brigade headquarters that we have remnants of the 23rd Tank Army to our north, and I don¡¯t know if we can get them toe over. No matter what tanks they are equipped with, they should be able to y some role.¡±

    The role he referred to involved own cheat-like personalmand of a tank to sneak behind the enemy¡¯s blind spots, a staple for the ¡°War Thunder¡± groundbat gamers.

    Popov, ¡°They should be equipped with the fast series of tanks.¡±

    Upon hearing this, General Wang frowned. Although the T28s had thin armor, at least their guns were decent. The BTs didn¡¯t even have decent firepower; at this time, many of Prosen¡¯s tanks had been reinforced on the front, following the experiences of the Carolingian campaign, and the small guns of the BT7 might not be able to prate the enemy¡¯s armor.

    The BT7 itself was exceedingly fragile; even heavier machine guns with slightly higher pration could pierce its sides.

    The onlymendable feature of this tank was its mobility. It utilized the famous Christie suspension system, so during high-speed maneuvers, it could even have its tracks removed and speed along the highway on wheels.

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong began to ponder whether he could do something remarkable with the BT7 once he got it, thanks to its astonishing mobility.

    Just then, the phone rang again.

    Vasily, ¡°I never knew before that war was about ying cards in themand post, and then constantly answering the phone.¡±

    ¡°Cut the chatter,¡± said Wang Zhong before picking up the receiver, ¡°This is Rocossov, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°This is Brother Peter. I heard a lone Do 215, possibly at high altitude. And there¡¯s also a Focke-Wulf 189 at low altitude.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned. In this era, bombers generally flew in clusters, forming a dense formation convenient for mutual defense with their machine guns, intercepting enemy aircraft. A lone Do 215 at high altitude¡­

    Wang Zhong, ¡°One at high altitude and one at low?¡±

    Brother Peter answered, ¡°Yes, if you count the time it takes for sound to travel from high altitude, the Do 215 is ahead. It¡¯s flying particrly high, only the MiG-3 could intercept it. And obviously, we don¡¯t have any MiG-3s.¡±

    Perhaps they had been avable at some point, but they were all destroyed on the airfields on the first day of war.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Got it, thank you.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, he looked towards the others, ¡°A lone Do 215 at high altitude, likely a reconnaissance ne. And there¡¯s a 189 at low altitude. What do you make of it?¡±

    Yegorov and Popov exchanged nces.

    Vasily, ¡°I know! The enemy has been losing 189s over Loktov, so they want to see what¡¯s been happening!¡±

    Wang Zhong and the others exchanged nces.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major General Rundolf of the 15th Armored Division heard the sound of the aircraft overhead and looked up.

    His chief of staff said, ¡°It¡¯s flying very high, must be a recon ne. Perhaps observing the effect of their recent carpet bombing?¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, a Focke-Wulf 189 flew closely past their heads.

    Because the Focke-Wulf 189 had an advanced appearance, the soldiers saw it as a symbol of Prosen¡¯s cutting-edge technology and cheered, taking off their hats.

    The chief of staff frowned, ¡°I heard the Air Force has lost several reconnaissance nes over Loktov, and these are very hard to shoot down. Could it be¡­ they want to see what¡¯s been shooting down their own nes?¡±

    Major General Rundolf cursed, ¡°We¡¯ve mentioned the artillery positions so many times! Those B4s have already caused us more than a thousand casualties, and the Air Force does nothing! They raise a fuss over losing a few recon nes!¡±

    After speaking, the general sighed.

    ¡°Let¡¯s wait for our division¡¯s artillery to arrive, then think of a n,¡± said the chief of staff.

    The general nodded, ¡°That¡¯s all we can do for now. When will our coordination between the Air Force and ground forces be as good as what Duke Meyer ims?¡±

 Chapter 99: â€œBig Baby

    This is Wang Zhong.

    ¡°Intercept as usual,¡± Wang Zhong said, ¡°exposing the position of Divine Arrow is not important, it can be moved. After the battle at Upper Peniye, Monk Yeca Neiko should be quite experienced now.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°He¡¯s indeed very experienced, prepared trucks especially for transferring, and even connected each alternative Divine Arrow position with telephones.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°Then intercept! After the interception, run immediately!¡±

    As he spoke, he picked up the phone: ¡°Connect to the current position of God¡¯s Arrow Company.¡±

    Two secondster, the voice of Ludm came from the phone: ¡°Hello?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why is it you? Where is Monk Yeca Neiko?¡±

    ¡°The Monk has gone to perform rites for the deceased. What¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°Can the Divine Arrow squad fire now?¡±¡°Yes! Enemy aircrafting, right? Leave it to me, I¡¯ll shoot it down! I can recognize the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance aircraft even with my eyes closed!¡±

    Wang Zhong always felt as if Ludm was forcing a smile, deliberately acting cheerful. Could it be an illusion?

    Had something happened?

    Wang Zhong really wanted to ask, since this was his almost fianc¨¦e, but he could not inquire due to the urgency of military affairs.

    So he said: ¡°I¡¯ll leave it to you! The enemy aircraft will be arriving soon!¡±

    ¡°Mhm!¡± At least thisst sound, the girl sounded quite spirited.

    After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhong immediately switched his perspective to survey the situation.

    The first thing he saw was the high-flying Do 215¡ªhmm?

    Wang Zhong observed that Do 215, feeling that this ne wasrger than the standard Do 215. Could this possibly be a Do 217?

    And it didn¡¯t seem like it was here for reconnaissance. With its sluggish speed, it looked like it was carrying bombs.

    Reconnaissance Do nes should not carry bombs to allow them to fly higher and faster.

    As Wang Zhong was puzzling over this, the Focke-Wulf Fw 189 reconnaissance aircraft entered his field of vision.

    Before Wang Zhong could get a clear look, Divine Arrow was already soaring into the sky.

    However, the reaction of this 189 was strange, as if its pilot had been prepared all along and immediately bailed out with a parachute.

    Other reconnaissance aircraft would struggle a bit, like trying to enter the blind spot of Divine Arrow¡¯s praying hands, but this one just gave up!

    Wang Zhong had a bad feeling, but could not articte what was wrong, until he saw the suspected Do 217 twin-engine heavy bomber in the sky and what it dropped.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The Prosen Royal 55th Bomber Squadron¡¯s tenth squadronmander¡¯s ne was tasked today with dropping an experimental weapon.

    In fact, this squadron had been transferred to the Kingdom of Bavaria in Prosen before the Carolingian campaign to participate in the testing of experimental weapons.

    This was the empire¡¯s grand attempt to rece the divine with technology; its sess would prove that the gods of inferior races, too, were negligible false deities.

    Now, the day hade for this great, symbolic weapon to be tested in actualbat, and its target was none other than the ¡°Miracle¡± that the false god used to deceive the world!

    The observer shouted: ¡°Divine Arrowunched, Divine Arrow trail confirmed!¡±

    The radio-guidance operator: ¡°Visual on target, guidance preparationplete!¡±

    The observer: ¡°Course parameters inputplete!¡±

    The mechanicalputer installed in the bomber¡¯s guidance office quicklypleted the calctions and spit out the course adjustment parameters.

    The squadron leader of the tenth squadron tore off the paper with the course parameters, nced at it, and personally pushed the control stick to turn the aircraft towards the calcted course.

    The observer: ¡°Aimingplete, 20 seconds to bomb release window!¡±

    The squadron leader pressed the timer installed beside the operator¡¯s seat. As the timer hit zero, he shouted: ¡°For the empire! For the Emperor!¡±

    As the timer reached zero, he pressed the bomb release button, and the heavy radio-guided glide bomb left the rack under the fusge.

    A small drogue parachute helped the bomb adjust its attitude.

    The guidance operator reported: ¡°Drogue parachute discarded, bomb tail light observed! Beginning radio guidance!¡±

    At this moment, within the guide¡¯s field of vision, the tail light of the bomb emitted a very conspicuous glow.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Ludm and the members of God¡¯s Arrow Company sprinted down the stairs to the ground and climbed onto the GAZ truck that had been prepared earlier.

    The only driver of God¡¯s Arrow Company was smoking when he saw everyoneing down so frantically, heughed and said, ¡°What¡¯s the rush? Are the Prussians about to attack us right now?¡±

    Ludm, ¡°The enemy has a reconnaissance ne in the sky. We¡¯ve been exposed. An attack wille soon, it could be artillery or bombers.¡±

    ¡°Hey, it won¡¯t be that fast. Plus, look, Yeca Neiko is still over there praying for the girl who died! Wait a moment¡­¡±

    Ludm grabbed the driver¡¯s cor, pulled him out of the driver¡¯s seat, and threw him onto the ground, then she climbed in and deftly started the truck.

    The driver, seeing stars after being thrown, still didn¡¯t take it seriously: ¡°What¡¯s the rush? These past few days, I¡¯ve been watching that brigadier, and I don¡¯t think he¡¯s all that impressive! It¡¯s just that¡­¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the dome of the Anatoliy Bathhouse was suddenly smashed by something, as if someone had cracked an eggshell.

    The next moment, an explosion inted the bathhouse like a balloon and then with a pop, it burst.

    The st wave picked up the driver from behind, threw him against the stone wall on the other side, twisting his neck into an unhealthy angle in an instant.

    Yeca Neiko, who had been conducting the service, also flipped over andy prone on the ground.

    The shockwave also caused Ludm¡¯s GAZ truck to sway erratically, as if it had guzzled fiverge bottles of vodka.

    In her haste, Ludm hit the brakes, which resulted in the truck flipping over and sliding a whole five meters.

    When all settled.

    Ludm struggled to crawl out of the driver¡¯s seat and stood up, covering her scratched right hand, looking at the bathhouse that had been reduced to rubble.

    Yeca Neiko¡ªnow a deputy knight¡ªalso got up, joining her in looking at the bathhouse.

    Yeca Neiko, ¡°What happened? I didn¡¯t hear the sound of enemy nes. What sted us all of a sudden?¡±

    Ludm looked at Yeca Neiko, ¡°You¡¯ll need to find a new driver, one who will follow orders.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong was deeply shaken.

    After confirming that Ludm was alright, he started to ponder.

    He recognized the thing that had just been dropped from Route 217, the Fritz X radio-controlled bomb!

    Could it be that Prosen was stimted by the Divine Power guided weapons of the Eastern Holy Church and the Lutheran Church, resulting in the development of their guided weapons outpacing Earth¡¯s Sturmtiger?

    Or is it that ¡°Jude¡± has abundant resources, thereby advancing their scientific research faster than Sturmtiger?

    No, that¡¯s not right. Prosen was still using a mix of short-barreled Panzer IVs and early model Panzer IIIs; it didn¡¯t seem like their technology far surpassed that of Sturmtiger¡¯s contemporaries.

    They must have seen other people¡¯s guided weapons and went all out to develop one of their own.

    Now the question is, how many of these do they have? If there are many, then the fertilizer nt he was at is also not safe; one hit from that thing and everything would go sky-high.

    Damn, how can this be fought? The opponent is Jude with higher technology¡­ Can we only rely on Divine Power? The problem is that there isn¡¯t much Divine Power either, only a total of ten Divine Arrows, and nearly half have been fired already.

    Wang Zhong decided not to think too much for now¡ªoverthinking was pointless, the ship will go straight when it reaches the bridge.

    He exited the overhead mode and picked up the phone, ¡°Connect with Brother Peter. Brother, did you note the sound characteristics of the Route 217 overhead? I¡¯m telling you, it carries a heavy guided bomb. If you detect the same sound footprint next time, notify me immediately.¡±

    Considering the threat of this weapon, they might have to take it down using the Divine Arrow, as the frontlinecked the MiG-3 high-altitude fighter needed to reach Route 217.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At this time, on the Prussian Army¡¯s side.

    Themunications staff officer ran over from the radio vehicle, saluting Major General Randolph, ¡°Report! The division¡¯s artillery just passed through Karlinovka and is now selecting artillery positions!¡±

    Major General Randolph pped his hands together, ¡°Excellent! Perfect timing! Give them two hours to set up their positions and get ready to open fire!¡±

    He pulled out his pocket watch to check the time, ¡°We¡¯ll start artillery preparation at 4:30 am tomorrow. It will take us three hours to clear a path through the minefield, and at 7:30 am, artillery fire will begin extending towards the enemy positions.

    ¡°We n to deploy an armored grenadier battalion, plus two reinforced Panzer IV tank toons, tounch a probing attack!

    ¡°The enemy will certainly use heavy artillery to stop us. Tell that damned Air Force, no matter what, they must send a reconnaissance aircraft aloft! Even if they cannot dive on the enemy¡¯s positions, they must help our division¡¯s 15cm heavy artillery eliminate those annoying B4s!¡±

 Chapter 100: The Longest Day

    July 7th, at 4:30 in the morning.

    Wang Zhong was suddenly awakened by the ¡°thunder.¡±

    ¡°Is it thundering?¡± he asked Yegorov, who was in the bed next to him, as he sat up. ¡°Does it thunder so violently in this season?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s an artillery barrage, General,¡± Yegorov stood by the window, peering outside from the edge.

    Wang Zhong hurried to his feet and joined Yegorov at the other side of the window.

    Outside, on the in, numerous plumes of dust had risen, formingrge flowers, with new ¡°flowers¡± blooming every second.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The caliber seems quiterge.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s 152 mm heavy artillery,¡± Yegorov said, ¡°The enemy¡¯s heavy artillery hase into y. At Peniye, the enemy¡¯s curved fire support at most had 75 mm infantry guns. If they had heavy artillery then, we would not have been able to hold it at all.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and then asked, ¡°Are they clearing our ¡®minefields¡¯?¡±¡°Yes, I expect they will start advancing after the bombardment.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded again. At this moment, he switched his viewing angle to an overhead view, hoping to catch the enemy¡¯s artillery with an external aid.

    This was amon technique in the ¡°War Game¡± series. Even if there was no visualization of the enemy¡¯s artillery, you could still see the animation of the artillery shells ascending, so this method could be used to quickly locate the enemy¡¯s artillery and counterattack with your own.

    Wang Zhong wanted to give it a try. What if it worked? If they could take out the enemy heavy artillery, the fight would be much easierter on.

    However, no such luck. He could only see the trajectory of artillery shells that had entered the falling process. Perhaps a math expert could deduce the firing position from this trajectory, but Wang Zhong was no math expert; he had barely passed his college calculus exams after retaking them.

    Just then, the sound of a telephone rang from the neighboringmand post.

    Five secondster, a duty officer came in to report, ¡°Your Excellency General, Brother Peter heard a Do 215 in the high altitude. He is sure it is not the Do 217 carrying terrifying weaponry from yesterday.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Yegorov: ¡°Is this¡­ waiting to observe our artillery positions?¡±

    ¡°Possibly, but if the enemy really makes a chargeter, we will still need to fire and block the enemy¡¯s follow-up troops,¡± Yegorov looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Speak your mind.¡±

    Yegorov shook his head: ¡°No, I was going to remind you that sometimes amander has to decide which parts to sacrifice for the overall situation, but considering the battle at Peniye, I think you don¡¯t need any reminders.¡±

    Wang Zhong understood. Yegorov meant that only half of the B4 should fire, so even if discovered and counterattacked, only one artillery position would be lost, trading the forces on the artillery position for the enemy¡¯s attacking strength.

    But was that really the only option?

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin, listening to the rumbling artillery outside, racking his brains for countermeasures.

    Then he really came up with one.

    He remembered the movie ¡°ck Hawk Down,¡± in which the Somali warlords burned tires to create ck smoke, blocking the U.S. Air Force¡¯s aerial reconnaissance.

    Actually, with enough smoke generators, one could create a smoke screen around the artillery positions, but the Ante Army didn¡¯t have that many Smoke Bombs.

    So they might as well burn tires like the Somali fellows.

    After all, indirect fire artillery does not require direct line of sight, firing ording to preset data was sufficient.

    Wang Zhong looked toward Yegorov.

    Yegorov: ¡°You have another idea?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes. We pile up tires on the upwind side of the city and set them on fire. The burning tires will produce a lot of ck smoke, interfering with aerial reconnaissance nes¡¯ observation.¡±

    Yegorov was amazed: ¡°That¡¯s really a n.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued brainstorming: ¡°Don¡¯t we have captured Smoke Bombs? Use them at our fake artillery positions to create a smoke screen, making the enemy think those are key areas we want to protect.¡±

    ¡°Feasible,¡± Yegorov nodded repeatedly, ¡°I¡¯ll go issue the orders right now.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major General Randolph was enjoying breakfast in hismand vehicle when someone knocked on themand vehicle door.

    The major general looked up and saw that it was the chief of staff. He asked, ¡°What is it? Any reaction from the Ante People?¡±

    The chief of staff: ¡°The artillery observers report arge amount of thick smoke rising from the southeast of the city, possibly a fire.¡±

    The major general frowned: ¡°A fire? Just like that?¡±

    He put down his cutlery, wiped his mouth with a napkin, downed his coffee in one gulp, and then stood up.

    The orderly immediately brought over his hat and baton.

    The major general dressed neatly and finally took the binocrs the orderly handed him, striding out of themand vehicle.

    The division¡¯s artillery scope was set up next to themand vehicle. The major general walked directly over and patted the shoulder of the staff officer using the artillery scope.

    The staff officer immediately vacated the spot, snapping to attention and saluting.

    After observing for himself, Randolph said, ¡°This smoke is a bit strange.¡±

    Suddenly, he raised his eyebrows and asked, ¡°Has the Air Force¡¯s reconnaissance ne arrived? Don¡¯t tell me we applied for it yesterday and there¡¯s still no reconnaissance ne today?¡±

    ¡°It has arrived,¡± said the chief of staff, ¡°and it has established radio contact with the division¡¯s artillery. It¡¯s observing Loktov from high altitude.¡±

    Major General Randolph was amazed: ¡°Could it be that the Ante People have generated this smoke specifically to block the reconnaissance ne¡¯s vision?¡±

    The chief of staff: ¡°¡­ It¡¯s possible.¡±

    Randolph: ¡°Do you know who ismanding the Ante Army at the front?¡±

    ¡°ording to the note we found in Karlinovka, it should be Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    Major General Randolph frowned: ¡°Why are the Ante¡¯s names so long? So who is he?¡±

    ¡°The White Horse General,¡± the chief of staff said.

    Major General Randolph whirled around: ¡°The White Horse General?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Major General Randolph pursed his lips, walked away from the artillery scope, and started pacing nearby.

 Chapter 101: The Longest Day_2

    Chapter 101: The Longest Day_2

    Just then, amunications officer came running over with a message: ¡°Telegraph from Armored Cluster Command.¡±

    Randolph took the telegraph, nced at it, and handed it to the chief of staff.

    The chief of staff read it out: ¡°The siege task of Bogdanovka has now been transferred to the infantry units of the Sixth Army Group. Our cluster will carry out repairs here for one day before advancing. Your unit should strive to capture Loktov by dawn tomorrow.

    ¡°We believe there are at most two brigades of infantry troops there.¡±

    After the chief of staff finished reading, Major General Randolph asked, ¡°The shell fragments we found yesterday, they were 203mm, weren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Yes, General.¡±

    ¡°Two brigades of infantry with 203? That¡¯s artillery from an Army Group!¡±

    The staff officers remained silent.

    After pondering for a while, Major General Randolph said: ¡°Did the artillery observers see many mines detonated by the big guns?¡±¡°Very few.¡±

    Randolph then asked: ¡°How many booby traps did the sappers clear in Karlinovka?¡±

    ¡°Four, and they were all makeshift booby traps made with hand grenades, easy to clear as long as the tripwire isn¡¯t pulled.¡±

    Randolph clicked his tongue: ¡°This General White Horse sure likes to bluff. The minefield is probably only partly real, the rest fake. However, if we want to expand the offensive scale, we need time to organize the troops.

    ¡°Just let the artillery turn those fake minefields upside down!

    ¡°Begin the artillery bombardment on the enemy positions in the urban area at six o¡¯clock, and our attack will beunched at eight in the morning, doubling the troop strength from the original n!¡±

    Launching an attack is aplex affair, only slightly easier than organizing a retreat. Doubling the attacking forces often meant that the attack formation needed to be reorganized.

    ¡°Also!¡± Major General Randolph added, ¡°Don¡¯t release smoke when attacking. The Air Force said yesterday that they had destroyed the enemy¡¯s only Divine Arrowuncher. I don¡¯t trust the Air Force, but the enemy has been using Divine Arrows against reconnaissance nes in the air and not our armored reconnaissance battalion; I think they might not have many Divine Arrows left.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Over at Wang Zhong¡¯s position, six o¡¯clock sharp.

    The first to notice the enemy¡¯s artillery fire moving toward the urban area was Yegorov, who shouted, ¡°The enemy artillery is extending toward the urban area!¡±

    As soon as his words fell, a shellnded in front of the forwardmand post¡¯s window.

    Although to prevent injury from window shards after the fighting started, all the ss had been removed before the enemy arrived, the st wave still surged into the room, tearing off the entire wooden window frame, which now had no ss, and smashing it on the desk and telephone behind the window.

    The artillery periscope was directly pushed over onto Dmitry, who caught the mirror with a grab, carefully ced it on the ground, and theny down.

    Wang Zhong alsoy on the ground.

    Yegorov shouted to him, ¡°Your Excellency General! You can¡¯t lie like that! Your internal organs will be damaged!¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his head and looked at Yegorov¡¯s method of lying down¡ªwasn¡¯t this just a nk?

    With the physical fitness Wang Zhong had before crossing over, he wouldn¡¯tst long in that position before muscle breakdown.

    But he did it anyway; this Aleksei had no other skills, but his body was well-trained, so maybe he could withstand it.

    The shells continued to fall, and nothing could be heard over the explosions.

    Wang Zhong always felt the house was shaking and could even hear the steel bars groaning.

    Constant fine sand and stones fell on his head, on his neck, inside his cor.

    Suddenly, a palm-sized piece of concrete fell with a smack not far in front of Wang Zhong, making him involuntarily raise his head just in time to see the ceiling decorations copsing and crashing down.

    The artillery barrage continued, as if it would never stop.

    Wang Zhong heard someone shouting hysterically.

    He switched to an overhead view and immediately saw that the shouting came from a group of young men responsible for operating the switchboard next door; they were curled up in the corner, holding their heads, using shouting to alleviate their fear.

    As the duration of the bombardment increased, Wang Zhong became increasingly worried that the house the forwardmand post was in would not hold.

    The sensation of the earth shaking made him feel like the house could copse on him at any moment.

    The impulse to stand up and run out of the house grew stronger, making his breathing more rapid.

    Is this what the enemy¡¯s artillery preparation was like? No wonder some troops with low morale and organization disintegrated after being shelled.

    This would cause a breakdown; otherwise, it would take more courage to stand up and run¡­

    The relentless bombardment finally ended.

    Wang Zhong waited for a while before raising his head: ¡°Is it over?¡±

    Just raising his head caused arge amount of white dust to fall from atop him. Now he was covered in ayer of dust, as if he had been lying in the snow for two hours during snowfall.

    Popov spat and wiped off the dust from his watch to have a look: ¡°Damn it, they bombarded us for two hours!¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked: I actually held a nk for two hours?

    The instant he realized this, his muscles began to ache, so he simplyy on the ground and let out a long breath.

    Dmitry got up, ced the artillery periscope back by the window, then looked outside and said, ¡°The field¡­has been entirely sted into a different color. Can thisnd still grow crops? The ground is full of metal!¡±

    Popov also got up: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the wounds of the earth heal themselves, just like humans.¡±

    Yegorov picked up the telephone from the ground, grabbed the handset: ¡°Connect to Brother Peter! Connect to Brother Peter! What? The telephone line is broken? Hurry and repair it!¡±

    Putting down the handset, Yegorov looked at Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy is likely to attack now; we need to check with Brother Peter to confirm the scale.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought that Brother Peter¡¯s ears were almost on par with radar; except for not being precise in localization and ranging, the reconnaissance effectiveness was indeed unquestionable.

 Chapter 102: The Longest Day_3

    Chapter 102: The Longest Day_3

    He also stood up, enduring the sour pain in his shoulders, and moved to the window, cutting into a bird¡¯s-eye view to observe the distance.

    Then he realized that there was no need for Brother Peter.

    The enemy¡¯s armored units had arrayed in an inverted V formation on the open field, moving mightily towards the city, with arge number of infantry following behind each tank.

    The Prussians didn¡¯t even deploy Smoke Bombs!

    In this way, the enemy¡¯s advantage in direct fire could be fully utilized!

    Did the enemy know that there weren¡¯t many Divine Arrows left on this side?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Quick, notify artillery Position A, fire for interdiction!¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°I¡¯ll fire the signal re.¡±

    This was a backupmunication n prepared under Yegorov¡¯s insistence, specifically in case the phone lines were disrupted.However, this type ofmunication couldn¡¯t specify precise coordinates for bombardment, so the B4 would bombard a predetermined area based on previously set data.

    That was the area the enemy was about to cross.

    As Yegorov left to fire the signal re, Wang Zhong checked the variousbat positions.

    Yegorov had exined his defensive concept in detail: to fully utilize the experience gained in Peniye, engage the enemy in rugged terrain, use automatic firepower and hand grenades to eliminate the infantry apanying the tanks, then get close to throw Incendiary Bombs.

    Of course, it was necessary to make full use of outer defenses to weaken the enemy before engaging in closebat.

    Of the three anti-tank guns that the 31st Guards Regiment currently had, the 76 mm was ced at the outer defenses¡¯ strongest and most concealed position, with a toon of infantry for cover.

    This toon also had captured Smoke Bombs to cover the artillery as they retreated to the next position.

    For the maneuverability of the 76 mm, Yegorov had prepared mules in the house next door and had assigned someone to look after them so the mules could haul the big guns if needed to move.

    As for the 45 mm guns, they could be dragged by the infantry. Yegorov had cleared a retreat path in advance.

    However, the 45 mm guns weren¡¯t very effective in prating the front of enemy tanks, so Yegorov¡¯s original intent was to have them distract attention, covering for the 76 mm.

    Simply put, the 45 mm were used as a shield for the 76 mm, and the gunners assigned to the 45 mm were cannon fodder for the 76 mm.

    Knowing this, Wang Zhong looked at the tense young faces operating the 45 mm and silently revisited each of their names.

    This was the only thing he could do as a brigademander at this stage:

    Order his soldiers to die, and then remember their names.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong noticed a name: Aleksei Balfionovich.

    It was the guy who sneaked away from the battlefield for a romantic date; he was actually tasked with operating the 45 mm gun! It looked like he was the Gunner!

    Although the 45 mm gun was bing obsolete, ten people were assigned to operate it.

    Gunner, loader, aimer, breach operator, ammunition handler, and five Coachmen responsible for managing the mules, who were also reserves, ready to step in if an operator was killed.

    However, the mules assigned to this gun crew had already been blown up.

    The ammunition cart was still intact, and the ammunition handler was squatting next to it, clutching an Armor-Piercing Shell.

    Wang Zhong looked carefully at each face.

    The young men weren¡¯t scared but rather excited; evidently, the recent shelling and the dead mules around them hadn¡¯t daunted them.

    Their shiny, dust-free boots were stained with the blood of the mules.

    At that moment, the signal re wasunched.

    Only one signal re, which meant that Position A artillery was to start firing at the predetermined area.

    The sound of the guns immediately came from the city, and the whoosh of the heavy artillery overhead made the back of Wang Zhong¡¯s head tingle.

    He immediately shifted his gaze towards the enemy and saw that the shells hadnded just in front of the enemy¡¯s columns.

    This round of four shells all hit in front of the enemy¡¯s formation, causing no casualties.

    After all, the artillery was firing at coordinates preset.

    If the phone lines hadn¡¯t been cut, the enemy would have had a hard time!

    From Wang Zhong¡¯s position, one could already hear the tter of the enemy tanks¡¯ gearboxes.

    At that moment, the second wave of shells flew overhead.

    This time, all the shellsnded precisely in the middle of the enemy¡¯s advance columns!

    A Panzer IV was directly flipped over by the st, and the infantry behind were all knocked down by the shock wave.

    Someone¡¯s leg, broken by a shrapnel, flew high into the sky.

    The barrage of four 203cal shells, directly halted the advance of four tanks, and the infantry following behind the tanks suffered heavy casualties.

    However, the Prussian Army did not stop their advance; instead, they elerated!

    They might have realized that the big guns were targeting this area; the faster they moved through, the safer they would be, and the fewer who would die!

    By the time the third round of heavy artillerynded, most of the enemy had already passed through the targeted area, but one unlucky shell veered severely off course and exploded between two tanks, severing the tracks of both tanks instantly.

    This isn¡¯t a game; repairing broken tracks takes a long time, so the enemy tank crewmembers immediately abandoned their tanks and ran backwards, waiting to repair their tanks after the battle ended.

    The infantry following the tanks joined the queues on the sides.

    Although they were the enemy, Wang Zhong had to admit that they were indeed well-trained.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At this very moment, in the sky.

    The 103rd Air Reconnaissance Squadron¡¯s Do 215 was circling above Loktov.

    The observer reported, ¡°Because of the thick smoke on the ground, we can¡¯t see the position of the heavy artillery.¡±

    After a brief thought, the pilot gently pushed the control stick forward, causing the ne to enter a shallow dive.

    The copilot immediately eximed, ¡°If we dive into low altitude, we¡¯ll be hit by the enemy¡¯s Divine Arrows!¡±

    Captain, ¡°That¡¯s why we need to calcte the coordinates of the enemy artillery positions before we fall, and inform our artillerymen on the ground!¡±

    Copilot, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s our mission; we mustplete it! Self-defense gunner, copilot, and navigator can bail out now!¡±

    Saying this, the captain personally unfastened the copilot¡¯s seat belt: ¡°Go now!¡±

    At that moment, Do 215 plunged into the thick smoke created by burning tires on the ground.

    The smoke even seeped through the cracks, making the captain cough vehemently.

    The copilot looked solemnly at the captain, ¡°I¡¯ll see you in Valha.¡±

    After saying this, he resolutely turned around.

    Just then, the ne burst through the thick smoke, with the ground only a stone¡¯s throw away.

    Captain, ¡°Observer! Do you see the artillery position that is firing? I see it! Inform the artillery of the coordinates!¡±

    ¡°15th Artillery! The coordinates of the enemy artillery positions are¡­¡±

    A voice came through the inte, someone shouting, ¡°Divine Arrow!¡±

    The next moment, the ne was hit, and the captain was struck by shrapnel from the Divine Arrow, his flight jacket soaked in blood.

    He still strived to maintain the course of the ne, yelling, ¡°Quick, report the bearings!¡±

    Observer, ¡°Artillery! The coordinates of the enemy artillery position¡­ I repeat¡­¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Suddenly, Vasily shouted, ¡°The enemy¡¯s ne has spotted our artillery positions! They are reporting to the enemy artillery!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked through the rear window and asked, ¡°How could they see through such thick ck smoke?¡±

    Then, through the window, he saw a ne dragging ck smoke from a fire plummeting toward the ground.

    Was that a reconnaissance ne from high altitude that had forciblye down below the ck smoke to confirm the location of the artillery positions?

    No, it wasn¡¯t the time for astonishment; he had to immediately inform Position A to move! Wang Zhong grabbed the telephone handset, only to find there was no sound from the other end.

    He remembered then¡ªthe telephone lines had been destroyed by the artillery fire that had just covered the area!

    This was far too dying! However, the aim of the artillery preparation was to destroy themandmunication system, so it seemed quite normal.

    Why doesn¡¯t the Ante Army value radios more!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Runner! Runner!¡±

    Before the runner arrived, the sound of shells tearing through the air came from the sky, clearly targeting the city behind the position.

    The artilleryman, Dimitri, muttered, ¡°That was quick?¡±

    Explosions were hearding from inside the city.

    Wang Zhong, with a stroke of luck, took an overlook perspective, and then saw the enemy¡¯s shells falling around the artillery unit symbol of Position A.

    It was uncertain how many of the four B4 guns at Position A would survive.

    It was then that Dimitri shouted, ¡°The 76mm anti-tank guns have opened fire!¡±

 Chapter 103: Bloodbath in Loktov

    The only 76mm cannon on the position fired.

    Sparks flew when the armor-piercing shell hit the enemy tank, followed by the tank turret sting into the sky.

    Themanders of the other tanks all turned their periscopes around, trying to locate the 76mm cannon position amidst a pile of camouge.

    But to protect the only 76mm cannon, the camouge in front of the position was meticulously arranged; even if the smoke from the cannon¡¯s muzzle was significant, it was still rather difficult to spot.

    The only issue was that during the recent firing preparation, the camouge had been affected, so there were some ws.

    Yet the Prussians, who had been suddenly attacked, still couldn¡¯t locate the cannon position.

    And that¡¯s when the 45mm cannon fired.

    Compared to the immediate effect of the 76mm cannon, the performance of the 45mm cannon was quite embarrassing.

    One armor-piercing shell struck the front armor of a Panzer IV, another simply missed entirely, bouncing off the external armor like a ping-pong ball, flying far away before finallynding again on the now-bare field.The Prosen tanks began random machine-gun fire in an attempt to flush out the hidden anti-tank guns.

    At that moment, the Panzer IV, with tactical number 251, suddenly stopped and fired.

    It took a wooden fake anti-tank gun as real.

    The fake gun was sted into the sky by a 75mm high-explosive shell, along with a scarecrow dressed as a gunner, which even had a smiley face pinned to its head made of paper!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Watching all this from a bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong recalled the praise for the Soviet anti-tank gun¡¯s exceptional camouge techniques in the autobiography of ¡°Tiger King¡± Carius.

    Despite the smoke and sh from cannon fire, Yegorov¡¯s guided camouge of the gun position had not yet been revealed!

    Yegorov, observing next to Wang Zhong, remarked, ¡°This is what we learned from the Mannheimers during the Winter War.¡±

    Mannheim is a region, and its residents are called Mannheimers.

    Upon hearing Yegorov¡¯s words, Wang Zhong felt it made sense that the camouge was so effective; he wouldn¡¯t be surprised if Yegorov camouged an anti-tank gun to look like a talking tree in the future.

    The 76mm cannon fired again.

    The struck Panzer IV continued to move forward at its original speed, but its crew members started jumping out one after another, followed by mes bursting from the base of the turret, turning it into a ¡°Fiery Chariot¡± that continued to rumble forward.

    It wasn¡¯t until the ammunition inside the tank detonated that the vehicle finally came to a slow stop.

    Then, themander of the enemy vehicle number 231 finally spotted the 76mm gun position, and the tank stopped and began to rotate its turret.

    But in the nick of time, a 45mm anti-tank shell hit the space between 231¡¯s turret and the turret ring, jamming the turret.

    The enemy didn¡¯t give up and started to turn the whole vehicle to aim, and, shockingly, the gunner fired directly.

    The inurately aimed shell hit the open ground in front of the 76mm cannon, sting all the camouge into the sky.

    This explosion also signaled the other tanks, and at the same time, eight tanks came to a stop!

    The Prussians¡¯ dense attack formation had this advantage: although they¡¯d suffer terrible losses under barrage from the heavy 203mm artillery, with one shell taking out dozens or even hundreds, against direct anti-tank gunfire, the benefits of this formation were immense.

    In the blink of an eye, eight high-explosive shellsnded around the 76mm cannon.

    Wang Zhong frowned, initially thinking that the enemy had good eyesight to spot the 76 hidden behind a wall, but then realized that at least six of the eight vehicles had fired at the spot where the shells from vehicle 231 hit.

    Only two of this round¡¯s shots were rtively urate,nding in front of the 76mm gun, sending the protective sandbags flying into the sky.

    Three members of the crew operating the 76mm gun were suddenly killed.

    The gunmander shouted, ¡°We¡¯ve been spotted, retreat quickly!¡±

    Then, the remaining men desperately dragged the opened supports of the 76mm gun, pulling the cannon back.

    Upon seeing this, those guarding the mules and horses immediately led two mules over, hoping to use them to drag the gun away.

    At this time, machine-gun fire swept over them, ttering against the cannon¡¯s mantlet.

    The two 45mm guns fired with all their might, trying to cover the 76mm gun¡¯s retreat.

    The 45mm gunmanded by Aleksei Balfyonovich hit a Panzer IV three times in a row, finally forcing the crew of that Panzer IV to abandon the vehicle.

    As he was directing the cannon to aim at a second target, he suddenly saw the target stop and turn its gun barrel toward them.

    ¡°Retreat quickly!¡±

    Aleksei shouted while personally dragging the gun, and the crew forcibly pulled the cannon from its position.

    Enemy high-explosive shellsnded immediately after, with fragments from the st hitting the small mantlet of the 45mm gun.

    Aleksei¡¯s shoulder twitched, exposed beyond the mantlet, but he bit down hard and didn¡¯t speak, continuing to push the gun while shouting, ¡°Fast! To the backup position!¡±

    The mules originally assigned to this gun crew had all been killed by enemy preparatory fire, so they could only move the gun by man-power.

    Wang Zhong was observing when Yegorov put down his binocrs and said, ¡°Three gun crews have been driven away, leaving one to keep firing would be dangerous.¡±

    Saying this, he leaned out of the window and made a gesture below.

    The veteran stationed below saw Yegorov¡¯s gesture, nodded, and ran off.

    Curious, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    ¡°I told thest gun crew to withdraw to the second preset sniping position,¡± he replied.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We have a second sniping position?¡±

    Since Wang Zhong had entrusted the task of arranging the defense entirely to Yegorov and had gone out to scout the viges outside, he had little concept of the main position¡¯syout back at the fertilizer factory.

 Chapter 104: Bloodbath in Loktov_2

    Yegorov exined, ¡°I referred to our experience at Upper Peniye. Once the enemy tanks enterplex terrain, their firing range and observation field are limited, whereas infantry can use their familiarity with the terrain to their advantage, quickly eliminate the tanks¡¯ apanying infantry, and then use Molotov cocktails to destroy the tanks.¡±

    ¡°This fertilizer nt¡¯s terrain is far moreplex than just the Y-shaped road at Upper Peniye. If the enemy dares to enter, we¡¯ll make this fertilizer nt their graveyard!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    The Prosen troops were unaware of Yegorov¡¯s arrangement and did not know that all the anti-tank guns had already left the first line of positions and were standing by in the second line of defense.

    They continued to fire at anything that looked like an anti-tank gun.

    The fences around the fertilizer nt were thus shot through with many gaps¡ªin fact, these fake gun positions were deliberately arranged so that the Prosen Army would enter the nt through these locations.

    As the enemy gradually approached to closebat distance, upon themand of the battalionmander, the infantry that had been hidden behind the tanks spread out to both sides, forming skirmish lines and advancing past the tanks.

    They stealthily approached the breaches in the fence just sted open, then found that there were no anti-tank guns, only sticks, mantlet-shaped decoys, and straw men dressed as gunners.

    A sergeant stepped over the sandbags at the fake gun position, only to be cut down by a burst of machine-gun fire.The machine-gun¡¯s position was very tricky, just out of sight of the tanks outside the wall, which made it impossible for the tanks to fire directly and eliminate it.

    The Prosen sergeant leading the troops at the wall habitually threw a smoke bomb.

    However, the machine gun did not care about the smoke bomb and kept on with bursts of three shots, continuously blocking the entrance.

    In a situation where getting shot didn¡¯t kill you but would leave you crippled, even the brave Prosen soldiers dared not lightly try to cross the kill zone.

    The situation at another breach was simr, and the Prussians were thus blocked outside the fence.

    At that moment, the Prosen Army¡¯s toonmand tank decided not to wait any longer, took the initiative to act and broke the stalemate; the toon leader who had been peering out withdrew into the tank turret, and the massive steel beast charged at full power toward a section of wall without any breaches.

    It seemed that the toon leader thought that an intact section of wall surely did not have precisely aimed machine guns blocking it.

    The brick wall was directly knocked down, and the steel colossus roared into the yard, only to be greeted by two Molotov cocktails.

    The first one was thrown off target and hit the driver¡¯s observation window, with a small amount of burning liquid sshing into the driver¡¯spartment, which was immediately extinguished by the electrotechnician with a fire extinguisher.

    The second hit the tank engine¡¯s air intake and cooling fins very urately, immediately causing secondary damage as the entire engine caught fire.

    The Prussian tank crew reacted quickly, abandoning the tank without waiting for themander¡¯s order, but as soon as they climbed out of the hatch, they were mowed down by submachine guns.

    The tank subsequently blew up.

    After the toon leader ¡°sacrificed himself for the country,¡± the other tanks immediately stopped.

    Then a tank fired a grenade at the wall, sting a new hole in it.

    The tank toon started firing grenades in rapid session, quickly leveling a section of the wall.

    The apanying infantry charged in, screaming, only to be swept down by the machine guns ced on the sides.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Wang Zhong watched the battle from a bird¡¯s-eye view and couldn¡¯t help but admire, ¡°Your crossfire setup is excellent.¡±

    ¡°This fertilizer nt has gone through three expansions, each nned separately, leading to incrediblyplex terrain. Moreover, most buildings are reinforced concrete, which is why it turned out like this,¡± Yegorov humbly replied.

    Wang Zhong was about to speak when he suddenly noticed a toon of enemy tanks and apanying infantry turning to the right, seemingly nning to nk from the north of the chemical nt.

    Regardless of the fact that he could not actually see these people from his real vantage point, he immediately asked Yegorov, ¡°The enemy is nking us from the north! What do we do?¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°There¡¯s only a narrow road wide enough for one jump and one carriage over there; if two vehicles meet, they¡¯ll have to have a standoff. I¡¯ve already made arrangements, just watch.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Vasily¡¯s buddy, the drummer Filippov, immediately retracted upon seeing the Prosen Army tanks and said to his partner, ¡°They¡¯reing, they¡¯reing!¡±

    The partner began frantically cranking the generator to charge the detonator.

    After about ten turns, the partner touched the switch with his hand, got a shock that made his hair stand on end, and eximed, ¡°Done!¡± then picked up the detonation rod and inserted it into the detonator.

    Yes, the detonators produced by the Ante Empire had to be charged on-site because the battery performance was so poor, and whether it was fully charged could only be determined by the pain of being shocked¡ªif it hurt, it was full.

    Just¡­ very much in the style of the Ante Empire.

    Filippov peeked out again, watching the enemy tank and infantry enter the alley.

    He waved vigorously, and his partner twisted the detonator handle hard.

    The explosives buried in the road immediately exploded, engulfing the lead tank and apanying infantry.

    ¡°Ura!¡± someone shouted, and the young soldiers hiding behind the wall hurled their lit Molotov cocktails over the wall.

    In an instant, the road turned into a sea of mes.

    The tank at the rear tried to reverse and leave this hell, but an agile soldier flipped over the wall, jumped onto the tank, flipped open the hatch and threw in two grenades.

    The soldier was immediately mowed down by the Prussians.

    More soldiers peeked over the wall, shooting into the alley.

    A Prosen squad was thus wiped out in the ambush!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Wang Zhong eximed in awe.

    Yegorov, unaware that Wang had seen the whole process,forted him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the boys are doing fine; the enemy will be eliminated.¡±

 Chapter 105: Bloodbath in Loktov_3

    Chapter 105: Bloodbath in Loktov_3

    ¡°`

    Indeed, although some people lost their lives due to being too careless, the enemy was indeed wiped out.

    At that moment, the telephone rang.

    Wang Zhong was startled, ¡°It¡¯s fixed?¡±

    Yegorov had already picked up the phone, ¡°This is the frontmand. What? Alright.¡±

    He covered the receiver and said to Wang Zhong, ¡°The defense regiment reports no enemy attacks and is asking if we need support, they can spare a battalion.¡±

    ¡°We need it,¡± Wang Zhong replied decisively, ¡°Order them toe immediately. We are going to drive out all the enemies who have prated the factory area!¡±

    Actually, the situation had already be clear at this point.

    The enemy hadmitted only two battalions reinforced with tanks, which had been severely depleted by a single battalion of their own relying on the terrain. With another fresh battalion arriving, the enemy should be retreating, and one might even capture an intact Panzer IV tank.The tank that was taken out by the grenade should still be operable once the mashed flesh on the dashboard is scraped off.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major General Randolph observed the front lines, ¡°The enemy appears well-prepared; with so few forces, it¡¯s unlikely that they¡¯ll break through.¡±

    The Chief of Staff agreed, ¡°Our artillery barrage might not have been very effective. Tomorrow we should focus our firepower for artillery preparation, to inflict maximum casualties and destroy their fortifications.¡±

    ¡°Tomorrow? No, let¡¯s do it today. Have the troops release smoke and fall back! Then continue the artillery bombardment, as they haven¡¯t used much ammunition on the way here.¡±

    After all, many times the artillerybat was over before it could evenmence.

    At this moment, amunications staff officer came running, ¡°General, the 223rd Grenadier Regiment has taken Sorinni vige, and they can soon start encircling Loktov from there.¡±

    Randolph, ¡°Is the information confirmed?¡±

    ¡°Confirmed.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, then let¡¯s postpone the artillery preparation until the 223rd Regiment arrives. Estimated to be¡ª¡± Randolph looked at his pocket watch, ¡°at three o¡¯clock this afternoon. At that time, deploy all units on the front arc and begin the artillery preparation. After two hours of preparation,unch a full-scale attack! Coordinate with the Air Force as much as possible, though it doesn¡¯t matter if they¡¯re not avable.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When Wang Zhong saw the enemy releasing smoke, he immediately realized that they were retreating.

    ¡°Yegorov! Have the boys charge, remember not to rush out of the smoke, inflict as many casualties as possible within the smoke!¡±

    Yegorov promptly turned, ¡°Sergeant, blow the whistle to attack.¡±

    After giving the order he asked Wang Zhong, ¡°Do we need the artillery to fire? There shouldn¡¯t be any reconnaissance nes in the sky, and firing from Position B shouldn¡¯t be detected.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I¡¯d like to keep this secret for a bit longer, give the enemy a little surprise when it really matters.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the phone rang again.

    Wang Zhong picked up the receiver, ¡°This is Major General Rocossov.¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s voice came through, ¡°General, we have some new developments here; you shoulde to the brigademand. The telephone lines might be tapped by spies.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Alright, I¡¯m on my way.¡±

    After hanging up, he shouted to Grigori, ¡°Prepare the car! Is there still one avable?¡±

    Grigori nodded and walked away.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    As Wang Zhong came out from the frontmand, he saw Aleksei Balfyonovich, nicknamed ¡°Star Boy,¡± receiving first aid and said, ¡°You should go to the hospital if you¡¯re wounded. You¡¯ve done your duty.¡±

    The young man looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°General, aren¡¯t you wounded too? Why are you still on the front line?¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at his shoulder and suddenly realized he had been supporting himself in a static position for two hours while wounded, chalking it up to nothing more than sturdy Russian constitution.

    As Wang Zhong was lost in thought, the young man asked again, ¡°General?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ah, it¡¯s a light wound.¡±

    ¡°So is mine, the bullet went right through without causing much damage, it didn¡¯t even hit the bone,¡± Aleksei Balfyonovich said proudly, ¡°That¡¯s why I want to stay on the frontline, with my artillery crew!¡±

    At this, his loader shouted, ¡°Actually, he just wants to show off, so he can brag about it to his girlter!¡±

    Everyone started tough, including Aleksei himself.

    Wang Zhongughed too; despite the city being bombed and shelled, surely Natalia in theundry unit was much safer than being on the front line.

    As the banter continued, someone started singing, not knowing who led the way:

    ¡°`

    I remember a small town in another province,

    Lonely, remote, heartbreakingly sad.

    The town¡¯s shaded avenues, marketces and churches,

    And the lingering mist over the water that echoed back.

    I saw¡ª

    Dear familiar figures,

    Blue berets,

    Blue overcoats;

    Dark skirts, the silhouette of a young girl,

    My love that blossomed then withered away!

    Tanya, Tanusha, my Tatiana,

    Do you remember that sweltering summer?

    I cannot forget those times,

    That passionate time!

    Wang Zhong stood by until they finished the song then turned to get into the car driven by Grigori.

    Perhaps it was because death and destruction were so near, but love on the battlefield held a unique kind of beauty. Wang Zhong sincerely wished the couple well.

    It was only when he reached the regiment headquarters that he learned of Natalia¡¯s death in an air raid.

    Because he didn¡¯t know how to face the young Alyosha with such news, he never got the chance to tell him before he died in battle.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°All in all, I have three pieces of good news, and one bad news,¡± Pavlov looked even more haggard than thest time Wang Zhong saw him, and he had even less hair.

    It wouldn¡¯t be long before Wang Zhong had a bald chief of staff.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Let¡¯s hear the bad news first. I wonder how bad it can be.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°The enemy¡¯s armored grenadiers have taken over Nizhne vige, driving out our forces that were resting there. Now they can nk us from Nizhne. We must dispatch troops to defend the city¡¯s southeast.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately frowned deeply.

    This meant that the defensive line had just doubled in size, and if his limited forces were spread out over such a broad front, it would be as thin as paper.

    ¡°Then tell me the good news,¡± he changed the subject.

    ¡°First, our orders have changed.¡±

    Pavlov paused, as if waiting for Wang Zhong to ask a question.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Changed how? We don¡¯t have to hold out until July 11 anymore?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right, it¡¯s changed to holding out until the 63rd Army Group arrives to take over defense.¡±

    This might as well be worse than holding out until the 11th! At least that had a specific time. What if the 63rd Army Group doesn¡¯t move if their allies are in trouble? Wouldn¡¯t that be awful?

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What¡¯s the second piece of good news?¡±

    ¡°The remnants of the 23rd Tank Army have entered the city and will soon be here. They still have about 20 BT7 tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong ¡°oh¡±ed, which barely counted as good news.

    Although the BT-7 had almost no defense, it was fast, and its guns could prate the sides and rear of a Panzer IV. ording to War Thunder standards, ¡°this is a good vehicle¡±; as long as it¡¯s fast and can shoot through, it¡¯s good!

    ¡°And the third?¡± Wang Zhong continued to ask.

    Pavlov, ¡°The railway is expected to be repaired by nightfall. The reinforcement train allocated to us by the Crown Prince is already waiting. Once the railway is fixed, it wille over immediately.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Are they sending us more parade specialists? It wouldn¡¯t be T35s, would it?¡±

    Though he said this, in their current situation, even T35s had to be used. After all, the guns on that thing weren¡¯t just for show; they could still be put to use.

    Pavlov shrugged.

 Chapter 106: â€œThose Who Never Abandoned Me

    Chapter 106: ¡°Those Who Never Abandoned Me

    No matter what bizarre troops the Crown Prince stuffed into another train, they¡¯re still blocked on the train and won¡¯t be able to make it for a while.

    Wang Zhong received his first wave of reinforcements today from the 23rd Tank Army¡ªthe remnants of it, to be precise.

    The Fast series of light tanks, designated as BT models, are quite the vehicles in games, given their speed.

    But in reality, they¡¯re just speeding coffins, prable by machine guns with a slightlyrger caliber.

    That¡¯s why the Soviet Union on Earth practically stopped producing them after the war started.

    After all, the T34 is also fast, and itsprehensive performance is on apletely different level from the BT series.

    Witnessing these BT-7s rolling into Rocossov¡¯s defensive group area, Wang Zhong sighed and thought he¡¯d just have to make do.

    After all, these things still had 45mm guns and machine guns; there was no problem ughtering infantry, and with their maneuverability, they could nk and deal with Mark III and IV tanks quite effectively.

    The leading BT-7, tactical number 2301, had an antenna on the back of its turret, clearly themand vehicle of a toon orpany.A lieutenant colonel popped out of the hatch and saluted Wang Zhong on top of the turret: ¡°Comrade Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, I salute you.¡±

    Wang Zhong took a nce at his name from the bird¡¯s-eye view and responded, ¡°Salutes to you too, Lieutenant Colonel Mikhail Fyodorovich. The report said you had twenty BT-7s, why do I only see ten?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because five of them were immobilized due tock of maintenance and parts, and another five were destroyed by the enemy Air Force. The enemy Air Force is equipped with 13mm machine guns; just a bit thinner than our Anti-tank Rifles, when they shoot from above, these paper-thin toys just copse.¡±

    The lieutenant colonel shook his head, ¡°My battalion is down to these few tanks, General sir. Let us make some contributions, even if it¡¯s just being stationary gun emcements. Piled up with sandbags in front of our turrets, we can still exchange fire with the Prussians.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head and waved the lieutenant colonel over.

    Mikhail climbed down from the tank with a puzzled look but still agilely came over to Wang Zhong and saluted again.

    Wang Zhong ced his hand on Mikhail¡¯s shoulder, ¡°The situation is as follows: we have a fully-strength enemy Armored Division in front of us, one of all seventeen of the enemy¡¯s Armored Divisions, and we suspect that part of an enemy mechanized infantry division is also moving up.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve just lost the screening forces to the southeast, and the enemy will attack us from both the southeast and southwest. Our troops can¡¯t hold such arge area. Understand so far?¡±

    Mikhail nodded, ¡°Understood, so we need to reinforce¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t speak yet, listen to me. The unit currently responsible for the defense to the southeast is the 5th Bishensk Regiment; they are down to three hundred men, and they¡¯ve lost almost all their technical equipment, even short on machine guns.¡±

    ¡°The anti-tank guns on their positions are actually made of wood, got it?¡±

    ¡°Understood, so we should¡­¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have anti-tank guns, so we can¡¯t exchange fire in the open field. We need to let the enemy in, cut off their infantry, then use Molotov cocktails to destroy their tanks and armored vehicles.¡±

    ¡°And I need you to stand by in the eastern part of the city. When the enemy enters the urban area, use your speed to encircle them. Your 45mm guns can prate the enemy¡¯s nks and rears!¡±

    Mikhail frowned, ¡°There¡¯s a fatal issue with your n; none of us are from Loktov. Although the city isn¡¯trge, having us, a bunch of neers, navigate the streets for a nking attack is asking for a lot, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°The local Guardian Army will provide you with directions and scout the enemy positions for you.¡±

    Mikhail¡¯s frown deepened, ¡°The Guardian Army are just militia, aren¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°Yes, many of whom were conscripted in the past few days.¡±

    ¡°This¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll personallymand a tank. Even if the rest of you fail toplete the mission of encirclement, I¡¯ll aplish it. Yourmand tank looks good; now, it¡¯s mine.¡±

    Mikhail was perplexed, ¡°Huh? Ah?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to the soldiers waiting nearby, ¡°Erase this tank¡¯s tactical number and paint my tactical number, 422.¡±

    Wang Zhong had hesitated between spraying the number 422 or 67 but eventually decided that the honor of number 67 should always belong to that brave tank crew.

    He should carry on the glorious number 422, leading it through the entire battle, with the spirits of those sacrificial Tank Operators.

    At this point, Mikhail asked, ¡°But¡­unlike the T28, the BT-7 doesn¡¯t have a separate Tank Commander, I¡¯m bothmander and Gunner in the tank. Have you had¡­ Gunner training?¡±

    Wang Zhong paused, his impressions of tanks were all based on games, where a single yer could do everything; so he never considered that the BT-7cked a separatemander.

    At that moment, two soldiers climbed onto the tank with buckets, wiped the original tactical number 2301 from the paint, and then hand-painted the new tactical number, 422.

    Mikhail didn¡¯t stop the two, but instead, he watched Wang Zhong intently, ¡°General?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I can stand behind the turret and be the Anti-aircraft Gunner.¡±

    In this timeline, the BT-7 had an Anti-aircraft gun.

    Mikhail seemed unable to believe his ears, ¡°You said what?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll be the Anti-aircraft Gunner on the back of the turret,¡± Wang Zhong stated firmly.

    Faced with overwhelming enemy numbers, it was essential to fully leverage the advantage brought by Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡°cheat¡± to achieve victory at a minimal cost.

    His leadership in the battle for Peniye Vige had already proven how effective Wang Zhong¡¯s personalmand of a tank could be.

    The original Gunner of tank number 2301 stuck his head out, ¡°What does this mean? Why change the tactical number? Mikhail, what¡¯s going on?¡±

 Chapter 107: â€œThose Who Never Abandoned Meâ€ _2

    Mikhail fell silent for a few seconds, then said, ¡°You¨Dwe will be directlymanded by the general!¡±

    The loader retorted with confusion, ¡°Then who¡¯s job is the general taking over? Will the general operate the tank gun?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I will stand behind your turret.¡±

    Loader, ¡°That¡¯s too dangerous!¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Mikhail said, ¡°It might indeed be so for other tanks, but for the BT7, perhaps standing behind the turret is safer than being inside, after all, there¡¯s an extrayer of armor for protection.¡±

    What he meant was that he considered the entire vehicle as a shield.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Two and a half hourster, east of Lokotov City, Rocossov¡¯s tankpany¡¯s hiding ce.

    Wang Zhong emerged from the cer and leaned on the window to look outside.Loader Ivanov also climbed out of the cer, standing behind Wang Zhong, and said, ¡°The artillery preparation is over, there¡¯s no more sound of gunfire.¡±

    ¡°Hm.¡± Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, ¡°Board the tanks! Prepare forbat!¡±

    The enemy stopped their attack so long before the artillery preparation and then took so much time to prepare, they must have alreadypleted their attack formation.

    Wang Zhong pushed the door open and immediately saw the old soldier Rezenov, wearing an old Guardian Army uniform. He was themander of the Fifth Provisional Guardian Corps.

    The old man had a grey beard, and his uniform was a pre-civil war model, except for the cor patch, which was reced with the emblem of the Secr faction.

    Behind him stood a young man carrying a gigantic g.

    ¡°Your Excellency the General!¡± Rezenov began, ¡°We¡¯re ready! We selected the cleverestds as your guides, they¡¯re like weasels, always running around the streets, checking out which family¡¯s daughter is pretty! They know this area very well!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, isn¡¯t that just a street ruffian?

    Rezenov, ¡°And I¡¯ve assigned Kozlov to the lieutenant colonel to be his guide. He is strong and sturdy. Even if the tank is destroyed, he can pull the lieutenant colonel out and carry him to the medical station! Besides, look at this g. It¡¯s the best one we could find, sure to greatly boost morale!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, the lieutenant colonel doesn¡¯t need a guide; he will bemanded by me personally, assign Kozlov to someone else.¡±

    ¡°Why?¡± Rezenov looked puzzled.

    Wang Zhong pointed to his head, ¡°I¡¯ve already familiarized myself with the nearby streets; that¡¯s a basic quality of amander.¡±

    Rezenov, ¡°But standing behind the tank turret is very dangerous! You don¡¯t have to personally¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I have already decided.¡±

    Rezenovughed heartily, ¡°Really! You are a reliable general indeed! Just like that General on the White Horse in the newspapers!¡±

    Wang Zhong felt awkward, he hadn¡¯t expected someone still didn¡¯t know he was that General on the White Horse.

    However, he did not reveal this, as it seemed a bit like boasting about his own achievements, and besides, now was not the time for that.

    He said to the old man, ¡°Please instruct everyone to inform the nearest of our tanks about the enemy tanks¡¯ positions, letting the tanks deal with tanks.

    ¡°Even if you must engage enemy tanks at close range, eliminate the apanying infantry first!¡±

    Rezenov, ¡°Don¡¯t worry!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and climbed onto the freshly painted tank with new tactical number 422.

    Mikhail also climbed into the turret, then took out the headphones and microphone and handed them to Wang Zhong, ¡°Your Excellency the General, you takemand!¡±

    As Wang Zhong took the headphones and microphone, he asked, ¡°And you?¡±

    ¡°I have a spare.¡±

    Although this new vehicle had radio, the radio level of the Ante Empire was terrible, and it wasn¡¯t clear whether it was due to the tank¡¯s generator being inadequate, as the electricity mainly went to the turret motors.

    Once the radio was connected, only static filled the headphones, as if someone was frying sand right beside Wang Zhong¡¯s ears.

    But for the sake ofmand andmunication, it had to be endured.

    Wang Zhong picked up the microphone, ¡°This is themand tank, to the second toon leader, can you hear me?¡±

    ¡°Hearing you loud and clear, General, please continue.¡±

    In reality, Wang Zhong was just checking if he could get the perspective of the second toon leader, and the answer was he could. The moment the second toon leader¡¯smand tank, number 2306, responded, it ¡°lit up¡± in the overview.

    But the areas around other tanks without radios remained dark, even though they were now under Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡°directmand,¡± they didn¡¯t provide him with visual awareness.

    Could it be because they couldn¡¯t hear Wang Zhong¡¯s shouts inside the tanks?

    After all, even the BT7 was very noisy when moving¨DAnte Empire tanks were notoriously poor at ergonomics,bined with rough production techniques, which made them very noisy.

    It wasn¡¯t feasible tomand tanks by shouting, so that¡¯s why there was no visual awareness from other tanks?

    Wang Zhong was pondering over this when a Guardian Army soldier shouted down from the rooftop of a nearby house, ¡°The enemy is attacking!¡±

    So Wang Zhong decisively called for Vasily, ¡°Vasily! Can you hear me speak?¡±

    He waited a few seconds, then Vasily¡¯s voice came through the static in the radio, ¡°I can hear you, General! Are you sure you want tomunicate openly?¡±

    ¡°Yes, in an emergency, it¡¯s unavoidable to use openmunication.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that what¡¯s important isn¡¯t the contents of themunication, but to light up the visual awareness.

    After connecting to the Plosen Walkie-Talkie that Vasily was monitoring, the 31st Guards Battalion¡¯s field of vision lit up. Along with it, the field of vision of the artillery mirror, which Dimitri was responsible for, was also obtained.

    Subsequently, Wang Zhong saw that on an arc line from the southwest to southeast of Lokotov, the enemy had deployed at least 80 tanks and armored vehicles.

    That was still only the first wave; behind them, a second wave consisted of about a hundred more tanks and half-track vehicles.

    Wang Zhong was shocked; he knew the enemy had vast numbers, but he hadn¡¯t expected them to be so vast.

 Chapter 108: â€œThose Who Never Abandoned Meâ€ _3

    And the main force of the enemy¡¯s assault came from the southeast, with a total of 20 Panzer IVs with short barrels and 6 Panzer IIIs, as well as a slew of half-track vehicles.

    Was he expected to rely on 10 BT-7s to eliminate so many enemies?

    Even 10 T-34s would have to tread lightly!

    Only 10 KVs could take on so many enemies.

    No, he couldn¡¯t be intimidated by the number of enemies; they weren¡¯t familiar with the terrain, and once they entered the streets for close-quarters battle, wasn¡¯t it just more opportunity forbat achievements, no matter how many they were?

    At that moment, a messenger from the 5th Byshenk Regiment appeared on horseback in front of Wang Zhong¡¯s No. 422 vehicle and shouted loudly, ¡°Our regiment is ready to let the enemy into the city to fight as per yourmand!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Very good, tell your regimentalmander that my personallymanded armored forces will encircle the enemy and strike them a heavy blow!¡±

    The messenger saluted, turned his horse around, and galloped away.

    At that moment, Mikhail¡¯s voice came through from inside the line: ¡°General, we¡¯re entering the ambush position!¡±¡°All right, roll out.¡±

    As the words died away, the engine of the new No. 422 vehicle roared to life, apanied by the sound of the gearbox gears meshing.

    The tank shuddered slightly and started moving.

    Wang Zhong grabbed the anti-aircraft machine gun to steady himself, spreading his legs to stand behind the turret.

    Behind the turrets of the other tanks stood a machine gunner, all of whom were local guides responsible for giving directions to the tanks.

    Once the enemies attacking from the southeast entered the city, Wang Zhong would lead these tanks to inflict heavy casualties on the enemy and then quickly maneuver away from cover around their nks.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After watching the tank column move out, Rezenov eximed, ¡°What an incredible general! Just like Bagration leading the Imperial Guard in a charge himself!¡±

    He turned his head and shouted to the Guardian Army soldiers, ¡°The general is at the front! We cannot be afraid to die!¡±

    The Guardian Army soldiers shouted in unison, ¡°We are not afraid to die!¡±

    Rezenovmanded, ¡°All Guardian Army, Temporary 5th Regiment, forward march!¡±

    The soldiers, who were civilians just a few days ago, marched without the precision of real soldiers, but the forest of bays they formed was still not to be underestimated!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Just then, Wang Zhong lost sight of the 31st Regiment, and he quickly called out again, ¡°Vasily?¡±

    ¡°General, if you¡¯re not giving orders, why do you keepmunicating with me? I have to listen in on the Prosen people¡¯s chatter too!¡± Vasily¡¯sint came through the static noise into Wang Zhong¡¯s ears.

    For a moment, Wang Zhong thought about ordering the machine gun to be moved left five centimeters.

    Five centimeters wouldn¡¯t affect the construction of the firing position, but it was still an order, which would make his insistence on maintaining radiomunication seem less strange.

    But in the end, he resisted the urge.

    Yegorov had done well, and he and the veterans of the 31st Regiment had umted a vast amount of experience in the fierce battles of Peniye, so Wang Zhong could rest easy.

    In fact, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have the confidence that he would have done any better than Yegorov and his men.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly noticed Grigori driving a jeep, not far from the side of his tank.

    So he switched perspectives and called out, ¡°Grigori! What are you doing here? Get back to the 31st Regiment! The troops need an experienced sergeant major like you! I¡¯m in the tank, I don¡¯t need a bodyguard at this time!¡±

    Grigori looked like he had something to say but finally saluted and drove the jeep away.

    After seeing Grigori off, Wang Zhong was about to continue observing the battlefield when Mikhail, who had been demoted from battalionmander to gunner, asked, ¡°Your Excellency, did you reallymand a tank that destroyed 100 enemy tanks in the battle of Upper Peniye?¡±

    Wang Zhong answered, ¡°No, that was an exaggeration by the newspapers.¡±

    The driver muttered, ¡°I knew those newspaper guys were all talk and no truth!¡±

    The loader asked, ¡°So how many was it, exactly?¡±

    ¡°Eight tanks. Before our T-28 was destroyed, we managed to knock out a total of eight enemy tanks.¡±

    This number impressed everyone else.

    Mikhail said, ¡°That¡¯s quite impressive too! Especially considering it was a T-28! We all know that tank was quite terrible! It was the marshals and the Emperor who liked those big, mighty-looking, multi-turreted tanks that just turned out to be for show!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°I know.¡±

    He was well aware that it was pure fluke that they managed to take out four Panzer IVs right away with the crummy T-28; the ¡°cheat¡± had yed its role. Later, when they faced the enemy head-on and the ¡°cheat¡± got weakened, they immediately found themselves in a disadvantage.

    Whoever came up with that kind of thing and then sent it to the battlefield should have been shot.

    Finally, No. 422 arrived at the prearranged ambush position.

    This was a row of buildings destroyed by enemy artillery fire; the remaining broken walls provided excellent cover, allowing the tanks to hide inside and strike at the enemy.

    Once the enemy entered the city and kept moving along Suvorov Street, they woulde within the firing arc of the hidden BT-7s.

    Even the now-outdated 45mm cannon could open the enemy tanks like cans, one after another!

    Wang Zhong, standing behind the tank turret, felt a bit hot¡ªno wonder, as the tank¡¯s cooling system was right under his feet.

    Just then, he heard the sound of the B4 firing.

    Mikhail was surprised, ¡°There¡¯s heavy artillery too? We heard there was none on your side!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°A gift from the Crown Prince.¡±

    ¡°What the hell?¡± Mikhail looked at Wang Zhong with incredulity.

    Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t a good time to boast, and all Wang Zhong could say was, ¡°I¡¯ll introduce you after the war is over, focus for now.¡±

    Having said that, Wang Zhong switched his view to an overhead perspective, but now he could directlymand too few troops, and the battle was too dark; only his own and another toonmand tank (equipped with a radio) had illuminated fields of vision.

 Chapter 109: â€œThose Who Never Abandoned Meâ€ _4

    So Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t see the effects of the B4 heavy artillery clearly.

    The next moment, he saw the enemy tanks begin to bombard strategic high points within the city, sttering debris all over as they hit water towers, bell towers, and the like.

    Wang Zhong broke out in a cold sweat, relieved that the enemy had not fired at the water tower before reaching Peniye. Otherwise, he would have already been dead.

    He wasn¡¯t worried about Dmitry, though, because the observation window at the forwardmand post wasn¡¯t in the highest location but had traded the range of view for better concealment.

    With the enemy firing like that at high points, they certainly couldn¡¯t hit the forwardmand post or Dmitry.

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath and patiently waited for the enemy to enter the ambush zone.

    At that moment, a shrill howl came from the sky, and without looking up, he knew the Stukas wereing.

    The smoke columns from the half-ton bombs looked to the naked eye like clusters of corals suddenly sprouting from the ground.

    Wang Zhong reassured his crew, ¡°Stay calm, don¡¯t worry!¡±Mikhailughed, ¡°We¡¯ve heard this sound so much our ears are numb. Do you know how many tanks from our entire 23rd Army have been knocked out by this thing?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°How many?¡±

    ¡°At least two hundred, and we lost a lot of GAZ trucks. Our army had more GAZ trucks, but now we can barely move. Because we are nominally mechanized troops, we don¡¯t have mules or horses, nor even any alternative to them.¡±

    Mikhail shook his head repeatedly, ¡°We didn¡¯t find any problems during training. We performed as directed during exercises, so we couldn¡¯t identify any issues. But when the war started, the problems became apparent, and by then, people were already dead.¡±

    After Mikhail finished speaking, the driver chimed in, ¡°The higher-ups are too rigid. They read some military theory books from the United Kingdom and Prosen and started issuing orders based on assumptions! Look at our country¡¯s roads, during the mud season every car has to stop. Without mules or horses, it¡¯s impossible!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression was stern, thinking to himself that shortsighted meat-eaters cannot n for the future.

    Just then, the enemy¡¯s vanguard came into view.

    Wang Zhong immediately alerted, ¡°The enemy ising! Prepare for battle!¡±

    To the south of the ruins, soldiers from the 5th Beshensk Regiment had already opened fire, and their machine guns crackled like firecrackers in a row.

    The enemy advancing through the ambush zone seemed still unaware of the danger, moving in a loose marching formation, with the tanks closely spaced.

    Wang Zhong switched to an overhead view and waited until the whole enemy wave had entered the ambush area before shouting, ¡°Fire!¡±

    Mikhail fired immediately, and the armor-piercing shell hit the side of the Panzer IV at the end of the enemy column directly.

    The tank immediately lost power and stopped on the road.

    Wang Zhong personally manned the anti-aircraft machine gun, strafing the enemy infantry lines while ordering, ¡°Load the high-explosive shells! All enemy tanks are down!¡±

    In the entire ambush zone, there were two rows of eight Panzer IVs, and Wang Zhong¡¯s side with ten BT7 tanks firing in volleys had actually taken out all the Panzers.

    But the others did not have Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective; they could not highlight targets, so they could not determine whether the stopped tanks had been taken out or whether their crews were just stunned.

    On the battlefield, it was quitemon for tanks that had stopped to suddenly start moving again¡ªthe men inside might have just been dazed and would resume operation once they regained consciousness.

    So the armies on both sides of the Eastern Front, Sude and the United Kingdom, had the habit of firing a second time at wreckage.

    But Wang Zhong did not have this trouble; he immediately ordered the switch to high-explosive shells to maximize casualties among the enemy infantry.

    However, the enemy reacted swiftly too; the infantry had identified the direction of the iing fire and found good cover, and they had even deployed smoke bombs!

    Smoke bombs again!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Reverse quickly, leave the cover! We¡¯ll circle around and take out more enemies!¡±

    The 5th Beshensk Regiment hadn¡¯t received any reinforcements, and no matter how brave and skilled they were, they were no match for so many enemies. What was more fatal was that this regiment had virtually no anti-tank means; they had to eliminate the enemy¡¯s armored vehicles quickly!

    It wasn¡¯t until the BT7s really started to race that Wang Zhong realized the driver had held back on the way to the position.

    When this thing really picked up speed, the tracks were almost off the ground!

    Wang Zhong could only cling to the anti-aircraft machine gun for dear life; the moment he rxed his grip, he would be thrown out.

    Vehicle 422 reached the enemy¡¯s nk at an astonishing speed.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Stop! First round high explosive, second round armor-piercing!¡±

    ¡°High explosive, ready!¡± the loader shouted.

    After all, the 45mm gun was rtively light, so loading was quite fast.

    Before Wang Zhong could designate a target, Mikhail fired, hitting a half-track that was following the tanks.

    The tanks realized the problem behind them and began to rotate their turrets. Just then, the loader shouted, ¡°Armor-piercing, ready!¡±

    Without waiting for Wang Zhong¡¯s target designation, Mikhail fired a shot that hit the Panzer IV that was turning its turret.

    While operating the anti-aircraft machine gun to strafe enemies on the streets, Wang Zhong urged, ¡°Get moving quickly! Don¡¯t stop, stopping makes it easier for the enemy to get a bead on us!¡±

    Then vehicle 422 was off running wildly again.

    Before reaching the next intersection, Wang Zhong had already directed the tank turret in the right direction and loaded a high-explosive shell.

    The enemy¡¯s half-track turned into a rising fireball, and Wang Zhong also hit a methrower on the roadside with the anti-aircraft machine gun, causing the high-pressure gas to knock the methrower to the ground.

    Wang Zhong had thought this would trigger a massive explosion, but the enemy¡¯spressed gas cylinder turned out to be filled with high-pressure nitrogen, which astonishingly didn¡¯t explode!

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t worry about that; the enemy had already reacted, starting to turn their guns. A tank might not be afraid of the enemy¡¯s squad machine guns, but Wang Zhong, standing behind the turret, was.

 Chapter 110: â€œThose Who Never Abandoned Meâ€ _5

    ¡°`

    ¡°Move it, move it! Never stop moving!¡±

    As Tank 422 sped along, Mikhail couldn¡¯t suppress hisughter: ¡°Hahaha! I¡¯ve been looking forward to something like this! So many days pent-up, witnessing so much carnage! Finally, we can properly clean up these invaders!¡±

    Mikhailughed heartily, and the loader and driver were infected by his mirth, joining in with boisterousughter.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At this moment, not only the enemy, but also arge number of locals and Ante Army soldiers were paying attention to this BT-7 unit that was full speed blitzing the enemy through the city.

    Those people who out of fear had not chosen to join the fight to protect their homnd watched from within their homes¡ª now ruins or soon-to-be ruins¡ª as the armored force freely galloped past.

    A spection slowly emerged in everyone¡¯s minds: maybe¡ªjust maybe the enemy isn¡¯t so formidable?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªAnd this spection turned into a conviction among the Guardian Army soldiers.

    Rezenov, waving his outdated rifle, yelled, ¡°Follow the general¡¯s pace! The enemy is nothing to fear! While their heads are spinning, charge!¡±

    The Guardian Army soldiers shouted ¡°hurrah¡± as they struggled to keep up with the racing BT series tanks.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong no longer knew how long the battle had been raging; he only knew he had just loaded the anti-air machine gun for the third time with Mikhail¡¯s help.

    The loader¡¯s voice came through the headphones: ¡°We¡¯re out of shells!¡±

    At that moment, Tank 422 had just maneuvered to the side of a Mark III tank,

    Wang Zhong, following procedure, reported the position of the Mark III tank, then Mikhail, across an entire street, hit it with the first shot, and a long me burst from the top of the Mark III.

    A literal ¡°three yards of me.¡±

    As quick as lightning, Wang Zhong suddenly spotted a Prosen sergeant with a looted PTRD-41 Anti-tank Rifle under the wall to the left of the cross street.

    Their eyes met briefly, and the sergeant threw his rifle to the ground, prone as if flying, and took aim at Wang Zhong!

    Wang Zhong immediately swung the anti-air machine gun to turn this man into a sieve, but the moment he pulled the trigger, the gun jammed! It must have been because he rushed when reloading the magazine, and the belt hadn¡¯t been fed properly!

    Wang Zhong had no idea how to fix the machine gun and could only yell, ¡°Turret, turn left fifteen degrees! Against the wall, anti-tank rifle!¡±

    The BT-7 didn¡¯t have an electrician, so the hull wasn¡¯t fitted with a bow machine gun¡ªbecause the driver didn¡¯t have time to operate it, now all hope rested on the coaxial machine gun in the turret!

    As the turret rotated, the enemy fired!

    From Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective, through the open turret hatch, he saw Mikhail¡¯s body twitch and then slump to one side.

    The front of the BT-7¡¯s turret had actually been prated by the anti-tank rifle!

    But now, at less than fifty meters away from the anti-tank rifle, being prated was normal, given the thin Armor andrge profile of the fast series tanks.

    Wang Zhong yelled ¡°Reverse!¡± while drawing his pistol to shoot at the enemy, but hepletely missed as he had never received even a day¡¯s training with a pistol.

    In a sh, the loader, taking over as gunner, pressed the fire button.

    The coaxial machine gun immediately turned the enemy holding the anti-tank rifle into a sieve.

    Decisively, Wang Zhong removed his headphones and microphone, opened the loader¡¯s hatch, and climbed in¡ªwith his knowledge, he might not make a good gunner, but he could still load shells!

    This way, the crew still had fighting capability!

    As he crawled into the tank, the loader, still firing, ensured no one could take over the anti-tank rifle.

    The loader (now the gunner) kept shouting as he fired, ¡°Reverse quickly, let¡¯s leave this godforsaken ce!¡±

    The driver didn¡¯t move for some reason.

    At that moment, the coaxial machine gun ran out of ammo.

    Anxiously changing the magazine, the loader suddenly realized that almost all of the magazines on the floor were empty.

    Yes, over 2000 rounds of coaxial machine gun ammunition had already been expended!

    Instantly, Wang Zhong heard a ¡°thud,¡± and looking up, he saw the loader, now in the gunner¡¯s position, leaning back against Mikhail, who was lifeless.

    There was a small hole in the forward Armor, with light shining through it.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Driver! Move it!¡±

    But no one responded to him.

    In a rush, Wang Zhong tried to pull the driver¡¯s shoulder, only then realizing the driver was dead too.

    That¡¯s when he noticed there was a hole in the driver¡¯s viewing port¡ªthe enemy¡¯s first shot wasn¡¯t at the turret but had hit the driver¡¯s viewing port, prating the cover te and killing the driver, then ricocheting to hit Mikhail.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized he would be killed if he stayed in the tank any longer. Just as he was about to crawl out the entrance he hade in through, a burst from a submachine gun forced him back inside.

    There were still enemy soldiers outside shouting something. Wang Zhong didn¡¯t understand, but felt it had something to do with him.

    Maybe the enemy wants to capture me alive!

    Wang Zhong fumbled to reload the magazine of his now-cocked pistol.

    Just then, a Prosen soldier appeared at the hatch, and upon seeing Wang Zhong, started shouting gibberish.

    Wang Zhong fired three shots. At this range, even an inexperienced rookie could ensure a decent hit rate.

    The enemy disappeared, blood sttered across Wang Zhong¡¯s face.

    A strong smell of blood assaulted his nostrils.

    Wang Zhong thought he had to run fast.

    He remembered seeing in many movies that there was an escape hatch at the bottom of tanks, for tank crews to flee in such situations.

    He immediately crawled to the bottom of the tank.

    There, spent casings littered the tank floor, blood pooled on the metal into smallkes, constantly dripping from the corpses above.

    ¡°`

 Chapter 111: â€œThose Who Never Abandoned Meâ€ _6

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have to exert much effort to find the bottom hatch¡ªit was unclear whether the BT series always had this hatch, or if it was specially provided for this particr universe.

    To crawl through the hatch, he repeatedly bumped his head, resulting in many lumps forming on his scalp.

    Indeed, it was a Russian make; even in a stationary state, its ergonomics were poor enough to cause head bumps.

    Wang Zhong opened the hatch, poked his upper body out, made direct contact with the ground, then crawled on his hands and knees, striving to drag the rest of his body out¡ª

    Just at that moment, there was the sound of a heavy object being thrown into the tank.

    The next instant, a grenade exploded inside the tank, and the st blew out of the bottom hatch.

    Wang Zhong looked around and saw several pairs of Prosen-standard military boots.

    He hurriedly checked his pistol, then switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, trying to see if there was any possibility of escape.

    Then he despairingly realized that at least a toon of Prussians was gathering around him.All was lost. Just moments ago, he had been ughtering the enemy, and now, suddenly, the situation had taken a dire turn. Was this the battlefield?

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to surrender or give up; he was trying his hardest to find a way to break the deadlock¡ªbut all he found was despair.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Just then, the Guardian Army, who had been struggling to keep up with Tank 422, finally reached a position where they could see it.

    Across an entire street, everyone could clearly see Tank 422, with its tactical number, paralyzed on the roadside, covered with Prosen soldiers.

    The crowd was stunned, unable to ept that Tank 422, which had been ughtering the enemy like a war god, could be undone just like that.

    It was at this moment that Rezenov said, ¡°The general has been martyred! At the very least we can retrieve his body and prevent it from being desecrated by the enemy!¡±

    He raised his antique rifle with a bay affixed, shouting, ¡°Ura!¡±

    The others started to scream as well.

    Maybe it was the general¡¯s death that enraged them.

    Maybe it was the fury of losing the general that drove them, but they started to scream nevertheless.

    Kozlov, holding high the Saint Andrew cross g with the Double-headed Eagle, charged at the front of the column.

    An enemy sergeant kneeled and shot at Kozlov, the bullet hitting the strong man¡¯s neck, and a great deal of blood sprayed from the artery, staining the g.

    Kozlov fell forward and knelt, but Rezenov caught the g.

    The old man held the antique rifle in one hand and hoisted the g with tremendous strength in the other.

    Enemy bullets pierced the old man¡¯s chest, but he did not stop running, charging forward several more steps before he finally fell to the ground.

    Strange hands took the g from the fallen elder.

    More and more people rushed out from the streets and alleys, carrying various makeshift weapons, and charged at the enemy on the street.

    Stools, umbres, even door frames!

    Women from the second and third floors threw down vases and stones, supporting the ¡°offensive¡± on the road!

    The once haughty invaders, like boats in a vast sea, were swallowed up in an instant.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong watched this scene in shock, so much that he didn¡¯t even notice that at the distant train station, which had been vacant for two days, a train was pulling in!

    After thest Prosen soldier had his head cracked open with a cksmith¡¯s hammer, Wang Zhong crawled out from beneath the tank.

    He had only crawled halfway when countless hands reached out to grab him.

    ¡°The general is still alive!¡±

    ¡°The general is still alive!¡±

    People pulled him out from under the tank and then helped him to his feet in a flurry of activity!

    Wang Zhong looked at the excited crowd, his mouth agape.

    ¡ª¡±Those people who never abandoned me, with overwhelming force, they defeated the heavily armed enemy and pulled me from the abyss of despair.¡±

    The immense shock left Wang Zhong unable to think about things like ¡°what happened to the enemy¡± or ¡°whether the offensive had ended.¡± He just watched the ordinary people before him demonstrate their surging, powerful force, feeling the strength of it.

    It was then that he saw a g.

    He faintly remembered that it was the g Rezenov had brought.

    Now, the g was stained with much fresh blood, looking dirty and torn.

    But in Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes, the g exuded aforting aura.

    He remembered the song: On the g of the Republic, is the brilliance of my blood-stained glory¡ª

    So, Wang Zhong took the g.

    In his heart, he had already decided, this g would apany him until the day the invaders werepletely crushed.

    The setting sun was like blood, the red g like a painting.

    At that moment, he heard the roar of an engineing from the direction of the station.

 Chapter 112: Parade Tank

    Everyone tensed up at the sound of the engine.

    But someone immediately shouted, ¡°It¡¯s our tank!¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong remember that he had seen a train enter the station just now; ording to what Pavlov had said before, this should be the supply train arranged by the Crown Prince, which also included some items he managed to secure.

    Wang Zhong had only heard of what the Crown Prince was like, but he was quite certain that as Minister of Logistics, the Crown Prince was quitepetent.

    He just didn¡¯t know if the source of the strong engine noise at this moment was the T35, that imposing beast.

    If that was all they could use, then so be it.

    Embracing this thought, Wang Zhong looked towards the direction of the train station, only to see the ¡°dream vehicle¡± he had mentioned countless times appear at the end of the street.

    The tanks he hadmanded in this world were the T28 with its thin armor and generous firepower, with only the cannon being quite decent.

    The KV1 had reliable armor and cannon but was astonishingly slow and prone to breakdowns.The BT7 was fast and reliable, the cannon passable, but its armor was hardly adequate for serious use.

    Was there a tank that was fast, reliable, durable, had a fierce cannon, and decent protection?

    Yes, the infamous T34 tank.

    Inheriting the high speed of the BT series, the powerful firepower of the 76mm tank gun, and the effective defense provided by the 30-ton weight ss and sloped armor, it was the tank with the best overall performance on the Eastern Front at the start of the war!

    The T34 tank¡ªthe one Wang Zhong had been longing for!

    However, after the recent fierce battle, Wang Zhong¡¯s passion for this type of tank was not as high as before.

    Because he remembered one thing: the T34, with its design philosophy inherited from the BT series, required themander to also act as the gunner.

    The Soviet designers initially didn¡¯t see the need for a ¡°do-nothing¡±mander.

    The ace of the Sturmtiger, Otto Carius, keptining in his memoirs about the reluctance of Soviet tankmanders to stick their heads out for reconnaissance, leading to the T34¡¯s poor situational awareness on the battlefield. It wasmon for an entire toon to be wiped out by a single Tiger before even locating it.

    However, the reluctance of Sovietmanders to stick their heads out in the early days wasn¡¯t out of cowardice but because once they did, there was no one left to fire the cannon; they would have to stay inside the tank and use the gunner¡¯s sight for observation.

    In contrast, the M4 Sherman tanks provided to the Soviets under the Lend-Lease Act had a five-man crew with a dedicatedmander, which is why the M4s participating in the same battle suffered far fewer losses than the T34s.

    The Soviets themselves had also noticed these problems, having used M4s and seen what German tanks looked like and how they operated in battle.

    But since the T34¡¯s design was what it was and couldn¡¯t be significantly modified, they could only keep their heads down and continue producing tanks withoutmanders to first stabilize the frontline.

    It wasn¡¯t until 1943, when the significantly redesigned T34-85 was developed, that the designers finally added themander back and admitted that designing themander to double as the gunner was a foolish idea.

    By then, however, the Soviets had already paid a heavy price for this foolish design.

    Wang Zhong was actually aware of this before, but his knowledge came from books, without hands-on experience, so he had overlooked it.

    Today¡¯s experience in the BT7 brought all this back to him at once.

    What was more fatal was that the design requiring themander to also be the gunner directly prevented Wang Zhong from replicating his achievements at Peniye¡ªafter all, he had never received training as a gunner, and even with a top-down viewing angle to gauge the enemy¡¯s distance, he didn¡¯t know how to adjust the gunsight.

    However, the T34 that appeared in Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision looked a bit strange.

    This T34 had a big head, looking more like theter T34-85, but its main gun was rtively short and thick, not nearly as sleek and beautiful as the 85mm gun equipped on the T34-85.

    The gun looked exactly like the 76mm cannon from the KV1.

    The oddly shaped tank drove straight towards Wang Zhong, and that¡¯s when he noticed that the man standing on the rear engine deck of the tank was Sergeant Major Grigori.

    Under the guidance of the Sergeant Major, the tank stopped directly in front of Wang Zhong.

    Grigori hopped off the tank and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°General, I have brought reinforcements!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°You¡¯ve done well!¡±

    Meanwhile, the tankmander also jumped down, a Warrant Officer. After saluting Wang Zhong, the Warrant Officer said loudly, ¡°Alexander Yefimovich sends his regards, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong briefly returned the salute and then asked, ¡°Are you themander of this vehicle?¡±

    ¡°Yes, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How many crew members does your vehicle have?¡±

    ¡°Four, a driver, a machinist, a loader, and myself!¡±

    Wang Zhong harbored a glimmer of hope, given that the T34 looked a bit off, but it turned out to be a four-man crew; he would have to rece the machinist if he wanted to join in.

    After all, while the machinist¡¯s title suggested work on the vehicle¡¯s machinery, his main job was actually to man the hull machine gun; it wouldn¡¯t be wrong to call him a machine gunner.

    Alexander frowned slightly, ¡°Why do you seem a bit disappointed?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s nothing. How many T34s do you have in total?¡±

    At this time, Wang Zhong¡¯s thought was that since he couldn¡¯t personallymand a tank to dominate the battlefield alone, he should find a way to make full use of this kind of technical equipment that could steamroll over the enemy in terms of tactics.

    Alexander: ¡°We have 25, but this one is different from the other tanks.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Wang Zhong was intrigued, ¡°How is it different exactly?¡±

    ¡°As you can see, this is a noble¡¯s parade tank, designed for the yboys¡ªoh no, wrong, for the pirs of the Ante Empire to experience driving tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned: ¡°What?¡±

    Alexander spread his hands: ¡°To get new tank designs approved, we have to build these parade tanks. The bigwigs ride in them, like them, and the approval process speeds up.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked: ¡°Is it that corrupt?¡±

    Alexander: ¡°I didn¡¯t say that! You did! Don¡¯t worry, I will never rat you out to the Tribunal if they ask!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So, this parade tank, does it differ from ordinary tanks in any other way?¡±

    ¡°Ah, there are plenty of differences, like it has a speed limiter added so it won¡¯t go too fast and won¡¯t jolt around too much¡­¡±

    ¡°Remove it,¡± Wang Zhong stated decisively. ¡°Now, immediately remove it.¡±

    Just kidding, how could he snag the best sniping spots and take on the role of old sixth if he couldn¡¯t speed?

    Alexander: ¡°It¡¯s simple to remove, as it¡¯s just a modification in the gearbox to restrict the gears. Beliyakov, the general wants you to remove the speed limiter! Hurry!¡±

    Then a tall, lean sergeant crawled out of the iconic driver¡¯s observation port of the T34, circled around the turret, and began to fetch the toolbox strapped to the back of the turret.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Anything else different?¡±

    ¡°Anything else? As you¡¯ve seen, our tank turrets are quite big, that¡¯s because there¡¯s an additional seat installed for the lords to enjoy life, with an excellent view, letting the lords enjoy the sensation of the wind through their hair.¡±

    ¡­Ah, I see!

    It took quite an effort for Wang Zhong to contain his ecstasy. Initially, he thought he could onlymand heavy tanks withmanders like the KV in the future, but he didn¡¯t expect that in this timeline there would be something like a noble¡¯s parade tank!

    Alexander continued: ¡°Also, next to the lord¡¯s seat, there¡¯s a small box containing champagne.¡±

    Wang Zhong, still in the midst of his glee, was taken aback: ¡°Champagne?¡±

    ¡°Yes, champagne. Do you want to swap it for vodka?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head: ¡°No, no, no.¡±

    He suddenly thought of the embarrassment of facing the enemy with just a pistol today and said: ¡°Can it be converted into a personal belongings box? I want to put some life gadgets, like grenades or submachine guns.¡±

    ¡°Possible, all possible,¡± Alexander assured him, patting his chest. ¡°As long as you don¡¯t want to dismantle the parade seating, everything else can be modified. However, if you want to use the parade seat, we need to clear the clutter piled on it first.¡±

    Good lord, these guys had been using the extra turret space as a storage for clutter!

    Alexander cautiously asked: ¡°You want to use this parade seat, correct?¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Wang Zhong nodded.

    Alexander: ¡°You will personally lead us in the charge into battle, right?¡±

    ¡°Right. How did you know?¡±

    Alexander nced back at the driver who was dismantling the gearbox, then replied: ¡°The Crown Prince said you might want to do this, so he especially had use drive this parade tank.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Only had youe drive it? You weren¡¯t originally driving this one?¡±

    ¡°No, we are instructors from the Armored Troops teaching squad, hand-picked by the Crown Prince, said to provide his good brother with the best personnel.¡± Alexander shrugged. ¡°Of course, it might also be because the original crew responsible for this tank were drunkards without proper form, as they were all connected individuals; they just needed to maintain a neat military appearance when the lords came for inspections.¡±

    After hearing all this, Wang Zhong seriously asked one question: ¡°The Crown Prince¡­ Are they male or female?¡±

    Alexander was taken aback: ¡°Male, why do you ask?¡±

    Actually, the Antenguage clearly distinguishes between male and female. Not to mention names, many names themselves change form based on gender.

    The term Crown Prince itself could not possibly be feminine, although the Ante Empire had a history of very powerful empresses, and the capital is still named after such an empress.

    Yet, so far, the Crown Prince had behaved too much like a good wife and wise mother. Wang Zhong, steeped in the culture of the second dimension for many years, always had the feeling that a good brother was about to tear off the chest wrap and reveal a feminine side.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, deciding to deal with this matterter. After all, he was bound to meet the Crown Prince someday, and he could simply confirm it then.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How long will it take to remove the speed limiter? The enemy is attacking now, and we need to strike immediately.¡±

    ¡°Very quickly,¡± Alexander answered.

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°Okay, then give this tank a new tactical number. Paint it 422, and hang this g on themunication antenna.¡±

    He disyed the blood-stained red g as he spoke.

 Chapter 113: Oh, the Grasslands!

    The tank crew was busily disassembling the limiters and brushing on tactical numbers, while Wang Zhong said to Alexandria, ¡°Call all the toonmanders of the tank battalion over.¡±

    Aside from this parade tank, there were a total of 24 T-34s; that made six toons, which even in the severely understrength Ante Army could not be considered a tank battalion, even though it was indeed a battalion-level organization.

    Soon, all the officers of the battalion gathered by Tank 422, which was being repainted.

    Upon seeing Wang Zhong, the battalion¡¯s originalmander, Colonel Kopov, saluted and said, ¡°I must remind Your Excellency the General, aside from these few who were specially transferred from the armor training unit, the rest of us are only proficient in washing vehicles.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, wondering if he had heard wrong, ¡°Washing vehicles?¡±

    ¡°Perhaps they are also good at painting vehicles. Look at our tanks, all beautifully decorated for parades, the road wheels even have white rims,¡± the colonel added.

    It was only then that Wang Zhong looked down at the road wheels, which indeed had those circr white rims; they would look impressive in a parade formation.

    But on the battlefield, this would only make the blood of the enemies stter more noticeably, though, hmm, it seemed not entirely useless after all.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Indeed, the rims are painted well. They will leave more noticeable blood marks when running over enemy corpses, and that can shock our enemies.¡±¡°Are you serious?¡± Colonel Kopov asked, furrowing his brows.

    ¡°I¡¯m serious. The current situation is¡­¡±

    The colonel interrupted Wang Zhong again: ¡°General! We can¡¯t possibly hit the enemy because most of us haven¡¯t adjusted the gun sights or used the elevation drum since leaving school.

    ¡°We aren¡¯t even sure we can aim urately because these tanks have not had their sights maintained since being issued to us.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What about the main gun?¡±

    ¡°That has been maintained, because sometimes we need to demonstrate live-firing to His Majesty, so it can be fired.¡±

    ¡°How could you demonstrate live-firing without adjusting the sights?¡± Wang Zhong was even more puzzled.

    Colonel Kopov looked at the sky: ¡°That¡¯s because, during demonstrations, we use nk shells, and the impact effect ispletely dependent on pre-set explosives.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought damn, you¡¯re cheating the emperor, and there¡¯s no crime of deceiving the sovereign in the Ante Empire?

    At this point, Warrant Officer Alexandria interjected, ¡°As long as we advance to within 300 meters, even an unadjusted gun sight can hit the target without adjusting the micrometer drum; you just need to match the crosshair and shoot, even a monkey could do it.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That will do.¡±

    As he spoke, he picked up a stick and began drawing on the ground while exining:

    ¡°The current situation is this: the enemy¡¯s first echelon has already entered the city and is fighting fiercely with our forces. So far, the enemy¡¯s second echelon is still on the open field, showing no intention of joining in.¡±

    ¡°I guess the enemymander has judged that there is no need tomit the second echelon yet.¡±

    ¡°We will leave the city from the southeast road and then swing to the nk of the enemy¡¯s formation on the in.¡±

    As he exined, Wang Zhong looked up at the g that had been attached to themunications antenna: ¡°Recognize this g and move with us. Remember, as soon as you see the tank in front of you turn right, immediately turn right and face the enemy head-on.

    ¡°Can you execute that maneuver?¡±

    Wang Zhong was actually worried they would mess up during the formation change, leading to disarray.

    History was full of examples where inexperienced soldiers got decimated during formation changes.

    Colonel Kopov spoke up: ¡°If you¡¯re talking about formation changes, we¡¯re quite proficient at that. Our unit is specialized for parades. We could even perform a change to a V-formation for the enemy.¡±

    ¡°Ah, that won¡¯t be necessary,¡± hastily waved off Wang Zhong, ¡°A simple line formation will suffice. After the change of formation, we will stop every fifty meters to conduct one or two volleys of fire, taking aim at enemies close to you. Don¡¯t be afraid, our frontal armor has a significant advantage over the enemy! Our firepower will ensure the destruction of the enemy.¡±

    Indeed, the T-34 had an overwhelming advantage over Prosen¡¯s tanks of that time.

    While not as absolute as the KV, it was still quite difficult for the 50 mm gun on a Panzer III to prate the front of a T-34.

    Especially since the Panzer III mounted an early version of the gun, not theter ¡°extremely long-barreled¡± 50 mm, which inter video games even got the nickname ¡°jellybeanuncher,¡± indicating its armor-piercing shells were as ineffective as jellybeans, only good for leaving paint marks on the enemy.

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°Once the enemy realizes they can¡¯t effectively threaten our front, their fighting spirit will surely lead them to try to close in and strike at our side armor.

    ¡°They will engage us in a close fight, seeking to win with experience and superior tactics and technique.

    ¡°At such times, remember this: the enemy¡¯s Panzer IVs weigh only 18 tons, the Panzer IIIs even less at 15 tons, whereas we are at 32 tons. A collision would surely result in greater losses for the enemy!¡±

    Having finished, Wang Zhong looked at the toon leaders: ¡°Any questions?¡±

    All six shook their heads.

    Their faces were ashen.

    At this point, Wang Zhong recalled the gunner Alexandria¡¯sment on their recements for those original crew members: ¡°Drunkards barely keeping their shape every day.¡±

    Clearly, today¡¯s bunch hadn¡¯t had a drink, hence the nervousness.

    If Wang Zhong had seasoned tank operators, he would have swapped them out. Unfortunately, he did not.

    So he gestured: ¡°Then return to your units, make sure every tankmander knows the n! We move out in ten minutes! Dismissed!¡±

    The toon leaders turned and anxiously hurried back to their units.

    Alexandria: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t rmend taking these people to fight in the open.¡±

    ¡°Trust me,¡± said Wang Zhong, ¡°Urbanbat is moreplex, this bunch would be killed by the experienced Prosen infantry with grenades, Molotov cocktails, or even bays ¡ª climbing onto the tanks and stabbing them through the hatches.¡±

 Chapter 114: The Grasslands, oh the Grasslands!_2

    Alexandria¡¯s expression was serious, ¡°Are Pnosen people so determined inbat? Why do the capital newspapers all say that Prussians only rely on equipment and actually have poorbat will?¡±

    Grigori, who had always been silent, suddenly said, ¡°Because the journalists who write these have never crossed bays with Prussians on the battlefield. But we have, and we know their mettle.¡±

    Alexandria: ¡°I see.¡±

    At that moment, the driver Beliyakov said, ¡°All set, Warrant Officer, Your Excellency General.¡±

    Alexandria: ¡°Would you like to inspect it?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and walked towards the ¡°Parade Tank.¡±

    The tank¡¯s paint job was entirely that of a parade, with white rings on the road wheels, making it look imposing and striking, but its concealment in the open field was nearly zero.

    The tactical number on the side of the turret had been changed to 422, with a white horse pattern added behind thest 2.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The white horse is?¡±¡°You¡¯re known as the White Horse General, an enemy title, so I drew one,¡± Beliyakov said, shrugging his hands.

    Wang Zhong nodded, then took onest look at the thickened antenna where a g had been dyed red over half of its surface.

    The obvious bullet holes and traces of gunsmoke scorching on the g emitted a unique aesthetic of the battlefield.

    Wang Zhong admired his new ride, and while the T3485¡¯srge head paired with the short 76 tank gun seemed strange to him, this didn¡¯t prevent him from liking this new mount.

    In his eyes, it was his Gundam, his real Getter Robo, his Iron Sheriff.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered old man Rezenov who had introduced him to this g and hurriedly asked the surrounding Guardian Army, ¡°Where is old Mister Rezenov?¡±

    ¡°Sacrificed.¡± The Guardian Army replied, ¡°He called us to recover your remains. That g likely still carries his blood.¡±

    Wang Zhong fell silent, then after a few seconds, he clenched his teeth and said, ¡°I won¡¯t let him regret leading the charge, not at all.¡±

    At this point, this life was no longer just my own.

    Wang Zhong had never understood Wang Changling¡¯s frontier fortress poem so profoundly¡ªalthough he was now on foreignnd in an alternate spacetime.

    Battle-scarred amor coated in dust, unwavering till the fortress fell!

    Wang Zhong took a robust step to climb the tank and said to Grigori, ¡°No need to guard me anymore, go help the Priest organize the Guardian Army! Regroup at the brigade headquarters after the battle!¡±

    Grigori saluted and turned to leave.

    Wang Zhong stood atop the tank and shouted to the people who had not yet dispersed,¡±Folks! Women and children, head to the train station immediately! There¡¯s a train that just arrived, and they will transport you to the rear for retreat!

    ¡°Women who don¡¯t wish to retreat can join the Labor Camp and help with repairs, but children must go!¡±

    ¡°Men follow the Priests, and veterans withbat experience, please step forward to be squad leaders! Today, we¡¯ll fight the enemy to the bitter end!¡±

    ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    ¡°Hurrah!¡± the deafening cheers echoed in response to Wang Zhong.

    Then he climbed into the tank, urging Alexandria, ¡°Quick! To battle positions!¡±

    Alexandria climbed the tank and squeezed through the cabin door on Wang Zhong¡¯s right into the turret. The loader and driver were also in position.

    As the driver slipped into the cabin, Wang Zhong saw him with a hammer and asked puzzled, ¡°What are you doing with a hammer?¡±

    ¡°For turning. You can¡¯t move the lever on the left without a hammer. Many of this batch of T34s have this problem,¡± the driver answered.

    Seems like I have read about this in many memoirs!

    While making this mental note, Wang Zhong put on his headphones and adjusted his throat microphone, ¡°Can you hear me?¡±

    The other four people on the tank replied in unison, ¡°Heard you!¡±

    ¡°Move out!¡±

    With a crisp ¡°bang,¡± the tank engine roared to life, slowly elerating.

    Not just for turning, even shifting gears needed a hammer!

    The tank gradually picked up speed, people hastily made way, and the road was quickly cleared.

    Then Wang Zhong said with a taunt he had taken from ¡°The Wandering Earth 2,¡± ¡°Beliyakov, are you pedaling a bicycle? So slow!¡±

    The next moment, the engine roared, and the tank, like an enraged beast, lunged forward with a fierce push that nearly threw Wang Zhong out of the turret.

    The 32-ton behemoth hurtled down the street, the wind it raised blew off a girl¡¯s kerchief on the roadside.

    Everyone was cheering, ¡°Charge, General!¡±

    ¡°Defeat them!¡±

    Wang Zhong stood upon the ¡°Parade Tank,¡± just as Alexandria Yefimovich had described, he could fully feel the sensation of the wind blowing through his hair.

    In moments like this, one¡¯s spirits can¡¯t help but lift.

    The static noise in his headphones seemed to transform into the ssic ¡°Oh Fields, My Fields.¡±

    Another 24 T34s closely followed behind tank number 422.

    The racing tank division¡¯s rising dust seemed like a cavalry charge.

    But without the sound of hooves, only the rumble of tracks crushing helmets.

    The squadron charged out of Loktov, maneuvering towards the nks of the enemy¡¯s second echelon.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major General Randolph spotted therge clouds of dust rising from the city: ¡°What¡¯s that? Are the Ante Peopleunching a cavalry charge?¡±

    He adjusted the magnification of his binocrs and peered towards the dust.

    However, all he saw was a tank flying a red g leading the charge through the dust, with whatever was behind itpletely obscured by the rising dirt.

    Unlike other Ante tank operators Randolph had seen those past days, the one in the tank with tactical number 422 was not cowering in the turret¡ªyes, the Major General, like almost all armored troops, thought the Ante People didn¡¯t pop their heads out because they were cowards.

    On the tank number 422, the officer poking his head out stood tall and proud, as though he was being reviewed in a parade.

 Chapter 115: Oh, the Grasslands!_3

    Hmm?

    Major General Randolph carefully confirmed the tactical number of this tank.

    422?

    And a white horse?

    Randolph, ¡°It¡¯s the General of the White Horse! He¡¯s riding out in a light tank! Shoot him down quickly!¡±

    The major general naturally assumed that this tank was no different from the hundreds of light tanks that had already been destroyed on the offensive route of the 15.

    ¡°Second echelon, swing the gun barrels around! Destroy the enemy light tanksing out of the city, shoot or capture the General of the White Horse alive!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong, assessing the situation from a bird¡¯s-eye view, judged that the timing was about right. The enemy had also reacted and started to turn. Right now, it was only individual vehicles turning, but it would be troublesome once the enemy adjusted their entire formation.After all, he had only 24 T34s, and their level of training was so low.

    Wang Zhong issued themand, ¡°Turn right 90 degrees!¡±

    duang!

    The sound of the hammer striking the control lever was indeed very crisp.

    The tank made a direct right turn with a drift.

    Then there was another duang, and the turning stopped.

    The vehicles following number 422 immediately turned as well.

    Colonel Kobbov had not boasted in vain; this group of parade professionals was adept at changing formations, instantly transforming the column emerging from the city into a line.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Advance 30 meters, let each vehicle get rid of the dust cloud.¡±

    The dust cloud raised during the charge would interfere with shooting; moving forward would shake it off.

    Thirty meters passed in the blink of an eye, and Beliyakov hit the brakes before Wang Zhong even gave the order.

    Taking advantage of the gun barrel¡¯s sway, Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Turret left 5 degrees, target number 112! It has an antenna, it¡¯s amand tank!¡±

    Aiming was almost immediatelypleted, and the shockwave from the firing of the 76 mm gun blew away all the surrounding gauze curtains.

    The shell hit the front of the tank that had just finished turning.

    Tank number three didn¡¯t catch fire nor explode, but the tankmander mbered out of the turret and, like a flying arrow, leaped beside the tank to take cover in the green grass.

    Of course, Wang Zhong, observing from above, could see everything very clearly; this shot had gone straight through the viewing window, wiping out everyone inside the tank except themander.

    After number 422 fired, the other vehicles also started firing with a rattle.

    Wang Zhong watched the artillery shells bounce across the grassy field as if what was being shot wasn¡¯t a modern cannon from the 20th century but those muzzle-loading artillery pieces from the era of line infantry.

    However, two shots still hit their mark.

    The enemy tanks¡¯ formation was poor, blocking each other¡¯s field of fire, with only the tanks on the northernmost edge of the formation having a clear line of sight.

    They opened fire.

    Almost all of the armor-piercing shells were aimed at Wang Zhong!

    In the blink of an eye, three pits appeared on the mantlet of tank number 422.

    An armor-piercing shell struck the front of the hull and was deflected high into the sky.

    More armor-piercing shellsnded around, kicking up dust and sand all over Wang Zhong¡¯s face.

    Man, lucky it¡¯s a T34, or I¡¯d be done for.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Anybody hurt?¡±

    ¡°No!¡± the four men responded in unison.

    ¡°Armor-piercing shells, good!¡±

    Without waiting for Wang Zhong¡¯s order, the second shot was fired, and themand tank¡¯s sister vehicle exploded, its turret blown into the air.

    The other tanks also opened fire, and the second volley was much more urate, clearly, these parade specialists weren¡¯t so foolish as to not correct their aim.

    Four more of the enemy tanks caught fire.

    The enemy started to move, making major adjustments to their formation, seemingly intending to overwhelm these mere 25 ¡°light tanks¡± with their numbers.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Move out, don¡¯t let the enemyplete their formation adjustment. Charge to within 300 meters to ensure we have better uracy! Armor is our advantage!¡±

    Apanied by a duang, tank number 422 once again raced forward.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Dmitri shouted excitedly, ¡°Look! Our tank troops haveunched an attack!¡±

    By then, the defense line had already retreated to the forwardmand post, and Yegorov was personallymanding a machine gun, firing furiously into the outside.

    Upon hearing Dmitry¡¯s cry, Yegorov picked up the binocrs he hadn¡¯t touched for an hour and looked into the distance.

    ¡°It¡¯s the general! I knew it was the general just by seeing that 422, and there¡¯s even a white horse painted on it!¡± Yegorov eximed with excitement, ¡°Charge! Those tanks are our T34s, the newest model! Let these guys taste our power!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Major General Randolph was shocked to see those ¡°light tanks.¡±

    These things seemed impervious to gunfire, and the main weapon of the Prussian Empire¡¯s No. 3 tanks, specifically used for tank-to-tankbat, only managed to scrape off paint when fired upon them!

    At that moment, the intelligence staff officer had finished flipping through the enemy armored vehicle identification manual issued by the High Command, and loudly reported: ¡°It¡¯s the enemy¡¯stest type of T34 tanks!¡±

    Major General Randolph: ¡°Don¡¯t just name the type! How do we deal with them?¡±

    ¡°The manual says the weak points are the enginepartment at the rear and above the side road wheels.¡±

    ¡°Quick, notify the troops!¡±

    However, by this time, the radio was already full of various shouts from themanders of the second echelon.

    ¡°Can¡¯t prate at all!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s ramming toward me!¡±

    ¡°Try the high-explosive shells! Try the high-explosive shells!¡±

    ¡°Ahhh!¡±

    In such a situation, although themunications staff officer was shouting at the top of his lungs, no one heard what he was saying.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Tank 422 was the first to rush past the enemy tank formation, and Wang Zhong was certain that Alexandria had hit two more enemy tanks while on the move.

    From an overhead view, he saw the other tanks were still in the melee with the enemy.

    The enemy was in disarray, some hysterical, while those ustomed to parades, upon realizing the enemy couldn¡¯t prate their armor, had gained a tremendous psychological advantage and were fighting even better!

    On the field, at least 20 enemy tanks were burning, and about 30 more had stopped, motionless, and had lost their highlights from Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong suddenly noticed that just to the front-left of him, there were several armored vehicles stopped, with one having particrly many antennas.

    On closer examination, beside the armored vehicle with many antennas was a man dressed in a particrly stylish uniform, that red badge¡ªlooked like a general.

    A bold idea emerged in Wang Zhong¡¯s mind: It was just under two kilometers away, the perfect moment for a decapitation strike!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Turn left 45 degrees!¡±

    duang!

    The tank turned around.

    Alexandria, looking through the gun sight, saw the target: ¡°This looks like the enemy¡¯smand vehicle!¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Go for it! Capture the g!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Randolph put down his binocrs and stepped back.

    The adjutant was quick to react: ¡°The enemy is charging us! Guard tanks!¡±

    The Prosen Armored Division¡¯s headquarters was also equipped with four tanks (a toon) as a guard, in addition to a guard battalion.

    The guard tanks immediately moved forward, lining up in a row one hundred meters in front of themand vehicle.

    The first volley fired!

    The only hit was an armor-piercing shell that sparked a chain of sparks on the enemy¡¯s armor.

    The enemy suddenly stopped, clearly trying to exploit the Prosen reload interval.

    A shell was fired, and the toon leader¡¯s tank of the guard tank toon was hit, with the tank operators scrambling out of the tank, all the while shouting, ¡°Sanitater! (Medic)¡±

    The guard tank toon¡¯s second volley managed to make the target, who was sticking his head out, duck down.

    The enemy¡¯s retaliatory strike set the number two tank of the toon aze.

    The enemy seemed intent on picking off the guard tank toon from left to right!

    The remaining two tanks sped off, one to the left and one to the right, trying to nk the enemy.

    However, as the third shell came in, the tank veering to the right immediately stopped, ck smoke belching from its engine.

    Thest tank stopped its nking, charged toward the enemy, and then took an armor-piercing shell head-on.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Got him! Load high-explosive!¡± Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Target, the enemy general! Fire!¡±

 Chapter 116: Slaying Generals and Seizing the Flag (Alliance Hierarch Added)

    The moment the 76mm gun fired, the enemy¡¯s guard infantry threw out smoke bombs.

    Of course, the smoke couldn¡¯t stop the shells that had already been fired.

    From a bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong could clearly see that this shell had almostnded at the general¡¯s feet.

    However, the general¡¯s adjutant happened to throw the general to the ground just in time.

    It could only be said that the flight speed of the high-explosive shell was somewhat slow, and Tank 422¡¯s position was indeed a bit far from the target.

    The adjutant died instantly, but the general he had thrown to the ground was still left with a breath of life!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Second shot!¡±

    Alexandria: ¡°The smoke is obscuring our vision!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Fire at the original position!¡±At that moment, an enemy half-track vehicle sped forward, attempting to use its body to shield the general, while the machine gun on the half-track began to fire wildly at Tank 422 from such a distance.

    Wang Zhong quickly ducked behind the turret hatch¡ªthe kind of hatch designed to double as cover for a nobleman¡¯s lookout.

    Wang Zhong could see through the observation window specifically left on the hatch.

    The field of view was very small, but that didn¡¯t hinder Wang Zhong as he had an ¡°advantage¡±; as long as he could observe, no matter how thin the slit was, he always had a fan-shaped field of view from a top-down perspective.

    The enemy was indeed well-trained, firing from a moving armored vehicle at this distance with decent uracy as bullets clinked and nged against the hatch cover.

    The electrician was also returning fire with the directional machine gun, both sides streaking each other with tracer bullets.

    The loader shouted: ¡°Good!¡±

    Alexandria fired the gun! The shell went just past the half-track vehicle that was obstructing the view andnded in almost the same spot!

    The enemy tried to move the general, but they were a little slow, and the general¡¯s leg had been wounded.

    With this shellnding, several staff officers who were trying to carry the general were instantly thrown to the ground, while the general stood there, raised his head to the sky, and then slowly knelt down.

    His posture reminded Wang Zhong of an iconic scene from the Soviet version of ¡°War and Peace.¡±

    His fall, however, was quite full of Romantic ir!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Got him!¡±

    It was only after saying this that he realized he shouldn¡¯t have been able to see, since the smoke had already obscured the view. It seemed as though this sentence might have exposed something.

    But then Wang Zhong thought, a T34 gunner¡¯s vision was truly terrible, so Alexandria probably assumed Wang Zhong could see.

    The driver had better visibility, but the driver¡¯s position was so low that it likely wouldn¡¯t detect anything amiss.

    So, emboldened, Wang Zhong said, ¡°The enemy general is down, let¡¯s get out of here!¡±

    After all, there was an enemy battalion here, and the bolder Prosen soldiers were already charging the tank on motorcycles.

    As good as the T34 was, it dreaded infantrying within 5 meters. In this era, the Prussians probably didn¡¯t have weapons like Panzerfausts or maic anti-tank mines, but a grenade tossed on the engine¡¯s radiator would be trouble enough for a tank, possibly even damaging the engine.

    Wang Zhong heard the sound of ¡®Duang¡¯, as the tank started up again and then turned. So, he quickly ducked back into the turret.

    The hatch cover could only protect the front. It was like those very exposing evening gowns, decently covered in the front but with the backpletely bare.

    If Wang Zhong didn¡¯t duck back into the turret, his back would be riddled with holes, and he wouldn¡¯t be a White Horse General but a Dead Horse General instead.

    Once the hatch cover was on, the interior of the turret darkenedpletely.

    Alexandria looked back and said, ¡°You shoulde in wearing a hat!¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could respond, the tank lurched, and his head mmed right into the locking catch of the turret hatch.

    He had already suffered several bumps when climbing out of the BT7 earlier that day, and now he¡¯d added another bump on a bump.

    ¡°It¡¯s in your storage locker!¡± Alexandria pointed to the side of the viewing tform.

    Wang Zhong took out a tank cap and put it on, only to knock it solidly against the catch again, causing a piercing pain.

    ¡°Damn it, what good is this cap!¡±

    Alexandria: ¡°It¡¯s like this even when you wear it; imagine what it would be like if you didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡ªThat makes sense!

    Though tormented by terrible ergonomics, Wang Zhong still pressed his eyes against the viewing window.

    Only after experiencing it firsthand did Wang Zhong realize how poor the visibility was inside a T34, and this was a viewing vehicle specially modified for the nobility with something akin to amander¡¯s observation tower, a ¡°special supply vehicle¡± in this world. Those T34s without this configuration were practically blind.

    Then Wang Zhong discovered that this poor visibility even affected his ¡°external aid.¡± His aid could usually illuminate the surroundings in a circle, even seeing ten meters behind his head.

    Once inside the tank, he only had the fan-shaped view in front.

    The fan-shaped view was better than being blind, and it was Wang Zhong¡¯s own field of vision, capable of highlighting enemy units within range. Anything like a ¡°Ground Voldemort¡±, lying in the grass, could be illuminated.

    ¡°Tank 422 calling all toons!¡± Since there really were no enemies around, Wang Zhong began to y with the radio, ¡°Report your number if you haven¡¯t been destroyed!¡±

    The moment the toon leaders responded, Wang Zhong would temporarily gain their field of view. This way, he could check the armored brawl happening behind him.

    Then Wang Zhong realized how bad the visibility was in these toon leaders¡¯ vehicles! They could basically only see directly in front of the tank!

    No wonder many memoirs about the Sturmtiger mentioned how blind the T34 was.

    Indeed, it was blind.

    Wang Zhong could only rely on his own field of view.

    Just then, he saw a number 233 three-numbered tank breaking away from the battlefield, maneuvering to the side.

    The boldmander of tank 233 poked his head out, seemingly certain he wouldn¡¯te under attack from the T34s.

    Suddenly, tank 233 came to an abrupt halt and fired a shot between the turret and the body of a T34, jamming its turret.

    Then something shocking happened! The crew of the T34 abandoned the tank!

    Wang Defa?

    The Prosen Tanks ughtered the crew with their coaxial machine guns but then stopped immediately.

    Could it be that they didn¡¯t want to reveal their positions with the tracer bullets?

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Captain Ante cursed at the gunner, ¡°Don¡¯t fire! Even if the enemy is stupid, they can determine our position by the tracer bullets! Those Ante tanks are blind; we can still win!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°We can¡¯t prate their armor!¡±

    ¡°Then jam their turrets, break their tracks! In Carolingian, when we faced the B1 tanks, that¡¯s what we did! Just paralyze them, and the infantry can take care of them!¡±

    Captain Ante paused then said, ¡°Moreover, these Ante tank operators have no experience, they abandon the tank if the ring is jammed! Probably new recruits experiencing their first battle! We can win!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Halt! Turret left 15 degrees! Do you see that number 233 tank?¡±

    Alexandria: ¡°Seen, Armor-Piercing Shell! Quick!¡±

    Loader: ¡°Armor-Piercing Shell, ready!¡±

    Because Wang Zhong had also ducked inside, he clearly saw the loader insert the Armor-Piercing Shell into the breech, followed by the automatic closing of the breech.

    Alexandria mmed down on the pedal.

    Inside the turret, you couldn¡¯t see the sh or thick smoke when firing, just the barrel sliding backward, ejecting a smoking shell casing.

    The shell casing fell directly onto the floor, and nobody bothered with it.

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered that he needed to confirm the results, not watch them operate the cannon.

    After changing his perspective, Wang Zhong saw the tank operator from number 233 climbing out of the tank.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Fire! Machine gun, fire! st them! Load a High-Explosive Shell! This one is probably their veteran crew; kill them all!¡±

    Tank 422¡¯s anti-aircraft machine gun and coaxial machine gun fired together.

    Unfortunately, neither the gunner Alexandria nor the machinist could see the enemy tank operators on the ground; the machine gun attack was ineffective.

    Loader: ¡°High-Explosive Shell, ready!¡±

    Alexandria immediately fired, and the High-Explosive Shell exploded beside the abandoned tank 233, immediately killing one tank operator and injuring another, but the enemymander remained unharmed!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Reload!¡±

    Back in the old days on a military website, it wasmon to see episodes admiring the enemy¡¯s tactical sophistication and treating them with courtesy, but now Wang Zhong had no interest in such courtesy.

    Thinking about how these elite enemies could go back, heal, and return to cause significant casualties to friendly forces, he wished he could kill them all.

    The second High-Explosive Shell went over, and finally, only one machinist from that crew remained.

    Wang Zhong pondered that firing another grenade for just this machinist was not appropriate, as the marginal effect was too low. He then issued a newmand: ¡°Advance and regroup with our other tanks.¡±

    Just then, Wang Zhong observed the enemy beginning to retreat from the city, so he decisively changed the order: ¡°Turn left thirty degrees; take the small mound on the left!¡±

    Themand was immediately executed.

    Upon reaching the mound, Wang Zhong opened the hatch, peered back to ensure that no more machine gun bullets wereing from behind, then looked out.

    ¡°Turret left 5 degrees, do you see that retreating four-numbered tank? Distance 750 meters! Armor-Piercing Shell!¡±

    No sooner had he finished instructing than the cannon fired, hitting the four-numbered tank¡¯s engine urately, setting it ame.

    ¡°Don¡¯t let the machine gun idle either; establish suppressive fire!¡±

    While tank 422 poured out its firepower, other T34s noticed 422, each turning towards it.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, good grief, a loss of 8 tanks!

    The enemy couldn¡¯t even prate the T34s, how could there be a loss of 8 tanks?

    He nced at the chaotic battlefield and noticed all the abandoned T34s were neither exploded nor on fire. More careful observation revealed that either their tracks were broken, turrets jammed, or tracks and guide wheels were damaged after colliding with enemy tanks.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t understand why the T34s with only jammed rings were abandoned. They could clearly drive back to the city and have the mechanics repair them!

    It seemed that after the battle was over, a debrief was necessary, and those who abandoned their tanks needed to be sternly reprimanded.

    While Wang Zhong thought this, neatly lined T34s unleashed their firepower, ughtering the enemy retreating from the city.

    The enemy¡¯s offensive was thus dissolved.

    Wang Zhong even took the life of the enemy¡¯s general! He estimated the Prussians wouldn¡¯t be able to organize an attack for the rest of the day.

    Touching his chin, he considered that as nightfall approached, he should organize his troops to leave the city, tow back the abandoned T34s, repair them, and continue using them.

    After all, these were precious weapons hard won.

 Chapter 117: Pyrrhic Victory

    Every rose has its thorn.

    On the side heading to the 15th Armored Division, the losses were not just that of Major General Lundorf, as several senior staff were killed trying to rescue the general.

    If not for the division chief of staff wisely choosing to leave in the opposite direction, the situation could have been much worse.

    As the sound of the enemy tanks¡¯ engines faded away, the chief of staff climbed to his feet and yelled, ¡°General! General!¡±

    The few surviving staff members got up and checked the general¡¯s breathing and pulse, then shook their heads at the chief of staff.

    The chief of staff clicked his tongue, looking in the direction of Loktov, his viewpletely obscured by the recently deployed smoke bombs by the guards; he couldn¡¯t see the city or the fighting on the open ground between headquarters and the city.

    Of course, now the chief of staff just needed to walk a few dozen meters more to step outside of the smokescreen to see the battlefield normally.

    However, the impression left by the sudden attack of that T-34 tank was so profound that even though his reason told him the enemy had left, he still didn¡¯t want to leave the protection of the smokescreen.

    ¡°Is that the White Horse General¡­?¡± muttered the chief of staff, but he immediately realized he was now the actingmander of the troops and shouldn¡¯t disy an attitude that inted the enemy¡¯s prestige.So he cleared his throat and put on a stern expression that he hadn¡¯t used since he first donned the staff insignia, ¡°Immediately begin reorganizing the troops; the attacking units must have dispersed. Send out messengers to regroup them.

    ¡°Withdraw all forces to Karlinovka and establish anti-tank gun positions. Also, have the artillery withdraw to prevent a surprise enemy night raid.¡±

    The mobility of those T-34 tanks was so strong that the chief of staff resolutely didn¡¯t dare to have the division¡¯s artillery spend the night in unprotected areas.

    After passing down themands, the chief of staff asked, ¡°Where is the 513th Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion now? We need their 88mm guns right now!¡±

    The surviving map staff immediately reported, ¡°ording to the map updated at noon today, Battalion 513 has already crossed the area around Bogdanovka and is marching at full speed.¡±

    Chief of staff: ¡°Have them hurry up! They must get here by tomorrow!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When Tank 422 rolled into Loktov, the streets were already crowded with people.

    Before the tank even entered the city, shouts of ¡°They¡¯reing! They¡¯reing!¡± rose, followed by a deafening chorus of ¡°Ura!¡±

    The crowd was jubnt, as if the entire war had been won.

    Wang Zhong yelled from atop the tank, ¡°Don¡¯t gather around! What if the enemy shells us? They¡¯ve got 150mm howitzers! Don¡¯t cluster together! Disperse! Go home!¡±

    He was unaware that his blitz had terrified the enemy¡¯s artillery units, sending them packing.

    It took five shouts before the crowd reluctantly dispersed.

    Then a lieutenant in dusty military garb appeared, following the tank.

    ¡°Stop.¡± Wang Zhong patted the turret¡¯s steel te, then heard the sound of a hammer tapping the control stick¡ªa noise he was almost ustomed to, barely noticing unless he paid attention.

    Leaning down from the turret, Wang Zhong looked at the lieutenant, ¡°Are you from the Fifth Belyansky Regiment?¡±

    ¡°Yes, General.¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s your regimentmander?¡±

    ¡°He fell. I am the regimentmander now. Give your orders, General.¡±

    The joy of victory momentarily faded.

    Wang Zhong bit his lip, ¡°I see. What¡¯s your name?¡±

    ¡°Pavel Alekseyevich, General.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How many of you are left?¡±

    ¡°Eighty-one fit for duty, everyone else, even if alive, has been taken to the hospital by the stretcher-bearers.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯ve all worked hard. I will have the Guardian Army take over your sector. Head to the train station and prepare to board the next train for retreat.¡±

    The lieutenant was stunned, ¡°You don¡¯t need us anymore? We can still fight.¡±

    Wang Zhong found himself at a loss for words; he meant to have them retreat to resupply and rest, but Pavel made it sound as though he had abandoned them.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s not it. I just¡­¡±

    Lieutenant: ¡°We can defend the station. We still have two machine guns and have captured a lot of equipment. Our technical supplies have never been as abundant as they are now! We can still fight, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong was silent for a few seconds before replying, ¡°I want you to reorganize into apany, take the smoke bombs we captured from the enemy¡ªyou have smoke bombs, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, plenty.¡±

    ¡°Good, take the smoke bombs, find a ce to eat well, drink well, rest for three hours, and after dark, I want you to move out of the city to cover the tank repair crews.¡±

    ¡°No problem.¡±

    Actually, this mission should be rtively safe; the enemy was likely still in disarray and wouldn¡¯t be able to mount any operations tonight.

    Wang Zhong simply didn¡¯t want these soldiers to feel abandoned.

    The enemy had been driven back, but there was still much to be done tonight.

    Wang Zhong spoke to the driver, ¡°Drive back to the brigade headquarters, uh, do you know where it is?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Beliyakov answered bluntly, ¡°Did wee to find you, or was it the sergeant major who led the way?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ll show the way. Forward, turn left at the street corner ahead.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong entered themand post of the battle group¡ªwhich was actually the brigademand post. Pavlov looked up and said, ¡°Three miles from here and we can hear cheering, General of the White Horse.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I need to organize the mechanics from the auto repair shop to go out of the city to repair tanks tonight. There are eight tanks that just broke down and can be fixed.¡±

    ¡°Alright, there are three hours till nightfall; that should be enough time to get it organized.¡± Pavlov turned his head and said, ¡°Sofya, go to the auto repair shop and get some people. Tell them we need a skilled workers team in three hours.¡±

    Sofya nodded and then ran towards the gate. As she passed by Wang Zhong, she paused and gave a small smile.

    Wang Zhong: ?

    ¡°War heroes always get the favor of girls; it has always been so,¡± Pavlov said. ¡°Anything else you need me to do?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I need to resupply ammunition and fuel. Also, I need arge number of anti-aircraft camouges and branches to hide my tanks. The enemy will assuredlyunch an air raid tomorrow; Stukas pose a great threat to these tanks.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Lyushenko! Order the Guardian Army to camouge the tanks!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Guardian Army?¡±

    ¡°The Church has handed over five battalions of the Guardian Army to us. They are all locals who have been organized; their equipment is poor, but they have enough bullets. They¡¯re just the right bunch for odd jobs. As for the shells, let me confirm¡ªare the tank guns the same as our 76 anti-tank guns?¡±

    Wang Zhong fell silent, this touched on an area he was not knowledgeable about.

    He was a military enthusiast, sure, but he wasn¡¯t hardcore enough to be clear about what kind of shells each artillery piece used.

    Although the bore of the T34¡¯s L11 cannon was indeed 76.2mm, the same as that of the ZIS-3 anti-tank gun, he really had no idea whether the two used the same ammunition.

    After a few seconds, Pavlov sighed, ¡°It is only in times like this that I remember the rumors about you from before, General.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°My gunner is an instructor from the Armored Training Corps; he surely knows. I¡¯ll send him to themand post of the quartermaster¡¯s department to get the shells; he won¡¯t make a mistake!¡±

    ¡°Indeed, then let him do it.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What are the casualties among our troops?¡±

    As he asked, he remembered the lieutenant from the Fifth Besshensk Regiment.

    Pavlov stopped, took off his sses, pulled out a microfiber cloth, and began to wipe them, not answering.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tell me, I¡¯ve prepared myself.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re still looking for the wounded, but those alive have been ounted for since you just have to assemble and count them. There are 611 people still alive in the Guard¡¯s 31st Regiment. One third are injured.

    ¡°I reckon we can still dig out a hundred or so wounded from the dead, but how many can be healed and return to the ranks, that¡¯s hard to say.¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips: ¡°Were the losses that great?¡±

    Pavlov continued, ¡°The good news is, the enemy suffered greater losses. In the past, even when the enemy was attacking, their losses were less than ours, but this time they¡¯ve had a hard time.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°That might be the only constion.¡±

    ¡°However, most of their higher casualties were caused by the tank units under your directmand, including the BT-7 and theter T34s. The enemy still won in terms of casualties caused by front-line meat grinder.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy is well-trained; I¡¯vee to understand that fully.¡±

    ¡°Also, there¡¯s more good news. Although Position A was suppressed by enemy artillery fire, miraculously, one 203mm gun remains. We still have five 203s and will be able to deliver a big blow to the enemy tomorrow.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°Can we call for aerial reconnaissance to locate the enemy artillery positions? It has been seven days since we first saw our air forces; shouldn¡¯t the Air Force have been replenished by now?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°You¡¯re asking a brigade staff officer this question? You should be asking the Front Army staff chief, he has authority over the Air Force. I¡­¡±

    Before he could finish, a Judge entered with a telegram: ¡°New orders from the Front Army headquarters.¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback before realizing that his telegrams were managed by a group of Judges. He reached out his hand: ¡°Give it to me.¡±

    After taking the telegram, he read aloud, ¡°The 63rd Army Group is expected to arrive at Loktov by tomorrow afternoon. Your unit should make every effort to dy the enemy. Our intelligence indicates that your unit¡¯s front may face an entire enemy Armored Division, along with a portion of an Armored Rifle Division.

    ¡°We believe the enemy armored group is crossing Bogdanovka, anticipating that your unit will face a fierce armored assault tomorrow.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up at Pavlov: ¡°That¡¯s what they (Front Army) say.¡±

    Pavlov snorted: ¡°Such ¡®timely¡¯ information. Does the Front Army know that if it weren¡¯t for the Crown Prince¡¯s delivery of the T34s, this ce would have already fallen? I guess they don¡¯t.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then let¡¯s tell them!¡±

    He turned to the Judge and said, ¡°Send a reply like this, and take note!¡±

    The Judge immediately took out a notebook and pencil, ready to take down the message.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°My unit suffered heavy losses today. If it weren¡¯t for the newly joined T34 unit¡ªand themendable performance of the remnants of the 23rd Tank Army, Loktov would have fallen. My unit urgently needs to resupply ammunition and personnel, especially armored forces and anti-tank weapons. Additionally, we require Air Force support, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    The Judge wrote frantically, looking up at Wang Zhong only after finishing thest word.

    Wang Zhong felt as though something was missing. After thinking for a moment, he said, ¡°Read it back to me!¡±

 Chapter 118: Aftermath

    After the Judge had repeated his report, Wang Zhong nodded with satisfaction and let him go.

    Pavlov, ¡°Every time the Judgees in, I get a shock. We really need to get a propermunications officer.¡±

    ¡°I think the Judges are pretty nice,¡± Wang Zhong said with a shrug.

    ¡°If I were tight with the Crown Prince and he was madly sending over heavy equipment, I¡¯d think they were nice too.¡± Pavlov seemed to awaken a talent for ying the straight man, achieving a level one-tenth that of Yu Dad.

    No sooner had the words left his mouth than another Judge walked in!

    Pavlov instinctively raised both hands, ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything!¡±

    The Judge cast a sharp nce at him, then turned to Wang Zhong and said, ¡°The Front Army intercepted enemymunications. The enemy¡¯s 15th Armored Division Commander, Lord Rendolf, has died. They¡¯re asking if we know what happened?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I did it. I personally drovemanded¡ªTank 422 to within 850 meters of the enemy headquarters and attacked with high-explosive shells and machine guns. The entire tank crew can testify. Just reply that to headquarters.¡±

    The Judge nodded, turned to leave, then suddenly turned back, snapped to attention, and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Salute to you, General!¡±Wang Zhong nodded his head.

    The Judge turned and left,

    Wang Zhong gestured at his retreating figure and said to Pavlov, ¡°See, they¡¯re pretty nice, right?¡±

    This time Pavlov couldn¡¯t find a reply and only blinked, forcibly changing the subject, ¡°I¡¯m currently reassembling the units. By tonight we should be able to reorganize. I wouldn¡¯t count on your help, but can you call Bishop Popov back?¡±

    ¡°I can,¡± Wang Zhong affirmed.

    Pavlov continued, ¡°I need you to patrol the positions. We¡¯ve had heavy casualties and need to boost morale. Otherwise,e nightfall, when the soldiers remember the faces of those who¡¯ve left us, organization will copse.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I think they¡¯ll be fine. I have confidence in them.¡±

    While speaking, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered how Peniye had been supported by countless soldiers¡¯ hands when he fell off the tank with a fever, then he thought of just recently, how pair after pair of hands had pulled him out of the depths of despair and helped him stand.

    How could an army like this, a people like this, possibly be defeated.

    As if guessing his thoughts, Pavlov said, ¡°It¡¯s your duty, General. It¡¯s even more important thanmanding the battle yourself! After all,manding a battle can be delegated to a capable officer, but this task can only be done by you.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Best mount your¡­ uh, Bucephalus, was it?¡±

    ¡°Bucephalus, is it okay?¡±

    ¡°The stables got hit by enemy artillery, we thought all the horses were done for. But it just came out on its own and was eating grass in the yard. Not a scratch on it. I had the Guardian Army take care of it.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, no longer disturbed the busy chief of staff wrestling with documents, and turned to leave the headquarters.

    Just as he reached the door, he saw Grigori leading Bucephalus and another chestnut horse towards him.

    Grigori looked much worse off than in the morning¡ªhis clothes were wrinkled and torn in several ces, dirty enough to turn water into ink.

    But he seemedpletely uninjured, with hardly any blood on him.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where¡¯s your ammo pouch?¡±

    ¡°It got shot off in the fight. Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve got a new one.¡± Grigori pulled a canvas bag from behind him with about four magazines in it.

    Wang Zhong also noticed that the Sergeant Major¡¯s submachine gun had been cleaned, shining with oil, clearly, he had maintained his weapon beforeing to meet him.

    ¡°Did Pavlov order you to bring the horse over?¡±

    ¡°No, I thought it¡¯d be more convenient to move around the city on horseback. The city is¡­ full of wreckage and craters left by enemy cannons, not good for driving.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, about to reply, when two BT-7¡¯s thundered into thebat team¡¯s location.

    The lead BT-7 was the toonmander¡¯s vehicle, with a radio antenna.

    The toonmander didn¡¯t wait for the tank to stop before he climbed out and approached Wang Zhong in three steps, ¡°General!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Only these two left?¡±

    ¡°A few got stuck, enemy grenadeunchers damaged them. We¡¯vee to receivebat assignments, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°There shouldn¡¯t be fighting tonight. You guys can get some good rest.¡±

    At that moment, the crew from the BT-7s all climbed out and gathered around Wang Zhong¡¯s T34mand tank, buzzing excitedly as if they were looking at arge animal newly bought to the vige.

    One of the drivers, while inspecting the tank¡¯s engine, asked Beliyakov, ¡°How thick is this armor?¡±

    Beliyakov recited the approximate armor data like it was a menu.

    ¡°Wow!¡±

    ¡°Compared to this, we¡¯re practically running around naked!¡±

    ¡°Damn the marshals, why don¡¯t they equip us with this thing! It could save a lot of lives!¡±

    Wang Zhong jumped in, ¡°There are eight T34s that were lost due to breakdowns, just outside on the ins. Tonight we n to go out and repair them. Some of the tank crews probably took losses too. Once the crews are consolidated, if there are extra tanks, you guys can take them over.¡±

    The tank operators were shocked to hear this, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Really.¡±

    At that moment, the toon leader asked, ¡°With such thick armor on the tank, how could we still lose eight of them?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°The enemy is very experienced. I estimate they¡¯ve learned from fighting the Carolingian heavy tanks. They aim for tracks and turret rings, and since these T34 units are parade professionals, once the turret ring gets stuck, they abandon the tank.¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t certain where the Prosen people had gotten the experience to deal with ¡°hard¡± tanks, as he wasn¡¯t even sure if the Carolingians had B1 heavy tanks on this side or not.

    But, in the history of Earth, the first Armored Division to encounter the T34, the Sturmtiger, did indeed quickly find a method to deal with the T34: hit the tracks and turret rings, then leave the rest to the infantry.

    Early T34s, blind as they were, would be finished once the infantry got close enough after they lost mobility.

    As for the KV, even if its tracks were broken, it could still inflict heavy casualties on infantry, fighting until running out of ammo and supplies.

    The tank operators of the 23rd Armored Division looked at each other, then in unison dered, ¡°We would never do that!¡±

    Then the ¡°parade professionals¡± got offended, ¡°Oh, getting cocky, are we? Let¡¯s see how you do in a T34, then we¡¯llpare!¡±

    ¡°Hey, and now we¡¯re boasting! Do you see the tank markings on my vehicle? Those are my victories! I¡¯ve scored this many even driving a BT-7, and it was all achieved today!¡±

    Today, Wang Zhong led the remaining men of the 23rd Tank Division to achieve quite impressive results.

    Wang Zhong coughed to interrupt the arguing tank operators.

    When all eyes were on him, he said, ¡°Today, you¡¯ve all performed splendidly! The Prosen people have always looked down on our armored forces, but from today onwards, they¡¯ll have to take us seriously!

    ¡°Tomorrow, we face another tough battle. The enemy¡¯s entire armored cluster has already crossed Bogdanovka, so more and more tanks will appear in front of us.

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about not getting your share of victories. We¡¯ll be here, making sure the enemy recognizes our strength!¡±

    The tank operators wore expressions of determination and, after Wang Zhong finished speaking, they shouted in unison, ¡°Ura!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Vasily prodded the ground with the muzzle of his Tokarev where a Prosen soldiery.

    This was the enemy he had personally killed when they had retreated. This was the only enemy he could be certain he had killed thus far.

    The battle had been too fierce before, and Vasily had been too busy firing desperately out the window to notice whether his bullets had hit someone or not.

    He lifted the enemy¡¯s helmet with his rifle to see a young, lifeless face.

    Someone yelled from behind, ¡°Don¡¯t move, raise your hands!¡±

    Vasily turned around to see it was Filippov.

    Filippov was also startled, lowering his gun while asking, ¡°Why are you wearing a Prosen¡¯s backpack?¡±

    Vasily replied, ¡°This is the radio taken directly by the general from the enemy! Just now, the enemy reached ourmand post, so I had to join in the fight and ended up carrying this thing.

    ¡°If you had fired, and broken it, the general would have made you carry manure as punishment!¡±

    Filippovughed, ¡°Damn, acting like we¡¯ve never carried it before.¡±

    Leaning against the wall, he slowly sat down and took out a rolled cigarette.

    ¡°You smoke now?¡± Vasily asked, teasingly approaching.

    Filippov replied, ¡°I suddenly found out that not smoking for health reasons doesn¡¯t seem to make much sense. After all, you see, we might die before we even have to worry about health.¡±

    Vasily nodded and said, ¡°Give me one, too, to try it out.¡±

    Soon after, the two who had never smoked before both started coughing violently.

    After stamping out the cigarette butts, the two old friends sat side by side leaning against the wall.

    ¡°Niki is dead,¡± Filippov said. ¡°And Barfinovich, too.¡±

    Vasily was silent for a few seconds, then said, ¡°Dmitry is alive and kicking.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I had wanted to mention who had died, but since I was always at themand post, Yegorov and the veterans are too crafty to die that easily. I saw him throw back Prosen¡¯s grenades at least three times! Three!¡±

    Filippovughed, ¡°That impressive? I only blew up three of the enemy¡¯s tanks together with Niki. It was unrealistically easy; Niki threw Molotov cocktails, and I covered him with a submachine gun I picked up, shooting the Prosen soldiers as they climbed out of the tanks.

    ¡°Later, Niki was shot while throwing a Molotov cocktail. The bullet hit his arm, the bottle fell, and started burning at his feet.

    ¡°He was rolling around, begging me: ¡®Put me out of my misery, please! I¡¯m begging you, Filippov!¡¯¡±

    Vasily asked, ¡°Did you grant his wish?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t hear him, the enemy wasing up, and I spent two magazines before I drove them back. When I looked again, Niki had already taken his own life.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°If you didn¡¯t hear him, how do you know what he said?¡±

    Filippovughed, ¡°Damn it, Vasily, you truly are a bastard. Damn it.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Maybe you¡¯re right. Do you know? I¡¯ve met Niki¡¯s mother, she works at the agricultural station, and she¡¯s a part-time preacher at the local church¡¯s women¡¯s group. When we go to visit himter, you can¡¯t tell this story.

    ¡°You should say that Niki fought against seven or eight Prosen devils, managed to kill one and then was treacherously ambushed by the enemy.¡±

    Filippov was silent for a few seconds, then nodded, ¡°You¡¯re right! Niki killed a whole toon of devils with his submachine gun! Then he died heroically while reloading!¡±

    ¡°Exactly, just like that! He did good! Just like that!¡± Vasily repeated emphatically.

 Chapter 119: The Dusk Here is Silent (Extra for 1000 Votes)

    Wang Zhong rode a white horse and hesitated when he reached the road leading to the fertilizer factory.

    Because in his memory, this was an alleyway that could only fit one car at a time, and if a car and a tricycle headed towards each other, they would get stuck.

    Now the road was much wider, because the walls on either side had been sted to pieces, and the houses behind the walls were half-copsed, tattered and broken.

    Wang Zhong looked back at Grigori, who was helping him carry the g, ¡°Is this the ce?¡±

    Grigori, ¡°Yes, just go straight ahead.¡±

    Wang Zhong walked a few steps forward, turned a corner, and saw a burned Prosen Tank, with a member of the Guardian Army collecting the weapons and ammunition of the dead Prosen soldiers beside the tank.

    Next to the Guardian Army soldier was a mule cart piled high with ammunition and weapons.

    Amidst a pile of Prosen bolt-action rifles, Wang Zhong spotted a few Tokarev semi-automatic rifles.

    Bucephalus, as if sensing his intention, walked directly in front of the mule cart, allowing Wang Zhong to pick up one of the rifles.The blood on the rifle¡¯s body had already coagted, and when Wang Zhong opened the chamber, he found it was nearly impossible to use because of the blood; the gun would jam if fired without a thorough cleaning.

    The bay on the gun was very clean, perhaps its owner hadn¡¯t had the chance to use it before sacrificing his life.

    At that moment, the Guardian Army soldier collecting the equipment said, ¡°General, the young man who was carrying this rifle has already been taken away, all of our boys have been taken away.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where have they been taken to?¡±

    ¡°Over there to the stack area, it was originally meant for stacking fertilizers that were to be shipped out, but now it has be a huge morgue, a huge morgue!¡± The Guardian Army soldier probably hadn¡¯t received much education and could only repeat the adjective ¡°huge.¡±

    Wang Zhong ced the rifle on the mule cart and said to Grigori, ¡°Let¡¯s go, take a look.¡±

    After speaking, he gently kicked Bucephalus¡¯s belly.

    The horse stepped lightly, as if it did not want to disturb the silence epassing the battlefield.

    The stack area was not far away, just past the wreckage of seven Prosen Tanks.

    Though it was called a stack area, it was actually just an open piece ofnd with weeds on it¡ªit seemed more urate to call it a meadow, as usual, reflecting the Ante Empire¡¯s carefree nature.

    Now, the meadow was filled with bodies dressed in khaki military uniforms.

    Several old women, pushing a cart, were covering the young men with ck cloths.

    The leader was a nanny, who shook the bell in her hand while humming a requiem.

    Soldiers from the 31st Guards Regiment gathered beside the stack area, watching the nanny bid farewell to theirrades. Perhaps because of the heat, they took shelter in the shadow of the neighboring chemical factory¡¯s tall building.

    The light of the setting sun crossed the already dpidated building and fell upon the open stack area, coating everything with ayer of red.

    The silhouettes of shadows seemed like the border between two worlds, the living gazing upon the dead.

    Only the requiem echoed in the lonely scene.

    Wang Zhong closed his eyes, recalling the faces of the young, the enemy hade too quickly, and he had not been able to match all of their faces with names.

    But that did not prevent him from escorting them on theirst journey.

    Wang Zhong dismounted, nced at the g Grigori was holding aloft, then took out a notebook and pencil, and walked into the range of the setting sun, into the domain of the dead.

    He came to the first body at the bottom right corner of the stack, loudly read out the young man¡¯s name, and then wrote it down in the notebook with the pencil.

    Thus he continued, slowly walking past each person, reading out each name, and recording it in the notebook.

    The soldiers from 31st Regiment all stood up, silently watching him.

    Wang Zhong did not know how many names he had read, he only knew that he wore down his pencil several times and had to stop to whittle it with a small knife before continuing.

    Seeing his actions, the olddy silently asked the aunties to temporarily stop their work on covering with ck cloth, and the chant of the requiem also paused.

    The voices of the living echoed in this region dominated by death.

    Wang Zhong suddenly stopped, gazed intently at the body before him, and with a heavy heart, he read out the name, ¡°Aleksei Balfyonovich. May you reunite with the girl in heaven.¡±

    The olddy made the sign of the cross over her chest and whispered, ¡°Amen.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued to record names until the shadow of the fertilizer factorypletely engulfed the stacks.

    He stood on the edge of the shadow and turned back to see the blood-like setting sun.

    Unbeknownst to when it began, all the surviving soldiers of the 31st Regiment had already gathered at the edge of the stacks, watching Wang Zhong, watching their general.

    Grigori held the g, standing among them.

    Wang Zhong walked towards the soldiers.

    Perhaps because the scene was too solemn, no one used amand to break the silence.

    Wang Zhong made his way to the people, ¡°I promised to remember the names of all of you. But I haven¡¯t managed to do so yet.¡±

    The young soldiers watched Wang Zhong with pursed lips.

    Wang Zhong lifted the notebook in his hand, ¡°This notebook records the names of everyone who sacrificed today. Surely many more will join this notebook in the future.

    ¡°One day, when I be an Army Group or even a Front Armymander, the number of deaths will be so great that notebooks will hardly suffice to record them.

    ¡°But I promise, I remember every drop of blood shed for victory. Look at this g!¡±

    Wang Zhong gestured to Grigori.

    The sergeant major stepped forward five paces to a position where everyone could see the g in his hand.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This g was brought out by an old soldier named Rezenov. He sacrificed himself to rescue me when I was in trouble. To save me, many, many have sacrificed, their blood sttered on this g.

    ¡°I hold this g to remember those civilians who sacrificed themselves to save me.

    ¡°Now, I have decided to use dye, to thoroughly redden this g, and it will represent all the soldiers who sacrificed today.

    ¡°It will represent every defender of the homnd who has fallen since the war began!

    ¡°Each one of us, upon seeing the red g, will recall our sacrifices, remember the price we paid for victory!

    ¡°I think in this great war sweeping everything, in the early chaos, many did not leave their names before they died.

    ¡°This red g will represent each one of them! We will never forget!¡±

    Wang Zhong paused, looking at the faces of those as young as the dead.

    Someone began to shout loudly, ¡°We remember!¡±

    The others joined in, ¡°We remember!¡±

    ¡°We remember!¡±

    ¡°We remember!¡±

    After the shouting in unison ended, Wang Zhong continued, ¡°If one day, I too fall, this g will bear the elegance of my bloodstained wind. Grigori! Go dye the g, turn it to red at its base!¡±

    Grigori took off running, leapt onto his horse, and disappeared in a sh.

    ¡°`

    After watching the g disappear, Wang Zhong looked again at the young people, ¡°Vasily! Is Vasily here? Or has he been injured?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Here! I¡¯ve got your precious walkie-talkie, and it¡¯s not broken! Don¡¯t punish me!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I wasn¡¯t going to punish you, or do you actually want to go shovel manure?¡±

    ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to at all!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I heard your father is a music professor?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Vasily looked somewhat displeased, it seemed he had a deep estrangement with his father.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then sing us something appropriate for this scene!¡±

    ¡°This¡­ General, in such a situation?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t we sing at a time like this?¡±

    ¡°But, such a sorrowful scene¡­¡±

    ¡°Yes, such a sorrowful scene. But do the dead wish us to weep and wail? No, they want us to muster courage, to fight the enemy for them as well! They wish for us to give as good as we get, an eye for an eye, blood for blood!

    ¡°Sing! A song with vigor!¡±

    Vasily furrowed his brow: ¡°This¡­¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t your father give you a musical education?¡± Wang Zhong asked with doubt.

    Filippov yelled from the side: ¡°Report!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Speak!¡±

    ¡°He did, General! His music is really good! He can even y the trumpet!¡±

    Vasily red fiercely at his so-called friend.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So, you¡¯ve had a good musical education and you say there¡¯s no song suitable for this scene?¡±

    ¡°At least I¡¯ve never learned one.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that it was fortunate he knew such a song, but it was a pity he didn¡¯t know how to adapt the lyrics into Antenguage, afraid that singing it in Chinese would just confuse everyone.

    But at this moment, he especially wanted to sing it because it was so fitting for the scene.

    So he hummed a line, only to realize that obviously there was no trantion, it was in Chinese.

    Although it was very quiet, Vasily heard it¡ªperhaps because he had a musician for a father, his ears were sharp.

    ¡°What¡¯s this song? I¡¯ve never heard it! I can¡¯t understand the lyrics, but it feels like I can grasp the meaning with the melody!¡± Vasily asked curiously, ¡°What is this, exactly?¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly had an idea.

    He asked, ¡°Have you studiedposition?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ I haven¡¯t tried, but my dad has always forced me to learn music theory. I can give it a shot.¡±

    At this moment, Wang Zhong¡¯s mind became clear: Singing can¡¯t be tranted, but I can recite, and once recited, it¡¯s tranted. Then leave it to Vasily to worry about how to turn it into singable lyrics.

    So he said, ¡°Then take a look, put this tune to music, write it into a song!¡±

    He turned his head to look at the piles of bodies, then began to recite:

    The rolling smoke sings of heroes

    Mountains all around listen with sideways ear, with sideways ear

    The clear sky¡¯s thunder strikes the golden drum

    The mighty sea raises waves as harmony

    People¡¯s warriors chase away tigers and leopards

    Sacrificing life, forgetting death to safeguard peace

    Why is the battle g beautiful as a painting

    Heroes¡¯ fresh blood has dyed her red

    Why is the earth ever in spring

    Heroes¡¯ lives blossom fresh flowers!

    Filippov¡¯s mouth formed an O shape: ¡°You¡¯re a poet too?¡±

    Vasily took his notebook and wrote down the words, read them silently again, and then critically said: ¡°The rhymes are a bit off, I¡¯ll need to make some adjustments. But it really has a spirit of sadness without sorrow!¡±

    Nonsense, this is one of the immortal treasures of another time, my real homnd!

    Wang Zhong patted Vasily¡¯s shoulder: ¡°I order you to survive, perfect it. Then set it to music.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡± Vasily looked at the lyrics he¡¯d written in his notebook, ¡°These words¡­ ¡®Heroes¡¯ fresh blood has dyed her red¡¯¡­ Did you think of this line after seeing the g?¡±

    Unfortunately, it wasn¡¯t.

    Wang Zhong was about to reply when the sound of engines came from the sky.

    He quickly switched to an aerial view, only to discover the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance ne flying high above.

    This time Wang Zhong was very careful to confirm that this was indeed not a bomber equipped with Fritz X radio-guided bombs.

    Vasily also looked up at the sky: ¡°Damn the enemy, where on earth is our Air Force?¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than something reflected the light of the setting sun in the sky.

    A pair of Mig-3s appeared in formation!

    The enemy¡¯s reconnaissance ne immediately ejected interception fire, but the two Mig-3s deftly got to its six o¡¯clock position.

    After a short burst, the Do 215 reconnaissance ne¡¯s left engine caught fire, and, trailing thick smoke, plunged toward the ground.

    The Mig-3s followed the enemy ne as if to ensure its destruction, until it crashed.

    Then the nes turned and roared past above the pile of corpses.

    Despite just having shot down an enemy from thousands of meters in the air, the burly pilot did not close the ss canopy of the cockpit.

    Wang Zhong recalled that only Italian pilots liked to fly with the cockpit canopy open, supposedly ¡°to feel the breath of the wind.¡±

    When the pilot saw clearly what was below, he raised his right hand in salute.

    Some of the soldiers eximed, ¡°He has six kill stars! He¡¯s an Air Force ace!¡±

    ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    There were cheers all around!

    Only Vasily was still looking down at the ¡°poem¡± Wang Zhong had just ¡°written.¡±

    ¡°`

 Chapter 120: The Situation on the Night of July 7 (Alliance Hierarch Added)

    At the same time that Major General Rokossov was mourning the fallen soldiers,

    twenty-five kilometers east of Bogdanovka, the town of Grezno, the estate of thergestndowner in the town, Boye, had been upied by the Prosen soldiers and converted into the headquarters of the First Armored Cluster.

    At seven in the evening, General Ewald von Steyr-Mark entered the main building¡¯s hall surrounded by arge group of aides and staff officers.

    Steyr-Mark looked up at the magnificent chandelier above the hall and said, ¡°This thing will fall and hurt someone when it¡¯s hit by shelling, take it down.¡±

    The staff at headquarters immediately sprang into action, bringing adder to remove the chandelier.

    Steyr-Mark¡¯s aide-de-camp made a gesture of invitation, ¡°General, the map room is set up this way.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s have a look at the bedroom where I¡¯ll sleep tonight, since you guys definitely haven¡¯t updated the map information yet,¡± the general waved his hand.

    The aide-de-camp immediately changed direction, ¡°This way, please, up the stairs.¡±

    A few minutester, the general entered the bedroom and frowned at the sight of the luxurious velvet bed, ¡°What is this! Heidlin, you should know I don¡¯t like this sort of thing! Throw this out, burn it, bring my field bed here!¡±The aide-de-camp Heidlin quickly issued instructions to the orderlies, and within minutes the velvet bed had been dismantled and thrown out of the window.

    General Steyr-Mark¡¯s field bed was set up in the original position.

    Once all waspleted under his supervision, the general nodded in satisfaction, ¡°Heidlin, as a soldier, you must always remain vignt. Velvet is not suitable for soldiers.¡±

    At that time, amunications officer appeared with a telegram, ¡°General, an urgent message from the 15th Armored Division.¡±

    ¡°Read it.¡±

    The staff officer immediately read, ¡°To Armored Cluster Command, my unit is facing resistance in the attack at Loktov, the enemy has deployed the new model tanks, T-34, mentioned by High Command, posing a significant armor advantage to our forces.

    ¡°My division now has only 53 operational Panzer IIIs and 4 Panzer IVs. Moreover, because the battlefield is under enemy control, we are unable to retrieve and repair abandoned tanks.

    ¡°The enemy used their mobility tounch a surprise attack on our headquarters, General Randolf died for his country! 15th Armored Division Headquarters, July 7, 1730 hours.¡±

    The general turned his head to themunications officer, his brows furrowed. He stepped forward, took the telegram, and read it several times before eximing, ¡°Major General Randolf is dead?¡±

    Chief of staff: ¡°He may be the highest-ranking officer we have lost since the beginning of our offensive.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± the general put the telegram behind his back and began pacing the room, ¡°New tanks! High Command said there were at most a hundred of these tanks! Did the 15th Division report how many new tanks they encountered?¡±

    ¡°No. The report they sent back is the one you¡¯re holding,¡± answered themunications officer.

    Chief of staff: ¡°I remember yesterday¡ªthat is, on the 6th, the 15th Division reported that after a failed probing attack, they still had 91 operational Panzer IIIs and 27 Panzer IVs.

    ¡°Such a heavy loss in one go; the enemy must have deployed over 50 of the new tanks.¡±

    Steyr-Markined as he paced, ¡°The intelligence department of the Southern Army Group told us that Loktov only had two infantry brigades, yet there emerged corps heavy artillery and now organized new tank units. Did these enemies sprout from the ground?¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, anothermunications soldier entered the room with a telegram and handed it to themunications officer, ¡°Just finished decoding.¡±

    Steyr-Mark went up and snatched the telegram to read for himself, ¡°Telegram from Southern Army Group headquarters: ording to aerial reconnaissance, an infantry army group of the enemy is advancing towards Loktov, expected to arrive tomorrow evening.

    ¡°The First Armored Cluster should attempt to capture Loktov before the arrival of the army group.¡±

    After reading, Steyr-Mark handed the telegram to the chief of staff, ¡°An infantry army group, no mention of tanks.¡±

    Chief of staff: ¡°Perhaps tomorrow we could have the 15th Division try again?¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± General Steyr-Mark waved his hand, ¡°The offensive operations of these past ten days have proven one thing, that is, our armored divisions are assigned too few infantry. If the enemy has heavy artillery and possibly fifty new tanks, then they might have seven to eight infantry battalions. Our armored divisions only have four armored grenadier battalions, one of which is motorized reconnaissance!¡±

    After another round of pacing, he stressed once more, ¡°We need to increase the number of armored grenadiers! Ordinary infantry can¡¯t keep up with armored units and always fall out of step during the attack.

    ¡°The Ante people were in disarray, allowing our armored forces to break through with ease, buttely the Ante have started to put up a stubborn fight! We need infantry to conquer those well-defended towns!¡±

    The chief of staff tentatively asked, ¡°So¡­ we¡¯re not attacking anymore?¡±

    ¡°We will attack! Once the enemy¡¯s infantry army group arrives, taking Loktov will be even more difficult. Have the 24th Armored Grenadier Division join the attack. Now that Major General Randolf has died a glorified death,mand of the assault will be handed over to Major General Franz of the 24th Armored Grenadier Division.¡±

    The chief of staff nodded, ¡°Having an infantry officer direct the fight to capture a city is very sensible.¡±

    Steyr-Mark nodded and then said, ¡°And one more thing! Have the Air Force bomb the enemy¡¯s positions hard! Especially those tanks! Since the enemy¡¯s new tanks are so troublesome, let the Air Force deal with them!

    ¡°50 tanks are hard to hide!¡±

    Having said this, Steyr-Mark waved his hand.

    As themunications officer who received the orders was about to leave, the general spoke again, ¡°Whomands the enemy forces at Loktov?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s said to be Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov.¡±

    General Steyr-Mark frowned, ¡°These Ante names are so long. So, who is that?¡±

    ¡°The White Horse General,¡± said the chief of staff.

    Steyr-Mark frowned, ¡°The White Horse General? The young officer trusted by the emperor used to shift me?¡±

    The chief of staff: ¡°If I remember the name correctly, it¡¯s him.¡±

    Steyr-Mark frowned, ¡°Randolf was killed by this man? Communications officer, wire the 15th Armor and inquire about the details of Major General Randolf¡¯s death!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Karlinovka, July 7, 1940

    ¡°I saw it with my own eyes!¡±

    Old soldier Hans told the others gathered around the fire, ¡°That new tank was painted all white! It charged across the battlefield and destroyed seven of our tanks before reaching headquarters!¡±

    ¡°The headquarters¡¯ guard tank toon immediately advanced, and bang, bang, bang, the pure white new tank blew them all up!¡±

    ¡°That white figure was like a demon arriving! It was the white demon summoned by the Ante Army!¡±

    Someone by the fire immediately objected, ¡°You¡¯re talking nonsense! I clearly heard it was painted red like the Red Baron!¡±

    ¡°What are you saying!¡± Hans was displeased, ¡°They call him the White General! How could it be red? I saw it with my own eyes and it was white!¡±

    ¡°Who cares about red or white! What happened after it charged up close?¡± someone was only interested in the oue.

    ¡°What else could happen? With one ¡®boom¡¯ from the tank¡¯s gun, the major general was dead! And several staff officers too!¡±

    While the old soldier was vividly describing the scene, someone beside him shouted, ¡°Hans! Your coffee tastes terrible! What is this stuff?¡±

    ¡°Be grateful for what you¡¯ve got!¡± Hans shouted back without hesitation.

    At this moment, someone spoke mysteriously, ¡°About this White General, there¡¯s a rumour. It was told to me by a fellow sapper from my hometown! In this vige, the White General nted 20 devious mines, and the sappers only managed to remove four and one exploded.¡±

    ¡°The remaining fifteen mines have not been found at all!¡±

    This statement made everyone around the fire tense up.

    The person who shared this news seemed pleased, ¡°So be careful, stay away from anything suspicious, or you won¡¯t be keeping your life!¡±

    The Prosen soldiers looked at each other in dismay.

    If the White General could take out 12 tanks and kill General Lendorf all by himself in a single tank, then he surely could have nted 15 mines.

    There was no logical connection between the two, but the grunts didn¡¯t care about that; they just believed the White General could do it.

    Everyone secretly swore that when it came time to sleep, they would definitely sleep outside the house¡ªthey dared not even consider using a bed.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At ten fifty in the evening, Wang Zhong rode his white horse out of the city and found the mechanics fervently trying to save tanks at the repair factory to understand the situation.

    ¡°Your Excellency General,¡± said the same old worker who was assembling the cannon, ¡°You asked us to repair tanks, but we¡¯re car mechanics, not very familiar with tanks. So we¡¯ve enlisted the help of maintenance workers from the tractor station; at least they can reattach the tracks.¡±

    Then the old worker introduced a colleague to Wang Zhong, ¡°This is the foreman from the tractor station, let him exin the situation.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Please, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Your Excellency General! We¡¯ve checked several abandoned tanks, and three of them can move once the tracks are reattached, and the turrets are functional.¡±

    ¡°Of the remaining five, one has a damaged leading wheel that needs recement parts. The turrets on the other four are jammed by enemy armor-piercing shells.¡±

    ¡°We n to use pliers to pull out the armor-piercing shells wedged between the turret and the body.¡±

    ¡°As for the other faults, we aren¡¯t familiar with cannons, so we can¡¯t inspect the condition of the cannons. The machine guns, only a few of us reservists have seen them during mobilization training, we can¡¯t guarantee that they¡¯ll be fixed.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°How many do you estimate can be rescued?¡±

    ¡°If given time, we can fix them all. But will you give us the time?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Time is tonight, I hope to have these tanks back in fighting condition before six or seven o¡¯clock tomorrow morning.¡±

    ¡°That will be difficult,¡± said the foreman of the tractor station, ¡°We don¡¯t have the specialized repair equipment, nor are we professional logistical mechanics. By the time you¡¯ve set, I think we can only repair five.¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback; it seemed that couldn¡¯t be demanded of them, so he changed the subject, ¡°What about those Prosen tanks?¡±

    The foreman shook his head, ¡°Those tanks are vastly different in design from ours, and the width of the tracks is different¡ªwe don¡¯t have the specialized tools to reattach tracks.¡±

    ¡°Plus, it¡¯s clear they are high-quality manufacturing, very precise. Such finely made things are harder to repair.¡±

    ¡°However¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°However?¡±

    ¡°However, we found that some of the enemy¡¯s tanks didn¡¯t really have any problems, just that their crew was severely reduced after being prated, so they were abandoned.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve inspected these tanks, and at least three are still operational, even able to fire shells.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Only three, huh¡­¡±

    5+3, not to mention anything else, it was truly a relief to have restored the fighting capability of 8 tanks¡ªregardless of whether they were T34s or not.

    But these few tanks were far from enough!

    Who knows how many enemy tanks they will have to face tomorrow!

 Chapter 121: Artillery Preparation

    On the morning of July 8, 914 A.D. ording to the Jules calendar, Wang Zhong woke up amidst the rubble.

    The ¡°senior officers¡¯ quarters¡± next door, where he had stayed before, had its roof blown off, but, miraculously, none of the three beds had been crushed.

    As soon as Wang Zhong opened his eyes and sat up, he saw Yegorov cleaning his gun.

    ¡°Not polishing shoes today?¡± he asked, puzzled.

    Taking his shoe, Yegorov showed a huge gash at the front: ¡°It got sted by a grenade. I only discovered it this morning, so I sent Vasily to get me a new pair,¡± he said.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Treating Vasily as your personal orderly?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? Or could it be, the rumors are true?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What rumors?¡±

    Yegorov, as if searching for the right adjective, twirled his hand in the air, ¡°A rtionship of a wolf to a sheep!¡±Wang Zhong thought for a second, then figured Yegorov probably meant to say ¡°an intimacy as of dragons and suns¡± but misspoke.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Not at all! Don¡¯t you know my reputation? I¡¯m the bulldozer of Saint Yekaterinburg, the terminator of nobledies¡¯ chastity!¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°But that doesn¡¯t conflict with this! Did I spell it right, though?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, you didn¡¯t.¡±

    ¡°I knew it!¡± Yegorov cursed, ¡°Damn! You guys alwayse up with these words no one uses!¡±

    Wang Zhong changed the topic to the empty bed: ¡°Popov didn¡¯te backst night?¡±

    ¡°How could he possiblye back? Afterst night¡¯s battle, there must be a mountain of tasks to do. A normal brigade headquarters needs over a hundred staff, odd-job men, and clerks. How many do we have? It wouldn¡¯t be surprising if Pavlov copsed at any moment.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Does a brigade headquarters really need that many people?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not even countingmunications and security. A normal brigade HQ, along with logistics and apanyingborers and such, numbers in the thousands.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°A brigade? That many people?¡±

    ¡°Yep, that number is on the conservative side for logistics. A fully staffed brigade with sufficient supplies normally has a ratio of 2 civilians to 1 soldier, and that can be reduced to 1:1 only if you have enough vehicles.¡±

    Wang Zhong scratched his head. No wonder they said the victory of the Huaihai Campaign was pushed by single-wheel carts.

    Having only known it on paper, now Wang Zhong truly understood that modern warfare is a war of logistics.

    In passing, Wang Zhong also finally figured out why Pavlov was always busy with panda eyes. He hoped Popov would relieve some of his pressure.

    Wang Zhong wished so.

    At that moment, Yegorov spoke up: ¡°Heard you wanted theborers to dig tank emcements yesterday?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, a type of tank emcement that I devised myself.¡±

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t actually his own idea, but rather one taken from the Soviet armored defense manuals of another timeline.

    Who says giarism is limited to poetry?

    Wang Zhong picked up a brick, cleared a clean space on the ground, and started to draw a diagram for Yegorov.

    (Image from the Bilibili UP host Doggie Chocte)

    As he drew, Wang Zhong exined: ¡°Look, the straight walls on this side are the front, facing the enemy, and the sloped side is the rear. The rear has two steps, allowing tanks to move between them using their own power.

    ¡°If tanks move to the bottom of the emcement, they will bepletely concealed by the front wall, keeping them hidden from the enemy, who can¡¯t directly attack them.

    ¡°Backing up onto the ramp will allow the tanks to expose just their turrets to fire. At this time, arge area in front can amodate the muzzle st, making it difficult for the enemy to spot the tank¡¯s position.¡±

    Yegorov, holding his chin: ¡°Though I¡¯m an infantry officer, I can tell this is cunning! It¡¯s reminiscent of our Civil War trenches, with differing heights on each side, making it difficult for enemies who enter the trench to shoot backwards, while our counter-attacks can easily reim the trenches!¡±

    Wang Zhong hesitated: ¡°Uh, I think there still is a difference.¡±

    ¡°Anyway, it¡¯s all about using the height difference of trench sides to our advantage. So, were these tank emcements dug in the end?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head: ¡°No, thebor camp said the amount of earthwork required was too much. With their manpower, not even by tomorrow night¡ªtonight, could they finish. So, they had to do some things that would have immediate effects instead.

    ¡°Like buryingndmines.¡±

    Yegorov looked up in surprise: ¡°Do we have mines now?¡±

    ¡°They were deliveredst night. Also, I have some new ideas for the minefield. See, the enemy would use artillery to st the minefield, setting off all mines, right?

    ¡°We need to think inversely, so I had the engineers guide theborers to bury the mines five kilometers away from the city, so enemy artillery can¡¯t reach the minefield.

    ¡°But, we erected signs in Prosen around the city, along with some pickle jar lids.

    ¡°Inside those lids, we¡¯ve mixed in real mines, and beneath each, we¡¯ve buried homemade booby traps made out of grenades. If the engineers disarming the mines don¡¯t notice the booby traps, then BOOOOM!¡±

    Yegorov stared, dumbstruck, ¡°Was that your idea?¡±

    No, it was acted out in ¡°Mine Warfare.¡± Back then, war movies always had military advisors withbat experience, so it should be reliable.

    But Wang Zhong, with shamelessly thick skin, pped his chest, ¡°My idea!¡±

    Yegorov raised his thumb, ¡°No wonder you have a good eye for Vasily, that troublemaker. You both likeing up with bad ideas.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, maintaining his smile as he stood up and walked over to where the window used to be¡ªnow there was only a breast-high wall left. Had the vase still not been on the windowsill, one might not have known there was once a window here!

    Looking out at the fields, Wang Zhong¡¯s smile vanished.

    It hadn¡¯t been noticeable at night, but now the once green fields had turned iron grey.

    Just as Dmitry had said, thisnd was almost entirely made of iron now.

    However, Wang Zhong noticed a tuft of grass growing stubbornly in the morning sun.

    As Yegorov was cleaning his gun, he asked, ¡°What do you think the enemy will lead with today?¡±

    ¡°I think it will be an airstrike,¡± Wang Zhong replied. ¡°They always start with a bombing run, otherwise the Prosen Air Force would have to exin themselves to the Army.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the telephone rang in the next room.

    A momentter, Dmitry came in to report, ¡°Brother Peter has heard arge enemy air group approaching.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright, got it, sound the air raid rm.¡±

    The air raid rm sounded right after he spoke, clearly Brother Peter had called the air defense troops first.

    Yegorov, ¡°Didn¡¯t many people see the Air Force shoot down the enemy¡¯s high-altitude reconnaissance ne yesterday?¡±

    ¡°I saw it. After they took down the enemy, they even flew over the city to salute the young lives sacrificed,¡± Wang Zhong said. ¡°Although I¡¯m grateful for their efforts to boost morale, I still wish the Air Force could provide a bit more substantial help.¡±

    The roar of engines came from the horizon, and Wang Zhong symbolicallyy down on the ground.

    Twenty minutester, the sound of the enemy nes receded, and Wang Zhong got up, patting the dust off his body.

    At that moment, Vasily rushed into the room, ¡°Commander, I¡¯ve brought the boots over!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Did you encounter any bombing on the way? All good?¡±

    ¡°No trouble. A kind olddy pulled me into her cer. Now I smell like pickled cabbage. Can you guys smell it?¡±

    Both Wang Zhong and Yegorov shook their heads.

    Vasily handed the boots to Yegorov and excitedly asked Wang Zhong, ¡°What¡¯s the n for today¡¯s fight?¡±

    ¡°The n is simple. Even though we didn¡¯t finish digging aplete tank shelter yesterday, I had thebor camp stack some sandbags for cover, and we put sandbags on the fronts and the turret fronts of the tanks.

    ¡°We¡¯ll be on the edge of the city, taking cover among the ruins and exchanging fire with the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Yegorov and continued, ¡°The T34 tank has really poor visibility, I confirmed this myself yesterday. The tankmander also acts as the gunner, and most of the time, he can only focus on the aiming periscope.

    ¡°So, by positioning the tanks at the edge and staggering them, all facing outward, we can effectively reduce the blind spots in the tanks¡¯ view.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°You¡¯re treating the tanks as gun emcements?¡±

    ¡°These are the results from yesterday¡¯s battle. Those Guards of Honor, they do fine standing in ce, aiming, and shooting at the enemy, but asking them to charge at the enemy tanks for a close fight is asking too much.

    ¡°When the enemy infantry gets close enough to threaten the tanks, we¡¯ll reverse out and let the machine guns deployed on the nks of the tank shelters cover for the tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong said with conviction, as if he was an experienced tankmander¡ªthough considering the abysmal loss rate of the Ante Empire¡¯s tank troops right now, perhaps Wang Zhong really was the leading tank expert in the Ante Empire.

    Yegorov nodded, ¡°I can¡¯t manage the tanks, I¡¯m just a simple infantryman. I¡¯ll keep holding our position today. In fact, things are much better than yesterday; at least we have more people.¡±

    Because of Wang Zhong¡¯s valiant fight yesterday, the church was able to muster a greatly increased Guardian Army, stuffing five Guardian Army battalions into Rocossov¡¯s battle group.

    However, these men had hardly received anybat training, and all they had were the outdated weapons from the stores.

    In the words of Paradox Interactive gamers, these were the quintessential ¡°cannon fodder infantry.¡± But having cannon fodder was still better than letting elite troops fight a lonely battle.

    Yegorov, ¡°And you, General? Going to continue riding your tank?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am the mobile force; I¡¯ll appear where I¡¯m needed.¡±

    ¡ª¡ªThis is the confidence a top-down perspective gives me.

    Just then, the howl of shells passed overhead.

    The enemy¡¯s artillery preparation had begun.

    Everyone in the roomy down together, maintaining the standard artillery evasion posture.

    As the shells fell, Yegorovughed, ¡°Looks like it¡¯s going to be another busy day today!¡±

 Chapter 122: Pavlovâ€™s Flexibility and Adaptability

    On the morning of July 8th at eight o¡¯clock, Wang Zhongmanded Vehicle 422 to enter the preset positions.

    The other vehicles were already in the shelters, covered tightly with camouges draped with leaves.

    The surviving crews of the two BT-7s from yesterday were split up and assigned to two understrength T34 crews.

    As for the recovered Mark III tank, it was operated by gunners from the 31st Guards Regiment and used as a fixed artillery emcement.

    Among the military academy students who had joined the 31st Guards, there was a toon of artillery school trainees; these young people had a strong capacity for learning and quickly mastered the manual turret operation of the Mark III.

    After all, the Mark III had decent armor, which should afford these trainees a higher survival rate than if they were directly manning the 45mm anti-tank guns.

    On the Eastern Front in World War II, both sides suffered high casualty rates among their anti-tank gun crews. Eventually, Sturmtigers were used as the main anti-tank firepower for infantry divisions to reduce reliance on anti-tank guns.

    Wang Zhong sat in the turret, pondering aimlessly, ¡°In the future, when I can influence arms production, I must produce something like the Sturmtiger to provide infantry divisions with anti-tank firepower.¡±

    The Soviet self-propelled guns were indeed used as artillery pieces, with the SU-76 and SU-85 capable of firing directly by lowering their barrels, although they were more often employed for indirect fire.This was reflected in post-war films, where ¡°Tank Destroyers¡± and howitzer batteries would be ced together, angling their barrels high for indirect fire.

    Originally, the early models of the Sturmtiger equipped with short-barrel howitzers were designed to fire shells, butter, due to increasing anti-tank pressure, they all switched to long-barrel guns to fight tanks.

    For a considerable time during World War II, the German forces on the Eastern Front held the advantage in armor engagements, with some units reporting only a loss of 10 tanks after three days ofbat, while iming to have destroyed over 200 Soviet tanks.

    However, Germany only had so many armored divisions, which meant that the infantry had to grapple with the numerous T34s.

    And the Sturmtiger greatly reduced the losses of the infantry divisions.

    This was a good thing to have! I should definitely get some! I need to figure out how to influence the production of equipment, I wonder if the Crown Prince can y a role in this area.

    As Wang Zhong mused about the future, Vasily¡¯s voice came over the radio: ¡°Hound Fox calling White Horse, Hound Fox calling White Horse!¡±

    Hound Fox was the call sign Wang Zhong had designated for the 31st Regiment headquarters¡ªthe forwardmand¡ªthis morning.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is White Horse, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°We just intercepted the enemy¡¯smunications. Although we don¡¯t know what units those call signs represent, it¡¯s certain they stepped onndmines and had to stop to clear them.¡±

    After realizing that their false intelligence had not fooled the Ante Army, the enemy had changed their call signs and code words, but monitoring was still meaningful, like right now.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are you sure they hit mines?¡±

    ¡°Positive. The enemy¡¯s front linemand also reported that the attack might be dyed by two to three hours.¡±

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh: ¡°Good!¡±

    Just a few mines had dyed them three hours, without any casualties! Mines really are a great thing! No wonder modern warfare involves both sidesying mines extensively.

    Wang Zhong could foresee that he¡¯d have to fight many defensive battles in the future, and mines would certainly be a great help in his military career.

    After Vasily¡¯smunication ended, Wang Zhong had just slightly removed his headset when he heard a new call: ¡°Nun calling White Horse, Nun calling White Horse!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s ¡®Nun¡¯? Who the hell is messing around with the radio?¡±

    ¡°I am Sufang! Aren¡¯t I a ¡®Nun¡¯? I received a hymn from the St. Ye Katerina Fortress choir, ordering us to attack with all our might, seeking to recover all lost territories within one or two weeks.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Shut your mouth! That¡¯s innguage, the enemy can hear it too! I¡¯m heading to the division headquarters now! You wait!¡±

    After saying that, he pped the top of the tank hard: ¡°To the division headquarters.¡±

    Beliyakov: ¡°We just arrived at the ambush position?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy won¡¯t arrive for at least another two hours. We go to the division headquarters first to see what kind of frenzy the guys in the rear are in.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered themand post, he saw Sufang.

    The girl couldn¡¯t help butugh at the sight of him: ¡°You¡¯re here!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Next time, don¡¯t talk about hymn content over the radio!¡±

    At that moment, Pavlov looked up: ¡°Actually, it¡¯s no big deal. Most of the hymn content isn¡¯t ssified, and anyone with the ability to listen can hear it, so enemy spies definitely know as well.¡±

    Oh? Is that so?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then does the hymn serve any purpose?¡±

    Sufang pouted: ¡°The envoys at Peniye called in Vehicle 67, thanks to me!¡±

    The girl¡¯s voice suddenly dropped.

    ¡°Although we had to sacrifice them there¡­ at least I managed to keep us alive.¡±

    It seemed that way.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, you¡¯re useful after all. So what did the big shots in the capital say?¡±

    ¡°They ordered a full assault, to recapture lost territories within two to three weeks,¡± Sufang answered seriously.

    Wang Zhong gave an honest appraisal, ¡°The Emperor¡¯s head has gone bad?¡±

    The blue-hatted courier who had just brought the telegram was shocked and, with a guarded look, searched for the speaker. Upon discovering it was Wang Zhong, he decisively pretended not to hear.

    A war hero, the Crown Prince¡¯s buddy, the White Horse Generalmenting on the Emperor¡ªwhat¡¯s wrong with that? Maybe it¡¯s a family matter. What¡¯s wrong if a bastardins about his dad? What if meddling causes trouble?

    Acting as if he hadn¡¯t heard anything, the blue-hatted courier approached Wang Zhong, clicked his heels together with a snap and saluted, ¡°Urgent telegram from the Front Army headquarters!¡±

    Wang Zhong took the telegram and saw it read ¡°Your unit should initiate an attack as soon as possible¡ª¡±

    He stopped reading, crumpled the telegram, and threw it into the trash can. The coordination of this body was excellent; he scored a direct hit. The body of this wastrel was well trained; howe it failed on the battlefield?

    Pavlov hurried over to pick up the telegram. Opening it, he said, ¡°It really is ordering us to attack. Shouldn¡¯t we have reported fewer enemy tanks destroyed yesterday?¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°How many did you report?¡±

    ¡°Two hundred,¡± Pavlov said with an innocent expression. ¡°We only overreported by forty-four percent!¡±

    ¡°Only?¡± Wang Zhong frowned in disapproval. What kind of small-time thinking was this? Were they making a ¡°grand base camp war report¡± here?

    Then he noticed the problem, ¡°Wait a minute! If the actual number destroyed was just over a hundred, and during the enemy¡¯s attack, there were 80 in the city and 100 outside, and we drove all the enemies away, what about the rest?¡±

    ¡°They fled from the north of the city,¡± exined Pavlov. ¡°By the way, they also found out that there were no defenses to the north, so that¡¯s why I had the church send the newly formed Guardian Army there. We also need to be careful about the north side in today¡¯s battle.¡±

    Wang Zhong sneered and returned to Pavlov¡¯s exaggerated count, ¡°200 tanks! You¡¯ve got some nerve! Even if we destroyed every tank the enemy had in their assault, there¡¯s still a shortfall of 20! Where am I supposed to find those 20 tanks?¡±

    ¡°You could say that when you raided the enemy¡¯s Armored Division headquarters, you destroyed twenty tanks,¡± suggested Pavlov.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue. Suddenly, he ¡°oh¡±-ed in realization, ¡°I understand why they want us to counterattack now. You guys kept addingyers to the story, so the higher-ups think the enemy is worn out, right?¡±

    Pavlov, with a dark face: ¡°What do you think turned us into this?¡±

    This Pavlov always spoke with multiple meanings!

    The waiting Judge looked up at the ceiling where spiders were weaving their webs.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Forget it, Judge! There¡¯s been no reply yet, has there?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± the Judge answered.

    ¡°Then don¡¯t respond. Smash the radio and say it was destroyed by artillery fire,¡± Wang Zhong dered with a wave of his hand. ¡°It¡¯s settled then.¡±

    Pavlov interjected, ¡°Wait a minute!¡±

    He told the Judge, ¡°Call the Cryptographer and the Codebook Custodian.¡±

    The Judge immediately left while Pavlov hunched over the desk and quickly scribbled a note, then tore it off the notepad.

    The Judge returned with the Cryptographer and Codebook Custodian.

    Pavlov ordered, ¡°Take this note, go to the hospital, and fill out admission cards for three wounded inpatients. Make sure to leave a record stating you¡¯re from thebat group¡¯smunication team!¡±

    The Judge, puzzled, asked, ¡°And then what?¡±

    ¡°Stay there until after the battle when we rotate out with the 63rd Army Group. Then im you¡¯ve recovered and leave discharge records.¡±

    Wang Zhong probed, ¡°Aren¡¯t they going to find out if you ¡®recover¡¯ within a few hours?¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s to fear? Once the battle starts, a massive number of casualties will flood the hospital. With so many records between admission and discharge, no one will notice anything. Even if they do, we can just say we were knocked out by a shell and taken in by the stretcher team.¡±

    Wang Zhong reassessed Pavlov: ¡°Is this the way a noble officer behaves?¡±

    ¡°You are also a noble officer. In the entire Empire, you¡¯re the only noble officer who can¡¯t say that about me. If we really get down to it, I learned from you!¡± Pavlov retorted, then waved the Judges off, ¡°Go on, hurry up.¡±

    The Judges left.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°So¡­ do we smash the radio or not?¡±

    ¡°No need for that. After the battle, we¡¯ll still need tomunicate with the Front Army. Look, our Cryptographer is injured and in the hospital. It¡¯s only normal we won¡¯t understand the telegrams we receive!¡±

    Then, Sufang spoke up, ¡°What about me? Should I respond acknowledging the receipt of psalms?¡±

    Wang Zhong suggested, ¡°How about you lie down in the hospital too?¡±

    Sufang considered it and nodded solemnly, ¡°I can help at the hospital. It¡¯s perfect since I am also a Monk; I can listen to the soldiers¡¯st prayers.¡±

    Wang Zhong approved, ¡°Very good.¡±

    Sufang turned and ran off.

    Pavlov picked up the torn note, ¡°Wait! The note! Ah, she ran off too quickly.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly felt, ¡°It¡¯s a miracle that the Ante Empire has not yet been defeated.¡±

    At this moment, Popov, who had been silent up until now, looked up and snorted, ¡°Hmph, the church has been displeased for a long time. During the civil war, we were so focused on purging the Sanctified faction that we ignored the scum among the great nobles who supported the Secr faction.¡±

    Upon hearing Popov¡¯s words, an idea struck Wang Zhong: ¡°Does this scum include me?¡±

    Popov nodded, ¡°It used to include you.¡± ¡°It used to.¡±

 Chapter 123: Combat Plan of the 24th Armored Grenadier Division (Extra for 2000 monthly tickets)

    On the enemy side.

    Major General Franz of the 24th Armored Grenadier Division arrived early in the morning at Karlinovka, where in the makeshift chapel set up by the army chain, he saw the body of Major General Rondorf, which had beenid out for a day and was somewhat swollen.

    ¡°Poor Rondorf,¡± Franz said, looking up at Rondorf¡¯s face after a moment of silence, ¡°I know he wanted to emte the young Erwin who always charged at the forefront in the Carolingian Campaign, so he pushed the headquarters very close to the front line.¡±

    The 15th Armored Division Chief of Staff said, ¡°Please ept my condolences, I heard that you and the divisionmander were ssmates at the military academy.¡±

    ¡°I was three grades above him,¡± Franz made a curt nod, not continuing to discuss the past, instead shifting the conversation to the day¡¯s battle, ¡°I received a report, have our troops been dyed by mines?¡±

    15th Armored Division Chief of Staff: ¡°Yes, mines suddenly appeared five kilometers away from the city, they must have beenidst night.¡±

    Major General Franz: ¡°You didn¡¯t leave a unit to monitor the enemy, and that¡¯s why this problem urred. What, were you scared out of your wits by the enemy¡¯s new tanks?¡±

    The Chief of Staff¡¯s expression immediately became constrained: ¡°This¡­¡±

    Major General Franz: ¡°I heard it was a white-painted T34 tank?¡±¡°No, I don¡¯t remember it that way, the color should have been the ordinary Ante Army protective color paint,¡± the Chief of Staff raised his right hand, his index finger drawing circles in the air as he recalled the scene, ¡°The tactical number was 422, and next to the number there was a drawing of a white horse. Additionally, there was a dirty and torn g on the radio antenna.¡±

    ¡°A dirty and torn g?¡± Major General Franz repeated, ¡°Is this a specific description, or does it have a special meaning?¡±

    The Chief of Staff: ¡°A specific description, it¡¯s just the Ante Empire¡¯s national g looking dirty and mucky, with a lot of bloodstains on it.¡±

    Major General Franz, while tapping his palm with a riding crop¡ªa number of Junker nobility officers carried a riding crop even when not mounted, as a recement for a gentleman¡¯s cane.

    It is said that the Junker nobility used this as a way to distinguish themselves from the emerging industrial nobility.

    Major General Franz tapped his palm with the riding crop, murmuring: ¡°Bloodstains, a filthy g, dirt and tears on the tank¡¯s g are understandable, but how did the bloodstains get there? Do tanks bleed too?¡±

    The Chief of Staff could only shake his head.

    After a moment, Major General Franz decided not to dwell on these details: ¡°You were scared out of your wits by the tank, and retreated to Karlinovka in a panic, not even leaving a unit to monitor the enemy, allowing the enemy toy mines again. You will be held ountable afterwards.¡±

    With that, Franz made a gesture, and his adjutant immediately handed him a white flower.

    Franz threw the white flower into Rondorf¡¯s casket and turned to walk away.

    Immediately to the right of the chapel was the current headquarters of the 15th Armored Division, with a small door leading directly into it.

    Franz entered through the small door and approached the map, tapping it with his riding crop: ¡°Loktov! Now guarded by the enemy¡¯s famous White Horse General.

    ¡°This White Horse General, who has never appeared in any exchanges between our army and the Ante Army, repeatedly inflicts painful blows on our forces!

    ¡°The intelligence department can¡¯t find his ranking in the university; among the students who graduated from the Suvorov Military Academy in thest fifteen years, none in the top one hundred bear that name! Are our excellent officers being defeated by a poor student?

    ¡°It¡¯s iprehensible! As ridiculous as a nonmissioned officermanding the entire Prosen Empire!¡±

    After saying this, Major General Franz again tapped the map a few times with his riding crop.

    The staff in the map room, whether from the 15th or the 24th Armored, all remained silent with serious expressions.

    Major General Franz sighed: ¡°Next, we have to eliminate this so-called White Horse General and crush the Ante Empire¡¯s will to resist! Just as we must¡ªwe must quickly take their capital, the St. Ye Katerina Fortress!¡±

    ¡°Long live the Empire!¡± Franz¡¯s adjutant shouted.

    ¡°Long live!¡± the others hurriedly followed suit.

    ¡°All right!¡± The general held up his riding crop, ¡°How is the progress on clearing the mines?¡±

    ¡°The enemy minefield is not covered by firepower, and the engineers believe they can clear a safe passage by 10:30.¡±

    Franz: ¡°Good, continue the artillery preparation on Loktov until then. The artillery¡¯s ammunition has been stuck on the road for so long, it¡¯s time to use it up!¡±

    Previously, due to inadequate preparation for the road conditions in the Ante Empire, the Prosen army was at one point stuck in traffic, with cannons and shells unable to keep up with the assault vanguard, so the armored units had always relied on apanying self-propelled mortars for offensive operations.

    But with the war now sixteen days in, the Prosen Army had already captured some railway hubs, and with the aid of railway transport, the traffic jams had finally eased.

    The Prosen now had an ample supply of shells.

    As soon as Major General Franz gave the order, a staff member immediately went to phone the artillery.

    The general continued to study the map, then suddenly tapped the 513 Anti-Aircraft Artillery Regiment¡¯s marker with his riding crop: ¡°Is the anti-aircraft artillery currently deployed?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the 15th Armored¡¯s Chief of Staff answered, ¡°I had them select good interception positions and deploy yesterday.¡±

    ¡°Too far, they¡¯re too far from the front. Have them enter marching order, I will designate a deployment position after I conduct a personal reconnaissance of the front.¡±

    The Chief of Staff from the 15th was shocked: ¡°You¡¯re going to the front line yourself?¡±

    ¡°An excellentmander must have a clear, clear grasp of the front-line terrain! If I were an Army Group Commander, then I could delegate the task of personally understanding the terrain to the divisionmanders below me. But as I am a divisionmander now, I must take responsibility for the troops!¡±

    After a pause, the general added: ¡°Of course, I will not be as eager and aggressive as Rondorf, I will stay with the divisional reserve. As for you, Armored Troops!¡±

    The few armored troops officers in the room all stood at attention, chin held high.

    The uniform of the Prosen Empire¡¯s Armored Troops was cker than that of regr troops, and the cor insignia was reced with a skull symbol instead of rank insignia.

    Major General: ¡°Your mission today is to advance alone after the passage through the minefield has been cleared.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it to let the armored grenadiers push into the city?¡± a Major of the Armored Troops asked with confusion.

    Major General: ¡°No, no, after being dyed bynd mines, it¡¯s already very difficult for us to capture the city this morning, but we can try to kill this White Horse General!

    ¡°He wiped out so many of our tanks yesterday, and inferior races are very prone to getting carried away! Right now, he must think they are invincible!

    ¡°Your mission is to release smoke and retreat after losing ten percent of your tanks. The enemy will surely give chase! We n to ambush them at this position!¡±

    The Major General forcefully pped the map on Hill 120 with his riding crop.

    ¡°I will personally choose the best firing positions for the anti-aircraft guns! In Carolingian, we stopped Carolingian¡¯s armored counterattack with 88-mm guns and destroyed arge number of B1 heavy tanks. We shall¡ªrecreate this glory!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    July 8th 1130 hours.

    The enemy¡¯s second artillery preparation finally ended.

    The crew members of the T34 tank came out from the anti-shell shelters and began inspecting their tanks.

    Due to heavy artillery bombardment, shock waves could cause the inner walls of tanks to peel off. While this peeling often did no damage to the mechanical equipment of the tank, it was deadly for the crew inside.

    Therefore, during bombardment, crew members generally left the tank, only taking shelter inside if there was no other way¡ªchoosing the lesser of two evils, as being in the tank was still safer than lying outside.

    The crew of tank number 213 chatted leisurely while inspecting their tank.

    Loader Aleksei (amon name): ¡°I don¡¯t understand, our new tanks are overwhelmingly superior to the enemy¡¯s, why don¡¯t we attack proactively? The enemy artillery is at most a dozen kilometers away, we could get there in half an hour! No, in 15 minutes!

    ¡°If we wiped out their artillery, we wouldn¡¯t be bombed like this!

    ¡°How many people have died because of this bombardment!¡±

    The tankmander red at him: ¡°What are you saying! The General has his own considerations!¡±

    ¡°What considerations? The enemy can¡¯t even prate us! We should be charging forward! Look, our tank has 40 armor-piercing shells, let¡¯s say it takes two shells to destroy one enemy tank, that¡¯s 20 tanks!

    ¡°If we charge forward, the enemy¡¯s 400 tanks will be finished! Then use high-explosive shells to blow up their hundreds, maybe thousands, of trucks, and we could relieve Karlinovka!¡±

    ¡°Alyosha!¡± the tankmander raised his voice, ¡°What are you talking about! Do you think you understand the enemy better than the General?¡±

    The loader pursed his lips: ¡°He himself should lead the charge, then! I heard from the electrician of tank 422 that they killed a general! Why not lead us in the charge as well!¡±

    ¡°Because at that time, you were screaming ¡®I¡¯ve been hit aahhhhh,¡¯¡± the driver finally couldn¡¯t help but retort, ¡°Every time we get hit by the Prussian artillery, you start wailing. If I were the General, I wouldn¡¯t take someone like you in a charge either.¡±

    Loader Aleksei defended himself: ¡°I really felt like I had been hit! My body felt as if it was punched!¡±

    ¡°Oh, right, right, the enemy¡¯s armor-piercing shell hit you through the 60-mm sloped armor. Let me tell you, you¡¯re also named Aleksei, the General is also named Aleksei; maybe all your courage was sucked away by him?¡±

    ¡°I¡­¡±

    ¡°Shush, the General ising!¡±

    After saying that, the tankmander was the first to stand up straight on the tank, holding his head high as he looked at the approaching tank number 422.

    Unlike the standard model T34, the General¡¯smand tank had arger turret, looking even more imposing.

    Of course, the most imposing was the General himself, with his upper body emerging from the turret, holding onto the hatch cover, eyes fixed ahead.

    A red g fluttered in the wind at the tip of the radio antenna behind the General.

    The crew of tank 213 held their heads high, saluting the General as soldiers awaiting inspection would.

    After the General¡¯s tank passed by, the loader was the first to speak up: ¡°I¡¯ve heard that when the General¡¯s tank charges, he likes to stick his head out of the turret to feel the wind blowing in his face!¡±

    The tankmander scolded: ¡°You idiot, that¡¯s for observing the enemy. You¡¯d understand if you were themander; you can¡¯t see anything without sticking your head out. If it wasn¡¯t for having to aim, I¡¯d be sticking my head out too!¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t the General have to aim?¡± the loader asked.

    ¡°His tank is a parade vehicle, manned by Instructor Alexander Yefimovich from the Armored Training Brigade as the gunner. The General doesn¡¯t have to aim himself!¡±

    ¡°Oh, I see,¡± the loader nodded, then asked, ¡°Why does the General¡¯s tank have a red g? Wasn¡¯t it just a g yesterday?¡±

    The driverughed: ¡°You were just saying you heard this and that, so howe you don¡¯t know about such an important matter? Let me tell you, that red g on the General¡¯s tank is specially dyed, representing every soldier under hismand who has sacrificed their life.

    ¡°The General also said, ¡®One day, I too will spill my blood on the battlefield, and my valor will stain the red g!¡¯¡±

    The driver imitated the General so well it was as if General Rokossovsky had really said those words.

    ¡°Really!¡± Loader Aleksei gazed towards the direction the General had gone. Tank 422 was now obscured by the shelter, but the red g was still clearly visible.

    At this moment, their toon leader came running over: ¡°Monk has heard the enemy tanks¡¯ engines, battle stations! Into the shelters!¡±

    Tank 213 did not have a radio¡ªonly the toonmand tank had such equipment, so the toon leader had to run over to inform them like this.

    The tankmander shouted: ¡°Did you hear that! Hurry, pack up the toolboxes! Into position!¡±

 Chapter 124: The Generalâ€™s Ingenious Strategy Demonstrates His Divine Prowess

    An hour before the Prussian Armyunched their attack.

    Major General Franz put down his binocrs and praised, ¡°The 513th Regiment deployed very quickly. As long as the enemy is sessfully lured, we are certain to achieve great results.¡±

    Then he turned to another direction, observing the firing position of the 24th artillery regiment equipped with the PAK38 fifty-millimeter anti-tank guns through his binocrs.

    After a minute, Major General Franz lowered his binocrs, ¡°Very good, with this we can form a crossfire, and whatever kind of newfangled tanks the enemy has, we¡¯ll destroy them!¡±

    As he spoke, he turned around, ¡°All we need to do is fall back and wait for the Ante Army, eager for glory, toe charging over.¡±

    After taking two steps, Major General Franz stopped,ing up with a new idea. He turned his head and said, ¡°Is themunication vehicle of the 15th Division still around? Evacuate the personnel, and leave themunication vehicle and other vehicles here!¡±

    As he said this, he pointed at the 120 high ground beneath his feet.

    ¡°Make this ce look like amand post!¡±

    The Major General¡¯s orders were swiftly executed. The armoredmand vehicles of the original 15th Division headquarters were driven up to the high ground, and all personnel were evacuated, leaving only the vehicles behind.Franz¡¯s adjutant watched this and finally couldn¡¯t help bute over and say, ¡°These are almost all of the radio equipment of the 15th Division¡¯smand post. If they¡¯re destroyed, it will take a while to rece them, and themand andmunication capabilities of the 15th Division will be greatly reduced.¡±

    Franz replied, ¡°But if we can eliminate the enemy¡¯s war hero, it will be worth it. Think about our offensive operations along the way. Although we encountered some fiercely resisting forces, in most ces, the enemy copsed before us!

    ¡°The resistance of the enemy has obviously increased now. In the encircled Bogdanovka, there are still troops fighting, and the 6th Army Group has to systematically clear the enemy out of each building!

    ¡°At times like this, it¡¯s even more important to strike a blow to the enemy¡¯s morale! Whether this Rokossovsky is the White Horse General or the White Eagle General, we must eliminate him!¡±

    Major General Franz habitually tapped the palm of his hand with his riding crop.

    ¡°As long as the armored forcesplete the baiting mission, the enemy, without theirmander, will be disorganized. We¡¯ll then have the opportunity to seize Loktov. By then, with the railways, won¡¯t it be easy to rece some radiomand vehicles?¡±

    In actuality, after such a battle, the 15th Division would have to stop and regroup.

    Franz looked at the acting divisionmander of the 15th Division, revealing a grim smile.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Tank number 422 just reached the bunker when the enemy appeared on the horizon.

    Wang Zhong immediately switched his viewpoint to observe the enemy situation.

    As he watched, his brows twisted into a knot, ¡°So few apanying infantry?¡±

    If it were from a normal person¡¯s viewpoint, it probably wouldn¡¯t be noticeable since, from the front, the infantry were obscured by the tanks.

    But Wang Zhong¡¯s overview could even highlight the enemies, making everything crystal clear at a nce.

    So few apanying infantry didn¡¯t seem like they were preparing for urban ¡°meat-grinding¡±bat; it rather looked like a case of ¡°not having apanying infantry would be too obvious, so just throw in a few for appearance¡¯s sake.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned deeply.

    At that moment, he remembered a tactic from Earth¡¯s military history where Sturmtigers feigned a retreat with their armored forces to lure T34s into pursuit, then ambushed them with t-trajectory fire from eighty-eight millimeter anti-aircraft guns.

    Could the Prussians also be using this tactic?

    Regardless, Wang Zhong decided to fire first. Whether or not the enemy was baiting, it was imperative to secure thebat results first.

    He raised his hand¡ªthen remembered that no one could see him as the T34 tankmanders were glued to their sights, aiming at targets.

    He awkwardly lowered his hand and gave the order through his radio: ¡°Fire!¡±

    The next moment, all the toon leader tanks with radios opened fire.

    The other tanks, hearing the sound of gunfire, also followed suit. Half the regiment of T34s fired in unison.

    The shells crossed a charred in and hit four Panzer IIIs.

    The enemy fired back, but the T34s were well armored, and now they also had sandbags for cover.

    The precise shooting by the Prussian crew hit the target about eighty percent of the time, but the shells were all deflected, striking the brick walls behind the tank shelters.

    The enemy tanks did not falter, remaining in ce and continuing to aim at the T34s in the bunkers.

    Just then, Vasily¡¯s voice came through the static in Wang Zhong¡¯s headset: ¡°The enemy is shouting to fire another round! Something feels off!¡±

    The words had barely ceased when tanks on both sides opened fire¡ªobviously, the enemy¡¯s fifty-millimeter guns reloaded a bit faster.

    Three more Panzer IIIs billowed with thick smoke.

    Then the enemy started toy down a smokescreen. The infantry, which had been hiding behind the tanks, also threw smoke bombs, cutting off the T34s¡¯ view from inside the shelter.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, and at that moment, he was certain that the enemy was indeed baiting.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Within tank number 213, the tankmander yelled, ¡°The enemy is retreating! They¡¯ve released smoke to obstruct our vision!¡±

    The loader, Aleksei, stuffed a shell into the breech: ¡°Then what are we waiting for? Charge out and wipe them all out! We can push through directly and destroy the enemy¡¯smand post, then blow up their artillery positions!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± themander shouted loudly, ¡°We can¡¯t move until the toon leader tanks move! The toon leader tanks can hear the General¡¯s orders!¡±

    Aleksei pursed his lips, visibly displeased, as if someone had snatched a medal right off his chest.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At that time, Wang Zhong pulled out his map, turned to the side, and spread the map on top of the tank turret.

    Previously, Wang Zhong had personally surveyed the terrain from outside the city up to Karlinovka. Last night, as the Guardian Army and engineers went out toy mines, Wang Zhong had confirmed the terrain once again.

    Now, he was very familiar with the area outside Lokotov city.

    While examining the various markings he had personally drawn on the map during reconnaissance, Wang Zhong murmured, ¡°If this is an eighty-eight gun ambush, it should be here!¡±

    A good ambush position should meet several conditions: first, it must provide an excellent field of view; second, it should have forests or simr features for cover; third, it should offer a retreat path.

    Referring to these three conditions, Wang Zhong quickly found several suitable locations on the map.

    However, considering the direction that the enemy tanks retreated, Wang Zhong ultimately narrowed it down to three positions.

    Firmly holding the map, he climbed out of the turret, jumped to the ground, and ran into the nearby house, picking up the temporarily installed phone.

    This house not only had a phone but also an artillery sighting scope. It was originally an artillery observation post, with two artillery cadet officers on duty inside.

    As soon as the cadets saw Wang Zhong enter, they immediately saluted.

    ¡°At ease!¡± said Wang Zhong offhandedly as he picked up the phone. ¡°Connect me to the artillery position!¡±

    One gun at Position A had survived previously, so today Wang Zhong simply merged both artillery forces to prepare for abined fire tomorrow, giving the enemy a little shock of heavy artillery.

    ¡°Artillery position?¡± Wang Zhong looked down to check the coordinates he had marked on the map and read them out. ¡°Immediatelyunch an attack on the following three coordinates¡­ a salvo at each coordinate.¡±

    ¡°All three targets?¡± the artillery asked after receiving the coordinates. ¡°Should we fire at all of them? They¡¯re quite far apart!¡±

    No, not far, just enough to form a crossfire, Wang Zhong thought.

    Wang Zhong raised his voice, ¡°Yes, hit all three targets!¡±

    If the heavy artillery could knock out the enemy¡¯s 88mm guns, that would be great; after that, they would only need to worry about the likes of the 50mm caliber PAK38 cannon.

    If he remembered correctly, the 75mm caliber PAK40 anti-tank guns, capable of effectively suppressing T34s and KV1s, wouldn¡¯t reach the front until November.

    The artillery on the phone double-checked the firing coordinates and, after confirmation, said, ¡°We¡¯ll fire immediately, General! But¡­ what are we targeting?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I surmise that the enemy¡¯s anti-tank gun positions are at these locations. The tanks at the enemy¡¯s front pretended to surrender; I believe this might be a ruse to lure us.¡±

    The artillery was shocked, ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re ordering us to fire at these ces based on a hunch?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ve done reconnaissance personally before; these ces are highly suitable for setting up anti-tank gun positions.¡±

    If this were the game ¡°Steel Division¡±, Wang Zhong would definitely set up his own anti-tank guns at these three points.

    Just not sure if the Prussian General on the other side would share the same ¡°heroic insights¡±.

    Wang Zhong, the military enthusiast, might have some oversights, and the Prussian officer corps is likely more professional.

    But it¡¯s always worth a try, right? After all, no one knows how many days these big guns will remain intact; maybe by the afternoon, the Prussian Air Force wille and blow them to the sky.

    In that case, it¡¯s better to take advantage of the time and start the bombardment, damn it!

    At least it¡¯ll have some momentum even if it misses.

    Wang Zhongmanded, ¡°Once the parameters are set, open fire!¡±

    After hanging up the phone, he ran back to the tank.

    Gunner Alexandria asked, ¡°Why not pursue directly? The enemy seems to be at the end of their tether.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°This is a trap, they are prepared to ambush us from behind with 88mm anti-aircraft guns.¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    Wang Zhong continued to exin, ¡°Didn¡¯t you notice that there were very few infantry apanying them just now?¡±

    Alexandria shook his head, ¡°No, no, no, we couldn¡¯t see any apanying infantry at all; they might have gone prone as soon as the fighting started.¡±

    Wang Zhong emphasized again, ¡°There were very few enemy infantry apanying them! I believe this is an enticement. I¡¯ve already called in 203mm artillery fire to hit the potential positions of their anti-tank guns.¡±

    Alexandria was astonished, ¡°You were so reckless yesterday, why so measured today? Got scared after yesterday¡¯s recklessness?¡±

    ¡°I always mix caution with boldness!¡±

    Wang Zhong then realized what he had said, Am I Zhang Fei?

    Just then, gunfire sounded from behind, followed by the whistling of shells passing overhead.

    Alexandriamented, ¡°They really fired¡­ Isn¡¯t this a waste of 203mm ammo? I heard that there aren¡¯t many 203 rounds left!¡±

    Wang Zhong confidently said, ¡°Just wait and see, the enemy will take a good beating!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When General Franz heard the whistling of the shells, his adjutant tackled him to the ground instantly.

    Franz cursed, ¡°What are you doing? Those shells clearly won¡¯t fall here! You can tell by the whistle!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, arge shellnded on the position of a 50mm PAK38 anti-tank gun team that had been ambushed, instantly sending both the gun and the gunner sky-high along with the gun position.

    Franz watched in shock as the dust cloud resembling the explosion of an underwater torpedo rose.

    He quickly snapped out of his shock, ¡°It¡¯s from a 203! The enemy has observation teams around us!¡±

    He made the same judgment as his younger brother!

    But then the points of impact of the shells clearly deviated from the anti-tank gun positions.

    This uracy¡ªeither the enemy¡¯s observation team is too ipetent, or¡ªit¡¯s just a blind shot!

    Franz¡¯s scalp tingled, ¡°That White Horse General, he has surveyed the terrain and knows where to ce the anti-tank guns!¡±

    There was no reason for this Junker noble to conclude that it was the White Horse General¡¯s doing.

    Franz ordered, ¡°Tell the anti-aircraft battalion to abandon their positions! If it¡¯s a blind shot, they won¡¯t only hit here!¡±

    At that moment, the whistling came again.

    The second wave of shells fell near the hedgerows on the western side of altitude 120.

    Franz was more certain, ¡°This is also a suitable ce for setting up anti-tank guns! Move out fast! Tell the anti-aircraft troops to retreat quickly! The third wave ising!¡±

    Major General Franz shouted frantically, pushing hismunications staff to yell through the field telephone in clearnguage, ¡°513th battalion! The general is ordering you to move out!¡±

    The call was effective; the 513th battalion began to pack up theirid-out spades, and though they moved quickly, like the stubbornness characteristic of the Prussians, they couldn¡¯t hurry the process.

    The sound of the shells tearing through the air approached.

    The men from the anti-aircraft guns who were packing up scattered and threw themselves to the ground, even those on the trucks scrambled underneath the vehicles.

    The 203 hit the ground!

    The first four shells were far off target, but thest one hit the ammunition truck of the 513th anti-aircraft battalion.

    An orange fireball rose from the ground and then turned into a mushroom cloud.

    It was just that in this era, no one had seen an actual mushroom cloud from a nuclear st; otherwise, it would have been utterly nerve-wracking.

    Major General Franz watched the mushroom cloud, furiously muttering that name, ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, damn you!¡±

 Chapter 125: A Battlefield Full of Surprises and Delights

    Chapter 125: A Battlefield Full of Surprises and Delights

    Wang Zhong looked at the object rising in the distance, frowning deeply, ¡°What did I hit?¡±

    It couldn¡¯t be¡­ a nuclear bomb, could it? If the enemy had nuclear bombs, we¡¯d have met the King of Hell already.

    It could only be an ammunition truck exploding.

    The rising fireball and mushroom cloud were the first things Wang Zhong had encountered that he couldn¡¯t see from an aerial perspective, but could with the naked eye.

    It seemed his shelling had hit something, so should he take advantage of the enemy¡¯s anti-tank position being in chaos and make a move to score a little?

    After some thought, Wang Zhong eventually decided not to take the risk.

    He had two reasons: First, the heavy artillery had hit something, proving that the enemy really had anti-tank guns in those positions. It was a trap. And his own strength wasn¡¯t overwhelming enough to forcefully break through this trap.

    Second, the enemy tank operators were too elite. Just yesterday, some had been aiming at the tracks and turret rings.

    Today, using pre-set protective covers, he finally managed to protect the tracks and turret rings, temporarily solving the T34¡¯s blindness issue. Now, the casualty rate looked good¡ªno, right now, Wang Zhong¡¯s side had no casualties.But the situation would be different without the covers. In the confusion of closebat, the elite Prussian veteran tank operators would definitely have a greater advantage.

    These two reasons made Wang Zhong give up the idea of taking a gamble.

    Hey, what¡¯s wrong with acting like a tortoise? What¡¯s wrong with hiding in my shell? Come and bite me if you can!

    If the enemy brought up the 88 guns, Wang Zhong would call for the 203 to deal with them. An 88 gun, a fixed weapon that needed to be set up, would just be asking to be shelled once it entered the line of sight.

    Without an 88 gun, my armor has a 40-centimeter-thickyer of sandbags¡ªneither the Panzer III¡¯s 50-millimeter ¡°little water pipe¡± nor the Panzer IV¡¯s 75-millimeter ¡°short fatty¡± could scare me!

    ¡ªAnd I still have infantry cover, so I¡¯m not afraid of infantry charging to grind meat.

    The most important thing was that these more than 20 T34s were a mobile force. Even if the enemy saw a tank line as solid as a rock and wanted to shift the main attack direction, the tanks could quickly provide support, even encircle from the nks.

    The more Wang Zhong thought, the more he felt he shouldn¡¯t move.

    He started to think from the enemy¡¯s perspective: How would they knock on this tortoise shell?

    After much thought, he felt the only option was for the Stuka to drop 500-kilogram or even 1000-kilogram ¡°gas cans.¡± Otherwise, there was no breaking through!

    Following that line of logic, Wang Zhong naturally considered using smoke bombs to counter the enemy bombing¡ªif the target couldn¡¯t be seen, it naturally couldn¡¯t be bombed.

    Not to mention the Stuka¡¯s dive bombing, even on Earth, the Sturmtiger¡¯s Fritz X radio-controlled bombs feared smoke, as these devices were guided by an operator on the ne relying on sight. Once the target was obscured by smoke, remote-controlled bombs would mostly miss their mark.

    Then, Wang Zhong thought further, realizing that even if a 500-kilogram bomb didn¡¯t hit the tank directly, being dropped nearby would still be quite troublesome.

    It might not kill everyone inside the tank, but it could damage the tank.

    Even if it just blew off the tracks, it would greatly reduce the tank¡¯sbat effectiveness.

    When a tank could move, it could back away and create distance from the infantry, using firepower to inflict casualties. A stationary tank approached by infantry would turn into an experience farm.

    Because of this, by the middle andter stages of the war, tank operators all carried submachine guns, so they could climb out and fight if they found infantry getting too close.

    Wang Zhong understood this, and the enemy Stuka pilots probably did too. Would they dare bomb through the smoke?

    After much consideration, Wang Zhong decided to be one step ahead of the enemy and ordered the tanks to move to reserve positions. Then, he nned to have the Guardian Army equipped with smoke bombs hide near the empty tank covers, ready to throw smoke bombs.

    When Brother Peter heard the Stukas approaching, he would use the smoke to cover the empty tank covers.

    You didn¡¯t expect that, I¡¯m on the second level!

    The best part was that this was risk-free. The reserve positions had been carefully chosen; they could also block the enemy¡¯s advance, although the field of fire was worse than the first position, and there were no covers to hide the weak spots, which might result in broken tracks and turret rings.

    Having made up his mind, Wang Zhong waved to the Priest of the Guardian Army standing by his side, ¡°Come over here! I have a task for you!¡±

    The Priest ran over, ¡°Yes, General! Speak, please!¡±

    From the Priest¡¯s expression, it was clear that the huge fireball and mushroom cloud in the distance had also boosted the morale here.

    Wang Zhong gave his instructions, then used the radio to call all toonmand vehicles, arranging for the tanks to retreat to the reserve positions.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Call the Air Force!¡±

    Major General Franz said resolutely.

    ¡°It¡¯s impossible to push the eighty-eight millimeter guns forward, as long as the enemy¡¯s 203 hasn¡¯t been countered or destroyed, we can¡¯t possibly bring our slowly deploying anti-aircraft guns to the front line. Although we still have half of our anti-aircraft ammunition, I think that white horse general won¡¯t be fooled.¡±

    Actually, Major General Franz made a mistake here, he overestimated the white horse general too much, just like the staff officer of the 15th Division yesterday.

    It wasn¡¯t his fault, really. His carefully designed ambush didn¡¯t catch the enemy, and instead, they retaliated with a blind artillery strike, whichnded precisely on the most favorable position set for an anti-tank gun ambush.

    What does this indicate? It demonstrates that the enemy has meticulously scouted the entire battlefield and has thought through all possibilities from aparative perspective!

    This is the quality of a top tactician.

    The key fact was that the position chosen by the white horse general was identical to the one Major General Franz had selected. Had the chosen positions been even slightly different on either side, the artillery strike would have hit nothing.

    This realization instantly elevated the enemy to the same level as himself in Major General Franz¡¯s eyes, with a certain newfound respect.

    Of course, the Major General wouldn¡¯t admit this, for ording to the Imperial Propaganda Minister, Ante is an inferior race, and so the generals of Ante must be inferior as well. The Prussians would prove their racial superiority in the process of conquering Ante, just as they did when they conquered Carolingian.

    No, he could never admit the enemy was strong; he had to disy contempt for the enemy.

    Thus, Major General Franz calmed his emotions and made excuses, ¡°Although we can also deal with those tanks in the covers!¡±

    The matter of enemy tanks hiding in covers had been reported by the bait troops that had retreated.

    In the Prussian military textbooks, when setting up armored defenses, they would dig tank covers to protect the tanks¡¯ weak spots. Although this practice had not been used by the Prussian Army so far, the Armored Troops were very familiar with it given their professional level.

    Franz said, ¡°But! The Air Force can handle it more conveniently, more effectively! We are calling for Air Force support not because we fear the white horse general and his new tanks!¡±

    ¡°Then¡­¡± asked the staff officer of the 15th Armored Division cautiously, ¡°the Air Force probably won¡¯t arrive until two or three in the afternoon, four o¡¯clock is possible. What do we do until then?¡±

    Major General Franz said through gritted teeth, ¡°Do you even need to ask? Before the appearance of Armored Troops, we were an army that fought with artillery and infantry, and we¡¯ve won countless victories! We have the finest infantry and artillery in Europa! Use Xu Jin barrage, infantry attack!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When Wang Zhong saw the Xu Jin barrage, just as he was about to order the tank operators to take cover from the artillery, he noticed his subordinates had already sprung into action.

    In the blink of an eye, the tank operators all dove into the nearby cers to lie low.

    The Xu Jin barrage passed quickly, and by the time Wang Zhong and his men climbed out from the cers and back onto the tanks, the field outside the city was engulfed in smoke. Thest wave of the enemy¡¯s Xu Jin barrage had been smoke bombs!

    No, this smoke¡­

    Even though Wang Zhong was far away from the smoke, he started coughing and felt a burning pain in his eyes! It was tear gas smoke!

    Through the smoke, the sound of a whistle could be heard.

    Wang Zhong had heard this sound in World War I themed movies; it was the whistle used by the Sturmtiger during attacks.

    The piercing sound of the whistles rose and fell.

    Then, Prosen infantrymen emerged one by one from the smoke, all wearing gas masks, the reflective surfaces of which looked like the eyes of demons from hell.

    A Guardian Army machine gun had just fired a burst when the gunner, with tears and snot running down his face, was fatally stabbed by a Prosen soldier who had darted out from an angle. The man fell limply over the machine gun.

    That Prosen pulled out his bloody bay and tossed a grenade through a nearby window.

    The explosion shattered the window ss, and the Guardian Army inside screamed in agony.

    Wang Zhong crawled into the tank, almost instantly realizing that these Guardian Army soldiers were not the elite 31st Guards Regiment; they couldn¡¯t outfight these seasoned Prosen veterans!

    To make matters worse, his own tanks weren¡¯t suitable for this sort of close-quartersbat!

    He had been so focused on how to counter the Stuka and hadn¡¯t expected them to resort to such a simple and unadorned tactic!

    The battlefield truly was full of surprises and ¡°delights¡±!

 Chapter 126: â€œWho Holds the Colorful Ribbon in the Sky Danceâ€ (3000 votes bonus Chapter)

    Chapter 126: ¡°Who Holds the Colorful Ribbon in the Sky Dance¡± (3000 votes bonus Chapter)

    Wang Zhong, upon seeing the Prussian Army advance in such a manner, immediately ordered over the radio, ¡°Retreat! All tanks, retreat! Avoid closebat with infantry!¡±

    His Tank 422 started moving at once, and, from an overhead perspective, all toonmand vehicles equipped with radios were set into motion, but the rest of the tanks remained stationary, firing away!

    In the face of the enemy, the tankmanders simply didn¡¯t notice that the toonmand vehicles had started moving!

    Dammit, this setup where only toonmand vehicles have radios is a huge pitfall! Whoever approved this design should be executed by firing squad five hundred times!

    But there are always more solutions than difficulties, and Wang Zhong, frantic, managed to think of one.

    Wang Zhong pressed the microphone against his throat, ¡°toonmand vehicles, use your coaxial machine guns to fire on the other vehicles in your toon, letting them know it¡¯s time to retreat!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Inside Tank 213,bat was raging fiercely.

    Casings from the hull machine gun and the coaxial machine gun ttered as they fell on the floor of thebat room.Suddenly, themander stopped firing, listening intently, ¡°Is someone shooting at us from behind?¡±

    Then he saw tracers flying forward from behind through the gunner¡¯s scope.

    He immediately turned his head, looked out through the narrow observation slot of the turret, and discovered the toon leader had already fallen back quite a distance!

    ¡°The toon leader is retreating!¡± themander shouted.

    The loader, Aleksei, shoved a shell into the breech: ¡°A high-explosive shell, good! That coward of a toon leader is scared, huh!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right! Why would he shoot us with a machine gun then?¡± themander thought, and then, ¡°No, this is the general¡¯s order, move back quickly!¡±

    Seeing Tank 213 begin to retreat, the toonmand vehicle quickly switched its targeting to Tank 214.

    Themander, having a brainwave, turned the gun barrel and used the coaxial machine gun to fire at Tank 212, which was at the far left of the formation.

    The electrician continued operating the hull machine gun, sweeping the approaching enemy infantry with fire.

    Tank 212 quickly realized what was happening and also began to retreat, but it was already toote, Prussian infantry from a blind spot on the side had gotten close, climbing right onto the turret¡ª

    Themander didn¡¯t hesitate to use the coaxial machine gun to mow down all of those Prussians.

    However, Tank 212 itself blocked most of the field of fire, and Prussians in the blind spot threw a smoking grenade.

    The grenadended on the engine deck of Tank 212 and immediately exploded, spreading mes over a range of several meters while producing arge amount of white smoke.

    The white smokepletely obscured the view of Tank 213, and themander could only see the crew of Tank 212, aze, jumping out of their tank, rolling on the ground trying to put out the fire.

    Another grenade was thrown, passing the burning Tank 212 and exploding on the ground.

    The tank operator on the ground stopped rolling, letting the mes consume him.

    Themander fell silent for a second and then yelled, ¡°Retreat! Tank 212 is done for!¡±

    He continued to fire into the thick smoke, trying to hold back the approach of the Prussian infantry.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong watched the battlefield, his heart wrenching.

    Havingboriously repaired five T34sst night, their casualties had been reduced to three, yet in these few short minutes, twelve had been lost!

    Apart from the six toon leader tanks, only Armor toon 1 had been rtively well-preserved, leaving only Tanks 213 and 214!

    The bastard who had decided to equip only toon leader tanks with radios should be dragged out to the shooting range alongside the idiot who decided to merge the roles of tankmander and gunner into one person!

    In his profound grief and anger, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even notice that the Prussians were using incendiary grenades¡ªa weapon they had developed specifically, although Molotov cocktails could have achieved the same effect.

    Grief aside, he still needed to find a solution. The good news was that six of the remaining tanks had radios and could bemanded. The bad news was the Prussians had spread so much smoke everywhere that it was impossible to fully utilize the tanks¡¯ firepower.

    The Guardian Army fought valorously, but without gas masks, the tear gas significantly weakened theirbat effectiveness.

    Prussia¡¯s elite armored grenadiers were clearing each house with practiced efficiency.

    Although the situation was dire, Wang Zhong did not cease to think.

    No visibility¡ª

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered World War II on Earth, when the Americans on Guadalcanal Ind grappled with the Japanese in a brutal melee.

    The Japanese were adept at night fighting, and the Americans, as usual, struggled with it. However, the U.S. troops defending Henderson Field came up with a method to counter Japanese night raids.

    In essence, it was, ¡°If I can¡¯t see you at night, then I don¡¯t need to see you. Just arrange your firepower properly during the day and sweep indiscriminately at night.¡±

    Every weapon was set to specific standards and firing zones, and all the American soldiers had to do was mechanically sweep their fire to seal off the entire front. Then, it was just a matter of waiting for the Japanese to run into the bullets.

    Looking at the southeastern part of the city now entirely engulfed in smoke, Wang Zhong decided it was time to see what this was all about.

    First, he needed an open space, and this open space had to be directly in the enemy¡¯s inevitable path of advance.

    With an aerial view, Wang Zhong immediately located the right ce: the square in front of the train station.

    Incidentally, the Military Transport Command Headquarters was nearby, with another square in front. The two squares together formed an open space about one hundred meters long and wide.

    The best part was that the hospital, train station, train dispatching yard, and Military Transport Command Headquarters were all on the north side of this square, so securing the square would protect these vital areas.

    If he set up a fire support area here, he could hold off the enemy even if they used smoke.

    But tanks alone were not enough. It would be better with some cooperation from elite veterans¡ª

    Wang Zhong suddenly noticed a station with his troops¡¯ mark.

    The Fifth Byshensky Regiment!

    He had transferred 81 men from the Fifth Byshensky Regiment to the train station, wishing to preserve the regiment¡¯s core.

 Chapter 127: â€œWho Dances with Colored Ribbons in the Skyâ€ (Extra for 3000 monthly votes)_2

    In such a situation, 81 veterans might be more reliable than 800 members of the Guardian Army!

    Besides, near the train station there¡¯s an anti-aircraft unit; first, find a way to dy the enemy, then we can call in the anti-aircraft unit for a more effective blockade of the area.

    As for what to do if enemy aircrafte at this time, we¡¯ll consider that when they actually arrive. Let¡¯s plug the immediate gap first.

    Wang Zhong immediately issued an order, ¡°All tanks, follow closely, we must maneuver to the square in front of the train station at top speed! Be careful of craters on the road!¡±

    The second toon leader asked, ¡°What about the members of the Guardian Army who are still resisting? Do we leave them behind?¡±

    Wang Zhong was silent, but a secondter, he ordered through gritted teeth, ¡°Yes, leave them behind. Their struggle will dy the enemy and buy us time.¡±

    Wang Zhong also remembered the scene from yesterday when members of the Guardian Army had pulled him out from under a tank.

    This order felt like a knife plunged into his heart, as if a chunk of his chest had been torn out, making even his breathing hurried.

    The tankspleted their turn and started down the street.But Wang Zhong was immersed in a sudden surge of emotions, so much so that he even forgot to dodge the stray bulletsing from behind. Fortunately, the stray bullets were inurate.

    Wang Zhong remembered watching a documentary about Shangganling that he had seen as a child. In it, a toon leader said, ¡°Actually, I was just arranging the order of death. How could my heart not ache, they wererades who had shared life and death with me. But it had to be done; take turns at the tunnel entrance firing the machine gun, when one falls, the next one steps in. There¡¯s no other choice.¡±

    It was a documentary that Wang Zhong had seen when he was very young, so much so that he couldn¡¯t remember the title or the name of the old soldier, but this phrase had transcended the separation of time and space.

    Wang Zhong finally understood the emotions behind those words.

    He turned his head and nced at the red g on the antenna behind the tank turret.

    The noon sunlight fell on the red g.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When tank number 422 entered the square in front of the train station, Wang Zhong shouted from afar to the people of the Besinsky Group at the station¡¯s main entrance, ¡°Send a squad to the anti-aircraft battery to get something that can quickly and efficiently kill infantry!¡±

    Several people who heard Wang Zhong¡¯s words exchanged nces and immediately ran towards the anti-aircraft battery.

    Second Lieutenant Pavel Alekseyevich, the ¡°acting battalionmander¡± of the Fifth Besinsky Group, ran over and asked loudly, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy frequently uses smoke. The Guardian Armycks the training and equipment to hold them off. We need to set up a killing zone here with firepower. Do you have any machine guns?¡±

    ¡°We have two.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately identified two locations with an overhead view and pointed them out to the lieutenant, ¡°ce the machine guns at these two sites, set the range to 100 meters, and use that beach chair over there as a reference point for the aiming line. Tell your gunners to memorize this position; when smoke fills the area, they should continuously fire in short bursts over this section!¡±

    The lieutenant turned and ran off.

    Wang Zhong continued using the radio to direct severalmand tanks, ¡°First toon, take your two tanks to the front of the birch on the northwest side of the square. Just target directly ahead of you, mainly using the hull machine guns for strafing, and firing high-explosive shells constantly. As soon as the enemy¡¯s smoke appears, do that!¡±

    The leader of the first toon immediately took tanks number 213 and 214 there.

    Wang Zhong continued to use the overhead view to ce the remaining tanks in suitable positions to create crossfire.

    At that moment, the few people sent to the anti-aircraft battery returned with two GAZ trucks, with a quad-mounted heavy machine gun on the back of each truck.

    ¡°General! Will this do?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s more than enough!¡± Wang Zhong, overjoyed, immediately designated positions.

    There was one more problem to worry about. He called loudly to the members of the Guardian Army guarding the station, ¡°No need to guard anymore, go to the ordnance depot and keep bringing out machine gun ammunition, delivering it next to the tanks and machine guns. I¡¯ll have the tanks open up their hatches, just hand the bullets in directly!¡±

    The members of the Guardian Army immediately turned and called over the other Guardian Army guards, rushing to the ordnance depot headquarters.

    Everything was ready. Wang Zhong took a deep breath and looked at the red g again.

    He hoped all the sacrifices would lead to a good oue.

    At that moment, someone came out of the station dragging a phone line with a telephone in hand, heading straight for Wang Zhong, ¡°Phone for Rocossovbat groupmand!¡±

    Wang Zhong took the phone, ¡°Hello? This is Rocossov!¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s voice came through, ¡°We¡¯ve received a telegram from Army Group 63, sent from a location 30 kilometers from here. They¡¯ve dispatched a rapid response force to reinforce us as soon as possible.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Are they tanks?¡±

    ¡°No, Army Group 63 has no mechanized troops, only some logistic trucks.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then have them hurry. The situation here is very dangerous, the enemy will probably reach the front of the station soon!¡±

    Wang Zhong said this before realizing that Pavlov must know the situation in the city to be able to find him at the train station.

    Pavlov, ¡°I guess you¡¯re thinking that I must know the city¡¯s situation to find you at the station¡­ No, I tried calling the southeastern defensive line and no one answered, so I called around, and finally, the ordnance headquarters said you were at the station.¡±

    ¡°Well done,¡± Wang Zhong replied perfunctorily, and at that moment, several Prussians appeared at the street corner opposite the square.

    Tank number 213 fired, blowing two of them away, and the rest shrank back.

    Then the smoke bombs were thrown.

    Wang Zhong shouted in the radio, ¡°Remember, only keep firing in your respective assigned areas when smoke appears. If there¡¯s no smoke, shoot at the people!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the tanks aimed at the street corner opened fire.

    The anti-aircraft vehicle also turned its guns and gave a burst of fire into the smoke.

 Chapter 128: â€œWho Dances with Colored Ribbons in the Skyâ€ (Extra for 3000 monthly votes)_3

    The enemy showed no sign of a next move, and Wang Zhong confirmed through his overhead view that the enemy had no intention of further action beyond the smoke and called for a ¡°ceasefire¡±.

    After the gunfire ceased, silence fell over the square.

    Only then did Wang Zhong remember he was still on the phone, ¡°Pavlov, the situation is extremely urgent, we can barely hold the enemy, and ensure the station, themand headquarters are safe, but the enemy might split their forces for a sneak attack on the regimental headquarters.¡±

    Pavlov responded, ¡°I have already ordered the machine guns to be mounted and the anti-aircraft cannons to be leveled.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Wang Zhong paused and then said, ¡°Don¡¯t you die.¡±

    ¡°You either, General.¡±

    The call ended.

    At the same time, the enemy¡¯s operations began, and mortar shells fell on the square, with smoke quickly spreading out from the point of impact.

    Here ites!Wang Zhongmanded, ¡°Fire on my mark!¡±

    Soon the entire square was covered in smoke.

    Although everyone was wearing gas masks, it appeared to be just ordinary smoke. The enemy¡¯s mortars might not have been loaded with tear gas shells.

    Then Wang Zhong clearly saw the enemy infantry appear.

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Fire!¡±

    Tank 422¡¯s machine guns all opened fire simultaneously, and it also lobbed a high-explosive shell at a pre-aimed position.

    Wang Zhong, through his overhead view, was satisfied to see a dozen Prussian soldiers who had charged out get taken down in an instant.

    But more Prussian soldiers poured out from various entrances on the south side of the square.

    And what greeted them was a dense, omnipresent barrage of fire.

    Within tens of seconds, more than fifty Prussian soldiers had fallen, and the rest were all lying t on the ground, not daring to move.

    Wang Zhong pulled over the anti-aircraft machine gun from the tank¡¯s turret, and leaning on the external mount, he precisely targeted the enemies lying on the ground.

    After all, a lucky shot was just that, and no one would notice any anomalies.

    The enemy began to crawl forward on the ground, but the barrage was so dense that even if Wang Zhong did not concentrate on certain targets, the enemy could be shot by stray bullets after crawling just a few dozen meters.

    Is this the supreme skill of the Amelicans that massacred wildly back in the day?

    It sure works!

    Wang Zhong was enjoying himself, shooting the machine gun when he ran out of bullets.

    He hurriedly changed the magazine¡ªremembering an experience where a BT-7¡¯s anti-aircraft machine gun jammed, resulting in the sacrifice of everyone aboard, Wang Zhong carefully straightened out the belt beforepleting the ammunition reload.

    He resumed firing immediately.

    Finally, the enemy gave up the assault and retreated into the buildings on the south side of the square.

    Subsequently, the enemy¡¯s vehicle-mounted mortars began to fire high-explosive shells.

    Shells kept falling on the north side of the square.

    Wang Zhong retreated into the tank, closed the hatch, and waited for the enemy¡¯s second attack.

    In the following two hours, they repelled seven charges by the Prussians.

    In the end, the enemy¡¯s mortars ran out of smoke bombs, and the smoke over the entire square gradually dissipated, leading to a face-off across the square.

    Wang Zhong, with few infantry apanying him, didn¡¯t dare to charge with the tanks, and the enemy,cking effective anti-tank firepower, couldn¡¯t do anything about the tanks stuck on the square.

    The square quieted down so much that crows from the sky descended and started pecking at the eyes of the dead on the ground.

    Wang Zhong let out a breath of relief, at least the enemy¡¯s offensive had been stalled¡ª

    Suddenly, he noticed enemy infantry crossing Loktov¡¯s main street on the eastern side.

    The Guardian Army opened fire!

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°We¡¯ll go to support, all other tanks stay in ce!¡±

    Without waiting for hismand, the driver Beliyakov turned Tank 422 around.

    It was almost at this moment that Wang Zhong heard a bugle sound.

    He seemed to have heard this kind of bugle in movies describing the Napoleonic Wars, which should signify a cavalry charge!

    Cavalry?

    Wang Zhong looked towards the northeast and then saw arge number of cavalry d in ck cloaks, mounted on horses, charging into the streets of Loktov from the north.

    They spread out like a tide, seeping into Loktov¡¯s streets and alleyways in countless streams.

    The horses galloped, and the Prussians were takenpletely by surprise¡ªor rather, they had never imagined they would face a cavalry charge of this magnitude on a modern battlefield.

    Although they were cavalry, this unit did not hold high their sabers, but carried pistols and submachine guns.

    They advanced like a sweeping storm, continuously firing as they went.

    One in every three cavalrymen was a grenadier, urately throwing grenades into enemy-upied buildings through windows.

    Wang Zhong watched all this in amazement, then remembered Pavlov¡¯s words from two hours ago: The 63rd Army Group had sent a ¡°rapid¡± unit to support Loktov.

    So that¡¯s what he meant by rapid!

    At this point, after hours of brutal urban closebat, the Prussian infantry was exhausted, and the irresistible cavalry charge shattered theirst will to fight.

    Then, four cavalry officers on chestnut horses came up to Wang Zhong¡¯s vehicle, with the leading general ncing at the white horse emblem on Wang Zhong¡¯s tank.

    He saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°The 7th Cavalry Army salutes you, General Rocossov. Our 15,000 cavalrymen are sweeping the city. You¡¯ve done hard work.¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong finally take a long, deep breath of relief.

    ¡ª¡±During a defense, fortifications, tactics, and firepower deployment are all important, but what¡¯s most crucial is a ceaseless supply of reinforcements.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    One hour after repelling the enemy¡¯s attack, at 1530 on July 8th.

    Wang Zhong directed Tank 422 back to their original reserve firing position where the enemy¡¯s assault had first started.

    The surviving civilians had already moved the fallen Guardian Army soldiers onto the main road, neatly lined up side by side.

    ¡°Stop.¡± Following Wang Zhong¡¯smand, the tank came to a halt.

 Chapter 129: â€œWho Dances with Colored Ribbons in the Skyâ€ (Extra for 3000 monthly votes)_4

    He climbed out of the turret, jumped to the ground, and approached a Guardian Army soldier who was tightly clutching a Smoke Bomb.

    Wang Zhong remembered this young man. Before the enemy attack, Wang Zhong had ordered him to wait for Monk to spot iing enemy nes and then throw the Smoke Bomb on the now-empty bunker to lure the enemy nes into a dive bombing run on it.

    Unexpectedly, the enemy¡¯s Stukas didn¡¯te; instead, it was Xu Jin¡¯s barrage and infantry.

    Wang Zhong took off his hat and bowed his head in silence before the young man.

    Amander¡¯s wrong judgment could cost the lives of many, Wang Zhong once again deeply realized this fact.

    At that moment, the ear-piercing air raid rm resounded through the entire city.

    Wang Zhong looked up, Brother Peter probably couldn¡¯t get ahold of Wang Zhong on the phone, so he had only reported the situation to the Air Force.

    Wang Zhong climbed back onto the tank, stood on it and looked up into the sky, and without changing his perspective, he saw the enemy formation at the horizon.

    After switching his view, Wang Zhong was astonished to find that there were as many as 20 Do 215 bombers and 30 Stuka dive bombers!It was evident that the enemy really wished to capture Loktov before the 63rd Army Group did!

    Wang Zhong ended his overview, shouting at the people around, ¡°Enemy nes iing! Hide in the cer! Quick, into the cers! Don¡¯t bother with the bodies, just leave them in the streets! Hurry to the cers!¡±

    Alexandria and the others had also climbed out of the tanks.

    The door of the nearby building opened, and an olddy shouted, ¡°Young man,e inside! There¡¯s still room in my cer!¡±

    The members of tank number 422 immediately rushed through the door.

    Wang Zhong took onest look at the formation in the sky.

    In that instant, he saw something reflecting the sunlight higher than the formation.

    It was an airne!

    Fifteen MiG-3s jettisoned their auxiliary fuel tanks and dove from high altitude, charging at the enemy nes,

    In the first round of fire, five Do 215s were hit and plummeted to the ground trailing thick smoke.

    Soon after, the formation circled and came back, plunging again into the midst of the bomber fleet.

    Tracer rounds from the machine guns crisscrossed in the sky.

    The enemy probably never expected to encounter a formal intercept by the Ant Air Force, having not even sent escort fighters, and so the aerial battle quickly turned into a one-sided ughterhouse.

    By then, the ground air raid rms had stopped, and the people who had been scrambling to the cers were now all out on the streets, watching the fierce battle in the sky as if observing a fireworks disy.

    Each time an enemy ne was hit and long plumes of smoke billowed out, the people on the ground let out deafening cheers.

    Some mischievous children, in order to watch this spectacr showing, had climbed directly onto the rooftops.

    The battle in the sky quickly neared its end.

    The surviving enemy nes jettisoned their bombs outside the city and dove to low altitude, attempting to gather speed for escape.

    The intercepting MiG-3 formation chased beyond the line of sight of those watching.

    The entire scene quietened down.

    Wang Zhong heard a child asking, ¡°Mommy, did we win?¡±

    His mother responded, ¡°We won, the enemy nes were driven away.¡±

    The child asked again, ¡°Then why didn¡¯t our nese earlier? That way, grandma, grandpa, and my other grandparents wouldn¡¯t have died.¡±

    The woman just silently embraced the child, gently stroking his hair.

    At that moment, the Ante Fighters that had chased the enemy returned, flying in a V-formation over the city.

    Wang Zhong recognized it, the leading ne was the one that had shot down the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance ne yesterday!

    Then, through the overview perspective, he clearly saw the pilot pull out a smoke stick, bite the head of the smoke canister with his teeth, and light the fuse.

    So the smoke stick emitted colored gas and, as the nes advanced, a long trail of colored smoke was drawn through the sky.

    The other nes did the same, and the fifteen MiG-3s, trailing colorful streaks, flew over the ruins of Loktov streets.

    The crowd let out a deafening cheer, throwing whatever they could grab into the sky.

    In that instant, Wang Zhong suddenly felt a sensation of victory.

    At the same time, a child on the rooftop suddenly shouted down, ¡°General! There are troopsing from the northeast!¡±

    Wang Zhong hurriedly looked toward the northeast and indeed saw arge formation of infantry troops march in columns of fours along the main road.

    The main force of the 63rd Army Group had finally arrived.

 Chapter 130: â€œSee You Then in Plowsonia

    Knowing that reinforcements had arrived, Wang Zhong hurriedlymanded the tank to go meet them, but just as they started moving, the tank engine suddenly made a series of sounds as if it had an upset stomach, and then it broke down.

    The driver, Beliyakov, climbed out of the cabin while muttering, ¡°It finally crapped out, I had a feeling it would crap out.¡±

    Wang Zhong was speechless, ¡°Does this engine break down often?¡±

    Beliyakov replied, ¡°It¡¯s all small issues, can be fixed quickly, sometimes even a kick can do the trick.¡±

    As he spoke, Beliyakov opened the repair hatch and swung his hammer down on the engine, but this time the ¡°Mao-style Repair¡± did not work.

    Beliyakov shook his head, ¡°Looks like it¡¯s really going to take some time now, General. Why don¡¯t you ride a horse over? Shouldn¡¯t you be handing overmand with themanders of the 63rd Army Group?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where am I going to find a horse right now? It¡¯s not like I can just whistle and have onee to me.¡±

    As he said this, he blew a whistle.

    A horse¡¯s whinny came from afar.Wang Zhong was startled and looked around, only to see Bucephalus trotting over happily from a corner.

    Hey?

    Could it be that the game mechanic where a horsees running at a whistle is based on reality?

    Then Wang Zhong realized that Bucephalus didn¡¯t have any saddlery, not even a bridle, and couldn¡¯t be ridden at all.

    This beast probably came because the stables were bombed by enemy artillery, and it came out unscathed, rushing over to Wang Zhong when it heard the whistle.

    The white horse stopped in front of the tank, looked at the white horse painted on the tank¡¯s tactical number, neighed, and shook its head while panting heavily, continuously pawing with its front hooves.

    What, are you jealous of the horse painted here?

    Wang Zhong pushed himself out of the turret hatch and jumped to the ground, ¡°Then you guys fix the tank, and once it¡¯s done, head back to the brigade¡¯s location and regroup with the other tanks. I¡¯ll meet with themanders of the 63rd Army Group.¡±

    The gunner, Alexandria, turned to the loader and said, ¡°Follow the General, act as a guard for now.¡±

    The loader nodded, pulled a submachine gun from inside the tank and slung it over his shoulder.

    Alexandria then said to Wang Zhong, ¡°General, you should still be careful, there could still be separated Prosen soldiers in the city.¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand and walked towards the train station, with Bucephalus trotting faithfully behind him, constantly trying to nibble his hair.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    By the time Wang Zhong was nearing the square of the train station, his hands were already filled with eggs and pickles given by the locals.

    Do Russians really like pickles this much?

    Entering the square, he saw numerous trucks parked in front of the train station, and stretcher teams were moving the wounded from the trucks into the train station.

    Wang Zhong, with his keen eyes, spotted the chief of the field hospital, Losonov, and called out loudly, ¡°Doctor, what¡¯s happening here?¡±

    The doctor looked up at Wang Zhong and said, ¡°General, the stationmand is arranging for the hospital to retreat, and empty boxcars will being into the station soon.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What will happen to the wounded generated inbat after you retreat?¡±

    Losonov nced at the sky, ¡°This city is about to be rubble. The hospital is full of patients who were saved using our medical supplies and resources, we cannot let them perish here. Once they recover, they will be the backbone of our fighting force.¡±

    That was indeed the truth.

    Losonov continued, ¡°As for the wounded from future battles, the medical posts of the 63rd Army Group will do basic treatment and then wait for train evacuation. There is no better solution under the current circumstances. I personally will stay behind to help the group army¡¯s medical posts with the wounded, this is all I can do.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You intend to stay?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the chief of the field hospital, Losonov, smiled faintly, ¡°I¡¯ll hold my post.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, unable to find the words to reply.

    Just then, a young man riding a chestnut horse and wearing the standard cap of a military courier stopped beside Wang Zhong and saluted, ¡°May I ask if this is Brigadier General Rocossov?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s me.¡±

    ¡°Our armymander is looking for you.¡±

    ¡°Lead the way!¡±

    The courier looked doubtfully at Bucephalus, which had no tack at all, seemingly wondering how one would ride such a horse.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯ll walk there. Is it far?¡±

    ¡°No, it¡¯s just next to the stationmand office, ourmander has temporarily taken over the map room.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then handed the eggs and pickles to the chief, ¡°These are for the wounded. I have to go.¡±

    After all, one cannot possibly meet themander of the cavalry army, that hade to the rescue, carrying eggs and pickles, right?

    Seeing this, the courier also dismounted and, leading the horse by the reins, walked ahead to show Wang Zhong the way.

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°I¡¯ve been to the stationmand office many times, I can get there on my own, you can go back and report.¡±

    The courier nodded, mounted the horse, and galloped away.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The map room in the stationmand office looked several times more crowded than before.

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered, everyone turned to look at him.

    The major general of the 7th Cavalry Army, Kiriyenko, took two steps forward, removed his cavalry gloves, and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Brigadier General, your troops fought very well. We have confirmed arge number of enemy corpses and remnants of tank armored vehicles in the city.¡±

    A major general taking the initiative to salute Wang Zhong, a brigadier general, was a great sign of respect.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, ¡°It¡¯s not my credit, it was our soldiers, together with the Guardian Army soldiers, who bought this victory with their lives and blood.¡±

    ¡°You are very modest,¡± Kiriyenko praised.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he wasn¡¯t being modest; it was the people of this city who truly achieved victory¡ªthey had defended themselves.

    But he didn¡¯t say that out loud.

    Kiriyenko continued, ¡°The headquarters of Army Group 63 is still on the way; currently, the troops entering the city are under mymand. We are engaging in the handover of the defensive positions, and tonight, the remaining men of your troop will be able to return to their barracks for a good night¡¯s sleep.

    ¡°I¡¯ve also asked the quartermaster to prepare supplies for you all, so tonight you can have a meal of potatoes stewed with beef.¡±

    Hearing what was for dinner, Wang Zhong¡¯s interest perked up.

    Having been in this world for more than ten days, he still couldn¡¯t get used to the local cuisine, and having eaten far too many pickles, he, as a Chinese person, unimaginably looked forward to meals with little anticipation, merely considering eating as a necessary job to sustain life.

    But he did like potatoes stewed with beef.

    Generally, with potatoes and beef, the dish couldn¡¯t taste too bad¡ªat least that¡¯s what Wang Zhong subjectively thought.

    However, his interest in food onlysted for a few seconds before he asked, ¡°Since you can provide potatoes stewed with beef, does that mean you can also provide us with anti-tank guns?¡±

    Major General Kiriyenko and the Quartermaster General (a brigadier general) exchanged nces, then both started tough.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    Kiriyenko: ¡°The Quartermaster General said you are an outstanding officer who only thinks about how to win. I see that now. Those rumors about you, obviously, all were wrong!¡±

    No, those rumors were right, it¡¯s just that ¡°I¡± have changed.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s not important, I need anti-tank guns¡­¡±

    ¡°Your battle has ended, tonight afterpleting the hospital and transportation, your soldiers can board the trains and retreat.¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback and immediately asked, ¡°What about my equipment? My 203 artillery, and the T34!¡±

    Kiriyenko: ¡°Theoretically, we need all the technological weaponry that can help us hold this city, but most of your unit¡¯s technical weapons were specifically assigned to your unit by the Crown Prince. So these technical weapons will retreat with yourbat group.

    ¡°As for the God¡¯s Arrow Company, we already have a fully equipped Divine Arrow Company; adding one more prayer soldier only slightly increases ourbat strength, so they will also continue to stay within your unit¡¯sposition.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh, that¡¯s good then¡­¡±

    Suddenly, he hesitated; these technical weapons could undoubtedly greatly improve Army Group 63¡¯s efficiency in defense. Should he really take them with him?

    I am defending the homnd, not managing my own private army¡­

    At that moment, Major General Kiriyenko said, ¡°You truly are a person of integrity. I know what you¡¯re thinking, but I earnestly request you to take these units with you.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    Kiriyenko, with a smile, said, ¡°I¡¯m also a military professional, always on the frontline. The fools above have been deceived, but I haven¡¯t. I¡¯m aware that we¡¯re currently in a stage of strategic defense, or even strategic retreat. Precious technical weaponry should be pulled back; what should be left to cover the rear are ¡®grey beasts¡¯ like us.¡±

    Wang Zhong started to speak, then stopped. Suddenly he felt that words were too pale to express his thoughts, and actions would better convey his feelings.

    So he stepped forward, grasped the major general¡¯s shoulder, then embraced him warmly, ¡°It¡¯s a regret,rade.¡±

    ¡°No need for regrets. I don¡¯t n on dying here; after we¡¯vepleted our defense mission, we¡¯ll break out. See you in Plowsonia!¡±

    Plowsonia, the capital of the Prosen Empire.

    Wang Zhong patted the major general¡¯s shoulder, ¡°See you in Plowsonia!¡±

    Having said that he released his hold, stepped back, his heels clicked sharply together, and he saluted the major general, ¡°Farewell!¡±

    ¡°Farewell!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned around and left without looking back.

    Watching his departing figure, Kiriyenko suddenly said to the Quartermaster General, ¡°Is that a dandy? The difference from the rumors is too great, he is clearly an exemry soldier!¡±

    The Quartermaster General replied, ¡°You don¡¯t know? The soldiers call him ¡®the Star of Victory.¡¯ It¡¯s said toe from a song he hums, ¡®The star of victory will shine upon us.¡¯¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When Wang Zhong returned to the base leading Bucephalus, he found that Tank 422 had already arrived¡ªclearly, Beliyakov had quickly eliminated any malfunctions.

    The driver and Gunner were now loading shells into the tank on the side while the electromechanical operator continuously fished out spent shell casings and machine gun bullet casings from the cabin to ce in arge wooden box.

    Clearly, this tank crew nned to continue the fight.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We are retreating.¡±

    Alexandria: ¡°Ah? But we can still fight.¡±

    The other tank crews maintaining and resupplying the tanks also stopped and stared straight at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°There will be plenty of opportunities to hit the Prussians hard in the future, but today we are retreating, and not just us, but also the 203 Heavy Artillery Regiment. We withdraw by night on the evening train.¡±

    Everyone looked at each other.

    Just then, songs were heard from outside the base.

    The relieved Guard 31st Infantry Regiment, marching in orderly rows and singing, entered the base.

    The young soldiers all looked beaten and weary, but the expressions on their faces were spirited, their marching steps synchronized and forceful, the bays on their rifles swaying, like the wind blowing through a cypress forest.

    They sang out loud, ¡°Tanya Tanieusha, my Takiyanne, do you still remember that fiery summer? I can¡¯t forget those days, that time spent in passionate love!¡±

    That time spent in passionate love!

 Chapter 131: Braised Beef with Potatoes is Really Fragrant

    Jules Year 914, July 8th, 2315 hours.

    All 914 members of Rocossov Combat Group were waiting on the tform of Lokhtov Train Station.

    The Lokotov City Defense Battalion, temporarily attached to Rocossov Combat Group, volunteered to stay behind and continue participating in the defense of the city, so they weren¡¯t included in the count. The Guardian Army, temporarily assigned to thebat group, was not part of the withdrawal either.

    The Fifth Belyensk Regiment wanted to stay, but Wang Zhong refused them.

    The 31st Regiment and the Armored Troops willingly obeyed the orders.

    The 914 people on the tform were the sum total of thebat group¡¯s infantry, artillery, armored troops, and logistics personnel.

    Wang Zhong, patting his belly stuffed with potatoes and beef stew, looked at the few people remaining and sighed, ¡°This is truly a Pyrrhic victory.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Who is Pyrrhus?¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback; in a world without Rome, naturally there was no affair concerning Pyrrhus.At that moment, Pavlov came out of the station dispatcher¡¯s office with a stack of documents and walked up to the two men: ¡°I¡¯ve got the transportation n, we¡¯re being sent all the way to Argesukov.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That far? I thought they would ce us behind the next line of defense for rest and reorganization, ready to defend again at any time.¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no second line of defense,¡± Pavlov said with grave seriousness, ¡°The Front Army has decided to follow His Majesty¡¯s orders andunch an offensive.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Have they gone mad?¡±

    Because of the loud voice, all the soldiers around looked over.

    Yegorov patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder: ¡°Keep calm, my Lord Count. The good news is that this time we¡¯ll be far from the front line. Even if the front copses entirely, it¡¯ll take the Prussians several days to reach us.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I can¡¯t feel happy at all. So what about our reinforcements?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head: ¡°No mention.¡±

    At this point, Popov came onto the tform from the freight exit of the train station, striding over to join the trio.

    ¡°The Church hasn¡¯t sent any news either, no idea when God¡¯s Arrow Company will be filled up,¡± the Bishop sighed. ¡°We¡¯re severely short of prayer warriors now, and we don¡¯t have enough recements for the Divine Arrow.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What about Brother Peter?¡±

    After two days of fighting, Wang Zhong had grown quite fond of this ¡°human ear radar¡± he had coincidentally acquired, finding it rather useful.

    ¡°Ah, that, we have plenty of Sound Array Masters, so he was reassigned to us. Here is the personnel transfer document; it¡¯s standard to have a copy on file over there, right?¡± Popov said as he handed the document to ¡°over there¡± Pavlov.

    Pavlov frowned deeply: ¡°The document is here, but where is the man?¡±

    As Popov turned to look at the main entrance, just then Brother Peter entered with a furrowed brow.

    Yegorov called out loudly: ¡°Monk, why the furrowed brow?¡±

    Brother Peter looked up: ¡°Because there are too many noise sources like you!¡±

    Then he approached Popov and protested directly: ¡°I should stay on the front lines. They need me here!¡±

    Popov: ¡°Take it up with the Brigadier General.¡±

    Brother Peter immediately turned towards Wang Zhong: ¡°I should stay on¡­¡±

    ¡°I heard you,¡± Wang Zhong cut him off, ¡°but I also need you. You will be more effective with me. Think about the past two days, how invaluable you were!¡±

    Brother Peter pursed his lips.

    At that moment, the sound of a train whistle came from afar. The switchman also came out of his cabin and began to operate the rail switching levers.

    The switchman¡¯s greenntern was very conspicuous in the night.

    Soon, a trainposed of tcars and boxcars rolled into the station.

    All the tcars were empty, evidently included in the train to carry Rocossov Combat Group¡¯s heavy cannons and T-34s, while the boxcars were filled with young faces.

    Before the train had evene to a full stop, the young men inside the boxcars were already loudly asking, ¡°Hey, how did the fight go?¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong looked towards the boxcars, Vasily responded: ¡°Superbly. You see those tank wrecks in the city? We¡¯re the ones who knocked them out!¡±

    The corpses of Prosen soldiers had been collected and buried by the Labor Camp and the Guardian Army, but the tank wrecks, like the craters in the streets, had yet to be handled forck of personnel.

    ¡°Ha! That formidable, huh? We won¡¯t be any worse off than you guys!¡± the confident young men on the train dered.

    Vasily looked like he was about to retort, but he stopped mid-sentence. After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he said: ¡°I believe in you! Give the Prussians a taste of our strength!¡±

    The soldiers of the 31st Guards Regiment, seeing that Vasily wasn¡¯t scolded for speaking casually, joined in the shouting:

    ¡°Show them what for!¡±

    ¡°Let them see who the inferior race really is!¡±

    Before the crossover, Wang Zhong was actually not that old, and the original owner of this body was also a young man. With his actual personality, he would normally join in boosting the morale of hisrades.

    But strangely, now Wang Zhong only wanted to silently wish these youngsters well.

    Suddenly, one of the young men who had just disembarked from the boxcars shouted: ¡°Hey, look at that tank, tactical number 422! And there¡¯s a white horse emblem on it!¡±

    At those words, all the eager new recruits just arrived at the battlefield turned their gazes in one direction.

    The ceremonial T-34 tank, number 422, was parked under the moonlight, like a massive beast lurking in the shadows.

    Alexandria and Beliyakov, who had been smoking next to the tank, saw themotion and immediately hid in the tank¡¯s shadow.

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Could this be General White Horse¡¯s chariot?¡±

    ¡°I heard the General¡¯sbat group is right here!¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong was standing under the protective cover of the tform, where the moonlight failed to reach him.

    ¡ª¡ªBoosting morale is also amander¡¯s duty.

    He wanted to step forward, but the instant before moving he remembered the scene from yesterday when numerous Guardian Army soldiers pulled him out from under the tank.

    Today, he renounced those who had once saved him.

    In the afternoon, under urgent circumstances, he hesitated for only a second before making his decision, and in the end, they did indeed hold back the enemy¡¯s onught.

    But now, just as he was about to step forward and inspire the soldiers, that same intense emotion seized him again.

    ¡ª¡ªMy troops and I are about to withdraw, and whatever Loktov turns into, a hellish inferno or not, will no longer concern us.

    Do I still have the right to inspire the young men before me to step proudly into hell?

    As Wang Zhong hesitated, he suddenly remembered a poem by a marshal.

    He was very fond of this poem; it was actually the marshal¡¯s dying verse in a hopeless situation, yet it was filled with a fearless spirit.

    ¡°I call forth my oldrades to the spring tform, our banners ten thousand strong, to y the king of hell!¡±

    That marshal must have also made many decisions that led soldiers to their gant deaths.

    But he would never hesitate, for he was braver than everyone, and if the time came, he too would march to his death without a second thought.

    I can be braver than everyone else!

    No, I must be braver than everyone else, so I can issue the orders for them to die without regret, so I can make the cruel decision to abandon them without guilt, and then righteously dere ¡°The merciful are not fit to lead armies!¡±

    With this resolve, Wang Zhong stepped forward into the moonlight.

    He did not introduce himself, and in the darkness, no one could see his face or insignia clearly.

    Just standing there, he exuded an air of authority and fearlessness.

    ¡°Soldiers!¡± he said.

    Even though nomand was given, the recruits stood to attention, their heels clicking together.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I won¡¯t sugarcoat our situation. Look to my right; this is mybat group. Now, including our logistical personnel, we number only 914!

    ¡°The Fifth Belsensk Regiment under mymand joined with more than a full regiment¡¯s strength but was reduced to just over 300 men. And now, only 81 men stand here!

    ¡°Their regimentalmander is now a second lieutenant!

    ¡°I will tell you clearly, what lies ahead is hell! Staying here means facing hell! Does anyone want to back out?¡±

    Wang Zhong scanned the entire tform.

    Not just the newly arrived soldiers were looking at him, but also the railway workers and train drivers stood at their posts, watching him.

    No one expressed a desire to quit.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why? Answer me, why do you step into hell?¡±

    Suddenly someone shouted, ¡°For the Tsar!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No!¡±

    Pavlov was shocked and stared at Wang Zhong with wide eyes.

    Then someone yelled, ¡°For the Eastern Holy Church!¡±

    ¡°Wrong too!¡± Wang Zhong replied without hesitation.

    Popov was shocked and stared at Wang Zhong with wide eyes.

    Wang Zhong scanned everyone again.

    Vasily suddenly said, ¡°For Ante¡¯s mother!¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed at Vasily: ¡°Right! But that¡¯s too abstract!¡±

    Wang Zhong paced the tform with hands behind his back: ¡°What is Ante¡¯s mother? Think about it, think of something concrete!

    ¡°Ante¡¯s mother is the squirrels frolicking in the birch forests,

    ¡°the fish swimming freely in the Dnieper River,

    ¡°the wheat waves on the ck earth!¡±

    After listing these examples, Wang Zhong felt it was still not quite enough, so he added two more:

    ¡°The bright songs of maidens,

    ¡°and the beef stew with potatoes served by grandmothers!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than someone let out a loud burp.

    Then several people couldn¡¯t help butugh, especially Vasily.

    Wang Zhong himself also felt awkward, having run out of things to say; moreover, the beef stew with potatoes truly smelled delicious.

    Delicious!

    ¡°We march to our deaths to guard all that is beautiful and good!¡±

    He thought again, but indeed he had run out of words, so he decided to borrow some.

    He continued:

    ¡°If we do not fight, the enemy will kill us with their bays and point to our bones saying, ¡®Look, here lies a ve!¡¯¡±

    Those words, like a bomb, instantly filled every face with anger.

    Vasily shouted the word that could be used in any moment that required a boost of morale or to express passion: ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    Everyone yelled together: ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    The shouts rose wave upon wave.

    At that moment, the recruits¡¯ battalionmander shouted, ¡°Right turn! Quick march!¡±

    The new soldiers marched out of the train station in neat formation.

    Popov stepped forward next to Wang Zhong: ¡°Next time, could you please not steal my job?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Which son of a bitch told me that boosting morale was themander¡¯s job?¡±

    At that moment, the stationmaster came over, ¡°Hurry and load your equipment onto the train. We¡¯re departing now. If we leave before dawn, we can still get out of the enemy nes¡¯ range.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned back and ordered, ¡°Board the train!¡±

 Chapter 132: Accidents

    Pavlov handed the watch in his hand to Yegorov, ¡°Board the train in this order, the Labor Camp and railway workers will help us secure the tanks and heavy artillery.¡±

    After saying that, he turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°Themanding general¡¯s carriage is Carriage Number 1, right next to the anti-aircraft carriage.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I didn¡¯t see any passenger carriages though?¡±

    Pavlov smiled faintly, ¡°There aren¡¯t any. Your carriage has fewer people, and it also has tables and beds.¡±

    ¡­ Seems eptable?

    Actually, Wang Zhong was quite curious to try sleeping on straw; after all, he had no idea what kinds of hardship he would face in the future. It might be good to get used to it in advance.

    Just then, his hand was suddenly seized by someone.

    Immediately after, something as bulky as a big cotton-padded coat wrapped around him, and the chilly night wind that had been blowing disappeared, reced by warmth.

    Wang Zhong was startled and hurriedly turned around to see which demon was gnawing at his hand.It was Ludm, clutching Wang Zhong¡¯s arm like a pillow and craning her neck up.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t do this, we¡¯re both in uniform.¡±

    Ludm, as if she hadn¡¯t heard him, said, ¡°Your essay clearly deserved zero points, yet you can speak so well!¡±

    ¡°Miss, you¡¯ve got it all wrong,¡± Wang Zhong thought. That part that ended with beef stewed with potatoes was my actual level; the cool part afterwards was ¡°If We Do Not Go To War,¡± the most famous modern poem by the poet Tianjian¡­

    All my awesome speeches were copied, don¡¯t admire me, Miss!

    As Wang Zhong was feeling guilty for upying someone else¡¯s ¡°achievements,¡± Ludm turned to Pavlov and asked, ¡°Carriage Number 1 has beds, right?¡±

    Pavlov nodded seriously, ¡°Yes, but they are more lightweight campaign beds. Do you want me to change them for sturdy wooden beds?¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mind went nk for a moment: ¡°What do you mean? Why switch to wooden beds?¡±

    Ludm, ¡°No need, lightweight campaign beds are fine.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Alright. The rest of us officers will just squeeze in Carriage Number 2 with the soldiers.¡±

    ???

    Wang Zhong was about to ask what was going on when Ludm dragged him towards the train.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong finally realized what was about to happen ¡ª it was just that this development seemed so sci-fi to him,pletely impossible, so he hadn¡¯t been thinking in that direction at all.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ludm! Didn¡¯t we agree to wait until after the war¡­¡±

    ¡°Call me Liu Xia, or Mira is fine too!¡± the girl interrupted Wang Zhong.

    Ludm¡¯s nickname was Liu Da, and a more intimate term of endearment was Liu Xia, which usually meant that two people had truly be close.

    This girl meant business today!

    ¡°Why so suddenly?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know! Just looking at you during your speech, I felt it had to be today!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ludm! Liu Da! Liu Xia! Theing years of war will be extremely arduous, let¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve thought it over! It¡¯ll be no problem!¡±

    ¡°Oh, you¡¯ve thought it over, then¡­ eh?¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the soldiers who had stopped boarding to watch the show, his face turning red.

    Why could this girl be so forward in front of so many people? Where was her modesty?

    Just then, Wang Zhong remembered that Ludm was a ¡°Mao mei,¡± and in the future, she would grow into a Russian woman capable of wrestling bears in the deep forest; being a bit fierce was quite normal, wasn¡¯t it?

    As he thought this, Wang Zhong was dragged into Carriage Number 1.

    Upon entering the carriage, Ludm pushed him against the wall of the stuffy tanker with a backhand move, ¡°I know you¡¯re right, I understand. And I agree! But how can you expect me to hold back?¡±

    ¡°That brother who¡¯s always causing trouble suddenly turned into¡­ a white horse!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Turned into a white horse?¡±

    Bucephalus?

    Ludm, ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡±

    She was at a loss for words, paused for a few seconds, and shouted, ¡°Whatever!¡±

    Then she swooped in for a kiss.

    Poor Wang Zhong had never seen such a sci-fi, such a vigorous development. His understanding of how forward a girl could be was merely at the level of ¡°if a girl¡¯s underwear set matches, you might be the one being slept with.¡±

    He¡¯d never seen such a fierce girl before; it was aplete blind spot for him.

    Could it be that all the girls from this region were this aggressive? Would he be rolled back and forth by the wheel in the future?¡ªWang Zhong, who was currently being rolled back and forth by explosive reactive armor, thought this.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Couldn¡¯t you at least wait until the train starts?¡±

    ¡°No one¡¯s going toe in!¡± Ludm said.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Jules 914, July 9th, 0350 hours.

    The train carrying Wang Zhong and his troops slowly entered Sabachefsky, 110 kilometers from Loktov, to resupply coal as well as water for the boilers and tanks.

    Wang Zhong stood at the open door of Carriage Number 1, looking out at Sabachefsky in the morning light.

    Ludm appeared beside him, saying, ¡°Put your uniform on properly! What kind of look is that with your belt unbuckled? Soon a lot of soldiers wille down for fresh air, and if they see you like this, it will affect their morale!¡±

    While chiding him, she skillfully helped Wang Zhong dress properly, then stood on tiptoe to kiss his lips, ¡°Good morning.¡±

    Wang Zhong was still absent-minded, ¡°Morning.¡±

    Ah, he thought, my fianc¨¦e is so amazing. A little too amazing, causing my sage time to extend into the next morning.

    Ludm turned to tidy her silver hair, saying as she did so, ¡°You should find a batman. What kind of general doesn¡¯t have a batman?¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡± Wang Zhong replied absently.

    Ludm went on, ¡°Too bad I¡¯m abat medic; otherwise, I would be your batman myself.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Uh? Can a batman be a woman?¡±

 Chapter 133: Accidents_2

    ¡°Of course, the Secr faction believes that whatever a man can do, a woman theoretically can too. Didn¡¯t you also want to bring a maid before, but it ended up being your father who forcibly sent an old butler over?¡±

    When mentioning ¡°old butler,¡± Ludm¡¯s voice stuttered a bit, then she sighed softly, ¡°If the old man could see your state now, he would certainly be weeping with joy.¡±

    It seemed that the old butler always had high expectations for Wang Zhong, he spected.

    At that moment, the trainpleted its entry into the station and came to aplete stop.

    Pavlov leapt directly out of the second car, stretching his neck to look towards the first car.

    Wang Zhong raised his hand and waved.

    Then Pavlov confidently came over, ¡°Is it convenient?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It is, what¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°I was just about to go to the telegraph office at the station to send a telegram. Join me? I¡¯m afraid I¡¯ll fall asleep inside by myself and miss the train.¡±Wang Zhong, ¡°Sure!¡±

    He leaped onto the tform with a single jump.

    Ludm¡¯s voice came from inside the carriage, ¡°Your dress shoes! Really, how long has it been since they were polished! Take them off and I¡¯ll help you shine them!¡±

    Saying so, she threw out a pair of cloth shoes.

    Wang Zhong had no choice but to change shoes.

    Pavlov, ¡°The battlefield is also a ce where the flower of love blooms brilliantly, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Humph, you¡¯re quite the romantic, aren¡¯t you?¡± Wang Zhong teased.

    The bear-like chief of staff waited for Wang Zhong to change his shoes and led the way to the telegraph office beside the station.

    At that time, soldiers from other stuffy tank cars also came out for air, and all the young men showed a meaningful smile when they saw Wang Zhong.

    Vasily blew a whistle directly.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Show some respect to your superior, or Popov will punish you with the task of hauling manure!¡±

    Popov also got off the train, hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s words, he turned his head and shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t just take a breather, go relieve yourselves if needed! Don¡¯t end up peeing in the tank carster! And if you need to clear out fromst night¡¯s beef stew with potatoes, do it quickly! The train needs to take on coal and water, so we¡¯re stopping for half an hour!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Are we stopping for that long?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Pavlov nodded, ¡°I n to use this time to ask the Front Army¡¯s headquarters via telegraph about our arrangements after we get to Argesukov. After all, the orders they gave us yesterday didn¡¯t even specify where we¡¯d be stationed once we arrive.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Maybe someone will receive us at the station, like before when we entered Bogdanovka.¡±

    Pavlov did not answer.

    There was only an old man on duty at the station telegraph room, and when Wang Zhong and others entered, the old man was leaning back in his chair, mouth agape, sleeping.

    Hearing the door, the old man suddenly opened his eyes wide, ¡°Oh, it¡¯s two officers! Oh, and a general! How may I be of service?¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed at Pavlov, ¡°My chief of staff needs to use the telegraph.¡±

    ¡°Certainly.¡± The old man put on his sses and turned on the power to the telegraph machine.

    Pavlov began to dictate the content of the telegram, and the sounds of the telegram being sent started echoing in the telegraph room.

    Wang Zhong, bored, began to look at the notice board on the wall of the telegraph office, closely examining the notes pinned to the wooden board.

    ¡°Who took the coffee I left in the telegraph room yesterday?¡±

    ¡°Lost and found: A blue pen, please see Peter to im.¡±

    ¡­ It was all small, trivial matters.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong felt that this ce was unrealistically peaceful, as if the war before had been an illusion of his own.

    Until he saw a note, ¡°Collective memorial service for Car Group 54 to be held tomorrow, please attend punctually.¡±

    This note was just mixed in among a bunch of trivial ones, not noticeable unless looked at closely.

    Indeed, no one could stay out of the war.

    At that moment, Pavlov finished dictating and exhaled in relief, ¡°Now we just wait for a reply from the other side, hopefully, they¡¯re on time. If they really forgot to arrange amodations for us, that would be a headache. I hope the soldiers who have been through fierce battles can at least get a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yes, indeed. Certainly can¡¯t get a good rest with only straw on the train.¡±

    Last night, Wang Zhong had actually slept very soundly, except that his camp bed shook a bit too much.

    For the next while, both men sat quietly waiting.

    Pavlov, probably too tired, leaned against the backrest of the bench and fell asleep.

    Wang Zhong continued to observe everything in the room¡ªit was full of life, not only the bulletin board cluttered with notes but the walls were also stered with briefings and various misceneous items.

    Twenty minutes passed like this.

    The bell rang suddenly, and the old telegraph operator hastily reminded, ¡°Gentlemen, there are only ten minutes left before the train departs. Better get back on board quickly, lest you get left behind.¡±

    Stretching, Pavlov yawned lengthily.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Why don¡¯t you go to the first car and sleep on the camp bed?¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°No,¡± Pavlov tly refused, ¡°how could I have the nerve to use the bedding you two have used.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We could just throw the bedding away, and you can sleep directly on the hard nk.¡±

    Pavlov thought for a moment: ¡°That makes sense. Let¡¯s do that. Besides, we officers should stick together in carriage one and take turns resting.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±

    The two of them left the telegraph office together and returned to carriage one.

    Ludm had already put away all the bedding, stacking it in the corner of the carriage.

    Not only that, but she also used a stove she had found somewhere to boil water and had prepared coffee.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s leather shoes were neatly ced under the camp bed, shiny and spotless.

    Ludm¡¯s shoe polishing skills were indeed excellent.

    Seeing the coffee, Pavlov shook his head: ¡°Coffee no longer has any effect on me now, let me just get a good sleep. I¡¯ll take up the camp bed.¡±

    With that, hey directly on the nk of the camp bed and, like Nobita Nobi, fell asleep in an instant.

    Probably because he hadn¡¯t slept for so long, his snoring was very loud, as ifpeting with a steam whistle.

    At that moment, Yegorov appeared at the entrance of carriage one: ¡°Where¡¯s Pavlov? Did he ask where we¡¯re stationed? Huh? Why is he asleep?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Sent a telegram but got no reply.¡±

    Just as Yegorov was about to speak, a whistle blew outside.

    Yegorov hurriedly turned his head and shouted: ¡°Get on the train! There are only five minutes left before departure! Get on the train! Squad leaders, count your men, and if anyone¡¯s missing, send someone to look for them! Quick!¡±

    After giving the order, Yegorov looked back at Pavlov: ¡°So we still don¡¯t know where to station in Argesukov?¡±

    At that time, Ludm said: ¡°We could stay at Alyosha¡¯s estate.¡±

    Wang Zhong, astounded: ¡°Whose what now?¡±

    ¡°Your estate.¡±

    Do I even have one of those?

    Yegorov asked with concern: ¡°Will it berge enough?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°It should be, after all, the two main buildings have 210 rooms.¡±

    How many rooms?

    Ludm looked puzzled at Wang Zhong, who was gaping: ¡°What are you surprised about?¡±

    I¡¯m surprised about what kind of family I have, to possess such extravagant wealth.

    Wait, am I supposed to be a count? Can a count have an estate with 210 rooms?

    Yegorov: ¡°Sounds good, we¡¯ll also live in the house of a noble lord for a change, see what it feels like.¡±

    At this time, the stationmaster came with a loudspeaker: ¡°Officers, please board the train!¡±

    Yegorov grabbed the door of the freight car and climbed aboard with one effort: ¡°Since Pavlov is sleeping here, I¡¯ll join him. Carriage two is too crowded, this side is morefortable.¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could reply, Sufang suddenly appeared, nimbly climbing aboard.

    ¡°I¡¯ve received a message from the Argesukov Chant Choir,¡± Sufang said, ¡°and I need to report to you!¡±

    Just then, the train started moving slowly.

    ¡°Ah, can¡¯t go back now.¡± Sufang stuck out her tongue.

    Ludm handed her a cup: ¡°Coffee.¡±

    ¡°Oh, thank you.¡± Sufang nodded her head, took a big sip, ¡°Delicious, the coffee beans are finely ground.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°I didn¡¯t grind them, the olddy at the supply warehouse gave them to me when I went to get the stove.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered the note on the bulletin board in the telegraph office: ¡°Who took the coffee I left in the telegraph room yesterday?¡±

    Could things be connected like this?

    Sufang took another sip of the coffee, then apparently scalded, she shrank her neck.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What did the Argesukov Chant Choir say?¡±

    ¡°Cancel the attack, all units are ordered to steadfastly resist and not retreat,¡± Sufang said.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue: ¡°The good news is, the higher-ups have finally realized the futility of an attack. The bad news is¡­¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°It¡¯s a good thing we ran fast, or we might have been wiped out in Loktov.¡±

    Ludm looked in the direction of Loktov: ¡°Those young menst night had to fight to thest.¡±

    Everyone fell silent.

    Only Pavlov¡¯s carefree snoring continued unabated.

 Chapter 134: Arriving at Argesukov

    ¡°`

    July 9th, 1050 hours.

    By now, the view outside the train car¡ªwell, the stuffy boxcar didn¡¯t have windows, and the door hardly showed any trace of the war¡¯s scars anymore.

    In the glow of the rising sun, the fields of the Kazaria Kingdom werevishly revealing their beauty.

    Before crossing over, Wang Zhong had seen an anti-American war film by a famous director, and the scene that impressed him the most was when the protagonist, traveling by train to the border, opened the door to glimpse the grandndscapes of his homnd.

    Although that scene looked somewhat cheap due to budget cuts in favor of high-profile celebrities, the scenery was undeniably picturesque.

    Now, looking at the grasnds of Kazaria, Wang Zhong was reminded of that moment.

    As he was reflecting, Yegorov said, ¡°I¡¯m starting to think this grasnd really isn¡¯t suitable for defense. In the future, when our power increases, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if the battles here turned into tank tug-of-wars, and then, there will be destroyed tanks everywhere.¡±

    Wang Zhong admitted he was right.Yegorov continued, ¡°General, what rank do you think you¡¯ll be promoted to when you get back? Maybe another two ranks, to major general?¡±

    Wang Zhong, currently a brigadier general, also known as a brigade general, would add a star to be a ¡°two-bean¡± major general,manding a division.

    Then the next rank up was the three-bean lieutenant general, in charge of an army, or possibly bing a deputy in an army group, or the head of a major military region without activebat, and there was some chance he could be themander of a smaller strategic direction in the Front Army.

    Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t familiar with the Ante Empire¡¯s promotion system, but he knew very well the Soviet promotion system on the Eastern Front during World War II.

    There were many instances of officers being promoted to major general on the battlefield, but rising to lieutenant general was much more difficult, usually requiring three years from the start of the war.

    So he said, ¡°They¡¯ll probably make me a major general and then continue to stuff me with mixed forces.¡±

    Ludm joined the conversation, ¡°Why do you think so? Maybe they¡¯ll give Alyosha a reorganized division.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, no, I¡¯d rather they didn¡¯t give me a reorganized division. The 31st Guards and¡­ and the Parade Tank Regiment as well as the Parade Artillery Regiment, they¡¯re all seasoned troops, tried and tested. With a new unit, it would take time for them to get used to me.¡±

    What Wang Zhong meant wasn¡¯t that he would have troublemanding new unit members¡ªmilitary hierarchy is strict, and even new officers will have their orders obeyed, as that is the nature of the military.

    What Wang Zhong was referring to was his own ¡°cheat code¡±; if the men didn¡¯t ¡°ept¡± him and genuinely acknowledge him, he would face limitations in gaining insight on the battlefield.

    Of course, once the fame of the ¡®White Horse General¡¯ grew such that any new unit would wholeheartedly ept hismand, things would be different.

    ¡°No matter what rank you reach, I think you should get an orderly to look after your daily life as soon as possible. I¡¯ve noticed that your clothes are just thrown there as soon as you get them back from theundry squad! You need an orderly to take care of you!¡± Ludm said.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t I have you?¡±

    ¡°I can¡¯t stick with you all day!¡±

    So it can¡¯t be? Disappointing.

    ¡°Don¡¯t look so disappointed. I¡¯ll try my best to be with you!¡±

    Sofia watched the two of them and said, ¡°If the general bes a major general and divisionmander, then as a Hymn Monk I must always be by the general¡¯s side. How about I take on the role of orderly? I¡¯m quite skilled at household chores!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That could work. But would that be proper? Would Popov have any objections?¡±

    Yegorov and Ludm answered in unison, ¡°Definitely.¡±

    So they definitely would! Then I¡¯ll get one with a big chest, who also wears a maid¡¯s outfit.

    Ludm: ¡°Don¡¯t even think about bringing a maid into the troops. Even if one came, she would have to wear the orderly¡¯s uniform, not a maid¡¯s outfit.¡±

    What? That¡¯s a shame!

    But in reality, Wang Zhong was just entertaining the thought; what truly concerned him was the war situation.

    Having had his fill of the view outside, Wang Zhong returned to the map.

    From this map, the state of the entire Kazaria Kingdom was clear. As part of the Ante Empire, a third of it was now upied by the Prosen people.

    There were reports of telegrams stilling from Bogdanovka, emphasizing that the city was fighting and in need of relief.

    But every junior officer understood that under such circumstances, relief was virtually impossible, and it was only a matter of time before the Bogdanovka forces were entirely wiped out by the enemy.

    Based on the position and number of arrows representing the enemy on the map, Wang Zhong judged that Argesukov would be the enemy¡¯s next objective in a pincer attack.

    The enemy¡¯s second armored group was fighting north of Argesukov, apparently not yet intending to surround and encircle the city.

    But Wang Zhong, well-versed in history, had a nagging feeling that the armored offensive would soon turn southward and begin to encircle Argesukov.

    The ¡®Sturmtiger¡¯ on Earth fought that way, and even though they achieved stunning victories, they dyed the push towards Moscow by a month, dragging it out until the arrival of ¡®General Mud¡¯.

    The ¡®Sturmtiger¡¯ armored troops were mired in mud, barely managing to continue their advance.

    As soon as General Mud left, General Winter arrived, and in the year of the ¡®Sturmtiger¡¯s offensive, tanks and nes didn¡¯t have antifreeze lubricants¡ªthey were literally frozen to the ground.

    At that time, to start a ¡®Sturmtiger¡¯ tank, one even had to light a fire first to melt the solidified oil in the engine.

    Of course, in this world the terrain was different, and Prosen Empire was not the ¡®Sturmtiger¡¯; they might not follow the same course of action.

    Just then, Ludm said, ¡°There¡¯s Argesukov! Look over there!¡±

    Wang Zhong, following her slender index finger, saw a line of smokestacks on the horizon, many churning out thick smoke.

    Could Argesukov really be an industrial city?

    Wait, why isn¡¯t such an industrial city close to the frontline being rapidly deconstructed and the factories relocated further back?

    By doing so, they could prevent the Prosen people from capturing Ante factories and, once relocated, the factories could resume operations and continue supporting the Ante Empire¡¯s resistance.

    Why aren¡¯t they quickly evacuating the factories?

    It looks like there¡¯s yet another issue toin about to the Crown Prince.

    It¡¯s just uncertain how much power the Crown Prince has over the war.

    After all, the forces the Crown Prince managed to send before were the professional units ustomed to parades, hardly reflecting his influence over the military system.

    ¡°`

    What kind of person is the Crown Prince?

    Wang Zhong pondered, trying to dig out a sliver of memory about the Crown Prince from his mind¡ªsince this body belonged to the original owner, it made sense that some memories would linger, right?

    Unfortunately, after quite an effort, he still couldn¡¯t recall the slightest bit.

    So Wang Zhong fabricated a lie, ¡°To tell the truth, I don¡¯t know if it was from being sted by heavy artillery, or if my brain got fried during a fever, but I can¡¯t seem to remember what the Crown Prince looks like.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°It shows, you were about to ask whether he was a man or a woman.¡±

    Wang Zhong could certainly detect the mocking tone in Ludm¡¯s words, but still cheekily asked, ¡°So can you help me recall a bit?¡±

    Ludm shook her head: ¡°You both entered the Reserve Infantry Officer School in the same year, andter studied together at the Suvorov Military Academy. You two were bottom of the ss, onest and the other second tost.¡±

    Is the Crown Prince that bad?

    Now a distinguished general of the Ante Army, Wang Zhong thought somewhat arrogantly, even though his status as a well-known general was due to support from the Crown Prince, who acted as a ¡°transportationmander.¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong noticed more railway tracks appearing alongside the current ones, and soon the train shed past a deserted small station.

    Yegorov: ¡°We¡¯re reaching Veishorei, it¡¯ll start slowing down soon.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re quite familiar with the railways near Argesukov!¡±

    ¡°Of course. I fought many battles here during the civil war. Back then there weren¡¯t as many railroads converging here, but Veishorei had rail ess at that time.¡±

    ¡°Forces of the Sanctified faction were holding Veishorei, constantly trying tounch attacks on Argesukov. We were lined up on either side of the railroad, even bringing armored trains for fire support,¡± Yegorov recounted with familiarity.

    ¡°Back then I was under themand of¡­¡±

    Just then, the train¡¯s whistle blew, signaling its imminent arrival at the station.

    Pavlov also countered with his sonorous snores.

    Wang Zhong watched the increasingly numerous houses outside the train window over the fields and suddenly remembered something.

    He turned around to the table and picked up his portable small bag, from which he retrieved a letter stained red with blood.

    Argesukov, 43 Krugen Street, Alexeyevna.

    Wang Zhong hurriedly asked Yegorov, ¡°Since you¡¯ve fought around Argesukov for so long, you must know where Krugen Street is, right?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Yes, I do. What, are you really nning to deliver the letter yourself? Couldn¡¯t the military postal system handle it?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Wang Zhong dered firmly, ¡°I want to personally deliver it and have a word with this olddy Alexeyevna, to tell her just how brave her son was.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°But¡­ he¡¯s already dead¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong stubbornly said, ¡°No! I want to go.¡±

    In fact, this was not only for the sake of those who had passed away, but also to strengthen Wang Zhong¡¯s own resolve and bravery.

    So that one day in the future, he could issue themand, ¡°I don¡¯t want casualty numbers, I only want victories,¡± without guilt.

    Ludm, looking at Wang Zhong¡¯s side profile, suddenlyughed: ¡°Alyosha, I never knew you had such a tender side, just like I never knew you were a speaker!¡±

    Sufan: ¡°So you didn¡¯t know either?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Now I do! And I know which way he leans too¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s not go into details on that!¡±

    But Yegorov curiously asked, ¡°General, which side do you ¡®lean¡¯? I prefer¡­¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about that either,¡± Wang Zhong adopted the bearing of a general, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the letter!¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°43 Krugen Street, eh? I actually do know where it is. Once the troops are settled in, I¡¯ll take you there on your signature white horse.¡±

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong had an illusion that he heard a horse¡¯s neigh, which should be impossible. Bucephalus was mixed in with pack horses and mules carrying supplies for the troops, staying in carriage number 11; its whinny could not possibly travel against the wind to reach here.

    The train then began to slow down, and the surrounding countryside scenery swiftly diminished, soon morphing into a cityscape mingled with ck and red.

    Everywhere one could see garrisoned troops and the assembling Guardian Army.

    Unless in formation, they all uniformly gazed towards the train.

    Yegorovmented, ¡°I bet they¡¯re staring at the red g on your tank. After all, the Ante Empire has never seen a red g before.¡±

    The train continued to decelerate, finally reduced to the pace of a human walking.

    The lotive¡¯s whistle sounded again.

    Suddenly, Pavlov eximed loudly, ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore! Where¡¯s my staff team?¡±

    He then sat up and wide-eyed looked around at everyone in carriage number one.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t worry! We¡¯ll definitely provide you with a full staff team this time!¡±

    Pavlov was clearly still confused, his brain not quite kicking into gear yet. He looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°Really? Then I want a ninth-grade civil servant! At least ninth-grade!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How about a sixth-grade one?¡±

    He wasn¡¯t familiar with the civil servant rankings and just counted up one level ording to the sequence of three, six, nine.

    Finally awake, Pavlov retorted, ¡°Stop joking, General. A sixth-grade civil servant could serve as a school affairsmittee member at a university! They¡¯d have authority over professors!¡±

    Really?

    Right then, the tform outside abruptly came into view.

    Next, the sound of martial music rose, ying ¡°Farewell of the vic Woman,¡± clearly, a weing ceremony was prepared at the station for Rocossov¡¯sbat group.

 Chapter 135: His Royal Highness the Crown Prince

    The train gradually came to a halt amid the sounds of military music, and just before itpletely stopped, it gave a violent shake.

    Having already ridden in a stuffy boxcar from Bogdanovka to Loktov, Wang Zhong had once hit his head from such a shake, but now, experienced, he had braced himself against the door in advance.

    Ironically, his head was now covered in bandages¡ªhe¡¯d got those driving a tank¡ªso one less bump made no difference.

    As soon as the train hade to a full stop, Wang Zhong was about to disembark when he suddenly noticed arge group of fellows in shy military uniforms on the tform.

    They were indeed military uniforms, but the style was clearly different from the simple khaki uniform that Wang Zhong wore¡ªit was much more dashing and decorative.

    But then again, these uniforms all had unmistakably military elements that let anyone know at a nce, ¡°Oh, the person wearing this uniform is an officer of the Ante Army.¡±

    If pushed for aparison, they resembled the custom uniforms of the Sturmtiger aristocracy on Earth.

    The aristocratic officers of the Sturmtiger would often have their uniforms tailor-made¡ªlike motorcycle leather jackets, typically only issued to Sturmtiger¡¯s motorcycle reconnaissance troops, but many aristocratic officers thought the jackets looked cool, so they would also have one made for themselves.

    Now the group that appeared on the tform, in all their finery, were likely all aristocratic officers.Upon seeing Wang Zhong, they all became excited, ¡°Oh! Here hees, here hees!¡±

    ¡°Alyosha, why does your head look like a Bolo? Were you beaten after being captured by the Prussians?¡±

    ¡°Alyosha, why is your uniform so in? Where¡¯s your tailor?¡±

    The bunch hectically shouted out.

    Wang Zhong, feeling under siege, hadn¡¯t even tensed up this much when facing Prosen tanks.

    Who are all of you?

    He switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view and then realized that these clowns probably weren¡¯t officers at all; there were no insignias of rank, nor names visible!

    No wonder their epaulettes bore no proper military ranks, just shy decorations.

    Damn it, running into a bunch of civilian cronies was unexpected.

    Just then, Ludm leaned in and whispered in Wang Zhong¡¯s ear, ¡°These were your friends before we went to Yekaterinburg for studies. You can say you don¡¯t recognize them any longer.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Ludm with confusion, unsure why she suddenly came to his aid.

    Could it be that she actually saw through it?

    Does that mean her likeness for me has nothing to do with the original owner of this body?

    At this moment, someone in the group also recognized Ludm¡ªand it would be more surprising if they didn¡¯t, considering Ludm¡¯s silver hair and features were memorable to any man.

    ¡°Liu Da!¡± someone called out, ¡°Come to the dance tonight, many are waiting to dance with you!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned.

    These people, the front is in such a state, yet they still dance?

    Wang Zhong felt a sense of division, with the secr faction of the Eastern Holy Church inspiring the people to bravely resist the invaders, while the aristocracy, representatives of secr power, indulged in peace and luxury.

    How could you defeat the Prussians with such vermin!

    Yegorov seemed to be ustomed to the presence of the nobility, and promptly jumped off the train to organize the soldiers to disembark.

    Wang Zhong noticed that the disembarking soldiers were eyeing the dandies with unmistakable hostility.

    But the dandies, oblivious to the soldiers¡¯ res, kept jeering at Ludm, ¡°Ever since you went to Yekaterinburg, you¡¯ve be even prettier!¡±

    ¡°Has Alyosha not made a move on you yet, or maybe you would prefer¡­¡±

    Just then, as quick as a sh, Bucephalus let out a long whinny and charged from the other end of the tform, frightening the band into abandoning their performance and scattering in all directions.

    It reached the stunned dandies, spun around with a kick, and sent three men flying.

    Neighing, Bucephalus spun in ce, trying to kick more dandies into the air.

    Wang Zhong hurriedly got off the train and grabbed Bucephalus by its side.

    The horse stopped immediately and began nibbling on his hair.

    The dandies, scared out of their wits,y on the ground for a while before climbing up: ¡°What¡¯s with this horse!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Um¡­ it¡¯s a wild horse!¡±

    Bucephalus stepped on Wang Zhong¡¯s right boot, causing him such pain he almost bent over.

    Nheless, Bucephalus had indeed pulled its punches, otherwise, with its weight, Wang Zhong¡¯s toes would have been crushed.

    Wang Zhong decided not to mention the wild horse again and continued, ¡°It¡¯s not ustomed to riding the train and went mad. Sorry about that.¡±

    By then, most of the dandies had stood up, while the ones kicked away were still lying on the ground moaning, ¡°I¡¯ve broken a bone¡­¡±

    ¡°My back¡­¡±

    One unlucky fellow had a brown stain on his trousers and an unmistakable scent was wafting from there.

    Vasily stepped off the train, pretending to admire the scenery, ¡°Oh, why is there a familiar smell in the air? Filippov, do you smell it?¡±

    Filippov: ¡°Vasily, that¡¯s not very kind, they¡¯re all nobility!¡±

    ¡°What? What are you talking about? Don¡¯t you smell something in the air? Where¡¯s iting from?¡± Vasily stubbornly persisted in feigning ignorance.

    Indeed, expecting this hothead to revere so-called nobility was unrealistic.

    He didn¡¯t even respect the White General!

    Yegorov scolded, ¡°Stop fooling around! Fall in line! Let¡¯s give the citizens of the capital a good impression!¡±

    Argesukov is the capital of the Kazarlia Kingdom¡ªwhile Bogdanovka was the capital of the Vasztrom Duchy.

    Those who have yed the ¡°Crusader Kings¡± series will recognize this setup: counties are topped by duchies, duchies by kingdoms, and amassing three kingdom titles allows one to create an empire title to be the emperor¡ª

    As Wang Zhong¡¯s soldiers were falling in line, the traumatized band regrouped and resumed performing ¡°vonic Women¡¯s Farewell.¡±

    Some dandies began to order their servants to carry off their fallenpanions to the hospital.

    The remaining dandies gathered together, keeping their distance from the white horse.

    One of the dandies asked, ¡°Alyosha, how did you tame this beast?¡±

    Upon hearing someone calling him a beast, Bucephalus immediately shook his head and snorted through his nostrils, his front hooves fidgeting non-stop.

    Wang Zhong knew that this meant he was pleased; he didn¡¯t like being called a wild horse, but enjoyed being considered a beast.

    Bucephalus had aplicated heart of a young girl.

    Wang Zhong looked doubtfully at his beloved horse and began to suspect: Could this world hold mystical forces capable of turning ordinary rockets into missiles, enable ordinary people to acquire keen hearing?

    Could there also be mystical forces that turned horses into heroic spirits?

    If I really were a chosen one of the Eastern Holy Church, wouldn¡¯t it be normal to ride a horse with divine attributes?

    As he was thinking this, Bucephalus began to nibble on his hair.

    ¡ªI must be overthinking it; it¡¯s just a bit mentally unstable.

    Wang Zhong pushed his enthusiastic horse away and said to the dandies, ¡°Sorry, my horse has gone mad.¡±

    A few of the dandies exchanged nces, and the one who just called Bucephalus a beast said, ¡°It¡¯s okay, you used to like feisty ones, both horses and women.¡±

    ¡­Is that my character setting?

    Another dandy nodded, ¡°Right, you even said that Liu Da was too tame, which is why you didn¡¯t fancy her and left her alone.¡±

    Huh? Delving deeper seems to lead into aplex NTR cycle? Never mind that, Liu Xia now has feelings for me.

    Wang Zhong shook off the unnecessary thoughts, determined to politely dismiss the group of dandies.

    Just then, as the military band transitioned from ¡°vic Women¡¯s Farewell¡± to ¡°Tsar¡¯s Hymn,¡± Wang Zhong was puzzled.

    He noticed that all the soldiers were saluting towards the station¡¯s main building.

    Wang Zhong looked over and then saw a person whose name he could recognize!

    Ivan Nikyevich Antonov, with the rank of captain, and a subtitle in parentheses: Crown Prince of the Ante Empire.

    Wang Zhong examined the Crown Prince carefully.

    Hmm, just an ordinary good-looking Russian guy.

    The name, patronymic, and surname all followed the male format.

    When the Crown Prince saw Wang Zhong, he immediately opened his arms to greet him, ¡°Alyosha! My dear friend!¡±

    Wang Zhong also approached warmly, ¡°Ivania! My dear friend!¡±

    As they hugged, Wang Zhong felt Ivan wasn¡¯t a female.

    It¡¯s a bit of a pity.

    No, not at all a pity! I already have a lovely fianc¨¦e!

    After embracing Wang Zhong, Ivan turned to Ludm and merely performed a standard gentleman¡¯s greeting.

    Ludm: ¡°I¡¯m in uniform, so no hand-kissing.¡±

    It was then that Ivan snapped to attention, saluting Wang Zhong and Ludm!

    ¡°I salute you, General Sir!¡±

    The local dandies, left on the side, looked at each other in confusion.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I salute you, Your Highness! Without the technical equipment you provided, we couldn¡¯t have survived!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken, Wang Zhong¡¯s troops shouted in unison, ¡°We salute you!¡±

    Ivan looked at the troops in surprise, ¡°It¡¯s astonishing; they seem just as loyal to you as your own unit!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Reporting to Your Highness, we are indeed loyal to the General!¡±

    Ivan was even more surprised, ¡°Is that so? You¡­ actually managed to earn the respect of the troops?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±

    ¡°No, I thought your battle achievements were all boastful, because look, I¡¯ve been listening in on the High Command meetings, and we¡¯ve been winning all the time, haven¡¯t we?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Highness, the reports from the Front Armies might lie, but the frontline doesn¡¯t. We have been retreating all along, and even this Argesukov is now in danger.¡±

    ¡°How could that be!¡± the Crown Princeughed, ¡°Isn¡¯t this a peaceful ce? Here we¡¯ve gathered 700,000 troops, 700,000 of them!¡±

    Upon hearing that number, Wang Zhong¡¯s heart cooled by half.

    That¡¯s it, the number of troops in the Kiev encirclement matches up.

    Now all that¡¯s left is for the second tank group to the north to make its turn.

    But¡­ if things really do develop this way, doesn¡¯t it mean that Yekaterinburg could be saved?

    No, this isn¡¯t the time to worry about that; I need to get my own troops out of the encirclement first.

    Wang Zhong grabbed the Crown Prince¡¯s hand, ¡°Ivania, it¡¯s really dangerous now! The Prosen troops love encirclements, and they will¡­¡±

    The Crown Prince said with a smile, ¡°Here we have seven hundred thousand troops, as well as the natural defense of the Dnieper River, and Duke Meishikin¡¯s troops in Shepetovka can cover Argesukov too. Rest assured, we will inflict a heavy blow on them here! You should rx and let your troops rest and resupply first.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I need to replenish my troops, and also tanks! T34 tanks! And I hope they¡¯re all equipped with radios!¡±

    ¡°Rest easy! It will be provided, all of it!¡± the Crown Prince patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder.

    Wang Zhong held his forehead.

    The Crown Prince added, ¡°Oh, by the way, I have a message for you: Your father, Duke Rocossov, is preparing a banquet at the manor to celebrate your victorious return. He¡¯s also arranged quarters for your troops!¡±

    Wang Zhong exhaled a sigh of relief, thinking at least there was some good news, and there was no need to worry about quarters for the troops.

 Chapter 136: It Turns Out It Wasnâ€™t the Crown Princeâ€™s Merit (Bonus for 5000 Monthly Votes)

    Wang Zhong was pondering about the future when Ludm tugged at his sleeve.

    He turned his head to look at the girl, and she pouted in the direction she was looking at.

    Following her gaze with curiosity, Wang Zhong then saw a short and chubby version of himself.

    Overall, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky wasn¡¯t bad looking, mainly because he kept his body well-trained.

    But the man in front of him was actually about the same height; however, due to his significantly expanded tonnage and a serious failure in managing his weight, he had a chubby appearance.

    Described with high emotional intelligence,¡±strong and honest.¡±

    But even with such a big difference in build, Wang Zhong still had the feeling, ¡°My god, he looks so much like me.¡±

    So, even without looking at the name, Wang Zhong knew this person must be a rtive of his.

    He nced at the name: Pyotr Konstantinovich Rocossov, Major General, Duke Rocossov.Based on the patronymic Konstantinovich, Wang Zhong deduced that this man shared the same father with him. It¡¯s a tradition among the Ante Empire nobility that the first in line of session, even without actually inheriting anynd, would still be granted an honorary title.

    Meaning, this could be his brother, the first in line to inherit, so he is also called the Duke¡ªthough without actual inheritance.

    Pyotr looked at Wang Zhong, quickened his steps, and came over with open arms, ¡°My dear brother! Alyosha!¡±

    Wang Zhong was hugged tightly and nearly had his chest crushed.

    Are you trying to murder your brother, fatty!

    After releasing Wang Zhong, Pyotr was still very excited, his mouth trembling as he spoke¡ªnot that Wang Zhong was paying close attention, it¡¯s just that being fat, any slight tremor was magnified through theyers of fat, immediately obvious.

    Pyotr, ¡°When the choir received the dangerous news about you being in Peniye, I rushed to use all possible means to suggest to the subordinates to send you reinforcements. I didn¡¯t know what they¡¯d sent until I received the news that you had arrived at Bogdanovka, then my heart was finally at ease¡­¡±

    ¡­Hm? Tank number 67 KV1 was what you sent?

    But why does it seem from Pyotr¡¯s statements that he doesn¡¯t have the authority to give direct orders to the troops below? And as a major general in Argesukov, how could he issue orders to the troops in Bogdanovka? He shouldn¡¯t have jurisdiction there, right?

    Just as Wang Zhong¡¯s suspicion arose, it was immediately resolved: Because Pyotr was too fat earlier, Wang Zhong could only notice his front and overlooked the staff officer insignia on his shoulder.

    This guy, though wearing the rank of major general, is probably a senior staff officer in the Front Army staff.

    With some maneuvering within themand office, it is indeed possible to give some hints to have the troops dispatched.

    No wonder only one KV1 came to the support; turns out the defenders of Bogdanovka had only casually sent some reinforcements to satisfy the superiors.

    Everything started making sense.

    Pyotr took Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, ¡°It¡¯s good you¡¯re back! Father and I just want you to be safe, you really don¡¯t need to boast so much!¡±

    ¡­Hm?

    Pyotr, ¡°I¡¯ve already managed to make arrangements with the personnel department, and they will soon transfer you to the logistics department!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, looking incredulously at the chubby man in front of him who resembled him, ¡°What happened to the Western nobility protecting their people? You relocate your own kin to the rear during a national crisis, and you nonchntly announce it in public?¡±

    What would the sons of themoners who gantly died for their country think?

    The feeling of alienation he just experienced came flooding back.

    Wang Zhong remembered the valiant members of the Guardian Army who died in the defense of Loktov, along with the active men, women, and children.

    Had the call to action that motivated everyone back then nothing to do with the nobility but was down to a belief in national survival?

    Wang Zhong¡¯s fondness for the citizens of Ante increased by 1,000 points.

    He shook off Pyotr¡¯s hand, ¡°I won¡¯t leave my troops. I will fight until Prosen ispletely defeated, turning Ploseni into ruins, washing my tracks with the blood of the then Emperor, and then eating pickles on his dining table.¡±

    The dandies around obviously misunderstood Wang Zhong¡¯s words, taking him for the typical braggart and whistled in response.

    But Pyotr looked at Wang Zhong with incredulity, staring intensely, ¡°You¡­ what¡¯s happened to you? No, no, for the sake of the front-line troops, you should go to the logistics department, and to manage something inconsequential, like storerooms for pickles¡­ Oh, is that where you want to go? That can be arranged!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I will say it again, I will not leave the front line, I will not forsake the soldiers who have fought and bled with me! I will fight with them until the end when Prosen is finally defeated!¡±

    Pyotrughed, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, look at your soldiers, they must be sick of you! Uh¡­¡±

    Pyotr¡¯s gaze swept over the soldiers of the Rocossovbat group standing in formation on the tform, his expression as if he¡¯d seen a ghost.

    At that moment, Ludm said, ¡°Pyotr Konstantinovich, he is no longer who he was yesterday.¡±

    Pyotr took another look at his brother, seemingly finally sensing a vastly different aura about his kin, until he saw Bucephalus nibbling at Wang Zhong¡¯s hair.

    Bucephalus, ¡°Neigh~~~¡±

    Wang Zhong silently pushed the horse¡¯s head away.

    Pyotr:¡­

    Then Pyotr decided to ignore the overly abrupt scene. He cleared his throat, ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re not going to tell me that you actuallymanded the troops in battle and gained their approval, are you?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What do you think? My dear brother!¡±

 Chapter 137: It Turns Out It Wasnâ€™t the Crown Princeâ€™s Merit (Bonus for 5000 Monthly Votes) _2

    Pyotr: ¡°So¡­ you¡¯re saying, you really destroyed six hundred Prussian tanks?¡±

    Wang Zhong was caught off guard, almost lost hisposure, and cleared his throat: ¡°Well, not that many. But there is indeed a hundred, and among them, twenty were personally taken out under mymand.¡±

    ¡°I also personally directed my Tank 422 to kill Major General Rundorf of the enemy¡¯s 15th Armored Division¡ªnow he might have been promoted to General.¡±

    The dandies behind Pyotr looked at each other in disbelief, clearly none of them could ept the fact that ¡°that¡± Alyosha had be a true iron-blooded soldier.

    Pyotr looked somewhat bewildered, covering his mouth: ¡°This¡­ My father and I thought the battle reports were all ttery or achievements made by some capable officer under you, and you took credit for them. We thought assigning you to manage the pickle warehouse was the best solution.¡±

    Well, it turned out Dad and big brother didn¡¯t want to keep the original owner alive just for the sake of it, but rather to prevent him from causing too much damage.

    It seemed that, as Ludm said, apart from Alyosha, the rest of the Rocossov family was quite good.

    Pyotr: ¡°I need to discuss with my father, but I think he won¡¯t believe you¡¯ve be a qualified soldier, and in the end, you might still be assigned to manage the warehouse¡­¡±

    At that moment, Vasily finally couldn¡¯t hold it in anymore: ¡°Major General! Uh, Major General Rocossov¡­ Uh¡­¡±He realized after he began speaking that there were two ¡°Rocossov¡± major generals.

    After a brief hesitation, he said: ¡°The chubbier Major General! Just let us be stationed on the estate, let the Duke listen to our discussions, and he¡¯ll definitely know how much we trust the Major General¡­ I mean, the slimmer one!¡±

    Pyotr took out his handkerchief, vigorously wiped his sweat, and said: ¡°I will go back and talk to my father right now. Good lord, Father will never believe it. I¡¯m going to be scolded!¡±

    ¡°But Father originally wanted your troops to be stationed on the estate, he thought that a unit that could perform so well under such amander as you must be well-treated.¡±

    After finishing, Pyotr Konstantinovich Rocossov hurriedly left.

    At that point, Crown Prince Ivan, who had been eavesdropping on the brothers¡¯ family conversation, spoke up: ¡°I was wondering why there was so much resistance when I requested your promotion. Turns out the Duke was interfering. But¡­ did you really kill a Prussian major general?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, I saw him get killed by a high-explosive shell.¡±

    ¡°Oh¡­ that¡¯s kind of impressive, you¡­ you¡¯ve really be a war hero? How could that be, you scored even lower than I did!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the Crown Prince with confusion: ¡°You don¡¯t believe that I¡¯ve turned into a war hero? Then why did you arrange for heavy artillery and T34s for me?¡±

    Ivan: ¡°Ah, that was Olga¡¯s idea, she said giving you some parade specialists would make things more interesting, and it was also her using my name and taking my seal to make it happen.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, quickly realizing that Ivan had used a feminine pronoun in his statement.

    In Antenguage, Olga is also a unisex name, used by both men and women.

    So the question arises, who is this ¡°Olga¡±?

    It can¡¯t possibly be the leader of the Iron Blood Orphans from Gundam, that¡¯s a male character.

    Ludm leaned closer to Wang Zhong¡¯s ear and whispered: ¡°Olga Nikyevna Antonovna, the sister of the Crown Prince, the second in line to the throne. Because the current His Majesty Nichs V doesn¡¯t have a second son.¡±

    Crown Prince: ¡°You guys even forgot about Olga, she¡¯s alwaysining about you! Calling you cow dung! But then when the frontline battle reports came in, I gave them to her just for fun, and she actually read them very seriously!¡±

    ¡°Then she proposed to send you some fancy but useless equipment, to make you look like a fool!¡±

    Well, I was wondering why the Crown Prince didn¡¯t seem like the kind of person who would send me so much reinforcements, it turns out it was the princess¡¯s doing. And this fool was still out of the loop.

    The Crown Prince continued: ¡°How about it, did those parade equipmentse in handy? Were the Prussians stunned when they appeared on the battlefield? I originally wanted to send those stylish T35s as well, after all, you used to adore the T35, saying it was majestic and powerful!¡±

    ¡°But then Olga scolded me and sent T34s instead.¡±

    ¡°That thing is no good, it looks weak. The T35 is much more formidable!¡±

    Wang Zhong ¡°Oh¡±ed, then seriously asked: ¡°Is Her Highness Olga Nikyevna Antonovna also in Argesukov now?¡±

    ¡°Of course she¡¯s not; Her Majesty has forbidden her toe near the front lines. Now she spends every day at Saint Yekaterinburg giving speeches to the soldiers and personally handing out hot water and the like. My sister, she¡¯s always enjoyed putting on airs, as you know!¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue in amazement.

    ¡°Her Highness, with her brother¡¯s seal in tow, forged orders to get the technical equipment sent over¡­ Now that the Crown Prince is in Argesukov, that means we can¡¯t count on any equipmenting from the capital.¡±

    ¡°It looks like I¡¯ll have to have a serious talk with Duke Rocossov tonight. Since he managed to get his frivolous son reassigned to the warehouse district to distribute pickles, he should be able to assign troops to his son who has turned into a hardened soldier.¡±

    He was already eager to meet this ¡°father.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his head to Yegorov and said, ¡°Prepare to depart, and make haste to the manor.¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°Uh, we don¡¯t know where your manor is.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought ironically that it was a coincidence, since he didn¡¯t know either.

    He silently pushed aside Bucephalus, who was nibbling on his hair again, and looked towards Ludm.

    Ludm said, ¡°I¡¯ll lead the way. You are all officers; you should be able to understand with just a point on the map.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At this very moment, on the third floor of the train station, inside the clock tower¡¯s machinery room, the Secr faction¡¯s Grand Patriarch Belinsky overlooked the tform, his eyes fixed on Rocossov.

    Popov stood beside him respectfully, silent.

    Finally, Belinsky spoke, ¡°He is indeed a soldier dedicated to saving our country from peril, but is he really willing to be with themon people, as you say? There is no shortage of nobility amongst the officers who are willing to share blessings and hardships with themon soldiers, considering it a basic quality of a good officer.

    ¡°How can you prove that this Rocossov is any different from them?¡±

    Popov answered, ¡°Through observation, I believe that he is not cut from the same cloth as those nobles. Because of this, even themoners are willing to follow him, to resist the invaders under hismand, and to boldly go to their deaths.¡±

    Belinsky remarked, ¡°Hmm, we still need to observe him more. And he also needs to present more achievements. Killing a major general and destroying a few hundred Prosen tanks is not proof enough.

    ¡°This war is a brawl between two steel giants, and we are far weaker. Therefore, we need even strongermanders.

    ¡°At the very least, we need to thwart the Prosen offensive this year and turn the situation from a rout into a strategic standoff, so the Federation and the United Kingdom will provide us with assistance.¡±

    Popov responded, ¡°Your Grace, talking about these matters with a mere bishop like me serves little purpose.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know. I just wanted to mention it, to make you understand the importance of the mission.¡±

    At that moment, Rocossov¡¯sbat group in the station began to move.

    Belinsky said, ¡°Go quickly, the Church will do its utmost to replenish thebat group¡ªI mean, if you don¡¯t mind the recruits being passionate youths with nothing but bravery and zeal.¡±

    Popov suggested, ¡°Then perhaps fill Yeca Neiko¡¯s Divine Arrow Company¡¯s ranks with prayer soldiers anduncher operators.¡±

    Belinsky replied, ¡°Hmm, we can meet that request, go back and wait for the news.¡±

    With that, the Grand Patriarch waved his hand.

    After saluting, Popov turned and left.

    At that moment, the bishops in the shadows of the gears who had been eavesdropping stepped out. One of them said, ¡°One of our core beliefs in the Secr faction is that there has never been a Messiah, or rather, each of us, every single person, is the Messiah.¡±

    The Grand Patriarchughed, ¡°Exactly, which is why we need to identify capable individuals among the people. This is not contradictory, Bishop Chernishevsky. It does not matter if he is a noble or a steelworker, what matters is military talent. To stop the onught of the Prosen devils, it is a necessity!¡±

    The Grand Patriarch looked back at the tform once more, gazing at the young faces that had be resolute through the crucible of blood and fire, and softly repeated, ¡°It is a necessity.¡±

 Chapter 138: Alyosha, Despised by People and Dogs (Added update for 6000 monthly votes)

    Wang Zhong¡¯s troops were currently advancing towards the Rokossovsky family¡¯s manor ording to the route provided by Ludm.

    Wang Zhong had intended to ride in Tank 422, but Bucephalus pulled at his hair so fiercely that he had no choice but to saddle up Bucephalus and ride the horse, with the tank following behind.

    The Crown Prince was also mounted on a robust sorrel horse, proudly trotting beside Wang Zhong.

    Curiously, passersby on the road didn¡¯t even bother to tip their hats to the Crown Prince, as if he wasn¡¯t the Tsar¡¯s foremost heir.

    The streets of Argesukov were much more peaceful and serene than Wang Zhong had expected.

    Previously, when Wang Zhong and his troops entered a city, there was a deste feeling, with little sense of the residents¡¯ livelihood, but Argesukov was bustling with life, with numerous pedestrians in everyday attire on the streets.

    Wang Zhong was surprised; the performance of the dandies at the train station already hinted at the decay typical of a dynasty¡¯s end, but where was the expected atmosphere of ¡°streets littered with frozen bones¡±?

    Before setting out, Wang Zhong had thought he would see streets full of beggars, destitute people selling off their children, and bread in the bakeries costing 500,000 rubles each.

    Yet, these clean and tidy streets, with rosy-cheeked, well-dressed civilians, seemed off, didn¡¯t they?Riding his horse, Wang Zhong pondered and then saw a long queue forming in the distance.

    As the troops moved towards the origin of the queue, Wang Zhong craned his neck, wondering what was at the end of the queue.

    Soon, he saw it¡ªor rather, the starting point of the queue¡ªa shop adorned with the emblem of the Eastern Holy Church.

    Civilians carryingrge and small packages kepting out of the shop.

    Wang Zhong scrutinized the items in the hands of a jubnt elderlydy: smoked sausages as thick as a grown man¡¯s thigh and forty centimeters long, four cans of fish, and canned oats, sour cream, mushrooms, mayonnaise, and the indispensable pickled cucumbers.

    Although all were canned goods and processed sausages, with no fresh produce in sight, the variety still seemed quite rich!

    Just then, a person dressed as a priest brought out a notice board and put it at the shop entrance, immediately drawingments from the queued crowd.

    The notice read: ¡°Fish will only be supplied on Tuesdays and Thursdays from now on; we hope for your understanding.¡±

    Someone in the queue shouted, ¡°Why only supply fish?¡±

    The Priest replied, ¡°Many farms and meat factories have been upied, and supplies have sharply declined. Be content; at least there¡¯s fish from Riga and the North Sea!¡±

    Immediately, the Priest¡¯s words were met with dissent, ¡°I was at a tavern yesterday and heard on the radio that we are about to defeat Prosen!¡±

    Priest, ¡°Yes, indeed, so it¡¯s only temporary. Think of it as eating more fish! By the way, we have enough caviar in stock here; you can buy some more to enjoy!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sick of caviar, and I really don¡¯t understand why those noble lords like it so much!¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow.

    It seemed that the Church¡¯s shop had helped to ease the tension between sses.

    Thinking it over, the Church had demonstrated strong mobilization power in Loktov.

    Could it be because the Church assured bountiful delicacies for themon people?

    Wang Zhong scratched his head, feeling there was much he still didn¡¯t understand, and that he needed to observe more closely.

    Anyhow, the Church¡¯s mobilization power was a good thing. Considering the decadence of those nobles, relying on them to defeat Prosen seemed unlikely.

    Passing by the Church store, Wang Zhong saw another shop on the street selling fried patties¡ªnot meat patties, but fish patties.

    An olderdy purchasing goodsined, ¡°Howe there has been no meat for two days?¡±

    ¡°Fish tastes quite good too,¡± smiled the girl frying patties. ¡°We¡¯ll have meat patties tomorrow!¡±

    ¡°Alright then, I¡¯ll take some fish patties today. What kind of fish is it?¡±

    ¡°Cod from the North Sea!¡±

    Wang Zhong walked past the fish patty shop.

    He continued onwards, and there were several more shops like this one.

    Wang Zhong fell deep into thought.

    At that moment, the march of the troops suddenly halted.

    Feeling puzzled, Wang Zhong spurred Bucephalus forward, overtaking the stopped infantry to reach the very front.

    He saw that the road hade to an end, a metal gate imposingly bisecting the asphalt road.

    Emzoned on the gate were the family crest and Ante¡¯s slogan, ¡°Private Property, No Trespassing.¡±

    Yegorov at the forefront of the troops said, ¡°ording to Miss Mailehovna¡¯s directions, this is your manor, but¡­ are we expected to climb over and open the gate ourselves?¡±

    Wang Zhong had no idea what was happening¡ªthe gate didn¡¯t even seem to have an inte. How were they supposed to get it open?

    Just then, on the other side of the gate, a formation of maids paraded in double files along the road towards them.

    Seeing the procession of maids, the face of Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky¡ªthe iron-d warrior and god of war adorned with the Peniye, Loktov¡¯s Guardian, bearer of the Red Banner, and rememberer of soldiers¡¯ names¡ªunexpectedly revealed a smile of happiness, softened by the wreckages of war.

    However, he quickly suppressed this inappropriate expression, and no one seemed to notice.

    The maids arrived at the gate, then separated on either side of the road. The leading maid unlocked and opened the gate, pulled it aside with difficulty, then took her position at the head of the row of maids and bowed deeply.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, is it my imagination, or do these maids seem to have a bad attitude towards me?

    Of course, with the Crown Prince present, the maids were undoubtedly polite, but it just felt as if the maids disliked him.

 Chapter 139: Alyosha, Despised by People and Dogs (Added update for 6000 monthly votes) _2

    Odd, aren¡¯t I now a war hero brimming with male hormones? The twodies in my unit are clearly smitten with me! Why haven¡¯t the maids taken a liking to me?

    Could it be¡­ they still see me as the same worthless dandy from before?

    For a moment, Wang Zhong wished the Prussian Army would attack soon, so he could make a big show of himself, but recalling the peaceful scenes he had just witnessed, this thought gave way to the simple wish that war¡¯s pace would slow.

    Wearing aplex expression, he rode into the estate on horseback.

    About two hundred maids came to greet him, spacing themselves five meters apart to guide Wang Zhong¡¯s unit to three three-story buildings at the northwest corner of the garden.

    The buildings, made of red bricks, reminded one of the red brick buildings of the Royal Naval College on Earth or of Peking University¡¯s red halls.

    The parade ground enclosed by the three buildings seemed to be able to amodate three to five thousand soldiers at once.

    To the north of the buildings stood an arsenal and a parking lot.

    Yegorov eximed, ¡°This is practically a barracks! I fought near Argesukov during the Civil War and even stayed in the city; howe I¡¯ve never heard of a barracks here?¡±No one answered Yegorov.

    Wang Zhong directly asked a maid standing by the road, ¡°When was this barracks built?¡±

    ¡°This is a barracks from the period of the Civil War,¡± the maid replied, ¡°We¡¯ve already cleaned it up yesterday, please arrange to move in. Dinner will be served in the guesthouse in two hours.¡±

    The Crown Prince said, ¡°That¡¯s perfect. Get the troops settled and ready for dinner, and we¡¯ll go to the main building to see your father. Weren¡¯t you going to continuemanding your troops? If you don¡¯t go over and tell the Duke now, you¡¯ll be soon keepingpany with pickled cucumber jars!¡±

    Wang Zhong kept a straight face. He didn¡¯t want to end up in the storage room, so he said to Yegorov, ¡°I¡¯ll leave the rest to you; I¡¯m going to meet my ¡®father¡¯.¡±

    As he said this, Wang Zhong felt a bit awkward; he still resisted calling another man ¡®Dad,¡¯ but he couldn¡¯t call him his foster father either, so he just had to go along with it.

    Yegorov waved his hand: ¡°Remember to requisition more troops for us, as well as technical equipment!¡±

    Pavlov added, ¡°And staff officers!¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand: ¡°I¡¯ll do my best.¡±

    At that moment, Ludm, who had been moving with the unit, got off a Divine Arrow Company vehicle and called out to a maid, ¡°Vera dimirovna! Get my horse ready! Alyosha, I¡¯ming with you!¡±

    dimirovna bowed to Ludm: ¡°Miss Mailehovna, wee. Your horse will be ready shortly.¡±

    The Crown Prince said flippantly, ¡°Do you really need to go through all that trouble? Just sit atop Alyosha¡¯s saddle, right?¡±

    Ludm just smiled slightly, without responding.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Twenty minutester, the three rode their horses to the front of the manor¡¯s main building.

    Suddenly, two hounds appeared from nowhere and started barking at Wang Zhong.

    What, even dogs dislike you?

    As Wang Zhongined, the horse he was on, Bucephalus, kicked out, sending one dog flying away; the dog rolled over, stood up apparently unharmed but with its arrogance gone, whimpering sharply.

    Seeing this, the other dog stopped barking as well and turned to run away.

    Several military vehicles were parked in front of the main door, one of them bearing the insignia of the Front Army headquarters ¨C presumably the car Petrov had returned in.

    Passing by a gardener trimming the flower beds, Wang Zhong heard him grumble, ¡°Great, the little demon¡¯s back!¡±

    Little demon? What, am I Xiao Yu¡¯er from ¡®The Legendary Twins¡¯?

    Ludm, who also heard the gardener¡¯s words,ughed, ¡°Everyone still thinks you¡¯re the same person that both humans and dogs despise.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°You¡¯re the only one who doesn¡¯t despise me, this human-and-dog-despising guy; a secret crush confirmed.¡±

    ¡°I just treat you like a mischievous little brother,¡± she retorted.

    Reaching the front, the coachman had already been informed and was waiting; they would take the horses to the nearby stables and see to saddling and grooming, ensuring the horses were in top shape.

    Watching Bucephalus being led away by the coachman, Wang Zhong casually asked, ¡°How many people are on this estate?¡±

    ¡°There should be about three to five hundred servants,¡± Ludm replied, ¡°Ever since the end of the Civil War, the servants have been getting paid, and on the empire¡¯s records, we¡¯ve transitioned from lords to farm owners, employers.¡±

    Right after she had finished, the Crown Princemented, ¡°What a pity, back when they were serfs, you couldsh them at your leisure! Whipping anyone who didn¡¯t work hard! Now it¡¯s just dull.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the Crown Prince, thinking to himself how quickly the guy went from buddy to wastrel¡ªor rather, it seemed just the sort of mischief two wastrels would enjoy, hence their friendship.

    As the three approached the stout doors, before they could even touch the handle, the doors swung open from the inside, revealing the impressively dignified butler who bowed slightly, ¡°Your Highness Antonov, and young master, Miss Mailehovna, wee back. The master and the eldest young master are waiting in the study.¡±

    The Crown Prince waved his hand, ¡°I won¡¯t go. Is there any afternoon tea? I¡¯d like some walnut jam and bread, plus some wine. What wine do you have here?¡±

    The old butler replied, ¡°Shall I open a bottle of Chinandega red wine for you?¡±

    ¡°Good, good, a wine with a name will do; I can¡¯t really tell the difference anyway.¡± Saying this, the Crown Prince confidently headed toward the room on the left-hand side, as if he was already very familiar with theyout.

    He must have been here many times before.

    After the Crown Prince and the old butler walked away, Ludm looked back at Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡­ remember the way to the study, right? The 381 heavy artillery was quite something, it seems to have wiped out all your memories.¡±

 Chapter 140: Alyosha, Despised by People and Dogs (Added update for 6000 monthly votes) â€“ 3

    Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t sure if Ludm had caught on or was ying dumb, but it didn¡¯t matter.

    He said, ¡°Then please lead the way!¡±

    Ludm, happy, hugged Wang Zhong¡¯s arm and pulled him forward.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Just as Ludm had pushed open the study door, a loud shout came from inside, ¡°Impossible! Do you think I don¡¯t know what Alyosha is? No, absolutely impossible!¡±

    After the girl pushed the door, Wang Zhong could see Petrov, wiping sweat from his brow, saying, ¡°But I saw his subordinates trust him a lot!¡±

    ¡°What can you see?¡± the Duke, in full military garb and with graying hair, scolded from in front of the window, ¡°You¡¯re just an armchair strategist! Always a staff officer at the headquarters, never led a soldier in your life! You must be mistaken! And take a look at these battle reports! What, destroying six hundred Prosen Tanks, single-handedly charging and killing a Prosen Major General, do you believe that?¡±

    All Petrov could do was wipe away sweat.

    The old Duke: ¡°And besides, Alyosha is an infantryman! How could an infantrymanmand tanks and achieve such impressive military sess?¡±Wang Zhong thought because I¡¯ve yed War Thunder and had cheats.

    Of course, he indeed did not know how to operate a tank, which put him in jeopardy; in the future, if possible, he still needed to learn the skills for each crew position in a tank.

    At that moment, Ludm spoke up, ¡°Uncle Konstantin! I can prove that Alyosha has changed!¡±

    Duke Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky turned around, looking skeptically at Ludm, ¡°Liu Da, my dear Liu Da, my sunshine and spring blossom, I really want to believe you, but you¡¯ve lied for him since you were six years old!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought, do we need to trace it back that far? Ludm has grown up into a young woman!

    Ludm walked up and took the old Duke¡¯s hand, ¡°But it¡¯s true! Uncle Konstantin, if you go and see the barracks, you¡¯ll understand everything!¡±

    The old Duke frowned, nced at Wang Zhong, then at Ludm, and took a deep breath: ¡°Well, I know there have been examples of transformation through the trials of war. Even though I doubt Alyosha has changed, since you say so, I¡¯ll go and take a look at the camp.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Umm¡­¡±

    The old Duke red at him: ¡°Speak up if you have something to say!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I did not destroy 600 tanks.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious! It must be some sycophant¡¯s handiwork!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But I did kill the enemy¡¯s Major General¡ªnow General.¡±

    The old Duke red maliciously at Wang Zhong: ¡°You dare to lie in front of me!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m not lying, it was the enemy¡¯s radio that said it, they mentioned that General White Horse killed Major General Lundorf. In actuality, at that time, the enemy¡¯s division headquarters¡¯ guard battalion released smoke, and I only saw the second high-explosive shell hit the wounded Major General Lundorf.¡±

    The old Duke stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and asked, ¡°How far were you from the target at that time?¡±

    ¡°850 meters,¡± Wang Zhong answered immediately.

    ¡°Which tank were youmanding?¡±

    ¡°The T34 ceremonial model.¡±

    ¡°Why the ceremonial model?¡±

    ¡°Because the ceremonial model has amand turret, and themander doesn¡¯t have to double as the gunner, allowing for better situational awareness. Those tank crews withmanders doubling as gunners are like headless flies in battle.¡±

    The old Duke eyed Wang Zhong skeptically, then suddenly let go of Ludm¡¯s hand and went to his desk to take out a scroll of paper.

    Wang Zhong saw that it was a city aerial survey map pieced together and erged from Loktov¡¯s aerial photographs.

    The old Duke: ¡°Narrate the battle process to me. I¡¯ll state a time, hm, what was the situation at 1100 on July 7th?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I don¡¯t remember the exact time, how about I start from the beginning and also tell you about my decisions?¡±

    The old Duke nodded: ¡°Good!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°On July 6th, after receiving the order to hold our ground, I decided to first carry out an advance reconnaissance, so I led my squad personally to scout Karlinovka¡­¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Two hourster.

    The old Duke stood with his arms crossed, looking at the aerial map now filled with various military symbols drawn in pencil.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ve finished.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± the old Duke replied, still staring at the aerial map.

    After a long while, the old man asked, ¡°How the hell did you graduatest in your ss?¡±

    Wang Zhong confidently said, ¡°Compared to theoretical strategizing, I¡¯m better at actualbat. If I¡¯mst in ss, it shows there¡¯s a problem with our military education!¡±

 Chapter 141: Take Supply as You Please

    Wang Zhong finished speaking, and Ludm hesitated to continue.

    Duke Loktov noticed this and said, ¡°Liu Da, just speak your mind.¡±

    Ludm nodded, ¡°Alright. He was hit by the main gun of an enemy battleship, directly hit, so he lost some memory. His personality has also changed.¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t tell for a moment whether Ludm was covering for him or really thought that.

    Duke Loktov frowned, ¡°A concussion, perhaps? It¡¯s possible. I¡¯ve already seen my fair share of personality changes due to shelling in the civil war, but all those changes were for the worse.¡±

    But the old man immediately shook his head, ¡°But such things are unpredictable, although I still doubt whether a concussion can turn an uneducated troublemaker into a shrewd and capable general. Yet the fact is right in front of us.¡±

    ¡°Compared to him being possessed by St. Andrew, a concussion seems more reasonable.¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, unable to exin the matter; he thought it might deepen the suspicion to lie about it, so he chose to stay silent.

    Duke Loktov sat down behind his desk, picked up a letter, ¡°This is a letter to the Front Army headquarters. It says that my son is uneducated and may lead to the unnecessary sacrifice of many soldiers, causing the empire to lose arge amount of technical equipment, requesting that he be sent to an insignificent ce to guard pickles.¡±Having said that, the duke took out a match, struck it, and lit the letter, throwing it into the ashtray on his desk, watching it burn slowly to ash.

    The old man unbuttoned his military tunic¡¯s disciplinary buttons, opened the cor wider, and looking at Wang Zhong, asked, ¡°How many men are left in your unit?¡±

    ¡°914, including logistics, artillery, armored troops, and the nonbatant staff of the headquarters.¡±

    ¡°Only that many,¡± Loktov mused. ¡°I¡¯ve been retired for a long time and am not too familiar with thetest military equipment or this blitzkrieg thing. I have no immediate ns to return to the army and cause trouble for everyone. However, as a retired general, I can still offer some help within my capability, go ahead.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Please tell the Front Army headquarters that Argesukov is at risk of being encircled. The enemy¡¯s Second Tank Group is to the north; if theyplete the encirclement, it¡¯s over.¡±

    Duke Loktov shook his head, ¡°The decision to hold Argesukov is His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s. The Grand Patriarch has evene here personally to boost morale. Even if the enemy is indeed likely to encircle from the north, the Front Army headquarters will surely say that we should fight the enemy here.

    ¡°It¡¯s the only way not to provide others with an excuse and to make His Majesty the Tsar happy. Do you understand? Unless someone can persuade the Tsar, or someone can make the Grand Patriarch decide to give up Argesukov, the army won¡¯t retreat from here.

    ¡°Besides, in my personal experience, it¡¯s difficult for the enemy toplete such an encirclement. Do you know howrge an arc that is?¡±

    Loktov indicated on the map.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It might have been impossible before, but technology has improved. Didn¡¯t you see the actions of the Prussian Army in Carolus?¡±

    Duke Loktov frowned, ¡°I¡¯ve seen it, but all the generals believe that result was due to theck of will to resist from the Carolus Army.

    ¡°All the generals.

    ¡°You better not worry about this; you can¡¯t influence it, and neither can I.¡±

    The old man said with a sigh and a touch of helplessness in his smile.

    Wang Zhong, understanding, changed his request, ¡°My unit needs replenishing, including experienced veterans, technical weaponry, everything¡­ Ick it all.¡±

    Duke Loktov shook his head, ¡°Even if there are veterans recovering from hospitals now, the number is certainly not enough to replenish your forces on arge scale. Reservists have mainly been mobilized ording to the organization during the winter training each year; they are already formed into units, so temporary reinforcements of reservists are not possible for you.

    ¡°As for military school students, when things got hectic, all the students were mobilized. Now the top believes that we¡¯re about to counterattack, so they won¡¯t mobilize students.

    ¡°If you want to replenish your troops, you can only select those with shooting experience from the inexperienced Guardian Army¡ª¡±

    Wang Zhong interrupted the duke, ¡°These Guardian Army troops haven¡¯t received training in grenade throwing; throwing grenades might even blow themselves up.¡±

    Loktov, ¡°Right, you could promote all your veteran soldiers to squad leaders, one leading 7 to 8 recruits. This might help them survive a little longer.

    ¡°Of course, you could also choose not to engage in brutal meat grinder battles. From my experience, in trench warfare on the ins, as long as the enemy doesn¡¯t breach the trenches, the survival rate of new recruits is quite high.

    ¡°Most importantly, if you want to maintain the integrity of your troops while replenishing with new soldiers, this is the only way right now.

    ¡°By around January next year, the new recruits currently being conscripted will havepleted their training, and the veterans will have recovered from the hospitals too. At that time, it will be possible to replenish you with arge number of high-quality new soldiers.¡±

    Wang Zhong said solemnly, ¡°Next January¡­ Alright, fill up with new recruits for me, and I¡¯ll have the veterans train them as best they can. Although I don¡¯t know how long it will be before we are back on the battlefield.

    ¡°My regr soldiers are warrant officers who haven¡¯t yet graduated; they should be able to teach them some life-saving skills.

    ¡°And technical weaponry! I need technical weaponry! I need T34 tanks, anti-tank guns, La-3 or MiG-3, and Il-2!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s strategy was to ask for the moon, after all, as Lu Xun once said, to open a window you must propose to take off the roof.

    Duke Loktovughed heartily, ¡°Look at you! The way you talk! Only at the Front Army level can youmand Air Force troops; you¡¯ll have to be promoted to general first.

    ¡°However, we can try with tanks and cannons. You¡¯vemanded several types of tanks on the frontline ¨C which type do you hope to replenish with?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°T34, but the parade-type T34, without a separate tankmander and radio. Without those, an excellent tank¡¯sbat effectiveness drops by at least fifty percent!¡±

    Old Rokossov shook his head: ¡°I can get you tanks that have already been produced, but I have no way to make the factory produce other tanks. T34s, you say? I¡¯ll see if I can manage to get you two battalions; more than that is probably not possible.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I hope to getpanymand vehicles equipped with radios.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not possible,¡± Old Rokossov tly shook his head, ¡°But you can do this: focus on using thepanymand vehicles, all fitted with the best tank operators, to form a special tankpany. For the rest, if you think theirbat effectiveness is inadequate, have them carry out lower-intensity missions.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought it over and it made sense. In fact, in Loktov, half of the remaining tanks in his unit were radio-equipped due to being pressed by the battle conditions; it was basically a forced ¡°poprization¡± of radios. It would be better to concentrate their use from the beginning.

    Old Rokossov: ¡°Anti-tank guns¡­ hmm? Petrov, if you¡¯re tired, sit down.¡±

    Petrov, who had been standing sweating to the side, sighed with relief and plopped down onto the sofa.

    The sofa protested loudly.

    ¡°You need to lose weight,¡± Old Rokossov said and then turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°What kind of anti-tank gun do you want?¡±

    ¡°ZIS-3! The 45mm anti-tank guns cannot effectively prate the front armor of enemy tanks; they must shoot from the side, which severely limits the choice of anti-tank positions.¡±

    The old Duke nodded: ¡°Heavy artillery, then? Is the 203 too slow to load?¡±

    Loading a B4 heavy gun required a small crane, and even the Russian Giants known for their brute strength were unable to load it by hand.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It is indeed slow, and the uracy isn¡¯t that great either.¡±

    He remembered all too well the feeling of having to ¡°y the lottery¡± the first time he had to use it.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s replenish your 152 heavy artillery instead¡ªbetter precision, faster shooting speed, and the range isn¡¯t too bad. The mobility is faster too. With B4, if there¡¯s no railway nearby, it could only crawl.¡±

    ¡°All right, I¡¯ll think of a way to get you a regiment of 152 artillery.¡±

    At this time, Petrov, who had finally recovered, said: ¡°Father, what¡¯s most important is to promote Alyosha, give him a division¡¯s establishment, and then resupplying him will be much easier.¡±

    ¡°You think I don¡¯t want to?¡± Old Rokossov cursed, ¡°Those pig-headed fools are still using a court struggle mindset to think about issues. I believe in Alyosha, but they don¡¯t! They¡¯ll oppose promoting the ¡®foolish son of the Rokossovsky family¡¯ to the rank of Major General!¡±

    Saying this, the old man began to bang on the table, almost to the point of tearing off his shoe to smash it.

    After knocking, he sighed: ¡°Forget it, such things can¡¯t be rushed. I have to write to some old friends. It should be settled in three to five days. I¡¯ll first bring your brigade up to strength. Infantry, T34s, heavy artillery, anti-tank guns, get them all. I¡¯ll handle this matter, and you two brothers can catch up.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the chubby Petrov, who seemed quite content; he got almost everything he had wanted except for the nes.

    Staying here wouldn¡¯t bring him any more goods.

    The matters such as modifying the BT tank chassis to upgrade the SU76 self-propelled gun, the Old Duke already said he couldn¡¯t do it.

    That would have to wait until he met someone who could.

    With that, Wang Zhong turned around and walked happily towards Ludm, who was waiting by the door.

    However, Ludm reminded him with her lip movements: ¡°Pavlov!¡±

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh: ¡°Oh right, I also need staff officers! And clerks, ountants! Try to get me a sixth-grade civil servant!¡±

    Old Rokossov was shocked: ¡°What do you need a sixth-grade civil servant for? That¡¯s the level of a Vice Chancellor of a university! Well¡­ fine, I¡¯ll see what I can do. Hurry up and go!¡±

    The old man waved his hand.

    Wang Zhong turned and left.

    Petrov, with some effort, stood up and followed his brother¡¯s steps.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    After the younger generation had left, the Duke Old Rokossov pressed the button on the desk.

    Ten secondster, the side door opened, and the butler who had just weed Alyosha at the door came in: ¡°My lord.¡±

    Old Rokossovughed: ¡°Mikhail, my old buddy, can you believe it? Alyosha has be an excellent soldier.¡±

    ¡°Really?¡± The old butler looked surprised, ¡°How is that possible! Although indeed this time he came back, he didn¡¯t p the maids¡¯ bottoms or grope around.¡±

    Old Rokossov clicked his tongue: ¡°I don¡¯t know what changed him, maybe he was really concussed by the heavy artillery. Mikhail, bring out the liquor!¡±

    ¡°The doctor said you can¡¯t drink any more.¡±

    ¡°To hell with the doctor! Ante people should die drinking at the table, to hell with the doctor! Bring the vodka! And open a can of fish for me!¡±

    Using fish as a drink snack, that¡¯s an Ante tradition.

 Chapter 142: Delicacies and the General

    Emerging from the duke¡¯s study, Wang Zhong took a deep breath. The issue of troop reinforcements was solved¡ªpartially, at least. What remained a concern was the encirclement.

    If he couldn¡¯t influence the decisions, at the very least he needed to take more troops with him.

    As Wang Zhong pondered this, Ludm came up to him, took him by the arm, and led him to the terrace next to the duke¡¯s study, ¡°You know, with your brows constantly furrowed in worry. Since these are issues that can¡¯t be solved right now, why don¡¯t you just do what you can handle first?¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Wang Zhong replied absently, gazing out at the scenery from the terrace.

    At that moment, Petrov said, ¡°Then I won¡¯t disturb you two any longer. I still have work at the headquarters.¡±

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Ludm waved and then poked Wang Zhong in the waist.

    ¡°Goodbye.¡± Wang Zhong said.

    After Petrov had left, Ludm asked seriously, ¡°Is it really that dangerous? The Crown Prince said we have seven hundred thousand men. Even if they were seven hundred thousand pigs, the Prussians couldn¡¯t capture them that quickly, right?¡±

    Hearing this, Wang Zhong¡¯s heart sank to the bottom because in his memory, thest force that was referred to as ¡°XX pigs that couldn¡¯t be caught in XX days¡± had already been annihted.Seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, Ludm suddenly suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s go horse riding! You haven¡¯t galloped around the estate in a long time, have you?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Horse riding?¡±

    ¡°Yes, your second favorite activity.¡±

    ¡­He felt like there was no need to ask what his most favorite activity was.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, I do need to check the terrain around here and find suitable locations for anti-tank gun positions.¡±

    Ludm blinked but still smiled, ¡°Sure! Then I will help you strategize where to ce the Divine Arrow Company!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to look at the girl, sensing all the beauty she embodied.

    Wait, how did the duke address her just now?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh, Liu Da, my dear Liu Da, my sunshine and spring flower!¡±

    Ludmughed happily.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Just like everyone else, Vasily cleaned up his dormitory and then went to the dining hall, where meals had already started.

    As he entered the door, Vasily smelled a strong aroma, ¡°Oh, it seems to be cabbage soup! Great, finally something other than pickles.¡±

    Filippov: ¡°And meat that isn¡¯t spam!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°How could that be possible? You think the duke would really use real beef for the soup? It¡¯s definitely sausage! At most sausage from his own factory!¡±

    Dmitri turned to ask, ¡°Do you hate sausage or something?¡±

    ¡°Ah? Of course, I don¡¯t hate it¡ªtwenty-five percent beef, seventy percent pork, plus five kilograms of eggs and milk! I love sausage so much that I can recite its recipe!¡± Vasily shook his head, ¡°But it gets tiresome if you eat it all the time!¡±

    At that moment, the people in front of the line had reached the soup pot, and the maid scooped arge heap of beef that had been cooked until tender into a bowl.

    The soldier who got the bowl eximed, ¡°Wow, it¡¯s really made with beef! And they didn¡¯t skimp on the onions and carrots either! The soup is so rich it¡¯s almost no longer watery!¡±

    The maid then asked with a look of ¡°what is this country bumpkin surprised at,¡± ¡°Do you want sour cream?¡±

    ¡°We can add sour cream? Go ahead, put a lot on!¡±

    So another maid spooned a thick dollop of sour cream into the soldier¡¯s bowl.

    The young man walked away delighted, not even bothering to take bread or oatmeal porridge.

    Vasily and the others watched theirrade walk by, their eyes fixed on the soup that looked incredibly delicious.

    Vasily: ¡°By golly, they really did ughter a cow.¡±

    Filippov: ¡°And there¡¯s sour cream, too!¡±

    Just then, three maids, working together, pushed a cart in. On the cart was another huge soup pot.

    In the soup pot was a thick, red stew.

    Filippov nudged Vasily, ¡°You¡¯re the professor¡¯s son; what kind of soup is that? It smells quite good.¡±

    Vasily said uncertainly, ¡°It looks like it might be kharcho chicken stew.¡±

    Filippov: ¡°Oh, although the beef is tempting, I¡¯ve had cabbage soup countless times since I was born. I want to try that chicken!¡±

    So, Filippov eagerly followed the serving cart, and once in ce, he was the first to get served, ¡°Fill it up for me! And I want sour cream, too!¡±

    The maid: ¡°Um, that¡¯s not usually how it¡¯s eaten. But alright, Katya! This soldier wants sour cream!¡±

    While she spoke, the serving maid had alreadydled a big spoonful of the stew into Filippov¡¯s bowl and then specially fished out arge piece of chicken, cing it in the soup.

    Filippov inhaled deeply and immediately showed an expression of ecstasy, ¡°It smells amazing, my mouth is watering!¡±

    Vasily looked at his friend with a frown, ¡°Really disgraceful, is it just chicken, onion, and tomato soup? They even added vinegar, it¡¯s already a sour soup, and then you add sour cream, sour enough to kill you!¡±

    As he was freely expressing his disdain, Dmitry suddenly grabbed him, ¡°Look over there!¡±

    Vasily turned his head, following Dmitry¡¯s pointing finger, and saw an ice cream machine.

    ¡°Wow!¡± he scampered over, ¡°Can you eat this for free?¡±

    Maid: ¡°Of course, this is all provided by the Duke to treat you brave fighters.¡±

    Vasily decisively said, ¡°Give me ten!¡±

    The maid immediately began to operate, and soon the first ice cream was in Vasily¡¯s hand.

    He licked the ice cream contentedly, like a happy child.

    At this time, the maid making ice cream said, ¡°You all must have gone through a lot, with so few of you left, the count must have really screwed you over, huh?¡±

    Vasily stopped licking his ice cream.

    In fact, the entire dining hall suddenly quieted down¡ªmany didn¡¯t know what had happened, but they were held back by therades who did.

    The ice cream maid asked in confusion, ¡°Uh? What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I won¡¯t allow you to insult the General!¡± Vasily said with thunderous emphasis.

    At that moment, a priest came over, ¡°Vasily! Come on! She just doesn¡¯t know what we¡¯ve been through. Can¡¯t you just exin nicely? We are the Imperial Guard, look at your cloak, even if you¡¯re angry, you must speak kindly to themon folk!¡±

    Vasily put down the half-licked ice cream, ¡°Then, let me tell you all about it! It all started when the General had us set up a fake minefield!¡±

    Someone couldn¡¯t resist making a snidement, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it start with you picking up manure?¡±

    Then seven or eight hands pressed down on the shoulders of the one who¡¯d made the interruption.

    ¡°Alright, alright! My bad, I shouldn¡¯t interrupt at this time!¡± He backed down immediately.

    ¡°Those Prosen devils,¡± Vasily began, ¡°are extremely rigid! The General had already crossed swords with them at Peniye and destroyed 40 tanks! So, he knew they were all inflexible idiots! Hence, the General ordered me to write on 40 wooden signs, ¡®Minefield, beware!¡¯¡±

    It must be said that Vasily, as the son of a music professor, did have some talent. As he spoke with great animation and spittle flying, the story of General Rokossovsky¡¯s battle against the 15th Armored Demon Division came vividly to life.

    However, when he got to the part about his trick mines sting the enemy meters into the air, someone couldn¡¯t sit still anymore.

    ¡°You¡¯re just blowing your own trumpet! I know for a fact that you were stuck guarding the General¡¯s captured enemy radio for two days!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°I was guarding the radio, that¡¯s why I was closest to the General, and knew every decision!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! Our tank troops were the closest to the General! Alexander Yefimovich,e and tell us about the General leading you to charge the formation and kill the enemy¡¯s major general!¡±

    Alexander quickly wiped all the soup out of his bowl with the bread in his hand, stuffed it into his mouth, and started to chew as he stood up, ¡°This incident, we have to start with our tank! Our tank was originally meant for young masters on spring outings to enjoy the scenery, specially equipped with a spot for them to view the countryside.

    ¡°Guess what, the General thought this was great, the position was perfect for surveying the battlefield! So, during the battle, the General was sticking his head out the whole time, bullets from the enemy whizzing by sounding ¡®ng, ng¡¯ on the tank armor, and the General was not scared at all!

    ¡°We charged through the enemy¡¯s armored forces like that, and suddenly the General shouted, ¡®Turn left, full speed ahead!¡¯

    ¡°I was targeting those Prosen devils¡¯ tanks through my gun sight, and then with the tank¡¯s turn, everything in the sight went topsy-turvy! And just like that, the enemy¡¯s divisionmander was right there in the crosshairs!

    ¡°With the General¡¯s shout of ¡®fire,¡¯ I fired, and a High-Explosive Shellnded right at the enemy major general¡¯s feet! ¡®Boom,¡¯ he was blown to bits!¡±

    Others let out sounds of admiration as if they were hearing such an exciting story for the first time.

    At that moment, someone picked up a champagne bottle from the table, ¡°A toast to the General!¡±

    ¡°To the General!¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t recognize anyone but him!¡±

    As the men became passionately roused, the maids looked at each other, unable to believe that the once-detested and disdained Aleksei had be themander they all worshipped.

    At this time, Vasily said, ¡°The General can even write poetry!¡±

    Then, the usually arms-folded head maid couldn¡¯t contain herself and yelled, ¡°On that point, we girls are well aware; every maid with a bit of looks here has received a ¡®so¡¯ from the young master!¡±

    A maid couldn¡¯t help but snort withughter, it seemed that the ¡®so¡¯ was so poorlyposed that everyone couldn¡¯t help butugh when they thought about it.

    Vasily pulled out a notebook, ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ll read it to you all! Although this poem has many grammatical mistakes, the content is beyond reproach! After my modifications and edits, it¡¯s like this:

    ¡®The hero¡¯s song rolls with the smoke, surrounded by green hills, listen closely¡­ (Here, Vasily read a version rhymed in the Antenguage)¡¯¡±

    The maids of the Rokossovsky family were notpletely illiterate; at the very least, they had attended Sunday school, and the younger ones had even studied up to 10th grade at themon schools established by the church.

    They could tell the level of the poetry.

    The maids looked at each other.

    Was this still the same Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky they knew?

 Chapter 143: Tit for Tat (Additional Chapter for 7000 Monthly Votes)

    Wang Zhong and Ludm spent a joyful pic afternoon on their own estate.

    When they returned in front of the stables, Wang Zhong astutely noticed the maids¡¯ attitudes toward him seemed to have changed.

    When they had first entered the estate, all the maids had been guarded and hostile, but now the older maids looked at Wang Zhong with some confusion, while the younger ones did not hide their curiosity.

    What¡¯s going on?

    The maids were busy setting up the venue for tonight¡¯s ball in the garden, so there were maids everywhere. Wherever Wang Zhong went, he felt people talking about him behind his back. Turning around, he saw the maids arranging the venue in an orderly manner, not even speaking.

    It felt like a ssic ¡°mermaid¡± moment.

    Wang Zhong was curious, so he turned his head and asked Ludm, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    Ludm shrugged, ¡°Maybe something happened while you were napping on myp at noon?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°What¡¯s the difference between that and not saying anything? Obviously, something happened, right?¡±He was about to stop a maid to ask for rification when the Crown Prince appeared, ¡°Why did you leave me aftering out from the duke¡¯s ce?¡±

    Wang Zhong eximed, ¡°Ah, that¡¯s because you fell asleep on the sofa after drinking, and you were sleeping so soundly that I didn¡¯t¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s because you were in there for two hours! You got scolded badly this time, didn¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Wang Zhong was somewhat embarrassed. How was he going to tell the Crown Prince that his cker brother had suddenly be a top student?

    The Crown Prince yawned and turned to look at the venue, ¡°Such a small dance floor can only amodate one band. It seems like another meet-and-greet for the bigwigs. And here we have a much bigger maze!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his gaze towards the maze in the garden.

    He vaguely remembered that in Western aristocratic balls, this kind of maze game essentially provided opportunities for mischief: girls would enter the maze first, followed by boys who would find them, ying out a ¡°you chase me, I chase you, catch me and you can hehehe¡± scenario.

    By the time they emerged from the maze, everyone¡¯s attire would be disheveled.

    The Crown Prince continued, ¡°It¡¯s a pity that you, Alyosha, are usually so good at this, always able to find the prettiest ones among them!¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly remarked, ¡°Nonsense, I¡¯ve never found Liu Xia.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°I¡¯ve never participated, how could you possibly find me? Not only that, but every time you bring a tuft of a girl¡¯s hair to me, it¡¯s almost annoying me to death.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked. What kind of high-level y was this?

    ¡°Do you keep those tufts of hair?¡± he asked.

    ¡°Of course not!¡± Ludm raised her voice a bit.

    The Crown Prince added, ¡°It¡¯s a shame, otherwise you would receive several tufts of hair again today.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Not anymore.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°He won¡¯t.¡±

    The Crown Prince looked at Wang Zhong suspiciously, ¡°Alyosha, what¡¯s wrong with you? Ever since you came back, nothing seems right.¡±

    Wang Zhong confidently said, ¡°It¡¯s your illusion!¡±

    Just then, he saw several strong men cing a y pot on a lit bonfire in the distance.

    Driven by curiosity, he approached and asked, ¡°What¡¯s inside this y pot?¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong could smell the aroma of spices; it must be some dish, but the decorations on the y pot were so curious they piqued his interest.

    The worker carrying the pot said, ¡°It¡¯s a braised dish that needs to stew for hours, and it also has to cool naturally. It¡¯s the most troublesome dish for tonight¡¯s dinner.¡±

    Wang Zhong reached out to open the pot and saw that it was brimming with vegetables, including eggnts, potatoes, bell peppers, carrots, and more.

    The aroma of spices became even more intense once the lid was opened, making Wang Zhong wonder if the chef had thrown in a handful of ¡°mas.¡±

    Seeing this dish, the Crown Prince eximed, ¡°This¡­ is Grand Patriarch Belinskying tonight?¡±

    The worker respectfully bowed, ¡°You¡¯re right, the Grand Patriarch ising.¡±

    At that moment, a blue-capped Judge appeared. He quickly stepped between Wang Zhong, the others, and the y pot, ¡°During the stewing process, it cannot be opened; after it¡¯s removed from the fire, the chef has to taste it first!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Alright, I was just curious, not deliberate.¡±

    The Crown Prince also said, ¡°I can vouch for him, it wasn¡¯t deliberate.¡±

    The Judge nced at Wang Zhong, nodded, and after covering the pot again, he stood guard over it without moving an inch.

    After walking away from the y pot, the Crown Prince muttered, ¡°What does the Patriarch want with you? Did youmit some sins that need confessing, or did you hype up your battle achievements so much that you incurred divine punishment?¡±

    To this day, the Crown Prince still thought Wang Zhong was a ¡°packaged¡± war hero.

    Wang Zhong was toozy to get more entangled with his mischievous friends. After all, the gear was a gift from the second princess, and from now on, it was more important to curry favor with her!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At 2030 on July 9th, nearly all the nobility of Argesukov had gathered at the banquet hosted by Duke Rocossov.

    Just as the Crown Prince had predicted, it was a ¡°simple meal¡± aimed at chatting about the situation; the nobles with high military ranks were all discussing affairs, and the progeny brought along to get familiar with social asions were bored to tears and started chatting idly.

    Now that¡¯s the situation.

    The dandies gathered around Wang Zhong, same as always.

    Wang Zhong was tired of dealing with the low-brow jokes of the dandies, when suddenly someone struck the ground with a heavy object and shouted, ¡°His Holiness the Grand Patriarch has arrived!¡±

    The nobles who were idling away immediately looked up and then respectfully watched the Grand Patriarch arrive at his ce¡ª

    But the Grand Patriarch bypassed his designated spot,ing over to where Wang Zhong stood: ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich! I¡¯ve heard much about you!¡±

    Wang Zhong shook the hand extended by the Grand Patriarch but did not know what to say.

 Chapter 144: Tit for Tat (Additional Chapter for 7000 Monthly Votes)_2

    After all, before he had travelled through time, his experience with religious figures was virtually non-existent. The most he had ever interacted with religious figures was when his father had dragged him to a temple to pray to the god of literature before college entrance exams.

    While Wang Zhong felt awkward, the Grand Patriarch spoke, ¡°You fought beautifully in Loktov, a true and unequivocal victory! Congrattions to you, Aleksei Konstantinovich.¡±

    The venue fell silent.

    After a brief silence, General Skorobo, themander of the Argesukov Front Army, spoke up, ¡°Your Holiness, the Grand Patriarch, the rumor of the major general being killed is merely heresy spread by the pagans. In fact, ording to intelligence gathered by the Front Army, the 15th enemy Armored Division did not cease its operations afterward.¡±

    The Grand Patriarch Belinsky said, ¡°If the death of a divisionmander could paralyze an entire force, then the Prussians wouldn¡¯t have us in such a difficult position.¡±

    The word ¡°difficult¡± immediately caused an uproar.

    ¡°To say we are in a diffcult position!¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the front line at a great advantage?¡±

    ¡°But many noble families are already in mourning¡­¡±¡°But look, Aleksei has returned! If he could escape, then the enemy must not be all that formidable!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned.

    At this point, General Skorobo stepped forward and said loudly, ¡°Gentlemen! The front line has indeed suffered a minor setback; we¡¯ve lost the Grand Duchy of Vostrom and two hundred thousand troops. But our great mother Ante still has such vastnds and so many troops avable!¡±

    ¡°Now in Argesukov, we have assembled 69 Infantry Divisions, 11 Cavalry Divisions, 21 Armored Divisions!¡±

    ¡°Such is thergest force in Ante¡¯s history! Moreover, there are the forces gathered by Duke Meishikin in Shepetovka. Our two heavy armiesplement each other, able to both attack and defend!¡±

    ¡°If the enemy strikes at any one of our forces, the other will deliver a strong and powerful nking maneuver to the enemy¡¯s nks!¡±

    ¡°Our current situation can be said to have improved from our initial passivity! We can consider defeating the enemy now!¡±

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong had a premonition. At a time like this, surely this general didn¡¯t believe ¡°Advantage lies with us¡±?

    No way, right?

    Look at the enemy¡¯s technological weaponry, their training level, then look at yourself, with nothing but morale¡ªwrong, in such a state, how many troops really maintain their morale?

    At this time, General Skorobo directly stood on a chair and shouted, ¡°We also have sturdy defensive fortifications! We have the advantage of fighting from the inside lines! Your Holiness, spreading news that is detrimental to morale at a time like this¡­ Isn¡¯t that unwise?¡±

    The Patriarch replied, ¡°Is that so? Then let us hear what the recently victorious hero, Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky, has to say.¡±

    He turned towards Wang Zhong, ¡°Come, share your thoughts, Brigadier.¡±

    Wang Zhong heard undisguisedughter among the nobles.

    Someone was murmuring, ¡°Using the opinion of a brigadier to oppose a general.¡±

    ¡°I heard that Duke Rocossov¡¯s second son scored zero on his graduation exams!¡±

    Damn it, thought Wang Zhong, how can someone graduate with zero points? I might have been thest in ss, but at least I passed the threshold for graduation!

    But right now, Wang Zhong indeed felt as good as zero points, being just a modern person who had only yed war games.

    He stepped forward, cleared his throat, ¡°The Prussian Army is an elite, modernized force¡­¡±

    General Skorobo interrupted, ¡°We are modernized too! Didn¡¯t you just go on a killing spree thanks to the superiority of our armored forces? We have four regiments of T34 tanks; they¡¯ll give the Prussians a tough time!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°The T34 is indeed an excellent tank, but its poor design has introduced huge ws. Its tankmander and gunner are the same person, which means duringbat themander has to keep his eyes on the gun sights all the time, with no spare moments to observe the surroundings.

    ¡°In contrast, all Prussian tanks have a dedicatedmander and are generally equipped with amander¡¯s cup. In tank engagements, they are more likely to spot T34s and take the initiative.

    ¡°Furthermore, the enemy¡¯s tanks all have radios, their battalion headquarters can issuemands directly to each tank. Duringbat, through radiomunication, each tank can cover each other¡¯s observation blind spots, providing mutual support!¡±

    General Skorobo sneered, ¡°Even so, as long as the enemy can¡¯t break through our armor, we are still the ones who will win!¡±

    ¡°The strength of tanks is rtive, Your Excellency General!¡± Wang Zhong stepped forward, grabbed a bottle of liquor, and threw it directly into the bonfire propping up a y pot. The next moment, the bottle shattered, and the alcohol turned into a ze.

    Several maids hurriedly pushed over a water cart and began to put out the fire¡ªit seemed that in order to prevent a fire, the water cart had been prepared in advance.

    The firefighting water sprayed inrge quantities onto the stewing y pot, seeping into the interior through the pot¡¯s vents.

    The Grand Patriarch showed an expression of intense pain and frustration.

    Wang Zhong pointed at the mes that were still stubbornly burning: ¡°Just like this Molotov cocktail, thrown onto the engine cover, could put a tank out of action! Just a single Molotov cocktail!¡±

    ¡°Moreover, the enemy will hit our tanks at their weak spots! They will use shells to jam the turret, they will break the tracks!¡±

    ¡°Our blind tanks, once their tracks are broken, are utterly unable to respond to approaching infantry! They will be butchered by the enemy like slicing sausage!¡±

    General Skorobo retorted sarcastically, ¡°Then we can do the same to the enemy.¡±

    ¡°What if the enemy doesn¡¯t engage you in a straightforward battle? What if the central Army Group from the north heads south? They could encircle us and cut off the supply from the rear.

    ¡°Your million-strong army is a voracious monster of resources! When that timees, you¡¯ll surrender without a fight!¡±

    General Skorobo: ¡°We would never do that!¡±

    Wang Zhong wanted to say more, but General Skorobo added, ¡°If the enemy¡¯s central Army Group heads south, that would be perfect. We¡¯ll just carry out internal maneuver warfare on the vast ins near Argesukov, eliminating the enemy¡¯s central and southern Army Groups on the field, then counterattack and reim our homnd!¡±

    The nobles present started pping furiously, with cheers that seemed to discourage Wang Zhong from continuing.

    Wang Zhong still wanted to argue his case, but the Grand Patriarch put his hand on his shoulder: ¡°Let it be, do what we can and leave the rest to fate. Besides, what he says does sound reasonable.¡±

    ¡°Theoretical reasoning, it¡¯s all armchair strategy! It will lead to failure, Your Eminence, the troops here will be almost entirely lost, the people here¡­¡±

    ¡°Calm down, we¡¯re already arranging to evacuate the factories, starting with the heavy industry. Once that¡¯s mostly done, we¡¯ll also relocate the food processing and simr civilian factories to the rear,¡± the Grand Patriarch said, patting Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Right now you just need to rest up and wait for the troops to be replenished.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the Grand Patriarch, then suddenly remembered something and asked, ¡°Can my God¡¯s Arrow Company be fully replenished?¡±

    ¡°They will arrive tomorrow,¡± the Patriarch answered.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Can my Choir be fully replenished?¡±

    ¡°They will arrive tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°Can I be given more of the following wind ears?¡±

    ¡°They will arrive tomorrow,¡± the Grand Patriarch said, giving Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder a firm pat.

    They will arrive tomorrow?

    Wang Zhong looked towards the officers who were toasting and ttering each other, and met the gaze of the host of the manor, his own father, the retired General Duke Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky, who gave him an encouraging smile as if to say ¡°You¡¯ve done well.¡±

    Wang Zhong felt a bit of relief.

    It was truly exhausting.

    At that moment, General Skorobo proposed, ¡°I think, let¡¯s toast to the uing victory!¡±

    The attendees all raised their sses.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to raise his, but seeing that Duke Rokossovsky had also raised his, he could only join the toast.

    After everyone drank up, General Skorobo said, ¡°Oh, yes, there¡¯s another piece of good news. We will soon receive support from four more Army Groups! With this, in facing the enemy before us, we will have a numerical¡­ advantage!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself how that could be, it must be that the Front Army had over-optimistically estimated the damage caused to the Prussians, or they had too little intelligence on the enemy.

    At that time, General Skorobo proudly announced, ¡°The advantage is ours!¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his ss and said with ¡°sincerity¡±, ¡°Chairman¡¯s brilliant foresight!¡±

 Chapter 145: Promotion (Extra for Alliance Hierarch)

    Just as everyone wasvishing praise on General Skorobo, Grand Patriarch Belinsky made a ¡°follow me¡± gesture to Wang Zhong and walked toward a corner of the garden.

    Wang Zhong followed without hesitation, while Ludm nced at the two men and chose to stay put.

    The Patriarch¡¯s guards spread out and formed a security perimeter, and the nobles attending the banquet asionally nced over but quickly averted their eyes.

    The Crown Prince also asionally looked toward his close friend, his face shing with confusion, probably because he couldn¡¯t understand why the Grand Patriarch would have anything to discuss with his friend, who had never been known for piety.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    No sooner had Wang Zhong reached behind the Grand Patriarch than he heard him say, ¡°Do you really have to ruin my stew?¡±

    ¡°Well, that was the only ce with an open me.¡±

    The Patriarch shook his head and changed the subject, ¡°You¡¯ve fought well these past few days. Any particr moments stand out to you?¡±

    Wang Zhong was puzzled. What did he mean? He wasn¡¯t asking about the insights or lessons from the battle, but rather if there was any memorable moment?What if the most memorable moment for me was seeing my fianc¨¦e bathed in moonlight? How should I deal with that?

    Of course, that was just his private grumbling. No matter how beautiful a moonlit fianc¨¦e was, it couldn¡¯tpare to the experiences and insights gained while walking the line between life and death.

    Without hesitation, Wang Zhong recounted the despair he felt hiding under the BT7, watching the boots of the Prussian Army all around him.

    And the shock when he waster rescued by the sweeping charge of the Guardian Army.

    Of course, there was also the heart-wrenching decision to sacrifice them for the sake of victory.

    The Grand Patriarch, with a stern face, listened to Wang Zhong¡¯s story, then finally spoke, ¡°I¡¯ve heard many confessions and prayers. If there¡¯s even a trace of falsehood or pretense, I can recognize it instantly.

    ¡°So I know that everything you saides from the heart, that it¡¯s your true feeling. But I would also like to know, how did youe to terms with it? Or does it mean you¡¯ll never¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°As long as I am braver than everyone else, when the timees for me to sacrifice myself for victory, I¡¯ll do so without hesitation. As long as I can do that, I can sacrifice others for victory without any burden.¡±

    The Grand Patriarch nodded, ¡°Hmm, that¡¯s one way to solve the problem, not a bad approach. I¡¯ll keep an eye on you and hope you don¡¯t betray your beliefs. Well, my leisure time is almost up, go on and enjoy the banquet. Don¡¯t be too tense, indulging in good food and the warmth of ady tonight won¡¯t make the future any worse.¡±

    Having said that, the Grand Patriarch walked toward the garden¡¯s main gate.

    The guards immediately closed ranks and followed behind him.

    Although the Grand Patriarch was initially heading toward the garden¡¯s main gate, after a few steps he saw a maid from the Rokossovsky family about to take away the stew¡¯s y pot and turned to go over. He didn¡¯t mind the heat of the pot, opened the lid immediately, and inhaled the aroma of the stew.

    The guards came forward to stop him, ¡°Your Highness! This hasn¡¯t been tested for poison!¡±

    The Patriarch was conflicted for a while but eventually put the lid back on and stood up straight. Noticing Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze, he exined, ¡°This is a dish full of sunshine and vigor, a true delicacy. But s, my knights won¡¯t allow me to eat it!¡±

    He spread his hands and walked away, shaking his head.

    Curiosity piqued, Wang Zhong was about to go over and take a look at the stew, but the maid quickly threw the stew and the y pot together into a food waste cart.

    Wang Zhong: ¡­.

    Ludm came over and took Wang Zhong¡¯s arm, ¡°Come on, the Grand Patriarch already said that enjoying ourselves tonight won¡¯t affect the overall situation. I think you should rx too. Look at your forehead, you¡¯ve got wrinkles.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought that wrinkles were better than going bald, anyway.

    But the Grand Patriarch was right¡ªit was better to take the opportunity to rx.

    Of course, he couldn¡¯t just rx by himself, so Wang Zhong called out to a maid standing nearby, ¡°Hey, you,e here!¡±

    The maid jumped, then came over hesitantly, looking scared.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Send all of today¡¯s delicacies and drinks to my troops, make sure it¡¯s enough!¡±

    Maid, ¡°It¡¯s already been sent, the same as here, and there¡¯s a lot more. The lord personally made sure of it.¡±

    ¡°The lord took care of it?¡± Wang Zhong pointedly refused to say ¡°dad,¡± since he had his own father back on Earth.

    The maid, not noticing the oddity in Wang Zhong¡¯s statement, nodded, ¡°Yes, he personally made sure.¡±

    Wang Zhong was reassured by this, but then he thought of something new and said, ¡°And send a band over there too!¡±

    ¡°A band?¡± The maid was shocked, as it seemed the lord hadn¡¯t thought to send a band.

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yes, a band. ¡®Wars maye and go, but musicsts forever!¡¯¡±

    Maid, ¡°Uh¡­ I¡¯ll go find the steward.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, and the maid quickly turned and ran away as if escaping.

    Ludm, ¡°You didn¡¯t even touch her this entire time.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Should I have?¡±

    ¡°No, you shouldn¡¯t, but you used to always touch them, their butts and breasts.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked down at his own hands, no wonder he would be so proficient!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The next day, Wang Zhong came to the troops¡¯ cafeteria early in the morning.

    He mainly wanted to see how the troops were fed, to ensure it wasn¡¯t an endless supply of pickles.

    Providing a rich diet for troops can greatly improve morale, which is why every participating Earth nation sought ways to diversify their food.

    As soon as he entered the dining hall, Wang Zhong spotted Vasily and the others gathered together, sipping oatmeal porridge and munching on sausages, while Dmitry held a sandwich loaded with fried eggs and ham in his hands.

    Ante¡¯s sandwich wasn¡¯t made with two slices of bread but rather a whole loaf with a hollow carved out to stuff the fillings in, which seemed to be made with quite a hearty amount of ingredients.

    In front of Filippovy an opened can of fish, which seemed to swell up after fermentation¡ªit reminded Wang Zhong of cans of surstr?mming from Earth, though this can didn¡¯t have that impressively pungent odor.

    It seems pretty decent¡­

    While Wang Zhong was observing the soldiers¡¯ dining habits, he noticed that all of his soldiers had risen to their feet: ¡°General!¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand and made his way to the self-service food counter.

    Then he saw piles of caviar cans stacked up at the pick-up point.

    Turning his head, Wang Zhong asked Vasily and the rest, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you guys eating caviar?¡±

    Before his transference, when Wang Zhong used to attend buffets that cost over a hundred per person, caviar was always distributed in limited amounts at set times, and each person could only take one te, which merely contained a small precious portion.

    Vasily frowned, ¡°Tired of it! A few years ago, when caviar first became unlimited in supply, we ate it every day at home¡ªspreading caviar on bread, on sausages, mixing it into vegetable sds, it was always about caviar.¡±

    The other few nodded in agreement.

    Well, can there be such a thing as too much caviar?

    Vasily continued, ¡°And champagne¡ªI remember champagne used to be so precious when I was a kid, my dad, a professor, would only have a ss after concerts. And then suddenly, champagne became worthless, on the same level as beer.¡±

    Filippov agreed, ¡°Yes, yes, it happened all of a sudden. I heard that the Tribunal set up a special champagne factory that mass-produces champagne. The wineries posted articles in the newspapers saying the factory-produced stuff was just horse piss, and then they got shut down by the Tribunal.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, ¡°Is that so?¡±

    Although the soldiers were tired of it, Wang Zhong had never seen enough caviar to get fed up with it, so he decided to strike while the iron was hot.

    He opened the first can of caviar.

    Previously, his impression of caviar was of a slim container that, once opened, revealed just ayer of roe¡ªgenerally, a can would only contain 10 grams. But this can was something else; upon opening it, he found a heap of roe that looked to be almost 250 grams.

    Seeing so much caviar, Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth was nearly watering. He wasn¡¯t particrly fond of caviar, but the incessant hype had turned matsutake mushrooms and caviar into symbols of gourmet delicacies, so the sight of a super-sized matsutake or a heap of richly hued caviar would make him drool.

    The group seated together all noticed Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, and Vasily, representing them, asked, ¡°General, do you have a particr fondness for caviar?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ah, caviar, and matsutake mushrooms too¡ªI¡¯m quite partial to them.¡±

    Having said that, he carried his caviar, bread, oatmeal porridge, and Susie¡¯s thick soup over to Vasily¡¯s table, picking up a knife, ready to spread the caviar on his bread¡ª

    Just at that moment, several unfamiliar staff officers walked into the dining hall.

    From a distance, they spotted Wang Zhong¡¯s brigadier general badges and briskly made their way toward him.

    The leading colonel saluted and said, ¡°Sorry to interrupt your meal, sir!¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the colonel¡¯s briefcase, then at the uniform being held by the man behind him, and roughly guessed what was happening.

    To be honest, it was a bit fast.

    Did the Grand Patriarch do somethingst night?

    It seems my answer made him really happy?

    Wang Zhong put down his knife and wiped his hands, ¡°No problem. Official businesses first. What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    The colonel took out a document from the briefcase and read, ¡°By order, in consideration of Brigadier General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky¡¯s outstanding performance during the military operations in Loktov from July 6th to July 9th, it is decreed to promote him to the rank of major general.¡±

    Wang Zhong was an old hand at this and asked after nodding, ¡°And the other order? Surely I¡¯m not expected to manage a pickle warehouse as a major general, am I?¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°Maybe they¡¯re putting you in charge of a uniform factory; arge uniform factory really is a division-level unit.¡±

    Wang Zhong red at Vasily.

    Vasily, ¡°Shoveling manure, got it.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t talk about that while eating!¡±

    Colonel, ¡°May I read the order now?¡±

    Wang Zhong made a weing gesture.

    Colonel, ¡°Headquarters ns to form the 151st Temporary Infantry Division¡­¡±

    ¡°Why infantry again!¡± Wang Zhongined.

    The colonel nced at him and continued reading the order, ¡°The formation of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division is underway, to bemanded by Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    After speaking, the colonel stacked the two orders together and handed them to Wang Zhong.

    Once Wang Zhong had taken them, an ensign carrying a uniform stepped forward and presented Wang Zhong with his major general uniform and rank insignia.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Wait a minute, where are the organization chart for my troops and things like the garrison location?¡±

    Colonel, ¡°These are currently being confirmed by Division Chief of Staff Pavlov.¡±

    Ah, I see.

    Wang Zhong asked further, ¡°Have my staff officers and clerks arrived yet?¡±

    ¡°What staff officers?¡± the colonel looked puzzled, ¡°I¡¯m just the messenger. You¡¯ll need to discuss this with the Division Chief of Staff.¡±

 Chapter 146: Reinforcements (The Beginning of a New Volume)

    After finishing his meal in the dining hall, Wang Zhong had just stepped out when he faced Popov.

    Popov, ¡°Did you also receive the order?¡±

    As he spoke, he noticed Vasilying out with Wang Zhong¡¯s military uniform and new epaulettes and snorted disdainfully, ¡°It seems you did. Then, as my duty as the Military Bishop of the 151st Division, I suggest we assemble every morning before breakfast and tidy up after meals.¡±

    Vasily frowned, ¡°Do we have to polish our boots again?¡±

    Popov, ¡°Not just polish boots. I went to the dormitory today, and some people don¡¯t even fold their nkets! It¡¯s understandable during wartime, and I can toleratex military discipline, but since we¡¯ve entered a rest and replenishment phase, all this needs to be taken care of. It can reduce casualties in the next battle.¡±

    ¡°Shiny boots can reduce casualties?¡± Vasily sarcastically challenged.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯re making even me think you¡¯re a pain.¡±

    ¡°Sorry, General.¡±

    After silencing Vasily, Wang Zhong said to Popov, ¡°Set it up however you¡¯re nning to do it. The Grand Patriarch told me yesterday that our reinforcements would arrive today. You should get enough Priests to manage them finally.¡±¡°Today? Are you sure? I haven¡¯t been notified,¡± said Popov, looking skeptical.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Just wait and see. I¡¯m going to find Pavlov. Do you know where he might be?¡±

    Popov turned and pointed at the small, two-story building situated opposite the concave arrangement of dormitory buildings, ¡°He seems to have set up the headquarters there. I¡¯m not too sure myself; I stayed in the local church dormitoryst night.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You didn¡¯t tempt any capable Monks back with you?¡±

    ¡°Monks are needed everywhere nowadays. Even ones like Brother Peter are in high demand as air defense watchers,¡± said Popov, looking helpless. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Grand Patriarch has explicitly promised me that they will replenish our God¡¯s Arrow Company to its full strength.¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to speak when he saw a row of trucks waving church gs driving onto the parade ground.

    So he pointed to the trucks and asked, ¡°Could those be them?¡±

    Popov turned around, ¡°Uh¡­ I don¡¯t know, let¡¯s go find out.¡±

    At that moment, the first truck stopped, and a bunch of civilians jumped down.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Bishop, can you exin why a truck with church gs is unloading a bunch of civilians?¡±

    Popov gaped like a fish out of water, opening and closing his mouth vainly without producing a good exnation.

    By then, the ¡°veteran¡± soldiers who had finished their meals had also noticed these people, curiously stopping to watch them.

    Priest-like individuals began to organize them, trying to get the civilians to form ranks simr to a military array.

    Wang Zhong had a bad feeling, ¡°This couldn¡¯t be the Guardian Army meant for our reinforcement, could it?¡±

    Popov clicked his tongue, ¡°With one lowest-ranked Priest per toon, it¡¯s definitely the Guardian Army. They didn¡¯t even get issued equipment?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Never mind the equipment, they don¡¯t even have uniforms. Is the Grand Patriarch ying me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯d best not say that in front of the Judge,¡± Popov cautioned.

    The trucks, lined up in a row, dropped off their human cargo and drove away. Soon the parade ground was crowded with a dense mass of people, barely able to stand in loose formations by squad, despite the Priests¡¯ efforts to maintain order. Many were still chatting away.

    Wang Zhong stood at the dining hall door watching this scene, feeling as if he were back in college, on the reviewing stand during the final parade of military training, watching the assembly of freshmen.

    ¡ª¡ªIs my next task really to lead this group to a brutal battlefield?

    Vasily, ¡°Even though I¡¯m just a Warrant Officer who hasn¡¯t finished officer training, I can tell that these people need at least six months of training to be reliable soldiers.¡±

    As soon as the words left his mouth, Yegorov popped out of nowhere, adding, ¡°These recruits can only fire the first shot, then forget they must pull the trigger fully to fire. They¡¯ll just keep re-cocking and ejecting unfired rounds from the chamber.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve had my fill of such new recruits. Why do they send us troops like this?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to Yegorov, ¡°Did you get a promotion?¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°No. The bigwigs probably think a civilian like me has to advance to military academy for further promotion. Even though currently the most outstandingmander in the army graduatedst from the military academy.¡±

    ¡°Uh,¡± Wang Zhong was somewhat embarrassed, ¡°I¡¯m just the most outstandingmander of the Front Army.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°It¡¯s all the same. I think you should go find Pavlov first, get these people equipped. Then we can immediately start teaching them how to shoot, so at least in battle, they can shoot into the sky to boost morale.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I was nning to see Pavlov. You can take care of these new recruits.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong found Pavlov in themand headquarters¡¯ empty map room, directing the two trainees assigned to him to update the maps.

    ¡°Did you see the¡­ reinforcements outside?¡±

    Pavlov nced out the window, ¡°I see them now.¡±

    He seemed a bit in denial.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°These people need guns, ammunition, and uniforms.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°It is said that outside Argesukov lives a Witch who can grant any wish for a part of one¡¯s body. I suggest you give it a try.¡±

    Wang Zhong, thinking that if God-guided missiles existed then such a Witch might not be too strange, responded, ¡°Fine, where can I find her?¡±

    Pavlov rolled his eyes in exasperation, ¡°I was being sarcastic! Do you understand sarcasm? There is no such Witch, and I¡¯m not a sorcerer!¡±

    He took off his round sses with shaky hands and mmed his pencil down on the map, ¡°This is exasperating! Where are my staff officers? My clerks? My ountants? Do you have any idea how many people at least are needed in a division¡¯s headquarters to keep the whole division operating?

    ¡°No, you don¡¯t! All you do is drive your little tank and beat up the Prussians on the battlefield!¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°I came to Argesukov hoping that with so many clerical staff, I could finally have a normally operating division headquarters! But now, I still have to personally direct the map updates!¡±

    Ante¡¯s overallnguage style tends to be quite soft, but because of Pavlov¡¯s tone, Wang Zhong always felt as if he was listening to Prussian¡ªanguage with many explosive sounds, so normal speech sounds like quarreling.

    Wang Zhong felt overwhelmed and subconsciously said, ¡°Uh, sorry, please calm down¡­¡±

    Just as he spoke, there was the sound of brakes from outside, indicating a car had stopped at the division headquarters¡¯ entrance.

    However, from where he stood, he couldn¡¯t see the car.

    Pavlov nced outside and asked with suspicion, ¡°What¡¯s this now? Why are there so many girls?¡±

    ¡°Girls?¡± Wang Zhong¡¯s interest piqued, and he walked to the window to look out.

    Indeed, many girls were getting down from the truck, curiously looking around the division headquarters.

    They saw the red g hanging at the division headquarters¡ªyes, the one that Wang Zhong had previously hung on the aerial of tank 422.

    ¡°Is this the ce?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the red g.¡±

    Wang Zhong and the Chief of Staff exchanged looks, both very puzzled.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Well, let¡¯s go out and ask.¡±

    Saying this, he was the first to head outside, with Pavlov immediately following.

    Once outside, Wang Zhong called out directly, ¡°Ladies, what are you here for?¡±

    The girls, who were originally curiously looking around, all turned their attention to Wang Zhong.

    One of the more daring ones asked, ¡°Are you Major General Rocossov?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Though I haven¡¯t had time to switch to the rank of major general, yes, that is me. And you are?¡±

    ¡°We are typists and clerks, sent here by the church¡¯s recruitment office, they said you needed us here.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately turned to Pavlov: ¡°Your clerks have arrived!¡±

    The Chief of Staff frowned: ¡°Why are they all women?¡±

    The same woman who had spoken before replied, ¡°Because all the men have taken up arms.¡±

    That made perfect sense!

    Pavlov scratched his head: ¡°Alright, which of you has experience as a warehouse inventory clerk? Come stand over here, those who have studied ounting, stand over there¡­¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a student at Argesukov University,¡± a girl raised her hand, ¡°and so are several of us. Although we don¡¯t have the experience, we can learn. We¡¯re quite good at that.¡±

    Pavlov nodded: ¡°Good, that¡¯s the best news I¡¯ve heard this morning.¡±

    Wang Zhong felt that this man seemed to have aged backwards in an instant, and the anxiety that was hanging around him also seemed to lighten.

    Pavlov: ¡°I¡¯ll assign you work¡­¡±

    At that moment, two more GAZ trucks arrived and stopped at the entrance of the division headquarters.

    This time, the ones getting off were elderly men.

    A man with arge beard was the first to step up to the entrance, giving Wang Zhong a rather sloppy military salute: ¡°Good day, General sir. May I ask if this is the division headquarters of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, it is. And you are?¡±

    ¡°Ah, I am a member of the academicmittee of Argesukov University. The university has been relocated, and only the professors and current students will go to the rear. We are staying to serve our country.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow: ¡°You¡­ Are you a Level 6 Clerk?¡±

    ¡°To be precise, an Imperial Level 6 Civil Officer. Yes, I am indeed of this grade. Why do you ask?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned excitedly to Pavlov and pointed at the old man: ¡°Your Level 6 Clerk has arrived!¡±

    Pavlov, with a frown, sized up the old man: ¡°Sir, we are a field unit.¡±

    ¡°Is that so? But if these youngdies can work in a field unit, I think I can too,¡± said the old academicmittee member.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Enough Pavlov, my Chief of Staff, you have your people now, hurry up and get the new recruits¡¯ equipment and uniforms! We can hand out equipment this morning and teach them how to shoot by the afternoon. We¡¯re short on time!¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Even if we have people, it¡¯s not possible to produce equipment that quickly.

    ¡°You¡¯re pestering me here. It would be better to plunder from the local supply depot¡ªrequest a bit. If you¡¯re the one requesting, remember to get us some GAZ trucks as well. If no trucks, mules and horse-drawn carts will do.

    ¡°Also, we need civilianborers, two for everybatant, understand?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°Right! Huh? I¡¯m the superior officer here! Why are you giving me orders?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m just making suggestions, it¡¯s the duty of the Chief of Staff to make suggestions. Whether or not to ept them is the decision of themanding officer. But I also have to tell you the consequences of not epting¡­¡±

    Another truck stopped in front of the division headquarters, and a group of officers bearing staff badges got off.

    ¡°The red g,¡± Wang Zhong heard someone say, ¡°this must be the ce.¡±

    Wang Zhong to Pavlov: ¡°Now you have your people, no more taking it out on me! I¡¯m off to the supply depot to raid¡ªapply for supplies!¡±

 Chapter 147: The Cannon and the Seal

    Wang Zhong was just about to leave the headquarters when he saw from a distance that the 31st Guards Regiment and the Fifth Byeshensk Regiment were assembling, while the armored troops gathered nearby to watch the excitement.

    So, Wang Zhong decided to go over and see what was happening too.

    There was no helping it; he had nevermanded so many troops before, and now he felt a bit like he was ying a simtion management game, strolling around his territory with satisfaction after working hard for so long¡ªthis was probably the feeling.

    By the time he reached the edge of the parade ground, the remaining infantry of the Rocossov Combat Group had already assembled and were standing opposite the newly arrived Guardian Army.

    Pavlov stood between the two groups with a megaphone and shouted, ¡°These are the remaining infantry of the Rocossov Combat Group; they will be your instructors. You will train with your current organization for now!

    ¡°After all, the division headquarters doesn¡¯t have the time topile new rosters right now, and we don¡¯t know whichpanies you will be assigned to, so it¡¯s simpler to train this way.

    ¡°Right now, if you go to the front lines, you¡¯ll quickly turn into fertilizer! You wouldn¡¯t be of any use at all! The instructors will teach you basic tactical movements, basic skills!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that being an instructor was a good thing, and after giving it some thought, it was actually quite beneficial. First of all, dispersing troops to act as instructors meant there was no need for new rosters¡ªPavlov¡¯s division was currently busy absorbing new members, and it might take a few days before they could get down to that task.

    Secondly, instructors only needed one gun to demonstrate all operations, and with five guns, they could let the recruits practice in turns, so the demands on supplies were rtively low.One had to say, Pavlov had experience.

    Pavlov began to allocate instructors to each member of the Guardian Army with a roster in hand.

    At this time, the armored troops who were spectating nearby spotted Wang Zhong and hastily straightened their uniforms and lined up.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, ¡°Alright, there¡¯s no need to line up every time you see me.¡±

    Everyone rxed, and then Gunner Alexander Yefimovich from Vehicle 422 asked, ¡°We heard that you¡¯ve been promoted to Major General, so why are you still wearing the insignia of a Brigadier General?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I haven¡¯t had the chance to change it; you all know I don¡¯t have any orderlies right now, so I¡¯ll have to go back to the barracks and change it myselfter.¡±

    Alexander then asked, ¡°We heard that the new troops you¡¯remanding is an Infantry Division, so what about us? You¡¯re not going to hand us over to another general, are you? Just to make it clear, the Crown Prince requested that we always follow you, and even if you transfer the troops, you shouldn¡¯t transfer us.

    ¡°I heard that the Prosen troops have a tank toon in their division headquarters; I think we can learn from the enemy¡¯s advanced experiences.¡±

    The other crew members became anxious:

    ¡°How is one toon enough!¡±

    ¡°Absolutely, an armoredpany is needed to ensure security when facing the enemy!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t abandon us, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong reassured them, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry, no one is going to snatch my troops from me! Not a soul! I, Aleksei, always take in but never let go! Not only are you not going anywhere, I need to bring over a whole Armored Battalion.¡±

    An Infantry Division with an Armored Battalion was quite normal, wasn¡¯t it? If this were a game, mixing an Armored Battalion into an Infantry Division would bring a heap of bonuses!

    The armored soldiers seemed much more at ease.

    ¡°That¡¯s good then, other generals would just send us to our deaths.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, the generals above us know nothing but to order us to unch an attack¡¯. I feel like they have no clue about how to use armored troops.¡±

    ¡°Exactly! Our original 23rd Tank Army is gone, without any significant military achievements. General, with just one ambush, you achieved more than our entire army.¡±

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brow, ¡°Really? Did the 23rd Army really have no achievements?¡±

    Several armored soldiers who had transferred from the 23rd Army¡¯s BT tanks shook their heads together, ¡°Most were eliminated by the Prosen Air Force; on the rare asion we encountered the enemy¡¯s armored forces, they were destroyed from distances over 1000 meters, without ever getting close to the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed; even though the BT series tanks were technically behind the enemy¡¯s Mark III and IV, the news of an entire tank army being wiped out still pained him.

    Give memand, and I could achieve some sess¡ªthis was his thought.

    At that moment, the Tank Operators from the former 23rd Army suggested, ¡°Ask for more tank troops, General; at least they can be more effective under yourmand! They won¡¯t die in vain!¡±

    The other Tank Operators nodded in agreement, ¡°Right, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong, overwhelmed by the ttery, waved his hand and made his escape.

    He was aware of his own capabilities and perhaps one day, in the future, he might unhesitatingly ept such praise.

    But the current Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t presume to do so, feeling it was undeserved.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When Wang Zhong returned to the suite in the eastern wing of the manor, Ludm had already ironed the new general¡¯s uniform and even sprinkledvender essence on it.

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly, ¡°I¡¯m a general; isn¡¯t the scent ofvender a bit odd?¡±

    Ludm retorted, ¡°You don¡¯t understand, once you smoke, the smell of the smoke and this essence will mix and it will be great. It¡¯s a clever trick taught to me by my father himself.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°When did he teach you that?¡±

    ¡°Before I went to Saint Ekaterina Fortress, he thought I would definitely meet a man there, so I needed to know these things. Too bad I never had the chance to use it.¡±

    Wang Zhong uttered an ¡°Oh.¡±

    ¡°Come here!¡± Ludmmanded with an irrefutable tone as she picked up the coat.

    Wang Zhong had no choice but to approach and let his fianc¨¦e fuss over him.

    About fifteen minutester, he stood in front of the mirror in his spotless new military uniform.

    Ludmmented, ¡°Fewer decorations. Look at the other generals; they at least have a sash, and you are all modesty!¡±

    She gestured across Wang Zhong¡¯s chest.

    Wang Zhong shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m not fighting for medals.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Ludm said softly as she kissed Wang Zhong¡¯s cheek, ¡°Okay! Now you can go and be busy with your things!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Grigori!¡±

    His guard immediately came in through the door, still carrying that captured Prosen submachine gun¡ªhe really seemed to like that weapon.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Prepare the jeep, we¡¯re going to the logisticsmand.¡±

    Grigori brought his heels together as a substitute for a salute, closed the door, and left.

    Ludm: ¡°Didn¡¯t your father say he would help you allocate troops?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re calling him ¡®Dad¡¯ already? Isn¡¯t that a bit hasty?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Okay, didn¡¯t Uncle Konstantin say he would help you allocate troops?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The old man is retired; what he allocates might not be practical.¡±

    At this moment, the voice of the Crown Prince came from outside: ¡°Alyosha, my friend!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned and went out to the corridor where he met the Crown Prince: ¡°Your Highness, good morning, how did you sleepst night?¡±

    The Crown Prince gave a thumbs up: ¡°It¡¯s a pity you didn¡¯te, there was someck of variety!¡±

    So, I was responsible for providing variety in Crown Prince¡¯s team?

    The Crown Prince: ¡°Let¡¯s go to the salon today. I know that Lady Ekaterina is holding a salon this afternoon, and all the youngdies in town will be there!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I am a divisionmander; I¡¯m going to secure supplies and equipment for my troops.¡±

    ¡°Ahahaha!¡±ughed the Crown Prince loudly, ¡°You are a divisionmander! Huh? You¡¯ve be a divisionmander? Shouldn¡¯t you be taking care of storage? Yesterday you were quite confrontational with General Skorobo.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Take a look at my epaulets, there are two beans now.¡±

    The Crown Prince blinked: ¡°Is that true? Holy moly, those really are pentagon stars. From a distance, I thought it was just a star-shaped pattern; that¡¯s how they make the fake ranks. Then you definitely should go to Lady Ekaterina¡¯s salon, war hero! The youngdies will fall for you!¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong was quite curious to see this ¡®falling for him¡¯ in practice, but getting equipment was the priority.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So, I¡¯m sorry Your Highness, but I have to get to work.¡±

    The Crown Prince stepped back, looking Wang Zhong up and down: ¡°What¡¯s happened to you? You¡¯re not like yourself!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I was hit by a 381mm shell from the enemy¡¯s battleship. Over a hundred people in the church, only Sergey and I survived. So, my head¡¯s a bit messed up.¡±

    The Crown Prince shook his head: ¡°I went to see Sergey, and he seems fine! He also said that you peed your pants in battle and insisted on exchanging trousers with him!¡±

    ¡ª Damn it, can I just go and shoot this Sergey!

    Ludm turned to the side.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Which hospital is Sergey in?¡±

    The Crown Prince: ¡°He¡¯s staying at the Duke dimir¡¯s house.¡±

    Wang Zhong remembered, Sergei Nikyevich Romanov was the Duchess¡¯s man-toy, now that the Duchess was a widow, it made sense to take him back home.

    The Crown Prince: ¡°Want to go see him? The Duchess also quite wants to see you, who survived that disaster, and she¡¯s nning a dance tonight¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I don¡¯t have time. Apart from equipment, I have other ces to go, I¡¯m very busy today.¡±

    His other task today was to be a postman.

    Argesukov, 43 Krugen Street, Alexeyevna, the letter had to be delivered to thisdy¡ªprobably ady.

    The Crown Prince shook his head: ¡°You¡¯ve changed, you¡¯re not Alyosha, who are you?¡±

    Ludm stepped forward: ¡°Who else could he be? He¡¯s Alyosha!¡±

    The Crown Prince suddenly became a bit hysterical: ¡°That¡¯s impossible! Alyosha and I are the same, we¡¯re both prodigals! We should be living the high life together! I can¡¯t ept this outstanding soldier you¡¯ve be! I cannot ept it!¡±

    Seeing the Crown Prince on the verge of breakdown, Wang Zhong quickly soothed him: ¡°Your Highness, look, when you graduated from the military academy, your scores were higher than mine. What I can do, you can also do; there¡¯s no need to look down on yourself!¡±

    The Crown Prince didn¡¯t reply but after a few seconds of silence, he turned and left: ¡°I will tell Lady Ekaterina that the war hero is too busy and doesn¡¯t want to grace her with his presence. You go be busy with your things.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Highness, could you lend me your seal or something?¡±

    The Crown Prince stopped, turned, and looked at Wang Zhong: ¡°What?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The seal! Look, Her Royal Highness used your seal to send me tanks and heavy artillery, right? So¡­ I can also use the seal, can¡¯t I?¡±

    Ludm frantically tugged at the hem of Wang Zhong¡¯s clothes.

    The Crown Princeughed: ¡°I see, you and she are in cahoots! How did I not see thising! Fine, I¡¯ll give it to you!¡±

    Saying so, the Crown Prince took off the ring, which doubled as a personal seal, and threw it to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong caught the ring and saluted the Crown Prince as if he were an officer: ¡°I salute you, Your Highness!¡±

    ¡°Save it!¡± said the Crown Prince, waving his hand before turning to leave.

 Chapter 148: Suggestions from the Logistics Commander (Alliance Hierarch Added Bonus)

    Although the Crown Prince turned to leave, Wang Zhong and Ludm still followed him to the front door of the main building¡¯s east wing.

    On the one hand, it was basic etiquette to see royalty out. On the other hand, Wang Zhong had to leave as well, and there was no second exit in the east wing¡ªjumping out a window was out of the question.

    At the door, the Crown Prince turned around and looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°I have a question. After this war ends, can we drink as freely as before?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Of course, after we win this war, we¡¯ll drink day and night.¡±

    The Crown Prince nodded, and at that moment, the jeep that came to pick him up had arrived. So he walked down the steps and got into the vehicle, then turned back to smile at Wang Zhong.

    The car started up and slowly drove away.

    Then Grigori drove up in a jeep, stopping in front of the door.

    Wang Zhong bid farewell to Ludm, opened the door, and got into the vehicle.

    Ludm hesitated for a moment before she said, ¡°Deputy Knight Yeca Neiko said I could have a day off today, may I join?¡±Wang Zhong thought it over, it didn¡¯t seem to be a big problem, and he was going to see the families of deceased soldierster, so having a girl by his side would helpfort the female family members.

    So he nodded, and Ludm immediately beamed with joy, hurrying over to get into the car.

    Wang Zhong cautioned, ¡°Don¡¯t cling to my armter, I¡¯m in uniform! I need to maintain the dignity of a general!¡±

    Ludm saluted, ¡°Yes, General!¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong nod and said to Grigori, ¡°Let¡¯s go, to the Argesukov logisticsmand building first.¡±

    ¡ª-

    The logisticsmand building was actuallyrger than the fertilizer nt building they used as a frontlinemand center in Loktov, looking like it could hold out for a long time.

    In the courtyard of the building, there were anti-aircraft gun positions, but Wang Zhong highly doubted the significance of setting up anti-aircraft guns here. If enemy nes were to bomb the logistics headquarters, they would have dropped bombs already, and these guns wouldn¡¯t be effective at all.

    Grigori bypassed the anti-aircraft gun positions and stopped in front of themand building.

    The guard immediately stepped forward and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Please show your identification!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied while taking out his identification, ¡°It was checked when I entered, why is it being checked again here?¡±

    The guard responded emotionlessly, ¡°It¡¯s the request of Major General Chekhov, the stationmander.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t say much; in times like these with mixed crowds, one couldn¡¯t be sure if there were saboteurs or spies, it was no big mistake to be cautious.

    After showing his identification, Wang Zhong got out of the car and walked towards the headquarters, finding a huge ckboard in the lobby of the first floor with the main functions of each floor listed.

    Wang Zhong looked but didn¡¯t find Major General Chekhov¡¯s office, so he asked the guard who had checked the ID, ¡°Where is Major General Chekhov?¡±

    ¡°The Major General is usually in the allocation department. His office and the ounting staff are located together.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the ckboard for the allocation department¡¯s location, and strode towards the staircase.

    The allocation department was reached quickly. Wang Zhong knocked on the door and soon a man with sses and a clerical shoulder strap opened it, ¡°General, whom are you looking for?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I am looking for Major General Chekhov. The guard told me his office was together with the allocation department.¡±

    Before the clerk could answer, a shout came from inside the room, ¡°Send him down to the first floor to get a form! After it¡¯s filled out and stamped, submit it at the application desk on the first floor. Really, each of them keeps running to my office, I¡¯ve moved out of it and yet they keeping!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Will there be a problem if I use the personal seal of the Crown Prince for the application form and stamp?¡±

    The voice inside came to an abrupt halt.

    Five secondster, a tall man with a stern face pushed aside the clerk, opened the door wide, ¡°The banquet supplies are not applied for here, go to the granary!¡±

    Looking at the ranks, this was Major General Chekhov.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I need weapons and ammunition, and uniforms. I just received a few thousand new soldiers today, all without weapons or military clothes! Do you want the new recruits to fight in their own clothes?¡±

    Major General Chekhov looked incredulous, ¡°The Crown Prince is going to fight personally? What unit are you? Royal Guards? I haven¡¯t heard of you taking any losses?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I am Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky,mander of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division. My Guards 31st Regiment and the Fifth Byeshensky Regiment have suffered heavy losses, and we¡¯ve just received several thousand reinforcements. Do I make myself clear?¡±

    Major General Chekhov frowned, reassessing Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯re that reformed Rokossovsky? Hmm, you do look battle-worn, not a fake. But you still need to fill out the application form, how else would we know what you need? Ivan! Bring the application forms! Form number 34!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can¡¯t we make an exception for special circumstances? I do have the stamp of the Crown Prince.¡±

    Chekhov, ¡°This is already an exception. Once you¡¯ve filled out the form, the allocation staff here will check where the supplies are and then issue release and transport orders. Normally, you should get your supplies the day after tomorrow.

    ¡°That is, if we have them here.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Not until the day after tomorrow?¡±

    ¡°What, are you heading out to face the enemy tomorrow?¡± Major General Chekhov retorted.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ah no, I was justmenting the slow process. Is there no clerk avable to help me write this out?¡±

    ¡°Look around, see any clerks free?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked into the room and saw the entire space filled with a pre-update night of a mobile gamepany¡¯s buzz of activity.

    Ludm said, ¡°Let me write, you can just dictate.¡±

    At this moment, the clerk who had opened the door came over with a stack of application forms.

    Chekhov cursed, ¡°And the inventory ledger! Do you expect the major general to pull a list out of thin air?¡±

    Two minutester, a thick stack of forms was in Ludm¡¯s hands, and Wang Zhong was given an inventory summary as thick as an encyclopedia.

    Luckily, there were a bunch of tags next to the inventory, allowing them to quickly flip to the corresponding pages ording to the initials of the needed materials.

    Chekhov pointed to the desk next to his own, ¡°That desk is for ¡®special handling tasks¡¯; you fill it out!¡±

    Good lord, it seems there are no small number of people handling special tasks every day!

    Ludm immediately pulled out the chair in front of the desk, tested the pen on a notepad beside her, and then looked toward Wang Zhong with a look that indicated she was ready.

    Wang Zhong, on the other hand, flipped to the anti-tank gun page and read, ¡°ZIS-3 anti-tank gun¡­¡±

    Chekhov, ¡°Hold on, does your division have an anti-tank battalion?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, but this is not¡­¡±

    ¡°Then you should go to the Front Army headquarters and request a battalion. It¡¯s much simpler than requesting guns from me to form a battalion. Do you know how many tanks, ammunition carriers, and mules and horses a 2000-person battalion requires? If you apply for everything from me, you¡¯ll probably fill up half of that stack of forms you¡¯re holding.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought about it, and it seemed to make sense.

    Major General Chekhov, ¡°My suggestion is that you first apply for weapons, machine guns, mortars, military clothing, military boots, and other misceneous items to arm the two infantry regiments.

    ¡°Then go to themand to request guns, anti-tank artillery battalions or regiments, and howitzer regiments. If you get those, they¡¯lle fully equipped and manned.¡±

    Wang Zhong with his chin propped up, ¡°So we shouldn¡¯t just grab the equipment, but also snatch the troops. Is that what you mean?¡±

    Major General Chekhov, ¡°Pretty much. Actually, that¡¯s the optimal solution. You already have the Crown Prince¡¯s seal. As long as you don¡¯t snatch troops under another division¡¯smand and keep an eye on those unaffiliated units, you should be fine!

    ¡°A lot of these unaffiliated technical weapon units under Argesukov¡¯smand are waiting to be incorporated into some newly formed division.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You mean, I¡¯vee to the wrong ce?¡±

    ¡°We still need uniforms and rifles.¡± Ludm interjected, ¡°Okay, I have filled out the rifle form. Do I just give it to the clerk over there?¡±

    The clerk, ¡°Fill out another form for ammunition. Rifles alone won¡¯t cut it. Additionally, I suggest filling out a form for gun cleaning kits as well.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Right, fill out the form for the trucks too¡­¡±

    Major General Chekhov, ¡°You should go to themand and request an unassigned motor battalion. A battalion¡¯s worth of trucks could supply a division. I mean, if they¡¯re running non-stop!¡±

    Ludm, ¡°I¡¯ve filled out the bullets, is this number enough?¡±

    Major General Chekhov nced at it and said, ¡°Double it, trust me, double it and you¡¯ll have the bare minimum.¡±

    Ludm quickly corrected it, handed it to the clerk, and started filling in the uniform details.

    At this point, the clerk brought the first form back to Wang Zhong, ¡°We¡¯ve stamped it on our part, it needs the Crown Prince¡¯s seal; the ink is right here.¡±

    Wang Zhong took out the ring, pressed the face of the ring into the ink, even shuffled it back and forth, and then pressed it firmly onto the form.

    Major General Chekhov looked at the military clothing form Ludm was filling out and said, ¡°Later, fill out a form for cloth bags as well. The soldiers need cloth bags for their personal belongings, which they can ce at their rest area before advancing to the front line.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re quite experienced.¡±

    Major General Chekhov, ¡°I¡¯ve been in charge of logistics since the civil war; I¡¯m clear on all this. I¡¯m not one of those generals who just boast without being responsible for specific military affairs.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and handed over the thick inventory ledger directly to Major General Chekhov, ¡°Then please, an experienced major general, tell us what we need to im.¡±

    The major general looked at Wang Zhong with a ¡°does your old man at home know how shameless you are?¡± expression, but still took the ledger and began going through the materials based on his experience.

    Wang Zhong stood there holding the Crown Prince¡¯s ring, waiting to stamp the seal.

    ¡ª¡ª

    When the clock on the wall struck 12 noon, Chekhov closed the ledger, ¡°That should be it. We¡¯ll arrange transportation to your station after all these items are out of storage. They should arrive in the next day or two.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright, we¡¯re off to the Front Army headquarters to request troops!¡±

    Major General Chekhov hesitated for a moment and said, ¡°Did you talk back to Major General Skorobost night?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes¡­ but, it was the Grand Patriarch who asked me to exin the situation and give my opinion.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s best if you avoid Major General Skorobo at the Front Army headquarters and go directly to the Front Army Chief of Staff. He¡¯s more approachable, and if he really has the troops you need, he¡¯ll give them to you.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Understood, thank you.¡±

    With that, Wang Zhong saluted Chekhov.

    Chekhov returned the salute, ¡°Just one more thing, don¡¯t reveal at the Front Army headquarters that I did this special favor for you! Major General Skorobo is rather petty.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid of him finding out by saying that about him? There are so many people here.¡±

    Major General Chekhovughed, ¡°I¡¯ve never gotten along with him. We enlisted the same year, and now I¡¯m just a logisticsmander while he¡¯s a Front Army major general. I heard that before the war His Majesty the Tsar had considered promoting him to Marshal.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought there might not be a chance for that now.

    Since the minor conflict down south, the entire southwestern Front Army had relied on hope.

    Major General Chekhov escorted Wang Zhong and Ludm to the door, repeating his advice, ¡°Go find the Chief of Staff, don¡¯t let Major General Skorobo see you!¡±

    ¡°Thank you, we will.¡± Wang Zhong waved his hand.

 Chapter 149: Kruger Street

    When Wang Zhong arrived at the headquarters, he reminded himself to avoid General Skorobo, so before entering the map room, he made sure to take care of the guards and peeked through the slightly ajar door.

    Then he saw the Front Army Chief of Staff, the Front Army Bishop, and General Skorobo together.

    At the door, he could hear them discussing the situation.

    General Skorobo: ¡°The idiot son of the Rokossovsky family really has no military sense! If the enemy¡¯s heavy forces to our north were to head south, wouldn¡¯t our forces in front of them attack? It¡¯spletely unreasonable!¡±

    Damn, they¡¯re still discussing my statement from yesterday, thought Wang Zhong, better not go in and further provoke General Skorobo.

    Just as he was about to leave, someone from inside opened the door that was slightly ajar, and the staff officer shouted, ¡°Who¡¯s eavesdropping?¡±

    Great, even this little crack in the door didn¡¯t escape notice.

    Upon seeing it was Wang Zhong, the staff officer was stunned for a moment, then said to the guard by the door, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let the Major Generale in?¡±

    Guard: ¡°Reporting, the Major General told me not to make a fuss!¡±Wang Zhong felt extremely awkward: ¡°Um, I didn¡¯t want to disturb the normal operations of the headquarters.¡±

    At this point, General Skorobo called out, ¡°Isn¡¯t this our military genius, Major General Rokossov? What ¡®Takami¡¯ insight brings you here?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I don¡¯t have any ¡®Takami¡¯ insight, I am here to¡­¡±

    He looked at the Chief of Staff ¨C ording to Major General Chekhov¡¯s words, the Chief of Staff was a good man, not like General Skorobo.

    But wouldn¡¯t it be too obvious to directly say he was looking for the Chief of Staff?

    Wang Zhong was hesitating when the Chief of Staff spoke, ¡°Are you here to request troops?¡±

    ¡°Uh, yes!¡± Since the man had addressed it directly, Wang Zhong shamelessly admitted it.

    Chief of Staff: ¡°We do have some scattered forces newly transferred from the rear that haven¡¯t been assigned to reinforce any division yet. It would be reasonable to assign these forces to your newly-formed temporary 151st Division.¡±

    ¡°Unreasonable!¡± General Skorobo interrupted the Chief of Staff, ¡°Those precious forces should be given to real soldiers! I¡¯ve heard, Rokossov, that you wet yourself on the battlefield!¡±

    Fucking hell, how does everyone know?

    Sergey, I¡¯m going to kill you!

    General Skorobo continued to mock, ¡°Do you believe someone who wet himself on the battlefield could achieve those battle results? No, I simply don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°But the Prussians also have a high regard for Rokossov¡­¡±

    ¡°The Prussians have high regard for the White Horse General! This guy just happened to have a white horse, and he took the credit for the achievements! The real White Horse General must have died long ago!¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°Enemy 15th Tank Division¡¯smander Lundorf died at Loktov, and at that time, it was Brigadier General Rokossov who was conducting the defense there. The previous situation at Peniye also matches up.¡±

    General Skorobo pursed his lips, and his sanitary beard really looked like ¡°that someone¡± on Earth when he did so.

    After pondering for a few seconds, the general answered, ¡°Even if it¡¯s true, that would only prove he¡¯s an excellent tactician! Strategic matters, being more theoretical, wouldn¡¯t be understood by someone who rankedst in a military academy!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Since you¡¯ve acknowledged me as a tactician, shouldn¡¯t you fill up my division with troops? Wouldn¡¯t a tactician be just right tomand a division?¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°What forces do you need?¡±

    Before General Skorobo could speak, Wang Zhong raised his voice, ¡°I want a motor transport battalion, amunicationspany, an anti-tank gun battalion, andborers!¡±

    ¡°As forborers,¡± the Front Army Bishop spoke up, ¡°you should go to the church. The church is organizing Labor Camps, as well asundry and cooking squads; all personnel rted to logistics can be requested from the church, as the Secr faction has a closer connection to the people and stronger mobilization capabilities.¡±

    So that¡¯s how it is,borers and logistics can be requested from the church ¨C back at Loktov, Pavlov had taken care of logistics, and Wang Zhong was not aware of this.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then, what about the anti-tank guns¡­¡±

    ¡°No way!¡± General Skorobo bellowed, ¡°Even if it¡¯s a 45 mm anti-tank gun, don¡¯t even think about getting one!¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°We¡¯re about to counterattack soon anyway, what harm will it do to give him a battalion of such defensive weapons?¡±

    General Skorobo looked at the Chief of Staff, ¡°Are you siding with him? Do you really believe those exaggerated achievements he boasts of? If he had destroyed six hundred tanks, the enemy confronting us would be too blunted to use by now!¡±

    Wang Zhong felt wronged in his heart, I truly never imed to have destroyed six hundred enemy tanks.

    General Skorobo turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°In any case, if you wantborers or whatever, go to the church! For a motor transport battalion, too, go to the church! I won¡¯t give you a single soldier or piece of technical weaponry! These precious weapons mustn¡¯t fall into the hands of someone who¡¯s just toying around!¡±

    Great, now I¡¯m just toying around.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong was very angry and wanted to hit General Skorobo in the face with a punch.

    In the past, he might have done just that.

    But now, he couldn¡¯t do something that could cause him to lose hismand. The high ranks of the Ante Army were like this, full of vermin, and losingmand would be like pushing his troops into the fire.

    Wang Zhong, holding back his anger, saluted General Skorobo, ¡°Thank you for your assessment, then I shall take my leave.¡±

    As he turned around, he heard Skorobo shout, ¡°Guard! Remember, Major General Rokossov is not to be let in without an appointment!¡±

    The Front Army Chief of Staff reminded, ¡°Our staff department also has his brother, Brigadier General Rokossov, it would be inappropriate not to let him in as well, right?¡±

    General Skorobo cursed something, inaudible to Wang Zhong.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Once outside and on the jeep, Ludm asked, ¡°What do we do now?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°First, let¡¯s go to the church for the Labor Camp,undry and cooking squads, and also for the army tailors and cksmiths.¡±

    If the troops had arge number of mules and horses, then it would be necessary to have cksmiths to maintain the horseshoes, and if a horseshoe were lost, the cksmith would need to forge a new one.

    From the driver¡¯s seat, Grigori turned back to confirm, ¡°To the local church?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Ludm smiled, ¡°This afternoon we just might end up touring all the departments under Argesukov¡¯s jurisdiction.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the church, things went incredibly smoothly, perhaps due to prior arrangements by the Grand Patriarch ¨C suddenly arge group of several thousand logistics personnel were marching majestically towards the Rokossovsky Estate.

    However, the motorized unit still hadn¡¯te out, only arge group of drivers volunteering for military service had arrived.

    Contentedly leaving the church, Wang Zhong asked Grigori, ¡°Do you know the way to 43 Krugen Street?¡±

    ¡°I asked around beforehand,¡± Grigori replied, ¡°though I¡¯ve never actually been there. Maybe when we get there, we can ask someone for directions.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Then let¡¯s go.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    43 Krugen Street was a multi-story apartment building, constructed of brick and stone, and looked to have quite a few years on it.

    The iron sign above the apartment entrance was embossed with ¡°Marazov Apartment,¡± although the Marazov name had been smeared over with paint.

    Wang Zhong personally pushed open the door to the apartment and saw a room to the left of the corridor, resembling a concierge¡¯s office, where an olddy was sitting inside knitting a sweater.

    Just as he was about to speak, Ludm stepped forward and gently tapped the bell on the windowsill.

    Apanied by a crisp sound, the olddy lifted her head, her gaze lingering on the stars on Wang Zhong¡¯s uniform for a few seconds, ¡°Hello, General, whose child has died this time?¡±

    Wang Zhong was silenced by this remark.

    It seemed that casualty notifications were often delivered to the apartmenttely.

    Seeing Wang Zhong not speak, the olddy added, ¡°Having a General deliver the notice means the deceased must have been a hero, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized and nodded, ¡°Yes, a very brave hero.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good, every death should prompt those who live on to lead better lives!¡±

    Wang Zhong always felt the olddy had something about her, able to talk philosophically off the cuff.

    He decided to get straight to the point and took out the blood-stained letter that had been in his pocket, reading the address on it, ¡°Argesukov, Krugen Street, Alexeyevna. Do you know a woman by this name?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, deathes too suddenly, I wasn¡¯t able to ask about the identity of this Alexeyevna or how old she might be.¡±

    The concierge room olddy sighed, put down her needlework, found her reading sses and put them on before answering, ¡°She¡¯s 73 this year, her three sons, one big, one middle, one small, all went off to war. So which one is it that has died?¡±

    Wang Zhong reported the gunner¡¯s name.

    The olddy said, ¡°So it¡¯s the youngest that has died, give me the letter.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°You are Alexeyevna, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Who else could I be?¡± the olddy¡¯s voice held no grief; she just calmly took the bloodied letter.

    Unable to help herself, Ludm asked, ¡°You¡­are not sad?¡±

    The olddy replied, ¡°I¡¯m used to it by now. During the civil war, my husband, my brothers, they all died in battle. I¡¯m quite adept at receiving casualty notifications. Yesterday, Sarapova from apartment 306 was crying so hard. All I wanted to tell her was that with war, the sooner you get used to such things, the better.¡±

    While speaking, the olddy had already opened the letter, briefly scanning it before saying, ¡°He still got the tense wrong, hopeless as ever.¡±

    After keeping the letter, she looked up at Wang Zhong, ¡°My youngest son is so poor at expressing himself, this entire letter doesn¡¯t convey as much as the bloodstains on it.

    ¡°Kind General, do you know how he died?¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mind immediately went to the moment the gunner died.

    ¡°It seems you know,¡± said the olddy, ¡°What a surprise. Tell me, kind General!¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t refuse the olddy¡¯s request and started to recount the day¡¯s battle, remembering the moment when an armor-piercing shell hit them, the gunner was still shouting, ¡°The loader has sacrificed himself, hurry and get someone to load!¡±

    Finally, he told her how he had urged for the firing to start quickly, only to look down and realize, except for Su Fang who had just joined as a loader, everyone else inside the turret was dead.

    Ludm¡¯s face was filled with sorrow, ¡°So that¡¯s how it was. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve heard you talk aboutbat on the front lines.¡±

    The olddy looked at Wang Zhong with a gentle face, suddenly stood up and poured a cup of tea for Wang Zhong, ¡°General, you need this more than I do. Drink it, this is red date tea I made myself, it can soothe sorrow.¡±

    With both hands, Wang Zhong cradled the teacup and took a sip.

    ¡°Anyway, your son died very bravely, he did it for¡­ for protecting the mothend, for protecting¡­¡±

    The olddy softly recited:

    ¡°All life in this world must eventually face death.

    ¡°Given this, to protect the ashes of our ancestors and the temples of the gods;

    ¡°To die fighting against a powerful enemy holds the utmost value.

    ¡°For the mothers who once doted on us,

    ¡°For the wives who now nurture our children,

    ¡°For the pure maidens who kindle the eternal me.

    ¡°To shield everyone from the debauchery of the vile viin Sextus,

    ¡°How glorious is such a death?¡±

    Wang Zhong happened to know this ¡°Heracles at the Bridge,¡± and joined in reciting, ¡°Mighty Consul, please take down the bridge quickly.

    ¡°Let¡¯s hold back the thousand enemies upying the bridge with just three men!

    ¡°Come on, which two brave souls will stand by me to guard the bridge?¡±

    The olddy said, ¡°Yes, my son was as brave as the ancient heroes; knowing this is enough.¡±

    The olddy gazed at Wang Zhong and topped up the hot tea in his cup.

    Wang Zhong took a sip, finding the tea bitter with a hint of sweetness.

    The olddy said, ¡°You have many more matters to attend to, right? After all, the invaders are still rampant on ournds. Go now, General. I am just an olddy who can knit sweaters in an apartment, other than sending off my children to the battlefield, there¡¯s not much left I can do for Ante¡¯s mothers. But you still can!¡±

    Wang Zhong took another sip of tea, set the cup down, and turned to leave.

    He did not look back.

 Chapter 150: Thanks to Old Rocossov for the Rocket Boost

    On the way back to the garrison, Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, contemting where to acquire anti-tank artillery.

    The infantry divisioncked anti-tank artillery, and close-quartersbat was a meat grinder, yet the Prussian infantry were no slouches either.

    Previously in Loktov, Wang Zhong had been pushed to the brink by the enemy infantry¡¯s assault. Now, considering the quality of his troops, he dared not engage the Prussians in close-quartersbat anymore.

    Unbeknownst to Wang Zhong, this was actually a form of experience umtion. Though he was an outsider to the military, through so many battles he had graduallye to understand the enemy and form ¡°muscle memory.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued his calctions with a frown:

    To defeat the enemy in the open fields, aside from relying on tank cover and the apanying tank ambush tactics, the most important thing was the anti-tank artillery.

    This is a cycle of mutual restraint. Machine-gun fire points can suppress infantry in the open fields, direct tank fire can take out fire points, and hidden anti-tank artillery and tanks can destroy enemy tanks.

    Thest is artillery, which can dominate everything on the ground, unless the fortifications are constructed like the tunnels at Shangganling, otherwise enemy artillery barrages will surely cause casualties.

    He also had to think of ways to counter the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery. Perhaps balloons could be used? Could observation balloons still be found nowadays?If they didn¡¯t observe and fired blindly, it wasn¡¯t certain where the enemy¡¯s artillery would be ced, as howitzers didn¡¯t have as strict requirements for position as direct-fire cannons.

    How could he ascertain the location of the enemy artillery positions? Rely on infiltration squads?

    But the enemy was the Prussian Army, not India; their positions wouldn¡¯t be so easily pinpointed.

    And the enemy was incredibly brutal, so disguised reconnaissance was definitely out of the question; getting close to the artillery positions, the enemy would surely open fire directly.

    What should he do?

    Ludm had been watching Wang Zhong all this time, looking very worried but not daring to interrupt his thoughts.

    Finally, they reached the gates of the manor, and the guards at the door immediately opened the iron gate upon seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s car¡ªthey had been assigned to guard the entrance since yesterday.

    After driving into the manor, Grigori looked back and took the initiative to head toward the barracks in the corner of the estate.

    No sooner had they driven a short distance when Ludm broke the silence, poking Wang Zhong vigorously in the shoulder, ¡°Alyosha! Look over there!¡±

    Wang Zhong was forcibly pulled from his thoughts, looking a bit bewildered as he mechanically followed the direction of Ludm¡¯s pointing finger.

    He saw a row of brand-new T34 tanks parked on thewn.

    These definitely weren¡¯t Wang Zhong¡¯s original tanks because no matter how much they were repainted, they couldn¡¯t hide the mottle left by the battlefield¡ªthe scratches caused by armor-piercing shells were very noticeable.

    Not only was the paint on these T34s new, but their surfaces were also quite smooth, and there were no traces of iplete dieselbustion around the exhaust.

    New T34s!

    Wang Zhong broadened his view and noticed that these T34s were arranged in three rows of eight each, totaling 24 tanks!

    All the tank guns were adjusted to the same angle, like heads raised high during a parade review.

    ¡°Where did these tankse from?¡± Wang Zhong asked, puzzled.

    Ludm: ¡°Did you forget that yesterday Dad¡­ Uncle Konstantin said he would give some to your troops?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°He said he was going to write some letters, that it would take three to five days to get results, right?¡±

    ¡°Maybe the process went especially smoothly?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then patted Grigori on the shoulder, ¡°To the main building! I need to see the old man!¡±

    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to call him Dad, but old man was fine!

    Grigori executed a fishtail turn and sped toward the main building with a stomp on the elerator.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    When Wang Zhong burst into the study, retired General Rocossov was on the phone, making a ¡°shush¡± gesture with his hand.

    Rocossov (General): ¡°Thank you, old pal! Excellent, excellent! They¡¯re all top-notch tanks! Ahahaha, he just has good luck! What skills does he have, finishingst in his ss! He even wet his pants on the battlefield!¡±

    Though the words st in his ss¡± and ¡°wet his pants¡± were the same, why did it feelpletely different when the old man said them?

    It sounded more like Versailles whitewashing.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong thought this than the old man burst outughing again, ¡°It¡¯s true, he did wet himself, Liu Da admitted it!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his head to look at his fianc¨¦e.

    Liu Xia stuck out her tongue, whispering, ¡°He asked while I was preparing breakfast; I couldn¡¯t just lie, could I?¡±

    Damn it, he should have executed Sergey in the church ruins and then pulled down his pants.

    That way, no one would have brought this up, and Ludm certainly wouldn¡¯t have mentioned it of her own ord.

    The old manughed heartily again before finally hanging up the phone.

    Then, he erased his smile and looked towards Wang Zhong, ¡°See what¡¯s on thewn? It¡¯s a pity that T34s are now in short supply, exactly because of your achievements, everyone knows they are useful.

    ¡°Moreover, they seem to believe that your achievements are all due to the T34, not because you¡¯re capable. I feel that my promise to arrange for two battalions for you is probably not going to happen now; you¡¯ll have to make do with these sixpanies.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to respond, the old man continued, ¡°Also, you mentioned that the observation model is more useful. I reported this to my old buddy, but he mocked me mercilessly, iming that as an infantry general, I don¡¯t understand tanks. He also said that you, also an infantry general, don¡¯t understand tanks either.

    ¡°The other Armored Troops who have used them all praise them!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brows furrowed deeply.

    Actually, the main advantage of the T34 was back in ¡¯41, ¡¯42, until the Sturmtiger started to be fitted with the long-barreled 50mm gun from the model three onwards and the T34¡¯s blindness became an amplified weakness. Apany charging at a Sturmtiger often gotpletely annihted without even locating the enemy.

    Forget it, I wasn¡¯t counting on getting the factories to change their designs right now.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What about adding radios?¡±

    The old man shook his head, ¡°Our radio production is too low, and it must be prioritized for the Air Force¡¯s fighters, a lesson from the Castilian Civil War. Without radios tomunicate with each other, we would be at a disadvantage in airbat.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Fighters need radios tomunicate, don¡¯t tanks need them too? Tanks operating onplex battlefields need radios even more!¡±

    Duke Rocossov only looked at Wang Zhong with calm and kind eyes, ¡°Alright now, let¡¯s each do our part well. Your Infantry Division already has far more armored power than the average division. Are you aware that some people want to take that armored power away from you? After all, yours is an Infantry Division.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded; receiving 24 additional T34s was indeed good news. He couldn¡¯t be too greedy.

    ¡°Then give me a regiment¡¯s worth of anti-tank guns! Ideally, all of them would be 76mm ZIS-3 anti-tank guns.¡±

    Duke Rocossov frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t you have armored power for the anti-tank role? And that¡¯s the T34!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s not the same. Anti-tank guns can be camouged and hidden,unching surprise attacks on the enemy. Plus, if machine guns force the enemy¡¯s tankmanders to retract into their turrets, the high concealment of anti-tank guns will stand out, potentially making them more effective inbat than tanks.¡±

    In fact, the old German Armored Troops always considered Soviet anti-tank guns to be a bigger threat than tanks¡ªmainly because the tanks were too blind.

    And the anti-tank guns with observers were not blind, difficult to detect, and even the Germans, with their heavy armor, were wary of the thing.

    Duke Rocossov nodded, ¡°Is thising from realbat experience? It should be taken seriously. However, the 76 guns are also in high demand. I¡¯ll try to get you some 45mm guns first. After all, the ammunition carriages and pack horses can use 76mm shells too, and the gunners only need a bit of training to adapt to the new artillery.

    ¡°That way, in the future, you can try to apply for separate 76mm gun reinforcements and gradually switch the artillery to primarily 76mm.¡±

    Wang Zhong had a feeling that the old man had probably not been above using shrewd tactics to enhance his own strength.

    At that moment, an idea suddenly struck Wang Zhong: Why not ask the old man about the very issue that had been troubling him?

    So, he asked, ¡°In your experience, how do you deal with the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery?¡±

    Duke Rocossov raised his eyebrows, ¡°Heavy artillery? It depends on the situation. If both sides have formed solid front lines and trenches are everywhere, then let the nes carry out reconnaissance of the enemy¡¯s artillery positions, and then bomb them with artillery.

    ¡°At that time, the area with the densest anti-aircraft firepower is the artillery positions of both sides, and they would risk disrupting the trajectories of their shells by surrounding their artillery positions with barrage balloons to interfere with enemy reconnaissance nes.

    ¡°Sometimes, when enemy nes are spotted, they would release smoke and do it at several different locations to confuse the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Using nes for reconnaissance¡­¡±

    If I had nes under mymand, I could use the radio on the ne to establish contact, then I could root out the enemy¡¯s artillery positions! Indeed, this would be a method.

    Unfortunately, in order tomand the Air Force, I¡¯d have to be a general inmand of a Front Army.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Other than nes, is there anything else?¡±

    Duke Rocossov, ¡°When no solid trenches have been formed, you could use Cavalry Troops.¡±

    ¡°Cavalry?¡±

    ¡°Yes, cavalry are quite excellent. Saddles can carry extra rations and ammunition, allowing the cavalry to operate without resupply for seven days. As for the horses, although the feed for warhorses is very precious¡ªcarrots and whatnot¡ªthey naturally eat grass!

    ¡°While the people sleep and rest, the horse will graze on its own. Although a warhorse generally loses a lot of weight after a week ofbat, this only slightly affects its endurance and top speed, not so much its trotting pace on average.

    ¡°Look, Cavalry Troops can roam enemy territory for a week without resupply. They also have the mobility, which makes them the most suitable for surprise raids on enemy artillery positions, doesn¡¯t it?¡±

    It indeed seemed to be the case!

    Wang Zhong thoughtfully propped his chin with his hand.

    Duke Rocossov said, ¡°Come on now, everything will straighten out in the end. Don¡¯t look so worried. Go meet your new Armored Troops, boost their morale, and introduce them to some realbat experience. Organize a sharing session or something.

    ¡°The troops I transferred to you are entirely new, with no experience. Before the enemy attacks, you have to train them well!

    ¡°Understand? More sweat in training, less blood in battle!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Understood!¡±

    ¡°Is that how you respond to a superior?¡± the old man snapped.

    Wang Zhong snapped to attention and saluted, ¡°Yes, Your Excellency the General!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s more like it. Now off you go!¡± The old man waved his hand as if shooing a fly.

 Chapter 151: New Changes in the Division (8000 monthly ticket extra)

    Wang Zhong left the manor¡¯s main building and headed straight for the new tank that had just been assigned to him.

    By the time he arrived, the new tank operators and the veterans from Loktov were already mingling and chatting.

    As soon as Wang Zhong appeared, Alexander shouted, ¡°The general is here!¡±

    Alexander Yefimovich was originally an instructor in the training team, and although he was now Wang Zhong¡¯s gunner, his rank hadn¡¯t been reduced, so he naturally assumed the role ofmander.

    Wang Zhong saluted the crowd with a raised hand and then instructed Alexander, ¡°Organize an experience-sharing meeting as soon as possible, and talk about the methods the enemy might use to deal with us in battle, like targeting the tracks or jamming the turret ring.¡±

    At this, one of the new tank operators asked in surprise, ¡°Can the enemy really take on our new tanks? I heard these tanks are invincible and can ughter the enemy at will. There¡¯s even a rich brat, who as soon as he¡­¡±>

    Wang Zhong thought: Pissing himself, is that it? Is the pissing pants meme making aeback?

    ¡°Aleksei!¡± Themander of the armored battalion that had arrived spoke up, ¡°Shut your mouth! Who allowed you to gossip in the ranks? Is there no discipline anymore?¡±

    The one called Aleksei closed his mouth.Wang Zhong then turned to the battalionmander, feeling that thismander had the makings of a divisionmander of an armored division!

    But there were more pressing matters, Wang Zhong turned to Alexander and said, ¡°In any case, pass on all the experience to these greenhorns, and especially tell them about the most fatal weakness of the T34, poor situational awareness! Tell them about the negative effects caused by the damned two-man turret design!¡±

    Alexander assured him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, General, I¡¯ll make sure they all understand.¡±

    He looked towards the tank operators, ¡°After all, some of you were my students back when you were in the armored training team.¡±

    The eyes of each tank toon leader wandered, as if recalling their training days in the armored training camp.

    Wang Zhong announced, ¡°Also, for today¡¯s exchange meeting, there might not be time for much else, so I¡¯ll prepare some good food to treat everyone tonight, eat well, drink well, and enjoy yourselves.

    ¡°Remember to schedule everyone to inspect their tanks tomorrow, and I¡¯ll also try to get a group of master workers from the tractor factory.¡±

    The Soviet army on Earth did not ce much importance on tank maintenance, which is why, due to the reliability of the T34, the Soviet army was able to ensure adequatebat readiness.

    The Sturmtiger, on the other hand, followed a different path, their armored battlefield maintenance was first-rate like the American army¡¯s, but their equipment was very delicate; at the Battle of Kursk, the Germans had more than 160 new Panthers join the fight, and yet, more than 110 broke down on the way, and thus couldn¡¯t y a significant role.

    Or in other words, the German support capabilities were forced out by their delicate equipment.

    Wang Zhong, in the Ante Empire, was determined to change this, after all, his hard-won T34s could not be allowed to miss battles due to poor support!

    With the help of the church, Wang Zhong was nning to get a thousand experienced workers from the local tractor factory, so wherever the tanks fought, they could be repaired on the spot.

    They could even repair enemy tanks; down the line, if they encountered Tigers or Panthers, they could mend them and use them¡ªif not for their own use, then repairing them for donation to museums was also good, they could even be used for filming the movie ¡°Liberation.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to leave, Alexander stopped him, ¡°You are the most experienced tankmander among us, why don¡¯t you start off? If you don¡¯t share your experience, none of us will feel confident to speak. Like me, I¡¯m basically just your gunner, knowing only how much to rotate the turret and what targets to hit.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, nodded, and said, ¡°Fine! I¡¯ll tell you about it! Get everyone to gather around, and gather close.¡±

    Alexander called out, ¡°Everyone assemble, form a square!¡±

    ¡­

    Thirty minutester.

    Wang Zhong concluded, ¡°That¡¯s the summary of my experiences from the battles in Peniye and the various tank engagements in Loktov. In short, the enemy is elite and cunning, and we must not underestimate them just because our tanks temporarily have an advantage in armor-piercing capabilities, or we will suffer greatly!¡±

    Alexander shouted, ¡°Apuse!¡±

    As his words fell, the sound of pping thundered.

    Wang Zhong made a ¡°quiet¡± gesture and said, ¡°The hour iste, don¡¯t waste time, other tank operators still have experiences to share.

    ¡°For example, the gunners can mention the weak points on enemy tanks.

    ¡°Drivers can also share how to knock on the engine and gearbox from certain angles to fix problems as quickly as possible.¡±

    Thest sentence from Wang Zhong inducedughter among the crowd, showing everyone was aware of their vehicles¡¯ quirks and knew of the ¡°Ant Maintenance Method.¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand and turned to leave. Just then, he saw a new truck driving across thewn by the road, heading toward the division headquarters.

    Curious to see what was happening, Wang Zhong got into a jeep and told Grigori, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the division headquarters!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong¡¯s jeep arrived at the division headquarters right behind the truck. Just as the jeep came to a stop, a girl in a Guardian Army uniform jumped down from the truck.

    The Guardian Army, a girl?

    Wang Zhong was stunned.

    Then more girls jumped off the truck.

    With a puzzled face, Wang Zhong instinctively nced at Ludm but found that she was looking back at him; they exchanged a nce.

    At that moment, several girls dressed in the Monk¡¯s military uniform jumped down from the truck, and thest one to get off was Sufang.

    Wang Zhong called out loudly, ¡°Sufang, what are all these girls here for?¡±

    Seeing Wang Zhong, Sufang immediately smiled, her smile turning more subdued upon noticing Ludm, ¡°General, this is the choir! Now we can perform hymn ceremonies continuously and maintain contact with the higher-up choirs! No longer do we have to worry about missing out on hymns!¡±

 Chapter 152: New Changes in the Division (8000 monthly ticket extra)_2

    Wang Zhong scanned again the ones who came down from the vehicle, ¡°Howe there are only four Hymn Monks? What are the Guardian Army doing?¡±

    Sufang replied, ¡°They are in charge of misceneous tasks in the ritual, as well as protecting it. Of course, they also take care of us after we have exhausted our strength from chanting.¡±

    ¡°Why are they all women!¡± Wang Zhong naturally asked, since he had already inquired of Brother Peter and Yeca Neiko, both of whom had said the Monks were half male and half female.

    Sufang replied, ¡°It just so happened that only female Monks were avable, so they were assigned to us. As for the Guardian Army, since we are all women, it is more convenient to have all female Guardians. In short, it¡¯s just a coincidence!¡±

    ¡°Ah, I see, I thought you were sent by the Grand Patriarch to test me!¡± Wang Zhong sighed with relief.

    At that moment, Ludm asked, ¡°You will be staying with the headquarters from now on, right?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we are a crucial means ofmunication with higher-ups in an emergency!¡±

    Then a staff officer came out from the headquarters, ¡°Sufang Batu Wendusu, the Chief Hymn Monk!¡±

    ¡°Here I am! Here I am!¡± Sufang raised her right hand, ¡°I¡¯m here!¡±The staff officer said, ¡°I will take you and thedies of the Guardian Army to the temporary sanctuary, and from now on, I will be responsible for helping you build sanctuaries.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Sanctuary?¡±

    Although it seemed very ignorant to ask, he still did.

    The staff officer immediately exined, ¡°It¡¯s a temporary chapel, not only for the choristers to conduct mass, but also to wee the prayers of those with shell shock or other battlefield symptoms, to heal them with holy hymns.

    ¡°Normally, this would be the responsibility of the Priests, but there are always experienced Priests who can¡¯t handle certain cases.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and gestured with a ¡°let¡¯s go¡± to the staff officer, who immediately turned around and said to Sufang and the others, ¡°This way, please.¡±

    As the group walked away, Ludmughed, ¡°Now Pavlov, the Chief of Staff, has people to order around too!¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s finally a real ¡®Chief¡¯ of Staff!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Upon entering the map room, Wang Zhong saw Chief Pavlov humming a tune while marking the map.

    This morning, when Wang Zhong had been busy running around, there had been only a small map on the desk in the map room. Now the entire north wall was covered with six luxurious maps joined together, iparable to the small map from the morning.

    The entire map was filled with military symbols, almost reflecting the situation on the entire southern front.

    Letting the key map aside, Pavlov had added curtains to the map, giving Wang Zhong the impression that his modest headquarters had suddenly transformed from a mud house on XX slope into themand headquarters of the anti-bandit suppression in Xuzhou.

    Watching Pavlov stand in front of the map wall, Wang Zhong almost heard imaginary tactics, something about ¡°pig tactics,¡± ¡°snakes of Mount Chang,¡± ¡°vibrant life in full bloom,¡± and so on.

    Thinking it over, the Ante nobles did like to put on such disys, and since Pavlov was a noble, he naturally conformed to the custom.

    Wang Zhong decided to discipline him a few words, ¡°You¡¯ve got people now, huh! Making such a big show of things, how much manpower is that wasting!¡±

    Pavlov turned around, ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, the military markings on the map are the work of the staff officers; the room decoration was done by your housemaids.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°How could you let housemaids into the map room, what if military secrets were leaked?¡±

    Pavlov admitted, ¡°Uh¡­ my mistake.¡±

    Vasily looked up, ¡°The Chief of Staff is on night soil duty tonight!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°How did you end up among the staff officers?¡±

    ¡°I wanted to go back to being an infantry instructor,¡± Vasily said innocently, ¡°but they wouldn¡¯t let me. They said since I spent most of thebat in the forwardmand, I was ¡®talent for headquarters¡¯ and sent me back. So, you see, I continue to monitor the field telephone you captured. But now we¡¯re too far from the front line to hear anything on it.¡±

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong was about toment on Vasily when he suddenly thought of something and asked, ¡°Why has the entire southern front been updated today? How long would it take to copy the maps from headquarters?¡±

    Pavlov took three quick steps and came to the side door, gently pushing it open.

    Then a dense beeping sound drifted out of the room.

    Pavlov said, ¡°We finally have our ownmunications battalion! This is the telegraphpany, with a total of six telegraph machines, ready to receive and trante telegrams from all over at any time, and to update the maps ording to the telegrams. Now our maps are as current as those at Front Army headquarters.¡±

    As he was speaking, a cryptographer handed a telegram to a staff officer, who immediately went to the map to update the position and status of the 29th Army Group.

    In fact, Wang Zhong had never known that the division headquarters operated in this manner; subconsciously, he thought of the distribution of enemy and friendly status on the maps as if they sprouted on their own, just like in a game¡ªalthough he was aware that certainly wasn¡¯t the case.

    Looking at the six high-powered radios and listening to the beeping sound, Wang Zhong thought that his headquarters finally resembled a real headquarters.

    At that moment, Ludm asked, ¡°What happened to the Judge who was in charge of the radios before?¡±

    Pavlov replied, ¡°A division would normally be equipped with a certain number of Judges responsible for apprehending spies, dissenters, and for shooting us if we were to n treason. They¡¯ve gone back to their original duties.¡±

    When Pavlov mentioned ¡°treason¡± and ¡°shooting,¡± the young staff officers working alongside him flinched, pausing in their writing to look over.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue in surprise: ¡°I don¡¯t know whether to be happy or to fall silent. Hey, where¡¯s your level six clerk? I haven¡¯t seen him around!¡±

    Pavlov made a ¡°please¡± gesture, leading Wang Zhong and Ludm to the other side of the map room, where he opened the door with a snap.

    As soon as the door to the telegraph room was opened, there was a continuous beeping sound; as soon as this door opened, there was a ¡°thud-thud¡± sound as if a hammer was hitting wood.

    Wang Zhong looked closely and realized they were stamping seals.

    It was just like when Harry Potter entered Gringotts for the first time, a bunch of goblins were there stamping seals; the room had a simr atmosphere.

    The level six clerk was shouting, ¡°What have you done! Whenpiling the roster, you must make two types of directories! What is this you¡¯ve made? Print it again!¡±

    After scolding a clerk, the former educationalmittee member looked towards Wang Zhong: ¡°General, your arrival is timely! I have something to discuss with you! Look, this is the roster of the Fifth Bishenks Regiment; the officers were almost wiped out, and many units as well. In reality, the remaining 81 people are mostly from the third battalion.

    ¡°Normally, such a regimental system would have been disbanded, and the people would have been integrated into other units. If you want to maintain the structure of the Fifth Bishenks Regiment, you need to replenish officers, clerks¡ªyes, the regiment¡¯s clerks!

    ¡°This is very troublesome!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Can¡¯t we promote the surviving 81 directly from the ranks? Privates to sergeants, second lieutenants to colonel regimentalmanders¡­¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not possible! I¡¯ve checked the regtions; you can¡¯t be promoted directly like that. Based on my experience in dealing with bureaucratic institutions, it definitely won¡¯t be approved. Do you really want a unit led by a second lieutenant as the regimentalmander?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is it not possible? Before, the Third Rear Amur Group was also reconstituted after on-site promotions.¡±

    The level six clerk said, ¡°That¡¯s because the Third Rear Amur Group had a better preservation of senior officers! NCOs can be promoted by promoting experienced veterans. But with the Fifth Bishenks Regiment, it¡¯s impossible to restore the system.

    ¡°My suggestion is to change the number of the 105th Infantry Regiment of the Guardian Army that was supplemented to the Fifth Bishenks Regiment, and conversely insert the 81 surviving Bishenks soldiers as mid- to lower-level officers into the original 105th Infantry.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are you suggesting that we make some adjustments in the clerical work? Deceive the higher-ups?¡±

    The old clerk said, ¡°Right! It would be much simpler to handle this way, and you wouldn¡¯t need to submit a bunch of rush promotion applications to the Front Army all at once.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do it this way! But¡­ is the rank of themander of the 105th Guardian Army sufficient?¡±

    The old clerk replied, ¡°Enough, he¡¯s an officer transferred from the civil service ording to conversion rules,ckingbat experience but with no issues regarding documentation and procedures.¡±

    So the Ante Empire still had a system to convert clerks to military positions ording to rank. Without a level six clerk, one would never know this!

    Wang Zhong patted Pavlov on the shoulder: ¡°See the talent I found for you! Don¡¯t talk about not being able to conjure supplies and troops anymore!¡±

 Chapter 153: Three Leaders Gather, Troops Deployment on the Battlefield (Alliance Hierarch Bonus)

    Chapter 153: Three Leaders Gather, Troops Deployment on the Battlefield (Alliance Hierarch Bonus)

    Pavlov, who was previouslyughing heartily, lost his smile as soon as he heard Wang Zhong¡¯s words.

    Wrong, the smile transferred to Wang Zhong¡¯s face!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t you decline! Even when you were short of manpower, you managed to get us an endless supply. Now you¡¯re definitely up to the task!¡±

    He then looked at Vasily, ¡°Right?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Vasily gave a thumbs up, ¡°Staff Chief Pavlov can turn the decay into the miraculous!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Exactly! Before, Pavlov also told me about a witch outside of Argesukov city¡­¡±

    Pavlov interrupted him, ¡°Enough! Instead of teasing me here, you better go and beseech your old man more!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°He¡¯s already working overtime. But we can¡¯t just hang all our hopes on one tree, can we? You need to make an effort too! As for me, I will go to the tractor factory tomorrow to drag out a few hundred worker masters to form a repair team!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the sounds of telegraphs ticking and stamps banging in chorus were interrupted by the sound of the door opening.Wang Zhong and Pavlov turned their heads to the door and saw Popove in.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯ve been elusivetely¡ªer, a Dragon is¡­¡±

    Popov, ¡°An evil entity that devours the world in Prosen mythology, I know.¡±

    No no, that¡¯s not a dragon, it¡¯s a giant serpent, though also serpent-shaped, but without ws!

    Popov, ¡°Guess what I brought back?¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than several girls dressed in monk robes came in, with an armband that had one more wing than Brother Peter¡¯s, indicating that these girls were all priers.

    After the priers entered, more than thirty female Guardian Army members also entered the room.

    Thest to enter was Deputy Knight Yeca Neiko of the God¡¯s Arrow Company, who seemed not quite ustomed to being a green spot in a sea of flowers.

    Wang Zhong was pleasantly surprised, ¡°Has the God¡¯s Arrow Company been replenished?¡±

    Popov smiled, ¡°Yes, the Grand Patriarch will fulfill his promise, it just takes a little time.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then asked a crucial question, ¡°Wasn¡¯t it said that the priers should be half men, half women? Why are they all women?¡±

    Popov was also embarrassed, ¡°Because there are only women left, the men have all been taken away. I would prefer to have men too, considering most of the escort troopers, motorized soldiers are male, having a bunch of female soldiers is a lot of trouble. But others think the same way.¡±

    That also makes sense.

    At this point, the shortest girl among the new priers became unhappy, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with women? Men can fight wars, and so can we! It¡¯s just climbing on ice and lying in snow, what¡¯s so difficult about that?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Wow, you¡¯re small but have a big voice. The ground is dry now, which is fine, bute September when it¡¯s muddy, can you lie on the damp soil?¡±

    The little girl hesitated, but soon put her hands on her hips, ¡°Of course I can! If men can, then I can!¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows and looked down at her name tag; the girl was named Ekaterina Andreevna Bncheva.

    Speaking of which, Ekaterina¡¯s nickname is Katya, with a pet name that¡¯s, well, Katyusha, right?

    Wang Zhong sized up the girl once more and was about to speak when she preemptively asked, ¡°Are you going to ask how old I am?¡±

    ¡°Um¡­¡± Wang Zhong, ¡°You guessed right!¡±

    Ekaterina, ¡°I¡¯m only small because of the blessing, but my guiding ability is very strong! The strongest, understand? I can even guide without direct sight of the enemy, which is quite a rare ability in all of Ante!¡±

    Wang Zhong was truly amazed, guiding without seeing the enemy? Isn¡¯t that pinpoint targeting on the battlefield?

    He had to rify exactly what that meant!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°How are you able to guide without seeing? Can you hit the target if I tell you which vehicle to hit, or do you need a photo of the target?¡±

    Ekaterina was stumped, ¡°What are you talking about? Who can attack just based on a photo?¡±

    ¡°Eh? Can¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°Of course I need to see the target first, but if the target leaves my line of sight during guidance, I can still ensure a hit! That¡¯s something others don¡¯t have!¡±

    So that¡¯s how it is¡­ in other words, as long as she sees the enemy once, and the missile isunched, it will definitely hit, right?

    Quite impressive indeed, but not as impressive as you¡¯d think¡ªa very subtle ability.

    Wang Zhong gave a thumbs up, ¡°Really impressive!¡±

    Ekaterina, ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re just being perfunctory?¡±

    Because I am being perfunctory.

    Pavlov cut in, ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged amodation for you; let the staff take you there. Wee to the 151st Temporary Infantry Division.¡±

    Deputy Knight Yeca Neiko immediately said, ¡°Alright girls, settle in first, you¡¯ll have time to clean the roomster, and then go to the quartermaster to get your personal items! Let¡¯s move out!¡±

    Popov, ¡°They¡¯re soldiers too; you should bemanding them in a military manner, not like a tour guide.¡±

    Deputy Knight Yeca Neiko took a deep breath, cleared his throat, trying hard to hide the awkwardness on his face, and raised his voice, ¡°All units, attention!¡±

    All the female soldiers, both priers and the Guardian Army, stood at attention.

    ¡°Eyes right! Eyes front! Right¡ªturn! March!¡±

    The female soldiers left in an orderly march.

    Wang Zhong scratched his head, ¡°I¡¯ve seen several batches of female soldiers today, all associated with the Church, really feeling the Church¡¯s promotion of gender equality.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Hmm, you think that¡¯s a lot? You¡¯re going to see even more soon. The medical personnel assigned to us will arrive this afternoon; everypany gets a military doctor and a medic, plus the divisional medical unit, over a hundred female soldiers.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Although I knew there would be a lot of female soldiers, I didn¡¯t expect this many.¡±

 Chapter 154: Three Leaders Gather, Troops Deployment on the Battlefield (Alliance Hierarch Bonus)_2

    Chapter 154: Three Leaders Gather, Troops Deployment on the Battlefield (Alliance Hierarch Bonus)_2

    At this moment, Wang Zhong suddenly realized that this was the first time since arriving at Argesukov¡¯s that the military officers, chief of staff, and the military bishop had gathered together.

    Just as he was about to reflect on this, Popov asked, ¡°General, how long do you think we have for reorganization?¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips. Regarding the unfolding events on Earth, he only roughly remembered one timeline: the pivot towards the small ancient began in mid-August and was almostplete by mid-September.

    ording to this timeline, there was about one month left for reorganization.

    But Wang Zhong always felt there wasn¡¯t as much time, mainly because Prosen¡¯s strength in this world was much greater than the Sturmtigers¡¯.

    So, to be on the safe side, he said, ¡°We can probably reorganize until July 22nd. After that, we should begin to see some clues about the enemy¡¯s activities, and by then we should figure out a way to make a move.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Use one division to block the Central Army Group? Even you can¡¯t do that, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course I can¡¯t. But at least I can dy the enemy¡¯s attack and buy time for a breakout.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Buying time for a breakout¡­ It seems you are convinced that the enemy will pivot. Do you have any basis for that? From the current distance, the gap between the enemy¡¯s Central Army Group and Southern Army Group exceeds four hundred kilometers, that¡¯s four hundred kilometers!¡±In fact, if only thetitude difference is considered, it¡¯s not that far, but the Central Army Group¡¯s advance is too fast, which results in a diagonal distance.

    It is precisely because of the Central¡¯s rapid progress that arge-scale encirclement has be possible.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Take a look at the Carolingian campaign. People have path dependencies, and so do armies. The Prussians executed a splendid encirclement at Carolingian, so naturally, they would do the same here.¡±

    Popov had been listening to the two militarymanders¡¯ conversation. Seeing that Pavlov fell silent, he said, ¡°The General has always been right; it must be a sort of battlefield intuition. Also, I¡¯ve heard someone at the High Command holds the same view, and he has been dismissed and sent tomand the Saint Andrew Front Army in the North.¡±

    Pavlov shook his head: ¡°His Majesty the Tsar seems to have believed General Skorobo, even sending the Crown Prince here.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Isn¡¯t the Crown Princeing to find me?¡±

    Pavlov and Popov looked at Wang Zhong with an expression that said, ¡°What are you talking about?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°He¡¯s here to supervise the army. The Tsar had initially nned toe himself, but the High Command stopped him. It¡¯s different now; in the past, the cannons could only reach as far as the fifth row of front-line infantry, posing no danger to His Majesty, but now cannons and bombers can easily reach the rear.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue in realization: ¡°I see. Anyway, let¡¯s hurry to reorganize and prepare for every possibility.¡±

    The other two nodded in agreement, and the division headquarters thus reached a consensus.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Jules Year 914, July 22nd, at 1130 hours.

    Wang Zhong was in the divisional headquarters studying thetest situations when amunications officer with a telegram in hand entered the map room from the next door.

    When the door opened, the beeping sound from the next room entered Wang Zhong¡¯s ears.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Leave the door open. Listening to the beeping sound gives more of a feel of being at themand center.¡±

    After all, Wang Zhong¡¯s favorite ¡°Great Battle¡± always featured beeping sounds whenever themand center of our army was shown.

    Themunications officer immediately turned around to leave the door open, then walked over to the map and handed the telegram to the operations officer.

    Such telegrams, not directly addressed to the division, are normally not read to the divisionmander but instead, the operations officer updates the information directly on the map.

    Wang Zhong looked at the new information: ¡°Armored Division 26 hasn¡¯t moved all day today?¡±

    Operations Officer: ¡°Yes, that¡¯s what the telegram says.¡±

    Pavlov stood up and approached Wang Zhong: ¡°They¡¯ve stopped for repairs?¡±

    ¡°Probably.¡± Wang Zhong stroked his chin, ¡°The war has been going on for a month, the enemy¡¯s armored divisions should also have stopped for repairs by now.¡±

    If Prosen¡¯s tanks have the same characteristics as Earth¡¯s Sturmtigers, then the enemy¡¯s armored units should have suffered considerable nonbat casualties, needing to stop and wait for the repair units to fix the tanks.

    In addition, there are replenishments like ammunition, fuel, and food, and people also need rest.

    Pavlov stepped forward, picked up a pointer next to the map, and pointed at it: ¡°As of now, of the enemy¡¯s strongest Second Armored Group, consisting of six armored divisions and an independent armored brigade, three armored divisions have already stopped for rest.

    ¡°Cavalry recon at the front lines indicates that the enemy¡¯s infantry is constructing defensive positions in Bgima and Bolsk, clearly meant as a precaution against our Bgima-Bolsk Army Group¡¯s attack. I think this is enough to prove that the enemy intends to encircle us from the south; these positions are to prevent us from attacking.¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°After the enemypletes their reorganization, they will start the encirclement,¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Just report to the Front Army like this. But I¡¯m guessing it won¡¯t be of any use.¡±

    Pavlov replied, ¡°General Skorobo may not admit it, but he is prepared. He has positioned three tank armies on this line.¡±

    As he spoke, Pavlov drew a line on the map with a pointer, just brushing past the three tank armies scattered to the north of Argesukov.

    Popov joined the conversation, ¡°General Skorobo has a background in armored troops, and often calls himself a ¡®Tank Operator.¡¯ He¡¯s probably been itching for an armored battle with the Prussians.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°But if we attack, the Prussians will deploy smoke and then retreat until they¡¯re back in front of their 88mm guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong paused and sighed, ¡°It will fail.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°We will win!¡± General Skorobo paced excitedly in front of the map.

    ¡°Among these three tank armies, the 6th Tank Army is entirely equipped with T34s! And the 11th Tank Army has many KVs!

    ¡°The enemy will be crushed under our armored fist!¡±

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s 2nd Armored Army Group is still led by their Armored Supervisor Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch! He is the proponent of blitzkrieg theory!

    ¡°Now, we canpletely shatter their blitzkrieg myth!¡±

    The Chief of Staff of the Front Army said, ¡°So, you¡¯re acknowledging the Major¡¯s prediction is correct?¡±

    ¡°No! His guess is unsubstantiated! If he had presented this evidence then, I would have supported him!¡± General Skorobo, waving his fist, said, ¡°The enemy has stopped after consecutive victories, which shows they¡¯ve reached the end of their tether! Our armored fist will crush them! The war will end this winter!¡±

    After a brief pause, General Skorobo added, ¡°His Majesty the Tsar thinks so too! That¡¯s why he sent His Royal Highness the Crown Prince! Our victory will be the beginning of a turnaround!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong mmed the table, ¡°We can¡¯t keep waiting like this. How many troops do we have now?¡±

    Pavlov immediately started listing, ¡°Infantry includes the near-Guard 31st Infantry Regiment, the 5th Byeshensk Regiment, totaling 4,500batants.

    ¡°Armored troops are currently designated as the 422nd Independent Armored Battalion, with 30 T34s ready for battle, and four awaiting repair.

    ¡°The 339th Anti-tank Artillery Battalion, 12 45mm anti-tank guns ready.

    ¡°The 155th Artillery Regiment, 24 152mm heavy artillery pieces ready. (The logistics personnel for heavy artillery are very numerous, averaging 53 people per piece)

    ¡°One independent B4 battery, four B4 heavy howitzers ready, and one awaiting repair.

    ¡°The 55th Anti-aircraft Battery, 12 72-K anti-aircraft guns.

    ¡°Additionally, there are auxiliary forces like the God¡¯s Arrow Company, the Sound Array Regiment, etc. A total of 9,800batants and 12,000 logistical support personnel.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°We will do our best and leave the rest to fate. Our target is here!¡±

    He stabbed his finger on the map on a ce called Orachi.

    Popov asked, ¡°Why here?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°First, the highway passes through here. The enemy¡¯s armored units can¡¯t avoid this ce since they need supplies for their push to the south. Second, except for this area, the surroundings are all open grasnd. Here there are hedgerows and forests, suitable for concealed defensive positions.

    ¡°Third, if we can dy the enemy forces here, the enemy¡¯s 1st Armored Army Group from the south will need more time to bypass this area. Our troops can seize this opportunity to break through from the road at Orachi. Besides the road, look over here, this grasnd can also be traversed before the muddy season starts, allowing us to get many forces out.¡±

    In truth, Wang Zhong was basing these ideas on his gaming experience.

    He didn¡¯t actually know if it would work.

    But at that moment, he was amander with unwavering resolve, and he decided to give it a try.

    Pavlov sighed, ¡°Your idea is good, but how can we obtain orders to move out? We¡¯re part of the Southwest Front Army, and although we haven¡¯t been assigned to any army or army group, we are still under the Front Army¡¯s control.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Can only try to reach out to my old man then.¡±

    ¡°`

 Chapter 155: Father and Son Raise Their Glasses

    Wang Zhong finished speaking, stood up, and called for a guard: ¡°Grigori!¡±

    Recently, some saboteurs had attacked senior military officers in the city, so even in his own manor, Wang Zhong now required the apaniment of guards.

    Fully armed, Grigori pushed the door open and saluted Wang Zhong: ¡°General.¡±

    As Wang Zhong was about to leave, Pavlov said, ¡°Since we¡¯ve confirmed the defense position is at Orachi, I¡¯ll start drawing up the marching n.¡±

    ¡°So soon? What if we¡¯re not allowed to go to Orachi? Wouldn¡¯t it be better to wait for the orders?¡± Wang Zhong asked.

    Pavlov sighed, ¡°At times like this, I feel you truly deserve to be at the bottom of your ss, constantly hopping between genius and idiot.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that Pavlov was overestimating him; he had never systematically studied military theory, only dabbling in bits and pieces here and there.

    Without the cheat, he would have been finished long ago.

    As Wang Zhong was thinking this, Pavlov dutifully exined, ¡°Before, we could move out whenever we wanted to because our troopposition was simple, mostly infantry, with very few apanyingborers.¡°But now, with so many people, just organizing the nonbat personnel who apany the army will consume a lot of effort. We need to devise a detailed marching n.

    ¡°Otherwise, you can expect half of these people to get lost on the way. Even with a detailed n, we¡¯ll still have considerable casualties en route, and we¡¯ll need to reorganize the troops once we reach our destination.¡±

    After Pavlov finished, Popov added, ¡°Only the strongest of troops can be immediately thrown into battle after a long march.¡±

    I do indeed know of such a strong force, but unfortunately, it¡¯s not from this world.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then we¡¯ll rely on you, especially since you have a level-six bureaucrat. I¡¯m sure you can handle it!¡±

    As he said this, a staff officer happened to be passing by from the administration side, and just as the door opened, a series of very loud sneezes sounded out, three in a row.

    Pavlov: ¡°See, you¡¯re praising someone to their doom, causing a 65-year-old school director to sneeze.¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged his shoulders and slipped out of the map room.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    In the square in front of the division headquarters, arge group of new recruits from the Fifth Belsensk Regiment were training ¡ª which was actually the former Guardian Army¡¯s 105th Infantry Regiment.

    The subject of training was the disassembly and maintenance of firearms ¡ª the veterans insisted this was most crucial because if the new soldiers couldn¡¯t even clear a jam on the battlefield, they would be sitting ducks.

    Wang Zhong walked along the edge of the square toward the parking lot while watching the new recruits struggle with their Mosin-Nagants.

    At that moment, a frail-looking Colonel approached Wang Zhong with a rather unstandard salute.

    Wang Zhong returned the gesture and asked, ¡°Are you Colonel Eugene of the Fifth Belsensk Regiment?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s me.¡± The Colonel sighed, ¡°Looking at me, don¡¯t you understand? I¡¯m not a military man; I¡¯m just a factory director. When I agreed to a rank transfer, I never thought I would be a Colonel!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How many people did you manage before on the local level?¡±

    ¡°Over a thousand, I guess. I was the mining chief of East Kazarlia, running a mine that consistently employed over a thousand miners.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then that¡¯s just right; the Fifth Belsensk Regiment has roughly the strength of one regiment now, about 2,500 people, about the same as the mine you used to manage, right?¡±

    ¡°This is different!¡± Colonel Eugene began to list the downsides earnestly.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s attitude was one of not listening, turning a deaf ear as if listening to nonsensical prattle.

    But he couldn¡¯t say that outright. He patted Colonel Eugene on the shoulder, ¡°Everyone has a first time, me included! Just take the first step, and you¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    Having said that, Wang Zhong admired his own ability to spout such high-sounding nonsense.

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong put on a stern face, ¡°Don¡¯t say anymore! This is the military. If you drop the ball, I¡¯ll have you shot! So just do the best you can!¡±

    Eugene looked like he had more to say but finally sighed, ¡°I was just hoping to get better treatment for my family in anticipation of a potential rationing system being implemented!¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly felt a bit of pity for Colonel Eugene, but the good news was that the Ante Empire¡¯s food production was very sufficient. Even losing Kazarlia, itsrgest grain-producing region, the Empire could still obtain enough meat and grain from the fertile pastures of the eastern border areas.

    At least, themon people of the Ante Empire did not need to worry too much about hunger.

    After parting with the Colonel, Wang Zhong took two steps at a time to reach the jeep, got in without waiting for Grigori to help open the door.

    Grigori started the jeep and drove along the manor¡¯s tree-lined path towards the main building.

    Just setting off, Wang Zhong saw on the roadsidewn, the gunner Alexander from tank 422 sharing his experience with a new tank crew: ¡°Because we don¡¯t have a tankmander, once we hit the battlefield, our field of view is basically fixed to the front. Therefore, whether it¡¯s charging in formation or defending and shooting from a position, the squad leaders must ensure their tanks cover different directions topensate for each other¡¯s blind spots in their field of view.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly. Alexander was indeed correct, but he had overlooked a crucial point: ordinary T34s didn¡¯t have radios. Without them, even if their field of view could ovep, the ordinary T34s couldn¡¯t receive warnings from allies ¡ª what were they supposed to do, ¡°y music¡± by machine-gunning friendly tanks?

    After passing the armored battalion, there was the artillery training ground where the 155th Heavy Howitzer Battalion was simting rapid loading for their guns with practice rounds.

    A bit further on was the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion. As Wang Zhong¡¯smand had previouslycked this type of unit, there was no one to share their expertise with them, so the anti-aircraft gunners had to rely on training manuals for their pre-battle drills.

    Nearing the main building, Wang Zhong saw his assigned Anti-tank Artillery Battalion. Dimitri, along with a group who had actual experience with anti-tank guns, was exining the Prosen Tank¡¯s weak spots to the gunners using a detailed diagram.

    Wang Zhong watched with satisfaction as everyone was busy with their duties. Just then, the jeep came to a stop.

    Grigori: ¡°We¡¯ve arrived, General.¡±

    ¡°I know, this is my home!¡± Wang Zhong said.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Old Rocossov¡¯s study, Jules 914 July 22, 1200 hours.

    After listening to Wang Zhong¡¯s analysis, Old Rocossov nodded, ¡°Your reasoning is sound, I¡¯ll try to get you a redeployment order so you can move to the Orachi region for garrison duty.

    ¡°However, are you really that certain that Major General Skorobo¡¯s counterattack will bepletely ineffective?¡±

    Wang Zhong then repeated his theory that the enemy would use tanks to lure the attacking forces into an ambushid by 88mm guns.

    Old Rocossov: ¡°This 88mm anti-aircraft gun, is it the one you reported being destroyed by explosives during an attack on a potential anti-tank position with the B4 as stated in your report?¡±

    ¡°Yes. At this stage, it is the nemesis of all our tanks, it can even prate the KV series from a great distance.¡±

    What Wang Zhong didn¡¯t say was that the gun was not just prating but also had first-rate destructive effects; basically, a single hit meant a sure kill, none could survive.

    Old Rocossov: ¡°Have you reported this to the Front Army headquarters?¡±

    ¡°I have.¡± Wang Zhong was not going to hide the lessons learned for his own benefit¡ªthese were things that could save lives; to keep the experience to himself was irresponsible to the entire army.

    Old Rocossov: ¡°Indeed, Skorobo is a very stubborn man. I hope that after he loses those three tank armies, he wille to his senses and issue the order to retreat in time.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Whether hees to his senses in time or not, we will hold at Olga for at least four days, giving the troops four more days to break out of the encirclement.¡±

    Old Rocossov sighed, ¡°I always feel it¡¯s unlikely he wille to his senses in time. I know him too well.¡±

    Wang Zhong scratched his head, not keen on discussing the infuriating General of the Front Army, and changed the subject, ¡°When are you nning to evacuate, Your Excellency the General?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t n to evacuate,¡± said Old Rocossov. ¡°You have your old unit, and I have mine. I¡¯ll stay and lead them to break out when the moment is critical. You can understand that, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    He could understand, but he still had mixed feelings.

    He was supposed to have little emotional attachment to his ¡°family¡± in this world¡ªthat¡¯s how it should be.

    But when he thought about the old man possibly dying in the uing siege, it made him quite troubled.

    Thus, Wang Zhong decided to try persuading a few more times, but the old man countered with a question, ¡°Put yourself in my shoes, facing a hopeless situation, then receiving an order from above telling you to abandon your unit and flee alone, would you do it?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course not. I would fight with my unit until the veryst moment. But¡­¡±

    Old man: ¡°You¡¯ve epted it rationally but not emotionally, haven¡¯t you?¡±

    Wang Zhong hesitated a moment before nodding.

    The old manughed heartily and pressed an electric bell on the desk.

    Ten secondster the old butler appeared: ¡°Master!¡±

    ¡°Bring the wine! My ingrate of a son will be worried for me! Hurry, bring the wine!¡±

    The butler: ¡°The doctor said¡­ I¡¯m going to get the wine.¡±

    Having said that, he bowed to Old Rocossov, then to Wang Zhong, before leaving.

    The old man then stood up, took out several wafers from a tin can on the coffee table, and threw one to Wang Zhong: ¡°Here, these are my attempt at making them, trying to recreate the taste of the ones your nanny used to bake that you liked so much as a child, see if they taste right!¡±

    Wang Zhong took a bite, his brow instantly furrowing: ¡°This is terrifyingly sweet!¡±

    ¡°Oh? Is it?¡± The old man tasted one for himself, his brow also creasing, ¡°Oh, how can it be so sweet? It tasted normal when I had it?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How would I know?¡±

    The old man thought for a moment and pped his thigh: ¡°I¡¯ve got it, I added sugar and then honey, and I only tasted it after the sugar! I forgot honey is sweet! What a waste.¡±

    He tossed the wafers back into the tin.

    At that moment the butler brought the wine and sses.

    Old Rocossov: ¡°Come, let¡¯s drink, father and son! To your triumphant advance!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°And to your sessful breakout.¡±

    ¡°Ha-ha, if you hold firm, I will definitely break out. You should worry less about your old dad, look after yourself!¡±

    With that, Old Rocossov stuffed a ss into Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, snatched the bottle from the butler, filled it up for him, and then did the same for himself.

    ¡°To the mother of Ante,¡± he said, raising his ss.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°To the mother of Ante.¡±

 Chapter 156: Departure

    In Jules 914, on the morning of July 23rd.

    The senior officers of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division gathered at the headquarters¡¯ entrance, watching the first vanguard depart.

    The primary mission of this unit was to requisition houses in Olga, prepare amodations for the troops arrivingter, andmunicate with local churches and municipal authorities.

    Wang Zhong instructed Popov, who was leading the team, ¡°Make sure to get along with the church! We have just over ten thousand nonbatant personnel, which definitely isn¡¯t enough. My defense n needs a lot ofbor, so get the church to organize enough workers!¡±

    Wang Zhong had already understood that mobilizing the lower sses in the Ante Empire relied on the church, which had prated every corner of the empire through low-priced food stores, various service societies, and more.

    Inparison, the empire¡¯s nobility was genuinelycking.

    Popov said, ¡°You n to implement those tank shelters of yours? That really does require a lot ofbor.¡±

    After all, the tank shelters Wang Zhong wanted to dig wererge enough to amodate an entire tank, which meant a significantlyrge amount of earthmoving work.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I¡¯m counting on you. With so few tanks to hold off an enemy armor cluster, there¡¯s no other choice.¡±Popov gave a thumbs up: ¡°Done, leave it to me.¡±

    After saying that, he gestured to the driver: ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Thus, the vanguard squad set off, consisting of five jeeps and trucks.

    Thest truck carried arge stack of wooden signs, which were to be used for directions on the road.

    As Wang Zhong watched them disappear into the distance, he turned to see the troops making preparations to depart.

    Moving the main force was not like the small vanguard that could set out with just five vehicles. The main force had to decide on a marching order, distribute marching maps, arrange for personnel to direct traffic at crossroads and other ces where it was easy to take the wrong path, form small teams to assist stragglers, and so on.

    Moreover, this time the armored units had to travel on tracks, and there might be breakdowns along the way, necessitating the mobile repair teams traveling by truck.

    In short, ensuring the movement of the 151st Division¡ªan enhanced division by the standards of the Ante Army¡ªover a hundred kilometers to an unfamiliar city was a technical task.

    This job was a true test of the capabilities of Chief of Staff Pavlov and his division headquarters staff.

    Wang Zhong, the divisionmander, could afford to be hands-off; once the troops set out, his task was to ride Bucephalus among the columns to boost morale.

    Thinking of Bucephalus, Wang Zhong decided to visit his beloved horse in the stables.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The 151st Temporary Infantry Division did not have the term ¡°mechanized¡± in its definition, so its logistics were rather free, having both trucks and mules.

    However, if it were to be a mechanized infantry division, under the rigid doctrines of the Ante Empire, the entire division¡¯s supply would have to be by truck alone¡ªafter all, it¡¯s a mechanized unit!

    For the Ante Empire, which was still rather weak industrially, this would be a disaster: there simply wouldn¡¯t be enough trucks.

    Currently, the 151st Division had about 4,000 mules and almost the same number of horse-drawn carriages. There were also three thousand coachmen, in addition to several hundred logistics personnel responsible for the care of the horses, such as veterinarians, cksmiths for shoeing horses, and so on.

    The stables were bustling with horses, luckily spacious enough due to the duke¡¯s own equine interests; otherwise, the horses would have had to sleep under the open sky at night.

    Seeing Wang Zhong enter, Bucephalus became excited. It probably sensed the impending departure and kept shuffling its hooves, forcefully hitting the horse stall.

    While patting the horse¡¯s neck, Wang Zhong whispered softly, ¡°Take it easy, you¡¯ll get to run your fill today, we have a hundred kilometers to cover! Two days!¡±

    Another problem with the march was setting up camp in the middle, aplicated affair. Thinking of this, Wang Zhong felt a bit of sympathy for Pavlov, wondering if the staff and clerks added to his team were sufficient.

    In any case, Wang Zhong was resolved to take a hands-off approach¡ªoh no, rather, ¡°leave professional matters to the professionals.¡±

    At that moment, Bucephalus calmed down under Wang Zhong¡¯s touch and then grabbed Wang Zhong¡¯s cap with his teeth and tossed it aside before starting to chew on Wang Zhong¡¯s hair.

    Damn it, what¡¯s with this horse?

    Because I hadn¡¯t washed my hair for a long time due to battle, it might have had a scent that horses like. But now my hair was washed by Ludm, scented only with perfume! After washing, Ludm even helped me with hair wax!

    Would a horse like perfume and hair wax?

    No sooner had Wang Zhong thought this than Bucephalus shook his head, spit on the ground twice, and then distanced himself from Wang Zhong¡¯s hair.

    Haha, got a taste of the perfume and hair wax, huh? Serves you right!

    Wang Zhong bent down to pick up his cap, brushed the dust off it, and put it back on. Just then, the air raid rm sounded.

    ¡°So they¡¯ve finallye to air raid Argesukov¡­¡± Wang Zhong muttered, taking three steps out of the stable, and looked up at the sky.

    Switching to a bird¡¯s-eye view, one could clearly see a formation of about thirty bombers and almost the same number of escort fighters.

    Considering the direction of the flying squadrons, Wang Zhong surmised that the bombers¡¯ target was again the train stations, lotive repair yards, and lotive marshaling yards. They were clearly hoping to weaken the Ante Army¡¯s resistance by striking at its logistical transport.

    Unfortunately, on the vast territory of Ante, it¡¯s almost impossible for the Air Force topletely cut off the rail transportation.

    In such a vast space, it was not easy for Prosen¡¯s attack nes to locate a train, and by the time they finished the attack and recorded their achievement, a look at the fuel gauge: uh-oh!

    As Wang Zhong gazed at the sky in deep thought, a messenger riding a horse galloped over and shouted from a distance, ¡°General Rokossovsky, the Chief of Staff sent me to inform you that you can depart immediately.¡±

    At that time, the sound of enemy aircraft bombs hitting the ground could be heard in the distance.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re departing now? Isn¡¯t there some kind of oath-taking rally or something?¡±

    The messenger looked bewildered: ¡°What oath-taking rally?¡±

    Right, they don¡¯t have that tradition here.

    He had thought that since this ce had the real ¡°Divine Power,¡± before setting off to fight the infidels, there would be a splendidly dressed Archbishop conducting a mass or something, right?

    Then a nun would recite the Emperor¡¯s quotations while purifying all heretics with mes.

    Wang Zhong gathered his thoughts and said to the messenger, ¡°I¡¯ll be right there.¡±

    The messenger saluted and turned his horse around to leave ¡ª due to the particr nature of their profession, messengers could ignore some of the military¡¯s cumbersome formalities, like dismounting before saluting a superior officer who was not on horseback.

    After watching the messenger leave, Wang Zhong turned back to his old partner and had a sudden idea: ¡°How about I fit you with a saddle this time?¡±

    Bucephalus immediately shook its head, clearly and decisively expressing its refusal, obviously knowing that Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have a clue about how to fit a saddle on a horse, and that forcing it could end in disaster.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, alright, Grigori! You put the saddle on it!¡±

    Hearing the name Grigori, Bucephalus calmed down.

    Grigori approached, ¡°General, saddling a horse is actually quite easy, I can teach you.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, good, teach me quickly.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    On July 23rd, 914 Jules, at 1210 hours, Wang Zhong rode Bucephalus and left with his troops from the temporary location of the 151st Division.

    Old Rokossov stood at the gate of the manor with a few maids to see them off ¡ª most of the maids had been evacuated. The Duke of Rokossov had estates east of Mount Raoul, where the maids were sent to engage in agriculturalbor.

    As Wang Zhong passed by the old duke, he saluted him.

    The old man happily returned the salute, then also made a ¡°V for Victory¡± gesture, a masterpiece of the war minister of the United Kingdom in this world.

    Wang Zhong also smiled and made a ¡°V for Victory¡± gesture.

    Latter, after he had traveled a long distance and looked back, he could still see the old duke standing at the gate, gazing in his direction.

    Finally, Wang Zhong turned a corner on Bucephalus, and neither the iron gates of the manor nor the old father at the entrance could be seen anymore.

    But someone ahead was calling him, ¡°Alyosha!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned and saw the Crown Prince standing on top of an extravagantly luxurious imported sports car, cupping his hands before his mouth like a megaphone and shouting, ¡°Alyosha! Have a good journey!¡±

    To be honest, although the Crown Prince was a bit of a yboy, he was really not bad when it came to brotherhood. So Wang Zhong also shouted, ¡°Take care! Your Highness!¡±

    He thought about it and felt it wasn¡¯t clear enough, so he inly said, ¡°Hurry back to Yekaterinburg!¡±

    Crown Prince: ¡°Why should I return to Yekaterinburg while you are fighting? No, I am here under the Emperor¡¯s orders to supervise the troops!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Highness!¡±

    This ce would soon be encircled ¡ª he couldn¡¯t say something that could so easily shake the morale of the troops, at least not in public.

    As he hesitated, the Crown Prince shouted, ¡°This is for you!¡±

    No sooner had the words fallen than the Crown Prince threw something at Wang Zhong, which reflected the golden sunlight as it spun through the air.

    Wang Zhong barely caught the item and realized it was the seal ring he had used once before, with red residue of the seal wax still lingering in the crevices on its face.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I can¡¯t keep this!¡±

    ¡°Take good care of Olga!¡± the Crown Prince responded with an incongruous statement.

    Wang Zhong pondered the meaning of those words but then noticed that the Crown Prince had stopped waving. He stood on the back seat of the luxury car, looking forlorn yet resolute.

    The summer sun poured down from above his head.

 Chapter 157: Camping Interlude (Extra for 9000 monthly votes)

    Previously, when Wang Zhong led his troops from Bogdanovka to Loktov, they took a direct train and, since the unit was small, they arrived without any hitches.

    Therefore, he had no actual understanding of the various difficulties encountered during a march that Pavlov had spoken of; his knowledge was purely theoretical.

    But two hours after departing from Argesukov, he gained a clear understanding of the ¡°troubles on the road.¡±

    The idents that urred when the troops passed through the urban area of Argesukov alone amounted to two, consuming at least five clerks from the headquarters staff to deal with the aftermath, and probably cost the division some Rubles inpensation.

    After leaving the city, there were bunches of soldiers who fainted from heatstroke or fell behind due tock of stamina; the medics and the horse-drawn ambnce carts were never idle.

    During a rest after walking for three hours, a soldier went to defecate and stepped into a hole dug by a field mouse, breaking his foot.

    What stretched Wang Zhong¡¯s patience to the limit was the idental discharge of a rifle that urred in the afternoon.

    During a march, it¡¯s customary to keep the ammunition separate from the firearms to prevent idental discharge if the safety mechanism fails due to jostling. However, one recruit yed with his gun and loaded a cartridge while resting, even chambering a round, and forgot to remove it when they assembled.

    When the gun fired, the veterans reacted swiftly and immediately hit the ground, while the recruits looked around bewildered and at a loss.Wang Zhong, not far from the discharge, distinctly heard the scream of the person hit by the bullet¡ªthis turned out to be the division¡¯s first firearm injury case since its establishment.

    That was just an ident within Wang Zhong¡¯s line of sight; within a marching column of twenty thousand men, the number of such incidents was beyond imagination.

    Fortunately, Pavlov was very professional and had organized a small team of staff officers, clerks, and doctors to ride along the column and deal with emergencies.

    The long march reminded Wang Zhong of something he read before his time travel, a critique of the ¡°grand battle¡±: if Baldy¡¯s troops could really march like in the movies, he wouldn¡¯t have been defeated so miserably.

    Damn, he had thought thatment was somewhat tongue-in-cheek, but it turned out to be true!

    That¡¯s how they continued until 4 p.m., when the troop encountered a horse-drawn cart driven by a local farmer.

    The driver was an old man who, upon seeing the advancing troops, immediately steered his cart into the roadside bushes to let them pass.

    As Wang Zhong passed by the old man, he made a point to nod and thank him: ¡°Thank you, grandpa.¡±

    ¡°Look at this, what a polite general! General, where are you headed? There aren¡¯t any Prussians over there, are there?¡±

    In the ordinary viger¡¯s mind, there indeed were no Prussians in the direction his troops were headed¡ªthe Army Group was still hundreds of kilometers away from Argesukov, and ordinary people werepletely unaware of this.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re off to garrison. Do you know Orachi?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I know! There¡¯s a big market there twice a month. You can buy horses, iron pots, and even young cows there!¡±

    That was the first time he¡¯d heard of it.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t resist asking further: ¡°Can¡¯t you get these things anywhere else?¡±

    ¡°Of course, you can! You can buy anything in Argesukov. See, I am going to my daughter¡¯s ce in the city to work and need to bring some things back home.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Has the war not affected your life?¡±

    ¡°Of course, it has! All the young men in the vige have rushed off to Argesukov, and few have returned; then, the girls went too. Old Ivan at the pub has a radio, and it says we¡¯ll defeat the Prussians in a few months!

    ¡°Just think about it, with so many good kids gone, surely we will defeat the enemy soon!¡±

    Not having the heart to burst his bubble, Wang Zhong agreed: ¡°Yes, grandpa, that¡¯s right. By the way, do you have any distant rtives? Ones who live far away, preferably to the east of Mount Raoul.¡±

    The old manughed: ¡°Who has rtives that far away? Nobody in our vige does! What¡¯s going on, General? Could it be¡­ that things are actually very bad?¡±

    Yes.

    But Wang Zhong said, ¡°We will be victorious, grandpa. It¡¯ll just take a little longer than expected.¡±

    Grandpa: ¡°No worries, it¡¯s all right if it ends before the spring plowing next year. This year, the wheat harvest is already troublesome enough!¡±

    Wang Zhong silently bid farewell to the old man and rode off on Bucephalus in a cloud of dust.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    That evening, the camp was set up in a vige called Relyinsky, much smaller than Bilokotov butrger than Karlinovka, which Wang Zhong had visited before.

    In fact, Pavlov had selected four such viges along the route for billeting, with the entire division¡¯s units camping in order ording to their position in the column.

    The vige where Wang Zhong stayed was at the very front of the marching column, sharing the space with the Fifth Bieshensk Regiment.

    The reason for cing the Fifth Bieshensk Regiment at the forefront was because it had the most new recruits and the fewest experienced nonmissioned officers, which could lead to many falling behind during the march.

    This way, the nearby Guards 31st Regiment could pick up those who straggled.

    The technical servicemen, dispersed amongst the infantry units, meant that if anything happened, there were plenty of hands avable to push carts and cannons.

    Ludm and the Divine Arrow Company were in the middle of the column, so Wang Zhong should be spending the night alone with just his guards forpany¡ªfor the first time in a while.

    That¡¯s what he thought, but when his staff officer led him to where he was staying that evening, he saw a maid.

    Wang Zhong immediately asked the guide: ¡°Why is there a maid?¡±

    Staff Officer: ¡°Isn¡¯t she your orderly?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I don¡¯t have an orderly, do I?¡±

 Chapter 158: Camping Interlude (Extra for 9000 monthly votes)_2

    While living at the Rokossovsky estate, Wang Zhong had always stayed with his fianc¨¦e Ludm, who ostensibly looked after their daily needs.

    Because Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t told Ludm that he was leaving on the 23rd, he hadn¡¯t had time to find an orderly.

    It should be this way.

    The maid looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°I am Miss Ludm Vasilyevna¡¯s ymate and her personal maid at home. As soon as Miss went to Argesukov, she sent a telegram home, and I came over.

    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ah¡­so it was actually you who was taking care of my daily life?¡±

    ¡°No, Miss did a lot too, her ability to take care of herself has improved since joining the army.¡± The maid showed a relieved expression but it disappeared quickly, ¡°But your ability to take care of yourself hasn¡¯t improved at all¡ªwell, maybe a little, at least you can dress yourself now.¡±

    Was the old me really that useless?

    Feeling embarrassed, Wang Zhong turned to the staff officer, ¡°Um, it¡¯s not really appropriate to bring a female orderly, is it?¡±The staff officer said, ¡°There is no rule against bringing a female orderly.¡±

    The maid sighed, ¡°I usually won¡¯t sleep in the same room as you. If you have something going on with thendy, I can keep watch for you. I used to sleep in the servant¡¯s room next to your master bedroom at the estate; it¡¯s no different now.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You actually slept in the servant¡¯s room next door? Are you an assassin?¡±

    Wang Zhong intended to say ¡°ninja,¡± but such an Eastern element probably wouldn¡¯t be understood by the people of the Ante Empire at this time.

    But it¡¯s doubtful the Ante People would have heard of something like the assassins from the Middle East, either.

    Just as Wang Zhong thought this, the maid disyed her intact ten fingers, ¡°I haven¡¯t sawed off any fingers to fit a sleeve sword.¡±

    Wow, you know about that!

    Facing Wang Zhong¡¯s shocked expression, the maid said, ¡°My mother was reading the storybook about the old man in the mountains and his heroes to you and Miss; I was beside them, but listening through the door.¡±

    So, it was like that!

    Scratching his head, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°How should I address you?¡±

    ¡°You can call me Nelly. So, may Ie in?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes.¡±

    Grigori, ¡°I¡¯ll stay in the gatehouse. I¡¯m going to look after the horses now. If you need me, go to the stables.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Okay, got it.¡±

    As Bucephalus was led away by Grigori, he kept looking at Nelly, snorting from his nostrils.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Nelly, how did you get here?¡±

    ¡°I came with the advance team. After they arrived here, they arranged tonight¡¯s amodation. I inquired about where your house was and came over to clean.¡±

    ¡°Oh,¡± Wang Zhong asked another question, ¡°You just mentioned thendy, is she pretty?¡±

    I¡¯m not interested in thendy, just curious!

    Nelly looked at Wang Zhong with raised eyebrows, ¡°She¡¯s nowhere near as good as Liu Da.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Of course, no one canpare to Liu Da!¡±

    As they were speaking, they entered the house, and thendy came up all at once, ¡°General sir!¡±

    It seemed she was ready to take Wang Zhong¡¯s Imperial Guard cloak.

    But Nelly was quicker, taking it and hanging it on a nearby coat hook.

    Landy, ¡°Err¡­ah, give me the hat¡­¡±

    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong quickly removed his military cap, but before he could reach out, Nelly snatched it away and hung it on the coat hook.

    ¡­Did you just vehemently im that if there was anything developing between me and thendy, you would stand guard to prevent interruptions?

    But, never mind, thendy can¡¯tpare to Ludm, nor even to Nelly.

    Deciding to ignore thendy¡¯s attempt to get close, Wang Zhong said to Nelly, ¡°Prepare dinner for me, no pickles.¡±

    Nelly, ¡°Any other requests?¡±

    ¡°¡­No, just no pickles.¡±

    It¡¯s not that pickles are bad, just tired of them.

    Thendy smiled, ¡°I will make a Susie thick soup for the general sir¡ª¡±

    Nelly: ¡°The general usually only eats the meals I prepare to prevent poisoning. If you¡¯re going to cook for the general, please go out, turn right, and walk to the end where there is a temporary courtroom for the Judge, and let them examine your qualifications.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, when had he ever had such security measures.

    And¡­ I¡¯ve never eaten the dishes you made, Nelly!

    But Nelly spoke as if it were some established fact.

    When thendy heard the word ¡®Judge,¡¯ her whole person visibly wilted.

    ¡°Then forget it,¡± she said, ¡°My father was with the Sanctified faction during the civil war, so¡­¡±

    At this moment, someone knocked on the door.

    Thendy shuddered with fright.

    Without thinking much, Wang Zhong turned to open the door.

    Nelly originally wanted to rush ahead, but Wang Zhong was quiterge and blocked the passage; she would need some skill to squeeze by.

    Outside the door stood the local parish Priest and a civil official from the vige, who both paused at the sight of Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡°two beans.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What is it?¡±

    ¡°Uh, we¡¯re looking for thedy of this house, she¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong directly took the envelope from the civil official¡¯s hand, looked at the postmark and the sending unit: indeed, it was a death notification.

    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned around, and before he could speak, thendy leaned against the wall, slowly slid down to the floor, and burst into tears: ¡°Is it my husband?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°If there¡¯s only one from your family who joined the army, then it should be.¡±

    ¡°Open it for me¡­ I¡¯m not sure I can see the words clearly now.¡±

    Wang Zhong silently opened the envelope, pulled out the notification, and read, ¡°Dear Tamara Lukyanova Tolup, we regret to inform you that your husband Stepan Aleksandro Tolup has recently been confirmed killed at Ronied¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help frowning; he too had escaped from Ronied, and to think that was just a month ago. The fact that the death notification had already reached the family indicated that at least the army¡¯s administrative office had recovered from the initial chaos quite a bit.

    Tamara Lukyanova began to cry.

    Nelly, who had just been at loggerheads with her, squatted down, put her arm around her shoulders, which only made her cry louder.

    Wang Zhong was at a loss for words.

    He again thought of Aunt Alexeyevna, thendy, and the old woman could be considered opposites.

    The only simrity was the sorrow.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The next day, as Wang Zhong was getting dressed and starting to shave, Nelly came in and said, ¡°I can¡¯t find thendy anywhere!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What, after being full of hostility yesterday, are you worried about her now?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m worried she might despair and do something foolish.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re about to leave; you¡¯re supposed to go with the cart, right?¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s alright, she is an Ante woman, after all. One day, she¡¯ll be able to go into the mountains and wrestle bears. She¡¯s not so easily defeated.¡±

    Nelly frowned, ¡°Why do you talk as if you¡¯ve slept with her?¡±

    ¡°No, not slept!¡± Wang Zhong quickly emphasized, which was the truth, ¡°I just believe in our country¡¯s girls.¡±

    Nelly frowned, looking worried.

    But she didn¡¯t have to worry for long because when the troops were departing, both Wang Zhong and Nelly saw that Tamara Lukyanova Tolup had shaved off her hair and was standing in line with the women registering for the army.

    The recruiting lieutenant shouted, ¡°You must understand! From now on, you will spend a year learning how to conceal yourselves on the battlefield, how to snipe the enemy precisely and efficiently! You will be silent assassins on the battlefield! You will strike terror into the hearts of the Prussians!¡±

    ¡°You are women, and you may be at a disadvantage in hand-to-handbat with the enemy! But look, this Mosin-Nagant 1891/30 model sniper rifle will allow you at a distance of 300 meters to effortlessly kill the strong and fierce Prosen soldiers!¡±

    ¡°You are as lethal as any male soldier!¡±

    Wang Zhong rode on Bucephalus, and Nelly sat in the cart meant for support staff, both watching Tamara Lukyanova, seemingly able to see through her icy gaze the pitiable deaths of her enemies.

    And such deaths, Wang Zhong would soon witness.

    Plentiful, an endless stream of them.

 Chapter 159: On the 153 Heights

    Jules, July 24, 914, 18:45.

    Wang Zhong looked through his binocrs and saw the town of Orachi.

    The area around Orachi was mountainous, and although not very high, they were indeed mountains, marked as 153 hignd on the military map.

    Without having taken any formal military theory sses, Wang Zhong stood on the knoll and decided that this was where he should construct the final defensive position.

    If nothing could stop the enemy from approaching Orachi, they would have to make theirst stand sniperbat at this hignd.

    This mountain had an elevation of 153 meters, which couldn¡¯t exactly be called low. It was just barely enough to build fortifications on the reverse slope to withstand artillery fire.

    Wang Zhong turned his head to look directly east of the hignd. Apart from the road they had used to get there, there was a vast in to the east, which could allow troops to pass through.

    But if the hignd were upied, the enemy¡¯s artillery observers would turn the entire eastern region into a zone covered by enemy fire. By then, even if one could get out, it would mean losing ayer of skin.

    The 153 hignd absolutely could not be lost.Just as Wang Zhong thought this, Popov arrived at the foot of the hignds with Colonel Eugene and the engineer lieutenant from the Fifth Bieshensk Regiment, getting out of their vehicles and walking up.

    Wang Zhong blurted out, ¡°What about theborers?¡±

    Don¡¯t worry, as soon as we got here yesterday, we had the local church requisitionborers. Five thousandborers, including women, are already assembled,¡± Popov said.

    Wang Zhong frowned. ¡°Is that all?¡±

    The engineer from the Fifth Bieshensk Regiment then said, ¡°We didn¡¯t count the olddies and the elderly, otherwise there could have been more. These 5000 include women and children not of conscription age.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, ¡°Count the elderly as well. The enemy is strong, and we need a lot of fortifications. The elderly can take on lighter work, such asying camouges.¡±

    The engineer nodded his head.

    Popov asked, ¡°Are you nning to set up defensive positions here?¡±

    No, this is thest defense line. Here, I need to build an artillery observation post, stretch telephone lines to my forwardmand post, and construct shelters that can amodate two tank toons. Finally, I need to dig simple artillery shelters on the reverse slope,¡± Wang Zhong replied.

    Wang Zhong had already overseen the construction of two tank shelters on the Rokossovsky Estate by the engineer troops of his division, and they werepletely familiar with his ¡°design¡± philosophy.

    Now, he just needed the engineer troops to direct theborers to build the shelters.

    The engineer asked, ¡°What about the trenches?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°First,plete the tank shelters. Trenches can be dug by theds of the 31st Guard Regiment themselves.¡±

    The 31st Guard Regiment, after all, still had several hundred former cadets who were warrant officers, and it was no problem for them to dig simplebat trenches with engineer shovels.

    At this point, Colonel Eugene asked, ¡°So we are to hold our ground here to the death?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Wang Zhong immediately replied, ¡°This is thest position. If things go well, we won¡¯t need to use the fortifications here, just the artillery observation post.¡±

    The view from this hilltop was excellent. With the artillery observation post set here, the artillery could effectively control most of the in in front.

    Popov asked, ¡°What are your ns?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I n to advance the defense line and ambush the enemy. If the records on the military map are correct, there should be quite a few suitable ces for ambushing around here. It¡¯s toote today to conduct a reconnaissance.

    ¡°Tomorrow I¡¯ll carefully survey the terrain surrounding us and find enough ambush positions. Before that, let¡¯s arm the hignd first without wastingbor.¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong picked up the binocrs again.

    From this overlooking perspective, there was actually an inconvenience; he couldn¡¯t determine the specific field of view at each point.

    If this were a game like ¡°Wargame: Red Dragon,¡± ¡°Steel Division,¡± or ¡°warno,¡± you could simply press a hotkey to show the field of view for the point where the mouse cursor is located, making it quite convenient to choose positions for anti-tank gun emcements and tank defensive positions, and so on.

    But Wang Zhong¡¯s cheats had no such function. He had to survey the terrain by himself¡ªlike a realmander would.

    Wang Zhong had read many memoirs of old WWII veterans, and many of these old hands preferred to conduct their own reconnaissance. The famous ¡°Tiger King,¡± Carius, liked to ride motorcycles at high speeds on the front lines, even approaching very close to the Russian positions.

    His injuryter on also urred while riding a motorcycle for reconnaissance when he rushed into a vige upied by Russians, caught by surprise.

    Now, Wang Zhong was prepared to do the same, to carefully survey the battlefield, to get a clear understanding of the range of fire for each position, and then personally choose ambush positions and dig shelters to give the enemy a nasty surprise.

    Unfortunately, there were just two hours left until darkness; surveying in the dark could lead to issues due to theck of light.

    It would have to wait until tomorrow morning to begin.

    But the fortifications could be started overnight.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong heard a chorus of singing behind him. Turning around, he saw the 31st Guard Regimenting along the road, singing as they marched.

    The regimental g, personally selected by Wang Zhong and borne by Zakayev, fluttered in the wind at the very front of the column.

    The two columns of the 31st Regiment took up the sides of the road, while in the middle, the 155th Heavy Artillery Regiment¡¯s 152mm heavy guns, pulled by draft horses, passed through the ranks of the infantry.

    Behind each gun followed an ammunition cart and a personnel cart, along with plenty of spare horses.

    Just managing the horses, this regiment had hundreds of coachmen specialized in providing fodder, grooming, repairing saddlery, and most importantly, shoeing the horses.

    Watching the scene, Wang Zhong suddenly felt the enemy wasn¡¯t so terrifying, for his own troops also showed a bit of the aura of the Huang Wei Corps from ¡°The Grand Battle.¡±

    Of course, it was limited to the 31st Guards Regiment.

    The horses of the 155th Heavy Artillery Regiment also performed well, full of vigor!

    As soon as the 31st Regiment was up, Wang Zhong had just thought that Yegorov should be arriving soon¡ªwhen a jeep drove over, and Yegorov jumped out, rushing up the earthen mound in three strides.

    ¡°This high ground is excellent!¡± Yegorov blurted out as soon as he arrived, ¡°Let the 31st Regiment defend it!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I only n to ce an artillery observation post here, plus a battalion as reserve. I need the 31st Regiment to cover the tanks and antitank guns for the ambush.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Ah, you mentioned the ambush. Use those shelters you came up with to catch the enemy off guard! But we can only do this once, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled, ¡°Who says so? We will prepare more shelters, scattered across multiple ambush sites, each ambush being at a different spot.

    ¡°That way, we can not only surprise the enemy but also deplete their heavy artillery shells and Smoke Bombs.¡±

    Wang Zhong could already imagine what the enemy would do after being hurt in the first ambush: they would cover the revealed ambush positions with heavy artillery and then confuse us with Smoke Bombs, finally charging in relying on experience for an armored melee.

    He was prepared to turn the tables on them.

    Yegorovughed, ¡°I¡¯ve seen youmand armored units; I¡¯m not worried about that. No, as long as you don¡¯t get yourself captured by the enemy, I¡¯m not worried.¡±

    Major Eugene eximed in shock, ¡°What? Captured? Is the Major General going to charge personally?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Oh, he charges fiercely. The first time he charged, he was running a fever, and after the charge, he fell off the tank, nearly getting a concussion. Luckily, everyone rushed to catch him.¡±

    Major Eugene looked puzzled, clearly unable to imagine the scene.

    Popov added, ¡°He also personally directed a tank to blow up themander of the enemy¡¯s 15th Armored Division.¡±

    ¡°Blew up?¡± Eugene asked with confusion.

    ¡°Ah, my mistake in phrasing, killed.¡±

    Major Eugene: ¡°The kind of ¡®killed¡¯ I¡¯m thinking of?¡±

    Yegorovughed, ¡°Could it be any other kind?¡±

    Major Eugene: ¡°That¡¯s amazing¡­ But I heard someone say that it was because the T34 is a good tank?¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°That¡¯s where you¡¯re mistaken. He was just as fierce whenmanding the BT-7 and the T28, with gratifying results.¡±

    Finally, Wang Zhong, overwhelmed by the praise, cut off Yegorov, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about something serious.¡±

    Yegorov nodded repeatedly, ¡°Understood, understood. Major Eugene, Coachman, let¡¯s have a couple of drinks tonight and I¡¯ll tell you all about it, privately!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that Yegorov, perhaps after spending too much time with Vasily, had also be chatty.

    Yegorov¡¯s gaze turned to the northeast, and he carefully observed through binocrs.

    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± he said, maintaining his posture with the binocrs, ¡°Are you sure you¡¯re only putting one battalion here? What if the enemy bypasses our ambushes and heads straight for this high ground?¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed at the treeline: ¡°Set up fire positions there, with crossfire covering the high ground. Without breaking through the woods to our north and clearing the defenses inside, they wouldn¡¯t dare attack our position on Hill 153 at our feet.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°What about smoke? Cover the entire in in smoke and then charge over!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s why we need to deplete the enemy¡¯s Smoke Bombs in the initial ambushes. If the enemy attacks us from the north in a nking move, their supply difficulties will increase, and they won¡¯t be able to replenish their Smoke Bombs that quickly.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense,¡± Yegorov nodded, ¡°but this is a risky move. If the enemy captures Hill 153, our movement among the hedgerows will bepletely exposed, and the troop deployment in the woods will be crystal clear to them.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Even if we don¡¯t lose the high ground, the enemy¡¯s aerial reconnaissance is still deadly.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s why we are choosing the woods as our defensive positions. If the enemy¡¯s nes can¡¯t see us, that eliminates a huge threat.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Then¡­ where do you n to use God¡¯s Arrow Company?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Still on air defense. We have enough antitank firepower in our hands, but for air defense, relying on a single battalion of 72Ks is obviously not enough.¡±

    While they were talking, another jeep stopped on the reverse slope of Hill 153. Pavlov struggled to pull himself out of the jeep¡¯s bed and climbed the high ground: ¡°What, having a little meeting here?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Admiring the impressive advance of our forces.¡±

    Pavlov snorted, ¡°It looks pretty majestic, but ording to the preliminary reports, nearly twenty percent have fallen behind. Especially the 5th Byeshensk Regiment; not only did they fall behind, but about a hundred seemed to want to desert, and they were caught by the Judge.¡±

    Major Eugene awkwardly said, ¡°Our main issue is that we have too few veterans, and all the officers are like me, civilians converted over, so it¡¯s normal for the soldiers to feel it¡¯s not reliable. If we had more professional officers, they wouldn¡¯t run. Should I go and speak to the Judge for them?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Forget it, once the Tribunal catches them, they usually don¡¯te back. Your task is to restore order as much as possible tonight, and cram those who didn¡¯t deliberately fall behind back into their units.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try my best,¡± Major Eugene said solemnly.

    Unable to help himself, Wang Zhong spoke up, ¡°Aren¡¯t you managing a mine with over a thousand people? Just treat them like miners, and train them however you need to!¡±

    Eugene grimaced, ¡°They¡¯ve got guns.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°That¡¯s simple, just show bravery once in battle, and everyone will respect you. Speaking from experience.¡±

    ¡°Spare me,¡± Pavlov said, ¡°We¡¯ve got enough high-ranking officers who like to take the lead on the frontline; one divisionmander is enough!¡±

 Chapter 160: Open Strategy

    ¡°All right, let¡¯s end the small talk here,¡± Wang Zhong put down his binocrs, ¡°Although there isn¡¯t enough time left today to conduct a detailed reconnaissance of the designated engagement area, there shouldn¡¯t be a problem with just circling around Orachi to inspect the surrounding situation.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°Indeed. I¡¯ll apany you for a walk around.¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go¡­ fight with all kinds of troublesome matters.¡± Pavlov said, grabbing Popov, ¡°You¡¯re not the military officer, you¡¯reing too.¡±

    Popov looked up at the sky, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll join. But I¡¯m mainly in charge ofmunicating with the church!¡±

    Colonel Eugene looked at the few familiar faces and asked, ¡°Do I¡­ as the military officer, also need to go? I am the military officer, right? Why don¡¯t you find a real colonel instead, I¡¯m really not up for this¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You, as a mine manager, how can you be so timid?¡±

    ¡°If you gave me a mine to manage, I would be up for it. How about this, assign me someone who understands the military, I¡¯ll pretend, and he can give suggestions. I can do that.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Pavlov?¡±

    The chief of staff scratched his head, ¡°I¡¯ve just got enough staff here.¡±Wang Zhong, ¡°Here¡¯s what you do, find a staff officer, you¡¯ll take over his duties, then send him to the Fifth Bieshensk Regiment.¡±

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong with the eyes of a wronged woman, ¡°You think I¡¯m looking good again, don¡¯t you? Do you really want me to have panda eyes?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I trust in your capability.¡±

    ¡°Fine, fine, one staff officer and no more!¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled and turned to call Grigori, ¡°Grisha, bring the vehicle over!¡±

    ¡°I suggest we ride horses!¡± Yegorov said, ¡°You look east and it¡¯s in, driving there is no problem, but look to the northeast side, it¡¯s tough for vehicles, better to ride horses, they can move through the woods too.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright then, Grisha, bring the horses!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong took his men and half-circled Orachi, which exined why the elder they encountered before had specifically mentioned that there were horses and milk cows for sale at the local market.

    There was a huge breeding ranch nearby, with many horses and milk cows kept.

    Yegorov even joked, ¡°Now, while we dig entrenchments here, we¡¯ll have plenty of milk every day.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°These cowsheds and such, they aren¡¯t suitable as defensive positions, are they? And they would block the firepower points set up in sturdy buildings¡­¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°True, if the enemy attacks from this direction, we¡¯ll have a hard time defending, there¡¯s too much man-made cover. To defend we can only dig tank shelters here ording to your method and use the tanks as support points,bined with trenches. But we have only 30 tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°25, five broke down on the road, I¡¯vemandeered masters from the tractor factory who are rushing to repair them.¡±

    Wang Zhong had always thought the T34 was as rugged as the AK47, expecting it to run without issues. Now he understood that the T34¡¯s ruggedness was only rtive to the Sturmtiger tanks.

    Tanks, when run on roads, do break down, and the T34 was no exception. That¡¯s whyter tanks were transported by heavy trucks when maneuvering and only drove themselves on the battlefield.

    Anyway, Wang Zhong did the right thing by drafting workers and masters from the tractor factory.

    Yegorov, ¡°The enemy isn¡¯ting right now, they can be fixed. We¡¯ll start digging shelters here, and it¡¯s fine if they¡¯re not used, it¡¯s better than being unprepared if the enemy attacks from this side.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, took out his notebook, and noted this down.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, we continue.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The other directions around Orachi were quite suitable for defense, especially the ironware factory in the northern part of the town that mainly produced all kinds of iron pots and shovels. The factory buildings seemed very sturdy and could serve as solid defensive points.

    Moreover, the factory water tower was the second-best artillery observation post around Orachi¡ªthe best one was on the 153 high ground.

    Afterpleting the city¡¯s circumferential reconnaissance, Wang Zhong returned by the same road and saw the B4 heavy artillery being moved into the city.

    Wang Zhong counted the numbers, sighing, ¡°I originally thought the heavy artillery would break down, but to my surprise, they entered the city safely, while five T34s broke down.¡±

    Yegorov, ¡°Indeed, I also thought these delicate things would get ruined, but unexpectedly they made it through. If they weren¡¯t at the very back of the formation, they would definitely have slowed down the entire division¡¯s pace.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded; after all, this world¡¯s B4, being self-propelled, wasn¡¯t easy to tow¡ªthe powered version was too heavy.

    Then these four B4s managed to travel nearly 100 kilometers under their own power to Orachi.

    As Wang Zhong pondered this, an olddy stopped him, ¡°General sir, I heard the roar of many tractors¡ª they say they are tanks and artillery. Are the Prosen peopleing to attack here?¡±

    ¡°Yes. Olddy, you should quickly take your children and flee.¡±

    The olddy, ¡°Oh, general, you¡¯re a kind soul, worrying about us. Don¡¯t worry, my daughter-inw has already fled with my grandsons and granddaughters to the Holy Yekaterinburg!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you leave?¡±

    ¡°My eyes, they¡¯re almost blind. I¡¯m useless, better to stay here.¡± The olddy gestured over her eyes, ¡°You see, now I can¡¯t even make out your rank, I can only judge you¡¯re a general by the color of your insignia!¡±

    The Ante Empire¡¯s general cor insignia is orange, different from all other ranks, making it quite recognizable¡ªIt is said this was learned from the Prussians.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know how to respond to the half-blind old woman, and could only say, ¡°Grandma, I still have work to do. If you have any difficulties, speak to the Priest from the church, they will help you.¡±

    The half-blind old woman asked, ¡°I just wanted to ask if my son is in your troops? He is called¡­¡±

    The old woman gave a name, but Wang Zhong had no recollection of it.

    He had collected the names of all the new recruits, just as he had in Loktov, but the names of the Ante People were too long and repetitive, and difficult to remember.

    It was already difficult to remember a thousand names, now with nearly ten thousand soldiers in his troops, Wang Zhong truly had no way to quickly grasp so many names.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong could only say, ¡°I¡¯ll keep an eye out. Now, I must be going.¡±

    ¡°Of course!¡± The old woman stepped back to the side of the road, drawing a triangle on herself, ¡°Bless you, kind General.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Pavlov had set up the division headquarters and amodations for the senior officers, staff, and clerks in arge house owned by the local noble, Boye.

    The local Boye was a count, and the house was befitting of his title. Pavlov transformed the parlor directly into a map room, while the adjacent dining room became the telegraph room¡¯s office.

    He also didn¡¯t close the door between the map room and the telegraph room, so the taps of the telegraph could be clearly heard in the map room.

    Wang Zhong quite liked this aspect, as the tapping noise provided the atmosphere of amand headquarters.

    The staff who had arrived early with Popov yesterday had already drawn a detailed topographical map of the area surrounding Orachi, which was disyed on therge table in the map room, while the situational map of the entire southern front hung on the wall.

    Wang Zhong took out his notebook and began pointing at the topographical map, ¡°The artillery positions, I feel, can be set up here. The woods are not too dense, so they won¡¯t hinder the artillery fire, but they¡¯re thick enough to shield from aerial reconnaissance, and with camouges, the effect would be even better.¡±

    Yegorov said, ¡°We can dig artillery emcements for further concealment. Also ce some fake artillery positions nearby.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°If God¡¯s Arrow Company is solely responsible for air defense, we can disperse them in these four directions, and Brother Peter¡¯s sound array can be ced here.¡±

    ¡°I have no objections,¡± Pavlov said, ¡°after all, I haven¡¯t surveyed the terrain in person.¡±

    Yegorov said, ¡°The reserve troops can be ced around the artillery positions, giving us one battalion on Hill 153 and another near the artillery positions¡ªtwo battalions of reserves should be enough.¡±

    Wang Zhong added, ¡°Apart from these areas needing fortifications, we also need to dig shelters that can amodate two tank toons near the pastures east of the town. Let¡¯s start tonight!¡±

    Popov scratched his head, ¡°The locals have some with night blindness, we¡¯ll need illumination for construction at night, and we temporarily do not have that many torches.¡±

    As they spoke, everyone looked out the window, the night hadpletely fallen.

    Yegorov suggested, ¡°Waiting until daylight to begin construction won¡¯t be toote, as the nights are very short right now.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Telephone lines must beid between the artillery positions and themand post. It would be best to set up a radio as well.¡±

    After all, vehicle number 422 had a radio, so when Wang Zhong was in the vehicle, if the artillery had a radio, he could call for precise strikes.

    But Pavlov¡¯s face immediately showed difficulty, ¡°Radios are truly scarce. How about we let Vasily bring over the captured Plosen Walkie-Talkies?¡±

    ¡°That works,¡± Wang Zhong replied.

    Actually, there was another way, which was to leave a tank toon leader¡¯s vehicle.

    However, tanks with radios were too precious, and Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t bear to part with them.

    ¡°Tomorrow morning, I n to lead a reconnaissance mission to the northwest, northeast, and due north of Orachi, expecting to advance approximately twenty kilometers,¡± Wang Zhong said, pping the northern edge of the Orachi map on the table, ¡°Take the staff who drew this map with me, and make sure to draw the maps of the designatedbat zones as well.¡±

    Pavlov ordered, ¡°Captain Andrei! Bring your aide with you tomorrow and advance with the General.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Captain Andrei and noticed his boots were not riding boots, then asked, ¡°Can you ride a horse?¡±

    ¡°I learned at a club,¡± the Captain answered.

    Wang Zhong queried, ¡°A club? You¡¯re not a noble?¡±

    ¡°No, but don¡¯t worry, my riding skills are no problem. I studied for three years at the club,¡± he said.

    Wang Zhong affirmed, ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll have Grigori pick out a more gentle horse for you to ride.¡±

    Yegorov spoke up, ¡°General, are you really nning to advance twenty kilometers to engage the enemy?¡±

    Wang Zhong assured, ¡°Indeed, just as you wouldn¡¯t expect me to do this, the enemy certainly won¡¯t expect it either. To catch them unawares is the key to victory.¡±

    At that point, Vasily couldn¡¯t help but turn around, ¡°General, aren¡¯t we going to ¡®nt¡¯ fake mines this time?¡±

    Wang Zhong dered, ¡°This time we have enough real mines.¡±

 Chapter 161: July 25th Situation of the Prussian Army (Alliance Hierarch added)

    Central Army Corps Headquarters, temporary airfield.

    The senior generals of the Army Group gathered in the waiting area at the side of the airfield, chatting quietly amongst themselves.

    ¡°It seems like they¡¯re here to urge us to turn south again,¡± said Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch, the general in charge of the Second Armored Division and Prussian Armored Forces Director, to the Army Groupmander, Marshal Von Bock beside him, ¡°But we¡¯re so close to the Ante capital! Turning south toplete the encirclement would mean pushing forward 500 kilometers, while taking the capital is only 300 kilometers away!¡±

    Marshal Von Bock soothed him, ¡°Those 500 kilometers aren¡¯t just for you to fight, General Von Steiermark from the First Armored Division will also attack from the south, it¡¯s a pincer movement! Besides, the south is all great ins, which is perfect for tank maneuvers right now.

    ¡°But if you advance east, not only do you have forests and rivers, but also the enemy¡¯s fortified regions.¡±

    General Mauch: ¡°There are rivers to the south too!¡±

    ¡°But most of them are in their dry season, and your tanks can ford them,¡± interjected Marshal Von Bock, pausing then adding, ¡°Most of them.¡±

    General Mauch: ¡°Alright, perhaps a southern attack isn¡¯t too problematic tactically, but strategically, it will greatly dy our attack on the enemy¡¯s capital! I think that¡¯s strategically incorrect!¡±

    Marshal Von Bock consoled him, ¡°Patience. His Majesty has arrived at the front line, so you cany out the pros and cons for him. If you convince His Majesty, you can continue toward Saint Ekaterinburg after replenishments areplete.¡±General Mauch pursed his lips.

    At that moment, a Junker tri-motor aircraft bearing the royal eagle insignia descended from the sky and gently touched down on the airfield.

    The ne gradually slowed down, then turned and slid towards the generals.

    Ground crew at the airfield pushed a boardingdder towards the ne.

    The ne stopped right in front of the boardingdder with the cabin door facing it.

    General Mauch grumbled, ¡°Always with such formalities!¡±

    Marshal Von Bock: ¡°Even you, who¡¯s so trusted by His Majesty, shouldn¡¯t openly say such things.¡±

    General Mauch: ¡°I think His Majesty is broad-minded enough! That¡¯s why I respect him!¡±

    Marshal Von Bock said nothing, after all, he couldn¡¯t say that His Majesty wasn¡¯t broad-minded.

    At that moment, the cabin door opened, and the then Emperor, Reinhard von Hohenzollern, strode out of the ne in high spirits.

    ¡°Ah, my brave generals!¡± He hadn¡¯t even reached the crowd before he let slip such a remark.

    The generals saluted in unison.

    The Emperor merely waved his hand in response and then began to hug the officers in order of rank.

    Once the hugging was over, the Emperor spoke, ¡°I¡¯m here to seek your opinions for I have noticed a once-in-a-lifetime opportunityid out before us!

    ¡°By seizing this opportunity, we will decisively prove that our Prosen nation is the superior one!

    ¡°We shall discuss this opportunity at a proper venue! Lead the way, Marshal Von Bock!¡±

    The Marshal bowed immediately, and a sedan that had been prepared nearby drove up.

    The Marshal personally opened the car door for the Emperor, ying the role of a servant without a trace ofint.

    Nobody thought there was anything wrong with this.

    After the Emperor got into the car, everyone else quickly followed suit, and the motorcade made its way to the Central Army Corps Headquarters.

    Ten minutester, the generals had taken their seats in themand center¡¯s conference room.

    Pacing back and forth in front of arge map, the Emperor said, ¡°I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard that I n to order General Mauch¡¯s armored forces to head south to coordinate with the First Armored Division in initiating a pincer attack on the Kazaria Kingdom¡¯s capital, Argesukov!¡± ???????

    General Mauch stood up, ¡°Your Majesty! I am only 300 kilometers away from Saint Ekaterinburg! Give me one more month, and I can push to the city¡¯s gates!¡±

    The Emperor frowned, visibly showing his dissatisfaction, ¡°You may understand military matters well, but you don¡¯t understand economics and politics!

    ¡°We need Argesukov, need Kazaria¡¯s coal, steel, and grain, and we need their beef and dairy!

    ¡°Moreover, once the encirclement isplete, a million enemies will be vanquished, and the Ante Empire will be left without the military strength or morale to fight us! By then, Saint Ekaterinburg will be nothing more than a grape waiting to be plucked!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than an attendant brought in washed grapes.

    The Emperor, seeing the grapes and delighted, went over and plucked one, ¡°Look! Grapes! Just like this, swallowed in one bite! But some among you don¡¯t properly recognize the importance of annihting the enemy¡¯s living forces!

    ¡°At present, the Ante People¡¯s resistance is expected tost another five or six months at most! And the destruction of their strong forces in Argesukov will greatly shorten this duration!¡±

    ¡°But,¡± General Moochi began, ¡°the Ante Empire has always been known for their steamroller tactics; manpower has never been their concern.¡±

    The emperor spun around abruptly, his golden hair flying up, ¡°That was the case before, but times have changed! Before, the Tsar¡¯s grey beasts could be armed with just a rifle, even without guns they could manage!

    ¡°But now, if infantryck technical equipment, they¡¯re mere rubbish, easily annihted! The same goes for infantry thatcks training!¡±

    ¡°And now, Argesukov¡¯s Heavy Army Corps has arge amount of technical equipment, including many new types of tanks reported from various locations!¡±

    ¡°If we do not annihte this Heavy Army Corps and instead focus single-mindedly on attacking Saint Ekaterina, once this corps recovers from our devastating strikes, it will pose a serious threat! To eliminate this threat, we must annihte them, we must!¡±

    General Moochi hesitated, wanting to speak.

    The emperor stared at him for a good while, nodding with satisfaction, ¡°It seems that you¡¯ve realized this. Defeating the Ante Empire has never been a difficult task, we knew from the beginning that we would defeat them!

    ¡°When we made the offensive nsst December, we knew the war would end within a year, we were clear about that!

    ¡°But victory is not enough! What¡¯s important is that we defeat them decisively! Annihting a million-strong enemy Heavy Army Corps in one fell swoop will profoundly shock our enemies, making the still-resisting United Kingdom and the onlooking Federation fear us!¡±

    The entire meeting room fell silent.

    Someone shouted ¡°Long live the emperor!¡± and then everyone joined in a chorus, ¡°Long live the emperor!¡±

    Hohenzollern waved his hand to quell the cheering, before turning to General Moochi again, ¡°What¡¯s the current situation with the Second Armored Corps?¡±

    General Moochi immediately answered, ¡°All our Armored Divisions ceasedbat operations yesterday to recuperate. The report I received before boarding the ne here stated thatpared to June 22 when the offensive wasunched, we have 230 fewer tanks.¡±

    ¡°230 tanks!¡± the emperor raised his voice, clearly the number was unexpected.

    General Moochi hastened to exin, ¡°Of these, 110 can be repaired through field service, and 50 can be sent back to the factory for repairs. My men have already marked the locations of these tanks.

    ¡°However, only two of our ten field service battalions have reached the front line, and the tank repair factories haven¡¯t arrived at their designated locations yet. We nned to set up the tank repair center in Chehalski, where there should berge front-line repair facilities capable of repairing severely damaged tanks.

    ¡°Yet there¡¯s nothing there now.¡±

    The emperor frowned, ¡°What¡¯s causing such slow progress?¡±

    Before General Moochi could speak, Field Marshal Von Bock interjected, ¡°The condition of the roads is much worse than we expected, and the railways aren¡¯t in good shape either. We originally nned our supplies ording to the standards of our own railways, but the railway system within Ante Empire can only handle thirty percent of our intended transport volume.

    ¡°At present, there¡¯s a shortage of ammunition and fuel on various fronts, which necessitates a pause to wait for resupplies.¡±

    The emperor: ¡°High Command told me it was traffic jams!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s indeed traffic jams,¡± Field Marshal Von Bock nodded, ¡°Traffic jams are the outward appearance, while poor road conditions are the underlying issue. High Command didn¡¯t tell you the underlying issue, probably out of fear that you would think they were shirking responsibility.¡±

    The emperor¡¯s mouth twitched, ¡°These damn Junker nobles!¡±

    Most of those present were, in fact, part of the Junker Nobility, but they all pretended not to hear.

    The emperor then asked General Moochi, ¡°So when can you start moving south?¡±

    General Moochi: ¡°At the current pace of repairs, we manage ten tanks a day. We estimate that by August 5th, thebat readiness of our Armored Troops will rebound to its peak. By then, ammunition and fuel will also be fully resupplied, and the soldiers will havepleted their rest, ready for another offensive.¡±

    The emperor shook his head, ¡°No, that¡¯s too slow. The enemy¡¯s Heavy Troops could realize our intentions at any moment. In fact, their current deployment already shows signs of this. To the south of you, aerial reconnaissance has identified three of the enemy¡¯s tank armies, all brand new.

    ¡°These three armies are obviously intended to dy you, or even¡ª they might n to use these armies topletely crush your group, severing our offensive spearhead!¡±

    General Moochi confidently said, ¡°They will not seed. Most of Ante¡¯s tanks are subpar, though there are a few new models worth noting. However, most of their new tanks were destroyed before they even engaged us. We hold an absolute lead in armored technology.¡±

    The emperor: ¡°Then you shouldunch the attack even sooner. I think you should start attacking at thetest by August 2nd. Your Corps will form the outer encirclement, and the infantry units of the 11th Army Group will act as the inneryer, crossing the river here to initiate the offensive.

    ¡°The Southern Army Group will cross the Dnieper River here and outnk Argesukov from the south.¡±

    General Moochi: ¡°If we start the attack on the 2nd, some divisions will have a significant shortfall in tanks. After all, we didn¡¯t lose tanks evenly across all divisions!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about that,¡± the emperor waved his finger back and forth, ¡°I¡¯ll enhance your group with the Asgard Knights¡¯ Amprah Armored Division and the Asgard Knights¡¯ Emperor¡¯s Personal Guard Division. These are elite units newly organized and will be the central pirs guarding our sacred Empire of Asgard in the future!¡±

    Although those present were military men, these words still sparked murmurs. After all, everyone had heard rumors that the emperor intended to establish forces independent of the Imperial Defense Forces, and this was the first time the rumors materialized.

    The emperor dered proudly, ¡°These units are extremely elite,manded by my most trusted Siegfried. They consist of rigorously selected veterans equipped with thetest weapons. They will crush our enemies!¡±

    As he spoke, the emperor clenched his fists to express his emotions.

    General Moochi: ¡°Understood. We willunch an attack on August 2nd, not any sooner.¡±

    ¡°Agreed,¡± the emperor consented briskly, ¡°The Argesukov campaign will end within twenty to thirty days, and then we can charge towards Saint Ekaterina!¡±

 Chapter 162: In the Forests of Orachi (Addition for 10,000 monthly tickets)

    ¡°`

    On July 30th, at 1130 hours, in the northern shrubbery of Orachi.

    Tactical number 427 T34 was slowly reversing from the lowestyer of the tank shelter to the middle tform, so the turret emerged above the ground.

    ¡°Good!¡± the toon leader of the tank waved the g in his hand, ¡°Stop, don¡¯t reverse anymore!¡±

    The gunner andmander of Tank 427 poked his head out of the open hatch and looked around: ¡°Not bad, apart from the grass in front obstructing the view, this shelter is nearly perfect!¡±

    Wang Zhong put down his binocrs, nced at themander, and said, ¡°Cut the chatter, hit the target!¡±

    He stood next to the shelter of Tank 427, having just been observing an officer from the Anti-tank Artillery Battalion set up the targets through his binocrs.

    These specially set up targets were used by the anti-tank guns to quickly determine the distance to their targets, usually disguised as various conventional objects so they would know approximately the distance once an enemy tank passed nearby.

    Wang Zhong made a gesture to the staff officer beside him, who then raised his hand and fired a re.The people setting up targets in the distance immediately left the target area and mounted their horses to pull away.

    Wang Zhong said to the crew of Tank 427, ¡°Set the range to 700, aim at the ground, use armor-piercing shells, quick.¡±

    Themander of 427 immediately returned to the tank, while the gun¡¯s elevation mechanism began to adjust, and the tank gun slowly lowered.

    The next moment, the tank fired.

    The st from the muzzle made the camouge covering the tank shelter ripple like waves on water, and the grass that originally blocked the front of the shelter was instantly knocked down.

    Indeed, the smoke from firing was much less than it would have been on open ground due to this post-war designed tank shelter. It was indeed advanced.

    Wang Zhong paid attention to the firing and only turned his focus to the armor-piercing shell when it hit the ground and bounced like a ping-pong ball, flying farther away.

    The point of impact seemed quite far from the target.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tank 427, your sights are seriously misaligned; adjust them at once! Fire again in twenty minutes.¡±

    The T34 tanks assigned to the temporary 151st Infantry Division had many inuracies with their gun sights. Previously at Argesukov, there hadn¡¯t been such arge area to conduct live firing, so this issue hadn¡¯t been uncovered until now with each test fire.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Next, Tank 428!¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± themander of Tank 428 raised his right hand, ¡°I¡¯ve already made adjustments, it should hit close to the range mark!¡±

    ¡°Then fire.¡±

    A minuteter, the armor-piercing shell hit the target and shattered it.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Who the hell told you to shatter the target! The artillerymen have to set up a new one now!¡±

    ¡°I swear I didn¡¯t aim for the target!¡± Tank 428¡¯smander poked his head out, ¡°The shell drifted over there! The error margin of this gun is definitely greater than what the factory manual states!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, unsure if it was because Ante¡¯s craftsmanship was poor in this timeline, or whether Earth¡¯s T34s were also this roughly made.

    Through the detailed testing over these days, Wang Zhong realized that when he led the parade troops out to the armored confrontation with the Prosen people at Loktov, the first round of shots hit only a few times, which might not be the tank drivers¡¯ fault. ??¦¡?¦Ï¦Â¦¥¡ì

    Perhaps the vehicle that Wang Zhong rode in was a spoiled observation vehicle, therefore it was finely crafted and strictly quality controlled, which allowed it to hit wherever it was aimed.

    Wang Zhong continued to supervise the tank troop¡¯s main gun and sight testing, when Yegorov came over.

    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to be looking good,¡± he said from a distance.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Luckily we tested early. After these adjustments, it should be a lot more urate. How are things on your side?¡±

    ¡°The trenches have been mostly dug. I¡¯ve reassigned some of theds to help the Labor Camp with road construction.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong turned to look at the road being busilyid behind the positions, where arge number of civilians were shouting chants, pulling stone rollers taken off millstones, andpacting the road surface.

    This road was built for the anti-tank guns; with mules pulling the guns and ammunition carts, they could move faster on the road, enabling quick evacuation from positions.

    Of course, tanks could use this road too. Although the T34 tank had good off-road capability, constantly driving through wild terrain was likely to cause breakdowns.

    Yegorov: ¡°We¡¯ve been here a week, building so many fortifications and still going. The troops are getting tired.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hmm¡­ I also feel that we have enough fortifications. Let¡¯s leave the rest to the Labor Camp. They don¡¯t have to go to the front lines and can work until the enemy attacks.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°My suggestion is not just to give time off but also to organize some activities, like throwing a dance party with the nurses from the division¡¯s medical unit, something like that.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°A dance party?¡±

    ¡°Not the sort of noble-style dance party you¡¯re thinking of. Ourmoner¡¯s dance party only needs a campfire, a Bayan, a blaika, and then we can enjoy the music.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows: ¡°The dance you¡¯re talking about isn¡¯t a waltz, but the Cossack War Dance, right?¡±

    ¡°Right!¡± Yegorov immediately squatted down and began doing the famous ¡°Cossack squat dance,¡± also known as the ¡°knee destroyer dance.¡±

    The soldiers around, who had nothing else to do, had their attention all drawn over, and some began cheering.

    After about thirty seconds of dancing, Yegorov stood up, struck a pose, and said, ¡°That¡¯s the dance, understand?¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could reply, someone in the ranks shouted, ¡°Come on, regimentmander, your turn!¡±

    ¡°Yeah, yeah, the general¡¯s turn!¡±

    Wang Zhong, who actually didn¡¯t have much of a dignified air¡ªnor could he really afford to¡ªare now well-acquainted by the soldiers, so jokes were thrown directly at him.

    Of course, Vasily, the ¡°shit-stirring king,¡± yed a part in this, preferring talking trash even while hauling manure, and so incidentally, Vasily had helped demolish Wang Zhong¡¯s authority.

    Pavlov had serious objections to this, repeatedly telling Wang Zhong, ¡°As amander, you need to maintain authority so the soldiers will follow you into the charge.¡±

    However, Wang Zhong himself didn¡¯t mind.

    At this moment, faced with the soldiers¡¯ egging on, Wang Zhongughed and said, ¡°Do you want to see me paralyze myself from the waist down? Everyone has things they¡¯re not good at, and dancing is something I¡¯m not good at.¡±

    Actually, the original owner of the body might have been quite good at it, judging by his love for partying, but Wang Zhong was genuinely not capable. If forced to ¡°do a number,¡± he could only show the soldiers a bit of the ¡°Call of the Times¡± dance.

    ¡°`

    The soldiers mored for quite a while, watching Wang Zhongpletely unmoved, then suddenly someone said, ¡°Why not have the General give us a motivational speech! People from the 31st Regiment all say the General is powerful, they were moved to tears listening to him, and we haven¡¯t heard it since we joined!¡±

    This suggestion immediately received everyone¡¯s endorsement, even the staff officers following Wang Zhong looked up with interested expressions.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Speeches are for boosting morale, and I see your spirits are already high. When we engage the Prosen forces and suffer heavy casualties, even if you don¡¯t want to listen, I¡¯ll give a speech then, but for now, let¡¯s not.¡±

    The atmosphere that had just heated up suddenly quieted down.

    Wang Zhong looked at everyone andughed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, look at these defense works we¡¯ve made, I have confidence that we¡¯ll inflict heavy casualties on the enemy here!¡±

    ¡°But you can¡¯t guarantee we¡¯ll all survive, can you?¡± someone asked.

    ¡°Yes, this is war. Even the ¡®Magician of the Battlefield¡¯ can¡¯t guarantee there won¡¯t be casualties,¡± Wang Zhong answered.

    Originally, he thought the soldiers would be silent after hearing this response, but someone carelessly said, ¡°Then we¡¯ll just be the colors on the banner!¡±

    The othersughed as well.

    Another said, ¡°Hey, let¡¯s not scare ourselves. Maybe it won¡¯t even be our turn to take action. There are three armored divisions to the north. I heard one division is all T34s, which is six or seven times our equipment number! Maybe if that divisionunches an attack, it will directly crush the enemy¡¯s armored cluster!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, it would be the best.¡±

    That was his genuine thought, if it could be that way, then the war would end soon, and there would be no need for so many sacrifices.

    But¡­ Wang Zhong knew, it wouldn¡¯t be so.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    That night, Wang Zhong returned to the division headquarters from the front line and immediately checked the updated situation map at 1830 hours, then pointed at the two newly appeared armored units and asked, ¡°What units are these?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°The new units discovered by aerial reconnaissance and cavalry scouts, the unit identification marks on the armored vehicles are different from all the ones from the Second Armored Group.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°How are they different?¡±

    ¡°The marks of other armored units are more casual, some are simple symbols, others are animals, and there¡¯s a variety of deformed letters. But these two divisions both adopted shield crests.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately felt that the situation was not good, ¡°Shield crests?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Is there a notch in the upper right corner of the shield?¡±

    ¡°Right, how did you know?¡±

    ¡°A guess. What¡¯s on the shields of these two divisions?¡±

    ¡°One has a key, and the other seems to be some kind of ancient Scandinavian rune.¡±

    Wang Zhong tutted, ¡°This is not going to be easy¡­¡±

    ¡°Additionally,¡± Pavlov paused, ¡°The Tribunal discovered that the enemy¡¯s call signs have included a unit called the ¡®Asgard Knights.¡¯ Asgard is the mythical realm in the creation myth that the Prosen Empire is endeavoring to propagate¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The Asgard Knights, huh? I have a feeling these units are going to be tough to deal with.¡±

    ¡°We still don¡¯t know if these call signs are associated with the two new divisions,¡± Pavlov said.

    At that moment, Nelly came in, pushing a cart loaded with food, ¡°I¡¯ve made skewered meat and walnut jam pies in the kitchen, you can take and eat them while you work.¡±

    The staff officers immediately eximed in admiration, ¡°Amazing.¡±

    ¡°Nelly, you really are an angel!¡±

    Nelly parked the cart next to the map table and left it there, turning around to stare at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong blinked, ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡°Nothing, just curious. I didn¡¯t believe what Miss Liu Da told me, about how Alyosha is now an outstanding soldier and stuff. I didn¡¯t buy it.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Do you believe it now?¡±

    Nelly shook her head, ¡°Still no. I think you might not be that bastard anymore.¡±

    ¡°Then who am I?¡± Wang Zhong countered.

    Nelly, ¡°Who knows? Maybe Saint Andrew descended using that bastard¡¯s body, I don¡¯t know. Liu Da certainly likes you though.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°And you?¡±

    ¡°I need to observe a little longer,¡± Nelly answered.

    Wang Zhong shrugged, stood up, squeezed through the staff officers, took a te, and helped himself to a big serving of walnut jam, wiping it up with the pies.

    ¡°Oh,¡± he eximed, ¡°Delicious! Sweet but not greasy, fantastic job Nelly!¡±

    Nelly was just about to reply when suddenly, music was heard from outside.

    Pavlov immediately started cursing, ¡°What¡¯s going on? At such a critical time for war preparations!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The soldiers¡¯ work is almost done; I approved Yegorov to hold a dance event to boost morale, and I even approved leave for tomorrow.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Such matters don¡¯t just require your approval; the bishop¡¯s consent is needed too. Popov is going to be furious!¡±

    Just as he was speaking, Popov came in, ¡°Me? No, I think the troops are too tense and should rx a bit. Holding the dance is a good idea. It¡¯s just a shame we have so few female soldiers.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We can let the girls from the fieldundry and cooking teams join in.¡±

    Popov, ¡°That still won¡¯t be enough. We might as well get all the local girls to join in too, for a good rxation before the battle starts.¡±

    Wang Zhong gave a thumbs up.

    Just then, Nelly suddenly asked, ¡°Are you going to dance too?¡±

    ¡°Ah? Me? No, no, I¡¯d rather not. I prefer watching others have fun over dancing.¡±

    ¡°Eh~¡± Nelly drew out the sound but didn¡¯t say much more.

 Chapter 163: Start

    On August 2, 914 Jules, at 0430 hours, the headquarters of the Second Armored Division of the Prussian Army.

    General Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch nced at his pocket watch and nodded at a staff member who was on the phone.

    The staff member immediately gave the order, ¡°Begin artillery preparation!¡±

    As the staff member hung up the phone, the distant rumble of thunder could be faintly heard¡ªthe sound of the artillery from the Armored Cluster Command opening fire.

    General von Mauch stood in front of the map, fixated on St. Ye Katerina Fortress on the map.

    After a long silence, he said, ¡°In truth, continuing our push to the east does pose a risk. Our supply line will be stretched to six hundred kilometers, and the infantry troops of the Central Army Group will be spread thin along the lengthy supply line, certainly leaving us vulnerable everywhere.

    ¡°If the enemy¡¯s heavy troops advance north, they could potentially find themselves in a perilous situation.¡±

    The chief of staff said, ¡°The Southern Army Group is advancing too slowly. Even though it¡¯s all open ins, and they have naval support, their progress is embarrassingly slow.

    ¡°To make excuses, they¡¯ve evene up with a ¡®White Horse General¡¯, iming he¡¯s some kind of defensive genius, repeatedly holding back the charge of the Armored Cluster.¡±General von Mauch frowned, ¡°A defensive genius? Why haven¡¯t I heard of him?¡±

    The chief of staff said, ¡°The information was suppressed by the higher-ups, and the Southern Army Group was reprimanded. The Imperial Propaganda Minister was furious and directly called to question the Southern Army Group, asking if they intended to undermine the propaganda that Ante is an inferior race.¡±

    General von Mauch, already notable for his furrowed brow, now had wrinkles so deep as though they could hide a flea: ¡°Get me thebat records rted to this White Horse General, preferably the unembellished original versions.¡±

    The chief of staff said, ¡°Well¡­ after all, this enemy isn¡¯t someone our Army Group has encountered, and the rted information was suppressed by the Empire, so we don¡¯t know the details.¡±

    General von Mauch cursed, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Don¡¯t they know? Sharing information on an enemy¡¯s outstandingmander¡¯s style ofmand can effectively reduce our casualties.¡±

    No one in the room answered.

    After a struggle, the chief of staff said, ¡°Perhaps we will encounter him, and you can personally test his mettle.¡±

    General von Mauch snorted, ¡°Good, this war has almost turned into another armed parade like the one with the Carolingians. If this continues, even if we encircle a million Ante Army at Argesukov, others will say we merely defeated a horde of primitives!¡±

    On the southern front, the headquarters of the First Armored Division of the Prussian Army, at 0430 hours.

    ¡°Fire,¡± said General Ewald von Steyr-Mark,mander of the First Armored Division.

    The staff member picked up the telephone immediately.

    Momentster, distant thunders rolled.

    Steyr-Mark asked, ¡°Has the intelligence department still not found General Rokossovsky¡¯s deployment location?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve just received a telegram,mander. The Imperial Intelligence Agency¡¯s Rabowell branch reports that Major General Pyotr Konstantinovich Rokossovsky is now serving as the senior operations staff officer at the Southwestern Front Army Headquarters.¡±

    General von Steyr-Mark frowned, ¡°What? Why would they ce such a war general on the staff? Is this transfer even proper?¡±

    The others in themand center exchanged nces.

    The chief of staff suggested, ¡°Could it be a namesake? Maybe a brother or something?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­ Never mind!¡± General von Steyr-Mark shook his head, ¡°If such a troublesome fellow has indeed been tucked away in the staff room, then our victory is nearly certain. Thergest encirclement and annihtion battle in human history, this fight will no matter what be remembered in military history!¡±

    Ante Army, Argesukov, the Southwestern Front Army Headquarters, 0510 hours, August 2, 914 Jules.

    All the telephones were ringing. Every phone, as soon as the receiver was put back, would immediately start ringing again.

    And those receivers that were picked up, without exception, had a staff officer shouting into them:

    ¡°Hello? Louder! You need to be louder!¡±

    Amidst the constant calls for ¡°louder,¡± General Skorobo frowned, looking at the deployment map of the Southwestern Front Army.

    On this map, there were already six symbols indicating ¡°suspected enemy intentions to attack.¡±

    It was foreseeable that there would be even more.

    The chief of staff of the Front Army came over: ¡°As of now, we¡¯ve confirmed that at least ten divisions are subjected to the enemy¡¯s artillery preparation, and there are definitely more taking fire. I think the enemy has indeedunched arge-scale pincer offensive.¡±

    The chief of staff suddenly stopped, as if deliberately caught on the rest of his thought.

    General Skorobo said, ¡°You want to say that the ignorant Rokossovsky got it right? Fine, I admit, he did predict the enemy¡¯s moves a bit earlier than us, but his pessimistic ideas are utterly uneptable!

    ¡°The enemy attack is an opportunity! Just during today¡¯s daytime, if our three tank armiesunch an attack, the situation will be reversed! We will drive the enemy back to their starting positions, and even reim the territories upied by them!

    ¡°Rokossovsky, with his patchwork of a temporary force set up in the defensive fortifications at Orachi, will be of no use!¡±

    Having said that, General Skorobo punched the table, indenting the wood.

    Due to the excessive force, the surface of his fist cracked open, and blood spread across the table, even dripping down the edge.

    The chief of staff, looking at General Skorobo¡¯s hand, said, ¡°The enemy¡¯s air superiority might affect our armored counterattack¡­¡±

    ¡°We have thetest reinforcements in ce, a squadron of destroyers! Let them cover our boys! The enemy will definitely turn to ashes before the steel tide!¡±

    Chief of Staff, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Front Army Bishop, ¡°There is another option, to retreat the tank army to Orachi. From the information I have gathered, Major General Rokossovsky has built a great number of fortifications there.¡±

    General Skorobo, ¡°Don¡¯t you know the oue of the Carolingian battle? Fortifications are useless! Now that the Air Force¡¯s bombs can destroy bunkers and heavy artillery can tten minefields! The era of relying on fortifications is over, it is now the age of armored corps shing head-on!¡±

    ¡°Who uses tank troops for defense!¡±

    Front Army Bishop, ¡°Major General Rokossovsky fights very well; the Church considers him an expert in using armored forces for defensivebat.¡±

    ¡°He has victories only because our tanks have an armor advantage, not because he is thatpetent! After today, no one will take his achievements seriously anymore, because with our advanced tanks, such victories are like picking things out of a bag!¡±

    General Skorobo stopped, took out a handkerchief, and wrapped his bleeding hand, ¡°Put the northern three tank armies onbat readiness! Be ready to depart for a counterassault at any moment!¡±

    Shepetovka, August 2nd, 914, at 1030 hours.

    Major General Chesnokov,mander of the 6th Tank Army, personally climbed onto a tank and said to the tankmander, ¡°You, get out! Let this old Tank Operator drive this tank!¡±

    The tankmander immediately got out. Having once served as the head of the Armor Corps Academy, many of these men were his students and would execute his orders without hesitation.

    Chesnokov stood on the tank, turned back to the entire Tank Army, and announced loudly, ¡°Men! The time hase to make our mark! Numerous front-line examples show that the enemy cannot cope with our T34 tanks! They can only rely on the Air Force! But today¡ª¡±

    While he was speaking, a V formation of La-3 fighters swept across the sky, a full 15 nes!

    Chesnokov saluted the nes and waited for them to passpletely before continuing, ¡°This is just a part of the Air Force¡¯s 5th Aviation Army that supports our operation; more fighters will join in. Today marks one of the rare asions in this war when our army does not need to worry about the enemy Air Force!

    ¡°With less Air Force support, our tracks will crush the enemy¡¯s skulls! Today is the moment to counterattack! Move out!¡±

    After speaking, Chesnokov jumped into the tank, put on his tank helmet and headset, and ordered, ¡°Driver, advance!¡±

    With a duang sound, Chesnokov¡¯s tank took to the road, roaring as it headed north.

    They would soon be facing the Armor Division that had newly arrived at the battlefield.

    Asgard Knights¡¯ Armor Division ¡°Anp,¡± Division Headquarters, at 0830 hours.

    Division Commander William Dietrich said to the Vanguard Commander, Major Mueller, ¡°ording to current intelligence, we have at least one enemy tank army in front of us, and they are equipped with the T34 tanks that everyone finds very troublesome.

    ¡°So our n is very simple. After breaking through the enemy¡¯s first line of defense, we will immediately set up the 88mm anti-aircraft guns. The anti-aircraft gun positions will be deployed here.¡±

    William Dietrich pped a little hill on the map with his riding crop.

    ¡°This spot has a good field of fire, but the bad news is, there are not many obstacles to hide our heavy anti-tank guns. So when you lure the enemy Armor Troops in front of the 88mm gun position, don¡¯t just stop and watch the show. You have to outnk the enemy from both sides.

    ¡°You are responsible for attracting the enemy¡¯s attention, allowing the 88mm guns to take out arge number of the enemy.

    ¡°Generally, before encountering us, the enemy tank troops have already been bombed to disarray by the Air Force. But better safe than sorry.

    ¡°Do not underestimate this tactic; we used a simr method to deal with the charging B1 heavy tanks at Carolingian.

    ¡°It¡¯s a simple yet very effective tactic!¡±

    William Dietrich stopped, looked at Major Mueller, ¡°Do you understand? If so, repeat it back to me!¡±

    Major Mueller nodded, ¡°Upon encountering an enemy armor counterattack, find a way to lure them in front of the ambushing 88mm guns. While the 88mm guns are taking enemies out, we will outnk from both wings, drawing attention for the 88mm guns!¡±

    William Dietrich nodded and continued with simple motiviation, ¡°You are all handpicked elites. Look at the Zeus holding a lightning bolt on your emblems! You are the Guardians of the Asgard Kingdom! You should fight to thest man, thest round!

    ¡°Of course, this offensive probably won¡¯t require us to fight to thest man, thest round. Alright, move out!¡±

    Major Mueller saluted, turned, and walked toward themand room door.

    William Dietrich followed, continuing to remind him, ¡°The weaknesses of the enemy¡¯s two new types of tanks are marked in the booklet. It¡¯s okay to cripple them and then leave them to the infantry.¡±

    The two walked out of the headquarters into the courtyard outside, just in time to hear the soldiers of the Division Headquarters¡¯ Guard Armor toon preparing their tanks for departure, singing,

    If Lady Fortune abandons us once more,

    If we can no longer return to our homnd,

    If bullets are fired at us,

    To put an end to fate,

    To cease life,

    At the very least, our loyal tanks,

    Will give us a steel grave.

 Chapter 164: Bubbles in the Sunlight

    Ante Army, Argesukov, Southwestern Front Army Headquarters.

    Crown Prince Ivan Nikyevich Andronov entered a noisy map room and at first nce saw the bandage on General Skorobo¡¯s hand, and he eximed in shock, ¡°What happened? Did the enemy reach the headquarters?¡±

    Skorobo waved his hand: ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I just got too emotional and punched the table.¡±

    ¡°Punched the table?¡± The volume of the Crown Prince¡¯s voice rose sharply, drawing the attention of the surrounding staff officers. Fortunately, at that moment, the headquarters was filled with roars of ¡°Speak up,¡± so it was not particrly noticeable.

    The Crown Prince lowered his voice and asked, ¡°So, Rocossov is right? The enemy reallyunched a pincer movement, didn¡¯t they?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s right about that part,¡± Skorobo paused, then raised his voice, ¡°But he¡¯spletely wrong about whates next! Our armored counterattack will crush the enemy¡¯s offensive! Look here!¡±

    Skorobo stood up and moved in front of the map: ¡°Thetest intelligence suggests that the enemy might havemitted a part of their second Armored Division. We believe they have three divisions, nine Armored Battalions, approximately 400 tanks.¡±

    ¡°And we haveunched a counterattack with three Tank Armies; we have over a hundred T34s alone! Plus dozens of KV1s, and more than two hundred BT tanks.¡±

    ¡°These tanks are well-supplied with fuel and ammunition, utterly different from those forces thatunched counterattacks in the first month of the war with a shortage of both! They willpletely shatter the enemy¡¯s offensive.¡±The Crown Prince stared at General Skorobo: ¡°Can we really push them back?¡±

    The General hesitated for a moment before responding decisively, ¡°Yes! Absolutely!¡±

    The Crown Prince nodded, ¡°Then what should I do?¡±

    ¡°Your Highness should return to Yekaterinburg! The enemy¡¯s nes have bombed the Argesukov airfield, but there is an intact field airport on the east side of the city, capable ofunching transport nes. We have arranged a flight to Yekaterinburg¡­¡±

    The Crown Prince: ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. Since you are convinced the counterattack can stop the enemy, then I¡¯ll stay here. News of my departure would affect morale!¡±

    The General was silenced abruptly, struggling for a few seconds before saying, ¡°Our victory does not mean this ce isn¡¯t dangerous.¡±

    At that moment, amunications officer rushed in with a telegram and saluted General Skorobo: ¡°General! An urgent message from the High Command in Yekaterinburg.¡±

    Skorobo snatched the message and nced at it.

    The Crown Prince: ¡°What does it say?¡±

    General Skorobo: ¡°His Majesty the Tsarmands us to decisively repel the enemy¡¯s attack.¡±

    ¡°The Tsar said that? I think my father may not understand what¡¯s happening on the front line; I could call him¡­¡±

    General Skorobo: ¡°You can fly back to Yekaterinburg and tell His Majesty the Tsar in person.¡±

    The Crown Prince bit his lip and shook his head, ¡°My mission is to supervise the army here and boost morale. Since my father has ordered you to hold your ground, I should set an example.¡±

    General Skorobo stared at the Crown Prince for a few seconds before saying, ¡°I think I may have had some misunderstandings about you before. Since you¡¯ve decided to stay, then we can only give our all-out effort to thwart the enemy¡¯s advance!

    ¡°We have a vast army and an array of technical weaponry at our disposal; we are not weaker than the enemy!

    ¡°As soon as the Sixth Tank Armyunches their offensive, everything will start to improve!¡±

    Ante Army, Sixth Tank Army, Chesnokovmanding the tank.

    Armymander Chesnokov heard a report on the radio: ¡°This is the Fifth Tank Battalion; we have already lost six tanks, should we stop the charge?¡±

    ¡°No! Let the tank operators of the broken tanks hitch a ride on other tanks, so if any crew members fallter in the battle, they can rece them and keep fighting!¡± Major General Chesnokov¡¯s voice was cold and merciless. ??

    ¡°Yes, General!¡± The response came through the static noise from the crew.

    Chesnokov wanted to see the situation ahead, so he put his eye to the tank gun¡¯s sight, but the violent shaking almost made him vomit.

    He had no choice but to push open the turret hatch and stick his head out to observe the front.

    Then he noticed dust clouds up ahead; it looked as if a ¡°wall formation¡± of cavalry in a horizontal line was charging forward.

    ¡°All tanks, attention!¡± Chesnokov pressed the microphone against his throat, ¡°The enemy tank cluster is right ahead! This time, they don¡¯t have their Air Force to help them, let¡¯s show them what we¡¯re made of!¡±

    Scattered ¡°Ura¡± cries came through the headset, mainly because the T34 radios were so poor in quality.

    Chesnokov, still in a head-out position, used his binocrs to observe the front, excitedly spotting Prosen tanks arranged in a dense Strike Formation.

    At the start of the war, the Prussians had used this dense formation to gain a localized advantage and quickly broke through the Ante Army¡¯s anti-tank positions at the border.

    ¡°Enemy tanks!¡± Major General Chesnokov shouted over the radio, ¡°Combat ready!¡±

    As he said this, he retracted back into the tank turret.

    Just as he closed the hatch, he looked back to confirm that the majority of the Sixth Tank Army was following right behind him.

    Back inside the tank, Chesnokov immediately put his eye to the gunsight and started selecting a target.

    Unfortunately, the enemy was too far, and the tank was shaking violently due to the high-speed charge, so every time Chesnokov spotted a target, it was lost to the shaking before he could even align the crosshair on the enemy.

    ¡°Mikhail! Stop, let me pick a target and fire a shot!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the tank braked hard, and Chesnokov¡¯s body mmed forward, his head knocking against the handrest above the gunsight.

    Chesnokov cursed, quickly maneuvered the turret to find a target, chose a Prosen tank that was almost facing directly toward the gun barrel, and fired!

    First shot, a hit!

    The Prosen tank lost power, slid forward gradually slowing down, and the crew members opened the hatches and scattered to escape.

    Meanwhile, enemy attacks also struck Chesnokov¡¯s tank, but they merely produced a dull thud against the armor, sounding as if someone was hammering on it.

    ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s it! The White General earned splendid victories with this! Soon, every crew will have that level of sess! Load quickly!¡±

    More shells hit Chesnokov¡¯s vehicle, yetpletely failed to prate the robust armor of the T34.

    One armor-piercing shell seemed to have been deflected by the T34¡¯s shape, leaving a sound like long fingernails scraping on the surface of a cast-iron pot, which raised goosebumps on the tank operators.

    Loader: ¡°Armor-piercing shell, good!¡±

    ¡°Send off another one!¡±

    Chesnokov fired, and the shell hit the target tank on the side, bounced off the ground, and flew into the air, as if it had be a distant star.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on! Load again!¡±

    At that point, the enemy released smoke.

    ¡°Cowards!¡± cursed Chesnokov, ¡°Mikhail, forward! Get the tank moving! We¡¯ll roll over them, crush them! From today on, the Prussians¡¯ armor advantage is done for!¡±

    The T34 started up again, with the engine and transmission mechanisms making so much noise that even internalmunication was scarcely effective.

    Due to excessive vibration, the gun sight lost its ability to search for enemies, and Chesnokov had to rely on the viewing ports on the sides.

    However, the design of the T34¡¯s turret made it very difficult for him, as the gunner, to use the viewing port on the loader¡¯s side, almost making it impossible to observe properly.

    After all, with the two-man turret of the T34, the loader and gunner sat side by side,pletely blocking each other.

    It wouldn¡¯t be long before the enemy¡¯s Prussian armored troops discovered this and developed targeted tactics.

    Chesnokov struggled for a while, finding it awkward no matter how he tried and he had to once again stick his upper body out of the hatch.

    The enemy tanks had released a smoke screen that totally obscured the front, making it impossible to see the other side of the smoke.

    But Chesnokov believed that the enemy¡¯s smoke couldn¡¯t be released indefinitely, and once they broke through the smoke, it would be the moment for the enemy¡¯s armored division to be obliterated!

    By doing so, he might even earn himself the Ante Hero Medal!

    At that moment, his tank charged into the smoke first.

    In the smoke, even sticking his head outside the tank, the visibility was terribly poor, so Chesnokov retreated back inside the turret.

    After a moment, the previously obscured gun sight in front of Chesnokov suddenly disyed an image again!

    Chesnokov immediately leaned in, trying to find the fleeing enemy¡¯s Number 3 tank.

    However, there was nothing up ahead.

    ¡°Where did they go?¡±

    At that time, the tank¡¯s engine and transmission system were as noisy as ever, drowning out almost all sound outside the tank.

    Major General Chesnokov rotated the turret, trying to find the vanished Number 3 tank cluster.

    Suddenly, a panicked voice came through the radio: ¡°Who¡¯s shooting at us? Has anyone seen the enemy firing? Where is that cannon from?¡±

    A cannon?

    Major General Chesnokov tossed aside the gun sight, nced through the observation port on his side, and all the T34s charging with him seemed fine, with no sign of attack.

    Then he turned to the other side, pushed the loader back, and looked out through the observation port.

    What¡¯s the matter? Isn¡¯t my tactical Number 671 fellow tank fine?

    In the blink of an eye, a streak of light shed across the Number 671 T34, which immediately slowed down, slid for a few meters, and then came to aplete stop, moving out of the narrow field of view of the observation port.

    What happened?

    What was that just now?

    Major General Chesnokov wanted to check the status of Tank 671, so he turned and pressed his eye to the observation port at the rear of the turret.

    However, he couldn¡¯t see anything through the narrow viewing port.

    He was about to use the radio then remembered that the wingman tank was not amand vehicle and did not have a radio.

    Chesnokov turned back, trying to spot the enemy attacking their forces through the gun sight.

    But the gun sight was too shaky.

    To get a clear view, Major General Chesnokov gave a very brave, but also very foolishmand: ¡°Mikhail! Stop!¡±

    The tank screeched to a halt, and before it even steadied, Chesnokov was rotating the turret searching the front¡ª

    He hadn¡¯t seen anything when way off in the distance, there was a sh!

    An 88mm k cannon¡¯s shell sliced through the T34¡¯s front armor as easily as cutting through butter.

    Because the shot came from a great distance, the falling angle negated part of the nt of the T34¡¯s frontal armor.

    The shell went straight through driver Mikhail and exploded behind him.

    The entirebat room¡ªthat is, the turret¡ªflew up into the sky in the explosion.

 Chapter 165: The Darkest Hour (Alliance Hierarch Bonus)

    Chapter 165: The Darkest Hour (Alliance Hierarch Bonus)

    Prussian Army, Asgard Knights Amp Armored Division frontlinemand post.

    Divisionmander William Dietrich set aside his binocrs.

    Just one kilometer ahead, positioned on high ground, an 88mm anti-aircraft gun emcement was firing continuously.

    The four 88mm guns kept up a relentless barrage, and each shot meant another Ante tank was destroyed.

    The 88mm gun, designed as an anti-aircraft weapon, had an exceptionally impressive projectile speed to ensure shells could reach the ¡°interception zone¡± as high and as quickly as possible. This also resulted in an astonishing capability to prate armor, even at very long distances.

    To ensure a sufficient rate of fire, the 88mm gun boasted an excellent firing rate among cannons of the same caliber. With a well-trained crew, the weapon¡¯s volume of fire was formidable.

    Add to this the Prussians¡¯ customarily superior sighting equipment, and this device became a renowned tank killer, able to hit and destroy tanks from great distances.

    William Dietrich suddenly said, ¡°The 88mm gun is like sunlight, and the Ante Empire¡¯s new tanks are like soap bubbles, quickly dissipating under it.¡±

    He smacked his lips lightly, savoring the poetry of his own creation, growing fonder of it the more he reflected, and then took out a notebook to write it down.Then he began to adjust the phrases, trying to make them rhyme.

    At that moment, the sound of submachine gun fire came from a vige nearby.

    William Dietrich asked, ¡°What¡¯s the situation? An enemy ambush?¡±

    A staff officer immediately dispatched a messenger to check, and five minutester, the returning messenger reported, ¡°The gendarmerie is clearing the vige of inferior races and potential resistors to make room for the troops¡¯ encampment in the rear.¡±

    William Dietrich nodded and continued to ponder his poem in the notebook.

    The sound of submachine guns continued sporadically in the vige behind him.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Ante Army, Argesukov, Southwestern Front Army Headquarters. August 2nd, 1530 hours.

    Themunications officer saluted in front of General Skorobo: ¡°Report!¡±

    General Skorobo said, ¡°It¡¯s news of the counterattack, isn¡¯t it? The counterattack was sessful, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    Themunications officer looked embarrassed.

    ¡°No, we haven¡¯t made contact with the Sixth and Eleventh Tank Armies, and the Fifth Tank Army, primarily equipped with outdated models, has copsed. Its remnants are retreating towards Orachi.¡±

    ¡°No!¡± General Skorobo interrupted the officer, ¡°The Sixth and Eleventh Armies are out of contact because they¡¯ve advanced too swiftly, running so rampant that they haven¡¯t had time to stop and report via radio. Have the praise choir hasten their report!¡±

    At that moment, General Skorobo finally noticed the telegram in themunications officer¡¯s hand and asked, ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±

    The staff officer said, ¡°This is a reconnaissance report from the Air Force, spotting arge number of tank wrecks on the line from Odenodorf to Shepetovka. Aerial observations suggest those are our new tanks.¡±

    As he spoke, the staff officer handed over a stack of photos: ¡°These are the photos submitted with the Air Force¡¯s report.¡±

    General Skorobo took the photos, his expression turning grim.

    Even the blurred images taken from the air showed the wrecks¡¯ sloped armor, a design not even the Prussian tanks had yet adopted.

    General Skorobo stared at the first photo, not intending to flip to the next one.

    The Crown Prince stepped forward, took all the photos behind the first one, and began to flip through them.

    ¡°Weren¡¯t our tanks supposed to have absolute armor superiority?¡± the Crown Prince asked softly.

    Standing beside the Crown Prince, the Front Army Hierarch answered, ¡°That should be the case, but Rocossov previously reported that the enemy aimed at the tracks and turret rings to immobilize the tanks before leaving them for the infantry to deal with. This might be¡­ ¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡± the Crown Prince picked out a photo and showed it to everyone.

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°It looks like a Prussian anti-tank gun position. This type with cross-shaped anchors was mentioned in reports from the Castilian Civil War¡ª88mm anti-aircraft guns, which can also be used as direct-fire anti-tank firepower after recing the sights for groundbat.¡±

    ¡°These things destroyed our tanks?¡± the Crown Prince found another photo, trying to piece it together with the first, but he couldn¡¯t quite fit them correctly.

    The Chief of Staff selected a photo and handed it to the Crown Prince: ¡°Fit this one in the middle.¡±

    Following the instruction, the Crown Prince did so, and the edges of the three photos fit together perfectly¡ªthey clearly belonged together.

    ¡°I¡¯m not knowledgeable in photo interpretation,¡± the Crown Prince said, ¡°but I understand sizeparisons with the nearby houses. The anti-tank gun position is super far from the wreckage area!¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°About two kilometers. The enemy managed to prate our armor from two kilometers away. More rming is their ability to urately hit targets from that distance. It seems we need to order that bombers and ground-attack aircraft should prioritize targeting these guns.¡±

    As soon as the Chief of Staff finished speaking, General Skorobo set down the photos and stood up.

    ¡°What are you nning to do?¡± the Front Army Hierarch demanded, ¡°As themander, you must remain calm at all times; you can¡¯t make a joke out of the lives of hundreds of thousands!¡±

    General Skorobo said, ¡°What are you talking about? I¡¯m about to fulfill the duties of a Front Army Commander-in-Chief. Although the armored counterattack has failed, we have not yet lost!¡±

    General Skorobo picked up a pointer and began to gesture on the map:

    ¡°Based on confirmed intelligence, the enemy has four directions of attack. On the farthest nks, two armored groups are driving towards each other over hundreds of kilometers. On the inside, two groups primarily made up of infantry Army Groups haveunched offensive spearheads.

    ¡°I think we can leave the outer armored spearheads for the moment. Duke Meishikin¡¯s Shepetovka Group is responsible for blocking the northern second armored group, and the southern first armored group is faced by several of my Army Groups inyered defenses.¡±

 Chapter 166: The Darkest Hour (Extra for Alliance Hierarch)_2

    Chapter 166: The Darkest Hour (Extra for Alliance Hierarch)_2

    ¡°Even if they manage toplete the encirclement, it won¡¯t be until after August 30. Before that, we can first stop the enemy¡¯s advance from the two infantry Army Groups on the inner line. We may even annihte the enemy¡¯s infantry formations and deplete their numbers!¡±

    The Crown Prince opened his mouth wide, ¡°So¡­ we can really hold out?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we have so many troops and so much supply! Even if we do get surrounded, we can fight for dozens of days,¡± General Skorobo asserted confidently.

    The Crown Prince nced at the map, then at the resolved face of the general, ¡°I can¡¯t find any faults, after all, I graduated second tost from the military academy. Should I report it to Father like this?¡±

    General Skorobo: ¡°We had already received orders to hold at all costs. Argesukov is one of the origins of the Ante Empire, before the year of Jules, this ce was once the ancient capital of Ante, anyone who lightly talks of giving up Argesukov will most certainly abandon the holy Yekaterinburg in the future!¡±

    At that moment, themunications staff officer entered again: ¡°Urgent telegram from the High Command!¡±

    ¡°Read it!¡± General Skorobo waved his hand grandly, while grabbing a cup of water to drink.

    Themunications staff opened the folder and read, ¡°Do not give up any inch of the territory,manders at all levels who vacate theirmands to retreat will be deemed traitors, and both they and their families will be executed by firing squad!¡±

    General Skorobo: ¡°See! They¡¯ve just ordered us to hold out, and now they¡¯ve issued such a mandate to the whole army. Now we can only engage in a decisive battle with the enemy here! Don¡¯t worry, Your Highness, we will stop the enemy¡¯s attack from within.¡±The Crown Prince nodded and then asked, ¡°But what if the enemypletes their encirclement from the outside?¡±

    General Skorobo fell silent for a second, then answered, ¡°As I said, we have enough ammunition and food tost for dozens of days. We will fight for the empire here until thest moment.¡±

    The Front Army¡¯s bishop said, ¡°Although we must hold on, we can issue a general evacuation order to the ordinary civilians of Argesukov. Let the women and children retreat to the rear.¡±

    General Skorobo nodded, ¡°That¡¯s not a problem. Once we get besieged, women and children may starve to death due to theck of food. Arrange for it to be executed!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Ante Empire, Holy Yekaterinburg, Summer Pce, Jules 914, August 2, 1630 hours.

    ¡°No, no!¡± Tsar Nichs V roared at the generals, ¡°You promised me that the heavy forces in Argesukov would be able to effectively defeat the enemy! Now let them defeat the enemy!¡±

    The Chief of General Staff of the High Command Marshal Kulenov said, ¡°ording to the aerial reconnaissance, our new tanks thatprise the tank army are no match in front of the enemy, we have overestimated thebat effectiveness of these tanks. Although the enemy¡¯s pincer movement has just begun, but¡­¡±

    ¡°You weren¡¯t saying this two weeks ago! You said that even an idiot who finishedst in his ss and wet his pants could use the T34 to destroy arge number of the enemy¡¯s tanks!¡± The Tsar banged his hand on the table angrily, the ring on his ring finger making a crisp sound.

    At that moment, the great doors opened and the guards outside said in panic, ¡°Your Highness the Princess, you can¡¯t go in! The highest military council is in session!¡±

    Princess Olga Nikyevna Antonovna ignored the guards¡¯ attempts to stop her and surged all the way to the center of the meeting room, stopping by the map table.

    Nichs V impatiently said, ¡°Olga! There¡¯s no time to y at pretending to be Empress Ekaterina! We¡¯re discussing important matters! Military matters!¡±

    Her Highness the Princess nced sidelong at her own father, ¡°Father, I also have military matters to discuss.¡±

    Niki V turned to look at the maid hiding by the door, shivering: ¡°What are you standing there for? Take her away!¡±

    Olga Nikyevna Antonovna locked eyes with her father: ¡°Father, have you read the battle reports from Peniye, the ones without embellishment? Since The Church Tribunal has sent a report to my brother, there should be one on your desk as well.¡±

    Niki V felt somewhat embarrassed and was about to answer when his daughter continued: ¡°And then there¡¯s Loktov¡¯s battle report. Anyone who has read that report knows that Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky is an undisputed military genius. He has an acute sense for the battlefield and his militarypetence is solid!¡±

    ¡°Such a man couldn¡¯t possibly be rankedst, so there¡¯s only one possibility! He must have intentionally rankedst for my foolish brother!¡±

    ¡°He had to ensure his score was not higher than my brother¡¯s while also making sure he could graduate. Isn¡¯t this precise control of his ranking enough to prove that he is actually a military genius?¡±

    The generals and marshals in the room looked at each other, at a loss for words.

    Only Niki V continued to scold the princess: ¡°Olga! This is not one of your childish games!¡±

    The princess stared back at her father: ¡°I am pointing out how foolish these generals under yourmand are! If you think about it, they¡¯re no different from the defeated Sanctified faction nobility; they simply chose a better side during the civil war but are all fools nheless!¡±

    ¡°Moreover, some of them are deeply connected to the defeated Sanctified faction nobility!¡±

    ¡°Father! Your failure to thoroughly eradicate these people has led to the dire defeats over the past month!¡±

    ¡°Your Highness!¡± the Chief of General Staff of the High Command, who was also the only surviving prince of the entire empire, Marshal Kulenzov, said angrily, ¡°Even the imperial family must not speak so recklessly!¡±

    Princess Olga retorted: ¡°Am I not stating the truth? You deceived my father with your fancy words, making him believe that Argesukov was as stable as Mount Tai! Now you¡¯re here telling my father that Argesukov must retreat! You¡­¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± Niki V pped his daughter, ¡°Get out!¡±

    At that moment, the youngest, Duke Raoul, stood up and advised: ¡°Your Highness, please leave. This way, please.¡±

    He tugged at the princess¡¯s sleeve as he spoke.

    Princess Olga reluctantly turned and left the room, followed by Duke Raoul.

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± he whispered to the princess, ¡°we had a chance to persuade His Majesty to issue a retreat order. Your outburst has embarrassed him, making a retreat now less likely, at least not today.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Is this my fault? Weren¡¯t you the ones iming a few days ago that the tide of the war had turned? And how did that turn out?¡±

    Duke Raoul was slightly embarrassed: ¡°Yes, we underestimated the enemy. But we are correcting that mistake, and you¡¯ve seriously disrupted our ns.¡±

    ¡°Hmph!¡± Princess His Highness did not bother to hide her disdain.

    Duke Raoul continued: ¡°Moreover, as smart as you are, how could you not know that His Majesty relies on us to counter the Grand Patriarch and the church? You would be wise not to get too close to the church as well. During the civil war, the Sanctified faction had some public support, and the church needed us to win them over.¡±

    ¡°After ten years of champagne and caviar, the public is now full of Secr faction believers. This war is ourst chance.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Yet you¡¯re not doing well. I think that at such a critical time, the fact that you¡¯re still concerning yourselves with these matters is truly the darkest hour for the mothend of Ante.¡±

 Chapter 167: The Battlefield Named Orachi (Extra for 11000 Monthly Votes)

    In the year 914, at 2030 hours on August 2nd, Orachi, the headquarters of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division of the Ante Army.

    Wang Zhong stared at the operational map on the wall, lost in thought.

    Next to the map, a staff member was setting up a new candbrum¡ªthe sunlight outside was still present, but much diminished, so the division headquarters used candbra to supplement the lighting.

    Orachi had electricity, but lights had to be controlled at night, and the light could be concealed by drawing the curtains if using candbra.

    Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°The battle has already started, yet why have I been idle all day?¡±

    Popov approached him, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? We¡¯ve strengthened our fortifications for another day, and buried an additional 1,000 mines today!¡±

    The locations of the mines Wang Zhong selected this time were ces where enemy artillery fire was unlikely to reach, and they were widely spaced apart, emphasizing a ¡°psychological warfare¡± approach.

    Using sappers toy the mines, with such spacing, it would take half a day toy just a dozen or so. It¡¯d be even more wasteful to use tools like mineying cords, as one cord wouldn¡¯t detonate many mines.

    Without using sappers, people would regrly be blown up into the sky.How annoying is that!

    In terms of vexing the enemy, Wang Zhong was quite confident.

    Just then, Yegorov entered, and Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Why have you returned from your forwardmand?¡±

    ¡°Came to check the overall situation. It¡¯s about to be night, and it¡¯s very likely the enemy won¡¯t reach us today. So, what¡¯s the situation now?¡± Yegorov said as he made straight for the water jug in the room, lifting it to his mouth to pour.

    Wang Zhong pointed to the map, ¡°Take a look for yourself. The general direction of the enemy¡¯s attack is as I predicted. The Army Group led by Duke Meishikin to our northeast is engaged in fierce battle with the enemy. I thought we¡¯d be up against at least a division of the enemy, but I¡¯ve been idle and anxious all day.¡±

    Pavlov briefly put down his pen, picked up the cold coffee on the table, and joined the conversation, ¡°It must be the counterattacks of the Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Army that have had an effect. They may not have eliminated many enemy forces, but they certainly disrupted the enemy¡¯s offensive sequence.

    ¡°Reorganization and such takes hours. By the time they start moving again, they won¡¯t get far before it turns dark.¡±

    At this point, Wang Zhong felt mixed emotions. Allies were being sacrificed needlessly; he should be grieving, but when he thought about the method by which the allies were dying the enemy¡ªforcing them to reorganize¡ªit seemed absurdlyical.

    Ante Army soldiers were brave, but who knows how many more would fall victim to these pig-headed generals.

    At that moment, Vasily, who was listening to a captured radio set in the corner, suddenly shouted, ¡°I¡¯ve picked up the Prussians¡¯ radio transmission!¡±

    Wang Zhong and the others immediately gathered around, even the staff officers involved in other tasks stopped to look toward Vasily.

    Vasily listened intently with both hands on his headset, ¡°There¡¯s no call sign, I might have missed it. The content being said is¡­ Our force¡¯s advance is unimpeded, unimpeded!¡±

    Upon hearing the words ¡°unimpeded,¡± Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but imagine various implications, but he restrained himself from making any sarcastic remarks.

    Vasily, ¡°There¡¯s a new location code! ¡®Berry Orchard¡¯, I¡¯m not sure where it refers to, but some unit has reached Berry Orchard.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Too bad, if we could have captured another one of the enemy¡¯s codebooks, we might know exactly where to fire our artillery.¡±

    Wang Zhong currently had 4 B4 heavy howitzers and 24 152mm heavy guns. If he knew where the enemy was camping for the night, he could give them a little surprise.

    Yegorov, ¡°Didn¡¯t you personally scout the viges to our north? Just firing blindly might get you a hit.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, we must use our firepower prudently to ensure every shot inflicts effective damage on the enemy.¡±

    At this moment, the sound of horse hooves and the voices of the division¡¯s guards could be heard outside.

    Soon, a captain was escorted in by the guards, ¡°The mounted reconnaissance team has returned from its mission!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    The captain reported, ¡°General, we discovered the enemy¡¯s advance recon team at Kirileyev vige, but since they had Mark II tanks, we took out one sentry and withdrew without engaging further.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately moved to the table with the detailed map of the nearby area and located Kirileyev vige.

    Yegorov, ¡°If the scouts have already been there, we are bound to engage the enemy tomorrow!¡±

    At that point, Vasily, who had been all ears, chimed in, ¡°Why wait until tomorrow? Deploy the T34s now, take them out, and snag a codebook today!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I¡¯ve inspected the roads to Kirileyev, and the T34s might break down mid-assault. Captain, how long would it take for your cavalry to return to Kirileyev?¡±

    The captain immediately answered, ¡°Half an hour, Excellency.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then in half an hour, we willmence artillery bombardment on Kirileyev vige, and after the shelling, see if you can pull something off. Try to find a briefcase belonging to the officer leading this armored recon unit, a map case would do as well!¡±

    The captain smiled, ¡°General, I¡¯ll strive to bring back both.¡±

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, ¡°Good! Go!¡±

    The captain saluted and left.

    Yegorov was surprised, ¡°You¡¯re not leading the mission yourself?¡±

    It seemed that in Yegorov¡¯s eyes, Wang Zhong had be someone who enjoyed charging into battle himself.

    However, that wasn¡¯t the case for Wang Zhong; he simply chose the method that maximized the use of his ¡®Golden Finger¡¯. He could destroy a multitude of enemy tanks by personallymanding a single tank.

    But as an infantryman or a cavalryman¡ªthat is, as himself¡ªthe results he could achieve would be quite limited.

    He had tried it in Ronied, not just by himself, but also with his fianc¨¦e Liu Da, and the wounds from that time had not yet fully healed.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I am simply choosing the most effective method. As an infantryman, or as a cavalryman, mybat effectiveness is very limited.

    ¡°Pavlov, order the artillery to¡­ ¡±

    He nced at his watch.

    ¡°At 2100 hours,mence firing at Kirileyev vige! One shot per gun should suffice.¡±

    ¡°`

    Four 203mm rounds and twenty-four 152mm rounds, I guess that little vige of Kireyev is going to be turned inside out.

    Pavlov immediately picked up the phone and began giving orders.

    Just then, Nelly came in pushing the food cart: ¡°Mealtime!¡±

    All the staff officers, orderlies, and clerks in the room turned their heads to look at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s eat!¡±

    The next moment, everyone in the headquarters rushed over like pigs to a trough, forming a long line in front of Nelly¡¯s food cart.

    Vasily: ¡°It smells like a Kalcho soup, have the cattle from the ranch been ughtered?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°To boost morale, the factory manager ughtered eight cows. He said it¡¯s better for us to eat them than to let the Prussians take them.¡±

    ¡°Oh, beef soup!¡±

    The staff officers all got excited.

    ¡°The sausage produced by the Church Meat Union is not bad either, but I definitely prefer beef!¡±

    Wang Zhong, smelling the aroma, felt his appetite surge. Just as he was about to jostle with his men for food, the telephone rang.

    He could only turn his head to answer the phone: ¡°Hello? This is Rocossov, what¡¯s up?¡±

    ¡°This is the artillery observation post on Hill 153. We see tanks approaching from the northern ins.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned.

    Pavlov immediately said, ¡°Take positions, there¡¯s a situation!¡±

    The young men who had just crowded around Nelly¡¯s cart swiftly returned to their stations.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Keep calm, have you identified which side the tanks are from? Ours have sloped armor, while the enemy¡¯s tanks are more boxy.¡±

    ¡°The light isn¡¯t good right now, and they¡¯re too far away to see clearly,¡± the artillery observation post replied.

    Wang Zhong held the receiver and exchanged opinions with others: ¡°153 says they¡¯ve spotted tanks to the north. But the cavalry scout team just reported that only the enemy¡¯s armored vanguard has reached Kireyev, right?¡±

    Popov: ¡°Could it be the remnants of the defeated 5th, 6th, or 11th Tank Armies?¡±

    ¡°Hmm¡­¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°Shall I try calling them on our armored forces¡¯ frequency?¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Wang Zhong just finished speaking when another phone rang.

    Pavlov picked it up: ¡°This is Pavlov. What? Hold your fire for now!¡±

    After speaking, Pavlov covered the receiver and looked towards Wang Zhong: ¡°The anti-tank gun positions also see these tanks and are asking whether to open fire.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°Fire a re. It might help us get a clearer view. Let the infantry do it to avoid exposing the anti-tank gun positions.¡±

    ¡°Agreed.¡±

    After Wang Zhong nodded, Pavlov immediately ordered the anti-tank gun positions: ¡°Hold steady, stay hidden. Wait for orders.¡±

    Then he rapidly pressed the receiver hook several times: ¡°Operator, connect me to the 3rd Infantry Battalion.¡±

    At that moment, Vasily called out: ¡°I¡¯ve got them!¡±

    Wang Zhong hurried over: ¡°What did they say?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Our divisionmander wants to speak to you.¡±

    After saying that, he handed over the headset and microphone to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong then imitated a pose from the movies, pressing the headset to one ear while holding the microphone with his other hand.

    ¡°This is Major General Rocossov from the 151st Division. Report your unit, we almost opened fire on you!¡±

    The other side was shocked: ¡°Rocossov? As in the White Horse General Rocossov?¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first thought was at least they didn¡¯t call him ¡®Diarrhea General Rocossov,¡¯ which was eptable.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, it¡¯s me. Which part are you from?¡±

    ¡°We are the 13th Armored Battalion of the 5th Tank Army. Our organization is rtively intact, and we have plenty of ammunition. We can still fight.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What tanks are you equipped with?¡±

    ¡°T26, we have 30 intact T26 tanks!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he really couldn¡¯t escape the fate of using all those junk vehicles from the early days of the war, but given the situation, he couldn¡¯tin too much: the light tank still had a 45mm gun and two machine guns, which could effectively kill enemy infantry if used correctly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Head south and you should see a high ground. We¡¯ll have the infantry fire a re to guide you and have the infantry lead you through minefields and anti-tank barriers. Wee to join us.¡±

    Pavlov immediately tranted what Wang Zhong just promised into orders for the infantry battalion and conveyed them over the phone.

    Just then, at 2100 hours, thunderous roaring came from the direction of the artillery positions.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, we¡¯re striking the enemy¡¯s forward units.¡±

    The other side was silent for a second before replying through gritted teeth: ¡°Good! Hit them hard!¡±

 Chapter 168: Interrogation of Prisoners of War

    Twenty minutester, thirty T26 tanks rolled into the city,ing to a stop in front of Wang Zhong¡¯s division headquarters.

    The main courtyard of Boye Mansion wasrge enough to amodate anything.

    Leading them was a toon leader¡¯s vehicle, equipped with a long radio antenna. As soon as the vehicle stopped, a burly tank operator major struggled to climb out of the small tank and made his way towards Wang Zhong with urgency.

    Wang Zhong thought the man¡¯s approach seemed to indicate a handshake, so he extended his hand.

    The major, without thinking too much, grabbed Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and shook it vigorously before realizing something was amiss and snapped to attention, saluting properly.

    After returning the salute, Wang Zhong said, ¡°You¡¯ve had a difficult journey. Where are the other units of the tank army?¡±

    The major¡¯s mood immediately darkened, ¡°They¡¯re gone. We thought we wouldn¡¯t have to worry about enemy air forces this time with fighter cover, but we didn¡¯t expect to encounter such fierce armored troops!

    ¡°We mainly faced enemy units equipped with 38-type tanks. In theory, we should have been able to go toe-to-toe since our main guns could easily pierce through that kind of tank. But the battle turned out to be aplete surprise!

    ¡°We usually achieve effective hits at 300 meters, but the enemy could hit us from 700 meters! That extra 400 meters distance could mean the difference between life and death!¡±Pavlov, standing to the side, tried to offer somefort, ¡°The enemy¡¯s scopes are more advanced than ours, and they¡¯re better trained. It¡¯s not your fault.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Where did you encounter the units equipped with 38-type tanks? What kind of identification marks were on their vehicles?¡±

    Recognizing the insignia could help determine which division it was, and Wang Zhong was intimately familiar with the war history of Earth. He could easily guess the enemy¡¯s strengthposition based on a division¡¯s number.

    The major asked, ¡°Do you have a map?¡±

    Wang Zhong gestured invitingly, ¡°Pleasee inside.¡±

    Then he and Pavlov led the major into themand headquarters.

    The remaining members of the Fifth Tank Army stayed outside with their tanks, staring at the division headquarters¡¯ guard battalion soldiers.

    That was when Nelly came out, ¡°You must be hungry by now,e and have some food.¡±

    As she spoke, Nelly began to mobilize the field cooking team¡¯s girls, who carried buckets of thick soup on shoulder poles.

    The savory aroma of the thick soup instantly drew the attention of the tank operators.

    ¡°This Kalcho thick soup is actually made with real beef!¡±

    ¡°Fantastic, I could eat three big bowls of this!¡±

    Soon, all the tank operators were served thick soup, with each one receiving a generous piece of meat in their bowl.

    A young tank operator, after a few sips, suddenly became overwhelmed with emotion and began to choke up.

    His tankmander immediately scolded him, ¡°What are you crying for! The brother units are watching! You¡¯re disgracing our Fifth Tank Army!¡±

    But themander¡¯s reprimand only made the young tank operator cry even harder.

    ¡°You idiot!¡±

    Popov suddenly appeared, grabbing the raised hand of themander, ¡°That¡¯s enough. He¡¯s been holding it together after such a terrible defeat. It¡¯s understandable that he¡¯d break down after rxing with some good soup.¡± ?

    ¡°But, Your Grace the Judge, his behavior could affect the morale of the troops¡­¡±

    Popov replied, ¡°Not at all. Everyone feels fear, everyone falters, everyone must stay strong. Letting it out in tears is good for him. He¡¯ll be braver afterwards.¡±

    The young tank operator nodded repeatedly.

    Popov encouraged, ¡°Go on, drink your soup before it gets cold!¡±

    The tank operator obediently bowed his head and resumed drinking his soup.

    Inside the headquarters, Wang Zhong was surprised, ¡°It looks like the enemy units we¡¯re facing on the farthest left nk¡ªor rather, the western nk¡ªare a motley division equipped with 38-type and a considerable number of Mark II tanks.¡±

    Both the Mark II and the 38-type tanks were outdated by this point in time.

    These outdated tanks could be dealt with using 45mm Anti-tank Rifles and PTRD-41 Anti-tank Rifles.

    Of course, they could be addressed by T26 tanks as well.

    However, taking on these tanks with T26s required clever tactics.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze shifted from the situation map on the wall to the topographical map on the table near Orachi as he pondered how to effectively use the T26 tanks to deal with the potential enemy assorted armored units, thereby reducing the losses to more powerful units like the T34.

    At that moment, Nelly came in with a bowl of thick soup for the major, ¡°Time to eat.¡±

    The major¡¯s stomach immediately let out a heartily mournful growl.

    Outside, the remnants of the 5th Tank Army were enjoying their hot thick soup and rye bread when a group of about a dozen warhorses trotted into the yard of the headquarters.

    The leading captain looked bewildered at the sight of so many T26 tanks.

    At this point, the tank operators of the T26 tanks noticed the person riding with the knights.

    ¡°He¡¯s got a Prosen with him!¡±

    ¡°Damn, kill that bastard!¡±

    ¡°Crap, he¡¯s in a ck uniform, it¡¯s definitely Prosen Armored Troops!¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°Kill him!¡±

    The cavalry captain, seeing the situation, hurriedly shouted, ¡°Don¡¯ty a hand on him! He¡¯s a prisoner we finally caught! The general wants to interrogate him! We lost two men just to capture him!¡±

    It was only then that everyone realized there were two riderless horses in the cavalry squad.

    The tank operators, who had been so impassioned just moments before, fell silent.

    The Prosen lieutenant looked terrified, watching the surrounding people with fearful eyes.

    One of the tank operators noticed this and shouted, ¡°Odd, aren¡¯t they supposed to be the superior race? Why are they so afraid of us?¡±

    ¡°Yeah! Just look at this scaredy-cat!¡±

    The captain dismounted, took the prisoner from the saddle, ced him on the ground to stand up, and then escorted him into the headquarters, nked on either side by his men.

    As they entered the door, they happened to run into a major from the fifth armying out of the headquarters.

    The major jumped in surprise, but quickly realized this was a prisoner, spat on the prisoner¡¯s face, and cursed, ¡°You dog!¡±

    The prisoner was thus escorted into the division headquarters.

    As soon as they entered the map room, the captain saluted General Rokossovsky, ¡°General Rokossovsky! We have captured the enemy armored reconnaissance team leader! We¡¯ve seized his briefcase and map case!¡±

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed and immediately came over to examine the prisoner.

    He noticed that the prisoner¡¯s insignia was different from that of the average Prosen soldier.

    The typical Prosen soldiers¡¯ insignia looked very simple, without any fancy frills, emphasizing practicality and functionality.

    However, the prisoner¡¯s insignia was well-crafted and quite borate, depicting Zeus holding a spear made of lightning, ring down from above.

    The spear made of lightning, Wang Zhong vaguely remembered, seemed to be called Gungnir.

    Wang Zhong frowned, recalling that on Earth there had been an infamous unit whose insignia featured twin lightning bolts, though he wasn¡¯t sure what the impact of removing one bolt would have on a unit¡¯sbat effectiveness.

    Wang Zhong called over Vasily, ¡°Come here, be an interpreter.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡±

    Vasily immediately put down his headset and ran over excitedly, ¡°Just ask away, I¡¯ll trante perfectly.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Which unit are you with?¡±

    Wang Zhong was a little worried the prisoner might just y the stoic, but to his surprise, the prisoner readily opened up, ¡°Captain of the armored reconnaissance battalion of the Asgard Knights¡¯ Anp Armored Division.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at him in surprise, ¡°Is it really okay for you to say that outright?¡±

    After Vasily tranted, the prisoner smirked disdainfully, ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t it be? Anyway, by tomorrow you¡¯ll be annihted by the Anp Division, not even the dregs will be left! We¡¯ll also be winning the war very soon, very soon!

    ¡°Next spring, we¡¯ll be freely selecting our own plots ofnd across the vast fields.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Next spring, huh? I thought you¡¯d say you were going to win the war before Christmas!¡±

    His own men were the first to be startled by his words, and they all looked at Wang Zhong.

    The judge responsible for overseeing the codebooks even gave Wang Zhong a sharp look.

    Vasily, sensing the sarcasm in Wang Zhong¡¯s words, almost couldn¡¯t hold back a smile as he tranted.

    Whatever he tranted, the prisoner¡¯s eyes bulged as he shouted a few iprehensible words.

    Vasily, ¡°He says even we wouldn¡¯t be so optimistic!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You are already quite optimistic, a little more wouldn¡¯t hurt. As for me, I believe the war willst at least four more years, and after four years, we will march into the ruins of your capital!¡±

    Vasily proudly tranted Wang Zhong¡¯s deration to the Prosen prisoner.

    The Prussianughed heartily, saying, ¡°You? With those outdated T26s in your yard? You probably don¡¯t know that even yourtest T34s can be easily destroyed by our 88-mm anti-aircraft guns!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I don¡¯t believe it!¡±

    The prisoner, ¡°Hmph! Our division was attacked today by more than two hundred of your sixth tank army¡¯s T34s, and not a single one got close enough to our anti-aircraft positions to spot them!

    ¡°Our technology has far surpassed your imagination!¡±

    No, it¡¯s just a high-velocity anti-aircraft gun, after all; its performance is indeed excellent, but in the end, it is just an anti-aircraft gun. Don¡¯t overy it.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Hmph, I don¡¯t believe you!¡±

    Right then, the prisoner grew agitated, ¡°Then just wait to be crushed under our tracks!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°So, when are you nning to roll over us?¡±

    ¡°Of course, tomorrow morning! Our division will take this city and obliterate your outdated T26 tanks and infantry in just a morning!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Tomorrow morning, huh¡­ Are you sure you aren¡¯t revealing any military secrets?¡±

    The prisoner sneered, ¡°What difference does it make? Even if you knew the exact time of the attack, you have no way to stop our offensive! You¡¯ve never been able to hold off our attacks!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Is that so? Well, you¡¯d better stay alive to see how we thrash that ¡ª what¡¯s it called? The Asgard Knights? The Asgard Knights¡¯ Anp Armored Division?¡±

    The prisoner, ¡°Hmph, ignorant primitive!¡±

 Chapter 169: Look, the Owl

    In the year 914 of Jules, August 3rd, 0100 hours, Prosen Army, Asgard Knights Armored Division headquarters.

    Major General William Dietrich scrutinized the disheveled sergeant from the armored reconnaissancepany and asked, ¡°What was the cause of the artillery fire just now?¡±

    The sergeant said, ¡°We had entered the vige of Kiryalev, nning to spend the night there. The toon leader discovered a sentry missing and was organizing a search when the shelling suddenly started. It was swift and fierce.

    ¡°Then, before we could react, we heard hoofbeats!¡±

    ¡°Hoofbeats?¡± Major General William Dietrich repeated, surprised.

    ¡°Yes, hoofbeats! Cavalry charged at us, firing with submachine guns and semi-automatic pistols, and throwing hand grenades and Molotov cocktails. We were caught off guard.

    ¡°The toon leader nned to rush to Tank No. 2 and retaliate with its machine gun, but the tank was done in by a Molotov cocktail. In the end, I just jumped on the motorcycle and rode it back here.¡±

    William Dietrich nodded, ¡°It¡¯s not your fault. You did well toe back; at least now we know what happened to the recon unit. Did you hear any identifying information about the enemy, like their unit number or anything?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t understand Ante,¡± the sergeant said. ¡°But I feel that the enemy¡¯s uniforms don¡¯t quite match those of the cavalry in the identification manual, missing the cloak.¡±¡°Alright, is there anything else to report? If not, you can go and have your meal.¡±

    The sergeant saluted William Dietrich and turned to leave the armoredmand vehicle.

    William Dietrich approached the map table and drew a circle around the vige of Kiryalev with a pencil.

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s artillery that could reach here¡­ Where could it be?¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°Where else could it be? Orachi, of course! Itmands a vital roadway, and there are woods nearby¡ªit should be the best defensive position across this whole area.

    ¡°Tomorrow we can push up to here and deploy.¡±

    As he spoke, the Chief of Staff picked up a pair of divider calipers used for drawing and sketched a line on the map with the pencil end.

    Major General Dietrich nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s set off early in the morning. The reconpany leads, with the main force¡¯s First Armored Company directly behind. Once in position, the armored recon will advance, while the First Company will deploy into a Strike Formation.¡±

    ¡°Sounds reasonable. The Ante people will hide in fortified positions near the cities, just like before,¡± the Chief of Staff replied. ¡°Furthermore, my division has the authority to directlymand the Air Force¡¯s 117th Recon Squadron. We can request a scout ne to conduct low-altitude reconnaissance along the road. The FW189 is reliable in this kind of bushy terrain.¡±

    ¡°Mhm, no problem,¡± Dietrich nodded.

    In the year 914 of Jules, August 3rd, 0410 hours.

    Wang Zhong rode Bucephalus to the first ambush site.

    Grigori, carrying a red g, followed him.

    Seeing the red g, many soldiers got excited and stepped out of cover.

    ¡°General! Will we strike the enemy hard today?¡±

    ¡°We will!¡± Wang Zhong said with certainty. ¡°Today, we will utterly destroy them!¡±

    Popov, who came with Wang Zhong, shouted, ¡°Get back to your positions! Stay concealed! Today it¡¯s about patience! If we are more patient than the enemy, we will win!¡±

    While talking, Wang Zhong reached his beloved Tank 422¡¯s hiding spot.

    Tank 422 was parked at the very bottom of the hiding spot, covered with a camouge; even the red g on the radio antenna was obscured by the hideout.

    In a while, just a simple reverse, and Tank 422¡¯s turret would be uncovered on the ground, incidentally revealing the red g.

    The enemy will certainly be taken by surprise.

    A battalion of the 31st Guards hid in a W-shaped trench in front of the ambush position; they were responsible for blocking the enemy¡¯s infantry, and for releasing smoke to cover the tanks and anti-tank guns when they had to withdraw from their positions.

    On the side of the tank ambush position, there was an anti-tank gun toonposed of four guns, whose mission was to strike the enemy¡¯s nk when their tanks attempted to charge in for closebat.

    Wang Zhong asked his gunner Alexandria, ¡°How are the tanks?¡±

    ¡°Excellent,¡± replied the driver Beliyakov, ¡°it has never been in better shape than it is now.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go check the condition of the other crews.¡±

    This time Wang Zhong not only dug tank shelters but also, following the Soviet Army tactical manual from the Cold War era on Earth, he assigned observation sectors to each vehicle¡ªthat is, the areas they were to monitor closely.

    This was incredibly important for the T34, whichcked situational awareness capability; if they only had to watch specific areas, they wouldn¡¯t move their heads around randomly trying to locate targets with their tank periscopes.

    Wang Zhong seriously suspected that the reason the Soviet Army during the Cold War did this was because they were terribly hampered by poor visibility during the big war.

    After checking the status of each vehicle by walking around the ambush position, Wang Zhong rode Bucephalus to the very front of the entire position.

    Themander of the first battalion of the 31st Regiment initiated contact, leaving his shelter to greet him: ¡°General! We are ready!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Rx, the first engagement will be a pleasant ambush. Ideally, we will be targeting the enemy while they¡¯re in march formation.¡±

    Themander, ¡°That would be great.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°Your task is to lead your troops to capture the enemy¡¯s equipment after the ambush is over and to ensure every tank is destroyed. Also, bury some of those modified hand grenades as booby-traps.¡±

    Themanderughed, ¡°Those corpse booby-traps? Just thinking about more Prussian ghosts getting killed by these things makes me especially happy.¡±

    Wang Zhong alsoughed, ¡°Hahaha, exactly! These damned invaders all need to be dealt with sooner orter.¡±

    Just then, Wang Zhong suddenly heard an engine sound from above; he hurriedly dismounted and pulled Bucephalus to hide under the trees alongside him.

    Grigori also ced the red g on the ground and covered it with fallen leaves.

    In an instant, all signs of life in the entire thicket disappeared.

    An FW189 flew by overhead.

    Lieutenant Fox, a pilot of the 117th Reconnaissance Squadron of the Prussian Air Force, flew his reconnaissance ne along the crude roads of the Ante People.

    The captain intelligence officer in the back seat kept observing the ground with binocrs, ¡°Good, there¡¯s nothing.¡±

    At that moment, the radio inquired, ¡°Owl Owl, do you see anything?¡±

    ¡°Wolf Wolf, all is normal, no trace of the enemy found.¡± The captain intelligence officer paused for a moment, ¡°Repeat, no trace of the enemy found, we are approaching Orachi and still see no signs of the enemy!¡±

    There was silence on the radio for about five seconds before the next message came through, ¡°Continue reconnaissance, Wolf out!¡±

    ¡°Wolf out!¡± Vasily finished tranting and turned to look at Pavlov, ¡°I think this ¡®Wolf¡¯ might be ground forces, and ¡®Owl¡¯ is probably the reconnaissance ne.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Your deduction is truly marvelous!¡±

    At that moment, the telephone rang, and Pavlov picked up the receiver, ¡°This is Pavlov speaking. Mm-hmm? Have God¡¯s Arrow Company been notified? Good, good, continue monitoring, Brother Peter. Over.¡±

    Pavlov hung up the phone and looked at Vasily, ¡°This owl seems to be an FW189 reconnaissance ne, and it¡¯s about to be taken down by God¡¯s Arrow Company. As for the wild wolf¡­¡±

    Pavlov walked to the table and looked at the map found on a Prosen reconnaissance battalion officer captured yesterday. Pointing at the symbol-drawn shield on the map, he said, ¡°I asked the erudite from the town, this rune is called Hook of the Wolf, and Wild Wolf must be the radio call sign of this division.¡±

    ¡°Now it all makes sense. We¡¯re not facing a ragtag armored division that wiped out the Fifth Tank Army, but rather the freshly deployed elite Asgard Knights. We should notify the divisionmander of this.¡±

    Wang Zhong held the handset, ¡°You¡¯re saying what we¡¯re up against is the Knight Corps?¡±

    ¡°Yes, best to be careful.¡±

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin and asked, ¡°The prisoner from yesterday, is he alright? Didn¡¯t show any supernatural signs, did he? Like sudden red eyes, or a thirst for blood, or turning into a werewolf under the moon?¡±

    ¡°No, why do you ask?¡±

    ¡°No reason.¡±

    Wang Zhong was actually somewhat concerned that the enemy might suddenlye up with some unscientific nonsense, since there was already the Divine Arrow and choral squads on his side, along with human radar.

    If there were vampires from another world¡¯s Sturmtiger, that would be normal, right?

    In case the enemy suddenly started singing ¡°The Devil¡¯s Long Socks¡± with red glowing eyes, then¡ªthen they would just have to rely on the clergyman Popov.

    But as it stands, the enemy is still human, at most, fanatically devout humans.

    Pavlov said, ¡°Nothing additional to report, the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance ne has been shot down by Divine Arrow. The one who took action is your fianc¨¦e.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°She¡¯s gotten quite adept at it.¡±

    Ludm, the nemesis of the Prosen reconnaissance nes. The FW189 reconnaissance ne goes by the nickname of ¡°Owl,¡± so Ludm might as well be known as the Owl Hunter, the terminator of Owls.

    Just as Wang Zhong hung up the phone, another call came in.

    The phones in these frontlinemunication bunkers are direct lines that don¡¯t go through an operator; they connect directly one-to-one.

    The phone that is now ringing connects to the advanced observation posts.

    That¡¯s why, when Wang Zhong heard the phone ring, he immediately ordered, ¡°Prepare for battle; the enemy ising!¡±

    After saying that, he answered the phone, and sure enough, a hushed voice on the other end said, ¡°The enemy has passed the observation post. The enemy has passed the observation post. Marching formation, no anomalies detected.¡±

    ¡°Understood, look for a chance to evacuate.¡±

    The job of the observation posts is to provide early warning; once that¡¯s done, they can slip away.

    As Wang Zhong set down the handset, the walls of the bunker began to tremble.

    The enemy was nearing.

    Wang Zhong rushed out of the bunker towards his beloved vehicle.

    Bucephalus wanted to follow but was bellowed at, ¡°You stay put, stay back!¡±

    The white horse shook its head and did not follow.

    Just as Wang Zhong climbed into his tank, the enemy appeared.

    The enemy¡¯s vanguard consisted of a three-wheeled motorcycle and two wheeled reconnaissance vehicles, followed by a long column of tanks.

    There were none of the Panzer I or Panzer II tanks used for padding; they were all Panzer III G models.

    The biggest difference of the G model from the early versions Wang Zhong had faced before was the increased weight; with the G model, the Panzer III had be a true medium tank of 20 tons.

    The most apparent benefit of the increased tonnage was enhanced protection.

    Furthermore, the G model had a specializedmander¡¯s cup, improving situational awareness even further.

    Seeing thatmander¡¯s cup, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but feel envious, given that his own tanks were practically deaf and blind.

    The lead tank of the enemy crossed a tree marked with white paint, indicating they hadpletely entered the ambush zone.

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°All tanks, move to firing position!¡±

    Themand delivered by radio, and then the toon leaders ryed the orders to the nearby runners verbally.

    Finally, the runners would run through themunication trenches to each bunker to pass the orders to the tank operators.

    Without radios, it was just moreplicated.

    The entire ambush site roared with the sound of engines.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s Tank 422 had already started backing up, so he appeared as if sprouting from the ground in the turret hatch.

    With a clearer view, Wang Zhong saw the enemy tankmanders also heard the engines and were looking over in confusion.

    It was then that the gunner, Alexandria, fired¡ªdespite the tank still not being steady.

    The armor-piercing shell hit the side of the enemy¡¯s lead tank, setting its engine ame.

    The burning Prosen tank operators scrambled out of the tanks, rolling on the ground.

    The northernmost tank at the ambush site also fired, hitting the rear tank of the enemy urately.

    Now, the entire battalion of 44 Panzer IIIs and 19 Panzer IVs were trapped on the road!

    Wang Zhong¡¯s 30 T34 tanks unleashed furious fire, armor-piercing shells shooting through the woods at the enemy.

    The machine guns of the 31st Regiment¡¯s 1st Battalion also sounded, mowing down the apanying enemy infantry like cutting grass.

    The enemy began releasing smoke and reversed towards the west side of the road, trying to break away.

    Thus, they exposed their nk to the 45mm anti-tank guns hidden on the nks of the ambush site.

    The four anti-tank guns fired madly.

    The enemy released even more smoke.

    But the smoke had no effect on Wang Zhong¡¯s dominating perspective, as he clearly saw the remaining 18 tanks of the enemy retreating backward,pletely demoralized.

    The first ambush utterly destroyed an enemy tank battalion!

    The enemy left behind no fewer than 45 tank wrecks!

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but burst intoughter, for this was indeed the famed tactic of another world¡¯s elite First Guards Tank Brigade¡ªso effective!

 Chapter 170: The Beginning of a Strange Tradition (Bonus for 12,000 Monthly Votes)

    Wang Zhong confirmed that the enemy was retreating, so he yelled into the radio, ¡°Cease fire! Cease fire! Conserve the ammunition!¡±

    As he was shouting, he picked up a branch that had been shaken off the turret top by the cannon fire and threw it at the signalman who was fully focused on the enemy.

    The signalman was startled by the hit and turned his puzzled gaze towards Wang Zhong.

    General Wang: ¡°Cease fire! Tell all the tank crews to stop firing!¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± The signalman finally sprinted off along themunication trench.

    It took a full two minutes before all 30 T34 tankspletely stopped firing.

    It was unclear what those guys were shooting at after the enemy smoke cover.

    Wang Zhong continued to instruct the signalman, ¡°Order the infantry battalion to advance! Look for the ranks of the prisoners, capture lieutenants and above, especially those with staff armbands, adjutant ribbons, carrying briefcases, carrying map cases.¡±

    Signalman: ¡°What about the prisoners who are below the rank of lieutenant?¡±The first response that came to Wang Zhong¡¯s mind was, ¡°The enemy fought bravely and did not surrender; we mustmemorate their fighting spirit and erect a monument for them.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The signalman turned and ran off.

    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± Wang Zhong called out to him.

    If they kept enemy officers alive, it could lead to unfavorable consequences in the future. And he remembered someone saying that if they didn¡¯t keep prisoners, during future counter-offensives, the enemy would fight to the death when encountering their own forces.

    After a second of silence, Wang Zhong changed his order, ¡°Ignore what I said earlier about the prisoners. For those below the rank of lieutenant, injure their arms to ensure they can¡¯t return tobat for three months. Then let them walk towards the enemy¡¯s direction.¡±

    The signalman nodded his head and walked away.

    Although he didn¡¯t condone executing prisoners, the current situation of the 151st Division definitely didn¡¯t allow for taking care of prisoners; so, it might be better to use them to feed the enemy misinformation.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Order all tanks to rev their engines, make them sound louder!¡±

    Consequently, the whole ambush position roared deafeningly, as if a whole tank army were advancing.

    Filippov led his toon towards the road filled with the remnants of tanks and vehicles.

    Yes, Filippov had been promoted to toonmander, but it wasn¡¯t an exceptional promotion since they were originally going to be warrant officer toonmanders after their military academy graduation; it was merely an early start.

    Apart from each squad leader, Filippov¡¯s toon consisted of green recruits. Seven or eight had fallen behind during the march, and he wondered if seeing the dead enemies for the first time they might act up.

    This made Filippov anxious.

    After cautiously approaching the road with his toon, Filippov ordered, ¡°Spread out, don¡¯t bunch up! Have you forgotten what I told you during training? Huddling together makes it easier to die; machine guns prefer firing at clusters!¡±

    ¡°Acting alone, on the other hand, the enemy machine gunners won¡¯t feel it¡¯s worth wasting bullets on you.¡±

    In fact, what Filippov said was more of an Ante Army philosophy, as the Ante Army had always been short on ammunition and needed to conserve it.

    Had it been some other military unit, even if there was only one enemy, the entire toon would have unleashed its firepower, with machine guns and rifles firing simultaneously.

    Watching as his subordinates scattered, Filippov led the way onto the main road.

    Wherever he looked, there were Prussian Army corpses, and some of the tanks stopped on the road were still smoking.

    A signalman on horseback came galloping down the road: ¡°The general has ordered us to capture officers above the rank of lieutenant as prisoners, and for those with insufficient rank, we are to injure their arms and let them run back. We are to leave the enemy¡¯s wounded to carry themselves back!¡±

    Filippov: ¡°You all heard that! Semyon, take your squad to check the tanks, don¡¯t look inside, just lift the hatch and throw a grenade in.¡±

    Sergeant Semyon immediately led his squad towards the tanks.

    Filippov continued shouting, ¡°First, remove the enemy¡¯s weapons. Their hand grenades are very well made and are more effective than ours! And their submachine guns are good stuff; look, I¡¯m using one and won¡¯t switch back, itplements the Tokarev perfectly.¡±

    While speaking, Filippov also deliberately adjusted the position of the MP submachine gun slung over his shoulder so it was ready to shoot instantly.

    Just then, another veteran who had experienced the battle at Loktov shouted to Filippov, ¡°Filippov, these guys¡¯ uniforms look a bit different! Aren¡¯t they the then Emperor¡¯s Imperial Guard?¡±

    ¡°Possibly.¡± Filippov said, pulling on his raincloak, a symbol of the Ante side¡¯s Imperial infantry.

    At that moment, Sergeant Semyon, who was checking tanks, shouted, ¡°Grenade out! Don¡¯t get scared!¡±

    As soon as the words fell, a muffled explosion followed, with smoke puffing out of tank number 235¡¯s hatch.

    Sergeant Semyon jumped off the tank and led his men to the next one.

    At this moment, Filippov saw his new recruit, Aleksei, standing in front of an enemy¡¯s corpse, looking as if he were contemting life.

    He went up to him and asked, ¡°Alyosha, what are you thinking about?¡±

    ¡°toonmander! It¡¯s nothing much, I¡¯m just wondering if war is really such a simple andfortable thing?¡±

    Filippov: ¡°We thought the same when we just repelled the enemy¡¯s first wave of attacks at Loktov. After the General¡¯s precise round of artillery fire, the enemypletely copsed. We thought we could advance into Ploseni by tomorrow.¡±

    Aleksei: ¡°What happened then?¡±

    ¡°Then, half of us did not get to see the next day¡¯s sun,¡± said Filippov. ¡°Or rather, we became the colors on the General¡¯s standard.¡±

    Aleksei¡¯s mouth opened wide, as if he were an oxygen-deprived goldfish.

    In the distance, Sergeant Semyon shouted, ¡°Grenade out, don¡¯t¡ª¡±

    Suddenly, a Prosen Tank Operator popped out of the tank, using a submachine gun to shoot down the new recruit about to throw a grenade into the hatch.

    The grenade dropped right at Sergeant Semyon¡¯s feet; he managed to curse ¡°Damn¡± before the explosion flipped him onto the ground, with his leg blown high into the air.

    The Prosen Tank Operator, standing in the turret, aimed his submachine gun at the closest squad from Semyon and fired, bringing down three new recruits instantly.

    Filippov¡¯s toon of rookies froze, while the veterans were already prone.

    Filippov himself, half-kneeling, aimed his submachine gun.

    It happened in a sh. Aleksei fired.

    Tokarev¡¯s first semi-automatic shot missed, striking the edge of the turret and sparking a shower of sparks.

    The enemy tank operator immediately swung the gun barrel around, but by then, Tokarev¡¯s second shot came, piercing his shoulder.

    Aleksei, shouting loudly, kept firing until he had emptied Tokarev¡¯s magazine.

    In reality, the subsequent shots all missed, hitting the trees behind the tank.

    The lifeless enemy slid into the tank under the force of gravity.

    Aleksei continued to shout, desperately pulling the trigger, regardless of the fact that there were no bullets left to fire.

    Filippov pulled out a grenade, primed and threw it in one smooth motion, the ¡°little flying stick¡± with its trail of smokended inside the tank¡¯s hatch.

    With a muffled st, the tank became still.

    Aleksei knelt to the ground, his entire body copsing to the side.

    Filippov thought he had been hit and quickly came over to check, ¡°Where are you hurt? Are you okay?¡±

    After a cursory check, Filippov found that the man hadn¡¯t been shot, he was perfectly fine. But there he was, lying on the ground like a deted eggnt.

    Filippov didn¡¯t bother with him further and ran towards Semyon¡¯s squad, ¡°Medic! Medic! Nurse!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here, I¡¯m here!¡± The nurse, dressed in military uniform, ran over, felt Sergeant Semyon¡¯s neck, shook her head, and moved on to the next one.

    After handing over the injured to the nurse, Filippov returned to Aleksei¡¯s side, only to find him clutching his stomach in pain.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, private?¡± Filippov asked.

    ¡°My stomach¡­ it¡¯s cramping, and I can¡¯t feel my legs. Am I going to die?¡±

    Filippov grabbed Aleksei¡¯s shoulders and hauled him up, ¡°No! You¡¯re still fine! You¡¯re just too tense! Stand up!¡±

    However, it was no use at all. The new recruit, Aleksei, just slumped onto Filippov like a mound of mud, his speech tinged with a crying tone, ¡°I¡¯m going to die¡­ I¡¯m going to die¡­¡±

    Filippov tried to console him for a bit, but to no avail, eventually shouting, ¡°Priest! Where¡¯s the priest?¡±

    The priests were professionals at dealing with this sort of thing, so it was a sure bet to find them.

    But Filippov called for a while with no response.

    At that moment, he suddenly had an idea.

    He threw the new recruit, Aleksei, aside¡ªhe immediately copsed to the ground, sprawling like a heap of goo.

    Filippov rushed onto the enemy¡¯s tank, climbed inside, and dragged out the tank operator who had just surprised everyone with a submachine gun, pulling him all the way to the new recruit, Aleksei.

    Then Filippov once again pulled up the recruit, forcing him to look at the tank operator, ¡°Take a good look, this is the enemy you brought down!¡±

    The new recruit, Aleksei, stopped his wailing and looked at the enemy, ¡°I brought him down?¡±

    Filippov said, ¡°Now, as your toon leader, Imand you to piss on his pants!¡±

    The new recruit Aleksei was stunned, ¡°What? Why?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you why!¡± Filippov said, all the while subtly reducing his support for the new recruit, Aleksei, ¡°Our divisionmander, Major General Rocossov, is very brave, isn¡¯t he? If you don¡¯t know how brave he is, you can ask the people of the tank units, ask those old guys from the original 23rd Tank Army, they¡¯ll tell you because the BT tank turret only fits two people, the general stood outside the tank when hemanded them, directing while mowing down Prussians with the roof machine gun amidst a hailstorm of bullets!¡±

    The new recruit Aleksei had a look of admiration, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about it! But what does that have to do with making me piss¡­¡±

    ¡°Do you know what kind of person he used to be? You should ask the old soldiers from the original Third Plowsonia Amur Group, they all know! Before the war, the general was a coward, and no one wanted to follow him to the front lines. Then the war broke out, a Prosen tank fired a shot, and the general pissed himself from fright!¡±

    The new recruit Aleksei was even more puzzled, ¡°I know¡­ but that doesn¡¯t change the fact that he¡¯s now a brave and fearless general, does it?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t you understand?¡± Filippov said, ¡°With that piss, the general washed away his past cowardice! That¡¯s called learning from shame to be courageous! Right now you¡¯re a coward too, but you¡¯ve killed an enemy! Just do as the general did, and you¡¯ll be set!¡±

    Filippov pointed at the enemy, ¡°Piss! On his pants! What are you hesitating for? You were just about to piss your own pants, weren¡¯t you?¡±

    The new recruit Aleksei eked out a word, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then what are you waiting for?¡±

    The new recruit Aleksei gritted his teeth, and wet the enemy¡¯s body.

    After he finished, Filippov stepped back, ¡°Does your stomach still hurt now?¡±

    ¡°Eh? This¡­¡±

    Filippov, ¡°Look at your legs, are they still weak?¡±

    ¡°Really! I¡­ I do feel braver!¡±

    The others exchanged nces.

    ¡°Wait a second, I remember now,¡± someone yelled, ¡°I killed that enemy! He¡¯s mine!¡±

    ¡°Give it a rest, it¡¯s clear he was killed by a machine gun. Could your Tokarev make such a big hole? I think it¡¯s mine to piss on, not yours, I killed him, so I should be the one to do it!¡±

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll do this one!¡±

    Just then, the unit¡¯s priest finally arrived and frowned at the scene before him, ¡°Wait a minute! What are you guys doing?¡±

    He spoke while holding his nose because it reeked.

    Filippov, ¡°We¡¯re conducting a ritual to embolden the new recruit!¡±

    The priest looked at the enemy¡¯s corpse, and understood.

    The priest said, ¡°You guys¡­ collect the weapons before pissing, who¡¯s going to use these dirty weapons now? Whoever pissed on them is responsible for collecting, cleaning, and using them! Understand? Now get moving!¡±

    That evening, the Imperial Guard 31st regiment 1st battalion 1stpany, along with the unit priest, wrote in their log: ¡°I originally thought that the rumors about the general¡¯s dark history would weaken our unit¡¯s cohesion, but now it seemspletely unfounded. In fact, these dark histories have, in a wondrous (crossed out) in a ridiculous manner, enhanced the general¡¯s prestige, which is worth studying in depth.¡±

 Chapter 171: Enemy Intelligence Obtained by the Prussian Army (Alliance Hierarch Added)

    ¡°`

    At this time, Wang Zhong was keeping an eye on the enemies that had been let go using an external device.

    As soon as thest enemy disappeared from sight, Wang Zhong immediately ordered, ¡°Exit the tank emcement and maneuver to ambush position two.¡±

    Tank 422 quickly backed out of the emcement, then pivoted in ce, heading south along the path pressed by the tank tracks.

    Wang Zhong shouted to the messenger, ¡°Go inform the infantry battalion to act ording to the original n!¡±

    The original n was to deploy mines on the battlefield after cleaning up and then have the entire battalion retreat to the cover trenches of ambush position two.

    Having seen first-hand how much T34s needed infantry cover, Wang Zhong would never allow the tanks to operate separately from the infantry.

    If the distance was great, the infantry could ride on the tanks and move with them, but the two ambush positions were not far apart. It would take the infantry only about twenty minutes to walk there at a normal pace.

    Tank 422 moved past the other tanks¡¯ emcements, and most of the tank operators brought in by Loktov followed suit. However, some of the newly added tank operators, immersed in the immense joy brought by their battle sess, failed to notice that the battalionmand tank¡ªthe Tank 422¡ªhad already withdrawn.Wang Zhong had already made arrangements for this: he had infantry beside each tank to lift the hatch and inform them.

    Soon, 30 T34 tanks exited their positions and drove towards the second ambush position on a crudely made road prepared earlier.

    After the tanks left, the anti-tank gunners also hurried their horses, dragging their cannons out of position.

    Grigori, holding a red g, led Bucephalus as they mixed into the artillery column.

    While the 151st Division was evacuating its position, 20 kilometers from the ambush site, Major General William Dietrich of the Prussian Army¡¯s Asgard Knights¡¯ armored mobilemand vehicle had a furrowed brow.

    ¡°Eighteen tanks returned?¡± Major General William approached the deputy battalionmander of the first armored battalion, raised his hand to p him, but then stopped, ¡°Since the battalionmander is either dead or missing, I won¡¯t punish you!¡±

    The staff officer said, ¡°This isn¡¯t the soldiers¡¯ fault. We clearly sent the Air Force reconnaissance nes for a low-altitude survey, and it was the reconnaissance nes that told us everything was normal! It¡¯s their responsibility!¡±

    Major General William red at the staff officer, ¡°ming the Air Force just like ming the enemy for being too cunning¡ªthere¡¯s no difference! This is all because we weren¡¯t careful enough; I should have sent out enough forward reconnaissance squads!

    ¡°Even if we¡¯re to me the Air Force, it¡¯s because I trusted them too much. We all know they can¡¯t be relied upon!¡±

    The others in the vehicle remained silent, waiting for Major General William to conclude his self-reflection.

    Just then a messenger ran in, ¡°Report! The wounded from the first armored battalion have returned!¡±

    William eximed in shock, ¡°Wounded?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the wounded say that the Ante people only captured officers ranked captain and above, and for the others, they just shot them in the arms and let them go.¡±

    William cursed, ¡°These Ante people are too cunning! This way, these wounded can¡¯t return to battle and will strain our medical system and use up our supply transport capacity!¡±

    But he quickly reconsidered and said, ¡°Bring the highest ranking among the wounded to me; I want to hear what he has to say!¡±

    The messenger immediately turned to leave.

    The staff officer stepped forward and said, ¡°The information brought back by these people could be deliberate misinformation spread by the enemy. We need to be cautious.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Major General William sighed, expressing his dissatisfaction.

    At that moment, the messenger returned with two wounded soldiers, one a lieutenant who had just been low-flying under the Ante¡¯s standard for capturing prisoners, and the other a sergeant major, wearing a badge of senior exemption¡ªindicating that he didn¡¯t have to participate in ordinary duties and was a backbone veteran of the troops.

    Major General William first asked the lieutenant, ¡°Do you understand Ante?¡±

    Lieutenant: ¡°No.¡±

    Major: ¡°I see. Then using your observational abilities, what information did you gather from the enemy?¡±

    ¡°The enemy has a veryrge number of tanks, all hidden in the woods. We were hit by nking fire from enemy tanks, but we could only see the mes and smoke from their firing, not the enemy tanks themselves.¡±

    Major: ¡°How can you be sure there are arge number of tanks if you couldn¡¯t see them?¡±

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s gunfire was very dense, and there was a continuous roar of massive engines. Our battalion was almost instantly destroyed, after at most three volleys of simultaneous fire. And I saw many shells flying off target¡ªthe Ante¡¯s gunnery skills are as poor as ever!

    ¡°So I believe there must have been at least 60 tanks hidden in the woods attacking us!¡±

    In fact, this was a misperception, as in reality, the shooting of Division 151 was quite urate¡ªat least rtively so¡ªaveraging only two armor-piercing shells to destroy a Prosen tank.

    But viewed from within the formation, due to perspective issues, it gave the illusion that many shells were missing their mark.

    The lieutenant, unaware of this, made his definitive judgment.

    Major General William wrote a sixty on the map with a pencil and put a question mark beside it.

    ¡°What else?¡± he asked.

    Lieutenant: ¡°The enemy¡¯s infantry had Imperial Guard cloaks and were very well equipped, all with semi-automatic Tokarev rifles and arge number of our confiscated MP submachine guns, with plenty of magazines too.¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°Experienced elite infantry,¡± Major General William wrote another line on the map, ¡°Continue.¡±

    The lieutenant shook his head, ¡°That¡¯s all. I wanted to dy and see their tanks appear. But the tank group has been hiding in the woods without any intention to show themselves.¡±

    At this moment, the senior sergeant major spoke up, ¡°The enemy is performing a Voodoo Ritual!¡±

    Everyone turned to look at the sergeant major.

    The staff officer took out an identification book and opened it in front of the sergeant major, ¡°Which kind of Voodoo Ritual?¡±

    The sergeant major quickly flipped through the book and still shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s not in here. This kind of ritual seems to require desecrating the bodies of the enemy! After the ritual, those who performed it let out howls like barbarians.¡±

    The chief of staff said, ¡°ording to imperial propaganda, the Ante People are barbarians.¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± the sergeant major was embarrassed, ¡°Let me think, right, howls like viking war cries!¡±

    In fact, it was not the case, it was just the sergeant major¡¯s subjective consciousness that distorted his memory.

    ¡°Viking war cries?¡± Major General William wrote down the words viking war cries on a paper and marked it with three question marks, ¡°I thought the Vikings were a branch of the Germans.¡±

    The chief of staff asked, ¡°Do we need to report this? During the Carolingian campaign, the mria called forth by witches was more troublesome than all the armies of the United Kingdom.¡±

    Major General William, ¡°No, let¡¯s report after the battle ends. Reporting now would look like making excuses for ourselves. Even if this is some sort of evil ritual, it generally takes a very long time to take effect. That¡¯s the limitation of these superstitious practices.¡±

    The sergeant major suddenly said, ¡°They are the Ante People! In the primitive jungles of the east, witches wield the power embodied in Beast Elements! Voodoo Magic can awaken the strange beings of the forests!¡±

    ¡°Stay calm, this is Kazarlia, most of this kingdom is grasnd,¡± said Major General William, ¡°Alright, if there¡¯s no other intelligence, I need to¡­¡±

    Suddenly, the lieutenant said, ¡°Wait, although I don¡¯t understand the Antenguage, I can understand their names because I speak Carolingian, and many of the Ante names are variations of Carolingian.¡±

    ¡°Oh?¡± Major General William showed renewed interest, ¡°What did you hear?¡±

    ¡°I heard theirmander seemed to be called Aleksei something Rokossov.¡±

    The chief of staff immediately ran to look through the directory of enemymanders issued by the Southern Army Groupmand, searching for names and corresponding unit numbers.

    He found it right away, ¡°That¡¯s the Ante general who performed well in the battles of Peniye and Loktov! The Southern Army Group¡¯s assessment of him is, ¡®A master of defensive warfare, likes to charge alone to boost morale, a rash general.''¡±

    Major General William furrowed his brows, ¡°How do those two descriptions go together? Aren¡¯t the masters of defensive fights usually the experts drawing maps in their own headquarters?¡±

    The chief of staff spread his hands in a gesture of not knowing.

    Major General William paced back and forth, and only after a few seconds of thought, he realized the two informants were still there, so he waved his hand, ¡°You go and get treated. One question, did everyone released get shot in the shoulder?¡±

    Both men nodded in unison, and the lieutenant added, ¡°And they deliberately missed the artery and vein, as if afraid we¡¯d bleed to death on the way back. This General Rokossov is quite merciful, like a gentleman. Could such a noble person truly be an inferior being?¡±

    The chief of staff eximed in rm, ¡°Lieutenant! Don¡¯t let the Imperial Security Bureau hear you say that! You¡¯ll get us all killed!¡±

    The lieutenant shut his mouth.

    The chief of staff said, ¡°Hurry along, just rest up in the hospital, and keep quiet.¡±

    After saluting, the two men left.

    The chief of staff turned to Major General William, ¡°What do we do now? The second battalion is temporarily in chaos due to the impact of the first battalion¡¯s retreat. Even if we want tomit the second battalion to attack, it will have to be an hourter.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± waved Major General William, ¡°We¡¯re not in a hurry to attack. Let¡¯s wait until the infantry, artillery, and engineers arrive. Also, call the Air Force, tell them to make up for their mistake, I want that forest plowed!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Wang Zhong had been waiting at the second ambush position until 1530, when he finally heard the sound of engines in the sky.

    He switched to an aerial view and indeed saw arge fleet of nes flying in this direction.

    No, they were flying towards the first ambush position.

    At that moment, in the trenches of the infantry ahead, a soldier yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, those nes are surely headed to bomb our previous position. Don¡¯t be afraid!¡±

    Soon enough, from his aerial view, Wang Zhong saw the area next to the previous ambush position getting bombed.

    My, the Prosen Air Force had bombed off target!

    With your level of performance, no wonder themander is called Mayer.

    After the round of bombing ended, Wang Zhong thought that maybe tomorrow they could return to the first ambush position and ambush the enemy once again.

    Then, in his earpiece, other tank operators inmand of the tanks asked, ¡°General, now that the bombing is over, the enemy should being, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Don¡¯t be impatient, the enemy¡¯s goal is to break through us and encircle Argesukov, they will definitelye.¡±

 Chapter 172: Old Tricks Repeated (Alliance Hierarch Bonus)

    However, by 1630, Wang Zhong and the others still hadn¡¯t seen the enemy¡¯s assault.

    He stood beside the shelter of his No. 422 vehicle, continuously phoning the observation posts in various locations, taking advantage of the calls to confirm enemy movements within the observation posts¡¯ range.

    Although it wasn¡¯t his own line of sight highlighting the enemies, on a in as vast as Orachi¡¯s surroundings, even without forced highlighting, a sweeping nce from an overhead perspective would reveal most of the enemies.

    As he waited, Wang Zhong grew hungry and started looking for something to eat, only to find that he had to share the Ante Empire¡¯s military rations with others.

    They were truly inedible.

    So inedible that Wang Zhong wanted to have everyone in charge of the Imperial Army¡¯s food supply executed by firing squad.

    But right now, their ambush positions were a little bit too far from Orachi, and it wasn¡¯t feasible to bring the field cooking team¡¯s girls to the front line.

    Especially to a front line where the enemy could attack at any moment.

    Wang Zhong ate the barely ptable military rations while pondering whether, besides grenades and submachine guns, he should pack a sausage in his personal belongings box in the future.The sausages made by the Church Meat Union were thicker than an adult male¡¯s arm, and the ingredients strictly contained 25% beef, 70% pork, and thest 5% eggs and dairy, highlighting a cost-effective,rge, and filling portion.

    As Wang Zhong began to fantasize about the taste of sausage, adding some vor to the wooden-like bread in his hand, artillery shells fell.

    Wang Zhong instinctively wanted to hit the ground, then realized that the shelling wasn¡¯t targeting his location.

    He and others turned their gaze toward the number one ambush position, observing the mes and smoke kicked up by the heavy artillery.

    After a quick switch to the overhead perspective, Wang Zhong noticed thatpared to the unreliable bombing of the Air Force, the Army¡¯s own artillery fire was much more urate.

    Aside from the fact that it had been an empty position, it could be called perfect.

    At this time, others on the position also looked in the direction of the first ambush site, everyone disying a triumphant demeanor.

    Everyone probably realized that the more ammunition the enemy wasted on an unmanned position, the less would fall on their own heads in the future.

    Major General William Dietrich was in hismand vehicle, issuing tasks to all tank officers from toon level and above, ¡°The enemy is heavily fortified in this stretch of woods. Our n is to spread out as much as possible during the artillery¡¯s fire suppression of the woods, engaging the enemy on open ground. The enemy¡¯s tank gun uracy is inferior to ours.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t gain an advantage during the exchange of fire, deploy smoke bombs and feign a weak retreat to lure the enemy within range of our 88mm guns and PAK38 anti-tank guns.

    ¡°ording to intelligence provided by the Front Army, this General Rokossov is very fond ofunching attacks to fight tank battles. He has indeed obtained very impressive results from several proactive attacks.

    ¡°We have to lure him out with eptable losses, as a tactic specifically against his personality!¡±

    As Dietrich spoke, he turned to the chief of the divisional guard tank toon, ¡°Additionally, we have another bait. I¡¯ll use mymand vehicle and the spare radio truck as bait to hook Rokossov.

    ¡°Of course, based on previous battle reports, Rokossov might choose to shell a fake headquarters. If that¡¯s the case, the guard tank toon must evacuate the shelled area quickly.¡±

    William Dietrich paused, contently scanning the ns already mapped out on the map before him, ¡°In short, the mission¡¯s focus is to lure Major General Rokossov into making a move.

    ¡°He is one of the most outstanding officers of the Ante Army at the moment, meaning, the most outstanding and yet to be killed or captured by us. Therefore, killing or capturing him is of great significance!¡±

    No sooner had William Dietrich finished speaking than a lieutenant toon leadermented, ¡°Another tactic of feigning defeat to draw the enemy deeper, huh!¡±

    ¡°Because the enemy may use T34 tanks, which are difficult for us to handle! Brother units share their experience that jamming the turret ring or breaking the tracks is possible; it¡¯s not that this advice isn¡¯t good, but the 88mm gun is more cost-effective.¡±

    Another toon leader asked, ¡°What if the enemy doesn¡¯te out?¡±

    ¡°Then we¡¯ll call in the Stukas. The enemy will reveal their positions by exchanging fire with us. After previousmunication, the Air Force promised that during our attack, a squadron of Stukas loaded with bombs will be ready to take off. Our Panzer IVs will shoot colored smoke bombs to mark the targets for the Stukas.¡±

    The Panzer III¡¯s 50mm gun doesn¡¯t have smoke shells, with only a singleunch smoke bombuncher on the tank.

    The short-barreled 75mm howitzer of the Panzer IV can fire smoke bombs hundreds to thousands of meters away.

    When the Panzer IV encounters sturdy buildings it can¡¯t destroy with high-explosive shells, it does just this: firing a smoke bomb to mark the target and waiting for the Stukas to arrive.

    Major General William Dietrich followed up, ¡°Alright, is everyone clear on theirbat mission? Once back with your units, make sure every person understands our mission, and then move out. The artillery preparation should conclude in about an hour and a half.¡±

    The toon leaders all stood up and filed out of the armoredmand vehicle.

    ¡°Wait a moment!¡± William Dietrich called to thest toon leader, ¡°You¡¯re thepanymander of the reserve team¡¯s 5th Company, 3rd Battalion, right? I need to switch with you; I must go to the front line to see for myself how this White Horse General arranges his troops!¡±

    The Chief of Staff expressed rm, ¡°Don¡¯t do this! The White Horse General likes to targetmand posts and other key objectives with artillery. If you go to the front line and enter the range of his artillery observers, it will surely draw fire!¡±

    William Dietrich looked at the Chief of Staff, ¡°Which is exactly why I need to disguise myself. The White Horse General won¡¯t waste precious artillery shells on a reserve tank toon, especially one that¡¯s expanded into a loose formation!¡±

    Indeed, tanks are vulnerable to howitzer fire; if a shellnds too close, an entire tank crew is done for.

    But as long as the distance between thending point of the shell and the tank is increased past a certain threshold, tanks can survive heavy shelling.

    Using heavy artillery to strike tanks deployed in a loose formation is, in fact, quite wasteful.

    Only if there are no better targets and one doesn¡¯t mind wasting shells would they do so.

    The Chief of Staff was persuaded, ¡°Well, then, I can only wish you a triumphant victory.¡±

    William Dietrich nodded and began to exchange outfits with the chosen tank toon leader.

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s side, the operation to deploy their formation against the enemy was crystal clear.

    First, he wasn¡¯t prepared for artillery fire, and second, the most important function of his add-on was to ensure visibility¡ªmost of the time it was its only function.

    So he just watched as the enemy¡¯s armored forces deployed their formation on the open ground.

    You wouldn¡¯t believe it, but with so many tanks spread out so widely, my own 30 tanks might not actually be able to take them all out.

    Especially if the enemy charged with infantry aboard for an armored meat grinder, that would be even more troublesome.

    Wang Zhong was somewhat uneasy, after all, he didn¡¯t have a way to know if the enemy¡¯s n was to engage in long-range firing and then draw us deeper in.

    He thought the enemy was about to surge forward and grind us to bits.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s ambush position, apart from the 30 T34s, only had four anti-tank guns and a small number of anti-tank mines on either side of the position.

    The enemy had deployed almost two hundred tanks; if they charged from all directions, Wang Zhong would surely regret not having ced all his infantry in front of the ambush position¡ªwell, actually they wouldn¡¯t have been able to deploy properly and would just be experience points for the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery.

    Wang Zhong smiled bitterly as he looked down at the enemy tank formation, thinking that if there was a KV1 in my troops right now, the situation would still be manageable.

    Unfortunately, there wasn¡¯t.

    He continued to scan the enemy¡¯s tank formation.

    When highlighting enemy units, Wang Zhong¡¯s add-on usually wouldn¡¯t provide names for each enemy.

    But there were exceptions, such as when divisionmanders entered Wang Zhong¡¯s line of sight, they would be highlighted.

    Sometimes there were names, sometimes not, the principle was unknown. But it was certain that divisionmanders would be specially marked, roughly equivalent to the red arrows in a monk¡¯s vlog.

    Now Wang Zhong had spotted a red arrow.

    On the outermost side of the enemy¡¯s tank formation, there were several widely spaced Panzer IVs, looking like the reserve force for the whole offensive.

    A red arrow was floating right above the tankmander¡¯s head as he peeked out.

    Huh? That¡¯s the enemy divisionmander¡­ has hee to the front for reconnaissance?

    And then, fearing that I might rush up and decapitate him, he¡¯s disguised himself as a regr tankmander?

    Oh my, I can¡¯t justify not sting him with one shot.

    Wang Zhong turned and picked up the telephone handset, nodded at the soldier responsible for the phone, and the soldier began cranking the handle of the portable generator like mad to charge the phone.

    After hearing the operator¡¯s voice, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Connect me to the artillery unit.¡±

    The call was connected promptly.

    Wang Zhong, gazing down from above, reported the coordinates of the Panzer IV the marked man was riding in, and then said, ¡°Three rounds of rapid fire, no need to adjust. Just fire over. Make sure the man is blown to death.¡±

    The artillery unit was confused for a moment, ¡°Blow who to death?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about it, just fire it over quickly!¡±

    ¡°We are resetting the firing elements. Fire will begin in about five minutes.¡±

    ¡°As fast as you can!¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhong continued to look down on the enemy, like an eagle eyeing the rabbits scurrying across the in.

    Actually, resetting the firing elements took only two minutes.

    Wang Zhong could already hear the whistling of the iing rounds!

    The target enemy sensed something was wrong and immediately retracted into the tank, closing the hatch.

    No sooner said than done, the first barrage hit!

    24 rounds of 152mm heavy artillery shells, though theck of adjusted fire made the circr error probability a bitrge, with sufficient firepower density, high inuracy could be ovee!

    Wang Zhong was pleased to see the smoke arising from the ground engulfing that Panzer IV.

    That was just the first round, and as the second roundnded, the smoke from the previous explosion hadn¡¯t cleared yet, making the whole scene from above look like a wall being repainted over and over again by two masters.

    It was then that Wang Zhong realized, his 203mm heavy artillery wasn¡¯t under the control of the artillery unit but was an independent unit, and he hadn¡¯t called in firepower from the 203!

    Forget it, he thought, let¡¯s see if this can kill him, save some ammunition if we can.

    The third wave hit, and Wang Zhong figured that Panzer IV must nearly be in pieces by now.

    The smoke gradually dissipated, and Wang Zhong saw the charred and twisted wreckage of the Panzer IV.

    The other tanks¡¯ operators rushed out, heading for the tank that had been singled out for special attention.

    Soon, a barely alive body was rescued from the tank by the crowd.

    Wang Zhong was amazed; the guy still wasn¡¯t blown to death, now what kind of justice is this?

    He picked up the handset, intending to call in the 203mm heavy artillery and a second round of 152mm artillery fire, but then he saw a three-wheeled motorbike enter his field of vision, picking up the divisionmander and speeding out of Wang Zhong¡¯s sight.

    Well, forcing the enemy to changemanders in the middle of battle is also a good thing, let¡¯s see what the neer has got in terms of offensive capability.

    Whether they were transferringmand or not, the enemy¡¯s deployed armored line just sat there on the in, motionless.

 Chapter 173: Suspicion (Holy shit, its the fifth watch)

    The Prussian Army¡¯s Asgard Knights¡¯ Ampu Armored Division headquarters, Chief of Staff Kluge von Hessendaier grasped Division Commander William Dietrich¡¯s hand, ¡°Leave it to me.¡±

    The lieutenant who brought back Major General William said, ¡°I think the Major General is currently in a deepa and probably can¡¯t hear what you¡¯re saying.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Kluge von Hessendaier nced at the lieutenant.

    The Asgard Knights, as confidants of the Emperor, tended to prefer officers not from Junker nobility. The establishment of the Knights was one of the means by which His Majesty sought to reduce the influence of the officer corps.

    However, the position of staff officer is not quite the same as that of a militarymander. First, staff officers don¡¯t umte military exploits easily; even if thebat n is wholly devised by the staff officer, and even if the n¡¯s execution is personally directed by the staff officer, any victory would still be credited to the militarymander.

    Second, staff officers value the ability to do paperwork on maps over qualities such as battlefield intuition. The development of a staff officer¡¯s abilities also relies heavily on umtion over many years.

    Thus, the Emperor could not quickly promote staff officers without an officer corps background through military exploits, and in the Prussian Army, the staff officers mainly came from the Junker officer corps.

    Kluge von Hessendaier was a member of the Junker nobility, but he had good rtions with non-Junker officers who had rapidly risen since the Emperor began his conquest. This was why he had been ced in the Asgard Knights, the equivalent of the Prosens¡¯ elite forces, to assist the star war general.

    Now that the star war general had left the stage, Kluge had to shoulder the responsibility.He turned his head to inquire of the lieutenant who had just spoken, ¡°Why would the enemy specifically shell a tank toon situated in a reserve position?¡±

    The lieutenant shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t know, Chief of Staff, Your Excellency.¡±

    Kluge asked further, ¡°Did the Major General do anything that could have revealed his identity?¡±

    ¡°There shouldn¡¯t have been any such actions.¡±

    At this moment, the vicemander of the First Armored Battalion said, ¡°An entire artillery battalionunching three rounds of concentrated fire, allnding around the Division Commander¡¯s vehicle¡­ They were clearly targeting the Division Commander.¡±

    ¡°I know,¡± Kluge interrupted the vicemander, ¡°but the question is, how did the enemy identify the Division Commander? That White General previously also had the feat of killing Major General Randolph of the 15th Armored Division. It¡¯s hard not to be suspicious.¡±

    Kluge paused, ¡°Major General Randolph was killed in the general¡¯s uniform of the defense forces, and he was with hismand vehicle when it happened. That¡¯s understandable, considering how conspicuous the defense force¡¯s general uniform is, especially with that red cor insignia.¡±

    The Prussian traditional military uniform featured a red cor insignia for generals, which could be discerned from a great distance in field conditions. There had already been precedents in the previous Carolingian campaign where sharpshooters from the United Kingdom had taken aim at generals.

    For this reason, the uniform of the Asgard Knights removed the red cor insignia for generals.

    And before Major General William went to the front line, he even swapped clothes with the tank toon leader.

    Kluge paced back and forth, and at this moment someone on the staff said, ¡°Could it be the effect of that Voodoo Ritual?¡±

    Kluge sneered, ¡°How could that be possible. Merely wounding the Division Commander won¡¯t paralyze ourmand. If the enemy wanted to deal with us, the Voodoo Ritual should have targeted our entire headquarters. No, it shouldn¡¯t be that.¡±

    ¡°But,¡± the staff officer continued, ¡°saying it¡¯s the Voodoo Ritual makes it easier to exin to the higher-ups.¡±

    Kluge clicked his tongue, ¡°That¡¯s indeed the case.¡±

    Staff officers after all are nonbatant military officers, more adept at office struggles within the military rather than battlefieldmand.

    Kluge said, ¡°Then we should find those wounded soldiers who escaped and ask them in detail how the enemy¡¯s Voodoo Ritual was conducted and write a detailed report to submit to the Armored Cluster Command.¡±

    Just then amunications officer ran out from inside, ¡°Chief of Staff¡ªActing Division Commander, the Second and Third Armored Battalions are both asking what to do.¡±

    The Chief of Staff waved his hand grandly, ¡°Haven¡¯t they been given the battle n? The Division Commander has been seriously wounded and gone back for treatment. We must execute his n to the end! Attack.¡± R

    Wang Zhong was in a standoff with the enemy¡¯s tank formation.

    To be able to open fire and stop the enemy at the first chance, 30 T-34 tanks had backed up from their concealed positions to the firing tform, and simr to the first ambush, Wang Zhong had designated focus areas for each tank.

    An armored battle was on the verge of breaking out.

    But the enemy simply wouldn¡¯t move, idling in ce burning fuel.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t dare to move either as long as the enemy stayed put; he even stayed with the rookie holding the telephone the entire time.

    Wang Zhong had counted already, the enemy had a total of 181 tanks. Although there were only 131 of models three and four, with the rest being the filler models two and 38T, models two and 38T could still break the T-34¡¯s tracks and jam the turret rings when they got close enough.

    Besides, the performance of models two and 38T was more than enough to ughter infantry.

    No, the 20mm machine cannon on model two might be even more efficient at killing infantry than the 50mm ¡®candy dispenser¡¯ on model three.

    As Wang Zhong pondered these misceneous thoughts, the enemy made its move.

    The exhaust pipes of the Prussian tanks arrayed across the in simultaneously belched ck smoke, and the roar of their engines markedly increased.

    Wang Zhong immediately ran towards his tank, climbed into the turret, and then said to the soldier crouching beside the cover holding the telephone, ¡°Get up here! Stand on the tank engine cover, I need to make calls to coordinate with the artillery battalion at any moment!¡±

    ¡°Oh!¡± The rookie promptly climbed onto the tank, appearing somewhat excited; he might have been looking forward to riding in a tank for a while.

    The voice of the armored battalionmander came through the headset, ¡°General! Shall we fire?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Are you stupid? Fire when the target is in sight, dammit!¡±

    After several days of testing, Wang Zhong was already resigned to the poor uracy of this batch of T-34s.

    Hence, he intended to let the enemy get within 700 meters before opening fire. Although this distance might not be enough to stop so many Prussian tanks from closing in for meleebat, it was still better than wasting ammunition firing beyond their effective range.

    Wang Zhong had emphasized the concealment of their positions before the battle precisely for this reason.

    The Prussians were known for their excellent gunnery, along with superior sighting equipment and Zeiss high-magnification lenses. They often achieved hits at 1000 meters or even 1500 meters.

    Letting the enemy get close before firing was the best strategy against Prussian armored troops.

    Wang Zhong waited for the moment when the enemy tanks would cross the 700-meter mark.

    However, the enemy stopped! They stopped 1,200 meters away!

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know what the enemy was up to.

    The next moment, the enemy opened fire, targeting the decoy tanks and anti-tank guns Wang Zhong had prepared.

    The wooden models were about to fulfill their purpose.

    The gunner, Alexander, from tank #422 asked, ¡°Should we fire now? I¡¯m confident I can hit them at this distance!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t rush, once we open fire, other crews¡ªespecially the new ones¡ªwill definitely fire indiscriminately. I can¡¯t expect them to have your level of skill. You were an instructor for the Armored Troops, and the man who actually took down Division Commander Randolph!¡±

    Alexander fell silent, probably dazed by Wang Zhong¡¯s ttery.

    After unleashing a barrage of fire at a distance of 1,200 meters, the enemy finally began to advance.

    After all, Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t given the order to open fire yet, and the camouge on his own positions was too good. Even if the enemy wanted to engage in a fire fight from 1,200 meters away, they had no targets to shoot at.

    Wang Zhong waited for the enemy¡¯s attacking front to cross the mark.

    Finally, enemy tank #313 closely passed by the target!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Fire!¡±

    He didn¡¯t specify which target to fire at, but Alexander just happened to choose tank #313.

    The precise attack punched a hole right through the front upper armor of tank #313. The tank immediately caught fire, and the enemy¡¯s Armored Troops hurriedly abandoned it.

    The results of the first salvo came quickly. Wang Zhong counted¡ªout of 30 T34s that fired, six enemy tanks were hit.

    In the morning ambush, with a firing distance of less than five hundred meters, we could only manage to take out one enemy with two Armor-Piercing Shells. Can we ept this result now at a distance of 700 meters?

    A second volley was fired, and another five enemy tanks were abandoned.

    By then, the enemy had figured out roughly where the shells wereing from, and fierce direct fire started to hit the second ambush position.

    However, the enemy was not urate, probably because the protective positions dug by Wang Zhong¡¯s engineers andborers were too scientifically done. The enemy couldn¡¯t see exactly where the targets were; they could only guess based on the direction from which the shells came and fired wildly, hoping to hit some high-value units.

    Both sides sketched outlines of each other for several rounds.

    The enemy had lost over twenty tanks temporarily tobat incapacity, while Wang Zhong¡¯s side didn¡¯t lose a single tank.

    It seemed the enemy was on the way to a ¡°slow death¡±!

    In the headquarters of the Ampu Armored Division, Kluge pressed one hand on the field telephone, activating the ¡°speaker¡± function, so the entiremand vehicle could hear the soldiers from the Second Armored Battalion¡¯s various screams of terror.

    ¡°Where the hell is the enemy?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve poured seven or eight rounds of ammunition in the direction of the iing shells, why are they still attacking?¡±

    ¡°The smoke from the enemy tank¡¯s firing is blocking my vision! I can¡¯t see anything at all!¡±

    ¡°I saw a tank turret, they are fighting us with tanks buried in the ground!¡±

    More and more nonsensical reports emerged.

    But what struck Kluge the most was that cry of ¡°Mommy¡±.

    Finally, Kluge couldn¡¯t take it anymore and picked up the handset, ¡°All units, execute n B!¡±

    n B was to use Smoke Bombs to attack the enemy positions and then call in the Stukas to drop 500-kilogram bombs on the smoke-covered spots.

    Kluge¡¯s order was executed faithfully!

    When the enemy fired smoke at the second ambush position, Wang Zhong initially thought they were going to retreat.

    But when he saw the color of the smoke, he immediately realized what was happening.

    ¡°Enemy bombing is iing, release smoke, and get the infantry to release smoke to cover our withdrawal. The infantry won¡¯t be able to run in time, everyone hide in the anti-bomb shelters!¡±

    The next moment, smoke rose before the infantry trenches at the ambush site.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Hurry up! Reverse, move out!¡±

    The infantry could actually find sufficient cover¡ªif dive bombers wereing, only an incendiary bomb would be effective.

    But tanks were another story; Wang Zhong still remembered the lessons learned from Peniye¡ªif it hadn¡¯t been for the Stuka dive bomber damaging tank #67, that crew would still be fighting alongside him!

    Wang Zhong¡¯s tank #422 backed out of the protective spot and onto the makeshift evacuation route.

    All tanks with radios also got moving, but those without radios continued to fire from their positions.

    Wang Zhong shouted at the Army personnel standing by, ¡°What are you waiting for? Go knock on the tank hatches and tell them we¡¯re leaving!¡±

    At that moment, the sound of engines came from the sky.

    The Stukas had arrived.

 Chapter 174: Let the East West South North Wind Blow as It Will

    Wang Zhong had no time to worry about the other tanks, thinking that as long as the tanks were inside the dugouts, they wouldn¡¯t be greatly damaged unless a 500-kilogram bomb happened tond directly inside.

    Now, the smokepletely enveloped the position, and even 500-kilogram bombs could be precisely dropped into the dugouts, a real-life version of ¡°Final Destination¡±. There was no saving them; it was time to ept fate.

    Wang Zhong urged the driver, ¡°Beliyakov, hurry! Once we¡¯re out of the bombing zone, we¡¯ll be safe.¡±

    The Stukas in the sky targeted the dyed smoke released by the enemy tanks.

    Tank 422¡¯s engine roared to life, charging out of the smoke and into the bushes on the other side of the main road¡ªthis was originally a fake position made of dummy tanks and anti-tank guns.

    The T-34s with radios and several alert T-34s followed Tank 422, all hiding in the faux position.

    Then came the sharp, deadly howling from the sky.

    The explosion came very quickly; the noise from the 500-kilogram bombs was terrifying. Wang Zhong instinctively shrank further inside the tank, letting the open hatch shield most of his body.

    The columns of smoke from the explosion looked like gigantic cabbages, turning the ambush position into a giant¡¯s vegetable garden.The sound of gunfire from the ambush position nearly vanished, though this could be because the smoke released by the infantry obscured the tanks¡¯ vision.

    Even though Wang Zhong knew the remaining tanks were without radios, he still asked over the radio, ¡°Is everyone okay?¡±

    ¡°toon leader¡ªtoon leader¡¯s tank is fine. By the way, other tanks from our toon have also followed, our toon is fine.¡±

    ¡°toon two¡¯s leader¡¯s tank is fine.¡±

    ¡°toon three¡¯s leader¡­¡±

    As the radio checks continued, a T-34 came from the ambush position, with its tankmander poking his head out from the turret, looking utterly shaken, shouting from afar, ¡°Is this what Stukas are like? They¡¯re terrifying.¡±

    Then one after another, tanks emerged from the ambush position, bringing with them dire news: ¡°Tank 448 was flipped by a bomb. When I passed by, I didn¡¯t see any surviving tank operators.¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could respond, someone reported over the headset, ¡°Commander! Enemy tanks are attacking!¡±

    Themander of the Second Armored Battalion, Stauffenberg, watched the effects of the bombardment.

    He asked his deputy via radio, ¡°What do you think of the enemy¡¯s condition now? I believe we canunch an attack. We can prate the enemy¡¯s rear nks, especially since the smoke they released to disrupt the Stukas can cover us.¡± ?

    The deputy replied, ¡°I see no problem. Should we consult with the Third Armored Battalion? Have them move right and upy the cover positions.¡±

    ¡°Then let the Armored Grenadiers rush forward to engage the enemy infantry. I think this n is workable.¡±

    With that, Stauffenberg adjusted his radio tomunicate with his superiors, ¡°Wildcat calling Wolf, Wildcat calling Wolf.¡±

    ¡°Themander of the Second Armored Battalion believes an attack can beunched based on the situation on the ground,¡± the radio operator reported back to the acting divisionmander Kluge.

    ¡°Approved. Let him try, and if they hit a hard spot, they can pull back. Have the Third Armored Battalion and the Armored Grenadier Battalion coordinate with him,¡±

    Kluge, as a staff officer, was well aware of his capabilities. Since the frontline officers judged that it was worth a try, then they should go ahead and try.

    However, he also needed to assert his own role, adding, ¡°If the attack is hindered, remember to feign retreat and lure the enemy into the firing range of the 88 guns.¡±

    Although Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t the first to discover the enemy¡¯s assault, his external aid allowed him to be the first to grasp the overall situation.

    The enemy divided into two tank clusters, the first appeared to directly break through to the nks of the ambush site to upy the side positions.

    The second cluster took arger detour, seemingly preparing to upy remote firing positions to cover the first cluster.

    Moreover, the enemy¡¯s Armored Grenadiers had broken away from the tank units and begun to advance, evidently nning a rush attack through the smoke-obscured visibility of the ambush position to engage in closebat with the 31st Regiment 1st Battalion in the trenches.

    Having grasped the situation, Wang Zhong immediately said to the orderly who had followed the tanks out, ¡°Go inform the 1st Battalion to evacuate the position! The enemy ising up for closebat, tell them to head to the reserve position.¡±

    In the past ten days, the 151st Temporary Infantry Division and the Orachi Labor Camp had dug a multitude of preset positions and repeatedly practiced moving between them.

    Wang Zhong certainly wouldn¡¯t let his troops, primarilyposed of new recruits, get minced with the enemy.

    As for the enemy tanks making the detour, although the position Wang Zhong and his men upiedcked tank dugouts, there were many trees and various obstacles left from constructing the faux position, making a gunfight in this location still advantageous for them.

    What¡¯s more, the T-34s already had the upper hand in armor-piercingbat, so as long as they protected their tracks from being disabled, it would be difficult for the enemy to get an upper hand¡ªwith so many obstacles, it was also hard for the enemy to precisely hit the T-34s¡¯ ¡°neck¡±.

    It was a bit like War Thunder, where you¡¯d use camouge foliage to cover the tank¡¯s weak points, making it hard for the opponent to aim properly.

    At this moment, another three T-34s left the ambush position to join Wang Zhong and his group.

    With this, the number of tanks that had run out reached 21; out of the remaining nine, it was confirmed that Tank 448 was done for, the conditions of the others were unknown.

    ¡°Quick, get into formation! Find your own toonmand tank!¡± Wang Zhong shouted while gesturing to the three newly arrived tanks.

    The leading vehicle¡¯smander nodded¡ªit was unclear whether he really understood or was just nodding to cate him¡ªbut he directed his tank to turn in front of Tank 422 and followed the formation of the current tank group.

    The other two tanks followed suit, passing in front of Tank 422, theirmanders saluting Wang Zhong as they went by.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Stop saluting me! Get into formation, the enemy is here!¡±

    This was unbearable; in the future, securing captured radios would have to be the top priority.

    At this time, from a bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong saw the infantry retreating along themunication trench to the preset positions, while the enemy¡¯s infantry was about two hundred meters away from the ambush position¡¯s trenches.

    Good, the effects of the repeated practice in changing formations were showing.

    Since the enemy was about to enter the position¡ª

    Wang Zhong adjusted the radio frequency, tuning it to the frequencymonly used by the Prussians.

    The Prussians would be monitoring this frequency¡ªnot so much monitoring, as expecting tomunicate on it, of course they would pay close attention.

    And there was another person constantly listening to this frequency, that was Vasily, guarding a captured field telephone.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The long, drawn-out sobs of the violin in autumn, repeat, the long, drawn-out sobs of the violin in autumn.¡±

    Vasily put down his headphones: ¡°A code hase through! Artillery, target the second ambush position!¡±

    ¡°The second one?¡± Pavlov confirmed.

    ¡°Yes! I¡¯m certain it¡¯s the code for the second ambush position,¡± Vasily insisted.

    Pavlov picked up the phone: ¡°Connect to the artillery battalion! Make it quick!¡±

    Prussian Army, Knightly Order of Ampr Armored Division HQ.

    Klose acting as divisionmander, heard the sudden voice over the radio and shouted, ¡°Who knows the Antenguage?¡±

    ¡°I do! That¡¯s the first line from Weilun¡¯s poem, ¡®Autumn Song,''¡± said a staff officer.

    Division Commander Kluge: ¡°Why recite a poem all of a sudden? Is this some kind of code? Is something going to happen?¡±

    A concerned staff officer asked, ¡°Could it be that they¡¯re going to shell us?¡±

    Clearly, the precision strikes other divisionmanders had experienced were causing them severe psychological pressure.

    Kluge waved his hand: ¡°Don¡¯t scare yourselves. If they were going to bomb us, they would have done so already, why wait until now? No, this must be some other kind of code. My Ante Army doesn¡¯t have enough radios, so we have to rely on telephonemunication. The one issuing orders must have left a node with a telephone for some reason.

    ¡°He¡¯s got a radio beside him¡­ He must be in a tank.¡±

    Suddenly, Kluge came to the table, picked up the white general¡¯s service record, flipped through it quickly, and shouted, ¡°Tanks! This white general likes tomand the troops from inside his tank, and his tank likes to hang the military g on the antenna! Tell the second battalion, the enemy¡¯s white general is in a tank, and there¡¯s a military g on the tank antenna!¡±

    Wang Zhong was paying attention to the enemy infantry when suddenly Vasily¡¯s voice came through the headphones: ¡°General! The enemy knows you are in a tank, and they know your tank has a military g! Quick, take down the g!¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the red g on the antenna, shook his head, and said, ¡°Let theme. And you, kid, stop shouting in innguage!¡±

    Actually, to keep radiomunication secret now, one could only use codes or call signs.

    Basically, both sides could hear each other¡¯s radio broadcasts, and those advanced things like frequency hopping and encryptedmunication didn¡¯t exist yet.

    That¡¯s why the Yanks came up with the idea of using Native American code talkers.

    Wang Zhong had just scolded Vasily when he saw the enemy infantry enter the second ambush position.

    At that moment, symbols for armored troops suddenly appeared at the ambush position!

    A T-34 that had been stunned by arge bomb ¡°woke up¡±!

    It was seen reversing and firing at the same time, retreating to a makeshift road.

    Then more tanks ¡°woke up¡±¡ªno, it was three tanks waking up, forming an armored toon with the one that had awakened first!

    But Wang Zhong quickly noticed that one of the tanks had its track blown off and couldn¡¯t move.

    He watched the tank operator jump out of the tank and shoot at the elite armored grenadiers with his weapon.

    However, the enemy¡¯s machine guns soon started firing.

    It was traditional for the German soldiers; infantry used the 98K rifle with a bolt action, relying entirely on machine guns to provide continuous suppressive fire.

    The light machine guns¡¯ torrential firepower quickly brought down the tank operators.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s heart twisted in pain.

    Luckily, by then, the remaining three tanks had sessfully retreated past the hedge line into an open field, forcing enemy infantry who tried to get close back toward the hedges with their firepower.

    Now was the time!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The monotonous mncholy that stabs my heart. Repeat, the monotonous mncholy that stabs at my heart!¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡± Vasily responded.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Damn it, don¡¯t respond!¡±

    Even though Vasily was a bit of a blockhead, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t worried about him screwing up.

    A few secondster, the whoosh of artillery shells tearing through the sky could be heard.

    The first volley of 152mm heavy artillerynded.

    The hedge position, just plowed over by the Stuka¡¯s 500kg bombs, was once again covered in steel and fire.

    The birch trees that made up the hedge shook wildly but stood resilient like bamboo, ¡°withstanding a thousand blows.¡±

    Unyielding to winds from any direction!

 Chapter 175: Damn it, The White Horse (Alliance Hierarch added)

    The barrage from the 152mm heavy artillery continued, and Wang Zhong also saw fireballs created by even more powerful 203mm heavy artillery.

    Wang Zhong could see the enemy infantry rapidly diminishing, as highlighted figures were wiped out in swathes.

    If this were a game, artillery brothers would be awarded a star for every shell they fired, and after the battle, they¡¯d be full-star artillerymen.

    Unfortunately, reality had no such mechanism.

    Although the infantry attack had been halted by the artillery, the enemy¡¯s tank troops were still maneuvering around.

    Then the problem arose: the remaining three tanks were exactly blocking the main forces of the Armored Troops from the enemy!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Fire! Cover them! And you guys, retreat quickly!¡±

    In his urgency, he forgot that the very reason those three tanks could be destroyed by a 500kg bomb was theirck of radiomunication.

    Tank No. 422 fired first; Alexandria did well. The shell passed between therge sides of the three friendly tanks and struck an enemy Panzer III on the move.The other tanks also fired sporadically, but the hit rate was worrisome. After all, there were no targets to provide range references; it all depended on the experience of each crew.

    The enemy fired too, but their targets were the three tanks frantically retreating.

    After the first salvo, Wang Zhong watched as friendly tanks No. 438 and No. 440 stopped moving, presumably with their tracks broken.

    However, because Wang Zhong had previously organized a veteran experience-sharing meeting, the rookies in these two tanks didn¡¯t abandon their vehicles but instead fired back in ce.

    Tank No. 431 continued to retreat, and at that point, itsmander seemed to finally realize where the friendlies were positioned, so he ordered the driver to turn the tank around.

    But whether the driver, out of nervousness, turned in the wrong direction, or themander gave the wrong orders in confusion, the tank wound up turning its front toward the friendlies, exposing its rear to the enemy.

    How could the elite of the Prosen tanks let such an opportunity pass? Wang Zhong watched as three or four shells hit the rear of Tank No. 431.

    The engine of Tank No. 431 immediately died, and Wang Zhong could see the thick smoke rising from the radiator, even from such a distance!

    The crew of Tank No. 431 scrambled out of the vehicle¡ªafter all, without the engine, the turret could only be hand-cranked. At this point, abandoning the tank would not be held against them.

    The Prussians¡¯ machine guns began strafing, blocking the tank operators¡¯ route of retreat and forcing them to take cover behind the tank.

    Tanks No. 438 and No. 440 were still resisting, but the second round of the enemy¡¯s assault came, targeting the turret rings.

    By this time, the attacking enemy armored group had also suffered heavy losses; out of Wang Zhong¡¯s 21 tanks, several salvos knocked out more than a dozen enemy tanks.

    But the problem was, the enemy still had dozens of tanks!

    At that moment, Wang Zhong saw an original Tank No. 430e back to life from the treeline.

    Lucky fellow, this one had been stunned by the enemy¡¯s 500kg bomb and then hammered by friendly 152mm and 203mm rounds. Now it was somehow back in action!

    And it could drive! It backed out of the tank shelter and turned its head outwards to rush out.

    Yes, Tank No. 430 charged along the hedge toward the side nk of the enemy¡¯s armored group.

    It broke through the hedge, and all the enemies seemed not to notice it!

    Tank No. 430 thus charged to the enemy¡¯s nk!

    Wang Zhong found this maneuver all too familiar; it was exactly like his tactics when driving an M18 Hellcat in War Thunder!

    Rushing to the side and sending out powerful 76mm high-explosive rounds to the German tanks one by one.

    But the notorious poor visibility of the T34 came fully to light again: Tank No. 430 didn¡¯t notice the Prosen armored cluster covering from a distance.

    No sooner had it stopped than three Panzer IIIs from a distance opened fire.

    However, in their haste, the Prussians did not hit their target; the armor-piercing shells hit the ground and bounced up, grazing the frontal armor of Tank No. 430.

    Tank No. 430 returned fire, hitting a Panzer IV; it seemed the gunner deliberately targeted the less numerous but more valuable Panzer IVs.

    More distant enemies then fired, and Tank No. 430 was hit repeatedly but still managed to fire a second shot.

    mes spurted from the hatch of a Panzer III.

    Seeing this scene, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t stay put any longer.

    He had to push his own tank forward next to the three disabled tanks, which would eliminate the obstruction of the firing line for the friendlies and bring them closer, allowing his novice tank operators to aim better and waste fewer shells.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°All units, attention, follow me forward! Beliyakov, advance!¡±

    Tank No. 422¡¯s exhaust belched out arge cloud of ck smoke, thundering as it advanced, with the red g on its radio antenna fluttering in the breeze.

    Wang Zhong¡¯smand vehicle burst through the treeline, galloping across the open field!

    The other tanks followed suit, charging towards the friendlies trapped on the grasnds!

    Themander of the Second Armored Battalion, Stauffenberg, still had his upper body out of the turret, so he was the first to see the T34 tank breaking through the treeline.

    ¡°Wildcat calling Wolf, Wildcat calling Wolf! Visual confirmation of the enemymander¡¯s vehicle, a specially designed T34 tank with arger turret than the other T34s.

    ¡°A red g is hanging on the radio antenna, I repeat, there is a red g! The tactical number is 422, I repeat, tactical number 422, and there is a white horse insignia, I repeat, white horse insignia!¡±

    After reporting, Stauffenberg immediately switched to the battalionmand frequency: ¡°Aim at that T34 with the red g, tactical number 422!¡±

    His own vehicle was the first to respond to the order, turning its tank gun toward that T34.

    At that moment, an order came from division headquarters over the radio: ¡°Remember the tactics arranged by the divisionmander!¡±

    Stauffenberg: ¡°But the enemy has only one battalion, I think we should be able to cope!¡±

    ¡°What are the losses?¡±

    Stauffenberg fell silent.

    Acting Division Commander: ¡°Execute the nned order!¡±

    ¡°Yes. All units, you heard, execute the nned order!¡±

    The Second Armored Battalion began to discharge smoke and turned around to retreat.

    At this point, most of the Prosen tanks finally noticed Tank No. 430 on the nk.

    After a barrage of concentrated fire, Tank 430y paralyzed on the grasnd.

    As Tank 422 charged past three friendly tanks paralyzed on the ins, Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Stop! Stop!¡±

    After the tank jolted to a halt from braking, Wang Zhong raised his binocrs¡ªthis was just for show since the enemy¡¯s smoke had already blocked all visibility ahead.

    Using the external viewer from his elevated position, Wang Zhong saw the enemy retreating.

    It wasn¡¯t just the tank units retreating; the infantry scattered all over the ambush position were also retreating.

    What does this mean?

    Wang Zhong was now reminded of a ssic moment from aedy sketch by Chen Peisi and Zhu Shimao:

    ¡°But I haven¡¯t even fired yet!¡±

    ¡°Hey, doesn¡¯t this just show how urate your shooting is?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, I just rushed out here, preparing to position for a sniper battle with you, and you¡¯re leaving?

    I haven¡¯t put in much effort yet, and you¡¯re already falling?

    By now the other tanks had also reached the line of Tank 422. Most of them stopped, but a few inattentive ones charged past.

    You couldn¡¯t me them; it¡¯s easy to get fixated on what¡¯s ahead when the tankmander also serves as the gunner.

    Wang Zhong even heard a toon leader blowing a whistle¡ªthis was the original method ofmand envisaged by the headquarters of the Ante Armored Troops, but it turned out to be useless.

    Having gone through the battle with Loktov, Wang Zhong had already found that whistles and semaphore were ineffective, which is why he had arranged for someone to lift the tank¡¯s hatch as the most direct means ofmunication.

    Hearing the whistle, Wang Zhong pressed the throat microphone: ¡°Alright, stop blowing. Use the anti-aircraft machine gun to shoot at the backs of their heads; that¡¯s the only way to make them realize they should stop!¡±

    As he finished speaking, the toon leader who had been blowing the whistle opened fire, and tracer rounds from the anti-aircraft machine gun hit the backs of the heads of the crew in the tanks that continued to push forward.

    Finally, all the tanks stopped.

    Through the smoke, Wang Zhong observed the enemy¡¯s movements.

    ¡ªWait a second, isn¡¯t this the same situation I saw in Loktov? So, is there an 88-mm gun position set up behind?

    Wang Zhong took out the map, and just like in Loktov, he had carefully surveyed the entire battlefield. However, thend to the north of Orachi was too t, making it impossible to find a spot particrly suited for cing anti-tank guns.

    Or rather, the best defensive location in the area was already upied by Wang Zhong himself.

    Damn, now there¡¯s no way to steal the enemy¡¯s guns.

    Facing off against 88-mm guns in an open field is not really how I want to hasten my death.

    At this time, the Guards Regiment 31 Battalion 1 reentered the position they had just abandoned.

    Wang Zhong began to consider the next defense.

    At the rate the enemy was retreating, it would take some time for them to organize another offensive.

    Organizing an armored assault is much moreplicated than an infantry assault, and the enemy had suffered significant losses. Even the tanks that withdrew had reduced crews, which needed rearrangement.

    Wang Zhong continued to examine the map¡ªwhere would the enemy regroup?

    The regrouping location should be very close to the highway to facilitate resupply. It should also be near a medical station, as there might be some lightly wounded requiring simple bandaging.

    The hospital must be around the wells¡ª

    Using the process of elimination, Wang Zhong quickly locked in three possible locations for the enemy¡¯s regrouping.

    In fact, during the earlier reconnaissance of the terrain, he had already paid special attention to these ces and had assigned each a codename.

    Let¡¯s fire a round at each location for a prize. If we¡¯re lucky and hit the target, the enemy won¡¯t be thinking of attacking today.

    ¡°The enemy hasn¡¯t taken the bait!¡± Klose picked up the document detailing the previous battles of the White Horse General, ¡°In Loktov, he didn¡¯t take the bait either, and immediately bombarded the areas likely to be anti-tank positions. Tch, order the anti-aircraft artillery battalion to move out!¡±

    Themunications officer saluted and left.

    Kluge turned to Stauffenberg, ¡°How bad are our losses?¡±

    ¡°Heavy losses; my battalion lost thirty tanks.¡±

    ¡°How many can be repaired?¡±

    Stauffenberg clicked his tongue, ¡°Your Excellency, the acting brigademander, if we do not upy the battlefield, there is no way to repair those tanks abandoned on the field. The enemy now controls the front line.¡±

    ¡°Alright. It seems we can only wait for tonight and let the infantry try to retake the position with a night attack.¡±

    No sooner had his voice faded when the sound of an artillery shell tearing through the air reached them.

    Kluge asked, ¡°Is it here? Are they targeting the anti-aircraft guns?¡±

    He strode to the door of the armoredmand vehicle, pulled it open, and looked outside.

    However, the artillery battalion was unharmed and in the process of moving.

    The sound of explosions came from far away.

    Kluge looked into the distance, ¡°What are they bombing?¡±

    Another staff officer frowned, ¡°Judging by the direction, it¡¯s near the field hospital¡­ These inferiors!¡±

    Kluge shook his head, ¡°No, they¡¯re bombing our logistics nodes and assembly points! Hurry up and evacuate the personnel!¡±

    As he spoke, another shell whistled overhead, and even Kluge, with little frontline experience, could tell the impact was very close.

    He immediately lunged for cover!

    But the shell did notnd on themand vehicle; instead, it hit a threshing floor not far away.

    The Armored Battalion 2, which had retreated, had not regrouped there, but a mess truck parked there was distributing food and the extremely bitter coffee.

    Kluge raised his head, only to see therge pot used for making coffee flying into the sky.

    Like many other Prosen generals who had previously encountered the White Horse General, Kluge swore, ¡°Damn it, White Horse!¡±

 Chapter 176: Battlefield Interlude (Additional Chapter for reaching 13,000 monthly votes)

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s side, once it was confirmed that the enemy had fully retreated, he hurried to clean up the battlefield, seizing weapons and tallying losses.

    He first found Tank 430¡¯s crew.

    The four men were being bandaged and immediately stood up and shouted when they saw Wang Zhonge over, ¡°General Sir!¡±

    This roar, reminiscent of Zhang Fei bellowing at the Changban Bridge, made Wang Zhong¡¯s head buzz.

    The nurse said, ¡°Their hearing has suffered irreversible damage, and they may also have concussions; they can no longer fight, and they might never be able to again.¡±

    So all the injuries the four of them had were from a 500KG aerial bomb¡ªand their own side¡¯s 152 and 203?

    Wang Zhong nodded, took out a notepad, and wrote with a pencil, ¡°Thank you for your sacrifice and bravery.¡±

    He then handed the paper to the tankmander, gesturing for him to pass it to the others.

    After themander handed the note to the loader, he shouted loudly, ¡°We can still fight! Just fix up the tank, no, we can join another crew as reserves!¡±The nurse closest to the loud tankmander had to turn her head away but showed no sign of disdain.

    Wang Zhong took out another note and wrote: ¡°The Empire needs you elsewhere, please heal and then train new tank operators.¡±

    He tore off the note and stuffed it into themander¡¯s hand.

    Themander stared at the note for a long time before finally handing the piece of paper to the loader. He said nothing and just sat down to let the nurse continue bandaging until the bandage covered his entire ear.

    At that moment, the battalionmander of the armored battalion ran over and saluted, ¡°Report, General, the inspection of the damaged vehicles isplete: four totally destroyed, four can possibly be repaired, and one is recoverable but the entire crew was sacrificed, with no damage to the tank.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Recruit volunteers from the survivors of the destroyed tanks to form new crews.¡±

    Right then, the previously bowed head of Tank 430¡¯smander shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll join!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the nurse.

    The nurse said, ¡°He can¡¯t fight anymore! I suspect he may have a minor brain bleed and must receive treatment! The other members of his crew are the same! They can recover if they get treated now, at least enough to lead normal lives! Without treatment, they¡¯llpletely lose their hearing!¡±

    So Wang Zhong ced his hand on themander¡¯s shoulder and gently shook his head.

    ¡°Your war is over. Leave the rest to us.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to look toward the west, where thend had been lost and the setting sun was descending.

    Behind him, on Antenna 422, the red g fluttered in the wind.

    Just as Wang Zhong had predicted, the enemycked the capability to organize an offensive with the remaining daylight.

    At 2030 hours, the 2nd Battalion of the 31st Guards Regiment took position on the battlefield, recing the 1st Battalion that had fought all day, assuming the night defense ¨C it would not be good if the painstakingly held defensive position were to be lost to a night raid by the enemy.

    In addition, a volunteer repair squad made up of 200 workers from the tractor factory arrived on the battlefield to start repairing the four damaged tanks.

    After inspecting the tanks, the masters reported that two of them could be easily repaired, while the other two would be better used for parts.

    The first day of fighting resulted in the loss of six T34s. And these losses came in a defensive ambush position.

    The enemy was indeed elite.

    Wang Zhong was solemn throughout the ride back to the third ambush position in Tank 422.

    The armored battalion would be spending the night at the third ambush position, mainly to reduce the chance of mechanical failures in the tanks.

    The 3rd Battalion of the 31st Regiment, stationed at the third ambush position, served as the reserve during the day¡¯s fighting and was nearly at its breaking point.

    When they saw the tank unit led by Wang Zhong approaching, everyone from the battalion rushed out of the trenches, shouting to Wang Zhong, ¡°General, let us enter the fight!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Rest assured! There will be a time for you to fight! Don¡¯t rush it!¡±

    Today, they had encountered just one armored division of the enemy. Southbound, the second armored group had seven such divisions ¨C it was originally six, but it had now been reinforced with two especially powerful Asgard Knights divisions.

    Wang Zhong was not worried at all that his troops would have no battles to fight.

    In fact, the real question was how many people would remain after this war.

    Just as the tank unit drove into the tank shelters, the field cooking team¡¯s girls ¨C both young women and olderdies ¨C arrived in horse-drawn carts.

    The carts carriedrge pots filled with thick soup, whose aroma wafted from a great distance.

    Wang Zhong had originally nned to return to Orachi to check on the front-line situation, but the sight of the arriving carts made him hungry.

    He shouted to the lead cart, ¡°I wonder if you¡¯ve cooked a portion for this divisionmander!¡±

    The woman driving the cart shouted back, ¡°Yes! We¡¯ve cooked enough for three battalions!¡±

    As she spoke, she pulled the reins taut: ¡°Whoa!¡±

    The cart slowly came to a halt.

    A girl holding a basket of bread jumped down from the cart and called out to Wang Zhong, ¡°Major General, did you destroy many enemies today?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we destroyed a lot of enemies!¡± Wang Zhong said with certainty.

    This was the truth; just in the morning ambush, they had almostpletely wiped out an enemy armored battalion.

    Although the afternoon battle had many unexpected developments, they still destroyed 27 of the enemy¡¯s Mark III and IV tanks.

    In terms ofbat results, it already exceeded the armored charge at Loktov ¨C most of Loktov¡¯s sess in destroying over a hundred units was due to the infantry¡¯s efforts.

    The infantry troops mainly were responsible for battlefield cleanup and final clearance of remaining enemies on the positions, the major battle achievements were aplished by the Armored Division and anti-tank gun units.

    At that moment, a veteran from the third battalion who had participated in Loktov shouted, ¡°The generals had their fun; we didn¡¯t even get started!¡±

    Soldiers from the first battalion immediately echoed, ¡°Yeah, all the meat went to the tank units and the artillery, we didn¡¯t catch a break!¡±

    The driverdy and a few girls together ced the soup pot on the ground, turned their heads to thoseining, and shouted, ¡°Be content, you¡¯re standing here intact, there will be plenty of opportunities to kill the enemyter! Come on, eat the meat!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been waiting!¡± the soldiers revealed their mess tins one after another.

    Some even started to ng the bottoms of their mess tins with their spoons.

    ¡°Stop knocking!¡± the Military Chain shouted, ¡°For heaven¡¯s sake!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, they¡¯ve just fought a battle, let them rx a bit.¡±

    It was as if the soldiers received a decree from His Majesty the Tsar, they became noisy, ¡°The Major said we can rx a bit!¡±

    ¡°Third Battalion Commander, where¡¯s your blaika, strike it up!¡±

    The Chain of the third battalion came over to Wang Zhong,ining, ¡°Is this alright, Major? Beingx could cost them their lives.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Look on the bright side, Chain, it¡¯s good that the morale is high. Things are going to get tougher from now on, and you might wish they¡¯d sing and dance.¡±

    The Chain thought for a moment: ¡°You¡¯re an experienced War General, I¡¯ll follow your lead.¡±

    At that time, Wang Zhong noticed the reluctance of the Third Battalion Commander, so he shouted loudly, ¡°Third Battalion Commander! Where¡¯s your blaika!¡±

    The Third Battalion Commander, with a resigned look on his face, fished a blaika out of his backpack and began to assemble it.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s all enjoy the music!¡±

    ¡­

    The second battalion of the 31st Guard Regiment of the Ante Army,te at night.

    Because of the ckout, fires were not allowed, so Private Ivan and Sergey sat in the trench in the dark, drinking tea that had gone cold.

    ¡°Did you hear?¡± Sergey spoke up, ¡°Someone from the first battalion discovered something, that peeing on the enemy¡¯s trousers gives you endless courage. That¡¯s the general¡¯s secret to bravery!¡±

    Ivan frowned, ¡°Really? You¡¯re pulling my leg, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    ¡°True story! Remember the coward from the first battalion, the drummer¡¯s squad? He was about to piss himself when the drummer told him to do it on the enemy. Suddenly his legs weren¡¯t shaking anymore, and he was brave!¡±

    Filippov was good at drumming, so he was nicknamed the drummer among the soldiers.

    Ivan, still frowning, expressed disbelief.

    Sergey: ¡°I saw it, the bodies of the Prussians around us haven¡¯t been cleaned up yet, let¡¯s go pee on one!¡±

    At that moment, Stepan, who had been napping in the nearby artillery bunker, crawled out and said to them, ¡°You know what? It only works if you pee on an enemy you¡¯ve shot yourself. Didn¡¯t you see the first battalion arguing when we were changing guard? They were fighting over who killed the enemy.

    ¡°Those who haven¡¯t peed are worried they¡¯ll die in the next battle.¡±

    Ivan frowned, ¡°Does being brave or not have to do with whether you¡¯ll die?¡±

    ¡°Haven¡¯t you heard the old soldiers say? The more cowardly you are, the faster you die, whereas the bold are hard to kill.¡± Stepan said mysteriously, ¡°That¡¯s why the general can never die. I¡¯ve heard it from the veterans of the third line of the Amur Group, a 381 shell! Do you know the 381 shell? A shell as thick as your waist, when one falls, Duke dimir and hundreds of staff died! But the general survived!¡±

    ¡°That doesn¡¯t sound right,¡± Ivan countered again, ¡°It was the general and the Duchess¡¯s favorite who survived. I¡¯ve heard that guy isn¡¯t brave?¡±

    Stepan sighed, ¡°You¡¯re no fun at all, don¡¯t you know how to chat?¡±

    With that, hey back down in the artillery bunker.

    A secondter, he spoke again, ¡°You watch, tomorrow I¡¯ll kill one, no one betterpete with me!¡±

    Just then, the three of them heard a sharp challenge in the darkness: ¡°Who¡¯s there? Identify yourself!¡±

    Then a gunshot rang out.

    The three were bewildered, as they were all new soldiers who had never seenbat before and didn¡¯t understand what was happening.

    Just then the toon leader came rushing, ¡°Prepare for battle, the enemy is attacking at night!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, thepanymander began to blow his whistle.

    Simultaneously with the whistle, machine guns fired, spraying tracer bullets into the darkness.

    The toon leader grabbed Ivan¡¯s shoulder, hauled him up, and threw him to the firing slot, ¡°Prepare for battle! Hurry, get into firing position, don¡¯t worry about whether you can see anyone, fire at anything that looks human!¡±

    Ivan looked nkly at the darkness outside the trench; although having stayed in the dark environment allowed him to faintly see the contours of things¡ªbut¡ª

    Suddenly, Ivan saw something move, and he immediately fired in that direction, a burst from the Tokarev!

    Next to him, others also fired their weapons, the sound of gunfire was constant.

    After emptying a magazine, Ivan heard the toon leader shout, ¡°Ceasefire! All ceasefire!¡±

    The sound of shooting gradually quieted down.

    Sergey poked Ivan¡¯s side: ¡°Did you hit anyone? I feel like I hit one, let¡¯s check when it gets light.¡±

    Ivan: ¡°I don¡¯t know, I feel like I hit one too.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s check together tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 177: The situation of the Prussian Army on the night of August 3

    Prosen Army, Second Armored Cluster Command, August 3rd, 2330 hours.

    When Acting Division Commander Kluge entered themand, Armored Cluster Commander Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch was examining a map.

    Acting Division Commander Kluge stood at attention and saluted, ¡°Your Excellency, Commander!¡±

    ¡°Hmm, rx a bit.¡± Mauch lifted his right hand as a return salute, ¡°I had youe over in a Kubelwagen (which is the German jeep, a proper noun) to get an update on your division¡¯s encounter today. The journey must have been tough.¡±

    Kluge, maintaining his posture, responded, ¡°For His Majesty the Emperor!¡±

    ¡°Very well,¡± Mauch waved his hand, ¡°Now, tell me, what happened today? Let¡¯s start with how Division Commander William Dietrich got seriously injured? Wasn¡¯t he a brave general who performed excellently in the Bohemian Campaign and the Carolingian Campaign? Howe he faltered in Ante?¡±

    ¡°Division Commander William nned on personally scouting the enemy, so he swapped clothes with a reserve position tank toon leader and boarded the toon leader¡¯s vehicle to head out. Then¡­ he was hit by 72 heavy artillery shells from the enemy¡¯s batteries, leaving only one tank intact in that tank toon.¡±

    Mauch clicked his tongue, ¡°Specifically targeting a divisionmander disguised for scouting?¡±

    The Cluster Chief of Staff asked, ¡°A spy tipped them off?¡±Kluge immediately replied, ¡°Absolutely not, the military police have already wiped out all potential hostile elements that could have leaked information in our garrison area.¡±

    Frowning, Mauch eventually refrained frommenting on the military police¡¯s actions and continued, ¡°Regarding espionage, it¡¯s unlikely for a spy to maintain contact with a divisionmander at the front line; espionage organizations tend to avoid such t structures for the sake of secrecy.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m more inclined to believe there were hidden observation posts. Your headquarters might have been within the enemy¡¯s line of sight. Even if you changed clothes, an observation post seeing to whom you salute would understand everything.¡±

    Kluge said, ¡°If that were the case, why not bombard the staff headquarters? It doesn¡¯t make sense. Before the attack, all officers of toon rank or higher from my division were gathered for a meeting. If a round of artillery had fallen at that time, my division would have been crippled.¡±

    Mauch nodded, ¡°You have a point. So how was this aplished? This ¡®White Horse General¡¯ also has a feat of killing ¡ª uh, bringing about General Randolph¡¯s sacrifice.¡±

    ¡°Randolph¡¯s case is understandable,¡± the Cluster Chief of Staff said, ¡°The ¡®White Horse General¡¯ drove his vehicle close to Major General Randolph¡¯s headquarters, which was entirely due to Randolph¡¯s own recklessness. That star general in the Carolingian Campaign also seemed to prefer leading the charge in a tank.¡±

    Mauch said, ¡°Ah, young Erwin, his spirited charges, after being praised by His Majesty, seem to have made the young generals fond of charging ahead.¡±

    Mauch shook his head, ¡°A general should grasp the overall situation. Back to what happened to you today, is there anything else to supplement regarding Division Commander William¡¯s injury?¡±

    Kluge hesitated, then said, ¡°There¡¯s also the Voodoo Ritual¡­¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll leave that matter to the High Command¡¯s scientific department to research. Before you arrived, the cluster¡¯s staff were more inclined to believe it was merely coincidental. The ¡®White Horse General¡¯ might have spected a high-ranking individual¡¯s presence through formation deployment or some other subtle clues.¡±

    After speaking, Mauch paused and changed the subject, ¡°What¡¯s your impression of the ¡®White Horse General¡¯?¡±

    Kluge¡¯s face tensed, ¡°He is a cunning and despicable fellow, yet extremely meticulous. He must have thoroughly examined the battlefield and knew where we would establish our logistical points. His artillery fire, though it was more of a lottery, did kill over forty of our experienced soldiers¡ªthey were having coffee at the time!

    ¡°What¡¯s fortunate is that our tank operators were still checking the tanks and not having meals! Otherwise, we would¡¯ve needlessly lost a battalion¡¯s worth of elite tank operators!¡±

    Mauch said, ¡°Bombing the dining areas? This reminds me of the trench warfare days when we used to bomb each other¡¯strines. Such matters be routine with habit. Does he have any other distinguishing features?¡±

    After some thought, Kluge said, ¡°He seemed tomand his troops to dig a very strange type of shelter. Our infantry approached to inspect this shelter and were covered by enemy artillery fire before they could get a close look.

    ¡°But it seems to be a very advanced andplicated type of shelter. Our tank shelters are usually just a square pit for the tank to drive into. Their shelters are much moreplicated than that and require much more earthwork.

    ¡°Even our tank operators could dig their own shelters if equipped with a dozer de; a push with a tank would suffice.

    ¡°Their shelters probably require a significant amount ofbor and sapper troops to dig for a long time.¡±

    Mauch seriously confirmed, ¡°Shelters?¡±

    ¡°Yes, shelters. Such shelters are very difficult to spot, even when the tank fires, and the smoke from the firing itself obscures the vision, interfering with our aim.

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the poor marksmanship of Ante¡¯s tank operators, our losses could have been even greater.¡±

    Mauch and his Chief of Staff exchanged nces, then asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t he supposed to be a brute? After all, he brazenly made it all the way to General Randolph.¡±

    ¡°No, he¡¯s definitely not a brute. He ambushed us, and before our Stuka bombing, he withdrew most of his tanks and infantry, then covered the ground with artillery fire when our infantry advanced. Clearly, this is the doing of a cunning defense expert!¡±

    Mauch mused, ¡°A cunning defense expert, huh, but in the Ante Army, armored officers all prefer offensive tactics. In Castile, they would even use tanks to charge our anti-tank gun positions, like a group of porcupines, charging at human arrow formations and then lying dead in the fields.¡±

    ¡°Then he is an exception!¡± Kluge asserted, ¡°Our attack today suffered a major setback! And I, along with all my officers, believe that they have not even deployed their full forces!¡±

    Mauch, with his chin in hand, fell into deep thought while the Cluster Chief of Staff said, ¡°But the intelligence from Rabowell indicates that he¡¯s just a ¡ª a wastrel who graduatedst.¡±

    Kluge retorted, ¡°Does this look like the result of someone who graduatedst? I refuse to ept being defeated by a bottom-ranker! No, it wasn¡¯t my n to attack, I refuse to believe that Major General William Dietrich¡¯s n could bepletely outmatched by a bottom-ranker! Absolutely not!¡±

    The Chief of Staff raised his eyebrows and looked down to review the intelligence Rabowell had sent, ¡°Wait a minute! There is one more line of Rabowell¡¯s own assessment here. ¡®Considering that the penultimate is the Crown Prince of the Ante Empire, we cannot rule out the possibility that Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky intentionally controlled his score.¡¯

    The Chief of Staff raised his head, looking at the others.

    The entire High Command fell into silence as if even the sound of typewriters from the adjacent clerical department had diminished.

    Moochi concluded, ¡°So, are we facing an extremely clever, cunning expert in defensive warfare?¡±

    ¡°We?¡± Kluge sharply caught the word, ¡°Were the Duke of Meishikin¡¯s forces crushed?¡±

    ¡°No. In fact, they have also constructed arge number of fortifications, quite troublesome. That¡¯s why the Cluster is nning to bypass the strong fortified regions and are preparing to pass in front of you toplete the encirclement.¡±

    Moochi paused, then continued, ¡°Tomorrow the 16th Armored Division will join you. Additionally, the corps¡¯s artillery will also move toward your side, and they are expected to arrive in thebat zone by tomorrow evening.¡±

    ¡°Furthermore, the 8th Air Force will do its utmost to support your operations.¡±

    Kluge asked, ¡°These troops¡­ will all be under mymand?¡±

    ¡°Yes, because¡­ the Emperor hopes for you to perform excellently. After all, you are the Asgard Knights.¡±

    Kluge grinned, the Zeus on his cor badge reflecting the light from the electricmp.

    At that moment, the air raid rm suddenly sounded.

    Everyone in the High Command looked up, puzzled.

    Moochi demanded, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll find out right away.¡± A staff officer immediately left the High Command.

    No sooner had he left than the telephone rang.

    The Chief of Staff answered, ¡°This is High Command. What? What? Understood, got it.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, the Chief of Staff reported, ¡°The troops heard the sound of airnes passing overhead, everyone heard it, and they¡¯re sure they¡¯reing toward us.¡±

    Moochi asked, ¡°Airnes? At night? Didn¡¯t the Air Force say night bombers are still experimental? How did the Ante peoplee up with them?¡±

    The Chief of Staff shook his head.

    Then an explosion was heard outside.

    Moochi quickly went to the window, just in time to see a bine fly over the High Command and drop something.

    That somethingnded in the yard and exploded in the next moment.

    It looked less like an aerial bomb and more like a hand grenade.

    Moochi was puzzled, ¡°What is this thing?¡±

    The Chief of Staff also looked bewildered.

    Time passed in the confusion of everyone for five minutes.

    Then the phone rang again, and the Chief of Staff immediately picked up, ¡°High Command. How many? Why didn¡¯t the anti-aircraft guns fire? Extremely low altitude? Understood.¡±

    After hanging up the phone again, the Chief of Staff reported, ¡°Six bines observed, entering our airspace at extremely low altitude, dropping what appeared to be hand grenades, causing a total of six deaths and 11 injuries.¡±

    Moochi fell silent for a few seconds before asking, ¡°What¡¯s the point of such an air raid?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t know. The Ante people¡¯s understanding of the art of war is different from ours,¡± the Chief of Staff paused before adding, ¡°unless they do this every night from now on. This will cause significant psychological pressure on our soldiers, making them unable to have a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Moochi asked, ¡°Sending out old bines for bombing missions just to disrupt our sleep? What kind of bizarre tactic is this?¡±

    ¡°You can¡¯t understand the Ante people withmon sense.¡±

    Moochi shook his head and turned back to Kluge, ¡°Anyway, you organize the next attack tomorrow, don¡¯t let the ¡®White Horse General¡¯ seed again! You graduated top of your ss from the Imperial Military Academy! Although you have never fought a battle.¡±

    ¡°Seize this opportunity! I believe this is what His Majesty the Emperor is also expecting!¡±

    Kluge eximed, ¡°I will not let His Majesty down!¡±

 Chapter 178: The Situation of the Ante Army on the Evening of August 3

    Argesukov, Ante Army Southwestern Front Army Headquarters, 2330 hours.

    ¡°How far have they advanced?¡± General Skorobo leaped to his feet in shock.

    The staff officer bowed his head to confirm the numbers on the report, then cautiously replied, ¡°40 kilometers.¡±

    General Skorobo, ¡°What about our troops? How could we let the enemy¡¯s armored clusters move forward forty kilometers?¡±

    As the general roared with fury, the operation staff at the Front Army headquarters emotionlessly ced an arrow representing the enemy on the map to the south of Argesukov, near the coast.

    The enemy¡¯s Southern Army Group¡¯s First Armored Cluster, the southernmost pincer of the entire pincer movement, had already prated 40 kilometers into our defenses.

    Looking at the map, the defensive sector of the 35th Army Group, which was originally responsible for blocking the First Armored Cluster, had been split in two by the enemy like a sweet potato.

    Still venting his rage, General Skorobo eximed, ¡°Forty kilometers! Are the enemies holding a marathon in our defense sector?¡±

    ¡°General, sir,¡± the chief of staff spoke up, ¡°yelling at themunication staff is useless, it¡¯s not their fault the enemy has pushed forward so quickly.¡±General Skorobo hesitated for a few seconds, took a deep breath, ¡°You¡¯re right. So what exactly is the 35th Army Group doing? They should have built defensive positions on the front line, shouldn¡¯t they?¡±

    The Front Army chain said, ¡°We also have fortifications along the border, yet the enemy still broke through.¡±

    At this point, the Crown Prince joined the conversation, ¡°General, you yourself said that fortification is useless, it¡¯s out of date.¡±

    ¡°When did I say that?¡±

    Crown Prince, ¡°Yesterday, when you were evaluating Rocossov¡¯s work at Orachi.¡±

    Mentioning Rocossov at this time sent a surge of anger through General Skorobo, ¡°Don¡¯t mention that name!¡±

    Front Army chief of staff, ¡°Ro¡ª¡ªthe fortifications of the 151st Division might be different from what we usually consider as defenses, we could have him share his experiences when we get the chance.¡±

    General Skorobo red at the chief of staff, and at that moment his adjutant spoke, ¡°It¡¯s Rocossov who kept saying that the enemies in the north would push southward, so all our defenses were focused up north. Having only one army group facing the enemy¡¯s First Armored Cluster based on past experience is definitely not enough.¡±

    Crown Prince mmed his hand on the table and stood, ¡°Enough! Rocossov warned you that the enemies from the north would head southward. Did they move south? They did! He also said they wouldunch a pincers movement, and I remember he said exactly that! Did they pincer? They did!

    ¡°He got it all right! So who was it that said everything was wrong? It was you! You said an army armed with new tanks would crush the enemy! Did it crush them?

    ¡°You said we could thwart the enemy¡¯s infantry assault, did we thwart them?¡±

    Chief of staff, ¡°Actually, we did thwart them. The enemy¡¯s infantry army group¡¯s attacks did not make much ground today; we even counterattacked and took back a town. Our infantry troops still have a strong will to fight.¡±

    The Crown Prince momentarily felt a bit embarrassed; he hadn¡¯t quite understood the state of the infantry assault, but that didn¡¯t stop him from continuing, ¡°But your initial assessment waspletely wrong! Because the enemy¡¯s main breakthrough and encirclement would be carried out by the armored clusters!

    ¡°Incidentally, it¡¯s still Rocossov who is holding back the northern pincer of the enemy!¡±

    Chief of staff, ¡°It¡¯s Rocossov and Duke Meishikin together holding them back, without Duke Meishikin, his single division would¡¯ve already been encircled.¡±

    Crown Prince, ¡°Regardless, they held them back! And his 2300 hours telegram said they destroyed more than sixty enemy tanks in a day!¡±

    General Skorobo¡¯s adjutant remarked, ¡°It sounds a bit low¡­¡±

    ¡°Because he actually destroyed more than sixty tanks! Now look at the 35th Army Group; they imed to have destroyed more than a hundred of the enemy¡¯s tanks, so why could the enemy cut through their lines like slicing butter? Was it because the enemy deployed a thousand tanks?¡± the Crown Prince questioned the adjutant while tapping the table.

    Chief of staff, ¡°That front couldn¡¯t deploy a thousand, judging from the breadth of the enemy¡¯s breach, there should have been only about a hundred tanks. After the breakthrough, they fanned out and swept through our logistics.¡±

    Front Army chain, ¡°The 35th should contemte a retreat.¡±

    The adjutant was at a loss for words.

    While General Skorobo ced his hands on the map table, his palms covering his forehead, ¡°Enough, that¡¯s enough, Mishka (nickname of the adjutant). Trying to maintain my dignity now is pointless, my dignity has already been lost by my own hand.¡±

    With that, the general lowered his hands.

    For a moment, the Crown Prince thought he saw new wrinkles conjured up on the general¡¯s forehead.

    The general looked toward the Crown Prince, ¡°Your Highness, may I ask you to send a telegram to your father, persuading him to allow us to retreat?¡±

    The Crown Prince, in turn, was startled, ¡°Retreat? The enemy¡¯s pincer movement has advanced less than a hundred kilometers together, there¡¯s still a long time before they close the gap.¡±

    General, ¡°Of course we will strive to dy the enemy, but now we should prepare for the worst. We still have some tank units,posed of T26s and BT series, and ording to the frontline reports, these tanks can still prate the enemy¡¯s armor at the right distance.

    ¡°We also have enough Molotov cocktails to destroy the enemy¡¯s tanks in the carnage that¡¯s citybat.

    ¡°However, Your Highness, our south is a vast in. Even if we can hold one or two cities, the enemy will flood over us like water over a dam.¡±

    When the general finished speaking, the chief of staff continued, ¡°Unless our Air Force suddenly bes aspetent as the enemy¡¯s. I heard that the Air Force¡¯s Il-2 attack aircraft are quite effective, but currently, only one squadron is assigned to our Front Army.

    ¡°One squadron can dy a division, but cannot stop an entire armored cluster.¡±

    After the chief of staff finished, the room fell silent.

    The Crown Prince sighed, ¡°I¡¯ll give it a try. But I think with my father¡¯s stubbornness, he won¡¯t change his mind so easily.¡±

    General Skorobo, ¡°Then we drag on until he changes his mind. I suggest you immediately fly back to St. Ye Katerina Fortress to persuade His Majesty the Tsar.¡±

    The Crown Prince showed a wry smile, ¡°You don¡¯t understand my father, he¡­ he¡¯s very sensitive. He appointed me to oversee the forces, and if I were to run back on my own, he would fly into a rage. He wouldn¡¯t be persuaded in such a state.¡±

    Silence descended once again.

    As a general, he had heard enough about the Tsar¡¯s temperament.

    The Crown Prince reassured, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll send a telegram to my sister. She¡¯s so smart, she¡¯ll definitelye up with a solution. Unless she has just angered our father, His Majesty will surely be persuaded!¡±

    General Skorobo nodded, ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll leave that to Your Highness. Now, we need to brace ourselves and strive to dy our retreat, to obtain a favorable situation for withdrawal.¡±

    The Front Army Chief of Staff suggested, ¡°We could consider an infantry attack. If we can hold up the enemy¡¯s infantry and separate their armored groups from the rear, they might stop.¡±

    General Skorobo agreed, ¡°We can try that.¡±

    The Crown Prince sat down, looked up at the mural on the ceiling, and silently prayed, ¡°Olga, you must be persuasive. If you can¡¯t convince father, these troops will be sacrificed here.¡±

    Orachi, headquarters of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division of the Ante Army, August 4th, 00:10 hours.

    When Wang Zhong entered the room, Pavlov was surprised, ¡°Why are you back? I thought you¡¯d be asleep with the troops.¡±

    ¡°I need to adjust our deployment,¡± Wang Zhong said. ¡°The enemy¡¯s bombing caused us the most damage today, so I want to take measures against their nes.¡±

    Wang Zhong approached a table disying a detailed hand-drawn map of the Orachi area.

    ¡°Our anti-aircraft guns are currently protecting our artillery positions, but upon reflection, if the enemy discovers our artillery, the 25mm anti-aircraft guns from just one battalion won¡¯t be enough to stop them.

    ¡°However, if this battalion were pushed forward, it could cover our tanks and even engage enemy infantry if necessary. At the right angle, they could even fire on enemy tanks, like those makeshift ones, the Mark I and Mark II.¡±

    Today¡ªyesterday, on August 3rd¡ªthe 151st Division destroyed more than sixty tanks, and those were Mark III and IV. The makeshift Mark II and the 38Ts were not even counted.

    Pavlov nodded, ¡°I have no objections.¡±

    Popov added, ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve checked the camouge of our artillery positions. As long as they are not spotted by enemy reconnaissance nes flying at an ultra-low altitude, we should be fine. I¡¯m referring to the 152 positions; the B4 is so big it might be spotted by enemy high-altitude reconnaissance.¡±

    Previously in Loktov, the B4 was ced within the city, making it easier to hide. Although Loktov was small, it was a railway hub with many factories.

    Orachi only had two factories, one making iron pots and shovels, the other producing cheese and dairy products, and then there were therge ranches.

    It was truly difficult to hide something as big as the B4.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°No choice then, if necessary, we¡¯ll have to burn tires!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the problem,¡± Popov spread his hands. ¡°During my exchange with the local church, I learned about the city¡¯s situation: there aren¡¯t many tires to burn. We¡¯ve tried our best to collect any, but they will be gone after burning them a couple of times.¡±

    Wang Zhong cursed, ¡°Damn it, all we¡¯ve destroyed are tanks, which don¡¯t have rubber tires to salvage.¡±

    Popov suggested, ¡°Then let¡¯s try to fire as many shells as possible before we¡¯re discovered.¡±

    Wang Zhong agreed, ¡°You¡¯re right. Now take over the B4 position and give the sleeping enemy a little surprise.¡±

    Pavlov asked, ¡°Which vige do you want to hit? Or¡­ throw a round at each one?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Throw a round at each, let the rain fall evenly. If we hit them, it¡¯s a bonus.¡±

    Pavlov nodded, ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll make the arrangements.¡± And then he went to make a phone call.

    Wang Zhong then turned to Popov, ¡°Besides moving the anti-aircraft artillery battalion, tomorrow I n to move half of the Divine Arrow Company to the front line.¡±

    Popov inquired, ¡°To target the Stukas?¡±

    ¡°Exactly! It¡¯s not about how many we shoot down, but to make the enemy pilots wary. I remember clearly, back in Peniye, the enemy¡¯s Stukas were scattered like birds and beasts after a single Divine Arrow brought one down.¡±

    Popov admitted, ¡°I wasn¡¯t part of your unit back in Peniye, but I trust your experience.¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly realized this was the umtion of experience¡ªtangible, touchable experience! He, too, was growing.

    Popov, puzzled, asked, ¡°General?¡±

    ¡°Oh, I just spaced out for a moment. Tomorrow, I want to send that little one, the one who talks tough¡­ ah¡­¡± He paused, changing the perspective to look at the Divine Arrow Company¡¯s icon and consulted the roster.

    ¡°Yekaterina Andropovna Bncheva¡ªlet her and two other prayers go to the front, while Ludm continues to defend Orachi.¡±

    Popovmented, ¡°That¡¯s reasonable. Bncheva can ensure the shooting down of enemy nes. If it¡¯s just about deterring the enemy, you could even have her just guide the shots, firing one at a time, which might put even more pressure on the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong pondered, ¡°Hmm¡­ indeed, but I think we should fire all three shots at once for the first volley, to cause a substantial decrease in their numbers.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s possible.¡±

    As they finished talking, Nelly pushed the door open and entered with a basket in hand, ¡°Would you like somete-night snack?¡±

    ¡°Just some yogurt for me,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    Nelly stared straight at him, ¡°Only yogurt? No vodka? In the stories, the soldiers all hope their general eats meat and drinks heavily.¡±

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°I¡¯m not a Khan from Kazarlia. Just some yogurt, please.¡±

 Chapter 179: The Troops Pressing the Border (Alliance Hierarch Added)

    Prussian Army on this side.

    While heading back to his own division headquarters, Kluge suddenly saw a fire in the distance.

    He was almost asleep when the sight of the ze startled him awake, driving away all drowsiness.

    ¡°Stop!¡± he shouted, and the driver mmed on the brakes, bringing the barrel car to a halt on the rough dirt road.

    Kluge stood up in his seat¡ªthat was possible in this kind of open-top barrel car.

    However, it was too dark; even standing up, he could only discern three civilian houses aze, unable to see any specific details.

    So Kluge called out to the Prussian soldiers gathered by the roadside smoking, ¡°Which unit are you from?¡±

    The soldier nced at Kluge, and probably because he didn¡¯t see a red cor patch, didn¡¯t pay much attention and answered perfunctorily, ¡°We¡¯re from the 16th Division, getting ready to join the Crusader Knights!¡±

    ¡°Not Crusaders.¡± Another soldier, a sergeant sporting a senior exemption armband, corrected, ¡°It¡¯s the Asgard Knights, something new His Majesty hase up with.¡±Kluge: ¡°What¡¯s with the big fire up ahead?¡±

    ¡°Up front¡­ Who are you?¡± The speaking soldier checked Kluge¡¯s rank again, then realizing he had never seen such a rank, said, ¡°Spying on military secrets? Be careful or I¡¯ll report you to the military police!¡±

    Kluge pulled out his identification and unfolded it for the soldiers to see.

    A few soldiers crowded around, one of them took out a shlight and turned it on, and the next moment everyone snapped to attention as if electrocuted, straightening their backs: ¡°General, sir!¡±

    Kluge: ¡°What happened up front?¡±

    ¡°Reporting, general, my unit had just entered the vige ahead when suddenly the enemy¡¯s artillery fire came in. The supply train that entered the vige ahead of us had just set up an oil depot, and it got hit!¡±

    Kluge frowned, ¡°All your fuel¡¯s gone?¡±

    ¡°No, the supply trucks hadn¡¯t finished unloading everything, and they ran out after the shelling. Only the oil tanks that were moved into the depot got hit.¡±

    Kluge cursed and muttered to himself, ¡°Looks like facing this White Horse General, we can¡¯t enter viges, we have to stay in the fields even with houses around. Damn it, isn¡¯t he worried about killing his own people?¡±

    Kluge shook his head, ¡°Truly a cold-hearted bastard!¡±

    At 0430 hours, Wang Zhong led a small group of riders out of Orachi.

    His idea was simple: to use his special trait of having enemies highlighted in his field of vision to scout ahead before the enemy¡¯s main force moved.

    He brought along Vasily and the only field telephone in the whole division, ready to call in an artillery strike in clearnguage if necessary¡ª it didn¡¯t matter if the enemy heard, the point was to create a deterrent; how many enemies it killed wasn¡¯t important.

    No sooner had the cavalry left Orachi than they encountered God¡¯s Arrow Company on the move in vehicles.

    Ekaterina Andropolovna was leaning over the rear guard of the truck vomiting when she saw Wang Zhong riding a white horseing from afar, quickly straightening up and wiping her mouth with her sleeve.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Do you get car sick?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, so what?¡± Ekaterina lifted her eyebrows challengingly.

    Her demeanor made Wang Zhong want to flick her forehead with his finger.

    Suppressing the urge, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Are you okay? Today you¡¯re very important, if we can sessfully deter the enemy pilots, we can greatly reduce our losses.¡± ?

    ¡°Hmph, I¡¯ll guarantee that every Divine Arrow I guide will hit its target!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s good to hear.¡±

    After he spoke, he nudged his horse and sped up Bucephalus. He was in a hurry to scout for enemy intelligence. It would be too dangerous to do so once the enemy was deployed and ready to attack, perhaps even chased by enemy motorcycles.

    Motorcycles with sidecars always had machine guns, and Wang Zhong did not want to test the firing skills of enemy gunners.

    Then, Ekaterina¡¯s voice came from behind, ¡°You¡¯re just leaving?¡±

    Yes, what else?

    Wang Zhong looked back without stopping and began to trot along with the cavaliers.

    Wang Zhong bypassed the first ambush position and was about to continue forward when he saw several of his soldiers by the road urinating on the corpses of Prussian soldiers.

    ¡°What the hell are you doing? Which unit are you from?¡± Wang Zhong pulled the reins tight, making Bucephaluse to an abrupt halt, and questioned them.

    The men, without even the time to pull up their trousers, quickly snapped to attention and saluted.

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you? Pull up your pants first! You lot are so loose and undisciplined, where¡¯s the chain? Go and call over the chain from the 2nd Battalion!¡±

    Immediately a guard rode his horse towards the first ambush position.

    The soldiers pulled up their pants, their faces showing the look of impending doom, it seemed their battalion¡¯s chain was rather strict.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t dwell on it, asking, ¡°What were you just doing?¡±

    Soldier: ¡°Collecting the enemy¡¯s weapons!¡±

    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you pull up your pants?¡±

    ¡°Needed to pee urgently!¡±

    ¡°Desperately needed to pee on the enemy?¡±

    ¡°To express our hatred for the enemy!¡±

    ¡°Right, we were night-attacked yesterday, and several of our brothers died!¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, and just then the battalion¡¯s military chain arrived,ing to Wang Zhong and saluting, ¡°General! I will enforce strict discipline!¡±

    ¡°Good. I leave it to you.¡±

    Having said that, he turned his horse around and continued to move north.

    The escort galloped to catch up, smiling at the three soldiers they passed.

    As Vasily passed by, he joked, ¡°Looks like someone¡¯s off to shovel manure!¡±

    After this brief interlude, Wang Zhong hurried to the edge of the northern forest, stopped beneath a birch tree, and raised his binocrs.

    The enemy seemed to have no intention of attacking; Wang Zhong could only see scattered lookouts on the ins, hidden in foxholes.

    Advancing further would risk detection by the lookouts, so he could only strain his eyes from this vantage point, barely making out a few Prosen tanks at the edge of his vision.

    How very strange.

    Wang Zhong had left at 4:30, and it was now 5:30, with the day already brightened, yet the enemy showed no signs of organizing an offensive.

    He had expected to find enemy tanks amassing for an attack when he reached the point where he could not go any further without alerting the lookouts, and then he would be able to call in artillery fire.

    But there were no enemies in sight; the Prussians seemed to be sleeping in.

    Or could it be thatst night¡¯s surprise raid had thrown the enemy into disarray?

    In terms gamers would understand, was it possible thatst night¡¯s bombardment had reset the enemy¡¯s organization level? Were they regrouping this morning?

    Wang Zhong peered into the distance, and it seemed he could see smoke in the direction of the distant viges, perhaps fires caused byst night¡¯s shelling that had only just been extinguished.

    Was artillery fire really that effective? If so, during defensive battles they should get into the habit of disrupting the enemy¡¯s sleep with midnight bombardments.

    Lost in thought, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t notice Vasily, carrying the wireless, who then spected, ¡°Aren¡¯t Prussians known for their discipline? My father¡¯s friend said they wake up at four in the morning to study. The libraries at Prosen universities are bustling by then!¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Vasily, ¡°What¡¯s the name of your father¡¯s friend? I¡¯ll have the Tribunal pay him a visit.¡±

    ¡°Oh, he was arrested by the Tribunalst year for espionage.¡±

    Good riddance, how satisfying!

    Unaware of Wang Zhong¡¯s response, Vasily continued to stare at the empty field, saying, ¡°Looks like the Prussians aren¡¯t as diligent as he said. Of course, it might also be that firing 203mm shells into their vigesst night had an effect. What do you think, General?¡±

    ¡°I think my 203mm did the trick.¡±

    ¡°I agree. How about another round then?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No, I see a few Panzer IIIs over there, and though they¡¯re just IIIs, we have plenty of shells, and even a mosquito¡¯s leg is meat. Let¡¯s hit them. Give me the handmic for the wireless. Set the frequency!¡±

    Before heading out this morning, Wang Zhong had pulled a tank equipped with radio from the 5th Tank Army, which served as a divisional reserve, and sent it to the artillery.

    Thanks to the tank¡¯s wireless, he could finally establish radiomunication with the artillery.

    Vasily immediately tuned to the correct frequency, called twice, received a response, and handed the handmic to Wang Zhong, ¡°Ready!¡±

    Wang Zhong took the handmic, ¡°White Horse calling Rhino, White Horse calling Rhino.¡±

    ¡°Rhino here, loud and clear.¡±

    ¡°Fire at the following coordinates, repeat, fire at the following coordinates¡ª¡±

    ¡°White Horse, Rhino received, over.¡±

    Wang Zhong handed the handmic back to Vasily and observed the tanks once more.

    Only then did he realize no one was inside those tanks! The tank operators only now came into Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision, picking their teeth while moving towards the tanks.

    No wonder there was no sign of activity; Wang Zhong had thought they were out of range, seeing the tanks but not the tank operators inside them, but they were actually unmanned.

    Suddenly, a Prussian officer appeared and shouted something at the tank operators.

    The previously rxed tank operators hurried onto the tanks and started cranking the hand starters¡ªit seems cars and tanks back then also needed to be hand-cranked to start, unlike inter times where a simple turn of a key would suffice with an electric starter.

    Just as a few Prussian tank operators had cranked up their tanks, the shells fell.

    A single volley of fire and the resulting explosions enveloped the tanks in a massive cloud of dust.

    Wang Zhong watched the engulfed enemy andughed heartily.

    It was then that the roar of engines filled the sky.

    Wang Zhong immediately raised his gaze, and without much effort, located the enemy aircraft.

    This time it was a group of bombers, judging by their flight path and altitude, they were definitely heading for Orachi.

    As the nes flew over his head, Wang Zhong sincerely hoped the fieldundry and cooking units, along with other logistical personnel in Orachi, would remain safe and unharmed.

    At the headquarters of the Asgard Knights¡¯ Armored Division, Kluge was outlining his battle ns to the Commander of the 16th Armored Division:

    ¡°We¡¯ll deploy northwest of Orachi, and your division should deploy west of mine and maneuver to the west side of Orachi.

    ¡°ording to the map, there is a Hill 153 here, which we predict is upied by enemy heavy forces. Your division does not need to take the hill, just position your IIIs and IVs outside the effective range of the enemy¡¯s anti-tank guns and suppress them.

    ¡°You have a good number of Panzer Is and IIs which can maneuver quickly; they can cut across to seize the highway and block the enemy¡¯s supplies.

    ¡°We suspect the enemy artillery is in these forests. Once your Panzer I and II units seize the highway, your division¡¯s motorcycle reconnaissance battalion should advance decisively to scout these woods and be ready to call your divisional artillery to strike.¡±

    After exining, Kluge looked up at the Commander of the 16th Armored Division.

    The Commander of the 16th Armored Division was a bona fide Wehrmacht general, bearing the red cor tabs of general officers, who haughtily questioned, ¡°And what mission is the illustrious Asgard Knights carrying out?¡±

    Kluge: ¡°We willunch the main attack at the front. To draw the attention of Rocossov¡ªthe ¡®White Horse General.''¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than an explosion sounded outside.

    The Commander of the 16th Armored Division was rmed: ¡°What¡¯s happening? Is the enemy counterattacking?¡±

    ¡°Stay calm,¡± Kluge said through clenched teeth, ¡°Our adversary enjoys these sniper and artillery sneak attacks. They don¡¯t cause much damage, but they¡¯re infuriating. Today, he will taste our might!¡±

 Chapter 180: The Thunder of Cannons (Alliance Hierarchs Additional Release)

    Wang Zhong stopped again when he passed the first ambush position and shouted loudly, ¡°Company Commander of the Second!¡±

    The Company Commander of the Second immediately appeared, stood at attention in front of the horse, and saluted, ¡°General!¡±

    ¡°Withdraw from the position immediately and move to the third ambush position, leaving behind a lookout with signal res.¡±

    The Company Commander of the Second confirmed again, ¡°We¡¯re withdrawing from the position?¡±

    ¡°Yes. The enemy knows the locations of our first two positions, and I suspect they will shell them first. Your unit has excellentlypleted the task of defending against the enemy¡¯s night attack; there¡¯s no need to stay in the position and get shelled.¡±

    The Company Commander of the Second saluted and said ¡°Yes,¡± then turned and left.

    Wang Zhong led his men towards the city, all the way to the third ambush position. Last night, the tank unit had encamped here, and the tanks were parked on the bottom level of the bunker, thoroughly camouged.

    Upon entering the position, Wang Zhong saw soldiers from the Third Company gathered around a pot, drinking leftover soup from yesterday.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Be careful drinking that cold soup, or you might get diarrhea.¡±Everyone was stunned, then burst intoughter.

    Wang Zhong, looking confused, asked, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°General, who gets diarrhea from drinking a little cold soup?¡± someone asked.

    Is that not the case?

    Back on Earth, Wang Zhong¡¯s father had always taught him to reheat leftovers before eating as they could easily cause diarrhea, so he had always believed that to be true.

    It seemed that the Russians didn¡¯t have such concerns.

    Of course, it could also be because Russia was at a highertitude where the cold meant food didn¡¯t spoil as easily, and their stomachs had adapted to the cold.

    Probably.

    A soldier called out to Wang Zhong, ¡°General, won¡¯t you have some?¡±

    Wang Zhong checked his stomach and indeed felt hungry after riding for two hours that morning.

    ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll have some.¡±

    ¡°Hey, General, you really should try this. It¡¯s delicious, even cold! Look, it¡¯s even frozen, this part is the best, all for you!¡±

    Wang Zhong dismounted, mingled with the soldiers, and had a big mouthful of the thick soup turned to ice.

    It was indeed delicious, rich but not greasy, with a tangy note of sour cream.

    ¡°This is really good stuff,¡± Wang Zhong eximed, ¡°Come on, have some for yourselves too.¡±

    Right then, the Second Company arrived, moving along the road into the position. The leader nced at thepanymander and the apanying Priest, saw that they wouldn¡¯t interfere, and shouted, ¡°Hey, Third Company, what good stuff are you eating?¡±

    ¡°Leftovers fromst night¡¯s soup! Come and join us!¡±

    Just at that moment, the sound of a whistling shell tore through the sky.

    In the past, the new recruits would hesitate while the veterans hit the dirt. Today, upon hearing the whistle, all the new recruits dropped down, while the veterans remained standing.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared!¡± a veteran shouted, ¡°It¡¯s not for us.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, a column of smoke rose from the first ambush position due to the explosion.

    Then, explosions urred at the second ambush position as well.

    The enemy¡¯s artillery poured their furious barrages into these two positions.

    Meanwhile, Wang Zhong watched with his armored troops and two infantrypanies from the third position as the enemy wasted their firepower.

    The trenches of the third position were dug especially deep and could amodate three fullpanies; it was originally built as a standby defense position for the reserve forces and the main defense.

    It was precisely because the third position had such arge capacity that the cooking team had delivered meals for threepanies the day before.

    Soldiers from twopanies shared yesterday¡¯s leftover soup while watching the enemy squander their firepower.

    Wang Zhong heard someone ask, ¡°General, did you calcte all this?¡±

    He looked at the person who had spoken and realized it was one of the trio who had stealthily gone to scavenge enemy bodies that morning and had been caught red-handed by him.

    The soldier, now obviously cowed under Wang Zhong¡¯s direct gaze, shrank his neck, looking like he wanted to change the subject.

    Wang Zhong just smiled and replied, ¡°It¡¯s just a little bit of militarymon sense. The enemy is certain to prepare artillery fire for positions we¡¯ve already exposed, so we withdraw and let them prepare.

    ¡°If the enemy is aggressive and manages to move up during the artillery preparation, and we are not able to upy our positions in time, we simply cover them again.

    ¡°The trenches we¡¯ve constructed only offer proper artillery protection in your current position; the trenches in the first two positions are shallow, and if shelled, the enemy would undoubtedly suffer heavy casualties.¡±

    The surrounding soldiers listening to Wang Zhong all illuminated with understanding:

    ¡°So that¡¯s why!¡±

    ¡°The General is so clever!¡±

    In truth, this wasn¡¯t something Wang Zhong had figured out on his own; post-war Soviet tactical manuals spelled it out in ck and white.

    As Wang Zhong was enjoying the ttery from the soldiers, the Third Company¡¯s signalman came over with a telephone in hand, dragging the phone line, ¡°General, a call from the rear!¡±

    Wang Zhong took the receiver, ¡°This is Rocossov. Who¡¯s speaking?¡±

    ¡°This is the artillery observation post on Hill 153. General, we¡¯ve spotted enemy tank units maneuvering to our west side. The enemy tank units are maneuvering to our west side! The number is¡­¡±

    In fact, without needing the observation post to report, Wang Zhong pulled up a bird¡¯s-eye view and saw everything.

    It wasn¡¯t his own view, so there was no highlighting effect, but the situation was clear enough anyway.

    It looks like about one and a half battalions of Panzer III and Panzer IV are maneuvering west of Hill 153, and in front of this one and a half armored battalions, there is¡ªis that arge group of Panzer I and II tanks?

    Prosen¡¯s Armored Division, like the Sturmtiger from Earth, has the distinction between rich divisions and pauper divisions.

    The main thing is the proportion of Panzer III and IV.

    Some of the poorer divisions might have over a hundred Panzer I and II tanks just to make up the numbers, with Panzer III and IVbined making up only one battalion.

    Yesterday, the Asgard Knights¡¯ Ampraa Division, which shed with the 151st Division, also had a number of make-do Panzer IIs, but more than half of the division consisted of Panzer III and IV tanks.

    Moreover, this division didn¡¯t have Panzer I, the least they had were Panzer II. Even among the make-do tanks, there were 38Ts, which actually weren¡¯t too bad.

    Therefore, yesterday¡¯s Ampraa Division was absolutely a well-off division.

    Now, seeing thisrge swarm of Panzer I tanks like cockroaches, Wang Zhong immediately realized that the forces in front of him consisted of more than just that well-off division.

    My goodness, I¡¯m an infantry division, how am I supposed to fight against two armored divisions?

    Luckily the one replenishing them is a pauper division; it would be even harder to fight if another well-off division showed up.

    As Wang Zhong was assessing the situation, someone from the artillery observation post, not knowing Wang Zhong was doing the same thing, asked anxiously, ¡°General? General? What do we do? The enemy tanks are moving fast and they¡¯ll cut off our supply line!¡±

    In fact, the 151st Division wasn¡¯t too reliant on the supply line at the moment, mainly because they had stockpiled a lot of provisions for the war and could hold out for a few days even if their supplies were cut off.

    Moreover, with the forces of Duke Meishikin next to them, even if the supply line of Argesukov was cut off, they could still get supplies from Duke Meishikin¡¯s side.

    However, Wang Zhong¡¯s main goal in holding his ground here was to clear a path of survival for Ante¡¯s troops from Argesukov.

    What kind of path of survival would it be if the highway were cut off?

    Of course, Wang Zhong had made preparations for such a situation long ago. He had deployed eight anti-tank guns on Hill 153. Although they were only 45mm anti-tank guns, they were effective enough to handle Panzer I and II tanks.

    As for the enemy¡¯s Panzer III and IV tanks¡­

    Wang Zhong decided to entrust them to the T26 of the original 5th Tank Army¡¯s 13th Armored Battalion.

    Based on yesterday¡¯sbat experience, the new tank shelters proved to be effective in preventing the enemy from spotting ambush tanks. Even if discovered, it was difficult for the enemy to achieve a sessful hit.

    Yesterday, Wang Zhong¡¯s T34s, from their shelters, engaged in a firefight with the enemy, and most of the enemy¡¯s shells didn¡¯t hit the T34s.

    Since that was the case, having the T26s enter shelters to dy the enemy¡¯s attack should be no problem.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong ordered the observation post, ¡°Get the anti-tank guns on alert, open fire as soon as the enemy approaches. I willmand the 13th Armored Battalion of the 5th Tank Army to rush to Hill 153 to assist you in repelling the enemy.

    ¡°Remember to guide the T26 into the tank shelters.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Wang Zhong hung up the phone, took the handset of the field radio carried by Vasily directly, and then said to Vasily, ¡°Change the frequency, I want the 5th Tank Army¡¯s 13th Armored Battalion.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°It¡¯s this frequency, just call and it¡¯s done.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°White Horse calling Lame Wolf, White Horse calling Lame Wolf.¡±

    ¡°This is Lame Wolf, do we finally have a mission given to us?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Proceed to Hill 153, proceed to Hill 153, over.¡±

    ¡°Understood! White Horse, can we really hit the enemy this time?¡±

    The 5th Tank Army seemed not to have engaged much with the enemy before beingpletely wiped out, that¡¯s why themander of the 13th Armored Battalion asked. They probably chose ¡°Lame Wolf¡± as their radio call sign, out of frustration.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You will hit them, and this time you will win! Hit them hard!¡±

    At the same time, Argesukov, Crown Prince Ivan Nikyevich Andronov, was pacing back and forth anxiously in themand post.

    Finally, themunication officer came through the door, saluted the Crown Prince, ¡°Your Highness! The reply from the capital has arrived!¡±

    The Crown Prince was overjoyed, ¡°Is it my sister? Or has she already convinced the Emperor?¡±

    Themunication officer, with an embarrassed face, handed over the telegram, ¡°You¡¯d better see for yourself.¡±

    Since it had to be decoded, themunication officer must have read it. Confused by his expression, the Crown Prince snatched the telegram and began to read, ¡°Dear brother, unfortunately, I already angered the Emperor yesterday, and the generals are saying that unless you suffer a major defeat, it is unlikely that the Emperor will order a retreat. I will try again once the Emperor has cooled off.¡±

    Crown Prince Ivan Nikyevich Andronov sighed deeply, ¡°My sister, oh what are you doing!¡±

    He sped his hands together, as if intending to crumple the telegram into a ball, but stopped halfway through the motion, then slowly spread the telegram out again, handing it to General Skorobo.

    The General was embarrassed, ¡°I don¡¯t think I should look at the Royal Family¡¯s telegrams, right?¡±

    ¡°Indeed,¡± the Crown Prince replied, handing the telegram back to themunication officer, ¡°Take care of this for me. I don¡¯t want future generations to know about this.¡±

    The others in the room all looked embarrassed.

    After all, the idea that an Army Group of several hundred thousand could be annihted because of the Emperor¡¯s pique sounded far-fetched.

    The Crown Prince, watching as themunication officer reduced the telegram to ashes, then looked up to ask General Skorobo, ¡°Is it possible to send reinforcements to Rokossov?¡±

    The General¡¯s face was ashen, ¡°His defensive line hasn¡¯t had any problems yet, and to the south, the enemy¡¯s armored groups are pushing forward furiously. Any reinforcements we send now would inevitably go to the south.¡±

    At that moment, anothermunication officer came in with a message, ¡°Report! Urgent dispatch from the 35th Army Group, they say they cannot plug the gap! It¡¯s as if the enemy is flooding through the breach like a tide.¡±

    General Skorobo turned to the Crown Prince, ¡°You see. I have no reason to send the reserve to an area that has no apparent issues. I¡¯m not formting any grudges against General Rokossovsky; I admit he¡¯s an outstandingmander, but¡­¡±

    The Crown Prince sighed, ¡°I understand. Let¡¯s see if my little sister can think of a solution. She¡­¡±

    Suddenly, the Crown Prince pped his forehead, ¡°My sister doesn¡¯t have my seal! Damn.¡±

 Chapter 181: Nellys War (14000 Monthly Tickets Plus)

    Orachi City, currently under the control of the Ante Army, 1030 hours.

    In the distance, the dull rumbling of thunder could be heard, which was actually the enemy preparing artillery fire for the defensive positions outside the city.

    Nelly, carrying a basket, left themand post through the side door¡ªthe general¡¯s dormitory and themand post were together, so naturally, Nelly also lived there.

    Because she lived there, she could make full use of the kitchen of Lord Boye to prepare meals for everyone at themand post.

    Now she was getting ready to go out and gather ingredients for dinner.

    Of course, themand post of the 151st Division was stocked with enough food, as it was designated to be thest phase of the city¡¯s hand-to-handbat defense support point, so it was essential to have plenty of food and water.

    But Nelly didn¡¯t like military rations much, and as long as there was a supply, she nned to try to make some food besides the military rations.

    Besides gathering ingredients, she also prepared to deliver the mixed sd she had madest night to Miss Ludm.

    This was the youngdy¡¯s favorite food.Nelly walked past the guard with her basket slung over her arm.

    The guards knew she was the general¡¯s orderly and let her through without even checking her identification.

    As soon as she stepped out, Nelly was stunned, because the entire row of houses directly opposite themand post was engulfed in raging fire, and the residents of Orachi were working together to fight the fire.

    After watching for a few seconds, Nelly ultimately decided to ignore the firefighting and continue with her errands.

    Just then, a house on the edge of the fire copsed with an explosion.

    The st startled Nelly, causing her to take a step back.

    The sentry at themand post said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, they are sting a firebreak¡ªdemolishing buildings that catch fire easily first, so the fire won¡¯t spread here.¡±

    Nelly nodded and, clutching her basket tightly, moved on.

    She passed a bomb crater and saw a child sitting on the edge of it, looking lost and seemingly deep in thought.

    Next to the cratery the bodies of people who had died in the bombing, with a priest in the midst of the corpses conducting a mass.

    Nelly quickened her pace, her footsteps pattering as she moved through the city cloaked in the mes of war.

    Soon she arrived at the northwest corner of the city at a building and nodded to the soldiers guarding the door.

    The soldiers opened the door and stepped aside.

    The soldier manning the machine gun smiled at Nelly: ¡°You¡¯re still so punctual, maid Miss.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m the general¡¯s orderly,¡± Nelly said.

    ¡°Then you should at least be wearing your side cap. Want to wear mine?¡± The machine gunner took off his own cap.

    Nelly showed a look of obvious disgust.

    The machine gunner dejectedly put the cap back on: ¡°Alright, alright, I get it. Go on up, don¡¯t let the Divine Arrow missy go hungry.¡±

    Nelly entered the building and took the stairs all the way to the attic.

    In the attic, one window frame had been removed to set up a Divine Arrowuncher, and Ludm was sitting on the sill of the other window.

    There were also two female soldiers in the attic, checking the spare Divine Arrows.

    Ludm, with a book in hand, was reading in the gradually brightening noon sunlight.

    Nelly: ¡°Miss? The battle has begun.¡±

    Ludm put down her book and looked at Nelly: ¡°But it¡¯s none of our business, is it? Nelly,e here, see the sound array on the roof over there? They¡¯re supposed to call on this phone when they hear the sound of enemy reconnaissance nes.¡± ???

    Ludm pointed to the telephone on the chest of drawers next to the window; the telephone line was pulled in from outside and was pinned down at the edge of the windowsill with arge brick.

    Ludm: ¡°Then my battle task will begin. Until then, I can only watch them, powerless to do anything.¡±

    As she spoke, Ludm looked out towards the northern fields.

    Ludm: ¡°The north is rather calm today, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    Nelly nced at the plumes of smoke rising continuously from the north and asked doubtfully, ¡°Calm?¡±

    ¡°Extremely calm, don¡¯t be fooled by the enemy¡¯s vigorous shelling, but Alyosha must have withdrawn his troops.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Nelly eximed in surprise, ¡°Alyosha¡­ young master?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the current Alyosha,¡± Ludmughed, ¡°The current Alyosha would never let his troops be swallowed up by the enemy¡¯s artillery preparation. His forces must have already withdrawn to the third defensive position, which has better protection against artillery.¡±

    Nelly ¡°huh¡±ed in response, then after a brief silence she asked, ¡°Miss, after all¡­¡±

    ¡°Alyosha is Alyosha, don¡¯t you like the current Alyosha?¡±

    Nelly nodded: ¡°I do like him, I¡¯m just not quite used to it.¡±

    ¡°Men grow up.¡±

    Just as Nelly was about to reply, her attention was drawn to the situation in the west side of the city.

    There seemed to be a major battle breaking out in the west, with tracer rounds flying chaotically.

    Nelly curiously watched over there.

    ¡°Nelly,¡± Ludm called softly, ¡°here, for you.¡±

    Nelly looked down in surprise and discovered Ludm offering her a pair of binocrs.

    Taking the binocrs, Nelly looked towards the west. The Rokossovsky family was a military family¡ªin fact, it is rare for a noble family in Ante not to be a military family, as per the empire¡¯s rank system, titles were generally tied to military ranks.

    However, the Rokossovsky family was one of those ¡°true¡± military families, so most of their servants had some military knowledge.

    Nelly knew how to operate binocrs and adjust its magnification.

    Thus, Nelly clearly saw that on the western highway, Ante Army tanks were in a major battle with the enemy tanks.

    These were the small tanks that had just arrived in Orachi two days earlier to join under themand of Major General Rokossovsky, much smaller than the T34s.

    Opposing these little tanks was a group of little tanks as well.

    These little tanks seem to be able to fire continuously¡ªwith most of their tracer rounds being green (the No. 1 only had machine guns, while No. 2 tanks were equipped with autocannons).

    And Ante Army¡¯s small tanks could fire, so the enemy quickly fell into disadvantage.

    Nelly held binocrs, watching and saying, ¡°Looks like¡­ we have the advantage? So are we going to win?¡±

    Ludm gave a bitter smile, ¡°Alyosha said it might take three to four years and millions of casualties.¡±

    At the mention of casualty numbers, Nelly shivered, almost dropping the binocrs, but she immediately caught them.

    ¡°Oh!¡± Ludm pped her hands, and the other women of the Guardian Army joined in apuding.

    Ludm: ¡°Is this the reaction speed you developed to avoid breaking dishes and bowls?¡±

    Nelly blushed a little.

    She changed the subject and said, ¡°Look, the enemy¡¯s tank is smoking!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s smoke, the Prussians like to use smoke, it¡¯s said mainly to defend against Divine Arrow. In Ronied, the smoke did indeed block our field of fire. We had thought we could control a whole street with Divine Arrow, but when the smoke came, we could only control five hundred meters.

    ¡°Then Yeca Neiko, who wasn¡¯t Deputy Knight at the time, ordered us to move forward, and we encountered Prussian infantry on the way. The God¡¯s Arrow Company was nearly wiped out, leaving only a few of us.¡±

    ¡°Ah, don¡¯t tell Alyosha. I haven¡¯t told him about it yet to keep him from worrying.¡±

    As Ludm spoke, she gently stroked Nelly¡¯s head.

    Nelly: ¡°That¡¯s dangerous¡­¡±

    ¡°The battlefield. Whether it¡¯s me or Alyosha, one never knows when one might be gone. You should be careful too, Nelly. I think you should go back, I heard the Rokossovsky family bought a new estate at Mount Raoul. If you go there¡­¡±

    Nelly shook her head like a tambourine: ¡°No, I¡¯m not going anywhere. I want to stay with you all!¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Then you need a garrison cap, or you won¡¯t look like an orderly.¡±

    Saying that, she took off the headband from Nelly¡¯s head and put her own garrison cap on the maid¡¯s head.

    ¡°Hmm, it looks pretty good,¡± Ludm said with a smile.

    That¡¯s when the telephone rang.

    Ludm shouted ¡°Battle stations¡± while picking up the telephone: ¡°God¡¯s Arrow Company, Brother Peter? Which direction? Okay!¡±

    After hanging up the telephone, Ludm instructed the Guardian Army, ¡°They¡¯reing straight at us, we¡¯ll hit them head-on.¡±

    Then shey at the attic window and shouted outside, ¡°Ivan! Prepare to move!¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Move?¡±

    ¡°Yes, after firing, we must move immediately. Before, we were nearly hit by a Prussian remote-controlled bomb¡ªI don¡¯t know what Alyosha meant by remote-controlled bomb, but it¡¯s powerful; it almost killed our entire Divine Arrow.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Then I¡¯ll help too!¡±

    ¡°Okay, take that! Get going first!¡±

    At that moment, one of the Guardian Army called out, ¡°Target sighted!¡±

    Ludm immediately looked outside the window and indeed saw a twin-engine reconnaissance ne flying this way.

    Then the next moment, a Divine Arrow rose from the forest and struck it.

    Ludm was stunned: ¡°Eh?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Ludm stomped her foot in anger: ¡°Damn Katyusha (Ekaterina¡¯s nickname), she stole my target!¡±

    One of the Guardian Army said: ¡°As long as the general isn¡¯t snatched away, targets and such don¡¯t matter.¡±

    Ludm looked at the Guardian Army, ¡°Check Divine Arrow! Reportbat readiness status in ten minutes!¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Ekaterina has her eye on the young master too?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Yeah, right now he¡¯s a hotmodity; it¡¯d be strange if she didn¡¯t.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Miss, you seem pretty proud.¡±

    ¡°I am very proud.¡±

    Nelly clicked her tongue, when suddenly she remembered a piece of ¡°militarymon sense¡±: ¡°Wait, so miss, are you now dedicated to air defense? Wasn¡¯t Divine Arrow invented to deal with tanks?¡±

    ¡°Alyosha likes to use Divine Arrow for air defense,¡± Ludm shrugged her shoulders, ¡°In terms of wild ideas, he¡¯s just the same as before.¡±

    At the same time, Wang Zhong sneezed several times.

    Then the radio transmitted a call from the 13th Armored Battalion: ¡°Lame Wolf calling White Horse, Lame Wolf calling White Horse!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is White Horse, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Lame Wolf has taken out number one and two that cut off our supply line, now preparing to enter the tank hide and meet with number three and four.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately switched to the troop perspective.

    Although ally vision was not highlighted, checking out the situation on the battlefield was not a problem.

    And he saw a pile of number two and one¡¯s wreckage near the highway.

    Goodness gracious, I asked you to get into the hide and line up against enemy number three and four, but you went ahead and gobbled up number ones and twos reserved for the tank gun?

    Thisbat spirit, good!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Lame Wolf, well done, Lame Wolf, well done! Continue the operation.¡±

    Wang Zhong meant to say it three times, but he said it once less in his excitement.

    ¡°White Horse, leave it to us. Even if we fight until we run out of ammo, we¡¯ll ram the enemy till they¡¯re paralyzed.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I order you, achieve victory and then return alive. Repeat, I order you, achieve victory and then return alive!¡±

    The other side was silent for a few seconds, then answered, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best. Lame Wolf, over!¡±

 Chapter 182: Brother, Will You Forgive Me (Another five updates)

    Wang Zhong finished responding to the 13th Armored Battalion and refocused his attention on the enemy in front.

    Because the artillery preparation wasn¡¯t done yet, the enemy remained at the edge of Wang Zhong¡¯s sight. From a bird¡¯s-eye view, he could only see a few tanks and not therge troops that were assembling.

    Through naked-eye vision, one could blurily make out the distribution of therge troops, but since Wang Zhong actually didn¡¯t know how to calcte distances and coordinates, he couldn¡¯t guide the artillery to attack.

    Damn it, once the spring mud period arrives next year and everyone is immobilized, I must find an opportunity to properly learn how to calcte distances and coordinates.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong heard Yegorov¡¯s voice and turned his head to see his number one infantry tough guy standing outside the regimental headquarters shelter, shouting, ¡°The artillery fire has started to extend. Are we preparing to enter the position?¡±

    Wang Zhong quickly nced at the aerial view and indeed the point of artillery impact was extending backward.

    He was about to answer when the enemy¡¯s smoke bombs arrived.

    The first and second ambush positions werepletely enveloped in smoke, making it impossible to fire even if one went there.

    At the same time, the enemy began to advance.To the north were the enemy¡¯s Armored Grenadiers, and to the northwest were two of the enemy¡¯s armored battalions, nearly a hundred Mark III and Panzer IV.

    Wang Zhong looked at Yegorov, pointed to the ground, meaning to stay put.

    The position was all smoke, and going back wouldn¡¯t allow for effective firepower to be used, plus there would be a meat grinder with the infantry. Their rivals were elite infantry, who had fought through Bohemia and the Carolingian.

    Ever since thest close-quartersbat with the enemy¡¯s elite infantry at Loktov, Wang Zhong never wanted to engage in closebat with these veteran Prosen soldiers again. Damn it, they were even scarier than tanks.

    Yegorov gave a thumbs up and turned back into the regimental headquarters shelter.

    Wang Zhong turned to find the signal soldier waiting on the tank engine hood with a telephone and telephone wire, picked up the phone, ¡°Connect to 152¡­ 155 battalion.¡±

    Under Wang Zhong¡¯smand, this heavy artillery battalion was numbered 155, but he always called it 152 because the caliber of the guns in the battalion was 152 millimeters.

    The phone quickly connected: ¡°155 battalion here, please speak.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I am Rocossov, aim at the coordinates¡­¡±

    After he reported the coordinates, the artillery battalion responded, ¡°We need about five minutes to reset the firing parameters.¡±

    ¡°I know, I know, you need five minutes.¡±

    Last time the artillery battalion also said five minutes, but they opened fire in two minutes.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°After settings are done, wait for my orders before firing.¡±

    ¡°Understood, but this time aren¡¯t we targeting the positions that we have pre-set?¡±

    ¡°Right, targeting the positions would only blow up the infantry, and our fortifications would still allow many infantrymen to survive the st. We¡¯ll bomb the columns in transit.¡±

    Phonemunications generally aren¡¯t eavesdropped on by the enemy because the battlefield is chaotic, and the signal soldiersying the phone lines often can¡¯t even find where they areid. So, detailed information can bemunicated over the phone.

    There was silence from the artillery battalion, and Wang Zhong ced the receiver on his shoulder and continued to observe the enemy forces.

    The enemy truly had no idea that the 151st Division¡¯s troops were stationed in the third position behind them. They were pressing forward from three directions.

    Wang Zhong kept the phone on his shoulder while speaking to Alexandria through the vehicle¡¯s internal line: ¡°Aim at the enemy tanks advancing from the nk. You can hit them, right?¡±

    ¡°Leave it to me,¡± Alexandria replied confidently, beginning to turn the turret.

    At this time, the tank engine wasn¡¯t started, so the turret could only be turned using electricity from the batteries, and the batteries of the Ante Empire were terrible, so Alexandria could only turn slowly.

    The reason for not starting the tank, of course, was that the engine sound was too loud and could be heard by the enemy.

    The electromechanical engineer of tank 422 stood beside the tank with a crank, just waiting to help turn it over when Beliyakov ignited it.

    As the enemy finally advanced to the point pre-aimed by Wang Zhong, he shouted, ¡°Fire!¡±

    Soon Wang Zhong heard a whistling sound in the sky, and then the shellsnded right in the middle of the enemy¡¯s attack formation.

    When advancing, the Prussians liked to use a rtively dense formation; if a heavy artillery shell could hit between two tanks, there was a chance of simultaneously sting off the tracks of both.

    A broken track on the battlefield isn¡¯t like in games where it gets fixed in just ten seconds. On the battlefield, a broken track means the tank should be temporarily abandoned until afterwards, when the battlefield is retaken, toe back for repairs.

    Additionally, heavy artillery might even concuss tank crews if it could hit urately.

    After the first round of 24 shellsnded, all the infantry in the enemy¡¯s attack formationy down. In Wang Zhong¡¯s aerial view, at least 30 infantry were visible as killed by this salvo.

    Five tanks also stopped their advance, and this rate of casualties was actually eptable.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Adjust the firing parameters, correct for elevation and traverse¡­¡±

    Through parameter adjustment, it was possible to finely tune the impact point of the artillery. Wang Zhong had specifically learned a bit about this from Dietrich. Dietrich was now at a gunner observation post on Hill 153. If enemy tanks entered the range of Hill 153¡¯s observation post, they were likely to face even more precise attacks.

    After the second round of high explosive shells came down, another four tanks halted their advance. The enemy tanks all stopped and began releasing smoke.

    The infantry also got up and threw smoke bombs.

    It seemed the enemy had judged that they were currently within the view of the artillery observer and chose to obscure the sight lines before continuing to advance.

    Was it any use, Wang Zhong wondered.

    That¡¯s when he heard the roar of engines in the sky.

    He immediately used the aerial view to observe the sky.

    Recon ne 215!

    This was to observe our artillery positions!

    Loktov and Wang Zhong had three B4 howitzers knocked out by this thing.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Cease fire, artillery battalion cease fire, prepare to move to the backup position.¡±

    As an experiencedmander, Wang Zhong naturally had a backup position prepared for the artillery battalion.

    After all, they had been outmaneuvered by the enemy once before.

    In addition to ordering the artillery battalion to prepare to move, Wang Zhong issued another order, ¡°Have the covering troops prepare to burn the tires.¡±

    Whether the artillery battalion moved or not, the gunners dared not open fire at will while this thing was overhead.

    Soon, if the enemy upied the position, they couldn¡¯t even use it to cover themselves.

    Now it was time to see the true strength of the infantry and armored troops.

    Wang Zhong patiently waited for the enemy to enter the firing range of the armored unit.

    He was waiting when Alexander said, ¡°This distance is about right. Any closer and the enemy might rush us and take advantage of the better view. Fire!¡±

    Wang Zhong checked the distance, 600 meters, indeed already within the effective firing range of ordinary members of the armored unit, so he said to Alexander, ¡°Fire!¡±

    The cannons roared to life immediately.

    Beliyakov also roared, ¡°Crank the handle! Start it up!¡±

    The mechanical operator put all his strength into cranking the handle furiously.

    The next moment, the iconic rear exhaust of the T34 belched ck smoke, and the engine¡¯s roar came to life.

    Just then, Alexander fired his second shot, urately hitting a Panzer IV.

    It was then that the other tanks began their first volley of fire.

    Six enemy tanks were immediately hit.

    At that moment, a Panzer IV stopped, and its turret turned towards the position of Wang Zhong¡¯s third ambush.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That Panzer IV turning its turret! See it? It¡¯s going to fire a smoke bomb at us! Definitely!¡±

    Loader, ¡°Armor-piercing shell, ready!¡±

    Alexander immediately fired, but the enemy also fired at the same time.

    Alexander¡¯s armor-piercing shell hit the Panzer IV¡¯s vertical side armor, and the next moment, the surviving Prussian tank operators jumped out of the tank and ran, with great skill, without dy.

    It seems Prussian regtions are to protect experienced tank operators, demanding they abandon the tank immediately if they can no longer fight.

    But the Panzer IV¡¯s shell flew slowly, taking two seconds before Wang Zhong heard the explosion and saw the colored smoke from the smoke bomb.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The Stukas areing! Evacuate the shelter, infantry release smoke!¡±

    With the previous hands-on experience, the reaction of both the armored and infantry units was very swift.

    Wang Zhong had already spotted the Stukas, and it would be painful if the Prussians coordinated their bomb drop with artillery fire.

    The Death Scream came from the sky.

    The next moment, three Divine Arrows rose from the ground, meeting the diving Stukas!

    All three Divine Arrows hit their target, and before the Stukas crashed, a second volley of Divine Arrows ascended.

    The pilots were clearly flustered; they only knew the White General would shoot down reconnaissance nes to block scouting, not that he would use Divine Arrows like fireworks.

    Struck, the Stukas spiraled down towards the ground.

    Wang Zhong turned and shouted to Grigori on horseback, ¡°Go, capture the pilots!¡±

    Grigori nodded, mounted his horse, and with the cavalry previously guarding Wang Zhong, galloped towards the crash site of the Stukas.

    As Wang Zhong expected, the enemy¡¯s aircraft scattered like monkeys, all flying low to make it harder for the Divine Arrows to find their mark.

    The aimlessly dropped bombsnded about fifty meters in front of the third ambush spot, a distance that was no cause for concern for the carefully constructed site.

    The shock wave and shrapnel couldn¡¯t harm anyone.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that it was fair; if you jam my heavy artillery, I jam your air support. And when we catch the pilots, we can interrogate them properly and pull out some intelligence.

    ¡ª-

    While fierce battles erupted in Orachi, at Saint Ye Katerina Fortress, the Summer Pce.

    Olga Nikyevna Antonovna was shouting at the guards at the door, ¡°I¡¯m the princess! How dare you forbid me from entering my own home¡¯s rooms?¡±

    The guard was unmoved, ¡°This is themand center, not a salon, Your Highness. Moreover, His Imperial Majesty has personally ordered not to let you in to disturb their meeting.¡±

    Olga angrily said, ¡°What meeting? Discussing how to send nearly a million troops to their doom? We need to retreat now!¡±

    Guard, ¡°Your Highness, shouting at me is futile. Even if I concede you are right, I still can¡¯t let you in.¡±

    Olga took a deep breath, shook her head, and walked away.

    Once she got some distance, in a corridor with no guards, Olga quietly took out an exquisite sachet and from it, pulled out a gold ring.

    The ring was identical to His Royal Highness the Crown Prince¡¯s ring.

    ¡°Though I don¡¯t like to use the fake ring I cast in secret, the situation is urgent, brother, you will forgive me.¡±

 Chapter 183: Rising Tide

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s side.

    After the Air Force¡¯s attack was dispersed by Divine Arrow, the Prussian Army did not stop their assault.

    The enemy¡¯s Panzer IVs and mortars added more smoke to the ground, and then the mixed cluster of armored vehicles and infantry attacking the nk directly turned towards Wang Zhong and his colleagues at the third ambush position.

    Meanwhile, the armored grenadiers originally attacking from the north continued to advance towards the now-empty first and second ambush positions.

    The enemy¡¯s choice was understandable; retreating to reorganize the attack would have wasted one or two hours.

    Such a division-level offensive action, being able to organize an attack within two hours, would already be considered elite. The staff officers at all levels must have been very experienced.

    Wang Zhong had already prepared for this situation.

    Although his principle in setting up the positions was to avoid closebat as much as possible, facing the Prussian Army who liked using smoke, he had to consider the possibility of hand-to-handbat.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Tank column, follow mymand, remind each other without radio, maneuver to the nk.¡±In addition to tank bunkers, Wang Zhong had prepared many points for side attacks and had all 30 tank drivers familiarize themselves with the routes between several points in jeeps so they could quickly change their positions duringbat.

    The main reason they were unable to change positions during the Stuka raid yesterday was that many crew members were on the battlefield for the first time, so busy firing their guns they didn¡¯t notice theirrades beginning to maneuver.

    Today, Wang Zhong especially arranged a messenger behind each tank, who normallyy behind the tank gun turret and, seeing other tanks maneuver, would lift the lid of the turret to notify the inside crew.

    This could be considered a form of human radio.

    The good news was that themunication efficiency was alright; the bad news was that it was manpower-intensive, with the person outside often injured by stray bullets.

    Damn it, Wang Zhong was fed up with fighting this frustrating war. Next year, when the aid from the Federation arrived, he would definitely equip the entire army with Shermans.

    In the second year of the war, the Sherman was basically a true god on the battlefield. The Sturmtiger, with its short 50 tank gun, couldn¡¯t even scratch therge sloped front armors of the Shermans.

    The reputation of the Sherman only copsed in ¡¯43 when facing Tiger and Panther tanks.

    While thinking this, Wang Zhong led his troops to maneuver to the side firing positions. As he passed by Yegorov¡¯smand bunker, he saw Yegoroving out and shouted, ¡°I¡¯ll leave the front to you!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Guys, remember the anti-tank techniques I taught you: First, cut off the infantry; second, find a way to get close to the blind spots in the tank¡¯s vision¡ªthe closer you are, the less the tank can see you; and finally, throw Molotov cocktails!¡±

    ¡°Two people in a team; the first throws grenades to scatter the infantry, the second approaches to ensure the Molotov cocktail hits the engine¡¯s cooling cover!¡±

    Wang Zhong left Yegorov¡¯s words behind in his head.

    The battlefield demands specialization, and Wang Zhong¡¯s tank toon¡¯s task was to upy the nk, circumventing the enemy¡¯s smoke cover to shoot at the reinforcements.

    The meat grinder at the front had Yegorov¡¯s two battalions.

    As Tank 422 sped towards its predetermined position, a signal re rose from the distant forest.

    This was a re shot by the scouts left behind, mainly to inform the friendly forces that the enemy had charged the position, so artillery cover could be provided in time.

    But Wang Zhong looked up at the sky. The enemy¡¯s Do 215 reconnaissance ne was lingering overhead, and even if they ignited the hard-gathered tires to produce ck smoke, there was no guarantee the enemy wouldpletely fail to notice the artillery positions.

    The enemy¡¯s heavy artillery had just finished preparing for fire and upon receiving coordinates provided by the observation ne, could start firing immediately.

    Wang Zhong had already lost three B4 guns like this in Loktov.

    If it had now reached the critical moment where not firing would mean the front couldn¡¯t hold, Wang Zhong would have ordered to open fire. But it was obvious that it hadn¡¯t reached that point yet.

    So he looked again at the signal re in the sky and quietly said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±

    The current Wang Zhong was able to make such tough decisions, heart as hard as iron.

    Yegorov ran around the trench and returned to themand shelter, where the battalion staff officer immediately said, ¡°A signal re has gone up. The enemy must have entered the position we abandoned. Why aren¡¯t we covering with fire?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a reconnaissance ne in the sky,¡± Yegorov pointed to the sky. ¡°That craft will tell the enemy artillery where our artillery positions are.¡±

    The staff officer immediately got close to the shelter¡¯s observation window, ducking down to look up at the sky, trying to spot the reconnaissance ne.

    ¡°It should be over Orachi. The noise is blocked by the outer wall. You¡¯ll hear the roar as soon as you step out the door.¡±

    Staff officer, ¡°Then¡­ aren¡¯t we just sacrificing the scout who risked his life tounch the signal re? He must have been spotted by the enemy!¡±

    Yegorov nodded, ¡°Yes. But even if there were no enemy reconnaissance nes, covering the location of the scout with artillery would still mean his death¡­ it would just be death by friendly fire instead of being killed by the enemy. There are countless things like this on the battlefield.¡±

    The staff officer pursed his lips and didn¡¯t speak.

    At this moment, at the first ambush position.

    Private Semyon was skirmishing with the enemy, taking cover in the woods.

    The light from the still-floating signal re shone from behind him to the side.

    To enable the scout to deal with the numerous enemies, Semyon¡¯s weapon was switched from the Tokarev to a captured MP submachine gun.

    He covered his Imperial Guard cloak with ayer of grass so he could better hide in the bushes.

    However, all his efforts to stay hidden became ineffective the moment the signal re went up, and Semyon had to face a toon of enemies pursuing him.

    He ran between the birch trees, like a startled rabbit, bing a lingering shadow in the woods.

    He continuously swept the enemy with his submachine gun.

    A Prussian toon leader was hit by a stray bullet from the submachine gun and fell, clutching his chest, while his deputy toon leader yelled something to the others behind him.

    Then a machine gunner rushed over, setting up his machine gun between the roots beneath a birch tree.

    The tearing sound of gunfire echoed through the woods, the bullets stripping the bark off birch trees that had grown for who knows how many years, creating a shower of flying wood chips.

    Xiemiao¡¯s eyebrows were cut by the wood chips, blood trailing down his cheeks.

    He was still running, asionally firing backwards.

    Though he wasn¡¯t aiming, his sporadic shooting still slowed the cautious Prussians¡¯ pursuit.

    From a distance, the voice of Aleksei, theradeing to meet him, suddenly came, ¡°Xiemiao, run this way! Where¡¯s your re?¡±

    It turned out that therades hiding in the forest hadn¡¯t seen any res go up.

    Xiemiao: ¡°I fired it! Why hasn¡¯t the artillerye down yet?¡±

    ¡°Xiemiao!¡± Aleksei yelled, ¡°Run to themunication trench! We are in themunication trench!¡±

    As Aleksei spoke, he fired his Tokarev, trying to stop the enemy from pursuing.

    As a result, the enemy¡¯s machine gun immediately swung around, forcing Aleksei to abandon his position and dash towards themunication trench as well.

    Xiemiao¡¯s submachine gun was out of ammo, and in his frantic attempt to reload, a bullet severed his thumb and the full magazine dropped to the ground.

    Xiemiao screamed.

    The enemy was closing in; he didn¡¯t dare pick up the magazine and just kept running forward, all the while shouting, ¡°Where¡¯s our artillery? I fired the re! And I specifically stayed around the designated impact zone! Where¡¯s our artillery?¡±

    Aleksei had reached themunication trench and joined forces with a squad inside.

    The squad leader yelled, ¡°Xiemiao! Run ahead, we¡¯ll cover you! Fire at will!¡±

    The final word was addressed to everyone in themunication trench, and so six Tokarevs fired in unison.

    The enemy¡¯s machine gun immediately swung around to suppress themunication trench.

    But this was precisely the squad leader¡¯s strategy¡ªthis way, Xiemiao should be able to escape!

    However, no one noticed that about three hundred meters from themunication trench, and less than two hundred meters from Xiemiao, a Prussian sergeant, leaning against a birch tree, raised his bolt-action 98K rifle.

    The sergeant also had an unlit cigarette in his mouth, the insignia of an experienced veteran on his arm proiming his status as an old soldier.

    He carefully adjusted the sight and took precise aim.

    At the moment the rifle fired, Xiemiao¡¯s entire body suddenly twitched, his back stiffenedpletely.

    He opened his arms, like a bird spreading its wings to fly, and his submachine gun fell to the ground.

    Aleksei cried out, ¡°Xiemiao!¡±

    Xiemiao fell to his knees, plunging his face toward the ground. In thest moment of his life, he thought of the day of hising-of-age ceremony, the bonfire party in the vige, where the girl he loved grabbed him, running towards the threshing floor.

    Just like then, he had been pushed down onto the pile of wheat on the threshing floor by the girl.

    Aleksei turned to the squad leader who came to help and shouted, ¡°Why is there no artillery? Why?¡±

    Squad leader: ¡°Listen to the sound in the sky, there¡¯s an enemy observation ne! This is how we lost half an artillery battalion in Loktov! When the enemy¡¯s observation ne is present, we can¡¯t fire and expose our artillery positions!¡±

    Aleksei: ¡°Then did Xiemiao die for nothing?¡±

    ¡°The artillery is a precious piece of technical equipment, more valuable than Xiemiao, than you, than me! More valuable than all of us! Instead of shouting at me here, channel your anger towards the Prussians!¡±

    With that, the squad leader grabbed Aleksei¡¯s cor and forced him to look towards the approaching Prussians: ¡°Pick up your Tokarev and fire, Imperial Guard soldiers never shy away at times like this!¡±

    Aleksei took a few deep breaths and raised his rifle to aim at the enemy.

    Squad leader: ¡°Fire, private!¡±

    Aleksei pulled the trigger, channeling the unavenged fury of his fallen friend into the bullets.

    The Tokarev faithfully executed its task, the action automatically recoiling, ejecting the spent casing through the ejection port.

    Aleksei continued to shoot, his bullets flying towards the detested enemy.

    Facing the fierce semi-automatic firepower of a squad, the Prussian Army retreated¡ª-the covering forest wasn¡¯t suited to their light machine guns and bolt-action rifles were even less suitable for jungle warfare.

    Aleksei saw the retreating back of a Prussian soldier, so he swung the rifle around and took aim.

    Aleksei¡¯s experience wasn¡¯t enough for him to think of adjusting the sights under these circumstances. He just lined up the notch on the rear sight with the bead on the barrel, aimed at the figure, then pulled the trigger repeatedly, emptying the magazine of its remaining bullets.

    The target was hit, the body spasming once before twisting and falling to the ground.

    Although there was no evidence that the killed was the actual perpetrator who had killed Xiemiao, Aleksei still roared in rage.

 Chapter 184: Surging Waves Hitting Shore (Extra for 15,000 monthly votes)

    Wang Zhong¡¯s tank unit quickly maneuvered to a nking firing position and opened fire before evening to a stop.

    The other tanks also opened fire after turning to face the enemy.

    The Prussians reacted quickly as well.

    Previously, they were merely caught off guard by the overly scientific tank fortifications created by Wang Zhong, but now the T34s firing in the open field were naturally spotted immediately.

    In fact, before long, both sides on the Eastern front would learn to dig a pit to hide the lower half of their tanks, leaving only the turret exposed to fire.

    At this moment, the distance between the two sides was less than five hundred meters, and the fierce exchange of fire began.

    The enemy needed precise aiming to hit the turret of a T34, whereas the T34 could fire as soon as its scope was set.

    Moreover, in terms of armor, the T34 had a clear advantage; even if the turret was jammed, the crew inside remained alive. A hit from the T34¡¯s 76-caliber gun could kill at least half of an enemy tank¡¯s crew.

    After twenty minutes of exchange, the enemy began to release smoke to retreat.Wang Zhong, seeing the enemy release smoke, took a long breath of relief.

    This exchange was different from before, his side had no terrain advantage, at best only slight cover provided by the forest and underbrush.

    This was a real artillery duel, and in the end, Wang Zhong¡¯s unit held the upper hand.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Report from each vehicle, how many have their turrets jammed?¡±

    ¡°Firstmand vehicle, all clear.¡±

    ¡°Secondmand vehicle, all clear.¡±

    ¡°Third toon reporting, my tracks are off.¡±

    ¡­

    After checking themand vehicles with radios, Wang Zhong ordered an assessment of the tanks without radios.

    During the tally, he shifted his focus to Yegorov¡¯s position.

    Because Wang Zhong had moved out of the directmand range of Yegorov, the headquarters of the 31st Guards Regiment, the Second and Third Infantry battalions all became military symbols on the map.

    Fortunately, Wang Zhong¡¯s vision covered almost half the battlefield, allowing him to clearly see the carnage within the smoke¡ªthe tank unit¡¯s nk fire had only cut off the enemy¡¯s reinforcements; the tanks and infantry that had charged the positions needed to be dealt with by Yegorov¡¯s troops.

    A fierce mixedbat of infantry and tanks was underway.

    Yegorov split his troops into multiplebat groups, first using grenades to suppress the infantry around the tanks, and then directing grenadiers to throw Molotov cocktails.

    The fight was extremely fierce, but fortunately, Yegorov¡¯s troops were ¡°thick¡± enough to sustain the casualties of the meat grinder.

    While Wang Zhong was focused on that side, the tally here waspleted. The toon leader reported via radio, ¡°A total of 6 tanks have their turrets jammed, and 2 have broken tracks. The ones with broken tracks are being rapidly repaired; the jammed turrets will probably have to wait for the mechanics from the tractor factory to fix them tonight.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Wang Zhong had just started speaking when soldiers called out from the distance, ¡°The enemy ising from the woods!¡±

    Wang Zhong hurriedly turned his head, relying on the light-up mechanism to see arge number of Prosen soldiers approaching from the woods; these were the enemies who had just taken the First Ambush position, pressing on along the woods.

    The infantry toon reporting to Wang Zhong looked to be on sentry duty in amunication trench between positions.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Are the mines activated?¡±

    ¡°Activated, General! But we didn¡¯t nt many mines between positions because we were afraid of friendly fire,¡± the squad leader leading the team said.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°All tanks, change formation. The enemy is pushing from the woods, prepare to intercept with machine gun fire!¡±

    Saying this, Wang Zhong himself picked up the anti-aircraft machine gun on top of the turret and started firing at the Prussians in the woods.

    Then the Prussian machine guns opened fire, forcing Wang Zhong to duck back behind the cover formed by the tank¡¯s hatch.

    It was then that Alexandria opened fire, a high-explosive shell broke a birch tree and exploded before hitting the enemy machine gun, the shrapnel instantly felling five enemies.

    But the machine gun was still firing, bullets dinging against the turret.

    It was at this moment that the driver-operator started firing the hull machine gun, the tracer bullets counterattacking the enemy machine gun¡¯s tracer fire, reminiscent of the pdash special effects kung fu movies Wang Zhong had watched as a child, with both sides exchanging sts.

    Then the enemy repeated their old trick and released smoke.

    Wang Zhong immediately ordered, ¡°Establish a fire sector, just like we¡¯ve practiced!¡±

    Indeed, because the enemy liked to use smoke, Wang Zhong¡¯s troops, whether infantry or armored forces, had trained to weave a web of fire even without visibility.

    The enemy tried to surge forward, but upon realizing that prating the dense fire would result in too many losses, they decisively chose to retreat.

    However, Wang Zhong¡¯s side had only one toon of infantry from the initial withdrawal and two additional toons that cameter to support; they did not dare to pursue.

    Tanks were too vulnerable to close-range infantry attacks in the forest.

    The standoff continued on both sides.

    Once it was confirmed that the enemy infantry could not advance, Wang Zhong turned his attention to Yegorov¡¯s situation and found that the 31st Guards Regiment had also repelled the enemy¡¯s attack. Seven Panzer IVs were burning near the defensive trenches of the Third Battalion, and three more tanks had crossed the first trench line but were destroyed before the second trench line.

    In addition to ten Panzer IVs, the enemy also left behind about 200 bodies¡ªWang Zhong was estimating since his ability did not highlight corpses.

    Once it was confirmed that the enemy hadpletely retreated, Wang Zhong took a breath of relief.

    ¡°`

    But the problem wasn¡¯t resolved, as the enemy still upied half of the forest. Ifter the enemy¡¯s artillery groups start their fire preparation again and force Wang Zhong¡¯s troops out of their positions, it¡¯s likely the position might bepletely lost.

    The only solution was to carry out a fire strike on the lost positions immediately, and then send in the first battalion, which had been kept in reserve, to counterattack.

    Wang Zhong raised his head and looked at the reconnaissance aircraft that had been circling in the sky, the Dao 215.

    Damn, this was the first time Wang Zhong found reconnaissance aircraft so annoying.

    Or should half of the artillery battalion fire, sacrificing half of the artillery to take back the position?

    What would happen afterward? Their own artillery firepower would have been depleted, while the enemy remained unharmed¡­

    Wang Zhong was mired in a dilemma.

    s, he wondered how much fuel the enemy aircraft had left.

    The Prosen Army, 141st High-altitude Reconnaissance Squad, Aircraft No. 229.

    The pilot looked at the fuel gauge and reported to themander, who was also the navigator of the aircraft, through the intra-nemunication, ¡°Fuel has gone below the warning level, we should head back or else we¡¯ll be forced to make a roughnding on those bad mud roads.¡±

    Themander said, ¡°No, the army below needs us, just because we¡¯re up here, the Ante Army wouldn¡¯t dare to use heavy artillery. Let¡¯s stay a bit longer, or request our squad to send a ne to rece us. I¡¯ll request the squad for the recement, radio operator!¡±

    The radio operator started calling, ¡°Eagle¡¯s Nest, Eagle¡¯s Nest, Vulture 29 calling, Vulture 29 calling.¡±

    The squad¡¯s response came immediately, ¡°Vulture 29, this is Eagle¡¯s Nest. Your fuel should be at the critical level, return immediately.¡±

    The squad¡¯s response was heard by everyone in the aircraft through the intra-nemunication circuit.

    The pilot and co-pilot exchanged nces.

    ¡°Commander, the squad said so,¡± said the pilot.

    Themander directly contacted the radio, ¡°Eagle¡¯s Nest, Eagle¡¯s Nest, my aircraft is suppressing the enemy¡¯s defensive fire, requesting someone to rece my aircraft.¡±

    After a brief silence, the response from Eagle¡¯s Nest came through, ¡°No go, all reconnaissance nes have been deployed, all reconnaissance nes have been deployed. Return immediately, over.¡±

    In the cockpit, themander-cum-navigator sighed, took off his sses, and began massaging the Jingming acupoint.

    After a moment of silence, he said, ¡°Radio operator, call Wolf.¡±

    ¡°Wolf, Wolf, this is Vulture 29 calling. Wolf, Wolf¡­¡±

    ¡°This is Wolf, have you spotted the enemy artillery positions?¡± The voice was distorted through the radio, but the excitement on the other end was still discernible.

    The radio operator fell silent, turning to look at themander¡ªtheir seats back to back.

    Themander picked up the handset, ¡°No, the call was to inform you we are leaving. Over.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± The response on the other end came immediately, dismissing any radiomunication protocol, ¡°If you leave now, their artillery will start firing! We will have many, many casualties!¡±

    ¡°I apologize for this,¡± themander replied, ¡°but we¡¯re running low on fuel and must return immediately.¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there another reconnaissance ne that can take over?¡±

    ¡°All reconnaissance nes are on missions; no one can rece us,¡± themander said, temporarily turning off the microphone and letting out a long sigh.

    The ground fell silent.

    The pilot reminded him, ¡°The fuel keeps dropping, and although we have reserve fuel tanks for emergencies, they won¡¯tst long. I¡¯m not confident about making a forcednding on Ante¡¯s terrible roads.¡±

    If thending gear hit a single pothole or stone duringnding, it would be a disaster for both the aircraft and the crew.

    And Ante¡¯s ¡°roads¡± were only about a quarter the quality of the standard roads within the Prosen Empire, filled with potholes and stones.

    Therefore, even the most experienced Prosen pilot wouldn¡¯t dare to make a forcednding on Ante¡¯s roads.

    Themander didn¡¯t answer the pilot, but waited patiently for Wolf¡¯s reply.

    Eventually, everyone¡¯s headset ryed Wolf¡¯s voice, ¡°Understood, wish you a safe journey.¡±

    Themander said, ¡°I also wish you victory.¡±

    After cutting off themunication, themander looked at the navigator¡¯s station in front of him and ordered, ¡°Turn to a new heading of 200, we¡¯re returning.¡±

    While the pilot repeated the order, the aircraft tilted and began a counterclockwise spiral.

    Kluge looked up at the reconnaissance ne turning to leave and cursed, ¡°Damn it, I thought the Air Force was reliable for once!¡±

    Themander of the 16th Armored Division asked, ¡°What do we do now? My unit has suffered heavy casualties and we¡¯re currently stopped in front of Hill 153. The enemy has dug some strange tank entrenchments, and we¡¯re not getting anywhere in a shootout.¡±

    Kluge¡¯s lips pursed, his palm clenched into a fist, then released.

    Finally, he made up his mind, ¡°Onest try. Order the artillery to begin fire preparation, targeting the enemy¡¯s current defensive positions! The second and third battalions of armored grenadiers in the forest are to organize a new wave of attacks during the artillery preparation!¡±

    Once Wang Zhong confirmed through the bird¡¯s-eye view that the enemy reconnaissance aircraft had indeed left, he decisively ordered through the radio transmission, ¡°This is White Horse, target the first preset position, fire!¡±

    ¡°`

 Chapter 185: Ebb Tide (16,000 monthly votes plus update)

    Wang Zhong originally nned to leave behind a group of volunteers who would stay in the bombproof shelters at the position, withstand the enemy¡¯s firepower, and dy the attacking infantry.

    The main force would then retreat to the secondary position and wait¡ªyes, under Wang Zhong¡¯smand in Orachi,yer uponyer of defensive positions were dug, and extensive earthworks were carried out.

    There was no choice, with only so many troops, constructing more fortifications was essential to face the superior enemy.

    If he were to write a booklet on defensive warfare after the battle, he would definitely include this, ¡°If you do not have enough troops, then prepare more defensive works.¡±

    Of course, the fortifications built by Wang Zhong had ws.

    Firstly, the ck soil of Kazarlia was too soft; without sufficient concrete, it was almost impossible to build strong underground fortifications.

    Secondly, the terrain near Orachi was too t. Although forests provided cover, there was ack of reverse slopes for protection against artillery.

    Given this situation, Wang Zhong made some designs, with the most important being that the first twoyers of positions, aside from tank emcements, had no artillery protection.

    And because of the entrance structure, the tank emcements could easily be hit by shells fired from near Orachi, so they weren¡¯t very protective against artillery either.This design was intentional because the first twoyers of positions were meant for ambushes, with the thirdyer being the main defensive line.

    However, if there were no troops in the first twoyers of positions when the enemy attacked in the morning, they would still have to prepare for artillery fire on these positions.

    All of thisbat experience didn¡¯t originate from Wang Zhong himself; it all came from various ¡°booklets¡± he had read. As a military enthusiast, Wang Zhong collected many such booklets, including ones published by our country like ¡°How to Fight Tanks¡± and ¡°How to Fight Aircrafts,¡± brimming with theoretical knowledge.

    In summary, by the time Wang Zhong ordered the artillery to fire, his main force had already retreated to the next line of positions, leaving only the volunteers¡ªor should we call them the ¡°Dare to Die¡± squad¡ªon the third line.

    On the third line of positions, there were solid shelters made of the hard-won concrete, in which those hiding could survive a heavy artillery bombardmentsting two hours with quite high odds, and these people could then use the machine guns of the position to block enemy attacking units.

    However, since the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance ne had gone, the situation was simpler: you cover me, I cover you, and no one would be able to immediately organize an assault after the artillery fire ceased.

    The Dare to Die squads, originally the main force, now became an insurance, preventing the enemy from being so audacious as to be able to organize an attack wave immediately after the bombardment.

    Now, right after Wang Zhong¡¯s side fired, the enemy also opened fire.

    However, Wang Zhong¡¯s main force had already pulled out, and the Dare to Die squad left behind were all in strong support points. The enemy infantry in the forest hadn¡¯t had time to withdraw¡ªapparently, they hadn¡¯t expected the aircraft overhead to leave.

    Wang Zhong watched as sections of the forest marked in red disappeared, and couldn¡¯t helpughing out loud: Haha, I¡¯ve won yet another exchange!

    He checked his watch; it was already three in the afternoon. By the time the cover fire ended and the reserve units weremitted to a counterattack to recapture the entire position, today¡¯s battle shoulde to an end. ?

    He waved his hand, and the battalionmander of the reserve unit climbed onto the tank, ¡°General, is it time for us to move out?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the second and third battalions will reenter the positions we just vacated, and the task of clearing remaining enemy forces in the forest falls to you.¡±

    The battalionmander saluted, ¡°Mission aplished!¡±

    That response was very much like the army Wang Zhong was familiar with.

    In the dugout of the Fifth Bieshensk Regiment¡¯s headquarters, the messenger Misha sighed deeply and said to Colonel Eugene, ¡°Why is there nothing for us to do again? Look at all the excitement over there! Does the General look down on us?¡±

    ¡°Stop talking nonsense.¡± Captain Andrei, who had been assigned to the Fifth Bieshensk Regiment as the Chief of Staff, said loudly, ¡°Our assigned positions are also very important; this is the only high ground overlooking the entire in, and the artillery observation post is located here. If we lose this, the whole situation will be passive.¡±

    Misha asked, ¡°How passive?¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s put it this way, if we lose this position, the General might sacrifice half a division to recapture it. Even if we lose Orachi, this ce cannot be lost.¡±

    Captain Andrei had barely finished speaking when the battalionmander of the Thirteenth Armored Battalion of the Fifth Tank Army, Olof, lifted the curtain at the entrance of the dugout and came in, ¡°My tank operators need water and food.¡±

    Colonel Eugene had been silent when Mishained, but immediately nodded in response to Olof¡¯s words, ¡°I will order someone to fetch it right away.¡±

    Olof turned to Captain Andrei and asked, ¡°Whomanded the digging of this dugout? It¡¯s quite remarkable. Although the size of the dugout isn¡¯t quite suited for our T26 series and slightly affects the firing angle, if we park the tanks further back and ce them on the ramps of the dugout exit, the height is just about right.

    ¡°In such dugouts, even those Prussians would find it difficult to hit us urately.¡±

    Captain Andrei, ¡°Of course, it was General Rokossovsky whomanded the digging of the dugout; it¡¯s his unique design, not found in any operational manual or ordinance issued by the Imperial Armored Troops headquarters.¡±

    Olof nodded, ¡°I knew that, I was originally a tank operator! His Excellency the Inspector General of Armored Troops would say that a tank¡¯s main task is to attack, attack, and keep attacking!¡±

    The battalionmander imitated the Inspector General¡¯s tone; his serious manner actually made him look somewhatical.

    Olof, ¡°If you ask me, that Inspector General is a Prussian fanboy! Just like how the Tsar was ackey of Frederick the Great back in the day!

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it strange that, when ites to radios, the Inspector General suddenly wants to draw a line with the Prussians? The Prussians have radios in every tank, yet we only have them in the toon leader¡¯s vehicle!¡±

    Captain Andrei felt a bit awkward, ¡°I¡¯m not very familiar with armored troops matters; I studied in the infantry.¡±

    Colonel Eugene, ¡°I studied minerals.¡±

    Olof looked at the Colonel in surprise, ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a mine manager, switched to military service ording to the empire¡¯s relevantws,¡± Colonel Eugene shrugged, ¡°I know you two must feel ufortable being under mymand.¡±

    Olof, ¡°Not at all, you have organized the defense very well.¡±

    Major pointed at Captain Andrei, ¡°It was all his doing. I just oversaw the digging of the anti-shell bunkers. The soil here is somewhat simr to when I was a mine manager; to excavate tunnels safely requires good structural support¡­¡±

    At that moment, the telephone rang.

    Captain Andrei went over to answer it, ¡°It¡¯s from the Belensk Regiment. Mm-hmm, I see.¡±

    After hanging up, the Captain turned to the Major, ¡°The artillery observation post saw the tanks in front of us beginning to retreat.¡±

    Company Commander Olofughed, ¡°Well, isn¡¯t that right? We destroyed at least 20 of their Mark IIIs and IVs, not to mention the Mark Is and IIs taken out in the highway melee. We¡¯ve inflicted heavy damage on the enemy division. I originally thought our battalion was done for, but victory turned out to be so easily won.

    ¡°The General told me that my mission was not only to win but also to survive. I thought I wouldn¡¯tplete either one, and now I¡¯ve done both.¡±

    It was clear, Olof was very happy.

    He continued, ¡°It¡¯s a pity, though. The General onlymands a temporary infantry division. If he were inmand of our 5th Tank Army, then maybe we wouldn¡¯t have been routed so meaninglessly.¡±

    The other people in the room exchanged looks; they were miners and infantrymen, so they couldn¡¯t point out to Olof that even if White Horse Generalmanded the T26s, they probably wouldn¡¯t achieve any spectacr results in battle.

    Olof went to themand post¡¯s observation window, looking at the retreating enemy in the distance.

    At that time, his second-inmand came in saluting, ¡°Company Commander, the loss count isplete, we have 14 tanks intact. I¡¯ve reorganized the tank crews that suffered casualties, and we have an eight-man gap for gunners, with four extra drivers.¡±

    After speaking, the second-inmand handed over a clipboard with documents attached, ¡°Take a look.¡±

    Olof took the clipboard and read out the names of the fallen tank operators one by one.

    At this point, runner Misha said, ¡°General Rokossovsky seems to be able to recite all our names from memory; he¡¯s recognized and called people by name several times already in the regiment.¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Eugene nodded, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about that too, but it¡¯s normal for such an outstanding military man to be knowledgeable and well-read.¡±

    Captain Andrei said, ¡°It has a huge impact on boosting morale. The General must have memorized all our names for that reason.¡±

    Misha sighed again, ¡°Ah, I thought after this battle we¡¯d be close to bing guards. That cloak would be so dapper, but now the fighting has been done by others.¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Eugene was about to speak when the artillery outside suddenly stopped.

    The Colonel immediately went to the observation window and joined Company Commander Olof in looking outside.

    No more shells fell from the direction of the forest.

    The enemy¡¯s bombardment also stopped almost at the same time.

    Lieutenant Colonel Eugene asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening? A tank battle?¡±

    Company Commander Olof replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know, but I think it should be infantry retaking positions. Today¡¯s battle is probably about finished.¡±

    Misha dered, ¡°Hey! We missed out on the action again!¡±

    Captain Andrei looked at him, then turned to Lieutenant Colonel Eugene and suggested, ¡°We should have the priestsfort the soldiers¡¯ emotions. Being eager to fight is good, but it¡¯s bad if it leads to bottled-up emotions.¡±

    The Colonel nodded, ¡°Alright. Besides, I¡¯m pretty good at handling these situations; I was a mine manager after all. Come on, Misha, tell me about it!¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to say, Colonel! I want to be a guard as soon as possible, that cloak is just too stylish!¡±

    The Colonel shook his head, ¡°No, we don¡¯t fight for a stylish cloak. We fight to protect our homnd from enemy ravaging. We are¡­¡±

    Company Commander Olof looked at his second-inmand and said, ¡°This sermonizing tone sounds like my mother.¡±

    The second-inmand just smiled.

    At that moment, singing suddenly came from outside the bunker, it was ¡°We¡¯ll Be Found Beneath the Rubble¡±:

    Please carry us out of the rubble,

    Parting forever with our beloved tank.

    Let the guns fire in salute as the armor parades,

    To take us on our final journey.

    Let the guns fire in salute as the armor parades,

    To take us on our final journey.

    Olof stormed to the entrance of the bunker, shouting at those outside, ¡°Why has the perfectly good ¡®Tanks Roaring Over the Fields¡¯ been turned into this! Who changed it? Was it you, Kumachi! Come here!¡±

    The one called Kumachi, a tank operator, approached, ¡°Reporting, Company Commander, I was just expressing the sentiment from yesterday¡¯s total defeat!¡±

    ¡°We weren¡¯t totally defeated! Isn¡¯t our battalion still here? We showed those Prosen bastards today! In the future, we¡¯ll continue to make them pay! Don¡¯t you ever change the song like that again!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡± Kumachi saluted.

    Olof said, ¡°On second thought, the lyrics about tanks roaring over the fields aren¡¯t that great either. Let¡¯s sing something more upbeat, how about ¡®Dark-Eyed Girl¡¯!¡±

    With that, Olof himself started to sing, his cheerful melody echoing over the battlefield.

 Chapter 186: Youre Welcome, Your Highness

    Wang Zhong¡¯s side.

    After more than an hour of white-weaponbat, the infantry had once again expelled the battered Prosen armored grenadiers from the forest and recaptured the first and second positions.

    Wang Zhong ordered sentries to be left at the positions and gave up the recently secured ground.

    He had a feeling that tonight, the enemy would also resort to ndestine artillery shelling.

    If the enemyunched a night attack, the sentries would fire signal res. This time, the res would surely call down artillery fire.

    Before dusk had fallen, the workers apanying the army began to repair the tanks that had been disabled.

    Compared to yesterday, today the armored units under Wang Zhong¡¯smand had only been damaged, not lost, and should be repairable.

    Wang Zhong had a premonition that the workers recruited from the tractor factory might end up fighting alongside him throughout the entire battle.

    When night fell, Wang Zhong returned once more to the division headquarters in the city. As soon as he entered, he heard strange noises.He paused, puzzled, in front of the map room, looking towards the source of the sounds.

    Pavlov opened the door to the map room, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Why don¡¯t youe in?¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed in the direction of the noise, ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    ¡°Ah, the Tribunal¡¯s people are interrogating the Prosen pilots your guard captured, trying to extract the location of the enemy airfield.¡±

    Good lord, was that noise the legendary ¡°Great Memory Recovery Technique¡±?

    It was quite loud.

    Pavlov, ¡°Do you want to go take a look?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No, let¡¯s not. How many pilots have we captured?¡±

    ¡°Two. How many more do you want? The nes hit by Divine Arrow burn up immediately; it¡¯s impressive that two survived,¡± Pavlov shrugged. ¡°When they were first captured, they were still ranting, using us of using Divine Arrow against aircraft, saying wecked martial virtue.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We¡¯re forced into it. If we had an Air Force, we wouldn¡¯t have to do this.¡±

    As he spoke, he stopped and stared at Pavlov.

    Pavlov frowned, sensing that things were not so simple, and asked with a stern face, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Every time you look at me like that, I get goosebumps! Just say what you have to say!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Could you¡­ get heavy mortars?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°You never mentioned this to me before, why are you suddenly asking for it now?¡±

    Wang Zhong put his hand on Pavlov¡¯s shoulder, pulled him into the map room, shutting out the noise of the Great Memory Recovery Technique in the corridor, and then answered, ¡°Before, I didn¡¯t realize the use of it. Today, when enemy reconnaissance aircraft suppressed artillery support, I realized that mortars are good. They¡¯re quiet duringunch, and high-flying reconnaissance nes definitely won¡¯t see them.

    ¡°The uracy might be worse, but they fire quickly. And the killing effect of heavy mortars is not much less than that of heavy artillery. We need to have these.¡±

    Pavlov raised an eyebrow, ¡°You mean, you¡¯ve only just realized the advantages of this weapon? I thought you, as a genius military strategist, deemed it useless at the start, that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t ask me for it.¡±

    Wang Zhong, a bit embarrassed, thought to himself that he was a civilian, how could he know about this? He didn¡¯t even like using mortars when ying ¡°Steel Division.¡±

    But he couldn¡¯t say this, so Wang Zhong responded, ¡°I graduatedst in my ss, how could I know these things?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t remind me of yourst ce,¡± Pavlov shook his head. ¡°We¡¯re almost embarrassed to mention our own military school results! Just admit you were controlling your score to take care of the Crown Prince, please!¡±

    Popovughed heartily.

    Wang Zhong was embarrassed. What was this, he couldn¡¯t even admit to being bad? He really was bad.

    Never mind, he decided to continue with the important matters, ¡°Anyway, get us mortars quickly, as soon as possible, ideally from Argesukov tonight. That way, when we¡¯re suppressed by reconnaissance tomorrow, at least we could use the heavy mortars for covering fire.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°I¡¯ll do my best. But the situation at Argesukov isn¡¯t great either, the enemy on the southern front made significant advances today, they might not have time to consider our equipment request.¡±

    Upon hearing Pavlov say this, Wang Zhong looked towards the map on the wall; sure enough, the breakthrough arrow on the southern front had grown longer.

    Damn it, Wang Zhong thought, the grand encirclement of Kiev on Earth was all thanks to the central force¡¯s Second Armored Army Group¡¯s wild rush, while the slower First Armored Army Group on the south was even mocked by the former.

    And here, he and Duke Meishikin were holding back the Second Armored Group, and now the First Armored Group on the south began their wild charge.

    So history is bound to correct itself? Argesukov is just ying out the Kiev script?

    Wang Zhong looked at that breakthrough arrow, then at the two Army Groups blocking it and asked, ¡°How capable are the Eighth and Twenty-second Infantry Army Groups? Can they hold out?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°If you were inmand, maybe they could hold. After all, you¡¯re a defense expert trained by Loktov. But these Army Groups aren¡¯t under yourmand, and as far as I know, theirmanders are ssmates of themander of the cut-off Thirty-fifth Army Group from yesterday.¡±

    Good grief!

    Wang Zhong gritted his teeth as he looked at the operation status map, ¡°What is the Front Army Headquarters doing? The situation is so obvious now, they should be retreating, retreating through the corridor held by us and Duke Meishikin. If they retreat, they can still take part in the defense of St. Ye Katerina Fortress.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°It¡¯s possible that His Majesty the Tsar won¡¯t allow a retreat.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What is His Majesty the Tsar doing? And the Crown Prince, hurry and advise him!¡±

    St. Ye Katerina Fortress, 2100 hours at night.

    Her Highness Princess Olga Nikyevna Antonovna yelled at General Tugenev, the chief of the High Command¡¯s Military Orders Department, ¡°Why can¡¯t the order be issued? I have the stamp!¡±

    The general offered a bitter smile, ¡°Your Highness, even if you brought your brother¡¯s stamp, it would not allow us to issue the order. We could consider it with His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s stamp¡ªof course, this consideration mainly means confirming with His Majesty the Tsar himself.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Don¡¯t you see? Argesukov is about to be encircled!¡±

    ¡°Of course, we see that. Even if we didn¡¯t yesterday, we do today,¡± General Tugenev said, ¡°But the army is not ours; it belongs to His Majesty the Tsar. If His Majesty wants to send the troops to their doom there, we also¡­¡±

    Olga: ¡°The army belongs to the Ante Empire!¡±

    The general: ¡°Your Highness, haven¡¯t you been associating too closely with the leaders of the Secr faction?¡±

    Olga: ¡°Never mind how close I get, don¡¯t you all want to save our military at all? There are your friends, students, and old subordinates there, aren¡¯t there?¡±

    General Tugenev sighed, ¡°What can we do about it? Now, whoever tries to persuade His Majesty the Tsar to retreat will be out in the cold. Currently, His Majesty holds the authority over military personnel appointments and dismissals, not the church. No one dares to suggest retreating anymore.¡±

    General Tugenev also gave Princess Olga a meaningful look, indicating that he knew one of the big reasons the Tsar was so intransigent was that the princess before him had caused the Tsar to lose face.

    ¡°Ridiculous!¡± Olga shook her head repeatedly, ¡°Utterly ridiculous.¡±

    General Tugenev: ¡°Your Highness, be careful not to let your father hear you say that.¡±

    Olga looked at the general, ¡°Then what can I possibly do?¡±

    ¡°Just like before, have the logistics department send reinforcements to Major General Rocossov. I¡¯ve heard that¡ªthe reinforcements provided by the Crown Prince, in Rocossov¡¯s hands, had an extraordinary impact.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Can logistics still send supplies now?¡±

    General Tugenev replied, ¡°Ah, sending them from Argesukov right now looks rather dangerous. With the advance of the Prussian Army, their front-line airfields have also moved forward. The railway leading to Argesukov is being brutally ravaged by the enemy aircraft; the transportation capacity has already dropped to fifteen percent of what it was.

    ¡°However, the position held by Major General Rocossov can receive ample supplies from other ces. The railway hub controlled by Duke Meishikin at Shepetovka can receive our supply trains, and the duke can then find a way to send the goods to the major general.

    ¡°What do you n to send?¡±

    Olga seemed troubled, ¡°I¡­ I don¡¯t know what he needs over there. Can you send a telegram to ask?¡±

    General Tugenev: ¡°How did you think to send T34s and B4 heavy artillery before?¡±

    ¡°Because the previous reports said he destroyed a hundred enemy tanks at Upper Peniye, and he did it with the T28, an outdated model!¡± Olga¡¯s voice involuntarily rose, ¡°So of course, I thought sending T34s over might allow him to perform even better.¡±

    General Tugenev replied, ¡°Then just like that time, you can find a way to send him T34s. With the stamp of the Crown Prince and being Her Highness the Princess yourself, wouldn¡¯t it be fine tomandeer the freshly produced T34s from the factories in the city?¡±

    After considering for a moment, Olga nodded, ¡°You do have a point. But I¡¯d have to send the tank crews as well, wouldn¡¯t I? Where do I find tank crews? The ones sent before were all for parade purposes; where do I find crews that haven¡¯t been called to the front line yet?¡±

    ¡°There are quite a few tank operators just mobilized,¡± answered General Tugenev. ¡°Why not go to the recruitment stations and dig out those who have received tank operator training?¡±

    Olga fixed her gaze on General Tugenev, ¡°I suddenly suspect you¡¯re deliberately advising me on how to get things done.¡±

    ¡°Oh, I wouldn¡¯t presume to do that, I¡¯m just answering the questions posed by Her Highness the Princess. As a military man, of course, I must respond seriously and respectfully to questions from the royal family,¡± General Tugenev dered, lifting his head proudly.

    Olga: ¡°Do you also believe that Major General Rocossov can turn the tide?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t think so. If he were an Army Group Commander, maybe it would be possible, but he¡¯s only a divisionmander,¡± General Tugenev shook his head.

    Olga: ¡°I think he ought to be a Front Army Commander.¡±

    ¡°Then he will have to prove he at least has the capability tomand an Army Group. Being able tomand a small unit well doesn¡¯t mean one canmand arge one, Your Highness.¡±

    Olga bit her lip and returned to the original topic, ¡°So what else should I send him? Can¡¯t you help me send a telegram to ask?¡±

    ¡°Telegrams take time to decode andck timeliness. Rather than that¡­ Your Highness, you could go to the church and borrow their choir.¡±

    Olga¡¯s expression brightened suddenly, ¡°Right, I could seek help from the choir! Thank you, General Tugenev.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re wee, Your Highness.¡±

 Chapter 187: Night Torrential Rain

    Chapter 187: Night ''Torrential Rain

    Prussian Army, Amphra Armored Division headquarters, 2030 hrs.

    Kluge saw the tank readiness report from the troops, and his brows twisted into knots, ¡°You¡¯re telling me we lost 146 tanks just in front of this damned city today?¡±

    ¡°A significant number of those were model ones and twos from the sixteenth,¡± the reporting staff officer even smiled, as if the loss of model one and two tanks was no big deal.

    Kluge red at the staff officer, ¡°The tank operators driving models one and two, once they switch to new tanks, will bebat-effective forces! Moreover, the survival rate of tank operators is even lower when these two types of tanks are destroyed. How can youugh about it?¡±

    The staff officer closed his mouth and put on a straight face.

    Kluge paced back and forth with frustration. It was then that themander of the sixteenth said, ¡°Actually, quite a few tanks might be repairable. If we reorganize the surviving crews, we can also put together quite a number of new crews. The loss isn¡¯t as great as it seems on paper.¡±

    ¡°But we haven¡¯t taken the battlefield, and we can¡¯t repair those tanks that are paralyzed on the ins. Although I have no doubt that we will eventually take this city, the problem is that we have so few tanks left to put into the attack tomorrow!¡±

    As Kluge spoke, he vigorously shook the tank readiness report in his hand¡ªthe readiness meant they could be immediately deployed intobat.

    Kluge: ¡°The enemy has strong fortifications, heavy artillery, and at least one infantry regiment that hasn¡¯t beenmitted to the fight! Plus, there are tanks. Before, we thought the enemy only had one battalion¡¯s worth of T34s, but now another battalion has popped up. And then there¡¯s a battalion¡¯s worth of T26s that have appeared from who knows where!¡±The Prussian Army mistook the T26s firing from the bunkers on Hill 153 for T34s.

    Kluge sighed, ¡°It looks like we can¡¯t do without asking for reinforcements now. Last night, General Moochi seemed ready to shift the entire focus of the armored group¡¯s breakthrough to our location¡­¡±

    Just then, the door of the armoredmand vehicle opened, and the guard who opened it reported, ¡°The brigademander of the artillery brigade attached to the group has arrived,¡± and then stepped back to make way.

    The artillery brigademander entered themand vehicle, brought his heels together, and saluted, ¡°Your Excellency!¡±

    Kluge returned the salute, eager to ask, ¡°Where have you reached? Can you start firing now?¡±

    ¡°Anytime. Our 21CM and 17CM heavy guns are all fully deployed.¡±

    Kluge nodded, then suddenly remembered something and eagerly asked, ¡°You didn¡¯t stop in the viges, did you? Nor near the farms, threshing floors, or barns? The enemy likes to shell those ces! By the time, it¡¯s about to start!¡±

    The brigademander: ¡°We have deployed alongside the highway, avoiding any buildings.¡±

    Kluge breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°That¡¯s good then. The enemy has forced us to the point where we dare not stay in buildings; the whole army is bivouacking. Wee to joining the ranks of bivouacking.¡±

    The brigademander: ¡°We are already used to it.¡±

    Kluge: ¡°Now that you¡¯re here, tonight we¡¯ll give the enemy a taste of their own medicine. They don¡¯t let us stay in buildings, but they do, let¡¯s make sure they don¡¯t sleep well tonight! Come here!¡±

    The artillery brigademander immediately approached the map table.

    Kluge, pointing to the map, exined, ¡°The enemy is at Hill 153 and has deployed heavy forces in this forest. Then there¡¯s the city of Orachi, the enemy¡¯s rear logistics center. Tonight, conduct fire coverage on these three locations, bombard for an hour, and then continue the bombardment with a fire density of one shot per minute to disturb the enemy.¡±

    The artillery brigademander frowned, ¡°Is it necessary to go to that extent? Continuous bombardment means our soldiers also won¡¯t be able to rest tonight, or at least not adequately, which will affect tomorrow¡¯s firepower density.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s the point! This is a retaliation against the cunning and deceitful General White Horse! That bastard stirred us up like this yesterday! We are simply applying what we learned!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    In the city of Orachi, headquarters of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division of the Ante Army.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Besides mortars, we¡¯ve got to find a way to deal with the enemy¡¯s high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft. Is there a way tobine two Divine Arrows into one to attack the reconnaissance aircraft?¡±

    Popov: ¡°I don¡¯t understand the technical stuff. Call Yeca Neiko to ask.¡±

    Just then, Nelly pushed the door open, ¡°Supper is ready.¡±

    The staff officers in the map room seemed to have been waiting for that call, and immediately rxed.

    Wang Zhong looked at Nelly, ¡°What are we eating today? And why are you wearing a sailor cap?¡±

    He looked puzzled at the sailor cap on Nelly¡¯s head, feeling it looked somewhat familiar.

    Nelly: ¡°Someone suggested I wear a sailor cap since it makes me look more like a duty soldier. Doesn¡¯t it look good?¡±

    Wang Zhong stepped back to take a better look at Nelly.

    Thebination of a maid outfit and a sailor cap seemed oddly fitting!

    Of course, the key was that Nelly was quite attractive.

    Wang Zhong nodded seriously, ¡°From an academic standpoint, I think thebination is quite nice.¡±

    ¡°Academic?¡± Nelly blinked, ¡°When you used to say ¡®from an academic standpoint,¡¯ it meant you were about to hit on that girl.¡±

    Hey? Did I used to have that habit?

    Nelly: ¡°Are you trying to hit on me?¡±

    ¡°No, you misunderstood. Just now I was simply expressing my academic opinion, or rather, my aesthetic opinion!¡± Wang Zhong took a step back as if Nelly were some kind of ferocious beast, ¡°Aesthetic!¡±

    Nelly was about to say something when a whistle came from the sky, and this time the shells fell quickly, so quickly that the people in the room hardly had time to react.

    The ground shook violently, the building seemed to shudder, and dust and pebbles rained down on Wang Zhong¡¯s head.

    Nelly screamed, covering her ears with her hands.

    Shell after shell fell, and the officers at headquarters scurried to hit the floor.

    Wang Zhong stepped forward, grabbed Nelly¡¯s hand, and led her to a corner of the room.

    ¡°Hold on like this! Like this!¡± He showed Nelly the standard protective posture against shelling, ¡°Otherwise, you¡¯ll get concussion injuries!¡±

    Nelly nodded, mimicking Wang Zhong¡¯s position and crouching in the corner, her sailor cap falling directly to the ground.

    ¡°`

    A shell could fall nearby, and in an instant, the st wave shattered the map room¡¯s windows, spraying ss shards into the room and first cutting through the curtains.

    The candles in the room were snuffed out by the storm, and the entire room was plunged into darkness.

    Nelly screamed.

    The enemy¡¯s heavy artillery had made her drop all her defenses and revert to the little girl she originally was.

    Wang Zhong was still making light of the situation, ¡°Screaming is right, it can bnce the internal and external air pressure, especially the pressure in the brain! You should scream! Ah ah ooh ooh ooh!¡±

    When Wang Zhong started yelling, Nelly calmed down instead and looked at him with contempt.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yell, it really can bnce the pressure inside and outside your brain! Ah ah ah ah ah!¡±

    The others in the room exchanged nces and also started shouting, ¡°Ah ah ah ah!¡±

    Nelly looked at them, seemed finally convinced, and also started shouting loudly, ¡°Ah ah ah!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    Hill 153 was also covered.

    Colonel Eugene assured confidently, ¡°As long as we get into the artillery shelter, we¡¯re fine against this kind of shelling! I swear the one I dug is strong enough!¡±

    Commander Olof of the 13th Armored Division was shocked, ¡°Artillery shelter?¡±

    Colonel Eugene, ¡°Yes, there¡¯s one next to the tanks as well, you can just do as we practiced before!¡±

    Olof, ¡°Our battalion just joined you today, we haven¡¯t practiced.¡±

    Colonel Eugene, with his mouth half open, ¡°What?¡±

    Olof, ¡°Bad news, they don¡¯t know about the artillery shelter, they¡¯ll definitely try to take cover under the tanks!¡±

    He threw down his cup of coffee, ready to rush out of the shelter.

    Colonel Eugene grabbed him, ¡°Don¡¯t go! You don¡¯t know where the shelter is either! I¡¯ll go!¡±

    With that, the colonel charged out of the shelter first, running and yelling, ¡°Quick, get to the artillery shelter, tank operators, get to the artillery shelter!¡±

    Messenger Misha also dashed out, following the colonel and shouting together, ¡°The shelter is on the left! The small path on the left!¡±

    The enemy¡¯s shells kept falling, like gigantic raindrops, each one creating sshes of mud on the ground.

    The colonel and Misha, like ants scurrying in a storm, could be flipped by the giant raindrops at any moment and vanish without a trace.

    Olof stood at the entrance of the shelter, just about to go out, when Captain Andrei dragged him back and pinned him to the ground, ¡°Don¡¯t go! Two people are already in danger! The colonel is very familiar with the position, he¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    Olof got up, maintaining an anti-shell posture, while cursing, ¡°Damned Prussians! I¡¯m not done with you! I¡¯m not done with you!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    The bombardmentsted for over an hour, and when it finally quieted down outside, Wang Zhong lifted his head.

    Somewhere outside a fire had started, and the light from the fire shone through the window, casting a red glow on everything in the room.

    Wang Zhong checked on Nelly, noticing the girl shivering¡ªshivering was good, it meant she was still alive.

    The next moment, Wang Zhong¡¯s flippant words came out, ¡°Weren¡¯t you pretty calm during the bombardment?¡±

    Nelly, ¡°It went by so quickly during the bombing, I didn¡¯t even react!¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up, pulled Nelly to her feet, and then picked up a boat-shaped cap from the ground and ced it on her head, ¡°You¡¯re wearing a boat-shaped cap now, which means you¡¯re a soldier in our army. How can you be afraid of bombardment?¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong took off his ownrge cap and pped the dust off it.

    The others also began to stand up one after another, and Pavlov said, ¡°Anyone who¡¯s dead, speak up.¡±

    A faintughter sounded in the room.

    Popov, ¡°I feel like this shell is more powerful than the one that hit us during the day. Has the artillery from the Armored Division arrived?¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than another shell fell in the city, causing more dust to fall from the ceiling.

    Nelly swiftly ducked down again, very quickly.

    The others didn¡¯t rush to take cover but instead looked up, listening for the next shell.

    ¡°It¡¯s noting, they¡¯re just firing single shots to harass us,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    Nelly stood up awkwardly, picking up her boat-shaped cap herself.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy¡¯s heavy artillery group has certainly arrived.¡±

    He went to the table, struck a match to light the candles, and examined the map, ¡°Where will they deploy their heavy artillery group? And how much ammunition do we have left?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°We used up one base number today. The good news is we still have two base numbers left. The bad news is that both are stored in separate ammunition shelters, and right now the artillery is working hard to transport the ammunition to the positions.¡±

    The enemy¡¯s second cold shot fell.

    Everyone in the room showed no intention of taking cover, as if the sound of the shelling were just ordinary thunder.

    Nelly stood to the side, carefully observing the calm and collected Wang Zhong¡ªCount Rocossov¡ªin front of the map table.

 Chapter 188: Communication (17,000 monthly votes plus update)

    Chapter 188: Communication (17,000 monthly votes plus update)

    After the third shell fell, Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, ¡°This can¡¯t keep happening without a response.¡±

    He picked up the phone receiver, ¡°Connect me to Brother Peter.¡±

    Soon, Brother Peter¡¯s voice came through, ¡°No enemy nes scouting, feel free to counterattack.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Then can you hear the enemy¡¯s artillery fire?¡±

    ¡°The curvature of the earth will block the sound of gunfire; you know the earth is round, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Although I graduatedst in my ss, I still know that much.¡±

    ¡°There you go. If there are clouds in the sky that reflect the sound of gunfire, I can indeed hear it, but I would only know the direction, not the distance. Do you see any clouds in the sky now?¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the phone, went to the window, and looked out, indeed seeing that the sky was clear, with the moon and stars scattered, devoid of clouds.

    At that moment, Nelly came in with a broom and dustpan, ¡°Move aside, I need to sweep up the broken ss.¡±Wang Zhong quickly got out of the way, nced at Nelly, then continued speaking to Brother Peter, ¡°Sorry for the trouble, please continue to monitor the enemy scouts.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhong returned to the map and threw the receiver onto the table.

    Popov asked, ¡°Send out a night reconnaissance team?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°We have no field telephones, and reconnaissance would need to return to report any findings. No, I think we can try to hit Xu Jin with an artillery barrage along the road.¡±

    Pavlov countered, ¡°What if the enemy has stopped in a vige this time, wouldn¡¯t that be a waste of ammunition? Although we still have two base supplies, given today¡¯s rate of ammunition consumption, we won¡¯tst long.¡±

    Wang Zhong felt, ¡°I believe the enemy is still transporting on the road. Judging by the intensity of the attacksing from Duke Meishikin today, our pressure tomorrow will be greater. Disrupting enemy transport is good too.¡±

    Pavlov pursed his lips and remained silent for a few seconds before saying, ¡°You¡¯ve convinced me, General.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Telephone! You make the call, after all, you are the chief of staff.¡±

    ¡°Sure!¡± Pavlov had just picked up the receiver when he suddenly sensed something amiss, looking up at Wang Zhong, ¡°What do you mean I¡¯m the chief of staff? Is there a hidden meaning in your words?¡±

    Wang Zhong deflected, ¡°It¡¯s just your imagination, make the call!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    At the bunker of the 153rd Hignd, Fifth Biesensk Regiment¡¯s headquarters,

    Colonel Eugene entered the bunker covered in dirt and took a seat with a thud.

    Captain Andrei asked, ¡°What about Misha?¡±

    Colonel Eugene nced at Captain Andrei, ¡°He¡¯s gone. He shouldn¡¯t havee out with me. I¡¯m someone who has survived three mining idents! Three times!¡±

    As he spoke, Colonel Eugene took off his cap and began to twist it violently in his hands as if trying to crush it into a ball.

    ¡°I¡¯ve survived three mining idents! I even organized rescue operations for two of them! Shells can¡¯t do anything to me! Misha¡­ the boy¡­ he didn¡¯t have such luck.¡±

    Just then, the colonel saw Olof and changed the subject, ¡°The tank operators have all entered the bunker, Captain. They¡¯re alright; the shelters I dug will definitely hold!¡±

    Olof nodded and ced his hand on the colonel¡¯s shoulder.

    Lowering his head, the colonel continued to twist the cap, ¡°He never got the Imperial Guard cloak he longed for, never got the cloak.¡±

    Olof was about to offer words offort when the sound of artillery fire came from behind.

    Olof turned and quickly stepped out of the bunker, looking towards the southeast. The artillery regiment of the 151st Division was well-concealed, and even at night, there was no visible sh from firing, but the thundering sound was clear.

    Colonel Eugene also rushed out of the bunker, standing beside Olof, pping the abused hat against the walls of the trench, ¡°Good! Hit them! Hit them hard! Send them all the way back to Prosen!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    In the Prosen Army, at the headquarters of the Amprah Armored Division.

    Hearing the st, acting divisionmander Kluge immediately left his tent to look in the direction of the explosions.

    The duty officers also emerged from the armoredmand vehicle, and Kluge shouted, ¡°What was that explosion? What new thing has that damned enemy discovered about us?¡±

    An officer replied, ¡°No reports received!¡±

    ¡°Then go and ask, quickly!¡±

    Several officers returned to themand vehicle.

    Kluge watched the rising dust clouds in the distance with a worried expression.

    Ten minutester, an officer reported, ¡°The enemy¡¯s Xu Jin artillery barrage is advancing along the road.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Kluge eximed in shock, ¡°Tell the artillery brigade to retreat quickly!¡±

    ¡°They are already retreating, but because of your order, they continue firing, so the withdrawal speed is¡­ not very fast.¡±

    Another officer came out, ¡°The artillery brigade has ordered the ammunition vehicles to retreat first, and the crew has left the cannons to seek shelter from the barrage.¡±

    Kluge scolded himself, ¡°Who ordered them to keep firing? It was me, dammit!¡±

    As he spoke, he pped himself hard on the face, ¡°It was my own damned order!¡±

    Another officer came out, hesitated at seeing Kluge¡¯s temper re and didn¡¯t dare report.

    Kluge demanded, ¡°What¡¯s the issue? Speak up!¡±

    The third officer reported, ¡°The 23rd Armored Division is on the move as ordered, towards us¡­ they are on the road. And behind them is the 12th Armored Grenadier Division¡­¡±

    Kluge eximed, ¡°No! Get off the road! Tell the troops behind to get off the road! Forget how many motor hours you have left, get off the road!¡±

    Motor hours usually refer to the continuous operating time of an engine before maintenance is needed.

    ¡°`

    However, maneuvering through the field off the highway not only greatly increases the rate of mechanical failures, but it also elerates the consumption of engine hours.

    As soon as Kluge finished speaking, a staff officer immediately ran towards the radio vehicle.

    It was then that Kluge realized, ¡°Which divisions are moving toward us?¡±

    ¡°The 23rd Armored Division, the 12th Armored Infantry Division. Besides, the Second Armored Cluster Command is also moving toward us, but they¡¯re not taking the main roads, they¡¯reing from the northwest on small paths.¡±

    Kluge: ¡°And what about frontlinemand authority? When will I losemand authority?¡±

    ¡°We have not yet received any orders, nor have we been notified of assumingmand over the 23rd Armored and the 12th Armored Infantry.¡±

    Kluge: ¡°Nonsense! How are we supposed to organize tomorrow¡¯s attack?¡±

    The staff officers looked at each other, then the highest-ranking one answered, ¡°We don¡¯t know.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    In Orachi, the counterattack began five minutes ago.

    Wang Zhong looked at the ceiling, ¡°Did they stop shelling us with cold artillery?¡±

    Pavlov nced at his watch, ¡°It¡¯s been five minutes since they fired, it stopped. Damn, you won the bet again.¡±

    As he spoke, he patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder.

    Popov: ¡°In the future, will the Prussian Army establish a regtion that artillery positions can¡¯t be set up in towns or along highways?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Possibly. The future trend in artillery is motorization, which would then actually require deployment on highways.¡±

    This was Wang Zhong¡¯s experience from ¡°War Game Red Dragon,¡± where during 1V1 ranked games, both sides kept close watch on enemy artillery positions, hence self-propelled artillery had to be ced on roads to quickly maneuver following a firefight, or else they¡¯d be caught by enemy counterfire.

    Towed artillery, the kind that¡¯s inconvenient to move, waspletely obsolete.

    But whether game experience would be of much use in reality was another question.

    Pavlov: ¡°Self-propelled artillery, huh.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Looks like we¡¯ll finally get a good night¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Have the casualty numbers from the troopse in yet?¡±

    ¡°Not yet, the shelling caused some chaos, it might take another half-hour to reach us.¡± Pavlov looked at his watch, ¡°You should go rest. You¡¯ve been running around the front lines all day today. If the soldiers don¡¯t see you at the front tomorrow, they will start imagining things, dealing a fatal blow to morale.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and realized Pavlov had a point. He was indeed exhausted today, having ridden his horse around since the early morning, andter in Tank 422 as well, feeling so fatigued like lead was poured into him that it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if he copsed at any moment.

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll go rest. Nelly!¡±

    Nelly immediately responded, ¡°The bed is already made, but I¡¯m not sure if you can sleep after the recent shelling. I¡¯ll go check, wait a moment.¡±

    Having said that, Nelly quickly left.

    Wang Zhong yawned deeply.

    Popov: ¡°You better sleep quickly, maybe you should call Ludm back to help you sleep more soundly.¡±

    ¡°Please, spare me.¡± Wang Zhong revealed a wry smile, ¡°Under these conditions, asking for my ¡®public grain¡¯ is just poking fun at me, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Who¡¯s asking for your ¡®public grain¡¯? I meant, you should rest well in the tender harbor of your loving wife.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯d rather choose to sleep like a baby in the embrace of my mother. Do you understand what I mean by a mother¡¯s embrace? Ludm is indeed virtuous, capable of doing everything that a mother can, but she has more of a young girl¡¯s feel,cking in maternal radiance.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°What about Nelly then? She seems quite like your nanny.¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback and looked at the staff chief who had a bear-like stature and was somewhat balding, ¡°Nelly? Maternal? Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I just said she¡¯s like a nanny. Look at all the jobs she¡¯s doing.¡±

    Popov: ¡°That¡¯s what an orderly does, it¡¯s all the same.¡±

    As they spoke, Nelly came in, ¡°The bed¡¯s ready, I¡¯ve also warmed some water for you. I can help you wipe down before you sleep. It can help relieve fatigue.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at Nelly.

    For a moment, he truly felt a ¡°mother-like¡± glow radiating from Nelly.

    But that was ultimately an illusion.

    Pavlov nudged Wang Zhong, ¡°Go on, General. Have a good rest after wiping down.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and followed Nelly out of themand post.

    Popov looked at Pavlov, ¡°Aren¡¯t you taking an orderly with you?¡±

    ¡°I have an orderly; the old man who made tea for me this morning is my butler,¡± Pavlov said.

    Popov: ¡°I see. No wonder the coffee tasted so good.¡±

    ¡°It was tea,¡± Pavlov corrected.

    Just then, the phone suddenly rang.

    Pavlov: ¡°At this hour?¡±

    Although puzzled, he still answered the phone, ¡°Division headquarters, Pavlov speaking. What? When was this heard? Alright, I¡¯ll head to the sanctuary with the regimentmander immediately.¡±

    After hanging up, Pavlov looked at Popov, ¡°The choral heard a hymn from St. Ye Katerina Fortress, for us. And the other side is still in a state of hymnal, so we canmunicate with them.¡±

    Popov stood up, ¡°Then we must hurry over, this state won¡¯tst long.¡±

    Pavlov turned to a staff officer and shouted, ¡°Go get the regimentmander down here!¡±

    ¡°`

 Chapter 189: Crisis (Extra for 18,000 monthly votes)

    When Wang Zhong entered the sanctuary, his hair was still dripping.

    Su Fang saw him entering, and was about to speak when she suddenly remembered she was inmunication, and gave a meaningful nce to the female Guardian Army beside her.

    Wang Zhong was puzzled, ¡°What does that mean? She can¡¯t talk now?¡±

    The female Guardian Army exined, ¡°She is currently synced with the Hymn Monk in the capital. Whatever she says, they will say the same thing there, and vice versa.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then asked, ¡°What did she say just now?¡±

    Another member of the Guardian Army brought over a notebook to Wang Zhong.

    Written on the notebook was, ¡°Princess Olga Nikyevna Antonovna is asking General Rokossovsky if his unit needs assistance, and what kind of assistance is needed.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his head and exchanged nces with Pavlov.

    He decided to ask first when this support could arrive.Even if the princess were to send two hundred T34 tanks, that would still take time ¡ª and they would likely be intercepted by the enemy¡¯s airforce en route.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Your Highness, may I ask how long it will take for our reinforcements to arrive?¡±

    Su Fang immediately repeated Wang Zhong¡¯s words, parroting them exactly.

    Then she fell silent, obviously the other side was discussing how to respond.

    One could anticipate the current situation; sending reinforcements to Orachi would be quite a challenge.

    While waiting, Wang Zhong gradually formed an idea of what kind of reinforcement to request ¡ª a kind that could disregard the battlefield situation, reach Orachi by tomorrow, and be effective.

    When Wang Zhong had made up his mind, the response came from the other end, and Su Fang spoke, ¡°Your Excellency, considering the current battlefield situation, we can only send reinforcements to Shepetovka first, and then have Duke Meishikin organize the transport. If we leave immediately, we can reach Shepetovka by dawn the day after tomorrow.¡±

    That meant no matter what, they would arrive only the day after tomorrow ¡ª after all, even the princess couldn¡¯t instantly get what Wang Zhong needed and immediately organize a train. After organizing the train, loading it would take additional time.

    Wang Zhong was about to speak when Su Fang said, ¡°Additionally, I¡¯ve intercepted 30 newly produced T34 tanks from the factory. They are being loaded onto a train, which should depart by tomorrow.¡±

    See, Wang Zhong thought, it sure wasn¡¯t possible to send them immediately. Waiting for these 30 T34 tanks to reach Shepetovka would also take until the day after tomorrow.

    Indeed, what he should request was precisely the kind of reinforcement he had just considered!

    Effective by tomorrow!

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Your Highness, we urgently need airforce support. I¡¯ve received airforce support in Loktov and Upper Peniye. I need MiG-3s to tackle the enemy¡¯s high-altitude reconnaissance nes, and I need IL-2s to clear the enemy on the ground.

    ¡°I hope they can appear above Orachi by tomorrow! Additionally, I need reconnaissance nes to scout the enemy¡¯s artillery positions!¡±

    After Wang Zhong finished speaking, Su Fang almost had recited in full, and the sanctuary quieted down again.

    The response came quickly this time.

    Su Fang, ¡°Is that all you need?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Those are the most urgent at the moment! I¡¯m facing two armored divisions, two! And we¡¯ve just been shelled by 21cm heavy artillery, which is the enemy Army Group¡¯s level of heavy artillery. Tomorrow, we might face the enemy¡¯s Army Group main force!¡±

    As he said this, Pavlov and Popov both widened their eyes because there was no intelligence report indicating that the Army Group main force would attack tomorrow.

    Wang Zhong was bluffing, exaggerating the situation to be as dire as walking on eggshells, to more conveniently demand supplies.

    The reply also came very quickly: ¡°Understood, I will immediately make a request to the Air Force. I guarantee you will have our nes covering you tomorrow. Do you have any other requests?¡±

    Wang Zhong signaled to Pavlov, ¡°I need the following supplies!¡±

    Pavlov took out his little notebook and began to read.

    Su Fang repeated as she read, but halfway through, she suddenly stopped.

    Wang Zhong urged her, ¡°Keep reading!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s cut off,¡± Su Fang answered, ¡°It¡¯s been too long.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can such a connection be established again?¡±

    Popov answered on behalf of Su Fang, ¡°This type of connection requires a lot of resources for the mass, which we can¡¯t manage right now.¡±

    Su Fang added, ¡°And having just done such a synchronousmunication, I estimate I won¡¯t be able to chant hymns for a while.¡±

    As she spoke, she yawned a long yawn and visibly showed signs of fatigue.

    It was evident that maintaining that kind of connection took a heavy toll on her spirit.

    In this world, these supernatural things were useful, but somehow not ¡°that¡± useful.

    Is Divine Arrow powerful? It is, but when targeting ground units, the opponent¡¯s use of smoke can blind it. In targeting air units, if the enemy flies at an extremely low altitude, they can still escape, since besides Ekaterina, the others need to maintain continuous visual contact.

    Is Brother Peter¡¯s hearing amazing? That¡¯s also impressive, but that¡¯s about it.

    And so it goes with Su Fang¡¯smunication as well; is it powerful? Definitely, if it weren¡¯t for Su Fang in Upper Peniye, Wang Zhong¡¯s small unit would have already been annihted.

    But the reason they could summon a KVst time was because Wang Zhong¡¯s brother was a staff officer at the Front Army headquarters.

    Then there were so many limitations to this means ofmunication.

    In the current situation, one cannot ask for more, and Wang Zhong nodded to Su Fang, ¡°Get some good rest, you¡¯ve been a great help.¡±

    Sufangughed, looking very happy.

    Nelly stared at her intently, like a cat sensing a threat, bristling and hissing menacingly.

    Wang Zhongpletely ignored this little fray, turned to Pavlov and said, ¡°As long as His Highness can muster the Air Force, tomorrow will be much easier. Simply driving away the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance nes would be a huge help.¡±

    Pavlovughed, ¡°Of course. But I¡¯m really worried that the lie you just told wille true, and if we face the main force of the Second Armored Group tomorrow, even with the Air Force, it will be very difficult.¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, ¡°No worries, Duke Meishikin is holding up well! He will attract the main force of the enemy¡¯s Second Armored Group!¡±

    Pavlov nodded, ¡°Indeed, thank goodness for Duke Meishikin. I¡¯m almost ready to toast to the Duke¡¯s health.¡±

    ¡°Great, there¡¯s something to celebrate, let¡¯s drink a little.¡± Wang Zhong turned to Nelly, ¡°How about a small drink today?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°A little drink helps with sleep, I have no objections.¡±

    Wang Zhong burst intoughter, looking genuinely delighted, since the Air Force mighte to their support tomorrow.

    He hugged Nelly and vigorously rubbed her head.

    Nelly recoiled in rm, grabbing her askew boat-shaped hat with her hand.

    But Wang Zhong had already turned away to speak to Pavlov.

    ¡°We¡¯re going to attack Orachi with full force,¡± said General Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch to the divisionmanders, ¡°leaving behind two armored grenadier divisions to tie down the heavy forces at Shepetovka. They are mainly infantry,cking the ability to advance in the open field.¡±

    The Army Group Chief of Staff added, ¡°Aerial reconnaissance indicates that they also have a mobile tank force, but we can leave that to the bombers and 88mm guns to deal with.¡±

    General von Mauch: ¡°Thank you for that addition. Tomorrow, we willmit the remaining forces of the Amphra Division and the 16th Armored, as well as the 23rd and 12th Armored Grenadiers.

    ¡°Whether we take Orachi or not, the main force of our group will pass south of Orachi.

    ¡°The ¡®brilliant idea¡¯ from His Majesty the Emperor has significantly dyed our rush to the enemy¡¯s capital. We can¡¯t waste any more time. Being held up by the enemy for two days here is already too long! Too long!¡±

    At this point, amunications staff officer entered the conference room, saluted, and reported, ¡°The artillery brigade reinforcing the Amphra Division was hit by enemy fire, losing two 21cm heavy guns and one 17cm heavy gun. There are several casualties, and they are currently changing positions.¡±

    General von Mauch: ¡°What happened? Did the enemy have aerial reconnaissance? How did they discover our artillery positions?¡±

    ¡°The artillery brigade deployed by the roadside, and the Ante Army used Xu Jin barrages to cover the entire road. Additionally, the 23rd Armored also came under enemy artillery fire while on the march.¡±

    General von Mauch¡¯s eyebrows furrowed, ¡°What¡¯s going on! What are the losses?¡±

    ¡°Minor, because it was a Xu Jin barrage. It didn¡¯t repeatedly bombard the same segment of the marching column, and there was time to scatter and avoid shelling. However, the 23rd Armored reports that their deployment in Orachi will beter than scheduled.¡±

    General von Mauch cursed, ¡°Uneptable! Have them deploy on time as nned! I left redundancy in the n to deal with such things! Tomorrow morning, we must surround Orachi! We need topletely annihte this small enemy force, just like smashing a walnut with a hammer!¡±

    After a brief pause, he added, ¡°Do not fear the enemy¡¯s bombardment! Continue advancing on the road; as long as we move quickly enough, the enemy can¡¯t inflict significant losses on us!¡±

    At 04:30 on August 5th, inside the city of Orachi.

    Wang Zhong, though he drank a little yesterday, woke up at this time due to his biological clock.

    Whether it was the alcohol or the reassurance of Air Force support, he had slept very well, and when he opened his eyes, he felt more energized than ever.

    Just as he finished dressing and was about to call Nelly, the whistling of artillery shells pierced the air.

    Without a word, Wang Zhong hit the deck; the next moment, a barrage of shells fell upon the city.

    ¡°Dammit!¡± shouted Wang Zhong, ¡°Didn¡¯t we hit the enemy¡¯s artillery positions yesterday? How can there still be so many heavy guns?¡±

    Of course, because that was an artillery brigade.

    The intense bombardmentsted about an hour.

    When the explosions subsided, Wang Zhong stood up, and Nelly entered at that moment, ¡°You¡¯re alright!¡±

    ¡°What, you were hoping something happened to me?¡± said Wang Zhong, slipping on his shoes haphazardly and striding out of the bedroom.

    Nelly: ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to eat breakfast?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If they¡¯re shelling this early, there must be something happening.¡±

    Saying this, he dashed down to the first floor and barged into the map room.

    Pavlov, with a grave expression, was holding the phone, ¡°How many troops? What amount of troops did you see?¡±

    Wang Zhong grabbed the receiver abruptly, ¡°This is Rokossov, what did you see?¡±

    As he asked the question, he switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view and realized that the observation from Hill 153 was alight, indicating the call was from the artillery observation post on Hill 153.

    He immediately checked the situation and was stunned.

    It wasn¡¯t his own vision that highlighted the enemy, but there were so many of them that he could see, without any highlighting, the overwhelming number of the enemy.

    A ¡°tidal wave¡± of enemy armored forces and infantry lines was surging toward Hill 153.

    Over the phone, shouts came through, ¡°This is the observation post on Hill 153, a massive number of enemies is heading our way! A massive number! Commence firing immediately! Commence firing immediately!¡±

 Chapter 190: Storms and Turbulence

    Wang Zhong bellowed, ¡°Hold on, I¡¯m figuring out a solution right now!¡±

    At this time, he still thought that the enemy had simply switched their direction of attack. For such a scenario, he had already prepared a n: to move the T34s to the hillock¡¯s side edge of the forest to form a crossfire.

    No sooner had he hung up the phone than the ringtone chimed in again. He could only pick up the receiver once more. ¡°I am Rocossov, speak!¡±

    ¡°This is the second battalion of the 5th Bieshensk Regiment. We have arge number of tanks maneuvering on the eastern side of our position!¡±

    The position of the second battalion of the 5th Bieshensk Regiment was to the east of the city, mainly responsible for guarding the artillery positions. They were also a reserve force, ready to be mobilized to the northern forest for a ughter if necessary.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t ask for details; instead, he chose to overview the situation himself.

    What he saw was that there were also at least a battalion of tanks maneuvering on the east side of Orachi.

    Where did all these tankse from?

    At that moment, in the northern forest, res soared into the sky.Those were signals shot by the sentries at the first and second ambush positions, indicating that the enemy had infiltrated the forest.

    The enemy was charging in from all directions!

    Wang Zhong reassured them, ¡°Don¡¯t panic! Lower the B4 heavy artillery for direct fire! I¡¯ll think of something!¡±

    Before he could hang up that call, another telephone rang, and Pavlov picked up the receiver, ¡°Division headquarters, speak! What?¡±

    Wang Zhong dropped his handset and snatched Pavlov¡¯s, ¡°I am Rocossov, speak!¡±

    The voice of Brother Peter came from the other end, ¡°Stukas! The roaring sound of Stukas! I¡¯m not sure how many, at least 30 aircraft!¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned for a moment, then instinctively responded, ¡°Hold on! I¡¯m thinking of a solution!¡±

    Brother Peter retorted, ¡°I don¡¯t even have a gun, what¡¯s there to hold? General, you have to hang in there. In such a situation, if you can¡¯t hold on, morale will copse in an instant, like an avnche.¡±

    Thanks to Brother Peter¡¯s words, Wang Zhong¡¯s mind cooled slightly.

    Indeed, if he panicked, it would quickly spread throughout the troops, and even a defensible situation would be untenable.

    He had to remain calm andposed, making the best use of everything he had at hand.

    ¡°Thank you, Monk. Thank you,¡± he said.

    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Brother Peter replied.

    Wang Zhong set down the handset.

    The phone rang again, but Wang Zhong did not pick it up, instead, he left the spot for Pavlov to take over.

    Turning around, he noticed Nelly standing worriedly at the doorway. Wang Zhong¡¯s brief loss ofposure had not yet spread to the troops, but it had already shaken Nelly considerably.

    Nelly asked, ¡°Is the situation very bad?¡±

    Wang Zhong gave a faint smile, ¡°We¡¯ve been through worse than this. Get me coffee, make it strong.¡±

    Nelly nodded and turned to leave.

    Looking over the map on the desk, Wang Zhong quickly made a decision.

    ¡°Order the heavy artillery regiment to cover the forest. Infantry are soft targets and are especially afraid of heavy artillery. The remaining T34s should move to the nk of Hill 153 as originally nned to relieve the high ground first.¡± ?

    Pavlov nodded, picking up the phone to begin issuing the orders.

    Popov asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to personally lead the tanks?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°With so many enemies, a single tank can¡¯t change much now. That¡¯s one thing. Secondly, although I am not inside Tank 422, the red g is still hanging there. The soldiers will be as inspired by seeing the g as they would be by seeing me.¡±

    After Pavlov issued the orders and returned, he asked Wang Zhong, ¡°What about the Stukas? They should be almost here.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°We can only rely on the Divine Arrows now. Hopefully, the Prosen Air Force is still as afraid of death as ever.¡±

    On Hill 153.

    The soldiers of the Anti-tank Artillery Battalion were rushing to their gun positions with 45mm anti-tank shells.

    During the enemy¡¯s fire preparation, people and ammunition hid behind the counter-slope gun shelters. Now that the enemy started their assault, it was time to upy the position at once.

    Although Hill 153 was called a high ground, its entire slope was very gentle. The anti-tank gun positions were set up on the smooth gradient, with only the trenches housing infantry in front for protection.

    The Prussians, believing in their absolute superiority, did not use smoke bombs but chose to let the firepower of their tanks take full effect.

    At this very moment, the enemy¡¯s assault wave was fast approaching the foot of the high ground.

    Following the order to open fire, the anti-tank guns began to shoot.

    Pre-determined firing data ensured that the first volley from eight anti-tank guns resulted in eight hits.

    Only three tanks stopped, with their crews jumping out to take cover on the spot.

    The remaining five continued to advance, apparently the shells had not prated them, and they had not spotted the position of the anti-tank guns.

    As the second round of firing from the anti-tank guns began, it could no longer be called a volley; every gun crew received orders to fire the shells as quickly as possible.

    Lieutenant Maximov was inmand of a 45mm anti-tank gun. His crew consisted of twenty men, eight of whom were responsible for transporting the shells from the rear gun shelters to the front line, three to manage the horses, with the rest located near the gun crew.

    Maximov was in charge of designating targets and calling out the firing data. Gunner Karamazov was responsible for the aiming, and the rest were loaders, each holding a 45mm armor-piercing shell.

    ¡°Fire!¡± Maximov shouted.

    The muzzle of the gun spouted mes and recoiled, ejecting the still smoking shell casing onto the ground.

    The floor was already littered with seven or eight shell casings, all emitting smoke.

    After a stray shell hit his head, Karamazov yelled, ¡°Load!¡± and then toppled backward, falling among the smoldering casings.

    Seeing this, Maximov immediately rushed behind the gun mantlet to take the gunner¡¯s ce.

    At the same time, the loader stuffed a shell into the breech and swiftlypleted the locking mechanism.

    Maximov rotated the traverse wheel, aligning the cannon with the targeted driver¡¯s viewing slit and then violently pulled the firingnyard.

    The cannon roared as the spent casing was ejected from the breech, and the armor-piercing shell struck the observation window with a sh of white light.

    The tank did not stop moving, but its crew burst out of the hatches and jumped to the ground on both sides of the tank.

    ¡°Good!¡± Maximov shouted, ¡°Load another round!¡±

    Another shell was loaded into the gun.

    Maximov pressed his eye to the sight, searching for the next target. He saw a Panzer IV and aimed the reticle at the driver¡¯s viewing port¡ªwhat worked for the Panzer III should work for the Panzer IV too.

    Maximov fired, and then realized he had forgotten to adjust the gun sight¡¯s range scale.

    Due to the incorrect range setting, the shell flew high, striking the tank turret¡¯s mantlet and leaving a significant dent but failing to prate.

    ¡°Load!¡± Maximov shouted, simultaneously adjusting the range scale based on the target.

    By the time he had adjusted it, the tank had already stopped and was turning toward his direction.

    ¡ªDamn!

    That was all Maximov had time to think before everything went ck.

    When he regained consciousness, all he could see was the clear blue sky.

    He got up to find the cannon toppled over on the ground, its mantletpletely gone.

    The assistant gunnery atop the cannon¡¯s trail and other loaders were scattered on the ground.

    Clearly, a direct hit from the enemy¡¯s short 75 howitzer had wiped out Maximov¡¯s gun crew.

    Dazed, Maximov looked around and noticed another gun crew not far away. Thinking at least he could go there and serve as a loader, he stood up and staggered toward the position.

    Suddenly, someone grabbed him from behind and tackled him to the ground, then rolled him into amunication trench between gun positions.

    ¡°Are you mad! Just walking over there, you wouldn¡¯t have had enough lives to spend!¡± the man who had saved Maximov yelled.

    Judging by the uniform, the rescuer was an infantry lieutenant, albeit with a somewhat youthful face.

    The Fifth Beshensk Regiment rarely had such young faces; most were robust men in their thirties.

    Maximov was about to thank the lieutenant when he heard a shout from a nearby position: ¡°Bring the ammunition quick! We¡¯ve run out of shells!¡±

    Maximov peered out of the trench and saw two gunners, carrying an ammo box, just as they crested the top of Hill 153 and dashed toward the calling gun position.

    In the blink of an eye, a high-explosive shellnded between the two men, blowing them to the ground.

    The ammo box they were carrying split open, revealing the yellow shells inside.

    Maximov mustered his strength, rushed out of the trench towards the busted ammo box.

    ¡°Damn, won¡¯t you listen!¡± the lieutenant popped his head out and, seeing Maximov going for the shells, pulled out a captured Prosen smoke bomb from his belt, pulled the pin, and threw it behind Maximov.

    The white smoke spread quickly behind Maximov.

    He didn¡¯t care about that; he just picked up the broken box, shoved the fallen shells back in, and carried the box back toward the gun position.

    ¡°Ammo¡¯sing!¡± he yelled as he ran.

    The gunmander of that cannon eximed, ¡°Maximov? Your gun¡­¡±

    He nced at the neighboring gun site and abruptly cut himself off.

    ¡°Maximov, you¡¯vee at the perfect time! Load quickly!¡±

    Maximov: ¡°I¡¯ll get more ammo! Wait for me!¡±

    With that, he turned and dashed into the smoke, sprinting over the crest of the hill and then running towards the ammo storage dugout.

    Five minutester, Maximov, carrying an ammunition box, returned to the front of the high ground, only to find that the position he had just left had been obliterated, likely by a short 75 howitzer st.

    Maximov nkly stared at the ce where the gun position used to be for a few seconds, then suddenly remembered the most important thing now was to hold back the attack.

    So he rushed over to the cannon, gave it a cursory check to ensure it could fire.

    Then, he saw the sight was gone.

    Without a word, Maximov removed the scope and its rted supportponents, forcibly punching a hole in the gun shield.

    He aimed through this hole and loaded the shell himself.

    ¡°Die, Prussians!¡± Maximov fired.

    As expected, aiming through the hole in the gun shield yielded no positive results¡ªthis shell passed by the enemy tank¡¯s head.

    Maximov reloaded himself, then continued to aim through the ¡°hole.¡±

    This time the ¡°precise¡± shot hit the tank¡¯s tracks, stopping the Panzer IV.

    Maximov continued to load.

    But the enemy¡¯s tank forces had already begun to ascend the slope.

    A Panzer IV with the tactical number 2316 turned its barrel and aimed at Maximov.

    Just then, an armor-piercing shell fired from the side struck tank 2316!

    Unlike the poor destructive effect of the 45 mm armor-piercing shells, this side shot set tank 2316 aze immediately.

    Maximov turned to the direction from which the armor-piercing shell hade, and saw a stroke of red through the trees.

    It was General Rokossovsky¡¯s red g! General Rokossovsky had arrived!

    They were saved!

 Chapter 191: Hell

    At the same time, in the northern woods of Orachi.

    When the shells fell, Prosen soldiers all hit the deck.

    However, these were 152mm heavy artillery shells, the shockwaves and overpressure of which could also inflict massive casualties.

    Not to mention the secondary damage caused by trees shattered by the explosions.

    Most wood splinters weren¡¯t lethal, but being impaled by them hurt a million times more than being hit by shrapnel.

    Even for the elite Prosen Armored Grenadiers, being punctured in the face by such splinters could put them out of action.

    Heavy artillery shells continued to rain down, and the storm of wood chippings swept through the Armored Grenadiers¡¯ ranks.

    However, the forest had been bombarded many times by both sides yesterday, leaving numerous craters on the ground that provided temporary shelters for the Armored Grenadiers to dodge the artillery fire.

    In addition, the artillery bombardment had cleared the forest of mines. While some may remain, as long as one stuck to the paths with craters, they would definitely avoid the mines.Even under artillery fire, the Armored Grenadiers pressed on until the Ante Army¡¯s machine guns started firing.

    Wang Zhong left a guard unit in the solid support points and behind them, in the anti-artillery shelters. They would hold off the approaching Prosen soldiers until the main forces could enter the positions.

    The machine guns swept through the forest; preset firing solutions ensured deadly uracy, and anyone daring to stand up would be turned into a sieve.

    Prosen soldiers kept crawling forward.

    Prosen machine gunners set up their guns in the craters and returned fire, but the interference from trees skewed their distance estimation, making their suppressing fire rather ineffective.

    Suddenly, a heavy artillery shell hit a crater, blowing the machine-gun team stationed in it sky-high.

    Wang Zhong put down the receiver, having just confirmed through the phone call that there would be no immediate issues in the northern forest, and with T34 support, Hill 153 should be able to hold on for a while. The most precarious situation was actually at the 5th Belshensk Regiment, 3rd Battalion¡¯s position on the eastern side.

    If this position were breached, the enemy would enter the forest and soon discover the artillery positions.

    ¡°Grigori!¡± he called out loudly.

    The sergeant major entered with his submachine gun and saluted.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Take the guardpany and reinforce the 5th Belshensk Regiment, 3rd Battalion positions on the east side. Defend the artillery. Also, tell the B4 heavy artillery unit to organize direct fire support. Make sure the shells keep falling on the enemy¡¯s offensive line. Organize the firepower and don¡¯t fire them all at once!¡±

    Loading the B4 required a crane from the ammunition truck and was extremely slow. But by properly timing the firing sequence, they could ensure there was always a 203mm shellnding on the front line.

    Grigori saluted and quickly left.

    Popov stood up, ¡°I¡¯ll go and pull out the Guardian Army from the city. They may not be well-trained, but they know the city¡¯syout well, after all, it is their homnd.¡±

    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Wang Zhong said, extending his hand toward Popov.

    Popov took it, ¡°You take care too. There are so many enemies this time, don¡¯t charge as fiercely as before.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try,¡± Wang Zhong answered with the same reply as the formermander of the 13th Armored Battalion used to.

    When Grigori arrived at the position of the 5th Belshensk Regiment, 3rd Battalion, the young men of the B4 heavy artillerypany had already ttened their guns behind the makeshift shelters.

    The shelter was a simplified version of Wang Zhong¡¯s tank shelters, with only oneyer to protect the B4 heavy artillery vehicle and provide simple covering for the gun barrel.

    But it was just simple cover; after all, when this thing fired, it made such a racket that everyone could see it clearly, even through the woods.

    Grigori ran to the artillerypanymander, squatting low, and yelled, ¡°The general orders you to fire in sequence and maintain a continuous rate of fire!¡±

    Themander shouted, ¡°We can¡¯t fire all at once anyway; some guns are only being set down and moved after firing theirst round! They¡¯re now loading!¡±

    Grigori peeked at other gun positions only to notice that the other three guns were approaching the shelters at a snail¡¯s pace.

    Themander continued, ¡°The projectiles and cartridge cases are so heavy that it¡¯s far too slow and risky to move the guns while they¡¯re loaded. idents could happen, like having charges and shells slip out of the barrel.¡±

    Then, the gunner operating the crane on the ammunition truck yelled, ¡°Projectile hoisted in ce!¡±

    Two more gunners immediately used gigantic tools to jam the shell into the barrel.

    The crane operator then hoisted the cartridge case onto the slides behind the barrel: ¡°The cartridge bag is ready!¡±

    Again, two gunners worked to push the cartridge case into the barrel with their tools.

    Finally, after a long wait, the fourth gunner closed the breech,pleting the locking procedure.

    The gunner started aiming¡ªthe cannon had to be set to a specific angle for each loading; otherwise, the shell wouldn¡¯t fit.

    But conversely, for t shooting, this reduced the process of elevating the barrel, objectively speeding up the rate of fire.

    The gunner made a rough adjustment to the cannon¡¯s horizontal orientation, didn¡¯t touch the elevation gear at all, and just stepped back to pull the rope, ready to fire.

    Themander raised his hand high and chopped down like a knife.

    The gunner pulled thenyard with force, and the cannon roared deafeningly.

    The st from the muzzle even made the trunk of arge birch tree convulse like it was shuddering.

    The shellnded within a kilometer in the middle of enemy formation, making the earth seem like it was the surface of the sea, bulging up and then exploding upwards.

    Two tanks were swallowed up by the explosion, the lighter Panzer IV was lifted off the ground and tumbled several times beforending upside down.

    The tank operator, his brain jumbled from the shaking, climbed out from the bottom hatch of the tank only to be met with machine gun fire from the third battalion¡¯s position.

    The toon leader watched the effects for a few seconds and eximed, ¡°It¡¯s more effective than I thought! Load quickly! Prepare gun two! Why haven¡¯t you moved the gun into cover? Never mind, is gun three ready? Fire when you are ready!¡±

    No sooner had the words left his mouth than gun three fired, the muzzle st even reaching the spot where Grigori stood.

    Grigori: ¡°You¡¯ll be spotted by the enemy; this is too loud.¡±

    toon Leader: ¡°Indeed. I¡¯m figuring the enemy¡¯s artillery barrage will being any minute now, so we need to shoot as quickly as possible! Sergeant Major, please leave. The third battalion will need a veteran soldier like you.¡±

    After speaking, the toon leader saluted Grigori¡ªthough his rank was lower than the sergeant major¡¯s.

    Grigori returned the salute earnestly and then led the guard toon rushing towards the third battalion¡¯s position.

    The Prosen Army¡¯s 23rd Armored Division, First Armored Battalion, was subjected to the direct fire of Ante Army¡¯s heavy artillery.

    The battalionmander, who had been observing the situation behind the front line of the whole battalion¡¯s attack, became restless upon seeing the enormous eruption of earth (referring to the st of a 203mm shell).

    ¡°Where is the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery? All units, pay attention and locate the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery!¡± he shouted over the radio. ¡°This looks like direct fire, the artillery must be within our line of sight!¡±

    Just after he finished speaking, someone responded: ¡°In the forest to our west! Look quickly, Commander!¡±

    The moment themander turned his binocrs, he sawrge plumes of white smoke in the forest, and the trees swaying from side to side in the wind.

    The next moment, shellsnded on the battalion¡¯s line, halting two tanks in their tracks.

    Commander: ¡°All tanks, be advised, there¡¯s heavy artillery hidden in the woods on your right, focus fire immediately, I repeat, focus fire!¡±

    The tanks of the 23rd Division¡¯s First Battalion immediately turned their barrels.

    Although the battalion had not yet reached the ¡°passing line¡± set by General Moochi, they took decisive action.

    All for victory!

    The 50mm gun of the Panzer III and the short-barreled 75mm howitzer of the Panzer IV opened fire, quickly engulfing the forest in mes from the explosions.

    Grigori rushed into the third battalion¡¯s trench, yelling, ¡°Where¡¯s your battalionmander?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been killed!¡± a captain shouted back. ¡°I¡¯m themander now, what do you need?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m here to support you!¡±

    Just as Grigori finished speaking, the enemy¡¯s tank guns began hitting their mark, firing a mix of calibers.

    Behind the position, the heavy artillery battery continued to fire, and one 203mm round struck a Panzer IV directly, shattering it instantly, with parts raining down from the sky like a downpour.

    Several Prosen soldiers were hit by the falling debris, knocking them unconscious on the spot.

    The enemy immediately fired a second round of direct fire, and something exploded at the artillery battery.

    Witnessing the fireball, the fresh recruits in the battalion were petrified.

    Some even began to leave the trench and run towards Orachi City.

    Grigori shouted, ¡°Under His Majesty the Tsar¡¯stest order, surrender or desertion is treason, punishable by execution!¡±

    As he spoke, he raised his submachine gun and fired a dozen shots into the sky.

    The deserters stopped.

    Then they were hit in the back by the enemy¡¯s machine gun fire and fell into the trench like a burst sack from outside the trench.

    Grigori kicked away the coward and bellowed, ¡°I¡¯m a guard of General Rokossovsky, and the general has sent his guard toon! The star of victory will shine upon you!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than another B4 howitzer fired, causing a huge fireball to rise on the enemy¡¯s attack front.

    Prosen Army, 23rd Armored Division, 66th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion.

    The reconnaissance battalion¡¯s motorcycles followed right behind the First Armored Battalion, and by this time the observer in the sidecar hadpleted the range-finding and picked up the radio handset to call in: ¡°Wolf¡¯s Den, Wolf¡¯s Den, this is Hare, we¡¯ve located a suspected enemy heavy artillery position.¡±

    As the B4 artillery fired from within the forest, concealed by dugouts and other types of cover, the reconnaissance battalion¡¯s observer could not tell exactly what type of heavy artillery was firing, so he reported as such.

    ¡°Coordinates as follows¡­ please arrange fire support as soon as possible, over.¡±

    After speaking, the observer took up his binocrs and quietly waited for the first shell to fall.

    He didn¡¯t have to wait long.

    A 17cm heavy shellnded in the forest, but it missed by quite a bit, failing to hit the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery.

    The observer picked up the handset again: ¡°This is Hare, call for fire adjustment, X¡­ Y¡­ adjustmentplete!¡±

    Soon the second trial shot fell,nding about 800 meters south of the impact of the first shell.

    Observer: ¡°This is Hare, fire adjustment¡­¡±

    Momentster, the third heavy shell fell, hitting the forest precisely.

    Something inside the forest detonated violently, sending a fireball soaring into the sky.

 Chapter 192: Mirage (Additional Chapter for 19000 monthly votes)

    Hignd 153,mand post of the Fifth Beshensk Regiment.

    Major Eugene, binocrs in one hand and a clenched fist in the other, eximed, ¡°Good! Well done! Wipe them out!¡±

    He was cheering on the T34 that had appeared on the nk of the high ground.

    Unable to resist, Captain Andrei said, ¡°Major, you¡¯ve turned into a cheerleader since just now.¡±

    Major Eugene: ¡°It¡¯s not like I can do anything else, I¡¯ll justmand you, right?¡±

    ¡°Then you should go inspect the positions,¡± Captain Andrei replied. ¡°The enemy tanks are approaching, and the new recruits in the troops must be very scared now. You need to encourage them.¡±

    ¡°Me? Are you sure? A miner encouraging the soldiers?¡±

    Captain Andrei nced at Major Eugene: ¡°Just carry yourself with some presence, put on the air you had when scolding the miners at the mine. The appearance of a strict father figure kind of officer can greatly benefit morale in such times.¡±

    Major Eugene took a deep breath: ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll go make a round.¡±Captain Andrei: ¡°If you really don¡¯t know what to say, just pat the soldiers on the shoulder and tell them the general is watching us. After all, the general¡¯s tank is on the nk, and everyone can see that red g.¡±

    Major Eugene nodded, squeezed out of the bunker, and ran along the trench with his back bent, firmly patting the shoulder of every soldier he met: ¡°Hold on!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid!¡±

    ¡°The general is watching us!¡±

    By the time he had patted who knows how many, someone shouted: ¡°Look quick, the general is covered in smoke!¡±

    Major Eugene stopped and, like everyone else, stuck his head out of the trench to look towards the forest.

    Pink smoke had enveloped the T34 tanks in the woods, and the general¡¯s banner was no longer visible.

    The enemy tanks were still firing, with more pink smokepletely covering the treeline. The side fire from the T34 fell silent.

    More terrifying was the sharp, dreadful howling sounding from the sky.

    This was the first time Major Eugene had heard that sound, and goosebumps immediately rose on the back of his neck. He had heard from the old veterans that it was the sound of a dive bomber called Stuka used by the enemy.

    At that moment, a frightened recruit shouted: ¡°It¡¯s a dragon! The Prussians have sent dragons to attack us!¡±

    Major Eugene didn¡¯t understand war, but he knew how to deal with subordinates who talked nonsense.

    Especially during mine disasters, Major Eugene could be stricter than the Judge when dealing with those fools who spread rumors.

    He rushed over and pped the recruit: ¡°That¡¯s the enemy¡¯s dive bomber! It must be targeting the general!¡±

    ¡°Look!¡± someone shouted.

    Major Eugene turned his head and saw three ming dragons rising from the ground.

    The Divine Arrow Company had actually moved near Hignd 153 overnight!

    An explosion urred in the sky.

    The second volley of Divine Arrowsunched.

    At that moment, another shout rang out: ¡°Enemy nes! The enemy nes are¡­ they¡¯re nose-diving!¡±

    Major Eugene cursed: ¡°That¡¯s called a dive!¡±

    Apart from the diving formation, three enemy nes caught fire and were falling, overtaking the formation that had activated air brakes.

    The second volley¡¯s three Divine Arrows hit the target, brilliant shes of fire dismantling the enemy aircraft in midair, with burning debris falling in sync with the formation. ?

    The third volley of Divine Arrowsunched.

    The morale of the enemy pilots seemed to finally copse, as they dropped their bombs from two thousand meters before scattering in flight.

    In fact, during a steep dive by a dive bomber, even with the wind at low altitude, the bomb wouldn¡¯t drift much; lowering the bombing altitude was mainly to see the target clearly.

    From a two thousand meter altitude, even targets like tanks or bunkers are just small dots when viewed from the air, blended into theplex terrain, very difficult to spot.

    Experienced Prussian Air Force pilots would consciously control their diving speed, only dropping bombs when they could clearly see their target from 1,200 or even 800 meters.

    However, facing the highly efficient ughter from the Divine Arrow, the pilots chose to bomb from two thousand meters and then save their own lives¡ªas after all, the operation manual stated that bombs could be dropped from 2,000 meters.

    Two of the third volley¡¯s Divine Arrows went into the sky due to losing their target, but the third, as if it had eyes, chased after the dive bomber that rushed into the blind spot of vision and blew it up into a fireball.

    By then, the aircraft brought down by the first two volleys of Divine Arrows had also hit the ground, along with the bombs.

    The aerial bombs fell around the pink smoke¡ªPrussian Air Force training was indeed well practiced, given such uracy in bombing from that high up.

    The bombs created a grey-brown ¡°wall¡± that obscured view.

    Everyone in the position was paying attention to this direction, including Major Eugene who hade out to encourage his men and was now lying at the edge of the trench, craning his neck to see over there.

    In fact, the enemy likely found themselves in a simr situation, because during this time the enemy tanks charging in had not fired.

    Just as the words were spoken, a big-headed T34 burst out from the grey-brown ¡°wall,¡± with its antenna-bound red g fluttering in the wind.

    Major Eugene and the soldiers cheered together!

    The T34 stopped and its cannon blew up a Panzer IV.

    The remaining Panzer IVs began releasing smoke bombs and retreated backward.

    The enemy infantry also threw smoke bombs, and the once unstoppable enemy that had charged forward were now retreating!

    Around Regiment 153¡¯s position, the Ura shouts were deafening.

    In the woods, the first toon of God¡¯s Arrow Company¡¯s position.

    ¡°See that! I fought one more battle than you guys!¡± Ekaterina eximed gleefully, jumping around.

    ¡°Retreat!¡± Yeca Neiko snatched her from the ammunition box and threw her into the jeep, ¡°Retreat! We¡¯ve fired so many shots, the enemy must have discovered our location! The artillery ising!¡±

    Ekaterina protested, ¡°How could it be so fast, are you guys crazy?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re not crazy!¡± As Yeca Neiko heaved the other Prayer Girls into the vehicle, he exined, ¡°In Loktov, we had just left our firing position when the Prussians¡¯ bombs fell! If it weren¡¯t for Ludm Vasilyevna¡¯s quick reaction, we would have all been dead!¡±

    Once he was in the jeep, he mmed his foot on the elerator, speeding off and continuing, ¡°Our firing position was on top of an Anatolia bathhouse, the bombs obliterated the whole bathhouse, and even though we¡¯d driven far away, we were still affected! The Prussians went to great lengths to kill us!¡±

    As he spoke, a howling noise came from the sky.

    The heavy artillerynded on the position they had just vacated.

    ¡°Look! Do you see, girls? Old man me just saved your skins!¡± Yeca Neiko, the deputy knight, finished and burst intoughter, ¡°The Prussians think they¡¯re the best at war in the world! But we¡¯re just as good!¡±

    Wang Zhong switched back to the indoor perspective.

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s air raid is over, I wonder how many T34s are left intact.¡±

    Pavlov looked out the window of the map room, puzzled, ¡°How can you see that the enemy air raid is over from there? How did you see it?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Mirage.¡±

    As long as I keep a straight face, the lie bes truth!

    Vasily asked, ¡°Where?¡±

    Wang Zhong smacked Vasily on the head with the side of his hand, ¡°Listen in! We especially need intelligence right now!¡±

    Then, without changing his expression, Wang Zhong changed the subject and approached the map table, saying,

    ¡°There are hundreds of tanks around us, right here we have a battalion, here one to two battalions¡­ ¡±

    As he spoke, he took a pencil and marked on the map.

    ¡°It looks like a lot, but an armored battalion requires over a kilometer of frontage to deploy. Based on this¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong drew a circle around Orachi on the map with his pencil, ¡°That¡¯s the enemy¡¯s limit. If the enemy wants to increase the troop strength for a single assault further, they would have to deploy on the side of therge ranch¡ªthat is, on the southeast side of the city.¡±

    Pavlov agreed, ¡°Right, that side hasn¡¯t had artillery preparation, and it¡¯s opennd, our mines are still in ce.¡±

    On the battlefield,rge-scale mine clearance isn¡¯t usually done by engineers one by one, but by creating overpressure with explosives that detonate pressure-activated mines.

    The st wave from the explosives can also sever the tripwires of tripwire mines.

    Engineers use explosive cord for mine clearance for this reason; a rocket fires carrying a long explosive cord,nds in the minefield to detonate, and the overpressure and st wave clear out the entire strip area around the cord.

    Artillery fire preparation also has overpressure and st waves, and artillery¡¯s Xu Jin barrage would not only disperse the mines along the path but also clear obstructions like barbed wire.

    The forests to the north of Orachi, as well as the southwest hignd 153, had undergone repeated bombardments over a few days, so there are hardly any mines left, with only the asional stray mine capable of killing a few unlucky individuals.

    During the Cold War, one could use a mineying vehicle to quicklyy a new minefield ahead of an enemy attack, but such equipment doesn¡¯t exist now.

    However, the southeast hadn¡¯t been plowed by artillery fire, the mines were still there.

    Wang Zhong, with his hands pressing on the map table, looked over Orachi, ¡°The current strength of the enemy¡¯s attacking forces is not yet beyond what we can withstand.¡±

    ¡°The issue is how much of our forces we need to expend each time we repel the enemy,¡± Pavlov paused, ncing at Wang Zhong, ¡°and how long our fighting spirit can hold out.¡±

    Wang Zhong affirmed, ¡°It¡¯s mainly about fighting spirit.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the phone rang.

    Pavlov picked up the receiver, ¡°Division headquarters, speak. Uh-huh, uh-huh. Okay, very good.¡±

    After hanging up, he looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°The attack from the forest direction has been repelled; we don¡¯t know the enemy¡¯s losses. We have twelve dead and seventeen wounded.¡±

    Wang Zhong said concernedly, ¡°That many?¡±

    Pavlov noted, ¡°It could have been much worse than Bilokotov.¡±

    ¡°Indeed. After all, we dug so many shelters and fortifications. I still think it¡¯s not enough, given that we¡¯re going to be attacked all day long.¡±

    Pavlov was about to respond when the phone rang again.

    He answered with a couple of ¡°uh-huhs¡± and, after hanging up, reported, ¡°The enemy from hignd 153 has retreated. Based on the enemy¡¯s attack organization speed during the past two days, I don¡¯t think we need to worry about the highground for an hour and a half to two hours.¡±

    Wang Zhongmanded decisively, ¡°Then let¡¯s move all the T34s to the east side! Now, immediately. Have them stop at the middle school gate on the way to the east to resupply ammunition and fuel.¡±

    Pavlov promptly picked up the receiver, then realized, ¡°We should have radio.¡±

    Wang Zhong called out, ¡°Vasily, do the honors!¡±

    After the enemy retreated, Tank 422 rumbled to life, moving past hignd 153 and headed toward Orachi.

    Clearly, other battles awaited the general elsewhere.

    The other T34s only then emerged from the lingering pink smoke and joined up with Tank 422.

    Major Eugene and everyone from the Fifth Belshenk Battalion cheered the departing T34 tanks with a resounding, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    The morning sun shone upon them.

 Chapter 193: Prison (Extra for 20,000 monthly votes)

    To the east of Orachi City, in the forested positions.

    Grigori shouted to boost morale, ¡°It¡¯s just the artillery that¡¯s gone! Get your Molotov cocktails ready! Tanks aren¡¯t so scary, all you need to do is hit the rear deck!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, enemy tanks began their machine gun strafing runs.

    In reality, at this time the tanks were still more than five hundred meters away from the attacking formation and the woods, so the machine guns could only hit targets by chance.

    Especially since tank coaxial machine guns were not capable of precise aim, relying on tracer rounds to correct their trajectory.

    But as long as the machine gun bullets were ripping through the bark of the white birch trees and the wood shavings were still greeting the soldiers¡¯ faces and falling into their cors, the machine gunfire was a huge blow to morale.

    The fifth Bieshensk was a unit that took a shortcut through the Guardian Army.

    Panic-stricken soldiers began to run out of the trenches, fleeing backward.

    Grigori switched off the safety on his submachine gun and with a short burst, he brought down two fleeing soldiers.¡°By the Tsar¡¯smand! Deserters and turncoats are to be seen as traitors,¡± he roared, ¡°ording to the order, your families should all be implicated, but I am merciful and will only kill the traitors themselves! Stay in your original positions!¡±

    At that moment, an enemy Mark IV fired a shot, hitting the thickest white birch in the forest and breaking the trunk in two, with half of therge tree falling to the ground.

    Grigori dodged the tree trunk, but as he avoided it, two more deserters rushed out of the trench.

    Grigori fired at their backs, shouting as he shot, ¡°Think carefully! You may survive if you keep resisting, but you¡¯ll definitely die if you run!¡±

    Just then, from the other end of the position, cheers erupted, even overpowering the roar of the enemy tanks.

    Grigori looked over with confusion and saw tank number 422 weaving through therge fires and thick smoke of the artillery positions.

    The tank fired, the armor-piercing shell whistling through the forest and striking a Mark IV precisely.

    More T34s followed the 422, advancing and firing at the enemy as they went.

    The enemy, which had been aggressively advancing just moments before, suddenly stopped and began to reverse.

    It¡¯s possible that these Prussian Tank Operators had already learned from the experiences shared by other units that they should keep their distance from the T34s¡ªmost T34s were incredibly poor at hitting targets at long range.

    The retreat of the tank units caused the skirmish line following the tanks to also begin retreating.

    Seeing this, the T34 squadron crossed the woods and began chasing the enemy tanks.

    At this time, a recruit from the fifth Bieshensk asked, ¡°Why is there someone standing behind every tank?¡±

    Before Grigori could answer, the lead tank, number 422, stopped, and the people on the engine covers of the other tanks opened the hatches and shouted something inside. ?

    Eventually, all the tanks stopped just past the treeline, firing at the retreating enemy.

    The Prussian tankers who had just been willing to exchange fire with the T34s finally released smoke and chose to retreat.

    In Orachi City, at the temporary headquarters of the 151st Division.

    ¡°Okay, understood, you did well,¡± Pavlov said as he put down the receiver, ¡°The eastern side is also blocked. Two T34s had their turrets jammed, the enemy¡¯s firing uracy is very high! Plus the ones just damaged by the Stukas, we now only have 6 intact T34s left.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Do all six have radios?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head: ¡°No, the enemy tanks seem to be targeting the ones with radio antennas. They must already know that our standard tanks are without radios.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, no longer wanting toment on the weaknesses of the T34.

    Next year must get some Shermans, or even if not, some M3 Grant Lees would be good; those things are excellent as tank destroyers.

    At least every tank would have a radio.

    Pavlov: ¡°The good news is that the offensive has paused, and half the day is already gone.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at his watch, only to realize it was already one o¡¯clock in the afternoon.

    Just then, the phone rang again.

    Pavlovined, ¡°It better not be the enemy attacking again.¡±

    He picked up the receiver: ¡°Division headquarters, go ahead. Understood.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong with a bitter expression: ¡°The thing we feared the most has happened; the enemy has crossed the highway from the southwest and is circling around, it looks like they¡¯re preparing tounch an offensive at the pasture as well.¡±

    Wang Zhong also furrowed his brow: ¡°We had a good n originally, digging tank emcements over there so our T34s could resist if the enemy attacked. But now there are only six intact T34s left.¡±

    ¡°The good news is that the workers are rushing to repair the T34s damaged on the side of hill 153.¡±

    The tractor factory workers are saving my life¡ªWang Zhong sincerely thought.

    Pavlov: ¡°But right now, only the minefields stand in the way of the enemy charging into the city. The good news is, our minefields are quite thick, the enemy will need to use artillery to clear a path, that¡¯s probably going to take an hour or two to st, which means at least until three o¡¯clock in the afternoon, we don¡¯t have to worry about the pasture side.

    ¡°But if the enemy deploys engineers to clear the mines with explosive charges, then the pasture side will be in trouble soon.

    ¡°Generally, minefields need the protection of machine guns and anti-tank guns to prevent the enemy¡¯s engineers from quickly clearing them. But¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, interrupting the chief of staff, ¡°The enemy can create smoke, you forgot.¡±

    Pavlov looked at the ceiling, ¡°Yeah, create smoke. The Prussians love doing that. It would be great if we could figure out something to see through their smoke.¡±

    Thermal imaging, perhaps, but given Ante¡¯s level of technology, it probably wouldn¡¯t be that simple.

    On the other hand, the Prussians, who had Fritz X radio-controlled bombs from the start of the war, might develop technology faster than in the actual World War II.

    Damn, it wouldn¡¯t be like that German game ¡°Armored Legion 2¡±, with Me 262s and Ho 229s filling the skies by ¡¯43¡­ That would be hell mode, only hope for a miracle from the heavenly army (US forces).

    Pavlov didn¡¯t know what Wang Zhong was thinking, and continued his train of thoughts, ¡°Anyhow, in no more than two hours, there will be defensive pressure from the direction of the pasture. And we¡¯ve run out of troops.¡±

    Just then, the telephone rang again, Pavlov muttered, ¡°I hope it¡¯s not bad news,¡± and picked up the receiver, ¡°Division headquarters, speak.¡±

    The next moment, he handed the receiver to Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s Popov.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the call, ¡°I am Rocossov, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°There are two more Guardian Army camps here at the church, should I send them somewhere?¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Pavlov and decisively replied, ¡°Send them to the pasture.¡±

    Popov was shocked, ¡°The pasture? Didn¡¯t we say during the terrain survey that it¡¯s not suitable for defense?¡±

    ¡°Abandon the pasture, defend the houses and streets around the pasture.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Are you nning to have the Guardian Army fight street battles? They¡¯ll get badly bullied by the enemy!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Do you think I want that? The enemy has already deployed by the pasture, and there¡¯s only a minefield stopping them. If we don¡¯t send someone to defend this district, they¡¯ll pierce through to our heart! Once we are cut off by the enemy in the center, all defense will be but empty talk!¡±

    Popov was silent for a second, then said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll send them to the pasture.

    ¡°Besides, the Labor Camp is insistent that we arm them, they want to defend their hometown themselves.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Do they know how to use Molotov cocktails?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we¡¯ve been teaching them that for days.¡±

    Wang Zhong further asked, ¡°Do we have any surplus weapons?¡±

    ¡°A fair number of Mosin¨CNagants and some shotguns.¡±

    While Popov spoke, Wang Zhong heard someone shouting from the other side of the line, ¡°Just give us something that can kill!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Issue them the guns, and if there are still people who want weapons after the supply runs out, let them specialize in throwing Molotov cocktails.¡±

    Popov was silent for a few seconds, then replied, ¡°I admit that I deliberately pushed this decision onto you, I didn¡¯t expect you to make it so decisively.¡±

    ¡°Because I¡¯ve seen hell,¡± answered Wang Zhong, ¡°I know what it takes to stop hell from descending.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re doing the right thing. I¡¯ll arm the civilians now. By the way, I heard the artillery has stopped outside, how¡¯s the situation?¡±

    ¡°We have temporarily repelled the enemy¡¯s assault, but the situation is worse than in the morning. We are surrounded, trapped.¡±

    Wang Zhong spoke very calmly, as if stating something as routine as ordinary.

    Popov sensed this and chuckled, ¡°I¡¯ve been with your forces for less than a month¡ªis it a month yet?¡±

    ¡°Just arrived.¡±

    ¡°Yes, just arrived. And I already feel like being trapped and facing an enemy far more numerous than us is a normal thing. And that you¡¯ll hold out as usual until the mission isplete.¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to answer, to boast a little, but he changed his mind at thest minute.

    This time, it truly seemed impossible to hold out until the southwest Front Army could escape. The enemy¡¯s second armored group would definitely bypass Orachi and begin their deadly sprint.

    The Southwest Front Army¡¯s best evacuation route would be cut off, and he could only watch it all happen helplessly.

    The brother of this body, his father, and his dear friends would be encircled at Argesukov.

    In such a situation, Wang Zhong truly couldn¡¯t afford to be brave anymore.

    Popov seemed to understand it all, ¡°You¡¯ve done everything you could, heroically resisted here for two days ¨C this is the third day! I believe nobody could have done better than you.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Thank you. Arm the people, prepare for the worst.¡±

    ¡°I will. Over,¡± said Popov as he hung up the phone.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong put down the receiver than the phone began to ring urgently again. He picked it up without hesitation, ¡°I¡¯m Rocossov, what is it?¡±

    Brother Peter¡¯s voice came through in a panic from the other end, ¡°Route 217! The sound of airnes is the same as the one Loktov threw that radio-controlled bomb fromst time, and there are two of them! Two! Two bombers carrying those kinds of huge bombs areing at us from high altitude!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Are you sure?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m certain, I set the acoustic array to narrow-beam mode, sacrificing coverage for performance, so I can hear very clearly, it¡¯s Route 217! Just like the onest time that almost blew up your fianc¨¦e! Exactly the same!¡±

    Wang Zhong went to the window and switched to bird¡¯s-eye view mode, but could see no enemy aircraft¡ªBrother Peter had switched the sonic array to a different mode, alerting to more distant enemy aircraft.

    Atst, Wang Zhong spotted those two Route 217s, and saw the guided bombs suspended under their wings.

    The Fritz X!

 Chapter 194: Nirvana

    The 55th Royal Bomber Squadron of the Prosen Royal Air Force, Squadron ten, was flying in formation towards their bombing target with two Do 217s.

    Inside the lead ne¡¯s cockpit, the radio operator was calling ground forces, ¡°Bald Eagle calling Wild Wolf, Bald Eagle calling Wild Wolf, please respond.¡±

    After waiting a while and as he was about to call again, a response came through the radio, which could be heard throughout the ne via the inte.

    ¡°This is Wild Wolf, go ahead.¡±

    The radio operator nced at the squadronmander.

    Themander spoke, ¡°Wild Wolf, please use the Panzer IV¡¯s main tank gun to fire a Smoke Bomb and mark the priority targets. Bald Eagle out.¡±

    There was silence for a few seconds before the reply came, ¡°Understood. Marking priority targets, Wild Wolf out.¡±

    Kluge¡¯s face was somber as, although he had lostmand of the entire offensive, he was still the officer who understood the situation on the ground best, so coordinating with the Air Force had been left to him.Kluge made a gesture, and immediately a staff officer came over, ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    ¡°Select the Panzer IV crew with the best gunnery skills to mark the 153 hignds with the Smoke Bomb. Aim for their artillery observation post if possible.¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Inside the bombing formation¡¯s lead ne, the observer reported, ¡°There¡¯s no sign of the marker Smoke, should we prompt them again?¡±

    The formationmander replied, ¡°Patience, the ground forces are cumbersome. They¡¯re like a big elephant; it takes time for information to travel from the brain to the toes. Not as quick as us in the Air Force.¡±

    The pilot in the cockpitughed and said, ¡°It¡¯s really like that. The army is just like this, slow. We¡¯ll have to wait. Right now, they¡¯re at a loss against the Ante People¡¯s new tanks, and can only rely on our bombers and anti-aircraft gun battalions.¡±

    Themander smiled and said, ¡°In the Carolingian campaign, the ground forces had only those little tanks that looked like toys. They needed dive bombers as soon as they encountered any solid bunkers. Back then, the sky was full of calls from the ground forces.¡±

    Themander¡¯s words were suddenly interrupted by the observer, ¡°Marker Smoke sighted, please bank right!¡±

    The ne instantly tilted, and then the pilot said, ¡°Marker Smoke confirmed, I¡¯m going to make a turn.¡±

    The Do 217 started to circle clockwise, finally aligning their heading with the marker smoke.

    The pilotmented, ¡°There¡¯s a southeast wind outside, the ne is a bit shaky.¡±

    In fact, he didn¡¯t need to say it, everyone in the cockpit could feel the ne shaking, causing thepass on themander¡¯s map table to ¡°walk¡± around, moving towards the edge of the table with each vibration until themander grabbed it just before it fell off.

    The observer said, ¡°Heading is good, we¡¯ll reach drop position in 20 seconds, final check!¡±

    The mechanic announced, ¡°Guidance system is fine, racks normal! Ready for the drop!¡±

    The observer counted, ¡°Ten seconds to the drop!¡±

    But suddenly, the gunner in the dorsal gun turret was hit, blood spraying back onto the side gunner sitting behind him.

    The side gunner yelled, ¡°We¡¯re under attack! We¡¯re under attack!¡±

    Then bullets prated the steel te above his head, piercing directly through his skull and incidentally hitting the arm of themander and navigator sitting next to him.

    The pilot looked back in horror, and in that moment, the left wing of the aircraft was repeatedly hit, the stress structure instantly copsed, and the entire wing was torn off.

    A MiG-3 zoomed by the bomber with its cut wing, sparks shing from the exhaust ports on the cigar-shaped nose of the engine.

    Next to the MiG-3¡¯s cockpit, a neat row of red stars was painted, each one representing a downed enemy ne. Surrounded by red stars, the pilot peered through his goggles at the disintegrating bomber with a smile on his lips.

    As the MiG-3 swept past, another Do 217 was hit, but this time the Ant Pilot¡¯s work was not so precise; the bullets only perforated the tail of the Do 217, damaging the steering system and incidentally blowing off the left tail fin¡¯s control surface.

    This wingman was unable to control its direction and traced an arc as it fell towards the ground.

    After the attack, the two MiG-3s quickly climbed to regain altitude. The lead ne rolled upside down; the cockpit canopy facing the ground as it carefully searched below for other worthy targets.

    Through the cockpit, one could see an entire squadron of IL-2 Sturmoviks flying low over the ins.

    The IL-2s formed a line, strafing the ground with their 23 mm cannons and machine guns while dropping 50 kg bombs as they flew over the earth¡ªsmall for aerial bombs but packed with explosive powerparable to heavy artillery shells.

    From above, the IL-2s flying in formation looked like plows turning over a field full of Prussians, with the dust from the bombs resembling upturned soil.

    General Moochi stood on a knoll south of Orachi, watching the sudden onught of the Ante Air Force.

    ¡°So, Duke Meyer was boasting again, wasn¡¯t he? When I received the report that Ante Air Force activity had increased, I thought it was mainly around the capital. Howe there are so many active Ante Air Forces here in the southwest?¡±

    The chief of staff shrugged, ¡°Maybe they were transferred from the direction of the capital?¡±

    ¡°No, the Ante People wouldn¡¯t rx their protection of the capital.¡± General Moochi was silent for a few seconds before adding, ¡°It¡¯s probably just the Air Force bragging; they didn¡¯t inflict as much damage on the Ante Air Force as they imed. They certainly haven¡¯t destroyed 3,000 nes on the ground.¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°After all, it¡¯s the Air Force. It¡¯s normal for them.¡±

    Moochi clicked his tongue, ¡°With the Air Force¡¯s mess, I guess the next offensive will have to be postponed, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll go and confirm.¡± With that, the chief of staff turned and walked towards the radiomunications vehicle.

    General Moochi stood with his hands behind his back on the hillock, gazing at the city of Orachi that he had relegated to ¡°the rear.¡±

    Beside him, the Prussian armored units in marching columns were passing continuously, pushing southward.

    About fifteen minutester, the chief of staff returned, ¡°The losses for all units are not as big as we feared, but it¡¯s true that time is needed to reorganize the offensive.¡±

    General Moochi: ¡°Then let¡¯s start with a heavy artillery bombardment of Orachi, keep it up until midnight.¡±

    ¡°Midnight?¡±

    ¡°Of course. In the era of trench warfare, it wasmonce to have fire preparations thatsted for days. Why make a fuss when it¡¯s only till evening? The preparation area is not just the urban district, but also those troublesome woods around it.

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s heavy artillery must be hidden in the woods, there¡¯s no need to put in the effort to locate them, just level them. Turn the whole forest upside down.¡±

    The chief of staff turned his head and gave some specific operational instructions to the staff, and then asked General Moochi, ¡°When do we attack then?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ll attack as soon as the fire preparation isplete, of course.¡±

    ¡°At midnight? A night attack?¡± The chief of staff eximed in surprise.

    General Moochiughed: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, by dawn, the entire city will serve as our light for the attack. The entire city will burn, bright as day.

    ¡°What ¡®White Horse General¡¯, what ¡®defensive genius¡¯, humph!¡±

    The general smiled: ¡°With such a disparity in force that drives one to despair, what significance does individual talent bear? Let him wither away here. I¡¯ll include him in my memoirs, along with that ¡®genius¡¯ of a tank bunker.¡±

    Having said that, General Moochi turned and walked toward hismand vehicle: ¡°We continue to advance, tonight we will camp at Meishikin!¡±

    At zero hour in the early morning of August 6th.

    Wang Zhong rose from the ground and looked out of the window: ¡°Has it finally stopped?¡±

    Outside the window, the mes painted everything red.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Guard! Go see what¡¯s caught fire!¡±

    The guard came in and reported, ¡°General, everything¡¯s caught fire! The whole city is burning!¡±

    Pavlov was about to speak when he heard the rumbling of engines: ¡°Ours? No, we don¡¯t have that many engines. The enemy¡¯s? An armored night attack?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked out of the window, feeling goosebumps forming on the back of his neck: ¡°No, this isn¡¯t a night attack, the fire has turned everything into daylight!¡±

    Ludm had just woken up from unconsciousness when she heard the sound of engines.

    She looked outside and saw Prosen tanks advancing along the highway that passed through the city, their headlights on, pushing toward the city.

    ¡°Natalia! Donya!¡± she called out loudly to the nuns and the Guardian Army assigned to her, ¡°Are you all right?¡±

    No one responded.

    Ludm turned to look for the Divine Arrow and itsuncher, then realized that half of the attic she was in had been destroyed. Divine Arrow, nuns, and Guardian Army were nowhere to be seen.

    At that moment, she heard the voices of the Guardian Army defending downstairs: ¡°Prayer Hand Miss, flee quickly! We¡¯ll hold off the enemy with the machine gun! Head to the church headquarters!¡±

    Ludm got up, picked up a Mosin-Nagant rifle from the floor, and staggered through the attic door, running down the stairs.

    By the time she reached the first floor, the machine gun had already opened fire. The Guardian Army, seeing her descending, shouted, ¡°Take the back door! Keep running along the main road! You¡¯re more important than us! Go, quickly!¡±

    Ludm nodded and dashed towards the back door. The moment she burst onto the street, she heard the sound of a tank gun behind her.

    The machine gun fire immediately died down.

    Ludm frantically began to run, and after taking five or six steps, she heard the machine gun firing again, like a phoenix reborn from the ashes, holding back the enemy forces.

    She turned back but found that the buildings blocked her view, and she couldn¡¯t see those brave gunners.

    She could only keep running.

    Wang Zhong used the phones that were still working to check the situation and made an immediate decision: ¡°We can¡¯t hold this position, it¡¯s meaningless to try. The enemy¡¯s main force has bypassed us and is heading south.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°How to break out? With the current situation¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, the enemy¡¯s night attack has actually given us an opportunity. If they were simply surrounding us not attacking, I wouldn¡¯t know which way to go. They¡¯re now attacking the city, and even with the big fires illuminating, they will fall into chaos. In fact, the fire itself is a source of chaos.¡±

    In such chaos, if someone could highlight all the enemy positions, knowing where they are, that person would have a great advantage.

    Of course, it¡¯s not enough to annihte the enemy, but creating confusion among them to enable an escape from the encirclement should be no problem.

    Wang Zhong began to issue orders: ¡°Vasily! Alert Panzer 422; if it isn¡¯t broken, it must get to the headquarters¡¯ entrance at all costs!¡±

    Vasily didn¡¯t ask questions and started the call immediately.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Signal corps, send a message to Duke Meishikin, saying we¡¯re preparing to break out in the confusion and hope the duke can provide some sort of interception¡ªjust hoping. After sending that message, destroy the radio and burn the codebook.

    ¡°All headquarters personnel, whether they are clerks, staff officers, or even cooks, must arm themselves!¡±

    Wang Zhong paused because he saw Nelly enter, carrying a Mosin-Nagant that was taller than her.

    He spouted offhandedly: ¡°It goes well with your boat-shaped cap.¡±

    Nelly smiled.

    At that moment, Vasily eximed, ¡°I¡¯ve contacted Panzer 422, they¡¯re on their way! Apanied by six T34s!¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°Good! Everyone! It¡¯s not the time for noble sacrifice yet. See you in Shepetovka!¡±

 Chapter 195: Fire and Sword

    Grigori pulled the bay out of the enemy¡¯s body and looked around.

    The city behind him was on fire, and the Prussian tanks in front of him were also on fire.

    The artillery positions were on fire, the forest was on fire.

    Grigori held the long bay as if he were a knight with a sword, facing the soaring mes.

    At this moment, a messenger riding a horse came galloping from the city: ¡°The whole army is to break out to the north! Leave enough ammunition for the seriously wounded! The whole army is to break out to the north! Leave enough ammunition for the seriously wounded!¡±

    Grigori said in a deep voice, ¡°You heard that.¡±

    His voice, like the sound of the mother river, wasn¡¯t loud, yet no one could ignore it, easily piercing through the crackling mes.

    Grigori: ¡°Those who can walk, stand up; those who can¡¯t, please raise your hands¡ªwe still have grenades at least.¡±

    In the piles of corpses in the forest, quite a few people stood up one after another, each looking like a demon back from hell.Grigori: ¡°They will not treat the seriously wounded, and those who stay don¡¯t need to worry too much; we will soon join you. Very soon.¡±

    At that moment, an explosion sounded from the artillery position behind them, startling many, with some even dropping down to the ground.

    Grigori: ¡°Don¡¯t be scared, that¡¯s just the artillerymen blowing up the heavy guns, since we can¡¯t let the enemy capture them and fire at us. When they blow up the ammunitionter, there will be a big firework show! But only those who stay will get to see it.

    ¡°Living people, follow me! Let¡¯s go!¡±

    Grigori, obviously not a morale booster since he only had a tenth-grade education, yet his figure was persuasive and couldmand the respect of old soldiers who had survived hell.

    A line of people passed through the forest, handing grenades to every seriously wounded soldier who reached out their hands.

    On height 153.

    The Prussians¡¯ night attack had been repelled.

    Colonel Eugene dragged an empty ammunition box over to use as a stool, stabbing the miner¡¯s pick, covered in blood and brain matter, into the ground.

    A machine gun roared beside him, pouring fire on the retreating Prussian Army.

    Most of the machine gun emcements on height 153 had been destroyed by continuous heavy artillery bombardment, leaving only the regimental headquarters fortification with a roof, which is why it became the most intense battleground at dawn.

    Captain Andrei also pulled over an ammunition box to sit on and stuck his bloodied sapper¡¯s shovel next to him, saying to Colonel Eugene, ¡°The sapper¡¯s shovel is more useful than that thing; its sharp edge cuts a Prussian ghost down with every shovel.¡±

    Colonel Eugene took out a cigarette and, while fumbling for a match, answered, ¡°I¡¯m not used to it. This fellow works well for me; I know exactly how to wield it with less effort and how to smash solid rock. Where are my matches?¡±

    Captain Andrei took out matches and struck one, leaning in.

    Colonel Eugene lit his cigarette, took a deep drag, leaned back against a cracked wall, let out a long breath, and then asked, ¡°What does the division headquarters say?¡±

    Captain Andrei turned to nce at the phone, with the receiver broken in half: ¡°Don¡¯t know, the phone lines must be cut now, and with gunfire still in the city, I guess it¡¯ll be a while before a signal corpsmanes to fix it.¡±

    Colonel Eugene nodded.

    Just then, the machine-gun fire stopped, and the colonel asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t see those Prussian devils anymore,¡± the gunner said. ¡°It¡¯s too dark; I was just shooting bursts whenever I saw something move.¡±

    ¡°Let it be; your gun barrel is smoking hot. Quickly change the cooling water,¡± Captain Andrei said.

    The machine gunner and his assistant quickly pulled the gun back and began changing the cooling water.

    Colonel Eugene watched them work, asking, ¡°What happens next? Should we send someone to make contact with division headquarters?¡±

    ¡°Might as well ask the tank crews if they still have a working radio.¡±

    Right after he spoke, Major Olof entered: ¡°We¡¯ve received a radio call¡ªthe division headquarters has decided to break out to the north, ordering all units to destroy equipment, burn documents, and leave enough ammunition for the immobile seriously wounded.¡±

    Colonel Eugene: ¡°Is this telling the seriously wounded to cover our retreat? Isn¡¯t that a bit¡­¡±

    Captain Andrei: ¡°The enemy will kill our wounded without treatment. Because we are considered inferior people, unworthy of wasting precious medicine. If they treat you, it¡¯s to show the mercy of a superior race.¡±

    Colonel Eugene didn¡¯t answer; instead, he just clenched the cigarette in his mouth and took a heavy puff.

    The tip of the cigarette brightened, turning most of it quickly to ash.

    Then Colonel Eugene threw the cigarette on the ground and stamped it out.

    The big puff made his nostrils spout white smoke like a bubbling kettle for quite a while before it stopped.

    He then stood up, leaning on his miner¡¯s pick, leaving the bunker with weary steps, walking along the trench to see the almost entirely wounded soldiers.

    ¡°Soldiers! The division headquarters has given the order to breakout. Two kinds of people can stay here: those who are already dead and those who are about to die.

    ¡°They say the Prussians won¡¯t treat the seriously wounded well, but we have no strength to take you with us, so we can only leave you with enough bullets and grenades.

    ¡°I am a miner! I can¡¯t predict the course of war, so I can¡¯t assure you that we will definitely win. The only thing I can do is tell you what I used to say to my fellow miners.¡±

    Colonel Eugene paused because he saw a severely wounded soldier sitting in the trench, calmly watching him.

    The colonel patted the soldier¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Thisnd treats everyone equally; it produces milk to nourish us, and, in the end, it will also be the final resting ce for each of us.

    ¡°Do not consider being buried in the mines a sad affair; Kazarlia¡¯s ck earth is like a mother, and you are just returning to the embrace of your mother.¡±

    The soldier in front of the colonel suddenly hummed a song, an ancient one.

    A song almost every Kazarlian knew.

    It told of a time long ago, when riders on the ck earth resisted conquerors from distantnds.

    They galloped across the grasnds, fell in the trial of fire and sword, and now sleep in the dark soil of their homnd.

    Their bodies were buried beneath the wild grass, swept into the Mother River.

    And that great river, called the Mother River, flowed on in silence.

    To the north of the city, the sound of gunfire merged into one, clearly the enemy infantry intended to take the forest position by night.

    Additionally, there was gunfire from both the east and west sides of the city, with the most intense gunfireing from the direction of the pastures.

    The two battalions of the Guardian Army had obviously encountered the enemy.

    Wang Zhong stepped out of the headquarters to see the stables had been destroyed, but Bucephalus was unharmed, still munching on the scattered hay below.

    Wang Zhong pointed at the horse, ¡°Saddle it up! Let the lightly wounded ride!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than tank number 422 drove into the yard of the division headquarters, its outer armor scarred, and its g on the antenna reduced to half.

    The driver¡¯s hatch was nowhere to be seen, and Beliyakov¡¯s head was exposed, grinning when he saw Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong hopped onto the tank, turned to pull Nelly up, then climbed into his exclusive position atop the turret.

    He had just put on the headset when he heard Alexandria say, ¡°You finally made it, I¡¯ve been run ragged, being a gunner is far easier.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t answer him but shouted to the bustling crowd in the division headquarters, ¡°Let the lightly wounded and women get on the tanks! Give all vehicles to the women!¡±

    A woman beneath shouted, ¡°We can walk! Let the lightly wounded sit!¡±

    ¡°Right!¡±

    ¡°General, you should let the lightly wounded sit!¡±

    Nelly, upon hearing she should get off, was seized by Wang Zhong, ¡°Let the children ride the tanks and cars then! And the praying hands, the ears of the Monk!¡±

    Nelly, ¡°I¡¯m not a child.¡±

    ¡°You stay put,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    This time, no one objected to Wang Zhong¡¯s proposal, and all the children of the city were put onto the tanks.

    The city¡¯s only surviving children.

    Some of the children held submachine guns, already bearing the expressions of warriors.

    At that moment, a thought struck Wang Zhong¡¯s heart, and he turned to ask, ¡°Has anyone seen Liu Xia¡ªCaptain Ludm Vasilyevna?¡±

    No one responded.

    Pavlov also came out of the headquarters, tossing a pile of documents into a burning fire, ¡°Damn, we spent so much time making these reports, and they have to be redone. Professor! Where are you going?¡±

    He grabbed the only level-six clerk of the headquarters.

    The old man turned around, ¡°It¡¯s the educationalmissar! And now you should call me by my rank! My rank!¡±

    ¡°Alright, colonel, where are you heading?¡±

    The old man, ¡°To get weapons!¡±

    Pavlov picked up a Tokarev from a guard and handed it to the old man, ¡°Alright, follow the troop, my professor!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s colonel! Where¡¯s the troop?¡±

    Pavlov pointed towards the troop of the headquarters lining up.

    The old man then strode off briskly, not at all like an elder.

    Pavlov, ¡°General! You have to lead the way! Let¡¯s move!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and pressed the transmitter on his throat, ¡°Move out! Beliyakov, follow my directions! Let¡¯s give the enemies in the city a taste of their own medicine!¡±

    ¡°Are you sure you want to take so many children with you to fight the enemy?¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll crush the enemy quickly,¡± Wang Zhong replied confidently.

    The tank charged out of the division headquarters¡¯ courtyard, speeding down the streets turned red by the mes.

    Suddenly, a figure dashed out front, the silver-white hair sparkling under the firelight.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Liu Xia! Over here!¡±

    Ludm spotted the tank and ran over, then got pulled up by the children on the vehicle.

    As soon as she entered the turret, she nted an enthusiastic kiss on Wang Zhong.

    Huh?

    Is this¡­appropriate?

    Tears marked the corners of Ludm¡¯s eyes, and after the lengthy kiss, she said, ¡°Enemy tanks have entered the city from the northeast, the Guardian Army is fighting fiercely with them! Hurry to reinforce! The Guardian Army needs backup!¡±

    Wang Zhong took Ludm by the shoulders, ¡°We¡¯re about to break out. A breakout requires a rearguard.¡±

    Ludm paused, ¡°Huh? You¡­ you¡¯re abandoning them? Like Loktov did?¡±

    This time, Wang Zhong replied with certainty, ¡°This is to preserve more of the forces. These are troops that have emerged from the trial of fire and sword; they must be saved. One day, this spark will be the ze that consumes the Prosen Empire.¡±

    He offered no further exnation, and tank number 422 did not stop moving.

 Chapter 196: Reinforcements (Extra for 21,000 monthly votes)

    The church, Popov stepped out of the cathedral and said to the people gathered around, ¡°The main force is now ready to break out! They will attract the enemy¡¯s attention, and we, along with the choir, will push through from different directions and meet them at Shepetovka!¡±

    ¡°Those willing to follow the main force, head over to headquarters; you might catch the tail end. But under the current circumstances, even the main force may not be able to break out.¡±

    ¡°Separated, the enemy might ignore us because we¡¯re militias andborers!¡±

    Someone in the crowd shouted, ¡°What about the Guardian Army still fighting?¡±

    Popov, ¡°When ites down to meleebat with the Prussian Infantry, their chances are slim. With the Guardian Army¡¯s level of training and organization, there is virtually no chance of them retreating in an orderly manner from in front of the enemy.

    ¡°I¡¯ve been through the same thing in Loktov. Once the Guardian Army makes contact with the Prussians in the city, there are only two oues: First, maintain the will to fight until thest moment. Second, lose the will to fight and flee en masse, only to be killed by the Prussians.

    ¡°Only a few will manage to escape.¡±

    Popov paused, then continued, ¡°If the situation is so bad that the Guardian Army must engage the enemy face to face, it means the regr army is nearly finished, and that is the current scenario. So we can only hope that the Guardian Army¡¯s fighting spirit will hold until we break out of the encirclement, dying the enemy as long as possible.

    ¡°Such is war. If anyone is dissatisfied, you cany down your weapons and go back home¡ªafter all, you¡¯re not in uniform. As for what the Prussians will do after they upy this ce, all I can say is good luck.¡°Those unwilling to ce their fate in the enemy¡¯s mercy, follow me!¡±

    Popov drew his pistol, ¡°Move out!¡±

    Stroking his rosary, Su Fang silently prayed, ¡°Saint Andrew protect us,¡± then followed in Popov¡¯s footsteps with the choir.

    August 6, 0230 hours, Shepetovka.

    Duke Meishikin coughed violently.

    An orderly quickly came to pat his back and meanwhile brought him a cup of hot coffee.

    The Duke stopped coughing, took a sip of coffee, and then let out a long sigh of relief.

    He then turned to Major General Skudzheski,mander of the Tenth Tank Corps, ¡°General¡­Your Excellency, may I ask how is the preparation for your troops¡¯ strike going?¡± ?

    Duke Meishikin was polite to everyone, even to his subordinates, and everyone had be ustomed to it.

    Skudzheski, ¡°We started preparation for the offensive yesterday at 2020 hours, and now we are ready to depart at any time.¡±

    ¡°Very good,¡± the Duke of Meishikin coughed once again, but this time he didn¡¯t continue relentlessly, ¡°We have received a distress telegram from the 151st Infantry Division in Orachi, and we can now be sure that the enemy¡¯s main forces from the Second Armored Group have moved southward.¡±

    Skudzheski, delighted, said, ¡°Then we strike straight ahead!¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± the enemy has certainly prepared their defenses at the front. Although breaking through the enemy¡¯s front lines and cutting off the Second Armored Group¡¯s supply line seems very tempting, no, we cannot do that.

    ¡°It¡¯s not possible, to be precise. I have fully experienced our tank army¡¯s offensive capabilities¡­ and I don¡¯t wish to experience it again.¡±

    Skudzheski frowned, ¡°Then what do you mean?¡±

    Duke Meishikin stepped up to the map, ¡°Between us and Orachi, there are only a few enemy defense positions. Clearly, the enemy is more worried about their supply lines being cut off than us rescuing General Rokossovsky¡¯s 151st Infantry Division.

    ¡°Look, three highways converge at Orachi into an inverted ¡®Y¡¯ shape. The enemy only has defenses on the vertical line, and although there are troops between us and Orachi, those troops have their attention solely on Orachi.

    ¡°If your tank army sets out now and speeds along the highway, you will strike the enemy unexpectedly.¡±

    Skudzheski frowned, ¡°You mean we should not deploy in an attack formation?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s exactly the point of surprise. You could even turn on your tank¡¯s headlights, charge up to the enemy, and then fire res before butchering them.¡±

    ¡°Would that work?¡± Skudzheski frowned, ¡°If we were equipped with T34s, it would be okay; in the chaos, the enemy wouldn¡¯t be able to prate our armor. But we have only BT series tanks!¡±

    Duke Meishikinughed, ¡°That¡¯s the beauty of BTs. T34s might not have such an element of surprise. This is a nighttime sprint, and I will assign you an infantry regiment to ride on the tanks.

    ¡°That way, you will look even more like a troop on the move, and in the pitch darkness, the enemy won¡¯t be able to make out the contours of the tanks.¡±

    Skudzheski: ¡°But the enemy knows their troops wouldn¡¯t being from this direction¡­¡±

    Duke Meishikin interrupted him, ¡°Theirmanders might know, but what about the rank and file? Even the Prussian Army couldn¡¯t possibly have every low-ranking officer clued in on the overall situation.

    ¡°Besides, the enemy has been rushing south these past few days; they¡¯re all tired. Trust me, Skudzheski! In five minutes, I will order the artillery to fire, a bombardment that willst two hours. During that time, you have to hurry through. The artillery will only cover the enemy positions on both sides of the highway.

    ¡°Once you¡¯re past, the infantry units will begin their attack.¡±

    Skudzheski nodded, ¡°Alright, I trust you. Then I¡¯m off.¡±

    Duke Meishikin: ¡°Remember, whether in terms of training or equipment, you are no match for the Prussians¡¯ armored units. This is merely a rescue mission, to extricate as many of the 151st Division¡¯s survivors as possible. Once they¡¯ve passed, return to Shepetovka.

    ¡°I will order the infantry units to advance along the highway to rendezvous with you¡ªit¡¯s a pick-up for the pick-up units. General Rokossovsky has managed to hold Orachi with so few troops for so long, he¡¯s a true expert in defensive warfare. I believe he will be of great use in the future.

    ¡°We may have to conduct strategic defense for another year or even two, and he is of the utmost importance to us. Utmost!¡±

    Skudzheski saluted, ¡°I will ensure the mission ispleted.¡±

    Having said that, he turned and left themand post.

    Perhaps it was due to rxation, but Duke Meishikin began to cough violently again.

    His Military Bishop said worriedly, ¡°You should be careful with your health. After all, you have just returned from convalescing in Liechtenstein¡­¡±

    Meishikin waved his hand dismissively, ¡°The mountain air being effective for my condition isplete nonsense. I was there for two years, and there was no improvement. Of course, the air there is fresher and the scenery is pleasant, which did lift my spirits. But that¡¯s about it, a lifted spirit.¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°Sometimes, a lifted spirit itself can improve one¡¯s condition¡­¡±

    ¡°How can I feel cheerful in this situation? Since we¡¯re bound to die, I choose to die on the battlefield,¡± Duke Meishikin coughed a few times, then nced at the seat clock in the corner, ¡°Time¡¯s up, let the artillery begin.¡±

    The Chief of Staff picked up the phone, ¡°This is the Chief of Staff, start ording to n.¡±

    The st wave swept over everyone on top of Tank No. 422 the moment it fired.

    Nelly pressed her boat-shaped hat down with her hand, practically hiding behind the turret.

    Ludm had already lost her hat, she was sitting half on the turret, her whole body leaning against Wang Zhong.

    About a hundred meters away at the crossroads, the enemy¡¯s tank caught fire, the tank operators popped open the hatches and scrambled out, rolling on the ground to extinguish the mes.

    Wang Zhong manned the anti-aircraft machine gun, ending their agony.

    ¡°Machine gunner! Set up the machine gun at this crossroads, block it! Leave a traffic conductor to guide the main force!¡±

    After issuing orders to the infantry unit beside him, Wang Zhong immediately pressed the microphone again, ¡°Load high-explosive shells, let¡¯s copse the houses ahead and block the enemy¡¯s path!¡±

    Ludm heard someone shout from inside the hatch, ¡°High-explosive shell, okay!¡±

    The next moment, the cannon fired, and the st tore at Ludm¡¯s silver hair.

    The half-building behind the destroyed tank was hit, and as the supporting pirs were sted away, it copsed sideways, immediately blocking most of the road.

    The Prussians courageously crossed the intersection, only to be cut down by the tank and the newly set up machine gun.

    The next moment, the enemy used their favorite smoke.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Aim at the breakpoint in the smoke, the enemy is also human, they also feel fear!¡±

    The infantry machine gunner immediately did as told, continuously firing short bursts into the smoke with the ¡°big-pan chicken,¡± and indeed no new enemies came through.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Beliyakov, turn left, we continue to clear the way!¡±

    The tank turned around.

    Seeing this, the other tanks hurriedly followed suit, and the column of tanks resumed its progress through the city.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Turn left at the crossroads ahead.¡±

    Ludm looked at Wang Zhong in surprise, ¡°Do you know this city so well?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯m amander, I know every road in this city.¡±

    As the tank passed an apartment building, a woman with several children stood at the entrance, looking coldly at the tank column.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Stop!¡±

    Beliyakov immediately hit the brakes.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Madam! Let the children get on! You can follow the troops!¡±

    The woman held her head high, ¡°My ancestors were Prussians!¡±

    Nelly, ¡°A spy! Why didn¡¯t the Judge execute her?¡±

    While the little boy also on the tank raised his submachine gun, ¡°Let me kill her!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, the Prussians won¡¯t let him go, let her reap what she sows. Beliyakov, move forward!¡±

    Tank No. 422 started moving again.

    Tank after tank passed by the woman, followed by trucks, ox carts, and the marching infantry column.

    Everyone looked at the family.

    The woman held her head high, disying the arrogance of a superior race looking down upon an inferior race.

    No one knew whether her ancestors were Prussians, but she herself was probably a true Prussian.

    After finally leaving the city, Ludm breathed a sigh of relief and turned her head to Wang Zhong, ¡°You don¡¯t seem worried at all, as if you know whether or not there are enemies ahead!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Nonsense, how could I possibly know? I only have a hundred percent confidence in eliminating the enemy, that¡¯s all. To be honest, if the enemy surrounds us and doesn¡¯t attack, I¡¯m not sure how we¡¯d break out.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, Infantry Group 31 hidden in the forest shouted, ¡°The General! Is that the General?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s me! How are things?¡±

    The next moment, a group of people stood up in the forest.

    Beliyakov stopped advancing without waiting for Wang Zhong¡¯s order.

    A lieutenant-colonel ran up to the tank, saluted, ¡°We¡¯ve repelled the enemy¡¯s night assault; over a hundred of us from our battalion are left, all here.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard. I¡¯ll lead the way, and you follow and retreat!¡±

    The lieutenant-colonel saluted and turned away.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Beliyakov, move forward!¡±

 Chapter 197: Racing Towards Dawn (Extra for 22,000 monthly votes)

    After leaving Orachi, the situation greatly deviated from Wang Zhong¡¯s expectations.

    There were no enemies on either side of the road; all of them were encamped more than a hundred meters away from the road.

    Why?

    Not only were there no people on either side of the road, but also the viges along the road had no enemy presence, the empty viges were like ghost towns.

    As Wang Zhong puzzled over this, the Prussians encamped away from the road seemed to have noticed them and shouted something from a distance.

    Wang Zhong turned his head to ask Ludm, ¡°What are they yelling?¡±

    The girl furrowed her brows, ¡°It seems like they¡¯re reminding us that the Ante Army likes to bombard the highways and viges at night, warning us to be careful.¡±

    Wang Zhong was rmed, ¡°But my artillery has already left their positions, the cannons are destroyed!¡±

    Ludm spread her hands, ¡°Perhaps¡­ the Prussians forgot to pass this information on to other units.¡±Wang Zhong was utterly astonished: Had he groped around in the dark several times only to find a miraculous path?

    This was indeed hitting the jackpot.

    Wang Zhong suddenly couldn¡¯t suppress hisughter.

    Ludm looked at him, then exchanged a nce with Nelly.

    If possible, Wang Zhong wanted to issue orders to advance silently, but now the entire organization of the 151st Division was almostpletely disrupted, and even if he used the radio to send orders, it would not be possible to sessfully reach every unit.

    Moreover, using the radio now might rm the Prussian forces on both sides of the road.

    In any case, only distant gunfire was heard, so the troops that had fled the city were probably not detected.

    As for how many units had actually made it out, that would have to wait until they regrouped at Shepetovka to count heads.

    Such a retreat was bound to lead to disarray, and the current state of the 151st Division could be described, using the words of ¡°The Great Battle,¡± as a ¡°three-dimensional tumbling retreat.¡±

    He had the feeling that nothing major would happen before dawn.

    The problem was after dawn.

    At the speed of the T34s, if they were to race at full speed, they should arrive at Shepetovka by tomorrow morning, but around four a.m., the sky would start to lighten. R??

    At that time, the Prussian forces on both sides of the road would not be as oblivious to them as they were now.

    More to the point, the few who could rush ahead in tanks were in the minority; the main force of the 151st Division was on foot, which, if spotted by the enemy¡¯s armored units on the main road ¡ª not to mention armored units, even being discovered by arge number of semi-tracked armored grenadier units would be troublesome.

    The machine guns on the half-tracked vehicles were not to be trifled with, and the same went for the machine guns assigned to the enemy infantry squads.

    Thinking of this, Wang Zhong¡¯s recently rxed mood instantly turned serious.

    Maybe it¡¯s not a good idea to just run wildly? Perhaps they should strike the enemy first and throw them into chaos?

    But the only reliable force he had on hand was six T34 tanks.

    That there were six was thanks to the mercy of the tank engines¡¯ souls for not breaking down until now.

    After all the trouble tonight, it wouldn¡¯t be surprising if the six tanks broke down at any moment ¡ª their motors were out of hours.

    Apart from the enemy on the steppes, the enemy¡¯s Air Force would be deadly after dawn.

    Now, with no trees in sight, Wang Zhong, looking from a bird¡¯s-eye view, could see that even in the middle of the night, the six tanks were very conspicuous.

    Moreover, the highway they were on was in such bad condition; it was just a ttened dirt road, and the tanks stirred up clouds of dust as they moved. It was only because there was a new moon and no moonlight that the dust clouds weren¡¯t too visible.

    Once it was light, the billowing dust would be visible to airnes flying at altitudes of six or seven thousand meters.

    Damn it, the more he thought about it, the more worried he became.

    He didn¡¯t know whether they would receive Air Force support from the Grand Duchess after dawn.

    The most crucial point was, the Grand Duchess might not know that the 151st Division had abandoned Orachi; perhaps Air Force support would still head straight for Orachi.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brows twisted into knots.

    Ludm, watching beside him, had the look of wanting to console him but dared not interrupt his thoughts.

    August 6th, Argesukov, within the Rocossov Duke¡¯s manor.

    Old Duke Rocossov had only been asleep for two hours when he was woken up by the hurried footsteps ¡ª the Duke was old, his sleep light, the slightest disturbance would awaken him.

    He sat up, intending to turn on his bedsidemp, but then remembered the ckout restrictions; the power district had cut the electricity to the urban area.

    At that moment, the old butler Mikhail entered, holding a candlestick, its light illuminating the bedroom: ¡°Master, the second young master has abandoned Orachi and broken through.¡±

    Old Rocossov was shocked, ¡°Which way did he break through?¡±

    ¡°Shepetovka! And he also sent a telegram requesting support from Duke Meishikin.¡±

    The old man heaved a sigh of relief, ¡°That¡¯s good then. He held on for less time than I thought!¡±

    ¡°ording to intelligence passed back from Front Army headquarters by the eldest son, the enemy¡¯s second armored Army Group¡¯s main force attacked Orachi.¡±

    ¡°The main force of the second armored Army Group? Is the information reliable?¡± The old Duke raised his voice again.

    ¡°Yes, now the enemy¡¯s armored Army Group main force has crossed Orachi and advanced 30 kilometers to the south.¡±

    The old Duke hurried to the map table in his bedroom.

    The old butler immediately followed with the candlestick to provide illumination.

    ¡°Thirty kilometers¡­¡± Old Rocossov wore a serious expression, ¡°This is bad, Alyosha might not be in immediate trouble, but now the danger is upon us. The First Army Group to the south is moving so quickly, and now the Second Army Group is speeding up too. We will be encircled within a week, and this is thest window of opportunity to retreat.¡±

    The old butler didn¡¯t speak, waiting for the old duke to sort out his thoughts.

    Pacing near the map table, the old duke walked a fewps, then said, ¡°Even if Alyosha makes it out, it will be very dangerous during the day tomorrow.¡±

    The old butler couldn¡¯t help but say, ¡°You just mentioned that we are the ones in danger now.¡±

    ¡°Oh, our danger is unavoidable, but Alyosha¡¯s side, we can make an effort. How many air force units does the Front Army still have?¡±

    The unitsmanded by Ante¡¯s Front Army included the Air Force, which was different from the Prosen ¡°Army Group.¡± Themander of the Front Army could also direct the Air Force under hismand and give them instructions.

    ¡°There are three fighter squadrons left, all newly transferred.¡± the old butler said, ¡°The source of the signal¡­¡±

    ¡°Never mind the source of the signal, I need to make a phone call. Bring me the phone.¡±

    The old butler ced the candle on the table and fetched the telephone from the desk, handing the receiver to the old man.

    The old man picked up the receiver, ¡°Connect me to the Front Army headquarters. This is General Rocossovsky, please put the chief of staff of the Front Army on the line¡­ General Skorobo, are you still insisting on your opinion? Retreat immediately! What? His Majesty the Tsar won¡¯t allow it?¡±

    With a twist of his mouth, the old man cursed, ¡°Suka! Oh no, no, I didn¡¯t call you specifically to order a retreat, but my second son is retreating to Shepetovka, could you provide some air cover for him? You¡¯re covering tomorrow¡¯s offensive? Towards where are youunching the attack?

    ¡°Nonsense! It¡¯s not the old days anymore, don¡¯t you know the oue when infantry attacks on the ins? The enemy has machine guns in every infantry squad! Each one has them! Do you realize how terrible the density of frontal machine guns is?

    ¡°No, I think that regardless of whether you send air support or not, the infantry attack will fail. We should be retreating now, while the jaws of the trap are still open. Retreat doesn¡¯t need artillery fire, doesn¡¯t need an offensive formation, just the rapid patter of feet will do.

    ¡°You¡­¡±

    Suddenly, the old man pulled the receiver away and stared at it with furrowed brows: ¡°The bastard hung up on me! Hung up on me!¡±

    The old butler suggested, ¡°Shall we try calling Lieutenant General Andreyev of the Air Force?¡±

    ¡°No, I have retired, and it wouldn¡¯t be right to interfere excessively with the militarymand of active personnel.¡±

    After hesitating momentarily, the old butler still said, ¡°In that case, you should leave Argesukov, while the airport is still able to handle passenger nes. Your staying here is of no help¡­¡±

    Old Rocossov smiled, ¡°No, no, Mikhail, my old friend, I can¡¯t leave. I have the most important thing to do here. Very, very important. In fact, calling the Air Force for Alyosha and such, are merely icing on the cake. It¡¯s not my main purpose.¡±

    Frowning, the old butler said, ¡°I don¡¯t understand, even after serving you for so many years, I still don¡¯tprehend¡­¡±

    ¡°You don¡¯t have to understand, or maybe you will in time.¡±

    Old Rocossov sat down on a chair, leaned back, and stared at the ceiling: ¡°Now let me pray that Alyosha can escape to safety. That¡¯s all I can do now.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly saw headlights on the road ahead!

    Oh no, the enemy!

    He switched to the overhead view and noticed there were no highlights.

    It was friendly BT tanks, each carrying infantry.

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, then it dawned on him, thest time he encountered friendly forces at night like this, he had been fired upon by them.

    So he hurriedly adjusted the microphone at his throat and turned on the radio to call out, ¡°This is General White Horse¡ªit¡¯s General Rocossov! Calling the approaching friendly forces.¡±

    He suddenly remembered that he had not arranged any call signs with the approaching friendly forces.

    Simply saying General White Horse might not make the person on the other end realize who it was.

    He didn¡¯t have to wait long, the response came through his earphones, ¡°This is Major General Skudzheski of the Tenth Tank Army, Lieutenant General Rocossov? Where are you?¡±

    Wang Zhong temporarily turned off the radio: ¡°Beliyakov, turn on the headlights.¡±

    The order was executed without hesitation.

    Tank 422¡¯s headlights flicked on, brightly illuminating the road ahead.

    ¡°I¡¯ve turned on the lights, can you see them?¡±

    ¡°I see them, General¡­ how did you know we aren¡¯t Prussians?¡±

    Because I have a unique trick¡­ unfortunately, I can¡¯t reveal it.

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°I was just trying it out, had you not responded, I would have started firing!¡±

    ¡°Good thing you called us first and didn¡¯t fire right away. We¡¯ll see you soon, Your Excellency!¡±

    ¡°See you soon!¡±

    Wang Zhong cut themunication. Ludm asked with concern, ¡°Are the forces up ahead friendly?¡±

    ¡°Yes, they¡¯re troops from the Tenth Tank Army. It must be because Duke Meishikin ordered them toe meet us! Since the Prussians are all camping far from the road, they managed to safely make their way here!¡±

    Momentster, Tank 422 screeched to a halt on the dirt road.

    The approaching BT tanks also stopped, with both tanks nearly colliding.

    Wang Zhong climbed out of the hatch, leapt excitedly from the tank, approached, and shook the hand extended by the Major General from the other side.

    ¡°We¡¯ve finally caught up with you,¡± chuckled the Major General. ¡°Duke Meishikin ordered us to rescue you¡ªat all costs!¡±

 Chapter 198: Iron Stream

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Thank you for the concern, Duke. Although we did request support in our telegram, we never expected to encounter the relief troops so soon.¡±

    ¡°We didn¡¯t expect it either. We were nning on fighting a night battle against the enemy, but unexpectedly, they stayed away from the highway encampments all along the way. As we marched, we set up defensive positions along the roadside, and that¡¯s how we managed to rush over here.¡± Skudzheski scratched his head, ¡°Why didn¡¯t the enemy encamp by the roadside?¡±

    Wang Zhong, feigning innocence, said, ¡°Indeed, why is that?¡±

    But he quickly recalled his recent worries and added, ¡°We still have arge number of troopsgging behind, including themon folk from Orachi who can¡¯t move quickly. Once daylight breaks, they will be annihted by the enemies on either side of the road.¡±

    Skudzheskiughed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll help you. As long as we rush the enemy into a dizzy state, they won¡¯t have the chance to attack your people. We didn¡¯t provoke the enemy earlier to meet up with you as quickly as possible, but now we can finally clean up those Prosen bastards to our heart¡¯s content. I¡¯ve been holding back for too long.¡±

    After saying this, he saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Please head to Shepetovka as quickly as possible. We¡¯re about to strike at the enemy and cause as much chaos in their ranks as we can.¡±

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, ¡°Good luck to you.¡±

    Skudzheski: ¡°I prefer to hear ¡®Saint Andrew be with you¡¯.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Saint Andrew be with you.¡±Skudzheski gave Wang Zhong a grin, climbed onto his own tank, and ordered through the radio: ¡°All units, off the road, make way for the 151st Division¡¯s troops and the Orachi civilians, the first battalion to follow me off the road to the left, the second battalion to the right, and so on!¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re about to give the enemy a heavy blow, rejoice!¡±

    After the order was given, the first battalion of the 10th Tank Army¡¯s BT tanks uniformly veered off the road and charged toward the enemy encampment in the distance.

    The second battalion turned off the road to the right ¡ª from Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective, to the left ¡ª and charged at the enemies there.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Pass the order, the remaining tanks are to guide the advance, engage any enemy units that obstruct, and ensure the safety of the infantry and civilians!¡±

    The messenger rode off on his horse, and Wang Zhong said to the driver of tank 422, ¡°Beliyakov, leave the road, drive onto the side mud.¡±

    Themand was immediately executed, and tank 422 left the road.

    The tanks following behind quickly surpassed it, and themander who was also the gunner saluted Wang Zhong and tank 422 while passing by.

    Ludm, puzzled, asked, ¡°Why are we stopping by the roadside?¡±

    Wang Zhong responds, ¡°I want to see my troops, to see what a mess my hard-earned forces are in now.¡±

    Ludm gently stroked Wang Zhong¡¯s head: ¡°Don¡¯t me yourself too much, you¡¯ve fought well. We faced down at least three enemy tank divisions, held out for three days, and even managed to break out. Isn¡¯t that enough to be proud of?¡± ??

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Until Prosenia falls, I have nothing to be proud of. Or rather, it is only when we achieve a decisive victory in this war that it will be time to take pride.¡±

    Ludm looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s profile and said nothing.

    At that moment, five T34 tanks moved past Wang Zhong, followed by a mixed convoy of trucks carrying wounded soldiers, women, and children, and marching infantry troops passing in front of Wang Zhong.

    Watching the troops, Wang Zhong suddenly felt a sense of discontent.

    When he arrived in Orachi, he was full of confidence, nning to hold out here for a week.

    Back then, he had strong forces at his disposal, an impromptu infantry division, plus logistics andborers that totaled twenty thousand, far exceeding the normalplement of an Ante infantry division¡¯s eight thousandbatants.

    In addition, he had so much technical weaponry at his disposal, from artillery to T34 tanks, he had everything.

    Now, it hade to this: only six tanks remained of the technical weaponry, the soldiers had suffered massive casualties, and it felt like they had returned to the pre-liberation days.

    Of course, he had anticipated the heavy losses when he took up positions in Orachi. What truly irked him was not being able to hold out as long as he had nned.

    The enemy had been held at bay for only two days before they decisively bypassed Orachi.

    Wang Zhong stood on the tank turret, watching the troops of the 151st Division pass by.

    Every face was weary, every person wounded, with spots of blood seeping through the white bandages, everyone¡ªthey had abandoned the city they nned to defend for seven days, lost almost all their technical weapons, suffered terrible casualties, and lost contact with their Military Bishop and many of their monks.

    What truly constitutes a defeat? Surely this counted as one!

    As Wang Zhong pondered this, he suddenly spotted Brother Peter among the marching infantry.

    The monk, carrying a Mosin-Nagant, swaggered down the road, nibbling on a carrot as he walked.

    Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Brother Peter!¡±

    The monk, truly gifted with sharp hearing, heard Wang Zhong despite the cacophony of gunfire created by the 10th Army, even without acoustic reinforcement.

    Brother Peter looked up and waved at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong said nothing at the moment, but then he saw a truck wobbling its way forward, driven by none other than Yeca Neiko, the vice knight.

    The monk looked extremely tired, like he could fall asleep on the steering wheel at any moment, and it was only when he saw the tank by the roadside that he suddenly snapped to attention and saluted Wang Zhong energetically.

    The vice knight¡¯s truck was packed with the wounded and women; Wang Zhong only glimpsed the typically irritable Ekaterina¡¯s face squeezed to the outer edge, looking indignant.

    When Ekaterina saw Wang Zhong, she immediately pouted to disy her dissatisfaction.

    Suddenly, Nelly asked, ¡°Why is that little one pouting?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Nelly, thinking you have the nerve to make fun of someone for being short?

    After the vice knight¡¯s truck passed by, there came the procession of the division¡¯s female workers, including the fieldundry and cooking squads.

    The girls, carrying their ¡°household items¡± from washing tubs and scrubbing boards to field kitchen pots, had everything you could think of.

    Although they looked exhausted, they were spirited.

    Following them was the squad of the Guardian Army, there weren¡¯t many members of the Guardian Army following Wang Zhong¡¯s main forces; no one knew where the rest of the Guardian Army and Popov had gone.

    Behind the Guardian Army, were troops not wearing the guards¡¯ cloaks, probably a battalion of the Fifth Beshensk Regiment. As they walked, they spoke andughed loudly, stopping only when they saw Wang Zhong and Tank No. 422, looking at Wang Zhong, who was peeking out from the tank, with admiring eyes.

    Ludm noticed this and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to say something? Everyone is looking at you with such trust¡ªwith such admiration.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°What can I say? I thought I had lost this battle, but now everyone is looking at me as if I¡¯m a victor. What else could I possibly say?¡±

    He didn¡¯t realize he had repeated ¡°What else could I possibly say?¡± again.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong finished speaking than Ludm embraced him in her arms.

    While stroking Wang Zhong¡¯s hair, Ludm softly said, ¡°You¡¯ve already done so well, that¡¯s why everyone is looking at you like that. Take it easy. In the future, we¡¯ll achieve a genuine victory, instead of leaving the city we defended in such a sorry state like now.¡±

    Wang Zhong indulged in the feeling of his face buried in the warmth of affection.

    After some time had passed, Ludm let go, creating some distance, and gave Wang Zhong a nce, breaking into a smile: ¡°That¡¯s better. A tough War General can¡¯t afford to show the kind of mncholic eyes you had just now.¡±

    Wang Zhong was quiet for a few seconds, then thanked the girl.

    At this moment, the sky to the east gradually revealed the pale light of dawn; perhaps it was the effect of the morning light, but Wang Zhong¡¯s perception of the whole scene changed.

    He found that everyone¡¯s eyes brimmed with fighting spirit, as if they were ready to plunge into battle again, to fight the enemy to thest bullet and thest breath.

    These expressions didn¡¯t belong to a defeated army.

    He hadn¡¯t noticed this before, probably because it was dark at night.

    Just then, Wang Zhong spotted Vasily and Filippov in the ranks, who had also sessfully broken through the encirclement.

    So, Wang Zhong called out to Vasily, ¡°Son of the music professor, sing us a song!¡±

    Upon hearing the words ¡°Son of the music professor,¡± Vasily made a face as if he had swallowed a fly, but when he saw that it was Wang Zhong sitting atop Tank No. 422 speaking, he immediately changed to an expression as if he had swallowed the fly and dered it tasty.

    Vasily: ¡°Filippov! The drums!¡±

    Filippov: ¡°Are you sure? I¡¯m already so tired!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Major General Rocossov wants to hear music! Go on and y!¡±

    When Wang Zhong heard this, he shouted, ¡°Wares and goes, but only music endures forever! Filippov, it¡¯s at times like these that we need music!¡±

    Filippov took out his folding campaign drum and started to beat the rhythm.

    Vasily led off with the same old song, ¡°Tanya Tanyusha.¡±

    The cheerful tune seemed to quicken the pace of the column¡¯s march.

    The two passed by Tank No. 422 as they proceeded.

    By then the sun had fully risen, its lightnding on the tank and on Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulders.

    Before the now distant Vasily could sing another song, a woman from thebor camp in the ranks began to sing.

    ¡°My dear ones, at the front.¡±

    Ludm furrowed her brow, ¡°That¡¯s a song from the civil war¡­¡±

    More women from thebor camp joined in the chorus:

    ¡°No one is as sad as he.

    ¡°While loading cannon shells,

    ¡°He thinks of me¡­

    ¡°Herees a letter, stamped with an official seal!

    ¡°It says my beloved,

    ¡°Has died on the battlefield.

    ¡°Ah, my dearest¡­

    ¡°Lying beside a wild bush!

    ¡°His sideburns, that golden hair,

    ¡°Tangled by the wind into a messy heap!

    ¡°His eyes, those affectionate eyes,

    ¡°Pecked into hollows by crows!¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, the melody of the folksong was ordinary, and the lyrics were nothing but in speech, yet the sorrow expressed within deeply gripped his heart.

    Strangely enough, despite the sadness, not a single person marching along the road seemed afraid.

    On the contrary, the sad singing only made their steps seem all the more resolute.

    Like a surging tide of iron.

 Chapter 199: Reunion

    ¡°`

    At this time, the 10th Tank Army and their ¡°mounted¡± tank riders had already engaged the enemy in battle, tracer rounds and explosions relentlessly tearing through the dawn.

    Thanks to their created chaos, the battalion advancing on the highway didn¡¯t attract much attention¡ªeven though it was now daylight.

    Wang Zhong had originally thought that stationing his No. 422 tank here could draw the enemy¡¯s attention if they attacked, covering the battalion¡¯s retreat.

    But he didn¡¯t know how long this situation couldst; the Prussians were bound to react eventually, and after all, the 10th Tank Army could only attack the enemy forces they had in direct sight.

    Additionally, the enemy¡¯s Air Force was a great concern. Based on the previous few days¡¯ experiences, the first wave of enemy aircraft usually arrived around six in the morning, and there was now less than two hours until then.

    Concerned about the Air Force, Wang Zhong subconsciously checked the anti-aircraft machine gun.

    The painful lesson of the entire crew¡¯s sacrifice due to a BT tank¡¯s anti-aircraft machine gun malfunctioning back in Loktov hadpelled Wang Zhong to thoroughly learn the mechanics of the gun.

    Now, Wang Zhong¡¯s inspection of the machine gun was entirely that of a seasoned veteran, and even ayman could tell.Nelly looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s hands adjusting the gun mechanism, then at his face.

    Ludmughed, ¡°You¡¯re handling that gun more skillfully than you handle girls now!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned and looked at Ludm.

    At that moment, the little boy sitting in front of the turret turned his head, ¡°What does handling girls mean? ying house?¡±

    The adults walking by the tank, both men and women, allughed.

    The boy was utterly bewildered, asking repeatedly, ¡°What are youughing at? What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    After Wang Zhong finished checking the machine gun, just as he was about to impart some adult knowledge to the little boy, he saw Yegorov sitting in the middle of the road on a peasant¡¯s cart.

    Wang Zhong immediately asked, ¡°Yegorov, since when did you start cking off?¡±

    Yegorov raised his right foot, showing off the splint and straps around his lower leg, ¡°I broke my leg during the retreat, just got it set. I could¡¯ve walked on crutches, but the peasant hauled me up here.¡±

    The peasant driving the cart said, ¡°If you don¡¯t ride my cart to Shepetovka, your leg would be ruined, you wouldn¡¯t be able to fight the enemy anymore, and it might even need to be amputated. Now I¡¯ll give you a ride, and in half a year, you¡¯lle back and fight the devils.¡±

    Yegorov spread his hands, ¡°See, the peasants sure know how to keep ounts!¡±

    Wang Zhongughed too, but he quickly asked a new question, ¡°What about your unit?¡±

    Yegorov pointed westward, ¡°They¡¯re behind! The bunkers worked this time, I managed to lead quite a few out. If you stay in Shepetovka for a few days, I expect more scattered troops will rejoin the ranks.¡±

    ¡°Alright, I will,¡± Wang Zhong answered.

    Yegorov¡¯s nonchnt smile suddenly disappeared, he looked squarely at Wang Zhong and said, ¡°I¡¯m going to recuperate for half a year, and then I¡¯lle back to hell to join you, General, in half a year.¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could respond, someone among the soldiers shouted, ¡°In half a year, it might be the enemy¡¯s hell!¡±

    Everyone burst into heartyughter, including Wang Zhong, even though he knew that in half a year, they were far from the end of their bitter struggles.

    Yegorov¡¯s cart passed by Tank No. 422, heading towards Shepetovka.

    Wang Zhong watched him for a long time until he could no longer see him clearly, then withdrew his gaze.

    Then he noticed Colonel Eugene, carrying a miner¡¯s pick in the midst of the troops, and his assigned military staff officer, Captain Andrei.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Colonel Eugene, why are you carrying a miner¡¯s pick?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s handy,¡± the colonel said while slinging the pick over his shoulder, ¡°If you¡¯re asking about the troop¡¯s condition, most of them are here.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What about Olof from the 5th Tank Army?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s behind. I nned to use their light tanks to transport some of the slightly injured, but as soon as we left the position, they broke down, and the injured had to be helped on foot.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and then saw Pavlov and the bunch of military staff officers and clerks in the crowd.

    The Chief of Staff merely nodded without speaking.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Pavlov, why aren¡¯t you speaking?¡±

    Pavlov pointed to his throat and gestured; it seemed that he had damaged his voice by talking too much during the organization of the retreat.

    After Pavlov passed by, Ludm suddenly said, ¡°I haven¡¯t seen Popov and the choir members.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, I haven¡¯t seen them either,¡± Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°And there are many others I haven¡¯t seen, like my guard, Grigori. I sent him with the guard toon to reinforce the positions in the eastern woods to cover the artillery.¡±

    Ludm hesitated, sharing Wang Zhong¡¯s anxious gaze towards the west.

    Just then, a rumbling sound came from the sky.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first reaction was to look westward and northward, then he realized the sound came from the northeast.

    He then saw IL-2s, in attack formation, flying low to the ground, strafing the Prussian forces with their machine guns.

    The people on the tank all looked up, watching the Ant Air Force ruthlessly ravage the enemy.

    Cheers of varying volumes erupted from the mixed column on the move.

    Ludm suddenly said, ¡°Rumor has it that this reinforcement was requested by you from the Crown Princess?¡±

    ¡°Yes, at that time I thought about what could immediately reach the battlefield and be instantly effective, and that was the Air Force,¡± Wang Zhong turned his head to look at Ludm, ¡°Are you familiar with the Crown Princess?¡±

    Ludm shook her head vigorously, ¡°Not familiar.¡±

    ¡°Howe, I¡¯m so well acquainted with the Crown Prince, howe you didn¡¯t take the opportunity to get to know her?¡±

    ¡°The Crown Princess doesn¡¯t oftene to salons and always hangs out with the older men at balls, listening to them talk about those iprehensible things. She is Saint Ekaterina Fortress¡¯s most unattainable flower, even you got rebuffed.¡±

    I actually got rebuffed!

    More IL-2s joined the battlefield, it seemed at least two air regiments had arrived.

    The Prussians hastily organized anti-aircraft fire, but it did not seem very effective against the IL-2s, known for their robustness.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong saw nes with yellow-painted noses diving down from the sky.

    BF109!

    The Prosen Air Force finally took off to provide air cover for ground units!

    Wang Zhong had thought that this era¡¯s Prosen Air Force would only deploy dive bombers and horizontal bombers.

    As the 109s joined the fray, the Ant Air Force¡¯s LaGG-3s also enteredbat.

    Voices of Ant pilots could be heard over the radio, ¡°Up, take them out! Cover the attack air squadron!¡±

    Then a row of LaGG-3s dove down from the direction of the rising sun.

    Wang Zhong muttered subconsciously, ¡°Why LaGG-3s, where are the Yak-3s?¡±

    Ludm and Nelly both looked at Wang Zhong curiously, as neither had heard of these two models of nes.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Send out the Yak-3s!¡±

    Ludm asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with the LaGG-3?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This ne will lock up at high speeds, you can¡¯t pull up, and it maneuvers like a brick at low speeds. The engine performs like it¡¯s constipated, and the speed ispletely lost with the slightest manoeuvre, it needs ps to have enough lift¡­¡±

    Um?

    He realized then, this was information Rocossov should not have known.

    He looked guiltily at his fianc¨¦e.

    Ludm, ¡°How do you know all this? I thought you¡¯ve never flown a ne?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s¡­ It was Vasily! He flew at the flying club! He told me!¡± Wang Zhong made up an excuse.

    Ludm blinked, ¡°Vasily knows quite a lot!¡±

    ¡°Yeah,¡± Wang Zhong shrugged, ¡°a professor¡¯s son, the professor¡¯s!¡±

    ¡°But if he joined a flying club, he should have gone into the Air Force, why would he join the infantry school?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Uh¡­ His father wouldn¡¯t allow it! A professor¡¯s son, you know, his father thinks all Air Force guys are rascals and he would pick up bad habits.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± Ludm nodded.

    By then, LaGG-3s had been shot down by the skillful pilots of the 109s, plunging into the grass, bursting into fireballs.

    The remaining LaGG-3s were still dogfighting with the enemy nes.

    The radio was filled with shouts from Ant pilots, ¡°Number 8, it¡¯s behind you! Behind you!¡±

    ¡°Semyon, bank left! Damn, bank left! Remember, our ne¡¯s banking performance is different on each side!¡±

    ¡°Mama!¡±

    ¡°Nikitovich, take care of my son for me!¡±

    White parachutes blossomed in the sky, appearing like lone dandelions.

    After watching for a few seconds and feeling too distressed, Wang Zhong adjusted the reception frequency of the radio to stop listening to the pilots¡¯ channel.

    Pilots were more valuable than tank operators, just to be killed by lousy nes.

    Whoever was in charge of assigning such lousy equipment to the troops should be taken out for target practice.

    He tried to direct his attention elsewhere and looked westward along the road, only to see Grigori nonchntly walking with the column while smoking a cigarette.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Grigori! Where are the men I gave you?¡±

    Grigori pointed behind him, ¡°About two hundred are still alive, but that¡¯s the whole battalionbined. Some surviving artillerymen are behind us too, tangled up with the civilians. The organization is a mess, I don¡¯t know how many we have.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue and waved his hand.

    Grigori continued on toward the northeast, smoking leisurely as he walked.

    Ludm, ¡°He looks so calm.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, that¡¯s just how he is. He was the samest time we ambushed an enemy scout team, frighteningly calm,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    Just then, Nelly suddenly pinched Wang Zhong¡¯s waist fiercely and pointed into the distance, ¡°Look!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked over and saw several hundred meters away that some Prosen troops realized that the column walking on the road were not their own men.

    ¡°Alexandria!¡± Wang Zhong immediately ordered over an internal connection, ¡°Turret left turn 20 degrees, load high-explosive shells, wipe the enemy out! Quick!¡±

    The turret began to turn right away and then it fired.

    The Prussians who had noticed something amiss were blown into the air in an instant.

    Wang Zhong operated the anti-aircraft machine gun, sprayed the Prussian tents nearby where the Prussians were, shouting to the people on the road meanwhile, ¡°Move it! Double-time! The enemy has noticed us!¡±

    The 422 vehicle¡¯s hull machine gun also opened fire, knocking down another group of enemies who had spotted something odd on the road.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°White Horse calling the Tenth Tank Army, White Horse to the Tenth Tank Army, the enemy has spotted us, please engage the enemy as much as possible!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than he heard someone shout, ¡°Alyosha!¡±

    He turned towards the voice and saw Sofia sitting on an oxcart, with Popov driving the ox, and arge group of Guardian Army vigers surrounding the cart.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Stop shouting, hurry up! The enemy is catching on!¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong fired at the enemy once again.

 Chapter 200: Arrival in Shepetovka (Bonus Chapter for 23,000 Monthly Votes)

    Wang Zhong was in a hurry when he received a response from the Tenth Tank Army, ¡°We have seen the head of the column; your troops are finally about to finish passing through!¡±

    At this moment, Wang Zhong really wanted to change his perspective to see the situation for himself. However, the Tenth Tank Army was not under hismand, and itsmander was a lieutenant general, ranking higher than his own major general.

    But he soon saw the end of the column on the main road as well.

    About a kilometer-long procession was left,prised entirely of the Guardian Army andborers, mixed in with many local peasants¡¯ horse-drawn and ox-drawn carts.

    A toon of BT tanks was at the roadside, protecting this group of people.

    Wang Zhong impatiently waited for these people to pass by.

    Finally, thest horse-drawn cart passed by next to tank number 422, and there were no more people left behind¡ªat least no organized groups.

    As for how many stragglers there were, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t do much about that.

    ¡°You guys should retreat as well!¡± he shouted to the tank toon that was helping with the protection.The toon leader popped open the hatch and climbed out, replying, ¡°Themander has ordered us to cover for you. You go ahead, and we¡¯ll handle any enemies that catch up!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and ordered through internalmunication, ¡°Beliyakov, let¡¯s go!¡±

    Tank number 422 backed up about five meters, then turned right onto the road. After picking up speed for a few steps, it caught up with the tail end of the marching column and began to move forward at a pace not much different from that of walking humans.

    Nelly couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°What¡¯s that banging sound?¡±

    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s the sound of hitting the control stick with a hammer. Without hitting it, it¡¯s impossible to control the vehicle,¡± Wang Zhong exined.

    ¡°It has to be like this?¡± Nelly looked down at the tank, seemingly gaining a new understanding of therge machine.

    At this time, a granny on thest cart in the column asked, ¡°General, are you that General Rokossovsky everyone talks about?¡±

    ¡°I am,¡± Wang Zhong nodded.

    He thought she was going to ask something like, ¡°Do you know how my son who joined the Guardian Army is doing?¡± But instead, the granny started with, ¡°Thank you for sending my grandson away, and in the end, even giving me a seat.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°That¡­ wasn¡¯t arranged by me, but by someone executing orders below. You should thank that person.¡±

    The granny smiled, ¡°I already thanked him. Now, I am thanking you.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Once you get to Shepetovka, take your grandson and get on the train, go all the way to the rear.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± the granny nodded, her smile looking genuinely pure.

    All of a sudden, Wang Zhong wondered if his current situation resembled Liu Bei retreating from Xinye.

    Yes, very much so.

    Would he have to go through many retreats like this in the future until finally, retreating to the foot of St. Ye Katerina Fortress and thinking, ¡°Ante is vast, but we have nowhere left to retreat¡±? ???

    Wang Zhong turned his head to look back in the direction they hade from, and even from this distance, he could see the thick smoke from the fires around Orachi.

    Twenty kilometers away from Shepetovka, Wang Zhong saw that Ante infantry had taken a small mound by the roadside, where they had set up a makeshift position with machine guns and a 45mm anti-tank gun, with two carts hidden behind the hillock.

    Wang Zhong waved to them, ¡°Hello there!¡±

    The captainmanding this small detachment gave a thumbs-up, ¡°Hello! Salute to you!¡±

    It seemed like the captain did not recognize Wang Zhong¡¯s rank of major general.

    After passing this ¡°sentry post,¡± Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief, ¡°We have entered our army¡¯s defensive area, I can finally rest easy now.¡±

    Ludm gently stroked his hair, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard, Alyosha. Take a rest.¡±

    Captain Maldaly Apollonovich watched the T34 adorned with the red g fade into the distance.

    He heard the gunner Vasya chewing his tongue beside him, ¡°Did you see? That tank is carrying two beauties! A tall one, and a pretty young maid. Aristocrats really know how to live it up!¡±

    Captain Maldaly scolded, ¡°What are you talking about? That¡¯s General Rokossovsky! His division held off the enemy¡¯s forces several times their size at Orachi for three days before escaping with so many civilians!¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Vasya was shocked, ¡°That was General Rokossovsky? What about his white horse? Weren¡¯t there stories of him charging into the enemy headquarters on a white horse, alone with a sword, and killing three generals? Where¡¯s his horse?¡±

    Captain Maldaly replied, ¡°Are you blind? Isn¡¯t a white horse painted next to the tank¡¯s tactical number? That¡¯s his white horse! Don¡¯t you recognize that number? Tank 422! And the red g! The enemy dies of fear at the sight of that g!¡±

    Vasya was astounded, ¡°This is the first time I¡¯m hearing this, but why¡¯s he bringing so many women with him to the battlefield?¡±

    That¡¯s when the old loader beside Vasya spoke up, ¡°Silly boy, what do you know? Those are angels sent by Saint Andrew. The bishop said it in his sermon, when Saint Andrew established the Secr faction, he had twelve angels by his side. Those twelve angels, from poor families, were blessed for their virtue and courage¡­

    ¡°The General has received Saint Andrew¡¯s blessing!¡±

    Vasya eximed, ¡°Ah, I see!¡±

    Captain Maldaly scoffed, ¡°What now, you¡¯re going to brag in the tavern again? Next time you get caught by a priest after drinking like that, you¡¯ll be in for it!¡±

    Vasya replied, ¡°How could I? We¡¯ve no idea how long we¡¯ll be stationed on this hillock. Heaven knows when we¡¯ll get to go to a tavern.¡±

    It was only after seeing the anti-aircraft gun positions deployed around Shepetovka that Wang Zhong truly feltpletely at ease.

    The soldiers at the high-altitude artillery position curiously watched tank number 422, and someone loudly asked, ¡°Is that General Rokossovsky?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Yes, I am!¡±

    ¡°Did you kill another Prosen generalst night?¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°When did this happen? I have no idea.¡±

    The anti-aircraft gunners looked at each other in confusion.

    Someone else asked, ¡°We heard you wiped out a hundred tanksst night!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°No! That¡¯s a rumor! You guys are exaggerating too much! Are you going to say next that I annihted an enemy Armored Division?¡±

    The expert gunners immediately erupted in jubtion, ¡°Did you hear that, the general wiped out an entire enemy Armored Division!¡±

    Wang Zhong had a splitting headache and tried to change the subject, ¡°Where is Duke Meishikin¡¯smand post?¡±

    A captain pointed to the east, ¡°Keep going, turn left at the cathedral, next to the hospital.¡±

    No sooner had the words left his mouth than tank 422¡¯s engine suddenly made a strange noise, followed by a great billow of ck smoke spewing from the exhaust pipe.

    The tank then began to slow down, moving a few more meters under its own momentum beforeing to aplete stop.

    Beliyakov climbed out of the driver¡¯spartment cursing, ¡°I knew it was about time! General, you better go on foot! I reckon it¡¯s beyond a wrench¡¯s fix now.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Thank God, it held out until we got here. There¡¯s an anti-aircraft gun nearby, so at least we don¡¯t have to worry about getting bombed by a Stuka.¡±

    The very moment his words fell, the captain of the anti-aircraft battalion called out, ¡°Need help? We have cksmiths and mechanics here!¡±

    Beliyakov replied, ¡°Any help would be great! And if there are any old mechanics who can fix tractors, call them over too! Thanks a lot!¡±

    The captain of the anti-aircraft battalion immediately issuedmands, and a fast-legged gunner sprinted out of his position and quickly disappeared.

    Wang Zhong, bracing himself against the edge of the turret, tried to climb out, but his joints were so stiff from sitting too long that he nearly fell.

    Ludm and Nelly supported him from either side.

    The concerned captain from the anti-aircraft battalion asked, ¡°Are you wounded?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Wang Zhong as he steadied himself with the help of the girls and climbed down from the tank.

    A child sitting on the tank asked, ¡°Where are you going, General? Can wee with you?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Stay put! The nuns from the church wille to pick you up soon!¡±

    In times like these, only the nuns were left to take care of the children, as daycares had long since closed down.

    The child gripped his submachine gun, ¡°We can fight! We are soldiers!¡±

    Wang Zhong affirmed, ¡°Yes, I know! The nuns will issue youbat orders.¡±

    As Wang Zhong limbered up his numb body, Ludm also climbed down from the tank, massaging his shoulder, ¡°I could tell during the ride that your shoulders were too stiff.¡±

    Nelly also disembarked, ¡°Shall I find us a horse carriage? I¡¯m quite good at driving them.¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than a jeep drove up the street and stopped in front of Wang Zhong.

    The lieutenant driving the vehicle got out and saluted, ¡°We¡¯ve received a call from the anti-aircraft artillery position, and we¡¯re here to take you to themand post, General Rokossovsky! Duke Meishikin is waiting for you.¡±

    Wang Zhong acknowledged, ¡°Good. Uh¡­ am I going alone?¡±

    The lieutenant nced at Ludm¡¯s Monk military uniform and said, ¡°The church people are on their way; Bishop Popov, who¡¯s already here, will arrange for Monk Miss to rest.¡±

    Wang Zhong inquired, ¡°I also have an orderly; what about her?¡±

    Nelly volunteered, ¡°Take me to the general¡¯s quarters.¡±

    That¡¯s bound to cause misunderstandings!

    Clearly misinterpreting, the lieutenant nced at Wang Zhong and answered, ¡°Thene along, you can sit in the back.¡±

    Wang Zhong was dumbfounded and simply circled around to the passenger side to get into the vehicle.

    Wang Zhong had initially thought that Duke Meishikin was a mature and steady middle-aged noble.

    To his surprise, he turned out to be a young man not much older than himself.

    As Wang Zhong entered the map room, the duke was coughing, enveloped by the aura of a sickly person.

    It took the duke about twenty seconds to stop coughing, and as he wiped his mouth, he looked up at Wang Zhong, ¡°So you¡¯ve arrived, General Rokossovsky!¡±

    Wang Zhong inquired, ¡°Are you¡­ alright?¡±

    Meishikin managed a smile, ¡°An old problem; I¡¯ve had it since I was a child. I spent some time in Liechtenstein before the war started, hoping it would improve.¡±

    He spread his hands in a helpless gesture.

    Wang Zhong guessed, ¡°Tuberculosis?¡±

    In this era, that was often a terminal illness, incurable and only prolonging the inevitable¡ªand not something you¡¯d die from quickly.

    If this had been Ceres, he might have had to take Fail-Drum-Skin Pills.

    Duke Meishikin waved the notion aside, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about the situation of your troops. We¡¯ve been steadily receiving scattered soldiers and small units, and I¡¯ve designated the dormitory of the old rail school near the station as your rally point.

    ¡°Your chief of staff has already gone there, and your bishop¡­ cough cough cough¡­ is with the church; I don¡¯t really meddle in church affairs.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°That¡¯s a proper arrangement; we will soon set up waypoints at the city¡¯s edge to guide everyone there.¡±

    Meishikin nodded in agreement, ¡°Once the trains are arranged, you¡¯ll retreat.¡±

    Wang Zhong objected, ¡°What? We still have our integrity; we can still fight.¡±

    Meishikin gestured dismissively, ¡°I know you can fight, and I need troops to defend Shepetovka, but what you have left are the core elements. They will be more effective once replenished, I¡¯m very aware of that. No, I can¡¯t afford to have elite troops worn down here. You have to leave.¡±

    Suddenly, Meishikin paused, ¡°However, Her Highness just sent over 30 T34 tanks. I hope you can leave these with us. Once the 10th Tank Army¡¯s troops pull back, we should be able to put together enough crews to operate these thirty tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong insisted, ¡°I canmand these 30 T34s! My own tank, number 422, can also continue fighting!¡±

    Duke Meishikin smiled, ¡°Isn¡¯t it broken down? I reckon it needs to go back to the factory for a thorough overhaul, and with the tank factory dismantled and shipped away, nobody here can fix it.

    ¡°And we both know that for you tomand a tank, you need a specializedmand spot, which the other T34s don¡¯t have.¡±

    This was indeed true.

    Wang Zhong still wanted to argue, to persuade Duke Meishikin to agree to let him stay and continue fighting.

    But the duke interrupted, ¡°Alright, you¡¯ve had a long day; get some rest. We can discuss other matters tomorrow.¡±

 Chapter 201: Status on August 7th (Extra for 24,000 monthly votes)

    Afterwards, Wang Zhong heeded Duke Meishikin¡¯s advice and went straight to bed for a good sleep.

    He hadn¡¯t expected to sleep for so long.

    By the time he opened his eyes and got up, the calendar on the desk showed that it was already August 7th.

    Just as he sat up, Nelly entered the room, ¡°Would you like breakfast?¡±

    It was then that Wang Zhong realized that he was starving, his stomach stuck to his back¡ªan understandable feeling after nearly 20 hours of sleep.

    ¡°Anything will do.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than Nelly came in with a cart.

    Nelly: ¡°I saw you like walnut jam, so I prepared some, but there¡¯s no soft bread left in town. Also, there¡¯s no fresh beef anymore, so I made some cabbage soup with canned beef. The yogurt is from cans too.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked in surprise, ¡°Why are the supplies so poor? We always had fresh meat, eggs, and milk in Orachi!¡±Nelly looked at him with irritation: ¡°Orachi had arge ranch; this ce doesn¡¯t, and the people from the surrounding viges have run off, so we can only eat what is brought in by rail¡ªcanned goods and sausage.¡±

    Wang Zhong sat at the table in his room, adopting the posture of someone ready to dine: ¡°Canned goods are fine, too. You¡¯ve made them smell so good, my appetite is whetted just by the scent.¡±

    Nelly brought the dishes to the table one by one, and Wang Zhong picked up his spoon to sip the sour and refreshing soup, which was very appetizing.

    With a pot of sour cream in hand, Nelly asked, ¡°Do you want some sour cream?¡±

    At first, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t understand the custom of adding sour cream to sour soup, but now he had grown ustomed to it, just like Indians can¡¯t live without mas.

    ¡°Add some!¡±

    So Nelly poured a big dollop of sour cream into Wang Zhong¡¯s soup bowl.

    Wang Zhong stirred the sour cream into the soup and then asked, ¡°Where is Liu Xia? Last night¡ªyesterday, she went to the church but didn¡¯te back?¡±

    ¡°She did return. Seeing that you were sleeping soundly, she didn¡¯t wake you and went back to attend the collective funeral of God¡¯s Arrow Company.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Who died in God¡¯s Arrow Company?¡±

    ¡°Miss Liu Xia is the only one left in her Divine Arrow squad. The nun responsible forunching the arrows, the Guardian Army soldiers, and those protecting them all perished. Many from other squads were lost too, and it¡¯s said that a prayerful died as well.¡±

    Wang Zhong stopped stirring his soup with the spoon, ¡°Yesterday, as we were running out, Liu Xia¡¯s state didn¡¯t really show it.¡±

    Nelly didn¡¯t continue the discussion but simply prepared oatmeal with milk and ced it next to Wang Zhong¡¯s soup bowl.

    Wang Zhong continued to eat, asking while he did so, ¡°Did Pavlov set up themand center properly?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s in the building across from us.¡±

    ¡°Has the casualty count beenpleted?¡±

    ¡°He wanted toe report to you yesterday, but I sent him away.¡± Nelly hesitated, then asked tentatively, ¡°Did I do the right thing?¡±

    ¡°You did the right thing.¡± Wang Zhong nodded, quickly finished his oatmeal, ate up the sour soup along with the chopped sausage inside, and finally nibbled on some bread with walnut jam.

    After eating, he stood up: ¡°I¡¯m going to themand center. Bring me my uniform.¡±

    Nelly immediately brought over the uniform and cap, along with a pair of brightly polished leather shoes.

    Upon entering themand center, Wang Zhong went straight to the map hanging on the wall.

    Furthermore, the telegraph team made no segregation, ticking away right next to the map table, making the vastmand center seem exceptionally busy.

    Pavlov was by the map, flipping through the report in his hands: ¡°How can the anti-aircraft artillery battalion be left with so few people?¡±

    Wang Zhong approached and asked, ¡°What happened?¡±

    Pavlov looked up, ¡°You¡¯ve woken up? You seem in good spirits.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at the dark circles under Pavlov¡¯s eyes for a few seconds and replied, ¡°And you look like you¡¯re about to drop dead. I suggest you get some sleep.¡±

    ¡°You talk as if it¡¯s easy. Do you have any idea how much effort it takes to gather a dispersed army like this? Not to mention, I still have five staff officers from my staff who haven¡¯t rejoined yet, and we¡¯re short twenty-seven clerks¡ªI have fewer than a hundred clerks in total!

    ¡°All in all, our division, includingbatants and logistics, has assembled less than six thousand people. When we set out, we had over ten thousand in logistics alone!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Did you set up points outside the city¡ªat the vige entrance¡ªto guide the troops back?¡±

    He almost said ¡®vige entrance¡¯, but Shepetovka is a railway hub and arge city.

    ¡°Yes, we set them up. There are big pots filled with food and plenty of clean water there too. Every so often, some returning troops are led back over.¡±

    As soon as his voice fell, singing could be heard from outside. Pavlov went to the window and pulled back the curtain to look. He then said to Wang Zhong, ¡°Look, over a hundred more people havee. Who knows how many are still rushing this way. By the way, take a look at this roster, the efficiency of the fighters¡¯ assembly far exceeds our expectations. We now have assembled more than three thousand people.¡±

    Wang Zhong was pleasantly surprised, ¡°There are actually more than three thousand people? I thought that we had almost run out of people.¡±

    ¡°Some battalions did run out, like the troops of the Beschenk Regiment at height 153, including infantry, armored troops, and anti-tank gun squads, just that handful of men.

    ¡°I think we can still assemble more fighters. From the enemy¡¯s posture, it seems they are in a rush to head south and don¡¯t have the energy to capture those of us scattered across the ins.

    ¡°But logistics¡­the level of organization of the logistics personnel is naturally not as high as that of thebat troops, and many of them can¡¯t even read a map, bing lost in unfamiliar ces. They alsock tactical skills and aren¡¯t good at hiding when they encounter enemies¡­¡±

    Pavlov shook his head.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What about your Sixth-Level Clerk?¡±

    ¡°The old man got out quite smoothly. Do you hear this stamping sound?¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong notice the thumping stamping sound amidst the dripping noises.

    ¡°What are they stamping?¡± Wang Zhong asked, puzzled.

    Pavlov casually replied, ¡°Death notices.¡±

    Wang Zhong fell silent all at once.

    Pavlov raised an eyebrow, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, haven¡¯t you gotten used to it? I thought you¡¯d be used to it after going to deliver personal effects in person.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I¡¯d rather hope that I never get used to it.¡±

    He turned towards the map, then fell silent again.

    Pavlov took a look at the map and said, ¡°That¡¯s the situation; it¡¯s very bad. The Second Armored Group crossed Orachi and rushed south at full speed. The good news is that the First Armored Group¡¯s speed has been slowed down southward thanks to the Naval Infantry, but¡­ it¡¯s still not slow enough.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Doesn¡¯t that mean we¡¯ll be encircled in three to five days? Why aren¡¯t we retreating? Is General Skorobo refusing to retreat?¡±

    ¡°No, the Front Army headquarters already requested a retreatst night, but His Majesty the Tsar did not agree,¡± Pavlov said, pressing his lips together. ¡°Perhaps His Majesty feels that looking at the map, there is still such a broad area avable for transporting supplies, so there¡¯s no need to retreat.¡±

    At that moment, the Judge overseeing the use of the codebooks at the radio station nced over here but didn¡¯t say anything more.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t it still wide?¡± Tsar Nichs V cursed, hitting the map, ¡°Such a wide area, and you¡¯re telling me you can¡¯t get supplies through?¡±

    ¡°Your Majesty,¡± the Chief of Logistics at High Command tried to exin, ¡°Logistics transportation depends on roads and railways. Most of the roads have already been cut off, and the railways have been almost destroyed due to the enemy¡¯s advance airstrips. Your Majesty, if we don¡¯t retreat now¡­¡±

    Nichs V banged the table, ¡°You told me we could hold! You said it!¡±

    All the generals fell silent at once.

    Because indeed, they had confidently imed they could hold.

    Nichs V continued to pound the table, ¡°You also said the enemy had reached the end of their rope and cited as proof the enemy¡¯s central heavy troop clusters halting their advance! You talked about the massive losses of the enemy. And now? What about now?¡±

    The Chief of General Staff started, ¡°The enemy stopped at that time, probably just waiting for supplies and the infantry¡­ ¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not what you said then!¡± Nichs V interrupted the Chief of General Staff, ¡°I should¡¯ve recorded what you said back then and yed it here! Wait, there should be records of that meeting, right? Bring them out, let¡¯s see what my generals said at the time!¡±

    Chief of General Staff said, ¡°The battlefield situation is constantly changing, so judgments change as well. At that time, we concluded that we could hold, but now it¡¯s proven wrong. If it¡¯s wrong, then we need to adapt based on the current situation.¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s wrong,¡± Nichs V red fiercely at the generals, ¡°you should be shot!¡±

    ¡°Even if you shot us, we should still retreat now,¡± the Chief of General Staff stated.

    Nichs V fell silent for a few seconds, then in a much gentler tone said, ¡°Argesukov is our most important core city, the origin of ancient Ante! Losing it would severely damage our morale! Can you bear this responsibility?¡±

    ¡°We can let General Skorobo take this responsibility,¡± the Chief of General Staff said.

    Nichs V sighed, ¡°It seems we have no other choice. Can we evacuate all the troops now?¡±

    The generals looked at each other, and eventually, Marshal Semyon Konstantinovich spoke, ¡°It¡¯s difficult. Given the current situation, we estimate that we can evacuate two to three hundred thousand troops.¡±

    Nichs V was shocked, ¡°Nearly a million troops can only evacuate so few? What¡¯s the difference between that and not retreating?¡±

    Marshal Semyon replied, ¡°There¡¯s no longer a million. The enemy¡¯s attack has been very fierce, and now there are roughly seven hundred thousand troops in good order in Argesukov. The rest have been scattered and need to be reassembled and reorganized, but currently there are no conditions within the encirclement to assemble and reorganize the troops.¡±

    Nichs V said, ¡°Seven hundred thousand is not a small number! Only three hundred thousand can get out! No, I refuse such a retreat! Either you give me a secure n, at least get six hundred thousand out, I don¡¯t care if you use troops to cover the retreat or whatever, but if we retreat, it must be inrge numbers!¡±

    Having said that, Nichs stood up and walked out of the conference room, visibly upset.

    The people in the room looked at each other.

    ¡°Another failure,¡± the Chief of General Staff sighed, ¡°If it weren¡¯t for the princess¡¯s actions, it wouldn¡¯t be so hard to persuade.¡±

 Chapter 202: Determination

    Argesukov, the night of August 7th, 2010.

    When themunication staff officer entered the room, Crown Prince Ivan Nikyevich Andronov immediately stood up, ¡°Was it approved?¡±

    Themunication staff officer shook his head, ¡°The High Command responded by telegram, saying that our retreat n would incur too great a loss, His Majesty has not approved it, demanding a better n.¡±

    General Skorobo, standing before the map, let out a long sigh, ¡°Send another telegram telling His Majesty that this is the best n we coulde up with, and if we act now, at least three hundred thousand men could be saved.

    ¡°The reason we can save so many is all thanks to General Rokossovsky who secured us those precious two days. If we do not act now, even those two days will be wasted. General Rokossovsky ¡ª General Rokossovsky and Duke Meishikin¡¯s fierce battle will have been in vain.¡±

    Themunication staff officerpleted his stenography, then read it aloud ¡ª essentially, it was a written version of General Skorobo¡¯s words.

    General Skorobo nodded, ¡°Send that.¡±

    ¡°Wait a second!¡± themunication staff officer had just turned to leave when the Front Army Chief of Staff stopped him, ¡°Add one more sentence, ¡®extremely urgent¡¯.¡±

    The staff officer made a note and then left.Crown Prince Ivan, ¡°I don¡¯t think this will be of any use.¡±

    ¡°This isn¡¯t about whether it¡¯s useful or not, we must do our utmost to make His Majesty aware of the seriousness of the situation,¡± the Chief of Staff sighed, ¡°even though it might be futile.¡±

    As his voice faded, a silence fell over the entire map room.

    Everyone looked deeply troubled.

    Just then, the Crown Prince clenched his teeth and atst stood up, ¡°What if we take action first and reportter? I¡¯ll take the lead, order the entire army to retreat, do our best to break through, and then I¡¯ll admit my mistake to my father.

    ¡°At most he will depose me as Crown Prince.¡±

    Everyone in the room looked at the Crown Prince, their faces filled with surprise.

    The Crown Prince frowned, ¡°Why are you looking at me like that? Can¡¯t I make a brave decision? My dear friend Rokossovsky held out in Orachi for two days, and broke through on the third; shouldn¡¯t I also do something to rescue the Front Army?¡±

    The Chief of Staff spoke, ¡°But, Your Highness, you making a decision doesn¡¯t stand legally, you don¡¯t have the authority to approve this n, in fact, no one in this room has the power to approve it.

    ¡°The Chief of General Staff at the High Command has the authority to approve this n, but he has not.¡±

    The Crown Prince looked puzzled, ¡°How can a Front Army operate without its own decision-making authority?¡±

    ¡°We have it, but for major strategic ns of this scale, it¡¯s beyond our decision-making range.¡±

    The Crown Prince slumped back down, ¡°Is there nothing I can do?¡±

    ¡°There is,¡± said General Skorobo.

    ¡°Tell me quickly!¡± the Crown Prince stood up again, urging as he pped the table.

    General Skorobo, ¡°Fly back to St. Ye Katerina Fortress and persuade His Majesty.¡±

    The Crown Prince deted immediately, ¡°No, my father will be furious that I was not supervising the front properly and went back without informing him. Even if I could cate His Majesty, it would still be dayster. ??

    ¡°Sometimes I feel that my father is still a child, fragile, sensitive, and suspicious.¡±

    In the presence of so many people, only the Crown Prince dared to speak like this.

    The Crown Prince continued, ¡°Nevertheless, my father¡¯s love for all of us siblings is genuine, and that¡¯s why we can persuade him, but it takes time. And we¡¯re precisely out of time!

    ¡°Unless we can use my father¡¯s feelings for us right now!¡±

    The Crown Prince suddenly stopped, ¡°Hmm?¡±

    He looked at the others, ¡°I¡¯ve thought of a highly feasible method, it might just persuade my father to agree to your breakout n immediately.¡±

    The others exchanged nces, and General Skorobo asked on behalf of everyone, ¡°What method?¡±

    The Crown Prince, ¡°I¡¯ll send a telegram to my father saying, ¡®Since father wishes for me to die here, then your son can onlyply with father¡¯s wish.¡¯

    ¡°Then I¡¯ll lead a troop to die in battle, while you all continue preparing the breakout in secret.¡±

    Because the Crown Prince spoke so casually of his own death, everyone was momentarily speechless. Then the Chief of Staff pounded the table and eximed, ¡°No, this is not eptable! You can¡¯t predict what His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s reaction would be after that!¡±

    The Crown Prince smiled, ¡°I can, I understand my father best, he will calm down after crying his eyes out, and adopt the most direct means to stop the situation from worsening. As long as I die, even just get seriously injured, my father will calm down.¡±

    The people looked at each other.

    Nobody dared to agree to the idea of the Crown Prince going to his death.

    General Skorobo was still trying to persuade, ¡°Your Royal Highness, it¡¯s gettingte. You should rest.¡±

    Crown Prince: ¡°I need an army¡ªno, a division to attack with me will suffice! We¡¯ll strike toward Lebedyan, and once we¡¯ve broken through, we can escape.

    ¡°Certainly, Orachi wouldn¡¯t be bad either. After breaking through we could rush to Shepetovka and even join up with Rokossovsky!¡±

    The crowd continued to look at each other, dumbfounded.

    The Crown Prince was displeased and mmed the table with force, ¡°What are you hesitating for? Either wepletely disregard the opinion of St. Ye Katerina Fortress and break out first, iming ¡®an army abroad cannot follow the orders of its sovereign,¡¯

    or let me die and shock my father!¡±

    These resonant words echoed in the grand map room.

    Duke Old Rokossovsky put down the phone, looking toward the ever-ready old butler Mikhail: ¡°His Royal Highness the Crown Prince is preparing to die generously to stimte His Majesty and to make him see the situation clearly.¡±

    Mikhail was very surprised: ¡°Him? Mistake, surely? How could he possibly have such awareness and initiative?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s what growth is,¡± said the old Duke Rokossovsky. ¡°Think about it, the problem child of our family has already be a War General capable of standing on his own. What¡¯s so strange about the Crown Prince making such progress? Besides, he has an example, doesn¡¯t he?¡±

    The example, of course, referred to the former problem child of the Rokossovsky family, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, who was the friend of the Crown Prince and always rankedst.

    Mikhail: ¡°Indeed. The growth of the young master is obvious.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not something that¡¯s obvious,¡± said Old Rokossovsky as he stood up and walked to the window, looking at the crescent moon that was gradually filling out.

    After a brief moment of contemtion, Old Rokossovsky said: ¡°It¡¯s not as though we can¡¯t give the Crown Prince a hand.¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°You no longer havemand authority, you can¡¯t lead any troops.¡±

    ¡°Hahaha,¡± Old Rokossovskyughed a few times, ¡°saying I can¡¯t lead the troops is a bit of an underestimation. Perhaps I really can¡¯t lead the navy or the air force, but I think I can still lead the army, I just need to don a coat that looks rather formidable.¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°Your Grace! This isn¡¯t a matter to be taken lightly, you will have to answer for this afterward¡­¡±

    Old Rokossovsky interrupted his old butler: ¡°Mikhail, how many years have you served me?¡±

    ¡°Over seventy years. I have almost been living on your estate since birth, and I started doing things that I could manage when I was six.¡±

    Old Rokossovsky nodded: ¡°Then you should understand my intentions, right?¡±

    ¡°Please, make it clear,¡± said Mikhail.

    Old Rokossovsky sighed: ¡°Mikhail, Misha, can¡¯t you see? This war might not necessarily end in a loss for the Ante Empire, but if the Ante Empire wins, the power of the Church will surely rise like the midday sun.

    ¡°At that time, secr priests will no longer need us nobles. Never need us again!¡±

    ¡°But¡­¡± Mikhail seemed to want to express a different opinion.

    ¡°There are no ¡®buts¡¯! The day the war ends, the Church¡¯s n to purge us old nobles will begin the countdown.

    ¡°Then, being nobility will be an obstacle for Alyosha and might even bring fatal peril.

    ¡°But if I die in battle with the Crown Prince, or just I die and the Crown Prince survives, the situation will be different!

    ¡°Nobles will shape me into a national hero to counter the rapidly expanding power of the Church in this war.

    ¡°But that¡¯s not the main point; the main point is, Alyosha will then be the son of a national hero! With his own military achievements, he will attain a lofty status in the reborn empire! Do you understand, Mikhail?¡±

    The old butler thought for a moment and had to admit: ¡°Your vision is far-reaching, I am no match.¡±

    Old Rokossovsky smiled: ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m nearly eighty years old, an age where dying any time isn¡¯t surprising. Let me die a glorious death then.¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°I am willing to die alongside you.¡±

    ¡°No no no, Mikhail. If you die with me, how would my contacts be passed on to Alyosha? No, you can¡¯t die, and you need to board a ne tonight, flying directly to St. Ye Katerina Fortress.¡±

    The old butler was silent for a few seconds and then said: ¡°Should I also bring the young master along¡­?¡±

    ¡°He is a staff officer; he has his own duties to fulfill,¡± Old Rokossovsky waved his hand, ¡°Besides, even if he stays in the encirclement, a staff officer is not necessarily fated to die.¡±

    The old butler Mikhail stopped himself from saying more.

    Old Rokossovsky asked: ¡°What¡¯s the matter? If you want to say something, just say it.¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°No, nothing else to say.¡±

    Old Rokossovsky: ¡°Then go and contact my old units for me; I willmand them personally¡ª¡±

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 203: Princess Olgas Time

    ¡°`

    St. Ye Katerina Fortress, August 7th in the afternoon.

    Princess Olga Nikyevna Antonovna, the second in line to the Ante Empire¡¯s throne, once again entered the office of General Tugenev, the head of the Military Orders Department at the High Command.

    The general looked up and said, ¡°Good afternoon, Your Highness. The operations office is next door.¡±

    Olga: ¡°I was kicked out.¡±

    ¡°Well, I can¡¯t send you back there,¡± General Tugenev spread his hands, ¡°Our Military Orders Department is just a stamping authority; the operations office makes the ns, we stamp them. Our real function is personnel matters. You shoulde to us when you want to make personnel adjustments. Besides that, we also manage the awarding of medals¡­¡±

    Princess Olga, frowning: ¡°Why do I feel like you¡¯re telling me about the things you can do?¡±

    ¡°Right. Is there a problem in exining our functions to the Royal Family?¡± General Tugenev shrugged his shoulders.

    Olga: ¡°Well, can I¡­¡±At that moment, an aide opened the door: ¡°Major General Chekhov has arrived.¡±

    ¡°Let him in. Your Highness, you may sit down and have some tea,¡± General Tugenev gestured to the tea set on the table.

    Princess Olga moved to the side, but before she could sit down, Major General Chekhov entered.

    Seeing the princess, the major general stopped dead: ¡°Huh?¡±

    Princess Olga: ¡°Continue with your affairs; don¡¯t mind me.¡±

    Chekhov saluted the princess, and upon fulfilling his duties to the Royal Family, turned to General Tugenev: ¡°Why have I been called back? The situation at Argesukov is very bad; if I, as the logisticsmander, leave, their supply will soon be chaotic.¡±

    General Tugenev waved his hand dismissively: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, an army of that scale forms inertia; your short absence won¡¯t cause any major problems.¡±

    ¡°Short absence? How long is that?¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°That depends on how quickly the Prussians act.¡±

    It took Major General Chekhov a second to realize that Tugenev was not going to let him go back, so he stepped forward, tapping the desk with his wedding ring: ¡°Are you joking? I¡­¡±

    General Tugenev: ¡°Your new assignment is to serve as the logisticsmander in the Reserve Army. It was suggested by Grand Patriarch Belinsky, and after consideration, we believe that you are eminently suitable. You did very well in Argesukov and will certainly make a mark in the Reserve Army.

    ¡°However, since you have no military merits, there¡¯s a problem with your promotion, and it¡¯s not necessary for a logisticsmander of an army to hold a general¡¯s rank. You can go to your new post now, get familiar with the situation as soon as possible. We predict¡ªahem, the Operations Department predicts¡ª that the situation at St. Ye Katerina Fortress will gradually be severe starting from mid-September.¡±

    Major General Chekhov stared at the general for a while and said: ¡°You¡¯ve given up on the heavy troop concentration at Argesukov.¡±

    ¡°It isn¡¯t ¡®we¡¯ who gave it up; we¡¯ve always tried to save it, and right now, we¡¯re still sending troops to Duke Meishikin, who has the best hopes for a breakout. It was the ipetence of the High Command and the senior officers that doomed that army.¡±

    As he spoke, General Tugenev picked up his pipe, stuffing it with tobo, and continued: ¡°Back in July, General Gorky Konstantinovich already predicted the risk of Argesukov being encircled, but at that time, themand was filled with an optimistic spirit, believing that once our new tanks entered the battlefield, the war would end quickly.

    ¡°Therefore, General Gorky was relieved of his duties and sent to sit on the cold bench at the Saint Andrew Front Army. The only upside of this transfer is that General Gorky will soon show his talents in the coniferous forests and mountains around Saint Andrew Fort, as the Northwestern Front Army can¡¯t hold on any longer.¡±

    Princess Olga frowned, looking at General Tugenev with suspicion.

    Major General Chekhov: ¡°You don¡¯t need to shift the me to a mere major general like me; leave that to the historians. Where is my appointment?¡±

    General Tugenev pulled out a document and tossed it to Major General Chekhov: ¡°Just stamped. There¡¯s also an appointment for your adjutant. Where is he? Why hasn¡¯t hee in?¡±

    Major General Chekhov turned and called out: ¡°Rokossov!¡±

    Princess Olga was startled, standing up and watching the door with eager eyes.

    Instead, a chubby brigadier general came in.

    Princess Olga hesitated: ¡°That¡¯s not right; I remember Count Rokossov as a tall, well-built young man. I saw him from a distance at a ball.¡±

    ¡°What you¡¯re referring to must be my brother, Count Rokossov; I am Duke Rokossov, Your Highness,¡± the brigadier said as he saluted the princess, fulfilling his obligation to the Royal Family.

    Major General Chekhov passed the document from General Tugenev¡¯s desk to Brigadier Rokossov.

    Reading it, the brigadier eximed, ¡°Why am I being transferred to a logistics unit? My training is in operational nning¡­¡±

    General Tugenev: ¡°We did consider sending you tomand troops, especially since your brother has performed so splendidly and your father also once did very well, which leads one to wonder if it runs in the family.

    ¡°But brigadier, your map exercise scores are too poor, losing every time, and right now we can¡¯t take the risk of youmanding troops, what if you tarnish the Rokossov name?¡±

    The brigadier¡¯s face scrunched uppletely: ¡°You¡¯ve called me back just to prevent me from bing a stain on my brother¡¯s reputation?¡±

    ¡°`

    General Tugenev: ¡°No, no, no, we believe that you have performed excellently in logistical organization, so we are transferring you to a ce where you can fully leverage your strengths. After all, our main function at the Military Orders Department is to make personnel adjustments, to get the right people into the right ces. If there are no questions, you may leave now; my secretary has already arranged your amodation and transportation.¡±

    Major General Chekhov saluted the general and turned to the brigadier general, saying, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go, Brigadier.¡±

    Only then did the brigadier general salute and follow the major general out of the room.

    After the secretary closed the door, only General Tugenev and Her Highness the princess remained in the room.

    Olga: ¡°Is this the ¡®main duty¡¯ of the Military Orders Department?¡±

    General Tugenev: ¡°Yes, and it¡¯s a very important duty. Without us acting as a lubricant, this huge and outdated machine wouldn¡¯t be able to run for even a day. Your Highness, let¡¯s talk about the issues that concern you.¡±

    Olga: ¡°You¡¯re reinforcing Duke Meishikin¡¯s forces. Are you preparing to rescue Argesukov?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s unlikely that we¡¯ll be able to save him, but we can try to rescue as many troops as possible. The enemy is very powerful, and without reinforcement for Meishikin, we might even lose Shepetovka. After all, aerial reconnaissance indicates that the enemy¡¯s ninth infantry army group is about to move to the front of Shepetovka.¡±

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s army group may have that name, but it¡¯s not the same as our army groups.¡±

    Olga asked again, ¡°Will General Rokossov participate in the defense of Shepetovka?¡±

    ¡°No, his troops will soon withdraw from Shepetovka to Shostka. We expect that he will have a month to build defensive positions there. Shostka also has a cement factory, so they¡¯ll have plenty of cement.¡±

    Olga frowned: ¡°I don¡¯t understand military matters, but it sounds like Shostka is different from Shepetovka?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s a railway connection. After the fall of Shepetovka, Meishikin¡¯s troops will retreat through Shostka. Additionally, there¡¯s a river there, and although it¡¯s not the flood season in September, it¡¯s still hard to force a crossing. General Rokossovsky will be able to fully disy his defensive talents there.¡±

    General Tugenev exined enthusiastically.

    ¡°Additionally, after the troops arrive here, we n to invite the major general, along with his meritorious personnel, to the capital. At that time, we will award him and let him ept interviews from the newspapers.

    ¡°After the massive failure at Argesukov, we will need these.¡±

    Princess Olga¡¯s brows were nearly twisted into knots: ¡°You¡¯ve already nned these things?¡±

    ¡°Yes, if defeat is certain, we must prepare for the aftermath. Don¡¯t underestimate the importance of what we¡¯re doing, it can prevent a major defeat from bing aplete rout.

    ¡°The Prosen High Command probably thinks that eliminating a million of our men at Argesukov means the overall situation is settled, but the Reserve Army has already organized over a million men, and that number will grow.

    ¡°However, if morale copses, millions of men will surrender faster than pigs, understand? Princess Olga Nikyevna Antonovna!¡±

    Olga¡¯s lips trembled, and she didn¡¯t answer.

    General Tugenev: ¡°You must get used to these things quickly! I heard you aim to be a female tsar like Ekaterina the Great, and the Great Empress wouldn¡¯t tremble over such matters.¡±

    Olga bit her lip to force herself to stop trembling.

    General Tugenev: ¡°That¡¯s right. As the head of the Military Orders Department, I can assure you that after this, Rokossov will receive ample reinforcements.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Are you nning to promote him?¡±

    General Tugenev waved his hands repeatedly: ¡°No, although he has performed extremely well, he was only recently promoted to major general, and considering his earlier extraordinary promotion from colonel to brigadier general, the pace of his promotion has been unreasonably fast. We n to promote him to lieutenant general by the end of the year.

    ¡°Not promoting his rank doesn¡¯t prevent us from shaping him into a war hero. If he were in the Federation, by now he¡¯d bepletely withdrawn from the front lines, going around making speeches, selling war bonds instead.

    ¡°But we¡¯re on the brink of national extinction; such an outstandingmander must continue to serve on the front lines. Of course, as the troops of a war heromander, we will grant them many privileges, such as returning recovered veterans to his unit as much as possible, rather than to other units.

    ¡°And, for example, giving them a little more technical weaponry than others; many things will be more manageable after his return to the capital.¡±

    The general paused, looking at Olga: ¡°When he¡¯s in the capital, Your Highness can apany him to show yourself more. Of course, when your brotheres back, there won¡¯t be any need for you to do so.¡±

    Olga stared at Tugenev for several seconds and asked, ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    The general stared back at the princess for a long time before saying, ¡°During the civil war, I wasn¡¯t actually part of the Secr faction; I was with the centrists, working hard to prepare for defense against Bohemia and Manheim, ready to resist foreign intervention. Later, I became the head of the Military Orders Department.

    ¡°The Secr faction who won the war wanted a tsar because the Sanctified faction had the support of so many people. The Secr faction says that Divine Arrows, chants, and the like are natural phenomena, which humanity will one day master, just like wireless radio.

    ¡°But the old farmers in remote areas don¡¯t think so; they all support the Sanctified faction. Do you understand?

    ¡°But now, the old farmers have been convinced by sausages, champagne, and caviar, my princess.¡±

    Princess Olga rested her chin on her hand, deep in thought.

 Chapter 204: A Telegram from the Crown Prince

    ¡°`

    August 7th night, Shepetovka.

    The headquarters of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division.

    Pavlov cleared his throat repeatedly, his brow furrowed.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is your throat still ufortable?¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I couldn¡¯t help but shout during the retreat, and then I lost my voice. It¡¯s better now, it only affects normal speaking slightly.¡± Pavlov raised his voice and said, ¡°But when I try to shout, this happens¡ª¡±

    His voice broke off abruptly when it reached a certain volume, leaving only the sound of air passing through his throat.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You sound just like an opera singer who¡¯s overused his voice. Maybe you could ask Vasily; the son of the music professor might know what to do.¡±

    At this moment, themunications staff at the radio stood up, walked over with a telegram in hand: ¡°This just-decoded telegram is an order for us.¡±Wang Zhong took the telegram, noticed that it was very short, and began to read: ¡°¡®Your unit must move to Shostka immediately, to reorganize and construct defensive works there.¡¯ Where is Shostka?¡±

    Pavlov approached the map and quickly found the location on the edge: ¡°Here, an important railway hub on the Duva River. It¡¯s a necessary route by train from Shepetovka to the capital.¡±

    Wang Zhong also stood up and came over to the map, closely examining the ce Pavlov was pointing to.

    ¡°This is really suitable for defense. It¡¯s got mountains, forests, and even a river! Get the geographic data. I want to check the periods of high and low water level in the Duva River.¡±

    The staff immediately began looking through the geographic data: ¡°The periods of high water level¡­ are the spring and autumn turnover periods.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So by the end of September, it will freeze over soon, right?¡±

    ¡°But the muddiness of the turnover periods can significantly slow down the pace of the attacking troops, which is advantageous for the defenders,¡± Pavlov replied.

    At this moment Wang Zhong suddenly noticed something.

    The border of Kazaria Kingdom just happens to go between Shepetovka and Shostka, even closer to Shepetovka actually.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡­ are going to leave Kazarlia?¡±

    Pavlov had also just realized this, opened his mouth but no words came out.

    At this time, the others in the room were also looking towards them, most of them Kazarlian.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Since the order has been issued, let¡¯s get ready. How many men have we assembled now?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Including those with light injuries, 5100batants and 4500 logistics personnel. Except for your six small tanks, we¡¯ve pretty much lost all our technical equipment.¡± ?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Arrange for train cars, start transporting to Shostka. We have enough train cars, right?¡±

    ¡°Yes, all day today troops have been arriving in Shepetovka by train, and the trains that were emptied were used to transport local civilians and hospital patients. It should be very easy to get the train cars to send us back.¡±

    ¡°Good, you organize this. I¡¯d like our vanguard to leave for Shostka tonight to set up a camp. Has Popov returned? Have him take care of this, and make sure to secure support from local churches, asking the church to organizebor. Before we arrive, they should start digging anti-tank ditches and pouring concrete for anti-tank obstacles.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong finished speaking, Popov entered the room: ¡°Did someone call for me?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re finally back. How did it go with replenishing the prayers?¡±

    ¡°No luck,¡± Popov shook his head, ¡°Your method of using the Divine Arrow for air defense is something the church has decided to promote. So the prayers are even more in demand now. Everyone at the front is holding on to them for dear life and even n to take ours. I¡¯ve protested fiercely and managed to hold them off.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, very good. But I have a task for you. We¡¯ve just received orders to move to Shostka. I need you to lead the vanguard andy the groundwork, starting with establishing contact with the local church and recruitingbor. We¡¯ve suffered heavy losses in our logistics personnel and need reinforcements.¡±

    Popov nodded: ¡°Leave it to me¡­ Shostka? Isn¡¯t that outside Kazarlia?¡±

    Popov¡¯s shout made even the ticking of the radios stop for a moment.

    Wang Zhong patted him on the shoulder: ¡°You¡¯re Kazarlian too?¡±

    ¡°Of course! Can¡¯t you tell by the way I eat? My life is owed to the sour cream from my hometown!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then you should eat as much as you can now. Nelly!¡±

    The maid entered the room, looking puzzledly at Wang Zhong.

    ¡°Prepare some sour cream for Popov to fill up on,¡± Wang Zhong ordered.

    At that moment, someone among the staff raised their hand: ¡°I want some too.¡±

    ¡°And me!¡±

    ¡°Me too!¡±

    Wang Zhong changed his request: ¡°Nelly, prepare some supper, and get more of the Kazarlian local delicacies.¡±

    Nelly nodded and left.

    Wang Zhong suddenly thought, considering how long he had been in this world, he still didn¡¯t know what ¡®homnd delicacies¡¯ were and it was a good time to get to know them.

    To get to know the foods of his ¡°homnd.¡±

    ¡°Homnd.¡±

    St. Ye Katerina Fortress, Summer Pce, Command Headquarters Operations Department.

    As soon as Tsar Nichs V entered, he asked, ¡°Have you drafted the new n yet? How many troops can we save?¡±

    Marshal Semyon Konstantinovich stood up, took a long rod beside the map, and started gesturing over the map: ¡°We are currently reinforcing Shepetovka, and when the relief operation begins, Duke Meishikin of Shepetovka willmand an assault. The target is to threaten the supply line of the enemy¡¯s second armored group¡­¡±

    ¡°`

    Niki V interrupted Marshal Semyon, ¡°I don¡¯t care about your ns, I don¡¯t understand them anyway, I just want to know how many people can be saved?¡±

    Marshal Semyon and Chief of General Staff Tukhachev exchanged nces and replied, ¡°Four hundred thousand, it¡¯s impossible to save more under the current circumstances.¡±

    Niki V slumped into his seat, staring at the map.

    ¡°Is this the best-case scenario?¡± he asked.

    Marshal Semyon nodded, ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°And the worst-case? Give me some mental preparation,¡± His Majesty the Tsar said with a voice that had aged considerably.

    Marshal Semyon exchanged looks with Tukhachev again.

    He considered for a moment before saying, ¡°The worst-case scenario is that not a single person can be evacuated.¡±

    ¡°What?¡± the Tsar eximed, ¡°Not a single person can be evacuated?¡±

    Chief of General Staff Tukhachev spoke up, ¡°If we had started to retreat immediately at the onset of the enemy¡¯s offensive, we could have saved more troops, but now it¡¯s toote¡­¡±

    The Tsar stood up, pounding the table as he yelled, ¡°Toote, toote! That¡¯s all you say! Less than a week ago, you were still telling me that we could push the enemy back to the national border any minute! I should have executed all of you cowards by firing squad! You are traitors of Ante!¡±

    At that moment, Marshal Semyon said, ¡°It was you who refused to retreat, sire. If we had retreated then, even if the situation was terrible, we could have saved three hundred thousand troops.¡±

    Niki V fell back into his chair, looking much older.

    ¡°Yes, it was I who didn¡¯t allow the retreat. Are you ming me now? Do you want me to take full responsibility for this great defeat? Is that what you think, without considering who was there, thumping their chests before the war began? And who was it that arrogantly ousted Gorky Konstantinovich?¡±

    ¡°It was you! It was you all!¡±

    After venting his emotions, Niki V sighed, ¡°Call my son back, have a ne fetch him now!¡±

    Marshal Semyon asked, ¡°What about the retreat n¡­¡±

    Niki V said, ¡°Follow your n, I approve it.¡±

    The generals exchanged nces, not concealing their surprise.

    Tukhachev stood up and picked up the telephone from the table, ¡°This is the Chief of General Staff, the n has been approved, execute immediately. Repeat, execute immediately!¡±

    Niki Vmanded, ¡°Send the best pilot! Go get my son now!¡±

    Marshal Semyon said, ¡°Taking the Crown Prince away now could risk turning it into a rout. After these days of battle, the troop¡¯s morale is already very shaky.¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t care!¡±

    Just as Niki V mmed his fist on the table, amunication officer came in through the door.

    Seeing the situation, he froze, standing at the doorway with the telegram, unsure of what to do.

    Tukhachev noticed themunication officer and said, ¡°Give me the telegram, where¡¯s it from?¡±

    Communication officer: ¡°It¡¯s from Argesukov, signed by the Crown Prince.¡±

    Niki V stood up swiftly, walked over in two strides, snatched the telegram, and began to read.

    As he read, he copsed to his knees.

    The gathered generals were shocked and rushed to support their sovereign.

    Marshal Semyon grasped the corner of the telegram, ¡°May I?¡±

    Niki V let go of the telegram and weakly waved his hand.

    Marshal Semyon looked at the telegram.

    ¡°Dear Father Tsar, I have decided to fulfill my duty as an overseeing officer and lead the troops into an attack against the enemy myself. The current situation is extremely perilous, with Argesukov on the brink of encirclement. As your son, I am unable to stop the enemy¡¯s onught and save the million-strong army here; I can only contribute a meager effort. Love, Ivan Nikyevich Andronov.¡±

    After reading the telegram, the marshal passed the telegram paper to Chief of General Staff Tukhachev.

    The Chief of General Staff finished reading with a veryplex expression on his face.

    At that moment, the Tsar suddenly rallied, shouting, ¡°Dispatch the ne! The ne! Tie Ivan to the ne and have him flown here! Fly over!¡±

    Tukhachev responded, ¡°Understood, we¡¯ll send a ne right away.¡±

    Argesukov, Southwestern Front Army Headquarters.

    When themunication officer entered with uncontroble joy on his face, he announced, ¡°The telegram¡¯s arrived! The retreat n has been approved!¡±

    The senior officers in Headquarters were stunned; it was the Front Army Chief of Staff who first snapped out of it, ¡°Let me see it!¡±

    Themunication officer immediately handed the telegram to the Chief of Staff.

    The Chief of Staff quickly read through the telegram and his face lit up with joy, ¡°It¡¯s a retreat order! Plus, High Command is preparing tounch an offensive towards Shepetovka to support our breakout. There¡¯s another order here, Your Royal Highness; the ne to pick you up will arrive shortly.¡±

    Ivan¡¯s smile swiftly climbed his lips but vanished just as quick, ¡°No, what would happen to the morale if I left under these circumstances?¡±

    ¡°It will copse,¡± the Front Army Chain said with certainty, ¡°The breakout will turn into a mass of people bumping around like headless flies. The fields of Kazarlia are so vast that quite a few should make it out, but that¡¯s all they¡¯ll be doing¡ªgetting out.¡±

    Ivan bit his lip, ¡°Then I won¡¯t go, keep to the original n. I will personally lead a force to break through, let the whole army know this. Moreover, prepare a royal banner, and make it big, bigger than the red g of my dear friend Rocossov!¡±

 Chapter 205: The Children of Kazarlia

    Chapter 205: The Children of Kazarlia

    ¡°`

    On August 8th, at 08:30, at Shepetovka, the headquarters of the 151st Provisional Infantry Division.

    Wang Zhong was originally nning to head out when he passed by Nelly packing up the dining table, possessed by some devilish impulse, he stopped and scooped up a dollop of sour cream with his finger and popped it into his mouth.

    Nelly: ¡°What are you doing? You¡¯re acting like a little kid! Can¡¯t you use a spoon?¡±

    ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll use a spoon.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the spoon Nelly handed him and scooped up a heaping spoonful of sour cream into his mouth.

    Sour cream is such a strange thing, at first, it seems so odd to eat, and even odder to put into soup. But after you¡¯ve tried it once, you can¡¯t help but go for it again, the second time thinking, ¡°It¡¯s so strange, I need to savor it more.¡±

    And then, you just can¡¯t stop, you need to have some with everything.

    Especially here at Ante¡¯s, where meals are those calorically dense things with lots of fat, you can¡¯t do without sour cream to cut through the greasiness.It¡¯s like eating pig trotters with noodles, after a bite of the big trotter, you need some sour pickles to refresh the pte.

    I feel like I¡¯m going to turn into the shape of sour cream.

    After finishing, Wang Zhong handed the spoon back to Nelly, with a reminder: ¡°The division¡¯s train leaves at half-past ten, watch the time and don¡¯t bete. You are my clerk.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± After Nelly spoke, she grabbed Wang Zhong who was about to leave. ¡°Wait, you haven¡¯t wiped the hand you used to scrape the sour cream, give it here!¡±

    Nelly then carefully wiped Wang Zhong¡¯s hand clean with a napkin before letting him go.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re almost like my mom.¡±

    Nelly, incensed, said: ¡°I am not that old!¡±

    That¡¯s what she takes offense to!

    Wang Zhong turned and left the room.

    No sooner had he descended the stairs than he saw a group of people wearing Labor Camp armbands streaming into the division headquarters¡¯ yard.

    The newly assembled headquarters guard toon was blocking them, Grigori stood alertly at the door of the building where Wang Zhong stayed, cradling a submachine gun.

    The workers were fervent:

    ¡°Let us see the General!¡±

    ¡°Yes, let us see the General!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What do you want with me?¡±

    The restless crowd paused, their gaze turning to him en masse.

    ¡°It¡¯s the General!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not right, isn¡¯t the General supposed to be six meters tall?¡±

    What kind of gic specimen would that be?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I apologize for not being six meters tall and for disappointing you all. I¡¯m just an ordinary person, but I¡¯ve also killed two Prussian generals!¡±

    The crowd grew agitated again, specting about how the remaining five Prussian generals died.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t stand it anymore; at this rate, he was going to be Saint Andrew¡¯s Champion Warrior. He interrupted their discussions: ¡°What do you want? Did you juste to see what I look like?¡±

    The workers calmed down, and all eyes shifted in unison to an old worker.

    The old man stepped forward and said, ¡°We are workers from the Shepetovka Textile Factory, we heard that your g was torn up in thest battle, so we worked overnight to make a new one!

    ¡°Radilov, bring it here!¡±

    The crowd parted to make way, and a very robust worker carried a fiery red banner over to Wang Zhong, flicking it open fully in front of him with a twist of his arm.

    It was Wang Zhong¡¯s red g, only a thousand times more exquisite, and at the base of the g, there was a line of gold lettering: Donated by the Workers of the Shepetovka Textile Factory.

    The old worker continued, ¡°We used all night to perfect this red color. The young people at the factory, God knows where they heard it from, were saying that your g was dyed red with the blood of martyred heroes, and they wanted to use their own blood. But I thought that wouldn¡¯t do, blood turns ck, so we used this blood red shade. What do you think?¡±

    Someone from the crowd shouted: ¡°Bolutkin is our best dyer, General, please ept it!¡±

    Wang Zhong, looking at the red g, the sunlight filtering through the fabric and falling across his face, said;

    ¡°Grigori!¡± he ordered, ¡°Take the g, and you¡¯ll be the g bearer. Where I go, you follow.¡±

    The workers cheered.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Argesukov, the Rokossovsky Estate.

    When Mikhail entered the duke¡¯s bedroom, the duke wasparing clothes against himself.

    Mikhail hurried over and took the clothes: ¡°Let me do it! We shouldn¡¯t have let go of all the maids so quickly.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, I do have hands! You worry too much. Now tell me, what¡¯s the situation?¡±

    ¡°The Crown Prince is set to lead the troops out today; it¡¯s your old unit.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± old Rokossov chuckled, ¡°My old unit is the most resolute, and even Major General Skorobo knows this. This is just as well. What¡¯s the direction of the attack?¡±

    Mikhail answered: ¡°The attack is towards Shepetovka. First, it can dy the enemy armor from nking, and second, it can cover our forces escaping through the breach.¡±

    Old Rokossov added: ¡°Third, the Crown Prince might just break through if he¡¯s lucky. Quite a gamble they¡¯re taking. Where¡¯s the nned deployment area?¡±

    ¡°Kabusk Vige.¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll head straight for Kabusk, we should make it in time. Choose a driver with no family ties to take me there.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s only me¡­¡±

    ¡°No, you won¡¯t do. You¡¯re taking the ne out today.¡±

    Mikhail thought for a moment and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s go with Stepan, two of his three sons are grown up, and the elderly in his house have passed away, which makes him suitable.¡±

    ¡°Hmm.¡± Old Rokossov nodded.

    By this time, he had already put on his old military dress uniform and adorned himself with all his medals.

    Looking at his reflection in the mirror, the old man snorted, ¡°Like a toy doll. My medals could almost be bulletproof, I wonder which Prussian bastard will benefit from them. No, it won¡¯t do, I have to take the medals off. You take them to Alyosha, can¡¯t let the Prussian devils have them!¡±

    So for the next twenty minutes, Mikhail, the old servant, helped the general take off all his medals.

    Rokossov looked at himself in the mirror and said, ¡°The first time I put on this uniform, I was as young as Alyosha, knew nothing, and all I thought about was flirting with girls at balls.¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°The younger master is already capable of standing on his own.¡±

    ¡°Yes. Now it¡¯s my turn as an old father to show him what a warrior¡¯s resolve is.¡± The old man suddenly smacked his lips, ¡°My mouth is a bit dry, get me some sour cream, is there any sour cream left?¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°Of course, there is, even if everything else was missing, we wouldn¡¯t run out of that. I¡¯ll go get it for you.¡±

    ¡°And bring some waffles, too, and walnut jam if there¡¯s any.¡±

    ¡°Got it.¡±

    After Mikhail left, the old Duke stood alone in front of the mirror, looking at his reflection.

    ¡°Humph, not too shabby, could charm a girl at the bar.¡± He lightly adjusted his beard and put on the old-fashioned military cap.

    After gazing at his reflection for a few seconds, he suddenly pped his thigh, ¡°Ah, I forgot my saber! After the civil war ended, the troops did away with sabers, so I forgot! Mikhail! Where is my saber?¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Argesukov, Krugen Street, No. 43.

    Mrs. Alexeyevna put a little pot of sour cream on the small tray in front of the wounded man, ¡°Help yourself if you want to eat.¡±

    The wounded man said, ¡°Old mother, stop bothering with us, the Prussians will kill you too if they find out you¡¯re hiding us!¡±

    The olddy pushed up her sses, nced around the cer and smiled faintly at the dozen or so seriously injured men hiding there, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. They don¡¯t need a reason to kill an old woman like me. If one day I don¡¯te down, you open the door over there.¡±

    The olddy pointed to the end of the cer, ¡°The pickled cabbage casks are already moved aside, even you should be able to open it easily.

    ¡°It¡¯s a tunnel prepared by the locals when they resisted Emperor Poli, there¡¯s also argemunity of beggars underneath, and the Prussians couldn¡¯t get rid of them all.

    ¡°Just say you¡¯re guests of Mrs. Alexeyevna, they¡¯ll help you.¡±

    The wounded men looked at each other while the olddy walked up the cer stairs and left.

    Mrs. Alexeyevna came up to the surface and carefully camouged the entrance to the cer before picking up the crutches and slowly moving towards the apartment door.

    She walked out the door and stood on the deste street of Argesukov.

    Not long before, the street was full of pedestrians, and there were queues at the church store not far away to get sausages.

    But now, the entire street was empty.

    Mrs. Alexeyevna stood for a moment, decided to go back inside, when a military unit approached from a distance.

    The soldiers marched in unison, singing military songs, their high spirits in sharp contrast to the deste surroundings.

    Mrs. Alexeyevna couldn¡¯t help but stop, maintaining the gesture of holding the doorknob as she watched the troops.

    Her gaze was fixed on those young faces, like a mother looking at her children.

    An entire regiment marched past No. 43 Krugen Street, and then the only tank appeared.

    Mrs. Alexeyevna could not recognize the model of the tank, but she knew the huge g fluttering on the antenna behind the tank.

    A very young captain sat atop the tank turret, looking ahead with confidence.

    When he saw Mrs. Alexeyevna, the young captain suddenly patted the tank hatch, ¡°Stop!¡±

    He shouted several times before the tank stopped, right in front of No. 43 Krugen Street.

    Mrs. Alexeyevna took a few steps forward and said to the young captain, ¡°I think I¡¯ve seen you before, Captain.¡±

    The captainughed, ¡°Impossible, it¡¯s my father on the coin. Olddy, you better run, the enemy ising!¡±

    Mrs. Alexeyevnaughed, ¡°I can¡¯t leave, I still have things to do, I¡¯ll wait for you toe back, child. May Saint Andrew bless you!¡±

    The captain was confused, ¡°What else do you have to do? Shall I have someone do it for you? You should really leave!¡±

    Mrs. Alexeyevna shook her head repeatedly, ¡°May Saint Andrew bless you!¡±

    She took a few steps back and drew a triangle in front of herself.

    The captain shrugged and ordered from within the tank, ¡°Let¡¯s go! No, forward! Is that how you give themand?¡±

    The person inside the tank replied, ¡°That¡¯s right, Your Highness. Maybe you shoulde inside, it¡¯s windy out.¡±

    ¡°No, no, no, I get a headache just a few minutes after I¡¯m in there!¡± the captain said, continuing to sit atop the tank turret.

    Mrs. Alexeyevna stood at the apartment door, watching the young man and his g recede into the distance.

    ¡°

 Chapter 206: May We Have a Safe Journey

    Chapter 206: May We Have a Safe Journey

    Kabusk Vige, near the predestined deployment line of the attacking forces.

    Ivan Nikyevich Andronov heard the distant cries of ¡°Hurrah¡± from the front.

    Curious, he asked, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    However, no one answered him. The sound of the tanks was too loud, so Ivan reached into the hatch and tapped the tankmander¡¯s shoulder, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    Themander turned around, ¡°What?¡±

    It seemed that without an internal line, it was basically impossible to hear anything inside a tank.

    The Crown Prince waved his hand and sat up straight again, looking ahead.

    Finally, he saw clearly at whom the soldiers were yelling ¡°Hurrah¡±: a jeep was parked on the road, and an old man in an old military uniform was saying something.

    The tank pulled up next to the jeep and stopped. Ivan recognized that the old man was Duke Rocossov.¡°Your Grace!¡± Despite being the Crown Prince, Ivan used a respectful title, ¡°What brings you here?¡±

    The old man smiled, ¡°I¡¯vee to serve as an infantrypanymander. I did the job for a good long time when I first joined the army; I¡¯m quite familiar with it.¡±

    Ivan asked curiously, ¡°So, what was that Hurrah they yelled at you all about?¡±

    ¡°Ah, it¡¯s the young men on active duty showing respect to an old superior. Actually, most privates have never seen me; they don¡¯t know why they should yell Hurrah, but they yelled anyway.¡±

    The old Duke stopped and looked up at Ivan, ¡°Hmm, apart from being a bit slender, you look like a soldier.¡±

    For some reason, Ivan wanted to appear more soldier-like and jumped down from the tank, only to almost fall to his knees as he lost his footing.

    The old Duke grabbed him and pulled him up, ¡°Be careful, Your Highness! If your knee hits the ground, I¡¯ll have to go to the pce¡¯s ceremonial hall for a protocol examination.¡±

    Those around them who heard thisughed, then the old sergeant major chased the chucklers away, ¡°Stopughing! The battle is unfolding! Do you want to stand still and take the enemy¡¯s shelling?¡±

    Only then did the soldiers move forward, heading towards the deployment line.

    Old Rocossov pinched Ivan¡¯s shoulder and asked, ¡°How are you holding up, Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°To tell you the truth, my legs started shaking the moment that sergeant major yelled. That normal, Your Grace?¡± Ivan revealed a wry smile.

    ¡°Is this your first offensive?¡± The Duke asked in return.

    ¡°If you don¡¯t count the mock offensive drills in military school, yes.¡±

    ¡°Then it¡¯s very normal. The night before my first battle, I couldn¡¯t sleep a wink, tossing and turning, and whenever I shut my eyes, all sorts of nonsense would run through my mind. My heart thumped uncontrobly, and even the blood vessels in my neck and temples trembled.¡±

    Ivan looked shocked, ¡°Really? That¡¯s exactly what happened to mest night!¡±

    ¡°True. Everyone feels the same, but the differencees the second time. Brave people are still nervous the second time but can at least sleep a bit. Those bastards born for the battlefield sleep soundly the next time and even snore!¡±

    Ivanughed, ¡°Really? Then I¡¯m looking forward to my second time. I wonder how Alyosha is doing.¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s probably like me; sleeps more soundly than a pig the second time around,¡± said Duke Rocossov.

    Just then, a whistling sound came overhead, and Ivan instinctively wanted to hit the dirt but was caught by the Duke and couldn¡¯t move.

    ¡°It¡¯s our own preparatory fire, no need to worry. It¡¯s for sting the enemy.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, explosions lit up the northern ins.

    Ivan looked into the distance, ¡°Are the enemies that close?¡±

    ¡°Not close, almost three kilometers away. It¡¯s quite a walk. Of course, Your Highness, you¡¯ll get there faster in a tank, whereas this old man here will advance with the infantry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll also advance with the infantry¡­¡± Ivan suddenly looked down, noticing his legs were shaking so much, it was visibly clear from the outside of his trousers, ¡°Never mind, I¡¯ll ride in the tank after all. I feel like my legs would give out halfway. Alyosha has already gone back and forth across the battlefield several times, while I¡¯m just embarrassing.¡±

    Duke Rocossov nced at Ivan¡¯s legs, hesitated for a moment, but then said, ¡°At least you didn¡¯t wet yourself, which is quite brave.¡±

    Ivan alsoughed, ¡°I think that¡¯s just a hateful rumor someone made up about Alyosha.¡±

    ¡°Who knows?¡± Duke Rocossov gazed at the distant enemy positions being bombarded.

    Silence briefly enveloped the two, with only the thunderous explosions in the distance and the continuous whistling of shells in the sky.

    Suddenly, Duke Rocossov said, ¡°Originally, I wanted to change Alyosha¡¯s name, because have you heard that song called Alyosha?¡±

    Ivan thought for a moment and said, ¡°The song with the lyrics ¡®He can no longer bring flowers to the girl, it¡¯s the girl who brings flowers to him¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s terribly inauspicious, isn¡¯t it? But then I thought, the name Aleksei is that of a saint, chosen ording to the time he was born. It would probably anger some formidable force if I changed it randomly.¡±

    ¡°That idea is very un-Secr faction, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    The Ante People¡¯s custom was to choose names from a list of saints ording to the time of birth, which is why there were so manymon names.

    Ivanughed, ¡°Indeed.¡±

    ¡°Now, all we can do is hope that Saint Aleksei blesses him to live until the end of the war.¡± The general made a triangle with his fingers andughed.

    After the brief exchange, the two watched silently as the artillery pounded the enemy positions in the distance.

    Time passed unmeasured until a messenger ran up, dismounted in front of the Crown Prince, and saluted, ¡°The divisionmander has instructed me to inform Your Highness that the assault formation is fully deployed.¡±

    Ivan returned the salute, ¡°Tell themander that I¡¯m just a captain, no need to report to me, proceed with the attack at his pace. I¡¯ll be at the very forefront of the troops.¡±

 Chapter 207: Blessings for a Safe Journey to Us_2

    ¡°`

    ¡°Yes!¡± the messenger saluted, mounted his horse, and galloped away.

    Ivan turned to Duke Rocossov and said, ¡°Then I¡¯m off.¡±

    ¡°Hmm, I¡¯ll be right there,¡± the Duke replied, taking a step back and saluting Ivan.

    Ivan turned to climb onto the tank but his legs were shaking so badly that he couldn¡¯t get up.

    Old Duke Rocossov stepped forward, grabbed him by the armpit, and hoisted him up.

    The Crown Prince stood behind the tank gun, cing all his weight on the turret, before finally looking down at Duke Rocossov, ¡°Thank you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡±

    Ivan rapped on the tank turret hatch and shouted loudly, ¡°Forward! To the very front of the formation!¡±The tank roared to life, thundering forward.

    Duke Rocossov watched the tank depart before getting into his own jeep: ¡°Let¡¯s go, to the front of the first line of infantry, and then, Stepan, you can run. Go wherever it is you need to go.¡±

    Stepan nodded, ¡°Understood.¡±

    The car engine started up.

    Half an hourter, at the very front of the attack front.

    All the soldiers present could tell that the barrage had turned into Xu Jin¡¯s barrage, signaling that the attack was about to begin.

    A toon leader ran up to Ivan¡¯s tank: ¡°Your Highness! Say something to us!¡±

    ¡°Ah?¡± Ivan looked at the soldiers awaiting expectantly, ¡°Uh, I¡­ can¡¯t! Whenever I had to speak before, someone else would write the script for me!¡±

    The toon leader said, ¡°But you¡¯ve got to say something, everyone¡¯s waiting.¡±

    Ivan scratched his head and began, ¡°Alright. I¡¯m the Crown Prince of the Ante Empire¡­¡±

    ¡°We can¡¯t hear you!¡± a heckler called out from below.

    Ivan raised his voice considerably, ¡°I¡¯m the Crown Prince of the Ante Empire, the close friend of that General Rokossovsky, the White Horse General! He has led his troops to many victories!¡± R?

    ¡°I don¡¯t know if I can lead you to victory like he does, but at the very least¡ªI can charge with you on a tank, like he does! That¡¯s all!¡±

    The toon leader, who had asked for a speech, blew the whistle to start the march, whether he was satisfied or not.

    Ivan patted the tank turret, ¡°Move out! Forward!¡±

    The tank began moving, advancing towards the enemy¡¯s position.

    Duke Rocossov was in front of the first skirmish line to the right of the Crown Prince¡¯s tank.

    Seeing the Crown Prince¡¯s tank advance, Rocossov shouted, ¡°The Crown Prince takes the lead! Sons of Kazarlia, forward!¡±

    He drew his oldmand saber¡ªwhich despite its age, was so well-maintained it reflected light visible hundreds of meters away.

    Duke Rocossov ced his military cap on the point of the saber and held it high.

    ¡°Follow me! Forward! Strike up the military song!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the enemy¡¯s counter-fire fell, exploding amongst the skirmish line.

    Duke Rocossov moved forward, fearless.

    The Prussian Army, 13th Attack Squadron¡¯s Squadron Leader heard over his headset: ¡°We¡¯re under attack by enemy infantry, we¡¯re under attack by enemy infantry.¡±

    The Squadron Leader tilted his joystick and the aircraft leaned over, revealing the ins originally obscured by the wings.

    Then, the Squadron Leader noticed an interesting target: a tank, flying a huge g that looked¡ªsomewhat like the Royal g of the Ante Empire.

    The Squadron Leader turned on the radio: ¡°I¡¯ve spotted a high-value target. Squadron maintain direction, number two follow me in the attack.¡±

    After speaking, he pushed the joystick to the right and the aircraft rolled and dove into a dive.

    The Squadron Leader opened the airbrake, and the characteristic screech filled the air.

    As soon as Ivan heard the screech, his neck was covered with goosebumps.

    He vaguely remembered that this was the noise made by the enemy¡¯s dive bombers, called ¡°Death Scream!¡±

    He snatched the anti-aircraft gun mounted on the tank turret, looking up for the target.

    He spotted them, ¡°ck birds¡± against the direction of the sun!

    Ivan swung the gun around, crouching down on the side of the turret to raise the gun as much as possible.

    He fired, tracer rounds soaring into the sky.

    However, Ivan, who had never received any air shooting training, had no idea about leading the target.

    Nor did he have a gunsight.

    There was no chance he could shoot down the enemy aircraft diving from several thousand meters up.

    The two enemy nes dropped their bombs at 700 meters altitude and then pulled up to leave.

    As the nes flew over Ivan¡¯s head, two 500-kilogram bombs dropped, onending right beside the tank.

    Ivan turned just in time to hear the whirring of the bomb¡¯s time-dy fuze.

    The next moment, light swallowed his consciousness.

    Ivan Nikyevich Andronov, Crown Prince of the Ante Empire, was killed in action.

    Duke Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky saw clearly as the Crown Prince¡¯s tank was engulfed in the explosion.

    The Royal g, primarily white and blue, gently fell among the smoke and dust.

    The Duke closed his eyes and whispered, ¡°Godspeed, Your Royal Highness the Crown Prince.¡±

    When he opened his eyes, more Death Screams came from the sky.

    Konstantin looked up, raising the sword that encapsted all his glory and military prowess, facing thetest advances in military technology.

    ¡ªA step ahead, my son.

    Major General Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky was killed in action.

    The train of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division stopped at a small, quiet station.

    Pavlov: ¡°They said it was for a train crossing, and it conveniently gives us a chance to take on water.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then jumped out of the door of the stuffy boxcar onto the tform.

    ¡°Is this still within Kazarlian territory?¡± he asked Pavlov, looking back.

    ¡°`

 Chapter 208: Blessings for a Safe Journey to Us_3

    ¡°Indeed,¡± Pavlov nodded, ¡°You can tell just by looking at the scenery, there¡¯s no other ce with such beautiful grasnds, with such fertile ck soil.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    For some reason, looking at the grasnds under the afternoon sun, Wang Zhong suddenly felt a sense of mncholy.

    Logically speaking, this was simply the homnd of Count Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, while Wang Zhong¡¯s own homnd had no such vast grasnds, and the scenery waspletely different.

    Logically speaking, the outsider Wang Zhong should not feel mncholic for a mere ce name.

    At that moment, Ludm and Nelly came down from the second carriage and stood by Wang Zhong.

    Ludm: ¡°As a child, you were only not such a rascal when riding a horse.¡±

    ¡°Eh?¡± Wang Zhong looked at his fianc¨¦e, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Yes, you would always let the reins go on horseback, letting the horse run on its own, then you¡¯d spread your arms wide, feeling the wind like an idiot,¡± she said.Wang Zhong recalled for no particr reason the sensation of riding Bucephalus and sitting atop turret number 422.

    Spreading your arms wide, embracing the wind like an idiot¡ªindeed, it seemed to be somewhat the case.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong jolted and turned to ask Nelly, ¡°Did I¡­ also used to love eating sour cream?¡±

    Nelly affirmed with certainty, ¡°Madly so, especially the one made by your deceased mother.¡±

    At that instant, a huge wave of sorrow, like a flood that had been building for a long time, surged forward and took hold of Wang Zhong¡¯s heart.

    Although he could remember nothing, neither racing across the fields nor the taste of his mother¡¯s sour cream, the tide of grief that passed through was overwhelmingly real.

    Why this mncholy?

    Because I am Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, I was born here, I grew up here, and the milk of the ck earth nourished me.

    Even if the memories are gone, even if the soul has been reced by another, my body still remembers.

    It remembers the wind here, everything here.

    Struggling to keep his voice steady, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Nelly, bring me a lunchbox.¡±

    ¡°A lunchbox?¡±

    ¡°Or some other metal box, one with a lid that¡¯s easy to carry.¡±

    Although Nelly looked puzzled, she turned and ran off.

    Wang Zhong stepped forward, crossed the tform, jumped down, andnded on the ck soil.

    Nelly came running back with the lunchbox: ¡°Here you go!¡±

    Wang Zhong grabbed the lunchbox, forcefully opened the lid, wedged it under his armpit, squatted down, and scooped up a handful of the ck soil.

    Nelly: ¡°I¡¯ll get a shovel.¡±

    ¡°No! No need,¡± Wang Zhong stopped Nelly and continued plunging his hand into the fertile ck earth, carefully cing the soil from this second homnd into the metal box.

    On the third handful, a startled cricket sprang out and leaped into the grass not far away.

    Wang Zhong kept filling the lunchbox, handful after handful.

    Mud packed under his fingernails and filled the lines of his fingerprints.

    His hands looked like those of a child ying with mud, all dirty.

    But everyone watched him in silence.

    Ludm¡¯s eyes even brimmed with hot tears.

    Grigori, carrying the red g, stood silently on the tform.

    Finally, Wang Zhong closed the lunchbox and pressed down hard. He squeezed out a smile for those around him: ¡°Now, my homnd will always be with me.¡±

    He looked up as if seeing the Kazarlianndscape for the first time.

    As if greedily wanting to imprint everything in his mind.

    He remembered countless faces: the unnamed elders of Karlinovka, the worker Loktov who rescued him from beneath the tank, the olddy Alexeyevna from number 43 Krugen Street¡­

    In the end, Wang Zhong saw Crown Prince Ivan and ¡°Old Man¡± Konstantin standing in the light, seemingly saying something.

    They were saying ¡°safe travels.¡±

    At that moment, the train¡¯s whistle startled Wang Zhong. He turned his head and saw the stifle cars full of young faces passing by on the opposite tform, heading in the direction Wang Zhong was leaving.

    Ignoring the mud on his hands, Wang Zhong cupped his hands to his mouth to make a megaphone and shouted to the young faces: ¡°Safe travels!¡±

    The soldiers of the 151st Division shouted together: ¡°Safe travels!¡±

    The red g, gifted by the workers of Shepetovka, fluttered in the wind.

 Chapter 209: New Stage Shostka

    In August 914 of the Jules era, on the morning of the 9th, the headquarters special train of the 151st Division rolled onto the Duva River railway bridge.

    Wang Zhong stood in the open door of the stuffy tank car, looking at the dense bomb craters by the river.

    ordingly, the bridge bore numerous signs of repair, and through the steel structure, one could still see the scratches left by bombs on the piers.

    This type of bridge could be easily repaired as long as the piers were not destroyed; usually broken by day, it could be fixed to allow traffic by night.

    As for crushing the piers¡ªthat would be tricky, as even sticking explosives directly onto the concrete wouldn¡¯t guarantee damage unless ced correctly.

    The piers in Ante were particrly well-stocked with materials.

    Indeed, any Ante construction that used reinforced concrete had more than enough material.

    No, in the country of Ante, any matter involving materials was bound to be generous, the epitome of crude and overbuilt.

    The train reached the east bank of the Duva River, where the anti-aircraft artillery positions came into Wang Zhong¡¯s view.Pavlov also stood by Wang Zhong and rasped, ¡°Well camouged.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°See those fresh patches of earth? They must have filled in the craters. This position has been bombed many times.¡±

    Just then, a captain with a bandage tied around his head emerged from the bunker and stood by the railway, watching the train of the 151st Division, his gaze fixed on the red g flying from the carriage.

    At this moment, the train¡¯s speed is quite slow¡ªafter all, a recently repaired railway bridge isn¡¯t too sturdy, and speeding could be dangerous.

    Wang Zhong called, ¡°Captain! Do you belong to the garrisonmand here?¡±

    ¡°No, we are from an anti-aircraft artillery battalion of the Railway Troops. There¡¯s no city defensemand in this town; all the defenses are on the west side,¡± the captain replied.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong¡¯s carriage passed in front of the captain.

    The captain asked, ¡°Are you Aleksei Rokossov, General?¡±

    Wang Zhong waved, ¡°I am.¡±

    More anti-aircraft gunners emerged from the bunker, watching the train.

    Unfortunately, the train had already traveled too far for Wang Zhong to hear their discussions.

    Then the train¡¯s whistle sounded from up ahead.

    Pavlov remarked, ¡°We¡¯re about to enter the station. If all goes well, Popov should be waiting for us at the station. I hope he has got the division headquarters ready.¡±

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Wang Zhong paused before adding, ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about Argesukov¡¯s situation, though.¡±

    The division headquarters kept the radio operational aboard the train, but since they could not unfurl the antennas inside and the power supply was poor, the information they received was intermittent.

    Wang Zhong was only aware that the Southwestern Front Army had initiated a breakout and that Duke Meishikin was also making an effort to coordinate.

    As they spoke, the train slowly glided into Shostka railway station tform.

    Popov indeed was on the tform, standing with his hands on his hips, looking anxious.

    He had just locked eyes with Wang Zhong and immediately looked away.

    Wang Zhong had an ominous premonition.

    He was reminded of the illusion just before leaving Kazarlia yesterday.

    Now the train came to a stop, and Wang Zhong leaped onto the tform and strode up to Popov, ¡°How are you, Bishop?¡±

    Popov saluted Wang Zhong, then hesitated to speak.

    Wang Zhong urged, ¡°Go ahead, I¡¯ve heard all kinds of bad news since the war started.¡±

    Popov rubbed his nose, ¡°Last night we received a telegram. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince died leading his troops in a breakout, alongside him was the founding War General¡­ Duke Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips.

    In truth, he had only ¡°met¡± these two figures upon arriving in Argesukov, and theoretically, he shouldn¡¯t be overly heartbroken.

    Yet, he walked on along the tform, away from the division clerks and staff disembarking, away from tank no. 422 being unloaded from a t car, and away from Bucephalus, the restless horse ttering his hooves.

    Grigori, shouldering the red g, wanted to follow, but Popov signaled him to stop. So the sergeant major, holding the g, followed at a distance, merely maintaining a visual contact.

    At this moment, Ludm descended from the train.

    Popov and Pavlov called out together, ¡°Ludm Vasilyevna!¡±

    Ludm ran over, puzzled, ¡°What happened?¡±

    ¡°Duke Rokossov and the Crown Prince have both died for the country. Gofort him¡­¡± Popov suddenly stopped mid-sentence.

    Because Ludm herself was on the verge of breaking down, covering her mouth, ¡°Uncle Connie¡­ is gone?¡±

    ¡°Connie¡± was Konstantin¡¯s nickname, and ording to Antean tradition, only a child who was especially beloved by an elder could use such an affectionate term.

    Ludm appeared to be struck by grief, her tears and snot running uncontrobly.

    Nelly handed her a handkerchief.

    Ludm, with the handkerchief in hand, said, ¡°Go to Alyosha! He must be more heartbroken than I am.¡±

    Nelly stuffed the handkerchief into Ludm¡¯s hand and then ran forward along the tform, chasing the figure of Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.

    Wang Zhong continued to the very end of the tform, where the noise was less obtrusive, and only two railway workers stood by the switch, watching him.

    There were still workers checking the lotive, tapping each wheel with a hammer to listen to the sound and assess its condition.

    In the monotonous tapping, Wang Zhong stopped and looked up at the azure sky.

    Although he did not know exactly when his dear brothers and old father had passed away, he always felt it must have been the moment he saw the hallucinations.

    After all, in a world with Hymn Monks and prayer hands, it didn¡¯t seem strange that a dying person could emit a ¡°final ripple.¡±

    Wang Zhong carefully examined his inner thoughts and found that aside from mncholy, regret was what he felt the most: I haven¡¯t had enough time to get to know you all.

    It was then that he heard the pping sound and turned his head to see Grigori standing in the distance, holding the red g.

    Only then did Wang Zhong notice Nelly running over.

    Nelly didn¡¯t seem overly sad, so Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Do you know that my father and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince have died for our country?¡±

    ¡°Mm. Liu Da cried a lot. Are you going to cry too?¡± asked Nelly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Aren¡¯t you sad?¡±

    Nelly did not answer but only looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let me teach you, next time this happens, you just say, ¡®I have a high threshold.''¡±

    Nelly: ¡°I have a high threshold.¡±

    Light-speed application, oh!

    Wang Zhong was amused by Nelly¡¯s response and his expression rxed a bit.

    He looked at the railway stretching into the distance and said to himself, ¡°I¡¯m a little sadder than I thought I would be. I don¡¯t even know why.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°I thought you would say ¡®Good riddance, now no one can boss me around anymore.''¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Am I such a bastard?¡±

    ¡°I think so. But now I¡¯m not sure,¡± said Nelly.

    Wang Zhong thought about it and felt that many might have misunderstood the original host, who was actually quite sentimental; so much so that these emotions even transmitted to him, despite being unrted.

    Alyosha, Alyosha, how much more do people misunderstand you.

    At this time, Pavlov and Popov appeared together, but did not dare toe over, standing with Grigori.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Come over here, I¡¯m all right.¡±

    Popov and Pavlov exchanged nces, then walked over together. Both were big men, walking side by side like two bears.

    Popov: ¡°There¡¯s another piece of news, we¡¯ve been transferred to the Reserve Army. We maintain our independence as a division. The Reserve Army has ordered us to construct fortifications on-site, in preparation forbat.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re familiar with that, no time like the present, let¡¯s set off now to survey the terrain. Call up the mapping officer, that Arkadi fromst time, he¡¯s good at drawing maps¡­¡±

    ¡°His leg is broken. He¡¯s probably been sent back to the medical center in T by now,¡± Pavlov interjected, ¡°I¡¯ll call someone else, another good fellow who transferred from the forestry department, a former civilian.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, and get Vasily to bring my captured Prosen radio! And Bucephalus, saddle him up!¡±

    Popov: ¡°You have one day to survey the terrain.¡±

    Wang Zhong, puzzled, asked, ¡°One day? Why only one day?¡±

    ¡°Because the neing to pick you up willnd at the airport next to the city tomorrow.¡±

    ¡°The airport next to the city!¡± Wang Zhong eximed in surprise, ¡°So we¡¯re finally going to have an Air Force?¡±

    ¡°Just one fighter squadron, responsible for the protection of the bridge. But they often fail to deploy in time.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Put Brother Peter on it! Find a high tower, and set up a sound array for him!¡±

    Popov: ¡°I¡¯ll arrange it, don¡¯t worry. Did you hear what I just said? There will be a ne tomorrow to take you to Yekaterinburg.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Why would I go there? My post is here! Don¡¯t you know that the better the fortifications we build, the fewer casualties we¡¯ll have? The reason we managed to escape with so many fighters this time is because we built fortifications for nearly half a month, do you understand half a month?¡±

    ¡°I understand,¡± Popov replied, ¡°haven¡¯t you forgotten that it was I who organized thebor for the fortifications?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Uh, sorry. Indeed you did. So you should know, the more familiar I am with this area, the more ingeniously I canmand the construction of the fortifications! And the more enemies we can kill.¡±

    Popov: ¡°I suggest you still take a trip to the capital. With the situation as it is, we may soon face thergest defeat since the beginning of the war. So¡­¡±

    Popov did not continue, but nced at the railway workers beside them.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I understand, you need me for propaganda, right? At the start of the major defeats, you used me to boost morale, and now you¡¯re doing it again.¡±

    Popov: ¡°The defeat is inevitable, so now we need to manage the aftermath and inspire the morale of the entire army. Without morale, even an army of a million could copse in an instant. As Ante¡¯s best War General, you understand this, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong understood, of course he did.

    He clenched his teeth and said to Nelly, ¡°Get my dress uniform ready, spiff me up so I¡¯m presentable by the end of the day, and Grigori! You¡¯re my standard-bearer, clean yourself up too!¡±

    Grigori, who was standing far away, heard this and replied, ¡°I¡¯ll have Aksinya take care of it, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Wang Zhong paused: ¡°Who is Aksinya?¡±

    ¡°A girl from theundry squad, I met herst night.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked closely at his guard: ¡°You¡­ hooked up with someonest night? You¡¯re that impressive?¡±

    Wait a moment, I seem to have been ¡®had¡¯ on the train too.

    Is this some kind of Ante tradition?

 Chapter 210: Ah, the Navy (25,000 monthly tickets plus update)

    Bucephalus, upon seeing Wang Zhong approaching, immediately broke free from the soldier leading him and galloped straight towards Wang Zhong, opening his mouth as if to nibble on his hair.

    But the horse abruptly came to a halt, snorted in front of Wang Zhong, and then began to nudge his shoulder with its nose.

    Wang Zhong patted the horse¡¯s neck, ¡°Don¡¯t do that; you¡¯re making me ufortable.¡±

    The horse forcefully blew its nose.

    Five minutester, Wang Zhong set off with a dozen or so riders.

    On the map, Shostka appeared as a city spanning the Duva River, but in reality, the buildings on the west bank were concentrated around the railway bridge, and mainly, there was just the row of houses on the west side of the riverside street, and further west were fields.

    Apart from the railway tracks, the railway bridge had only a narrow path wide enough for one person at the edge, impossible for riding horses.

    To repair the bombed railway bridge, they had to deploy engineering vessels from the east bank docks.The docks on the east bank were quiterge, with a berth that housed an ind gunboat of the navy.

    The docks were guarded by a battalion of Naval Infantry, whose ck uniforms plus sailor¡¯s shirts inexplicably gave Wang Zhong a sense of reassurance.

    He stopped in front of the entrance to the docks and asked a Naval Infantry lieutenant who was on guard, ¡°Whom do you take orders from here?¡±

    The lieutenant saluted, then pointed to a four-story building by the dock shore, ¡°General, that¡¯s the headquarters of the Ind Fleet. The entire Duva River fleet is under itsmand, and so are we.¡±

    Wang Zhong let out an ¡°Oh¡± and turned back to ask Popov, ¡°Did you establish a good rtionship with the Ind Fleet?¡±

    Popov, ¡°I wrote a letter to themander of the Ind Fleet saying that General Rokossovsky¡¯s 151st Division will be relocating here, that you would arrive today.¡±

    ¡°A letter?¡± Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows.

    ¡°Yes, this is a more prudent approach. The navy and Naval Infantry generally take orders from the Front Army headquarters. It¡¯s better for us at the division level to observe some formalities.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, dismounted, and then tied the reins to a hitching post outside the entrance.

    Having done this, he turned to the sentry and said, ¡°I¡¯d like to pay a visit to themander of the Naval Ind Fleet, may I pass?¡±

    ¡°Your identification, please,¡± the lieutenant at the gate said.

    Wang Zhong took out his identification and handed it over.

    ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, Major General¡­ Is it that Major General Rokossovsky?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes.¡±

    The lieutenant immediately returned the identification to Wang Zhong and then shouted, ¡°Attention all, salute!¡±

    The two Naval Infantrymen on guard snapped their rifles off their shoulders and switched to the rifle salute.

    The lieutenant saluted ceremoniously, ¡°General, I salute you.¡±

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, ¡°The navy knows of my deeds too?¡±

    ¡°Of course, General. Pleasee in.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, walked into the docks on foot.

    As he headed to the headquarters, he noticed two sailors cleaning the deck on the gunboat and another painting the vessel anew.

    The armament of this ind gunboat reminded Wang Zhong of the famed ¡°Yellow Water Battleship,¡± but instead of the twin 57mm guns mounted on the Yellow Water Battleship, this gunboat was armed with an 85mm naval gun on the foredeck and two twin 37mm machine guns on the aft deck.

    With this firepower, seemed pretty good for fighting the Prussian tanks, didn¡¯t it?

    Too bad there was only one of them.

    To go to the capital¡­ maybe assemble a few more?

    If there wererger ind gunboats avable, they could also be brought over, but it was uncertain whether the Duva River¡¯s navigation capacity could supportrger ships.

    As Wang Zhong contemted these matters, he arrived at the headquarters entrance and saw a navy colonel with several senior officersing out from inside.

    Wang Zhong thought they were heading out on business and intended to make way, but instead, they came straight to him and saluted.

    ¡°I am Kozelsky,mander of the Ind Fleet. Major General Rokossovsky, the gatehouse called to say you have arrived. We thought you would go straight to the headquarters; we were nning to visit at an opportune time.¡±

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, ¡°I¡¯m surveying the terrain, after all, the High Command has instructed me to build defensive works here.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve been notified that your division will be establishing defenses here, and that we are to cooperate. Let me show you the defenses we¡¯ve already built,¡± offered Kozelsky.

    ¡°That would be excellent,¡± Wang Zhong smiled.

    Kozelsky gestured invitingly, then took the lead, exining as they walked, ¡°Though it¡¯s called the Ind Fleet, we actually have just one vessel, which you¡¯ve seen. The Duva River¡¯s navigational capability is weak; these small ships asionally run aground even during low water levels.

    ¡°Apart from this ship, the main force at ourmand post is a Naval Infantry regiment. One battalion is stationed in the port area, and the other two battalions are positioned at the ferry crossings up front. We¡¯ve built concrete fortifications at the crossings and have relocated the locals from the opposite bank, ttening the buildings to ensure a clear field of fire.¡±

    As Kozelsky exined, Wang Zhong could see the ttened buildings on the opposite bank, greatly opening up the field of view.

    Wang Zhong turned to ask Popov, ¡°Are there still locals on the other side? Move as many as possible over here, then tten the buildings to secure a clear field of fire.¡±

    Popov, ¡°I¡¯ll ask around. We should be able to tten most of the buildings.¡±

    ¡°Most?¡± frowned Wang Zhong.

    Popov, ¡°Some people just don¡¯t like leaving their homes and are quite stubborn about it.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Even with Prosen¡¯s troops bearing down on them?¡±

    ¡°Right. However, I¡¯ll have the parish priest do the work. You don¡¯t need to worry too much; what if it all goes smoothly and everyone is persuaded?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Having seen Wang Zhong finish speaking with Popov, Kozelsky joined the conversation, ¡°Aside from having the Naval Infantry build fortifications, we¡¯ve also had our dredging engineers deepen all the river channels, so the enemy tanks won¡¯t be able to ford the river.

    ¡°We¡¯ve received many reports that when the enemy first started their attack, they used a new type of equipment that allowed tanks to cross the river from the bottom. Now, that situation will be eradicated.¡±

    The method of river crossing that Kozelsky described is quitemon inter eras, as modern tanks are equipped with NBC protection systems that maintain positive pressure inside the tank to prevent the entry of poisonous gases and radioactive dust from nuclear explosions.

    The ¡°bonus¡± thates with this NBC system is that tanks can enter water with a snorkel attached, and as long as the depth doesn¡¯t exceed the limit, they can avoid water intake and drive to the opposite bank from the riverbed.

    Tanks from this era do not have such advanced equipment for maintaining positive pressure, and in order to cross underwater, they must seal all potential water entry points.

    The Earth¡¯s Sturmtigers used this method to cross the Bug River.

    Clearly, the Prussians of this timeline adopted the same approach to cross the rivers on the Prussian-Ante border.

    Kozelsky: ¡°We¡¯ve pretty much done everything we can think of, do you have any additional instructions?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡­ Is it appropriate for an army officer to instruct the navy?¡±

    Shouldn¡¯t there be an insurmountable barrier between the army and the navy?

    ¡°The order we received is to assist you in defending Shostka,¡± Kozelsky said.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Well then, we are delighted to have a battalion of Naval Infantry joining us.¡±

    ¡°And an ind gunboat,¡± Kozelsky reminded.

    ¡°Oh, yes, and an ind gunboat.¡±

    At that time, the air raid alert sounded.

    The gunboat crew, who had just been painting the deck, immediately sprang into action, moving to the two 37 mm machine gun mounts on the aft deck and cranking the guns up to aim at the sky.

    Wang Zhong turned his head to Popov and said, ¡°Replenish the Divine Arrow troops as quickly as possible, and join the air defense operations.¡±

    As soon as the words fell, eight Lag 3 nes swept across the city skyline and flew westward.

    Kozelsky eximed, ¡°The fighter squadronunched so quickly today.¡±

    Wang Zhong, however, frowned, ¡°Are all the local fighter squadrons equipped with Lag 3? Aren¡¯t there any MiG-3s or Yak-3s?¡±

    Kozelsky asked in confusion, ¡°I know about MiG-3, but isn¡¯t Yaklyev just designing the Yak-1?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­¡± Wang Zhong was embarrassed, ¡°I misspoke, Lag 3, MiG 3, and then I just blurted out Yak 3. I meant to say Yak-1, I mean the Yak-1 modification. Yak 3 isn¡¯t so easy toe by.¡±

    Kozelsky epted Wang Zhong¡¯s exnation readily, ¡°Yes, sometimes I misspeak too, calling the Il-2 the Il-3 or something like that.¡±

    While speaking, Wang Zhong extended his hand, ¡°Now I am clear about the situation of the ind fleet and the Naval Infantry. I need to inspect other ces, so I will take my leave.¡±

    Kozelsky shook Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, ¡°Goodbye, General Rokossovsky.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to leave, he suddenly remembered something and asked, ¡°Apart from the ferry in the city, are there other crossings over the Duva River?¡±

    Kozelsky immediately answered, ¡°If you go downstream thirty kilometers, there¡¯s another crossing, but that has already left your defensive zone, and there should be other units stationed at that crossing, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What about iron bridges? There can¡¯t be just this one bridge, can there?¡±

    ¡°There are three more bridges, all quite far from here. The Prussians would have to make a big detour to cross the river there,¡± Kozelsky gestured, ¡°I mean, if the enemy¡¯s target is Yekaterinburg.¡±

    He paused, seeking confirmation, ¡°The enemy¡¯s next move is to attack the capital, right? I mean, after taking out Argesukov¡¯s troops.¡±

    Even the navy was aware of Argesukov¡¯s situation now.

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yes. High Command estimates it will be mid-September, we still have a month to establish defenses.¡±

    Kozelsky nodded, ¡°Okay, I will have the Naval Infantry continue to reinforce the fortifications. Thankfully, there¡¯s a cement factory in the city, so we can build more permanent cement pillboxes.¡±

    Wang Zhong was surprised, ¡°There¡¯s a cement factory in the city?¡±

    Popov: ¡°Yes, I also found out after arriving. The church is currently organizing workers to produce cement around the clock and has specifically dispatched transport teams to bring in raw materials from the surrounding areas.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s excellent news, we can finally proceed with building cement pillboxes freely.¡±

    In Orachi, the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery had made a profound impression on Wang Zhong; if they hadn¡¯t managed to squeeze out enough cement for those strongholds, Orachi would likely have fallen.

    Wang Zhong muttered to himself while pping his palm with a riding crop, ¡°Cement, good, cement is good.¡±

    Popov: ¡°I need to remind you, we only brought people with us, almost all technical equipment was lost. Cement alone is not enough.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let Pavlov handle that.¡±

    Popov: ¡°I believe Pavlov will do his utmost. However, you could also try hard tomorrow when you go to the capital.¡±

    At that moment, Colonel Kozelsky, who had already said his farewells, turned back and asked, ¡°Your Excellency General, is it true that the princess is your lover?¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked; what was this now?

    That¡¯s not right. Hadn¡¯t Ludm said that the princess was out of his reach and that he had struck out with her?

    It must be a rumor!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, the princess and I merely have a nodding acquaintance.¡±

 Chapter 211: The Situation on the Evening of August 9th (Extra update for 26000 monthly tickets)

    Wang Zhong had just finished surveying the entirety of Shostka.

    Comparatively speaking, the city wasrger than Loktov and Orachi, making it thergest city Wang Zhong had defended so far, though rge¡± is rtive.

    It had to be said that as a defensive position, this ce was much better than the ins of Orachi, with its rivers, woods, and high ground capable of overseeing the opposite side.

    When Wang Zhong had first crossed over to this world, he was nothing but a fake military strategist who had only yed war games. Now, he had learned through real battle experience. Sometimes, without even needing an overview angle, he could tell which areas were suitable for defense and which caf¨¦ could block off two streets.

    Afterpleting the tour, Wang Zhong had a full understanding of the entire operational area.

    ¡°What¡¯s left is to run a check on the areas our artillery can cover,¡± he said to Popov, who had been apanying him on the inspection.

    Popov replied, ¡°Considering the time, don¡¯t bothering back until tomorrow morning if you leave the city today. You still have to fly to the capital.¡±

    Observing the sun setting in the west, Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°Then we¡¯ll have to wait until after I return from the capital.¡±

    He paused, then suddenly smiled, ¡°However, it¡¯s good news to be sure that the Naval Infantry will be joining the battle.¡±Popov asked with confusion, ¡°Aren¡¯t they just a group of infantrymen?¡±

    The fame of the Naval Infantry had not yet been established, which was why Popov found it strange.

    Wang Zhong, toozy to exin, simply pinched Bucephalus¡¯s belly, urging the horse to run: ¡°Let¡¯s go back to headquarters. Pavlov must have already arranged everything.¡±

    St. Ye Katerina Fortress, Summer Pce, August 9, 2000 hours.

    When Olga Nikyevna Antonovna, who had been prohibited from entering the operational map room, pushed the door open, all the generals inside stood up.

    Chief of General Staff Tukhachev asked with concern, ¡°How is His Majesty¡¯s condition?¡±

    Princess Olga¡ªnow properly referred to as Crown Princess¡ªOlga shook her head, ¡°He is still locked in his study.¡±

    The generals exchanged nces.

    Tukhachev clicked his tongue, ¡°This is bad. Without His Majesty¡¯s approval¡­ many orders cannot be executed.¡±

    Crown Princess Olga revealed a seal in her hand, ¡°The Emperor has allowed me to approvebat ns on his behalf. He shouted through the door, ¡®After all, the generals just need someone responsible to me.''¡±

    The atmosphere became a bit awkward for a moment.

    Semyon Konstantinovich and Chief of General Staff Tukhachev exchanged looks before asking, ¡°Is Grand Patriarch Belinsky still waiting in the reception room?¡±

    Olga replied, ¡°Yes, the Grand Patriarch is still waiting, and he has requested that the kitchen provide him with kebabs and champagne.¡±

    Tukhachev remarked, ¡°He is a patriarch, kebabs, champagne? Does he also want to toast to the death of the Crown Prince?¡±

    Olga suddenly said, ¡°From the Grand Patriarch¡¯s perspective, my brother¡¯s death is actually bad news. My brother¡¯s death has galvanized the breakout troops, and presumably also the morale of other Ante Army citizens. For the Secr faction, this isn¡¯t a good thing, is it?¡±

    ¡°That you woulde to such a conclusion causes me great pain,¡± a cold, steady voice came from the doorway. Without looking, one could tell who it was.

    Grand Patriarch Belinsky, apanied by two knight guards, walked into the room.

    ¡°The Crown Prince¡¯s death, of course, deeply saddens me. At the same time, the boost it gives to our military and civilian morale is truly heartening. I¡¯vee to discuss with His Majesty the organization of a state funeral for the Crown Prince.¡±

    Olga was somewhat surprised, ¡°A state funeral?¡±

    ¡°Yes, at such a time we need to make everyone forget our grand failure¡ªoh, it¡¯s too early to talk about that,¡± the Grand Patriarch waved his hand, ¡°make everyone forget the grand failure we are about to face. Isn¡¯t a state funeral just apt?¡±

    The generals looked at each other.

    Belinsky continued, ¡°You should understand the importance of morale better than I, a mere priest. Plus, the Crown Prince died for his country, ideally covering up the Royal Family¡¯s decision-making errors, allowing everyone to forget that it was His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s mistake that led to the demise of a million-strong army, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    The words of the Grand Patriarch lightened the faces of many.

    But then the Grand Patriarch added, ¡°Of course, the Crown Prince¡¯s military identity, along with thete Duke Rocossov¡¯s grand marshal rank, will also help the nation forget that it was the High Command¡¯s ipetence that caused His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s misjudgment.¡±

    Tukhachev interjected, ¡°No, from the beginning we¡­¡±

    ¡°You sidelined Gorky Konstantinovich to the Saint Andrew Front Army. You thought that would keep him from demonstrating hismand abilities. But the enemy is advancing quickly, and the Saint Andrew Front Army has already engaged with them.¡±

    The Grand Patriarch stared at the Chief of General Staff.

    Pressured by the Grand Patriarch¡¯s gaze, the staff could only turn towards Marshal Semyon for assistance.

    The Marshal acknowledged, ¡°The High Command admits the strategic misjudgment. But, Your Excellency Grand Patriarch, are you intending to meddle in military affairs, rmending that we appoint¡­¡±

    ¡°Oh no no, Saint Andrew Fort is critical for both the Eastern Holy Church and the Secr faction. We wouldn¡¯t trust it to other useless generals¡ªexcuse me, other generals.¡±

    The Grand Patriarch nced at Marshal Semyon before resting his gaze back on the Crown Princess.

    ¡°Not only should your brother be honored with a state funeral, so too should the one who died alongside him, Duke Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky. We also n to hold a collective memorial service tomemorate the brave warriors who have died since the war began.

    ¡°Such a ceremony needs a hero among heroes to represent the living soldiers and take an oath. I happen to know just such a hero.¡±

    As the Grand Patriarch scanned the room, everyone had already guessed whom he was about to name, but everyone stayed silent in tacit agreement.

    Grand Patriarch: ¡°He is the dearest friend of the Crown Prince, and also the son of the Duke of Rocossov who died for the country. He is a brave general deeply loved by the soldiers at the front, and he has achieved exceptionally brilliant battle results!

    ¡°There is no one more suitable than him, Your Royal Highness the Crown Princess.¡±

    Princess Olga: ¡°You should speak to the Tsar father¡­¡±

    ¡°He won¡¯t see me, and don¡¯t you have his seal? You could stamp the order for the funeral ceremony yourself,¡± the Grand Patriarch gestured, and a Cardinal immediately came over with the documents.

    Olga pursed her lips.

    The Grand Patriarch leaned slightly forward: ¡°Your Highness, I have always thought you are the smartest person in the Antonov family. I hope, at this time, you will make a choice that benefits the whole of Ante.¡±

    Olga picked up the seal.

    The Cardinal immediately offered the inkpad.

    A secondter, the seal representing the Tsar affixed to the order for the state funeral and collective memorial service.

    The Grand Patriarch smiled: ¡°Very good. Then, as someone who does not understand military affairs, I shall not interfere with your decision-making. I hope you can save as many troops as possible from the encirclement.¡±

    Having said that, the Grand Patriarch left with his group.

    No one in the map room spoke for a full three minutes.

    Then Tukhachev pped the table and cursed: ¡°He actually outright called us useless!¡±

    Olga looked at the Chief of General Staff, saying nothing.

    Marshal Semyon eximed, ¡°Many of the mid and lower-levelmanders are already familiar with the military chains. There¡¯s also intelligence indicating that manymanders who have performed well have been noted by the church.

    ¡°Moreover, many officers have realized that to achieve good results in defensive battles, one must establish a good cooperative rtionship with the church¡¯s Guardian Army and the Labor Camp. Major General Rocossov did just that, working closely with the local church in both Loktov and Orachi.¡±

    The senior officers present looked at each other. What Marshal Semyon had said, was essentially implying: All the officers who fought well were in cahoots with the church.

    ¡°They can¡¯t possibly meddle in military personnel matters, can they?¡± Tukhachev said disdainfully.

    Marshal Semyon replied, ¡°They don¡¯t need to meddle. Those who fight well get promoted, and generally, only the ones who fight well survive.¡±

    Tukhachev fell silent and after a few minutes, cursed angrily: ¡°The most critical thing is, to win, we must promote these officers who perform well.¡±

    Marshal Semyon: ¡°The most critical thing is, to continue this fight, the church must y their role.¡±

    Tukhachev fell silent for a few seconds before changing the subject: ¡°That Major General Rocossov, he¡¯s a yboy, right? Shouldn¡¯t he be more like an old-school officer? Maybe we can win him over?¡±

    At this moment, General Tugenev, who had been sitting silently in the corner, spoke up: ¡°He has already arrived in Shostka. He willnd at an airport on the outskirts of Shostka tonight on a special ne, and after an inspection, he will be brought back tomorrow.¡±

    Tukhachev: ¡°What about the arrangements after he¡¯s brought back?¡±

    ¡°First, arrange amodations, and then mainly rest. After all, he has been through a long journey¡­¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Tukhachev interrupted General Tugenev, ¡°arrange a war experience summary meeting tomorrow night. Gather all avable experienced officers in the capital. It¡¯s time we probe their depths, we can¡¯t always let the church mix with them.¡±

    Olga frowned slightly: ¡°May I attend this meeting?¡±

    Marshal Semyon: ¡°If His Majesty is still in his current state tomorrow, you¡¯ll probably have to attend.¡±

    Tukhachev smiled: ¡°The officers will be very happy with you there.¡±

    Shostka, headquarters of the 151st Temporary Infantry Division.

    Wang Zhong looked at the map, his brows furrowed: ¡°What if I go to the capital tomorrow and find that it¡¯s all peace and joy, with nobles dancing and horses running as usual?¡±

    He could already imagine that seeing such a situation, his blood pressure would surely skyrocket, and if there was a weapon at hand, it could turn into a situation like ¡°how could we ever win against Prosen with these vermin.¡±

    Pavlov responded with extreme unease: ¡°This¡­ That shouldn¡¯t happen, right? With total war breaking out, the capital¡¯s supplies couldn¡¯t possibly be so plentiful.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So you think it won¡¯t be outrageous because of theck of supplies, not because you have confidence in the nobles huh?¡±

    Just then, a staff officer led two Air Force officers into the map room; they stood to attention and reported: ¡°Colonel Hamov from the Air Force, and Captain Ivan Fedorovich.¡±

    The two airmen saluted Wang Zhong together.

    ¡°Your Excellency General,¡± said Colonel Hamov, ¡°I will lead a fighter squadron to escort your ne.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What nes does your squadron fly?¡±

    Colonel Hamov: ¡°Yak-1, an excellent low-altitude fighter. It¡¯s a shame the enemy advances on the capital from high altitude! I don¡¯t know why they would station squadrons equipped with Yak-1s in the capital.¡±

    The Air Force colonel was probably just casually venting.

    But Wang Zhong, the listener, had an idea: ¡°Would you like to fight here with us? We have plenty of low-altitudebat here. Once the enemy¡¯s Stukas finish bombing, they escape at low altitude, which is your time to shine.¡±

    The colonel nced at Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder insignia: ¡°You¡¯re a major general; we all know that it usually takes an Army general tomand the Air Force.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah, well, I¡¯ll try my best. What time can we reach the capital tomorrow?¡±

    Answering Wang Zhong was Captain Ivan Fedorovich: ¡°We should arrive around four in the afternoon.¡±

 Chapter 212: August 10th at 4 PM

    ¡°`

    On August 10, at four in the afternoon, St. Ye Katerina Fortress, airport.

    As soon as Wang Zhong stepped out of the cabin, the music for ¡°The Farewell of the v Women¡± began to y¡ªoh, incorrect, in this timeline it¡¯s called ¡°The Farewell of the Ante Women.¡±

    Immediately afterward, Wang Zhong caught sight of his good brother¡¯s sister.

    He was taken aback for a moment.

    Compared to the Crown Princess, my Liu Xia only wins with her silver hair!

    This is horrifying!

    As Wang Zhong reeled in shock, he suddenly heard Ludm¡¯s voice: ¡°Walk down, and remember to salute when you¡¯re in front of the Crown Princess.¡±

    He then descended the airne stairs and stood at attention, saluting before the Crown Princess.The Crown Princess scrutinized Wang Zhong carefully.

    Wang Zhong felt as if the Crown Princess¡¯s gaze was like that of a cheetah assessing its prey¡ªwhether that was just his imagination or not.

    It seems that during my time in St. Ye Katerina Fortress, I have to stick with Ludm every day, otherwise, who knows when I might make a mistake.

    Wang Zhong shelved these thoughts and put on a stern face, ¡°Your Highness?¡±

    ¡°Oh, ah, I have some words to say.¡± The Crown Princess cleared her throat and put on an official tone, ¡°Wee home victorious, brave White Horse General, Duke Rokossov.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m a Count, as far as I know my elder brother has now inherited the dukedom.¡±

    ¡°I haven¡¯t made a mistake,¡± said the Crown Princess with a smile, ¡°We n to bestow upon you the title of Duke of Caron, and the rted procedures are already being prepared. We are nning to establish a crash course school in the Duke of Caron¡¯s territory to specifically impart experience inbating the Prussian Army to our military officers.¡±

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brow, his voice raising, ¡°You n to transfer me away from the frontline? No, no, no, I (with my cheat) am worth five Army Groups!¡±

    The Crown Princess beamed with a smile, ¡°Not right now, of course.¡±

    ¡°Maybe after the war is won.¡± Suddenly, an elderly male voice came from behind the Crown Princess.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and first caught sight of the Marshal¡¯s insignia.

    He immediately saluted the Marshal.

    ¡°Rx a bit,¡± the Marshal returned the salute, then extended his hand, ¡°Semyon Konstantinovich.¡±

    Wang Zhong took his hand, and before he could speak, the Marshal said, ¡°Orachi was fought beautifully. The first two days could be considered perfect. On the third day, the enemy was simply too numerous, but managing to organize a breakout was already quite impressive.¡± ??

    ¡°The breakout on the third day was thanks to my chief of staff¡¯s abilities,¡± said Wang Zhong honestly. On the third night of the breakout, what he did was just ¡°driving a small tank around in the front recklessly¡±; the real hero of the breakout was Pavlov.

    Marshal Semyon appraised Wang Zhong again: ¡°Very modest, not stealing credit from subordinates, quite different from the Count Rokossov we¡¯ve heard about.¡±

    Because it¡¯s not the same person¡ªWang Zhong suddenly stopped himself, unwilling to think that way at this moment. He had already felt all sorts of emotions from Rokossov. He was Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°People change, Your Excellency, especially in a war that seems like hell.¡±

    At that moment, a General entered Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision: ¡°Major General Rokossov, I¡¯ve heard so much about you.¡±

    Not recognizing the General, Wang Zhong saluted first.

    ¡°Oh, there¡¯s no need for that. War heroes always enjoy some special treatment. I am Tukhachev, the Chief of General Staff,¡± said the General, extending his hand.

    Wang Zhong took his hand, ¡°Pleased to meet you. Are you the one who dyed the retreat orders?¡±

    ¡°No, no, we proposed a retreat n as early as August 4th, but His Majesty did not approve it.¡± Tukhachev paused, then continued, ¡°Now we are trying to rescue Argesukov¡¯s Southwestern Front Army. Currently, Duke Meishikin is making progress, and troops from two divisions have already broken through.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked; why did this man make it sound like two divisions were a lot?

    So he reminded him, ¡°Argesukov still has about seven hundred thousand troops.¡±

    ¡°Yes, we are still endeavoring,¡± said the Chief of General Staff, ¡°The good news is that due to the Crown Prince¡¯s heroic martyrdom, the troops surrounded are fighting with very strong will. Although the enemy¡¯s encirclement is about to close, they are still continuing to fight.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How long the troops within the encirclement can fight depends not only on their will to fight but also on how much supplies they have!¡±

    ¡°We have umted arge amount of food and ammunition for Argesukov; there¡¯s no need to worry for now,¡± said the Chief of General Staff. ¡°We¡¯ll talk about these matters at the experience sharing meeting tonight. Your Highness, over to you.¡±

    Crown Princess Olga gave Wang Zhong a slight smile, took his hand, and said, ¡°This way, please. I¡¯ve arranged a reception feast at the Summer Pce.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°There¡¯s no need. As a soldier, I¡¯m fine with eating the same as the front line. Let¡¯s get straight to business then. Isn¡¯t there a sharing session tonight? Let¡¯s bring it forward to now; we can eat sausages and share at the same time.¡±

    The Chief of General Staff and Marshal Semyon exchanged nces.

    But the Crown Princess said, ¡°That¡¯s a good idea. Then I¡¯ll notify the officers attending tonight¡¯s sharing session to gather at the High Command.¡±

    Wang Zhong had a feeling that the Crown Princess¡¯s appreciation for him had increased!

    He couldn¡¯t help but look towards Ludm.

    It was as if the Crown Princess only just noticed Ludm, releasing Wang Zhong¡¯s hand.

    Ludm saluted: ¡°Greetings, Your Highness. I am Captain Ludm Vasilyevna Malyukhova, a prayer hand.¡±

    ¡°I know.¡± Crown Princess Olga smiled. ¡°You¡¯re Duke Rokossov¡¯s childhood friend, and you have not yet be engaged.¡±

    Indeed, Ludm and he had not be engaged. After all, the Westerners have a veryplicated procedure for engagements, which takes a long time to prepare.

    Ludm: ¡°But we¡¯ve already decided to get married after the war ends.¡±

    Crown Princess: ¡°Oh, is that so? Then how about I serve as your bridesmaid?¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°Eh?¡± Ludm didn¡¯t expect such a turn of events, ¡°A bridesmaid?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Crown Princess shrugged her shoulders, ¡°After all, I am a woman, I can¡¯t be the best man.¡±

    Wang Zhong then saw Nelly hiding and watching from a distance and said, ¡°Nelly can be a bridesmaid.¡±

    ¡°Nelly?¡± the Crown Princess looked puzzled.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah, she is my orderly, the daughter of the nanny who has always taken care of me and Liu Xia. She has been with us since she was very little.¡±

    The Crown Princess was shocked: ¡°The daughter of a servant as a bridesmaid?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±

    Nelly could be a woman my mother approves of!

    The Crown Princess took two steps back, distancing herself from Wang Zhong and Ludm.

    It was then that Wang Zhong realized the expressions of Chief of Staff Tukhachev and Marshal Semyon were very serious.

    Right then, Wang Zhong realized that he might have said something a noble wouldn¡¯t say. Nobles wouldn¡¯t let a servant be a bridesmaid, would they?

    Ludm, however,ughed and said, ¡°Nelly is great, I would be happy for Nelly to be the bridesmaid!¡±

    No sooner had she spoken than a deepugh echoed through the room.

    Wang Zhong had heard thisughter before.

    He turned his head and sure enough, saw the Grand Patriarch Belinsky approaching.

    On making eye contact, like an old acquaintance, the Grand Patriarch said, ¡°Oh, Alyosha, I see you again! You¡¯ve lost a lot of weight since thest time.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have, our supplies are plentiful, we basically never starve.¡±

    The Grand Patriarchughed heartily: ¡°Then maybe I¡¯m just seeing things.¡±

    At this moment, Tukhachev and Semyon Marshal grew even more grim, especially after hearing the Grand Patriarch call him ¡°Alyosha.¡±

    As if oblivious to the other two men, the Grand Patriarch continued, ¡°Your return this timees with a heavy task. We¡¯re nning to have you give a speech during the memorial service, can you¡­ manage that?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Highness, don¡¯t you know? I¡¯m quite good at giving speeches to rally the soldiers.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°I know that, the Tribunal has already reported the content of your speeches to me. Just¡­ judges are good at interrogating and eliminating traitors, but they may not necessarily be able to discern the quality of a speech. When can you give me the speech for the memorial?¡±

    No way, I have to write a speech too? I hate this the most!

    ¡°Hmm?¡± Belinsky raised an eyebrow, ¡°Ah, I get it, you¡¯re better at improvising on the spot!¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, but it wasn¡¯t true; he just had ready-made temtes to copy.

    Without those, his speeches would turn toplete rubbish.

    Wang Zhong was reminded of thest time he had to give a speech and ended up cobbling together some parallelism, eventually resorting to copying the famous work ¡°If We Do Not Go to War¡± from the field to get through.

    Damn, he broke into a sweat.

    He had copied Qiu Pang¡¯s ¡°We Will Never Surrender,¡± and now he was wondering if he should copy it again?

    Belinsky seemed to understand everything and thumped Wang Zhong on the shoulder: ¡°Very well, then I look forward to it.¡±

    Could you not look forward to it!

    ¡°By the way.¡± The Grand Patriarch changed the subject, ¡°I heard they¡¯re nning to cancel the banquet and do war experience sharing while dining. Can I join in?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself I have no say in this, so he looked at the Crown Princess, who turned to look at Chief of General Staff Tukhachev.

    The Chief of General Staff: ¡°No problem, we would be honored to have Your Highness with us.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°Then it¡¯s settled.¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned by the luxury of the Summer Pce.

    Theoretically, as someone who had visited the Forbidden City Museum, mere luxury should not astound him anymore.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong had seen the Soviet version of ¡°War and Peace¡± and witnessed their all-out effort to recreate a court ball, but now he realized that seeing it in a movie and actually sitting in the pce were two different things.

    While he looked around like an idiot, the military officers in attendance were all watching him.

    ¡°That¡¯s the man who killed eight Prussian generals with a horse and a sword.¡±

    ¡°Nonsense, I heard he ran over eight with a tank.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re all wrong, it was artillery that killed them.¡±

    As the crowd buzzed with discussion, the Grand Patriarch Belinsky entered the room and quietly sat in a corner.

    At first, only a few officers noticed the Grand Patriarch, but as they sat up straight, more and more officers took notice until the entire room fell silent.

    Tukhachev stood up: ¡°Today, we have all gathered here for a summary and sharing of experiences! You are all front-line officers who have survived the war, each with vast experience in fighting the Prussians. Today, we aim to¡­¡±

    Suddenly, the main door opened.

    An officer wearing a staff armband came up to Tukhachev and whispered in his ear.

    Tukhachev eximed in shock, ¡°He¡¯s back? How does he have the audacity to return? What about the other high-ranking officers?¡­ This is madness!¡±

 Chapter 213: Justice

    The Chief of General Staff finished cursing, nced at the curious onlookers, and then said to General Tugenev, ¡°You organize the exchange meeting.¡±

    General Tugenev asked, ¡°What happened? Who¡¯se back?¡±

    Chief of General Staff Tukhachev did not answer but followed the staff officer who hade to report the news, striding away briskly.

    Wang Zhong, observing the situation, was also moved and stood up to follow them out.

    The Chief of General Staff seemed to be in a hurry, not noticing Wang Zhong at all. He walked as if he were in the final sprint of an Olympic race walkingpetition.

    Even Wang Zhong, a young man, had to hasten his steps to catch up with the older man.

    At first, he was worried it might be too obvious, but then many others starteding out from neighboring rooms, heading in the same direction.

    When Marshal Xiemiao came out of the building, he saw Wang Zhong, but obviously thought Wang Zhong had been called by the Chief of General Staff and paid him no mind. He went straight to the Chief of General Staff and said, ¡°He actually abandoned his troops and ran back! If he had died in the encirclement, we could still provide for his wife and children.¡±Wang Zhong frowned slightly.

    Could it be that¡­ that thing hase back?

    His anger surged up in an instant.

    In this way, the group barged into the drawing room.

    Olga Grand Duchess was already there in the drawing room; she stood in front of Major General Skorobogatov, her face red with anger, clearly having just erupted.

    When she saw the others enter, the Grand Duchess turned around, heading to the window to cool off.

    Tukhachev nced at the Grand Duchess¡¯s retreating figure, and, ring at Major General Skorobogatov, eximed, ¡°Why have youe back? Do you even have the face to return?¡±

    Sweating profusely, Major General Skorobogatov responded, ¡°I thought someone needed to take responsibility for this military failure, so I¡­¡±

    Chief of General Staff Tukhachev interrupted, ¡°You have excuses, do you? To take responsibility? Do you think that saying so will cover up the fact that you abandoned your troops and fled in panic? You coward!¡±

    Stung by the word ¡°coward,¡± Major General Skorobogatov protested, ¡°I¡¯m not a coward! I can lead an army of tanks to break the encirclement! I will die in battle just as His Royal Highness the Crown Prince did!¡±

    Wang Zhong sneered, ¡°Easy to say!¡±

    Everyone turned to look at him, and Tukhachev now noticed him for the first time, his face showing surprise.

    Wang Zhong walked directly up to Major General Skorobogatov, ¡°Lead an army of tanks? Haven¡¯t you sacrificed enough tank armies already? The Sixth and Eleventh Tank Armies, with all those T34s and KV1s ¨C how many of the enemy did they actually destroy? How many?

    ¡°When the enemy¡¯s armored clusters reached my position, not even the paint was scratched off! The Fifth, Sixth, and Eleventh Tank Armiesmitted to the counterattack were squandered by you!¡±

    Furiously, Major General Skorobogatov shot back, ¡°The extent of the enemy losses from the counterattack requires a detailed assessment, not just your personal impression, Major General Rokossov!¡±

    Wang Zhong retorted, ¡°Then let nes sweep over the ins and check whether those tank wrecks have sloped armor or vertical armor! Let them count properly!¡±

    Major General Skorobogatov fell silent because aerial reconnaissance had already confirmed it: indeed, more Ante tanks were destroyed.

    At that moment, the Grand Patriarch and several Cardinals arrived with the junior officers who had participated in the earlier military exchange meeting.

    The originally spacious drawing room suddenly became half-filled.

    Wang Zhong, not even ncing at the doorway, continued to roar, ¡°The reason for this oue is because some of ourmanders are simply not familiar with the strengths and weaknesses of our tanks, thinking that as long as we win in the armor-piercing shell confrontation, we can crush the enemy!

    ¡°Somemanders don¡¯t even realize how poor the situational awareness of the T34 tanks is due to the elimination of the tankmander¡¯s role! They have no idea of the advantage the enemy gains through their use of radio!¡±

    Many tank soldiers among the officers brought by the Grand Patriarch nodded in agreement upon hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s words.

    Major General Skorobogatov challenged, ¡°You knew, did you tell?¡±

    ¡°I did! I spent an entire night writing a summary report of my experiences! Did you read it? No, you didn¡¯t, because it was thest one on the list! And in front of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, you even said that just having T34s would be enough to send the Prussians packing!¡±

    With a trembling voice, Major General Skorobogatov contended, ¡°But you also reported that the armor of T34s and KVs holds a tremendous advantage inbating enemy tanks¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong interrupted, ¡°Yes, indeed they hold a tremendous advantage, which is why I was able to destroy so many enemy tanks at Orachi with just over thirty T34 tanks! Let the nes go see how many wrecks of enemy tanks litter the Orachi fields!

    ¡°Even if the enemy¡¯s repair crews have fixed quite a few by now, the in is still littered with wrecks!

    ¡°Me, an Infantry Division, reinforced with a battalion¡¯s worth of tanks, destroyed more enemy tanks than the entire Southwestern Front Army! More than the entire Southwestern Front Army! Those KVs and T34s of the Sixth and Eleventh Tank Armies could have wreaked immense havoc on the enemy!

    ¡°But because of an ipetent pig, they are now just wreckage on the Kazarlian ins!¡±

    Tukhachev nced at Marshal Xiemiao.

    The marshal stepped forward, ¡°All right, all this can be documented in a post-war summary. Major General Skorobogatov, you¡¯ll face a military tribunal, be prepared¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong interrupted loudly, ¡°No! I pointed out as early as July that the enemy might move south to outnk Argesukov. Major General Skorobogatov disparaged me, dismissed my suggestions, then deployed our most advanced tanks in a reckless attack that led to their annihtion.

    ¡°If those tanks had been under mymand, set up defensively in the proper positions, the enemy wouldn¡¯t have been able to push through at all.

    ¡°Now, the entire Southwestern Front Army is encircled and he has fled. With such actions, I suspect¡ª¡±

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath.

    ¡°I suspect he is a spy for Prosen! When I was breaking out of Ronied, I encountered Prosen spies disguised as our military bishops and judges. I suspect Prosen spies have already riddled us with holes.¡±

    Tukhachev snorted coldly, ¡°Ridiculous, I¡¯ve known Skorobo since he was in military school.¡±

    ¡°Such a possibility cannot be ruled out,¡± Belinsky suddenly joined the conversation. ¡°General Skorobo led the tank troops in the Castilian Civil War, where there were plenty of opportunities toe into contact with the Prussian Army involved in the civil war.¡±

    General Skorobo snapped, ¡°This is nder!¡±

    Marshal Semyonov: ¡°This is a very serious usation, Major General Rokossov.¡±

    The Marshal purposefully did not mention the Grand Patriarch as if it were an usation by Wang Zhong alone.

    ¡°Such usations need evidence.¡±

    Said the Marshal.

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, he indeed had no evidence, his earlier remarks had been made on the spur of the moment.

    General Skorobo snorted coldly: ¡°Can¡¯t you see? This is Major General Rokossov¡¯s usual trick; he himself said he executed spies disguised as our military bishops and judges.¡±

    ¡°But who knows if they were spies? Perhaps those bishops and judges were only trying to prevent him from fleeing Ronied! Then he thought about the title of a spy and executed them!

    ¡°Now, he probably thinks the same way and ns to pull out his pistol to execute me, because I ran away just like him!

    ¡°Go on, pull out your gun, Rokossov! What is that at your waist, a toy? If you are convinced I am a spy, then draw your gun! And shoot here!¡±

    Skorobo pointed at his own forehead.

    Wang Zhong was also worked up; the anger he¡¯d been brewing all along converged into a volcano, erupting violently.

    He drew his service pistol and aimed it at General Skorobo.

    Everyone was shocked.

    Marshal Semyonov roared, ¡°What the hell do you think you¡¯re doing? Drawing a gun in the Summer Pce?¡±

    As if he had won a personal victory, General Skoroboughed, ¡°See! All the charges are groundless! He just wants to lynch me! Because in his eyes, it was me who caused the death of his father!

    ¡°This is a personal vendetta! This guy talks all about Ante, with the pretense of worrying for the country and its people, but in reality, he just wants to avenge his father!

    ¡°Princess Olga, remember his shameful behavior at this moment! He drew a gun in the sacred Summer Pce, disrespecting the dignity of royalty.¡±

    Crown Princess Olga turned around, looked at Wang Zhong, and appeared very much like she wanted him to fire.

    General Skorobo continued to agitate: ¡°Come on, shoot, Rokossov, shoot, and after you do, you will be a man who despises the royal family, and none of your honors will save you! Go ahead, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov!¡±

    Wang Zhong fired.

    The first shot pierced General Skorobo¡¯s chest, and then as the muzzle rose, the second shot hit Skorobo¡¯s throat, and the third shot hit his forehead.

    After three shots, Wang Zhong¡¯s pistol jammed, the brass casing stuck in the ejection port.

    General Skorobo knelt on the ground and then fell backward.

    Hearing the gunshots, the guards rushed in.

    Belinsky: ¡°Calm down!¡±

    The guards stopped.

    Belinsky stepped forward, pushed down Wang Zhong¡¯s gun-wielding hand, and smoothly removed the jammed pistol: ¡°What I just said meant that this matter should be handed over to the tribunal.

    ¡°You were too impulsive. The report says you executed enemy imposters as a bishop and judge, and the servants of Boye who were preventing your defenses¡­ and now a general. It looks like in the future, you won¡¯t be allowed to carry a gun in the Summer Pce.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°He asked for it.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°He asked because firing indeed worked in his favor. Lucky you killed him, otherwise there would be many more troublester.¡±

    For some reason, Wang Zhong always felt that Belinsky was quite pleased.

    Finallying out of shock, Tukhachev shouted angrily: ¡°This is a grave act of rebellion! A major general has openly executed his superior, a general! Major General Rokossov must face a military tribunal!¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°He was just careless in his actions, but to execute a spy and traitor is not too much of an issue. It is an extraordinary time, after all.¡±

    Tukhachev: ¡°This¡­¡±

    The Grand Patriarch looked towards the Chief of General Staff: ¡°Your eagerness to protect a traitor and your desire to bring to trial a meritorious officer suggests that the tribunal needs to review your family rtions and private life.¡±

    Beading with sweat, Tukhachev¡¯s poured down his face, literally.

    The Grand Patriarch continued: ¡°By the decree issued by His Majesty the Tsar, all traitors are to be with their immediate family members held ountable. Cardinal Ravkid, you carry out the implementation.¡±

    The bespectacled Cardinal bowed slightly: ¡°By yourmand, Your Holiness.¡±

    Finishing speaking, the Grand Patriarch retracted the slide of Wang Zhong¡¯s pistol, expertly cleared the jam, then engaged the safety and returned the gun to Wang Zhong: ¡°Remember next time, don¡¯t be so impulsive, think more.¡±

    Belinsky said and then lightly tapped his forehead.

 Chapter 214: In Memory of Forgetting (Extra for 27,000 monthly votes)

    Wang Zhong finally realized what was happening.

    ¡°Shit, I¡¯ve caused trouble, haven¡¯t I?¡±

    If the Grand Patriarch weren¡¯t here, wouldn¡¯t I be in deep trouble?

    He wanted to ask his own people, but then realized that there was not a single ¡°own person¡± around him, not even Ludm.

    At this moment, Belinsky said, ¡°Alright, everyone has witnessed the fate of this traitor. You can return and continue the experience sharing session. I look forward to you summarizing a set of effective methods to deal with the Prosen Army. Off you go. Where are the pce servants? Come clean the floor.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the Grand Patriarch and felt again how happy he seemed to be.

    I really need to think this over carefully¡­

    Just as Wang Zhong was contemting, Crown Princess Olga arrived.

    She was wearing a court dress, the kind from the Victorian Era. One of the main characteristics of this court dress was: it was spacious and grand.But Wang Zhong, having seen much of the world, did not stare cluelessly like a virgin uncertain where toy his eyes.

    He boldly looked, and then raised his gaze to the princess¡¯s face.

    Just at this moment, everyone else had left, leaving only the servants to rece the blood-stained carpet.

    The princess took Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and dragged him to an outside terrace.

    Then Olga Nikevna Andronov whispered, ¡°Did Belinsky ask you to do it?¡±

    ¡°No, it was truly an ident,¡± Wang Zhong replied.

    Olga asked again, ¡°So, was this your deration of allegiance?¡±

    ¡°What? Uh, no. I just got carried away and didn¡¯t think it through,¡± Wang Zhong answered truthfully.

    Olgaughed, ¡°If it were someone else, they definitely wouldn¡¯t believe you; they¡¯d think it was a well-considered action, especially since you are Rocossov, the ¡®Imperial Iron Wall.¡¯

    What the hell? How did I be the Imperial Iron Wall?

    As Wang Zhong was puzzled by this title, Olga continued, ¡°But I know you just got carried away. After all, you and my brother are so close.¡±

    Uh¡­

    Olga: ¡°My brother once said, if something happened in the future, and the church no longer needed the royal family, I should find you, and that you would definitely go to great lengths to protect me.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly.

    Had the Crown Prince said that? That didn¡¯t sound like something a profligate would say.

    So he asked, ¡°When did Ivan tell you this?¡±

    Olga thought for a moment, ¡°Hmm¡­ I think he said it when I was ten years old.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the princess¡¯s chest: ¡°That was quite a long time ago.¡±

    Olga, as if reminiscing about the past, went off topic: ¡°Yes, it was a long, long time ago. Back then, you and my brother were always taking me around the garden to y, and then we would all get scolded by the steward grandfather.¡±

    There were such events?

    Olga: ¡°Once, when you two climbed trees, my dress was not convenient, and I couldn¡¯t climb. I sat under the tree crying, and then you found some scissors, intending to cut the hem of the dress, but the whalebones stumped you.

    ¡°To deal with the whalebones, you and my brother even took out the gardener¡¯s saw¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong could only force a dryugh, as he had no knowledge of these events.

    However¡­ wasn¡¯t it said that I ran into a dead end with the princess? How did I hit a dead end?

    Just then, Princess Olga took Wang Zhong¡¯s arm, ¡°Are you in a hurry to attend the experience-sharing session?¡±

    ¡°Uh, not really, I haven¡¯t eaten yet, and there¡¯ll be dinner provided during the session,¡± Wang Zhong said, trying to escape. With the princess looking like she wanted to reminisce about the past, he could spill the beans any minute! He even wished his stomach would make some noise to assert its presence.

    However, Princess Olga, as if she hadn¡¯t heard Wang Zhong¡¯s words, took his arm and started dragging him away.

    ¡°Keep mepany for a while.¡±

    Soon, they had passed through several rooms and arrived at a secluded corner of the Summer Pce.

    Wang Zhong felt he was going to be dumped; the girls here were too forward.

    And their strength was considerable; being dragged by the princess was almost like being pulled by a bear.

    Princess Olga banged open a massive door, and as Wang Zhong was dragged inside, he thought it was goodbye to Liu Xia.

    Ah Liu Xia, my Liu Xia.

    However, there was no bed behind the door.

    It was a game room, with severalrge tables in it, covered with chess sets, ying cards, and other tabletop games.

    On the inside of a bar on the left wall were countless bottles of what looked like very expensive liquor.

    In the corner stood a piano and a violin disyed in a ss cab.

    Starkly out of ce was a bookshelf filled withrge volumes of books.

    The time was approaching seven o¡¯clock, and the setting sun cast ayer of warm, pale yellow hue over the room through the windows.

    Princess Olga released Wang Zhong¡¯s arm, walked over to a chessboard, and looked at the game that was halfway done: ¡°This is thest game that my brother yed with me before he went to the front. I was about to win, and he began to cheat, saying he wouldn¡¯t y anymore, and that he would continue when he returned.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Princess Olga¡¯s back; her royal gown left her entire back exposed, appearing so white and slender, fragile it didn¡¯t seem like she could wrestle with a bear.

    Olga: ¡°He clearly said he would continue when he came back.¡±

    Her shoulders started to tremble, her shoulder des protruding sharply as if they would tear through her skin.

    Wang Zhong wanted to go up and wrap his arms around her shoulders, but for some reason, he knew the next step after embracing her would be for the princess to throw herself into his arms.

    Why am I so practiced at this, how many times have I taken advantage of others in simr situations?

    Wang Zhong forced himself to turn away and started looking at the books on the shelf.

    He expected to see many novels, but instead, he found works rted to economics and philosophy.

    The most prominent ce held a book with the church¡¯s insignia, and the author was Saint Andrew.

    These books all looked very old, their spines creased from frequent handling, and some books were obviously well-worn and had their spines reinforced with paste afterwards.

    Furthermore, all the books were haphazardly inserted on the shelves as if their owner could just pull out any book at random and start reading, so there was no concern for categorization at all.

    Ivan Nikyevich Andronov, you damn Crown Prince ying possum.

    Wang Zhong picked up a photo frame from the dresser beside the bookshelf and looked at the three people in the photograph.

    There were Ivan, Aleksei, and Olga.

    The princess sat between the two handsome young men, smiling as if she owned the entire world.

    Written on the photograph was the line: ¡°Ekaterina the Great and the Twin Jewels of her Empire.¡±

    What stuff are you talking about, idiot, her im to the throne is higher than yours.

    If she wants to be the Great Emperor, you would have to die first.

    Wang Zhong was initially ranting when his movements suddenly froze.

    ¡°Brother once said, if something unexpected happens and the church no longer needs the royal blood, I should find you,¡± he recalled Olga¡¯s words.

    Wang Zhong looked at the photo frame again, as if he could see the expression on Ivan Nikyevich¡¯s face when he wrote that line on the photo.

    He turned again, looking towards the bookcase, as if he could see Ivan gripping Saint Andrew¡¯s work in front of the bookshelf with furrowed brows and a worried face.

    He turned again, gazing at the desk, as if he could see Ivan writing furiously at the desk before hysterically crossing out what he had written and then burying his head in his hands atop the desk.

    Wang Zhong scanned the entire room, and although he had never spent a moment in this room, he could almost see Ivan in every corner.

    Finally, his gaze returned to the line ¡°Ekaterina the Great and the Twin Jewels of her Empire.¡±

    The Crown Prince Ivan¡¯s calligraphy was quite good; even Wang Zhong, who was not familiar with Cyrillic calligraphy, thought the writing was very attractive.

    The person who wrote it knew there would be no more Great Emperor Ekaterina.

    But he still wrote down this line.

    Because his sister wanted to be the Great Emperor Ekaterina.

    Wang Zhong put down the photo frame.

    He remembered the day he set out from Argesukov when Ivan hade to see him off.

    At that time, Ivan had said, ¡°Take good care of Olga.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at the photograph.

    The Twin Jewels of Ekaterina¡¯s Empire, now only I am left.

    No, that¡¯s not right, none are left at all.

    Wang Zhong made up his mind, turned around, and walked toward Olga Nikyevna, who was still recounting memories of her brother.

    He embraced her shoulders firmly yet gently.

    The girl seemed startled, going rigid, but the next moment she turned around and threw herself into Wang Zhong¡¯s arms, crying bitterly.

    The long-suppressed sorrow erupted, soaking Wang Zhong¡¯s uniform with her tears.

    Wang Zhong gently patted the girl¡¯s back.

    Compelled by some indescribable force, Wang Zhong nced toward the corner of the wall.

    He could see young Olga sitting at the piano, her fingers dancing across the keys.

    Ivan was ying the violin, apanying the melody of the piano.

    And Aleksei was holding a wine ss, standing to the side, seeminglyughing at something.

    The morning sun¡¯s rays streamed through the window and fell on the three of them, warm andforting.

    Even though Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t remember this scene at all, even though it was just two dandies entertaining their younger sister, his eyes were still slightly moist.

    He could even hear the sound of the piano and violin.

    He didn¡¯t know what was being yed at the time; surely, it couldn¡¯t have been a sad piece, as the three of them looked so happy.

    But the piece he heard was full of sadness and fiery like a ze.

    It was the background music from ¡°The Invisible Guardian,¡± also one of his favorite game soundtracks.

    This song called ¡°Faraway,¡± was most famously used in the game for the scene where everything settles down, and Xiao Tu reunites with Lu Wangshu after returning.

    Just like this very moment.

    Even though the Prussian enemy had not been defeated yet, the arduous great war had barely begun less than two months ago.

    Even though there would be many more sacrifices in the future, and Wang Zhong himself might fall on the road to victory.

    But the music just started ying.

    Perhaps, it was to bid farewell to their mutual loved ones.

    Crown Prince Ivan, born into a family destined to be thest of the royals, never stopped looking for a way out.

    He was like Don Quixote charging at windmills.

    He might not be a qualified Crown Prince, he might not be apetent officer, he might be a damn fool and a womanizer, maybe¡­

    But he was definitely a good brother.

    And he should be a goodrade.

    Wang Zhong gently stroked Olga¡¯s hair as he bid farewell to a brother he had yet to be familiar with.

 Chapter 215: Experience Sharing Meeting (Additional Chapter for 28,000 Monthly Votes)

    Olga suddenly pushed Wang Zhong away, not knowing how much time had passed.

    ¡°Sorry, I lost control of myself a bit,¡± she said, pulling out a handkerchief to wipe her tears, shouting as she did, ¡°Natasha!¡±

    Upon hearing this name, Wang Zhong subconsciously thought he would see a hero unit with an AK and a red beret, but instead, an old maid entered.

    ¡°Your Highness,¡± the maid curtsied to Olga.

    Olga: ¡°I need to wash my face, and bring General Rokossovsky a new military jacket. Please wash this one clean.¡±

    The maid curtsied again, ¡°This way, Your Highness. The jacket will be brought immediately.¡±

    Although there were still tear stains on her face, Olga managed to squeeze out a smile for Wang Zhong, ¡°Thank you¡­ Oh, and bring some food, the general is hungry.¡±

    After saying this, Olga smiled at Wang Zhong again before picking up her skirt and turning to leave.

    The old maid backed out and closed the door.Wang Zhong looked down at the tear¡ªand snot¡ªstains on his chest and clicked his tongue.

    Then the maid carrying the new uniform came in.

    As for why the Tsar¡¯s bedroom was always stocked with a major¡¯s uniform, he decided not to ask.

    After changing into a brand-new general¡¯s uniform, Wang Zhong was led back to the original meeting location by the maid.

    Grand Patriarch Belinsky and a few guards stood at the door, as if waiting for him.

    ¡°You¡¯ve returned sooner than expected,¡± the Grand Patriarch stepped forward and looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s new uniform, ¡°How¡¯s Her Highness Nikolyevna?¡±

    ¡°She vented a bit, now she¡¯s emotionally stable,¡± Wang Zhong replied.

    Belinsky: ¡°Honestly, the death of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was unexpected for us. After all, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince was more self-aware. It¡¯s unclear for the Grand Duchess.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°She will have it.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Belinsky patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder, ¡°Right now, it seems that His Majesty the Tsar is too shocked to attend to matters, and themand authority has been given to the High Command. Although what you say will probably fall on deaf ears there, you must still speak.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What should I talk about?¡±

    ¡°Experience sharing meeting. Just talk about your experience and give your assessment of the future situation at the end. After all, you urately predicted the enemy¡¯s second armored group moving southward.¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to reply when Ludm and Nelly came running out.

    ¡°Alyosha!¡± Ludm called out loudly, but then she saw the Grand Patriarch and quickly braked,ing to a stop in front of him, and bowed in a church manner, ¡°Your Reverence!¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°I won¡¯t disturb you. I¡¯ll go in and give an opening remark to buy you some time.¡±

    After that, Belinsky walked into the room with the guards.

    Wang Zhong looked toward Ludm, starting to ponder how to exin that he had just been hugging his friend¡¯s sister.

    Ludm grabbed Wang Zhong: ¡°Did you fire a gun in the pce?¡±

    ¡­Huh?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh, that. Yes, I did. I killed a traitor.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°They are saying you shot General Skorobo dead! Was the general a traitor?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Wang Zhong pointed to the door of the meeting room, ¡°It was decided by His Reverence Belinsky, and the Tribunal has started arresting General Skorobo¡¯s family as well, because ording to the Tsar¡¯s orders, all traitors¡¯ families areplicit.¡±

    Ludm stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds, ¡°Really? You¡¯re all right? You won¡¯t face a military tribunal?¡±

    ¡°No, no. Just might not be able to carry a gun in the Summer Pce anymore.¡±

    Honestly, Wang Zhong had previously thought that after his glorious achievements elevated him to a marshal, he would earn the right to enter the pce armed.

    When that time came, he definitely wanted to ride Bucephalus right into the pce.

    Later, he would alsomission someone to write a song called ¡°Skorobo¡¯s Rainy Season.¡±

    Now, it seemed, such developments would not be forting.

    Ludm looked puzzled at Wang Zhong, ¡°Why do you look so regretful? Just because you can¡¯t carry a gun into the pce? Today you don¡¯t even need to see His Majesty, and normally you can¡¯t carry a gun when you do.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is that so. Anyway, it¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Ludm nodded, ¡°That¡¯s good. So, how is Olga?¡±

    Here ites!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I consoled her and let her cry it out, and then she felt much better. She was suppressing herself too much.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good then,¡± Ludm seemedpletely relieved.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help asking, ¡°You¡­ aren¡¯t jealous?¡±

    ¡°Huh? Why should I be? That¡¯s Olga, you¡¯d only hit a wall with her,¡± Ludm spread her hands, ¡°Or are you saying, you seeded this time?¡±

    I seeded¡ªalthough he wanted to say that, Wang Zhong did not want toplicate matters and told the truth, ¡°No, after she finished crying, she pushed me away and called in a maid to change my uniform. She said she was going to wash her face.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°I just knew it. To her, you¡¯re like a big brother.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I don¡¯t know who used to say I was like a little brother, who was it again? I can¡¯t seem to recall.¡±

    The girl gave him a punch, and then pushed him toward the door, ¡°Go to your meeting, I¡¯ll be waiting for you in the room assigned to us.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°A room assigned to us? I have a room in the pce?¡±

    Nelly answered in ce of Ludm: ¡°Because the Rokossovsky family¡¯s house in the capital wasn¡¯t ready, the butler Mikhail only arrived yesterday. Knowing this, General Tugenev asked the pce¡¯s protocol office to make arrangements.¡±

    General Tugenev¡ªording to Nelly¡¯s exnation, seemed to be an ally of the Rokossovsky family?

    I¡¯ll pay a visitter.

    Wang Zhong pushed the door open.

    The Grand Patriarch¡¯s voice rang out, ¡°The situation at the front is extremely grim, our soldiers have been massively annihted, the Prosen art of war is not to be underestimated. But all of you have survived! Some have even achieved incredible military feats! Such as General Kashuk!¡±

    Seeing Wang Zhong, Belinsky smoothly shifted the topic onto him, ¡°And such as Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky! The purpose of our meeting today is twofold: to share experiences and to let everyone know that the Prussians can be annihted! And inrge numbers, too!¡±

    Wang Zhong entered the room directly and saluted everyone.

    The door closed behind him.

    Belinsky yielded the floor, ¡°Come up here, General Rokossovsky. Share with everyone your experience in defensive operations.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, strode confidently to the podium, and saluted once again.

    At that moment, he noticed Olga, dressed as a maid, sneaking in among those who were preparing the meal.

    No, what on earth is the princess doing?

    Did I hit a wall after all?

    Forget it, deciding to pretend he hadn¡¯t noticed Princess Olga, Wang Zhong began: ¡°The enemy is indeed formidable, but we also have advantages. First is our tanks, which currently seem to have superior performance in some aspectspared to the enemy¡¯s.

    ¡°As long as we master the methods of warfare, we can annihte the enemy in great numbers.¡±

    Wang Zhong then detailed the methods for constructing tank shelters and allocating fire zones to ¡°blind¡± tanks.

    ¡°Through such methods, we can greatly mitigate the drawbacks of not having independent tankmanders and radios.¡±

    Just then, Chief of General Staff Tukhachev spoke up, ¡°Do you realize that eliminating one crew member allows us to have more tanks driven by the same number of tank operators?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Even if we double the number of tanks, it does not offset the disadvantage brought about by theck of battlefield situational awareness. The additional tanks would only be trophies for the enemy¡¯s ace tank operators!¡±

    Tukhachev turned to the tank operators and shouted, ¡°Can you tolerate such words?¡±

    Tank operators of all ranks coolly stared at the Chief of General Staff.

    If you¡¯ve been on the battlefield, you know how idiotic it is to have the gunner also perform the tankmander¡¯s duties.

    Tukhachev, stared down by these battle-hardened tank operators with murderous intent in their eyes, obviously faltered: ¡°This¡­ it wasn¡¯t me who wanted to eliminate the tankmander position. Go talk to the Armored Troops headquarters, or General Skorobo the defector, who also supports eliminating the tankmander!¡±

    Wow, alreadybeled a defector? That was a fast turnaround, Your Excellency the Chief of General Staff.

    Deciding to ignore this, Wang Zhong continued: ¡°Furthermore, in defensive operations, I have two main pieces of experience.

    ¡°First, one must thoroughly understand the terrain of the defense area, not just the terrain where the defensive positions are located, but also the terrain of the surrounding area for about 20 kilometers in front of the defense zone. One should think from the enemy¡¯s perspective where they would ce their supply center, where they would sleep at night.

    ¡°This way we could shell those locations, inflicting considerable casualties on the enemy, making their lives hell!

    ¡°Second, one must cultivate a good rtionship with the local church. Thebor camps mobilized by the church can greatly elerate our fortification speed, the Guardian Army can fill the defensive gaps, and block unimportant directions to prevent the enemy from slipping through.

    ¡°Additionally, the meat, eggs, and milk the church can provide, will significantly enhance our military¡¯sbat capabilities.

    ¡°Lastly, the masses can serve as our eyes, bringing us intelligence about the enemy.¡±

    As Wang Zhong spoke about the second point, the Grand Patriarch looked extremely pleased.

    Meanwhile, the high-ranking officers of noble birth were exchanging nces.

    However, the lower and middle-ranking officers with military achievements all showed approving expressions, seeming to fully agree with Wang Zhong¡¯s words.

    Next, Wang Zhong borately introduced how to conduct staggered defense, how to preset ambush positions to surprise the enemy, and how to protect one¡¯s own artillery positions by neutralizing enemy reconnaissance aircraft, among other experiences.

    When he finished, Belinsky spoke up, ¡°It sounds like, in addition to prayer warriors and Hymn Monks, our Sound Array Masters are also very important.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes. The Prussians use radar, and since we don¡¯t have radar, we can use Sound Array Masters as a temporary substitute.¡±

    ¡°Very good, very good. Previously we only used them for anti-aircraft early warning; we underestimated them,¡± said Belinsky.

    Wang Zhong thought a moment and realized that he had shared about all he could. Checking the time, he saw he had been speaking for nearly two hours, so he decided to yield the floor to others and listen to their experiences as well.

    ¡°That¡¯s about all for my sharing. Next¡­¡±

    Just then, Belinsky asked, ¡°How do you assess the future situation? Especially¡­ given the rather mediocre performance of our High Command.

    All the senior officers of the High Command had darkened faces.

    Wang Zhong looked at them and then at Princess Olga who was hiding among the maids. He said, ¡°I believe that no matter how the High Command performs, ultimate victory will surely be ours.¡±

 Chapter 216: Prosen Shall Be Destroyed

    ¡°Without a doubt,¡± Wang Zhong paused, ¡°Prosen is extremely powerful. To deny this fact would be to disrespect thoserades who have sacrificed themselves on the battlefield.¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed at the map on the wall: ¡°It¡¯s precisely because they are strong that they now upy all of Europa except for Ante. But¡­¡±

    At this point, Wang Zhong suddenly felt thirsty and picked up a cup to drink some water, which caused someone below to protest: ¡°Keep talking! You should be telling us about our advantages next, right? Let¡¯s hear it!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t rush. However, we have a huge difference from the other countries conquered by Prosen. Look at the map. Prosen has been advancing mightily for a month and a half, but they have actually only upied a small part of our territory.

    ¡°Moreover,pared with other European countries, our infrastructure is worse; our roads barely have any asphalt, most of them are dirt roads, and our railway system not only has a much lower density of tracks than industrialized countries, but the supporting facilities like lotive factories are also far less than other countries.

    ¡°This sounds like self-deprecation, but it¡¯s actually the truth. After entering our country, Prosen¡¯s army of millions must be facing a terrible supply situation. When I escaped from Ronied, Imanded troops to attack an enemy supply depot.

    ¡°There, we captured arge number of depot documents, which showed that Prosen¡¯s logistical transport was severely congested.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s words were partially true and partially false; indeed, the documents indicated congestion, but they could not prove that the problem was widespread.

    However, as a transmigrator, he had information from another time and space.The Earth¡¯s Sturmtigers were initially hampered by the Soviet Union¡¯s poor infrastructure at the beginning of Operation Barbarossa, andter, under the walls of Moscow, they were hampered again¡ªof course, this was mainly due to General Mud and General Winter.

    Wang Zhong took up a pointer and indicated on the map: ¡°We have observed the enemy stopping twice for repairs, once two weeks into the attack, and the second time before the second armored group moved south. The second repair periodsted a week.

    ¡°As the enemy continues to prate deeper, their supply lines will be even more extended, and their consumption more difficult to replenish.

    ¡°And as we move into October, the entire Ante will enter the rasputitsa (muddy season). All the roads will be swallowed by mud, Prosen¡¯s trucks will struggle to move, and all the supply burden will fall on the railways. However, as just mentioned, our railwaywork¡¯s condition will ensure that the railways alone will definitely not suffice for the enemy.

    ¡°The enemy will be forced to crawl through the mud. At that time, all of their offensives will be extremely difficult.¡±

    No sooner had Wang Zhong finished than a lieutenant general asked, ¡°The rasputitsasts only a month; after that, the ground will freeze, bing harder and more passable than it is now. What then?¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled: ¡°You are correct, Lieutenant General. However, I remind you, we haven¡¯t seen any winter gear issued to Prosen¡¯s troops on any front right now.

    ¡°Prosen has been conducting ¡®lightning wars¡¯ one after another, whether it was the Low Countries or the Carolingian regions, they surrendered quickly. They will form a path dependence, thinking that defeating us will take at most half a year.

    ¡°They have not prepared winter gear.

    ¡°Of course, with Prosen¡¯s powerful industrial capacity, preparing winter gear for millions of troops could be done quickly. But¡­ winter gear, cold protection equipment, heating fuel, etc., will consume transport capacity on top of the troops¡¯ regr supplies.¡±

    Wang Zhong swept his gaze across the entire room.

    ¡°They won¡¯t be able to bring it up in time; after all, before General Winteres, General Mud runs rampant. The enemy logistics will be in a state of semi-paralysis. This will ensure that the majority of Prosen¡¯s troops won¡¯t receive winter gear and heating equipment, nor fuel.

    ¡°I boldly predict that this winter, we willunch arge-scale counteroffensive. No matter how much progress they make after September, we will restore the frontline to the state it was in before they started in September.¡±

    Chief of General Staff Tukhachev frowned: ¡°A counteroffensive that only restores the situation to pre-September status? What kind of counteroffensive is that?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Prosen is extremely powerful! To think of defeating it quickly is impossible; a quick victory is not advisable! We must be prepared for a long and arduous war of three to four years with them! ?

    ¡°I must remind you, Chief of General Staff, as we advance, Prosen¡¯s supply line will keep shortening, and their logistical situation will improve rapidly. Currently, we have no way to defeat a well-supplied Prosen army!¡±

    Tukhachev angrily retorted: ¡°You¡¯re actually buoying the enemy¡¯s morale and undermining our own prestige!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°War is not a contest of spirit; war requires practical measures!¡±

    Just then, Grand Patriarch Belinsky spoke up: ¡°Major General Rocossovsky, so you think that the capital can be held?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Wang Zhong stated firmly, ¡°The enemy has turned south, and even though the situation for the Southwestern Front Army is very bad, they still have over six hundred thousand men, and the death of the Crown Prince has boosted their morale. I believe that if the enemyunches another attack on the capital, it will be around mid-September.

    ¡°The rasputitsa ising, and as long as we hold them off for one to two weeks, the mud will force them to stop.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°And then winter wille?¡±

    ¡°Right, the enemy will be at the end of their tether, and the time for counterattack will arrive. Before that, we should umte as much force as possible.¡±

    Belinsky nodded repeatedly: ¡°Good, this is good. This is the best news of today, General Rocossovsky. The best news!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That is my assessment of the war prospects. I have finished speaking.¡±

    He stepped back and saluted everyone.

    Thunderous apuse erupted.

    Many people stood up and apuded for Wang Zhong.

    Clearly, the judgement Wang Zhong just made was supported by the capable young officers.

    The Major General who had just asked what to do when ¡°General Winter¡± made the roads passable was pping especially hard, prompting Wang Zhong to give him several extra nces.

    At this point, Belinsky returned to the stage, seemingly assuming the role of host: ¡°Next up, let¡¯s have Major General Kashuk share his thoughts!¡±

    Then, the Major General who had posed the question waved his hand: ¡°No, no, my experience is simr to that of General Rocossov. My suggestion is that General Rocossov could step back from the front line andpile these experiences into a pamphlet, which would be far more useful than his directmand of the troops.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, no, my ¡°cheat code¡± is awesome on the front line;piling pamphlets can wait until ¡°General Winter¡± has pushed the enemy back.

    So, he answered, ¡°The front line is under such strain right now thatpiling pamphlets is something we can put off forter. If my prediction is correct, there will be a calm period beginning next February,sting until the ground dries up again in June. By then, we¡¯ll have plenty of time to produce all sorts of pamphlets and introduce the entire army to our experience.¡±

    Someone among the senior officers muttered, ¡°He really thinks he¡¯s the modern-day Bonaparte.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, and all the young officers turned to look in that direction.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong noticed that General Tugenev, who shared a name with the literary master, shook his head with a look of frustration.

    Sure enough, an acquaintance of my father¡¯s, I should pay him a visitter.

    Then Belinsky called on another young officer: ¡°Andrei Pupel, you speak about the experience with anti-aircraft field defense. Teach everyone how to deal with Stukas¡ªwithout the Divine Arrow. Thanks to Rocossov, everyone¡¯s started using Divine Arrow to take out the enemy pilots.¡±

    Andrei Pupel stood up: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll talk!¡±

    ¡­

    The conference continued until 0300 on August 11.

    When it finally adjourned, Wang Zhong took the opportunity to catch up with General Tugenev: ¡°General, hi. My maid mentioned you asked to prepare a room for me at the Summer Pce.¡±

    Tugenev looked up at Wang Zhong, who was a head taller: ¡°Hmm, up close you indeed look like a tough soldier. Connie will be pleased.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°From the address, it seems you¡¯re well acquainted with my father?¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± General Tugenevughed, ¡°Your father and I had debated whether to get involved in the civil war. That was over a decade ago.¡±

    Just then, Olga, disguised as a maid, appeared: ¡°It was General Tugenev who suggested I go to the church to contact you through the choir. When you asked for Air Force support, I turned to the General for help, and he managed to get the Air Force to support you.

    ¡°Did those air forcese in handy?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°They were a huge help, especially the MiG-3 Fighter Regiment you sent. If they hadn¡¯t shot down the enemy¡¯s Dornier 217 carrying remote-controlled bombs, we probably couldn¡¯t havested until the night breakout.¡±

    Olga smiled: ¡°d to hear they were helpful; that¡¯s great.¡±

    At this moment, Wang Zhong suddenly picked up on a detail in Olga¡¯s words and asked, ¡°General, you canmand the Air Force?¡±

    General Tugenev: ¡°No, I merely suggested possible targets for them to strike. What is it?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°From a colonel escorting me, I learned that keeping Yak-1 nes, which excel in low-altitude dogfights with the enemy, in the capital is a waste.

    ¡°Because the enemy¡¯s aircraft attacking the capital enter from high altitude.

    ¡°But if you deploy Yak-1s to the front line, once the enemy Stukas have dropped their bombs, they will be at low altitude, which is the perfect height for Yak-1s. The Yak-1s could shoot down all the Stukas, eliminating a significant threat.¡±

    The General stroked his chin beard: ¡°Your suggestion sounds good. But why are you so familiar with the Air Force situation?¡±

    Because I¡¯ve yed War Thunder a lot!

    But of course, he couldn¡¯t say that, so Wang Zhong answered, ¡°I learned it from chatting with the Air Force pilots.¡±

    General Tugenev nodded: ¡°Next time you talk to someone in the Air Force, tell them if they haveints to go directly to theirmander. Don¡¯t beat around the bush.¡±

    Good grief, Tugenev seemed to think Wang Zhong knew all this because the Air Force had deliberately leaked it.

    However, since he had already brought it up, Wang Zhong still requested, ¡°At least get a Yak-1 Regiment for Shostka, where I¡¯m stationed. Those nes are of no use in the capital!¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°I¡¯ll try. I¡¯m a bit tired, so I¡¯m going to rest. You should rest too. And Princess, now that you¡¯re the Crown Princess, you can¡¯t be wandering around in maid¡¯s attire anymore.¡±

    Olga clicked her tongue: ¡°Oh.¡±

 Chapter 217: The Sun Also Rises

    On the morning of August 11th, Wang Zhong opened his eyes, stared nkly at the canopy above him for a few seconds, before he remembered that he had taken up a guest room in the Tsar¡¯s Summer Pce to sleep in the day before.

    He reached to his side and, sure enough, Liu Xia had already been up for a while; the sheets were cool.

    Ah, having a fianc¨¦e who¡¯s too disciplined is not good either; wanting to cuddle for a bit in the morning is not even possible.

    Just then, still drowsy, Wang Zhong saw a maid approach the bed, probably Nelly, so he sat up and grabbed her to pull her closer.

    Nelly is sure to tolerate my babyish behavior with the heart of a mother!

    Wang Zhong buried his face in Nelly¡¯s chest and then realized something was off.

    Nelly usually wouldn¡¯t wear extra perfume, only smelling faintly ofvender.

    But the scent wafting into Wang Zhong¡¯s nose right now was quite expensive.

    And this softness that rivaled Ludm¡¯s, could it be that Nelly is a subus, capable of shifting her allure, and she throws dice every morning to change?Wang Zhong regarded her with suspicion and pulled back.

    The next moment he tumbled out of bed and snapped to attention with a thud, ¡°Your Majesty¡­ no, I mean, Your Highness!¡±

    Princess Olga: ¡°So this is how you treat your little maids every morning huh!¡±

    ¡°No, not usually. It¡¯s just the pce¡¯s luxury that made me rx, and my head isn¡¯t quite right,¡± Wang Zhong replied seriously, while picking up his pants to hold in front of him.

    He felt he couldn¡¯t give the initiative to the princess, so before she could respond, he said, ¡°Your Highness, in these extraordinary times, you shouldn¡¯t be entering guest rooms dressed as a maid at will. Another scandal in the Royal Family right now would make things even worse.¡±

    Princess Olga: ¡°I didn¡¯t know you would do such a thing to a maid in the morning.¡±

    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t do such a thing to a maid. It is¡­ it¡¯s the environment that¡¯s making me strange, thisvish environment,¡± Wang Zhong asserted firmly.

    Just as Princess Olga opened her mouth to speak, the door opened and Ludm entered: ¡°Alyosha, are you up¡­ Ah, I see you are. I had Nelly bring over the breakfast cart; let¡¯s eat here.¡±

    Nelly pushed in a cart following Ludm.

    Princess Olga, with her back to the two who had just entered, seemed somewhat flustered.

    Ludm nced at the back of the princess: ¡°Is this a pce maid? I did mention that no one shoulde in before we leave, didn¡¯t I? I need toin to the head maid!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, this is Ol¡­¡±

    Olga immediately turned around, bowing to Ludm: ¡°I am very sorry; the story about the general drawing his gun yesterday has already spread among the servants, saying the general shot a spy that infiltrated the pce and saved the Crown Princess.

    ¡°Everyone admires the general, including me, so I sneaked in here! My deepest apologies!¡±

    Wang Zhong hesitated, not understanding what trickery the princess was up to and could only scratch his head in confusion.

    Ludm sighed: ¡°I can understand, but don¡¯t do it again. You may leave now.¡±

    Olga raised her head, moving towards the servants¡¯ door while expressing her thanks.

    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± Ludm stopped her, then inhaled sharply, ¡°The Crown Princess?¡±

    ¡°No, I am¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°She¡¯s her body double! To prevent assassination attempts!¡±

    Ludm: ¡°What are you talking about?! I¡¯ve never heard of such a thing. Your Highness, what are you doing? With the current situation, you¡¯re already the Crown Princess!¡± ?

    Olga: ¡°Alright, I know I was wrong. It¡¯s just¡­ I don¡¯t know what came over me;st night I dreamed that the Prussians captured me, and then they were going to marry me off to their fat pig-like Marshal of the Air Force, a Mayer!

    ¡°And then at the wedding, Alyosha¡­ Duke Rocossov came to save me driving a train.¡±

    Wang Zhong eximed, ¡°Driving a train?¡±

    Where¡¯s my tank then?

    Olga: ¡°Liu Da, when I saw Rocossov, I felt relieved. You must understand!¡±

    Ludm: ¡°I understand. So shall we let him apany you to sleep by your bed every night?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ?

    Olga smiled, ¡°That would be nice; when I was little, brother would read me storybooks until I fell asleep.¡±

    Looking back and forth between them, Wang Zhong decided it was best to put his pants on first and tidy himself up before anything else.

    Nelly quietly arranged the food on the table.

    Ludm: ¡°How old were you when that happened?¡±

    ¡°Around ten years old,¡± replied Olga, ¡°Brother doesn¡¯t do that anymore, but whenever he stays overnight in the pce, hees to kiss my forehead and wish me goodnight.¡±

    Ludm was a beat slow to respond; she probably didn¡¯t know how to react either, seeing as the Crown Prince had died on the battlefield, and her sister¡¯s small request didn¡¯t seem too much to ask.

    By then, Wang Zhong had his pants on and was picking up his shirt when he saw his fianc¨¦e was at a loss, so he took the initiative to say, ¡°Your Highness the Crown Princess, with His Majesty the Tsar in such a state, you must be strong and can no longer act so spoiled.¡±

    Ludm nced at Wang Zhong with a look of gratitude.

    Olga: ¡°Your Excellency the General, as the war hero who will deliver a speech at the public memorial, you too must be strong and can no longer act spoiled with maids either.¡±

    Nelly, who was arranging the utensils, looked up at Wang Zhong with a puzzled look upon hearing that.

    Ludm narrowed her eyes scornfully at Wang Zhong, her expression clearly saying, wait and exin this to meter.

    But it seemed that Olga had her fun, curtsying with courtly etiquette: ¡°Then, I wish you both a pleasant meal and a good mood today.¡±

    Then she slipped away.

    Ludm turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°What¡¯s with the coquetry towards the maid?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ah, I just had her help me wash my face. It¡¯s not what you think.¡±

    ¡°Then how about you demonstrate it.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright,e over and I¡¯ll show you.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Ludm, with her hands on her hips, ¡°Nelly is here, isn¡¯t she? Demonstrate how you coquettishly ask a maid for help.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Nelly and thinking it better to get it over with quickly, he hugged Nelly around the waist and buried his face in her chest, ¡°Just like this. Nelly, pat my head.¡±

    Nelly looked at Wang Zhong with a disgusted face and reluctantly patted his head.

    Wang Zhong quickly stepped away from the steel te, ¡°I¡¯ve demonstrated. Are you satisfied now?¡±

    Ludm, ¡°You actually do this sort of thing to Nelly?¡±

    Nelly, ¡°No, today is the first time. Someone pretended not to notice anything was wrong upon seeing the princess and took the opportunity to take advantage. He¡¯s a habitual offender.¡±

    Ludm, ¡°That¡¯s true, he is indeed a habitual offender. He just took advantage of you just now.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore, let¡¯s eat, oh, are there any activities nned for today?¡±

    Ludm, ¡°The Military Orders Department announced that we could have a free day today. And around five in the morning, Grandpa Mikhail called to say that the manor is ready for us to move into.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Got it. Free activities today, huh? Then, of course, I¡¯m off to scrounge equipment from the logistics department. Where is the capital¡¯s Ordnance Department?¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s main aiming to the capital was to secure equipment and troops; the rest was just incidental.

    He put on his jacket, sat down at the table, and started stirring the oatmeal with a spoon, while talking, ¡°We need to check and see if there are any noble son¡¯s observation cars like number 422, get one or two more, and form a tank toon with crew chiefs and radios in every tank.

    ¡°Then, there are the heavy artillery and Katyusha Rocket Launchers; we need to get some of those too. And some of those temporary, emergency SU76 self-propelled guns as well.¡±

    Ludm narrowed her eyes, ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t think that talking about this stuff is going to let you off the hook for this morning¡¯s incident, do you?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can¡¯t it? Besides, I didn¡¯t do anything heinous. It was the princess who ambushed me, and I just wanted a hug. I was actually nning to ask you for it! You ran away, and left the bed cold!¡±

    At this, Wang Zhong felt aggrieved. Right, it¡¯s all Liu Xia¡¯s fault. If she¡¯d given me a warm hug this morning, given me a good morning kiss, would this have happened?

    Certainly not!

    Ludm sighed and sat down at the table, pulling the oatmeal closer to herself.

    Nelly quickly poured hot milk into her cup.

    Ludm ate while speaking, ¡°Then Nelly and I will go to the manor first, and Sergeant Major Grigori will apany you to the Ordnance Department.¡±

    ¡°Alright!¡± Wang Zhong gave a thumbs up.

    Grigori looked at Wang Zhong with a smile that was not quite a smile, saluted, and said, ¡°General, good morning.¡±

    Wang Zhong casually returned a sloppy salute and asked, ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all around. They say you¡¯re going to be a prince.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly recalled seeing the real handiwork of an old friend in the game room yesterday.

    The Tsar¡¯s family might have ended as tragically as they did on Earth, but now¡­ perhaps they could live out their days in a secluded vi?

    And then be called back to serve as a court etiquette advisor when ¡°War and Peace¡± is being filmed?

    Anyway, judging by how eagerly the pce servants discussed the prospective prince, at least they don¡¯t seem too opposed to having a Tsar now.

    Grigori, ¡°So, might I be an Imperial Guard then?¡±

    ¡°What do you mean? Are you unhappy being my security guard?¡± Wang Zhong retorted.

    ¡°No way. Because of your great poprity, I¡¯ve be a hot ticket too. Last night was a st.¡±

    If it weren¡¯t for Wang Zhong¡¯s eagerness to pick equipment, he would have liked Grigori to go into detail about just how fun it was.

    Wang Zhong climbed into the jeep, pped the driver¡¯s seat backrest, and urged, ¡°Come on, drive.¡±

    Grigori got into the vehicle and started it smoothly.

    The pce guards seemed to all recognize Wang Zhong, giving him salutes without even checking his ID.

    Exiting the pce gates, Wang Zhong saw all the officers on the street and asked, ¡°Why are there so many officers?¡±

    ¡°This main street in front of the pce gates is now all officer¡¯s quarters, housing not just the officers from the High Command but also residences for senior officers who¡¯ve been called back temporarily. This street is now known as Officer¡¯s Boulevard.¡±

    Wang Zhong muttered ¡°Oh¡± in response and suddenly, he spotted an acquaintance.

    ¡°Stop up ahead! Right by the curb in front of that cavalry officer in the lieutenant colonel¡¯s uniform!¡±

    Ante¡¯s cavalry trousers had a very wide seam which was also brightly colored, so it was noticeable from a distance.

    Grigori skillfully stopped right in front of the officer.

    Wang Zhong stood up, ¡°Colonel Kiriyenko!¡±

    The cavalry officer, initially startled by the sudden appearance of the jeep, looked up at Wang Zhong¡¯s call, ¡°Lieutenant Colonel Rocossov! You¡¯re alive too¡ªoh no, I mean, the newspapers already told us that.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°But there¡¯s been no news of you in the papers! That¡¯s great, you also survived!¡±

    He got out of the vehicle and hugged the colonel, who he had met briefly before, with a warmth like that of an old buddy of 30 years.

 Chapter 218: Old Friends, New Friends (Additional update for 29,000 monthly votes)

    After the embrace, Wang Zhong said, ¡°When we partedst time, saying ¡®see you in Plowsonia,¡¯ I thought it wouldn¡¯te true.¡±

    ¡°How could it not!¡±ughed Major General Kiriyenko, ¡°Firstly, I was not surrounded, and secondly, I¡¯m a cavalryman! If I were determined to leave my troops behind, I could break out even if the enemyid a trap in heaven and earth.¡±

    Wang Zhong, hearing him mention his own troops, asked, ¡°What about the Seventh Cavalry Army?¡±

    It was Kiriyenko¡¯s Seventh Cavalry Army that, when Wang Zhong had lost much of Loktov, had engulfed the enemy, now at the end of their rope, like a tide, and rescued the beleaguered fight group of Rocossov.

    This unit was the savior of Wang Zhong¡¯s life.

    Kiriyenko sighed, ¡°The losses were heavy; they all retreated to the east side of St. Ye Katerina Fortress for reorganization. My boys are all cavalrymen; they are really not suited to meat grinding with Prussians within the city.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s too bad.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry too much. I missed the sharing session yesterday, butst night I was drinking in the corridor and bumped into Major General Kashuk, who lives across from me. We talked about your method, using the mud and winter to drag down the enemy¡ªit¡¯s a good idea. However, some people also said that your real intention is to level St. Ye Katerina Fortress.¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly: ¡°Who said that? How could that be? Look around at the reinforced concrete structures; look at the factory buildings in the distant industrial area¡ªhow much explosive would it take to level that? No, no, we won¡¯t leave St. Ye Katerina Fortress.¡±¡°The enemy won¡¯t be able to take it either. If the enemy enters the city, then we rely on the city¡¯s reinforced concrete buildings to grind with them¡ªit¡¯s not a small town like Loktov. It¡¯s going to cost the Prussians their lives!¡±

    At that moment, a group of officers gathered around, noting close, just listening from a distance as if waiting for amuter bus.

    Then, Major General Kashuk, whom Wang Zhong had met the night before, came over eating a pastry: ¡°Major General Rocossov, I heard that you¡¯ll be assigned under mymand.¡±

    Wang Zhong was very pleased to hear this: ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? You spoke very well yesterday, much better than beingmanded by that fool¡ªthat traitor¡ªSkorobo.¡±

    General Skorobo had already beenbeled a traitor. It was said that his wife was found to have a quarter Prussian bloodline; her grandmother was a noble from Bavaria and had correspondence with the family.

    One could only say that the Tribunal was swift.

    Kashuk frowned: ¡°Aren¡¯t you angry? I was originally a peasant.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? The wheat we eat is nted by peasants; the beef we eat is raised by peasants. If you hate peasants, then don¡¯t eat!¡±

    Kashuk looked at Wang Zhong as if seeing him for the first time, sizing him up carefully: ¡°You¡­ you¡¯re not like the rumors say. They say you¡¯re a libertine and a womanizer.¡±

    When ites down to being a womanizer, who do I know in the city?

    Just then, Kiriyenko said, ¡°I guess High Command is trying to create conflict between you two.¡±

    ¡°Most of them are nobles from the old army who picked the right side. Their personal grievances matter more to them than winning battles.¡±

    ¡°If you were to be surrounded, letting the old officers lead troops to rescue you¡ªgiven their current hatred for you¡ªthe rescue troops might only advance one kilometer a day.¡±

    Wang Zhong cursed, ¡°How can we win battles with these vermin!¡±

    The surrounding officers didn¡¯t express agreement explicitly, but from their expressions, it was clear they shared Wang Zhong¡¯s sentiment.

    Kashuk: ¡°It would be good if Gorky Konstantinovich coulde back. His father was a cobbler; he wouldn¡¯t see eye to eye with those noble lords. It¡¯s a pity he¡¯s been exiled.¡±

    Wang Zhong had long wanted to say that Chekhov, Tugenev, Gorky¡ªgood heavens, the whole Russian literary scene had time-traveled! But then Wang Zhong thought it over and felt that so many familiar names weren¡¯t that strange after all, seeing as the Ante People named themselves after a list; if your name was on it, how could you tell someone else not to use it?

    Kiriyenko said, ¡°I think we should band together, make it so those foolish old masters¡¯ orders can¡¯t be carried out, and we make adjustments on our own. Look, the three of us, two major generals, can bothmand an army group, and although you¡¯re a brigadier general, with so many military achievements, bing a major general is just a matter of time.

    ¡°All three of us together, that¡¯s three army groups. If all were stationed in one ce, we could coordinate.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Isn¡¯t your Seventh Army in tatters?¡±

    ¡°Yes, that¡¯s why it was handed over to my deputy¡ªhe¡¯s been promoted to lead the army. Now that I¡¯m back, I might take over an army group, and Kashuk probably will as well.¡±

    Kashuk finished the pastry and took out a rolled cigarette: ¡°Damn, they won¡¯t let my staff move with me. I don¡¯t know what kind of chief of staff they¡¯ll assign me¡ªif it¡¯s an old noble, that¡¯ll be disgusting.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°As long as the staff can organize the troops well, their impact isn¡¯t all that big. If they can¡¯t organize well, then change them. And among the old nobility, there are also decent ones; my chief of staff is an old noble, and aside from being somewhat perfectionist, everything else is fine.¡±

    Both menughed as they looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±

    Kashuk: ¡°You¡¯re also an old noble, brigadier general. There arepetent people among the old nobility; you can¡¯t lump them all together.¡±

    Just then, someone rode up on a horse, leading two more horses.

    Kiriyenko: ¡°Well, my mount is here; time to get things done.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Getting things done?¡±

    ¡°My wife and kids areing by train today, so I¡¯m going to the station to wait,¡± said Kiriyenko as he mounted his horse and waved to Wang Zhong, ¡°See you in Plowsonia!¡±

    Wang Zhongughed and shouted back, ¡°See you in Plowsonia!¡±

    As Kiriyenko disappeared into the distance, Kashuk asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit early to talk about Plowsonia?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, it¡¯s not early. It¡¯lle true one day.¡±

    ¡°I have no doubt about that.¡± Just then another jeep drove up and Kashuk flicked his cigarette to the ground and crushed it, ¡°Here¡¯s my ride.¡±

    He paused, then extended his hand and said, ¡°Ploseniya greetings!¡±

    ¡°Ploseniya greetings,¡± Wang Zhong firmly grasped his hand.

    After the handshake, Major General Kashuk jumped into the jeep and drove east along the main street.

    Wang Zhong got into the car that had been waiting for a long time for Grigori, and headed straight for the Ordnance Department.

    After their departure, the gathered officers also said their goodbyes.

    ¡°Ploseniya greetings!¡±

    ¡°You too, Ploseniya greetings!¡±

    A tradition that had persisted throughout the entire war quietly began.

    The Ordnance Department building looked blockish, and out of cepared to the other buildings in the capital brimming with ssical charm.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong gotten out of the car than he heard several engineers emerging from inside, engaged in a heated discussion: ¡°Now, they¡¯re moving the factories eastward, while demanding that we maintain production, utterly preposterous!¡±

    ¡°Exactly, exactly, the factories in Kazarlia have all moved out, some have just relocated, and some are still searching for sites, how are we supposed to produce anything. Thankfully, the factories along the Valdai Hills River are still operational, otherwise, I really don¡¯t know where we¡¯d conjure up so many T34s¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong became energized upon hearing T34, and immediately stopped the group: ¡°Hello gentlemen, may I ask who you are?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re from the Land Equipment Production Management Committee, do you need something, General?¡± asked the engineer who had just eximed ¡°utterly preposterous.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m interested in knowing where I might go if I wish to acquire a T34 tank with an observation tower.¡±

    The engineers looked at each other, then the ¡®utterly preposterous¡¯ one replied, ¡°That would be a special model, you could possibly find one at some of the clubs in the capital. I mean those posh guys¡¯ card-ying clubs, not the professional technical clubs run by churches.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ok, then where should I go if I want a regr T34 and a regr KV1?¡±

    The engineers all pointed to the Ordnance Department building behind them.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Ordnance Department handles that?¡±

    ¡°Of course, they manage the distribution of all equipment. Additionally, the logistics and supply headquarters of the Reserve Army are located here as well. If you¡¯re a general from the Reserve Army, it would bepletely proper to inquire here, although you may need to fill out forms and get stamps first.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed; he had indeede to the right ce!

    And he even knew where to find a T34 with an observation tower!

    He waved goodbye to the engineers: ¡°Farewell, Ploseniya greetings!¡±

    ¡°Goodbye. Ploseniya¡­ huh?¡± The engineers were taken aback.

    Wang Zhong, along with Grigori, was already heading towards the entrance of the Ordnance Department.

    Upon entering the hall, Wang Zhong immediately saw the sign for the Reserve Army¡¯s logistics headquarters.

    So, he strode confidently inside.

    The logistics headquarters of the Front Army were vast, filled with the sound of stamps being pressed, and someone shouted into the phone, ¡°What did you say? Canned cucumbers? What¡¯s the problem with canned cucumbers? You wanted shells?¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, What the hell, that dialogue sounded way too familiar.

    Just then, he heard another civilian officer shouting, ¡°Your form says sausages! What do you mean sausages are just a codename? Customary practice? Ah? I don¡¯t care, if the form says sausages, I¡¯ll deliver sausages. Next time, make sure to write the real name of the item!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s face fell, What kind of battlefield item is customarily codenamed ¡®sausage¡¯?

    Howe I¡¯ve never heard of this before?

    He made his way through the headquarters offices and barged straight into the logisticsmander¡¯s office without knocking.

    And then he realized the guy on the phone looked somewhat familiar.

    ¡°General Chekhov?¡±

    The general looked up, taken aback by Wang Zhong¡¯s appearance, then said into the phone, ¡°I have a real situation here! Yes, a real situation, I¡¯m not using that as an excuse, General. So goodbye.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, the general swore at the phone, ¡°Suka!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Nothing much, someone wanted to use trucks to evacuate their estate. If you ask me, estates that aren¡¯t along the railway lines shouldn¡¯t be evacuated.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°My estate didn¡¯t take up much of the railway capacity, it was mainly for moving people to the rear.¡±

    General Chekhov shrugged his shoulders, then extended his hand to Wang Zhong, ¡°Long time no see, Rocossov¡­ Your Grace.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Still Count, the investiture of Duke Charon hasn¡¯t been issued yet.¡±

    Chekhov nodded, ¡°Are you here to see your brother? Ah, I knew that couldn¡¯t be it. So, what do you want?¡±

 Chapter 219: The Major Will Teach You How to Resupply (Extra Chapter for 30,000 Monthly Votes)

    Wang Zhong: ¡°My brother still has to go see it¡­ He arrived at St. Ye Katerina Fortress so early, howe he didn¡¯t stay at his own house?¡±

    ¡°Who knows. I¡¯m not your housekeeper. Let¡¯s talk about the proper business.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at Chekhov for a few seconds: ¡°We don¡¯t need to fill out a form this time?¡±

    ¡°If you want to fill it out, that¡¯s fine,¡± said General Chekhov.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I don¡¯t want to fill it out. But didn¡¯t you sayst time that filling out forms was already a special procedure for special cases?¡±

    ¡°You misunderstood, forms still need to be there, but our side can take care of it. Anyway, with so many forms thrown there, no one is really going to scrutinize them. The key is what gets summarized on the dispatch sheet.

    ¡°This practice is a vition of the rules, but the situation is so urgent, even the Crown Prince has sacrificed his life for the country, of course, we can omit some red tape.¡±

    General Chekhov spread his hands.

    Well, this guyst time simply didn¡¯t want to be the one to take the me, so he went through all the procedures.A special procedure for special cases was within the framework of regr procedures.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, then I want T34s.¡±

    ¡°We don¡¯t have any ready-made T34s now. List your needs, and we will allocate T34s from future factory output to you.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then I¡¯ll take a hundred!¡±

    ¡°Do you have that many tank operators? No, no, that¡¯s not appropriate. And if you ask for so many at once, other people will have objections. Our logistics headquarters mainly act as a water-carrying department, you understand?¡± General Chekhov leaned forward, staring at Wang Zhong. ¡°Don¡¯t take so many all at once. The right way to go about it is to have arge total number, but each item is small, spread out across countless requests.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then how many do you suggest I take?¡±

    ¡°How many tank operators do you have? You must have suffered heavy losses in Orachi, right?¡±

    That was indeed true.

    Even adding up the surviving tank operators from the Fifth Tank Army, Wang Zhong could not make up thirty crews.

    But he nned to ask for thirty tanks, plus the ones left from thest battle, he would have thirty-six¡ªalthough, the ones leftover from thest battle all went back to the factory for repairs, and it would probably take at least half a month before they were returned. R?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ll take thirty tanks, don¡¯t worry about the crews.¡±

    General Chekhov rapidly noted it down on the notebook he had spread open: ¡°One battalion, that¡¯s eptable. Not too excessive.¡±

    ¡°Then there¡¯s the ZIS3¡­¡±

    ¡°We really don¡¯t have many of those. The main production factories are retreating, and the production has basically dropped to zero. But we have ample capacity for the 45mm guns. How many do you want?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s start with one battalion, then I also need heavy mortars. I hope to enhance the infantry battalions with heavy mortars.¡±

    ¡°You have two regiments?¡± asked Chekhov.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, two infantry regiments.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s six heavy mortarpanies, not too many. Actually, the front line¡¯s demand for heavy mortars is not high right now, everyone is crying for ¡®anti-tank, anti-tank¡¯.¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed his finger toward the sky: ¡°This is also driven by war. The enemy likes to use reconnaissance nes to observe our artillery positions, then bombard them. If we don¡¯t have enough MiG-3s to take down their high-altitude reconnaissance nes, then heavy mortars are necessary to cover positions upied by the enemy.¡±

    ¡°The Air Force is now focusing on protecting St. Ekaterina Fortress, and most of the MiG-3s are deployed near St. Ekaterina Fortress. Some fighter squadrons have been sent to the front lines, but not many,¡± Chekhov said. ¡°Anything else?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Heavy artillery; my artillery battalion lost all its heavy guns, and my anti-aircraft battalion is gone as well. At the very least, provide me with 24 pieces of 152mm howitzers.¡±

    General Chekhov raised his eyebrows: ¡°Don¡¯t want the B4 anymore? Not a good experience using it?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s too cumbersome, and loading it takes too long, indeed not as convenient as the 152 howitzer. Rather than replenishing me with B4s, it¡¯d be better to give me an extra 12 pieces of 152mm howitzers.

    ¡°The enemy¡¯s division-level artillery firepower is very strong, and at the army level, it¡¯s incredibly powerful. Without the support of army group-level, even strategic-level artillery clusters, we must have sufficiently strong firepower.¡±

    What Wang Zhong said was actually a bit of an anachronism, as the officers of Ante couldn¡¯t possibly be aware of the Prosen Army¡¯s artillery configuration, at most knowing it as ¡°a lot.¡±

    But Wang Zhong had read a lot of military history, and he knew that the Sturmtiger¡¯s artillery was mainly dispersed among division-level units, he even knew the specific artillery configuration of the Sturmtigers.

    General Chekhov made a note in the notebook, and then looked up: ¡°Anything else?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I want the BM13 rocketuncher.¡±

    General Chekhov frowned: ¡°How do you know about the existence of such a weapon?¡±

    At this time, the existence of the rocketuncher was still a secret, and even long after the weapon had been deployed to the front lines, the troops did not know that the thing was called BM13; that¡¯s why it got the nickname Katyusha.

    Wang Zhong smiled: ¡°The Crown Prince and I are good buddies.¡±

    Major General Chekhov was astounded, ¡°Indeed. You¡­ you really will be a prince?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Wang Zhong said confidently, ¡°Anyway, can you get them?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t,¡± all rocketunchers are being used intensively, they won¡¯t be allocated to you, so give up on that idea.¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed, resigned to the fact. He began to ponder what other powerful weapons he might be able to secure at the time.

    At that moment, Major General Chekhov said, ¡°Based on frontline experience, we have produced a type of incendiary bomb that is simple in construction and more effective and safer than the ones you make with bottles. It also has a white phosphorus self-igniting feature; it ignites as soon as you open the lid.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Really. The troops reported Molotov cocktails were very useful, but they had to be lit before throwing, which asionally resulted in the fuel spilling and igniting the person throwing it¡­ so our design bureau¡¯s engineers made some targeted improvements.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s excellent, I want enough of them.¡±

    Chekhov continued, ¡°We also sped up mass production of the DShK heavy machine gun, which performs much better than the older models.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I need them, we lost all our heavy machine guns when we broke out of Orachi, and now the troops only have DP light machine guns. Our light weapons deficit isn¡¯t that bad, but if there are Tokarev semi-automatics avable, that would be even better.¡±

    Major General Chekhov nodded: ¡°We¡¯ve also tried copying some of the enemy¡¯sbat armor, which could be used by yourbat engineers. Do you havebat engineers?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, but I can have them. I¡¯ll take it!¡±

    Major General Chekhov: ¡°There are also light mortars, which would be excellent support weapons for the infantry toons¡­¡±

    ¡°I want them!¡± Wang Zhong said in advance, ¡°Wait a minute, why do I feel like I don¡¯t need to ask, I just leave it to you?¡±

    Major General Chekhov: ¡°No, no, no, you still need to approve, how could I make decisions for you? I can¡¯t decide on your behalf. But you see, as a logistics major general, I am certainly more familiar with what we have. It¡¯s reasonable for me to make suggestions, right?¡±

    Indeed¡­ That makes sense!

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Then, Major General Chekhov, who is knowledgeable about equipment, do you know if we have anything that can make up for our deficiency in anti-tank firepower besides the 45 mm guns?¡±

    ¡°There is, as I just said¡­¡± Major General Chekhov paused, furrowing his brow.

    Wang Zhong sat up straight, ¡°Is there? Is there really?¡±

    The general: ¡°There is a trial-produced gun that has not undergone detailed range testing due to urgency. Do you want it?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What gun is it?¡±

    ¡°A 57 mm gun that was originally sent back for redesign due to design ws. It¡¯s been improved, but not tested because of the urgency. The Ordnance Department decided to utilize the production line by ordering its manufacture, although the output isn¡¯t very high, I estimate we can provide you with 24 units by the 15th of next month.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, ¡°57 mm?¡±

    Could it be the legendary ¡°57 God Needle¡±? On Earth, this was one of the Soviet Union¡¯s most outstanding anti-tank guns.

    Even in thetter part of the war, facing arge number of Sturmtigers, the 57 God Needle still had useful prating power.

    However, this gun had a fatal w; it was very difficult to manufacture, requiring a lot of man-hours and skilled workers, hence its production never scaled up.

    So in the end, the Soviets chose to simply increase caliber, using the crudely made 85 mm gun to overwhelm Sturmtiger units. The performance of the 85 mm gun was actually quite mediocre among the various anti-tank guns used by thebatants in thetter stages of the war, but its ease of production was unparalleled.

    Wang Zhong now felt like he had found a treasure upon hearing that there were 57 mm guns that nobody wanted.

    He wanted to confirm, ¡°Can you give them to me? These 57 mm guns?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we didn¡¯t have guns of this caliber previously, with zero design and usage experience, and then this gun was found to have a significant design w, so nobody wanted it. Of course, the fact that no one knows these guns exist is a big reason, too.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Give them to me! However many there are, I want them all!¡±

    Major General Chekhov stood up, went over to the filing cab, and pulled out a stack of files. He riffled through them and said, ¡°Here¡¯s a production n: On August 22, No. 912 Military Factory willmence production of the ZIS30 tank destroyer, also using this 57 mm gun. If they are all issued to you, then there¡¯s no need to distribute 57 mm ammunition to other units.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s this, trying to make things easier for yourself?¡±

    Major General Chekhov shrugged: ¡°My principle is to equip a unit with one type of gun, avoid mixed calibers as much as possible. Your unit already has so many 45 mm guns, then there are also so many 152s, adding 57 mm ammo to the supply isn¡¯t too much, especially since there¡¯s rail ess to your location. Since you want the 57 mm guns, how about I don¡¯t resupply you with 45 mm guns?¡±

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers: ¡°Deal!¡±

    57 mm guns, plus ZIS30 tank destroyers¡­ All of a sudden, the anti-tank firepower was plentiful!

    Major General Chekhov added, ¡°Oh, right, looking at this document, I just realized we also have plenty of machine-gun tanks, those only equipped with machine guns. How about I treat those as half-track transports and assign them to you? They¡¯d be great for transporting ammunition or towing anti-tank guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, pretending to be upset, ¡°What do you take me for? A scrap collector? But since you put it that way, give them to me. And make sure you provide drivers too.¡±

    Major General Chekhov said earnestly, ¡°I¡¯m in charge of materials. If you want people, go ask the church yourself; I guess there must be quite a few young vigers who learned to drive tractors and have just been conscripted.¡±

 Chapter 220: The Gap

    ¡°`

    When Wang Zhong came out of the major general¡¯s office, Grigori squinted suspiciously, ¡°Themander inside is a woman? Why do you look like you just came out of the red-light district, General?¡±

    ¡°Hmph,¡± Wang Zhong sneered, ¡°That¡¯s way more thrilling than the red-light district. Inside was General Chekhov, an old acquaintance of Argesukov. She approved a whole bunch of equipment for us.¡±

    Grigori awkwardly reminded him, ¡°I¡¯m just a sergeant major; I don¡¯t know so many big shots. You mention General Chekhov, and I¡¯ve got no clue who that is.¡±

    ¡°A slick old fox who won¡¯t stick to the pot but gets things done,¡± Wang Zhongughed, ¡°If it were peacetime, this kind of person could be the pir of a department.¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have much social experience, but he had seen the likes of General Chekhov in a British TV show called ¡°Yes, Prime Minister¡±.

    Grigori: ¡°As long as it¡¯s a good result, that¡¯s what matters. Where to next?¡±

    ¡°To the church, for people. We need a lot of new recruits who can drive tractors to operate the machine gun tanks I just got.¡±

    ¡°You mean those BT1 things?¡± Grigori¡¯s face fell, ¡°What¡¯s the use of those?¡±¡°To serve as ammunition transport vehicles.¡±

    ¡°¡­That could work.¡±

    The two of them walked to the main gate, one after the other.

    By the time Wang Zhong reached the church entrance, he saw a familiar scene.

    A massive crowd of young people crammed at the recruitment station¡¯s entrance, blocking the entire street.

    Grigori honked the horn like crazy to no avail; the crowd simply had no intention of making way.

    Wang Zhong stood up, looking towards the direction of the church.

    At that moment, some people around him recognized Wang Zhong:

    ¡°Look quick, it¡¯s a brigadier general.¡±

    ¡°So what if he¡¯s a brigadier general? St. Ye Katerina Fortress has lots of them now.¡±

    ¡°I heard that even the great White Horse General came to St. Ye Katerina Fortress to marry Her Highness the Princess!¡±

    ¡°She is now the Crown Princess.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself how fast this rumor had spread. There was no inte in this era, so how could it have spread so quickly? Last night¡¯s event, and by this afternoon, the whole city knew about it.

    What he neglected at the time was thatst night, in order to have an exchange meeting, a bunch of junior and mid-level officers were at the Summer Pce. After getting pumped up at the meeting, most of them would go out drinking.

    People boast when they drink, and then the gents would take home what they heardst night, telling their wives, and by the time the market aunties chewed the fat early next morning, boom, the whole city was in the know.

    It¡¯s just that quick.

    Wang Zhong sighed, cleared his throat, and shouted, ¡°Lads andsses, make way! I need to recruit personnel for my troops!¡±

    Some bold youngster shouted back, ¡°Brigadier General, which unit are you with?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The 151st Temporary Infantry Division!¡±

    ¡°Pff, a temporary unit, count me out!¡±

    ¡°I might consider the Imperial Guard!¡±

    ¡°Has your unit seenbat, Brigadier General?¡±

    ¡°Need you even ask? A temporary unit, certainly hasn¡¯t seen any action!¡±

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, thinking to himself that these youngsters should show some respect to a brigadier general.

    At that point, someone raised a newspaper high, ¡°Hold on! The paper says the unitmanded by the White Horse General is the 151st Temporary Infantry Division!¡±

    ¡°What?¡±

    ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°Isn¡¯t the White Horse General six meters tall?¡±

    Wang Zhong facepalmed. How had the rumor about a six-meter-tall general traveled from Shepetovka to the capital? That¡¯s nearly 500 kilometers!

    Forget it, he thought, just corral the people first. He then bellowed, ¡°Everyone! I am the White Horse General! Although I am not mounted on a white steed right now, I indeed am. I¡¯m here to recruit reinforcements for my division. Can you please clear the way for me to reach the front of the church recruitment point?¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, a female voice replied, ¡°No way! The church says we¡¯re not old enough and won¡¯t let us enlist!¡±

    Her statement instantly sparked a chorus of agreement:

    ¡°Exactly, General! We¡¯ve finished the 10th grade, we¡¯re just not old enough!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve got plenty of strength, General, carrying a rifle¡¯s no problem for me!¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve never lost a fight in my vige, I can definitely give those Prosen devils a good thrashing!¡±

    Wang Zhong finally understood; these youngsters were not old enough, and that was why they were blocking the door, hoping the church would rx the recruitment age limit.

    Those of age had probably registered already, then been carted off to the new recruits training camp.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You think you can only fight the Prosen devils on the front lines? Support work is just as important. Without people to grow crops and herd, what are the soldiers on the front lines going to eat?

    ¡°The soldiers¡¯ clothes, the ammo they fire, all need to be produced by people. These support positions are equally vital! You should go home and contribute to the war effort throughbor!

    ¡°And not waste time here! It¡¯s already August, and the harvest is upon us. No one¡¯s in the fields to gather the wheat! Without wheat, next year we face famine. The Prosen won¡¯t have defeated us, but we¡¯ll lose the war to hunger just because you¡¯re wasting time here!¡±

    ¡°`

    The children looked at each other in bewilderment.

    Someone shouted, ¡°The newspaper says the war can be won in half a year!¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, ¡°What? Who said that? The church¡¯s newspaper couldn¡¯t possibly say that!¡±

    Because the Grand Patriarch clearly agreed with Wang Zhong¡¯s opinion yesterday, thinking the war wouldst three to four years.

    ¡°The Yekaterinburg Commentary newspaper said so!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, not knowing which faction this newspaper belonged to, but it was mostly likely not the church.

    ¡°That is incorrect! Neither a quick victory nor a quick defeat is possible; the war will be a protracted contest of war potential.¡± Wang Zhong tried to make his exnation simple and understandable so that the children could ept it, ¡°If you are one or two years away from adulthood, you can first go home and work, and then join the army when you are of age. You won¡¯t miss the war, I promise. Now, can you let me pass, children?¡±

    The young people looked at one another and eventually made way.

    Grigori started the car and slowly drove towards the recruitment desk, afraid of hitting anyone.

    When he reached the recruitment desk, Wang Zhong said to the priest in charge, ¡°I need recruits who can drive tractors, and I need them right away.¡±

    The priest said, ¡°Understood, we will select suitable candidates from the new recruits who have joined these days. However, if you are not in a particr hurry, you could wait for our training ss students to graduate.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Training sses?¡±

    ¡°Yes, for training urgently needed drivers and other technical soldiers. Drivers should be the first to graduate, with the first session finishing at the beginning of September.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I want both. Find me those who can drive tractors first, and then I also want the graduates in early September!¡±

    The priest looked troubled, ¡°This¡­ isn¡¯t that being a little too greedy?¡±

    At that moment, a blue-hatted Judge ran over quickly and whispered something to the priest.

    The priest¡¯s attitude changed 180 degrees immediately, ¡°How many drivers do you need?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I need three thousand.¡±

    In fact, Wang Zhong initially wanted to ask for five thousand, but upon reconsideration, he wondered if it would even be possible to equip his division with five thousand trucks. Three thousand would have to do, and if there weren¡¯t enough trucks, machine gun tanks would suffice.

    In the history of Earth, both the Sturmtiger and the Soviet Army had used outdated machine gun tanks as ammunition transport vehicles and for other misceneous tasks.

    After all, the tanks had already been produced, and scrapping them in the factory would consume precious working hours, amodity every factory during wartime wished could be split in two.

    After the priest recorded Wang Zhong¡¯s request, he said, ¡°I will do my best to amodate it. Where should these drivers be sent?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Shostka, my troops are stationed in Shostka.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    With that matter settled, Wang Zhong asked Grigori, ¡°Do you know where there¡¯s a club that noble young masters frequent in the city?¡±

    Grigori frowned and looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°I am a Cossack, don¡¯t you think this question is a bit out of my professional expertise, General?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Alright¡­¡±

    He scratched his cheek.

    Then a young man nearby said, ¡°Are you looking to confront the hedonistic young nobles?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°No, I want to find a Parade Tank and convert it into mymand vehicle.¡±

    The young man said, ¡°Then you should go to the Novgorod Mansion, there¡¯s revelry there every night.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Do they have tanks there?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know about that,¡± the young man replied, spreading his hands, ¡°But you can ask the young lords there where to find such Parade Tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong was delighted and patted Grigori on the shoulder, ¡°Let¡¯s go to the Novgorod Mansion.¡±

    The mansion was on the eastern side of St. Ekaterina Fortress, close to the outskirts of the city.

    Grigori drove the car all the way to the iron gate of the mansion¡¯s courtyard.

    An old servant opened a small door beside the iron gate and said, ¡°Please go back, you can¡¯t enter here in military uniform.¡±

    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong grew furious, pulled out his pistol, and said, ¡°I am Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, go and ask who I killed yesterday and where!¡±

    The old servant¡¯s pupils dted, ¡°Rokossovsky?? I will report this immediately¡­¡±

    ¡°Nonsense, open the gate! Otherwise, I will suspect you are harboring spies! Don¡¯t make me call the Judge!¡±

    The old servant shakily opened the gate.

    Grigori floored the elerator and the car drove in.

    Wang Zhong heard the old servant possibly using a telephone or something simr to inform those inside.

    By the time the car reached the mansion¡¯s main entrance, a group of extravagantly dressed dandies had already gathered at the mansion¡¯s gate. Like the dandies associated with Argesukov, these people were all in custom-made luxury military uniforms¡ªvery well, so real military uniforms were not allowed, but ornate fake ones were, right?

    ¡°Alyosha!¡± The leading young master spread his arms wide; his insignia was even an imitation of a Marshal¡¯s rank¡ªof course, just an imitation, ¡°You¡¯re finally back! We were justmemorating Ivan!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Commemorating?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve been recalling everything about him; severaldies even cried! Come and tell us, what was Ivan like in the end? Among us, you were thest to see him!¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the group and not wanting to waste even a minute with them, said, ¡°I am here to find a tank, a Parade Tank T34, to be precise. Do you have one here? If not, where can I find one?¡±

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 221: The Production Task from the Royal Family

    Facing Wang Zhong¡¯s question, the so-called ¡°marshal¡± answered, ¡°Wasn¡¯t the only Parade Tank taken away by Her Highness the Princess?¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned, ¡°That was the one? There are no other Parade Tanks?¡±

    The ¡°marshal¡± frowned, ¡°Aside from you and Prince Ivan, nobody likes ying with that thing. It¡¯s just you twomanding it to run around all day. It¡¯s so loud when it¡¯s running, and riding it is bumpy; one can bump their head at any moment. Nobody enjoys ying with it!¡±

    The words of the ¡°marshal¡± immediately received everyone¡¯s affirmation, ¡°Right, that thing is very loud when it¡¯s running.¡±

    ¡°I rode it once and ended up with a bump-filled head.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mood plummeted. He had thought that this was a popr sport among the young nobles in the capital, but it turned out only the Crown Prince and his buddies liked it.

    At that moment, amotion suddenly erupted outside.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Then, several trucks appeared, all loaded with Judges wearing blue hats.

    Upon seeing the Judges, a nobledy started screaming, her shrill soprano numbing the top of Wang Zhong¡¯s head.Wang Zhong was also confused. Why had the Church decided to take action so quickly? No, that doesn¡¯t seem right. Based on the Grand Patriarch¡¯s intentionsst night, it appeared as though he wanted to resolve the primary conflict first.

    The trucks stopped behind Wang Zhong, and the Judges disembarked one by one, spreading out to encircle the mansion.

    The leading Judge¡¯s left hand was in a cast, bandaged up, and he used his remaining right hand to open the car door and got out from the passenger¡¯s seat, walking towards Wang Zhong, ¡°Yo, hello there, ¡®Returner from Hell¡¯.¡±

    Wang Zhong recognized him as an old acquaintance, the Judge who had taken him to the headquarters from Bogdanovka.

    ¡°You escaped from Bogdanovka?¡±

    The Judge smiled, ¡°Led a group of Judges and broke out.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What about the other one?¡±

    ¡°He stayed in hell,¡± the Judge replied.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°My condolences.¡±

    ¡°No, we went to heaven to meet Saint Andrew; there¡¯s nothing sad about it. The sad ones are these people.¡± With that, the One-Armed Judge nodded at the cringing dandies huddled in terror and suddenly, heughed, ¡°Yo, look, someone¡¯s wet himself!¡±

    Wang Zhong, already experiencing stress symptoms, frowned upon hearing about wetting oneself.

    Following the One-Armed Judge¡¯s gaze, he saw the dandy wearing the ¡°marshal¡± uniform, who had arrogantly greeted Wang Zhong, had wet arge patch on his trousers.

    ¡°What exactly are you here for?¡± he asked the Judge while meticulously examining therge ¡°map,¡± ¡°Their parents were found to be spies?¡±

    As soon as Wang Zhong finished speaking, a chorus of crying broke out.

    The Judge shook his head, ¡°No, we heard you were heading this way and followed. In case we arrived to find a field of corpses, we¡¯d be able to quickly take care of the aftermath, after all, the main enemy now is the Prussians, and to resist the Prussians we must unite all the forces we can.¡±

    Having said that, he looked at the ridiculous state of the crowd and shook his head, ¡°Now it seems we¡¯ve almost scared them to death. On the other hand, each of these guys has a guilty conscience.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What are you nning to do with the current situation?¡±

    ¡°I just want to confirm, you¡¯re not nning to open fire, right? There won¡¯t be a bloodbath here, will there? The old servant at the door said something about youing in armed, just¡­ a small mishap, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, that old servant said those in military uniforms weren¡¯t allowed inside.¡±

    The One-Armed Judge frowned, ¡°They were so brazen about it? Hey, you all! Is it a rule of this club that people in military attire are not allowed in?¡± ??

    Thetter was addressed to the dandies who were like frightened birds.

    Someone immediately shouted, ¡°It was Panjelie who said it!¡±

    The ¡°marshal¡± who had already mapped out his trousers screamed, ¡°I! I was drunk and confused!¡±

    The One-Armed Judgemanded, ¡°Take him away for a thorough examination!¡±

    Panjelie let out a scream like a pig being ughtered.

    Two Judges went over to grab Panjelie, one on each side, and dragged him off.

    The One-Armed Judge gave Wang Zhong a wry smile, ¡°Since we¡¯re here, don¡¯t worry, they won¡¯t be treated too harshly. So we¡¯ll be on our way now. Remember, don¡¯t draw your gun lightly; you¡¯re in the eye of the storm right now.¡±

    The Judges gathered as quickly as they had spread out, climbed into their vehicles and departed in a rush.

    Wang Zhong turned to look at the dandies and found all of them sitting directly on the ground.

    ¡°You guys are such cowards,¡± he mocked.

    ¡°We¡¯re not princes,¡± someone answered.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Neither am I!¡±

    The Parade Tank couldn¡¯t be found, which made him quite unhappy, but soon a new idea popped into his mind.

    After all, the tank couldn¡¯t have been handcrafted by the Crown Prince and himself, and since a tank is such a fragile thing, there must be someone helping with maintenance.

    So he asked again, ¡°Do you know who ordered that Parade Tank?¡±

    At this moment, the silent club steward answered, ¡°It was ordered from the Ye Fort Joint Machinery Factory, which has always been responsible for producing various royal and inspection-specific vehicles. Now they are said to be producing the T34 tanks on the orders of the Ordnance Department.¡±

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, well, so the hen thatys the eggs is here!

    The steward continued, ¡°You should look for the factory¡¯s general manager, Morozov. The design drawings and such should still be in the factory.¡±

    ¡°We indeed still have the design drawings,¡± replied Morozov, general manager of the Ye Fort Joint Machinery Factory, ¡°but right now all the workshops are producing the T34, and the design of the Parade Tank is very different from the T34. If we were to produce it, we would have to stop the entire production line to adapt and retrofit, and it would affect our production progress.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How did you manage to make this one?¡±

    ¡°At that time, our factory was not operating at full capacity, and our main job was producing various vehicles for the Royal Family. So we just pulled together the strength to make one.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I am now requesting to stop a production line and shift to this kind of Parade Tank because itsbat effectiveness is much higher than that of the ordinary T34!¡±

    Morozov frowned, ¡°That¡¯s impossible. We are under the leadership of the Ordnance Department, and you are just a major general. Although your military exploits are outstanding, I can¡¯t stop the production line just because of a word from you.¡±

    Morozov paused, then thought for a moment and said, ¡°Well, we are, after all, a factory dedicated to serving the Royal Family. If you can issue a task on behalf of the Royal Family, I could cobble together somebor to start work.

    ¡°We can think of something about the factory building. I believe the original warehouse could be modified to serve as a factory. Now with such heavy production tasks, materials are used up quickly as theye, so we don¡¯t really need the warehouse anymore.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How can I issue a task in the name of the Royal Family?¡±

    Morozov looked puzzled: ¡°Aren¡¯t you a prince? Just have the Crown Princess say a word, and it¡¯s done, right?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not a prince. But I can have the Crown Princess say a word. May I borrow your phone?¡±

    An hourter, Morozov looked at the dusty Crown Princess Olga Nikyevna Antonovna who arrived in a hurry, then looked suspiciously at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong was also embarrassed: ¡°Olga, wouldn¡¯t it have been enough to send a servant?¡±

    Princess Olga: ¡°I¡¯m the most idle person in the Summer Pce at the moment, so I came in person. Mr. Morozov, here is a production task issued by the pce. We need to order a hundred Parade Tanks for the National Day celebration activities this November.¡±

    Morozov took the document that Olga handed over and scrutinized it closely: ¡°Hmm, the format and procedures of the document are allplete, and I will start arranging production right away. Hm? The document also has a stamp from the Grand Patriarch¡¯s office?¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes, I mentioned this matter over the phone to the Grand Patriarch¡¯s office, and they also strongly support the production of Parade Tanks. So, I got it stamped on my way here,¡± Olga exined with a smile. ¡°They even said that if we¡¯re short on workers, the church can assist the factory.¡±

    Wang Zhong listened to this conversation, linking it with what the One-Armed Judge had said earlier.

    Olga turned to Wang Zhong: ¡°By the way, the major general is here, and he¡¯s the most authoritative person regarding the tank¡¯s battle performance. Why not let him offer some suggestions for improvement? Anyway, you need some time to organize the production line.¡±

    Morozov nodded and looked at Wang Zhong: ¡°We can make limited improvements.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Can we rece the sighting equipment? We¡¯ve captured quite a few Prosen scopes, and their scopes have a ranging scale on the right edge for the main gun, which is very convenient to adjust and far more advanced than ours. Thanks to this set of scopes, the Prosen Tank Operators can achieve hits from a great distance.

    ¡°On the other hand, we can only hit the enemy reliably within a distance of three hundred meters.¡±

    Morozov: ¡°Do you have captured Prosen scopes?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I took quite a few from the remains of Prosen, but most were left in Orachi, and I only brought out a small amount.¡±

    Morozov: ¡°Then give them to me, and I¡¯ll see if we can replicate them. Any other requests?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The reliability of the engine is too low. After about two days of fighting, it breaks down and requires a full day of maintenance.¡±

    ¡°Low engine reliability.¡± Morozov wrote this next to the design drawing, ¡°Let¡¯s see if we can address that. Anything else?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The turret gets jammed by enemy fire too easily, and the enemy has now caught on to this, basically everyone is targeting the ¡®neck¡¯. Also, the tracks are very fragile and often get broken by enemy fire.¡±

    Morozov shook his head: ¡°We can¡¯t do much about the tracks being broken by enemy cannon fire, but maybe we can try to deflect the shells with additional obstacles to prevent jamming of the race ring.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued: ¡°Also, and most importantly, every vehicle must have a radio!¡±

    Morozov: ¡°Of course, it¡¯s drawn like that on the blueprints. Every vehicle will have a radio and a Parade seat. But are there really that many nobles willing to watch a parade in a tank?¡±

    Olga said: ¡°I would very much like to, and I bet many youngdies would be willing as well because they all admire Duke Rocossov.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± said Morozov with a gaze at Wang Zhong that was difficult to put into words.

    Wang Zhong could only pretend to admire the scenery.

 Chapter 222: Night on the Outskirts of Ye Fort (Additional Update for 31,000 Monthly Votes)

    Afterward, Wang Zhong provided a series of suggestions, all of which Morozov duly recorded.

    Wang Zhong still wasn¡¯t satisfied and asked, ¡°Can we design some other royal ceremonial equipment? Like self-propelled anti-aircraft guns or self-propelled artillery. I think thedies would certainly enjoy riding in those. Right, Olga?¡±

    ¡°Ah? Oh, yes, I like them!¡± Princess Olga hurriedly replied.

    Morozov kept a stern face, ¡°Although there is such a demand from thedies, we are a factory, not a design bureau. The blueprints were also sent to us after being drawn up by the design bureau.

    ¡°Look at this design n, it includes the signature of the designer Koshkin, who should be the chief engineer of Design Bureau 190. If you want other ceremonial vehicles, you may consult him for the designs,¡± Morozov exined.

    Wang Zhong was delighted, ¡°Where is he?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s in Saint Andrew Fort, that¡¯s where the entire design bureau is located,¡± Morozov answered.

    Wang Zhong nced at the full map of the Ante Empire on the wall of the factory director¡¯s office, estimated the distance from Saint Andrew Fort to Ye Fort, and had to give up the idea.

    Princess Olga suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s look for another designer, after all, there are so many design bureaus here.¡±Just then, the telephone in the director¡¯s office rang.

    Morozov answered the call, ¡°This is United Machinery Factory. The pce? Please hold on a moment.¡±

    He handed the phone to Olga, ¡°Your Highness, it¡¯s for you.¡±

    Olga looked embarrassed, ¡°Can you say I¡¯m not here?¡±

    ¡°Do you think that¡¯s appropriate?¡± Morozov responded.

    Olga could only sigh and take the receiver, ¡°This is Olga Nikevna. I¡¯m not needed for those matters, am I? Alright, alright, I¡¯m on my way back.¡±

    After returning the receiver to Morozov, Olga sighed, ¡°I have to go back. Will you be staying at the Summer Pce tonight?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯ll return to my own estate,¡± Wang Zhong replied, ¡°The steward of my father¡¯s estate had it prepared yesterday.¡±

    ¡°I see, then goodbye, Alyosha,¡± Princess Olga said as she waved her hand and left with reluctant steps.

    Morozov looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°Your Highness, to help you, did she sneak out of the pce? You¡­ your¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong interjected, ¡°That¡¯s not the case! My fianc¨¦e is my childhood sweetheart, Ludm Vasilyevna Malyukhova. She has already moved into my estate in Ye Fort.¡± ?

    ¡°Oh,¡± Morozov nodded, ¡°I understand now.¡±

    You don¡¯t understand at all with that expression!

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t be bothered to rify further, ¡°When can we start producing the tanks?¡±

    ¡°Adjusting the production line and such requires till the end of August. I estimate the first tank can be produced at the beginning of September. Would you like them to be delivered one by one, or should we wait until we have enough for a trainload to send all at once?¡± asked Morozov.

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Save up enough for a railcar to send them together. How many can fit in a railcar?¡±

    ¡°Two.¡±

    ¡°Then let¡¯s do that. When the timees, go to General Chekhov of the Reserve Army to get the railcars, he¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Morozov took out his notebook, noted down the name and unit of General Chekhov, ¡°Then I will arrange for production.¡±

    Wang Zhong checked the time, it was past four in the afternoon, and although he had been running around Ye Fort the entire day, the results were very good¡ªnot just good, but could be described as enormously rewarding.

    He had run through the production process; once the design bureau was taken care of, he could start manufacturing on his own.

    With Princess Olga, who held the seal, tasks under the guise of special royal missions could yield many fine things.

    But he was genuinely tired, having not stopped the whole day, likely covering dozens of kilometers.

    It was time to return to his own estate for a good rest.

    Ludm and Nelly had gone to the estate in the morning, and he wondered how things there were.

    Thinking of this, Wang Zhong bid farewell to Morozov, ¡°Then I shall take my leave. Are my guards still in the waiting room? Please notify them.¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Morozov replied.

    Half an hourter, Wang Zhong saw the gates of his estate.

    And in front of it, a mass of refugees.

    Rokossovsky¡¯s estate was on the outskirts of Ye Fort, surrounded by the suburban areas of Ye Fort which were now covered with tents.

    He saw priests and nuns from the church distributing food everywhere.

    Wang Zhong instructed, ¡°Do you see that church stall? Pull up beside it!¡±

    Grigori immediatelyplied.

    Wang Zhong got out of the car and asked the priest, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why are there so many refugees?¡±

    The priest nced at Wang Zhong, ¡°General Rokossovsky?¡±

    Wang Zhong confirmed, ¡°That¡¯s me. Answer my question.¡±

    The priest exined, ¡°Ye Fort is the junction of all railway lines. People fleeing from the west need to pass through Ye Fort to head east. But now that the railway scheduling has stalled, people have been stranded here.

    ¡°Of course, the east is tough, and some people don¡¯t want to go and choose to stay in Ye Fort instead.¡±

    No sooner had the priest finished than a woman spoke up, ¡°I¡¯m already so old, and I¡¯ve heard that Siberia can drop to minus fifty degrees in the winter. Without proper heating and only able to burn wood, I won¡¯t survive the first winter.¡±

    Wang Zhong wanted to say something but found himself unable to speak.

    Then the priest added, ¡°Here in Ye Fort, you also have to burn fuel; where around here is there a central heating boiler? Actually, the east has some warm ces too, with huge grasnds. Right now, our meat and eggs alle from there.¡±

    Wang Zhong silently took a step back and returned to the car. Compared to the church, there wasn¡¯t much he could do.

    ¡°Let¡¯s go, enter the manor.¡±

    Grigori released the handbrake.

    The butler Mikhail, with a team of maids, greeted Wang Zhong beside the fountain at the entrance of the manor¡¯s main building.

    When Grigori stopped the car, all the maids bowed in unison: ¡°Young Master Rokossov.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly: ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit wasteful to have so many people serving just me?¡±

    The butler Mikhail immediately replied: ¡°They are also responsible for managing the manor¡¯s industries; a considerable part of the meat and eggs distributed to the refugees by the church outside is provided by us.¡±

    Wang Zhong was astonished: ¡°Is that so? I thought this manor was only responsible for indulgences of the wealthy.¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°Since the civil war ended, the master has been striving to transform the structure of our industries, releasing the farnd to the peasants and mainly operatingrge ranches, vineyards, meat processing factories, and other grain processing industries.¡±

    Wang Zhong ¡°oh¡±ed in response.

    Mikhail: ¡°Most of these maids are sried, and only those who have been serving your family like me don¡¯t take wages. In fact, in the past, we even had to pay taxes on your behalf.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    I see, you are my vassals.

    Wang Zhong got out of the car and waved at the maids: ¡°All right, no more bowing, that¡¯s enough, don¡¯t treat me like a noble.¡±

    The maids then straightened up.

    Noticing the absence of Nelly, Wang Zhong inquired: ¡°Where¡¯s Nelly?¡±

    ¡°She is your military orderly now, not part of the maids anymore,¡± Mikhail exined, ¡°After all, she wears a boat-shaped cap, not a maid¡¯s headband.¡±

    Is that so?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then where is Liu Xia? My dear Liu Xia, where did she go?¡±

    I¡¯m tired from the day and want Liu Xia¡¯s embrace.

    Mikhail: ¡°Liu Da, as thedy of the house, is directing tonight¡¯s ball.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°A ball? Do you know what time it is now? To hold a ball at a time of national crisis?¡±

    Mikhail remained unfazed: ¡°Of course, the ball will be as simplified as possible, mainly serving a social function. Many old friends of the master wille tonight, and it¡¯s a good opportunity to introduce you to them.

    ¡°I assure you, there won¡¯t be anyvish waste.¡±

    Wang Zhong did not believe it at all; in his view, holding a ball itself was an act ofvish waste because there was no need for such an event during a war.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t hold any balls. For introducing my father¡¯s old friends, a simple meal would do! Tell Liu Xia to stop the preparations.¡±

    Mikhail: ¡°A meal? Would that¡­ be very impolite?¡±

    ¡°If anyone thinks that¡¯s impolite, then he doesn¡¯t deserve to be a friend of the Rokossov, got it?¡±

    Mikhail looked at Wang Zhong again: ¡°Understood.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Also, change the guest list. In addition to my father¡¯s old friends, also invite the weapon designers currently in Ye Fort, as well as the young officers who got along well with me in Ye Fort.¡±

    ¡°Young officers¡­?¡± Mikhail squinted his eyes, confirming.

    ¡°Yes, young officers. Preferably those without old nobility backgrounds, from families of peasants, fishermen, and cobblers, and also those who have family members working as forest rangers, clerks, dentists are fine too. Old nobility cane too, provided they don¡¯t despise officers of civilian origin.¡±

    Mikhail reminded: ¡°Young Master, it¡¯s already close to six o¡¯clock now, we can¡¯t notify that many people in time, why don¡¯t we invite them to dinner tomorrow instead?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up at the sky, seeing that it was already dusk, and nodded: ¡°That¡¯s fine. Let Liu Xia decide on the menu¡­ uh, can it still be decided now? Has everything been prepared already?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all been prepared,¡± said Mikhail.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright. I¡¯m going to take a bath now.¡±

    At the hastily changed dinner party, Wang Zhong saw many old men he didn¡¯t recognize at all.

    If it were a ball, there would be an entrance ceremony before the opening, during which Mikhail and Liu Xia could introduce each guest one by one.

    Since it was changed to a dinner party, the only option was for Mikhail to stand by Wang Zhong¡¯s side, introducing whomever came to toast.

    There were indeed a lot of these people, and with the Ante names being so infernally long, after one round, Wang Zhong waspletely dizzy, as though he had been drinking vodka instead of in water.

    In any case, by ten o¡¯clock that evening, Wang Zhong¡¯s distaste for the culture of banquet dinners had risen to a new level.

    Right on ten, the maids brought in many chairs, and a small orchestra with their instruments walked in, sitting down in a corner of the dining hall.

    The conductor of the orchestra, seizing the moment when no one was toasting at Wang Zhong¡¯s table, spoke loudly: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen! As we all know, heroic epics have always been an enduring musical theme! As the conductor of the Ye Fort Symphony Orchestra, I have been moved by the heroic deeds of Duke Rokossov!

    ¡°I haveposed a brand-new heroic epic, and now, please allow me, to dedicate it to the Duke!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°I¡¯m not a Duke yet.¡±

    Ludm leaned in and whispered: ¡°Just be d he didn¡¯t call you a prince.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why are you starting with this joke too, I¡¯m going to marry you.¡±

    Ludm smiled: ¡°I know. That¡¯s why I can make this joke.¡±

    At that moment, the conductor turned around, picked up his baton, and gestured to begin.

 Chapter 223: Rocossov Knows a Bit About Music (32,000 Monthly Tickets Plus)

    ¡°`

    As the conductor turned around, the maid had just brought Wang Zhong a new dish.

    Since it was time for dessert, it was a cheese curd sponge cake paired with sour cream.

    Wang Zhong, with a try-it-and-see attitude, cut a small piece of the sponge cake with his fork. To his surprise, the fork cut through as if slicing tofu, the coagted cheese curds seemingly breaking apart at the slightest touch.

    The taste was a perfect level of sourness, with the sour cream on top of the sponge cake creating an exquisitebination with the cheese curds inside.

    Immersed in the gourmet food, Wang Zhongpletely ignored the music, and it was only after he nearly finished his delightful meal that he took notice of what the band was ying.

    It was typical anthem music.

    You could say the piece wasn¡¯t good, but that certainly wouldn¡¯t be true; as an animation score, it would definitely enter the hall of fame. If paired with some memorable scenes, it could even be a ssic.

    Yes, animation score.That was the only way Wang Zhong could describe the piece.

    He stood up and shouted, ¡°Enough! Stop!¡±

    Some musicians saw Wang Zhong¡¯s gesture and stopped ying first. The bandleader, about to get angry at the musicians¡¯ pause, suddenly realized something, looked back, and then quickly signaled the others to stop ying.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What is this? It has none of the temperament of this war! If you take this music out, people will think the war is merely a battle game for noble knights! No! I refuse to acknowledge that this could be my anthem!¡±

    The Ye Fort bandleader hesitated before responding, ¡°If you have any specific requests, please mention them. I¡¯ve tried my utmost to make the piece grand and powerful, but if you feel itcks vigor, that might be because we¡¯re only a small ensemble now. It will be great when ourplete band performs for you, with the grand and powerful string section added.¡±

    Grand and powerful strings? The kind that the clients would love?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, that¡¯s not it! You have the wrong understanding of this war! Are you the bestposer in Ye Fort?¡±

    The bandleader was hesitant, but admitted, ¡°In terms of honors received, I suppose I am.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What is your name?¡±

    This question set off murmurs among the crowd; after all, a nobleman not knowing the name of the best musician in Ye Fort¡ª even if he was a debauchee, he should¡¯ve known better, otherwise how would he have charmed nobledies at social gatherings?

    But Wang Zhong truly didn¡¯t know; he wanted to confirm if this was one of the musicians he was familiar with by his name.

    The bandleader reported his name, but Wang Zhong had no memory of it.

    In a world where even a Tugenev had gone off to be a general, Tchaikovsky might well bemanding an army.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your music ispletely wrong! The undertone of this war, at least now, is tragedy! The people endure great sorrow from the loss of rtives and friends, yet they still resolutely head to the front. The music should feel like that!¡± ??

    With that, Wang Zhong hummed a bit of ¡°The Holy War.¡±

    ¡°Do you understand?¡± he asked.

    He thought after his humming, others would start showing their astonishment.

    However, after a few seconds of looking at each other, the bandleader and his musicians replied, ¡°Oh, you want to incorporate this melody into the music? Sure, I¡¯ll give it a try!¡±

    He then pulled out a pencil and started sketching on the sheet music in front of him,ter showing it to the others.

    After discussing for some time, they picked up their instruments again.

    Bandleader: ¡°We¡¯ve made the changes based on your suggestions, please listen!¡±

    The band started ying again, but it wasn¡¯t at all the piece Wang Zhong had in mind.

    ¡°No, no! Stop!¡± shouted Wang Zhong, interrupting the band once more, ¡°What are you doing? Can¡¯t you feel the emotion in this melody?¡±

    Not just the bandleader, but all of the musicians looked utterly lost.

    Wang Zhong gave up; he vaguely realized the problem¡ªit could be two things: first, as ayman, he surely hadn¡¯t hummed the melody urately.

    Second, besides melody, conveying emotion in a song depended also on the arrangement. Perhaps just humming with the human voice wasn¡¯t enough to convey it.

    All he could do was wave them off: ¡°Just go, go! I don¡¯t want to hear your pathetic music! Get out!¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn

    The bandleader led the musicians out, running for their lives.

    Wang Zhong slumped down, looked at the half-eaten cheese curd pastry on the table, and sighed, ¡°I¡¯m full, and I¡¯m tired. I want to rest now.¡±

    After saying this, he stood up and headed straight for the dining room door.

    Ludm hurriedly wiped her mouth and stood up, taking control of the situation: ¡°Ladies and gentlemen, Alyosha has seen too much death on the battlefield. Please try to understand. Dinner will continue, and I will keep youpany until the end on his behalf.¡±

    At 11 o¡¯clock at night, Ludm finally saw off thest couple of guests and returned to Wang Zhong¡¯s study.

    Wang Zhong sat on the windowsill, staring at the moon.

    Due to ckout regtions, there were no candles lit in the entire room, which was pitch-dark except for the moonlight shining through the window.

    When Wang Zhong heard Ludm¡¯s footsteps, he said, ¡°Why can¡¯t these people feel it? I hummed it to Vasily, and he felt it.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°You hummed it to Vasily? The melody from the dining room just now?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, we had just arrived at Argesukov, and I had just delivered the letter from tank gun Gunner 422 to his mother. That night, thinking about the olddy¡¯s reaction, I suddenly thought of this song and hummed it.

    ¡°Vasily happened to hear it.¡±

    Ludm sat on the same windowsill, her knees touching Wang Zhong¡¯s: ¡°Hum it again for me, maybe I can understand. After all, we¡¯ve fought together.¡±

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong looked out the window, where Ye Forty under the moonlight without a single light, asleep in the shroud of night.

    Ludm, seeing he did not speak, said, ¡°Remember when the war had just started? We were trapped in the basement, and the enemy¡¯s tanks were passing on the road nearby.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded. How could he forget? That was where everything began. One day in the future, he must return to Ronied, to that basement, to see where the story started.

    Ludm: ¡°From that day onwards, so many people left. Among them, there were actually quite a few I disliked, but now, looking back¡­¡±

    Ludm left her sentence unfinished.

    Wang Zhong reminisced about the sergeant whose name he had forgotten when he first time-traveled. The sergeant had dered he wouldn¡¯t take orders from a ¡®pissing officer¡¯ and then led his squad away, getting riddled with bullets shortly after.

    Then he thought of the female medic who had bandaged him, wondering if she had managed to escape from the encirclement.

    And then the family he saw dead in a dung pit after capturing an enemy supply station.

    ¡­

    Too many sacrifices shed through Wang Zhong¡¯s mind, one by one.

    He began to hum subconsciously, a melody that was sorrowful yet resolute.

    Rise up, mighty nation, to fight a desperate struggle!

    Wang Zhong gazed out the window, focused entirely on humming the melody.

    Ludm, sitting opposite him, widened her eyes, staring at his face, seeming to forget even to breathe.

    In Shostka, Private Vasily of the 31st Guards Regiment was furiously scribbling on paper as hey sprawled on the table.

    His roommate, Filippov, returned from a shower and curiously asked, ¡°What are you writing?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Aposition.¡±

    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you would never touchposition in your life? Because it would remind you of your father!¡±

    ¡°No, no,¡± Vasily shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m notposing. It¡¯s a melody hummed by General Rokossovsky, Argesukov. I felt the general¡¯s emotion was so intense then. But¡­ anyway, this tune has been haunting me these days.¡±

    Filippov leaned over and, by the candlelight, carefully examined the musical notation in the notebook, humming it softly.

    ¡°The melody is good, but the mood¡­¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Wait a second.¡±

    He marked the tempo and key at the beginning of the notation.

    ¡°Hum it again.¡±

    Filippov hummed it again: ¡°Hmm¡­ I¡¯m starting to feel it!¡±

    Vasily added a series of symbols to the notation, adjusting the entireposition.

    ¡°Go on!¡±

    After Filippov hummed it for the third time, he eximed, ¡°It carries a sense of tragic heroism, a resolute readiness to sacrifice. Good, very good.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°I tell you, I think the general is ayman in music. If I hadn¡¯t seen the general¡¯s expression while humming this song and felt his emotion, I probably wouldn¡¯t have been able to appreciate this mood.¡±

    Filippov: ¡°Then aren¡¯t you contradicting yourself? Isn¡¯t thisposition written by the general?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know. My father¡ªold man Tchaikovsky used to say that the tune is already there; theposer simply fishes it out from another world by chance. I guess it¡¯s the same with the general.¡±

    Filippov, frowning: ¡°You¡¯re nning to giarize the tune as your own?¡±

    ¡°No, of course not. I¡¯ll submit it to the journal that old man Tchaikovsky, my father, advises for, under General Rokossovsky¡¯s name. But before that, I want to add lyrics to it. You think about it; you¡¯re better at writing poetry than I am.¡±

    Filippov: ¡°Hmm¡­ For the first line, I would write, ¡®Rise up, mighty nation! Fight to live!''¡±

    ¡°Good, the first line is great,¡± Vasily quickly parsed the lyrics and slotted them under the notation, ¡°Uh, we need to adjust the phrasing. Change ¡®Fight to live¡¯ to something else.¡±

    Filippov hummed the melody again and, after a moment¡¯s thought, suggested, ¡°How about changing it to ¡®to engage in a desperate struggle¡¯?¡±

    ¡°Let me try it. Hmm, it looks pretty good! The second line,e on, Filippov, quick!¡±

    Filippov leaned against the window, looking at the moonlit Duva River, and after some contemtion, said, ¡°We should state the objective of the struggle. The second line could be ¡®to annihte the Prosen invaders,¡¯ how about that?¡±

    Vasily filled in the line, softly singing it over a few times, nodding, ¡°Works. Keep it going.¡±

    ¡°Stop right there; this song is just the main melody repeating. You should write the chorus now.¡±

    Vasily smacked his tongue: ¡°The general didn¡¯t hum any chorus! It¡¯s just this part repeating.¡±

    Filippov: ¡°You¡¯re the son of a music professor! Youe up with one! You¡¯ve felt the general¡¯s emotion; follow that sentiment and add a section.¡±

    Vasily hummed the main melody over and over until, suddenly delighted, he added a chorus after it.

    ¡°I¡¯ve added an elevation, like charging at the enemy, like a tank gun firing rapidly. How about that?¡±

    Filippov, frowning: ¡°It¡¯s passable, far inferior to the general¡¯s main melody, though.¡±

    ¡°No chatter; get to writing the lyrics!¡±

    Amidst the silence, the moon quietly watched the two men engrossed in their creation.

 Chapter 224: Rocossov Receives a Hug

    Wang Zhong was immersed in his memories, humming a tune while he reminisced about his war journey until the corners of his eyes began to moisten.

    But as the saying goes, a man¡¯s tears don¡¯t fall lightly, so he abruptly stopped reminiscing.

    He turned his head to look at Ludm, only to find that the girl was already using a handkerchief to wipe her tears.

    Wang Zhong felt awkward, ¡°Uh¡­ don¡¯t cry.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°I¡¯m crying for you because I see you¡¯re so emotional, yet you can¡¯t let your tears out.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m fine, actually,¡± Wang Zhong scratched his head.

    He tried to stand up from the windowsill but was pulled back by Ludm.

    The girl looked at him and said softly, ¡°You can lean on me a little more. When I first arrived at Shostka, I immediately burst into tears when I heard the news of Uncle Connie¡¯s death. Later, Nelly told me that you walked to the end of the tform, looking like you might cry at any moment.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed: ¡°Nelly saw me like that at the time? I really got looked down upon.¡±However, Ludm gently stroked his face with her hand: ¡°No, I don¡¯t think Nelly looked down on you, because I felt the same. Alyosha, when it¡¯s time to let it out, let it out. After I criedst time, I feltpletely different.

    ¡°After I came here, I sorted through Uncle Connie¡¯s study and found that he hid the drawings I made for him when I was a child on the bookshelf. Looking at that drawing, and then at Uncle Connie¡¯s portrait, I didn¡¯t cry again. It seems like the sadness had left with that crying, leaving only wonderful memories behind.

    ¡°I think you should try it.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared into Ludm¡¯s eyes, reading concern and love from within them.

    He suddenly realized that the girl might feel guilty for not being able tofort him that day she received the bad news because she was too busy crying herself.

    So Wang Zhong said, ¡°Okay, but you have to let me borrow you for a while, just sit like this.¡±

    He pulled Ludm onto a stool to sit down, then knelt in front of her and buried his face in her embrace.

    Wang Zhong especially liked to have his character get a hug from the Sleepy Maiden when ying ¡°Elden Ring.¡±

    Actually, the benefits of a hug were negligible, but Wang Zhong just wanted a hug.

    Ludm was surprised at first, but soon she wrapped her arms around Wang Zhong¡¯s head and gently stroked his hair.

    Wang Zhong felt ted, his long-held dream had finallye true.

    Then Ludm said, ¡°So that¡¯s how it is, you did this to the princess in the morning.¡±

    ¡­You still remember?

    Ludm: ¡°It¡¯s my fault, from now on I¡¯ll wait for you to wake up before I get up, okay?¡±

    Wang Zhong was silent for a few seconds, then answered: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°You can cry now, I¡¯ll ept everything, and tears and snot and all can be wiped on my clothes, no one will know.¡±

    With Ludm having said that, Wang Zhong really wanted to give it a try, but ultimately the man¡¯s pointless pride took over.

    Wang Zhong heard a heavenly king singing in his ear: Men cry not because they are wrong¡­

    But he just couldn¡¯t cry.

    Wang Zhong heard Liu Xia giggling, not only giggling, but he could also feel her inhale through the chest as sheughed.

    ¡°Alyosha,¡± she said, her chest resonance making her voice wrap around Wang Zhong, ¡°My Alyosha, so stubborn and strong.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his hand and wrapped it around Ludm¡¯s waist.

    Despite the intimate movement, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have a single improper thought.

    He suddenly recalled a saying, if you¡¯re holding a super beautiful and sexy girl and have no desire to X her, either you like men, or you¡¯re in love.

    Wang Zhong seriously evaluated his feelings; he probably didn¡¯t like men, so he must be in love.

    After who knows how long, he stood up: ¡°Alright, alright, let¡¯s sleep.¡±

    Ludm looked up at him: ¡°You scolded the bandmaster tonight, who knows what snide remarks they¡¯ll write about you in the newspapers tomorrow.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows: ¡°Surely not, isn¡¯t the church watching? Aren¡¯t they afraid of beingbeled as spies by the church?¡±

    Ludm shrugged.

    Wang Zhong threw off his clothes andy down in bed ready to sleep.

    Ludm stood beside him, smiling: ¡°Aren¡¯t you forgetting something?¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°Look at the mood, do we really have to¡­ No, let¡¯s sleep, sleep¡­ What are you doing! Hey!¡±

    The next morning, as soon as Wang Zhong opened his eyes, he instinctively reached out beside him and this time he touched someone.

    ¡°Awake?¡± Ludm¡¯s voice came, ¡°You¡¯ve really enjoyed yourzy morning, I didn¡¯t even have time to do my morning routine!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Morning routine?¡±

    ¡°Yes, a little secret to staying beautiful. Well, do you want a hug?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    Just then Nelly walked in through the door.

    She nced, quietly left, and closed the door behind her.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Nelly,e in, it¡¯s alright, we¡¯re done.¡±

    Nelly entered the room and frowned at Wang Zhong: ¡°Are you preparing hedgehog meat?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hedgehog meat? Why?¡±

    Then he realized, in the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine, hedgehog meat is considered aphrodisiac, seeming to send some men into a nosebleed frenzy after consumption.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t misunderstand! It¡¯s not ¡®that¡¯ kind of done we¡¯re talking about!¡±

    Ludm chimed in to help: ¡°Yes, he¡¯s just fine. This morning was just about helping him bid farewell to his weaker self and be the unyielding admiral.¡±

    ¡°Major General, Major General,¡± Wang Zhong corrected her, ¡°Being a Major General is quite good.¡±

    If he became themander of Ye Fort, he could even be the president.

    Nelly eximed ¡°Ah,¡± and went straight to the point: ¡°This morning a cardinal from the church came by and brought a schedule, it¡¯s for the state funeral and national mourning. It lists the parts you need to attend, Wang Zhong, with details on when and where to go. Also¡­¡±

    Ludm suddenlyughed: ¡°Nelly, when did you start doing the butler¡¯s job? Where is Mikhail?¡±

    ¡°He said he¡¯s the butler of Duke Rokossov, not the butler of Duke Charon. Your dukedom decree arrived this morning, but His Majesty the Tsar is unable to attend to matters, so the ennoblement ceremony can¡¯t take ce for now, and hence it has not officially taken effect.¡±

    Nelly paused and then said: ¡°You should find your own butler.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is troublesome.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Not only do you need your own butler, but you also need a housemistress who¡¯s responsible for managing the female servants, and a housekeeper, among others¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Can¡¯t Nelly do it?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°I¡¯m not even a maid, the housekeeper of a duke should at least be of the rank of ady at court.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°To hell with ranks, if I say you are, then you are, that¡¯s settled. As for the butler¡­ is Grigori an option?¡±

    Nelly and Ludm eximed in unison: ¡°No, he cannot!¡±

    Wang Zhong, holding his head, felt too overwhelmed, unable to cope with all this old society¡¯s bureaucracy.

    Ludm: ¡°However, with the war ongoing, we can ignore these matters for now. Let¡¯s have Nelly take on the role temporarily, that should be fine.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Me?¡±

    Wang Zhong, seeing the expression on Nelly¡¯s face and thinking it amusing, decided to tease her: ¡°Yes, you. Tell me what else needs to be done today.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°There¡¯s a medal ceremony, and since His Majesty the Tsar cannot attend to matters, the Grand Princess will be representing him. Also, there is an invitation for you to attend the music selection meeting for the state funeral.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows raised.

    Ludm also frowned deeply: ¡°This invitation¡­ perhaps you should decline. It seems they want to embarrass you, those musicians.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I want to see what they¡¯re up to. The state funeral is for my good brother and my father, and the public memorial is for countless fallen soldiers, I can¡¯t allow these scoundrels¡¯ frivolous music to resonate at such an event! Not at all.¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    August 12th, noon, ¡°Ante Modern Music¡± magazine office.

    Oshanin, the editor-in-chief, was preparing for a noon rest, with ns to attend the public memorial music selection meeting in the afternoon.

    He stepped down from his office and upon reaching the reception, the old man there said, ¡°Your Excellency Editor-in-Chief, there¡¯s an express letter for you.¡±

    Oshanin stopped, looking inside: ¡°Express? A delivery at noon?¡±

    In Ante, mail was delivered only in the mornings and evenings; noon deliveries were virtually non-existent.

    ¡°Take a look, Your Excellency. The sender is a celebrity! Especially famous! He might even be a prince! That¡¯s why the postman was all flustered when he delivered it!¡±

    Oshanin was shocked: ¡°General Rokossovsky? He just berated the conductor of Ye Fort Chamber Orchestrast night, and now he is writing to a music magazine?¡±

    The receptionist had already taken out the letter and ced it at the window.

    Editor-in-Chief Oshanin picked up the letter: ¡°Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky. Indeed, it¡¯s him¡­ Hmm? Military mail? The postmark is from this morning, from Shostka? What¡¯s this about? Isn¡¯t Rokossovsky in the capital? Last night he was cursing at the conductor, and the whole music world knows about it!¡±

    The receptionist shrugged helplessly.

    Editor-in-Chief Oshanin directly opened the letter.

    The old man was surprised: ¡°You¡¯re just going to open it like that? Without a letter opener?¡±

    ¡°There¡¯s no seal wax nor a family crest on it, it¡¯s okay,¡± Editor-in-Chief Oshanin pulled out the letter and unfolded it, ¡°Ah, it¡¯s a song. The conductorst night was really angry, although he wouldn¡¯t dare speak ill of a celebrity, but he was very clear in his stance! Let¡¯s see¡­¡±

    With professional skill, Editor-in-Chief Oshanin began to hum the song by reading the sheet music, though he had to bring the letter nearly to his face due to his poor eyesight¡ª

    He stopped.

    Receptionist old man: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not sure¡­ let me look more closely.¡± Editor-in-Chief Oshanin took out his sses from his briefcase, put them on, and assumed the standard reading posture to read again.

    The receptionist stretched his neck trying to see what the matter was.

    Having finished reading the letter, Editor-in-Chief Oshanin flipped it over, found no words on the back, and flipped it to the front again.

    Receptionist old man: ¡°How is it?¡±

    Oshanin turned around and shouted to the upstairs editorial department: ¡°Hey! Editors who can y an instrument, go to the music room. Is Marusin there? Get him to the music room too.¡±

    Marusin stuck his head out from the second floor: ¡°Editor-in-Chief, what¡¯s going on? Another submission from some arrogant youngster?¡±

    ¡°No, no, this is something fierce.¡± Editor-in-Chief Oshanin looked at the song in his hand, ¡°If you sing this song, you might make history.¡±

 Chapter 225: August 12th daytime, the situation of the Southwestern Front Army

    ¡°`

    On August 12 at 1300 hours, at Argesukov, the Southwestern Front Army Headquarters.

    The Front Army Chief of Staff and the Front Army Bishop sat in the map room of the significantly thinned-out headquarters staff, watching the staff officers burn documents.

    ¡°This morning¡¯s telegram, Skorobo seems to have been treated as a traitor, and his whole family was arrested,¡± the Chief of Staff looked toward the Front Army Bishop. ¡°Is there any different information on the church¡¯s side?¡±

    The Bishop clicked his tongue, ¡°There¡¯s a rumor that Skorobo himself was shot dead by Rokossovsky¡ªthe thin one.¡±

    ¡°In the Tribunal¡¯s underground headquarters?¡± the Chief of Staff asked curiously.

    ¡°No, at the Summer Pce, in front of the current Crown Princess and many senior officers of the High Command.¡±

    The Chief of Staff¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Really? The telegram didn¡¯t mention it at all. Could he really get away with such a deed?¡±

    The Bishop spread his hands, ¡°Not only has he gotten away with it, but he¡¯s also scheduled to speak on behalf of all the soldiers at the state funeral and public memorial service on the 18th. It seems the Grand Patriarch ns to set up Rokossovsky as a brand-new role model to stand against the high-ranking generals and marshals of the High Command.¡±The Chief of Staff actually smiled, ¡°A sensible choice, an old noble, very close to the Royal Family, then ideologically in the same pants as the Secr faction, and can fight. The only Achilles heel of this choice now is Rokossovsky¡¯s military ability.

    ¡°There are many officers who canmand a brigade or a division, but when they start tomand an Army Group, they will obviously hit the ceiling, and when ites tomanding an army of the Front¡¯s scale, it might turn mediocre.

    ¡°The military education Rokossovsky received goes up tomanding an army at most. ording to the usual promotion path, he would need to study highermand courses at a military college for further promotion.

    ¡°This situation probably won¡¯t allow him to go back to the forge¡­¡±

    The Bishop took over, ¡°Of course not, even if the church wanted him to go back, the High Command wouldn¡¯t let him. The High Command is probably eager to see Rokossovsky disgrace himself, preferably losing several hundred thousand troops like General Skorobo.¡±

    As the words fell, the Chief of Staff suddenlyughed, ¡°Don¡¯t be like this, we are not dead yet, don¡¯t count yourself as dead first.¡±

    The Front Army Bishop nced at the map and alsoughed, ¡°Is there a difference from being dead now? Look at us, both discussing these beheading matters here.¡±

    The twoughed heartily, drawing curious nces from the nearby staff officer burning documents.

    At this moment amunications officer came in and saluted, ¡°We¡¯ve received a telegram from Duke Meishikin, reporting that the force of three divisions arrived at his positions this morning.¡±

    The Chief of Staff snapped his fingers, ¡°Good, another three divisions have broken out, orderly!¡±

    His orderly appeared and stood at attention.

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°I have a bottle of vodka in my office that¡¯s been cherished for a long time. There¡¯s no reason to let the Prussian bastards have it¡ªbring it here!¡±

    Momentster, the vodka arrived on the table, along with the sses.

    The Chief of Staff took a ss from the orderly, waved his hand, and said, ¡°Don¡¯t need you to serve, you better change into civilian clothes and run. Orderlies aren¡¯t really soldiers, the Prussians won¡¯t treat you as a prisoner of war.¡±

    The orderly hesitated, then bowed and left.

    The Chief of Staff ced the filled ss in front of the Front Army Bishop, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s drink.¡±

    The Bishop picked up the ss and gulped it down.

    As the Chief of Staff poured another, he said, ¡°If we had listened to Rokossovsky¡¯s suggestion at the beginning¡­¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t talk about it,¡± the Front Army Bishop cut him off. ¡°At that time, it was impossible to give up Argesukov and retreat under any circumstance.¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say retreat. I mean, following his suggestion to set up defenses in the north, to dig in like he did, waiting for the enemy to attack. Perhaps the situation would have been better than this, maybe we could have even held the line.¡±

    The Bishop sighed, ¡°It¡¯s really hard to say. These days we¡¯ve fought the Prussians across various terrains. They tend to gain a handsome exchange ratio most of the time. Even when we are the defenders.

    ¡°This is not something that can be changed just by adding a few advanced weapons. With the quality of our soldiers, introducing new weapons might end up being used by the enemy as a bridal gown.¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°The Naval Infantry has achieved quite satisfactory results though.¡±

    ¡°Naval Infantry has high recruitment standards. Most of our soldiers have at most a tenth-grade education, while Naval Infantrymen are mostly high school graduates, plus their training time is also longer. We simply can¡¯tpare,¡± the Bishop shook his head.

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°Yet Rokossovsky has achieved a fairly good exchange ratio. If he survives, I really want to hear his experience sharing.¡±

    The Front Army Bishopughed, ¡°Let¡¯s talk about getting out first.¡±

    He drank the vodka in one gulp and pushed the ss forward, ¡°However, by the time we begin the breakout, it might be a week from now.¡±

    The Chief of Staff nodded, ¡°About right. By then, the units that can run would have almost all run out¡ªor been crushed on the breakout road, and it would be time for us to lead thest of the troops out.¡±

    At this moment, the staff officer burning documents came over to salute, ¡°Reporting sir, all documents have been burned.¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°Very well. You will join the 41st Infantry Army as nned and start the breakout.¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± The staff officer saluted, but didn¡¯t leave immediately.

    ¡°What¡¯s wrong, not leaving?¡± the Bishop asked.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The officer said, ¡°I¡­ just want to wish you luck.¡±

    The Chief of Staff raised his ss, ¡°Likewise, good luck to you as well.¡±

    The Front Army Bishop said, ¡°I heard that when Rokossovsky and Kiriyenko said goodbye, the former said they¡¯d meet in Ploseni and actually had beef stew with potatoes before breaking out. Now both of them are at Ye Fort.¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°We probably can¡¯t get beef stew with potatoes now, but we can still say ¡®See you in Ploseni!''¡±

    ¡°`

    He turned to the staff officers who were reluctant to leave and said, ¡°Farewell to Prosenia!¡±

    The staff officers, deeply moved, echoed in unison, ¡°Farewell to Prosenia!¡±

    The bishop raised his ss and dered, ¡°Farewell to Prosenia!¡±

    Then, the two highest-ranking officers of the Front Army watched as the staff officers departed.

    ¡°If it weren¡¯t for that order from His Majesty the Tsar, we could have let these young men follow the nes,¡± the chief of staff said. ¡°Now, to prove they¡¯re not deserting, they must charge out with the troops.¡±

    The Front Army bishop said, ¡°Fortunately, His Royal Highness the Crown Prince fought bravely to the end. At least now we don¡¯t have to worry about the troops¡¯ morale.¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°Although morale can¡¯t make up for the gap in tactics and skills. I wonder how long it will take to reim Argesukov.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s probably going to take a long time,¡± said the bishop.

    ¡°Arise, the great nation, for a battle of life and death!¡±

    In the music room on the second floor of ¡°Ante Modern Music¡± magazine¡¯s office, Marusin, the magazine¡¯s featured male singer, sang with vigor.

    ¡°To obliterate the Prosen forces, to annihte the vile band of criminals!

    ¡°Let the noblest wrath,

    ¡°Roll like waves!¡±

    The magazine¡¯s makeshift orchestra yed an uplifting melody that was sad yetced with anger, evoking a sense of sanctity simr to a hymn.

    Just by listening to this song, one could envision countless Ante men, rushing to the battlefield without a second thought.

    Marusin held the lyrics in his hand. He had seen the lyrics for only half an hour and had heard the tune even less, but he was already able to sing it quite perfectly.

    This was not only because of his exceptional professional skills but also because the song resonated with him.

    As Marusin sang, he felt a fiery rage welling up inside him.

    Though he was not on the frontline, he felt as if he was there.

    Let the noblest wrath,

    Roll like waves!

    Carry on the people¡¯s war,

    The Holy War!

    This chorus had apletely different rhythm and melody from the main tune, which quickened significantly, like the rapid firing of artillery.

    After finishing the song, an excited Marusin asked Oshanin, the editor-in-chief, ¡°Are you really going to let me sing this? I just need to find a crowded ce, and after singing it, I¡¯ll be remembered.¡±

    Oshanin, the editor-in-chief, replied, ¡°Are you not willing? No, you will be. The selection meeting for the music to be used in the national funeral and public memorial service is about to start. Go up and sing it, apanied by our little orchestra. The song itself is excellent enough that even we amateurs can bring out its power!¡±

    At that moment, someone knocked on the door.

    ¡°Come in!¡±

    No sooner had Oshanin finished speaking than the door to the music room opened, and dimir Bradsky, a special consultant for ¡°Ante Modern Music¡± magazine and a professor at the Department of Music at Ye Fort University, entered.

    ¡°What was that music just now?¡± The professor, abandoning all decorum, called out, ¡°Who wrote it?¡±

    Oshanin, surprised, asked, ¡°You heard it?¡±

    ¡°Arge crowd has already gathered downstairs, all drawn by the music. What was that music? A new piece from the church? After all, it has a hymnal feel to it.¡±

    Oshanin replied, ¡°No, it was written by Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    The professor frowned, ¡°Him? Ah, wait a moment. The main melody does seem familiar; it¡¯s the same as the melody that orchestra conductor was making fun of yesterday at the Musicians¡¯ Club.¡±

    Oshanin frowned, ¡°The melody that was made fun of?¡±

    ¡°Yes, Rokossovsky scolded the orchestra conductor harshly yesterday, then hummed a melody. Irritated, the conductor returned to the club and told all of us who were ying bridge about it, and he hummed it too.

    ¡°But I¡¯ve only heard it once just now, I can¡¯t be sure. Show me the sheet music.¡±

    Oshanin immediately took out the original score they had just copied and handed it to Professor Bradsky.

    The professor scrutinized the music sheet and frowned, ¡°Is this¡­ Rokossovsky¡¯s handwriting?¡±

    ¡°No, I also found it strange. The general is in Ye Fort, but looking at the postmark on this letter, it was only sent from Shostka this morning.¡±

    ¡°Shostka?¡± The professor¡¯s brow contorted even more, ¡°That¡¯s quite a coincidence.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± asked Oshanin.

    ¡°Nothing,¡± the professor shook his head, ¡°Hurry up and rehearse. I think this song should be presented at the uing selection meeting. The entire country should hear this song on the day of the public memorial. It will greatly boost our morale.¡±

 Chapter 226: He Still Sides with You (33,000 Monthly Votes Plus)

    Wang Zhong had originally nned to attend the award ceremony first, as scheduled.

    However, upon arrival, he was informed that the church had interfered with the award ceremony, pushing the event back to the morning of August 13th.

    The Tsar¡¯s proxy at the ceremony, the Grand Duchess, had other matters to attend to and couldn¡¯t be present for the time being.

    Having been stood up, Wang Zhong could only turn around and head to the music selection event.

    Ludm, on the other hand, was quite happy, ¡°This is just like joyriding in Ye Fort, and although I know it¡¯s not right to say this during a time of war, but¡­ joyriding is so fun.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong with that. It¡¯s like ying cards between two fights, nothing of consequence.¡±

    ¡°You were against the ball just yesterday!¡± Ludm protested, ¡°I was all prepared, and it all went to waste!¡±

    Wang Zhong could only look to the side.

    At that moment, Grigori, the driver, mmed on the brakes and turned around to say, ¡°We¡¯ve arrived at the Grand Theater, the address on the invitation is here.¡±Ludm asked with curiosity, ¡°Grigori, howe you¡¯re so familiar with the names of ces in Ye Fort?¡±

    Grigori replied, ¡°Because of my height, I was first stationed in the Ye Fort Royal Guard. It wasn¡¯t untilter that I was transferred to the Third Amur Group. I basically got to know theyout of Ye Fort while in the Guard.¡±

    Wang Zhong remarked, ¡°Then we can count on you if we ever have to fight street battles in Ye Fort.¡±

    Ludm was shocked, ¡°Will ite to street fighting in Ye Fort?¡±

    Wang Zhong stated, ¡°I don¡¯t know. Anything can happen on the battlefield. However, my basic judgment remains unchanged; mud and harsh winters will weaken the Prussians, and we¡¯ll push the front back a bit during the winter. But the war will continue.¡±

    As he said this, he got out of the car and quickly moved to Ludm¡¯s side.

    Ludm had intended to get out of the car by herself, but seeing Wang Zhonging over, she smiled slightly and extended her hand, giving her fianc¨¦ an opportunity.

    After helping her out of the car, Wang Zhong took her hand and they walked towards the theater, while Grigori handed the car over to an approaching valet and followed them with a submachine gun slung over his shoulder.

    The Grand Theater had a row of Romanesque columns that looked quite majestic up close, but all Wang Zhong could think about was where to set up a machine gun to lock down the entire staircase.

    He guessed this symptom wouldn¡¯t go away until the war was over.

    Reaching the top of the steps and looking at the entrance of the Grand Theater, Wang Zhong surveyed the surroundings, ¡°Why is there no one here to greet us?¡±

    ¡°Ohe on, you gave them a hard timest night, so they¡¯re giving you a hard time today. You¡¯re not thinking of drawing your gun and charging in, are you? Don¡¯t be like that. I suggested from the start that you should act as if this invitation didn¡¯t exist. But since you insisted on reviewing the music, we¡¯re here, so just bear with it,¡± Ludm said, effectively extinguishing the impulse inside Wang Zhong.

    He smiled faintly at her and wrapped his arm around her as they walked in.

    As they approached the main door, a group of maidservants appeared, opened the doors, and bowed to Wang Zhong, ¡°General Rokossovsky, wee to the Grand Theater.¡±

    Wang Zhong was utterly baffled, ¡°Are you here to wee me? Weren¡¯t you supposed to give me a hard time? What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    Then Grand Duchess Olga emerged.

    Both Wang Zhong and Ludm were stunned.

    The Grand Duchess said, ¡°The Court Chambein asked me to attend this selection event to show the Royal Family¡¯s interest in this activity. Since the award ceremony was canceled, I came over here willingly.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°You came over because the award ceremony was canceled? Your Highness, are all your activities today to meet with Alyosha?¡±

    ¡°No, this is thest event where I¡¯ll meet him. I won¡¯t be able to attend your officers¡¯ dinner tonight,¡± the Grand Duchess replied with a slight smile.

    Wang Zhong abruptly changed the subject, ¡°Why was the award ceremony canceled?¡±

    ¡°The church said they needed to revise the battle g and title awarded to your troops, so they canceled the ceremony,¡± Olga paused before switching topics, ¡°I heard you scolded the orchestra conductorst night? You called the music heposed for you ¡®effeminate¡¯? ¡±

    ¡°Yeah, did that reach the pce too?¡±

    ¡°Because after that, the orchestra conductor went to a club frequented by musicians andined bitterly. They also mocked the melody youposed, calling it trash. What was the song? Could I please have a listen?¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to answer, Ludm beat him to it, ¡°There will be other opportunities, Your Highness. It¡¯s not good for us to be blocking the entrance like this.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Olga said with a slight smile, ¡°Then let¡¯s go in.¡±

    She turned and walked down the grand corridor of the theater interior.

    Wang Zhong wanted to follow her, but Ludm pulled him back, waiting until all of the Grand Duchess¡¯s maidservants had caught up before following behind them.

    ¡°That¡¯s more in keeping with protocol,¡± Ludm murmured into Wang Zhong¡¯s ear, ¡°Not that I¡¯m jealous.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°I¡¯d actually be happier if you were jealous, really.¡±

    ¡°Then I am,¡± said Ludm, ¡°Happy now?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded affirmatively, ¡°Yes!¡­No, no, not happy, I dare not be happy.¡±

    As they entered the Grand Theater, they found the audience seats filled with Ye Fort¡¯s socialites¡ªor at least those who appeared to be.

    They were paying their respects to Grand Duchess Olga.

    Ludm was pulling Wang Zhong, discreetly moving to the side.

    An attendant came over to show the way, ¡°General Rocossovsky, your seat is over here.¡±

    The attendant led Wang Zhong and his group to the edge of the auditorium seats, ¡°Since inviting you was ast-minute decision, you can only sit here.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°If I sit in this position, sometimes my voice won¡¯t be able to reach the people on stage. If that happens, I may choose to fire a gun. Are you sure that¡¯s all right?¡±

    The attendantughed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the acoustic design of the theater is very advanced. You just need to slightly lift your chin and speak towards that wall. Your voice will carry very clearly throughout the entire theater, just like now.¡±

    At this moment, quite a few people were looking over here.

    But most of them had no intention ofing over to shake hands¡ª

    A well-dressed middle-aged gentleman, apanied by a 40-something old academic with a monocle, walked over together.

    The gentleman handed over a business card, ¡°I am Oshanin, the editor-in-chief of Ante Modern Music magazine. This is Professor dimir Bradsky next to me.¡±

    The professor took over, saying, ¡°Professor at Ye Fort University¡¯s department of music. I have a small question, Duke Rocossov, do you have a young man in your troop named Vasily dimirovich Bradsky?¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow; he had forgotten Vasily¡¯s full name, but since the person before him was a music professor and it matched up, he confirmed and asked, ¡°Could it be that you and your son are not on good terms?¡±

    ¡°I think he should be aposer, but he went off to enlist!¡±

    Well, that hit the mark.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Vasily is indeed in my troop. Because he is fluent in Prussian, he interprets Prussian radiomunications. Would you like me to pass on a message from you?¡±

    ¡°No, no, the editor with me received an express letter around noon, from Shostka. Do you have any idea what this could mean?¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, wondering if Vasily had written a song and sent it over, and it was received by this editor Oshanin?

    But, he had only hummed a tune in front of Vasily. Had he unconsciously sung the lyrics?

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I hummed an off-tune melody in front of him, which might have inspired his musicposition.¡±

    If ¡°The Holy War¡± had truly beenposed by Vasily, Wang Zhong wouldn¡¯t mind giving credit to Vasily. After all, he wasn¡¯t the original creator of the piece; he was merely a transporter.

    Besides, he had just brought the tune over. If Vasily could turn it into a fullposition, that was his brilliance. It wouldn¡¯t be excessive to credit him. And if he also happened to fill in the lyrics, then even more so it would be right to let him have the credit.

    However, the professor shook his head, ¡°No, no, I know that child too well. If it¡¯s his work, he would never let it go. If he lists you as theposer, then it is definitely you. The lyrics are written by Filippov. Do you know this Filippov?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°He¡¯s a good brother Vasily met at the military academy. The two of them survived the brutal Loktov Defense and the Orachi Rearguard Battle.¡±

    The professor hesitated for a moment, then said, ¡°If they have such talent, can we get them transferred back to Ye Fort to focus solely on musicposition? Boosting morale is also an important job.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°You¡¯d have to speak with Vasily about that yourself. Shostka is still safe, the enemy is about a hundred kilometers away, and you could go see him.¡±

    The professor frowned, ¡°No! I will not go see him! Unless hees to apologize to me!¡±

    Good heavens, this father and son pair do have simrities.

    At this moment, Ludm spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t let stubbornness turn into regret. You should go see him.¡±

    The professor was clearly hesitant.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Then the orchestra conductor called out from afar, ¡°Mr. Oshanin, the auditions are about to begin. Please hurry over!¡±

    Oshanin called out loudly, ¡°Alright. However, respected conductor, I request a change in the order of the auditions. We have a new program we just rehearsed to perform.¡±

    The conductor¡¯s face showed disagreement.

    At that moment, dimir Bradsky spoke, ¡°I support changing the order of the auditions. This song is deserving!¡±

    Of course, it¡¯s ¡°The Holy War¡±.

    But what Bradsky said next was, ¡°After all, it¡¯s aposition by war hero Rocossov, it¡¯s real music from the battlefield!¡±

    With that statement, a buzz arose throughout the venue. It was true, the theater¡¯s acoustic design was impressive, a whisper suddenly bing as loud as a marketce.

    The conductor frowned, ¡°This¡­ we have a procedure. To add an undered piece is already not in ordance with the regtions, to ce it before everyone else doesn¡¯t seem right¡­¡±

    Just then, from the Royal Family¡¯s box, Olga said, ¡°I think it¡¯s alright. If it¡¯s just cutting in at the very beginning, there¡¯s no need to change the rest of the procedure, it just pushes everything back a bit. Besides, conductor, if General Rocossov¡¯s music is really so unbearable to listen to, wouldn¡¯t it be better to show it to everyone first? That way, the general won¡¯t have any reasons to raise objectionster, right?¡±

    The musicians looked at each other.

    Ludm then whispered into Wang Zhong¡¯s ear, ¡°She still supports you so much, Your Highness.¡±

    Wang Zhong instantly broke out in a sweat.

    At that moment, the conductor sighed, ¡°Since editor-in-chief Oshanin and Professor Bradsky hold it in such high regard, let¡¯s listen to it first then, this music from the battlefield.¡±

 Chapter 227: Resounding Through Ekaterinburg Fortress (34,000 Monthly Votes Plus Update)

    Chapter 227: Resounding Through Ekaterinburg Fortress (34,000 Monthly Votes Plus Update)

    ¡°`

    After everyone had taken their seats, Editor-in-chief Oshanin stepped onto the conductor¡¯s podium.

    Within the music pit, there was only a small orchestra.

    Wang Zhong heard someone ridicule, ¡°Isn¡¯t the orchestra just made up of their magazine editors? I remember they¡¯re all amateurs, aren¡¯t they? Without a single professional musician, what can they possibly perform?¡±

    Another person responded, ¡°I didn¡¯t even hear about this n until yesterday. They might have had to hurriedly push ducks onto perches today.¡±

    ¡°Indeed, this could be to make a fool of the general!¡±

    ¡°If it¡¯s to make a fool of the general, then what was their intention when they came over to greet us just now?¡±

    Wang Zhong could hear these gossipers especially clearly, perhaps due to the unique acoustics of the concert hall.

    Ludm clutched his arm the whole time, truly looking as though she feared he would draw his gun and start shooting again.Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but reassure her, ¡°What do you take me for? I won¡¯t draw a gun.¡±

    ¡°You say that! But you drew your gun yesterday when we went to the club! You might well have developed a habit, resolving problems subconsciously by drawing a gun.¡±

    Wang Zhong was left speechless, but since Ludm was pressing his hand in such a delightful manner, he didn¡¯t say anything else.

    Editor-in-chief Oshanin was already prepared on the conducting tform, and after exchanging a nce with the soloist, he lightly flicked the conductor¡¯s baton.

    The music started.

    As soon as Wang Zhong recognized the melody, he rxed: it was just a rearranged version of ¡°The Holy War,¡± with a rhythm that felt like a heavy heartbeat at the beginning¡ªsomething he was all too familiar with.

    The previously chattering musicians all fell silent.

    The slightly plump male singer began to sing. The words seemed a bit different from the original, but the overall tone was correct.

    Wang Zhongpletely rxed, knowing the song would be a sess¡ªas long as those musicians didn¡¯t act in bad faith, they had to admit it was an outstanding battle hymn.

    Suddenly, Ludm pinched Wang Zhong¡¯s arm so hard it hurt, preventing him from focusing on the song; he had to turn and look at the source of the pain.

    Ludm¡¯s eyes were wet, and while pinching Wang Zhong¡¯s arm violently, she kept wiping her tears and runny nose with a handkerchief.

    Distracted by his fianc¨¦e, Wang Zhong was unable to concentrate on the song and instead looked around, only to discover that most of the noblewomen were tight-faced, while the older gentlemen all appeared moved.

    Well, the noblewomen, who had never experienced war and didn¡¯t care about it, remained unaffected. Had the gentlemen been naturally stirred by the song¡¯s solemnity?

    But almost immediately, Wang Zhong spotted an exception: Crown Princess Olga had stood up in her box, pressing her hands against the railing.

    Such theatres are designed for optimal listening from seated positions; Olga¡¯s behavior of standing up during the performance was actually impolite.

    But the Crown Princess probably didn¡¯t care about that anymore.

    When the song ended, the entire theatre was eerily quiet.

    The next moment, led by the Crown Princess, pping started, and while pping, she shouted, ¡°Brilliant! I could almost see my brother resolutely charging toward the enemy!¡±

    No, in fact, this has nothing to do with personal courage; it¡¯s a song that glorifies the entire nation, glorifying the fighting people, Your Highness!

    Just as Wang Zhong was seriously considering whether or not to stand up and exin this to the princess, Professor dimir Bradsky stood up: ¡°This does not only celebrate individual bravery! In my opinion, this song praises the countless ordinary people who rushed to the battlefield.

    ¡°It glorifies the entire Ante nation! This song didn¡¯t use any fanciful arrangement techniques. Had it been homework submitted in one of my music theory sses, I probably wouldn¡¯t have given a high grade. However, as a war hymn, it is perfect!¡±

    No sooner had the professor finished speaking than someone objected, ¡°But the lyrics of this song speak of ¡®the people¡¯s war.¡¯ Isn¡¯t it inappropriate for use at the state funeral of the Crown Prince and Duke Rokossovsky?¡±

    ¡°Exactly,¡± another concurred. ¡°It¡¯s almost as if the song was tailor-made for the Church, especially with that hymn-like chorus.¡±

    Olga spoke up again, ¡°No! It¡¯s very appropriate! My brother would have definitely loved this song! Definitely!¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered that he, too, was a rtive of someone enjoying a state funeral, so after the princess, he said, ¡°When I was writing it, I also thought of my father¡¯s face, and the smile of my dear friend Ivan! Are you questioning the depth of my rtionship with the two martyred heroes?¡±

    The critics fell silent immediately.

    Then the leader of the Ye Fort Orchestra spoke, ¡°I have to admit the song is very impressive. Even though the melody is indeed what General Rokossovsky hummedst night, but the listening experience ispletely different from when the major hummed it yesterday.

    ¡°May I ask, who arranged this piece? Surely General Rokossovsky didn¡¯t do the arrangement himself? I doubt the general has such professional expertise¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong openly admitted, ¡°That¡¯s right, the arrangement wasn¡¯t mine, and even the lyrics weren¡¯t mine. I merely provided a melody; it was the arranger who expanded it into a musical piece.¡±

    The orchestra leader immediately revealed a triumphant smile, ¡°Then isn¡¯t it somewhat inappropriate that only the major¡¯s name is written as theposer?¡±

    Bradsky spoke up, ¡°I know the person who transcribed the major¡¯s music onto the score, and his character ensures he would never take credit for himself. Trust me, even if seven or eight parts of the song¡¯s sess are his doing, as long as the original tune came from the major, theposer won¡¯t sign their name, absolutely not.¡±

    When the professor spoke, his tone was one of boasting about his own son, his air of pride akin to that of an angler who hadnded a ten-pound fish, wishing everyone would carry the fish around the world and brag with a megaphone.

    Then Crown Princess Olga said, ¡°I think the music for the state and public funeral should follow this one. General Rokossovsky, can you write more?¡±

    Wang Zhong was terrified at the prospect of the princess calling out ¡®Alyosha¡¯ in public. But she didn¡¯t. Instead, she used ¡°General Rokossovsky,¡± which was much better.

    Last time she seemed to have called him ¡®Alyosha¡¯ directly; possibly considering it was a public asion this time, she used a more formal appetion.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I apologize, Your Highness, but as you know, I¡¯m actually not skilled in music. When we were children, you and Ivan Highness yed the piano and the violin, and I could only p my hands to the rhythm. I can¡¯t even y the drums.¡±

    ¡°`

    ¡°I also heard this song in a dream, so I remembered it.¡±

    What Wang Zhong meant was that the world before he transmigrated seemed like a dream to him.

    As soon as these words were spoken, everyone drew a sharp breath.

    Wang Zhong was stunned, what was going on?

    Ludm whispered in his ear, ¡°Saint Andrew once said the same thing, that he heard melodies in a dream, and thus he wrote them down.¡±

    ¡­Was Saint Andrew a predecessor? Or did he truly hear angels singing to him? After all, this world really does have mystic forces.

    Instead of thetter possibility, Wang Zhong rather hoped that Saint Andrew was a predecessor.

    At this moment, Professor Bradsky broke the silence, ¡°Then let¡¯s settle on this song as the first one! I think we should organize the orchestra to learn it right away and then perform at the train station!¡±

    ¡°The youths from all over the country are gathering there to embark on their journey, heading to the front lines. They need this song to boost their morale!¡±

    Before the orchestra¡¯s conductor could reply, another tall and thin gentleman stood up, ¡°Agreed. Your Excellency, Conductor, I think the orchestra should start rehearsing this song immediately and strive to perform at the train station by tomorrow morning.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked Ludm, ¡°Who was that speaking?¡±

    ¡°The vice-conductor of the orchestra, and he¡¯s very close to the Church,¡± Liu Xia answered.

    Wow, the Church has infiltrated every aspect, hasn¡¯t it?n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The conductor stared at the vice-conductor for a while before saying, ¡°You are correct, Aleksandrovich, go and organize the rehearsal.¡±

    The vice-conductor immediately saluted and then strode up to the stage to ask Editor-in-Chief Oshanin for the score.

    As he came down with the score, he also saluted Wang Zhong.

    The conductor, looking deted like a withered radish, cleared his throat and said, ¡°Then let¡¯s continue with the procedure, start the selection¡­¡±

    ¡°I would like to hear this song again,¡± Olga, the Crown Princess, interrupted the conductor, ¡°What is the name of this song?¡±

    Editor-in-Chief Oshanin on stage rubbed his nose awkwardly and said, ¡°It¡¯s called ¡®The Night of July 15th at Argesukov, a Serendipitous Composition.''¡±

    Wang Zhong wanted tough; Vasily took the time he hummed Heng as the title of the song.

    And he got the date wrong too, it was the night he met Aunt Alexeyevna.

    Oshanin turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°Your Excellency, General, is this¡­ the name of the song?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No, the song is called ¡®The Holy War¡¯.¡±

    Olga, the Crown Princess, asked, ¡°Did you also hear this one in a dream?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yes, Saint Andrew told me.¡±

    Having already unwittingly stepped on andmine, he might as well step down harder to scare this lot of vermin.

    Sure enough, his words again stirred up waves of shock.

    But the Crown Princess Olgaughed heartily, as though she took it all as a joke, ¡°Major General Rokossov, you really have a sense of humor.¡±

    Wang Zhong also smiled.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    A littleter, at the Eastern Holy Church¡¯s Great Cathedral of Maria.

    The Grand Patriarch Belinsky took a sip of Triana wine and let out a satisfied sound.

    At that moment, a Judge came in with a report, ¡°Your Eminence, this is a piece of music just sent to ¡®Ante Modern Music¡¯ magazine by Major General Rokossov.¡±

    ¡°Oh? Major General Rokossov writes music as well? Didn¡¯t I hearst night that he had offended the entire music world? What, is he now writing songs trying to win back favor?

    ¡°This is not good; no one can excel in everything, there¡¯s no need for him to save face in music too.¡±

    As Belinsky spoke, he gestured for the Judge to bring the piece of music over.

    The Judge immediately handed the score to Belinsky.

    ¡°Hmm,¡± Belinsky didn¡¯t understand the score, nced at it briefly, and then tossed aside the sheet asking, ¡°What¡¯s the reaction from the musicians?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re extremely shocked, even Ye Fort¡¯s conductor, who had a grudge against the Major General, thinks it¡¯s a good piece.¡±

    Belinsky was surprised: ¡°Really?¡±

    He picked up the score again, ¡°This¡­ oh, there are lyrics, let¡¯s see¡­ ¡®Let noble fury boil over like waves! Fight the people¡¯s fight, the sacred battle¡¯¡­¡±

    The Grand Patriarch looked at the Judge, ¡°Go and ask the Propaganda Department if they were the ones who fed these words to the General.¡±

    ¡°They weren¡¯t,¡± said the Judge with certainty, ¡°Both the Propaganda Department and the Hymn Department say it has nothing to do with them.¡±

    Belinsky raised his eyebrows, ¡°Investigate this lyricist, Filippov. And confirm again if this was indeed written by the General.¡±

 Chapter 228: Another Father

    Chapter 228: Another Father

    Wang Zhong had no idea that his song had already made its way to the church.

    He only knew that after Oshanin yed the song with some enthusiasts, his own speaking rights suddenly increased.

    He even felt that after every music piece ended, everyone was waiting for him to say a few words.

    The presence of Grand Duchess Olga only strengthened this feeling.

    At the end of every song, the host would anxiously watch Wang Zhong, checking if he intended to make a sharp critique.

    However, Wang Zhong himself was quite self-aware, so he only spoke up to scold the effeminate tunes when the performance of a song was obviously poor, to uphold the solemnity of his good brethren and his father¡¯s funeral.

    By the time the two and a half hour audition finished, Wang Zhong¡¯s legs had nearly gone numb.

    Ludm smiled, pulling him up, and said, ¡°Are you really the fierce general who gallops across the battlefield?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°When I gallop across the battlefield, I mainly rely on my little tank.¡±After saying this, Wang Zhong seemed to hear the neighing of horses and quickly added, ¡°And my beloved horse.¡±

    Ludm sighed, ¡°Your answer reminds me that on the battlefield, you cared more about tanks and horses than me!¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a misunderstanding!¡± Wang Zhong said seriously, ¡°My concern for you is the same as that for my horse and tank!¡±

    Ludm looked at Wang Zhong with a teasing smile, while the surrounding young noblewomen already looked at her with sympathetic eyes.

    Only then did Wang Zhong realize something seemed off, so he corrected himself, ¡°I care about you more than the horses and the tank!¡±

    ¡°Hahaha, I don¡¯t believe you.¡± Ludm said after a dryugh.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to make amends, she sighed deeply, ¡°Oh well, it seems all men are the same. When Uncle Connie and my father gathered, they would be bursting with enthusiasm talking about what phase of the campaign, which general¡¯s unit arrived where on what date¡­ You will probably be the same in the future.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked aside because he also felt that he would be just like that.

    It was then that Professor dimir Bradsky approached with some trepidation and asked, ¡°Er, General, do you¡­ really think I should go to Shostka to see Vasily?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t hesitate, go quickly. Shostka is normal for now, even running a regr civilian passenger train each day. But it won¡¯t be this rxed for much longer.¡±

    Wang Zhong had intended to say that it wouldn¡¯t be this rxed by mid-September, but at this time, it wasn¡¯t appropriate to leak military judgments, so he could only say so much.

    Bradsky, holding his hat, rubbed it nervously, ¡°There¡¯s a great waring, right? Would it be taboo to visit my son in the army at such a time?

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard that the army is a very superstitious ce, where some people carry amulets into battle, believing that if they lose them, they¡¯ll never return¡ªstuff like that¡­

    ¡°So is there any superstition that if you see your family before a war, you¡¯ll be doomed in the future?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, not at all. Rest assured. War doesn¡¯t take such kind considerations, death arrives without warning and it doesn¡¯t rte to your actions.¡±

    Ludm quickly poked his waist, then smiled and said, ¡°What the Lieutenant Colonel means is, just ease your mind and go. Bring whatever good food you should.¡±

    The professor nodded repeatedly, ready to leave, then suddenly remembered something, and asked, ¡°Does Vasily¡­ hate me?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°He¡¯s always grumbling that you forced him to be aposer, nothing else beyond that.¡±

    The professor heaved a sigh: ¡°I¡¯m different from other parents. I saw his talent and steered him in that direction! As you can see, he really has the talent!¡±

    Wang Zhong had to admit that Vasily did indeed have the talent to make something of a song after hearing it just once, the father before him wasn¡¯t wrong.

    So he said, ¡°Maybe you should have a proper talk with him? Not as a father or an elder giving instructions, but as a friend, just a good, friendly chat?¡±

    The professor was shocked, ¡°But I am his father and elder! How can I possibly be his friend? I¡¯ve discovered his talent and shown him the best path! As a father, I have a clear conscience! Your Excellency, if you were a father, you could¡­¡±

    ¡°I am not a father yet.¡± Wang Zhong smiled slightly, ¡°Though I look weathered, it¡¯s the imprint of war, I¡¯m actually not even 30 years old. I have no experience as a father, so¡­ I¡¯m sorry, I can¡¯t rte to you. All I can tell you is that Vasily hopes you can respect him, wanting to share a drink with you as a friend.¡±

    Actually, here, Wang Zhong was expressing his own wish.

    Before he crossed over, he had hoped to have a drink with his father, to chat as friends.

    But now that was a wish that could never be fulfilled.

    Thinking this still brought a bit of sorrow.

    The empathetic Liu Xia looked at Wang Zhong tenderly.

    The professor sighed, ¡°Alright, alright, I understand what you mean. I¡¯ll bring a bottle of wine and have a good chat with him.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°As friends.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡± The professor smiled, turned to leave, but then had another thought and asked, ¡°Can I bring my wife along, too? Is there any taboo in that?¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°No, rest assured.¡±

    After saying this, Wang Zhong suddenly thought, if Vasily were to die this time, would the couple think it was because they had vited some taboo and caused his death?

    In such a case, it would be better to concoct a taboo for them to be mindful of at all times. Just as sailors shouldn¡¯t flip fish over while eating, and other such superstitions.

    But before Wang Zhong could spin such a tale, the professor had already left, walking away while putting on his crumpled hat.

    Ludm said softly, ¡°What a lovely father. You can tell he loves Vasily very, very much.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Wang Zhong nodded.

    It was at this moment that Grand Duchess Olga appeared: ¡°Finally, it¡¯s over. I heard that tonight you will be inviting young officers to a dance at the estate?¡±

    ¡°A dinner party.¡± Wang Zhong corrected.

    Ludm said jokingly, ¡°Alyosha doesn¡¯t want to entertain thedies; he only wants to entertain the young men.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t deny it.

    Olga sighed, ¡°That means you are definitely noting to the court ball tonight.¡±

    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Wang Zhong answered.

    ¡°Then the ball is going to be very boring,¡± Olga pouted. Suddenly, as if she had thought of something that pleased her, she said, ¡°Then I will have the orchestra y ¡®The Holy War¡¯ during the interlude between two dances!¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked. He could already imagine how someone was going to have high blood pressure tonight.

    Ludm changed the subject, ¡°Is His Majesty the Tsar still the same?¡±

    ¡°Still the same, locked in his room all day long; the good news is that he is eating.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, trying hard to appear concerned for His Majesty the Tsar.

    The Grand Duchess Olga said, ¡°Well then, I¡¯m going back. I hope you have a good time tonight.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªn/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    That evening, in the outskirts of Ye Fort, at the Rokossovsky Estate.

    Arge number of young military officers gathered in the garden set up for an open-air banquet.

    Many were familiar faces from the previous experience sharing session, like Kashuk.

    There were also officers like Kiriyenko, who could hardly be considered young, but weren¡¯t old either, mingling among them. If there was one thing that united all the officers gathered at the estate at that moment, it was that they had all personally faced off against the Prussians at the front.

    Due to ckout regtions, only the food area was illuminated by candlelight; the rest of the venue was bathed in moonlight.

    In these circumstances, if this had been a dance, many indecent things were likely to happen.

    But this was not a dance.

    The young officers were not discussing women but war.

    Wang Zhong discovered a smoked herring sd at the food station which smelled terrible, but after one bite, he fell in love with the taste.

    As he was enjoying the food, several Armored Troops officers arrived at the food station. It was so dark that they didn¡¯t notice Wang Zhong and were chatting among themselves:

    ¡°The content of the session the day before yesterday was very useful, but those who went up to share were all people who had won battles, or at least held their ground and then retreated in one piece, so they only introduced how they won, not how they lost.¡±

    ¡°Yeah, I think how they lost would be more valuable to share,¡± one said.

    Wang Zhong, upon hearing this, was very interested and asked, ¡°So how did they lose?¡±

    He intentionally blocked his own major general¡¯s epaulettes and changed his voice to be somewhat different from ¡°Rocossov.¡±

    The Armored Troops officers nced at Wang Zhong, and, seeing that he was infantry, spoke openly: ¡°How we lost? You infantry would definitely not understand, but we are all too familiar with it.

    ¡°My unit, the First Tank Army, is the rich army of the entire Western Front Army. We have arge number of new tanks. Just KV-1s alone we have 40, and 20 KV-2s! Do you know the KV-2? We call it ¡®toilet bowl head,¡¯ that thing is equipped with a 152mm heavy howitzer!

    ¡°Our army also has 80 T-34s, you understand? 80! The moment there was armored contact, the Prussians were dumbfounded. They had never seen such terrifying tanks! And so many of them!

    ¡°Guess how we got finished?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought of the fate of the Sixth Tank Army and said, ¡°88 guns?¡±

    ¡°No no no,¡± the officer from the First Tank Army shook his hands repeatedly, ¡°Guess again.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Stukas?¡±

    ¡°Those indeed destroyed a few, but not many. Actually, the efficiency of Stuka attacks isn¡¯t as high as the Prussians advertise. Guess again!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I can¡¯t guess. You tell me.¡±

    The officer sighed deeply: ¡°We lost because, other than tanks, wecked everything! How many support troops does a Prussian tank division have? Each armored battalion has three battalions, and some divisions even only two. The rest are all support troops.

    ¡°Armored grenadiers, artillery, anti-air battalions, logistics regiments, maintenance battalions¡­ They have everything! An armored battalion can even be directly supported by a grenadier battalion, with half-tracks outnumbering tanks!

    ¡°And us? It would be good if a toon could get a squad of infantry, sometimes a tank toon could only get an infantry squad. We may not have enough infantry, but that¡¯s not all¡ªour equipment is also poor. Buddy, how many machine guns does your infantry battalion have?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Depends on which battalion, but my Guard 31st Battalion has 114 light machine guns. Mainly because we captured a lot of enemy light machine guns.¡±

    ¡°See! 114! The entire Tank Army¡¯s affiliated infantry only has 81 light machine guns. Our infantry¡¯s firepower can¡¯tpare with the enemy¡¯s armored grenadiers; we get suppressed as soon as we engage and then we¡¯re shattered.

    ¡°Then the enemy¡¯s infantry can deal with our tanks in closebat! The enemy also likes to throw smoke! As you know, with smoke everywhere and no infantry to apany, tanks are just sitting ducks!

    ¡°We alsock tractors. My division, the entire division has only seven tractors, and they are all the artillery¡¯s, used to tow cannons! If a tank gets stuck in a ditch, there isn¡¯t a tractor to pull it out.

    ¡°Many tanks were abandoned on the battlefield like this, without even fighting!¡±

    The divisionmander was speaking passionately when he suddenly stopped, ¡°Wait a minute, what did you say about your unit just now?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Guard 31st Battalion.¡±

    The divisionmander: ¡°Are you Major General Rocossov?¡±

    ¡°Correct. I will reflect all your grievances to the Ordnance Department. We will also try to push for morebined arms units, to fill up other technical service branches for you.¡±

    The divisionmander shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s no use, unless General Sergey, the head of the Ordnance Department, is reced, he will only continue to expand the tank forces, endlessly creating disabled tank armies thatck everything except for tanks, and then they will be farmed by the enemy as battle achievements.¡±

 Chapter 229: Today We Reunite Like Family

    As soon as the tank brigademander had finished speaking, another colonel spoke up, ¡°The infantrycks machine guns because they¡¯re all mounted on tanks! There¡¯s only so much production capacity for machine guns, and if they go to the tanks, there are fewer avable for the infantry!¡±

    ¡°Moreover, the number of machine guns on tanks is unnecessarily high. Inbat, that machine gun on the back of the turret is utterly useless! Originally, the BT7 has a two-man turret; during battle, they¡¯re too busy to death, who has the time to operate the machine gun at the back of the turret!¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but give a wry smile. He hadmanded a T28 himself, which had a machine gun at the back of the turret intended for themander to use, but Wang Zhongpletely forgot about the existence of that machine gun.

    Hrious, who has time to turn around and fire the rear machine gun when you can¡¯t even keep up with the action in front?

    The BT7 also had a machine gun on the back of its turret. When Wang Zhong stood at the back of the BT7 turret tomand the tank, the only use of this machine gun was to asionally punch him in the stomach.

    By the way, at first Wang Zhong was still worried that this machine gun would misfire and kill him. Then themander of the BT7 assured him not to worry because the machine gun wasn¡¯t even loaded with ammunition; the ammo had been moved to save space.

    Before he crossed over, Wang Zhong had read many memoirs of Soviet tankers. Either they forgot about the existence of this machine gun and never mentioned it, or theyined that it took up a lot of space in the turret and couldn¡¯t be used.

    Yet this rear-facing machine gun persisted. It was present in most tanks at the beginning of the war, as well as the midte IS1, and thete-IS2, until it was finally removed in the IS3 that only made it to the victory parade.

    One couldn¡¯t help but suspect that this machine gun at the back of the turret was a personal preference of some designer.By the way, many yearster there was a hugely humorous end to this story. In War Thunder, a war game made by Russians themselves, all the rear-facing machine guns were just rendered models and had no firing function whatsoever.

    This design, like the initial removal of the tankmander in the BT series, became theughingstock of Russian tank design.

    Before Wang Zhong crossed over, he thought the troops probably had no objections. Now it seems that the troops had a lot ofints; it¡¯s unknown why the Ordnance Department didn¡¯t adopt them.

    Even adding amander to the T3485 was only on the T3485 improvement model. The original version of the T3485 only added an observation tower for the gunner to enhance his vision when not operating the main gun.

    Just reading the text description already sends one¡¯s blood pressure through the roof.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that now he was here, he could take a gun, take out the stubborn designer who wouldn¡¯t admit his mistakes, and rece him with a designer who would meet the demands of the troops.

    While thinking about this, the tankers continued to have a heated discussion: ¡°To be honest, I can¡¯t understand the use of having two coaxial machine guns in the turret. One machine gun canplete most of the tasks. Is having an extra machine gun going to make the Prussians die more thoroughly? The turret space is already small; adding another machine gun just makes it more cramped. It would be better to have space for more machine gun ammunition.¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Another said, ¡°Yeah, removing the rear machine gun would allow us to carry a lot more ammo.¡±

    ¡°The maggots at the Ordnance Department don¡¯t understand tanks at all! Even if they don¡¯t understand, wouldn¡¯t it be good to just copy the Prussian tanks? The Prussian tanks we¡¯ve destroyed don¡¯t have rear machine guns and havemanders, and their new models even have observation towers for them.¡±

    It was then that a balding middle-aged man leaned in and spoke in a low voice, ¡°Stop talking. The rear-firing machine gun and the elimination of the tankmander were the ideas of His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s favorite, Valentin. He, just like General Skorobo, enjoys the Tsar¡¯s deep trust, and even General Sergey doesn¡¯t weigh as much in the Tsar¡¯s presence as Valentin does.

    ¡°He oversaw the design of the B4 howitzer and the T35 heavy tank, both of which are very much loved by the Tsar.¡±

    All the tankmanders present furrowed their brows.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°It seems everyone is well aware of how terrible the T35 piece of junk is.¡±

    ¡°How could we not know? The tank school uses that piece of crap as a ssroom vehicle because it¡¯s big enough to hold more people for a lecture.¡± The brigademander who had just spoken said, frowning.

    Well, turns out there¡¯s that connection.

    Wang Zhong patted his chest, ¡°The erroneous path of the Ordnance Department will be corrected by me. I¡¯ll try toe up with a new tank with amander and a radio based on my Parade T34 by next year.¡±

    All the tank operators¡¯ expressions brightened up, ¡°Really?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve been to the repair factory to see your tank, number 422. It¡¯s really good.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s vehicle actually returned to Ye Fort earlier than the others. At that time, these vehicles didn¡¯te off the train; they were sent directly to Ye Fort to return to the factory.

    Wang Zhong confidently patted his chest, ¡°For real. In fact, as part of a royal special project, I had Ye Fort¡¯s Combined Machinery Factory start on a hundred Parade Tanks. Officially, they¡¯re for the National Founding Day parade, but in reality, they¡¯re prepared to be sent to the front lines forbat.

    ¡°My division only has one tank battalion; it definitely can¡¯t handle all 100 tanks, so we can probably form two more battalions. Who gets the Parade Tanks is up to the royal family; I can pull some strings.¡±

    In reality, it was Princess Olga who had the final say.

    Which basically meant that I, Wang Zhong, had the final say.

    The officers all had a knowing look.

    But clearly, their understanding might have a slight deviation from what Wang Zhong meant.

    At that moment, the brigademander who had spoken before suggested, ¡°We finally heard some good news today. Let¡¯s toast to celebrate!¡±

    He turned to those present and called out loudly, ¡°Gentlemen! Just now the general promised us that there would be more and better tanks for the tankers and more machine guns for the infantry! Let us raise our sses to General Rokossovsky!¡±

    All the officers picked up their wine sses; those who didn¡¯t have one quickly asked a waiter for one.

    Soon, everyone held up their drinks.

    Wang Zhong picked up a ss of red wine and looked at everyone, ¡°Gentlemen! Today, it feels as if a big family has reunited. I¡¯m so happy!¡±

    He raised his ss.

    ¡°Hmm! Today I¡¯m the happiest!¡±

    ¡°I estimate it will take five years to achieve victory. Let¡¯s drink to our sess five years from now, see you in Prosenia!¡±

    Having said that, he downed his drink in one gulp.

    The young, battle-experienced officers present all shouted in unison, ¡°See you in Prosenia!¡±

    After finishing his drink, Wang Zhong noticed the band appearing near the fountain; it turned out that the dinner party was just beginning, and what had taken ce before was merely a time for idle chatter before everyone arrived.

    The band began to y, and to his surprise, it was ¡°The Holy War,¡± which Wang Zhong had only made public that day¡ªa melody that sounded like abination of a hymn and a march.

    The small choir of just six started singing, ¡°Arise, great nation, to fight to the death!¡±

    The officers who had just finished their drinks all paused.

    Those who had been on the battlefield felt a deeper connection to the song than most.

    Everyone¡¯s expression turned exceptionally solemn, perhaps recalling fallenrades on the battlefield, or rtives lost in the upied homnd whose fate they did not know.

    The band made some creative adaptations, such as the heart-beat-like rhythm, achieved by plucking the strings of the double basses, which made the sound even heavier.

    August 13, early morning. King¡¯s Cross Station at St. Ye Katerina Fortress.

    A train filled with new recruits was about to depart, with girls bidding farewell to their beloved young men.

    The station band was ying ¡°The Farewell of the Ante Women,¡± and everything seemed no different than usual.

    That was until the musicians of the Ye Fort Philharmonic appeared with their ¡°long guns and short cannons¡±¡ªtheir instruments were their weapons.

    All the musicians had dark circles under their eyes, clearly not having slept much the night before.

    The deputy conductor Aleksandrobov approached the station military band and said to the conductor, ¡°Alright, stop now, it¡¯s our turn.¡±

    The military band conductor, who was Aleksandro¡¯s student, was puzzled: ¡°Eh? Teacher, what¡¯s going on? Are we putting on a public performance at the station?¡±

    ¡°No, not a performance¡ªit¡¯s to carry out your duty. Just listen.¡±

    By then, all the Philharmonic musicians had taken their ces. Aleksandro himself moved a box, stood on it, nodded to the lead musician, then to the choir, andstly said to the announcer who was waiting, ¡°Announce it!¡±

    Taking a deep breath, the announcer proimed loudly, ¡°Next, please listen to the songposed by General Rokossovsky and written by Warrant Officer Filippov, ¡®The Holy War¡¯!¡±

    Aleksandro raised his right hand and lightly flicked his baton.

    A profound and majestic melody filled the air.

    The male basses in the choir started first: ¡°Arise, great nation, to fight to the death!¡±

    The young people who had just been whispering sweet nothings and kissing goodbye all stopped to watch the musicians.

    The civilians sending off their children also paused to listen quietly to the musicians¡¯ singing.

    Even the railway workers at the station stopped to be part of the powerful music. A young driver said to the old one, ¡°Everything¡¯s almost ready; time to sound the whistle.¡±

    ¡°Shh, Alyosha. Let¡¯s wait until the song¡¯s over. There¡¯ll be plenty of time for you to blow the whistle soon enough,¡± chided the old driver, holding up his index finger.

    Just then, the station master came out of his office, listened for a few moments, then entered the broadcasting room next to his office and said to the technician, ¡°Bring out the microphone. I want this song to be heard throughout the station immediately, and start recording now!¡±

    The technician replied, ¡°Station master, if we start recording now, we¡¯ll only get half of it. You should have them sing it again and record the whole thing.¡±

    ¡°Right, right, hurry up with the microphone¡ªget it set up! I want it broadcast throughout the station!¡±

    A momentter, all the loudspeakers at the train station, including therge ones in front of the station, began ying ¡°The Holy War.¡±

    The throng of people in front of the station came to a standstill, looking up at the loudspeakers.

    ¡°Let the most noble rage roll like waves! Fight the people¡¯s war, the holy war!¡±

    The forceful lyrics, driven by the melody, ignited an endless fury and a continuous fighting spirit inside everyone.

    Once the song was over, the whole station¡ªnot just the station, but the entire square¡ªerupted in thunderous apuse.

    The overjoyed station master rushed over, taking Aleksandrobov¡¯s hand, ¡°Again! I want to record it and y it every day! They say ¡®La Marseiise¡¯ is more powerful than an army corps; this song is the same!

    ¡°Sing it once more, Mr. Musician!¡±

    Aleksandrobov replied, ¡°Sure. Then bring the microphone here, get ready to record, and we¡¯ll sing it again! No, we can sing it as many times as needed!¡±

 Chapter 230: Medal Ceremony (35,000 monthly tickets plus update)

    ¡°The Holy War¡± was fermenting, and Wang Zhong stood in formation on the parade ground of the Summer Pce with 450 officers poised to receivemendations.

    Wang Zhong was unsurprised to find that most were familiar faces from the dinner the night before.

    Upon seeing Wang Zhong, they all came to shake hands with him after saluting.

    General Tukhachev stood on the reviewing stand, observing the scene.

    His adjutant whispered in his ear, ¡°It¡¯s confirmed that Major General Rokossovsky has ced an order for 100 Parade Tanks on behalf of the Royal Family, Valentin is furious, iming that producing such ¡®toy cars¡¯ is mocking his perfect design.¡±

    Before General Tukhachev could respond, Marshal Semyon said, ¡°The frontlines indeed have given a lot of feedback, there¡¯s considerable opposition to removing the tankmander¡¯s role, and some would rathermand a T28 tank with amander than operate a T34. As for the radios, there¡¯s unanimous criticism for designs without radios and many makeshift solutions have been tried, including running telephone wires between tanks.¡±

    ¡°But Valentin¡¯s design is much loved by His Majesty the Tsar,¡± said Tukhachev.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Marshal Semyon fell silent, but after a moment added, ¡°The battlefield doesn¡¯t change for personal preferences. Not even for His Majesty the Tsar. Now that His Majesty cannot attend to state affairs, we should take the opportunity to¡­¡±At this moment, General Tugenev interjected, ¡°No, no, the sudden drop in production due to the factory relocation is already an issue, a change in design now would only worsen the tank output. We should continue producing the wed designs first and then gradually increase the production of the designs that receive positive feedback from the battlefield.¡±

    ¡°That would also cate Valentin a bit, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    Tukhachev and Marshal Semyon both fell silent.

    Just then, Her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess appeared in a corner of the parade ground with a group of maids of honor and headed straight towards the reviewing stand.

    Tukhachev nced at the Grand Duchess, then followed her gaze to Major General Rokossovsky.

    ¡°He¡¯s almost like a prince himself,¡± Tukhachev muttered, ¡°Did you hear that the song he wrote stole the show at the selection meeting yesterday? His stature is almost like that of Saint Andrew reincarnated.¡±

    Marshal Semyon said, ¡°This is good for Ante, uniting the officers.¡±

    Tukhachev remained silent.

    Then the Grand Duchess approached the reviewing stand and greeted Tukhachev and the others, ¡°Hello, generals and marshals.¡±

    ¡°Good day, Your Imperial Highness,¡± Tukhachev and the others saluted the Grand Duchess in kind.

    The Grand Duchess said, ¡°For today¡¯s ceremony, I¡¯m only responsible for presenting the Gold Star Medals, right?¡±

    ¡°There are also the gs for the new units being granted the title of Imperial Guard. You don¡¯t have to actually carry the g; simply receive it from the color bearer and hand it to the unit¡¯smanding officer. Themand officers will pass the gs to the sergeants standing by. It¡¯s really just a formal part of the process¡ªthe gs and equipment willter be delivered to the respective units by the transport team,¡± General Tugenev exined dutifully.

    The Grand Duchess inquired, ¡°And what about the other honours? Surely not everyone is being awarded the title of Imperial Guard and the Gold Star Medal? With so many honours, I would begin to suspect that we have actually won, and the Prussians are nearly finished.¡± ?

    ¡°No,¡± Marshal Semyon shook his head, ¡°there are indeed many Gold Stars, but not many Imperial Guards. The title primarily requires that units retreat in formation. There are many units that would qualify for the honor based on their achievements but have not pulled back.¡±

    The Grand Duchess looked sad, ¡°Is that so. I understand. And the others?¡±

    ¡°They are for various other medals, which we will be presenting. Your Imperial Highness, you will only handle the Imperial Guards and the Gold Stars,¡± General Tugenev advised.

    The Grand Duchess nodded, ¡°Very well! Let¡¯s not dy any further, begin the ceremony.¡±

    Suddenly, she paused, looking puzzled at the Guard g formation that had just marched into the area.

    Among the pristine white Imperial Guard gs, there was one red g interspersed.

    Tukhachev immediately turned to his adjutant, ¡°What¡¯s going on? Why is there a red g?¡±

    The adjutant replied, ¡°There wasn¡¯t supposed to be. The g allotted to Rokossovsky¡¯s unit was a normal Imperial Guard g with a blessing from Grand Duchess Olga on it.

    ¡°But the Church interfered with our decision. The dy in yesterday¡¯s award ceremony was because of this. The red g was the Church¡¯s demand, and they even insisted on adding an image of a falcon holding a spear to the g.¡±

    Olga slightly tilted her head, ¡°A falcon holding a spear? What is that?¡±

    Surprisingly, no one present could answer the Grand Duchess¡¯s question.

    Seizing the opportunity to distinguish himself before the Grand Duchess, Tukhachev¡¯s adjutant said, ¡°It is a bird of prey from Kazarlia, typically found in the grasnds.¡±

    Olga uttered a curious ¡°eh,¡± not even ncing at the adjutant, and turned back to look at General Rokossovsky, ¡°The eagle of the grasnds, quite fitting for him.¡±

    Tukhachev sighed, ¡°We have no precedent for using red gs; the Church intends to destroy our traditions.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve heard about that,¡± the Grand Duchess Olga said with a smile, ¡°The red symbolizes the blood of the fallen soldiers, a disy stained with their sacrifice. This interpretation has spread widely, don¡¯t you know?¡±

    Tukhachev turned away.

    Grand Duchess Olga urged, ¡°Let¡¯s start the ceremony quickly!¡±

    The ceremony hadn¡¯t yet begun, but Wang Zhong had already spotted the red Imperial Guard g, which would likely be presented to his own temporary 151st Infantry Division. The only uncertainty was what the new number would be.

    There couldn¡¯t possibly be another 30 Imperial Guard divisions ahead of his, could there?

    But truth be told, among all the white-and-blue gs, a single red g was really eye-catching. Regardless of the number, that red g had already made Wang Zhong the most striking figure out there.

    The ceremony officially began, and the military band started ying the national anthem of the Ante Empire.

    When Wang Zhong heard the national anthem, his brow furrowed into a pretzel.

    He had assumed that for the Tsar, the anthem would be ¡°God Bless the Tsar.¡± If one wanted a bit of a retro feel, it would be the ¡°Preobrazhensky Regiment March.¡±

    If it were the era of a Female Tsar, then it would be ¡°The Thunder of Victory,¡± since the lyrics did include ¡°Glory to you, Mother Ekaterina the Great Emperor.¡±

    But now, upon hearing the tune, Wang Zhong nearly lost hisposure.

    He was all too familiar with this piece. Subconsciously, he turned his head to confirm the g, and indeed it was Ante¡¯s white field zoned with the blue Saint Andrew¡¯s cross and the Double-headed Eagle.

    At this moment, people around him started to sing along, and only then did Wang Zhong sigh in relief.

    The lyrics were wrong, these words were praising the Tsar.

    Wang Zhong hummed along with the person next to him, managing to get through the song at longst.

    The princess then stood at the forefront of the Parade Stand and began reciting her speech. The gist of it was to thank everyone for their valiant efforts h h h, in the end, it was still the same old glory to the monarchy spiel.

    The speech concluded, and General Tugenev, whom Wang had met several times before, came forward: ¡°We shall now proceed with the award ceremony. First, we shall present the Imperial Guard gs. This time, a total of 11 units have been granted the title of Imperial Guard.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought that to produce 11 Imperial Guard units in just over a month, given the retreat situation, indicated an enormous intensity ofbat.

    Tugenev called out the name of the first unit: ¡°The 151st Temporary Infantry Division. This division faced enemy forces several times its number at Orachi, resisting stubbornly for three days, destroyed more than 200 enemy tanks, sessfullypleted its mission, and managed to break out.¡±

    ¡°For this valiant performance, the Military Command hereby awards the division the title of the First ¡®Red Banner¡¯ Mechanized Infantry Division of the Imperial Guard!

    ¡°Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky of the division, pleasee up to the stand to receive the g!¡±

    Wang Zhong strode out, letting his body¡¯s muscle memory carry him with precise military steps up to the Parade Stand.

    The princess, with a stern face, handed the red g to Wang Zhong.

    Curious, Wang Zhong nced at the emblem on the g, only to discover it wasn¡¯t a Double-headed Eagle, but an¡­ Eagle?

    What did that mean? They cut off one head of the Double-headed Eagle to stew it?

    Or did they think the Double-headed Eagle wasn¡¯t Roman enough, being a Byzantine emblem after all, and that to be truly Roman, they needed to adopt the original Roman eagle standard instead?

    But was there even a Rome in this world?

    As Wang Zhong puzzled over this, Olga whispered, ¡°Quicklye down, O Eagle of the Steppe.¡±

    That meant others were waiting to receive their gs. Wang Zhong turned his head and saw General Tugenev waiting; he couldn¡¯t proceed until Wang left the stand.

    So, Wang Zhong handed the g to the ready attendant and descended from the Parade Stand withrge strides.

    The Imperial Guard gs were quickly distributed, and next up was the Gold Star Medal ceremony.

    Wang Zhong and the other recipients of the Gold Star made their way to the Parade Stand, looking to be about a hundred in number.

    Olga approached Wang Zhong once more¡ªstarting with him again since he was deemed the ¡°first in merit.¡±

    As she pinned the medal on Wang Zhong, Olga softly hummed ¡°Katyusha.¡±

    Well, what do you know, the Eagle of the Steppe is right here!

    There¡¯s a line in ¡°Katyusha¡± that goes ¡°she¡¯s singing of the eagle of the steppe,¡± and the following line is ¡°she¡¯s singing of the one she loves.¡±

    Could we not be so on the nose?

    But now it¡¯s the era where women are direct, and men are elusive, watch me deflect this one.

    Wang Zhong intended to showcase his world-ss evasive maneuver skills, but Olga had moved on to award the next person.

    Wang Zhong, having no chance to evade!

    Nevermind, maybe I¡¯m overthinking it? Perhaps she just felt like humming ¡°Katyusha.¡±

    Wang Zhong sessfully performed a mental sidestep.

    The ceremony continued for another half-hour, and Wang Zhong¡¯s legs went numb from standing. Fortunately, he didn¡¯t have to carry the g; it would be sent directly to Shostka.

    Just when everything was over, an air raid rm suddenly sounded nearby.

    Wang Zhong felt like the Prussians had timed it perfectly to bomb the capital right at the end of the ceremony.

    Under the guidance of the Royal Pce staff, Wang Zhong followed other officers into an air-raid shelter quickly, only to learn just after entering that the rm had been lifted.

    It turned out the Mig-3 units guarding the capital had repelled the enemy bombers on the outskirts.

    Wang Zhong breathed a huge sigh of relief. The award ceremony was over, and now he had onest thing left to do in the capital: attend the state funerals of his father and his good brother and deliver a speech.

    The thought alone gave Wang Zhong a headache, wondering from whom he should giarize the speech?

    Thest time he tried writing his own speech, the results wereckluster. He really needed to copy someone else¡¯s.

    The good news was, the state funeral would be on the 18th, and today was only the 13th; he still had five days to stew in his worries.

 Chapter 231: State Funeral (Additional update for 36,000 monthly votes)

    Chapter 231: State Funeral (Additional update for 36,000 monthly votes)

    Five days passed in the blink of an eye.

    On the morning of August 18, Wang Zhong stood at the ceremony preparation area, looking at the grand scene outside. Suddenly, he found his mind was a nk and quickly pulled out his speech to nce over it.

    Seeing this, Ludm spoke in a soft, soothing voice, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, your speechst night was excellent. There won¡¯t be any problems today.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hmm, I¡¯m just taking a look.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Rx, there will be staff holding cue cards in front of you. That¡¯s the whole point of you rehearsing the speech! Keep calm. Now, let¡¯s head to the spectator stands.¡±

    Ludm had not yet married Wang Zhong, so she was not yet a duchess and could not apany him at such events. Instead, she joined Nelly in heading to the nearby spectator stands, thanks to a special invitation from the Royal Family.

    Wang Zhong nodded and then watched the two as they made their way to the spectator stands.

    Now only his guard Grigori and the staff of the ceremony remained with him at the preparation area.

    The Royal Family¡¯s grandstand was still empty, and Wang Zhong could hear generals and marshals in the distance gossiping: ¡°Will His Majesty show up today?¡±¡°If he doesn¡¯t, it will be troublesome. The Crown Princess seems to have grown close to the church because of her dealings with Rocossov, thereby growing closer to the church as well.¡±

    ¡°With the current situation, we can¡¯t win without the support of the church. The Royal Family needs to rally¡­ I can¡¯t even bear to think about it.¡±

    ¡°On a brighter note, the Crown Prince¡¯s sacrifice has actually boosted the Royal Family¡¯s influence among the popce, and incidentally allowed Argesukov¡¯s heavy forces to hold the line until now.¡±

    ¡°If only more troops could have been rescued. If we could have formed a fully structured group from those trapped, we could im victory.¡±

    Wang Zhong originally focused on his speech, but the chatter of the generals caught his attention.

    Listening to their conversation, he subconsciously nced at the church¡¯s main ceremony stand that appeared to be intentionally opposing the Royal Family¡¯s¡ªit was situated right across Ye Fort¡¯s widest avenue, facing the Royal Family¡¯s grandstand.

    Argesukov¡¯s logistics were almostpletely cut off now, with less than ten kilometers between the two armored clusters of the Prussians left fortified. The enemy had not attacked because both armored groups had run for hundreds of kilometers and needed to stop for repairs.

    And though ten kilometers seemed like a wide gap, it was actually sealed by the artillery and air force, making it impossible for troops to pass through.

    The enemy had effectivelypleted their encirclement; it was just a matter of when the Prosen Empire would dere victory.

    The confirmed troops within the encirclement ounted for eight hundred thousand by formation, but most had been fighting fiercely and suffered heavy losses. In reality, probably only five hundred thousand were fit forbat, many of them wounded.

    Even though the Southwest Front Army had dispersed their staff officers and destroyed codebooks, they were still broadcasting in clear text via radio, reporting the situation daily and proudly proiming, ¡°The Southwest Front Army is still fighting.¡±

    It was said that this clear text broadcasting prevented the Prosen Empire¡¯s propaganda department from dering victory.

    Wang Zhong looked down at the speech in his hand.

    Ivan, did you predict from the start that your sacrifice would have this kind of impact?

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know the Crown Prince very well, after all, he had only known him for such a short time. Probably for the rest of his life, he would keep recalling the Crown Prince¡¯s smile, specting about what he had foreseen.

    If the persistently resistant Southwest Front Army could drag the enemy¡¯s main force into the mud upon its arrival, then the pressure on the front would be greatly reduced.

    In that case, the enemy might be able to spend a well-supplied winter without too many freezing to death at the hands of General Winter, which would make the war next year even more brutal.

    But with the current situation, any chance to catch their breath was a good thing for Ante.

    Once the factories moved to the east were up and running again, and the newly conscripted soldiers hadpleted their training, the elite Prosen forces might find themselves facing a number of Ante Army multiple times their size.

    As Wang Zhong was thinking about all this, someone cleared their throat behind him.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    It was a crisp male voice.

    Assuming it was an official rted to the ceremony there to finalize details with him, he began to speak while turning around: ¡°I have memorized the speech, just going over it a little¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong stopped because he saw a military uniformpletely different from those of Ante and Prosen.

    However, the rank was an oak leaf, and Wang Zhong happened to know of a country that used oak leaves for military ranks.

    In that country, a gold oak leaf was for a Major, a silver oak leaf for a Lieutenant Colonel, and a Colonel was represented by an eagle emblem.

    The young man should be a Lieutenant Colonel.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Who might you be?¡±

    ¡°Military Attach¨¦ John Vick from the Federation¡¯s embassy, General Rokossovsky.¡± The neer saluted Wang Zhong first before extending his hand.

    Wang Zhong shook his hand: ¡°Hello, what can I do for you?¡±

    ¡°I heard that you once made an assessment of the war situation at a young officers¡¯ sharing session.¡± Apologizing for his forthrightness, Lieutenant Colonel John wore a sincere expression as he said, ¡°The Federation is deeply concerned about this matter; it rtes to a top-secret negotiation currently underway, and a bill under discussion in Congress.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Lend-Lease Act, is that it?¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel John¡¯s eyelid twitched: ¡°You know of it¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong then realized he¡¯d been too quick to speak, as theoretically, he shouldn¡¯t be aware of the Lend-Lease Act at this point. So, he started blustering: ¡°The United Kingdom is already aware of it, and if the United Kingdom knows, that¡¯s as good as us knowing.¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Johnughed: ¡°As long as Rabowell doesn¡¯t know, it¡¯s fine.¡±

    While Wang Zhong heard the name Rabowell for the first time, he was well aware of the infamy of the Sturmtiger¡¯s intelligence agency Abwehr from the other side of the Earth, notorious for its ipetence, having made an indelible contribution to the world¡¯s anti-FXS cause.

 Chapter 232: State Funeral (Additional update for 36,000 monthly votes)_2

    Chapter 232: State Funeral (Additional update for 36,000 monthly votes)_2

    Rabowell may be the alternate dimension counterpart of Abbeville, after all, the name differs by only one syble.

    Afterughing, Wang Zhong got straight to the point, ¡°We will hold back the enemy.¡±

    Major John: ¡°What¡¯s your basis for that statement?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The basis is Ante¡¯s vast territory, as well as the impending ¡®General Mud¡¯ and General Winter. No, no country can conquer the expansivends of Ante¡ªwell, maybe the Mongols could.¡±

    Major John burst outughing, ¡°You have a great sense of humor, indeed, the Mongols could. Aside from such timing and geographical advantages?¡±

    Wang Zhong countered, ¡°With the timing and geographical advantages on our side, what more could you possibly demand?¡±

    ¡°Combat willpower,¡± said Major John.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Argesukov is still fighting, doesn¡¯t that say anything? They¡¯re already essentially surrounded, hundreds of thousands of troops must have run out of supplies, but they¡¯re still inbat.¡±

    Major John shrugged: ¡°The sacrifice of the Crown Prince has inspired the fight in the Argesukov group, and the continued resistance has indeed boosted the morale of the parliamentarians supporting the lend-lease bill at home. However, the performance of His Majesty the Tsar has inspired the opposition.¡°Look at Carolingian, the soldiers of Carolingian still have the will to fight, but the higher-ups chose to surrender. Despite the fact that most of the country has not fallen, despite having a million troops, the vast African colonies, and both armored forces and the Air Force, the highmand chose to surrender.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°As far as I know, General Dago is still fighting.¡±

    ¡°Ah, yes, General Dago and his Free Caroling are still fighting, but Carolingian has surrendered. If Ante were to surrender, you could continue the fight in the Federation.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t. My best friend, and my beloved father have both died on thisnd, their sacrifice is what allows me to stand here.¡±

    ¡°To preserve my strength, I have already¡ªno, three times abandoned the people who trusted me. I can¡¯t stop fighting, otherwise, even if I die and go to hell, they would not forgive me.¡±

    Just as Major John was about to speak, Wang Zhong continued, ¡°Moreover, I¡¯m a smart man, this is a battle we are destined to win. As long as we hold on, victory will be ours in the end, and I will be a military strategist as renowned as Suvorov and Kutuzov. As a smart man, I would choose to keep fighting.¡±

    Major John squinted his eyes, staring at Wang Zhong for a few seconds before revealing a look of admiration: ¡°No wonder they call you the star of victory. I can feel your obsession with victory, and I¡¯ll convey this confidence intact to the President.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s not an obsession, that sounds like a pathological paranoia, and I¡¯m merely stating the facts to you.¡±

    Major John just smiled, saluted Wang Zhong¡ªa salute that was obviously filled with more respect than the one at the start.

    The Federation major turned around and left with a brisk stride.

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath, at that moment he heard the surrounding chatter suddenly grow louder.

    Everyone turned to look at the Royal Family¡¯s viewing stand.

    Wang Zhong also looked over, only to see a haggard His Majesty the Tsar appearing with the assistance of the Grand Duchess Olga, slowly making his way to the most luxurious chair to sit down.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong noticed, across the street on the church viewing stand, His Eminence Belinsky also appeared holding his scepter.

    Both sides stood like this, viewing each other across the street, across the parade of people lined up.

    ¡°The Holy War¡± began to y.

    His Majesty the Tsar appeared startled by ¡°The Holy War,¡± looking around nkly like a timid animal.

    Wang Zhong sighed; in this condition, His Majesty the Tsar might have been better off not appearing.

    With the ¡°grand generals¡± from both sides present, the ceremony¡¯s proceedings began to move forward.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t think of anything else but kept observing the state of His Majesty the Tsar.

    He always felt that the Tsar now looked like some character from the movie ¡°The Downfall.¡± That tired yet maniacal look, the feeling of being on the brink of copse was almost identical.

    It was time for Wang Zhong to give his speech.

    The ceremonial MC signaled Wang Zhong to prepare.

    Just then, His Majesty the Tsar stood up.

    Everyone watched him.

    There was already a microphone at the Royal Family¡¯s viewing stand, and the Tsar directly motioned for the microphone to be brought to him.

    ¡°My son, Ivan Nikyevich Antonov, has died a heroic death!¡±

    The Tsar started, his voice tinged with madness: ¡°We lost a hero! But does this mean defeat? No! This is only the beginning!

    ¡°Our military strength now appears far inferior to that of the Prosen people. Despite expanding our army continuously, our forces are as fragile as castles built on sand! The enemy made a crazy advance of one hundred and seventy kilometers in the first two weeks of the war!¡±

    ¡°And yet, my generals have the shamelessness to boast! They said we could counterattack into Prosen territory within a month! And what happened?¡±

    ¡°They even want to push the responsibility for Argesukov¡¯s failure onto me! No¡­ huh?¡±

    Olga whispered a few words into His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s ear.

    The Tsarughed heartily, ¡°Exactly! That General Skorobo is a despicable traitor! A traitor to his country! He has deceived me and the Ante people!¡±

    ¡°All that came before was a deception they concocted! An illusion!¡±

    ¡°My son, my dear son Ivan, died precisely to awaken all of you from such na?ve illusions! Now, the war has just begun!¡±

    ¡°Our military strength is gradually being restored; the Prosen Empire is no longer something to fear.¡±

    ¡°Your fathers and brothers, too, have perished in the Prosen massacre. We must never forget this sadness and anger! This is the revtion my Ivan gave to us with his death!¡±

    ¡°We should now assemble this fury, annihte the Prosen army, and win our first true victory! This victory will be the greatest constion to those who have died in battle!¡±

    ¡°Citizens, rise up! Turn your grief into strength, rise up, citizens! Ante needs your strength!¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked; this speech sounded a bit familiar.

    At that moment, the master of ceremonies said to Wang Zhong, ¡°The ceremonymand has changed the ceremony process, you don¡¯t need to give a speech.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, looked towards the stands where the generals were, and then noticed Tukhachev had just put down the phone.

    In the row behind him, General Tugenev shook his head gently, signaling to Wang Zhong with his eyes.

    Well, this group of people cut off my speech in the battle against the church!

    Wang Zhong looked at his own speech draft.

    Most of the content in this draft was indeed repeated in His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s speech; it truly was no longer necessary to go up and talk about it again.

    But as things were going, it felt like the presence of the people was being diminished¡ªeven though the Tsar had mentioned ¡°your fathers and brothers,¡± it seemed as if they were just essories to the Crown Prince.

    If this continued, The Holy War would be yet another nobility war between royal families.

    If that were the case, we might not necessarily win.

    After all, Prosen is outrageously strong.

    And it seemed to me that this was not in line with Ivan¡¯s wishes.

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered the scene when Argesukov was departing for the war; Ivan had said to him, ¡°Take good care of Olga.¡±

    He nced at the Crown Princess.

    Then he turned his attention to the church¡¯s viewing tform.

    I always felt like Belinsky was nodding.

    Wang Zhong pushed past the master of ceremonies, rushed onto the tform, and walked up to the microphone.

    The person holding the sign in front of the microphone didn¡¯t know what was happening, but still raised the sign with the contents of the speech script.

    Wang Zhong nced at the sign and thought that following the original script was useless now.

    He had to turn the whole tone around.

    So he loudly said, ¡°Everyone!¡±

    The sound echoed over the entire state funeral venue.

    After capturing everyone¡¯s attention, Wang Zhong raised the speech draft in his hand high and, with a swoosh, tore the draft to pieces and tossed it into the wind.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Now everyone¡¯s curiosity was piqued.

    Wang Zhong began his improvised speech.

 Chapter 233: Victory Belongs to the Ante People

    Wang Zhong nced at the royal viewing tform, mainly to see Olga, but it seemed like she was just assisting her father and happened to catch a glimpse of the Tsar.

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°Some of you may already know that Ivan and I were like brothers in arms. At the military academy, we used to y pranks on the professors together, and we were the worst students; I was thest but one, and he was second tost.

    ¡°The ridiculous things we did together would take days and nights to tell. I know my brother extremely well. His Majesty the Tsar, on the other hand, probably doesn¡¯t understand him as much.¡±

    As soon as he said this, the whole crowd was in an uproar.

    Wang Zhong, ignoring the reactions of others, went on: ¡°My brother indeed was very brave, he died a hero for his country. When I was setting out from Argesukov to stop the enemy at Orachi, my brother came to see me off and asked me to take care of our sister, Princess Olga.

    ¡°Thinking back, he already had the intention to die. But if you say his generous embrace of death was because he was the Crown Prince, because he was a noble among nobles, then I, as Ivan¡¯s best friend, his most intimate brother, would be the first to disagree!

    ¡°To say that is an insult to him¡ªto my brother!

    ¡°Why? Are nobles necessarily brave? In Upper Peniye, the local nobles had run away without a trace, and what¡¯s more, they even left a loyal dog behind to prevent us from entering his distillery to take spirits for Molotov cocktails!

    ¡°In Loktov, the nobles likewise fled without a trace. If you have people around you who have returned from the battlefield for a leave, ask them, and you¡¯ll hear loads of stories about nobles running away in the most disgraceful manner!¡°Are nobles necessarily brave? Bullshit!

    ¡°The truly brave are the countless ordinary people. In Upper Peniye, the gunner in my tank crew gave me a letter when he was dying, to be delivered to his mother.

    ¡°I delivered it, and the olddy calmly asked me which son had died. All three of her sons had gone to war, and each could have been killed; even the olddy herself now stays behind in Argesukov.

    ¡°I believe she will fight the invaders in her own way until herst moment!

    ¡°In Loktov, when I was trapped in a tight encirclement, all weapons were destroyed by vicious Prussians, and I could only crouch under a tank with a pistol, ready for a do-or-die battle!

    ¡°At that moment, it was the countless ordinary people who rushed out, annihted the Prussians, and dragged me out from under the tank!

    ¡°Could all of them be princes?¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Echoes of his words drifted to and fro across the entire square.

    ¡°No! They are textile factory workers, mechanics from the tractor factory, milkers from the ranch, tractor drivers, farmers, and fishermen!

    ¡°If there¡¯s onemon denominator to define their identity, it is that they are all part of the Ante people!

    ¡°These ordinary folks realized one thing: if they don¡¯t fight, their nation will perish. They recognized that if they don¡¯t fight, the enemy will not only kill them but also trample over their bones and say: Look, these are ves!

    ¡°And so, they erupted with incredible courage!

    ¡°The brave Ante people have supported me, allowing me to fight until now! And my dear brother, as well as my father, were brave simply because they were part of the Ante people!¡±

    As soon as Wang Zhong finished speaking, he realized it was a bit far-fetched.

    Indeed, I¡¯m not good at giving speeches.

    At such times, you just have to bluff your way through with momentum!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°They are children of the Ante mother, grown on the food from the ck soil, they cannot ignore the atrocities of the Prosen invaders!

    ¡°So, they died heroically for their country, along with the countless ordinary Ante people!

    ¡°The names of those who died with them may not be passed down, as all the documents of the Southwestern Front Army have been destroyed!

    ¡°But they still chose to march forward without hesitation! Fight! To not be ves! Not be ves!¡±

    Because of his excessive emotion, Wang Zhong¡¯s voice even cracked. He paused to give his throat a brief rest.

    A few secondster, he began to speak again: ¡°As the close friend of Ivan Nikyevich Antonov, no, as a brother, I am very sad. Simrly, as the son of Konstantin Alexandrovich Rokossovsky, I am also deeply saddened. ?

    ¡°These days, in the game room of the Summer Pce that Ivan used to frequent, and in the study of the Rokossovsky Estate, I can¡¯t help but remember every little detail of the past and recall the faces and smiles of the departed.

    ¡°But I know, I¡¯m not the only one who is grieving. Tens of thousands have already perished, and in the future, hundreds of thousands or even millions more will. Grief will spread across all the mountains and rivers, forests andkes of Ante!¡±

    ¡°But we must still fight! Not for those medals or those honors, but for the day when thisnd no longer mourns.¡±

    Wang Zhong saw Olga desperately wiping her tears, while on the other side of the grandstand, Liu Xia was also sobbing uncontrobly.

    He calmed his emotions and continued, ¡°Just now, Colonel John Wick, the military attach¨¦ from the Federation, asked me how the war was going, and I said we would surely win.¡±

    ¡°I say this not because I¡¯m an optimist.

    ¡°I have three reasons.

    ¡°First, we have the right timing and the geographical advantage. This is our homnd; no one knows its temperament better than us. We know when it will turn into a damn quagmire, we know when the snow will bury us up to our waists!

    ¡°We are familiar with every swamp and every path. The enemy doesn¡¯t understand any of this! As soon as they entered our country, their vehicles got stuck because they were not familiar with the road conditions! I could strike them hard at Peniye precisely because their heavy artillery got stuck behind and couldn¡¯t make it to the front!

    ¡°When I look at the Prussian tanks, I know they are not suitable for the mud because their tracks are too narrow. Look at our tanks¡¯ wide tracks, like a girl¡¯srge feet, they are made for running on this sloppy ground!

    ¡°Second, we have the people. The Prussians are ughtering everywhere, but they will soon find that they can¡¯t kill all the civilians in the upied areas because Ante is too vast. Solely relying on Prussia¡¯s poption is not enough to fill Ante¡¯s wilderness, and if they kill all the people, they won¡¯t have workers left.

    ¡°Eventually, their supplies will not get through, roads will have no one to repair them, railways no one to maintain and operate! No, they can¡¯t possibly kill all the Ante People on Ante soil.

    ¡°But as long as they don¡¯t finish the job, the guerri fighters will appear in all the ces they upy! In the gazebos of Kazarlia, in the forests of Livonia, on the ice fields of Novgorod!

    ¡°They will soon be in a state of paranoia, unable to sleep in peace as long as they are on Ante¡¯snd!

    ¡°And in front of them, our armies will continue to emerge endlessly! Even if they defeat three or four million of our forces, what then? Six or seven million will rise!

    ¡°And as time goes on, we too will learn the art of war, we will be as skilled in warfare as they are! Then, their once-prideful exchange ratio will be mediocre! We will gradually annihte them and reim our lostnds!

    ¡°Third! The Prussians are too arrogant, they have made too many enemies! The resistance in those countries they have conquered will never stop.

    ¡°General Dago¡¯s Free Caroling is fighting! The United Kingdom is fighting! Ante and the United Kingdombined are several times stronger than Prosen! Not to mention that across the sea, there lies a Federation watching and waiting! One day, they will join the fight too!

    ¡°All the just forces of the world will stand with the brave citizens of Ante!

    ¡°Of course, of the three reasons, the first two alone are enough to defeat the Prussians! One day, we will march into their proud capital Ploseni and ce the de of judgment on the neck of that haughty then Emperor!

    ¡°Prosen will be destroyed! The brave Ante people will prevail!

    ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his right fist high into the air.

    Everyone in the venue roared in unison, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    It seemed as if the entire city was shouting, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    Wave after wave of ¡°Hurrahs¡± soared into the sky.

    The terrifying roar of countless voices shook the concrete itself, as if thousands upon thousands of troops were sweeping across thend.

    ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    Grand Patriarch Belinsky stood up and joined in the chanting.

    The generals on the grandstand looked at each other.

    General Tugenev was the first to stand up, followed by the other generals and marshals, one by one.

    His Majesty the Tsar, helped to his feet by his daughter, looked at everything in front of him, the paranoia and madness fading from his face, reced by bewilderment and panic.

    Olga, however, watched all this with a surprise, as if she had discovered a new continent.

    Colonel John Wick, the military attach¨¦ from the Federation, was bbergasted: ¡°The star of victory¡­ it seems it¡¯s time to return to the Federation. I wonder if the divoktos to San Francis is still sailing.¡±

 Chapter 234: Return to Shostka

    On August 20th, two days after the national funeral and public memorial, at the logistics headquarters of the Reserve Army.

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered the Ordnance Department building, he saw several people recing the signboard of the logistics headquarters of the Reserve Army.

    He stopped and watched them put up the new signboard: Western Front Army Logistics Headquarters.

    ¡°This has been changed to the Western Front Army Logistics Headquarters, but where is the Reserve Army Headquarters?¡± Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    ¡°It¡¯s still here. The Reserve Army and the Western Front Army have merged, and all logistics are now coordinated by Major General Chekhov,¡± replied the lieutenant, who was changing the signboards, before finally ncing at Wang Zhong and snapping to attention and saluting as if electrified, ¡°General Rokossovsky!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, alright, don¡¯t be nervous, and stop shouting ¡®Hurrah.¡¯ I¡¯ve had enough of people shouting ¡®Hurrah¡¯ every time they see me.¡±

    It was a fact; now it seemed like the whole city knew him, and they all became as excited as if they had taken a stimnt whenever they saw him.

    His speech at the national funeral seemed to have been broadcast directly throughout the world, and the old and young men of Ye Fort had all gathered under loudspeakers to listen to the entire speech.

    Now, Wang Zhong was Ye Fort¡¯s top celebrity, the kind who could make headlines with just a sneeze¡ªof course, there were no such things as trending searches in this era, this is just a metaphor.The excited lieutenant asked, ¡°Can I get your autograph?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, but you have to promise not to make a fuss and go around saying ¡®Rokossovsky is here,¡¯ and then I¡¯ll sign.¡±

    ¡°I promise.¡±

    A few secondster, Wang Zhong handed the notebook with his signature back to the lieutenant and headed inside.

    But he had only taken a few steps when he heard someone sharply inhale and the sound of papers hitting the floor: ¡°General Rokossovsky!¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed.

    Twenty minutester, Wang Zhong finally managed to push open the door of the logisticsmander¡¯s office.

    Major General Chekhov nced at him and said, ¡°Don¡¯t look so disdainful, this is your duty, which is better than reminding everyone that there are still hundreds of thousands of troops surrounded by the enemy. By the way, there is also bad news¡ªthe Northern Front Army has fallen back, and General Golikov¡¯s St. Andrew Fort Army is now fully engaged with the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How are things looking?¡±

    ¡°General Golikov is defending using theplex terrain, and for now, it seems the enemy¡¯s advance has been halted. Damn it, I¡¯m a logisticsmander, why am I discussing this with you? To understand the battlefield situation, go to the Military Command and look for General Tugenev. What are you here for now?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You said you haven¡¯t given me enough trucks and tractors.¡±

    ¡°Because it¡¯s not enough. I¡¯ve already done my best to allocate them to you.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I got 3,000 drivers from the church! Although many of them are still in training and have not graduated. It would be such a waste for them toe and then find there are no vehicles to drive.¡± ?

    Major General Chekhov: ¡°Not a waste, we are short of vehicles all along the front. The Ordnance Department is producing tanks at full capacity.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But there¡¯s a shortage of infantry for the tank units¡­¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s not my department. I told you, I can only manage materials. If you tell me an infantry unit iscking machine guns, I can help with that, and I can send extra to whichever infantry unit you mention. For example, you said Kashuk¡¯s 51st Army, guarding the downstream crossing point from you, wascking machine guns, so I sent them two hundred more.

    ¡°But if you want me to provide infantry for the tank units, that¡¯s something I can¡¯t do. I don¡¯t control that; you understand? You can only submit suggestions to the superiors and write up summaries of your experience. I do have a suggestion for you, though¡ªgive your experience summary to Grand Duchess Olga, and maybe one day it¡¯ll filter down.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ve done so.¡±

    Major General Chekhov spread his hands: ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing more to be done.¡±

    Wang Zhong scratched his head: ¡°If you can¡¯t provide enough vehicles, then can you give me more mules and horses?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Major General Chekhov refused bluntly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°A straight-up ¡®no¡¯? Not going to teach me any clever tricks this time?¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re asking if it¡¯s possible¡ªno, it¡¯s not, because your division is mechanized, and they shouldn¡¯t have mules and horses; ording to the regtions, this could impede the mobility of the mechanized troops. As for a trick, well, there could be one. Think about who you are, and what your brother¡¯s status is.¡±

    At first, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t follow, but he quickly caught on: ¡°You mean, I could organize my own mule and horse transport teams to go to the front?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t say that. But look, it¡¯s quite normal for the big nobles to be so enthusiastic and organize support teams for the front.¡±

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh; the Ante Empire used the double-headed eagle as its emblem, and by rounding up or down, it was also Roman, so as a member of the Roman nobility providing mules and horses for front-line support, it was perfectly justifiable!

    He immediately stood up, ready to leave the headquarters, when Major General Chekhov said, ¡°By the way, could you give me an autograph? My son wants one.¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned: ¡°You have a son?¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t it look like it? Come on, give me the autograph.¡±

    August 25th, Ye Fort train station.

    Wang Zhong was at the freight tform, watching the support troops he had recruited from the refugees boarding the train.

    Most of the mules and horses for this support unit were provided by his own ranch, while the refugees were mainly middle-aged women, inspired by Wang Zhong¡¯s speech.

    They had handed their children over to childcare education institutions for centralized management and education, and came forward to offer support themselves. The childcare education institutions had been established at the request of Wang Zhong, and the children were taken care of by the elderly maids of the Rokossovsky family.

    Wang Zhong had managed to obtain for them the status of hired civilian workers from General Tugenev, with uniform clothing provided and a monthly allowance.

    This effectively solved the issue of insufficient logistics transport capabilities of the troops.

    Now, these civilian workers in uniform were herding the mules and horses onto the train.

    The train, apart from closed wagons and livestock cars for transporting the support troops, also had eight tbed cars.

    Three of them were used to transport T34 tanks that had been returned after repairs, one was used to carry a brand new Parade Tank, and the remaining four were all for transporting the freshly minted ZIS30 self-propelled anti-tank guns.

    The ZIS30 anti-tank gun looked like a big cannon had been forcibly mounted on top of a tractor.

    Just by looking at its shape, one could tell that it was a product made for emergency situations.

    But Wang Zhong didn¡¯t disdain it at all; in fact, he wanted more. In the game War Thunder, he enjoyed driving this vehicle to mess around and massacre newbies.

    The only regret was that this vehicle wasn¡¯t small enough; it couldn¡¯tpare with the tiny M56 when it came to fooling around.

    As soon as he got to Shostka, Wang Zhong definitely intended to teach his troops how to have fun with this thing. Setting up ambush positions and then running away¡ªhe couldn¡¯t be happier with the n.

    He was overseeing the drivers summoned from the church as they loaded the vehicle onto a tcar when a man in a suit and another man with a camera hanging around his neck appeared.

    ¡°Excuse me, are you General Rokossovsky?¡± the man in the suit asked, his Antenguage noticeably ented.

    ¡°I am, and you are?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a journalist from the Federation¡¯s Hungry Lagoon Daily, and we n to reprint your speech from the state funeral a week ago in its entirety. Additionally, we want to do an exclusive interview.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Now? I¡¯m about to return to the front line¡­¡±

    At this point, the man with the camera spoke up, ¡°Could you move a step to the left, please? That way I can use the tank and cannon as a backdrop.¡±

    Wang Zhong had no objections to getting photographed, so he stepped to the left and even looked back to check: alright, he was perfectly blocking the gap between two railcars, with the smaller ZIS30 being transported on the front one, and a T34 on the back one.

    The journalist from the Federation squatted in front of Wang Zhong and adjusted his position slightly to find a good angle, ¡°Please don¡¯t smile.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t smile?¡±

    ¡°Right, keep a serious face. It harmonizes well with the tanks and cannons behind you.¡±

    The next moment, the photographer pressed the trigger, the sh emitted a sharp ¡®pop¡¯ sound, spewing white light and quite a bit of smoke simultaneously.

    shbulbs were like that in those days.

    The photojournalist said, ¡°Perfect, I feel like I could win this year¡¯s Pulitzer, Mike.¡±

    The man named Mike, the text journalist, said, ¡°You see¡­ If you have enough fame in the Federation, some things might develop in a way that¡¯s favorable for your mothend.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Okay, I will ept your interview. How about this: you get on the train and interview me there. This train will unload cargo when it gets to Shostka and then return on its own. You cane back afterward.¡±

    The journalist responded, ¡°That works too.¡±

    At that moment, Ludm appeared, ¡°This time, the train doesn¡¯t have any freight cars; they¡¯ve specifically attached a passenger car for us, and I¡¯ve brought some fine tea and snacks from the estate.¡±

    Before Mike could answer, the photographer requested, ¡°Could you, madam, please take the general¡¯s arm?¡±

    Ludm was taken aback, ¡°Huh?¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    The photographer exined, ¡°There are no female officers in the Federation at present and you are so beautiful; our readers will like it.¡±

    Mike offered a wry smile, ¡°They¡¯ll certainly like it; a beautiful woman, a military officer with distinguished service, and the tanks in the background¡ªoh, they absolutely love these. If madam could wear a sheath dress, they¡¯d like it even more.¡±

    Ludm said solemnly, ¡°I ambat personnel, and like the male soldiers, I must wear cavalry trousers.¡±

    A momentter, the second photo was taken, but the photojournalist didn¡¯t mention the Pulitzer.

    Wang Zhong teased, ¡°What, my Liu Xia can¡¯t win the Pulitzer?¡±

    The photojournalist just smiled.

    Liu Xia said, ¡°Let¡¯s get on board, gentlemen, the car is over there.¡±

    The ¡°passenger car¡± allocated to Wang Zhong by the train station¡¯s central scheduler was an extremely luxurious noble¡¯s privatepartment.

    The desk in thepartment looked a hundred times more luxurious than the old duke¡¯s desk in the Rokossovsky Estate.

    Behind the desk, there hung a shield decorated with the emblem of a Double-headed Eagle.

    Seeing thepartment, Wang Zhong was dumbfounded: ¡°What is this, have they given me the carriage reserved for His Majesty the Tsar?¡±

    Before he could continue marveling, the photojournalist asked, ¡°May I have you sit behind the desk, as if you¡¯re signing documents?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°No, no, that might spark misunderstandings.¡±

    ¡°But our readers like this.¡±

    Wang Zhong had no choice but to sit behind the desk and pose as if signing documents.

    At this juncture, Nelly came in from the direction of the dining car, pushing a trolley through the door. Seeing the two strangers, she frowned slightly but said nothing more.

    Mike eximed, ¡°Your life on the front line seems quite rich and varied.¡±

    ¡°Nelly is my orderly,¡± said Wang Zhong.

    As soon as Wang Zhong finished introducing her, the photographer crouched in front of Nelly and snapped a photo: ¡°Oh, fantastic, this boat cap and maid outfit,bined with her petite figure, our readers will love it.¡±

    What¡¯s with your readers, seriously!

    Right then, the train¡¯s departure whistle sounded from up ahead.

    Text journalist Mike opened his notebook again, ¡°Shall we start the exclusive interview?¡±

 Chapter 235: That Mike from the Federation, who knows where he went

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Wait a minute, I don¡¯t quite understand. If you¡¯re going to reprint my entire speech, why do you need an exclusive interview? The important stuff has all been said in the speech.¡±

    ¡°Yes, it¡¯s all been said in the speech. That¡¯s why the interview will mainly cover some less important matters,¡± Reporter Mikeughed.

    Just then, a broadcast came from outside the train: ¡°Next, we will y a songposed by General Rokossovsky: ¡®The Holy War.¡¯ Please listen.¡±

    Then, a version performed by the Ye Fort Philharmonic Orchestra began to resonate throughout the entire station; even the carriage where Wang Zhong was situated filled with the majestic music.

    Mike chuckled, ¡°Let¡¯s start from this song. During the preliminary research, I found out that you didn¡¯t receive any formal education in music. But youposed this song that¡¯s destined to make history in music?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°About that, actually, the situation is like this: I just hummed a tune spontaneously on the battlefield, sort of like this.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately hummed a snippet on the spot for the reporter, but it was hard to hear clearly due to the music ying outside.

    Mike: ¡°It sounds¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Pretty bad, right? That¡¯s how it is. In fact, I hummed this song during a dinner that night, and the bandmaster fiercely mocked me for it.¡±¡°Mocked you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, mocked. The song you¡¯re now hearing was written by one of my soldiers, named Vasily dimirovich Bradsky. His father is a music professor at the University of Ye Fort, and he himself has received the finest musical education. Heposed this song based on the tune I hummed and the emotions I felt while humming it.¡±

    Mike frowned, ¡°Then why doesn¡¯t he take credit for it?¡±

    ¡°Because he detests the thought of bing aposer, due to a conflict with his father. I think he¡¯ll im the credit one day when hees to terms with it,¡± Wang Zhong exined.

    At that moment, a whistle sounded outside the window, indicating that the train was about to depart.

    Wang Zhong stared at Mike, wondering if he would trigger the ¡°passive skill¡± of ¡°journalism.¡±

    However, the reporter from the Federation promptly shifted the subject: ¡°I heard that in addition to music, you also like writing poetry. Could you share some with us?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What? Poetry?¡±

    At that, Ludm standing beside him said, ¡°He¡¯s probably referring to those twisted poems you recited at the salons; now that your fame has risen, manydies have dug out the poems you sent them.¡± ?

    Wang Zhong suddenly had a bad feeling and asked, ¡°I can¡¯t quite remember what I wrote. What are those poems about?¡±

    Ludmughed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, at least they rhyme.¡±

    Wang Zhong began to sweat profusely. What does ¡®at least they rhyme¡¯ mean? Could they be on the same level as the poetry of Zhang Zongchang? The kind that goes, ¡°Lake Daming, big and clear; lotus flowers are growing right here. On the lotus sits a frog, with a poke it jumps into the bog¡±?

    Mike continued to ask, ¡°Have you given poems to manydies?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Uh¡­ yes, that¡¯s right.¡±

    ¡°Just poems?¡±

    ¡°Uh¡­ let¡¯s talk about the Prosen offensive instead.¡±

    Mikeughed, ¡°The offensive will always be the top headline, and readers who want to know will read about it. Our interview won¡¯t be on the front page. So, just poems?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Of course not, he also danced with them at balls, right, Alyosha?¡±

    ¡°Yes!¡± Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°I like dancing, it¡¯s good exercise.¡±

    Mike: ¡°I see. Do you often dance with the current Crown Princess as well?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course, I¡¯ve danced with most of the youngdies in Ye Fort¡ªit¡¯s socializing. And I also like to apany the Crown Prince, being a good buddy of His Royal Highness. That¡¯s why many girlse close to me in an effort to get close to the Crown Prince.¡±

    Just then, the train jostled slightly, and the tform outside began to recede.

    Mike kept questioning: ¡°Your rtionship with the Crown Prince is quite close, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°At the national funeral, you publicly used the Tsar of not understanding his own children, which is a very serious allegation. Does this mean that you think the Tsar is a derelict father?¡±

    There it was, the smoke bomb.

    Wang Zhong calmly replied: ¡°What I meant is that His Majesty the Tsar is so busy with state affairs that he spends too little time on his children.¡±

    Mike: ¡°But you have also repeatedly pointed out His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s mistakes in decision-making and army building on various asions.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s my duty as his Majesty¡¯s loyal officer. Doesn¡¯t your country have loyal officers like me who will unhesitatingly point out the mistakes of the president or the Joint Chiefs of Staff?¡±

    Mike: ¡°Of course we do. But some think that you feel the Tsar, as a leader, is failing in this current situation.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Who thinks that? Can you reveal that? I have a friend at the Tribunal who¡¯s very interested in this subject.¡±

    Mike smiled and then asked, ¡°Do you believe that the Tsar should bear the primary responsibility for the disastrous defeat at Argesukov?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The primary responsibility should be borne by General Skorobo, a spy for the Prosen Empire, who deliberately lost our army of a million. He deceived both His Majesty and the High Command.¡±

    This was the official line, and of course, Wang Zhong would adhere to it.

    Mike: ¡°Are you saying that no one else in the High Command should be held ountable? Aren¡¯t you worried about more troops being sacrificed?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I think the High Command will learn from this lesson.¡±

    Mike looked at Wang Zhong intently for a few seconds, during which the entire carriage fell silent.

    Outside the adjacent window, the city had disappeared, with the continuous countryside scenery swiftly passing by.

    The reporter switched to another question: ¡°You said that His Royal Highness the Crown Prince entrusted his sister to you. Did anyone else hear this?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Does it matter?¡±

    ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t matter. How do you understand that statement?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Olga is our sister inmon, and I believe His Royal Highness the Crown Prince would like me to fulfill the responsibilities of a brother on his behalf.¡±n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ¡°Is there a possibility that he wants you to marry her?¡± asked Mike as he nced at Ludm.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I understand my brother. He¡¯s a smart man and knows that a princess¡¯s marriage basically has nothing to do with love and is not something we can decide.¡±

    The princess is an important resource, whether it¡¯s used for dering allegiance or bargaining for crown inheritance rights, or even forming alliances by riding on big legs¡ªit¡¯s extremely useful. That¡¯s what Wang Zhong, a yer of P society, thought.

    Mike: ¡°But what if¡­ I mean if, the Ante Empire is no longer an empire but bes a federal state like the Federation, then wouldn¡¯t marrying Her Imperial Highness the Grand Duchess be the best way to protect her?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Lord Reporter, let¡¯s talk about the war situation instead.¡±

    ¡°Alright, we have received information that you believe the Prosen Empire will start another offensive against the capital in mid-September. May I ask¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Where did you get this information? I have a friend at the Tribunal who would be very interested in this¡­¡±

    ¡­

    On August 25th at 2100 hours, Wang Zhong entered the headquarters of the First Guards ¡°Red Banner¡± Mechanized Division in Shostka.

    Pavlov, who hadn¡¯t gone to the station to wee him, saw him and said, ¡°You look so haggard. What happened in the capital?¡±

    Popov, who had gone to the station to pick up Wang Zhong, answered, ¡°This is because he took a reporter from the Federation on the car and then got bombarded by him for eight hours.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. Report to me the situation of the troops.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Currently, the progress of bunker construction is about 40%. Furthermore, we have relocated all the residents from the west bank of the Duva River to the east side, and we are currently using the mansions of the local nobles to amodate these residents.

    ¡°The vacated residential buildings on the west bank have all been demolished and leveled. Now the entire west bank is bare, with a good field of fire.¡±

    As he spoke, Pavlov pointed to the window.

    Wang Zhong came to the window and looked out, indeed seeing the open space on the west bank of the Duva River, with nothing obstructing the line of fire.

    Pavlov: ¡°Of course, we left some inconspicuous items as targets for shooting, like the remnants of that truck. It¡¯s actually burnt out from an obsolete truck. That¡¯s a target at 800 meters.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his hand to get a clearer view but realized he didn¡¯t have binocrs on his chest and stretched his hand to the side: ¡°Binocrs!¡±

    A staff officer immediately passed a pair of binocrs to him.

    Wang Zhong took a look and, although it was beginning to get dark, he could still clearly see a strip of white paint at the inconspicuous location of the wreckage.

    ¡°Very good, very good.¡± He just finished speaking when he suddenly reacted, turned his head toward the staff officer who had handed him the binocrs, ¡°Vasily?¡±

    The young Warrant Officer smiled broadly, ¡°It¡¯s me. I¡¯m now a staff officer at the headquarters.¡±

    Wang Zhong punched him on the shoulder: ¡°You really surprised me, you rascal!¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± Vasilyughed.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Has your fathere to see you here?¡±

    Vasily¡¯s smile froze and then vanished at lightning speed.

    ¡°What happened?¡± Wang Zhong asked with curiosity.

    Vasily: ¡°Don¡¯t even mention it. He came, bringing two bottles of liquor intending to ¡®have a chat like friends¡¯ with me!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing?¡±

    That¡¯s a wish I can¡¯t fulfill anymore!

    Vasily shook his head, ¡°But that old man doesn¡¯t drink! After a few sses, he started making a racket, ran out to the street, and began singing ¡®The Holy War¡¯! That would have been fine, but after singing, he started using a liquor bottle as a saxophone and yed it right there on the street!

    ¡°ying it would also be fine, but he didn¡¯t stay in one ce; when he saw me approaching, he ran. He ran ahead, and I chased after him!¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately pictured the scene and burst intoughter.

    Vasily grew impatient: ¡°What¡¯s so funny? I was so embarrassed! Even the Naval Infantry came out tough at me! Now the whole city knows me!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing, though? Now no one will talk about you carrying dung.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯d rather be carrying dung!¡± Vasily stomped his foot.

    Now everyone in the room burst intoughter, and the atmosphere inside and outside the headquarters was filled with mirth.

    After theughter, Wang Zhong sincerely sighed, ¡°Compared to the capital, I still prefer the atmosphere here. Here I can feel at ease.¡±

    Everyone else was stunned, not understanding why Wang Zhong suddenly expressed such sentiment.

    At that moment, a staff officer entered: ¡°Colonel Hamov of the 31st Destroyer Regiment has arrived.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow: ¡°Hamov? Isn¡¯t that the one who escorted me to Ye Fort previously?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s been transferred to the airfield next to us, in charge of air defense,¡± said Pavlov. ¡°It¡¯s probably about the aerial reconnaissance photos that came out today.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Please have the colonele in.¡±

 Chapter 236: The situation on August 26th

    Hamov entered the room and saluted Wang Zhong first, ¡°Greetings to you, General Rokossovsky.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°How are you adjusting? After all, there are no capital soir¨¦es or girls here. I know about you pilots, always quickly hooking up with girls whenever you¡¯re on the ground.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s a prejudice, General. We would rather dance in the sky with the enemy than with the girls on the ground.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°And how did that dance go?¡±

    ¡°Shot down three,¡± Hamov said with a smile, ¡°and all of them were Stukas we caught at low altitude, just like you suggested. They often use their high speed after diving to escape, but we cruise at 3,000 meters to gather speed. Once we spot an enemy ne diving, we are faster, and a simple crossing can secure a victory.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Didn¡¯t their 109s engage with you?¡±

    ¡°I didn¡¯t encounter any, but my squad mate Semyon said he took them down with a slight maneuver.¡±

    Wang Zhong chuckled. The performance of the Yak-1 was far inferior to the Yak-3, but it wasn¡¯t a problem to take on the current 109s at low altitude.

    The key was low altitude.Hamov, ¡°General, how are you so familiar with airbat?¡±

    Because I y War Thunder¡ªbut sadly I can¡¯t say that, so Wang Zhong casually said, ¡°Vasily told me.¡±

    Vasily was shocked, ¡°Me?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Uh, another Vasily. He¡¯s in the flying club.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Did he also pick dung?¡±

    Wang Zhong was embarrassingly off-topic, forcibly changing the subject, ¡°Where are the photos? The aerial reconnaissance photos?¡±

    Hamov took out an envelope marked ¡°Top Secret¡±, ¡°Here. After submitting it to the intelligence agencies of the Church and the Front Army, the Church said they could give you a copy. This is the first time I¡¯ve encountered such a situation.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Because I¡¯m quite familiar with his excellency the Grand Patriarch.¡±

    Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t lying; he really was familiar.

    The Grand Patriarch even toasted to me.

    But everyone else clearly took it as a joke andughed heartily.

    Pavlov took the envelope and passed it to Popov, ¡°You open it. If something goes wrong, you¡¯re less likely to crash and burn.¡±

    Without hesitation, Popov tore open the envelope and dumped the photos onto the map table.

    Wang Zhong picked up a photo and then confirmed his cheat was of no use with photos.

    His cheat could only highlight enemies within his own field of view, and it had been like this from the start.

    So Wang Zhong gave up on deciphering those very blurry photos and directly asked Hamov, ¡°Is there anything notable?¡±

    Instantly, Hamov picked out several photos by their numbers, ¡°These are enemy supply depots discovered by reconnaissance, located at these ces.¡±

    Hamov took a pencil and marked on the map the corresponding photo numbers.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can our artillery reach them?¡±

    Pavlov picked up a pair ofpasses and measured on the map, ¡°No, it¡¯s beyond max range.¡±

    Hamov continued, ¡°Judging by the supplies the enemy is stockpiling at these depots, there are two main directions for their next attack: the first is here, and the second is the ford defended by General Kashuk¡¯s troops downstream.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°We have a bridge here, but the water is rtively deep. Even if the enemy uses technology to attack from the riverbed, it¡¯s difficult to pass here. But General Kashuk¡¯s position is shallower due to the dry season. They¡¯re likely under more pressure than we are.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then asked Hamov, ¡°What about the enemy¡¯s troop deployment? Are there enemy defenses on the roads to these depots?¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± Hamov quickly pulled out new photos, ¡°Look, these are trenches; clearly, there are already enemy forces in front of us. And this vige, see here.¡±

    Heid a photo in front of Wang Zhong, pointing at a courtyard, ¡°This is the enemy¡¯s truck, and here. It¡¯s clear that the enemy has upied this vige.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can our artillery hit it?¡±

    Pavlov picked up thepasses, but upon realizing Hamov hadn¡¯t marked the map yet, he looked up at the Air Force lieutenant colonel.

    Hamov wrote the photo number on the map.

    ¡°Tuhaka¡­¡± Pavlov muttered the name on the map and measured with thepasses, ¡°We can hit it. We¡¯ve actually scouted the area; there¡¯s a slight discrepancy with the map coordinates, but it doesn¡¯t affect targeting.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯ve actually scouted it?¡±

    ¡°We scouted ahead before the enemy got here as you suggested when you summarized your experiences. Naturally, we took over when you were away.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good, fire away. Wait, have we resupplied our artillery?¡±

    Popov, ¡°A portion has arrived; now, we have 18 operational 152mm heavy artillery. We¡¯ve also received one and a half base loads of shells.¡±

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, ¡°Then open fire!¡±

    Pavlov immediately picked up the phone, ¡°Connect to the Artillery Corps.¡±

    In the barracks of the Artillery Corps, the sudden assembly whistle sounded.

    The transferred artillery operator, Dmitri, eximed, ¡°I knew it! As soon as the general returns, we¡¯d be firing the cannons! And in the middle of the night, no less!¡±

    The curious recruit asked, ¡°What are we blowing up?¡±

    ¡°The enemy,¡± was the reply.

    ¡°The enemy is here?¡± the recruit was shocked, ¡°I didn¡¯t see them!¡±

    ¡°Fool, we¡¯re hitting the enemy miles away, aiming to send them to heaven in their sleep. Hurry up, hurry up, get moving!¡±

    Pavlov hung up, ¡°The Artillery Corps needs time to assemble, after all, they are not in a pre-battle state. And it¡¯s sote now, many of the recruits have probably gone to sleep.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Get them used to it as soon as possible. Any other intelligence?¡±

    Hamov reported, ¡°Currently, our front seems to be facing enemy infantry units. We didn¡¯t see any armored units, that¡¯s all.¡±

    It seemed that the efficiency of aerial reconnaissance at this time could only go so far.

    Wang Zhong pondered when he could take a ne ride himself and light up all the enemy positions.

    Looking at the map, he suddenly remembered something and asked, ¡°With enemy infantry on our front, is the railway to Shepetovka cut off? How will they manage their supplies?¡±

    Pavlov answered, ¡°Currently, the route to Bolsk is maintaining supply lines. And it looks like they will retreat in that direction, joining the Bolsk Front Army. Currently, the duke is trying to break the encirclement, but with little sess. The enemy has reinforced the front with infantry, and in the current state, it¡¯s unassable.¡±

    Everyone on site, except for the Air Force, knew just how powerful the Prosen infantry¡¯sbat strength was.

    Wang Zhong inquired, ¡°Do we have contact with the enemy on our front?¡±

    ¡°Our patrols have made contact with the enemy,¡± Pavlov marked two crosses on the map, ¡°Neither side gained the upper hand in the exchange of fire. Just yesterday afternoon, we also spotted a small motorized unit within sight of our bridgehead.¡±

    The entire western bank was controlled by just one Guard Division in a bridgehead.

    Wang Zhong asked further, ¡°How¡¯s the construction of the bridgehead fortifications?¡±

    ¡°They are permanent fortifications cast with concrete. However, the concrete needs time to harden, and if the enemy attacks right now, 152mm artillery could easily breach the bridgehead,¡± Pavlov clicked his tongue, ¡°Luckily, the enemy won¡¯t attack right away.¡±

    Wang Zhong deduced, ¡°The enemy¡¯s armored units should havepleted their mission; they are currently resting and reorganizing. I wonder how long they need to recuperate.¡±

    ¡°We expect the rest and reorganization tost until mid-September,¡± Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch of the Second Armored Cluster told then Emperor Reinhard, ¡°We have two divisions that suffered heavy losses, withbat-ready tank numbers falling to less than five percent. This is all thanks to the notorious General Rokossovsky¡¯s doing.¡±

    Von Mauch saw his majesty frown and immediately added, ¡°Fortunately, after driving Rokossovsky¡¯s forces out of Orachi, our battlefield repair units have fixed some of the tanks. We expect to restore more tanks in the next 30 days.

    ¡°The two heavily hit divisions¡¯bat-ready tank numbers will recover to 50%, plus they have some redundant tank operators, just awaiting tank reinforcement; those divisions could fully regain their strength.¡±

    Having finished, Field Marshal Von Bock immediately supplemented, ¡°The enemy abandoned many tanks on the battlefield, which can be brought back into service with minor repairs. This shows the enemy¡¯s logistics support is very poor; they have practically no repair capabilities.

    ¡°We can utilize these tanks, turning their weapons against them!¡±

    Von Mauch nodded, ¡°Yes. The troops have already received some of the enemy¡¯s tanks, and they hold a high opinion of the heavy tanks, in addition to the T34 tanks, which are quite good. However, they find it ufortable to use them without amander and radio.

    ¡°They only want to use the toon leader¡¯s tanks from among those. Additionally, the poor aiming devices and uracy of the Ante People¡¯s cannons have been widely criticized.¡±

    The then Emperor shook his head, ¡°If these tanks are so deficient, how did they achieve such brilliant victories? Especially the heavy tanks; I¡¯ve read many reports of them destroyingrge numbers of our tanks, which were ultimately taken down by infantry.¡±

    Von Mauch answered, ¡°That must refer to the KV-type tanks. At present, the troops¡¯ evaluation of these tanks is quite good, with no bad feedback except for serious mechanical failures. I¡¯ve already sent a KV tank back to the Imperial Tank Research Center.

    ¡°To counter the enemy¡¯s armor advantage, we urgently need a type of heavy tank equipped with an 88mm cannon, and with armorparable to the enemy¡¯s.¡±

    The then Emperor stood up, shaking his head, ¡°No, no, gentlemen. You are overly concerned. Although it took us longer than expected to eliminate Argesukov¡¯s forces, we have already, heavily battered the Ante People!

    ¡°The elite Ante troops have been encircled and wiped out by us! Since the beginning of the war, we have destroyed three million enemies, and our army has exhibited surprising efficiency!

    ¡°Ante is now like an old house, merely needing a kick to copse!¡±

    At this point, Siegfried, the Grand Commander of the Asgard Knights, who had been silent, spoke up, ¡°Your Majesty, the enemy has just rallied the nation¡¯s morale with a national funeral; perhaps making such an optimistic assessment is not very wise?¡±

    Reinhard waved his hand dismissively, ¡°That¡¯s just a sh in the pan! One kick is all it takes to bring down this old, backward country, and its fertilends will be the granary of Prosen.n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

    ¡°The blockades by the United Kingdom and Federation will fall apart on their own; we will gain everything weck, oil, rubber, all kinds of minerals! In the end, we will emerge victorious, we will have the whole world!¡±

 Chapter 237: Typhoon

    Chapter 237: Typhoon

    Siegfried touched his own red hair, ¡°Let¡¯s be cautious, Your Majesty. Ante is vast and has great war potential.¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Reinhard stopped, ¡°Yes, they do have great war potential, I know. That¡¯s why from the beginning my goal has been to destroy their will to fight.

    ¡°The morale boosted by the death of the Crown Prince is only temporary; without a new leading figure to support it, this morale will quickly dissipate.

    ¡°Unfortunately for them, a new leading figure has emerged, but they have not ced this person at the center as a symbol of spirit.

    ¡°This is our chance, Siegfried. ording to reliable intelligence, General Rokossovsky is currently at Shostka on the Duva River, which is where we¡¯ll strike next.

    ¡°We willunch a pincer attack from both the south and north with 1.8 million men and 2,000 tanks, with Shostka right in front of the southern pincers! To eliminate him, I will reinforce the main force in the south, the Second Armored Group, with two more Knight¡¯s Army divisions!¡±

    Von Maqi immediately raised his head, ¡°Thank you very much, I will surely not disappoint Your Majesty.¡±

    Reinhard, ¡°You let Rokossovsky escape in the previous battle. But at the time you did not know he would be an important figure stirring the morale of Ante, and you also had the mission of advancing southward.

    ¡°Now, you can make up for that mistake! To help you aplish your mission, I will also give you Ottos Krantz¡¯s Brandenburg forces! This is a special force that yed an important role in the initial stages of our invasion, capturing many key bridges.¡°You should make full use of these troops topletely eliminate Rokossovsky!¡±

    Von Maqi stood at attention, his head held high as he answered, ¡°Yes! After 20 days of replenishment, my group will start the offensive. I will finally fulfill my long-standing wish to lead the troops into Ekaterinburg Fortress!

    ¡°My revered Majesty, I request that this operation be named ¡®November Festival,¡¯ to celebrate our total annihtion of the Ante road roller that has always threatened Europa.¡±

    Reinhard shook his head, ¡°No, that would be too kind for an inferior race like Ante! No, we can¡¯t use such a weak name. This operation will be called¡ªTyphoon! We will eradicate Ante as easily as a typhoon, ending the war before winter arrives!

    ¡°This December, we will sign the surrender document with the enemy at Ekaterinburg Fortress, just as we didst May in Carolingian!¡±

    Marshal Von Bock and other officers stood up one after another, shouting, ¡°Long live Prosen! Long live the Emperor!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong raised his head upon hearing the sound of artillery fire outside and approached the window.

    Unfortunately, he could not see the shells being fired in the darkness.

    Even when he switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, he still saw nothing. In this view, the entire western bank was pitch-ck, meaning there were no enemy units.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I wonder how long this calm willst.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°The enemy won¡¯t be calm. By tomorrow morning, they¡¯ll be digging graves for theirrades who died in their sleep.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We would do the same if the enemy artillery advanced. The good news is we have ready-made reinforced concrete buildings for bomb shelters. How is the reinforcement of the buildings on the east bank progressing?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°It hasn¡¯t started yet, the main priority right now is pouring concrete bunkers to get them to peak hardness sooner. However, we have reinforced some key buildings with steel.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Good. Also, we¡¯ve brought a brand new type of artillery and a new type of self-propelled artillery. Gather the anti-tank artillery units tomorrow, and get them familiar with these two weapons as quickly as possible before the enemy attacks.

    ¡°Especially the self-propelled anti-tank artillery, we need to prepare specific positions and routes for their relocation.¡±

    Popov frowned, ¡°You mean that unimpressive-looking tractor? That thing just looks like a stick tied on top of a tractor. And although I¡¯m not familiar with artillery, that artillery piece looks different from all the ones we have.

    ¡°It looks more slender than the 76 gun, but the barrel is very long! It¡¯s like an embroidery needle!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, an embroidery needle, and one that consumed a lot of production hours to create. The time it takes to make one of these guns could be used to make several 76 guns. But correspondingly, this gun has astonishing power and terrifying uracy.¡±

    Vasilyughed, ¡°Sounds good. Our anti-tank artillery troops have only pulled out the gunner. General, where did you get this gun from?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No one else wanted it, theyined it wasn¡¯t tested.¡±

    Everyone else was stunned.

    Vasilyughed, ¡°General, you¡¯re teasing us again! You blew all this smoke without it being tested?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he bragged because the gun had been tested inbat on Earth.

    He looked at Vasily, ¡°Tomorrow, we will test this gun.¡±

    Vasily¡¯s smile froze.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You have to understand that our armaments are very scarce right now because most of the factories are being relocated to the east and even after the relocation isplete, it will take time to restore production efficiency.

    ¡°Because of that, we can only continue producing the wed T34 to replenish our forces and slowly expand the production of the highly praised Parade Tank.¡±

    Hamov, being from the Air Force, was puzzled when he heard ¡®Parade Tank,¡¯ ¡°Parade Tank?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°In order for a foot soldier like me with no tank training tomand from a tank, my vehicle, number 422, was modified from a Parade Tank. But it turned out to show excellentbat performance.¡±

    Hamov blinked, ¡°Did you just say ¡®a foot soldier with no tank trainingmanding a tank in battle¡¯?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m a foot soldier.¡±

    Hamov gasped, ¡°What? I thought you were from the Armored Troops! After all¡­ didn¡¯t you kill eight Prosen generals with a tank?¡±

    ¡°Two, two Prosen generals,¡± Wang Zhong was almost tired of correcting this statement again and again, ¡°and one of them was actually killed by artillery.¡±

    ¡°I see. But it¡¯s strange, war is really strange. One of the most formidable tankmanders from Prosen actually wrote ¡®Infantry Attack.¡¯ Hamov shook his head. ¡°Maybe one day you, a foot soldier, could be a Marshal of the Air Force.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, but thought to himself, not to hide it from you, I¡¯m a super pilot in War Thunder with over a thousand enemy nes shot down!

    If my physique could handle it, I would definitely show you what an ace pilot is.

    But the nes now don¡¯t have ejection seats, and the rate at which pilots are shot down and die is too high, so it¡¯s better to honestly be a general on the ground.

    Though being on the ground isn¡¯t necessarily much safer than being in the air.

    At this moment, Nelly pushed the door open and came in with a cart: ¡°Snack time! Today¡¯s snack is yogurt cheese and pancakes brought over from Ye Fort.¡±

    Hamov¡¯s eyes widened when he saw Nelly: ¡°Why is there such a young girl here? She looks about the same age as my daughter, who should be in fifth grade!¡±

    Nelly looked disdainfully at the pilot: ¡°I graduated from tenth grade a long time ago.¡±

    ¡°Eh? Is that so?¡± Colonel Hamov was surprised.

    Vasily asked, ¡°You have a daughter?¡±

    ¡°Of course, I carry a photo of them both as an amulet. Look!¡± Hamov took out a locket and opened it to show the photo inside to everyone.

    It was clearly a family photo folded to show only the daughter and wife.

    Pavlov was amazed at the photo: ¡°You¡¯re a lucky man.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Chief of Staff, don¡¯t you also have a wedding ring?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I do. But my wife¡­ let¡¯s not mention her,¡± the bear-like Chief of Staff shook his head, ¡°she¡¯s strong enough to go bear hunting in the mountains now.¡±

    Wang Zhong joked, ¡°Isn¡¯t that normal? Ante women are eventually going to fight bears in the mountains.¡±

    Nelly frowned, looking at Wang Zhong.

    Hamov looked at the photo of his wife and shook his head: ¡°She probably couldn¡¯t beat a bear. She¡¯s a middle school teacher, quite delicate. She would get a sore back and back pains just from chopping wood outside in winter.

    ¡°After that, the church installed coal stoves for the city¡¯s intellectual families, and she has been thankful to the church for many years now. When she sits outside making coal balls in winter, she always tells my daughter about the past when they could only burn wood for warmth.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Isn¡¯t heating in winter now all done with fuel from Kubar?¡±

    Hamov shook his head, ¡°We can¡¯t transport it over there; it¡¯s better to use coal from nearby mines. Coal production was low before, but after the church took it over, production increased and now everyone can afford coal.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I see.¡±

    Hamov continued, ¡°We were nning to move to Kazarlia, but now Kazarlia has fallen.¡±

    Wang Zhong earnestly replied, ¡°It hasn¡¯t fallen. I still carry a box of it with me. As long as I¡¯m alive, Kazarlia will always havend that hasn¡¯t fallen, and thatnd is right beside me.¡±

    Hamov paused for a moment, then apologized, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, General, I¡­¡±

    ¡°And now, the Bolsk Front Army is still fighting; that is also Kazarlian territory. So to say Kazarlia has fallen is not urate,¡± Wang Zhong corrected seriously.

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Hamov apologized sincerely.

    But Pavlov said, ¡°The situation for the Bolsk Front Army isn¡¯t great either, but if the enemy focuses mainly on attacking Ye Fort for the rest of this year, they might get a chance to breathe. If the enemy wants to get the oil from Kubar, they will eventually have to attack Bolsk.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No matter how much territory we lose, we will recapture all of it in the end. Definitely.¡±

    Everyone else in the room unanimously said, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Do you want sour cream with your pancakes?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes!¡±

 Chapter 238: Rocossov and Reconnaissance in Front of the Enemy

    Chapter 238: Rocossov and Reconnaissance in Front of the Enemy

    August 26, zero five hundred hours, Shostka.

    With the help of Ludm and Nelly, Wang Zhong dressed himself and, after taking a satisfactory look at his own reflection in the dressing mirror, nodded approvingly.

    Ludm: ¡°Today, I¡¯m heading back to the unit.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah? What about my hugs every morning?¡±

    ¡°You can find Nelly for that.¡±

    As soon as Ludm finished speaking, Nelly took a step back, her displeasure evident on her face.

    Pointing at Nelly, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Look! You¡¯ve scared Nelly now!¡±

    Ludmughed and gently ruffled Wang Zhong¡¯s hair. ¡°Alyosha, haven¡¯t you always slept on your own before?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s hard to go from luxury to frugality, you know?¡±¡°Alyosha.¡± Ludm simply called Wang Zhong¡¯s name, then gazed at him.

    Wang Zhong sighed. ¡°I¡¯m just showing how hard it is for me to part with you. Shoot down a few more enemy nes, okay?¡±

    With those words, he embraced Ludm, allowing the girl to rest on his chest while he gently stroked her hair.

    After several dozen seconds, Wang Zhong reluctantly pulled away and said to Nelly, ¡°See Ludm off.¡±

    ¡°Mhm.¡± Nelly nodded.

    Wang Zhong turned and left the dormitory, speaking to Grigori outside, ¡°Saddle Bucephalus and gather apetent squad, all armed with submachine guns.¡±

    ¡°A reconnaissance mission?¡± Grigori, flicking the cigarette he was holding to the ground and stamping it out, replied, ¡°I¡¯ll assemble the troops right away.¡±

    Ludm chased after him. ¡°Alyosha, as themander of the entire division, why are you going on the reconnaissance yourself?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because I am themander of the whole division that I must go on a reconnaissance mission,¡± Wang Zhong patted his fianc¨¦e¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have a pair of eyes that can spot the enemy from two kilometers away.¡±

    This was true.

    Ludm: ¡°But what if you don¡¯t spot the enemy? What if you get surrounded? Would you really be willing to hand over the troops you¡¯ve trained so hard to someone else¡¯smand?¡±

    At that moment, Grigori quietly slipped away, clearly not wanting to get involved in the couple¡¯s quarrel.

    Pavlov emerged from the division headquarters building, peeking over this way, and was promptly seized by Ludm. ¡°Chief of Staff, talk to him. He wants to go on the reconnaissance himself!¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°He pulled the same stunt at Orachi, but when the enemy¡¯s motorized troops turned up near us, I wouldn¡¯t let him go. But now, our patrol units are still patrolling the western bank as usual, so it¡¯s fine if he wants to have a look.¡±

    Ludm was shocked. ¡°You support him going?¡±

    ¡°If themander personally scouts the enemy, it will greatly boost troop morale. That¡¯s what the military academy taught us, right? It has been like this since the days of Suvorov,¡± Pavlov shrugged.

    Ludm: ¡°But he is thest in our ss!¡±

    Before the words fell, Wang Zhong picked up Ludm and gave her a nibble.

    Nelly couldn¡¯t help butment, ¡°It¡¯s like gnawing on a pork knuckle.¡±

    Wang Zhong stopped only when Ludm pushed against his chest with both hands, and, as his fianc¨¦e gasped for air, he smacked his lips.

    Nelly: ¡°Salty?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Nelly. ¡°You¡¯re quite humorous.¡±

    ¡°You tter me,¡± Nelly replied modestly.

    Wang Zhong looked back at the now-recovered Ludm and said, ¡°Ante women won¡¯t stop their men from fulfilling their duties, will they?¡±

    Ludm sighed. ¡°Yes, I¡¯m just discussing the necessity with you!¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s necessary, trust me.¡± Wang Zhong looked her straight in the eyes.

    ¡°All right, go on then.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned and hurriedly ran downstairs.

    Then Bucephalus appeared, snorting through the bit in his mouth, unable to nibble on Wang Zhong¡¯s head and instead blowing air around his face.

    Gently stroking the horse¡¯s neck, Wang Zhong asked with a smile, ¡°Miss me?¡±

    The horse whinnied and pranced its hooves.

    At this moment, Grigori and the assembled guard unit appeared.

    Mounting his horse, Wang Zhong nodded to a worried-looking Ludm and was about to turn the horse around when Vasily appeared, carrying a captured field radio. ¡°I¡¯m going too, otherwise if something happens, you all won¡¯t be able to contact division headquarters.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s fine. But why bring the captured one?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Its battery is reliable; I just charged it this morning. Our batteries aren¡¯t trustworthy, and we¡¯d have to carry a hand-cranked generator. Get me a horse.¡±

    Grigori told a soldier, ¡°Go pick another one from the stables, this one is for the lieutenant.¡±

    The soldier immediately dismounted and handed the reins over to Vasily.

    A few minutester, the small unit was ready. Wang Zhong waved to Ludm and led the unit out of the division headquarterspound.

    Bucephalus, cheerful, sprinted particrly fast and soon galloped along the road to the riverbank. He then rushed toward the riverbed and started drinking at the water¡¯s edge.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hey! You¡¯re too free-spirited, you know!¡±

    Just then, the Naval Infantry patrolling under the bridge spoke to Wang Zhong, ¡°General, although it¡¯s the dry season, the middle can still be over a person¡¯s head! Crossing by swimming requires caution.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are all the river sections we defend impassable by swimming?¡±

    ¡°I only said to be cautious. We can swim across, armed with light weapons and grenades. I just don¡¯t know if the Prosen infantry has as good water skills as we do,¡± said the Naval Infantry, tugging at his dark uniform to show a bit more of the sailor shirt underneath his cor.

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then asked, ¡°What if we were to spray the river with oil and set it on fire, would that stop the enemy from crossing?¡±

    ¡°Certainly, it could. But think of the amount of gasoline that would require, plus it¡¯s a one-time thing. It¡¯s better to set up a few more machine guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°For use in a critical moment. I mean, when the machine guns aren¡¯t quick enough to block off the river.¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    ¡°Then it¡¯s your decision,¡± the Naval Infantry said. ¡°Really, there¡¯s no need to worry too much. With the river being so wide, the enemy would likely consider crossing over the bridge first. If not, they might use engineering troops to build a pontoon.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded. At that moment, Bucephalus finished drinking, neighed softly, and then started to run on its own, quickly reaching the stairs next to the river, then onto the riverside avenue, and finally turned onto therge bridge.

    The main body of the bridge was a railway bridge, consisting only of tracks without a floor, but there was a small path with wooden nksid down next to it.

    Bucephalus ran along the path all the way to the bridgehead fort.

    The troops guarding the bridgehead fort saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong stopped to look over the bridge surface, muttering, ¡°If the enemy sets up machine guns next to it to seal off the bridge, the troops on the west bank would be isted.¡±

    The soldier standing guard next to the bunkerughed, ¡°Then the enemy¡¯s machine guns would have to withstand our artillery fire first. Look around, where is there any cover for the enemy to use? You might as well worry about the wooden nks on the bridge being lifted by the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his head and nodded, ¡°True, we¡¯ll rece them with iron tes and secure them with bolts.¡±

    ¡°Then on behalf of everyone, thank you, Your Excellency,¡± the soldier said.

    Wang Zhong then asked, ¡°Are our supplies of food and ammunition sufficient?¡±

    ¡°Enough tost about a week or so. You can rest assured.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded again, spurred Bucephalus once more, and the horse began to gallop.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    It was half an hourter when they encountered the enemy.

    And it wasn¡¯t the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance troops, but Prussian Infantry stationed on the high ground.

    From a great distance, Wang Zhong had his troops dismount, leaving a few men in the woods to watch the horses, and took the rest to a spot a few hundred meters from the enemy position.

    Unlike the endless Kazarlian ins, this area had many trees, which made it possible to conceal their approach and engage the enemy.

    Wang Zhong switched to an overhead view to observe the enemy on the high ground.

    There was a toon of enemy troops, and they were not in a state ofbat readiness.

    Wang Zhong turned his head to ask Grigori, ¡°If we call for artillery fire, can you take the high ground with our current forces after the shelling? There might be a toon up there.¡±

    Grigori, ¡°My suggestion is to not use artillery fire, so as not to startle the enemy by hitting the grass. We can crawl over andunch a surprise attack. Those who followed are all veterans, and they¡¯re all equipped with submachine guns¡ªwe have the advantage in close-quartersbat.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Okay. Go ahead.¡±

    Just as Grigori was about to crawl forward, he suddenly remembered something, turned back to a sergeant and said, ¡°You stay behind with Lavrov to protect the general.¡±

    The sergeant frowned, ¡°Doesn¡¯t the general have Vasily with him?¡±

    Grigori, ¡°Follow orders. You must not let the general die, even if you do, understand?¡±

    ¡°Leave it to me,¡± the sergeant saluted.

    Then Grigori led the men out of the hidden bushes.

    The sergeant left behind looked at Vasily, ¡°The sergeant major doesn¡¯t trust you, musician.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Musician?¡±

    ¡°Ever since my dad went on a drinking rage, that¡¯s what they¡¯ve called me,¡± Vasily said with a bitter face.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s not a bad nickname. You are indeed a great musician.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Stop making fun of me.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m not making fun of you,¡± Wang Zhong said, then turned his attention back to the high ground.

    With the naked eye, it was almost impossible to see where Grigori and his men were, but switching to the overhead view showed they had advanced to a spot separated from the enemy by only a row of hedges; Grigori was assigning tasks to his soldiers, inaudible in the overhead perspective.

    In any case, they spread out quickly, advancing towards the high ground in pairs.

    Grigori crawled to the vicinity of the enemy¡¯s machine gun position, and when the enemy turned away, he dashed out and quickly eliminated the two men at the machine gun with his knife.

    The other groups also began their movements, and in the blink of an eye, several sentries on the outpost were silently taken out.

    However, one of the sentries managed to fire off a shot before dying, alerting the enemy.

    Several Prussians immediately rushed out from Grigori¡¯s cover, only to be mown down by his submachine gunfire.

    A corporal following him threw a grenade into an opening, and the next moment, the st wave surged out of the entrance.

    The others seized key positions and opened fire, the sound of submachine guns and grenades incessant.

    Grigori charged to the front of the enemymand post, sweeping two guards with a burst of gunfire. He then ordered the corporal to set up the gun as he held a grenade.

    Wang Zhong thought despairingly, don¡¯t do it, capture an officer!

    However, Grigori had already thrown his grenade.

    Inside themand post, several were stunned, about to be obliterated, when the enemymander¡¯s adjutant tackled themander to the ground.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good!¡±

    Vasily, ¡°?!¡±.

    After the explosion, Grigori charged in first. The enemymander drew his pistol, only to be kicked flying by Grigori.

    Facing the barrel of the submachine gun, the enemy had no choice but to surrender obediently.

 Chapter 239: Is It So Strange for a General to Come and Capture a Spy Himself?

    ¡°`

    After confirming that the position had been captured, Wang Zhong personally led Vasily and two guards to the site.

    Grigori saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°We¡¯ve captured fifteen prisoners, including one major. The rest are at most warrant officers.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Is there any medicine here?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we have both medicine and bandages.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Shoot each of them in the shoulder, then dress their wounds with their own medical supplies, and order them to walk back to their base.¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Grigori nodded and turned to carry out the orders.

    He left a corporal behind, guarding the major they had just captured.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Vasily, it¡¯s your turn.¡±Vasily went up and struck the major with his rifle butt.

    Wang Zhong was startled, ¡°I told you to speak in Prussian!¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Ah? Oh, right. (Switching to Prussian) The general wants to ask you questions.¡±

    The Prussian major had just been struck by a rifle butt and was still dazed, and responded, ¡°(In Prussian) I demand prisoner of war treatment!¡±

    Vasily, ¡°(In Prussian) What kind of prisoner of war treatment do beasts deserve?¡±

    At that moment, gunshots were heard from Grigori¡¯s direction.

    From this angle, the major couldn¡¯t see the ¡°disposition¡± Wang Zhong ordered for ordinary soldiers, so he misunderstood, thinking they were executing prisoners of war.

    Major, ¡°What you¡¯re doing is against international conventions!¡±

    Vasily struck the major with the gun butt again, skewing his nose and causing blood to gush, ¡°(In Prussian) Shit, why didn¡¯t you mention internationalw when you were ughtering our civilians! You should all be flushed down the toilet and drowned!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    Vasily turned back, ¡°He thinks we¡¯re executing prisoners of war and is using us of viting internationalw.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Tell him that internationalws are made for humans, none of which apply to beasts.¡±

    Vasily immediately tranted.

    The major¡¯s eyes widened.

    Wang Zhong drew his pistol and expertly chambered a round, ¡°This pistol has been blessed personally by the Grand Patriarch of the Eastern Holy Church, Belinsky. It¡¯s perfect for executing Prussian devils.¡±

    After Vasily tranted, the major stared in horror at Wang Zhong¡¯s gun, ¡°Please don¡¯t execute me with this gun, I won¡¯t be able to enter heaven!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily who tranted, ¡°He says he can¡¯t get to heaven if he¡¯s killed with that gun.¡±

    ¡°Tell him, he was destined for hell anyway.¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong aimed his gun.

    The major rattled off a barrage of words at a rapid pace.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What¡¯s he saying?¡±

    ¡°He¡¯s confessed everything; he just begs not to be killed with that gun. Even a bay would do.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought how superstitious these people were and then said, ¡°It all depends on his performance. Which unit does he belong to, and why did hee here?¡±

    After Vasily tranted, the major immediately replied, ¡°I am a staff officer of the 35th Infantry Division of the 9th Army Group¡¯s 337th Army. My division is stationed here, and I came to inspect the defenses.¡±

    Upon hearing the trantion about ¡°the 9th Army Group,¡± Wang Zhong interrupted, ¡°Who is themander of the 9th Army Group?¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Who is themander of the 9th Army Group?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s Major General Walter Mendel.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned at the pronunciation, ¡°Walter? Mendel? Does he like to tinker with peas?¡±

    Vasily was taken aback, ¡°Should I trante this? I mean, the part about peas?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I just asked subconsciously. Where is your division¡¯s headquarters? Where is the army headquarters, and where is the army group headquarters?¡±

    Major (omitting the trantion process), ¡°My adjutant¡¯s bag contains a map with all the locations marked.¡±

    After Vasily tranted, Wang Zhong immediately asked the corporal guarding the major, ¡°Where is the bag with the documents?¡±

    The corporal brought it out, ¡°Here.¡±

    Vasily took it, opened it, and spread out the map.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t understand the Prussiannguage on the map, but he could read the military symbols. A quick nce told him that there were simply no armored units on the entire front.

    If it weren¡¯t for the possibility of enemy 88mm guns and defensive PAK38 anti-tank guns, Wang Zhong would have consideredunching an armored assault to capture more territory.

    ording to the map, the nearest armored battalion was two hundred kilometers away¡ª

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Keep the map safe; let¡¯s retreat quickly to avoidplications. After making a copy of the map, submit it. As for this Mr. Major, knock him out, tie him up, and ce him on a saddle.¡±

    The corporal guarding the majorughed, ¡°I¡¯ve got this; Ie from a hunting background. I¡¯ve tied up deer and put them on saddles before, and a man is much lighter than a deer.¡±

    Vasily asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t we going to call for artillery fire? ording to the map, the division headquarters of the 337th is within our artillery range.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°If we shell them now, they¡¯ll take cover. Let¡¯s wait until nighttime.¡±

    Vasily grinned, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    When Wang Zhong returned with his elite troops to Shostka¡¯spletely demolished western bank, he found many soldiers active on the western shore.

    They must have crossed on ferries; a ferry was docked next to the destroyed ticket office of the ferry terminal.

    These men were unloading concrete blocks from trucks.

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong rode on his horse past the spot and asked curiously, ¡°What¡¯s with this mound?¡±

    The lieutenant who was addressed immediately saluted, ¡°Reporting to the general, this is a target, the anti-tank artillery troops are going to fire at this mound soon.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Firing at the mound?¡±

    Lieutenant: ¡°Ah, I misspoke, it¡¯s to shoot at the wooden target board set up on top of the mound, it¡¯s just that the target hasn¡¯t been mounted yet. The troops have already hit targets at 800 meters before, that vehicle over there, a perfect hit, so they sent us to set up a new target.¡±

    As he spoke, the lieutenant pointed at the remains of the truck that had served as a target.

    Using wreckage as a target was indeed economical.

    He nced at the remains of the truck, then turned to look toward the eastern shore, only to see a ZIS30 stopped over there. From this distance, without a bird¡¯s-eye perspective, it was genuinely difficult to make out that small object.

    If they added some camouging brush, and set up fortifications, you might fear that without opening fire, the enemy couldn¡¯t see it at all.

    Wang Zhong put down his binocrs and asked the lieutenant who was setting up the target, ¡°How¡¯s the new equipment?¡±

    Lieutenant: ¡°See for yourself, it pierced right through that wreck, and with high precision, too. They aimed for the engine air intake and hit it squarely. And that¡¯s from over 800 meters! A 45mm gun might not have hit it.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Because it was so urate, you¡¯vee to set up a 1000-meter target now?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±

    As they spoke, the soldiers were mounting the wooden targets onto the mounds.

    Wang Zhong turned and ordered, ¡°First send that ¡®venison¡¯ across the river, and we¡¯ll see how well the artillerymen do with the new weapons on this side.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the sergeant in charge of the prisoners immediately nudged his horse¡¯s belly and rode towards the bridge.

    The major on horseback looked at Wang Zhong, seemingly sighing with relief.

    Wang Zhong thought without a trace of pity: In the hands of the Tribunal, you¡¯ll wish you had been killed by my blessed pistol.

    A minuteter, the target was set up, and the lieutenant said to Wang Zhong, ¡°General, you bettere quickly, we should take cover a bit further away.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You drive away, we¡¯ll just follow on horseback.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡± The lieutenant and his men got into the vehicle and quickly distanced themselves from the target. Wang Zhong followed behind the truck on Bucephalus.

    Soon, they were about a hundred meters away from the target when the lieutenant fired a signal re from the cab of the truckcking radiomunication on both sides, they could only use signal res to coordinate.

    Wang Zhong raised his binocrs¡ªactually switching to a bird¡¯s-eye view¡ªand saw the gunner on the ZIS30plete the loading and begin to adjust the gun¡¯s elevation.

    The aiming processsted about 20 seconds, and then the 57mm gun fired.

    It seemed to be a bit quieter than the 76mm gun.

    A sh of light hit the target¡ªthe mound beneath it.

    A cloud of dust rose from the mound.

    The lieutenant, cursing under his breath, raised a yellow g to signal the other side to cease fire, and then carrying the g, he walked towards the target.

    Wang Zhong dismounted and followed the lieutenant, overhearing him grumble, ¡°Had to show off like this! That mound is supposed to be the target!¡±

    Upon reaching the mound, Wang Zhong crouched to inspect it¡ªthe shell had prated the mound and exited through the side. It appeared that the concrete mound had forcefully changed the shell¡¯s trajectory.

    Wang Zhong estimated the depth of the marks on the mound and was impressed, ¡°I fear no enemy tank could withstand such a hit.¡±

    Lieutenant: ¡°I think so, too, after all, we directly pierced through the target using the truck just now. Even though the truck¡¯s engine had already been removed, it was still quite formidable.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hmm. Pleasing results.¡±

    ¡°If we had more of these guns, not a single Prussian would make it back,¡± the lieutenant sighed.

    But Wang Zhong could only smile bitterly.

    No doubt the 57mm gun was superior, but its production time was too long, and the rate was too slow. Desiring more meant hoping that Wang Zhong somehow had a system to conjure equipment from the void.

    Wang Zhong switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, confirmed he had no such ability, and concluded.

    He would have to make the best use of the 57mm guns he had.

    Wang Zhong gave another nce across the river to the ZIS30 self-propelled artillery.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    After crossing the river, Wang Zhong went directly to the side of the ZIS30.

    Among the anti-tank gunners were several veterans who had experienced the bloody battle of Orachi, praising the new weapon: ¡°If we had had this thing in Orachi, coupled with the trenches we dug for the tanks, we would havepletely annihted the enemy¡¯s armored division! Completely annihted!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You can stillpletely annihte the enemy¡¯s armored division now.¡±

    The men turned their heads, then promptly stood at attention and saluted, ¡°His Excellency the General!¡±

    In that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly wondered if there woulde a day when the troops would only shout ¡®ura¡¯ upon seeing him?

    Just like a certain little man, the Carolus Army would only shout ¡®long live the Emperor¡¯ at the sight of him.

    Just thinking about it felt quite stirring. s, Ante probably wouldn¡¯t have a Tsar in the future.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How do you like the thing I got for you?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s excellent,¡± said the veteran who had spoken earlier. ¡°It¡¯s a pity we¡¯re only getting it now.¡±

    ¡°No, this is a result of your struggles in Orachi! The oue of the battle in Orachi has given me enough prestige to acquire such weapons for you,¡± Wang Zhong looked at the men, ¡°Your valor has been recognized! Do you understand?¡±

    Both new recruits and veterans disyed looks of joy at this moment.

    Having their struggle recognized is a great honor for any soldier.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Next, more ZIS30s will be continuously sent from the rear. You need to familiarize yourselves with them as soon as possible. The enemy will arrive in no more than 20 days.¡±

    ¡°Rest assured, General!¡± the veteran sergeant responded on behalf of everyone. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure the Prussians can¡¯t return!¡±

 Chapter 240: The situation on the night of September 9th

    In Jules Year 914, on September 9th, at Shostka, the headquarters of the Ante Army¡¯s First Guard Mechanized Division, it was 2300 hours.

    Pavlov lifted his wristwatch and nced at it, ¡°There probably won¡¯t be any telegrams tonight. It looks like Argesukov has finally fallen.¡±

    The telegrams Pavlov referred to were the open-code ones from Argesukov that had been nonstop since early August¨DArgesukov¡¯s codebooks had all been destroyed, leaving them no choice but to send messages in the clear.

    The content of the telegrams was very brief, essentially ¡°This is Argesukov, we are still fighting.¡± For a while, Argesukov¡¯s radio station also repeatedly broadcasted this sentence over shortwave, and it could be picked up by all radios in Ante.

    But this broadcast had been interrupted for almost half a month now.

    Wang Zhong stood in front of a map, looking at the entire defensive posture of the Western Front Army, and said, ¡°Argesukov¡¯s resistancested long enough, which is good. The enemy¡¯s armored troops have been resting for almost a month, but the infantry has been continuously fighting.¡±

    Popov interjected, ¡°The infantry of the Ninth Army Group we are facing head-on along with Kashuk has also been resting for quite some time¨DI mean, if you don¡¯t count being shelled by us every night.¡±

    At that moment, the sound of tearing through the air came from the sky.

    Wang Zhong, like an old soldier, didn¡¯t instinctively hit the deck when he heard the whistling. However, he still couldn¡¯t judge the falling points by sound alone; he could only switch his perspective and physically look at the ce being bombed.¡°Sounds like the train station is being bombed,¡± he said like an experienced veteran.

    Pavlov replied, ¡°It should be. The main buildings of the city have all been reinforced, and they know bombing them won¡¯t do much good. It¡¯s better to take a chance on hitting our lotives and the stuff that hasn¡¯t been moved out in time.¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    After saying that, Pavlovughed, ¡°Too bad we don¡¯t have a single lotive at the station, as they alle and go within the day. Tell me, why don¡¯t these Prussian people change their tactics and bomb during the day instead?¡±

    Wang Zhong spread his hands, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because we bomb at night?¡±

    Vasily interjected, ¡°Sometimes I really think the Prussians are terrifyingly rigid.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s these rigid guys who have got us to the point of losing our homnd,¡± Wang Zhong responded, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate them just because of their stiff style.¡±

    Just then, the phone rang and Pavlov picked it up, ¡°Division headquarters. Can¡¯t you wait any longer?¡±

    Holding the receiver, he turned to Wang Zhong, ¡°The artillery battalion is asking if they should return fire.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Return fire. But take it easy, we need to save some shells for the future battles.¡±

    As Pavlov gave the order, Popov remarked, ¡°It¡¯s obvious that the enemy¡¯s supplies have improved, and they don¡¯t seem as tightfisted with their shells as before. It looks like they¡¯ve finally adapted to our domestic road system.¡±

    Wang Zhong observed, ¡°It could also be that they¡¯ve restored our railway system. Such a rapid recovery of the railway system can¡¯t possibly all rely on railway workers from within Prosen, at least not without them being subjected to arge-scale massacre.¡±

    Popov clicked his tongue, ¡°How should I put it, railway workers are the closest to the Secr faction of the Eastern Holy Church. They¡¯ve incited the people¡¯s rage by ughtering peasants and then left the railway workers¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong could already imagine how the hidden believers of the Eastern Holy Church¡¯s Secr faction among the railway workers were causing trouble.

    Should we make a peasant¡¯s banjo and send it over as a Sacred Object? In this world, something powerful might descend, like a steel knife plunging into the heart of the Prosen Empire.

    At this time, themunications officer came over from the next room, ¡°General, a telegram from Kashuk¡¯s 51st Army.¡±

    Wang Zhongmanded, ¡°Read it.¡±

    ¡°ording to our reconnaissance, theposition of the enemy forces directly ahead has changed. We suspect that the enemy¡¯s 5th and 9th Armored Divisions have been transferred to face our front.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked towards the wall map, ¡°Finally, armored units have been moved over, huh?¡±

    Pavlov added, ¡°Yesterday¡¯s aerial reconnaissance also spotted the enemy¡¯s field repair factories, and the Air Force even carried out an attack. Although we didn¡¯t see any tanks, but¡­ the repair factories have moved up, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°That¡¯s right. It¡¯s a pity that since ourst surprise attack, the enemy has beefed up their defenses.¡±

    Pavlov mentioned, ¡°Since then, the highest-ranked captured enemy officer has been a captain, and none have been caught with briefcases anymore. You¡¯ve really given the enemy a longsting lesson.¡±

    Popov said, ¡°Right, and you¡¯ve made the enemy afraid to stay in buildings. As long as they¡¯re within range of our artillery, all the vigers¡¯ houses are empty, and the Prussian Army doesn¡¯t even dare to pitch tents by the roadside. I heard Kashuk took a leaf out of your book, and on the enemy side of the military demarcation line for 20 kilometers, the rooms are all empty.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, ¡°That¡¯s mainly because there aren¡¯t any sturdy reinforced concrete buildings within range, at most brick houses. Look at us living in the big city; we¡¯re not that afraid of the enemy¡¯s shelling, right?¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°We¡¯re now guarding against the rain, with this advantage it¡¯s not surprising. But when we go on the offensive¡­ will we also be afraid to stay in buildings?¡±

    Wang Zhong borated, ¡°The enemy¡¯s firepower is different from ours, their heavy artillery only goes up to the Army Group level; they don¡¯t have campaign-level heavy artillery clusters. In fact, at the Army Group level, our firepower is much stronger than theirs.¡±

    ¡°How do you solve that? Of course, with numbers. Concentrate the use of campaign-level heavy firepower clusters, send all the enemy¡¯s key nodes sky-high, and then you don¡¯t have to worry about the enemy¡¯s routine shelling.¡±

    Pavlov asked, ¡°You¡¯re already thinking about campaign-level issues, are you preparing to be a Front Armymander?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°As long as the Ante people need, I canmand a division, an army, an army group, a front army. My personal honor or disgrace isn¡¯t important, what¡¯s important is to defeat those damn Prussians.¡±

    At that moment, the phone rang again, and Pavlov answered it, ¡°Division headquarters. Uh-huh. Engine sounds? Right now? Okay.¡±

    After hanging up, Pavlov said to Wang Zhong, ¡°Brother Peter has heard engine soundsing from the east, resembling a small ne. We haven¡¯t received any notifications from the Air Force, have we?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s our night bombers. Tell the troops not to be rmed.¡±

    Pavlov and Popov exchanged nces before picking up the phone, ¡°Connect to the anti-aircraft battalion.¡±

    After passing down the message, Pavlov turned back to Wang Zhong, ¡°How did you know they were night bombers?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Vasily told me.¡±

    ¡°Was it something I said again?¡± Vasily sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, it¡¯s not fun.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°A friend from the capital told me.¡±

    Actually, this was knowledge that transcended time and space.

    Pavlov: ¡°This friend of yours, she¡¯s a woman, right?¡±

    ¡°A man,¡± Wang Zhong corrected seriously, ¡°Don¡¯t make it sound like I can only be friends with women.¡±

    At that moment, the sound of engines came from the sky, and Wang Zhong stood up, went to the window, and looked up.

    Actually, if one changed the perspective, they could see six Po-2 Bines slowly flying over the city.

    The others also went to the window but saw no nes.

    Suddenly, the roar of the engines got softer.

    Pavlov: ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    ¡°That way they can glide quietly over the enemy¡¯s heads to attack,¡± Wang Zhong exined. As soon as he actually saw the nes with his naked eye, he pointed up and shouted, ¡°Look!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Really? Why bines? Are we so desperate that we have to use such outdated things?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s called making the best of what you have. What¡¯s wrong with bines? The bombs dropped from bines are just as deadly. Prosen¡¯s battleships can even be sunk by bines!¡±

    You¡¯re right, aren¡¯t you, Bismarck?

    Vasily shook his head repeatedly: ¡°Impossible, you¡¯re bluffing me! Sometimes, General, you¡¯re as unguarded with your words as I am.¡±

    ¡­ You know you¡¯re unguarded with your words too!

    Jules 914, the evening of September 9. The second Armored Cluster Command of the Prosen Army.

    The red-haired Major General Zigfried stepped out of the car and furrowed his brows at the sight of the brightly litmand center.

    ¡°Isn¡¯t there a ckout?¡±

    The staff officer from the Armored Cluster Command who came to wee himughed, ¡°Why enforce a ckout? The Ante People have no more forces to attack us with, and today we captured the Southwestern Front Army Headquarters of the Ante Army. Argesukov¡¯s organized resistance is over; the whole army is celebrating the event.¡±

    ¡°Celebrating and ckout control aren¡¯t mutually exclusive,¡± Major General Zigfried questioned, ¡°Whose order was it?¡±

    ¡°General Von Maqi.¡±

    Zigfried could only sigh, ¡°Alright, take me to the general.¡±

    The staff officer immediately gestured invitingly.

    Zigfried followed him deep into themand center, to the presence of the general.

    ¡°Your Excellency, Von Maqi, from today onwards, my forces will fight under yourmand,¡± Zigfried stated.

    Von Maqi nced at Zigfried and smiled, ¡°I don¡¯t deserve such courtesy; we are all but troops under the Tsar¡¯smand, merely fighting side by side.¡±

    Major General Zigfried: ¡°A unifiedmand helps avoid missing strategic opportunities. Pleasemand me as you do the other armymanders under you.¡±

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I will,¡± the general said as he approached the map. ¡°We already have two armored divisions deployed downstream of the Duva River, with four infantry divisions supporting those two. Of course, the battlefield front isn¡¯t expansive enough for such arge force, so the infantry will have to wait for the armored divisions to break through the crossing point before following up.¡±

    Zigfried: ¡°Are the modifications for the stealth crossing of these two divisionsplete?¡±

    General Maqi: ¡°We are expediting the process, and it¡¯s expected to bepletely done by September 19. Taking ount of other supplies, and the umtion of ammunition, we n tounch the attack on September 20.¡±

    Zigfried nodded, ¡°My forces will deploy at the Shostka front. My armored grenadier division is equipped with thetest amphibious tanks. Additionally, the Brandenburg troops will be parachuting behind enemy lines, along with Duke Mayer¡¯s 100th Airborne Division.¡±

    Just as General Maqi was about to respond, a ¡°stone¡± crashed through themand center¡¯s window.

    Everyone turned their heads to look at the broken window, and the next moment, an explosion urred.

    The staff officers nearest the window were instantly hit by shrapnel.

    Everyone else dropped to the floor at once, except for General Maqi and Major General Zigfried.

    At that moment, the anti-aircraft guns began firing outside, and the rm sounded.

    General Maqi eximed angrily, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    ¡°Air raid, Commander,¡± someone responded.

    Major General Zigfried: ¡°It seems, General, that the Ante People have found a way to attack your headquarters. It might be wise to practice ckout control after all.¡±

    The general shook his head, ¡°No, this attack precisely shows that the enemy is at theirst gasp. We should meet them with heads high, and secure our victory. Major General Zigfried, in two months¡¯ time, we shall be at the Tsar¡¯s Summer Pce, epting his surrender!¡±

 Chapter 241: Launching

    ¡°`

    Jules 914, September 19th, Shostka, headquarters of the First Guards Mechanized Division, 2200 hours.

    A captive was brought into the division headquarters by a forward scouting squad.

    The headquarters staff collectively sized up the captive.

    Pavlov: ¡°This uniform¡­ doesn¡¯t it look a lot like the ones we encountered in Orachi¡­ that kind of opulent division? The one with especially abundant equipment, where even the Mark II tanks are scarce, and they¡¯re all equipped with Mark IIIs and IVs?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Asgard Knights Division, the then Emperor formed it to strengthen his political base, independent of the military department¡¯s control.¡±

    ¡°Ah, right, that¡¯s the name.¡± Pavlov nodded, ¡°But is it just my mistaken impression? Last time we engaged them, it seemed pretty easy.¡±

    Popov: ¡°The first two days were easy because the pressure of the enemy attack was on the forces of Duke Meishikin. On the third day, we encountered the enemy¡¯s main force, and we were immediately routed.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your words are not urate, what do you mean routed, we maintained our formation and got out. But let¡¯s talk about the matter at hand. Vasily!¡±Vasily stepped forward briskly and punched the captive in the face, causing the captive¡¯s nose to bleed.

    ¡°Oh,¡± Vasily put on an expression of a simpleton, ¡°You mean you want me to trante, right?¡±

    Damn it, you just wanted to throw that punch! Stop pretending already!

    Popov frowned, ¡°It¡¯s not eptable to beat a captive without authorization, Vasily.¡±

    ¡°Doesn¡¯t the Judge also hit them?¡± Vasily retorted sarcastically.

    Popov: ¡°When the Judge does it, it¡¯s part of the job, but if you hit him, you¡¯ll be assigned to dung duty.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Worth it.¡±

    After speaking, he punched the captive again and then turned to ask Wang Zhong, ¡°What do you want me to ask?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ask which unit he belongs to and who hismander is.¡±

    No sooner had Vasily tranted than the captive began to prattle, simultaneously exhibiting a look of pride while speaking.

    Vasily: ¡°He says, ¡®Your Ante army is being wiped out like pigs, and millions of troops can¡¯t even fight as well as wild boars.¡¯ I didn¡¯t add fuel to the fire, that¡¯s what he said.¡±

    The enemy looked at Wang Zhong with a provocative gaze and continued to babble.

    Vasily: ¡°He says he recognizes you; all the troops have been given your photo. Capturing you, dead or alive, would grant anyone the title of a count.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Am I that famous? Tell him to show me the photo of me.¡±

    Vasily spoke a few words to the enemy.

    At this moment, the escort said, ¡°Here, we found it when we searched him, for you.¡±

    While speaking, the escort held up an image for everyone to see.

    It was taken by a Federation journalist, clearly removed from a Federation newspaper, hence the image was somewhat degraded, but Wang Zhong¡¯s face was still recognizable. ?

    Wang Zhong was standing in front of a ZiS-30 and a T-34 tank, with a stern look on his face.

    ¡°They actually made me look quite handsome.¡± Wang Zhong was astonished, reaching out for the photo, ¡°Come on, give it to me, I need to unt it in front of Liu Xia.¡±

    Pavlov took the photo from the scout, checked it, and passed it to Wang Zhong: ¡°It does have quite an imposing presence.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at it and remarked, ¡°No wonder the photographer boasted they could win a Pulitzer.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s a Pulitzer?¡± Vasily asked.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°An award established by a big con artist.¡±

    At this point, seeing that he was being ignored, the captive rattled on more.

    Vasily: ¡°He says his only regret is that he won¡¯t have the chance to capture you. But it doesn¡¯t matter, hisrades will capture you and kill you ¡ª Can I hit him now?¡±

    Wang Zhong spread his hands, ¡°Since you¡¯ve applied, of course, I have to say you can¡¯t hit him.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than Nelly pushed the door open, click-cked her way to the captive, andnded a kick to the captive¡¯s groin.

    The captive let out a scream like a pig being ughtered.

    After all, he was kicked by the very hard toe of a maid¡¯s shoe, and his eggs might have been scrambled for good.

    Everyone else hadn¡¯t reacted yet, staring nkly at Nelly.

    Pavlov was the first to react, turning his head to ask Popov, ¡°What do we do about this?¡±

    Popov: ¡°Servicemen are considered employees of the unit, the same asundry workers¡ªin essence, we can only criticize and educate, at most confine them to barracks.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to give his exclusiveundry worker a piece of his mind, he heard the captive ranting in fury.

    Vasily: ¡°He says you¡ªor us¡ªwill die tomorrow. The Prosen Empire¡¯s new weapons will crush you, and there will be paratroopers coordinating the attack, the empire¡¯srgest scale assault operation.¡±

    Vasily hadn¡¯t finished tranting when the captive broke into hystericalughter, then made a throat-slitting gesture and rattled off more.

    ¡°`

    Vasily: ¡°He said that our death is imminent and the entire Ante will be finished before this year¡¯s National Day. Then every person involved in the conquest will receive a huge manor.¡±

    Wang Zhong and the others exchanged nces.

    Popov: ¡°A feint?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head, ¡°No, our reconnaissance does indeed indicate that the enemy is about to attack, and as for timing, they must attack now. If they dy any longer, it will start to rain.¡±

    There are two muddy seasons in Ante every year.

    One is in spring when the snow starts melting, and the ground bes exceptionally muddy,sting from March to June.

    The second, which is shorter, is thete autumn rainy season, when thend bes exceptionally muddy, and rivers enter a brief period of high water levels.

    Pavlov: ¡°After it rains, the water level of the Duva River will rise to at least the third mark on the hydrological pir by the bank, making it difficult to cross the river. And after the high water season, the naval gunboats can move upriver. Are they really nning to have tanks and gunboats exchange fire?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So what he said is true. They¡¯ll attack us tomorrow, and there are also paratroopers. Get Major General Kiriyenko on the phone at the rear.¡±

    Pavlov immediately picked up the receiver: ¡°Connecting to Major General Kiriyenko¡ªit¡¯s the Army Group headquarters! Hello? I am Pavlov, Chief of Staff of the Guards 1st Division. We just received new information; please have Major General Kiriyenko take the phone.¡±

    Momentster, Pavlov handed the receiver to Wang Zhong: ¡°The general is on the line.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the receiver: ¡°Major General Kiriyenko, I have some new information here. We captured a prisoner who said that the enemy willunch an attack tomorrow, with paratroopersnding behind our division.¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Kiriyenko: ¡°What scale of paratroopers? Behind you is the position of the 331st Division; they are tasked with protecting the railway lines.¡±

    Wang Zhong pressed the receiver, turned to Vasily, and said, ¡°Use reverse psychology on him, try to get him to reveal the scale of the airborne troops.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°(In Prosennguage) You won¡¯t seed. Our rear forces are strong and can easily crush your airborne troops! Those paratroopers will achieve nothing but provide us with morebat achievements!¡±

    The captiveughed loudly and spouted a bunch of words.

    Vasily: ¡°He said it, the 100th Paratrooper Hunter Division, and everyone speaks of another special force unit.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Kiriyenko, the enemy is probably one paratrooper hunter division and a special force unit of unknown size. I estimate the special forces will be wearing our uniforms, speaking Ante.¡±

    Thest sentence was added by Wang Zhong, based on Earth¡¯s war history.

    Kiriyenko clicked his tongue: ¡°The same old deceit and infiltration tricks, huh? Okay, I have an Inquisitor-led internal guard division here, I¡¯ll send them; they¡¯re professionals.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°There are also tank units. The enemy light infantry has no anti-tank weapons in the ins; tank units can eliminate them.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have the tank units on standby as reserves ready to move out. Have you contacted the Air Force yet?¡±

    ¡°Just about to, but I only have the Yak-1 Fighter Regiment here, and they probably can¡¯t intercept the enemy¡¯s airdrop nes at high altitude. We need MiG-3s.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll handle that notification. Kiriyenko out,¡± and with that, he hung up.

    Wang Zhong gave the receiver back to Pavlov: ¡°Call Kashuk again, the attack can¡¯t only be targeting us. The 51st Army will also be attacked. And call the airfield; tell them to prepare for emergency takeoff tomorrow morning, we might face enemy air raids. I need Yak-1s to protect our heads.¡±

    The ZIS-30 is particrly vulnerable to the Air Force because it¡¯spletely unprotected. Even if the aircraft doesn¡¯t drop bombs, just strafing could kill the gunner operating the big gun.

    If a Stuka was to drop a 500 kg bomb,nding it within 50 meters of the ZIS-30, it could knock it out of action.

    Apart from the 500 kg bomb, the ¡°little potato¡± from the 50 attack is also formidable; that¡¯s the price of an open-topped vehicle.

    Of course, the ZIS-30s under Wang Zhong¡¯smand may not be that afraid of enemy air raids because these days, Wang Zhong has ordered his troops to construct many shelters for ZIS-30s along the riverbanks.

    They opened holes in the side of buildings facing away from the river, allowing the ZIS-30 to go in. From there, the windows facing the river became natural firing ports.

    And as long as they don¡¯t stick the barrel out, firing from inside the building, the enemy might not even spot them.

    Despite these preparations, having Air Force cover is still better than none.

    If the Stuka can precisely drop a 500 kg bomb, it will inevitably cause massive casualties on the ground.

    After making several calls, Pavlov finally ryed all the orders, then looking at the phone and then at Wang Zhong, he suggested, ¡°I suggest you go and get some sleep now, so you¡¯ll be ready tomand us when the battle starts.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked towards the prisoner and said to Vasily, ¡°Find a way to make him tell us the time of attack tomorrow.¡±

    Vasily immediately used his reverse psychology technique.

    The prisoner revealed a contemptuous smile and said a bunch of things.

    Vasily: ¡°He says that even if we know, we can¡¯t do anything about it. The attack will begin at 4:30 in the morning.¡±

    Wang Zhong and Pavlov exchanged a look.

    In fact, if it weren¡¯t for such urrences in Earth¡¯s history, Wang Zhong would definitely suspect this man was a spy.

    In Earth¡¯s war history, the Sturmtiger prisoners, because of their overconfidence,pletely divulged their ns, thus giving the Soviet army time to prepare.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then at four o¡¯clock, we¡¯llunch counter-bombardment preparations on the enemy assembly area, trying to dy the enemy¡¯s attack time to nine in the morning. That way, they won¡¯t be able to coordinate with their airborne troops.¡±

    Pavlov nodded: ¡°That can be done. You better hurry and get some sleep. Have Nelly wake you up at three.¡±

 Chapter 242: Start of the War

    In September of 914, at 0330 hours, Wang Zhong arrived early at the division headquarters bunker.

    Clutching arge steel cup, Pavlov saw Wang Zhong enter and asked, ¡°Fancy some tea? Today is likely to be a long day.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I¡¯ll pass on your tea. Nelly, make me some tea.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Me too!¡±

    Nelly promptly left.

    Wang Zhong picked up the binocrs and went to the bunker¡¯s observation window to look outside. The field of view from this observation window was much worse than the one from the windows of the division headquarters¡¯ map room, but Wang Zhong had a cheat; a simple switch of perspective granted him a clear field of vision.

    In the dim morning light, the west bank was silent.

    Even with Wang Zhong¡¯s cheat perspective, there were no highlighted units.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Is the enemypletely foregoing reconnaissance?¡±Pavlov answered, ¡°After you went to sleepst night, there were enemy reconnaissance squads. Didn¡¯t you hear the machine-gun fire?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, then realized something, ¡°You didn¡¯t sleep?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°I did for a bit, about two hours. Don¡¯t worry, it won¡¯t affect my ability to perform my duties. I¡¯m the chief of staff; much of my work is mechanical, and sometimes it¡¯s sufficient to leave it to the staff officers.¡±

    Wang Zhong involuntarily switched back to using his own eyes to look at Pavlov¡¯s dark circles, ¡°This is really worrying.¡±

    At that moment, Nelly came in with arge tter not only containing teapots and cups but also some pastries. She ced everything on the map table.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Um, don¡¯t put it on top of the detailed fortification map, put it on this one. We won¡¯t be using the overall front line map today.¡±

    Nelly shifted the tter and then poured Wang Zhong a full cup of hot tea.

    Popov handed over his own teacup, ¡°More for me.¡±

    Nelly poured all the tea from the pot into his cup, then walked away with the empty pot.

    Vasily, ¡°Well now, there¡¯s none left for the rest of us.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed and continued to observe the west bank.

    Suddenly, in his bird¡¯s-eye view, enemy reconnaissance troops appeared on the west bank.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Here theye!¡±

    Vasily hurried to a nearby gunner¡¯s scope, ¡°Where? I don¡¯t see anything.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Phone, connect to the Anti-tank Battalion.¡±

    Pavlov immediately picked up the receiver and shouted ¡°Anti-tank Battalion,¡± then handed the receiver to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong took it, just as he heard a voice from the other side, ¡°Anti-tank Battalion, go ahead.¡±

    ¡°Enemy reconnaissance troops have appeared on the opposite bank. I¡¯ll have the bridgehead fire illumination rounds; you load up the howitzers. Don¡¯t use towed guns, let ZIS30 fire and then relocate after engaging.¡± ?

    ¡°Understood, ZIS30 to fire and relocate after engaging.¡±

    Having said that, Pavlov had already used another phone to reach the bridgehead, ¡°Fire the illumination rounds, take care not to expose the MG positions, engage with individual weapons.¡±

    10 secondster, an illumination round soared up from the bridgehead, illuminating the enemy scouts crawling forward on the opposite bank.

    The ZIS30s, deployed in position number 7 on the riverbank, opened fire immediately, and high-explosive shells burst open upon the t terrain of the west bank.

    Subsequently, gunfire burst out like popping beans, all from rifles.

    Unfortunately, the light was poor, and the distance to the enemy was too far, limiting the uracy.

    The second round of high-explosive shells arrived.

    After the first wave¡¯s adjustments, this roundnded directly in the center of the enemy, sending them tumbling to the ground.

    Then they began to retreat.

    Popov had also arrived at the bunker¡¯s observation port and was watching the other side with binocrs, ¡°They¡¯re only conducting reconnaissance now, isn¡¯t that a bitte? Could the enemy be falling into a state ofcency? Think about the behavior of the prisoner we captured yesterday.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? Arrogance leads to defeat; let¡¯s leave them strewn across the battlefield today.¡±

    Pavlov joined the conversation, ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about the bridgehead. If you ask me, we might as well pull our men back and blow the bridge.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then the enemy would disperse along the riverbank, and it would be harder for us to eliminate them efficiently. Our purpose in leaving this bridge intact is to draw the enemy¡¯s attention and inflict maximum casualties, and the bridgehead is the bait we¡¯veid out.¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong took a sip of tea then reached for a pastry, only to find that they were slices of cucumber.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where are the pickles?¡±

    Vasily, ¡°We opened all of them a few days ago to use the lids as fakendmines. We discovered something: real mines would detonate upon being hit by enemy artillery, but the lids of pickle cans don¡¯t, so we buried them shallowly. After an artillery attack blows away the soil on top, the enemy engineers have toe and deal with the mines.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily, ¡°Not bad, musician. This clever use is pretty good.¡±

    Vasily, on hearing the nickname ¡°musician,¡± showed a face as if he had eaten a

    Vasily: ¡°Sure, anything as long as I don¡¯t have to write music.¡±

    At this moment, the rm clock on the table went off.

    Nelly had just carried in a new tray of tea when she was startled by the rm clock.

    Pavlov stopped the rm clock: ¡°Is it time to start the counter-fire preparation?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the time: ¡°Let¡¯s start.¡±

    Pavlov picked up the phone receiver: ¡°Connect to the artillery corps. Artillery corps, begin firing.¡±

    Major General Siegfried Gis had just arrived at his own forwardmand post when he heard a sound like rolling thunder in the distance.

    He frowned and asked his adjutant, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The adjutant replied, ¡°I¡¯ll find out right away.¡±

    The adjutant, who was much older than Siegfried, turned and left.

    Within the Asgard Knights, it wasmon to seemanders younger than their subordinates, reflecting Emperor Reinhard¡¯s will: to rece the old Junker officer corps rapidly with new, younger officers more familiar with thetest military technology.

    Ironically, without these Junker officers, the massive military machine would grind to a halt.

    Even in the Asgard Knights, which aimed to employ as many officers of civilian background as possible internally, this was true.

    In Reinhard¡¯s n, the whole ¡°blood transfusion¡± process was tost ten years. By the time the blood transfusion waspleted, Prosen would have set foot on Federationnd, bing the true world hegemon.

    The adjutant returned quickly: ¡°The enemy is shelling our assembly areas and supply centers.¡±

    Siegfried: ¡°Is it the usual shelling?¡±

    ¡°Unlikely, the timing is wrong. Plus, the enemy didn¡¯t shellst night, resulting in many people not sleeping well.¡±

    Siegfried frowned deeply: ¡°Has our attack n been exposed?¡±

    ¡°Possibly, the soldiers have been openly talking about quickly annihting Ante and spending New Year¡¯s Day in Ye Fort. It¡¯s possible that the enemy captured some prisoners who ryed this information.¡±

    Siegfried: ¡°Can our artillery suppress the enemy¡¯s?¡±

    ¡°Yes, aerial reconnaissance has located the enemy¡¯s artillery positions.¡±

    Siegfried: ¡°Then open fire.¡±

    Pavlov was the first to look up: ¡°This whistling sound is wrong.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked puzzled. Since the beginning, all he had heard was the whistling of their own artillery shells flying over, and he was unable to distinguish which was wrong.

    However, the sound of explosions came from behind them, and Wang Zhong quickly shifted his perspective, seeing the enemy¡¯s shells continuously falling.

    They were falling on the fake artillery positions made of wood and camouges.

    Did you not expect that? Not shooting down your scout nes was so you could see the fake positions! This is called deception in warfare. You Prussians have much to learn! Sun Wu of Ceres is way ahead of you!

    Without any cheats, Pavlov could only make phone calls to confirm where the enemy was bombing. It took him three calls to get urate information, which he reported to Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy is bombing our fake artillery positions.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Add a meal for the deception troops today. Have them quickly set up new fake positions after dark.¡±

    Vasily muttered, ¡°Fake artillery positions, fakendmines, Rocossov¡¯s warfare is all about fakes.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is called deception in warfare! The enemy is stronger than us, so we have to use our brains to fight them, understand?¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong realized, damn it, the fakendmines weren¡¯t even my doing!

    Before he could exin to Vasily, the phone rang again.

    Pavlov, as usual, picked it up: ¡°Headquarters. How many nes? Has the Air Force been notified? Good, understood.¡±

    After hanging up, the bear-like chief of staff told Wang Zhong, ¡°Brother Peter heard a lot of three-engined transport nes, probably paratroopers. The Air Force has been informed and is taking off to intercept.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Three-engined transport nes, Junkers 52, right?¡±

    Vasily eximed, ¡°General, you really know your Prosen weaponry.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that of course he did, most military enthusiasts were initially drawn in by German military wear, and over time they gradually shifted to other types of military hobbies. Hence, most enthusiasts were quite familiar with Sturmtiger¡¯s equipment.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ve long been aware that we would inevitably sh with Prosen, so I¡¯ve made it my business to covertly learn about them!¡±

    The others at headquarters exchanged nces, tacitly not mentioning the least favorite topic.

    Even Nelly didn¡¯t bring it up.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Just then the phone rang again. After Pavlov answered, he reported to Wang Zhong, ¡°The anti-aircraft observation post has spotted enemy nes flying in this direction.¡±

    As he spoke, he drew several lines on the map with a pencil.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It looks like the drop zone is between Karlinka and Seneca. Call Army Group headquarters, notify Kiriyenko.¡±

    As Pavlov made the call, Popov said, ¡°The Tribunal¡¯s internal security forces will take care of them. They are better equipped than the regr infantry and are all soldiers of steadfast faith. Plus, they now have tank support.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I trust Kiriyenko. I had a heart-to-heart with him at Ye Fort; he¡¯s amander you can rely on.¡±

    Popov stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds: ¡°Is that so.¡±

    Just then, the enemy¡¯s preparatory artillery fire against the defenses officially began.

    The heavy artillery shells sent dust drifting sparsely from the bunker¡¯s ceiling, which had been well-built for just over twenty days.

 Chapter 243: Meeting the Enemy

    The enemy¡¯s artillery preparation continued until seven o¡¯clock in the morning.

    Unlike the previous artillery preparations, this time Wang Zhong and the others sat on chairs and endured the barrage.

    After all, the bunker was well-constructed, posing little danger unless it was directly hit by heavy artillery.

    A direct hit might also be harmless, considering the bunker was topped by an entire building reinforced with steel and concrete, having been converted from an original basement.

    Wang Zhong looked out from the observation post. By now, the sun had risen, offering an unobstructed view of the entire west bank, where no figures could be spotted, with or without the help of cheats.

    Vasily monopolized the artillery periscope and after a long watchmented, ¡°It¡¯s so quiet, I can¡¯t hear any enemy tank engines at all.¡±

    Even Brother Peter had not heard the engine sounds, which meant the enemy was likely confounded by the counter-artillery preparation.

    Just then, the telephone rang. Wang Zhong said, ¡°It¡¯s probably Brother Peter. He must have heard the tank engines and is calling to notify us.¡±

    Pavlov picked up the phone: ¡°Division headquarters, what¡¯s the situation? Alright, keep monitoring.¡±After hanging up, he turned to Wang Zhong and said, ¡°The reserve force standing by at the rear reports gunfire to the east, but it¡¯s not particrly intense.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°It¡¯s the enemy paratroopers. Tell them to stay alert. And remember to call Kiriyenko at noon and ask about the progress in clearing out the paratroopers.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the phone rang again.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Pavlov picked up the receiver: ¡°Division headquarters. Okay, got it.¡±

    After putting down the receiver, the chief of staff looked up at Wang Zhong and announced, ¡°Here theye, the sounds of engines.¡±

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Follow the original n. Artillery battalion, begin firing.¡±

    Pavlov picked up the receiver he had just put down again.

    Suddenly, Nelly whispered, ¡°The chief of staff looks like a bear eating fish.¡±

    Wang Zhong, who had wanted to peek through the observation window, turned his head upon hearing Nelly¡¯sment and burst intoughter, seeing that Pavlov indeed resembled her description, with the receiver as the fish, being gnawed at by Pavlov single-handedly.

    Unaware of Nelly¡¯s murmur, the chief of staff gave a loudmand: ¡°Artillery battalion, execute fire mission,mence interdiction fire!¡±

    Instantly, Wang Zhong heard the sound of artillery shells flying overhead, but unlikest time, he could also hear their explosions on impact.

    The sound rolled in like thunder from the horizon.

    Pavlov was about to leave the phone and join Wang Zhong at the observation post when the phone rang again.

    After answering, Pavlov said, ¡°The lookout has spotted dust clouds. Enemy tanks are approaching.¡±

    Wang Zhong hurried to the observation window to take a look outside.

    However, given the low position of the division headquarters¡¯ bunker, he couldn¡¯t see anything, neither the dust clouds nor the explosions from the interdiction fire. ?

    Even when Wang Zhong changed angles, he saw nothing.

    He withdrew his gaze and then noticed Nelly trying to peek outside eagerly, tiptoeing in an effort, but even at her most stretched, her eyes barely reached the lower edge of the observation window.

    Wang Zhong pulled over an ammunition box and lifted Nelly up onto it.

    Vasilyughed, ¡°This reminds me of a British novel I read as a child, where a dwarf warrior couldn¡¯t see outside during a siege because of his short stature¡­¡±

    Nelly frowned, stepped down from the ammunition box, and picked up therge tray loaded with tea and refreshments, ready to leave.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Wait a minute, just leave that there. Stay in the division headquarters¡¯ bunker during the battle, it¡¯s unsafe elsewhere.¡±

    Only then did Nelly set down the tray and dashed to a corner to stand, her hands folded in front of her, pressing down her skirt.

    Wang Zhong continued to look outside.

    Just then, the telephone rang again, and after a few seconds, Pavlov reported, ¡°Brother Peter hears the sound of dive bombers, escorted by fighter nes.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°The enemy finally brought escorts. Have our nes taken off yet?¡±

    Pavlov replied, ¡°They¡¯ve justnded to refuel and rearm, now they¡¯re taking off again.¡±

    ¡°Vasily, bring over that Prussian radio! Broaden the reception frequency, let¡¯s listen to the situation in the skies.¡±

    Vasily promptly brought out a seized Prussian radio and while adjusting it, praised, ¡°Prussian stuff is definitely better than ours. Charged in the morning and after four hours, it¡¯s still powered.¡±

    At that moment, sounds came from the radio, in the Prussiannguage.

    Vasily tranted, ¡°¡®Ready forbat, drop the auxiliary fuel tanks.¡¯

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly. In War Thunder, when he flew the early models of the 109, he had never used auxiliary fuel tanks. But then again, it wasn¡¯t the same time and space; the Fritz X had already been in operation two months into Barbarossa, so he shouldn¡¯t sweat the small stuff.

    The radio crackled again as someone urgently shouted something in Prussian, and Wang Zhong recognized the word ¡°Achtung.¡±

    Vasily tranted faithfully, ¡°¡®Enemy fighters spotted at two o¡¯clock, also below us.¡¯

    Then, an older Prussian voice came on the radio, sounding more steady.

    Vasily conveyed, ¡°¡®Dive to engage the enemy, protect the bombers. If the enemy pursues, disengage, do not enter a turning dogfight.¡¯

    Wang Zhong added, ¡°Actually, the early 109s can engage in a bit of a dogfight, but themander¡¯s right, you shouldn¡¯t tangle with Yaks at low altitude, even if it¡¯s just a Yak-1. Just drive the Yaks away to allow the bombers to drop their payload.¡±

    The others exchanged knowing nces in silence.

    And then, atst, the radio broadcast something Wang Zhong could understand, ¡°Enemy fighter nes! Semyon, take the second squadron and tie up with the enemy, I¡¯ll go hunting the bombers.¡±

    ¡°Hamov, you¡¯re after bomber kills again! But no worries, let¡¯s see how many fighters I can take down. That way, I¡¯ll be the ace with the most merit!¡±

    Immediately after, the airwaves became tumultuous.

    With twonguages intermingling, Vasily couldn¡¯t keep up with the trantions.

    ¡°Misha! The enemy is behind you!¡±

    ¡°Alois, rate of climb zero!¡±

    ¡°Where did he go? I can¡¯t see him!¡±

    ¡°Turn left, all turn left! Any not turning left are enemy nes!¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned as he approached the observation window and switched his view to watch the aerial dogfight.

    Both sides had fighters being shot down, trailing long mes and thick smoke as they plunged toward the ground.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong spotted thirty dive bombers approaching from the north side of his field of vision¡ªit looked like they had circled around to evade interception by the Air Force.

    The bombers began their dive!

    Then, six Divine Arrows shot up from the ground.

    The next moment, the dive bombers scattered like birds and beasts.

    But their altitude was too high, and one of the bombers was hit before it could escape the reach of the ¡°praying hands.¡±

    The bombs dropped from too high an altitude, with half of them missing the water¡¯s surface, erupting in rows of ten-meter-high water columns.

    A second wave of Divine Arrows wasunched, but this time most missed their targets. Only one relentlessly pursued a Stuka that had entered low flight to escape.

    Then, the Yak-1s, which hadn¡¯t joined the fray in the air, appeared.

    The Stuka pilots formed a dense diamond formation, creating a of fire with their rear-mounted machine guns.

    Wang Zhong saw a Yak swoop below an enemy ne, then pull up, preparing to attack from below¡ªthus evading the enemy¡¯s rear machine guns¡¯ firing arc.

    Then it disappeared from view.

    Wang Zhong cursed, ¡°Suka,¡± and grabbed Vasily¡¯s radio microphone, ¡°Hamov, respond!¡±

    Hamov: ¡°Who¡¯s calling me?¡±

    Then Wang Zhong switched views, only to realize he couldn¡¯t see through Hamov¡¯s eyes.

    Because the Air Force was not under hismand.

    Still no result was seen!

    Wang Zhong put down the microphone, not wanting to disturb others inbat.

    At that moment, a staff officer who had been on guard at the western bank shouted, ¡°Tanks!¡±

    Because the enemy nes were overhead, the artillery had ceased firing. With the anti-infiltration fire gone, the enemy tank troops finally entered the division headquarters¡¯ view.

    Wang Zhong hurried to the observation window.

    The enemy¡¯s tanks were in a standard attack formation, but there were some ¡°gaps¡± in the formation, obviously caused by the recent anti-infiltration fire.

    Some of the gaps were quiterge, suggesting that a toon of tanks had been lost.

    It was unclear whether they had been destroyed or if the tanks had been damaged and temporarily abandoned.

    Nheless, the enemy¡¯s numbers still looked incredibly vast.

    Wang Zhong estimated that there were two hundred tanks arrayed in front of the whole division.

    Behind the tanks, the number of apanying infantry was rmingly high, as if all of today¡¯s shelling had done no damage to the enemy.

    Of course, the shelling would have caused casualties; the only possibility was that the enemy was too numerous for the losses to matter.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tell the mortars to fire ording to the pre-arranged firepower n!¡±

    As a defender, all of Wang Zhong¡¯s artillery units had prepared multiple fire ns. As long as they fired ording to n, they could ensure the shellsnded roughly on the enemy¡¯s lines, blocking their advance.

    Now, with enemy nes in the sky, the heavy artillery dared not reveal their positions, leaving mortar fire as the best option for blockade.

    After Pavlov issued themand, the first volley of shells fell, plumes of small mushroom clouds blossoming among the enemy¡¯s lines.

    ording to the firepower n, each gun¡¯s responsible sections were clearly defined, evenly distributing the shells across the entire enemy line, immediately causing the skirmishers to go prone¡ªnot because so many were killed in an instant but because the instinctive reaction to nearby shellndings was to duck.

    Even the experienced Prussian veterans did the same.

    After all, no one wanted to gamble against shrapnel seeking them out.

    Just then, the new staff officer, also observing the western bank,mented, ¡°Why aren¡¯t the enemies deploying smoke?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Based on our previous engagements with the enemy, Prosenmanders don¡¯t deploy smoke when they believe they have a superior direct-fire capability.¡±

    Vasily added, ¡°Especially since the enemy knows the general likes to use Divine Arrows for air defense, they¡¯re even less likely to deploy it.¡±

    The new staff officer acknowledged this with an ¡°Oh.¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to continue when he noticed Nelly had climbed back onto the ammunition box to look out.

    Do girls also get curious about the battlefield?

    Vasily: ¡°Enemy tanks have passed the 1500-meter mark!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the enemy stopped and began their first round of firing.

    Explosions thundered overhead.

    Pavlov looked up at the sky, ¡°They¡¯re targeting the windows¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Just like in Peniye, first they target the windows, probably to suppress the Divine Arrows.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°All our Divine Arrows are in the back. Isn¡¯t that just a waste of firepower?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If I were the enemymander, I would still shoot, just in case, right?¡±

    At that point, the enemy tanks proceeded with their second volley of fire.

    Phones in the bunker started ringing.

    Pavlov answered, ¡°Division headquarters. Don¡¯t fire! What¡¯s the rush? Wait until they¡¯re within a thousand meters.¡±

    After he hung up, he said to Wang Zhong, ¡°The rookies in the anti-tank artillery battalion are getting antsy.¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled, ¡°They¡¯ll have their chance to fire today.¡±

 Chapter 244: The First Wave

    The enemy conducted several more rounds of salvo fire before they started to advance.

    Pavlov picked up the phone and then reported to Wang Zhong, ¡°In addition to attacking the windows on the second and third floors, the enemy also targeted the shelters we used this morning to fire upon their scouting team¡ªof course, those shelters are now empty.

    ¡°Three machine gun teams were caught by the enemy. We managed to salvage one machine gun, but lost ten men with more than ten wounded.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s eptable, we¡¯ll make the enemy pay in blood.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Would our losses be greater if the enemy stayed put and shot at all our windows one by one?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The Panzer IV¡¯s short 75 at this distance is not that urate. Haven¡¯t you noticed that their main forces are mostly using the short 50 guns? The high-explosive shells from those aren¡¯t that powerful.

    ¡°If the enemy keeps firing from this distance, I¡¯ll have the Anti-tank Artillery Battalion open fire. Do you think their short 50s canpare to our newly-acquired 57mm guns?¡±

    Caliber is basically equivalent to power, and the high-explosive shells from the short 50 guns, which we experienced in Upper Peniye, are more like hand grenades. To expect them to take out sheltered anti-tank guns is wishful thinking.

    And the newly-acquired 57mm guns, while they can¡¯t prate Tiger or Panther tanks at a distance of 1500 meters, that¡¯s not what the enemy is driving. They have early models of the Panzer III and IV.Who¡¯s afraid of whom.

    The newly-appointed staff officer who was observing called out, ¡°The enemy has passed the one-kilometer mark!¡±

    Wang Zhong quickly prostrated himself at the observation window.

    And right then, the anti-tank guns opened fire.

    The new 57mm gun shells were incredibly fast. With a whoosh, the shell flew out of sight, barely visible.

    Immediately, seven or eight tanks in the enemy formation came to a halt.

    One caught fire, and its Tank Operator scrambled out of the tank like a flying escapee. Before he got far, the tank exploded, and the turret was flung into the sky.

    A few more tanks showed no external damage, but their crews still ran out and took cover behind their vehicles.

    As for the tanks with no visible damage and no crew fleeing, from Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective, they looked as though everyone inside was already dead.

    One shot prated, and the entire crew was sent to heaven. Like my 57mm shells, do you, Prosen bastards?

    Wang Zhong knew this, but the Gunner did not, so during the second wave of attacks, several shots were ¡®double taps¡¯ aimed at the seemingly unresponsive targets.

    At this point, the enemy had pinpointed the rough location of the anti-tank guns and began swiftly firing back.

    Wang Zhong hurried to assess the situation on his side and found that the enemy had detected the ZIS-30 posts¡ªafter all, these vehicles are quite noticeable due to their size and the higher firing position which made them hard to conceal. ??

    But the first salvonded on the shelters, with only one of the ZIS-30 Gunners injured by shrapnel.

    The enemy did not spot the towed 57mm gun positions at all.

    Ironically, because the towed 57mm gun crews were numerous and fired rapidly, with twelve guns sounding off, it was almost like a string of firecrackers.

    The entire battlefield was now filled with roaring gunfire and the thunder of tank engines¡ªa livelymotion indeed.

    However, the absence of machine gun fire felt strange to Wang Zhong.

    Mainly because enemy infantry were held back by mortar fire, leaving the machine guns without targets¡ªfiring blindly was inefficient and would attract direct return fire from enemy tanks, so it was better not to fire at all.

    Now it was a pure artillery battle, the main force being the gun regiment that had been replenished on the basis of the original Anti-tank Artillery Battalion by the Guards First Division.

    It now seemed that the attack on this side of the crossing point would be rapidly defused.

    At that moment Vasily said, ¡°Enemy tanks are nearing the bridgehead!¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately looked in the direction of the bridge and indeed, the enemy tanks were approaching the bridgehead.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    No sooner said than done, the T-34 on this side of the bridge fired.

    The T-34 couldn¡¯t shoot as far as the new 57mm guns, but there was no problem supporting the bridgehead at close range.

    Plus, the T-34s had armor, unlike the naked ZIS-30, so they could push to the river¡¯s edge, taking cover and engaging the enemy in close-range firefights.

    While the Panzer IVs were initially focused on suppressing the bridgehead, they swiveled their guns to fire at the T-34s.

    Caught off guard by the sudden barrage from the T-34s, the enemy didn¡¯t even manage to switch to Armor-Piercing Shells¡ªhigh-explosive shells simply hit the T-34s¡¯ positions.

    After several exchanges of fire, the remaining Panzer IVs deployed smoke and began to retreat.

    Seeing the troops attacking the bridgehead deploying smoke, the other units also started using traditional Skills toy down smoke screens until the entire west bank was enveloped in white smoke.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Machine guns, open fire. Form a fire zone.¡±

    As the enemy had deployed smoke, and they couldn¡¯t see our machine gun positions through the smoke, it was time for the machine guns to fire freely.

    The sounds of machine guns erupted like popping beans, weaving into a dense web of fire that stopped the enemy infantry who tried to advance amid the confusion.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong saw a Panzer IV at full power heading toward the bridgehead, with three half-tracks loaded with infantry behind it!

    The Panzer IV crashed into the bridgehead, diverting all the attention of the defenders to itself, and then the three half-tracks raced to the side of the bridgehead. Elite Prosen grenadiers jumped out, throwing grenades and shouting, ¡°Charge!¡±

    Then, within the bridgehead,bat engineers d in battle armor appeared.

    Surprise, I stationedbat engineers here!

    The Prosen grenadiers, armed for closebat with submachine guns which fired pistol rounds, could not prate the brand newbat armor.

    Wang Zhong equipped thebat engineers with Papashas that had drum magazines ¡ª predecessors to the more modern versions, capable of being used as blunt weapons when the bullets ran out.

    Wang Zhong watched contentedly as thebat engineers brutally killed the Prussian soldiers in closebat.

    At that moment, Vasily suddenly shouted, ¡°Quick, look over there!¡±

    It was then that Wang Zhong snapped out of his spectator mode and reverted to his naked eye, following the direction Vasily pointed.

    He saw the Naval Infantry boarding speedboats and crossing the Duva River.

    What did this mean? Had the Naval Infantry assessed that the bridgehead was in danger and thus took the initiative to strike?

    The Naval Infantry didn¡¯t fall under Wang Zhong¡¯smand, although they epted his orders, they weren¡¯t his troops. Therefore, from his bird¡¯s-eye view, he could only see a massive Naval Infantry insignia amid the smoke and not the individual soldiers.

    Nevertheless, he watched the insignia throw a left hook, wiping out the Prosen infantry that had used the smoke to approach and even burned a short-barreled Panzer IV that was supporting the Prussians in the smoke.

    Meanwhile, the Naval Infantry¡¯s ind gunboat also sailed out, anchored on the river, and started bombarding, the automated guns sweeping through the smoke.

    Good lord, just now when the visibility was clear, they feared that a single ship might not be able to defeat the tank group. Once the smoke arose, they began to take advantage of the automatic guns, right?

    The quality and initiative of these Naval troops!

    As Wang Zhong was reflecting, the telephone rang. The phone was right beside him this time, so he picked it up directly, ¡°This is Rocossov.¡±

    ¡°This is the bridgehead, we have repelled the enemy, the machine guns can cease fire now, General.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± Wang Zhong hung up the phone and said to Pavlov, ¡°Cease the machine gun fire, no need to maintain the fire anymore.¡±

    Pavlov immediately picked up the phone.

    After he had ryed the orders, he said, ¡°Should we consider setting up a directmandmunication system? I¡¯m getting tired of making calls all the time. At least some simplemands could be conveyed via broadcast or something.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s worth considering.¡±

    Popov, by the observation window, said, ¡°Has the enemy¡¯s first wave of attack been repulsed?¡±

    Wang Zhong nced over and saw that the enemy hadn¡¯t fully left his field of vision but had stopped at the edge of it and started engineering work.

    Wang Zhong used his bird¡¯s-eye view to confirm there were no enemy aircraft in the sky ¡ª but he was still uneasy and said to Pavlov, ¡°Call Brother Peter to confirm we have no enemies overhead.¡±

    Pavlov immediately carried out the order, and 30 secondster, he put down the receiver, ¡°Brother Peter says there are no enemy nes anymore.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Order the artillery to fire to prevent the enemy from approaching and starting their engineering work.¡±

    Again, Pavlov picked up the receiver.

    Momentster, the sound of artillery shells tearing through the air echoed overhead.

    Through the bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong could clearly see shells falling near the enemy engineering troops.

    Watching the enemy being sted and knocked off their feet, Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief: ¡°The first wave has been repelled.¡±

    Vasily clicked his tongue in amazement, ¡°Howe the enemy infantry had no hesitation and just charged at us, rendering our fakendmines utterly useless?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Perhaps the enemy wasn¡¯t as sharp-witted as you, thinking that after our artillery bombardment there wouldn¡¯t be any mines left, and even upon seeing the exposed fake mines, they didn¡¯t consider that possibility.¡±

    Vasily frowned, ¡°I don¡¯t know whether to praise them or mock them for being so rigid. I didn¡¯t expect my clever idea to be frustrated like this.¡±

    At this moment, Popov interrupted Vasily¡¯s casual talk, ¡°What do you think the enemy¡¯s next wave of attack will look like?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I think they will use smoke to obscure our view, and then with the support of direct fire, they will mount a strong attack on the bridgehead.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Then do we proceed with the defense ording to the original n?¡±

    ¡°Correct, I haven¡¯t seen anything unexpected so far.¡±

    Wang Zhong returned to the city defense map, making gestures over it: ¡°With a fortress like the bridgehead, the enemy can at most deploy twopanies for the attack, and those twopanies can¡¯t attack simultaneously.

    ¡°You see, onepany here, onepany there. ording to our prepared fire n, the mortars canpletely cover the enemy¡¯s attack formation.

    ¡°We aim to cripple two of the enemy¡¯spanies in one go. When eveninges, we¡¯ll switch defenses under the cover of night, recing the garrison troops with fresh forces. We¡¯ll keep bleeding the enemy infantry this way.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Once we¡¯ve bled them enough, we¡¯ll pull back, blow the bridge. The enemy won¡¯t be able to repair it under our fire.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Exactly, this time we have the terrain, the manpower, the firepower, and the support of brother units. We will hold out here until it rains.¡±

    Popov: ¡°I actually hate the rainy season; my legs start to hurt as if I¡¯ve got gout whenever it rains.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t actually have gout?¡±

    ¡°Of course not, I haven¡¯t eaten anything that would cause gout, I¡¯m a Priest, understand, a Priest,¡± Popov gestured over the holy emblem on himself, ¡°But now, I am hoping for the rain toe sooner.¡±

    At that moment, a staff officer came in: ¡°Reporting, the reserve troops have captured a Prussian pilot who has been brought to the door.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What unit¡¯s pilot? A fighter?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a bomber unit,¡± the staff officer replied.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Bring him in.¡±

    Soon, a pilot wearing a flight jacket was brought in.

 Chapter 245: Gifts of Nature

    The enemy pilot started speaking volubly as soon as he saw Wang Zhong¡¯s military rank, with saliva flying everywhere.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Vasily!¡±

    Vasily silenced the enemy with a heavy punch.

    Then Vasily said something in Prussian, and the enemy curled up.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    ¡°I told him he¡¯s going to be handed over to the Tribunal anyway, so I thought I¡¯d acquaint him with it in advance,¡± Vasily exined as he rubbed his fist.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Okay. So what was he saying? I mean, when he first came in.¡±

    ¡°He said that using our ¡®sphemous¡¯ weapons for air defense is a war crime,¡± Vasily answered.

    Popov: ¡°He said that? Then you don¡¯t need to add time scooping manure for that punch. That punch showed the will of Saint Andrew.¡±Coming from an atheist environment, Wang Zhong took a second to catch on: ¡°Ah, he said using Divine Arrow for air defense is a war crime?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± said Vasily.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why? Just for religious reasons?¡±

    Vasily tranted.

    The Prussian pilot became agitated again and rattled off a bunch.

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily.

    Vasily: ¡°He says Divine Arrow attacks are hard to dodge in the air, especially during a dive. It¡¯s not fair.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You attacked us without dering war, a surprise attack, and you tore up the non-aggression pact we had. Is that fair?¡±

    After Vasily tranted, the Prussian hung his head.

    Wang Zhong was surprised: ¡°He actually hung his head?¡±

    The Prussian pilot spoke up, and though Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t understand him, he could feel the other¡¯s remorse.

    Vasily: ¡°He says he¡¯s sorry about that. He also says that if they really believe they are the superior race, they shouldn¡¯t have resorted to surprise attacks and should have defeated their opponents fair and square.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head: ¡°No, no, no, even if they had used a surprise attack, we would still win. We will surely win.¡±

    After Vasily tranted this, the other side got agitated again and said a lot.

    Vasily: ¡°Uh, to summarize, he basically said that the Prussian military has superior technology andbat experience, and they¡¯ve already inflicted heavy casualties on us, wiping out millions of our troops.¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up, walked to the observation window, looked outside, and saw that the wind was strong today; the smokeid by the enemy had dispersed, allowing a clear view of the wreckage on the battlefield and the corpses of Prosen soldiers.

    ¡°Bring him over.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Kam!¡±

    The Prussian pilot came over, trembling.

    Wang Zhong handed him his binocrs: ¡°Look for yourself. Look at the wreckage and corpses on the west bank.¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn

    This time, the pilot understood without needing Vasily¡¯s trantion¡ªthe majority of humanmunication after all is conveyed through actions and facial expressions.

    The Prussian pilot picked up the binocrs and surveyed the battlefield.

    His expression grew more solemn.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ask him if he needs me to tell him about our losses.¡±

    After Vasily tranted, the pilot put down the binocrs and shook his head.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then tell him, scenes like this will happen over and over. I personally have fought the Prussians multiple times, each time achieving a very eye-catching kill ratio. There will be more and more generals like me, and our troops will be more and more elite.

    ¡°You may currently have a huge advantage in the kill ratio along the entire front, but one day, it will fall back to one-to-one.

    ¡°Ante has vastnds, brave people, and you are doomed to not win this war.¡±

    With a proud tone, Vasily tranted everything Wang Zhong had said to the Prussian pilot.

    The pilot put down his binocrs and muttered a word: ¡°Nyey!¡±

    Wang Zhong understood this word¡ªit meant ¡°no,¡± because before his transmigration he had seen an actor use it impressively in a movie, saying: ¡°Nanna nanna!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°He doesn¡¯t believe? It doesn¡¯t matter, whether he believes or not, things will develop this way. Prosen¡¯s defeat is inevitable.¡±

    After Vasily tranted, the Prussian pilot turned, stared at Wang Zhong, and babbled a string of words, among which Wang Zhong faintly heard his own name.

    Vasily: ¡°He¡¯s asking if you are the defense expert, the White Knight General Rokossovsky?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I am. What about it?¡±

    After Vasily had tranted, the pilot stepped back to look Wang Zhong up and down.

    Curiously, Wang Zhong asked: ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you have been given my photo? Howe you haven¡¯t seen me?¡±

    Vasily had only tranted half of it when the other began to speak at length.

    Vasily: ¡°He says the Air Force didn¡¯t distribute photos.¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly had a thought, turned and asked the soldier who had brought the pilot: ¡°Where¡¯s his map case? Pilots always carry maps with positions of both enemies and allies, helpful for making an emergencynding in an area controlled by their side if they¡¯re shot down.¡±

    The soldier was shocked: ¡°There¡¯s such a thing?¡±

    The others were also astonished; Pavlov said, ¡°That¡¯s new! But on second thought, it makes sense.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought it obviously made sense; that¡¯s how it was always done in the movies!

    Red-tailed aircraft, seen it? The beauty of Memphis, watched it? And The Great Escape!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The map won¡¯t just have the positions of friend and foe; it also will have the locations of where their own men parachuted and where enemy nes went down. Have apany from the reserves spread out and search the ce where he crashed.¡±

    Wang Zhong paused and asked, ¡°Did he try to escape when you captured him?¡±

    The soldier replied, ¡°He did.¡±

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, ¡°That¡¯s right. He wanted to run, so it¡¯s impossible that he would have set fire to the map. That would be too obvious and would reveal his location. I guess he hid it in a tree hollow or buried it somewhere!¡±

    At this moment, Popov stopped the staff officer who was about to deliver a message and said, ¡°Have you forgotten about the Judges?¡±

    A fully staffed regr division always has a contingent of Judges, who are responsible for overseeing the use of codebooks and internal counter-espionage operations.

    Of course, they also interrogate prisoners of war.

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s have the Judge ask him kindly. He might just lead us to the map.¡±

    Vasily was so engrossed in the conversation that he didn¡¯t trante. The Prosen pilot looked back and forth at everyone.

    Popov said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll go call the Judge.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Wait a moment, first ask him; what if he¡¯s willing to talk? Vasily, ask him where the map is hidden.¡±

    Vasily asked, and the reply came immediately, ¡°He said that when he parachuted, the bag with the map got torn, and he doesn¡¯t know where it fell.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Is that so? Then tell him that we are about to hand him over to the Judges of the Eastern Holy Church.¡±

    Vasily conveyed the message.

    The other party shook his head repeatedly.

    Vasily said, ¡°He says it¡¯s no use who you hand him to; he really doesn¡¯t know where it fell.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Then tell him a story. There was once a historian who discovered a mummy.¡±

    Vasily was shocked, ¡°A mummy? Isn¡¯t that something from Iggy Country? Does Ante even have such things?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Just trante, why bother with so many questions? The archaeologist tried every method and couldn¡¯t determine the age of the mummy, so he handed it over to the Tribunal. A dayter, the Tribunal told the archaeologist that the mummy was five hundred years old.

    ¡°The archaeologist was shocked and asked the Tribunal how they knew. The Judge answered, ¡®He confessed.''¡±

    Vasily struggled to contain hisughter and tranted the story to the pilot.

    The pilot looked utterly terrified but still shook his head.

    Just then, two Judges entered the room. Wang Zhong gestured for them to proceed.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    An hourter, a map case was ced in front of Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Where was it found?¡±

    The Judge replied, ¡°In the woods, hidden under a cluster of fungi, damaging the mycelium so that no new mushrooms will grow there even after it rains.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, ¡°What are you talking about? Isn¡¯t this nature¡¯s generous gift?¡±

    With that, he tossed the map case to Vasily, ¡°See what¡¯s inside, musician.¡±

    Vasily, with a gloomy face, opened the map case and unfolded the map.

    Everyone in the bunker crowded around to see the contents of the map.

    Vasily said, ¡°The Prosen are quite meticulous; they¡¯ve marked the positions of their troops very well. We have two units in front¡­ let me see, Asgard Knights divisions, the kind we¡¯ve encountered before!

    ¡°There are also two divisions in the rear, and there¡¯s the emblem of a grenadier division! My God, the enemy has prepared such a thick force on our front!¡±

    Wang Zhong cursed, ¡°What are you panicking about? No matter how many troops he has, he¡¯s still got toe at us in waves!¡±

    No sooner had his words fallen, the howl of artillery shells came from the sky.

    The explosions soon followed from nearby.

    The heavy artillery firepower of the army level mercilessly rained down upon Shostka city.

    While the earth shook and the mountains trembled, Vasily, as if nothing was amiss, pulled out other documents from the map case and spread them out on the table.

    Wang Zhong thought about going over to ask him what he had found, but the chandelier in the bunker suddenly fell and hit him on the head.

    He shoved the chandelier aside and felt the lump that had formed.

    ¡°Suka!¡±

    The shaking continued for almost half an hour before ceasing.

    Wang Zhong, leaning against the wall, rose to his feet, dusting off his clothes while looking outside.

    The enemy¡¯s second wave of attacks had begun.

    ¡°They¡¯re not using smoke bombs?¡± Wang Zhong was surprised when suddenly, smoke bombsnded on the former anti-tank gun positions.

    But the anti-tank guns had already been relocated.

    Especially the ZIS30; as soon as the enemy retreated, these were swiftly moved.

    Pavlov also came to the observation window and observed the enemy¡¯s advancing formation, ¡°It looks like they¡¯re applying pressure from two directions again, the ford and the bridgehead? Are theypletely disregarding the other side of the river?¡±

    The ford was to the north of the bridge, and to the south of the bridge, the river was wide and deep, suggesting the enemy had no intention of crossing there.

    As another round of smoke was deployed, covering the east side of the bridge, the former position of the T34s.

    Pavlov said, ¡°Just as you¡¯ve said.¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled, ¡°Isn¡¯t it so.¡±

    At that moment, Vasily spoke up, ¡°I think I know what the enemymander in front of us is called now. His name is on this document, Siegfried Gis. Then on this map, there¡¯s the initials of his name, right here.¡±

    Vasily showed the map to Wang Zhong, pointing at a spot, ¡°Look, in this empty ce, an initial. Don¡¯t you find that strange?¡±

 Chapter 246: The Tin Soldiers War

    In the year 914 of the Jules calendar, September 20th at 1230 hours, themand headquarters of the Asgard Knights¡¯ First Army of the Prussian Army.

    Siegfried Gis awaited reports on the second wave of the attack.

    However, the first news to arrive was the reorganization report for the forces involved in the first round of attacks.

    A captain staff officer, holding the report, entered the division¡¯s map room, assembled from several armoredmand vehicles, and saluted Gis, ¡°Lieutenant General, the troops from the first attack round have been reformed.¡±

    Gis said, ¡°Read it.¡±

    The captain immediately lifted the clipboard to his chest and began to recite, ¡°This morning, our forcesmitted four armored battalions with a total of 160 Panzer IIIs and 65 Panzer IVs ready forbat; now we have 121 Panzer IIIs and 27 Panzer IVs inbat readiness.¡±

    Gis did not speak; instead, the chief of staff was the first to exim in shock, ¡°We lost over 70 tanks just in one morning?¡±

    The captain said, ¡°They¡¯re not allpletely destroyed. ording to reports from the crews that withdrew, a considerable number are presumed repairable. Additionally, fifteen were able to retreat but cannot be redeployed due to mechanical failure.¡±

    The chief of staff sighed with relief and remarked, ¡°Thank goodness our logistics aren¡¯t as bad as those of the Ante People; we can repair our lost tanks.¡±The tanks of the Ante People would be discarded by the roadside at the slightest malfunction. It was unclear whether their tactical manuals prescribed such actions or if it merely reflected low morale and the tendency to abandon their posts when their tanks broke down.

    Gis asked, ¡°What about the tank crew casualties?¡±

    ¡°Aside from the crews that withdrew with the tanks, thirty-seven iplete crews managed to get back. The infantry checked the tanks with no escaping crew before the retreat, but found no survivors.¡±

    Gis frowned, ¡°Have there been this manyplete losses of crews before? Even against the enemy¡¯s 76mm antitank guns, usually, some crew members survive, right?¡±

    The captain replied, ¡°We need a detailed investigation on this matter. However, the troops have reported that the enemy¡¯s fire is extremely precise, and their positions are well-concealed, making them hard to detect. It¡¯s likely that exchange fire with the enemy is not a good idea.¡±

    After the captain finished speaking, the chief of staff waved his hand, ¡°That¡¯s why on the second wave, we resorted to the conventional use of smoke cover to advance; we should achieve excellent results.¡±

    Gis, however, asked, ¡°What about the infantry casualties?¡±

    The captain reported, ¡°The first wave assault infantry reported 471 missing, but an ongoing count of those who have returned is underway. urate casualty numbers will only be avable after a detailed tally tonight or after we have upied and cleared the battle zone.¡±

    The chaos inherent in a failed retreat,pounded by the enemy¡¯s artillery fire, often leads to troops bing scattered or lost in the process.

    Casualty counting is aplex science. The most direct approach is actually to count the bodies after clearing the battlefield.

    This is why armies maintain so many staff- and clerks; without them, the casualty figures would be unmanageable.

    Gis sighed, ¡°Such heavy casualties in the first round of attack, and without gaining anything. The White Horse General is indeed a formidable opponent.¡±

    Gis¡¯s adjutant took a step forward, ¡°Facing such impregnable defenses from the enemy, we should avoid direct confrontation and instead outnk them. We, the Asgard Knights, are His Majesty¡¯s elite personal guards. It¡¯s not appropriate to sustain such losses here in a frontal assault.

    ¡°Moreover, I have reservations about the decision to airdrop hunters so forcefully behind enemy lines at such a heavily defended river; paratroopers should be used where our forces can break through quickly. Otherwise, they will be isted behind enemy lines, vulnerable to annihtion by the enemy¡¯s secondary or even tertiary forces.¡±

    Siegfried Gis nodded, ¡°You are correct. Such robust defenses should not be attacked head-on.

    ¡°But our current battle is primarily considered from a strategic standpoint. His Majesty the Emperor instructed us to shatter the enemy¡¯s heroes. This White Horse General is known as the Empire¡¯s Iron Wall, so we are to breach it frontally and shatter this Iron Wall.

    ¡°As for the deployment of paratroopers, I suspect it¡¯s more about cating Duke Meyer. The Duke¡¯s heritage isplex; his biological father is not of the Junker Nobility, so His Majesty hopes to use him to bnce the old officer corps.¡±

    The chief of staff looked ufortable, ¡°Should I be hearing this?¡±

    Siegfried smiled at the chief of staff, ¡°Your position as chief of staff means that you have the Emperor¡¯s trust.¡±

    He then turned to his adjutant, ¡°In any case, the Asgard Knights must shatter this White Horse General and his myth here, no matter the cost. This is to ensure we shed less blood in the future.

    ¡°If we can¡¯t force Ante to surrender quickly, the war will be a war of attrition. His Majesty originally hoped to negotiate for a ceasefire with the United Kingdom following Carolingian¡¯s surrender, but the war-time Prime Minister is not the one we favored initially, and so the United Kingdom continues to fight.

    ¡°Adding Ante to the mix would be even worse.¡±

    Gis looked towards the map on the wall.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t quickly destroy Ante¡¯s will to resist, as we did with Carolingian, the entirety of Prussia¡¯s blood might be drained.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, a crisp sound came from the floor.

    Siegfried Gis looked down to find the lower half of a toy tin soldier at his feet.

    Feliz frowned, ¡±n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    Feliz: ¡°Leave it to me, these tin soldiers are easy to fix. At worst, if they¡¯repletely melted, we can just recast them using a mold.¡±

    Giles shook his head, ¡°Now isn¡¯t the time to worry about that. Tens of thousands of soldiers are charging towards the enemy¡¯s heavily fortified lines. As a Senior Commander, there isn¡¯t much I can do for them at the moment, but¡ª¡±

    The sound of artillery shells tearing through the sky could be heard.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong frowned as he looked at the initials on the map.

    At that moment, the observing staff officer shouted, ¡°Enemy tanks passing the 1,000-meter marker!¡±

    Wang Zhong switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, saw the anti-tank guns that hadpleted their relocation fire away, quickly decimating the enemy tanks just like the first wave.

    Then he turned his attention back to the map.

    Vasily: ¡°Should we bombard them?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How? Look at the size of this initial on the map. Considering the scale of the map, think how much artillery we¡¯d be wasting to cover the whole area marked by that initial?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Then, just hit the central point, leave the rest to chance¡­ and the enemy¡¯s diligence. Bet that the geometric center of this initial is marked exactly on top of the enemy headquarters.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s fire three rounds¡ªtwo barrages, save on some ammunition.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Since it¡¯s all down to chance, why not just make it one round? That way, we might even seem more pious, and who knows, we might actually hit the target.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That works. Make another call to have the Divine Arrow unit¡¯s prayer warriors pray for the rounds to hit.¡±

    Popov was shocked, ¡°Is that necessary?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The girls are free right now anyway. Might as well offer a prayer.¡±

    Popov sighed while his bearlikepanion, Pavlov, considerately picked up the handset, ¡°Here.¡±

    Wang Zhong then turned his attention back to the battle situation.

    The enemy indeed discovered the ZIS-30¡¯s hiding ce, then the Panzer IV hit the position with a smoke bomb from its short-barreled howitzer.

    No sooner had the position been covered than the ZIS-30 was retreating.

    On the eastern shore, there was a row of houses just in time, and the big street behind them couldn¡¯t be seen from the opposite side, perfect for the ZIS-30¡¯s small frame to move quickly and change positions.

    However, before the ZIS-30 could maneuver to a new location, the enemy began nketing the east bank¡¯s buildings with direct fire under a smoke cover.

    If they couldn¡¯t shoot over it, they decided to nket itpletely.

    With the firepower on the eastern bank suppressed, the enemy tanks made for the crossing.

    The Naval Infantry¡¯s boats were still on the shore. Seeing the situation, the boats headed back first, while the Naval Infantry dressed in ck naval shirts hid along the shore.

    On the western shore, the wave breakers were mostly exposed, forming just enough cover for a person to hide. The Naval Infantryy t like dried salted fish, waiting for the enemy tanks toe closer.

    Wang Zhong watched the battle situation tensely.

    That¡¯s when Pavlov reported, ¡°The artillery has fired.¡±

    ¡°Good, got it.¡± Wang Zhong waved his hand, ¡°Get our machine gun firepower ready. When the Naval Infantry goes up to attack the tanks, we need to use covering fire to block enemy infantry.¡±

    Pavlov picked up the handset again.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Headquarters of the First Army of the Prussian Army¡¯s Asgard Knights.

    Giles pushed Feliz away, ¡°Alright, the bombardment is over. Get up.¡±

    Feliz raised his head, ¡°It¡¯s over after only one round?¡±

    Giles straightened his red hair, picked up his hat from the ground, put it on, then retrieved the toy tin soldier that had been thrown on the floor, gripping it in his left hand, before opening the door of the armoredmand vehicle and stepping outside.

    Whoever had provided the intelligence to the enemy didn¡¯t get it quite right¡ªmore than thirty heavy artillery rounds were all off target, uniformlynding in the woods beside the headquarters.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t entirely off target. The guard battalion¡¯s mess hall had been destroyed, and a mess truck hadnded not far from the headquarters¡ªthe stewed potatoes scattered everywhere, and the coffee pot had a hole in it, leaking mud-colored coffee like a broken tap.

    Besides that, a tank toon assigned to headquarters had also been hit by the heavy artillery. Of the tanks parked side by side, two were burning¡ªit seemed the shell hadnded right between them.

    Giles looked down at the toy tin soldier in the palm of his hand.

    Feliz also came out, looked at the devastation, and eximed angrily, ¡°It must be a spy! The Imperial Household Ministry needs to thoroughly investigate!¡±

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 247: Stalemate

    Wang Zhong had no idea that he had blown up the military department¡¯s cauldron, causing a huge psychological shock to the enemy.

    He was focused on the imminent closebat happening across the river with the naval forces.

    The navy¡¯s ind gunboat, seeing so many tanks approaching, promptly retreated back to the harbor for cover.

    The machine gun positions on the eastern bank opened fire, with tracer bullets flying over the enemy tanks and falling beyond them.

    The enemy infantry was already hindered by the mortar fire, and now encountering the overhead shooting, they werepletely obscured.

    Yet the naval infantry didn¡¯t rush forward buty prone on the breakwater, waiting for the tanks toe closer.

    When the enemy tanks advanced to within less than ten meters from the riverbank, the first group of naval infantry jumped up, lunging forward to a distance where they could throw Molotov cocktails.

    The new model of Molotov cocktails Wang Zhong procured from the capital did not need to be ignited first; they wouldbust as soon as the cap was pulled off.

    In critical situations, these devices could even be thrown directly, as the white phosphorus inside would ignite upon shattering.The glow of the white phosphorus was like will-o¡¯-the-wisps, tossing patches of ghostly fire onto the enemy tanks, breaking into areas of zing inferno.

    The tanks caught on fire and came to a halt; as soon as the tank operators popped their heads out, they were mowed down by the naval infantry¡¯s submachine guns.

    In the blink of an eye, seven or eight tanks were ame, and those further from the riverbank stopped, using their machine guns in an attempt to push back the naval infantry.

    Just then, an enemy tank from the direction of the crossing charged down the riverbank, half of its tracks submerged in the water.

    He pivoted the tank gun and began to strafe along the riverbank with the coaxial machine gun.

    Immediately, several naval infantry were brought down, and the remaining men were pinned to the ground.

    Wang Zhong grabbed the Ante-produced wireless radio next to him and called out loudly, ¡°422! 422!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Better use the captured one; I¡¯ve set the frequency. Here.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the microphone: ¡°422!¡±

    ¡°General!¡± The response came immediately; it was Alexander Yefimovich filling in for Wang Zhong¡¯s position for now.

    ¡°Take out that Panzer IV in the river!¡±

    Then Wang Zhong saw tank 422 make its way to the end of the bridge approach, aiming from an elevated position.

    Alexander¡¯s gunnery was as reliable as ever, with the first shot hitting its mark!

    The Panzer IV¡¯s turret hatch burst into mes, sending a jet of fire over a meter high. Its crew all scrambled out, each one aze.

    But since the tank was in the water, diving in quickly extinguished the mes.

    However, the suppressed naval infantry did not let them escape; a hail of bullets from submachine guns swept over them, creating ripples in the water.

    The enemy tank operators soon vanished from sight¡ªlikely pulled under by their gear. Only the spreading red in the water marked their fate.

    The enemy tanks began to turn their barrels, exchanging fire with 422. Unfortunately, at this distance, the enemy couldn¡¯t prate the T34¡¯s angled front armor.

    At that moment, Vasily eximed, ¡°The bridgehead fortifications!¡±

    Wang Zhong swiftly shifted his focus and indeed saw the enemy infantry closing in on the bridgehead fortifications.

    ¡°Cover them with fire! st them, don¡¯t let them enter the bunker!¡±

    As soon as Wang Zhong shouted out, Pavlov said, ¡°I¡¯ve already given the order.¡±

    The sound of whistling shells followed his words.

    That¡¯s the advantage of the defender; all parameters had been calcted, and firing for coverage meant heavy artillery shells could evennd a hundred meters in front of the position.

    The telephone suddenly rang, and Pavlov answered: ¡°Division headquarters. I understand, no need to call for this.¡±

    Pavlov hung up the receiver and seeing Wang Zhong was watching him, he said, ¡°The bridgehead fortifications, they said the shelling was good.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Themander of the bridgehead fortifications is¡­?¡±

    ¡°Some of the new arrivals.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    This time, the 1st Guards Division was almost fully replenished with personnel, and because of Wang Zhong¡¯s great reputation, many officers were eager to transfer into the 1st Guards Division.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°New arrivals, huh? That¡¯s understandable.¡±

    Popov approached the observation window, peering outside: ¡°Strange, the enemy has covered our fire points with smoke, and then their tanks charged to the riverbank. What are they nning? They can¡¯t cross the river either.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than a strange-looking tank appeared.

    It looked like a Panzer IV with a tall hat on.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Submersible tanks, those are submersible tanks! They¡¯re nning to force their way through at the crossing point!¡±

    Popov squinted: ¡°Are those the tanks reported at the start of the war, appearing from the water? Can that thing reallye across?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s the dry season now, and although the navy said they dug the channel deeper, who knows. Tell the infantry on the eastern bank to prepare for closebat. Also, it¡¯s time to bring out our ¡®secret weapon¡¯.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Are you sure you want to use that thing?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m sure, let them roll out. And, give me the radio.¡±

    He took the microphone from Vasily¡¯s hand: ¡°422, clear the tracks, clear the tracks. Our ¡®Maidens of the Earth¡¯ are about to be revealed.¡±

    ¡°That thing ising into y? Alright, we¡¯ll clear the tracks.¡±

    Wang Zhong watched as tank 422 withdrew from the bridge approach, making way on the rail tracks.

    Pavlov put down the receiver: ¡°It¡¯sing.¡±

    The next moment, three tcars rolled onto the railway bridge, each carrying a KV1 tank.

    These were the only three KV1s Wang Zhong had left!

    They were moved using a lotive, avoiding the limitations of the KV¡¯s poor mobility and frequent mechanical failures.

    ¡°`

    The tcars themselves were very sturdy and had a simple structure, which made them hard to damage.

    The vulnerable lotive was ced behind the tcars, and it was reversed; coal cars followed the three tcars, and then came the reversed lotive.

    The tcars backed onto the bridge.

    In this way, the most vulnerable part¡ªthe lotive boiler¡ªwas protected at the very back and even obscured by buildings, making it impossible to hit.

    The KVs fired.

    Wang Zhong, watching the fully engaged three KVs, thought to himself that if these were KV2s, it wouldn¡¯t be possible to y this way. With their poor bncing, firing sideways might just flip both the tank and the tcar into the river.

    Vasilyined, ¡°This dame is blocking all our vision. We can¡¯t see the situation at the ford.¡±

    Wang Zhong switched to a top-down perspective and thought smugly: How about that, Vasily, you see the disadvantage of not having cheats?

    At that moment, the Prussian tank crews, with nothing left to lose, charged headlong towards the ford.

    The apanying infantry released smoke bombs for cover.

    The first wave of tanks entered the water!

    Wang Zhong could no longer see them with his own eyes, and as a result, he lost the highlight. But relying on the vision of his deployed troops, he could see the snorkels making progress under the water.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Order the artillery¡ª¡±

    The phone rang, interrupting Wang Zhong¡¯s order.

    After answering the call, Pavlov reported, ¡°Brother Peter heard the reconnaissance ne; it¡¯s an old acquaintance of ours, up high.¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed.

    They could no longer use heavy artillery to bomb the submerged tanks.

    They could only hope for the infantry meat grinder now.

    Popov: ¡°Shall we call in the mortars?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, the mortars don¡¯t have dy fuses. They¡¯ll explode upon hitting the water surface. Leave it to the infantry. Let our boys teach the enemy a lesson and tell them that without apanying tanks, they are easy prey to the infantry.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than he saw the snorkel at the forefront disappear with a ¡®plop¡¯.

    Hmm?

    This was followed by the second and third snorkels, while the fourth sank halfway and then stopped, stuck and immovable.

    Then the enemy tank operators emerged from the water, gasping for air, and turned to swim towards the western bank.

    More and more tank operators surfaced.

    Wang Zhong was stunned.

    The others couldn¡¯t see the situation in the river and were all fretting.

    So Wang Zhong¡¯s expression stood in stark contrast to theirs.

    Vasily noticed this contrast. He looked back and forth between Wang Zhong and Popov.

    Then Vasily fell into thought.

    It was at this moment that Wang Zhong finally figured out what had happened to the enemy: The Naval Infantry had dredged the riverbed, but with the water level low now, it was not washing away the silt, so the banks were gradually silting up again, but the middle was still deep.

    The Prussians had fallen into a trench halfway across.

    If that was the case, Wang Zhong thought, it was truly amusing.

    By now, the smoke on the eastern bank had dissipated quite a bit, and the infantry units on this bank, seeing the situation, immediately began sweeping fire.

    The enemy tank units, originally positioned on the western bank for fire support, were now stunned by the three KVs and had no time to deal with the exposed machine gun fire points.

    By the time the enemy mortar units, set up to cover the assault, had their smokepletely cleared, the blocked-off 57mm anti-tank guns began firing.

    The enemy tanks scattered smoke¡ªnot to cover an assault this time, but to cover their retreat.

    Wang Zhong put down his binocrs: ¡°The enemy¡¯s been driven back¡­ Vasily, why are you looking at me? Is there something on my face?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Nothing, I just think you look very handsomemanding the battle.¡±

    Nelly was shocked, looking at Vasily.

    Wang Zhong also took a step back from him: ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Just stating a fact.¡±

    Popov: ¡°So how exactly were those submerged tanks destroyed in the end?¡±

    Wang Zhong then realized Popov couldn¡¯t see.

    ¡°Uh,¡± he pondered a moment, then said, ¡°It might be because the Naval Infantry dredged the riverbed, deeper than their submerging depth.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Prussian Army, Asgard Knights First Army Headquarters.

    ¡°The hydrographic data was wrong!¡± the submerged tank unitmander said to Giles, ¡°Theoretically, our submerging depth was more than sufficient, but once we got to the middle, the water went over the snorkels causing the engines to cut out. Many loyal soldiers drowned like that!¡±

    Giles: ¡°The enemy might have dredged the riverbed. That White Horse General made ample preparations; it¡¯s impossible he didn¡¯t anticipate our submersion. He¡¯s considered everything, a formidable opponent indeed.¡±

    Feliz, the adjutant, shook his head: ¡°Using tcars and heavy tanks as an armored train, what a terrible idea, itcks any aesthetic sense.¡±

    ¡°But it¡¯s effective,¡± Giles said, toying with a toy tin soldier with one hand, ¡°All of the enemy¡¯s actions are in and effective. And they¡¯ve posed us a significant challenge¡ªthe river surface can¡¯t be blocked with smoke, as smoke bombs lose their effectiveness quickly when they fall into the water. As long as the armored train is on the bridge, we cannot cross.¡±

    Feliz frowned deeply: ¡°It might be better to bypass this bridgehead instead of forcing a crossing.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Contact General Walter Mendel of the Ninth Army Group and ask if he¡¯s made any headway downstream.¡±

    ¡°`

 Chapter 248: The situation on the night of September 20th

    Prussian Army, Ninth Army Group Headquarters.

    Three Prussian generals with red cor patches and a colonel without a red cor patch were ying cards.

    Yes, despite the continuous artillery fire outside, they were indeed ying cards.

    At that moment, amunications staff officer entered, stood at attention, and saluted, ¡°Major General Siegfried Gis from the First Army of the Asgard Knights is asking about our progress in the attack.¡±

    One of the three generals, middle-aged and ranked in between his peers, lifted his head and adjusted his monocle, ¡°Doesn¡¯t he know the attack isn¡¯t directed by me? Questions about our attack should go to our ¡®Hero of Lightning.¡¯ Isn¡¯t that how propaganda portrays him?¡±

    The younger brigadier general beside him corrected, ¡°It¡¯s ¡®Blitz Hero,¡¯ Your Excellency.¡±

    ¡°Oh right, Blitz Hero. I just had my infantry follow the tanks in the attack.¡±

    Themunications staff officer asked, ¡°Shall we reply like that?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± said Major General Walter Mendel, standing up and looking at the map, ¡°Such a direct reply seems too dismissive towards His Majesty¡¯s favored minister. So how is each unit faring now?¡±The staff officers responsible for updating the map turned their heads toward the major general, ¡°At least on the map, there is no progress at all.¡±

    Walter Mendel walked over to the map, scrutinized it, and huffed, ¡°The same as this morning! So we¡¯ve finally hit a snag? What happened to the enemy crumbling like an avnche as promised?

    ¡°When I visited the Army Group headquarters, Marshal Von Bock was writing in his journal, even read it to me, saying, ¡®The enemy is copsing at a staggering rate, and the war will end within three months.''¡±

    Mendel turned around, pointing at the map and addressing the others, ¡°Because it will end in three months, everyone is out for glory, and so I even lostmand of my own Army Group.¡±

    After venting, Mendel turned to themunications officer, ¡°Tell Major General Gis that we have made no progress. No¡ªprogress at all!¡±

    After themunications officer left with his orders, the oldest general among them¡ªMendel¡¯s chief of staff¡ªsaid, ¡°High Command estimates we have eliminated forty percent of the enemy¡¯s total forces. ording to this estimate, if we eliminate about a million more, Ante will be left with no more troops capable ofbat.¡±

    ¡°Right now in the north, Saint Andrew Fort has no fewer than seven hundred thousand people tied down. That means if we can eliminate another three hundred thousand, their defense line will copse.¡±

    Mendel looked at the map again, ¡°High Command also predicts that we have at most one million in front of us, while a total of one million eight hundred thousand troops are part of Rolling Operation, with a battle troop ratio of one hundred eighty to one hundred, giving us the advantage. But on the first day of the attack, the enemy¡¯s defenses didn¡¯t budge an inch.¡±

    The old chief of staff theorized, ¡°This means the enemy¡¯s fortifications are good. But as the heavy artillery and aerial assaults continue, the fortifications will gradually be worn down, the enemy will suffer casualties, and then we will be able to break through.¡±

    Mendel stared at the map for a while before saying, ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. Let¡¯s hope so indeed.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Prussian Army, First Army of the Asgard Knights¡¯ Headquarters.

    Siegfried Gis put down the telegram and sighed deeply.

    At that moment, the chief of staff reported to him, ¡°The third wave of attacks is ready, shall we proceed?¡±

    Gis looked at his watch, ¡°It¡¯s almost seven o¡¯clock; why has the assembly taken so long?¡±

    ¡°Because you ordered division headquarters to move positions,¡± said the chief of staff. ¡°No one can move and assemble for an attack simultaneously. Considering this, havingpleted it by now is already a good oue. Shall we attack?¡±

    Gis studied the map, ¡°Launching the attack now, it might be dark by halfway through, and even if we break into the eastern city, we¡¯ll be forced to fight at night. No, we can¡¯t engage the enemy in nightbat on their familiar terrain. Let¡¯s call it a day. Have the artillery open fire and let today¡¯s operation end with a barrage.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± responded the chief of staff as he turned and left.

    Feliz stepped beside Gis and said, ¡°The entire southern line hasn¡¯t budged, and while the north has made some headway, it¡¯s not as rapid as it was at the start.¡±

    ¡°The enemy is getting stronger,¡± Gis spoke in a deep voice, ¡°Have the engineer troops start digging works.¡±

    Feliz asked, ¡°Digging works? Are we going to dig tunnels like in the trenches era, maybe blow them up with explosives?¡±

    Gis replied, ¡°It¡¯s just a precaution, a second line of preparation. Tomorrow, we need to change our method of attack. The enemy has the advantage in armor and fortifications, and judging from today¡¯s situation, trading shots with enemy anti-tank guns is proving to be a terrible exchange ratio.¡±

    ¡°Should we go have a look at the tanks that were hit and havee back?¡± Feliz suggested.

    Gis nodded, ¡°Let¡¯s have a look, since we are not attacking tonight. There¡¯s no harm in leaving the headquarters.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    First Army¡¯s Field Armor Maintenance Factory.

    When Gis appeared, the mechanics and tank crews were taken aback and quickly saluted.

    ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous,¡± Gis waved his hand, ¡°I¡¯ve just takenmand of this army, and you¡¯re not familiar with me yet. With time, you¡¯ll see that I am just like you, a child of a civilian. It just so happens that I had the chance to meet His Majesty back in the military academy.¡±

    He redirected the conversation to the tank being repaired, ¡°How are the tanks doing? Are there any that clearly show enemy armor-piercing shell calibers or other such data?¡±

    ¡°Yes, here we have one that was hit in the turret,¡± said the factory director immediately. ¡°It¡¯s this one, Tank 331. Look, it took a hit in the front of the turret, and then the shell went right through from the back. All three men inside the turret died, but the driver and mechanic were able to drive the tank back.¡±

    Gis carefully examined the impact hole in the turret front, ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem to be a 45-millimeter gun.¡±

    ¡°Nor a seventy-six millimeter. We estimate the shell caliber to be between fifty and sixty millimeters, considering their usual practice, likely fifty-seven millimeters.¡±

    Gis turned to Feliz, ¡°Does Ante Army have such a caliber anti-tank gun in the armament table, with such strong pration?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Feliz dered without even checking the equipment roster, ¡°It¡¯s a new weapon we don¡¯t know about¡ªI mean, that High Command doesn¡¯t know about.¡±

    Giles nodded, then asked, ¡°Since the holes before and after the shell are so neat, indicating that the shell itself didn¡¯t leave behind many fragments, why did everyone in the turret die?¡±

    The head of the repair shop replied, ¡°The internal armor of the turret deformed and then copsed, forming shrapnel that killed the people inside the turret. You¡¯ll understand once youe in and see for yourself, the area around the shell hole has all copsed.¡±

    Giles climbed up the turret and examined the area around the shell hole with assistance from the head of the repair shop.

    ¡°It seems that preventing the internal armor from copsing can effectively increase the survivability of tank crew members,¡± he said. ¡°This suggestion should be passed on to the Science Academy.¡±

    Feliz remarked, ¡°But it¡¯s certain that we won¡¯t be able to make use of that now.¡±

    Red-haired Major General Giles nodded: ¡°Exactly. Now we know the enemy has a type of new, excessive anti-tank gun. It¡¯s unwise to continue exchanging fire with such a gun. The focus of tomorrow¡¯s attack should be on depleting the enemy¡¯s living forces.¡±

    Feliz asked, ¡°How do we deplete them? The enemy is holed up in sturdy defenses.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m thinking. I¡¯m thinking,¡± Giles said, pacing back and forth with hands behind his back, and sighed deeply.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At 2020 hours, at the Shostka Guards Division¡¯s divisional bunker headquarters.

    Wang Zhong put down his binocrs, ¡°Strange, why have the enemies stopped attacking? They bombarded us for over an hour just now, and then it stopped?¡±

    Popov suggested, ¡°The enemy might not want to battle at night.¡±

    Wang Zhong retorted, ¡°We originally told the troops to hurry up and eat because we were nning to engage them again in the afternoon, and now look at us, we haven¡¯t even fully digested the food!¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this a good thing, then? We can save on ammunition and food. It¡¯s getting dark now; should we rotate the troops at the bridgehead fortifications? They report minimal losses.¡±

    Wang Zhong answered, ¡°Rotate them. Even with minimal losses, we need to rotate to give more troops experience. Arrange the rotation as previously scheduled. Let¡¯s go with¡­ action ¡®two one zero zero¡¯.¡±

    ¡°Two one zero zero,¡± a military time expression, using this phrasing can avoid being misunderstood.

    Pavlov replied, ¡°Can do.¡±

    Popov, smiling, said, ¡°Today was easier than expected; perhaps we can hold out for 20 days. The remaining question is just when it will rain. Hopefully, the ¡®mud general¡¯ will arrive early this year.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At 2100 hours, on the eastern outskirts of Shostka, with the Guards Division reserve force, the Third Battalion of the Fifth Belyensky Regiment.

    The sentry suddenly saw a group of people in a neat formation approaching from the east, so he lowered his rifle and shouted, ¡°Halt! Who goes there?¡±

    The approaching group immediately stopped moving, then two individuals who appeared to be officers walked toward the sentry post.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    ¡°The 51st Regiment¡¯s Third Battalion of the 11th Internal Guard Division.¡±

    The sentry turned and called out, ¡°toon leader!¡±

    The toon leader appeared with two soldiers in tow: ¡°We¡¯re here, we came when we saw people approaching. Show me your IDs and your transfer orders. We weren¡¯t notified of your arrival.¡±

    While producing his ID, an officer of the Internal Guard Division said, ¡°We¡¯re on a special mission; it¡¯s normal that you don¡¯t know.¡±

    After checking the IDs, the toon leader pressed, ¡°And the orders?¡±

    ¡°We¡¯re on a special mission; we can¡¯t tell you!¡± the officer chastised, ¡°Who are you to question matters concerning the Tribunal?¡±

    The toon leader was unmoved: ¡°Our divisionmander is General Rokossovsky, and he received his weapon as a personal gift from the Grand Patriarch!¡±

    Since the day they caught that Prosen major who¡¯d rather die than be executed by Wang Zhong¡¯s pistol, many legends concerning that pistol had spread throughout the Guards Division.

    The officer from the Internal Guard Division burst into rage: ¡°Are you trying to shield traitors?¡±

    ¡°There are no traitors in our division! Andrei, set up the machine gun! Call headquarters and report that a suspicious group of Internal Guard troops has arrived!¡±

    Suddenly, two figures dashed out from the shadows and slit the throats of the two soldiers apanying the toon leader.

    The original sentry, shocked, opened fire immediately.

    After the shot rang out, the entire reserve force was alerted.

    The ¡°Internal Guard soldiers¡± immediately adoptedbat formations and charged the position.

    The entire position erupted with gunfire.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong was having dinner when he heard the gunshots and looked up: ¡°From the east?¡±

    He adjusted his view and noticed that on the symbols representing his own troops from the east there was an indicator of exchange of fire.

    But since there was no directmunication, he couldn¡¯t see what was happening exactly.

    Wang Zhong remained calm, ¡°Get the airport, artillery, anti-aircraft guns, and Divine Arrow Company¡¯s guards up. Have them enter alert status, and no one is to be allowed near. Then call Eugene, and have him rify what¡¯s happening with the Third Battalion and who they¡¯re fighting against.¡±

 Chapter 249: Moth to the Flame

    The report came swiftly.

    ¡°Colonel Eugene said they found a squad of the Tribunal¡¯s internal guard troops. The sentry reported to the division headquarters, refused to let them pass, and a fight broke out,¡± Pavlov put down the receiver, ¡°Could this be a case of ¡®a flood breaking the Dragon God¡¯s temple¡¯? After all, Major General Kiriyenko did dispatch a special force of the internal guard to sweep the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Contact Kiriyenko and ask him how far his internal guard troops have advanced.¡±

    Pavlov immediately picked up the receiver: ¡°Connect to the Army Group. What? Check the lines immediately!¡±

    After he spoke, he put down the receiver and looked solemnly at Wang Zhong: ¡°The phone lines to the Army Group have been cut. Things are getting more suspicious.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Send a telegram to the Army Group to confirm the situation. Also, update Kashuk¡¯s army on the situation. The enemy may be targeting more than just us.¡±

    Pavlov turned and hollered for themunications staff officer.

    Wang Zhong turned to gaze at the western bank, nowpletely enveloped in night. Because it was the 20th, the moonlight was decent enough to clearly see the enemy tanks in the fields.

    The Ante Army¡¯s repair capabilities were too poor; otherwise, they might have been able to fix a good number of these tanks.Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll go personally to see if these really are enemies.¡±

    ¡°No way,¡± Popov and Pavlov objected in unison.

    Then, the two exchanged nces and with a gesture of courtesy from Pavlov, Popov said, ¡°It¡¯s night now, and the situation is veryplicated. Even if you ride in a tank, there could be danger. What if, apart from those disguised as the internal guard, there are also forces masquerading as others?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that as long as he could confirm they were enemies, he could highlight them. This wasn¡¯t like General Skorobo, who had been forced to betray his country. If it were a special enemy force, his cheat would light the people up.

    He tried to persuade Popov: ¡°Look, during Orachi¡¯s breakout, I was the first to charge on a tank.¡±

    Popov: ¡°During Orachi¡¯s breakout, any of us could have died in the next second, it didn¡¯t make much difference where you were. It¡¯s different now ¨C if you¡¯re in the division headquarters, you won¡¯t die. So stay put in the division headquarters, don¡¯t go anywhere, and let the troops handle the problem.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Trust me, I handle things faster!¡±

    Popov turned to Pavlov, seemingly suggesting ¡°If I can¡¯t persuade him, you try.¡± Pavlov immediately picked up the phone: ¡°Connect to the divisionmander¡¯s wife¡¯s position.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, fine, I won¡¯t go!¡±

    However, he had already heard Liu Xia¡¯s voice from the receiver: ¡°Hello? Who is it?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Division headquarters here. Themander intends to personally investigate the firefight in the rear. What is your opinion?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°He is not allowed to go. Tell him to trust his subordinates a little more!¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°You are not allowed to go; you need to trust your subordinates a little more.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I freaking heard that! Fine, fine, I won¡¯t go. And your tone just now was disgusting!¡±

    Pavlov shrugged his shoulders and said to the other end of the phone: ¡°Thank you, Ludm Vasilyevna.¡±

    He deliberately used her full name and patronymic as a form of respect.

    After he spoke, he hung up the phone.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We need to strengthen the security of the division headquarters as well. Grigori!¡±

    The sergeant major pushed open the door of the bunker and snapped his heels together with a loud click.

    ¡°Go inspect the sentries; thoroughly check for any suspicious individuals.¡±

    The sergeant major nodded and left.

    Then Wang Zhong pulled out a pistol blessed by the Grand Patriarch and pped it onto the map table.

    Nelly: ¡°Would you like some tea?¡±

    Wang Zhong gestured with his empty cup towards Nelly.

    Holding the teapot, Nelly filled his cup to the brim.

    Touching the teacup, Wang Zhong yelped from the heat: ¡°Aow!¡±

    ¡­

    Half an hourter, two soldiers escorted a blood-covered internal guard officer into the bunker.

    Upon seeing Wang Zhong, the officer shouted: ¡°You are in rebellion! How dare you fire upon the internal guard! We are on a secret mission from the Tribunal!¡±

    Wang Zhong switched his view and found the man had a red name, but couldn¡¯t understand the name of the unit.

    It seemed he really needed to learn Prosen Speech; otherwise, even if these things were highlighted, he wouldn¡¯t understand them.

    Now reassured, Wang Zhong said, ¡°We have already sent a telegram to confirm this matter. If you do have a secret mission, we will help you toplete it, Mr. Judge.¡±

    Judge: ¡°You¡¯ve already alerted the target! The mission has failed! You¡¯ll all be brought before the Tribunal! Just you wait!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If that¡¯s the case, we¡¯ll ept the Tribunal¡¯s judgment. We are devout followers of the Secr faction, and we trust the Tribunal to make a fair ruling. Instead of worrying about that, shouldn¡¯t we be considering how to remedy the situation now?¡±

    At that moment, several real Judges entered the room, with a Major leading them nodding at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong pointed to the Judge Major: ¡°Meet your colleagues.¡±

    The captive turned around and, upon seeing his ¡°colleagues,¡± was unfazed: ¡°We are¡­¡±

    The Major interrupted him: ¡°You better pray first. Hymn Monk, if you please.¡±

    Sufang Batu Wendusu entered the room.

    Nelly¡¯s shoulders immediately tensed up.

    Sufang smiled at Wang Zhong, ¡°Hi.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I didn¡¯t know the Hymn Monk had this function?¡±

    Sufang said, ¡°If it¡¯s a sincere prayer, I can feel it. The more devout, the more obvious it is. But actually, many people are not very devout when they pray.¡±

    ¡°But the Judge is definitely devout, even somewhat fanatical,¡± said the Major Judge who had called Sufang in.

    The captive¡¯s face had turned red, and he suddenly lunged towards Wang Zhong!

    Nelly threw the teapot in her hand, spraying the man¡¯s face with scalding tea.

    The captive let out a scream like a ughtered pig, and his charge came to an abrupt halt.

    Popov lunged forward, pinning him to the ground with the force of a mountain.

    As he hit the ground, Wang Zhong clearly heard a sound like an egg cracking against the edge of a chopping board,

    Wang Zhong stood still, never having moved, because the captive was actually quite far from him.

    Grigori put down the submachine gun whose safety he had already disengaged¡ªjust now, he had been in the perfect position to fire without hitting anyone else outside the target.

    Vasily moved in front of Popov and snatched the knife from the captive¡¯s hand, ¡°How did this knife remain on him? Your search wasn¡¯t thorough enough.¡±

    Grigori said, ¡°I didn¡¯t do the search. It should have been me. Mine.¡±

    Pavlov also came over, took the knife from Vasily¡¯s hands, ¡°It looks poisoned, best hand it over to the Tribunal¡¯s poison expert.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Vasily, ask him in Prosenian what unit he¡¯s from and what his mission is.¡±

    Vasily immediately tranted.

    Though pinned down by Popov, who was bear-like, the captive still managed tough, ¡°You¡­ will be annihted! Prosen will ultimately triumph.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ve grown tired of matching wits with Prosenian captives. Leave him to the gentlemen of the Tribunal.¡±

    ¡°Thank you for supporting our work,¡± said the Major Judge with a smile, stepping forward to rece Popov in holding the man down, while another Judge brought out handcuffs and chains, securely binding the captive.

    The Major then said to Wang Zhong, ¡°If you¡¯re tired, go to sleep. I estimate we¡¯ll have the results by tomorrow night.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That long? The pilot spilled the beans in less than an hour.¡±

    The Majorughed, ¡°I sense a familiar scent on this man. They¡¯ve been trained to resist interrogation; it won¡¯t be easy to make them confess. If we¡¯re unlucky, it might take days; they might have to be sent to a rear Tribunal base equipped with aplete interrogation facility.¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°It¡¯s in your hands now.¡±

    The Major then escorted the captive away.

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov, ¡°Confirm our casualties.¡±

    ¡°Already confirmed. The reserve troops had thirty-two dead and fifteen injured. Those sons of bitches fought fiercely,¡± Pavlov cursed.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°These men died in battle against the enemy, apply for pensions in the event of death in action. No, they protected the key units of the division; we should apply for medals. You handle it.¡±

    Pavlov nodded, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, my level-six clerk will take care of it.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then looked at the time, ¡°It¡¯s time for the artillery barrage. Did we capture any prisoners? Did they reveal where their division and regiment headquarters are?¡±

    Pavlov pointed at the map, ¡°It¡¯s marked here. But today we didn¡¯t capture any officers above the rank of lieutenant, so it might not be urate.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Never mind, bombard.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    An hour and a half after the artillery shelling, the Major Judge entered the bunker, ¡°He confessed.¡±

    Wang Zhong was surprised, ¡°Huh? So, is it the 21st already?¡±

    ¡°No, the enemy isn¡¯t as formidable as we imagined,¡± shrugged the Major Judge, ¡°He belongs to the Brandenburg unit, an enemy force specialized in disguise and infiltration. They parachuted down today with the 100th Airborne Ranger Division. They have three other squads: one in charge of sabotaging ourmunication lines, one tasked with surveying our artillery positions and airfields, and another whose mission he did not know.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What about the mission of their unit?¡±

    ¡°To assassinate you,¡± the Major said seriously.

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°To assassinate me, they dispatched an elite unit to kill a brigadier general?¡±

    ¡°Yes. ording to the confession, Prosen seems to believe that you are one of the spiritual pirs of Ante¡¯s ongoing resistance. Killing you would rapidly dismantle the entire Ante Army¡¯s will to resist.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed dryly, ¡°How could I be so important? Even without me, the Grand Patriarch would lead the Ante to continue the resistance.¡±

    The Major said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to downy your importance in front of us. We also consider you one of the spiritual pirs of the resistance.¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged, ¡°Okay, I know the general situation now¡­¡±

    The Major interrupted Wang Zhong, ¡°We think it¡¯s necessary to strengthen your guard, so a real Inner Guard battalion is currently on their way here.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Thank you for your concern. Let me rify in advance, if the situation bes critical, I willmit the Inner Guard battalion tobat as a fighting force.¡±

    ¡°Please do so,¡± the Major Judge stated, ¡°We excel in dealing with any form of the enemy. Any form.¡±

 Chapter 250: The End of the First Day of the Offensive and the Beginning of the Second Day

    After the Judge led the prisoners away, no sooner had he left than Pavlov¡¯s ¡°Sixth-Level Clerk¡± came in with a stack of documents.

    As soon as Pavlov saw the old man, he showed a face full of trouble, ¡°Didn¡¯t I entrust you with the seal and everything? That¡¯s ording to the rules! You guys should handle these matters; I have a lot to do, and I need to focus on military affairs.¡±

    As a military enthusiast, Wang Zhong was particrly sensitive to certain terms, for example, hearing ¡°full of vitality and everything thriving¡±, he would recall a specific scene, and automatically add a map background board behind the person speaking.

    ¡°I need to focus on military affairs¡± wasn¡¯t as famous as the previous line, but it made Wang Zhong unountably think of a certain balding man and start worrying about Pavlov¡¯s hairline.

    The old man frowned, ¡°I am here to report the casualty situation, isn¡¯t this a military matter?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the time; it wasn¡¯t even the next day yet, so he said, ¡°The casualties have been tallied so quickly? Let me have a look.¡±

    He reached out and took the documents that were originally for Pavlov.

    The list detailed today¡¯s casualty numbers, meticulously sorted by their respective units.

    Wang Zhong flipped through and was shocked, ¡°Howe the logistics suffered even more casualties than the frontline troops?¡±The old man immediately answered, ¡°Many in logistics hadn¡¯t undergone artillery evasion training; when the shelling urred, they justy down on the ground, resulting in many being concussed or killed by the sts.

    ¡°Today, the division¡¯s field hospital received many casualties with organ ruptures and vomiting blood, and reports indicated that the hospitalcks the means to treat them; they could only provide emergency treatment before preparing for evacuation.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Isn¡¯t it night already? Evacuate them by train.¡±

    The old man, ¡°No trains have arrived at the station up to now; it¡¯s assumed that the railway has been severed somewhere along the line.¡±

    After the old man finished, Pavlov pointed to the phone, ¡°The telephone lines to the Army Group have been cut, the railway probably has been sabotaged by the enemy¡¯s infiltrating forces.¡±

    After inquiring about the logistics casualties, Wang Zhong continued to review the casualties of various units and, after finishing, handed them over to Popov, ¡°Thebat troops generally have few casualties; the biggest losses actually came from the Brandenburg unit that sneak-attacked the third battalion¡¯s position at Bieshensk.¡±

    While looking through the casualty roll, Popov answered, ¡°The Brandenburg troops are, after all, specialized units, with better training than the ordinary Prussian Army, and it was a sudden attack; the third battalion performed well. Given the situation tonight, we can apply for medals for them.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Medals are useless; notify logistics to give the third battalion an extra meal tomorrow morning.¡±

    Having said this, he told Popov, ¡°This is what really works, morale will definitely be high.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°It would be even better if you personally visited their position, General, and said a few words to them. If you don¡¯t want to write a speech, juste out with a tongue twister, ¡®Dust whirls up with the sound of horse hooves in the field¡¯ or something.¡±

    The feeling of reading ¡°Dust whirls up with the sound of horse hooves in the field¡± in Antenguage is probably simr to reciting ¡°Fertilizer turns ck as it vtilizes¡± in Mandarin.

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily, ¡°So if I really go there tomorrow and deliver a tongue twister and their morale doesn¡¯t change, what then?¡±

    Vasily, ¡°I was only making aparison. If you insist on taking it seriously, then I¡¯ll go pick dung.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good, you¡¯re already a staff officer who can take responsibility for his own words.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Speeches are not good right now; we shouldn¡¯t use them when the situation bes tenseter. For now, let¡¯s stick to extra meals. When the situation gets more severe, we¡¯ll distribute vodka. Only thenes the General¡¯s speech.¡±

    By then, Popov had also finished going through the casualty list and handed it over to Pavlov.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Pavlov had just opened it when he clicked his tongue in surprise, ¡°So few casualties on the front today? Even the troops holding the bridgehead haven¡¯t suffered much! Seems like our technical work has yielded some results.

    ¡°We have many permanent fortifications alongside our border and by Argesukov; why haven¡¯t they yed their part? Especially the ones in the middle segment of the front line, and with the Bug River as a barrier too.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t mention such things; when we push back to the border line, we¡¯ll naturally have time to investigate how the enemy broke through the fortified region.¡±

    ¡°That makes sense.¡± After speaking, Pavlov yawned at length, ¡°I can¡¯t do this anymore, I need to sleep for a while. I suggest, General, that you should sleep too and let Popov, who¡¯s had the most sleep among us, take over the duty.¡±

    Popov nodded, ¡°I drank quite a lot of tea this afternoon and feel quite energetic; I won¡¯t be able to sleep even if I tried. You guys go and rest.¡±

    Wang Zhong took onest look at the pitch-ck battlefield, making sure no enemy was highlighted, then he told Nelly, ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep. The enemy might shell us at night, so I won¡¯t sleep in the dorm; get the camp bed ready in the next room.¡±

    Nelly, ¡°Do you need a body wipe?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No need, I didn¡¯t sweat today.¡±

    Even though there hasn¡¯t been autumn rain yet, the temperature on the battlefield has already dropped, and it¡¯s necessary to cover up with a nket at night.

    Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t really ustomed to this temperature, as for someone from south of the Yangtze River, this would be proper winter weather.

    Yet for the Ante people, this was not evente autumn, a chilling thought indeed.

    Nelly asked again, ¡°Do you need me to call thedy back?¡±

    This dy¡¯ referred to Ludm.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°She has her post to hold.¡±

    Just then, Wang Zhong suddenly heard a low hum of engines in the sky.

    He looked outside again¡ªor rather, switched perspectives¡ªthen saw a flight of six binesing from the enemy¡¯s side.

    Brother Peter hadn¡¯t reported, presumably having recognized the engine sound of this type of bine and knowing they were friendlies.

    These bines weren¡¯t carrying bombs, clearly indicating they hadpleted their bombing mission.

    Wang Zhong asked Pavlov, ¡°Where is our night bomber squadron based? Their range shouldn¡¯t be too far from the front line, right? If it¡¯s close by, they can carry less fuel and the nes will be lighter.¡±

    Pavlov frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t nes always take off with a full fuel tank?¡±

    Wang Zhong uttered an ¡°Oh,¡± as he just remembered that reality wasn¡¯t like a game; in reality, to deal withplex aerial situations, nes generally took off with a full tank.

    Unlike in games, where the ne¡¯s internal fuel would onlyst for ten minutes before dropping an extra fuel tank of over a thousand liters. Once it took off and reached the battlefield, it would discard the external tank, then I¡¯d be the most agile dog in the mountains. Before the ten minutes of fuel burned out, either the enemy would be wiped out, or I¡¯d be dead.

    On closer thought, even tanks in games only carried 20 shells, whereas in reality, tank operators wished they could cram as many shells as possible because there were never enough during intense battles.

    After the engine noise subsided, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll withdraw first.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Okay, I¡¯ll withdraw too.¡±

    ¡°Before that, you need to sign the casualty report,¡± the level-six clerk suddenly said. ¡°And by the way, the tea at the division headquarters is quite good. Who brewed it?¡±

    Nelly raised her small hand: ¡°Me.¡±

    ¡°Oh. The general¡¯s little maid, huh? Could you also brew a pot for us clerks over at the bunker nearby?¡±

    The enemy began their attack, and, naturally, important division headquarters moved their operations underground. Otherwise, a single shot could disrupt the troops and plunge them into chaos.

    Nelly: ¡°If it¡¯s just brewing tea, no problem.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly joked, ¡°Nelly was very happy watching the battle from the division bunker today, but starting tomorrow, she will switch to the boring duty of managing warm tea.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°I wasn¡¯t happy. I was just curious about what the enemy looked like.

    ¡°During the breakout, it was nighttime, and I was sitting at the back of the tank, shrinking my neck all day, so I didn¡¯t really see what the living enemy looked like. That¡¯s why I was curious.¡±

    During the breakout, Nelly had sat on the engine hood of Wang Zhong¡¯s tank number 422, shrinking her neck behind the tank gun turret the whole time.

    At that time, Nelly must have looked quite cute, but unfortunately, Wang Zhong was too busy aiming the machine gun atop the tank turret at the enemy to notice how Nelly looked.

    Just then, Pavlov finished signing, handed the document back to the old man, and said, ¡°You take a break too.¡±

    The old man chuckled, ¡°You don¡¯t know this, but an old guy like me gets by on three or four hours of sleep a day. When you get old, you¡¯ll miss being able to sleep for long periods.¡±

    As he spoke, the old man picked up Nelly¡¯s teapot and walked away with it.

    Nelly: ¡°My teapot has been swiped. It was brought from the Rokossovsky Estate in Ye Fort.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No problem, we¡¯ll get it back tomorrow.¡±

    After saying that, he yawned deeply.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The next day, early in the morning of September 21st, Wang Zhong was woken up by the sound of artillery.

    He immediately rolled onto the floor, ttened himself into a defensive position, and cursed, ¡°This early?¡±

    Given the rigid nature of the Prussians, he estimated that they would probably bombard them every morning at this time from now on.

    It took Wang Zhong a moment to remember that he had slept in the division bunker¡¯s rest area the day before, which meant he didn¡¯t need to be overly afraid of the bombardment.

    Or rather, if the bombardment even reached the bunker¡¯s rest area, his own position probably wouldn¡¯t be much help in surviving, so he might as well pray to the concrete gods.

    Wang Zhong stood up and got dressed.

    He had slept in his trousers the night before, so he could get up quickly in case of emergency, and now he dressed in no time.

    At this moment, Nelly entered the room.

    By the look of things, the bombing had caught her off guard as well, and she had ttened herself onto the floor immediately.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Prepare some refreshing tea, I¡¯m going straight to the division headquarters.¡±

    After saying that, he pushed past Nelly and rushed down the corridor toward the division bunker.

    In the bunker, the night-shift staff officers and Popov were peering out of the observation post.

    Wang Zhong made his way to the observation post in three steps, picked up the binocrs, and asked simultaneously, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    ¡°Just artillery fire, no sign of troop assembly. Should we return fire?¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, ¡°Do you think the enemy will still form up for attack waves in the same ce as before? They suffered for it yesterday.¡±

    Popov: ¡°A little return fire wouldn¡¯t hurt. The supply train arrived at twost night, replenishing us with a whole lot of heavy artillery ammunition. The person organizing the train is an old hand, knowing what gets used up the most on the first day of a defensive battle.¡±

    Wang Zhong involuntarily thought of General Chekhov¡¯s face, t as a frying pan. In the era before Wang Zhong crossed over, frying pans were usually non-stick.

    This general was truly capable, never clinging to a pot, always reliable in his duties.

    One day, he¡¯d have to get General Chekhov to write his memoirs and then produce a movie based on them, titled ¡°The Cannon, the Seal, and the Non-stick Pan.¡±

    Since the non-stick pan general had delivered the ammunition, it was only natural to give the Prussians an ¡°entertaining¡± start to their day.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tell the artillery units, to use the same firing elements as yesterday¡¯s counter-battery fire, fire when ready.¡±

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 251: Old Friend Takes a Tumble Again

    Chapter 251: Old Friend Takes a Tumble Again

    Time moved a little backward, to one hour before dawn.

    At the headquarters of the Prosen Asgard Knight Order¡¯s Ampler Division, Kluge, an old acquaintance of Rokossov and the actingmander of the Ampler Division, was addressing his troops.

    No, that¡¯s not right, for after the courageous performance in the offensive actions following the crossing of Orachi, Commander Kluge had officially be a ¡°Division Commander,¡± promoted to the rank of Major General, just like the White Horse General, Rokossov.

    At this moment, Kluge was lecturing the newly supplemented staff at the division headquarters, ¡°I¡¯m very familiar with the White Horse General, especially familiar. He¡¯s a cunning man, the master of trifles! But if you¡¯re not careful, you¡¯ll fall right into his trap!

    ¡°Yesterday, he bombed our deployment area, flipping over our troops that were setting up for the attack, forcing us to dy our offensive for over two hours!

    ¡°I believe he will try again today. However, there will be a slight change in the bombing positions! He¡¯ll bet that we¡¯re deploying further back, trying to dodge the bombardment with a small sacrifice.¡±

    The reason troops need to deploy just before they encounter the enemy is that maintaining the formation after deploying for an attack is extremely difficult.

    The formation used while marching is favored because it¡¯s manageable.

    Attack formation, on the other hand, cannot be managed. It¡¯s manageable to march in attack formation for three kilometers, but any longer distances will lead to all sorts of problems.Looking proudly at the map where he¡¯d drawn the deployment location, Kluge said, ¡°That¡¯s why we should do the opposite: we deploy in the same position as yesterday, which will cause the bombardment to fall behind us, allowing us to initiate the attack on time!¡±

    Then, the newly appointed Chief of Staffmented, ¡°But I¡¯ve looked through my division¡¯sbat logs against General Rokossovsky, and his nightly artillery barrages have been hitting fixed targets, without any variation. Even when our troops had moved far from the viges and camped in the open, he bombarded the viges.

    ¡°Could he bomb the original locations this time as well?¡±

    Kluge frowned, ¡°Impossible! I have a basis for my prediction! Last night, Commander Giles¡¯ headquarters was bombed, but the shells fell off target, only flipping over the military police battalion that was having dinner!

    ¡°Clearly, Rokossov had our intelligence, perhaps a military map. But think about it, how could our own map be off? It¡¯s our army¡¯s map! The location of the headquarters must be clearly marked, not a single coordinate wrong!

    ¡°That must be Rokossov ying clever, that¡¯s why it was off! He¡¯ll continue to act smart today!¡±

    After a few seconds of thought, the new Chief of Staff nodded, ¡°That makes sense!¡±

    Kluge dered, ¡°Then it¡¯s settled. Let us mock Rokossov¡¯s cleverness!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    An hourter, the artillery staff suddenly entered to report, ¡°The enemy has begun to bombard our deployment area!¡±

    Klugeughed, ¡°Where did they hit? Is it our rear?¡±

    Staff, ¡°No¡­ it¡¯s¡­ our troops that are currently deploying.¡±

    Kluge¡¯s face changed, and he hurriedly strode out of the headquarters¡¯ armoredmand vehicle¡ªthe Prussian Army now dared not stay in buildings when facing the White Horse General, instead residing in armoredmand vehicles in open fields.

    Looking at the shells continuously falling less than two kilometers away, Kluge nearly lost his footing, but the new Chief of Staff came to support him.

    He shouted with all his soul towards the bombing area, ¡°My newly replenished troops!¡±

    Under the heavy barrage, all lives are equal; no matter if they¡¯re veterans or not, if a shellnds nearby, those who should die will die.

    At that moment, themunication staff came out of themunication vehicle and saluted Kluge, ¡°Major General, we just received a telegram from the Emperor¡¯s Personal Guards Division, who were also bombarded but suffered minor losses due to their assembly point being moved back a kilometer. Only stray shells fell on the troops that were deploying.¡±

    The new Chief of Staff looked at Kluge, wisely choosing not to speak.

    Kluge sighed, ¡°Tell the Emperor¡¯s Personal Guards that my division can¡¯tunch the attack as scheduled. Ask them to also postpone their attack time, or they might be nked by the enemy.¡±

    The staff saluted and then ran toward themunication vehicle.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At 0800 hours on September 21, near the headquarters bunker of the Guards Mechanized Infantry Division in Shostka,

    Wang Zhong looked outside, then at his watch, ¡°Even if we hit them this morning, shouldn¡¯t they haveunched the attack by now?¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Pavlov joked, ¡°Maybe you killed their divisionmander again, leading tomand chaos.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°Impossible. Prussianmanders like toe to the front to see the situation first-hand. In Peniye, theirbat groupmander was staring eye to eye with me the whole time; I was prone on the water tower, and he was standing on the high ground, with the weeping Kazarlia between us.

    ¡°Back then, I didn¡¯t have a T34; if I did, I would have charged at him.

    ¡°And yesterday, guess what, I saw a battalionmander!¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong realized he had said too much and hurriedly corrected himself, ¡°I mean, I spotted a tank that seemed to be a battalionmand tank, then I called in heavy artillery cover.¡±

    In reality, Wang Zhong had already noticed this ring w in himself, only being able to illuminate enemies within his eyesight. Now inmand of a division, with such a broad front, staying in the division headquarters bunker only allowed him to illuminate a sector of the enemy in front.

    In order to make efficient use of this cheat, Wang Zhong had to treat tank number 422 as a Parade Tank¡ªsitting on it and doing nothing, just patrolling along the position. Light up an enemymander, and boom, gone.

    Of course, there was a downside to this. The gunner of tank 422 was a tank instructor, so he shot more urately than anyone else. He was also well acquainted with the tank¡¯s quirks, so if he switched to another gun, he couldn¡¯t achieve the same level of precision.

    This problem was easily solvable. After all, the Parade Tanks ordered in the name of the Royal Family by Olga had already been produced in the dozens, all of which were in Wang Zhong¡¯s unit. It was simply a matter of switching to another tank.

    However, Pavlov would get upset if Wang Zhong left the headquarters to hop into a smaller tank.

    At the time, Pavlov had persuaded Wang Zhong with these words, ¡°The front line is still stable now. There¡¯s no need for you to run around everywhere. You are most effective when you hold themand post. If the defense line is full of holes in the future, then wait to run around as a firefighter.¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s words were logical and in line with militarymon sense.

    Moreover, the Prussian troops were well-organized. In Loktov, when the enemymander at the front was killed, the division only descended into chaos for an hour, after which theyunched a fierce infantry assault that nearly prated Wang Zhong¡¯s ¡°Imperial Iron Wall.¡±

    It seemed that killing the enemy¡¯s battalionmander wouldn¡¯t have an immediate and significant effect.

    Just yesterday, when Wang Zhong blew up that battalionmander, the enemy¡¯s attacking troops didn¡¯t stop at all.

    It appeared that to the Prussians, a battalionmander¡¯s rank wasn¡¯t enough. Only by killing a divisionmander could they stop the enemy¡¯s attack for more than an hour.

    But where was the enemy divisionmander?

    In Loktov, the enemy¡¯s divisionmander was less than four kilometers from the front line¡ªWang Zhong could find him just by charging with a small tank!

    The longer the war dragged on, the farther the enemy divisionmanders stayed from the frontline.

    Could it be that they were scared off by me?

    I¡¯m thinking, I haven¡¯t blown up many divisionmanders.

    While Wang Zhong pondered, a new staff officer operating the artillery mirror asked Vasily, ¡°Musician, why is there ayer of on the artillery mirror?¡±

    With pride, Vasily replied, ¡°Don¡¯t understand, do you? They didn¡¯t teach this at the military academy, right? This is General Rokossovsky¡¯s invention! With the over it, due to the imaging principle of the artillery mirror, we can¡¯t see the, but we can see the enemy¡ªbecause the imaging position of the isn¡¯t on the eyepiece!¡±

    Staff officer: ¡°I understand the principle, but what¡¯s the point of it?¡±

    ¡°To prevent reflections. The bunker now faces west, and in the afternoon, sunlight coulde in and potentially reflect light, exposing our position. Learn this; it might save your life one day!¡±

    The new staff officer looked convincingly impressed, although his rank was much higher than Vasily¡¯s¡ªVasily¡¯s military academy trained junior officers, while the staff officer had attended the same academy as Wang Zhong.

    The staff officer leaned closer to the eyepiece of the artillery mirror: ¡°Indeed, I can¡¯t see the, but the amount of light entering is obviously affected. I feel that aside from preventing reflections, it could also maintain a good field of vision in the afternoon against the setting sun.¡±

    Vasily was momentarily stunned, then quickly recovered: ¡°Right! Exactly! The general has said so already.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that this was nonsense; he had never said such a thing¡ªhow could he know this if it wasn¡¯t depicted in the movies?

    But he just smiled slightly, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Then he added to the story: ¡°This technique was actually developed during sniperpetitions between the Crown Prince and me. Back then, our game involved both of us entering the Royal Hunting Grounds from different directions, fully equipped¡­¡±

    New staff officer: ¡°In the Royal Hunting Grounds of Oryol?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°¡­Right! After entering, we would move forward and hunt for our daily food, silently advancing until one of us discovered the other.

    ¡°Whoever fired first and the bulletnded within a two-meter radius of the other person would be considered the victor.

    ¡°Of course, it¡¯s hard to determine the winner in such a game, so in the end, it came down to who admitted defeat.¡±

    The new staff officerughed, ¡°The Crown Prince must have won all the games.¡±

    Wang Zhong kept smiling, not because he agreed with the answer, but because he suddenly realized that he had oversold his story.

    If some nosy personter went to the Royal Hunting Grounds to inquire and was told that nothing of the sort ever happened, wouldn¡¯t that blow his cover?

    He could only hope that everyone wouldply in silent ord.

    It was a bit like the time before his traversal, riding on the slow green-skinned train, where out of sheer boredom, passengers resorted to chatting to pass the time. Everyone would ramble on about all sorts of topics, knowing full well that the stories were made up but never calling each other out, treating them like stories.

    The situation on the green-skinned train was simr to the current one; everyone inside themand post had to stay confined in this small space, bored stiff, killing time as best as they could.

    Unable to y poker, they could only resort to harmless boasting.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong finished embellishing, than yer Vasily began, ¡°Filippov and I didn¡¯t have such extravagant hobbies. Our entertainment was¡­¡±

    New staff officer: ¡°Enemy iing! The attack has begun!¡±

 Chapter 252: Plain and Simple - But Useless (Extra 1/33)

    Chapter 252: in and Simple - But Useless (Extra 1/33)

    Popov heard that the enemy was approaching and immediately went to the observation window to look outside.

    Five minutester, he put down his binocrs and said to Wang Zhong, ¡°Smoke, Xu Jin Barrage, tank assault, still the same old tricks? Were yesterday¡¯s casualties not enough, so they¡¯re trying again today?¡±

    Wang Zhong, listening to the sound of our mortars and heavy artillery interception fire, shrugged his shoulders, ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask the enemymander?¡±

    At this point, Pavlov had already finished issuing orders to the artillery, so he too joined the conversation, ¡°If the enemy hasn¡¯t changed their tactics, we¡¯ll just deal with them using yesterday¡¯s methods. This makes my job easier, the orders to the artillery can just be ¡®the same as yesterday¡¯.¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°No, no, there is something different, haven¡¯t you all noticed?¡±

    Everyone looked at Vasily, indulging his desire to perform, until he finally said with an air of mystery, ¡°There are no nes today. Yesterday with both the Yak-1 and the Divine Arrow, we can conservatively estimate the enemy lost thirty to forty pilots in one day, and today they didn¡¯t show up! Not even for high-altitude level bombing!¡±

    As everyone in the bunker exchanged nces, Wang Zhong suddenly pped his thigh, ¡°Aren¡¯t the pilots just sitting idle then? How can it be like this? Can the Yak-1 carry bombs?¡±

    Wang Zhong had flown the Yak-1 before¡ªin a game. But he had only used the Yak-1 for airbat, so he only knew that the Yak-1 couldn¡¯t carry auxiliary fuel tanks and gun pods. He had no memory of it carrying bombs.

    Pavlov looked at him with frustration, ¡°You¡¯re always finding more work for me to do!¡±After saying this, he picked up the receiver, ¡°Switchboard, connect me to the fighter squadron. Hello, is this Hamov? No? Well, you¡¯ll do. Can your Yak-1s carry bombs? Can they carry two 100-kilo bombs? Alright, got it. Hold on to the phone for a minute, I need to check with the general.¡±

    Pavlov looked over without bothering to repeat the conversation, since everyone had heard it anyway.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Carrying two 100-kilo bombs would affect the flight performance too much, and pilots are still very precious. Let¡¯s go with two 50-kilo bombs instead.¡±

    Vasily was puzzled, ¡°Why not just hang one bomb?¡±

    Wang Zhong exined, ¡°What do you know? Two bombs are hung under the wings, one on each side, to bnce. They are dropped simultaneously. If you drop from one side and the other side fails and doesn¡¯t drop, it could be disastrous.¡±

    Vasily remarked, ¡°So that¡¯s how it is.¡±

    After their conversation ended, Pavlov asked, ¡°So the order is for them to carry two 50-kg bombs each?¡±

    ¡°Dispatch a squadron, the rest will be on standby for air defense. Tell them, uracy is not demanded; just dropping the bombs near the enemy is fine, but the key is to return alive. I need their reconnaissance reports, especially any area with antennas.¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t think the pilots could spot the enemy¡¯s antennas from the air, knowing from personal experience how difficult it is to see ground targets with camouge from above.

    In the game, if the enemy put some grass in front of their tanks or parked under a tree, Wang Zhong would be virtually blind to it.

    That was just a game, but reality has a thousand times more ground details to obscure the view, and even upon returning with pictures, it would take professionals a long time to identify them.

    There was an example from history where a Sturmtiger¡¯s No. 4 tank had its track broken, was reported by Soviet infantry, and the Soviet Air Force dispatched 40 Il-2 aircraft to bomb it, only for the closest bomb tond dozens of meters from the tank.

    It wasn¡¯t that the Soviet Air Force¡¯s bombing technique was poor, but because the No. 4 tank was on the battlefield surrounded byplex situations, and the pilots could not distinguish the target.

    Of course, the bombing technique of the Soviet Air Force was indeed poor,cking adequate training time.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s orders were passed on unaltered by Pavlov to the fighter squadron.

    The chief of staff put down the receiver and said to Wang Zhong, ¡°Fighters going on a bombing run, isn¡¯t that like a dog catching mice¡ªnone of its business?¡±

    So Ante people also have this proverb¡­

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that? It¡¯s just that our engine technology is inferior, and we don¡¯t have enough power, so we can only carry two ¡®little sweet potatoes¡¯.¡±

    Vasily interjected, ¡°A 50-kilogram bomb is no small potato, it¡¯s a big watermelon, no, I don¡¯t even know if there¡¯s a watermelon that heavy. It¡¯s scarier than heavy artillery.¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Just you wait, once we bring in fighters from the Federation, we¡¯ll show you what mixing business with pleasure really means.¡±

    At this moment, the only one in the bunker still at his post, a staff officer, shouted, ¡°I hear machine gun fire, Ye Fort has engaged the enemy.¡±

    Pavlov took up the receiver.

    Shortly after, the sound of heavy artillery shells whooshed over everyone¡¯s heads.

    Wang Zhong could see through the smoke, so he clearly saw that around Ye Fort twopanies had unfolded. After breaking through the barrage of the mortar fire, their formation had thinned out, but because Ye Fort was a single point, the sparse formation was forced to clump together again.

    And then they were covered by heavy artillery fire.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but mutter, ¡°Is the enemymander¡¯s head made of iron? This kind of offensive just won¡¯t do. Our infantry can¡¯t umtebat experience like this.¡±

    Popov replied, ¡°What are you talking about? Do you really think we send greenhorns across the river just to gain experience? No, it¡¯s to build their courage. Fighting skills, that¡¯s something the old soldiers will teach them when we pull back for rest and reorganization.¡±

    Just then, the phone rang and Pavlov picked up the receiver, ¡°Division headquarters. What¡¯s the matter? Understood.¡±

    He put down the receiver and immediately picked it up again to issue the order to cease firing to the artillery.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°The enemy is retreating?¡±

    In fact, Wang Zhong saw the enemy retreating but had to pretend a bit, since, after all, the division headquarters bunker¡ªno, the entire east bank was shrouded in smoke and nothing could be seen.

    Pavlov: ¡°The enemy didn¡¯t even try to cross the river. What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to answer, he saw a squadron of Yak-1s carrying bombs fly over the river.

    The sound of the nes¡¯ engines became the only noise on the battlefield at that moment.

    As Wang Zhong prayed for them to find the ¡°big fish,¡± the phone rang.

    Pavlov picked it up: ¡°Headquarters, go ahead. Hmm? Okay, I¡¯ll get him now.¡±

    After he finished speaking, he handed the receiver to Wang Zhong: ¡°Army Group Commander.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the receiver: ¡°Hello, Kiriyenko, this is Rocossov. What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    Major General Kiriyenko: ¡°How are things on your end? Kashuk is under fierce attack, but the concrete you sent him has been very effective. And there are no bridges on his side, so the enemy has to advance through water.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I have bridges here, but the bridgehead is actually an anvil I designed for the enemy. My sledgehammer has already smashed them to pieces. I¡¯ve evaporated four enemy toons, four toons!¡±

    Yesterday alone, the enemy left behind more than four hundred bodies; I¡¯m afraid a single assault today has cost them nearly three hundred.

    Major General Kiriyenko: ¡°Are you sure you don¡¯t need reinforcements?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I haven¡¯t even used my reserves.¡±

    In fact, the reserves had suffered the second highest casualties yesterday, after the logistics personnel, due to being attacked by infiltrating enemy elite troops.

    Hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s confidence, Major General Kiriyenko said: ¡°That¡¯s great, but let me know immediately if you can¡¯t hold on. I¡¯ve already prepared troops to relieve you. You now represent more symbolic than actualbat significance. Although I doubt anyone can defend as well as you, what I mean is¡­ if you need to retreat, retreat, don¡¯t feel burdened.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Once my troop¡¯s casualties reach 40%, I¡¯ll withdraw.¡±

    After a moment of silence on Kiriyenko¡¯s end, he said: ¡°Alright, I understand. We¡¯ll leave it at that.¡±

    Then he hung up the phone.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the Army Group headquarters, Major General Kiriyenko put down the phone and looked at the Army Group Chief of Staff and the Military Bishop: ¡°This Rocossov, he¡¯s assured me with such confidence that he will request a retreat once his casualties reach 40%.¡±

    The Chief of Staff twisted his eyebrows into knots: ¡°Even Argesukov¡¯s troops, inspired by the Crown Prince, didn¡¯t fight that resolutely, did they? They fell apart when their losses reached 30%. Are his troops made of iron or what?¡±

    And the Military Bishop very firmly said: ¡°It¡¯s possible for Major General Rocossov¡¯s words toe true. At Orachi, his troops managed to organize a breakout after suffering 50% casualties, although those losses were tallied after they had broken out.¡±

    Kiriyenko approached the map, looking at the overall situation: ¡°Right now, it seems possible that we canpletely stop the enemy¡¯s offensive in the south. The question is how long we can hold in the north. The north doesn¡¯t have any rivers to defend, and the only fortified areas are around Ye Fort, which is precisely the kind of battlefield suitable for enemy armored forces.¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°On the bright side, if we can save a lot of troops here, the Western Front Army can shift forces to the north.¡±

    Major General Kiriyenko nodded: ¡°Let¡¯s hope so.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the Prosen Army side, headquarters of the First Army of the Asgard Knights.

    Giles frowned: ¡°We¡¯ve suffered such heavy losses without even exchanging fire with the enemy¡¯s anti-tank guns. It seems we can¡¯t keep charging in blindly. Change strategy, switch the operation to trench warfare, and request engineering troops from the Central Army Group.¡±

    All the staff officers looked at each other then the Chief of Staff spoke on everyone¡¯s behalf: ¡°Your Majesty has high hopes for us¡­¡±

    Giles: ¡°Which is why we can¡¯t continue to throw our lives away. How is this different from Carolingian officers forcing their soldiers to their deaths with military execution squads? Trench warfare offers better resistance against heavy artillery. Even under heavy bombardment, we can continue to advance.

    ¡°This will render their current biggest threat to us useless! I¡¯ve thoroughly reviewed the White Horse General¡¯s battle records. The greatest crisis in his lines of defense at Orachi came when reconnaissance aircraft were overhead, and his heavy artillery dared not act.

    ¡°While our reports like to portray the White Horse General as a tankmander, his true strength lies in the use of artillery fire!

    ¡°So we must take a targeted approach.¡±

    At that moment, Aide-de-camp Feliz approached: ¡°How long will it take for trench warfare to get close to the enemy?¡±

    Giles: ¡°I ordered an engineering assessment yesterday, and the detailed report should be done today. ording to my experience, we might need fifteen days to get close enough tounch an attack.¡±

    Feliz: ¡°But His Majesty hopes that our pincer movement will bepleted by mid-October. To capture Ye Fort by November.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if weunch the attack on the fifth of October, and break through around the tenth, we can stillplete the pincer movement by the twentieth. The key that His Majesty expects is to prate what the enemy has propagated as the ¡®Imperial Iron Wall¡¯ defense of the White Horse General.¡±

    Feliz: ¡°But¡­¡±

    Giles: ¡°I will exin this personally to His Majesty. You needn¡¯t worry, call off the attack, and let the artillery continue bombarding the enemy¡¯s defenses.¡±

    Feliz hesitated for a moment but still replied: ¡°Yes.¡±

 Chapter 253: Some things, its good to have just the first time.

    At this moment, in the skies.

    Hamov personally led a squadron to execute this unprecedented bombing mission.

    Before that, the fighter regiment pilots didn¡¯t even know their Yak-1s were capable of carrying bombs.

    The main Ant Air Force particrly emphasized specialization, with each ne designed for a specific mission, striving to perfect it for that purpose.

    They even considered removing the rear machine gun from the Il-2, to save those two or three hundred kilograms of weight.

    Under this design philosophy, why the Yak-1 could carry bombs was no longer a question. Pilots simply didn¡¯t understand why a field mainly housing fighters would have both 100kg and 50kg bombs avable.

    The pilots were even excitedly discussing the possibility that a female pilot who flew the Po-2 bomber was going to transfer in¡ªhow else could the presence of these bombs be exined?

    Until today, when they strapped on bombs and took off.

    It was anticipated to be an easy job since most Prussians hadn¡¯t been air-raided before, and those who had only experienced night raids by the Po-2.Most Prosen soldiers had never seen a daytime air raid by the Il-2.

    They hadn¡¯t even bothered to camouge; some Prussians waved at the passing Yak-1s, probably mistaking Hamov¡¯s squadron for friendly forces.

    Over the radio, the number three of Hamov¡¯s squadron, the lead ne of the second pair formation¡ªCaptain Semyon¡ªasked, ¡°What should we bomb? It looks like there are targets everywhere.¡±

    Hamov, ¡°We should bomb high-value targets, like adding another general to our respected Major General¡¯s list of aplishments.¡±

    Hamov always spoke of the ¡°respected Major General¡± without a hint of sarcasm, but with an adjective to describe his admiration for Rokossov.

    Captain Semyon grumbled, ¡°Let¡¯s not even talk about whether we can find the ¡®antennaden¡¯ house we¡¯re imagining. Even if we do, and we spot a Prosen national gpole outside with hundreds of people being awarded¡ªEven if we find such a target, our bombs might not hit the mark.

    ¡°I¡¯ve only received airbat training. At the aviation school, I did learn ground-attack, but that was in an Il-2.

    ¡°After joining the unit, I haven¡¯t had any ground attack training. Since the war started, all I¡¯ve done is strafe ground troops.¡±

    Hamov, ¡°Stopining, everyone¡¯s in the same boat. Let¡¯s just focus on finding a target. Even if the bombs aren¡¯t urate, we can still strafe.¡±

    At that moment, the number four of the squadron said, ¡°I see arge house on our right, it may be Lord Boye¡¯s estate. I bet there¡¯s a division headquarters in there, at least one.¡±

    Hamov looked to the right and caught sight of the distant estate, which seemed to be slowly retreating because of the distance.

    ¡°Let¡¯s circle around,¡± he said, ¡°Break formation and operate in pairs. Semyon, maintain visual contact with me.¡±

    Formation changes in a four-aircraft squadron were veryplex, so pilots usually entered air battles in pairs, which made it much simpler to change formation. ?a??§à¦¢¨§?

    Moreover, Hamov couldn¡¯t see Semyon¡¯s ne during the formation change, so he had to remind him to keep visual contact. to ensure the pair didn¡¯t get separated.

    It was very easy to lose sight of targets in the sky¡ªwhether enemies or allies¡ªand quitemon to realize you can¡¯t see your wingman anymore while flying.

    So each pilot had their own map case to ensure they could navigate back to base usingndmarks on the map if they were left alone with no contact with their squadron.

    The map case also ensured that in case of an emergencynding, they could aim for areas controlled by friendly forces.

    Afterpleting the formation change, Hamov called out on the radio, ¡°Semyon! Do you see me?¡±

    ¡°I see you, don¡¯t worry boss. Let¡¯s go take a look at Boye¡¯s estate. It¡¯s definitely a division headquarters.¡±

    A few minutester, with his ne tilted, Hamov circled the estate and cursed, ¡°Who was it who said this was a division headquarters?¡±

    The estate was empty, and the series of substantial craters visible in the yard told the pilots why there was no enemy division headquarters there.

    Captain Semyon, ¡°If you think about it, none of the Prosen Army we¡¯ve flown past have been housed in buildings. So, what do we do now?¡±

    Hamov sighed, ¡°Look for enemy tanks. Hitting a tank unit would also count as striking a high-value target.¡±

    At that moment, the pilot of ne number two said, ¡°Isn¡¯t there any obvious target? I mean, don¡¯t the enemy¡¯s artillery fire? Hitting their artillery would count as a great achievement, right? Besides, artillery firing makes such amotion, we should be able to see it from afar, right?¡±

    You generally can¡¯t see distant targets on the ground, due to the curvature of the earth.

    But now as the Yak-1s flew low, around five hundred meters, their field of vision greatly expanded.

    The pilots¡¯ vision was well-screened, with the sharpest ¡°hawk eyes¡± in Hamov¡¯s fighter regiment capable of spotting twin-engine bombers ten kilometers away.

    However, there were too many varied ground targets, and even pilots usually couldn¡¯t spot them from several kilometers away, which was why Hamov chose to fly at a low altitude of five hundred meters.

    But if the target was an actively firing artillery position, climbing to three thousand meters was also feasible, which would allow them to filter targets, as only heavy artillery fire would be visible from such a height.

    So Hamov said, ¡°You¡¯re right, let¡¯s climb to three thousand meters and see if we can spot any enemy firing.¡±

    After he said this, he nced at the fuel gauge and muttered, ¡°Fuel consumption is higher than usual¡­¡±

    He started to pull back on the joystick, climbing steadily at a 15-degree angle while still vigntly surveying his surroundings.

    Unfortunately, the early versions of the Yak-1 had a hump behind the cockpit that blocked the rear view, so Hamov could only rely on his rearview mirrors to watch his back, even though that was the most dangerous direction.

    Suddenly, Captain Semyon shouted, ¡°Look at the ground! They¡¯re firing!¡±

    Hamov, ¡°Where?¡±

    ¡°At 11 o¡¯clock!¡±

    Hamov rolled the ne upside down so that with the ss cockpit rushing downwards, he could get the best view below.

    He saw the artillery position that was firing.

    ¡°Everyone, drop bombs with me.¡±

    Captain Semyon, ¡°Damn it, I feel like I can only bet my life on faith now.¡±

    ¡°Who isn¡¯t? Drop the bombs and pray to Saint Andrew at the same time!¡±

    Hamov directly went into a dive towards the ground, heading straight for the firing artillery position.

    The Yak-1 was not a dedicated ground attack aircraft and had no ground-targeting sights.

    So Hamov simply aligned the gun sight¡¯s crosshairs with a cannon.

    The Yak-1¡¯s sighting system worked like this: if an enemy aircraft with a length of ten meters and a wingspan of ten meters was locked by the crosshairs of the sight, then the enemy aircraft filling the first aiming ring indicated a distance of 500 meters, and filling three aiming rings meant the range was around one hundred meters.

    ording to Hamov¡¯s experience, firing when the enemy aircraft filled three rings had a high probability of hitting the target.

    Now Hamov was treating the enemy¡¯s artillery position as an enemy aircraft, with the crosshairs set on it.

    He fired a burst with his machine gun when the artillery position filled the first ring to observe the fall of shot.

    The machine gun roundsnded ten meters ¡°behind¡± the enemy¡¯s artillery position, exploding on the ground, while a nearby Coachman sping his chest fell over.

    But the horse was fine!

    Hamov suddenly realized he didn¡¯t have time to correct his aim, as he was diving at the enemy and the machine gun rounds hit the ground even closer than before.

    In that instant, he simply pulled the trigger, spraying about ten rounds from his machine gun and cannon, then pressed the bomb release button and pulled up.

    As he pulled up, he saw where his ammunitionnded¡ªthe aircraft¡¯s ammunition belt was mixed with tracer rounds, so he could precisely see the impact points.

    This strafe mostly hit the artillery position, and the gunners who were focused on firing didn¡¯t have time to take cover, several were knocked down instantly.

    Hamov couldn¡¯t see exactly how many were hit, as he was pulling up and the aircraft¡¯s wings blocked his view¡ªwhether it was a Yak-1 or another aircraft, the downward and rearward visibility of the aircraft of that era was terrible, he couldn¡¯t see anything.

    That¡¯s why they needed to watch each other¡¯s blind spots.

    Hamov couldn¡¯t see where the bombs hadnded, he could only hear the explosions behind him, and he could see the sh of the explosion when he looked back, but he didn¡¯t know where they had hit.

    All he could do was ask over the radio, ¡°Did anyone see where my bombs hit?¡±

    ¡°Can¡¯t see, we¡¯ve also dropped bombs and pulled up, we just can¡¯t see the results,¡± someone responded over the radio.

    ¡°Then let¡¯s turn left, everyone turn left and confirm the results.¡±

    Hamov¡¯s squadron all entered a left turn, and by this time their formation waspletely scattered, but the wingmen managed to barely keep up with the lead aircraft.

    From above, they clearly saw eight columns of dust, two of which were apanied by mes. The entire artillery position had stopped firing.

    But¡ªat least from the air, the damage to the cannons seemed minimal.N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Captain Semyon suggested over the radio, ¡°Let¡¯s call for an artillery strike!¡±

    Hamov, ¡°Easier said than done, do you know where we are?¡±

    Heavy bombers had specialized navigators who would estimate a flight path based on various instruments and the aircraft¡¯s heading, which would give them an approximate idea of their position and guide the bombers back to base.

    Therefore, heavy bombers could fly thousands of kilometers to hit a target.

    But a fighter like the Yak-1 only had one pilot, and during the flight, they were entirely focused on surveince, without time to plot their course on a map.

    Fighter pilots generally usedndmark navigation to determine their position based on distinctive features on the ground.

    Therefore, even if the pilot saw the target, they could only remember the direction of the target rtive to a certainndmark.

    The Prosen Air Force¡¯s reconnaissance aircraft could direct artillery fire because they had specialized observers who could determine the approximately location of the aircraft and then the coordinates of the targets they discovered.

    But the Yak-1 had no such capability and couldn¡¯t directly guide artillery fire in practice.

    Unless¡ªthey got in contact with someone who had an ¡°external plug-in.¡±

    Just then, Hamov heard the voice of General Rokossov over his headset, ¡°Hamov, I heard you¡¯ve found the target. Hamov, report your position!¡±

 Chapter 254: Airplanes, Radio, and the God of War

    Thirty minutes ago, in the bunker of the Guards Mechanized Infantry Division headquarters.

    Wang Zhong had actually been using a captured Prussian radio to follow the situation in the air.

    However, due to the poor performance of the Ante-produced Yak-1 radio, he couldn¡¯t make out many details.

    So while he was listening, he asked Pavlov, ¡°How many radios did the team manage to dismantle from the enemy tanks yesterday?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head, ¡°The enemy tanks are veryplex, and the radios are delicate. Our technicians dismantled two radios, but both were damaged. This morning I reported the situation to Commander Kozelsky of the Ind Navy Fleet; they will send technicians from the ships tonight to dismantle, with Naval Infantry providing cover.

    ¡°The technicians from the ships have university education, they should be capable.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t just let them dismantle, see if they can patch one together from the two broken ones.¡±

    Pavlov nodded, reached for the handset, thought for a moment, turned around and wrote a note, then handed it to a messenger, ¡°Take this to Ind Navy Fleet headquarters.¡±

    After the messenger ran off, Pavlov noticed Wang Zhong looking at him and exined, ¡°If it¡¯s not too urgent, we send a note; maybe they need the phone line for more urgent matters.¡±Popov pointed to the peaceful battlefield outside the observation window, ¡°Are you suggesting that there might be urgent matters in this kind of situation?¡±

    Wang Zhong also looked outside, ¡°Why aren¡¯t the enemy attacking? It¡¯s been two hours since thest wave. Shall we hit their assembly area to prod them a bit?¡±

    Nelly¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Although I shouldn¡¯t interfere in militarymand, but¡­ why do you talk as if you and the enemymander are good friends?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy gives me promotions and bargaining chips with their lives, of course they are my good friends.¡±

    At that moment, the voice of a pilot came through the radio, ¡°¡­ artillery¡­ open fire¡­ bigmotion¡­ far away¡­ can see¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brows twisted into knots, what¡¯s with so much noise and so little substance? Can¡¯t Ante produce some reliable radios?

    Vasily checked the captured Prussian gear and looked up at Wang Zhong saying, ¡°It¡¯s not our problem, the situation over there is just too bad. They¡¯re flying low, which is affected by the curvature of the ground.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It seems they found artillery; was that word just now ¡®artillery¡¯? They also mentioned a ¡®bigmotion¡¯. Keep listening.¡±

    After waiting a few more minutes, a clearer voice came through, ¡°Look at the ground! They¡¯re firing!¡±

    ¡°Where?¡±

    Vasily squeezed in with ament, ¡°They might have flown higher, so¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong pped him and mouthed, ¡°Shut up.¡±

    The radio continued to transmit, ¡°Eleven o¡¯clock direction!¡±

    ¡°Fellows, follow my lead in bombing.¡±

    Immediately after, themunication became fuzzy again, the only clear word being ¡°turn left.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, why is there always ¡®turn left¡¯ in themunication? Is it because the barrage on the port side is thinner?

    Then a pilot suggested, ¡°Let¡¯s call in artillery fire!¡±

    It seemed the attack wasn¡¯t effective. But this suggestion was immediately rejected:

    ¡°Easy for you to say, do you know where we are?¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the radio handset and pressed the button, ¡°Rocossov calling Hamov! Rocossov calling Hamov!¡±

    Wang Zhong released the button and waited for a response.

    For some reason, he suddenly felt tired from standing, so he ran to the table near the observation port, pushed aside the record books and other items, and sat down, leaning against the wall with the handset in his hand resting on the observation port. ??a£Î??¨¨?

    Vasily said, ¡°You look like a dandy in a caf¨¦ whistling at girls.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Is it possible I am one of those dandies? I just happen to be good at fighting.¡±

    Vasily pped his forehead, ¡°I forgot.¡±

    There was still no response. Wang Zhong pressed the handset¡¯s button again, ¡°Rocossov calling Hamov! Rocossov calling Hamov.¡±

    This time the response came immediately, ¡°General, please speak!¡±

    Wang Zhong, while maintaining his position looking outside, switched to an overhead view.

    Then he realized there was only the squadron symbol for Hamov¡¯s forces and not its field of vision.

    Damn, do I not count in Air Forcemand unless I¡¯m promoted to General? Even if I can order them to load up and strike, are they not considered my forces?

    But it was still fixable; after all, the position of that flight squadron was already in sight.

    Wang Zhong pointed at the map on the table and kicked Vasily.

    At the same time he loudly asked, ¡°You¡¯ve spotted the enemy artillery units, have you?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we¡¯ve carried out an attack. We didn¡¯t destroy a single cannon, nor did we see any ammunition explode. The effect was not good. We are preparing to continue strafing.¡±

    ¡°What direction are they from you? Speak in terms of east, west, north, south!¡± Wang Zhong asked. Mainly because his view was too high, he couldn¡¯t tell the exact direction of the nose of the nes; watching the movement direction of the squadron symbols was misleading since the squadron consisted of several airnes, and it was not good to assume the direction of movement as the nose direction.

    So Wang Zhong specifically emphasized using east, west, north, south.

    At this time Vasily had moved the whole map table over, probably not knowing which map Wang Zhong wanted.

    Wang Zhong picked up the small map stacked on top ¨C these types of maps are printed formanders to freely draw on ¨C and then marked an X on the map with his fingernail.

    Vasily pushed a pencil towards Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong took the pencil and drew a cross on the map. This was the position of Hamov¡¯s squadron.

    Although it kept changing, as long as Hamov said hurry, it should be fine.

    Hamov: ¡°We¡¯re to the northeast! About a distance of¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No need to say the distance.¡±

    He drew a line towards the northeast and then, ording to the map scale, marked a point on the line.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Fly higher,munication will improve if you fly higher. Climb to three thousand meters, repeat, climb to three thousand meters.¡±

    ¡°Understood, climbing to three thousand meters. What are you nning to do?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m going to fire a shot over there, and you¡¯ll correct it.¡±

    ¡°Alright, but how can you guarantee that the shot will fall within our field of view?¡± Hamov was clearly confused.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about that.¡±

    After Wang Zhong released the button on the microphone, he said to Vasily, ¡°Tell the artillery to fire on this spot, just one round.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the First Army of the Asgard Knights from the Prussian Army.

    Senior officers dressed in the Knights¡¯ ck military uniform were gathered around a field telephone.n/?/vel/b//jn dot c//om

    They had also been listening to the conversation between Rocossov and the Air Force a moment ago.

    Giles¡¯s adjutant, Feliz, said, ¡°We shouldmend themunications personnel who found this conversation.¡±

    Giles nodded, ¡°Yes. We¡¯ll deal with thatter, but he only has one direction, how can he determine the location of our artillery positions?¡±

    Everyone looked at each other, puzzled.

    Feliz said, ¡°It could be radar. He just had the aircraft fly higher, essentially to let the radar see it.¡±

    All the other Prussian senior officers gasped in shock.

    Giles: ¡°The United Kingdom has already transported radar here, and it¡¯s been installed? How did they transport it? From the north of the Bs teau and then across the Ind Sea?¡±

    Feliz walked over to the world map: ¡°The timeline works, leaving from the United Kingdom¡¯s colony in Bha, heading across the Bs teau, and then shipping across the Ind Sea.¡±

    At this point, amunications officer came to report, ¡°Artillery Regiment 511 reports being bombed by enemy aircraft and that the enemy¡¯s artillery is test firing, requesting repositioning of our forces.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Initiate emergency evacuation.¡±

    Emergency evacuation is a more urgentmand than repositioning, essentially meaning that the artillery must abandon all equipment and evacuate the position, while the ammunition vehicles, driven by the daredevil squad, move in the opposite direction of the personnel evacuation.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong, hearing Hamov¡¯s radio report, ¡°Adjust aim coordinates 100 meters to the north.¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could pass on the message, Pavlov, who had been maintaining his position holding the receiver, gave the order, ¡°Shift 100 meters north.¡±

    What followed was a long wait.

    The time it took for a howitzer shell to travel ten-plus kilometers was astonishingly long.

    Finally, Hamov reported, ¡°Shift 200 meters east.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even need to pass on the message, he just maintained his yboy posture, observing the scenery outside the observation port.

    Hamov: ¡°Suspect indirect fire, requesting three rounds to verify.¡±

    As Pavlov ryed the message, Popov murmured, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a naval term? This pilot is quite knowledgeable.¡±

    Wang Zhong spread his hands. An Air Force pilot, guiding the Army¡¯s artillery fire using naval terminology, in some countries, this would have resulted in an uproar.

    Vasily: ¡°The General is also very familiar with aircraft.¡±

    At that moment, Hamov reported, ¡°Indirect fire sessful! Ready to fire!¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Confirm target area coverage, artillery regiment to fire three rapid rounds.¡±

    The sound of the artillery battery firing in unison soon followed.

    Popov asked Wang Zhong, ¡°Do you think the target is divisional artillery, or corps artillery?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t know, whether it¡¯s corps or division, hitting them is a win. Didn¡¯t you notice that the iing fire started decreasing just now?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Indeed.¡±

    At that moment, Hamov¡¯s voice came over the radio, ¡°Direct hit, repeat, direct hit.¡±

    Just then, a scream cut into the calm of the radiomunication, ¡°Enemy aircraft, diving from above!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first reaction to hearing this was ¡°enemy aircraft climbing steeply, diving quickly,¡± a syndrome that afflicts military enthusiasts, where various strange memes can be triggered at any time.

    He pressed the microphone button and yelled, ¡°Break into S! Everyone break into S! Dive into the blind spot under the enemy¡¯s belly. The 109¡¯s roll is poor during a dive!¡±

    Roll performance worsens during a dive for the 109, meaning that when it sees a target breaking into an S-turn into the blind spot beneath its belly, the 109 in a dive might not be able to invert its body in time.

    The spatial position of both sides in airbat changes dramatically, and once visual contact is lost, it might not be regained.

    Although Wang Zhong shouted, themunication was already in chaos.

    ¡°Disperse, disperse!¡±

    ¡°Where¡¯s the enemy aircraft? I can¡¯t see it!¡±

    ¡°I see it, breaking away!¡±

    ¡°My rudder pedals aren¡¯t responding, I¡¯m going to have to make an emergencynding!¡±

    ¡°I got one! He¡¯s on fire!¡±

    ¡°Xiao Miao, you have one on your tail! Turn left!¡±

    ¡°Xiao Miao!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression was stern, and he held the microphone several times, thinking about pressing the button to speak, but ultimately he did not say anything.

 Chapter 255: This is really scientific (Additional update 2/33)

    At eight o¡¯clock in the evening, after the enemy¡¯s shelling hadpletely ceased, a jeep carrying Hamov and a pilot arrived at the headquarters of the Guards Mechanized Infantry Division.

    Having been informed in advance, Wang Zhong led all the staff of the division headquarters to meet them at the entrance.

    Seeing two people getting off the jeep, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Did we lose two people?¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Hamov shook his head, ¡°Another had a rudder failure, and thest message from his radio was that he flew over the river, but we don¡¯t know where hended. If he makes contact with our forces, he will return by car.¡±

    Since pilots are so precious, any unit that finds one will send them back to the airfield by car.

    ¡°Do you know the family address of Captain Semyon? I want to personally write him a letter of thanks,¡± Wang Zhong added.

    As soon as he finished speaking, he heard a guard from the sentry unit click his tongue in awe, ¡°A General personally writing a letter of thanks, wouldn¡¯t that be something to have.¡±

    Popov looked like someone who had just been enlightened, turned his head, and looked Wang Zhong up and down.

    Wang Zhong forcefully pretended not to notice the expression on his face.Hamov said, ¡°Through official channels, you could do this through the church at the airfield. If you want to send it yourself, I know the address, after all, he¡¯s an old soldier from the first squadron, and I¡¯m quite familiar with him. Should I give the address to your maid?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and gestured for them to enter, ¡°Pleasee in. Let¡¯s not stand out here, lest the Prussians learn from us and start shelling unexpectedly.¡±

    The group entered the bunker like so.

    Upon entering, Hamov¡¯s first words were, ¡°General Rokossovsky, during the enemy aircraft attack, no one was paying attention to your radiomunication, but thinking back now, you seem to have a good grasp of airbat tactics. You also knew that enemy fighters have trouble rolling during a dive.¡±

    Wang Zhong quickly said, ¡°That¡¯s justmon knowledge, most aircraft will see decreased maneuverability when diving beyond a certain speed.¡±

    This was true, so during a dive, it was necessary to control the speed well, often throttling back to prevent the aircraft from going too fast.

    A Yak-1 bing unresponsive when diving too fast is also a risk of wing failure, given that the wings of the Yak-1 were made of wood.

    However, the Yak-1 rarely executed dive attacks. When Wang Zhong yed War Thunder, he would dogfight with a Yak-1 at low speed and low altitude.

    Hamov stared at Wang Zhong, ¡°Common knowledge, I see. So among the nobility, this kind of knowledge, typically held by seasoned veterans, has bemon knowledge?¡±

    Wang Zhong firmly said, ¡°Yes. It all started when a buddy of mine took a girl up for a flight, and afterwards, she was totally devoted to him. So flying became popr. It¡¯s all for wooing girls, and I¡¯m the second yboy of Ye Fort, understand!¡±

    Hamov nodded, ¡°I don¡¯t understand much about nobility, but it¡¯s true that pilots are very popr with the girls. More than once, we¡¯ve asked hospitals not to be set up near airfields because the more nurses that are close by, the more socializing happens, and after socializing, many nurses get pregnant.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s sympathy for Hamov¡¯s squadron suddenly halved.

    Vasily asked, ¡°And what about you, Colonel? I remember your wife is a high school teacher, do you also get cozy with the nurses at the dance?¡±

    Hamov replied, ¡°Of course not. Roughly six years ago, when a fighter group I was with stationed near an airfield that had a high school next to it, my wife¡ªto be¡ªhad just started teaching there. We had a mixer between the pilots and the teachers, and then I got married.¡±

    Vasily remarked, ¡°It¡¯s good that I didn¡¯t join the Air Force.¡±

    Wang Zhong eximed, ¡°You like men?¡±

    ¡°No, I just don¡¯t want to get married yet.¡±

    Popov interjected, ¡°He hasn¡¯t had enough fun yet, I can tell just by his expression. When I was still a Priest at the church, over half the youngds who came to confess were just like him.¡±

    At this point, Pavlov joined the conversation, ¡°Let¡¯s get back to serious matters, Colonel Hamov.¡±

    The Colonel nodded, ¡°Right, back to business. We came here to report what we observed while flying at low altitude.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°The enemy didn¡¯t hide?¡±

    The Colonel shook his head, ¡°No, they have no air raid awareness whatsoever. Their tanks and tents had no camouge, not even a covering. Moreover, when they saw the nes, they didn¡¯t scatter or duck, they all stood in ce waving at us.¡±

    Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t surprised by this, as those who hadn¡¯t experienced airstrikes tended to bex. On Earth, when Ameidulite air-raided Tokyo by flying along the coast, fishing vigers seeing the nes at first mistook them for their own, waving and cheering.

    Popov snorted, ¡°They¡¯ll quickly learn their lesson from the war.¡±

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°You flew behind enemy lines, did you find out why they stopped? After this morning¡¯s wave of attacks, the enemy just shelled us withoutunching any further attacks. We specte that the enemy may have suffered unexpected losses or had a death that caused low morale.¡±

    Hamov replied, ¡°No, the soldiers we saw from our low-flying sortie didn¡¯t seem like they had been defeated. They were spirited and seemed jubnt, not bothering to take cover. They gathered in the canteen; a single heavy shell could have killed a hundred people.

    ¡°I actually feel like the enemy thinks victory is within reach.¡±

    After Hamov finished, his wingman added, ¡°Another thing, all the enemy stayed in tents, and we noticed many nice houses that werepletely unupied.¡±

    Wang Zhong spected, ¡°They are probably scared by our nightly shelling.¡±

    Pavlov asked, ¡°Knowing that the enemy isn¡¯t upying the houses, do we still bomb tonight?¡±

    ¡°We can stop tonight, even for a couple of days, wait until the enemy starts taking shelter in the houses, then strike.¡±

    Pavlov nodded, ¡°Okay, then tonight, the artillery can rest.¡±

    Having said this, he turned to see to this matter while Wang Zhong kept questioning Hamov, ¡°Any other intelligence? It¡¯s unlikely that the enemy won¡¯t attack, but we¡¯ve been on guard all day with no activity.¡±

    Hamov shook his head, ¡°I¡¯m just a pilot; I can only tell you that the enemy¡¯s air defense awareness is very poor.¡±

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin and fell into deep thought.

    At this time, Hamov swallowed hard, as if he had made up his mind to ask, ¡°General, how did you manage to get the shells within our line of sight? If you hadn¡¯t sent the first one over, today¡¯s tactics would have been impossible.¡±

    Vasily also looked at Wang Zhong.

    He had personally witnessed Wang Zhong drawing crosses on the map with his fingernail today.

    Wang Zhong had actually thought it through already and concluded that he couldn¡¯t hide it, he could only say that it was really cool.

    Luckily, this world had Divine Power.

    So he said, ¡°I prayed to God, and He told me the location.¡±

    What¡¯s the deal, girls are allowed to pray to guide Divine Arrows, but I, a good-looking young man, can¡¯t pray to guide a cannon? Besides, the praying hands were equally split between men and women; it just so happened that all the praying hands in my troops were females.

    Popov¡¯s expression immediately became very subtle.

    For the first time, Wang Zhong actually noticed! After all, one must pay attention to the bishop subordinate¡¯s response, right?

    So, he added, based on his understanding of the secr faction¡¯s doctrine, ¡°I think there must be scientific principles behind this, maybe due to ckbody radiation inducing quantum entanglement.¡±

    Actually, Wang Zhong waspletely bluffing at this point; he didn¡¯t understand quantum mechanics at all. He had just watched a video titled ¡°The Ultimate Battle at the Summit of Quantum¡± and remembered a few terms because they sounded cool.

    It was like those pseudo-intellectual youths on some tforms who watched ¡°Five-Minute Speed Read of XX Masterpieces¡± on TikTok and, after remembering a few keywords, started to show off and act pretentious.

    What he hadn¡¯t anticipated was that these few words were as long as names in Ante¡¯snguage.

    After a string of gibberish, everyone was confused.

    Popov: ¡°What the heck is that?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I mean, based on the nck constant and de Broglie resonance, I knew the location of Hamov and the others.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°I¡¯m pretty sure what you just said is different from what you said before.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I just piled up a few of the most cutting-edge scientific terms; eventually, they will be exinable. Science that¡¯s advanced enough looks just like magic.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Sanctified faction has been wiped out, and moreover, the Grand Patriarch has given special instructions that the Judge will turn a blind eye to what you say.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s really scientific!¡±N?v(el)B\\jnn

    Hamov chimed in, ¡°So, does that mean we will be able to guide artillery by keeping in radio contact with you in the future?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°First, you¡¯ll need to get a better radio. Actually, contacting you today was a fluke; the weather is going to get worse soon, and the increasing clouds might further affect radiomunication.¡±

    Hamov: ¡°Right. And after all, we are fighter pilots; it¡¯s not suitable for us. I think we could request to dispatch Ye-2 bombers. The Ye-2 bombers have dedicated navigators, and they know their own positions. I¡¯ve always thought we should make heavy bombers into reconnaissance nes like the enemy does.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Maybe we could get some B17 support from the Federation.¡±

    After he finished speaking, the room fell silent.

    Popov coughed, ¡°Did you just leak some secrets?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah? Oh, you mean Mike, the reporter from the Federation? He told me a lot about what¡¯s going on in their country. It¡¯s not a leak; they are already discussing in Congress whether to help us or not. It¡¯s not leaking secrets, their newspapers are reporting it every day!¡±

    The others exchanged nces and collectively decided to ept that exnation.

    Hamov sighed, ¡°Well, I do hope they send more fighters. I¡¯m sick of these wooden nes.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought, just wait, you¡¯ll get to fly a Yak-3. That thing is all metal and known as the perpetual motion machine at low altitude; it can make a fool out of any ne that dares to battle it at low altitudes.

    Pavlov had finished arranging the artillerymen¡¯s rest and came back, asking, ¡°So, why exactly did the enemy stop attacking?¡±

    Everyone looked at each other, clueless.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    ¡°Tomorrow morning, I will personally fly to exin to His Majesty.¡±

    In the headquarters of the First Army of the Asgard Knights, Giles said so.

    His adjutant looked at the telegram in his hands with worry, ¡°This telegram is so strongly worded; aren¡¯t we taking a risk by going to His Majesty now? Won¡¯t we be asking for trouble?¡±

    Giles: ¡°But it¡¯s a fact that our elite armored units were useless in the attack on Shostka. Even if we move them to the northern line, it would be more useful than wasting them here. I will make His Majesty understand this.¡±

    The other officers nced at each other.

    Giles added, ¡°Or do you think His Majesty doesn¡¯t have the magnanimity to understand such things?¡±

    The other officers immediately shook their heads.

    Giles: ¡°That¡¯s settled then. I will leave the front line tomorrow, and you will continue with the engineering work.¡±

 Chapter 256: Giless War (Additional Update 3/33)

    Within the territory of the Prosen Empire, Eagle¡¯s Nest, the headquarters of Emperor Reinhard.

    At the airport near Eagle¡¯s Nest, a Junkers Ju 52 tri-motor airne elegantlynded. After the ne came to a stop, a jeep followed by a medium-sized truck carrying a squad of soldiers drove up to the aircraft.

    Giles stepped out of the airne and nced at the deserted airport, his brow slightly furrowed.

    The weing major said at that moment, ¡°Your Majesty is waiting for you at Eagle¡¯s Nest. Due to the urgency of military affairs, no one else has been arranged to receive you besides the guards.¡±

    ¡°Understood,¡± Giles descended the gangway and got into the jeep. His aide-de-camp Feliz took the seat of the co-driver directly.

    Seeing this, the weing major stood directly on the step outside the truck¡¯s door, holding onto the door, and then made a gesture, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    The jeep driver pressed the gas pedal, and the motorcade left the airport, heading for Eagle¡¯s Nest along the winding mountain road.

    On the way, they passed by a ruin, and Giles, curious, asked, ¡°What¡¯s the story with the ruin?¡±

    Then he realized that due to his aide-de-camp¡¯s actions, the avable person to answer this question had taken the guard¡¯s vehicle.Giles could only close his mouth.

    A momentter, the car drove into a tunnel on the mountainside and continued to the deepest part, entering arge electric elevator.

    Apanied by the sound of the electric motor, the elevator began to ascend.

    This elevator seemed to have been built solely to boast of the Prosen Empire¡¯s achievements in mechanics and electrical power; it could lift the weight of a jeep and a truck, plus seventeen adults all at once.

    When the elevator stopped, the weing major made a gesture, ¡°If you please.¡±

    The elevator doors opened, and Giles stepped into the passageway of Eagle¡¯s Nest, making his way to the Emperor¡¯s office with ease. At the entrance to the office, Giles was just about to hand over his sidearm to the secretary, but the secretary said, ¡°His Majesty said you may carry your sidearm into the office.¡±

    Giles hesitated for a moment, then took off his sidearm with the holster anyway, ¡°I can carry my sidearm in, but it¡¯s not required, is it?¡±

    The secretary bowed, ¡°Then I shall keep it for you.¡±

    After taking the sidearm, the secretary pressed a button on the desk, and the doors to the office automatically opened.

    This fortress, seemingly to boast of Prosen¡¯s technological prowess, had automated doors driven by machinery everywhere.

    Prosen Emperor Reinhard stood in front of a massive sand table, staring at the entire battlefield as if he were a colossal god in control of everything.

    Hearing the door open, Reinhard, without turning his head, directly questioned, ¡°I hear you stopped the attack and began digging works?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I discovered that our armored forces are not suited for such an offensive.¡±

    Reinhard: ¡°Nonsense! In Carolingian, our armored forces broke through the fortified regions! Back then, our forces still had many Type 1 and Type 2 tanks!¡±

    ¡°Now our forces also have many Type 1 and Type 2 tanks. In Carolingian, we indeed achieved a glorious victory, but here, after attacking for a day, I achieved nothing but the loss of several hundred casualties and seventy tanks!¡±n/?/vel/b//in dot c//om

    Giles, neither servile nor overbearing, continued, ¡°Your Majesty! I understand that destroying the symbol of the enemy¡¯s will to resist has decisive significance, and war indeed is an extension of politics, but in the end, war is not politics!

    ¡°I know you pursue the gains of having the Asgard Knights, which symbolize your ideals, destroy the enemy¡¯s imperial iron wall, but the fact that our Armored Division is not suited for attacking fortified regions is irond!

    ¡°In Carolingian, our Armored Division was mainly responsible for encircling the enemy and cutting off their logistics. To present the Armored Division in front of the enemy entrenched along the river is a bad idea!¡±

    Faced with Giles¡¯s forceful statement, Reinhard looked at the sky: ¡°You¡­ make sense. That iron wall of Ante¡¯s, is it really that formidable? It made Zigfried, whose name is celebrated alongside our ancient heroes, give up in just one day?¡±

    Giles: ¡°I¡¯m named alongside heroes because my father named me after a hero. It¡¯s not a coincidence, nor is it any ¡®Divine Power¡¯ bestowed. It¡¯s my father¡¯s heartfelt wish.¡±

    ¡°But under the propaganda, it¡¯s no longer the case. Zig, you must defeat your enemy!¡± Reinhard stepped forward three paces, grabbing Giles¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Understand?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s why I¡¯vee to earnestly exin the pros and cons to you! We need the engineering corps for earthworks, to cope with the enemy who excels at using artillery! As long as we render the arcs drawn by their artillery in the sky ineffective, we can approach the river. Then, crossing it in smoke or using concealed 88 guns to destroy the enemy¡¯s armored trains will be as easy as flipping one¡¯s hand!¡± said Giles.

    The Emperor released Giles¡¯s shoulder and walked up to the map: ¡°What about the armored forces, then? The armored forces can¡¯t just travel to the front through tunnels, can they?¡±

    Giles: ¡°We could move the armored forces to the north to join the offensive there. Organization-wise, both the southern and northern pincers are troops of the Central Army Group, so such a move wouldn¡¯t be particrly troublesome.¡±

    ¡°But what about the distance?¡± Reinhard looked at his ssmate from military academy, ¡°Ante is not Carolingian. In Carolingian, such a move would be easy, just a matter of transporting them by train. But in Ante¡­ without railroad transportation, by the time they reach the north, most of the Armored Division will have broken down, with no more than thirty tanks able to move.¡±

    The Emperor returned to the map: ¡°As for using the railroad, look at Ante¡¯s railroad lines. All of them are radial, designed precisely for his troops to be continuously sent from the rear to the front. From the perspective of transporting reserve troops to the front line, their railways are extremely efficient!¡±

    Giles: ¡°Not to worry. Once our infantry and engineers break through the defenses and capture Shostka, the armored forces will still have a chance to gallop across the ins. Beyond the Duva River, it will all be opennd to Ye Fort.¡±

    Reinhard, looking at the map in silence for a while, asked, ¡°How long do you estimate it will take to break through the Duva River and capture Shostka?¡±

    ¡°Twenty days. That¡¯s a conservative estimate. In fact, before I took off, the engineers¡¯test report stated that the digging work would almost reach the riverbank in about ten days, after which we can consider building a pontoon bridge under smoke cover.¡±

    Reinhard nced at the calendar: ¡°Hmm, eptable. A breakthrough in 20 days is manageable.¡±

    The Emperor came in front of Giles: ¡°I ask you, can we publicly im that you will break through the enemy¡¯sst hope of a defense line within 20 days?¡±

    Giles nodded: ¡°No problem at all. And then, my armored army will gallop across Ante¡¯s fields.¡±

    The Emperor nodded: ¡°Good! Then let¡¯s do it as you say. Break through the Duva River and capture Shostka on October 12th!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    In the year 914 of Jules, on September 23rd, Shostka.

    Early in the morning, Wang Zhong arrived at the division¡¯s bunker headquarters and found only a few staff members on duty; the night shift¡¯s Popov was nowhere to be seen.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on? Where¡¯s the Bishop?¡±

    ¡°He had bad luck this morning and got diarrhea,¡± a staff member said.

    Wang Zhong sighed, knowing that nobody could me a person for having diarrhea, and it certainly couldn¡¯t be allowed in the division¡¯s bunker¡ªthe smell would have been too much of a test.

    He went to the observation post and picked up the binocrs to take a look at the opposite riverbank, but as expected, he couldn¡¯t see anything.

    Then, he casually changed his viewing angle.

    This time he actually spotted the enemy!

    All day yesterday, the enemy didn¡¯t appear within the range he could highlight; he almost suspected they had suddenly ¡°gone offline.¡±

    Now, they finally appeared!

    Wang Zhong quickly checked what the enemy was doing and discovered they were digging trenches!

    Trench digging???

    Because in various World War II games, depictions of trench digging are rare, and most of the time it¡¯s soldier against soldier, tank against tank, locked in battle.

    Thest time he sawrge-scale trench digging was in the movie ¡°The Great Battle,¡± where our forces, with inferior equipment, used trench digging to approach enemy positions with superior firepower.

    The movie even included a ssic scene shot from a first-person perspective that simted moving through trenches.

    He remembered the dialogue in the movie: ¡°The trenches must be dug to within 50 meters of the enemy¡¯s position!¡±

    Could the enemy be thinking of using this same tactic?

    So, you¡¯re not using your tanks anymore?

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized that seeing the enemy meant he couldn¡¯t just ignore them. Regardless of what the enemy was doing, the thing to do was to start bombing.

    So he said to the staff member on duty, ¡°Get in touch with the artillery battalion! The enemy is engaged in trench digging, implement fire n one, open fire!¡±

    Five minutester, artillery shells fell.

    Hearing the sound of the artillery, Pavlov and Popov both hurried to the divisionmand post.

    Pavlov: ¡°What happened?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy was advancing their trench digging, I spotted it, so I ordered a round of bombardment.¡±

    Pavlov and Popov quickly grabbed binocrs and ran to the observation post to look out.

    ¡°There really is trench digging, and that mound of earth looks obviously like it was dug out. I¡¯m quite sure that wasn¡¯t there yesterday,¡± Pavlov put down the binocrs. ¡°I suggest we get Colonel Eugene to take a look at it, hees from a mining background, and has basically overseen the construction of all our fortifications.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Colonel Eugene observed solemnly for half an hour before he put down the binocrs and said to Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s definitely trench digging.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, I used a cheat to see that, tell me something I don¡¯t know.

    Eugene continued, ¡°The bombardment this morning doesn¡¯t seem to have done much, mainly because our artillery can¡¯t ensure the shells fall into the trenches. Plus, trenches are generally W-shaped, so even if a shell falls into one, it can only kill the people in that section of the trench.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So the bombardment is useless?¡±

    ¡°It has some use, the enemy can¡¯t work when we¡¯re bombarding. As long as we have enough artillery to keep bombarding, the enemy can¡¯t possibly advance.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s face crumpled.

    Eugene understood immediately, ¡°We can¡¯t keep bombarding, can we?¡±

    ¡°Correct,¡± Wang Zhong nodded, it was time to think of a strategy.

    He started pacing in the bunker.

    Popov even tried to console him, ¡°It¡¯s not like the moment they break through that we¡¯re inevitably going to fall. Our n also ounts for the possibility that the enemy sessfully crosses the river and then we battle them on the beachhead.¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips.

    Suddenly, he asked Colonel Eugene, ¡°How long do you estimate it will take the enemy to dig through?¡±

    Eugene: ¡°When we were building the fortifications on the opposite bridgehead, I tested the soil on the western bank. I estimate it will take fifteen days.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to ask Pavlov, ¡°The airfield has a meteorological unit, right? What¡¯s thetest weather forecast? How soon will it rain?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°ording to the forecast, it will be another 20 days.¡±

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh, ¡°We should inform themander on the other side of this situation! Let him know he¡¯s running out of time!¡±

    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and

    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 257: Friendly Advice

    Wang Zhong finished speaking, and the others in the room were slow to catch on.

    Vasily: ¡°Wait a minute, so General, are you saying you want to talk to the enemy? Call out to them using radio?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head: ¡°No, that would seem too informal, and it would only let our immediate enemies hear us. After all, even with the best radio equipment we have, themunication range is only so far.

    ¡°We need to make sure that all the enemies facing us get this friendly reminder, so let¡¯s use a radio broadcast in in code to openly tell them.¡±

    Pavlov frowned, looking at Popov: ¡°If this doesn¡¯t vite military discipline¡­¡±

    Popov scratched his head, which was already quite bare: ¡°Sending messages in in code to our own troops and leaking military information would definitely be treason. But sending messages in in code to the enemy, and talking about the weather, that should not count as treason.

    ¡°I think it should be treated like having a casual chat over the radio during nonbat times, which means being confined to barracks.¡±

    Vasily was shocked: ¡°Won¡¯t they do something more severe?¡±

    Popov: ¡°Usually not. So, we can make the telegrapher who sends the message take the me and confine him to barracks for a week.¡±Wang Zhong: ¡°That works, let¡¯s send the message in in code then.¡±

    Pavlov, still clearly wishing to prevent this unconventional tactic, said: ¡°The enemy¡¯s meteorological department should know about this, right? No, their observation equipment is better than ours. Are we meddling unnecessarily?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Since the enemy¡¯s meteorological department also knows, then there¡¯s even less of a problem with us sending this telegram. Go ahead and send it.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Prussian Army, Asgard Knights First Army Headquarters.

    Giles was meeting with themander of a newly joined engineer brigade when suddenly amunications staff officer entered, stood at attention, saluted, and said loudly: ¡°Report! We¡¯ve received an unsigned telegram in in code, sent using the International Civil Aviation Organization¡¯s standard code. Judging from the tone of the telegram, it seems to be from the enemy.¡±

    Giles frowned: ¡°International Civil Aviation Organization¡¯s standard code?¡±

    Themunications staff officer immediately exined: ¡°Even when sending telegrams in in code without encryption, the codes for differentnguages vary. The International Civil Aviation Organization¡¯s standard code is a set of international codes adopted to solve this problem, based on the Anglonguage of the United Kingdom.¡±

    ¡°I see. So, what does the telegram say?¡± Giles asked curiously.

    The staff officer picked up the telegram paper and read from it: ¡°¡®To the respectedmander of the Prussian Army, having observed your forces carrying out earthworks, we kindly remind you that in half a month, the autumn rain season will begin, and conditions will be unsuitable for offensive operations.¡¯

    Giles¡¯s eyebrows knitted together: ¡°What does that mean? Why would the autumn rain make it unsuitable for an offensive?¡±

    The adjutant, Feliz, reminded: ¡°In the situation reports issued by the High Command about Ante, it was mentioned that transport in Ante would be somewhat affected during the rainy season.¡±@@novelbin@@

    As soon as he finished speaking, the chief of staff confidently said: ¡°That¡¯s why we nned for a 20 percent redundancy in our supply ns. Even if it rains, it won¡¯t affect our offensive.¡±

    Giles thought for a moment and said: ¡°Let¡¯s still consult the meteorological department. And call over the Air Forcemander too. After we push the trenches to the western bank of the Duva River, we¡¯ll need their cooperation.¡±

    The Prussian Army originally had its own meteorological department, but Duke Meyer, believing that meteorology also fell under the jurisdiction of the Air Force, protested to the emperor for many days. The emperor, with the intention of weakening the traditional officer corps, transferred the meteorological responsibilities to the Air Force.

    Therefore, even though Giles was favored by the emperor, he still had to invite the Air Forcemander and the meteorological department personnel together.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Thirty minutester, an Air Force Major General, apanied by a colonel and several aides, arrived at the headquarters of the First Army.

    Giles: ¡°Did you receive that in code telegram?¡±

    ¡°Of course, we did. We even conducted triangtion to confirm that the telegram came from that¡ªWhite Horse General.¡± The Air Force Major General deliberately paused before mentioning the nickname of the White Horse General.

    Rocossov would surely have an interesting expression if he knew he¡¯d been given a ¡°space¡± before his title, but sadly he would never know.

    Giles: ¡°So, are we really entering the rainy season?¡±

    The Air Force Major General stepped to the side, yielding the floor to the colonel he brought with him.

    The colonel¡¯s sleeve bore the insignia of the meteorological troops. With the Major General¡¯s permission, he immediately opened his briefcase, took out the documents, and ced them on the map table: ¡°We¡¯ve been discreetly recording the meteorological information from all over Ante since the year 910. Our intelligence department promised to steal Ante¡¯s own meteorological records, but so far, they have not fulfilled that promise.¡±

    Upon hearing this, someone among Giles¡¯s subordinatesughed: ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for Rabowell to fail?¡±

    The colonel ignored the jab at the intelligence department and continued: ¡°ording to our records, Ante really will enter the rainy season in the middle of next month. The timing of the first rain each year is quite consistent; in the year 910 it was on October 11, in 911 on October 9, and the following year on the 14th.

    ¡°We believe this year will also see rain around the 10th.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Is the impact of the rain significant?¡±

    Colonel: ¡°It will cause a certain level of traffic congestion.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Will it lead to difficulty in military operations?¡±

    ¡°No, in fact, during the civil war within the Ante Empire, they often operated during the rainy season,¡± the Colonel took out another record. ¡°Before I came here, I specificallypiled the war history of the Ante Empire¡¯s civil war. There were many military operations during the rainy seasons over three years, like the First Cavalry Army¡¯s famous raid.¡±

    Giles frowned deeply: ¡°Cavalry isn¡¯t quite the same as our mechanized units, is it?¡±

    Feliz: ¡°General, could the hooves of a horse possibly have better terrain adaptability than our tracks?¡±

    Colonel: ¡°Still, it¡¯s best to prepare for the worst and to assume a redundancy of about thirty percent would be appropriate.¡±

    Giles still frowned deeply and, after pondering for a while, said, ¡°Get a local, ask about the situation¡­ You haven¡¯t killed them all, have you?¡±

    Feliz immediately said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, when we upied Argesukov in August, the Emperor had already issued an order. Considering that the upied area is toorge, it¡¯s necessary to retain a sufficientbor force. Therefore, systematic cleansing has already ended.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll have them bring a few locals over now.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    After the adjutant left, the Air Force Major General said, ¡°Why did the White General send this telegram?¡±

    Giles wore a pensive expression, clearly he hadn¡¯t figured it out either.

    But the Chief of Staff of the First Army spoke up: ¡°Because earthwork is his Achilles¡¯ heel, his most adept artillery fire has no ce to be used. He¡¯s in a hurry now.¡±

    ¡°I see,¡± the Air Force Major General nodded and continued, ¡°This White General is a bit strange. Yesterday when the pilots from JG17 (the Prosen Air Force¡¯s unit number) were hunting down their artillery spotters, they heard shouts in Antenguage.¡±

    ¡°Shouts in Antenguage?¡± Giles lifted his head.

    Major General: ¡°There are quite a few yboys among the pilots, and many of them know Ante and Carolingiannguages. So someone heard, they were shouting ¡®Break S, drill into the blind spot under the belly, the 109¡¯s roll is bad during the dive.¡±

    Giles: ¡°And the actual situation?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ve flown the 109E3 that our troops are currently equipped with, and indeed, the control stick is very heavy during a dive. Actually, it¡¯s not because of the dive, but because of the speed,¡± the Air Force Major General gestured with his hands. ¡°The 109 can never exceed 600 kilometers per hour in level flight, in fact, we rarely fly to the maximum speed of 536 kilometers per hour listed on paper during operations. But the speed might reach 700 kilometers per hour during a dive.¡±

    Giles: ¡°You mean, the White General is very knowledgeable about our fighters?¡±

    ¡°Right.¡±

    Giles: ¡°And the ¡®Break S¡¯? Is that a term?¡±

    ¡°Yes. It¡¯s the exact opposite maneuver of the Immelman Turn. The motion is roughly like this.¡± The Major General snapped his fingers, and his adjutant immediately stepped forward with a box. Opening it, there were two intricate fighter ne models inside.

    Then the Major General picked up one of the models and began to demonstrate.

    While demonstrating, he also exined: ¡°You can use the Break S during level flight. If an enemy is on your tail, you can use a better roll to enter a Break S, which can instantly make the enemy lose sight of the target.

    ¡°And when the attacking aircraft is diving from a higher altitude, because of the attacker¡¯s high speed and decreased maneuverability, the Break S often allows slipping into the attacker¡¯s blind spot. However, this maneuver doesn¡¯t give the defender an advantage. As long as the attacker doesn¡¯t forcibly follow but instead pulls up to regain altitude using their speed, the next engagement will still be in their advantage.¡±

    Giles: ¡°What if the attacker does follow?¡±

    The Major General shrugged, ¡°First, you have to control the speed, throttle back while adjusting the pitch of the propeller, using the resistance of the propeller and the like. Fighters don¡¯t have airbrakes like dive bombers,cking means to quickly reduce speed under such circumstances.

    ¡°Even if the speed is controlled, you¡¯ve needlessly lost lots of energy. It¡¯s foolish. So, experienced pilots who encounter a Break S from the enemy will give up the attack and recover altitude to seek another opportunity to battle.

    ¡°But most of the time, there¡¯s no chance for another battle. Our pilots like mboyant liveries, a pride inherited from the Red Baron, but enemy pilots prefer camouge. Once they dive close to the ground, they blend in with it and are difficult to detect.

    ¡°Yesterday¡¯s battle was the same; ourds shot down one, the rest of the enemy nes all flew low and escaped.

    ¡°Ourds are proud Eagles, while the enemy is just a bunch of sparrows.¡±

    Giles: ¡°You didn¡¯t have to go into such detail, I understand that Break S is a practical aerialbat maneuver. But how would the White General know about this? Isn¡¯t he from an infantry background?¡±

    Everyone looked at each other before the Chief of Staff finally said, ¡°Maybe the Crown Prince of Ante is quite versatile? Many noble young masters like flying.¡±

    Giles nodded, seemingly epting this exnation.

    At this moment, Feliz entered: ¡°We¡¯ve caught some locals.¡±

    ¡°Bring them in,¡± Giles paused then corrected himself, ¡°Please bring them in.¡±

 Chapter 258: The Sneer from the Ante Farmer

    An Ante man dressed as a farmer was brought into the room.

    Giles scrutinized him for a moment and praised, ¡°Farmers are most familiar with the conditions of rainfall and the earth, very good. Ask him how much autumn rain can affect transportation.¡±

    The lieutenant who brought in the farmer immediately asked in the Antenguage.

    The farmer didn¡¯t hurry to answer and instead looked curiously around, showing no sign of fear at all.

    The lieutenant cursed in the Antenguage, ¡°Suka! Answer the question!¡±

    The farmer nced at him and then at Giles, ¡°The impact of the rain is just that, isn¡¯t it? Mule carts can¡¯t carry too much, or the mules won¡¯t be able to pull. Also, you must reinforce the axles of the carts in advance, or there might be idents.

    ¡°The hooves of horses always have a variety of problems, and sometimes horses sprain their legs. Such horses prone to spraining cannot be used for breeding, as they might pass the defects to the foals¡­ In the end, all you can do is kill them and eat their meat¡­¡±

    ¡°Enough!¡± the lieutenant cursed, ¡°Answer the question!¡±

    The farmer widened his eyes at the lieutenant, ¡°Aren¡¯t I answering the question? Isn¡¯t this the impact of the rain that you asked about?¡±The captain sighed and began to trante for Giles.

    Giles listened seriously and said, ¡°It seems that the rain has quite a severe impact on transportation¡­¡±

    The chief of staff said, ¡°This might be because the Ante people are too negligent in the care of their livestock. For instance, the part about horse sprains seems like a problem caused by poor care. This just shows that inferior races are like this.¡±

    However, Giles didn¡¯t pay attention to the chief of staff and continued, ¡°Is the cirction of goods still normal during the rainy season? Can you normally purchase goods?¡±

    After the lieutenant tranted, the old farmerughed, ¡°Buy normal goods? How could that be possible! Before there were no church stores, all sorts of goods were incredibly expensive during the rainy season and the grain-mashing period.

    ¡°Now the good people of the church sell goods at fair prices, and the Judge even had that hoarding Lord Boye shot!¡±

    Once the lieutenant tranted, the chief of staff scoffed coldly, ¡°Hmph, just the church¡¯s way of buying people¡¯s hearts!¡±

    Giles angrily said, ¡°Don¡¯t speak!¡±

    Then he turned to Feliz, ¡°It looks like the impact of this rainy season might be bigger than we anticipated.¡±

    Feliz said, ¡°Our contingency ns already have a twenty percent redundancy. Can a little rain reduce our transport capacity by twenty percent? Moreover, the old farmer also said that mule carts could be used; they just need frequent axle maintenance.

    ¡°Our mule carts are much more sophisticated than those of the Ante people. How about we increase the redundancy to thirty percent?¡±

    Giles nodded, ¡°Yes, thirty percent.¡±

    At this moment, the old farmer asked, ¡°What, you can¡¯t attack anymore, waiting for the rain toe?¡±

    The others, who could not understand the Antenguage, looked curiously at the old farmer.

    The lieutenant, who understood Ante, promptly pped the farmer, ¡°That¡¯s none of your business!¡±

    Giles said, ¡°Don¡¯t hit him! What did he say?¡±

    ¡°He asked if we can¡¯t advance and if we are waiting for the rain,¡± the lieutenant replied.

    Giles said, ¡°Answer ¡®yes¡¯.¡±

    Once the lieutenant tranted, a smile appeared on the corners of the farmer¡¯s mouth.

    Giles asked, ¡°Ask him why he is smiling.¡±

    (After tranting)

    The farmer replied, ¡°I just thought of something pleasing, Colonel sir.¡±

    Feliz was about to get angry, but Giles stopped him, ¡°Let it be. Our Knight Order¡¯s generals don¡¯t have red cor patches; the Ante farmer doesn¡¯t recognize them. Saying the highest military rank is fine.

    ¡°Take him away, give him some gifts and food.¡±

    Feliz nodded and then, with a stern voice, gave the orders, while the lieutenant who did the trantion roughly dragged the old farmer out of the room.

    Feliz turned back, seeing Giles with a serious face.

    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he reassured, ¡°even if the Ante people can maintain transportation during the rainy season, it just proves it¡¯s not that scary. Intelligence shared by the High Command also mentioned rain, which might affect transportation.¡±

    Giles replied, ¡°Remember the big traffic jam at the start of the war? High Command wasn¡¯t reliablest time.¡±

    At this moment, the Air Force Major General present¡ªwho also didn¡¯t have the red cor patch¡ªsaid, ¡°We have already established modern airports. Even if ground transportation is hindered, we can airdrop supplies.¡±

    Giles nodded and turned to the map of the war zone, ¡°We will still proceed with the earthwork. Meanwhile, let all units start stockpiling ammunition and other supplies.¡±

    Feliz asked, ¡°Should we reply to the enemy?¡±

    After thinking it over, Giles said, ¡°Send a clear telegram, state that we are aware and appreciate the warning. Sign my name at the end of the telegram.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Inside the bunker of Ante Army¡¯s elite mechanized infantry division headquarters.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong looked at the enemy¡¯s reply, his face long with disappointment, ¡°The enemy didn¡¯t fall for it!¡±

    Pavlov looked worried, ¡°Have they really prepared for the muddiness? If so, General, your war concept has ws!¡±

    For a moment, Wang Zhong truly felt as if Prosen, being Jude, might actually have some impressive countermeasures. But then he thought that although Prosen had rolled out some equipment that Sturmtiger on Earth would only be able to have in a few years, their overall level wasn¡¯t too far beyond Sturmtiger.

    Moreover, Prosen had basically stepped in all the traps Sturmtiger had encountered in the Earth¡¯s war history without missing any.

    There shouldn¡¯t be too much of a problem.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Since the enemy doesn¡¯t ept our kind advice, let¡¯s just y trench warfare with them. Tonight we¡¯ll organize a night raid squad, sneak over, and give them a surprise to slow down their digging.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Okay.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Grigori!¡±

    The sergeant major entered the bunker: ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tonight, you¡¯ll lead the raid team. Don¡¯t cross the bridge to get there; it¡¯s too conspicuous. Have the Naval Infantry row you across quietly¡ªthe key is to be silent.¡±

    Grigori: ¡°Understood. Am I to select the troops for the assault myself?¡±

    ¡°You pick them yourself,¡± Wang Zhong nodded.

    Pavlov: ¡°Should we coordinate with the Naval Infantry? They¡¯re continuing to send people over tonight to cover the technicians dismantling the radio station. Why not send them together?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s fine too. You contact the Naval Infantry. To cover the raiding troops, we¡¯ll provide artillery preparation tonight. With our current fire support n, the raiding troops can get as close as thirty meters without worrying about our own fire.¡±

    ¡°Fine.¡± Pavlov picked up the handset, then suddenlyughed, ¡°This thing is bing my tool of the trade, like a farmer and his hoe.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What are you talking about? That¡¯s clearly your weapon! Just like my little tank.¡±

    Pavlov frowned: ¡°What ¡®little tank¡¯? Your way of putting things is kind of disgusting.¡±

    It was you who started it!

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At two in the morning.

    Wang Zhong, more tense than during the day,y beside the observation window, watching the opposite bank.

    Thanks to external support, he could clearly see that the enemy¡¯s trenches had advanced 100 meters and were now 1,200 meters from the bank.

    At this rate, they would reach the bank in another twelve days.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s external aids were many times more powerful at night than during the day. Under this visibility, the fact that he could see Prosen troops making coffee in the distant trenches was terrifying.

    Wang Zhong even thought, if he hadn¡¯t joined the Ante People but instead gone to the United Kingdom, he probably would have been part of the Allied Forces¡¯ daredevil squad, causing trouble for the Prussians with that hero who yed the bagpipes and brandished a longsword and longbow.

    At this moment, he saw the Naval Infantry¡¯s boats setting off.

    Originally, Wang Zhong thought the boats would be rowed with oars, but the sailors ced ropes in the water, stretching straight to the opposite bank, and, like tug-of-war, pulled themselves across.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know when the Naval Infantry had ced the ropes; maybe they did it on the first day when theynded to nk the enemy, left the ropes there just for nighttime raids.

    One had to admit, the initiative of the Naval Infantry was terrifyingly high.

    Wang Zhong watched as Grigori led themando team ashore and was surprised to find an entirepany of Naval Infantry moving with them.

    It appeared that the Naval Infantry also nned a night raid and had readily agreed to join forces.

    Now, from Wang Zhong¡¯s vantage point, there were three of our army¡¯s markersnding at the crossing point. A Naval Infantrypany halted in ce, likely in charge of covering the technician¡¯s dismantling of the radio.

    The other two markers slowly approached the enemy trenches.

    Due to low visibility, Wang Zhong could only see the units¡¯ markers and not the specific actions of the people.

    On the other hand, the enemy was quite clear because of the highlighting feature¡ªno, that¡¯s not right. Only those within Wang Zhong¡¯s line of sight were highlighted, just one section of the trenches. The target of Grigori¡¯s raid was just out of Wang Zhong¡¯s highlighting range.

    Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°Send me two more guards, I need to get closer to observe the situation.¡±

    Pavlov was shocked: ¡°Are you nning to cross the river?¡±

    Popov was off catching up on sleep, not in the bunker, but he probably would have had the same reaction if he were present.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I¡¯m just walking along our positions. A walk. I overate tonight.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Overeat? But you didn¡¯t eat much, did you?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I had a lot of pastries, and they expanded with water. Now I need to walk it off, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°But the artillery preparation is about to begin, is it okay for you to leave themand post at this time? The enemy might retaliate too.¡±

    Wang Zhong had to give up. He had enough experience with enemy shelling over the past few days; without solid concrete fortifications, the barrages would have been sufficient to break the Guard Division.

    He had no desire to face the shelling outside the bunker.

    If he thought about it, even if he made it to a position where he could highlight the target location, he wouldn¡¯t be able to help. After all, this wasn¡¯t him personallymanding tankbat, where he could immediately direct tank fire upon highlighting the enemy.

    Just then, music suddenly drifted from across the river.

    Because the sound was too faint, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t clearly make out the song and asked Vasily: ¡°Musician, what song is that?¡±

    Vasily listened intently for a few seconds, then said, ¡°It seems to be ¡®Katyusha¡¯.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy is ying ¡®Katyusha¡¯?¡±

    Vasily listened again and nodded, ¡°Yes, it¡¯s ¡®Katyusha¡¯, and a woman is singing it. Probably yed on a captured phonograph.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth formed an O-shape.

    At that moment, Pavlov said, ¡°It¡¯s time, shall we start the artillery preparation?¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to say ¡°Fire,¡± he suddenly saw the two units making their way towards the enemy lines speeding up their movement.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t, don¡¯t fire! There¡¯s a change in the situation!¡±

    Vote2left

 Chapter 259: Night Raid (Supplement 4/33)

    On the west bank of the Duva River, Prussian Army frontline trenches.

    Captain Hans looked at the thing the engineers were carrying over and asked, ¡°So, you want to listen to music in this kind of environment?¡±

    Someone from Hans¡¯s subordinates shouted, ¡°There isn¡¯t a tailcoat for you to change into here!¡±

    ¡°Nor are there any pretty girls!¡± another sergeant shouted.

    Everyone burst intoughter.

    ¡°We found this in a nice house nearby, that house was turned into a dangerous building by the Ante People¡¯s own artillery fire, so we rescued the phonograph. There¡¯s also a piano that our colonel ns to take for his father-inw,¡± the Captain of the engineers, who was in charge of moving the phonograph, said.

    Captain Hans: ¡°Your colonel¡¯s father-inw?¡±

    ¡°A general, an old Junker,¡± said the captain as he pointed to the newly dug bomb shelter entrance, ¡°Just put it at the entrance of this hole.¡±

    The soldiers moving the phonograph said, ¡°There¡¯s no electricity though.¡±¡°This machine can be cranked by hand! Idiot! Hurry up and connect the speaker, then grab that handle and start winding.¡±

    The private fitted the speaker and began to crank by hand.

    The captain then picked a record from a box held by another of his men: ¡°Look at this, damn, can¡¯t understand what¡¯s written on it. Let¡¯s have a listen.¡±

    After saying this, the captain ced the record on the spinning turntable, then picked up the sound box and ced the needle on the record.

    At first, only a soft static noise came from the speaker, then the music began to y.

    Captain Hans smoked and listened to the music, even starting to tap his foot to the beat: ¡°Not bad at all.¡±

    Someone shouted, ¡°That woman¡¯s got a real nice voice, must be great when she calls out!¡±

    ¡°Bastard! Don¡¯t defile art!¡± Hans scolded, ¡°Thinking about f***ing all day long! Can¡¯t you properly assimte the¡­ the¡­ what¡¯s the word? Forge? Smoke-cure?¡±

    ¡°Cultivation,¡± said the Captain of the engineers.

    ¡°Oh right, right, engineers sure know a lot!¡±

    ¡°I studied architecture in Weinahr, now I spend all day researching how to blow up buildings. Being transferred here to dig is like returning to my old trade,¡± the engineer captain said.

    Hansughed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll have your moment to shine. His Majesty the Emperor said that once we conquer Ante, we¡¯ll drive them all out, and each of us will have a thousand acres ofnd!¡±

    ¡°A thousand acres!¡± eximed the soldier who had just been thinking about f***ing, ¡°That¡¯s going to be deadly tiring to farm!¡±

    ¡°Right, so a fine Prussian man will need to marry four wives then, and have them give birth every day!¡± Captain Hans said, puffing out a ring of smoke proudly and watching it disperse into the night.

    Beside him, the phonograph emitted a song that was unintelligible.

    ¡°The song isn¡¯t lively enough, turn it up faster!¡± the engineer captain said.

    The soldier operating the crank immediately quickened his pace.

    What was originally a sentimental tune instantly became something full of passion.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Grigori was originally crawling on the ground, but when he heard what the song was singing, he stopped abruptly, his brows furrowed.

    Seeing this, everyone else also stopped. The Lieutenantmanding thepany asked Grigori softly, ¡°Did they capture a singing girl?¡±

    Grigori shook his head, ¡°No, it feels like a phonograph. Listen, it¡¯s speeding up and slowing down, obviously someone is cranking it by hand.¡±

    At that moment,ughter from the enemy came through the song, not knowing what they wereughing at.

    Then the singing of ¡°Katyusha¡± suddenly sped up.

    Hearing the familiar melody turn into a tuneless thing, Grigori stood up and strode forward with great strides.

    Thepanymander following him was shocked, ¡°Are you mad? The enemy sentries will open fire if they spot us!¡±

    However, there was no firing, and the enemy didn¡¯t even realize what Grigori meant.

    Then the men from the Naval Infantry stood up, quickly advancing in a skirmish line.

    Seeing this, many from the Army also stood up, their skirmish line was not as neat as that of the Naval Infantry, but they advanced rapidly as ifpeting in a race walk with the sailors.

    The captain saw the situation and also stood up, cursing as he did so, ¡°Damn it, forget about it!¡±

    Seeing the captain stand up, the rest of thepany got to their feet as well.

    In the pitch-ck night, the skirmish line rolled forward like a tidal wave, heading towards the enemy trench.

    Grigori, walking at the front, heard another burst ofughter and quickened his pace.

    At that moment, the captain ran up to him, ¡°What will we do if they fire at us?¡±

    Grigori: ¡°The general said as long as we keep thirty meters from the enemy, we won¡¯t get hit. If artillery falls, we can still get down in time. If we are already within thirty meters when the shelling starts, we can charge forward and take cover in the trenches.¡±

    The captain was astonished, ¡°Is this tactic even sound?¡±

    Grigori didn¡¯t answer, but broke into a run instead.

    The nearby Naval Infantrymen immediately caught on and started running as well.

    Soon, the entire line was running, with nobody shouting. Only footsteps and the sound of breathing filled the night air.

    And just like that, this bunch of men charged to the front of the trench, the whole time unnoticed by the Prosen sentries.

    Perhaps the Prosen soldiers had all their attention captured by the images depicted in the Imperial propaganda.

    Just then, Grigori heard the sound of an electric buzzering from the direction of the trench.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Hans was in the midst ofughing with his men when suddenly the electric buzzer sounded, so he turned his head and shouted, ¡°Time¡¯s up, fire the res! Let¡¯s see if any Ante rats are sneaking around!¡±

    The sentry watching their side immediately replied, ¡°Got it.¡±

    Then he picked up the re gun, and as he loaded the illumination round, he nced toward the gramophone.

    Just at that moment, a sentry from farther away shouted, ¡°Who¡¯s there? Aho!¡±

    In Prosennguage, one can shout ¡°Aho¡± when spotting something unusual, or more formally, cry ¡°Ah ku tong.¡±

    The sentry¡¯s shout didn¡¯t alert the Prosen soldiers, who were gathered togetherughing and chatting.

    However, in the next moment, gunfire erupted.

    The Prosen area instantly fell silent, even the soldier who was cranking the gramophone stopped.

    Captain Hans reacted, yelling, ¡°Ah ku tong! To your positions! Machine guns, fire! Light the re!¡±

    As he shouted, the sentrypleted loading the re and stretched the re gun out of the trench, shooting it into the sky.

    The red re soared, unveiling a corner of the night.

    The Ante soldiers in ck revealed their snarling faces.

    Hans shouted, ¡°Fire at will!¡±

    The machine guns started firing.

    But the soldiers in ck seemed not to fear the machine guns at all; as the bullets flew, they showed no intention of ducking and instead started running, quickly moving out of the re¡¯s illumination.

    Captain Hans heard the machine gunner wailing, ¡°They¡¯re not afraid of the machine guns!¡±

    The captain replied, ¡°Don¡¯t panic! Fire! If they¡¯re human, they¡¯ll fear the machine guns!¡±

    Suddenly, the re seemed to be hit; its parachute damaged by bullets, and so the still-burning body of the illumination re rapidly fell to the ground.

    Now the entire battlefield plunged into darkness.

    The captain ordered, ¡°Another re! And bring up the mortars! Fire to halt their advance!¡±

    As soon as he spoke, the sh from the machine gun fire illuminated an angry face, along with a sailor¡¯s jumper visible within the V-shaped cor of the ck uniform, and the streamers hanging behind the cap.

    The machine gunner, terrified, swung the gun toward the demon, but his adversary charged at him with a stride and lunged with a bay.

    The machine gun fell silent.

    More soldiers in ck jumped into the trench.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Grigori entered the trench from the opposite side. Just as the re was fired, the Imperial Guard¡¯s division infantry he led had not been hit by the light.

    Since the machine gun fire was mostly concentrated on the Naval Infantry, Grigori sprinted madly, closing to a distance where he could throw grenades.

    He didn¡¯t charge directly into closebat like the sailors, but insteady prone and lobbed grenades first.

    After the explosion, a piercing shriek, like that of a pig being ughtered, rose from the trench.@@novelbin@@

    Grigori, clutching his submachine gun, leapt to the edge of the trench and sprayed bullets inside.

    At that moment, other soldiers¡¯ grenades fell into the trench.

    Seeing this, Grigori hastily slid to the side andy at the trench¡¯s edge.

    The next moment, a barrage of explosions erupted within the trench.

    Then the Imperial Guard infantry, with bays fixed to their Tokarevs, moved in.

    Grigori eximed, ¡°You bastards nearly blew me up!¡±

    ¡°But we didn¡¯t, did we?¡±

    Grigori barked, ¡°No chitchat! Clear the trench, recognize the cloaks! Also, the sailors with streamer caps andrgepels! Those without these are the enemy! Hurry!¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than another series of explosions burst from a trench less than ten meters from him.

    Grigori shouted, ¡°It¡¯s our own men in the trenches now! Stop throwing the grenades! Risk of friendly fire! Engage in closebat! Watch for the cloaks andrgepels!¡±

    Suddenly, Grigori saw someone standing up from the trench nearby, firing with a Prosen MP40.

    He immediately retaliated with his own MP40, unleashing a burst that sent the enemy ducking back into the trench, then hey on the trench edge to reload.

    In the dark, someone shouted in Prosennguage.

    Grigori, after reloading, got up, leaped into the trench, and charged toward the voice, only toe upon a golden trumpet.

    Beside the trumpet, a Prosen, likely an officer, was yelling.

    It was too dark to see clearly.

    Grigori fired a long burst, probably hitting the man with about five bullets, who then clutched his chest and fell.

    With the Prosen officer down, it revealed another Prosen soldier behind him grasping the handle of the gramophone.

    Grigori locked eyes with the Prosen.

    The next instant he pulled the trigger, feeling not a shred of pity for the enemy engaged in an activity so out of ce on the battlefield.

    After downing the private, Grigori rushed forward, grabbed the record of ¡°Katyusha¡± that had been on the yer, tucked it into the pocket behind his magazine pouch, and then with a single swing destroyed the cumbersome gramophone with the butt of his gun.

    By then the Ante forces had seized control of the trench, and Grigori shouted, ¡°Find the maps! Everyone look for maps! The general needs a map to arrange artillery fire!¡±

    At that moment, an infantry lieutenant approached, ¡°Why hasn¡¯t the artillery firee? It¡¯s past the agreed time!¡±

    Grigori replied, ¡°The enemy fired a re. The general probably knows we¡¯ve broken through, so he didn¡¯t call for the artillery.¡±

    The lieutenant eximed in astonishment, ¡°The general is that impressive?¡±

    ¡°Of course! How else could he make the enemy tremble at the mention of his name?¡± Grigori said with undisguised pride. ¡°Stop standing around! Find the maps! Hurry and find the maps! Grab any documents if you can¡¯t find maps, otherwise our assault would have been for nothing!¡±

    Then a sailor in ck approached, ¡°Stop yelling, we¡¯ve captured a wounded captain!¡±

 Chapter 260: The Situation on September 24th (Supplementary Update 5/33)

    ¡°`

    ¡°Has he confessed?¡± Wang Zhong asked, rising Popov.

    This time, capturing prisoners, he didn¡¯t waste time meeting with them face-to-face but handed them over to the ¡°professionals.¡±

    Popov: ¡°He has, in fact, he spilled everything as soon as he saw the Judge, and even embellished a bit.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked curiously, ¡°Embellished a bit?¡±

    ¡°Yes, saying that we are about to lose anyway, so it doesn¡¯t hurt to tell us,¡± Popov said, spreading his hands, ¡°Are they colluding? Normally, I¡¯d suspect this to be an enemy trap.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, so what did he reveal?¡±

    ¡°The progress chart for the earthworks, the rotation schedule¡ªbut the recent night raid has nearly wiped out apany, and the rotation will definitely be disrupted. Additionally, there¡¯s interesting news that now, anymand post above the division level within our artillery range relocated every two days.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied with suspicion, ¡°Relocate every two days; must theyy the phone lines all over again?¡±Based on Wang Zhong¡¯s experience thus far, once the division headquarters was established, it was quite difficult to change because a plethora of phone lines ran from the headquarters and needed to be rid entirely if the location was to be altered.

    This was a very, very troublesome task. Given themunication battalion¡¯s capabilities of the Ante Army, it would take about a day toy the lines to each regiment, meaning that every time the division¡¯s location changed, a day was spentying lines. Before the lines were done,munication had to be conducted via couriers.

    Popov: ¡°The interrogated man was a captain, just apanymander, so how could he know how the phone lines wereid? Anyway, they change headquarters every two days. You forced them to!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is a good thing though, theirmunications will definitely be affected when moving themand post. It¡¯s a pity we are not the attackers; attacking while the enemy is relocating theirmand post would be excellent.¡±

    ¡°When we attack, the enemy¡¯smand posts should be in concrete bunkers. They¡¯re not necessarily afraid of being bombed,¡± said Popov.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°That¡¯s true. Let¡¯s consider such matters when it¡¯s our turn to attack.¡±

    Popov continued, ¡°Moreover, the captain also disclosed the location of his battalion¡¯s headquarters, which is in a temporary bunker here.¡±

    As soon as the words were out, there was the sound of an explosion from across the river.

    Wang Zhong quickly stood up, went to the observation port to look out, and although he could barely make out the smoke rising opposite, after changing the view angle, he saw an injured soldier in the trench, probably wailing¡ªWang Zhong couldn¡¯t hear, only guess by his movements.

    Then, medics carefully approached to administer first aid, and a lieutenant was issuing orders to subordinates.

    Sappers with mine detectors then appeared.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The mines are effective. Too bad we didn¡¯t have them bring pickle jar lids over.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°The note I wrote for Sergeant Grigori is in Prosennguage, stating we nted 200 mines.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Might that be a bit excessive?¡±

    ¡°I signed it with your name,¡± Vasily said with a mischievous smile.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°What¡¯s the logic in that? The enemy will believe it just because it¡¯s signed with my name?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°You never know! The enemy is famously rigid; maybe they¡¯re still looking for the remaining fifteen mines in Karlinovka.¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hands dismissively, ¡°Not likely, not likely, those are just stereotypes.¡±

    Turning to Popov, he asked, ¡°Did you say the captain confessed the enemy¡¯s battalion headquarters?¡¯

    Popov took up a pencil and marked an HQ symbol on the detailed map of the front line on the table, ¡°Here. They¡¯ve set up a shelter with wooden support structures. It¡¯s said the soilyer is one meter thick; unless a 152 artillery shell hits the battalion¡¯s shelter directly, it¡¯s unlikely our shelling will do much.¡±

    ¡°Also, right next to the battalion headquarters is the brigade headquarters of the engineers responsible for the earthworks, also dug in,¡± added Popov.

    Looking at the battalion headquartersbel, Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°So enemymand posts will all be digging these bomb-proof types from now on? Will decapitation be impossible then?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°We could have the Air Force give it a try; a 100 kg bomb dropped right on the bunker would definitely blow the whole thing sky-high.¡±

    Popov admired the idea: ¡°Good thinking, let¡¯s give it a shot.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No, no, they couldn¡¯t hit the artillery positions urately, so we would need to cover with our shelling. This bunker would be definitely harder to identify from the air; I doubt the uracy.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Let¡¯s just try; don¡¯t worry about the ne losses, the air strike target is just five kilometers in front of us. After dropping the bombs, they can fly low to return to the safety of Divine Arrow. The pilots are idle anyway!¡±

    Wang Zhong and Popov exchanged nces.

    Popov: ¡°I support giving it a try.¡±

    ¡°Fine,¡± Wang Zhong conceded, ¡°we¡¯ll have the Air Force give it a try after daybreak.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°We didn¡¯t hit the target,¡± Hamov¡¯s voice came through the phone, ¡°Actually, we¡¯re not even sure which one the bunker was, it¡¯s too hard to distinguish. We can try again after the nes are serviced, but honestly, don¡¯t get your hopes up.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Understood. Continue with yourbat readiness and air defense duties, thank you for your hard work.¡±

    ¡°This is what we should be doing,¡± Hamov replied.

    Wang Zhong put down the receiver, looking at Pavlov who had not been present when the decision was madest night, ¡°That¡¯s the situation, the air strike was ineffective.¡±

    Pavlov clicked his tongue, ¡°Shelling¡¯s useless, air is ineffective. It seems taking out that battalion headquarters is no longer an option, indicating the enemy¡¯s earthworks method is working. Last night¡¯s raid dyed their progress, but tonight, they will certainly be prepared.

    ¡°Should we consider retracting our defense line to the east bank and abandoning the original n of letting the enemy bleed at the bridgehead? If we only defend the east bank, the enemy would have to cross the river, and the exchange ratio should be favorable.¡±

    ¡°`

 Chapter 261: The Situation on September 24th

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Shells falling on the water can¡¯tpare to the damage they do onnd. Although underwater shockwaves will injure many people, the water itself absorbs a lot of energy, preventing the waves from traveling far.¡±

    Underwater explosions have a smaller lethal range, but their lethality increases. However, the problem is, for the fragile human body, this increased lethality doesn¡¯t make much difference.

    Whether a person is killed by partial organ bleeding or by all internal organs bursting, there isn¡¯t much difference to the dead.

    Moreover, underwater explosions also affect the lethal range of shrapnel.

    That is to say, there is basically no shrapnel. Firearms designed for underwater use on Earth after the war use special bullets with a lethal range of only about 30 meters.

    Don¡¯t underestimate ¡°water¡±, this almost ipressible material.

    Popov, arms crossed: ¡°This way, we¡¯vee across a formidable enemy, eh? Onnd they use trenches to advance and negate our artillery, and once they get to the riverbank, they rely on the water to weaken our artillery fire. What did that guy sign his name asst time he invented Morse code for us?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Siegfried Gis.¡±

    He remembered it so clearly not because the enemy made a big impression, but because his name was only one letter different from the ¡°Good Redhead¡± in Legend of the Gctic Heroes.Wang Zhong looked across the river again.

    The enemy had begun to advance again, slowly but surely.

    Now, Wang Zhong saw the enemy like he used to watch ants move when he was a child squatting next to an anthill.

    But as a child, when he got bored, he could pour water from his kettle to create a flood, then pretend he was God, choose a lucky ant to be Noah, and give it a piece of leaf as an ark.

    Now he could only watch the enemy advance¡ªright?

    Wang Zhong suddenly spotted an oversight by the enemy: ¡°Wait a minute, have they pulled up any anti-tank guns?¡±

    The others also came to the observation window, looking through their own binocrs.

    ¡°I don¡¯t see any.¡±@@novelbin@@

    ¡°But they might be camouged. Our own anti-tank guns are very well camouged.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Grigori!¡±

    Grigori immediately entered: ¡°Here.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Did you see any anti-tank guns yesterday?¡±

    Grigori: ¡°No, we used up all the enemy¡¯s res before we retreated, and we didn¡¯t see any anti-tank gun positions.¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the receiver: ¡°Connect me to the airfield.¡±

    Soon, the voice of the ground controller from the airfield came through: ¡°Who is it?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s Rocossov, let Hamov listen.¡±

    ¡°Alright.¡±

    After a moment, Hamov¡¯s voice came through: ¡°Major General! What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    ¡°Did you see any anti-tank guns while you were flying?¡±

    ¡°No, I¡¯m pretty sure of that. The enemy¡¯s trenches were freshly dug, camouges were barely up, and we could clearly see each section of the trenches, they didn¡¯t set up any anti-tank guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, thank you.¡±

    He hung up the phone and grinned at the others: ¡°The enemy wasn¡¯t expecting us to attack, they didn¡¯t set up anti-tank guns at the front.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Are you nning a tank assault? But how are you going to cross the river? The Prussians¡¯ submersible tanks all fed the fish. And then these chunks of metal conveniently turned into reefs, ferries don¡¯t dare go to the opposite bank now.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ll go over the bridge. Drive the KV off the tbed, two T34s on a car, then unload on the other side of the railway.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°What about enemy artillery bombardment while you¡¯re unloading?¡±

    Wang Zhong was at a loss for words.

    It was then that Vasily said, ¡°We¡¯ll bombard them first, theny down a smoke screen at the bridgehead!¡±

    Pavlov shook his head, ¡°No, no, that would obviously signal we¡¯re up to something, eliminating the element of surprise. The enemy would be prepared. We can¡¯t stake victory on the enemy¡¯s negligence! If the enemy reacts and starts bombarding us, we would suffer huge losses, especially the lotive, which is most vulnerable.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly pped his thigh, ¡°No! We won¡¯t unload the KVs. Instead, add a few more tank cars behind the three tcars carrying the KVs, and load them with Naval Infantry. And don¡¯t reverse the lotive onto the bridge, just drive straight, pushing the train forward.¡±

    He excitedly went to the map table and examined the map closely, ¡°Look! The enemy¡¯s regimental and brigade headquarters are right beside the railway tracks. They have no reason to dismantle the railway, so our armored train can definitely charge right up to the entrance of the enemy¡¯s regimental headquarters.¡±

    ¡°Just the KVs is not enough, after all, the tank¡¯s coaxial machine gun can only fire forward, it¡¯s nearly useless. We can add sandbag fortifications on the tcars and mount machine guns.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°We can even put one of our anti-aircraft guns on there, a 25-mm machine gun whose effectiveness against personnel has been confirmed.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°And add elite Naval Infantry. Then to prevent this raid from being caught by enemy dive bombers, deploy a Divine Arrow team as well.¡±

    After thinking for a while, Pavlov said, ¡°This tacticpletely defiesmon sense. If I had submitted such a n back in military school, I would have surely failed. But strangely, now I actually think this n might work.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course, it¡¯s feasible. The enemy doesn¡¯t have anti-tank guns, what will they use to hit our armored train? Plus, we can prepare artillery fire, and with the train¡¯s speed, we can rush up to the enemy in an instant.

    ¡°Of course, to execute this n, we need highly skilled infantry. These soldiers must have enough initiative to spread out and control the surrounding area when the train stops.

    ¡°So, we must get help from the Naval Infantry.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll make a phone call¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong then turned to Vasily: ¡°You stay at the lotive with the captured radio, and keep in touch with me at all times.¡±

    ¡°Okay¡­ Huh? With you?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll personallymand the leading KV tank.¡±

    The reason Wang Zhong personally tookmand was to draw out the enemy¡¯s anti-tank guns ahead of time. The biggest threat to the n was the anti-tank guns.

    Especially the enemy¡¯s 88-gun; a direct encounter with it would be like walking into the tiger¡¯s den.

    So, Wang Zhong had to take the risk himself.

    Wang Zhong was worried that Pavlov would object, so after speaking, he looked towards him.

    Pavlov was also looking at Wang Zhong: ¡°Would you listen if I objected?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No.¡±

    ¡°Then that settles it.¡± Pavlov sighed, ¡°Moreover,pared to your previous reckless ns, this one is much safer. At least you¡¯ll be in a KV1, and even I know that its armor is reliable.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Really? You won¡¯t report me? The moment you pick up the receiver, you¡¯re contacting Liu Xia.¡±

    ¡°No.¡±

    Popov asked, ¡°If we¡¯re not letting Ludm Vasilyevna know, then which team should we choose?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yekaterina Andropovna Bncheva, that little one who¡¯d keep chasing the enemy even if she lost sight of the target with her Divine Arrow.¡±

    Nelly raised an eyebrow.

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°Her abilities are more suitable for this mission, after all, there might not be many opportunities to directly see the enemy while the train is moving at high speed.¡±

    It was then that Pavlov put down the telephone receiver, ¡°The train station said they can add another lotive, that way we can maintain high speed bothing and going.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, let them proceed with that!¡±

 Chapter 262: Action Crossing the Duva River

    It was not until noon that the armored train was fully prepared.

    Wang Zhong looked at his watch and said to Pavlov, ¡°From five in the morning until now, it took a full eight hours for you to get ready!¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Combining so many carriages and piling sandbags on top, installing machine guns, and allocating ammunition¡­ finishing all that in eight hours is quite good.¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go check out my little train.¡±

    Just as he was about to leave the room, Pavlov stopped him, ¡°Wait a minute, this operation needs a name, otherwise I can¡¯t even log it in the diary.¡±

    Wang Zhong was taken aback.

    Defense operations did not require creative n names¡ªjust a series of contingency codes was enough. Offensive ns actually needed names.

    Wang Zhong thought of many clever operation names in an instant, such as ¡°Charlie Don¡¯t Surf,¡± a name first used by the American military in Vietnam, before they got a wallop.

    Latter, in Somalia, the Americans tried it again, not taking the hint¡ªlosing the A?u, damn it, what else could stand in my way!And they got a wallop again.

    The name waster appropriated by the video game ¡°Call of Duty: Modern Warfare,¡± in which the American assault troops ended up being hit by a tactical nuclear missile, bing one of the memorable scenes in video game history.

    So, no matter what the operation was called, it most definitely shouldn¡¯t be ¡°Charlie Don¡¯t Surf.¡±

    ¡°Christmas Offensive¡± was another name to avoid.

    After thinking for a moment, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Let¡¯s call it ¡®Crossing the Merafengmon River.''¡±

    Pavlov looked puzzled: ¡°Where is the Merafengmon River?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s a fictional where I buried my naivety, arrogance, and countlessrades-in-arms.¡±

    Pavlov was full of question marks, but Wang Zhong just patted his shoulder: ¡°It¡¯s just something from a dream, don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Pavlov hesitated: ¡°Are you sure you want to call it that? Should I write it in the operation n?¡±

    Wang Zhong was astonished this time: ¡°We have an operation n?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I had the staff write it while I was dispatching forces. I read it, and it¡¯s not bad, looks like a n that¡¯s been carefully considered for a long time.¡±

    Vasily, preparing to follow Wang Zhong to the station with the radio on his back, heard the words ¡°carefully considered¡± and burst outughing: ¡°It¡¯s clearly just a spur-of-the-moment n hatched by the general!¡±

    Wang Zhong sternly scolded: ¡°Turning such an improvisational n into reality, making sure it¡¯s thoroughly implemented, shows that Pavlov is an excellent chief of staff¡ªah!¡±

    Pavlov shook his head: ¡°You don¡¯t need to butter me up with ttery; I didn¡¯t oppose your n because I saw its feasibility. The enemy most likely wouldn¡¯t have expected us to strike in this way and will be caught off guard.¡±

    He paused, then said: ¡°Let¡¯s not call it ¡®Crossing the Merafengmon River.¡¯ Wouldn¡¯t it be just fine to call it ¡®Crossing the Duva River¡¯?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought about it: ¡°That works too.¡±

    After all, naming it after a sci-fi game was a bit too much.

    But in the future, if therees a time to attack on a bright, sunny day, I¡¯ll definitely name it ¡®Climbing Naroda Peak,¡¯ whether or not this world has such a mountain.

    Pavlov: ¡°Now that the naming issue is resolved, you can depart. Good luck, General.¡±

    After that, he stood at attention and saluted.

    All the people remaining in themand center saluted Wang Zhong, Grigori, and Vasily as well.

    Wang Zhong saluted back: ¡°Wait for news of my victory.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    September 24th noon, 1230 hours, Shostka train station.

    As Wang Zhong walked onto the tform, he saw that the lead car of the armored train, a KV, had been painted with the number 422, and a red g hung from its radio antenna.

    All the tank operators were standing outside in a row, as if they were waiting for an inspection.

    When they saw Wang Zhong arriving, the captain gave themand: ¡°All crew, attention! Salute!¡±

    The Ante People¡¯s salute emphasized puffing out the chest and raising the chin, exuding an aura of fearlessness.

    Wang Zhong said to the captain, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for taking your ce.¡±

    ¡°I will be in the anti-aircraft gun carriage behind to oversee the direction of the anti-aircraft guns,¡± the captain said, ¡°but what about the original crew of train 422? Won¡¯t you need them?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: ¡°They¡¯re more familiar with the T34. You¡¯ve been fighting alongside tanks for so long, I wouldn¡¯t separate you from them.¡±

    ¡°Only those faithful war machines will provide us with a steel tomb,¡± said the captain.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, the Prosen tank operators are excellent, but don¡¯t emte their military songs. We aim to annihte the enemy and then return alive, to see our mothers.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his voice, addressing everyone: ¡°I know many of you might think this is a suicide mission. That ispletely wrong! We are going to deal a heavy blow to the enemy forces and then return alive!

    ¡°You can look at my record¡ªmy troops often fought brutally, but each time, we killed even more enemies! This time will be no different!¡±

    After his speech, the entire train started to chant ¡°Ura.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly thought, if the enemy chose this moment to shell the station, they could likely break up our offensive in one fell swoop.

    Too bad the enemy¡¯s regr shelling had stopped earlier today.

    Prosen people stand out for being clock-punching and businesslike.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Board the train, prepare to depart!¡±

    Hismand was passed back by each carmander, spreading to the distance.

    Vasily, with the radio on his back, jogged toward the rear of the train.

    Wang Zhong was thest to climb aboard the tank, squeezing into the turret.

    In front of the tank, the machine gunner behind the sandbags was ready.

    The t car Wang Zhong was on now had sandbags arranged in an arrowhead formation at the front, with no machine guns at the back because the directional machine gun on the tank chassis could sweep the area in front.

    Behind the arrowhead sandbags, there were two machine gun nests, each with one machine gun aimed at the sides.

    There were also two more machine gun nests behind the tank.

    One car with one KV1 tank, plus four machine guns, symbolized a ruthlessck of familial affection.

    The t car behind had fewer machine guns, but behind the sandbag barricades,y two squads of naval infantry, ready to disembark forbat.

    Section three of the tbed car sported four additional machine guns.

    Section four was a sealed boxcar stuffed with two toons of Naval Infantry.

    Section five was an anti-aircraft artillery car, equipped with a 72K anti-aircraft gun and the Divine Arrow team, plus a squad of Naval Infantry to protect those praying.

    The sixth and seventh sections were both sealed boxcars, filled entirely with Naval Infantry in ck uniforms.

    Next came the lotive and the coal tender.

    A squad of Naval Infantry had also mbered atop the lotive, and there was another squad on the mountain of coal in the tender.

    Anyway, Wang Zhong¡¯s armored train was notably crammed with enough Naval Infantry; by the end of the day, ck Death¡¯s fame would be thoroughly established.

    Wang Zhong put on his headphones and picked up the handset, ¡°Vasily, can you hear me? Vasily?¡±

    ¡°I can hear you, you¡¯re asking for tomatoes, aren¡¯t you?¡±

    This was the agreed-upon code indicating that Vasily had reached the rear lotive, allowing Wang Zhong tomand the train through Vasily¡¯s Prosen-made radio.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s right, tomatoes.¡±

    Just then, the sound of artillery fire could be heard¡ªthe artillery position was well-camouged in the nearby woods.

    At the same time as the artillery barrage, eight Yak-1 fighter nes flew over the train.

    Wang Zhong had not requested air support, but it seemed the Air Force pilots had taken their initiative.

    Without even changing his viewpoint, Wang Zhong could see the 100kg bombs carried under the wings of those Yak-1s with his own eyes.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, I¡¯ve somehow instilled some battle habits into the Ant Air Force that they should not have.

    Then, Hamov¡¯s voice came through Wang Zhong¡¯s headphones, ¡°Old farmer, old farmer, what are we eating today?¡±

    Wang Zhong had not arranged code words with the Air Force, guessing the pilots hade up with something on the spot after hearing his previous conversation with Vasily about tomatoes.

    ¡°Today, we have tomato egg soup!¡± Wang Zhong replied.

    ¡°Really looking forward to that!¡± By then, Wang Zhong could no longer see the nes, and the radiomunication began to crackle with static; Ante¡¯s radios were just like that.

    The radios salvaged from enemy tanks were tank models, and the Naval technicians were still figuring out how to adapt them.

    Looking at his watch, Wang Zhong saw the artillery assault had fifteen minutes left before it ended; it was time to move out.

    So, he said to Vasily, ¡°Vasily, add two more eggnts.¡±

    ¡°Understood, adding one more eggnt.¡±

    Hardly a few seconds had passed in response when the train suddenly jolted and then began to move forward slowly.

    Crossing the Duva River required first traversing the entirety of Shostka.

    As the train moved, the railway sides were lined with Shostka residents who had not yet fled.

    Those who had not evacuated were basically working on logistics, and when Wang Zhong¡¯s troops needed to retreat, they would be evacuated first.

    Wang Zhong heard a woman crying, ¡°What a great general, going off to a generous death.¡±

    No, why does everyone assume I am heading to my death?

    It seemed that the enemy¡¯s prior victories had indeed severely dented the confidence of the Ante people.

    Today, I will let the civilians know that we can mount an offensive that isn¡¯t a death sentence!

    With that in mind, the train rolled onto the great bridge over the Duva River.

    Wang Zhong looked down at the glittering Duva River below and suddenly remembered his childhood, the first time he crossed the Yangtze River Bridge in Nanjing by train.

    Sometimes, Wang Zhong really couldn¡¯t distinguish between Ante and the homnd from his memories¡ªperhaps because both were vast and beautiful.

    Who knows when I¡¯ll cross the Duva River again.

    As the train passed the bridgehead, soldiers guarding the fortress cheered, ¡°Ura!¡±

    Damn it, the enemy is less than two kilometers away, and though they¡¯re currently under artillery fire, shouting like that might alert them!

    Carrying these worries, Wang Zhong nced at the enemy position and realized there was no issue; the enemy was in disarray from the shelling and couldn¡¯t concern themselves with this.

    At this moment, the artillery began to extend their fire, and the barrage pushed forward.

    The train coincidentally advanced along with the barrage.

    The enemy trenches, just a mere nce away, quickly approached!

    Wang Zhong yelled, ¡°Open fire!¡±

    All the machine guns began to fire.

    The enemy was clearly bewildered, having never seen such an operation.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Vasily, reduce an eggnt.¡±

    ¡°Got it!¡±

    Then Wang Zhong distinctly felt the train slow down.

    At this speed, the Naval Infantry could disembark to fight; Wang Zhong had it all arranged. The infantry needed to clear the enemies on both sides of the railway and establish defense positions to ensure the train¡¯s safe retreat.

    After all, the lotive would be leading the way during retreat, and should its cylinders be punctured, that would be problematic.

    Wang Zhong switched his viewpoint and saw two toons of infantry disembarking from the train.

    But instead of establishing defensive positions, they charged toward the enemy, who were still stunned.

    The rattle of submachine guns and the thunderous Ura cries merged into one on the enemy lines.

    Even though the train had slowed, it continued its trotting gallop along the tracks.

    The machine guns on the tbed cars fired in all directions.

    After breaking through the enemy¡¯s first line of defense, the guns began to target the mules and other transport vehicles on either side of the railway.

    Wang Zhong himself grabbed an anti-aircraft machine gun from the tank, firing down below while shouting, ¡°Fire, fire! Don¡¯t spare them just because they are logistics personnel!¡±

 Chapter 263: Sudden Attack

    Wang Zhong began to push forward, only to discover the enemy¡¯s defensive line was meticulously dug, with a reserve trench behind the first trench, followed by the second trench.

    All the trenches were dug in a W shape, which made it difficult for the armored train to effectively use its firepower, requiring the infantry to clear it bit by bit.

    Luckily, Wang Zhong¡¯s car had plenty of Naval Infantry.

    When they reached themunication trench, a toon of infantry voluntarily went down and advanced along the trench.

    The Prussians hadn¡¯t ced any soldiers in themunication trench, but the Naval Infantry still advanced cautiously and searched vigntly.

    After crossing the third trench, the enemy¡¯s regimental headquarters and the sapper brigade¡¯s headquarters were just ahead.

    They werepletely out of sight, clearly, the Prussians had reinforced their camouge after yesterday¡¯s Air Force bombing.

    But from Wang Zhong¡¯s viewpoint, the Prussian officers inside the bunker were highlighted in red, making them hard to miss.

    Wang Zhong immediately ordered, ¡°Turret, turn thirty degrees to the left! You¡¯ll see a cluster of chopped-down birch tree stumps, the entrance to the enemy bunker is right next to it! Fire!¡±The KV1 tank gun spat out mes.

    Because the train was moving, the first shot hit next to the entrance, sending the guard at the door skyward.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Vasily, reduce by one eggnt!¡±

    The next moment, the train started braking.

    Only upon actually arriving did Wang Zhong realize how many enemies there were: apart from twomand centers, there were arge number of the enemy¡¯s logistical units, and even a battery position within view.

    His view was crowded with red humanoid icons, reminiscent of the Forbidden City during a long holiday!

    No, that was an exaggeration; after all, the Prussians adhered to the principle of dispersal, spreading out quite widely. It was only because Wang Zhong had a raised perspective that it seemed so crowded.

    Seeing so many enemies, Wang Zhong instinctively ducked, pulling the turret hatch down, retracting his upper body into the turret, with only his eyes looking out and the hatch resting on his head.

    But as he looked around, it seemed like the enemy hadn¡¯t even bothered to target him, theirmander.

    The Naval Infantry disembarked; they didn¡¯t like to shout ¡°hurrah¡± and just silently charged forward, efficiently eliminating the enemy.

    All machine guns were firing.

    The sole 72K anti-aircraft gun was also in action, its shells continuouslynding amidst the enemy.

    Wang Zhong popped his head out again, watching the scene and feeling a sense of d¨¦j¨¤ vu.

    Oh, right, there¡¯s an American movie called ¡°Pearl Harbor¡± by Michael Bay, in which the Japanese air raid scatters American soldiers chaotically¡ªa scene that became a popr meme among military enthusiasts.

    The Prussian soldiers now resembled the panicked American troops from the film exactly.

    The Naval Infantry, d in ck, herded them like sheepdogs chasing a flock.

    Looking at the scene, Wang Zhong suddenly thought: Isn¡¯t this going a bit too smoothly? Usually, when things go this smoothly, shouldn¡¯t a Tiger tank suddenly emerge from the woods?

    Where¡¯s the Tiger tank? Oh, it hasn¡¯t been developed yet, never mind then.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong noticed something else¡ªthe color of the surrendered enemy highlighted in his vision would change, turning to a lighter shade of red.

    He hadn¡¯t noticed this before, either because there were too few surrendered enemies or they were isted individuals.@@novelbin@@

    Now it was obvious, patches of bright red turning into lighter shades.

    Just like damn neon lights.

    Then something even more ridiculous happened; the force Wang Zhong had brought with him wasn¡¯t thatrge, at most a reinforcedpany, so he couldn¡¯t possibly control the entire frontline.

    Yet, he had illuminated a whole four kilometers of the frontline, controlling perhaps only a kilometer on either side of the railway.

    But the entire enemy line began to copse.

    It started with the nearest units abandoning their positions to flee, and like an avnche, the wave of copse spread north and south.

    Wang Zhong fell into thought: Could it be that the enemy wasn¡¯t as elite as I imagined, determined to fight to the death?

    This Asgard Knights unit should be on par with the Sturmtiger¡¯s X-Guard troops on Earth, right? They could break too?

    At that point, Naval Infantry Commander Major Galinin approached Wang Zhong¡¯s tank and saluted: ¡°The organized resistance of the enemy has been crushed. We¡¯re capturing prisoners; how should we deal with them?¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to proceed as he used to, but then he remembered something.

    Previously, he didn¡¯t take prisoners, but simply shot them in the shoulder and let them go because there was no choice.

    Now, why not take these prisoners and send them back?

    The enemy was copsing; let those at the bridgeheade out and give assistance. Couldn¡¯t they cover a few kilometers on foot?

    Send these prisoners back, stuff them into sealed wagons to Ye Fort, and let the locals have some joy!

    No, first let the supportive locals in Shostka have their fun, to see that we, too, can win battles! Make these prisoners parade the streets, indulging in the people¡¯s rotten eggs and piss mud; wouldn¡¯t that be splendid?

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression wasn¡¯t visible since he wasn¡¯t using a picture-in-picture screen. If he¡¯d seen it, he surely would have asked, ¡°Whose grandad are you?¡±

    Yes, his expression was just like that of an old grandad in ssic films who sees a pretty girl.

    Chinese audiences seeing this expression would instinctively imagine the line: ¡°Yo-ho!¡±

    Of course, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t see this, missing the opportunity for self-mockery. He sternly told Major Galinin, ¡°Disarm them, and send absolutely reliable soldiers to escort them across the bridge. I¡¯ll notify Shostka to be ready to receive them.¡±

    Major Galinin: ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    As the Major went to carry out the orders, Wang Zhong directly addressed Shostka inly: ¡°Headquarters, headquarters, I have crushed the enemy¡¯s defenses. Preparing to send back the prisoners, be ready to receive.¡±

    After a moment¡¯s thought, he added, ¡°Tell the armored units, prepare for a counterattack, straight to the heart.¡±

    Having given the order, he put down the handset and shouted to a Naval Infantryman beside him, ¡°You, run fast! Tell headquarters, no armored counterattack! That was just to deceive the enemy!¡±

    The Naval Infantryman saluted and jumped off the train.

    He didn¡¯t start running immediately but looked around for a bit and found a motorcycle to ride off on.

    Wang Zhong was stunned as he watched the Naval Infantry leave: I didn¡¯t even think of riding a motorcycle.

    As he rode the motorcycle, thergepels and streamers on the Naval Infantry¡¯s cap danced wildly in the wind.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Pavlov put down the radio headset and looked at Popov.

    Popov, ¡°Armor counterattack?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°I think this might be a ruse to deceive the enemy. He likes ying these little tricks. Someone shoulde running with orders soon, telling us not to counterattack.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Let¡¯s still prepare for it. Anyway, it will take an hour to organize an armored counterattack.¡±

    ¡°Alright,¡± nodded Pavlov.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At this moment, a captain of the Naval Infantry came to report, ¡°Report to the General, we have captured twelve heavy cannons; judging from the numbers on the ammunition boxes, they are likely 150mm.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Do we have enough mules and horses to haul them away?¡±

    ¡°We do.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then haul them away!¡±

    The captain also reported, ¡°We also found eight 50mm mortars.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Haul them away¡­hmm? How many millimeters?¡±

    ¡°Fifty millimeters.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s garbage, blow it up so the enemy can¡¯t use it.¡±

    In theory, any weapon should be utilized, but those 50mm mortars of the Prussians were truly garbage with a short range and low power.

    On Earth, the Sturmtiger had tried them and found them unsatisfactory, so they stopped producing them and even dmissioned the ones already in service, handing them over to the rear-guard troops for fighting insurgencies.

    Then the rear-guard troops also didn¡¯t like using this stuff against insurgents because it was simply too crappy.

    Not long after the captain left, a squad of Naval Infantry escorted arge group of Prosen officers over.

    The leading ensign stood at attention and reported, ¡°General, these men want to see you and refuse to march to the other side of the river.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the group of officers, recognizing their insignia one by one.

    Then he remembered, shouldn¡¯t I be able to use an ¡°external plugin¡±?

    Forget it, identifying insignia also has its own charm!

    Among these captured men was unexpectedly a colonel, who ording to intelligence should be the brigadier of an engineer brigade.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I am Rokossovsky, you wanted to see me, and now you have.¡±

    He then looked at the ensign, expecting him to trante because he thought the ensign knew Prussian.

    However, the ensign remained silent, only gesturing with his mouth to one of the majors among the captives.

    The major immediately tranted Wang Zhong¡¯s words for the others.

    Well, it turned out they had a trantor among the enemy.

    Then the colonel reached for his pocket.

    All the surrounding infantry were rmed, ¡°Don¡¯t move, hands up!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Let him go for it.¡±

    The colonel stared at Wang Zhong for a second before he took out a monocle from his pocket and clipped it to his eye socket.

    Only then did he carefully observe Wang Zhong, who was sitting in the tank gun turret.

    He then scanned the tank¡¯s tactical number and the red g atop the radio antenna.

    He spoke, ¡°Truly as formidable as your reputation, a man of fine presence.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You speak thenguage of Ante?¡±

    The colonel seemed to be taken aback by Wang Zhong¡¯s crude expression, his brow furrowed, but he continued, ¡°Deploying irregr forces to break the norm is unconventional but an excellent offensive tactic. We were all fooled by you, General Rokossovsky.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°After being night-attacked yesterday, you should have been more vignt.¡±

    Colonel, ¡°We were vignt, and surely, your night attack tonight would not have seeded!¡±

    And then you forgot to be vignt during the day, huh.

    The colonel continued to make excuses, ¡°Our mission was to perform civil engineering work! Nobody told us we had to resist an elite infantry raid. Moreover, both the infantry and artillery had no idea what they were doing! What could a single engineer brigade do? We only have one battalion ofbat engineers with fighting capability, but our main task now is civil engineering, there¡¯s no use forbat engineers!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where is yourbat engineer battalion stationed?¡±

    ¡°It makes no difference now, they must have retreated with the other units.¡±

    The colonel sighed, ¡°Now that you¡¯ve captured all the military engineering experts of the entire army, I suppose the progress will be significantly dyed until the new experts arrive.¡±

    Wang Zhong chuckled, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a good thing? Alright then, gentlemen, you have seen me, it¡¯s time to cross the bridge obediently, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    The colonel nervously asked, ¡°What kind of treatment can we expect?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°First, you will be paraded through the streets. I guess as soon as you are escorted over, the parade willmence, and your pretty uniforms will likely be covered in rotten eggs and urine mud. Ah, urine mud is when children pee in the dirt and then pick up the soil.¡±

    The colonel¡¯s eyebrows twisted tightly, ¡°That¡¯s against international conventions!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Be grateful! I¡¯ve witnessed the atrocities you havemitted with my own eyes. I won¡¯t bother to distinguish who did what. All these acts of brutality must be borne by your entire army. International conventions are made for humans, not beasts.¡±

    ¡°Take them away!¡±

 Chapter 264: Battle Results Display

    At the same time, in Shostka@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov: ¡°I¡¯ve just realized, after being bombarded for days, there aren¡¯t many intact buildings left to hold the prisoners.¡±

    Popov: ¡°There¡¯s no need to house them. The enemy is likely to reciprocate our artillery fire tonight. The bombardment could well kill off half of these prisoners. Just put them next to the train station, and when the supply train arrives tonight, we can unload the supplies and load them up immediately.¡±

    Popov paused, then added, ¡°If the enemy begins shelling during this process, we can say that the enemy deliberately killed these prisoners. We¡¯ll use that for propaganda purposes.¡±

    Pavlov thought about it and nodded, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s do that. There¡¯s arge storage area right next to the train station. They can sunbathe there. It¡¯s autumn, so they won¡¯t get heatstroke.¡±

    Having decided, Pavlov picked up the phone to issue orders, calling for apany from the reserves to deploy along the railway.

    Suddenly, Popov said, ¡°No! They can¡¯t go along the railway!¡±

    Pavlov, confused, held the microphone of the handset and looked at the Military Bishop, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    ¡°First, if the train needs to retreat, it will be blocked by them. Second, only the civilians working by the railway will be able to see them. We need these prisoners to get off the railway bridge, walk down the city¡¯s main thoroughfare, pass through the district on the east bank, and then turn towards the train station.¡°That way, the entire Guardian Army and thebor force can see them. Even thoseborers who are working will be able to see!¡±

    Pavlov, enlightened by Popov¡¯s words, eximed, ¡°To boost everyone¡¯s morale! Alright, I¡¯ll make arrangements.¡±

    He immediately amended the order, instructing the called-uppany to spread out along the streets all the way to the train station.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    In the afternoon, themon folks of Shostka gathered on the main thoroughfare, looking puzzled at the Imperial Guard soldiers lined up along it.

    The Priest, with a metal megaphone, was shouting: ¡°Please do not gather, please do not gather. The enemy could shell us at any moment, the enemy could shell us at any moment!¡±

    But not a single person left.

    Everyone was whispering among themselves.

    ¡°What¡¯s going on here?¡±

    ¡°I heard that the general has just crossed to the opposite bank, maybe he has be a martyr!¡±

    ¡°Nonsense! Be careful lest the Judge hears you!¡±

    ¡°But why are they lined up like this?¡±

    The crowd discussed back and forth to no avail, but more and more people gathered.

    Suddenly, cheering erupted from the west end of the street: ¡°Hurray!¡±

    Curious, everyone pushed forward to see what was happening, but the lined-up Imperial Guards blocked them with their rifles held sideways.

    ¡°Don¡¯t push, don¡¯t push! You¡¯ll all get to see!¡±

    An old woman, curious, asked the leading lieutenant, ¡°What¡¯s going on? What¡¯s there to see?¡±

    ¡°I don¡¯t know either. They just asked me to line up. I¡¯m even more curious than you, ma¡¯am!¡±

    As everyone was chatting away, the cheering gradually drew closer.

    Then, a child who had climbed onto the roof shouted, ¡°It¡¯s the Prussians! The Prussians are entering the city!¡±

    His mother immediately scolded him, ¡°Nonsense, there hasn¡¯t been any gunfire!¡±

    ¡°But really, there are people in gray uniformsing this way!¡± the child protested.

    Others too began to see: ¡°Gray uniforms! They¡¯re marching this way in formation!¡±

    Had it not been for the people next to them starting to shout ¡°Hurray,¡± some might have run away.

    The gray-uniformed figures then came into everyone¡¯s view.

    The Prussians marched down the street in formation, all covered in rotten eggs and mud. They carried no weapons, walking with heads lowered in a dejected manner, while the proud soldiers in ck strode alongside them.

    ¡°It¡¯s the prisoners! The general has sent back prisoners!¡±

    Someone shouted out.

    As if awakened from a dream, everyone immediately cheered, ¡°Hurray!¡±

    In the next moment, all sorts of things were thrown at the prisoners.

    One olddy, while throwing things, shouted, ¡°You¡¯ve been captured too! Serves you right! Serves you right!¡±

    ¡°Hand them all over to the Judge! Let them have a taste of our harshness!¡±

    ¡°Get out of our country!¡±

    Facing the overwhelming rage, the prisoners wilted like overstored vegetables.

    The crowd quickly tired though because they realized the line of prisoners was too long.

    Someone muttered in surprise, ¡°Just how many prisoners has the general captured?¡±

    ¡°There must be thousands of them, right?¡±

    ¡°No, look how long the line is¡ªit must be tens of thousands! Remember, that¡¯s General Rokossovsky! He blew up nine of the enemy¡¯s generals!¡±

    In the time it took for this conversation, the crowd added a zero to the number of prisoners and believed it to be urate.

    And the number of enemy generals that General Rokossovsky had killed had sessfully risen to nine.

    Just as everyone had grown tired of watching the prisoners, someone shouted, ¡°Look! It¡¯s the enemy officers!¡±

    The crowd, having rested, immediately got excited again at the sight of the group wearingrge caps and pelted them with rocks, flower pots, and mud as if in a violent storm.

    An officer, wearing an aide¡¯s aiguillette, was even used as a projectile at the highest-ranked among them, which incited even greater anger, and the rocks flew more abundantly.

    At that moment, a Priest finally stepped forward, ¡°Stop this! Injuring them will lower the effectiveness of the interrogation! Leave them to the Judges!¡±

    The Priest shouted several times before the crowd¡¯s fury gradually subsided, while the Prosen officers supported each other and quickly made their way through the angry mob.

    Following close behind were the cannons pulled by mules, with the ck-coated soldiers driving them looking proud and haughty.

    Someone asked loudly, ¡°Soldier, where did that cannone from?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s a trophy of war!¡± the soldier said happily, ¡°We captured more than a dozen of them! Tomorrow they will be firing shells onto the enemy¡¯s heads!¡±

    After the cannons came the ammunition carts, and other wagons full of various spoils of war, including all sorts of Prosen canned food.

    A child called out to a ck-coated soldier sitting on the wagon, ¡°Can you give me a can? I want to try it!¡±

    The soldier immediately fetched a can and tossed it to the child, ¡°You¡¯re wee!¡±

    He went home happily.

    Soon after, there came a child¡¯s wail from inside the house, ¡°It¡¯s so salty ahhh!¡±

    Theughter of everybody on the street rose when they heard this crying.

    ¡ª-

    Wang Zhong watched as the Naval Infantry drove mule carts loaded with arge amount of war trophies past him, and he shouted, ¡°If there¡¯s a radio, give it to me, understand?¡±

    The Naval Infantry driving the cart pointed back, ¡°Themunicationspany has been entirely captured by us, it¡¯s in the back. There¡¯s also a machine with lots of rotors!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°An Enigma machine?¡±

    Naval Infantry, ¡°I don¡¯t know what it¡¯s called, but it¡¯s a big box with a lot of rotors. At first, we thought it was a kind of gearbox, but then we found a keyboard, and it can type.¡±

    Wang Zhong pped the KV¡¯s turret steel te, ¡°It¡¯s the Enigma machine! What about the codebook? Did you capture the codebook?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s all in the back, General.¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand to let the Naval Infantry drive the cart away.

    Soon after, Wang Zhong saw a half-track vehicle approaching, covered with antennas, obviously a Prosenmunications vehicle.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where¡¯s the cipher machine you captured?¡±

    A Naval Infantry inside the half-track lifted a box.

    This was the first time Wang Zhong saw a real Enigma machine, and his first reaction was: isn¡¯t it a bit small?

    It looked like a slightlyrger typewriter.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Hand it over for me to look at.¡±

    The Naval Infantry stood up, took a brisk step, and leapt from the half-track¡¯s carriage onto the tbed, then agilely climbed onto the KV¡¯s hull, cing the Enigma machine in front of Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong opened the case to inspect the machine inside.

    The keyboard almost identical to that of a ssic typewriter, where the rolls would normally be ced, there were five rotors, with aplex linkage mechanism nearby.

    Additionally, there was a manual revolving knob next to the rotors, which seemed to be used to adjust the position of each disk.

    Using the Enigma machine was simple; to encrypt information, one only needed to type on the keyboard, and it would automatically transform into an encrypted string.

    To decode, one simply had to type in the string in reverse, and out woulde the content of the information.

    But to aplish decryption, merely having an Enigma machine identical to the sender¡¯s was not enough, it was essential to urately know the initial position of each rotor during encryption, as well as the wiring pattern on the circuit board below.

    Even if an Enigma machine was captured, based on the rotor positions one could decrypt messages for a day; but if the enemy changed the rotor positions the next day, decryption would no longer be possible.

    Wang Zhong inspected the cipher machine closely, again recalling something he had once considered: creating an estate, gathering a group of mathematicians, and cracking the Prosen code.

    During Earth¡¯s World War II, that¡¯s exactly what the British did at Bletchley Park. Once the Sturmtiger¡¯s code was broken, the losses of the wolfpack tactics skyrocketed because the Royal Navy knew when the wolfpack wasing, where it would assemble, and where it would resupply.

    Wang Zhong looked at the machine, closed the lid, and handed it back to the Navy, ¡°Make sure to keep it safe, and ensure it¡¯s delivered to the Judge intact. This machine is very important.¡±

    ¡°Hand it over to the Judge?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, but we¡¯re keeping thismunications vehicle. Also, how many walkie-talkies did we capture? You know, the radios that a single person can carry.¡±

    ¡°Five, General.¡±

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, ¡°Great, great! Deliver them all to the division headquarters! Once the battlefield cleanup is nearly done, we will begin to retreat.¡±

    ¡ª-

    On September 24th at 1500 hours, the Prosen Army¡¯s Asgard Knights First Army Headquarters.

    Giles looked at his watch, ¡°The enemy hasn¡¯tunched an armored assault. Could we have been deceived by the enemy?¡±

    Feliz cursed, ¡°This White Horse General, there wille a day when we won¡¯t believe anything he says over the radio!¡±

    Giles, ¡°If that¡¯s the case, won¡¯t the enemy have seeded? If we don¡¯t believe anything he says, then he can simply call out his moves in clear text. No, we still need to monitor the enemy¡¯s radiomunication. The Ante People are poor at radio technology and prefer telegrams and telephones, but this White Horse General clearly favors radio.¡±

    At that moment, the Chief of Staff came in, ¡°We¡¯ve rified the situation. The White Horse General brought a division and an armored train, suddenly charged over, and then upied ourpleted trenches.¡±

    Giles frowned, ¡°A division? Did High Command¡¯s intelligence err again? Aren¡¯t we supposed to have just one reinforced division on our front?¡±

    The room fell into uneasy nces.

    Giles shook his head, ¡°No, there can¡¯t be that many. The White Horse General conducted a surprise attack; it¡¯s our troops who have mythologized him, turning into a case of startled birds. This can¡¯t continue; order all units to emphasize to the soldiers that the White Horse General is just a man, he doesn¡¯t have Divine Power, nor is he some Surtur!¡±

    Feliz, ¡°It seems, the problem lies in the continuous propaganda strategy we¡¯ve used, iming we are from the Aesir tribe. But in the mythology, the Aesir tribe ultimately faces Ragnarok. The Fire Giant Surtur brandishes a massive sword, challenging the gods¡­¡±

    Giles, ¡°Enough. Even though night is about to fall, we mustunch an attack immediately. Our tank forces may not excel at attacking the fortified region across the river, but if we can¡¯t take over the trenches on the ins, then it wouldn¡¯t be fitting. Before night falls, I want full control of the positions!¡±

 Chapter 265: Rocossovs Divine Military Strategy (Supplementary Update 6/33)

    Chapter 265: Rocossov''s Divine Military Strategy (Supplementary Update 6/33)

    On September 24 at 16:00, Wang Zhong was opening a can of Prosen canned food in the headquarters bunker.

    After opening the lid of the can, he stared at the contents for a long time and said, ¡°Is this a pig¡¯s trotter?¡±

    Vasily picked up the can and looked at the text on it: ¡°This is pickled pig¡¯s knuckle, it seems to be a famous Prosen dish.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What a pity, no noodles, otherwise I could make a bowl of pig¡¯s trotter noodle soup. How do you eat this thing?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Cut it up and eat? I¡¯m not too sure, my Prosen is pretty fluent, but that¡¯s all because that old man forced me to learn, I haven¡¯t really had much contact with Prosen things.¡±

    Wang Zhong decided to cut a piece to try it out.

    He poured the pig¡¯s knuckle from the can onto a te and picked up a knife and fork.

    The skin of the trotter was hard, and it took Wang Zhong a long time to cut off a piece with the help of the fork, and when he chewed it, he immediately frowned.

    This pig¡¯s trotter is too salty! How can it be so salty!No wonder it¡¯s called a pickled pig¡¯s knuckle!

    He reached out and grabbed Nelly¡¯s arm: ¡°Water!¡±

    Nelly quickly brought him a cup of water from the side.

    Wang Zhong took a big gulp before letting out a long sigh of relief.

    ¡°What kind of dish would need such a salty pig¡¯s trotter?¡± Wang Zhong asked Vasily, puzzled.

    Vasily: ¡°I don¡¯t know, I told you I don¡¯t have experience living in Prosen. That old man might know, he studied music there.¡±

    Wang Zhong then turned his head to ask Nelly: ¡°Do you know?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°I only know how to cook Ante dishes. But I heard the cook say that Prosen dishes are famously unptable, even the United Kingdom makes fun of them.¡±

    If the United Kingdom was making fun of them, it must be quite bad indeed.

    But before he crossed over, Wang Zhong and his dorm mates had been to a ce called either ¡°Scheidter¡± or perhaps ¡°F¨¹nfter¡± ¨C for roasted pig¡¯s knuckle and dark beer, which was quite delicious.

    There were also German sausages, which weren¡¯t bad either.

    What¡¯s up with this pickled pig¡¯s knuckle?

    Wang Zhong picked up the can and stared at the text, disying an expression as if he was pondering a philosophical question.

    Pavlov then mixed the cut pig¡¯s knuckle and pickles and put it in his mouth: ¡°Not bad. Just as well we opened so many cans of pickles for fake mines.¡±

    Vasily clicked his tongue: ¡°I always feel it¡¯s going to be ineffective, after all, theyunched the attackst time stepping on the lids.¡±

    Finally, Wang Zhong put down the can and looked again at the pig¡¯s trotter on the te with a corner cut off.

    Nelly: ¡°Shall I make some sausage and cucumber soup? Maybe that¡¯ll go well with it.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, yes!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Vasily: ¡°Wait a minute, this seems to be a soup can, let me open it.¡±

    He took the can opener, inserted it into the edge of the can, and then kept turning the knob of the can opener, using mechanical force to cut a circle around the can, just enough to cut open the lid.

    Then the can opener had a special structure that mped the lid, so when you pull the can opener out, it would bring the lid with it.

    Vasily ced the opened can on the table.

    Inside was a mush that seemed like a mix of green and yellow paint.

    Wang Zhong looked at the contents and shared his impression: ¡°Indian mush? We¡¯re opening Prosen cans, not those of the United Kingdom, right?¡±

    Vasily stirred in the can with a spoon, and the substance underneath came up.

    Green peas, red carrots, possibly onions and meat, as well as a lot of yellow mush.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s that yellow stuff?¡±

    Vasily picked up the can, looked at the ingredients list: ¡°Should be potatoes. The ingredients are peas, potatoes, onions, bacon, carrots, and cabbage.¡±

    After reading, he looked into the can: ¡°I guess this green should be the stewed cabbage, and the yellow is the potatoes.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at the mush in the can, which, due to the presence of green, didn¡¯t quite look like human waste; conversely, without this hint of healthy green, it would resemble something from a person with digestive issues¡­

    Vasily tasted a spoonful: ¡°Hey, it¡¯s quite tasty.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily: ¡°You¡­ have you developed a resistance from picking through dung?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°It really tastes good! Although I hate the Prosen education my dad¡ª that old man¡ª gave me, this is actually not bad.¡±

    Wang Zhong, somewhat skeptical, picked up a spoon and scooped up a spoonful into his mouth.

    Indeed, it tasted all right.

    But speaking of vor, it was entirely that of potatoes stewed with meat.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯d rather have potatoes stewed with beef.¡±

    Just then, an explosion came from across the river.

    Wang Zhong stood up, came to the observation window, and looked at the positions being bombed on the opposite bank, muttering, ¡°Don¡¯t they send someone over to scout before they bomb? We all pulled out.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°If they don¡¯t bomb, they would encounter our buried mines; they probably n to st away the mines with artillery, then send in the infantry.¡±

    ¡°Makes sense.¡±

    At that moment, Popov entered the bunker, ¡°The captured Enigma machine seems to be usable, but the Judge tried decoding the transmissions afterward, and none of it made any sense. It must be that the enemy¡¯smunication soldier scrambled the settings of the machine before being captured.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Have we received any garbled enemy telegrams?¡±

    ¡°We have been receiving them continuously, but we simply can¡¯t decode them.¡± Popov spread his hands, ¡°Now the Judge is trying to get themunication soldier to recall the machine¡¯s settings before he scrambled them.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I hope he can remember. If we can find out what orders the enemy transmitted this morning, it might be somewhat beneficial to the war effort.

    ¡°The question is, when will he be able to recall.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Do you think this guy will be tough to crack?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I think he might genuinely have forgotten this morning¡¯s settings. After all, once the Enigma Machine is set, it can be used continuously until the other side changes the settings. Cryptographers have no need to remember the initial positions.¡±

    Popov cursed, ¡°The enemy has indeede up with something troublesome.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, as long as we gather enough mathematicians, we will always be able to break the code.¡±

    He changed the subject and asked, ¡°How many prisoners of war have we captured in total?¡±

    ¡°One thousand one hundred,¡± answered Popov, ¡°but the word on the streets is that we¡¯ve captured eleven thousand prisoners. It¡¯s also being said that you killed yet another general.¡±

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°I¡¯m already used to it. I suspect it won¡¯t be long before even more ridiculous stories emerge. So, these one thousand one-hundred prisoners are now at the depot awaiting transport? Have enough guards been assigned?¡±

    ¡°Of course.¡± Popov patted his chest, ¡°I had the Judge set up machine guns on the tform at the depot, guaranteeing no one dares to make a move. However, speaking of which¡­ these Prussian prisoners of war are very disciplined; they even maintain formation during escort.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This indicates that their confidence has not been crushed. They firmly believe the Empire will win and will be able to retrieve them so that they may return home in triumph. Don¡¯t worry, their confidence won¡¯tst much longer.¡±

    As soon as Wang Zhong finished speaking, the sound of artillery fire outside changed, clearly beginning to extend shooting.

    Vasily looked outside with the artillery periscope and said, ¡°They must be preparing to attack now. Let¡¯s see if the altered can lids and our modified mines will be effective.¡±

    At that moment, the extending shooting reached the bunker and then gradually moved to the east bank, exploding into sprays of water.

    Wang Zhong also observed from in front of the window, watching the barrage move toward their position and then past them.

    The enemy¡¯s intended ¡°front line¡± was two kilometers away, totally outside Wang Zhong¡¯s range of visibility, so he could only push Vasily aside and use the artillery periscope to look across the riverbank.

    Through the artillery periscope, Wang Zhong saw the enemy¡¯s tanks and infantry carefully approaching the position in mixed formations.

    Then, to his surprise, they began firing machine guns and high-explosive shells at the deserted position!

    Wang Zhong watched the enemy¡¯s performance with relief.

    Vasilyined at his side, ¡°You¡¯ve taken my spot; I can¡¯t see anything!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Step aside, I¡¯m enjoying the view!¡±

    Just then, Wang Zhong saw someone step on a fake mine and then stop with a grim expression.

    Unfortunately, even with the artillery periscope, he couldn¡¯t get a close view, and could only see a rough outline.

    He saw the Prussians scatter, and then someone who might be an officer came over, crouched beside the person who stepped on the mine, and took out a multipurpose knife.

    At the same time, the enemy¡¯s infantry line came to a halt, possibly having received the message that the mine did not explode.

    Then the officer, with the multipurpose knife, dug out the mine, checked the firing mechanism, and cautiously extracted it¡ª

    Then both the person who had stepped on the mine and the officer trying to remove it flew into the air.

    Wang Zhong patted Vasily¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Your trick mine got someone.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Really? Are you justforting me?¡±

    Wang Zhong let him use the artillery periscope, ¡°See for yourself.¡±

    Vasily¡¯s eyes lit up as he glued them to the periscope, ¡°Oh, it looks like chaos. Hang on, are the enemies preparing to clear mines? This is just too funny. They never even noticed my fake minesst time, and just walked on by!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Bring the captured radio over! I want to broadcast a clear message! Tell them to watch out for the mines!¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Isn¡¯t that¡­ a bit childish?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°If it doesn¡¯t work, I¡¯ll stop doing it, but if it does, of course, I¡¯ll do it more!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°A broadcast message?¡± Giles frowned, ¡°What did he say?¡±

    The signal officer, ¡°He said he¡¯s nted a lot of ingeniously designed trick mines and hopes we¡¯ll enjoy them.¡±

    Giles¡¯ frown deepened, and his aide, Feliz, started cursing, ¡°What the hell! It¡¯s like stepping on someone¡¯s toes during a childish fight, utterly despicable and amateurish!¡±

    Giles turned to the Chief of Staff, ¡°Any reports of trick mines from our troops?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± the Chief of Staff answered gravely, ¡°Over a dozen soldiers have already been killed by trick mines. They have deployed a new type of mine that isn¡¯t triggered by pressure; it explodes when we attempt to disarm them.¡±

    Giles, ¡°How is that possible! Our military Science Academy tried to develop mines that wouldn¡¯t detonate with pressure and all attempts failed! How did they manage it? The Ante Empire shouldn¡¯t have such technology!¡±

    At that very moment, nobody at the First Army Headquarters considered the fact that those pressure-insensitive minespletelycked fuses; they wouldn¡¯t explode even if you hit them with a hammer.

    The Chief of Staff, ¡°That¡¯s just the report from the front line, which also states that the mines are mixed in with arge number of metal discs, making it very difficult to clear them.¡±

    Giles, ¡°Send in the engineers; they¡¯ll handle it.¡±

    The staff officers in the room exchanged nces.

    In the end, all eyes fell on Feliz.

    Feliz, ¡°General, the majority of the engineers¡­ have been captured by the enemy.¡±

 Chapter 266: Unique Solution Methodology

    Chapter 266: Unique Solution Methodology

    Giles stared at Feliz for a few seconds, sighed, and did not order anyone to go out.

    ¡°Have the troops temporarily halt their advance, spread out on the spot, and dig artillery shelters. We¡¯ll wait for the engineers to be brought in from behind to clear the mines.¡±

    The Chief of Staff suggested, ¡°The divisional engineers can still be used, especially for clearing this amount of mines.¡±

    Another staff officer suggested, ¡°Actually, there¡¯s abat engineer battalion that made it out. After reorganization, they can be sent up to clear the mines, considering they are engineers too.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll do it both ways. I want to see the enemy¡¯s new mines by tonight.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    About 6 hourster, the ¡°new¡± mines were brought before Giles.

    Giles wanted to approach, but was stopped by his aide-de-camp, Feliz.

    Feliz stepped forward first to carefully examine the device and then turned to look at the engineer captain with a puzzled gaze¡ªthe insignia on his cor had an ornament, indicating he was abat engineer, not a regr one.Feliz: ¡°How does this thing detonate?¡±

    ¡°The detonation works through a pull rope underneath. The other end of the pull rope is buried deep in the ground.¡± The engineer immediately exined, ¡°So if you cut the pull rope, it won¡¯t explode.¡±

    ¡°I mean, how does it detonate when infantry step on it?¡± Feliz raised his voice.

    The captain: ¡°It won¡¯t detonate. The pressure te on this thing is a decoy, it¡¯spletely inert, but it simtes the sensation of stepping on a mine. Infantry who step on it dare not move, luring mine-clearing personnel to approach, and then it can be detonated using a simple pull rope.¡±

    Feliz¡¯s mouth gaped open, and for a moment, he forgot to close it.

    Giles concluded, ¡°So the enemy has exploited our fixed ways of thinking, resulting in dozens of casualties on our side?¡±

    The Chief of Staff added, ¡°And wasted six hours of our time. By the way, while we were stalled in the open, we came under artillery fire, resulting in a few hundred casualties.¡±

    Giles¡¯ eye twitched.

    Feliz immediately stepped in as Giles¡¯ ¡°mouthpiece,¡± cursing loudly, ¡°These enemies only know how to y sly tricks! Coming up with things as perplexing as brain teasers! Are these things useful? Can they prevent them from losing the war in three months?¡±

    Giles rebuked, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that! The enemy¡¯s cunning is to be respected. We have to admit when we¡¯ve been outsmarted.¡±

    He then asked, ¡°What about those iron discs used to cover these mines? Are they specialized equipment?¡±

    ¡°This thing,¡± the engineer captain picked up the ¡°disc¡± ced next to the mine, ¡°you can see it has a groove on one side, we believe it might be a bottle cap.¡±

    ¡°A bottle cap!¡± Feliz eximed, ¡°How can they use such things in warfare?¡±

    Giles patted Feliz on the shoulder: ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, a good soldier must be able to skillfully use anything at hand, even if all they have is a pencil, they have to figure out a way to kill the enemy.¡±

    ¡°The White Horse General has dyed us with these rudimentary things, we should reflect on it carefully. So, have the troops now recaptured the lost positions?¡±

    The engineer captain replied, ¡°I¡¯m only responsible for transporting the discovered items to headquarters, I don¡¯t know the situation at the front.¡±

    The Chief of Staff answered, ¡°The troops have entered the positions. In line with your instructions, the railroad has been dismantled, and the Anti-tank Artillery Battalion has also been deployed.¡±

    Giles: ¡°How long before we can start digging in?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Engineer captain: ¡°We¡¯rebat engineers, good at clearing mines. For trench advancement, we need digging equipment and dedicated engineering experts, all of whom have been captured by the enemy.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Not a single expert remains?¡±

    ¡°Not one remains, we even lost the trench arrangement ns drawn up by the previous bowmen brigademander. It will take time for a new expert toe and redraw the arrangement ns.¡±

    Giles put a hand to his forehead: ¡°Damn it, hurry up and get the troops up from behind!¡±

    At that moment, the Chief of Staff suggested, ¡°Themander of the Amp Division, Kluge, suggests building an artillery observation post on the slope at the front line to guide the artillery bombardment.¡±

    ¡°How far is the breakthrough from our lines?¡± Giles inquired.

    The Chief of Staff: ¡°It¡¯s just south of our current trench. We can start building now¡­ no, we can start building tomorrow.¡±

    After checking the time, he amended his statement again: ¡°We can start building today, it¡¯s light now.¡±

    Giles waved his hand grandly, ¡°Let him build it.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The next day, on September 25, 914, Wang Zhong entered the bunker yawning and first greeted the night-shift Popov: ¡°Hello. How¡¯s everything?¡±

    Popov: ¡°Fantastic, there were mine explosions even in the middle ofst night. But this morning, the report from the bridgehead says the enemy was observed on the positions we abandoned.¡±

    Wang Zhong stepped up to the observation window and picked up the binocrs for a pretense of a look: ¡°Indeed.¡±

    From a bird¡¯s eye view, the trench was filled with the enemy.

    Popov: ¡°I never expected these fake mines to dy the enemy for that long.¡±

    Wang Zhong hummed a response: ¡°This means that the time it takes for the enemy to dig through will be pushed back another day. By the way, have the prisoners been sent back to Ye Fort?¡±

    Popov: ¡°They¡¯ve already been crammed into a sealed railcar and taken away. Additionally, the interrogation of the enemy¡¯s cryptographer by the Judge has concluded.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Did he talk?¡±

    Popov: ¡°No, the person was rushed into the emergency room and just got resuscitated. The Tribunal sent a telegram scolding us about this matter, demanding that the individual be sent to Ye Fort immediately, where professionals from the Tribunal headquarters will take over.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So, they were stuffed into a train instead?¡±

    ¡°No, Ye Fort dispatched a ne to pick him up, and he¡¯s already on the ne and gone.¡± After Popov finished, Pavlov entered the bunker.

    ¡°So, what¡¯s the situation like?¡± he asked.

    Wang Zhong repeated what Popov had just said.

    Pavlovughed heartily, ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯d really like to see the face of the enemymander when he sees what Vasily has made.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I would too, it must be quite a sight.¡±

    He paused, looking across the river: ¡°I guess the enemy is bringing up their anti-tank guns now.¡±

    Within Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision, there were no highlighted anti-tank gun units, so he added, ¡°We should have the Air Force look for them.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°That¡¯s possible. Maybe the Prussians forgot to camouge them. After all, there were no camouges in the war materials you seized with your assault yesterday.¡±

    Indeed, during previous Air Force reconnaissance, it seemed like the Prussians had been careless and forgotten to install camouges. It wasn¡¯t until yesterday¡¯s charge, capturing the enemy engineer brigade headquarters, that we realized the enemy didn¡¯t have any camouges at all.

    It was unclear whether they discovered the Ante infrastructure was too poor after arriving, requiring a change in their supply n that dyed priorities, or if they simply never thought they needed camouges in the first ce.

    Wang Zhong himself picked up the telephone receiver: ¡°Connect me with the Air Force.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    More than two hourster, a call from Hamov came in: ¡°We¡¯ve discovered at least one battalion of anti-tank artillery troops. We strafed them, but I can¡¯t say for sure how many we killed. After all, everyone would lie down when the machine guns sweep over.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That means they¡¯re all well-trained Prussian soldiers.¡±

    Of course, Hamov didn¡¯t catch the movie reference in Wang Zhong¡¯s remark and agreed, ¡°Indeed, many recognized the direction of our attack and knew to quickly move out of the strafing area.

    ¡°It¡¯s difficult to judge the effect of our attack just with our eyes. So we were about to call you and arrange for another artillery strike when the enemy Air Force showed up.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No worries, it¡¯s good that you made it back safely.¡±

    Hamov: ¡°I¡¯ve had someone send over a map with the enemy anti-tank artillery battalion positions marked. It should be arriving soon. Also, if you were thinking of another armored train sortie, I¡¯m telling you there¡¯s no chance. The enemy has torn up the rails on their side of the front.¡±

    As soon as the other side finished, a staff officer came in leading a messenger: ¡°Report, a messenger from the airfield has arrived.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The map is here, Hamov. I¡¯ll hang up now.¡±

    ¡°Alright, good luck hitting the enemy hard!¡±

    ¡°I will.¡±

    Wang Zhong put down the receiver and said to the messenger, ¡°The map.¡±

    The messenger didn¡¯t respond, but directly took out the map and handed it to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong nced at the map and handed it to Pavlov: ¡°Artillery strike ording to this.¡±

    As Pavlov was giving the orders to the artillery, Vasily said, ¡°Looks like another boring day today. It would be great if we could make a charge like yesterday. Why don¡¯t we do it again?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Not possible, aerial reconnaissance just reported the enemy has destroyed the rail track. This kind of armored train assault can¡¯t be used anymore.¡±

    Vasily, not giving up: ¡°Then let¡¯s organize a pure armored assault? Use ferries to transport the tanks across¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, the western ferry docks are full of enemy tank traps in the water; ferries can¡¯t dock there anymore, and small boats can¡¯t carry tanks.¡±

    Vasily, frowning: ¡°Are we just going to stand here and watch then?¡±

    After some thought, Wang Zhong said, ¡°Here¡¯s an idea, we can organize people to shout across to the other side with loudspeakers, mocking them for their slow advance. By the time they have dug their way across, it¡¯ll be raining and they will be stuck in the mud.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°That sounds pretty good. The navy should have loudspeakers; I¡¯ll see if I can get hold of one.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Go on then. And be careful, the enemy has routine artillery bombardments.¡±

    Vasily immediately rolled up his sleeve to show off his watch: ¡°I have this! Taken from a dead enemy¡¯s wrist! Now, this watch is going to shine for the Ante Empire!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You rascal, hoarding spoils for yourself! And you even dare to pull it out in front of the bishop!¡±

    Popov: ¡°Normally, we wouldn¡¯t actively deal with soldiers taking war trophies, but showing them off in front of me is a different story. Remember to remind me to confine you to a month in solitary when we leave the battlefield.¡±

    Vasily eximed, ¡°A month???¡±

    Popov: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Vasily immediately looked like he was on the verge of tears.

    Popov went on, ¡°The main thing is to maintain discipline in the army. We can¡¯t all start hunting for war trophies as soon as we take an enemy position. Then, if the enemy counterattacks, we might lose the position again.¡±

    Vasily turned and ran off with a doleful face.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I was sitting on a tank the whole time yesterday, so I didn¡¯t have time to pick up any war trophies. Otherwise, I would¡¯ve wanted a Prussian-made scope.¡±

    As he finished speaking, the artillery began their attack on the anti-tank gun positions, with the sound of shells flying overhead.

 Chapter 267: "The First Appearance of the Prussian Army on the Streets of Ye Fort

    September 25th, this day can only be described as boring with the time remaining.

    The Prussian bombardment was punctual as always, but it had no effect because everyone hid before the appointed time.

    And the Prussian Air Force seemed to have forgotten about the city of Shostka, not even conducting a level bombing with their heavy bombers.

    Wang Zhong, in the division headquarters bunker, yawned mightily while listening to the taunting broadcasts from the loudspeakers set up by Vasily outside.

    Pavlov: ¡°If you¡¯re tired, go to sleep. Once the real fighting starts, you¡¯ll probably have to stay in the division headquarters bunker all day.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m starting to wonder if a real battle could even happen? We caught so many officers yesterday, all with engineer insignia, and seized so many of their tools. Enemy engineering advancement capabilities must be severelypromised.

    ¡°Maybe if we just sit here quietly until it starts raining, we can retreat.¡±

    Pavlov frowned, ¡°Do we still have to retreat even if we hold out until it rains?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Right now, the enemy¡¯s supply line isn¡¯t long enough. Although the rain will lead to chaos, I believe we still need to retreat to stretch out their supply line.¡±Saying this, he walked up to the frontline map.

    ¡°Besides, look at the enemy¡¯s northern offensive. Even though it¡¯s slower than we anticipated, it is still progressing. The day before yesterday, they advanced 25 kilometers; yesterday, 28 kilometers. It¡¯s slow, but they are indeed moving forward.

    ¡°From the start of their offensive on the 20th, the enemy has advanced 110 kilometers in five days.¡±

    Pavlov, looking at the map: ¡°What on earth is the northern line doing? Since we¡¯re not under much pressure here, the Western Front Army has moved all its troops to the north. Why has the enemy been able to advance 110 kilometers in five days?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Regarding this, I also heard some things when I was interacting with the officers at Ye Fort. Mainly, blind expansion of the military has led to a severe shortage of equipment.

    ¡°Tank divisionsck everything except tanks and infantry divisions evenck tanks.

    ¡°Prussian infantry are equipped with machine guns down to the squad level, while our infantry divisions only have two to three machine guns perpany, and Papashas are sometimes even rarer than machine guns, with only toon leaders each having one.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Thinking about it, aren¡¯t we an incredibly wealthy division? We captured so many machine guns. When we retreated to Loktov, everyone had submachine guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You only realize this now? Look at our artillery, 36 heavy guns. Which other division has such artillery configuration? I met an officer at Ye Fort whose division had a total of four 122 mm guns, four! And only four 76 mm regimental guns.¡±

    Pavlov, looking at the map: ¡°When you think about it, the equipment of our Third Rear Amur Group is also very poor. Only divisions have regimental guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Right, Prussian infantry groups have a bunch of 75 mm infantry guns, and divisions are well supplied with 105 mm and 150 mm guns. Even if the enemy onlyunches infantry attacks, the artillery fire density alone could break through our lines.

    ¡°Our problem, in a nutshell, is one phrase: insufficient firepower!¡±

    Popov chimed in at this point: ¡°I thought it was a shortage of tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Having tanks alone is useless; you need abined arms approach. Look at the enemy, a tank division has everything ¨C sufficient artillery, strong infantry, apanying engineers and anti-aircraft artillery battalions, as well as motorized reconnaissance battalions.

    ¡°Look how many motorcycles and trucks we captured yesterday.¡±

    As Wang Zhong said this, he also remembered the sailor who sped past on a motorcycle yesterday, with hisrgepels and streaming ribbons.

    At this moment, the telephone rang.

    Pavlov picked it up: ¡°Division headquarters. Who¡¯s this? I¡¯ll put him on right away.¡±

    Passing the receiver to Wang Zhong, Pavlov said: ¡°It¡¯s a call from Ekaterinburg Fortress.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the receiver: ¡°This is Rocossov.¡±

    A grave and steady voice came through from the other side: ¡°Rocossov, you¡¯ve done very well!¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t immediately remember who the voice belonged to and was about to ask ¡°Who the hell are you¡± when he suddenly realized, with a jolt, that the person likely to speak like this was probably Belinsky, the Grand Patriarch.

    He quickly said, ¡°Your Excellency, the Grand Patriarch, hello.¡±

    The other side burst intoughter, clearly very pleased.

    As soon as Popov heard it was the Grand Patriarch, he immediately stood up.

    The voice on the phone said, ¡°We have already received the ¡®gift¡¯ you sent!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You received the Enigma machine, then. Get the mathematicians on it for decoding right away.¡±

    The Grand Patriarch paused for a moment: ¡°Hold on.¡±

    Then, presumably, he moved the receiver away from his ear, but Wang Zhong could still hear the Patriarch¡¯s voice: ¡°The Enigma machine sent by Rocossov? Did the High Command intelligence service¡¯s cryptography department receive it? Why wasn¡¯t I told? Alright, I understand.¡±

    The Grand Patriarch¡¯s voice came through clearly again, obviously with the receiver back to his ear: ¡°There¡¯s been a bit of an issue. It seems that the High Command thinks decoding ciphers is within their jurisdiction. But the cryptographer is currently with the Judge, after being rescued we¡¯ll make him talk.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Actually, the key is mathematics. We should organize the mathematicians, let them focus on studying the patterns of the enemy¡¯s telegraphs to establish a mathematical model. The Enigma machine itself doesn¡¯t enable us to decode the cipher, we need to know the key, which is the initial position of the rotors.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°Thank you for your suggestion. We will gather the best mathematicians we have here in Ekaterinburg Fortress. What we¡¯re discussing is another gift.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately understood: ¡°You mean the prisoners?¡±

    ¡°Yes, there have always been rumors saying that despite proiming various great victories, not a single prisoner has been seen. Now we have prisoners. If you hadn¡¯t sent the prisoners, we would have had to dress people up in Prussian uniforms.

    ¡°We already had their uniforms half-made.

    ¡°Such imposture certainly carries risks. If word got out, the consequences would be unimaginable. Now that we have actual prisoners, everything bes much easier.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s great to hear. By the way, make sure that Federation¡¯s Reporter Mike and his photographer partnere to see them and write a good report!¡±

    ¡°Of course,¡± Belinsky paused, ¡°can that reporter be trusted?¡±

    ¡°He should be,¡± Wang Zhong answered. ¡°Is there something wrong with the news he sent back to the Federation?¡±

    ¡°No, that¡¯s not it. But I haven¡¯t had contact with that reporter, so I¡¯m ultimately unclear on the details. Since you think he can be trusted and he has produced authentic reports, then let¡¯s arrange for him to have a good visit.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    St. Ye Katerina Fortress, September 25th, 914 A.D. in the afternoon.

    Reporter Mike from the Federation and his partner, the photojournalist Robert Capa, were taken to Ye Fort Street by several judges after receiving a phone call.

    Mike looked around with confusion; the pedestrians on the streets of Ye Fort were far fewer than a few weeks ago.

    One could seebor camp workers piling sandbags by the street, and in the distant park in the center of the street, one could spot an 85mm heavy antiaircraft gun hidden inside.

    Robert, however, was happily taking photos, especially fixated on ady making a purchase, snapping away incessantly.

    Then the judge spoke in the Anglonguage of the Federation, ¡°You might want to save your film.¡±

    Robert: ¡°I can speak Ante. Save my film? Why?¡±

    The judge smiled slightly, ¡°You¡¯ll see something exciting in a moment.¡±

    Suddenly, a woman¡¯s scream came from afar.

    Mike and Robert turned their heads and saw severaldies at the far corner dropping their things and running as if insane, fleeing away from the intersection.

    Thedy who had just passed by Robert looked on in bewilderment, staring nkly toward the distance, unsure whether to keep going forward¡ªshe was originally heading in that direction.

    Then, the Prussian Army turned the corner!

    Thedy still observing let out a scream, dropped her things and turned to run but was grabbed by a judge: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, ma¡¯am, look closely, those are prisoners!¡±

    The woman turned her head, gazing at the Prussians.

    Robert: ¡°They are tied up with ropes! They are prisoners!¡±

    He hurried towards the marching column of prisoners.

    Mike nced at the judge, and seeing a gesture to proceed, he started walking to catch up with his partner.

    Robert was already rapidly going through his film rolls, the smoke from the shbulbs drifting into Mike¡¯s nostrils.

    Mike closely observed these prisoners and noticed that half of them wore the patches of engineers while the rest were d in uniforms darker than the standard Prussian uniform, with different cor patches.

    He suddenly pulled his partner: ¡°Focus on their cor patches! That¡¯s where the real news value lies!¡±

    Robert: ¡°Cor patches?¡±

    Mike: ¡°See, the Zeus with the lightning, these people are the Asgard Knights, the elite of the elite! Prussian propaganda says this unit is invincible!¡±

    Robert: ¡°I don¡¯t remember that, but if you say so, then it must be. Plus, this patch¡­ it really does catch the eye!¡±

    Saying this, he took his camera, got close to the infantrymen with patches, and pressed the shutter.

    The shpowder¡¯s smoke spewed out of the shbulb.

    Mike: ¡°Take several shots!¡±

    After instructing his partner, he switched to Prussian and loudly asked: ¡°Are you the Asgard Knights? Who defeated you?¡±

    All the prisoners red at Mike with resentment.

    And Robert, as if having found treasure, frantically photographed these people¡¯s expressions.

    At that moment, the Ante people began to react, starting to curse at the prisoners and hurling various objects from all directions at the column of prisoners.

    Mike still repeated: ¡°Are you the Asgard Knights? Who defeated you? Who captured you? I¡¯m a reporter from the Federation! Who can give me an interview?¡±

    Just then, a man who looked like an officer suddenly raised his head: ¡°Ob¡¯s st¨¹rmt oder schneit, Ob die Sonne unscht!¡±

    Mike understood Prussian, knowing it meant ¡°Whether it storms or snows, or if the sun smiles at us.¡±

    This was the anthem of the Prussian Armored Troops.

    The next moment, the previously disheartened prisoners puffed out their chests and raised their heads, singing loudly in unison.

    Like the roaring of an engine, as swift as lightning, we confront the enemy, under the cover of tanks. In front of ourrades, we charge, we fight alone, and thus we deeply pierce into the enemy¡¯s lines.

    The Ante people increased their efforts in hurling objects, but this did not stop the Prussians.@@novelbin@@

    No, it seemed that in defiance of the Ante people¡¯s outrage, they sang even louder.

    If Lady Fortune abandons us again, if we can no longer return to our homnd, if bullets target us, ending our fate and halting our lives, at least our loyal tanks will grant us a steel tomb.

    Mike, watching the Prussians¡¯ defiant attitude, had already thought of the first sentence for his report.

    ¡°These prisoners, as if they were not prisoners at all but rather here to upy the city. This is the first group of Prussian soldiers to enter Ye Fort.¡±

 Chapter 268: The Situation in Other Directions (Extra 7/33)

    On September 29, at the Second Armored Cluster Command of Prussia, General Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch had just entered themand center when his adjutant hurried over and said, ¡°A call from Marshal von Bock of the Central Army Group.¡±

    General Mauch: ¡°I know. Make me some coffee.¡±

    After speaking, he walked over to the maps table and picked up the receiver: ¡°This is Mauch, what¡¯s the matter, Marshal?¡±

    ¡°Being able to actually ring through to yourmand post is quite the novel experience.¡±

    Previously, General Mauch¡¯s armored forces had been attacking very swiftly, always advancing, and thus their clustermand post also had to be moved forward constantly, without enough time toy phone lines.

    The current scenario, where themand post had remained in the same ce for nine days, was indeed unprecedented.

    General Mauch exined: ¡°We¡¯ve encountered firm resistance at the Duva River. We have been relentlessly attacking the 51st Army of Ante; they¡¯ve taken heavy losses, but they received reinforcements from the 55th Army, and additionally, the enemy¡¯s army artillery has been taking good care of us.¡±

    ¡°If the First Army of Asgard couldunch an attack, and share some of the pressure of our assault, I believe it¡¯s only a matter of time before we break through the enemy¡¯s defense.¡±

    Marshal von Bock sighed, ¡°His Majesty is very displeased; after all, the offensive on the northern front is going very smoothly, yet you are at a standstill. Yesterday a newspaper from the Federation was delivered to His Majesty, then he was so furious that he sent it to us by ne overnight.¡±¡°I dispatched a motorcycle to bring it to you, it should arrive shortly. You¡¯d better push Giles tounch an attack as soon as possible.¡±

    General Mauch: ¡°I will.¡±

    ¡°If you cannot spur the Emperor¡¯s favorite into action, you¡¯ll just have to break through the defense line and then strike General Rokossovsky¡¯s division from the nk.¡±

    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t there be political consequences?¡± General Mauch asked, puzzled.

    Marshal von Bock: ¡°You just need to let that young brat Giles have the credit, for instance, surround Rokossovsky and then move your forces forward. As long as Ye Fort is conquered in the end, the glory will go to the Defense Army!¡±

    General Mauch put his heels together, ¡°Yes. I will strive to break through the defense line within a few days!¡±

    No sooner had he finished than the other party hung up the phone.

    Putting down the receiver, General Mauch turned to his adjutant: ¡°The Marshal mentioned a Federation newspaper. Have we received it?¡±

    The adjutant: ¡°No, not yet. It takes time from the Central Army Group Command to get here.¡±@@novelbin@@

    General Mauch raised an eyebrow: ¡°Never mind, forget about it. Today we continue the assault¡ª¡±

    At this moment, the staff officer came in with two military officers wearing motorcycle corps leather jackets.

    Upon seeing General Mauch, the two officers snapped to attention and saluted: ¡°General! Marshal von Bock has sent us to deliver this newspaper to you.¡±

    ¡°Hand it over to me.¡± General Mauch said while picking up a pair of tongs, opened the sugar jar, took a cube, and tossed it into his coffee cup, then gently stirred with a spoon.

    The leather-d officer took out a newspaper from a briefcase and handed it to the adjutant.

    The adjutant frowned upon seeing the front-page photo and began to read the headline news.

    General Mauch: ¡°What does it say?¡±

    ¡°These prisoners, looking as if they are not in fact captives, but rather conquerors of this city. These are the first group of Prussian soldiers to enter Ye Fort.

    ¡°General Rokossovsky captured them and assured that they will be thest Prussians to enter Ye Fort.

    ¡°Our reporters have learned that these Prussian soldierse from the Asgard Knights, so hyped by the Prosen Imperial Propaganda Department, and they were annihted by General Rokossovsky acting in full formation.

    ¡°While paraded through the streets, the prisoners tried hard to maintain morale, but at the mere mention of General Rokossovsky¡¯s name, they immediately shrank like frightened mice.

    ¡°They attempted to sing to chase away the fear, but this effort clearly failed. Rokossovsky has shattered their will to fight.

    ¡°These soldiers, they dubbed General Rokossovsky as Surtur, the king of the Fire Giants who brings about the destruction of the Aesir in Ragnar?k¡­¡±

    The adjutant could no longer read: ¡°The Asgard Knights is our armyposed of civilians drafted from the cities, right? They would never utter such things that swing enemy morale and sap our own prestige!¡±

    General Mauch clicked his tongue: ¡°Not everything in newspapers must be true. Especially not the ones from the Federation. Let me have a look.¡±

    The adjutant unfolded the newspaper and smoothed it out on the desk in front of the general.

    The general looked at the photo on the front page: ¡°Hmph, the uniform of the Asgard Knights has indeed been captured very clearly.¡±

    The adjutant: ¡°Won¡¯t many in the Defense Army be happy?¡±

    ¡°How could this possibly be cause for joy? You said it yourself, the Asgard Knights are also part of the Defense Army, this is our brothers being insulted! It¡¯s time tounch a decisive attack. We must break through the enemy facing us today!¡±

    General Mauch lifted his head: ¡°Attack, a determined attack!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª-

    On the morning of September 29, General Kashuk¡¯s army was subjected to a ferocious attack by the enemy.

    Of course, the enemy¡¯s attacks these days had never been anything but ferocious.

    Yesterday, the Prussians had attempted to build a pontoon bridge over the river, and Kashuk¡¯s artillery had struggled to prevent the enemy¡¯s bridging efforts.

    Today, it seemed, the enemy was trying the same tactic again.

    With the arrival of smoke, Kashuk ordered his Chief of Staff: ¡°It¡¯s another bridging operation, send in the dare-to-die squad.¡±

    The suicide squad¡¯s mission was to crawl to the river with a telephone and wire, observe the enemy¡¯s bridge-building location on the opposite side, and direct artillery fire.

    Kashuk¡¯s military defensive front was very wide, and the entire ferry crossing area was suitable for building a bridge. If they were to cover the entire area with artillery fire, the consumption of ammunition would be too much.

    Taking into ount that they still had to hold this position for more than ten days, Kashuk resorted to this desperate measure.

    After the suicide squad set off, Kashuk¡¯s chief of staff whispered to him, ¡°The engine noise of the enemy tanks has been constant across the river. Will there be any significant moves today? At our section of the defense line, there are no breakwaters like Shostka, so if the enemy troopse across the river under the cover of smoke¡­ Should we arrange a barrage of blind firing, just like General Rocossov did?¡±

    Kashuk thought for a moment, then shook his head, ¡°No, our ammunition supply is already critically low. Prepare for hand-to-handbat. If the enemy attempts an armed river crossing, their heavy machine guns won¡¯t keep up with them, so the pressure on us won¡¯t be that great.¡±

    Just then, the telephone rang. The chief of staff picked it up, ¡°Hello? What? Suicide squad members killed? Enemy infantry emerging from the river? Then open fire! Open fire!¡±

    As the chief of staff roared, the sound of gunshots popped like firecrackers on the defense line.

    The chief of staff had just hung up the phone when it rang again. He answered, shouting, ¡°Hello? Corps Command! The 27th Division? You need reinforcements? The reserve forces went up there yesterday! If you call for reinforcements again, all that¡¯s left will be us!¡±

    After mming the receiver onto the phone, the chief of staff looked up, ¡°Maybe we should call Major General Kiriyenko. Have his army group send a few more divisions up here.¡±

    Kashuk was still hesitating when engine noise came from outside.

    Right after that, guards from the division headquarters ran in, ¡°Commander! The reinforcements have arrived, it¡¯s a tank!¡±

    Kashuk immediately rushed to the bunker¡¯s door, pushing past the guard to step outside, and indeed saw the dust raised by advancing tanks.

    A behemoth T34 tank halted in front of Kashuk¡¯smand post, and the tankmander popped out of the hatch, ¡°General sir! We¡¯vee to reinforce you on the orders of Major General Kiriyenko!¡±

    Kashuk: ¡°Howe your tank is different from the other T34s?¡±

    The tankmanderughed, ¡°This is a secretly producedmemorative model tank, just like General Rocossov¡¯s Number 422! And they all have radios! Although the radios asionally go haywire, they all have them! Let us go and fight the enemy!¡±

    Kashuk: ¡°Good! The enemy is currently attacking the 27th Division¡¯s position. Go and support the 27th Division!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Armored Cluster Command.

    ¡°Report! Our offense is stalled, the enemy has engaged tank forces in a counter-attack, and for now, we only control the beachhead position,¡± said themunications staff officer, standing in ce waiting for orders.

    General Mauch: ¡°The infantry need not insist on upying the entire riverside position; just hold the beachhead until the bridge-building troopsplete their mission.¡±

    Chief of staff: ¡°What tanks counter-attacked us?¡±

    Communications staff officer: ¡°It¡¯s a model not seen in the identification chart; suspected to be a T34, but with arger turret.¡±

    General Mauch lifted his head, ¡°A T34 with arger turret? Rokossovskiy hase to our front? Shostka isn¡¯t under pressure, so he¡¯se straight over here?¡±

    Communications staff officer: ¡°The front lines didn¡¯t report seeing the red g. Shall I have them confirm it?¡±

    ¡°Have them confirm.¡±

    Mauch finished speaking, and themunications staff officer turned and left.

    General Mauch¡¯s adjutant said: ¡°General Rokossovsky¡¯s forces are in Shostka; himing over here, does it make sense? Could it be that after Rokossovsky achieved sess using a T34 with arge turret, the Ante side urgently produced some tanks withrger turrets?¡±

    General Mauch: ¡°That¡¯s possible. Bring up the 88mm guns to the riverbank, ready to fire. The smoke should be dispersing soon.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Riverbank, 27th Division position.

    The divisionmanderughed heartily, watching the enemy forces retreat under the power of tank fire, ¡°This is fantastic! Now it¡¯s your turn to feel the burn!¡±

    The division chief of staff patted themander on the shoulder, ¡°The smoke is about to clear.¡±

    The divisionmander promptly turned his binocrs, ¡°Indeed, once it clears, our tanks will be able to unleash their firepower andpletely obliterate the enemy¡¯s bridge-building troops!¡±

    As the smoke gradually dissipated, a loud boom suddenly came from the opposite side.

    Themander of the 27th Division had never heard the sound of an 88mm gun firing, so he looked on in confusion.

    But an oval orb of light had already struck a ¡°new model¡± T34.

    The tank¡¯s turret immediately stopped rotating.

    No tank operators ran out of the tank.

    The divisionmander thought the tank operators had just been stunned and even breathed a sigh of relief, but the next moment, the tank¡¯s engine caught fire, followed by a fierce explosion that sent the turret flying into the sky.

    Themander¡¯s eyes widened, and before he could speak, another shell came flying in.

    With the supporting tanks being blown up one after another, the infantry of the 27th Division also began to waver.

    Fortunately, at that moment, new troops arrived from behind.

    ¡°We are the 210th Infantry Division! We¡¯vee to support you by order of Major General Kiriyenko!¡±

    The reinforcements steadied the troops¡¯ morale, and the fierce beachhead struggle continued.

 Chapter 269: What a great bridge (Extra 8/33)

    While the neighboring units were engaged in a ferocious meat-grinder of a battle, Shostka was rtively calm.

    It wasn¡¯t necessarily calm, though, as both sides exchanged heavy artillery greetings daily.

    The artillery firepower of the Guard¡¯s First Motor Rifle Division certainly couldn¡¯tpare with that of an enemy army, especially one that had beenvished with attention by the then Emperor as the ¡°nouveau riche army.¡±

    But Shostka¡¯s sturdy reinforced concrete structures withstood it all.

    On October 2, 914, Wang Zhong was observing the enemy¡¯s engineering progress when the telephone suddenly rang.

    Pavlov picked up, ¡°This is the division headquarters. Please hold.¡±

    After speaking, he handed the receiver to Wang Zhong, ¡°Major General Kiriyenko.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the receiver and his first words were, ¡°No problems on my end. Do you need me to dispatch troops to support Kashuk?¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°It seems you¡¯re aware of the situation. The enemy hasunched relentless attacks on Kashuk¡¯s position, some of the surface positions have already been ttened. Kashuk has lost the beachhead and it¡¯s only by sting the enemy¡¯s pontoon bridges with artillery fire that they¡¯ve been stopped from advancing further.¡±¡°Your Air Force at the airfield also yed a significant role, I never knew our interceptors could drop bombs before.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Actually, it¡¯s my first time knowing that too. But it seems they quite enjoy these kinds of missions. By the way, I also learned about the situation on Kashuk¡¯s side through the Air Force.¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°I¡¯ve already sent up all the reserves, and even adjusted the defense sectors of other units, abandoning some non-critical positions. Any troops I could spare, I¡¯ve already sent to Kashuk.¡±@@novelbin@@

    ¡°What does the Front Army say?¡± Wang Zhong asked.

    ¡°You take one look at the situation to the north and you can pretty much guess what they¡¯d say,¡± Kiriyenko¡¯s wryughter came through the phone line.

    Wang Zhong nced at the map on the division headquarters¡¯ wall.

    To the north, a massive salient had prated deep into the defensive area of the entire Western Front Army.

    Incidentally, on the Western Front Army¡¯s main line, the enemy¡¯s infantry units had alsounched an offensive, firmly pinning down the other units of the Western Front Army in their positions.

    As a result, the Western Front Army could only continue sending follow-up troops to the north, trying to block the enemy¡¯s overwhelming assault.

    Apart from defense, the Western Front Army had alsounched an offensive aimed at cutting off the enemy¡¯s ¡°long fangs¡± at the root, which, unsurprisingly, failed, costing arge number of troops.

    It appeared that the current state of the entire Ante Army was insufficient tounch an attack.

    To defeat the Prussian Army, troops had to be tempered in blood and fire.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I can dispatch a battalion, no, a regiment!¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°Come on, do you really think I called you for just a regiment? No no, General Rokossovsky, now is the time to use your connections. I don¡¯t know if you should call Her Highness the Princess or His Holiness the Grand Patriarch, I don¡¯t know who can bring in troops.¡±

    ¡°But you need to do something, send a telegram, make a call, or fly directly to Ye Fort¡ªdo something! You are the star of victory! Of course, I won¡¯t leave it all to you, I¡¯m heading to the Commander of the Western Front Army¡¯s headquarters right now to plead our urgent case.¡±

    The headquarters of the Western Front Army was not located in Yeborg City but in T.

    It would take about a day¡¯s drive from Kiriyenko¡¯s headquarters to get there.

    Yes, a day. That¡¯s how vast Ante was.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I understand. I¡¯ll make the calls, and you keep up the good work.¡±

    ¡°Let¡¯s all keep up the good work. If we really copse, just pull back to my headquarters. Given your division¡¯s equipment, you should be able to hold out for a while, plus the rain starting might be a lifesaver. Hanging up now!¡±

    After saying that, Kiriyenko hung up.

    Wang Zhong ced down the receiver and looked at Pavlov.

    Pavlov, ¡°Kashuk can¡¯t hold out?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The reserves are almost depleted, including Kiriyenko¡¯s reserves. In retrospect, we should have been deployed to defend the ferry below since we have such powerful firepower. Instead, we¡¯re here in a standoff with the enemy, while Kashuk¡¯s less well-equipped army faces a direct onught from the enemy¡¯s heavy forces.¡±

    Pavlov shrugged, ¡°Who could have predicted this?¡±

    Now, it was impossible to move Wang Zhong¡¯s division down there because such a parallel change of guard would cause significant confusion. The enemy wasn¡¯t close enough for a switch, but making such a move with the enemy in sight was tantamount to suicide.

    So, a mistake in troop allocation could only result in the current situation.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t Pavlov who made the decision to deploy Wang Zhong here but the Western Front Army¡¯s headquarters.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that when hemandedrge troop formations in the future, he must conduct more reconnaissance to urately assess the enemy¡¯s main direction of attack as much as possible.

    At that moment, Popov said, ¡°You can¡¯t say that. If the enemy is undertaking trench work, isn¡¯t it because our division¡¯s firepower hit them hard? They lost so many tanks just on the first day. If Kashuk¡¯s forces came here, perhaps they would face a relentless assault too, and we might be bored watching the enemy¡¯s trench work in Kashuk¡¯s current position.¡±

    It was indeed a possibility.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°In any event, Kiriyenko has handed overmand to his Chief of Staff and is now going to Marshal Semyon of the Western Front Army to request troops.¡±

    ¡°And I need to ce a call to the Grand Patriarch. Our line can directly reach the capital, right?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Yes, we can use the civilian long-distance lines. The military lines are moreplicated; they must first go through the Front Army¡¯s switchboard.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Should I just get us connected to the civilian line?¡±

    ¡°Yes, now all the jack points are at our switchboard.¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the receiver: ¡°This is Rokossovsky, connect me to the civilian line, to Ye Fort.¡±

    The operator on the other end asked, ¡°Which part of Ye Fort?¡±

    ¡°The Great Cathedral of the Eastern Holy Church.¡±

    ¡°Understood.¡±

    Wang Zhong held the receiver, waiting to be connected, as his gaze shifted back and forth between Pavlov and Popov.

    Soon, the other side replied, ¡°Great Cathedral switchboard, who may I ask is calling?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is General Rokossovsky¡­¡±

    ¡°Is this Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky?¡±

    ¡°Yes, it is.¡±

    ¡°Are you looking for His Eminence Grand Patriarch Belinsky?¡±

    ¡°Yes, I am.¡±

    ¡°One moment, please.¡±

    Another waiting period ensued, and Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov and suddenly asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you two speaking?¡±

    Pavlov and Popov exchanged a nce, saying, ¡°We were afraid of disturbing your call for reinforcements.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Right, just in case we scare off the reinforcements with our chatter, that wouldn¡¯t be good.¡±

    Wang Zhong wanted to retort to the two of them, but then ¡°that¡± voice came through, ¡°Rokossovsky here, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The situation is this, Kashuk¡¯s unit downstream has exhausted their reserves. Kiriyenko¡¯s reserves have also all beenmitted, without new troops for support, the situation on the southern line will be very dangerous.¡±

    Belinsky was silent for a few seconds, then asked, ¡°I only have the Guardian Army here, would that be okay? They have weapons, but that¡¯s about it. Do you understand?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I understand, I¡¯ve fought side by side with them.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°I see, I will arrange for the Guardian Army to be transported to the front line. I¡¯ll send the ones of better quality. After gaining some battle experience, perhaps they can be reformed into regr troops like the Fifth Beshensk Regiment.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Thank you very much.¡±

    ¡°What¡¯s there to thank me for? I¡¯m also fighting for the country, just from a different position. Hold the line, the weather department predicts based on current observations and records from the past forty years that it will rain in about a week.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Understood. I will pass this on to Generals Kashuk and Kiriyenko. So¡­¡±

    He was about to say goodbye when he suddenly remembered something and asked, ¡°What¡¯s the situation at High Command? Ever since Marshal Semyon went to the Western Front Army, we have been left with Chief of Staff Tukhachev¡­¡±

    The Grand Patriarch: ¡°Tukhachev has calmed the Emperor down, at least we don¡¯t have to worry about him issuing impromptu orders for now. If the situation on the northern line is indeed terrible, a retreat order is likely to be issued.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Even if a retreat order is issued, it should be after the rainy season begins. We are better suited for mud, plus our supply lines are shorter. Once the mudes, the enemy will hardly be able to pursue us, and we can retreat safely.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°I remember. But High Command doesn¡¯t listen to me. Maybe you should discuss this issue with Her Highness the Princess.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°She still has influence over such matters?¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°From what I¡¯ve heard, she isn¡¯t allowed in High Command¡¯s operations rooms and map rooms, but she¡¯s been staying with General Tugenev at Military Command, so she should be able to exert some influence.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I see. I¡¯ll reach out to her if necessary.¡±

    At that moment, the Grand Patriarch said ¡°Hold on,¡± put down the receiver, and spoke with others. After a while, his voice returned, ¡°It¡¯s settled, the first batch of the Guardian Army will leave tonight and should arrive at the train station controlled by your Army Group by tomorrow afternoon. How to use them will be up to your Army Group.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Thank you very much¡­ Ah, that¡¯s a personal thanks.¡±

    The Grand Patriarch: ¡°Then I ept your thanks.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhong let out a long breath and said to Pavlov, ¡°Inform the Army Group that the reinforcements from the Guardian Army will arrive tomorrow. I don¡¯t know the exact number, but whatever it is, it will be useful.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned to look out the observation window.

    The enemy¡¯s sappers were not advancing as quickly as they were at the beginning; clearly influenced by Wang Zhong¡¯s recent strike.

    Popov joined Wang Zhong, ncing at the enemy while speaking, ¡°The engineer corps estimates that by October 10th, the enemy will have dug up to fifty meters from the bridgehead. Before that, we need to find the right time to retreat and blow the bridge. Otherwise, once the enemy reaches the shore, installing explosives will be inconvenient.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Install the explosives tonight. Begin the setup at dusk; now that the nights have grown longer, it should be finished before dawn, and then we¡¯ll retreat from the bridgehead at the darkest time before dawn.¡±

    Popov: ¡°That works. It¡¯s a pity, such a fine anvil, and the enemy isn¡¯t taking the bait after being hammered twice.¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°Indeed. And we even have to blow up the bridge over Duva River. Now looking at this bridge, what a fine one it is.¡±

    It was at this moment that Wang Zhong truly understood that line from the famous movie ¡°The Bridge.¡±

 Chapter 270: Goodness, theres a Division Commander

    October 3rd, early in the morning.

    Pavlov maintained his position holding the receiver and said, ¡°The troops at the bridgehead havepleted their retreat, and the explosives are installed.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Detonate.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Detonate.¡±

    The next moment, the top cover of the bridgehead bunker on the opposite bank waspletely lifted off by the explosives, and the approach section of the big bridge copsed into the river with a loud crash, like building blocks pushed by a naughty child.

    The remaining sections of the bridge, yet to be detonated, were twisted by the enormous st, but the next moment the explosives on the bridge also detonated, sting the rails into many pieces, which flew into the air before falling back into the water.

    From Wang Zhong¡¯s overhead view, all the high-light targets in the enemy trenches that had been motionless suddenly sprang into action, clearly startled by the consecutive booms.

    Watching the little red-highlighted figures running about in the trenches, Wang Zhong found a touch of childhood innocence he hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. Unfortunately, he didn¡¯t have a mineral water bottle to pour water into the trenches now.

    Pavlov put down the receiver, ¡°Next, we¡¯ll see how fast the enemy advances through the trenches. Based on the current pace, they¡¯re estimated to reach the bank by October 9th. If we¡¯re optimistic, it should start raining by then.¡±Wang Zhong observed the opposite bank and, hearing the footsteps of themunications staff officer, turned around to see the staff starting to update the full map of the front line on the wall.

    Generally, division-levelmand posts do not update their front line status maps immediately becausemanders can¡¯t control other units¡¯ situations, so theypile intelligence over a period before updating all together to reduce the staff¡¯s workload.

    Thus, division-levelmand posts can be updated by just two or three staff officers.

    If it¡¯s the Front Army headquarters, more than a dozen staff officers would be continuously busy updating the map with verified intelligence, and several dozen more staff officers would be in charge of verifying all sorts of misceneous messages.

    Wang Zhong looked at the staff updating the map and suddenly noticed something, ¡°The enemy on the northern line didn¡¯t advance yesterday? Was there a unit that stopped them?¡±

    The staff officer, ¡°It¡¯s the enemy who stopped advancing, probably to resupply fuel and ammunition.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°The enemy¡¯s supply line is starting to break down. They have advanced so far on the northern route, but their logistics can¡¯t keep up.¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s gaze swept from the extreme left¡ªthe westernmost point¡ªon the map to where the enemy vanguard was now situated, ¡°That¡¯s nearly a thousand kilometers. It¡¯s normal for something to go wrong.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°After the rain, bigger problems will arise.¡±

    He looked out of the observation window again, ¡°Fall, rain, fall!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    However, up until October 9th, there was still no indication of rain.

    On the morning of October 9th, as soon as Wang Zhong entered the divisional bunker, he saw Popov, who had been on the night shift, answering the phone, ¡°The enemy currently has no intention of crossing the river, and we are closely monitoring them. Yes¡­ Oh, he¡¯s here, I¡¯ll hand the phone to him.¡±

    After saying that, Popov passed the receiver to Wang Zhong, ¡°Major General Kiriyenko.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the receiver, ¡°Hello, General.¡±

    ¡°The situation is a mess,¡± Major General Kiriyenko blurted out. ¡°If it wasn¡¯t for the continuous support of the Guardian Army, our front line would have already copsed. The good news is, the enemy¡¯s northern spearhead has stopped for two days.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, the northern enemy forces probably can¡¯t keep up with the supplies. They need progress from the southern route toplete their pincer movement. So the pressure is greater on us.¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°It¡¯s not just a question of us being under more pressure, did you know that Kashuk¡¯s headquarters was overrun yesterday? He himself only sustained a scratch, but his staff are nearly all dead. Even if his forces retreat now, I doubt they can do it properly.

    ¡°If we don¡¯t get rain soon, we might not be able to pull back!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, that won¡¯t do. The enemy facing us has a short supply line and has been holding back here for so long. If it doesn¡¯t rain, they will catch up to us.¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°Damn the weather. Some ces should have started raining on the 7th in past years.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Telling me that doesn¡¯t help, what can I do, conduct a ritual and pray for rain for you?¡±

    ¡°What?¡± Kiriyenko¡¯s confusion was palpable even over the phone line. It seemed that the Ante People did not have the custom of praying for rain; they were never short of water.

    The territory of Ante wasced with many rivers, but all these rivers ran from south to north. Despite the abundance of water in these rivers, they could not support east-west cargo transportation across their long and narrow territory.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I mean, pray to God for rain.¡±

    ¡°You forgot we are the Secr faction?¡±

    The Secr faction believed that all ¡°miracles¡± had scientific exnations; they just hadn¡¯t been discovered yet.

    Therefore, the Secr faction would not pray for rain but would predict it based on meteorological data.

    Kiriyenko, ¡°ording to past data, it might not rain until October 20th at thetest, so we¡¯ll have to be prepared to fight and retreat simultaneously.

    ¡°The good news is, since the northern enemy stopped, we¡¯ll soon have reinforcements from the regr army. Additionally, the Western Front Army is building a second line of defense behind us.¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to respond to Major General Kiriyenko, when suddenly the sound of artillery shells falling pierced the sky.

    The explosion quickly followed, shaking the bunker with a shockwave that sent a plume of dust onto Wang Zhong¡¯s head.

    Pavlov stumbled in, ¡°Damn, it¡¯s heavy artillery. The enemy is probably nning a major assault.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked outside; the enemy¡¯s trenches had been dug to about 20 meters away from the river¡¯s floodbanks. Meaning, if theyunched an attack, the enemy would need just a few steps out of the trenches to enter the river.

    With the aid of his ¡°outsider advantage,¡± Wang Zhong had already seen the enemy¡¯s pontoon unit transporting bridge materials to the riverbank through the trenches.

    He immediately ordered Pavlov, ¡°Prepare the artillery battalion, implementation of Firepower n Four.¡±

    The fourth fire n was to bomb the riverbanks, potentially damaging the bridge equipment that had been moved to the edge of the river.

    As Pavlov was giving orders on another telephone, Kiriyenko asked Wang Zhong beside him, ¡°Has it finally started over there too?¡±

    ¡°Yes, the enemy has advanced to the riverbank and is about to begin a forceful river crossing. But I am prepared for closebat with them.¡±

    ¡°Then I won¡¯t disturb you any longer. Good luck,¡± Kiriyenko said before hanging up the phone.

    Wang Zhong put down the receiver, and Popov said, ¡°They¡¯re finally here. The soldiers have been getting impatient. We can definitely hold them off in today¡¯s attack.¡±

    Just then, as Pavlov had finished giving orders to the artillery, his expression changed abruptly, and he shouted, ¡°Artillery? Artillery?¡±

    He hung up the phone, turned his head and yelled, ¡°Signals officer! The line has been cut by a bomb! Send someone to check the wires immediately!¡±

    Although the enemy was in the middle of preparing their firepower, under these circumstances, it was necessary to send someone to check the wires and restoremunication immediately, even if it meant putting the signalman in great danger.

    If they dyed much longer, they could miss a crucial opportunity in the battle.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°At least we still have the radio as a backup.¡±

    ¡°If you use the radio, the other side will know everything!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°In a critical moment, who cares about that?¡±

    As he said this, he looked across the river.

    On the other side, besides the trenches, about a kilometer from the riverbank, there was an artillery observation post. Wang Zhong had been keeping an eye on that post, hoping for some high-ranking officers to show up. However, it seemed the Prussians might be cautious because all that had appeared after so many days was a junior officer ¡°leading¡± the post.

    Wang Zhong no longer wanted to waste shells on a junior officer.

    ¡ª-

    Prussian Army, Asgard Knights, First Army headquarters.

    Giles: ¡°I want to personally oversee the attack at the frontline today! We must break through the defense in one day!¡±

    Feliz: ¡°That must not be done! The White Horse General likes to behead!¡±

    ¡°First, we now have solid shelters; second, the White Horse General¡¯s two beheadings might just be a coincidence,¡± Giles said seriously. ¡°And if my soldiers are willing to die bravely and I, as amander, am not willing to face any danger, how can such an army win?¡±

    Feliz: ¡°But the White Horse General almost blew up the headquartersst time! It was your tin soldier that took the hit!¡±

    Gilesughed, opened the p of his officer¡¯s coat, and revealed a key hanging at his waist, ¡°I have repaired the tin soldier, and if need be, he can take the hit again. That¡¯s it ¡ª inform Major General Kluge of the Am Division that I want to personally supervise his division!¡±

    ¡ª-

    When Kluge heard the order from headquarters, he frowned deeply, ¡°If themander dies on my front, I¡¯m finished.¡±

    He turned to his chief of staff and asked, ¡°Is there a rtively safe ce with a view of the front line? Maybe some high ground or something.¡±

    The chief of staff looked at the map: ¡°There¡¯s an artillery observation post that¡¯s well concealed and has not been bombed by the Ante People so far. I think we could arrange for the army chief to supervise from there.¡±

    Kluge nodded, ¡°More than a kilometer from the riverbank, good, let¡¯s choose that ce. Prepare the car; I¡¯ll go check whether the observation post is safe.¡±

    Kluge¡¯s aide immediately turned to get the car ready.

    About thirty minutester, Kluge¡¯s car hurried to the artillery observation post.

    He did not head straight to the post but got out of the car about a kilometer from the post and moved toward it through the trenches.

    The Prosen soldiers he encountered along the way all looked at him with surprise and snapped to attention to salute.

    And so, Kluge walked right into the artillery observation post.

    The captain guarding the post was shocked, ¡°Division Commander!!¡±

    Kluge waved his hand and approached the observation window from the shade, carefully peering outside.

    Both banks were in in sight; it was indeed an excellent observation spot.

    The only remaining question was whether Rocossov would bomb this ce.

    Kluge had seen Rocossov blow up the formermander of the Am Division in disguise, leaving him fatally injured.

    He decided to wait here for Major General Giles.

    ¡ª-

    Wang Zhong had not been paying much attention to the artillery observation post a kilometer away from the Duva River; he was busy identifying the enemy¡¯s main direction for crossing the river to position the reserve troops correctly.

    It was then that he took a quick nce at that artillery observation post and was startled.

    Damn, there¡¯s a divisionmander!

    Ever since he had located that artillery observation post, Wang Zhong had measured the firing parameters for his artillery, just waiting for a ¡°fat pig¡± to present itself.

    Now the pig had finally arrived!

    While it didn¡¯t want to hit the tree itself, the tree coulde looking for it!@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 271: Wisdom from Another Dimension

    ¡°`

    On the morning of October 9th at eight o¡¯clock, Giles¡¯s motorcade was stopped on the Prosen Army¡¯s side.

    Feliz stepped out of the car and demanded, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? General Giles is in the car!¡±

    The Major who stopped the car saluted those inside, then loudly said, ¡°The Chief of Staff has instructed me to stop you at all costs.¡±

    Giles frowned, ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡±

    ¡°When Major General Kluge, themander of the Amp Division, went to inspect the artillery observation post you were heading to, he was shelled. The crossbeam on top of the bunker copsed due to the artillery fire and Major General Kluge was injured in the shoulder. He has been sent to the division¡¯s field hospital for emergency treatment. The Chief of Staff believes that under these circumstances, you should not proceed to the frontline,¡± the Major blocking the road loudly stated.

    Turning his head to Giles, Feliz asked, ¡°Could the enemy have received intel? Was this barrage aimed to target you?¡±

    Giles was silent for a few seconds before saying, ¡°Now with no onemanding the Amp Division, I¡¯ll head directly to the division headquarters. I want to see if this ¡®White Horse General¡¯ can still locate me and bombard me!¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ªOn Wang Zhong¡¯s side, he witnessed the divisionmander being carried away.

    After all, with a bunker in ce, it was difficult to kill the enemy inside using the indirect fire of howitzers.

    This time, the shell had simplynded near the bunker, causing it to copse. The divisionmander was just unlucky to get hit by the falling debris in the shoulder, while others in the bunker were unharmed.

    And this was after Wang Zhong had already pre-calcted the distance and firing parameters.

    It seems that to ensure casualties, direct fire from heavy artillery was still necessary.

    A direct hit from a 203mm shell on the bunker ¨C how could anyone survive that?

    Just at this moment, the enemy began to deploy smoke.

    Wang Zhong announced, ¡°Prepare for battle!¡±

    On the east bank, Wang Zhong had set up severalyers of defense.

    The enemy¡¯s fondness for deploying smoke was well known to all the guards of the First Guards Division, so the defense on the east bank fully took this into ount.

    Wang Zhong had set up fire points on the second floors of the riverside buildings.

    They were somewhat reminiscent of the design philosophy of bastions from World War I.

    The breakwater itself was very steep and difficult to climb, so even if the enemy swam across the river andnded on the beachhead, they would have to use stairs.

    The machine guns on the second floor could perfectly cover these staircases with downward diagonal fire.

    Yes, this was the first ¡®gate of hell¡¯ Wang Zhong had set up for the enemy. Even if they managed to cross the river under the cover of smoke, they¡¯d face blind fire from machine guns ¨C the smoke wouldn¡¯t affect this firepower. Instead, it would make it difficult for the enemy in the smoke to locate and counter the machine gun positions.

    Even if the enemy broke through this ¡®gate of hell,¡¯ Wang Zhong had set up a second defensive line.

    Wang Zhong had sealed off most of the windows on the first floor of the riverside buildings, leaving the rooms facing the riverbank empty with not a single defender inside.

    The defenders were all located outside the room doors.

    In this way, the enemy wouldn¡¯t be able to see inside the rooms clearly. If they used explosives to st through the sealed brick and sandbag windows and rushed in blindly, they¡¯d be met with submachine gun fire from those waiting at the door.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong had also cedndmines in the rooms facing the river.

    Mines ced outside would be detonated by the st pressure, but what about the mines inside the room, especially when the room¡¯s windows were sealed with bricks and sandbags?

    This design would minimize the chances of st pressure triggering the explosion.

    Of course, some of the ground floor buildings along the river had been converted into anti-tank gun positions, for which Wang Zhong employed a different defensive logic.

    For these buildings, the walls facing the river were demolished, leaving only the load-bearing columns, with machine gun fire points positioned within the second row of buildings.

    Once the anti-tank gunners evacuated, the ground floor of these buildings would be pure zones of fire damage.

    And by demolishing the ground floor walls facing the river, it also facilitated the movement of anti-tank guns like the ZIS-30 tank gun, which could move directly in and out of the first floor.

    If the enemy breached this line of defense, it would be exceedingly difficult for them to assault the second floor.

    Because Wang Zhong had removed all the stairs going up to the second floors of the riverside buildings, normally using woodendders to go up and down, which would be pulled up duringbat.

    Unless the Prussians learned to double jump, they were not going to make it up.

    And even if they did get up, there were soldiers from the First Guards Division waiting with submachine guns.

    If all of these measures proved useless, and the enemypletely took over the buildings along the street, they would find that they couldn¡¯t enter the bunkers underneath the riverside buildings.

    All the entrances to the bunkers were on the second floor of the buildings across the street, connected by tunnels.

    If the enemy wanted to attack the second row of buildings, they¡¯d have to face bunker fire from behind.

    When this entire design was presented, Pavlov and the rest were shocked because Ante¡¯s military academy had never taught them to design defensive positions like this.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t tell them that this wasn¡¯t actually his own creation, but rather from trench warfare.

    He himself had not anticipated that one of his favorite movies as a child woulde in handy after having traveled through time!

    Now Wang Zhong was just waiting for the enemy toe and see if what he had learned from military films was actually useful.

    After the enemy¡¯s smoke deployment wasplete, faint whistle sounds could be heard from across the river.

    Vasily said nervously, ¡°The whistles, the enemy is going to attack.¡±

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Close all bunker doors.¡±

    Pavlov immediately ryed themand.

    To facilitate entry and exit, the division headquarters had kept one door open to the surface, but now that they had closed this door, leaving from the division headquarters bunker meant going through a long tunnel.

    Because there was no airflow inside, the white smoke from outside didn¡¯t drift into the bunker.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong used his external device to look through the smoke and watch the enemy¡¯s movements.

    At the ford, the enemy seemed intent on building a pontoon bridge, so the primary forces emerging from the trenches were the bridging units.

    ¡°`

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Order the heavy mortar fire, firing n three.¡±

    Firing n three was to cover the opposite river crossing.

    Dealing with the floating bridges set up by the enemy was no easy task, and the enemy woulde streaming over endlessly. With only one division at his disposal, it was best to hinder the enemy¡¯s advance as much as possible.

    As the sound of the mortars exploding reached them, the enemy troops began to swim across, armed.

    The Prussians even brought out steel boats, ced them in the river to transport heavy weapons, pushed along by the swimming soldiers.

    At that moment, the enemy¡¯s machine guns and armored vehicles on the shore began to spray the second floor of the buildings on this side of the eastern bank with random gunfire through the smoke.

    Unfortunately for them, Wang Zhong and his men had concealed their firepower positions well, and the enemy had not discovered the true locations of their firepower.

    Just then, the telephone rang. Pavlov was thrilled: ¡°The line is connected! Good.¡±

    He picked up the phone: ¡°Division headquarters, yes, the enemy is crossing the river, there¡¯s no need for the reserve troops to move yet, just wait.¡±

    After hanging up, Pavlov looked back: ¡°Colonel Eugene is a bit anxious.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°I¡¯m also very anxious, shall we open fire? It¡¯s too quiet.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Aren¡¯t we still hearing the sound of the heavy mortar barrage?¡±

    ¡°But that¡¯s too far away. Itcks impact,¡± Vasily said, looking outside the window, ¡°shall we open fire?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t rush it, the enemy¡¯s charge whistle only blew a few minutes ago.¡±

    Popov: ¡°You should be as calm as a general.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that his calmness was because he had ¡®smoke-prating eyes¡¯, knowing exactly where the enemy swimmers were.

    ncing at the time, Pavlov asked: ¡°Shall we order the artillery battalion to fire? We might hit some of the enemy¡¯s reserves.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why can¡¯t you stay calm? This first wave of enemy attacks will definitely fail, rx.¡±

    After he spoke, the whole divisional bunker fell silent.

    Wang Zhong focused intently on observing the enemy from his vantage point until he felt someone tugging at his clothes.

    He looked back and saw Nelly, the little maid: ¡°I¡¯m really nervous, what should I do?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What, don¡¯t you believe my arrangements can deal a heavy blow to the enemy?¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡±

    Extending his hand, Wang Zhong patted Nelly on the head: ¡°Rest easy.¡±

    Right at that moment, Wang Zhong saw the first wave of enemy troopsnding. They first tried to climb the breakwater, but finding it impassable, surged toward the stairs.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Fire!¡±

    Pavlov to the speaking tube: ¡°Fire!¡±

    The machine guns on the second floor instantly opened fire, forming a web of bullets thatpletely sealed all the staircases.

    The enemy, shrouded in smoke and unable to see clearly, was knocked down by the fierce storm of gunfire.

    Some of the veteran Prussian soldiersy down, using their experience and instincts to dodge the barrage.

    But the Prussians were persistent, crawling along the stairs until a blind bullet struck them down.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Mortar!¡±

    Heavy mortars were assigned to each regiment, and following Wang Zhong¡¯s order, the ones given to the Fifth Belensk Regiment opened fire.

    The shells kept falling on the beachhead.

    Even though the mortars were not very urate, the enemy was packed so densely that it didn¡¯t matter.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong saw a Prussian officer shooting a re toward the second floor where the gunfire wasing from.

    The red light of the re, even through the smoke, roughly indicated the direction.

    The only problem was, this officer was guessing the location based on the shes of gunfire; the re actually didn¡¯tnd on the machine gun position.

    However, the infantry guns across the river opened fire.

    Those runs just happened to be outside the range that Wang Zhong could light up.

    After all, the range of the Prussian infantry guns was decent.

    The shells continued to fall on the second floor, and using the density of their fire, they actually silenced a machine gun!

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Call the artillery battalion, enemy infantry guns are outside of my line of sight, but they can¡¯t be too far away!¡±

    Pavlov was about to pick up the phone when he heard the sound of heavy artillery: ¡°Wait, is the artillery battalion firing?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Maybe the artillery observation post saw the position of the enemy¡¯s infantry guns.¡±

    Wang Zhong had set up an artillery observation post on the rooftop, but he thought that the artillery officers there had been sacrificed during the preparation of fire.

    It seems that was not the case.

    The enemy artillerymen, who had been bombarding the location indicated by the re, ceased fire.

    The machine gun fire promptly resumed.

    But in that gap, many Prussian soldiers had already crossed the first deadly barrier.

    Clearly prepared for the second obstacle, the Prussians directly used explosive charges to blow open the sealed windows.

    However, they were unaware of the mines behind the windows.

    The first Prussian soldier to climb through the window was blown out of it.

    Wang Zhong saw it all clearly andughed heartily.

    The others in the map room were all puzzled, not understanding what Wang Zhong wasughing about.

 Chapter 272: Prussians Blood Flows Into a River (Supplement 9/33)

    Prussian Army, Asgard Knights¡¯ Ante Division Headquarters.

    Giles anxiously awaited the frontline report.

    The assaulting forcesprised not only the grenadier battalion from the Ante Division but also two more grenadier battalions from another grenadier division.

    An additional pontoon brigade brought up from the rear was responsible for bridge-building.

    Afterpleting the bridge-building, Prussian armored units would also join the assault. The No. 2 methrower tanks would cleanly sweep all buildings.

    This was one of the many lessons the Prussians had learned from the Carolingian campaign: even when smoke obscured vision, the me throwers of the methrower tanks still inflicted significant casualties. All that was needed was to aim at the ces where gunfire shes were spotted.

    ording to the records, Rocossov¡¯s troops hadn¡¯t yet faced the No. 2 methrower tanks, and this time they were going to get a taste of their power.

    Giles paced back and forth in themand center, finally unable to contain himself and saying, ¡°I should go to the frontline to see for myself!¡±

    ¡°No!¡± Feliz stopped him loudly, ¡°Absolutely not! Even though Division Commander Kluge has been rescued from danger, he can¡¯t return to hismand post!¡±In reality, had the staff at the division headquarters beenpletely wiped out, the impact on a division wouldn¡¯t be too great if only the divisionmander was injured and taken off the field.

    Giles sighed, his expression stern as he continued pacing back and forth. This caused the original staff of the Ante Division to hardly dare to breathe¡ªafter all, this was the Emperor¡¯s favored subject.

    Not to mention, this was the man who could actually convince the Emperor, eager to end the war, to ept his method of using earthworks to reduce casualties, and rumors about this had been growing more and more outrageous over the past twenty days.

    Some even swore that Giles had sold tricks in front of His Majesty and was, in fact, an imperial pageboy.

    Giles had never denied such a im¡ªof course, it was also possible he didn¡¯t know about it.

    In the end, now everyone dared not speak, just watching Giles pace back and forth.

    Two hours into the attack, a message finally arrived.

    ¡°Report to the major general,¡± said a messenger saluting Giles, ¡°our attacking troops arepletely suppressed by the Ante People on the riverbank. The first smoke has dissipated. The frontlinemander requests direct fire.¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Giles scolded, unch another Smoke Bomb. The enemy¡¯s anti-tank fire is fierce. Have the artillery maintain smoke cover until the bridge ispleted!¡±

    ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    Giles continued pacing, mumbling as he walked, ¡°It would be great if we could deploy airborne troops right now.¡±

    Feliz: ¡°We could call in the Air Force for support right now.¡±

    Giles shook his head: ¡°There¡¯s too much smoke by the river now. They¡¯ll use that as an excuse not toe, saying they can¡¯t see the targets. We¡¯ve used earthworks to reduce so many casualties; now it¡¯s time to use lives to breach the enemy¡¯s defense.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong muttered softly, ¡°They will continue attacking after such huge losses?¡±

    In fact, everyone in the bunker didn¡¯t know how big the Prussian losses were, after all, they couldn¡¯t see.

    Now, the entire firepower of the first guard division was blindly firing based on pre-determined parameters to respond to the enemy¡¯s smoke blockade.

    Only Wang Zhong, who could see through the smoke, saw the Prussian soldiers piling up dead along the entire riverbank.

    The enemy¡¯s pontoon troops were still struggling to build the bridge under the fire from the heavy mortars; currently, the pontoon bridge had reached halfway.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Direct the artillery to shift fire, have the observation posts guide the bombardment towards the ferry point.¡±

    Pavlov did not doubt and immediately picked up the telephone receiver.

    Popov suggested, ¡°Why not let some of the enemy forces in? Shooting blindly at smoke will make the soldiers grumble. Let the soldiers see the enemy and then kill them; that¡¯s the way it should be.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head: ¡°No, it is almost certain that the enemy will breach the first fire. We must maximize the killing at every checkpoint to eliminate the enemy¡¯s living forces.¡±

    Popov: ¡°You are the divisionmander, you make the decision.¡±

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly heard the sound of anti-aircraft guns firing and, puzzled, raised his head: ¡°What are they shooting at?¡±

    Vasily listened carefully and said, ¡°That¡¯s not our anti-aircraft fire; it sounds like the navy firing from the port side.¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately switched perspectives.

    Seeing that he could not control the naval forces, he could only recognize the unit insignia, but indeed he could see the traces of the naval anti-aircraft fire.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It seems to be that ind gunboat.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Is the smoke at the port cleared? Can they see the target?¡±

    Wang Zhong knew very well that the smoke at the port hadn¡¯t cleared, but he could only concur, ¡°Possibly.¡±

    The navy probably heard the heavy guns bombarding the ferry point and deduced that there was a high-value enemy target, hence the machine gun fire from the gunboat.

    It had to be said that the navy indeed had high standards; theirbat will and initiative were terrifyingly high.

    The enemy¡¯s pontoon troops at the ferry point had already stopped building the bridge because of thebined washing of heavy mortars, heavy artillery, and machine guns.

    The question was how long this kind of fire could be sustained.

    Just as Wang Zhong pondered, he saw the Prussian soldiers suppressed on his side of the riverbank starting to climb the breakwater.

    He was stupefied to see Prussian soldiers using entrenching shovels stuck between the breakwater cracks and climbing up by stepping on the shovels!

    Once the first soldier who climbed up confirmed that the method worked, he immediately threw a Smoke Bomb to ensure continued smoke cover.

    The second soldier to climb up carried a bundle of rope and ran toward the roadside tree.

    Clearly, he nned to secure the rope to the tree to allow Prussian soldiers to pull themselves up the breakwater!

    These people¡ª

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to use the radio to issue orders, the defenders on the second floor suddenly started throwing hand grenades down.

    What¡¯s going on?

    The defenders on the second floor didn¡¯t have Wang Zhong¡¯s ability to see through the situation.

    He carefully observed these grenade-throwing defenders and finally realized they had noticed the new smoke points popping up unexpectedly, figured something was amiss, and that¡¯s why they started throwing grenades.

    The Prosen soldiers thought they had been spotted and threw a grenade directly at the second floor.

    However, the grenade was caught on the second floor and thrown back down.

    This also alerted the Ante side that Prussians wereing up.

    Wang Zhong saw a captain shouting, and soon a captured Prussian machine gun was brought over and set up on the second floor to blindly fire downwards.

    Others began a fierce grenade battle.

    The Prosen soldiers were outnumbered and suppressed from a higher ground, quickly losing the upper hand.

    But more enemies found a way to climb up the breakwater.

    Of course, the blockade of the staircase had to continue, or else the enemy would surge up like a tide.

    Wang Zhong was focusing on the defense around the breakwater when the Prussian infantry guns started firing again¡ªdespite having been suppressed by heavy artillery just before!

    However, due to the smoke, the enemy¡¯s first volley from the infantry guns fell directly on the riverside avenue between the building and the breakwater.

    The Prosen soldiers, who had just managed to climb up and get a footing, were hit by their own artillery!

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth fell open in astonishment.

    Prussian artillerymen, are they trained in hell? More precise at hitting their own men than the enemy?

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Have the artillery observation post guide our suppression of the enemy¡¯s artillery positions.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Indeed, I just heard the sound of the enemy¡¯s infantry guns exploding. But this back-and-forth suppression is chaotic. How about we split into two groups, each suppressing separately?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No! Haven¡¯t you heard the saying ¡®It¡¯s better to cut off one of the enemy¡¯s fingers than to injure his five fingers¡¯? Artillery should be concentrated for use, spreading it out will achieve good results on neither front.¡±

    In the meantime, another round of smoke bombs arrived from the enemy¡¯s artillery troops.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, ¡°The enemy doesn¡¯t n to stop with the smoke bombs, huh.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    ¡°Don¡¯t stop the smoke, until all smoke bombs are used up,¡± Giles ordered, ¡°If we can¡¯tplete the pontoon bridge by day, we¡¯ll keep attacking until night. Keep on attacking, attack!¡±

    Feliz, ¡°The first echelon reports heavy casualties, but if they don¡¯t withdraw, the second echelon mounting an assault will just pile up on the narrow beachhead.¡±

    Giles, ¡°Let the second echelon cross the river from upstream of the crossing point. Further cover for the bridgeying operation.¡±

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the Guard Division bunker, the telephone rang.

    Pavlov picked it up, ¡°Division headquarters. Where are they crossing the river? Understood.¡±

    He put the phone down, ¡°The enemy is trying to cross upriver.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Dispatch the armored units. The river is so wide upstream, the enemy is getting desperate.¡±

    The Duva River, although at its lowest level now, was nevertheless a navigable river. Shostka was already the narrowest part of this stretch of the river.

    As Pavlov ordered the armored units to strike, Wang Zhong heard the sound of engines.

    Since Brother Peter had not informed them, it must be the Ante Air Forceing to assist in the battle.

    As expected, four Yak-1s dived down first, dropping bombs on the westernnding.

    100-kilogram aviation bombs directly flung the Prussian bridgeying vehicles into the air, to be overturned in the river.

    After the first wave of bombing, the second wave of four Yak-1s dived to continue the attack.

    Two waves of 16 bombs directly turned the crossing into a sea of fire.

    At that moment, Vasily suddenly said, ¡°There¡¯s a wind!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What wind?¡±

    Vasily stretched his hand out of the observation window, ¡°Yes, there is a wind, blowing downstream, which means it¡¯s about to rain.¡±

    Then, a strong wind blowing from the north began to sweep over the Duva River.

    In just ten minutes, the smoke enveloping the eastern bank was blown away.

    All the Prosen soldiers who had climbed up the breakwater were fully exposed under the eyes of the Ante soldiers on the second floor.

    Then, a storm of gunfire erupted.

    The Prosen soldiers, who had just managed to climb up the breakwater, were swept away from their high position.

    At the same time, enemy fire from the opposite bank also began targeting the second floor.

    Fire from both sides started to exchange across the Duva River.

    Wang Zhong heard the sound of the 57mm anti-tank guns opening fire, as high-explosive shells were continuously fired toward the western crossing.

    This firepower was much denser; a 57mm anti-tank gun crew could achieve a high rate of fire with three seconds per shot.

    The ferocious firing of 12 anti-tank guns was much more terrifying than any heavy machine gun.

    The enemy¡¯s pontoon troops were wiped out in an instant.

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, ¡°Good! We held them off this wave!¡±

    He turned around and high-fived others to celebrate.

    Then Nelly, who had been silent until then, suddenly shouted, ¡°Rain, it¡¯s raining!¡±

    On the afternoon of October 9th, 914, the rainy season arrived.

 Chapter 273: "Sincere Congratulations on Your Victory

    October 11th.

    After the rainy season arrived, the Prussian Army maintained an offensive for two days, and then had no choice but to stop.

    ¡°What do you mean we¡¯re running out of shells?¡± Giles red at the logistics major general and asked, ¡°The enemy still has the leisure to disrupt our meals every evening! Are you telling me our shells ran out first?¡±

    The logistics major general answered with a stern face, ¡°Lieutenant General, the enemy is less than four hundred kilometers from their industrial center, Ye Fort. Our supply line, just within Ante¡¯s territory alone, is 700 kilometers.

    ¡°Moreover, because the rail gauge used by Ante is different from ours, trainsing from our country cannot directly enter Ante¡¯s railway system. They have to be transferred to stations on Ante¡¯s side and then organized into new train formations.

    ¡°Because of this, we¡¯ve always been heavily reliant on road transportation with trucks and mule-horse transportation, but after the rainy season started, trucks and mule-horses have been greatly affected.¡±

    ¡°How greatly affected can it be that shells can¡¯t be supplied?¡± Giles questioned.

    ¡°Greatly affected,¡± the logistics major general repeated his phrase and then added, ¡°Therefore, the ammunition is piling up at the train stations, unable to be delivered. But we are already in the process of calling up more mules and focusing on supplying shells to your troops. Your artillery will be able to continue firing tomorrow.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Where are you calling up these ¡®more¡¯ mules from?¡± The logistics major general: ¡°From the transportation of less critical materials. Anyway, the war will be over by the end of the year, so some materials are not that urgent.¡±

    Giles sighed, ¡°Alright, continue the attack tomorrow. Let the troops rest as much as possible today. Feliz, do we still have tobo and alcohol in our supplies?¡±

    Feliz immediately replied, ¡°ording to the supply list I saw, there should be.¡±

    ¡°Distribute them to the troops!¡± Giles said.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Wang Zhong looked at the time: ¡°It¡¯s eight in the morning, no artillery fire yet. Could the enemy be out of shells?¡±

    He looked out the observation window.

    After two days of fighting, the enemy used demolition charges to destroy the breakwater, creating an incline that could be attacked up.

    In addition, the enemy had built three pontoon bridges across the river, but all three bridges had been blown up, leaving only the halves closest to the enemy.

    The entire riverbank was littered with the corpses of Prussians, and because of the continuous rain, all the bodies were swollen, burst, and emitting a strong stench.

    Popov also came to the window and looked toward the riverbank: ¡°The water in the wells has started to deteriorate, indicating that the shallow groundwater has been contaminated. And this damn stench, if we don¡¯t retreat, many soldiers will fall ill. Just yesterday, the hospital received three cases of vomiting and diarrhea, possibly cholera.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But we have to wait until all the currently semi-encircled troops havepletely withdrawn.¡±

    The Western Front Army had ordered a full retreat on the second day of rain.

    Because the divisions of the Front Army were already very exhausted and had suffered huge casualties, they might copsepletely if they didn¡¯t retreat.

    New troops had already organized a new defensive line near the Front Army headquarters in T. These withdrawn troops would rest and be replenished to the east of T.

    Some of the units with particrly severe losses would be withdrawn to an area east of Ye Fort for more thorough rest and reorganization.

    Wang Zhong turned around to look at the map on the wall. Many troops east of Shostka had already withdrawn, and most of the remaining units had already broken contact with the enemy and were retreating through the space behind the Guard First Mechanized Infantry Division.

    Pavlov put down the telephone receiver and reported to Wang Zhong: ¡°Currently, there is no attack across the entire line, and it¡¯s quiet on the side of the Fifty-First Army as well.¡±

    Having said that, he also looked up at the map on the wall.

    Pavlov: ¡°If we hadn¡¯t stopped the enemy at the Duva River, I¡¯m afraid several hundred thousand troops would have been surrounded in this salient.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The overall tactical concept has been achieved. Now it¡¯s just a matter whether we can retreatpletely, and¡­ how long it will take to retreat.¡±

    At this moment, amunications staff officer came in with a recently decoded message: ¡°Orders from the Front Army headquarters.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Read it.¡±

    Themunications staff officer: ¡°The Front Army headquarters to the Guard First ¡®Red g¡¯ Mechanized Infantry Division, your unit has sessfullypleted the blocking mission, and should retreat from the current defensive position at midnight tonight. Rearguard units will cover your withdrawal to rest on the outskirts of Ye Fort in Suhayaveli.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong immediately looked for the ce name on the map; Pavlov was quicker: ¡°Here. We can get there by train. We should ask for more train cars from behind us, after all, you see¡­¡±

    Pavlov nced out the observation window and made a gesture, meaning ¡°you see the enemy isn¡¯t shelling anymore.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You want me to use my special connections again?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°It¡¯s raining now; you wouldn¡¯t want our vehicles stuck in the mud, forced to abandon them, would you? All those artillery pieces, anti-tank guns, and even your little tanks!¡±

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll make a call¡ª¡±

    At that moment, the phone rang.

    Pavlov, muttering ¡°hope it¡¯s not the enemy attacking,¡± picked up the receiver: ¡°Division headquarters. Hello, Your Eminence. I¡¯ll hand him the phone right now.¡±

    After speaking, Pavlov jabbed the receiver in Wang Zhong¡¯s direction: ¡°The Grand Patriarch is looking for you.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the receiver: ¡°Your Eminence, I greet you.¡±

    Belinsky got straight to the point: ¡°Has the Front Army given you the order to retreat?¡±

    ¡°They have, instructing me to retreat from Shostka by midnight. Your Eminence, could you use your influence to send us some train cars?¡±

    ¡°Empty train cars?¡±

    ¡°Yes, we don¡¯t need ammunition and supplies here anymore. Excess food that we can¡¯t eat or take with us will have to be burned. Additionally, apart from my division¡¯sbatants and logistics personnel, there¡¯s also theborers supporting us and the Guardian Army, they and their families need to retreat as well. This requires¡­¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov.

    Pavlov showed five fingers.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We need five hundred train cars!¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s eyes widened.

    Seeing his reaction, Wang Zhong quickly corrected himself: ¡°Fifty train cars.¡±

    Pavlov clicked his tongue and said straightforwardly, ¡°We need five columns of standard military trains. Fifty carriages are far too few for us¡ªwe have almost forty thousand people here!¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately said, ¡°Five columns of standard military trains.¡±

    The Grand Patriarchughed heartily, clearly in an excellent mood today: ¡°I¡¯ll give you five columns with forty carriages each. If you leave now, they should be able to reach you by tonight.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s wonderful, then we¡¯ll be waiting.¡±

    ¡°I look forward to your triumphant return. Then, we¡¯ll meet in the capital.¡±

    ¡°See you in the capital, Your Highness.¡±

    Wang Zhong ended the call.

    Pavlov: ¡°So how many carriages are there?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Two hundred carriages, five columns of trains.¡±

    Pavlov snapped his fingers: ¡°Alright, let¡¯s immediately start nning the retreat and arrange the order in which the troops will board. Anyway, the armored train will cover our rear.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let the artillerymen take some trouble, fire off all the remaining shells today. We¡¯ll only take the cannons and men with us.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°No problem.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    On the evening of October 11, at eight o¡¯clock, Colonel Kozelsky,mander of the naval river fleet, arrived at the division headquarters bunker.

    ¡°Salute to you, General Rokossovsky,¡± the colonel extended his hand to Wang Zhong. ¡°You really are the star of victory. I never dreamed that I would be able to retreat alive from here.¡±

    Wang Zhong sped the colonel¡¯s hand and was about to speak when a loud noise came from outside.

    Wang Zhong jumped in fright and was about to look outside through the observation window, but the colonel pulled him back, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, that was us blowing up our gunboats. We can¡¯t let the Prussians use them against us in the future, can we? The water is so shallow here, the sunk vessels can be salvaged quickly.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Did you properly hold a ceremony to bid them farewell?¡±

    Kozelsky: ¡°Of course, we had a grand farewell ceremony for the ship¡¯s spirit.¡±

    The ship¡¯s spirit? That ship isn¡¯t the Golden Mary!

    Kozelsky looked outside: ¡°It¡¯s strange, we¡¯re retreating, surrendering our homnd, our soil soaked with ourrades¡¯ blood, to the invaders, to the devils, but at this moment, it feels entirely like a victory.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It certainly is a victory. This time we didn¡¯t leave any civilians behind, we didn¡¯t let the Guardian Army cover our rears, and we still have enough strength to fight again, only withdrawing willingly for strategic objectives.¡±

    Kozelskyughed: ¡°Lengthening the enemy¡¯s supply lines, making it impossible for them to resupply winter gear, and then wiping them out with the help of General Winter, is that it?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, an outright stratagem. I think the smartest among the enemy generals have already noticed, but they have to step into it for their own goals. They can only put their hopes on taking Ye Fort.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°I propose a toast!¡±

    He had just finished speaking when Nelly came over with drinks and sses.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Where did the drinkse from?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°I took them from Lord Boye¡¯s local cer. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s good wine.¡±

    Vasily picked up a bottle and admired it: ¡°Trebbiano! This is good wine! Here, let me pour for everyone.¡±

    Vasily deftly uncorked the bottle and filled all the sses.

    Each person present took a ss and realized there was one ss extra.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Nelly! Join us! Today is a happy day; you must have a ss!¡±

    Nelly could only pick up a ss.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°To a stage of victory!¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Cheers!¡±

    Everyone drained their sses in one go.

    After downing her drink, Nelly¡¯s face began to turn red.

    Vasily suggested: ¡°Should we leave a message for the enemy? Like the one the general leftst time. How many booby traps shall we write this time?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, no, the enemy¡¯smander named Giles is quite capable. If he doesn¡¯t approach the bank using trench warfare, their losses would be even greater.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°But there¡¯s also the possibility that they will attack after exhausting our ammunition.¡±

    Everyoneughed heartily.

    Popov solemnly reminded: ¡°Actually, with their fierce attacks in the past two days, we¡¯ve lost twenty-five percent of our troops. It¡¯s because our morale is high and our fighting spirit is strong that we don¡¯t even blink at a twenty-five percent loss. Any other unit would have copsed.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, we should of course congratte such an opponent for his victory!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°I¡¯ll write it¡­ Is it a bit too yful to write with a pencil?¡±

    Pavlov shouted: ¡°Bring in a piece of charcoal!¡±

    Soon a piece of charcoal was brought in¡ªas winter was approaching, such heating materials were everywhere.

    Pavlov pointed to the wall from which the map had been taken down: ¡°Write on the wall, make it big.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Write this: ¡®To the respected General Giles¡¯¡ªwhat is his rank?¡±

    Everyone looked at each other, no one knew.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Never mind, don¡¯t mention the name. Write ¡®To the respected Prussianmander, you have shown us the art of war in full measure, so we sincerely congratte you on your victory!''¡±

 Chapter 274: Major General, Im So Cold

    October 12th, the east bank of Shostka, controlled by the Prussian Army.

    Giles stepped off the pontoon bridge, looking at the bodies piled up on the riverbank.

    Aide-de-camp Feliz frowned, ¡°I will oversee the logistics personnel to clear the bodies as soon as possible to prevent an outbreak of gue.¡±

    Giles nodded.

    At this time, the terrible stench had already made many staff officers cover their noses, but Giles remained indifferent.

    He walked solemnly onto the riverside boulevard, looking at the windows and walls blown open by explosives, with only the bodies of Prosen soldiers remaining inside.

    Giles, ¡°Are there no bodies of the Ante Army?¡±

    The chief of staff immediately responded, ¡°Report, we believe the bodies of the Ante Army have already been buried in the suburban cemetery.¡±

    Giles, ¡°The enemy even had the leeway to do this, which shows that we didn¡¯t put much pressure on them at all; they could have continued to defend here, but they retreated.¡± Giles paused, then added, ¡°If they had continued to defend here, we might have had the chance to crush their defense.¡±

    Having said that, he continued to move forward, along the path cleared by the earliernding troops, passing through the first row of buildings along the Shostka river.

    On the street between the first and second row of buildings, the bodies of Prosen soldiers still piled up.

    Feliz said, ¡°This is as far as we got.

    ¡°The day before yesterday, the captain who attacked here and then fled back reported that the enemy had removed all the stairs to the second floor; we couldn¡¯t find a way up, so we could only try to cross the street into the buildings behind under the cover of smoke, and as a result, we suffered heavy casualties on the street.¡±

    Giles looked at the buildings on both sides and eximed, ¡°This has be a trap set to ughter us. Look at those firing holes on the second floor; they were specially built to shoot at our forces from behind.¡±

    As he said this, he stepped forward, turning in circles to survey his surroundings.

    At that moment, the military chief of staff added, ¡°This is a ¡®wengcheng¡¯ (a trap within a fortress gate), after the enemy troops breach the gates, they will be shot by archers from the ¡®wengcheng¡¯ above.¡±

    In the end, Giles stopped, looking towards the row of buildings along the river, ¡°The only way to deal with these fortifications is to blow up the entire first row of buildings; we should use the Bison heavy infantry gun to fire from close range.¡±

    Feliz, ¡°But the Bison would immediately be counterattacked by the enemy¡¯s artillery, and it¡¯s also vulnerable to enemy anti-tank guns.¡±

    Giles, ¡°We need thicker frontal armor and weapons capable ofpletely destroying such solid buildings. Right now, the infantry¡¯s StuG III assault gun¡¯s 75mm short-barreled howitzer and the Panzer IV¡¯s short-barreled howitzer are not up to the task.¡±

    If Wang Zhong knew his masterpiece might lead to the early appearance of the Grizzly assault gun and the Tiger assault gun, I wonder what he would think.

    Giles once again looked around and then ordered, ¡°Protect all these buildings, carefully measure all the fortifications; this should be the standard for our army¡¯s future urban defense, to be written into textbooks.¡±

    Feliz, ¡°Is that necessary? The Imperial forces have always been on the offensive, winning one victory after another.¡±

    Giles was silent for a while before saying, ¡°Just in case. Look at the Ante Army; their doctrine is heavy on offense, light on defense, and you see the result. We can¡¯t have such a weakness.¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± Feliz nodded, his expression grave.

    Giles then asked, ¡°Do you know where Rokossov¡¯s troops have retreated to?¡±

    Feliz, ¡°He followed the railway. We advanced about twenty kilometers and then encountered the enemy¡¯s blocking force, not bearing the red g, so probably not theirs. It is reported that General Moochi¡¯s troops downstream have broken through the enemy¡¯s defense, but¡­¡±

    Giles, ¡°But what?¡±

    ¡°His fuel transport team couldn¡¯t keep up with the tank troops, and now they have had to stop because the fuel stocks fell below the warning level,¡± Feliz said with a wry smile. ¡°Moreover, with this damn weather, the tank failure rate has soared, the repair troops are stuck in the mud and can¡¯t get through, so chasing the enemy is probably not possible.¡±

    Giles, ¡°The enemy knows this and also knows that they can move faster than us in the mud, so they took the opportunity to retreat after the rain.¡±

    Then the military chief of staff said, ¡°They took advantage of this opportunity to retreat because they knew they couldn¡¯t stop us. The Empire will achieve victory.¡±

    But his tone no longer had the optimism and confidence of before.

    Giles whispered, ¡°I always feel the reason for the proactive retreat is not so simple¡­ The only reason I can think of is to stretch our supply line. Kutuzov also used the same strategy against that Conqueror.

    ¡°I have a bad feeling. Feliz, how much of our winter gear do we have?¡±

    Feliz, ¡°Currently, the troops have only been replenished with clothing suitable for autumn weather; there¡¯s basically no winter gear. But don¡¯t worry, the Typhoon Campaign n originally included provisions for winter warfare, so the logistics department started preparing winter gear in September, it should be delivered soon.¡±

    Giles suddenly felt a chill at the back of his skull, ¡°No, Feliz, no, the winter gear won¡¯t being. Because all the mule transport is concentrated on transporting ammunition, fuel, and tank parts.¡±

    Feliz turned pale, ¡°This¡­ then we should tell the logistics department to prioritize winter gear!¡±

    Giles, ¡°No, Feliz, you saw the results of their transport capacity adjustments yesterday. We received only seventy percent of the fuel and ammunition supplied normally. As we push forward, this amount will definitely decrease. But the enemy is getting closer and closer to their supply center¡­¡±@@novelbin@@

    Giles, supporting his chin, fell into deep thought, hisplexion ashen.

    Finally, he said, ¡°I see the great defeat that awaits the Empire in the future. The only way to deal with this defeat is to stop advancing and defend on the spot. The enemy alsocks the strength to attack, so we can divert transport capacity to bring in winter gear.

    ¡°But to stop advancing would mean the failure of our hopes for a swift victory. The war would turn into a war of attrition, and we wouldn¡¯t get the fuel and raw materials we urgently need.¡±

    Giles looked up into the sky, where a fine drizzle was incessantly falling.

    ¡°Remember that clear telegram from Rokossov we got at the beginning; he even warned us!¡±

    Feliz, ¡°That was just his psychological warfare, he wanted his artillery fire to cause as many casualties as possible.¡±

    Giles did not respond.

    At that moment, a messenger ran over and saluted, ¡°Report, a way to enter Rocossov¡¯s headquarters has been found.¡±

    Giles said, ¡°Let¡¯s go and have a look.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    A short whileter, Giles entered the headquarters of the general on the white horse.

    The maps and documents had, of course, been burned to ashes long ago, and all sorts of equipment had naturally been removed as well; only tables and chairs were left in the empty bunker.

    And a charcoal stove, on which sat a teapot.

    As Giles walked toward the charcoal stove, he suddenly felt something flicker in the corner of his eye and turned his head toward the wall.

    Then he saw written on the wall, ¡°Dear Prussianmander, you have fully demonstrated the art of war to us, and so we sincerely congratte you on your victory!¡±

    The signature was ¡°Your friend, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky.¡±

    Upon seeing these words, Feliz flew into a rage, ¡°Someone! Scrape off these words!¡±

    But the chief of staff said, ¡°No! We all know that these words are mocking us, but others don¡¯t! We should let the propaganda department send people to photograph these words and publish them on the front page and headline!¡±

    Feliz, hearing this, was overjoyed, ¡°Right, let¡¯s propagate that the general on the white horse has already submitted to us!¡±

    At this time, amunications staff officer entered the bunker, ¡°Report! A telegram from His Majesty the Emperor himself!¡±

    Giles said, ¡°Read it.¡±

    Themunications staff officer began, ¡°¡®Congrattions, my dear Siegfried, for capturing Shostka within the time you promised. The empire will remember your merit.¡¯

    Giles pursed his lips and nced at the words on the wall again.

    ¡°Scrape it off.¡± He said, ¡°And no one is allowed to say they¡¯ve seen these words.¡±

    Feliz asked, ¡°Why? Doesn¡¯t this perfectly echo the emperor¡¯s praise?¡±

    Giles replied, ¡°Because I am a soldier. My skin is not that thick! Wipe it all off! Don¡¯t let those bastards from the propaganda department know about this! And don¡¯t let them take any photos!¡±

    Having said this, he kicked over the charcoal stove in the room.

    Then something on the ground started to smoke.

    Feliz yelled ¡°Careful,¡± pushed Giles aside, and threw himself on top of the object.

    Giles fell to the ground and, during the fall, his head struck the edge of the table, immediately swelling up with a huge lump.

    At the same time, the booby trap exploded, slightly lifting Feliz who was lying on top of it.

    The other staff officers were scattered all over the floor.

    When the explosion was over, Giles struggled to his feet, ran to Feliz¡¯s side, and turned his aide over.

    Feliz¡¯s clothes were already soaked red, but he still gasped for breath. He looked at Giles and said, ¡°General¡­ I¡¯m¡­ so cold.¡±

    Then his face twisted.

    Giles checked his pulse and then gently closed his eyes.

    The chief of staff got up and said, ¡°We should publicize this too, make the general on the white horse out to be a despicable viin! That way¡­¡±

    Giles interjected, ¡°Wipe off the words! Do you think we haven¡¯t embarrassed ourselves enough? I¡¯ve just got my aide killed! Understand?¡±

    The chief of staff shut his mouth, and the other staff officers called for soldiers to begin erasing the charcoal from the wall.

    Giles stood up and watched until every word written in charcoal was erased.

    Then he too fell forward.

    The chief of staff was rmed, catching the falling general, and shouted, ¡°Medic! Medic,e quickly!¡±

    Afterward, Giles was diagnosed with a mild intracranial hemorrhage and had to temporarily leave hismand post.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    October 12th, Suhayaveli, under the control of Ante Army.

    As soon as Wang Zhong got off the train, he sneezed several times in a row.

    Ludm rushed over with concern and asked, ¡°Caught a cold? You should see the doctor right away!¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Don¡¯t make a fuss, maybe it¡¯s just the Prussians cursing me.¡±

    Nelly opened an umbre and handed it to Ludm.

 Chapter 275: Rocossovs Summary of Experience

    In October 914 in Suhayaveli, the Ante Army¡¯s elite First ¡°Red Banner¡± Mechanized Infantry Division headquarters.

    Upon entering the division headquarters, Wang Zhong looked around and said, ¡°Compared to our previous headquarters, this ce is much more shabby.¡±

    ¡°Be content, Suhayaveli isn¡¯t like the modernized towns we were stationed in before,¡± Pavlov said. ¡°Once the bunker is finished, we¡¯ll have to move there to avoid enemy bombardments targeting civilian houses like you do. This wooden house can¡¯t withstand artillery shells.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up at the roof of the wooden house and said, ¡°Suddenly, I don¡¯t feel sofortable living in this house anymore. Let¡¯s move as soon as the bunker is ready.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve already hung camouges over the roof, so we can temporarily deceive high-altitude aerial reconnaissance. Low-altitude reconnaissance is blocked by Divine Arrow and Brother Peter, so we¡¯re rtively safe.¡±

    Popov: ¡°We didn¡¯t choose the best house in the vige either. We left Boye¡¯s brick house empty, not knowing when the Ploson Air Force will bomb it.¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged and walked over to the map to look at thetest situation.

    ¡°The enemy has actually broken through our defense line,¡± he eximed, ¡°That was breached too easily, wasn¡¯t it?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°But after breaking through, they quickly stopped and didn¡¯t even get past our infantry. General Mud is really powerful.¡± Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s more remarkable that our infantry could outrun tanks in the mud.¡±

    ¡°What are you talking about? We¡¯ve been walking through this mud since we were kids; we¡¯re used to it,¡± Popov said. ¡°And our donkey carts have been adapted for the mud too, except for the toll it takes on the donkeys, everything else is fine.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Toll on the donkeys?¡±@@novelbin@@

    ¡°Yeah, if you walk through the mud too much, the donkeys get sick. The Prussians are the ones suffering,¡± Popov said with a bit of schadenfreude.

    Looking at the map, Wang Zhong said with a smile, ¡°When winteres, we¡¯ll just sit on the riverbank, watching the enemy¡¯s corpses float by day and night; they¡¯ll destroy themselves.¡±

    The othersughed heartily, and the air was filled with a sense of joy.

    Suddenly, Popov put on a stern face: ¡°Even so, the enemy inflicted significant casualties this time, our troops lost twenty-five percent of ourbatants. Although many were injured and could eventually return to the ranks, we still lost twenty-five percent.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes. We are the elite of the army, but the enemy¡¯s fighting spirit andbat skills are still stronger than ours on average.

    ¡°Reflecting on our past battles, in the battle at Peniye, the enemy almost overwhelmed us. Most of the damage inflicted on the enemy was done by my personallymanded Tank No. 422.

    ¡°Without my personallymanded tank, we would have been devoured on the first day at Peniye.¡±

    As someone who also participated in the battle at Peniye, Pavlov added, ¡°Then your tank got taken out. At that time, we all thought we were going to die for our country, but to our surprise, a call from Sufang worked, and a KV rolled in. We were able to hold the enemy back thanks to that KV tank.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°And in Loktov, the support from fortifications was indispensable to keep our positions and achieve a high exchange ratio, as well as the backing from the local Guardian Army,borers, and the armored support we received.¡±

    After he finished, Pavlov added, ¡°In the end, we had lost half the city, but we managed to reim it thanks to Major General Kiriyenko¡¯s cavalry.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°And in Orachi and Shostka, it was our carefully constructed positions that yed the main role.¡±

    He stood up and began pacing in the wooden hut, saying, ¡°Upon examining our battles thus far, we find that our troops only manage a favorable exchange ratio against the enemy with the support of fortifications.

    ¡°Even our T34s and KVs, which have the advantage with AP rounds, need the support of fortifications. In open fields, battling against enemy armored units, we would quickly be defeated by their tactical and technical superiority.

    ¡°Looking back at all our battles, the only time we were on an equal footing with the enemy, with no disadvantage, was with our artillery.¡±

    Wang Zhong faced hisrades, raising his right fist: ¡°Artillery! Our artillery can stand toe-to-toe with the enemy! And artillery fire can ignore the enemy veterans¡¯ tactics.

    ¡°Veterans do avoid shelling well, but with enough firepower, they can still be sted to death or to pieces.

    ¡°I used to think our armor was the most reliable thing to count on. They are indeed reliable, but when ites to efficiency in killing the enemy, they still fall short of artillery.¡±

    Pavlov, gazing at Wang Zhong, remarked, ¡°Don¡¯t you love your little tank anymore?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I only love my Liu Xia.¡±

    Popov: ¡°What about the princess?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I treat her like a sister. Wait a second, why is there a princess here?¡±

    Popov spread his hands: ¡°Aftering off the front lines, we need some gossip to distract us, otherwise, we¡¯ll keep thinking about our fallenrades. Right now, everyone¡¯s favorite topic is the story about you, the princess, and Captain Ludm Vasilyevna.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Can¡¯t they focus on something else, like discussing the story between Vasily and his father?¡±

    ¡°Oh, my general,¡± Popov shook his head repeatedly, ¡°no one would be interested in that story, itcks elements that capture people¡¯s attention. If Vasily¡¯s father had a mistress, and then Vasily seduced this mistress, that would be suitable gossip for everyone after a drink.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is it appropriate for you, a bishop, to talk about this?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m a bishop of the Secr faction,¡± Popov shrugged, ¡°I still drink and eat meat, and I don¡¯t fast every year.¡±

    Indeed, indeed.

    At that moment, Vasily entered: ¡°General, I¡¯ve heard a strange piece of news. Hmm? Why are you all looking at me like that?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s nothing, what¡¯s the news?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Themander of the enemy¡¯s Asgard Knights¡¯ First Army has been reced. I have evidence. Firstly, I heard the call sign of their headquarters changest night¡­¡±

    After Vasily exined in detail, he concluded: ¡°Taking all things into ount, I believe the enemy¡¯s First Army of Asgard has changedmanders.¡±

    Wang Zhong and Popov exchanged nces and said, ¡°Could it be¡­ that my booby-trap killed someone? No way, the Prussians are meticulous; they should have cleared the mines first. Plus, my booby-trap was so rudimentary, just a hand grenade modification, with time to react before the explosion.¡±

    Pavlov shrugged, ¡°Who knows.¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°Anyway, the enemy has changedmanders.¡±

    Popov looked at the map, ¡°Based on yesterday¡¯s intelligence, the Asgard Knights have also stopped in their tracks and are not moving. Currently, it is General Von Maqi of the Second Armored Group who is crawling forward at a snail¡¯s pace. With his current speed, even reaching the outer defenses of Ye Fort wouldn¡¯t happen until mid-November at the earliest.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    The outer defenses of Ye Fort.

    dimir Bradsky, Vasily¡¯s father, had joined the Labor Corps and had arrived at the outskirts of Ye Fort to begin fortification work.

    Along with his corps, there was also arge group of young girls from the Women¡¯s Labor Camp.

    One noon during the break, Bradsky asked the girl serving them food, ¡°Miss, howe you¡¯re doing this kind of work meant for men?¡±

    The girl lifted her head, ¡°We¡¯re not old enough to join the army, and the nursing corps wouldn¡¯t take us tenth graders who haven¡¯t graduated. But school¡¯s out, and we have to do something, right?

    ¡°So we sent Shu Ya and the others to petition the Grand Patriarch, and it was a bishop who received Shu Ya. After hearing their wishes, he arranged for us toe and build anti-tank obstacles.¡±

    Another girl serving the foodughed, ¡°Some are not happy about it,ining that the girl from next door has gone off to learn shooting, and she wants to learn shooting, too.¡±

    Bradsky smiled, ¡°It¡¯s better to build anti-tank obstacles. Look, it¡¯s useful in the war, and you don¡¯t have to die for it; that suits you perfectly. It¡¯s not only by killing the enemy that you support the war. War is aplicated affair; there¡¯s all kinds of work to be done.¡±

    ¡°Then why did you be aborer?¡± a girl asked.

    Bradsky replied, ¡°I¡¯m a professor, a music critic. I could have taken a clerical job in the army, but I¡¯ve never been good with various forms of paperwork. Oshanin, the editor-in-chief, said, ¡®You could try writing a tune to lift people¡¯s spirits,¡¯ but what does he know? I¡¯m just a critic; it¡¯s my son who¡¯s the skilledposer.¡±

    ¡°So in the end, I came here to build fortifications. I hope that my son¡ªVasily¡ªwill be able to use the fortifications I make, to have a bit more security for his life.¡±

    After finishing, Bradsky showed a bitter smile to the girl, ¡°It¡¯s the first time I feel that my skills are so useless.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯re a music professor?¡± the girl asked.

    ¡°Yes.¡±

    ¡°Then your son is a greatposer?¡±

    ¡°Do you know ¡®The Holy War¡¯?¡±

    ¡°We know it!¡± several girls nodded together, ¡°We can sing it too!¡±

    Bradsky said, ¡°That wasposed by General Rokossovsky, and my son did the arrangement.¡±

    At the mention of General Rokossovsky¡¯s name, the girls all became excited, ¡°The General! Your son is fighting beside the General!¡±

    ¡°I heard that the General¡¯s shout alone can scare the enemy¡¯s tanks into stopping!¡±

    Just as Bradsky was about to reply, distant shouts from the anti-aircraft lookout rang out, ¡°Enemy nes! Enemy nes!¡±

    The working girls all stood up, curiously looking at the sky.

    ¡°Enemy nes?¡±

    ¡°Where?¡±

    The young girls were not scared at all, standing there curiously looking at the sky.

    Initially, Bradsky didn¡¯t react either, but seeing the girls¡¯ actions, he suddenly realized and shouted, ¡°Girls, don¡¯t just stand there!¡±

    He stood up and ran desperately, shoving each girl to the side, ¡°Get down! Get down quickly!¡±

    At that moment, the sharp screech of the reaper¡¯s call came from the sky.

    Bradsky kept running, dragging the young girls who had no experience of war and didn¡¯t know what death was, one by one, and throwing them to the ground, ¡°Get down quickly!¡±

    Just then, a bomb plunged into the muddy ground right in front of Bradsky.

    He was stunned at the sight of the bomb, and for a moment, his brain lost the ability to think.

    That¡¯s when the Labor Camp¡¯s camp chief rushed over and knocked Bradsky to the ground.

    The explosion urred.

    Bradsky closed his eyes, covering his ears.

    After what seemed like an eternity, he felt the camp chief on his back get up. Only then did he turn around to look in the direction of the bomb.

    The bomb was stuck in the dirt, its tail timer had stopped ticking, but due to some issue, it didn¡¯t explode.

    Bradsky stood up and looked around. The other bombs had detonated sessfully.

    Cries resounded everywhere.

    And even more girls could cry no longer.

 Chapter 276: The Fame of General Mud (Extra 10/33)

    On the fifth day in Suhayaveli, which was the evening of October 18th.

    Ludm returned from her shift and the moment she walked in, she saw Wang Zhong busily writing away.

    Nelly stood by with a candlestick in hand.

    Curiously, Ludm asked, ¡°What are you doing?¡±

    ¡°Writing a summary of experiences. I had already done an oral summary with Pavlov and the others, but now that I think about it, it¡¯s better to write it down and share it with more people.¡±

    Approaching behind Wang Zhong, Ludm read from the notebook, ¡°¡®Artillery is the only branch where our forces and the enemy¡¯s do not have a decisive gap. The heavy artillery they use is just as old as ours¡­''¡±

    Wang Zhong took over and continued, ¡°The enemy¡¯s artillery textbooks have not been updated for many years. We are on the same starting line with the enemy in terms of artillery.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, the enemy does not prioritize the use of artillery at the campaign level, and the artillery organization goes up to the army level at most. The enemy¡¯s army group level battle units do not have corresponding artillery.¡±

    ¡°This is because as the emperor who is the chief of the enemy, he is more interested in the rising technology branches, enhancing the influence of these branches topete with the traditional Junker officer corps for power and profit¡­¡± Ludm asked with confusion, ¡°How do you know all this?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°His Royal Highness the Crown Prince, my lord. His Highness has been studying the situation in Prosen to prepare for resisting the invasion.¡±

    In fact, these reports came from another timeline, on top of a little spection by Wang Zhong.

    On Earth, the Sturmtiger, because ¡®Xiaogu¡¯ was very popr, had significant influence, wanting to include everything that moved on tracks under the banner of Armored Troops.

    ¡®Xiaoman¡¯ has been resisting all along, striving to increase the number of assault guns within the Infantry Division¡¯sposition.

    Because the assault guns were to be made using tank chassis, there was fiercepetition for production capacity between the two sides.

    Wang Zhong merely assumed that these situations could be transferred over.

    Clicking her tongue, Ludm said, ¡°You¡¯ve started writing experience sharing notes; will you have topile textbooks in the future?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It depends on the situation. Her Royal Highness said she ns to establish a temporary school in Charon to specifically teach the experience ofbat against Prosen.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Charon? Isn¡¯t that your newly conferrednd?¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s right. It seems I¡¯d be responsible for teaching at this school.¡±

    Ludm eximed in surprise, ¡°They¡¯re not putting you in charge of the front lines?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course, when the front lines are tense, I¡¯d naturallymand the troops, but during the winter and the muddy season from February to June next year, I expect the whole line will be rtively quiet.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°So they¡¯ve asked you to teach people how to deal with Prosen? And when the front lines get tense again, they¡¯ll send you back?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s wrong with that?¡±

    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ludm shrugged her shoulders, ¡°Then, my great military strategist, how long will we have this period of quiet?¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the calendar: ¡°I estimate it¡¯ll be quiet till November, depending on when the ground starts to freeze. General Winter will rescue the enemy from General Mud. They might have about a week¡¯s time to attack before the major cold snapes.¡±

    ¡°And then?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Once the cold snap arrives, it¡¯ll be our turn to counter-attack.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    While Wang Zhong was having a warm conversation with his fianc¨¦e, General Von Maqi of the Prosen Second Armored Group was raging at his subordinates.

    ¡°What do you mean we can¡¯t move forward anymore?¡± the general roared.

    Themander of the 16th Armored Division, serving as the vanguard, said, ¡°Our division currently has only thirty tanks ready forbat; all the other tanks have been abandoned in the mud due to mechanical failures.

    ¡°Spare parts can¡¯t be delivered, and the maintenance factories are stuck in the mud, immobile. The number of tanks being repaired each day is zero, zero!¡±

    ¡°The situation with the half-track vehicles is just as bad, and the worst is with the trucks. They get stuck in the mud easily, and then we have to unload everything from the trucks, otherwise, even with a tractor, we can¡¯t pull them out!¡±

    ¡°General, if you make us move forward, we would have to be infantry. Do you really want the tank operators to charge like infantry?¡±

    General Von Maqi fumed, ¡°We have been held up at the Duva River for so long, we¡¯ve be theughingstock of the entire Army Group, no, the entire Prosen Army! Others are saying it¡¯s us who let Ante¡¯s heavy forces get away.

    ¡°The glory we gained at Argesukov has beenpletely lost! Do you understand, my dear divisionmander?¡±

    It was sarcastic for a general to refer to a major general divisionmander as ¡®my dear¡¯.

    Themander of the 16th Armored Division retorted, ¡°Alright, then I¡¯ll order my men to continue advancing, even if we lose all our tanks, and pretend we¡¯re infantry! Would that satisfy you?¡±

    General Von Maqi paced back and forth in themand post, silent for a minute, before asking his adjutant, ¡°Does the logistics department really have no solution?¡±

    Aide-de-camp: ¡°After crossing the Duva River, we advanced nearly a hundred kilometers, and the logistical pressure increased. Coupled with the mud¡­ The Third Armored Group in the north encountered logistical problems even without rain. I think, General sir, the logistics department has tried every possible method.¡±

    Von Maqi seemed to have made a great resolution before asking, ¡°What about air supply?¡±

    Aide-de-camp: ¡°Air supply can only be done by airdrops, because even if the engineers build field airstrips, the Air Force nes dare notnd due to all the mud. In fact, the Air Force has already suspended the use of those field airstrips with bad conditions, and now only Argesukov¡¯s permanent airstrip runways are in use.¡±

    Von Maqi suddenly insisted: ¡°Then just airdrop! What¡¯s the problem with that?¡±

    Aide-de-camp with a bitter smile: ¡°Airdropping requires parachutes, which after the initial days of airdropping, couldn¡¯t be replenished and ran out.¡±

    Von Maqi burst into a rage: ¡°These good-for-nothings in the logistics troops! Good-for-nothings! On the beaches of Burgundy, it was logistics that forced us to stop! And then that damned Air Force boasting, iming that it could be done relying on air supply alone!¡±

    No one dared to speak, all waiting for the general¡¯s anger to naturally subside.

    Finally, Von Maqi sighed, ¡°At this point, we can only ept our fate. All units should stop advancing, make an effort to collect and repair the abandoned tanks, and umte supplies. Wait for the freeze-over tounch an attack.¡±

    ¡°Freeze-over?¡± the aide-de-camp asked in surprise, ¡°Why mention freeze-over?¡±

    ¡°Now the mud is making it impossible for us to move, but once it freezes over and the ground hardens, won¡¯t we be able to attack? We¡¯re a little over two hundred kilometers from Ye Fort now¡ªjust ten days¡ªno, five days and I¡¯ll be able to charge into Ye Fort!¡±

    General Maqi said confidently.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Argesukov, Prosen Army Officer Rehabilitation Center.

    Giles, his head wrapped in bandages, was writing a letter to Feliz¡¯s parents: ¡°Dear Uncle and Auntie, I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to tell you the details of Feliz¡¯s sacrifice. First, I must apologize: Feliz¡¯s sacrifice wasrgely due to my oversight¡­¡±

    Just then, a nurse rushed into the single ward with a tense expression: ¡°Lieutenant General! His Majesty the Emperor is here!¡±

    Giles hurriedly put down his notebook and pen, rising from the hospital bed.

    As soon as he stabilized himself, Emperor Reinhard entered the room and quickly came over to support him, ¡°Why are you standing up! Lie down and rest!¡±

    Giles: ¡°Your Majesty! I failed to capture Shostka within the set timeframe¡­¡±

    ¡°Just two days behind schedule, which is eptable.¡± After helping Giles back onto the bed, His Majesty sat on the edge and then gestured for others to leave.

    Soon, only the emperor and Giles were left in the ward.

    The Emperor: ¡°I¡¯ve heard about Feliz¡¯s incident, and I¡¯m sorry. That Rocossov is a despicable bastard! To attack so covertly!¡±

    Giles: ¡°Our sudden breach of the non-aggression pact isn¡¯t really any more noble than his actions.¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°It¡¯s fine to say that when it¡¯s just us two.¡±

    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because it¡¯s just the two of us that I¡¯m speaking so frankly, Your Majesty,¡± Giles said, ¡°and I¡¯ve been contemting the telegram Rocossov sent me. If we continue to attack, we¡¯ll step into a trap. Our supply lines are already troubled, and without the capacity to transport winter gear and other cold-weather supplies, when winteres¡­¡±

    Giles trailed off.

    The Emperor, with a worried face: ¡°I only show such expressions in front of you, Ziggy. Even a fool can see the truth by now. Our only hope is to use the time between the freeze-over and the onset of the cold wave to rush to Ye Fort.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Rocossov and his division won¡¯t let us seed.¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°He only has one division¡­¡±

    ¡°No more! Kashuk downstream and behind him, Kiriyenko of the Sixty-sixth Army Group¡ªthe enemy has started to surfacepetent genera¨¹s amidst the turmoil! And we¡¯ve helped them with their selection!¡±@@novelbin@@

    The Emperor, hands covering his cheeks: ¡°Of course I know. In fact, there¡¯s also Meishikin from Bolsk, Gorky from Andrew Fortress¡­ The enemy is quickly picking out capablemanders and eliminating the useless.

    ¡°But we haven¡¯t lost the war yet; we have eliminated nearly three million enemy troops after all. Although this pincer movement failed to annihte the hundreds of thousands of enemy troops in the encirclement, it did deal them a heavy blow! There are at most only a million enemy troops left towards the capital. I think if General Maqi were in charge, he might be able to break through to Ye Fort.

    ¡°Besides, General Maqi once crushed that irond Rocossov¡¯s defenses, and although he escaped in the end, I believe he could do it again.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Irond Rocossov?¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°That¡¯s the nickname the enemy¡¯s Star of Victory gave him.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Inappropriate. It should be Rocossov of the artillery, Rocossov of the bombardment, or¡­ or Rocossov the funeral provider. After all, only his troops and ours have such a good exchange rate, sending our soldiers to hell so efficiently.¡±

    Giles paused, ncing at the notebook on the table.

    The Emperor: ¡°Your suggestion to preserve the Shostka fortification specimen has been approved. The Empire¡¯s Science Academy will soonplete its survey and make a life-sized replica within our territory. Perhaps we¡¯ll find use for it in the future. Also, the order to develop a heavy assault gun has been issued, overseen by Doctor Porsche.¡±

    Giles: ¡°Finally, some good news.¡±

    Reinhard, lowering his hands from his face and with determined expression, said: ¡°I must prepare for the worst-case scenario. After all, I am the Emperor of the empire.¡±

 Chapter 277: Condolence Visit (Supplementary Update 11/33)

    The Prussian Army was stuck in the mud while the Guard 1st ¡°Red g¡± Mechanized Infantry Division carried out routine training.

    Suhayaveli was itself part of the new fortification zone around Ye Fort, recently rushing to construct anti-tank stakes and anti-tank gun positions, with little attention paid to building bunkers.

    Once the Guard 1st Mechanized Infantry Division arrived, an engineering troop was immediately dispatched from above to construct bunkers and trenches, and the building of fortifications was no longer assigned to thebat troops.@@novelbin@@

    Therefore, Wang Zhong ordered intensified training.

    Most of the division¡¯s new recruits hadn¡¯t gone throughplete infantry training, just hasty instruction on throwing grenades and firearm operations¡ªnot yet proficient, some even experienced weapon jams on the battlefield due to careless cleaning and oiling.

    Now that they didn¡¯t have to dig fortifications, it was a good time for thorough training.

    Wang Zhong also took this opportunity to learn from the gunner Alexander Yefimovich of tank number 422 how to be a T34 tank gunner.

    Who knows if it mighte in handy in the future?

    And so, Wang Zhong spent his days learning to be a gunner and his nights writing materials to sum up the experiences umted since the beginning of the war. His days were full and passed quickly. The only thing that didn¡¯t go Wang Zhong¡¯s way during this time was that the Naval Infantry that had retreated with his division were called back to Ye Fort.

    Ye Fort also had arge river running through the city, flowing southward to join the Valdai Hills River, eventually leading into the Ind Sea.

    Since there was a navigable river, there was an ind river fleet, and so the Naval Infantry that retreated with Wang Zhong joined the headquarters of the Ye Fort ind river fleet, bing a force defending the riverbanks.

    Wang Zhong was reluctant to part with the elite Naval Infantry, but they belonged to the Navy and were under navalmand.

    He had thought about using his connections with the Grand Patriarch, but the Grand Patriarch had said to him, ¡°If you were themander of the Front Army, the Naval Infantry within the war zone would also be under yourmand, even the Air Force!¡±

    Since Belinsky had put it that way, Wang Zhong had no choice but to let the matter go.

    On October 24, ten days before the Ante National Day, Wang Zhong, as usual, went to check thetest situation on the front line at the division headquarters before going to the training field for tank operation practice.

    As soon as he entered the door, he saw Popov. Now it had be a routine that Popov worked the night shift, and Wang Zhong and Pavlov worked during the day at what had be the division headquarters.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good morning, Bishop, how¡¯s the front line?¡±

    Popov, ¡°Yesterday, the enemy¡¯s second armored group broke through our defense line on the southern front and advanced about ten kilometers before stopping. I feel that the enemy isn¡¯t aiming to advance, but to prevent us from establishing a particrly solid defense line.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded in understanding, likening it to the Paradox Interactive game ¡°Hearts of Iron.¡± In Hearts of Iron, the longer units stay in one ce, the higher their ¡°entrenchment level¡± bes.

    The enemy¡¯s southern group¡¯s actions seemed to be preventing the Ante Army from umting entrenchment levels.

    Wang Zhong stared at the map, ¡°You might be right. The enemy¡¯s second armored group¡¯s slow push has indeed gained some ground, advancing nearly 100 kilometers in eight days.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Our troops have been continuously forced to retreat, losing engineering equipment, concrete, and many other resources. The new defense lines certainly aren¡¯t as well constructed as the old ones.

    ¡°In fact, since we retreated from the Duva River, the defense lines in our rear should be rtively the mostplete. But the enemy broke through it at once, making it seem like our sessful defense on the Duva River was a miracle.

    ¡°I suspect the enemy might know there¡¯s a gap before the freezing currents arrive and ns to use that time for a desperate assault.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°It seems the danger is not yetpletely over. Personally, I think the enemy¡¯s losses will be greater if they manage to break into Ye Fort.¡±

    Popov, ¡°I don¡¯t know much about military matters, you say their losses will be greater, because once General Winteres, the troops that break into Ye Fort will bepletely annihted?¡±

    ¡°Yes,¡± answered Wang Zhong, ¡°but you can¡¯t rule out that once the enemy breaks into Ye Fort, some people will start thinking of surrendering. It¡¯s better not to let the enemy into Ye Fort; we¡¯ll block them here.¡±

    Wang Zhong said this and moved towards the window of the division headquarters that faced in the direction of Ye Fort. Although the location of the headquarters was low, he could barely make out the chimneys at the edge of Ye Fort.

    ¡°It¡¯s interesting,¡± he said, ¡°those chimneys are 20 kilometers away, yet I can see them clearly.¡±

    Popov came up to the window, ¡°Those are just factories on the edge; we are 30 kilometers from the center of Ye Fort. However, if the enemy captures this ce and advances another ten kilometers, their artillery could reach Ye Fort.

    ¡°North of us is Ye Fort¡¯s satellite city, Karanskaya, which has a very high ancient castle on a hillside. If you climb the tower of the castle, you can see Ye Fort¡¯s iconic iron bridge.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Honestly, I would also like to defend a city; cities are great fortresses. Unfortunately, the real Imperial Guard is stationed there right now.¡±

    The troops led by Wang Zhong, although also called the 1st Division, were specified as the 1st Mechanized Infantry Division. The true Guard 1st Infantry Division,prising the 1st to 5th Guard Infantry Regiments, was the actual royal Imperial Guard.

    These units were stationed to defend Karanskaya, which could see Ye Fort¡¯s central iron bridge from the castle tower.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Karanskaya is, after all, built with so much concrete construction that it would be quite difficult to lose. The enemy might bypass it, in which case our position will be the main focus of the enemy attack. We must not lose here. Not at all! The moment we lose, everything would be undone.¡±

    At that moment, Pavlov came in, ¡°Hey, I saw a training into the station on my way here, the winter gear has arrived.¡±

    Ye Fort radiated countless railways all around, including a branch line to Suhayaveli, which not only connected to Ye Fort but also to Shostka¡ªthe way they hade previously.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Winter gear?¡±

    He looked down at his own clothes; for someone from the southernnd of Ceres like him, this heavy long woollen overcoat already qualified as winter gear.

    The weight of the overcoat had surpassed any clothing Wang Zhong had ever worn.

    Incidentally, this article of clothing that he replenished in the fall was autumn wear, and Wang Zhong had been wearing it for almost a season. It was just that when he first started wearing it, it felt hot, so he often left the buttons in front unfastened, but now he always made sure to button up properly ording to military discipline.

    Pavlov frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, General Rokossov, acting like a southerner. How could this singleyer of clothing possibly withstand the winter?¡±

    At this time, several soldiers came in carrying boxes.

    Pavlov opened a cardboard boxbeled ¡°General¡± and pulled out a general¡¯s coat, which he handed to Wang Zhong.

    The coat was terribly heavy!

    And squeezing it, he found it to be incredibly thick. Wang Zhong even thought that with two such coats wet with water, and with dirt between them, they could be used as a makeshift tank¡ªyes, just like the ¡°dirt tank¡± used for blowing up the tower in the story of the small soldier Zhang Ga.

    Wang Zhong unfolded the coat and discovered that itsrgepel cor was made of fur from an animal he couldn¡¯t identify.

    It seemed the Ante People also liked to wear fur.

    Wang Zhong took off the wool coat he was wearing and put on the thicker one. The first sensation was heavy, as if he was wearing full body armor.

    His second sensation, though, was warmth¡ªas if the fur coat could generate heat on its own. He quickly started to feel hot soon after putting it on.

    ¡°Damn,¡± Wang Zhong eximed, ¡°I¡¯m not afraid of any degree of cold with this thing on!¡±

    Popov also grabbed one for himself, and upon hearing what Wang Zhong said, he looked at Wang Zhong doubtfully, ¡°Really? Then what¡¯s the need for a firece?¡±

    ¡­Hmm?

    Wasn¡¯t it said that northerners were so hot inside their rooms that they went bare-chested, and only wore coats when stepping outside?

    Could it be that the technology of this era hadn¡¯t advanced that far and there wasn¡¯t such an impressive heating method avable?

    Wang Zhong was still wondering when Pavlov said, ¡°If you were living in the central district of Ye Fort, then you might indeed only need this thick clothing when going outside. But in a ce like this, it¡¯s better to dress warmly.

    ¡°After all, when the fighting starts, we spend every night in the bunkers, without the luxury of a stove to keep warm.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded. Just then, Ludm entered the bunker in a brand-new coat, ¡°Ah, you¡¯ve already changed.¡±

    ¡°Yes, have you also put one on?¡± Wang Zhong took a look at his fianc¨¦e and noticed that the coat could even conceal her figure.

    That was quite frightening.

    At that moment, Nelly also came in, wearing a simr coat.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°They have child-sized versions of these military coats?¡±

    Nelly looked at Wang Zhong with a disdainful gaze.

    Just then, the telephone rang abruptly. Pavlov picked up, ¡°Hello? This is headquarters. Hmm? A special train? What kind of special train? It didn¡¯t say? Alright, I¡¯ll inform the general.¡±

    Pavlov hung up the phone, ¡°The train station reported that the dispatch center said there¡¯s a specially added training our way, but it didn¡¯t say what it was carrying.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°At this time, what could be so secretive that they can¡¯t inform us?¡±

    Vasily happened toe in and, hearing thest bit of conversation, suggested, ¡°Secret weapons?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I don¡¯t think that¡¯s quite right. By process of elimination, I specte that it¡¯s likely to be peopleing to visit us. The question is whether it¡¯s the Grand Patriarch or His Majesty the Tsar. Either way, it can¡¯t be wrong to wait at the station.¡±

    ¡ª-

    Senior officers of the Imperial Guard, decked out in brand-new winter gear, all gathered on the tform, waiting for the special train to arrive.

    Pavlov suddenly chuckled, ¡°It kind of reminds me of when we were waiting for Popov in Loktov.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°True, butpared to that time, we¡¯re now well-supplied with troops¡ªwell, maybe not elite troops, but at least with strong fighting spirit.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°That¡¯s why we need to use the artillery to eliminate the technical and tactical disparity with the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You still remember that¡­¡±

    ¡°My fianc¨¦¡¯s tactical writings! Of course, I have to read it!¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could reply, the distant sound of a train whistle was heard.

    The special train arrived at the station and came to a slow stop before the tform.

    The train was full of the same sealed freight cars used to transport troops, with nothing to suggest that any dignitaries were aboard.

    However, when the door of the first carriage opened, Wang Zhong could not help but narrow his eyes.

    Imperial Princess Olga stood in the open doorway of the sealed car, giving Wang Zhong a radiant smile.

 Chapter 278: What Does Breaking Through the Defense Mean?

    Wang Zhong looked up at the sky and thought to himself that it hadn¡¯t snowed, so why was the princessing¡ªno, why should he fear the snow, he wasn¡¯t ying both sides.

    Thus, he saluted the princess, his heels mming together with a thunderous sound, ¡°Your Imperial Highness, the Grand Princess!¡±

    Ludm also saluted, and all the soldiers on the tform saluted in one direction. A few slow-reacting members of the Guardian Army looked around confusedly until they saw the princess¡¯s crown, and then hastily saluted as well.

    The princess¡¯s smile stiffened when she saw their salute, but she quickly adjusted her expression and responded with royal etiquette, ¡°At ease. You are all brave warriors who have fought for the Empire; there¡¯s no need for such formalities.¡±

    After finishing her words, she got off the train and came up to Wang Zhong. Seeing that Wang Zhong had lowered his hand, she once again revealed the smile she had at the beginning and opened her mouth¡ª

    Wang Zhong cut her off, ¡°You should have notified us in advance of your inspection!¡±

    Olga didn¡¯t stutter this time but smoothly caught on to hisment, ¡°If it were announced, there would be a security issue. The situation in the capital is veryplex now. More than a hundred people were shot today, and a curfew might be implemented starting tomorrow.¡±

    Wang Zhong slightly frowned, ¡°Is the situation that bad?¡±

    ¡°Yes, when you held Shostka, the defeatists kept quiet. The moment you retreated, they started. But exactly what they say, I do not know. If I did, the Judges would certainly know as well, and they would have beenpletely eradicated.¡± Wang Zhong, ¡°What do you mean by ¡®they started¡¯?¡±

    Olga, ¡°You would know if you were to experience the capital for yourself. I can tell from their eyes, their attitudes. Beforeing here, I saw the Grand Patriarch, and his eyes also indicated many issues. If the Prussian Army wasn¡¯t just 200 kilometers from the capital now, he might have already started a systematic purge of the capittionists.¡±

    Olga paused, then shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know, he might also be waiting for these capittionists to expose themselves. After our army drives the enemy from the capital, that might be the time to act.¡±

    The princess stopped, raised her hand, and gently touched the stars on Wang Zhong¡¯s coat cor, ¡°The Grand Patriarch trusts your judgment a lot. The enemy will be stopped, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy will be stopped.¡±

    He had wanted to remove the princess¡¯s hand as he spoke, but considering the many eyes on him, he decided against it.

    A girl being pushed away under such circumstances would probably feel humiliated.

    But Olga withdrew her hand herself and with a smile said, ¡°That¡¯s good. I came here for two reasons, the first being to ask about the next production n.

    ¡°The 100 tanks produced under the special royal decree have all beenpleted, and aside from the 24 reserved for the parade, the rest have been sent to the troops and have been well received.

    ¡°What shall we produce next?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Continue producing the Parade Tanks, of course. If they¡¯re well received, we continue production. It¡¯s best to switch all of Ye Fort Joint Machinery Factory¡¯s capacity to Parade Tanks. It took more than two months to produce those hundred units, which is too slow. At this pace, we¡¯d only produce six hundred tanks a year, which is far too few.

    ¡°The scale of the war we¡¯re now involved in is unprecedented; throwing in six hundred tanks won¡¯t even cause a ssh.

    ¡°At the start of the war, we had over twenty thousand tanks, even if most were just BTs and T26s, but the enemy also had many of their Panzer I and II.

    ¡°But now look, our twenty thousand tanks have all been gobbled up by the enemy, not even a core spit out.¡±

    Olga nodded, ¡°Then we¡¯ll continue to produce Parade Tanks. By the way, General Tugenev discreetly gave these tanks a production designation, calling them the T34W model.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, why the W model?@@novelbin@@

    The Cyrillic alphabet starts with ABCD as well, W isn¡¯t at the front!

    Seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, Olgaughed, ¡°This is to avoid using up the letters reserved for regr improvements. The chief designer, Valentin, was furious when he heard the troops¡¯ feedback on the T34W; he threw it right into the firece. He said his improvements would make the troops truly satisfied.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°¡­ Then I hope he includes radios on the new tanks.¡±

    Olga sighed, ¡°Radios are even less likely, I¡¯ve specifically inquired about this. The production of radios simply can¡¯t keep up with the consumption. Airnes need radios, not to mention spare parts for recements.

    ¡°If we were to equip all the tanks with radios, the shortfall would be huge. Major General Sergey from the Ordnance Department suggested that we concentrate the Parade Tanks and assign them to experienced tank units to form specialized assault Army Groups.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°Didn¡¯t that enrage Valentin?¡±

    ¡°Major General Sergey is his father-inw, so¡­¡± Olga shrugged her shoulders, ¡°I think General Sergey is quite a decent man. He even made a special call before I came to the front line, asking if you have any special requirements that the existing equipment can¡¯t meet.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes! I certainly do! First, I need a self-propelled gun that is equipped with a 152mm howitzer, has radios, and can use tracks to move at high speed across our nation¡¯s rough terrain.

    ¡°This artillery should have apanying ammunition vehicles, be able to rapidly switch firing positions, and have some resistance to enemy air strafing. It also needs an anti-aircraft machine gun!¡±

    Wang Zhong was speaking about this based on the SU152, which on Earth was often used as a self-propelled howitzer.

    After the war, the Soviet forces even included the 122mm howitzer in armored assault clusters at thepany level.

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°Then I also need a quadruple anti-aircraft gun, also mounted on a tank chassis. The gun should be our 25mm cannon, and it needs a new ammunition feeding system with a belt feed.

    ¡°This will be our apanying air defense, aside from supporting our armored assault forces, it should also be able to clear enemy infantry while being leveled, so it needs a depression angle, understand? A depression angle!¡±

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong grabbed the princess¡¯s shoulders with both hands, vigorously shaking her, ¡°Depression angle, do you understand? A depression angle!¡±

    The princess, ¡°Stop shaking me! Just say it properly!¡±

    At that moment, Nelly leaned closer to Ludm: ¡°Why do I get the feeling that the princess is really happy?¡±

    ¡°They¡¯re discussing serious matters, Nelly,¡± Ludm whispered, ¡°As soon as they¡¯re finished, I¡¯ll join in.¡±

    Wang Zhong finally let go of the princess: ¡°Sorry.¡±

    Olga sighed, then immediately burst intoughter.

    Seeing her smile, Wang Zhong quipped, ¡°What, did all the shaking blend your brain so you¡¯ve started giggling like an idiot?¡±

    Olga put on a stern face: ¡°No. I¡¯ll ry your requests to General Sergey just as you¡¯ve said.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯d better write a formal report. I haven¡¯t done that before because I didn¡¯t think my position allowed me to interfere with the research and production of military equipment, but now that I can, naturally, I¡¯ll interfere to my heart¡¯s content. I¡¯ll get the report out tomorrow¡­¡±

    ¡°No,¡± Olga said seriously, ¡°I¡¯ll pass on the message! Tell me whatever you need! Going through the normal channels, do you understand that it will get held up?¡±

    Wang Zhong expressed surprise: ¡°Would it?¡±

    Olga said with absolute certainty: ¡°Yes!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright. Then we also need a practical reduced-load cartridge rifle that can fire repeatedly and maintain good uracy at 200 to 400 meters. High reliability is also very important. Reliability is crucial!¡±

    Olga asked earnestly: ¡°What¡¯s a ¡®reduced-load cartridge¡¯?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s reducing the charge and shortening the length of rifle cartridges. Current rifle cartridges, when used for automatic fire, make the whole gun very heavy because it¡¯s practically a machine gun. The universal machine guns we¡¯ve captured from the enemy are this big¡ª¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his head and randomly picked a guard: ¡°You! Go to the headquarters and tell Rocossov I want one of the captured enemy¡¯s squad machine guns.¡±

    While waiting for the machine gun to be brought over, Olga asked, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to just use a machine gun directly?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, the enemy¡¯s infantry squads are mainly organized around machine guns; in actualbat, such squads fight rigidly around their machine guns.

    ¡°However, when we concentrate our submachine gunners and fight the enemy in positions where machine guns can¡¯t be used effectively, they¡¯re at a loss.

    ¡°In fact, our Tokarev semi-automatic rifles have already performed very well¡ªthe key is choosing the terrain and preventing the enemy¡¯s machine guns from being effective.¡±

    In actuality, on Earth, squads organized around machine guns, when facing the fullplement of semi-automatic Browning Automatic Rifles and Thompson submachine guns of the American ¡®big-head¡¯ soldiers, weren¡¯t so effective.

    While the BAR couldn¡¯t suppress as effectively as a machine gun, it was flexible.

    A machine gun required three people to operate and was very heavy.

    The Americans could fire the BAR while moving, and just one person could run around with it.

    In ces without machine gun fire, the Americans¡¯ Garand semi-automatics significantly outperformed the German Kar98k.

    Most of Wang Zhong¡¯s troops were equipped with the Tokarev semi-automatic, and they had actually encountered the same situation; as long as the Prussian machine guns didn¡¯t catch up, the Imperial Guard had an absolute advantage in firepower.

    Without a doubt, theposition of a fullplement of semi-automatics, supplemented with a few automatic weapons, was more reliable than the Prussian¡¯s current organization of squads built around machine guns.

    To advance further, the only option was to develop the AK first.

    At that time, the guard from earlier brought three people and carried over the captured machine gun.

    Wang Zhong pointed at the machine gun: ¡°Look at this thing, so cumbersome¡ªthat¡¯s the disadvantage of firing rifle cartridges. I suggest we modify Tokarev¡¯s full-power cartridges, shorten them a bit, and make them fully automatic.¡±

    Olga nodded: ¡°Okay! I¡¯ve got it, I¡¯ll talk to General Sergey. Is there anything else?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s all for now. Everything I¡¯ve suggested can be modified from existing equipment, so we can form a force quickly.¡±

    ¡°Good,¡± Olga nodded, then said, ¡°Take me to visit the front line. Since I¡¯m here to boost the troops¡¯ morale, I should meet everyone.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s the fun in just meeting? How about singing a song for them? You must have studied music, right?¡±

    ¡°I have,¡± Olga said with a puzzled look at Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯ve even sung for you before! In front of you and my brother.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh right, that did happen.¡±

    Well, look at that, a princess who can sing. She¡¯s only missing pink hair now.

    Come to think of it, Olga did actually provide a lot of equipment, so should Tank No. 422 actually be called ¡°Free Demon¡±?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Please, this way. Our troops are intensively training. If you could sing to motivate them, they¡¯d be delighted.¡±

    ¡°Sure.¡±

    Olga naturally reached out to hold Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, but Wang Zhong immediately turned to Ludm: ¡°Could you keep Princess Her Highnesspany as well?¡±

    See, what¡¯s that called? Shaving it way too close!

 Chapter 279: Dark Clouds

    Ludm took Olga¡¯s hand, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±

    Olga replied, ¡°Mm, okay.¡±

    Wang Zhong took a step forward as if he were merely a butler leading two youngdies on a garden tour.

    ¡°This way, please.¡±

    And so, the group consisting of the three of them, along with Nelly and arge contingent of royal guards, plus Sergeant Grigori, made their grand departure from the station.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At the same time, at St. Ye Katerina Fortress, a gunboat was stationed under the iron bridge. Naval Infantry and engineers were hoisting explosives from the gunboat using ropes.

    To blow up the bridge would take twenty tons of explosives, which would require ten gas trucks for transport. Even if using the scarce three-ton gas trucks, seven would be needed.

    But a single gunboat could deliver all the required explosives directly beneath the bridge. The engineers were working diligently when, suddenly, several Judges wearing blue hats rushed onto the shore and apprehended ady admiring the scenery from the bridge¡¯s viewing tform.

    ¡°What are you doing!¡± thedy screamed. ¡°I was just looking at the scenery!¡±

    A Judge¡¯s interrogation floated up to the bridge, ¡°Watching the scenery in this kind of rainy weather? No, we need to search you!¡±

    The woman¡¯s screams intensified, ¡°Judge, that¡¯s indecent!¡±

    She continued to shout for a minute until the Judge pulled out a miniature camera from her underwear.

    ¡°Ah,¡± the lead Judge carefully examined the camera, ¡°Prosen-made device. Though small, it can clearly photograph all of our bridge¡¯s explosiveyout. Miss, you might want to exin why you have this in your underwear!¡±

    With a sobbing tone, the woman said, ¡°I confess everything! A person named Bolo told me that if I took these pictures, the Prosen Army wouldn¡¯t kill us after they upied Ye Fort! Kind Judge, I just wanted to find a way for my family to survive!¡±

    The Judge remarked, ¡°You seem sincere, but ording to our experience, the enemy starts by acting sincere, using some unimportant information to conceal what¡¯s truly important. No matter, we¡¯ll figure it out.¡±

    ¡°You gang of men, you¡¯re going to torture a woman?¡±

    The Judge responded, ¡°Of course not. We deeply respect women, so a woman will be in charge of your interrogation.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than a car stopped on the shore and four robust women in Judge uniforms stepped out.

    The leading female Judge smiled, ¡°We are much more merciful than men because we know how to coerce you intopliance with less violent but more effective methods.

    ¡°Of course, we guarantee that our methods will be as effective as those of male Judges.¡±

    As if toplement the female Judge¡¯s statement, the leading male Judge cracked a spherical decoration on the shore¡¯s railing with his fist, his knuckles splitting and bleeding.

    ¡°Thank you for the demonstration,¡± the female Judge said with a smile.

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Ye Fort City Defense Command Militia Headquarters.

    The City Defense Command was entirely managed by the Ante Army, while the Militia Headquarters in the same courtyard was run by the Church.

    As the mobilization capabilities of the Ante Army were much weaker than those of the Church, it was now the Church that continuously sent conscripts to the Ante Army¡¯s training camps.

    Men who were not suitable for immediate enlistment were all drafted into the militia ¨C that is, the Guardian Army ¨C while women of all ages were organized into Labor Camps.

    The Militia Commander reported to Belinsky: ¡°We¡¯ve organized by city blocks. Every block in Yeborg has a church, plus rted church stores, ration distribution centers, and so on.

    ¡°These churches have yed a role in mobilization, and we¡¯ve already formed 25 Guardian Army battalions. We n to organize another 25 in the next two weeks.

    ¡°In addition, we¡¯ve formed Priest strike teamsposed of clergy over fifty. They will be responsible for blowing up enemy tanks that cross the anti-tank barriers. We n to set up single-person shelters at the front lines where the strike teams can hide.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°These strike teams should be deployed on the city¡¯sst line of defense, inside the inner garden ring road. That¡¯s ourst line of defense.¡±

    The Militia Commander agreed, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°How¡¯s the situation with the City Defense Army?¡±

    ¡°The City Defense Army currently has twenty-five battalions, all deployed on the outer ring,¡± indicated the Militia Commander with his pointer on the map, drawing a circle. ¡°Beyond that is the field army¡¯s defensive line.¡±

    Belinsky inquired, ¡°Is there any difference between the City Defense Army and the field army?¡±

    ¡°The City Defense Army uses outdated equipment, while the field army includes new units and arge number of troops that were withdrawn from the encirclement in the west. Those units suffered great losses and were unable to receive sufficient reinforcements before the enemy assault, so they have been downsized.¡±

    ¡°Downsized?¡± Belinsky questioned.

    ¡°Yes, a division has been scaled down to a brigade, a regiment to a battalion. This way, the units remain at full strength, with weapons and equipment even more plentiful than before. The only unit not downsized is the elite 1st Guards Machine Infantry Division, also known as the ¡®Red Banner¡¯ Division. They¡¯ve only lost a quarter of theirbat troops.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°Where have they deployed?¡±

    ¡°They are in Suhayaveli. From here, they are ten kilometers away from the outer ring. Once their positions are lost, the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery will be able to reach the city.¡±

    ¡°Moreover, to their north in Karanskaya, the Imperial Guard is in charge of defense. There¡¯s a fortress there, and from the highest point of the fortress, you can see the Summer Pce.¡±

    ¡°Once the enemy captures this ce, they can conduct observed artillery fire on the Summer Pce.¡±

    The Militia Commander¡¯s expression was grave: ¡°We believe that once the enemy bombards the Summer Pce, the situation in the capital will be very dangerous.¡±

    Belinsky¡¯s face showed a fierce glint: ¡°So the surrender faction is going to take action, huh?¡±

    The bishop in charge of the Tribunal, Ravkid, adjusted his sses: ¡°We have already wiped out five treasonous groups attempting to produce explosives. Additionally, we¡¯ve taken down one underground church of the Sanctified faction.¡±

    ¡°We¡¯ve also found a printing press and seized arge amount of propaganda, all calling for the nobles to rise up and reim their glory, saying the Prosen nobility is doing it¡­ to help their noblepatriots.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Belinsky: ¡°Arrest these traitors. No need for a trial; after interrogating them until no more information can be extracted, execute them all.¡±

    Ravkid smiled: ¡°Understood. In fact, once we catch a traitor, we uproot their entire family. The effect has been very significant so far.¡±

    ¡°But there are still many traitors lurking in Yeborg.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°Once we implement the curfew as nned, the crisis situation will be greatly alleviated.¡±

    Ravkid: ¡°Why not just kill all the nobles?¡±

    ¡°No, that won¡¯t do. The enemy is less than two hundred kilometers from Ye Fort. At a time like this, we must unite all we can. Once the situation stabilizes, then we can do the reckoning. So only arrest those who have been exposed and have conclusive evidence.¡±

    Ravkid: ¡°But if Prosen¡¯s cannons reach the Summer Pce, even His Majesty the Tsar might surrender.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°What¡¯s the situation with His Majesty the Tsar now?¡±

    Ravkid: ¡°When Shostka was still holding, His Majesty seemed very confident. But after the loss of Shostka, His Majesty began to look quite unsettled.¡±

    ¡°His Majesty the Tsar is a weak man,¡± Belinsky interjected. ¡°That¡¯s also why we chose him as a puppet in the first ce. We just didn¡¯t expect him to perform so well, especially those former centrists.¡±

    Belinsky paused.

    Ravkid: ¡°What if His Majesty tries to flee Yeborg?¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°Let him run. As long as I don¡¯t leave, that¡¯s fine. As long as I¡¯m here, the masses who believe in the Secr faction won¡¯t panic. However, if His Majesty the Tsar flees, it will still trigger a series of side effects.¡±

    Belinsky stood up and walked towards the giant city defense map on the wall: ¡°November 10th is our National Founding Day¡ªnaturally, we should hold a parade. If the Royal Family runs off, the parade will turn into a farce without a royal review.¡±

    ¡°With the current situation, this will have negative impacts. No, whether His Majesty runs or not, we must ensure that a member of the Royal Family remains. How is Grand Duchess Olga?¡±

    Ravkid pushed his round sses: ¡°She¡¯s gone to inspect the front lines, the first stop being General Rocossov¡¯s division. I think Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess will stay no matter what.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Belinsky said, looking at the city defense map. ¡°Is there any chance the enemy will take Karanskaya by October 10?¡±

    The Militia Commander took the cue: ¡°It¡¯s unlikely. At the moment, with the dy of the mud, the enemy¡¯s advance speed is roughly ten kilometers a day. By November 10, the muddy season will have just ended; they won¡¯t be able to advance to a point where they can shell Saint Ye Fortress. It¡¯s a simple arithmetic problem.¡±

    Belinsky nodded: ¡°Then the issue is the air. We must ensure that on the day of the parade, there are no enemy aircraft.¡±

    Militia Commander: ¡°The Air Force, due to its close rtionship with science, is still something we can talk to. We also invited the Air Force Commander, but it seems he has reservations and hasn¡¯te.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°Why?¡±

    The Militia Commander looked at Ravkid, who shrugged: ¡°Because we arrested his daughter. She was actually filming our bridge bombing arrangements using a Prosen Army camera.¡±

    ¡°Then thismander isn¡¯t trustworthy. Arrest him, but don¡¯t be in a hurry to kill him. Just keep him under house arrest at the Command, so the pilots can see that theirmander hasn¡¯t been killed yet. Have the deputymandere here.¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª

    Two hourster, the Deputy Commander of the Air Force arrived at the Militia Command.

    ¡°I salute you, Your Eminence, the Grand Patriarch,¡± the Deputy Commander spoke loudly.

    Belinsky: ¡°On the morning of November 10th, can you guarantee that not a single Prosen aircraft enters the capital?¡±

    The Deputy Commander frowned: ¡°For that, I need another two hundred fighter nes. Currently, a significant portion of the capital¡¯s fighters are under repair due to consecutive days of air battles.¡±

    Belinsky: ¡°Just the fighter nes? Do you have enough pilots?¡±

    The Deputy Commanderughed: ¡°We¡¯re fighting in our own airspace, so as long as we can parachute, we can basically make it back.¡±

    Belinsky nodded: ¡°I¡¯ll figure something out for the nes.¡±

 Chapter 280: Blades and Shadows (Additional 12/33)

    Wang Zhong, apanied by the two princesses¡ªyes, two princesses, one a real princess and the other his princess¡ªwandered around his quarters for three hours.

    He had been prepared for a sh of swords; after all, both were from Ante, where subtlety was unheard of, and direct confrontation the norm.

    But the situation turned out much better than he had anticipated.

    Initially, Wang Zhong yed the role of tour guide, but gradually, Ludm took over that role, leading Olga on a ¡°tour¡± of the barracks, treating the soldiers¡¯ training exercises as entertainment.

    As the true and false princesses happily engaged in machine gun shooting, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but ask Nelly, who followed close behind, ¡°Is this normal? They¡¯re getting along so well, it¡¯s not the calm before the storm, is it?¡±

    Nelly looked at Wang Zhong and countered, ¡°What, do you really want to abandon Liu Da to marry Her Royal Highness the Crown Princess and be a prince consort?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, I have no such thoughts. But the Crown Princess has always been forthright, so I thought they would be at each other¡¯s throats¡­¡±

    Nelly, ¡°What are you talking about? Even if you marry Liu Da, you can still have a lover. If a woman doesn¡¯t have lovers, it means she really loves her husband. If a man doesn¡¯t have lovers, it means he has no charm.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ah? Is that so?¡± ¡°Yeah.¡±

    As Nelly said this, Olga began to operate the machine gun, with Liu Da assisting her by holding the ammunition belt.

    The twoy on the ground, using their chests as a cushion of sorts.

    Wang Zhong paused to watch the recoil of the machine gun and its fluctuations.

    Ludm, wearing a military uniform, handled it fine, but the Crown Princess¡ªwow!

    As the machine gun¡¯s bullets shattered the brick wall behind the target, Olgaughed heartily.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth fell open into an ¡®O¡¯ shape, thinking to himself, ¡®Mother of God, no matter which one I marry, I dare not have a lover, or I¡¯ll end up as target practice.¡¯

    Then Nelly continued, ¡°Once the Crown Princess really gets married, she¡¯ll keeping to see you, her lover. In nobility marriages without love, it¡¯s normal for both spouses to have lovers.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, ¡°What do you mean? So will Liu Da as well?¡±

    ¡°No, she loves you,¡± said Nelly.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I love her too, so shouldn¡¯t we both be good to each other? But ording to what you just said, I need to have a lover?¡±

    Nelly, ¡°Yeah, it proves you¡¯re apetent man. Even if you never touch this lover, you should have one. Liu Da probably thinks the princess would be suitable.¡±

    Wang Zhong was tremendously affected, ¡°Is, is that so?¡±

    Then in ¡®Quiet Don River¡¯, why did Grigori¡¯s affair with Aksinya lead to Natalia¡¯s suicide?

    Wang Zhong fell into deep thought.

    Nelly seemed to guess what he was thinking and said, ¡°That¡¯s only for nobles. Amongmoners, if a womanmits adultery, the man would challenge to a duel, and one of them would end up dead.

    ¡°If a man cheats, the woman would feel unattractive and might consider suicide.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then there¡¯s too much difference between nobles andmoners, no, I can¡¯t ept that.¡±

    Nelly blinked her eyes, ¡°Everything I said was just made up.¡±

    ¡­it was made up!

    Indeed, on second thought, in the Russian literature Wang Zhong had read, nobles didn¡¯t calmly ept having lovers. For instance, in ¡®Humiliated and Insulted¡¯, Nelly¡¯s mother was abandoned by a noble because he was to marry a real nobledy.

    Huh?

    Wang Zhong turned to Nelly, ¡°Wait, you are Liu Xia¡¯s wet nurse¡¯s daughter, right?¡±

    Nelly, ¡°Right. My mother is also your wet nurse.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Oh I see. You aren¡¯t some duke¡¯s illegitimate daughter, are you?¡±

    Nelly gave Wang Zhong a pitying look as if he were an old man gone senile from an illness.

    Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief; it was just a coincidence of names.

    Indeed, Nelly did not have the same defiance and strong pride as the girl in the story.

    Of course, being precocious and radiating maternal warmth were traits they shared.

    While reading the novel, Wang Zhong had felt that (the story¡¯s) Nelly could be his mother.

    But the end of the story was too sad; it truly crushed all things beautiful, leaving behind just a sliver of light.

    So many Russian stories are sad, like ¡®Quiet Don River¡¯, where Grigori lost everything in the end, including his love Aksinya, Natalia who loved him, and the rank he earned throughbat: both White Army¡¯s and Red Army¡¯s. He lost it all.

    In the end, he even threw the weapon that had always been at his side into the Don River.

    But at the very end, his child ran towards him.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t really like children, but when reading this scene, he felt as if the child were an angel descending from heaven.

    Russian literature was truly miraculous.

    As Wang Zhong was lost in thought, watching Nelly, her expression grew even more scathing, ¡°Sir, if you say you don¡¯t choose either of them and only want someone like me, even if it¡¯s a joke, I¡¯ll get angry.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What happens when you get angry?¡±

    ¡°I¡¯ll ssh you with boiling tea,¡± Nelly said.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is that something a wet nurse¡¯s daughter would say? You must be some duke¡¯s daughter, right?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°The Secr faction is already in power, my mother is a sried free person.¡±

    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. It was my mistake.¡± Wang Zhong sincerely apologized for his slip of the tongue.

    Instead, Nelly was put on the spot: ¡°Ah? No, there¡¯s no need to apologize that much¡­ ¡±

    ¡ª¡ª¡ª¡ª

    At that time, Ludm and Olga had switched ces, but they did not start shooting; instead, they looked to the side together.

    Olga: ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°He¡¯s been clingy to the wet nurse since he was little; he might see the wet nurse¡¯s shadow in her daughter.¡±

    Olga: ¡°You¡¯re not taking this seriously enough!¡±

    ¡°No, we¡¯ve lived together since we were little; we¡¯re practically family. I¡¯ve always thought of Alyosha as a brother, and Nelly as the youngest sister.¡±

    ¡°That¡¯s exactly what¡¯s most dangerous!¡± Olga said. ¡°You will be separated from him on the battlefield, right? The maid is always by his side though, umted over days and months¡­¡±

    Ludmughed: ¡°That won¡¯t happen; I¡¯m going to start shooting now. You should enjoy the feeling of the cartridge belt.¡±

    After Ludm started shooting, Olga was caught off guard by the movement of the belt and was startled.

    Ludm stopped: ¡°Hold the belt properly.¡±

    At this point, the machine gunner exined: ¡°The old-style machine guns we use can actually fire without a second shooter holding the belt, no problem. Not having a second shooter just increases the chance of malfunctions; it doesn¡¯t mean it will definitely malfunction.¡±

    ¡°I see.¡± Olga stood up and patted the mud off her body¡ªthough they were lying on a tarpaulin, so there was actually no dirt on her.

    Ludm also stood up: ¡°Are we done here?¡±

    Olga: ¡°I wanted him toe over to instruct me in shooting, to even personally feed the belt! And here he is, ying with the little maid!¡±

    Ludm nced over: ¡°It¡¯s fine. And keep your voice down.¡±

    Suddenly, a soldier shouted: ¡°General, has it been confirmed that he is the prince?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°I am the general¡¯s fianc¨¦e.¡±

    The priest supervising the training spoke: ¡°Shulov! Go runps! Run until your mind clears!¡±

    ¡°Yes! ¡±

    Olga looked at Ludm: ¡°You¡­ are you engaged? I mean, was there a ceremony, with rings? I¡¯ve noticed you¡¯re not wearing an engagement ring.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°No ceremony yet. Duke Rocossov only died for his country in August. And my family¡¯s estate along with Duke Rocossov¡¯s are all around Bolsk, my family should be busy helping to defend Bolsk at the moment. In such circumstances, no one is free to arrange our engagement ceremony or prepare the paperwork.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Then you¡¯re not really his fianc¨¦e, so I still have a chance.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°He has said in person that he only sees you as a sister.¡±

    ¡°You¡¯ve also said in person that you see him as a brother.¡±

    ¡°Not anymore.¡± Ludm said.

    The intense direct confrontation caused everyone to subconsciously stay away from the two ¡°supremes.¡±

    Olga: ¡°I acknowledge your current leading position, but I remind you if General Rokossovsky bes the prince, he could directly influence our military¡¯s policies¡­¡±

    Ludm: ¡°But you¡¯re still the Grand Princess, not Ekaterina III. Besides, you can see that Rokossovsky is closer to the Secr faction; do you think the nobles would ept a prince like that?

    ¡°Of course, I wouldn¡¯t mind him seeing you as a sister. After all, he was so close to thete His Royal Highness the Crown Prince. In an extreme case, for the sake of the entire Ante Empire, I could even tolerate some weird rumors between him and you.

    ¡°I mean, considering his past, if I couldn¡¯t tolerate these at all, marrying him would be a torment. Are you prepared for that? Are you ready to share your beloved with the socialites of Ye Fort?

    ¡°Just from what I know, he has 51 lovers in Ye Fort alone, he could date a different one each week for a year without repeats.¡±

    Olga: ¡°That¡¯s not right, isn¡¯t it? That¡¯s one short of a year, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    ¡°Thest week is mine.¡± said Ludm.

    Olga stared at Ludm, who looked back at her unflinchingly.

    Finally, Olga sighed: ¡°Alright, alright, a brother is fine too. But¡­ maybe the church would think they need someone close to them to act as a bridge between them and the nobles?¡±

    ¡°I think you¡¯re pretty close to them too.¡± Ludmughed.

    Olga: ¡°¡­ Indeed. Let¡¯s continue cheering for the soldiers at the front.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Eh? I thought we were here to visit, to see the great military amusement park.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Of course not.¡±

    Then she turned toward the soldiers, cleared her throat, and began to sing: ¡°When the pear blossoms bloom across the horizon¡­¡±

    Ludm immediately picked up the second part and harmonized.

    After all, both sides received thorough elite youngdy education, and they were notcking in musical literacy.

    Even General Rokossovsky stopped talking with the maid to look their way.

 Chapter 283: My Sister Canâ€™t Possibly Be This Tall (1/8)

    Wang Zhong was propped up in the middle, and his feeling was¡ª

    So hot!

    The coat itself was already thick, and now it was surrounded by fat.

    As for any pleasant coolness, it made himugh¡ªthe coat was so thick he couldn''t feel a thing!

    Why am I wearing such a thick coat?

    It was supposed to be a perking back! I thought it was a perk!

    Wang Zhong forcefully shook off the two girls, "Alright! Look at me, I''m sweating all over!"

    Ludm immediately leaned in, "Ah, you really are sweating. You put on this coat too soon. You should change into it along with the winter snow capes. Look, the soldiers are still wearing the summer grasnd capes."

    Ludm helped Wang Zhong take off the coat, handing it to Nelly.Then, Wang Zhong, now in autumnbat dress and freshly sweated, immediately felt cold.

    The current temperature was already low, then the air was also damp. Honestly, this weather was a bit like the humid and cold spells down south in Ceres.

    Wang Zhong had just taken off the coat when he sneezed.

    Olga seemed about toe over to warm Wang Zhong with her body, but Ludm was quicker.

    She evenughed, "When you went up to Peniye, you crushed the enemy with a high fever¡ªaren''t you getting a fever again now?"

    Wang Zhong smiled and said, "Isn''t there a possibility that just wearing the coat, without you girls hugging me, the temperature would be just right?"

    Ludm and Olga exchanged nces, then collectively took a step back.

    Nelly unfolded the coat again and helped Wang Zhong put it on.

    "See, the temperature is perfect," Wang Zhong moved his arms and body around, "No more hugging! Stand properly!"

    Olga, as if she had caught something from Wang Zhong, sneezed too, and then made a gesture to the maids. The royal maids brought out a thick shawl and draped it over the princess, covering her armor securely.

    Ludm said, "Your Highness, you should have started off wearing this. A cold would be terrible."

    Olga replied, "I didn''t realize it was already so cold outside the city."

    She nced at the sky, "Wonder how long this muddiness willst."

    Wang Zhong looked up as well, "Even if it freezes right now and the ground hardens, we''re confident in holding back the enemy. Your Highness."

    Olga nodded.

    Wang Zhong said, "Let''s visit the next troop."

    Olga''s inspection continued until the afternoon.

    After visiting all thebat positions, Olga started to take an interest in various oddities: "I want to check out that water tower!"

    "I want to look at that cabin!"

    "And that garden in the middle of the street..."

    "That''spost, which is excrement," Wang Zhong interrupted Olga''s sentence, "Your Highness, don''t you still have other troops to inspect?"

    Olga pouted, "I want to take the music you just created over there! I''m staying here tonight! Teach me how to sing it!"

    It had to be said that the whimsical Olga really did look like a younger sister.

    Even though her appearance wasn''t sisterly at all.

    Not to mention other reasons, a sister shouldn''t be tall. It would be best if she were about Nelly''s height.

    But Olga was just like Ludm, a typical Russianss¡ªbig in every way.

    Just as Olga started to act spoiled, Ludm reminded, "Don''t hug him, he''ll get hot. You wouldn''t want our general to get a fever because of you, would you? At such a critical time, a fever can be deadly!"

    Ludm didn''t specify which way it could be deadly.

    Olga could only keep her distance, but still pleaded, "Teach me! Tomorrow when I go to the other troops, I''ll sing it for them! I really like this song myself."

    Discover tales on

    Wang Zhong said, "Your Highness, this song hasn''t been arranged yet, there isn''t even a melody. If the musicians at Ye Fort hear it, they''llugh at me again."

    Olga responded, "Where is that geniusposer of yours? I know it was the genius musician from your unit who turned your melody into aposition, call him here!"

    Wang Zhong showed a troubled expression.

    Olga gasped, "Ah, did he sacrifice himself? I''m sorry, I..."

    "No, he didn''t sacrifice himself. He''s being disciplined by hauling manure."

    Olga waited for a second, "Doing what?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Hauling manure. He''s our expert here, quick and good at the job!"

    As they were speaking, Vasily came over with a shoulder pole from a distance.

    Wang Zhong wanted to pretend he didn''t see him because his goal was to send the princess off on the train, but with Vasilying, the princess would find a reason to stay the night.

    However, Vasily called out directly, "General! I heard you have a new song. They''re all talking about it! What kind of song is it?"

    Wang Zhong, ncing at Olga, said to Vasily, "Well..."

    Olga interjected, "Sing it again, and let thisposer do the arrangements! This is theposer, right? That shoulder pole is for hauling manure, isn''t it?"

    Vasily, startled to see the princess, eximed, "Eh? Is this Her Royal Highness the Tsarevna?"

    Olga inquired, "Your shoulder pole is for hauling manure?"

    "Err, yes," Vasily said, looking baffled, "So please don''t touch it or me. I''m not sure if anything sshed on me while I was hauling."

    Olga urged, "Please, you mustpose the music for it. I want to learn it tonight and take it to all the units tomorrow to sing."

    Wang Zhong marveled, "Your Highness, that''s not appropriate. How can you just stay as you please?"

    Olga dered, "I can call my father, the Tsar. He will agree!"

    The headquarters, Olga holding a phone, quietly waiting for the operator to connect, finally a tired voice came through from the other end, "Who is it?"

    Olga said, "Father, I wish to stay in Suhayaveli today. Rocossov hasposed a new song that is very popr among the soldiers, and I want to learn it and bring it back!"

    After a full twenty seconds of silence on the other end, the voice asked, "Are you in Suhayaveli?"

    "Yes."

    "With Duke Rocossov?"

    "Yes, Duke Charon."

    "Hmm, if you want to stay for a day, you can stay. I have a military meeting to attend here."

    Having said that, His Majesty the Tsar hung up the phone.

    Olga turned her head to Wang Zhong and said, "Father said if I want to stay for a day, I might as well stay."

    Wang Zhong curled his lip.

    At this moment, Pavlov spoke with a solemn face, "But we don''t have any residences here that meet the standards of the Royal Family! The best house is Lord Boye''s brick house, and that''s just a brick house! That house might not hold up if it gets bombed!"

    Olga said, "I can stay in a bunker! Or sleep in a hammock, I''ve wanted to try sleeping in a hammock for a while! Do you have hammocks here?"

    Pavlov replied, "No, but we can get one for you. Are you sure you want to sleep in a hammock? You might fall out."

    Olga hesitated and nced sideways at Wang Zhong, "Alyosha, what do you think I should sleep on?"

    Wang Zhong said, "A camp bed will be fine. As for where to sleep, I think the bunker is good. Ludm and I will move out of the bunker; we can give our bed to Your Highness. We... can manage with Nelly''s room."

    Nelly protested, "I only have one small bed!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "We''ll get another one, we''re not short of beds."

    Olga frowned, "I think we can share. Put two beds together, you two sleep on one, and I''ll sleep on the other."

    Just as she finished speaking, Vasily entered, "I''ve finished writing the music, the melody is very simple, and so is the score. The general said the musical instruments for this song should also be kept simple, so I''ve only arranged for a blaika and a Bayan, and..." he lifted the steel helmet in his hand, "a steel helmet!"

    Wang Zhong, feeling a bit embarrassed, said, "You could change that to a drum, any kind of hand drum would do..."

    "No no no!" Vasily shook his head vehemently, "I''ve asked the soldiers onsite, and they all say the steel helmet is just right! The song is supposed to be yed by hitting a steel helmet!"

    As he spoke, Vasily ced the steel helmet on the table and began to tap the helmet while singing, "Swallowing dust, I lost consciousness."

    Pavlov had a "let me hear this thing" expression, crossing his arms and watching Vasily.

    Vasily lived up to his reputation as a professionalposer; he said he hadn''t changed the score much, but to Wang Zhong, who had heard the original "Consuming Sand", Vasily''s version clearly modified the tone and the marching rhythm.

    "Consuming Sand" was originally a very desperate and rock song, even somewhat decadent; however, once Vasily altered it, it became sad and restrained yet filled with a heroic spirit.

    When Wang Zhong sang it himself, he just felt that changing the background made it very heroic. Now Vasily had achieved this heroism in the melody.

    After the song ended, Olga wiped her eyes, but noticed there weren''t many tears, "Huh, strange, I was teary-eyed when I heard Alyosha sing it."

    Vasily said, "I didn''t sing with such deep emotions, after all, I didn''t experience the bloodshed at Peniye. General, is this song about Peniye?"

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath, "Yes! You really are great, you even figured that out!"

    Olga said, "Hurry and teach me how to sing it!"

    Vasily replied, "No need, I''ve written the score, with lyrics too, and made many copies. Just take a few when you leave!"

    Wang Zhong eximed, "Granfendo gets ten points! No, Vasily gets ten points!"

    Vasily looked confused, "Huh? Ten points for what?"

    Olga pouted, "I don''t know how to sing it, you have to teach me!"

    Wang Zhong said, "Come on, you can sing arias from La Traviata, learn it yourself! You can have the bunker tonight, stay with your maid!"

    Olga pouted.

    Pavlov slipped quietly to the door, preparing to sneak out when Popov came in, "What are you doing?"

    "Uh, I''m going to arrange the Grand Duchess''s amodation!!"@@novelbin@@

    Popov frowned and then seeing the situation inside the headquarters, he immediately turned around, "Then I''ll arrange the Grand Duchess''s guard!"

    Wang Zhong sighed and pointing to the two leaving men said, "Olga, the war situation is very urgent now, we were just bombed today, don''t be willful. If you want to stay and learn the song, then learn it, but don''t make any more unreasonable requests."

    Olga deted, "Alright~ then~"

    The next day, October 25th, Wang Zhong, along with a group of people, was at the train station to see off Grand Duchess Olga.

    He urged her, "Make sure to convey my requests to General Sergey of the Ordnance Department! The faster we start designing and manufacturing the equipment I want, the sooner we can get them into actualbat, and the smaller our casualties will be!"

    "I understand," Olga lifted her head, "Isn''t there supposed to be a kiss at farewell?"

    Wang Zhong sighed and gently kissed Olga on her forehead.

    No sooner had he kissed her than Olga suddenly stood on tiptoe,unching a surprise attack.

    If she were the height of Nelly, standing on tiptoe would at most reach Wang Zhong''s chin.

    But she was the height of Ludm.

    Wang Zhong was shocked, are you channeling "your Xun Zong"? Coming at me with such a beastly mindset for a kiss, there''s no romance in this at all!

    After the ambush, Olga ran away like a shot.

    Wang Zhong looked nervously toward Ludm, "That was a brotherly and sisterly kiss. And I know an Ante ruler who also likes to do that!"

    Ludm said, "I saw, you only meant to kiss the forehead, I don''t me you. Let''s go ahead and set the wedding date. I want to have another child, you mentioned before, didn''t you, that the frontline would be rtively stable from December to next June, I think it''s the perfect time."

    Wang Zhong began, "But we''ve already agreed..."

    Ludm gave Wang Zhong a look that could kill a bear.

    Wang Zhong conceded, "As youmand, my dear wife."

 Chapter 284: Approaching (2/8)

    On the morning of October 31, Suhayaveli.

    Grigori was startled as soon as he arrived in front of Rocossov''s bunker.

    He saw Major General Rocossov sitting on a chair at the door, lookingpletely burned out.

    After hearing Grigori''s footsteps, Rocossov raised his head and, ncing at his own guard, said, "Reflecting on history, every time Ante has been ruled by a queen, the nation has made leapfrog progress. The great rulers in the history of Ante have either been tyrants or queens, or even tyrant queens. That must be our national character."

    Grigori peeked inside the bunker, then took a sniff, showing an expression that he understood something, and said, "There are deer in the nearby forest. I''ll go hunt one. Some deer meat will do."

    With that, Grigori left, supporting his submachine gun with one hand, and headed for the stables.

    At that moment, Ludm came out saying, "I feel like it''s happening. It''s kicking my belly!"

    "How could it be so soon!" Wang Zhong had no strength left toin, "You, have you ever considered my feelings? Conceiving a new life is supposed to be an event filled with a sense of ritual, do you understand?"

    Ludm replied, "In times of war, where can there be so much sense of ritual?"Wang Zhong sighed, "Look on the bright side, you will stay in the rear in the second half of next year. That''s a good thing, definitely a good thing."

    The next year would mark the second year of the war. So far, the entire course of the war had followed the script of Earth. Although Wang Zhong''s efforts had eliminated one annihtion battle, since the enemy was Jude, the progress probably wouldn''t differ too much.

    Next year, there would likely be a massive meat-grinder city battle in some ce.

    At this time, Wang Zhong still didn''t know that Prusso, because of the strong defensive fortifications he had crafted that frustrated them, nned to produce Grizzly assault tanks andTiger assault tanks ahead of schedule.

    After all, on Earth, the Grizzly was developed after summarizing the second year''s urban meat-grinding experiences.

    Wang Zhong introduced the Prussians to the most advanced urban defense positions right in Shostka, making the Prussians consider abandoning room-by-room fighting.

    The Grizzly had a 15-centimeter caliber and could even fire a short-range, boosted charge shell, emphasizing a single shot that wipes out any fortification.

    Of course, Wang Zhong had also considered how his own troops would deal with cities fortified with reinforced concrete.

    On Earth, the British developed a specialized tank known as the Churchill AVRE, mainly for dismantling sturdy reinforced concrete structures, with its main armament being a 290-millimeter spigot mortar.

    That beast had a range of only about 100 meters¡ªyes, 100 meters¡ªand because it sounded like a spring shooting out its shells when fired, it also earned a nickname: the Dustbin Launcher.

    In actualbat, it sessfully destroyed many strongholds, but its reload required the radio operator to climbpletely out of the tank, making them easy targets, hence it typically had to be reloaded in safe areas.

    Because its range was only 100 meters, it often meant the tank would be loaded safely, then driven up to face the enemy, fire a devastating shot, and retreat to reload safely.

    Besides its thick armor, the Churchill AVRE was particrly slow, which led to terriblebat efficiency.

    Following city grinds, the Soviet Army''s solution on Earth was to drive B4s onto the streets and shell enemy buildings.

    The Soviets also equipped their su152 self-propelled guns with special concrete-breaking shells, designed for close-range direct fire against concrete structures.

    After much thought, Wang Zhong concluded that leveling the concrete buildings might be his only option.

    Fuel-air explosives were an option too, but Wang Zhong didn''t know if Ante was capable of developing such sophisticated weaponry at present.

    To determine this, the industry of Ante would need a thorough investigation.

    All in all, given the current situation, Wang Zhong was uncertain whether he could obtain efficient urbanbat weapons before the massive city battle in the war''s second year.

    So if Ludm could give birth in the rear and not participate in the battle, that would be best.

    Of course, if push came to shove, they could try asking the Federation for weapons; the Federation had napalm and white phosphorous bombs, both suited for urbanbat.

    As Wang Zhong was lost in thought, Ludm nudged him hard, "What''s the matter with you?"

    "Nothing, I''m just d you could conceive. We just received newnds in Charon where you can stay. It''s far from the front and even out of Prussian Air Force''s attack range."

    Ludm objected, "I really don''t want to leave you at the front alone, my love. Waking up this morning, I began to doubt whether my decision was wrong. I should be on the front lines with you, being your praying hand."

    "Thinking back, it was the Crown Princess''s kiss that startled me..."

    Wang Zhong summoned hisst bit of energy to stand up, grabbed Ludm by the shoulders, and used his Xun Zong''s ultimate technique on her.

    After finishing, Wang Zhong managed a smile, "Feeling reassured now? I''ll be honest with you, when Olga went all out in her attack, saying I wasn''t shaken would be a lie. But you are the one I love the most. Olga is just the sister entrusted to me by Ivan, and no matter what she does, that won''t change."

    Ludm cracked a smile.

    Just then, the air raid rm sounded again.

    Wang Zhong pulled Ludm with him and entered the bunker.

    Ludm asked, "Did Grigori go hunting?"

    Wang Zhong confirmed, "Yes, he should be safer in the forest than us, nobody bombs the woods."

    While speaking, Wang Zhong leaned against the observation window of the bunker, using an external device to gain aplete view of the outside.

    He easily spotted the enemy aircraft and saw that the bomb bay was open.

    Arge number of leaflets fell from the bomb bay.

    Leaflets?

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered what Olga had said about the situation in the capital, how arge number of surrender supporters were restless. These leaflets were probably meant to bolster the confidence of the surrender faction.

    After triple checking that there were only leaflets, Wang Zhong opened the bunker door.

    Ludm: "What are you doing? It''s dangerous outside!"

    Wang Zhong: "The bombing has ended."

    With that, he walked out of the bunker.

    "What? We haven''t heard any explosions! How could it have ended?"

    Wang Zhong looked at the sky: "Because what''s being thrown are not bombs for assaulting the city, but bombs for assaulting the heart."@@novelbin@@

    Ludm also stepped out of the bunker and looked at the leaflets falling from the sky.

    At this time, the sound of the air raid alert being lifted rang out, so more people emerged from the bunkers.

    The leaflets also began to fall to the ground at this time.

    Wang Zhong directly caught one from the air and read the printed text: "The besieged Saint Andrew Fort has been captured, the enemy has advanced to Markikov 100 kilometers away from Ye Fort and will soon reach Ye Fort. This is merely a pleasant armed parade, the organized resistance of the Ante Army is on the verge of copse.

    "The Ante People may have only one million troops left, Ante has no more troops to deploy!"

    Ludm stretched her neck to read the words, and her eyebrows furrowed tightly at this sentence: "One million is too few, isn''t it? There are more troops than that just on the Ye Fort defensive line."

    Wang Zhong: "Indeed. Of course, this may be propaganda material written by the Prussians. Let''s go to themand bunker to confirm the situation at Saint Andrew Fort, and then check on Markikov."

    Ludm nodded her head.

    As usual, Popov was on the night shift at the division headquarters. Seeing Wang Zhonge in, he said, "Saw the leaflets?"

    Wang Zhong waved the leaflet in his hand and asked, "So, what''s the situation with Saint Andrew Fort and Markikov?"

    Popov turned toward the map: "Both cities are under our control. The Front Army at Saint Andrew Fort still has considerable strength, and has repelled the enemy''s attack on Manahaim, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy.

    "Because Manahaim itself is short on troops, this level of attack is sufficient to prevent Manahaim from coordinating with the Prussian Army Group''s offensive operations in the north.

    "The Front Army at Saint Andrew Fort has already redeployed most of its strength to the forefront, directly facing the Army Group."

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue: "It seems Saint Andrew Fort is in a fairly good situation!"

    Popov nodded: "It should be fine, but I think they encountered the same problem as us¡ªour troops are as fragile as dregs, especially the tank units. Blindly expanding from 18 tank armies to 95 tank armies resulted in nothing substantial in the ranks."

    Wang Zhong: "We are nothing but an edematous fat man, who nearly fell over from a strong push by the Prussians."

    Popov''s gaze shifted to Markikov: "Markikov has indeed been shelled, and enemy reconnaissance units have been spotted. But so far, it has not been subjected to a strong attack, and it''s likely the Prussians are umting supplies for a siege."

    Wang Zhong: "Then there''s not a single truth in these leaflets!"

    At that moment, Pavlov entered: "What, nothing true? Are you talking about the leaflets? Rest assured, leaflets are for those who are willing to believe. Those capital''s surrender advocates must be ecstatic."

    October 31, noon, Saint Ekaterina Fortress, outskirts, anti-tank trench construction site. Ante-controlled area.

    Leaflets dropped by the Prosen Army fell, and many people, just like Wang Zhong, grabbed and read the content directly.

    At this time, the Priest walked among them, calming everyone: "Saint Andrew Fort is still fighting, Markikov is still fighting! Don''t fall for the enemy''s deception!"

    This section of the construction site was managed by the 515th Labor Camp, an all-femalebor camp. Now, there were many such women''sbor camps around Ye Fort.

    Hearing the Priest''s words, the women in the camp echoed: "Don''t fall for the enemy''s deception! It must be a trick."

    While the young girls, already somewhat shaken by the leaflets, settled down after being shouted at by the older women and the Priest.

    Just then, a bespectacled man rushed over holding a leaflet and shouted, "Ladies! What are you busying yourselves for? Run for your lives! The Prussian Army is about to arrive here!"

    "Don''t listen to his nonsense, girls! Capture him!" an older woman yelled.

    "Catch him! Don''t let him spread false rumors!"

    By the time the women had subdued the bespectacled man, the Judges hurried over and took the traitor away.

 Chapter 285: The Road Roller is Rolling (3/8)

    On November 1st, just as Wang Zhong had arrived at the division headquarters, he saw Pavlov had already gotten there ahead of time, discussing with the night shift Popov in front of the map.

    "The enemy''s advance has suddenly elerated," Pavlov said, cradling his arm while resting his chin on the other hand, "They actually moved forward 20 kilometers yesterday. If they keep this up, they really might break into Ye Fort before it gets colder."

    Wang Zhong: "What''s going on?"

    Pavlov pointed to the telegram on the table: "See for yourself."

    Wang Zhong picked up the telegram and read through it quickly, then said, "Haven''t you seen the enemy advance seventy kilometers in a day before? Why are you making a fuss over twenty kilometers?

    "Besides, I''ve checked the ground around here. Thend isn''t like that of Kazarlia; it''s naturally harder here, so even if there is mud, it shouldn''t have as serious an effect as the ck soil in Kazarlia."

    Wang Zhong had surveyed the area riding Bucephalus. He had nned to go by car, but Grigori suggested riding, because "at this time, horses are more useful than cars, trust me."

    The ground around Suhayaveli is all hard earth, with just a thinyer of mud on top.

    ordingly, when Wang Zhong asked the local elders, they also mentioned that they generally don''t grow wheat around here but various vegetables instead, along with fodder for feeding pigs like alfalfa and the like.And also potatoes.

    This even had an impact on the supplies of the Guaridian Army. While in Kazarlia, the officers and troops had a rich variety of food on their tables, now it was just borscht and potatoes every day.

    Potatoes became the staple, steamed and given to the officers and men like bread, with the soldiers having to peel them themselves.

    The division''s bakery was now generally baking bread only once every three days.

    Wang Zhong had not expected to feel, so directly and so quickly, the benefit of the ck soil of Kazarlia.

    Recalling the scene of his previous survey, Wang Zhong couldn''t help but touch the lunchbox hanging from his body, carrying the hefty soil of his homnd.

    Wang Zhong: "The soil around here is not like the ck soil of Kazarlia. It''s just not the same."

    Pavlov: "I see, I didn''t investigate the local soil conditions, so it''s the ground hardening that''s sped up the enemy''s advance?"

    He took a pencil and made a note on the map: Ground is harder.

    "How about our forces?" Wang Zhong asked.

    Pavlov: "Four new Army Groups have been supplied, all spread out along the front line. I think the Western Front Army''s idea is to use these inexperienced troops to dy the enemy, exhaust them, and then intercept them with well-rested units."

    Wang Zhong looked at the map. Kashuk''s forces were positioned south of Suhayaveli, and the defense area had been greatly reduced¡ªit must be because his forces suffered heavy losses.

    The rest of Kiriyenko''s Army Group was basically arranged around Suhayaveli, it seems like they were preparing to fight around the Guardian Army.

    Wang Zhong: "Did the Army Group not receive reinforcements?"

    Pavlov: "You mean arge number of troops from the Guardian Army? Indeed, they have been reinforced. But there aren''t many young men who are experienced and formally trained. I think the first wave of conscription is over."

    Conscription is in stages: the first conscripts are those who had been discharged within thest three years and those in the active reserve. Those young men of the right age who hadn''t undergone military training were not part of the first wave of conscription, so they could only join the army and then undergo military training.

    Next would be the conscription of those who had been discharged for over three years, most of whom would need refresher training and could not be sent directly to the front line after conscription.

    The conscription of those discharged within three years and the active reserves is already over¡­ and that''s not even counting the 5 million troops expanded earlier.

    Wang Zhong looked at the map with a solemn expression. They say numbers are cold, unable to make people feel real, but someone like Wang Zhong, who actually emerged from hell, could feel the weight just by looking at the numbers.

    "What a sin," he murmured softly, "poor expansion, poormand. It really is a sin."

    Pavlov and Popov were also silent, as if they were mourning the millions of soldiers who had been sacrificed.

    Coincidentally, at that moment, the song of some troop drifted in from outside: "Kazakhstan, Kazarlia! The corpse cart crosses the riverbank, the riverbank of Mother River!"

    Suddenly Pavlov asked, "What''s that song called? I haven''t heard you mention it before?"

    Wang Zhong: "''Knawing Mud.''"

    Eating sand refers to eating sandy soil, which tells of events in Aganstan; called "Knawing Mud" for Kazakhstan, it makes sense.

    Popov eximed, "That name can''t inspire morale! Are you really going to publish it with that name?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, when Vasily sent it to the music magazine, he wrote the title as ''The Last Courage.''"

    Popov breathed a sigh of relief.

    Just then, Nelly pushed open the door: "Breakfast."

    Pavlov: "Oh, breakfast is here. What are we having? It smells delicious."

    Nelly: "Susie stew."@@novelbin@@

    "Really? Serve me a bowl."

    Nelly immediately served a bowl to the chief of staff.

    The plump chief of staff took a big sip and then shoveled the tenderized, stewed meat from the stew into his mouth with a spoon.

    Wang Zhong silently watched as Pavlov feasted, just watching as the blood flowed from his nose.

    "Wait a minute!" Pavlov pulled out a handkerchief to cover his nose, "What''s going on here?"

    Wang Zhong: "Because the meat used in this soup isn''t sausage or beef, but deer and hedgehog meat."

    Nelly: "And snake meat. I processed everything that Sergeant Grigori caught and put it all in."

    Pavlov''s eyes widened: "Why are you bringing it out for us to eat now?"

    Wang Zhong: "Because she had her period yesterday, it''s no use even if I eat it. So I sent the leftover meat to the cooking team."

    Popov clicked his tongue: "You''re done for, do you know how many single mothers you''re going to create? With so many girls in the garrison, the cooking team, theundry team, and the nurses at the hospital. It''s all over, how could you let theseds eat deer and hedgehogs, it''s over."

    Wang Zhong scratched his head: "My fault?"

    "Your fault," Popov and Pavlov said together.

    ----------

    November 1st, the advancemand post of the second armored army group, the former residence of the literary giant Kozov.

    "General!" The adjutant led the way, proudly announcing, "This is the former residence of the great literary giant Kozov."

    Von Maqi slowed his pace, admiring the well-preserved disys in the room as he walked: "This is where he wrote that book ''War and Peace'', isn''t it?"

    Adjutant: "Are you going to set up yourmand post here?"

    "No," Von Maqi refused without even thinking about it, "The enemy has gradually started bombing existing buildings, and this former residence will definitely be a target for bombing. As long as it is within range of the enemy''s fire, we cannot stay in an existing house, we can''t let the enemy seed."

    Adjutant: "But, because we don''t stay in houses within the range of enemy fire and don''t camp on roadsides, the troops are exhausting a great deal of physical strength. Theds need beds."

    Von Maqi: "Tell them that after they are killed in battle, they can rest forever then, in Valha."

    "But," the adjutant asked doubtfully, "isn''t the war about to end?"

    Maqi didn''t answer but walked to the map that was already spread out and looked at thergest ce name on it, Ekaterinburg Fortress, pursing his lips, even decreasing his blinking rate.

    Just then, a staff officer ran in, saluted, and shouted loudly: "Report! The front line has informed us that we have obtained three new army group numbers from the prisoners!"

    Maqi immediately turned to face the staff officer, his eyebrows lifting sharply: "How many?"

    "Three!" the staff officer replied loudly.

    Maqi said in a deep voice: "I heard you, don''t shout so loud."

    The staff officer was embarrassed.

    The adjutant went over to take the telegram, quietly waved his hand, signaling him to leave quickly.

    General Maqi personally stepped forward, grabbed the telegram, and began to read: "ording to the interrogation of the prisoners, the existence of enemy army groups 111, 112, 113 has been confirmed. ording to prisoner testimonies, these three army groups don''t have army-level organization, which suggests heavy losses among senior officers."

    "Thergest of the three army groups, 112, has eight infantry divisions in organization, along with the group''s artillery and auxiliary troops, around a hundred thousand men."

    "The smallest, 111, has five divisions and one independent brigade, around sixty thousand men."

    "We estimate that at least two hundred thousand new troops have joined the defensive operations."

    After reading, Maqi put the telegram behind him, took a deep breath, then looked up at the ceiling.

    He maintained this posture as though a child watching a spider weave its web on the ceiling.

    Finally, Maqi asked: "How many enemies did High Command say we are facing head-on?"

    Adjutant: "One million."

    "Now it''s one hundred and twenty million. Ask the front line, what''s the equipment situation of these newly added army groups? If the equipment is poor... there might still be hope."

    The adjutant immediately turned: "I''ll make a call right away... I mean, I''ll radio to ask."

    "No need, it''s not that urgent, just send a telegram."

    ...

    About an hourter, Maqi was flipping through Kozov''s collection of books when the adjutant came in with a telegram: "The reply''s here, General."

    "Read it," the General said softly.

    Dive into more tales on

    The adjutant lowered his head: "The newly encountered army groups indeed show signs ofcking equipment, but what they mainlyck are light weapons; the numbers of heavy artillery and tanks are rtively sufficient. The troops of these army corps are highly motivated, oftenunching bay charges topensate for theirck ofbat skills.

    "Also..."

    The adjutant stopped, nced at the General, then continued: "We''ve also discovered another new army group number, 114, which has eight infantry divisions and one cavalry division, nearly a hundred thousand men."

    Maqi sighed: "The steamroller... has started to move. "

    He closed the ancient book, closed his eyes.

    A few secondster he opened his eyes: "No, it''s not time to give up yet, order the troops to advance at full speed! The muddy conditions are easing, we''ll winter in Ekaterinburg Fortress!"

    After finishing, he turned to look at the collection: "Pack these books in boxes and take them to the basement! The Ante People will shell this house, the books are innocent!"

 Chapter 286: Assault Camp (4/12)

    November 4, God''s Arrow Company of the First Mechanized Infantry Division of the Imperial Guard.

    Companymander Koshkin rode the chestnut horse he had brought from home, leading his small reconnaissance squad up to the hilltops.

    On the ins near Ye Fort, although the terrain remained t, more hills began to appear, unlike the mere mounds seen on the grasnds of Kazarlia.

    Some of these hills rose hundreds of meters above the in, but their slopes were gentle, allowing even tanks to ascend.

    Koshkin reached the crest of the hill and lifted his binocrs to observe the west.

    At that moment, one of his subordinates suddenly rode down the hillside, aiming his submachine gun toward the bushes and shouting, "Who''s there! Come out!"

    After shouting twice, several men wearing military caps askew timidly stood up in the bushes.

    "Which unit are you from?" The scout tried to control his restless horse, keeping his submachine gun trained on the men.

    The leading sergeant straightened his cap, saying loudly, "We''re from the 180th temporary Infantry Division. Our division has been routed, everyone''s running back. We couldn''t find division headquarters or any battalionmanders, so we could only keep walking east hoping to bump into our troops."Scout: "Your identification!"

    "Look at my pocket," the sergeant showed his autumn military uniform pocket, "it was sted by shrapnel, but they should have their IDs."

    No sooner had he spoken than a corporal produced an ID: "I have it."

    Then two privates: "I''ve got mine, too."

    "I don''t know where my ID went."

    "My jacket was stolen by the Prosen devils during a fight! My ID and my fianc¨¦e''s picture were taken too, damn it!"

    The sergeant made a "quiet" gesture and said gravely to the scout, "We haven''t betrayed anyone, we''re willing to keep fighting the devils! Please don''t execute our families! We just couldn''t find any officers and don''t know what to do!"

    By then, Koshkin hade down from the hill on horseback: "How do I know you''re not enemy spies?"

    "My family is in Yelmsk! I''m a genuine Ante person! There are five people in my family!" the sergeant said loudly, "You can check!"

    The corporal who imed to have his ID said in a low voice, "Now that you''ve mentioned your family, the Judge will go look for them!" Find more content on

    The sergeant red at the corporal: "You showed your ID, doesn''t that amount to the same thing? No, whether we can live or not, whether our families can live, depends on whether we can find apassionatemander!"

    "Alright," Koshkin said, "you''re lucky this time! Because we are Rokossov''s troops, the general will ensure you''re treated fairly!"

    "Regarding the issue of deserters ¨C and routing soldiers," Wang Zhong looked towards the others in the bunker, "I think we can hold a general meeting where everyone can identify those who led the retreat. We execute those who led, and the rest form a penal battalion to undertake the most dangerous tasks to prove their determination to fight the enemy."

    Popov shook his head, "No, no, we''re the Imperial Guard, we can''t use the name penal battalion, it would make it seem as if we''ve also supplemented our ranks with convicts and death row inmates."

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, "Then call it assault battalion. Let them get trained to use the new anti-tank grenades, and during battle, their specific task will be to destroy enemy tanks."

    Pavlov: "If they only have anti-tank grenades, even if they mutiny on the battlefield, they won''t cause much damage. I support this idea. Just yesterday, we caught 700 routing soldiers. Such manpower needs to be utilized."

    Wang Zhong slightly raised his eyebrows: "700? That many?"

    "Yes, the troops that have been in contact with the enemytely are inexperienced, even the officers are green. Once the officers are killed, the troops retreat," Pavlov shook his head, "We''ve recently added some recovered veterans, overall the situation isn''t too bad. But the units that receive these veteran reinforcements are few and far between."

    Wang Zhong: "The wounded have begun rejoining the ranks?"

    "Yes, the war has been going on for four months now, Your Excellency the General," Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong, "Four months."

    Then themand post fell silent.

    A momentter, Popov stood up: "I''ll organize the penal battalion ¨C the assault battalion, and let the Judge carry out the executions as per the soldiers'' identifications."

    After Popov left, Pavlov asked Wang Zhong, "The enemy''s advance is faster now, maybe even before General Winter arrives, we''ll be broken through."

    Wang Zhong looked at the enemy''s breakthrough arrow on the map; judging only by the map, the arrow was just threepass draws away from Ekaterinburg Fortress.

    At that moment, amunications staff entered, saluting, "Urgentmunique from the Western Front Army Headquarters."

    Pavlov read the telegram and looked up at Wang Zhong, "Markikov has been captured. The enemy is now less than 100 kilometers from Ye Fort."

    Wang Zhong went to the front line map, examining it for a few seconds before asking, "What about the weather forecast?"

    Pavlov: "There won''t be snow in theing week, and the probability of snow in the next two weeks is only forty percent. But the temperature is nearing zero now, it''s going to freeze."

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, it would be at least another two weeks before General Winter arrived.@@novelbin@@

    And the enemy had already advanced within 100 kilometers of Ye Fort.

    The real hard fight wasing.

    Wang Zhong: "Continue the surveince."

    At that moment another staff with a telegram entered: "Report, telegram from the Western Front Army Headquarters."

    Pavlov took it and nced over: "The Western Front Army is preparing a counterattack. Strange, why send this to us? We''re just a division headquarter."

    He looked up at themunications officer, "Are you sure this was for us?"

    "Yes, the top of the telegram has the identification code; it was indeed sent directly to us."

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong, "Is this... they really treat you like a prince, wanting you to look it over?"

    Wang Zhong took the telegram, scanned it, and sighed, "Nonsense, there''s no word in here about asking for our opinion. Reply that we got the message."

    After themunications staff officer left, Pavlov said, "Now the Commander of the Western Front Army, Marshal Semyon, is a general trusted by the Tsar. Although he''s not the favorite, he generally maintains consistency with His Majesty. I guess the princess staying overnight here might have been over-interpreted by them."

    Wang Zhong frowned deeply, "What''s the matter with these people? The enemy is advancing within 100 kilometers of the capital, and they''re still engaging in these court intrigues? All these vermin together¡ªforget it."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he had no n to exterminate pests right now, so there was no point in saying this.

    Suddenly, Vasily burst in, holding a radio, "Everyone,e and listen!"

    As he said this, he turned on the radio, only to find there was no sound, so he pped the back of the radio hard.

    Pavlov took the radio, ced it on the table, then delivered a karate chop to it, nearly splitting the radio in half.

    Then the sound came through¡ªit was "Devouring Sands," no, "The Last Courage."

    Really, the addition of the radio''s unique static interference noise gave the song a different vor.

    Vasily said, "I just sent it back a week ago! Now it''s being yed on the radio!"

    Pavlov, looking at the radio, said, "Too bad I''m already sick of it, even the people going to the bathroom outside are singing ''I still have onest grenade, you beasts will taste its power''."

    Wang Zhongughed, "Isn''t that a good thing? If just one song can inspire the soldiers to fight until the end, that would make things much simpler."

    At that moment, the song on the radio ended, and the announcer came on, "This song was inspired by General Rokossovsky during the battle over Peniye, where he was surrounded by enemies. With only a few hundred troops left, he destroyed two hundred enemy tanks!"

    Wang Zhong snorted, "Bullshit! Most of those 200 tanks were destroyed by the KV crew! I only took out eight, just eight!"

    Just as he was seething with anger, an air raid siren wailed from outside.

    Hurriedly, Wang Zhong went to the observation port in the bunker, switching to a skyward view.

    From a bird''s eye view, he heard a telephone ringing inside the bunker, probably Brother Peter calling.

    After Pavlov answered the call, he reported, "Brother Peter says he heard two heavy bombers escorted by eight 109s heading our way."

    Wang Zhong switched back to the bunker''s view, "What''s going on? Only two bombers?"

    "Yes."

    Wang Zhong had a vaguely bad feeling.

    Observing from the bird''s eye view again, he finally spotted the enemy formation.

    Two heavy bombers¡ªwith Fritz X slung under their bellies!

    Wang Zhong shouted, "God''s Arrow Company, move! Don''t fire!"

    Pavlov immediately picked up the receiver, "Connect to God''s Arrow Company! Cease air defense readiness, move quickly!"

    Wang Zhong''s view moved back to his own troops'' positions, located the God''s Arrow Company, watching the figures run out from under the camougeds and hop onto motorcycles to make their escape.

    Great, the motorcycles seized during the Shostka surprise attack were still being used!

    After confirming the entire God''s Arrow Company had moved, Wang Zhong focused again on the enemy formation.

    Strange, the enemy formation was flying at high altitude. At that height, God''s Arrow Company wouldn''t fire, out of range.

    So what was this all about¡ª

    Then Wang Zhong saw the Fritz X bombs being dropped.

    Startled, his gaze followed the bombs.

    Then he saw the bombs plunge into Boye''s brick house.

    Yes, the one the princess had nearly stayed in before.

    It was an empty house now; after all, when one''s own artillery fires too often, one must also guard against retaliation.

    There was a massive explosion¡ªthat Wang Zhong''s real body heard, diminished by the bunker, but his eyes¡ªHeavenly Eye saw the huge mushroom cloud.

    Seeing that mushroom cloud, his heart skipped a beat, but then he realized there were no exaggerated shockwaves or radiation, just the explosion from the excess TNT.

    Boye''s brick house had been ttened.

    The second Fritz X fell, striking the church in the vige¡ªalso a brick building, but with a wooden roof.

    Following the colossal noise, the church was gone too.

    After dropping those two Fritz X bombs, the enemy squadrons turned away.

    It seemed that the Fritz X under the belly of the other bomber wasn''t intended for the Imperial Guard''s first machine gun toon.

    Wang Zhong switched back to the bunker''s view, telling Pavlov, "Figure out a way to deploy some smoke units. When the enemy nese, use smoke to obscure the view of the sky."

    The uracy of the Fritz X depended on the radio operator aboard the ne, who targeted visually.

    Wang Zhong added, "Also, inspect the bomb craters to see if we can find any remaining parts of the enemy''s bombs."

    Pavlov confirmed, "Yes."

 Chapter 287: Engaging the Enemy (5/12)

    On November 8th, the Recon Squadron of the Guards Motorized Infantry set out on a reconnaissance mission.

    Commander Koshkin nned to go up to the usual mound to survey the situation, but as he spurred his horse halfway there, he suddenly heard the sound of an engineing from the mountain.

    He sharply pulled on the reins, holding his breath to listen more intently.

    It was indeed an engine, and the sound was bing clearer.

    He turned and shouted, "Misha (Mikhail''s nickname)! Start running! We''ve encountered the enemy, hurry back and send a message to headquarters!"

    Mikhail was the best horseman in the unit, so he always rode the most spirited horse. Hearing themander''s shout, Mikhail immediately turned around, spurring his horse into a wild gallop, hooves kicking up sshes of mud.

    While snatching a smoke grenade that he had confiscated from the enemy from his belt, Koshkin shouted, "Prepare the smoke! We need to buy Misha some time!"

    In these road conditions, a horse at full gallop could outrun mechanized troops.

    But to be on the safe side, Koshkin decided to lead his team in staying behind to block the enemy''s reconnaissance forces.As he threw the smoke grenade, a motorcycle crested the hill.

    Rather than a machine gunner, the motorcycle sidecar held themander of the motorcycle reconnaissance team, so machine-gun fire didn''te immediately.

    But when the second motorcycle ascended, the machine gunner in the sidecar opened fire right away.

    The Recon Squadron immediately had three horses brought down by machine-gun fire, and only two of their riders were able to jump off in time; the third was pinned under his horse, screaming in agony¡ªlikely his leg was crushed.

    The fallen horse continued to struggle, trying to stand up.@@novelbin@@

    Hiding in the smoke, Koshkin shouted to his unit, "Spread out! Deploy smoke! Make the enemy hesitant to pursue!"

    The reconnaissance squad scattered to avoid machine-gun fire, throwing smoke grenades.

    Soon, the entire hillside was enveloped in smoke, and the enemy''s machine-gun fire stopped.

    Koshkin: "Disperse and retreat, make the enemy unsure of who to chase, and regroup at the division headquarters tonight!"

    After issuing themand, hey t on the horse''s back and sped away at full gallop.

    Major Cohen,mander of the 512th Motorized Recon Battalion, climbed out of the sidecar.

    He looked at the ground beneath his feet: "The mud on the hilltop is gone, this damn weather is finally passing."

    After confirming the ground was indeed no longer muddy, Major Cohen grinned, "With this weather over, we can attack with full force. The end is nigh for Ante!"

    The othersughed heartily as well.

    No wonder they wereughing; after breaking through the Duva River, the Second Armor Group had been unbeatable, crushing every Ante Army unit they encountered, no matter how fiercely they resisted.

    Although it was not an encirclement battle, and not many prisoners were captured, the morale-boosting effect of continuous victories on the troops was self-evident.

    In the midst ofughter, the half-track vehicle apanying the recon battalion also ascended the slope, and Major Cohen immediately ordered, "Establish an observation post and support point here, ensuring the enemy''s harassment forces cannot cross this slope."

    "Yes, Major."

    The Major then turned back and yelled to the Tank No. 2 at the bottom of the hill, "How''s it going! Is it fixed yet?"

    It had be standard for the Prussian Army to outfit reconnaissance units with Tank No. 2; these tanks were no longer fit for front-linebat, but they were quite capable of lending their 20mm cannons as support fire to the reconnaissance troops.

    Faced with the Ante People''s small units and scouting Cavalry Troops, Tank No. 2 was outstanding.

    In response to the Major''s question, themander of Tank No. 2 yelled back, "No good, it''spletely broken down; we need the repair team up here!"

    The Major: "Then leave it here. Mark its location on the map, and we''ll wait for the repair team toe up."

    The rapid advance of the Second Armor Group, coupled with the mud, had left the repair team a hundred kilometers behind.

    In October, they had to stop their advance for two full days to wait for the repair team.

    Afterward, the logistics department allocated a significant amount of transportation to the repair teams, barely enabling the field repair shops to keep up with the shock troopers.

    But as the Second Armor Group prated deeper, the situation again began to deteriorate.

    The tank crew, abandoning their tank, quickly made their way up the hill on motorcycles, and once themander dismounted, he protested to Major Cohen, "The field repair shop is still a hundred kilometers back. If we leave it here, it might never be fixed. If we had the third gear of the transmission, we could fix it ourselves. We should check if other tanks have a third gear.

    "Our tank''s spare parts kit is just missing the third gear; we have the rest, so we could trade with other tanks."

    Major Cohen looked at themander, "You all carry spare parts kits?"

    "Of course, with this lousy weather, logistics are as unreliable as the Air Force. Every tank carries its own spare parts kit and makes its own repairs. In actualbat, the spare parts kit can even serve as additional armor!"

    Major Cohen nodded, "Alright, you can use the radio to ask if any other tanks have a third gear."

    "Thank you, Major."

    Recon units typically maintain radio silence to avoid revealing their position, breaking it only to report significant targets spotted.

    After sending off the Tank Operator, Major Cohen shouted to the signaler, "Report to division headquarters that we have advanced to a position ten kilometers west of Suhayaveli."

    On November 8th at noon, Suhayaveli, Guards Motorized Infantry Division headquarters.

    A cavalryman was led into the division bunker.

    Wang Zhong: "Eh, aren''t you Private Mikhail from the Recon Squadron?"

    The cavalry was startled, "You recognize me?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "I remember the names of all the officers and soldiers in the entire division."

    He had remembered them with the help of a cheat.

    But the cavalryman didn''t know, and immediately looked touched, "That''s astonishing!"

    "Don''t be astonished, report the situation. You went on reconnaissance, didn''t you? Why didn''t Captain Koshkine himself?" Wang Zhong asked.

    The cavalryman immediately became serious, "Captain Koshkin had mee back first to report. They are responsible for dying the enemy. We encountered the enemy''s reconnaissance unit on Hill 391, with motorcycles and half-track vehicles, and there were more engine sounds, but I didn''t see those vehicles."

    Pavlov immediately picked up an engagement marker and ced it on the situation map on the tabletop, next to a triangr symbol representing the hill and its elevation of 391.

    Naming hills after their elevation is also a traditional practice in military cartography.

    Only after a major battle has urred will a hill be named, with names like "Tiny Nameless Ridge" and so on.

    Wang Zhong wore a serious expression, "The enemy''s reconnaissance unit is already within ten kilometers of us."

    Pavlov asked, "Should we hit them?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Are we sure the enemy has stopped? They might continue advancing toward us, right?"

    Just then, Vasily suddenly reported, "Wait a moment, I heard some shouts in Prosen. It seems like one of their Number 2 tanks has broken down and needs spare parts delivered by another tank."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Is the radio clear?"

    "Clear, the speakers might be around ten kilometers from us," Vasily answered.

    Wang Zhong praised him, "Well done, musician."

    He then picked up the handset himself, "Connect me to the artillery position. Artillery position, is that you? This is Rocossov."

    "General, hello! We are conducting a simted firing drill!" the artillery regimentmander reported.

    Wang Zhong instructed, "Stop the simtion, let''s do real firing. I''ll give you the map coordinates; you calcte the firing elements yourself. The map coordinates are..."

    Wang Zhong found Hill 391 with a bird''s eye view. Although there was a "fog of war" currently covering the hill and he could only see thendscape, not the enemy on it, giving a coordinate was still a simple matter.

    After giving the coordinates, he continued, "Fire three rounds at rapid speed."

    The artillery regimentmander confirmed, "Three rounds at rapid speed, understood. General, are we about to kill another general?"

    Wang Zhong sternly rebuked, "Don''t say things without basis. It''s just that there might be a Number 2 enemy tank that has broken down there, and perhaps the enemy''s motorized reconnaissance team is also present. So, we are firing three rapid rounds as a sort of lottery."

    "Just a lottery?"

    "Yes, anyway we are now close to Ye Fort, and replenishing shells is easy."

    In fact, Wang Zhong had so many shells at his disposal that he was concerned that if their storage was struck it could explode and decimate the entire division ¡ª they had that many.

    Wang Zhong hung up the phone and looked at Pavlov, "They''re asking me if I''m about to kill another general."

    Pavlov burst intoughter.

    Wang Zhong stated, "Such unrealisticments should be avoided from appearing repeatedly."

    Pavlov replied, "Just give up, have you not seen thetest tabloid from Ye Fort? The people there are talking about your rumored affair with the Princess, how many Prosen generals you''ve killed, and even that you''re actually the reincarnation of Saint Andrew."

    Wang Zhong frowned, "What''s thatst part about?"

    Pavlov pointed at Popov, "That''s his area of expertise, ask him."

    After Popov faced Wang Zhong''s gaze, he said, "Firstly, this was not spread by the church, but... Generally speaking, iming someone to be the reincarnation of Saint Andrew would be considered sacrilege by the Tribunal. Yet such talk has made it into the papers, even if it''s just a tabloid... right?"

    "What do you mean ''right''?" Wang Zhong said, then heard the sound of artillery firing outside; the artillery unit had finished calcting the firing data andmenced firing.

    Vasily suddenly interjected, "I hope it takes out a general. An enemy one."

    Wang Zhong red at him.

    When Major Cohen heard the whistling of artillery shells, he immediately threw himself to the ground and assumed a professional artillery crouch.

    The first wave of shells hit the hill, flipping the half-track vehicle over, and its mounted machine gun dislodged from its mount andnded right in front of Major Cohen.

    Discover magic at

    As the second wave of shells fell, Cohen had to open his mouth wide to equalize the pressure inside and outside his head.

    By the time the third wave of shells hit, he had already passed out from the shock.

    It turns out that while the artillery crouch is indeed useful, if the enemy''s firepower bes intensely concentrated, the crouch is not so effective.

    Unaware of how long he had been unconscious, Major Cohen woke up, sat up dazedly, and looked around nkly.

    At that moment, his brain wasn''t functioning; he was in a state of physical stupor.

    His ears couldn''t hear anything either, only a strong ringing.

    Then he saw a captain rushing towards him, mouthing words at him incessantly.

    It wasn''t until the buzzing in Cohen''s ears suddenly dissipated and the world seemed to return around him, allowing him to hear the screams of wounded soldiers and the captain''s words, that he realized what was happening.

    "Major! Our motorcycles and half-tracks are all destroyed! Should we continue the reconnaissance?"

    The major shook his head, "No, get off the hill quickly! The enemy, the enemy is Rocossov! It''s the General on the White Horse! This sneaky, sudden bombardment, it has to be him!"

 Chapter 288: Rocossov Assures You, the Parade Can Proceed (6/12)

    Prussian Army, Second Armored Group, Advance Command Headquarters.@@novelbin@@

    Calling it an Advance Command Headquarters means that themand unit was still in motion, not deployed yet. In such a state, although themand vehicle could receive telegrams, it absolutely could not send any out¡ªthe reason was simple: too much shaking. A single jolt could add an extra character to the message, and another shake would add yet another.

    When a telegram was sent, the message was transmitted instantly upon pressing down.

    Of course, even while in motion, the headquarters could stillmunicate with all divisions via radio.

    The high-power radios carried on themunication vehicles could, if necessary, broadcast at full strength. The messages could potentially be heard as far as Plowsonia.

    Thanks to the radio, General Von Maqi was still able to keep abreast of the conditions of his subordinate troops, and asionally, he could even listen to the battle situations reported by pilots in the air.

    At one o''clock in the afternoon on November 8, themunication staff suddenly stood up and said, "General, the 22nd Armored Division is reporting."

    Von Maqi was studying a map at the time and asked without looking up, "What''s the matter?"

    "They''ve encountered enemy fortifications again; the defendingmander may be General Rokossovsky."Von Maqi lifted his head, "Really? Wasn''t he already transferred to the rear at Kharon, in charge of organizing the Kharon Defence Line? That''s what Rabowell said! The newly established Krat Bureau provided us with a lot of intel about the Ante!"

    Themunication staff looked toward the adjutant.

    Just as the adjutant was about to speak, the general shook his head: "A piece of intelligence being inurate asionally is normal. It''s just a minor issue."

    He suddenly stopped, his eyebrows knitting together, "No, it''s not a minor issue. If the enemy hasn''t retreated to break off... If they''ve ced the ''Imperial Iron Wall'' here, that means they''re prepared for a dogged fight with us."

    General Von Maqi thought for a few seconds and said, "Continue the attack ording to the original n. But assign our reserves, which were originally standby, to the 22nd."

    The adjutant asked, "Move the reserve troops now?"

    "If we cannot break into Ye Fort, what''s the point of keeping the reserve troops idle? The enemy''s defensive line is already near the outer rings of Ye Fort; we are down to thest little bit of distance.

    "It''s time for a sprint and we must bring all our strength to bear! Go all out!"

    General Von Maqi pounded the table with his fist.

    The adjutant asked, "So... shall we order the 22nd Division tounch an immediate attack?"

    General Von Maqi thought for a moment, then shook his head: "No, no, ''to do a good job, an artisan needs the best tools''¡ªthat''s an Eastern proverb. Does the 22nd Division currently have artillery?"

    "Not yet. It''s still on the way. But the nearby 35th Armored Grenadier has Bison Assault Guns assigned."

    <img data-y-imgId="10063237" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10063237/b371bbc8a7a994f9f0472ea252d7ef51Im32LxoUQX1P2Ns.jpg">

    General Von Maqi rose in the constantly swayingmand vehicle: "Bisons, huh? The 15 cm heavy infantry gun possesses a certain breaking power, but that''s about it. ording to thebat experience summary of the Asgard Knights, this Empire Iron Wall likes to construct robust and ingenious fortifications."

    The general paused for a moment: "During Argesukov''s period of rest, I visited his tank shelters built in Orachi, very ingenious but also overlyplicated, basically impractical in field conditions. I''ve simplified his design, which will assuredly perform excellently in defensive battles."

    The adjutant frowned, "Defensive battles? Our army has always been on the offensive..."

    "Just in case," General Von Maqi interrupted the adjutant, "just like Giles, who went to recuperate, saved Shostka and requested the Imperial Military Science Academy to survey it, I''ve also embraced the wisdom of the enemy. This Empire Iron Wall¡ªin terms of defense and annoying the opponent¡ªcertainly has genuine substance."

    The adjutant couldn''t help but suppress augh, "Annoying the opponent?" Discover secrets at

    "Yes, annoying the opponent. Hereafter, when we take over a ce he has defended, we must be cautious and thoroughly sweep for mines. Otherwise, just blow it up," General Von Maqi shook his head, "How can there be such a shameless soldier who nts trick mines in his own headquarters?"

    Wang Zhong sneezed three times in a row, his snot even spraying onto Nelly''s hands.

    Nelly looked disgusted as she wiped her hands with a handkerchief, distancing herself from Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong said, "Someone from Prosen must be cursing me! It''s probably one of the trick mines we nted in Shostka that got triggered again."

    Indeed, the trick mines Wang Zhong had nted in Shostka were not limited to just one in themand post.

    Pavlov inquired, "Are you alright? Catching a cold would be troublesome, especially since the temperature will drop sharply soon¡ªcatching a cold at such a time can be bothersome."

    Wang Zhong replied, "What''s the fuss? Just cover yourself with a quilt and sleep it off in bed."

    His attention returned to the detailed map of the defensive area on the table: "We already know we''re facing the enemy''s Second Armored Group. ording to the information brought back by the soldiers from the assault battalion before they disbanded, it''s very likely we''ll be up against the 22nd Armored Division.

    "This division''s artillery hasn''t caught up yet. The previous breakthroughs of our defenses were mainly because our forces didn''t have enough time to constructprehensive fortifications.

    "But we not only haveplete fortifications, but also arge number of 57 mm anti-tank guns."

    The mobile ZIS30 57 mm guns have the advantage of firing and then quickly repositioning, ideal for mobile enemy engagement.

    Whereas the static 57 mm guns benefit from the support of arge squad, achieving a very high rate of fire¡ªup to one shot every three seconds.

    That''s faster than some bolt-action rifles.

    Of course, anti-tank guns need to continuously switch targets so such firing rates are not feasible in actualbat. Yet, the practical rate of fire of Wang Zhong''s 57 mm guns is still formidable, capable of rapidly suppressing enemy tank toons.

    Having assessed our situation, Wang Zhong spoke with conviction, "Tank Division 22 won''t be able to break through our defense line. If they attempt a strong charge, they will be met with a crushing defeat right in front of us."

    General Von Maqi: "Tank Division 22 won''t be able to break through Rokossovsky''s defense lines. Their tank units are down to less than a hundred, and using this few tanks to charge Rokossovsky''s ''turtle shell'' is nothing but a waste of manpower.

    "Do you know what''s most important when dealing with a ''turtle shell''? It''s to bypass the shell and scoop out the flesh inside. Of course, we cannotpletely avoid attacking Rokossovsky; we need to contain him, prevent him from moving around freely."

    The general turned and moved to the small window of themand vehicle, opening it to look out at the fields rushing by behind him: "In war, whoever is able tomit thest battalion will emerge victorious.

    "We must ensure that Rokossovsky''s division does not be that st battalion''."

    Aide-de-camp: "You mean..."

    The general: "Ferociously assault Rokossovsky''s division, drain their manpower, and then have our elite forces circuNovelBinent his defense from both sides. No, not just from both sides ¨C the other generals from the same army group as Rokossovsky have also performed quite well, and their troops are very determined.

    "We need to make arger detour. We will..."

    The general moved away from the window back to the map, picked up a pencil, and traced a line along the enemy defense revealed by reconnaissance, finally resting on the location named Karanskaya.

    "The main attack will take ce here. We will breach the enemy''s defense at this point."

    After listening, the aide-de-camp immediately went to a filing cab, took out a folder, pulled an album from inside, and located the aerial reconnaissance photos of Karanskaya ording to the album''s ssification.

    "This location won''t be easy to capture; it is a satellite town of Ye Fort, filled with reinforced concrete buildings. In addition, there''s a fortress built on a hill with a view covering the surroundings. Furthermore, the reverse slope below the fortress can serve as an anti-tank position..."

    General Von Maqi dismissed thement with a wave of his hand: "Do you think that the presence of reinforced concrete means it is a ce easy to defend but hard to attack? No, in fact, closebat is a real test of the troops'' courage and their will to fight.

    "In our previous engagements, the enemy might have been able to face our artillery, to face our tanks, but once they enter close-quartersbat with the elite Prussian troops, they copse rapidly!

    "And now, the forces of the Ante Army we''ve encountered along the way are increasingly losing their will to fight. Some divisions even start to retreat after just ten percent casualties.

    "This is about making the most of our strengths!"

    General Von Maqi straightened up, ncing at the Ante national g hanging inside themand vehicle.

    "We will win the war with courage. And Rokossovsky can only watch helplessly from his positions as we break through the defense lines and march straight to Ye Fort!"

    Wang Zhong: "If the enemy doesn''t take us down but turns to attack Karanskaya instead, their supply lines will be very awkward."

    He pointed at the highway on the map with a pencil.

    "I''ve scouted this highway in person and I think the nobles who built it must have taken kickbacks. The condition of the road is terrible; even without usying mines, it can''t carry much in the way of supplies. The road was muddy when we reconnoitered; our horses injured their legs after just a brief gallop.

    "I asked the old farmers along the way, and they said the road is also hard to travel when frozen. Without a doubt, the forces attacking Karanskaya will have serious supply issues."

    Pavlov, staring at the map: "If this road is difficult to travel, the enemy can only attack us. After capturing our current positions, they''ll use them as a supply center, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "Exactly. They have to attack us."

    Popov sighed: "I usually take the train when I leave the capital; I had no idea the transportation around the capital was this poor."

    Wang Zhong: "No, it''s not just around the capital; the whole of Ante has poor road transportation. We rely mainly on railways and shipping. The waterways of Ekaterinburg Fortress can flow south all the way to the Ind Sea, which is why an industrial belt has formed along the Valdai Hills River.

    "This industrial belt and the Kazarlia-Livonia industrial belt, which we''ve almostpletely lost, are connected by the Dnieper River and the northern Neva River, with a 100-kilometer-long canal between the two rivers. The internal transportation within these industrial belts is not bad, but between the belts ¨C aside from the railways ¨C it''s just these kinds of dirt roads."

    Wang Zhong shrugged at the map.

    If you were to mark the industrial belts in ck on the map of Ante, leaving the rest white, it would look like a piece of zebra skin.

    Pavlov: "But once they get past us, the transportation conditions will improve."

    Wang Zhong: "True, I''ve scouted the area to the east as well; the road standards improve sharply there, with asphalt surfaces. At the same time, there are more concrete buildings and factories scattered across the fields.

    "If the enemy breaks through our lines, they can advance quickly; we have to hold them back."

    Just then, the telephone rang, and Wang Zhong picked up the handset without hesitation: "This is Rokossovsky."

    A calm baritone came through from the other end: "Rokossovsky."

    "Your Excellency, Grand Patriarch," Wang Zhong instinctively stood up straight.

    "I have a question for you. I heard your troops have already engaged the enemy?"

    "Yes, my troops have already engaged the enemy," Wang Zhong replied truthfully.

    "Then I want to ask you, can we still hold the National Day military parade on November 10?"

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then answered confidently, "I, Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, assure you that the parade can proceed as scheduled!"

 Chapter 289: Burning (7/12)

    On November 9 at 0600 hours, the artillery bombardment began.

    By this time, Wang Zhong was already in themand bunker of the division. It usually got light around four in the morning, so he was ustomed to waking up at that time.

    His daily routine was entirely in "summer time"; he would start feeling sleepy as soon as it got dark after ten at night and would wake up at four in the morning.

    Now, the nights were as long as the days had been during the summer.

    At six o''clock, it was still pitch-dark ¨C such was the north.

    But Wang Zhong''s daily routine remained the same as before, so he ended up yawning and making his way to the divisionmand bunker in the pitch-dark as if it were still four in the morning, and then he would chat with Popov, who was on the night shift.

    It was when the enemy''s bombardment began that Pavlov stumbled into the divisionmand bunker.

    Wang Zhong, "You don''t have to rush over like this; you could wait for the enemy artillery preparation to end beforeing."

    Pavlov, "How could I? That preparationsts as long as two hours; I had toe over. Without me here to break down orders for implementation, you''d be no different from amander without troops. Besides, the enemy''s focus is not on us here but on the front line positions; it was quite safe for me on the way here."Just as Wang Zhong was about to speak, the artillery fire suddenly changed.

    Being an experienced soldier himself, he could instantly tell when the artillery preparation shifted to Xu Jin''s barrage.

    The others in the room lifted their heads sharply as well.

    Popov, "Has it shifted to Xu Jin''s barrage? Is it finishing up a bit early?"

    Wang Zhong, "The enemy doesn''t have that many shells! My prediction is correct; their logistics haven''t caught up, and they will be met with bloody noses on our positions."

    Having said that, Wang Zhong moved to the observation window.

    In fact, from the divisionmand bunker''s observation window, you couldn''t see the front lines, because the defensive area wasn''t like Shostka.

    Shostka had the Duva River, and the divisionmand bunker was on the riverbank, so you could observe the battle.

    Suhayaveli was a road intersection and a railway junction, located on a in.

    So the defensive positions of the Guards First Motor Rifle wereyered, and couldn''t be seen from the division''s position.

    In fact, during Orachi, Pavlov, who had been stationed at the division, couldn''t see the front lines either; that Wang Zhong had been able to see the frontline was mainly because back then, his forces were weak, and he had to personally drive a small tank to the front to hold the line.

    Now, joking aside, Wang Zhong''s division alone had been supplemented with 36 towed 57mm anti-tank guns, which could fire every 3 seconds. As long as the enemy did notpletely cover the anti-tank positions with heavy artillery fire, their armored forces would surely suffer heavy losses.

    Even if the anti-tank position was covered, it would be fine; Wang Zhong still had 30 ZIS-30s as a mobile anti-tank force.

    The Guards First Motor Rifle had already been outfitted like apletely wealthy division, so much so that Wang Zhong could reserve all 36 of the Armored Division''s ceremonial T34s ¨C no, now called the T34Ws ¨C as a reserve force.

    Of course, when it was time to deploy the armored battalion for a counter-attack, Wang Zhong would certainlymand his own small tank personally.

    If the armored battalion had to bemitted to the attack, Pavlov probably wouldn''t mind if Wang Zhong temporarily left the divisionmand bunker.

    Additionally, Wang Zhong still had three KV tanks; this number had not changed from before.

    Now, these three KV tanks, one for each position, were treated by Wang Zhong as defensive anchor points and stationed in tank shelters at the front lines.

    Moreover, to ensure that these heavily armored turtle shells could attract enough firepower, he had used a forward cement of anchor points in his defensiveyout and specifically concealed veterans armed with submachine guns near these points, waiting for Ploseni veterans to approach for closebat.

    Now Wang Zhong, with his bird''s-eye view, waited for the enemy to test the strength of his defenses.

    Without directmunication with the front line, Wang Zhong could only see the markers of his own units; to his surprise, he noted that next to the frontmost two battalions, there were sawtooth lines on the military map, indicating defensive positions.

    While still marveling, the enemy markers appeared.

    The enemy''s symbol was a red square, which should contain an icon representing the type of troops inside, but now there was a square with a question mark instead.

    Was this because the front hadn''t determined what type of unit was attacking?@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "Call the 31st Regiment, 1st Battalion."

    Pavlov eximed in surprise, "Why call them?"

    Wang Zhong, "I need to understand the situation. Once you get through, hand me the handset."

    Pavlov immediately picked up the handset, "Connect me to the 31st Regiment, 1st Battalion. Is this the 1st Battalion? The divisionmander wants to speak with you! Yes, here you go."

    Wang Zhong took the handset to his ear, switched the view to the 1st Battalion''s perspective, and it lit up; he could see every member of the 1st Battalion and also the attacking enemy.

    But first, the enemy wasn''t highlighted, and second, the enemy''s organization was still unclear.

    So the previous direct view of the enemy''s organization, knowing if the enemy was an armored battalion or grenadiers, was because I saw the enemy with my own eyes ¨C thus Wang Zhong thought.

    That means in an emergency, he would still need to go to the front line to see the situation for himself.

    At this moment, the battalionmander on the phone said, "Division Commander, please speak!"

    Only then did Wang Zhong realize he had taken the handset but hadn''t spoken.

    Wang Zhong, "Ah, what''s the situation with you guys?"

    "The enemy ising. Currently, they haven''t crossed the 1,000-meter mark, so we haven''t opened fire."

    Wang Zhong, "Good, try to capture some prisoners and find out the enemy''s unit designation, as well as the forces involved in this attack."

    "Understood. Once the enemy is repelled, we''ll try to dig a few lightly wounded prisoners out of the dead for you. Anything else?"

    "No, see you in Ploseni."

    "See you in Ploseni!"

    Wang Zhong had juste up with that line, and the battalionmander said it as if he had been injected with chicken blood.

    After hanging up the call, Wang Zhong realized he had a view of the front for another fifteen seconds before it disappeared and turned back into icon shing.

    This cheat is interesting, it demands that even if I hold a high position, I still have to run to the front line.

    Hmm?

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered that on Earth, the Sturmtiger also had a general who was very fond of going to the front line. He even made it to themander of the African Army and would still jump into his beloved little tank to rush to the front.

    His most famous battle¡ªno, skirmish¡ªwas when hemanded two Armored Divisions to push forward and got surrounded by the British force, and then he fought hard to create a bloom at the center, making the British force, prepared to annihte his troops, retreat inplete disarray.

    Desert Fox, you also had a cheat! I''ve found you out!

    Wang Zhong was so familiar with this battle because in his childhood, "Tank and Armored Vehicle" magazine had used it as a "question" for the reader participation column, inviting readers to submit their battle ns to break the situation.

    Of course, Wang Zhong wrote one, and naturally, it sank without a trace.

    Later, the published standard answer turned out to be just the historical battle n of the Desert Fox, and they also featured a few readers'' ns,menting in the end that even with a God''s-eye view, no reader came up with a betterbat n than the Desert Fox.

    Since then, Wang Zhong became a little fanboy of the Desert Fox and always felt Montgomery was nothing special.

    Of course, a sign of growing up is graduating from one''s idols, and Wang Zhong, after reading numerous biographies, no longer worshiped the Desert Fox.

    But now, I am the Desert Fox of this world!

    Watch me wage a couple of battles that will be legendary, making military magazines use my strategy as the standard answer!

    Wang Zhong suddenly got fired up.

    He didn''t care about the frontline, returning to the defense area map, and stuffed the handset into Pavlov''s hand, focusing on studying the map.

    Pavlov asked curiously, "What''s up?"

    Wang Zhong: "The enemy is attacking us under such hasty preparations for artillery support... Do you think they would act so recklessly?"

    "Hmm, indeed," Pavlov returned the handset, "I think it''s more like an action to pin us down. If that''s the case, their attacks will be continuous. Though they may not threaten the fundamentals of our defensive line, they''ll never stop."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Right, judging from this offensive, the enemy is likely targeting Karanskaya. They''re taking this small path."

    He pointed to the small path he had pointed out the day before.

    Pavlov: "So what''s your n?"

    Wang Zhong: "We need to advance, at least up to the previous position of Hill 391. This way, our artillery can move forward and bring that small path within firing range."

    Pavlov: "An attack? But you''ve said before, we have a decisive gap in tactics and techniques with the enemy. Without our prepared positions, even our best troops can''t beat the enemy''s regr forces."

    Wang Zhong: "I also said that we are not at a disadvantage in artillery. Make a call to Kiriyenko."

    The call quickly connected, and Pavlov handed the handset to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: "Kiriyenko, it''s Rocossov."

    "What''s up? Are you under a lot of pressure?"

    "No, I''m under no pressure at all. I surmise the enemy''s main attack direction is not here. I think it''s probably Karanskaya."

    Read thetest novel on M-VL-em|p,yr

    Kiriyenko: "I judged the same way. The pressure on our front is too mild; even the artillery preparation this morning didn''tst half an hour. So, what are you nning to do?"

    Wang Zhong: "I''m going tounch an offensive. But because our techniques and tactics aren''t up to par, the offensive will need your artillery support."

    Kiriyenko: "I''ll reinforce you with the Army Group''s artillery brigade. You decide how to use it. This brigade just got a new artillery battalion, all equipped with 152mm heavy guns."

    Wang Zhong: "No rocket artillery?"

    "What is that?" Kiriyenko was shocked.

    Okay, still ssified.

    Wang Zhong: "Never mind. When will the artillery brigade arrive here?"

    "If they set out now, they should arrive by tomorrow. You can start preparing their positions,ying camouges, and such."

    Wang Zhong: "I already have four pre-set positions reserved for my artillery battalion. Just have them move into these positions."

    "Wow, four pre-set positions?"

    Wang Zhong: "Not just pre-set positions, but also wooden dummy cannons. When they arrive, just remove the dummies. We''ll find somewhere else to build new dummy artillery positions."

    Kiriyenko: "You sly dog, with your dummy positions, false mines, surprise barrages¡ªwhatever doesn''t work the usual way, that''s what you use."

    Wang Zhong: "I''m forced to, aren''t I? We can''t win head-on inbat. We only win in tank gun confrontations. What can I do? Reinforce my artillery brigade, and I''ll throw something big at the enemy."

 Chapter 290: Military Parade (8/12)

    November 10th, 0400 hours, Ekaterinburg Fortress, Summer Pce.

    Tsar Nichs V questioned: "If there is a parade, will Belinskye? He hasn''t run away, has he? This guy must be thinking we''ll die defending this ce, like Ivan did in battle, and then he''lle to reap the rewards!"

    Chief of General Staff Tukhachev nced at Marshal Boris who had taken over as Minister of Defense after the former Commander of the Western Front Army.

    Marshal Boris adjusted his sses: "As far as we know, His Eminence the Grand Patriarch has not left Ye Fort and will participate in the parade."

    "It must be a body double!" Nichs V dismissed with a wave of his hand. "A body double! If you ask him some questions about the Secr faction and demand he interprets the scriptures, he will beat around the bush!"@@novelbin@@

    "I am willing to answer any questions about the Secr faction," a deep bass voice sounded from the direction of the main entrance.

    Everyone turned their heads toward the entrance.

    Enjoy reading at

    Grand Patriarch Belinsky walked into the room with measured steps, followed by two red-clothed bishops and guards."Your Majesty," the Grand Patriarch greeted Tsar Nichs V with a court bow, a form of salute reserved for subjects greeting the emperor.

    Nichs V''s expression softened: "You misunderstand, Belinsky. I was just... I just overheard some rumors. I''ve already punished the person who spread them. Oh, and, dispense with the formalities."

    Belinsky then straightened his body: "Your Majesty, the enemy is actually at the end of their tether; it''s only the continuous advances that have emboldened them. They have also notably stepped up pamphlet attacks around Ye Fort ¡ª just yesterday, their nes dropped over ten tons of leaflets.

    "The enemy clearly wants to break our will to resist, just like with the Carolingians. The Carolingian capital was still defensible; the City Defense Command had mobilized a million militiamen. This heroic city has resisted foreign invaders countless times, and its people are prepared to do so again!

    "However, the Carolingian highmand were cowards afraid of death, so they chose to surrender. The Prosen armies hadn''t even seen the capital before they surrendered.

    "The Prussians are hoping we will do the same thing."

    Nichs V fixed his gaze on Belinsky: "But look at the battlefront, how many troops we''vemitted, all scattered by the enemy, and thetest forces couldn''t even hold for a day! Can you guarantee they won''t break through into Ye Fort?"

    Belinsky: "Rocossov has assured me that the enemy won''t enter Ye Fort."

    "He said that at the public memorial too! He said mud and heavy snow would stop the enemy. Mud hase and gone, and heavy snow is at least ten days away, but the enemy is already less than fifty kilometers from Ye Fort!"

    At this moment, Olga, who was standing aside, suddenly said, "Rocossov''s forces are stationed twenty kilometers away from Ye Fort''s outer ring ¡ª they are the final barrier! He also assured me that not a single enemy will get past his defense."

    Nichs V whipped his head around, scrutinizing his daughter, surveying her carefully, then his eyes settled on her waist: "I know you stayed with him for a day! What exactly did he use to assure you? Huh? With what?"

    Olga: "With reason and logic. Father, Your Highness, the people need you to set an example. Besides, didn''t you swear to avenge my brother?"

    Nichs V suddenly stopped, gazed at his daughter''s face, which bore a slight resemnce to his son, then his expression firmed up again: "Ah, yes, Ivan, you''re right."

    The moment she was mistaken for her brother by her father, Olga''s mouth twitched, but she quickly regained control of her expression with years of court etiquette training, maintaining her dignified demeanor.

    Nichs V turned to Belinsky, his demeanorpletely transformed: "You''re right, we must parade! To show those Prussians that we will never give up resistance! One day, we will storm into their capital and raze it to the ground!"

    Having said that, Nichs V left the room in high dudgeon.

    Only then did Olga sigh, her shoulders slumping wholly.

    Belinsky approached her and murmured, "Don''t be sad. One day, he will recognize you clearly."

    Once Belinsky had spoken, he followed Nichs V out of the room with long, determined strides.

    Until he followed out, no one in the room, including the Chief of General Staff and the Minister of Defense, dared to follow, but now they hurriedly trailed after him.

    Within the Prosen Empire, Eagle''s Nest.

    Prosen Emperor Reinhard put down a secret report that had just been delivered by the Asgard Intelligence Department: "Our radio operator in Ye Fort risked their life to send a message, saying that the Ante people will hold a national parade today."

    He looked at the head of Rabowell, Duke Redwitch.

    Duke Redwitch: "We also submitted a report suggesting the possibility of a parade. We believe the parade is to stabilize the morale of the troops, and thereafter, they will still retreat to the Carillon defensive lines, given that they have already sent the empire''s Iron Wall Rocossov to the Carillon lines."

    Reinhard: "Rocossov is in front of the Second Armored Cluster!"

    "Such level of error was also within our predictions. It''s possible that he was meant to go to Carillon, but his appointment was canceled. Or perhaps the appointment was not carried out in time. You should know that our newly established Krat Bureau is very powerful and has directly established connections with the exiled organization of the Sanctified faction," Duke Redwitch said proudly.

    Reinhard clicked his tongue, turning back to ask his secretary of the Confidential Secreatariat: "Is this what Rabowell says?"

    "Yes, but at the time, you discarded this report. Because you wanted to end the war after taking Ye Fort, you refused to look at any intelligence suggesting the war might continue after Ye Fort''s capture," the secretary responded.

    Reinhard fell silent for a second, deciding to move past this matter and turned to ask the Grand Duke Mayer, Air Force Marshal: "Can the Air Force disrupt the parade?"

    Grand Duke Mayer shook his head: "No, because our forward airfields are not yet operational. We can reach Ye Fort from our current airfield, but we can''t sustain it for long."

    Reinhard: "We''ve advanced to less than fifty kilometers from Ye Fort!"

    Duke Meyer: "Our advance airstrip is still 300 kilometers away, and the mud before made it impossible for engineers to level the new temporary airstrip''s runway¡ªthere''s always water. They''re trying their best to build a new airstrip right now.

    "The Ante People have concentrated all their fighter jets to protect the capital, and escort fighters flying from our current airfields are at too significant a disadvantage."

    Reinhard: "What disadvantage?"

    Duke Meyer spread his hands: "I am an ace pilot, so I can exin it to you. First, our fighters have to fly over three hundred kilometers, which takes more than an hour..."

    Reinhard: "I remember our nes can fly at 500 kilometers per hour, can''t they?"

    "Most of the time, they can''t reach that speed, and they also have to climb, so by the time they reach the airspace over Ye Fort, the pilots are usually very fatigued. If they have to coordinate with the much slower heavy bombers, it will take even longer.

    "Because the heavy bombers can''t take off from the frontline airstrips, they need to rendezvous in the air with the heavy bombers, climbing for dozens of minutes to reach the altitude of the heavy bombers before they can meet. In short, you should know that our pilots will be extremely fatigued by the time they reach the airspace above Ye Fort.

    "Another issue is drift. We use radio navigation for bombing runs on the United Kingdom to guide the bomber formations toward the capital of the United Kingdom. But in Ante... we don''t have such facilities.

    "Without radio guidance, they can only rely onpasses for instrument flight because thendscape of Antecks significantndmarks."

    Reinhard interrupted Duke Meyer again: "What''s the problem with instrument flight?"

    "There''s wind in the sky, Your Majesty," the Dukemented, seeing that the Emperor seemed unconcerned before he continued, "there are often tremendous winds in the air that can blow the nes off course. Our heavy bombers are equipped with gyroscopes, which can counteract the wind to some extent¡ªbut drift is still inevitable.

    Unless we innovate our navigation technology, drift cannot be avoided under current conditions."

    Reinhard sighed: "Have them hurry up and build the frontline airfield!"

    At that moment, the sweat began to pour from the Chief of General Staff of the Prosen Empire: "Your Majesty, the supply situation at the front is very difficult; although the muddy conditions have disappeared, the impact of distance and Ante''s poor infrastructure still persist... to have the front build an airfield now is not quite appropriate."

    Reinhard: "Building just one should be possible, right? Just one! Build it!"

    The Chief of Staff nced at the others and answered, "Yes!"

    ----

    Olga climbed onto the parade tform alongside her father and the Grand Patriarch.

    The nobles already waiting in the spectator stands on both sides were shocked, having not expected the Grand Patriarch to ascend the "side" tform.

    The church''s viewing stand was on the opposite side of the parade avenue.

    As Olga reached the tform, she suddenly heard the troops awaiting inspection singing below.

    She hurriedly looked down to see that some soldiers were holding their steel helmets to their chests, patting and singing along.

    It was a song of Rocossov!

    Initially, Olga thought it was just two or three people singing loudly, but then she realized it wasn''t so. All the inspecting troops were singing, each voice not loud on its own, yet they collectively reached a volume audible to the viewing tforms hundreds of meters away.

    "I''m surrounded, surrounded, with no more chance to escape.

    "Come closer, juste closer, beasts, let me entertain you a bit!"

    Just then, the Grand Patriarch suddenly said, "Do you know, a long time ago, the author of the Rhine River Battle Song met with the Emperor of Prosen, and the Emperor said, ''Your song is mightier than a few legions.''

    "He said that because the Carolus Army, singing the Rhine River Battle Song, charged towards the Prussian lines with a readiness to die. As long as the song echoed, the Carolingians would not be defeated.

    "It seems that the Carolingians have forgotten how to sing that battle song."

    Just as Olga was about to reply, the military band began to y ''The Farewell of the Ante Woman.''

    The troops seemed provoked by this and sang even louder, as if to overpower the band.

    Officers started running around, desperately shouting to overpower the singing.

    The master of ceremonies announced the start of the parade, and the parademander first began the inspection of the troops.

    The Grand Patriarch, beside Olga,mented on themander: "Hecks presence, both man and horse."

    Olga did not express her opinion but tried to imagine the inspecting troops being reced by Rocossov, riding Bucephalus.

    <img data-y-imgId="10063680" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10063680/02e858ad8f0be8da56fc50b478af937oQRa2Huj5XLzS.jpg">

    Sheughed and said, "Indeed, there''s a considerableck of presence."

    During the Tsar''s speech, Olga didn''t pay much attention to what her father said, only feeling that his shrieking was somewhat shrill and annoying.

    Seemingly in echo of Olga''s thoughts, the troops'' hurrah after the speech was somewhatckluster.

    Then came the march-past, and almost immediately after leaving the site, the troops began to sing "I Still Have One Last Grenade."

    They sang this song with heads held high and firm strides, charging toward the battlefield.

 Chapter 291: Rocossovâ€™s Offense (9/12)

    On November 10th at 1400 hours, the headquarters of the First Guards "Red Banner" Mechanized Infantry Division.

    Two brigadier generals were led into the division''s fortress by the staff.

    Wang Zhong saw that the two men were quite calm because from his vantage point, he had already seen the two brigadesing over.

    But he had to put on a show, so he widened his eyes, "Why are there two brigadier generals? Isn''t there just one artillery brigade?"

    "The artillery brigade is mine." The first brigadier general to enter stood at attention and saluted, "Commander of the 33rd Artillery Brigade, Donikov! Awaiting your orders, General!"

    Wang Zhong returned the salute and looked towards the other, "Then what brigade''smander are you?"

    The other brigadier general saluted, "Greetings to you, General Rocossovsky! I am themander of the First Guards Rocket Artillery Brigade, Ivanov, and we have been ordered to provide you with two salvoes."

    Wang Zhong was ready to ask "Why only once?" but was stunned upon hearing it was twice.

    He was actually given two opportunities?Pavlov thought Wang Zhong was stunned by theck of rounds and questioned on his behalf, "Why only twice?"

    Ivanov, looking embarrassed, replied, "We only brought enough ammunition for one loading. There''s a fairly lengthy reload time between the two firings, so that needs to be taken into ount when allocating firepower. Here''s our rocket artillery user manual..."

    Wang Zhong took the manual without even looking at it and said directly, "My n is this: The artillery brigade and my division''s artillery will conduct fire preparation together for two hours and must ensure that all the enemy''s pots and pans are smashed to bits.

    "Then when the artillery switches to Xu Jin''s barrage, our troops will start to advance, and the rocket artillery will fire when our forces are within one thousand meters of the enemy. Wait for my signal."

    Ivanov was shocked, "You''re personally leading the attack?"

    Wang Zhong: "My father died in service at Argesukov, the soldiers who escaped said he was in the forefront. My father was a general and yet led from the front, whereas I''m only a major general."

    Ivanov''s eyes moistened, and the soldiers who had seen life and death understood everything from Wang Zhong''s expression.

    Although Wang Zhong was taking the lead first and foremost to get a better view of the situation with the help of an advantage, in reality, this was akin to walking into the jaws of death.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong wasn''t scared at all now; at worst, he would go to the afterlife to summon his oldrades, with banners of a hundred thousand to y the King of Hell. Would the King of Hell dare take him?

    This was courage forged through the mes of war¡ªno, fearlessness.

    Ivanov saluted, "Honor to you! Having a general like you is a blessing for the soldiers. But there is one problem, our brigade doesn''t have radio." Stay connected with

    Wang Zhong: "What?"

    Ivanov: "Our brigade has no radios. It''s not customary in our army to equip artillery with radios."

    Wang Zhong recalled that in Orachi, the artillery had no radios either, so they had to ce either a BT tank or a T26 on the artillery position to establish radiomunication.

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily!"

    "Present!" Vasily stood up, shouldering the radio, "It''s all charged up, Prosen battery, reliable. I''ll go with the Guards Rocket Artillery Brigade."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Go."

    Ivanov and Vasily left together.

    Donikov: "Where do I find your artillerymander?"

    "I''ll have the staff take you there. We originally had four fake artillery positions, all wooden guns; we''ve now moved the wooden guns to new fake positions, and you''ll take over these," pointing to several locations on the map.

    "Understood, by the way, do these fake positions have air defense?" Donikov asked.

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, we have trucks equipped with Divine Arrowunchers, and prayer warriors on motorcycles moving around; they all operate as guerris nearby. Also, the anti-aircraft artillery battalion''s positions are deployed here and here, perfectly covering all four positions."

    Donikov nodded, "Got it, have the staff lead the way."

    Pavlov immediately called a staff officer to guide the way.

    After the two brigademanders had left, Pavlov said, "You charge ahead without worry; I''ll handle the rest. And if you really need support, we have radios here too, also captured from the enemy, just a bitrger."

    After this, both men looked toward the corner where the radio was¡ªnaval technicians had removed it from a Prosen tank.

    It was incredibly useful.

    It was just that Prosen tanks were of no good now, otherwise if they had a Panzer IV F2 with a long barrel, Wang Zhong would havemanded that.

    After all, his best performing vehicle in War Thunder was the Panzer IV F2, but that was before the weightings were changed; now, he probably couldn''t make it work anymore.

    Wang Zhong: "That''s the n, radiomunication. Your call sign is Valdai Hills River, and my call sign is..."

    Wang Zhong touched the mess tin at his waist, feeling a strange illusion as if the soil from his homnd in the mess tin was giving off heat.

    "My call sign is Dnieper River," he looked at Pavlov, "Just call for Dnieper River, and I will respond, I will definitely respond!"

    Pavlov cursed, "Suka, I''m a Kazarlian too; I also want Dnieper River as my call sign."

    Wang Zhong: "Then you... you call..."

    "All right, I was justining," Pavlov waved his hand dismissively, shooing him away, "Go on, get to your little tank."

    Wang Zhong left headquarters with a smile.

    The rocket artillery brigade''sunchers were just then rolling out from the train station toward the artillery positions.

    The driver of tank 422, Beliyakov, asked, "What kind of weapon are all these trucks anyway? They look like Divine Arrow from God''s Arrow Company, only theunchers have been clustered together."

    The gunner, Alexander Yefimovich, said, "I went over to look when they stopped there, and there''s a K on the truck, but no model number."

    Wang Zhong: "That''s called Katyusha, it''ll give the enemy a taste of springtime warmth."

    Beliyakov whistled, "The kind of warmth I''m thinking of?"

    "The very kind you''re thinking of."

    A staff officer ran over and reported to Wang Zhong, "General, we''ve issued steel helmets to the assault battalion, all marked with the letter Z."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Very good, so everyone can see how they fight. As long as they prove themselves, they can join other units as reinforcements."

    As he spoke, he climbed onto the tank and patted the gunner, "Move over, move over, I''m taking my spot."

    Alexanderughed, "Just like the old days."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Indeed."

    Seated in the small tank, Wang Zhong put on his headset and microphone, then pressed the microphone on his throat and shouted, "Testing the radio now, everyone report your vehicle number, those not in tanks shut up for now."

    While vehicle numbers were being reported over the radio, the enemy suddenly began bombarding the frontline positions of the Guards Mechanized Infantry, seemingly preparing to attack again.

    However, it was clear the enemy was running low on ammunition, as they only bombarded the frontline positions.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and motioned with his hand, and Pavlov approached, "What''s up?"

    Wang Zhong ordered, "Begin artillery preparation, smash all the enemy''s pots and jars!"

    Pavlov gave a thumbs up and turned back to the bunker.

    Seeing Pavlov''s thumbs up, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered a joke about how, if a nuclear bomb were dropped, you should give a thumbs up to the mushroom cloud, and if the mushroom cloud is smaller than your thumb, you''d better hide quickly.

    If the bomb is bigger than the mushroom cloud, then it''s time to ept your fate, as running would be futile.

    Wang Zhong gave a thumbs up towards the blue sky as a half-hearted measure.

    That knowledge¡­ probably only residents of a certain ind would ever need it.

    At this moment, the artillery from his own side began their fire preparation.

    Its power was much greater than the enemy''s scrounging bombardment, Wang Zhong thought.

    He had two more hours to arrange the attack formation. Pavlov would get it done.

    The Prussian Army''s Second Armored Cluster Command, a makeshift map room formed by marching tents, General Moochi was studying the map when amunications staff officer rushed into the tent, "Report! The positions held by the 22nd Armored and 35th Armored Divisions are under fierce enemy artillery fire."

    Moochi waved his hand dismissively, "Aren''t they just carrying out fire preparation?"

    "Yes."

    General Moochi scoffed, "This is counter-battery fire, Rokossov loves to do this. In the future¡ªwhen we are on defense, I mean, if we are on defense¡ªwe could consider this too."

    Themunications staff officer replied, "But the 22nd Armored has sent a telegram and also called out on the radio. The shelling is very intense, they suspect the enemy is going to attack."

    General Moochi raised an eyebrow, "Attack?"

    After a moment''s thought, he said, "Let me go listen to just how intense it is."

    He turned and, with a brisk pace, left the tent, heading straight for the radio truck parked nearby.

    After entering the radio truck, he shouted loudly, "Calling the 22nd Division!"

    "No response, General," replied the radio operator.

    "Keep calling! And call the 35th Armored too, no, call all units reporting artillery fire."

    The radio truck immediately buzzed with calls.

    General Moochi wanted to pace but found the truck too cramped for walking, so he stepped out, leaving the door open, and paced back and forth on the ground outside.

    However, as the seconds ticked by, there was no response from any unit under bombardment.

    The 22nd Armored Division, the 35th Armored Grenadier Division, and all the logistic units responsible for supply vanished as if they had disappeared.

    At this time, an aide-de-camp came to General Moochi with his coat, draping it over him while saying, "These units didn''t construct anti-artillery cover; after all, they didn''t have time for engineering work, and have been on the offensive..."

    General Moochi interjected, "But they have anti-aircraft artillery battalions, including 88mm guns. Based on the lessons learned from the Carolingian campaign, whenever a unit has been stationed in a ce for more than a day, they should build bunkers for the 88mm guns and be prepared to fire.

    "If the Ante people really are attacking, then we''ll have to hope that the troops have actuallyplied with this order."

    General Moochi looked up, "Rokossovsky is attacking? Could it be?"

    Wang Zhong was now less than three kilometers away from the enemy''s position.

    His troops had fully deployed, spreading out 36 T34Ws in a horizontal formation. Originally, he wanted to adopt the Prosen-style goose formation, but his leading the charge was precisely so he could view the situation firsthand. If hemanded from behind like the Prussians, it would all be for naught.

    So he deployed an arrow formation, with himself at the very front.

    Each tank carried a squad of infantry ¨C this was a uniquebat method of the Ante People.

    Of course, Wang Zhong intended to let the infantry dismount and form a skirmish line once they reached the right spot.

    The real skirmish line was already left behind by seven or eight hundred meters from Wang Zhong''s tank.

    Wang Zhong stayed vignt, watching ahead at all times.

    His spotting range was just a bit over two kilometers; if the enemy had any tricks up their sleeve, he should be able to spot them before they could effectively harm his forces.

    Suddenly, he spotted an 88mm anti-aircraft gun.

    The gunners were moving into position, but the shells had not yet been brought up.

    Wang Zhong immediately pressed the microphone on his throat, "Ivanov, where the hell are your rockets? Fire for me, damn it!"@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 292: This is Rocossovâ€™s Offensive Tactics (10/12)

    Wang Zhong shouted out and then remembered he was supposed to report the coordinates, so he hurriedly added them and continued yelling, "Ivanov! Here are the coordinates, fire for me!"

    After he finished shouting, he watched the enemy loading the shells onto their artillery positions.

    But since the anti-aircraft guns were originally aimed at the sky, they had to crank down the guns.

    Wang Zhong watched as the gun slowly began to target him¡ª

    At this moment, as the tanks advanced, he saw more artillery positions, but either they were unmanned or the guns were immobile. It seemed that after the artillery preparation wasplete, the enemy''s entire anti-aircraft battalion was down to thisst surviving unit.

    But even thisst standing unit was putting immense pressure on Wang Zhong.

    He manned the anti-aircraft machine gun, firing tracer bullets in that direction while shouting, "Alexandria, the direction of my machine gun, see it? Turret turn left 7 degrees! Distance 2100!"

    Alexandria, "I see it! High-explosive shell loaded! Emergency stop!"

    Beliyakov braked hard, and the infantryman crouched behind the tank turret mmed into Wang Zhong. His helmet, marked with a Z, fell off and rolled off the tank.The tank fired, but the shell flew over,nding behind the enemy''s artillery position.

    Wang Zhong, "Alexandria! Ah, ah, ah, ah!" Experience tales at m v|l--NovelBin

    "Our scale only goes to 2000! I fired based on experience, next round!"

    At this time, Wang Zhong saw that the enemy had finished loading the shell, and the first round wasing!

    Then the shell whizzed past No. 422, hitting the ground and bounding up, it flew into the air and far away.

    Good, the enemy also had never shot at such a distant target.

    At this distance, even a tank, asrge as it was, would probably seem no bigger than a mung bean.

    At this moment, a terrifying noise came from the sky.

    It felt like a giant child was ying with an airne model in the sky, holding the ne up and shouting, "wuwu!"

    Wang Zhong looked up, the experience was like watching a meteor shower that happens once every half century.

    <img data-y-imgId="10063923" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10063923/d0a736d95d5790c54371364f8e471bfb8w7Fg3j4eqnb19c.jpg">

    The enemy''s area became lively.

    Wang Zhong had previously performed acrobatics in War Thunder,unching rockets from a Sherman "calliope" at opposing points. Even with just one Sherman "calliope" rocketuncher, he''d always manage to wipe out a few unlucky ones.

    This was literally "ground sweeping".

    Now a brigade was bombarding a single coordinate intensely, the ferocity of it practically leveling everything in their path.

    The rocket artillery''s uracy was poor, resulting in a very wide coverage area, but the abundant firepower density turned the entire area upside-down.

    Every enemy position within Wang Zhong''s field of view was engulfed in explosions, and his targeting area became even more clearly illuminated, clustered enemies wiped out instantly, leaving only scattered stragglers.

    At this moment, he suddenly realized this was an opportunity, so he shouted, "Charge, Beliyakov! Full speed ahead, take the position!"

    As Beliyakov mmed the gear stick while shouting, "Are we really charging in? Is the bombardment over? If we go in with this fire density, we''re just delivering ourselves!"

    Wang Zhong, "It ends as soon as we charge in. Rocket artillery is quick!"

    "Is it that quick?"

    Because No. 422 charged so fast, some of the infantry riding on it fell off, tumbled on the ground, then got up and started running.

    Grigori held onto the antenna with his hand to stabilize himself, and asked loudly, "Are we really charging in like this?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, charge in and spread out. Take advantage of the enemy not having reacted and wipe them out."

    After saying this, he operated the anti-aircraft machine gun and sprayed wildly towards the continuous barrage of rocket artillery fire in front¡ªafter all, there were plenty of machine gun bullets.

    When No. 422 had only two hundred meters left to go, the rocket artillery barrage ended.

    The enemy still hadn''t reacted.

    Wang Zhong fired the anti-aircraft machine gun at the same 88 gun that had been threatening him all this time.

    Because he saw there was still one enemy "glowing" there!

    After continuous bursts of machine gun fire, the enemy "went dark", and only then did Wang Zhong breathe a sigh of relief, as the tank also charged onto the position.

    Wang Zhong, "Quick, infantrybat, clear out the shell craters and bunkers! Eliminate the enemy!"

    Indeed, after two hours of fire preparation and just now a wave of rocket fire, the ground had been almost leveled. The enemy had barely dug any anti-artillery bunkers, nor had they nned for defensive operations, so after this bombardment, there were hardly any survivors.

    When the follow-up troops rushed up, Wang Zhong shouted, "Only half of the infantry dismount, the rest follow us and charge forward, head straight for 391 Heights, our objective for this mission!"

    After shouting out and remembering that all 36 vehicles were equipped with radios, he pressed the microphone again and repeated, "Half of the infantry dismount, the rest follow us and charge forward, to 391 Heights!"

    After finishing, he motioned to Grigori, "Grigori, assign two reliable men to guard this 88 gun, everyone else get on!"

    Soon, tank No. 422 was back to "full capacity", and Wang Zhong ordered Beliyakov, "Advance! Keep going all the way to 391 Heights!"

    Beliyakov''s response was the roar of the engine. The T34''s exhaust pipes spat out two thick plumes of smoke and then sped forward.

    You know, the ground that was muddy before snowfall, the T34 really moved quickly over it.

    If it were earlier with mud, it wouldn''t outpace the cavalry, andter with snow cover, it still wouldn''t outpace them.

    But in this state, the T34 was as fast as a truck.

    Wang Zhong adjusted the radio frequency and called out to Pavlov, "Valdai Hills River, Valdai Hills River, calling Deb River!"

    "This is Valdai Hills River, Dnieper River, please go ahead."

    Wang Zhong: "The artillery strike exceeded expectations, the artillery strike exceeded expectations, my unit is advancing rapidly toward Hill 391. Please organize trucks to transport Colonel Eugene''s troops to Hill 391."

    Colonel Eugene was experienced at on-the-spot repairs of the fortifications on the high ground; his troop was essential for the task.

    "Valdai Hills River understands. And don''t mention names and numbers."

    Well, now you''re schooling me?

    However, the chief of staff was right, and Wang Zhong could only shrug.

    At that moment, he suddenly noticed some enemies ahead who hadn''t been killed by the sts.

    It seemed they were protecting a high-ranking officer!

    Wang Zhong swung his machine gun around, a sustained burst took down three men, and the high-ranking officer was pped to the ground by his adjutant.

    Wang Zhong: "Grigori, there''s an enemy general! Take him alive!"

    The radio operator also spotted the enemy and started to spray bullets, preventing the enemy from raising their heads. Just like that, the tank charged through to the enemy, screeching to a halt.

    Grigori jumped down directly, kicked away a guard''s MP40, and shot dead several other enemies who tried to resist.

    By then, the others had gotten out of the vehicle and surrounded the enemy.

    Wang Zhong, holding the microphone to his neck, ordered: "Move forward, don''t mind me!"

    At this moment, Tank No. 423 passed No. 422, and the "tank cavalry" on it were still waving to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong pointed forward: "Advance! Hill 391, wait for me!"

    The tank column passed by Tank No. 422, one after another.

    By then, Grigori had already dragged the general up and pulled him beside the tank.

    Wang Zhong: "Introduce yourself."

    Then he realized¡ªhe didn''t bring Vasily, there was no one to trante!

    Where had Vasily gone? Vasily had gone to the Guards Rocket Artillery Brigade with his radio on his back.

    Unexpectedly, the Prosen general answered in Ante''snguage: "I am Major General Rudolf von Bingrilloff,mander of the 22nd Armored Division."

    Wang Zhong: "Do you realize you''ve been captured, by tomorrow Ye Fort will be buzzing with rumors that I''ve captured ten major generals?"

    Grigori: "At least ten."@@novelbin@@

    Rudolf snorted: "Do you think my troops would disintegrate after just one bombing? You will definitely encounter resistance, resolute resistance!"

    Wang Zhong shifted his view and indeed saw many surviving Prosen troops, but they were all running backward, showing no signs of resistance.

    After confirming the situation, Wang Zhong said to Rudolf: "It seems not, listen, there are no gunshots. Your troops have lost their nerve."

    "No! Impossible! We have been victorious in continuous battles, our troop''s morale is high!" Rudolf shouted, "You will meet resistance!"

    Wang Zhong: "It looks like you are not as valiant in battle as the legends say. But, I''ve known that for a while, I''ve known that. I''ve defeated you countless times and will continue to do so!"

    The night of November 10th, 2000hrs. Prosen''s Second Armored Cluster Command.

    A few guards escorted several men dressed in Armored Troops uniforms into themand tent.

    The adjutant saluted General Moochi: "Report, these men were captured near themand headquarters as deserters."

    General Moochi looked at the deserters: "Hmph, what a sight! You run so disgracefully, and you still call yourselves soldiers of the Prosen Army? At least stand at attention for me!"

    With thatmand, the deserters reflexively stood at attention.

    Moochi continued to ask: "You''re from the 22nd Armored Division?"

    "Yes, the 51st Armored Battalion of the 22nd Armored Division."

    Moochi: "What happened?"

    "Rocossov''s troopsunched an attack; they surged from all directions carrying red gs! They flooded toward our positions like a tide!"

    "Nonsense!" Moochi scolded, "Report the facts!"

    The deserter shrank his neck, stammering out: "The enemy''s artillery fire was incredibly intense, we had no anti-shell shelters, and we only avoided the existing viges and roads, but the shells covered us everywhere, as if they had an endless supply of ammunition, explosions were everywhere, even the forests were leveled.

    "After the bombardment, the enemy used a terrifying new weapon; it sounded like demons howling, and then Sergeant Fritz shouted ''Rocossov has brought the demons of hell,'' and then everyone started running. We ran too."

    Moochi clicked his tongue: "Sergeant Fritz? Find this sergeant and shoot him. Have all deserters identify the ones who led the retreat, the ones spreading rumors, and shoot them all. The rest will be assigned to the penal battalion."

    After finishing, he waved his hand, and the guards took the deserters away.

    The chief of staff of the clustermented: "Could this be arge-scale counterattack by the enemy?"

    "No. If it were arge-scale counterattack, it wouldn''t be just two divisions subjected to the artillery fire." Moochi walked over to the map, observed it, and said, "Rocossov has guessed our intentions, so he wants to capture Hill 391. That way, he can push out his artillery and use it to block this road with fire. This could affect the logistics of our troops attacking Karanskaya."

    Moochi paused, pondering for a moment and said: "But he has left his own fortified zone, which took a month to build, to upy a high ground without fortifications; this may be our chance to crush him.

    "Of course, we should attack from both sides. Didn''t an engineer troop juste from the rear to build the airfield? Let them follow this more remote path and build a new road; this road will be outside the range of Rocossov''s artillery firepower."

    The adjutant worriedly said: "But this engineer troop, after building the airfield, was meant to assist the Air Force in bombing Ye Fort. Otherwise¡­"

    General Moochi waved his hand grandly: "To hell with the Air Force and the airfield! What''s the use of such superficial projects at this time! We are racing against time; we are trying to save the Prosen Empire, understand?"

 Chapter 293: Highland 391 (11/12)

    Wang Zhong had upied Hill 391 and had been waiting until it got dark¡ªwhich didn''t take long because it was getting dark so early now¡ªwhen finally Colonel Eugene arrived with his miner''s pickaxe.

    Eugene jumped off the truck, approached the defensive core next to position 422, andined, "The weather is getting colder and colder, even with my coat on, the wind made a fool out of me on the ride here."

    Wang Zhong: "All right, all right, look at the ground, can it be dug? We found that the heavy artillery only made craters of that size."

    He pointed to the side, then realized that in the pitch-ck winter, one couldn''t see the size of the crater at all.

    Eugene took the miner''s pickaxe off his shoulder: "That''s why I brought this old buddy along."

    Wang Zhong stepped back, making room for him to dig.

    The colonel struck with the pickaxe and immediately furrowed his brow.

    Wang Zhong''s brow furrowed too, as he watched the colonel''s expression.

    Eugene tried another spot and swung again, then shook his head repeatedly, "It''s still possible to dig for now, but it will be veryborious. I suggest using explosives to st it first, and then we can think of ways to smooth and shape it."Wang Zhong: "It''s already frozen this hard; no wonder the Prussians couldn''t dig much of a trench to protect their 88mm anti-aircraft guns. They couldn''t dig through it."

    Eugene tried a few more times and quickly dug a pit big enough to nt a sapling, which was about the size of the pits Wang Zhong had dug during the tree nting festivals of his childhood.

    Then Eugene stood up and shook his head, "Digging trenches will be too physically demanding, I''ll go look for softer ground. I estimate this hilltop can only have foxholes sted with explosives and then stack some sandbags."

    Wang Zhong: "Then don''t bother, there are plenty of shell craters already. Now we''re in trouble. When the enemy''s heavy artillery firese down, nothing will be left."

    Gunner Alexandria, who was also an instructor for the tank training squad, suggested at this time, "Bring the KV up and use it as a basis for defense."

    Wang Zhong: "That''s the only way to do it. I''ll call the KV up with the radio, Eugene, find a ce where trenches can be dug! It''s all up to you now."

    Eugene waved his hand, "Leave it to me! If I can''t find it, then it really can''t be found."

    As he spoke, he hoisted the miner''s pickaxe and walked into the darkness.

    Alexandria: "Although he''s dressed in a military uniform, he looks just like a miner."

    Wang Zhong: "Don''t I look like a yboy?"

    "Yes, General, absolutely," said Alexandria.

    When Wang Zhong climbed onto the tank, the moment his hand touched the metal, he felt a stickiness. He quickly pulled his hand away, relieved that it hadn''t resulted in his skin being torn off.

    "Damn," he looked at his hand, "it''s not even below zero yet, and it''s already starting to be like this?"

    Alexandria: "You better get used to wearing gloves. If it''s minus 40 degrees and you touch the metal of the tank like this, we''ll have to hand you over to the medics."

    Wang Zhong swore under his breath, climbed onto the tank, and reached for the radio.

    At eight o''clock in the evening, Wang Zhong heard the engine sound of the KV and quickly adjusted his view to see two KVs approaching Hill 391.

    Wang Zhong immediately asked through the radio, "Why only two?"

    "Reporting to Dibo River, another one broke down, the crew has gone back to Suhayaveli for emergency repairs," came the reply.

    Wang Zhong cursed, "Suka"¡ªhe had also gotten used to recing "fuck" with "suka."

    The KV was very heavy and underpowered, which directly resulted in a high rate of breakdown, no matter how much it was improved.

    Like a small horse pulling a heavy cart, even if everything else was fine, the horse might copse from exhaustion.

    Wang Zhong was still cursing when Colonel Eugene came over beaming with joy, "General! General! I''ve found ayer of soil umted from rotten leaves in the woods at the foot of the hill¡ªwell, what used to be a forest. Most of the trees were cut down by the Prussians to make firewood and tents, and the rest were ttened by your artillery fire."

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, "How deep can you dig?"

    "We can''t dig too deep; there''s still hard ground below, but we can fill the soil into sacks to use as sandbags and the location is great. I haven''t studied military science, but I roughly know, on the reverse slope we can avoid artillery fire. So, on the reverse slope!"

    After saying this, Eugene looked around and suddenly realized that this hill wasn''t really that high, plus it had a very gentle slope.

    "Uh... I''m not sure if this hill can provide cover from artillery fire," Eugene added somewhat embarrassingly.

    Wang Zhong: "Don''t worry, the enemy had very little time to coordinate their artillery fire before attacking us. Their supply is failing, and the ammunition isn''t getting here. We''ll use the enemy''s wreckage to create false targets, and when the artillery moves into position, we''ll take their tractors and drag the wreckage to the front line and cover it with grass."

    Colonel Eugeneughed heartily, "General, you make warfare a pleasure¡ª I mean, as allies, you bring joy."

    Wang Zhong alsoughed.

    No kidding, I always enjoy being the crafty one in anypetitive game, alright! Being crafty feels great, always crafty, always thrilling.

    Wang Zhong stood up on the tank, looking westward.

    The wholend was pitch ck, only the sparks from earlier shelling were still burning.

    It seemed like a tree was on fire, reminding Wang Zhong of the lyrics from "The Song of Lonely Mountain," "The trees like torches zed with light." Because ofnguage issues, he didn''t feel much for most English lyrics, with a few exceptions, and this was one of them.

    Wang Zhong looked at the solitary burning tree that made the surrounding darkness seem even deeper.

    Wang Zhong had, in fact, once considered pushing the defense line to this area.

    But at that time, the road conditions from the station to here were too bad, and supplies couldn''t get through.

    Mud is a double-edged sword.

    If they set up defenses here, it wouldn''t have been possible to construct defensive fortifications as good as those at Suhayaveli.

    Moreover, even now, Wang Zhong could choose to trust the allied troops and just defend his own small patch ofnd.

    No, to be precise, when he had just retreated to Suhayaveli, Wang Zhong never imagined that the Prussians would be able to "crawl" that far in the mud.

    Perhaps it was because the Prussians were much stronger than the Sturmtiger.

    Wang Zhong quietly watched the burning lone tree, surrounded by the bustling construction site.

    The next day, at dawn, Wang Zhong had retreated to a spot about one kilometer behind Hill 391.

    He hid the tank battalions in the bushes¡ªeven though the bushes had been razed by artillery fire yesterday.

    He would wait until the soldiers from the Blyshensk battalion grinded down the enemy and depleted their numbers to a certain degree, then he would deploy the tanks for a countercharge.

    This was Wang Zhong''s n.

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    The sound of artillery fire from not too far behind could be heard¡ªit was the advancing artillery units covering the path leading to Karanskaya.

    At that moment, a signal corpsman came trailing the telephone wire: "General, the chief of staff wants us toy the telephone wire."

    Wang Zhong, "Why not use wireless?"

    "Afraid of being intercepted, the telephone wire is more reliable, he said." The signal corpsman then took out pliers, cut the telephone wire, expertly snipped away the rubber coating from the cut end to expose the metal wire, and connected it to the portable phone he carried.

    After these tasks, he ced the phone on the ground, cranked the handle hard to generate power, then picked up the handset: "Division headquarters, division headquarters! Connection established, your general."

    Wang Zhong took the handset that was handed to him: "What is it, Pavlov?"

    "The First Imperial Guard thanks us for advancing to blockade the highway, but they can hold off the enemy. They have four Imperial Guard divisions and carefully constructed fortifications."

    Wang Zhong, "Is that so? But since we''vee all this way, we might as well alleviate some of their pressure. That way, the enemy is bound tomit a significant number of troops to attack us today."

    Pavlov, "I support your decision, it''s better to have control over the oue of the war in our own hands."

    Wang Zhong, "Then I''m counting on you to deal with them. I''ll keep the phone."

    As soon as he''d finished speaking, shells fell on Hill 391, one kilometer away.

    Wang Zhong, "The enemy''s artillery fire is starting. I''m hanging up."

    Without waiting for Pavlov''s response, Wang Zhong hung up the phone abruptly.

    The enemy''s artillery fire was quite dense, but like yesterday, it onlysted for half an hour.

    Moreover, most of the fire was attracted to the fake tanks Wang Zhong had set up, sparing the positions on the backside of the hill.

    Based on Eugene''s scouting from yesterday, Wang Zhong''s defensive firepower was all deployed on the reverse slope, with anti-tank guns even hidden in the woods.

    As soon as enemy tanks crossed the hilltop, they would be struck head-on.

    However, Wang Zhong didn''t think the enemy would make it over the hilltop.

    He had divided the rocket artillery brigade into three battalions; he felt that having one brigade concentrate fire on the same area was a bit wasteful.

    So, after splitting them into battalions, they would fire one after another.

    Hiding there, Wang Zhong thought that even without any add-ons, as soon as enemy tanks crossed the hilltop into his line of sight, he could order the rocket artillery to fire, and one volley would cripple the enemy.

    Wang Zhong waited for the enemy tanks to cross the hill.

    He had already heard the sound of engines.

    But it came from behind!

    Wang Zhong quickly turned his gaze and saw agging KV limping towards him.

    Describing it as limping was because the KV seemed to have an issue with the suspension on its left side, wobbling slightly.

    The KV''s tank operator stuck his head out and waved at Wang Zhong: "General! We''ve caught up!"

    Wang Zhong, "Get into your position! Do you see Colonel Eugene''s makeshift shelter? The one covered with tree trunks! Park next to it, and you''re done. Be careful not to drive into a ditch!"

    The tank operator looked toward the shelter with his hand shading his eyes: "Alright! Don''t worry!"

    Then the KV staggered off, but before it reached the spot, it suddenly came to a halt¡ªits problematic left track broke off, the vehicle abruptly stopped, and it even turned approximately 30 degrees due to the momentum.

    Seeing the position of the KV, Wang Zhong thought to himself, impressive, it identally stopped in a perfect hull-down position.

    Just then, enemy tanks crossed the hilltop.

    Wang Zhong, "Grizzly! Fire! Grizzly, fire!"@@novelbin@@

    This was the call sign designated for the three battalions. Before issuing this order, it hadn''t been used, and it wouldn''t be reused after; new call signs would be given to the runners.

    The meteor shower that had been witnessed once yesterday flew over Wang Zhong''s head again.

    However, as the targets aimed for were out of his direct view, he could only watch through an overhead angle, which seemed to lessen the impact.

    The sight he had witnessed with his own eyes yesterday, with its overwhelming momentum, left a profound impression on Wang Zhong.

    As the rocket artillery opened fire, the ZIS-30 hidden in the treeline also fired.

    Wang Zhong hadn''t brought the 57mm towed gun toon with him, as it was too slow to move, and having its position targeted and covered would have been troublesome.

    The ZIS-30 could run so fast, just hit and relocate.

    Though the ZIS-30''s rate of fire wasn''t as rapid as that of the towed gun toon.

    A volley of concentrated fire brought all the tanks that had crested the hill to a stop.

    The tank operators bailed out and retreated.

    Wang Zhong burst intoughter, thinking it looked like there was no need for an armored countercharge until all the rocket artillery battalions had expended their ammunition.

 Chapter 294: "I Still Have One Last Grenade" (12/12)

    On November 12, at 12:30 pm, the Prosen Army''s Second Armored Cluster Command.

    "The enemy''s defenses on Hill 391 are exceptionally strong. They''ve ced KV heavy tanks behind the hill; without direct firing power, we can''t destroy them from a distance. We''re forced into closebat where we''ll be attacked by anti-tank guns in the forest."

    The staff officer finished and paused, waiting for General Moochi to ask questions.

    General Moochi, "Have we identified the weapon that soldiers say ''howls like an evil spirit''?"

    Staff officer, "Artillery experts have observed the firing of that weapon and believe it might be a type of rocket. After reporting, the Imperial Academy of Sciences indicated they have a prototype called ''Smoker,'' which performs simrly to this weapon during tests."

    Moochi frowned slightly, "I''ve heard of the ''Smoker,'' but I thought it was a smoke generator device. Damn, the Imperial Academy of Sciences is keeping secrets from me too?"

    At this point, the adjutant spoke up, "I''ve seen Rocossov''s new weapon in action, and it truly fits the name ''Smoker.'' The ammunition it fires indeed trails smoke, leaving a clear trajectory."

    Moochi, "Smoker..."

    The staff officer continued, "The Imperial Military Science Academy also mentioned that the firepower density of this weapon is actually an illusion. Eachunch requires a significant amount of time to reload. Furthermore, auncher might have a dozen rockets on standby, like a dozen guns firing in a few dozen seconds, so that''s why it creates that terrifying firepower density."After the staff officer finished, the adjutant added, "And we have only encountered the ''Smoker''s attack yesterday¡ªthe 11th, and the day before¡ªthe 10th. Today, we haven''t encountered it again. Perhaps the enemy has run out of ammunition."

    Moochi thought for a few seconds then changed the subject, "What about the situation with the highway being blocked by artillery fire?"

    The staff officer flipped a page in his notebook and began to read, "The duration of enemy artillery coverage is uncertain. Initially, we suspected the enemy had artillery spotters near the highway, so we conducted a thorough search but found nothing.

    "Aside from scheduled shelling, the enemy asionallyunches sudden barrages. Sometimes it happens right after a scheduled shelling has ended, hitting our forces just in time.

    "Due to the enemy''s harassment, currently, only one division has managed to get through the fireblock, and the slower-moving heavy equipment hasn''t been able to pass."

    Moochi walked away from the map and paced around the tent three times before returning to the map, "Take the back roads. Let''s start calling this road Ye Fort Avenue."

    He picked up a pencil and wrote the words Ye Fort Avenue on the insignificant-looking path on the map.

    Moochi, "I personally reconnoitered this road. Motorcycles can travel it, half-track vehicles as well, though it will be quite rough. Tanks and assault guns can also get through. As for trucks, horse-drawn carriages, and mule carts, whether they can make it is not our concern right now.

    "Once the engineers tten the road, everything will get better! Take the back roads!"

    Frowning, the adjutant said, "Logistics will be difficult that way, and the heavy cannons really can''t get through on such narrow paths."

    Moochi, "Then we''ll rely on tank assault guns and the mortars on half-tracks to ovee this! Now we need to advance, advance, do you understand?"

    He turned towards the map, focusing on thergest name on it.

    "Advance! Advance at all costs! As long as we can get our big guns to the Summer Pce, I believe the enemy''s will to resist will surely crumble!"

    To the southwest of Karanskaya, to the city of Karaslyab Polyana, 35 kilometers from the center of Ekaterinburg Fortress, 15 kilometers from the outer ring of Ye Fort. Not yet upied by the Prosen Army.

    As usual, Takiyanna Bolyevna, a telephone operator, was having lunch at the telephone exchange.

    Karaslyab Polyana was practically a ghost town now, with only a few residents remaining, most having moved to Ekaterinburg Fortress or further east.

    Apart from the telephone exchange, the local government institutions had mostly evacuated, though the church continued to operate, offering the remaining residents ham and dairy products.

    However, these supplies were gradually diminishing, but since there weren''t many people left in the city, the little food avable was enough.

    The local priest constantly urged everyone to evacuate promptly, but there were always some who could not bear to leave their homes.

    Takiyanna Bolyevna was one of them.

    While she was eating, she heard the sound of a tractor in the street.

    Karaslyab Polyana was a small town without much industry, mainly serving as a center for the procurement and transportation of agricultural products, and also had a tractor station and seed station.

    But such a loud tractor noise was new to Takiyanna Bolyevna.

    She moved closer to the showcase window of the telephone exchange to see what was outside, then saw arge group of soldiers wearing gray uniforms marching down the street.

    The sound of the tractor was actually from Prosen half-track vehicles, which Takiyanna had seen at a science exhibition hosted by the church.

    Her mouth agape, she quickly moved away from the window and ran to the telephone exchange counter, crouched behind it, grabbed a telephone, and started dialing.

    The telephone lines at the exchange were connected to the Ekaterinburg Fortress telephone system, allowing calls to all units within Ekaterinburg Fortress simply by dialing.

    Takiyanna Bolyevna dialed the Ye Fort City Defense Command. It took a long time before the call was answered.

    "Hello, City Defense Command."

    "My name is Bolyevna, from Karaslyab Polyana! The Prussians have just invaded the city! The Prussians have just attacked the city!"

    No sooner had she spoken than the sound of machine gun fire came from the direction of the church.

    Instinctively, she stood up to look that way but suddenly noticed Prosen soldiers outside the window.

    Before she could scream, the Prussians opened fire, shattering the window ss with their submachine guns and hitting the young woman, causing her to slowly slump to the ground, her handset still calling out as the City Defense Command operator''s voice queried, "Hello? Hello?"

    The Prussian soldiers stepped over the broken ss and looked inside the counter.

    "Damn, it''s a young girl," one soldier remarked, "I thought it was the enemy; otherwise, it could have been fun."

    The church, since the city wasn''t a priority for defense and few civilians remained, the Guardian Army in Karaslyab Polyana consisted only of a squad with one heavy machine gun.

    Now, the heavy machine guns on the church loft were roaring, pouring bullets down onto the streets.

    The newly arrived Prussian Army had no tanks, only motorcycles and half-tracked vehicles, so they could only drive the half-tracks into the shadows of buildings, using the structures to shield the rear half of the vehicles as the gunners on board exchanged fire with the loft.

    As both sides fired fiercely, the Prussian Army had already begun to encircle them.

    The squad of Guardian Army only had rifles and were utterly unable to stop the Prussians.

    Especially after the machine guns of the Prussian infantry squads began firing.

    The Prussian infantry vaulted over the church''s low walls, entered the cemetery, and used the tombstones as cover to leap towards the church.

    Suddenly, a grenade was thrown from the church, exploding and knocking two advancing Prussian soldiers to the ground.

    Immediately, two Prussians went to check on their fallenrades while the submachine gunners aimed their weapons at the window where the grenade came from.

    A second grenade was thrown from another window,nding right in front of the submachine gunners.

    The submachine gunner quickly picked up the grenade, intending to throw it back, but it exploded before he could toss it.

    The submachine gunner''s entire right arm was torn apart, a bloody mess.

    He screamed and fell to the ground.@@novelbin@@

    But two other Prussian soldiers stepped over him and threw a grenade into the window.

    As the first explosion urred, the second grenade was also thrown.

    The two grenades put an end to all resistance on the first floor of the church; the Guardian Army inside were probably all dead.

    The Prussian soldiers who had been hiding behind tombstones now stood up, cautiously advanced to the back door of the church, and kicked it open to enter.

    Inside the church, the Ante soldiersy askew, and the church benches were blown to unrecognizable pieces by the grenades.

    Suddenly, there was a noise from the stairs to the loft, causing the Prussian soldiers to immediately raise their guns and fire, hitting a Guardian Army soldier trying to shoot with his rifle.

    The Guardian Army soldier tumbled down the stairs, rolling to the ground.

    The machine gun was still firing when the Prussian soldiers pulled the pins on their grenades and tossed them into the loft.

    After the explosion, the machine gun finally fell silent.

    The Prussian soldiers all breathed a sigh of relief, but suddenly, a blood-soaked Ante Guardian Army soldier sprung from the floor and rushed into the midst of the Prussian soldiers, detonating a grenade.

    After the st, the Guardian Army soldier fell, along with the four Prussian soldiers near him.

    The severely injured Prussian soldier shouted, "Mommy!"

    General Moochi looked at the soldier in front of him, furrowing his brow, "Repeat what you just said?"

    The corporal wounded soldier, "Be wary of the injured Ante people¡ªthey''ll charge at us with theirst grenade. They are not afraid of death; they are no longer human, they must have been turned into corpses by witchcraft because only the dead have no fear of death!"

    General Moochi''s brow furrowed even more, "That''s a rumor. In Carolingian, they also said something about witches in the woods controlling corpses, which turned out to be just tricks to deceive people. At most, witches could cast some spells to make our soldiers fall ill."

    The corporal, with a face full of fear, interrupted General Moochi, "It was corpses! They treat death like going home, and you can see a frenzied smile on their faces!"

    Just as General Moochi was about to deny it again, a doctor came over and said, "General, he''s traumatized and needs rest. This kind of reaction is typically due to the overwhelming bravery of the Ante people. Besides, this particr corporal had all four of hisrades killed by the same Ante person''s suicide st, so he''s suffered a psychological trauma."

    Moochi, "I need to understand the situation clearly... "

    "The situation is," the doctor interrupted the general, "the Ante people have begun to regard death as homing. Even if they are gravely injured and unable to wield weapons, they will still use grenades. After all, with Ante grenades, as long as one hand can move and teeth can bite, they can pull the pins.

    Even if they don''t have the strength to throw, they can lure our soldiers close before pulling the pin."

    Moochi, "Our strategy should have already broken their will to resist. Some army groups copsed after only a ten percent loss!"

    "How should I know! I''m a doctor! I''m just telling you the facts!"

    At that moment, General Moochi''s aide came in from outside the hospital, looking tense, "General!"

    Moochi turned around, "What is it?"

    The aide, "Come and see!"

    General Moochi reached out his hand to catch a snowke falling from the sky.

    It was so fine, it could not even leave a hint of chill in his palm.

    Countless snowkes fell from the sky.

    General Moochi, "What''s the temperature now?"

    The aide, "Minus five degrees, the troops can still withstand it."

    General Moochi, "How much winter gear has been distributed?"

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    "Less than thirty percent."

    General Moochi, "Make it fast! Rush into Ye Fort city and we can warm up! Take Karanskaya, and we''re less than twenty kilometers from the center of Yeborg City! The big guns can reach the Summer Pce! Make it fast! Attack Karanskaya at all costs!"

 Chapter 295: Fiery Golden Steel

    Over by Wang Zhong''s side.

    Seeing the snowfall, he felt like he had be a Disney princess, and the famous tune from "Frozen" yed in his mind, with a little girl spinning in his head and singing: Do You Want to Build a Snowman?

    Wang Zhong leapt off Bucephalus, opening his arms to wee the fine snowkes.

    He was here to personallymand the artillery blockade of the highway, but the Prosen were strange, having stopped using this road since yesterday.

    However, the direction of Karanskaya was still under enemy attack.

    Could the enemy have attacked from that small road? Can heavy weaponry even traverse it?

    After all, Wang Zhong had been fortifying this position for over twenty days, and had already ridden around the area, familiarizing himself with that worse-conditioned small road.

    It was precisely because he had personally inspected that road that he didn''t believe the Prosen would use it.

    If they did take that road, it would mean the Prosen were willing to risk everything, either securing the supply at Ekaterinburg Fortress or dying in the attempt.Wang Zhong caught a handful of snow and crushed it in his hands.

    The enemy was also making a desperate effort; there could be no rxation, he had to think of a way to strike at them again, to cut off their supply line.

    That was the thought, but in reality, Wang Zhong didn''t have many troops left at his disposal.

    He only had one division to begin with, and apart from Wang Zhong''s division which was in rtively good condition, other units on Kiriyenko''s side were battered and still had to guard such a vast defense area.

    Although Wang Zhong had inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy in the past few days, he had also engaged in several bloody battles with Prosen soldiers who had advanced under cover of smoke, resulting in considerable losses.

    Major Eugene reported that after the enemy had been repelled, when they went to check on the fallen soldiers, they found that all the dry food and ham had been taken from the bodies.

    The Prosen soldiers'' food supply was likely also problematic.

    An enemy hungry but still strong enough to fight was even more dangerous.

    Wang Zhong pondered where he might draw some more troops from to make another push.

    November 12th, outskirts of Karanskaya.

    Themander of the 512th Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion, Major Koen, suddenly noticed a road sign ahead and loudlymanded, "Stop in front of that road sign!"

    The motorcycle rider immediately turned around and braked in front of the road sign.

    Major Koen climbed out of the vehicle, staring at the road sign, but he only recognized the number 25 on it, not the rest of the Ante script.

    "Trantor! Come here quickly, see what it says about something 25 kilometers away!"

    The trantor, brushing off the snow on him, came over and squinted at the sign, then answered, "25 kilometers from the city center!"

    Major Koen asked, "Is this city center the same as what we understand as the city center, or is there some difference in perception between our two countries?"

    "I think it''s the same," the trantor thought for a moment, then corrected himself, "25 kilometers from the Summer Pce, which is located in the city center."

    The motorcycle riders were alreadyughing, "The Summer Pce! Isn''t that the Tsar''s pce? We''re about to capture another emperor!"

    The others burst intoughter, and someone yelled, "I hear the Tsar has a daughter! We need to take a good look at what she looks like!"

    Discover more stories at m,v l''e-NovelBin

    "Be careful though, the Commission for Istion might think you''re contaminating the racial gics!"

    "No worries, the Tsar has Prosen blood in him! At least a second-ss citizen, definitely beddable!"

    "That''s just too good, hahaha!"

    The Prosen Empire had already annihted several kingdoms in its previous expansions, and the Prosen Army had a special medal: the Royal Family Member Captive Medal.

    Receiving this medal was even more honorable than getting a Second ss Iron Cross!

    Major Koen shouted, "Come on, put up our sign to tell the following troops the good news. Then continue advancing! If we keep pushing forward, we might just make it into Ye Fort city!"

    As he spoke, Major Koen got back into the motorcycle sidecar and gave a grand wave of his hand: "Forward!"

    The motorcycle roared to life, continuing in the direction the sign pointed.

    The half-track vehicle following the motorcycle knocked down the road sign, rolling right over it.

    Another group of Prosen soldiers nted the new Prosennguage markers, jumped on their motorcycles, and followed the half-track.

    Then came Tank #2 assigned to the reconnaissance battalion, as the Prosen assault force continuously passed the new road sign.

    November 13th, western defensive position of Karanskaya, Prosen Army attacking.@@novelbin@@

    Lieutenant Hans turned to nce back at the skirmish line.

    The snow hadid down a thinyer, giving the ground a mottled appearance, mixed ck and white.

    This made it quite awkward for the Armored Troops wearing pure white snow capes.

    Lying on the ground in such capes was incredibly conspicuous.

    The logistics fellows said that once heavy snow began to fall, the situation would change, as the entire ground would be a in of silver white.

    Lieutenant Hans thought that the capes might then solve their problem, but what about their winter clothing issue?

    Lieutenant Hans already felt the cold, having drunk some liquor before setting out to warm up, but now that the effect had worn off, he felt even colder.

    There was no more liquor to drink, as what they had was taken from the Ante''s warehouse along the way.

    He could only hope to capture something good after taking the enemy positions.

    The Ante People had thick leather coats, but Lieutenant Hans dared not wear them for fear of being mistaken by his own men, as had happened to apanymander who was shot full of holes for wearing the enemy''s coat.

    So Lieutenant Hans could only take out the lining of the leather coat, wrap it around his waist secured by a belt, and wear the Prosen''s autumn coat over it.

    The advantage of this was, at least his stomach stayed warm.

    The problem is that nothing is warm except the belly.

    As long as they conquered the enemy''s position and rushed into the city, there would be warm fireces, hot meals, and perhaps a chance to loot some spoils of war and make a small fortune. After conquering Ante, they could settle here with a plot ofnd...

    Lieutenant Hans looked ahead¡ªsmokepletely obscured the enemy''s position.

    It seemed that firing so many smoke bombs topletely cover the enemy''s position was a disy of extravagance.

    In fact, this was because the heavy artillery couldn''t be brought up; they could only use smoke to cut off all the enemy''s firepower and then engage in closebat.

    In hand-to-handbat, the most important thing is the fighting will of the troops. Since Operation Typhoon began, Lieutenant Hans had yet to encounter any Ante troops with firm fighting resolve.

    This time, it should be smoothly taken as well, Lieutenant Hans thought.

    But a sense of unease hung over him; recently there had been rumors. One said that Ante''s wizards had cast ck magic on their soldiers, turning them into mindless zombies.

    Another said that Ante''s witches had fed their soldiers a magic potion that turned them into fearless killing machines.

    Every evening around the campfire, you could always hear such talk.

    By the way, the campfire waspletely useless. Having a fire in the wilderness is as good as having none at all.

    Lieutenant Hans gripped his submachine gun tightly.

    They were approaching the smoke now, and it would soon be clear whether the enemy was the same kind that shattered at the merest touch, or killing machines created by witchcraft and evil sorcery.

    At that moment, me-Thrower Tank No. 2 apanying the skirmish line opened fire.

    The main weapon of me-Thrower Tank No. 2 was installed in two small me-throwing turrets at the front of the vehicle. Two jets of me shot forward, then swung to the nks.

    The whole burststed five seconds.

    The enemy''s position was shrouded in smoke; the burning effect of the mes waspletely invisible.

    But the screams of the enemy could be heard.

    Themander of the me-thrower tank seemed to think the attack was effective based on the screams, and ordered another burst.

    Two jets of me shot forward again.

    This time the burst was short and ended quickly.

    Then this No. 331 me-Thrower Tank performed several more short bursts.

    Lieutenant Hans could already smell the scent of charred flesh.

    The enemy should be dead by now.

    He turned back to his soldiers and shouted, "Advance! Clear the trenches! Be careful not to get burned."

    Then, Lieutenant Hans took the lead and walked forward.

    This was actually not in line with military protocol. In fact, Prosen officers preferred to stay in the rear to grasp the situation, leaving themand of the frontlines to sergeants and exempted soldiers.

    Exempted soldiers were veterans amongst veterans who were not subject to general duties.

    Most sergeants were themselves exempted soldiers.

    But Lieutenant Hans still took the lead¡ªperhaps he wanted to verify for himself whether the war machines created by witchcraft really existed.

    He walked into the smoke.

    There was actually quite limited visibility in the smoke.

    Lieutenant Hans saw an Ante man lying on the ground, burnt to the verge of death, dressed in somewhat retro military uniform and wearing a hat made of some kind of leather.

    It was a pity the hat had been set ame by the mes from the tank and waspletely ruined. Otherwise, it would have made a nice gift for his wife¡ª

    Lieutenant Hans thought absently.

    Suddenly, the Ante man on the ground opened his eyes and burst into madughter.

    It was then that Lieutenant Hans realized that what was hidden in the man''s abdominal clothes was not his own intestines, but a grenade.

    The Ante man pulled the pin.

    Unable to stand, he bit the grenade in his mouth and used his hands to crawl on the ground, rushing towards Lieutenant Hans.

    The grenade exploded, and Lieutenant Hans screamed in agony.

    Although he did not feel pain, when Lieutenant Hans looked down, he saw that his lower body waspletely covered in blood.

    The Ante soldier''s whole mouth had been blown apart; his face was gone.

    But his expression just before he died was imprinted on Lieutenant Hans''s retina!

    As he fell, Lieutenant Hans wanted to scream:

    It''s witchcraft, definitely witchcraft!

    How could a person burned like that still have such willpower!

    He fell down.

    ----------

    "The attack on Karanskaya is not going well," the chief of staff said seriously to General von Maqi,mander of the Second Armored Unit, "The reason is theck of heavy firepower. Our troops'' apanying self-propelled mortars are not enough to break through the enemy''s defenses."

    Von Maqi: "When can the engineering troops have that path levelled?"

    Chief of Staff: "It can be fixed by midnight today. Then the heavy artillery will be able to get through. From the results of our current meleebat, once the heavy artillery is in position, we should be able to take Karanskaya before November 16."

    Von Maqi¡ªMajor General Heinz Wilhelm von Maqi, Director of the Prussian Armored Forces, let out a heavy sigh: "The 16th. You''re telling me we can''t take it until the 16th!"

    Chief of Staff: "This is the most conservative estimate. By the 16th, you will definitely be able to ascend to the ancient castle of Karanskaya and overlook the Summer Pce in the center of Ye Fortcity."

 Chapter 296: Viewing the Summer Palace from Afar

    November 14, St. Ye Katerina Fortress, Summer Pce.

    Early in the morning, Tsar Nichs V burst out of his room, loudly demanding an exnation from his servant, "How could there be thunder at this time?"

    The servant looked troubled.

    Nichs V persisted, "Tell me! There shouldn''t be thunder in this season!"

    Only then did the servant nce at the windows in the corridor.

    Nichs V rushed to the window, ced his hands on the sill, and leaned forward as if to press against the ss.

    He stared at the source of the thunderous noise in the distance.

    The servant exined, "That''s the Eternal Fortress at Karanskaya, with a history of one hundred years. It was built by military engineers of that time after the Conqueror retreated from Ye Fort, intended to forever protect Ye Fort."

    Nichs V, with his hands braced on the windowsill, stared at the fortress being bombarded and murmured softly, "Forever protect Ye Fort... now it''s being destroyed by the enemy!"The servant immediately signaled to a maid nearby, urging her to quickly find Her Highness the Crown Princess.

    In recent days, with the Prussian Army''s approach, His Majesty the Tsar''s mental condition had be increasingly fragile, sometimes throwing tantrums, shouting uncontrobly, and only seeming normal in the presence of the Crown Princess.

    Of course, this is how others saw it; in Nichs V''s eyes, there was no Crown Princess, only his son Ivan Nikyevich Andronov.

    It was said that Crown Prince Ivan once dressed in drag and frolicked with others at a masquerade ball, and he himself had somewhat of an androgynous beauty.

    But generally speaking, no one would mistake Olga Nikyevna Andronova, the Crown Princess, for thete Crown Prince.

    After all, Olga''s height and physique were far different from her brother''s, and although her face bore some resemnce, it was just that¡ªa resemnce.

    Everyone knew that Nichs V was almost driven insane by the death of his son and the encroaching Prussian Army.

    Now with the Prussian Army''s artillery shelling the Eternal Fortress within sight of the Summer Pce, there was no doubt that this would exacerbate His Majesty''s "illness."

    Right after the maid left, Nichs V began to show hysteria, picking up a vase from the corridor and smashing it to the ground. Unsatisfied after smashing one, he charged towards a second, but two prepared maids lifted the table holding the vase and dashed away.

    Nichs V gave chase for a few steps before stopping, falling to his knees, his hands pressing against the carpet: "You liars! Liars! Saying the enemy would surely be stopped, that General Mud and General Winter would halt the enemy!"

    "Has the miree? It has, but has the enemy stopped? No!

    "General Winter has also arrived; what''s falling from the sky? Snow! But has the enemy stopped? No! The enemy artillery has reached the Eternal Fortress! Eternal Fortress!

    Or whatever fortress! The war has already been lost!"

    At that moment, Marshal Boris and General Tukhachev arrived.

    Marshal Boris said, "Your Majesty! The front line reports that the enemy is running out of shells, their offence is weakening. And although winter hase, it hasn''t reached its coldest yet..."

    "Liars, liars!" Nichs V interrupted Marshal Boris, "All of you are liars! You are deceiving me! Not a single word you said hase true! You are all liars! You''re a liar, Tukhachev is a liar, Belinsky is a liar, and that Rocossov, he''s a liar too! I want Rocossov executed, now, immediately!"

    Nichs V seemed to have thought of something and stood up, addressing everyone, "Where is Rocossov? He lied to me, said the mud would stop the Prussians, the winter would stop the Prussians, none of it happened!

    "This empire''s iron barrier has stopped nothing! Instead, he impregnated my daughter!"

    Marshal Boris: "As far as I know, the Crown Princess hasn''t conceived; she just had her period..."

    "Do you think I''ll believe what a liar like you says? The only truth you''ve told so far is that the enemy is getting closer! I want Rocossov executed! Execute him!"

    Just then, the Crown Princess Olga appeared; she spoke in a masculine tone, "Father, what''s wrong?"

    Nichs V looked at her and visibly calmed down.

    "You''re here, Ivan," he said softly, "Talking about your damned bad influence of a friend."

    His Majesty the Tsar gently took Olga''s hand,pletely oblivious to the fact that the girl''s hand was much more delicate and soft than the Crown Prince''s.

    Olga spoke softly, "Let''s go inside, it''s cold outside."

    "No, no, Ivan, I''d like to sit in your study, for us to have a good talk like old friends."

    As he spoke, Nichs V pulled Princess Olga along with him.

    In Ivan''s study, Nichs V slumped into the armchair by the firece, dejectedly staring at the ground.

    "The war is lost."

    Olga looked behind her, ensured the door was shut, then replied with a sense of relief, "Father, we haven''t lost yet, the enemy is at the end of its strength. Yesterday, their shelling across the entire line decreased significantly."

    Nichs V: "That''s a trick! The enemy artillery has reached that damn castle! That castle that''s always in sight! That castle has be part of the Summer Pce''s scenery, and now it''s under fire! Under fire!"

    After a brief outburst, Nichs V curled up in his armchair, looking at the floor, "It''s all over, how do the generals not see that? What''s the point in fighting? The war is lost..."

    Olga''s expression darkened.

    At the state funeral, her father had been invigorated by her brother''s death, but now that fighting spirit hadpletely dissipated.@@novelbin@@

    Olga thought to herself: If the spirit faded this easily, it cast doubt on her brother''s significance in her father''s heart.

    She observed her father as if seeing him for the first time, her expression involuntarily disdainful.

    He was ultimately just a puppet propped up by others. The old nobility and old powers rallied around him, not because of his abilities but because of the crown on his head.

    Suddenly, Olga realized just how terrifying and  rebellious her thoughts had been.

    However, a voice whispered in her ear, "Isn''t that how female emperors have alwayse to power in history?"

    Olga shook off the thought and focused on ying the role of her brother, appeasing His Majesty the Tsar.

    In the neutral zone far from the battlefield, the port city of Sofia.

    The only agent of the "Krat Bureau," Fyodorovich, was reviewing thetest newspapers from both Prosen and Ante. The top headline on the front page of Plosenia Daily, the official paper of Prosen, caught Fyodorovich''s attention.

    The article conveyed a single message, that under the fierce offensive of the Prosen Army, the Ante Empire would soon surrender, just like Carolingian, and the citizens of the Prosen Empire could await the victory news. The great Prosen Emperor would hold a grand celebration.

    Fyodorovich pondered over the report.

    In reality, the Krat Bureau had no way to contact the remnants of the so-called Sanctified faction, and Fyodorovich didn''t even know if a Sanctified faction restoration organization truly existed.

    He only knew that he was indeed a remnant of the Sanctified faction.

    The copious intelligence issued daily by the Krat Bureau was actually all fabricated by Fyodorovich based on newspapers from various countries. Of course, as a writer, Fyodorovich, even when making things up, took care to avoid contradictions and sometimes even managed to make his stories corroborate each other.

    Besides, Fyodorovich paid great attention to align the intelligence with the preferences of his employer, the Prosen Empire.

    He studied the newspapers to gauge the views of the imperial highmand, and even the Emperor''s opinions.

    After seeing this front-page headline, he then took out an edition of a small paper from Ante, published in October, which mentioned that the Tsar''s health might be failing. After a moment''s thought, he began to write.

    November 15, Eagle''s Nest.

    Duke Redweitz entered Emperor Reinhard''s office with a buoyant step, saying to the Emperor who was studying maps with his generals, "Your Majesty! I bring great news!"

    Reinhard looked up, "What good news?"

    Duke Redweitz produced a document, "Our Krat Bureau has sent a new batch of documents, including three that corroborate each other. They are from a Sanctified faction supporter posing as a maid in the Summer Pce, a Sanctified faction supporter working as a furnace operator in the Summer Pce, and a Sanctified faction supporter infiltrated in Ante''s High Command.

    "By synthesizing these three pieces of intelligence, we know that His Majesty the Tsar of Ante has been bedridden due to the war situation and can no longer manage affairs!"

    Reinhard was startled, "Is that true?"

    "Yes!"

    The duke approached His Majesty and respectfully handed over the document.

    Reinhard snatched the document and quickly scanned it, then put it down and leaned on the edge of the map table, gazing over the vast territories of Ante, "This is excellent, excellent. The Tsar was merely a glue the Secr faction had pressed into power. Now that the glue is at its end, even if Ante doesn''t surrender, they will fall into chaos! Our opportunity hase!"

    The recently recovered Giles advised, "But the dire situation at the front won''t change."

    Reinhard, "As long as the enemy is in disarray, Von Maqi and General Hawk of the Third Armored Group will seize the chance! They will storm Ekaterinburg Fortress!

    "Von Maqi''s cannons are almost striking the center of Ye Fort city, nearly hitting the Summer Pce! Victory is within sight, Giles! Do you understand? Literally within sight!"

    Reinhard turned and paced beside the map, rubbing his hands together, "The remaining issue is dealing with the United Kingdom and the Federation. We''ll find a way, we surely will!"

    November 16, 1300 hours, in Karanskaya, under Prosen control.

    The divisionalmander of the Prosen Armored Grenadier Division personally led his team to await outside the Eternal Fortress.

    The snow on the ground had reached a thickness of three centimeters, and the world had mostly turned white, but a hint of ck still asserted its presence.

    Themander''s car of the Second Armored Group began its ascent to the gates of the Eternal Fortress but stopped halfway up the slope.

    The driver immediately got out, opened the hood, and began to inspect the engine.

    General Von Maqi alighted from the car and approached the engine. "What''s the matter?"

    The driver, "There''s an issue with the lubricating oil; our oil isn''t suitable for the severe winter."

    "Fix the fault as soon as possible." Maqi instructed, then strode towards the summit of the Eternal Fortress.

    The grenadier divisionalmander hastened to greet him, "General, we have the cannons ready for the bombardment of the Summer Pce, just awaiting yourmand."

    "Good, I want to take a look at Ye Fort, at the Summer Pce first."

    "Right this way, please." The divisionalmander hurried to lead the way.

    Twenty minutester, Maqi climbed to the highest tower of the Eternal Fortress and approached the window facing east.

    He lifted his binocrs and looked toward that city, which had haunted the souls of countless Prosen soldiers.

    Finally, the reticle of his binocrs aligned with the Summer Pce.

    Maqi, "I hear the Tsar is still in the Summer Pce; let''s send him a grand present. Fire."

 Chapter 297: Please Call Me Ekaterina III (Extra 14/33)

    November 16, Ekaterinburg Fortress, Summer Pce.

    At this moment, a strategic meeting was being held in the Summer Pce, with Grand Patriarch Belinsky and several important bishops in attendance.

    Marshal Semyon, who had been sent to serve as amander in the Western Front Army, had also rushed from the High Command to participate in the meeting.

    However, since he was no longer in office at the High Command or the Ministry of Defense, his seat was closer to the edge of the room.

    Marshal Boris was exining the current situation, "The enemy has upied most of Karanskaya, but the good news is, they have not yet cleared up the scattered Imperial Guard troops within the city. We surmise that the enemy is running out of steam.

    "Between us and Karanskaya, there is still a ten-kilometer fortified zone, and arge number of Guardian Army and provisional troops.

    "The good news is that the reorganization of the troops scattered in the previous enemy onught has beenpleted, and within the next week, we will have multiple fully equipped Army Groups joining the fight.

    "The second piece of good news is that the first batch of wounded soldiers has been discharged from the hospital and is about to rejoin their units. The young men conscripted at the end of June and in early July havepleted their entire military training and can now be supplemented into the troops.

    "We expect that within the next month, we will have at least one million fresh troops. Additionally, millions more young people are undergoing military training."At the same time, we are also preparing tounch the second phase of the mobilization n, mobilizing veterans over thirty years old. We have a poption advantage over the Prussians, and the Prussians are currently engaged on multiple fronts. They have arge number of troops stationed on the western side of the country, on guard against naval attacks from the United Kingdom."

    Marshal Boris looked to Niki V, "Your Majesty, do you have any..."

    "How much of this is true?" His Majesty the Tsar asked.

    Olga: "Father! Trust the generals a bit more!"

    As soon as these words were spoken, the sound of howling came from the sky.

    All the generals in the room who had actualbat experience reacted, and General Tugenev even dived under the table.

    The next moment, all the window ss shattered simultaneously, as if the sky outside had burst through the windows.

    Olga''s mouth gaped open as she watched the window frame and ss flying toward her, about to be riddled like a ho''s nest.

    A huge figure stood directly in front of Olga; it was Marshal Semyon.

    He braced his hands on the table, always maintaining a distance between his body and the princess.

    His eyes fixed on the princess, tender as if looking at his own granddaughter.

    The sound of explosions followed one after another, and dust from the ceiling fell on Olga''s head.

    The chandelier suddenly fell off, crashing onto the conference table and shattering instantly.

    Suddenly, a minor cut appeared on the edge of Olga''s cheek.

    It was actually just a scratch from the chandelier''s broken ss, a minor injury that could be swiped with saliva and would heal in a week.

    The bombardment stopped.

    Outside the meeting room, the moans of injured soldiers could be heard.

    Marshal Boris stood up, "They stopped the bombardment so quickly, that means the enemy has run out of shells."

    The others also got up from the ground, and Chief of Staff Tukhachev asked loudly, "Check on the wounded, it seems they didn''t target the meeting room specifically."

    At that moment, Marshal Semyon, who had protected Princess Olga, used hisst strength to move away from the princess and fell backward.

    Olga''s eyes widened as she looked at him.

    Niki V suddenly burst into maniacalughter, "Haha! It''s all over, everything is over! Your lies have copsed! The war has already been lost! Hahaha! You deceive me here, perhaps you''ve already been negotiating peace with the Prussians behind my back!"

    Belinsky raised his head to look at Bishop Ravkid.

    Ravkid nodded silently and left the room.

    Tugenev saw this scene of Ravkid departing and frowned deeply.

    But Tukhachev had no spare energy to care about anything else; he tried to reassure His Majesty the Tsar, "Your Majesty! We have not been defeated! The enemy has stopped bombarding, and we are still alive, which means they are indeed running out of steam!"

    "Running out of steam! Running out of steam!" Niki V banged on the table and shouted, "How long have you been saying this? How many times? I''ll have you all shot and then negotiate peace with the Prussians! Maybe I can still be a king! I''ll start with shooting that ''imprable imperial iron wall'' that can''t block anything!

    Bring me Rocossov, his defensive zone is only thirty kilometers from here, call him over!"

    Although Olga was still shaken, she stepped forward, "Father!"

    She tried to make her voice more neutral, like that of a young man.

    Niki V stopped his hysteria and looked at Olga, "Ivan! You''re here. Wait, what happened to your face?"

    Olga raised an eyebrow.

    Niki V raised his hand, pointing at Olga''s cheek with trembling fingers.

    Immediately, Olga brought a hand to her face, and with that touch, she smeared blood on her cheek where the small wound was.

    Niki V recoiled in shock, stepping back, "No! My Ivan does not bleed! You are not Ivan, who are you? Who are you?"

    Olga tried to salvage the situation, "Father, do you not recognize me anymore?"

    "Pretending to be Ivan! Guards! Arrest him! He must be a damned Prussian spy! They''ve taken my Ivan away! I know it, Ivan has been captured, and they want to force me to surrender!

    As soon as I surrender, Ivan will be back! Ahahaha!"

    Olga stared dumbfounded at Niki V, who hadpletely lost his sanity.

    Tugenev looked at Belinsky, then stood up and looked out the shattered window.

    Niki V''s voice was loud, so loud that even the rescuers could hear it.

    But Tugenev was obviously not looking at these stunned civilians.

    He quickly saw what he was looking for.

    Trucks carrying troops with blue hats entered the gates of the Summer Pce.

    These were infantry divisions of the Judge, better equipped than regr infantry divisions.

    Upon seeing the blue hats, Tugenev retracted his gaze and turned towards Grand Patriarch Belinsky.

    Belinsky was also looking at him.

    Tugenev sighed, picked up his briefcase of top-secret documents, and from it he took out a pistol holster.

    A top-secret briefcase would naturally not be opened for inspection, who would have thought a gun holster would be hidden among the papers.

    Tugenev equipped the holster on himself, adjusted the pistol''s position, then opened the holster and drew the gun to check if the safety was on and the bullet chambered.

    At that moment, because Niki V was standing at the center of the stage, where all the spotlights converged, no one noticed Tugenev''s actions.

    Except for the newly appointed Defense Minister, Marshal Boris.@@novelbin@@

    Tugenev, having prepared his gun, looked towards Her Highness the princess.

    At that time, Olga was shouting at Niki V, "Father! You are an emperor! Don''t be so hysterical! You are undermining the very foundation of our resistance! You are shaking the bedrock of our fighting spirit!"

    Niki V, "Who are you? What gives you the right to lecture me! I just want to get back my son!"

    Olga, "Brother is dead! He''s dead! And now he must be very disappointed in you! He must be!"

    "No! My Ivan would never be disappointed in me!"

    Outraged, Olga strode forward, intending to p her disgraceful father.

    Tugenev seized the moment and intercepted Olga, "Your Royal Highness, this is pointless. Your Highness, when Ivan did not die for his country, you were always whiling away the time in my office. Haven''t I taught you? Always see the situation clearly around you, take the most advantageous and decisive action with the least consequences."

    He guided Olga a step to the side, clearing anyone else from the line of fire of the gun.

    Then he whispered, "Look outside the window."

    Olga looked outside.

    The blue-hatted Judges were dispersing the onlookers.

    At this instant, Olga thought of someone.

    Then she felt at her waist, only to find the stiff corset.

    Ever since Rocossov shot and killed General Skorobo, with the exception of the pce guards, soldiers entering the Summer Pce were not allowed to carry guns.

    Tugenev, "Observe your surroundings, Your Majesty."

    Only then did Olga realize Tugenev actually had a gun, and the holster was open.

    Without asking any questions, she drew the gun.

    In fact, Olga''s shooting experience wasn''t enough for her to tell by weight whether the gun was loaded. But she believed it definitely had bullets, and was even loaded.

    She checked the safety and then, before anyone else could react, aimed at Tsar His Majesty, who was shouting, "I will surrender to get back my son."

    At the sight of the gun, Niki V seemed to suddenly recover.

    He looked at the muzzle, then at Olga''s face and suddenlyughed, "It''s this room, where Rocossov killed Skorobo. You really are his¡ª"

    Olga fired.

    But she missed, after all, she had only practiced with hunting rifles, and had never even used a pistol before.

    Just then, Belinsky stepped forward, snatching the gun from Olga''s hand, "If you be a parricidal beast, we too will have a headache."

    At that moment, arge number of Judges burst into the room.

    Some Judges even climbed in through the windows blown out by the artillery shelling.

    Suddenly, the room was filled with blue hats everywhere.

    Belinsky checked the condition of the pistol and then aimed, "Niki Alexandrovich Antonov, you are guilty of treason, sentenced to death."

    Then Belinsky coldly and briskly shot through the head of Niki V.

    Belinsky picked up the Tsar''s Scepter that had been dropped on the floor during the shelling, turned, and ced it in Olga''s hands.

    Olga took a deep breath, "My fathermitted treason and has been righteously punished. From now on, please call me Ekaterina III."

    Belinsky was the first to kneel and salute, "God bless you, my Emperor!"

    Tukhachev nced at Boris and Tugenev and then led with the highest form of one-knee salute, eximing, "Long live the Emperor!"

    Everyone present joined in kneeling on one knee, shouting together, "Long live the Emperor!"

    Only Niki Vy there, his eyes lifelessly staring at the ceiling.

 Chapter 298: The Prelude to the Counterattack (Extra 15/33)

    The instigator of everything on this side, General Moochi, was cursing, "Why has the bombing stopped? We should tten the Summer Pce!"

    "Report, General, we''ve run out of shells," said the Infantry Divisionmander with a face of helplessness, "this is ourst stock."

    Moochi cursed in Prosen, then changed the subject, "Can we enter Ye Fort by tomorrow?"

    Infantry Divisionmander: "No, General. You''ve seen it yourself, the area from here to Ye Fort, it''s all fortified zones, covered densely with Ante People."

    "But what I see are just militiamen! Their equipment is very rudimentary!" General Moochi eximed.

    Infantry Divisionmander: "General, in my personal opinion, the militiamenck onlybat literacy and equipment, but their fighting will is very strong.

    "Of course, under normal circumstances, we could beat these militiamen by ten to one. But this isn''t a normal situation, General, we only have enough ammunition for small arms now, all the artillery, even the ammunition for the 20mm machine guns is insufficient.

    "Moreover, the troops are very hungry and are looting¡ªI mean, foraging. Unless we get resupplied, we can''t possibly attack Ye Fort."

    Moochi sighed: "Fine, send a message to headquarters, say that if we put in one more division of reserves, we could take Ye Fort!"After speaking, he turned around, facing the wintryndscape of Ye Fort outside the window, and fell silent for a long time before he picked up the binocrs, "Let me take onest look at this city. My veryst."

    At the Central Army Corps Headquarters of the Prussians, Field Marshal Von Bock and his officers were studying the map.

    Just then, the doors of the headquarters were opened by someone, and a staff officer came in with a sergeant who was holding a radio.@@novelbin@@

    The Field Marshal looked at the two curiously, "What is it?"

    Staff officer: "I think you should listen to this."

    He motioned with his hand, and the sergeant ced the radio on the table, then plugged it into the generator car''s power supply and pressed the switch.

    Amid the static noise, a voice could be heard reading something in Ante.

    Field Marshal Von Bock: "Do trante."

    The staff officer who brought the sergeant in tranted, "This morning, His Majesty the Tsar died of illness due to overwhelming grief for His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

    The trantion made the old Junker nobility generals present frown slightly because the wording seemed too casual, even for an enemy emperor.

    But no one raised the issue.

    The staff officer continued to trante: "Given the current special circumstances, the Tsarina Olga Nikyevna Antonovna will seed the throne, with a simplified ceremony."

    The Prussian generals looked at each other.

    Field Marshal Von Bock took off his monocle, "This couldn''t be... killed in action, right? Contact the Second Armored Army Group immediately, confirm whether they have shelled Ye Fort!"

    Wang Zhong was currently trying to n a counterattack, so he approached Gunner Alexandria: "What''s the condition of the armored battalion?"

    Alexandria pointed at the tanks stopped in the woods, "You see for yourself, only eight can be deployed, the rest are being repaired. Although the enemy is in bad shape, counterattacking with just eight tanks is still a bit shabby, isn''t it?"

    Wang Zhong: "Did you guess that I want to counterattack?"

    "Why else would you ask how many tanks are avable?"

    Wang Zhong looked around and noticed Eugene roasting his leggings, so he went over to ask, "How''s the situation with the infantry?"

    "Defending is tough enough. We have a soldier who likes to collect arm badges from the Prussians he''s killed, from different troops. He has gathered nine different ones. We are sitting here now because the enemy''s artillery is not powerful enough," Eugene said, spreading his hands.

    Captain Andre, who was sent to act as a military advisor to Eugene, the miner, spoke up, "We''re all the same, any other troops would have copsed by now. Those Prussians are now advancing solely on a single obsession, extremely fanatical."

    Wang Zhong: "So you mean you can''t spare any troops to coordinate with the tanks for a counterattack, right?"

    Eugene pointed to the 31st Regiment''s 3rd Battalion which had juste up to rotate, "You can ask them, they''ve only withstood two charges and should still have some strength left."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, you stay here and hold this position. I''ll head back to headquarters and see if I can get some troops from above."

    Saying this he whistled, and Bucephalus came galloping over. Discover exclusive content at

    Wang Zhong jumped onto the horse and started to gallop at full speed.

    Truly, galloping at full speed on horseback in this weather was terribly cold.

    Even if one wrapped up the whole body tightly, the face was still exposed, and right now Wang Zhong felt his face was being struck by knife des, constantly being baptized.

    If this continued, he would certainly be weather-beaten.

    Upon reaching the division headquarters, Wang Zhong felt that the atmosphere was strange.

    He handed the reins to the Coachman, entered the division bunker, and saw everyone in the headquarters very serious, surrounding a radio that was broadcasting something.

    Wang Zhong joked, "What, is Ante disintegrating? Niki the Fifth has decided not to be Tsar anymore based on principle?"

    Pavlov: "More or less."

    Wang Zhong: "Sorry, I didn''t mean to scare you... Huh? More or less?"

    Vasily: "His Majesty died from missing the Crown Prince too much."

    Wang Zhong frowned, "This... was it from being shelled, or killed by a bomb?"

    Or was it...

    The phone rang at that moment.

    Pavlov reflexively reached for it but stopped himself and made a "please" gesture to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong picked up the handset: "This is Rocossov speaking, go ahead."

    "Alyosha!" On the other end was Olga, "Did you listen to the broadcast?"

    Wang Zhong: "I am listening. What exactly is going on?"

    From the other side came Olga''s voice asking someone else, "This call won''t leak secrets, will it?"

    Then a voice answered: "No, everyone along the line is one of ours."

    Olga: "Here''s what''s happening, my father has gone mad¡ªhe''s ranting and raving that we can''t win anymore and wants to surrender. Just as the Summer Pce was being shelled, and many people came to the rescue, he began shouting like mad, and everyone heard him."

    There was a faint sound from Olga''s end as someone added, "At least two thousand people heard him, five thousand might have, it''s basically impossible to keep it secret."

    Olga: "So the strategy now is to first announce a death from grief, I''ll make a speechter to steady the troops'' morale. The most important thing right now is, will the counterattack you promisede?"

    Wang Zhong: "Give me troops, and I can counterattack right now. The enemy has even run out of shells; if weunch a counteroffensive now, we can annihte all the enemies in Karanskaya. When the temperature drops to minus forty degrees, the enemy''s condition will get even worse."

    Olga, sounding relieved: "You can counterattack? That''s wonderful! Once we''ve repelled the enemy from the gates of Ye Fort and gathered a significant number of prisoners, boosting morale by widely distributing photos of these captives, then we can formally announce my father''s cause of death."

    Wang Zhong: "The nobility aren''t opposing this?"

    "That''s exactly the problem, Ye Fort is now under martialw, and they are hunting down the surrender faction everywhere. Please, you must drive the enemy away from the gates of Ye Fort! As for the details, I''ll let General Tugenev speak with you."

    Central Army Corps Headquarters.

    Field Marshal Von Bock was full of spirit: "Gentlemen! Victory is in sight! Although more difficult than Carolingian, it is just a bit more challenging."

    "And this difficulty mainlyes from distance, bad weather, and cold. The Ante People are nothing to be afraid of.

    "Now we just need tomit ourst reserves, and the war will be over!"

    "We can pull three divisions from Walter Mendel''s Ninth Army Group to transfer to the Second Armored Army Group, they''re in the perfect position," the Army Corps'' Chief of Staff said.

    Field Marshal Von Bock nodded: "Even if Mendel is reluctant, we must pull these three divisions. When can these divisions be deployed for the offensive?"

    "The day after tomorrow afternoon," the Chief of Staff said.

    Von Bock nodded: "Good, the final blow. The oue of the war depends on whomits theirst reserves battalion, we are deploying three divisions, and Ante, currently in chaos, is definitely unable to resist!"

    General Tugenev: "We have two Army Groups here reorganized from routed soldiers, and as for armor, we have the newly formed First Assault Army Group.

    "Of course, in principle, a Major General shouldn''tmand so many troops, so we''ve decided to appoint you as the actingmander of the First Assault Army Group."

    Wang Zhong, a Major General, typicallymanded a division, or served as a staff officer or deputy for an army, but by adding an ''acting'' role, he couldmand an army.

    Incidentally, due to heavy losses among senior officers, the newly formed Army Group does not have an army-level organization; it''s all divisions.

    For Wang Zhong, someone on the verge of promotion to Lieutenant General, using the acting title tomand was no problem.

    But there was a problem.

    Wang Zhong: "Without my staff, I''d struggle tomand a division."

    "You don''t want tomand the First Assault Army Group?"

    Wang Zhong: "What I''m saying is, I don''t need so many troops. Just give me a tank division and an infantry division. We''ll use our artillery here. We guarantee that we''ll break through the enemy''s defenses and cut off the supply lines to the enemy entrenched in Karanskaya.

    "The remaining troops can be given to Kiriyenko; his staff is big enough to manage."

    Tugenev was silent for a second: "You''re more outstanding than I imagined, let''s do as you say. We were already nning to return the replenished Cavalry Army to him. The tank division you need will be sent to you, and as for the infantry division, use your own Guard''s First Red Banner Mechanized Infantry Division."

    Wang Zhong: "We''ve already suffered heavy losses in the meat grinder, and our division originally had only two infantry regiments."

    Tugenev: "Your division''s reinforcements will arrive tonight, remember to receive them at the train station. Good luck with your counterattack tomorrow. Also, I suggest you have an extra meal today, eat some potato stew with beef, so you can entertain an old friend tonight."

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly: "Old friend?"

    The line had already gone dead.

    Wang Zhong put down the phone, looking at everyone in the bunker.

    Vasily: "Are we supposed to salute you now? Your Highness the Prince."

    Wang Zhong: "No, stop messing around. Tonight, we''ll get reinforcements, and a tank division ising. I expect it''s the kind of division that has nothing but tanks. We counterattack tomorrow."

    As soon as Wang Zhong finished speaking, he frowned: "Why is the wind so strong? What''s up with this wind?"

    Vasily: "No, isn''t a strong wind around this time normal? After all, it''s the 16th."

    No sooner had Vasily spoken than a snowke the size of a goose feather drifted into the bunker and, as everyone watched, spun to the ground.

    Wang Zhong turned and ran out of the bunker, looking up at the goose feather-sized snowkes swirling in the sky.

    General Winter had arrived.

 Chapter 299: Reunion of Old Friends

    General Tugenev said that the reinforcements for the Guards Motorized Infantry would arrive on the evening of November 16, so Wang Zhong decided to get some sleep early that night.@@novelbin@@

    But he woke up after only two hours, frozen stiff, and saw Nelly adding coal to the stove as soon as he got up.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to speak, he sneezed several times in session.

    Nelly, "You''re not feeling cold because of the coal stove, the problem is this bunker was only designed for defense against artillery, not for keeping warm. I went to logistics to get a hot water bag, but they hadn''t been resupplied yet. They didn''t expect it to get cold so quickly."

    Wang Zhong, while blowing his nose with a tissue, said, "If we don''t have a hot water bag, you could juste under the nkets to warm me up!"

    Nelly stopped adding coal and looked at Wang Zhong with an expression that read "this useless master is spouting nonsense again."

    Wang Zhong added, "Ludm wouldn''t mind, she''d even thank you for not letting me catch a cold!"

    Nelly''s expression shifted slightly, just like the one she had when she was hitting flies with a flyswatter.

    Wang Zhong, "Why are you looking at me like that? I''m just proposing a solution. Forget it, give me my clothes."Nelly put down the small bucket of coal and the tongs, took off her soot-covered gloves, and brought over Wang Zhong''s clothes.

    She maintained a defensive posture, ready to unleash a groin kick at any moment.

    Wang Zhong simply put on his clothes with her help, sneezing a few more times in the process.

    Nelly, "Aren''t you going to take advantage of me?"

    Wang Zhong, "Should I?"

    Continue reading at

    "No, you shouldn''t." Nelly replied, "That''s good, just like this."

    After she finished speaking, she took out a kettle, "Although we don''t have a hot water bag, I''ve filled this kettle with hot water, so make do for now. It will scald you if you put it next to your skin, but it''s just right between the wool coat and the outer coat."

    Wang Zhong, "Nelly, why don''t youe be my mother instead... Ah, hot, hot, hot!"

    Only then did Nelly take the kettle from Wang Zhong''s ungloved hands, "Too bad I can''t reach your face."

    You''re nning to scald my face?

    Wang Zhong grabbed Nelly''s waist with both hands and lifted her up, the position reminiscent of an old baboon holding up Simba, the Lion King.

    Since Nelly was also wearing a coat over her maid''s attire, her waist appeared twice as thick out of nowhere.

    Wang Zhong, "There, now you can reach... Ow, you''re really hot!"

    Wang Zhong, taken by surprise, let go, and Nellynded gracefully, every bit the perfect and graceful maid.

    Wang Zhong, "Is this appropriate?"

    Nelly, "It''s actually not that hot. Look, I''m holding it directly with my hands. If it would burn you, I wouldn''t do it."

    "Just because it won''t burn doesn''t mean it''s appropriate, does it?"

    "Educating a naive and ignorant master is also the duty of a servant, besides, you''re not my master anymore, I am hired by the Ante Army as a civilian porter, there''s no need to maintain those master-servant etiquette from before."

    Wang Zhong, "Is that so, well, then I don''t want you anymore, I want to rece you with an orderly who won''t scald me with the kettle!"

    Nelly who was just talking back now pursed her lips, looking at Wang Zhong.

    Seeing that this tactic worked, Wang Zhong immediately looked at Nelly with triumphant glee, "What''s the matter, not talking now? Hey, just now you were lecturing me, acting like you were so tough, but it turns out you''re just my little fangirl. Exposed now, aren''t you?"

    Nelly picked up the coal bucket and turned to leave the bunker.

    "Wait, give me the hot water kettle! Don''t go, I was joking! I don''t want to change, no change, no change! Nelly! Mama!"

    ...

    Five minutester, at the train station, Pavlov saw Wang Zhong and asked puzzledly, "Why do you look as frostbitten as an eggnt?"

    Wang Zhong looked up at the goose feather snow drifting all around, "Is that strange? Although I don''t know what a frostbitten eggnt looks like, I reckon a person caught in this blizzard should look like me, right?"

    Then he looked toward the rigidly standing Pavlov and Popov.

    "You two are Ante People, you don''t count!" he yelled.

    Pavlov and Popov exchanged nces, "Has he gotten frosty in the head?"

    Popov, "He seems to be in good spirits though."

    Wang Zhong stepped onto the tform and joined them, "Yeah, yeah, still good."

    "Stand up straight, slouching like that will cause your clothes to not fit snugly in some ces and let in the wind," Popov said.

    General Wang, "You should''ve said that earlier."

    He straightened his posture, and perhaps it was his imagination, but he felt a bit warmer.

    Then Nelly appeared again, holding a small canvas bag in her hand.

    Nelly, "I''ve put a thick canvas bag over the iron kettle and stuffed some cotton inside; it should be much better. Also, I''ve changed the water inside for freshly boiled water."

    Wang Zhong took the bag and indeed could feel the temperature of the kettle inside through the thickyer of cotton.

    Nelly, "You can tie that rope to your coat button, so you can hang it inside your clothes."

    Wang Zhong, deeply moved, quickly stuffed the improvised hot water bag into his coat following Nelly''s instructions.

    Now he truly felt warm.

    Pavlov: "Why do I feel like a mother taking care of a son who can''t take care of himself?"

    Popov burst intoughter.

    At that moment, the switchman finished checking the tracks and began signaling the train with a green light.

    But the people on the tform couldn''t see the train through the heavy snow.

    Wang Zhong, with his two-kilometer overhead view, could see the train, but even the heavy snow affected his perspective. In the blizzard, only the train''s headlight stood out clearly.

    The next moment, a whistle pierced through the wind and snow, reaching everyone''s ears.

    The train''s headlight also entered the range of visible sight; since there were no flights for aerial reconnaissance in this weather, there was no ckout restriction on the train''s lights.

    The train whistled again, then slowly slid into the station.

    Behind the lotive and coal-carrying cars were a series of armored freight cars. This train didn''t even have an anti-aircraft gun unit; it was entirely used for troop transport.

    The door to the first armored freight car was opened from the inside. The reinforcing soldiers, wearing greatcoats and fur hats, crowded at the door.

    Before the train even came to aplete stop, a burly man jumped onto the tform and let out a heartyugh towards Wang Zhong: "Ohoho hahaha!"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, what''s this, are you about to start singing? In Peking opera, when a character with a painted faceughs like that, it usually means they are about to sing.

    The burly man limped towards Wang Zhong, saying as he walked, "General! I''vee to find you again!"

    Wang Zhong squinted and after looking for a while, recognized it was Yegorov. He had been shot in the leg during the breakout at Orachi, so he went back to recover.

    Just three months and his leg is healed?

    Wang Zhong went up to shake Yegorov''s hand: "Hello, old buddy, no wonder General Tugenev rmended I prepare a potato and beef stew tonight! It''s to wee an old friend like you!"

    After shaking hands, Wang Zhong stepped aside to give Pavlov his ce.

    Pavlov gave Yegorov a hug: "You rascal, back so quickly! Didn''t you say you wouldn''t return for half a year?"

    Yegorov: "It was supposed to be half a year, look at my leg, still limping. But I couldn''t stand it, man. Everyone says the war''s almost over, and this counterattack is going to push the enemies back home!"

    Wang Zhong frowned: "Who says that?"

    "Everyone''s saying it. The new wounded soldiers are saying that the Prussians'' firepower has weakened significantly, and the counterattack is destined to seed."

    Before Wang Zhong could answer, Popov butted in, hugged Yegorov, and then said: "Now this idea of a swift victory is verymon in the whole army; we here also have some contempt for the Prussians."

    Wang Zhong looked stern: "That''s not good."

    Yegorov looked puzzled: "Aren''t we about to counterattack?"

    Wang Zhong: "The counterattack is indeed destined to seed, but the war won''t end so soon. Prosen still has great war potential. They haven''t even started a total mobilization yet. We need to prepare for years of hard struggle."

    Yegorov paused for a second, then quickly said: "General, you indeed have your own insight into the war situation. I believe you. But others all think the enemy is done for, almost everyone feels this way. I''m afraid you can''t change everyone''s opinion."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "Well, anyway, you''re back. We''re about to counterattack, and you''llmand the iing infantry troops."

    Yegorov: "Great! Looks like chatting up the doctor paid off!"

    Wang Zhong hesitated, then asked: "Chatting up the doctor?"

    "Yes, chatted her up, got her to agree to my requests. How else could I get a discharge certificate? Didn''t you see how I just walked? I gritted my teeth and walked properly even before getting on the train from the hospital."

    Wang Zhong: "That''s not good, what if you end up permanentlyme?"

    "No worries! Doctor Katya said that at worst, my leg will hurt when the weather changes, but walking won''t be affected. See, as long as I grit my teeth and bear the pain, I can still walk normally, even march in step."

    Wang Zhong was about to sharplyment when Yegorov said: "Oh right, I also brought Doctor Katya for you¡ªsurgeon, exceedingly skilled."

    Wang Zhong then noticed a sturdy Ante woman standing not far away.

    Yes, the kind that can wrestle with bears.

    She wasn''t bad-looking, but she really could wrestle with a bear.

    Wang Zhong took Yegorov''s hand, weing her: "A pleasure to meet you, Doctor Katya. My boys will be in your care from now on."

    Just then, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered something and pulled Yegorov aside to whisper: "Didn''t you have a wife?"

    Yegorov: "Killed by the Prussians."

    All of Wang Zhong''s words got stuck in his throat.

    Yegorov: "You know why I''m eager toe back now, right? By the way, Katya''s husband was sacrificed, and her father died in an airstrike. We have a bit of a score...to settle with Prosen."

    As Yegorov spoke, his eyes were fixed dead on Wang Zhong.

    Even in the poor light, Wang Zhong could still see the bloodshot in his eyes.

    Wang Zhong: "I understand. You''ll get to thrash them with me."

    At that moment, a major ran over to Wang Zhong, saluted, and said: "The reinforcement troops for the Guard''s First Mechanized Infantry Division are assembled. Awaiting orders."

    Yegorov, pointing to the major and the neatly arranged soldiers behind him, said: "These are all battle-hardened veterans. When they heard they were being transferred to your unit, everyone was moring to join. We even had to be selective. Anyone whose battle involvement wasn''t fierce got cut. These are men returned from hell, just like you, General."

    Wang Zhong nodded, jumped onto a bench on the tform, and addressed everyone: "Men! Like you, I''ve returned from hell! Tonight you''ll join the various units, eat your fill, and tomorrow, we''ll give the Prussians, a taste of hell!"

    Together, everyone roared: "Hurrah!"

 Chapter 300: Freeze, Donâ€™t Move

    November 17, 04:30 hours, bunker of the division headquarters of Ante Army''s 1st Red Banner Mechanized Infantry Division of the Guards.

    Wang Zhong had also arrived at the division headquarters bunker early.

    The bunker originally housed two bears, and now with Yegorov there, three bears were drinking tea by the fire, a ratherical scene.

    Vasily and the other staff were squeezed to one side, and although they too wore thick overcoats, they appeared more slender.

    Wang Zhong, "When will the blizzard stop?"

    Attacking in the snow would pose many problems, primarily due to poor visibility, and coupled with Ante''s terriblemunication capabilities, they might end up with a bunch of friendly fire incidents.

    Pavlov, "The weather forecast said it would stop today, at worst we''ll attack in the afternoon."

    Wang Zhong, "We can''t attack right now anyway. Have our armored divisions arrived?"

    "The railway is buried in snow. Even after it stops, we''ll still have to clear the snow. Hmm?" Pavlov lifted his head.The other two also turned to look out the observation window.

    The wind had be calmer.

    Wang Zhong, with his rudimentary knowledge of meteorology, determined that this meant the cold air front moving southward had already pushed further to the south.

    He approached the observation window to look outside; the feather-like heavy snow had stopped, although fine snow was still drifting in the sky.

    Wang Zhong, "Quick, make a phone call, find a way to clear the railways, bring up the tank division!"

    Yegorov, "Everything was normal when we came by car, but the train got stuck on the way back. This weather..."

    Pavlov picked up the receiver and said as he dialed, "Ante Mother Nature is fickle. You get used to it."

    November 17, 05:00 hours, headquarters of the Prosen Army''s 2nd Armored Cluster Command.

    General Moochi came out of the wooden hut¡ªbuilt overtime yesterday, as it would be terrible to stay in tents with this weather.

    Especially given the severe shortage of heating fuel for the Prosen Army.

    To keep warm, almost all the woods around the Corps Command had been chopped down for firewood.

    The general looked at the supply convoy that was stuck not far from themand post and demanded loudly, "Why aren''t we moving forward? Karanskaya''s troops need supplies!"

    Immediately, a captain from the logistics unit with the insignia on his arm ran over to salute and then reported, "The blizzard was too strong yesterday; the convoy had to stop, and today none of the vehicles can start. Some of them can''t even turn the crank; everything inside is frozen solid."

    General Moochi cursed, "Cannot you light a fire to melt the ice? Use wood to burn!"

    "Yes!"

    After the captain left, General Moochi looked up at the sky and asked his aide, "What''s the temperature now?"

    The aide, "Our thermometer has failed."

    "What?"

    "It''s failed, the temperature has dropped below the freezing point of mercury, and the mercury has frozen."

    General Moochi fell silent; his breath turned into ice crystals on his mustache.

    The aideforted him, "We''ve checked Ante''s climate records from previous years, and this is an astonishingly low temperature. In such cold, no one would maintain the will to fight."

    "Our march is long, where do ourrades look forward, our unit g flies high in the wind, and themanders are at the very front!"

    Apanied by the song "Departure," the railway workers risked their lives to crank the mechanical device of the snowplow train, while hand-cranked rail carts traveled along the railway, with the snowplow installed at the front sweeping all the snow on the tracks to the left side.

    Find adventures at

    Behind the small cart followed a group from the Guardian Army, responsible for using brooms to sweep the missed snow to the side.

    Further back, the train moved at human walking speed.

    When the train reached the station, it also sounded its whistle, as if to proim to everyone the arrival of the tank troops.

    Wang Zhong stood on the tform watching the train enter the station and shouted to the train driver as the lotive passed by, "What about the stuffy tank cars that were blocked on the return trip?"

    Driver, "We stopped at the side track to make way. General, I''ve brought the tanks for you!"

    After the lotive passed, the soldiers standing on the coal cars saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute with a hand gesture and then turned his gaze to the tanks on the tbed cars.

    Then he noticed that they were ordinary T34s, without either amander or radios.

    An officer with the rank of major general on his cor jumped down from the car, took a few steps to steady himself on the tform, and saluted Wang Zhong, "Your Excellency General! Commander of the 77th Tank Division, Ardalion Mikhailovich reporting to you!"

    Wang Zhong, "How many tanks do you have?"

    "Forty freight cars, eighty tanks! There is another train following with another eighty tanks; that''s all our division possesses."

    Wang Zhong, "Then what about infantry, artillery, and machine guns?"

    Mikhailovich spread his hands, "None. We have nothing but tanks; even division logistics need to be provided by you!"

    Wang Zhong, "Get your men to unload, and then go to the supply depot to get a couple of barrels of extra diesel to strap to the back of the tanks; we have a long way to rush!"

    As soon as Wang Zhong finished speaking, two railway workers emerged from a wooden hut at the station, one holding a phone and the other carrying a wire.

    The two approached Wang Zhong; the one with the phone said to Wang Zhong, "General, a call transferred from division headquarters."

    Wang Zhong took the receiver, "This is Rocossov."

    "Rocossov, this is Kiriyenko. Guess what? My cavalry army has been replenished and ising up again. When you attack, I''ll let them charge and cover you!"@@novelbin@@

    "They run faster in the snow than your tanks! Don''t believe me? Let''s race!"

    Wang Zhongughed, "Kiriyenko, you are not to leave the Army Group Command; you still need tomand the follow-up forces."

    Kiriyenko''s enthusiasm suddenly deted, "You rogue, charging about on your own and not letting us charge. I think you should quickly be a Front Armymander so you can only nurse calluses on your butt in themand headquarters in the rear!"

 Chapter 301: Freeze, Donâ€™t Move (2)

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, "Even if I be a Front Armymander, I will still personally go to the front line when necessary!"

    After all, one has to make full use of the cheats, so it''s possible that I might even take to the skies for a reconnaissance myself.

    Kiriyenko said, "Then I''ll leave it to you. See you in Plosenia!"

    "Mm, see you in Plosenia."

    After hanging up the phone, Wang Zhong looked back at the tracks and noticed that the soldiers from the tank division wereying auxiliary steel tes in preparation for unloading.

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered and asked Division Commander Mikhailovich, "Why are all T34s equipped with two-man turrets? Doesn''t your division have any T34Ws?"

    Mikhailovich replied with a wry smile, "The T34W is in high demand. Many units don''t choose tanks for their quality but believe the tanks you drive must be good. Some even think these are specially produced by the Royal Family''s production n, so the quality must be better than ordinary T34s."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Are the qualities of regr T34s not good?"

    Mikhailovich said, "There are no major issues, but loads of minor ones. These T34s here are brand new. Don''t expect to hit anything beyond 500 meters, as the gunners haven''t mastered the temperament of the cannons¡ªanyway, the shells are unlikely to hit anywhere near the crosshairs."Are the quality issues really that severe...

    Wang Zhong responded, "I''ll have to protest about this issue with the manufacturing nt, but it''s toote for changes now. Make do with what we have, I''ll try my best to ensure we fire within 500 meters."

    "Thank you for that."

    At 1300 hours on November 17, in the Guards Motor Rifle Division''s bunker.

    Pavlov looked at his watch, "It''s time."

    He picked up the handset, "Connect to the artillery position, open fire."

    As he put down the phone, Popov said, "The time for our counter-offensive has finally arrived. Honestly, I even imagined the enemy reaching near the divisional headquarters bunker, and I would have to personally lead the troops tounch a counterattack."

    While saying this, Popov patted the pistol on his waist, "The gun is prepared for that very moment. The enemy just made a push against our positions and then changed targets, not daring to attack our positions. At that moment, I truly felt that they were just ordinary people who could be defeated."

    Pavlov said, "We''ve known all along that the enemy is just ordinary people, right? They die if they get killed, and they wail like ghosts and howl like wolves when shelled."

    Saying this, Pavlov looked up towards the direction from which the sounds of artillery were constantlying.

    "Now, the enemy is wailing like ghosts and howling like wolves."

    Readtest stories on

    Wang Zhong sat in his assigned seat on Tank 422, and as he saw Yegorov riding his horse along the front checking the skirmish line, he shouted, "Yegorov, you''re almost ttening that horse!"

    "Nonsense!" Yegorov cursed back, "How can I be that heavy? This horse is a fine breed; it weighs half a ton! Compared to it, I''m nothing!"

    At this moment, the tank units'' attack formation was fully deployed with Wang Zhong''s Tank 422 at the forefront, the reason being that he wanted to locate the position of the 88mm guns first.

    Wang Zhong estimated that the enemy''s 88mm guns probably still had ammunition, so this time he brought a lot of smoke bombs, nning to unleash them at the sight of the 88mm guns to blind them with smoke, avoiding a direct firefight and instead swiftly blocking their fire.

    It was because the Federation had not yet passed the Lend-Lease Act and had not provided aid to Ante. Otherwise, Wang Zhong would have definitely loaded up with half a load of white phosphorus shells, sting them at the enemy to make them start burning, and the gun would then be his.

    Thest 88mm gun looked fine on the outside but was actually damaged, so it could only be taken back to the rear factory for study.

    With white phosphorus shells, he was bound to confiscate a gun for use.

    When Wang Zhong yed Company of Heroes 2, he liked tomand the Eastern Front German army with themander that had the 88mm gun to fight a war of positions against the enemy.

    It seemed that in these games, they liked to make the 88mm gun''s firing sound very loud, full of oppressive force. ying as the Allies and hearing the sound of the 88mm gun made his heart skip a beat.

    This led to Wang Zhong''s continued desire to capture an 88mm gun toon¡ªno, better yet, a battalion!

    There might be a chance in this offensive!

    As Wang Zhong was daydreaming, Yegorov rode his half-ton horse over, "The skirmish line for the forces is all set up! The preparation for artillery fire seems to be ready as well, we can move out!"@@novelbin@@

    After speaking, Yegorov saluted Wang Zhong on his horse.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute.

    Just then, a soldier wearing a white cloak and riding on skis came rushing from afar, sliding to a halt in front of Tank 422, kicking up a spray of white.

    The soldier saluted, "General, the ski reconnaissance troops report that there are no mines ahead, the path is clear!"

    Hearing the report, Yegorovughed and said, "This weather doesn''t allow for burying mines, okay? Unless you bury them in the snow, not the ground. An artillery strike would just blow them up, and then they''d explode."

    Wang Zhong saluted the ski reconnaissance squad, "Thank you for your efforts. Please continue to lead the armored units."

    He paused for a moment, then added, "See you in Plosenia."

    Like a magical incantation, the soldier''s morale visibly soared. After saluting back, the two skiers returned the way they came.

    Wang Zhong straightened up in his seat, raised his right hand high, and as he did so, he looked up at the red banner atop the antenna.

    The soil of Kazarlia at his waist seemed to be warming.

    Clearing his throat, he shouted, "Tank division, advance!"

    He heard a familiar duang sound. Come on, even after a trip back to the factory, the problem with having to hammer the control stick with a wrench hadn''t been fixed! What exactly did they repair at the factory!

    Smoke billowed from the dual exhaust pipes at the rear of Tank 422 as it lurched forward before picking up steady speed.

    The newly arrived 77th Tank Division hadn''t had the chance to train with Wang Zhong, yet they managed to form up quite neatly behind his eight T34Ws.

    Behind the tank units, the infantry line spread out with Yegorov leading them on horseback¡ªhe really wasn''t afraid of attracting bullets!

    But then Wang Zhong thought about it and realized he had no right to criticize. With the Tank 422 at the forefront, bearing the red g, all enemy anti-tank firepower would definitely concentrate on it.

    By now, Wang Zhong could see the enemy positions.

    The ground was too hard at this time. The enemy had no proper defense works, resulting in heavy casualties.

    Nevertheless, the remaining troops were still trying to man their defensive positions.

    It was a pity that the Guards Rocket Artillery Brigade had already left; otherwise, Wang Zhong could have called in another rocket barrage.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong saw an enemy machine gunner struggling to pull open the lock of his gun.

    Goodness, these guys had no experience dealing with the bitter cold. They didn''t know to warm up their guns, and now the machine guns were frozen solid!

    Who needs rocket cover then!

    Wang Zhong immediately had an idea and turned to shout at Yegorov, "Yegorov, sing a song!"

    Yegorov, "What song? I Still Have One Last Grenade?"

    Lay off, it''s not called that, it''s called The Last Courage, okay!

    Wang Zhong, "That won''t do, too tragic! The Holy War won''t work either, it''s too much like a hymn. Sing ''Tanya Tanyusha'' instead!"

    "Are you sure you want to sing that one?"

    "I''m sure!"

    On the battlefield, to sing of love, to scorn death, nothing could be more fitting.

    The infantry began to sing, "I remember a little provincial town,

    Lonely, remote, deeply moving.

    There were tree-lined paths, a marketce, and the church,

    And a swirling mist of mncholy waters.

    I see¡ª

    "Dear familiar figures,

    Blue caps,

    Blue tunics;

    Dark skirts, the silhouette of a girl,

    My love, fleeting as an evening flower!"

    Prussian machine gunner Johann was frantically trying to pull open the frozen lock of his gun.

    The roar of enemy tanks shook the snowy ins.

    At that moment, he heard a songing from afar, at first like a breeze, as if a maiden whispering tenderly in his ear, pleasing to the mind.

    Even Johann stopped his struggle with the jammed lock, looking bewildered at the enemy.

    Suddenly, the sing-song turned fierce (actually, they were just entering the chorus), with the enemy shouting battle cries (actually calls of love to the girl), ferociously charging forward.

    Johann heard someone scream, "The red g! It''s the devil''s red g! They''ll kill you and then urinate on you, branding you with the mark of hell with their urine!"

    The shouter stood up and ran, like a startled rabbit.

    Everything fell apart at that point. The frontline copsed instantaneously, and everyone began to run in panic.

    The ones who couldn''t move were the ones who''d suffered frostbite the night before.

    Johann, too, abandoned his machine gun and started running.

    Then the tank''s machine guns began to fire, tracers forming a lethal whip, efficiently mowing down the retreating Prussians.

    And the song, like whispers from a demon, grew ever louder, shaking Johann''s eardrums.

    All of a sudden, it felt as if he''d been punched.

    Realizing something was wrong, he touched his chest, only to find a gaping hole left by the bullet that had gone through, then with the impact''s force, he toppled forward into the ground, his mouth wide open and filled with mudden snow.

 Chapter 302: The Lost Victory (Extra 16/33)

    Wang Zhong was ready for a desperatest stand against the enemy, but when they started to flee, he was taken aback.

    He had never expected the enemy to turn tail and run like that.

    It seemed that thebat scenes in the movie about the Battle of Moscow, where the Soviet forces counterattacked, were conservatively shot.

    In the movie, the Sturmtigers knew at least to resist with their machine guns for a while.

    Wang Zhong operated the anti-aircraft machine gun on top of the turret, starting to use it for target practice.

    After firing a few shots, gunner Alexandriained, "General, you can keep shooting, but what about us? We''ve got nothing to do!"

    As if to mock the idle duo in the turret, the mechanic-driver happily rattled away with the hull''s machine gun.

    Alexandria cursed, "Are you doing this on purpose? Save some ammo¡ªdon''t end up needing to reload when enemy infantry suddenly appears up close!"

    The mechanicughed heartily; usually, it was the turret duo in the thick of the action while he could only watch. Now it was his turn, and he was eager to make the most of it.Meanwhile, driver Beliyakov steered the tank straight into the enemy''s machine gun position, ttening both the machine gun and its tripod into the ground.

    Alexandria continued toin, "Where are the enemy''s 88 guns? I loaded smoke bombs as per your orders, General, just waiting for the 88s to show up! Where are they?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "I''ve got no idea!"

    With the aid of his binocrs, Wang Zhong''s search range was roughly 2400 meters, a distance where even elite 88 gun crews would struggle to score a first-round hit.

    The ace tank crews of Sturmtigers were known to achieve first-round hits with their 88 guns at distances between 1200 and 1700 meters.

    Of course, even this kill range was terrifying under World War II conditions.

    Wang Zhong shot down several more fleeing enemies, starting to find this ughter a bit dull.

    Just then, over the radio, someone shouted, "Cavalrying!"

    Without looking back, Wang Zhong switched his view and saw the snow dust rising behind the skirmish line¡ªthat was arge cavalry unit charging.

    Soon, Wang Zhong could see the cavalry draped in ck cloaks.

    There were passages left between the skirmish lines for vehicles, and the cavalry surged through them, spreading out to the nks to form a wall after passing through the frontline skirmish line.

    They looked like waves, catching up with the tank formation from behind.

    Kiriyenko had said that under these conditions, cavalry could be faster than tanks; turns out, he was right.

    The cavalry surpassed the tank formation and charged toward the disintegrating Prosen soldiers, doing what they did best: slicing off enemies'' heads with sabers as if they were watermelons.

    An outdated branch of the armed forces was reaping what might be Europa''s most modernized military like the Grim Reaper!

    Indeed, there were no useless branches of the military, onlymanders who didn''t know how to use them.

    With the cavalry at the forefront, Wang Zhong couldn''t fire his machine gun without risking hitting his own troops.

    So he adjusted the radio frequency to one that Prosen soldiers would use¡ªVasily often monitored on this frequency.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Musician, how do you say ''Now who''s the prey and who''s the hunter'' in Prosen?"

    There was no response.

    Watching the cavalry''s easy ughter at the front, Wang Zhong, bored, asked again, "Musician, in Prosen..."

    "Are you sure you want to use the radio for such boring stuff, Illiterate Maestro?"

    It was Vasily''s voice.

    Wang Zhong, "Musician, since when am I illiterate?"

    "To distinguish you from Beethoven. And you indeed can''t read music sheets."

    Damn you, Vasily, I think you''ve picked out too little dung!

    Wang Zhong persisted, "Musician, answer my question. How do you say ''Now who''s the prey and who''s the hunter''?"

    Vasily reluctantly tranted Wang Zhong''s line.

    Just then, Wang Zhong spotted some Prosen soldiers kneeling, hands raised above their heads.

    Taking immediate action, he questioned them in Prosen, "Now who''s the prey, and who''s the hunter?"

    The questioned man was a veteran, with an insignia of exemption on his arm.

    He stared wide-eyed at Wang Zhong.

    From his angle, the red g on Wang Zhong''s tank antenna was perfectly framed behind Wang Zhong.

    The Prosen soldier''s mouth fell open.

    Just then, a cavalry officer with the rank of major general came beside Wang Zhong''s tank, reined in his horse, slowing it down, saluted Wang Zhong, and then asked, "General, how shall we deal with the prisoners? I''ve heard of your method¡ªcapturing officers of captain rank and above and shooting the others in the shoulder¡ª"

    Wang Zhong suddenly thought of Olga¡ªthe Tsar''s words: Capture as many prisoners as possible, to take photographs and to spread in newspapers and leaflets.

    So Wang Zhong said, "No, the situation has changed, we must capture all the prisoners and send them back to Ye Fort! Ensure they''re alive and receive kind treatment."

    The lieutenant general hesitated: "Kind treatment?"

    "Yes, kind treatment! We need to parade them through the streets to prove to the world that we have won the defensive battle."

    "Understood. Long live Plosenia!" The lieutenant general saluted Wang Zhong, a major general, spurred his horse into a gallop, and shouted as he charged, "Do not kill the prisoners; we need to take them to the rear for a purpose!"

    No, that message could easily be misunderstood.

    Putting prisoners to work repairing the Guihe Bridge is also a purpose.

    Wang Zhong sighed and said, "I always feel like my two offensives have been too easy, as if the enemy is like ss, shattering at a single blow."

    Vasily: "Beethoven, you still have the transmit function of the radio on."

    Wang Zhong was shocked to realize that he had been too excited upon seeing the surrendering prisoners and had applied what he learned without switching off the radio''s transmit function, mistakenly thinking he had turned it off.

    He quickly turned it off.@@novelbin@@

    But on second thought, he felt it was inappropriate, turned on the radio again, opened his mouth to speak, and then hesitated.

    He originally wanted to say: "I know, musician. This is to mock the enemy, a sophisticated tactical strategy."

    But saying that would seem too deliberate, like an idiot.

    So Wang Zhong said, "Musician, thank you for the reminder, I forgot to switch it off."

    Well, that''s enough, admitting candidly that he forgot to turn it off.

    I can''t control how the enemy thinks.

    General Heinz Wilhelm von Mauch mmed his fist on the table, making everything on it jump.

    "Damn it! I must counterattack! Where are the three divisions promised to me?"

    Themunications staff officer immediately replied, "They''ve been forced to halt their advance due to the blizzard and are now frozen in ce."

    Find exclusive stories on

    "Is it so hard to build a fire for the engines? What do you mean they are frozen in ce?"

    At that moment, the adjutant cautiously suggested, "Perhaps we should retreat. Based on current frontline reports, the enemy''s vanguard is only ten kilometers from us. Rokossov''s artillery could strike headquarters at any moment."

    General von Mauch red at the adjutant: "I have three armored divisions and four grenadier divisions that might be encircled! You want the headquarters to retreat?"

    Adjutant: "If you''re injured by Rokossov''s artillery strike, more than seven divisions might be encircled. We should retreat now. Once the three divisions from the Ninth Army Group arrive, we can attempt a breakout to try and rescue the encircled troops."

    At that moment, the Army Group Chief of Staff said, "The troops at Karanskaya may not necessarily be encircled. To their west is permafrost that has frozen solid, and because there''s been no fighting, they can move even without roads."

    General von Mauch: "But they have no logistics!"

    Chief of Staff: "That''s still better than being encircled. Besides, the Air Force has promised to airdrop supplies. Now is the time for the Air Force toe into y, as the weather is clear, isn''t it?"

    General von Mauch, however, shook his head: "No, we haven''t repaired the airfields, the Air Force bastards will hold a grudge against us."

    Adjutant: "Not necessarily, General, the Air Force might perform the airdrop to gain favor in front of His Majesty and provide supplies to our troops."

    Von Mauch hesitated for a long time before nodding: "Okay, send a telegram to the Air Force. Also order the troops at Karanskaya to leave volunteers to cover their retreat and head west over the frozen ground."

    Central Army Corps Headquarters also heard the radio transmission, and the imperial Household Ministry''s radio department even recorded it, preparing to report it to the Eagle''s Nest.

    Field Marshal von Bock''s expression was ashen: "Now, even if Ante had considered surrendering before, he certainly won''t surrender now. Our captured soldiers'' photos will surely spread widely, and the war will be a protracted, total war."

    He sighed, "This General Rokossovsky might really have changed the course of history. Now what we urgently need to prevent is aplete panic like the failure of the Rudendorf offensive twenty years ago.

    "All units must reaffirm to the soldiers that our army was only defeated by winter. Additionally, we should set up troops and ample supplies in the far rear and begin constructing defensive fortifications."

    Field Marshal von Bock picked up a pencil and drew a line on the map. Despite being hand-drawn, the line precisely crossed several critical points that could serve as defensive pirs, including Shostka.

    "This is the line. We must stop the enemy''s counteroffensive near this line and ensure we control the territory we held around October 20th. This is the most important matter; all other affairs must yield to this one."

    Field Marshal von Bock looked at the Chief of Staff: "Carry this out to the letter."

    At that moment, themunications staff officer came in: "Urgent telegram from the Second Armored Army Group."

    "Give it to me." Field Marshal von Bock gestured, and the staff officer stepped forward to hand over the telegram.

    After carefully reading the telegram, Field Marshal von Bock said, "General von Mauch''s understanding is clear. He''s preparing a two-pronged approach: allowing the encircled seven divisions to break out over the permafrost and simultaneously deploying the Air Force to airdrop supplies.

    "He''s also ready to use the three newly assigned divisions to conduct a relief operation. This provides a good exnation for the soldiers and to His Majesty."

    Chief of Staff: "An exnation?"

    "Yes." Field Marshal von Bock removed his monocr sses, "Now what we can do is to give His Majesty an exnation, isn''t it? The effort to end the war quickly has failed. But whether we have lost victory is still not a settled matter."

    He paused, tapped the pencil in his right hand against his left palm, and emphasized after a few seconds of thought, "It''s still not a settled matter!"

 Chapter 303: Karanskaya Encirclement (Additional 17/33)

    Wang Zhong suddenly saw the 88mm gun he had been dreaming of.

    The gunners had already been chopped up like melons and vegetables by the cavalry, with only a few left trembling on their knees with their hands raised.

    These four guns were even still aimed skyward.

    Upon seeing the guns, Wang Zhong urged Beliyakov, "Turn left 30 degrees, see that gun? Hurry over, no, not too fast! Don''t damage it! And Alexandria, don''t fire, if you damage that gun, I won''t let it go!"

    Tank 422 thus approached the enemy''s 88mm gun position, and when it finally stopped, it knocked over the sandbag wall protecting the gun.

    Beliyakov: "I didn''t touch the gun! I didn''t touch it! The sandbags can''t be my problem, can they?"

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, alright, you did well!"

    After saying that, he took off his headset and the microphone around his neck, climbed out of the tank, and jumped down in two steps, only to hurt his legs uponnding. He stood still for a few seconds before he could move his numb legs towards the 88mm gun.

    Alexandria poked out his head and asked, seeing Wang Zhong like this, "What''s wrong, General?"Wang Zhong: "You stomp, your legs will also be numb."

    "What?" Alexandria looked puzzled, full of question marks.

    After walking a few steps and finally recoveringpletely, Wang Zhong briskly made his way to the front of the big gun.

    The Prosen soldiers on the ground surrendering saw Wang Zhong and then the red g on the tank behind him; they were so scared they started to run to the side.

    The guards from the Guards First Motorized Rifle Division Private Second ss roared: "Don''t move! Stay put on your knees!"

    Wang Zhong looked at these men in confusion: "What are they afraid of?"

    The Private Second ss nearby shook his head: "I don''t know, General. We don''t understand Prosen. Don''t you either?"

    Wang Zhong: "I''m the absolute worst, how could I understand that stuff."

    Actually, the armored troops inside the tanks with radios should all know by now that Wang Zhong doesn''t understand Prosen, but the infantry can''t hear the conversations over the radio.

    The Private Second ss had a very strange expression upon hearing "the absolute worst," and one could imagine he''d have quite the story to share around the campfire tonight.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong''s reputation was skewed by these folks, and as an Ante person, not drinking was impossible; at most, they would just keep it to a level where the Priest wouldn''t catch on.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong''s legend grew more and more distorted each day.

    Wang Zhong didn''t care about these things, walking straight up to the big gun, and then he finally understood why it was still in an anti-air configuration¡ªits mount had been frozen!

    The lubricant had frozen solid, and the entire rotation mechanism of the gun mount had turned into a block of ice. Next to the spade at the bottom of the gun were several pioneer shovels, apparently the artillerymen had nned to use the shovels to chip away the ice to rotate the big gun.

    That scene, just thinking about it, made you feel sorry for them¡ªthe enemy tanks and cavalry were charging at them, and then their all-powerful gun was frozen.

    Wang Zhong nced at the machine gun covering the big gun, and without going closer, he knew the machine gun was most likely frozen too.

    The Prosen Army never imagined it would get this cold, so they werepletely unprepared for anti-freeze lubricants.

    Or perhaps they were prepared, but not for anti-freeze lubricants that could withstand negative 40 degrees Celsius.

    After all, this winter was exceptionally cold.

    Wang Zhong had personally observed the tank troops switching to anti-freeze oil, and knew that different oils'' performance varied greatly at different temperatures.

    Satisfied after inspecting the four guns bound in ice, Wang Zhong ordered, "Make fires next to the guns to melt the ice, then drag them back. Beliyakov! Do you have any spare anti-freeze oil? Find a way to solve this freezing issue."

    Beliyakov gave a thumbs-up: "I brought two buckets of spare oil, they''re both hanging on the tank chassis."

    Wang Zhong: "Good! Take them down, restore the joints of these guns, then change the oil. We''re going to haul them all back."

    Just then, T-34 with tactical number 4221 arrived in front of the 88mm gun position. Themander of the 77th Tank Division jumped down from the tank and saluted Wang Zhong: "General, congrattions on your great victory."

    Wang Zhong: "It''s too early to congratte a victory now. We have almost no losses and can continue to move forward,pleting arge encirclement!"

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong had a hallucination, seeing Ivan and Count Rocossov smiling at him.

    The illusion was fleeting, and to others, it looked like he merely stammered.

    He continued, "Just like how the enemy did to us at Argesukov!"

    Mikhailovichughed: "Of course we can. We still have one hundred and forty-five tanks that can move; we will surelyplete this encirclement!"

    Wang Zhong was shocked: "How many tanks?"

    Mikhailovich was stunned, then quickly corrected himself: "Actually, it''s just the aggregated data reported by the toonmanders, but there shouldn''t be too big of an error. At least 140 tanks can move."

    Wang Zhong: "Why has the number decreased? The enemy is in such condition; look at this gun, it''s frozen like an ice lolly! How were these 20 tanks lost?"

    Mikhailovich looked puzzled, as if wondering why Wang Zhong was angry.

    That''s when Alexandria, the gunner of tank 422, an old tank operator as well as a tank instructor, spoke up: "It must be mechanical failures. The mechanical failure rate of T-34s is much better than KVs, but it''s still not great."

    "We motor-marched from Suhayaveli to Hill 391 for 11 kilometers, and then retreated here, which should be almost 40 kilometers, and only 20 vehicles broke down, indicating good maintenance."

    Wang Zhong frowned; he remembered the T34 as being rugged and robust. Wasn''t it said that it could motor-march 400 kilometers without breaking down?

    The Sturmtiger''s generals also highly praised the T34 as an exceptionally outstanding tank.

    Of course, Wang Zhong had also seen opposing data, such as tranted Russian documents indicating that the T34 actually had a terrible power system, and was even an oil destroyer¡ªit would burn through its oil after just 145 kilometers and need to be refueled.

    But Wang Zhong didn''t take this data seriously.

    Could it be that those documents were the truth?

    However, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered he was also a T34 user. His own Tank 422 definitely fit the rugged and robust description.

    So he hastily asked, "But we''ve never had problems, and we''ve driven everywhere without issues!"

    Alexandria: "Because you''ve always conducted short-distance defensive operations. In Loktov, you led us out of town for a single sortie, and the one that went the farthest was your ownmand, Tank 422.

    "In Orachi, we hardly maneuvered during the defensive battles, just moving between defensive positions, and even then, so many broke down. The tanks thatter retreated to Shepetovka were selectively good vehicles."

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brow, uniquely interpreting Alexandria''s words: those that broke through Orachi were vehicles with spirited engines.

    Of course, it could also just be pure luck.

    Wang Zhong: "That''s not right though, there was one vehicle that didn''t have any major breakdowns and kept on running! That''s my ride, Tank 422!"

    Alexandria and Beliyakov exchanged nces; thetter, as the person specially in charge of handling machinery, answered: "Because that one is a royal review vehicle. Its engine isn''t the V-2 but the V2K engine, where ''K'' stands for ''royal.'' The production time for this vehicle was about three times that of a regr T34.

    "After all, it wouldn''t be good if the review vehicle constantly broke down, especially since you and the Crown Prince, as well as your friends, liked to go tank racing."

    Wang Zhong''s mouth fell open.

    So the ruggedness and robustness of his vehicle were due to him and his buddies wanting to go for joyrides?

    And the rest of the T34s weren''t actually that rugged and robust?

    No, that''s not right.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, real knowledgees from practice. Up to now, the T34s in this timeline had never conducted long-distance maneuvers since they were always destroyed right out of the gate.

    We need a long-distance maneuver to test and see if they are truly rugged.

    Just then, Yegorov and the new Major General of the cavalry came over, so Wang Zhong said: "Yegorov, assign reliable people to guard these four guns. I must capture them intact along with all their ammunition. Also, leave enough people to guard the prisoners. I think Kiriyenko''s follow-up troops will arrive soon."

    Yegorov smiled: "nning to continue the offensive?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, the cavalry will advance with us. Today we''re going to race too."

    At that moment, a Prussian Communication Vehicle painted in Ante colors and bearing the Ante g drove up, and Vasily jumped out from the van saying, "Chief of Staff Pavlov has asked me to keep up with you. I''ve brought the cryptographer and the Judge overseeing the codebooks, so we can send telegrams."

    Wang Zhong: "Perfect timing, Vasily, take this down." Experience more content on

    Vasily took out a notebook.

    Wang Zhong: "To Army Group Commander Major General Kiriyenko: After my unit advanced 20 kilometers, we found the territory empty of the enemy, who had scattered like birds and beasts. I assess that my unit should execute a northward enveloping maneuver to surround the enemy concentrated near Karanskaya.

    All units of the Army Group, as well as the reinforcements ced under yourmand, should follow up as quickly as possible. Over. Rocossov."

    After finishing, Wang Zhong frowned himself: "Doesn''t sound much like a suggestion, does it?"

    Vasily: "It sounds like an order."

    Wang Zhong: "Revise it to add words like ''request'' and ''suggest'' and simr."

    Vasily quickly made the revisions and read aloud: "To Army Group Commander Major General Kiriyenko: After my unit advanced 20 kilometers, we found the territory empty of the enemy, who had scattered like birds and beasts. I believe there is an opportunity for my unit to execute a northward enveloping maneuver to surround the enemy forces concentrated near Karanskaya.

    However, this requires prompt follow-up by all units of the Army Group as well as our fellow troops to prevent being surrounded on all sides. I hope for your approval and cooperation. Over. Rocossov."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "Good, send it like that."

    Vasily immediately tore the page out of his notebook, handing it to the cryptographer, who converted the message into an encrypted code, with the Judge watching on sternly.

    Wang Zhong then turned to Yegorov and¡ª

    Wang Zhong asked the new armymander of the cavalry: "How may I address you?"

    "Major General Niki Andriyevich Oskov," he replied.

    Wang Zhong: "Let''s execute a grand encirclement! All units eat immediately, we set out tonight, we can''t afford to waste time! Get the torches ready!"

    Yegorov: "I suggest leaving our infantry behind to defend, to prevent a counterattack from the enemy. You''ll have enough with the cavalry. If the tanks charge, our infantry might not be able to keep up."

    Wang Zhong: "Makes sense. Also, have Pavlov bring up the anti-tank guns to ensure absolute security."

    At this point, Niki Andriyevich asked: "What about the captured enemy divisionmander and the divisional staff officers? We have two of the divisionmanders alone."

    Wang Zhong: "Have someone escort them to Suhayaveli, put them on a train, and just say they are gifts from me, Rocossov, to Her Majesty the Empress."

 Chapter 304: Through the Forest and Over the Snowfields

    Tank 422 led the charge across the snowy ins, decked in their wintry shroud.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, with half his body out of the turret, was almost turned into an idiot by the oing wind.

    They continued their encirclement towards the north, right into the wind.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong''s mood reminded him of the modern Peking opera "Taking Tiger Mountain by Strategy," a favorite of his grandfather''s.

    The opening passage of Erhuang guiding beat, a style of vocal melody in Peking opera, matched Wang Zhong''s mood perfectly:

    Through forests and oceans of snow, we charge into the vast sky!

    As he thought about the lyrics, Wang Zhong heard the urgent strings in his ears, followed by the sound of trumpets, creating the expanse of forest and snow fields. Then came the rapid percussion, mimicking the sound of galloping horse hooves.

    Wang Zhong could not help but look back. The cavalry, adopting an energy-saving jog, were following behind the tank formation¡ªthe sound of their hooves echoing the percussion Wang Zhong had imagined!

    How does the next line of the song go?Expressing my heroic feelings facing the mountains?

    Or "I wish I could hurry to turn the flying snow into spring water, ushering in the spring to change the world"?

    But better for the spring toeter, they were still counting onunching a winter offensive.

    What''s the next line again?

    Just then, a voice over the radio suddenly shouted, "Tank 422, we''ve got a malfunction, we''ll catch up after we fix it!"

    Wang Zhong turned around and saw Tank 427 had stopped. It was also a T34W, which ording to Alexandria, was equipped with a V2K engine, and its gearbox and air filter were newly designed high-spec versions.

    If the T34W had malfunctioned, Wang Zhong wondered how many tanks in Division 77 were out of order.

    Wang Zhong saw a cavalry captain noticing the halted tank and immediately assigned four riders to surround and guard the tank.

    He was reassured and continued looking forward.

    Just then, the next line he had just been unable to recall came to him: In order to eradicate bandits, first pose as bandits, like daggers thrust into Tiger Mountain.

    I vow to carve this mountain seat, bury! inter! in the gully!

    Wang Zhong also remembered his father, who had participated in the counterattack against Vietnam, insisting on pounding the table while singing this part¡ª"bury" once and "inter" once.

    When Wang Zhong asked why, his father said, "That''s how your grandfather sang it. When he sang the words ''burial'' and ''interment,'' his eyes could shoot fire."

    Wang Zhong now tried it himself, imagining singing the part and mming the top of the turret whening to ''bury'' and ''inter''.

    He felt it¡ªa surge of hatred arose.

    I vow to bury the Prussians, bury! inter! in the gully!

    At that moment, Wang Zhong remembered the field near Loktov, piled high with the bodies of young warriors, the tragic state of the first and second crew of Tank 422, and Aunt Alexeyevna...

    He remembered Ivan and the old Duke Rocossov.

    Suddenly feeling unsatisfied, he repeated in his mind: I vow to bury the Prussians, bury! inter! in the gully!

    Then, he pped the turret too hard and hurt his hand¡ªeven through the thick work gloves.

    The Prussians would be annihted. With a resolve that could shake mountains and a courage that could stir the abyss, the future would surely turn the world upside down.

    Wang Zhong''s fighting spirit was at its peak, and now he needed a lucky Prussian bastard to bear this fury. He grabbed the handle of the anti-aircraft machine gun, checked the action, and ensured the anti-freezing lubricant was in good condition.

    Where the fuck are the Prussians?

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong really did see light in the snow, swiftly switched his view, and spotted a campfire with Prussians hidden around it.

    Next to the fire were weapons being heated.

    Wang Zhong immediately turned the machine gun to start firing, shouting as he sprayed, "Turret, turn right ten degrees! See where my tracer bullets are going? There''s a fire, use high-explosive shells!"

    Alexandria immediately echoed, "High-Explosive Shell!"

    The loader responded, "High-Explosive Shell, loaded!"

    Alexandriamanded, "Stop!"

    Beliyakov brought the tank to a halt with a thud, and Alexandria fired immediately.

    Worthy of a royal viewing tank, even from a distance and with an emergency stop, the shell stillnded within five meters of the campfire.

    From the bird''s-eye view, a third of the Prussian soldiers'' markers immediately went out.

    Wang Zhong: "Continue! There are still enemies!"

    At this point, the other tanks also stopped to fire, but their aim was much worse.

    Wang Zhong: "Keep moving forward, the other tanks'' gunfire is a bit off."

    No, not just a bit¡ªusing the old British expression for flintlock guns: beyond a hundred meters, whether you aim at your target or at the moon, the hit rate is about the same.

    Tank 422 started up once more, charging towards the enemy''s line, and then Wang Zhong spotted 88mm cannons with campfires nearby.

    Wang Zhong: "Smoke Bombs! Aim where my machine gun is firing, don''t wait, fire! Block the enemy cannons'' view!"

    Thismand was faithfully executed because precision wasn''t necessary; Alexandria simply didn''t bother to stop suddenly¡ªa smoke bomb fired while moving hit the ground four hundred meters in front of the 88mm cannon position. The smoke, whipped by the north wind, quickly formed a belt shape.

    Seeing this, Wang Zhong gave an order over the radio: "Enemy 88mm AA gun position spotted, they are aiming at us; all tanks load smoke bombs, fire at the current smoke position."

    A single tank couldn''t quickly form a smoke screen, so let''s all shoot together!

    The smoke soon covered the Prussian positions almostpletely, and at the same time, the cavalry detoured around the tank units, inserting themselves from the right nk.

    Armed with submachine guns, the cavalry sprayed bullets at the enemy''s positions from a distance.

    Since they were advancing on horseback, they didn''t mind the weight of the drum magazines and could carry a bunch of pre-loaded ones.

    It would be tough for an infantryman to carry three such drum magazines.

    Add to that the machine-gun fire from the tanks.

    Wang Zhong then discovered another downside of the "standard" T34: no one was operating the anti-aircraft machine gun during a charge.

    The T34W has amander''s cup from which themander can also operate the anti-aircraft machine gun.

    The standard T34, however, required another person to stand behind the tank to operate this machine gun.

    This design was quite reminiscent of American engineering.

    On Earth, early models of the T34 didn''t even have a turret-top machine gun, butterbat experience proved that this gun was outstanding at disrupting German airborne bombs. Realbat was not like War Thunder; when nes died, they were truly gone, and having anti-aircraft fire could genuinely rattle the enemy.

    Thus, another war game "Wargame: Red Dragon" emted this aspect¡ªthe effectiveness of machine-gun anti-air defenses was not as high as anti-air missiles, but it could panic the pilot and make them abandon their mission.

    At this moment, Alexandria confirmed the position of the 88mm gun emcements and began continuously "smoking" them out.

    Wang Zhong operated the machine gun and fired relentlessly, not daring to ck off.

    After all, he was truly on the frontline now and could be shot and killed at any moment.

    The tragic death of the first two groups from vehicle 422 seemed like it had happened just yesterday, particrly the second group, for which Wang Zhong had entered the tank''s interior and anxiously guarded the hatch in the midst of hisrades'' blood.

    Past experiences fueled an adrenaline rush, with Wang Zhong quite literally "fuming with rage."

    He kept mowing down the enemy with his machine gun.

    By then, the cavalry had charged into the smoke, drawing close to the 88mm gun emcements.

    The moment they burst out of the smoke, the enemy''s machine guns opened fire, immediately felling four cavalrymen.

    The remaining cavalry charged toward death, spraying bullets from their submachine guns as they closed in.

    The enemy gunners fell mid-burst, but the assistant gunner quickly took over shooting duties, while the ammunition bearer stepped into the role of assistant gunner.

    The Prussian infantry squads were organizedpletely around the machine gun; everyone was trained in machine gun firing, and any of them could step in as a gunner when necessary.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized the enemy''s 88mm guns were pre-aiming at the direction where vehicle 422 was advancing.

    Pre-aim this!

    Wang Zhong: "Beliyakov, turn 90 degrees, we''re charging straight at the enemy."

    "That fierce?" Beliyakovughed out loud. "I love this blood-thrilling sensation!"

    With a "duang" sound, vehicle 422 fishtailed and began charging straight toward the 88mm gun emcements.

    Wang Zhong yelled over the radio, "Keep circling, and remember to use smoke to block the enemy''s view! If you don''t encircle them, they''ll hear the wrong engine sounds ande after us!"

    So the other T34Ws, along with the T34 squadron, continued to nk around the artillery positions,unching Smoke Bombs as they went.

    Only vehicle 422 charged directly at the position with the ferocity of a wild beast.

    As he charged into the smoke, Wang Zhong restrained himself, ceasing fire to not reveal his whereabouts until bursting out of the smoke¡ª

    Breaking through the smoke, Wang Zhong immediately resumed firing.

    The enemy machine gunners were still targeting the nking cavalry and were all abruptly mowed down by Wang Zhong''s gunfire¡ªafter all, the position of the anti-aircraft machine gun was high, and the enemy''s cover was rudimentary.

    Wang Zhong swiftly gunned down several more enemies, while both the tank''s hull machine gun and coaxial turret machine gun opened up with full firepower.

    Read exclusive adventures at

    From breaking through the smoke to charging the enemy''s positions, it was about 300 meters, and Wang Zhong didn''t stop firing throughout since the enemy was suddenly everywhere. The tracers from the machine gunshed out, beheading a swath of enemies.

    If this were "Battlefield 1942", kill notifications and experience rewards would be surging under Wang Zhong''s interface by now.

    When he reached the positions, Wang Zhong ran out of machine gun ammo, but he didn''t waste time reloading. He directly pulled out his personal piece of equipment from the turret: an original Suomi submachine gun (drum magazine version) and continued mowing down the enemy.

    He also had grenades; grabbing one, he bit the pin, yanking it out, and was ready to throw.

    While personally ughtering the Prussians, he shouted in the Prussiannguage he had learned from Vasily, "Who''s the prey now, and who''s the hunter?"

    At this point, the tank was actually quite vulnerable because they charged the enemy infantry without apanying foot soldiers, creating numerous blind spots around the vehicle itself.

    But the Prussians had already been demoralized by the onught.

    Wang Zhong saw someone pointing at the red g and saying something, after which all the Prussian soldiers on the positions started running.

    That''s when the cavalry finally charged in.

    They pursued the enemy, hacking away.

    Wang Zhong kept showing off the only Prussian sentence he knew, "Who''s the prey now, and who''s the hunter?"

    He was oblivious to the fact that, at that moment, wielding a submachine gun in one hand and clutching a grenade in the other, ready to throw, he was like a god of war.

    Resolved to bury the Prussians in the mountains,

    With aspirations that shake the mountains, a spirit that quakes the abyss!

    Longing for the day to joinrades in a feast of a hundred chickens, smashing the bandit''s nest, sure to cause the earth to shake and the sky to turn upside down!

 Chapter 305: Completion of Encirclement

    Wang Zhong fought until all of his ammunition drums were empty; by then, there were no resisting enemies left on the battlefield.

    Apart from the dead, there were only soldiers who had surrendered.

    Wang Zhong stopped, the massive amount of adrenaline made him want to shout "Who else is there?"

    Was this really a natural reaction...

    However, as the battle drew to a close, the effect of adrenaline visibly subsided at a rapid pace.

    Wang Zhong calmed down again.

    During the heat of battle, he hadpletely forgotten about the bird''s-eye view and was solely relying on his eyes to spot enemies. Luckily, under the influence of adrenaline, it seemed as though his eyes had be as sharp as a hawk''s, allowing him not to miss a single foe.

    He checked his Suomi submachine gun and then looked at the board on the inside of the turret used for storing "life''s little necessities."

    Find exclusive stories on The T34''s turret was extremely cramped, leaving hardly any room to store personal belongings.

    The size of the turret could actually be intuited from the diameter of the turret ring, as a portion of the bodies of those inside the turret would be in the hull, so the ring sat around their waists like a band.

    The diameter of the turret ring for the two-person T34 turret¡ªnote that it is the diameter¡ªwas only 1420 millimeters. This turret ring size definitively ruled out the possibility of cramming in a third person.

    Inside this ring wasn''t just space for human bodies, but also all kinds of mechanical devices.

    Inparison, the parade model of the T34W had a turret ring diameter of 1670 millimeters, basically on the same level as America''s Sherman tank (Sherman ring diameter was 1753 millimeters).

    If it wasn''t for therger size of the T34W turret, Wang Zhong would not have been able to have so many "little necessities of life" by his side.

    At least the two-person turret T34s of the 77th Division definitely couldn''t fit them.

    In a two-man turret T34, it would be pretty decent to have even just a Papasha submachine gun.

    Wang Zhong surveyed the entire battlefield to confirm that the position had been thoroughly captured. Cavalrymen were pursuing the fleeing enemies, while the tank units that had been maneuvering on the nk were now turning back towards the main position.

    After observing the situation, Wang Zhong called to a cavalry lieutenant colonel passing by, "Wait a moment! Lieutenant Colonel, dispatch a cavalrypany to dismount and secure the equipment on the position. The enemy left so much behind; it would be bad if they came back to reim and use it against us."

    "Yes, General." The lieutenant colonel saluted and added after seeing the Suomi in Wang Zhong''s hands, "Happy hunting, General."

    Wang Zhong: "Thank you."

    The lieutenant colonel turned back to his subordinates and ordered, "First Company dismounts, takes custody of prisoners, manages the spoils of war, and awaits the arrival of reinforcements to take over."

    Wang Zhong: "Have them look for themander of this position. I want him alive or his body if he''s dead."

    "Yes, General."

    The enemymander was quickly brought before Wang Zhong; he was a major with an injured leg, sitting on a stretcher and looking at Wang Zhong, who was loading submachine gun magazines, with an awed expression.

    Perhaps it was while looking at the red g fluttering above Wang Zhong''s antenna.

    Wang Zhong: "Do you speak Antian?"

    Although the enemy major looked puzzled, he seemed to guess what was being asked and shook his head.

    At this point, the lieutenant colonel who had spoken earlier said, "I speak Prussian, I can trante for you."

    "That would be excellent," Wang Zhong was delighted, "Which division and what unit are you from that''s defending this ce, and where is your main force?"

    After listening to the trantion, the major began to speak, and the lieutenant colonel beside him started to "simultaneously interpret," "We are from the 37th Armored Grenadier Division, the 331st Infantry Battalion, and the 204th Anti-Aircraft Battalion. We were ordered to dy your forces here until the main body of the division could retreat."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong was taken aback, "Where else could you retreat to? I''ve cut off the only road."

    The major waited to hear the lieutenant colonel''s trantion before replying, "West, across the permafrost."

    Wang Zhong looked towards the boundless snowfields to the west, "Are you mad?"

    Under such harsh conditions, and with the Prussians not having enough winter gear, it''s likely they were short on provisions as well¡ªgoing out across such snowfields?

    If one out of ten made it out, it would be a show of General Winter''s mercy.

    The major''s expression was solemn, "That''s why many volunteered to stay and resist. You can surround us resisters."

    He paused, waiting for the lieutenant colonel to finish tranting before he added another sentence, "I haven''t eaten since yesterday; do you have any food?"

    Wang Zhong pulled out one truly mundane "little necessity of life" from his own stash: a quarter of a Doctor''s sausage and tossed it to the Prussian.

    "It''s frozen solid, warm it up and eat it with water."

    However, the Prussian bit a chunk off the rock-hard sausage and began to chew it vigorously.

    Wang Zhong knew this was an enemy and reminded himself not to feel pity.

    This was all to boost Antian morale, for the legitimacy of the princess¡ªlegitimacy ensured there would be no rebellion.

    As a seasoned yer of "Crusader Kings," Wang Zhong had a rather intuitive understanding of legitimacy, as each time an heir in the gamecked enough legitimacy, there would be massive revolts.

    Of course, the Russians had a simpler take on this matter; basically, whoever had the biggest fist and won was legitimate.

    This victory could be over their own people or foreigners, as long as you won.

    And Wang Zhong had just won a victory¡ªhow convenient!

    Victory belonged to the great Catherine the Third!

    Wang Zhong had initially fought not for personal glory but to survive; now, his goal was to damn the Prussians.

    As long as it was against the Prussians, he was willing to do any job.

    Of course, what he loved most was what he had just been doing: riding a tank through forests and across snowfields, personally bing a powerful punchnded on the teeth of Prussian invaders.

    Wang Zhong nced at the Prussian major gobbling the food and told the cavalry lieutenant colonel, "Keep a close eye on him; he''ll need to be sent to the rearter. I''m off to catch some more. Also, ask him where their division headquarters is located."

    The Prussian major, who was busily gnawing on a ham, used one hand to unfasten the map case from his body and handed it to the lieutenant colonel.

    The lieutenant colonel opened it, took out the map to look, and said pointing at a symbol, "The division headquarters is three kilometers to the northeast of this position."

    Wang Zhong: "Let''s go! Beliyakov, stop checking the engine, we''re moving out!"

    Beliyakov revealed a bitter smile: "General, it wasn''t me who stopped the tank just now. If I had stopped it, I wouldn''t have left it leaning to one side."

    Only then did Wang Zhong notice that the tank was indeed slightly tilted. On closer inspection, one side of the track was on the enemy''s sandbags, which had copsed under the weight, but notpletely, leaving the tank at an angle.

    Great, the tank was broken!

    But when he thought about it, it made sense. They had covered nearly a hundred kilometers of motorized movement that day, and had been fighting continuously for over a week, driving back and forth across the battlefield.

    It was fair to say that it was doing well just to break down now.

    After all, field maintenance in Ante relied solely on individual Tank Operators. There were no field maintenance factories, no repair or maintenance vehicles, and the tractor factory workers Wang Zhong had previously recruited were all taken by the factories to produce tanks.

    Wang Zhong scratched his head: "I still need to catch a divisionmander!"

    Alexandria: "You''ll have to switch to another tank. But... I suspect they''ll be breaking down soon too. The tanks of Division 77 are new, but... uh..."

    He nced at the three T-34s stopped near the 88mm gun position. The enemy had beenpletely obscured by smoke; surely the tanks hadn''t been stopped by enemy machine-gun fire, right?

    Wang Zhong: "These tanks don''t have amander''s position either. The turret is so cramped, it can''t fit a third person."

    Now that the weather was so cold and everyone was wearing thick military coats, the problem of the T-34s'' limited space was even more pronounced.

    At that time, the cavalry lieutenant colonel suggested, "Ride a horse. We''ve captured the Prussians'' radio. I''ll have a staff officer who understands it bring the radio with him, along with apany to follow you."

    Wang Zhong: "Fine, I can ride a horse, and I willplete the encirclement on horseback! Someone bring me a horse¡ª"

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, a thought crossing his mind: Could it be?

    He put his hand to his mouth and whistled sharply.

    Then from a great distance, a horse''s whinny echoed back.

    He looked in that direction, but as far as he could see, the forest and snowfieldy calm and peaceful.

    Suddenly, something burst through the piled-up snow, leaping up high.

    A white figure dashed forward like lightning, carrying a cloud of billowing snow.

    It was the king among horses, Shadowswift. No, wait, not Gandalf''s steed, but my nipoop Bucephalus!

    Bucephalus dashed past many of the cavalrymen, whose mounts seemed to shy away from it, making room as it passed.

    In this way, Bucephalus ran all the way to the disabled Tank 422, gave its tracks a kick, and then bared its teeth at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong facepalmed: "You could have brought your saddle."

    He had already guessed that likely, the Stables had been bombed again, it had survived unaffected, and had followed them here on its own initiative.

    The cavalry lieutenant colonel said, "We can spare you some tack."

    "Alright, hurry up, I still need to catch that divisionmander."

    Mounted on Bucephalus, Wang Zhong galloped across the in as the night began to fall.

    The staff officer carrying the radio asked worriedly, "Shouldn''t we rest first? It''s getting so dark, what if we''re ambushed?"

    Wang Zhong switched to a third-person perspective and thought to himself that it couldn''t be; the enemy was highlighted two kilometers away. What ambush?

    So he said, "The enemy is already like a startled bird, there''s no chance they''re lying in ambush. Move out!"

    The three kilometers were covered in no time, but all Wang Zhong found were discarded equipment and vehicles.

    Strangely, they were all half-tracked vehicles with not a single wheeled vehicle in sight.

    Wang Zhong walked to thergest tent, dismounted, and rushed inside to see a group of officers huddled around a barrel, filled with burned documents.

    The enemy divisionmander had even changed into full dress uniform and stood up to salute Wang Zhong, then said in clumsy Antean, "General Rokossovsky, I have long admired your name."

    Wang Zhong: "Aren''t you going to put up a fight?"

    "The units that could have fought you have already been destroyed. We have fulfilled the mission assigned by the empire, and now we choose to be responsible for our own lives."

    Wang Zhong felt his nostrils re with anger; damn it, they had killed his good buddies and family, and now they wanted to be responsible for their own lives?

    Be responsible by not invading!

    But these people were needed for disy, and it wouldn''t look good if they had scars on their faces.

    And personally hitting them didn''t seem right, either.

    So Wang Zhong said, "Alright then, after you."

    As he stepped aside, he caught sight of Bucephalus and gave the horse a look that said: go easy.

    Bucephalus chomped away, seemingly chewing on something.

    Just then, themander of the 37th Armored Infantry Division emerged from the tent.

    Bucephalus gently raised its front hoof and sent him tumbling back into the tent.

    Wang Zhong burst into heartyughter.

    He had neverughed so freely since the start of the war.

 Chapter 306: The Final Gambit

    November 18, The Prussian Army''s Second Armored Cluster Command Headquarters.

    Walter Mendel dismounted his horse, handed the reins to a guard, and then strode briskly toward the headquarters, turning left after entering the door, heading straight for the hall ¡ª now serving as both the map room andmand center.

    Upon entering, Mendel nced at the firece and said, "You actually dare to stay in an intact house, aren''t you afraid that Rokossovsky will open fire?"

    Von Maqi replied, "Unless his artillery can hit at twenty-five kilometers. Right now, he''s busy dealing with our troops in the encirclement. Currently, it looks like we have approximately one hundred thousand troops still capable of fighting and resisting."

    Mendel raised his voice, "Isn''t that all of them inside? These seven divisions have already suffered heavy losses after two months of depletion, and more than half of thebatants have been sent back to the hospital!"

    Von Maqi frowned deeply, "That''s because most of the units volunteered to stay behind to cover the retreat of the main forces. They actually refused the n to retreat from the frozen ground, which is why we have to initiate a breakout operation."

    Mendel retorted, "With my division!"

    "It''s the emperor''s division," Von Maqi corrected him.

    Mendel argued, "But it was pulled from my army group, I know their situation. Although they didn''t suffer in the vanguard assault, which means their supply state is rtively good and every person received a nket, they arecking ammunition¡ªno, theyck everything!"I am opposed to the counterattack, and I want this on record!"

    With that, Mendel looked toward the staff officer responsible for recording the various decisions made by themand.

    Von Maqiughed dryly, "Your behavior reminds me of my old rival, Duke Xiplin. He always does this, as soon as there''s a defeat, it''s never his fault."

    Mendel countered, "Do you think I''m passing the buck? No, I''m just telling you that attacking at this time is meaningless, it won''t make an impact. The opposition are experts in defense, and our current supply state is a mess; we simply cannot make progress!

    "And you, youunch an attack just to have an excuse for the emperor, isn''t that so? How are you any different from him? Not at all!"

    Von Maqi turned to his adjutant, "It seems that General Mendel is tired from his journey..."

    "No! I won''t be staying overnight! I just came to express my opinion, and now that I have, you should retreat quickly too. The Ante People are going tounch arge-scale counterattack, my reconnaissance units have detected more and more unit numbers, and I believe a massive offensive is about to arrive. The key now is not offense, but defense! Understand?

    Defense!"

    After finishing his words, Mendel turned and briskly walked away.

    The others in themand looked at Von Maqi.

    The general sighed, "Proceed with the attack as originally nned."

    After the Prussian artillery barrage preparation ended, Yegorov got up, "Wasn''t that too quick? Are the enemy actually determined to attack?"

    Vasily, who was sent here to establishmunications, said, "I don''t know, it could be that the enemy knows we can''t dig any significant fortifications in this ground within a day and night, so they just bombarded us haphazardly to finish the job."

    At that moment, an artillery observer yelled, "Enemy tanks, southwest direction!"

    Yegorov quicklyy down at the edge of the makeshift cover made of wood and sandbags, lifted his binocrs, and while observing, said, "About sixty tanks, but there are a lot of infantry. What''s going on?"

    Vasily suggested, "Maybe they''re all broken. We have so many tanks that have broken down, and even if the enemy''s maintenance and support are good, it''s not possible to ensure the condition of the tanks under these circumstances."

    Yegorov clicked his tongue, "Regardless, our tactic doesn''t change, cut off the infantry first, order the mortars to fire."

    Your next journey awaits at

    After speaking, he turned around to look at the 88mm k gun position right next to themand post ¡ª in fact, thismand post was originally a Prussian built supportive fortification, which had a threeyer wooden roof that had been blown off by Ante artillery preparation.

    Then the position waspletely taken over since the 88 guns and machine guns had been frozen.

    Of course, now these guns and machine guns had been properly thawed by fire and could be used normally.

    The first wave of mortar shells had already fallen among the enemy lines.

    At this time, an observer with the range finder shouted, "Passing the one thousand five hundred meter mark!"

    Dmitri Ivanovich, who was temporarily in charge of this anti-aircraft position,manded, "Aim at the target, fire!"

    The gunners, who had been transferred from the anti-tank gun units, didn''t have a high level of education among the ordinary Ante infantry, so operating big guns required a longer learning period.

    Due to unfamiliarity with the big guns and short-staffedness, the four 88 guns fell silent temporarily after the first round of firing.

    Yegorov observed the impact points through his binocrs, only to see the shells bouncing off the ground like ping pong balls.

    Not a single Prussian tank was hit.

    At this moment, an even more intense barrage of mortar shells separated the Prussian infantry from their tanks.

    And finally, the 88 gunsunched their second round of attack.

    Yegorov saw a hole appear in the front of a Prussian tank''s body, then mes burst from the engine hood, and two tank operators climbed out of the tank, rolling on the ground.

    Yegorov eximed, "Good! Well done! Continue!"

    At this time, the Prussian smoke finally settled.

    Yegorov: "This is what I call normal, this is the Prussian Army I know."

    He had just finished speaking when he heard the sound of engines from his own position, turning around to see the ZIS-30 battery, previously hidden from his view, beginning to move.

    "Oh, those things really move fast. Can they maneuver around the enemy''s smoke to provide fire support? That would be great."

    Yegorov, with a look of delight, said: "Things have changed, all changed. We''re not the same old army that begged for equipment everywhere."

    After finishing, Yegorov himself drew his pistol and said to the infantry: "You lot need to perform well, too! Back when we had no equipment, we still won battles purely with infantry! Show the spirit of the 31st Guards Regiment!"

    "But we are from the 5th Belinsk Regiment," someone said.

    "It''s all the same! The 5th Belinsk Regiment also fought hard battles in Loktov! Don''t dishonor our fallen predecessors! Let them see what we''re made of! Machine guns, open fire! Form a firework!"

    The machine guns on the position immediately opened fire. These machine guns were grouped ording to the method of fire zones proposed by General Rokossovsky, creating a fire without any dead angles, which could effectively organize against enemy attacks even in smoke¡ªit was just quite ammunition-consuming.

    General Rokossovsky''s style was to bury the enemy in ammunition, whether it was bombardment or "fire zones."

    At this moment, the ZIS-30 that had moved into position opened fire again.

    Yegorov couldn''t see the effects of the ZIS-30''s fire and could only crane his neck in frustration: "Damn it, I can''t see anything through this annoying smoke."@@novelbin@@

    It was then that Vasily said, "I don''t know if it''s just my impression, but I always feel like General Rokossovsky can see through the smoke."

    Before Yegorov could reply, Popov, who hade to the front line to supervise the battle, spoke up: "It''s understandable that you think this way. When a general stands out so much, your perception of him changes, and you keep idealizing him. That''s what Saint Andrew said; he imed he''s just an ordinary person, but we''ve mythologized him.

    "Saint Andrew was very against being mythologized his entire life."

    Vasily frowned: "But... I really feel like the General can see things I can''t. Even though we''re looking from the same observation post, he seems to have control over the whole situation."

    Yegorovughed: "Isn''t that obvious? The man attended advancedmand courses, graduated from the Suvorov Military Academy. You only went through the Warrant Officer course. If you want to be a senior staff officer, you''ll have to attend further studies at the Suvorov Military Academy.

    "I don''t even understand the things the General studied!"

    Vasily opened his mouth to speak but ultimately didn''t say that General Rokossovsky was at the bottom of his ss.

    -------------

    November 19, at 0800 hours, the Prussian Army Central Army Group Headquarters.

    Field Marshal von Bock looked at themunications officer who had entered: "How''s the situation?"

    The staff officer looked at the telegram in his hand: "The readiness rate of the armored vehicles for all units has beenpiled. Should I start from the beginning?"

    Field Marshal von Bock nodded: "Please do."

    Staff officer: "The 1st Armored Division, number of tanks ready forbat, 1 Panzer III, 1 Panzer IV. The 2nd..."

    "Hold on!" Field Marshal von Bock raised his right hand, "The 1st Armored Division only has two tanks that can move out?"

    "Yes, the severe cold has destroyed the drivetrains of the tanks, and even after defrosting, they don''t operate perfectly. All armored units have reported a surge in fault rates. The good news is, more than half of the tank operators are alive."

    Field Marshal von Bock waved his hand: "That''s enough, no need to continue. We must retreat, else we can''t even protect these tank operators. Experienced tank operators, just like pilots, are a precious asset. It''s time for a full retreat."

    Chief of Staff: "What about the hundred thousand men who are surrounded?"

    Field Marshal von Bock gazed at the small patch of blue on the map, surrounded by the markers of the enemy.

    "I actually... doubt if there are any units still resisting inside the encirclement. The enemy hasn''t devoured this force in order to bait us, so that their troops can be ready tounch arge-scale counterattack, and then devour more of our forces."

    -------------

    Wang Zhong, holding the phone receiver, said to the other side: "As long as the enemy is still attacking, still attempting to break the encirclement, we should encircle them but not annihte them. We can even shout out to the Prussians within the encirclement, inviting them over for food, keeping them here, so that when our forces are ready, we can carry out arge-scale annihtion operation."

    Belinsky: "Your idea is good, but right now we urgently need to showcase the results of a counterattack. This matter can''t be considered purely from a military perspective."

    Wang Zhong: "Then why notunch the attack as soon as possible?"

    Belinsky: "The severe cold affects us as well. Discuss the specifics with Chief of Staff Tukhachev."

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly, wondering how this bootlicker of the Tsar was still here¡ªcould it be... to ensure overall unity...?

    At that moment, Tukhachev''s voice came through the receiver: "The forces we''remitting to the counterattack are already all we have. Other units won''t be ready until December 5 at the earliest. Plus, you''ve used almost all of our ammunition. We have logistical issues... er, General Tugenev will tell you."

    What, are you ying hot potato?

    A momentter, Tugenev''s voice came on: "The impact of the factory evacuations is severe, we are now running short on even the chemical raw materials to produce explosives since the factories have been relocated. We are short on everything and need to show results soon. This is... for diplomatic considerations."

    I get it, we need the Federation to pass the lend-lease act, or else we can''t continue fighting here in Antwerp.

    Wang Zhong stood up straight: "Tomorrow, that is, November 20, I willunch aprehensive attack and annihte the enemy within the encirclement."

 Chapter 307: Today We Drink in Celebration of Our Success (Makeup 18/33)

    On November 20th, 914, Wang Zhong looked at his watch.

    Army Group Commander Kiriyenko, standing by his side, teased, "It''s strange that I am the suprememander, yet you''re the one checking the time."

    Wang Zhong gestured invitingly, "Then please, take over!"

    Kiriyenko shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, no. You made the n, you get the credit. You do it, I don''t want to go down in history for this."

    At this moment, Niki Andriyevich Oskov, the newmander of Kiriyenko''s old unit, the Seventh Cavalry Army, cautiously asked, "Has General Rokossov always been so approachable?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "What else? I''m just an ordinary person."

    Andriyevich seemed as if he had stumbled upon a profound mystery in Wang Zhong''s words and fell into deep thought.

    When the minute hand pointed to twelve, Wang Zhong said, "Fire."

    At exactly eight in the morning on November 20th, the Western Front Army of the Ante Empire began the annihtion battle against the heavily fortified Prosen troops in Karanskaya.One minute into the barrage, amunications staff officer entered the wooden cabin serving as the temporary attack group headquarters, "The encircled Prosen army is sending a telegram using international aviation codes."

    Wang Zhong looked at themunications officer.

    Everyone in the room looked at him.

    Wang Zhong dered, "Ah, am I to give this order? No, no, let''s have Major General Kiriyenko do it!"

    His tone was reminiscent of a ssic Soviet joke: Pleasee up to the stage, so-and-so.

    Amazed, Kiriyenko simply waved his hand and concisely ordered, "Read!"

    Themunications officer read the telegram, "Major General Joseph,mander of the Fifth Armored Division, on behalf of all Prosen troops in Karanskaya, extends sincere greetings to Prince Rokossov and wishes to surrender to such a hero."

    Wang Zhong snorted, "Reply with, there is no Prince Rokossov in the Ante Empire, no such person exists. Just like that... uh..."

    Wang Zhong thought it over, with the enemy specifically naming him for their surrender, it seemed unnecessary to keep up appearances.

    So, he waved his hand, "Reply just like that! No need to polish the sentence, keep it as is."

    Themunications officer took the message and left.

    Pavlov questioned, "Is this okay? If they surrender en masse, wouldn''t we have more prisoners to show off alive?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "You don''t understand. There is no such person as Prince Rokossov. It doesn''t exist. You should also forbid such random talk, it''s bad for His Majesty''s reputation. And it''s bad for Ludm, too, as she is my fianc¨¦e."

    Your adventure continues at

    Vasily chimed in, "But His Majesty obviously fancies you. Everyone saw her passionately kissing you at the station."

    Wang Zhong was very calm, having already thought of a response, "I''m like a brother to her, that was her way of expressing longing for a family member."

    "Like that?" Vasily asked, surprised.

    Just then themunications officer came back, "The enemy has replied."

    Wang Zhong asked, "That was quick, wasn''t it?"

    Themunications officer exined, "Because it doesn''t need decoding, just sent directly using international aviation codes."

    Wang Zhong inquired, "What does the enemy say?"

    "Major General Joseph,mander of the Fifth Armored Division, on behalf of all Prosen troops in Karanskaya, extends sincere greetings to General Rokossov and hopes the general will ept their surrender."

    Wang Zhong bypassed protocol directly, "Reply that they can and only may surrender to the Ante people, or else we''ll st them to pieces."

    As themunications officer was about to leave, Wang Zhong stopped him:

    "Can the whole world receive this message, or only us?"

    Themunications officer replied, "Judging by the signal strength, only radios within two hundred kilometers can receive it. The signal wavelength suggests the same."

    Wang Zhong queried, "Then with our equipment here, how far can broadcasts reach?"

    Themunications officer thought for a moment and answered, "We can cover Saint Andrew Fort. If we transmit using this setup, some provinces within Prosen will also be able to receive it."

    Wang Zhong said, "Then change the message to this: The defeated Prosen soldiers within the Karanskaya encirclement can and only may surrender to the Ante people; otherwise, we will kill every single one of you.

    "Then I will write a song called ''The Monsoon of Karanskaya,'' telling people there were tens of thousands of Prosen soldiers cowering in Karanskaya and now with the heavy rain falling, only lost souls can listen."

    "Every time I take a Prosen city, I''ll y this song to tell of your dire fate."

    After themunications officer finished writing the long message, he asked, "Should I send all this?"

    "Yes, go ahead, make sure the whole of Ante can receive the message."@@novelbin@@

    Themunications officer left.

    Priest Popov muttered, "They can and only may surrender to the Ante people? You even have the talent to be a Military Chain, huh? No, I''ve known you had this talent all along. You never needed me to inspire the soldiers'' will to fight, making me feel useless."

    Vasily followed up with, "You''ll get used to it."

    Popov gave Vasily a malicious look.

    Meanwhile, Wang Zhong listened to the distant artillery fire, confident there was nothing to worry about; the enemy was poorly clothed, short on food, and low on ammunition. After the bombing, they would likely surrender.

    Wang Zhong started to use his transmigrator''s privilege to contemte future matters.

    After eliminating the enemy at Karanskaya, it would be time to pursue them, and then he would encounter a new weapon of the enemy: the PAK40 anti-tank gun.

    Though only a prototype model, it was indeed put into use at this time.

    This tank gun could potentially prate a T34 from 1500 meters away, and with their consistently excellent sights and the quality of the crew, it could inflict serious damage on the counter-attacking Ante Army.

    As the enemy retreats, logistical problems will gradually vanish, and the new anti-tank guns, supplied with ample ammunition, shouldn''t be underestimated.

 Chapter 308: Celebrating with a Toast Today (Make-up 18/33) (2)

    And what''s more fatal is that in March of the second year of the war, the enemy will deploy the Panzer IV F2, which can prate the T34 from a long distance. The enemy''s armored troops are of high quality, and then their sights are a notch more advanced. Rookie T34 crews are often easily picked off for achievements.

    Then in September of the second year, the Tiger tankse into action.

    At first, new tanks have a high rate of mechanical failures, so theirbat effectiveness is not so high, but once the ws are mostly fixed, they be the dominant force on the battlefield. Enjoy exclusive adventures from

    On Earth, thest Soviet Union won with heavy casualties. But in this timeline, the Prussians are stronger than the Sturmtigers, and these new weapons might lead to the copse of the front lines, ultimately losing the war.

    After all, just like on Earth, this timeline''s Prussians have not mobilized nor have they adopted a wartime economy.

    Wang Zhong thought about future events and realized more and more that what he urgently needed to do was not to achieve many victories at the front, but to quickly carry out an industrial survey, interfere with military-industrial production, and preferably even influence theposition of the troops and even thebat regtions...

    He was thinking when themunication staff officer came in: "The enemy''s open coded telegram."

    Wang Zhong: "Read it."

    Communication Staff Officer: "All Prosen soldiers in Karanskaya request to surrender to the Ante people."Wang Zhong nodded: "That''s more like it, but they have to send it at maximum power, repeatedly until tonight at 20:00. We can stop the artillery bombardment, and send envoys to discuss terms of surrender, but the transmission must not stop. If it ceases, our army willunch a strong attack. Inform the enemy of this."

    It wasn''t long before themunication staff officer came back: "Report, the enemy has agreed."

    Wang Zhong: "Then stop the artillery bombardment. But the artillery troops should remain on alert."

    Pavlov: "I think the enemy won''t y tricks anymore. How about we drink to celebrate the victory? This is the first time we have truly defeated the enemy since the war began half a year ago, and it''s not the start of another retreat."

    Yegorov perked up at the idea: "Good!"

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and nodded: "Indeed, today we shall drink deeply to celebrate our victory!"

    November 20, Saint Andrew Fort, Ante Army Saint Andrew Front Army Headquarters.

    General Golikov, themander of the Front Army, was discussing the enemy''stest movements with senior officers when suddenly the door of the headquarters was flung open and themunication staff officer came in: "We received a telegram sent using international aviation code. It reads: ''All Prosen soldiers in Karanskaya request to surrender to the Ante people.''"

    Upon hearing this, Golikov immediately turned to check the full map of the front lines and then asked: "Why has Rocossovunched an attack? Shouldn''t he be encircling the enemy, waiting for them to attempt a breakout? Now the enemy will run away!"

    Front Army Chain: "It could be for political... and diplomatic reasons, General Golikov Konstantinovich. Especially this telegram¡ªif we can receive it, the meteorological stations in the northern Arctic regions of the United Kingdom and Federation can too. It''s a message to the world that we''ve won."

    General Golikov stared at the map for a few seconds and said, "Did you see the statement Rocossov made that we cannot win swiftly?"

    "Of course. Actually, the Church has been actively spreading this view; I think it has already be the official stance of the Grand Patriarch and the entire College of Cardinals."

    General Golikov nodded: "Some foresight there, but how will he respond to the demands of the faction that wants a swift victory? Promoting him to Commander of the Western Front Army out of turn has already sparked a lot of dissatisfaction. He can only attack, but what if he wins the attack? As much glory as he has now, he will be criticized just as miserablyter on!"

    Unlike the stern-faced General Golikov, Staff Commander Ivan Stepanovich went to the liquor cab: "Let''s worry about thatter, for now, let''s toast to the victory!"

    Golikov thought for a moment and nodded: "Right, to the iron wall of our empire, Rocossov, and to his crucial, first victory of annihtion, cheers!"

    Inside Prosen territory, Eagle''s Nest.

    "All Prosen soldiers in Karanskaya request to surrender to the Ante people." After the private secretary read this line, he looked at the emperor with a shrinking neck.@@novelbin@@

    The emperor waved his hand: "You all leave."

    The people crammed in the room looked at one another, then turned to walk toward the door.

    "Siegfried, you stay," the Emperor said.

    So Siegfried Gis stayed behind.

    After everyone else had left, Emperor Reinhard suddenly pounded the table, "How could they do this! Even if we surrender, can''t we do it quietly? Now we''ve be passive in the internationalmunity!

    "Our spywork in the Federation is working hard to stop the passage of the Lend-Lease Act! This telegram is going to turn all those efforts into nothing! Into nothing!

    "If they were honorable Prosen soldiers, they should have died for the empire! Fought to the death!"

    After his outburst, the Emperor of the Prussians, the Conqueror of Europa, slumped in his chair in defeat.

    Siegfried: "They''re also human, and they want to live. I think there''s nothing wrong with that."

    The Emperor looked up, gazing at his friend: "Nothing wrong, you say?"

    Siegfried: "The fault lies with us, who underestimated the enemy. I believe if we start total mobilization now, with all factories entering wartime production and all civilian factories switching to war production, we still have a chance."

    The Emperor was silent for a few seconds, then shook his head: "No, we still have some new weapons that we haven''t had a chance to deploy in the war, like the 88mm gun carrier developed after our B1 heavy tanks were brutally defeated by the enemy in Carolingian. I''ve seen the prototype tests; there''s no need for mobilization yet."

    Siegfried sighed.

    At that moment, Reinhard stood up: "Bring the wine, Siegfried. Although he''s an enemy, he indeed won the battle. ording to your ount, I recognize him as an excellent defense expert. Let us drink on the deck after the battle, like the captains of the sailing warships a hundred years ago."

    Siegfried Gis nodded: "Yes, we certainly should have a drink."

    United Kingdom, 10 Downing Street.

    Prime Minister Leonard Spenser was reading a daunting document provided by the Admiralty, discussing the feasibility of anding operation behind the Mamluk battlefield.

    At that moment, his Principal Private Secretary Bernard and the Cab Secretary Sir Apby walked in together.

    Bernard ced a document in front of Leonard.

    "What''s this?" the Prime Minister asked, looking up.

    Sir Apby said: "We''ve just received an unencrypted cable from the Prosen Army, ''All Prosen soldiers in Karanskaya request to surrender to the people of Ante.''

    Prime Minister Leonard was visibly delighted: "Have you confirmed its authenticity?"

    Bernard: "Sir Camin''s department has analyzed the intelligence currentlying from inside Prosen and believes it is very likely true."

    Leonard was overjoyed: "Bring the wine! We must have a good drink! This is great news indeed!"

    Sir Apby: "However, just now, the Federation''s upper house rejected the Lend-Lease bill, meaning they won''t provide us and Ante with material support for free, at least for the time being."

    Leonard''s enthusiasm abruptly waned: "Damn those Prosen lobbyists!"

    Secretary Bernard: "Do you still want the wine?"

    Leonard gestured dismissively: "Yes! More so now than ever! Bring it!"

 Chapter 309: Rocossovâ€™s Triumphant Return (Extra 19/33)

    November 22, St. Ye Katerina Fortress, on the outer west entrance of the city''s outer ring.

    Nelly checked Wang Zhong''s attire and nodded, "Now you certainly won''t lose face because of your clothes."

    Wang Zhong, "I have never lost face, okay!"

    Nelly immediately showed that expression of pity and affection a mother has when looking at her mentally challenged son.

    Honestly, because Nelly is super cute, Wang Zhong thought that this expression of hers was also very cute.

    But there are more important things to do now.

    Wang Zhong nced at the prisoners'' formation which had already been arranged.

    The Prussians really were disciplined; despite being prisoners, they could still form such neat lines.

    The first 20 people walking at the front all had red badges, signifying they were Prussian generals.Further behind were prisoners with the rank of general but without red badges due to their branch of service, and after them came the field officers.

    In a line of one hundred thousand prisoners, the enlisted men were all at the back, with several thousand officers in front.

    And with malice, Wang Zhong had them dressed in their best uniforms and wear their most beautiful medals but forbade them from shaving orbing their hair, and from washing their faces.

    This was all about presenting a well-dressed appearance paired with disheveled looks.

    Handpicked Ante Army officers who understood Prussian were scattered along both sides of the long column.

    Continue your adventure at

    Because there were so many people, to ensure order during the march, many clerical staff who typically worked at division and army headquarters were also chosen to serve as trantors.

    A line with one hundred thousand people, including many supporting themselves on crutches or lying on stretchers, even if formed into columns of four, was still incredibly long.

    This gigantic column would travel along the main artery of Ye Fort, crossing through Ye Fort, passing the central square where the parade had been held, then past the main entrance of the Summer Pce, before finally entering the specially set up POW camp on the outskirts of the city.

    Wang Zhong suggested that this POW camp be named Merit Woods, but Belinsky didn''t approve.

    What a good name it was!

    But it seems that name was actually somethingizens came up with as a joketer on.

    At that moment, Bucephalus neighed. Wang Zhong turned to look at the horse but saw a majoring over and saluting him: "General, we can begin the victory ceremony now."

    Wang Zhong nodded, mounted Bucephalus, and then raised his hand.

    Before he could even swing his hand down, the military band began to y!

    Wang Zhong had to pretend that his raised hand was the signal, putting on a satisfied expression as he lowered it.

    Shit, this is what happens when you fail tomunicate properly.

    The military band was ying that song again, "Ante Women''s Farewell." Wang Zhong gently nudged Bucephalus''s belly, and the horse began to walk with an air of pride, actually quite imposing.

    Actually, many Ante civilians had already gathered along the outer ring, and the moment they saw Wang Zhong mount the horse, they started cheering.

    Wang Zhong nodded to them in acknowledgment and gently waved his right hand.

    At this time, Wang Zhong spotted the familiar journalist from the Federation, Mike, and his partner, the photographer Robert Capa.

    However, this time they were mixed in with arge group of journalists.

    Wang Zhong could clearly tell that several of these journalists were not Ante People and guessed they must be from various countries around the world.

    There might even be Prussian spies disguised as journalists.

    Wang Zhong smiled at the cameras, and the next moment countless shbulbs exploded into smoke.

    The Judges wearing blue hats surrounded the journalists, obviously having checked all their shlights and cameras, ensuring they were not firearms.

    As Bucephalus slowly advanced, a portion of the journalists walked along, seemingly having made Wang Zhong the focus of their report.

    Other journalists turned their cameras towards the Prussian prisoners.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong walked a distance than a girl broke through the cordon formed by the Priests and the Guardian Army, carrying flowers to present to Wang Zhong.

    But Bucephalus ate the flowers in one bite.

    The girl was stunned and then swiftly pinned to the ground by a burly female Judge.

    Wang Zhong, "She was just nning to offer flowers, be gentler."

    His words triggered a wave of cheers.

    Wang Zhong looked to the other side of the road and realized that many onlookers there were actually staring over here, changing to a bird''s-eye view to zoom in on the camera, clearly seeing their envious expressions¡ªenvious of the crowd on the opposite side of the street who could interact with Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong nced at the marching military band and prisoners in the middle of the road, realizing he couldn''t cross the road to interact with the crowd on the other side.

    So the other side''s audience could only envy them, and I''m powerless to do anything.

    While thinking this, Wang Zhong suddenly realized something: these prisoners were animals on disy for everyone to see, and I, aren''t I the same?

    Fuck, I only thought it seemed cool before, so I agreed, but didn''t consider this!

    No wonder Ludm didn''t attend, she didn''t want to be exhibited!

    What a blunder!

    Eight hourster, Wang Zhong, utterly exhausted, finally arrived at the Summer Pce by car.

    Ludm came with him this time and teased him upon seeing his state, "How do you feel about the victory ceremony? If this were ancient times, they''d have to build a triumphal arch for you and put up a statue of you riding a rearing horse in front of it."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, who had been on disy for eight hours, could only offer a wry smile.

    By the way, because he had ridden a horse for eight hours, his buttocks were quite sore now.

    Logically speaking, when he rode Bucephalus for scouting or something, covering tens or hundreds of kilometers at a stretch, his buttocks didn''t hurt, but for some reason, just looping around the city in Ye Fort for eight hours, they felt like they were about to split open.

    Perhaps it was because this time he was riding at a slow walk, maintaining the same position constantly, and he couldn''t dismount to rest in the meantime, so that''s probably why.

 Chapter 310: Rocossovâ€™s Triumphant Return (Extra 19/33) (2)

    Entering the Summer Pce courtyard, the remains of shattered walls and broken bricks came into view.

    It seemed these were the traces left by that famous cannonade.

    From the ruins, the caliber of the canons appeared to be about 15CM, not the 17 or 21CM heavy artillery. Wang Zhong did not find either of these two types of heavy artillery within the Karanskaya encirclement either.

    Upon reflection, it would have been quite impossible to transport such heavy artillery to Karanskaya at that time.

    Ludm asked curiously, "Why not clean up these remnants of destruction?"

    Wang Zhong, "They have been cleaned up. Haven''t you noticed that many of the smaller stones have been removed? These ruins have been deliberately preserved. Whenever I see them, I think that Prosen must be destroyed. One day I will bombard their centers of power with heavy artillery on the main streets of the Prosen capital."@@novelbin@@

    Ludm nced at the debris again and said, "Well, that''s what I anticipate too."

    At this moment, the car arrived at the front entrance of the pce.

    His Majesty the Tsar stood at the top of the steps, smiling warmly at the iing guests.As soon as Wang Zhong got out of the car, Olga ran down the steps, lifting her skirt, and cried out, "Alyosha!"

    Wang Zhong immediately knelt on one knee, "Your Majesty."

    Never underestimate the empire''s bulwarks!

    Ludm, seeing Wang Zhong, offered a salute¡ªshe was also in military attire, and strictly speaking, saluting was the most appropriate protocol.

    Olga stopped, her smile fading, as she adopted a stately demeanor and extended her hand to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong kissed the back of her hand and then stood up.

    Olga, "You have a weak spot!"

    "Your Majesty!" General Tugenev''s voice came from behind.

    Olga abruptly halted the body that had been poised for a stealth attack, and with a stern face, announced, "Congrattions on your triumphant return. In recognition of your merits, I grant you the right to carry weapons into the pce and also to ride horses within it."

    The moment hade to ride Bucephalus into the reception hall.

    Wang Zhong, "Thank you, my respected Ekaterina the Third."

    Olga''s expression dimmed, "They won''t let me take the name Ekaterina the Third, won''t let me change it. So I can only be called Olga the First now."

    Wang Zhong, "The First isn''t so bad, Your Majesty."

    Olga smiled and said, "Come in, General. Everyone is waiting for you.

    "I had to push hard to get them to agree to let me greet you alone.

    "They said there''s no precedent for His Majesty to greet a Major General alone. I told them you''re like my brother. No, you are the one who looked after me in my brother''s ce. If a brother returns victorious, could he stop his sister from greeting him?"

    Wang Zhong was in no position to argue, for he did indeed intend to be a good brother and take up that role.

    He could only respond, "Your Majesty, you must be mindful of the influence of your actions in the future."

    "I know. This way, please. Don''t keep the generals waiting."

    Read thetest on

    The General Staff''s map room had moved to another location, and from the intelligence Wang Zhong gathered from an overhead perspective, the room where Major General Skorobo had been killed was sealed off.

    Wang Zhong asked Olga curiously, "Why move the room?"

    Olga, "Because in that room, my father¡ªthe traitor from Ante¡ªmet his end. Plus, you killed Major General Skorobo there. Two high-ranking traitors have died there."

    Wang Zhong responded with an "Oh."

    Olga, "Also, the windows were shattered by the st wave during the bombardment. So it was moved to a new room, since with this weather, it''s unbearable without windows."

    As they spoke, the servants opened the doors to the new meeting room and loudly announced, "Her Majesty Tsar Olga the First, the hero of Ante, General Rokossovsky has arrived!"

    Just the title of Ante''s hero? Isn''t that title a bit brief¡ªalthough I didn''t fight for a lengthy title.

    All the generals in the room stood up.

    Wang Zhong swept his gaze across the room, feeling as if all the high-ranking generals of the capital were present¡ªalong with General Tugenev, who was always following behind him. If a bomb went off here and then, the Ante Army would possibly crumble.

    Belinsky was also sitting in the observers'' area.

    As Tsar, Olga sat in the seat of honor, and Wang Zhong also took a seat at the conference table on the right side, ranking just behind the Chief of General Staff Tukhachev and Field Marshal Boris.

    Ludm sat in the area designated for adjuncts, in the corner.

    Once everyone was seated, Tukhachev stood up, took a long stick, and stood in front of therge map.

    Seeing a huge map that covered an entire wall now triggered in Wang Zhong an involuntary association with "Xuzhou, a ce historically known for battles..."

    Tukhachev began, "Gentlemen, in December, our forces willunch aprehensive counterattack against the Prosen army within Ante territory, with the aim ofpletely eliminating the Prosen threat.

    "Many years ago, a Conqueror suffered defeat below the walls of Ye Fort, and at that time we were also ruled by a female monarch. That time weunched a staunch counterstrike and quickly defeated the Conqueror.

    "Now we believe that history will repeat itself."

    Wang Zhong, "How could it! Is now and a hundred years ago the same thing?"

    Tukhachev, "Of course we know the differences between now and a hundred years ago, but the counterattack is imperative. I propose that General Rokossovsky, who has just returned from a great victory, takemand, and I presume no one will object. In fact, in the recently concluded Karanskaya-Suhayaveli campaign, the general alreadymanded forces far beyond his rank.

    "I hear that even Major Generals Kiriyenko and Kashuk followed your orders. Now, being granted the rank of full general andmanding this glorious offensive, no one will object."

    Wang Zhong stared at Tukhachev''s face, thinking that evidently, many would have objections to this arrangement.

    He looked toward Belinsky.

    Now with the Tsar deceased and the new Tsar not yet established in prestige, the old nobility and the Secr faction''s church were already at odds, and the army was riddled with noble officers¡ª

 Chapter 311: Rocossovâ€™s Triumphant Return (Extra 19/33) (3)

    If I''m promoted to general by skipping several ranks right now, I''m afraid I''ll be roasted on the fire.

    Wang Zhong thought again about the things he had considered beforeunching the attack.

    Looking at the past six months¡ªthese five months of battle, it''s clear that Ante has significant problems, from troop organization to tactical operations, then to military thinking, and finally equipment, all are problematic.

    If we don''t properly resolve these issues, by next year when the Tiger tanks roll onto the battlefield, I estimate the situation will be even worse.

    Wang Zhong always saw himself as a war general, but now it seems he''ll also have to do the work of a paperhanger.

    The opponent is Jude, with the Fritz X that was battle-hardened in the first year of Operation Barbarossa¡ªwho knows what kind of monsters and demons will appearter.

    On Earth, the Tiger tanks'' feats of arms were frightening enough, easily knocking out several Soviet tank brigades with just onepany of Tigers.

    If Judees up with something like an E50, E75, or even the fictional E79 tanks from the games... that would be a real headache.

    Thinking of this, Wang Zhong stood up and said, "Please allow me to refuse this appointment. First, being promoted directly from a rear admiral to a general does notply with the rules. I''ve already been promoted from colonel to brigadier general, another promotion like this is not appropriate.@@novelbin@@"Secondly, I don''t believe this offensive can end the war. I think we should cautiously reim the lost territory and not underestimate the enemy.

    "Furthermore, during battle, I discovered that our current military organization, tactical thinking, operations, and equipment design are all unsuitable for the realities of the present war.

    "In the future, I hope to spend about half a year correcting these errors as much as possible."

    Tukhachev''s expression was stern, likely because he was one of the contributors to the erroneous tactical thinking, operations, and equipment designs.

    At this moment, Marshal Boris stood up to mediate: "Then can the general take up a post at the Military Command? Your brother has demonstrated remarkable work capacity in the Logistics Command. I think..."

    At this point, Wang Zhong noticed that Belinsky nodded slightly to Olga.

    Then Olga stood up with a resolve as if it took great determination, and said, "Gentlemen!"

    Her voice was clear and authoritative, the voice of the Tsar.

    Olga: "I''ve decided to promote Rocossov to lieutenant general and appoint General Rokossovsky as the dean of the Suvorov Military Academy. I believe that there he can fully address the errors he just mentioned."

    Wang Zhong was stunned: "Olga¡ªYour Majesty, I graduatedst in my ss from there."

    Olga smiled slightly: "Look at your military achievements, my dear general. Isn''t the fact that you were only thest proof that there are problems with our military education? Where are all your peers who did well in their exams?"

    Tukhachev interjected: "They were all killed in action, isn''t that obvious?"

    Olga remained unmoved: "The dean of the Suvorov Military Academy is traditionally appointed by me. I''ve made my decision and will not change it."

    Wang Zhong thought about it and agreed that it was a good idea; at least errors in military doctrine, strategic thoughts, and even tactical operations could be rectified.

    So he stood tall, and said to Olga: "As youmand, I will not disappoint Your Majesty."

    "I know you won''t." Olga revealed a smile that others might have missed, but Wang Zhong saw it clearly.

    Meanwhile, on the other side of the Blue Star.

    Near the sea around Wahumana, thest state to join the Federation in the Federation.

    Wahumana is an archipgic state, where all the locals make their living from the sea, until a few decades ago when the Federation built arge military base here.

    Ever since, locals found an additional means of earnings: making money from soldier''s pockets.

    Still, many people prefer to go out to sea to fish.

    That day, the old fisherman Santiago and his son set out to sea in their boat in pursuit of a school of fish.

    Just then, from the radio filled with static noise, a strange voice suddenly transmitted, saying: "Dora dora dora."

    Explore stories at

    Santiago frowned and tapped the radio, but no simr voice came out again.

    The old man shook his head, focusing on steering.

    Yet, his son suddenly stood up at the bow, staring nkly in the direction of the naval base.

    Santiago turned around and saw, bewildered, a plume of thick smoke rising from the direction of the naval base.

    A new page in the course of history was turning.

 Chapter 314: The Weight of Being Last (Extra 20/33)

    After dismissing the officers, Wang Zhong started to think about what to teach the students that had been thrust upon him. He walked alongside a group of professors while pondering.

    He thought carefully and realized there were too many issues with the Ante Army, feeling that whatever he lectured on wouldn''t make an immediate impact on the situation of the Ante.

    Professor Valery: "This is our wargaming building, and the first wargame room is currently reying the defense of Ye Fort."

    Wang Zhong: "Ah? Oh."

    He was intending to continue thinking about tomorrow''s lecture, but suddenly realized that everyone was looking at him with expectant eyes.

    It was obvious they were hoping Wang Zhong would say something.

    Professor Valery introduced dutifully, "Currently, students specializing in infantrymand are ying the role of our army, while the students of the Armored Troopsmand are ying the Prosens."

    Wang Zhong didn''t think much and said, "The Prussians are also very strong in infantry. In fact, their infantry''s offensive under artillery cover is a significant threat; we shouldn''t naively think of them as only good at armored troops rushing forward." Discover stories at

    The students on both sides looked at each other in confusion.A student suddenly remembered to apud and raised his hand to p once¡ª

    But Wang Zhong continued to speak and the student could only quiet down.

    Wang Zhong carefully examined the map of the exercise and shook his head.

    "You have obviously oversimplified the Prussian forces. In truth, the Prussians were able to defeat us not because their armored troops were so formidable¡ªour propaganda always focuses on this, but neglects the real situation," Wang Zhong said as he repeatedly waved his hand and walked over to a student holding a two-meter-long pole.

    Taking over the pole, he began to adjust various chess pieces on the map for the confrontation while saying, "The Prussian forces could win against us mainly because of their high level ofbined arms.

    "This is their real advantage. Take the Prussian Armored Divisions for example; in fact, they only have two armored battalions, and it''s rare to even see a division with three armored battalions.

    "But most of their armored divisions besides the two armored battalions will have an Armored Grenadier Corps, artillery battalions, anti-aircraft battalions, logistics support battalions, motorized reconnaissance battalions..."

    As he spoke, Wang Zhongpleted the map by adding the Prussian Armored Division''s subordinate units.

    "And us, some high-ranking officers have a superficial understanding of the enemy. Without a detailed investigation, they make decisions off the top of their heads. We lost ten thousand tanks in just 18 days of fighting, ten thousand! And although most of these tanks were the likes of BT and T26, there were also a considerable number of T34 and KV tanks, which were likewise lost.

    "I''ve exchanged thoughts with severalmanders of our tank divisions. These tank forces have nothing except for the tanks, naively thinking that with tanks, they''re invincible!

    "And the result? These tank divisions and corps, whichcked coordination with other troops and had nothing but tanks, vanished like bubbles under the sunlight.

    "Who was leading this foolish expansion? One of them was General Skorobo, whom I''ve already killed. Facts proved he was a Prussian spy. Another was Tsar Niki V, who died pining for Ivan¡ªthe Crown Prince.

    "There''s still one left, and that is Chief of Staff Tukhachev¡ªnow the Commander of the Western Front Army. He will be given the opportunity to prove his loyalty to the mother of Ante."

    When Wang Zhong mentioned "loyalty to the mother of Ante," he noticed several students frowning.

    Probably nobles; ording to noble terms, one should prove loyalty to the Tsar.

    Wang Zhong disregarded them: "These digressions are not our main topic for today''s discussion. What we need to discuss is how tanks should be employed.

    "Currently, who has achieved the most with tank usage among all Ante''s forces? It is I, Rocossov.

    "And my tank forces never operate alone. In fact, my division is a mechanized infantry division. I only have one tank battalion, but this battalion consists almost entirely of decorated tank operators, each crew averaging over ten Prussian tank kills.

    "Tanks can only perform best whenbined with infantry, anti-aircraft artillery, anti-tank gunners, and howitzers. The Prussians realized this early on, which is why their tank divisions¡ªor rather armored divisions¡ªhave so many non-tank units."

    Wang Zhong stopped, as his mouth had be dry from speaking. At that moment, a female student came up with a tray holding tea.

    Wang Zhong picked up the teacup, finding its temperature just right to drink, thanked her with a "thank you," and drained the cup in one go.

    After putting the cup back on the tray, he continued, "Our tank forces not only have issues with organization, but also with their use. Manymanders only know how to charge blindly, which is incorrect. The key to tank deployment, in fact, is to exploit their firepower.

    "Whether it is during tank battles against enemy tanks or providing cover for infantry attacks, it is most important to utilize the firepower.

    "This requires the tank to have as good observation and search capability as possible. The Prussian tanks all have a tankmander, andmanders like to pop their upper body out of the tank to scout. Their tanks generally have very good scouting abilities, and thetest model, the Type III G tank, evenes equipped with amander''s observation turret... Any pictures?"

    Since the room contained students specializing in armoredmand, Wang Zhong wanted to show them to give them a concept of the observation turret.

    However, the lecturer in charge of the wargame shook his head, "Not yet."

    Wang Zhong: "No problem, I also captured many intact Mark III G-type and Mark IV E-type tanks in this campaign. Students of the armoredmand program will be able to personally drive them soon and experience the advantages of these tanks."

    "The Prosen people are very good at utilizing the firepower advantage of tanks, their tanks have the best targeting devices in the world, and the precision of their cannons is also very high. The first time I won a defensive battle was at the small vige of Peniye. Prosen tank operators actually hit the window of the vige bell tower with their cannon from a distance of two kilometers."

    "Two kilometers! At that time, themander of my Divine Arrow Company was Monk Yeca Neiko, who initially insisted on setting up a firing position in the bell tower, but changed location after my opposition."

    "If I hadn''t opposed it, my fianc¨¦e¡ªthe prayer hand of Divine Arrow, Ludm, would have died under the enemy''s precise artillery fire."

    Wang Zhong stopped and looked at the students.

    From the expressions in their eyes, it was clear they were listening very intently.

    This pleased Wang Zhong immensely: "Do you understand? Utilize firepower! And the role of armor is mainly to allow the tank to sustain firepower for a longer duration! Firepower! Search for the enemy, hit on the first shot, that''s more reliable than any armor!"

    The reason Wang Zhong was saying this was because he had just been pondering how tobat Tiger tanks, and had then gone through a full round of thinking about the characteristics of the Tiger.

    As a result, he was now directly sharing some of his thoughts at the time as "actualbat experience" to the students.

    Wang Zhong: "But what about our tanks? Our tanks don''t have amander! Because those who led the development and those responsible for the review at the time believed that amander was useless, a waste of manpower! That is simply ludicrous!"

    In reality, the one who ultimately approved the design without amander was the former Tsar Nichs V, but he was dead.

    Wang Zhong: "Because our tanksck amander, or rather, themander must also serve as the gunner, this results in very poor scouting ability duringbat. If ourmanders, like their Prosen counterparts, were to stick their upper bodies out of the tank, the tank would not be able to fire."

    "This is the most ridiculous design I have ever seen."

    "Also, with our tank guns, once you have personally driven a T34, you will know that the cannon of this vehicle can''t hit anything at distances over 1000 meters, with most effective hits achieved within 500 meters."

    "Compared to the firing distance of the Prosen people, it''s absolutely inconceivable!"

    At this moment, a student raised their hand: "But the newspapers say that the T34 is invincible, beating any Prosen demons and monsters!"

    Wang Zhong: "Bullshit! Yes, the Prussians cannot effectively prate the armor of the T34 right now, but they quickly found countermeasures. As I''ve just said, the scouting ability of the T34 is poor, to put it inly, the T34 is like a blind man!

    "The Prosen people just have to circle around from the front to the side of the T34, and the T34 would then be unable to find it! Regarding this point, we can bring over the Prosen Mark III G-typeter and have a confrontation with the T34.

    "Although the Prussians are unable to prate the main armor of the T34, they can target the turret ring and break the tracks!"

    "My troops first got their hands on the T34 during the defense battle at Loktov, and at that time the Prosen''s ace tank operators dealt with our T34s just like that. If I hadn''t returned and discovered this ace crew that had already taken out several T34s and destroyed their tank, our army would have suffered immense losses."

    General Wang stopped.

    The girl who thought he might be thirsty again promptly came up with water, but Wang Zhong waved her off and instead surveyed the entire room.

    Wang Zhong: "Do you understand now? For tanks, two things are important: First, the long-range scouting ability to fully utilize firepower, and second,bined arms cooperation.@@novelbin@@

    "Armor is also important but not as crucial as it is made out to be in propaganda! We have some generals who think that as long as tanks have thick armor, everything will be fine; they think that just having tanks means they can win any battle, which is a mistake."

    Wang Zhong paused, feeling that he had said enough, especially since he hadn''t even prepared a draft for today''s talk. So he concluded with, "Any questions?"

    Immediately, a student raised their hand.

    Wang Zhong: "Go ahead."

    Student: "General, is it because of this that you came inst? Because our military theory is wrong?"

    Wang Zhong nced at the professors apanying him for the tour.

    Sweating yet?

    Wang Zhong: "Of course. And I am here to correct these mistakes! Fundamentally correct them! If we do not reverse this situation and eradicate the bad influence of incorrect military thinking, more Ante soldiers will bleed and die for nothing in the future!

    "These sacrifices are avoidable! This is why I personally requested from His Majesty Tsar Olga I to be the head of the Suvorov Military Academy!"

    After Wang Zhong spoke, he pounded heavily on therge wooden table used for tactical exercises.

    The students erupted with thunderous apuse, making the ceiling hum with vibration.

    The professors huddled in the corner exchanged nces.

 Chapter 315: Prediction (21/33 added)

    As the apuse subsided, all eyes turned towards Professor Valeri.

    With a sigh, Valeri stood up and said, "General Rocossov, topletely dismiss our theories like that may not be appropriate. Our theory primarily focuses on offense, and it''s normal to encounter some issues during defense. If we were attacking..."

    Wang Zhong looked towards the Vice Chancellor, "Regardless of offense or defense, tanks require substantial support troops. Modern warfare is abined arms conflict, and it''s also a logistical battle.

    "Our tank division, with 80 tanks, is equipped with only three tractors for towing, and we don''t have a single professional maintenance person. I''ve seen far too many tanks abandoned by the roadside for minor faults, without a tractor to tow them back, nor a professional mechanic to repair them.

    "If such a force advances, even without any resistance from the enemy, all our tanks will break down on their own in the process."

    While making these points, Wang Zhong kept his gaze fixed on Professor Valeri, leaving him no choice but to lower his head.

    Seeing that the professor had no rebuttal, Wang Zhong turned to the students and continued, "If you''ve ever been on a battlefield, you''ll know that aside from tanks that arepletely destroyed by fire, many can actually be repaired. The Prosen armored forces perform exceptionally well in all respects, especially their battlefield repairs.

    "If we lose control of the battlefield, their repair units could potentially fix a significant portion of the damaged tanks. That''s one of the reasons their tanks never seem to run out.

    "In the future, our armored forces must not only have various auxiliarybat units but also repair units. It takes much less time and cost to fix a tank than to build a new one, which is extremely important in this kind of total war."In reality, Wang Zhong¡ªor rather, "Rocossov"¡ªshouldn''t be able to know the enemy''s repair capabilities. But Wang Zhong, before his time-travel and as a military enthusiast, had read much information and had long noticed an interesting fact.

    Sturmtigers sometimes increased in number without receiving reinforcements.

    For example, at Kursk, the Imperial division reported on July 11 that they had 18 operational long-barrelled Panzer IVs (possibly F2s or Hs), and by July 13, they had 20 operational long-barrelled Panzer IVs.

    The additional two were the ones repaired.

    The long-barrelled Panzer IIIs were even more outrageous. On the 11th, they had 34 operational long-barrelled Panzer IIIs, and by the 12th, the number increased to 43, the repaired tanks outnumbering those lost in battle by a considerable margin.

    So the game Wars of Men is actually quite realistic in some respect; tanks on the battlefield can be repaired. The fantastical part lies in the fact that in the game Wars of Men, just about anybody can fix a tank.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong had already resolved to establish a repair capability within the Ante forces that wouldn''t be outdone by that of the enemy Prosen¡ªat least a local repair capability of that standard.

    That''s why he made such statements.

    Then, a student raised his hand, "But the Prosen people are about to lose the war, aren''t they? My father is an Army Group Commander, and they say that once the counter-offensive begins in December, the Prosen will lose the war. We will rapidly advance to the Prosen homnd to fulfill the agreement made in Prosennia."

    The students around him chimed in, "Yes, my father also said the same."

    "And so did mine."

    Wang Zhong saw that this was a small clique, probably all sons of military nobility.

    The first speaker continued, "Your Excellency, General, I heard that you were supposed to takemand of the Western Front Army and be promoted to full General, but you refused. Why decline such a post that could bring you a mass of military merits? My father never understood."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Did he also say that mymand abilities are not sufficient to lead a Front Army?"

    Joking aside, I havemanded millions of troops¡ªwithin the game Hearts of Iron.

    The student was somewhat embarrassed, "Well... I had an argument with my father because I greatly admire you. Um..."

    Wang Zhong turned to the instructor overseeing the opposition and said, "Switch to the map west of Ye Fort."

    The instructor immediately operated the mechanical device, causing the map on the wall to roll up and a new map to unfold with the sound of motors.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong took the two-meter-long rod in his hand and drew a line on the map, "I believe the enemy will stop our winter counteroffensive here."

    Immediate buzz filled the room, and even the most reclusive students couldn''t help but join the discussion.

    "What''s the reason?" the son of the Army Group Commander asked loudly.

    Wang Zhong replied, "First, state your name, and then we can discuss this matter."

    "Maslo Boyev."

    Hearing this name, Wang Zhong''s brows furrowed slightly, "Aren''t you a noble?"

    The construction of that name didn''t seem like that of an Ante person since itcked a patronymic.

    Maslo Boyevughed, "Why would the nobility admire you? To them, you''re a traitor. Can you answer my question now?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Your father is..."

    Maslo: "Lieutenant General Bayev, Commander of the 21st Army Group."

    Wang Zhong: "I''m d to meet you, Maslo. I''m here to tell you why I think we can only advance this far. First is logistics. If the enemy were to establish arge logistical node, it would be along this line. By the time we reach this line, the enemy''s supply situation would greatly improve.

    "Next, this line has terrain suitable for defense, with the Duva River to the south. The north, although t ins with no rivers, is home to our defensive fortifications. These structures didn''t stop the enemy, but they will block us in turn.

    "The Prosen Army, even when the Karanskaya encirclement was closing in, still had the will to resist. At that time, they were starving, short of ammunition, and without antifreeze lubricant, yet they still caused us considerable casualties."

    After finishing his exnation, Wang Zhong took a two-meter pole, held it as a rifle, and asked, "Any questions?"

    Professor Valery: "At this time¡­ it''s best not to say things that elevate the enemy''s morale and undermine our own prestige¡­"

    Wang Zhong: "I am a military man. If I were naive, it could lead to thousands of casualties."

    Maslo: "Are you suggesting that General Tukhachev, Commander of the Western Front Army, is naive?"

    Wang Zhong: "What I am saying is that anyone who thinks they can quickly defeat the Prosen Empire is being naive. This will be a protracted war."

    After Wang Zhong spoke, the entire room fell quiet, in stark contrast to the thunderous apuse from earlier.

    At that moment, another student spoke up: "So, bearing the titles of the Empire''s Iron Wall and Imperial War God, you''ve receded to the rear? Are you nning to re-emerge when victory is near?"

    With that contemptuous tone, Wang Zhong boldly guessed that this young man was from the Aristocratic faction.

    Wang Zhong: "State your name."

    "Alexei Petrovich Valkov, son of Duke Peter Alexandrovich Valkov." Read chapters at

    Wang Zhong: "I have temporarily left the front lines to solve identified problems. My Guard''s First Mechanized Infantry Division has already gone to the Kubinka training base. I hope to use it as a temte to establish a series of new divisions, so that they are not cut open and prated by the Prussians like cutting tofu.

    "I also n to correct the design ws of the T34 and develop a more powerful tank. Additionally, I have quite a few opinions on our Air Force''s equipment."

    Valkov challenged: "Even you must admit that our T34s are already good enough, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "Good enough? No, it is only good when facing the enemy''s short-barreled tanks like the Mark III and IV. Once the enemy upgrades to long-barreled guns, they will not be good enough. Particrly, the poor long-range firing capability will lead to the massive sacrifice of our tank operators, and then we will never amass a sufficiently experienced group of ace tank operators."

    In fact, we could build such a group, but not enough, and they live by a thread, with only extremely lucky vic supermen surviving post-war.

    Valkov: "Do you also believe in that theory that Prussians are a superior race, to make such a definitive im that they will develop better tanks?"

    Such a heavy usation!

    Wang Zhong: "The T34''s ability to win an anti-tank shell confrontation is due to its excellent shape. That shape can be learned; anyone can learn it. It has nothing to do with the superiority of a race. Of course, I question when the enemy will be able to learn it.

    "Before that happens, I believe they will first try to equip their tanks with longer-barreled guns. This is easy to do."

    Valkov: "It''s surprising that you, our Highness, are so afraid of the Prussians. No wonder you said we could win only thanks to General Mud and General Winter."

    Wang Zhong: "Using the climate to our advantage is an important ability for a general. I don''t think there''s anything shameful about that. But we can only use this once; by next year, the Prussians will be prepared.

    "Therefore, we also need to prepare for a more severe battle situation. By the beginning of next year, when the muddy conditions subside, the Ante Army may have to pay a heavy price to stop the enemy''s summer offensive. I don''t want to see soldiers dying in vain again due to errors in military doctrine and stupidity in equipment design."

    Valkov: "But that design was approved by the former Tsar himself!"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, and then that design caused the death of a lot of people, including my father and my good brothers. Whether the former Tsar died from missing the fallen Crown Prince or from guilt, I think is questionable."

    Actually, many in Ye Fort knew that the Tsar died a traitor, but nobody openly talked about it.

    Alexei Petrovich Valkov snorted: "Let''s see then; given the enemy''s current state, their counterattack will soon reach the line you''ve drawn!"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, I hope we won''t suffer too heavily in front of the enemy''s new defensive line."

    After speaking, he turned around and looked at the traces he had pressed into the map with the long pole.

    A few secondster, he decided not to dwell on things he couldn''t influence and instead focus on finishing the tasks at hand, one by one.

    After visiting the school today, he would go directly to the Ordnance Department. After all, Wang Zhong was still the chairman of the Special Military Equipment Review Committee, which currently had no office location or structure, meaning he was the solemander without support.

    But ording to themittee''s functions, it was responsible for reevaluating current equipment production based on the actual needs of the battlefield.

    That description implied significant authority.

    Wang Zhong intended to rush to the Ordnance Department and use his title to force improvements in the equipment currently in production.

 Chapter 316: Delighted to Obtain a Level 5 Clerk Position

    Having decided to visit the Ordnance Department, Wang Zhong nned to finish the school''s procedures quickly.

    So, he scanned the entire tactical training room and asked, "Any more questions? Feel free to ask, my gun is on safety."

    Many students began tough. From their appearance, it was impossible to tell whether they were nobility ormoners. However, Maslo Boyev and the group of students around himughed most uninhibitedly, leading Wang Zhong to surmise that they were ofmoner origin.

    Students with grim expressions, on the other hand, were gathered around Duke Aleksei Petrovich Valkov¡ªif one was an heir, ording to Ante''s custom, they would be referred to by their father''s title as long as the father was still alive.

    Wang Zhong, observing the scene, immediately grasped theplexity of Ante''s current situation.

    He decided that when the visit ended and he returned to the principal''s office, he would have a thorough discussion with Vice Principal Valeriy about the tensions between the noble andmoner students.

    Wang Zhong: "No more questions?"

    At that moment, Maslo Boyev raised his hand: "General! Did you really kill that many enemy generals?"

    "No. I can confirm two that I killed, one that was wounded, and the rest were prisoners taken during a series of counter-attacks I led in November. I haven''t killed many enemy generals, but I''ve caught quite a few," Wang Zhong replied, then added after a pause, "When we encircle and annihte them by the hundreds of thousands, there will be even more of their generals taken prisoner.Eventually, we''ll also have to capture their Emperor Reinhard."

    Excitedly, Maslo Boyev asked, "Will you execute Emperor Reinhard with a firing squad?"

    Wang Zhong instinctively wanted to say that Reinhard would be publicly tried and then executed upon capture, but in the moment before he spoke, he remembered the faces of many who had passed away.

    He then recalled a movie he loved as a child called "The Guerris of the ins," which featured a child who always yed with a bullet until the child was brutally killed by the enemy.

    The protagonist, Li Xiangyang, kept that bullet until the end of the film, when he finally loaded it into his shotgun.

    <img data-y-imgId="10066978" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10066978/64489a3ec290b561f989297c81c4a2370rIPd9r92F15OR0.jpg">

    Wang Zhong was always deeply impressed by this scene and did not forget it even as he grew up.

    Reinhard, you''d better resist to the very end, and then let me personally put an end to you, son of a bitch.

    To hell with procedural justice; this is a matter of national and personal vendetta, as well as my own private hatred.

    "Yes," he said, "I will personally finish him off."

    As his words fell, thunderous apuse broke out, even the noble-born students pped.

    Wang Zhong: "Any other questions?"

    "General, will you marry Her Majesty Olga I?"

    "No," Wang Zhong denied decisively, "My fianc¨¦e has been fighting alongside me until now, and I would not betray her, just as I would not betray Mother Ante."

    Instead of apuse, there was a buzz of whispers as it seemed that these children, who had never been to the frontlines, were still very interested in gossip¡ªno, those who had been to the frontlines liked gossip too.

    Wang Zhong pped the table: "Any other questions? Military-rted!"

    However, everyone seemed only interested in the general''s family life.

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, feeling that there would be plenty of timeter to pass on his realbat experiences to them, then said, "Since you have no more questions, let''s call it a day. Continue with the map exercises, following the enemy characteristics I just described!"

    With that, Wang Zhong turned and headed straight for the door, with the professors hurriedly following.@@novelbin@@

    Just as Wang Zhong stepped out, a Judge approached and saluted, "Respected Principal, I am a representative from Tribunal at the Suvorov Military Academy. Regarding the young Duke Alexei Petrovich Valkov and his father, they have been under our close watch.

    "However, as we have recently executed many of those in the surrender faction, the higher-ups have judged it best to dy any action to avoid further loss of control of the situation. Therefore, we are only to take action when we find definite evidence of their coboration with Prosen."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    He could already imagine what capturing the surrender faction had been like; after all, he had personally executed General Skorobo, who had not been gged in red by an external mark, so he probably was not a spy. But now he was.

    Professor Valeriy, who hade out with him, heard the words of the Tribunal representative and immediately took a step back.

    The representative grinned at him and said, "Vice Principal Valeriy, we can be sure of your loyalty."

    Valeriy breathed a sigh of relief, then regained hisposure and said to Wang Zhong, "Shall we continue the campus tour?"

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Afterwards, Wang Zhong visited the entire campus, where he discovered that the Armored Troops training grounds at the Suvorov Military Academy were quite small, and their training equipment was the T35 tank¡ªa multi-turret, vulnerable machine.

    When Wang Zhong inquired about the training equipment, Vice Principal Valeriy assured him that T26 and BT7 tanks would soon be delivered.

    Compared to the modest armored training facilities, the Military Academy had veryprehensive cavalry training infrastructure, with courses covering everything from quality horse breeding to cavalry tactics.

    Although cavalry had indeed yed a significant role in the recent Karanskaya counteroffensive, and Wang Zhong himself had been helped by cavalry twice, this branch''s utility was essentially on an "if needed" basis.

    When Wang Zhong asked about the cavalry, Vice Principal Valeriy said, "Our emphasis on armored troops only started after Tukhachev became the Chief of Staff. Before that, our main military thought was that cavalry was the decisive factor and tanks were like enhanced versions of the armored cars used during the Civil War¡ªjust fortified machine-gun carts."

    Well, Ante was even more behind the times than I thought.

    Thest stop of the visit was the principal''s office.

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered the principal''s office, he saw arge empty space on the wall, and the color of the ster in that spot was clearly lighter than the surrounding area, indicating that a painting had once hung there.

    So he pointed to the empty space and asked, "What happened here?"

    Professor Valery replied, "Well, normally, a full-length portrait of the principal would hang here. Your predecessor and you were not on good terms, and he refused the offer to continue teaching, so he retired and returned home."

    Wang Zhong questioned, "How can this be allowed? Was he a level six bureaucrat?"

    Professor Valery replied with some embarrassment, "We are all soldiers."

    Wang Zhong pressed, "Then he is retired now, isn''t he? Does he have a job locally? What level is that job?"

    Valery looked up at the ceiling as if trying to recollect the bureaucratic ranking, and after a moment said, "I really don''t know. ording to the ranks, the former principal should have been a level five bureaucrat."

    Wang Zhong was pleased and said, "That''s even better. Quickly invite him to my City Defense Command to serve as a bureaucrat! No, my Ordnance Committee also needs bureaucrats ¨C get him toe over."

    After the old school director had joined Wang Zhong''s staff office, Pavlov''splexion visibly improved.

    These old guys with a lot of bureaucratic experience were treasures, all of them brought in to handle documents and stamp approvals. Continue your journey on

    If he wasn''t cut out for military affairs, they simply wouldn''t let him deal with military matters.

    Professor Valery was clearly embarrassed, "Really, should we do this? Wouldn''t this be too insulting?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "How can serving the mother of Ante be an insult? Watch your words!"

    Professor Valery then said, "But... please don''t send a Judge to ''invite'' him..."

    Wang Zhong countered, "If I don''t send a Judge, will hee out of retirement?"

    Valery fell silent for a few seconds before saying, "Let me write him a letter to persuade him first, may I?"

    Wang Zhong spoke slyly, "Write a letter, and I''ll have the Judge bring it with him to invite the man."

    Vice-Principal Professor Valery requested, "Then... please allow me to make a phone call to him first."

    Wang Zhong agreed, "Make sure you tell him, if he runs, then it''s confirmed that he''s a traitor, a Prosen spy. Tell him to wait at home."

    Wang Zhong wasn''t returning triumphantly to bully others; he mainly wanted to see just how capable a level five bureaucrat was.

    A level six was already capable of sorting out all the misceneous things in a division, directing the entire staff office. He couldn''t even begin to imagine what a level five would be like.

    Professor Valery looked worried, seemingly having misunderstood. His expression even carried a hint of sorrow for the misfortune of another.

    Wang Zhong pretended not to notice and pointed to the empty space where the frame had been, "What about this? It doesn''t look good empty."

    Professor Valery responded promptly, "We could have a portrait painted for you. We have already contacted an artist; as soon as you have some free time, he can start."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "I don''t have the time. Instead, have the artist go to my division headquarters at Kubinka, find my official car and my beloved horse Bucephalus, and paint the two of them together to hang in this room."

    "Certainly, I will notify the artist," said Professor Valery.

    Wang Zhong turned his attention to the other decorations in the room, but soon found them boring, and suggested, "Take away all these paintings, and hang a map for me instead, aplete map of Ante, and it would be best to include the entirety of Prosen."

    "Yes," answered Valery.

    Wang Zhong looked southward, observing the vast equestrian grounds of the Suvorov Military Academy through the massive floor-to-ceiling windows, and beyond that, the royal woonds.

    Wang Zhong dered, "The equestrian field outside should bepletely converted to an armored training ground, with all horse riding and cavalry-rted courses moved to a nearby horse farm. There is a horse farm nearby, isn''t there?"

    "Yes, we have one specifically for supplying us with horses," replied Valery with utmost respect.

    Wang Zhong nodded, then approached the desk and saw three telephone sets. He inquired, "What does each of these telephones correspond to?"

    "The red one has a direct line to the Summer Pce..."

    Wang Zhong watched the red telephone, as if fearing it might suddenly ring.

    Valery continued, "The two ck phones are ordinary lines, using two different lines so you won''t miss any important calls."

    Wang Zhong asked, "I see there''s a dial on this telephone; do I have to dial the numbers myself?"

    "No, you can simply ask the operator to connect you to the ce you wish to call."

    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong immediately picked up the receiver of the ck telephone, "Operator, connect me to the headquarters of the 1st Guards Motor Rifle Division at Kubinka."

    "Certainly," a pleasant female voice responded.

    Shortly after, Pavlov''s voice came through, "1st Guards Motor Rifle, go ahead."

    Wang Zhong spoke, "It''s me. Do we still have any of the enemy''s Mark III G and Mark IV E tanks that we captured?"

    Pavlov replied, "Yes, General. We also have the Mark III assault guns. We sent three of each model to the Ordnance Department as is, and we''ve kept the rest. Did I do the right thing?"

    Wang Zhong affirmed, "You did exactly right. Now, send one of each to the Suvorov Military Academy. I need them tomorrow¡ªno, the day after tomorrow. I want to personally show the cadets the excellent tank design of the enemy. Also, send over one T-34 and one T-34 W."

    Pavlov acknowledged, "Understood. They will be delivered before the day after tomorrow."

 Chapter 317: Rocossov Makes a Scene at the Ordnance Department

    After hanging up the receiver, Wang Zhong nced at Professor Valery: "I''ll leave the task of calling and writing to the former principal to you. Once you''ve handled it, give me the letter and I will have the Judge invite him to mymittee."

    Valery nodded in agreement.

    Wang Zhong pondered for a moment, recalling what he had thought of during his visit, and then asked, "Is the conflict between the students of noble birth and those ofmon birth in the school very severe?"

    "Extremely severe. When you and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince were at the school, you could somewhat ease the tension. But now..."

    The two of us, one a great noble and the other the Crown Prince, were actually able to ease the conflict with themoners?

    Are these two really profligates?

    No, that''s not important. They''re both gone now.

    Wang Zhong: "Has this tense situation persisted for a long time?"

    Professor Valery nodded: "Yes, it started after the civil war. The rules set by the Church state that at least half of the students at the academy each year must be ofmon birth."At first, the nobility purposely rmended unintelligentmoners to enter the school. After the Church discovered this, they began making the rmendations for enrollment.

    "Since then, the conflict has never stopped and has even extended into the army. By the way, in recent years, the higher the technical requirements of a branch of the military, the higher the proportion ofmoners. You see, there are quite a fewmoner officers in the Armored Troops."

    Wang Zhong was shocked: "Why?"

    Professor Valery''s expression could be summarized in one sentence: "How do you not know?"

    Wang Zhong guessed: "Is it because the nobility spend too much time on pastimes like balls and horse races?"

    Professor Valery nodded: "Exactly. Incidentally, the cavalry has the highest proportion of nobles among its officers."

    Wang Zhong: "After all, they spent a lot of time on horse racing, it''s understandable."

    Having said this, Wang Zhong thought for a moment and realized that after asking about this matter, there really weren''t other things for him to do at the school, so he swiftly decided to head to the Ordnance Department!

    At that moment, Valery asked: "Do you intend to undertake military reforms for the Ante Army?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "I suppose so. I don''t have aplete concept yet, but my current thought is to start with specific tactics and armaments, and then to establish some elite divisions modeled after the structure of the guards'' mechanized infantry."

    Valery deliberated for a moment before speaking up: "Then you should start writing a new tactical manual while you work on specific tasks. After all, you can only teach those whoe to the school here, but a manual distributed throughout the army would enable many more to learn."

    Wang Zhong had also thought about writing one before; in fact, when he had arrived at Ye Fort in August, he had written a booklet. The impression he had at the time was that the manual was almost written off in haste, but thankfully Ludm had helped.

    Seeing that Wang Zhong was seriously considering this, Valery quickly said: "You should hire a typist toplete these manuals through dictation, and if possible, pair them with an editor who understands the military to assist with illustrations."

    Wang Zhong: "Are you suggesting I find someone?"

    "Yes, while you''re still in the rear."

    Wang Zhong: "Hmm, this is good advice, I''ll think about it."

    After saying this, he checked the time and said, "I''m off to the Ordnance Department now, we can talk about thister."

    When Wang Zhong entered the Ordnance Department, he attracted the attention of all those entering and leaving.

    Suddenly, a man dressed like a worker but wearing sses thick as the bottom of a wine bottle charged at Wang Zhong.

    The Judges immediately sprang into action, two of them stepping forward to intercept the man while another took up a shooting position.

    "I''m a designer! I''vee today to participate in the Ordnance Department''s tender! In my hands are the design ns for a reduced-charge bullet rifle that can fire continuously, with decent uracy even at 700 meters!"

    Wang Zhong: "Then how much does your rifle weigh?"

    "The rifle weighs six kilograms when unloaded, much lighter than a machine gun!"

    Wang Zhong: "Reduce the effective range to 400 meters, and as long as it can hit a half-body target at 400 meters with semi-automatic fire, it will be deemed eptable. Then, bring thebat weight of the gun with a 30-round magazine down to 4.5 kilograms.

    Also, the failure rate must be low, even if it hasn''t been oiled, or if it''s been buried in sand and left in the sun for a day, it should fire immediately after being dug out."

    Actually, the reliability of an AK was not as exaggerated as implied; it still required careful maintenance, cleaning, and oiling. However, making excessive demands while setting requirements was fine.

    After all, as Lu Xun said, to open a window, one might first suggest lifting the roof.

    At that moment, many designers sitting on the benches in the hall lowered their heads to their own designs¡ªit seemed they were all there to respond to the call for a new model of rifle.

    It must have been Olga who conveyed Wang Zhong''sst request to the Ordnance Department, and then she essentially took on the role of Tsar, prompting the Ordnance Department to hurry and initiate a project and start the tendering process.

    Wang Zhong heard a designer mutter, "These requirements are pure fantasy, impossible to achieve."

    The designer muttered to himself, "Sacrificing long-range performance in pursuit of firepower, and with this weight, it''s intended for individual soldiers to carry. So the whole approach of treating this project like a light machine gun is fundamentally wed. We need aplete redesign."

    Wang Zhong paid no attention to these firearms designers and headed straight for the innermost elevator. His target was Sergey, the General Director of the Ordnance Department.

    The office of the Director of the Ordnance Department, like those of other Ante department heads, was spacious¡ªWang Zhong''s own office as principal was alsorge, with a desk big enough to y pool on.

    As Wang Zhong entered the room, besides General Sergey with the five stars on his epaulettes, there was another guy whose hair and the thickness of his sses made him look very much like an engineer.

    Upon seeing Wang Zhong, the first thing General Sergey asked was, "I wasn''t informed that anyone wasing for an inspection today?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "That''s because the Equipment Review Committee hasn''t been set up yet. No one notified you."

    Sergey put down the photo he was holding and said, "Then, Your Excellency the Chairman, what brings you here?"

    Wang Zhong answered, "Mainly to say hello. After all, I''m sure I will cause a lot of trouble for the Ordnance Department in the future. Please believe this is to avoid more Ante soldiers dying in vain because of poor weaponry."

    Before Sergey could respond, the engineer-looking fellow interjected, "What a thing to say! I admit that there are problems with the BT series and the T26, causing a lot of casualties, but isn''t the T34 a masterpiece?"

    Wang Zhong retorted, "Are you talking about the masterpiece that can''t hit an enemy beyond 1000 meters?"

    The engineer argued, "That''s because the sights were designed for engaging the enemy at distances between 600 and 800 meters. If you''re shooting at 1000 meters, you clearly don''t understand the weapon."

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows in frustration. It was the first time he heard that the T34''s sights were primarily forbat within 800 meters.

    He wondered whether this was a characteristicmon to both worlds or a problem specific to Ante''s supply.

    800 meters?

    The ace tank operators of Prosen can hit a bell tower window from 2000 meters away, and here you''re telling me the design engagement range is only 800 meters?

    Wang Zhong could not help but curse out loud, "What kind of idiot designed this?"

    The engineer stood tall and proud: "I designed it. I studied Castilian tank warfare and found that most tank firing distances are within 800 meters, so the sights are sufficient for that range."

    Wang Zhong strode over and pped him across the face, knocking the man to the ground, then drew his pistol, "You damned Prosen spy, you''ve caused the death of our best-trained tank operators!"

    General Sergey said, "Major General, if you wish to improve the T34 tanks, there''s no better designer than Valentin. If the actualbat range is further than he anticipated, you could just say so."

    Wang Zhong replied, "It''s true that our forces rarely destroy enemy tanks beyond 800 meters in actualbat."

    The engineer, lying on the ground despite facing the pistol, let out a self-satisfiedugh.

    Wang Zhong continued, "But the enemy often takes out our tanks at distances of 1000 meters. We''ve captured their tanks, intact, and you should see how excellent the enemy''s sights are!

    "In Orachi, when I ambushed the enemy, we only achieved a one-third hit rate, and the main reasons were these terrible sights and the poor calibration of the main gun!

    "This man ims to have studied Castilian tank tactics, so why did the Prosen designerse to a different conclusion? He''s either a spy with an agenda or an idiot. Either way, he should no longer be the designer of the T34; he should be dismissed!"

    General Sergey''s face turned ashen. He said to Wang Zhong, "You have the right to make such a demand. But I must remind you, we need tanks now, and it would take a long time for the factories to switch to a different product line, with a significant drop in efficiency at the start."

    The General nced at the charts on the desk, "When Raoul''s factories resume production, we could reallocate more resources to produce your T34Ws, provided we get enough radios. Currently, our radio production capacity is almost entirely taken by the Air Force."

    Wang Zhong replied, "The T34W isn''t enough! The enemy has suffered in armor-piercing round resistance and will want to change that."

    The General continued, "Yes, but that will take time. I estimate it will be three years before the enemy''s tanks designed against the T34 enter the battlefield. By then, the enemy will have already lost. Oh, sorry, I forgot you''re of the opinion that Prosen won''t be quickly defeated."

    Wang Zhong said, "We need a new weapon, one that when entrusted to experienced crew, can detect the enemy and fire at 1500 meters, achieving a first-shot hit rate of 33% or higher¡ªthe higher, the better!"

    Wang Zhong had actually seen how big the Mark III and IV were at a distance of 1500 meters, so he didn''t set the hit rate too high.

    Hitting one out of three would actually be quite good.

    Continue your adventure with

    Perfect uracy was the hallmark of battle-hardened elites; training alone probably wouldn''t achieve that.

    General Sergey shook his head, "I understand your desire for better sights, but... our best optical ss factory was lost in the first week of the war, and engineers and workers had no time to evacuate.

    "Now we can only produce the kind of sights currently installed on the T34, even though the ss for these sights has many ws, even bubbles, I mean, right in the middle of the ss."

    Wang Zhong''s mouth formed an ''O'' shape.

    General Sergey added, "So, we can discuss the problems we''re encountering with military production. Could you let go of my son-inw first?"

 Chapter 318: Dilemma (Makeup 22/33)

    Wang Zhong looked down at the clearly unconvinced engineer and said, "No, I have thought of a better solution. You will take part in tank crew training and then be deployed to the front lines to drive a T34 tank without radio. Today is November 23, 914. If you fight on the frontline until November 23, 915, then you cane back and talk to me about your tank designs."

    Having said that, he stood up, turned off the safety of his pistol, and looked at General Sergey, "Do you have any objections?"

    General Sergey: "Personnel reassignments require orders from Military Command..."

    "There will be orders from Military Command. Letting him experience firsthand what he has designed will help him establish a correct understanding. If he doesn''t go, General Sergey, I''m sure you know that without my approval, none of your new products or improved models of existing ones can go into production."

    General Sergey: "Fine, let my son-inw experience his own creation then. But I must remind you that he is..."

    Wang Zhong: "He is an idiot; if not an idiot, then he is a spy. Now let''s talk about the ss issue. Can''t we produce optical ss now?"

    General Sergey: "We can produce it, but the quality is very poor. If you want a scope with performance as good as the Prussians'', we can only use the ones we''ve captured. Binocrs and gunner''s scopes are also affected."

    Wang Zhong: "What else is affected?"

    General Sergey disyed a rueful smile: "Everything is affected, especially explosives; we''ve lost twenty percent of our explosives production capacity."Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow: "That seems manageable? The loss isn''t so great."

    General Sergey: "But our fertilizer production capacity has dropped to twenty percent of its original output. Do you understand what I mean?"

    Wang Zhong''s mouth gaped open; wartime expansion of explosives production mainly relied on converting fertilizer production capacity, and without the fertilizer capacity, conversion was impossible.

    Furthermore, during peacetime, the consumption of explosives wasn''t high, being used mainly for mining and such, so explosives production should have been scaled up for war.

    Otherwise, there wouldn''t even be enough for ammunition filler.

    The Prussians had trouble delivering shells, while Ante had its production capped.

    Both the Crouching Dragon and the Young Phoenix.

    General Sergey continued: "What''s worse, with the fertilizer production capacity reduced to this extent, agriculture will definitely be affected next year. But the good news is that we don''t have that muchnd left to cultivate. Considering only the high-quality agricultural areas, we only have forty percent left, so the shortfall isn''t toorge."

    This is supposed to be good news? This is clearly a joke from hell!

    With that, Sergey pushed a thick binder full of tables towards Wang Zhong: "For other reductions, please refer to this table."

    Wang Zhong picked up the table and quickly leafed through it, finding a huge downward arrow next to all production data.

    After about thirty pages, Wang Zhong set down the table, his expression grave¡ªthere were at least thirty more pages to go.

    He seemed to mutter to himself: "It turns out that what we urgently need right now is not improvements to the ws in our weapons and equipment. What we urgently need is support from the Federation."

    General Sergey: "Exactly. The entire year of 915 will be very difficult for us without external assistance. This is why the logistics department supports the idea of a swift victory, because otherwise, next year will be too challenging.

    "Do you understand? We all actually know your theory is correct, and Tukhachev probably knows it too. But we are in a tougher spot than Prosen¡ªthough not at the point of copse, next year we will be walking a tightrope. If the enemy causes us to lose eleven thousand tanks in eighteen days like they did this year, then the war cannot continue.

    "Of course, you''ve achieved very impressive results in battle, and with the Federation now in the war, we will likely receive support from the Federation. For this, I am more thankful to you than anyone else."

    Wang Zhong was astounded.

    General Sergey: "Of course, improvements to weaponry must also continue. We expect Raoul''s factory to start trial production in April next year. As long as we don''t take radio supply into ount, we can have this factory devote all its efforts to producing the T34W, leaving the space for radio instation empty.

    "Ye Fort''s United Machinery nt currently also has a production line very familiar with producing your T34W, although the output isn''t high.

    "I agree to do this because the forces really report the T34W to be superior to the standard T34. I was just convincing my son-inw, but he remains stubborn, insisting that the T34W requires twice or even three times the man-hours to producepared to the T34..."

    Wang Zhong: "But a single T34W, if used properly, can achieve five to six times the effectiveness of a T34."

    "I know," General Sergey looked at his son-inw, who had just gotten up, holding his face, "so I was convincing him... Well, perhaps sending him to the front lines is a good idea. Alright, Valentin, you can go now."

    The engineer, holding his face, left.

    General Sergey then spoke to Wang Zhong in a more solemn tone: "If the war really continues, whether we can get assistance from the Federation¡ªand how much we can get¡ªwill be the key. Unfortunately, that''s something beyond my control.

    "As for the internal matters of the Ordnance Department, I assure you we will give full consideration to your suggestions. Many engineers are very obstinate; you can''t send each one to the front lines, someone has to stay and design things."

    Wang Zhong: "No, I''m not sending everyone to the front. I''m sending those stubborn fools who ignore frontline feedback and overestimate themselves to the front. If the engineers are cooperative and listen to the frontline feedback, I won''t send them away."

    General Sergey nodded: "Alright, you have the logical high ground on this matter, and given your father and manyrades have already sacrificed themselves on the battlefield, you certainly have the right to send my son-inw to the battlefield as well.

    "Besides the T34, what else needs to be improved?"

    Wang Zhong: "I''ll write you a detailed report, and I will also have the technical officers who use various equipment under mymand produce a detailed report as well; they are currently resting at Kubinka."

    General Sergey: "I promise to study these reports carefully, and I will make sure that the engineers working on the relevant projects do too. Is there anything else I can do for you?"

    Wang Zhong: "I need a new weapon, an armored vehicle whose main gun should still have a certain pration ability at a distance of 1500 meters, such as a vertical pration depth of 110 millimeters."

    "At the same time, its shells should ensure enough lethality after prating the enemy armor."

    "It should be easy to maintain with a low failure rate. The high failure rate of the KV tanks now is due to the engines being too weak and the vehicles being too heavy..."

    Sergey interrupted Wang Zhong: "Our engine technology isn''t really good."

    This was the same as on Earth; after all, the engine is the "jewel in the crown of the industry," and during World War II, many Soviet engines were produced under licenses from others, and some engines even came with blueprints and technical materials from the Sturmtiger¡ªjust to lull the Soviets into a false sense of camaraderie.

    Wang Zhong: "I know our engine technology is not great. So I''m thinking first, we should introduce high-powered engines from the Federation, and it would be best if we could obtain the blueprints and production authorization."

    "Second, before the Federation''s new engines are in ce, we should produce a simplified, armored gun carrier. In fact, the ZIS-30 was well-received in my division. But it is too exposed, and without a turret, it can only ambush from prepared positions."

    "We could produce a gun carrier with a turret and vehicle body capable of withstanding heavy machine gun fire, which would be much lighter than the T34. We might even be able to utilize the production lines for the BT series..."@@novelbin@@

    "That''s impossible," Sergey interrupted Wang Zhong, "The BT series of tanks cannot be fitted with the caliber of gun you require."

    Wang Zhong: "Are you certain?"

    "Of course. I may not be an artillery expert, but I have worked at the Ordnance Department for fifteen years; I know that the caliber of gun that can meet your requirements won''t be small, and the barrel won''t be short, either."

    That was indeed true; any old weapons engineer would realize upon hearing Wang Zhong''s requirements that such a cannon would certainly be long, ck, and thick.

    General Sergey continued: "Such a cannon, with just the barrel weight alone, is not to be underestimated, and when you add in the breech, recoil mechanisms, stabilizers, and so on, that turret won''t be small. I suspect even the T34W''s turret couldn''t amodate this thing."

    Wang Zhong: "Then let''s build a bigger turret..."

    "Currently, thergest turret we can build is the one for your T34W. To make this turret, we even imported a special verticalthe from Prosen, and we''ve copied this type ofthe, but we''ve never found a tank that has to be produced with this kind ofthe because even the turret ring for the KV tank is less than 1600 millimeters in diameter."

    So, they''ve procured machinery capable of producingrger turret rings just to show off with Parade Tanks for the rich and vain, and now it provided the foundation to manufacture evenrger turrets?

    The more Wang Zhong understood the situation, the more dreadfully thoughtful he became.

    In addition, Wang Zhong realized something¡ªthe Sherman''s ring diameter is 1753 millimeters, which is why the British could mount the 17-pounder gun on the Sherman to create the Firefly tank destroyer!

    Wang Zhong gathered his thoughts and said to General Sergey: "First, let''s find a cannon. Once we''ve found the cannon, we''ll see if we can fit it into the existing turret. For example, we can consider reducing some of the things inside the turret, or removing the top armor..."

    Hmm? Wang Zhong suddenly stopped speaking at this point; this setup looked somewhat familiar.

    Isn''t this the Hellcat?

    <img data-y-imgId="10067376" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10067376/3efe95b028fced556701c1f754d6a352f3TC47xN07USvwc.jpg"> Experience tales with

    A Soviet-version Hellcat?

    Wang Zhong was very familiar with the Hellcat because in the game War Thunder, his favorite vehicle from World War II was this fast-running, reliable cannon.

    What''s not to love about the Hellcat or the T50?

    However, the biggest w of the Hellcat was that it was hard on themander. Since itcked a roof, themander sat high up, causing them to stick out of the turret.

    Of course, Wang Zhong''s ultimate goal was to build a tank with reliable armor so that Ante''s elite Tank Operators could survive.

    The survival rates of the Guards Motor Rifle Division''s Tank Operators were already high, so they were likely the most experienced Tank Operators in all of Ante at the moment.

    For the next six months, as long as they trained hard, turned their basic skills into muscle memory, and were matched with reliable equipment, they would be ready to go tiger hunting.

    This n, however, was just a temporary solution while waiting for more powerful engines. Once a reliable engine was obtained in the future, it was time to consider upgrading the armor to withstand armor-piercing rounds.

    General Sergey looked at Wang Zhong. "Hmm, a simplified turret? We can try that, let''s choose a cannon first. I have the performance data of all our current models of cannons here for you to pick from."

    "I''d like to remind you that developing a new cannon might take even longer than developing a new tank," Sergey added"

    Wang Zhong: "I''m aware, hand me the data."

 Chapter 319: Look at this cannon, itâ€™s thick and long

    General Sergey shoved a brick-like object that reminded Wang Zhong of an "encyclopedia" into his hands, "For you."

    Wang Zhong looked at the book, pondered for a moment, and then set it aside, saying to Sergey, "I''ll take a copy of this back with me for a detailed review. Could you rmend some excellent artillery pieces?"

    General Sergey replied, "Isn''t the 57mm gun used on the current ZIS-30 good enough? We were actually nning to shut down the production line for the 57 and switch to mass-producing the 76mm ZIS-3."

    Wang Zhong responded, "That piece is indeed good, but the barrel is a bit heavy."

    The Ante Army actually had two calibers of 76mm guns: one was the ZIS-3 anti-tank gun, generally equipped in the Anti-tank Battalion, and the other was a 76mm infantry gun equipped by the infantry troops¡ªthis gun used the carriage of a 45mm anti-tank gun.

    Because of the Red Army''s sudden increase in demand for anti-tank guns, Earth''s history saw most carriages used to produce the 45mm anti-tank guns. Consequently, the 76mm short-barrel infantry guncked fame due to its minimal production.

    Incidentally, because of the weight issue with the 76 anti-tank gun, it was generally assigned at the division level and asionally served as a howitzer.

    This was why the 45mm anti-tank gun was used until the end of the war on Earth: it was light, with two people being able to push it and run, and although it couldn''t prate the thicker armor of mid-war tanks, it was effective against half-tracked vehicles.

    The Sturmtigers had arge number of half-tracked vehicles, unlike the Red Army which only had a significant number of tanks, the apanying infantry could only ride on the tanks.As Wang Zhong recalled this knowledge that transcended time and space, he continued, "Moreover, the prative ability of the 76 is currently sufficient, but surely the enemy will increase their defenses. In fact, we''ve already captured two model H Mark III tanks, which have added extra armor on the front. Experience more content on

    And the frontline troops have mounted tank tracks on top of the already thickened armored tes."

    The Prussians used tank tracks as armor, ced on the front of the tank body, not only increasing protection but also serving as spare parts if the tracks were damaged.

    General Sergey nodded, "That''s a very reasonable consideration."

    Wang Zhong said, "We must be proactive. I think the 85mm anti-aircraft gun is quite good, with a high muzzle velocity and a t trajectory!"

    On Earth, the main tank gun used in theter T34-85 was developed from the 85mm anti-aircraft gun.

    "That''s too heavy, it must be radically simplified and significantly lightened," General Sergey shook his head.

    Wang Zhong immediately understood that the general was truly knowledgeable because on Earth, the 85 anti-aircraft gun had to be extensively modified to barely fit inside a tank, and there was a significant reduction in performancepared to its anti-aircraft version.

    At the very least, General Sergey seemed to roughly understand the data for each piece of equipment; he probably really did read the brick-like file.

    Continuing to stroke his beard in thought, the General mused, "If you''re looking for performance simr to the 85 anti-aircraft... the Navy has a 100mm dual-purpose high-level/t-trajectory gun that could be considered."

    Wang Zhong asked, "From the Navy?"

    "Yes, and that naval gun''s structure is very simple because the majority of the firing control is handed over to the ship''s anti-aircraft control system. It''s actually more suitable for mounting on a tank than the Army''s 85 anti-aircraft," Sergey exined.

    Wang Zhong frowned, "This 100mm gun, can it fit inside a turret?"

    He remembered that on Earth, one of the major reasons the big-headed version of the T34 was equipped with an 85mm tank gun was that the 100 gun couldn''t fit. Later, when the T44 tank was mounted with a 100 gun, it initially designed a turret with a 1700mm ring diameter to forcibly stuff the gun inside, but the test personnel reported the interior was too cramped during actual testing.

    Even the Russians found it cramped, which meant it was truly cramped.

    Therefore, the production T44-100 tank used a turret with an 1825mm ring diameter.

    That was the situation on Earth.

    As for Ante, judging by what General Sergey had just said, the maximum they could build was a turret the size of the T34W, making it impossible to fit a 100 gun into such a turret size.

    General Sergey''s brow was also twisted in thought. After pondering for a while he suggested, "How about this, we remove the turret, create a front for the Combat Room with arge inclination, and design a separate observation tower for the tankmander."

    Wang Zhongmented, "That would only be suitable for ambushes."

    "It could be produced with our current production line," General Sergey spread his hands, "And you''ve said it yourself, we are going to continue defensive operations."

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin; he had just been thinking of making a version of the Hellcat without protection.

    Now Sergey''s proposal offered reliable protection¡ªthe tank would definitely be shorter without a turret¡ªand good reconnaissance and sighting abilities, but it wouldn''t be suitable for offense.

    Should he use this design to first train the crew and umte experienced tank operators?

    And meanwhile, hurry up and importthes and engines from the Federation¡ªonce these were sorted, go straight into making the T54?

    T54 versus E100... A tier ten room in World of Tanks?

    The more Wang Zhong thought about it, the more promising it seemed.

    At this point, General Sergey mistook Wang Zhong''s silence and said to him, "Using naval guns has another advantage: the Navy originally manufactured these guns to serve as secondary armaments for nned battleships. But the battleships, along with the half-constructed hulls, were all seized by the Prussians, leaving arge number ofpleted guns without use."

    Wang Zhong made a swift decision, "That good? Then let''s use the Navy''s guns! Wait a second, the Navy''s battleship ns have been ruined? What about otherrge vessels?"

    General Sergey answered, "Aside from the Arctic Ocean Fleet, the others are pretty much done for."

    Wang Zhong inquired, "Then does the Navy have a lot of Naval Infantry?"

    "Yes, what about it?" Sergey queried.

    Wang Zhong said, "Could I take all these Naval Infantry members?"

    He had cooperated with the Naval Infantry before and knew that what set these men apart from the regr Ante Army was their higher level of education. All Naval Infantry had at least a tenth-grade education, and a significant number hadpleted high school.

    And the proportion of army troops graduating from tenth grade is very low, most soldiers from rural areas have only attended church-run schools, a simplified version of tenth grade, with many courses not taught.

    Priests would rmend smart young people to go to higher education for further studies, but now these people are either on production posts or in the Navy or Air Force.

    It''s impossible to put these people in the army as mobilized soldiers.

    When Wang Zhong heard that the Navy was forming Naval Infantry from high school graduates who were ship crew members, his eyes widened: Give them to me, not those bumbling generals!

    General Sergey felt helpless, "For that, you should go to General Tugenev, oh, he might be promoted to Grand General soon. He is the Chief of Military Command, responsible for personnel transfers. I''m only in charge of equipment transfers. Let''s get back to your proposal."

    "Using the Navy''s 100-mm gun, along with the T34''s chassis..."

    Wang Zhong: "Can''t the chassis be reset? Can''t we ce the engine sideways? This way, we can shorten the enginepartment and make it morepact overall."

    The T34 tank''s engine was ced vertically, apparently because the technology level at the beginning of World War II didn''t support horizontal engines¡ªWang Zhong wasn''t sure, so he asked.

    General Sergey scratched his head: "I''m only familiar with equipment data, I really can''t answer that question. How about... I call a designer over?"

    Wang Zhong: "Your son-inw?"

    "No, no, another designer is here actually, he came to submit a proposal for the KV tank modifications, shall I invite him in?"

    Wang Zhong: "Good. I also want to take the opportunity tomend the design of the KV."

    General Sergey picked up the phone on the desk: "Let Chief Engineer Ke Jinge in, the Chairman of the Equipment Review Committee wants to see him."

    Wang Zhong took a sip from the teacup on the desk, it tasted awful.

    General Sergey put down the receiver: "He should arrive within five minutes."

    Wang Zhong: "This tea you''ve made is really lousy."

    General Sergey: "Of course, it can''tpare to how your personal maid brews it. Your maid has be famous, turning down all the small gifts for you, and ring at the gift givers with a murderous look."

    Wang Zhong was surprised: "Really?"

    General Sergey: "Yes, take off your make-up, stop a drunk on the street, and he''ll tell you a dozen stories like that. Some even im that when enemy paratroopers tried to attack your headquarters, it was your maid who single-handedly took them all out with a machine gun."

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, recalling how strong Nelly''s grip felt on the few asions he had touched her hand. However, the idea of her shooting from a standing position with a machine gun was too much¡ªNelly definitely couldn''t do that.

    It must be the result of repeated exaggerations.

    At that moment, General Sergey''s aide-de-camp opened the door: "Chief Engineer Ke Jing has arrived."

    An engineer walked in and immediately stood at attention upon seeing Wang Zhong, as if he was a soldier: "Your Highness!"

    Wang Zhong: "Don''t call me ''Your Highness''!"

    General Sergey: "Don''t me him, everyone knows that calling you ''Your Highness'' in front of Her Majesty will please her."

    ...So that''s the root of it!

    Wang Zhong: "You can call me whatever in front of Her Majesty Olga the First, but don''t call me ''Your Highness'' in my presence. I ask you, why not ce the engine horizontally?"

    Ke Jing was shocked: "Why? All the models we took as a reference have vertically ced engines."

    Wang Zhong: "Just because of that?"

    "Yes, I see the Prussians'' tanks are like this too, right?"

    Wang Zhong gaped: "There''s no other reason? Wouldn''t it be harder to manufacture if ced horizontally?"

    Ke Jing: "We would have to design it and then try to manufacture it to find out. How could I possibly know if it''s more difficult to produce without having designed it first?"

    You''re right!

    Wang Zhong: "In that case, don''t bother with any improvemnts to the KV; the most urgent improvement for the KV is stability, and if you don''t change the power, any tweaks you make are pointless. If we could elevate the engine to 500 horsepower, the KV''s failure rates would definitely drop drastically."@@novelbin@@

    "Indeed," replied Ke Jing casually, but then broke into a sweat, "I mean, your insights are absolutely correct!"

    Wang Zhong: "Don''t be nervous. Since you''re here today to answer my questions, then it''s you, you will be responsible for designing the 100-mm gun carrier.

    "It''s a tank destroyer without a turret but with enhanced sighting capabilities, using the Navy''s 100-mm dual-purpose high-low angle gun, the T34W''s V2K engine, and it must have a horizontally ced engine, with a crew of four to five.

    "Moreover, considering realbat conditions, this destroyer needs to have a fairly good depression angle, at least -5 degrees."

    Ke Jing pointed at himself: "I''m to design it?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes."

    General Sergey: "It might be better to write down a formal set of requirements and have General Tugenev issue an official assignment."

 Chapter 320: Design Group of 100mm Cannon Carrier Vehicle

    Wang Zhong: "Good, give me the phone, I''ll sort out the transfer issue first."

    Chief Engineer Ke Jing: "Eh? But I''m a man?"

    Wang Zhong stopped, staring into Ke Jing''s face and asked, "What do you mean by that?"

    After ncing at General Sergey, the Chief Engineer Ke Jing stammered, "They all say that this reviewmittee is just a rubber stamp, mainly for your convenience in finding women."

    Wang Zhong: "''They'' who?"

    Chief Engineer Ke Jing shouted, "It was said by Lady Volgakov, many wives say the same!"

    Wang Zhong frowned, originally women might have been on thismittee, now he could only choose men. But choosing all men would definitely lead to new rumors, such as Rocossov not liking women or something.

    Having a bunch of mening over to curry favor would be quite disgusting as well.

    Forget it, he wouldn''t think about it anymore, themittee would just need to recruit talent without being bound by traditional restrictions.Wang Zhong arrived in front of General Sergey''s billiards-sized desk: "Give me the phone."

    General Sergey picked up the receiver and handed it to him: "Just say where you want to call."

    Wang Zhong: "Hello? Connect me to General Tugenev at Military Command."

    At the Military Command, in General Tugenev''s office.

    "From the current situation of the Prosen Army, they have just escaped from the chaos caused by partial withdrawals, but with the weather conditions now, organizing an orderly retreat is very difficult. They need a rearguard to buy them time."

    General Tugenev paused, looking at His Majesty Tsarina Olga the First.

    Olga knew it was her turn to ask questions, so she stared at the map and after a moment forced out, "Where would the enemy get the rearguard troops from?"

    General Tugenev: "From the rear."

    Olga pouted, "Then what should I ask here?"

    General Tugenev: "That''s what you need to think about."

    At that moment, the phone on the desk rang.

    "Excuse me." After saying that, General Tugenev picked up the phone, "This is Tugenev. Is that you? What''s up? Ke Jing from the Design Bureau?"

    After ncing at Her Majesty Olga the First, he continued, "Yes, I''ll prepare the transfer order. You make a list of the people you want, and where you want them transferred to. Any other requirements? Naval Infantry? Alright, alright, how many Naval Infantry? Three divisions?

    I''ll discuss it with Marshal Kosov of the Navy."

    Olga: "It''s Alyosha, isn''t it?"

    General Tugenev did not reply, pretending to focus on the call and not hearing Olga, "Alright, you hire the civilians directly, and thene to me for the procedures for hiring workers orterally transferring them. The former head of the military academy? What do you want him for? But he''s retired, and if he doesn''t wish to return, there''s nothing we can do, you can guarantee he''s willing? Okay..."

    Olga stood up, her hands pressing down on the desk, "It''s Alyosha, right?"

    General Tugenev: "Yes. I wasn''t speaking to you; Your Majesty''s about to grab the phone."

    Olga: "Oh, I do indeed want to grab it."

    She snatched the receiver, "Alyosha! Why did you leave so quickly!"

    Rocossov: "I am very busy. First, to the school, and now I''m at..."

    Olga: "Where?"

    Rocossov: "I told you not toe, it will cause trouble for everyone. And I''m about to leave!"

    Olga pouted, "You won''t even talk to me, I have to deal with so many things every day, learn so many things, and you won''t even join me for afternoon tea!"

    Rocossov: "I''ll have Liu Xia go to the pce and have tea with you, she can tell you some anecdotes from the battlefield."

    Olga''s pout intensified, but what she said was, "Fine~"

    Rocossov: "Your Majesty is truly a wise ruler."

    Olga frowned, because it sounded a bit to her like he was saying, "Haha, you lost, I''m slipping away," so after a brief second of thought, she said:

    "When will youe to attend an imperial council meeting? The headmaster doesn''t need toe, but yourmittee does! You have to report to me what has been approved, right?

    "Moreover, the chairman position was something I fought for you to have, you have to take me to see the approved items, I want to see their performance with my own eyes, to prevent you from deceiving me!"

    Rocossov fell silent on the other end.

    Olga took on an air of authority, "An answer? My subject?"

    Major General Rocossov: "You''re right, once we have results, we''ll report to you."

    Olga: "You will introduce what you''ve approved to me in person!"

    Major General Rocossov: "¡­Yes. I will follow Your Majesty''smand."

    Olga beamed with the smile of a victor, the smile she had when she won games as a child. Reflecting on it, her brothers must have let her win a lot for that smile.

    She was about to exploit her advantage, but noticed General Tugenev''s scowl and changed tack: "Then I''ll wait for Liu Da toe have tea with me."

    Rocossov: "Of course, I''ll have her leave the Rokossovsky Estate for the Summer Pce right away."

    General Tugenev extended his hand: "May I have the receiver back, Your Majesty?"

    "Sure." Olga returned the receiver to the old general.

    Tugenev: "So that''s the situation. You shouldn''t always call; go through written channels, you understand? If you don''t want to draft these documents yourself, find an aide-de-camp, even one for military documents and another for non-military ones.

    "Ke Jing, got it. That''s all, then."

    Tugenev hung up the phone and looked at Olga, "Major General Rokossov has set his heart on being with his childhood sweetheart, Your Majesty."

    Olga, "I know. But he promised me that he would take care of me as a brother."

    Tugenev, "Historically, there has never been a Tsar who remained single, male or female."

    Olgaughed, "Rest assured, Admiral, I know what to do."

    Tugenev carefully observed her expression andughed as well, "You are indeed very clever."

    Olga, "By the way, you just suggested Alyosha find two aides-de-camp, one for literature and one for military, right? Then..."

    "You can''t go yourself. I don''t know about the quality of the shadow warriors from the etiquette hall, but after all, she''s not real. You need to stay put in the Summer Pce, especially given the current situation."

    Olga, "As a glue?"

    Admiral Tugenev didn''t answer, which counted as an agreement.

    Olga turned to look out therge office window at the courtyard outside, "We need to defeat Prosen quickly, or I''ll never gain true freedom."

    Suddenly, she stopped being sentimental and looked back at Admiral Tugenev, "I have an excellent maid of honor here, can''t I rmend her to him?"

    Admiral Tugenev, "Then you can speak with Ms. Ludm Vasilyevna, isn''t sheing over to have tea with you this afternoon?"

    Wang Zhong hung up the receiver and nced at the people around him, "Why do you all look like this?"

    General Sergey, "Facing a Duke who can say ''you are not allowed toe'' to His Majesty the Tsar, I don''t think there''s anything wrong with our expressions."

    Wang Zhong, "If I didn''t say that, His Majesty would have run over here, and you wouldn''t want half the department to stop working to receive His Majesty, would you?"

    General Sergey, "Indeed."

    Chief Engineer Ke Jing, "Then when... do I change the office location?"

    Wang Zhong, "You go back first and arrange the follow-up work, hand over the KV improvements to someone trustworthy. Then bring your ten most admired neers to... it''s not decided yet, just pick the right people for now.

    "The 100mm gun carrier is an emergency project, our hypothetical adversary being the enemy''s next generation of tanks."

    Ke Jing, "Are you nning to use those two hundred 100mm cannon barrels that the navy produced but couldn''t use?"

    Wang Zhong, "Are there really as many as 200?"

    "Yes, and the production line is still running. That cannon was produced by Factory 700 next to the Ind Sea. Currently, the production line hasn''t been converted, but it was stopped without knowing what to produce next," Ke Jing replied.

    General Sergey, "We thought about converting that factory to produce 85mm anti-aircraft guns, but the navy wouldn''t agree. They n to mount the 100mm guns on patrol boats on the ind rivers, to go into battle with the enemy. Now if you want it, you can continue operations in that factory."

    Wang Zhong, "Won''t there be any problems?"

    "Ah, you have a good reputation with the navy, they should be quite happy about it."

    Wang Zhong, "Very good, the issue with the cannons is resolved, and we can use the Ral Factory after it resumes production. Chief Engineer Ke Jing, when do you estimate the prototype can be built?"

    Ke Jing, "That''s hard to say, but if mature technology is used, I guess it will be soon, maybe around April or May next year!"

    Wang Zhong, "I want the prototype by February! Get it done in three months! That way we can find and fix problems earlier!"@@novelbin@@

    Any new equipment is bound to be fraught with faults at the beginning; only after being used for some time and undergoing targeted improvements for the exposed issues can it achieve a reasonably good reliability.

    Wang Zhong was very excited at this moment, wishing time could fast forward to February next year for him to test the prototype himself.

    General Sergey, "I know you''re looking forward to it, Duke Rokossov. But things have to be done step by step; I still think you should find aides-de-camp and secretaries first, both literary and military."

    Wang Zhong, "About that..."

    General Sergey, "Yourmittee also needs a lot of civilian staff. Even if you pull in a retired principal to serve as a civilian, he won''t be able to get any work done as a lonemander. And yourmittee needs a lot of people with professional knowledge andbat experience; otherwise, your reviews won''t be convincing.

    "Where do you n to find so many people?"

    Wang Zhong was originally frowning, but then suddenly remembered, isn''t there a lot of junior officers from the military academies who just came to listen to his lectures? Can''t he just pick from them those with strong professional technical skills?

    As for the two aides-de-camp¡ªwhy doesn''t Nelly understand military affairs? If he could get Nelly to serve as an aide-de-camp, that would save a lot of trouble!

    Explore more stories with

    Aides-de-camp, hm...

    When Wang Zhong yed Arknights, he always chose Miulsaith as his secretary, but if he used a girl¡ªher reputation would inevitably be ruined.

    It would be better to find a male aide-de-camp with proper style¡ª

    Grigori only studied until tenth grade, so he probably wouldn''t make the cut.

    Vasily... he''s always nitpicking, but after thinking it over, it seemed like Vasily was the only suitable choice.

    Coming from a musical professor''s family, he received a good education from a young age,pleted high school before joining the army, even took college entrance exams, and had a fine handwriting¡ª

    Huh?

    Wang Zhong, "Give me the phone."

    General Sergey picked up the phone and handed it to him.

    Wang Zhong, "Connect me to the HQ of Kubinka''s Guards Rifle Division. Pavlov there? Tell Vasily to bring his bedroll ande to my estate. The Rokossovsky Estate."

    Pavlov, "What''s happening?"

    Wang Zhong, "I''m nning to appoint him as my aide-de-camp."

    "Understood."

    Wang Zhong put down the receiver; the military aide-de-camp was settled.

 Chapter 321: Rocossov Who Understands Airplanes

    As for the civil service, Wang Zhong decided to deal with itter. He picked up the receiver again, "Connect me to my home."

    After saying it, he realized it was inappropriate to put it that way. The operator was confused, so he corrected himself, "Connect me to the Rokossovsky Estate, there should only be one in the city, right?"

    "Yes, one moment please," the operator said.

    A momentter, a solemn and old voice came through, "Rokossovsky Estate, hello. How may I assist you?"

    Wang Zhong: "Mikhail, it''s me. Put Liu Xia on the phone."

    "Understood, General," the voice replied.

    Even though Mikhail was the butler of the Rokossovsky family, the Duke title now rested on Wang Zhong''s brother Peter''s head, so the butler respectfully referred to him as General.

    After all, Wang Zhong had be the Duke of Charon, and theoretically should have split from the family by now.

    Soon, there was a sound of someone picking up the receiver, "Hello? Alyosha? What''s up?"Wang Zhong: "Two things. Vasily is on his way to the estate, I am promoting him to be my adjutant, get a room prepared for him. Second, go to the Summer Pce now, apany Olga for afternoon tea, and listen to herints."

    "Got it," Ludm said with augh, "I''ll have Mikhail prepare a ce for Vasily and then head to the Summer Pce myself."

    "Be careful, it''s not peaceful out there, take enough guards with you."

    "Don''t worry, the church has provided me with so many sentries and secret watchers that I''ve started to notice them. There are many people seeking refuge near the estate, all churchgoers," Ludmughed.

    "I leave it to you then. Olga must have a lot of stress built up."

    "Mhm. And don''t wear yourself out either."

    Wang Zhong nodded and hung up the phone.

    He said to General Sergey, "My adjutant will submit theplete requirements tomorrow, and the design bureau will be quickly set up."

    General Sergey: "What about the improvements to other weapons?"

    Wang Zhong: "Make the changes ording to the requirements from below. Don''t you have a department that collects feedback?"

    Continue reading at

    "We do," General Sergey hesitated, then asked, "But how will yourmittee know whether what we''ve changed meets the troops'' needs? You are the finest tankmander and tank operator, so you naturally know how to modify tanks. You''ve also led the most sessful defensive battles for our infantry, so you must know how to change rifles, machine guns and anti-tank guns. What about the rest?"

    Wang Zhong intended to say he also knew, but he held back because even though he had read a lot about military history before crossing over, there would still be things he was unaware of¡ªliterature is no substitute for actual experience.

    Besides, even those experts who specialize in World War II history have their knowledge blind spots.

    Wang Zhong: "I will establish a frontline feedback center, and organize personnel to collect opinions on current weapons from the wounded and troops that have been pulled back for rest. Experienced frontline soldiers will also be involved in the final testing process."

    General Sergey nodded, "I''m reassured to hear that."

    Wang Zhong: "I must take my leave now."

    "Safe travels," General Sergey saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong nced at the head of Ke Jing, opened the door, and left the room, meeting up with Grigori who was waiting at the entrance. He told him, "I''m making Vasily my adjutant, you don''t have any objections, do you?"

    After all, it had been Sergeant Grigori who had followed Wang Zhong all this time.

    Grigoriughed, "No objections, he''s already very professional at picking crap."

    ...What does that mean, am I the crap? If I hadn''t fought alongside you up to now, I would''ve been angry.

    Grigori realized what he said and backtracked, "Ah, I didn''t mean it that way, General, you know."

    "I know," Wang Zhong replied, "you''re simply marveling at how well Vasily picks crap."

    "Really, he''s quite good at it, too bad being an adjutant means no more crap picking."

    Wang Zhongughed, about to respond, when a roar came from up ahead.

    "Dammit, how many times do I have to tell you before you understand! Your damn design is crap! I''ve written so many reports, been writing since the war started, all the way till now! Crap!"

    Wang Zhong and Grigori exchanged nces and then both quickened their pace forwards.@@novelbin@@

    Soon they realized the voice was actuallying from downstairs, right where the stairs were.

    So they went downstairs, turned the corner past the stairwell, and saw a Colonel in the Air Force shouting at several engineers, "Why stick to this crap design? Are you flying the ne or am I?"

    Wang Zhong stepped forward, "What''s the issue here?"

    The pilot nced at Wang Zhong, saluted after seeing his rank as a general, then continued his tirade at the engineers.

    "How many times have I said your firepower configuration is not reasonable! Not reasonable!"

    The engineer, clearly aware of who Wang Zhong was, countered this time with reason, "That design is for bncing! Do you understand? Bncing!"

    The pilot: "You''ve bnced it alright, and we can''t hit a damn thing! Machine guns being more useful than cannons is the biggest joke of all! The joke!"

    Wang Zhong interjected, "Which unit are you from?"

    The pilot: "Fourth Ground-Attack Squadron!"

    Wang Zhong: "Do you pilot an Il-2?"

    "Yes, I''ve fought on the southern front since the war began, for five months, and went through two rear-seat machine gunners. I think I have some right to speak."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "You fought on the southern front?"

    "Yes, after the war broke out, all the frontline Air Force units were wiped out, our ground-attack squadron was transferred to support the Southwestern Front Army. I attacked the Prussians for the first time on June 28th."

    Wang Zhong: "In Prosen vige?"

    The pilot shook his head, "Don''t know. You wouldn''t understand, General, you''re infantry; it''s hard to tell where you are once you''re up there. Maps are useless. We just fly westward and attack wherever we see Prussian troops. On the way back, we look forndmarks near the airfields. Once we recognize thendmarks, we know where we are, and then head for the airfield."

 Chapter 322: Rocossov Who Understands Airplanes

    "So I don''t know where the enemy I attacked was from. At that time, I had separated from my wingman and single-handedly attacked the enemy."

    Wang Zhong, "Was the enemy preparing to attack a small town with a water tower and a church?"

    The pilot spread his hands, "Every small town has a water tower and a church."

    ...that seemed reasonable!

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered that the tactical number of the Il-2 that had been with Peniye was 401, and this lieutenant colonel was from the fourth assault aviation regiment, which meant that its tactical number could start with a 4.

    Wang Zhong, "Is your ne''s tactical number 401?"

    "Yeah. How do you know?"

    Wang Zhong burst outughing, "When you attacked the enemy alone on June 28th, I was down below."

    After saying this, Wang Zhong realized it sounded a bit strange and corrected himself, "I mean, I was on the ground."The pilot immediately changed his previous attitude, "Really? No, that''s not right, I remember the enemy I attacked wasn''t veryrge and neither was the group of our men resisting; that doesn''t like the headquarters of a major general."

    Wang Zhong, "That''s because at that time I was a lieutenant colonel."

    "Hahaha, you''re boasting now, there''s only one Rokossovsky who went from lieutenant colonel to major general in half a year... uh..." The lieutenant colonel pilot stoppedughing, sizing up Wang Zhong and ncing behind him at the empty corridor.

    "Not many attendants..." he muttered, then turned and picked up the Ye Fort Daily from the newspaper rack beside the bench.

    These newspapers were there for people waiting on the bench to kill time, after all, there were no smartphones back then.

    They typically grouped one week''s worth of the same newspaper in one clip and arranged different newspapers on the shelf.

    <img data-y-imgId="10068098" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10068098/a46a474f0df710ea974c8167bd00835e42pA8k1Et9eQCpR.jpg">

    The pilot quickly found the edition that printed Wang Zhong''s full-body photo on the front page.

    "My God!" he eximed, "You really are the Rokossovsky who knows about nes that Hamov talked about!"

    Huh? The Rokossovsky who knows about nes? Is that what the Air Force calls me?

    The lieutenant colonel put down the newspaper, approached Wang Zhong, straightened his uniform, correctly positioned his hat, and snapped to attention, saluting, "Salute to you, General Rokossovsky!"

    Wang Zhong returned the salute and added, "Aren''t you going to introduce yourself?"

    Lieutenant Colonel, "I am themander of the fourth assault aviation regiment, Dchenko Grigoyevich, here to report problems with the Il-2 assault ne!"

    Wang Zhong, "I am Major General Rokossovsky, chairman of the Special Review Committee for Military Equipment. All new equipment and modifications to old equipment must pass our review. Additionally, ourmittee will establish a dedicated front-line feedback collection agency. But since that agency isn''t established yet, you can start by telling me."

    Dchenko immediately stood at attention, "Yes! The problem that I want to report is..."

    Wang Zhong, "At ease, rx a bit, take your time."

    The lieutenant colonel rxed his posture, but his tone was still urgent, "I can''t take it slowly! The Il-2 has serious defects. Besides its carried ammunition, its most effective weapon is the machine gun, because the two cannons don''t aim urately!"

    Wang Zhong, "Because of defective sights?"

    "For the machine gun and the cannons, the sights are still usable. What''s trash are the bombing and rocket-firing sights; it''s better to rely on experience than to use them. And there''s a problem with our way of operating; the Il-2, if it dives at an angle greater than 40 degrees, it shakes terribly and you can''t aim at all."

    The pilot had just finished speaking when the designer said, "The design concept of this airne is to act as a flying tank at low-altitude level flight. Diving capability is not necessary."

    Wang Zhong nced at the designer.

    His understanding of the IL-2 came from a game "IL-2 Defend the Eagle", a single-yer flight simtion game. This development teamter went on to create the renowned military vehiclebat online game "War Thunder".

    In "Defend the Eagle", indeed, the IL-2''s diving ability was extremely poor, and it could basically only perform low-altitude level flight as a flying tank.

    The concept was not incorrect, just too ahead of its time; it waster that the Sidewinder armed helicopter assumed this role. Continue your saga on

    However, through the game, Wang Zhong did not experience problems with the inuracy of the cannons.

    So, he gestured for the designer to be quiet and let the pilot continue.

    Dchenko: "Apart from not being able to dive and having poor sights, the IL-2''s weapon instation is also impractical!"

    Dchenko raised both hands, each sticking out the index finger, he first put the two fingers together: "This is how the IL-2''s machine guns were arranged."

    Then he separated his two index fingers, setting them about half a meter apart: "This is how the two cannons were arranged."

    Wang Zhong: "The cannons are on the wings?"

    "Right!"

    Engineer: "Firstly, this is for bnce, and secondly, the cannons have a slow rate of fire, and it''s challenging to design a synchronizer with the propeller."

    The pilot immediately became incensed, "Then you put two cannons on the wings, and as a result, they vibrate as soon as they fire, making them utterly inurate! Moreover, this vibration also causes the normally urate machine guns to lose their precision! As a result, many times we prefer to use machine guns for precision attacks and don''t even fire the cannons."

    Wang Zhong remembered that there were indeed memoirs stating that the IL-2''s individual attack uracy was so poor that the pilots preferred to fly in formations of eight or even groups of more than twenty, forming a line like a cavalry wall, flying and firing indiscriminately, relying on the volume of fire topensate for theck of precision.

    Wang Zhong looked at the engineer: "I don''t care whether you change the weapons'' mounting positions or use other methods, just make the aircraft''s weapons urate!"

    At this time, the ground attack aircraft regimentmander said, "General, to be honest,pared to the IL-2, the neighboring squadron''s Pe-2 has a more noticeable attack effect. I''ve flown the Pe-2; it''s much faster than our IL-2, and it''s more nimble. It can also perform dive attacks!

    "The Pe-2 can go to high altitude for reconnaissance and has better target acquisition. Once it finds a target, it can dive bomb and then retreat using its speed and maneuverability. Its self-defense firepower is also stronger than our IL-2!"

    Wang Zhong: "Do you think the Pe-2 is better?"

    "Of course!"

    Wang Zhong: "Then how long do you think it would take for all the ground attack regiments to switch to the Pe-2 light bombers for retraining?"

    "A few months is enough!" Dchenko''s voice was not very confident. That''s because the Pe-2 is a twin-engine light bomber, quite different from the IL-2, a single-engine ground attack aircraft.

    Wang Zhong patted Dchenko on the shoulder: "Don''t worry, fly the IL-2 for now. When the Federation''s aid arrives, we''ll hook you up with something impressive."@@novelbin@@

    Like the P-47 Thunderbolt, nicknamed "Jug" due to its shape.

    It has excellent dive capabilities and, if one masters the art of energy fighting, it bes a formidable fighter.

    At the same time, like all good American fighters, it can carry a lot of ground munitions.

    After bombing the ground, it''s still capable of air-to-airbat. Crucially, for the pilots, it''s a single-engine aircraft, so the transition training time is shortened.

    But Dchenko had no way of knowing this yet, so he could only look at Wang Zhong with a mixture of belief and doubt: "Alright, I believe you."

 Chapter 323: Looking Forward to the Future

    Wang Zhong: "Our department will establish a dedicated feedback division as soon as possible. We will inform all units of the contact address in writing. You can send us letters with any opinions you have about the aircraft.

    "Your post-war experience summaries will also be sent to us for reference in improving weapons.

    "I will ensure that engineers cannot ignore your opinions!"

    Wang Zhong nced at the engineers.

    "If an engineer insists that their design is the best, they must go to the front line and pilot their creation for a year''s worth of missions."

    Upon hearing this, Dratchenko immediatelyughed, "That''s a good one, an excellent idea! Even if his excellency the engineer can''t pilot an aircraft, he can still serve as a rear gunner."

    Rear gunners on the Il-2 had a mortality rate many times higher than the pilots, since enemy aircraft mainly approached from the rear to attack.

    The engineer, who had just been obstinate, now turned pale: "No, no, you can''t do this. The Empire has trained me for so many years; you can''t let me die like amon soldier!"

    Wang Zhong: "Why not? In fact, many engineers have died in the past half year of battle. What makes you so special? No, I don''t think you are. Since you are so stubborn in your belief that your weapon design approach is perfect, then prove it to us."The engineer wore a bitter expression.

    At this point, Wang Zhong suddenly had an idea¡ªwhy not recruit those who had already experienced the horrors of war from the front line to be designers?

    On Earth, there were those who fought against the Sturmtigers during the great war and then continued their studies after the war concluded, eventually bing outstanding experts.

    What if they were allowed to return to their studies prematurely and be experts, would that work?

    Wang Zhong pondered for a moment, then decided to write an article, calling for college students who had survived the mes of war toe back and shine in a more important area with the knowledge they had gained on the front lines.

    But he no longer wanted to write by hand, so he would have Vasily learn to use the typewriter as soon as possible!

    While thinking this, Wang Zhong said goodbye to Dratchenko and went straight down the stairs with Grigori.

    Dratchenko watched as General Rokossovsky''s figure disappeared around the corner, then turned to the engineer: "I warmly wee you to be a rear gunner here."

    The engineer''s lips trembled for a while before he managed to squeeze out a sentence, "The redesign of aircraft rebncing takes months, especially the synchronization gear for the machine guns. It requires many tests to ensure that the guns fire only when the propellers are not in the way..."

    Dratchenko: "Then make the changes. Actually, we have another idea. Remove the machine guns, save the weight of the guns and the ammunition, and carry morerge-caliber rockets instead. We have a thought, to convert the BM-13''s rockets into aerial rockets with less propent and arger warhead."

    The engineer gaped: "Is...is that suitable?"

    Dratchenko: "Of course it is suitable. Actually, there are already ground crews making those changes, and we can carry twice as many rockets! We use the machine guns to gauge the distance when attacking ground targets, then fire the rockets."

    Engineer: "Then how do you face enemy fighters?"

    Dratchenko burst intoughter: "Do you think we can use forward firepower when facing enemy fighters? Don''t you know how cumbersome the thing you designed is?"

    The pilots who hade with Dratchenko alsoughed.

    The engineer''s face turned red at theirughter.

    Dratchenko then became serious and patted the engineer''s shoulder, "Make good improvements. I see General Rokossovsky is quite reasonable. If what you create has no issues, he won''t send you to the front lines."

    After saying this, Dratchenko turned around and waved to his followers, "Let''s go! Let''s go back and tell the guys about today''s happenings. General Rokossovsky really understands nes. Hamov from the Fighter Regiment wasn''t spouting nonsense; everyone thought he was talking in his cups, but it turned out to be true!"

    On Wang Zhong''s side, he had just left the Ordnance Department and checked his watch¡ªit was nearly dark. In Ye Fort at this season, it got dark very early, while Ludm was still at the Summer Pce having afternoon tea with Empress Olga.

    Wang Zhong deeply realized how high thetitude of Ante''s territory was.

    Wang Zhong got into the car, and the driver immediately turned around and asked, "Where to?"

    "Back to the Rokossovsky Estate," Wang Zhongmanded after a second of thought.

    After all, it had been a tiring day of running around. He needed to rest at the estate and once Vasily arrived, he could hand him the typewriter and start drafting documents.

    First, finalize the technical specifications for the 100 mm gun carrier, then address the newmittee''s venue, staffposition, and so on...

    Wang Zhong couldn''t help but press his forehead, there were so many troublesome matters. Perhaps he should simply have Pavlov transferred to thismittee to take on the heavy lifting.

    Pavlov was firstly trustworthy, and secondly had strong work capabilities. He was certainly up to the task.

    At Kubinka, headquarters of the Guard''s First Mechanized Infantry Division, Pavlov suddenly sneezed several times. The spray of saliva and mucus soiled the documents on the desk.

    He hurriedly pulled out a handkerchief to wipe it clean, cursing while he wiped, "Surely, my wife isining about me again."

    Yegorov: "Comining about what? You''ve been stationed in the capital and still haven''t gone home to live?"

    "What else?" Pavlov clicked his tongue, "Sometimes I really envy you. Your wife is right there in the military hospital. When are you having your wedding?"

    Yegorov: "Our thinking is that in times like this, there''s no need to waste time on a wedding. Now even food has begun to be rationed, and even theundry units supplied to the troops are allocated on a quota basis. It''s not appropriate to have a wedding now."

    Thebatants and the key positions of the logistics personnel were still supplied with food ording to normal standards, while the supply situation for hiredbor was not as optimistic.

    Nelly, as one who was only nominally aborer, still managed to eatparatively well.

    Of course, Nelly wasn''t dining in Kubinka now; in line with her wishes, her rations were allocated to severalundry aunts who had children at home.

    General Rokossovsky''s rations had been handled in a simr manner.

    Pavlov: "My wife scolds me that it''s partly because I can''t secure more rations for the family. We lost Kazarlia, but with so many people being evacuated to the east, who knows, people might starve next year."

    Yegorov nodded solemnly and changed the subject: "Your wife is from Kazarlia too?"

    "Yes, but once she came to Ye Fort to study, she started considering herself solely as a person from Ye Fort. She even has begun to scoff at me, thinking I''m a bit of a country bumpkin."

    After Pavlov finished speaking, Yegorov showed a bitter smile: "If we can''t fight our way back, then we''ll always be nothing but country bumpkins."

    "We will fight our way back, I believe in the general." Pavlov took a sip of tea.

    Wang Zhong had just returned to the entrance of his estate when he saw Vasily standing there with a bag, looking bewildered at the vast manor.

    "Why not go in? What are you doing standing outside?" Wang Zhong said as he got out of the car and walked up the steps to the entrance. He gave Vasily''s shoulder a punch.

    Vasily: "No, this estate is just too luxurious. Isn''t your family''s main fief in Kazarlia?"

    Wang Zhong: "I''m not sure about the details, but this house appears to have been bought from some local nobles. It''s probably been a while. Come on, let''s get inside. Do you know how to use a typewriter?"

    Vasily: "Sort of."

    Wang Zhong: "Perfect, I have a lot of documents to draft tonight and was worried there''d be no one to help."

    Vasily was dragged by Wang Zhong towards the main building of the estate, acting like a young girl being pulled into a brothel by a madam: "No, I really only know a bit. I thought an adjutant did military work, like updating maps or something."

    Wang Zhong: "Oh please, you say you don''t knowposition, and then you go and write two songs that are all the rage in Ante. That''s not just doing well; you are the empire of Ante''s pop music scene."

    Vasily: "But I really can''t type¡­"

    In the midst of their conversation, Wang Zhong had already dragged Vasily into the hall, just as the butler Mikhail came out to meet them: "Your Grace, the work tools for Mr. Vasily are ready."

    Because Wang Zhong''s brother, Peter, had inherited the title of the Rokossovsky family, the butler didn''t refer to him as "master" but as "Your Grace."

    After all, calling him "Second Young Master" wasn''t quite suitable for Wang Zhong anymore.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "Good, lead the way quickly, let''s see what Vasily here is capable of."

    An hourter, Wang Zhong looked at Vasily''s output.

    Vasily: "I told you, I only know how to use the typewriter, using it to transcribe articles quickly is tough."

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, step aside, I''ll do it myself."

    Typing, how hard could it be! Wang Zhong thought to himself; what a joke, back in our glorious days of being chosen by the gods of Zaun to y LOL and spew messages at teammates, we typed like we were ying the piano!

    And not just any piece, but the damn "Flight of the Bumblebee."

    He took Vasily''s seat, pushing the typewriter''s roller back to its original position, ready to start typing.

    "100mm gun carrier technical specifications"

    After finishing that line, he was about to start another, hit the carriage return, and continued typing; then he realized the letters were misaligned, lining up right next to thest character of the line before.

    Wang Zhong paused for a second before realizing he needed to slide the roller back to the starting position.

    He tore off the crazily typed paper and started again.

    But after two lines, there was another problem.

    This mechanical typewriter was nowhere near as convenient as aputer; formatting and such had to be manually adjusted by the typist.

    On top of that, the keyboard of a mechanical typewriter was much stiffer than even the toughest mechanical keyboard, and Wang Zhong''s hands were already protesting after just two lines.

    Discover more stories at

    Wang Zhong looked towards Vasily.

    Vasily: "See, you can''t do it either!"

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips as he looked at him.

    Vasily: "Manualbor then? No problem. Once I put on the adjutant''s armband, I''ll carry that and go."

    Wang Zhong: "I feel like you''re not afraid of manualbor anymore. In that case, I order you to learn the typewriter, and within a week be able to type a 10,000-word article in a day!"

    Vasily''s mouth dropped open: "No, you can''t do this to me!"

    Just then, the study room door opened and Ludm entered, giving Wang Zhong a charming smile: "Alyosha, I''m back."

    After these words, she turned her head towards the door: "Come in, let me introduce you to Alyosha¡ªDuke Rokossovsky."

 Chapter 325: Negotiations with the Federation (Additional Updates 24/33)

    Wang Zhong looked at Liu Xia''s smile and suddenly wanted to hug her, so he opened his arms to her.

    Ludm looked at him with the expression of a big sister watching her mischievous little brother, "You,e here."

    She shifted her sitting position and opened her arms.

    Wang Zhong knelt on one knee in front of her and threw himself into thefort that belonged only to him.

    Ludm, Rocossov''s gas station!@@novelbin@@

    Just then, the phone rang.

    Wang Zhong suddenly didn''t want to leave hisforting embrace to answer the phone, just like someone who doesn''t want to leave a warm bed on a cold winter morning.

    Ludm said softly, "If you pick up the receiver just a littleter, hundreds or thousands of people may die in vain."

    Wang Zhong immediately stood up, walked to the phone, and picked up the receiver proficiently, "This is Major General Rocossov, who''s this?"Belinsky''s voice came over the line, "Good morning, Major General Rocossov. I heard that your actions yesterday were unanimously praised by the Air Forcemanders and fighters. For an army officer, that''s not easy."

    Wang Zhong, "Good morning, Your Highness. I merely listened to their feedback and spoke on their behalf using my new title. After all, the future production of new equipment needs my approval as the chairman."

    Belinsky said, "The Judge has reported to me your requirements, and you should be aware that we may not be able to produce something that meets those requirements now."

    Wang Zhong, "Can''t produce?"

    The sound of pages turning came from Belinsky''s side; he must have had a report in hand: "We have several industrial centers. Argesukov was evacuated quite well, with seventy percent of the technicians and professional industrial workers evacuated to the rear,

    "But the evacuation of machine tools, especially those forrge specialty machines that we currently have low production rates for, is not going well.

    "Shepetovka''s evacuation went a bit smoother, since there was more time. But correspondingly, ces closer to the border barely had time to evacuate. Do you understand?

    "And then there''s Saint Andrew Fort, our most important heavy industrial base. The enemy has blocked the regr roads, and we can only transport supplies over the frozen surface of the northernkes!

    "Through this route, we evacuated a million civilians, but only a part of them are engineers and industrial workers, most are women and children.

    "In the electronic tube factory and optical ss factory at Saint Andrew Fort, none were evacuated, none! The workers and engineers n to fight with the garrison, and even if we persuade them to leave, they refuse to go. Explore new worlds at

    "Even if they all leave, for these two industries, without those high-end production tools, it would be absolutely impossible to recover just with the workers."

    Wang Zhong, "Yesterday at the Ordnance Department, I was already aware of the difficult situation of our industrial production."

    Belinsky said, "Then you should know that right now, we desperately need help from the Federation¡ªno, from all of our allies.

    "Today the Federation ambassador and a delegation that has just arrived at Ye Fort by ne will meet with His Majesty the Tsar to discuss aid matters. The church will send a delegation from the Department of Civil Affairs to participate in the negotiations.

    "I hope you can also attend the meeting. The Federation side has expressed a simr hope."

    Wang Zhong looked troubled, "I... I''mpletely unprepared with the relevant documents. The documents I''ve been preparing all night were about establishing a reviewmittee and developing a 100mm gun carrier."

    Belinsky, "Just by sitting there, you can have an effect. If we didn''t need your military expertise, I would have nned to send you to the Federation to lobby them. You''re on the cover of their biggest magazine, something called ''TIME'' or something."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow: Did I really make it onto TIME magazine? Isn''t this taking it a bit too lightly?

    Belinsky, "The Federation ambassador ns to personally present this issue of the magazine to you, so you must go. I estimate that after I hang up, the court etiquette department will send you a formal invitation."

    Wang Zhong, "I understand. I will be there on time this morning."

    November 24, St. Ye Katerina Fortress, at half-past nine in the morning, Wang Zhong arrived at the Summer Pce.

    The court etiquette department was already waiting for him at the entrance and immediately led him to the lounge.

    The Federation ambassador and the delegation were already in the lounge.

    Though called a lounge, it was actually for the purpose of fostering personal connections, as there would be confrontations at the negotiation tableter on, but this did not prevent some exchanges beforehand.

    After all, both sides were allies.

    "Major General Rocossov!" The moment Wang Zhong entered the lounge, someone greeted him loudly in ented Ante, "Thest time we met, it was still warm enough for summer clothes!"

    Wang Zhong looked in the direction of the voice and saw the Federation military attach¨¦, Colonel Johnwick, whom he had met at the state funeral.

    After making eye contact, the colonel saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute and took the initiative to shake Johnwick''s hand: "It''s been nearly three months since west met. This time we''re allies."

    Johnwick nodded, "Yes. Actually, after August, I went back to my country and just returned with the delegation. This is for you."

    He took out a magazine from his briefcase with therge word TIME on the cover.

    TIME magazine, the cover featured Reporter Mike''s partner Robert Capa''s full-length photo of Wang Zhong, with a T34 tank in the background.

    Wang Zhong, with his poor English, could barely make out that thergest text on the magazine read "Star of Victory."

    This evaluation seems quite alright.

    Wang Zhong took the magazine, casually flipped through it, and then gave it to Vasily, "Keep it well; this is a precious keepsake."

 Chapter 326: Negotiations with the Federation

    Vasily was curious, "Isn''t it just a magazine?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Those who can make it onto this magazine are all influential figures of their time."

    Vasily grunted, "Oh," and mumbled, "Then we could publish something simr. Just being on the cover would be awesome."

    Colonel Johnwick beamed a hearty smile.

    At this moment, a Federation senior citizen approaching his sixties came to Colonel Johnwick''s side: "Could you help introduce us, Colonel?"

    "Certainly, Mr. Ambassador. General Rocossov, this is Mr. Hawthorn, the Federation''s ambassador to the Ante Empire. Mr. Ambassador, this is General Rocossov."

    Wang Zhong had already learnt the ambassador''s name from Miss Ellie prior to his arrival, so this was merely a formality.

    As soon as Johnwick finished speaking, the ambassador reached out his hand first: "It''s an honor to meet General Rocossov. You''ve already been called the ''Star of Victory'' by Time magazine."

    Wang Zhong smiled. It was a moment when modesty was appropriate: "You tter me too much."Ambassador Hawthorn went on, "Our domestic analysts agree with your conclusion that a quick victory is not possible. They surmise that there are two main reasons why the faction advocating a quick victory became mainstream; first, the soldiers driven from their homes are eager to reim theirnd and seek revenge; second, everyone knows that next year will be extremely difficult."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Isn''t the Federation the same?"

    Ambassador Hawthorn said, "I won''t deny that currently the Empire of Fusang isunching full-scale offensives, and we are being beaten back on all fronts. But once our war machine is fully up and running, the Empire of Fusang will definitely be defeated."

    Wang Zhong retorted, "Our war potential is even greater."

    "Yes, indeed," nodded the ambassador, "But as you know, our war machine has not fully started yet, plus, with limitations in transport capacity, the aid we can provide next year will be limited..."

    Wang Zhong said, "The war against the Empire of Fusang is mainly naval; it''s the navy''s job. The groundbat in Europa is over and the amphibious assault on Mamluk is still in the nning stage. Just give us the tanks first; it will help us to hold off the Prussian onught."

    Ambassador Hawthornughed heartily, "Your straightforward style actually suits us Federation people quite well. After all, to the gentlemen in the United Kingdom, we''re all seen as the uncultured nouveau riche who prefer to be direct."

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to reply, the door opened: "His Majesty is waiting to see the ambassador in the audience hall."

    "Oh, it''s time to make an appearance," said the ambassador looking at Wang Zhong, "I''ll see you at the negotiating table."

    After saying this, he and a few aides followed the pce guards out of the lounge.

    Wang Zhong asked Johnwick, "Shall we continue to wait?"

    "Yes. The audience is just a formality. His Majesty the Tsar will not participate in the negotiations. It will be us who will discuss the specifics of the aid," Johnwick paused for a moment, then suddenly asked, "What do you think Ante urgently needs the most right now? The most important thing."

    Without hesitation, Wang Zhong answered, "SPAM canned meat."

    <img data-y-imgId="10068719" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10068719/76a9589df04b3522f277e83eea9767adqd24YcI18ynU88G.jpg">

    In fact, it''s just canned lunch meat, made from the unpopr trimmings of pork mixed with starch and other ingredients. Wang Zhong grew up thinking it was a high-end product and ate a lot of it.

    Later, when he went to university, he would pair it with instant noodles to add some protein intake.

    Wang Zhong paused and then added, "Personally, I''d also like to have enough Coca-C."

    Having not had a sip of Coca-C since arriving in this era, Wang Zhong certainly longed for a taste of this nostalgic vor.

    Johnwickughed, "Did you live in the Federation or something? I bet even the diplomats from all of Ante don''t know about SPAM, given that diplomatic personnel rarely eatmoners'' food."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong replied, "His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and I have carefully studied the Federation."

    Johnwick''s smile froze.

    Wang Zhong continued, "You just asked what''s the most needed. It has to be SPAM canned meat. This stuff can save lives in an emergency. We have just lost millions of livestock to severe cold. Next year we won''t be able to produce so much Doctor''s sausage, we need something else to rece it.

    "If you were to ask me what''s the most needed thing besides food, I would say engines and machine tools."

    "Oh?" Johnwick revealed an expression of mild interest again, "Why''s that?"

    Wang Zhong said, "We need to produce better tanks. Right now our T34 tanks can win shootouts mainly due to the advantages of sloped armor and the element of surprise.

    "But the Prussians will soone up with better tanks and their Armored Troops are inherently superior to ours, as well as more experienced inbat. Continue your saga on

    "We need machine tools capable of producingrger turrets and engines powerful enough to drive heavier tanks. Our KV tanks are currently troubled due to the low engine output."

    Johnwick said, "You seem to be well-versed in military industrial production."

    Wang Zhong responded, "Somewhat. We also need stamping machines, particrly those capable of manufacturing high-precision stamped parts, and optical ss. Our own optical ss factory is in Saint Andrew Fort, which has been surrounded..."

    At this moment, the lounge door opened again, and an official from the court protocol department announced, "The audience is over, please enter the conference room now. This way to the conference room."

    Wang Zhong said, "Then, see you at the negotiating table."

    Johnwick smiled, "See you at the negotiating table."

    Afterwards, following a full ten days of negotiations, the Ante Empire, the Federation, the United Kingdom, and other allies signed the "War-Time Aid Treaty."

    The treaty stipted that the Federation, the United Kingdom, and other allies would provide Ante with assistance in 85 major categories, ranging from foodstuffs to rubber to crude oil, and finally to trucks, tanks, and finished aircraft.

 Chapter 327: Negotiations with the Federation

    If the aid is consumed or lost in war, no payment is needed. Once victorious peace is achieved, any unutilized aid items will be converted into debt.

    Nobody involved in the negotiations believed any aid items would be left after the end of the war.

    Additionally, at the request of Major General Rocossov, both parties agreed to dispatch an inspection team from the Ante Ordnance Department to the Federation. The objective is to procure a batch of machine tools not avable in Ante before May of 915, including an ultra-heavy-duty verticalthe capable of producing turret rings with a diameter of 3500mm.

    These machine tools will arrive in Ante territory by February of 916 and will be installed and debugged by May of the same year.

    As for the engine technology transfer that Major General Rocossov values particrly, it hadn''t been agreed upon yet; the allies only promised to provide Ante with a "sufficient" quantity of engine products.

    December 3, 914 Jules, two days before the Western Front Armyunched its offensive.

    St. Ye Katerina Fortress, Civil War Victory Memorial Hall.

    Wang Zhong looked over the building and marveled, "Are you sure this ce is suitable for the Office of the Review Committee?"Bishop Ravkid nodded, "Of course it can. We''ve already sealed all the historically significant exhibits in the basement. Moreover, there''s a fully equipped underground bunker here. If the Prussians strike at Ye Fort again, you can use the underground bunker as a fortress."

    Wang Zhong replied, "I see."

    Turning his head, he nodded to Miss Ellie, "All right then, this is our office location. You can inform the youngdies you''ve recruited to start moving."

    Miss Ellie immediately turned around, pping her hands and shouting loudly, "Alright girls, let''s get moving! We need to clear out fiverge offices that can be used by this morning!"

    While "The Lady of State" was demonstrating her strength, an old man, wearing military uniform sans insignia and decorations, approached Wang Zhong and eximed, "Unbelievable! You drag me back from so far away to be a clerk, and yet your own institution is just an empty shell!"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong responded, "Your Excellency, I asked you toe back because I missed you!"

    The old man snorted, "Your unconventional methods might win now but won''tst! Enjoy your sess while you can! But seeing the state of things, it seems you won''t be returning to the frontline again."

    Wang Zhong insisted, "No, I will. To prove the effectiveness of the new units I''ve formed and the equipment I''ve overseen in development, I will personally deal a heavy blow to the Prussians."

    The old man looked at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and said, "At least your courage ismendable."

    Just then, a jeep stopped in front of Wang Zhong, Vasily jumped out, pointing to a mailbox on the back seat, "The mailbox you set up in front of the equipment department is full. I guess it''s because of Drachenko and the others'' diligent promotion, with many letters from the Air Force. I opened one, and it''s aint about the insufficient damaging effects of the Schwacke machine guns."

    Wang Zhong assured, "That''s easy to deal with. Once we capture the Prussian Type 151 20mm machine guns, we''ll try to replicate them. After Miss Ellie allocates the feedback department offices, we''ll hire reliable people to open the mails and record the demands."

    Vasily acknowledged, "Understood."

    The former principal sneered, "You talk as if hiring people is a trivial matter."

    Wang Zhong retorted, "It is simple. Previously, we didn''t have an office location, so we had to find people ourselves, which is why we gathered so many. Now that we have confirmed the office location, we just need to ce an advertisement in the newspaper stating that General Rocossov''s agency is hiring, and we''ll quickly fill the positions."

    Continue reading stories on

    "Don''t believe me? Just watch."

 Chapter 328: The Situation on December 4, 914

    December 4, 914 Jules, the day before the Western Front Armyunched its counteroffensive, in front of the former Civil War Exhibition Hall at St. Ye Katerina Fortress.

    Wang Zhong''s car was originally intended to enter through the main gate, but when it reached No. 10 Peace Road where the exhibition hall was located, he saw that the entire road was jam-packed.

    The Judge leading the way stopped the car and sent someone to knock on Wang Zhong''s window.

    Wang Zhong rolled down the window, only for the north wind to pour in.

    He had to squint his eyes and ask the Judge, "What''s the situation?"

    "It''s rmended to take the additional entrance through the underground passage, Your Excellency the General," the Judge suggested.

    Wang Zhong: "Lead the way."

    The entrance to the underground fortifications was inside an unremarkable civilian house three blocks away.Directly in the cer of the house was arge iron door, beside which were jars of pickled sauerkraut and cucumbers.

    Wang Zhong had thought there would be some advanced way of calling at the door, but the leading Judge simply knocked on the iron door. Then, a small window opened on the door, and someone peeked out from inside.

    Then came the sound of a door bolt being slid open from within¡ªnot a mechanical noise.

    One shouldn''t have too high expectations for Ante''s technical level.

    On the other hand, it''s reliable!

    After entering, there was an extremely long corridor, and this corridor was shaped like a W, with machine guns at every corner.

    This thing looked like it was built to the standards of a doomsday fortress, right at home as a final level in a video game.@@novelbin@@

    After walking through the long passageway, Wang Zhong entered a ce resembling an undergroundmand center, but now it was filled with archives and exhibits taken down fromndmarks.

    Wang Zhong: "I hadn''t toured the underground structure yesterday, but seeing it today, this ce seems rather well-equipped."

    The Judge who led the way immediately introduced, "This was originally intended as a shelter andmand center in the event of a disaster at Ye Fort."

    Wang Zhong: "You mean themand center after the Prosen Army entered Ye Fort and engaged in street fighting, right. I understand."

    Judge: "Thanks to your efforts, it is now a warehouse."

    Wang Zhong: "No, it was the result of all the soldiers fighting unitedly and resolutely that we could hold off the Prussians."

    With that, Wang Zhong saw the elevator and promptly stepped forward to press the button.

    The group then went straight up to the fifth floor, heading towards Wang Zhong''s office.

    In therge room next to the office, the click-ck of typewriters was already in full swing.

    Upon opening the door to his office, Wang Zhong saw Ellie''s position was empty and quickly asked thedy organizing the papers on the desk, "Where is Ms. Ellie?"

    "She''s downstairs overseeing the interviews for new hires," thedy lifted her head, "Do you want coffee or tea?"

    Wang Zhong nodded: "Tea, please."

    Thedy nodded, picked up a tray, and walked towards the pantry.

    The Judges stopped at the door and did not proceed further, while Grigori sat down on the sofa.

    Wang Zhong: "Think about Aksinya, don''t mess with someone else''s wife."

    All the secretaries hired by Ms. Ellie were marrieddies with husbands.

    Grigori: "I do have some standards for women''s appearance, rest assured, General."

    Wang Zhong entered the office, took off his coat and military cap, and handed them to Vasily.

    As Vasily hung them on the clothes rack, heined, "You could have brought Nelly to do this. She did it back at the division headquarters!"

    Wang Zhong: "This is precisely the adjutant''s job! As for having Nelly work here too¡ªit''s not a bad idea, I''m almost tired of the aunties Ms. Ellie brought in."

    Vasily: "Yes, yes! Let Nellye! But there''s a problem if she does... she probably can''t reach the ce to put the hats, we would need to prepare a box for her to stand on."

    Wang Zhong alsoughed: "Indeed."

    Then the two of themughed thoughtlessly together¡ªafter all, Wang Zhong''s physical age wasn''t much older than Vasily''s, they were well within the range of bing buddies.

    Wang Zhong went to the office window that faced the main gate square and looked down, the dense crowd reminding him of various tourist spots during the long holidays before he time-traveled.

    "There are even more peopleing for the job interviews than for conscription," he muttered.

    At that moment, the auntie opened the door, pushed in a cart with cups and teaware for making tea.

    "Just leave it there, we''ll pour it ourselves when we''re ready to drink," Wang Zhong instructed, and the auntie bowed and left the room.

    Vasily waited until the auntie had left before teasing, "Your Majesty is making it too obvious, not even trying to hide it any longer."

    Wang Zhong forcibly continued the topic: "There are even more peopleing for the job interviews than for conscription!"

    Vasily: "A lot of girls wouldn''t be conscripted. After all, to be a nurse or medic, you need to be physically strong to carry the wounded. Female snipers and pilots also have requirements..."

    At that point, the door opened and Ms. Ellie came in.

    Wang Zhong: "How is the recruitment going?"

    "I came to report on that," Ms. Ellie gave Wang Zhong a meaningful look and then flipped open the roster she had brought, "My original n was to recruit thosedies with nothing to do at home, along with the wives of clerks of various levels, but the reality is quite different from what I envisioned."

    Wang Zhong: "Different how?"

    Lady Ellie: "The majority of thoseing for the job interviews are female university students and graduates from professional technical schools with specializations in ounting. The good news is that most of them are proficient in using typewriters and have sufficient cultural level to carry out various clerical tasks.

    "The bad news is that most of them have impure motives."

    Wang Zhong: "ce them in offices below the fourth floor, where they can''t get in touch with me, and that''s the end of it. From now on, I''ll take the elevator to move underground."

    Lady Ellie: "Isn''t that a bit too roundabout?"

    Wang Zhong: "Isn''t this to facilitate thepletion of your mission?"

    "Thank you for your understanding." Lady Ellie bowed slightly and then flipped through the roster in her hand, "The conscription work for the men has been going smoothly, but most of the employees are on the older side. They are mostly evacuees from the upied areas and due to their age, they are not yet eligible to join the army."

    Wang Zhong: "Isn''t that good? Middle-aged mene with rich experience."

    Lady Ellie: "They might not be able to adapt to high-intensity work."

    Wang Zhong: "Then increase the number of employees; under the current circumstances, employing more people will also benefit the stability of Ye Fort."

    Lady Ellie quickly wrote something in her notebook and continued, "Also, the volunteers from the Air Force have started to disassemble the letters received. Each person has been paired with a typist in order to convert their opinions into written documents as soon as possible. The first batch of documents should arrive today; do you want to read them all?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, do a summary, and perform statistical analysis on the issues responded to. We''ll prioritize dealing with the issues most frequently raised by the front lines."

    Lady Ellie: "Then we''ll need to conscript students from the mathematics department."

    Wang Zhong: "The mathematics students have all been conscripted to crack the Prussians'' Enigma machine. Look among the students of ounting or auditing for someone to do the statistical analysis."

    "All right." Having finished her shorthand, Lady Ellie looked at Wang Zhong, "Any other instructions?"

    "No, bring me the documents that require my signature today; I''m going to give a lecture at the school this afternoon."

    "Understood."

    Lady Ellie saluted and left.

    Vasily: "They should have delivered the captured Prosen Tanks to the school from Kubinka by now. I wonder how their own research is going."

    Wang Zhong: "This afternoon, let''s assess the students from the tankmand specialty and see how perceptive they are."

    When Wang Zhong arrived at the school, the students from the tankmand department were conducting a mock battle on the tank exercise field using Prosen Tanks and T34s, firing paint rounds.

    Wang Zhong resolutely climbed up the observation tower next to the exercise field to watch the show.

    He climbed the tower, lifted his binocrs, and saw the blue team, ying the role of Prussians, splitting into two groups to nk the T34 standard red team.

    The T34''s response was to tighten their defense, manage their turret orientation well, and use the vehicles to cover each other''s blind spots.

    However, most of the red team''s paint rounds hit the ground, while the blue team''s paint rounds consistently hit the T34''s turret rings and tracks with precision.

    After watching for about half an hour, the mockbat officer fired a re, presumably signaling the end of that round.

    The students participating in the exercise drove their tanks back to the parking area.

    Wang Zhong noticed several tanks had broken down in the middle of the exercise field, both the number three and T34s.

    Seeing that the students were lined up ready for a debriefing, Wang Zhong came down from the tower with Vasily and walked towards the assembled troops.

    The sharp-eyed instructor saw Wang Zhong from far away and gave themand to stand easy, then ran to Wang Zhong, stood at attention, and saluted, "Reporting to the principal, we have just finished the mock battle and are about to debrief."

    Wang Zhong: "How did the exercise go?"

    Instructor: "The blue team won four out of five battles."

    Wang Zhong: "Not bad. How did the red team win their battle?"

    Instructor: "It was thest one we yed. The blue team used the same old tactics from the previous round, and the red team formed a dense formation, coordinating turret orientation through radio to watch each other''s blind spots."

    Wang Zhong hurriedly looked towards the T34s lined up in the parking lot and noticed they were all toon leader tanks, equipped with radios.

    Wang Zhong: "That won''t do; in the next exercise, only toon leader tanks are allowed to use radios, non-leader tanks must turn off their radios, they can''t listen or speak."

    "Yes Sir!"

    Wang Zhong then went straight to the students and asked loudly, "Have you realized the advantages of the Prosen Tanks?"

    "Yes!" the students answered in unison.

    Then Maslo Boyev said loudly, "But the T34s are only damaged; they can be repaired and put back into use!"

    Wang Zhong: "Indeed. But on the battlefield, who can repair tanks depends on who controls the battlefield after the fight. Over the past six months, we''ve been mostly retreating, so those T34s with their turret rings jammed and tracks broken arepletely lost.

    "It''s very likely that they got captured by the Prussians, even painted with Prussian insignia, and joined the Prussian Army to fight against us."

    Wang Zhong paused and then asked, "I''m d that the red team won a mock battle; who was themander of the red team in that battle?"

    Maslo Boyev raised his hand: "Me!"

    Wang Zhong: "Good job! You found a solution to the T34''s poor visibility: allocating each tank''s vignce zone. I did the same in the Orachi ambush. Regarding the Orachi ambush, I will write a booklet, print it, and distribute it to you.

    "However, this formation of mutual vignce has a huge w, Maslo, do you know it?"

    Maslo answered: "Yes, the formation is too rigid, only suitable for defense; to use it for offense is too difficult."

    Wang Zhong added, "Especially when only the toon leader tanks have radios. By the way, the radio quality from Ante is very poor; my adjutant Vasily has a lot to say about that."

    Vasily: "Eh? Do I have to speak? Uh, our radios mainly have poor batteries, and the reliability is also an issue."

    Wang Zhong: "Thank you for Vasily''s exnation. Next, all those who have used the Prosen Tanks,e forward and discuss the advantages of these tanks."

 Chapter 329: Kepu No. 3 Tank, Forgot What Comes After

    Wang Zhong swept his gaze across all the students and noticed nobody dared to raise their hand.

    So he encouraged them, "You must dare to acknowledge the enemy''s strengths and learn from them, turning their advantages into our own. We should adopt a policy of taking the best and leaving the rest in this matter, keeping the essence and discarding the dross!"

    "Come, let''s talk about the strengths of the enemy tanks in detail! If you don''t speak up, I will. But by doing so, you will miss the chance to impress me!"

    Maslo Boyev immediately raised his hand, "Let me do it!"

    Wang Zhong: "Go ahead!"

    Maslo: "The enemy has a separatemander''s turret, and although the viewports are very small, they offer much better visibility than our side viewports, with themander having a 360-degree field of vision, while our viewports have significant blind spots."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Anything else?"

    Maslo: "Their gun sights are advanced. As long as you know the dimensions of the target, you can quickly estimate the distance. Also, the magnification is satisfying."

    Wang Zhong: "What else?"Maslo: "They have radios! But this was not demonstrated in the exercise, as we all have radios as well."

    Wang Zhong: "That''s good, radios give the enemy a huge advantage. Anything else?"

    Maslo drew a nk: "Anything else? Uh..."

    Wang Zhong: "Thebat room is spacious, with good ergonomics. Prosen tank operators don''t need to wear collision helmets; they drive tanks wearing peak caps and sailor hats. Moreover, the rtively spacious interior also significantly increases the chance of crew survival after the tank is prated."

    Of course, the Mark III is actually quite narrow. It''s the Mark IV that is truly spacious, which is why a series of variants of the Mark IV continued to be used until the Panther was mass-produced, and there was a factory still producing the Mark IV.

    The students looked at each other because Ante''s tank design had never taken ergonomics andfort into consideration before.

    Wang Zhong spoke loudly, "Do not underestimate the improvement in survival due to a more spacious interior.

    "Our design philosophy still follows the old approach of the shooting army, treating soldiers as cannon fodder. We need to change this.

    "Tank operators, like pilots, are a technical branch. Good tank operators are extremely valuable, and we must do everything possible to ensure the survival of excellent tank operators. At the same time, each tank operator should be familiar with allbat positions, so that during battle, we can quickly refill the ranks of undermanned tanks."

    Wang Zhong looked over the students and said loudly, "If we were to lose more than ten thousand tanks like we did in the first three weeks of the war again, it would be a crime against the Ante people! More than ten thousand tanks mean that so many tank operators were needlessly lost!

    "This must be stopped. Allmanders should learn to use tanks as a precious resource, not to waste them carelessly!"

    Wang Zhong paused, his gaze moving from face to face, "You are the future tankmanders, and I have a requirement for you here: when you are on the front lines, the exchange rate with enemy tanks must reach one to one. That is to say, for every crew loss, you must take down at least one enemy crew as well!"

    Someone shouted, "Then wouldn''t it be fine if every tank just rammed into an enemy tank?"

    Many studentsughed along, but arge number of them, including Maslo, did not.

    Wang Zhong: "Maslo, tell the others why this approach won''t work".

    Maslo nced at those who had just heckled and said, "Because if the enemy really is equipped with guns that can prate T34s, you''ll be destroyed on your way to ramming them, with very few actually reaching ramming distance."

    Immediately someone said skeptically, "There''s no way the enemy could quickly equip guns that can prate T34s!"

    Wang Zhong: "Maybe they already have. Never underestimate your enemy; otherwise, you''ll be the one to pay the price."

    If Wang Zhong himself wasn''t the one who yed the biggest role in repelling Prosen, the words he just said would have been enough to get him sent to prison dozens of times.

    Seeing those dissenting students had no more to argue, he looked to Maslo: "Next, let''s discuss how to achieve a one-to-one exchange rate under current equipment conditions."@@novelbin@@

    Maslo: "Isn''t it enough to refer to yourbat examples? The Orachi tank ambush battle is all over the newspapers. Wherever you go, you can see newsreaders recounting your victories to the illiterate elderly, even the olddies in Ye Fort who don''t understand military affairs can say a few words about it!"

    Wang Zhong: "The military academy is under closed management, how would you know about the situation in Ye Fort?"

    Bayev was stumped, "This..."

    Wang Zhong: "Priest! What''s the punishment for slipping out of school?"

    Vasily interjected smugly, "Cleaning thetrines!"

    He seemed quite happy saying that.

    The Priest replied, "Indeed, cleaning thetrines can be the punishment. Maslo Boyev, if you honestly confess to leaving the school, you will only have to clean for one week. But if you are dishonest or intentionally hide details, it will be three weeks."

    Maslo Boyev''s entire face scrunched up.

    Wang Zhong, like Vasily, could not help butugh, but he immediately squared his expression, "Let''s continue discussing tanks. Yes, ambush warfare is a method, and so are tank dugouts. The approach that Boyev took just now during the confrontation, with each tank watching its own sector, is also feasible.

    "However, these techniques are not suitable for offense. If we are to conduct an offensive operation and the enemy is on the defensive, how do we achieve a one-to-one exchange rate with enemy tanks?"

    "Your tank operators have mostly received only six months of training, during which the time spent driving a tank is 60 hours. On the other hand, the enemy has mostly trained for a year and spent over 600 hours in a tank."

    Just as Wang Zhong finished speaking, someone from Maslo Bayev''s group below said, "Isn''t six months of training unrealistic? There''s such a big shortage of tank operators now!"

    ...Even the students at the military academy know how bad the situation is now.

    Wang Zhong, "Let''s just go with six months. And it doesn''t matter whether you''re driving a T35 or a T26 for those sixty hours. Answer me, how do you maintain a 1-to-1 exchange ratio under these circumstances?"

    Everyone looked at each other, at a loss for words.

    Wang Zhong mbered onto the G-type No. 3 tank¡ªthis tank had been captured by his troops, and naturally, he had climbed over it before and knew it well.

    He patted the turret of the G-type No. 3, "Moreover, the enemy has also switched to better tanks, which, like the T34, have sloped armor. They even weigh more than the T34, meaning they have better armor than the T34.

    "At the same time, it''s equipped with an 88mm anti-tank gun that can hit your tank with precision from a distance of 1500 meters."

    Bayev shouted, "That''s too much of a premise! Is there even a way to fight?"

    Wang Zhong, "It''s possible to fight because the battlefield isn''t about solving problems. If you face this kind of situation on the battlefield, the best response is not to attack, but to leave it to the artillery.

    The target of the artillery fire should not be the enemy''s tank group but the apanying infantry and various support units that provide support for the tanks, such as repair workshops, field towing vehicles, fuel trucks, ammunition trucks¡­"

    "Cut off the infantry, and they can use smoke bombs and incendiary bombs to destroy tanks. If you destroy the repair workshops, the enemy''s tanks will be unable to be repaired. Look at how many broken tanks there are on the training ground; tanks are very prone to breakdown!"

    After Wang Zhong finished, the students all turned to look at the broken No. 3 and T34 tanks on the training ground.

    Bayev, "But didn''t you say we need to achieve a 1-to-1 ratio in tankbat?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes. I use tanks to bully infantry without anti-tank firepower. Once their logistics are destroyed, the enemy will have to abandon their broken tanks and run away in a sorry state. How is that not a 1-to-1 ratio?"

    "Moreover, even in an offensive, if we bypass the enemy armored forces and capture key positions they must retake, such as the high ground controlling highways.

    "If we quickly dig tank fortifications on the high ground and allocate our firepower well, won''t it be the enemy''s tank forces'' turn to attack us?"

    The students immediately started whispering to each other.

    Bayev looked at Wang Zhong with eyes full of admiration.

    Wang Zhong continued, "There are no constant tactics in war, just as there are no unchanging forms of water. The art of war is the art of change. Those who only know how to fight conventional battles are ultimately second-rate soldiers."

    Bayev eximed with admiration, "You truly are a magician of the battlefield!"

    Wang Zhong, "I''m not worthy of such praise."

    It was true he didn''t consider himself worthy because in "Legend of the Gctic Heroes," the man known as the magician of the battlefield didn''t have a good ending.

    Since Wang Zhong had reached this point, he might as well exin his method for constructing tank fortifications to those specializing in tankmand.

    "While there''s still time, let me tell you how to set up a solid tank defense position and how to dig a perfect tank fortification¡ª"

    ...

    Subsequently, Wang Zhong began to give a lecture on the training ground. These days he had been upied with outwitting the Federation, hardly having time to teach sses at the military academy.

    Now that word had spread about his lecture, all the school officers who had returned from the battlefield immediately flooded to the training ground as soon as their lessons on advanced theoretical knowledge ended.

    Students from various specialties who were undergoing normal teaching also ran over after their sses ended.

    Originally, Wang Zhong had only intended to provide special instruction for the students majoring in tankmand, but it turned into amunal meal that the whole school partook in.

    The entire training ground was packed with people, and Professor Vasily even brought over a microphone and set it up for Wang Zhong to address the whole school.

    So Wang Zhong had no choice but to share his experiencemanding the elite mechanized infantry, without holding anything back¡ªandpared to August, his understanding of war had advanced even further, making this talk even more detailed than the seminar in August.

    He continued speaking until it turned dark.

    Wang Zhong, "Okay, it''s gettingte. I''llpile these contents into a booklet and distribute them to youter, no, to the whole army! That''s all for today! Dismissed!"

    Be Wang Zhong''s number one fervent fan, Bayev shouted, "ss isn''t over yet, General! You have to dismiss us for us to leave!"

    Wang Zhong nced at Bayev and then at Vasily, thinking the number of shit-stirrers had increased!

    Sighing, he picked up the microphone and said to everyone at the school, "ss dismissed! Dismissed!"

    Everyone apuded heartily, the pping echoing like the rolling thunder of spring.

    At this time, there were less than twelve hours until the Western Front Army''s assault.

 Chapter 330: The Western Front Army Attacks (Supplement 25/33)

    On December 5th, about 120 kilometers west of Ekaterinburg Fortress, at 0400 hours.

    The artillery groups, which had been in hiding, suddenly began to roar. Their barrage boomed like rolling spring thunder, shaking the world, covered in silver frost.

    The copious snow and icicles that had umted on the trees cascaded down with each st.

    The long-nned counteroffensive by the Western Front Army had begun.

    At the headquarters of the Western Front Army, General Tukhachev watched his watch, and as the minute hand pointed to twelve, he turned his head and nodded to the Front Army Chief of Staff.

    The Chief of Staff issued the order into the handset, "Attack troops, move out."

    Tukhachev, rubbing his hands in excitement, looked at the map hanging on the wall, "Rokossovsky said we could only push up to this line and then we''d stall, with the possibility of suffering heavy losses if we press the attack. We have to break through this line and utterly crush the enemy!"

    After issuing all the orders, the Front Army Chief of Staff also joined him before the map, "Now many people think that victory can only be brought by Rokossovsky. It''s up to us to overturn that impression. Rokossovsky is winning because the enemy is at the end of their tether!"Tukhachev nodded, "Exactly, we need to overturn that impression. Even the Federation believes in him, thinking the war willst for several years."

    After Tukhachev finished speaking, everyone in the headquarters fell silent.

    Perhaps a part within them also told them that the war could not possibly end so simply, but they refused to believe¡ªor couldn''t afford to believe.

    The silencested for a minute before Tukhachev himself broke it, "I heard he won the respect of most cadets in just one ss at the military academy. Only a few nobly born¡ªand that too, the untalented dandies¡ªdisapprove of him.

    "If he continues as the headmaster, the impact will be immeasurable. We must have a war hero of the same caliber," Tukhachev went on.

    Tukhachev didn''t say "that hero is me."

    He simply kept the same posture, staring at the map.

    At this very moment within the Western Front Army, all the generals close to Rokossovsky and their troops had been relocated to cities east of Ye Fort with better infrastructure for a "rest," effectively driving out the "Rokossovsky faction" from the Western Front Army.

    Even the Air Force pilots who sang Rokossovsky''s praises had all been transferred to fighter squadrons around the capital.

    In short, as long as the Western Front Army could achieve victory, all these changes must be credited to someone other than the "star of victory," Major General Rokossovsky.

    If they could achieve victory that is.

    But the line specially marked on the map was like a dark cloud pressing down on Tukhachev''s heart, making it hard for him to breathe.

    If the enemy didn''t copse like an avnche, then they could indeed halt the Western Front Army at that line.

    But how could the enemy not crumble like an avnche? The enemy at Karanskaya didn''t even have the will to resist anymore! The enemy was definitely at the end of their tether¡ªno, they had to be!

    After an indefinite amount of time, suddenly amunications officer entered themand post, "Report, the first assault army group has breached the enemy''s defenses."

    Tukhachev pped his thigh forcefully, "Good! Tell the first assault army group to capture prisoners, preferably grab some generals!"

    Wang Zhong was awakened by the ringing of his telephone. He lifted his head from theforts of soft bedding and reached out of the nkets to take the receiver, "Hello?"

    On the other end of the phone was Vasily''s voice, "The Western Front Army has broken through the enemy''s frontal defenses."

    Wang Zhong, "What''s so surprising about that? Call me when they''ve recaptured Shostka."

    Vasily, "Shostka? You mean to inform you after they''ve broken the line you drew?"

    Wang Zhong, "Was there anything unclear in my statement?"

    "No, sorry to have disturbed your rest. See you in Prosen."

    "See you in Prosen," Wang Zhong hung up the phone and buried his face back into theforts of bedding.

    Liu Xia, "You should get up now, staying in bed is not good. It would be my negligence if I let you ck."

    With that she briskly flipped away Wang Zhong''s nket.

    However, with a firece burning in the room and the walls themselves providing good instion, the small chill was utterly insufficient to wake Wang Zhong.

    Then, at that moment, Nelly entered.

    At her entry, Wang Zhong shivered.

    Ludm gave Nelly a look, and the young maid directly opened the window facing north, letting the bitterly cold wind at minus 40 degrees rush into the room.

    Wang Zhong jumped out of bed, "Good heavens, are you trying to kill me?"

    Nelly, "A little bit."

    Wang Zhong sighed, turned his head to look at Ludm, only to find she had already dressed and was not going back to bed to join him.

    Ludm, "Nelly, close it now. It wouldn''t be good if he truly catches a cold."

    Nelly shut the window and even went over to the firece to stir the charcoal, reviving a lively ze.

    Ludm meanwhile fetched the military uniform, handing the pieces to Wang Zhong one by one.

    A momentter, General Rokossovsky was neatly dressed.

    Someone knocked on the door.

    Ludm responded, "Come in!"

    Vasily poked his head in first, ensuring everyone was properly dressed, then entered and saluted Wang Zhong, "General, good morning!"

    Wang Zhong asked, "How was the battlest night?"

    Vasily said, "The northern line is the same as usual. General Golikov hasn''t been able tounch a counter-offensive to break the siege, the central line just started to counterattack. The Prussians are still besieging our Coastal Fortress on the southern line. The fortress is still holding on, firmly blocking the enemy''s path into the vast southern grasnds."

    Wang Zhong said, "A stalemate across the front is eptable. Is there anything I must do on the military front today?"

    Vasily shrugged, "Aside from teaching at the school and continuing topile your textbook, there doesn''t seem to be anything else."

    At that moment, as if timed perfectly with thepletion of Vasily''s report, Lady Ellie entered.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Do I have any non-military matters to attend to today?"

    Lady Ellie said, "You have 50 documents in need of your review."

    Wang Zhong eximed in surprise, "Why are there so many?"

    Lady Ellie exined, "Because you''re the only head of this department, and everything, big or small, must be reported to you. My suggestion is to delegate less important decisions to your subordinates. In fact, the first document you need to review today is about the selection of department heads for themittee.

    Once these positions are filled, the number of documents you need to review each day will greatly decrease."

    Wang Zhong couldn''t help but hold his forehead; he felt the urge again to summon Pavlov to his aid.

    Ludmmented, "Too bad I can''t help you with that."

    Wang Zhong said, "All you need to do is be generous to me when the timees."

    Ludm chuckled.

    Vasily asked, "Should I have Sergeant Grigori get some more deer and hedgehog meat?"

    Wang Zhong snapped, "Always with the extra business! Do I look that weak to you? Get out!"

    "Alright." Vasily scurried off without dy.

    Wang Zhong spent the entire morning dealing withmittee matters at No. 10 Ping Road.

    Lady Ellie had already done him a great favor. Each document had a summary at the beginning, and they were arranged ording to the urgency, even including opinions from specialists added to the files as attachments.

    Wang Zhong personally felt that Lady Ellie was already on par with Bernard (the secretary from the British show "Yes, Prime Minister").

    In the afternoon, like the previous day, he went to Suvorov Military Academy to fulfill his role as the headmaster.

    Upon arriving at the academy, he saw arge group of officers who hade down from the front lines gathered together, discussing something.

    Wang Zhong shifted his view and noticed that some cadets were also among them, including the young Duke Alexei Petrovich Valkov, who was under scrutiny by the Tribunal, and Maslo Boyev, whom Wang Zhong particrly favored.

    So Wang Zhong asked for the car to stop and got out to walk towards this group.

    As he drew closer, he heard the voice of young Duke Valkov: "The Western Front Army is unstoppable! The attack began at eight o''clock this morning, and in just six hours, they have advanced dozens of kilometers, even surpassing the initial advance speed of the Prussians at the start of the war!

    "The enemy is indeed at the end of their rope! Rokossovsky has been frightened by the enemy, that''s why he''s so afraid of them!"

    Maslo Boyev''s voice contradicted, "Let''s wait until the Western Front Army breaks through the line that the General mentioned before we talk. Otherwise, there might be a heavy toll in casualties and losses with no progress made in return!"

    Young Duke Valkov scoffed, "Hmph! You''ve just been hoodwinked by his seemingly usible theories!"

    Boyev retorted, "But he has won battles, has your father won any?"

    Valkov stuttered, then quickly said, "Although my father hasn''t, Duke Meishikin has fought no worse than him! If it weren''t for Duke Meishikin''s help, Rokossovsky would have died at Orachi!"

    Wang Zhong spoke up, "I know Duke Meishikin, and he would not boast about his aplishments in public like this. Besides, the achievements belong to Duke Meishikin, not you, young Duke Valkov, nor your father."

    Everyone turned their heads to look at Wang Zhong, and as if Moses were parting the sea, they made way for Wang Zhong to walk directly into the center of the crowd.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong looked at young Duke Valkov: "I still believe the Prussians cannot afford to give up the defensive line around Shostka. They will employ their most elite troops for defense.

    "After advancing more than two hundred kilometers, our organizational structure would surely be in disarray, with a considerable portion of the tanks likely out of order.

    "The correct strategy would be to advance to this fortified zone and then halt, allowing the troops to rest and reorganize, awaiting an offensive next summer."

    Wang Zhong paused, taking in the surroundings.

    Young Duke Valkov asked, "And if we don''t stop?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "The attacking forces will face a significant defeat, and might even lose some of the ground gained in the counter-offensive. Advocates of rapid victory like Tukhachev will be held responsible for this grievous defeat."

    Maslo Boyev remarked, "The offensive has just beenunched; isn''t it a bit premature to talk about a disastrous failure?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Knowing that it will fail yet proceeding tounch the attack for the sake of personal gains and ''political considerations''¡ªthat''s why I say the advocates of a quick victory are extremely culpable."

    Wang Zhong raised his hand, pointing at young Duke Valkov: "They must be held ountable to our soldiers who would perish because of them!"

 Chapter 331: Seizure of Type F Number 4

    On the afternoon of December 7, Wang Zhong had just arrived at the school when he saw a tractor towing a tank stopped in front of the main school building.

    Wang Zhong''s office was at the rooftop of the main building, so his motorcade could only stop next to the tractor and the tank.

    After getting out of his car, Wang Zhong looked carefully and recognized it as a Panzer IV Type F tank; once the Type F with the long-barreled gun, the Panzer IV F2, hade out, the Type F would be renamed as Type F1.

    Wang Zhong reached out to touch the additional armor tes welded onto the front of the tank and clicked his tongue¡ª the armor tes were 50 millimeters thick, and it was unclear whether this was a battlefield modification or if it was standard issue for the Prosen version of the Panzer IV Type F.

    The Panzer IV Type F already had its hull''s front main armor and turret''s front main armor thickened to 50 millimeters. With such a thick piece welded on, it was likely that the main anti-tank firepower of the Ante Army was no match for it from the front.

    After all, this was 100 millimeters of armor, not even entirely vertical; the Panzer IV had a very slight frontal slope. Though minimal, it certainly was there.

    Wang Zhong had thought that once the Panzer IV Type F reached the front line, the 45mm anti-tank rifle would probably be ineffective, and now even the 76mm anti-tank rifles wouldn''t do much from a distance.

    If it ended up like this against armor-piercing shells, the situation could only be worse if it couldn''t win against those shells; one could imagine how bad it would be.

    Wang Zhong walked several circles around the Panzer IV Type F, his eyebrows twisted into knots.At that moment, someone suddenly called out to him, "General Rokossovsky, it''s just a tank, no need for such an unsightly expression. We haven''t captured as many as you, and you''ve taken more prisoners than us."

    Wang Zhong looked towards the direction of the voice with some confusion, "What?"

    The person speaking was a colonel with an adjutant insignia on his uniform. Seeing Wang Zhong''s clueless expression, he made himself clear, "Aren''t you frowning because we''ve also captured enemy tanks?"

    "Of course, you''ll capture tanks; I''m frowning because our existing anti-tank firepower will have a hard time dealing with this thing. Especially when we''rergely equipped with 45mm anti-tank rifles and Buffalo Anti-Tank Rifles, we can basically only aim for the observation ports and machine-gun muzzle from the front."

    Stay updated with

    Wang Zhong said, once again running his hand over the front of the tank where the additional armor was attached.

    "Did you capture only one? Did you send any spares to the Ordnance Department for cannon fire testing?"

    Faced with Wang Zhong''s question, the colonel adjutant looked troubled, "This... We only captured one..."

    Wang Zhong, "Then why did you bring it here? Send it to the Ordnance Department to test the attack effectiveness of our anti-tank weapons on it. I am certain this is the enemy''stest modified model, and we need to immediately get a clear understanding of its defensive capabilities.

    Drag it to the Ordnance Department and have them conduct the test immediately, and send a copy of the results to the Ordnance Review Committee."

    The colonel adjutant was at a loss for words, "This..."

    Wang Zhong, "What are you standing around for! Get it over there! Demand that the Ordnance Departmentplete a detailed test within three days, and say it''s at the request of Committee Chairman Rokossovsky of the Review Committee! Move it!"

    The colonel adjutant stuttered, "We thought you might want to be the first to know about the performance of the enemy''s new tank..."

    Wang Zhong, "Right, I do, that''s why you should drag it to the Ordnance Department to test its defensive capability! How will I test it here? Am I supposed to do it by hand?"

    I can''t rotate maic fields; I really am powerless against this nearly 100mm thick frontal armor!

    At that moment, Vasily said, "They wanted to show off to you, General. ''See, we can also capture the enemy''s new tanks,'' and once they''ve caught you, they will surely show it to you first at Suvorov Military Academy before parading it through Ye Fort."

    Wang Zhong sighed, "Vasily, I deliberately didn''t point it out; how am I supposed to act now?"

    "Sorry," Vasily shrugged, "My bad."

    The bell for the end of sses rang at that time, and the students rushed out en masse to see the Prosen Tank.

    Those in the tankmand specialty spotted something, "This doesn''t seem like the model we have on the training field!"

    Wang Zhong, "Indeed, this is thetest modified model; thanks to the Western Front Army for sending it to us immediately after capture. But this tank will soon be sent to the Ordnance Department for defensive testing. Because this matter is urgent, I cannot allow you to go up for a visit."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than Bayev said loudly, "It looks like this tank has had a thickyer of additional armor welded onto its front, hasn''t it? Has its original armor not changed?"

    Wang Zhong, "It should be simr to the Type E, I estimate the front armor of this tank to be close to 100 millimeters thick."

    The students in the tank specialty gasped, "One hundred millimeters! Isn''t that thicker than the T34?"

    "But the enemy''s tank doesn''t have a slope, so in terms of protection the T34 is still a bit better, right?"

    "I''ve seen the head of the KV2, it''s also vertical, chances are the frontal defense of this thing is even better than the head of the KV2!"

    Wang Zhong ignored the students and said to the colonel adjutant, "Hurry and take it to the Ordnance Department for testing."

    At that moment, Duke Valkov chuckled, "Why are you in such a rush to drag the tank away? Is it because it''s damaging your illustrious image?"

    Wang Zhong, "If you wish to think that way, you''re free to do so. In fact, I want to defeat the Prussians more quickly than anyone else; you see the soil at my waist? This is the soil of my homnd, I carry it to remind myself that as long as my home is not liberated, I must keep striving.

    "I would be happier than any of you if Prosen were defeated. But my brain tells me a swift victory is impossible."

    Duke Valkov, "Don''t worry, General Tukhachev''s Western Front Army will prove that you are the one without a brain! You''re good at defense, that''s true, but when ites to offense, His Excellency Tukhachev is far more proficient. After all, our military has always been built on the premise of offense!"

    Wang Zhong, "I hope so. If he defeats Prosen, I will personally kiss his boots."

    Knowing it was impossible, Wang Zhong easily uttered those words.

    Duke Valkov and a group of noble students immediately became excited, "It''s a deal!"

    "This is going to be quite the spectacle to witness!"

    Wang Zhong ignored them, turning to the colonel''s aide and said, "Hurry up and move the tank away."

    The colonel''s aide said, "Are you aware that I am Tukhachev''s aide and said this on purpose?"

    Wang Zhong was surprised, "Ah? You''re Tukhachev''s aide?"

    He nced down, indeed spotting the words "Tukhachev Aide" below the man''s rank insignia.

    Wang Zhong had been preupied with examining the tank and hadn''t switched to his external view.

    Wang Zhong said, "Then please convey to General Tukhachev my anticipation for his victorious return."

    The colonel''s aide clenched his teeth and forced out, "We will."

    Prussian Army, Central Army Corps Headquarters.

    Siegfried Gis,mander of the first army of the Asgard Knights, entered the headquarters and saluted Marshal Von Bock, "Marshal, the first army of the Asgard Knights has entered the Bokost-Shostka defensive line."

    Von Bock nodded, "Good. General Walter Mendel of the Ninth Army Group will assist you in defense. General Mendel''s troops have been building defensive positions on the line for half a month, his infantry is well-preserved, and will undoubtedly provide you with strong support."

    Gis said, "I''ve already inspected the entire defensive line, setting up solid positions relying on the numerous reinforced concrete buildings in the city. I even wonder how these lines could have been breached at the end of September."

    Marshal Von Bock smiled, "After all, not every Ante general can be an empire''s iron wall. Major General Rocossov''s troops are unparalleled throughout the Ante Empire''s military."

    Gis nodded and changed the subject, "How much time do we have to organize our defense?"

    Marshal Von Bock picked up a pointer, gesturing on a map as he spoke, "The enemy has spent over ten days nning their attack, and during these days, we basically have been retreating. The units responsible for dying the enemy have provided determined and effective resistance.

    "This has meant the enemy''s advance has been slower than we expected. We estimate contact with the enemy around December 10th; you have ample time to stock up on ammunition and construct fortifications."

    Gis said, "Excellent, convey my respects to the rearguard troops."

    Marshal Von Bock said, "They will all receive the then Emperor''smendations¡ªif they can return alive."

    Gis said, "That''s good to know. If you''ll excuse me."

    After the Asgard Knights had left, Marshal Von Bock''s chief of staff said, "The Asgard Knights took all thetest tanks and anti-tank guns. I heard they have thetest model PAK40 anti-tank guns, an experimental type that can prate T34 and KV tanks from a great distance."

    Marshal Von Bock chuckled bitterly, "Just think about the speed with which Duke Meyer''s Air Force gets new equipment. The air force''s Armored Divisions, equipped more advanced than our own Land Army''s Armored Divisions¡ªcan you believe it?"

    The Prosen Emperor was well-known for his preference for technologically advanced military branches, and he liked to use branches like the Air Force and Armored Troops, which required high technical expertise, to counterbnce the traditional Junker officer corps.

    The Asgard Knights were akin to the Emperor''s own Imperial Guards.

    It was no surprise that they would receive new equipment.

    Marshal Von Bock gazed at the map, "As long as they can hold back the enemy, anything goes!"

    Once Gis got in the car, he said to his aide, "We are going to use thetest equipment to set up an ambush."

    The aide asked, "Will we directly copy Rocossov''s tactics?"@@novelbin@@

    "Of course, we should certainly learn from effective tactics. In a moment, I want to personally select the ambush site and have the engineers dig tank hides. The hull armor on our prototypes of the Panzer IV F2 isn''t too reliable; we need to conceal the bodies and then one by one use our long-barreled 75mm guns to crack open enemy tanks like cans," said Gis.

    The aide smiled wryly, "First we have to fix those prototypes."

    Being experimental models and due to the harsh environment in Ante, more than half of the Panzer IV F2s allotted to the first army of the Asgard Knights malfunctioned upon arrival at the front line.

    The good news was, in the Bokost-Shostka defensive line, the Prosen logistics situation had greatly improved, and they had sufficient maintenance resources to repair these tanks.

    Gis said, "Other nations think the Prussians are rigid, now let the Ante People see how we implement what we''ve learned."

    He paused, asking, "By the way, what did Rabowell say about where Rocossov went?"

    The aide replied, "Rabowell said he has fallen out of favor in the political strifes and stripped of his military power. This is credible information from the Krat Bureau."

    Gis frowned, "Why though? Never mind, it doesn''t matter."

 Chapter 332: The Western Front Army Breaks Its Spear

    December 9th, Commander of the Western Front Army headquarters, 1240 hours.

    Tukhachev looked at the newly updated map and repeatedly praised, "Very good, excellent! Must continue to advance, advance!"

    Chief of Staff of the Front Army, "But we''ve already advanced so far, logistics can''t keep up. The troops haven''t had hot food since the day before yesterday, it''s all dry rations. The cooking squad andundry squad can''t keep up.

    "Moreover, the armored units have also reported many tanks abandoned due to mechanical failures, the First Assault Army Group reported as many as 221 tanks in need of repair this morning! They only have just over 100 T34 tanks inbat readiness left!"

    "Should we stop and wait for the logistics to catch up before proceeding?"

    Tukhachev angrily said, "Now, time is victory. When the enemy is attacking us, they relentlessly advance, preventing our army from organizing new defenses!

    "We must learn from the enemy''s approach, advance, advance, then advance some more! Rocossov was right, the line from Bokost to Shostka is indeed well suited for defense, so we must break through it before the enemy is ready!"

    Tukhachev waved his hand dramatically and mmed his fist onto the map.

    "Break through the defense lines! And then make that bastard Rocossov kiss my boots!"

    December 9th, 1450 hours in the afternoon, east of Shostka, Prosen armored ambush position.

    The 32nd Tank Battalion of the Asgard Knights'' Said Armored Division had been in position for a day already.

    This battalion was equipped entirely with prototype Panzer IV F2 tanks. These tanks, when they were first delivered to the front lines, still had the factory paint. It wasn''t until they reached the front that they were repainted by the battalion''s support troops into Prosen Army''s signature gray.

    Major Sheriff, the battalionmander, was in his ownmand vehicle, observing the distant railway line and the highway beside it. Read new adventures at

    Hismand vehicle, tactical number 201, was currently parked in a tank bunker thatpletely concealed the vehicle.

    The whole bunker was primarily constructed based on the Rocossov model of tank bunker discovered in Orachi, but to save on earthwork and speed up the construction of positions, the structure in front of Rocossov''s bunker that couldpletely hide the tanks was removed, leaving only a deflector for reducing the sh and smoke of tank fire.

    It was said that the front line Panzer IVs had been welded with 50mm thick armor tes, increasing the front to a thickness that even the T34 could not prate, but such modifications had not been made to Major Sheriff''s battalion.

    On the one hand, this batch of prototypes had just arrived at the front line and there was no time to modify; they could only manage to have the paint applied in time.

    On the other hand, with the addition of the long-barreled 75mm gun, the turret of the Panzer IV F2 was already a lot heavier. To bnce the weight of the turret, arger counterweight was added to the back.

    Under such circumstances, welding a 50mm thick steel te to the turret front would be excessively heavy.

    Hence, the current frontal turret armor of these tanks remained the original 50mm of the Panzer IV, which could be prated if hit by a T34.

    The response of Major Sheriff and his tank operators was to cover the turret front with ayer of camougeting, only leaving the gun itself and the gunner''s sighting scope exposed.

    However, although the Said Division itself had not engaged T34s, through exchanges with evacuated wounded, they knew that the T34''s uracy was very poor at distances beyond 800 meters.

    And now, the distance between the ambush position and the highway was exactly 800 meters, the 32nd Tank Battalion intended to engage the enemy at this range.

    Major Sheriff prepared himself for the potential loss of a third of his vehicles.

    At that moment, suddenly a voice came through the radio: "Hound Hound, this is Sparrowhawk, we see an enemy armored column moving towards you, at least one hundred tanks, repeat, at least one hundred tanks."

    Major Sheriff picked up the handset, turned on the radio transmitter: "Sparrowhawk Sparrowhawk, this is Hound. Our meal is ready, repeat, our meal is prepared."

    "Sparrowhawk understands, we dropped two small bombs, didn''t achieve much. It''s up to you now."

    "Thanks for the info." Major Sheriff put down the microphone, picked up a whistle and blew it, blowing one long and two short signals, then he shouted, "Battle stations!"

    The tank operators, who were ying cards and bragging on the position, scampered onto the tanks, slipping into the hatches with practiced movements.

    The infantry troops covering the tanks also sprang into action.

    The apanying infantry battalion of the 32nd Tank Battalion was called "57th Apanying Infantry Battalion," a specialized support unit.

    And because it was infantry from the Said Division, the battalion''s equipment was also luxurious, boasting twelve 50mm mortars, four 82mm mortars, and eight 75mm infantry guns, as well as two Bison 15CM self-propelled infantry guns.

    Less than ten minutester, the whole position went intobat readiness, everyone waiting for the arrival of the Ante armored column.

    But the first thing that came was the sound of engines from the sky, a uniquely shaped FW189 reconnaissance ne whizzed past the ambush position, the pilot apparently looking for the Prosen ambush position below and clearly didn''t spot it.

    Major Sheriff felt somewhat smug, after all, the camouge of his battalion was personally directed by him.

    Even though Prosen''s propaganda constantly boasted "The great Prosen soldier, as proud as an eagle, never deigns to camouge himself," experienced Prosen troops have never underestimated the value of camouge.

    Shortly after the reconnaissance ne passed, a rumble of engines came from the east.

    Major Sheriff looked eastward and indeed saw the raised white smoke from the snow.

    Major Sheriff straightened the Second ss Iron Cross on his cor, thinking that today was the time to earn the First ss Iron Cross.

    He nced at his own forces.

    At the moment, to avoid rming the enemy prematurely, the entire force maintained radio silence. However, Major Sheriff had already assigned targets for the 20 Panzer IV F2 tanks stationed on the ambush line.

    The rest of the battalion''s tanks were hidden in the forests further back from the ambush positions as reserves.

    For some reason, Major Sheriff always felt that the reserves wouldn''t be needed today.

    Unfortunately, even the Said Armored Division, which received priority replenishment, only got these 20 Panzer IV F2 prototypes. A full rollout of the Panzer IV F2 might not happen until March next year.

    If the Panzer IV F2 had been equipped inrge quantities before Operation Typhoon, maybe the Central Army Group would have already broken into Ye Fort.

    Finally, Major Sheriff saw the enemy''s armored column.

    Sheriff had only heard about how the Ante People liked to let infantry ride on tanks, but now he saw it with his own eyes, the leading T34 tank had seven or eight Ante infantrymen sitting on it.

    It seemed that the Ante People reallycked half-track vehicles, so they had to let the infantry ride on tanks for mobility.

    In contrast, the apanying infantry of the 32nd Battalion could allocate 12 to 15 half-tracks perpany, and didn''t need to ride on tanks forbat.

    Major Sheriff kept following the Ante armored column with his binocrs, watching the leading tank cross the roadside sign¡ªthis was the start of the ambush zone.

    The ambush position of Major Sheriff''smand vehicle was just 800 meters away from that roadside sign.

    The Ante People didn''t realize that the Prussians were only 800 meters away. The tank-borne infantry were all eagerly looking west,pletely focused on Shostka ahead.

    Major Sheriff patiently waited until the Ante vanguard was about to leave the ambush zone before he used the vehicle''smunication line to order, "Fire!"

    The gunner immediately opened fire, and the shell streaked like a beam of light, striking just above the idler wheel of the T34 that had just passed the sign.

    The Prosen Imperial Academy of Sciences had carefully disassembled captured T34 tanks and knew that the T34''s ammunition was mostly stored on the floor of the vehicle. The gunner aimed there, precisely targeting the T34''s ammo rack.

    No sooner said than done, the T34 blew up, sending the turret and the infantry sitting on it flying into the air. Scattered flesh and blood fell to the ground, staining the soil red with blood.

    The other ambushing vehicles also opened fire immediately, hitting the entire leading column of the procession and turning it into a fireball.

    Since there were too many enemies, Major Sheriff didn''t wait for all of them to enter the ambush zone before opening fire. Now, about thirty T34s were blocked outside the ambush zone by wreckage.

    Sheriff shouted loudly, "Rotate turret to the right 30 degrees, all enemies in sight, fire at will!"

    The moment the words had left his mouth, another shot was fired by the gunner, and the T34 that was hit burst into mes, with the infantry on top desperately jumping off.@@novelbin@@

    Gunner, "Load! Load quickly! There are still dozens of enemies!"

    The third shot was fired promptly, and yet another T34 turned into a ming coffin.

    At this time, Major Sheriff was puzzled, "What''s happening? Why does it seem like the enemy still hasn''t spotted us?"

    Through his binocrs, he saw the T34s firing at the machine-gun positions of the apanying infantry and the positions of the infantry guns, but none of them fired at the armored ambush site 800 meters away.

    As Major Sheriff was astonished, his gunner methodically turned ten T34 tanks into wrecks.

    In the ensuing chaos, the Ante T34s began to retreat.

    Breaking radio silence, Major Sheriff ordered, "Armored third, fourth, fifth, sixth toons, engage in battle, move fast! All battalions, engage, the enemy is running! Break their tracks, jam their turret rings! Hurry!"

    "Understood, battalionmander!"

    The remaining troops of the 32nd Armored Battalion surged out of their nests, circled around the ambush site, and rushed towards the retreating¡ªor rather, fleeing¡ªAnte tank forces.

    Major Sheriff, "We''re moving out too. All F2s, reverse, leave the cover! Pursue the enemy freely!"

    The engine of Major Sheriff''smand vehicle, number 201, roared as it backed out of the tank shelter.

    The Major, "Left turn! There are no pits ahead, move forward, move forward! Aim for a better shooting position! Destroy the enemy!"

    -------------

    The Ante Western Front Army Headquarters.

    The telephone rang.

    The chief of staff picked up the phone, "Front Army Headquarters. What? How many tanks?"

    Tukhachev, who had been looking at the map, turned around and squinted at the chief of staff.

    And the chief of staff''s eyes were as wide as copper bells.

    Finally, he put down the phone and looked at Tukhachev.

    "Commander Sir," the chief of staff said, "the First Strike Army Group reports that they were ambushed by the enemy and lost... lost 103 T34 tanks; now they only have 7 T34s operational."

    "What?" Tukhachev nearly fell over and had to steady himself with both hands on the desk, "Where did the enemy get those troops from?"

    "Unknown, the vanguard of the First Strike Army Group was crushed, and we didn''t capture any prisoners."

    Tukhachev sat down hard in the chair.

    Then the chair cracked, nearly splitting General Tukhachev''s backside.

 Chapter 333: Necessary Sacrifices

    On the afternoon of December 9th, at Ekaterinburg Fortress, Suvorov Military Academy, ssroom No. 1 on the first tier.

    The architecture in Ante was mostly very broad, seemingly deliberate to reflect the vastness of the nation''s territory.

    This tiered ssroom was no exception.

    Remarkably, the room had managed to amodate all the students from three grades of the tankmand specialty and nearly two hundred frontlinemanders who hade to be retrained, prepared for more seniormand positions.

    Besides those upying seats in the room, there was also an indeterminate number of people hanging on the windows.

    Normally, having windows open in the dead of winter was a very foolish thing, but the crowd jamming the windows actually made the ssroom warmer.

    Wang Zhong was on the podium, exining to everyone the defensive operation he conducted at Orachi.

    "On the second day of the Orachi battle, we gave up some of the positions we had fought for repeatedly on the first day. These positions were carefully designed and not conducive to withstanding fire from our own artillery positions.

    "After luring the enemy into these positions, we used fire to ambush and inflict heavy casualties, which actually yielded better results than simply holding the ground."But we were able to carry out such defensive operations because we had constructed a defensive position with considerable depth."

    Wang Zhong showed everyone the defensive positions he had constructed around Orachi.

    "Look, these were our ambush positions on the first day, and these were the positions on the second day¡ªalthough our lines had fallen back, we preserved our forces and inflicted heavy casualties on the enemy.

    "Unfortunately, there is only so much space around Orachi to arrange more in-depth defense positions. Additionally, our troop and firepower did not allow for further resistance..."

    Just then, Vasily suddenly squeezed past the crowd at the door and entered the room, "General, there''s trouble!"

    He came to Wang Zhong''s ear and whispered, "The First Assault Army Group was ambushed east of Shostka, losing over a hundred tanks."

    Wang Zhong immediately widened his eyes, "How many tanks?"

    Vasily, "Over a hundred, all brand new T34s."

    In an instant, Wang Zhong thought of hisrades who had died tragically inside the tanks.

    His lips twitching slightly, he put down the teaching pointer and said to the packed ssroom of students, "Excuse me. I need topose myself."

    After saying this, he turned to face the ckboard that had the battle lines drawn on it and punched it.

    Although he had been through such events countless times before and might face countless more in the future, he still could not get used to it.

    Having barelyposed himself, Wang Zhong turned to ask Vasily, "How could we suffer such a loss? Did the enemy deploy new anti-tank guns?"

    By this time, he still thought it was the work of PAK40 anti-tank guns.

    Vasily''s expression was grave, "The soldiers who ran back imed that they saw Prussian tanks equipped withrge-caliber, long-barreled guns."

    Wang Zhong was shocked and hurriedly asked, "Did they make out the model? Was it the Panzer IV we''ve already seen, or a newer model with a more rectangr build?"

    Theoretically, it should not be possible to mistake the turrets of Tiger tanks and Panzer IVs, but it was normal to not see clearly in the chaos of the battlefield, especially in an ambush.

    Vasily shook his head, "They didn''t see clearly, only that there were long-barreled guns. Some who returned said it was a Panzer III with a long-barrel gun, some imed it was a Panzer IV."

    Wang Zhong was stunned. He immediately thought to seek help from the Air Force, to dispatch nes for reconnaissance, and then to maintain contact with the ground.

    But then he remembered that the Air Force was not under hismand, so even with radiomunication, he would not be able to get the pilot''s view.

    In the end, they could only rely on aerial photographic reconnaissance.

    Wang Zhong, "Prepare the car, I''m going to Air Force Headquarters."

    Vasily, "It''s no use going there now, the Air Force in thebat zone is under themand of the Western Front Army. You need to go directly to the Western Front Army Headquarters."

    Wang Zhong, "Where is the Western Front Army Headquarters now?"

    Vasily, "That''s military secret, I don''t know."

    Wang Zhong cursed under his breath and ordered, "Prepare the car, I''m going to the High Command to find out what exactly happened! I''ve already told them where the enemy might set up defensive lines, so why did they still blunder into it, still getting ambushed!

    "What about the reconnaissance troops? This is utterly ridiculous!"

    Having said that, Wang Zhong turned to the students and said, "ss dismissed! Digest the content from today''s lecture on your own."

    With that, he walked toward the ssroom door, and the students blocking the entrance parted like the receding tide to make way.

    No sooner had Wang Zhong left the ssroom than he saw the young Duke Valkov with a group of dandies outside the door, who, upon seeing him,ughed and said, "General Rokossovsky, are you off to kiss General Tukhachev''s boots now?"

    Wang Zhong, "Just now, the vanguard of the First Assault Army Group was ambushed by the enemy, their entire force was wiped out, losing over 100 T34 tanks."

    The young Duke Valkov''s expression immediately froze.

    Wang Zhong ignored him, turned, and walked away, but after taking just one step, the young duke shouted, "Are you pleased with that! But it''s just a sessful ambush by the enemy, not really a block against the Western Front Army!"

    Wang Zhong spun around, a pnding on the young duke''s face, sending him crashing into the wall.

    It had to be said that, in terms of physique, the young duke was considered ''light as a feather'' in Ante.

    Wang Zhong, "More than a hundred tanks destroyed, hundreds of soldiers dead¡ªanyone who would be happy upon hearing such news must be a Prussian spy! Like you, whose first reaction was to think that I would be d about this news! This proves one thing, you never cared about the several hundred people who died this time.

    "If someone like you were tomand troops in the future, it would surely lead to massive casualties. In my opinion, you are not qualified as a military man, so as the Principal of the Suvorov Military Academy, I hereby discharge you from military service! Get out, fool!"

    After speaking, Wang Zhong turned to the Judge who had been standing by and said, "Young Duke Valkov has made treasonous statements, ndering me. This should be enough reason to arrest him, right?"

    The Judge smiled, "Of course. He just insulted you, the greatest hero defending Ye Fort, by suggesting that you''d be pleased to hear news of the enemy''s victory. This is a heinous rumor, and he must be arrested for investigation!"

    The young Duke Valkov howled immediately, "No! No! That''s not what I meant! Damn it, I misspoke!"

    As he spoke, he began to p himself on the face.

    The Judge rushed up, restrained his hands, and handcuffed him, "We all heard it, and there are so many ssmates here who can testify! You indeed ndered General Rokossovsky! If there''s anything you''d like to say, do it in the Tribunal''s underground cell!"

    "No! No! I was wrong, I... my father is still fighting on the front line, you can''t just arrest me like this! At least wait for my father toe back from the front line!"

    Two Judges dragged away the young Duke.

    Wang Zhong suddenly noticed that the young Duke''s military trousers seemed a bit damp¡ªgiven the weather, everyone''s trousers were severalyers thick; for moisture to prate to the outside, there must have been a serious leakage inside.

    But Wang Zhong couldn''t quite feel happy about it.

    What he was thinking about now was how to press the Western Front Army to halt and rest, instead of wasting their force on the enemy''s defensive line in vain.

    An hourter, Wang Zhong''s modest motorcade arrived at the main entrance of the Summer Pce.

    Stay connected through

    Because Wang Zhong hadn''t informed the High Command of his visit in advance, no one was there to greet him.

    Wang Zhong went straight inside.

    The guards at the Summer Pce basically recognized Wang Zhong''s face, so they just went through the motions, nced at his credentials, and let him through.

    Wang Zhong headed directly for the High Command''s map room, and before he could even push the door, Belinsky came out.

    Belinsky, "They told me you were here, so I hurried out."

    Wang Zhong, "What you need isn''t to stop me, but to stop the Western Front Army!"

    Belinsky, "Then they''ll just throw the me of failing to thoroughly defeat the Prussians on your head. No, I must stop you, I can''t let you ruin the chance to eradicate the influence of the quick-victory faction in the army.

    "After the dismal defeat of the quick-victory faction led by Tukhachev, we''ll be able to uproot them entirely. A significant number of them belong to the Aristocratic faction."

    Wang Zhong, "And the sacrifices? Just for this, so many people are sacrificed in vain?"

    Belinsky looked at Wang Zhong with a hard, steely expression, "Yes, it''s a necessary price.

    "You must understand one thing, not only the senior and mid-level officers hope for a quick victory, but arge number of lower-levelmanders and soldiers think the same. We need a defeat to sober them up.

    "Didn''t I ask you to prepare an article detailing your thoughts?"

    Wang Zhong, "I did prepare it, ''Refuting the Surrenderists and Quick-Victory Faction, Getting Ready for the Arduous and Prolonged Military Struggle Against the Prussians,'' and I even handed it over to you! But it wasn''t published!"

    Belinsky, "The timing wasn''t right; had it been published then, it would only have caused resentment. In another ten days or so, when the Western Front Army is decisively defeated at the enemy''s position, it can be published.

    "At that time, your article will be viewed as the guiding ideology for the war. I''ve read the article, it''s very well written, and it can bear this responsibility!"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that''s nonsense, I giarized it, and with my superficial understanding, probably only captured one-tenth of the original work''s potency.

    Knowing Belinsky''s n, Wang Zhong still felt reluctant, "Can''t these sacrifices be avoided?"

    Belinsky, "What if we break through the enemy''s defences?"

    Wang Zhong, "That''s..."@@novelbin@@

    Belinsky, "You can''t be one hundred percent certain that there''s no such possibility, can you? That''s why I think, this sacrifice is unavoidable."

    Wang Zhong fell silent.

    Belinsky''s attitude was very firm.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong also felt that his reasoning made sense, with the entire army harboring thoughts of quick victory; the harsh reality had to awaken everyone.

    Belinsky changed the subject, "By the way, the material you taught at the military academy, I''ve looked at the records. Very good. I heard you''re drafting a document to establish an elitebined division modeled after the Guards 1st Motor Rifle, right?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, my n is to first form two divisions simr to the Guards 1st Motor Rifle, group them into a Maneuver Army with ample logistical support and sufficient training.

    "Then deploy them at critical positions, under my personalmand."

    Actually, Wang Zhong''s idea was very "Hearts of Iron"¡ªin that game, it''s about lining up plenty of ordinary divisions with some elite ones.

    Hearts of Iron yers like to call these elite, wealthy divisions "Gundam divisions," meaning these divisions would cut through ordinary divisions like the protagonist''s Gundam in the anime "Mobile Suit Gundam" slicing through enemy grunt suits.

    Belinsky nodded, "Very good, your idea is excellent."

    Wang Zhong, "It would be nice if I hadmand of the Air Force, so I couldmand a couple of separate fighter and ground attack squadrons."

    Belinsky, "Then wouldn''t you be a Commander of the Front Army? An Army Group with only three divisions... No, no, even His Majesty the Tsar would face strong opposition if he tried to create such a force. Instead, you should start by establishing good rtions with the Air Force, just like you did in Shostka. They may not be under yourmand, but they listened to you, didn''t they?"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that''s true, but my system doesn''t recognize them as forces under mymand, so I don''t get vision!

    Oh well, what Belinsky said made sense, adapting to gain the Air Force''s support first, and if the Maneuver Army I''m building makes a name for itself, then I canmand the Army Groupter on.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to discuss other matters with Belinsky, the door suddenly opened. Olga herself opened it, and upon seeing Wang Zhong standing outside, her face lit up with a smile, "Alyosha! You''re here,e quickly to give me advice, a big problem has arisen!"

    Belinsky stepped forward and tugged at Wang Zhong''s clothes, "Remember what I said."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Olga stepped forward, grabbed Wang Zhong''s hand, and dragged him into the room, right in front of therge map.

    Olga, "The 1st Assault Army Group has just been ambushed, losing over a hundred tanks! What do we do, Alyosha! You''re the expert, give us your opinion!"

 Chapter 334: The Double Act I Play with His Majesty

    Wang Zhong finally broke free of Olga''s "grip" and pulled his hand out of her embrace before seriously criticizing her, "When our army suffers such heavy casualties, as the Tsar, Your Majesty absolutely cannot show a cheerful expression in public."

    Olga quicklyposed herself and bowed her head slightly, "I''m sorry, I know I was wrong."

    The officers in the conference room looked at each other.

    Wang Zhong realized this might look bad and cause misunderstandings, so he quickly said, "I''m only offering a suggestion as a subject, thank you for Your Majesty''s magnanimity."

    Olga wanted tough but had to suppress it, responding solemnly, "You''re right, I will consider such correct advice, no matter how it is presented."

    Then, she turned to the map, "Regarding the current situation, do you have any thoughts, my noble subject?"

    Wang Zhong nced at Belinsky.

    If he now suggested stopping the offense and beginning to rest, then Belinsky''s intention to annihte the swift victory faction would not be realized.

    Because Olga would certainly listen.Wang Zhong looked at Olga and suddenly noticed the girl''s eyes were very clear. She didn''t seem worried about the front lines at all.

    Then Wang Zhong understood: She had been acting from the moment she opened the door, all her actions were aimed at pushing me towards the position of the prince.

    Would she fail to seize the opportunity to extinguish the swift victory faction?

    No way!

    So Wang Zhong said, "I''ve said it before, the Prussians would establish a defense on the Bokosht-Shostka line, but the Western Front Armypletely disregarded my advice, resulting in such a disastrous defeat!

    "I suggest that after pushing the front to near Bokosht-Shostka, all troops should stop and rest, waiting for the winter to pass. Our army''s next attack should be in April or May of next year, by which time the mud of spring will be nearing its end..."

    "No!" Olga made an angry gesture, "How can we attack only next April or May? By then, the Prussians will have recovered! I''m asking for a way to break through their defenses this month! Tukhachev even thumped his chest, saying he could push to the border, reiming thend lost since June!"

    See, I knew it!

    Tukhachev wasn''t present, but his recement as Chief of General Staff, Marshal Boris, already had a bitter look on his face. With Wang Zhong''s limited ability to read people, he could only guess that this marshal actually knew they couldn''t breakthrough and would suffer heavy casualties at the enemy''s defense.

    Your journey continues at

    Tugenev, on the other hand, looked regretful, as if he truly hoped Wang Zhong could restrain the swift victory faction from throwing away lives.

    Wang Zhong himself, a frontline soldier, considered the front-line soldiers hisrades in arms and certainly wanted to restrain the swift victory faction.

    But Belinsky was right, from top to bottom, the Ante Army was fixated on a swift victory, being in a state of overconfidence, a state that required suffering a defeat.

    All he could do was try to minimize the casualties a bit.

    Wang Zhong: "Since Your Majesty trusts Tukhachev and them, it''s not my ce to say anything. But..."

    He paused, looking at Olga.

    Olga got it in a second and said, "You can offer tactical advice!"

    Wang Zhong: "Then I suggest not rushing to attack the enemy''s strong defenses but using reconnaissance soldiers to thoroughly sweep the area in front of the defenses, and wait for the infantry, engineers, and most importantly, the artillery to catch up with the vanguard beforeunching an attack."

    Olga: "Good! This suggestion sounds very reasonable, so I will pass it on to General Tukhachev of the Western Front Army. Anything else?"

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, feeling like he didn''t have any other suggestions. Attacking a well-defended enemy position naturally required heavy casualties.

    At the end of September and beginning of October, even the elite Prussian Army suffered heavy losses to advance while he was defending the Duva River.

    That was after Giles halted the fierce assault midway and began trench construction; otherwise, Prussian casualties would have doubled.

    At least doubled.

    And switching to the less well-trained Ante troops attacking, one could only imagine how much worse it would be.

    Wang Zhong sighed, "Nothing more. Any offensive is bound to suffer huge casualties. General Tukhachev should be ready to take responsibility."

    Olga: "I believe he is prepared. Alyosha, you..."

    Wang Zhong: "Your Majesty, please use official titles or military ranks in the workce."

    For a split second, Olga let a "darn, he''s onto me" expression slip before solemnly replying, "You''re right, Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich. So, you hastily came here just to say these things?"

    Wang Zhong: "There were two things I came for. The first was to call off the attack, but I failed. The second is rted to my expertise as an Armored Trooper."

    Wait a second, I think I''m an infantrymander, but no one''s going to question that now, anyway.

    Wang Zhong: "The second thing, I urgently need to understand what tanks ambushed the vanguard of the First Assault Army Group. I heard these tanks have long-barreled guns."

    Marshal Boris spoke up, "Indeed, there have been such reports from the front line, and we''ve requested the Western Front Army to confirm. There should be aerial reconnaissance photosing tomorrow."

    Wang Zhong: "I hope to see the real tanks."

    Marshal Boris: "Once we break through their line, there will be real tanks."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Thanks in advance to the soldiers of the Western Front Army."

    Marshal Boris nodded.

    Olga asked Wang Zhong, "Does this type of tank have a big impact?"

    "A big one indeed, Your Majesty. They can prate T34s at long distances, and the damage they inflict is astonishing. It shows that after encountering T34s in June, the Prussians ryed their needs to the development department. Now, the finished products have reached the frontline¡ªthat speed is astounding," Wang Zhong spoke with grave seriousness.

    Over on Earth, the Panzer IV F2 only made its appearance in March of the second year. Furthermore, the Panzer IV had long been nned to be fitted with a long-barrel gun, which is why it was so quick.

    This world''s Prussians are indeed much stronger than the Sturmtigers.

    Wang Zhong was unaware that the models the Sedi Division had received were trial production models, almost prototypes, with mass production likely to hit the front lines around March next year.

    In any case, Wang Zhong felt that the Jude in front of him was a bit troublesome.

    Seeing Wang Zhong''s serious expression, Olga also became serious andmanded in a stern voice, "Have the Western Front Army try their best to get a new tank. This is the top priority."

    Marshal Boris nodded, "Understood."

    Olga turned to Wang Zhong, "Anything else?"

    Wang Zhong, "No, that''s all. I''ll take my leave now; there are other matters to deal with."

    Olga nodded, "Fine."

    Wang Zhong saluted Olga and turned to walk out.

    As he left, he caught Belinsky''s eye. The Grand Patriarch seemed very pleased with how the meeting had unfolded.

    After Wang Zhong left the room, he strode along the corridors of the Summer Pce.

    That evening, after finishing a day''s work and returning to the estate, Wang Zhong found Ludm and a fewdies having tea in the upstairs tea room.

    So, without going through the main entrance, he took the side staircase to the tea room and entered with open arms, "Darling, I''m back!"

    Ludm came up to give him a hug and then kissed him on the cheek.

    Wang Zhong, "The pastries on your table look a bit strange."

    Because it was already dark, under the light of the candles, Wang Zhong couldn''t quite make out the square-shaped items on the table.

    Ludm, "It''s a gift from the Federation ambassador, just arrived today¡ªFederation canned goods."

    Wang Zhong, "SPAM cans?"

    Ludm, "It seems to be spelled that way; they taste quite good."

    That''s because the war had just started, and SPAM cans were still produced ording to pre-war standards, with vor in mind. Once wartime expanded production, this stuff would turn into hard-to-swallow salty meat.

    Of course, that was only for the pampered soldiers of the Federation. Officers from the United Kingdom would find it a delicious delicacy¡ªfar better than their saltfish and chips!

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly shivered and asked, "Did the Federation ambassador bring anything else besides these cans? Like, a drink?"

    "Yes, they brought a dark liquid that looks like coffee. We haven''t tried it."

    Wang Zhong smiled, "Quick, bring that to me. I want to take a sip!"

    All day, Wang Zhong had been distressed thinking about the soldiers who would soon sacrifice themselves on the robust defenses of Prosen. Now he needed a Coke to give himself some energy!

    Nelly approached with a tray holding a bottle of Coke, "This¡ªwe don''t know how to open it¡ª"

    Wang Zhong picked up the Coke and with a precise tap against the windowsill, flipped off the cap.

    After a loud "pop," foam surged out of the ss bottle.

    Wang Zhong didn''t care for the mess and took a big gulp.

    Ludm watched his action, curiously asking, "Is this some sort of sparkling wine? Champagne?"

    Wang Zhong, too engrossed to answer, finished the entire bottle of Coke.

    At that moment, he felt as if he had returned to the 21st century, back to his native country, having just fired up aputer in an inte cafe, grabbed a Coke from the fridge, ready to surf the night away.

    Wang Zhong belched, causing the illusions of the 21st century to fade, and Ludm once again filled his view.

    Wang Zhong, "Uh, it''s a type of drink, simr in concept to champagne. You can have a bottle!"

    After speaking, he ced the empty bottle on Nelly''s tray.

    Nelly, looking puzzled, picked up the bottle, peered inside, sniffed it, and her confusion only deepened.

    Wang Zhong, "Nelly, get another bottle for Ludm."

    "Okay."

    At that moment, one of the noblewomen tasting SPAM cans around the table said, "General Rokossovsky, I heard something happened at the Summer Pce this morning. You openly rebuked Her Majesty Olga I."

    Wang Zhong, "I merely offered a suggestion."

    He looked at Ludm, "As an older brother."

    Ludm shrugged, "You don''t have to exin to me."

    Wang Zhong, "Also, I went to the Summer Pce to stop the quick victory faction from sacrificing more lives."

    "I told you that you don''t need to exin. I believe in you," Ludm said with a smile.@@novelbin@@

    Just then, Nelly approached with a tter, "I fetched two more bottles from the cer."

    Because the weather had turned so cold, drinks and the like had to be stored in the cer to maintain their temperature. As a result, they even put Coke in the cer...

    They surely treated it as a high-ss item.

    Wang Zhong put his hand on Ludm''s shoulder, "Come on, dear, give it a try."

 Chapter 335: "General Rokossovsky is with Us

    On December 12, 914, Wang Zhong went out as usual.

    His first stop was the auditmittee, where he had toplete the review of documents¡ªsince the establishment of the various department heads of themittee, the number of documents Wang Zhong had to deal with each day had dropped to 20, and most of them were rted to the first weapon audit in mid-December.

    At this audit, themittee would for the first time exercise its function to decide which modified weapons could be put into production.

    Of course, since themittee was only set up this month, these modifications weren''t proposed by themittee''s technical specifications, but rather were the troops'' feedback scattered to the designers, with the chief designer of each project "making changes as they see fit."

    In the future, themittee would summarize the front-line needs, propose technical specifications, and then pass them to the relevant designers. Whichever designer could modify the product to perform better would have their design produced.

    After clearing the documents at themittee, Wang Zhong had to go to the Kubinka training ground to inspect the training of the guards'' first mechanized infantry and the establishment of a new division.

    Since theposition of the guards'' first mechanized infantry was quiteplex, it was difficult to use it as a blueprint to form two divisions. Even Tugenev could only strive to assemble the structure of one division first.

    The main difficultyy in the fact that the basic education in Ante wasn''t widespread enough. At first, Wang Zhong thought that graduating from tenth grade wasmon in Ante, but now he knew that only the more developed areas could have so many people finish tenth grade, while the majority of the Ante civilians'' children only attended a few years of church school before entering the workforce.

    As for high school graduates, they were exceedingly rare in the current Ante infantry, with most high schoolers being supplemented into technical military branches. Even so, high school graduates constituted less than twenty percent in the technical branches of Ante''s army.In arge branch like the Armored Troops, the majority were tenth grade graduates, and there was even a tenth who hadn''t attended tenth grade, having only learned to read and write at church school.

    Wang Zhong finally understood why thebat effectiveness of the Naval Infantry was so high. Damn it, at least the Naval Infantry were tenth grade graduates, with many being high school students.

    No wonder in the Earth movie "*** Defense War," the actors even have a specific line pointing out, "A low level of culture limits the performance of technical weaponry."

    Knowing the crux of the problem made it manageable. Enjoy exclusive content from

    Earth had an existing temte that could be followed.

    Wang Zhong decisively decided toprehensively carry out night school studies in the guards'' first mechanized infantry to improve the cultural level of the soldiers.

    The soldiers would train during the day and learn about culture and technical knowledge in the evening.

    The good news was that at least everyone in Ante could read, so there was no need for each soldier to carry a board for learning to read, like that temte army on Earth.

    The bad news was that the Ante People really didn''t like to study. They preferred to drink at night, dance the knee destruction dance by the bonfire, and y the Bayan and blaika.

    Wang Zhong could only try to get these rough men to learn some cultural knowledge while coordinating with the navy: "You don''t have ships anymore, can we get some high school students, please, just give us some!"

    Fortunately, the church was trying hard to send high school and tenth-grade graduates to Wang Zhong. It seemed that the church also thought it would be better to give these culturally-aware youths to Wang Zhong than to let those inept generals waste them.

    Anyway, the first model division Wang Zhong was forming was half-built, just waiting for the officers who had returned from the front lines toplete their theoretical studies at the military academy and be supplemented into the troops.

    After getting things in order at Kubinka, Wang Zhong had to go to school to teach. His major ss was the most popr at the military academy. Those students who haven''t missed a single lesson are now called "Rokossovsky''s faction."

    Although Wang Zhong had already written a pamphlet, printed and distributed at the school, this seemed to only increase the students'' enthusiasm to attend the lecture.

    In short, that was General Rokossovsky''s daily schedule.

    But today''s schedule encountered a slight problem at the beginning.

    The auditmittee was right next to the Civil War Memorial Hospital, thergest hospital in Ye Fort, and it boasted the best trauma surgery in Ye Fort.

    Today, just as Wang Zhong''s small motorcade arrived at the entrance of the Civil War Memorial Hospital, it was blocked.

    One truck after another was inching along the road, advancing slowly.

    As soon as Wang Zhong rolled down the car window, he smelled a strong scent of blood. These trucks were likely carrying wounded soldiers from the front lines.

    The slow progress of the truck convoy was probably because the hospital was already operating at full capacity.

    Wang Zhong waited for a while, sighed, and got out of the car directly.

    Vasily hurriedly called out, "General? Where are you going?"

    Wang Zhong, "We''re walking over, otherwise we won''t be able to make it to this morning''s work."

    Vasily hurriedly took the briefcase and got out.

    Grigori also got out and followed Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong had only walked a few steps when a soldier on one of the trucks spotted him and shouted, "Your Excellency the General!"

    "Good to see you," Wang Zhong waved his hand.

    The soldier started crying, "Your Excellency the General! We did not listen to you, we thought the Prussians were doomed, we even mocked you! We hope you can forgive us!"

    Wang Zhong, "It''s not your fault, it''s those who are for a swift victory who have deceived you! They deserve to die a thousand times."

    As one soldier cried and Wang Zhong responded, all the fellows on the truck discovered Wang Zhong.

    And this news spread along the convoy backwards and forwards.

    More wounded joined the outpouring ofint:

    "The Prussians built strong bunkers! My entirepany copsed in front of the bunkers!"

    "They''re cunning! They deliberately set traps, and as we charged in, we were surrounded by firepower points!"

    Wang Zhong frowned, this defensive position with firepower points all around it, somehow felt like it had something to do with me, didn''t it?

    Did the Prussians just learn the defensive positions I brought from trench warfare?

    Such strong learning ability!

    Wang Zhong had only walked a few tens of meters and it seemed the entire convoy knew of his arrival.

    Moreover, the news spread with a significant distortion, and now everyone is saying, "General Rokossovsky hase to visit us."

    By now, it was impossible for me to say I was just passing by on my way to work.

    Wang Zhong could only keep shaking hands with the arms stretching out from the trucks, allowing the wounded soldiers to touch his face and uniform at will.

    Finally, when he managed to reach the entrance of the hospital, Wang Zhong thought to himself, might as well go in and visit now that I''m here.

    As soon as he entered the hospital, he startled the nurse at the door, "Your Excellency the Lieutenant General! What happened to you? Were you attacked? I will call the head of the gunshot wound department immediately!"

    Wang Zhong, "No no, this isn''t my blood. It''s the soldiers'' wishes for me."

    He looked down at the bloodstains on his body and said solemnly, "They are using this way to remind me that blood debts must be paid in blood."

    The nurse''s expression could be summarized as "I don''t understand, but it seems very impressive."

    She asked, "Do you need me to inform the dean of your inspection?"

    Wang Zhong, "No, I''ll just take a look and leave."

    In the following two hours, Wang Zhong talked with over a hundred wounded soldiers, obtaining a lot of first-hand information.

    For example, the ones conducting the defensive operations might be Prosen''s Ninth Army Group and Asgard''s First Army of the Asgard Knights, where themander of the Ninth Army Group is Lieutenant General Walter Mendel, and themander of Asgard''s First Army is an old acquaintance of Wang Zhong, Siegfried Gis.

    Furthermore, the enemy indeed has a type of long-barreled tank, but they are few in number.

    A battalionmander assured Wang Zhong that there might be only one battalion of these long-barreled tanks and that all the tanks bore a skull emblem, suggesting it is the emblem of theirbat unit.

    After Wang Zhong gathered enough information, the dean finally arrived.

    "I''m sorry, Your Excellency the General, I was dyed by a surgery," the dean said with a face full of apologies.

    Wang Zhong, "It''s all right, go back to your surgery. The more wounded you save, the happier I am, and greeting me is never a priority."

    The dean nodded, "You haven''t changed at all."

    Wang Zhong was somewhat surprised, "Eh? Have we met before?"

    "In Loktov, I was also the head of a field hospital," the dean said as he pushed up his sses.

    Wang Zhong delighted, "You''re Dr. Losonov! You survived as well."

    The dean, "I did survive. I almost got trapped in Argesukov, but once I got to Ye Fort, it just so happened that the dean of this hospital had been killed by Prosen''s bombing, so I took up the position."

    Wang Zhong, "You''ve worked hard."

    The two shook hands.

    The dean, "Then I''ll go back to the surgery."

    Wang Zhong, "Please do, I''ll stay a little longer with the soldiers."

    The dean nodded and left.

    Wang Zhong then looked at the wounded soldiers crowding the wards.

    All the soldiers were looking at him.

    Wang Zhong felt this was the moment to say something and started to speak, "Right now, I don''t want to act like I know it all and say ''this is what happens when you don''t listen to my advice.'' I understand your desire to quickly return home to fight."

    Wang Zhong took off the lunch box that he always carried, "This lunch box! Inside is soil from my homnd of Kazarlia. I dug it up when I left Kazarlia at an unnamed station.

    "On the same day, my father, together with my best buddies, all died in battle¡ªalongside countless ordinary soldiers.

    "I, Rokossovsky, want to liberate my homnd more than anyone else! My feelings are no different from yours! So I will not mock you!

    "Absolutely not!@@novelbin@@

    "I will only tell you that liberating our homnd also needs to be based on facts and logic. We can''t divorce ourselves from reality and make grand ims! Boasting won''t drive away the Prosen devils!"

    Wang Zhong put away his lunch box and looked around the room again.

    "Defeating the Prosen devils is a long-term and arduous process that will require enormous sacrifice. But I can guarantee you, the final victory wille!

    "For this victory, apart from braving sacrifices, we also need to use our brains, understand the enemy''s strengths, know ourselves and the enemy, and then choose our tactics ordingly!

    "You should know that I am a general who likes to charge at the forefront myself, and I do this to understand the enemy and find their weaknesses!

    "In the future, I assure you that I will continue this approach, even if one day, I should fall on the battlefield!"

    Wang Zhong stood among the wounded soldiers, his body covered in blood from the soldiers.

    The bloodstained soldiers looked at him.

    Who says we have no clothes? We share our robes. When I muster the soldiers, I repair my spears and shields. We share amon foe!

    At that moment, there was suddenly the sound of a sh.

    Wang Zhong turned his head towards the direction of the sh and saw Reporter Mike and his partner.

    The joyous photographer Robert Capa muttered, "I''ve captured another great shot! This one will be titled ''General Rokossovsky Is with Us.''

    Wang Zhong was bbergasted and said to Mike, "You Federation reporters, faster than anything!"

 Chapter 336: The situation on December 16th (Additional Update 26/33)

    December 12, Summer Pce.

    Belinsky had been at the High Command these past few days, closely monitoring the front-line battle situation.

    Just after the meeting at High Command ended that day, Ravkid entered the room and whispered to Belinsky, "General Rokossovsky saw a convoy transporting wounded soldiers on his way to work and took the opportunity to visit the Civil War Memorial Hospital."

    Belinsky was overjoyed, "Really? Were there any photographs taken?"

    Ravkid replied, "The Judge notified the Federation''s reporters and his partner based on the situation at the time."

    Belinsky smiled and said, "Good, good,municate with the Federation''s reporters and get us a set of the developed photos. We''ll select some for publishing in the Ye Fort Daily."

    Ravkid added, "There''s also another matter. The exile government of Mnia has made a request to the Foreign Minister to join the alliance and be an allied nation."

    Belinsky reflected, "Mnia? I remember when the Prosen Empire destroyed Mnia, the people who followed the Eastern Holy Church Secr faction fled here."

    "Yes, we even resettled some bishops from Mnia, and most of the refugees have been settled in our vast eastern territories, that was already three years ago."After Ravkid finished speaking, Belinsky eximed, "They are still fighting? Admirable. So what does the exile government intend? Are they nning to recruit soldiers from the Mnia refugees we''ve settled?"

    "That seems to be the case," Ravkid nodded, "but most of the diplomatic stuff is being handled by the nobility."

    After all, before the Prosen Empire instigated trouble, most of the countries in Europa were either kingdoms or empires adorned with crowns.

    Belinsky thought for a moment and asked Ravkid, "How eager are these Mnia refugees to enlist when we mobilize them?"

    "Ever since they arrived in our country, they have been demanding the restoration of their homnd. After the war broke out, they''ve submitted numerous petitions through their Priests."

    Belinsky questioned, "Then why not conscript them?"

    "Because the military dislikes their poor Antenguage skills. I believe it''s an excuse by the nobility, who regard these Mnia refugees that fled to our country as fervent Secr faction members." Enjoy exclusive content from

    Belinsky raised an eyebrow, "Are they?"

    Ravkid adjusted his sses, "Most are, and even if they originally weren''t, they became so after witnessing the Prosen''s atrocities."

    Belinsky instructed, "Prepare for it, once our diplomatic department establishes rtions with the Mnia exile government, we''ll conscript these Mnians. Also, do these Mnian people have a high level of education?"

    Ravkid responded, "ording to the entry registration data, quite high."

    Belinsky decided, "Then supplement them to Rokossovsky. He''s always moring for soldiers with high cultural levels; give them to him and see what he can do with these soldiers. Of course, all this must be done after forming an alliance with the Mnia exile government. Until then, let the Mnians stay in the resettlement areas."@@novelbin@@

    December 16, Suvorov Military Academy Principal''s Office.

    Wang Zhong watched as his secretary typed thest letter and he breathed a long sigh of relief, "All right, this ''Guiding Principles in Armored Defense Warfare'' is finallyplete."

    Wang Zhong had originally wanted to use a longer title: The Guiding Principles in Armored Defense Warfare Synthesized from the Battles of Upper Peniye, Loktov, and Orachi.

    But that sounded too much like a light novel''s title, so Wang Zhong had abandoned that idea.

    The person responsible for typing was ady named Petrovna, brought by Miss Ellie, a woman close to fifty years of age, with children about the same age as Wang Zhong.

    The auntie lifted thest page of the manuscript from the typewriter to dry on the desk and said to Wang Zhong, "Congrattions, General, this must be a future textbook, right?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Until we have more outstanding theories on defensive warfare, yes."

    In fact, this book not only contained Wang Zhong''s own summary ofbat experience but also many advanced theories from Earth.

    The auntie remarked, "You''re too modest. This will definitely be our textbook."

    Wang Zhong, with a smile, approached the huge ss window of the principal''s office and looked out at the training field covered in morning snow. Tank Command and Infantry Command majors had just entered the field, beginning to clear the snow.

    It seemed they were preparing for abined arms exercise today, hence the Infantry Command students were also present; ordinarily, only the Tank Command majors would clear the school''srgest training field.

    At that moment, the telephone rang suddenly. As Petrovna, who was organizing the manuscripts, picked up the phone, she announced, "This is Suvorov Military Academy. General Rokossovsky is admiring the snow scene; I''ll get him for you now."

    By then, Wang Zhong had already walked over from the window and took the receiver directly from Mrs. Petrovna, "This is me, Rokossovsky. What''s the matter, driver?"

    Pavlovined, "The organizational structure of the model regiment... we''ve nearly gathered thebat troops, but we''re really struggling to find enough maintenance personnel. The Ordnance Department told us they don''t have the production capacity for tank tractors; can''t we just use tanks for towing, they said."

    Wang Zhong immediately cursed, "Do they have pig brains? Tanks are so prone to breakdowns; they''re nothing like a tow truck! A tank itself is more than 30 tons. It''s good enough if it can travel 100 kilometers without breaking down, and you expect it to tow a broken tank another 100 kilometers to a repair station?"

    Even if a wartime repair station wasn''t that far from the front line, it was still wholly unreliable to use a tank as a tow truck.

 Chapter 337: The situation on December 16 (Supplement 26/33) (2)

    On Earth, the shy Americans have a tank toon with 14 vehicles equipped with two 30-ton ss recovery trucks.

    Moreover, within their Armored Divisions the Americans also have the heaviest recovery vehicles put into service during World War II: the M25 Dragon wagon. With this beast, the US Army can tow broken-down Sherman tanks by road to the rear for major repairs or transportnding crafts ovend to the banks of the Rhine River.

    On the other hand, the Russians on Earth are a different case: a tank brigade with three tractors, leading to most tanks with mechanical failures being abandoned by the roadside because there were simply not enough tractors to tow them.

    Wang Zhong''s model division is intended to change this, making the Ante Army also be "powerfully supported."

    After all, in Wang Zhong''s vision, the equipment used by his precious divisions was produced with terrifyingly long work hours and was definitely not to be discarded lightly.

    For example, the 57mm anti-tank guns widely equipped by the Guards Mechanized Infantry are even more troublesome to produce than the 85mm anti-aircraft guns.

    In order to deliver the new vehicles with the 100mm guns from the navy, they surely were also precious items with low production rates.

    After all, the navy''s 100mm guns were produced only by that one factory next to the Ind Sea. Even if the factory went all out to expand production, it wouldn''t get very far unless new factories were put into producing them.

    So Wang Zhong''s troops must be powerfully supported.Pavlov sighed, "But the fact that we don''t have the capacity to produce tractors is also true. The ordnance department is also in a bind with nothing to cook with."

    Wang Zhong, "Fine, I''ll see if I can get some from the Federation. Heavy recovery vehicles, tractors, even battlefield repair vehicles, I''ll try to get as many as possible."

    "That would be the best. But..."

    Wang Zhong, "What''s the matter? Speak up if there''s a difficulty."

    "There aren''t enough technicians. Simple mechanical malfunctions can be taught and fixed, but for thorough tank maintenance, at least a grade ten education is needed. However, those who graduated from grade ten are already the backbone of the army, and they can''t all be pulled away to fix vehicles."

    Wang Zhong was astonished, and after holding his breath for a few seconds, said, "I''ll go ask the navy. Didn''t I ask for a thousand technicians before?"

    "They''ve all been transferred to the Guards Mechanized Infantry. Yegorov, their divisionmander now, treasures these technicians like jewels. I asked him to divide half of them to the model division, but he wouldn''t budge."

    Wang Zhong, "You''re the city defense staff officer! Are you bigger or is he?"

    Pavlov, "We''re both major generals."

    Wang Zhong was astonished, "Fine, I''ll go argue with this stubborn guy."

    Pavlov, "Also, don''t forget to wheedle some technicians from the navy, the more the better!"

    Wang Zhong, "Okay, okay! I''ll go ask."

    He hung up the phone with a heavy sigh.

    Lady Petrovna asked, "Running into difficulty?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, there''s a shortage of technical workers everywhere. Factoriesck technicalbor, and so do the frontlines. Factories have started using women and children to produce tanks. Theyck specialized training and are hurried into the job; the welding is problematic in many ces."

    Just then, the office door opened and Vasily came in with a telegram, "The second wave of attackunched by the Western Front Army the day before yesterday has been ineffective until today. Although they have captured some positions, the Prussian Army still controls several major cities."

    After speaking, Vasily went to the map in the director''s office, picked up a pencil and drafting tools, and quickly made some marks on the map.

    Wang Zhong was astonished, "The frontlines are bing a crisscross of conflicts."

    Actually, this is the norm in modern warfare, with frontlines torn like by a dog, a chaotic "you have me and I have you."

    Especially near cities, in the urban-rural junctions, the situation is even moreplicated.

    Vasily, looking at the updated map, said, "Even I can now see that the Western Front Army''s offensive has stalled."

    Wang Zhong, "How many casualties?"

    Vasily picked up the telegram and nced at it, "In the two days since the second round of the offensive began, a total of seventy thousand wounded soldiers have been treated."

    Wang Zhong cursed.

    "The Federation''s troops managed to treat seventy thousand wounded soldiers, so probably only ten to twenty thousand died. After all, they have good support, and many of the injured will be rescued."

    "But it''s different for Ante."

    Vasily continued to report, "The telegram also says that some infantry battalions have been reduced to less than two hundred men. To continue the attack, they need to deploy reserves."

    Wang Zhong, looking at the map, shook his head, "Certainly they will deploy some reserves, but not too much. This defeat has been quite ugly. They are being allowed to fight onest time, just so they will give up on that notion."

    With a hint of schadenfreude, Vasily added, "After all, those responsible for the failure are bound to lose their heads."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Of course. But he should be thankful that he is merely ipetent, not a traitor, so just losing his head will suffice."

    Then the telephone on the table rang again.

    Wang Zhong picked it up, "This is Rokossovsky. What? A visit? At a time like this?"

    Vasily looked over curiously but did not immediately ask. Read thetest on

    After responding a couple of times, Wang Zhong hung up and turned to Vasily, "It seems there is a diplomatic delegation that wants toe visit us."

    "Diplomatic?" asked Vasily.

    Wang Zhong replied, "Don''t know. Maybe our friends from the Federation want to take a look at the aid recipients. Go and call Vice Chancellor Valery, he''s good at arranging visits like these."

    Vasily ced the telegram on the table and turned to leave.

    Madam Petrovna picked up the telegram and slid it into a special folder.

    The telephone on the table rang once more, and Wang Zhong answered, "This is Rokossovsky."@@novelbin@@

    Belinsky''s voice came from the other end, "A diplomatic delegation is currently on their way to the Suvorov Military Academy. The main members are representatives of the Mnia refugee government, including their Prime Minister and themander of their armed forces."

    Wang Zhong immediately spun the globe beside him and found Mnia¡ªa country that had been annexed by Prosen, located fairly close to Ante.

    Belinsky added, "We might establish diplomatic rtions with Mnia, and they might send some volunteer forces to support us."

    "So, all I have to do is to receive them well?" asked Wang Zhong.

    "Yes, you have to make them believe that we can liberate Mnia."

    "Leave it to me," assured Wang Zhong.

    "Oh, by the way, have you seen thetest front page headline of the Ye Fort Daily?"

    "No, I haven''t. I''ve been too busy running around to check."

    Just then, Vasily burst in with a newspaper, "General! General, take a look! This photo!"

    Vasily showed Wang Zhong the front page headline, where arge photo featured him¡ªGeneral Rokossovsky¡ªstanding amid bloodied wounded soldiers, covered in blood himself, but with a determined gaze, evidently boosting the morale of his troops.

    Beside the photo was a line of text: The stars of victory together with the wounded.

    Holding the receiver in one hand, Wang Zhong took the newspaper with the other.

    Belinsky spoke through the receiver, "I''ve already contacted the most famous painter to begin creating an oil painting."

    Looking at the photo, Wang Zhong discovered for the first time that he was being looked upon with such hopeful eyes by everyone.

    He couldn''t let them down now.

 Chapter 338: Melania Will Not Perish

    Wang Zhong was spacing out while looking at the photo when he suddenly heard Belinsky say, "Let''s get back to the matter of the delegation."

    Only then did Wang Zhong realize he was still holding the receiver. He quickly handed the newspaper back to Vasily and gripping the receiver firmly, said, "I actually don''t understand why a diplomatic delegation would want to visit a military academy."

    "Really don''t understand?" Belinskyughed, "The improvement in our diplomatic situation started when you drove the Prussians away from the vicinity of Ye Fort. Even if the Empire of Fusang didn''t ''help a lot,'' the United Kingdom would have tried hard to assist us.

    The terrestrial assistance route from the Ind Sea-Bs-Bahara was already operating, but the amount of materials delivered through the route increased after you sent the enemy packing."

    Wang Zhong: "But doesn''t Mnia no longer have any territory? What assistance can they provide?"

    "Manpower," Belinsky said, "And it''s high-quality manpower. At least, there''s arge number of draft-age young men with high school education among the refugees registered on our side."

    Wang Zhong: "I''ll definitely treat the diplomatic delegation well! Wait, since they are refugees who have fled to our side, why don''t we just conscript them directly? What does the delegation have to do with this?"

    "Without an agreement with them, conscripting refugees doesn''t look good, and there are opinions within the military, stating these refugees don''t speak Ante well. If there are diplomatic considerations, we can suppress the opposing voices within the military," Belinsky exined.

    Wang Zhong: "Okay, I got it.""Besides, the delegation this time includes the daughter of the President of the Mnia Third Republic, a young girl. Make good use of your masculine charm," Belinsky added.

    Wang Zhong frowned: "My masculine charm? No, no, that''s not appropriate. I already have a fianc¨¦e."

    "Having a fianc¨¦e doesn''t conflict with using your masculine charm. Cheer up the youngdy a bit, I''m counting on you."

    After finishing, Belinsky hung up the phone.

    Wang Zhong scratched his head and nced at Vasily.

    Vasily: "Don''t worry, you will definitely aplish the mission! Your charm is quite lethal to thedies!"

    Mrs. Petrovna, who was still busy arranging her papers in the room, looked up and nced at Wang Zhong and Vasily.

    Wang Zhong: "Don''t say it like that, it sounds like I''m going to seduce a princess of a fallen country."

    "It does seem like that''s the setup," Vasily shrugged.

    Just as they were talking, Professor Valery entered the room: "You wanted to see me?"

    Wang Zhong: "The Mnia diplomatic delegation will arrive soon, get ready."

    Professor Valery nodded: "Okay, I''ll clean up the Mnia cavalry gear and such on disy in the school history exhibition hall."

    Wang Zhong: "What stuff?"

    "It''s trophies captured hundreds of years ago during warfare with Mnia, and many are masterpieces of the Kazarlian cavalry."

    Wang Zhong: "Ah... no need to worry about that. They''re probably just here to confirm whether we can defeat the Prussians. Just make sure the students are spirited, especially during drills, make the cadence loud."

    At that moment, the phone on the far left of Wang Zhong''s desk rang. This phone was mainly used for internalmunication.

    Wang Zhong picked up the phone: "This is General Rokossovsky, what''s the matter?"

    "Your Excellency General, this is the gate guard, there''s a convoy iming to be the diplomatic delegation. We''ve received no notification, so I''m checking in with you. Should they be let in?"

    Wang Zhong: "Let them in, and have them drive straight to Building No. 1."

    After hanging up, Wang Zhong turned to Valery: "Hurry and arrange something, organize activities and teachings that can showcase our spirit."

    Valery nodded repeatedly and left the room in haste.

    Wang Zhong went to the dressing mirror to check if his military uniform was in order.

    Vasily: "If you don''t want to seduce a princess of a fallen country, why are you looking in the mirror?"

    Wang Zhong: "What do you know, it''s not just my own face I''m losing here, it''s the face of our country."

    After saying that, he reached for his overcoat from the coat stand, put it on, donned his hat, adjusted the military rank on his overcoat, and only then did he push the door and exit the principal''s office.

    Vasily had just done a round outside, so his overcoat was already on, and he quickly followed Wang Zhong''s steps.

    As they walked, he said: "I wonder if the Mnia princess is good-looking."

    Wang Zhong: "She''s the daughter of the President of the Third Republic, not a princess."

    Vasily: "So what should we call her?"

    Wang Zhong: "Just call her by name, Miss so-and-so will do."

    The two reached the stairwell where Grigori came out fully armed from the security office, falling in behind Wang Zhong.

    The trio then entered the elevator together.

    When the three walked out of the main door of Building No. 1, the convoy was just arriving.

    The car in the center of the convoy seemed familiar to Wang Zhong: it looked like a high-end Steponka sedan. Two small gs were inserted in front of the car, bearing Mnia''s national emblem¡ª a... a white swan?

    It looked like a white swan with its wings spread as if threatening its enemies.

    "It doesn''t make sense; how could a nation with such a crest be annihted by the Prussians so quickly? It''s a disgrace to the fighting spirit of the great white goose!"

    The door to the Steponk opened, and the first to emerge was a middle-aged man who looked like he held a position of high authority. He raised his head as he got out of the car and locked eyes with Wang Zhong, maintaining a proud yet respectful demeanor.

    However, Wang Zhong was distracted at the moment, his mind upied with searching for the president''s daughter.

    Then, he saw a man dressed like a butlere up to the other side of the Steponk and open the rear car door.

    A blonde beauty stepped out of the car.

    Wang Zhong stared at her for a few seconds before losing interest.

    Pretty average.

    It wasn''t that Mnia''s younger sister was unattractive, but she paled inparison to Ludm and Olga,cking distinctive features of her own.

    Plus, as a Ceris person who had traveled through time, Wang Zhong was somewhat face-blind when it came to Westerners. The so-called "princess" of Mniacked memorable features.

    If she had some freckles, maybe Wang Zhong would have remembered her for that.

    Wang Zhong shifted his attention back to the middle-aged man who had gotten out of the car first and reached out a hand, "Hello, I am General Rokossovsky. May I ask your name, sir?"

    Stay connected with

    "Mozitski Razkevich, Prime Minister of the Mnia exile government," the man replied, taking Wang Zhong''s hand. "It''s an honor to meet you. You''re the first person in the world to have annihted a Prussian regiment."

    Wang Zhong was surprised, "Really?"

    Nobody told me about this. Am I really that awesome?

    Razkevich seemed surprised as well, "You didn''t know? You''ve captured more Prussian generals by yourself than all the world''s armiesbined!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Is that so... No matter, it won''t be long before everyone starts capturing Prussian generals by the basketful."

    Razkevich continued, "You''ve be a symbol of the world''s resistance against Prussian atrocities. That''s why Miss Heidewei and I havee here. We need to take a photo with you to boost the morale of Mnia people scattered around the world to continue the struggle."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Miss Heidewei?"

    He pretended not to have noticed that there was a miss in the delegation.

    Razkevich took a step aside and introduced to Wang Zhong, "This is thest remaining orphan of the President of the Mnia Third Republic who held out in the capital city of Wesvawalski, Heidewei Yadweiga."

    Wang Zhong looked at thedy again, and the girl turned her face away shyly at first.@@novelbin@@

    Huh? Am I that handsome?

    But the girl quickly forced herself to look directly at Wang Zhong, adopting the posture fitting of a "princess of a vanquished nation."

    Wang Zhong greeted her, "Hello, Miss Heidewei..."

    He almost addressed her as ''Your Highness.''

    Heidewei responded, "Hello, General Rokossovsky. You are even more dashing than you appeared in your photos."

    Wang Zhong replied, "You are as beautiful as the rumors say."

    He extended his hand, and Heidewei immediately stepped forward to grasp it.

    At that moment, Razkevich said, "Our photographer is ready. Please, both of you, stand a bit closer."

    Wang Zhong cooperated and moved a step closer to Heidewei, maintaining the handshake and looking towards the camera lens.

    Heidewei also moved arge step closer toward Wang Zhong, almost pressing against him.

    The photographer immediately snapped the photo, and a puff of smoke burst from the shbulb as the sh lit up their faces.

    Heidewei said, "Thank you. This will greatly inspire the fighting spirit of the Mnia people."

    Wang Zhong replied, "I think that if you have been able to continue the fight until now, then you must notck the confidence and determination to liberate your homnd."

    Heidewei''s smile was suddenly clouded with gloom, "Actually, the situation isn''t too good. The Prussians just passed aw granting Mnia people second-ss citizenship status. Quite a few people feel that it''s better to live as second-ss citizens, with some semnce of peace, rather than live in fear under the Prussian repression.

    "The Mnia forces abroad are still holding on; we have over a hundred thousand soldiers, and we keep fighting against the Prussians. However, the resistance organizations within the country are barely able to sustain themselves.

    "It''s not that the weapons and support from the United Kingdom aren''t sufficient. The main issue is... the absence of hope. The Prussians are so powerful, so unassable, that we''re nearly losing our will to fight. Some people have even started to believe the nonsense spouted by the then Emperor, thinking that they are somehow a superior people!"

    Heidewei''s expression suddenly brightened as she continued, "But you defeated the Prussians! Youpletely annihted a hundred thousand troops! This is unprecedented! You have no idea how much the news uplifted us when we heard it!

    "The image of you riding a white horse, escorting Prussian prisoners of war, was more effective than any broadcast! We turned that scene into leaflets, which the United Kingdom Air Force dropped over the soil of Mnia!"

    As Heidewei said this, her gaze towards Wang Zhong was not that of someone looking at an object of affection; Wang Zhong suddenly realized that the girl wasn''t shy because of infatuation. To her, "General Rokossovsky" was like a saint, an apostle.

    Wang Zhong said, "Miss Heidewei, I truly understand your feelings. My homnd has also fallen and is currently being trampled by the Prussian jackboot. One day we will take back ournds. Mnia will not perish."

    Heidewei looked at Wang Zhong, tears suddenly welling up and streaming down her cheeks, "Thank you... Thank you so much..."

 Chapter 339: Fundraising Poster

    At that moment, Wang Zhong really wanted to reach out and wipe away Hedwig''s tears, but he held back.

    Then he saw the girl''s tears freeze.

    Luckily he hadn''t wiped them away, or else he might have ended up peeling off a piece of her skin, which would have been hard to exin!

    At this point, Mrs. Petrovna stepped forward to help Hedwig clean up her tears.

    As Hedwig wiped her tears, Razkiewicz said to Wang Zhong, "General, a single photo might not be enough. We need more pictures to boost the morale of the Mnia people.

    "Especially the kind that can evoke beneficial associations. We especially need this."

    Wang Zhong asked, "What kind of photos do you want?"

    Razkiewicz replied, "I heard you have captured Prosen tanks here. Could you let Miss Hedwig take a few pictures on top of them?"

    Wang Zhong answered, "Certainly, right this way, please."Afterward, Wang Zhong took the Mnia delegation on a tour of the school and took many photos.

    He realized that Mnia had turned Hedwig into a symbol. After all, her father was thatst president who had resisted to thest moment in the capital, Viswa-Walsi.

    The broadcast station held by his personal troops was thest ce in Viswa-Walsi to be captured.

    Before the Prussians arrived, thest president had broadcasted to the Mnia people for thest time, carrying a submachine gun, "My fight will stop today, but your fight will go on, and it must go on! Until the mothend is restored!"

    It wasn''t until after the delegation had left that Wang Zhong learned of these things. Before then, he just knew that Mnia was a country annexed by the Prussians.

    No wonder Hedwig was seen by the Mnia warriors as a symbol of resistance.

    Wang Zhong had personally experienced the great victory at Ye Fort. He knew that in the darkest moments, people needed a linchpin for their spirits, and Hedwig was that linchpin.

    The day after the tour ended, on the evening of December 17, Wang Zhong received the urgently developed photos. In them, Hedwig stood atop those captured Prosen tanks, her expression resolute.

    The Mnia diplomat who brought the photos said, "Miss Hedwig will be broadcasting to the Mnia people within Ante territory shortly. It''s almost time. Would you like to listen?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Turn on the radio. I''ll have a listen."

    Vasily immediately turned on the radio in the room and began tuning the frequency.

    The diplomat said, "Channel 109.1."

    Vasily quickly turned the dial and urately stopped on channel 109.1.

    The speech had just begun. The little girl who had seen Wang Zhong as an idol, a saint to be worshiped, suddenly transformed into a strong warrior, a princess of a conquered nation, her voice aged yet strong:

    "Fellow countrymen! I am Hedwig Yadviga. Three years ago, my father broadcasted to all Mnians from thest unupiednd in the capital, Viswa-Walsi, dering that Mnia would not perish.

    "Now three years have passed. Prussia has swept through, unstoppable and arrogant, destroying many nations with ancient histories, their boots trampling the soil of the entire Europa.

    "The brutal situation has made manypatriots lose their will to resist, and more and more areying down their weapons. To be honest, I don''t me you."

    Wang Zhong leaned on the edge of the desk, listening to the girl''s speech.

    Vasily said, "She''s obviously given many such speeches before, she''s quite adept."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Suddenly, he had a question and asked the Mnia diplomat, "Why is she speaking in Ante? Shouldn''t such a broadcast be in Mnianguage?" Continue your saga on

    The diplomat replied, "Most secr faction believers who have sought refuge in Ante can speak Ante. And one of the purposes of this broadcast is to evoke sympathy from the Ante public."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Oh," then asked, "Do you really think using a girl like this to boost resistance morale is effective? Wouldn''t it be more appropriate to have male war heroes?"

    The diplomat answered, "That may be the case in Ante, but in the Federation, girls are more effective in raising funds. Our fundraising in the Federation had been lukewarm, only Mnians living in the Federation were generous.

    "But after we pushed Hedwig Yadviga as our spokesperson, fundraising went much more smoothly. At that time, the Federation was not at war; they used the money raised to purchase weapons and send them to the Mnia resistance forces."

    Wang Zhong asked, "What about now?"

    The diplomat shrugged, "We may still depend on Miss Hedwig''s fundraising. It has been three years since Mnia fell, and even some Mnians have started epting Prussian indoctrination. The Federation is more willing to support the Carolingian resistance movement."

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin, suddenly struck with a new idea. He picked up the telephone and said to the operator, "Connect me to the Federation embassy. Embassy switchboard, please? Connect me to the press office; I need to speak with Reporter Mike."

    A few secondster, Mike''s voice came from the handset, "Hello there, Lieutenant General Rokossovsky. What can I do for you?"

    Wang Zhong said, "If I were to have my fianc¨¦e take a picture for a fundraising ad or something of the sort, what benefit could we gain in the Federation?"

    Reporter Mike replied, "In our Federation, you can buy anything with money, even during wartime. Your fianc¨¦e is so beautiful and also a military officer¡ªthere are no female soldiers in the Federation, let alone those withbat achievements. As long as the photo is well taken, she will definitely win arge amount of donations for you.

    "And she has another advantage; you are currently a household name as a war hero in the Federation. We in the Federation love that hero-beauty setup."

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, "Good, let''s set up a time for the photo shoot then."

    "Wait a moment," Reporter Mike said, "Is it okay for you to be busy with this now? How''s the offensive going at the Bokost-Shaostka front?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Let''s not talk about that¡­ I can''t tell you the specifics; it''s military secret. In any case, it''s just as I predicted."

    Wang Zhong almost slipped up, very nearly telling Mike that the second offensive had failed and that he was gathering reserve forces for the third assault.

    Reporter Mike said, "Okay, you''re not nning to do something to intervene?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Isn''t that what I''m doing now, trying to make up for the loss of the defeat? Can youe for the photo shoot tomorrow?"

    "I''ll ask my partner," came the faint sound of Reporter Mike conversing with his partner over the phone. After a minute, he said, "Sure, my partner would like more variety in backgrounds to choose from."

    Wang Zhong: "Regarding the background, I will contact the church''s public rtions office."

    "Cooperate with the church photographer? Let me check..." Before Mike could ask, the voice of his partner''s agreement came through the phone, "Alright, my partner doesn''t seem to mind. How about we set up a time for tomorrow, is three in the afternoon good?"

    Wang Zhong: "It''s settled then, we''ll meet at three in the afternoon at the public rtions office building."

    He hung up the phone.

    By this time, Hedwig''s speech was already halfway through: "The dawn of hope has already appeared, Lieutenant General Rokossov haspletely annihted seven enemy divisions, capturing a hundred thousand prisoners!

    "He has proven that the Prussians can be defeated, that they are not the chosen ones, not the ''superior race destined to rule the world.''

    "General Rokossov even personally assured me that our fallen homnd will be reimed..."

    Wang Zhong felt somewhat embarrassed and said to Vasily, "Turn it off."

    Vasily turned off the radio with a chuckle, "So the general can get embarrassed too?"

    Wang Zhong picked up the phone: "Nonsense, I''m about to call home, it wouldn''t be right for Ludm to hear another girl''s voice here."

    -------------

    The next day, December 18, inside the photography studio on the first floor of the church''s public rtions office, Wang Zhong watched Ludm dressed in military uniform and asked worriedly, "Aren''t you cold like that?"

    Ludm looked down at her skirt, "It''s alright, the heating here is quite strong. But skirts like this, really can''t be worn on the battlefield, can they?"

    Female soldiers from Ante wore trousers just the same as male soldiers on the battlefield. Not only trousers but also men''s boxer briefs underneath, which were very loose and said to chafe extensively, often leaving wounds from the friction during marches.

    Ludm twirled in front of Wang Zhong and asked, "Does it look good?"

    Wang Zhongughed: "You look beautiful in anything you wear."

    As he spoke, he reached out and adjusted the position of Ludm''s utility belt.

    Ludm stared at Wang Zhong: "I thought you would take the opportunity to make a move."

    Wang Zhong: "I''ve already had my fill of that."

    "Really?"

    "Truly."

    Ludm giggled.

    At that moment, a nun came over and handed Ludm a ceremonial staff.

    Ludm was surprised, "Are you sure I should hold this? I''m not high-ranking enough, am I?"

    The nun smiled slightly: "His Eminence Belinsky personally approved it, please take it."

    Wang Zhong looked at the staff: "Is there any significance to this stick?"

    "It''s said to be something that the angels beside Saint Andrew carried, and it''s only used in the highest standard ceremonies. The person holding it is at least a cardinal," Ludm exined.

    By then, the public rtions office staff were unfolding a huge g of the Ante Empire; it seemed that this g would be used as the background for the photoshoot shortly.@@novelbin@@

    The two reporters from the Federation hadn''t arrived yet; who knows what they would think upon seeing this g.

    Another nun came over and draped a white cloak with golden edges over Ludm.

    After the nunpleted her preparations, Ludm holding the staff turned to Wang Zhong: "How does it look?"

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Not bad, if you tuck the staff a little further back, pressing against the front armor, it would be even better."

    Ludm sighed, "Be serious!"

    Wang Zhong stared at her for a few seconds, then suddenly recalled the opening CG of a very popr game from before he crossed over. He felt like Ludm was about to start reciting a ssic line:

    Does this scene look familiar? Right now, such scenes are ying out across the gxy! You could be next!

    Unless you can make the most important decision of your life!

    ...

    Ludm: "My dear? Why did you suddenly space out?"

    Wang Zhong: "You are more beautiful than the rose, I was just mesmerized."

    Damn, what kind of cheesy line is that! What am I doing!

    Ludm was overjoyed.

    Just then, Vasily suddenly entered the studio and quickly came to Wang Zhong''s side, whispering, "The enemyunched a counteroffensive before the Western Front Army''s attack, and now the Western Front Army has lost all the positions they gained from the previous two offenses. There''s panic at the Front Army''s headquarters."

    Wang Zhong: "What are they panicking for? The Prussians notunching a pincer movement but rather retaking lost ground indicates that they alsock sufficient forces and supplies tounch arge-scale offensive."

    Before he could finish speaking, a major approached Wang Zhong and saluted, "Your Excellency, His Majesty the Tsar orders you to proceed to the Summer Pce immediately."

 Chapter 340: Convergence

    Wang Zhong nced at Ludm, who smiled and said, "Go ahead, you staying here won''t be of any help."

    "Alright." Wang Zhong stepped forward, gently kissed her lips, then turned and nodded to the officer from the Summer Pce.

    Then the group quickly left the filming set.

    With the staff of the Saint Andrew angel in hand, Ludm watched him leave.

    The atmosphere in the Summer Pce seemed somewhat tense; when the guards saw Wang Zhong appear, they all had a look of "as expected."

    Wang Zhong was led into the lounge, where he saw a general holding a Coca-C, standing by the window looking out at the snowscape.

    The general had raised his right hand, ready to take a sip of his Coca-C, but upon hearing Wang Zhong''s footsteps, he maintained his pose with the Coca-C bottle and looked over sideways.

    Wang Zhong, seeing the general''s insignia, saluted out of habit.The general hurriedly finished his Coca-C in one gulp, put down the bottle, and returned the salute to Wang Zhong.

    After they both lowered their hands, the general spoke, "General Rokossovsky? I have heard much about you."

    Using his external device, Wang Zhong glimpsed the general''s name and said, "General Gorky, I thought you were defending Saint Andrew Fort."

    General Gorky: "The situation at Saint Andrew Fort has stabilized. The enemy won''t be able tounch arge-scale offensive before next February. Our counterattack pushed the enemy away from the edge of the iceke, preventing their artillery from threatening the highway on the iceke.

    "That''s all we can manage at this stage."

    Wang Zhong: "At least the city is temporarily safe."

    "Yes, temporarily. The enemy can''t strike us, and we can''t drive them away either. The situation at Saint Andrew Fort won''t fundamentally improve before we receive a sufficient number of reinforcements next year," General Gorky said, picking up another opened bottle of Coca-C and taking a sip.

    Wang Zhong: "So, you''vee to report?"

    "No, the order I received the day before yesterdaymanded me toe back. It took me over a day to leave the city and fly here." General Gorky finished his Coca-C, put the empty bottle down, "I suppose they want me to clean up the Western Front Army''s mess. What brought you here?"

    Wang Zhong: "I just received news of the Prosen advances this morning, and then I was summoned here."

    General Gorky: "What''s your take on the Prosen offensive?"

    Wang Zhong: "I heard that the Prussians regained some positions they had lost. If the enemy meant to encircle and annihte arge number of our troops with a pincer move, they wouldn''t waste effort taking those fragmented positions at the front.

    "I deduce it''s not arge-scale offensive, just a move to capture better positions in preparation for a major offensive next year."

    General Gorky nodded: "Yes, makes sense. If the enemy has truly taken back a significant number of positions, ''straightening'' the front line, it indeed doesn''t seem like a prelude to arge-scale offensive."

    General Gorky paced twice in the lounge and suddenly asked, "General Rokossovsky, where do you think the enemy will strike next year? Ye Fort again?"

    Wang Zhong: "They attacked Ye Fort to end the war quickly, but that n has already failed. Even if they capture Ye Fort, we will continue to resist. Although Ye Fort, as the major junction of our country''s railway lines, still has very high strategic value, but..."

    Ante''s railways actually seldom intersect; there are only three major junctions. Argesukov has already been upied by the Prussians, Saint Andrew Fort is currently besieged, leaving only Ye Fort.

    If Ye Fort is lost, many of Ante''s railways will be cut off, so the enemy capturing Ye Fort next year isn''t without strategic significance.

    But it might not be worth investing such a vast number of troops for this goal.

    Wang Zhong: "I think next year Prosen might shift its strategic focus to the southern line, take the Coastal Fortress, and then expand into the vast steppes, seizing iron, coal, rare metals, and most importantly, Kuba''s oil."

    General Gorky nodded: "Cavalry across the steppes, indeed a fitting battlefield for their mechanized legions. The surroundings of Ye Fort are less suited, too many forests."

    Vasily finally couldn''t help but interject, "Are you two just going to theorize without a map?"

    Wang Zhong and General Gorky both stared at him.

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily, go stay in the adjutants'' lounge."

    "My adjutant is there too, you can chat with him," General Gorky echoed.

    Vasily left resentfully.

    General Gorky: "Although we both assume this, who''s to say that the then Emperor won''t continue the offensive against Ye Fort."

    Wang Zhong: "Let hime, this will be the graveyard for the Prussian Army. Once they deplete their fuel reserves, it will be our turn to counterattack.

    "No, I think the then Emperor won''t be so foolish. What he needs to ensure now is that the war continues. He must have Kuba''s oil. Moreover, once they seize the oil fields, we will be the ones suffering, and while there is support from the Federation, they also have to supply their vast army."

    Just as Wang Zhong finished speaking, General Gorky said, "I heard the Federation is about to lose their major oil fields in Asia?"

    Wang Zhong nodded: "Yes, the Borneo oil fields are almost gone."

    General Gorky whistled: "Sounds like Kuba will be the focal point neither side can afford to lose next year."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    At that moment, the door opened, and a court protocol officer came in, loudly announcing, "General Gorky Konstantinovich, Lieutenant General Aleksei Konstantinovich, please follow me!"

    General Gorky: "Understood. Let''s go, General Rokossov, it''s our time to take the stage."

    The court protocol officer led Wang Zhong and General Gorky directly into the royal conference hall.

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered, he looked at the map to confirm that the enemy was indeed recapturing positions one by one that had been upied by the Western Front Army, and then he let out a sigh of relief.

    It indeed wasn''t arge-scale offensive.@@novelbin@@

    General Gorky Konstantinovich, walking in front, saluted Olga first.

    Wang Zhong hurried to follow suit.

    Olga, "There''s no need for such formalities from both of you. I called you here to seek your assessments of the situation. The enemy has counterattacked just now, before we couldunch an attack."

    General Golikov nced at Wang Zhong and gestured with a "you speak" motion.

    Without demurring, Wang Zhong picked up the nearly two-meter-long pole and began illustrating on the map, "The enemy''s counterattack has only reimed the positions they lost earlier, ''ttening out'' the entire frontline. This allows them to save troops for defending the line.

    "I specte that the enemy''s next move will be to have the troops that switched out begin to regroup and rest."

    Olga''s eyes widened, "So, this is not anotherrge-scale offensive?"

    Wang Zhong, "If it were arge-scale offensive, why bother capturing these insignificant positions? They would haveunched a pincer move, breaking through our defenses and cutting off our logistics, and we would have abandoned these ''canines'' at the front on our own.

    "But the enemy didn''tunch a pincer move; instead, they spread the counterattacking troops evenly along the line and initiated attacks at several ces.

    "No, no, Your Majesty, this is not arge-scale attack."

    Wang Zhong put down the two-meter pole and handed speaking rights over to General Golikov.

    The General continued, "Although it''s not arge-scale attack, if some of us panic and the troops start wavering, the enemy might well turn it into an offensive. The urgent task is to stabilize the troops, telling them this is not arge-scale enemy attack.

    "Then, let most of the troops build defensive fortifications and rest in ce to prepare for next year''s battles."

    Olga nodded, "Good, I understand. General Tugenev!"

    General Tugenev stood up, picking up themand in front of him, "The appointment of General Gorky Konstantinovich to rece the Commander of the Western Front Army is now in effect. He is to assume his post immediately and take swift action to stabilize both troop morale and the frontline."

    Gorky saluted, "I guarantee toplete the task."

    At this point, Wang Zhong was very curious. It made no sense to call both him and General Rokossovsky and only give a new post to General Golikov.

    Could it be that they want to shove me into the Western Front Army as the Chief of Staff? A Lieutenant General is indeed fit to be the Chief of Staff.

    That''s something I don''t want! I don''t want to turn into a baldy like Pavlov!

    Fortunately, General Tugenev continued, "Appointing Lieutenant General Aleksei Konstantinovich as the Tsar''s special envoy to inspect the Western Front Army and to discipline any ipetent officers."

    Wang Zhong frowned, knowing that they intended to use the reputation of the "White Horse General" to stabilize morale, but¡ª

    Wang Zhong, "Are you sure you want to give me this appointment? When I get to the Western Front Army headquarters, many people are going to be scared to death."

    Olga said with a smile, "That''s exactly the aim of this appointment. If they''re scared to death directly, the officers of the Aristocratic faction won''t be able toin. However, remember, for people like Tukhachev, let theme back first, and convict them with a procedure that meets with justice, not likest time when you just shot them."

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, "Understood."

    Olga urged, "Then you two should set off immediately. The situation at the Western Front Army isn''t looking good; even the Front Army headquarters is reporting significant wavering."

    Wang Zhong nodded his head.

    General Golikov, however, asked, "Are the two of us traveling on the same ne? It would be most effective for boosting morale if we appear together."

    Olga looked toward General Tugenev.

    The General answered, "Indeed, you have been arranged to travel on the same ne, with escort from the Mig-3 of the 11th Fighter Squadron."

    Marshal Boris, the Chief of Staff of the High Command, added, "You should leave now, the ne is already waiting at Ye Fort Airport. It willnd directly next to the Front Army headquarters'' makeshift airstrip, and from there you can immediately reach the Front Army headquarters."

    Wang Zhong and General Golikov responded in unison, "Understood."

    Then the two of them left the imperial meeting together.

    On their way out, General Golikov directly told the pce guards, "Call for me and Lieutenant General Rokossov''s aides; we are departing."

    The guardplied and left, while Wang Zhong and General Golikov stood chatting by the window in the corridor about the new appointments.

    "We must first make the troops understand that it''s not arge-scale attack and not to panic," General Golikov said.

    Wang Zhong, "First inform the entire Western Front Army that General Golikov and General Rokossovsky have arrived."

    General Golikov shook his head, "I don''t have as much influence as you do, just announce your arrival at the front. Speaking of which, I''ve reviewed your proposal to establish model divisions. I think such elite divisions would not be of much use in the kind ofrge-scale war we are currently engaged in.

    "Do you know how many casualties, disregarding the non-offensive Western Front Army, have been officially recorded along the entire frontline in the past few days?"

    Wang Zhong had long stopped having Vasily report casualty figures because he still couldn''t get used to those cold numbers.

    Stay tuned with

    So he replied honestly, "I don''t know."

    General Golikov, "Six thousand five hundred men, those are the recorded casualties. That''s half a division gone. Not to mention the attacking Western Front Army."

    Wang Zhong, "That''s why I''ll be concentrating these elite divisions for use, deciding where they should be deployed personally."

    General Golikov pursed his lips, "Well then, I look forward to your performance."

    At this moment, the two aides arrived, and General Golikov waved his hand, "Let''s go, let''s see what''s going on at the Western Front Army. Can''t they really tell that the enemy isn''tunching arge-scale attack? Unbelievable!"

 Chapter 341: The Two Pillars of the Empireâ€™s Heartfelt Exchange (Supplementary Update 27/33)

    After leaving the Summer Pce, Wang Zhong, General Golikov, and their entourage headed straight for the airport and boarded the Li-2 transport ne that was waiting there.

    This Li-2 transport ne looked a bit like the personal aircraft of another principal in "The Great Battle," probably because the Li-2 was used in the movie.

    It''s just like in World War II movies where they fit a wooden shell over a T34 tank turret to portray a Tiger tank.

    As soon as Principal Wang Zhong got on the ne, he couldn''t help but fantasize about aerial troop deployment¡ªno, rather he imagined himself flying in the sky, using cheats to spot every enemy headquarters and then ordering the artillery to "biu" each one in turn.

    As soon as General Golikov took his seat, he asked the flight attendant, "Do you have that ck drink provided by the Federation aid?"

    Wang Zhong: "ck carbonated drink."

    General Golikov: "Do you like it too? Is that a variant of champagne? It tastes quite different from the sparkling wine we produce."

    Caviar, sparkling wine, and Doctor''s sausage are the triad with which the Church bribes the hearts of the grassroots. The inclusion of sparkling wine is because, before the civil war, sparkling wines like champagne, just like caviar, symbolized the lifestyle of nobility, out of reach for themon people.

    Thus, after the civil war, the Church desperately increased production of caviar and sparkling wine. Coupled with the cheap and affordable Doctor''s sausage, they dominated the dining tables of the popce, first filling their stomachs, and then naturally gaining their support.However, sparkling wine, unlike caviar and Doctor''s sausage, did not receive such widespread approval; the Ante people preferred vodka, considering sparkling wine too effeminate for their tastes.

    There''s a saying: if after drinking sparkling wine, onecks the courage to wrestle with a bear, then what''s the use of such a drink?

    Now facing General Golikov''s question, Wang Zhong shrugged his shoulders, "The principle is somewhat simr, but they used different formtions."

    General Golikov seemed surprised: "You don''t know either? I thought nobles would be aware."

    Wang Zhong shrugged his shoulders: "If you knew about me, you''d know that I, as a noble, am not quite like the usual kind."

    "There are rumors which make you out to be no different from themon wastrel," said General Golikov as the c was served.

    The General immediately took arge gulp from the bottle: "Hmm, it''s far from champagne. But it''s tasty and it clears the mind when you drink it."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that was because the c of this era indeed contained caffeine.

    After drinking three sips of the "ck champagne," General Golikov changed the topic: "I read the booklet youpiled for the Suvorov Military Academy. It''s quite good as a sharing of experience, but as teaching material for the academy, it''s somewhatcking in systemization. You can''t teach students with this."

    Wang Zhong: "I have alreadypiled a systematic textbook, which I will give to you once it is printed."

    General Golikov smiled: "Good, I''ll be waiting. Now, regarding the enemy''s offensive next year, we all agree that they willunch an offensive on the southern front during the summer. How are we going to withstand their onught?"

    Wang Zhong: "I believe that with our current level of tactics and strategy, it''s not feasible to go head-to-head with the enemy on the steppes."

    General Golikov nodded too: "We can''t beat the Prussians'' elite tank operators; that''s a fact. Your model division wouldn''t be able to beat them either, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "If we set up defensive positions in advance, we can achieve a 1 to 1 casualty ratio, or even slightly better."

    Wang Zhong had tried taking the offensive at Loktov, and even though they had an advantage in armor-piercing rounds, they almost got wiped out by the enemy.

    Just as General Golikov was about to respond, the flight attendant came over and announced, "We''re ready to take off."

    "Good," Wang Zhong and the General answered together.

    General Golikov looked at Wang Zhong and said, "Thank goodness it''s a short trip. The flight back from Saint Andrew Fort nearly killed me."

    Wang Zhong smiled.

    General Golikov continued: "We can''t match them in armor, so next summer we can only retreat and use the wilderness between the two industrial belts."

    A characteristic of Ante is the vast open spaces between the longitudinal industrial belts along the great rivers, areas with rtively poor infrastructure.

    The General gestured to his aide-de-camp, who immediately handed over a map.

    Wang Zhong, liking the gesture, also made a sign to Vasily. Vasily looked around and then ced his hand in Wang Zhong''s palm.

    Wang Zhong dropped Vasily''s paw: "Are you a dog or something?"

    "I thought hard but couldn''t figure out what you wanted!"

    General Golikov burst intoughter, but then quickly became serious, pointing at the map and saying: "All this is steppe. Although there are a few railway hub towns, the overall infrastructure of thisrge area isn''t that great.

    "I think to counter the enemy''s offensive next summer, we can yield thisrge area to them and then meet the enemy forces here."

    General Golikov drew a line across the map at the Valdai Hills River with a pencil.

    Wang Zhong: "That''s possible. If we maintain a heavy troop concentration on this line, the enemy will likely hesitate to push south, because the steppe offers no natural defenses, for either side.

    "If they ignore our troop concentration, we can cut through their rear like this."

    Wang Zhong dipped his finger in some water and drew a line on the map.

    General Golikov: "The most intense and decisive battle will happen somewhere along the Valdai Hills River, but unfortunately, we cannot yet determine where exactly."

    Wang Zhong: "There''s also a possibility of holding the Coastal Fortress, so I predict that fiercebat will erupt in the area between the Coastal Fortress and Bolsk to the northeast."

    He drew on the map with a pencil.

    Bolsk, Duke Meishikin''s forces had retreated that way. If Duke Meishikin gained a highermand, perhaps he could indeed block the enemy there.

    General Golikov nodded: "That would be the best-case scenario. If we could block the enemy at the Coastal Fortress-Bolsk line, our situation would greatly improve.

    "The safety of the transport line from Bahara-Bs through the Ind Sea would be secured."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong joked: "This transport line carries nearly all of our tea supplies; the consequences would be unimaginable if it were cut off by the Prussians."

    General Golikovughed heartily.

    Wang Zhong: "Of course, I know that the most important cargo on that transport line is rubber. But given the current rate of retreat by the Federation, soon there will be no more rubber ntations on the inds."

    General Golikov: "Yes. No matter what, we must hold out next summer."

    Wang Zhong: "I hope my troops can have more than half a year''s training."

    General Gorky: "Then we can only hope that Duke Meishikin holds out a bit longer."

    Wang Zhong: "Duke Meishikin?"

    "Yes, he should be appointed as the Commander of the Coastal Front Army. How could you, the son of a cobbler, be less informed about this matter than I am?"

    Wang Zhong shrugged: "I don''t pay attention to these things."

    The two continued discussing topics like the frontline, the enemy''s inevitable offensive next summer, and the formation of new troops, until the nended at a makeshift airport.

    When the ne wasnding, Wang Zhong felt as if the wheels had hit a stone; the whole ne shook as if it were about to fall apart.

    After getting off the ne, Wang Zhong only saw a few jeeps waiting and not a single high-ranking officer in sight.

    General Gorky cursed: "I''m the new Commander of the Front Army, and this is the wee I get?"

    Wang Zhong: "Maybe they''re afraid of the gun I''m carrying. If they came to meet us, they might get sttered right on the airfield."

    Gorky turned to ask: "Would you?"

    Wang Zhong: "Not sure. We''ll see when the timees."

    At that moment, the Major who came to receive them saluted: "Greetings to you both."

    General Gorky casually returned the salute and directly boarded the jeep.

    Wang Zhong took the seat next to the general, only to find that the co-driver''s seat had already been taken by General Gorky''s aide-de-camp, leaving Vasily with nowhere to sit.

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily, you''re so young, just stand on the footboard."

    "You''re right." Vasily immediately stood on the footboard, hand on his gun holster, looking like a mobster from Chicago leaving the scene of a big event.

    The motorcade started and headed straight for the headquarters of the Western Front Army.

    Upon entering the town where the headquarters was located, Wang Zhong saw from afar a group of staff officers burning documents.

    As the motorcade approached, the staff officers stopped and watched it pass.

    The soldiers in the town, including the anti-aircraft gun units, the Divine Arrow units responsible for air defense, and the headquarters guard regiment, also halted.

    The soldiers all watched the motorcade.

    Before the car came to aplete stop, Vasily jumped down from the footboard and shouted, "Stop burning the files! We''re not retreating!"

    The staff officers looked at each other.

    Then Wang Zhong got out of the car, sweeping a sharp gaze around him.

    Immediately, a soldier recognized him: "It''s Rocossov! The Iron Wall of the Empire has arrived!"

    "Look, Rocossov is here!"

    "Is he here tomand us?"

    "How is he only a Major General? A Major General can''tmand a Front Army, can he?"

    At that moment, General Gorky got out of the car, looking at the ones who were speaking.

    "It''s General Gorky, the general who held back the enemy at the Saint Andrew Front Army!"

    "The two generals best at defense from Ante have arrived!"

    "Is one going to be the Commander of the Front Army and the other the Chief of Staff?"

    Wang Zhong frowned, thinking, spare me, for heaven''s sake; I''m not going to be the Chief of Staff. Let Pavlov do it!

    General Gorky, raising his voice, said, "Stop burning the documents! The enemy is just making a localized counter-attack; they don''t mean tounch a full-scale offense! What are you doing, getting frightened like this!"

    Wang Zhong grabbed a staff officer and asked, "Where is your Commander? ¡ª No, your former Commander?"

    The staff officer nced at the pistol on Wang Zhong''s waist and swallowed before sheepishly saying, "He... He''s inside."

    Wang Zhong and General Gorky exchanged a look, and thetter gestured with his hand, "You go."

    Wang Zhong then strode into the headquarters building, making his way to the map room.

    Tukhachev sat in his chair like a deted ball, with a staff officer beside him taking down maps from the wall.

    Wang Zhong: "Hold on, don''t take down the maps! The new Commander will need them!"

    Enjoy new stories from

    The staff officer stopped in surprise.

    Tukhachev suddenly looked up: "New Commander?"

    Wang Zhong: "General Gorky Konstantinovich. And I am the Emperor''s plenipotentiary, specially here to understand the situation!"

    Wang Zhong paused, then stepped forward and pped Tukhachev: "You fool, during the attack you were an opportunist, an adventurist! And at the slightest setback, you immediately turned to defeatism! Without even properly assessing the enemy''s movements, you thought of fleeing while the front line was still fighting!

    "If you had spent a moment thinking, you would have realized that the enemy''s counter-attack is aimed at leveling the frontline, not devouring your Front Army!"

    Tukhachev looked at Wang Zhong: "I... I... just didn''t want to lose so many troops! I just..."

    Wang Zhong: "Then you were prepared to hand over the gains of the counter-attack just like that? You fool!"

 Chapter 342: Playing Good Cop, Bad Cop

    Wang Zhong finished speaking and turned his head to the Judges who had arrived on the same ne, shouting, "Disarm him, arrest him!"

    Continue your adventure at

    The Judge promptly stepped forward to remove Tukhachev''s sidearm, then looked at Wang Zhong with an inquiring gaze, "Should I tear off his rank?"

    Wang Zhong red at Tukhachev fiercely, "His Majesty the Tsar expressly instructed me to ensure his return to Ye Fort to stand military trial. Therefore, until the trial, he remains a general. He will take the ne back to Ye Fort with us."

    Only then did the Judge withdraw his hand that had been ready to tear off the military rank, and took a step back, maintaining a defensive stance.

    Tukhachev stood up, looking at Wang Zhong, "You have no idea the difficulties we will face next year!"

    Wang Zhong, "Coward, the others who are proponents of a quick victory have some excuse, as they simply crave victory too much. You, however, pursue a quick win merely because you are afraid to confront the arduous war ahead!"

    Tukhachev raised his voice, "Win and then what? Do you know the sacrifices we''ll have to make?"

    "I know!" Wang Zhong replied with a resonant voice. "Unlike certain people who sitfortably at their desks reading documents, I have personally buried countless soldiers under mymand, and I still remember their names!"Wang Zhong paused, staring at Tukhachev''s face, "I¡ªmore than anyone, more than you¡ªwish that they were still alive! That is why I revise training materials and reform your unreasonable troop formations! But all this is based on the premise of resistance to the end!"

    Tukhachev and Wang Zhong locked eyes for a few seconds, until finally, Tukhachev lowered his proud head.

    He left themand headquarters with a heavy heart, his steps unsteady.

    The Judges immediately followed, escorting him on either side.

    Wang Zhong turned to look at General Gorky, taking a step back, signaling that it was Gorky''s turn to take the "tough stance."

    General Gorky immediately ordered, "Command all frontline units to repel the enemy''s offensive at all costs. Use the units that were originally nned for the assault as a reserve force, reinforcing wherever the enemy breakthrough is the strongest."

    Having said that, he looked around the entire headquarters and gestured grandly, "Bring back all the maps that haven''t been burned yet and restore the operations of the Front Army headquarters as soon as possible."

    At that moment, the former Chief of Staff of the Western Front Army stepped forward, "Your Excellency, the frontline troops are also wavering, and some of the units have already retreated."

    General Gorky, "Execute those leading the retreat, and reassign the remaining men to penal battalions. Stabilize the front lines as quickly as possible. If the enemy has not discovered it yet, there is still time."

    Wang Zhong, "Regarding that, I have a n. All we need is a high-powered radio set."

    General Gorky, "Are you nning to address the entire front line using the radio?"

    Wang Zhong smiled slightly, "Not just to our soldiers, but also to the enemy."

    General Gorky, raising an eyebrow, "Very much in the style of the ''little tricks'' from that booklet of yours. No harm in trying. Communications chief, bring the highest power radio set here!"

    Before long, a radio set, along with its generator, was brought in and the antenna erected.

    Wang Zhong said to themunications staff, "Cover the radio frequencies of the battlefield as much as possible."

    Themunications staff asked, "Including the frequencies used by the pilots?"

    The pilots relied on radiomunication to cover each other''s blind spots in vision; missing a single sentence could mean getting shot down by the enemy.

    Wang Zhong considered for a moment, then asked, "Can we cover only the enemy?"

    "We can, but the effect won''t be very good. In fact, we cannot guarantee that the front line will all be able to hear it. It may depend on the weather as well as the state of the receiving antennas."

    Wang Zhong, "Don''t worry, our first target is to ensure our own people hear it. Disturbing the enemy''s decision-making is a secondary goal."

    Themunications staff nodded, and afterpleting the final adjustments, handed the microphone to Wang Zhong, "Please speak, sir."

    Wang Zhong, "Soldiers of the Western Front Army, I am General Rokossovsky. I am at the headquarters of the Western Front Army, speaking to you on behalf of His Majesty the Tsar! New reinforcements will join the battle. You are to resist on the spot, you are to resist on the spot!"

    While speaking, he nced at General Gorky and continued into the microphone," The frightened Tukhachev has been dismissed, General Gorky is the new Commander of the Western Front Army! He will lead you to stop the enemy, just as at Saint Andrew Fort! Of course, I will also be with you!"

    Tank Battalion Commander Mikhail suddenly heard a powerful voiceing through the radio, "Soldiers of the Western Front Army, I am General Rokossovsky. I am at the headquarters of the Western Front Army, speaking to you on behalf of His Majesty the Tsar!"

    Mikhail immediately eximed with joy to the other crew members, "General Rokossovsky has arrived at the Front Army headquarters! He was sent by His Majesty the Tsar himself!"

    At that time, Mikhail''s battalion had not yet engaged in battle. They were supposed to set off at eight in the morning tounch an offensive against the enemy, but now with dense gunfireing from the front, no order to attack had been issued, and it was as if their tank battalion had been forgotten.

    He immediately popped the hatch and climbed out of the tank ¡ª the tanks in this battalion were standard version T34s with a two-man turret, and the hatch was one piece, meaning when the hatch was opened, the tank was essentially half open-topped.

    This huge hatch is said to provide good cover for the tankmander using the periscope, but in reality, it provides not only cover but also blocks the line of sight.

    Moreover, opening the hatch makes it too easy for Prosen infantry to throw grenades, so T34manders always lock the hatch during battle, without any intention of using the periscope.

    Mikhail opened this huge hatch and shouted, "General Rokossovsky has arrived at the headquarters of the Western Front Army!"

    Everyone else in the camp was quite nervous¡ªthey didn''t know what was happening, and the sound of gunfire to the west was so dense that it was unnerving for anyone.

    The news that "Imperial Iron Wall," "Star of Victory" General Rokossovsky had arrived at the Front Army headquarters was like a shot in the arm, suddenly giving everyone much more confidence.

    Mikhail continued to listen with his hand over the headset and ryed thetest news to everyone, "And General Gorky Konstantinovich from the Saint Andrew Front Army has also arrived! He has taken over as themander of the Front Army!"

    Suddenly, the apanying infantry of the tank battalion grumbled in disappointment, "Why isn''t General Rokossovskymanding us?"

    Mikhail cursed, "General Rokossovsky has to write textbooks at the military academy; now he is here at the frontline as a special envoy of His Majesty the Tsar! Stop being unsatisfied!"

    Another tank operator asked, "Does the general have any orders for us?"

    Mikhail''s smile froze, "No, he just told us to hold our positions."

    The soldiers looked at each other bewildered, "The enemy? We haven''t seen any enemies at all?"

    "Aren''t we supposed to be attacking?"

    At the headquarters of the First Army of the Prosen Asgard Knight Order, themunication officer stumbled into themand post, "Your Excellency! Lord Giles! General White Horse has arrived at the Western Front Army headquarters!"

    Giles frowned; the map in front of him was filled with markers indicating sessful offensives, with retaken positions prominently marked.

    Just by looking at the map, Prosen seemed to be in a state of "all-round victory," but Giles had a tight furrow in his brow, "Rokossovsky is here? Wasn''t he stripped of his military power after failing in a political struggle?"@@novelbin@@

    Themunication officer replied, "He just broadcasted himself over the radio; I''ve recorded it!"

    With that, the officer gestured, and the sergeant who came in with him ced a tape recorder on the table.

    The officer pressed the switch, and the recorder started spinning its reels, a steady voice emanating from the speaker: "Soldiers of the Western Front Army, this is Major General Rokossovsky. I am at the headquarters of the Western Front Army, speaking to you on behalf of His Majesty the Tsar!"

    Giles''s frown deepened, "It is indeed Rokossovsky, the White Horse General. Why would hee to the front? And we justunched an attack, and he arrived immediately..."

    Suddenly, Giles stopped, his mouth agape, "Could it be that the Western Front Army misjudged our intentions and is panicking, preparing to retreat? Is Rokossovsky sent to stabilize the situation?"

    At that moment, the recording announced that General Golikov had be the Commander of the Western Front Army.

    Giles pped his thigh hard, "Ah! We missed the chance! The enemy was scared out of their wits by us! No, no, that''s wrong. Rokossovsky arrived so quickly; the enemy won''t copse, I overthought it."

    He shook his head, "I overthought it. The gap was too short. Feliz, get the..."

    Suddenly, Giles stopped because he remembered that Feliz was no longer alive; he had been killed by a cunning mine set by Rokossovsky.

    Giles''s expression became somewhat deste for a moment, but he immediately perked up, "Order the troops to be careful of cunning mines, Rokossovsky hase to the front, and he likes toy mines. Also, move themand post into sturdy shelters; Rokossovsky likes to y dirty.

    "Allmanders should try to avoid leaving their shelters during meals and sleep! Notify them immediately."

    Themunication officer immediately signaled the radio operators to carry out the instructions.

    Then he pointed at the tape recorder and asked, "What should we do with this recording?"

    Giles said, "Send it to the intelligence department for further verification that it is the White Horse General. Our battle objectives remain the same: recapture the positions lost since December, straighten the front line, and withdraw as many troops as possible for rest and reorganization."

    At the same time, General Walter Mendel''s Ninth Army Group headquarters was also ying General Rokossovsky''s speech.

    Mendel stroked his chin, "We didn''t really hurt the enemy, so why did two high-rankingmanders with actual battle achievements suddenly show up? Could it be¡­ we actually had the chance to crush the enemy in one fell swoop?"

    He thought for a moment and shook his head, "No, it''s not likely. Even if there was a chance, that window may have only been a few hours wide, and nobody could seize such a moment. Leave duels with the likes of Ante to the Asgard Knights. We just need to do our job."

    Turning, Mendel asked his Ninth Army Group Chief of Staff, "Have the Christmas supplies been sent up?"

    The Chief of Staff replied, "No. They''re all busy delivering scarce supplies like ammunition and fuel, there''s no room to send those."

    Mendel clicked his tongue, "Then there''s nothing we can do about it."

 Chapter 343: Major General Rocossov on the Front Line

    Wang Zhong put down the microphone and looked at General Gorky, "All I can do right now is just that. Later, I will ride to the frontline and take a look around..."

    "No, no," General Gorky waved his hand, "If you run to the frontline, it will be tomorrow. It''s very far from here to the frontline."

    Wang Zhong''s brows furrowed slightly. Just then, a staff officer reattached the map to its ce, and he rushed over to find the location of the Front Army headquarters on the map.

    "It''s actually this far from the frontline!" he eximed, "How can I understand the situation at the frontline like this?"

    General Gorky said, "I have to make excuses for them here, theymand the troops of the entire campaign direction, and the Front Army''s line of defense is so long, it is understandable to be a bit far from the frontline.

    "You have always beenmanding at the division level, and during the counter-attack phase, youmanded only army-level units, so naturally, you would find fault with their distance from the frontline."

    Wang Zhong, "Then, how far was your headquarters in Saint Andrew Fort from the frontline?"

    "That''s different. Saint Andrew Fort was surrounded. My Front Army headquarters was in the city, and I had no control over the distance to the enemy." General Gorky spread his hands, "That''s not the same thing."

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue in wonder, "I need to organize a lean inspection team and take a round at the frontline."General Gorky, "I''m afraid I can''t agree to that. No one knows if the enemy has infiltrated the rear areas now. When the frontline stabilizes, my Front Army headquarters will move forward, and you can advance with us."

    Of course, Wang Zhong wasn''t worried about infiltrating enemies; a two-kilometer highlight could easily reveal them. But he couldn''t use this reasoning outright. He couldn''t im it was the protection of Saint Andrew, could he?

    General Gorky continued, "Moreover, you see, the situation at the frontline is as we predicted, the enemy has no intention ofunching a major attack.

    "They have already started battles to recapture positions all along the entire frontline. Even if they want to organize arge-scale breakthrough now, they can''t organize it.

    "It''s not that dangerous. Your speech just now was sufficient to stabilize the troops'' morale."

    At this moment, the Chief of Staff for the Western Front Army reported, "We have assigned new targets to the troops that were originally prepared for the offensive. Should we let them act ording to the new orders?"

    General Gorky, "Good, let them engage in battle."

    The Chief of Staff began issuing orders.

    General Gorky looked at Wang Zhong, "You see, there''s nothing worth your personal visit to the frontline. If the enemy really breaks through, I will definitely ask you to rush to the frontline as soon as possible tomand the key position of the Army Group."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Alright, with your assurance, I am relieved."

    "Come, sit down, we can continue discussing the topic from the ne, how to wage war next year. What I want to know is, will our army have any new weapons next year? My experience in the Saint Andrew Fort Army is, the KV is reliable, provided there is no long-distance maneuver, and the units equipped with T34s often achieve unsatisfactory results."

    Wang Zhong pulled over a stool to sit down, taking off his hat and cing it on the table, "The T34 has design ws."

    General Gorky also sat down, removing his hat to reveal a shining bald forehead.

    Wang Zhong saw the general''s forehead and began to wonder, do all Ante males start going bald with age? Of course, General Gorky still had some hair, but his hairline had receded significantly, almost catching up with Pavlov.

    Wang Zhong subconsciously touched his own thick hair, but he was not even thirty years old, at least 20 years younger than General Gorky.

    General Gorky, "Go on, what are the ws in the T34? As a cavalry officer, my understanding of tanks has always been about the same as that of our steeds beneath us."

    So Wang Zhong began to exin in detail the issues and ws of the T34 to General Gorky, talking for half an hour. During this process, steady good news came from the frontline, part of the wavering lines were re-stabilized.

    General Gorky clicked his tongue, "So the T34 has so many problems. I had thought that saving a crew member to allow the frontline to equip more T34s was a good thing. It seems I also made the error of dogmatism, I can''t apply the doctrines of cavalrymen to modernized troops."

    After speaking, the general raised his eyebrows, "Eh, then wouldn''t the T34W, which solved these problems, be even more worth mass-producing?"

    Wang Zhong, "The T34W takes too much time to produce, and its output can''t meet the demands of the troops. Our frontline loses tanks too quickly. If we could strengthen battlefield recovery and maintenance of tanks and reduce losses, the Ordnance Department could free up more capacity to produce the T34W model."

    General Gorky, "Indeed, the losses in thest six months have been too great. The Prussians have beaten us into retreat, and we can only first address the issue of whether we have tanks at all before considering anything else. Having tanks is better than none."

    Wang Zhong, "Exactly."

    Just then, amunication staff entered to report, "We have recaptured heights 451, 279, and others."

    Wang Zhong turned to look at the map, confirming the location of the two heights, "Not bad. Regaining these heights will allow us to direct artillery fire over the enemy''s controlled area. The enemy won''t even dare to lightmps at night, very good."

    General Gorky, "Tell the troops they''ve done very well, and they must hold their ground. The enemy''s counterattack shouldn''tst much longer."

    "Yes!" Themunication staff saluted and left.

    General Gorky looked at Wang Zhong, "You see, as I said, it''s a minor problem. The ne should have taken off. You stay here until tomorrow, then fly back."

    Just then, the telephone suddenly rang.

    The Front Army Chief of Staff answered the call, "Western Front Army headquarters. Who is this?"

    Suddenly, the Chief of Staff snapped to attention, tensing up, "Your Majesty, I salute you! General Rokossovsky? He''s here; I''ll get him for you."

    With that, the Chief of Staff handed over the phone receiver with the utmost respect to Wang Zhong, "Your Excellency General, His Majesty the Tsar is on the line."

    Wang Zhong picked up the receiver, "Your Majesty, I salute you."

    Olga, "Alyosha, what''s the situation at the frontline?"

    Wang Zhong, "No big deal, just as we assessed before we left, the enemy''s goal is not to break through. But someone got cold feet, nearly causing the entire army to copse. General Gorky has stabilized the frontline, and I will return to Ye Fort tomorrow."

    Olga, "Are you saying that General Tukhachev is the one who got cold feet?"

    "Yes. Who else could it be?"

    "I know," Olga said with an icy tone. "I will personally observe his trial to ensure he receives the punishment he deserves."

    Wang Zhong: "Your Majesty is wise."

    Olga: "Then I will wait for your return. See you tomorrow."

    With that, the call was ended on the other end.

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly. Was Olga''sst sentence a bit ambiguous?

    He handed the receiver back to the Chief of Staff and then noticed that everyone in themand post was looking at him.

    Wang Zhong with a stern face: "In the face of a great enemy, the Mother of Ante expects everyone to perform their duties!"

    Only then did everyone return to their work.

    Only General Gorky continued to look at Wang Zhong with a meaningful gaze.

    Wang Zhong: "What''s wrong?"

    "Nothing," the general shrugged his shoulders, "Let''s continue the topic we were on..."

    At that moment, themunications officer came in again: "We have recaptured the position northeast of Shostka, and now we can overlook the city of Shostka again."

    Wang Zhong: "Northeast... ah, that position, did we fail to recapture the nearby airport?"

    Themunications officer shook his head: "Not yet. In fact, we have never managed to take the airport. The terrain is too open, which suits the Prussian Army to deploy their firepower."

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue.

    The firepower of the Ante Infantry Regiment is far inferior to that of the Prussian Infantry Regiment¡ªnot to mention, maybe the firepower of an entire Ante Infantry Division doesn''t match that of a single Prussian Infantry Regiment.

    The Prussian Infantry Regiment has a bunch of mortars and tube artillery, as well as 15cm caliber heavy infantry guns. The Ante side only has 152s at the divisional level of firepower units, and usually in small quantities.

    Having a battalion stuffed with 36 pieces of 152 artillery, like the Guards Motor Rifle, is quite rare in the entire Ante Army.

    General Gorky: "No need to rush for the airport. Just upy one corner to ensure the enemy cannot take off ornd nes. We have all the time in the world."

    Wang Zhong: "When attacking Shostka, we can refer to the enemy''s methods of attack, continuously using sappers to approach the city, and strive to push our attackunch positions to within fifty meters of the enemy."

    General Gorky: "I will send a sapper brigade there. Are you sure we can use sappers in that area?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, I''ve personally surveyed the terrain and soil around Shostka. The soil there is perfectly suited for sappers to approach. That''s also what the enemy did; otherwise, their casualties in Shostka wouldn''t be so low."

    General Gorkyughed heartily: "You are truly greedy, as if causing so many casualties to the enemy in Shostka wasn''t enough."

    Wang Zhong: "Of course, it''s not enough! We must make the Prussians bleed dry!"

    General Gorky: "Then, before you return to Ye Fort tomorrow, I will strive to make the Prussians bleed a bit more. Chief of Staff, is the artillery ammunition originally assigned for fire preparation still avable?"

    Chief of Staff: "Of course, it is."

    General Gorky: "Then open fire, target the enemy positions that haven''t been contested. Give them a good pounding to prevent them from moving these troops to support the contested positions!"

    "Yes."

    -------------

    The next day, Wang Zhong returned to St. Ye Katerina Fortress.

    As soon as he got off the ne, he rushed to the Tribunal to observe Tukhachev''s trial.

    However, before he reached the main street where the Tribunal building was located, he ran into His Majesty the Tsar''s motorcade.

    Olga cracked open the car window and called out to Wang Zhong, "Alyosha, over here!"

    Not only did she call out, but she also stuck her hand out and waved.

    Wang Zhong hurriedly got out of his car and approached the Tsar''s vehicle, bending over to the window: "Your Majesty, may I assist you with anything?"

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    "Get in and tell me about the situation at the front," Olga said as she scooted over to the other side of the seat and opened the car door.

    Wang Zhong could only make a gesture to his own convoy and then got into His Majesty the Tsar''s car.

    As soon as the door closed, Olga asked with a serious face, "Is everything really okay at the front? I only trust what you say; I believe you would never deceive me."

    Wang Zhong: "Rest assured, there isn''t a single problem at the front. Up until the time I boarded the ne, we hadpletely stabilized the position and even recaptured some key heights. The artillery of the Front Army caused heavy casualties to the enemy."@@novelbin@@

    Olga breathed a sigh of relief: "That''s a relief. Last night I had a nightmare. I dreamt that all the reassurances about the front line were lies, that the enemy had recaptured Karanskaya, and from Eternal Fortress, they bombarded the Summer Pce. In my dream, I was torn apart in an explosion."

    Wang Zhong: "That will not happen."

    Olga looked at Wang Zhong with a pitiful gaze: "If it were my brother, he would definitely hug me at a time like this."

    Wang Zhong: "No, you are not as fragile as that. You''re just pretending."

    After saying that, Wang Zhong flicked Olga''s forehead.

    "Ouch!" Olga cried out, "What''s wrong with pretending for a bit? There''s no one else in the car, and the curtains are drawn tight. Can''t you just let me be a little whiny?"

    "No," Wang Zhong said decisively.

 Chapter 344: The Heinous Crime (Additional update 28/33)

    The convoy soon arrived at the Tribunal building.

    When the car stopped, Wang Zhong said to Olga, "I know you want to get close, but now you are the Tsar, and this is a formal asion, you need to be dignified and proper."

    Olga nodded her head, "I know."

    Wang Zhong stared at her for a few seconds, then cautioned again, "The incident at the train station where you kissed me forcefully cannot happen again!"

    "Alright," Olga nodded solemnly.

    Only then did Wang Zhong open the door and get out of the car, straightening his clothes before walking to the other side of the car, opening the door and extending his hand.

    Olga gracefully took his hand and alighted from the car withposure.

    Worried that Olga might immediately fling her arm around him, Wang Zhong quickly stepped back as soon as she let go of his hand.

    Olga just nced at him and then, maintaining her elegantly poised posture, walked forward with her head held high.Wang Zhong hurried to follow behind her.

    Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind: Isn''t this the position in which the head eunuch stands in those Qing Dynasty dramas? The one in front is Empress Dowager Cixi, and I am Li Lianying...

    "Rebirth: I Am Li Lianying in Ante"?

    Wang Zhong quickly checked to affirm that his "little brother" was still present.

    Scared me.

    The Tribunal had dispatched a high-ranking Archbishop to wee His Majesty the Tsar, but seeing Wang Zhong as well seemed to cause some confusion. After paying respects to His Majesty the Tsar, the Archbishop nced at Wang Zhong and said, "Your Majesty, if General Rokossovsky were also to be here, we should be informed in advance."

    Olga countered, "Do I need to report to you when my foster brother apanies me?"

    The Archbishop replied, "But General Rokossovsky mightter be summoned as a witness."

    Olga retorted, "Then summon him. My box isn''t without a direct passage to the courtroom."

    "You are correct. I will inform the chief judge to adjust the court proceedings. This way please, Your Majesty."

    And so, Wang Zhong and Olga were led to the royal family''s private box. Whenever the Tribunal tried criminals the royal family could not face directly, His Majesty the Tsar could witness the process from this box.

    The view from the box was excellent, capturing the entire courtroom in one nce.

    Standing at the window, Wang Zhong saw that more than half the seats for the jury were filled with generals, each wearing a serious expression.

    Originally seated, Olga stood up upon seeing Wang Zhong and began to identify the jury members, pointing out their affiliations.

    "That''s General Andrei Stepanovich from the quick victory faction, that one is General Gogol from the centrist faction, close with General Tugenev. There is also General Pushkin who has publicly stated his support for your theories..."

    Wang Zhong interrupted, "Your Majesty, don''t get too close."

    Olga insisted, "This way you can clearly see who I am pointing at! And that is General Chernishevsky, who also opposes the quick victory theory..."

    Wang Zhong understood that those with names of literary masters were "one of their own" who opposed the quick victory theory. Thinking back, he recalled that General Tugenev and Colonel Chekhov, whom he had encountered before, were both decent and reliable individuals.

    He wondered if it was coincidence or the will of the great universe.

    Just as Olga finished her introductions, Tukhachev was escorted into the courtroom by two judges.

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    He looked much older and was shrouded in an aura of defeat.

    Olga, watching Tukhachev, suddenly said, "Seeing him like this, I actually feel a bit sorry for him."

    Wang Zhong cautioned, "Don''t feel sorry for him! Remember the soldiers who died miserably before the Prosen strong defenses because of his rash advance."

    "Mm-hmm." Olga nodded emphatically.

    At that moment, the trial was ready to begin. The Archbishop who had greeted Olga entered the box, "Your Majesty, the trial is ready tomence. May we begin?"

    Olga agreed, "We may."

    The Archbishop nced at Wang Zhong and inquired, "When the judge calls for General Rokossovsky to testify, shall he leave the box through the passage to enter the courtroom, or shall we use mechanical equipment to open the window of the box? That way, General Rokossovsky can testify from within the box."

    Without waiting for Olga to respond, Wang Zhong spoke, "Of course, testimony should be given from the witness stand. Testifying from within His Majesty the Tsar''s box would seem to be pressuring by authority. General Tukhachev deserves his punishment; it''s not because he fell out of favor that he is trapped in prison."

    The Archbishop bowed respectfully, "Then, when it is time to summon you, a judge wille to escort you. I shall not disturb you both any longer."

    Exiting the box, the Archbishop left Wang Zhong to discover that it was just he and Olga in the room.

    Olga also looked around and then spoke, "Alyosha, I am thinking..."@@novelbin@@

    "No," Wang Zhong interrupted her, "Whatever you''re thinking, it''s not happening. Sit down properly and listen."

    Olga sat down sulkily.

    That''s when the chief judge picked up the gavel and banged it down, silencing the courtroom. The members of the jury who had been chatting, as well as the audience in the spectator seats, all stopped talking and looked towards the judge.

    The judge dered, "Today we will try the case of General Tukhachev''s hasty actions leading to severe losses for our forces."

    The entire hall maintained its silence.

    "First item of business, I ask the jury members and all presiding officials to swear on Saint Andrew."

    As soon as the words were spoken, a stand rose before each jury member with a thick book on top, presumably the scripture of Saint Andrew.

    Everyone stood, left hand on the Scripture. The choir began to chant, and everyone''s expression was solemn.

    Wang Zhong nced at Olga and noticed that Tsar was staring straight at him, not caring about anything else.

    After catching his eye, Olga even gave a slight smile.

    After the simple ceremony ended, the Judge continued, "The second part, please, General Tukhachev, take the oath."

    Tukhachev did not have the luxury of a mechanically raised Scripture; the Tribunal guard took out a copy of the Scripture, grabbed his hand, ced it on the book, and began the oath.

    Once this process waspleted, the Judge announced that the trial had officially begun.

    "General Tukhachev, on the left slide, are the casualty numbers after youmanded the Western Front Army tounch a counter-offensive. Do you acknowledge this number?" the Judge asked.

    Tukhachev looked at the slide, "I acknowledge it, generally. But..."

    "You must request permission before you speak!"

    Tukhachev: "I request permission to speak!"

    Judge: "You may speak."

    Tukhachev: "War means casualties. Even General Rokossov''s troops suffered many losses, didn''t they? The Third Rear Amur Group he brought out from Ronied was theoretically supposed to have 2500batants. How many were left when they reached Loktov?

    "Isn''t he still honoured as the Empire''s Iron Wall?"

    Wang Zhong heard Olga angrily retort beside him, "And didn''t you see Alyosha facing an enemy many times greater than his own forces?"

    "Your Majesty."

    Wang Zhong had just started speaking when Olga spoke discontentedly, "What, I can''t even make a fair statement now?"

    "No, I am just grateful for Your Majesty''s understanding."

    "Hmph."

    Below in the Tribunal, Tukhachev continued, "At Saint Andrew Fort, General Golikov''s units also suffered significant losses, yet the High Command stillmended him. Now you want to shoot me for my greater losses? This is unfair!"

    Wang Zhong turned to the jury box and saw many frowning.

    Clearly, Tukhachev''s defense was dissatisfying to the military members of the jury.

    Judge: "Have you finished speaking?"

    "I have finished." Tukhachev answered, regaining a bit of his former Chief of General Staff''s authority.

    Judge: "Before you attacked the Prussians'' fortified positions stretching from Bokost to Shostka, someone warned you that attacking this line of defense would result in substantial casualties, which you dismissed. Did this happen?"

    Tukhachev: "Attacking well-fortified positions naturally involves severe casualties; that cannot be the reason..."

    The Judge banged his gavel forcefully, "Silence! You may only answer ''yes'' or ''no'' without permission!"

    Tukhachev: "Yes. I wish to defend myself!"

    Judge: "Permission granted."

    Tukhachev: "Attacking enemy fortified positions inherently results in heavy casualties. To see the enemy defenses and not attack would be an act of cowardice!"

    Wang Zhong stood up and said to Olga, "I''m going to confront this guy in court."

    Olga: "You mean to stride right into the Tribunal? You might as well break through the ss. Ouch!"

    Wang Zhong flicked Olga''s forehead lightly, then turned and left the box, asking the Tribunal guard and the Royal Guard stationed outside the box door, "How do I enter the Tribunal?"

    Just then, two guards happened to pass by the corridor and hurriedly said upon seeing Wang Zhong, "You''vee out so early;e with me!"

    Wang Zhong followed the two guards around to the side door of the courtroom.

    "Please wait a moment for the Judge¡ª"

    Wang Zhong pushed open the door in front of him. Because he used too much force, the door mmed against the wall and bounced back, only to be stopped by Wang Zhong''s hand.

    Tukhachev, who had been speaking passionately, was stunned when he saw Wang Zhong.

    Judge: "General Rokossov, it''s not your turn to testify yet. You seem to be showing contempt for this court."

    Wang Zhong: "I have no intention of showing contempt for the Tribunal; after all, you represent the vast congregation of Ante to judge the sinners. I''m here because I can''t tolerate Tukhachev''s tant lies. I request His Honour to grant me an opportunity to confront him!"

    The Judge nodded, "Permission granted. Please take the witness stand."

    The two guards opened the wooden barrier to the witness stand.

    Wang Zhong took two steps at a time to rush in, and before the guard could close the door, he berated, "Tukhachev! You miserable bastard! You have the audacity to say attacking fortified positions necessarily results in casualties, yes, indeed attacking fortified areas does lead to casualties, but look at your actions, is that all there is to it?

    "You ignored the state of your troops'' supplies and militarymon sense! Normally, attacking solid fortified positions requires several times more soldiers than the enemy has. What about you?

    "I know the facts. After ten days of advancing, including the First Assault Army Group, all the troops were weary, and a significant number of tanks were in need of repair. The whole First Assault Army Group had only a fewbat-ready T34s!

    "The situation was equally dire for the infantry troops; continuous advancement had left all infantry units exhausted. These newly formed units were untrained and unfamiliar with their officers. During the pursuit, many fell behind.

    "You disregarded all this, demanding a quick advance, and as a result, you collided head-on with the enemy''s carefully constructed defenses! In some sections, the ratio of enemy to our forces was even lower than 1:1! Countless soldiers were needlessly sacrificed!"

    Pointing at Tukhachev, Wang Zhong roared, "All this, to satisfy your pitiful vanity! All because you wanted me to kiss your boots! You are a great sinner!"

 Chapter 345: Deciding Superiority and Life or Death

    Wang Zhong stared at General Tukhachev.@@novelbin@@

    At first, Tukhachev seemed like a rabbit under the gaze of an eagle, but he probably had a sudden realization that if he was going to die either way, he might as well put on a fearless front.

    He stood tall and faced Wang Zhong, "I always thought that I was the person in the Ante Army who understood modern warfare the most. I was the one who demanded the formation of armored troops, I was the one who demanded expansion of the army..."

    Wang Zhong, "You still have the nerve to mention expanding the army? Do those watered-down Armored Divisions you came up with serve any purpose other than being target practice for the ace tank operators of the Prussians?

    "Your understanding of modern warfare is merely superficial! You haven''t even grasped the key aspects of modern warfare! No, you are utterly clueless!"

    Just as Tukhachev''s face was showing resignation, anger surged within him the moment Wang Zhong said he had no clue about modern warfare.

    Fueled by anger, it seemed as if the defeat and the humiliation no longer mattered; he just wanted to argue with Wang Zhong on an academic level!

    Tukhachev, "Then exin, where is it that I''ve failed to understand?"

    Wang Zhong, "You''ve failed to understand everything! There are indeed those within the entire Ante Army who truly understand modern warfare, but you are certainly not one of them! Neither is that traitor, General Skorobo!"Tukhachev, "The key to modern warfare is breakthrough, deep pration of the enemy''s defense lines and encircling and annihting them in maneuver warfare! Is there a problem with this understanding?"

    Wang Zhong, "That''s just the superficial aspect! You have not grasped the truly powerful elements of the Prussian army!"

    Tukhachev, holding his head high, "Then enlighten me, the 41st headmaster of the Suvorov Military Academy! I, as the 38th headmaster, am challenging you!"

    Wang Zhong didn''t even know that Tukhachev had once been his "predecessor." Thinking it over, this armchair strategist attitude might very well have been cultivated through teaching.

    Just like some perpetual motion machine expert who speaks with great authority.

    If it had been Wang Zhong shortly after he had initially crossed over, he might have cowered, as back in his original world he was just an ordinary university graduate who would nod and bow in front of his newly appointed associate professor thesis advisor.

    Now, however, things were different. He was Rocossov returned from hell. The military theory books which he once read as an enthusiast had now been transformed into an understanding of warfare.

    The theories, like top-quality steel, had been refined and summarized by so many military theorists, then forged countless times by death wielding a massive hammer called "sacrifice" in the fiery crucible of war, finally casting them into a treasured sword.

    Wielding that sharp sword, why would Wang Zhong be afraid of a paper tiger!

    Wang Zhong, "Let me tell you what truly makes the Prussians powerful. Do you think their strength lies in their tanks? No, during the battle of Mnia, most of their tank divisions were equipped with Type 1 and Type 2 tanks, which are on the same level as our BT tanks! No, our BT tanks were even stronger as they had a 45mm cannon.

    "But the Prussians executed a blitzkrieg. This is apletely different kind of warfare from the past. Their troops suddenly broke through to the depths of the enemy lines, turning the logistics andmand centers into chaos.

    "Was this feat aplished by tanks alone? Was it only achieved by tanks?"

    Tukhachev sneered contemptuously, "Then tell me what was it? Your series of rhetorical questions can''t hide the fact that you actually haven''t said anything!"

    Wang Zhong, "I''m getting there! The enemy relied on three things."

    He raised three fingers and looked around the whole courtroom, deliberately ignoring Olga who had purposely opened the one-way ss overlooking the venue.

    "First, advances inmunication technology. More powerful and portable radios, as well as widely equipped wireless sets, allowed the Prussian battle headquarters to have a clearer understanding of the frontline situation.

    "If the Prussianmanders wished, they could evenmunicate directly with amand vehicle on the front line! The innovation in radio technology enabled distributed Prussian forces on the battlefield to coordinate like living cells!

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    "Second,prehensivebined arms cooperation. The coordination between different arms of service in Prussian units is far better than ours. Their Armored Divisions have many support units, with the firepower of their apanying infantry battalions even exceeding that of our Infantry Divisions!

    "Additionally, they have Air Force support. The Stuka bombers hit targets ording to instructions from ground troops, even coordinating with ground tanks marking targets with smoke for the Air Force to bomb!

    "Our Air Force can only rely on their own reconnaissance, as most ground unitsck radios.

    "Third, the superior quality of their troops. I felt this especially clearly whenmanding the Naval Infantry.

    "A significant portion of the Naval Infantry were high-school students. They knew what they were fighting for, what needed to be done, and what their tactical objectives were. Even if they temporarily lost contact with superiors, the Naval Infantry maintained a high initiative.

    "And at least the Prussian army''s nonmissioned officers at the grassroots level have a simr initiative. A sergeant couldmand abat team and contend with us!

    "During the skirmishes with the Prussian forces, this was particrly apparent; as long as they still had a nonmissioned officer alive, they could keep their fighting spirit!

    "My troops were able to hold their ground in closebat against the Prussians under such a huge disadvantage in Loktov because the core strength of my troops was made up of military academy students."

    Wang Zhong paused, mainly because saying so much in one breath made him a little thirsty. He said to someone at the side, "Water!"

    The Judge immediately handed Wang Zhong a bottle of Coke.

    Wang Zhong finished his drink before realizing he might have gotten it wrong: It was General Golikov who liked c. Oh well, it doesn''t matter anymore.

    Tukhachev had a pensive look, unexpectedly abstaining from defending himself while Wang Zhong was drinking. He was clearly contemting Wang Zhong''s words¡ªhe was truly contemting them.

    Unable to resist teasing, Wang Zhong said, "Now you start to think about what I''m saying? Toote! Just like what happened to General Skorobo, toote!"

    Tukhachev pursed his lips and did not retort.

    Wang Zhong continued, "And look at what you''ve done. Was it under your authorization that radios were only provided to leader''s vehicles?"

    Tukhachev: "It wasn''t me... but I do want to quibble a bit here. Our radio production was too low, and the vacuum tube factories are in Saint Andrew Fort because our best universities are there..."

    Wang Zhong: "Then why didn''t you reduce the output to a quarter? In the first eighteen days of the war, we lost eighteen thousand tanks, while the enemymitted only four thousand tanks to the attack! What''s the use of such an unwieldy tank force?

    "You saw the Prussian sess in Mnia and Carolingian and expanded our original 18 tank divisions to 96! The result was these divisions had absolutely no support units, not enough radios or wireless equipment!

    "The expansion of the army alsopromised the quality of the personnel, and it affected other arms as well. A tank operator needs at least a tenth-grade education, and there are only so many graduates each year!

    "Because all the tenth-grade graduates were crammed into tank divisions, there weren''t enough personnel for other technical arms. And the infantry¡ªpitiful¡ªmore than half of them only attended church-run Sunday schools.

    "So it wasn''t just the tank divisions that disappeared like bubbles, the infantry units did too! You''ve wreaked havoc for generations!"

    Wang Zhong paused, ring at Tukhachev. He knew he should give an example now, but he couldn''t recall a specific instance, only that in exchanges with surviving tank division officers he heard about extravagant tank divisions being annihted by enemy infantry divisions.

    Unable to remember the specifics, he could only say, "Some tank divisions, even though they had advanced T34s and KVs, were devoured by enemy infantry divisions! All because inexperiencedmanders mistook the enemy''s infantry division''s assault guns for tanks and halted to fire.

    "As a result, they were surrounded by enemy infantry troops. That division''s apanying infantry consisted of only one battalion! And they were far outgunned, with a total of only four infantry guns.

    "Once the apanying infantry was routed, the tanks were easy prey for the infantry. A tank division was defeated by an infantry division in the open! Disgraceful!"

    After Wang Zhong finished, Tugenev interjected, "That should be the 27th Tank Division. Indeed, this division had only one battalion of apanying infantry and no apanying artillery, engineers, anti-tank, or anti-air units, with just a cavalry battalion for reconnaissance."

    Bolstered by the information from Tugenev, Wang Zhong''s arrogance intensified, "Hear that? It was your blind expansion of the army that doomed them!"

    Tukhachev hung his head.

    Suddenly he said, "Yes, perhaps you have a point."

    Wang Zhong: "Perhaps? Are you still being stubborn at this point?"

    Tukhachev: "No, I say ''perhaps'' because the performance of yourbined arms division is still uncertain, isn''t it? The number of auxiliary units you n for your mobile forces is unprecedented. Do you realize that the support troops you''re asking for are the equivalent of several army groups?

    "If such elite forces suffer severe losses, how will you exin to His Majesty the Tsar?"

    Wang Zhong: "My troops need not answer to the Tsar, only to the Ante mothend."

    Tukhachev: "What if such forces are decimated, how will you exin to the Ante mothend?"

    Wang Zhong ced his hands on the railing of the witness stand, leaning forward, looking at Tukhachev, "When the timees, I will take responsibility, just like you."

    Tukhachev hesitated, then sighed, "Then I''ll wait and see¡ªalthough I''d like to say that, but I can''t see iting to fruition. Major General Rocossov, your words have convinced me. I''ve always wondered why our troops were cut through like butter by the enemy.

    "I hope your troops can withstand the Prussian onught."

    Wang Zhong: "They will."

    Tukhachev stared at Wang Zhong for a long time, so long that the presiding judge was about to remind him, before he finally said, "I''ve been mistaken about you, just as I was about His Royal Highness the Crown Prince."

    Then he turned to the judge: "Your Honor, I am ready to ept responsibility for my mistakes."

    Wang Zhong: "You''re not going to argue anymore?"

    "The facts are before me, I have no choice but to acknowledge them."

    The judge looked toward the jury box: "Does the jury wish to make a statement?"

    The current Chief of General Staff, Marshal Boris, said, "There''s nothing more to say. The speech of Major General Rocossov was very enlightening. If it had been put forth before the war... no matter, never mind."

    The judge looked again at His Majesty the Tsar, who was listening by the window, and after confirming her nod, said, "General Tukhachev, your incorrect military direction has caused great losses to the Ante Empire''s army, as well as to the Ante mothend. This court sentences you to death!"

    The judge lifted the gavel and mmed it down hard.

 Chapter 346: From Rivers to Oceans, Europa Shall Be Liberated

    Wang Zhong sighed with relief, as if he hadpleted a phased task, and was about to pick up his half-finished c when Tukhachev suddenly said, "Judge, I have a request."

    The presiding judge said, "Speak, after all, you are not a traitor, and we will meet reasonable requests."

    It was a reminder to Tukhachev: take it if you''re called ipetent, don''t push me to change the sentence to treason, that would mean ying Russian roulette with your whole family¡ªthough His Majesty the Tsar who gave that order is already dead, the order hasn''t been rescinded.

    Wang Zhong also stopped, curious about what Tukhachev was up to. As a result, Tukhachev looked towards him, and the two men locked eyes.

    Tukhachev: "Since it''s the death penalty, I hope it can be personally executed by General Rocossov. General Skorobo and I were ssmates, and when I was the head of the Suvorov Military Academy, he was the dean of academic affairs.

    "We personally signed our names under his dismal report card that year."

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly. What, you want to add some ceremony to it?

    Tukhachev: "Looking back now, his poor performance back then was only because he could not agree with our erroneous military thinking. He should personally put an end to this mistake."

    Indeed, upon victory, countless sages would argue for me.However, to be honest, Wang Zhong didn''t harbor such direct hatred towards Tukhachev.

    General Skorobo''s actions were equivalent to directly causing the death of his good brothers and kind old father, and Wang Zhong himself almost didn''t get away. His meticulously assembled troops were decimated by half in the encirclement.

    Seeing him return, Wang Zhong was furious; he was so provoked that he almost drew his gun on the spot.

    But Tukhachev, the anger that should have been vented had already been released at the Front Army headquarters. At that time, Wang Zhong nearly turned him into a spinning top with a p¡ªonly because he was rather heavy, he didn''t end up spinning.

    If it were Vasily with his slender build, he would have started spinning already; he might even have taken off spinning into the air.

    So now, Wang Zhong actually didn''t harbor such great resentment to execute Tukhachev by firing squad.

    But since the other party requested it...

    The presiding judge looked at Wang Zhong, seeking his opinion.

    Wang Zhong said, "Since you''ve made such a request, I can only agree to it."

    Tukhachev looked straight at Wang Zhong: "I know you once said at the military academy that if I broke through the defense line, you woulde and kiss my boots. I really did fantasize about that scene. Now I should be kissing your boots, but please allow me to maintain myst shred of dignity."

    Wang Zhong: "Dignity? Go down there and talk to those fallen Ante soldiers, to those tank operators who died in their burning tanks about dignity, and see if they grant it to you!"

    Tukhachev: "I will."

    Seeing that the two had no intention to continue their dialogue, the presiding judge knocked the gavel once more, "The execution will take ce tomorrow morning, at the execution ground..."

    At this moment, a bishop-ranked Judge whispered a few words in the ear of the presiding judge.

    Thus the presiding judge looked at Wang Zhong, "His Majesty the Tsar and His Eminence Belinsky have specially authorized that the execution be held at the Suvorov Military Academy''s shooting range."

    Wang Zhong looked up to the Tsar''s seat by the windows above the tribunal.

    Belinsky was standing behind Olga, and upon noticing Wang Zhong''s gaze, he nodded faintly.

    Well, this is to confirm my influence over the military by executing Tukhachev. The roots of the Aristocratic faction in the military will be destroyed by at least half.

    The presiding judge said to Wang Zhong," The trial of General Tukhachev is concluded, and the trials of other officers of the Western Front Army who made mistakes during the offensive will take ce when their units rotate out for rest and recuperation.

    "That said, court is adjourned!"

    After delivering his words, the presiding judge knocked the gavel forcefully, prompting the crowd to stand up and wait for the judge to leave.

    Well, the Western Front Army now hosts a bunch of the quick-victory faction and the Aristocratic faction; Belinsky couldn''t wait to purge them all.

    With such a tremendous defeat, the centrists within the Empire''s military couldn''t say much either.

    Wang Zhong looked at General Tugenev in the jury box¡ªTugenev, in his recollection, was a representative of the centralist faction.

    Although he was only a general, he had long been in charge of the key position of head of the Military Orders Department, with high prestige, and could now give direct counsel to His Majesty the Tsar, might even wield more influence than Field Marshal Boris, the Chief of General Staff.

    General Tugenev also looked at Wang Zhong, and at this time, since the presiding judge had left the room, the jurors also left their seats to start chatting in groups¡ªGeneral Gogol and Major General Pushkin both approached Tugenev.

    Wang Zhong thought, well, I seem to have the wide support of Russia''s literary world!

    Meanwhile, not knowing what Tugenev said, Gogol and Pushkin both looked at Wang Zhong, all three of them nodding.

    It seems that the centrists had their strategy figured out.

    Just then, the tribunal bailiff said to Wang Zhong, "General Rocossov, you may leave the bench now."

    Wang Zhong nodded, then remembered not to forget to finish his c.

    December 18, Saint Ye Katerina Fortress, Suvorov Military Academy''s shooting range.

    Although the sun was very low in the sky, it was indeed a fine day, clear and cloudless.

    It was still bitterly cold, though; Wang Zhong had even thought about taking Nelly and her overcoat with him when he went out, to keep himself warm.

    He wondered if she would, like some perfect and suave maid, employ a time-stopping skill if he really did so.

    All the students of the Suvorov Military Academy had assembled at the shooting range, forming more than a dozen neat ranks.

    The officers who came to undertake theoretical learning of the frontline were much less disciplined; although they maintained military posture, they did not adhere to the strict discipline of formation like the students, with many chatting among themselves.

    But when Wang Zhong ascended the temporary viewing stand, everyone fell silent¡ªyou could literally hear the buzzinging to a sudden halt from the officers'' ranks.

    Wang Zhong: "Attention, all ranks!"

    Apanied by the uniform sound of heels clicking together, everyone''s gaze was fixed firmly on Wang Zhong.

    He looked towards the viewing stand, making sure that His Majesty the Tsar, Grand Patriarch Belinsky, and all the senior military officials had taken their seats, before looking back at the rows of students.

    It''s time for a speech again; I feel like I''m always giving speeches this month.

    Butpared to the speech newbie I was before, who would stutter and have to pull together bits and pieces from here and there, I am now an old hand.

    I can even step up to speak with just notes in my head!

    Explore more at

    Thinking thus, Wang Zhong walked up to the microphone, "Today, we gather here to thoroughly settle the military blunders of the 38th principal. In theing months, I predict a period of calm on the battlefield,sting three to four months. The enemy likely won''tunch anyrge-scale offensives before May of 915. We will use this chance to conduct small-scale military reform trials."

    On Earth, the Soviets also reformed while at war¡ªmainly because they had to, as their old troop formations had been nearly wiped out. When new troops were raised, reforms were implemented in the process.

    At Kursk, the Soviets actually managed to bury the Sturmtiger under sheer numbers. The Sturmtiger''s elite armored divisions achieved an impressive kill ratio, but they were ultimately defeated.

    It was after Kursk that the Soviets truly began to excel. The subsequent offensive campaigns were conducted rather well, with Bagration practically crushing the Sturmtiger. In the end, the Soviets halted only because their logistics couldn''t keep up.

    Had they had American logistics, Bagration might have very well thrust through the Sturmtiger in one go.

    s, the Soviet training on Earth took far too long, and the price paid was far too great.

    Wang Zhong intended to change this situation.

    In fact, he had already altered the course of the war somewhat. On Earth, the Soviets lost several hundred thousand men at Vyazma during Operation Typhoon, but with Wang Zhong''s defense of the Duva River alongside his brother troops, what would have been an encircled force was able to withdraw.

    The seasoned soldiers from these units made it possible for Wang Zhong to envision forming a forceposed entirely of experienced veterans.

    Wang Zhong said, "In the two years before the war began, Tukhachev only had a superficial understanding of how to use armored units. He implemented a grand but impractical expansion policy, increasing the number of armored divisions from eighteen to ny-six and the tank count to twenty thousand.

    "These numbers became his bragging rights before thete emperor, elevating him and his aplice, General Skorobo, to high positions!"

    Considering the fact that the Tsar was actually executed had not been disclosed, and he was Ivan and Olga''s biological father, Wang Zhong still addressed him respectfully as thete emperor.

    Wang Zhong continued, "Then these bloated armored divisions were utterly annihted during the Prosen summer offensive. The five million-strong Ante Army, which only appeared to be a colossus with feet of y, crumbled at the first surge of waters, and the giant without a foundation copsed with a thunderous crash.

    "What we must do is resurrect this giant. Now, is the starting point of rebirth! I believe this new army will sweep across our upied homnd, sweeping through the entire Prosen Empire!"

    Wang Zhong paused. Now an experienced orator, he instinctively knew this was the moment for a catchy slogan.

    After a brief moment of thought, he dered, "From the river (Duva River) to the ocean (Antic), Europa shall be liberated!"

    No sooner had he finished than some of the students, unable to restrain themselves, cried out, "Ura!"

    A thunderous chorus of "Ura" resounded throughout the shooting range.

    The noise even knocked loose some of the snow piled on the trees.

    Just then, a prisoner transport escorted by three half-track vehicles entered the range, stopping before a temporarily constructed podium.

    Upon seeing the half-track vehicles, Wang Zhong frowned slightly¡ªweren''t those the famous American-made M3 half-tracks? Had the aid been shipped over so soon?

    However, considering that even SPAM cans and c had been delivered, the arrival of half-tracks seemed normal.

    The doors of the prisoner transport opened, and General Tukhachev stepped out.

    He was still wearing his military rank, which probably meant they intended to leave the nobility with a shred of dignity, avoidingplete denunciation and thus rallying a fraction of the aristocracy.

    Wang Zhong, however, felt that since he had executed General Skorobo while he still wore his rank, doing the same with Tukhachev was consistent.

    Tukhachev turned to look at the cadets gathered below.

    At that moment, the cadets were still shouting "Ura," with only those in the front row noticing Tukhachev''s arrival.

    But the shouting quickly ceased, and everyone''s gaze fixed on General Tukhachev.

    Wang Zhong asked, "General Tukhachev, do you have anything you wish to say to the students?"

    Tukhachev shook his head, "No need. Let my blood fertilize the rebirth of the Ante Army through fire."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Take him to the execution site!"

    The Judge led Tukhachev towards the execution tform erected in the center of the shooting range.

    Wang Zhong carefully inspected his pistol, determined to avoid a jam likest time.

    Tukhachev stood firm on the execution tform. A Judge came over with a blindfold, but he shook his head, "No need."@@novelbin@@

    So the Judge stepped back.

    All the Judges left the tform, leaving Tukhachev standing there alone.

    Wang Zhong, holding the pistol, stepped down from the podium, advancing toward the execution tform with a standard military pace.

    He felt all eyes upon him.

    He ascended the tform and stood before Tukhachev.

    Tukhachev looked at the gun in his hand, "Is that the same one used to execute General Skorobo?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Yes."

    Tukhachev remarked, "It looks like an utterly ordinary officer''s sidearm."

    Wang Zhong responded, "Do you know of a legend from the United Kingdom? It says that he who draws the sword from theke is the King of the United Kingdom, but no one knows where that sword lies, though there have been countless kings.

    "It''s not that the sword makes the man valorous, but rather that the sword wielded by a valorous man bes ''The Sword of the Valorous.''

    "This pistol is the same. I used it to kill General Skorobo, to kill you, and in the future, I will use it to kill all the main culprits, including the then Emperor. This ordinary officer''s sidearm will go down in legend as a mythical weapon."

    And then it will be used as a Holy Relic in a Holy Grail War.

    Wang Zhong raised the pistol, aiming it at Tukhachev''s brow.

    Tukhachev said, "Make sure you do as you say, General Rocossov."

    Wang Zhong assured, "I promise."

    He pulled the trigger.

    The bullet entered Tukhachev''s forehead and exited through the back of his skull, drawing a long arc with the blood that sprayed onto the snowy ground below the execution tform.

    Despite being surrounded by open ins, the gunshot seemed to echo in the silence.

    Wang Zhong knew this was the bell announcing the rebirth of the giant.

 Chapter 347: The First Deliberation of the Ordnance Examination Committee (Additional update 29/33)

    December 20, the original Civil War Exhibition Hall at 10 Peace Street, the first deliberation of the Ordnance Review Committee.

    Two days ago, the execution carried out personally by Major General Rocossov at the Suvorov Military Academy had already triggered a series of shockwaves.

    Arge number of officers from the Aristocratic faction who had no directmand of the troops were transferred to the far east to confront the Empire of Fusang, and a good number ofpetent officers were promoted.

    These promoted officers had to attend a crash course at the Suvorov Military Academy while their units were resting, mainly to learn from the experience summarized by front-line generals, including Rocossov.

    The first batch of officers to undergo intensive training had already reported to the military academy when Major General Rocossov took office as the head of the Suvorov Military Academy.

    These officers, who participated in training, had front-line experience and could directly control troops, now had a new title in Ye Fort: the Rocossov faction.

    That morning, as soon as Wang Zhong arrived at the entrance of 10 Peace Street, he saw Federation reporter Mike and his partner.@@novelbin@@

    So he took the initiative to speak first, "Mike! Why didn''t youe to the execution on the 18th?"Reporter Mike looked utterly dejected, "I went to the front lines for an interview and just got back today. You moved too fast, as soon as I received the news that Tukhachev was being brought back to Ye Fort, I rushed back, thinking it would take at least half a month to wrap up and I''d definitely make it.

    "But then, oh snap!"

    After he finished speaking, his partner Robert said, "Your photographers are skilled, but they don''t know how to take impactful photos. Look at this one, it''s like a painting, panoramic, not bad, but itcks impact."

    Wang Zhong, "The one you took of my fianc¨¦e was great, very impactful. Now there''s an unprecedented enthusiasm for women to enlist."

    Robert was surprised, "Why is there a surge in enthusiasm for female soldiers to enlist?"

    Wang Zhong, "To defend the country just like she does. This time, Ante women are no longer satisfied with just sending their loved ones to the battlefield; they want to personally go and beat the enemy. I suggest Mr. Mike interview some of the female soldiers in our army, with the report titled ''No Woman''s Face in War,'' I think they will provide you with many stories from a different perspective.

    "Although from a different angle, they are as moving as the brave battles on the front lines."

    Reporter Mike nodded, "I will, General Sir. But for now, please give us your opinion on the current popr sentiment in Ye Fort. Ye Fort says you have essentially formed your own officers'' club, andst night''s banquet at your estate was a gathering of this club."

    Wang Zhong was astonished, "What? I just invited a few old friends for some Spam and c, how did that turn into an officers'' club meeting?"

    Last night, Wang Zhong discovered that generals such as Kashuk and Kiriyenko who had fought together were in Ye Fort, so he invited them and their staff to visit, truly just a gathering of oldrades-in-arms.

    Just like the get-togethers Wang Zhong''s father had with oldrades before crossing over, a group of people woulde together to sing "Cat''s Ear Hole" and "Camel Bells," recalling the bitterness and sweetness of the past.

    Little did he expect outsiders to see it that way.

    Reporter Mike, "So it was just a gathering of old friends? Is that the official statement?"

    Wang Zhong, "That''s my statement. If the reporting is off course, you will be responsible!"

    Reporter Mike then asked, "Your fianc¨¦e is leading the officer''s wives in involving themselves in textile production, is this preparation for after the war?"

    Wang Zhong, "She just feels that it''s not appropriate for officers'' wives to spend their days at balls given the current situation! In fact, many officers'' wives dislike participating in social events when the war situation is bad, she''s just gathering those people to do something beneficial for the war."

    Reporter Mike quickly took notes in his notebook.

    Wang Zhong snatched the notebook away, only to find that it was written in English, and with his English regressed to basic literacy, he couldn''t understand what the guy was writing at all.

    Then Robert snapped a photo.

    Wang Zhong thought he was in trouble, having been yed by these journalism students.

    All he could do was return the notebook to Reporter Mike, "The reporting must stick to the facts, no sensationalizing!"

    Reporter Mike replied with a wry smile, "The editor-in-chief wouldn''t be happy with that. Actually, thetest directive from home is that the editor-in-chief said we''ve written enough about the brave battles on the front lines. These reports, under the context of the Federation''s cry for revenge, have sold very well, but we need to be proactive."

    Wang Zhong, "And so you''ve found your way to me?"

    Reporter Mike, "Court intrigue has always been a hot topic, eh? The y ''Macbeth'' is staged once a year, and it''s a full house every time."

    Wang Zhong, "What are you implying, my dear Reporter Mike?"

    Your next read is at

    Reporter Mike looked surprised, "You''ve seen ''Macbeth''?"

    Of course, I''ve seen all four of Shakespeare''s great tragedies (adapted into movies), and even more versions of ''Romeo and Juliet'' beyond the four tragedies, with Leonardo''s being my favorite.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong realized his behavior was not fitting for his reputation as a dandy.

    After all, in this era, one can only watch ys in a theater, with no movies.

    So he changed his response, "I haven''t seen it, but I do know that ''Macbeth'' is the story of a tyrant who usurped the throne."

    Reporter Mikeughed, "I was just giving an example, no other implications intended. For today''smittee, which equipment are you nning to approve?"

    Wang Zhong, "Noment."

    Saying this, he walked straight inside.

    Reporter Mike was about to follow, but was stopped by Vasily, "The reviewmittee already has institutions responsible for press releases, please liaise with these institutions."

    Wang Zhong quietly gave Vasily a thumbs up.

    The venue for themittee meeting was in the original first-floor circr exhibition hall, where the exhibits previously disyed here were all moved to storage underground, and the hall was cleared out.

    In the center was a long table, with five ces behind it, and in front of the table were prepared a ckboard, a rack for hanging drawings, and other devices often used in scientific presentations.

    Wang Zhong was about to sit down at the table in the middle, but he was stopped by someone.

    It was the 40th head of the Suvorov Military Academy, yes, the same elderly man he had brought back to serve as a fifth-grade clerk.

    "Lieutenant General, when do you n to take my head?" the old man asked, leaning on his cane in a way that reminded Wang Zhong of Saber''s ssic stance with her sword in FATE.

    It seemed to be the trendy pose of the era, didn''t it?

    Wang Zhong: "What are you talking about? I still rely on you to keep themittee running."

    The old man: "I also sign off on your report card!"

    Wang Zhong: "Tukhachev was executed because of his mistakes in military strategy, not out of personal vendetta. Are you underestimating me, or are you underestimating His Majesty the Tsar?"

    The old man stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds: "Really? It wasn''t a personal grudge?"

    "It wasn''t. I made an agreement with him, to use the same pistol to execute the then Emperor." Wang Zhong said as he patted the handgun at his waist, "This one right here."

    The old man stared at Wang Zhong for several seconds, then said, "Whether it''s bragging or a promise, let this old man see it clearly with these eyes!"

    After that, the old man turned and walked towards the main entrance.

    Wang Zhong: "Aren''t you going to serve on the reviewmittee?"

    "The modern battlefield is somewhat foreign to an old man like me," the old man said, ncing back sideways at Wang Zhong. "After all, you''re the ones who will be using the equipment; I''ll trust the judgment of the younger generation for now."

    With that, the old man left.

    Wang Zhong watched his figure disappear outside the door.

    Vasily also watched the old man leave, thenmented, "Why do I feel like he has already acknowledged you?"

    Wang Zhong: "Your feeling is not wrong."

    Vasily: "When will my old man acknowledge me like that?"

    Wang Zhong: "Perhaps he already has."

    After that, he went straight to the middle of the long table, pulled out a chair, and sat down.

    -------------

    The items reviewed by themittee for the first time included few army equipments, likely because the frontlines had copsed too swiftly, leaving the army no time to appraise the merits of their gear.

    Additionally, many army units had been entirely surrounded and captured by the enemy.

    Among the numerous Air Force equipment improvements, the Il-2 and the Pe-2 bombers were both included on the list.

    The modifications to the Il-2 came in two types: one removed the wing cannons to free up weight for more rockets, while the other switched the cement of the cannons and machine guns, mounting the cannons on the fusge to address the problem of vibration when firing.

    After consulting with Air Force representatives and carefully reviewing the target practice data from test flights, Wang Zhong approved the production of both alterations.

    Indeed, Wang Zhong did not wish to mass produce the Il-2 like in another time and space because the efficiency of the Earth''s WWII close air support was not high.

    This inefficiency was widespread: on the Western Front, between six and eight percent of Sturmtiger tank losses were caused by air attacks.

    On the Eastern Front, it was only two percent. Yes, the loss of two percent of the Sturmtigers was due to the forty thousand Il-2s, and even within that two percent, most were attributed to Pe-2s bombing train stations and were subsequently credited to Il-2 engagements.

    In actuality, the anti-tank efficiency of WWII air forces was low. For instance, with anti-tank rockets, British statistics showed a hit rate of 36 to 1, while American figures were 22 to 1. It was more effective to target trains with rockets because if one hit, the whole train had to stop.

    Given the current technological constraints, depending on the Il-2 for tank busting was unrealistic.

    Of course, the Il-2 was quite effective against soft targets, which Wang Zhong had witnessed first-hand.

    Moreover, Ante''s Air Force currently had the Il-2 equipped by their attack aircraft squadrons; production couldn''t cease, as switching to other aircraft would necessitate retraining.

    Ante alsocked a ready single-engine dive bomber, sopletely recing the attack aircraft squadrons'' nes would mean starting a new design from scratch.

    And that would be a real hassle.

    Wang Zhong managed to specifically request P-47s while taking advantage of negotiations for aid with the Federation, but whether they could actually be delivered remained a question.

    Contemting these issues, Wang Zhong approved several Air Force projects.

    For instance, the high-altitude reconnaissance version of the Pe-2¡ªhe knew this would be a major source of aerial reconnaissance photography in the future, so he approved it!

    Then there was the emergency modification model of the LaGG-3. Wang Zhong figured it could improve pilot survival rates at least a little, so he approved it.

    And there was the armored version of the Yak-1, which mainly involved adding metal tes to key areas to strengthen wooden parts. After carefully confirming the aircraft''s power-to-weight ratio, Wang Zhong approved it as well.

    While reviewing the Yak-1, the Air Force representative watched as Wang Zhong asked about various technical details with rapt attention, his eyes wide.

    After the Yak-1 designer left, the Air Force representative cautiously asked, "General, have you ever flown a ne?"

    Wang Zhong: "I haven''t, but my deputy Vasily has! He taught me!"

    Darn it, I''m actually an expert with over 2000 simtions in War Thunder aerialbat mode!

    Vasily got the credit on the cheap!

    After the Air Force items were covered, a designer came in holding a brand new weapon.

    Wang Zhong squinted his eyes, focusing on the rifle.

    It didn''t look like an AK, rather more like an M14.

    The designer: "I''m the firearms designer, Tokarev. What I have here is the reduced-load cartridge version of the Tokarev Rifle I designed based on the production specifications you provided."

 Chapter 348: Could This Be Project 704?

    Wang Zhong carefully observed the gun and then asked the question he was most concerned about, "Does this thing meet the weight requirement I established in the design specifications?"

    The reason he asked was that the gun Tokarev had in his hands didn''t look light at all.

    Tokarev: "It is indeed one kilogram heavier than the full-load weight of 4.5 kilograms that you requested, but I believe the excellent performance of this gun could offset that disadvantage. I have a chart here with data from tests we conducted at the design institute''s firing range."

    Wang Zhong made a gesture, and the secretary in the room immediately brought the chart from the designer''s hand to him.

    The chart primarily disyed data on uracy and reliability during continuous fire, showing that the gun was quite precise even at a distance of 400 meters.

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "Mr. Designer, do you know why the frontline troops all like to use submachine guns? Because most of the time, the firefight happens within 200 meters. Plus, our soldiers have short training periods, poor design skills, so a gun that performs well at a 400-meter distance is meaningless for them."

    The designer was shocked, "Is having good uracy a disadvantage?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, of course not. But the reality is that our troops can''t shoot that urately. My guards, who mostly use Tokarev¡ªyour design of the semi-automatic rifle¡ªalso prefer to use submachine guns inbat."

    "You haven''t understood my requirements. What I actually need is a submachine gun with sufficient range. Whether it''s ours or the enemy''s, the hit probability of submachine guns at a distance of 200 meters can only rely on faith. I hope to get a submachine gun that can still hit targets within 200 meters."In fact, when Ceres first introduced the AK, they treated it as a submachine gun and called it the ''56 rush'', firing it while holding the magazine, just like when using a submachine gun.

    Onlyter did some troops realize that it was actually different from a submachine gun, so they held the foregrip ording to the rifle usage habits.

    As a result, both shooting methods are present in the military.

    Wang Zhong stood up, walked directly to the designer, took the gun from his hand, and while gesturing said, "The usage scenario I envision for this type of weapon is this: A soldier holds this gun, and he''s very nervous¡ªwhich ismon, even old soldiers get nervous when they encounter the enemy due to a surge of adrenaline.

    "The moment he sees the enemy, he pulls the trigger, rat-tat-tat goes the 15 bullets, he didn''t aim carefully, didn''t measure the distance or adjust the sight, but all the bulletsnded within a one-meter radius of the enemy."

    Tokarev was startled, "Within a one-meter radius?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, at a distance of 200 meters, it''s already good enough tond within a one-meter radius under such crude aiming conditions."

    Tokarev: "But, shouldn''t we aim to kill the enemy?"

    Wang Zhong: "That''s the job of a precision shooter. My vision is to distribute soldiers with shooting experience and good marksmanship across the infantry squads, giving them Tokarev semi-autos or even bolt-action rifles. And the standard infantry would be armed with the weapon I''m envisioning.

    "Hitting the enemy isn''t the most important thing. What''s crucial is being able to ssh half a magazine of ammo around the enemy in a sh. Then the enemy will stop attacking, take cover, and get down."

    "Prussians are afraid of dying too. Suddenly having so many bullets ssh around them, with the sounds of bullets hitting concrete everywhere, they''ll cower behind cover and dare not show their heads."

    Tokarev: "But how do we eliminate the enemy? Just rely on precision shooters?"

    Wang Zhong: "Have you ever been on a battlefield?"

    Tokarev shook his head: "No. Um, I know you have ordered designers who refused to modify their designs to experiencebat with their own weapons firsthand, it was an aircraft designer if I remember correctly? But..."

    Wang Zhong: "Don''t worry, I won''t force you to the battlefield to experience life. Let me describe to you what the battlefield is like."

    As someone who has personally returned from hell several times, Wang Zhong was all too familiar with what a battlefield was like, so he vividly depicted, "On the battlefield, most of the time you can''t see where the enemy is at all, what you see is the sh of enemy gunfire.

    "All you can do is keep firing, suppressing the enemy with firepower. As for whether or not you can kill the enemy, you have no control over it, because you can''t see them."

    Wang Zhong, being able to see because of a cheat code, knew that the cheat didn''t work in a first-person view, only an overhead perspective, so he was even more aware of how difficult it is to confirm if an enemy is killed on the battlefield.

    Wang Zhong: "And on the battlefield, the main cause of enemy casualties has never been bullets but artillery. The best way for an infantry unit to eliminate the enemy is always to call for artillery strikes. When you can see the enemy''s face clearly, you''re about at the distance where it''s a race to pull the trigger first."

    In fact, this part was not only Wang Zhong''s personal experience on the battlefield but also a synthesis of some first-person videos he saw before the transmigration.

    Those videos really show that you can''t see what you''re hitting;pared to real battlefields, even games like Tarkov are considered close-quarterbat.

    So for the average grunt, rifle uracy is adequate. Precision shooters need high-precision rifles¡ªTokarev is good enough.

    The designer Tokarev, thoughtful, nodded his head, "A submachine gun with higher uracy and longer effective range? I understand now."

    Wang Zhong: "Your gun is actually not bad, it has decent uracy at 400 meters. But it only needs to have that uracy at 200 meters to meet my requirements. See if you can make adjustments to reduce the weight a bit and improve reliability while rxing the uracy requirements.

    "Have the new prototype ready by next February."

    Tokarev nodded, "All right, I will go back and revise the design. The current idea is to decrease the ammunition load further, shortening the bullet might significantly reduce the weight."

    Wang Zhong: "That''s the spirit! Remember, I need a submachine gun that can ssh onto the enemy at 200 meters. Papasha is pretty much faith-based at that distance."

    Actually, at a distance of nearly 200 meters, firing a submachine gun at a two-story building''s exterior wall, the bullets would distribute equally over the whole surface.

    Aiming or not made little difference.

    The main reason is that the effective range of submachine guns firing pistol cartridges is too low.

    Wang Zhong emphasized again, "Remember, a submachine gun with a range of two hundred meters!"

    Having said that, he returned the prototype gun in his hand to Tokarev and patted the designer on the shoulder.

    The designer continued to mutter "a submachine gun with an effective range of two hundred meters," took the prototype gun, and left, even forgetting to take the blueprints with him.

    Wang Zhong rolled up the blueprints and handed them to his secretary, "Give these to Designer Tokarev."

    After the secretary left with the blueprints, Wang Zhong shouted to the door, "Are there any more people waiting for approval outside?"

    "No more, Your Excellency," came the reply.

    Wang Zhong was surprised, "Is that the only equipment for the army, just one gun?"

    He began to feel what the Ceres army generals must feel when watching the navy and air force getting new equipment: At least our new shoes are nice!

    Representative of the Air Force stood up, "The several new aircraft types all meet our requirements. We hope the new equipment can be delivered to the troops as soon as possible."

    Damn it, just go and be smug!

    Just then, the voice of a guard suddenly rang out from outside: "Who''s there? Halt, did you register?"

    "I was specially instructed by the general to design this! I just finished the design drawing yesterday! I''m not here for review, I just want to show it to the general!" The designer shouted from the outside.

    Wang Zhong called out, "Let him in!"

    Suddenly it became quiet outside, then the guard opened the door, "Pleasee in."

    A middle-aged man dressed in a Western suit came in with blueprints, indeed it was Ke Jing, the Chief Engineer.

    Ke Jing announced, "Your Excellency, the first version of the design for the 100mm gun carrier youmissioned me to design isplete."

    After finishing speaking, he spread out the design on the drawing rack, "Take a look! Based on your requirements, I''ve made improvements on the T34 chassis, transversely mounted the engine to reduce the vehicle''s height, and added argerbat room to finish this vehicle¡ªassault gun?"

    Looking at the design of the vehicle on the blueprints, Wang Zhong thought of an earth''s tank destroyer with a real model: Project 704.

    But Project 704 mounted a 152mm cannon, which looked rtively stubby, while the cannon on this vehicle was clearly much slimmer.

    In addition, Project 704 used the IS3 chassis, while this contraption used the T34 chassis, which appeared to be significantly lighter.

    Wait a minute¡ªEarth''s Project 704 was also designed by heavy tank designers, who seemed to be called Ke Jing as well.

    Suddenly everything made sense!

    Ke Jing exined excitedly, "I estimated its weight, which should be about the same as the T34, but because itcks a turret and rotation mechanism, its armor protection is better. With this bulletproof shape at the front, coupled with 100mm thick armor, even the enemy''s 88mm cannon won''t necessarily be able to prate it from a distance.

    "Moreover, it''s lower and more suitable for concealed ambush warfare. The only problem is, I''ve carefully examined the enemy''s scope. We can replicate its mechanical structure, including the rotating reticle, as well as the corresponding stadia for range finding on the reticle.

    "But we can''t produce lenses that good; the lens has a broad view angle and a decent magnification. If we want magnification, we can''t have too broad a view angle."

    Wang Zhong replied, "We can solve the field of view issue with themander''s periscope. The vehicle does have amander, right?"

    "Yes," Ke Jing pointed to the position at the rear of thebat room on the blueprint, "This is themander''s seat. I intentionally designed it higher so themander''s head would be inside this prototype observation tower. And there''s a pedal here; themander can just stand up on it and poke his upper body out of the hatch to observe."

    Wang Zhong nodded continuously, "Good, very good! Any problems with production?"

    Ke Jing exined, "There is, because even though it uses the T34 chassis, the transverse engine requires aplete redesign of the entire chassis, essentially a new one. To shift production from the T34 line requires modifying the production line, and the workers need to get ustomed to it. Explore stories on

    "To resolve this, I also designed a version that uses a conventional engineyout."

    Ke Jing unfolded another blueprint.

    "This version can be switched to production quickly, but the problem is, it''s much taller than the transverse engine version, necessitating a reduction in the frontal armor protection."

    Looking at this "taller" version, Wang Zhong frowned deeply, "No, the previous version was very good. Anyway, the factory scheduled for production is currently relocating and rebuilding, which is almost like starting from scratch with a new factory.

    "Get this vehicle produced quickly and start testing. Mainly improve the reliability, I don''t want to hand over equipment to the troops that breaks down after driving a few dozen kilometers!"

    Ke Jing said, "The factories are all working overtime producing the T34 and KV, and I previously wanted to build a prototype, but there were no hands and equipment avable."

    Wang Zhong replied, "That''s simple, issue the production order under a special mission from the Royal Family. Allocate a bit of the capacity from the T34W line to build two prototypes for you. Get the testing done as soon as possible, focusing on improving reliability¡ªI do not want to give the troops equipment that fails after just a few dozen kilometers!"

 Chapter 349: Look, the milk bottle is flying in the sky!

    Wang Zhong: "As for the optical sights, I''ll think of another way."

    At this moment, Vasily chimed in, "You can capture a thousand Prosen tanks, and then you''ll have enough sights!"

    Wang Zhong wanted to kick this smart-mouthed guy to death: "What are you bbering about? Where is it that easy to capture so many Prosen equipments?"

    Ke Jing: "Using captured equipment isn''t quite appropriate, is it? We can''t control production, and it poses a big problem for resupply. Of course, if we captured a thousand, we could use half as spare parts..."

    Wang Zhong: "We won''t be using captured equipment."

    Damn it, why don''t you question the feasibility of capturing a thousand Prosen tanks!

    Wang Zhong, just like when he had sent Tokarev off earlier, patted Ke Jing on the shoulder: "Go get this thing done, and then drag it to the testing ground for a trial."

    "Are you satisfied with the item I''ve rushed out in less than a month?" Ke Jing was rather surprised.

    Wang Zhong: "Of course, for something designed in such a hurry, it''s already quite good. The remaining issues can''t be discerned just by looking at the design drawings, so hurry up and produce the real vehicle.""Whether the real vehicle can be smoothly produced still depends on..."

    Wang Zhong: "I know, I guarantee that tomorrow the royal production tasks will be assigned to the Ordnance Department and the union factories, and a phone call will be made to your design bureau tomorrow, instructing you to bring the blueprints over quickly."

    Suddenly Wang Zhong felt like he was a CEO drawing pies for new employees at thepany.

    So this is what it feels like to be in the shoes of a boss during an internship?

    And so "by hook or by crook," he sent Ke Jing away, and Wang Zhong even took the trouble to check outside the door to make sure no designers were about to barge in. Only then did he turn back to look at themittee members.

    The Air Force representative stood up: "Your Excellency General, the nes supported by the Federation are due to arrive at the airfield for transfer today. Do you have any interest in joining us to wee them at the airport?"

    Wang Zhong: "They arrive today? They''re eventer than Coke and Spam cans!"

    The Air Force representative smiled, "It''s said that their nes experienced many mechanical failures upon reaching the north, so they underwent a series of modifications like using anti-freeze lubricants before flying over."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow; he remembered when the Americans aided the Russians with nes, there was one model that originally had poor cooling but turned out to be fine in Russia. Consequently, the Russians loved that model, and their evaluation waspletely opposite to that of the American army aviation.

    And now they''re having mechanical failures due to the cold? Which model of ne is it exactly?

    Wang Zhong: "So what kind of ne ising?"

    The Air Force representative: "ording to the list from the Federation, it should be the P47 model. It''s said that because you specifically requested this model, the Federation''s army aviation directly sent over their own in-service nes, as they were about to rece them with a new model called the Mustang anyway."

    Wang Zhong knew that on Earth the decision to adopt the P51 Mustang was made around the same month of the year, after the United Kingdom had tested it for a while, clearing up all the faults.

    But because the P51 had low production, the Americans continued to use the P47 for quite a while.

    Could it be because in this timeline, Prosen exerted too much pressure on the United Kingdom, tremendously increasing the Mustang''s production, allowing the Federation Air Force to rece their aircraft faster?

    Back on Earth, during the Battle of Britain, the Brits actually had an ace up their sleeve as they had arge number of Air Force units in training in ces like Scond, out of reach of the Sturmtiger. The Sturmtiger''s Hamov, in fact, never managed to make the British Air Force exert their full strength from start to finish.

    Did Hamov finally force the United Kingdom to go all out here?

    If the Americans could quickly rece their aircraft with Mustangs, then nobody would want the P47s. If nobody wants them, I''ll take them, to use as single-seat dive bombers, dropping 500 kg bombs.

    Wang Zhong turned back to ask Vasily, "Can I clear my schedule for an afternoon today?"

    "Your afternoon mainly involves teaching students. Just notify the school to adjust the ss schedule; Vice Principal Valery will handle it," said Vasily.

    Wang Zhong nodded and turned to the Air Force representative, "Then I''ll go have a look. Has it been decided which unit will receive these nes?"

    "The 31st Fighter Squadron."

    Wang Zhong: "Hamov''s squadron?"

    The nes I''ve asked for are being assigned to the fighter squadronmanded by a colonel who has close ties with me. You people, you''re fueling improper rumors about Ye Fort!

    Wang Zhong: "No no, I don''t need these nes for use as fighters."

    The Air Force representative was shocked, "But Colonel Smith, who''s coordinating with the Federation, says they''re fighters?"

    Wang Zhong: "Then you''re not familiar with the characteristics of the Federation''s excellent fighters."

    Federation''s excellent fighters are indeed strong in aerialbat, but their most notable feature is the substantial ground support payload.

    Apparently, this is because the aviation fuel used by the Federation is top-notch; putting it in nes is like giving them an incredible boost.

    There was even an incident on Earth where the Americans captured a fairly intact Japanese Zero, then tested it with their own aviation fuel, only to discover its performance terrifyingly fierce. This scared the Navy into immediately improving the performance criteria for their new fighters.

    However, the Japanese aviation fuel was subpar, and the Zero didn''t have such high performance with their lower-quality fuel. In fact, the Zero''s exceptional design came out of necessity due to theck of power.

    Wang Zhong was actually somewhat worried that the aviation fuel produced by Ante wouldn''t allow the P47 to perform as well as it did in the hands of the Federation.

    But then he thought about the aviation fuel that he had also requested from the Federation and considering these people''s tendency to provide familiar units with what they need, the high-quality aviation fuel would likely be supplied to these units first.

    Wang Zhong: "Help me send a message to the Air Force headquarters; these fighters should be handed over to the 4th Fighter-Bomber Regiment for use as ground attack aircraft."

    The 4th Fighter-Bomber Regiment was the group that the pilot who had raised his concerns in the Ordnance Department building belonged to. At the time, Wang Zhong had promised them he''d secure some single-seat, single-engine fighters suitable for dive bombing¡ªand here they were!

    "The 4th Fighter-Bomber Regiment?" The Air Force representative furrowed his brows. "Alright, I''ll speak with the Air Forcemander... Why don''t you talk to him personally when you wee the nes today?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "That''ll work. Vasily, did you notify the school?"

    "Ah? I''ll make the call right now." Vasily hurriedly ran off.

    This guy was just standing by merrily watching; he didn''t even take the time to make a phone call.

    Before long, Vasily came back: "Done!"

    Wang Zhong: "Let''s go!"

    At the airfield, Wang Zhong met with Air Force General Dostoevsky.

    "Assign the fighter jets to the fighter-bomber regiments?" The general was stunned. "How could we do that? We''re actually in dire need of fighters right now. The performance of the LaGG-3s is not very good; the pilots aren''t happy with them. We were nning to use these fighters to rece the LaGG-3s..."

    Wang Zhong: "You mustn''t do that! The performance of this aircraft is a little bit superior to the LaGG-3. It''s designed for energy fighting¡ªgain altitude, dive down, and then quickly pull up."

    Air Force General Dostoevsky''s eyes widened as he looked at Wang Zhong, who spoke with confidence: "You actually know about this stuff? I thought it was just more ttery for you."

    Wang Zhong: "ttery?"

    Air Force General Dostoevsky shrugged: "You really should go undercover to the bars in Ye Fort and listen, you''ve be like a member of the Giant n from Prosen mythology, challenging their gods."

    Is that really the reputation I have in the bars?

    The Air Force General returned to the original topic: "You mean this ne is very suitable for bombing like the enemy''s Stuka?"

    Wang Zhong: "Are you joking? This thing is much more powerful than the Stuka."

    General Dostoevsky: "The Air Force has always been interested in learning from the Ploson Air Force, trying to have the Pe-2s conduct as much dive bombing as possible. But from the current feedback, the Pe-2 as a dive bomber is a bit toorge.

    "Our single-engine attacker, the Il-2, was designed for low-level straight flight attacks. If the dive angle goes beyond 30 degrees, it would shake violently. Previously, there was a tragedy where a ne disintegrated mid-air during a 60-degree dive. We''ve really been needing a dedicated dive bomber."

    Wang Zhong: "Now you have one."

    Just then, the roar of engines filled the sky as a formation of P-47s flew over the airport.

    Vasily, looking up at the nes sporting the traditional zebra stripes of the Federation''s Army Aviation on their wings, casuallymented, "How does this thing look like a milk bottle with wings?"

    You''re right, Vasily! On Earth, this thing is nicknamed "The Milk Bottle."

    Vasily: "Doesn''t look strong at all. Shouldn''t a good fighter jet have the shape of a long cigar?"

    Wang Zhong: "That shape is for nes with liquid-cooled engines. Those with air-cooled¡ªor rather, wind-cooled engines tend to have this more robust appearance."

    General Dostoevsky took another long look at Wang Zhong.

    The thirty "Milk Bottles"pleting their flyby started tond in batches, taxiing toward the apron where Wang Zhong was standing.

    It was then that General Dostoevsky said, "Since you think these airnes should be handed over to the fighter-bomber regiments, let''s first have the fighter-bomber pilots give them a try. However, most of them have no experience with fighter jets, so their airbat capability might be lower." Your next chapter is on

    Wang Zhong: "There''s no need for them to engage in air-to-airbat. Dive bomb, and then use the high speed gained from the dive to stay low and escape."

    General Dostoevsky: "Let them try it out first; maybe the pilots won''t like it. In that case, I''ll allocate these nes to the fighter regiments."

    Wang Zhong: "Sure, and then have the fighter regiments perform dive bombing missions. Hamov''s regiment¡ªI had them do dive bombing in Shostka, and theyined that carrying only two 100-kilogram bombs was too little to inflict significant damage on the enemy."

    General Dostoevsky: "Since then, they''ve been training regrly in dive bombing¡ªit would indeed be appropriate to task them with it."

    "Then it''s settled."

    At that moment, one of the P-47s that hadnded taxied up to Wang Zhong. The pilot opened the cockpit hatch and, without waiting for the ground crew to bring adder, hopped onto the wing and then to the ground, heading straight for Wang Zhong and asked in broken Antenguage, "Hello, are you General Rocossov?"

    Guards immediately rushed up, barring the way for the pilot.

    Wang Zhong: "Don''t stop him, he just wants to shake hands."

    After saying that, he personally pushed aside the guards and took the hand the pilot extended: "You''ve worked hard."

    The pilot immediately withdrew his hand and saluted Wang Zhong: "Colonel Donald from the Volunteer Flying Corps, at your service."

    Wang Zhong: ?

    The Volunteer Flying Corps?

 Chapter 350: The Power of Media (Extra 30/33)

    Wang Zhong: "What squadron did you just mention?"

    Colonel Donald: "Volunteer flying squad. We had volunteered to join the flying squad and fight for the United Kingdom during its most perilous times. By July this year, Prosen essentially ceased itsrge-scale air raids on the United Kingdom, and we returned to the Federation. However, many of ourrades have fallen in the skies, so we changed locations to continue the fight against Prosen."

    Wang Zhong: "The Federation Air Force¡ªI mean, the Army Aviation hasn''t been preparing to engage the enemy recently?"

    Colonel Donald: "The main focus is still on defending the Federation''s homnd, and on fighting the Empire of Fusang in the Asia-Pacific. But we want to fight against the Prussians."

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows: "So, these nes are for your own use?"

    Colonel Donald: "No, we are just transporting the nes here. Which nes we will actually fly inbat depends on the situation. In fact, most of us flew Mustang-style nes in the United Kingdom, which are quite different from the P-47s, requiring transition training."

    Donald paused, then said solemnly, "The Prosen pilots are very good. We don''t want to encounter them unprepared."

    Wang Zhong turned to the Air Force General and said, "These are all experienced pilots. I think they can teach our pilots how to fight against Prosen pilots."

    Dostoevsky nodded, "The Air Force has indeed recruited a lot of pilots with only flying club experience. They generally don''t have many hours in the air and naturally haven''t tangled with the enemy."While they were talking, nearly 30 P-47 nes hadnded, but there were more engine sounds in the sky.

    Wang Zhong: "Are there more nes?"

    General Dostoevsky: "There are another thirty P-39 Airacobra fighters."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that they indeed received the Airacobra.

    Colonel Donald, who was next to him, said, "It''s a rather poor ne with a cramped cockpit, inadequate air intake for the engine, and it''s prone to overheating. The Army doesn''t want them, so most will be given to you."

    Wang Zhong wanted tough because all these shorings of the Airacobra had been identally ovee by the Russians. Take the cramped cockpit, for instance; that was never a problem.

    Russians, despite their burly appearance, have minimal space requirements and are very adaptable. On the other side of the Earth, under the Lend-Lease Act, when the Russians saw the M3 Grant tanks, they thought, "Wow, there''s plenty of space," and crammed in seven or eight fully armed infantrymen, using the tank as an infantry fighting vehicle.

    The key thing was that the tank could still fight and fire after cramming in so many infantrymen.

    Probably only Indians can cram in more than Russians.

    As for overheating, what a joke. Look at thebat environment before talking. Is that a w? That''s clearly an advantage, as it''s not easy to freeze up.

    Thinking of these things, Wang Zhong already had a smile on his face. Vasily was puzzled, "What about this ne?"

    Wang Zhong: "Nothing, whether it''s good or bad, the pilots will know after flying it."

    As he spoke, several flocks of nes in V-formations appeared and flew neatly over the airfield.

    Excited, Vasily said, "This time it''s that cigar-shaped ne! So this one is liquid-cooled?"

    Wang Zhong: "Right, you can tell by the shape. The ones with long and slender fusges are liquid-cooled engines; the ones with short and thick fusges have air-cooled engines."

    Turning to Colonel Donald, he asked, "Are these also flown by the volunteer squadron?"

    "Yes, so we don''t need to go back; we can fight right here," said Colonel Donald.

    Wang Zhong: "Great, more instructors."

    "About that," Donald said a bit awkwardly, "actually, most members of the flying squadron don''t speak Ante, so bing instructors might be difficult. I didn''t get a chance to say it earlier."

    Wang Zhong: "Then you can engage in dogfights with our pilots, using Prosen Army tactics. Let them be familiar with the enemy''s techniques."

    Donald: "That''s not exactly uplifting news."

    By this time, the P-47 pilots had all assembled. Donald''s executive officer ran up quickly, saluted him, and said in English, which Wang Zhong could only guess, "Colonel, the first squadron of the volunteer flying squad has assembled."

    "Understood," the Colonel nodded, "If there''s nothing special, you can... whatever."

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brow; thetter half was spoken too quickly for him to understand.

    He couldn''t help it; his peak English ability was during the college entrance exams, and it hadpletely deteriorated since then.

    Vasily: "He said they can go and rest ording to Ante''s arrangements after the long flight; it was tough."

    Wang Zhong: "You understand this?"

    Vasily: "Actually, Prosennguage and Angsanguage are somewhat rted, so if you understand Prosennguage, it''s easier to learn Angsanguage. But learning Carolingiannguage is harder; it''s a different system. Carolingiannguage and Castiliannguage are of the same system."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "Do you speak Carolingian and Castiliannguages?"

    Vasily looked at Wang Zhong in shock: "You don''t speak Carolingian? You''re a noble!"

    Wang Zhong: "The era when nobility needed to speak Carolingian is over a hundred years past; it was the era of the Conqueror!"

    At that moment, General Dostoevsky coughed to attract their attention and nodded towards Colonel Donald.

    Wang Zhong and Vasily looked over just in time to see Colonel Donald leading his executive officer toward them.

    Colonel Donald: "Members of the volunteer flying squad would like to take a photo with you."

    Wang Zhong: "Me?"

    "Yes, everyone considers you a bringer of good luck, the Star of Victory."

    Wang Zhong initially wanted to say that was superstitious, but then he thought better of it. In this world, Divine Arrows could actually hit their target with prayers, so it''s best not to scorn superstitious acts.

    Although the Secr faction believes that the guidance of Divine Arrows will one day be exined scientifically, perhaps through quantum mechanics, they will be exined regardless.

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, once the Airacobras havended, I''ll take a group photo with all of you."

    He paused and then asked: "Am I that famous in the Federation?"

    "Yes," Colonel Donaldughed, "the Prussians deserve some credit too. A shareholder of the New Township Daily, of Prussian descent, had been publishing various articles praising the invincible Prussian army before the deration of war. They spent a lot of ink boasting about the great victory at Argesukov."

    Wang Zhong immediately understood, a boomerang, huh? This era already had boomerangs.

    Donald chuckled, "Then you annihted one hundred thousand Prosen soldiers at Karanskaya, and the image of you parading with a bunch of generals became known to every household instantly."

    No sooner had he finished than his deputy took out a notebook from his map bag, then opened the notebook''s front page and showed Wang Zhong the clippings inside.

    In the ck and white photo, Wang Zhong rode Bucephalus with his head held high, radiating a dashing aura, beside him loomed the columns of Prosen generals.

    The main Prosen generals'' uniforms had a red badge, and the photographer, using whatever technique, made this red badge ringly obvious.

    Wang Zhong: "So the previous praises from the Prussian descendant turned into a supercharged effect on me?"

    "That''s right. Besides, that Prussian descendant was found to have colluded with the Prosen embassy and was caught as a spy."

    Well caught!

    Colonel Donald continued, "Also, the most famous general on our side used to be General Dous. He liked to wear sunsses and smoke a pipe. You are such a stark contrast to him that it enhances the propaganda effect even more."

    Wang Zhong: "Because of the contrast?"

    "Yes, General Dous especially liked to do some outrageous things and make the papers."

    Wait a minute, this general is named Dous, likes to wear sunsses, and carry a pipe¡ª

    Suddenly a specific BGM and the maic AI voice-over echoed in Wang Zhong''s mind:

    Five-star General MacArthur oncemented that if Rocossov had a Front Army, he would dare to reach the shores of the Antic, and thends from Irnd to Khitan would be Ante''s territory...

    Wang Zhong: "When I''m free, I''d like to have a drink with General Dous."

    Colonel Donald sighed, "That will have to wait until he repels the invading forces of the Empire of Fusang. When we took off, the broadcast said that the Empire of Fusang had alreadynded at the location where General Dous was stationed."

    Wang Zhong: "The enemy is but a paper tiger, we will surely win the victory."

    At this point, the pilots flying P39s had gradually gathered. Seeing thest group of P39 twin-ne formationsnd, Wang Zhong suggested, "It looks like all the nes havended. Or are there any that haven''t arrived yet?"

    "No, there are only sixty in the first batch. The transportsnded early and transferred the cargo to the trains."

    Wang Zhong: "Then let''s take a picture."

    As soon as he finished, there was the sh of a shbulb and a "pop" sound. Wang Zhong turned around and, sure enough, saw Reporter Mike and his partner.

    Such an incident¡ªif these two didn''t appear, it would definitely mean they were too ill to get out of bed, or the Prussian spies had assassinated them.

    Wang Zhong: "Let me introduce you, this is the creator of that photo in the clippings! My good friend Reporter Mike and his partner, photographer Robert!"

    Reporter Mike came over with a chuckle, while Robert kept looking for spots to take pictures.

    "As soon as we heard that you were greeting the air squadron personally, we rushed over," said Reporter Mike.

    Wang Zhong: "You''re just in time, I want to take a photo with the volunteers of the air squadron, they seem to think it will bring good luck."

    Reporter Mike: "Sure, we all need good luck at times like these."

    The next day, December 21, year 914 of Jules, Wang Zhong picked up the newspaper in the manor''s dining room and flipped to the front page, only to find that the photo wasn''t the one with the volunteer air squadron but one where he was chatting with Colonel Donald.

    The photo depicted a Colonel of the Federation Air Force appearing to listen to the teachings of the Star of Victory.

    Wang Zhong frowned involuntarily; this choice was certainly deliberate by the church, wondering which photo would be used by the Federation side.

    Nelly passed by Wang Zhong, looked over his shoulder at the paper, and said, "Lately, you''re on the front page most of the time."

    Wang Zhong: "Is it that frequent?"

    Nelly: "Yes, you and Emperor Olga split the spotlight, half and half. Am I about to be promoted to a royal maid?"

    Wang Zhong: "Forget about it. Plus, whether there will still be a royal household after the war is another question."

    Just thinking about the post-war gave Wang Zhong a headache; he forced himself not to think about it. After all, with the enemy at the gates, he couldn''t afford to consider the aftermath without first defeating Prosen.

    This was, after all, the Prosen that had pushed the United Kingdom to desperate straits. If it weren''t for the onset of Barbarossa, the air raids might have continued, not the Prosen unable to sate the Royal Air Force''s appetite, known as the infamously tough Five Bars of Thirds.

    To distract himself, Wang Zhong inquired: "What''s for breakfast today?"

    "SPAM with caviar and sturgeon in a can."

    Wang Zhong: "Apart from Federation aid, are only the fish supplies regr now?"

    Nelly: "Today is fish day."

    "Oh... I forgot."

    Fish Day was originally just an informal regtion, but now that supplies had be difficult, it was set as a mandatory standard.

    However, the fact that caviar could still be provided without limit during times of hardship was quite peculiar. Read thetest on

    Just then, the telephone rang, and Wang Zhong picked up the receiver: "This is Rocossov, what''s up?"

    Pavlov''s voice came through from the other side: "You''d bettere to Kubinka; we''ve received a batch of new recruits that are quite unusual. I don''t know how to deal with them."

    Wang Zhong frowned, wondering what kind of new recruits could be so problematic. It surely couldn''t be Leopard 2A6s, could it?

    He replied, "I''ll be there shortly."

 Chapter 351: Melania Volunteer Army

    It took Wang Zhong over an hour to rush to Kubinka.

    Just as the convoy entered the main gate of the exercise field, Wang Zhong saw a dense crowd of people sitting on the square, where the cooking team''s girls were distributing food to them.

    Pavlov, apanied by a group of officers, emerged from the building that served as the City Defense Command on the exercise field and headed straight for Wang Zhong''s convoy.

    From a distance, Wang Zhong asked, "Why are you letting them sit in the snow? It''s so cold outside."

    Pavlov, with a bitter face, replied, "They refused to enter the building, insisting on waiting for you out here in the snow. So I had no choice but to have the cooking team give them hot bread and water."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong looked towards these people.

    By now, many had noticed Wang Zhong, so those sitting began to stand up one after another.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to walk towards them, he suddenly remembered that he hadn''t yet asked who these people were, and quickly turned to ask, "Who exactly are these people? They don''t seem to have a standard military uniform."

    Pavlov: "This is the first batch of Mnia''s volunteer army, just sent over from their settlement. ording to the priest who apanied them, they refused to join other units, requesting to be under yourmand."Wang Zhong: "Just because I took a photo with ''Miss Minerva''?"

    Pavlov frowned: "Miss Minerva?"

    Wang Zhong waved his hand: "That''s the nickname I gave that Mnian ''dethroned princess''."

    By this time, all the Mnians had stood up, and so Wang Zhong walked towards them.

    These people clearly had military training. By the time Wang Zhong approached them, they had already formed ranks, standing uniformly in front of him.

    Wang Zhong: "Hello there, volunteers of Mnia."

    After he finished speaking, he expected to receive a uniform response¡ªsomething like "Greetings, Commander"¡ªbut the Mnians just looked at him, silent.

    A man who appeared to be in his forties stepped forward in front of Wang Zhong and saluted.

    Wang Zhong: "Even though you''re not in uniform, it seems like you have had military training, right?"

    The man: "I was once a Mnian major general. Now, I''ve been elected by everyone as themander."

    From the term mander," it was evident that the man was a follower of the Secr faction. The Secr faction believed in equality for all, hence they used the titlemander, cing no distinction between it and a fighter, jointly referred to asbatant.

    Wang Zhong extended his hand: "Greetings, General Sir. I''ve heard from the priests that you all insisted on joining my forces."

    The general took Wang Zhong''s hand: "Salute to you, General Rocossov. We indeed requested to be under yourmand, because you rekindled our will to fight against Prosen. Many of us were ready to keep fleeing eastward; we thought Ante was going to fall too, like Carolingian."

    Wang Zhong: "Carolingian hasn''t stopped resisting, General Dago''s Free Caroling is still fighting. You should keep fighting as well."

    The general, with a hint of shame, let go of Wang Zhong''s hand: "We... we have been so demoralized by the Prussian onught that after the fall of our homnd, Prosen kept advancing triumphantly. The United Kingdom has been spared from falling due to the Royal Navy, but they seem incapable of a counterattack.

    "When Prosen recently vited the non-aggression treaty to attack Ante, we were ted, thinking Ante''s army of five million could easily annihte Prosen, but what did we witness? Even if we do not believe Prosen''s propaganda of annihting four million, the front line doesn''t lie."

    Most Mnians could hear the general''s words, and many lowered their heads.

    The general: "Even with just a sliver of hope, we would keep fighting, but we fear there is none left. To us, you are the first ray of light piercing through the darkness. Many of us reignited our will to fight after seeing the photos of you parading the Prussian generals.

    "So we hope to fight under yourmand, to restore our homnd!"

    The Mnians echoed in unison: "Restore our homnd!"

    Their cry of "Restore our homnd" was shouted in the Mniannguage, and although it was vaguely audible to Wang Zhong, he could roughly understand since bothnguages were part of the vguage family.

    Wang Zhong: "My homnd has also fallen, and I look forward to the day I can return."

    Then someone asked, "General, is it true that you carry soil from your homnd with you?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, it''s true."

    He picked up the lunch box he always carried and raised it high: "The day I dug up this box of soil, my father and my good brother both sacrificed their lives in the Argesukov encirclement. I will fight my way back home, to scatter this soil where they fell."

    Wang Zhong noticed many had tears in their eyes; it seemed they too had lost loved ones under Prosen''s iron heel.

    Speaking for everyone, the general said: "Please let us join your ranks; we want to fight. The first batch of conscripts all have military experience. We may not have been able to protect our homnd, but we can restore it."

    Wang Zhong: "I''ve heard that there are many high school students among you?"

    The general: "Yes, because most here are followers of the Eastern Holy Church Secr faction, so the majority are from cities and there are a lot of high school graduates. Also because of this, most people understand the Antenguage. You can assign us to any division."

    Wang Zhong: "I hope those with mechanical maintenance experience can step forward. Trante that into Mniannguage for me."

    The brigadier general acted immediately.

    Soon, arge group of people emerged from the ranks, looking to be over a thousand strong.

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, "So many of you!"

    Someone from the group addressed him, "Many of us are from the same factory. We were mobilized when the Prussians attacked. We had just reached our station and hadn''t begun integrated training when Visvawalsy fell, so we had no choice but to run."

    Wang Zhong turned to the speaker, "Your factory specializes in car repairs?"

    "Car manufacturing," the man replied.

    Wang Zhong, "Good, very good. We are in dire need of battlefield repair personnel. You''ll form our first battlefield repair battalion!" Experience new tales on

    "We want to fight the Prussians!"

    Wang Zhong, "I understand your eagerness to open fire directly on the Prussians. But war isn''t just about shooting enemies. Repairs are important too. My forces will be equipped with tanks and tank destroyers that are extremely precious and take a long time to produce. It would take too long to produce new ones.

    "So you must brave the storm of bullets and recover the damaged tanks, and fix them up! That is your battlefield, your battle. It''s a critically important fight, even more so than firing upon the enemy.

    "One of the Prussians'' advantages is their logistical capabilities. We have to learn from them!"

    The thousand-plus people looked at each other perplexedly.

    Another person spoke up, "But we want to shed blood for Mnia, to be repairmen... we can''t even boast over drinks when we get back."

    Wang Zhong, "Why can''t you? Didn''t I just say that you''ll be hauling tanks under enemy fire? Don''t you know that in the Ante Army, the casualty rate of medics is only second to that of priests? You are the medics for the tanks!

    "It''s decided then, you will be the First Battlefront Emergency Repair Battalion, the first formal support unit of the mobilizing mechanized army. Alright Pavlov, get them assigned to barracks and take care of the paperwork for setting up the unit!"

    Pavlov, "Alright, gentlemen, follow that staff officer. No use protesting; the general has wanted to establish a professional emergency repair unit for a long time."

    As Wang Zhong watched these people leave, he turned to the remaining Mnia people.

    "The rest of you will be formed into the First Mnia Mechanized Infantry Division. I will equip you with the same gear as my other troops. Since most of you are high schoolers, you''ll mainly serve in technical roles. Later on, we might bolster your ranks with a battalion of Ante infantry."

    The brigadier general, "Are we forming our own army?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, you can think of a name for yourselves; perhaps the Mnia People''s Army, or the Mnia Liberation Army. As for your g, let''s go with red as the background. My units use red gs because the local people of Loktov gave me a g that was stained red with blood.

    "I think you can adopt this symbolism; Mnia has paid a price in blood, and a red g signifies never forgetting those sacrifices.

    "As for the emblem on the red g, I think you can use the white eagle of Mnia, although at first, I mistook it for a big white goose."

    Laughter spread through the ranks.

    The brigadier general admonished, "Don''tugh!"

    Wang Zhong quickly gestured with his hand, "No, don''t stop. It was a joke; if you don''tugh, it''s more embarrassing for me."

    This truly made manyugh aloud.

    Wang Zhong, "Then it''s settled. Pavlov, organize them into a division based on the model division''s structure."

    Pavlov sighed, "The model division isn''t even fully organized yet, and here you are giving me more work."

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder, "The capable must work hard. First, arrange amodation for them."

    There were barracks at Kubinka originally meant for troops participating in exercises, which could amodate an entire army. When the Prussians closed in, the City Defense Command nned to turn all barracks into fortresses, so many windows were blocked up. Now, to stay in these barracks, the windows needed to be "reopened."

    The "window-reopening" activity was a good collectivebor task for the new units.

    After Pavlov sent the Mnia personnel away with the staff officer, Wang Zhong inquired, "How is the organization of the model division going?"

    Pavlov, "We''re stillcking technical soldiers. The Navy sent over two thousand Naval Infantry, and I''ve converted them all into technical soldiers. But... with this anti-aircraft battalion and the battlefield emergency repair battalion, do we need so many technical soldiers?"

    Wang Zhong, "We do. The enemy Air Force presents a significant threat to our fixed positions and soft targets, and we can''t always depend on Divine Arrows. Look at the City Defense Command; see how few Divine Arrows and Prayer Hands they have. Mobilizing Prayer Hands won''t increase their numbers; they need time to grow, and they are a non-renewable resource during war."

    Wang Zhong paused, then added, "Also, my Liu Da might soon leave for childbirth, and she will be leaving the front line."

    Pavlov, "Alright. But we don''t have enough anti-aircraft guns, and the only mobile anti-aircraft guns that can follow tank units are vehicle-mounted quad machine guns."

    Wang Zhong, "No vehicle-mounted 72K anti-aircraft guns?"

    "None. And to be honest, given the state of Ante''s ground conditions, if we want to keep up with the tank units, we need tracked self-propelled anti-aircraft guns," Pavlov said.

    Wang Zhong scratched his head, "I''ll think of a solution. Fortunately, the intensity of the war will significantly decrease in theing months, giving us time."

 Chapter 352: The Global Situation at Christmas in 914

    In the following days, life went on without any remarkable incidents.

    Unremarkable meant that the daily casualty numbers released by High Command did not exceed ten thousand.

    The Eastern Holy Church celebrated Christmas on January 7th, but due to the vast expanse of the Ante Empire, in consideration of the ethnic groups within its borders who observed Christmas, a simple celebration would still be held on December 25th.

    On the morning of December 25th, Wang Zhong was roused early by Nelly. As soon as he sat up, Liu Xia did too, identally bumping his shoulder.

    Wang Zhong eximed in surprise, "Liu Xia didn''t wake up either this time?"

    Ludm usually got up early, but had been lying in bed waiting for Wang Zhong so they could get up together; this time, she hadn''t even opened her eyes yet.

    Nelly said, "Today is Christmas, and although we don''t celebrate it, we need to attend the activities held at the pce."

    Wang Zhong replied, "I''m very busy. I have to review feedback from themittee on troop modifications, oversee the formation of new forces at the City Defense Command, and then teach sses and write books..."

    Ludm wrapped her arms around him from behind and kissed his ear, "Belinsky His Majesty specially called yesterday, stressing that you must attend the event at the pce today, because the Federation and the United Kingdom celebrate Christmas. Therefore, today we are hosting diplomats from our allies."They''ll be disappointed if you don''t go."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Alright, His Majesty is right. Nelly, bring me my military dress uniform. Liu Xia, you''re going too, right?"

    "Of course. I was nning to wear my uniform. What do you think?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Good, a uniform is perfect. I''ve gotten tired of seeing you in casual clothestely."

    Ludm asked, "What about me when I''m not wearing anything?"

    "Tired of that too," Wang Zhong said.

    Upon hearing this, Nelly quickly used the clothes she brought as a shield, holding them in front of her and stepping back.

    Wang Zhong protested, "Even if I''m tired of it, it''s not like I wouldy a hand on you!"

    Nelly responded, "Given your track record of misconduct, I think it''s wise to be cautious."

    It seemed that even if Wang Zhong turned over a new leaf, he couldn''t make Nelly let go of her prejudices.

    Wang Zhong sighed and began getting dressed.

    During breakfast, Nelly brought in the day''s newspaper and the official battle report from High Command.

    Wang Zhong first checked the battle report and eximed after a nce, "Yesterday (the 24th) had fewer than ten thousand casualtiesbined, it seems the intensity at the front really has decreased."

    Ludm noted, "The death toll hasn''t exceeded ten thousand for the past few days, has it? I hope this period of calmsts a little longer."

    Wang Zhong agreed, "Indeed, we must rush to train troops during this quiet period. Every second counts now."

    He cut the fried egg sitting on top of the SPAM slices with his knife and fork, then skewered both the ham and egg to pop into his mouth.

    The remaining half of the fried egg, with its yolk not yet fully set, oozed out, trickling over the SPAM cuts and slowly spreading across the te.

    Wang Zhong quickly finished the canned meat and eggs, then carelessly gulped down his oatmeal porridge, and finally, he grabbed a piece of pickled cucumber, dipped it in sour cream, and stuffed it into his mouth.

    Before he even swallowed, Wang Zhong stood up, "Let''s go."

    Ludm said, "Swallow your food before you speak."

    Wang Zhong hastily chewed a few times, swallowed, and smiled, "That sounds like something my mom would say."

    Ludm remarked, "You can still remember your mother? Didn''t she die when we were about four years old?"

    Wang Zhong and his half-brother Peter were sons of the same father. After Peter''s mother died, the Duke Rocossov remarried, and then his young wife gave birth to Wang Zhong. That''s why there was such arge age gap between the two brothers.

    In this world, Wang Zhong''s mother also passed away early, and it seemed the Duke had lost two wives in session and didn''t wish to marry again.

    Of course, when Wang Zhong said "like my mom," he was referring to his mother from another time and space.

    The mother he would never meet again.

    Wang Zhong shook off the unexpected wave of homesickness and urged Ludm, "Hurry up, we can''t be casual about beingte to such a formal event."

    When Wang Zhong entered the Summer Pce''s lounge, he immediately spotted a group of officers dressed differently from the Ante Army, who were gathered and chatting.

    Wang Zhong recognized one of them: Colonel John Wick from the Federation.

    He immediately said to Ludm, "Liu Xia, I''m going to chat with the gentlemen."

    Ludm quickly let go of his hand, "Then I''ll go over there and chat with the diplomats'' wives."

    Wang Zhong looked in the direction Ludm was pointing, saw a group ofvishly dresseddies, and then nced back at his fianc¨¦e in her military attire, encouraging her, "You look more beautiful in your uniform than they do in their fancy clothes, and you have a distinct air of valor."

    "I know," Ludm said softly, and with a gentle push on Wang Zhong''s shoulder, she urged him to face the military officers from various countries, "Go ahead."

    Wang Zhong then strode confidently towards the gentlemen.

    The first to notice him was Colonel John Wick, "Oh, General Rokossovsky, my friend, we''ve all been waiting for you!"

    Wang Zhong embraced Colonel John Wick, and for a brief moment, he even considered giving him an enthusiastic kiss like Su Xunzong, but since it wasn''t a thing between men, he gave up the idea, "John Wick, my old friend. When will I be able to get my Shermans?"

    Colonel John Wickughed, "You really never forget to strike at Prosen even during the holidays. The first batch of tanks should leave tonight, they''ll be delivered to the Ice-free Port up north, and then transported to Ekaterinburg Fortress by rail. I''m not exactly sure what you''ll get, it might be light tanks like the Stuarts, or the Shermans you want."

    After Colonel John Wick finished, the colonel dressed in United Kingdom Army attire teased, "Even the United Kingdom can only get the M3 Grant Lee tanks, yet Ante receives Shermans. Isn''t that a bit unfair?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "It''s a sign of trust in your Matilda tanks."

    The United Kingdom colonel shook his head, "Those things have decent protection, but might not be able to prate Prosen tanks. The most important thing is that they are too slow. The generals even think that slow speed is good because it allows the infantry to keep up for assaults!"

    Wang Zhong replied jokingly, "I thought your tanks were so slow to prevent spilling the members'' ck tea."

    All the officers burst into heartyughter, even the United Kingdom colonel couldn''t help but join in.

    After theughter subsided, the colonel from the United Kingdom got serious, "We need better tanks, Prosen has demonstrated the right armored tactics to us, and we urgently need new equipment to revolutionize our tactics."

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    Wang Zhong nodded, then turned to John Wick, "Aren''t we getting into business too early? I still don''t know everyone''s names."

    Colonel John Wick quickly said, "Oh, my mistake. Let me introduce them, this is the Military Attach¨¦ from the United Kingdom, Colonel Wilt of the Army, this is Colonel Allen Ogden of the Royal Air Force, and this is Colonel Nelson of the Royal Navy, a descendant of that Nelson.

    "Lastly, this is my colleague, Colonel Duke from the Federation Air Army."

    Wang Zhong shook hands with each of them in turn and then quickly memorized them as the Army colonel, Air Force colonel, Navy colonel, and Air Army colonel.

    Colonel Duke from the Air Army spoke up, "We are forming the Expeditionary Air Force, training pilots and crew members. Once training is finished, we will head to the United Kingdom proper to execute long-range bombings on Prosen''s domestic industrial facilities."

    Wang Zhong asked, "The training can''t be finished next year, can it?"

    Duke nodded embarrassingly, "The Federation''s war machine takes time to mobilize. After all, it''s been 40 years since ourst major conflict, so it moves slowly. The navy and army will probably only be able to fight with their current equipment next year.

    "Personally, I expect the air raids to start in spring of 916, and then they will continue indefinitely."

    As soon as he finished speaking, Colonel Ogden of the Royal Air Force chimed in, "Blow them to kingdome. We''ve resisted Prosen''s bombing for nearly a year, and our domestic factories have suffered heavily. Now it''s our turn to bite back.

    "The Royal Air Force''s Lancaster bombers have already bombed Prosen''s factories within their territory at night. It''s not that difficult. The rest is just ramping up the numbers."

    Colonel Dukemented, "The effectiveness of nighttime bombing is debatable. We should probably adopt daytime bombing, our B17s have enough armor and defensive firepower, and if arranged in tight formation, they can effectively fend off Prosen Air Force interception."

    Ogden countered, "Our Lancasters are also very strong in defensive firepower!"

    Wang Zhong added, "Day or night, as long as it destroys the enemy''s production, it''s a good thing!"

    At that moment, Colonel Nelson from the Royal Navy spoke up, "The navy is indeed nning tounch an attack next year, probably at some point in the second half of the year."

    Wang Zhong casually asked, "Is the target the Carolingian colony in Africa?"

    Nelson widened his eyes in surprise, "Where did you hear such news?"

    From another time and space.

    Wang Zhong just smiled without a word.

    Ah, let MI6 guess it out. After all, you will be one-way transparent in the future.

    Then, Colonel Wilt from the United Kingdom Army, without the Royal prefix, said, "We''re different. We''re already fiercely battling Prosen and their little Apennine brothers in the deserts of Mamluk. We''ll soon drive them all into the sea, bordering the Carolingian African colony."

    Wang Zhong eximed, "Wow, that''s impressive!"

    That''s unlikely, Jude has already entered the fray early on.

    Colonel Wilt looked at John Wick, "So give us the Shermans as soon as possible!"

    Colonel Wick spread his hands, "Talking to me won''t help, as a mere Military Attach¨¦, my influence over Congress and the President is negligible. The decision to strongly support Ante domestically came because Major General Rokossovsky achieved results. The old guys in Congress are businessmen," they like secure investments."

    Colonel Wilt snorted, "Once we''ve ttened Prosen''s forces in the Mamluk region, we won''t need your new tanks anymore."

    Wang Zhong eximed again, "Wow, that''s impressive!"

    Everyone turned to look at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong rified, "What I mean is, that''s indeed impressive. I hope our allies can fight splendid battles on all fronts. Since the United Kingdom doesn''t need Shermans anymore, then send a few extra my way. Even if you can''t provide Shermans, at least send more radios, walkie-talkies."

    Colonel John Wick assured, "That won''t be a problem. Although Prosen''s submarine warfare is rampant, the Federation Navy has already joined the fray, and anti-submarine forces in the Arctic routes have been significantly strengthened. A great deal of supplies will be sent to Ante."

    Wang Zhong was pleased, "That''s good to hear."

    At that moment, the court protocol officer came in, "Gentlemen, the ball is ready. Please enter in an orderly fashion."

    Wang Zhong announced, "I''m going to meet my fianc¨¦e now. Merry Christmas to you all."

    The others raised their sses, "Merry Christmas!"@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 353: The Prodigal, the Tsar, and Flamenco

    The banquet hall of the Summer Pce had been refreshed with new decor, for it was the kind of reception where everyone stood with a drink in hand, so two long tables were ced along the edges of the hall,den with food that could easily be picked up and eaten.

    Wang Zhong, holding Ludm''s hand, entered the venue, casually picked up a piece of walnut cake, and surveyed his surroundings while nibbling.

    Diplomats and their spouses followed behind this pair, entering one after another until the room quickly filled to capacity.

    The orchestra had already taken its ce in a designated area, ying soothing music.

    Wang Zhong whispered to Ludm, "Whates next in the program?"

    Since the saying "General Rocossov dislikes dances" had already spread throughout Ye Fort, Wang Zhong, who had been in his post for over a month now, had never been to a dance.

    His understanding of dances was still based on various movies and television shows he had seen, like that unparalleled Soviet film "War and Peace."

    There was also that genuinely one-shot Soviet movie "Russian Ark."

    Beyond that, dances were aplete ck box to Wang Zhong, an unexplored territory, whereas the character he had reced in this world was supposedly a "party expert," or using the anime pance, a "party wild guest."ording to others'' ounts, the prodigal Rocossov was extremely adept at luring naive young girls to bed during dances.

    And this was precisely the area where Wang Zhong felt most foreign.

    A dance? You''ve got to be joking, the only time I went to KTV was to belt out "Steel Pails Tearfully Call for Repairs" with my bros! The only interaction I had with any girls there was when I sang "Girl Across the Way Look Over Here."

    Faced with the befuddled Wang Zhong, Ludm kindly exined, "There will be a speechter, just focus on eating for now."

    "Sure. I''m good at that, just p at the end, right?" Wang Zhong nodded in agreement.

    Ludm: "Then there will be the first dance, the hostess and the guest of honor will lead."

    "Got it, I''ll just keep eating," replied Wang Zhong, nodding as if pounding garlic.

    Ludm looked at him, "You can''t, you''re the guest of honor."

    Wang Zhong: "Me?"

    Am I being punked?

    Is this for real?

    Ludm couldn''t helpughing at Wang Zhong''s solemn face, "Why so serious? It''s not like you''re being asked to devour Prosen''s Army Group."

    Wang Zhong: "I''d rather annihte the enemy''s Army Group."

    Just kidding, you guys are scarier than a Prosen Tank; even a Tiger tank doesn''t have armor as thick as you.

    Wang Zhong: "So the hostess is Olga¡ªHer Majesty, huh?"

    Ludm softly reminded him, "You left out the ''the First.''"

    "Oh. So it''s her then? I''m to lead the dance with her?"

    Ludm nodded, "Just be careful not to step on her feet."

    Wang Zhong: "Did I used to step on feet before?"

    "You always did. Then you''d offer to put ointment on her and give her a massage, leading the girl to the first-aid room that was prepared in advance," Ludm said, blinking at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: "Rest assured, I wouldn''t do that to my sworn sister."

    The court master of ceremonies struck the floor with his staff, drawing everyone''s attention before announcing loudly, "Her Imperial Majesty Olga the First has arrived!"

    Those who had been chattering instantly turned, all facing towards the door where the master of ceremonies stood.

    The doors slowly opened, and Her Majesty the Tsar, Olga the First, entered the banquet hall dressed in regal attire, followed by two maids holding her gown''s train.

    Olga seemed a bit tightly wrapped, perhaps the weather was cold today.

    Wang Zhong let out a sigh of relief.

    However, the next moment, His Majesty the Tsar shrugged her shoulders, reminiscent of the boss battle intro from the Yakuza game series, and cast off her lengthy royal cloak!

    She then conveniently unfastened the belt that secured the outer part of her gown.

    Olga the First had ''lightened the load'' in one swift move, smiling amiably at all the attendees.

    She was actually searching, and upon spotting Wang Zhong, her gaze locked in ce. Readtest chapters on

    Wang Zhong was astounded.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, Merry Christmas," Olga began her speech.

    Wang Zhong, following Ludm''s earlier instruction, started to enjoy his food.

    Olga nced at him, saying, "The Tsarina is watching you, it''s not proper to keep your head down and eat, is it?"

    Wang Zhong: "But I''m also watching her. Just like this."

    He held his food, looked towards Olga, then realized that when he had bitten into the cake, he had left cream on his lips. This made his gesture seem ratherical.

    The Tsarina almost lost herposure but ultimately steadied herself and continued her speech, "This year has been tough for the allied nations fighting against the axis of evil. Our Ante Empire has lost millions of soldiers, with over one and a half million captured."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, weren''t it for my fierce fighting, the number could have been increased by a few hundred thousand to make it an even two million.

    The Tsar continued, "While the Federation lost six battleships in a sneak attack by the Empire of Fusang, innumerable sailors sacrificed their lives. As for the United Kingdom, until July of this year, they were still under bombing by Prosen, countless civilians died in the air raids. I propose a moment of silence for all the deceased."

    Having finished, Olga crossed her hands over her abdomen and bowed her head in a moment of silence.

    Wang Zhong hastily set down his food and bowed his head to pay his respects.

    After a minute, Wang Zhong raised his head and looked at Olga, noticing the tears glistening at the corner of her eyes.

    Was she reminiscing about Ivan?

    Olga: "As the Tsar, I too have lost two loved ones under the iron heel of the Prosen. This blood feud can only be resolved with fire and sword! The lostnds must be regained, and justice will prevail!"

    Wang Zhong led the apuse, which soon thundered throughout the hall.

    Once the apuse died down, Olga continued, "Today we celebrate Christmas to show the Prosen Empire our determination, to dere that we have not bowed to their tyranny. Let us raise our sses and celebrate Christmas!"

    Waiters with impressive skills appeared in a line, carrying trays filled with wine sses, and then dispersed among the guests, moving deftly through the crowd.

    Soon everyone had a wine ss in hand.

    Wang Zhong and others raised their sses high and shouted, "Cheers!"

    After finishing their drinks, Olga handed her ss to a waiter and then signaled to the orchestra, and so the first dance began.@@novelbin@@

    Ludm nudged Wang Zhong: "Go."

    Am I your Pok¨¦mon?

    No, that''s not right, it should be "Am I your Parlu?" now.

    But he stepped forward anyway and offered Olga the invitation to dance.

    Strangely, he had no idea how to invite someone to dance, but his body seemed to remember, and he naturally made the inviting gesture.

    Olgaughed heartily and ced her hand in Wang Zhong''s palm.

    Thus, Wang Zhong led her to the position for the lead dancers.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong finally confirmed that his body did indeed have muscle memory, and boldly let his body take over, guiding Olga through the graceful dance moves across the dance floor.

    Normally, Ludm would be dancing with the host, but in the absence of one, she stood by, smiling as she watched Wang Zhong dance with his "foster sister."

    Wang Zhong struggled to avoid concentrating on the bust in front of him, locking his gaze onto Olga''s face instead.

    As the piece ended, he managed not to step on her feet even once.

    Damn it, wasn''t I supposed to step on her foot and then take the girl to the infirmary?

    No, I definitely didn''t intend to take Her Majesty the Tsar over there, no way!

    Amidst the apuse, Olga whispered regretfully, "I thought it was going to be a more thrilling dance."

    Wang Zhong: "Your Majesty, that kind of dance requires music like the tango, or something even more intense like menco. I can''t get passionate with a waltz the orchestra is ying."

    "So it is." Olga turned to look at the orchestra and snapped her fingers, "By the Tsar''s name, I demand a menco!"

    As an orchestra capable of ying at the court, naturally no tune was beyond their scope.

    The sound of the guitar resonated immediately, indeed it was a menco.

    Wang Zhong''s heart beat faster, unsure if this body had that skill.

    When the violin joined in, Wang Zhong asked, "You... have you learned menco?"

    Olga: "I''ve seen you dance it with other girls."

    Well done, indeed there is this skill, Rocossov you party beast.

    Then the violin resounded, and Wang Zhong remembered, he had seen this piece danced by Antonio Banderas and Catherine Zeta in "The Mask of Zorro"!

    So, following their example and with his body''s assistance, he stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Olga''s waist.

    The beginning part of the piece was actually quite gentle, and Wang Zhong just strolled around the dance floor with Olga, but when the guitar and the drum beats picked up, so did his movements.

    As he lifted his hand, Olga spun like a top, her footwork perfectly matching the guitar''s rapid strumming.

    Eventually, Olga rushed into Wang Zhong''s arms, and he had to perform a move that brought his face close to her front armor, nearly inserting his nose into the armor''s seam.

    Olga hadn''t broken a sweat from the spinning, so Wang Zhong could only smell the perfume, not identifying the scent but knowing it was pleasant and not pungent like cheap perfume.

    And then, so white, wanting to bury his face in it.

    Wang Zhong effortlessly matched Olga''s dance steps, twirling her so that her skirt bloomed like a flower.

    At the end of the piece, Wang Zhong controlled his breathing and looked back at Olga''s face, finding that she was finally sweating¡ªit was the middle of winter, and the temperature inside the banquet hall wasn''t low.

    They froze in their final pose as thest note yed.

    The apuse was thunderous.

    Olga took the opportunity to whisper to Wang Zhong, "I''ve long wanted to dance with you. My brother taught me those steps."

    What the hell, Ivan, this is a setup!

    Wang Zhong stood up straight, let go of Olga''s waist, and naturally took her hand, bowing to everyone.

    The apuse swelled again, with Ludm joining in.

    Wang Zhong escorted Olga back to her rightful ce, bowed once more, and turned to look at Ludm.

    There should be a break between two dances at a ball.

    The orchestra began to y a soft tune.

    Wang Zhong approached Ludm and bowed, "May I have the pleasure of a menco dance with you?"

    Ludm: "I haven''t had a teacher though, I might step on your feet. And I''m wearing a military uniform."

    Wang Zhong: "Isn''t that perfect? Come on."

    So, Ludm ced her hand in Wang Zhong''s palm.

    Wang Zhong, leading her to the center of the dance floor and utilizing his freshly acquired moves, snapped his fingers at the orchestra, "menco!"

 Chapter 354: The Heroesâ€™ Views Coincide Somewhat (Makeup for 31/33)

    As the music began, Wang Zhong was already getting the hang of it. He had just based his previous performance on a movie he remembered, and now he started to utilize his recent experience, making his moves much smoother.

    However, Ludm encountered a problem with her first big movement: the skirt of her military dress uniform restricted her legs, causing a small tear the length of a pinky finger.

    Taking advantage of a twirl, Ludm tore a fifteen-centimeter split in her skirt, transforming it into a cheongsam with a slit.@@novelbin@@

    Free from the constraints on her legs, Ludm put even more force into her movements¡ªWang Zhong didn''t know what made a good menco dance; he just knew it seemed passionate and fiery, so maybe more force meant it was better?

    Since she was his fianc¨¦e, Wang Zhong simply let loose too, making broad and expansive gestures.

    There''s a saying that dance should be free, and that expressing one''s current mood is the mark of good dancing.

    Wang Zhong''s movements at the moment were a good reflection of his mood.

    When he was dancing with Olga earlier, some of the moves required him to get close, yet he didn''t really do so, maintaining a distance instead.

    Now he let go of that inhibition, truly pressing close, even nesting his nose into the gap of reactive armor.You wouldn''t understand, but this kind of gap-clearing could prevent idents when shells are iing; it''s what a tankmander should do.

    At the end of the dance, Ludm whispered in Wang Zhong''s ear as she posed for the final position, "What, did not being able to touch earlier frustrate you that much?"

    Wang Zhong pretended not to hear and asked, "Howe you''re also so good at menco?"

    "I saw you practicing and just picked it up. I was nning to learn dancing anyway, and my teacher also happens to know menco."

    Well, that''s a delightful twist unique to childhood friends, damn it¡ªit''s a pity you can''t even get a taste of it without transmigrating. Modern day Ceres is where neighbors live and die without interacting with each other.

    Honestly, Wang Zhong felt he performed better this time, but paradoxically, the apuse wasn''t as enthusiastic as before; he wasn''t sure if that was for fear of angering the Tsar.

    But the Tsar himself was pping particrly hard. When Wang Zhong looked up, he locked eyes with Olga and noticed her genuinely admiring expression.

    Thus, the pping from everyone else grew more enthusiastic as well.

    Wang Zhong intended to lead Ludm back to their original spot, but she said softly, "I need to fix my dress."

    Wang Zhong: "Is it serious?"

    "Just need to sew it. Nelly probably brought a sewing kit; I''ll be back in a jiffy."

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong wondered if there woulde a day when, amidst enemy fire at the front lines, Ludm would sing "A River of Wider Waves" while mending torn clothes¡ªno, wait, that''s mixing up stories.

    Ludm left the room to find Nelly, and Wang Zhong watched her go before turning back to the others in the room.

    Right then, a diplomat''s wife, struggling with her Antenguage, approached him, "May I have the honor of an invitation from you?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, I''m a bit tired."

    Agreeing to one could lead to countless more menco dances; Wang Zhong decisively left her behind and headed back to the buffet table.

    Male diplomats were congregated nearby, chatting. They greeted Wang Zhong as he approached: "You danced wonderfully, General."

    "I hear you''re nning to get engaged to Miss Mailehovna?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, her family has already evacuated to Bolsk, but the railway is full of military trains right now, and they can''t get through just yet."

    The evacuation route from Bolsk didn''t go through Ye Fort, so Ludm''s family couldn''t take the evacuation train there.

    Wang Zhong, anticipating that Bolsk would be the focus of the enemy''s attack next year, had Ludm send a telegram instructing her family to evacuate further back without rushing to Ye Fort.

    Just as he answered one question, another diplomat curiously asked, "There''s a rumor everywhere in Ye Fort that you might be a prince; what''s that about?"

    Wang Zhong: "That''s because I''m as close to His Majesty''s elder brother as siblings, and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince intended to sacrifice himself. So he entrusted me with his sister, asking me to take his ce as her brother.

    "I''m actuallymitted to being a good stand-in brother, but somehow the rumor around Ye Fort''s social circle turned into me wanting to marry Olga.

    "How easy could it be to court Her Majesty? Her standards are high! A mere puff of breath and I would be worthy? Impossible, absolutely impossible!"

    The diplomats nodded in agreement, and Wang Zhong inwardly breathed a sigh of relief.

    Being a brother is good enough, not disappointing either Crown Prince Ivan who entrusted Olga to him, nor Ludm.

    At that point, the discussion among the diplomats naturally turned to the war situation for the following year.

    While snacking from the table, Wang Zhong listened to their conversation until a diplomat asked, "General Rokossovsky, how do you see the war unfolding next year? Will a counter-offensive happen?"

    Wang Zhong: "Our previous offensive theories have be inadequate in the face of modern military technology.

    "The assault organized by Tukhachev revealed that our military personnel at all levelsck understanding of how to conduct an offensive under current technological conditions¡ªI myself don''t have much experience organizing them either."

    Wait a minute, doesn''t this sound a bit like boasting?

    And sure enough, one of the diplomats teased, "You captured a hundred thousand Prosen prisoners; if you don''t know how to organize an offensive, then no one in the Allied Forces will."

    Wang Zhong: "During my offensive, the enemy was both hungry and cold. At the outset, their cannons were frozen solid and they couldn''t muster any effective defensive firepower."

    "No, the attack was more or less a gift from the enemy. The reason we were able to push the front back to the east bank of the Duva River was also due to the enemy''s terrible supply situation. As soon as we encountered their fortified defensive positions, we were immediately stopped in our tracks."

    "We need time to learn warfare, and so do themanders at all levels."

    Wang Zhong''s remarks were actually more about himself. In the game, he usuallymanded at the battalion and regiment level, and then he yed a role like the grand strategists in ''Hearts of Iron'', overseeing everything. Commanding from Army Group to Front Army level, Wang Zhong had only tried in some very niche war games. Enjoy exclusive chapters from

    But no matter how realistic the war game is, it''s still a tabletop game, simting war ording to certain rules. It''s just a simtion.

    To be honest, Wang Zhong really didn''t know how an army should carry out an offensive. He needed to actually do it to learn.

    However, Wang Zhong always felt that he would still be on the defensive next year.

    It just so happened that the newly developed 100mm gun carrier, whichcked a turret, was a tank destroyer, well-suited for defense.

    Therefore, at this moment, Wang Zhong wasn''t just answering the diplomats'' questions, he was also rifying his own thoughts.

    At this point, John Wick, the military attach¨¦, also came over: "I overheard some of it, does General Rokossovsky think the main strategy next year will still be defensive?"

    Wang Zhong: "Localized offensives will certainly ur. Counter-attacks are part of defensive operations."

    "I see, your insights coincide remarkably with those of the newly appointedmander of the Pacific Fleet," said Colonel John Wick, incongruously for a man wearing an army uniform.

    The Federation has its inter-service rivalries, too¡ªthe Army Air Corps (at this time, the Federation did not have a separate Air Force) used ''P'' as the prefix for fighter aircraft, while Naval Aviation used ''F''.

    The Army Aviation preferred liquid-cooled engines and seized all production. Naval Aviation, in turn, scrambled for the production capability of air-cooled engines.

    Of course, this kind of discord was more aboutck of cooperation, and hadn''t reached the point where the Army was building aircraft carriers and the Navy tanks.

    Wang Zhong: "What did the new Pacificmander say?"

    John Wick: "He said that the fleet should primarily conduct defensive operations next year, and the initiative for an attack lies with the Empire of Fusang."

    Wang Zhong nodded, assessing that there was no issue with that estimate.

    It was the same on Earth. Throughout ''42, it was Japan on the offensive. Although America preemptively took Guadalcanal, in terms of distance, America''s upation was more of a defensive move.

    It was Japan that secretly sent men to Guadalcanal, near Port Moresby, to build an airstrip in preparation for an attack on the port, but America discovered it and took the ind given its proximity.

    Afterwards, Japan continually moved troops prepared for the Port Moresby attack to the ind, and its navy also made multiple proactive strikes.

    Therefore, although America conducted anding operation on Guadalcanal, the battle was actually a defensive campaign.

    Seeing Wang Zhong''s expression, Colonel John Wick asked, "Does the general also have an interest in naval affairs?"

    Wang Zhong: "Not at all, not at all. How could andlubber like me understand the navy? I just think, with the Federation only just entering the war, it won''t be able to scale up production next year. The real impact of the Federation will likely be in 916."

    John Wick: "Indeed."

    Wang Zhong suddenly felt as if he was a fully-equipped ADC ready for battle.

    At this moment, the band finished their intermission piece, and the second dance was about to begin.

    Many diplomats, upon hearing the band y the final note, turned their heads to seek out dance partners.

    Ludm had not yet arrived in the hall, still sewing her dress.

    Those men who were quick to act had already made their move.

    Wang Zhong saw a diplomat approach Olga, only to be politely rejected; the diplomat then walked back towards the long table with a look of frustration.

    Wang Zhong promptly approached and asked, "What did Her Majesty say?"

    The diplomat: "Her Majesty said she just twisted her ankle during the menco and can only sit and rest, hoping we enjoy ourselves."

    Wang Zhong had this nagging feeling that if he went to invite Olga to dance, her ankle would miraculously heal right away.

    John Wick also said, "If you were to invite her, even if Her Majesty''s foot hurt, she''d likely ept with pleasure, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "Of course not, Her Majesty is very willful. As I''ve just said, courting Her Majesty is as difficult as reaching the heavens."

    Darn it, inadvertently, he had portrayed Olga as an unattainable flower.

    John Wick added, "Over there, there are plenty ofdies looking over here eagerly. Aren''t you going over?"

    Wang Zhong: "I think I also twisted my ankle just now, I mean, my fianc¨¦e stepped on my foot."

    "Really?" John Wick said with an understanding smile. "Well, let''s just leave it at that."

    The dance went on.

    By the way, it was only after the dance had ended that Ludm returned to the ballroom, reportedly unwell.

 Chapter 355: The Last Day of the First Year of the War (Supplementary Update 32/33)

    On the morning of December 31, Wang Zhong woke up and reached out to find that, unusually, the space beside him was empty, and the sheets hadpletely cooled, indicating that Ludm had gotten up a long time ago.

    He threw back the covers and sat up, only to see Nelly adding wood to the firece.

    Wang Zhong, "Ludm''s not here to give me my daily morning hug. Nelly, could you... fill in for her?"

    Nelly patted her chest, making a thumping sound, "Are you sure?"

    Wang Zhong, "I''m fine with a hard one, it''s the feeling of being cared for that''s important."

    Nelly looked at Wang Zhong with a very "caring" expression.

    Caring for a fool is still caring.

    Wang Zhong gave up on being coddled and flipped onto his feet, "Bring me my clothes."

    Momentster, dressed and tidied up, Wang Zhong left the room, only to take a few steps before he saw through the corridor window that outside, Ludm was directing servants to bring a tree into the courtyard.Wang Zhong, "Why are you cutting down a tree?"

    Nelly, "To make a Christmas tree."

    "Christmas isn''t... oh." The Ante People celebrate Christmas on January 7, not December 25, and so they mix New Year''s and Christmas together, decorating the Christmas tree on December 31.

    No wonder Ludm had gotten up so early.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong faintly heard the telephone ringing from the study and hurried away from the window, quickly making his way to the study, only to see the old butler had already picked up the receiver.

    Seeing Wang Zhonge in, the old butler said, "General Rokossovsky has arrived; I''ll let him listen."

    After saying that, he passed the receiver to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong took the receiver, "This is Rokossovsky."

    "General," the other side said, "This is the director of the Ordnance Department''s weapons testing center. Two... er, strange things have just been delivered, saying that you instructed them to be produced overtime and that we have to suspend the ongoing test firing of the 76mm self-propelled gun."

    The 76mm self-propelled gun, also known as the SU76, had been fast-tracked before the establishment of the reviewmittee, aiming to make use of the already produced T70 tank chassis.

    After all, light tanks had proven their ineffectiveness on the battlefield since June, but the chassis were already produced, and the production lines were still running. Switching production to something else would be a hassle, so they decided to use it to build assault guns.

    On Earth, not only the Russians adopted this idea, the Sturmtigers too. The mark III tank was quickly proven outdated, but changing the production line of the mark III chassis to produce something else would waste a lot of time, so it made sense to use it to make the Sturmtiger assault gun instead.

    The mark III tank might have been obsolete from the start of Barbarossa, but the Sturmtiger assault gun was a valuable piece of equipment that could be used right up until defeat.

    Wang Zhong, "Was the n today to test the SU76?"

    "Yes, just two more items and the testing would beplete."

    "Okay, finish the testing first. Tell the designers they can take a holiday. We''ll resume testing and improvement after the New Year. It''s not about these one or two days," Wang Zhong said.

    "Yes," the testing center director replied, "thank you for your understanding."

    Wang Zhong, "The SU76 is very important to our army as well."

    As a mobile light gun, the SU76 yed a significant role, and not just from repurposing the light tank production line.

    The issue with the SU76 was that, being converted from a light tank chassis and mounting a 76mm gun, there was no weight left for defense.

    In contrast, the Sturmtiger''s defense was even stronger than the mark III tank itself.

    And now, the concept for the 100mm carrier vehicle that Wang Zhong was nodding to was also using the Earth''s Sturmtiger approach, mounting arge gun on a tank chassis with rtively reliable frontal defense.

    However on Earth, the Sturmtiger initially really was an assault gun, mainly supporting infantry in bunker busting, beforeter being modified with a longer barrel for anti-tank use.

    Wang Zhong skipped the assault gun phase and directly went to making tank destroyers.

    Testing center director, "Then, I wish you a Happy New Year."

    Wang Zhong, "And I wish you all a Happy New Year too."

    After finishing the call and hanging up, he noticed that Mikhail, the butler, was looking at him.

    Mikhail, "Is this okay with you? The master has already notified us to continue working today. Is it really okay for you to celebrate New Year''s here?"

    Wang Zhong thought it over; it didn''t seem right to be enjoying life at home with a formidable enemy at the gates.

    Suddenly, he had a great idea: Before traveling through time, he often watched the Spring Festival G, and military units would have theirmanding officers join the soldiers at the grassroots to celebrate the New Year.

    Why not learn from advanced experiences?

    So, Wang Zhong snapped his fingers and said to Mikhail, "Tell Ludm that we''re going to Kubinka today to have the New Year''s Eve dinner with the soldiers ¡ª I mean, the New Year''s dinner. Let the kitchen prep today''s ingredients in advance and then load them onto trucks, and have the chefs get on board."

    Mikhail was astonished, "This... I have never heard of such a practice!"

    Wang Zhong, "Well, now you have. I''m going to call Pavlov first to avoid any confusion."

    Two hourster, at Kubinka.

    Pavlov blinked at the trucks rolling into the training ground.

    Wang Zhong hopped off a truck and asked, "Did you spread the word?"

    Pavlov, "I... to be honest, we have never hosted such an event. There were New Year''s salons in the past, mainly dinners for officers, and bonfire parties for the soldiers¡­ never organized one like this."

    Wang Zhong, "You''ll have to get used to it because there will be more and more events like this in the future. For now, let''s get the ingredients to the cooking team over there. My chef hase too, we..."

    Pavlov, "Did you forget that we have a French chef here?"

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh, "Right, he got it from Loktov. He... he didn''t sacrifice himself, did he?"

    Pavlov replied, "It''s said that when Orachi broke through, he used a frying pan to fight his way out and smashed several Prussian skulls."

    Wang Zhong said, "I only knew Italian chefs smash a head or two while cooking, I didn''t realize French chefs could do the same."

    Pavlov asked, "So who''s the head chef now?"

    Wang Zhong answered, "We haven''t had any French cuisine along the way, right? It''s all been typical Ante food, like sour cream and pickles, chanaki stew..."

    Pavlov just shrugged his shoulders.

    Wang Zhong turned to Nelly, who had followed them, and said, "So, tell our chef... eh, why are you wearing that boat-shaped cap again?"

    Nelly had switched back to a maid''s headband while at the Rokossovsky Estate.

    Nelly said, "Now that I''m in the military camp, I''m once again a soldier."

    And so she evolved into a subspecies of Maid Beast, a Military Cap Maid Beast? Her special move was pulling a DShK heavy machine gun from under her skirt to initiate a Ripple Rush?

    Nelly said, "I''ll let the head chef know we have a French chef taking over for today. But the French chef might have to win a wrestling match against our head chef before getting the right to cook."

    Are Ante chefs really that hardcore?

    Nelly had already turned and run off.

    Watching Nelly leave, Pavlov said, "If I had a daughter, I''d want her to be like that."

    Wang Zhong asked, puzzled, "Don''t you have a daughter?"

    Pavlov shrugged, "I would like to, but I''ve only got a bunch of little rascals. They drive me crazy, especially when they hit seven or eight years old. They''re just like my old husky when he was young, destroying every mechanical device in the house that can be taken apart.

    "Do you know the pain of looking up to see the time and finding the clock dismantled? Or wanting to listen to the radio only to find its semiconductor ruined... Oh God."

    While telling this, Pavlov''s expression showed his agony.

    Wang Zhong asked, "How are they now?"

    Pavlov answered, "Now? They spend all day writing me letters asking for your autograph. I took some paper, signed your name under your picture on the front page of a newspaper."

    Wang Zhong inquired, "You... signed for me?"

    "Yeah, better than bothering you, right? They''ve never seen your signature anyway." Pavlov spread his hands.

    Wang Zhong said, "Next time, let me do the signing."

    "No, no, no, that would give away the previous signatures," Pavlov shook his head repeatedly, "Let''s just leave it as is."

    Wang Zhongughed.

    After all, it had just been the winter solstice, and nightfall came quickly.

    It is said that in Saint Andrew Fort, the day had now shrunk to just a moment.

    Now stationed in Kubinka, nominally, were three divisions:

    The first was the replenished Guard First "Red g" Mechanized Infantry Division, which was the main force in Wang Zhong''s developing mobile army.

    The second was the 225th Mechanized Infantry Division, built as a model division. This one hadn''t even been filled with recruits, was missing many technical specialties, and although the tank battalion wasplete, other vehicles were bizarrely absent, with only one tractor for tank recovery and fifty transport trucks.

    Last was the First Division of the Mnia People''s Army, which currently only had a quarter of its soldiers. The good news was it had plenty of technicians. The bad news was the technicians had no equipment, be it tank guns, anti-aircraft guns, anti-tank guns, or howitzers¡ªtheycked everything.

    Now, with these three divisions gathered together, dozens of bonfires were lit on the parade ground, encircling the officers and soldiers.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong was puzzled why no food was being served at mealtime. Read exclusive chapters at

    But he didn''t dare to ask, since as an Ante it would be odd not to know Ante customs.

    He was battling hunger when Ludm came over, handing him some crackers, "Eat these to fill up for now; dinner won''t be served until ten tonight."

    The cooking squad''s girls came out with poles carrying baskets, which seemed to hold little snacks, presumably to tide everyone over.

    Ludm continued, "Also, don''t just let everyone sit around, get some entertainment going."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Shall we start with a menco dance?"

    Ludm cursed, "Look around, we don''t have a band here. Who''s going to y menco for you? And why would soldiers dance something usually danced at noble balls?"

    It dawned on Wang Zhong what dance the soldiers should do: the knee-destroying dance, of course!

    So Wang Zhong had an idea. He knew Yegorov was great at this dance, so he stepped forward and shouted, "Yegorov!"

    Pavlov interjected, "He and Nurse Katya went to the city, and they probably won''te back tonight."

    Damn, this was not the time to be without Yegorov.

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov, "Can you dance the leg breaker?"

    Pavlov replied, "Me? Do I look like I can do that dance? I''d break my knees before I show you."

    Wang Zhong frowned, but then he saw his adjutant Vasily and had an idea, "Vasily, I have a task for you. Get the crowd warmed up."

    "Eh?" Vasily was startled, "Me?"

    Wang Zhong insisted, "Of course, you''re the musician. Sing something!"

 Chapter 356: Skirts and Face Pockets

    Vasily''s eyes widened, but before he could speak, someone nearby started to mock, "Vasily, give us one!"

    Wang Zhong was all too familiar with this; he hadn''t joined the army, but he had gone through military training during junior high, senior high, and university.

    During military training, it wasmon for the instructor to lead a jeer, followed by a song, subtly fostering a sense of collective honor andpetitive spirit.

    Now, seeing someone taking the lead, Wang Zhong immediately joined in the jeering, "Vasily, give us one!"

    His encouragement quickly caught on among those nearby who understood what was happening, and they joined in jeering at Vasily. Initially, the jeers were disorganized, but after Wang Zhong took the lead a few times and added pping, the shouts gradually became more coordinated.

    "Vasily, give us one!"

    p! p! p!

    Mnia''srades were not very familiar with Antenguage and didn''t know what was going on, but it seemed fun to mock along, so they imitated.

    Facing the rhythmic apuse and jeering of the crowd, Vasily stomped his foot, "Fine, I''ll do one. Filippov, y the drums!"From below the stage, Filippov screamed, "Do you have to drag me into this? It''s embarrassing enough for you alone!"

    Wang Zhong: "How is this embarrassing? It''s just performing a little show in response to the enthusiasm of ourrades! You guys heat up the atmosphere, and soon it will be everyone''s turn toe up."

    Filippov came up carrying his drums, and Wang Zhong joked, "See, you brought the drums directly, didn''t you?"

    "I had a vague feeling it would end up like this, but I didn''t expect it to be in front of all themanding fighters."

    Wang Zhong: "Getting cold feet?"

    Filippovughed, "That would be uneptable, now wouldn''t it? Could it be worse than the Prussians'' artillery fire?"

    Wang Zhong burst intoughter; he greatly agreed with Filippov''s words. He too felt that after risking his life on the battlefield anding back, he seemed to have grown stronger in expressing himself in public because he simply wasn''t timid.

    As Filippov started drumming, Vasily began to sing the song "Tanya Tanyusha".

    Wang Zhong smiled, as this song also held many memories for him. When Loktov had just joined what was then the "Rocossov Battle Group", along with thousands of military academy students, they sang this song.

    Back then, the song was purely a tribute to love, holding a ce in Wang Zhong''s heart simr to "The Girl Across", but now, the song had been colored by war. It still praised love but also the youth of the young people amidst the mes of war.

    Before crossing over, Wang Zhong had longed for this kind of youth. It was the youth of his grandfather, graduating from school chanting "bearing the rise and fall of ournd", turning into a giant wave of national salvation.

    It was the youth of his father, "The g of the republic bears the elegance of our blood-stained valor."

    Back then, Wang Zhong thought it was incredibly romantic.

    Now it was his turn, albeit in a different world.

    At this moment, Vasily reached the chorus, his voice almost hoarse with strain, "Tanya Tanyusha, my Takiyanna, do you still remember that fiery hot summer?"

    The fiery hot summer referred to the intense artillery fire of the Prussians.

    Yet in the midst of the artillery fire, the youth still sang praises to love.

    Wang Zhong could already imagine the pained expression of some middle school student in the future, being asked to write a reflection on the song.

    Without having experienced it, of course, they wouldn''t understand the significance of this song to young soldiers.

    Thinking about the future scenario of writing reflections, Wang Zhong started to mull over his own: should he answer "Actually, what the soldiers sing is not just of love, but a way to look forward to a peaceful and happy life after victory"?

    Vasily had just finished the refrain when someone let out three yful whistles.

    And it wasn''t just one person whistling, it seemed like everyone knew that this was the part for whistling.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong saw someone in the crowd itching to give it a try, so he pointed in that direction and then made an "up" gesture with his hand.

    Someone then jumped out from the crowd with a blaika in hand.

    Wang Zhong had thought he was going to join in the ensemble, but to his surprise, he started strumming the blaika and began singing another song:

    "There was a summer, dawn just breaking, I looked over at the neighbor''s ce!

    "I saw a girl with dark eyes, picking grapes in baskets.

    "I couldn''t help but blush, and my heart skipped a beat, I wanted to speak to her.

    "Pleasee to the river, let''s wee the dawn together!"

    Wang Zhong frowned, he knew about the Quiet Don River, and understood that "going to the river" here was not just about weing the dawn; these Russians were very unrestrained, there was no need for the sound of water mills as a cover.

    Popov somehow got to Wang Zhong''s side and whispered, "Is this okay? It''s turning into a love song contest, shouldn''t we be singing ''The Holy War'' or something?"

    Wang Zhong, "No need, the soldiers will fight their own holy wars, for now, let them enjoy things they can''t on the battlefield. Love on the battlefield is extraordinarily romantic, don''t you think? It''s like finding a flower on a battlefield strewn with corpses, its surrounding hellish tableau makes it all the more dazzling."

    After saying that, Wang Zhong suddenly thought that someone should be writing this down ¨C what great material for a memoir it would be. He would need to find someone to record his quotations, so many pithy statements could be born, confounding students who write reflections in the future.

    The young man singing "The Girl with ck Eyes" got to the refrain, and his fingers became wild, turning what was a very melodious chorus into something akin to rock music, and then a new young man came on scene, matching the rhythm and starting to dance the legendary knee-destroying dance on the ground.

    A revtion struck Wang Zhong, he remembered the Russian dance video he had watched before crossing over, which was choreographed in the form of a dance battle.

    Many novels that describe the life of Russian soldiers also feature dance battle scenes; it seemed to be a Russian tradition.

    So Wang Zhong waited for "The Girl with ck Eyes" to end, then stepped forward and shouted, "Which unit are you from?"

    The blaika yer shrank his neck, "Can you not punish me to carry manure?"

    Wang Zhong, "I won''t punish you. Today, whoever fails to follow up with an act will carry manure. Which unit are you from?"

    "The 225th Motorized Infantry Regiment, First Battalion!" Stay updated via

    Wang Zhong, "Good, the 225th Infantry Division did well. Apud!"

    With that, he led a round of apuse with rhythm.

    After pping three rounds, Wang Zhong asked, "Does the Guards Motorized Infantry have any better acts? Let''s have one from the Motorized Infantry!"

    He was getting the hang of it, the feeling of leading songs during military training wasing back!

    The 225th Division immediately began to heckle, following Wang Zhong''s shout, "Let''s have one from the Guards Motorized Infantry!"

    A voice from the Motorized Infantry called out, "General, we don''t have any instruments, may we have permission to go back to the barracks to get them?"

    Wang Zhong, "Granted! What about the rest of you, can''t you do without instruments? 225th Division, boo your big brother!"

    So the 225th Division started booing enthusiastically. Usually, the officers from the Motorized Infantry taught thembat experience, and their rtionship seemed pretty good, which made them even more uninhibited now.

    Suddenly, someone stood up; it was Dimitri, who had transferred to the artillery battalion. His former regiment was now part of the Artillery Division that Wang Zhong was in the process of forming but had not yet assembled.

    "Although I''ve now been peeled off from the Division Artillery Battalion, I am still an old machine-infantry soldier. Let me go first!"

    Then, like a whirlwind, he charged into the open space between several divisions and began performing the human top, a move that required his legs to be bent, clearly a move of high difficulty just by watching.

    Thed with the blaika immediately supplied the music, and Filippov began to drum.

    Dmitri spun even more energetically; no sooner had he finished the performance for the 225th Division than someone leapt out to engage in a dance battle with him.

    The two danced for about three minutes, all the way to the end of the music.

    When they stood up, both sides were panting and then squeezed each other''s hands firmly.

    Wang Zhong: "Good! Apuse!"

    Just then, the fellows who had just brought the instruments came back with Bayan and the violin.

    Wang Zhong: "Howe I didn''t know there were people in my old unit who could y the violin? Are you a high school student?"

    The one with the violin said, "Yeah, what about it?"

    "Are you in the infantry?" Wang Zhong asked again.

    "Yeah."

    Wang Zhong: "You can''t be in the infantry. We''re short of anti-aircraft firingmanders who have to calcte shooting parameters mentally, and that requires high school students. Report to the anti-aircraft battalion tomorrow."

    "But... my ssmates are all in the infantry."

    Wang Zhong: "Then you''ll all go to the anti-aircraft battalion."

    "We want to shed blood and sacrifice!" thed with the Bayan protested loudly.

    Wang Zhong: "Do you think you don''t have to shed blood and sacrifice in the anti-aircraft battalion? Hmph, I''ve already demonstrated it to Division Commander Yegorov, and he will surely use anti-aircraft guns to fire at close range against enemy infantry like I did. Then you''ll have plenty to sacrifice!

    "Besides, our Divine Arrow air defense has suppressed the enemy''s ground attacks, but we only have so many prayer hands, and they can''t be reced immediately when they die. Air defense is very important!

    "Enough about that, perform your act! Don''t disgrace the Guards Machine Infantry, you new recruits fresh off the shelf!"

    No sooner had he finished speaking than thed with the violin began to y a lively melody.

    Wang Zhong: "The Skrk?"

    It was not Kajiura Yuki''s "The Skrk," but the famous violin piece "The Skrk," which any friend who has taken violin grading would definitely recognize.

    Before crossing over, Wang Zhong happened to have such a friend.

    The piece is also easy to recognize because it starts by imitating the sound of ark with the violin, as if suddenly hearing ark singing from the trees in a dense forest.

    Then, the piece bes cheerful.

    This piece is amon one for violin grading because of its rapid ying, cing high demands on the performers and also serving as a prime piece for violin virtuosos to showcase their skills¡ª

    Equivalent to "Flight of the Bumblebee" in piano music.

    Wang Zhong: "But the Skrk doesn''t need the Bayan, does it?"

    The piece required piano apaniment, and Wang Zhong couldn''t imagine how the Bayan was supposed to rece the piano.

    Then thed with the Bayan told Wang Zhong the answer: he didn''t rece it, he just started dancing, using the Bayan as a dance prop.

    Wang Zhong was astonished.

    At that moment, several girls from theundry squad appeared, holding hands. They wore skirts and twirled around the dancingd with the Bayan, like blooming flowers.

    The appearance of the girls ignited the enthusiasm of all the youngds present.

    In this regard, it could only be said that young boys from both times were the same.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong really wanted to teach them to sing "Look Over Here, Girl Across." At his junior high graduation, their ss rented arge room for the celebration. That was his first time at a KTV. He remembered two especially wild moments to this day.

    One was the boys singing "Look Over Here, Girl Across," which had the girls grinning withughter, and the other was when they sang "You''ve Conquered Me Just Like This," with a rather bold MV that got the whole room cheering.

    It was then that Wang Zhong realized "conquering" could also mean reducing the distance between two people to a negative number.

    After the piece was over, Wang Zhong said to thed with the Bayan, "Not bad, I never thought the Bayan could be a prop!"

    Then, without further ado, the performance began, and the "dance floor" was given over to the girls.

    The young men quieted down, watching the girls.

    After the piece ended, Wang Zhong dered, "Excellent, I announce the girls have won this round!"

    Everyone pped together.

    Vasily suddenly shouted, "Ladies, the skirts you''re wearing, why do they look like flour sacks with the bottoms cut off? There are even words on the side: weight 50 kilograms!"

    Wang Zhong took a look, and indeed there were words there!

    Immediately, one of the girls shouted, "These were given to us for packing our luggage! They aren''t the sacks from the cooking squad used for storing grain! Don''t besmirch our innocence!"

    Vasilyughed, "So you wrapped yourselves up in your own sacks!"

    Wang Zhong: "What about the military skirts?"@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov: "They are hired workers; they don''t get military uniforms, just donated clothes from the rear."

    Wang Zhong remembered Nelly; she too was a hired worker, and that sailor cap seemed to have been given by Ludm.

    Wang Zhong sighed and said, "Give the girls another sack."

    The girls cheered.

    Wang Zhong thought of the lyrics to "Tanya Tanyusha":

    Sometimes in the crowd, I can glimpse

    That familiar dear figure

    Blue little round cap, blue short coat

    Dark skirt, a maiden''s figure...

    He looked at the skirts made of flour sacks, revealing a smile of resignation yet without bitterness. One day in the future, this too would be a precious war memory, finding its way into someone''s memoirs.

 Chapter 357: Please Call Me Davarish

    Wang Zhong continued to fulfill his duty, "Don''t be outdone by the girls! Anyone else? Come on, youngds!"

    At that moment, a group of people stood up, and to Wang Zhong''s surprise, it turned out to be the Ceres People''s Army, so he quickly invited them to the center of the venue.

    "Let''s wee the illusion of Ceres''s..."

    Wang Zhong hesitated, calling them brothers felt too militaristic, andrades was okay, but it didn''t convey the meaning of "different nationalities, but working together."

    After much deliberation, he felt there was only one word that was most fitting, and he spoke again, "Let''s wee Ceres''s Davarishes!"

    There was no more appropriate word than that, which originally referred to navyrades, butter came to mean fellow fighters or people withmon aspirations.

    A shared aspiration to defeat the Prussians and liberate their upied homnd.

    The people from Ceres had intended to start their performance right away, but when they heard Wang Zhong shout "Davarish," they stopped and looked at him.

    Wang Zhong eximed, "Keep going, Davarish! Forward, Davarishes!"The people from Ceres exchanged nces and immediately started their performance. The song they sang was in the Ceresnguage, but Wang Zhong had heard the tune before and knew it was Ceres''s military song.

    With the military song ying in the background, the people from Ceres began their traditional dance, which had apletely different vorpared to the Ante People''s dance that seemed to have a vendetta against knee joints.

    Then, aside from asionally leading the crowd in raucous cheering and provokingpetitive spirits among the various divisions and units, Wang Zhong spent the rest of the time watching everyone showcase their talents.@@novelbin@@

    As it was nearing eleven o''clock, a truck came from the direction of the kitchen, and the sides of the truck bed were let down to be a giant dining table, revealing baskets andrge bowls of food.

    Aunties with huge spoons appeared, shouting at the girls dancing with the soldiers, "Stop dallying ande get some food!"

    Only then did the girls part from the boys and head towards the truck.

    Wang Zhong heard an auntie grumbling, "You girls, even wearing pouches as clothes! What will you use to carry your luggageter? The ferocious quartermaster will be scolding you again, and then you''lle to me one by one, like little birds seeking justice!"

    A girl yelled back, "Auntie, General Rocossov said he would issue new pouches to all of us!"

    The auntie looked at Wang Zhong with an exasperated face, "General, how can you do this? Don''t you know how precious flour sacks are now? Good sacks are in short supply everywhere, and with your decision, you''ve gifted hundreds of sacks to these youngdies, but those sacks were meant to store flour to feed your soldiers!

    "By doing this, you just might lose a battle in the future!"

    The atmosphere was lively, and when they heard that General Rocossov''smand art was being questioned by the canteen auntie, they immediately began to tease and jeer.

    Besides those who were jeering, there were young people who knew the auntie asking, "Auntie Irina, do you know who he is?"

    Auntie Irina, "How could I not know? He''s in the newspapers every day! I can''t read, but I still recognize pictures! That''s General Rocossov!"

    The young soldier asked again, "Do you know what he''s done?"

    Auntie Irina: "Oh my, he captured a bunch of Prussian generals! What''s so great about that? Give me a pig-hook, and I can catch arge pig weighing dozens of kilos with ease. Could a general weigh more than a pig?"

    Wang Zhong understood, she was an uneducated old peasant.

    So he asked, "Auntie, howe you''re cooking now?"

    "Because my child went to war. The kind-hearted Parish Priest came for the evacuation. I said I''d wait for my child to return, but he pulled out a twenty-pound doctor''s sausage, telling me, ''Irina, take this sausage, think of the church''s kindness, and off you go.''

    "So I left, and that sausage was really high quality! I wanted to take my cow with me, but the Priest said no, just get on the tractor and go, so I left the cow behind. I wonder if the Prussians fed my cow properly!"

    The auntie prattled on about everything except why she ended up cooking, much like many old people who go on tangents while talking.

    Wang Zhong shifted the topic, "What are we eating today?"

    "What else could we eat on thest day of the year?" Aunt Irina lifted the cloth covering the baskets to reveal the dishes organized on tes, "Frozen fish sd, I''ve tried a portion, it''s delicious. Here, General, try some."

    As she spoke, the auntie took up a te and handed it to one of the girls from the cooking team, who then trotted over to Wang Zhong, giving him a slight smile as she offered the te.

    Wang Zhong focused all his attention on the dish, which looked much like a kind of dim sum called ''Thousand-Layer Cake'' that he would eat during morning tea back in his hometown.

    It really didn''t look like sd at all.

    Looking at it from the side, it was divided into manyyers. The very topyer was red, followed by a white reminiscent of fish soup, a milk-yellowyer of an unknown substance, and pure yellow at the very bottom.

    He leaned in to smell it, catching the scent of herrings.

    Although Wang Zhong had already tried many Ante specialty foods, he had never seen this type of sd before.

    Therefore, he sliced off a small piece with the edge of his fork and popped it into his mouth.

    Despite it being an unfamiliar food, out of characteristic Ceris curiosity, Wang Zhong took a big bite.

    He then furrowed his brow ¨C the redyer on top was actually beetroot, the same used to color soup in borscht. The middleyer that looked like fish soup was actually aspic with a generous amount of herring meat. This part tasted quite good. Below that was ayer of mayonnaise and cheese, with potato puree forming the bottommostyer.

    The aspic and potato puree tasted good. The vor of the beetroot was ¨C tolerable, once one got used to it, butbining mayonnaise and cheese in the middle was somewhat baffling.

    This dish could only be described as full of exotic charm.

    To the Ante People, this was probably the taste of home.

    But Wang Zhong, adopting the attitude of having eaten it anyway, took another bite.

    It didn''t seem so strange after another taste. Let me try another bite.

    And so, Wang Zhong finished off the odd solid sd as he continued trying.

    After finishing it, his first words were, "Do we have Chanakhi stew? Get me a portion."

    Belinsky''s favorite Chanakhi stew was also quite to Wang Zhong''s liking, and the walnut sauce-filled pies were not bad either.

    Ludm directly took away the empty aspic sd te and stuffed the bowl filled with stew into Wang Zhong''s hands, "I knew you''d like it."

    Wang Zhong ate the stew while watching the others enjoy their food.

    The night grew darker, heralding the approach of the New Year.

    When they had almost finished eating, the cooking crew''s girls appeared, pushing a trolley with alcohol on it, and to keep the barrels warm, there was even a charcoal stove on the cart!

    "We don''t have that many champagne flutes," shouted the girl pushing the trolley, "make do with your canteens for now, the first barrel is sparkling wine, and the second is your favorite vodka!"

    The soldiers grew restless at the mention of vodka.

    But Wang Zhong saw that they all obediently used their thermos-covered canteens to take some champagne and drink it first, before getting vodka.

    It seemed that during New Year''s, you had to drink sparkling wine before vodka.

    Otherwise, these booze hounds would definitely go for the vodka first.

    The Secr faction of the Church had always promoted sparkling wine¡ªchampagne¡ªas part of their propaganda, but even after so many years, champagne production had increased, but couldn''t outsell vodka.

    When the trolley reached him, Wang Zhong also took a bit of champagne for himself before getting a bit of vodka.

    Just as everyone was full and sipping wine, the trumpets on the Kubinka training ground began to y the sound of bells¡ªit was the arrival of the New Year.

    Wang Zhong, holding his thermos-covered canteen, turned to Ludm, "Happy New Year."

    Liu Da also smiled, "Happy New Year, may you win more battles."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Of course."

    As the trumpet''s bell sound struck for thest time, music followed, seemingly a variation of the Tsar''s Hymn. Wang Zhong had a premonition that Olga might make a speech.

    As expected, Olga''s voice came through, "Citizens of the Empire, this has been a tough year for us. The Prosen Empire ughtered our brothers and sisters, our friends, even our parents. They brutally murdered prisoners and civilians, leaving a trail of blood debt on thisnd!

    "Fellow countrymen, the past year has been one of sorrow everywhere on Ante''s territory."

    At this point, Wang Zhong wondered if Olga would publicly reveal the truth about the Tsar''s death. But the people of Ye Fort had long known that the Tsar had been executed for his cries of surrender.

    After all, on the day he went mad, there were too many people in the Summer Pce, and many came to rescue them, all hearing it.

    Finally, Olga mentioned the matter, "The Prussians even fired cannons at the Summer Pce. At that time, my father was on the verge of copse due to my brother''s martyrdom. The Prussian cannons snapped hisst taut string, driving himpletely mad!"

    So, in the end, the Tsar wasn''t charged with treason; he had gone mad.

    Olga continued, "As a result, my father seized the guard''s sidearm, and he ended his life with that gun."

    Well, it reminds you of that time when someone was shot eight times in the back, and they ruled it a suicide.

    Eagle, stop looking at others; I''m talking about you!

    Olga proimed, "Immense grief seized me, but I knew, I had to stand tall, crown myself with this heavy mantle of the empire. I, Olga Nikyevna Antonovna, pledge to lead you all to victory! No matter how long it takes, we will reim ournds, and then invade the homnd of the culprits, eradicating the roots of their atrocities!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, "That''s good, concise and forceful, no dissertations, just an emphasis on results."

    For old illiterate peasants like Auntie Ilyinichna, such a speech was perfect.

    After all, there were still many old peasants among the older generation of Ante, so they needed to understand it.

    After the Tsar''s speech ended, music started again, but this time it was not the Tsar''s Hymn but The Holy War.

    The soldiers began to cheer, "Ura!"

    Having had some drinks, the shouts of "Ura" came one after another.

    Wang Zhong turned to Pavlov and Popov, "Keep an eye out tonight; don''t let anyone drunk stay out on the parade ground, or it''ll be bad if they freeze to death."

    Pavlov patted his chest, "Don''t worry! And Happy New Year!"

    Wang Zhong was about to respond when fine snowkes began to fall from the sky.

    It wasn''t the furious blizzard from over a month ago, but rather the snow was as fine as it was antithetical to the style of the country of Ante.

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered an old saying: Heavy snow promises a good harvest.

    At that moment, Popov solemnly said to Wang Zhong, "General¡ªno, Davarish, I strongly request that your set of work processes be poprized among all the military chains in the army."

    Wang Zhong asked, "You mean the singing? Thepetitive dance portion where everyone challenges each other?"

    Popov replied, "And the singing contest as well. After some thought, in these singingpetitions organized by military units, although everyone is justpeting on the pitch of their voices and the oue is nearly just a matter of morale, it does serve to reinforce collective consciousness."

    Nonsense, that''s something the iron army from another time and space figured out after many years.

    Popov added, "You shoulde and teach a ss here, Davarish."

    Discover more stories at

    Wang Zhong protested, "No, no, I already have too many ces to teach, just go tell them about it, or have Pavlov sum it up in a booklet, I think Pavlov''s summary of post-war experiences was very good!"

    "Me?" Pavlov looked shocked, "You''re ordering me around again!"

    Wang Zhong waved his hand dismissively, "That''s settled then!"

 Chapter 358: "Vortex" (Additional Update 33/33)

    The post-New Year revelrysted until three in the morning before everyone, under the roaring of the military chains, finally rolled back to their barracks.

    That night, Wang Zhong stayed in Kubinka with Ludm.

    The next morning, Wang Zhong got up early, preparing to go to the Ordnance Department''s testing ground to see the test of the 100mm gun carrier vehicle.

    After all, this was the main event, and it was the most reliable method to mount the 100mm cannon on an armored vehicle until arger turret ring than the T34W''s could be developed.

    If possible, Wang Zhong, of course, hoped for a turret; self-propelled guns, despite bearing the name "assault," were in fact not quite suited for offensive operations.@@novelbin@@

    The original design intention was to assign them to infantry divisions to attack fixed bunkers during the offense, butter they were mostly used in defense against tanks.

    The task of demolishing bunkers was typically left to Stukas orrger caliber heavy artillery.

    The Sturmtiger had a 15cm infantry gun, which was extremely powerful but not very convenient for maneuvering on the front lines.

    Then they mounted this infantry gun on the chassis of a Panzer I, turning it into a Bison self-propelled infantry gun, which was much more effective at destroying bunkers than the StuG III.Wang Zhong pondered these matters as he ate his breakfast.

    Just as he stood up, Ludm also got up.

    Wang Zhong, "What are you doing? Going to the Ordnance Department''s testing ground to watch our 100mm gun carrier vehicle? I''ll tell you, I think it''s promising!"

    Ludm sighed, "I''m going home! After all, as a prayer hand, I don''t need to master other skills. I would indeed like to join the sniper training to learn how to use a rifle to kill the enemy, but they think it''s best for prayer hands not to learn these."

    Wang Zhong, "You could also learn a bit; it''s always good to be able to defend yourself."

    Ludm, "They want me to retreat immediately after firing the Divine Arrows. All the prayer hands are required to do this."

    Wang Zhong, "Ah, I see."

    Prayer hands are an irreceable resource; even if all the children from the seminary were taken out, there wouldn''t be many.

    In fact, all individuals capable of utilizing Divine Power are irreceable resources; once one dies, you can only wait for a natural birth, and that still is akin to a gacha with no guaranteed drops.

    Therefore, the Sanctified faction of the Eastern Holy Church had always been conservative in the use of Divine Power, preferring to ensure their survival over deploying their potential because the presence of Divine Power represented the existence of God.

    The Secr faction, firmly believing that Divine Power is a scientific phenomenon, has been constantly studying Divine Power, and also tends to treat Divine Power as a conventional force for use.

    Disbanding the God''s Arrow Company and distributing it to the basic units was to make this attitude apparent.

    But even the Secr faction wouldn''t consider cramming prayer hands into airnes, the kind of vehicles where one is likely done for if shot down.

    Wang Zhong looked affectionately at his fianc¨¦e who then said, "You have tasked us with air defense responsibilities, significantly increasing our survival rate. I, on behalf of all prayer hands, thank you."

    "Hmm," Wang Zhong nodded, "Let''s go, Vasily, prepare the vehicle!"

    Vasily, "General, the vehicle is already prepared."

    "Let''s go."

    After dropping Ludm off at the estate, Wang Zhong''s convoy arrived at the Ordnance Department''s weapons testing ground. This testing ground was located at the opposite end of Ye Fort from Kubinka, connecting the two sites and passing through the center of Ye Fort by the Ekaterina II Monument, forming a straight line.

    Upon entering the testing ground, the sound of gunfire was heard; Wang Zhong asked Vasily, "What gun is firing?"

    Vasily flipped through the documents in hand, "It should be the self-propelled gun using the T70 chassis in testing, perhaps some tests were notpleted yesterday. They wouldn''t test your facilitated projects before your arrival."

    Wang Zhong, "Hmm."

    The convoy, following the guidance of the testing ground, drove straight to the firing range and then found several Prosen tanks parked inside.

    Wang Zhong recognized at a nce that the armor on these tanks had been strengthenedpared to those he had faced.

    He turned his head to look at the firing position, switched to a bird''s-eye view, and saw that the distance between the firing position and the targets was, at the shortest, 500 meters and, at the most, 800 meters.

    He was shocked and shouted, "Why is the maximum test distance only eight hundred meters?"

    At that moment, a crowd of officers and technicians ran out from the nearby observation post at the testing ground, heading straight for Wang Zhong''s convoy.

    Before these people could get close, Wang Zhong repeated the question, "Why is the maximum test distance only 800 meters?"

    The lead officer shrugged, "They say that''s the standard tank engagement range, and it''s also written as such in the regtions."

    Wang Zhong switched his perspective, confirming that the officer''s name was Ginov Grigoryevich, a brigadier general.

    He thought for a moment and decided not to reveal he knew the name, so he said, "Who are you? Introduce yourself. All of you."

    "Ginov Grigoryevich, brigadier general. I was ordered by General Gorky to bring the captured tanks, which had not been recorded in our army''s roster, here."

    Wang Zhong once again confirmed with an external view that this person didn''t have an affiliate unit.

    Wang Zhong, "Where''s your unit, General?"

    Ginov Grigoryevich sighed, "It waspletely wiped out in an enemy ambush. Mymand vehicle was destroyed too, and I barely made it back alive. General, please have the military court judge me! My recklessness and hasty advance led to the loss of over a hundred tanks of my brigade!"

    Wang Zhong, "Are you part of the quick victory advocates?"

    "I am," Ginov Grigoryevich nodded without hesitation.

    Wang Zhong, "Then why didn''t Gorky hand you over to the military court but instead had you bring back the captured tanks?"

 Chapter 359: "Vortex"

    "I don''t know," Zhinov answered.

    Wang Zhong: "I have no authority to judge you; you might as well ask the judge over there."

    At this time, the personal security officer of Wang Zhong, Tribunal Bishop Buerjiakafu, said, "I also want to ask why they haven''t arrested you. However, as a member of the tribunal, I want to ask you this: Are you part of the surrender faction?"

    "No," Zhinov stated emphatically, "I''d rather skin the enemy alive to make up for my own failures."

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, we''ll talk about your issueter. Have you been given a ce to stay yet?"

    "No, I''m like an abandoned infant¡ªeveryone has forgotten about me."

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily, arrange a ce for him to stay."

    Vasily: "Alright, I think there should be plenty of vacant barracks in Kubinka. The ce can amodate an army group for exercises, or should I say, the nobility''s war games."

    Wang Zhong: "What about the others?"A lieutenant stepped forward: "I am Anatoly Ivanovich, from the same unit as the regimentmander and a survivor of that ambush. I hope not only the regimentmander is judged but me as well!"

    Wang Zhong carefully scrutinized him and, noting his strong build but educated demeanor, asked, "Are you a high school student?"

    Vasily snorted withughter, given that General Rokossovsky had recently been almost obsessed with recruiting high school students into the army as technical soldiers.

    Anatoly: "I''m a university graduate with a degree in mathematics."

    Wang Zhong: "Then why are you operating a tank?"

    Anatoly: "Because I could drive a car! So they let me be a tank operator. I survived because the operator constantly had his head out of the hatch to watch the road, making it easier to get out."

    Wang Zhong: "It''s a waste to have a math graduate as a tank operator."

    Anatoly firmly said, "I want to fight against the Prosen. I believe that the cutting edge of modern military technology is tanks."

    Wang Zhong: "Really? How many battles have you participated in?"

    "I''ve had four and a half months of tank training; the December offensive was my first battle."

    Wang Zhong: "That means you know nothing about war. Nevertheless, I will reluctantly ask you, with your university student''s sharp mind, do you think tanks y a decisive role?"

    Anatoly immediately answered, "No, when I was running away, I observed theposition of the Prussians'' forces and concluded that a single tank probably doesn''t have much impact."

    Wang Zhong turned to Bishop Buerjiakafu and said, "We don''t need to judge this one; I need him in my unit."

    Vasily murmured, "Lucky, found another college student."

    Actually, what Wang Zhong really wanted a mathematics student to do was to decrypt the Enigma machine, but that task was too much for a single college student, so Wang Zhong ced his hopes on the church.

    The Secr faction of the church had a very good rtionship with scientists because they promoted the idea that science could interpret theology; any scientist was part of the Secr faction, so it was appropriate to entrust this task to the church.

    Wang Zhong: "What about the others? Continue introducing yourselves."

    So the officers introduced themselves one by one, but unfortunately, none of the remaining individuals left a deep impression on Wang Zhong¡ªor rather, their performance reminded Wang Zhong of star-chasers, except they were chasing after Wang Zhong, the Star of Victory.

    After learning the names of these individuals, Wang Zhong once again brought up the initial question: "Why are the targets at distances between 500 to 800 meters?"

    Brigadier General Zhinov: "Because the designedbat range is that far. Beyond that, it bes inurate. In fact, looking at the conditions on our battlefield, that range is still too far; most of the time, the T34 tanks fire at the enemy''s tanks from a distance of 300 meters and hit their targets."

    Wang Zhong: "Exactly, which is why we will pay a tremendous price, Brigadier General Zhinov!"

    Brigadier General Zhinov: "I know, my brigade has already paid the price. I told these men that we should annihte the enemy from a greater distance, so I asked them to change the range to 1000 meters, 1200 meters, and 1500 meters, but they refused!

    "And now they are about to conclude that our anti-tank firepower can destroy these field-modified enemy tanks!"

    Wang Zhong: "Record the location of the impact point, and then add the results for 1000 meters and 1200 meters."

    General Gennady: "What about 1500 meters?"

    Wang Zhong: "Our gunners probably won''t hit the target, especially when using such poor sighting equipment."

    The enemy being able to hit the target on the first shot at 1500 meters is the result of elite tank operators paired with advanced sighting equipment.

    Here in Ante, all branches of the military generallyck training.

    After Wang Zhong issued the order, he noticed that the staff at the Ordnance Department testing ground were indifferent, so he shouted, "I said to pull it to a distance of 1000 meters and 1200 meters and try again."

    Tester: "The enemy tanks have already been destroyed. Even if we pull it farther away, it''s hard to observe the effects after hitting, we can''t judge..."

    Wang Zhong: "First test whether it can be prated, you idiot! Go do it!"

    The staff scrambled away.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong heard the sound of engines behind him.

    He turned around and saw two prototype vehicles of 100mm gun carriersing over.

    It wasn''t clear whether it was because the overall weight was reduced, but the gun carriers with long-barreled 100mm guns seemed to move even more briskly than the T34s.

    At this point, Wang Zhong heard General Gennady beside him gasp, "What is this? I have never seen it before! It looks strong and powerful!"

    Wang Zhong: "This is a prototype vehicle I directed to be produced... Wait a minute, tell them not to move those tanks, get everyone from the research institute toe back."

    At that time, two prototype vehicles, which had no model or engineering code, drove up to Wang Zhong.

    Designer Ke Jing jumped off the back of the carrier and came to Wang Zhong, saying, "Because they didn''t have engineering codes, we gave them nicknames. The first vehicle is called ''Roe Deer,'' and the second ''Sika Deer.'' All vehicles have been checked and are full of fuel and ammunition."

    Wang Zhong: "See those tanks over there? Have them move to a position 1000 meters away from those tanks and fire at them."

    Ke Jing immediately turned around to convey Wang Zhong''s instructions to the crew, so the two carriers headed to a spot 1100 meters directly in front of the captured Prosen tanks.

    After all, the drivers didn''t have the ''cheat'' like Wang Zhong, so they couldn''t precisely stick to the 1000-meter mark.

    Since Wang Zhong yelled to the technician, "Radio!"

    Suddenly, the technician handed over a radio that hade as aid from the Federation¡ªit looked like an oversized mobile phone.

    Wang Zhong, holding the device, was amazed: the Federation really had everything.

    He picked it up and yelled, "Roe Deer vehicle¡ª"

    What a ridiculous name!

    Wang Zhong: "Roe Deer vehicle, aim at the enemy tank on the far right. Estimate range freely, set the scale yourself, fire when ready!"

    "Yes!"

    Then Wang Zhong put down the handset he was holding and waited.@@novelbin@@

    Suddenly, the vehicle nicknamed ''Roe Deer'' fired, the me from the 100mm cannon''s muzzle was quite spectacr, and the st directly blew all the dust off the carrier.

    The next moment, everyone knew that the far-right Prosen tank was done for.

    For at the moment of impact, all the orifices of the tank spewed thick smoke, followed by a fire that zed fiercely.

    Wang Zhong was astonished; at least the power of the cannon was sufficient.

    Suddenly, a sh of inspiration struck him, and he decided to name this type of carrier ''Vortex''.

 Chapter 360: Breaching the Defense

    Wang Zhong intended to praise the designers, but before he could utter a word, General Zinov excitedly began to p, "Good! Very good! The aim is urate, and the power is impressive!"

    Anatoli also pped his hands, but after a few ps, he asked Wang Zhong with a puzzled look, "General Rocossov, what is this designed to counter? The Prussians don''t have any tanks that require such firepower, do they?"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that they didn''t have any now, but they would have Tigers and Panthers in the future. However, he couldn''t say that outright, so he simply said, "The Prussians have already captured our KV series heavy tanks, repainted them with their symbols, and started using them. We need a way to destroy the KVs from a long distance."

    Anatoli nodded, "Indeed, I''ve heard that during the counter-offensive some units encountered KVs painted in Prussian gray. But they didn''t exist when the project started, right?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "We abandoned so many KVs; the Prussians could put together new ones just from the wreckage, it''s impossible for them not to."

    In fact, arge number of KVs were simply abandoned by the roadside due to walking mechanism failures, as the Ante Army had no capacity to repair them, nor enough tractors to tow the broken tanks back for repairs.

    Wang Zhong suddenly had an idea, and he asked the test range director, "Do we have a KV avable for testing here?"

    The director replied, "We do, for testing improvements to the walking mechanism, but the testing phase is alreadypleted, and it''s stored in the garage."

    Wang Zhong said, "Bring it out and ce it at the 1000-meter mark, next to that Prussian Panzer IV.""This..." the test range director looked troubled, "It''s not good to move test vehicles around without approval, right?"

    By then, Wang Zhong already had ample experience handling such situations and simply stated, "Create a document that says we need to test the destructive power of the 100mm gun using a KV that haspleted its test missions, and I''ll sign it."

    The director immediately changed his tune, "Okay. Right away."

    Indeed, the little trick learned from General Chekhov worked wonders.

    Ten minutester, after Wang Zhong had signed the paper, the KV was driven out from the garage to the test range, parked beside the recently extinguished Prussian tank.

    Once the researchers had all left, Wang Zhong took to the radio and called out to the 100mm carriage, "Roe Deer, reverse two hundred meters, aim at the KV tank."

    The prototype vehicle codenamed Roe Deer immediately began to reverse, and Wang Zhong, watching from an overhead perspective, called out when it reached two hundred, "Stop! Once aiming isplete, fire at will."

    After he spoke, he handed the radio to Vasily¡ªafter all, the device was actually quite heavy, and tiring to hold for too long. He wondered if brick phones were also this heavy; it wouldn''t be easy for Teacher Yu Qian, who always kept it in his back pocket.

    Less than five secondster, Roe Deer fired, and just like before, a st of wind from the gun muzzle swept up the snow in front of the vehicle.

    Wang Zhong even saw the sunlight reflecting off the projectile as it sped towards the KV, hitting the front hull square on. The next moment, the KV''s turret hatch was blown open by the shock wave, followed by mes erupting from the air vents behind the turret.

    The fire spread quickly, and the tank caught aze.

    "Great!" General Zinov pped furiously, "Excellent! With this, even if we encounter captured KVs, we''ve got nothing to fear!"

    One of the drivers who had apanied General Zinov in delivering tanks then added, "With this firepower, we won''t fear the enemy''s Carolingian tanks either. They''ve converted their Carolingian heavies into methrower tanks and inflicted a lot of casualties on our infantry."

    Wang Zhong paid no attention to the driver, as he was busy observing the burning KV from his overhead perspective. Zooming in, he could see a hole in the KV''s front armor, indicating that the shot didn''t hit the machine gun port or the observation window, but simply prated the front armor of the vehicle.

    1200 meters, first shot hit and destroyed the KV!

    At this point, whether the Whirlwind tank destroyer''s front armor was reliable became less critical; with this kind of firepower, there was a ce for it at the front lines.

    But if the Whirlwind''s front armor was dependable, that would be even better.

    If the reliability also met standards, that would be even better still!

    If the production time could be reduced further¡ª

    Wang Zhong decisively dismissed the fantasy; it was impossible to have such good luck.

    "Very good," he turned to Ke Jing, the chief engineer, and said, "I''m very satisfied."

    Ke Jing showed a modest smile, "It''s the quality of the navy''s 100mm gun that''s good, not really my design."

    Wang Zhong asked, "How did you solve the aiming problem? Our sights were designed for engagements under 800 meters, yet you achieved a first-shot hit at 1200 meters, how did you manage that?"

    Ke Jing replied, "First, the test driver is an excellent marksman. Second, we used sights and optical equipment captured from the Prussians. The work of replicating the sights has been handed over to Factory 251, which was reestablished based on the employees of Saint Andrew Optics Factory that retreated from Saint Andrew Fort."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Is that the factory that produced optical ss? How many people retreated?"

    Ke Jing said, "One-third of the technicians and engineers managed to retreat. Initially, we also nned to evacuate the skilled workers who hand-ground the lenses, but all the workers were devout members of the Secr faction. Determined to defend the city named after Saint Andrew with their blood and lives, they refused to retreat."

    Wang Zhong eximed, "What folly! This is exactly where they are most needed! Not having anyone to produce the sights, or having sights of poor quality, will cause huge casualties in our army! I''ll personally write to them and urge them to evacuate."

    Ke Jing was overjoyed, "Excellent! If it could be so, that would be the best. Factory 251 is currently in great need of skilled lens workers. If you could write to the workers of the electron tube factory to also evacuate, that would be great."

    Wang Zhong said, "Okay! Vasily, remind me to write letters tonight."

    Vasily was surprised, "Eh? I thought I''d be drafting them for you. Are you really going to write them by hand?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Of course. Only then will it show my sincerity, and I n to persuade all those workers in Davarish toe back to produce high-quality lenses for us. Of course, imports from the Federation are also important!"

    The Federation at the time was a bit like theter Ceres, able to produce everything¡ªit wasn''t necessarily the best, but it solved the problem of avability.

    Shocking, the Federation turned out to be a mini Ceres.

    Wang Zhong, looking at the burning KV once again, felt his spirits dampened after learning that the 100mm carriage used captured Prussian sights. He had thought they''d achieved the 1200-meter first-shot hit and destruction with entirely domestically produced equipment.

    Although it didn''t match up to the 1500-meter first-shot hit and destruction by the elite Sturmtiger crews of the Tigers, it was still quite an achievement.

    Never mind, although it wasn''t perfect, at the very least it proved that the navy''s 100mm gun was no less capable than the Prussian''s 88mm gun.

    Suddenly, something inside the burning KV exploded, and a gush of mes burst out of the turret hatch, forming a fleeting miniature mushroom cloud.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "What exploded?"

    Researcher, "It might be some shells left over from the test, probably stored somewhere we didn''t spot when we unloaded the ammunition."

    Wang Zhong frowned tightly; how could a shell have been overlooked? But then he thought about the fact that it was the Russians, and he could ept it.

    Next, Wang Zhong watched as two prototype vehiclespleted a series of experiments.

    They were able to reach a highway speed of 60 kilometers per hour, with almost the same obstacle-clearing level as the T34¡ªafter all, they shared the same chassis. And it seemed that because of the reduced weight, the reliability had also improved.

    The two prototype vehicles raced around the test field for nearly a hundred kilometers without any malfunctions.

    Of course, more detailed reliability tests would require repeated experiments over a period of more than a week to finally determine the durability of this tank.

    Wang Zhong hadn''t yet started the protection tests, but he was already captivated by this vehicle.

    Then at five in the afternoon, with the onset of dusk, the protection test began.

    The two prototype vehicles were brought in specifically because one of them was to undergo protection testing.

    The researchers at the test center stuffed several dummies into Vehicle No. 2, nicknamed "Mule Deer," and then the center director asked Wang Zhong for instructions, "Should we fire from 1,000 meters away?"

    Wang Zhong, "No, we need to be stricter with the protection test, let''s start from 800 meters."

    "Yes, General."

    Wang Zhong, "Also, we captured some of the enemy''s tanks, right? After testing the 45mm gun and the anti-tank rifle, let''s use one of the enemy''s tanks to fire a shot. Use the No. 3 tank''s 50mm gun."

    The Prosen Armored Divisions invading Ante seldom equipped their early Panzer III tanks with the 37mm gun; they used the 50mm version instead.

    In fact, what Wang Zhong really wanted to use for the test was the Panzer IV tank equipped by the enemy with the 75mm long barrel gun. No, considering the Prosen wouldter deploy an even longer 75mm gun, the current 43-caliber (meaning the barrel length is that many times the caliber) 75mm gun should be called a medium 75.

    The 75mm gun of the Panzer IV tank had already reached its limit when extended to 48 calibers; further lengthening would result in the imbnce of the vehicle''s weight, causing the rate of failure of the first road wheel to soar.

    At that moment, Anatoly spoke up, "Among the captured equipment that we brought back, there was also a new anti-tank gun, which appears to be 75mm."

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed; wasn''t this the PAK40? If it could withstand this, there would only be the fear of the 88 "anti-everything" gun.

    So he said, "Bring it over as well, let''s test it all together."

    Soon, the captured PAK40 anti-tank gun was dragged onto the test field.

    Wang Zhong walked around it and found it was muchrger than it appeared in the games.

    The Ante 45mm anti-tank gun next to it looked like a miniature toy.

    At that time, several captured Panzer III and IV tanks were also driven over.

    Wang Zhong, "Let''s start the test with the Buffalo Anti-Tank Rifle, which has the lowest capability."

    A few minutester, the results came in, and the Ante Army''s standard anti-tank rifle, the PTRS-41, basically couldn''t prate the "Whirlwind''s" frontal armor.

    Because Ke Jing designed the Whirlwind without any openings on the front armor. The driver''s observation window was ced on top of the tank, and the driver''s seat was designed to be adjustable; it could be raised by turning a bolt during nonbat to peek out and observe, and lowered duringbat to use the periscope to see ahead.

    And as for things like the hull machine gun, Ke Jing hadpletely removed it, opting instead for an anti-aircraft machine gun above thebat room.

    So this Whirlwind was doomed to have poor anti-personnel effectiveness, having only one anti-aircraft machine gun.

    As for the gunner''s scope, Ke Jing also ced it at the top of thebat room, using a periscope structure to transmit the image.

    In short, there were simply no vulnerability points on the front of the Whirlwind that an anti-tank rifle could exploit¡ªin actualbat, the only targets would basically be various observation ports.

    Not for a moment saddened by the defeat of the PTRS-41, the next to enter the stage was the Ante Army''s standard 45mm anti-tank gun.

    Watching the gunner operate the gun, Wang Zhong was reminded of the early days of the war, when he was desperately begging everyone he could to secure a toon of these coveted weapons.

    In the end, it was Loktov''s mechanics who managed to assemble three guns.

    Hey, wasn''t it the 76mm guns they assembled? In any case, they were treasured at that time.

    The gunner fired, and Wang Zhong saw with his own eyes the shell hit the front armor of Vehicle No. 2 and then bounce off.

    A ricochet!

    Researchers ran over, checked the dummies inside the vehicle, and reported they were unscathed!

    Then the gunner switched to different aiming points, but the results were the same: the frontal armor repelled the shots, new vehicle at 800 meters distance immune to the 45mm gun!

    Following the principle of caliber progression, the Panzer III''s 50mm gun was tested next, which also posed no issue whatsoever.

    After the 50mm test wasplete, it was time for the Panzer IV''s 75mm short-barreled gun.

    The 75mm gun''s high-explosive shell caused some of the interior side of Vehicle No. 2''s armor to copse, and the researchers ruled one crew member slightly injured and two others with minor abrasions, stillbat-capable.

    Finally, it was the turn of Ante''s ZIS-3 model 76mm anti-tank gun, which should be the tank gun with the best armor-piercing capability avable at the testing ground¡ªWang Zhong''s troops were heavily equipped with the ZIS4 model 57mm anti-tank gun, which was not avable at the test ground, so it couldn''t be tested today.

    Whether the new vehicle could withstand and protect itself against attacks all came down to whether it could withstand a hit from the 76mm gun!

 Chapter 361: "This thing should be mass-produced immediately

    Wang Zhong watched the artillery push the gun into position andplete the loading.

    The gunner saluted Wang Zhong, "General, we are ready to fire, please issue yourmand!"

    Wang Zhong turned his head to confirm that the researchers had finished recing the mannequins¡ªthese were used to facilitate damage assessment, as the previous test''s short 75 with a high-explosive shell had cracked the interior of the armor, injuring the mannequins with shrapnel.

    After confirming that the researchers had signaled "recementplete," Wang Zhong said to the gunner, "Aim at the target, fire."

    "Yes!"

    Wang Zhong had just picked up his binocrs when the gunner fired, so fast that Wang Zhong didn''t even have time to change his view.

    Through the binocrs, he could clearly see the shell hit the steeply angled front of Vehicle No. 2. Although it ricocheted off, it still left a clear scratch.

    The researchers immediately rushed to examine the mannequin inside the tank destroyer, and not long after, they sent a signal that there was "no internal damage, testing can continue."

    Wang Zhong, "Continue firing."No sooner had he spoken than the gunner fired again, and the second shot was too high, flying over the top of the tank destroyer.

    Wang Zhong, "What''s going on?"

    General Kirillov said, "Under normal conditions, it''s best to resecure the aiming scope, I mean the 76''s aiming scope."

    Wang Zhong frowned, "Are you suggesting the aiming scope was just damaged by the shock?"

    The general hadn''t yet spoken when Anatoly spoke first, "It could have been knocked out of alignment, or possibly the gun mount developed a slight error due to the shock. Our equipment tends to have this issue with precision parts. I know some anti-tank gun crews would rather aim directly through the gun barrel than use unreliable sights."

    Wang Zhong, "Isn''t aiming through the gun barrel a bit too much? Surely the sights are still more reliable than the barrel, no matter what?"

    Anatoly spread his hands, "For a close target, the barrel might be more urate, actually."

    By then, the check on the target wasplete; the shell hadn''t prated and the mannequin inside was unscathed.

    Meanwhile, in ordance with the general''s suggestion, the gunners had inspected the sight and reported to Wang Zhong, "The sight is fine, it must have been a normal deviation."

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue; in the game World of Tanks, the circle of dashed lines around the reticle (representing the potential area where the shell couldnd) would have been huge.

    "Continue firing!"

    "Yes!"

    The third shot was fired immediately, and this time it hit Vehicle No. 2''s mantlet. Since he didn''t see any ricochet, Wang Zhong''s heart immediately lifted.

    Soon, the test result came: the elevation gear was jammed, but the gun itself was without malfunction¡ªit would take time to repair the elevation gear.

    Wang Zhong turned to Ke Jing and said, "We''ll need to strengthen the protection of the mantlet, but it''s not bad since no crew members were injured."

    Ke Jing, "I want to go see the damage to the mantlet."

    Wang Zhong, "Sure, let''s go together. Gunner, cease fire."

    A short whileter, Wang Zhong and Ke Jing, along with a group of people, arrived at Vehicle No. 2, 800 meters away.

    There was a clear indent on the mantlet left by the shell.

    Ke Jing pushed his sses up, "It looks like the shell directly blew apart a section of the mantlet''s armor."@@novelbin@@

    He leaned in close to examine the back of the mantlet, then sighed, "The mantlet is deformed, jamming the elevation gear. It''s just as I expected, the mantlet is too thin."

    Wang Zhong, "You knew from the start that the mantlet was very thin?"

    "Yes."

    Ke Jing raised his hand, gesturing as he exined, "The position of a tank''s turret on top of the hull means that even with a design where the turret is positioned towards the front like on the T34, it''s quite easy to bnce the weight distribution in the middle of the tank. In fact, the forward cement of the T34''s turret is to counterbnce the weight of the engine and fuel tanks."

    "But this vehicle is different, it has no turret, and the entire cannon is mounted at the front of the hull, then the front of the hull is equipped with such thick armor, along with an elevation gear and traverse gear, making weight distribution on this vehicle quite difficult."

    "I was afraid that increasing the weight of the mantlet would damage the first pair of bogie suspension systems."

    Wang Zhong, "I see."

    He suddenly remembered the Sturmtiger''s design on Earth, which also ced thebat room in the middle of the hull; at the time, he didn''t understand why it was designed that way, but now he realized it was for weight distribution, as the 128mm gun and armor together were too heavy.

    Wang Zhong, "Wait, are the elevation gear and the traverse gear electric?"

    Ke Jing, "Hydraulic. Switching to electric could reduce the weight, but it might present production difficulties. At the moment, we don''t have enough electric motors to meet the demand; most of them are installed in tanks."

    Wang Zhong, "Hydraulics are quite heavy, right?"

    "Not too heavy, considering the short travel."

    "What is the firing arc for this thing?" Wang Zhong continued to ask, as he wanted to understand the situation as fully as possible.

    Although thest shot was "absorbed" by the mantlet and the elevation gear, causing no casualties, on a real battlefield, this hit would mean the vehicle had lost itsbat ability¡ªit''s not like pressing a key and having it repaired in a few seconds.

    Even a minor malfunction like a jammed turret could take a long time to repair, essentially rendering the vehicle unfit for "this round" of fighting.

    So Wang Zhong wanted to avoid such circumstances as much as possible.

    In response to his inquiry, Ke Jing immediately reported the data:

    "Fifteen degrees to the left and right, a maximum depression of 7 degrees, and elevation of 50 degrees."

    Wang Zhong eximed, "Such a high elevation angle?"

    Ke Jing, "The naval engineers said this is a dual-purpose gun for both ground and anti-aircraft use, and that it can fire howitzer shells in indirect fire."

    In fact, the Soviet Army on Earth tended to ssify the SU85 and SU152 as self-propelled guns, and they often used them in indirect fire roles as well, even deploying them alongside units equipped with howitzers designed for indirect fire, to shell together.

 Chapter 362: "This thing should be mass-produced immediately" (2)

    Clearly, in this timeline, Ante had also inherited this approach, but Wang Zhong wasn''t about to let them continue¡ªat least not with this 100mm carrier vehicle.

    Wang Zhong, "No, no, no, reduce its functions, just do what I need it to do, an elevation of 18 degrees is enough, the depression can be increased a bit, to 9 degrees."

    The data Wang Zhong provided was the elevation and depression range of the Tiger tank: -9 to 18 degrees.

    "This..." Ke Jing hesitated.

    Wang Zhong, "I''ll add it to the technical parameters I proposed. I only mentioned the depression angle before because I hadn''t realized you were actually considering having it fired in a high arc."

    By saying this, he effectively took the responsibility upon himself, and Ke Jing immediately expressed no objections.

    Wang Zhong continued, "The elevation and traverse ranges don''t need to be hydraulic anymore, dismantle the hydraulic system and switch to manual cranks."

    This time it was General Zinov who objected, "That will make the response very slow, what happens if we encounter enemy tanks at close range?"

    Wang Zhong, "Rely on the apanying infantry to spot enemy tanks; do not engage in closebat with the enemy."As soon as he finished speaking, Anatoly showed a bitter smile, "Where are the apanying infantry for the tank units?"

    Wang Zhong, "My troops will have them, and they''ll also have apanying AA guns, apanying artillery regiments, and apanying maintenance units."

    "Wow," Anatoly clicked his tongue, "It''s really lucky to be a tank operator in your unit. I can see why so many of your tank operators have knocked out a great number of enemy tanks."

    The Ye Fort newspapers may have gotten tired of reporting on Wang Zhong''s own deeds, and not knowing who started it, they ran off to interview the tank operators under Wang Zhong''smand who had made arge number of kills, and then after their stories were exaggerated in the pubs, all of Wang Zhong''s tank operators became armored heroes.

    It was said to have induced apetitive spirit among the tank operators of the brother units.

    Wang Zhong couldn''t be bothered with these, he said to Ke Jing, "How to use it is my concern, your task is to build the vehicle ording to my specifications. In fact, if these destroyers are mainly fighting at a distance of 1200 meters, manual cranks are sufficient."

    Enemies far away only require a very slight manual adjustment to be aimed at, which anyone who has studied relevant geometry would know.@@novelbin@@

    Ke Jing, "All right, I''ll go back and dismantle the motor, thicken the mantlet, so there will be absolutely no defense gaps at the front."

    Wang Zhong, "Wait a minute, if you need to redesign, does that mean you''re going to build a new vehicle altogether? After all, dismantling the hydraulic system and such is quiteplex."

    Ke Jing, "Indeed, the vicinity of the breech and the mantlet need to be redesigned. Actually, we could bring back these two vehicles to the factory for modifications, but that would be very cumbersome, it''s easier to just build a new one."

    Wang Zhong, "Then this No. 2 vehicle, what''s its number?"

    "Spotted Deer," Vasily reminded.

    "Right, the Spotted Deer, just leave it on the range for firing tests. We already know that firing the 76mm gun at the mantlet can jam the traverse and elevation gears, next we''ll continue testing whether it can be prated at different ranges.

    "Perhaps we''ll discover new issues for Chief Engineer Ke Jing to address."

    After Wang Zhong finished speaking, he gave Ke Jing a look seeking his opinion, but this look was clearly misunderstood, as Ke Jing snapped to attention, "Guaranteed toplete the task."

    "It''s good to have determination," Wang Zhong looked at the sky, "It''s already dark, under these conditions, the gunners probably won''t hit urately, right? Test it tomorrow, just send the report to my desk."

    The next day, January 2nd, 915 A.D., in the afternoon, a report was delivered to Wang Zhong''s desk.

    Based on this report, the front main armor of the 100mm gun carrier, at a distance of 500 meters, could withstand the shooting of the ZIS3 anti-tank gun.

    However, the mantlet could be prated at a distance of 600 meters, and once prated, vertical aiming mechanisms and such would inevitably bepromised.

    At a distance of 500 meters, firing a 76mm gun at the mantlet could potentially injure or even kill the gunner and loader. In the ten tests conducted, there were three incidents where either just the gunner or the loader was injured or killed, two where only the loader was unlucky, three where both were unlucky, and the remaining two times both members werepletely unharmed.

    The tankmander, because of having two "human shields," actually had a higher survival rate and was only slightly injured twice.

    If anything, this weakness could hardly be considered one; in a game, it might even be joked about as "ck hole armor" because the height adjustment mechanism and breach might swallow the aftereffects of the shell.

    But this is reality, where those crew members hit by shrapnel can fatally bleed out if hit in an artery.

    These are Wang Zhong''s carefully selected crew members, all veterans, and very precious.

    Therefore, improving the mantlet was absolutely necessary, even if it meant sacrificing aiming speed.

    About 7 dayster, Ke Jing managed to produce the second generation prototype.

    The results for protection levels were encouraging this time; a 76mm gun might not even prate the front armor of the device at a distance of 300 meters.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong ordered on the spot to bring over an 85mm anti-aircraft gun and conduct a test fire on the prototype, which showed that as long as the distance was kept above 800 meters, the second generation prototype need not worry about the Federation''s own 85mm anti-aircraft gun.

    However, Prosen''s 88mm gun could prate the second-generation prototype''s mantlet at a distance of 800 meters, but the damage to personnel was not significant, with only a few fragments entering the interior of thebat room.

    After the test results were out, Ke Jing''s head was spinning like a rattle: "No, no, no, we really can''t add anything more to the mantlet. If you want better protection, you have to move thebat room backward. That would also mean raising the position where the gun is mounted, making the overall vehicle taller."

    Wang Zhong visualized based on Ke Jing''s exnation, and what appeared in his mind were the Ferdinand Tank Destroyer (also known as the Elefant) and the Tiger Tank Destroyer.

    Both vehicles have one thing inmon: they are tall, easily spotted from a distance.

    But what Wang Zhong wanted were vehicles like the Panzer III assault gun and the No. 4 Tank Destroyer that were rtively low and suitable for ambushes.

    Moreover, at a distance of 800 meters, the 88mm gun only managed to prate the mantlet and create some fragments inside the vehicle;pared to other tanks that were killed by a single shot from a Tiger tank, this was quite impressive!

    Once Wang Zhong''s Chemistry and Textile Research Institute came out with the "anti-spalling lining" that Wang Zhong had requested, the crew''s survival rate would be even higher.

    Overall, Wang Zhong was quite satisfied with the new creation.

    And Major General Zinov, who had been paying close attention to the test of this new weapon, thought that "this thing should be mass-produced immediately."

    Unfortunately, that was impossible, as subsequent production tests showed that this device''s production time was 1.3 times that of the T34W.

    The T34W was already unable to fully rece the T34 because it was too time-consuming to produce.

    To truly increase the production of T34Ws, the Federation would need to transfer better production techniques and equipment.

    Wang Zhong was well aware that wars aren''t won by "special machines" or "ultimate weapons," and productivity is a very important aspect ofrge-scale warfare.

    So, he was also just trying to see if elite troops using difficult-to-produce special machines could achieve better results.

    Eventually, this tank destroyer was standardized as the SU100, where SU is the Ante abbreviation for "self-propelled gun," and 100 represents the caliber of the gun.

    And Wang Zhong personally designated its nickname: Vortex.

 Chapter 363: The Allied Forces Give Generously

    The battlefield in January of 915 was rtively calm ¡ª meaning that casualties had dropped to around 10,000 per day.

    At noon on January 15th, Wang Zhong had just finished approving documents at the Equipment Review Committee on No. 10 He Ping Road, showed his face at the City Defense Command in the city, and was about to go to the school to continue working on his textbook when the phone rang directly.

    "General Rokossovsky," the voice on the other end of the phone was Federation Officer John Wick, his Antenguage had a bit of an ent, which was particrly recognizable, "in another hour, a military train loaded with heavy equipment aid is set to arrive at the station, won''t youe and take a look?"

    Wang Zhong knew his troops would certainly get replenishments first, but he was unclear on the specifics ¡ª in fact, no one knew what would be replenished, since it was unknown which transport ship would reach shore.

    It was the height of Prussian submarine strangling warfare, and Prussian propaganda was boasting on the radio every day about how many tens of thousands of tons they had sunk.

    The Allied Forces'' own statistics were not optimistic, the Prussians just exaggerated by threefold. Even without exaggeration, the Allied Forces'' losses were staggering.

    Previous convoys had failed to break through the blockade, so only items like trucks and radios were delivered, and not a single tank.

    This time it seemed that tanks had finally made it ashore, which was why Lieutenant Colonel John Wick was so anxious to call.

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, I will go to the station and enjoy the scene."Actually, by just asking General Chekhov on the phone, Wang Zhong could have known what kind of aid tanks were on the train before its arrival, but it was like opening a mystery box, the excitementy in the moment of unveiling.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong asked the staff who came to meet him at themand, "How is the situation in the city?"

    The staff immediately answered, "The Air Force has shot down a Prussian reconnaissance ne. Its wreckage fell into a park three kilometers from the Summer Pce, and there was no body of the pilot on it. We are organizing forces to hunt for the parachuted aviator.

    "Other than that, there are no major events."

    Wang Zhong: "What about the situation with the surrender propagandists?"

    "Counterfeit currency with surrender slogans has been discovered, and we have already recalled those banknotes."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow; encountering propaganda written on currency was something he had actually seen before transmigration. He had personally taken such a banknote to the bank, where they immediately exchanged it for a new one with the same face value.

    The unexpected behavior reminded Wang Zhong of his homnd.

    "General?" the staff asked.

    Wang Zhong: "Assist the Tribunal in tracing the origin of the banknotes, and if there''s nothing else, I''ll head to the train station."

    The staff nodded, "Nothing else for now. After all, the enemy has been driven away from the edges of the city by you, so we''ve had some respite. But everyone is worried whether there will be another attempt in the future..."

    Wang Zhong: "There won''t be, I believe next year ¡ª I mean this year, Prussians will not try to attack Ye Fort again. The most dangerous time for our capital has passed, but we can still lose this war.

    "That''s the reason I''m constantly on the go these days."

    With that, he flexed his shoulders. In fact, he was busier at the rear than fighting at the front: there were always textbooks to write, documents to approve, and sses to conduct.

    He quite enjoyed it, wishing he could write out as much as possible of both the experiences summed up by the post-war Soviet Union and those of our military, to feed them to the Ante army like practical life hacks.

    Wang Zhong: "Then I will leave now, see you at the station."

    Telling the staff where he was heading was in case of an emergency, so they could find him.

    In the event the surrender factionunched a political coup, it would be up to Wang Zhong, the City Defense Commander, to suppress the rebellion, which was why his core troops were stationed at Kubinka, based on such considerations.

    After making arrangements, Wang Zhong went straight to the train station.

    As he reached the tform, a train was just arriving, and Wang Zhong asked the traffic controller directly, "Is this the train from the Ice-free Port?"

    "Yes," the dispatcher replied, while Wang Zhong had already spotted the Sherman tanks secured on the train.

    They had arrived!

    However, the enemy''s Panzer IVs with their long barrels had appeared on the battlefield earlier than expected, so Shermans in this timeline probably couldn''t be as effective as they were on Earth.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and then rejected the idea; there had been only a few sightings of the Panzer IV on the front lines to date, and both the Tribunal''s intelligence department and Ante''s Army intelligence suspected that they might be test production models brought to the front for trials.

    That is to say, most of the time, the Sherman would still be facing the short-barreled Panzer III and Panzer IV.

    Shermanspletely overpowered these two types of tanks.

    It''s just that on Earth, the Sherman entered the war on arge scale toote, meeting only Tigers and Panthers in Italy, hence the unttering nickname "zippos."

    Actually, the Sherman was quite an excellent tank, especially at the time of its service entry.

    This is like ying a real-time strategy game, where timing is everything; you have to know how many troops to have at your enemy''s door in a few minutes with a double barracks rush, just as the stimpack upgrade ispleted, all set, and just a little dy could mean missing the peak strength.

    Wang Zhong was now ready to take advantage of the Sherman''s period of dominance.

    As for the Tigers and Leopards that might arrive ahead of schedule, he would leave them to the whirlwinds to deal with.

    While Wang Zhong was admiring his dream tank, the Sherman, suddenly another thing so ugly it was shocking entered his field of vision.

    On a tbed car, there were two Crusader self-propelled anti-aircraft guns from the United Kingdom.

    The gun turret of this contraption looked as if a Mayan pyramid had been mounted on a vehicle¡ªit was that ugly. However, the 40mm Bofors autocannon it sported was an excellent piece of hardware.

    This thing was the world''s bestrge-caliber autocannon, and its performance was still notpletely obsolete even when the Americans fought in the Gulf.

    When used in direct fire, it could spoil infantry and lightly armored vehicles, even tanks.

    It might not be able to prate tank armor, but it could wash out everything on the tank''s surface, like shooting the base of a radio antenna and damaging the radio, for instance.

    When Wang Zhong had participated in aid negotiations with the Federation, he had paid special attention to securing the production license for the Bofors and had managed to get the Federation''s help to establish a production line within Ante''s territory.

    However, this production line would not be fully operational and start production at half speed until the spring of 916. Full-speed production might not start until July or August of 916.

    By that time, Wang Zhong nned to build an anti-aircraft vehicle armed with twin Bofors autocannons, with armor capable of resisting light enemy fire. He had already thought of a name for it¡ª"Apocalypse."

    When that time came, this anti-aircraft vehicle would undoubtedly be the infantry''s wild godfather.

    For now, having the Crusader with a single Bofors was still something he could make do with¡ªit was better than nothing. This solved the problem of anti-aircraft vehicles. Previously, the best self-propelled anti-aircraft gun Wang Zhong could get his hands on was a GAZ truck with a 25mm autocannon mounted on the back.

    Wang Zhong decisively turned around and said to Vasily, "See that ugly fellow? That self-propelled anti-aircraft gun, keep a lookout on it! Our anti-aircraft battalion was just worrying aboutcking self-propelled anti-aircraft guns to apany tanks!"

    Vasily: "Alright! But are you sure you want to use something so ugly? Won''t it affect the morale?"

    Wang Zhong: "What nonsense, drop your artistic qualms. Looks don''t matter, functionality does!"

    Vasily: "You sure it''s functional?"

    Wang Zhong: "I don''t know, so we have to bring it back and try it out!"

    The next day, eight Crusader self-propelled anti-aircraft guns were delivered to Kubinka.

    And with them came 30 Shermans.

    At this point, Major General Tadeusz of the Mnia People''s Army First Division found Wang Zhong: "General Davarish, we havepatriots from the United Kingdom who have used Shermans in the Mnia First Armored Brigade. They could serve as instructors to help us master this tank quickly."

    Wang Zhong: "Then, have you used the Crusader Anti-aircraft Guns?"

    Tadeusz, clearly not very interested in the ugly appearance of the anti-aircraft gun, replied, "Perhaps some have used them. Is it important?"

    Wang Zhong: "Of course it''s important. The existence of anti-aircraft guns can interfere with enemy Air Force targeting, forcing them to bomb from very high altitudes. From mybat experience, this is quite significant."

    Yes, after being tested in actualbat, Wang Zhong''s understanding of battlefield air defense had undergone a revolutionary change. Previously, he thought that air defense only made sense if it shot down enemy aircraft.

    After seeing the data on the number of enemy aircraft shot down by anti-air defense forces in World War II, he naturally joined the ranks of those ignorant folks who criticized air defense for being proportionately ineffective.

    Now Wang Zhong knew that air defense should not be judged by how many aircraft were shot down. As long as it interfered with the enemy''s attack, causing the attack to be inurate, or even intimidating the enemy pilots from attacking recklessly, then the air defense operations were sessful.

    In other words, the rooftop antiaircraft machine guns that Wang Zhong had always thought were mainly for firing at infantry actually could provide air defense. With such a machine gun, the enemy might drop bombs from 500 meters instead of 800 meters.

    These extra 300 meters were the "significance" of that machine gun.

    Wang Zhong exined all of this, and the Mnian major general showed an expression of admiration: "I''ve never thought of it this way before. I thought rooftop machine guns were mainly for shooting at infantry."

    Wang Zhong felt a little blush because before his transmigration, he thought the same.

    But he couldn''t say that; he had to keep a straight face and maintain his image.

    Major General Tadeusz continued, "When I served in the Mnian army, the higher-ups did not pay attention to thetest military advancements, and they also had a very shallow understanding of the Air Force. They still believed the Air Force was just about low-altitude flyovers and dropping hand grenades.

    "So, our troops'' air defense was basically to cluster several machine guns together, thinking that was enough."

    Wang Zhong turned to look at the GAZ truck with the mounted quad machine guns not far away.

    Major General Tadeusz looked as well: "Yes, that kind. But ording to you, this actually also has a certain effect, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, but the protective range of a machine gun is too small, and a truck is not suitable to apany armored units."

    As he said this, he turned to look at the recently acquired eight Crusaders: "Besides, we are about to carry out tests to show you the efficiency of the 40mm Bofors autocannon against infantry."

 Chapter 364: This is the Power of a Medium Anti-Aircraft Gun

    January 16, 915, Kubinka, the location of the forming mobile army.

    This was also the station for the "Royal Imperial Guard" in the mouths of many from Ye Fort.

    Kubinka was originally the royal family''s usual training ground, equivalent to our Zhurihe, and Wang Zhong made full use of this condition, training troops here every day while organizing them.

    When the new tanks arrived, the troops were practicingbined arms with infantry, so all the soldiers saw the Shermans and Crusaders roll in.

    Yegorov was organizing the training, and upon seeing the scene, he immediately ordered, "Rest for 30 minutes, I''ll go take a look at what''s going on."

    "Can we go too?" An old soldier who was familiar with Yegorov asked.

    Yegorov: "Stay put! The general won''t mind your fuss, but I will."

    "You''re a general now too," said Aleksandrovich, who had reced Pavlov as the chief of staff of the Guards First Mechanized Infantry.

    Yegorov looked down at his cor insignia: "Indeed. I never dreamed I''d be a general in this lifetime. You and the Military Bishop keep an eye on them, I''m going to see what''s happening."Ivan Petrovich, who had reced Popov as the Guards First Mechanized Infantry Military Bishop, said, "Go ahead, if it''s good equipment, try to get it for our division."

    Yegorov grinned, "Of course. Back when the General¡ªI mean, when Rokossovsky was divisionmander, he led us to request equipment everywhere, now it''s his turn to be pestered by me!"

    Many veteransughed.

    Yegorov swaggered toward the new equipment.

    The chief of staff Aleksandrovich asked Ivan Petrovich, "Vanya (Ivan''s nickname), looking at his swagger, can you imagine he was the same old guy who got drunkst night because he missed his deceased wife?"

    Before the Military Bishop could answer, a nearby soldier joked, "Spill the beans about drinking in misery."

    But the one who asked was a new soldier, who got flicked on the forehead by an old one: "Don''t jest about such matters! The divisionmander''s wife and child both died in enemy fire!"

    Military Bishop Ivan nced at the new soldier being schooled and said, "The divisionmander himself might not mind you teasing about that, but isn''t it right to be polite? Night school taught you not just culture but also etiquette!"

    Night school was an initiative started by General Rokossovsky, and because the Ante Army had no practice of utilizing time at night before, the soldiers objected a lot at first.

    Later, General Rokossovsky took two measures to increase everyone''s enthusiasm. The first was the establishment of a system where passing the night school''s final assessment could get one into the prestigious armor units, charging into battle alongside the General.

    The second was that at the end of each week''s night school, soldiers who received excellent evaluations could get a bottle of vodka and were permitted to drink on weekends, without participating in the weekend''s extra training.

    The effectiveness of the first measure was currently unknown since no soldiers had yet passed the night school final assessment.

    The second measure was extraordinarily effective; every weekend, soldiers who performed well in night school gathered to drink, making everyone else envious¡ªthey still had to do extra training.

    Petrovich took this opportunity to give the soldiers a lecture, then with his hands sped behind his back, looked in the direction of the new equipment and said, "I hope the divisionmander gets some good stuff."

    Chief of staff Aleksandrovich said, "I''m hoping for the kind of tank with a thick gun barrel; the other tank''s barrel, looking about the same as our 45mm, seems feeble."

    An old soldier immediately chimed in, "Doesn''t seem sturdy enough either; at the very least, the front of the thicker-barreled tank is sloped."

    Many infantry soldiers hadn''t even finished the 10th grade, so they only knew that T34''s protection was good because its armor was sloped, but they didn''t understand much beyond that.

    Wang Zhong was busy arranging the range personnel to ce dummies when he heard someone call his name, "General!"

    Those who would call out to a general so directly were definitely old hands who were familiar with him. He turned his head and saw Yegorov.@@novelbin@@

    "Yegorov, you rascal!" Wang Zhongughed, "You''vee to request equipment, right?"

    Yegorov pointed at the Sherman: "I want this one!"

    Wang Zhong: "This has already been decided to go to the Davarish of the Mnian People''s Army. They have people who havee from the Free Mnian forces on the United Kingdom side and are familiar with this."

    Yegorov pursed his lips: "You got promoted, and now you don''t care about your old troops!"

    Wang Zhong: "What are you saying! The first to be fully equipped with T34Ws in this training ground was the First Mechanized Infantry."

    Yegorov: "I have only one battalion, not enough, give me another battalion!"

    Wang Zhong: "You are a mechanized infantry division, not a tank division. Though I think your division would be stronger inbat than a Tukhachev-style tank division."

    Whether intentionally guided by someone or not, now in the troops, those types of tank divisions built in Tukhachev''s era thatcked everything except tanks are called Tukhachev-style tank divisions, whereas those big formations Wang Zhong engineeredbining a tank battalion with arge number of various other arms¡ªare called "new-style divisions" or "Rokossovsky-style tank divisions."

    Knowing that no new tanks wereing his way, Yegorov stopped looking at the Sherman and turned his attention to the Crusader Anti-aircraft Gun: "And what is this ugly thing?"

    Wang Zhong: "Crusader self-propelled anti-aircraft gun."

    While speaking, he had a sudden thought that if a 25mm anti-aircraft machine gun was considered light air defense, and an 85mm anti-aircraft gun heavy air defense, then could the Crusader''s 40mm Bofors be ssified as medium air defense?

    As a seasoned Hearts of Iron IV yer, his favorite thing was to boost an entire division''s armor rating by stuffing a self-propelled medium air defense unit into an infantry division; because in the game, enemy armor-piercing capability was calcted only by looking at the armor of the thickest unit in the division, and if the enemy''s armor-piercing capability was insufficient to prate the armor, the whole division would be tougher.

    This action, colloquially known as "gold-ting," was why Hearts of Iron yers had a unique fondness for medium air defense that could provide "gold ting," offer air defense against soft targets, and alsoe cheap.

    Wang Zhong''s First Guards Mechanized Infantry already had a battalion of tanks, andter may add another battalion equipped with whirlwind tank destroyers, so its armor power was not weak. In game terms, this kind of "Gundam division" didn''t really need to use anti-aircraft guns to "gold-te."

    But in reality, for an elite division''s armored units, a reliable self-propelled anti-aircraft gun was needed to provide apanying air defense.

    Wang Zhong: "This anti-aircraft gun will reinforce the First Guards Mechanized Infantry, providing apanying air defense for the armor units."

    Yegorov immediately frowned, "This doesn''t look very powerful!"

    Wang Zhong: "Not powerful?"

    He turned to ask the staff at the firing range, "Is the target set up?"

    "The targets are ready, General, including the aerial targets hung from balloons and the dummies on the ground," replied the staff member.

    Wang Zhong looked towards the Crusader Anti-aircraft Gun¡ªnow they were operated by military instructors from the United Kingdom who had flown in.

    "Tell the instructors to fire at the aerial targets first, and be careful not to hit the balloons," he said.

    After he finished speaking, Vasily immediately tranted.

    The instructors gave a thumbs-up, then the Crusaders turned their barrels towards the aerial targets and fired.

    Wang Zhong heard Yegorov exim beside him, "That noise!"

    After all, the Bofors only had a 5-millimeter smaller caliber than the Ante Army''s main 45-millimeter anti-tank guns, and even had arger caliber than the 37-millimeter guns mounted on the early Prosenian Panzer III tanks; the noise of these things firing was frighteningly loud.

    The targets were hit by a series of airbursts and fell to the ground with a tter.

    Wang Zhong: "Have them fire at the houses."

    There were brick houses on the firing range used for practicing close-quarters indoorbat as well as testing the lethality of various shells on targets inside the houses. Now, these houses were also fitted with dummies.

    After Vasily ryed the order, the Crusaders leveled their machine guns and aimed at the houses, beginning to fire.

    When the Bofors fired, each shot kicked up a cloud of dust from the ground; the thing was a dust-raiser, surrounding the Crusader with a cloud of smoke and dust.

    On the target side, high-explosive shells continuously hit the brick walls, tearing chunks out of the sturdy bricks that flew everywhere.

    The dummies ced outside the houses were directly shattered, and those inside were not spared either, those standing by the windows were smashed, and those hiding inside were probably riddled with holes.

    The brick house had one sidepletely blown open by the Bofors.

    Wang Zhong: "Cease fire!"

    Vasily: "Sisfael!"

    The firing stopped.

    The range staff rushed towards the house to check the situation, and soon the radio in the range officer''s hand crackled with the report: "All ten dummies are damaged to varying degrees, all judged to be casualties."

    Wang Zhong had just turned towards Yegorov when thetter said, "I''ll take this! Just not sure how good it is against armor."

    Wang Zhong said to Vasily, "Have them switch to Armor-Piercing Shells, and bring in one each of the captured Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks as well as a half-track, with dummies inside."

    It took slightly longer to prepare this time, so Wang Zhong chatted with Yegorov, "How does it feel to be a divisionmander?"

    "Great, I can''t wait to go beat up those Prosen bastards," Yegorov said.

    Wang Zhong: "I hear you drink alone quite often?"

    Yegorov: "That''s just boredom when we''re not fighting the Prosen devils. Once the fight starts, there''ll be no problem."

    Wang Zhong patted Yegorov on the shoulder, "It''s still early; I reckon the Prosenians won''t start their new offensive until April."

    Yegorov: "To attack the capital again?"

    Quite a few officers around overheard and immediately looked over.

    Wang Zhong: "No, the enemy''s ns for a quick surrender are bankrupt, and Ye Fort is not as important now, at least not as much as our southern oil-producing regions. General Golikov and I both judge that the enemy''s main direction of attack this year will be the south."

    Yegorov: "So there won''t be any attacks on the central and northern fronts?"

    "How could that be possible? The enemy needs to tie up our forces, so they will attack from the north, central, and south, but all other directions will be diversionary."

    By now, the range officer reported: "The targets are ready."

    Wang Zhong: "Aim at the half-track first, fire."

    Without waiting for Vasily to trante, the Crusaders immediately fired, and after only a few shots, the half-track burst into mes¡ªthe vehicle had just been brought to the range and naturally contained fuel and oil that would burn.

    Yegorov: "Oh, not bad."

    Wang Zhong: "Aim at the Panzer III."

    The Crusaders quickly fired, and the armor-piercing shells first scattered bits of the Panzer III, like its headlights, and then broke its tracks.

    Yegorov: "Not bad, it can break tracks!"

    On the battlefield, a vehicle that has lost its tracks has to be abandoned temporarily, to beter towed away by a recovery vehicle.

    Yegorov was clearly pleased with being able to break tracks, but the Crusader continued firing, and after hitting something, the Panzer III suddenly caught fire.

    Yegorov: "Oh, oh, oh, good, good, good, get me a battalion of these!"

 Chapter 365: The Situation in January of 915

    Wang Zhong: "How is it, not bad, right?"

    "Pretty good," Yegorov nodded, "Actually, just breaking the tracks would satisfy me. This thing can do more than just break tracks!"

    Wang Zhong: "It can also mess up the enemy''s sighting system. If you hit the side, it can even prate a Panzer III."

    After all, this thing had a caliber of 40 millimeters.

    Furthermore, one of the benefits of a machine gun: no need for precise aiming, as fate would let it hit weak spots and prate. As for the Panzer III that was the target, it probably caught fire that way.

    Wang Zhong: "Aim at the Panzer IV, let''s see how this gun performs against Prosen''s current best armor protection."

    In fact, the Panzer IV they had here no longer represented Prosen''s best armor protection, as better protected Panzer IVs had already appeared on the battlefield, along with various field modifications.

    However, Wang Zhong didn''t expect the Bofors to act as the main anti-tank force; he just wanted to see if it could prate the armor.

    The Crusader Anti-aircraft Gun fired without a second word, creating arge cloud of dust around the Panzer IV.After firing about 20 rounds, Wang Zhong ordered a halt to the shooting.

    The Panzer IV did not catch fire.

    After the target inspection, the report came through the walkie-talkie: "One tank crew member is injured, preliminary judgment is that a shrapnel flew in through the observation port and injured the crew member. Additionally, the turret race ring is jammed; we tested it, and it can''t be turned. The tracks were also broken."

    Wang Zhong pped his hands: "Good! What do you think, Yegorov, do you want it?"

    "I just said I wanted it! How could I not want such a good thing?" Yegorov said.@@novelbin@@

    On the battlefield, to destroy a tank, you don''t actually need to reduce the enemy crew to fewer than two. Breaking tracks, jamming the race ring, basically, these are enough to make the crew abandon the vehicle.

    If the driver is taken out through the observation port, the crew generally abandons the vehicle as well.

    Wang Zhong remembered in Carius''s autobiography "Tiger in the Mud," during his first battle driving a 38T tank, they ended up abandoning the vehicle because a crew member was killed.

    Sturmtiger tank operators are required to bepetent in any position, yet they still abandoned the vehicle, because it was difficult to move the dead crew quickly on the battlefield, and the body would upy a spot.

    In such cases, the only option was to abandon the vehicle, wait until the battle was over and control of the battlefield was regained, then drag the body out, repair the vehicle, and maybebine crew members from different vehicles to form aplete crew¡ªthus a tank was restored tobat readiness.

    Under such circumstances, a machine gun that could reliably damage the enemy tank''s tracks and jam the turret race ring, or even injure an enemy crew member, yed a muchrger role on the battlefield than in games.

    And this thing could also be used for anti-air defense.

    No, its original job was anti-air defense, but not being used for that purpose seems to be the destiny of every excellent anti-aircraft gun.

    After testing the Bofors on the Crusader Anti-aircraft Gun, Wang Zhong became even more excited about the twin-barreled anti-aircraft gun he nned to produce once the Bofors production line was up and running.

    In the following half a month, Wang Zhong was busy non-stop.

    During this time, Wang Zhong was reminded of his initial office worker life before his transmigration, with work, overtime, and more work. Had it not been for his beautiful fianc¨¦e and pretty maid awaiting him at home, Wang Zhong would have thought he had returned to Earth.

    On January 29th, as soon as Wang Zhong''s convoy arrived at the entrance of his estate, he saw another military vehicle approach from another road at the gate, with General Golikov waving at him energetically from it.

    A momentter, Wang Zhong embraced General Golikov at the entrance of his estate.

    Wang Zhong hesitated for a moment but decided not to follow Su Xunzong''s example. Instead, he stepped back and asked, "Why have youe back?"

    General Golikov: "The situation at the front has stabilized. I spent half a month carefully investigating the terrain at the front, preparing tounch an offensive during the enemy''s southern offensive in March or April, to tie up some of the enemy''s forces."

    Wang Zhong: "But fighting in fortified areas is difficult, isn''t it?"

    "Yes, but after reconnaissance, I found a new crossing on the Duva River. Tanks can ford the river there, and there''s no enemy defense on the opposite bank. I n to use this crossing."

    Wang Zhong: "Have you tried it? Isn''t the Duva River frozen now?"

    General Golikov: "Local people said they could walk across the river, so I think tanks should have no problem."

    Wang Zhong: "It''s still better to investigate more thoroughly."

    He vaguely remembered that on Earth, during the first Soviet attack on Zhelefov, it was due to crossing the river that the follow-up troops couldn''t keep up, and the forces that had crossed were counterattacked by the Prussian Armored Division, leading to their failure.

    General Golikov: "I have a feeling the attack won''t seed, but other than attacking, there''s no other way to tie down Prosen''s forces. If we let Prosen concentrate its superior forces on the southern front, the situation will only get worse¡ªwe cannot lose the Kuban oil fields."

    "The Federation''s support will always be constrained by transportation capacity. If they don''t have to allocate resources for transporting oil, they will be able to supply us with more of other things."

    Now, every day, new Federation supplies are delivered to Ante, continuously aiding Ante like a transfusion.

    However, since the war has just begun and the Federation hasn''tpleted the conversion of industry and mobilization, they haven''t yet begun to mass-produce Liberty ships at the rate of one a day, and the constraints on transportation capacity are still quite serious.

    At this point, Ludm,ing to greet them, asked, "Is it okay to discuss military matters like this? Couldn''t spies overhear?"

    General Golikov: "No problem, it''s likest year when everyone knew that the enemy would inevitably attack Ye Fort. That the enemy will primarily target the southern front is almost public knowledge. The question is where exactly they n tounch the offensive."

    Wang Zhong added: "Most of the strategic issues are out in the open,id bare for all to see; it''s on the tactical level that various deceptive maneuvers are possible. But no matter where the enemy ns to attack, they have to first break through our Coastal Fortress¡ªthe Bolsk defense line, where Duke Meishikin is stationed."

    Ludm: "Oh, that sick Duke, I met him in Shepetovka. I wonder if he''s doing any better."

    Wang Zhong: "I don''t know."

    Based on Wang Zhong''s impression when he met with Duke Meishikin, he spected that the Duke might have tuberculosis, which was a terminal illness at the time, and they could only extend his life.

    The good news was that the Duke''s symptoms were still rtively mild, possibly in the early stages, and going to a ce with fresh air for recuperation might dy the time until medical science overcame this difficulty.

    Now it was not clear.

    Ludm then asked, "Are you going to continue chatting in the study, or eat first?"

    Wang Zhong: "I choose to eat in the study, let Nelly push it over with the cart."

    "Okay. Nelly, I''ll help you prepare."

    Nelly, in addition to the expression she usually watched Wang Zhong with, said to Ludm, "Miss, go into the kitchen, but besides the sd, don''t do anything else."

    Could it be that Ludm had the attribute of turning food into poison? Was this really so anime-like?

    While secretly scoffing inwardly, Wang Zhong patted General Golikov on the shoulder, "Let''s go, leave the girls to their business. I have some waffles in my room, we can fill up on them before the meales."

    General Golikov: "The waffles aren''t important, do you have c? They say c is considered a luxury, and the supply we get is very limited."

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, of course I do. I''ve got plenty of c here."

    "Then let''s go."

    A momentter, in Wang Zhong''s study, General Golikov gulped down a third of a bottle of c in one go, and then let out a satisfied belch.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Apart from c, how''s the supply of other provisions at the front?"

    General Golikov: "Currently, it''s not bad. Our original n was to ration food for the workers, but Spam canned meat has changed that. The front lines are well-fed and warm now, and there''s a high demand from the soldiers to go on the offensive.

    "But we''ve just replenished with new recruits, all of whom have only undergone a few months of training. Tounch an offensive with these green soldiers... "

    The General shook his head and continued drinking his c.

    Wang Zhong: "If we could get the enemy to attack, our troops could train the new recruits in defense, relying on strong positions, and the situation might be a bit better."

    But the enemy was focused on the southern line, where there was initially only one strong line of defense, and the rest were wide open ins. Units filled with many new recruits positioned in such ces, fighting mostly against seasoned Prosen soldiers, would definitely suffer tremendous casualties.

    "The new recruits we''ve currently supplemented our forces with are mostly mobilized reservists, with only a very few who are pure new recruits just out from the training camps."

    Prosen Empire, Eagle''s Nest.

    Chief of General Staff William Kyle reported, "Considering the current situation on the frontlines, we have already withdrawn our mainbat units.

    "Some of the units from the Central Army Group and the Southern Army Group that suffered particrly heavy losses have been sent to Argesukov for reorganization. The refurbishment is expected to be finished by March."

    Imperial Emperor Reinhard: "What about the replenishment of equipment?"

    William von Maqi, who had been reassigned from the front to focus on supervising the Armored Troops, reported, "Production of the Panzer IV tanks with KWK40 guns has already begun. After all, it''s just a modified version, so there''s no need forrge-scale alterations to the production line, and the workers are quite experienced.

    "The problem now is that we originally produced the Panzer IV as infantry tanks, maintaining a production ratio of three to one with the Panzer III, which is mainly responsible for armored warfare.

    "The production lines are the same, with three factories producing the Panzer III while only one produces the Panzer IV. To convert the Panzer III production lines to Panzer IV would require eight months of retrofitting. Right now, the production capacity of the Panzer IV is insufficient, and in fact, the Panzer III production is not sufficient either.

    "Given that the war on the eastern front might turn into a brutal war of attrition, I suggest we mobilize in full to fundamentally resolve the issue of insufficient production capacity."

    Reinhard waved his hand dismissively, "No,st year we eliminated millions of Ante troops, capturing one and a half million prisoners. Such an inferior race doesn''t warrant our mobilization. With our currentbat effectiveness, there is still hope of ending the war this year!

    "The effort to take the capital and strike the enemy''s will to fight has already failed. However, the possibility of forcing the enemy to surrender by striking at their resource production areas still exists!

    "Right here!"

    Reinhard firmly jabbed his finger on the map at the Kuba region.

    "Take out their oil fields there, and on the way of the offensive we will also seize the enemy''s main coal-producing areas. Then the Ante People won''t even have fuel to keep warm, and they will have to choose between freezing to death and surrender!"

    At that moment, the Supreme Commander of the Army Walter von Blenheim said, "But the enemy is also aware of this. Hasn''t Rabowell already obtained intelligence from the Krat Bureau?"

    Reinhard: "Everyone knows this. Your task is to find a shortcut to achieve our objective, just like during the Ardennes."

    He looked around the entire room, finally turning to the Air Force Commander Duke Mayer, "When does Ante''s muddy season end?"

    In theory, the weather fell under the jurisdiction of the Air Force, though the Army also had its own meteorological department.

    Duke Mayer answered, "April."

    Reinhard: "Then we willunch the spring offensive in April. The first phase target is to break through the enemy''s line of defense from the Coastal Fortress to Bolsk. In the second phase, we aim to gallop across the whole southern ins, striving to annihte another million or so Ante troops,pletely eliminating their ability to protect Kuba!"

 Chapter 366: Prosenâ€™s Royal Meeting

    Emperor Reinhard had just finished speaking when Chief of Staff William Kelt chimed in, "The staff has already formted several ns corresponding to the main attack directions of north, central, and south, our assessment shows that the n to take Saint Andrew Fort in the north is the most reliable."

    "The supply route for this n is the shortest, although the marshes and forests of Livonia and the guerri teams scattered among them have seriously disrupted our military''s logistics, the other directions also have problems with guerri teams."

    Reinhard suddenly became furious and banged the table hard, "I was prepared to wipe out the Ante people from the beginning, but you all stopped me, and now you''re telling me that we have a serious guerri problem?"

    William Kelt nced at Walter Von Bulein, the Armymander, and said, "We need to hire civilians to ensure logistics. Our logistics department has employed nine million workers, including railway workers, truck drivers, and maintenance workers, among others.

    "We originally thought that these people would be enough to supply logistics for several million troops, but the reality has deviated significantly from our predictions. Ante''s infrastructure is too poor; with only these nine million workers, we can''t ensure the supply for 153 divisions on the eastern front. We must hire Ante people."

    Reinhard: "And because we hired Ante people, the supply line is a mess!"

    William Kelt: "Better a mess than no supply line at all. In fact, this is true for all the non-Traditional Prosen territories we upy, such as Carolingian, Mnia, and the Nethends Republic ¡ª resistance organizations are everywhere."

    At that moment, Chief of Ceremonies Heintz from the Imperial Household Ministry, who had been silent, gently pushed up his sses and said, "We''re doing our best to eliminate these resistance groups. Just this past month, we caught several hundred spies airdropped from the United Kingdom.

    "There are certainly many more that have infiltrated. Every night, the United Kingdom broadcasts various poems in differentnguages, all of which are code for the resistance groups in various locations."The enemy can carry out these airdrops because someone boasted that not even a fly could get through!"

    Duke Meyer pulled out a handkerchief and dabbed at his sweat before he retorted, "The enemy uses all-wood airnes which our radars can''t detect; it''s impossible to guard against such nes. These wooden nes invade from high altitudes and our ground observation posts have difficulty directly spotting them.

    "These nes also fly very fast..."

    Heintz smiled faintly, "You always have a reason, Your Grace."

    Duke: "What do you mean ''reason''? These are objective facts. We now control almost the entirety of Europa. It''s very difficult to defend such vast airspace against a type of ne invisible to radar."

    Army Commander Walter said, "We''re used to the Air Force being unreliable."

    Duke Meyer frowned, "I can''t agree with that. Without the cooperation of the Air Force, Blitzkrieg would have been impossible. General Moochi would agree with me!"

    General Moochi was feeling mncholy at that moment, having been relieved of his front-linemand duties. Although he still held the title of director of Armored Troops, unless he achieved field victories, getting a marshal''s baton was virtually impossible.

    As General Moochi considered that his promotion hade to a halt, he couldn''t help feeling somber.

    Just under two months ago, he had observed Ye Fort through binocrs and ordered shelling of Ye Fort.

    The thought made him even more mncholic, even inclined to have a drink.

    Unfortunately, Emperor Reinhard didn''t like to see people drinking before a military meeting.

    Suddenly put on the spot by Duke Meyer, General Moochi could only look around bewildered, "Sorry, I just zoned out. What were you asking me?"

    Duke Meyer repeated his question, "I was asking if you agree that Blitzkrieg would be unachievable without the support of the Air Force?"

    The cooperation between the two rising military forces, the Air Force and Armored Troops, was what created the glory of the Blitzkrieg, at least that''s how the Prosen Empire''s propaganda spun it.

    General Moochi had no intention of spoiling the effect of the propaganda, which was beneficial for maintaining his position, as he was the one in the dark ck uniform of Armored Troops, also the director.

    So General Moochi answered, "Yes, close air support from the Air Force has been a great help to us."

    Duke Meyer immediately showed a pleased expression.

    But then General Moochi continued, "However, during the recent Ye Fort campaign, the Air Force hardly yed a role. This was due to our failure to switch the aircraft to antifreeze lubricant in time, but it has to be acknowledged that sometimes the Air Force really isn''t that useful."

    Duke Meyer hastily assured, "We''ll apply the proper lubricant next year, so even in winter the nes will be operable."

    "I hope that''s the case," General Moochi said.

    Determined to steer the conversation back to its original course, Duke Meyer dered, "I guarantee that the Air Force will be fullymitted to the attacke the spring offensive."

    "That''s what you said before the war started," Commanding General Walter stated.

    Duke Meyer argued, "We did fullymit to the attack when the war started, but Ante is so vast that it directly resulted in a perception from the infantry on the ground that our close air support was once again diminished."

    He paused and emphasized again, "We truly gave it our all!"

    Marshal Von Buleinmented, "If giving it your all yields only such results, then the Air Force is nothing special after all."

    Duke Meyer: "You!"

    "Enough!" Emperor Reinhard rebuked sharply.

    The Air Force, being an emerging high-tech branch, had always been favored by Reinhard, and in such times, he naturally stood on the side of the Air Force.

    Marshal von Bulein bowed his head, showing hispliance, which rxed the tense expression on Reinhard''s face somewhat.

    The army''s leadership primarily consisted of Junker officers, and Emperor Reinhard had already used the division of Armored Troops to weaken as much as possible the influence of the officer corps within the army, and recently, he had formed the Asgard Knights, which did not fall under themand of the Army''s Chief of Staff.

    However, the army was sorge and the officers so numerous, with the intertwined rtions of the Junker nobility deep andplex, that even a lean camel is bigger than a horse. Moreover, Reinhard keenly felt that the mouths of the old guard in the army, previously shut by a series of brilliant victories, were beginning to loosen again.

    There were two leaders among the old guard, one was the retired Marshal Hindenburg at home, and the second was von Bulein, only five years younger than Hindenburg.

    Of course, several years of splendid victories had already established an exceptionally solid rule for Reinhard, so even facing a minor setback, von Bulein still expressed his obedience to Reinhard.

    Besides, after several years of war, the old guard also knew that technological innovation had changed the nature of warfare, and therge influx of officers skilled in new technologies into the military was an inevitable trend, with the dilution of Junker officers'' power bing a foregone conclusion.

    Many of the old guard had already given up resistance and resigned themselves to the military innovation.

    Just as the nobility of Ante lost power, so too would the Junker military nobility gradually lose theirs.

    Many Junker nobles had already sold their ancestral estates, having inherited them for so many years, and moved into modern concrete cities; their children were ustomed to electricity, radio, and running water, and were no longer willing to return to the archaic estates.

    Reinhard stared at the Chief of the General Staff for several seconds, then nodded, "The Air Force will do its utmost to assist you. To reach the banks of the Valdai Hills River in about four months'' time, you don''t need to cross the river, just set up a defensive line along it, forcing the enemy to reinforce Kuban via Ind Sea shipping."

    Von Bulein nodded, "We can just modify our southern line n for that. Our n was only to break through the coastal-Bolsk line and upy this fortified area to choke the enemy''s throat and prevent a counterattack from the south."

    Reinhard, "Your n is too conservative, even Giles wouldn''t like it."

    Giles was still in charge of the defense of the southern part of the Central Army Group''s frontline, that is, the Duva River line, so he did not attend this imperial conference.

    Von Bulein, "We will have a new n before the end of this month, although we don''t yet have a clear offensive n, we can start stockpiling ammunition and equipment."@@novelbin@@

    Reinhard turned to his Armored Troops supervisor, "Replenish the troops with new tanks as soon as possible."

    General Moochi, "As I''ve just said, unless we begin mobilization and switch to a wartime production system, our army is not able to quickly replenish the long-barreled Panzer IVs. By the time the attack begins in April, I estimate that ten armored battalions in the eastern front will have received long-barreled Panzer IVs."

    Reinhard immediately picked up on a keyword, "Received?"

    General Moochi, "To facilitate the rearming process, it''s certain that the original crews who already operate the Panzer IVs would have to be reequipped first. Each battalion has only about 25 Panzer IVs."

    "That''s only two hundred and fifty tanks!" Reinhard''s voice grew louder, "Only 250 tanks in three months? Has my Prosen industry weakened to this extent?"

    General Moochi, "It''s mainly for two reasons, first, the production capacity of the long 43-caliber 75 mm gun barrels is limited. After all, the imperial army has just cedrge orders for PAK40s, and although the two types of gun barrels are different in detail, they stillpete for production capacity. Switching to wartime production would solve this problem."

    Reinhard waved his hand, "What''s the second reason?"

    "The new tanks are to be first armed with the Asgard Knights Division, and the Air Force field divisions."

    Reinhard was stuck.

    Von Bulein and other old-school officers exchanged nces, then simultaneously settled into a state of watching the show.

    In the end, Reinhard shook his head, "Then for the spring offensive, make even more use of the Asgard Knights! ce them at the most crucial point, where the enemy''s forces are strongest! Last time they met Rocossov and performed poorly, bing the subject of ridicule in the newspapers of the Federation and the United Kingdom! Now is their chance to redeem themselves!"

    Von Bulein and William Kelt exchanged nces again.

    Then Chief of General Staff William Kelt said, "Then we need Your Majesty to assure us these units will be positioned on the frontline ording to our ns."

    "I assure you! Just treat them like ordinary Armored Divisions for deployment, but they''ve got to be at the most difficult breakthrough points!" After saying this, Reinhard turned again towards the supervisor of Armored Troops, General Moochi, "How is the situation with the new tanks?"

    General Moochi, "The Panzer V was only in the research stage before, with no design drawings produced, so I had the design team carefully measure the captured Ante tanks. We are basically nning to improve upon the T34''s basis, correcting its ws. The earliest we could test the prototype would be by the end of this year."

    Reinhard, "Then it seems this tank will not see use in the war against Ante. We are going to take out Ante''s coal and oil fields this year, and they will surrender by next spring."

    General Moochi, "There is one tank that might be put into battle this year though. Previously, we struggled against the Carolingian B1 heavy tanks, so we proposed a tender for an 88 mm carrier vehicle, mainly making improvements based on the previously halted VK3001 project.

    "Currently Hensher and Porsche have produced prototype vehicles, which are undergoing tests at Belka''s tank test field. If all goes well, by the April offensive, production models will be sent to the front."

    General Moochi, "In Belka? Okay, I want to take a look. This meeting is adjourned!"

 Chapter 367: The Star of Victory and the Firefighting Captain

    Wang Zhong over here.

    He was sharing c with General Gorky.

    After finishing a bottle, the general let out a satisfied sound, "Ah, that''s really nice."

    He put down the bottle and said with a teasing tone, "You know, they''ve started calling me the Firefighter Chief. Ironically, since the war began, I''ve only carried out two ''firefighting'' missions."

    Wang Zhong, "That''s easy, I know a reporter from the Federation named Mike, I''ll get him to write an article for you. Soon, Ye Fort Daily will pick it up, and you''ll have a cool title."

    General Gorky, "You might as well write a song about me."

    Wang Zhong could only give a dryugh; how could he write songs? He always copied them. If he really had to write an essay on a given topic, he would be exposed immediately.

    Wait, it might not be impossible to consider, just copying some hymns would solve it.

    As Wang Zhong was contemting which one to copy, General Gorky said, "Why are you seriously considering it? Stop it, I was just joking. You''d better continue praising our soldiers. Today, I took the train back and saw a mother at the station sending off four sons to join the army, four of them!"Wang Zhong, "All four sons are within the current conscription age range? Truly a respectable mother."

    General Gorky, "There might even be one more at home, after all, this conscription is asking each family to keep at least one male. If the war situation deteriorates further, the mother might send herst child to the front line as well; looking into that mother''s eyes, I know she would do it!"

    Strangely enough, Wang Zhong had not actually seen that old mother, but just from General Gorky''s description, he had formed a clear image, as if there really was such a mother, standing in a corner of the room watching him.

    Was it because he had seen too many such mothers?

    The traditional military song "Farewell to the Women of Ante," was it really just about bidding farewell to a beloved girl?

    Wang Zhong mixed vodka and c together, making a drink for each of them, then raised his ss high, "To the mothers of Ante."

    "To the mothers of Ante," General Gorky softly repeated after him, and they clinked sses before downing the drink.

    Then the general smacked his lips, "Unexpectedly not bad. I thought mixing vodka with c was definitely a bad idea."

    Feeling suddenly inspired, Wang Zhong rang the bell on the table.

    Nelly came in with a puzzled face.

    General Gorky, "Why did shee in with that expression?"

    Wang Zhong, "Because most of the time I ring the bell just to see Nelly heal my soul."

    Nelly, "I still have three rooms to clean, I''m very busy."

    Wang Zhong, "Do you miss the days of being a duty soldier on the front lines?"

    "No, although there was less for me to do on the front lines, shells kept falling. Compared to that, I choose to clean a whole floor of rooms," Nelly replied.

    Wang Zhong, "Next time I''ll switch you out for a male orderly, and you can just keep cleaning rooms in the rear."

    Nelly now looked displeased and asked with a stern face, "Do you need me to get you something?"

    Wang Zhong, "Get some ice, beer, and fresh lemons."

    Nelly, "You want ice in this weather?"

    "Yes, I do."

    "Can I use the lemon canned food that just arrived?"

    Wang Zhong, "That''ll do."

    Nelly turned and left.

    General Gorky looked surprised, "There''s canned food for that stuff?"

    Wang Zhong, "There''s even pineapple canned food. Would you like to try it?"

    "What is that?" General Gorky asked with even more confusion.

    Wang Zhong, "Pineapple, a tropical fruit."

    "Aren''t bananas the only thing the tropics produce?" asked the Ante local, who had never been south of the Tropic of Cancer, with a face full of shock.

    Wang Zhong promptly educated the general on tropical fruits, and of course, he ended by saying, "That''s what Crown Prince Ivan told me; where would I get to taste these fruits."

    "I see," the general nodded repeatedly, believing it because, after all, the Royal Family, with their exorbitant luxury, even used golden shoulder poles for menial tasks.

    While they talked, Nelly brought the canned food and beer, "There''s only rye beer, and it''s been produced a while ago."

    Wang Zhong, "No problem, I know a recipe His Royal Highness the Crown Prince told me about. The authentic version requires ginger beer, but I have no idea what ginger beer even is."

    As he spoke, Nelly opened the can of lemons with a can opener.

    General Gorky said, "My father''s a cobbler, and there''s a sailor who always came to him for shoe repair. He said they often eat this kind of lemon canned food, saying it''s an old tradition left over to prevent scurvy."

    Wang Zhong, "Do they still eat canned lemons to prevent scurvy now?"

    In the past, scurvy was an issue because voyages were too long, usually taking a year or two, and they needed to supplement with vitamins.

    Now, with steamships, you can circumnavigate the globe in 80 days. There''s no need to eat lemons on the ship anymore.

    General Gorky, "He said it''s a habit."

    Nelly, "Should I pour out the lemon canned food?"

    Wang Zhong, "No no, just go get the pineapple canned food and give it to me."

    He stood up, went to the liquor cab in the study, and returned to the table with a cocktail shaker and juicer to start his own performance.

    In fact, he had never learned bartending, but he had watched many short videos, just so that one day he could "show off". He had never dreamed he''d be showing off for an old man, though.

    Wang Zhong squeezed the canned lemon into the juicer, and with a firm press, he squeezed the lemon juice into the cocktail shaker.

    ¡ª Wait, are you supposed to put in the ice cubes first? Never mind, forget it.

    Wang Zhong took some ice cubes with tongs and threw them into the cocktail shaker, then poured in beer and vodka.

    Right, finally, you''re supposed to add a pinch of love¡ªbut since the recipient is a guy, Wang Zhong decided to skip thisst step.

    He covered the shaker and, imitating the bartender from the short video, started to shake it.

    After symbolically shaking it for a dozen seconds or so, Wang Zhong opened the lid and poured the drink into a ss.

    It looked¡ªuh, quite ordinary?

    General Golikov: "What is this?"

    Wang Zhong: "It''s called a Jack Welch, a type of liquor from the West Coast of the Federation. Ivan told me about it."

    Previously, in the game, Wang Zhong was so movedmemorating a good brother, but now using a recipe stolen from the game tomemorate a real good brother, Wang Zhong was very calm.

    After taking a sip, General Golikov blinked and said, "It''s... okay? But I''d rather just drink vodka."

    Wang Zhong also put down the shaker and said, "It was just a whim. Let''s toast with vodka instead."

    Just then, Nelly came in with a can of pineapple. Looking through the ss jar, General Golikov stared at the serrated pineapple chunks inside: "What''s with these yellow saw des?"

    Wang Zhong: "They''re very sweet."

    Nelly skillfully opened the can: "I... don''t know how to eat this."

    "How else would you eat it?" Wang Zhong directly reached into the can, grabbed a chunk, and stuffed it into his mouth.

    Ah, it was the delicacy that Ceres'' southern friends would eat in the summer.

    However, in Wang Zhong''s hometown, people would soak it in brine before eating it, as the canned version from the Federation was a bit too sweet.

    General Golikov also tried a piece and immediately praised it: "It''s quite good, this is fruit grown in the tropics. Damn it, the Federation is really enviable¡ªwith vast, fertilends for grain production, oil, coal, steel, and pineapples too!"

    Buddy, isn''t it a bit inappropriate to lump together pineapples with coal and steel?

    General Golikov grabbed another piece of pineapple.

    It seemed he really liked this fruit.

    Wang Zhong: "Nelly, do we have more canned pineapples? Give General Golikov some to take back."

    Nelly nodded and then curiously asked, "Is it delicious? Is it... sweet?"

    Although Nelly just asked that way, and her expression didn''t give anything away, as someone who had lived with Nelly for so long, Wang Zhong immediately understood that Nelly was tempted.

    Wang Zhong had once identally seen Nelly wash out a c bottle with water and drink the slightly sweetened water. Since then, whenever he opened c, he made sure to open two bottles, with the leftover one being given to Nelly "to pour out."

    Wang Zhong: "You can have a piece."

    Nelly: "There are guests here."

    If there had been no guests, she probably would have eaten it already.

    General Golikov: "Am I interrupting your pleasant master-servant interaction?"

    "No," Wang Zhong and Nelly said in unison.

    General Golikov: "I knew it! I am interrupting! Forget it, we can talk more at the court meeting tomorrow."

    Wang Zhong: "You''re leaving already?"

    General Golikov: "I came to have a drink and chat with you because we are friends. In fact, the purpose of my visit was achieved the moment I bumped into you at the doorstep."

    Wang Zhong: "A show for the Swift Victory faction?"

    "For all of Ye Fort. If I didn''t do it, tonight there would be a bunch of people trying all sorts of ways to test my stance."

    General Golikov had sessfully avoided a defeat, and his firefighter moniker had already spread around Ye Fort. Although it wasn''t quite on par with the Star of Victory yet, there certainly were many who sought to court him.

    Soing straight to Rokossovsky Estate upon his return was like dering his stance to those who had expectations.

    Wang Zhong stood up: "Let me walk you out."

    General Golikovughed: "You''ve gotten the hang of it too."

    Wang Zhongughed along.

    At that moment, Ludm entered the room: "My dear, I''m not feeling very well. I''m going to the hospital for a check-up tomorrow."

    Wang Zhong didn''t think much at first: "No problem, I''ll arrange for a car. Get some rest early, and drink more hot water."

    Ludm: "You have toe with me!"

    Wang Zhong: "I''m very busy, uh... hmm?"

    He finally sensed something was amiss.

    Ludm added, "I missed my period this month."

    General Golikov: "Congrattions. One of my motivations for fighting is to protect you youngdies who are about to ignite the holy me."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow: "The Heracles on the bridge? I like that poem too."

    Then he looked at Ludm and gently touched her abdomen: "Does the timing fit? If something''s wrong now, it would be around the time we were together in Shostka that you got pregnant? Why did I go through so much trouble teaching about public grains? I''m sick of deer meat, snake meat, hedgehog meat!"

    General Golikov: "Be mindful, I''m still here. I''ll take my leave now; you two have a nice celebration at home."@@novelbin@@

    With that, he picked up his hat and coat from the coat rack.

    Wang Zhong: "Hold on, I should still walk you out."

    Ludm: "Go ahead, I''ll wait for you toe back."

    The next day, after a doctor''s examination, it was confirmed that Ludm was pregnant¡ªshe had conceived during their time stationed in Shostka, making all of Wang Zhong''s efforts with deer meat and hedgehog meat in vain.

    This event added an extraordinary end to an otherwise mundane January.

    February of the year 915 arrived quietly.

 Chapter 368: The Butterfly that Stirs Its Wings

    February''s situation remained calm.

    Wang Zhong remembered that on Earth, starting from January of the second year, the Soviet Armyunched the first battle of Zhelefov, and then encountered a bloody setback in the fortified zones of the Sturmtigers.

    It was already February here, and the Ante Army had not yetunched anyrge-scale offensives.

    Wang Zhong spected that there were two reasons; the first was that the advocates for a quick victory had mostly fallen out of favor, and the dominant position was now held by the cautious faction represented by Wang Zhong.

    The reason why they were called the cautious faction was that Wang Zhong, before crossing over, had read quite a few of ''Survival in the Wild'' web novels and thought the term "cautious faction" was quite fitting, so he adopted it.

    The second reason was that this time, the Prosen had retreated quite thoroughly.

    After the failure of the Sturmtiger''s Operation on Earth, they didn''t suffer such a thorough defeat; they still held a salient that could threaten the capital of the Russians at any time.

    Therefore, the Russians subsequently desperately tried to "tten" this salient.

    So, despite their own troops andmanders being far inferior to the Sturmtigers, the Russiansunched arge-scale offensive, sacrificing a great deal in vain.On this side, the Prosen Army retreated all the way back to the offensive line they started from in October. There was still a threat to Ye Fort, but it was not as significant as the Zhelefov salient on Earth.

    Although the Zhelefov salient was named after this city, the ce was actually just the northernmost point of the salient, which also had an easternmost point, only a little over a hundred kilometers from the Russians'' capital.

    Zhelefov itself was only about two hundred kilometers from the capital.

    Thus, this enormous salient was like a sharp knife thrust into the battle line, at any moment capable of causing the Russians to bleed profusely.

    However, observing the central frontline of the Ante Empire, there was no such salient.

    Ignoring the curvature of the ground and looking purely at the map, the entire frontline was a diagonal line, starting from the northernmost point of Saint Andrew Fort, slicing towards the southern Coastal Fortress-Bolsk.

    If one were to consider the European part of the Ante as a handgun drumstick, then the battle line would be a cut at the bend of the leg.

    The reason for such a situation was easy to understand. To the south was therge in with rtively good infrastructure, so the Prosen pushed deeper there.

    To the north were marshes,kes, and a lot of forests, which made the Prosen Army''s progress a bit more difficult.

    Also for this reason, the Prosen supplies in the north were better; on the one hand, the routes were shorter and, on the other hand, they had the support of sea transport.

    Battleships were also deployed in the south by the Prosen, but given that the Prosen couldn''t supportrge vessels in their ports here, it wouldn''t be long before that battleship had to retreat via the strait controlled by the Neutral Country back to the port of the Prosen Empire''s ally for a major overhaul.

    Suchrge ships need a major overhaul every year or two.

    On Earth, the frontline was simrly a diagonal line with the Zhelefov salient in the middle.@@novelbin@@

    One look at the map, and it was clear why the Russians were desperate to recapture this salient.

    But there was no such salient here.

    Wang Zhong, in his spare time these days, had sorted through the timeline and found that this change might be profoundly connected to him.

    First of all, during the defensive operation in Shostka, Wang Zhong''s unit, along with the Army Groupmanded by his superior Kiriyenko and Kashuk''s forces, firmly held the Duva River defense line.

    On Earth, hundreds of thousands of troops that were surrounded and annihted because of this, managed to escape from the encirclement.

    This allowed the Ante Empire tounch a counterattack when the Prosen were most exhausted and to annihte a Prosen force of a hundred thousand in an orderly fashion.

    And this victory was personally led by Wang Zhong.

    This triumph greatly boosted the morale of the Ante military and civilians and probably influenced the judgment of the Prosenmanders at all levels, so they retreated decisively to a position where the defensive line could be stabilized without leaving any superrge salients that could amodate hundreds of thousands of troops.

    Indeed, the Zhelefov salient on Earth was tremendous, guarded only by the Ninth Army Group, which was about the size of Paulus''s Sixth Army Group.

    The Zhelefov salient was evenrge enough to amodate units withdrawn from the front line for rest and recuperation.

    During a Russian attack, an Armored Division resting near the breakthrough happened to have an amazingly qualifiedmander who assessed the enemy''s direction of attack on his initiative andunched a counterattack when Corps Command was in chaos and unable to issue effective orders.

    It was also because the Zhelefov salient was vast that the Sturmtigers could implement stic defense ¡ª sticity requires depth, otherwise, banging on a steel te would only make a loud noise without the sense of bounce.

    A leveled frontline, without any salients, means that if the Prosen intended to attack Ye Fort again, they would have to cover a 300-kilometer advance route once more.

    But the absence of a salient also meant that the Prosen High Command needed fewer troops to fill the defensive line, leaving more forces at their disposal for other tasks.

    After the enemy resumed the offensive, the pressure on the southern line would increase sharply.

    On Earth, precisely because of the Zhelefov salient, tens of thousands of Sturmtiger troops had to defend the salient and keep reinforcing it when attacked by the Russians, with a vast number of troops tied up at Zhelefov.

    There probably wouldn''t be such good fortune this time.

    Wang Zhong, this tiny butterfly, had ultimately altered the course of history.

    Perhaps the Prosen Empire, with more mobile forces, would indeed push all the way to Kuba, and then Ante would have to continue fighting the Prosen Empirecking fuel oil and heating materials.

 Chapter 369: The Butterfly that Fans Its Wings

    Wang Zhong could imagine that the battle would certainly be very difficult.

    They had to crush the enemy''s intention to upy Kuba at all costs.

    However, this was not what Wang Zhong needed to worry about at the moment.

    The earliest the Prussians couldunch an attack would be in April, when the mud hadpletely improved.

    That left three months for Wang Zhong to prepare.

    On February 10th, the reviewmittee convened for the second review of new equipment, and this time, the Vortex-style 100mm Cannon Carrier, after over a month of testing, was also added to the approval list, ced second tost on stage.

    Second tost, it was being treated as the finale.

    Before the 100mm cannon carrier took the stage as the finale, there were 17 improved weapons waiting for approval.

    Most of the improvements were based on feedback from the battlefield.Only three weapons involved innovations in production processes, so the design drawings were modified to adapt to the new processes.

    Of the 17 improved weapons, only five were deemed qualified by themittee and handed over to the Ordnance Department to organize production.

    Then it was time for Wang Zhong''s masterpiece, the "Whirlwind" Tank Destroyer.

    Ke Jing, the chief engineer, walked into the review hall with confidence and had his assistant hang the blueprints of the Whirlwind Tank Destroyer on the ckboard.

    Wang Zhong could tell that the blueprints had been refined a lot more than before.

    When the blueprints were revealed, the army representatives in the reviewmittee widened their eyes in surprise.

    "What is this?" he asked, first looking at Ke Jing but then quickly turning to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong said, "A tank destroyer. Because it has to be fitted with arger cannon, we had to adopt a design without a turret. Once the machine tools we imported from the Federation are in ce, we will be able to manufacture tanks equipped with such powerful main weapons! The kind with turrets!"

    Themittee members all revealed an "I see" expression, nodding their heads in agreement, appearing to vote to pass the design.

    There weren''t even any questions.

    Wang Zhong had originally thought he would have to engage in a battle of wits to get the Whirlwind n approved, but the approval process was unexpectedly smooth and calm, as if it was a matter of course.

    After seeing off Chief Engineer Ke Jing, thest review item appeared.

    Tokarev, holding his masterpiece, entered the review room.

    Facing the judges seated behind the long table, he stared straight at only Wang Zhong and said, "General Rokossovsky, I did as you said and made a new prototype. You told me this was to be a submachine gun that could still hit a target at 200 meters, and I think I''ve managed to create a weapon that meets your requirements."

    As he spoke, Tokarev started walking toward Wang Zhong with the prototype gun, but several judges immediately burst through the side door of the room and pinned him to the ground.

    Wang Zhong said, "Let hime here. How else would he hand me the gun?"

    One of the judges snatched the prototype gun from Tokarev''s hands and respectfully held it out to Wang Zhong with both hands.

    While Wang Zhong fiddled with the gun, Tokarev was released from the judges'' restraint.

    He quickly exined, "I shortened the length of the bullet further and reduced the amount of charge. This significantly lowered the weight of the rifle when fully loaded.

    "Reducing the size of the bullet resulted in a decline in range and power, but we tested it many times and finally adjusted the amount of propent in each bullet to the appropriate level.

    "Any less propent, and the trajectory would noticeably curve, failing to meet your required shooting uracy at 200 meters.

    "Any more propent, and the uracy and such would improve, but ording to what you said, this increase in precision didn''t have much significance."

    "Very good," Wang Zhong praised, "Tokarev Davarish, you have grasped my intent."

    As he spoke, he lowered his head to take a closer look at the prototype in his hands.

    It looked... somewhat like the VSS "Thread Cutter" integrally suppressed sniper rifle.

    The most distinctive feature of the Screw Thread Tailor Machine Rifle was its incredibly thick suppressor barrel. Wang Zhong didn''t know why this rifle also had such a thick barrel.

    So he asked Tokarev, "Why is the barrel so thick?"

    Tokarev replied, "To ensure better stability, we installed a gas diversion system in the barrel that diverts part of the gas generated during shooting outside the firearm, reducing recoil. Surprisingly, this design also minimized the muzzle sh and smoke during firing, especially the noise, which was significantly reduced."

    "We specte that this is because part of the energy of the propent gas is dispersed by the gas diversion system, so when the bullet leaves the barrel, its velocity is only 320 meters per second, below the speed of sound, thus there is no loud noise associated with breaking the sound barrier."

    "Likewise, since the gas structure disperses the propent gas, the sound waves formed by the propent gas when the bullet exits the barrel are also smaller."

    Well, in an attempt to improve shooting stability, they inadvertently created a subsonic rifle.

    At this moment, the military representative asked, "Wait a minute, is the bullet fired by this gun that slow? Won''t the trajectory be very curved?"

    Tokarev answered, "It is a bit more curved than regr bullets, but since it only travels 200 meters and arrives in about half a second, the total drop isn''t too bad."

    "If one is firing quickly, this kind of drop is really insignificant. If raising to aim precisely, we can incorporate this drop into the sight scale, so when aiming, the shooter will actually be raising the barrel at an angle that''s almost imperceptible."

    Wang Zhong worriedly asked, "But if the velocity is slow, won''t the bullet''s lethality be insufficient?"

    Tokarev answered, "We tested it with ballistic gel, and when hit directly, this thing, due to its lower kic energy, tumbled inside the gel simting human tissue, transferring all its energy into damage, while a regr bullet would carry most of its energy out the other side."

    "Of course, in terms of prating power, it certainly doesn''tpare to high-velocity rounds. You can also remove the gas diversion system and use a normal barrel for shooting."@@novelbin@@

    Tokarev made a gesture, and then the assistant brought out another gun, which looked like a shortened version of the Dragunov sniper rifle.

    Of course, it was a version without a scope and with an extended magazine.

    Tokarev warned, "Be careful, it has quite a kick when you shoot."

    Wang Zhong eximed, "To decide which version to approve, I need to try them out myself."

    Themittee''s clerk immediately responded, "There''s an indoor shooting range of the Guardian Army right next door, converted from a people''s gymnasium, where you can test fire."

    "Good, let''s go there."

    Thirty minutester, Wang Zhong had fired three or four dozen rounds with both guns. The one without the suppressor and with a higher bullet speed was really difficult to use in full auto, making him doubt whether he was really using reduced-load ammunition¡ªso to maintain a decent hit rate with that one, he needed to fire in short bursts, three or four rounds at a time.

    On the other hand, firing the "Screw Thread Tailor Machine" version was veryfortable; hip firing while holding down the trigger to empty a 20-round magazine, he could still hit the target once or twice¡ªand this was at 200 meters!

    After the trial, Wang Zhong came to a conclusion. He asked Tokarev, "Which one has lower production man-hours?"

    Tokarev replied instantly, "Of course, the one with the standard barrel."

    Wang Zhong made a decision, "Then mass produce the version with the standard barrel."

    Tokarev was surprised, "I thought you preferred the subsonic round version!"

    Wang Zhong, "I do prefer it, but in the future, we might need to mass produce six or seven thousand, or even ten thousand of these every day to meet the demand. We don''t have time for meticulous slow work."

    Tokarev then said, "But, the processing of that barrel only takes an extra half an hour, as I''ve made production changes to the gas diversion system to make it easier to manufacture."

    Wang Zhong, "Half an hour is a lot! A waste of half an hour on each gun, and if we produce ten thousand a day, that''s five thousand man-hours wasted!"

    Tokarev shook his head, "General, you can''t calcte it that way. Both weapons can reach a production speed of ten thousand units a day; it''s just that the factory producing the subsonic round version will need more workers, because there''s an extra step in making the barrels."

    Wang Zhong fiddled with the "Screw Thread Tailor Machine" in his hands.

    Tokarev, "Moreover, the two barrels are interchangeable. You can separate the barrel-making factories so that both guns can begin production, and the quantity produced will be determined by the output of the barrel factories. You only need to hire a few hundred more workers. Besides, the bigger the scale of the assembly line, the lower the cost."

    After thinking it over, Wang Zhong finally nodded, "Produce both types; whichever version the troops receive, they will use."

 Chapter 370: A Confrontation before the Engagement Ceremony

    In the following days there was nothing noteworthy to mention, the front line kept shelling each other, and there were still thousands of casualties daily, while Wang Zhong behind the lines kept working nonstop.

    However, Wang Zhong developed a new hobby, lying on Ludm''s stomach to listen to the movements inside her belly.

    Though the doctor and Liu Xia told him that it was still too early to clearly hear the baby''s movements, Wang Zhong couldn''t help but try to listen.

    Of course, he also enjoyed the excuse to be embraced by his fianc¨¦e.

    On February 20th, Ludm''s family finally took a train from the rear at Raoul and arrived at Ye Fort after several transfers.

    Wang Zhong''s older brother, now Duke Rokossovsky, rarely came back from the logistics headquarters'' dormitory but joined Ludm''s family for a meal.

    The engagement ceremony was on February 21st.

    Wang Zhong had no idea how to prepare for an engagement ceremony, his impression of it was entirely based on diplomatic signing ceremonies, where parents from both sides would sit behind a table, with their national gs - no, family banners - behind them.

    Then both sides would sign the engagement contract, and under the host''s arrangement, they would exchange the book with the contract written in it and sign again.Wang Zhong couldn''t be med, given the media environment he came from before he traveled through time, where even if Wang Zhong longed for a beautiful romance, he would still have apprehensions about marriage.

    It might also be because Wang Zhong hadn''t met that woman who could make him think of what their kids would be named at first sight before he crossed over.

    Ludm was truly the first one.

    All in all, on the evening of February 20th, when the old butler exined the whole engagement process to Wang Zhong, he finally understood what an engagement ceremony was all about.

    It was essentially a simplified version of a wedding, just invite a nearby priest, the couple would hold hands and make a vow, then slip the engagement rings on, and that was it.

    The ceremony on February 21st was held within the Rokossovsky Estate, and the invited priest was the parish priest from the church nearby.@@novelbin@@

    As for guests, due to the war, not many rtives coulde - Ludm had rtives trapped in the encirclement of Saint Andrew Fort who couldn''t make it.

    And friends of their age were either in the military or evacuated to the far rear.

    Others remained in the upied territories.

    Some had even gone to meet Saint Andrew.

    To prevent the engagement ceremony from being too bleak, Wang Zhong invited some oldrades from the First Guard Mechanized Infantry, like Yegorov and the like.

    These people were also oldrades of Ludm.

    Early in the morning of February 21st, Wang Zhong looked at Liu Xia in her new dress and sincerelyplimented, "You look beautiful."

    Liu Xia smiled and suddenly said, "Since you regard His Majesty as your sister, shouldn''t you invite her over?"

    Wang Zhong, "What, do you want to dere your victory to her face?"

    Ludm said, "No, I just suddenly thought that since she''s a sister, she should attend her brother''s engagement ceremony."

    "Do you believe she''de even if I didn''t invite her? How about we make a bet?" Wang Zhong suggested.

    "Alyosha, you shouldn''t always think of her as that little girl; she will seriously consider the implications of appearing at the engagement ceremony today," said Ludm.

    Ludm looked at herself in the mirror and suddenly gave a bitter smile, "But after careful thought, she might still show up; the Royal Family needs your support now."

    After all, besides the original city defense troops, the field army closest to Ye Fort is Wang Zhong''s mobile army.

    Although the three divisions of this army are still receiving reinforcements, theirbat force is nearing seventy thousand, plus they have a lot of technical equipment, and the soldiers'' quality is much higher than Ante''s average troops.

    So many people interested in having good rtions with Wang Zhong should not have a strong force like this right next to the capital.

    Wang Zhong ced his hands on the seated Liu Xia''s shoulders and said, "The Tsar needs my support, eh... Sounds like I am about to grant myself the title of a protector of the country."

    "Shush, even at home, be careful of walls having ears," warned Liu Xia.

    Wang Zhong nodded, and just then the sound of cars came from outside.

    He turned to look out the window, "Cars? At least five of them. There aren''t many in Ye Fort who couldpose such a motorcade."

    He had just finished speaking when the butler Mikhail entered the room, "The gatehouse called to say that Her Excellency Belinsky''s convoy just passed the main gate, and by the time I came to report, they had already reached the front door of the estate."

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, "I told you."

    Ludm gave a wry smile, "Now the chances of Her Majesty showing up have greatly increased. I can guess why Her Excellency Belinsky is here; if he reces the parish priest in presiding over our engagement ceremony, it will be difficult to break the engagementter.

    "The Church probably doesn''t want you to be Prince Rokossovsky - I mean us to win the war."

    Although Ludm was talking about political matters, Wang Zhong was distracted. He was thinking about "breaking off the engagement" and "the three-year agreement," after three years, when the Fighting Emperor Ludm woulde knocking on the door, returning in tenfold the humiliation received from the broken engagement...

    What an ultimate chimera.

    Ludm, "My dear?"

    Wang Zhong, "Ah? It''s nothing, I have only wanted to marry you from the beginning."

    Ludm, "I was talking about after victory is achieved."

    Wang Zhong, "Olga is a smart girl; she has inherited wisdom from her brother. Ivan''s study has been preserved intact in the Summer Pce, and if Olga has read the same books Ivan had, she would surely read them. Maybe she even has Ivan''s diaries and reading notes. Trust her."

    "Hmm."

    The telephone rang at that moment, and Mikhail''s butler immediately went to answer it: "Rokossovsky Estate. Yes, yes, I''m aware."

    After hanging up the receiver, he reported to Wang Zhong, "The Protocol Office from the Summer Pce called. His Majesty the Tsar will attend General Rokossovsky''s engagement ceremony."

    Ludm said, "Look, Olga has arrived."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Since she made a point to notify us through the Protocol Office, she probably won''t do anything inappropriate. If she were nning something inappropriate, she would attack us by surprise."

    "You really do understand your sister," Ludm said with augh.

    Olga didn''t arrive at the Rokossovsky Estate until an hourter.

    When Pyotr Konstantinovich, Wang Zhong''s brother, saw Olga, he was extremely restrained, even his handshake seemed awkward.

    To his surprise, Olga took Pyotr''s hand and said, "Duke Rokossovsky, I''vee to propose marriage on behalf of my cousin."

    Wang Zhong frowned, "How am I not aware that Vanya has a cousin?"

    Since Olga and Ivan are siblings, the cousin should be a child of their mother''s rtives.

    Olga turned to Wang Zhong with a smile, "I have many cousins, and she has returned from the Federation. Her parents fled to the Federation during the civil war."

    Pyotr was sweating, "Well, I''ve been married once, but my wife passed away. It wouldn''t be right for someone like me to marry your cousin, would it?"

    Then Ludm said, "Dear brother, since His Majesty has made a kind offer, why don''t you ept it? The Tsar must have considered it carefully."

    After speaking, Ludm and Olga looked each other squarely in the eye.

    It was only then that Wang Zhong realized what was happening. The Grand Patriarch wasing to officiate the engagement, and the Tsar had swiftly arranged for a cousin to marry the widowed Pyotr. His Majesty was quite the strategist!

    Ludm was probably treating this as a transaction: pensate" for Pyotr and acknowledge her title as Lady Rokossovsky.

    Caught in the middle, Pyotr looked from His Majesty the Tsar to his prospective sister-inw, not wanting to provoke either side.

    So, he said, "As long as Her Highness doesn''t mind, I have no objections."

    Her Highness, of course, referred to Olga''s cousin.

    Olga beamed with joy, "Great! Then there''s no day like today to get engaged. However, my cousin is still three years away froming of age, so we can only get engaged for now."

    Wang Zhong suddenly envied his brother!

    A 15-year-old princess, ah, even though I already have Nelly, I can''t help but feel extremely envious!

    Ludm chuckled, "His Majesty truly cares for his family. He hasn''t even gotten engaged himself, yet he''s already worried about his cousin''s marriage. You should also find a responsible man quickly. After all, those old nobles believe that a Tsar who isn''t married will lead to instability in the country."

    Olga replied, "If I meet someone who can move my heart, I will naturally get engaged."

    As she said this, she looked at Wang Zhong, who pretended to be admiring the scenery.

    At that moment, Belinsky appeared, "I heard Your Majesty was here, so I rushed out from the prep room."

    "You actually have to memorize your sermon at thest minute?" Olga said in surprise, her tone seemingly tinged with sarcasm.

    Belinsky smiled, "Thest time I officiated an engagement was twenty years ago. It''s normal to review the prayers, isn''t it?"

    Just as Olga was about to speak, Wang Zhong suddenly heard what sounded like fireworks in the distance.

    He immediately realized it was gunfire, shouting, "Gunshots! And they''re very close."

    He quickly ran to the window, opened it, and listened carefully, "They''reing from the north, Prosen paratroopers? But why? Dropping paratroopers into enemy territory is just like sendingmbs to the ughter, isn''t it?"

    Belinsky spoke seriously, "No, that direction is the prisoner of war camp. Capturing over a hundred thousand prisoners at once has turned their amodation into a challenge. Every day, the camp has to shoot prisoners trying to riot, sending dozens to the gallows."

    "It''s probably just another normal prison riot, no need to deploy the yet-to-be-assembled mobile forces."

    Wang Zhong asked, "The prisoners are that resistant?"

    "We thought the same at first. Although these Prussians shouldn''t be allowed to take up arms on the front lines, letting them work in factories in the rear to produce equipment is possible," exined Belinsky.

    "Based on our preliminary investigation, there''s arge number of high school graduates among the prisoners. If we could get them to support us, that would be thousands of industrial workers!"

    After Belinsky finished speaking, Wang Zhong asked, "It doesn''t seem to be going well?"

    Without needing Belinsky to answer, as a veteran returning from the field, Wang Zhong could tell the intensity of the firefight was unusual, indicating the church''s attempts at persuasion had basically failed.

    Belinsky sighed, "Indeed, these Prussians are tougher to handle than we thought. It seems the then Emperor''s ideology has taken deep root in their hearts."

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong had an idea and asked, "How have you been trying to persuade them?"

    "We''ve tried all sorts of methods, even showed them your article discussing why Ante was sessful, but it''s been useless."

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin, recalling an episode he watched on Khan John''s show, about a real friend¡ªa real one¡ªwho talked about how he turned hardline Japanese prisoners of war and established a Japanese anti-war alliance.

    Maybe it was time to try out what he had learned from the show?

 Chapter 371: Engagement Ceremony

    "Just giving it a try shouldn¡¯t do any harm," he said.

    So he said to Belinsky, "Perhaps I could have a chat with them."

    Belinsky was overjoyed, "Prosen officers have a good impression of you, having a chat with them could indeed be a possible way to sway them to our side."

    Wang Zhong said, "No, most officers are probably nobles, right? They wouldn¡¯t betray their country for various reasons. I can have a talk with Prosen soldiers, especially those from the lower-ss civilians."

    Belinsky raised his eyebrows, intrigued, "First of all, I am not doubting your abilities, I¡¯m just quite curious as to how you¡¯re going to begin."

    Olga was also listening with anticipation on the side, she really wanted to know how Wang Zhong intended to proceed.

    Wang Zhong said, "I n to start from two directions. First, I have already witnessed many atrocitiesmitted by the Prosen army, and anyone with a conscience would surely find it agonizing to be part of that force. I intend to find these people.

    "Second, the spoils of Prosen¡¯s expansion have undoubtedly mostly gone to the upper echelons. As long as we help the lower-level soldiers realize that the benefits they¡¯ve fought so hard for on the battlefield have been swallowed up by the higher-ups, that should be sufficient.

    "We need to make them understand that surrendering is not betraying the country. The real traitors are the generals who started this war and traded the blood of Prosen¡¯s people for their ownvish lifestyles."They should organize a Prosen People¡¯s Army, return to their homnd, and bring the Tsar to the guillotine."

    Even with his broad experience, Belinsky gaped after hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s n, "This... I just asked you to find a way to reassure the Prosen people to work in our factories, and you¡¯re thinking about forming a Prosen People¡¯s Army?"

    Wang Zhong said, "I only mentioned the possibility. Prosen would definitely also try to organize a puppet army to use as cannon fodder."

    Bishop Ravkid, who had been listening to the conversation all along, suddenly spoke up, "They have indeed begun to do so. ording to the intelligence we¡¯ve acquired, many Ante people have be puppet soldiers and police inrge upied cities such as Argesukov and Ronied."

    "Moreover, our mole in the POW camp has sent intelligence that a Kazarlian goes to the ce where Kazarlian POWs are held every day, urging them to join the Kazarlian Freedom Army.

    "There is also intelligence indicating that the enemy has recruited from our surrendered forces 15 battalions of a puppet army, named the Eastern Battalion."

    Wang Zhong said, "See, since the Prosen can form the Eastern Battalion, we too can establish such a unit. Of course, we can¡¯t rule out the possibility of some feigning allegiance and then turning on us on the battlefield, so we must be careful in our selection.

    "Also, we can rely on establishing a collective sense of honor to prevent such individual acts of defection."

    Belinsky looked Wang Zhong up and down again, "You make sense. Popov had earlier submitted a very detailed report titled ¡¯Observations on General Rokossovsky¡¯s Working Methods¡¯, which introduces your methods in detail and believes they are more effective than ten thousand sermons.

    "Having read the description of your working methods in the report, I find them very good. I have already ordered that the report be used as an official document distributed to every Military Bishop to fully implement.

    "And now you¡¯re nning to turn over Prosen prisoners and form a Prosen People¡¯s Army?"

    Wang Zhong said, "It¡¯s just an idea; it¡¯s not certain it can be achieved."

    Belinsky clicked his tongue, "Fine. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll write you a pass. Go to the POW camp and try to your heart¡¯s content, even if it fails it¡¯s no problem; this wasn¡¯t something we expected to seed in anyway."

    He paused for a moment, then changed the subject, "Let¡¯s discuss your engagement ceremony now. Everything here is ready."

    Wang Zhong said, "Then let¡¯s start right away."

    Belinsky asked, "Aren¡¯t you going to wait for any guests?"

    No sooner had he spoken than a military vehicle drove up along the internal road of the estate.@@novelbin@@

    Belinsky said, "Look!"

    Olga craned her neck to see the approaching car and asked, "Whose car do you think that is?"

    Having already used his "cheat" to see who was in the approaching car, Wang Zhong confidently said, "It¡¯s Tugenev and his adjutant."

    As the car drew closer, Olga spotted the person in the back before Ludm did, "It really is Tugenev! Are your eyes that good?"

    No, I just cheated.

    Wang Zhong said, "Of course, how else could I spot the enemy¡¯s generals from so far away?"

    In fact, what Wang Zhong referred to here was the first time hemanded the T34W tank in a counterattack in Loktov.

    But Belinsky took it as a joke andughed heartily.

    Wang Zhong alsoughed along, after all, he couldn¡¯t exin the "cheat" openly.

    The Grand Patriarch had not finishedughing when another jeep arrived, filled with Air Force pilots.

    The driver was Dchenko Grigoyevich,mander of the fourth attack aircraft regiment, and the jeep¡¯s back seats were crammed with pilots, as if they were stuffed in like Indians.

    Wang Zhong quickly shouted, "Dchenko! If you flip the car, a whole regiment¡¯s pilots will be gone, and you¡¯ll be responsible!"

    Dchenko replied, "By that time, I¡¯ll be dead too; how can I be responsible?"

    Wang Zhong said, "I¡¯m not joking. Stop fooling around, be serious! Stop the car, get out, and pay attention to traffic safety! If you¡¯re going to die, you should die in the sky! Don¡¯t waste your lives in a car crash!"

    Dchenko turned to the pilots and ryed, "Did you hear that! General Rokossovsky says we should die in the sky! Remember that! If you get shot down by Prosen bullets and find yourself over enemy territory, don¡¯t bother with the parachute, just dive straight into a tank collision! Remember to empty your bullets before crashing!"

    The pilots were roused, "That was the n anyway!"

    "Better dead than captured!"

    Belinsky added, "That¡¯s not good, you should still try toe back. Even in a POW camp, you can escape!"

    Wang Zhong continued, "Moreover, even if you¡¯re going to crash, don¡¯t crash into a tank. You might be able to wreck the tank, but the Prosen are capable of repairing it quickly, and it¡¯ll be back in action in a few days."

    "No, don¡¯t target the tanks, you should crash into the fuel, that¡¯s more likely to catch fire, more likely to explode big. The ammunition depot is also a good choice."

    Dchenko: "The General thinks our targets aren¡¯t well-chosen! What do you say?"

    "Then don¡¯t hit the tanks, the General is the expert in this area after all!"

    "Right, right, hit the fuel!"

    Wang Zhong: "But remember, you only do this if you¡¯re sure you can¡¯t parachute into friendly territory. Survival is still the priority."

    The pilots exchanged nces, and finally, Dchenko spoke on everyone¡¯s behalf: "Understood, General!"

    Wang Zhong: "Speaking of which, how did you all know I was getting engaged today?"

    "Vasily told us, it was yesterday at the officers¡¯ club in the city area, next to the grand theater," Dchenko said.

    Wang Zhong turned to look for Vasily, only to find that the rascal had already slipped away.

    Dchenko: "General, please forgive Vasily, he was just trying to make the girl happy!"

    Clever boy, using my story to amuse the girl, wait and see!

    Wang Zhong opened the book of grudges and made an entry for Vasily¡ªsomeday, he promised himself he¡¯d make Vasily pay.

    At that moment, more vehicles arrived and entered the estate.

    Wang Zhong looked down from his bird¡¯s eye view to see a swarm of military personnel with name tags heading his way, just like monsters spawning when the time is right in a tower defense game.

    Indeed, with the Grand Patriarch and the Tsar showing up, now the whole city of Ye Fort knew Rokossovsky was getting engaged.

    The high-ranking officials who weren¡¯t heading to the Rokossovsky Estate now were either those who had to be on duty at crucial posts, or those who had something to be guilty about.

    Seeing the situation, Wang Zhong sought Ludm¡¯s opinion: "Shall we dy by an hour? That way there won¡¯t be anyone embarrassed for not making it on time."

    Ludm nodded: "That works. You go greet the gentlemen, and I will entertain theirdies."

    Wang Zhong gave a thumbs up.

    An hourter, the engagement ceremony finally began. The originally prepared venue was not nearly big enough, so it was moved to the grand ballroom of the estate¡ªbecause ever since Wang Zhong took over the estate, there really hadn¡¯t been any balls, and so the ballroom had been neglected for quite some time.

    Since the number of maids had been reduced and unused areas generally were left uncleaned, this ballroom too had gathered dust over a long period, and only now had it been cleaned in haste.

    Though the ceremony was moved to the ballroom at thest minute, the Secr faction priests who came with the Grand Patriarch were professionals, and they quickly set up a very formal altar inside the ballroom.

    The ceremony personnel were also assembled at the highest standard, with four bell-ringing priests stationed at the four corners of the altar.

    Belinsky donned a solemn robe and stood at the altar, looking over the guests.

    Even the unruly pilots bowed their heads.

    Since it was only an engagement, there was no entrance procession, so Wang Zhong and Ludm simply stood in front of the altar.

    Belinsky began the prayer: "Today, under everyone¡¯s watchful eyes, another couple hase together because of shared interests. I have witnessed the budding and growth of their love, and I am aware that this is not merely an illusion caused by the joy of procreation!"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that this sermon seemed a bit off.

    God? Not a single mention of God in the sermon?

    You, of the Secr faction, are you perhaps too secr?

    "Now, under the witness and blessings of us all, they make their sacred vows!"

    As he spoke, a priest brought forth a velvet-covered tter with two rings on it.

    Since Wang Zhong was from Ceres, when it came to engagement, he instinctively thought of red; the sight of the blue velvet was somewhat disconcerting to him.

    Belinsky came forward to both individuals, cing the engagement rings on the ring fingers of their right hands.

    In the Eastern Holy Church, engagement rings were worn on the right ring finger for both men and women.

    Belinsky: "May everyone bless you!"

    It was everyone, not God.

    In a world of miracles, a church prayer doesn¡¯t mention God once¡ªwhat kind of person was Saint Andrew, the founder of the Secr faction?

    Could he have been a fellow countryman?

    Wang Zhong wondered to himself.

    At this moment, Belinskypleted the final step, dabbing both Wang Zhong and Ludm¡¯s foreheads with Holy Water.

    Belinsky: "I am very much looking forward to the day when I can baptize your child."

    On hearing ¡¯baptism,¡¯ Wang Zhong immediately thought of the ssic montage from "The Godfather," where a child¡¯s baptism is intercut with the solemn oaths taken by Al Pacino¡¯s character, the new Don, during the hymns; simultaneously, the clean strikes of hitmen eliminate all of the Corleone family¡¯s enemies.

    Wang Zhong: "I am looking forward to it as well."

 Chapter 372: Planting the Seed

    The day after the engagement ceremony, Wang Zhong, apanied by Cardinal Ravkid, visited the prisoner of war camp on the outskirts.

    Pointing out the window in the reception room, Ravkid introduced, "This main road in the middle is the dividing line. To the left of the road is the officers¡¯ area, and to the right is formon soldiers and junior NCOs. Which side would you like to visit?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Separate those among themon soldiers who have finished high school."

    Ravkid asked in confusion, "Why?"

    Wang Zhong chuckled, "Because smart people are more likely to be part of the Secr faction."

    After pondering for a moment, Ravkid said, "You¡¯re right. When Saint Andrew established the Secr faction, it first spread among the educated in the cities."

    "Exactly! That¡¯s why we need to identify the high school graduates among the soldiers, and they muste from the lower ss; those born into wealth probably won¡¯t be easy to mobilize."

    Ravkid said, "I¡¯ll select some who have shown good behavior and have them gather in the auditorium."

    Wang Zhong added, "Also, spread the news that I¡¯ll being; let¡¯s see if I have any fans¡ªI mean, admirers. There shouldn¡¯t be too many, gather them all.""Okay. I¡¯ll make the arrangements. You continue to enjoy your tea," Ravkid said, then left the prisoner of war camp¡¯s reception room.

    A momentter, he returned, frowning, "General, upon hearing that you¡¯reing, nearly all the prisoners want to see the extraordinary person who captured them."

    Wang Zhong said, "That¡¯s even better. Select those among them whoe from poor backgrounds and have a high school education. They¡¯ll be our key members in the future. Let me know once you¡¯re ready, and I¡¯ll head over."

    Ravkid adjusted his sses, "They¡¯re ready now; you can go to the auditorium right away."

    Wang Zhong eximed in surprise, "How did you know I would make such a request?"

    "Guessing this wasn¡¯t hard, at least easier than guessing where the enemy willunch their main offensive this year," Ravkid said with a stern face.

    Standing up, Wang Zhong said, "Fine, let¡¯s go and see these potential allies."

    The prisoner of war camp¡¯s auditorium could amodate about four thousand people, but Wang Zhong felt as though at least eight thousand were crammed inside. As soon as he entered, everyone¡¯s eyes were fixed on him.

    Arge group of people suddenly stood up, making the soldiers, alert with submachine guns, very nervous.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, "Don¡¯t be nervous. Everyone is just a bit excited to see me."

    He personally pushed down the submachine guns of the alert soldiers.

    Seeing this, some prisoners boldly reached out their hands, speaking in Prosen.

    Vasily interpreted, "He wants to shake your hand."

    Wang Zhong firmly shook the prisoner¡¯s hand, "Hello, I hope you can get used to our food."

    After Vasily tranted, the man excitedly said a bunch of things.

    Vasily ryed, "He says the coffee and tea here are quite good, and the canned goods recently provided are even better."

    It seemed that Spam had conquered the Prosen soldiers! This reminded Wang Zhong of the story from Earth about a British officer who was astonished upon tasting Spam.

    Wang Zhong remarked, "Good."

    He continued to walk forward, and more people reached out their hands to him.

    Wang Zhong was somewhat surprised, "It seems that I¡¯m quite well-liked among them. Why is that?"

    Vasily, not sure whether to feign ignorance or genuinely curious himself, tranted Wang Zhong¡¯s words. The NCO shaking hands with Wang Zhong eagerly said a lot in response.

    Vasily interpreted, "He says that you, on your own, held off the invincible Prosen army; you must be a military genius, a reincarnation of Suvorov. Prussians respect such genius."

    Wang Zhong was taken aback, gazing at the speaking NCO, "But I am Ante, the inferior race you speak of."

    Vasily tranted this with a hint of mockery.

    The man¡¯s reply seemed somewhat proud.

    Vasily conveyed, "He says that one of the marks of a superior nation is the ability to ept the strengths of other nations."

    They¡¯ve rationalized it!

    It appeared that the then Emperor¡¯s policies had received considerable support among the public.

    Wang Zhong shook his head and stepped up to the podium, surveying the entire auditorium, and said loudly, "Gentlemen! Today I¡¯ve called you here because I want to talk with you.

    "I¡¯m very curious, since the Prosen Empire started its wars of aggression, what changes have urred within the empire itself?"

    After Vasily tranted, the crowd began to look at each other in confusion.

    Wang Zhong continued, "The changes here refer to the conditions of your homes. Let me be frank with you all, after careful background checks, there are no nobles, no major merchants or factory owners among you¡ªI mean, you are all nothing more than ordinary people.

    "The empire has been expanding for three years now. Has your quality of life improved?"

    Having asked, Wang Zhong began to hesitate, because he suddenly remembered that, on Earth, Germany had just recovered from the Great Depression before embarking on invasionspared to the Great Depression, of course life would have improved.

    Could it be the same in this timeline?

    If that was the case, the methods Mr. Lin Zhe used to win over the Japanese couldn¡¯t be applied here.

    He nervously awaited the response while the prisoners also exchanged nces. The resulting silence left the auditorium suddenly quiet.

    Suddenly, a captive shouted something loudly.

    Wang Zhong quickly nced at Vasily.

    Vasily tranted, "He said that the streets seem busier since the war started, the soldiers make the businesses along the street thrive, his own family owns a restaurant, and his mother wrote in a letter that when the soldiers dine and see the enlistment sign hanging at the restaurant¡¯s entrance, they tend to leave a bigger tip."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that it was over, it seemed that the n to undermine the loyalty of the Prosen soldiers through their family circumstances had failed and he could only appeal to human conscience now.

    Unexpectedly, the sergeant whose family operated a restaurant spoke up again.

    Vasily tranted, "He says, but there¡¯s been a decrease in civilian patrons at the restaurant, only civilians working for military industries can afford to eat there. He also mentioned that the variety of dishes at the restaurant has reduced because most of the vegetables are being bought up by the army.

    The furniture in the restaurant hasn¡¯t been updated for a long time, as the factories that make furniture are now producing stocks for Mauser rifles."

    Wang Zhong suddenly felt there might be hope, so he nodded and said, "Very good, thank him for sharing that, Ravkid, please give him a pack of cigarettes."

    Ravkid nodded to the Priest beside him and a pack of Federation-made cigarettes was handed to the officer.

    Seeing that cigarettes were being distributed, the captives all became excited.

    It looked like Wang Zhong was right, cigarettes were rare items in the prisoner of war camp. He hade to this conclusion based on movies depicting POW camps, like "The Bridge on the River Kwai."

    Another sergeant took the stage and began to share his story.

    Vasily continued tranting, "This one says, his father was a worker in a factory, which had almost shut down and could hardly pay wages before Emperor Reinhard¡¯s reforms. After the war started, the factory was acquired by Hensher and began producing screws, making it possible to pay wages normally.

    "But his family can afford even less each month than before because the big merchants have spread the cost of their war bonds purchases into the prices of goods!"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that hiring high school graduates for this meeting was really right, as it also revealed that the prices had gone up because the cost of war bonds was being averaged into the product prices.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong had an inspiration and asked, "Do you know any other stories about the lords profiteering from the war?"

    After Vasily finished tranting, the worker¡¯s son thought for a moment and said, "I know that when they upied Carolingian, the divisionmander emptied out the local nobility¡¯s wine cers and looted all the gold and silver jewelleries."

    Wang Zhong, "Did you guys get a share?"

    After Vasily finished, the captives allughed.

    A sergeant below shouted something.

    Vasily said, "He says, how could they, that was for the division and brigademanders, even battalionmanders couldn¡¯t get a share!"

    Wang Zhong, "Very good, any other stories about war profiteering?"

    Someone below said a bunch of things rapidly, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t wait for Vasily to trante but pointed to that person and said, "Come up to the stage and tell us!"

    That person, too, didn¡¯t wait for Vasily to trante and went straight to the stage, pushing aside the worker¡¯s son who had just spoken and began to speak passionately.

    Vasily tranted sentence by sentence, "¡¯In Kazarlia, the officers allowed us to go down and loot food during rest times, forcing the civilians to collect grains at gunpoint. Then, all of the wheat was transported back to the rear.

    In November, my sister wrote me, saying that wheat and flour from Kazarlia began to be sold in the city, but they were very expensive, apparently because of added transportation costs and a levy for supporting the army!¡¯"

    Wang Zhong, "Good! The lords took away the food from the civilians of Kazarlia, but the people of Prosen can¡¯t even eat it! These grains have all gone into their own pockets! The so-called army support levy never reached your hands!"

    As he spoke, he thought that this trend was very good, if it continued like this, it would turn into a full-fledged grievance airing session!

    Subsequently, more and more soldiers took the stage and recounted all they knew about officers and nobles reaping war profits.

    These shocking facts would make people involuntarily question their veracity.

    But Wang Zhong, having read rted materials before crossing over, knew that the Sturmtiger was quite corrupt, possibly only slightly better than President Chang¡¯s Nation-Squeezing Party.

    So, Wang Zhong felt that these seemingly outrageous happenings were possibly not entirely fictitious.

    More and more Prosen soldiers went on stage, perhaps because there was neither officers nor nobles present, they became increasingly unrestrained.

    Seeing that the situation was ripe, Wang Zhong raised a hand to stop more prisoners froming on stage and walked to the center of the podium himself.

    Wang Zhong, "The war has been going on for so long, you have upied vastnds, the lords are living in luxury, yet the citizens suffer terribly! You have not even started total war mobilization yet, and the situation will get worse once you do!

    "Prosen will inevitably mobilize because they have started wars with most of the world for their own greed! The people of Prosen will suffer increasingly, while those lords touting the superiority of their nation will continue to prosper!

    "I am here today to tell you, cooperating with us is not surrendering, it¡¯s choosing the right path for the future of your country!

    "I don¡¯t expect you to change your minds right away, I only ask you to think about who has benefited from the continuous expansion, think about your fathers and mothers, think about your sisters!"

    After Wang Zhong finished speaking, he nodded at Ravkid.

    Changing minds was not something that could be done overnight, he had just started the process, and the meticulous work would continue from there.

    After the meeting, Ravkid found Wang Zhong, "Starting from the family is a very good approach."

    Wang Zhong, "You need to quickly trante the books of the Secr faction into Prosen¡¯snguage for them to read."

    "There is actually a Prosennguage version already. In fact, the Secr faction had a fairly good spread within Prosen even before, it¡¯s just that we¡¯re under the name of the Eastern Holy Church, and the Prosen People generally don¡¯t believe in the Eastern Holy Church.

    "Reinhard expelled all of the Eastern Holy Church from within Prosen, and arge number of Secr faction members fled to Mnia and then to us."

    Wang Zhong, "Then let theme, first we need to spread the teachings of the Eastern Holy Church, and then recruit volunteers from the prisoners of war."

    Ravkid nodded, "Understood, I¡¯ll see to it."

    Wang Zhong was very satisfied, but he suddenly realized that he was acting like a leader giving orders to a Cardinal. Who the hell was he?@@novelbin@@

    He decided to pretend he hadn¡¯t noticed.

 Chapter 373: The Situation in March 915

    At the end of February, as the temperature began to rise, the snow started to melt, but only the surfaceyer thawed, while the deeper ground, frozen solid, remained as hard as ever. This formed a barrier that prevented the melting snow from prating deep into the soil.

    And so, the muddy season began.

    Even in arge city like Ye Fort, where roads were paved with asphalt, the shadow of mud could be seen; after an outing, trouser legs would be dotted with sshes of mud.

    In such miserable conditions, even tanks had to shake themselves off three times, and cars simply couldn''t drive off the asphalt roads.

    Thereby, the battlefield wentpletely silent, all major military operations, from north to south, ground to a halt.

    Both sides were hustling to stockpile ammunition and replenish their troops, preparing to make a big push in the summer.

    On March 6, Colonel John Wick made a sudden visit to the Suvorov Military Academy, finding Wang Zhong who was about to go to ss in the principal''s office.

    Upon meeting, he asked, "Have you heard?"

    Wang Zhong responded with some confusion, "Heard what?""The United Kingdom''s intelligence just conveyed some information to your High Command."

    Wang Zhong: "If it was just conveyed, how would I have heard?"

    "That''s true," Colonel John Wick said as he sat down in front of Wang Zhong, smiling, "then let me be the one to tell you. The Prussians are nning an assault on the southern front, with the first phase being a breakthrough from the Coastal Fortress to Bolsk''s defenses.

    The specific time of attack and the main direction of the offense haven''t been identified by the United Kingdom''s intelligence officers."

    Wang Zhong: "What good does that do? Everyone knows that the Prussians will hit the southern line."

    John Wick: "Confirming previous guesses is also important. After all, deploying troops based on guesses can lead to mistakes and be a case study of errors in military textbooks."

    Wang Zhong: "There won''t be any mistakes. When they attacked Ye Fortst year, we were at our weakest. Now if they think about attacking Ye Fort again, they''ll face units that have been replenished and have defensive battle experience. They won''t have as easy a time as they didst year.

    "As for the northern line, even if they manage to take Saint Andrew Fort, there''s not much worth attacking to the north. It''s all forest and tundra up there, with even worse infrastructure and fewer settlements. They would get bogged down, while we, on the other hand, could rely on the north''s Ice-free Port for ample supplies."

    Originally, the Ice-free Port was mainly used for shipbuilding, and the city along with its surrounding industrial belt couldn''t support a Front Army - the north had no real agricultural capacity, and you can''t feed an army on salted fish and wood, can you?

    But now the situation had changed. The Ice-free Port was the endpoint of the Arctic Ocean transportation route. The allies'' supplies amassed in the Ice-free Port were enough to support an army of a million men.

    So, even if Saint Andrew Fort were lost, the Andrew Fort Front Army could simply change its name and continue the fight, setting up defenses along the railway line from the Ice-free Port to Ye Fort, with good supply lines all along the front.

    Wang Zhongid all this out in his analysis and then said with certainty, "The enemy can only hit the southern line; it is practically an open secret. Any rumors they have about attacking the north or center are just deception operations."

    Colonel John Wick smiled, "Your judgment is pretty much in line with that of our generals. Do you think the Prussians can seed?"

    Wang Zhong: "I''m not sure. Duke Meishikin is a very outstanding general, and he has good insight into defensive operations. I don''t know if he can withstand the enemy''s assault."

    In fact, the Army Group led by Meishikin already had several hundred thousand men, with tens of thousands more Naval Infantry at the Coastal Fortress. Given such a mass of troops and amander who wasn''t inept, they should be able to hold off the Prussians for some time.

    The question was, for how long.

    Colonel John Wick shifted the topic: "I''ve heard you''ve made significant progress in turning the Prussian prisoners of war to your side?"

    Wang Zhong: "You''d be better off asking Cardinal Ravkid from the Tribunal about that matter."

    "Come on, I''m not a reporter. I''m asking you as a military attach¨¦, because in the future, we will also need to win over as many Prussian prisoners of war as possible."

    Wang Zhong: "The situation with the POWs is not bad so far, some have agreed to enter our factories to help produce equipment. But turning POWs is a long-term effort, and results won''te overnight."

    John Wick: "I thought the Prussians, seeing themselves as a superior race, would disdain to mingle with inferior ones!"

    Wang Zhong just smiled and did not respond to John Wick''s baiting.

    So, John Wick changed the subject: "When exactly is your child expected to be born? The Federation government is nning to send a small gift."

    Wang Zhong: "You should ask the obstetrician."

    John Wick: "Of course, our intelligence has already inquired with the obstetrician, but I thought our friendship would allow me to get an answer from you directly."

    Wang Zhong: "Certainly, the earliest would be in August."

    "Will Belinsky preside over its baptism or be its godfather?" John Wick continued to inquire.

    Wang Zhong: "He will preside over the baptism. We have not decided on the godfather yet."

    In fact, many people had been inquiring about the child''s godfather in recent days. After all, that could potentially affect the bnce of power in the Ante Empire in the future.

    Wang Zhong found this kind of jockeying for a share of the spoils before the battle had even been won deeply distasteful, so even with John Wick, a foreign friend, making inquiries, he did not hesitate to show his displeasure openly.

    John Wick immediately said, "Actually, this isn''t what I intended to ask, but the ambassador is very concerned about this matter and asked me to inquire."

    Pinning it on the ambassador, huh!

    Wang Zhong: "We haven''t decided who the godfather of the child will be yet, because thepetition is too fierce. Once we''ve made a decision, I will definitely notify the ambassador."

    John Wick seemed quite satisfied with this answer and continued with another question, "May I visit the test of the ''Vortex'' style tank destroyer?"

    The Vortex improvement has progressed to the third-generation prototype, which addressed some issues of the second-generation prototype. It increased reliability and once again adjusted the structure of the mantlet.

    Now, at distances over 1000 meters, even if hit by an 88mm gun, the Vortex has a decent crew survivability.

    Yes, it''s crew survivability, not the vehicle''s survivability.

    Even if it''s hit by an 88mm gun at that distance, the gun would be damaged, and it would lose itsbat effectiveness. In such a case, it''s already good if the tank operators survive.

    Moreover, the Prosen PAK40 anti-tank gun can also destroy the Vortex''s parts and disable it at a distance of 1000 meters.@@novelbin@@

    At 1000 meters, the PAK40 poses basically no threat to the crew, and the crew would definitely survive.

    Those who have observed the Vortex''s tests generally have high praise for this tank destroyer.

    The only issue is its production feasibility; this thing really isn''t easy to manufacture.

    Despite removing the time-consumingrge turretponent, the production time actually increased, breaking the general rule of assault guns being cheaper to produce than tanks.

    The main issue is that the vehicle has too many precision-engineered parts.

    Wang Zhong also wanted to make a bare-bones version for mass production for general use, but General Sergey shut him down with one sentence: "Do you want the stripped-down versionpeting for the 100-gun barrels?"

    The output of the 100-gun barrels is so limited. Currently, the prototype vehicles are using the barrels originally prepared for the destroyers and battlecruisers'' secondary guns, but with the start of mass production, these barrels could be used up in a week. After that, the production rate would be bottlenecked by the barrel output.

    Indeed, there was no need to create a stripped-down version topete for gun barrels.

    In conclusion, the "Vortex" became exclusive to elite troops, much like the Tiger tanks it''s designed after.

    On Earth, Tiger tanks were all assigned to heavy tank battalions, which then acted as fire brigades that ran around the front lines, leaving behind impressive exchange ratios wherever they went.

    Of course, Wang Zhong did not n to organize the Vortex into independent destroyer battalions, nor did he intend to use them as fire brigades to run around everywhere. It was meant to only be equipped by Wang Zhong''s freshly granted First Mobile Group Army.

    This made everyone even more interested in this weapon because, to outsiders, it seemed that General Rocossov was using his authority to provide special equipment for his own loyal troops. Everyone wanted to see for themselves.

    Faced with John Wick''s request, Wang Zhong readily agreed, "No problem, I''ll arrange for Vasily to organize a visit right away."

    "I''m very grateful," John Wick stood up, then took a document folder out of his briefcase and ced it on Wang Zhong''s desk.

    Wang Zhong, looking puzzled, untied the string of the pouch and took out the stack of documents inside.

    The cover of the document disyed the Prussian Iron Cross.

    Wang Zhong: "Prussian battle ns?"

    John Wick gave a wry smile, "No, that would be too hard to get hold of. These are summaries of the conditions of the various units by the Prussian High Command in February, including critical data like the number of tanks ready for battle."

    Wang Zhong flipped the cover open, skipped over the frontispiece and the summary page, and went directly to the main text.

    The first thing that came up was a table of the number of ready tanks and the personnel replenishment status in each of the Prussian Armored Divisions.

    Wang Zhong frowned: "Why are the Prussianbat-ready tank numbers so low? The First Armored Division has only 81 ready for battle, 25 in repair, and 40 sent back to the factory? The second and third divisions add up to a bit over 100 for both repair and return to factorybined!"

    John Wick: "It seems that the director of the Armored Troops has fallen out of favor, so the Prussians are no longer pursuing his dream of therge 400-tank Armored Divisions. They''ve cut down the number of armored battalions in most divisions to two, and some divisions even have just one."

    Wang Zhong turned to the next page and eximed in surprise, "The number of tanks has decreased, but the apanying forces haven''t been reduced¡ªin fact, an Armored Grenadier Battalion has been added. Are they scared after seeing the end of our divisions, which have nothing but tanks, and decided to increase the degree ofbined arms in their forces?"

    After all, it''s quite embarrassing for a tank division with two hundred tanks to be beaten by an infantry division; it''s normal for the Prussians to be rmed.

    John Wick: "It''s not all about reducing the number of tanks. This report doesn''t include the Asgard Knights. Reportedly, the regiments of the knights are still organized with three armored battalions."

    Wang Zhong: "The Asgard Knights aren''t under the control of Prussian High Command?"

    John Wick nodded: "That''s right, they report directly to the emperor. And by the way, everyone now thinks that your First Mobile Group Army operates in the same way."

    Wang Zhong: "That''s absolutely not the case!"

    This time, it was John Wick''s turn to smile without saying a word.

 Chapter 374: Mobile Army Formation

    Wang Zhong''s First Mobile Army indeed had significant differences from Asgard Knights of the Prussian Army and was not the Tsar''s imperial guard either.

    The official name of the First Mobile Army was the High Command''s directly subordinated instructional unit First Mobile Army, and ording to the documents Wang Zhong personally oversaw drafting, it was "a unit formed to explore more war-adapted methods of troop organization".

    This army was only affiliated in logistics and personnel matters with the Yeborg City Defense Command¡ªthe troop was a significant consumer of supplies, and even without engaging inbat, the daily expenses of nearly two hundred thousandbatants and hired workers for food, drink, and the like, were a considerable expenditure.

    These regr consumptions were processed through the logistics of the city defense troops.

    Therefore, there was no need to generate many spections upon seeing the troop listed under the name of the City Defense Command.

    Of course, the First Mobile Army did indeed get some convenience in acquiring equipment, but that was only because this unit had many logistical support units. The reliability of new equipment was low and they could cope with it, whereas typical units would probably discard malfunctioning new equipment by the roadside.

    First Mobile Army had three divisions under itsmand: the Guards First "Red Banner" Mechanized Infantry Division, the 225th Mechanized Infantry Division, and the Mnia People''s Army First Division.

    All three divisions were formed based on the temte of the Guards Mechanized Infantry.

    The Guards Mechanized Infantry consisted of one tank battalion, one reconnaissance battalion, one engineer battalion, one anti-aircraft battalion, one tank destroyer battalion, one anti-tank artillery battalion, and they also had a mechanized infantry regiment, an artillery regiment, an automobile regiment, and a support regiment.In addition, a cavalry toon was reinforced to serve as reconnaissance and emergencymunication forces.

    The fifth Blysk Infantry Regiment, which originally belonged to the Guards Mechanized Infantry, was reorganized into the 41st Guards Infantry Regiment and transferred to the 225th Mechanized Infantry Division as the division''s core force.

    The current organization of the Guards Mechanized Infantry reflected Wang Zhong''s summary ofbat experiences over the past year. Other technical services in the division had only one battalion each, while infantry, artillery, automobile, and support troops were organized into regiments.

    The division''s Guards 31st Mechanized Infantry Regiment was Wang Zhong''s old unit, which was the original Third Amur Group. This regiment was reinforced with arge number of M3 half-track vehicles to achieve true mechanization.

    The most exaggerated aspect of this regiment was its infantry gun deployment. Due to therge number of M3s, Wang Zhong stuffed arge number of 75mm infantry guns into this unit, with M3s towing them, increasing the number of 75mm guns in each battalion to 12, and 82mm mortars were even distributed as supporting firepower down to the infantry toons.

    Without exaggeration, just by counting the number of artillery pieces, one battalion of the Guards 31st Regiment could match a typical Ante Infantry Division with moderate equipment.

    The tank battalion below the Guards Mechanized Infantry didn''t have excessively luxurious tank equipment¡ªone toon consisted of 4 tanks, onepany of 12 tanks, and threepanies formed a battalion.

    Production of the T34W had risen considerably, so an armored battalion with this number of T34Ws wasmon within the Ante Army.

    What was truly outrageous was the number of apanying troops Wang Zhong equipped for this battalion. He stuffed into each armoredpany a reconnaissance toon with three squads in jeeps and a mechanized infantry toon equipped with four M3 Grant Lee tanks.

    Yes, a mechanized infantry toon, but the infantry fighting vehicle was the M3 medium tank.

    It wasn''t a joke¡ªthe interior of the M3 tank was very spacious, able to cram in eight fully-armed Ante soldiers, so Wang Zhong used it as an infantry fighting vehicle.

    If a half-track couldn''t match the T34W in terms of off-road capability, then the same was applied to a full-tracked tank.

    This way, even if the tankpany moved rapidly forward, at least there were 60 infantrymen apanying the advance, who could dismount and scout ahead inplex situations to "clear the view" for the tanks.

    Besides mechanized infantry, Wang Zhong also squeezed into each tankpany an SU76 self-propelled artillery piece as apanying indirect fire support.

    Adding infantry to tanks was drawn from Wang Zhong''s own experiences, while shoving indirect fire guns into tankpanies was a direct copy of Soviet Union tactics on Earth.

    When a Soviet tankpany advanced, it was not only equipped with mechanized infantry but also a 122mm gun mounted on vehicles. In this way, once a tankpany encountered entrenched enemy infantry, they could use the 122mm gun alongside the apanying infantry to attack.

    Wang Zhong didn''t yet have a vehicle-mounted 122mm howitzer. For now, he made do with the SU76. It was just 46 millimeters smaller in caliber¡ªenough to get by for now.

    Once the SU152 became avable in the future, that would be allotted to the tankpanies.

    Besides the infantry and artillery, the tank battalion under the Guards Mechanized Infantry was also provided with a support force far surpassing that of other tank battalions. Wang Zhong even followed the standards of Earth''s U.S. military and inserted a tractor into eachpany to tow immobile tanks.

    Wang Zhong also wanted to acquire Dragon-type trailers, but unfortunately, the Federation currently needed them for themselves as they hadn''t begun to explode in production capacity.

    The artillery regiment of the Guards Mechanized Infantry wasvishly equipped: 36 pieces of 152mm heavy artillery and an additional 24 pieces of 122mm howitzers. To tow these cannons, Wang Zhong assigned 150 tractors and 100 automobiles to the artillery regiment.

    Yes, besides the automobile regiment, an additional 100 trucks were provided.

    The automobile regiment also had 500 vehicles, making a total of 600 trucks just within the division!

    Thanks to the generosity of the Federation.

    Wait, the anti-aircraft artillery battalion also had eight Crusader anti-aircraft guns, it should be thanks to the generosity of the Federation and the United Kingdom.

    With such generous provisions in the division, the First Mobile Army had three of them.

    Of course, only the Guards Mechanized Infantry had a tank destroyer battalion equipped with Whirlwind tank destroyers. The other two divisions temporarilycked this formation because the Whirlwind was a newly designed piece of equipment with extremely low production capacity.

    By the end of April 915, there were only 36 vehicles, just enough to outfit one battalion.

    By the end of April, aside from the underequipped tank destroyer battalion, each division was essentially fully staffed, and support personnel and hired workers were also fully-equipped.

    In addition to the divisions, Wang Zhong also formed arge field hospital and arge battlefield repair workshop under the army, utilizing the battle tank repair vehicles provided by the Federation.

    Beyond these, the army headquarters directly controlled a rocket artillery brigade and a tube artillery brigade, giving Wang Zhong''s army over two hundredrge calibers of 152mm and above, initially possessing the capability to shave a meter off a hilltop.

    Yet, Wang Zhong still felt the firepower was insufficient¡ªthose who have been on the battlefield probably all have this concern.

    If you can bomb the enemy to death, why bother to engage in closebat and risk your life, right?

    Wang Zhong, with his military equipment, should no longer have too much of a gappared to the forces of Prussia. The keyy in training.

    From the moment they stationed at Kubinka, intensive training had never ceased, and Wang Zhong even emted the monthly exams from his high school days. During thest week of each month, for the three days of Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, they would holdprehensive martial contests.

    On one hand, it stimted everyone''s enthusiasm throughpetition¡ªand prizes¡ªand on the other hand, it allowed the soldiers who had trained intensely for a month to take a break.

    Latter, he simply extended the contest period to a whole week, first having eachpany conduct internal contests, followed by the battalions, fighting their way up level by level, and then awarding a mobile red g to the division that garnered the most victories ording to the results of the contests.

    Thus, during thest week of every month, Kubinka was filled with an atmosphere akin to that of a sports meeting, with exceptional results! Especially after Wang Zhong added Havana cigars from the Federation into the prize pool.

    Everyst Sunday evening of the month, in the Kubinka barracks, one could always see the individual event champions striking a very show-offish pose while smoking their cigars, enjoying the envious gazes of others.

    Wang Zhong had never expected that the things he learned in military training, as well as in high school, would be so useful!

    By the end of April, Wang Zhong was fairly certain that the training level of his troops wasn''t much different from that of the Prussians. However, there was still some gap in terms of cultural education.

    Over the past few months, he had asionally interacted with the captured prisoners and realized something: the high school enrollment rate among Prussians was truly high. The students were intellectually nimble, with a strong sense of initiative, which was why the Prussian Army was of such high quality.

    In contrast, on the Ante Army side, there were soldiers who hadn''tpleted tenth grade and whose hometowns had not been overrun. Many joined the army simply because "the local priest called for it," so Wang Zhong had to start with teaching them the meaning of "protecting our homes and defending our country."

    Fortunately, the priests in charge of the night school had abundant experience dealing with children from rural areas. They quickly made them understand the meaning of the battle and also why Ante would inevitably win and Prussia would fail.

    By the end of April, the First Mobile Army was also ideologically prepared to engage the enemy inbat.

    However, the attack by the Prussian Army on the Coastal Fortress-Bolsk defense line that Wang Zhong predicted had not started.

    Early in the morning of May 1, just as Wang Zhong got out of bed and was having breakfast, Mikhail, the butler, entered the dining room and reported, "General Golikov is waiting in the reception room."

    Wang Zhong, "If he hasn''t eaten, invite him to have breakfast together."

    Mikhail saluted and left.

    A momentter, General Golikov sat down opposite Wang Zhong and his wife-to-be, looking at the dishes on the table, "Even you can only eat SPAM canned meat now, huh..."

    Wang Zhong, "Many livestock froze to deathst year. Supplies won''t recover until the second half of this year. Thanks to SPAM canned meat and the catch from the North Sea for feeding the people of Ante. So what brings you back?"

    General Golikov, "It seems they want to make me the Chief of Staff."

    Wang Zhong asked in surprise, "Wasn''t Marshal Boris doing well?"

    The one who answered this question was Ludm, "The marshal has fallen ill and might retire. That''s what his wife said."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "I see. Are there any other adjustments?"

    General Golikov, "General Tugenev is going to be promoted to full general. He got his general rank after the civil war ended, but so many years have passed without a promotion. Now, he''s finally getting his general stars... although I think he might not care much about that."

    Having said that, the general shrugged his shoulders.

    He continued, "Also, Chekhov will be promoted to general and might be transferred to the General Logistics Department, taking over for General Sergey of the Ordnance Department."

    Wang Zhong, "Is Sergey being reced... To be honest, aside from always opening doors for his son-inw, he doesn''t have many faults."

    That was true, as Wang Zhong, the head of the Ordnance Review Committee, interacted with the Ordnance Department daily. General Sergey handled most matters without ws, except for his fondness for protecting his son-inw.

    But clearly, Major General Chekhov, who was ''non-stick,'' was better.

    General Golikov observed Wang Zhong''s expression andughed, "It seems you are quite satisfied with these changes as well. The Military Orders Department and the Ministry of Defense have been entrusted to the reliable General Tugenev, while logistics will be under the responsibility of the reliable Major General Chekhov..."

    Wang Zhong corrected, "The reliable and ''non-stick'' Major General Chekhov."

    "Hahaha." General Golikovughed heartily.

    Just then, Mikhail entered with a solemn expression, holding a telephone in one hand and a receiver in the other, stepping forward to hand the receiver to Wang Zhong, "A call from the pce."

    Wang Zhong took the receiver and heard Olga asking anxiously, "General Golikov is there with you, right?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes."

    Olga, "The enemy has attacked. I think High Command has already been notified, but I got the jump on them."

    Wang Zhong, "They''ve finallye, is it the southern line?"

    "Yes, the Coastal Fortress is reporting heavy artillery preparation, and Prussian Army battleships have been spotted at sea, currently exchanging fire with the coastal defense batteries."

    Wang Zhong, "Understood."

    "Will youe to the pce for an emergency imperial meeting?"

    "Of course."

 Chapter 375: Open Fire

    One day before, April 30th, 915.

    General Erik von Xiplin, the Army Group Commander, was inspecting the railway gun position that had been fully deployed.

    He had to tilt his head back to see the muzzle of the Gustav mega cannon.

    Xiplin, "Can this thing really work?"

    The Major General in charge of the cannon replied, "If it can''t work, you can only hope for Fritz bombs from the Air Force."

    "Good heavens, it''s better that it works," General Xiplin looked around and finally settled his gaze on the number two tank that was on the support frame of the cannon, "Why does the cannon have a number two tank on its back?"

    The Major General exined, "Because the tractor we used to push the shells into the breech broke, and therge tractor for resetting the cannon can''t be mounted on it, so we used the number two tank with its turret removed to take on the task, as it fits perfectly."

    General Xiplin frowned, "How big are the shells that you need a tank to push them?"

    "The head of the shell weighs four tons, and with the propent, it''s seven tons. There is also a special armor-piercing shell with a heavier head, for attacking the enemy''s solid concrete forts."General Xiplin clicked his tongue, "It sounds immensely powerful, but even the most powerful attack is nothing if it doesn''t hit the target."

    The Artillery Major General assured, "Rest assured, with the experience umted on the Leopold, we can guarantee an error within 300 meters."

    "Half a kilometer?" General Xiplin was shocked, "You actually think this error is eptable?"

    The Artillery Major General, "Trust me, General, with high-explosive shells, we can ensure that anything exposed within a 500-meter radius will be incapacitated, so a 300-meter error is not a big deal.

    "Moreover, errors like this can be corrected through calibration. We have already built an observation post at amanding height and connected it by telephone to here, so by the third or fourth shot, we will have a quite decent hit rate."

    General Xiplin pursed his lips, stared at the mega cannon for a while and asked, "How many shots can you fire in one day?"

    "If it is continuous firing at a single target with only minor adjustments in between, we can fire 14 shots a day."

    "Fourteen shots! Why so few?" General Xiplin asked.

    The Artillery Major General exined, "This is because after shooting, a tractor is needed to reset the piece, and the entire process takes this much time."

    "Alright, you''ve convinced me. Fourteen shots a day seems eptable after all," General Xiplin sighed, "What about if it''s at different targets?"

    "That depends on the distance between the two targets, mainly the distance in the north-south direction. The greater this distance, therger the angle the cannon needs to rotate. Currently, it takes 12 seconds to turn the gun 1 degree, and if there is a malfunction during rotation, it would take a considerable amount of time to troubleshoot."

    General Xiplin, "Don''t tell me all that, give me a general range."

    "Nine to ten shots, General. We still rmend attacking only one important target a day, then stopping to maintain the cannon after destroying the target, which is better than aplete breakdown and having to send it back."

    General Xiplin, "Well, since you all insist, so be it. I want to climb up this big guy and take a look!"

    "Right this way." The Artillery Major General quickly made a weing gesture.

    Soon General Xiplin climbed up the back of therge gun using the gangway, and he closely examined the tank modified for loading shells, then turned to look at the breech the tank was facing.

    "It''s so big! What''s the caliber?"

    "80 centimeters, General."

    General Xiplin admired, "This must be the biggest cannon after the Urban mega cannon. If we limit it to modern rifled artillery, then this is thergest. It represents the industrial power of the Empire! We will use it to destroy the resistance of the Ante People!"

    Having said that, the General looked around and suddenly stopped, pointing at something that looked like a giant fly swatter not far away and asked, "Is that radar?"

    "Yes, it''s an air surveince radar. Although the Air Force has assured that no Ant Air Force ne will reach the mega cannon''s airspace, we have still spent a fortune on equipping a radar station and rted power generation equipment, so we can have our anti-aircraft guns ready in advance."

    Xiplin nodded, "Very, reasonable. We can''t rely on the Air Force, it''s better to depend on ourselves for air defense. The cannon will start firing tomorrow morning at eight, by that time the fire preparation will be finished and the enemy will have entered their positions, just in time for them to taste our power."

    "Yes, sir," the artillery major general saluted.@@novelbin@@

    General Xiplin also cautioned, "Don''t use armor-piercing shells, just fire high-explosive shells. By the time you open fire, our infantry should have already set off. The huge dust clouds caused by the high-explosive shells will boost morale."

    At four-thirty the next day, the fire preparation on the Coastal Fortress began.

    Even at the Gustav mega cannon''s position, the sounds of the distant artillery firing could be heard.

    The mega cannon waited quietly for the time to fire.

    During this process, hundreds of maintenance personnel carefully inspected every part of the system, ensuring that this massive beast could operate normally.

    Then the ammunition began to be loaded.

    Six gunners worked together to push a tcart, bringing the shell to the crane, where it was then lifted by the crane and ced on the loading track on the back of the cannon barrel.

    Then, a tank converted into a loading tractor pushed the huge projectile into the cannon breech. It withdrew, waited for the crane to ce the propent charges on the track, and then dutifully pushed the charges into the breech.

    This type of cannon required different amounts of propent depending on the target.

    The first firing required the loading of two bags of propent charges, so the loading tractor repeated the previous steps once more.

    The final step was breech locking. The breech locking mechanism of such a massive cannon required three people to operate simultaneously toplete the task.

    After the cannon was loaded, there were still forty minutes until the end of fire preparation.

    Despite this, the cannon''s crew members still stood at their posts, with no sign of cking off, intently waiting for the end of fire preparation.

    At eight o''clock, the phone rang, and the signalman immediately brought it to the major general, respectfully offering the handset.

    As soon as the major general picked up the handset, he heard Xiplin''s calm voice say, "Fire."

    Xiplin''s words brought the entire position to life from a dead silence; the engineers and technicians, who had been cking off a moment before, now sprang into action to perform onest check before firing.

    The major general went straight up to the tform on the side of the cannon, where the cannon''s control board was located.

    After the final check waspleted, the engineers practically flew from the cannon, lining up beside it and quietly waiting for the moment of firing.

    The major general gave the firing elements onest check to confirm there were no issues, then turned and saluted the Prosen national g hanging directly to the west of the cannon position.

    As he saluted, the lined-up gunners below performed a uniform action, covering their ears.

    After the salute, the major general turned back, pulled on a rope next to the control board, shouted something loudly, and yanked it hard.

    The cannon muzzle shed with a blinding me, and a st swept the surroundings in an instant.

    The gunners'' action of covering their ears happened to press down the capes of their service caps, ensuring that their caps were not blown away by the st of the shot.

    As the st swept across the entire position, the massive cannon and the tform beneath it recoiled along the rails, converting the energy provided by the gunpowder into work on the cannon.

    When the recoil had finished, the cannon came to a stop.

    The gunners who had been lined up covering their ears immediately sprang into action, driving over three tractors to tow the cannon.

    It took thebined effort of three tractors to reposition the railgun, which weighed over a thousand tons, and then the second round of loading began.

 Chapter 376: Defending Like General Rokossovsky (4K Mega Chapter )

    Prosen Army offensive line.

    When the sound of the shells tearing through the air came, all the infantry behind the tanks looked up.

    The Prosen troops had been reinforced with a considerable number who had basic military training but no frontline experience, or only experience from the Mnia era. However, about sixty percent of the troops were veterans who had been on the Eastern Front since the beginning ofst year''s offensive.

    This was still due to nonmissioned officers being pulled out to form new units or being absorbed into the Asgard Knights. Otherwise, the proportion of veterans would be even higher.

    After all, duringst June''s offensive operations, the Prosen Army didn''t suffer heavy losses¡ªexcept for the few divisions that were surrounded and annihted at Ye Fort during the battle at Karanskaya.

    Immediately, the veterans recognized that the velocity of the shells flying overhead was not fast.

    "These shells areing from quite a distance," a nonmissioned officer remarked.

    Soon after, a new recruit curiously asked, "Why do you say that?"

    Old nonmissioned officer: "A shell fired from a distance, when passing overhead, will be slower because its trajectory is high. If thending point is far from you, it''s now at the peak of its entire trajectory..."The nonmissioned officer gestured with his hands.

    Just then, far ahead, a thick plume of smoke suddenly rose, clearly the explosion of a shell.

    It took a dozen seconds for the sound of the explosion to btedly arrive.

    The nonmissioned officer clicked his tongue, "The impact point is at least five kilometers away from us. To be able to see such arge cloud of smoke, this must be a super-heavy artillery shell, probably a Leopold!"

    "I think it might be a Karl," another veteran nonmissioned officer offered a different opinion.

    "Are you stupid? Karl shells fly even slower, and the sound just now as it passed overhead couldn''t have been from that!"

    At this moment, the curious new recruit asked, "Why only one shell? During the earlier artillery preparation, I saw the enemy positions were all exploding fireballs."

    "Idiot," the old soldier pped the new recruit''s steel helmet, "A single shot from arge caliber like that is serious trouble. If it hits a city, that one shell would have already killed a thousand people and injured who knows how many. A shot like that could wipe out apany¡ªno, a battalion!"

    At that moment, a junior officer who had been listening to their conversation spoke up, "You new eggheads will understand once you''ve been shelled by Ante heavy artillery."

    The new recruit protested, "I''ve served for three years before bing a reservist; don''t treat me like a greenhorn."

    Junior officer: "You are a greenhorn. Let me tell you, some of those Ante bastards have a particrly malicious streak, they scout out civilian dwellings in advance, and once they make contact with us, they open fire on those houses in the dead of night."

    All the veterans on the scene frowned solemnly.

    The junior officer continued, "Then you''ll know what it''s like to be hit by heavy artillery. A shellnds a hundred meters from your bed, and you''re so scared you jump up only to find your nose bleeding non-stop, because the overpressure tore through your delicate nasal passages.@@novelbin@@

    And if you''re more seriously hurt, you might cough up blood because your alveoli were destroyed by the overpressure, and blood spurts out through your trachea."

    The new recruit became solemn, "I''ve read in the newspapers, that''s the tactic of that General White Horse, and the papers condemn him as scum who doesn''t care about the lives of his own people."

    The expressions of others became very ambiguous.

    Finally, the junior officer said, "It''s not entirely his fault. Before, we treated the Ante people like scum and ughtered them without constraint. He probably concluded that there were nopatriots left in the upied areas."

    The new recruit was taken aback, then he asked, "Sir, have you also killed Ante civilians?"

    Junior officer: "I haven''t. But when my men did it, I didn''t stop them, and evenughed alongside them. That''s why we must win this war, because if the Ante peoplee back to our homnd, they''ll do the same. And by then, they''ll be seen as just, because we were the viins."

    "We believe ourselves superior to the Ante people, so we carry out atrocities without any restraints. If the Ante people prove they''re no worse than us, then those atrocities will lose their footing."

    The new recruit said, "Sir, you''ve been using the word ''atrocities''."

    Junior officer: "Yes, with or without reason, whatever the reasons may be, they''re still atrocities. Anything of that sort done to humans is an atrocity. Dammit, why did they have to target Ante women at the time, wouldn''t going for a couple of sheep have sufficed?"

    It was then that an old nonmissioned officer said, "The captain wasn''t like this before, but since we were defeated near Ye Fortst year, he became like this."

    "Because now, in my dreams, I see that house on that day. Only, it''s no longer my soldiersmitting those atrocities on the Ante mother and daughter¡ªit''s Ante soldiers doing the same to my wife and daughter. And that General White Horse stands where I was, pping and mocking,menting on my daughter''s figure, her face."

    The captain nced at the Ante Army defensive line still in the distance.

    He said, "And in the dream, I can only watch all this because I''ve already fallen to the ground, turned into a corpse."

    At that moment, a tank passed by a snapped tree, and the captain, as if possessed, looked back and saw a patch of red. At first, he thought it was blood but then realized it was red paint.

    He immediately understood it was a target marker for the defenders and shouted, "Get down quick, mortar shells iing!"

    No sooner had he spoken than shellsnded a few tens of meters away, followed by a barrage of intense mortar fire.

    The captainy on the ground, shouting, "Dammit! This defensive method, it''s Rokossov! We''ve run into Rokossov again!"

    At themand post of the fifth division of the fortress defense forces, the divisionmander observed the effects of the mortar barrage with satisfaction through his binocrs.

 Chapter 377: Defending Like General Rokossovsky (4K Mega Chapter ) (2)

    "Very good, very good," heughed heartily, "taste what I learned at the Suvorov Military Academy! The general personally answered my questions!"

    At this time, the chief of staff asked, "Is the general really that young? There¡¯s a theory that it was actually his elder brother Petro who aplished the deeds, and the younger brother was chosen to be the figurehead because of his outstanding appearance."

    The divisionmander shook his head, "No, no, I swear it was the young Rokossov I met, because during the sses, his eyes sparkled with understanding as he had truly grasped war, answering every question I posed with ease."

    In fact, all this was present stock from various military writings in another time and space, of course, no one here could know.

    The divisionmander leaned on the edge of the division headquarters¡¯ shelter observation window, looking out at the battlefield filled with explosions and gun smoke, and sighed, "Unfortunately, General Rokossov has not studied offensive tactics, so we can only defend like him."

    The chief of staff chuckled wryly, "A general who has achieved the only organized annihtion of the enemy in all of Ante, to say that he does not know how to attack doesn¡¯t seem quite right, does it?"

    "No, no, that¡¯s what General Rokossov said himself; he imed that the enemy at Karanskaya actually lost to General Winter and General Mud, not to him. He also said that the attack was basically like giving a kick to a dry tree already riddled with termites, hardly a testament to his skill."

    "That¡¯s why he only taught us defense, waiting until he had experience with attacking an enemy that had ample supplies and had established fortified regions before writing a book to teach us how to attack."

    He looked again at the defensive line, "See, this is the defense constructed in the manner of General Rokossovsky! Unfortunately, by the time I returned from my studies, the enemy had already upied the front, preventing me from personally scouting the regions possibly controlled by the enemy like the general did."The chief of staff said, "You mean, based on firsthand reconnaissance, anticipating where the enemy¡¯smand post and supply center might be and then shelling them at night and during mealtimes as a kind of harassment tactic?"

    "Yes," the divisionmander bit his lip, "no matter, when we move to another ce, we can give it a try."

    At noon on May 1st, the headquarters of the 11th Army Group in Prosen, General Erik von Xiplin held the phone, talking to themander of the First Armored Corps, General Ewald von Steier-Mark.

    "The first attack was halted, and the casualties were much higher than expected," Xiplin said, "The enemy at least has shown a marked improvement in defensepared tost year."

    General Steier-Mark said, "One of my armored divisionmanders mentioned that this defensive method is very much like what we¡¯ve seen in the summary reports of Rokossov¡¯s defensive tactics at Orachi.

    The Ante People no longer insist on holding the same position to the death against us, but prefer covering newly upied positions with artillery fire, inflicting heavy casualties and then counterattacking to take back the position."

    General Xiplin responded, "Exactly, the infantry also reported that the anti-shell bunkers in the positions were very hidden, there were booby traps, and our forces, unfamiliar with the terrain, couldn¡¯t find the bunkers or dared not enter them, resulting in heavy losses under enemy fire."

    "The trenches in the positions were also cunningly designed, not conducive to defending against their bombardment."

    General Xiplin paused and added, "It seems the intelligence from Rabowell was correct about Rokossov being reassigned to the rear as a teacher, but whether it was due to a political struggle and a demotion in disguise, that¡¯s unknown."

    General Steier-Mark said, "Getting half of that kind of intelligence right would be good. So, what are your ns? Attacking such defensive positions head-on will result in heavy casualties."

    General Xiplin: "Didn¡¯t Tsar¡¯s favored courtier Giles demonstrate it? Trench warfare. Otherwise, let¡¯s make the navy work harder andpletely cut off the Coastal Fortress¡¯s supply from the sea."

    "I don¡¯t really want to rely on the other branches of the military," Steier-Mark said, "I¡¯ll try to maneuver around as much as possible, you continue with the trench warfare."

    Xiplin: "Good luck to you."

    "And to you as well."

    The conference at the Tsar¡¯s court in Saint Ye Katerina Fortress was scheduled for 11 a.m.

    Wang Zhong and General Gorky arrived at the Summer Pce at 10 a.m., and first met with the officers designated to attend the court meeting in the waiting room.

    Upon entering the waiting room, they immediately saw General Tugenev adorned with new epaulets.

    "Oh, have you finished being decorated?" Wang Zhong, having recently be quite familiar with these "literary giants," had reached the stage where he could directly address them with an informal "hey," teasing in such a manner.

    General Tugenev nced at his epaulets: "Another star doesn¡¯t feel much different. I¡¯ve objected many times, but His Majesty still insisted on appointing an old man like me, who only understands clerical work, as the chief of staff."

    Wang Zhong: "If you don¡¯t want it, you could let General Gorky take over, right?"

    After all, they were all literary giants.@@novelbin@@

    General Gorky: "Don¡¯t even think about it. I¡¯m still working on my offensive n; right now, I certainly don¡¯t want to relinquishmand of the Western Front Army."

    While they were speaking, [General] Chekhov came over.

    Wang Zhong: "You got promoted too?"

    Chekhov said, annoyed, "Who keeps moring to send Sergey¡¯s son-inw to the front to let him see how terrible his own designs are? They nned to retire together to the countryside, so I kept getting pushed up for more training."

    Wang Zhong: "My fianc¨¦e mentioned he had health issues."

    "Isn¡¯t that the same thing?" Chekhov sighed, "You should try to change this impulsive way of doing things."

    Then he abruptly changed the subject, "So, what¡¯s the situation at the front really like?"

 Chapter 378: Defending Like General Rokossovsky (4K Mega Chapter ) (3)

    The newly appointed Chief of General Staff answered, "We¡¯ve already repelled the enemy¡¯s first offensive, but the Prussians will definitely not attack just once. By the way, the Coastal Fortress has reported being bombarded by artillery of unimaginable caliber, more powerful than the main guns of a battleship; we¡¯re not clear what it is."

    Wang Zhong: "Railway guns, like the Leopold or the Karl-Ger?t."

    Admiral Chekhov: "It sounds like we can hold back the enemy this time."

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, but the question is for how long."

    General Gorky: "Likest year, we¡¯ll try to drag out time until the muddy conditions of Octobere, meanwhile luring the enemy deeper, and fight a decisive battle in our hintend."

    Admiral Chekhov: "Are you suggesting we don¡¯t resist?"

    "No," General Gorky shook his head, "It¡¯s only April now, letting the enemy into the ins this early is a bad idea; we¡¯ll lose the war with the speed of rotting wood falling."

    Admiral Chekhov nodded: "I see."

    At this point Tugenev asked Wang Zhong: "Is your new army ready?"Wang Zhong: "They are ready now, but the more preparation time we have, the better they will perform inbat, Your Excellency the General."

    Admiral Chekhov chimed in, "Moreover, his army now includes nearly 200,000 nonbat personnel; transporting such arge force to take a detour to the Coastal-Bolsk line is problematic. If they depart now, the vanguard will take half a month to arrive, followed by subsequent forces reaching the area over the course of two weeks."

    That means it would take Wang Zhong¡¯s showcase army a month to be fully transferred to Duke Meishikin¡¯smand.

    Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t really considered this.

    Seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, Admiral Chekhov exined further, "The transport lines are not just for your army; the railways are crowded with the troops and supplies being moved."

    Tugenev then pitched in, "Yes, many people suggest that your force shouldn¡¯t just be called an army; it could be confused with those that only have twenty or thirty thousand soldiers and no logistical personnel. How about changing the name?"

    Wang Zhong: "Then let¡¯s call it an Army Group."

    At that moment, Olga suddenly appeared, suggesting, "While you¡¯re at it, change the name of the troops too. ¡¯Mobile Army¡¯ doesn¡¯t convey the feeling of an elite force."

    The others hurried to salute Olga: "Your Majesty."@@novelbin@@

    But Wang Zhong continued the conversation: "Then what should it be called? ¡¯Assault¡¯ is already in use with the Assault Army Group."

    Olga nodded to the others and then continued to Wang Zhong, "The Prussians put together the Asgard Knights; maybe you shoulde up with a corresponding name."

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, "No need; names aren¡¯t that important. Even if my Army Group¡¯s number is unremarkable, as long as we achieve battlefield sesses worthy of the history books, this number will be remembered in military history."

    Olga nodded: "Then let¡¯s call it the First Mobile Group Army. After all, your Army Group is not just for breaking through, yet it seems you also don¡¯t n on focusing solely on defense; ¡¯Mobile¡¯ is most fitting."

    Wang Zhong: "Thank you for the honor of naming it."

    Olga looked at Wang Zhong for a few seconds, asking, "You¡¯re going to the front lines again, aren¡¯t you?"

    Wang Zhong: "Not necessarily, just now Admiral Chekhov told me that it would take a month to move my Army Group to the southern front."

    Admiral Chekhov: "It won¡¯t even be the front line, a month will only be enough to get you to the critical supply hubs, and then you¡¯ll need time to integrate with the local logistics system before marching to the front."

    General Gorky: "There¡¯s actually no need to rush the new reinforcements into battle. For the moment, the direction of the Coastal-Bolsk is fairly solid. If we hold the enemy¡¯s advance at the Valdai Hills River line, we can make use of river transport, starting from Ye Fort, and directly moving downstream without issues."

    Wang Zhong: "We can transport partway by ship, then head south to join the contest on the ins. We have whirlwind-ss tank destroyers that can eliminate enemy tanks from a great distance, and we also have the best gunners."

    Olga: "So you¡¯ll be staying in Ye Fort for a while?"

    Wang Zhong: "That depends on the development of the battlefield situation. It¡¯s unpredictable, Your Majesty."

 Chapter 379: Vetoing the Plan to Recapture Shepetovka

    The situation on the battlefield was indeed unpredictable.

    The Coastal Fortress had resisted for eighteen days, consistently reporting "not much pressure" and "Rocossov-style defensive positions performing well," but on the morning of May 19, the Coastal Fortress suddenly reported that its outer defense ring had been breached.

    Of course, the Coastal Fortress still had two other lines of defense that could hold out for some time, but the expressions of everyone at the imperial council meeting were not good.

    May 19, Ye Fort, Summer Pce, Imperial Council Meeting.

    General Tugenev was presenting the Air Force reconnaissance results: "Our PE-2 improved high-altitude reconnaissance nes were constantly intercepted by the Ploson Air Force during their missions, so we couldn¡¯t get a clear picture of the surroundings of the fortress.

    "However, the IL-2s flying low-level pration missions reported that the enemy has arge number of anti-aircraft guns in this position."

    The general drew a circle on the map.

    "Also, the pration reconnaissance troops of the defense forces reported an increased patrol density in this area, and they are equipped with military dogs, making it really impossible to infiltrate."Combining this with the survey of craters left by the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery, we conjecture that this might be a heavy railway gun. At first, the fortressmand thought it was fire from the enemy¡¯s battleships, but even naval artillery couldn¡¯t leave such terrifying craters, let alone prate the thirty-meter thick cover of the underground ammunition depot."

    Wang Zhong: "Are there any intelligence reports from the Allied Forces?"

    "No," Cardinal Ravkid shook his head, "We¡¯ve been maintaining intelligence exchange with the Allied Forces, and they haven¡¯t mentioned this super cannon either."

    Wang Zhong: "In short, it means that what was previously a good defense is now suddenly breached through the ammunition depot, and the explosion was so loud that the front line couldn¡¯t stabilize the troops in time, leading to the loss of some defensive positions, right?"

    "Exactly," General Tugenev nodded, "Moreover, there¡¯s a practical problem, the fortress¡¯s artillery firepower is basically provided by the Naval Coastal Artillery Group, which chiefly operates the fortress¡¯s coastal guns, and the artillery support for the area that is now breached was supplied by the underground ammunition depot that was destroyed."

    Wang Zhong: "So the destruction of one underground ammunition depot cut off the ammunition supply?"

    An engineering brigadier general in attendance exined: "Not cut off, the coastal artillery can still receive ammunition from other depots.

    "The approach to the Coastal Fortress ammunition depots is that each supplies a battery, connected to the gun positions via an underground rail track, allowing the transportation of ammunition to the gun positions by ammunition trains.

    "Transporting it from other depots is not so convenient; the ammunition must first be carried to the surface and then transported by truck. The enemy air force is currentlyunching heavy air strikes, rendering truck transport impossible."@@novelbin@@

    After the engineering brigadier general finished his exnation, General Tugenev quickly took over: "Previously, we believed the Coastal Fortress, utilizing new defensive tactics, could withstand for a longer time. Now it seems we must prepare for the loss of the Coastal Fortress.

    "After the fortress is breached, Meishikin¡¯s troops may be nked, and we might have to abandon Bolsk."

    Wang Zhong: "Then retreat to where? The steppes are not suitable for defense."

    General Tugenev answered: "There are still options, the Suhaya Weili River can provide the necessary barrier for defense, as we have been fortifying along its banks since January this year.

    "To ensure their logistics, the enemy will definitely try to break through the Suhaya Weili River to the east first, before advancing toward the Valdai Hill River.

    "There are numerous industrial zones along the Valdai Hill River, and we rely extensively on river transport from Ye Fort southward for the supply of goods.

    "As soon as the enemy pushes the front line to the banks of the Valdai Hill River, our supply transport to the south to the Front Army can only depend on the Ind Sea routes."

    Wang Zhong added, "Transporting fuel from Kuba would also have to rely solely on Ind Sea routes."

    "Yes," General Tugenev nodded, "Therefore, the defense of the Suhaya Weili River is critical. We have dispatched Major General Kashuk¡¯s 51st Army Group, which was expanded based on the 51st Army, and the 52nd and 54th Army Groups have also been sent to the banks of the Suhaya Weili River."

    Wang Zhong: "I remember these army groups were involved in the fighting from September to Octoberst year, and Kashuk¡¯s army suffered significant losses."

    General Tugenev: "They havepleted their reorganization and are now fully staffed."

    "That being said, my First Mobile Group Army isn¡¯t needed to defend the Suhaya Weili River?" Wang Zhong asked.

    "Yes, you can get more training time."

    General Tugenev continued exining with the map: "Of course, the defense of the Suhaya Weili River is not as reliable as that of the Duva River, because both banks of the river are open steppes,ckingrge cities as support points. Last year we were sessively breached by the Prosen people in simr terrain.

    "The good news is that these army groups have been strengthened with heavy tanks. Following the rmendations of General Rocossov, we organized the heavy tanks into battalions of 21 tanks, reinforcing the necessary infantry divisions as a kind of ¡¯mobile support point.¡¯

    Wang Zhong, hearing his own name, immediately puffed out his chest and held his head high.

    In fact, he had copied this arrangement from the Soviet military organization on Earth. In thetter stages of the war, the Soviet Army didn¡¯t userge numbers of heavy tanks because their maintenance support was really bad; a unit of 21 heavy tanks was thergest unit they could sustain.

    The maintenance support capabilities of the Ante Army were just as bad; heavy tanks, being heavier, naturally had a higher rate of breakdowns than medium tanks, so it made sense to disperse the use of heavy tanks to reduce the difficulty of maintenance.

    What Wang Zhong did was to simply point out in advance the experience that the Ante Army itself would have eventually concluded, and then he took credit for it.

    General Tugenev continued, "Additionally, in ordance with our new field defense manual, we have dug many tank entrenchments by the riverbank, which only expose the turrets."

    This new field defense manual was also concocted by Wang Zhong.

    The entire Ante Army is currently utilizing thebat doctrines Wang Zhong borrowed from Earth.

    General Tugenev, "Judging from the defense battles at the Coastal Fortress and Bolsk, the new defense system performed well. Personally, I expect it to do well at the Suhayaveli River.

    "That¡¯s about it for now."

    Wang Zhong, "Is there no attacking action from the enemy on the central and northern fronts?"

    "None. However, we have received many intelligence reports indicating that the Prussian¡¯s target this summer remains Ye Fort." General Tugenev looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong, "That¡¯s a feint. The enemy¡¯s target is the oil fields, General Golikov and I have bothe to this conclusion."

    "The High Command thinks so as well. That¡¯s why I just mentioned it in passing." General Tugenev said, "So that¡¯s the situation, Your Majesty, I have finished speaking."

    Olga, who had been holding back, immediately spoke up, "Alyosha..."

    Wang Zhong, "Use military ranks in a work setting."

    Olga pouted, but immediatelyposed herself, "Lieutenant General Rocossov, the operations department has submitted a proposal for an offensive on the southern front aimed at recapturing Shepetovka. What do you think?"

    Wang Zhong, "Sounds feasible, what forces are being prepared for the operation?"

    "Mainly the newly formed tank brigades, nning tomit five brigades, plus two infantry divisions."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows knitted into twists.

    The Soviet forces on Earth saw some rather abstract formations in the second year of the war, such as the creation of vast tank army groups with six hundred tanks, which turned out disastrous becausemanders had no experience leading suchrge-scale armored forces.

    Additionally, this tank army group had very few support units and was thoroughly outmaneuvered by the highlybined Sturmtiger.

    In the end, even themander of the tank army group was directly killed by the Sturmtiger.

    Starting from the mid-stage, the Soviet forces came to understand that tank forces required arge number of support units, and a tank army was reorganized to include a lot of self-propelled artillery and infantry, reducing the number of tanks to around 200, though they stubbornly continued to be called tank armies.

    The Ante people, fortunately, took a shortcut with the help of Wang Zhong.

    But this does not mean that the tank brigades formed by the Ante Army were without issues.

    These brigades indeedbined infantry and artillery, but in very small numbers, giving the impression that resolving the issue of quantity could lead to a sudden jump in strength.

    Moreover, these brigades still suffered from a severeck of support capabilities, having only a few maintenance personnel.

    Not everymander has the clout to borrow arge number of technical workers from the Church and the Navy to form support units. Of course, not every tank battalion can afford to distribute tractor recovery vehicles to thepanies like Wang Zhong did.

    Wang Zhong had strongly rmended reducing the number of these tank brigades, but General Tugenev had convinced him.

    At that time, General Tugenev said, "You are special, able to create luxuriously equipped and highlybined forces, but that does not mean the Military Command can do the same. I¡¯ve done my utmost to provide them with support units. Let¡¯s first create the tank brigades and fill the lines, after all, we have produced so many tanks.

    "Seeing tanks gives the infantry a significant boost in fighting spirit, at least they won¡¯t throw away their positions and flee at the sight of Prussian tanks advancing to within a hundred meters of their lines."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s own forces had been tested through blood and fire and were able to endure over half casualties without copsing.

    However, most of the Ante Army stillcked such fighting will and needed another year of tempering.

    It was the same with the Soviet forces on Earth, even by ¡¯43, units still fled before the enemy reached their lines. Even the post-war film "Liberation," which covers the events of ¡¯43 at Kursk, depicted scenes of fleeing Soviet soldiers¡ªfocusing on Kursk in ¡¯43.

    Now, tounch an offensive against the Prussians with these tank brigadescking support capabilities, having a low degree ofbined arms integration, and infantry that flees at the sight of enemy tanks, aiming to recapture the important town of Shepetovka, seems overly optimistic.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong said, "Shepetovka is a city with numerous reinforced concrete structures in the vicinity. Deploying such arge number of tank forces and so few infantry units¡ªwhat was the operations department thinking? No, it won¡¯t do."

    Olga, "But didn¡¯t you support General Golikov¡¯s offensive n?"

    Wang Zhong, "General Golikov¡¯s offensive n relies mainly on infantry and artillery; the Armored Troops are only performing a supporting role. The goal is just to tie down the enemy forces on the front and, by the way, train our troops¡¯ offensive capabilities.

    "That¡¯s different from confidently wanting to recapture an important town. I oppose this rash offensive n, I oppose wasting precious equipment and the lives of soldiers on such a venture."

    Olga nodded, "Alright, I won¡¯t approve this n!"

    Wang Zhong nodded and offhandedly praised, "Very good," and then realized that wasn¡¯t right¡ªit appeared as if the Tsar were just my puppet! No, no, no, you¡¯ve got it all wrong!

 Chapter 380: The Empireâ€™s Sword and Shield

    Although General Tugenev expressed his concern at the royal meeting on May 19 that the fall of the Coastal Fortress would force Duke Meishikin to abandon Bolsk, it was not until June that the Coastal Fortress remained in the hands of the Independent Army Group.

    The fortress reported that it suffered bombardment by 8 to 12 super-heavy artillery shells daily, and most of the outer peripheral defense supports had been destroyed by this heavy artillery, greatly reducing the coastal artillery¡¯s support for the fortress garrison.

    However, the fortress defense forces relied on their fighting spirit to stand firm against the assaults, holding on for more than ten days against the enemy¡¯s super-heavy railway artillery and battleships¡¯ fire on the sea, managing to keep most of their positions in hand.

    Therefore, the battlefield is a stage of unpredictable destiny, and Wang Zhong understood this once again.

    Because the Coastal Fortress held, the possibility of Bolsk being encircled greatly decreased, and thus Duke Meishikin also held back the Prussian attack, and the front temporarily fell into a stalemate.

    However, the Independent Army Group of the fortress reported huge casualties under enemy heavy artillery attack and requested reinforcements.

    Aerial photography reconnaissance of the fortress indicated that Prussian heavy artillery had destroyed the core parts of the perimeter support points of the fortress.

    The Prussian Navypletely blockaded the sea outside the Coastal Fortress and could block the coastal road to the southeast of the fortress.

    And the Prussian Army¡¯s artillery observation posts established on the forward positions covered the ind transportation lines of the Coastal Fortress.On June 3, the High Command concluded that the Coastal Fortress should not continue to be defended and ordered the fortress garrison to begin a breakout.

    Once the Coastal Fortress fell, the nk of the Bolsk Front Armymanded by Duke Meishikin would be exposed, and the High Command estimated that by early July, it would have to order the Bolsk Front Army to retreat in the southeast direction.

    Wang Zhong also attended the royal meeting that made this decision. After the meeting, General Tugenev stopped Wang Zhong, who was leaving, "Rocossov, wait a moment. I thought you would raise a strong objection."

    Wang Zhong was somewhat surprised, "Objection to what?"

    "Letting Meishikin retreat in the southeast direction," General Tugenev stared at Wang Zhong¡¯s face, "Bolsk is thest important Kazarlian city under our control, with coal and iron mines. Giving it up, would mean that only vast grasnds would remain under our control in Kazarlia."

    Wang Zhong, "Isn¡¯t the Suhaya Weili River still in our hands? My friend Kashuk¡¯s army is still conducting defensive operations there."

    Tugenev, "You are calmer than I imagined."

    Wang Zhong, "Does getting emotional prevent my homnd from falling? No, there is no such good thing, General Davarish. One day in the future, I will liberate my homnd, and by then I guarantee I will be much, much more emotional than you can imagine."

    General Tugenev showed an approving expression, "Good, I was also worried that your emotions would get the better of you because you are young."

    Wang Zhong only then realized that his current body was quite young, possibly younger than Su Xunzong on Earth, who fought obscurely against the Sturmtiger.

    So it was normal for Tugenev to worry that he might act emotionally like the young."

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t worry, General Davarish."

    "Is this a new popr term? I¡¯ve heard the young staff officers from the Military Orders Department calling each other this too."

    Wang Zhong, "It started as a sailors¡¯ term, referring torades who fight together for the same goal. I thought it was good and used it to address therades of the Mnia People¡¯s Army, they seem to like it. By the way, my troops also like it, it may have gradually spread, you know, I and my troops are kind of big stars in Ye Fort."

    Tugenevughed heartily, "Quite a ¡¯kind of¡¯. So how is the mood of your troops now?"

    Wang Zhong, "When I left Kubinka yesterday, they barricaded me and questioned why they hadn¡¯t been sent to the front line. Rather than firing practice rounds on the training field, they would much rather use their new weapons to give the Prussians a good thrashing.

    "I think the troops are ideologically mobilized and ready to enter the battlefield at any time."

    When Wang Zhong spoke, Cardinal Ravkid, who sat in on the meeting as an intelligence officer, also came over and listened intently with a serious face.

    General Tugenev nced at the cardinal before saying to Wang Zhong, "I have discussed with His Majesty the Tsar, the deployment of your troops needs to be cautious. She hopes that when you move out, you will achieve immediate results, not just filling gaps on the front lines as a fire brigade.

    "So we need to wait for the right opportunity."

    Wang Zhong, "Necessary opportunities can also be created."

    Tugenev, "Where do you think the first battle will take ce?"

    Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m not an astrologer, I don¡¯t know how to predict the future. But if you¡¯re asking where I hope to fight, I¡¯ll tell you it¡¯s on the west bank of the Valdai Hills River."

    Tugenev, "Why there? Because supply lines would be better with the backing of the great river?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, and we would also get support from the Ind Sea Fleet. A pity we don¡¯t have shallow draft gunboats. The shallow draft gunboats used by the United Kingdom in the canal zone can¡¯t be transported bynd to the Ind Sea."

    After all, the United Kingdom is not Rome; it can¡¯t make boats travel on drynd.

    Tugenev, "The United Kingdom¡¯s Mediterranean Fleet seems to n to pass through the Dardanelles Strait and engage in a fleet battle with the Prussian fleet, but the neutral countries refuse to allow passage. The neutral countries, to express their neutrality, also prohibit Prussian ships from going through the strait.

    "Additionally, the United Kingdom¡¯s fleet in the Aegean Sea and the Prussian fleet fought a major battle; the United Kingdom¡¯s HMS Warspite hit the Prussian Empire¡¯s Aegean Sea fleet gship ck Prince, and now the Aegean Sea is under the control of the United Kingdom. The Emperor Friedrich must have no chance to return to port for the time being.

    "The good news is, naval officers from the United Kingdom estimate that the Emperor Friedrich must soon undergo major repairs, and the Prussians don¡¯t have a dry dock on the White Sea coast that can repair this thing.

    "The bad news, even if it doesn¡¯t undergo major repairs, it canst for a while. As long as we operate near the coast, we¡¯ll suffer its 381 mm main gun barrages."

    When Wang Zhong heard the 381 mm main guns, his head throbbed with phantom pain, since he had been hit by a barrage soon after crossing over and had miraculously survived.

    Another survivor was the duchess¡¯s male favorite.

    Where had that guy gone, Wang Zhong wondered? He had been at Ye Fort for more than half a year but never once seen him.

    As Wang Zhong¡¯s mind wandered, General Tugenev spoke again, "The United Kingdom¡¯s Air Force is nning an operation that involves their Lancaster Bombers dropping a special type of bomb. They are hoping we can provide arge airfield close enough to this ship, yet also safe enough tounch an attack."

    Wang Zhong recalled the operating radius of the Lancaster Bomber and, after ncing at the map, remarked with a click of his tongue, "Then we currently don¡¯t have any airfields that meet their requirements. How about we make do and have them refuel at a frontline airfield?"

    General Tugenev said, "They estimate that a single round of attacks is unlikely to seed, so they need us to hold the airport and its surrounding ground for twenty days and ensure logistics support."

    Wang Zhong said, "You¡¯re bringing this up on purpose because you¡¯re nning to deploy my mobile army group for this, aren¡¯t you?"

    General Tugenev said, "No, you misunderstand. In my view, there¡¯s no need to worry about this battleship for now, as we¡¯ve decided to abandon the Coastal Fortress and won¡¯t engage in battle within range of the ship¡¯s guns for the time being.

    "If this ship dares to sail south and bombard our ports in the Caucasus Mountains, then they¡¯ll enter the attack range of our permanent airfields in the mountains. We can coordinate with the United Kingdom then."

    As he said this, General Tugenev circled areas on the map with a pencil.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Can¡¯t we use submarines to sneak attack this huge ship?"

    "We¡¯ve tried that. Torpedoes hit the battleship, but the effect was poor. This battleship¡¯s anti-torpedo bulge is too thick. However, based on aerial reconnaissance, the battleship, having consumed a significant amount of ammunition, fuel, and supplies, now sits deeper in the water. We suspect it has taken on water, though not enough to sink it yet," Tugenev shrugged.

    Wang Zhong nodded his head.

    The ck Sea¡¯s control had always been in the hands of the Russians on Earth, which is why the Coastal Fortress held out for so long. With Jude holding maritime supremacy here, the Coastal Fortress could not endure for long.

    However, since the Navy of Ante had lost sea control, did that mean more Naval Infantry could be transferred under hismand?

    Wang Zhong pondered this.@@novelbin@@

    Just then, the door suddenly opened, and the Chief of the Secretariat from High Command quickly approached General Tugenev, about to whisper in his ear, but Tugenev stopped him, "There¡¯s no need, General Rocossov and Cardinal Ravkid are both absolutely trustworthy persons."

    The Chief of the Secretariat nodded, "Understood. The Western Front Armyunched an attack today, aiming to envelop Shostka from the nk. The assault is going well so far."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Shostka? Are the Asgard Knights still defending there?"

    "No, ording to our intelligence, the Asgard Knights withdrew when the muddy conditions improved at the end of March. They were reced by three Infantry Divisions of the Ninth Army Group. The 197th Infantry Division is stationed in the city, with the 206th and 246th on the left and right wings.

    "The 337th Infantry Division is defending the crossing, and currently, our vanguard has broken through the defenses on the eastern bank of the crossing and has reached it. The spearhead forces have already crossed the river."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Is the 337th Infantry Division a new unit? It seems they had their defensive line cut through quite easily?"

    The Chief of the Secretariat shook his head, "I don¡¯t know, we may have to wait for the interrogation reports from the front to determine when this division was formed."

    Wang Zhong said, "I¡¯ll just give General Gorky a call and ask."

    With that, Wang Zhong picked up the telephone on the desk, "Operator, connect me to the headquarters of the Western Front Army."

    After a moment, an unfamiliar voice from the other end of the line said, "Headquarters of the Commander of the Western Front Army."

    Wang Zhong said, "This is General Rocossov, get yourmander on the line."

    Another ten seconds passed, and the voice of General Gorky came through, "Are you calling me after receiving the initial assault battle report?"

    Wang Zhong said, "You¡¯ve broken through the crossing faster than I had imagined."

    "That¡¯s because this 337th Division was converted from a national guard division; most of the personnel were fighting gueris a few months ago. Not all Prosen soldiers are elite; there are also weak links. In the future, we canunch attacks along the entire line to probe the enemy¡¯s defense and locate vulnerabilities, thenmit the second wave of troops at those weak points."

    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong realized this was the Sovietbat method fromter on¡ªattack along the entire front, identify where the weak soldiers were, and then break through and advance rapidly behind them.

    And the elite units of Sturmtiger were to bepletely surrounded and avoided; if encountering Sturmtiger¡¯s armored units, they also were to be surrounded without engaging.

    The Eastern Front was vast, with plenty of ces to break through; it made no sense for a handful of elite units to fight for a high exchange ratio.

    Wang Zhong said, "I wish you sess."

    General Gorky was pleased, "In the future, you will be the Empire¡¯s Iron Wall, and I will be the Empire¡¯s Sword!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Great! That really makes us the Empire¡¯s Twin Jewels."

    As he offered these well-wishes, Wang Zhong was sincere, yet he vaguely remembered that on Earth, the Ninth Army Group had a story to it. Later on emerged Modol, the strongest defensive master from Sturmtiger, nicknamed by military enthusiasts as Modol "The Untouched"¡ªin a somewhat more animated way of speaking, "because he was too afraid of pain, he allocated all his points into defense."

    Themander of the Ninth Army Group in this world seemed to be named Mendel, sharing the name with the man who studied peas.

    Could it be that he could grow pea shooters and wall-nuts to withstand General Gorky¡¯s offensive?

 Chapter 381: Mendel and His Pea Shooters

    It wasn¡¯t until this noon that Walter Mendel cleared up the situation.

    The main attack was a feintunched by General Golikov in several ces, and he even deployed the air forces assigned to the Western Front Army to bomb the headquarters of the Ninth Army Group from the air.

    Mendel¡¯s adjutant was injured in the bombing, and a young staff officer was temporarily appointed as his recement, who didn¡¯t even have the "adjutant¡¯s sash" that marked his position.

    The nervousness of the young man serving as an adjutant for the first time was evident, and he spoke very quickly when he gave his report.

    Mendel, "Don¡¯t speak so fast, I can barely hear you. Take it slow. As my adjutant, you always need to appear veryposed."

    "Yes, General."

    The Army Group¡¯s Chief of Staff brought over a cup of water, "Have some water, calm your nerves."

    The young man took the cup and drank it all in one gulp.

    Mendel, "Have the losses from the air raid been tallied?""Yes, the enemy certainly knew we were here. The Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion apanying the headquarters reported that they observed an unfamiliar type of aircraft, with a wide body and zebra-like ck and white stripes on the wings. It might be a new type of dive bomber, as the bombs it dropped were extremely powerful."

    Mendel, "They didn¡¯t identify this kind of aircraft?"

    "No." The adjutant¡¯s face showed apology as if it were his fault.

    Mendel patted the young man¡¯s shoulder, "This is not your fault."

    The adjutant swallowed, then continued, "Themander of the Anti-Aircraft Artillery Battalion said that the Ante Army never had single-engine dive bombers before, and the enemy¡¯s IL-2 never performed steep-angle dive bombardments. This is definitely an entirely new aircraft, and its performance is better than our Stukas."

    Mendel frowned and muttered, "The Empire¡¯s equipment is actually falling behind..."

    Obviously, Mendel did not know that this "dive bomber" was actually a pure-blooded air superiority fighter, but because the Federation¡¯s fighters had high-powered engines and high octane aviation fuel, they could carry nearly two tons of payload and thus were used as dive bombers.

    After a briefment, he immediately shook his head, "No,st year we already suffered on the T34 and KV heavy tanks. Although now we all know that both types of tanks have fatal ws that make them easy to deal with, and even easier in the hands of Ante People, we must admit that these are indeed good tanks, it¡¯s just that the Ante People don¡¯t know how to use them.@@novelbin@@

    "So now, where have the enemy¡¯s T34s shown up?"

    The new adjutant, "Mainly in two ces, the first is on the defense line of the 337th Division, and the second is upstream from Shostka, we do not know where the enemy crossed the river."

    Mendel, "Hasmunication with the 337th Division been restored?"

    "Yes, we just got in touch with their division headquarters through the radio. The defensive line on the eastern bank of the crossing has been breached, and the enemy is still establishing a beachhead on the western bank. The 337th Division had been suppressing the beachhead with artillery, but their artillery forces were soon counterattacked by the enemy."

    Mendel looked at the map and suddenly asked the Chief of Staff, "Has themunications unit heard any of the enemy¡¯s radio transmissions?"

    "Yes, a lot, and there¡¯s a lot of clearly pre-arranged code words and radio callsigns, and they¡¯re no longer shouting out their numbers directly like before," answered the Chief of Staff.

    Mendel clicked his tongue, "The enemy has obviously increased the number of radios they¡¯re equipped with, and they¡¯re more experienced, so their inter-branch cooperation should have improved. It¡¯s normal that divisions like the 337th, which have just been converted from National Guard Divisions, can¡¯t hold them off."

    The Chief of Staff, "The enemy also has tanks, and the 337th is just short of assault guns. They only have the PAK38 anti-tank guns, not thetest PAK40. Last year¡¯sbat has already proven that the PAK38 isn¡¯t sufficient to prate the front of a T34."

    Mendel walked to the Ninth Army Group defense area map hanging on the wall, which now was full of markers indicating the Ante Army¡¯s offensive.

    He said, "We can now preliminarily determine that there are two main attack directions of the enemy. The first is the position of the 337th Division, and the second is a certain section upstream. We had no idea previously that the river could be crossed there, so there were no defensive forces in ce, which is why we didn¡¯t discover their river crossing immediately."

    The Chief of Staff said, "Such a situation is also due to the severe drawdown of troops along the defense line. High Command must be nning a major operation."

    Asmand personnel of the Army Group, Mendel and his Chief of Staff were unaware of the operational actions in which their own Army Group was not involved.

    Some generals with significant connections could obtain some information through "old friends" inside the High Command, but it was certain that the most critical part was concealed.

    Mendel did not have such powerful "old friends," so he had no idea what the High Command was about to do next.

    However, he could roughly guess the High Command¡¯s ns.

    Because many strategic matters are overt, everyone is not foolish; the real key lies in the specific details beneath the overt strategy.

    It was like the Sturmtiger knew that the Allied Forces would certainly open a second front but did not know exactly where they wouldnd or when they wouldnd.

    Now, for General Mendel of the Prosen, he knew that there would probably be a move against the oil fields of Kuba next. But he was not privy to the specific battle ns.

    Nevertheless, he understood that the Ninth Army Group was not responsible for the main assault in the uing grand offensive campaign. Therefore, reallocating the Ninth Army Group¡¯s manpower and technical weaponry to the units that wouldunch the actual attack was logical.

    Mendel took over the conversation, "This will definitely be a grand offensive that has nothing to do with us. We just need to do our task. Have the nes found out where the enemy crossed the river upstream from Shostka?"

    The Chief of Staff reported, "The Air Force said that two FW189s hadn¡¯t returned. They were in charge of reconnoitering these two sectors."

    The recon nes sent out daily by the Air Force would divide their reconnaissance area by sector. If a ne did not return, it meant that it certainly had discovered something.

    After delineating the sectors with a pencil, the Chief of Staff suggested, "We should dispatch troops to move along the Duva River and search forward, scouting the entire river covered by the two sectors."

    Mendel shook his head, "No, it¡¯s toote for reconnaissance to decide whether to counterattack now. The garrison of the First Armored Division is also within the coverage of this sector. Order them to strike east immediately and open fire on every Ante person they see, and destroy everything that looks like a T34."

    The Chief of Staff nodded and went to the telephone to issue the order.

    Mendel¡¯s new aide asked, "Is it really okay to give such a broad order?"

    "There¡¯s nothing good or bad about it, you¡¯ve also seen how many false messages and misinformation we¡¯ve encountered since this morning. Under such circumstances, we should trust the judgment of the frontlinemanders, who are closer to the battlefield than we are."

    After speaking, Mendel cursed, "Damn White Horse General, now we can¡¯t even set up the Army Group Command within the range that Ante¡¯s artillery can hit."

    In fact, the Corps Command that directs so many units should not be too close to the front line. The Army Group¡¯s defensive region is toorge; theoretically, the optimal location for the Army Group Command is in the middle of the defense area, maintaining approximately equal distances from each unit in the army.

    In that way, even if the phone lines and walkie-talkies were inoperative, the unit couriers would know where to find the Command ¡ª or remains of it ¡ª without any courier having to travel much extra distance.

    The Chief of Staff returned from issuing the order and asked, "What about the beachhead positions that Divison 337 lost? They¡¯re probably unable to retake their positions."

    Mendel looked at the map and pointed to the Ninth Armored Division stationed fifteen kilometers behind the 337th Division, "Let them join the counterattack."

    The Chief of Staff immediately said, "This division was pulled out for rest, and many mid-levelmanders are still in Argesukov. In addition, this division¡¯s equipment supplementation has not beenpleted; they only have 46 Panzer III tanks and 15 Panzer IV tanks ready forbat, with the rest being Panzer IIs and Is."

    "Don¡¯t worry!" Mendel reassured, "We can reinforce them with the Prosen Armored Infantry Division (this is the division¡¯s name), and have them drive the Ante People back across the river. If they can manage to assemble a pontoon bridge in time, then cross over to attack the enemy¡¯s logistics andmand post."

    Mendel paused, stared at the map for a few seconds, and muttered to himself, "I will not letst year¡¯s blood be shed in vain. Not a square inch of thisnd shall you take back!"

 Chapter 382: General Rokossovskyâ€™s Friends Around the World

    Mendel¡¯s 9th Army Group¡¯s First Armored Division had just received a batch of long-barreled Panzer IVs¡ªofficially designated as Panzer IV F2 models.

    When Mendel¡¯s counterattack order came, the division, besides the freshly arrived 25 Panzer IV F2s, had only 45 tanks ready forbat; the others were undergoing routine maintenance.

    This was because Major General Hansen had ordered aplete tank engine cleaning for the division just the day before yesterday. It was an extremely strenuous task, requiring the engines to be dismantled and thoroughly dusted¡ªregr field maintenance would only clean the filters at the engine intakes, leaving dust and even sand to umte inside the engines.

    Given the poor road conditions in Ante, where tanks would stir up a great deal of dust, not cleaning the engines would lead to a surge in breakdowns, so the divisionmander¡¯s order had been sound.

    It was just bad luck that it shed with the Ante people¡¯s counterattack.

    Division Commander Hansen made a quick decision, deploying the division¡¯s motorized reconnaissance battalion as the vanguard, forming abat group with the currently operational tanks and an armored grenadier battalion, and immediately set off to attack eastward.

    Colonel Shrifen was appointed as themander of thebat group.

    ----

    Colonel Shrifen climbed aboard themand Panzer III assigned to the battalion headquarters and nced back at the ready long-barreled Panzer IVs: "I hope these tanks have a lower rate of malfunction."Newly deployed equipment always seems to have an incredibly high rate of failure, with half the tanks breaking down before even encountering the enemy being the norm.

    The technical sergeant from the battlefield repair battalion assured confidently: "Don¡¯t worry, sir, even though these tanks are sporting long barrels, they¡¯re still Panzer IVs at heart. The overall weight has only increased by a little bit and they won¡¯t have any problems."

    Colonel Shrifen responded, "I hope so."

    He donned his headset, picked up the handset, and addressed the entirebat group: "Listen up, everyone, the Ante people found a crossing not on the map and have already infiltrated across the Duva River. Our mission is to push them back into the river to feed the fish. Get spirited!

    "His Majesty the Emperor has sent us new equipment capable of prating the Ante people¡¯s T34 tanks from the front! Of course, the results tested by the Imperial Academy of Sciences are somewhat inted, but the true capabilities of these tanks will be witnessed with our own eyes!

    "The order is simple: advance eastward and smash all encountered Ante people!"

    After finishing his speech, he put down the microphone, and at that moment, the loader asked, "Colonel Shrifen, they say you almost killed that Rokossovsky, is that true?"

    "Yes, at Peniye. He made me suffer a great loss. If it hadn¡¯t been for my merits and injuries in the battle to encircle Argesukov afterwards, I might still be a major now. And that bastard has already be a lieutenant general."

    The column of Panzer IV F2s passed by Colonel Shrifen¡¯smand vehicle, kicking up dust that smeared his face.

    The Panzer IVs equipped with long-barrel tank guns appeared much more formidable than the original models, lifting Colonel Shrifen¡¯s spirits.

    With the astonishing armor-piercing capability of the long-barreled Panzer IV, there wouldn¡¯t have been such a struggle against the enemy¡¯s KV heavy tanks at Peniye.

    Reflecting on Peniye, Colonel Shrifen¡¯s expression soured, as that vige held too many unpleasant memories for him.

    Right then, the driver reminded him, "The tank column is almost past, should we follow the tail end?"

    Colonel Shrifen: "Follow."

    So hismand Panzer III joined the highway and closely followed the rear of the tank column. Behind him were the armored grenadiers¡¯ half-track vehicles. Unlike the armored troops, the grenadiers had received few new pieces of equipment, whereas the anti-aircraft gun units attached to the tank forces were strengthened with new anti-aircraft guns¡ªessentially, a 37mm anti-aircraft gun installed in the back of a half-track vehicle.

    Colonel Shrifen shook his head.

    He never thought the war wouldst into a second year. In fact, during the time he was recuperating, the mostmonly asked questions back home were: Why haven¡¯t we won, and will we win next year?

    Some girls were even more concerned about when their beloved would return.

    Colonel Shrifen couldn¡¯t recall now how he had answered those questions.

    As he struggled to remember, a report from the reconnaissance battalion, which had set off earlier, came over the radio: "Hans Hans, Alpha position west side in the woods, Ante tanks spotted, calling Bob¡¯s strike."

    Colonel Shrifen immediately took out his map; Alpha position was actually the codename for Hill 247, prearranged for the sake of radiomunication security. Bob¡¯s strike was actually a call for artillery support.

    It didn¡¯t take him much effort to locate it, and he muttered, "The enemy has already infiltrated this far? Then why haven¡¯t they sought to attack our supply bases?"

    Over the radio, thebat group¡¯s staff officer said, "Maybe their orders were simply to take Alpha position. The Ante¡¯s lower-levelmandersck initiative, and their soldiers are the same."

    The staff officer, seasoned from nearly a year of fighting on the Eastern Front, even used a tone as if lecturing new recruits.

    Colonel Shrifen: "I know, I¡¯ve seen the Ante soldiers, I¡¯m aware of their level."

    In saying so, Colonel Shrifen¡¯s mind once again went to General Rokossovsky, who had charged on his white horse leading the KV tanks.

    He had already forgotten the specifics of the situation¡ªor perhaps, his brain had altered the memory of that moment. Now, whenever Colonel Shrifen spoke of that encounter, the scene yed out like this:

    Shrifen was in hismand tank, personally engaged in a fierce battle with the Ante¡¯s T28, when suddenly Rokossovsky emerged from the battlefield smoke, riding his white horse with a red g in one hand and a saber in the other, charging at Shrifen¡¯smand tank.

    Just as Shrifen was ordering his tank to turn its gun, a KV heavy tank burst out of the dust, following the white horse general¡¯s charge.

    Both Shrifen¡¯s gunner and the enemy fired at the same time, with the result being Shrifen¡¯smand Panzer III¡¯s 37mm gun knocking off the white horse general¡¯s cap, while the KV, due to poor marksmanship, missed the body of themand tank, the shell grazing past the turret base, causing the turret ring to jam.

    Then Shrifen had no choice but to order an evacuation, ending the hasty duel.

    After General Rokossovsky became famous, reporters immediately sought out Colonel Shrifen, who was recuperating from his injuries.

    Shrifen didn¡¯t hesitate to tell this story to the journalists.

    At that time, the story had caused a heated reaction, and for a moment Shrifen thought that the propaganda department intended to mold him into a war hero almost on par with General Rocossov. Unexpectedly, the propaganda department¡¯s focal point of promotion remained on Argesukov¡¯s great victory.

    Recalling this, Shrifen felt a deep sense of regret.

    "Lieutenant Colonel?" The voice of thebat group¡¯s staff officer came over the radio, "Lieutenant Colonel, are you alright?"

    "I¡¯m fine," Lieutenant Colonel Shrifen shook his head to dispel the sudden distractions that had upied his mind, "I haven¡¯t ridden in a tank assault for too long, so I¡¯m feeling a bit dizzy."

    No sooner had he spoken than the driver asked over the internalmunication, "Do you want me to slow down?"

    "No, keep it like this," Lieutenant Colonel Shrifen answered, "Let me experience the wind when galloping. This wind, this feeling, this is war!"

    General Gorky had just put down the receiver when the Chief of Staff asked, "What does His Highness think about the counterattack results?"

    "He is worried, afraid we will suffer losses. Wait, don¡¯t call him ¡¯His Highness.¡¯ He has just gotten engaged to his childhood sweetheart, in a ceremony presided over by the Grand Patriarch himself! He can no longer be a prince."

    The Chief of Staff shrugged, "Perhaps after he recaptures Kazarlia, he will be dered King of Kazarlia."

    "That¡¯s possible, but don¡¯t call him ¡¯His Highness.¡¯ You wouldn¡¯t want our slip of the tongue to affect my friendship with him, would you? Although I believe he probably doesn¡¯t care about such matters, just because he doesn¡¯t care doesn¡¯t mean we can be careless."

    After reprimanding his staff, General Gorky immediately changed the subject, "How are the pontoon bridgesing along?"

    The Chief of Staff replied, "They¡¯re not finished yet. Our engineers are not familiar enough with the Federation¡¯s equipment. Those bridging vehicles were all supplied by the Federation, and the troops reported that the equipment is very delicate, with half of it breaking down on the road."@@novelbin@@

    General Gorky¡¯s face was stern, "Is the equipment delicate, or is our troop too rough and not following the training properly? Rocossov is right; we need to enhance the cultural level of our troops. After the campaign is over and each division begins to rest and refit, follow the procedures of the First Mobile Group Army and set up night schools for them!"

    "Yes!" the Chief of Staff answered.

    General Gorky looked at the map, "If the pontoon bridge can¡¯t be managed, it¡¯s going to be problematic."

    The Chief of Staff said, "No Prussian counterattack has been reported yet, and today is almost over. The Prussian Army doesn¡¯t have a habit of attacking at midnight. We still have an opportunity."

    Just as General Gorky was about to respond, amunications officer rushed into the bunker, "The enemy has countered! Our forces on Hill 247 upstream of Shostka have been suddenly attacked. The 71st newly formed tank brigade and apanying infantry have been routed."

    General Gorky nced at his Chief of Staff.

    The Chief of Staff bowed his head, "I underestimated the enemy."

    General Gorky said, "Don¡¯t underestimate the enemy¡¯s officers, especially the quality of the mid-level and seniormanders, Chief of Staff Davarish. Has the 71st Brigade reported theposition of the enemy?"

    Themunications officer said, "ording to the newly issued recognition manual, they have identified the markings on the tanks as units of the First Armored Division. Additionally, the brigademander, Alexandria, reported the sighting of long-barreled Panzer IV tanks! These tanks can destroy T34s from a great distance!"

    General Gorky was amazed, "Rocossov warned usst year to be wary of the long-barreled Panzer IVs, hence the need to improve our tanks. We can¡¯t fall behind the enemy. And some thought his warning was politically motivated, to strengthen the position of hismittee!

    "Sukabule! Rocossov is only focused on one thing, and that¡¯s defeating the Prussians, something I can vouch for as his old acquaintance!"

    The Chief of Staff asked, "Now that the enemy has counterattacked, should weunch the contingency n?"

    "Of course. Order the Front Army artillery to cover Hill 247. If we can¡¯t hit the enemy¡¯s attack spearhead, it¡¯s still good to st their follow-up forces! Inform the troops between the enemy and the crossing point that the enemy¡¯s elite Armored Division is on the counterattack!"

    The Chief of Staff immediately picked up the phone.

    Lieutenant Colonel Shrifen heard the whistling of shells across the sky.

    He looked up, "Damn, it should be the bombardment of Hill 247. Compared tost year, the Ante people¡¯s reaction speed has increased significantly. And this immediate covering of the lost position with artillery, that¡¯s so like Rocossov!"

    Lieutenant Colonel Shrifen had spent his time recovering from injury studying daily the summary of personal tactics and habits of the renowned Antemanders distributed by the High Command.

    Rocossov favored this approach. Although famous for personally directing tank battles, his real expertise was the use of artillery firepower.

    Seconds after the sound of the shells passing, the radio transmitted panicked shouts from the rear echelon, "Artillery fire! Very intense artillery fire! At least a hundred heavy guns firing on us! Artillery¡ªAagh!"

    Piercing static noises interrupted the voice.

    Thebat group¡¯s staff officer asked over the radio, "Sir, the follow-up echelon has been hit hard by the artillery. We¡ª"

    Lieutenant Colonel Shrifen interjected, "Continue with the orders! Mind themunication discipline!"

    The current radiomunication was not yet equipped withplex encryption and frequency-hopping measures; it was best to assume the enemy was also listening in. Hence, explicit names of locations, our ownbat ns, objectives, and military designations should never be mentioned on the radio.

    After ending themunication, Lieutenant Colonel Shrifen pursed his lips.

    The Ante people might have be more proficient at warfare sincest year, but the Prussians were stronger!

    At that moment, the reconnaissance battalion reported, "Hans Hans, enemy forces inbat readiness have been spotted at Beta location, including tanks and anti-tank guns, Bob is already on his way."

    Lieutenant Colonel Shrifen responded, "Very good!"

    He switched frequencies and shouted to the troops, "Advance! Speed is key! Strike them before they realize what¡¯s happening!"

 Chapter 383: The End of the Coastal Fortress

    In 915, on June 5th, Wang Zhong received an early morning call from General Golikov from the Commander of the Western Front Army¡¯s headquarters.

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t call my home, it might leak secrets, don¡¯t mention any military secrets."

    General Golikov, "Then hurry to the City Defense Command, I can call at any time."

    Then General Golikov hung up the phone.

    Wang Zhong put down the receiver and nced at the map in the bedroom. Ever since the Prussian Army and Western Front Army had begun their respective attacks, Wang Zhong had moved the map to the room so he could keep an eye on it while keeping his pregnant fianc¨¦epany.

    The front lines on the map didn¡¯t seem to have any major issues, and the update time written in pencil on the side of the map wasst night at 11 PM, presumably updated right before bedtime.

    Ludm asked curiously, "What¡¯s the matter?"

    Wang Zhong, "I don¡¯t know, but it¡¯s probably not an emergency at the front, otherwise it wouldn¡¯t be General Golikov calling, but Olga."

    Ludm, "Then why call so early?"Wang Zhong, "I guess it¡¯s because his breakthrough point got filled by the Prussians. Taking so long to fill it means our army performed well, much better thanst year¡¯s tofu dregs that shattered at a touch."

    Ludmughed, "You¡¯re talking about tofu again, do you really like this Ceres food that much?"

    Wang Zhong, "Butter, my dear, I mean,st year our army¡¯s performance was like a block of butter, or cheese works too."

    Ludmughed heartily, "Alright, alright, let¡¯s see if we can get some tofu cans from the Federation."

    Wang Zhong gave a wry smile, because he knew that at this time the Federation also didn¡¯t have tofu cans¡ªit¡¯s possible they didn¡¯t even know what tofu was.

    He kissed Ludm, who looked like she wanted to say more, and then caressed her belly, "I¡¯m leaving."

    Ludm feigned disappointment, "Now you only have eyes for the belly, I seem to have lost all my charm to you."

    Wang Zhong hurried to mimic the motion of brushing paint on armor, "I¡¯m wrong, I¡¯m wrong, I am interested, very interested!"

    Ludm pushed him gently, "Go on, the front line is waiting for you."

    Wang Zhong nodded, and just then Nelly appeared with his military cap and polished boots.

    When Wang Zhong entered the City Defense Command, the staff officers were surprised, "You¡¯re not attending the imperial conference?"

    "I, a major general, just sit in on those meetings like you staff officers, do you really think I can influence any decisions?" Wang Zhong said, "Is the secretariat on duty yet? Have him stay by the main switchboard."

    "Yes, General," the staff officer immediately carried out the order.

    Wang Zhong proceeded directly to his office, took off his cap and hung it on the coat rack, then unbuttoned one of his tunic buttons¡ªthe weather was beginning to heat up, and keeping all the tunic buttons buttoned would absolutely ensure a sweat-soaked uniform.

    On the other hand, to deal with this heat by merely opening a tunic button, it was a trivial matter.

    Wang Zhong had just sat down behind his desk when the telephone rang, and it was the secretariat, "I¡¯m at the switchboard."

    Wang Zhong, "Connect me to the Commander of the Western Front Army, General Golikov is waiting for me."

    After a moment, General Golikov¡¯s voice came through the receiver, "Rocossov?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, what¡¯s happened?"@@novelbin@@

    "The enemy wiped out our troops that broke through to the other side of the river, and our units are disintegrating faster than expected. The good news is it¡¯s not a rout¡ªapart from the scattered units, a good number of others actually managed to retreat."

    Wang Zhong, "You ordered a retreat?"

    "Yes, the engineers told me the pontoon bridge would be finished by the night of June 3rd, but it¡¯s still not done, so I ordered a retreat at four this morning, and used artillery at the army level to cover the main forces¡¯ retreat."

    "The retreat is not over yet, but the Prussians are already sweeping along the eastern bank, trying topletely drive us away from the crossing."

    Wang Zhong, "Throw in the units that haven¡¯t crossed yet, there should be quite a lot that couldn¡¯t get across because of the dy with the pontoon bridge, right?"

    "You guessed right, we¡¯re currently trying to hold on to at least one bridgehead."

    "I have understood the situation now, but I still don¡¯t understand why you called me."

    General Golikov, "Did you know the oue from the start?"

    Wang Zhong, "I made an inference based on the situation of our forces and the enemy¡¯s, but in war, you don¡¯t know the oue without actually fighting. And..."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mood suddenly dipped, for he was about to speak some very harsh words.

    "And what?" asked General Golikov.

    Wang Zhong, "We need to use such methods to train ourmanders, to identify and address any weaknesses. The Prussian Army wasn¡¯t strong from the start; they¡¯ve maintained their military traditions over many years, do we have any military traditions?"

    Ante could im some military tradition, certainly, but the gappared to the Prussians was significant.

    A sigh came through the receiver, "It¡¯s hard to ept when you hear that sacrifices will train themanders."

    Wang Zhong, "I look forward to your debriefing."

    General Golikov chuckled wryly, "If someone else said that, I would take it as sarcasm, but you, I suspect you n to use me as a bad example in ss!"

    Wang Zhong, "That¡¯s right, and I¡¯ll make you exin it personally to the students. When you get on stage, I¡¯ll even provide you with powerful background music."

    "Sukabule, you devil. Alright, when things calm down here I¡¯ll head back to Ye Fort and give you a thorough debrief!"

    Wang Zhong, "Regarding the crossing, if the defense is causing too many casualties, consider abandoning it. Unnecessary sacrifice is not needed."

 Chapter 384: The End of the Coastal Fortress (2)

    General Gorky: "I¡¯ve heard your opinion, and I will consider it, I promise. But for now, I have to try to hold the line and see if we can deplete some of the Prosen¡¯s living force, to alleviate the pressure on the Coastal Fortress.

    "However, the situation at the Coastal Fortress might... no, any reduction in pressure is good."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "Yes."

    He understood what Gorky meant, the retreat from the Coastal Fortress had already begun, but the only route was under the enemy¡¯s naval gunfire coverage, so they had no choice but to retreat under cover of darkness. Duke Meishikin was also striving tounch an attack, trying to break open and corridor from Bolsk to the Coastal Fortress.

    But just like the problem Gorky was facing, the Ante Army¡¯s troop quality was too poor now, especially the level of lower-tiermanders, which led to a horribly disorganized offense.

    And the ipetence of themanders was partly because the half-year warst year had cost too many experiencedmanders, and partly because the purge of the quick-victory faction and the surrender faction had removed many experiencedmanders.

    Now the Military Command is discussing reinstating a part of the quick-victory faction that hase to their senses, but this is being blocked by Belinsky.

    Belinsky firmly believes that the officers trained in Wang Zhong¡¯s crash course over the past six months will grow intopetent officers after being tested in actualbat.

    Moreover, the Suvorov Military Academy is about to graduate another batch of students who will first gain experience on the front lines as deputies, with the potential to be regimental and brigade-level officials within a year.That means, before theye of age, the Ante Army will have to bleed a lot.

    It seems like the tens of thousands of men at the Coastal Fortress will be the first wave to be sacrificed.

    General Gorky suddenly asked: "If your First Mobile Army is sent over, could you rescue the troops from the Coastal Fortress?"

    Wang Zhong: "I don¡¯t know. Even if I can get my First Mobile Group Army over there right now, and even if logistics were not an issue, I still don¡¯t know whether I can achieve any military results.

    "You know, my first attack was apletely favorable situation¡ªmeaning sailing with the wind, riding the current downstream. I need to actually fight to know if my offense is effective."

    General Gorky: "I always feel like you¡¯re saying this to spare my feelings."

    Wang Zhong: "If you don¡¯t want me to steal theurels of the most offensive-minded person, then you better reflect on your experiences, Georgiy."

    Here Wang Zhong deliberately used Gorky¡¯s nickname to address him.

    The general responded: "You also be careful, don¡¯t let me take the title of the Empire¡¯s Iron Wall! I¡¯m getting a bit of a grasp on defense now."

    Wang Zhong: "The fire brigade leader says he has a bit of a grasp on defense? Alright, let¡¯s stop here, see you in July."

    ----

    On June 29, 915, General Erik von Xiplin, Commander of the Prosen 11th Army Group, ascended the most central battery of Peter the Great at the fortress.

    Standing at the top of the battery, he looked down into the vast craters left by the armor-piercing shells and eximed, "It¡¯s bottomless, as if leading straight to hell."

    Themander of the 191st Infantry Division, who apanied him, said: "We are in hell, General."

    The 191st Infantry Division had been reduced to a skeleton after the fierce close-quartersbat, so his words were understandable.

    General Erik von Xiplin patted the shoulder of themander of the 191st and said nothing more but turned to look towards the fortress town.

    Just like the Fortress of the Scorching Sun, the Coastal Fortress also had a town, where 150,000 civilians lived, most of whom worked at the fortress¡¯s shipyard and associated factories.

    At this moment, the fight was still raging in the city, with the sound of intense gunfire audible.

    Looking down at the town from atop Peter the Great¡¯s fortress, one could only see ck columns of smoke everywhere, as if the entire city were aze.@@novelbin@@

    Xiplin pulled a postcard from his pocket and looked at the peaceful image of the Coastal Fortress town: "I wonder how long it will take for this city to return to the beauty on this postcard."

    Themander of the 191st, clearly irritated by the high casualties, bluntly said: "Such words from the mouth of the man who destroyed this city only seem hypocritical."

    Xiplin looked at the postcard and nodded: "Indeed."

    Themunication staff officer came over with a signalman carrying a radio: "Report to themander, the 1st Battalion of the 222nd Infantry Regiment of the 65th Division has captured the headquarters of the Coastal Fortress garrison."

    Xiplin: "Very good, excellent."

    The Army Group Chief of Staff asked, "Shall we enter the city to spend the night?"

    Xiplin shook his head: "No, let¡¯s find a house near the battery to stay overnight, as long as it¡¯s inconspicuous. The Ante people are now too fond of bombing our headquarters."

    "This way, please." His adjutant immediately made a weing gesture.

    "Oh? Have we found one already? Good, take me there."

    Shortly after, a group of people arrived at a small wooden hut, but the people who should have been living there were nowhere to be found.

    From the decorations, this seemed to be a cottage that had belonged to Tatars for generations.

    Xiplin entered the hut and, satisfied with the decor, said: "Good, very good, we will set up the headquarters here. Set up the antennas quickly, I can¡¯t wait to send the victory message to His Majesty."

    On July 2nd, 915, Xiplin and his staff were drinking coffee in the room when suddenly a staff officer walked in, stood at attention, and saluted: "Your Excellency the General, I request permission to turn on the radio!"

    Xiplin raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Turn it on."

    The radio was immediately turned on, and the staff officer skillfully adjusted the frequency until soon, the voice of Reinhard, the Imperial Emperor of the Prosen Empire, filled the room.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, I am eager to share with you a splendid piece of news, the Coastal Fortress that has been thwarting our nation¡¯s advances sincest year has been entirely under our control since yesterday! The Ante Empire has faced another great defeat, meaning they havepletely lost theirmand over the White Sea!"

    "Last year, we failed to force them into a Carolingian-like surrender, but this year, we still have the hope to end the war! Ante is at the end of its strength; over the past year, they have lost five million troops! They are soon to have no soldiers left to fight!"

    The broadcast continued, but the expressions of the senior officers of the 11th Army Group in the room were very solemn.

    They could no longer be as optimistic as before. Althoughst year it was mainly General Mud, General Winter, and the overly long supply line that defeated the Prosen Army before Ye Fort, even now, the Ante Army was still unable to stop the Prosen advance, but...

    The officers could sense that this year, there was a world of difference in the level and fighting spirit of the Ante Army.

    Everyone was quietly listening to the Emperor¡¯s speech, but it wasn¡¯t out of reverence for the Emperor.

    Atst, when the Emperor spoke about the Ante people being in dire straits, Xiplin picked up a can on the table used as an ashtray, turned it to the front, and looked at the word "spam" spelt out in Onsanguage on it.

    Obviously, the notion that Ante was starving only existed in His Imperial Majesty¡¯s imagination.

    After the speech ended, Xiplin waved his hand: "Continue with our ns. Capturing the fortress is not the end. About ny thousand men arepressed into that small area by the seaside, still stubbornly resisting..."

    The confidential secretary came in with a telegram: "Report, General, His Imperial Majesty has sent an urgent message."

    "Read it."

    "Admirable Erik von Xiplin, General, your victory undoubtedly marks a good start to our offensive in the year 915, making a sweep through the entire southern Ante possible. In view of your consistently outstanding performance, I have decided to promote you to the rank of Marshal! Imperial Emperor Reinhard von Hohenzollern."

    Xiplin frowned: "Promoted by two ranks at once, this is creating a rift between me and the other generals."

    He kept shaking his head, yet couldn¡¯t conceal the smile on his lips.

    The Chief of Staff suggested: "On this joyful day, let us hold a banquet tonight and invite all the officers currently in the city and the Iron Cross recipients to dine together."

    Xiplin nodded: "Good! Moreover, there¡¯s no need to wait until evening, let¡¯s have a drink now to celebrate the victory! Bring the wine!"

    Thus, the Coastal Fortress, after a year of battle, finally fell into enemy hands.

    Incidentally, the evening banquet had to be stopped midway because twelve Bo-2 bombers bombed the city at night, choosing the only ce in the entire city without ckout restrictions, resulting in the death of five junior officers.

 Chapter 385: â€œAs much as 10% of the loss is because of him!â€

    July 4th, Eagle¡¯s Nest, Prosen Empire imperial conference.

    William Kelt was reporting to Reinhard, "The annual census of the war that beganst month has ended. Our military personnel suffered irrevocable losses of 980,000, of which 100,000 were annihted after being encircled by Major General Rocossov at Karanskaya."

    Reinhard cursed, "Damn it, as much as one-tenth of the losses were because of him!"

    William Kelt nced at Von Bulein, "Your Majesty, the losses caused by Rocossov are not just that, he has caused arge number of casualties to our soldiers at Orachi and Shostka. Loktov is obviously still a novice, but the exchange ratio with our army is nearing one to one."

    Von Bulein interjected, "The recently captured Coastal Fortress also used Rocossov¡¯s tactics, causing huge casualties to our army."

    Reinhard looked at the head of Rabowell, Duke Redweitz, "Isn¡¯t your Krat Bureau very powerful? Can¡¯t you connect with the remnants of the Sanctified faction of Ante? Have them kill Rocossov!"

    Duke Redweitz looked troubled, "We only have a cooperative rtionship with the Sanctified faction, of course, I can ask them to try to kill Rocossov. After all, the Secr faction is using him to significantly strengthen their control over the Ante military, and the Sanctified faction certainly doesn¡¯t want to see this happen."

    "But... I cannot guarantee they will agree, nor can I guarantee sess."

    Reinhard, "But you need to take action, do you understand action!"William Kelt, "Assassinating a famous enemy general, rather than defeating him on the battlefield, would make us look down upon ourselves."

    Reinhard angrily said, "And then let him continue to spill the blood of the Prosen people? No, I cannot satisfy your demand for an honorable confrontation with him. If Rabowell can¡¯t kill him, let the Air Force do it!"

    Duke Meyer was shocked, "Me? Your Majesty, our airfields are now far from the enemy¡¯s capital, and it is very difficult to bomb the capital."

    Reinhard, "He will stille to the frontline. When that timees, bomb him to death! Kelt, continue your report."

    William Kelt nodded, "Alright, we¡¯ve suffered an irrevocable loss of 2179 tanks in the year since the war began. The good news is that a significant portion of these losses were models one and two, the bad news is, these losses have not been replenished to date.

    "Since the beginning of the war, we have provided a total of one thousand tanks to the frontline, which means our current frontline tank numbers have significantly reduced fromst year."

    As William Kelt spoke, he looked towards the head of the Armored Troops, General Moochi, who said, "It¡¯s not fair to calcte it like that. The tanks we have provided to the frontline are models three and four, and they are improved versions of three and four based on frontlinebat experience."

    "The quality of these tanks is far superior to that of models one and two. Although we have supplied fewer tanks to the frontline, we have armed new Armored Divisions, and futurebat can rely on these Armored Divisions. Plus, we are about to introduce new tanks to the frontline.

    "The 88mm gun carrier has just been given the production designation of Tank No. 6, and the prototype has already reached the frontline, fully able to participate in Operation Blue."

    Operation Blue, a battle n formted by Prosen High Command to sweep through the southern part of Ante and seize the Kuba oil fields.

    Reinhard seemed to have great confidence in Tank No. 6 and asked, "Which units will these heavy breakthrough tanks reinforce?"

    General Moochi, "They will form independent heavy tank battalions, reinforcing the Steiermark Armored Division of the Asgard Knights."

    The few Army generals present slightly furrowed their brows upon hearing this; after all, the Asgard Knights were not regr Army troops, but the emperor¡¯s personal guard. The best equipment going to the Asgard Knights made the generals worry whether regr Army troops would receive sufficient modern equipment in the future.

    But no one was foolish enough to voice these concerns.

    Reinhard crossed his arms over his chest, "Very well, Steiermark Division is reliable. They must break through the Suhaya Weili River with overwhelming force in preparation for the next phase of the offensive. Kettler, continue your report."

    William Kelter continued to recite the investigation report, "Since the start of the war, the number of assault guns our army lost..."

    "Wait a minute," Reinhard interrupted him, "How many tanks from our losses were destroyed by Rocossov¡¯s units?"

    William Kelt was momentarily taken aback, "Uh, we haven¡¯t coted that data, but if you count the number of tanks lost in the encirclement at Karanskaya, that should be around two hundred."

    "Another tenth!" Reinhard mmed the table forcefully, "This Rocossov is really troublesome!"

    William Kelt, "May I continue my report?"

    "Go ahead."

    Afterward, Chief of Staff Kelt detailed the losses of other technical equipment of the Army, concluding, "Since the beginning of the Ante campaign, our losses in armored forces and technical equipment have been far lower than during the Carolingian campaign. Even taking the average daily losses into ount, they are much lower than the Carolingian campaign.

    "In the most intense two months of the Ante campaign, our daily tank losses were only 15, while during the 42 days of the Carolingian campaign, the average daily loss was 26."

    "Exactly, exactly," Reinhard nodded repeatedly, "The Ante armoured forces are ten times that of the Carolingians, amounting to twenty thousand! Ante is an inferior race, even with such a numerical advantage they only caused us such low losses."

    General Moochi interjected, "Their troop quality is indeed low, and theyck coordination, only their bravery is admirable. But bravery is only characteristic of a few units, most Ante troops will retreat when their losses reach ten percent."

    Reinhard said with an expression of appreciation, "Gentlemen, although we have suffered 980,000 casualties, we inflicted four to five times that number on the Ante people, destroying 20,000 of their tanks in 100 days. The time topletely defeat the Ante Empire is approaching."

    "William Kelt!"

    William Kelt made a gesture, and his adjutant and a staff officer came over with a map, which they unfolded on a small ckboard that was already prepared.

    William Kelt said, "For the first phase of Operation Blue, we n tomit the 5th, 10th, and 15th Army Groups to advance eastward and eliminate the Ante forces on both sides of the Suhaya Weili River.

    "In this phase, which we call the Battle of the Suhaya Weili River Bend, due to terrain issues, we should not be able to annihte the enemy en masse.

    "But in the second phase, without having to worry about our nks, we will implement a pincer offensive against the Ante troops on the ins south of the Suhaya Weili.

    "They have just retreated from the Coastal Fortress, with a substantial number of fresh forces concentrated in an area of roughly 100,000 square kilometers near Bolsk, where we will carry out an encirclement operation like the one against Argesukov, annihting about six hundred thousand Ante troops in one fell swoop!

    "The third phase of the n, in the lull after the enemy¡¯s reserves have been annihted, involves a rapid advance to the southwest, aiming to capture Kuba, and possibly even further, Abawahan, to gain a permanent airbase on the Ind Sea!"

    After William Kelt finished, Duke Meyer said, "Once we control Abawahan, the Air Force will pour out and cut the supply routes on the Ind Sea¡ªwell, the destination of that route is Abawahan itself, but even if the Ante people move the end of the route northward, the Air Force is confident it can cut it off."

    Field Marshal Von Bulein suddenly interjected, "Two years ago you said the same about the United Kingdom, that the Air Force could make them surrender and such."

    Duke Meyer frowned.

    Reinhard interrupted the two, "Either way, once we upy Abawahan, the Ante people will be dealt a heavy blow. This n,pared to the one to attack Ye Fort, has one major highlight: arge number ofbat zones are in Ante¡¯s mature industrial areas, so our supply situation won¡¯t be as dire as it wasst year.@@novelbin@@

    "The first phase of the attack willmence on July 9th! Executed by Field Marshal Ewald von Steyr-Mark of the Southern Army Group!"

    At four-thirty on July 9th, in the newly established Suhaya Weili Front Army headquarters of the Ante Army, Commander General Andrei was awoken by the sound of artillery.

    He immediately picked up the phone, "Connect to the headquarters. Is that the headquarters? Where is being shelled?"

    The staff chief of the Front Army on the other end of the line said, "It¡¯s the front line; the enemy is preparing with artillery barrages."

    General Andrei said, "Let¡¯s follow Rocossov¡¯s example, have the Front Army artillery groups immediately start counter-artillery preparation, and bombard the enemy¡¯s possible assembly areas."

    "Yes," the chief of staff answered, "Any other instructions, General Andrei Ivanovich?"

    General Andrei, "No, I am heading to the headquarters right now; tell all divisions to hold their ground and we will find a solution!"

    "Yes."

    At five in the morning, the Prussian Army left their positions.

    Colonel Busse, themander of the first wave of the attack, looked at the barrage falling in front of the assembly area¡ªthe literal front¡ªandughed heartily: "The Ante people learned a little something from General White Horse, but that¡¯s about it!"

    The Prussian Army, because of better organization and higher troop quality, could ce the attackunch site further away than normal, yet still maintain a rtively intact formation during the assault.

    At this moment, Colonel Busse heard engine noises from behind and quickly turned around, only to see several tanks with very wide tracks and a blocky shape approaching.

    These tanks all had menacingly thick and long barrels, and most of the Prussian soldiers recognized at first nce that these were 88mm guns!

    Many soldiers cheered: "New model tanks!"

    "They look very good!"

    However, Colonel Busse furrowed his brows, jumped down from hismand tank, approached the wide-tracked heavy tanks, stopped the convoy, and said looking up, "I¡¯m the battle groupmander, Colonel Busse. What¡¯s going on here? I heard that apany was being reinforced to me, why are there only four tanks? Are you telling me yourpany only has four tanks? This is a toon!"

    Themander of the new model tank replied with a wry smile, "We didn¡¯t want this to happen either, but eight tanks broke down on the way here from the station. The reliability of this thing is worrisome, but don¡¯t worry, sir, the remaining four will still give the Ante people a harsh lesson, just watch!"

 Chapter 386: The Tiger Leaves Its Cage

    Colonel Busse was just about to answer when he saw a tankmander climbing out of the new model tank, "Right, I need to borrow a motorcycle from you guys."

    Colonel Busse looked puzzled, "For what purpose?"

    Themander pointed ahead, "The enemy is preparing counter artillery fire, right? Once the preparation is over, I want to go in and check the location of the craters."

    Colonel Busse, also an armoredmander, understood immediately, "Afraid of falling into craters?"

    "Yes, the new tank has broad tracks which provide good passage through mud, but the thing is so heavy that if it falls into a pit, it¡¯s more than likely it won¡¯t be able to get out on its own. You probably don¡¯t have tractors capable of towing something this heavy."

    Colonel Busse¡¯s aide, feeling slightly contrarian for some reason, said, "Our tractors can tow something weighing 40 tons!"

    "This thing weighs fifty-six tons," themander said.

    The aide closed his mouth.@@novelbin@@

    Themander quickly reassured, "Don¡¯t worry, we won¡¯t drive it into a pit, provided that we thoroughly scout the ground ahead. You can go ahead and start moving."Colonel Busse was puzzled, "What if we manage to break through the enemy¡¯s lines?"

    "Then you break through," themander said, "We¡¯ll follow behind. If you encounter resistance, then it¡¯s our turn to step in. If you get counterattacked by enemy armor, we will handle it, we¡¯ll take care of everything."

    Colonel Busse, "That confident, hm?"

    "You don¡¯t know how well this thing performed at the test range. I mean, apart from the high breakdown rate. But it¡¯s normal for new vehicles to have issues. These things cannot be forced."

    Colonel Busse nodded, this youngmander had left quite a good impression on him.

    He inquired, "What¡¯s your name?"

    The youngmander immediately replied, "My name is John Christopher, as you can see I¡¯m a captain, and I¡¯m pleased to be under yourmand, Colonel."

    Colonel Busse, "You forgot to introduce yourself to your new superior, but you remembered to scout the road. I have a feeling you¡¯re apetent tank operator."

    "Thank you," John replied.

    Colonel Busse nced at the ongoing artillery barrage ahead and decided to keep inquiring, "Got anybat experience?"

    "Yes, I¡¯ve participated in the Carolingian campaign, then I was injured." The young man showed his Carolingian campaign ribbon and his wound badge.

    Colonel Busse looked at the wound badge, puzzled, "You have another injury, what happened?"

    "Before the Mnia campaign started, I jumped on a tank and slipped, ended up with a fracture. It wasn¡¯t really abat injury, but my battalionmander valued me quite a bit and managed to get it categorized as one."

    Colonel Busse couldn¡¯t help butugh out loud, "You¡¯re a lucky guy."

    Such an injury that didn¡¯t impact one¡¯s ability to look after oneself yet provided a respite from the battlefield was considered lucky, even in military-tradition rich Prosen.

    John Christopherughed as well, "Indeed."

    Colonel Busse then asked, "Did you pull some strings to be a driver of a new model tank?"

    "No, I saw an advertisement in the newspaper for tank operators, so I sent my resume, and the defense department quickly transferred me to the test field and into an experimentalpany. And now, as you see, I¡¯m here."

    Colonel Busse was about to respond when suddenly the constant barrage of artillery in front of them began to switch to extend firing.

    The colonel immediately dove into the tank and closed the hatch behind him.

    It was certainly safer inside the tank than outside.

    Only after he got in did he realize, that John Christopher was still out there¡ªwould his wound badge get another star?

    The extended fire quickly passed over the real assembly area and moved further back. Colonel Busse crawled out of the turret and saw John Christopher crawling out from under the new model tank, pping the dust off himself, "The counter-fire preparation barrage will extend forwards, noted and learned."

    d to see him unharmed, Colonel Busse picked up the radio, "All units, begin advancing¡ª"

    "Report!" John Christopher raised his hand, "I suggest not moving just yet, if the Ante People have been cunning once, they will be a second time. Just when we think it¡¯s safe and carelessly pass through, they might hit us with a surprise artillery attack."

    After John finished talking, the voice of the chief of staff came through Colonel Busse¡¯s headset, "The recent extended barrage caught us all off guard, resulting in considerable losses. If we start moving now, the support units may not be able to catch up."

    At that moment, an officer from the armored unit approached to salute, "Colonel sir, fifteen tanks have had their tracks damaged and cannot join the attack."

    Colonel Busse cursed.

    Then John Christopher said, "It¡¯s a good time for me to scout ahead. Once I confirm a passable route, I can join the attack with you. You must have lost quite a few tanks, haven¡¯t you?"

    Colonel Busse answered, "Yes, most of them had their tracks blown off."

    Captain Johnughed, "Then it¡¯s crucial for us to join the attack, because if we can¡¯t seize the battlefield tonight and immediately start retrieving the tanks with damaged tracks, they might end up on the list of permanent losses by tomorrow."

    Colonel Busse could only nod, "I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s indeed the case."

    John, "Then what about my motorcycle? To help you, I need to scout first, otherwise I can¡¯t even drive the tank to the front of the enemy¡¯s positions."

    Colonel Busse, "Didn¡¯t you say the Ante People might be cunning again? I also think we should wait another fifteen minutes to make sure the Ante People are indeed done firing before taking action."

    "Yes," John Christopher said, "but when the shellinges, it¡¯s easy for one scout to hide. I won¡¯t have any trouble, they won¡¯t use such a fearsome artillery group to trouble one scout."

 Chapter 387: The Tiger Leaves Its Cage (2)

    Colonel Busse made a gesture, and the adjutant immediately said to Captain John, "Come with me, I¡¯ll borrow a motorcycle for you from the motorized reconnaissance group using personal connections."

    As the two left, the tank crew, whose tracks had been damaged, had just removed the locked tracks from the tank.

    Having tracks blown off was an awkward situation; you might say it was trivial, but it could indeed force a tank out of the operation it was currently engaged in.

    To say it was useful, most broken tracks could be repairedter, and if the crew carried spare tracks, they could even repair them themselvesthe cost was spending more than ten hours.

    But that was still better than abandoning the tank after the tracks were broken.

    So, more and more old tank crews of Prosen started putting spare tank tracks on the outer armor of the tanks as additional protection, so if the tracks were broken, they could quickly get out and rece the tracks to fix the problem.

    Of course, sometimes the tank would break down right in front of the enemy position, under the machine guns and the piercing stares of hundreds of Ante People day and night. In that situation, you could only y dead inside the tank and wait for an opportunity to escape.

    As Colonel Busse¡¯s mind wandered aimlessly, John set off on the motorcycle.

    About thirty minutester, without artillery fire arriving, John came back on the motorcycle, "Alright, I¡¯ve got an idea now, let¡¯s lead the charge! The new tank has far better protection than the three and four, let me show you!"Colonel, "Your request is approved, ride to your heart¡¯s content."

    "Yes, sir."

    John Christopher climbed onto the tank with caution as if afraid of repeating past mistakes.

    Once he was seated inside the tank, with amand, the beast roared and jolted forward slightly, then the roaring gradually stabilized, and the tank moved past Colonel Busse.

    It did not look cumbersome; in fact, despite being a heavy tank, its mobility was surprisingly good. Colonel Busse¡¯s troops had once tested captured Ante heavy tanks, and their clumsiness left a deep impression on him.

    The maneuverability disyed by the boxy new tanks today was an eye-opener for Colonel Busse.

    And so they rumbled forward, the other two new model tanks following behind it.

    Yes, just two, as one had bogged down in the recent shelling.

    Colonel Busse was still not sure whether he would be satisfied with the new tanks, but he knew that the logistics department, especially the masters in the field repair shops, were definitely fond of the new model tanks.

    ----

    John Christopher drove his beloved tank along the route he had just scouted out.

    Soon, the tank passed a tree trunk painted with oil, and Christopher realized it was an enemy target marker; he had entered the enemy¡¯s firing range.

    No sooner had he thought this than an armor-piercing shell came flying from a distance, leaving a trail of sparks on the new tank¡¯s front mantlet, but the shell disappeared without a trace.@@novelbin@@

    Christopher heard someone speak up in the headset and quickly asked, "Who¡¯s hurt? Is it serious?"

    "No worries, a piece of armor chipped off somewhere and left a superficial scar on my face, just bleeding a little bit."

    Without thinking much, Christopher grabbed the binocrs and searched for the enemy gun position.

    To ensure a dominance inbat distance, he gave his firstmand after engaging, "Stop the vehicle, we¡¯ll stay on alert right here."

    The vehicle came to an abrupt stop.

    In the jolt of the sudden halt, Christopher noticed a sh of light from Hill 414 by the river.

    The second shell fell next to Christopher¡¯s own tank.

    Christopher, "Turret left 30 degrees, on the hill, wait for it to fire a third time."

    The turret had just turned when the third shot hit.

    Yet the new tank remained unmoved; the shell merely screeched past the hit point, leaving behind arge scratch that scraped off the tactical numbers and the insignia of the armor unit on the tank.

    Christopher, "Gunner! Did you see the sh? The sh just now!"

    The gunner reported, "Didn¡¯t see it! I¡¯m observing the enemy¡¯s position with the highest magnification."

    "No!" Christopher decisively said, "Use the lens with the smallest magnification, that¡¯s the only way to ensure you¡¯ll see the sh! Seeing the sh means locating the enemy¡¯s anti-tank gun position!"

    As soon as he finished, another sh appeared.

    The gunner almost immediately retaliated, and the spot from where the shell had just been fired on the hill erupted into white smoke, looking like an overweight enoki mushroom.

    Christopher shouted, "Again!"

    Just then, he suddenly saw shes directly in front of him.

    "Attention, there¡¯s an enemy right in front! Fire one at the gun position on Hill 414, then immediately turn the gun barrel."

    As soon as the voice had fallen, the apanying tank fired, targeting the very target Christopher had spotted.

    The next moment, an explosion urred, and the turret flew into the sky.

    Christopher was shocked, "A tank? Is this one of those tank emcements where the hull is buried inside?"

    Another shell was fired from the front, along with tracers from machine guns.

    But now, the new tank had just passed the first target and was obviously still far from their position; the machine gun¡¯s tracer bullets described a "pissing arc," not reaching Christopher.

    Suddenly, the enemy fired again.

    This time, without waiting for Christopher, the tankmander, to designate the target, the gunner fired, hitting something behind the camouge, and thick smoke immediately rose from behind the haystacks.

    Clearly, that was another enemy tank.

    At this moment, Christopher heard the roaring enginesing from the opposite side; it seemed the enemy¡¯s tanks had realized they couldn¡¯t prate the new tanks and decided to close the distance.

    The next moment, several KV tanks burst through the cover of the bushes.

    Then more than ten T34s followed, appearing hungry for battle.

    Christopher shouted excitedly, "The enemy ising to us! If they kept hiding, we might not have found them! Fire!"

    Three new tanks lined up and fired continuously.

    The scene was a one-sided ughter, with Ante tanks exploding into fireworks one after another.

    Finally, the Ante tanks turned around, presenting their vulnerable rears to the three new tanks.

    Then Christopher and hisrades happily sent these fleeing tanks skyward.

    Christopher: "Advance! Crush the enemy¡¯s position."

    The new tanks¡¯ engines roared again, propelling them quickly forward with surging power.

    The Ante¡¯s other anti-tank weapons seemed to panic, firing from a great distance, only to be methodically targeted by Christopher¡¯s crew.

    As Christopher¡¯s tank approached the Ante trenches, several Ante soldiers leaped out.

    Christopher initially thought they were attacking the tank, hurriedly shouting, "Hull machine gun! Mow them down!"

    However, these soldiers turned and ran.

    Obviously, the god-like new tanks had terrified the Ante People!

    Following the initial copse, the Ante line crumbled like an avnche; soon, the entire trench was full of people running backward!

    At ten o¡¯clock on the morning of July 10th, Wang Zhong had just arrived at the City Defense Command when the telephone rang.

    Wang Zhong picked up the phone, and Belinsky¡¯s voice came from the other end, "There seems to be a problem on the Suhayaveli front."

    Wang Zhong: "Can¡¯t be, right? Last night, all I heard was ¡¯grasping the frontline situation,¡¯ and wasn¡¯t the aerial reconnaissance all normal?"

    Belinsky: "The reason we can¡¯t grasp the frontline situation is that several divisions near the breach have copsed, and it¡¯s only today that fleeing soldiers have started to run to the rear, where they were caught by the Tribunal¡¯s troops."

    Wang Zhong: "Is the situation that bad?"

    "It¡¯s really bad. One of the fleeing officers said it¡¯s ¡¯like June 22nd ofst year.¡¯ Also, the Judge gathered intelligence from different sources: they¡¯ve found a very square Prosen Tank that looks bigger than any tank they¡¯ve encountered before."

    Wang Zhong, who had been somewhat half-lidded andnguid, opened his eyes wide upon hearing this, "Square new tanks? And theye with very wide tracks?"

    "Yes."

    Wang Zhong: "They¡¯ve finally arrived. Let¡¯s see whose new tanks are more impressive! "

    Belinsky: "Anyway, be prepared to strike. Although Tugenev still has at least six newly formed Army Groups at his disposal, I think he too would really like to verify whether your military buildup philosophy is viable. After all, with only one infantry regiment per division, there¡¯s gossip around Ye Fort that you are collecting unearned pay."

    Wang Zhong chuckled wryly, "Collecting unearned pay?"

    Vasily from the side said, "Didn¡¯t you know? After thest publication of the mobile army¡¯s organization table, a bunch of people have been mocking us!"

    Wang Zhong: "Really?"

    "Really," Belinsky said, "Anyway, prove to them! Prove to us, to everyone! Over!"

    He hung up the phone.

 Chapter 388: The March Begins

    Wang Zhong put down the phone, and immediately picked it up again: "Connect me to Kubinka."

    Soon, the call connected, and the voice on the other end was Pavlov: "First Mobile Group Army, Chief of Staff Pavlov speaking, please go ahead."

    Wang Zhong: "Order the troops to fully mobilize, prepare for battle."

    Pavlov, startled: "Have the Prussianse near again? So soon?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, it¡¯s us who are going to strike them. The Suhayaveli Front Army has requested reinforcements. They have been routed by the enemy¡¯s new tanks, with some divisions already copsing."

    "Now, immediately organize an advance team, centered on the newly arrived 16th Tank Destroyer Battalion, augment with support troops and elite infantry, as well as eight anti-aircraft guns and the Army Group¡¯s Divine Arrow Battalion, and... See what else you can add, but ensure everything can be loaded onto trains today and head for the front line!"

    Pavlov: "How many railcars can we have?"

    Wang Zhong: "Depends on how many you can get from General Chekhov."

    "Dumping it on me again?" Pavlov eximed.Wang Zhong: "Cheer up, with my reputation and my rtionship with General Chekhov, you¡¯ll certainly be able to get quite a few."

    "Then why don¡¯t you ask for them?"

    Wang Zhong: "I have more things to handle, I need to focus on military affairs."

    Having said that, he didn¡¯t wait for Pavlov to protest and hung up the phone.

    No sooner had he hung up than Vasily said with anticipation: "Finally, we¡¯re going to strike. Let¡¯s show those bastards at Ye Fort, we¡¯re not freeloading here!"

    Wang Zhongughed: "They were probably deceived by the ¡¯battalion¡¯ designation."

    As he talked, the transmigrator who had been on this world for a year reminisced about the time on Earth. There, many of these fake military enthusiasts, half-educated and following conventional thinking, believed that a battalion is smaller than a regiment and a brigade, and numerous content creators thrived on this misconception to attract the flow of these fake enthusiasts.

    The mostmon trick was to im something like the Sturmtiger armor battalion destroyed two Soviet tank brigades, totaling six battalions and so on.

    As a result, these half-learners shouted that Sturmtiger was invincible.

    But a real military enthusiast could immediately spot something fishy.

    A Sturmtiger battalion wasrge, a Panzer IV battalion had 96 long-barreled Panzer IVs, Panther battalions varied in size, the smallest being 77 Panthers, thergest could have 96 Panthers. A Tiger battalion, the smallest, also had 45 Tigers.

    Russian battalions were smaller, with a Russian tank brigade having only 68 tanks, whereas battalions and regiments mostly had the same level of organization, both with 21 tanks.

    My 96 long-barreled Panzer IVs, or 96 Panthers, dealing with your 100+ T-34-76, what¡¯s so strange about that?

    Without considering the organizational structure and just talking about unit numbers, it¡¯s mostly the ignorant speaking. Now, those half-learners at Ye Fort are exactly like this.

    Seeing that Wang Zhong¡¯s division only had one tank battalion and one tank destroyer battalion, they assumed that this division didn¡¯t have much armored strength.

    Because Ante also used small battalions, simr to the Earth-bound Russians, both having 21 tanks per battalion.

    But in reality, Wang Zhong¡¯s tank battalion was arge one, eachpany in the battalion, in addition to 12 T-34W tanks, also had 4 M3 Grant tanks, the reconnaissance toon had eight Jeeps equipped with M2 heavy machine guns, and then there was an SU-76.

    Inside thepany, there were also 56 infantrymen; four M3 Grants could stuff eight men each, eight Jeeps could carry 3 men each¡ªactually, it could be increased to 7 men per Jeep, but that would be too much like an Indian arrangement, which Wang Zhong rejected.

    Three suchpaniesposed a tank battalion.

    Therefore, though called a battalion, Wang Zhong¡¯s tank battalion had 48 tanks, 24 Jeeps, and 4 SU-76s.

    Of course, artillery, infantry, and scouts usually stayed within their own arrangements, only training together at times. It was only during wartime that they would "suffer a bit of hardship" in logistics andbine forces.

    As for the infantry of the Guard 1st Motor Rifle, the half-learners at Ye Fort, looking at the "regiment" in the unit designation, naturally assumed it had some 3000 men.

    But in truth, it was not so at all; this regiment actually had close to 6000batants, whereas some new infantry divisions in Ante had only about 8000 men.

    Why did this regiment have so many men? That¡¯s because Wang Zhong brought in a whole new concept, stuffing it with plenty of supporting firepower.

    Under this regiment, eachpany was packed with 4 82mm mortars, then there were eight M3 half-track vehicles, plus four M6 wheeled tank destroyers.

    Four 82mm mortars, in some poorly equipped infantry divisions, constituted battalion-level firepower. Also, every M3 had an M2 heavy machine gun; eight heavy machine guns perpany, where else would you find suchvish equipment in other divisions?

    Not to mention the 37mm cannon mounted on the M6 wheeled tank destroyers.

    Wang Zhong had actually wanted the M8 Greyhound and the M8 Scott (which are not the same chassis), but they weren¡¯t avable yet, so he had to make do with the M6 armed with the 37mm gun.

    All those vehicles needed operators, and the mortars needed attendants too, resulting in eachpany being muchrger than the usual infantrypany, apletely strengthenedpany.@@novelbin@@

    At the battalion level, Wang Zhong was even more ruthless.

    ording to frontline reports, during actualbat, the Prussians would also assign divisional artillery to infantry regiments, and thus a Prussian infantry battalion on the main line of attack would receive support from over 12 infantry guns or even howitzers.

    Wang Zhong made this kind of support standard practice.

    Of course, he wasn¡¯t merciless to the point of equipping the infantry battalion with howitzers; that would be excessive and unnecessary.

    The most important difference between infantry guns and howitzers lies in the barrel; the infantry gun has a very short barrel and a thinner outer wall as, most of the time, it provides close-range support and does not require firing at great distances. The shells do not need that much propent, so naturally, the chamber pressure isn¡¯t as high.

 Chapter 389: The March Begins (2)

    In order to achieve a range of over 15 kilometers, howitzers have long and thick barrels. To bnce such heavy barrels and to prevent them from being overturned by the strong st of the muzzle during firing, howitzers generally have very heavy trail spades.

    Therefore, even if the caliber is the same, infantry guns are much lighter than howitzers, more mobile, and can keep up with the infantry battalions. For instance, Ante¡¯s 76mm infantry gun actually uses a simr carriage as the 45mm anti-tank gun, and can be operated by just two people when manpower is tight.

    The artillery toons in the Ante Army are very small, usually consisting of two sections, each with two guns. However, the artillery sections that Wang Zhong created have four guns each, making it 12 guns per toon and close to 300 people in apany.

    By cramming such units into infantry battalions, logistics are probably cursing already.@@novelbin@@

    But he did it anyway.

    It was mainly because in the initial fight at Peniye, his artillery didn¡¯t catch up, only vehicle-mounted mortars did, which enabled them to fight. Later, at Loktov, the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery made him suffer dearly.

    Based on that experience, Wang Zhong became desperately keen.

    Why go for a melee when you can st the enemy away? Infantry is there to clear the field of view for the artillery!

    Since these guns all require personnel for operation, the establishment of Wang Zhong¡¯s infantry battalions is horrifyinglyrge, with almost a 2:1 ratio of infantrymen to artillerymen.At the regimental level, Wang Zhong even assigned apany of M3 vehicle-mounted 75mm howitzers to the units.

    Not to mention armored vehicles, fuel supply, and other logistical support; a regiment could have over six thousandbatants.

    Such a regiment can¡¯t have too many at a division level, as logistics couldn¡¯t handle it.

    This isn¡¯t like ying Hearts of Iron where you can just cram more infantry and the organization level of the troops will just drop, in actualbat the point at which the infantry will retreat due to losses is entirely dependent on their will to fight.

    Wang Zhong was confident in his infantry¡¯s fighting spirit and believed that over six months of night school education had greatly enhanced their initiative, allowing even small scattered units to maintainbat effectiveness.

    So the next choice was obvious, pack enough support units into the infantry, and then spread out and dilute the force.

    In the battle of Orachi, for the first couple of days, there were actually just two infantrypanies at the front of his position, relying solely on support fire to withstand the enemy attacks. The rest of the troops were reserves, ready to bemitted in case of emergency, but they never needed to engage; the enemy waspletely wiped out by the support fire.

    Thus, Wang Zhong concluded that as long as there was enough support fire, a battalion with strongbat willpower could easily hold a regiment¡¯s defensive zone.

    Moreover, the advantage of spreading the forces thinly was obvious¡ªthe ability to withstand artillery fire was greatly enhanced.

    Of course, in order for Wang Zhong¡¯s idea to be realized, the front-line infantry needed enough field telephones, at the very least to bring radios down to thepany level.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s regiment was equipped with more field telephones than an entire conventional Ante infantry division because normally, even division headquarters don¡¯t have radios and had to rely onying telephone wires.

    A significant portion of the field radios supported by the Federation was swallowed up by the First Mobile Group Army, which led other troops to also think that field telephones were good things to have¡ªthey mored for it even though they didn¡¯t know why, but whatever General Rokossovsky wanted must be good.

    Of course, other units didn¡¯t have as much support fire as the First Mobile Group Army, so having more field telephones didn¡¯t make as much of a difference.

    As for the artillery regiments of the Guard Motor Rifle Division, that was even more impressive.

    An ordinary Ante infantry division¡¯s artillery regiment might at the very most have 12 units of 152mm, 24 units of 122mm, totaling 36 guns with just under two thousand men.

    The artillery regiment of the Guard Motor Rifle Division had 36 units of 152mm, 24 units of 122mm, totaling sixty heavy guns, nearly four thousand men in service.

    This is actually a terrifying number, and some people who have seen too many sensationalized stories might think this isn¡¯t much, they might even say that an American divisional artillery regiment has 50 heavy guns! Or that a Sturmtiger division has 48 heavy guns!¡¯

    However, an American divisional artillery actually consists of three 105mm battalions and one 155mm battalion. Although the 105mm and 155mm are both ssified as divisional heavy artillery, this ssification is mainly because the long-barrel 105mm is quite heavy and requiresrge tractors, so they are stationed within the division for easier logistical support.

    The actual 155mm heavy artillery in a typical ¡¯Big Red One¡¯ division has only 12 units.

    Sturmtiger is the same, with only 12 units of the SHF18 model 150mm heavy howitzer per division, the rest are 105mm. Sturmtiger¡¯s diff¨¦rence lies in its 150mm heavy infantry howitzer.

    Comparing the firepower of the guards¡¯ mechanized infantry with 36 152s and 24 122s, it is already insanely powerful.

    The anti-tank artillery battalion of the guards¡¯ mechanized infantry, besides the 36 57mm anti-tank guns, also has about 30 ZIS3 self-propelled anti-tank guns, which are worlds apart from the regr infantry division¡¯s battalion with only 12 guns.

    There is also the anti-aircraft artillery, where Ante¡¯s anti-aircraft artillery battalions are typically made up of 16 37mm anti-aircraft guns. Wang Zhong¡¯s battalion, however, has 36 37mm anti-aircraft guns and has been reinforced with eight Crusader self-propelled anti-aircraft guns.

    In summary, despite the guards¡¯ mechanized infantry consisting only of one infantry regiment, one artillery regiment, and one motorized regiment, and other units being various "battalions", it possesses more than 100 tanks, tank destroyers, and self-propelled artillery, equivalent to two tank brigades.

    It has more than seventy 75mm medium guns and sixty 122mm or higher-calibre big guns.

    It has a total of 66 57mm anti-tank guns (including vehicle-mounted and towed).

    It has over 100 machine guns, more than 200 light machine guns, and a total of over 1,100 half-tracked trucks and tractors.

    The most outrageous aspect is the division¡¯s support capability, equipped with two maintenance battalions, two rescuepanies (which were dispersed among each tankpany and tank destroyerpany), capable ofpleting medium repairs on 12 tanks daily.

    By contrast, the support capability of Ante¡¯s First Assault Army Group is toplete medium repairs on 20 tanks daily¡ªyes, an entire Army Group, that¡¯s how inadequate it is.

    Having crammed in so much stuff, the guards¡¯ mechanized infantry became a wealthy division with a total force of over twenty thousand. Then, the military novices at Ye Fort pointed at the plethora of "battalions" in the organization and made baselessments, suggesting there was certainly embezzlement of payrolls.

    Vasily sighed, possibly recalling these points, "It¡¯s no use,ymen just don¡¯t get it. The critical point is, if you tell these people not to nitpick over unit numbers but to consider the quantity of vehicles and guns, they just lie on the ground, throw a tantrum, and scream, ¡¯I won¡¯t listen, you¡¯re just pocketing the pay without service.¡¯"

    Wang Zhong shrugged, "If I had known this would happen, I would¡¯ve made the tank and tank destroyerpanies into regiments. This way, when they see one infantry regiment, one tank regiment, and one tank destroyer regiment in the division, the half-informed at Ye Fort would find it reasonable for a division to consist of three regiments."

    Vasily burst into heartyughter.

    Wang Zhong: "Of course, I do asionally think that the number of infantry might be too few... But with the current exaggerated organization, logistics are already cursed."

    After all, support units are the gluttons consuming logistics, and adding three more infantry regiments into the Army Group¡¯s organization might just be thest straw that breaks the camel¡¯s back.

    Wang Zhong now also worries that with so many 75s, 122s, and 152s guns in his mobile army, they might run out of ammunition in the midst of battle.

    Vasily: "Hey, back in Loktov, us students from the Artillery School were used by you as infantry, and didn¡¯t we perform very well? Infantry isn¡¯t a specialized troop type; anyone who picks up a rifle and shoots while lying on the ground is an infantryman."

    Wang Zhong chimed in: "You¡¯re right, those gun loaders in the artillery regiments, they¡¯re all just regr soldiers. Perhaps because they¡¯re from artillery units and thus have a longer survival time, they might be more reliable than the newly conscripted soldiers when ites to fighting as infantry."

    At that moment, the telephone in the room rang again, and Wang Zhong picked up the handset: "This is Rocossov."

    The voice of General Tugenev came through the handset: "Rocossov, you must already know that Suhayaveli Front Army is in a critical situation, right? I¡¯ve already spoken to the logistics department to empty railcars as quickly as possible and to transport your Army Group to Yarvik on the eastern bank of Suhayaveli, where it¡¯s currently rtively safe."

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯ve already ordered the formation of a vanguard team, led by me personally, that can embark and depart today."

    "Excellent, that¡¯s very good," General Tugenev paused, "I¡¯m looking forward to the performance of your new army, after all, we¡¯ve invested so much resources in your Army Group."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "I will do my best."

    "Then, I wish you good luck."

    After the call ended, Wang Zhong put down the handset and turned to Vasily: "I think it¡¯s still necessary to ce a pure infantry unit in the Army Group¡¯s supply line. Just infantry, give them food, and it should be fine. Being next to the supply depot means a shorter supply route and less pressure on logistics."

    Vasily: "I remember four more infantry battalions from Mnia arrived, with only basic armaments. How about we form them into an independent infantry brigade?"

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s possible. Let Pavlov take care of that. When we¡¯re transporting our regr forces forward, we can also finalize the brigade¡¯s organization and send it overter."

    Vasily muttered with sympathy: "Poor Pavlov."

 Chapter 390: Farewell to the Ante Woman (Silver bonus 4/10)

    Wang Zhong made another call to Pavlov, informing him about the reassignment of the four Mnia regiments to form a reserve infantry brigade.

    Pavlov, "I¡¯m in the middle of organizing the entire Army Group¡¯s transportation scheme, and now you¡¯re raising the stakes?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "The clerical staff at your disposal has doubled! All led by ss Six veteran clerks! I believe you still have great potential."

    After a few seconds of silence, Pavlov asked, "By the way, you¡¯re personally leading the vanguard, right? The headquarters staff and I will definitely move with thest troops. Who do you n to have as your staff officer?"

    Wang Zhong, "I¡¯ll draw personnel from the Guard¡¯s First Mechanized Infantry staff to form the vanguard staff, and appoint Yegorov¡¯s Chief of Staff, Aleksander Aleksandrovich, as the temporary Chief of Staff for the vanguard."

    "Understood. Aleksander is quite capable, and it¡¯s beneficial for him to gain experience on the battlefield in advance," Pavlov agreed. "Any other instructions, Major General Davarish?"

    Wang Zhong, "That¡¯s all. Oh right, Yegorov will definitely want to join the vanguard. Stop him. Tell him I said to move with the other divisions of the regiment. After all, both of the regiment¡¯s key officers can¡¯t leave. Then have the Military Bishop lead the team."

    "Leave it to me. I¡¯m probably the only one who can persuade Yegorov with his temperament," said Pavlov.

    After all, he was originally Yegorov¡¯s Chief of Staff and had been promoted along the way by following Wang Zhong.Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m counting on you."

    He hung up the phone, just about to speak to Vasily, when the phone rang again.

    Vasily, "I¡¯d bet it¡¯s His Majesty."

    Wang Zhong gave him a re and picked up the receiver, "This is Major General Rocossov."

    Olga¡¯s voice came through the handset, "Alyosha, the front is in urgent need!"

    One could always sense His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s excitement.

    Olga, "Alyosha, the moment for your troops to show their mettle has finally arrived!"

    Wang Zhong sighed, "Your Majesty, our defensive line is breached. You shouldn¡¯t be so thrilled."

    "I¡¯m not like this in front of others; I¡¯m not afraid to be so with you," Olga said coquettishly.

    Wang Zhong, "Every minute and every second of my phone line is precious right now; I don¡¯t know how many people are waiting to call in. Please don¡¯t tie up my line."

    After finishing his statement, he intended to hang up. However, Olga asked, "Are you leaving today?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, I¡¯m departing with the first echelon on the first train to get acquainted with the battlefield situation."

    Olga was silent for a few seconds on the other end before asking in a pitiful voice, "May Ie to the station to see you off?"

    Wang Zhong¡¯s first instinct was to say no, but he softened, "Your Majesty, you are seeing off the soldiers heading for the battlefield. I am just one of those soldiers."

    "Okay! Got it!"

    "You don¡¯t get it. You need to focus on the soldiers, not treat me special! That¡¯s what a proper Tsar does!"

    "But I am still your sister, what¡¯s wrong with a sister worrying about her brother?"

    Wang Zhong was momentarily speechless, after all, he had acknowledged Olga as his sister. After a two-second pause, he said, "But you are still the Tsar, and you must prioritize correctly."

    Wang Zhong then hung up the phone, not giving Olga a chance to retort.

    Vasily wore an expression as if watching a drama unfold, "You... hung up on His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s call; if I had a big mouth, you¡¯d be the shadow Tsar by tonight."

    Wang Zhong red at Vasily, "Damn it, as if you¡¯re not a big mouth! Half the rumors about me in Ye Forte from you bragging in taverns while trying to pick up girls!"

    Vasily: "I just haven¡¯t managed to woo anyone yet!"

    "You used my rumors and still didn¡¯t manage to woo anyone, and you¡¯re proud of that, huh? Wait, why haven¡¯t you managed to? There should be lots of girls approaching you just for the title of ¡¯Rocossov¡¯s aide-de-camp¡¯, right?" Wang Zhong asked in surprise.

    Vasily shrugged: "It¡¯s precisely because everyone is after the title that I keep my distance. I hope she likes me for who I am."

    Wang Zhong hesitated, then finally patted Vasily on the shoulder.

    At that moment, the phone rang again.

    Wang Zhong picked it up and sure enough, he heard Ludm¡¯s voice: "I heard you¡¯re about to deploy?"

    "Yeah, wait for me toe back," Wang Zhong said.

    Ludm sighed, "I had hoped the child could see his father at first nce. But... I guess that¡¯s the destiny of a child born in war."

    "Don¡¯t talk as if I¡¯m going to get sacrificed," Wang Zhong said with a teasing tone.

    "Sorry. What I meant was..."

    "I know, I¡¯m just kidding. Based on previous experiences, we will engage in battle at the front for one to two months before retreating for rest."

    In fact, Wang Zhong was overstating things; evenst year¡¯s longest battle at Shostka was just over a month, and the rest were intense conflicts thatsted only a few days but resulted in the loss of half of the personnel and technical equipment.

    Modern war isposed of periods of rest and short, intense conflicts¡ªWang Zhong had fully understood this.

    Indeed, this aspect is also reflected in Hearts of Iron: Divisions that run out of organization strength stop to recover, but since half a month in Hearts of Iron passes so quickly, nobody notices that those divisions have rested for over fifteen days.

    Of course, the game can¡¯t be taken seriously.

    "During the rest period, I wille back to see the child," he said.

    "Mm," Ludm said softly, "So what time do you leave today? You¡¯ll be on the first train, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "The exact departure time is uncertain. But I am indeed leaving today to get familiar with the terrain of the battlefield in advance."

    He repeated what he had just said to Olga, feeling a bit odd.

    After that, Wang Zhong said, "Tell Nelly to pack up ande to the Army Group headquarters immediately, to leave with the first group."

    "You don¡¯t need to worry about that. When Tugenev called, Nelly was having tea with me, then she heard my end of the conversation, guessed what was happening, put down the teapot without even asking my permission, and left immediately.

    "She might have been looking forward to joining you on the front line for a long time."

    Wang Zhong: "I see. This time going to the front, I won¡¯t have your embrace, so can I substitute with Nelly¡¯s ¡¯armor te¡¯?"

    "Don¡¯t trouble Nelly," Ludm reminded him, "If she doesn¡¯t like it, you are not to do it. And don¡¯t mention ¡¯armor te¡¯ in front of Nelly."

    Wang Zhong: "Got it, got it. Then that¡¯s it."

    Just as he was about to hang up, Ludm suddenly asked, "Has Olga already called?"

    "Mydy has sharp insight!" Wang Zhong hurriedly said, "Indeed, my ¡¯sister¡¯ has already called."

    "She¡¯s going to see you off, right? It looks like I¡¯ll have to go to the station too. Let me know as soon as you find out the departure time, okay, dear?"

    "All right," Wang Zhong answered honestly.

    On the afternoon of July 10th, at four o¡¯clock, the Ekaterinburg Fortress east station ¡ª this was the special military train station of Ye Fort, next to whichy the recruits¡¯ training base. Countless new recruits embarked here in closed cattle cars, heading to the frontline.

    The military band, stationed at the east station, yed "Farewell to Ante Women" almost incessantly every day.

    Today was no exception.

    Wang Zhong stepped onto the tform and saw Pavlov, so he asked, "What have you loaded in the first car?"

    Pavlov replied, "You, your staff officers, your horses, and all sorts of things to facilitate your reconnaissance missions, as well as a guardpany led by Sergeant Major Grigori, andstly, the clerical team responsible for arranging and coordinating the needs of the entire Army Group ¡ª led by my sixth-grade clerk."

    Wang Zhong looked towards Grigori, who was also on the tform, and noticed that the Prussian submachine gun he had captured had been reced with a version with a thickened barrel, a threading cutter.

    So Wang Zhong asked, "Sergeant Major, is that gun any good?"

    Grigori replied, "It¡¯s fantastic, the best weapon I¡¯ve ever used. The only downside is that the barrel is quiteplex, and it requires a special tool for cleaning."

    It seemed that the sergeant major was quite fond of this gun. Looking at the guardsmen around him, almost all of them were equipped with threading cutters, and Wang Zhong was already looking forward to the sight of the enemy being brutally beaten by these things in the encounter battles.

    At that moment, Grigorimented, "However, this thing may not have great bullet power, after all, the velocity is slow. I personally think the caliber should be erged, to the size of Federation¡¯s Thomson."

    The Thomson fired.45 caliber pistol cartridges, which in millimeters is 11.43 millimeters, 11.43X39 (thetter being the bullet length) subsonic rounds. That truly bes a projectile the size of a weight!

    The real threading cutter usesrge caliber ammunition also due to concerns aboutcking power and insufficient armor pration; as for the results, whether the armor pration improved remained unknown, but the bullet¡¯s lethality to people was astounding.

    Imagine being hit by a subsonic weight, it tumbles inside your body ¡ª the wound is bound to be severe.

    Regarding Grigori¡¯s usage suggestion, Wang Zhong said, "I will provide feedback to the designers. But producing the 9mm elongated cartridges involves a series of issues."

    Shortening the standard 7.62 rifle cartridge only requires a slight modification to the existing production line, but lengthening the originally very short pistol cartridge is more troublesome.

    Grigori nodded.

    Just then, his wife Aksinya appeared: "Grishka!"

    Aksinya rushed into Grigori¡¯s arms, burying her head in his chest.

    The guardsmen began to tease them noisily.

    Wang Zhong joined in the teasing, "Now I¡¯m getting envious of you, Grishka!"

    The guardsmen all looked towards Wang Zhong and let out uneven jeers.

    After all, Ludm was even more beautiful than Aksinya.

    Then, all the guardsmen simultaneously shut their mouths and straightened their faces.

    Wang Zhong realized something and turned to look in the direction they were staring at.

    Ludm said, "What are you envious of him for, Alyosha? Tell me?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Now, I¡¯m not envious anymore."

    He stepped forward and hugged his wife.

    Just then, the military band suddenly stopped ying "Farewell to Ante Women" and started performing the Tsar¡¯s Anthem.

    Clearly, Olga was present too.

    Wang Zhong, holding his wife¡¯s hand, looked towards the entrance of the station and then saw Olga¡¯s honor guard proceeding in.

    Olga herself, dressed in a brand new summer formal wear, draped with a blue sash, wearing a crown on her head, and holding a scepter in her hand, stepped onto the tform.

    Wang Zhong let go of Ludm¡¯s hand and saluted to the Tsar.

    Olga looked at the military band, "Continue ying ¡¯Farewell to Ante Women¡¯."

    The band immediately switched back to the piece, while Olga, head held high, chest puffed out, walked towards Wang Zhong and Ludm.

    "My general," she said, "I wish you a glorious victory."

    Wang Zhong replied with a tone of officialdom, "Thank you. I will fulfill my duty and beat the Prussians hard."

    Olgaughed, "The way you say it, it¡¯s almost as if beating Prussians is part of your job descriptions."

    Wang Zhong said, "It is."

    At this point, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t notice that the guardsmen and Grigori had quietly boarded the train.

    Pavlov came over, first saluting the Tsar, and, after receiving a nod from His Majesty, turned to report to Wang Zhong, "The first train has finished loading, Your Excellency, please board."

    "All right," Wang Zhong said and hugged Ludm again, gently kissing her lips.

    But Ludm took the initiative, wrapping her arms around Wang Zhong¡¯s neck, mimicking a certain Su Xunzong.

    After a long kiss, Ludm gently pushed away Wang Zhong, stepping back to create a distance, "Be careful on the battlefield."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Take care of your health too."

    He felt something wascking, thought for a while, and added, "Drink plenty of warm water."

    Words failed him.

    Olga coughed.

    Wang Zhong turned to the Tsar, and with a bow in standard court etiquette, said, "Your Majesty, I am off to war."

    "Wishing you a glorious victory."

    Having said that, Olga extended her hand.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know if kissing the hand was appropriate court etiquette at such a time, but since she offered it, he decided to kiss it regardless.

    He bent down and lightly kissed the back of Olga¡¯s hand.

    Then he let go, turned around, climbed up into themander¡¯s carriage of the train, turned again to look at the girls on the tform.

    At that moment, Nelly showed up with arge bag reminiscent of an in-game item vendor, dressed as a maid, wearing a boater hat, and hurried between them, dashing to the side of the train.

    Wang Zhong grabbed her hand and pulled her onto the train.

    Nelly stood next to Wang Zhong, gazing at Ludm and Olga on the tform.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, damn, what kind of hellishposition is this? It looks as if a lolita¡¯s mom and I abandoned leadingdies one and two with ample curves.

    Just then, the train whistled, the carriage shuddered, and began to move slowly forward.

    Amidst the whistle, the band continued to y the farewell piece for the women of Ante.

 Chapter 391: Hub City Yarvik

    Yarvik on the eastern bank of the Suhaya Weili River is the easternmostrge city in the entire Suhayaveli basin. Beyond it lies the vast grasnds, where viges are scarce.

    Stretching for three hundred kilometers is all grasnd. Originally, the church had ns to dig a canal connecting the Suhaya Weili River with the Valdai Hills River, but it was found during feasibility studies that construction on the grasnds was too difficult.

    At that time, Ante did not possess the capability to guarantee such a construction project.

    Thus, the church chose to quietly develop for 20 years, and only when Ante was able to produce 20,000 tanks to arm 96 tank divisions did the church revisit the dusty canal ns.@@novelbin@@

    However, before the preliminary preparations could bepleted, the war broke out, and the canal ns had to be shelved in their entirety.

    So Yarvik became thest major transportation hub and settlement on the edge of the grasnds, and also the supply center for the Suhayaveli Front Army.

    If this ce were captured, the Front Army would quickly run out of ammunition and food.

    Originally, the industrial areas on both sides of the Suhaya Weili River supplied ample ammunition for the hundreds of thousands of people in a Front Army, but most of the factories were evacuatedst year, leaving nothing but empty shells on both banks.

    So ammunition could only be supplied by the railway.On the morning of July 11th, Prosen bombers bombarded Yarvik¡¯s railway station and train dispatching yard in an attempt to wreck the Suhayaveli Front Army¡¯s logistical support.

    The Front Army Air Force performed a valiant interception, but still, several bombs sessfully hit the dispatching yard, causing a massive fire.

    By 10 o¡¯clock at noon, the fire was under control.

    At that point, the station master emerged from the telegraph office and found the tform foreman, "Prepare to receive the train."

    The foreman looked puzzled, "We¡¯ve been receiving trains all along. We¡¯ve had 12 military trains arrive just this morning, and the workers have been very diligently transporting supplies, unaffected by the fire."

    "This is different!" the station master was tense, "Different! I only just found out, the train that¡¯sing soon is an advance team for a new Army Group!"

    The foreman was overjoyed, "Well, that¡¯s good news! They can unload the train themselves, and I can arrange for our exhausted workers to take a break."

    "No!" the station master raised his voice by an octave, "No! Do you know who is arriving on that train?"

    The foreman hesitated before guessing, "His Majesty the Tsar?"

    "Almost! It¡¯s General Rokossovsky!"

    The foreman was stunned, "Eh? That Rokossovsky?"

    The station master red at him, "Which other Rokossovsky could it be? When you mention Rokossovsky now, there¡¯s only one Rokossovsky!"

    The foreman: "So the rumors from yesterday are true? The front lines really did copse? Otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t have called Rokossovsky to save the day."

    The station master said, "Never mind what¡¯s happening at the front, just get the workers energized."

    "Don¡¯t worry about that, I¡¯ll show you," said the foreman, turning to shout to the resting workers, "Guys, General Rokossovsky¡¯s train will be arriving soon!"

    The workers, who were just casually chatting and passing the time, all turned their heads to look upon hearing this.

    "Is it that Rokossovsky who killed 41 Prosen generals?"

    "That¡¯s right!"

    "I heard he held a blood-red g in one hand and a machete in the other, chopping up five Prosen tanks?"

    "I heard it was seven!"

    The foreman confirmed, "Yes, that Rokossovsky!"

    So the workers all stood up, no longer resting.

    "Finally, someone who can fight has arrived. I worried over nothing yesterday!"

    "Yeah, I was about to ride to the grasnds with my wife and kids yesterday! The Prosen wouldn¡¯t possibly chase us into the grasnds, right?"

    Viges were truly scarce on the grasnds. During the civil war, bands of the Sanctified faction hid out there, and even after the war ended, several attempts to eradicate them failed¡ªthey couldn¡¯t bepletely wiped out because the area was just toorge and the poption too sparse. The bandits, armed with a few hundred rifles, roamed about, living off hunting.

    Later it was the church that began supplying viges on the grasnd with smoked sausage, caviar, and sparkling wine, while also buying meat and milk produced by the vigers¡¯ cows at high prices. When the bandits¡¯ former vigers saw their homes thriving, they stopped being ouws and returned.

    Then the bands got smaller and smaller until they finally disappeared.

    The locals, who had mostly heard this story from older generations, saw fleeing into the grasnds as an option.

    Of course, whether it really was a viable option was another matter.

    "Forget it, do you even know how to hunt? Don¡¯t end up starving to death and bing wolf fodder!"

    "Are there still wolves on the grasnds?"

    While the workers were discussing among themselves, the foreman turned to the station master, "See, there¡¯s no need to worry about their enthusiasm. Everyone wants to perform well in front of General Rokossovsky. After all, the church is nearly promoting him as a saint."

    The workers overheard this conversation and one immediately said, "Isn¡¯t that just like a saint? They say General Rokossovsky eats the same food as the soldiers, and during retreats, he gave up his beautiful horse to a wounded soldier to ride. These are the kinds of things you only hear about in stories of saints!"

    "Right, right! Look, even in the stories about Suvorov you don¡¯t find such things, only in the stories of Saint Andrew!"

    "And not in Kutuzov¡¯s stories either! Kutuzov was just a noble lord!"

    The foreman asked, "So, how should we greet our distinguished guest, the great saint, when he arrives?"

    "Do we even need to ask?"

    "If their train isn¡¯t unloaded in thirty minutes, it would be our neglect!"

    The foreman looked back at the station master, "See, no worries."

    Fueled by a collective fervor, soldiers of the station guard overheard the exchange.

    The duty squad leader asked the Military Chain that day, "Did you know Rokossovsky wasing?"

    "No idea. How could they tell us in advance? What if it reaches the Prussians? Then today¡¯s target wouldn¡¯t have been the dispatching yard. The enemy would surely be waiting to bomb Rokossovsky," the Military Chain replied.

    The squad leader clicked his tongue in agreement, "Right, you can¡¯t release such news too soon."

    At that moment, a nearby sentry spoke up, "The airport ground crew mentioned yesterday that a strong attack squadron equipped with Federation fighter jets had arrived. It¡¯s quite odd. Those fighter jets carry bombs nearly surpassing the payload of the IL-2s, and their engines are all air-cooled. I don¡¯t quite understand what ¡¯air-cooled¡¯ means, but the ground crew at the airport has never repaired such engines."

    The toon leader said, "How do these fighter jets operate then? I know that aircraft have to be inspected once daily."

    The sentry, adopting the tone of someone telling stories in a tavern, said, "You don¡¯t know about this, do you? That attack squadron brought their own ground crew. The Federation¡¯s aircraft cockpits are spacious enough to squeeze in another person. So, they crammed in dozens of people that way, and the rest flew over on passenger nes."

    The toon leader shook his head, "But that¡¯s clearly not right. Why not just send more passenger nes?"

    "It¡¯s true, that¡¯s what the airport ground crew said..."

    Just then, the Priest coughed and interjected into the conversation, "Ivan, you went out drinking yesterday, didn¡¯t you? Sneaking out over the wall behind the barracks, right?"

    The sentry¡¯s face turned pale all at once.

    The kindly Priest inquired, "Who did you go with?"

    Sentry Ivan replied resolutely, "I¡¯d rather die than tell."

    The Priest said, "Do you think I don¡¯t know? But if you don¡¯t reveal them, you will have to take their punishment on yourself."

    Ivan wavered.

    Just then, the bell rang, signaling that the train was about to arrive.

    The switchmen had already inspected all the railway switches and stood with a greenmp next to the switchman¡¯s hut.

    The train whistle sounded from afar.

    Putting aside the interrogation, the Priest turned his head like the others, looking in the direction of the whistle.

    The train appeared in the distance, gradually approaching the tform. Just before entering the station, the engine began braking, wheels sparking against the rails.

    The slowly decelerating train slid into the tform: first, the track repair car, then the engine, followed by the coal car and the anti-aircraft artillery carriage.

    Behind the anti-aircraft artillery came the closed freight cars, the first of which flew a red g on top.

    Excited by the sight of the g, the workers eximed, "Look, there¡¯s writing on it!"

    The younger workers, many of whom were high school graduates, could read the words and recited, "A gift from the textile workers of Shepetovka, it¡¯s from the workers of Shepetovka!"

    "That must be the General¡¯s car!"

    "The General actually stays in a closed freight car too?"

    "Look, is that the General?"

    To ensure venttion, the doors of the closed freight cars typically remained open during travel.

    The doors of the car with the red g were also open, crowded with a dense group of people. Half appeared to be officers, while the rest were soldiers.

    Standing in the midst as a dividing line between the soldiers and officers was a young man with three stars on his epaulette.

    "Three stars, that¡¯s a Lieutenant General, the General himself!" shouted a worker.

    "He¡¯s really standing together with the ordinary soldiers!"

    Unlike the workers, the on-duty security soldiers focused on the weapons in the hands of the soldiers beside the General¡¯s right hand.

    The sentry who had just been interrogated by the Military Chain squinted and remarked, "What¡¯s that? It looks... quite nice."

    The toon leader scrutinized the weapons, "What¡¯s with that thick barrel? Is it like a Maxim with a water jacket around it?"

    "How heavy must that be!" said the Military Chain. Although a Priest, being a chain in a frontline unit, he understood weapons andbat skills. "But looking at the way they¡¯re slinging the rifle and the wear marks on the straps over their shoulders, the gun doesn¡¯t seem heavy."

    The toon leader continued critically, "Such arge magazine, it looks like it holds 20 or maybe 30 rounds. Could it be an assault rifle? A new type of assault rifle?"

    The sentry mused, "I think the Papasha is just fine, why bother with a new one?"

    The toon leader observed, "Look at the width of the magazine, the bullets must be longer than the Papasha¡¯s, perhaps a longer range? Regardless, General Rokossovsky is also the Chairman of the Ordnance Review Committee, so the equipment his troops use can¡¯t be bad."

    By then, the train hade to a stop, and the Lieutenant General was the first to jump off, immediately turning to look at the toon leader and the Priest.

    "Are you interested in the new weapons my unit is equipped with?" asked General Rokossovsky.

    The toon leader, Priest, and sentry all nodded in unison.

    The General signaled to the senior sergeant behind him, "Grisha, give them a demonstration."

    The workers were shocked to hear the name "Grisha," because it was unusual for a Lieutenant General to address a sergeant by a nickname ¡ª not to mention, the workers couldn¡¯t recognize the sergeant¡¯s rank; they only knew he wasn¡¯t an officer, but a mon soldier."

    In that instant, the descriptions from church propaganda about "sitting equally with soldiers" suddenly crystallized into reality, bing incredibly believable.

    The military personnel, meanwhile, were focused on the weapon in the sergeant¡¯s hands.

    The sergeant looked up, then suddenly raised the weapon toward the sky and pulled the trigger.

    The firearm made a sound as if a stick was smacking an unruly child¡¯s backside.

    Everyone looked up in confusion, wondering what the sergeant was shooting at, when two pigeons fell onto the tform.

    The sentry¡¯s mouth hung open as he looked at the sky, "Pigeons flying so high, and he could bring them down?"

    The toon leader, however, looked at the sergeant, "Did you shoot from the hip?"

    The sergeant smiled and said, "Yes, this weapon is really handy. An experienced shooter could hit a target at two hundred meters like sshing water."

    "Two hundred meters!" eximed the sentry, "At a hundred meters, shooting from the hip, the Papasha¡¯s spread is already as wide as a building!"

    Looking again at the weapon in the sergeant¡¯s hands, the sentry¡¯s eyes gleamed differently.

    His own Papasha suddenly seemed much less appealing!

 Chapter 392: Lure the Tiger Up the Mountain

    Wang Zhong was very satisfied with Grigori¡¯s demonstration.

    Actually, hitting a flying pigeon from the hip was something ordinary people couldn¡¯t achieve.

    Of course, an average person using a threaded cutting machine would definitely have a better uracy rate than the Papasha; at close range, the firepower was the same as the Papasha, and at long distance, it was more urate than the Papasha, plus it had a lower failure rate, which absolutely made it a superior weapon.

    As for the low firing noise, that actually wasn¡¯t so important. What Grigori and the others wanted from the thick-barreled version was its stability during rapid firing; the importance of silencing wasn¡¯t something people of this era realized yet.

    Grigori lowered the muzzle and looked towards Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong, "Good job, pick up the pigeons and ask around, they might belong to the locals,pensate them at the market rate."

    "Yes." Two soldiers immediately ran to pick up the pigeons and carried them out of the station.

    Wang Zhong heard the workers whispering: "Did you hear? They¡¯re evenpensating!"

    "That¡¯s so great!""If I were the owner of the pigeons, I wouldn¡¯t take anypensation no matter what. What¡¯s wrong with the soldiers eating a bit of pigeon meat?"

    Wang Zhong turned to the workers, "That won¡¯t do, we can¡¯t take even a needle and thread from the people, only then will they support us."

    He paused and changed the subject, "It¡¯s going to be tough on the workers today, my Army Group¡¯s vanguard has many more trains to arrive today."

    "Leave it to us!"

    By this time, the soldiers from the guardpany had already taken down the red g that the textile workers had put on the sealed tank car, and a tall g bearer stood next to Wang Zhong, holding it high.

    The red g, the general, and the soldiers and workers surrounding the general made for a photo-worthy scene, but unfortunately Wang Zhong¡¯s "official photographer" was not present.

    Just then, arge group of officers, led by a senior general, rushed into the station.

    The leading general looked around before heading straight for Wang Zhong, "General Rocossov! Yesterday the High Command only told me that a new Army Group would being to reinforce me, but they didn¡¯t tell me it was your Instructional Army Group!"

    Wang Zhong, "Instructional Army Group?"

    "Ah? They all say that!" The general was taken aback.

    Wang Zhong, "Our official designation is the First Mobile Group Army, of course, this Army Group is also for testing an entirely new organizational method."

    The general, "I heard your Army Group has almost three hundred heavy guns?"

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Yes, actually I wanted to insert even more, but I wasn¡¯t sure if the logistics could keep up."

    After all, Wang Zhong¡¯s Army Group was already veryplex, with everything imaginable, just the artillery included calibers like 37, 40, 57, 75, 76, 100, 122, and 152.

    Many of the guns with the same caliber used different ammunition: for example, the gun on the M6 Tank Destroyer was different from the ammunition for the 37mm anti-aircraft gun.

    Wang Zhong had thought about equipping all anti-aircraft units with 40mm Bofors Crusaders, which would mean no more 37mm anti-aircraft guns and only one type of 37mm shells. However, the Crusaders were sent over in too few numbers, so he could only wait for the Bofors factory with authorization to start production and mass produce the 40mm automatic cannons.

    In fact, Wang Zhong had done his best to simplify logistics within the permitted scope, like with mortars: the 120mm mortar was too heavy, and since Wang Zhong¡¯s infantry units had a lot of 75mm and 76mm barrels, they tried to only equip with the 82mm mortars.

    If this didn¡¯t work out well, logistics would have to suffer a bit more and add the heavier 120mm mortars again.

    In any case, Wang Zhong¡¯s Army Group was undoubtedly the one with heavy firepower within the Ante Army¡¯s organization, and even on Earth in the Soviet Union before ¡¯43, it would be considered a heavy firepower unit.

    However, when the Soviet Union executed offensive campaigns, they would have artillery reinforcements from the High Command.

    And after ¡¯43, the Soviet Union created the insanely powerful breakthrough Army Groups with artillery brigades assigned just to them, with 144 152mm guns, which was terrifying.

    Wang Zhong was not yet that insanely ambitious because he was concerned about supply issues.

    If the Federation were a bit more supportive and sent 10,000 trucks to Ante within half a year, he might really consider creating such wildly powerful artillery units.

    All the fault of the Federation.

    But Commander of the Suhayaveli Front Army, General Andrei Ivanovich, didn¡¯t have Wang Zhong¡¯s transcendent knowledge, and he clearly thought that an Army Group with 300 heavy guns of 122mm and above was already too much.

    Not to mention that Wang Zhong¡¯s Army Group also had a rocket artillery brigade.

    "Looking forward to your performance," he said, shaking Wang Zhong¡¯s hand. It looked like he was the major general and Wang Zhong was the senior general.

    Wang Zhong, "How should I address you?"

    "Oh, I am General Andrei Ivanovich, Commander of the Suhayaveli Front Army."

    Wang Zhong introduced himself, "Major General Rocossov, Commander of the First Mobile Group Army."

    "We all know you," said General Andrei. "Pleasee quickly to the High Command¡ªlet me introduce the frontline situation to you. Leave the unloading of the cargo to the Front Army¡¯s logisticsmander; if there are any supply needs, talk to him!"

    General Andrei pointed to the major general behind him.

    Wang Zhong nodded, "I have brought the vanguard of the Army Group¡¯s staff, led by..."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong nced at his own grade six clerk.

    "...led by Colonel Karataev of the civil service, he will coordinate supply issues with you."

    Originally, civil servants only had civil ranks, but since the war started, it was found necessary for civil servants to have military ranks as well, after all, incidents of staff reductions weremon, and the military ranks would quickly determine the new leadership structure of the staff.

    So a grade six clerk became a colonel in the civil service.

    The old man stood tall and proud like a real soldier, but his salute still looked a bit odd, just like at the beginning.

    After connecting with the logistics coordinator, General Andrei made a weing gesture, "Let¡¯s go to the High Command."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Fine, I¡¯ll listen to your briefing first, then set out to inspect the frontline personally."

    General Andrei looked shocked, "You¡¯re really going to inspect the frontline personally?"

    "Yes."

    "I thought that was just propaganda..."

    Wang Zhong sternly rebuked, "How could you say that! In the newly written regtions, I emphasized that, given the right conditions,manders should personally scout the terrain. How could I not lead by example?"

    General Andrei scrambled for an excuse, "I thought that was your practice when you were a divisionmander. But now that you¡¯re an Army Group Commander, do you still have to personally reconnoiter the entire operational area of the army group?"

    Wang Zhong: "Why not? Of course, if themand structure under my control gets evenrger, it won¡¯t be physically possible for me to scout every area myself, and I¡¯ll have to delegate these exploratory tasks to division-levelmanders.

    "But I will still personally do the reconnaissance on the main thrust! An excellentmander must be intimately familiar with every de of grass and every tree in the operational area!"

    Even through an addon.

    General Andrei looked at Wang Zhong with awed eyes, "I... I¡¯m afraid I can¡¯t do that. I can¡¯t tell you that I¡¯m familiar with every de of grass and tree in Suhayaveli. But I will try my best to answer your questions. This way, please."

    Wang Zhong nodded and then followed General Andrei out of the station.

    Then he saw near a shop not far from the station, an old man shouting, "You killed my favorite dove and think you can settle it with money?"

    Wang Zhong raised his hand, signaling the whole team to stop, then walked toward the old man under the surprised gaze of General Andrei.

    Grigori immediately followed with the threading cutter in hand.

    Wang Zhong approached the old man: "Old man! It was my guards who shot your dove while demonstrating a new weapon! I apologize to you!"

    The old man squinted at Wang Zhong: "And who are you?"

    "I am..."

    Just then the old man saw someone holding a red g behind Wang Zhong and shouted, "Hold on!"

    Wang Zhong¡¯s introduction was stuck in his throat, and he was left awkwardly silent.

    The old man took a closer look at his face, then at the three stars on the cor tabs: "You are... you¡¯re General Rocossov!"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, it¡¯s me."

    "Oh! You have no idea, from yesterday the people of Yarvik have been in a panic! Now that you¡¯re here, everyone feels reassured! You¡¯re going to strike hard at those detestable Prussians, aren¡¯t you? We have a lot of people here from Western Kazarlia, they all say the Prussians are devils, killing and raping everywhere! They even don¡¯t spare an old man like me! You must stop them!"

    The old man grew more agitated as he spoke, clutching Wang Zhong¡¯s hand tightly: "I am an old soldier, but I can¡¯t fight anymore, my children are all in the military, I¡¯ve given everything to the church, to the Ante Army! It¡¯s all to prevent the Prussians from seeding!"

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯t worry, old man, but you should still evacuate as soon as possible, because we¡¯re not yet ready to fully stop them."

    Old man: "Not ready yet?"

    "Yes, so there will likely be some retreat. But rest assured, we will soon counterattack."

    "Okay, I understand, I understand."

    Wang Zhong: "By the way, about the dove, please ept ourpensation."

    "Ah?" The old man was startled, then looking at the doves carried by two guards, he waved his hand, "I don¡¯t know any dove, these two are clearly wild pigeons!"

    Wang Zhong: "No, please ept thepensation anyway, especially since you¡¯re about to fall back; use this money to settle down in the rear area."

    The old man, moved: "Such a good general, may Saint Andrew bless you. Saint Andrew bless you!"

    Afterward, the old man kept repeating this prayer, watching Wang Zhong leave with his men.

    After Wang Zhong returned to his side, General Andrei said: "That¡¯s something a Military Chain is supposed to do."

    Wang Zhong: "I haven¡¯t brought a Chain partner with me. Let¡¯s go to the headquarters."

    The Suhayaveli Front Army headquarters.

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered the room, he saw a plethora of marks representing enemy attacks on the map.

    The enemy upied area had embedded itself into the Suhayaveli Front Army¡¯s defensive zone, with the vanguard being less than 50 kilometers away from Yarvik.

    Wang Zhong: "The situation is indeed very bad."

    General Andrei: "The enemy has introduced a new type of tank, and a frontline war correspondent took a photograph of it. However, since he didn¡¯t use a sh, the picture didn¡¯t turn out very well."

    With that, General Andrei shuffled through a stack of documents on the desk, pulled out a photo, and ced it on the map table, sliding it towards Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong picked up the photo.

    Although the photo was indeed very poor, with the entire frame a blur, only the silhouette of the new tank was visible.

    But Wang Zhong was still certain, that was a Tiger tank.

    It was the first battle in September 1942 in Earth¡¯s history, and it happened two months earlier in this world.

    Moreover, the initial deployment of Tiger tanks was actually mediocre due to mechanical failures. However, these few Tiger tanks performed exceptionally well, almost breaking through the entire Army Group.

    General Andrei added, "Everyone who has seen this new type of tank is especially wary of it. They say our attacks can¡¯t prate its armor, and its cannon can destroy our tanks from a very long distance.

    "Someone even said it can turn invisible!"

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but chuckle, thinking that those who say it can turn invisible must be operating the standard T34s. The double-manned turret T34s were too inept; it¡¯s quite likely they never spotted the Tiger tank sniping from over 1500 meters away.

    There are battle records of such incidents.

    Wang Zhong: "It seems to stabilize the front line; we need to deal with these malevolent Tigers first."

 Chapter 393: The old rules, forward enemy reconnaissance

    Since the enemy was less than 50 kilometers from Yarvik, Wang Zhong immediately decided not to waste time at the Front Army headquarters and proceeded with a forward enemy reconnaissance with his troops.

    General Andre tried to detain him, "You havee a long way, why don¡¯t you rest first?"

    Wang Zhong: "The military situation is urgent, I¡¯ll wait to drive the enemy out of Yarvik before resting."

    General Andre: "We are on the east bank, the enemy is on the west bank..."

    Wang Zhong: "But once the enemy upies the bridgehead on the west bank, the logistics of your troops on the west bank will all be cut off! General Andre! You should be more anxious than I am!"

    The General hesitated for a few moments, then suddenly came up with an excuse: "The enemy has pushed so far, they should stop to rest and repair their tanks!"

    55 kilometers from Yarvik, Yeisk, under Prosen Army control.

    John Christopher crawled out from under his tactical number 210, Tank No. 6, and shook his head at the driver.The elite crew of Tank No. 6 were familiar with allbat positions and could switch roles at any time.

    Such an elite crew naturally knew how to repair the tank; if one person couldn¡¯t fix it, another would take over.

    Now that the tankmander had gone down to take a look himself, it meant that everyone in the crew had already checked it.

    John: "We can¡¯t deal with this malfunction, let¡¯s wait for the battlefield repair camp toe up."

    The driver nodded: "I think so too. By the way, before the engine and transmission fail, I felt that the idler wheel was also a bit off, quite shaky."

    "The ground here is worse than in Belka," John stomped his foot, "I heard it gets even worse during the rainy season, but honestly... it¡¯s already bad enough, this wouldn¡¯t even qualify as a road in Carolingian."

    The gunner, sitting atop the tank¡¯s turret and smoking, said to themander: "You weren¡¯t inst year¡¯s war; I fought for three months before getting pulled back to test new tanks. At that time, the mules of the Infantry Division we coordinated with had all their hooves worn out, had to find a smith on the spot to make new horseshoes."

    The gunner suddenly fell silent.

    Curious, John asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    "Nothing, I just remembered what happened to that cksmith. After finishing the horseshoes, he went home to find his wife and daughter being raped. He grabbed the hammer he used for the horseshoes and smashed two infantrymen¡¯s heads."

    John: "Then what happened?"

    "A sergeant fired, killed the cksmith¡¯s whole family with a submachine gun."

    John Christopher fell silent.

    The others fell silent too.

    After a few seconds, the electromechanical operator broke the silence: "Hey, it¡¯s just a few inferior people dying."

    John red at the electromechanical operator, about to speak, when the driver kicked him and motioned with his mouth towards the left.

    John looked and saw two individuals with crescent ques hanging on their chests, wearing ck leather coats, slinging submachine guns. They were battlefield military police, known as "chain dogs" among the ordinary soldiers.@@novelbin@@

    If they heard you questioning Prosen as the superior race, generally something unpleasant would happen.

    John could only swallow the retort that had reached his lips.

    The electromechanical operator continued: "Still, those infantrymenck ss, to be able to hang an inferior race. I couldn¡¯t, I find them too dirty. Besides, Ante women are not as beautiful as our Prosen girls, lusting after them is like raping your own sense of aesthetics."

    John didn¡¯t speak, his gaze followed the two military policemen.

    Just then, engine noise came from the west.

    The few men gathered around the broken tank turned to look in the direction of the sound, and indeed saw dust stirred up by the swift movement of a tank.

    The driver: "Sounds like our own kind, Tank No. 6."

    No sooner had he spoken than tactical number 217, Tank No. 6, arrived with eight infantrymen, sparks flying and lightning fast.

    As it passed by Tank 210, Tank 217¡¯smander waved at John: "Commander, we¡¯re off to follow the vanguard."

    "Be careful not to break down again!" John waved back, while cautioning him.

    "Don¡¯t worry, the repair camp assured me on their honor."

    "Where are they now?" John asked again.

    "Almost here, they¡¯re repairing Tank No. 213 on the road."

    John recalled where Tank No. 213 had broken down and muttered: "That¡¯s indeed close."

    As three more repaired Tank No. 6s passed by Tank No. 210, everyone greeted John.

    Not only was he themander of thispany, but he had also just be the Prosen tank operator who had destroyed the most enemy tanks.

    After the four tanks passed, John said: "Now I can rest easy, the vanguard has four more Tank No. 6s."

    The gunner: "The vanguard should be able to see the Suhaya Weili River in another day or two, right? Their much-vaunted Rocossov defensive line was just so-so, easily breached under our firepower."

    John also smiled: "Yes, aside from Tank No. 6 being difficult and time-consuming to maintain, and the higher failure rate when going the distance, it¡¯s practically a perfect fighting vehicle."

    Everyone unanimously agreed with this statement.

    Yarvik, Ante Army Suhaya Weili Front Army headquarters.

    Wang Zhong: "Maybe you¡¯re right, but we can¡¯t gamble the oue of the war on the enemy. We have to take victory into our own hands. I¡¯m going to scout now and will stay in touch with you via radio. Give me a copy of your radio call sign list."

    "Alright," the General turned to the Chief of Staff and shouted, "Hurry and give a copy of the radio call sign list to the major general."

    The Chief of Staff turned and called out, "Crypto officer! Quickly bring the call sign list for the major general."

    While the security level of the radio call sign list wasn¡¯t as high as that of the cipher books, it was still kept by the crypto officer under the supervision of a Judge.

 Chapter 394: The Same Old Rule, Reconnaissance in Enemy Territory

    The cryptographic staff officer came over with the call-sign manual and handed it to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong flipped through the manual and asked, "How long can we still use this call-sign?"

    To prevent the enemy from catching on to any pattern, the call-sign had to be changed every few days.

    The cryptographic staff officer answered, "Two days, we just changed itst night."

    Wang Zhong nodded and casually passed the manual to Vasily: "Take care of this, andter you¡¯ll also be responsible for the radio."

    "I knew it," Vasily said with a resigned expression.

    Wang Zhong said to the cryptographic staff officer, "My call-sign is Genghis Khan. Then, I¡¯m off."

    He turned and left the headquarters.

    General Andre heaved a sigh of relief and sat down with a slump: "Good thing, good thing, I thought he came to execute me."The chief of staff reassured him, "The higher-ups also know that our retreat wasn¡¯t due to a tactical error, but because the enemy deployed a new weapon."

    "New weapon," General Andre clicked his tongue, "I heard that General Rocossov¡¯s forces also have new weapons, something called Vortex, I wonder what it looks like."

    Because the enemy was over 40 kilometers away from Yarvik, riding a horse was a bit too far and would be very tiring, so Wang Zhong chose a Willis Jeep as his transportation for this reconnaissance mission.

    So far, the Federation had shipped 6000 Willis Jeeps to Ante, and Wang Zhong had intercepted 1000 of them to equip his own Army Group.

    Within the Army Group, each division had a motorcycle reconnaissance battalion primarily equipped with Willis Jeeps, and during wartime this battalion would break into several reconnaissancepanies to be reinforced to the level of an armored troops¡¯pany.

    There was also an independent reconnaissance battalion within the Army Group, which was under the direct control of the Corps Command.

    Aside from these units that were officially equipped with Willis Jeeps, every division¡¯s headquarters and each independent artillery brigade also had arge number of Willis Jeeps.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even count these Jeeps as vehicles, but allocated them as if they were military horses.

    Although these machines ran on fuel, they only burned 11 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers, which, even if adding 98 octane gasoline, amounted to roughly nine kilograms.

    A military horse could consume ten to twelve kilograms of fodder (hay + concentrate) per day. Of course, in an emergency, a military horse could graze on site, but that would cause the horse to lose weight, and its endurance and such would greatly decline.

    Of course, in the long term, military horses and mules were also necessary, especially given the rough terrain of Ante, which made it certain that vehicles would encounter a lot of breakdowns.

    But for a short-term decisive battle, the advantages of Jeeps were very obvious.

    Wang Zhong set out with his guardpany in a Willis Jeep, apanied by an M3 half-track vehicle.

    He also put on a pair of sunsses and impersonated General Patton while in the Jeep.

    As the eight-vehicle vanguard passed the Suhayaweli Bridge, Wang Zhong heard the neighing of a horse from behind; turning to look, he saw Bucephalus spiritedly chasing after them, slowing down beside the Jeep and starting to nibble at Wang Zhong¡¯s helmet.

    Wang Zhong was speechless, frowning as he tried to shoo the horse away.

    Grigori said, "It¡¯s so eager, just take it with us, after all, we¡¯ll be back in two or three days."

    Thus, the peculiar troop of eight vehicles plus one horse set off.

    Having crossed the river, Wang Zhong continued along the road to the west, maintaining an elevated viewpoint to monitor the area ahead.

    After driving for a bit over an hour, Wang Zhong suddenly saw red points in front of him.

    He shouted, "Stop the car!"

    Vasily braked hard and turned to look at Wang Zhong: "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Wang Zhong stood up, holding onto the windscreen and picked up his binocrs to look into the distance¡ªthough in reality, he maintained this pose as he switched his viewpoint.

    Two kilometers away, a small convoyposed of three motorcycles and one number 2 half-track vehicle was stopped inside an estate.@@novelbin@@

    There were roughly a toon of enemies in a highlighted state.

    The tankmander and loader of the number 2 tank were sticking their heads out, obviously the vehicle was in a state where it couldn¡¯t attack.

    However, as soon as themander withdrew, he would immediately be able to fire the main weapon.

    About two squads of enemies were searching the main building of the manor¡ªa two-story house.

    They didn¡¯t upy any high ground, nor had they set up a machine gun. The machine gunners were carrying their guns and chatting with their assistants.

    Another squad of enemies was chasing chickens.

    Thest squad of enemies was preparing to start a fire and cook in the middle of the farm.

    At that moment, two Prussian soldiers suddenly emerged from the outside entrance of the cer, each holding a bottle of wine and shouting something to the others.

    Wang Zhong finished his observation and said to Vasily and Grigori, "There are enemies on the farm ahead, and by the looks of their vehicles, there¡¯s about a toon of them. They don¡¯t appear to be on alert."

    Grigori immediately picked up a thread cutter: "Then let¡¯s ambush them; I¡¯ve been itching to test out my new gun on the Prussians."

    Shit, don¡¯t talk as if you¡¯re a samurai testing des on peasants during the Japanese Sengoku period!

    Wang Zhong asked Grigori, looking down, "Wilderness, how do you n to ambush them?"

    Grigori answered, "If it¡¯s two kilometers, we can just sneak over there, and it¡¯ll take at most twenty minutes to get close. The grasnd is tall enough to conceal us, just like a green curtain."

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then nodded, "Proceed."

    Grigori immediately stood up to observe the distant farm, then jumped down from the vehicle and shouted behind him, "First squad, follow me; the rest stay and protect the general."

    Suddenly, a squad of soldiers disembarked and under Grigori¡¯s leadership, formed a column and stealthily made their way towards the enemy.

    Wang Zhong watched from a bird¡¯s-eye view as they moved through the tall grass.

    It felt a bit like ying a war simtion game, only Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t control Grigori and his men; he could only watch as a spectator.

    A bit like auto chess?

    You promote capable officers and NCOs, then let them fight on their own while you can only watch.

    Fifteen minutester, Grigori took cover behind a scarecrow in a rice field, stuck his head out to survey the farmstead, then huddled his soldiers in a small circle in the wheat field, ttening a patch of ground to brief them on the situation.

    After the briefing, Grigori¡¯s squad dispersed and moved in groups of three, circling the manor from different directions.

    Grigori was the first to open fire, targeting the tankmander and loader who were sticking out of Tank No. 2.

    The firing distance was only about a hundred meters, and a burst of gunfire took the targets down. The Prussian tankmander fell backward, his lower body stuck inside the tank, while the loader was flung out of the tank, nting headfirst into the ground.

    The Prussian soldiers around the tank were all stunned.

    The machine gunner on the half-track vehicle immediately turned the gun, but the unique quietness of the thread cutter led him to misjudge the direction of the iing bullets: he pointed the gun in thepletely opposite direction.

    That was because the sound of bullets hitting hard metal actually wasn¡¯t the "BIU" sound made by many TV shows and movies, but more like the "crack" of throwing fireworks.

    At the same time, many bullets hitting walls sounded even more like water being poured into a sizzling hot oil pan, creating a crackling noise.

    No wonder the enemy gunner misjudged the direction.

    Grigori¡¯s assistant gunner also opened fire, taking down the half-track¡¯s machine gunner.

    The others also started shooting, and a hailstorm of bullets put all the enemies down on the ground.

    The Prussians had no idea where the attack wasing from because not only was the sound of the thread cutter low, but the muzzle sh and smoke when firing were also minimal.

    They started firing wildly, only to be taken down by precise shots.

    The fight was over in less than a minute, leaving only Tank No. 2, which, driven by the sole surviving driver, charged out of the farm¡¯s gates.

    Then Grigorinded an incendiary bomb on the rear body of the tank.

    The tank caught fire and slowly came to a halt. As soon as the driver jumped out, he was killed by Grigori.

    Wang Zhong was very satisfied; with the help of his special ability, he could see that there were still a few Prussians alive inside the manor.

    This time, taking an M3 half-track vehicle, he could stuff the prisoners inside and take them away, no longer needing to shoulder-shoot them and then drag them back.

    He could even bandage these prisoners!

    At this moment, the walkie-talkie in Vasily¡¯s hand ryed Grigori¡¯s report: "Genghis Khan, Genghis Khan, my unit has annihted the enemy, awaiting instructions."

    Wang Zhong snatched the walkie-talkie: "Stand by, I¡¯m on my way, Genghis Khan out."

 Chapter 395: "The Tiger Attacks

    Wang Zhong shoved the walkie-talkie back into Vasily¡¯s hand, snatched a thread cutter from the guard, and mounted Bucephalus, charging straight ahead.

    Seeing this, Vasily hurriedly ordered the others to get in the vehicles and follow.

    Hearing the engine noise behind him, Bucephalus looked back, then bolted like mad, nearly throwing Wang Zhong off.

    Vasily, seeing this, desperately urged the driver, "Faster, faster! Can¡¯t your internalbustion engine outrun a horse? How ridiculous!"

    So the driver also pushed the vehicle to nearly lift off the ground, which, eighty yearster, would surely be featured on a "Traffic ident Comption".

    At this moment over at the manor, Grigori was directing his men to concentrate the lightly wounded prisoners, so the prisoners inside the low stone walls of the manor saw this scene:

    A white horse galloped furiously, with a red g flying amidst the dust behind.

    The Willis jeep, being a small vehicle, was hidden in the dust raised by the white horse, invisible, with only the red g fluttering in sight.

    Then the dust from the jeep obscured the following convoy, and from the front, only billowing dust was visible, as if arge force of heavy cavalry was charging down the dirt road.A prisoner eximed, "¡¯A pale horse, named Death, and Hell followed with him, the vine of the Earth is cast into the great winepress of the wrath of God, and the grapes are trodden, and blood came out of the winepress, up to the bridles of the horses... Those who worship the beast and its image will drink the wine of the wrath of God, and be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels and the Lamb...¡¯"

    The others heard the phrase but had no reaction, since the prisoner was reciting in Latin.

    Only the Military Chain with Grigori frowned in puzzlement, warily eyeing the prisoner.

    Grigori noticed the Chain¡¯s expression and asked with confusion, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    "That¡¯s from the Book of Revtion, the ssic text of the Sanctified Faction."

    The prisoner continued to mumble, "¡¯He returns from darkness, like lightning that cleaves the clouds, bringing death and illuminating everything!¡¯"

    Just then, Wang Zhong reached the entrance of the courtyard. Bucephalus reared up, its front legs high, letting out a loud whinny.

    The jeep behind, braking while sharply turning the steering wheel, drifted to avoid Bucephalus, which had suddenly stopped, and only came to a halt after crashing into the manor¡¯s low wall.

    Vasily stood up, walkie-talkie in hand, and shouted to the ones behind, "Stop, stop, stop! Don¡¯t crash into us; there will be an ident."

    Thus amid the sound of brakes, more dust rose as if to blot out the sky.

    Eight vehicles stirred up the dust of a hundred in march!

    All the prisoners¡¯ eyes were wide, watching Wang Zhong, while the one who had previously recited scripture continued on.

    Wang Zhong, having slipped his gun strap from his shoulder to his waist during the wild ride, hoisted it up, and also pulled the gun from his leg to his waist, then asked the Prussian soldier who kept murmuring, "What is he reciting?"

    "I can¡¯t understand him; it¡¯s not Prussian," Vasily said.

    "It¡¯s Latin; General, you¡¯ve scared him into thinking you¡¯re of the Sanctified Faction," said the Military Chain.

    "Ah? Are there members of the Sanctified Faction among the Prussians?" asked Wang Zhong.

    "Some, but they¡¯ve been almost wiped out by the then Emperor, who intends to rece the grace of God with the enlightenment of technology," said the Military Chain.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized a blind spot: the Prussians believed that the light of technology would triumph over the grace of God, and the Secr faction thought that miracles were actually quantum mechanics¡ªcould these be so simr?

    He decisively decided to act as if he hadn¡¯t noticed this matter, and to wait until Prussia was defeated before discussing it was not toote.

    "Make him shut up," Wang Zhong said. "Dragging me into the Sanctified Faction is absolutely malicious!"

    "Yes," Vasily immediately scolded the prisoner in Prussian, and the man closed his mouth.

    Although Wang Zhong could clearly see from his higher perspective that there were no casualties on his side, he still had to maintain appearances, "Do you have any losses?"

    "No, the enemy basically didn¡¯t notice where our attack came from, since this gun really does make less noise when fired. But it¡¯s not great for taking prisoners; the few light injuries were from ricochets, anyone hit directly by a bullet is at least seriously injured," Grigori said.

    Wang Zhong nodded, "It looks like the firstbat test went rather well."

    "Of course, we didn¡¯t expect the advantage of the low noise to be so significant," said Grigori.

    Suppressors had been invented a long time ago but had not been a military requirement in previous wars. Suppressors were used as sporting equipment on civilian firearms to reduce nuisance.@@novelbin@@

    It was only when the United Kingdom formed the Commando Special Forces that the benefits of silent firearms were discovered, and silent weapons began to be widely used.

    However, Wang Zhong¡¯s troops were using the thread cutter for its performance and not for its quiet operation.

    "It¡¯s a pity about the production capacity issue; we can¡¯t fully rece the Papasha with the thread cutter," Grigori said.

    The Papasha and its sibling weapon had their manufacturers well up to speed; the daily output of the two gunsbined was a terrifying six thousand units.

    The Ante troops were now everywhere with submachine guns.

    The Ante forces also particrly liked to issue new recruits with Papashas, since there¡¯s no need for aiming, just spray and pray. Giving new recruits the Mosin-Nagant was less effective. So now, Ante new recruit training starts with cleaning and troubleshooting the Papasha, and once the recruit can ensure that they can shoot all the rounds they carry on the battlefield, they are deemed ready, aiming isn¡¯t necessary at all.

    On the opposite side, the Prussian Army did exactly the opposite; the MP38 and MP40 were only for experienced soldiers, while new soldiers had to handle the 98K rifle.

    Of course, this was also because the main firepower of Prussian infantry squads relied on machine guns; it wasn¡¯t important whether the conscripted soldiers could hit their targets or not.

    But clearly, the thread cutter is not meant for use like the Papasha, and it¡¯s a waste of its capabilities in the hands of a new recruit.

    Wang Zhong keenly realized that his previous pursuit of equipping the entire division with thread cutters was wrong, and that the thread cutters should be treated as rewards for seasoned soldiers and nonmissioned officers. In the future, new recruits and ordinary soldiers would carry Papashas, while experienced sergeants would be armed with thread cutters.

    Wasn¡¯t that the case just now? Twelve veterans armed with thread cutters rendered the enemy with armored forces utterly powerless. New recruits certainly wouldn¡¯t be able to utilize the weapon to such effect.

    As Wang Zhong was contemting these issues, Grigori interrupted his thoughts, "General? We are still waiting for your decision on how to deal with the prisoners!"

    Wang Zhong immediately snapped out of his thoughts, nced at Grigori, and directly sought his opinion on the idea in his mind, "Grisha, your earlierment ¡¯it¡¯s a pity production isn¡¯t high enough to rece the Papasha¡¯ reminded me. I am now pursuing the goal of arming the entire Guards Motor Rifle with thread cutters, but is that really appropriate? Can ordinary soldiers maximize its capabilities?"

    Grigori was astonished, "I doubt it. Indeed, the weapon should not be given to inexperienced ordinary soldiers; there might not be much difference between them using it and using a Papasha."

    Wang Zhong, "So, my thought is to treat the thread cutter as a reward for veterans, proving themselves before they can use it, while recruits can only carry Papashas. What do you think of this?"

    Grigori did not respond, but the soldiers next to him began to holler excitedly, "That would be awesome! We all get to have one, imagine walking into a pub slinging that beauty."

    Can you stop obsessing over your damned pubs!

    Wang Zhong suppressed the disdain in his heart and said to Vasily, "Vasily, take note, we need to treat the thread cutter as a reward for seasoned soldiers, not as a standard issue weapon. Veterans will be able to maximize its performance advantages, while new recruits should use Papashas or Tokarev semi-automatics to umte experience.

    "Moreover, this distribution method can enhance the veterans¡¯ sense of honor, while also motivating ordinary soldiers to strive for progress."

    Vasily hurriedly scribbled down notes and nearly stopped writing the moment Wang Zhong did.

    Wang Zhong, "Recite it back to me!"

    Vasily immediately recited it back swiftly.

    Just then, a concerned soldier from the guardpany asked, "The Guards Motor Rifle has already been issued so many thread cutters, do we have to take them back?"

    "No, tell the soldiers, if they are lost by ident, they will only be avable through military achievements in the future," Wang Zhong stated.

    At that moment, a medic from the guardpany came up to salute Wang Zhong, "Report: eight seriously injured, one dead after unsessful resuscitation; six lightly injured have already been bandaged."

    Wang Zhong pointed to an M3 half-track truck, "Have the seriously injured carried onto the truck for evacuation, I¡¯d like to interrogate the lightly injured."

    The medic saluted and turned to organize the troops to carry the wounded.

    Wang Zhong then approached the lightly wounded, only to find that there were no officers among them.

    "Where are the officers?"

    As soon as he asked the question, Grigori handed him a set containing a document bag and a map case, "Dead, but I seized his document bag and map case."

    Wang Zhong gestured to Vasily, "Take a look at what¡¯s inside."

    Vasily quickly scanned through the titles of the documents in the bag and identified one important document to skim through rapidly, reporting, "This unit belongs to the Prosen Asgard Knight Order¡¯s Sedd Division Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion. Their mission is to advance towards Yarvik for reconnaissance."

    Wang Zhong, "Sedd Division, huh? Is there any mention of new model tanks?"

    "Nothing. Wait, this seems to be the radio call-sign list! Let me check, the call sign for this recon group is Shepherd, and there are two other units also called ¡¯recon groups¡¯ with call signs Husky and Hound¡­"

    Wang Zhong, "Two more, huh? We should call the Air Force and see where they are, just the thing to let the fourth dive bomber regiment get some practice."

    Vasily, "This mentions a unit called the Busse Combat Group, they are the direct superiors of these recon groups."

    Wang Zhong, "Sounds like they are the vanguard of the Sedd Division."

    Vasily didn¡¯t respond, instead, he took out a map from the map case, unravelled it and said, "I think, 20 kilometers ahead of us, the city of Yeisk might have been captured by the enemy¡¯s Busse Combat Group. This city is 55 kilometers from Yarvik and seems to be an ideal central supply depot for our Army Group."

    Wang Zhong, "Whether we should proceed that way still depends on the reconnaissance results, we have just left. Grigori, next time we encounter an enemy recon group, try to capture an officer; some things can¡¯t be rified by documents and maps alone."

    Grigori, while smoking, replied, "Understood."

    Wang Zhong, "Vasily, if there¡¯s nothing of value in the documents, we¡¯ll move on to interrogate the prisoners."

    "Wait," Vasily suddenly pulled out a letter from the document bag, "the officer had a family letter in his document bag. Let me see."

    He unfolded the letter and began to trante sentence by sentence, "My dearest Katherine, in yourst letter, you expressed concern about the prospects of the war, and I share that feeling. The Ante people are learning how to war and bing increasingly difficult to deal with. The more challenging the fight, the less tenable the theory that Prussians are a superior race bes.

    "But today, a brand-new weapon has shattered my worries. It is so powerful, effortlessly tearing through the Ante lines. I watched as it crushed Ante soldiers and tanks, and buried the trenches.

    "The Ante people have no weapon that can prate its armor, nor any armor that can withstand its main gun! Katherine, we may well win the war.

    "I am now in a city called Yeisk, and mybat group has been reinforced with twelve of these new tanks! It¡¯s a pity that nine of them broke down before they got to us. Logistics just managed to fix four and brought them up; the three that followed us into battle all broke down again.

    "Even so, this cannot conceal the fact that it is an excellent tank! Tomorrow we will set out for reconnaissance, and the main body of ourbat group will be led by four newbat vehicles! We will undoubtedly crush all enemies"

    Wang Zhong frowned, as he thought he heard the roar of engines.

    He switched his view and at the farthest end of his vision, roughly 2500 meters away, he saw the boxy body of a Tiger tank.

    Fuck!

    Thergest caliber weapon I¡¯ve got is the 12.7mm M2 Browning!

 Chapter 396: Deterrence

    After the shock of seeing the tiger had passed, Wang Zhong¡¯s first thought was that the enemy still didn¡¯t know that their reconnaissance team had been wiped out, since the assault had been too quick; most of the enemy hadn¡¯t had time to react before being taken down.

    Thest one, though valiant, was a driver, and drivers couldn¡¯t operate the vehicle¡¯s radio, so most likely no message had been sent out.

    With that in mind, they could change into Prussian uniforms and stage a ssic scene from an anti-Japanese movie¡ª

    Then Wang Zhong saw the Tiger tank stop; it clearly sensed something was wrong.

    But in the height of summer, with the wheat so tall and the Tiger still more than 2000 meters away, how could it possibly see them? Wang Zhong was puzzled when he suddenly noticed the No. 2 tank burning¡ªdamn, the thick smoke had given them away!

    As the Tiger stopped, more enemy units entered Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision, with more than five half-track vehicles and thirty to forty infantrymen.

    Wang Zhong made a snap decision; he switched back to his own perspective to give orders, just as a soldier on the second floor shouted, "Enemy! To the west!"

    Wang Zhong immediately ordered, "Everyone, nt a makeshift mine with a hand grenade on the spot, fast! Vasily, make a sign, write ¡¯Beware of booby traps¡¯ in Prussian."

    The soldiers who had just been rxing sprang into action.The Military Chain asked, "What about the prisoners?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Tie them up, stuff one in each vehicle."

    Before he finished speaking, his gazended on the prisoner who was reciting Sanctified faction scriptures.

    In an instant, he made a decision, pointing to the man, "Leave him, the Empire will kill the Sanctified faction anyway."

    In fact, there was a bit of self-interest in Wang Zhong¡¯s decision; he was curious to see how much legendary color this prisoner would add to his deeds after getting back to the Empire.

    Jokingly, being hailed as one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse would be super cool, right?

    So, they stripped the already delirious enemy soldier of all his weapons and equipment, even taking his water bottle, while the other prisoners were tightly bound and thrown into the back of the trucks.

    Then seven Willis Jeeps kicked up dust as they sped away.

    Vasily, who had been making the sign, was thest to board; he leapt onto the already moving Jeep with one swift step, grabbing the weapon rack behind the Jeep¡¯s windshield to stay standing.

    At this moment, the Prussians had just finished deploying and were pushing towards the farmstead¡ªsuch rigidity was to be thanked, for had they driven the Tiger straight at them, that would have been really bad.

    Unlike many people¡¯s perception and the depiction in many video games, all veterans who had driven Tigers remembered the Tiger¡¯s mobility as being very good.

    So, the Tiger could easily have charged forward with the infantry, and then at the very least most of Wang Zhong¡¯s vehicles wouldn¡¯t have made it out alive.

    Without their vehicles, the vast number of apanying infantry would have eliminated Wang Zhong¡¯s small unit.

    But the Prussians didn¡¯t; they chose to stop, with the infantry advancing ahead and the Tiger covering.

    Then seven Willis Jeeps kicked up dust as they sped away.

    From his bird¡¯s-eye view, Wang Zhong saw the Prussians startled by the dust raised by the Willis Jeeps. The infantry line actually halted its advance and sent a Sdkfz 251 half-track with a squad of infantry to investigate.

    Seeing this situation, Wang Zhong stretched out his hand, "Field telephone!"

    Vasily immediately stuffed the field telephone into Wang Zhong¡¯s hand.

    Wang Zhong, "Genghis Khan calling Att."

    After shouting it twice, the reply from Front Army headquarters came, "This is Att, speak, Genghis Khan."

    "Fire support at the following coordinates..."

    Wang Zhong, aided by his external aid, urately reported the coordinates of the enemy who hadn¡¯t fully left his sight yet.

    He repeated the coordinates twice, then Front Army responded, "Our artillery can¡¯t cover that range, repeat, cannot cover that range."

    Wang Zhong frowned, but it made sense upon reflection; his reconnaissance team had advanced so far that they had already left the coverage of friendly artillery.

    Nowadays, the range of an ordinary howitzer is also about 20 kilometers at the most.

    Wang Zhong, "Then let the Air Force deal with them."

    "We will forward the coordinates to the Air Force. Any other requests?"

    "No, Genghis Khan over."

    After finishing, he handed the field telephone back to Vasily.

    In fact, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t sure if the nes would be able to find these enemies.

    After all, there is no GPS navigation right now, and it¡¯s normal for pilots to stray off course if they don¡¯t have a dedicated navigator for guidance.

    Even with a navigator, they often fly off course, the greater the distance, the more they deviate.

    And single-seat nes basically have to navigate byndmarks alone.

    But in this great in, there aren¡¯t many usefulndmarks in the sky.

    So Wang Zhong¡¯s request for the Air Force strike was a shot in the dark.

    On the Prussian side, let¡¯s turn back time a little.

    Lieutenant Linden, tankmander of Tactical Number 217, was the first to spot the ck smoke up ahead. He immediately gave the order to halt and raised his binocrs to observe.

    But the gauzy curtains obscured much of the view, and the burning object was simply too far away for Linden to make out what it was after a long look.

    At that moment, the infantrypanymander climbed onto the tank and leaned over the turret to ask, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Linden pointed toward the front: "Smoke!"

    The captain hurriedly picked up the binocrs and looked in the direction Linden was pointing: "It looks like a vehicle on fire. We should have a motorized reconnaissance battalion up front, should we call them?"

    Lieutenant Linden, "I¡¯ll call them, and please deploy your troops right away tomence reconnaissance operations."

    After all, Linden was just a lieutenant and couldn¡¯t direct the infantry captain, he could only suggest.

    Infantrypanymander: "Understood, I¡¯m deploying formations now and will search and advance to the east."

    After saying this, thepanymander jumped off the tank and began to loudly signal for the infantrymen to dismount.

    As the infantry dispersed, Lieutenant Linden called the reconnaissance group that should be ahead while continuing to observe the direction of the smoke.

    However, even after the infantry was fully deployed, Lieutenant Linden still had not received a response.

    The infantrypanymander climbed on the tank again: "How¡¯s it going?"

    "No response," Lieutenant Linden paused, "I¡¯m afraid the reconnaissance group has been wiped out¡ªit makes more sense to think that way. After all, the reconnaissance group has lots of radios; it¡¯s impossible for all of them to fail."

    Companymander: "Then the battlefield might be just up ahead, I¡¯m starting to advance."

    Lieutenant Linden, "I¡¯ll cover you. I¡¯ll start moving after you¡¯ve advanced fifty meters."

    The Prosen people had been practicingbined infantry and tank tactics for a long time. They knew not to let tanks charge blindly ahead in such tall wheat fields, as doing so would make them too vulnerable to enemies hiding among the crops.

    After the infantrymander had jumped off the tank, he walked along and repeatedly ordered, "Advance! The battlefield should be right ahead, keep going until we can see clearly what¡¯s burning!"

    The infantry started moving, and Linden waited for them to cover 50 meters before ordering his tank squadron to advance¡ªnow the four Tiger tanks had been delegated to Lieutenant Linden¡¯s temporarymand for him to lead.

    The roar of the engines from the four Number 6 tanks came to life, propelling the heavy metal boxes forward. Linden¡¯s 217 might have crushed a gopher hole, frightening several gophers to dart out of their burrows and into the wheat fields.

    The Prosen people advanced cautiously, when suddenly a massive cloud of dust billowed up ahead.

    Linden saw the infantrypanymander raise his hand and make a fist, signaling to stop advancing.

    The infantrymen gradually came to a halt, watching the front warily.

    Minutester, a half-track loaded with a squad of infantry pushed forward.

    Linden watched these brave souls anxiously until they disappeared into the gauzy haze.

    Suddenly, Lieutenant Linden heard an explosion from the direction of the thick smoke!

    He hurriedly asked, "What¡¯s going on? Infantry, infantry, what¡¯s happening?"

    Then he heard a Prosen voice shouting clearly over the radio: "Joseph has been killed by the enemy¡¯s booby traps! There¡¯s a farmhouse here with only one crazy scout soldier inside, reciting texts from forbidden books!

    "There¡¯s a sign in the farmhouse yard that says ¡¯Beware of booby traps,¡¯ signed ¡¯Major General Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossov.¡¯"

    Lieutenant Linden felt goosebumps on the back of his neck.

    Major General Rokossov? Was it that same Rokossov, the general who had decimated our forces, killing and capturing a host of our generals?

    Lieutenant Linden had little memory for the lengthy train-like names of the Ante People, who also liked to use saints¡¯ names for themselves, with so many bearing the same moniker, making it even harder to distinguish.

    As he wondered, he suddenly heard the soldier who had just reported over the radio shout, "Wait, don¡¯t snatch the microphone from me!"

    The next moment, a maniacal voice came through the radio: "Hees from the darkness, like lightning piercing through the clouds, bringing death and illuminating everything! The multitudes on the earth sense theing of the end of the world! Whoever worships the beast and its image shall drink the wrath of God¡¯s fury! Don¡¯t you understand? Science is the beast, the image of the beast! Prosen is doomed!

    "And Rokossov, he is the harbinger of destruction, the incarnation of divine punishment! I have seen him, his left hand holding up boiling blood churning in the air (actually a red g on a Willis jeep behind him), his right hand holding God¡¯s scepter (referring to a thread cutting machine)!"

    Linden pursed his lips; suddenly, he no longer wanted to enter that manor as if doing so would encounter something terrible.

    So he used the armored troops¡¯ radio frequency to order the other tanks: "We¡¯ll wait outside the manor for the engineers to clear mines. Lacking forward reconnaissance, we can¡¯t advance any further."

    As he gave the order, the man who had plunged into madness kept repeating, "It will bring us ruin! Ruin!"@@novelbin@@

    The next moment, a crisp gunshot ended everything.

    Then the initial voice returned: "Captain, I was scared he would continue, so I carried out discipline, executed the man sowing discord and undermining military morale."

    Then thepanymander¡¯s voice appeared: "You idiot, you shouldn¡¯t have let him have the radio. Now the wholebat group has heard it."

    Colonel Busse happened to hear this segment as well.

    Because his tank was broken and he was temporarily staying in Yeisk, John Christopher was right there beside him¡ªhe had been invited by Colonel Busse to dinner, as the entirebat group had advanced so swiftly thanks to the efforts of the Number 6 heavy tankpanymanded by Captain John Christopher.

    "Does this Rokossov possess some kind of mysterious power? After all, there really is mysterious power over there. Could he really..." John Christopher hesitated before asking in a lowered voice, "Could he really have the power to slice open tanks with a knife? Look, it even scared someone into madness."

    Colonel Busse shook his head: "How would I know, I¡¯ve never shed with him. But back in Argesukov, at the officers¡¯ club, I heard a wounded soldier named Shrifen say that those people seemed really sinister."

    John Christopher frowned, then suddenly said, "Wait a minute, we should be calling the Air Force to find him, shouldn¡¯t we? Didn¡¯t the Air Force promise us sufficient support? Let them bomb him to death!"

 Chapter 397: Air Raid

    At this very moment, at an airport near Yarvik, the pilots of the 4th Assault Regiment were cramming into the regimental headquarters tent, listening to Dchenko Grigoyevich giving a mission brief.

    "As you have seen, the General provided us with coordinates for an air raid, but since we¡¯ve just arrived here, we¡¯re not familiar with the surroundingndmarks and it¡¯s uncertain whether we can reach the coordinates sessfully. So, we have to slightly modify the General¡¯s overly specific orders."

    Dchenko drew something resembling a water tower on the ckboard: "This is the airport windsock tower, with a wind direction g you all can see. The coordinates are in this direction from the windsock tower. After takeoff, you¡¯ll fly by the windsock tower, then head in this direction. In theory, as long as there are no significant deviations, you should definitely be able to find the target mentioned by the General."

    Immediately, a pilot quipped, "Is it even possible not to have significant deviations?"

    Dchenko shrugged his shoulders, "Maybe you guys will have better luck today? Anyway, after takeoff, pass by the windsock tower, then turn towards this heading."

    Dchenko wrote three digits on the ckboard, representing the heading.

    "Then, bomb whatever you see, and if you encounter enemy nes, shoot them down. Remember, the new nes are not Yak-1s; don¡¯t get entangled at low altitudes. Fly high, get in and out quickly. Descend to four thousand meters when going in, and at least three thousand whening back. Leave the low altitude to the Allied Forces¡¯ Yak-1s."

    Having finished, Dchenko threw the chalk into the chalk box and shouted, "Take off!"@@novelbin@@

    The pilots immediately stood up.Typically, Allied Pilots at this time would be holding a clipboard stered with mission briefs, but Ant pilots don¡¯t bother with such fineries; they simply fold the map, stuff it in their pocket, take a swig of vodka from their sk, and then strut out of the tent with heads held high.

    Outside, the ground crew had already loaded the bombs onto the nes and the engines were running as they listened to the sound¡ªa quick way to diagnose the condition of the engine. An experienced ground crew member could tell if there was any dust left uncleared in the engine just by the sound.

    Dchenko approached his own ne with the tactical number 01 (the prefix 4 denoting the regiment number) and asked the head of the ground crew, "How is it?"

    The leader closed the fuel cap, gave a thumbs-up: "Excellent! This isn¡¯t one of our engines that¡¯s always got problems. I bet this thing could fly for another 500 hours at least!"

    Ant had acquired production rights for engines from Prosen and the Federation a long time ago, but the quality of engines produced by Ant itself was hit and miss, entirely dependent on the mood of the factory workers on that day. There were engines that could run for 4000 hours without a hitch, and others that needed major repairs after just 200 hours.

    However, the engines of the 4th Assault Regiment were all original Federation engines, and their quality was unquestionable.

    Dchenko climbed up onto the wing of his ne and then wriggled into the cockpit. He turned his head towards the team leader and said, "Then I¡¯m taking off."

    The team leader picked up the wheel chock and stepped back a few paces, "Off you go!"

    At that, Dchenko throttled up¡ªthe engine revving was not strong enough to move the ne with two "big potatoes" attached just yet.

    The ne slowly gathered speed, gliding towards the runway.

    Dchenko: "Control tower, control tower, 4th Regiment number 1 ready to take off."

    The tower replied, "Runway clear, ground wind speed 3 knots, visibility good, you are clear for takeoff."

    While talking, Dchenko¡¯s ne slid onto the runway. He braked at the takeoff line, checked all the instruments, and took one more look at the wind direction g on the windsock tower. Only then did he release the brakes and pushed the throttle to the max.

    The P47,den with bombs, roared forward.

    The Ant Air Force airport was close to the battlefield, but they didn¡¯t have a tradition of close air support on standby, so they would take off from the airport after receiving intelligence reports.

    The Prosen Air Force, on the other hand, liked to hover over the battlefield for extended periods, ready to provide close support immediately upon ground calls.

    However, different nes carried different amounts of fuel, so their loiter time over the battlefield differed. Stuka dive-bombers would generally leave quickly to return to the airbase, while tactical bombers like the Do 215 would remain for a longer period.

    A squadron of four Do 215s received a radio request from the Bussebat group, immediately starting their search for General Rokossovsky, who was personally conducting forward enemy reconnaissance.

    They quickly spotted the dust clouds raised by a wildly speeding car.

    Wang Zhong was the first to hear the sound. He immediately adjusted his view and saw a squadron of four Do 215s heading straight for them.

    "Prepare for anti-aircraft fire!" Wang Zhong shouted aloud.

    All seven Willys Jeeps were armed with M2 machine guns, which could at least disrupt the enemy¡¯s attack somewhat.

    Wang Zhong himself grabbed the machine gun on his own Willys Jeep, swiveling the barrel to aim¡ªwhile the others were still trying to discern the enemy nes¡¯ approach direction by sound alone, he was already pointing directly towards them.

    "Driver, follow mymand, we¡¯re going to dodge the enemy by maneuvering."

    No matter how small a ne¡¯s turning radius might be, it was still over a hundred meters, simply because of speed constraints. Therefore, when cars and aircraft yed a cat-and-mouse game, it wasn¡¯t the speed that mattered, but the agility.

    Thus when Xun Zong and Stuka engaged in a race, it actually boiled down to drifting skills. Xun Zong may not drive fast, but he was certainly adept at handling five consecutive hairpin turns, and perhaps didn¡¯t even need to use the gutter run technique to outperform Takumi Fujiwara.

    As Wang Zhong calibrated his own strafing trajectory with an external aim widget, he watched the enemy nes¡¯ approach and, gauging that the enemy could no longer make minute adjustments, he shouted loudly, "Turn left! Give it some gas!"

    The Willys Jeep sharply turned left, nearly throwing Wang Zhong off, but he was clinging to the machine gun.

    Seeing this, the rest of the convoy followed Wang Zhong¡¯s turn. However, the dust raised by the fourth vehicle clouded their view, preventing them from noticing that the previous car had turned, leading the fourth Jeep to continue along its original path at high speed.

    After a moment of hesitation, the driver of the fifth vehicle followed the third, ignoring the fourth.

    The enemy aircraft strafed the ground, creating two transient rows of "fences" that caught up with the fourth vehicle still racing along its original path.

    The guards in the vehicle were veterans; seeing that they were about to be hit, they jumped out immediately, leaving only the machine gunner and the driver.

    The machine gunner was hit instantly, and the bullets that passed through his body struck the driver as well.

    Thus, the vehicle swerved to the side and overturned on the ground.

    Wang Zhong looked down from above at the two survivors, who appeared injured and were in obvious pain on the ground. However, the tall wheat fields conveniently concealed them. They could recover them once the enemy aircraft left.

    He refocused his view and then noticed that the enemy aircraft had turned.

    Wang Zhong immediately issued amand based on the enemy¡¯s circling direction, "Turn right."

    At that moment, Wang Zhong felt as if he were navigating a battleship in the ocean,bating dive bombers with their air raids, constantly positioning the ship perpendicr to the enemy¡¯s attack path to ensure the smallest possible target area.

    The four enemy aircraft charged again.

    Because of the circling, the speed of the enemy aircraft had noticeably decreased, so they had more leeway to adjust their course,unching more urate attacks.

    Wang Zhong gave the order to turn at almost the same timing as before, but thest vehicle was still hit by the enemy¡¯s fire. The machine gunner and the co-pilot were killed instantly. However, the driver was unharmed and caught up with the convoy. In the back of the truck, the surviving soldier shoved aside his fallenrades¡¯ bodies and began to fire at the passing enemy aircraft with the machine gun.

    Regrettably, in this dynamic, mobile state, and also attempting ateral shot at the enemy aircraft, the firepower of an M2 "Big Mama" simply wasn¡¯t enough.

    Wang Zhong felt that one or two shots must have hit, but for a twin-engine tactical bomber of that size, a shot not hitting a critical spot was practically like missing the target altogether.

    After the second attack, the enemy aircraft turned around once more.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong felt this shouldn¡¯t continue.

    Four had already been sacrificed, and two were severely injured.

    The enemy was so bent on attacking his convoy that surely they were targeting him specifically.

    Moreover, if he were alone, it would actually be more difficult for the enemy to hit him, especially since he had the upper hand with the ability to actively dodge.

    What to do at this time was obvious.

    If it were the Wang Zhong who had just crossed over, he definitely would not have made such a choice. Back then, he was an ordinary person from a peaceful society, who subscribed to the philosophy of "Don¡¯t drag others down with you."

    But now he was a warrior returned from hell.

    So he let go of the machine gun¡¯s grip and said to Vasily, "Take over!"

    Without a word, Vasily took over the machine gun.

    Wang Zhong whistled, and Bucephalus, who had been running alongside the jeep, immediately speeded up and ran abreast with the racing vehicle!

    Wang Zhong leaped onto the steed, then pointed at the red g, "Give it to me!"

    Grigori patted Vasily on the shoulder, "I¡¯ve got this! You go give the boss the g!"

    Five secondster, Vasily detached the red g and threw it to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong almost didn¡¯t catch it and cursed, hastening to secure the g that was slipping from his grasp, then said to Bucephalus, "Back to the convoy, now!"

    The stallion immediately turned around, making a nearly right-angled turn.

    Wang Zhong, holding the red g aloft, galloped across the grasnd, keeping an eye on the enemy aircraft¡¯s flight path in the sky.

    The enemy aircraft split into two groups: two chased the convoy, while the other two headed straight for Wang Zhong!

    Wang Zhong drew the pistol that had ended the lives of two generals and had been personally cleaned by Belinsky, aiming it with one hand at the enemy aircraft.

    The enemy began strafing!

    Without waiting for Wang Zhong¡¯smand, Bucephalus swiftly turned, miraculously avoiding the strafing barrage.

    Wang Zhong opened fire at the seemingly close enemy aircraft.

    Of course, "close" was just an illusion. In reality, the aircraft must have been over a hundred meters from the ground, making it impossible to hit with a pistol.

    In a split second, tracer bullets poured down from the sky, piercing through the wing of 215 and subsequently tearing it apart.

    The timing was so coincidental, it was as if Wang Zhong¡¯s pistol had shot off 215¡¯s wing!

    The P47, havingpleted its attack, pulled up with all its might, while its wingman began shooting at 215¡¯s wingman.

    The two 215s pursuing Wang Zhong trailed thick smoke as they plunged towards the ground.

    Wang Zhong, with one hand holding the red g and the other waving his pistol, cheered for the swiftly ascending P47.

    Switching to a bird¡¯s-eye view, it could be seen that the 215 chasing the convoy also gave up their attack and fled towards the Prosen airport, but another P47 had already taken an attack position and began its dive.

    The 215s had circled so many times that their speed was very slow. In dogfighting,ck of speed was tantamount to being a sitting duck, whether it¡¯s a fighter or a bomber.

    The two "dive bombers," still carrying bombs, easily hit their targets, and then began pulling up while still bearing their payloads.

    The convoy also stopped, cheering for the departing fighter nes soaring into the sky.

    -------------

    Dchenko heard over the radio his wingman asking, "What¡¯s with this squad on the ground? How did they turn enough times to make the enemy¡¯s 215 lose all its speed? How many circles was that?"

    Dchenko responded, "Don¡¯t know, but it couldn¡¯t be General Rokossovsky¡¯s reconnaissance team, could it? Focus, look for the enemy tanks! They should be nearby!"

 Chapter 398: Enemy Plane Ascending, Rapid Descent

    Just after Drachenko had climbed to four thousand meters, his wingman Bayev shouted, "Is there someone down there?"

    Drachenko banked his wings and sure enough, he saw the barely visible small tanks below.

    The tanks had clearly stopped, so there was no dust being kicked up, making them very difficult to spot.

    Ivan, on the number three ne, was somewhat worried, "Could it be our own troops?"

    To be honest, it was simply impossible to distinguish from the air which side the troops were on; rashly diving down could indeed result in hitting the wrong target.

    The reason Drachenko had been certain the targets attacking on the ground were the enemy was because friendly twin-engine Pe-2 bombers would climb after dropping their bombs and wouldn¡¯t strafe the ground with their cannons.

    Facing the ground targets now, Drachenko found himself in a quandary. He decided to use the radio to ask.

    "Eagle calling the vehicles below, what brand of pickles tastes good? What brand of pickles tastes good?"

    No response.At the same time, wingman Bayev indicated, "I hear a lot of very clear Prussiannguage chatter on the radio; I guess it¡¯s the enemy."

    Drachenko clicked his tongue, steeled his resolve, "Go down, after all, we might not hit precisely, but let¡¯s bomb first and talkter."

    Having said that, he pulled the stick straight, rolling the ne half a turn, tucked it under, and entered a dive.

    He aimed the dive-bombing sight at the tiny tanks on the ground that looked like ants and went into a full-speed dive.

    The P47 aircraft, diving at the speed of seven to eight hundred on the indicator could still be pulled up, something the Ante¡¯s wooden aircraft simply couldn¡¯t achieve. So the veteran pilots of the Air Force, quickly familiar with the nes, didn¡¯t even throttle back during dives, as this meant faster speeds and quicker pull-ups, minimizing time within the enemy¡¯s anti-aircraft fire range.

    Therefore, when a P47 was bombing, it generally wouldn¡¯t cut the throttle or deploy any airbrakes but dived at full speed, releasing bombs around 2000 meters¡ªany lower and they might crash into the ground.

    This method of bombing had questionable uracy; first, because the altitude for the dive was too high to get a clear view of the ground target, and second, because the bombing height was too high and the speed too fast.

    Moreover, the P47 didn¡¯t have a specialized dive-bombing rack, so when bombs were dropped, they would be affected by the turbulence created by the ne pulling up.

    To address the issue of low hit rates, the 4th Strike Fighter Group put their brains to work with the bomb loadout, equipping the P47s with two 500-kilogram bombs and two 250-kilogram bombs.

    If I can¡¯t throw precisely, I¡¯ll release four at once, and surely one willnd within the lethal radius, won¡¯t it?

    With such a bomb load method, the effects on soft targets were outstanding; a two-ne formation dropping bombs on a densely packed marching column could cause casualties upwards of four hundred, directly writing off an entire battalion.

    And if it was a bombing of deployed enemies, then obliterating one or twopanies was also normal.

    Compared to this, the Stuka might be more urate in bombing, but it only dropped one 500-kilogram bomb at a time, and the effects might not be better than the P47.

    After dropping bombs, the P47 could still engage in airbat, while the Stuka could only flee.

    At this moment, four P47s, carrying eight 500-kilogram bombs and eight 250-kilogram bombs, sped towards the enemy on the ground.

    He didn¡¯t even look at the altimeter, dropping bombs purely based on experience, and only nced at the height when he started to pull up: 1500 meters, too low!

    So, he pulled back on the stick with even more force as if it would make the ne climb faster.

    The g-force made all of Drachenko¡¯s blood rush to his feet, and due to theck of blood, his head went light, darkening his vision.

    He could only hold onto the stick with thest of his willpower.

    At times like this, the exact moment to release the stick could only be judged by experience; let go too soon, and the ne wouldn¡¯t have climbed enough, crashing into the ground.

    Drachenko counted to three, then suddenly rxed the stick, allowing the rudder to return to position under airflow resistance.

    Dizziness gradually faded, and the blue sky filled his vision once more. Drachenko looked at the altimeter; it read 2100¡ªhe had managed to pull the ne up.

    He leaned to the left, struggled to look back, wanting to see the effects of the bombardment.

    The bomb¡¯s fuse was set for one second; it should have detonated by now.

    As expected, Drachenko saw sixteen plumes of dust of various sizespletely engulf the enemy¡¯s formation on the ground.

    He¡¯d hit the target!

    In his excitement, Drachenko asked over the radio, "Is everyone okay? No one crashed into the ground, right?"

    "Nope."

    "Boss, you pulled up toote. I thought we wouldn¡¯t make it and were about to sacrifice ourselves for our country."

    "Shouldn¡¯t we do a strafing run? After all, we¡¯ve got plenty of bullets."

    The P47 was armed with eight Browning 12.7 mm machine guns, the firepower of which was exceptionally fierce; that¡¯s what had just sheared off the wings of the Do 215 bomber in an instant.

    Such firepower was naturally very effective for strafing ground soft targets.

    Drachenko: "No, didn¡¯t you see the oue of those four Prussian tactical bombers just now? If we indulge in strafing, lowering our speed greatly, we¡¯ll be prey for the 109s! Now we¡¯ve regained altitude and speed, and if we encounter a 109, we can still test our strength."

    The 109 and P47 could be considered evenly matched, utterly dependent on the altitude and speed at which each enteredbat.

    Thus, the four P47s headed towards the airfield.

    On the ground, Lieutenant Linden of the Prosen Army opened the hatch and popped his head out from his own vehicle, number 217.

    The surroundings were aplete mess, with injured soldiers everywhere.

    The voice of the electromechanical operator came through the headphones, "Damn it, the enemy must have dropped twenty or thirty heavy bombs! Not one hit us, just goes to show that these inferior people can¡¯t aim for shit!"

    Before Linden could reply, the driver spoke up, "Not necessarily, it looks like vehicle 218¡¯s tracks got blown off."

    Linden immediately turned to look at vehicle 218 and, indeed, saw its driver inspecting the tracks.

    Lieutenant Linden picked up the microphone, "218, how are you holding up?"

    "A bombnded less than 30 meters from me, the tracks are done for, along with the infantry that was hiding next to the tank. It¡¯s a terrible sight, it¡¯s my first time seeing what it¡¯s like to be killed by overpressure."

    "Can you repair the tracks?" Linden skipped over the dead infantry and asked the most crucial question.@@novelbin@@

    "Whether we can repair it or not depends on the driver¡¯s inspection," themander of vehicle 218, who was on the turret, watched this side as his driver suddenly looked up and said something.

    Linden asked, "What did he say?"

    "He said it¡¯s not just the tracks that are done for, but also the first road wheel. His suggestion is to remove the tracks from the other side and then have a Panzer VI tow us to retreat."

    The Panzer VI could also have its tracks removed and be towed by another vehicle, but that would seriously affect the Panzer VI¡¯s running gear and easily lead to more faults.

    Lieutenant Linden, "This means you guys won¡¯t be able to participate inbat operations for at least half a month, you¡¯re aware that our field repair camp hasn¡¯t caught up yet, right?"

    Themander of vehicle 218 did not reply but spoke a few words to the driver, who shook his head, then nced in the direction of toon leader Linden and lowered his head to continue to work on the tracks.

    "My driver says we need at least until the day after tomorrow morning to do emergency repairs."

    Lieutenant Linden, "Then you do the repairs here, we continue to advance. We can wait for you in the vige 20 kilometers from Yarvik!"

    Themander of vehicle 218 hesitantly asked, "Should we continue to advance? Enemy air raids will be more frequent¡ª"

    He had barely finished speaking when someone nearby shouted, "Air raid! Enemy nes overhead, diving towards us!"

    Linden looked up and saw the nes with zebra stripes painted on their wings diving down. Unlike the Stukas, these nes didn¡¯t have that terrifying scream when diving, but Linden, who had experienced one bombing already, thought they were much more terrifying than the Stukas.

    He quickly ducked back into the tank and closed the lid, then remembered his driver and electromechanical operator were still outside!

    At that moment, thebat room¡¯s bottom hatch, leading down to the ground, opened, and the driver seemed to want to crawl in from underneath the vehicle, but he had only just reached in when the bombs fell.

    Linden felt the massive Panzer VI shake.

    With each bomb explosion, the tank, like being pped by an invisible hand, vibrated, and the armor facing the direction of the explosion buzzed.

    The thing about air raids, as opposed to artillery barrages, is that they end quickly.

    Once it quieted down outside, Linden pushed open the hatch again and climbed out.

    This time the attacking enemy nes were five times as many as before, so the amount of bombs dropped was also fivefold¡ªLinden saw that half of the apanying half-track vehicles were burning, and a motorcycle seemed to have been flipped over by the st wave.

    The motorcyclist, wearing a trench coat,y not far away, motionless.

    Just as Linden was about to say something, he saw themander of vehicle 218 in the distance gesturing, seeming to say, "Watch out for your vehicle¡¯s tracks."

    "Bob, check the tracks!" Linden ordered the driver.

    The driver, who had juste in through the bottom hatch, climbed out again through the driver¡¯s exit on top of the vehicle and jumped to the ground.

    After just one look, he reported, "Captain, bad news, our track is broken."

    Linden, "Any issues with the first road wheel?"

    "At least it doesn¡¯t look like it for now," the driver shook his head, "but it might just fall apart while we¡¯re moving. It could take a day to repair the track."

    Linden clicked his tongue, thought briefly, and then called over themander of the apanying troops.

    The infantry captain climbed on top of the tank and asked, "What¡¯s up?"

    "As you can see, we¡¯re stranded. The good news is, it¡¯s just a broken track, and one of the vehicles also has an issue with a road wheel, but the bad news is, we¡¯re stuck here until at least tomorrow night."

    Lieutenant Linden didn¡¯t dare say until the day after tomorrow morning.

    The captain¡¯s eyebrows twisted into knots, "The enemy has bombed us once, they will bomb us a second time."

    Lieutenant Linden, "We can contact Colonel Busse and ask him to send anti-aircraft artillery over. Of course, if Colonel Busse directly advances and takes the vige right in front of us, that would be even better."

    The captain sighed, "Lieutenant, I have a bad feeling, really, a bad feeling."

    Lieutenant Linden reassured, "Don¡¯t worry, we have four Panzer VIs here, you¡¯ve seen what they are capable of. The enemy, even with a hundred T34s, won¡¯t be able to touch us!"

    "It¡¯s not that I¡¯m worried about..." the captain looked towards the east¡ªthe direction of the enemy, "What I¡¯m worried about is that General Rocossov, the White Horse, has already drawn near to us, and he¡¯s one dangerous guy who has devoured many of our troops!"

    Lieutenant Linden confidently stated, "Don¡¯t worry, with the Panzer VI here, he can¡¯t devour us! You¡¯ve seen it, the Ante People have no weapons capable of threatening a Panzer VI!"

 Chapter 399: For Future Victory (Silver Bonus 6/10)

    After rejoining his troops, Wang Zhong decided to retreat to the vige of Treenka, 20 kilometers from Yarvik.

    Firstly, it was indeed gettingte today, and secondly, he did not know how many enemy motorized reconnaissance teams were nearby. With only seven or eight vehicles and a hundred guns, it was quite dangerous to encounter them.

    Nor could he guarantee that every encounter would catch the enemy off guard.

    Upon arriving in Treenka, Wang Zhong discovered that the defense forces were constructing anti-tank gun positions outside the city.

    Pointing at the positions, Wang Zhong said, "Drive over there!"

    The driver immediately turned the wheel, and the Willis Jeep swung around more than sixty degrees to pull up beside the gun emcement.

    The major in charge of constructing the positions immediately saluted Wang Zhong: "General!"

    Wang Zhong asked, "How could you ce the anti-tank gun positions outside the city?"

    The major was surprised: "The guns should be positioned with clear fields of fire. That¡¯s what I was trained to do!"Wang Zhong shook his head repeatedly: "No, no, by cing the positions outside the vige, first, they are not well hidden. Look, you can see your gun positions from a great distance! The enemy¡¯s artillery is very good. With such cement, they can start targeting you from two kilometers away!

    "Can you hit the enemy at a distance of two kilometers? No, you can¡¯t! Do you have anybat experience?"

    The major shook his head: "No, General. I¡¯m a reservist. I was transferred to the capital before, and then you drove the enemy away from around the capital, so I missed the battle."

    "Are you ming the General?" Vasily asked.

    "No," the major continued to shake his head, "How could I dare me the General? I have a cousin in Ye Fort who is very kind to me, and the General saved them."

    Wang Zhong said, "With the positions set up like this, your cousin will soon be attending your funeral. Your death is one thing, but it could lead to the death of other soldiers. The old drill manuals are no longer useful. You need to study the new principles of defense I have written. Vasily!"

    Vasily took out a small booklet and handed it to the major: "These are the new principles written by the General. Go back and read them carefully. For now, the General is here, and you can get some hands-on teaching."

    After Vasily finished speaking, Wang Zhong pointed to the vige behind and said, "Set up the positions on the edge of the vige, not outside, and use the low walls, thatch pits, and other assorted things at the edge of the vige to camouge the positions, making them blend in. Do you know the two advantages of doing this?"

    The major shook his head: "I don¡¯t know."

    "Try to guess!" said Wang Zhong, who was very much in the state of a teacher giving a lecture.

    The major looked at the low wall on the edge of the vige and said, "It is more concealed?"

    "What else?"

    Thinking for a moment, the major said, "It saves time? After all, there¡¯s no need to dig trenches and pile sandbags."

    Wang Zhong exined, "It facilitates movement! If you ce the positions outside the vige, you can¡¯t escape when enemy tanks charge in, even if you¡¯ve dugmunication trenches, because it¡¯s hard to move the big guns through them, right?

    "If you set up your line of defense at the edge of the vige and connect all the courtyards, you can create perfect evacuation routes and even pull the guns along."

    Wang Zhong gestured as he spoke.

    The major had a moment of realization: "I see! Everybody stop! The General said we¡¯re setting up the line of defense inside the vige!"

    Wang Zhong added, "The fortifications already constructed outside don¡¯t need to be dismantled. Look at this gun position; it¡¯s already quite substantial. Just add a rectangr board and a log and it bes a decoy gun.

    "Though it can only waste the enemy¡¯s ammunition, it¡¯s still useful! It might even attract enemy artillery preparation and greatly reduce our casualties."

    "You are right," the major nodded repeatedly. "I will set up the positions properly and will read your booklet when I get back."

    "Go ahead."

    After issuing his instructions, Wang Zhong got back into the Jeep and made a gesture: "Drive on, to the headquarters of the defense forces."

    The major eagerly gave directions: "Just drive straight through the vige road. It¡¯s in the big house opposite the church!"

    Wang Zhong waved his hand in acknowledgment.@@novelbin@@

    As the Jeep drove through the vige, Wang Zhong noticed that everyone looked worried.

    No sooner had the vehicle stopped in front of the headquarters than a woman rushed toward it.

    Grigori, quick on his feet, stopped the woman: "What are you doing?"

    The woman immediately grabbed Grigori¡¯s hand: "I just want to ask the General if this vige can be held. There have been so many routed soldiers passing through here, saying Ante is done for!"

    Wang Zhong assured her, "It can be held, but, ma¡¯am, you should still retreat. This area might be a battlefield."

    As expected, it¡¯s a retreat!" the woman began to cry. "All my possessions are here in this vige, especially my house. It¡¯s just been built! How can you ask me to leave..."

    Wang Zhong said, "My home is in Argesukov, which has been upied for a year now. My father and brothers all sacrificed themselves there. Ma¡¯am, who in Ante isn¡¯t grieving? That¡¯s why we must fight to drive the Prussians back."

    The woman said, "But we¡¯ve been retreating all along, haven¡¯t we? Aren¡¯t we retreating this time?"

    Wang Zhong hesitated for a moment; with the current strength of friend and foe, he really couldn¡¯t guarantee there wouldn¡¯t be a retreat.

    The main reason for the First Mobile Group Army toe to the Suhayaveli Front Army was to prevent the Army Group from retreating too quickly, at least until August, to ensure that when the enemy reached Valdai Hills River, it would be the muddy season.

    Utilizing the mud to pressure the enemy¡¯s logistics and strike them is a desperate measure at this stage.

    The woman was about to speak as Wang Zhong didn¡¯t reply, when Vasily suddenly said, "Do you know who this general is? He is General Rokossovsky! If he said he will fight back, then he will. Not holding our position firmly now is also due to the circumstances. Last year, under Yeborg City, the General didn¡¯t let them advance a single step!"

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, it¡¯s a fact that we can¡¯t guarantee aplete defense now, there¡¯s no need to scare people with my reputation."

    The woman wasn¡¯t listening to the conversation between Wang Zhong and Vasily at this point, she looked over Grigori¡¯s shoulder blocking the way and scrutinized Wang Zhong, eximing: "It¡¯s you!"

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s me."

    The woman quickly wiped away her tears, dabbing at her eyes as she said, "Of course, I believe in you, after all, you captured more than 40 Prussian generals!"

    Wang Zhong frowned, what¡¯s going on, I killed 40 generals, and captured 40, right? If this keeps spreading like this, I¡¯m going to be credited with single-handedly wiping out all the Prussian generals.

    The woman continued: "Even if you retreat, it would be after hitting the enemy hard, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "Right. You can rest assured about that. And we are not in a hurry to leave just yet, we will fight here until the middle of August, even September!"

    "That long! Then what am I worried about, aside from the house I can move my other belongings little by little."

    So, auntie, you need time to move your stuff!

    Amidst themotion, themander of the local garrison came out; he was a Major General. Seeing Wang Zhong, he immediately saluted: "General, Division Commander Sergey of the 401st Provisional Infantry Division, reporting to you!"

    Wang Zhong returned the salute: "Why are your artillery units setting up positions outside the city?"

    "Huh? Shouldn¡¯t they? I was following the defense manual..."

    Wang Zhong interrupted him: "That¡¯s outdated now, Vasily."

    Vasily pulled out a small notebook and handed it to the Division Commander: "This is the General¡¯s hard work, take it for now. Don¡¯t rush to read it, wait until the General walks you through it in practice. Normally, you¡¯d have to achieve military feats and be promoted before getting the chance to study at the Suvorov Military Academy and receive such treatment!"

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily, no one will take you for mute if you speak less."

    "Yes." Vasily closed his mouth.

    Wang Zhong: "You can look at this bookter. Based on my personal reconnaissance, the enemy¡¯s new tanks could be just over ten kilometers from here."

    "What?" The Division Commander was shocked: "The enemy is approaching that fast?"

    Wang Zhong: "They are slower thanst year; after all, my positions are a bit more reliable this year, not crumbling like tofu dregs ¨C I mean, butter. Also, our Air Force should have bombed the enemy, causing them some dy. I estimate the enemy will arrive by tomorrow."

    In fact, they couldn¡¯t arrive, but Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know.

    Wang Zhong: "Today, you can build fortifications overnight. Also, let me make a phone call, my troops will rush over through the night."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s request to Pavlov to form an advance team was to have them all aboard the train within a day, filling up the allocated carriages.

    Therefore, the advance team should also have nearly arrived today, so they could be moved to participate in the defense battle at Trelinka.

    The main body of the task force was a battalion of whirlwinds, with a bunch of other misceneous supporting troops thrown in.

    Tomorrow would be a good test of how effective the whirlwinds are at hunting tigers.

    The Division Commander of the 401st gestured invitingly: "You need to make a phone call, this way please!"

    Wang Zhong nodded and walked into themand post, with Vasily immediately following.

    Grigori made sure the woman had no intention of further rushing at Wang Zhong before backtracking into themand post himself.

    Late night on July 11th, Yarvik, tavern.

    Even with the enemy soon to rush over, Ante¡¯s tavern was still bustling.

    Or rather, it was precisely because the enemy was bearing down that everyone needed the tavern more.

    Storytellers usually lively in the tavern had now be listeners, listening to several old workers from the train station speak.

    "Let me tell you, the troops from General Rokossovsky¡¯s First Mobile Group Army that were unloading today, they¡¯ve got some great equipment! They all use this brand new type of submachine gun; you close your eyes, spray into the sky, and the bullets automatically hit the targets!" an old worker said.

    Immediately, an old man next to him chimed in: "Yeah, yeah, they were my pigeons, the fastest few, and just like that, they were shot down!"

    Then someone said: "I heard that the Prussians introduced new tanks, no matter how fierce the guns, can they hit tanks?"

    "You don¡¯t get it, huh? General Rokossovsky¡¯s troops, they also have a new type of tank! That tank, headless, called something I-flow! The barrel so thick! I went and measured it myself!"

    Then the station ountant suddenly spoke: "You all really don¡¯t understand what¡¯s most valuable. Let me tell you, the General¡¯s troops, they have a lot of antennas! That¡¯s the most powerful thing! Don¡¯t believe me, go see the Guards 20th Tank Brigade of the Front Army reserves! Only one out of four of their tanks has an antenna!

    "All of General¡¯s troops¡¯ tankse with antennas! Every single one of them! Even the trucks have someone with an antenna sitting on them!

    "This troop is way more powerful than any regr troops! Today, they marched out mighty and strong; I bet they¡¯ll be winning battles soon!"

    At this point, the tavern owner raised a ss: "Today, I¡¯m buying everyone a drink, for the uing victory!"

    Immediately, the entire tavern¡¯s patrons were ignited with enthusiasm, loudly cheering: "For the uing victory!"

 Chapter 400: Tiger Hunting Plan

    Wang Zhong this side.

    As soon as he entered the headquarters of the 401st Temporary Infantry Division, he frowned slightly, "Why are there so few staff officers?"

    The person who looked to be the chief of staff stroked his chin awkwardly and said, "The shortage of staff officers is too great. A temporary infantry division like ours only has so few staff members, and not enough clerks are assigned, so they all have to take care of logistics, striving to ensure that everyone in the division gets something to eat."

    Vasily: "General, have you forgotten about our situation when we were still the 151st Temporary Infantry Division?"

    Wang Zhong remembered; back then Pavlov was almost worked to death, and his already bald head had be even balder.

    "You can recruit clerks from the local offices."

    The chief of staff shook his head: "They¡¯ve all been hired away. Now, except for the regr troops, we¡¯re short of personnel everywhere."

    His words had hardly fallen when Sergey, the divisionmander of the 401st, said, "Did youe here to reinforce our defense?"

    Wang Zhong: "Reinforcements? I guess so, but first, we need to wipe out the enemy vanguard under our noses, to create opportunities for arge amount of enemy annihtionter."Sergey seemed not to have epted this shift at once, "Eh? Annihte the enemy? Wasn¡¯t it about defense?"

    Wang Zhong: "Eliminating the enemy is also a form of defense. If the enemy advances like this, it wouldn¡¯t matter too much if there¡¯s no disconnection in their ranks, but if there is, wouldn¡¯t that give us the chance to concentrate our superior forces and eliminate the separated enemy troops?"

    Actually, there were issues of disconnection during several of the Prosen offensivesst year, but at that time, the Ante forces were too weak, nning to trap and attack the enemy only to be overwhelmed by Prosen themselves.

    In the first week of the war, the sharp discovery of a gap by an Ante forwardmander had urred. Commanding the tank units, he tried to prate it, only to run into the self-propelled artillery battalion assigned to the infantry division. Mistaking them for Prosen tanks, they fired furiously, exhausting their shells without destroying the enemy artillery. In the end, their morale copsed, abandoning their tanks and fleeing.

    Wang Zhong himself had oncemanded a reversal "retreat," capturing an enemy supply station, feinting a strike and then turning tail to flee ¡ª and that was his first battle after being transported to this world.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong was clearer about the likelihood of Prosen disconnection than others.

    Finding vulnerabilities, quickly annihting the enemy; to do that required swiftly concentrating superior forces locally.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s cheat was naturally suited for identifying where the enemy was disconnected, as for quickly concentrating superior forces for a battle of annihtion ¡ªughable, he¡¯d never had enough forces before, even concentrated they¡¯d been far fewer than the enemy¡¯s.

    Now, things were different.

    But themander of the 401st Temporary Infantry Division couldn¡¯t understand Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts. He said worriedly, "We have never learned these tactics. In military school, defense was digging trenches and repeatedly contesting the enemy in a tug-of-war."

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s certainly a part of defense. In fact, that¡¯s what I didst year, and I evenpiled a few booklets about it."

    Commander Sergey: "I actually have your booklet, and I¡¯ve read it. It¡¯s just that when we set out, it was so hurried that I didn¡¯t bring it with me."

    "But you haven¡¯t applied the content of the booklet to the arrangement of defense positions," Wang Zhong pointed out without any niceties.

    Sergey: "I... I didn¡¯t think of it at the time. I only took over this division a week ago, and then I had toe here immediately to set up defenses. I was so stressed yesterday that I couldn¡¯t eat. So, I really didn¡¯t think to do things ording to your book."

    The chief of staff of the 401st said, "He fainted from hungerst night. I think our division, from soldiers to officers, all falls short. When the enemyes ¡ª we can only bravely arm ourselves with grenades and go for a suicide attack."

    Sergey immediately chimed in, "Right, these past few days everyone has been singing ¡¯The Last Courage¡¯. I¡¯ve seen the soldiers discussing how to choose their targets for a suicide attack when the enemyes."

    As the original author of "The Last Courage," Wang Zhong twisted his brows into knots: "No, I didn¡¯t write that song for you tomit suicide with. I was praising the courage that bursts forth from soldiers in despair."

    The original version of "The Last Courage," titled "Devouring Sands," was a somewhat post-punk-vored rock song, rather morose, but when Wang Zhong copied it, Vasily did the arrangement, having never heard the original version, and thus transformed it into a war song based on the lyrics.

    As a result, the likelihood of Ante soldiers using a ¡¯Grenade of Glory¡¯ before being captured significantly increased.

    There were even reports from military chains about soldiers choosing to use the ¡¯Grenade of Glory¡¯ even when they could have survived, which was contrary to Wang Zhong¡¯s original intention.

    His original intention was for them to fight for survival to the bitter end, and only use the ¡¯Grenade of Glory¡¯ when there was absolutely no way out.

    But now there was no time to worry about that; given the situation of the 401st division, if the enemy really came, the entire division would be suicide bombers.

    Wang Zhong shook his head: "Let it be; your will to fight ismendable, and I won¡¯t say more. I¡¯ll have my personal guard, Senior Sergeant Grigori, guide you in establishing defense works."

    Grigori saluted and turned to leave.

    The chief of staff of the 401st immediately pointed to one of the few staff officers and said, "Follow him, tell the troops to do whatever the sergeant major says!"

    The staff officer ran to catch up with Grigori.

    Just seconds after Grigori had left, two guard squad soldiers entered to rece the sergeant major.

    Wang Zhong continued, "My vanguardbat group should be arriving soon; we need to quickly understand the movements of the enemy vanguard, then pounce on them with the speed of lightning. Do you have a generator?"

    The chief of staff of the 401st nodded, "We do, providing power for the telegraph and other things, right over there."

    Wang Zhong pointed at Vasily, "Connect our high-powered radio to it and use code to send a telegram to the vanguard, telling them to move out immediately to this location. Strive to arrive tonight; by tomorrow, we will set out to eliminate the group of enemies we¡¯ve spotted with the new tanks."

    Vasily immediately ran outside; Wang Zhong stopped him, "Wait a moment, also contact the Air Force, ask about the effectiveness of the attack, and the enemy movements."

    Vasily saluted and hurried off.

    Only Wang Zhong and the guards, along with the entire senior leadership of the 401st, were left.

    Division Commander Sergey hesitated before asking, "Was it the same for the provisional 151st Division when you were there?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "Our situation was better, we had NCOs and officers withbat experience, and the backbone personnel supplemented to us were military academy students, temporarily conscripted to deal with the emergency."

    "I see," Sergey clicked his tongue, "We had no experience whatsoever, and suddenly we were told that the enemy had broken through the front and were ordered to set up defenses here. I asked the Front Army staff who gave us the orders, ¡¯Who exactly is our enemy?¡¯ and the staff mentioned some sort of Sedd Division; onlyter did I realize they were the elite of the enemy¡¯s elite."

    Wang Zhong instantly understood Sergey¡¯s feelings back then¡ªit must have been just like that viral meme from before he time-traveled: "You go kill Sun Wukong!" "Me?"

    Wang Zhong reassured, "No need to worry, my Army Group has arrived¡ªalthough it¡¯s only a vanguard party. Of course, in critical moments, we would still use you as a reserve to be deployed on the defensive line, but we would not send a provisional infantry division to fight against the enemy¡¯s Asgard Knights."

    "That¡¯s reassuring," Sergey, the divisionmander, sighed with relief.

    At that moment, Vasily entered, "Report, the Air Force said they¡¯ve conducted three waves of attacks, judging from the wreckage and the craters on the ground, the enemy hasn¡¯t moved."

    Wang Zhong asked, "What do you mean ¡¯judging from the wreckage and the craters on the ground¡¯?"

    Vasily replied, "That¡¯s just what they said. They also mentioned that a Pe-2 reconnaissance ne took off with a camera, and they¡¯ll send us the photos today."

    Wang Zhong hesitated, "Send over?"

    Vasily spread his hands, "Don¡¯t ask me, I¡¯m just rying the message, I have no idea how they¡¯ll send it. But the airfield is less than 50 kilometers from us, a fast horse could get there in no time."

    Wang Zhong thought about it and realized this was indeed the case.

    Vasily continued his report, "The vanguard has already left Yarvik, aside from the old school¡¯s Army Group forward station work team, almost everyone is here."

    Wang Zhong said, "As long as the Vortexes have arrived, we¡¯ll have a chance against the enemy¡¯stest tanks with their AP shells. Otherwise, we¡¯d have to incur tremendous losses to make up for our deficit in AP shell capability."

    After finishing, he suddenly felt like Vasily had more to say, so he asked, "What¡¯s the matter?"

    Vasily scratched his head, "All the office clerks stayed in Yarvik, and now I¡¯m doing the entire staff¡¯s work alone."

    Wang Zhong said, "You¡¯ll have to make do for now, when the vanguard arrives, the current Chief of Staff of the Guards Motor Rifle, Alexander Alexandrovich, should be here. Then let him take over."

    Vasily had ck lines on his face and touched his own hair, "That¡¯s it then, seems I¡¯ll have to find a wife before I turn into the second Pavlov."

    Wang Zhong said, "Pavlov has a wife, and he¡¯s fathered a bunch of kids."

    Vasily shrugged, "Well then, the reason for his baldness is found."

    On the night of July 11th, in Trinka Vige where Rocossov¡¯s temporary headquarters were located.

    The vanguard¡¯s vehicles rumbled into the vige.

    Wang Zhong looked at the convoy and suddenly thought if the enemy conducted fire support raids like his own from time to time, his losses would be significant.@@novelbin@@

    Fortunately, the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery should have all been left behind.

    The vanguard¡¯s Chief of Staff, Alexander Alexandrovich, came up to Wang Zhong and saluted, "Army Group Commander Dawa, on the march here, five of the Vortexes broke down, I ordered tractors to tow the ones with serious malfunctions back to Yarvik, two with minor issues are being repaired on the road, and I left a Crusader anti-aircraft gun to cover them."

    Wang Zhong returned the salute and said, "Well done. Have the soldiers put some extra effort tonight into checking the Vortexes that have arrived here. Tomorrow we¡¯ll head out to hunt the enemy¡¯stest tanks."

    Alexander replied, "Yes, sir!"

    Just then, the sound of an engine came from the sky.

    Wang Zhong switched perspectives and saw a Po-2 bine night bomber.

    It seemed to be nning onnding on the highway at the entrance of the vige.

    Wang Zhong said, "Vasily, could this be to deliver the photos? The Air Force did say they were sending photos, didn¡¯t they?"

    "Yes," Vasily confirmed.

    Wang Zhong instructed, "Have the troops at the vige entrance turn on the lights. If they¡¯re looking tond, they¡¯ll definitely head for the highway by the entrance."

    In truth, he was acting; from his overhead perspective, he had already seen the nend smoothly on the highway and glide toward the vige.

    It was no surprise that the Po-2 couldnd on such a rough highway. The field airstrips that the Ante People used tounch their fighters weren¡¯t much better than this, simply ttening a patch of ground and using it as an airstrip, with not even the weeds removed from the runway.

    In fact, the Po-2 bine bomber even had slightly lower requirements for airfields than a fighter ne.

    When the ne came to a stop, Wang Zhong saw two female pilots disembark.

    Wang Zhong switched back to his own perspective, then looked at Vasily, "The Po-2 might be piloted by female pilots, you might want to seize the opportunity!"

    Vasily shook his head, "Unless you¡¯re not around, General, I don¡¯t stand a chance."

 Chapter 401: Wang Zhongâ€™s Battle Deployment

    The vige of Trinka wasn¡¯t very big, and the two female pilots quickly made their way to Wang Zhong.

    Possibly due to the cramped cockpit, both women were very svelte, and even seemed a bit shorter than the average Ante woman.

    Of course, they were still taller than Nelly.

    The pilot walking in front was a Lieutenant Colonel, her brown hair tied up at the back of her head, exuding a "divorced three times with two kids" vibe.

    The girl walking behind her was clearly a young maiden, whose eyes wandered curiously around the room upon entering, eventually resting on Wang Zhong.

    Then, she noticeably hesitated.

    Wang Zhong joked, "What¡¯s the matter, I don¡¯t look like someone who could blow up 40 tanks and capture 50 generals, do I?"

    The pilot nodded fervently, "Yes, yes," but she quickly realized that this might not be the appropriate response, since no one could really blow up 40 tanks; she immediately shook her head, "No, no!"

    At that moment, the Lieutenant Colonel with the "divorced three times with two kids" persona spoke up, "General sir, I know you¡¯re used to ying the field, but you have children, don¡¯t you?"Wang Zhong replied, "You¡¯re right. Where are the photos?"

    The Lieutenant Colonel opened her briefcase, took out an envelope, and ced it on the desk.

    Wang Zhong immediately went forward, tore open the envelope, and began to closely inspect the photos.

    "I see at least two¡ªno, three¡ªnew model tanks, and here¡¯s another one that looks like a new model tank." He flipped to the next photo as he spoke, "The crater from the previous photo is still in the same spot; the four tanks haven¡¯t moved. Clearly, these were taken at the same location, but why haven¡¯t the tanks moved? Vasily, why do you think that is?"

    Vasily replied, "They must be broken, which is pretty normal for tanks, especially heavy tanks. Maybe the tracks were blown off, or there could be other issues."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "You¡¯re absolutely right; the Air Force¡¯s bombing was effective."

    In World War II, Tiger tanks were rarely destroyed by the Air Force; on the Eastern Front, in fact, only two¡ªyes, two¡ªTigers were definitively lost to air raids, and that was when two train cars transporting Tigers were bombed and flipped over while bombing a train station.

    Actually, World War II-era nes weren¡¯t very effective against Tigers and Panthers; most of the time they just broke the tracks, which could be repaired and put back into use.

    Now, it would seem that the tracks are broken.

    To give an example, at Upper Peniye, KV number 67 was attacked by Stukas, which resulted in mechanical failure, yet it was still able to continuebat.

    However, the air attack caused KV to lose its mobility, and in the end, Wang Zhong had no choice but to have the newly mixed in Tank Operators stay behind to cover the retreat of the remnants of his forces.

    Remembering this, Wang Zhong¡¯s resolve to eliminate this group of Prussians was strengthened.

    Consider it a yearly tribute to therades of Tank 67¡ªthough the timing might be a bit off, Wang Zhong thought that the heroes of Tank 67 wouldn¡¯t mind.

    Wang Zhong passed the photos to Alexandria, then asked the female Lieutenant Colonel, "Have the exact locations of these people been confirmed?"

    The Lieutenant Colonel opened her map case, took out a map, "The captain of the reconnaissance ne confirmed it carefully; it¡¯s right here. He also saw some wreckage nearby and what might be the enemy on alert, all marked on this map."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Excellent!"

    He turned to the acting chief of staff, Alexandria, and ordered, "Immediately gather all the battalionmanders; I want to n tomorrow¡¯s operations. Vasily, take these twodies to eat."

    Vasily didn¡¯t move but reminded Wang Zhong, "General, you haven¡¯t even asked their names. Isn¡¯t that a bit impolite?"

    Wang Zhong nced at Vasily, then turned to the two pilots, "I apologize, I¡¯ve been neglectful. How may I address you two?"

    The Lieutenant Colonel with her hair up said, "On the battlefield, military intelligence takes precedence. Your approach wasn¡¯t wrong, and I personally quite admire it. However, I¡¯d still prefer not to be addressed simply as ¡¯hey,¡¯ so when you need to call me, you can call me Smijanovna."

    The younger girl said her name in a low voice, "Katya."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Rocossov."

    "We¡¯re all aware of your name," Vasily interjected, then introduced himself to the twodies, "I¡¯m Vasily."

    Wang Zhong said, "He¡¯s the son of a music professor, sworn to renounce music, the reinventor of impromptu tunes hummed by Rocossov, and the one who uses tales of hismanding officer for flirting!"

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to continue fabricating stories, Vasily interrupted, "And the terminator of thetrine."

    Katya couldn¡¯t help but burst outughing, but she quicklyposed herself, pretending to be an innocent duck who knew nothing.

    Wang Zhong said, "See, you made the girlugh; now promptly take care of them."

    Vasily, all business, said, "Ladies, this way please."

    As he led the two female pilots out, themanders from various units walked in, brushing past each other. One of the toon leaders joked, "Vasily, how¡¯s it going with the miller¡¯s daughter? I saw you two the other day by the watermill. That day, the sound of the water wheel was particrly loud!"

    Wang Zhong was greatly startled; he hadn¡¯t expected Vasily to have seeded in getting on base at all. Good grief, that guy had previously imed he¡¯d failed, not having picked up a single girl!

    Vasily kept a straight face and left with the two female pilots.

    The toon leadersughed as they entered the map room.

    The acting chief of staff, Alexandria, spread out the newly delivered map and pinned it to the wall of the room.

    Wang Zhong, "Gentlemen!"

    As he began to speak, all the whispers in the room fell silent.

    Wang Zhong picked up a photo from the table and held it vertically for everyone to see, "This is a photograph just sent by the Air Force. ording to the photo, the Air Force has paralyzed at least three of the enemy¡¯s new tanks with their airstrikes. These new tanks have just thrashed our KV and T34s with a very dramatic oue. It¡¯s said that they achieved a 30 to zero result in battle!"

    Even Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t suppress the immediate buzz of conversation.

    He could only spread his hands and press them down, "All right! All right! That¡¯s what all the defeated Tank Operators say! We must assume the enemy¡¯s strength, understand? And indeed, the Prussians¡¯ military technology is very advanced; they probably had a very hard time with the Carolingian¡¯s heavy tanks during the Carolingian campaign!"

    "It¡¯s within reason that they would develop a heavy tank of their own. Now this type of heavy tank has prated the armor of our KV, which we previously thought imprable, and has blocked most of our anti-tank fire¡ªexcept for Molotov cocktails."

    Assuming the throw was urate, virtually no tank of that era could defend against it, not even a Tiger¡¯s fault.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s words caused the infantry toon leaders to burst intoughter, while the tank crews could only offer a bitter smile.

    "Anyway, there¡¯s such a big piece of cake in front of us tomorrow; do you think Rocossov would let this great opportunity slip away? Tomorrow we have to not only destroy these new tanks but also figure out a way to capture one. We still have some unused tractors that could tow one away!

    "Remember, our task is not to snipe at the approachingrge enemy forces but to snatch a tooth from the tiger¡¯s mouth!

    "Tomorrow¡¯s battle must be swift, swiftly annihte the enemy¡¯s apanying infantry and destroy three out of four new tanks, and then tow one away."

    Wang Zhong paused, scanning the whole room, noticing that many toon leaders weren¡¯t taking the perilous mission seriously, and once again emphasized: "The enemy¡¯s main force has already reached Yeisk, and they are only 55 kilometers away from Yarvik! Once the battle starts tomorrow, it¡¯s very probable that the enemy will immediately rush to their aid! And this is the Sed Division of the enemy¡¯s Asgard Knights!"

    "Think about when we were in Orachi; we barely held off the Asgard Knights¡¯ attack by relying on solid positions. This time, we have no fortifications to rely on!"

    The majority of the fighting men who survived Orachi are now the core force of the Guards Mechanized Infantry, which is why Wang Zhong used the battle of Orachi as an example.

    Wang Zhong, "There must be nocency; we have to assume the enemy¡¯s strength! Understand what it means to assume the enemy¡¯s strength?"

    He scanned the entire room, ensuring that most people had put away their arrogant expressions, then said, "Therefore, based on our direct encounter this afternoon and the Air Force¡¯s photographic reconnaissance, I have made the following arrangements!"

    Wang Zhong held a pointer and tapped the map on the wall.

    "The enemy is here, at 4:30 tomorrow morning, the reconnaissance teams driving Willis jeeps must set off. You¡¯ll need to drag two big brooms behind the vehicles, raising dust on the road as you speed along and create a lot of dust clouds.

    "In this way, we can mislead the enemy about our troop strength, making them more cautious and uneasy when reinforcing."

    A toon leader said, "If it were any other general, we would start questioning. But you, sir, you fooled the Prussians with a simple wooden sign, making them think there really was a minefield! So these old-fashioned tactics of yours, we actually think they might work."

    Wang Zhong smiled slightly, not responding to thepliment, but continued to gesture on the map, "We still have a total of 31 Vortexes..."

    "30," Alexandria interrupted Wang Zhong, "Another one has mechanical problems, it¡¯s uncertain if it can participate in tomorrow¡¯s battle."

    Wang Zhong, "30! That¡¯s perfect; we can split them into two halves. One squad will be tasked with destroying the enemy¡¯s new tanks, testing the power of our 100 guns. The other squad will set up an ambush here."

    He drew a line between the enemy and therger enemy forces further behind.

    "The main sniping will be done by the Vortexes, but a certain number of infantry will also be deployed. After all, the Vortex is not efficient against infantry because it only has one anti-aircraft machine gun."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong paused, then continued, "The attack on besieged enemies will be left to the infantry. After the Vortexes have destroyed all enemy armored vehicles, they will support the infantry with high-explosive shells."

    At that moment, a toon leader below asked, "But you just mentioned capturing one of the new tanks!"

    Wang Zhong, "I will not let my soldiers die in vain just to capture a tank!"

    This resounding statement elicited looks of admiration from many of the veterans.

    Wang Zhong asserted with a leader¡¯s presence, "Any other questions? If there are any issues, speak up now."

    People looked at each other, and eventually all shook their heads.

    Wang Zhong, "Good, then let¡¯s proceed with the n tomorrow!"

    "Yes!" The crowd answered in unison.

 Chapter 402: The Situation on the Morning of July 12

    After the meeting, the vanguard soldiers began borrowing brooms from the locals.

    The local brooms were quite simple, just a bunch of dried wheat stems tied together.

    When sweeping, one had to hold the broom at an angle and press it hard against the ground, so the wheat stems would naturally adhere to the surface, and with a forceful sweep, most of the dirt could be collected.

    The soldiers loaded all the borrowed brooms into the back of the Willis jeeps.

    Although Wang Zhong had ordered everyone to rest well that night, most people simply could not sleep, and soldiers from the vanguard team could be seen chatting together all over the vige.

    Trinka Vige was a rtivelyrge one, but it couldn¡¯t amodate a temporary infantry division plus a vanguard team all at once, so many from the vanguard team ended up sleeping outdoors.

    Wang Zhong himself slept quite soundly, falling asleep as soon as hey down on the bed provided by themander of the 401 Division.@@novelbin@@

    In his dream, Wang Zhong saw himself piloting a fighter jet in a fierce battle with the Ploson Air Force, shouting "Super Lightning Strike, fire!" when facing the enemy.

    But there were no missilesunched from beneath the wings, and his ne was shot down by the enemy.The sensation of falling abruptly woke Wang Zhong up, he sat up sweating profusely.

    Nelly held a fan, looking at him with a puzzled expression, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "Nothing. Have you been fanning me the whole time?"

    "Yeah," Nelly nodded, "you said you were hot before sleeping."

    "Just because I said I was hot doesn¡¯t mean you had to fan me all night; what about your rest?"

    Nelly replied, "I¡¯ll catch up on sleep when you go off to fight."

    Wang Zhong stared at Nelly, "But doesn¡¯t that mean you¡¯ll be sleeping during the day? Won¡¯t you be hot then?"

    "I¡¯m okay," Nelly shrugged, "maybe because I¡¯m on the thinner side?"

    Wang Zhong sighed, "I¡¯m not fat, okay! What time is it now?"

    Nelly nced at Wang Zhong¡¯s watch on the nightstand.

    Wang Zhong picked up the watch and checked the time, then got out of bed and stood up, "Alright, it¡¯s about time. Let¡¯s go send the Prussians on their way."

    Then he noticed Nelly hesitating to speak and asked, "What? You want toe too?"

    Nelly nodded like a pecking chicken.

    Wang Zhong hesitated for a moment but eventually shook his head, "No, this is a battlefield, you can¡¯te."

    Nelly protested, "I was always at the frontline in Shostka, and I¡¯ve even learned to shoot a pistol; I can be your bodyguard."

    Wang Zhongughed, "There aren¡¯t many ces at the frontline where a pistol is needed; wait until you learn how to use a submachine gun, then I¡¯ll let you be my guard."

    At that moment, Vasily entered the room, "I heard the general is awake... oh, I didn¡¯t see anything."

    Vasily, maintaining his grip on the doorknob, backed out of the room, intending to close the door.

    Wang Zhong said, "Enough, don¡¯t start any more baseless rumors about me; it¡¯s all your fault I have so many absurd tales going around! Come in, let go of the doorknob, and stand to attention!"

    Vasily stood at the doorway, "Yes, sir!"

    Wang Zhong asked, "Is everyone up yet?"

    "Many didn¡¯t sleepst night. Didn¡¯t you hear them singing?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "No. Have all units assemble and carry out one final check of their weapons and vehicles; we¡¯ll depart in the order nnedst night when it¡¯s time."

    The scout jeeps were the first to set out, kicking up billowing clouds of dust as they left the vige, resembling the charge of tens of thousands of cavalry.

    Wang Zhong stood at the entrance of the vige, watching them depart, enveloped in dust.

    He switched to an aerial perspective and found that the scene was even more spectacr from above¡ªhe couldn¡¯t make out how many men and horses were within the "rolling clouds of dust."

    Faced with this scene, the enemy would definitely misjudge their strength and approach reinforcements with trepidation.

    This time, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t intend to focus on attacking reinforcements; his goal was to wipe out the enemies in front of him, so it was best if the enemy didn¡¯t send any. He had positioned sniper units just in case.

    After the jeep convoy had set out, Wang Zhong turned and walked toward the tank destroyer units waiting to depart.

    An infantryman, jokingly perched on a whirlwind tank destroyer, asked, "General, are you going to personallymand this vehicle?"

    Themander of the tank destroyer battalion was initially instructing his subordinates, but upon hearing the infantryman¡¯sment, he immediately turned around, "General, are youing in person? If so, I¡¯ll be your gunner, and you can take charge ofmanding!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "No, it¡¯s just a long-range engagement; my abilities won¡¯t be too necessary."

    He meant that his ¡¯cheat¡¯ would not be necessary, as it worked best in automatedbat situations. For ambushes and trench warfare, it might not be much better than using the naked eye.

    The tank destroyer battalionmander seemed to misunderstand, "How could we not need your expertise? You are currently the tankmander with the highest kill count in our army!"

    Wang Zhong said, "Not for long. After all, I¡¯m now amanding officer; there won¡¯t be many chances for me to personally charge into battle."

    "Says General Rokossovsky, who just twelve hours ago was personally leading a charge against the enemy and engaging with their aircraft," Vasilymented from the side, quite literally offering a sidementary.

    At that moment, Chief of Staff Alexandria announced, "It¡¯s time, we should move out."

    Wang Zhong made a gesture, "Sniper teams, move out! Encircling squads, follow behind them!"

    The tank destroyer battalionmander saluted Wang Zhong, then turned to his subordinates, "Remember the radio call-signs, stick close! Move out!"

    The subordinates scrambled to their respective vehicles like they were flying.

    Themander himself climbed onto the vehicle in front of Wang Zhong, ducking into thebat room, donning his headset, and grabbing the microphone, "Sniper team, follow me; let¡¯s go!"

    The engine of the whirlwind roared to life, a plume of ck smoke billowed from the side exhaust. Wang Zhong, catching the strong scent of sulfur dioxide, stepped back a few paces, distancing himself from the departing troops.

    Fifteen vortexes passed by him in session, heading for the battlefield.

    At that moment, a sentry from the temporary 401st Infantry Division beside him pointed at the sky and shouted, "Look, nes!"

    Wang Zhong looked up and saw 24 white contrails in the sky.

    This was strange because propeller nes below 7,000 meters rarely produced contrails. The contrails in the movie "Fury" were created by high-altitude heavy bombers.

    Wang Zhong switched to an overhead view and then realized these nes were actually B24 Liberators!

    Was the Federation so generous in this timeline to provide Liberators? On Earth, the Americans only gave the Russians A20 twin-engine attack nes, not four-engined heavy bombers, right?

    Most vitally, as a participant in the aid negotiations, Wang Zhong was certain that four-engine heavy bombers were never mentioned in the discussions.

    Could it be that the aid was provided using additional uses in the process?

    Wang Zhong said to Vasily, "Bring me the walkie-talkie, I¡¯ll greet the Air Force."

    Vasily immediately retrieved the walkie-talkie from the nearby jeep, "It¡¯s been tuned to the Air Force¡¯s frequency."

    Wang Zhong took the walkie-talkie, "Ground calling air squadron, ground calling air squadron."

    Shortly after, an impatient voice came from the walkie-talkie, "If you¡¯re calling for close air support, I¡¯m sorry, we¡¯re currently at an altitude of nine thousand meters,pletely unable to support you; we can¡¯t even see you."

    Wang Zhong, "No, it¡¯s you guys I¡¯m calling. We¡¯ve obtained intelligence that the enemy has reached Yeisk..."

    "We¡¯re not going to bomb there, you¡¯ll have to solve your own problems."

    Wang Zhong was stunned, he somewhat wanted to report his own name, perhaps it would be possible to change the bombing location then.

    Just then, a familiar voice cut into the conversation, "Attack Squadron Four calling ground, we¡¯re just a bit below the bombers, maybe we can take care of your target."

    Wang Zhong switched his perspective and indeed spotted the P47 squadron, but their altitude was much lower than that of the bombers, making them less noticeable from an overhead view.

    If you paid attention to them, the bombers were just toorge.

    Wang Zhong, "Enemy¡¯s vanguard is in Yeisk, repeat, enemy¡¯s vanguard is in Yeisk."

    The other side responded, "You mention the name of a ce and we really can¡¯t bomb it, after all, we don¡¯t have navigators like the bombers, we don¡¯t even know where we are right now."

    Wang Zhong, "See the vige on the ground? Fly westward from the vige! Bomb anything moving east and you¡¯re done!"

    The vanguard teams were all moving westward, so as long as they got the direction right, they wouldn¡¯t bomb the wrong targets.

    The Air Force responded, "Understood. Leave it to us. And good luck in your fight against the enemy."

    It seemed the Air Force had misunderstood, thinking Wang Zhong¡¯s troops were going to intercept the enemy, not realizing they were actually heading into the jaws of death.

    During the time spentmunicating with the Air Force, the half battalion that was to y the main role in the "tiger strike" also set off.

    Alexandria said to Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s our turn to depart, General. Although I think it would be fine to leave it to the soldiers, you¡¯re not nning to stay behind, are you?"

    Wang Zhong, "Of course not, let¡¯s go. The radioes with me in the same vehicle."

    After setting off, Wang Zhong continuously called various units via radio.

    This time, all these units were under hismand, so when they connected via radio, he would briefly gain the visual perspective of these units.

    Although these perspectives could not highlight the enemy and were much worse than his own viewpoint, they were still much stronger than oral reports from the troops.

    Wang Zhong relied on this method to maintain real-time control over the entire army¡¯s status.

    His streamlined reinforced battalion unfolded across an area roughly ten kilometers square.

    The two motorized reconnaissancepanies charging at the forefront, like two antennae of an insect, encircled from the north and south to the rear of their hunting target.

    On the Prussian Army¡¯s side.

    Lieutenant Linden was awakened by a flurry of urgent knocking sounds; he rubbed his eyes and got up to push open the hatch of the tank turret.

    Sleeping inside the tank left him sore all over, so his expression was very unpleasant.

    The expression of the captain outsidemanding the infantry troops was even worse, "The enemy has already surpassed us, and judging from the dust, there are a tremendous number of them."

    As he spoke, the infantry captain pointed to the north.

    Only then did Lieutenant Linden notice the enormous dust cloud to the north, appearing as if thousands of troops were marching in.

    He turned sharply and saw another dust cloud to the south.

    "Damn it."

    He immediately picked up the handset, adjusted the radio, and shouted, "217 calling 210, 217 calling 210!"

    Soon, the voice of Captain John came over the radio, "What¡¯s the matter, 217?"

    "I¡¯ve seen at least a hundred tanks crossing our position and heading towards you! Repeat, 100 tanks!"

    "Got it."

    John¡¯s voice had just faded when an infantryman nearby shouted, "Argh, it hurts!"

    Linden looked toward the infantryman and then noticed the infantryman was pointing at the sky.

    He looked up and saw 24 white lines crossing above their heads.

    Linden immediately realized what those were, "There are also 24 heavy bombers heading your way!"

 Chapter 403: Encountering the Enemy

    Yeisk, under Prussian Army control.

    Beyond Colonel Busse¡¯sbat group, another tank battalion and apanying infantry arrived here yesterday evening.

    The Prussian tank battalion differs from Ante¡¯s tank battalion; Ante¡¯s tank battalion and the tank regiment are of the same organization, differing in name only, with a total of 21 tanks.

    Whereas a Prussian tank battalion, typically called an armored battalion, now consists of three Pantherpanies and one Tigerpany, fielding 80 Panzers and 28 Tigers.

    A standard Prussian Armored Division usually has two such armored battalions as well as an Armored Grenadier Battalion, along with a multitude of support troops.

    So, essentially half of a division¡¯s armored forces has arrived in Yeisk, along with Busse¡¯sbat group¡¯s original armored units, two hundred tanks nowpletely upy every avable open space in Yeisk.

    For a city without railways, finding so much open space in Yeisk isn¡¯t easy¡ªrailways indicaterge freight yards, and cities with railways usually have a higher level of industrialization and more vehicles, meaning more parking lots as well.

    In any case, Yeisk is now crammed full of tanks and armored vehicles.

    Therefore, when Colonel Busse heard from the radio that Vehicle 217 reported 24 four-engine heavy bombers were heading their way, his heart sank.He dropped the headset and shouted to the staff officer beside him, "Air raid rm! Have the infantry deploy smoke to cover the tank assembly area!"

    The staff officer immediately turned and ran out.

    Busse¡¯sbat group had integrated air defense units, and the Prussian air defense forces had hand-cranked air raid sirens, considering the sounding of rms a part of their air defense operation.

    Soon, air raid rms echoed throughout Yeisk.

    After the staff officer returned, he said to Colonel Busse, "Why don¡¯t we depart now? Staying in the city, even with smoke cover, we¡¯ll suffer heavy losses if bombed, especially our infantry. High-altitude bombing has little effect on moving convoys."

    Colonel Busse¡¯s expression was serious, "The armored battalion that arrived yesterday isn¡¯t part of our original assault formation. To depart in haste to evade bombing would result in chaos."

    Colonel Busse¡¯s original n was to depart after breakfast and an equipment check to meet up with the marooned vanguards.

    As the entire force¡¯s vanguard, one toon from the 333rd Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion had already departed, this toon reinforced by two Panzer IIs, totaling three motorcycles with sidecars, four half-tracks, and two Panzer IIs.

    Yesterday, the leadingpany reported that the enemy forces that wiped out their reconnaissance group did not possess weaponsrger than 20mm, likely just light infantry. The motorized reconnaissance toon¡¯s firepower was deemed sufficient against regr light infantry.

    As for the rest of thebat group¡¯s units, the staff had already arranged the departure sequence.

    However, the tank battalion that arrivedst night was not included in this departure queue, and if they all were to head out of the city now, it would certainly result in chaos.

    So after a brief moment of hesitation, Colonel Busse decided, "No advance, we¡¯ll defend against air attacks here in the city. The city is sorge, they might not be able to hit our parking lot.

    "After the bombing ends, we¡¯ll depart ording to the original order. The recently arrived tank battalion will decide their own departure time after we¡¯ve all left."

    The Chief of Staff replied, "Understood."

    The first toon of the thirdpany from the already departed Prussian 333rd Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion had in fact heard themunication between Commander John and Vehicle 217.

    When the toon leader heard the news of the 24 heavy bombers, he looked up at the sky.

    They might have already spotted the contrails of the high-altitude bombers.

    The toon leader clicked his tongue, "This reminds me of when we entered Ante, back then the Prosen Air Force¡¯s bombers also flew towards the heart of Ante in an overwhelming force. What goes aroundes around."

    The sun had just risen in the east, so the toon leader had to squint as he looked at the sky, and thus he did not see the dive-bombing fighters¡ªfighters bristling with bombs.

    By the time he saw the fighters, it was toote.

    "Enemy nes! Air raid!"

    As the toon leader shouted, the first dive-bombing fighter had already begun to pull upwards.

    Immediately after, the toon leader saw a bomb drop into the road ahead of the half-track he was in.

    The bomb¡¯s dy fuse prevented it from detonating immediately, allowing the toon leader just enough time to shrink back into the half-track, letting the surrounding steel offer a bit of protection¡ªat least psychologically.

    The next moment, he felt a sensation of weightlessness as he realized the half-track had been flipped into the air.

    Before he could react, the vehicle mmed onto the ground, and the toon leader lost consciousness.

    After the air raid ended, the sergeant in the following Panzer II poked his head out of the vehicle and, upon seeing the overturned toon leader¡¯s vehicle, shouted through the radio, "Deputy toon leader, the toon leader¡¯s fate is unknown, you¡¯re inmand now."

    In the Prussian Army, a toon normally has just one officer, the deputy toon leader is the highest-ranked nonmissioned officer, and the NCOs generally have a better rtionship with the soldiers.

    Sometimes, the soldiers even prefer to bemanded by the NCO.

    Through the radio, the deputy toon leader¡¯s voice was heard, "Just overturned, right? Open the rear door and see if the people inside can be rescued. Don¡¯t flip the vehicle right away, it could cause secondary injuries."

    "Roger that," replied the sergeant. He immediately ordered his squad, "Open the tailgate, rescue the people inside."

    At that moment, the machine gunner on the half-track suddenly said, "Look! Dust ahead!"

    The sergeant looked forward and indeed saw arge cloud of dust.

    Standing up, he grabbed his binocrs to observe¡ªthe Prussian squad leaders usuallymanded the machine gun and were therefore equipped with binocrs.

    Through the binocrs, he could only see a small leading vehicle of the enemy, the marching column behind itpletely obscured by dust.

    The sergeant had never seen that leading vehicle before; it might belong to the Federation¡¯s equipment.

    "Damn it," the sergeant cursed, as he picked up the radio handset and shouted, "Enemy forces are nearing! Enemy forces are nearing!"

    The deputy toon leader was very calm, "Don¡¯t panic, it could just be the enemy¡¯s light infantry. Tanks 137 and 138, spread out to the left and right wings!"

    "Understood."

    The two Panzer II tanks immediately dispersed to the left and right nks, forming a divide sign with the staggered column halted on the highway.

    But the tankmander lost his nerve first, "With such a huge cloud of dust, it must be the enemy¡¯s tank force, right? My 20mm cannon can only polish a T34!"

    At that moment, the small car at the very front started to sweep this way with its vehicle-mounted machine gun.

    Tankmander, "If the enemy dares to charge at us with tanks, it has to be Ante¡¯s armored force! Release smoke bombs and retreat fast!"

    The deputy toon leader hesitated for a second, then ordered, "Release the smoke bombs, retreat!"

    At this point, the sergeant from the second vehicle asked, "What about the toon leader? He might still be alive!"

    "We can¡¯t worry about that now, retreat quickly."

    The second tank had already activated its smoke dischargers, firing off smoke bombs.

    Although the sergeant from the second vehicle seemed to want to say more, he still obeyed the order, operating the half-track¡¯s smoke bombuncher to fire.

    Wang Zhong suddenly received a call from one of the two deception units, "Kht calls Genghis Khan, Kht calls Genghis Khan. Enemy ahead releasing smoke, I repeat, enemy ahead releasing smoke."

    While responding, Wang Zhong switched the view and indeed saw enemy smoke ahead of the deception unit¡¯s Willys jeep.

    Then, Wang Zhong noticed something. Although the shared vision given to him by the troop wasn¡¯t highlighted, the view wasn¡¯t obscured by smoke either.

    As long as the enemy didn¡¯t hide in the smoke, he could see them.

    Of course, the dust stirred up by the movement of enemy vehicles still interfered with his vision, but not to the point where he couldn¡¯t see at all.

    The Willys jeep was dragging a broom behind it, so the dust was too thick, and it was truly hard to see clearly.

    In any case, Wang Zhong clearly saw in front of the Willys jeep convoy were two Panzer II tanks, which alone could beat the jeep convoy into a mess.

    But now that the enemy had started to run, it was a different story.

    The armor of the Panzer II tanks was just so-so after all; their sides and rear armor could be prated by the M2 heavy machine gun.

    The key point was that the enemy had started to flee, and if the deception troops didn¡¯t pursue, the enemy might realize what was happening and stage a counterattack, turning the tables and making it dangerous.

    So Wang Zhong gave the order, "Continue the pursuit, strive to annihte the enemy."

    ording to the predefined code, "strive to annihte the enemy" meant, "Maintain contact with the enemy, apply firm pressure."

    Even if the Prussians were eavesdropping on the radiomunication, it wouldn¡¯t be a problem!

    "Understood!" the deception unit replied with conviction, seemingly unaware of the enemy Panzer IIs, "Strive to annihte the enemy!"

    Colonel Busse¡¯s eyebrows twisted into a knot, "We¡¯ve been air-raided?"

    "Yes, and we¡¯ve also encountered the enemy¡¯s armored force." The chief of staff said seriously, "The fate of the reconnaissance toon leader is unknown, and the remaining forces are retreating towards Yeisk under the deputy toon leader¡¯smand."

    Captain John, "This must be one of the two armored forces reported by vehicle 217."

    Colonel Busse nodded, "Are the new tanks operational yet?"

    Captain John looked embarrassed, "Not yet, we¡¯ve just fixed the malfunction, and the maintenance camp technicians are fitting the road wheels now. It will take some more time."

    "How much is ¡¯some¡¯? Captain, you should know that we shouldn¡¯t use such vague terms on the battlefield."

    Captain John, "Yes! At most eight hours, Colonel."@@novelbin@@

    "Eight hours to fit some wheels?" the colonel was taken aback.

    Captain John, "At most. If it goes fast, it could be done in five hours."

    Colonel, "Five hours and you¡¯re still proud?"

    With a helpless tone and a shrug, Captain John replied, "There¡¯s no help for it. To ensure the best mobility, the new tanks feature dual row road wheels, and each assembly and disassembly takes one to two days. The maintenance camp is already doing its best."

    Colonel Busse clicked his tongue, "So you¡¯re saying you can¡¯t participate in the uing defensive operations? Looks like we¡¯ll have to let the boys with the long-barreled Mark IVs earn some Iron Crosses."

    Captain John smiled as well, "That shouldn¡¯t be a problem."

    Just then the air raid alert sounded outside again, and Colonel Busse and his associates immediately hit the deck.

    However, after waiting for quite a while, no bombs fell.

    The door to themand post suddenly opened, and a staff officer came in to report, "The Anti-Air Battalion requests cancetion of the air raid alert; the enemy¡¯s heavy bombers are not targeting us."

    Colonel Busse stood up cursing, "How many more unreliable reports are we going to receive this morning?"

 Chapter 404: Annihilation Battle

    Lieutenant Linden had been intently listening to the friendly radiomunications ever since Ante¡¯s ne flew overhead.

    Then he heard the report from the motorized reconnaissance battalion that was approaching.

    He took off his headphones and looked at the driver and mechanic, who were busy with repair work. Thetter, just having wiped his sweat, looked up and their eyes met.

    "What¡¯s wrong?" asked the veteran driver, who seemed to understand something from Lieutenant Linden¡¯s expression but still inquired.

    Lieutenant Linden said, "The enemy counterattack group is rushing towards Colonel Busse¡¯sbat team, we won¡¯t be getting any support for the time being."

    The driver clicked his tongue, "Is that so. But it¡¯s strange, why haven¡¯t the enemies attacked us? Wouldn¡¯t it be easier to wipe out our small vanguard than to eliminate Colonel Busse¡¯sbat team?"

    Lieutenant Linden shrugged, "How would I know?"

    At that moment, the alert infantry suddenly shouted, "Unidentified armored vehicles spotted from the northeast!"

    Lieutenant Linden immediately looked towards the northeast and indeed saw armored vehicles advancing through the wheat field. Judging by their height ¡ª could they be assault guns?Then, sentinels from another side also yelled out, "There are some in the southeast as well!"

    "And the front! We¡¯re surrounded on three sides!"

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have time to worry about the Willis Jeep Brigade that was currently chasing down the enemy armored reconnaissance forces. His "Tiger Hunting" team had already engaged the enemy.

    Fifteen Whirlwind units were divided into three groups, approaching the enemy¡¯s small unit that was tucked away in the vast grasnd from three directions.

    The Whirlwind units in the front were already less than 2,400 meters away from the enemy; the ones enveloping from the north and south were still maneuvering and a bit further out.

    The infantry squads carried by the Whirlwind had already dismounted and formed skirmish lines in front of the vehicles.

    In total, onepany of infantry apanied the advancement of the Whirlwind, spread out into squads in three directions.

    Wang Zhong had the walkie-talkies distributed down to the squad level, which was a configuration seen in Vietnam-era U.S. forces on Earth. Even in World War II, the U.S. military, which had the most radios, only equipped its units up to thepany level.

    Wang Zhong had taken it a step further, outfitting walkie-talkies down to the squad level like the U.S. forces in the Vietnam War. To maximize the effectiveness of the walkie-talkies, he had specifically selected two high school graduates to learn radio technology, acquire general troubleshooting skills for walkie-talkies, and master basic coordinate measurement.

    Having every Naval Infantryman be a high school graduate was truly a luxury and must be condemned; the Navy is foolish ¡ª Army General Rocossov thought this.

    However, the radios now distributed down to the squad level weren¡¯t yet showing their full potential, as neither the division nor the Army Group¡¯s artillery had caught up.

    For now, the walkie-talkies with the infantry squads positioned in front of the Whirlwind could only serve as "eyes" for Wang Zhong, and they weren¡¯t even the highlightable kind.

    Wang Zhong repeatedly called these infantry squads to ensure that he clearly understood the enemy movements.

    The enemy was surrounded on three sides ¡ª well, considering the position of the supporting forces, the enemy forces were actually encircled on all sides ¡ª totaling about three hundred men with four new-model heavy tanks, eight Panzer IIIs, four long-barreled Panzer IVs, twenty half-tracks, and what seemed like apany of infantry.

    If it was highlightable, Wang Zhong could directly see their unit numbers to determine how many of the enemy were trapped in the center. Unfortunately, the highlight effect was a "benefit" only within Wang Zhong¡¯s visual range; the troop¡¯s eyes didn¡¯t have this special effect.

    So Wang Zhong could only endeavor to count heads, and it felt almost like observing ants move house.

    The enemy clearly noticed the Whirlwind and began rotating their tank turrets.

    Several Panzer III and IVs turned their hulls along with their turrets and visibly split into three groups ready to counterattack.

    The remaining tanks were probably those that had their tracks damaged by the Air Force, so they stayed in ce and rotated their turrets.

    Wang Zhong opened the radiomunication to the five Whirlwind units approaching from the front, "Open fire at 1500 meters, distance is at yourmander¡¯s discretion."

    "Roger!"

    No sooner said than done, Tank #218 of the tactical identification fired.

    The 88mm gun roared, and the dust stirred up by the st at the muzzle was clear for Wang Zhong to see from his bird¡¯s-eye view!

    Wang Zhong clearly saw the trajectory of the shell as it struck Whirlwind #461 on its "back", but because of the shallow angle of impact, it ricocheted.

    "Wait a moment, is the enemy trying to use plunging fire to attack from above?" Wang Zhong furrowed his brow. If that was the case, it meant this Prosen gunner was being presumptuous.

    Battleships engaged in plunging fire to strike horizontal armor because of the long engagement distance, with encounters often exceeding ten or twenty kilometers.

    Now you¡¯re trying to plunge fire from just two kilometers away? Ridiculous!

    After Tank #218 fired, #220 also fired soon after. This time, the shell urately hit the mantlet of Whirlwind Tank Destroyer #458.

    Wang Zhong snorted disdainfully; at this distance, an 88mm gun trying to prate the mantlet of a Whirlwind? Wishful thinking.

    However, the tremendous impact of a direct hit did cause Whirlwind #458 to slow down temporarily, gradually falling behind ¡ª the crew inside was likely stunned.

    This was amon urrence; the great force of a shell striking armor could incapacitate crew members even without pration.

    The incapacitation couldst just three to five seconds.

    Sure enough, Whirlwind #458 speeded up again and caught up with the advancing allies.

    The enemy began firing one shot after another.

    But whether it was the 43-caliber 75mm gun (the main gun of the Panzer IV) or the short 88 (the main gun of the new heavy tank), they seemed to be at a loss against the frontal armor of the Whirlwind.

    The sight of five Whirlwinds advancing under enemy fire reminded Wang Zhong of pre-crossing footage he had seen: Soviet maggot tanks rampaging through enemy positions.

    Suddenly, Whirlwind number 460 stopped!

    Wang Zhong was shocked, thinking the enemy had inflicted the first casualties on our forces before they could open fire, but upon closer inspection, he discovered its track had been broken.

    A tank destroyer is useless once its track is broken, and perhaps for that reason, the hatch of number 460 opened, themander threw out several smoke bombs, and then crawled out of the tank under the cover of the smoke.

    After the enemy had been firing for about two minutes, Whirlwind number 458 suddenly stopped, swiveled its chassis to aim, and then fired its first shot as fast as lightning.@@novelbin@@

    The effects caused by the muzzle st of the 100mm gun were more spectacr than those of the 88 or 75.

    At the moment of firing, the tank destroyer¡¯s visibility was ruined, filled with the dust and smoke strewn up by the muzzle st¡ªthe Whirlwind tank destroyers were rather low, and werepletely obstructed.

    Wang Zhong immediately turned towards the enemy and indeed saw a Panzer IV burst into mes, its crew scrambling out with some of them even on fire, forced to roll on the grass to extinguish the mes.

    "Well done," Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but shout out, only to realize after the fact that he might not be able to directly observe the battlefield.

    So he pretended the Tiger group had reported to him.

    All the Whirlwinds at the front had opened fire, except for the one unlucky enough to have its track broken.

    Both the Panzer III and Panzer IV were doomed if hit by the 100mm gun, even if there was no catastrophic ammo detonation, they would catch fire and burn untilpletely destroyed.

    However, several of the new heavy tanks still stood firm.

    Wang Zhong checked the range and realized that themander of the Whirlwinds in front had been too impatient, stopping to fire too soon, which meant they were still 1700 to 1800 meters away from the new heavy tanks.

    Prating at that range would be a miracle.

    Wang Zhong picked up his walkie-talkie, about to give an order, but then he remembered, isn¡¯t this micromanagement too much like a certain bald man?

    As he hesitated, the staff officer leading the assault, Alexandria, said, "General, it seems our 100mm guns can¡¯t prate these new Prussian weapons!"

    Wang Zhong: "What¡¯s the panic! It¡¯s definitely because the distance is too far. Advance to 1500 meters, then try again!"

    Just advancing another three hundred meters would cause a qualitative leap in the effect of the damage.

    Themand, transmitted by radio waves, pleased Wang Zhong as he saw the previously halted tank destroyers at the front resuming their advance in a simple "line formation"¡ªexcept for the one with the broken track.

    On the approach, another tank destroyer stopped, and Wang Zhong hastily took a closer look, finding once again that its track had been broken.

    But this clearly didn¡¯t shake the resolve of the assault group at the front.

    At this time, the tank destroyers on the northern and southern nks circling around to envelop the enemy also turned, charging at the small group of the surrounded Prussian Army.

    And the Whirlwind tank destroyers in position at the enemy¡¯s front only stopped at a range of 1400 meters from the enemy.

    They opened fire again.

    Wang Zhong saw a sh hit the front armor of the new heavy tank numbered 220, and it seemed to hit the driver¡¯s viewing port.

    The next moment, the hatch of tank 220 opened, and the crew crawled out with their trousers wet, followed by ck smoke billowing from the rear of the vehicle.

    The mes appearedst, and as he watched the burning Tiger tank, Wang Zhong felt a pang of regret, thinking Prussians, what are you doing, put out the fire! That¡¯s equipment I need to use!

    Tank 217 was the second to be hit; it had been rotating its turret, but as the shell approached, arge ring of sparks flew from near the turret ring.

    The turret froze in ce the next moment.

    All the Prussian tank crew bailed out, and Wang Zhong counted heads¡ªan entire crew of five, and not a single one injured.

    Wang Zhong began to wonder if he had loaded too little explosive into the shells, as they were hitting the tanks without killing any crew inside.

    While pondering these matters, he watched the Whirlwinds battle the Tiger tanks.

    The other Panzers III and Panzer IVs had already been blown open, somepletely burned to cinders.

    There were two more surviving Tiger tanks putting up a desperate fight.

    In the meantime, infantry had quietly approached the enemy.

    The threading machines opened fire, and the enemy infantry, also focused on the tank battle, hadn¡¯t anticipated an assault, let alone one from silenced automatic rifles.

    Wang Zhong watched an Ante sergeant wielding a threading machine cut down about a squad¡¯s worth of men, while the rest of the enemy, focused on the new types of armored vehicle to vehicle shellbat, failed to notice they had already lost a squad.

    It wasn¡¯t until the threading machines had taken down nearly eighty people that the Prussians finally became aware of the ambush. Officers and NCOs began to organize for battle.

    Though the Ante infantry had lost the element of surprise, their recentbat had already granted them favorable positions, and the ovepping fields of fire from their threading machines swiftly took down the enemy¡¯s apanying infantry.

    The disembarked armored troops tried to make contact with the new heavy tanks embroiled in fierce exchanges of fire but were blocked by Ante infantry.

    By the time the third Tiger had been blown up, the Ante infantry had temporarily taken control of the battlefield, and it seemed thest new tank was about to be a prize for the infantry.

    Wang Zhong shouted: "Stop! Don¡¯t throw Molotov cocktails onto thest new tank! I¡¯ll go negotiate their surrender!"

 Chapter 405: Subduing the Ferocious Tiger

    After finishing his words, Wang Zhong gave Vasily the walkie-talkie, and pondered before stuffing the device to him, "I don¡¯t understand Prosen, you do the persuading to surrender!"

    Vasily, "Me? No no no, I don¡¯t have the confidence to persuade the proud Prussians."

    After a moment of thought, Wang Zhong said, "In that case, I will ride the white horse around in front of the enemy, speaking loudly. You won¡¯t need to care about what I¡¯m saying; just trante whenever I start talking."

    Vasily was shocked, "The tanks are still in battle, bombarding us with their cannons, and you want to appear within their line of sight? No, I cannot let you take that risk!"

    Wang Zhong smiled faintly.@@novelbin@@

    Indeed, appearing on horseback within the firing range of the enemy¡¯s tanks was very dangerous. However, Wang Zhong had a cheat, which allowed him to clearly see the orientation of the enemy¡¯s hull and turret.

    The main gun of a tank and the coaxial machine gun can only target objects in the direction of the gun barrel, and the firing range of the hull machine gun is at the front of the vehicle.

    To tell the truth, knowing the enemy¡¯s position, dodging the lines of a tank was much simpler than dodging an infantry¡¯s gunfire.

    After all, even with a powered turret, the rotation speed is only so fast, much slower than a human turning their gun muzzle.What Wang Zhong needed was just the courage to face a Tiger Tank alone, to face the possibility of unexpected death.

    And right now, what Wang Zhong had in abundance was courage.

    There are two kinds of courage. One stems from ignorance, as with the Zulu people who charged at Maxim; the otheres from advancing with your head held high even after knowing the terror and brutality ahead.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s courage was thetter; he had seen storms of bullets, he had danced with the Grim Reaper himself.

    He whistled, and sure enough, the neighing of Bucephalus echoed from afar¡ªperhaps the horse thought the noise of battle was disturbing its grazing and had hidden away, and now it joyously galloped over.

    Wang Zhong mounted his horse, and as usual, picked up the red g, inserting its tail into the support point on the saddle, and held the g aloft with one hand as he charged forward.

    Vasily looked at his retreating figure, then at Sergeant Major Grigori.

    The sergeant major signaled the driver to start moving.

    Vasily asked, "Are we following behind him?"

    Grigori shrugged, "No, we¡¯ll stop at a distance where you can hear his shouting, probably about two kilometers away from the enemy."

    Vasily questioned further, "Aren¡¯t you fulfilling your duty as a guard anymore?"

    Grigori replied, "It makes no difference whether he has a guard or not, when he does things like this. Better leave his safety to those angels watching over the generals."

    "You¡¯re right," Vasily conceded.

    He then picked up the walkie-talkie and tuned it to a frequencymonly used by the Prussian Army.

    Grigori queried, "Can you manage it?"

    "I¡¯ve already got an idea. Actually, the key to this act of persuasion is not what I say, but in the general¡¯s aura of authority," Vasily shrugged, "so I¡¯ll cook up something fierce!"

    -------------

    While monitoring the movements of thest tank, tank number 217, Wang Zhong also nned his route.

    The front of the tank hull was off-limits, luckily, the hull had been immobilized in yesterday¡¯s air raid, so all he needed to worry about was the direction the turret faced.

    Of course, due to the limited firing range of the hull machine guns, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t keep circling indefinitely; after three-quarters of a circle, he had to turn back. The moment of turning back was the most dangerous; he might be blown to smithereens by the tank gun.

    But as long as his movements were sudden enough, the enemy wouldn¡¯t be able to react in time.

    The sense of crisis from dancing with death stimted Wang Zhong¡¯s adrenaline production, putting his entire body into an excited state, which in turn made his thoughts leap.

    So right now, his mind was upied with the thought: If I just perform a slide tackle, dive under the hull of the Tiger Tank, and throw in a couple of grenades, the battle would be over, and I could capture the Tiger Tank intact!

    With that thought, Wang Zhong pressed on.

    The ce he had just been was five kilometers away from the actual battlefield, so he still had to advance more than three kilometers to enter the enemy¡¯s field of vision.

    Grigorimanded the jeep carrying Vasily to follow two hundred meters behind him.

    The group thus passed through the area upied by the vanguard troops.

    Many people must have seen the red g held by Wang Zhong, but unfortunately, he had no walkie-talkie at hand to hear their conversations.

    Finally, passing by the first tank with its tracks broken indicated that the distance to the enemy was only 1800 meters.

    Several Armored Troops stood up from the underbrush, shouting to Wang Zhong, "General! What are you doing? It¡¯s dangerous ahead! Stop!"

    Wang Zhong turned back to look at the jeepmanded by Grigori and pointed towards the tank men.

    Immediately, Grigori directed the jeep towards the tank troops to check on their condition.

    Wang Zhong continued to move forward.

    Soon, he passed the front line formed by the Whirlwinds, who had ceased firing based on Wang Zhong¡¯s earlier order. Their tankmanders, possibly having received the information via radio, all opened their hatches and emerged from theirmand turrets.

    As Wang Zhong passed by the line of Whirlwinds, he did so to draw the attention of tank number six; after all, the tank was shooting at these Whirlwinds, and its gunner couldn¡¯t have missed the white horse and red g passing by in the gunsight.

    Sure enough, the main gun of tank number 217 turned in Wang Zhong¡¯s direction!

    Without a word, he led his horse to turn; as he turned the horse, he kicked its belly, making Bucephalus break into a run and immediately gaining arge distance from the Prosen gunners¡¯ aim.

    Wang Zhong thus circled the enemy tank, shouting as he ran, "Prosen Tank Operators, give up! We can puncture your hull at any moment, but you have no way to effectively prate the frontal armor of our new tank destroyers! Plus, your apanying infantry are finished! Stubborn resistance won¡¯t get you anywhere!"

    Vasily held the walkie-talkie and shouted loudly, "If you don¡¯t surrender, I will personally climb onto your tanks and blow each of your heads off with my pistol! Your families and friends will receive a letter, saying you perished due to stupidity and overestimating yourselves!"

    Grigori looked at Vasily, "Although I don¡¯t understand Prosen, I feel like you didn¡¯t trante the original intention."

    "I told you, it¡¯s the general¡¯s intimidating presence that¡¯s key. To the Prussians, we are beings with mystical powers, all that praying hands and sound arrays, they really believe the general could be one of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, tearing apart tanks with his bare hands."

    Vasily paused for a moment, then added, "We are from the Secr faction, so of course we know that¡¯s impossible. Look at our doctrine; the doctrine rewritten by Saint Andrew believes that all miracles are scientific phenomena, we just haven¡¯t discovered their rules yet. It¡¯s like in the old days we thought fire was a divine Sacred Object bestowed by gods, onlyter to find out it was just intense oxidation."

    "But the Prosen are different, look at what they promote, ¡¯The grace of technology will eventually rece the light of God¡¯. They admit that things like Divine Arrows, sound arrays, and prayers are the light of God, in legitimate contention with the grace of technology."

    Grigori raised an eyebrow, "Sounds like that could be the case."

    "That¡¯s the thing. So trust me, the enemy will be scared witless by my words."

    Lieutenant Linden was the first to notice the turret rotating ¡ª the turret had been maintaining a fixed angle from the beginning, because the No. 217 experimental heavy tank was now paralyzed, and the enemy was a stopped assault gun focused on shooting, so the engagement had entered a point-to-point phase.

    The sudden movement of the turret meant that the target had been destroyed.

    Lieutenant Linden immediately turned to face the front ¡ª he had been observing the surrounding situation up until now.

    Because the turret was rotating, for a moment Lieutenant Linden couldn¡¯t see the thick smoke from the destruction of the enemy¡¯s assault gun, so while searching he said, "Indeed, the enemy armor is of poor quality, sustained hits will eventually induce armor fatigue! Eh, the enemy seems fine?"

    The gunner, shivering, said, "Commander! Lieutenant! Forget about the enemy¡¯s assault gun, it¡¯sing, he¡¯sing!"

    The gunner switched pronouns twice before settling on a term that had been banned, "It¡¯sing! Bringing death and destruction! It¡¯s riding that grey horse!"

    Lieutenant Linden heard the sound of a horse neighing.

    He turned his head to look and saw a knight charging across the grasnd, holding aloft a red g.

    "That¡¯s a white horse," Lieutenant Linden corrected, not knowing why he feltpelled to correct such a trivial matter at a time like this.

    Just then, Ante¡¯s heavily ented Prosen came through the headset, "If you don¡¯t surrender, I will personally climb onto your tanks and blow each of your heads off with my pistol! Your families and friends will receive a letter, saying you perished due to stupidity and overestimating yourselves!"

    Because Prosen¡¯s tank radios and internalmunications used the same lines, everyone in the tank could hear what was picked up by the vehicle radio ¡ª but only themander¡¯s microphone could transmit via the radio, while the others could only use it for internalmunication.

    The gunner was extremely nervous, "I can¡¯t keep up with him! The engine RPM is too low, there¡¯s not enough power for the turret rotation. Driver! Boost the RPM!"

    Driver: "Right away!"

    What followed was a roar from the engine, then the turret rotation speed remained the same.

    "The engine can¡¯t change gears, probably damaged by yesterday¡¯s bombing. Hand crank it!" shouted the driver.

    The gunner immediately pulled out the hand crank and started to furiously wind it. Every station in the tank, except for themander¡¯s position, was equipped with a crank handle, allowing the crew to cooperatively rotate the turret.

    While cranking furiously with everyone, the gunner yelled, "He¡¯s out of my sights! I can¡¯t keep up with him! He¡¯s going to chop us up!"

    "Stay calm, we¡¯re inside a tank! We¡¯re protected by 56 tons of steel!" Lieutenant Linden scolded, "When hees around to the front, shoot him dead with the hull machine gun! These things are no big deal, even a god would die if hit by an MG34!"

    At the same time, Lieutenant Linden tracked the knight with his gaze.

    Suddenly, Lieutenant Linden felt a bit envious of the knight, carrying his own banner, riding a white horse across the battlefield¡ªthat was exactly the scene depicted in knight novels, wasn¡¯t it?

    On the cruel battlefield, filled with blood and fire, Linden felt the damned romance!

    He even thought that if he could gallop like that just once, even dying would be worth the ticket price!

    At that moment, the knight had already run a circle around the tank and was about to enter the firing line of the front hull machine gun! Lieutenant Linden raised his hand, "Ready!"

    However, the enemy suddenly changed direction, nonchntly crossing the firing line of the main cannon and the coaxial machine gun.

    Lieutenant Linden cursed, "He¡¯s turning! Look, the guy is scared of the frontal machine gun firing line! Stop turning this way, rotate the turret back around!"

    Linden suddenly stopped, noticing that the gunner had somehow gotten hold of the MP40 provided to themander, his safety off.

    He silently recited, "A pale horse appeared in the clouds, its name was Death, and the multitude on earth felt the apocalypseing¡ªwhoever worships the beast and its image, they will..."

    Linden: "This is treason! You are an honorable member of the Asgard Knights!"

    The gunner burst intoughter, "Haven¡¯t you seen the truth yet? The invincible war machine of the Prosen Empire has just entered the battlefield and been destroyed already!"

    Linden: "We also destroyed two of the enemy¡¯s assault guns! (From the Prosen perspective, it was not evident that those were stopped by track damage, they only saw the crew bail out.)

    "It just shows that the enemy has the upper hand on this battlefield, and we¡¯re all stuck. If we could¡¯ve moved, the enemy wouldn¡¯t have won so easily! As long as we report back the data, the production models of the tanks will have better armor, superior pration!"

    Find more to read at empire

    The gunnerughed out loud again.

    Struggling to ignore the muzzle of the submachine gun, Linden said, "You won¡¯t shoot me, think about the party at my house before we headed to the front line. Weren¡¯t you getting on very well with my sister? You wouldn¡¯t leave her heartbroken! Calm down, give me the submachine gun¡ª"

    The gunner said, "After killing that general, you really wouldn¡¯t be able to go back."

    The next moment, the gunner opened his own hatch and poked his upper body out.

    Lieutenant Linden had no time to stop him.

    "We surrender!" the gunner shouted, holding up the submachine gun, "We surrender!"

 Chapter 406: Suddenly, the Tiger-Style Lost Its Appeal

    Wang Zhong heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the enemy surrender, then broke out in a cold sweat¡ªdamn it, thinking back on the moment they made that sharp turn in front of the enemy¡¯s gun barrel, if the enemy had fired, only "The Matrix¡¯s" Neo himself could have saved them.

    "In ¡¯The Matrix¡¯, Neo dodges bullets from pistols and rifles, while I dodge 88 mm tank gun shells; even Neo would have to light a cigarette for me!"

    By this time, Wang Zhong was less than a hundred meters away from the Tiger tank, and he wasn¡¯t stupid, of course, he wouldn¡¯t try topare turret turning speed with a Tiger tank at a distance of 1400 meters¡ªthat would be an idiot inviting death.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong dared to charge like this because he was particrly familiar with the Tiger tank; he knew its turret was too heavy and without the engine running, there simply wasn¡¯t enough electrical power to drive the turret at full speed. He was no amateur who relied solely on in-game stats!

    If the enemy increased the engine rpm to boost the power supply, the sound would give it away, and then it would be time to react.

    But the enemy didn¡¯t increase the engine rpm throughout, so the turret turned slowly.

    Could it be malfunctioning?

    After all, it was a trial production model, so a high failure rate was normal.

    Wang Zhong nudged the reins, urging Bucephalus closer to the spoils of war.The white horse, not knowing why, held its head high and chest out with an impressive air, as if it had been the one to defeat the tank.

    To tell the truth, without the vortex sights aimed this way from afar, the enemy wouldn¡¯t have surrendered no matter what.

    When Wang Zhong arrived at thest Panzer VI, the infantry had already climbed aboard first, taking away the raised MP40 from the surrendered Tank Operator and opening all the tank¡¯s covers, with one thread tailor¡¯s shears per hatch pointed at the Tank Operators inside.

    Hit in the face with a "scale-thrower" bullet, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even want to imagine how dire the oue would be.

    Wang Zhong looked at the first to surrender and asked, "Howe it¡¯s the Gunnering out to surrender? Why didn¡¯t yourmandere out?"

    The enemy Gunner lookedpletely perplexed.

    Wang Zhong gestured towards the infantry: "Field telephone."

    An infantryman took out a field telephone from his backpack and handed it to Wang Zhong.

    The enemy Gunner squinted his eyes, looking at the tiny field telephone with disbelief.

    "Amelica!" Wang Zhong unted the field telephone in his hand and dered.

    The Gunner nodded.

    At that moment, themander also stood up under the "attention" of two "scale-throwers," his upper body poking out of the turret.

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily,e over for trantion."

    "On the way!" Vasily¡¯s voice varied in volume, indicating his ride was very bumpy, the field telephone and he were sometimes far, sometimes near.

    Just then, the infantry pointed southeast, and Wang Zhong looked over just in time to see a jeep kicking up a trail of dust as it headed their way.

    During the few minutes waiting for Vasily, Wang Zhong and the surrendering tankmander and Gunner were left staring at each other, wide-eyed.

    Wang Zhong decided to take a look at the tank first.

    So he dismounted and began inspecting the Panzer VI¡¯s signature interleaved road wheels; indeed, they looked extremelyplex from the outside.

    These road wheels were more than just two interlocking rows; each one had a "clever design," with three thin road wheels pieced together to form a "¹¤"-shaped structure.

    The two halves of this "¹¤" shape had different thicknesses; on one side, there were two small road wheels joined together, while on the other, there was a single wheel standing alone.

    Not only that, but when put together, the Prussian engineers insisted on mirroring the two rows of road wheels with an almost obsessivepulsion.

    Just describing it with words gives one an idea of theplexity involved.

    This design was adopted to improve the tank¡¯s mobility.

    However, on Earth, the Sturmtiger engineers themselves tested the captured T-34 and Sherman tanks (which had different suspension designs) and also admitted that theplex interleaved road wheels offered limited improvement to mobility.@@novelbin@@

    There¡¯s a diminishing return effect with this kind of mechanism; after reaching a certain point, any further improvement bes quite limited.

    The T-34 and Sherman were both trying to find an optimal bnce between mobility, reliability, and maintainability.

    The Sturmtiger engineers just took things to the extreme, pursuing the ultimate mobility¡ªare you familiar with the craftsman¡¯s spirit? Or the understanding of wrapped in oil paper?

    It seems the Prussians did the same.

    Wang Zhong shook his head; Ante was limited by industrial capability, couldn¡¯t produce suchrge turret rings and didn¡¯t have such powerful engines, so they used the vortex as a stopgap measure. When the Federation brings its might to bear and upgrades Ante¡¯s industry, they¡¯ll build more powerful tanks.

    Prussian industry is so advanced, so why sumb to the habit of wasting tonnage?

    The Army wasted tonnage on the interleaved road wheels; the Navy wasted tonnage on¡ªwho knows what.

    Wang Zhong shook his head at the interleaved road wheels: "This walking mechanism is no good. If they really start using this en masse, their logistics will be doomed."

    By then, several Prussian Tank Operators had been taken out of the tank, but since they couldn¡¯t understand what Wang Zhong was saying, they just looked at each other, offering no opinions.

    Finally, Vasily arrived and spoke some Prosen to the prisoners before the enemymander immediately asked Vasily a question in Prosen.

    Wang Zhong: "What did he ask?"

    "He¡¯s asking what the general thinks about ¡¯interleaved¡¯ road wheels. I know what interleaved means..."

    Wang Zhong pointed at the heavy tank¡¯s road wheels: "This is what it means."

    Vasily¡¯s eyes widened: "Wow, is it that impressive?"

    After all, the presence of interleaved road wheels was impressive to the naked eye, inspiring a sense of awe.

    <img data-y-imgid="10087835" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10087835/9e0e275e07624fe26f89e231bb33ba12jp559ezx06Lcf1N.jpg">

    (You think the above image is just ced here? No, this is the road wheel arrangement already in ce on the tracks.)

    With a sense of awe in his heart, Vasily earnestly asked: "So, what is the evaluation of these road wheels?"

    Wang Zhong: "This suspension system puts too much strain on logistics, and doesn¡¯t significantly improve cross-country capability. It¡¯s a very poor design."

    After Vasily tranted, the Tank Operator, who must have been the driver, got very emotional and said a lot.

    Vasily: "Roughly speaking, Prussians didn¡¯t want to use such aplex suspension system, but they suffered badly in the mudst year when their Panzer IVs performed terribly on Ante¡¯s soft ground."

    Wang Zhongughed heartily: "Rest assured, our T34s performed just as terribly! General Mud remains the nemesis of all armored vehicles, even half a centuryter."

    As heughed, the Prussians were startled, not knowing what he meant, but after Vasily tranted, the prisoners were left in an awkward position.

    They shouldugh along, it seems, but hearing Ante¡¯s most famous general mock his own T34s, it seemed right tough.

    Enjoy new adventures from empire

    Wang Zhong left the prisoners standing awkwardly, walking circles around the tank, muttering to himself: "Vertical armor, 88mm tank gun... I thought Prussians coulde up with something different."

    Vasily tranted verbatim.

    Several Prussian prisoners¡¯ expressions turned very sour.

    Wang Zhong ignored them, continuing to inspect the hard-won trophy.

    The Tiger tank was formidable on Earth because it faced opponents that were subpar at best.

    On the Soviet side, the T3485 capable of tackling the Tiger tank didn¡¯t join the fight until 1944, and on the side of the Federation, neither the Sherman Firefly tank destroyer nor the Jackson tank destroyer appeared until after 1944.

    But things were different now. Wang Zhong had the Whirlwind, and although its production was doomed to be low, it could nevertheless engage the Tiger tank at a distance of 1500 meters.

    1500 meters! On Earth, neither the T3485 nor the Firefly or Jackson could reliably prate the Tiger¡¯s high-hardness armor at such a long range.

    After all, the Whirlwind used a 100mm naval gun, a caliberrger than Earth¡¯s tank guns used against the Tiger: the Firefly¡¯s 17-pounder was actually 76.2mm in caliber, the T3485¡¯s main gun was 85mm, and the Jackson, thergest, had only a 90mm gun.

    Moreover, the Whirlwind¡¯s main gun wasn¡¯t just thicker; the weapon was developed by the navy as a dual-purpose anti-aircraft and anti-tank gun, which necessitated a high muzzle velocity, increasing its potential as an anti-tank gun.

    Overall, Wang Zhong enthusiastically circled the Tiger tank twice, but his enthusiasm had already fadedpletely.

    After all, now he had the Whirlwind. Look at how the Whirlwind sted the Tiger; thetter stood no chance in retaliation. The Whirlwind could be disabled at 1500 meters if its tracks were shot, but the Tiger was utterly destroyed.

    Of course, the Tiger had a turret, which was a point in its favorpared to the Whirlwind, but it was far from invincible!

    Once the Federation¡¯s machine tools and such were in ce, it would be time to consider bringing over the IS3 heavy tank. An IS3 heavy tank with a 100mm gun, isn¡¯t that much more exciting than the Tiger?

    Vasily asked from the side: "General? Don¡¯t you have any questions? After all, this is what you were so eager to capture."

    Wang Zhong: "I suddenly realize that its design isn¡¯t as good as I imagined. Our Whirlwind is far superior."

    He was talking to Vasily, but Vasily tranted directly to the Prussians.

    The expression of the prisoners grew even worse.

    Wang Zhong continued: "Look at these interleaved road wheels, trash. The vertical armor design, trash. The 88mm gun was not bad, but we have better ones now. Of course, there are some redeeming features, like the marks where the Whirlwind hit show that Prussian steel quality is really good.

    "Another thing is the gun sight, I bet this tank also has an amazing optical sight."

    Wang Zhong took a couple of steps and added: "And the engine, which can move such a heavy body, must be very good; all of these we can imitate, and they will surely be the cornerstone of our future new tanks."

    Vasily tranted everything.

    The prisoners looked at each other, then the tankmander asked on behalf of everyone.

    Vasily tranted: "Is your Whirlwind really perfect?"

    Wang Zhong: "Of course not, it has many ws, but look, your new tanks were designed to fight T34s and KVs, and they did the job well, leaving these two types of tanks powerless.

    "My Whirlwind is designed to fight your new tanks, and look, it also did the job well, leaving your tanks powerless."

    Wang Zhong spread his hands and waited for Vasily to trante before delivering the final blow: "You Prussians aren¡¯t as excellent as you im, are they? Our designers, engineers, and scientists are no worse than yours! And you go on boasting about being a superior race, is this what you call superior?"

    Wang Zhong deliberately paused to enhance the effect: "Is this it?"

 Chapter 407: The Basic Principles of Recording

    After thoroughly crushing the prisoners¡¯ confidence, Wang Zhong waved his hand: "Take them away!"

    Acting Chief of Staff Alexandria watched the prisoners being led onto the vehicles before approaching and saying, "The few destroyed new model tanks we inspected have been confirmed to have no salvage value. Is this intact one being towed back?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, remove the tracks and tow it back. It will damage the running gear, but right now, we don¡¯t have a better solution."

    In fact, he wasn¡¯t certain whether the Tiger could be towed with its tracks removed, but before his time travel, he had seen the Russians treat the Leopard 2A6 this way. Since the 2A6 could be handled like this, then the Tiger should probably manage as well, right?

    Unlike the somewhat unsure Wang Zhong, Alexandria immediately ryed the order to the engineers who had been brought along to "capture the Tiger."

    While the engineers were busy, Wang Zhong picked up the walkie-talkie to start calling the ambush squad: "Genghis Khan calling Agu Da, Genghis Khan calling Agu Da."

    "Agu Da is listening, please speak, Genghis Khan."

    "Has your unit engaged the enemy?"

    "No engagement, repeat, no engagement, Agu Da out."Wang Zhong handed the walkie-talkie to Vasily and said to Alexandria, "The ambush squad didn¡¯t make contact, what a pity. The Vortex could probably knock out the enemy¡¯s long-barreled Mark IVs. I estimate that an ambush from a preset position could inflict heavy losses on the enemy."

    Alexandria hadn¡¯t spoken yet when his adjutant Vasily interjected: "Then why don¡¯t we take the offensive?"

    Wang Zhong: "Not possible. Although the Vortex passed its ¡¯big test,¡¯ it is after all a tank destroyer, meant for defense. Theck of a turret is a significant disadvantage when on the offensive."

    Reports from World War II on Earth had said as much: during the Battle of the Bulge, both sides noticed that assault guns didn¡¯t perform well in an offensive role, the limitations were too great.

    An attack still required a turret.

    At the moment, Wang Zhong had the Vortex at his disposal, which meant he had the strongest shield, but the Vortex wasn¡¯t suitable for offense.

    Besidescking a turret, the vehicle¡¯s excessive emphasis on frontal armor was also a big problem. After all, the Vortex had only so much weight to distribute, so with such reliable "front facing," the sides naturally wouldn¡¯t hold up well, likely getting prated by Prosian Army¡¯s heavy anti-tank guns like the PAK40.

    (In the Prosian military, anti-tank guns above 70mm were considered heavy, so the 75mm PAK40 was definitely a heavy anti-tank gun.)

    But to develop even more outstanding tanks, they would have to wait until all the machine tools and other aid from the Federation had arrived.

    Forget it, this kind of task couldn¡¯t be expected to bepleted within the year, so it was best not to think about it now.

    Defeating this small vanguard enemy unit could at best be considered a snack before the main meal; the appetizer would be this Bussebat group.

    While Wang Zhong was clearing the battlefield, Vasily approached with a document case: "I found an infantry captain, and this is his map case and documents."

    Wang Zhong urged immediately, "Take a look quickly!"

    Vasily first opened the map: "Oh, a very detailed map, but it was updated the day before yesterday."

    The vanguardbat group had been attacked by air on the second day of their journey and was left stranded, then the next day, they were wiped out by Wang Zhong and his advance team, so the map probably was updated on the morning of the day the group set out.

    Vasily examined the map closely: "The Bussebat group is located in Yeisk, the main force being an armored battalion from the Asgard Knights¡¯ Sede Armored Division, reinforced by a grenadier toon, plus numerous auxiliary troops. Why do they seem so few in number?"

    Wang Zhong: "Prosian battalions are big battalions, with at least over 70 tanks. Their armored grenadier toon is alsorge, with 20 squads. Besides, thebat group is reinforced with heavy tanks; their strength is not to be underestimated."

    At that moment, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know that the enemy had received a reinforcing armored battalion the night before; in fact, he was now facing the entire Sede Division¡¯s armored force and half their armored grenadier might.

    After a brief contemtion, Wang Zhong said, "Vasily, take note. After analyzing the captured enemy maps and intelligence, I n to concentrate superior forces tounch an annihtion offensive in two to three days to eliminate the enemy¡¯s Bussebat group."

    Vasily quickly wrote it down and then looked up: "And then?"

    "Send it back to Pavlov, with copies to High Command for General Tugenev."

    Vasily made a few more notes, then looked up again: "Aren¡¯t you going to mention ourtest war trophy?"

    "No need to make a special point of it; in the end, the object will have to be sent to the Ordnance Department for testing... But make sure to mark on the map the positions of the remaining three wreckages of the new heavy tanks, try to tow them back. Having one for study isn¡¯t enough; we should share with our allies, letting them know the level of the Prosian new tanks."

    Vasily wrote diligently.

    Once he was done, Wang Zhong turned to Acting Chief of Staff Alexandria and said, "Have the Vortex, our tiger fighter, move west, and join the ambush troops. Send out as many scouting teams as possible, equipped with walkie-talkies. ording to the codebooks we¡¯ve previously captured, there are still two scout groups active on the battlefield, be very careful."

    Meanwhile, on the Prosian military¡¯s side.@@novelbin@@

    At the Yeisk Bussebat group headquarters, Colonel Busse furrowed his brows, muttering to himself while looking at the map, "What¡¯s going on? What happened to the attack by one to two hundred Ante tanks that was supposed to happen?"

    While he said this, Colonel Busse roughly guessed what was going on.

    In wars,manders at various levels often exaggerate the strength of the enemy and the difficulties they face. Whether it was to make excuses for their own failures or to secure more reinforcements.

    So even without the enemy deliberately releasing false information,manders in a war could still gather a basketful of unreliable intelligence.

    Colonel Busse had participated in all the campaignsunched by the Prosen Empire in the conquest of Europa and naturally knew this.

    He looked at themander of the newly reinforced heavy tankpany, Johann: "It¡¯s that Lieutenant Linden of yours who¡¯s the source of the false report."

    Johann shook his head, "It¡¯s possible that the enemy deceived him."

    "How did they deceive him?"

    Johann spread his hands: "I don¡¯t know, maybe they tied a broom behind each vehicle."

    Colonel Busse looked at the map again, thought for a while, and said, "Send out the reconnaissance team again, and request air reconnaissance as well. Staying in the city like blind men is definitely not an option."

    Johann nodded: "I support that."

    Although Johann was only a captain, hismand of the new heavy tanks was the main reason for the sess of Colonel Busse¡¯s attack this time, so his opinion naturally became important.

    Moreover, the new tanks were highly anticipated by Emperor Reinhard, and thispanymander might be a favored one before the emperor in the future. Colonel Busse didn¡¯t want to offend the captain and sought his opinions on everything.

    The colonel gave orders to his chief of staff and then continued to look at the map.

    At that moment, themunications staff rushed in and said loudly, "Report, we¡¯ve intercepted enemy radiomunication and have recorded it."

    Colonel Busse was overjoyed: "Quick, y it! Where¡¯s the trantor?"

    The trantor immediately pushed the door open: "I¡¯m here, Colonel."

    "You do the trantion." After speaking, Colonel Busse nodded to themunications staff.

    So the staff took out the recorder, pressed the button, and the tape began to roll.

    Soon, Antenguage floated from the speaker.

    Johann frowned: "Genghis Khan? Why use that as a call sign?"

    "It might mean nothing," said Colonel Busse, while gesturing for the trantor and themunications staff to continue.

    Colonel Busse and Captain Johann exchanged nces, then Johann gestured for Colonel Busse with his higher rank to proceed.

    Colonel Busse said, "We lost contact with Tank 217¡ªno, with all the heavy tanks in the vanguard units half an hour ago. Considering the current situation, the vanguard units might have beenpletely annihted.

    "The enemy left forces to block ours, which means they¡¯re guarding against us moving out to rescue the encircled allies.

    "And the rumored massive armored attack wave never arrived.

    "I believe this morning¡¯s supposed enemy armored forces attack was entirely a ruse, aimed at making us ignore our surrounded allies. Clearly, they¡¯ve aplished that very well!"

    Captain Johann nodded, but immediately said, "But how could the enemy ovee the new heavy tanks? Their tank guns shouldn¡¯t be able to prate your tanks! Not even the ZIS3 heavy anti-tank gun can do it."

    The colonel was about to answer when the deputymunications officer pushed the door open: "Report! The Air Force just flew over our armored assembly area west of the city and dropped off a recording."

    The colonel muttered, "Another recording tape?"

    Johann urged, "Let¡¯s quickly see what¡¯s on the recording."

    Colonel Busse nodded to themunications officer, and the new tape was put into the recorder.

    From the speaker came a cultured voice: "To all members of the Busse Combat Group, my aircraft received a radio transmission at 12:30, and now the recording is presented to you."

    As the words ended, there was a brief pause before an angry roar in Prosennguage came from the speaker: "If you do not surrender, I will personally climb onto your tanks and blow your heads off with my pistol! Your family and friends will receive a letter stating you died from stupidity and overestimating yourselves!"

    Even without a trantor, everyone present could understand.

    Colonel Busse cursed: "Damn, this sounds like a bid to get us to surrender."

    Johann furrowed his brow: "That shouldn¡¯t be, thebat capabilities of the new heavy tanks with broken treads are still there. What have the enemies used to destroy their will to resist? Just with such poor threats? No, I don¡¯t think my men would be intimidated by this threat.

    "And if you look closely, the threat is odd. To personally climb onto the tanks, you can¡¯t open the hatch from the outside, isn¡¯t there a step missing between climbing the tanks and blowing heads off with a pistol?"

    Colonel Busse: "You care about this?"

    Stay tuned for updates on empire

    "No, it¡¯s important. What exactly did the enemy use to break the heavy tanks¡¯ defenses?"

    Colonel Busse clicked his tongue: "Maybe that Rocossov cut it open with a knife."

 Chapter 408: Lure the Enemy Deeper

    Captain John thought for a few seconds, shook his head, and said, "The enemy should be approaching for closebat, a problem to be solved with Molotov cocktails. Another strange thing is, why haven¡¯t we received their radiomunication?"

    The battle group chief of staff looked at themunications officer.

    Themunications officer immediately answered, "If our radio antennas were still deployed, perhaps we could have received it. But this morning, there was word of enemy heavy bombersing to bomb us, so ording to the air defense orders, we retracted the deployed antennas.

    "Our battle group is nearly ten kilometers away from the vanguard led by Captain Hans, and without antennas, it¡¯s quite possible we won¡¯t receive transmissions from their vehicle-mounted radios.

    "Of course, it¡¯s also possible that their tanks are running low on power, leading to insufficient radio output. Or, the radio could very well be out of order. They reported a fierce bombing by enemy nes yesterday, and they might have encountered the same this morning."

    Themunications officer exined in turn.

    Captain John nodded.

    The Prussian military ced great importance on radiomunication; attached to the armor unit¡¯s repair team would be an electrical engineer and amunications engineer, working together to ensure the radios of the armor unit were operational.

    However, these repair troops wouldn¡¯t charge at the front lines; when the armor unit was on abat mission, these troops would typically stay with the fuel supply unit, only moving up alongside the fuel trucks when the armor unit stopped.Radio equipment, particrly the antennas mounted outside of tanks, is quite vulnerable to damage from air strikes and artillery fire.

    Captain John nodded and said, "There is indeed a possibility that all faults are due to bombing. Colonel Busse, we should take the initiative to strike, whether the four new heavy tanks were destroyed or have malfunctioned, broken down, we should recover them. This way, the Empire can modify the design n based on the wreckage."

    Colonel Busse stared at the map and said, "First, let¡¯s have the motorized reconnaissance troop that¡¯s currently heading toward Yeisk turn back to check what¡¯s been tailing them."

    -------------

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s end, he watched the technicians dismantle the captured tank tracks, sandwiched them with tractors front and back, and hauled them away.

    Just then, the soldier carrying a radio shouted, "General! Talihu Tai is calling."

    Wang Zhong took the walkie-talkie, "This is Luo¡ªGenghis Khan, go ahead."

    "The enemy reconnaissance team that¡¯s been retreating has suddenly turned around."

    Upon hearing this, Wang Zhong immediately switched his viewpoint, quickly located the "Talihu Tai" team, and saw they were being chased around by two Panzer IIs and a bunch of half-track vehicles.

    However, the reconnaissance team had been receiving the Willis Jeeps for four months now and had be quite skilled at driving them, leading the Prussians on a wild chase across the ins without a single casualty.

    Wang Zhong had read the memoirs of a Sturmtiger¡¯s mountain infantry gunner, which mentioned how difficult it was to hit the Soviet-operated American-made little jeeps (referring to the Willis Jeeps); oftentimes, it took hundreds of rounds of ammunition to take down such a jeep.

    And an MG42 would need a barrel change after firing 400 shots.

    So, experienced gunners would ignore these little jeeps, focusing their firepower on trucks and half-tracks instead.

    Now the scene seemed to confirm the words of that veteran mountain infantry gunner.

    The dust kicked up by the jeeps, dragging brooms behind them, was even bigger than that made by tanks, making it impossible for even elite Prussian gunners to hit the speeding jeeps.

    Wang Zhong said, "Talihu Tai, granny would be pleased, repeat, granny would be pleased."

    This code meant for them to lure the enemy towards the ambush site.

    "Talihu Tai understands, Genghis Khan, watch us do it! Talihu Tai out."

    Although themunication ended, the viewsted for about thirty seconds longer, and Wang Zhong kept watching them dodge around the Prussian machine guns and autocannons.

    The Soviet drivers even angled the vehicles so that the mounted machine guns could open fire on the enemy.

    Finally, the view disappeared, and a mist covered all these images.

    Wang Zhong switched his viewpoint back and took up the walkie-talkie to call another reconnaissance team.

    After connecting, he saw their location; they had almost reached the suburbs of Yeisk.

    Wang Zhong hastily ordered, "Terumi, stop immediately, you¡¯re about to leave the radio range! Do not approach the city, repeat, do not approach the city."

    "Terumi received." As he responded, Wang Zhong saw the convoy speeding across the ins turn around.

    Wang Zhong then felt relieved.

    -------------

    On the Prussian Army¡¯s side.

    The voice of the reconnaissance toon leader came over the radio, "The light vehicles that have been chasing us seem to be dragging harrows or something, creating a huge cloud of dust."

    Colonel Busse cursed, "Earlier you reported they were an enemy tank unit!"

    toon leader: "The information we provided was incorrect, Colonel."

    In truth, they had also been misled by the intelligence from their own forces, but the toon leader didn¡¯t make excuses for his mistake.

    Colonel Busse¡¯s expression softened, "Good, you bravely took responsibility and didn¡¯t make excuses for yourself. You are a qualified soldier. About this misinformation, include it in your report when you return, and I will rify the situation to my superiors."

    rifying the situation meant that he would shift the me to the first person who sent out the false information that "100 tanks are encircling us."

    Colonel Busse, this kind of superior, usually has a good reputation among the soldiers.

    The colonel looked up at John, "It seems we¡¯ve beenpletely deceived. The enemy must not be strong, that¡¯s why they¡¯re trying to deceive us. I think we should strike, seize this opportunity and recapture the new tanks while annihting this audacious enemy."

    -------------

    Wang Zhong said, "The intelligence we captured and the aerial photos the Air Force delivered yesterday indicate that the enemy forces in Yeisk consist of only one battle group,posed of an armored battalion, a grenadier battalion, and attached units, less than a hundred tanks.

    "We could consider annihting them. To bait the enemy, before we wipe out their reconnaissance toon, we can pretend to retreat, like having some vehicles create a dust cloud behind the ambush site and letting some others withdraw in front of the enemy."@@novelbin@@

    Vasily: "We¡¯d have to get the tank destroyer unit to intentionally leave behind an armored half-track with an antenna, or a tank."

    Wang Zhong: "Let¡¯s do that. You issue the order."

    Vasily was shocked: "Me, issue the order myself?"

    Wang Zhong: "Practice makes perfect, think about how Pavlov would break down my tactical intentions into specific instructions."

    Vasily thought back for a moment, then started imitating the Chief of Staff¡¯s method, breaking Wang Zhong¡¯s tactical intentions down into different orders, and passing them down to the various units.

    After Vasily finished, Wang Zhong praised him: "You¡¯ve already be quite the seasoned staff officer! Keep it up and I¡¯ll promote you to an official rank."

    Vasily had a worried look on his face: "And then use my brain till it¡¯s as bald as Pavlov¡¯s?"

    Wang Zhong nced at Vasily¡¯s thick hair: "That¡¯s still a long way off!"

    At that moment, a call came through the radio: "Talihu Tai calling Genghis Khan, we¡¯re engaging the enemy."

    Wang Zhong immediately adjusted his view and saw the blocking force¡¯s Whirlwinds firing, with half-tracks transporting apanying infantry retreating full of soldiers and spoils, while in the rear, a lone Willis Jeep was kicking up dust.

    Further away, Whirlwinds from the Tiger Combat Team were rushing to rendezvous, also creating a massive dust cloud.

    It looked even more like they were forming a long line and fleeing.

    The Whirlwinds quickly dispatched the Prussians¡¯ reconnaissance squad, leaving behind a half-track with a long antenna, shells constantly hitting around them but just missing by a hair¡¯s breadth.

    Wang Zhong felt that the gunners in the blocking force were showing off their skills. In theory, at such a density of fire, even blind shots should hit that one vehicle, yet all the shells skimmed over the enemies¡¯ heads.

    Suddenly, the Whirlwinds gradually ceased firing, and Wang Zhong immediately realized that the troops were feigning running out of ammunition.

    It could only be said that some of Wang Zhong¡¯s rather cheeky tactical style had already been passed down to his troops.

    After the ceasefire, a report came through the radio from the blocking force: "Genghis Khan, we¡¯ve exhausted our ammunition, and one of the enemy got away."

    Wang Zhong: "Got it, retreat. Genghis Khan over."

    "The enemy is trying to escape," Colonel Busse said decisively upon hearing the report, standing up, "We can¡¯t let them get away, nor can we let them take the new tanks back. Stick to the original n of advance, attack!"

    Colonel Busse turned to Captain John: "Can we get support from heavy tanks?"

    "The wheels are still not fully mounted," Captain John said gravely, "You¡¯ll have to enjoy the hunt without them."

    He stood up and saluted Colonel Busse.

    The colonel returned the salute.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s Jeep unit was the first to discover the Prussian Army pouring out from Yeisk.

    As soon as he received the report, he immediately switched views, only to witness a wild car chase unfolding on the ins.

    The Prussians had dispatched motorcycle and Jeep squads to race, trying to drive away these rabbit-like sprinters from the side of the main column.

    But it was not that easy! The Willis Jeep could be lighter than the Prussians¡¯ three-wheeled motorcycles, and it had decent horsepower. On the grasnds without mud, it was superbly useful.

    The Prussian motorcycle squad was like chasing flies, shooing away one only for another to sidle up beside them.

    The whole scene was just like the car battles in Mad Max; rece the ins with a desert, and it was practically identical!

    Seeing that they could not chase off the Jeeps, the Prussians began to fire with the MG34 machine guns mounted on their motorcycles, but in such a bumpy state, targeting the wildly sprinting Willis Jeeps, how could they possibly hit their mark!

    The return fire from the Willis Jeeps was also mostly outlining the targets, as both sides performed evasive maneuvers to the max.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, this way of fighting is just useless. The most effective weapon in a car chase is a pumpkin! Throw the pumpkins!

    As for the main body of the enemy forces, arge number of Mark III tanks were arranged in a single column on the highway, moving at a speed of 20 kilometers per hour.

    The length of the marching column directly exceeded Wang Zhong¡¯s field of vision, which means it was over two and a half kilometers long.

    Seeing such a long procession, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but mutter, "Is this an armored battalion or a grenadier battalion?"

    At that moment, he suddenly spotted the ambush position of the Whirlwinds ahead.

    Most of the Whirlwinds had stopped on the small hill slopes, and they had also dug shallow pits to further reduce their already low profile. The main body of the tank destroyers was hidden by tall wheat fields, with only the periscopic gun sights andmander¡¯s observation periscopes sticking above the wheat.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized something; the enemy convoy was heading straight for the ambush position.

    If this were a naval battleship exchange, it would be the legendary T-shaped formation, optimal for firepower utilization, capable of concentrating fire to sink the enemy¡¯s lead ships one by one.

    But this ground battle didn¡¯t need concentrated fire. With a hundred guns, once a Mark III was prated, there would be no survivors left.

    Which meant that the current situation simply wouldn¡¯t allow for a rapid annihtion of the enemy. It would inevitably turn into a two-sided firefight!

    And now that the enemy was nearly within the ambush squad¡¯s line of sight, it was toote to adjust, and they might even expose the vulnerable sides of the Whirlwinds to the enemy.

    They would just have to make do with the fight.

    Wang Zhong felt very remorseful because he got too carried away watching "Mad Max."

    However, themander of the Whirlwind battalion alsocked mastery. I clearly taught them that when ambushing, they should align on the side of the enemy¡¯s marching column! I taught them clearly!

    When thismanderes back, I¡¯m going to lock him up to contemte what he¡¯s done!

 Chapter 409: Encirclement and Counter-Encirclement

    Colonel Busse heard the sound of artillery fire and immediately inquired to the vanguard, "What¡¯s going on? Who¡¯s firing? The caliber sounds quiterge!"

    The vanguard¡¯s reply was a series of shrieks, "We¡¯re ambushed! Thepanymander is dead, half thepany is wiped out!"

    Colonel Busse: "Who are you?"

    "I am Lieutenant Hans, the leader of the third toon!"

    "You¡¯re themanding officer now. I need you to identify the enemy¡¯s direction and fire a signal re! Now, immediately!"

    Colonel Busse saw a signal re shoot up, arcing directly toward the front.

    Busse raised an eyebrow, "Why would an ambush position the firing positions at the front? That¡¯s wrong, how could the front positions wipe out half apany in an instant?"

    It was less than half a minute from when Colonel Busse heard the artillery fire to when he spoke with the vanguard, and in that short time, losing half an armoredpany was rather terrifying.

    "Lieutenant Hans, can you see the vehicles the enemy is using?""I can¡¯t see! I can only see the smoke and dust kicked up by the enemy¡¯s gun muzzles when they fire! The enemy has adopted the Rocossov-style bunkers!"

    Colonel Busse¡¯s brow furrowed even more.

    Rocossov-style bunkers take a lot of time andbor to construct. Even the simplified Prussian Army version requires a long time to dig a bunker that canpletely conceal a vehicle.

    However, when the Prussian Army passed by this ce yesterday, there were no signs of the Ante People. The Ploson Air Force reconnaissance nes also flew over multiple times without any sight of the Ante Army engaging in any earthwork.

    Colonel Busse quickly dismissed the possibility that the enemy had dug bunkers¡ªat least, notplete ones.

    Then he remembered the report from themander of the motorized reconnaissance toon who had escaped death earlier, who said that they had not seen any Ante tanks.

    Colonel Busse made a swift judgment: "It¡¯s the anti-tank guns pulled in by motorized vehicles, and camouged with the wheat fields! The enemy has obtained arge number of motor vehicles from the Federation, and some of their anti-tank gun units could be fully motorized!"

    Motorization refers to towing with motor vehicles for mobility.

    The Prussian Army¡¯s anti-tank gun units are fully motorized, all towed by half-track vehicles and Opel trucks.

    The Ante People might have learned from the Prussian organization, giving priority to the motorization of their anti-tank gun units.

    Based on this judgment, Colonel Busse ordered the entirebat group: "Deploy the attack formation immediately, there are enemy anti-tank gun positions on the hills ahead, we¡¯ll encircle them!"

    Vasily slightly removed his headset to distance it from his ears and reported, "The enemy thinks that they¡¯ve been intercepted by our anti-tank guns, and that our anti-tank gun units may have been motorized."

    Wang Zhongughed. As the chairman of the Equipment Review Committee, how could he not know whether they were motorized?

    In reality, very few Ante units could achieve motorization for their anti-tank gun units; most were still "mule-powered."

    Wang Zhong: "Continue monitoring."

    Vasily nodded and pressed his ear to the headset again.

    A Federation-supportedmunications vehicle was parked beside him: arge generator, high-powered radio, and a huge radio antenna were mounted on an M3 half-track vehicle.

    This antenna always reminded Wang Zhong of the "roofs" on the tanks from his time before transmigration for drone defense, although this "roof" was open-work, resembling a grape arbor brought along with the vehicle.

    Thanks to thismunications vehicle, Vasily could hear the radio signals that would normally be inaudible¡ªafter all, Wang Zhong¡¯s "headquarters" were almost five kilometers away from the actualbat area, and the Prussian signals were already very weak.

    The vehicle¡¯s electrical technician looked at Wang Zhong and said, "This gadget is incredibly powerful, whether the generator or the wireless radio, we definitely wouldn¡¯t be able to make them."

    Wang Zhong corrected him, "We can¡¯t make them now, but that might not be the case in the future."

    The technician nodded.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s troops were heavily equipped with radios, which led to a surge in the need for radio maintenance.

    He then regretfully discovered that there was a severe shortage of personnel skilled in radio technology.

    The church opened a flying club to train pilots, but there was no radio club because at the time, they didn¡¯t realize how important radios would be¡ªif they had realized, they wouldn¡¯t have let only thepanymander¡¯s tank in the Ante tank toon have a radio.

    With no alternative, Wang Zhong had to set up night sses to train personnel. The technician apanying themunications vehicle was a product of such night sses, and his uniform disyed a medal for night school graduation¡ªa medal awarded to honor those who sessfully passed night school assessments. Their families also received a certificate, which entitled them to one extra can of Spam every day.

    Many joined the night sses for that medal¡ªand the extra can of Spam rewarded to their families.

    This technician was one of them.

    Noticing Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze on his medal, the young technician felt a bit embarrassed, "When my family first wrote to me that they started getting allocations, I was worried about my two younger brothers who are at an age when they eat a lot, so I joined the night school aiming for the Spam cans.

    "Now I somewhat regret it because the famine my father spoke of never came. True, the supply of Doctor¡¯s sausage did indeed decrease, and there¡¯s one day a week when we can only eat fish. We have fish on regr days too, but we definitely haven¡¯t gone hungry.

    "So it seems this extra can of Spam each day isn¡¯t really necessary."

    Spam cans at this time were no longer the Spam from the start of the war; it was now just salty meat, good only for solving the question of whether or not there was meat, and only the people from the United Kingdom would find it tasty."

    Wang Zhong: "Are you suggesting the reward should be changed to vodka?"

    "No, I have noints about the reward. After all, it was originally for the fear of my family going hungry. Now that there¡¯s no risk of them starving, I still want to be abatant," the technician said, enviously eyeing the many medals on Wang Zhong¡¯s chest.

    Wang Zhong also looked down and said, "We don¡¯t fight for medals."

    "I know, it¡¯s for the liberation of our mothend." True to someone who could be a technician through night school assessments, "You¡¯ve taught us many times."

    Wang Zhong: "But you still desire medals?"

    "Who wouldn¡¯t?"

    "Just so you can boast in the tavern?" Wang Zhong asked.

    The technician was very embarrassed.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to continue lecturing the technician, Vasily said, "ording to interceptedmunications, the enemy is deploying their formation, attempting to encircle our ambush positions."

    Wang Zhong: "Notify the Vortex Company."

    Vasily immediately picked up the radio and called themander of the Vortex Tank Destroyer Company: "Agu Da, Agu Da, Valdai Hills River calling, the Prussians are preparing to encircle your position."

    Wang Zhong raised his line of sight and made a new discovery, as if when he was coordinating with his staff, he couldmand the troops directly through the ¡¯external vision.¡¯

    Damn, finally I don¡¯t have to howl at each unit myself with the radio! Handheld radios are so heavy!

    In the future, I can let the staff or Vasily call, and I¡¯ll just stand by striking cool poses! (Actually, he would be looking at the overhead view.)

    Decisively, Wang Zhong struck a very cool pose and changed his viewing angle to see what was going on.

    Themander of the Tank Destroyer Company had divided the troops into two parts: the first group of 15 was shooting at the enemy from a small elevation, the second group was positioned behind the elevation, five on each side, and another five clearly as a reserve.

    Wang Zhong understood at a nce that themander had long anticipated the enemy¡¯s encirclement. He was prepared to wait for the enemy¡¯s pincer movement to begin and then show the Prussians a thing or two about the "Wing of Light deployment."@@novelbin@@

    But Wang Zhong had an even better idea.

    He directly said to Vasily: "The Tank Destroyer Company is ready. Tell themander to proceed as he has nned, and that I approve of his concept."

    Vasily was shocked and temporarily turned off the transmitting function of the radio, saying to Wang Zhong: "I don¡¯t even know what his n is!"

    Wang Zhong, remembering Vasily couldn¡¯t see the overhead view, evasively replied: "I know themander of the Tank Destroyer Company, I can guess what he¡¯s nning."

    Vasily: "You not only remember everyone¡¯s name but can also guess their ns? Wow, you¡¯re that awesome?"

    Wang Zhong: "Hurry up and convey my message."

    Vasily immediately ryed Wang Zhong¡¯s message to the Tank Destroyer Company, and after ending themunication he looked at Wang Zhong: "You want me to contact other units as well, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, call two jeep units at the same time."

    The technician who had just been talking to Wang Zhong said, "I¡¯ll cover both frequencies at once, you call out their radio call signs."

    Wang Zhong, pleased, patted the technician on the shoulder: "You¡¯ve been a big help, good job."

    Soon, Vasily handed the radio to Wang Zhong: "There you go,manders of both units are on the line."

    Wang Zhong picked up the radio: "This is Rocossov. I¡¯m not using radio call signs because the mission that follows is extremely dangerous, and it will require immense courage from you. Such orders cannot be given under codenames."

    By saying this, he emphasized the importance of the mission and his respect for the two units involved, aiming to boost morale.

    As expected,manders from both units answered energetically: "Please issue the order!"

    "General, we willplete the mission."

    Wang Zhong: "I order you to circle around the enemy troops, use machine guns to disrupt their formation deployment."

    "General, we can¡¯t prate the enemy¡¯s tanks."

    "But you can force the enemy tankmanders to button up. Once their visibility is limited, try to get close to the tanks and throw incendiary bombs."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s tactic was one African uncles used against Colonel Kada¡¯s tanks.

    Just now, the inspiration came from watching jeeps and trikes speeding along. The now dry ins were no different from the African savannas, right? Willys Jeeps and Toyota pickups were almost alike, even more versatile.

    So why not give it a try?

    Moreover, Wang Zhong himself had avoided tank gun fire while on horseback. If Bucephalus could do it, why not let the Willys Jeeps give it a shot?

    At this moment, one of themanders asked, "If we refuse to carry out the mission, you will personally lead us, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "Correct. So, are you refusing?"

    "No, we believe in you. We guarantee toplete the mission."

    The othermander also replied, "Guarantee toplete the mission!"

    Wang Zhong: "Move out!"

    He handed the radio back to Vasily, then changed his viewing angle.

    In the first dozen seconds after ending the call, Wang Zhong still had visual on the troops. He saw the jeeps start up, kicking up clouds of dust as they charged towards the enemy¡¯s nks.

 Chapter 410: Have you seen the Pika War?

    Upon issuing the order, Wang Zhong was actually quite anxious, fearing that just trying out this decision might cause his troops to be sacrificed in vain, suffering many casualties.

    Uncle Hei¡¯s tactics sometimes really aren¡¯t for everyone, just as not everyone can use Indian tactics.

    That¡¯s when the drawback of the "external assistance" became apparent, only duringmunication could one gain a field of view, but militarymunications couldn¡¯t be used for idle chatter. After quickly understanding the situation and giving orders,munication ended.

    In other words, Wang Zhong¡¯s frontline field of view could not be sustained continuously, maintaining constant contact with the assaulting troops might disrupt themander¡¯s judgment, leading to less than ideal oues.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong could only ask Vasily to contact the assault battalion again under the pretense of having them report the situation, using their perspective to check on the condition of the assault troops.

    Then, Wang Zhong saw the Willis jeep cavalry bravely charging towards the enemy¡¯s armored column, which had not yet initiated an attack.

    The jeeps, spread far and wide across the hills, reminded Wang Zhong of the time he had led the empire¡¯s cavalry to charge while ying "Mount & de II".

    The key thing was that both Willis jeep units had brooms tied behind each vehicle, so the dust kicked up was particrly heavy, making their presence seem even more formidable.

    The jeep convoy began firing their machine guns.Even if the Prosen tankmander liked to poke his head out to gather information, at this time, he had no choice but to retreat back inside the tank.

    However, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t sure how much impact it would have on them to be forced inside their tanks since Prosen¡¯stest Panzer IV tanks were all equipped withmander¡¯s towers.

    The enemy¡¯s hull machine guns opened fire!

    But hull machine gunsck aiming devices, relying first on feel to shoot and then adjusting based on the trajectory of tracer rounds.

    Hitting the speeding Willis jeeps with hull machine guns was indeed difficult.

    And there was also such heavy dust.

    Wang Zhong watched anxiously for a while and realized that the memoir he had read before wasn¡¯t lying; it¡¯s very hard for machine guns to hit speeding Willis jeeps.

    The mountain ranger machine gunner was using an MG42, while the enemy tanks presumably had MG34s mounted on them, which should have a lower rate of fire.

    Moreover, the ranger machine-gunner had been using a tripod-mounted MG42, which had much better uracy than the hull machine guns on tanks.

    Wang Zhong had just heaved a sigh of relief when he saw the enemy firing their cannons, but the shells didn¡¯t evene close to the speeding jeeps.

    It seemed he had been too hard on Colonel Ka; his tanks being defeated by pickup trucks was not because of ipetence. Even the Prosen¡¯s elite armored troops couldn¡¯t hit the speeding Willis jeeps.

    Just then, themunication with the assault battalion and Vasily ended, meaning Wang Zhong¡¯s field of view could only be maintained for a brief moment.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly realized that the Prussians had taken measures, as he saw all the Prosen tanks¡¯ hull machine guns firing in one direction.

    They were no longer chasing individual jeeps, but had created a fire coverage area, causing the Willis jeeps to run into a wall of bullets within this zone.

    In the blink of an eye, three jeep drivers were shot.

    One jeep¡¯s driver fell off entirely, skewing the steering wheel in the process; the vehicle started to make a sharp turn and looked ready to drift across the grasnd, but s, the tall grass soon blocked the wheels and caused the vehicle to overturn.

    The machine-gunner leaped out, but ended up pinned under the rolling jeep.

    Luckily, when the jeep convoy set out, knowing the danger of the mission, they instructed everyone except the drivers and machine gunners to dismount.

    Just a second before the shared view disappeared, Wang Zhong spotted another jeep getting hit, while the rest managed to avoid the Prussians¡¯ coverage area.

    The shared view ended.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue.

    Damn, Colonel Ka was still ipetent after all. Look at those Prosen elite tank operators; they knew exactly what to do in an instant.

    ----

    On the Prussian Army¡¯s side, five minutes earlier.

    Colonel Busse was supervising the deployment of his units when amunications staff officer leaped down from the radio car, panicked and sprinted toward the colonel,ing to attention and saluting, "Report, Colonel! We intercepted the enemy¡¯s radio transmission, the enemymander ims to be General Rocossov!"

    Colonel Busse¡¯s scalp tingled, "Who?"

    "General Rocossovsky!"

    The two armored infantrypanymanders standing beside the colonel widened their eyes, with one eximing, "Is that Rocossovsky? The one who annihted over a hundred thousand of our men? Are we about to be surrounded?"

    The colonel cursed, "Dammit! The Imperial Army has just achieved a great victory at the Coastal Fortress, slicing through the enemy¡¯s lines like a hot knife through butter, and now a mere Rocossovsky has you scared? That¡¯s disgraceful!"

    Colonel Busse was about to continue when another radio operator jumped down from the radio vehicle, whispering a few words to themunications officer.

    Colonel Busse demanded, "What¡¯s going on?"

    Themunications officer replied, "Come over and listen for yourself."

    With that, he gestured for the colonel to join him. Puffing with impatience, Colonel Busse approached the radio vehicle, took the headset from the radio operator, and as soon as he did, he heard cries over the radio:

    "The enemy is charging at us, from all over the hills!"

    "Stay calm! State your radio call sign, abide bymunication discipline!"

    Without the radio call sign, it¡¯s impossible to know who¡¯s talking, and thus hard to determine which area is under attack.

    "231! 231 is being attacked by the enemy!"

    The call signs used within Prussian Army units are generally their tactical codes, and only the units themselves use objects or animals as their call signs.

    If a unit within the army wants tomunicate with other outside units, they can indicate themselves by using their unit¡¯s call sign followed by their internal number.

    Here, 231 is the call sign for the armored toon currently expanding on the left.

    Before Colonel Busse could issue anymands, another cry came over the radio: "251 is under attack, the enemy is everywhere!"

    Busse: "This is Unit 1, 231, 251, stay calm, how many casualties now?"

    "No casualties, repeat, no casualties! The enemy is firing at us with heavy machine guns or autocannons!"

    "Just heavy machine guns and autocannons?"

    "Yes!" It sounded like the other side had calmed down, "The enemy seems to be some barrel trucks! Why are they using barrel trucks to charge at armored troops?"

    Many Prussian soldiers were seeing Willis jeeps for the first time, so they thought these were simr to the barrel trucks used by the Prussian Army.

    In fact, Willis jeeps were much lighter.

    Colonel Busse: "Destroy those vehicles."

    "...Sorry, Colonel, they¡¯re too fast, we can¡¯t hit them."

    After a moment¡¯s thought, the Colonel said, "If you can¡¯t hit them, then concentrate fire on one area, as long as the density is high enough you¡¯ll hit something! Drive the enemy away and then continue with the original battle n!"

    After finishing, Colonel Busse put down the receiver and cursed, "To be thrown into disarray by mere barrel trucks, is this the Asgard Knights?"

    At this moment, Busse¡¯s adjutant said, "This is Rokossovsky, if it¡¯s him, it exins why our vanguard was easily devoured earlier, he must have some strange ns."

    "Are you scared too?" Colonel Busse red at his own adjutant.

    Adjutant: "Rokossovsky is the new Tsar of the Ante people¡¯s lover, he will definitely receive preferential support in manpower and resources. The sudden ferocious weing by the Ant Air Force earlier now makes sense! Think about the heavy bombers that flew over our heads this morning."

    Colonel Busse pursed his lips.

    It seems... there was some sense to that!

    When the Busse battle group set out from Yeisk, they had received reports from the logistics in the rear, stating that the enemy had dropped arge number of bombs, which judging by the volume couldn¡¯t have been from twin-engine bombers, but rather a type of heavy four-engine bomber.

    Being able to deploy heavy four-engine bombers...

    Upon reflection, Colonel Busse also felt there was a trick within this.

    At that moment, the chief of staff arrived, "The troops are ready for encirclement, let¡¯s set off. Our frontal armored troops suffered extremely heavy losses, and facing the enemy¡¯s preset positions, the exchange of fire was too costly."

    "No," Colonel Busse looked at the chief of staff, "What do you think is the enemy¡¯s intention using a highly mobile light armored force to strike our nks?"

    The chief of staff thought for a moment and said, "It might be a desperate charge, some Ante generals are bad at war, but they have a brute courage. Also, I¡¯ve read quite a few of their literary works, and their culture has a tendency towards self-destruction, which could exin why sincest winter they would rather self-destruct than surrender."

    Colonel Busse: "But the enemy¡¯smander is Rokossovsky."

    The chief of staff¡¯s eyes widened, "Rokossovsky? That Rokossovsky?"

    "That Rokossovsky, the White Horse General Rokossovsky, the Empire¡¯s Iron Wall Rokossovsky, the Star of Victory Rokossovsky."

    The chief of staff hesitated: "This..."

    "Does Rokossovsky also have a tendency towards self-destruction?" Colonel Busse asked.

    Chief of staff: "If his actions are genuine, I believe he does. Think about it, he rode a horse to lead KV tanks to attack us, that¡¯s clearly a self-destructive tendency. Without a doubt, Rokossovsky is an Ante-style hero, and such a hero, if not self-destructive, would aplish great things."

    He paused, then said, "Since it¡¯s Rokossovsky ordering these light armored forces to strike us, then this action is not simply self-destructive, he must have a purpose."

    After the chief of staff finished, Busse¡¯s adjutant said, "Dust clouds. The Ante People mightck smoke shells, so they use light armored forces to create dust clouds, to cover the movements of the enemy¡¯s subsequent troops."

    Colonel Busse took over from his adjutant, "We thought that the 100 tanks were just false information, that the enemy was very weak, so weunched an attack. But actually, the vanguard was right, they really saw 100 tanks!

    "This is Rokossovsky¡¯s ruse; in fact, the Ante People have already concentrated arge number of tank forces, preparing to devour our battle group!"

    The chief of staff realized, "That¡¯s it!"

    Colonel Busse: "We must retreat back to Yeisk! We¡¯ll conduct a defense from there, waiting for our army¡¯s subsequent troops! You, organize the retreat immediately, select volunteers to stay behind to snipe at Rokossovsky¡¯s armored forces, and hold them back!"

    The chief of staff saluted, "Yes, sir!"

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s side.

    Vasily: "The jeep units are reporting that the enemy seems to be retreating after leaving behind some rearguard forces."

    Wang Zhong immediately switched perspectives, and indeed, he saw that the enemy entangled with the jeep units was retreating, leaving behind roughly fifteen Panzer III tanks spread out in the field.

    From the positions they upied, these vehicles were targeting to intercept.

    Wang Zhong switched back and looked at Vasily with a puzzled expression, "Why? Why are they running?"

    Vasily shrugged his shoulders.

    The efficacy of the pickup tactic was not as Wang Zhong had anticipated. Initially, Wang Zhong thought that the jeep units might be able to get close enough to throw incendiary bombs and destroy some tanks, but that did not happen.

    It wasn¡¯t easy to find gaps in the enemy tank clusters to get close enough to throw incendiary bombs.

    Upon further thought, Colonel Card was defeated by pickups because they not only had heavy machine guns but also RPG rocketunchers, and Card¡¯s tanks, being modern main battle tanks, were done for if hit on the side or back with an RPG.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s "pickup" units had no RPGs.

    Shit, should¡¯ve asked the Federation for some bazookas; though not as famous as the Panzerfaust, they¡¯re actually very useful.

    Acting Chief of Staff Alexandria asked, "What do we do now?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, "Our tank destroyer units were afraid of the enemy charging into closebat, but since the enemy has now upied positions for a blocking battle, we can just push up and exchange fire with them. Order the destroyer battalion to attack.

    "Although I don¡¯t know what kind of decision-making process the enemy went through to decide to retreat, it doesn¡¯t prevent us from devouring their rearguard."

    Wang Zhong said this, showing a gourmand¡¯s smile, "As an appetizer, not bad at all."

 Chapter 411: The Duel in the Grand Destiny

    After Wang Zhong¡¯s order was issued, themander of the annihtor battalion deployed all the vortices that had been hidden behind the high slopes into the attack.

    A line nearly two kilometers long was formed by the vortices, and they opened fire at a distance of fifteen hundred meters.

    Tanks left by the enemy to cover their retreat were hit one after another.

    Although the 100mm gun¡¯s armor-piercing shell had limited killing effect on the crew when attacking the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks, it was surprisingly effective against the Mark III tanks, igniting them upon impact, and rarely did any tank operators survive and climb out of the tanks.

    The prairie was filled with the sound of cannons, asionally punctuated by the explosion of Prosen tanks.

    Colonel Busse was in his armoredmand vehicle when his adjutant, wearing headphones, was monitoring wirelessmunications on the battlefield suddenly said, "The rearguard troops are calling in."

    Colonel Busse frowned slightly and picked up another pair of headphones¡ªno sooner had he put them on than someone shouted over the radio, "The enemy doesn¡¯t have anti-tank gun crews hidden in the bushes, they¡¯ve got assault guns! The enemy¡¯s assault guns are advancing!"

    "The enemy¡¯s assault guns are ughtering us! God, the Mark III tanks are being destroyed like toys!""God, we can¡¯t prate the front of the assault guns!"

    "Mother!"

    Colonel Busse took off his headphones, his expressionplex.

    The adjutant, still wearing his headphones, picked up thetest identification booklet and turned to the section on assault guns, saying, "The enemy¡¯s assault guns mainlyprise SU76s and a few 57mm gun carriers we¡¯ve encountered before, all capable of prating the Mark III tank. But the 50mm guns on our Mark IIIs can destroy these assault guns¡ªwe don¡¯t have any old Mark IIIs with the 37mm guns."

    Colonel Busse¡¯s expression was grave, "It might be a new weapon, which would exin how our new heavy tanks were lost."

    Colonel Busse leaned back in his chair, his upper body swaying with the jolting of the vehicle, pondering seriously.

    The adjutant said, "The enemy has developed new weapons at the same time as we did, and they¡¯ve even countered our new weapons. Colonel, this..."

    Colonel Busse coughed and reminded him sternly, "Speak cautiously."@@novelbin@@

    The adjutant fell silent.

    The colonel nced at him and continued, "Return to Yeisk and immediately report to our superiors about the enemy¡¯s new tank destroyer vehicles. Tonight, you lead the team yourself to collect the routed soldiers and get their firsthand testimonies."

    "Yes, sir," the adjutant nodded.

    Experience new tales on empire

    When Wang Zhong rode Bucephalus to the battlefield, all that was left on the prairie were burning Prosen tanks.

    Following him in a jeep, Vasily shouted, "General! Be careful of enemies hidden in the grass!"

    Wang Zhong waved his hand dismissively.

    Enemies hidden in the grass? What a joke, do they think my highlighting is fake?

    Wang Zhong surveyed the battlefield, thinking that capturing enemy officers alive probably wouldn¡¯t be possible again, and even if he did manage to catch one, they¡¯d likely be severely burned. With the current level of medical care, it was uncertain how many days they would survive, let alone be able to speak.

    Just then, a gust of wind blew towards him, carrying the scent of hot oily steel, the foul smell of fat burning, and a slight odor of meat that had been fried in oil until ckened.

    It must have been the charred remains of the tank operators inside the tanks.

    This was the smell of the battlefield after a great battle.

    At that moment, a jeep drove up and stopped in front of the horse; the captain aboard saluted Wang Zhong, "General! The first motorizedpany of the 51st motorized reconnaissance battalion has returned from their mission to encircle the enemy!"

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, "You¡¯ve had a hard time. How many soldiers have survived?"

    "Quite a few, considering only the drivers and machine-gunners were in the vehicles during the encirclement. Out of a total of 15 jeeps, seven returned."

    Wang Zhong raised his hand to salute the captain again, "I salute your courage. Nothing canpensate for the precious lives of our soldiers, but I assure you, every fallen soldier will be awarded a medal, and their families will be properly taken care of."

    After a brief pause, he added, "The surviving soldiers will also receive medals, I promise."

    The captain smiled, "Medals and all, vodka would be better¡ªthat¡¯s the real deal."

    "Of course, there will be vodka, and cigarettes too," Wang Zhong reassured.

    "That¡¯s great to hear," the captain beamed.

    Another jeep was approaching from the distance, the captain pointed to it and said, "That¡¯s the secondpany; they¡¯ve returned as well."

    As they spoke, the jeep arrived in front of Bucephalus.

    Thepanymander of the secondpany stood up in the jeep, saluting General Wang while eximing, "This vehicle is fantastic, it¡¯s fuel-efficient and faster than the best military horses!"

    Bucephalus turned its head to nce at the captain of the secondpany, snorted loudly, and looked away.

    Clearly, Bucephalus wasn¡¯t interested in arguing with the captain.

    Wang Zhong asked, "How many of you came back?"

    "We tried to get close to the enemy to throw Molotov cocktails but suffered heavy losses. Only eight vehicles returned, and three of those lost their machine-gunners."

    Wang Zhong repeated what he had just said to the firstpany.

    No sooner had he finished speaking than thepanymander of the secondpany said, "We don¡¯t have long-range anti-tank weapons. If we could mount a 25mm cannon on the jeeps, we could give the enemy tanks a run for their money!"

    Wang Zhong responded, "I will consider signing a new aid agreement with the Federation to get you some bazookas or recoilless rifles."

    Themander of the firstpanyughed, "That would be great. Not to undermine our spirit, but the Federation¡¯s stuff is really good."

    Wang Zhong agreed, "Yes, since it¡¯s good stuff, we should make full use of it."

    A Vortex tank approached, and the tank destroyer battalionmander climbed out of thebat room, saluting Wang Zhong, "The casualty report for the entire battalion isplete. During the noon battle where we annihted the enemy¡¯s new tanks, three Vortex tanks had their tracks broken. We¡¯ve confirmed using radio that two of them have alreadypleted repairs by themselves and are en route to the rendezvous. One is waiting for a tractor to tow it."

    "In the recent blocking battle, five Vortex tanks had their tracks damaged, one had its sighting scope broken, and another Vortex tank left in Trinka is still undergoing repairs. Currently, there are 23 operational Vortex tanks."

    Wang Zhong: "Would Prosen¡¯s armored troops even think to aim at the tracks under those circumstances?"

    "Yes, it was quite outrageous," the tank destroyer battalionmander nodded. "Despite them being the enemy, they still deserve some respect."

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯t respect the enemy. These elite adversaries will cause us severe losses."

    "Sorry," the battalionmander bowed his head.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, "Today we should be celebrating victory, don¡¯t be so downcast. Let¡¯s rejoice in our sess. Vasily, sing!"

    Vasily turned around, "Filippov¡ªoh, he¡¯s with the infantry, hasn¡¯te up yet. So, I guess I¡¯ll have to do it."

    As he spoke, Vasily took a helmet, and began to beat a rhythm with it, starting off¡ª

    Wang Zhong: "Stop, we¡¯re celebrating a victory, what are you doing singing ¡¯I Still Have One Last Grenade¡¯? Pick a victorious song!"

    Vasily scratched his head, "I can¡¯t think of a song that glorifies victory off the top of my head..."

    "Then sing something festive."

    After thinking for a bit, Vasily began to sing "Dark-skinned Girl," whose lively melody was indeed very festive.

    Wang Zhong pped along with the rhythm, and even Bucephalus started to shuffle his legs.

    In the early hours of July 13th, inside the hearnd of the Prosen Empire, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    The Imperial Emperor Reinhard put down the documents in his hand and vigorously massaged his temples.

    At that moment, the door opened, and Giles, with two confidential secretaries, entered the study.

    The Emperor frowned, "What is it? A visit from the confidential secretaries at this hour usually means no good news. What¡¯s gone wrong at the front?"

    Giles: "Indeed, there is bad news. The first phase of Operation Blue did not go well against the enemy¡¯s Suhayaveli Front Army."

    "Didn¡¯t go well? Didn¡¯t we reinforce the spearhead with our new heavy tanks? Weren¡¯t they supposed to easily destroy all the enemy¡¯s tanks?"

    Giles: "But today, the enemy deployed a new weapon, a kind of assault gun. We lost four of the new tanks. When the Bussebat group at the forefront attempted a rescue, they were ambushed by over 30 assault guns, suffering heavy losses."

    The Emperor sat in his ce, looking at Giles with a puzzled face, "Assault guns? Our new heavy tanks were destroyed by the enemy¡¯s assault guns?"

    "That¡¯s what Colonel Busse¡¯s report from the front states; he¡¯s themander of the advancedbat group for the Sede Division. Moreover..."

    Giles seemed hesitant.

    Emperor: "Moreover what?"

    Giles: "The enemymander is General Rokossovsky."

    "What?" The Emperor stood up so abruptly that he bumped his leg against the table, causing him to bend over in pain.

    Giles: "That¡¯s why I hesitated to tell you now. I was afraid you¡¯d lose sleep tonight."

    "Would you keeping it to yourself let me sleep in peace? Our new tanks have been destroyed by the enemy, outdone by assault guns!" The Emperor walked around from behind the desk to confront Giles, snatching the telegram out of his hands to read it.

    Giles discreetly gestured to the confidential secretaries, and the two secretaries left the study, quietly closing the door behind them.

    Having read the telegram, the Emperor cursed, "This damned Rokossovsky! It must be his doing with these weapons!

    "Rabowell said he¡¯s in charge of school education now, fallen from grace in the political struggle. And now he¡¯se up with new weapons! Summon Duke Redweitz immediately, I want to interrogate him!"

    Giles: "It may not necessarily be Rokossovsky¡¯s doing..."

    "It must be!" The Emperor interrupted his friend, "I have this feeling, it must be his work! I can sense it, a grand, fateful showdown exists between him and me! It has to be like this!"

    Giles appeared somewhat helpless, but seeing the Emperor in an excited state, he suggested apromise, "How about tomorrow then? It¡¯s sote already, you can¡¯t keep staying up."

    "No! I want to interrogate him now! Right now, immediately! Why do I stay upte if not because of these ipetent people below me!"

    Giles immediately went to the desk, picked up the phone, "Connect me to Duke Redweitz¡¯s residence."

    Duke Redweitz entered the study, first cautiously observing the Emperor¡¯s expression, then looking towards Giles, he mouthed, "What happened?"

    Giles mouthed back, "Just speak as usual."

    The Emperor demanded, "Your Krat Bureau said Rokossovsky was out of political favor and reassigned to a school, didn¡¯t they? Now he shows up with new weapons and has severely hit our forces!"

    Immediately, Duke Redweitz responded, "New weapons? The Krat Bureau has many reports, including ones that say Rokossovsky is responsible for the development of new weapons."

    The Emperor¡¯s eyes widened, "Then why wasn¡¯t I informed?"

    "Because the intel of Rokossovsky taking a position as a school headmaster was confirmed by other sources, we considered it contradictory to the report without additional sources and so disregarded it."

    The Emperor mmed the desk, "Now Rokossovsky has appeared with new weapons! Could you bunch of ipetents not think he might have taken on both roles?! The Krat Bureau is wasted on you; let it report directly to me!"

    Duke Redweitz looked troubled, "We could, but the volume of intelligence the Krat Bureau offers is vast and mostly inurate..."

    Emperor: "Then I¡¯ll organize people I trust to analyze the Krat Bureau¡¯s intelligence! This agency will report directly to me!"

    With that, he mmed the table forcefully, causing a water ss to jump and then topple to the side, spilling tea across the desk, spreading like flowing blood.

 Chapter 412: 9/10)

    On the morning of July 13, Reporter Mike felt the train braking and crawled up from the hay stack.

    He saw the soldiers in the stuffy tank car still resting, with the military chain writing letters by the light of a small shlight.

    Mike, "Do priests also write letters home?"

    "Of course, the priests of the Sanctified faction do, and those of the Secr faction do even more." The military chain said with a slight smile.

    Mike looked up at the venttion opening of the stuffy tank car and said, "It¡¯s already daylight outside, why not open the door? It¡¯s so stuffy and hot here, and it smells like men¡¯s sweat."

    The priest nced at the venttion opening and nodded, "You¡¯re right, Mr. Mike, I was so focused on writing that I didn¡¯t notice."

    Mike, "Writing about something important?"

    "Arranging for the afterlife," the priest said calmly. "The ones who sacrifice the most at the front line are the military chains, even more so than the rear gunners of the Il-2, so I must arrange for the afterlife."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the sh of a camera temporarily illuminated the tank car."Robert!" Mike raised his voice, "Isn¡¯t it inappropriate to take photos at a time like this?"

    The photojournalist then said to the priest, "Leave me an address, and I¡¯ll send this photo to your family."

    "Thank you," the priest seemed very pleased.

    Seeing that the concerned party didn¡¯t mind, Mike gave up, stood up, walked to the door, and tried to pull it open.

    The military chain hurried over to help, and together, they slid the door open to reveal the fields in the dawn light.

    Perhaps because they were already very close to Yarvik, there were many houses and telegraph poles on the fields, not the usual prairie scene.

    The military chain said, "East of here, the grasnds stretch to the horizon, without even a wheat field in sight. Shepherds with their sheepdogs will roam the prairie with their flocks."

    Reporter Mike, "Are you saying they¡¯re still nomadic?"

    "It helps avoid overgrazing in one ce. The church has organized mobile medical teams and repair teams to serve these shepherds, and they also drive their flocks to a fixed location for shearing every year."

    The priest paused, then continued, "The grasnds will show those Prussians, it¡¯s no less formidable than General Mud!"

    Reporter Mike, "But the High Command still decided to block the Prussians on the western side of the grasnds, and they even dispatched Rokossovsky there."

    "Because we can¡¯t let the Prussians enter the grasnds too early," replied the priest. "Moreover, the generals at the High Command may have other ideas. Anyway, the longer we can dy, the better prepared we are. For every additional month we dy, more soldiers will be replenished in the army."

    He stopped, looked at Reporter Mike, and added, "For every month we dy, more supplies wille from the Federation. About this, I am actually very thankful to our Federation friends."

    Reporter Mike scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.

    By then, more buildings had appeared outside, clearly entering the true suburbs of Yarvik.

    Factories and chimneys began to appear, and Mike, with sharp eyes, even spotted anti-aircraft guns camouged withs.

    The train slid into the station area, entering the yard, and took the line toward the lotive repair shop.

    The signalman with the green light stood by the track, waving a greeting to the train.

    Finally, the tform appeared, and the civilian military officials waiting to meet them held clipboards, watching the train cargo manifest clipped on it. Behind him, workers lined up to help unload.

    Suddenly, Mike¡¯s gaze was drawn to the tform across from him.

    "Hey, Robert,e take a look!" he called to his partner who was photographing the people on the tform, "Look over here! Stop taking pictures of the workers on the tform! Look at that!"

    Robert turned around, and at first nce, saw "that," his eyes widening, "Oh!"

    "Oh, crap, take the picture!"

    It was a distinctly box-shaped tank that seemed to weigh over sixty tons, with Prosen¡¯s Iron Cross insignia on the turret and the body.

    The tank was parked on a tcar for transporting armored vehicles, its tracks already disassembled, and two of the road wheels were broken. The remaining road wheels even extended beyond the tcar¡¯s boundaries, hanging outside ¨C the tank was that wide!

    Workers were moving the tank¡¯s tracks and road wheels onto another tcar together with Ante soldiers.

    Mike, "This is definitely the enemy¡¯s new tank! Prosen¡¯s new tank! Rokossovsky captured it!"

    His partner Robert, too busy to reply, kept snapping photos.

    Reporter Mike didn¡¯t wait for the train he was on toe to aplete halt, he jumped onto the tform and rushed toward the train carrying the tank.

    The photojournalist was a step behind him, but also made a great effort to catch up.

    Five minutester, Mike finally arrived in front of the Prosen tank and found that it looked even more imposing up close.

    "Good heavens!" he grabbed an officer, "Was this captured by General Rokossovsky? It has to be, right?"

    The officerughed, "Of course, when General Rokossovsky got here, he had already heard about our losses to Prosen¡¯s new tanks, and was determined to capture one. Now here it is."

    Another officer said, "I heard there were three more, but those were destroyed. The engineering troops are working hard to salvage the wreckage."

    The first officer picked up the conversation, "Luckily, our Army Group has plenty of salvage and repair units; other Army Groups would probably have to leave them where they were after destroying them."

    Mike, sensing the key point, eagerly asked, "Are you an officer of the First Mobile Army?"

    "Yes, I am thepanymander of the Fifth Support Company, a logistics brigade directly under the First Mobile Army Corps Command." The officer pointed at hispanion, "He¡¯s thepanymander of the Army Group¡¯s motor transport battalion; we both used to work in factories in the locality. The general said he needed skilled technical personnel, so we joined the army!"

    Mike, "So, this is a victory for the First Mobile Army?"

    "It was the achievement of the advance team, General," the Support toon Commander said. "He led a battalion of tank destroyers and a bunch of jeeps, and just like that, he captured this!"

    The Motor Company Commander picked up the conversation, "I heard about it. When it came down to thisst one, the Prosen tank operator wanted to put up a stubborn resistance. The General, holding the red g and riding a white horse, personally persuaded them to surrender. Once they heard it was General Rocossovsky, they ended up pissing themselves and surrendered!"

    Mike, "Is this surrender? Wasn¡¯t it captured by blowing up the people inside with grenades?"

    "No, if you don¡¯t believe it, go inside and look for yourself. There¡¯s not even blood inside the tank; it¡¯s very clean, just like new!"

    Mike, "Then where can I interview the surrendered Prosen tank operators?"

    The Motor Company Commander and the Support toon Commander exchanged nces, their faces showing difficulty, "These Prosen tank operators are now under the strict supervision of the Judge. To see them, you¡¯ll need to get approval from the Army Group Bishop."

    Mike hurriedly asked, "Where is the Bishop?"

    The Support toon Commander raised a hand and pointed in a direction.

    Turning his head, Reporter Mike saw the bald head of Army Group Bishop Popov.

    There are two bald heads at Rocossovsky¡¯s headquarters, one Pavlov, one Popov. As it happened, Mike knew both bald heads.

    "Thank you very much." Mike bid farewell to the twopanymanders, turned to look for his partner but found that his partner had already climbed onto a tbed truck, enthusiastically taking photos of the massive object.

    So he shook his head and made his way alone towards Popov.

    Just as Mike approached Popov, the Military Bishop of the Army Group recognized him and said, "Isn¡¯t this the reporter from the Federation? Pavlov told me over the phone that he¡¯d arranged for you toe here by train. Was your journey smooth?"

    Mike nodded repeatedly, then said, "I¡¯d like to interview the surrendered Prosen tank operators, the ones who drove this tank!"

    Popov pointed to a barely adequate car, "You can, they¡¯re on this train. To transport them, I even had the local railway department arrange for a separate passenger car."

    Mike turned and indeed saw an ordinary passenger car. Given the situation, even the wounded would have to ride in a sealed boxcar, so having prisoners ride in a passenger car was a very high standard.

    Mike, "Shall I go up now?"

    "Go ahead. The guards and Judge know you. You¡¯re quite the celebrity with us. Wait a second, do you speak Prosen?"

    Mike smiled, "Have you forgotten that Prosen and Anglonguages are from the same linguistic family? I¡¯ve studied Prosen; I can handle a simple conversation."

    "Oh, that¡¯s good, then. Good luck," Popov nodded.

    Enjoy more content from empire

    Only then did Mike turn and run towards the train.

    The Judge guarding the door nodded at him, allowing passage¡ªhowever, Reporter Mike did not have any recollection of this Judge.

    Upon boarding the train, Mike found it was full of Prosen prisoners, with several wearing bandages and hooked up to IV drips.

    Mike asked in Prosen, "Could you tell me who is themander of the tank bearing the tactical number 217?"

    A lean Prosen lieutenant raised his hand, "Me."

    Mike looked at him, "Are these all your crew members?"

    The Prosen lieutenant, "Not all, those in light-colored uniforms are infantry. I can onlymand these in dark-colored Armored Troops uniforms."

    Mike, "You¡¯re a lieutenant, right? The rank system in the Armored Troops seems different from regr Prosen forces, I¡¯m not sure..."

    "Yes, I¡¯m a lieutenant."

    Mike, "Can you tell me about your surrender? The Antes at the station are all decked out like it¡¯s something out of a myth..."

    Mike noticed that the lieutenant nced at the nonmissioned officer beside him.@@novelbin@@

    "Is it rted to this nonmissioned officer?"

    The nonmissioned officer looked at Mike, "I was the first to surrender. At that time, we were being targeted by the gun barrels of seven or eight new assault guns; we couldn¡¯t breach the assault guns¡¯ armor, but they could easily destroy us! I just chose a path that would let us return home safely!"

    Mike, startled, "Wasn¡¯t it General Rocossovsky who personally persuaded you to surrender?"

    The Prosen lieutenant, "Yes. He came riding a white horse, raising a red g, walking towards our machine guns and cannon barrels."

    Mike¡¯s eyes widened, "Walking towards you?"

    "Yes."

    "Didn¡¯t you fire at him?"

    "Our sights couldn¡¯t keep up with him."

    "Couldn¡¯t keep up with him?" Mike, surprised, repeated the Prosen¡¯s words, "What do you mean? Are you saying he charged at you like a bolt of lightning?"

    At that moment, an infantryman in light-colored uniform spoke: "He was circling while approaching the tank; I saw it with my own eyes. I thought he would use the red g in his hand to chop at the tank! Just like the rumors say."

    "Rumors?"

    "Old soldiers who have shed with his troops say so, iming he can chop tanks with a knife!" the infantryman said.

    Then the lieutenant spoke up, "He didn¡¯t chop our tank with a knife, but he did bring in new assault guns and defeated us."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than someone among the infantry added, "There¡¯s also a new type of submachine gun, with a really long range and no sound! It can kill dozens or hundreds of us, just like that, without a sound!"

    Mike raised his eyebrows, an expression of having stumbled upon treasure on his face.

 Chapter 414: Suvorov Operation

    Wang Zhong: "The operation¡¯s codename is Suvorov."

    In the history of World War II on Earth, there was no military operation named after Suvorov, but there was Bagration.

    Bagration was also a famous general of the Russian Empire during the Napoleon era, and Wang Zhong thought he could follow suit, starting from Suvorov, then moving on to Kutuzov, and finally to Bagration.

    By the time it came to Bagration, they would sweep through the enemy like a devastating storm, annihting the Prussian army, while the first two phases would involve slowly whittling down the enemy forces bit by bit and at the same time training Ante¡¯s troops.

    Right now, the Ante troops were too weak, with even the highly trained mobile army group that Wang Zhong had personally trained only able to fight the Prussians to a draw. Fighting the Prussians with any other troops would be like throwing meat buns to a dog, wouldn¡¯t it?

    Once the Ante Army umted more experience, and more old Prussian soldiers died, it was estimated that they could go toe-to-toe with the Prussians.

    The good news was thatpared to the Russians on Earth, Ante¡¯s performance wasn¡¯t bad; the Russians suffed substantial losses of their forces until the eighth month of ¡¯42, enduring irreversible casualties of 1.5 million before the battle of Stalingrad.

    However, facing the much stronger Prussian Army, Ante only suffered a total casualty count of 1.5 million, a significant part of which were the troops annihted during the siege of the Coastal Fortress.

    Mainly because the Ante¡¯s fast-victory faction had been eliminated, thergest scale offensiveunched in the first half of the year was General Golikov¡¯s action at the Duva River. When the operation was stalled, General Golikov decisively stopped the offensive and shifted focus to securing the ferry on the east bank of the Duva.Because the losses were less than those on Earth, the Ante High Command currently had far more troops at its disposal than the Russians did on Earth.

    Unfortunately, having more veterans didn¡¯t seem to have strengthened Ante¡¯s troops by much.

    Or perhaps the Prussians were just too strong.

    After Wang Zhong finished sharing his resolution with his subordinates, Vasily raised his hand: "Talking to us about it is pointless; the highest rank here is colonel, and we don¡¯t have a single general."

    The deputy chief of staff, Alexandria, said: "Are you ignoring my rank of brigadier general?"

    "Alright, apart from you, talking to us about this is useless," Vasily spread his hands, "You might as well tell us how you n on racing Jeeps in the future."

    That was when the scouting battalionmander spoke up on behalf of everyone: "We¡¯ve summarized our experience internally. In future encounters with enemy tanks in open fields, we should maintain a distance of 800 meters to force the enemy to use their tank guns against us, effectively reducing casualties."

    You still n to go toe-to-toe with enemy tanks!

    Wang Zhong: "Today I had you hold off the enemy to prevent them from nking us and engaging in meleebat with the vortex. Normally, covering the nks of the vortex should be the job of the Anti-tank Artillery Battalion and Armored Troops. Tomorrow, the anti-tank artillery and armored troops will arrive, and we won¡¯t need you."

    "As for the tactical resolutions I¡¯ve just mentioned, I was organizing my own thoughts."

    Vasily: "You¡¯ve mentioned that tactical resolution twice already."

    "Did I say it twice?" Wang Zhong was surprised.

    Vasily: "Yes, you did yesterday too, just not in front of everyone."

    Wang Zhong scratched his head: "Is that so. It¡¯s good to repeat it a few times. When Pavlov arrives, I¡¯ll have to tell him too."

    "Tell me about it too," a familiar voice came from the door, and Wang Zhong turned his head to see Popov¡¯s bald head.

    The Military Bishop of the Army Group entered the room and saluted Wang Zhong: "The Military Bishop of the Army Group has arrived in Tylinka ahead of the second echelon!"

    Wang Zhong returned the salute and then pointed to Alexandria: "Deputy chief of staff, hurry up and arrange for the follow-up troops to spread out; don¡¯t crowd in Tylinka. It would be terrible if we were targeted by enemy artillery fire."

    Popov pointed to the colonel behind him and told Alexandria: "You go interface with the military personnel, while I¡¯ll stay here to listen to the general¡¯s campaign resolution."

    Wang Zhong: "You sure shook off that responsibility cleanly."

    "I¡¯m a Military Bishop. If I start giving orders, it means the militarymanders are done for, and that would be dire. I hope I never have the opportunity tomand troops." Popov shrugged, then quickly changed the subject, "But there¡¯s no need to worry, after all, our militarymander is Rocossov, and even Death would salute you."

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯t add to my legend now."

    Popov shook his head: "Do your legends even need my embellishment? As soon as we arrived in Yarvik, we heard that you tore apart Prussian brand-new tanks with your bare hands and even captured a new general!"

    Wang Zhong frowned: "Has the rear gotten so ludicrous? The enemy we fought today might not even have had a brigadier general."

    Vasily interjected: "Maybe the civilians mistook the skull on the enemy Armored Troops¡¯ badges for a general¡¯s insignia."

    As he spoke, he fiddled with his own badge.

    "I¡¯ve heard civilians in the tavern saying that Prussian generals have skulls on their badges."

    Wang Zhong: "Tavern, you say? When did you go to a tavern, Vasily? Didn¡¯t we only stay in Yarvik for one day?"

    Vasily: "I meant in the taverns in Ye Fort! Get it right! I never left your side in Yarvik!"

    Popovughed heartily, then walked over to the map and quickly said after a nce: "The vanguard is this close to Yeisk?"

    Wang Zhong: "Reconnaissance units, along with small squads equipped with wireless radios. Our army has plenty of radio equipment, so we¡¯re using that to our advantage to control as much of the grasnd as possible."

    "How many enemies?" Popov asked again.

    Wang Zhong: "Quite a few. Initial intelligence indicated that the enemy¡¯s Bussebat group had one Armored Battalion and one Armored Grenadier Battalion, but when they all appeared today, it didn¡¯t look like just that many. It¡¯s possible that an Asgard Knights division has already reached Yeisk."

    Popov was greatly rmed, "Doesn¡¯t that mean we are at a disadvantage in terms of forces? We only have one armored destroyer battalion, one tank battalion, plus an anti-tank artillery battalion, and not even a full guard motorized infantry has arrived yet. The vanguard of the 225th Division won¡¯t reach Yarvik until tomorrow! The entire Army Group won¡¯t be in ce until the 16th."

    Wang Zhong replied, "That¡¯s why we need to shell Yeisk tomorrow, to make it look like we n to attack the city."

    Popov asked incredulously, "Are you relying on those second echelon 122s? The 152s and their tractors won¡¯t arrive until tomorrow morning!"

    Wang Zhong exined, "I¡¯ve liaised with the Front Army for artillery troops. If nothing goes awry, they are currently en route to us. They will deploy here when they arrive."

    As he spoke, he picked up a pencil and marked an area on the map.

    Popov was astonished, "I visited the Front Army headquarters, and frankly, I don¡¯t trust this Front Army, especially that General Andrei."

    Wang Zhong narrowed his eyes and asked, "What, you have a bad feeling about him?"

    "Yes, I find him very obstinate and self-opinionated. The Church¡¯s personnel files on him say the same thing. The only reason he doesn¡¯t daremand your troops arbitrarily is because they are your Army Group."

    To be honest, a general not daring tomand the troops of a lieutenant general didn¡¯t sound like they were part of an army that could win battles¡ªWang Zhong thought to himself. Find more to read at empire

    However, he had a hunch about why the situation was as it was, so he didn¡¯t voice his thoughts.

    In fact, he was quite pleased the Front Army headquarters wasn¡¯t meddling and allowed him to operate freely.

    With this in mind, a faint smile appeared on Wang Zhong¡¯s lips.

    Seeing his expression, Popov obviously had his own suspicions and said, "Give it your best, future general. His Excellency Belinsky and His Majesty the Tsar are both looking forward to it."

    Wang Zhong replied, "I will."

    Popov added, "Also, only the 122s might raise suspicions with the Prussian generals tomorrow. Which 152 artillery battalion did you want? I¡¯ll rush over there tonight and make sure they¡¯ll be at the designated location for the shelling tomorrow."

    Wang Zhong indeed couldn¡¯t remember which artillery battalions the Front Army had allocated to join the fight, so he turned to Vasily.

    "The 197th Heavy Siege Howitzer Battalion, the 204th Heavy Howitzer Battalion," Vasily immediately reported the unit numbers. He also tore off a sticky note, scribbled something quickly with a pencil, and handed it to Popov, "Their quarters are here."

    Popov, impressed, epted the note, "Goodd, you¡¯ve learned something other than mucking out. Well, I¡¯m off."

    Wang Zhong nodded, watching him leave.

    At that moment, the reconnaissance battalionmander stood up, "We should also head back to our units. If the shelling doesn¡¯t fool the enemy tomorrow, we¡¯ll be in for a tough fight."

    Wang Zhong said, "Go."

    The officers all stood, leaving the room one after another.

    No sooner had they left than Nelly walked in with arge te, "Dinner."

    Wang Zhong pped his forehead, "Wait, call back themanders of the units. Have them eat before they go."

    Vasily immediately ran out of the room, leaving Nelly and the two mapping staff officers behind.

    The staff officers exchanged a look and decided to leave.

    Wang Zhongmanded, "You two,plete the map work! Don¡¯t worry about anything else."

    Nelly brought the tes over to the table and suddenly said, "There weren¡¯t as many casualties today as before."

    "Yes, after all, our training has improved, and we have a tactical advantage," Wang Zhong responded, "Wait, that¡¯s not right¡ªOrachi¡¯s first day casualties weren¡¯t high either!"

    "No, I remember clearly. On the first day in Orachi, I saw corpses lined up in front of the church, and the hospital was filled with the wounded. But today, we had just over a hundred corpses, and the field hospital still had space."

    Wang Zhong thought back; indeed, Orachi¡¯s first-day losses weren¡¯t significantpared to a division of ten thousand or so, but there were still nearly a thousand casualties that day.

    But today¡¯s losses were truly low, even by head count.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Are you happy that there were fewer casualties?"

    Nelly nodded, "Mhmm."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong asked half-jokingly, "Can you pat my head like a mother rewards her child?"

    Nelly showed a look of disdain.

    But she still reached out and gently stroked Wang Zhong¡¯s head, "Good boy, you did well, and your efforts paid off."

    Wang Zhongmented, "It¡¯s a pity we can¡¯t say the same for the exchange ratio of our other units. Many of the casualties today were from the new recruits in the infantry. We worked so hard to train them, wanting them to survive, but in the end¡­"

    He felt the hand stroking his head press a bit harder.

    "It¡¯s not your fault," Nelly said softly but firmly.

 Chapter 415: Major General Viteâ€™s Confusion

    On the morning of July 14th, Wang Zhong was brushing his teeth when he faintly heard the rumbling of artillery from outside.

    The artillery position was to the west of Trinka, closer to the enemy, so the sound of the artillery came from the opposite direction of the sunrise.

    Wang Zhong stopped and felt something was amiss.

    Nelly looked puzzled at Wang Zhong, who had stopped, and nkly followed his gaze, only to see an unremarkable corner of the wall.

    Finally, Wang Zhong realized the reason for his difort, "Before, the artillery was always behind me. Now, the artillery is closer to the front line than I am."

    Nelly asked, "What are you talking about, for someone who faced the enemy¡¯s tank gun barrels on the front line yesterday?"

    Wang Zhong was surprised, "You knew I faced the tank gun barrels?"

    "Everyone is talking about it. As long as you do something brave on the battlefield, the whole army will know right away. Yesterday, when I was fetching water, there was a corporal from the reconnaissance battalion next to me who seemed to be driving their battalionmander to a meeting. That corporal was sitting on the hood of the jeep, vividly describing your actions.

    "He also said that it was your bravery that gave him the courage to race his jeep in front of the enemy¡¯s tank gun barrels."Wang Zhong keenly noticed a detail, "That¡¯s not right. The reconnaissance battalion shouldn¡¯t have been able to see me facing the gun barrels to persuade surrender today. That corporal is making it up!"

    Nelly said, "Maybe he didn¡¯t see it with his own eyes, but you really did face the gun barrels, didn¡¯t you? Think about the child in your youngdy¡¯s belly. They can¡¯t be without a father!"

    "Rather than worrying about whether or not they have a father," Wang Zhong said seriously, taking the toothbrush out of his mouth, "what¡¯s more important is whether they¡¯re ves or not! I¡¯m fighting so that my children won¡¯t be ves."

    Nelly held back her words and thrust the cup into Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, "Rinse your mouth thoroughly! Make sure to wash away all the tooth powder!"

    There was no surplus production of toothpaste now, especially the soft tubes for it, so there was simply no time to produce them. Hence, the tooth powder issued at the front line was brushed on with a toothbrush, which felt like smearing lime onto the teeth.

    Wang Zhong rinsed his mouth carefully and just as he put the cup down, Nelly handed him a towel. The towel had even been washed in warm water and carried a faint scent.

    As Wang Zhong sniffed the towel, Nelly said, "Ourndy, Auntie Xie Na, gave us the fragrance. She said that when her husband returned from the civil war, he would always smell bad, so she has always kept fragrance ready for many years."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "What about her husband? I don¡¯t recall seeing a partner in thendy¡¯s home?"

    Nelly said, "I don¡¯t know, and I didn¡¯t dare to ask."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "What¡¯s there to be afraid of asking? We haven¡¯t gotten to the point of mobilizing old men from remote viges to join active service yet. I yed a part in that, you know."

    Indeed, he did. Wang Zhong¡¯s efforts had at least spared Ante the loss of two million people. If one included convincing the Ante generals not to attack rashly but to y defensive counterattacks, that number might be even greater.

    Having finished cleaning up, the sound of artillery outside continued, pretending to be a show of fire preparation.

    Wang Zhong nced at Nelly, "Go catch up on some sleep. Were you fanning me all night again?"

    "And swatting mosquitoes all night," Nelly replied.

    Wang Zhong asked, "There are mosquitoes this far north?"

    Last summer was spent in intense, continuous battles. Wang Zhong was still a junior officer, and when it came to sleeping, he would fall asleep as soon as hey down, never noticing the mosquitoes.

    So he was quite surprised.

    Having said that, he realized he had made a slip of the tongue. How could the Ante People not know about the presence of mosquitoes?

    So he quickly tried to cover up, "What I mean is, what are mosquitoes?"

    At this point, he could only pretend to be a carefree young master who was oblivious to the hardships of the world¡ªmosquitoes, I do not know them!

    Nelly gave him a look full of tender care for a foolish son, "It¡¯s a kind of flying insect that feeds on human blood."

    Wang Zhong had a vague hunch that the people around him might have guessed he was a transmigrator. They acted so normally, perhaps someone else hade before.

    Like that Andrew, he looked very much like someone from his own hometown, just perhaps not a fellow Ceres. That¡¯s why he hadn¡¯t "climbed Naroda Peak"¡ªor maybe he was apatriot from the Yuan dynasty, scared off by a divine wind.

    If Saint Andrew was a fellow countryman, then many things could be exined, such as why the church held him in such high regard, such trust.@@novelbin@@

    Like how Saint Andrew, a man from over a hundred years ago, could have foreseen that quantum mechanics might exin various "Miracles."

    While Wang Zhong was lost in thought, Popov¡¯s bald head intruded into his field of vision, the angle perfectly reflecting the sunlight and dazzling his eyes.

    Popov said loudly, "Thank goodness I went to the 204th Heavy Howitzer Regimentst night. That regiment was full of new recruits and themanderscked experience, even nning to set off only this morning! I gave them a scolding and forced them to hurry over through the night, just in time for this morning¡¯s shelling!"

    "You¡¯ve worked hard. Actually, having the 197th Heavy Howitzer Regiment would have been enough; with 152mm guns, we can easily fool the Prussians."

    "But the effect won¡¯t be as good as the 204th Regiment. That regiment has B4 heavy howitzers, our old friends! 203mm! It¡¯s sure to give the enemy a hard time!"

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "That good? When I was organizing the mobile army, I did not include them because the B4 howitzers were too heavy and not convenient for mobility."

    Popov replied, "Indeed they are too heavy. On the way here, five guns had their tracks break. Fortunately, a part of the Army Group¡¯s support brigade has arrived, and they sent out tractors. Give it three hours, and these guns can join in the shelling, too."

    Wang Zhong said, "By then the shelling will be over."

    Popov was a bit surprised, "You¡¯re ending the barrage that soon? What if the enemy doesn¡¯t fall for our attack and realizes we are undermanned?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "The Prussians won¡¯t react like that. They would first send reconnaissance nes to check the situation before making a move; sometimes they fight quite rigidly.

    "Even if the enemy does attack, we are prepared for a counter-attack. They don¡¯t understand the capabilities of our Vortex, and they will act more carefully when they are being counter-attacked."

    As soon as Wang Zhong finished speaking, Vasily pushed the door open and immediately added, "And the enemy fears the name Rocossov, they will be extra cautious!"

    "Don¡¯t talk nonsense. Asmanders, we must not exaggerate the enemy¡¯s fear of us. That¡¯s wrong," Wang Zhong red at Vasily, and then pointed at Popov, "Since the bishop is here, let him educate you properly!"

    Popov cleared his throat: "Expect the enemy to be cautious; perhaps the Prussians do have some dread of Rocossov, but ourmanders must never consider this dread; we must assume that the Prussians are unaware of who ourmander is when making decisions."

    Read new adventures at empire

    "Right, right," Wang Zhong nodded repeatedly, then suddenly realized, "Wait a minute, that¡¯s not right! Why do you also think that the enemy would dread me? What is there to dread about me?"

    "Did you hear that? Those are 203 heavy artillery! ording to High Command reports, that¡¯s Rocossov¡¯s favorite heavy firepower!" Colonel Bussey on the ground in a standard anti-bombardment position, stating assertively.

    As he spoke, a 203mm heavy artillery shellnded nearby, and a pile of dust fell from the ceiling.

    To avoid inhaling the dust, Colonel Busse closed his mouth, swallowing the rest of his words.

    More heavy artillery shells continued to fall, and the ceiling kept dropping powder, so everyone in the room kept their mouths shut, silently enduring as the ground shook.

    After what seemed like an eternity, the artillery preparation ended.

    Colonel Busse got up: "Quick! Move to the defensive positions we set up yesterday! The enemy is about to attack; their infantry might already be within 50 meters of the position!"

    Captain Christopher also rose: "I¡¯ll go and join my tankpany."

    He hade to headquarters this morning to get a map of the city defenses; that way, he would know how his tanks could support the front lines.

    Colonel Busse: "Go! It all depends on your tanks now. If it¡¯s true what the routed soldiers from yesterday¡¯s vanguard said, only your new tanks can face those assault guns!"

    Captain Christopher saluted and sprinted out of headquarters.

    Colonel Busse nced at his aide-de-camp, "If I fall for my country, you must break out alive and deliver my letter to my wife."

    The aide-de-camp¡¯s eyes moistened: "Yes, I will do it, Colonel."

    Suddenly, there was a burst of gunfire from the west of the city.

    The aide-de-camp cursed, "Damn that Rocossov, he¡¯s so cunning, attacking from the west of the city! Too bad our defensive positionsst night were omnidirectional!"

    Colonel Busse, however, furrowed his brows: "The west of the city..."

    Suddenly, he grabbed the Chief of Staff¡¯s shoulder: "Isn¡¯t it today that the follow-up troops of Ceres Division are supposed toe up?"

    "Yes." Thebat group Chief of Staff nced at the time, "Oh no, it¡¯s already thiste! The bombardment distracted us from the passage of time."

    As he said this, he dashed to the phone, picked up the receiver: "Hello! Connect to the western defensive units! The line is down? Then hurry up and patch it!"

    He dropped the phone and ran to the radio, cing his hand on the radio operator¡¯s shoulder: "Call the troops in the west, have them confirm whether it¡¯s really the enemy! Confirm whether it¡¯s really the enemy! It¡¯d be terrible if we mistakenly fired on our own forces!"

    Radio operator: "Do I use open signals?"

    "Yes, open signals! What¡¯s the time for secrecy now? The key is to stop the friendly fire immediately!"

    An hourter, Major General Wirt of Ceres Division, covered in dust, entered Busse¡¯sbat group headquarters in Yeisk, and said to Colonel Busse, "Well done, my division headquarters was almost annihted by you, Colonel!"

    Colonel Busse: "The troops were just bombarded by heavy artillery. They were on edge."

    Major General Wirt: "I heard you were under heavy artillery fire, so I hurried forward at breakneck speed. My division¡¯s presence at least could stabilize morale! Instead, you almost killed me!"

    "Mymand vehicle was taken out by one of your shells, and the division chief of staff went to heaven with the vehicle! Luckily, I was sitting in the division¡¯s tank. Otherwise, I would have joined the chief of staff on his journey."

    "Couldn¡¯t you recognize the Iron Cross on themand vehicle?"

    Colonel Busse dared not speak.

    But Captain of the heavy tankpany John said, "It¡¯s normal to miss seeing with such big dust clouds from the division¡¯s convoy."

    Major General Wirt turned to John, "Hmph,mander of the new tankpany, the Emperor has ced great hope in you and your tanks, only to be badly beaten by the Antes?"

    John: "It was the enemy Air Force that sted the tracks off one of our tank toons. It¡¯s normal to lose when immobile tanks can¡¯t move and face the assault guns.

    "We still have two toons, eight tanks intact; we can settle the score with the enemy¡¯s assault guns. I¡¯m confident.

    "There is no invincible armored vehicle in this world. It is so with our Number Six tanks, and no doubt it is with the enemy¡¯s new assault guns."

    Major General Wirt scrutinized John¡¯s face closely: "Very well, very well. If I hadn¡¯t just had a close call at the gate of hell set up by our own men, I would have praised you, Captain."

    After finishing, Major General Wirt turned to the map in the room: "Report! How many times have we repelled the enemy¡¯s attack?"

    "Zero." Colonel Busse said.

    Major General Wirt: "What?"

    "Zero. The enemy conducted such fierce artillery preparation, yet they did not attack," Colonel Busse said, looking very puzzled.

    And the confusion also spread to Major General Wirt.

 Chapter 416: The Prussians Missed the Best Opportunity to Attack

    On the morning of July 14, after the initial artillery preparation, an eerie silence fell on the battlefield.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s forces were insufficient, and the area under the army group was actually spread throughout the fields with infantry squads connected by radio.

    From Wang Zhong¡¯s bird¡¯s-eye view, he was reminded of the feeling of ying "Red Dragon" in ranked battles¡ªhe had reached the rank of a senior officer in Red Dragon and had some insights.

    The battlefield in Red Dragon was just like that, with infantry squads or even smaller reconnaissance teams equipped with observation equipment scattered over a battlefield tens of kilometers wide, each toon often controlling one to two kilometers of open ground.

    If the enemyunched an attack, rockets from the rear would instantly cover the battlefield, and the Air Force would swoop in.

    This was the standard setup of the Cold War era, after all; the Cold War was about firepower, and it was pointless to cram too many people into the front lines since everything would be wiped out with a barrage.

    But under the current circumstances, Wang Zhong, looking at his army group¡¯s sparse front line, felt very uneasy.

    The army group¡¯s firepower should be able to destroy any enemy rash enough to attack, but the problem was whether the army group¡¯s firepower could strike the enemy urately and in a timely manner.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s artillery didn¡¯t have fire-controlputers, and Artillery had just arrived without enough time to calcte the firing data in advance. Even if the infantry could urately report the enemy¡¯s coordinates, the artillery units would still need to calcte for a while, and they might not hit the target urately without adjustment.In these ten minutes or so, the infantry at the front might get overwhelmed by the enemy.

    Things would be much better by tomorrow, as the artillery battalions would have pre-calcted some general firing data, waiting for reports from the front to make adjustments.

    All in all, Wang Zhong was nervous, but the good news was that in addition to his fighter battalion, he also had the experienced Guard First Tank Battalion¡ªhis old unit and the tank battalion with the highest kill count among the Ante People, where ny percent were veterans (some of the veterans had been promoted to other units).

    In a critical situation, the Guard First Tank Battalion could be thrown into the fray to counter-attack.

    Wang Zhong prayed that such a dire situation would not arise. The enemy had the long-barreled Mark IV and probably still had two-thirds of a new heavy tankpany; it was best to leave these high-threat units to the Tempest. His old unit was still operating T34Ws and didn¡¯t even have Shermans.

    However, if the enemy discovered the position of the Tempest andunched an armored encirclement, then the Guard First Tank Battalion would have to be deployed to cover their retreat.

    Wang Zhong paced back and forth in hismand post in Tetlinka, waiting for the enemy to make a move.

    East of Yeisk, position of the Guard First Mechanized Infantry Tank Destroyer Battalion.

    The battalionmander of the tank destroyers popped out of themander¡¯s tower above the Tempest¡¯sbat room, observing the distant Yeisk while muttering, "No sign of the enemy. If we don¡¯t attack, won¡¯t theye out to check?"

    The gunner of themander¡¯s vehicle said, "Then let¡¯s hit them with a shell, I saw movement on their defensive line through the scope."

    "Are you insane? That¡¯s three kilometers away, our scale only goes up to 2200 meters!"

    The gunner, unconcerned, said, "We can make a rough estimate and then adjust gradually!"

    "No, it would expose our position," themander rebuked.

    The Tempest was well-suited for ambushes in these ins; the grass was just high enough to cover the tracks, and although thebat room was taller than the grass, a "grass hat" camouge would make it nearly impossible to see from a distance.

    Last year, the Prussian Infantry Division often used assault guns¡¯ low silhouette for ambushing Ante tank units. Now the tables have turned, and it¡¯s Ante¡¯s turn to ambush the Prussians.

    It¡¯s a pity that the enemy is holed up in Yeisk and noting out; only asionally can one see a Prussian soldier poking their head out of a window through binocrs, quickly disappearing again.

    Must be some Prussian recruit curious about the front lines.

    The recruit Andreas was pinned to the ground by Sergeant Kosolek.

    The sergeant scolded, "Have you lost your mind? All the windows are dangerous! Myst assistant gunner died just like that, poking his head out foolishly.

    "That was during the Carolingian campaign; we had surrounded the United Kingdom¡¯s Expeditionary Force and thousands of Carolingians in a small seaside town.

    "The assistant gunner¡¯s name was Hans, a naived from Hessen. He just poked his head out, wanting to see the hordes of enemies on the beach, and then it was over for him!"

    After speaking, Sergeant Kosolek looked up at the window; nobody was shooting in their direction.

    So he let the recruit go and sat down against the wall, his left hand resting on the tripod of the machine gun.

    The machine gun was set up inside a wall opening, a niche purposely carved out and camouged with ivy; the Ante People would hardly guess there was a hidden machine gun post here.

    The machine gun, along with its tripod, was all in the shadow inside the room; even if it started firing, unless the Ante People paid close attention, they might not notice the gun¡¯s position¡ªand no one could concentrate when under machine gun fire, as everyone would be busy trying to get lower.

    And those not swept by machine gun fire seeking to pinpoint its location¡ªsorry, the wall would be in the way.

    No wonder Sergeant Kosolek boasted that this machine gun position was the culmination of all hisbat experience since the Mnia campaign.

    New recruit Andreas rolled over, sat up, and nced at the sergeant: "The Ante People are not excellent soldiers, that¡¯s what the quartermaster at the training camp said."

    Kosolek: "They really aren¡¯t. Last year, when I was intercepting their breakout around Argesukov, I fought for an entire day, fired twenty thousand rounds, and ruined five gun barrels. In front of my machine gun position, the Ante left behind at least a thousand corpses.

    "They didn¡¯t even think of using mortars or anything to knock out my machine gun emcement. I was ready to die there. The reserve machine gun crew was at the second position, waiting for me to run out of ammo so they could take over.

    "In the end, they didn¡¯t get the chance to open fire. The rest of the machine gunners were all busy bringing me ammunition and gun barrels. The Ante People just kept dying, as if going to meet the Grim Reaper was merely a field trip."

    Kosolek shook his head: "I heard it was because their Crown Prince personally led the charge and then fell for his country. It¡¯s understandable. Their courage is admirable, but truth be told, they really aren¡¯t excellent soldiers¡ªno, not even qualified soldiers. A qualified soldier would have taken me out with a mortar or a grenadeuncher, not awarded me an Iron Cross Second ss."

    Kosolek pointed to a small part of the Iron Cross Second ss showing at his cor.

    Andreas asked curiously, "Then why don¡¯t you let me stand by the window?"

    "Because you don¡¯t need to be a qualified soldier to hit a fool standing foolishly in front of the window. Acting foolishly on a battlefield means death."

    Sergeant Kosolek paused, nced at the new recruit, and changed the subject: "Where are you from?"

    "East Steiermark."

    "East Steiermark is a ducal territory, and it¡¯s so big! Where in Steiermark?"

    Andreas: "Tilia, to the west of the ducal capital, a small city."

    Sergeant Kosolek asked again: "How many months did you train?"

    "Six months. Before that, I first joined the Imperial Labor Camp and worked for four months on the West Wall construction in Carolingian. After the work was done, I took a month¡¯s leave, and then the conscription letter arrived, so I joined the recement camp near my hometown."

    The West Wall, the coastal fortification built by Prosen in Carolingian, included a series of support points and fortresses, as well asrge minefields and anti-tank stakes.

    Sergeant Kosolek clicked his tongue: "Carolingian is a great ce, with passionate and beautiful girls, delicious food, and with the exception of some hard bread, itcks nothing. Too bad they work too inefficiently.

    "Did you not sleep with a Carolingian woman?"

    Andreas shook his head: "No. Working on the West Wall was exhausting, and during rest, I mostly slept. I even saw Marshal von Strachwitz, the suprememander of the Western Front. He was an old man, just like my dad, no, possibly older¡ª"@@novelbin@@

    Sergeant Kosolek: "What did the marshal say?"

    "The marshal spoke to us, saying the enemy was on the opposite shore, and because of Duke Meyer¡¯s negligence, the enemy had gathered an army of millions, ready tond at any moment. In short, he told us the West Wall was very important."

    Sergeant Kosolek: "Then what?"

    "Then? We just worked on the West Wall, asionally bombed and photographed by the United Kingdom¡¯s nes¡ª"

    "No no, I mean you, after you left thebor camp."

    "Then I joined the recement camp. The first month was interior and squad training, they said this would turn us into real soldiers¡ªbut honestly, these things, I had already learned them when I was a kid at the Imperial Scout Camp. It was superfluous." Andreas shrugged. "But starting the second month, the training that wasn¡¯t covered in scout camp began."

    Andreas went on and on about what he saw and learned in the training camp, it was clear he had been looking for someone to share these stories with for a while.

    Finally, Andreas came to the part where they boarded the train, bidding farewell to their families on the tform.

    Sergeant Kosolek suddenly cut him off: "Was there a girl who bid you farewell?"

    "Yes, my sister. She thought I looked extremely handsome in my uniform."

    "You¡¯ve never been in a rtionship, have you?" asked the sergeant.

    Andreas looked ufortable: "Is that something important? Back home, we never date. The adults from both families decide together, and then we¡¯re getting married, and after that, we can share each other¡¯s oxen and seeds, and even horses and mules. Dating is something that happens in books, isn¡¯t it? Maybe I would have had a romance if I¡¯d gone to university in the Steiermark capital, but I haven¡¯t."

    Sergeant Kosolek shook his head: "Listen to me, take the chance to date someone, or at least sleep with a prostitute once. War is a messed-up thing."

    Andreas stared at the sergeant: "The Ante People aren¡¯t as bad as the propaganda says, right? When we came in as recements, it was the third marching camp. Initially, I thought it was because our batch of recements was divided into first, second, and third camps, butter I found out that the other camps were also called third or fourth.

    "That¡¯s based on the order of reinforcement batches, right? Before us, there had already been first and second marching camps reinforcing the Sedd Division!"

    Sergeant Kosolek pulled out a cigarette, tapped it against the wall to pack the tobo, and replied: "The first marching camp was okay, all were soldiers returning after recovering from wounds. The second marching camp had some technical troops. The third camp is just as you¡¯ve seen.

    "The Sedd Division has been inbat up until now and has only been reduced by three battalions, much better off than the Ante People. But... like I said, war is a messed-up ordeal, and even the most elite soldiers have to die when their timees."

    The sergeant offered the cigarette he had prepared to the new recruit but was refused.

    Sergeant: "It seems this morning¡¯s shelling hasn¡¯t yet made you think about having a smoke or a drink. But trust me, you¡¯ll need them in the future."

    With that, he stuffed the cigarette into the new recruit¡¯s pocket.

 Chapter 417: They Came One After Another

    While the frontline soldiers from both sides were casually chatting to pass the time, the power in Wang Zhong¡¯s hands was growing stronger by the minute.

    Units under the First Mobile Group Army kept disembarking at Yarvik, continuously arriving by thepany, with a newpany reaching every hour.

    Acting Chief of Staff Alexandria was almost overloaded with work, with a newpany needing his arrangement every hour.

    Wang Zhong assigned Vasily to assist him while he and Popov watched them work nonstop.

    Popov sighed, "Sometimes I¡¯m quite d I¡¯m just a bishop, especially your bishop, since most of the things I should be doing, you do for me, which makes my life even easier."

    Wang Zhong shrugged, "I¡¯m just not sure if your bald head can cheer up the troops effectively, so I do it myself."

    Popov clicked his tongue, "It¡¯s not like I want to be bald. Just you wait, men get bald at a certain age, and you might lose hair even faster than me in the future! Then your kids will climb on your neck, touch your head, and say, ¡¯I am the Witch, crystal ball, tell me, who¡¯s the fairest of them all?¡¯"

    Wang Zhong chuckled in response. Was this a variation of the Snow White story?

    Just then, someone entered through the gate, and upon seeing Wang Zhong, they burst into a "oho ho ho ha ha"ugh.Wang Zhong, "Alright, Yegorov, I see you, don¡¯t block my gate."

    Popov, "See, men do get bald when they reach a certain age! Isn¡¯t this another example?"

    Yegorov was taken aback, "Why am I being mocked for baldness as soon as I enter? I¡¯m not bald yet!"

    "You will be soon," Popov said.

    Wang Zhong pointed at the map, "Take a look at the positions of the Guards Motor Rifle Units and pick a location for your division headquarters."@@novelbin@@

    Yegorov looked at the map while joking, "Aren¡¯t you going to ask about the conditions on the road?"

    Wang Zhong, "How are the conditions on the road?"

    "The Prosen Air Force attacked us, but they missed. The anti-aircraft guns on the train did their job." Yegorov paused, pointing at a spot on the map, "This symbol, is that a farm?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, I scoped it out in advance; there are two houses and a stable."

    "That¡¯s where my headquarters will be then. This prairie is truly vast, too open. If this were in Kazarlia, the map would have at least five more viges, plus a myriad of small farms."

    Popov, "The soil beneath this prairie isn¡¯t chernozem, it¡¯s less fertile, many ces can only grow weeds. Unlike the fertile chernozem of Kazarlia, where the grass outside the fields is so tall it can snag car tires."

    Kazarlia was too fertile. The lush grass could impede wheeled vehicles from moving; only tanks could traverse it with ease.

    If this were Kazarlia, Wang Zhong would not have been able to let the reconnaissance troops speed around yesterday. Without the ability to do so, they might have been encircled by the enemy¡¯s armored forces, and in close-rangebat, the vortex could be suppressed by tanks with turrets.

    But Wang Zhong would have preferred to fight on thend of Kazarlia. It was a pity that thest piece of Kazarlian soil was around Bolsk, and that was also thest of Kazarlian territory under Ante¡¯s control.

    If Duke Meishikin were defeated, all he could do was retreat south into the mountains and defend the mountain passes.

    Wang Zhong waved away the sudden wave of homesickness¡ªor, more urately, the nostalgia for his second homnd¡ªand turned to Yegorov, "Gomand your troops. The enemy could detect our dying tactics and initiate an attack at any moment."

    Yegorovughed, "Don¡¯t worry. Although it looks like a big grasnd, unsuitable for defense, we have fewer infantry but more technologically advanced weapons. In open terrain like this, we won¡¯t flinch from an exchange of fire. No one has any ce to hide; the side with the fiercer firepower will win."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s Army Group wasn¡¯t suited for operation in areas like dense forests with poor visibility; such terrains needed lots of infantry to "open visibility."

    Wang Zhong, "Be careful, the enemy¡¯s strength is in their armored forces, which are also well-suited forbat in open areas."

    "Leave it to me," Yegorov saluted Wang Zhong and then turned to Alexandria, "My Chief of Staff,e with me. I can¡¯tmand the troops without a Chief of Staff."

    Alexandria looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong, "Go ahead, perform your duties. The Corps Command can be left to Vasily."

    Vasily, "Me?"

    Alexandriaughed, "I trust you can handle it, musician."

    As he said this, he patted Vasily on the shoulder and then saluted Wang Zhong.

    Yegorov stepped outside first and even shrugged his shoulders as if the gate would catch him if he didn¡¯t duck.

    After the two had left, Wang Zhong looked at Vasily and gave him a fist bump, signaling "keep up the good work."

    Vasily clicked his tongue, just as themunications staff reported, "The 2nd Tank Destroyer Battalion calls. They¡¯re about to arrive and are asking where to refuel."

    Vasily, "Tell them to follow the road to find the fuel station. When they see a silo from a distance, that means they¡¯re close."

    Themunications staff immediately turned away.

    The Tank Destroyer Battalion was an organization Wang Zhong had first proposed, as previously SU76s and simr types were regarded as self-propelled guns, integrated into self-propelled artillery battalions, while anti-tank guns were simply called Anti-tank Artillery Battalions.

    These armored vehicles, which Wang Zhong had that could only target tanks, were previously nonexistent in the Ante Army, and thus were uniquelybined into "Tank Destroyer Battalions."

    In the future, even if the Federation sends Hellcats and wolves, they will be integrated into the tank destroyer battalion.

    But right now, in the Ante Army, there is only the Vortex as a dedicated tank destroyer vehicle, so the three tank destroyer battalions currently formed are all in Wang Zhong¡¯s Army Group.

    The second tank destroyer battalion is an affiliate of the 225th Infantry Division, and the troops now arriving one after another belong to the 225th Infantry Division.

    Wang Zhong, "Didn¡¯t the 225th Division send a vanguard unit? Pavlov wouldn¡¯t make this kind of mistake, he must have organized a part of the 225th Division¡¯smand and dispatched them as an advance team. Fueling up should be the responsibility of the division¡¯s advance team."

    Vasily had yet to reply when another person entered the Corps Command¡¯s door.

    It was Colonel Yegorov ¨C a brigadier general.

    Popov: "It seems the vanguard has arrived. Howe it¡¯s the military officer who came first? It should be the staff and the clerks who set up the forward position."

    Brigadier General Eugene said with a bitter smile, "Because I was originally a clerk myself."

    Wang Zhong: "But you¡¯re a mine manager, aren¡¯t you?"

    "That¡¯s still a senior clerk. Compared tomanding troops in battle, I¡¯m better at arranging marching columns. General, you might as well remove my brigadier general rank and the acting divisionmander title. I would be fine being a colonel."

    Wang Zhong: "Not at this stage. As a field officer, you were among the best performersst year. After all, your troops did not rout; they stubbornly sniped at the enemy. It¡¯s for your military achievements that you were promoted to actingmander of the 225th Division."

    In the Ante Army,st year saw arge number of outstanding field officers being exceptionally promoted to brigadier general, tomand brigade-level units.

    Whether these individuals could perform well, High Command had no certainty, nor did Wang Zhong.

    Fortunately, the 225th Divisionmanded by Brigadier General Eugene fell under his purview, so if worse came to worst, he could just take directmand.

    Wang Zhong was quite sure of his ability tomand a division.

    But right now, he wouldn¡¯t share this with Brigadier General Eugene. He was curious to see if this mine manager could learn the art of war.

    After all, thetter was now considered a "Rocossov man," a leader whom Wang Zhong knew inside and out.

    Brigadier General Eugene: "Aside from some expertise in digging trenches and conducting defensive battles, I¡¯m really not proficient in much else."

    "Are you skilled at map exercises and arranging marching columns?" Vasily asked eagerly, his eyes shining. "You are the 225th Division¡¯s vanguard, so you¡¯re in charge of arranging its march!"

    Brigadier General Eugene: "That, I can handle without a problem. I¡¯ve also brought clerks and staff officers with me."

    "That¡¯s great," Vasily eximed with great joy, "The Army Group¡¯s staff is still in Ye Fort, busy loading trainloads of troops, and the clerks and staff that were dispatched here are stuck at Yarvik. Right now, it¡¯s only me, a captain and assistant officer, shouldering the burden. There was also an Alexander who could take some of the weight off, but he was taken away by Yegorov."

    Wang Zhong, supporting his chin, suddenly spoke, "There should be an establishment of a dedicatedmand to deal withplex transportation work. The way it¡¯s handled now is too chaotic."

    Popov agreed, "Yes, once all the troops have arrived at thebat zone and deployed, thismand could then focus solely on logistical transportation, and everything would proceed in an orderly fashion. Especially since our Army Group is particrly reliant on logistics."

    After all, the First Mobile Group Army had far too many cannons.

    During its organization, this issue of rapid deployment to the battlefield wasn¡¯t foreseen, mainly because Wang Zhong only had experience at the division level. For a division-level unit, using trains for long-distance movements was easily managed by Pavlov and his staff without much fuss.

    Now, based on what Wang Zhong had observed and experienced, he intuitively felt the necessity for a unit of about 30 to 50 people dedicated solely to directing troop transport.

    With such amand, transport would certainly be much smoother, and the Army staff wouldn¡¯t need to be distracted by long-distance train transport; they would only be responsible for the final 50 kilometers from the depot to the front line.

    Additionally, Wang Zhong profoundly understood a question he couldn¡¯tprehend before his transmigration: why did the drills at Zhurihe include train unloading at the station? What was there to practice?

    Now, he realized that indeed practice was necessary; one couldn¡¯t afford not to rehearse.

    The First Mobile Group Army had never drilled this aspect, and the current scramble was due to the staff¡¯s real capabilities, particrly that of a certain civilian Colonel Karataev in Yarvik.

    If the staff and clerks had been any less proficient, the situation would have degenerated into a mess.

    Wang Zhong, watching Brigadier General Eugene getting busy like a clerk, felt genuine gratitude for the Prussians¡¯ caution; if they were to attack now, who knows how things would turn out.

    "We need to make a probing attack," said Major General Witt, looking at the map. "After the enemypleted firepower preparations, they did not attack, making me suspect this is a dying tactic. Perhaps they are not actually ready to face us head-on and are simply using bluffs."

    Colonel Busse was shocked, "But the opponent is that Rocossov!"

    Major General Witt: "It is precisely because it¡¯s Rocossov that we should be suspicious. He is very cunning. He may pretend to be preparing for an attack to buy time until more of his troops arrive."

    Colonel Busse: "Could it be that by thinking this way, you¡¯re ying right into his hands? Just yesterday, we experienced it: a clever double deception. We saw through his firstyer and thought the enemy was weak, so we struck. We almost got devoured by his several hundred tanks in the open fields!"

    Major General Witt: "Did you see his several hundred tanks? With your own eyes?"

    Colonel Busse shut up.

    Major General Witt: "There you go. Trust what you see. Deploy the motorized reconnaissance battalion to establish a clear picture of the enemy situation. Especially, check for ¡¯several hundred tanks¡¯!"

 Chapter 418: "Weâ€™ve encountered Rocossov!

    Private Andreas and Sergeant Kosolek were talking when they suddenly heard the sound of engines.

    The sergeant went to the window facing the interior of Yeisk city, looked out, and saw a continuous stream of motorcycles and wheeled armored vehicles from the motorized reconnaissance battalion moving along the street.

    Andreas also came over, "What¡¯s going on? Didn¡¯t they say the enemy was going to attack?"

    "The enemy hasn¡¯te, so the higher-ups sent out scouts," said Sergeant Kosolek. "Being machine gunners has its benefits, we don¡¯t have to do that kind of stuff, and organizing patrol teams doesn¡¯t fall to us either."

    "Patrol teams?" Andreas asked with confusion, "I participated in patrol teams during training camp."

    Surprised, Kosolek asked, "They also organize patrols inside the country?"

    "No, our training camp was in Mnia, with Mnian resistance guerris around us, part of what they called the Salvation Alliance Army. Reportedly, in the coastal provinces, the United Kingdom¡¯s airnes even airdrop weapons to them, they transport these weapons to the ind, and asionallyunch attacks on us."

    Kosolek cursed, "Those wretches, when we invaded Mnia many of them were starving and jobless. The Great Depression destroyed everything. We offered them the chance to join the glorious Empire, yet they¡¯re so ungrateful!"

    Kosolek paused then asked, "So you participated in a patrol team, then what?""It was the siege of an Allied Forces position, our patrol team was responsible for the perimeter blockade. We encountered a few guerris, the lieutenant leading the team fired a re toward the enemy¡¯s direction, and we greenhorns just shot in the direction where the re fell, without seeing where the enemy was.

    "After a while, the lieutenant shouted to cease fire, and we stopped shooting, not feeling at all like we had been in realbat. I thought we surely hadn¡¯t hit anything, butter, we found four bodies, with no idea how they were hit."

    After listening to Andreas¡¯s story, Sergeant Kosolekughed, "Not bad for a rookie¡¯s experience. As a machine gunner, most of the time, you also can¡¯t see who you¡¯ve hit. Most of the time, you¡¯re just holding the machine gun grip, moving it smoothly from one side to the other.

    "The aiming is determined by the traverse wheel on the tripod. However many turns you give it, such is the trajectory of the machine gun."

    A machine gun fixed to a tripod actually has a very limited range of vertical movement; to make major adjustments to the gun¡¯s elevation you have to rely on the wheel. It¡¯s only when you take the machine gun off and shoot with a bipod that the sights on the machine gun be useful. When it¡¯s mounted on a tripod, the wheel takes on the function of those sights.

    Kosolek continued, "On a tripod, the machine gun can even hit someone 1500 meters away. Do you know what a person 1500 meters away looks like? Just a speck, like an ant, you can¡¯t aim at that, it¡¯s physically impossible¡ªunless you put a sniper¡¯s scope on the machine gun.

    "You just turn the traverse wheel to the 1500 meters setting, and then rock the grip like this."

    The sergeant demonstrated the action of swinging the machine gun grip from side to side.

    "That¡¯s what the battlefield is like, actually seeing who you hit is the exception. Plus, honestly, not seeing is better, once you see, you¡¯ll realize you¡¯re taking out someone about your age, and that gives you nightmares. For us machine gunners, that¡¯s especially important.

    "Remember what I told you about Argesukov?"

    Andreas nodded, "I remember, sergeant, you took out over a thousand Ante People with more than twenty thousand bullets."@@novelbin@@

    "Right, afterwards they went to clear the battlefield and called me to join, said I could take some trophies from the Ante People, but I refused."

    Andreas: "To avoid nightmares?"

    Sergeant: "To avoid nightmares. Isn¡¯t that obvious?"

    At that moment, the sound of tracks pressing against the road surface came from below.

    Curious, Andreas looked out the window.

    The sergeant said, "Definitely a Mark II tank. The only reliable fire support for the reconnaissance units is the 20mm cannon on the Mark II tank. If they encounter the enemy¡¯s armored forces, they¡¯ll get their asses kicked."

    Sure enough, Andreas saw the Mark II tanks mixed in with the motorized reconnaissance units.

    He said, "Mark IIs, they¡¯re everywhere in Mnia, and Mark I tanks too. The national guard divisions had a lot of them. You hardly see Mark Is on the frontlines anymore."

    "The engineers still use them, to throw explosive packs, like catapults," the sergeant demonstrated with a gesture.

    Andreas leaned on the windowsill, watching the advancing reconnaissance battalion below, and asked, "Sergeant, if the reconnaissance battalion finds out that the enemy really doesn¡¯t intend to attack, will we attack? Will we be operating the machine guns on the tanks when we do?"

    "Of course not, when the timees, we¡¯ll be riding in half-tracks, advancing with the infantry. When needed, the toon leader will bellow ¡¯Get off the vehicle, you swine, machine gunners take the high ground,¡¯ and then we¡¯ll scramble to the highest point in sight, perhaps a barn, perhaps a small hill, or maybe rubble."

    "And then?" Andreas asked.

    "Then you go up and shoot until death," the sergeant shrugged, "I feel I should¡¯ve died at Argesukov, after all, the second team was already prepared, just waiting to see when the Ante People wille to im my life."

    Andreas didn¡¯t know what to say, able only to lean on the windowsill, watching the scouting team move forward.

    Ante Army, position outside the city.

    Themander of the 1st Tank Destroyer Battalion was observing the enemy, "Strange, how did the white smoke like dust mix in with the ck smoke from the fires?"

    Then he saw the enemy¡¯s motorized reconnaissance team leaving the city.

    He immediately picked up the handset, "Genghis Khan, Genghis Khan, the enemy has left the city, it¡¯s a motorized reconnaissance unit! The direction they¡¯re exiting is not within my firing range."

    The vortex gun¡¯s reticle was set to 2200 meters, personally determined by Major General Rocossov.

    Even with a longer reticle, with Ante¡¯s level of optical lenses, it was impossible to shoot urately, so the 1st Tank Destroyer Battalion really could not deal with the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance team leaving the city; they could only report it up the chain ofmand.

    At that moment, a robust voice came over the radio, "Leave it to the armored troops, Guards Tank Battalion One, it¡¯s your turn!"

    The tank destroyer battalionmander frowned, "This vites radio discipline, doesn¡¯t it? One shouldn¡¯t use unit numbers¡ªwait a minute, divisionmander?"

    "Correct, it¡¯s me. I just arrived and didn¡¯t know your call signs; eat up the exiting reconnaissance battalion regardless, we can¡¯t let the enemy find out that we¡¯re not attacking because the infantry isn¡¯t in ce."

    Themander was at a loss, he could tell that thetter half of the sentence was meant to deceive the Prussians, but he couldn¡¯t help but wonder, could such deception really fool the Prussians?

    At that moment, the voice of themander of Guards Tank Battalion One came on the radio, "Divisionmander, you¡¯ve finally arrived! So, we¡¯re under yourmand now?"

    "Yes, the general¡¯s tank brigade has arrived with all-new tanks, your duty as the reserve is over! Now you¡¯re back under mymand, Yegorov!"

    The destroyer battalionmander twisted his eyebrows.

    Simrly, upon hearing the conversation over the radio, the gunner asked, "Can the enemy believe such an obvious w? When the general said to ¡¯give the enemy plenty of leeway,¡¯ wasn¡¯t this viting that principle?"

    The destroyer battalionmander shrugged. At that moment, the sound of engines came from the rear right; he turned his head and saw distant dust¡ªGuard Tank Battalion One must have moved out.

    Then, the jeep unit responsible for monitoring the other side reported, "We also have enemies leaving the city on this side, approximately the size of a reconnaissancepany with Mark II tanks; we can¡¯t handle them."

    Yegorov: "Tank Battalion of the 225th Division will handle it, don¡¯t worry about it!"

    "Report."

    Major General Vitz turned his head, looking at the staff officer, "Speak if there¡¯s something to report."

    "Radio surveince heard Ante Armymunications, confirming enemy troops in our northeast are of the 225th Division, southeast enemy unit numbers unknown, but themander is named Yegorov."

    Major General Vitz twisted his eyebrows, "Yegorov?"

    His adjutant immediately stepped forward, "He¡¯s Rocossov¡¯s favorite officer, ording to High Command bulletins, he¡¯s been with Rocossov since the battle of Ronied, and has been through many battles together, a formidable enemy indeed."

    Major General Vitz, "So to our southeast is Rocossov¡¯s direct Guard Mechanized Infantry One? What¡¯s the story with the 225th Division to the northeast?"

    All present shook their heads.

    "Never heard of them."

    "They don¡¯t have the title of Guards, so they might not be elite troops?"

    Major General Vitz shook his head, "But Yegorov trusts this unit very much¡ª"

    Just then, another person came in to report, "The reconnaissance forces exiting the city to the southeast have encountered enemy tank forces and lost contact after contacting us, presumed to be annihted."

    Colonel Busse spoke with conviction, "See! To immediately render a reconnaissancepany incapable of reporting, with the Ante people¡¯s poor shooting skills, there must have been dozens of tanks firing in unison!"

    "Report," the firstmunication staff officer to enter said, "We also intercepted a conversation, someone iming to be Yegorov dered that theck of an attack was due to the infantry not having arrived."

    Major General Vitz paced the room with his hands behind his back.

    At that moment, the Chief of Staff of the Zed Division said, "We have two full battalions of armored forces at our disposal, albeit the first battalion suffered some losses yesterday, mostly Mark III tanks; there are also 27 long-barreled Mark IVs ready forbat this morning. Combined, the two battalions have 58 long-barreled Mark IVs, plus Captain John¡¯s 8 new heavy tanks, and about 150 Mark IIIs, totally capable of leaving the city to fight the enemy."

    Major General Vitz thought for a moment, then asked Colonel Busse, "Are you sure that it was assault guns that destroyed our heavy tanks?"

    "Yes, assault guns," Colonel Busse dered with certainty.

    "No," Major General Vitz told the Chief of Staff, "Assault guns excel in defense, if weunch an armored offensive, that¡¯s exactly what the enemy wants. Recall the reconnaissance team moving to the northeast; there¡¯s no need to lose scouts unnecessarily. Send a report to Army Group that my division is being attacked by a concentrated Ante force, request reinforcements to catch up as soon as possible."

    After a brief pause, Major General Vitz continued, "Also the report to the headquarters of the Southern Army Group, especially highlighting our encounter with Rocossov, Rocossov!"

 Chapter 419: The Situation Before the Suvorov Operation

    On the Prosen front, the headquarters of the 10th Army Group of the Southern Army Group.

    General Boke, themander of the Army Group, currently had a distinguished guest: General William von Frederick, themander of the 6th Army Group, who had just poured a drink for the general when amunications staff officer burst into themand room, "General!"

    General Boke frowned. Although displeased, with the troops inbat, it would be improper to ignore a telegram from the front¡ªespecially in front of a fellow officer.

    Thus, General Boke gestured, and his adjutant immediately stepped forward to take the telegram: "The front reports that the Sede Division has encountered a major force led by Rocossov."

    "We already knew Rocossov wasing, so the attack was thwarted today, wasn¡¯t it?" General Boke exhibited an unusual calmness in front of his peer, "When we heard that Rocossov had reached the front yesterday, I anticipated today¡¯s attack would be frustrated."

    General William von Frederick asked, "So you have a contingency n, do you?"

    "Of course, Rocossov is a tough nut to crack. To advance quickly, we need to circumvent him. Duringst year¡¯s summer campaign, General Moochi¡¯s 2nd Armored Division stumbled over this hard rock, twisted its ankle, and ultimately, General Moochi bypassed him. Then Rocossov could only breakout, and it¡¯s said that over half of his division was decimated!"

    General Boke stood up and gestured on the map: "The Sede Division will hold him at the front, and then we¡¯llmit two Armored Division and two Armored Grenadier Divisions on his southern and northern nks for a breakthrough."

    The adjutant drew symbols for an Armored Division and an Armored Grenadier Division on both the southern and northern sides of the Sede Division on the map."By the 18th, I canunch a pincer attack on Rocossov. The enemy¡¯s Suhayaveli Front Army as a wholecksbat effectiveness. Relying on the city, they can sustain themselves for a while with morale, but unfortunately, this area is all grasnd, and the only city Yeisk has already been taken by us."

    General Boke appeared quite pleased: "Speed is of the essence in warfare, and we have once again defeated the Ante People with pace. Facing this vast grasnd, Rocossov has no options but to retreat to the banks of the Suhaya Weili River and defend using the riverside cities."

    General William von Frederick nodded in agreement: "A very reasonable conception. Speaking of which, I seem to have a destiny with this Rocossov."

    General Boke¡¯s adjutant: "Gentlemen..."

    General Boke: "Duringst year¡¯s summer campaign, did you engage with him?"

    "No, at that time my 6th Army Group was following the 1st Armored Group, and his famed battle at Peniye was less than a hundred kilometers from my headquarters. Later, when he was defending Loktov, my Army Group was dealing with the remnants of the enemy within the Bogdanovka encirclement, and my headquarters was less than fifty kilometers from his battlefield."

    The adjutant: "Generals..."

    General Boke: "In the three battles where he was routed, you were nearby for two of them. This time is the third! I won¡¯t make the mistake of shing with him head-on."

    The adjutant finally lost his patience: "Your Excellencies!"

    General Boke finally turned to the adjutant: "What is it? This isn¡¯t like you."

    The adjutant: "The Sede Division hasn¡¯t attacked. The divisionmander reports that the vanguardbat team encountered prepared enemy fire this morning and immediately went into a defensive state. In the afternoon, upon the arrival of the division headquarters, they discovered arge number of enemy tanks nning to execute a pincer attack on the Sede Division."

    General Boke was stunned: "What? Rocossov attacked?"

    General William reminded him: "Inst winter¡¯s campaign he also organized an attack, swiftly encircling our heavily defended position at Karanskaya. Have you forgotten the photo of him parading the captured generals through the streets?"

    General Boke pped his forehead: "Damn it, now that you mention it, I remember. I even had a nightmare for a day after seeing that photo, dreaming that I was also captured and paraded through the streets. I think my brain must have wanted to forget that on purpose!"

    General William: "You won¡¯t let Rocossov eat up the Sede Division, will you?"

    "Of course not, hell no, of course not," General Boke stood up and ordered his adjutant: "Call the chief of staff in here, no, I should go to the map room myself."

    General William also stood up: "I¡¯ll go with you."

    The two of them made their way to the map room.

    Upon entering the map room, what first caught the eye was the deployment diagram for the first phase of the entire Blue n.

    The 10th Army Group was the spearhead of the first phase.

    The 6th Army Group was the second echelon in the attack, following General William¡¯s 10th Army Group, with its vanguard just crossing General Boke¡¯s starting line.

    Duringst year¡¯s summer campaign, the Prussians had adopted a principle of concentrated use of tanks, with most of their armored forces gathered within four armored groups.@@novelbin@@

    However, after a year of warfare, the Prussians realized during their experience review that having so many armored forces together put too much strain on logistics, and the lousy Ante logistics couldn¡¯t keep up.

    The result was that the armored groups had to stop after a week of hard charging to wait for the rear troops to catch up.

    It was only because the Ante People performed so poorly that they did not capitalize on the gap when the armored forces became disjointed; otherwise, it would have been unthinkable. In fact, some of Ante¡¯spetentmanders noticed the gap andunched counterattacks, but they had too few reliable forces in their hands. Stay updated via empire

    Last year, Ante¡¯s armored forces performed extremely poorly, and even whenmanders noticed opportunities, they could not seize them.

    The infantry forces did seed in capturing some opportunities, but on a limited scale, insignificant to the grand scale of the summer campaign.

    Incidentally, Rocossov was one of the fewmanders who spotted opportunities and seized them, but at the time he had only one regiment, and the rest were a mess of support units.

    In short, while the Ante People reviewed their experiences, so did the Prussians.

    As a result, before the Blue n, armored groups were broken down into smaller units and assigned to various Army Groups to advance together with the infantry, thus slowing the overall attack speed and effectively avoiding disjunction.

    The 10th Army Group had three Armored Divisions, three Armored Grenadier Divisions, and six Infantry Divisions, with a total force of around 220,000, including troops directly under the army¡¯s control.

    The even stronger 6th Army Group, with a force of 300,000, was following the "spearhead" 10th Army Group, tasked with expanding the breakthrough area and extending the upation zone to the sides.

    General Boke briefly recalled his own and allied forces¡¯ assignments, then turned to the busy chief of staff at the map table and asked, "How bad is the situation with the Cedars Division?"

    The chief of staff replied, "Do you mean the battle damage? Last night they reported..."

    "I mean their current situation! Never mind the battle damage."

    The chief of staff pointed at the map and said, "We just updated the situation. It seems that for now, the Cedars Division hasn¡¯t been attacked, just heavily shelled and thrown into disarray."

    General Boke asked, "How many troops does Rocossov have?"

    "We don¡¯t know," the chief of staff said bluntly. "We have no idea how many troops he¡¯smanding. At present, we¡¯ve got two unit designations, one is Rocossov¡¯s old unit, the Guard First Mechanized Infantry Division, and the other is the new designation, the 225th Infantry Division,position unknown."

    General Boke said, "Are the people at High Command just loafing around? Rocossov¡¯s name has been out there for three days, and they still haven¡¯t figured this out?"

    The chief of staff replied, "The Air Force is carrying out aerial reconnaissance. Maybe..."

    "To hell with the Air Force! Where are the four divisions that are prepared to participate in the pincer movement?"

    The chief of staff answered, "They have already deployed to the nks. Calling off the deployment order now and having them rush to Yeisk would create significant chaos. I suggest we speed up the troops that were originally scheduled to take over the defenses at Yeisk."

    Stroking his chin, General Boke pondered, "And the original forces for the pincer movement continue with the operation¡ªis that the n? To encircle and consume Rocossov¡¯s concentrated forces? But can our Army Group really swallow that group?"

    General William, the guest, who had been silent, could not help but speak up when he heard General Boke¡¯s question, "The troopsmanded by Rocossov have been increasing. Last year, during the Siege of Karanskaya, Rabowell thought he wasmanding an Army Group."

    "Could he possibly be a Front Armymander now?"

    General Boke mused, "A Front Army... you mean, we should ask for the opinion of the Southern Army Group?"

    General William suggested, "Anyway, your pincer offensive won¡¯t be ready until the 18th, right?"

    "You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s first make an effort to reinforce the Cedars Division so they don¡¯t get eaten, and see what the Southern Army Group has to say."

    Meanwhile, at Ye Fort, Summer Pce.

    Olga struggled to maintain her dignified expression as she sat in her chair.

    In front of her stood an easel and a huge canvas, on which the royal painter was at work.

    <img data-y-imgid="10092562" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10092562/f4f7a327d5ed4c6188ee8ceae43766d3KZ6V33EJb4Mh.jpg">

    Suddenly, the cat on Olga¡¯s knees seemed to notice something, and without any warning, it jumped down and ran off at high speed.

    Olga eximed, "Ah! It ran off! I¡¯ll go catch it!"

    "No need, I can paint the cat from memory. Besides, Your Majesty, aren¡¯t you just looking for an excuse to slip away to the High Command¡¯s map room?"

    Olga pleaded, "This is a critical time¡ªGeneral Alyosha Rocossov¡¯s troops are fighting at the frontline! I need to be in the map room watching!"

    "You¡¯re not inmand of the battle, and that¡¯s not your job. But sitting for this portrait is! This painting is to be hung in the gallery, where there is a lineage of the Antonov dynasty. How can we have it without you?"

    Olga pouted.

    <img data-y-imgid="10092620" data-y-path="/imgChapter/28533194501855101/28571581307392104/10092620/5aea4aebc952742757049fa51ad37181I9hvnchmiQ06cNF.jpg">

    "There may be no Tsar after the war ends, and these portraits might just end up in a museum..."

    She muttered softly.

    The painter gasped, "What?"

    Olga said hastily, "I said you should paint quickly, finish the work, and then I can go supervise troop deployments in the map room!"

    No sooner had her words fallen than General Tugenev entered the painting studio.

    Overjoyed, Olga stood up quickly, but the weight of the Royal Family robe was a bit too much, and she nearly lost her bnce.

    "General Tugenev!" she steadied herself and asked, "How are things?"

    The general replied, "Rocossov is preparing to take advantage of the enemy¡¯s overextension to conduct a swift annihtion battle. The operations staff think it¡¯s a feasible idea, and we are gathering strength to support the Rocossov Group¡ªthat is, the First Mobile Group Army."

    Olga asked eagerly, "Is he going to win another battle?"

    "I don¡¯t know," General Tugenev said with a stern face. "Even Rocossov can lose a battle."

    Olga protested, "Don¡¯t say that!"

    "It¡¯s my duty to report the worst possibilities to His Majesty the Tsar," General Tugenev paused, then added, "But you may hold on to the most beautiful hopes."

 Chapter 420: Unexpected Reinforcements

    July 14, 2230 hrs, Trinka Vige, under Ante Army control.

    Wang Zhong came out from the Corps Command and looked at the reddish hue on the horizon.

    Even though it was already his second year through the portal, he still found the sight of a sunset at ten at night quite novel.

    While he was marveling at it, Nelly¡¯s voice reached his ear, "All done? Want some supper?"

    Wang Zhong turned to look at Nelly, "Oh, sure. Didn¡¯t you used to prepare supper every day for everyone at the staff headquarters? Why have you stopped doing that?"

    Nelly shrugged, "Because the girls who used to help me prepare the supper are now at Ye Fort and didn¡¯te with us."

    Wang Zhong was shocked, "Those things were prepared by other people? And here I thought you did it all by yourself!"

    Nelly gave him a look that said she thought he was clueless, "How could that be possible? There are hundreds of people at the headquarters; preparing a supper for everybody is a major task. It¡¯s just that the servings for senior officers and staff were pushed out by me in the end."

    Wang Zhong, "Eh? I always thought the supper was abor of love hand-made by ¡¯Loli Mom¡¯!"At that moment, Wang Zhong felt like a child who had just discovered Santa us was actually Dad and Superman in "Digar" was just an actor in a suit.

    Nelly looked at Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t call me Mom. If you want to eat now, then I¡¯ll have to make it personally."

    Wang Zhong, "Then I want frosted cookies and milk."

    "Don¡¯t have them. I can only use our military supplies as ingredients! How about SPAM, rye bread, and vodka?"

    Wang Zhong scratched his head, it seemed that frying sugar to cook braised pork was Ceres¡¯s unique skill. No, there was something else more important to confirm.

    "Nelly," he asked seriously, "did you also use our military supplies forst year¡¯s supper?"

    "Mm." Nelly nodded.

    That meant the variety of food in the supplies was not as extensive asst year.

    He wondered if the supply situation would be even worse next year.

    Seeing Wang Zhong deep in thought, Nelly said, "A lot of our food supplies are locally sourced, and this ce is poor, so that¡¯s why. If you were in Yarvik, I could get you frosted cookies, biscuits, or other tasty things."

    Wang Zhong, "Ah? Is that so? Wait a minute, you know what I was thinking?"

    Nelly raised her right hand and twirled her forefinger around her temple, "I can think too, you know. Connecting the question you asked with the previous topic, it¡¯s easy to understand what you mean."

    Wang Zhong, "So, am I overthinking it? Is our food supply actually okay?"

    Experience tales with empire

    "Mm. Last winter was indeed difficult, but we have recovered since then."

    So that was it.

    Just as Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief, he saw Popov leading Sufang, along with several unfamiliar aunties, into the courtyard of themand post.

    Upon seeing Wang Zhong, Sufang immediately lit up with a bright smile.

    Nelly watched her with raised eyebrows.

    Popov took the initiative to speak, "This is Sufang, a high-ranking nun who has just arrived. She¡ª"

    "Let me do it," Sufang stepped forward and saluted Wang Zhong, "Honorable General Rocossov, by the Grand Patriarch¡¯s orders, I have led the Druids from the Folklore Society to assist in the war."

    Wang Zhong: "Druid what now?"

    "Druids." Su Fang repeated.

    The Folklore Society and Druids? Wang Zhong closely observed the group following Su Fang, and by their age, they indeed could pass for "Swamp Witches" and "Forest Priestesses."@@novelbin@@

    As for looks¡ªWith a bit of makeup, their wrinkled faces could easilynd them roles as evil witches on some CRPG set, especially the kind that lived deep in the swamp and ate children.

    However, their clothing was quite modern, more fitting for a guest role as an investigator on the neighboring Cthulhu set.

    At this point, the leading auntie spoke up, "No wonder the general looks so puzzled, I said we should havee in full costume."

    Wang Zhong: "Costume?"

    One of the aunties put down her leather case, opened it, and showed Wang Zhong the contents.

    Inside the case were nes strung with dried chicken feet, tattered cloaks, voodoo dolls, and other items emanating an aura of malevolence.

    Wang Zhong: "If you hade dressed in these, I might have ordered the guards to shoot at you."

    Popov ced a hand on Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder, "Rx, these are our researchers, just like the quantum physicists at the Physics Institute, all dedicated to unraveling the truth behind mysterious powers."

    "Using dried chicken feet to unravel it?" Wang Zhong retorted.

    The auntie disying the chicken feet said, "Physicists talk about de Broglie waves, nck¡¯s constant, things we don¡¯t understand. But look, even without diving into those arcane matters, we can still explore the patterns of mystical forces."

    Another auntie chimed in, "It¡¯s all about extensive experimentation, then summarizing the findings."

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, alright, I get it. The Church doesn¡¯t want to put all its eggs in the physics basket, so you¡¯ve got some other things going on, right? I bet there¡¯s also an Institute of Esoteric Studies."

    Su Fang: "Yes, that exists. And there¡¯s also a Scripture Institute, mainly studying the impact of reciting scriptures on mystical forces, changing the cadence and tune of recitation every day. By the way, I read their journal every issue."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "I¡¯m quite clear on the Church¡¯s efforts in deciphering mystical forces now. What I want to know is, what are you doing on the frontlines?"

    The chicken feet auntie: "We¡¯re here to help you win with druidic spells. We have mastered some Druidic Spells and are using a more scientific approach. If we use them on the battlefield and win, it could deliver a significant blow to the Sanctified faction."

    Wang Zhong: "I thought the Sanctified faction was already wiped out¡ª"

    He hadn¡¯t finished his sentence when he remembered the Prussian who had been driven mad with fear.

    Perhaps the Sanctified faction still had a market; they were just staying hidden.

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, I think I more or less understand the Grand Patriarch¡¯s intention. What can you do? Summon Ents? Or perhaps call forth a murder of crows to darken the sky, grounding enemy air forces?"

    Su Fangughed heartily, "General, you are really amusing¡ªer..."

    Su Fang stopped, examining Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, "You¡¯re not joking?"

    Wang Zhong: "I just think, if Divine Power can guide rockets to track enemy nes, then summoning Ents doesn¡¯t seem so far-fetched."

    "Unfortunately, such things that only exist in legends are beyond our capabilities. Don¡¯t expect us to summon Forest Wraiths to attack the enemy." The auntie shook her head, "But if you want a fog thatsts two hours, we can still achieve that."

    Wang Zhong opened his eyes wide, "Say that again, what can you summon?"

    The auntie: "With the ritual materials we¡¯ve brought, we can summon a fog thatsts two hours. We have replicated the phenomenon three times already, on the ins at the bend of the Suhaya Weili River between 907 and 909, all three experiments were in the summertime. The ¡¯spell¡¯ we used is also from the local Druidic faction."

 Chapter 421: Is It Magic or Trickery?

    Thirty minutester, at the Trinka Vige church.

    "I never thought that I¡¯d rely on mysticism on the battlefield," said Wang Zhong, as he watched the "folklore researchers" set up the site for the ritual, speaking to Popov.

    Popov looked surprised, "You hadn¡¯t thought of it?"

    Before Wang Zhong could answer, Popov found the answer himself, "That¡¯s right, you¡¯re not a devout believer. I¡¯ve followed you for ten months now, and you¡¯ve never prayed even once."

    Wang Zhong was astonished. As a Ceris person, he had never been in the habit of praying. He would just asionally pass by temples, it didn¡¯t matter whether they belonged to God or Mazu, and he would go in and worship.

    When worshiping, there wasn¡¯t even the mention of praying, let alone any connection to devoutness.

    It was just, when you see a temple, you¡¯vee all this way, why not light some incense, right?

    Back when he still carried change, Wang Zhong used to toss a one-renminbi coin into the Merit Box. Later, when everyone switched to electronic payments, he just gave up on that.

    Now, Wang Zhong finally realized that Popov was a clergyman! I haven¡¯t prayed in front of a clergyman for a whole year, how embarrassing, brother.Popovughed out loud, "Don¡¯t be so serious, we from the Secr faction don¡¯t indulge in this sort of formalism. That¡¯s the outdated stuff of the Sanctified faction, and it¡¯s been cast aside."

    Really?

    Seeing Wang Zhong relieved, Popov changed the subject, "But not praying at all is going a bit too far. Most of the soldiers are devout Secr faction believers; you need to show a little respect."

    Wang Zhong, "What counts as ¡¯a little respect¡¯?"

    "For example, reciting a prayer loudly before a charge."

    Reciting a prayer?

    Wang Zhong was reminded of Warhammer 40K when it came to reciting prayers on the battlefield. Was he also supposed to nail scrolls inscribed with scripture onto his armor? Then, first, you guys need to give me a power sword and a bolter!

    That¡¯s totally the wrong style!

    Popov, "It¡¯s not that hard to do, right? If you don¡¯t remember the prayers, just read from the book. I¡¯ll give you this old copy of the Andrew Scripture; the folded pages all have appropriate sentences for preaching."

    As he spoke, Popov took out a hefty volume that visibly bore the traces of time.

    Wang Zhong, "You¡¯re telling me this thick book is just one silver coin?"

    "It¡¯s the industrial age now. If it were 300 years ago, a scripture like this would probably cost 10 gold coins, and that¡¯s if you could even buy one."

    "Hold on," Wang Zhong suddenly realized something, "Were silver coins still in use decades ago?"

    "Yes, it¡¯s only been about thirty years since we started using paper currency."

    Wang Zhong asked seriously, "How old are you?"

    "55. I joined the seminary when I was eight. Back then, the seminary mainly taught the stuff of the Sanctified faction; the Secr faction¡¯s teachings were passed around in secret."

    Wang Zhong, "Because industrial production wasn¡¯t sufficiently developed back then?"

    In fact, Wang Zhong was just speaking off the top of his head based on what he had learned. Economic fundamentals determine the superstructure, after all, and the thoughts of the Secr faction are part of the superstructure. Naturally, they would spread first in regions with advanced industry andmerce.

    However, Popov stared wide-eyed at Wang Zhong, "I see now, although you have never prayed, the Scripture has always been in your heart."

    Hey, that¡¯s not¡ª I didn¡¯t! Don¡¯t start spreading rumors!

    While thinking this, Wang Zhong¡¯s facial muscles formed a smile, "The wine and meat pass through the gut, the sacred teachings stay in the heart."

    Popov,ying a hand on his old book, "Shall I take it away then?"

    "No, no, better leave it with me. I only remember the gist, not the specific sentences. Wouldn¡¯t want to mess up the prayers before battle, that wouldn¡¯t be good."

    Popovughed heartily for the third time.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong shifted the topic back to the use of mystic forces in warfare, "I remember Carolingian used witchcraft spells to counter the Prosen invasion?"

    "Indeed, they did," Popov looked towards the folklore researchers preparing the site, "It sparked an epidemic, but it was eradicated by Prosen using penicillin."

    Penicillin is so amazing!

    Wait a minute, isn¡¯t penicillin just another word for antibiotics? Suddenly it¡¯s lost all its prestige! Witchcraft magic that¡¯s defeated by antibiotics is just too weak!

    Popov continued, "The drug penicillin was apparently mass-produced using a special kind of melon as a culture base."

    Did witches¡¯ magic really get defeated by melons?

    Popov: "And this variety of melon was introduced from the Federation¡¯s United Fruit Company to the territory of Prosen."

    Did the Federation defeat the witches¡¯ magic?

    Huh, suddenly that seems reasonable.

    After speaking, Popov shook his head and changed the topic, "So I¡¯m not quite sure if magic can help us defeat Prosen tomorrow, it¡¯s best to prepare for both possibilities."

    Wang Zhong: "I will."

    At this moment, the main force participating in tomorrow¡¯s operation, the current regimentalmander of the 31st Guards Infantry Regiment, Lieutenant Colonel Semyon, entered the church, saluting Wang Zhong and Popov: "Commander, Bishop, themanding officers of the 31st Regiment¡¯spanies have assembled ording to your orders, awaiting instructions!"

    Wang Zhong stood up: "Good, let¡¯s head to themand post, and not disturb the anthropologists preparing the ceremony."

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong strode towards the door and casually asked, "How¡¯s the troop¡¯s morale?"

    "Their spirits are high, hearing that the armored troops have achieved sess, everyone is eager to fight," said Lieutenant Colonel Semyon, "after all, they are your old unit."

    Wang Zhong: "They? What, they don¡¯t acknowledge you, ¡¯the new monk¡¯?"

    "It¡¯s nothing, after all, the previousmander was Major General Yegorov. There might be a bit of a gap inparison, and I have no outstanding battle achievements. I was a lieutenant colonel when the war startedst year, and I am still a lieutenant colonel this year." Lieutenant Colonel Semyon gave a bitter smile, "I don¡¯t even know why they reassigned me to your elite troops."

    Wang Zhong smiled: "General Tugenev at Military Command is a straightforward man, they wouldn¡¯t arbitrarily assign people. After tomorrow¡¯s assault, you¡¯ll have your own battle results."

    "Let¡¯s hope so," said Lieutenant Colonel Semyon.

    Meanwhile, as the two talked, they entered the yard of the Army Group Command, where thepany and toonmanders of the 31st Regiment were gathered; upon seeing Wang Zhong, they immediately stood at attention and saluted.

    Wang Zhong scanned the familiar faces and casually pointed to one, "Filippov, howe you haven¡¯t been promoted topanymander yet? Are you even trying?"

    Filippov: "No, Vasily is still a captain, too; he hasn¡¯t been promoted to a field officer rank, has he?"

    "Then you¡¯d better try harder this time, get promoted to a field officer rank before he does. Then I can taunt him daily by reciting your name in front of him," said Wang Zhong, ncing back at Vasily¡ªhis aide-de-camp had to follow hismander at all times, making Vasily half a guard to Wang Zhong now.

    Filippovughed, "Vasily, too bad, you can¡¯t join us this time."

    Vasily: "Reporting to the general, I request to join the assault."

    "No, there are plenty of things for you to do before Pavlov arrives. Wait until Pavlov brings the Corps Command, then I¡¯ll consider it," Wang Zhong replied, then gestured with his hand to everyone, "Let¡¯s go inside."

    After the group had entered the room, Wang Zhong handed a stack of photos to Lieutenant Colonel Semyon, "Pass these around, these are aerial reconnaissance photos of Yeisk¡¯s terrain."

    As everyone passed the photos around, Wang Zhong pointed to the simple map on the ckboard and said, "This is the simplified map drawn by Vasily based on aerial photos. The anthropologists will hold the ceremony overnight tonight, and fog is expected to start forming at 5 AM tomorrow.

    "Therefore, artillery preparations will start at four o¡¯clock, one hour of preparation to destroy all of the enemy¡¯s perimeter barbed wire and mines. We can¡¯t start too early, as we¡¯ve never opened fire at three o¡¯clock before. As artillery preparation happens, you will move covertly to the starting line."

    Wang Zhong drew a line on the map with chalk, "The engineers have confirmed, up to this line, there are no mines. Once artillery preparation ends, you¡¯ll use the heavy fog to attack. Silenced weapons should be very effective in the fog with the element of surprise."

    Filippov raised his hand: "General!"

    Wang Zhong: "Speak."

    Filippov: "The heavy fog in the morning is due to the low ground temperature and the condensation of water vapor, will there still be fog after the artillery preparation?"

    Wang Zhong: "Scientifically speaking, there won¡¯t be. However, our current science cannot exin some phenomena, such as the fog tomorrow. I mean, if there really is fog tomorrow."

    In the movie "Apocalypse Now," after the F4 Phantom dropped napalm, the wind direction changed, and the surf haven suddenly turned into an unimpressive beach.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong believed that there would definitely not be heavy fog after tomorrow¡¯s artillery preparation unless some unexinable influence was at y.

    Conversely, if heavy fog formed immediately after artillery preparation, then it would suggest that the anthropologists really did summon a force beyond modern science.

    Not like the witches¡¯ magic from Carolingian, whose spells could be defeated by penicillin, which made one doubt that it was merely the use of some biological weapon.

    Perhaps it was a biological weapon left behind by an ancient super-civilization, now controlled by the witches.@@novelbin@@

    Huh, wait, that¡¯s not right, if that were the case, then the fog could also be due to a weather control satellite in the sky being activated¡ª

    Wang Zhong was lost in thought when suddenly he saw Sufang Batu Wendusu waving at the door.

    "Hold on a moment," he said to the officers, then quickly walked to the door, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    In a low voice, Sufang said, "Dean Mama asked me to tell you not to begin your fire preparation before the fog. If you¡¯re going to prepare, do it now. But two hours before the fog, you need to stop."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brow furrowed, "If it weren¡¯t for the fact that I¡¯ve actually witnessed Divine Arrows chasing down enemy nes, I¡¯d be suspecting you anthropologists were scammers. Do you know the meteorological department of the Air Force reported that fog is likely tomorrow morning?"

    Sufang: "I don¡¯t know what the meteorological department says, but I can tell you that there will certainly be fog tomorrow morning."

 Chapter 422: Run, Vasily!

    Wang Zhong looked at his watch and sighed to Su Fang, "So, I can start the artillery preparation two hours ahead of schedule, right?"

    Su Fang nodded repeatedly.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and shouted, "Vasily, call the artillerymand post and tell them to start firing two hours earlier."

    The artillerymand post was also something Wang Zhong had learned from the Federation. The Federation had a method of simultaneous shell casting, where artillery units of different levels equipped with various types of cannons would coordinate their firing times differently, but the shells wouldnd at the same time.

    Because theynded simultaneously, the firepower density in that time period was several times more intense than that of normal firing.

    During World War II on Earth, only the Americans were able to do this, and afterwards, other countries began to learn.

    The role of the artillerymand post was to coordinate the artillery barrage, and it was filled with mathematicians¡ªin this era withoutputers, mathematicians had to perform manual calctions to work out the firing elements.

    Following the experiences of the Federation, Wang Zhong established an artillerymand post at the Army Group level.

    Thismand post, for the convenience ofmunication, was not set up together with the Corps Command and needed a phone call to notify them of n changes.Upon hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s voice, Vasily looked up, "Start two hours earlier, right?"

    "Right."

    Vasily nodded and turned to make the call.

    Wang Zhong looked at Su Fang, "Anything else?"

    "Nothing else. General, it¡¯s truly regrettable that Miss Ludm couldn¡¯t apany you to the front lines. If you have¡ª"

    Nelly suddenly appeared, standing beside Wang Zhong, eyeing Su Fang askance.

    Wang Zhong asked, "I have what?"

    "If you need, I mean, if you need to talk to Miss Ludm, you cane to me."

    Wang Zhong then recalled the Hymn Monk¡¯s telepathy that he had tried before; it seemed to have been the first time he spoke to Olga.

    Thinking about it seemed to make things weird:municating through the mouth of a Hymn Monk who had always wanted to seduce him with his sister who admired him¡ªthe mere words could lead to many indecent thoughts.

    Wang Zhong said, "I am a pure soldier. When I am on the front lines, I don¡¯t think about these distractions. Monk Su Fang, you¡¯re a priest too; the Eastern Holy Church should set an example in all respects within my army."

    Su Fang nodded, "Alright then. I will continue to be with the folk studies institute."

    "Is that your task, dealing with them?" asked Wang Zhong.

    "No, I¡¯m responsible for suppressing with hymns when they draw in something ominous," said Su Fang with an enigmatic smile before walking away.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong¡¯s mind was flooded with a series of very Lovecraftian imaginations.

    What kind of ominous things are they drawing in! You must rify! Can the whirlwind¡¯s 100mm cannon handle it? What about the borrowed heavy artillery battalion¡¯s B4 howitzer?

    If they can¡¯t handle it, then that would be problematic!

    After Su Fang disappeared, Nelly took out a bag and scattered a handful in the direction Su Fang had left.

    Curiously, Wang Zhong asked, "What are you sprinkling there?"

    "Salt," Nelly replied, looking at Wang Zhong and holding up the bag, "Rock salt, to be exact. Absolutely effective, no matter how formidable the evil, it will be swept away."

    Wang Zhong reminded her, "Su Fang is a high-ranking nun, you know. Sprinkling salt on a high-ranking nun of the Secr faction¡ªjust make sure the Tribunal doesn¡¯t find out about it."

    Nelly stuck out her tongue regretfully and put away the salt.

    Wang Zhong said, "Well, it doesn¡¯t matter if you sprinkled it, I¡¯ll just call Judge Belinsky if need be. Don¡¯t worry, I have to get back to the meeting."

    Nelly asked, "Should I prepare ate-night snack for the infantry officers?"

    Wang Zhong looked around the room. The meeting had been interrupted by Su Fang, and the officers were casually chatting. However, they all seemed to be pointing at photographs, likely discussing tomorrow¡¯s battle.

    Viewing the young people¡ªor rather, his peers¡ªWang Zhong¡¯s expression softened, "Prepare it, and make it substantial. After all, some of them might not return tomorrow night."

    Nelly nodded.

    As she was about to leave, Vasily came running back out of breath, "Report!"

    Nelly jumped in surprise, looking at him quizzically.

    The young officers in the room also ceased their discussions and turned to look at the door.

    Vasily announced, "The phone lines were gnawed through by mice; the signal corps is out checking the lines."

    "You¡¯re shouting over such a trivial thing? Mice?" Filippov yelled, and the officers in the room burst intoughter.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯tugh; he spoke seriously, "The situation is critical. We can¡¯t wait for the signal corps to battle mice anymore, send a messenger."

    In this era, radio encryption was extremely weak. Only the Federation dabbled in frequency-hopping radios to prevent eavesdropping, but it was not yet equipped on arge scale.

    Thus, in this era, important messages were either sent by encrypted radio messages or by phone, and in the absence of these, by sending someone physically, only as ast resort would they use the radio.

    From the Army Group Command to the artillerymand post, obviously, there was no need for a radio as it required messages to be encrypted before transmission and decrypted upon reception, aplicated process that was simpler to bypass by sending a runner.

    Vasily said, "A messenger has been sent, that¡¯s why I came back. Just to... report on the mice¡¯s great work."

    The roomful of young staff officersughed again.

    Then Yegorov¡¯s voice came through, "It¡¯s quite normal for mice to gnaw through phone lines in the summer. This ce is rather barren, in the ck soil of Kazakhstan, the mice are three times fatter!"

    Wang Zhong turned his head upon hearing Yegorov and asked, "What brings you to my ce instead of staying at your division headquarters?"

    "You¡¯ve called my men over; shouldn¡¯t Ie and see?" countered Yegorov.

    This time, due to the urgency of the situation, after conveying the attack determination to each unit, Wang Zhong directly phoned the 31st regiment and had the men summoned over.

    Wang Zhong: "Nonsense, what do we do if the enemyunches an attack?"

    "The Prussians won¡¯tunch a night attack. Besides, you¡¯ve summoned all my infantry battalion andpanymanders here. If the enemy does break through, it won¡¯t be my fault, but yours to shoulder, Commander!"

    Wang Zhong scratched his head: "It shouldn¡¯te to that. On the vast ins, no attack can seed without tank troops. And tanks don¡¯t operate well at night, they can¡¯t see anything."@@novelbin@@

    Yegorov spread his arms: "Exactly, so you see, even you think there¡¯s no problem with meing over!"

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, depending on the situation tomorrow, we may also need armored troops to coordinate, so it¡¯s fine for you toe over. Also, call over Major General Eugene from the 225th Division; his division is almost all here."

    Vasily immediately saluted: "I¡¯ll go and call the acting divisionmander of the 225th Division now."

    Yegorov: "You¡¯re assigning the main attack to your old unit, the 31st Regiment, and only having the 225th Division¡¯s infantry conduct a feint. Is there a risk of favoritism?"

    Wang Zhong said seriously to Yegorov: "I chose you because this kind ofbat requires troops to have extremely high personal initiative, and every soldier needs the courage to search for opportunities alone in the fog.

    "I think that only the 31st Regiment can fight this way. The Fifth Belinsky Regiment still needs training."

    Yegorov turned his head and shouted to the young officers: "Did you hear that? Only we can do it! You better not disgrace us tomorrow! Make sure to convey the General¡¯s trust to every soldier, tell them, even if they¡¯re on their own, even if they cannot distinguish directions, they must move toward the sound of gunfire!"

    "Good!" Everyone in the room answered in unison.

    Wang Zhong asked: "Continue studying the photos. Have you figured out anything?"

    "Report!" Filippov stood up, "Can we call over some locals to exin things to us? There should be many civilians who have fled to Trinka or even further east."

    Before Wang Zhong could answer, Vasily came in: "Acting Division Commander Eugene is on his way."

    Yegorov: "The phone line on that side hasn¡¯t been chewed through by mice, has it?"

    Vasily: "If that¡¯s also cut, I might have to find a Judge."

    Wang Zhong put his hand on Vasily¡¯s shoulder: "Don¡¯t go looking for a Judge, go to the church and call the Priest here. I have something to ask him."

    If there were refugees, then the local church would surely be in charge of their amodation; asking the church¡¯s Priest would be right.

    Vasily turned around: "Alright, just now I was running next door to make a call, this time I have to run to the church. Although neither distance is long¡­"

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯tin, it¡¯s better than hauling manure."

    Yegorov teased in a goading tone: "Run fast, Vasily!"

    Vasily took off at a sprint.

    "This is a low wall," said Ivan, the refugee from Yeisk, "Adults can climb over it. But the series of courtyards inside don¡¯t connect with each other; once you enter one courtyard, you must keep moving inward until you reach the main road."

    Filippov asked: "Can we blow up walls between two courtyards using explosives?"

    The refugee Ivan widened his eyes: "Explosives? I don¡¯t know how powerful they are¡­"

    Filippov: "They¡¯re about as powerful as the explosives used in mining."

    The refugee Ivan looked confused.

    Yegorov: "Enough of that; the old farmers here haven¡¯t seen mining. This area doesn¡¯t even have a stone hill. Look here, Ivan, how big of a hammer would it take to break through this wall?"

    Ivan clenched his right hand: "A hammer the size of two fists, this big, could break it."

    Yegorov cursed: "How can such a thick brick wall be broken like that? You guys might need to bring more explosives."

    Filippov snapped his fingers: "Got it!"

    At that moment, there was the sound of a car engine from outside.

    Wang Zhong looked towards the door and saw Vasily leading in Major General Eugene of the 225th Division.

    The first thing Eugene did upon entering was to sigh.

    Wang Zhong: "What¡¯s wrong? Morale is immeasurable among the soldiers and officers, and your sighing isn¡¯t helping!"

    Eugene quickly shut his mouth, then exined reluctantly: "I¡¯m just a mine manager,manding a division in an assault is too difficult."

    "Your division is executing a feint." Yegorov said, "If you really don¡¯t know how, just have your soldiers shout ¡¯hurrah¡¯ in the fog, and that¡¯s enough."

    Eugene shook his head: "No no, I¡¯ve seen the Prussians too, they won¡¯t believe that. Tomorrow my troops have to enter the urban area; at the very least, we need to inflict casualties on the Prussians, make the Prussian machine guns fire into the fog."

    Wang Zhong pointed at Eugene, and said to Yegorov: "Our mine manager says he doesn¡¯t understand, but once he starts talking, he¡¯s very precise."

    Popovughed: "I think Major General Eugene couldmand an Army Group, why don¡¯t you let him take over, General?"

    Yegorov: "That won¡¯t do, the soldiers would have something to say about that. Everyone wants to fight under the ¡¯Magician of the Battlefield¡¯, the undefeated Rocossov."

    Outside, there was another sound of an engine.

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily, go see what unit ising in at thiste hour."

    Vasily stood up: "Alright, I¡¯ll go take a look."

    A momentter, Vasily returned leading General Tadeusz,mander of the 1st Division of the Mnia People¡¯s Army: "Report, the vanguard of the Mnia People¡¯s Army has arrived."

    Wang Zhong was delighted: "Arrived so quickly?"

    Tadeusz said in heavily ented Antenguage: "It¡¯s well-arranged by the Chief of Staff."

    Wang Zhong: "How many troops are in the vanguard?"

    Tadeusz: "An infantry battalion."

    "Then you reinforce the 31st Regiment, youe over here, let me tell you¡­"

 Chapter 423: The Calm Before the Storm

    Wang Zhong spent twenty minutes, carefully repeating the recent intelligence.

    Tadeusz nodded, "Understood, in short, treat it like smoke covering the entire battlefield, engaging in closebat within the smoke."

    Wang Zhong, "That¡¯s right, we all have suppressed weapons, which means as long as there is gunfire, it¡¯s definitely not from our side, so there will be no friendly fire."

    Tadeusz, "Conversely, once friendly fire urs, it¡¯s possible that our troops will die silently. We must allocate the assault sectors properly to avoid idental harm."

    Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s useless, I¡¯ve been a demon in the smoke myself and know how chaotic it can get. Friendly fire is inevitable. The good news is, we are far less in number than the Prussians, so the likelihood of hitting our own is greatly reduced."

    Tadeusz said with augh, "We are like little fog spirits, silently annihting them."

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but raise his eyebrows at this familiar term, "Little fog spirits?"

    "Ah, it¡¯s a creature from the legends of Mnia, emerging with heavy fog to harm people. They also use illusion techniques to cover their tracks," Tadeusz shrugged, "Typical superstitious logic that is self-consistent because the little fog spirits alwayse with the fog. So, no one has seen them. But when they leave, they use illusion techniques to cover their tracks, and no one finds their traces."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "I see. So, little fog spirits don¡¯t exist?""At least no one I know has seen them, I mean, not while they were sober."

    After taking the mushrooms, right?

    Vasily pped his thigh, "We can pretend to be little fog spirits and scare the Prussians away!"

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t be foolish, the Prussians used penicillin against witches¡¯ magic. If they really encountered little fog spirits, they would just spray bullets and then send the corpses to the Imperial Academy of Sciences for a reward. It would definitely be like that."

    Tadeusz, "In Mnia, only children are afraid of little fog spirits. I always feel it¡¯s a tale made up to frighten children so they won¡¯t go out to y in the fog. There are many real dangers in the fog."

    As he spoke, Tadeusz put away the simple map and photographs, "I¡¯m going to meet with thepany and toon leaders to brief them on the situation."

    Yegorov, "We should also be going, there¡¯s a lot to arrange, and we definitely won¡¯t be sleeping tonight."

    Wang Zhong, "Alright, let¡¯s synchronize our watches."

    He bowed his head, looking at his watch, "It¡¯s now July 15th, 0029 hours, perfect."

    The others also bowed their heads, pulling out the small knob on their watches to stop the hands, then turned the knob to set the time to 0030, waiting for Wang Zhong¡¯smand.

    Wang Zhong, "Good!"

    Everyone pressed down on the knob at the same time, allowing the watches to start moving again.

    "Good luck to you. See you inside the city of Yeisk tomorrow."

    "See you in the city."

    "See you in the city!"

    Everyone stood up and walked down.

    Wang Zhong noticed that Colonel Semyon looked very nervous, so he patted him on the shoulder, "There¡¯s nothing to worry about. The Prussian pilots are indeed proficient, but what matters in the fog is courage, muster it."

    After speaking, Wang Zhong patted Semyon on the back, pushing him out of the headquarters.@@novelbin@@

    Later, Wang Zhong took a short nap until he was awakened by the sound of artillery.

    He sat up and looked out the window.

    The birds hiding in the grass were startled by the artillery fire and fluttered noisily into the sky.

    The ins were still pitch-dark, asionally illuminated by the sh of heavy artillery firing.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, this was the first time his artillerymen tried a simultaneous impact attack during actualbat. During previous exercises at Kubinka, this maneuver often failed. The mathematicians¡¯ calctions were urate, but Ante¡¯s artillerymen could not always execute the intent of the mathematicians perfectly, so the density of simultaneous impact was also unpredictable.

    Hopefully, they would perform above normal this time.

    Brigadier General Wittey on the ground, eximing, "This fire density! It feels like ten artillery battalions are firing on us!"

    A simultaneous impact fire mission could lead inexperienced officers to overestimate the number of artillerymen firing on them. Up to now, no Prussian officer had directly engaged with the Federation, so this was an unknown field for them.

    If Rabowell was a bit more reliable, maybe he could have stolen some intelligence on the Federation¡¯s tactical habits. Unfortunately, Rabowell was not that reliable.

    Currently, all the Prussian officers in the room were lying t on the ground, maintaining an artillery defense posture, with a few even holding their heads in their hands.

    The earth-shattering artillery firested for who knows how long before finally stopping.

    Brigadier General Witte stood up, "It¡¯s not even dawn yet, why did they stop? Are they attacking at this time?"

    Night battles are a challenge for most armies, and only a few actively seek and excel at night operations.

    For instance, the United Kingdom¡¯s Commando units often took advantage of the night to raid western Prussian facilities.

    Colonel Busse also got up, "I fear it¡¯s not an attack, this is Rocossov¡¯s habit, shelling us while we sleep, trying to kill us in our beds."

    Major General Witte came to the headquarters window, looking outside, "¡­that doesn¡¯t seem right, with the density of fire we just heard, there should be more damage near headquarters, shouldn¡¯t there?"

    The Chief of Staff approached the window¡ªhaving reced the casualties less than 24 hours ago, he spoke somewhat hesitantly, "Indeed, the number of shells was definitely more than this; could it be the focus of the shelling wasn¡¯t the urban area?"

    Colonel Busse also moved closer to the window to observe, "But the density of the exploding shells just now was definitely no illusion of mine."

    After pondering for a few seconds, Major General Witte said, "This is fire preparation, aimed at destroying the barbed wire and mines on the outskirts of our defense zone. It¡¯s nighttime; the engineer troops can¡¯t fix these in the dark, and the enemy could attack. Get the troops ready."

    "Now, sir?" the Chief of Staff confirmed.

    "Yes, now. Have the troops ready for battle," Major General Witte said.

    Wang Zhong paced back and forth in the headquarters, each time he reached the window, he looked outside.

    "A clear moon and scattered stars, this doesn¡¯t look like it¡¯s going to be foggy at all," he muttered.

    Popov, "Didn¡¯t Filippov say yesterday? Morning fog is due to the clear weather¡¯s heat dissipating into the high atmosphere, causing vapor to condense at a lower altitude. There¡¯s a bunch of scientific terms I, a theology student, only half understand. But you probably understood, General."

    Wang Zhong: "I understand, I just forgot."

    Popov: "You¡¯re notmanding an attack for the first time, so why act like a greenhorn just hitting the battlefield?"

    "Because before, he was always charging in front, driving his little tank."

    Turning his head, Wang Zhong saw Pavlov entering the room.

    "You finally made it!" He stepped forward and gave Pavlov a hug, "I thought you would follow with thest of the troops on the 16th."

    "I left behind a few trustworthy staff officers and clerks, they will arrange thest of the troops well." Pavlov punched Wang Zhong on the shoulder, "I heard you¡¯ve already exchanged fire with the enemy, really, why the rush? Couldn¡¯t you wait for the entire Army Group to arrive?"

    Wang Zhong stepped back, "We can¡¯t help but rush. Look, we can only set up headquarters in these viges. If we don¡¯t confront the enemy soon, we¡¯ll end up fighting them by the riverbank."

    Pavlov: "It¡¯s not like we haven¡¯t fought in urbanbat before."

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s different. The Vortex has been heavily protected, the nks are unreliable; we can¡¯t fight urban battles. This vast grasnd is where the Vortex can y its role. We have already struck a heavy blow to the enemy on the grasnd."

    "I know that already." Pavlov patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder, "Calm down now, you are the Army Group Commander, not the battalionmander who used to charge with his little tank anymore."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    In fact, he really considered joining the attack. After all, he had a cheat, knowing the position of the enemy in the smoke, and within a range of 2.5 kilometers, his assault team would surely prate the enemy¡¯s lines and capture theirmander.

    But then again, who knows how many enemies are within those two and a half kilometers, it might take forever for him to look through them all, especially under a fog assault. It¡¯s not certain how effective that would be.

    Moreover, his cheat was like a minimap that marked people, it wasn¡¯t about actually having a frame for direct shooting, much less a spinning top.

    How much he could contribute as an infantryman was up for debate.

    Plus, the enemy was now organized, and had the will to fight. Randomly firing in the fog might end up with Wang Zhong catching a lucky shot.

    Reality is not a game, taking a bullet won¡¯t kill you, but you¡¯d still end upying in the rear for half a year.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t bear to leave behind the troops he¡¯d painstakingly put together.

    So, the assault should be left to his soldiers. He had nurtured them for over half a year, equipping and training them, even setting up night school, teaching them every day why they fight. Now it was time for them to show their worth.

    Wang Zhong could absolutely be described as loving his troops like his own children, but now it was time to "use them like mud."

    After crushing the enemy¡¯s morale, he could use his cheat ability to snatch high-ranking officials from the disarrayed enemy forces. At that point, Wang Zhong would be able to leisurely check who the enemy officers are, without worrying about stray bullets and shrapnel.

    As he thought this, he came to the window again, "Why hasn¡¯t the fog risen yet? The artillery preparation has stopped for so long."

    "Why haven¡¯t the enemye yet?" Private Andreas yawned as he spoke.

    Sergeant Kosolek, on the other hand, was veryposed, quietly smoking.

    Andreas turned his head to the sergeant and asked curiously, "Why do you hide so much when you smoke, Sergeant?"

    "The light from the cigarette," the sergeant replied, "Unless you want a sniper to send you heavenward, smoke discreetly."

    Andreas: "I heard the Ante People have many women snipers, have you seen them?"

    "No," the sergeant shook his head, "And I¡¯d rather never meet them in my life, those damned reapers in nuns¡¯ clothing."

    Andreas sighed, "I actually want to see for myself. Women in battle, that¡¯s something novel. Fighting and working in factories should be men¡¯s work."

    Clearly, he was still at a stage of having a fascination with the battlefield, even though he¡¯d already seen several trucks of corpses. But merely seeing dead bodies doesn¡¯t turn a new recruit into a veteran.

    Sergeant Kosolek continued to smoke in silence.

    After hesitating, Andreas asked, "You¡¯re not nervous, are you, Sergeant? Do old soldiers get nervous too?"

    "No, I don¡¯t get nervous at the start of a battle. But today I have a bad feeling. When youe back from a battlefield like hell, you gain this ability¡ªyou can sense danger, even future danger." Suddenly Kosolek opened up, "I¡¯ve experienced it before. One time during a march, I suddenly didn¡¯t feel like stepping forward, and I moved aside. Guess what? Just when I was about to step, I realized, there was an enemy pressure mine right next to my foot."

    Andreas: "You got yourself leg back!"

    "A leg?" Sergeant Kosolek shook his head, "Antendmines are not just about taking a leg. If I or someone else had stepped on it, the machine gun toon on the march would have been gone."

    "Are they that powerful?"

    "That powerful, indeed. Thendmine we dug outter was this big." The sergeant gestured.

    Andreas¡¯s mouth hung open in astonishment.

    At this point, the machine gun toon leader appeared: "Any news?"

    "None," the sergeant answered, "Even if there were, we would not be the first to find out. If the machine gun crew discovers the enemy first, it means the infantry covering us is finished."

    "Is, is that so?" The toon leader, obviously a rookie just out of military academy, seemed timid in front of the seasoned nonmissioned officer.

    Sergeant: "toon leader, sir, are you of the Junker Nobility?"

    "I suppose so." The toon leader responded.

    "Well, that won¡¯t do. You have to show the Junker demeanor. Tell us ¡¯Stop bbering, you swine.¡¯" the sergeant said.

    toon leader: "Stop bbering, you swine! Like this?"

    "No, no." the sergeant shook his head.

    Andreas chimed in: "The quartermaster shouts it with the right tone; Junkers are supposed to carry that air."

    Just as the toon leader was about to speak, he suddenly stopped, looking outside.

    The two men from the machine gun crew also turned their heads and peeked through the ivy outside the bunker.

    "The fog, it¡¯s thick." Andreas said, "In my hometown, the valleys would always be foggy like this in the summer mornings. When I was a kid, Mom used to scare me, saying there were little fog spirits in the mist that especially liked to eat children."

    Sergeant Kosolek¡¯s forehead was knitted tightly, he snuffed out his cigarette and climbed out of his hiding spot to the firing position, opening the feed cover to ensure the belt was properly aligned.

    After closing the feed cover, he cocked the bolt, putting the machine gun into ready status.

 Chapter 424: Ambush in the Fog

    The machine gun squad leader asked in confusion, "What¡¯s happened?"

    The sergeant replied, "The artillery fire just now took out all our barbed wire in front of the position. It won¡¯t be fixed until dawn. If the enemy decides to attack while the fog is thick, they could just go right over the obstacles."

    Andreas pondered, "Attack in this thick fog?"

    "What? You think the fog sprites are going to kill the Ante people?" Just as Sergeant Kosolek finished speaking, they heard a distant cry of "Aku Tong" from within the fog, followed by a crackling sound.

    Then someone shouted, "They¡¯ve shot Hank!"

    And then the explosiveness drowned out the curses.

    Sergeant Kosolek opened fire, shouting as he did so, "The fog sprites won¡¯t throw bombs! The Ante areing!"

    The design of this machine-gun positionpletely abandoned aiming; the gunner only had to fire in short bursts and randomly swing the handle.

    Andreasy next to the sergeant, holding the ammo belt.An MG34 machine gun didn¡¯t require a loader to fire, although this would slightly increase the chance of malfunction.

    When the main gunner was killed, the loader had to start firing by himself.

    Andreas¡¯s heart beat so hard it seemed as if it would burst from his throat any moment; he was incredibly anxious, yet all he could do was hold the ammo belt steady.

    He couldn¡¯t see the enemy or even the faces of hisrades¡ªthere was just the fiery tongue of the machine gun constantly spitting mes.

    Sergeant Kosolek yelled, "Change the ammo!"

    Andreas¡¯s body moved on its own, long-term training turned him into an automatic machine, working seamlessly with the main gunner, Kosolek, to quickly change the ammo.

    The firing continued, and Andreas felt as if the entire world was engulfed by the fog, leaving only the small ind ofnd under him.

    Suddenly, a grenade was thrown into the room where the machine gun was stationed.

    Andreas was stunned, staring nkly at the grenade, watching its fuse emit smoke.

    Sergeant Kosolek pushed him aside, "Roll!"

    Andreas¡¯s body reacted, rolling away from the grenade.

    Sergeant Kosolek followed.

    The explosion was much quieter than Andreas expected, but the chunks of rocknding on him proved the grenade¡¯s effectiveness.

    Everything from the Ante, no matter what it was, was powerful.

    Sergeant Kosolek immediately returned to the machine gun. As he grabbed the handle, an Ante soldier charged through the firing port, wielding a weapon with a barrel as thick as a hose.

    Sergeant Kosolek fired. The Ante soldier was hit instantly, his chest torn apart.

    But with eyes zing with fury, staring at the machine gun, there was a moment Andreas thought he would keep fighting.

    In the end, the Ante soldier didn¡¯t continue the fight. He fell backward, using his huge body to block the opening from which the machine gun was firing.

    Andreas intended to move forward and push him away, but Sergeant Kosolek shouted, "Retreat fast! If there¡¯s one infantryman, there will be a second, and it also means our support troops are done for!"

    The sergeant picked up a submachine gun, grabbed Andreas, and started running like a madman.

    "The machine gun!" a rookie yelled.

    "Forget the machine gun!"

    The next moment another grenade was thrown through the gap next to the Ante soldier¡¯s body and exploded instantly.

    This time, the enemy had clearly pinched the grenade for a moment before throwing it, and it exploded as it came in.

    Fog swallowed Andreas¡¯s vision. Suddenly, he remembered that there weren¡¯t just the two of them at this machine gun position when the enemy came.

    "Where¡¯s the toon leader?" asked Andreas.

    "How would I know!" The sergeant yelled back, "Can you walk on your own? If you can, don¡¯t make me drag you, keep up!"

    With that, the sergeant let go of Andreas¡¯s arm, held his submachine gun with both hands, and opened fire into the fog.

    The curses of Ante people came from the mist.

    Sergeant Kosolek immediately rolled to the side, hiding behind a low wall to reload. Something hit where the sergeant had just stood, cracking loudly.

    "No gunfire!" Andreas shouted.

    "Shhh!" the sergeant said, pulling him to the ground. Bullets swept past immediately.

    In a whisper barely audible, Kosolek said, "Haven¡¯t you realized? The enemy fires at anything that makes sound. Their weapons don¡¯t make noise or light when firing, so any gun sound is theirs."

    Andreas responded, "We should have picked up the enemy¡¯s weapons just now."

    "You¡¯d be dead if you did. Shut up and follow me. We¡¯ll head towards the machine gun sounds; we might find the rest of our squad."

    The sergeant had long ago familiarized Andreas with the relocation routes and shown him all three alternative machine-gun positions. Even now, with the fog thick, the two of them could find their way.

    Suddenly, there was a loud bang nearby, followed by the sound of something copsing.

    Andreas shrank his neck in fright.

    Sergeant Kosolek said, "The enemy is using explosives to demolish the courtyard wall, so they can avoid our firepower blockade on the main road. Let¡¯s move quickly, before they outnk the other machine-gun squads!"

    After speaking, the sergeant took the lead into the mist, with Andreas hastily following. However, he tripped over something. As he turned back, he saw the toon leader lying on the ground with his left shoulder smashed¡ªnot as if it had been shot, but more like it had been crushed to pieces by some blunt weapon.

    All of a sudden, Andreas felt like he couldn¡¯t breathe; he was gasping for air but felt as if he were drowning, his chest growing increasingly heavy.

    He suddenly remembered the legend of the mist wraiths, creatures that woulde with the fog and choke people by the neck¡ª

    Just at that moment, someone patted his shoulder.

    Andreas screamed but was quickly muffled by a hand: "Do you have a death wish?"

    It was a sergeant, who dragged him into a frantic run while silent bullets struck the wall behind Andreas.

    After pulling Andreas back, the sergeant pped him across the face and rebuked him with a voice full of anger: "Wake up, idiot! Fools who don¡¯t think lose their lives!"

    Andreas subconsciously responded: "That¡¯s how my dad used to hit me."

    "To hell with that, keep up, I won¡¯te back for you again."

    The sergeant leaped like a cat, disappearing into the thick fog.

    Stumbling after him, the stinging pain on his cheek sobered Andreas up considerably.

    The two of them ran like mad, with the sh of the second machine gun team¡¯s fire ahead.

    Andreas felt that firelight was like the beacon seen by a ship trapped in fog.

    The ship was heading towards the beacon when suddenly an explosion urred beside them. The st wave caught up with Andreas from behind, mming him to the ground.

    Andreas¡¯s head was buzzing, but the sound of Ante speaking behind him snapped him back to reality.

    He got up and continued his mad dash toward the "beacon."

    Driven by muscle memory, he rushed into the bunker, only to see the sergeant had beaten him there by a step.

    He copsed next to the sergeant, leaning against the wall, gasping for air.

    The sergeant patted his shoulder: "Good, good, you didn¡¯t let the little mist wraith catch you."

    "I saw the toon leader." Andreas said, "The toon leader is dead, his shoulder smashed as if by a hammer, his corbone shattered."

    Sergeant Kosolek: "Then he¡¯s lucky, died instantly, not too painful."

    "Lucky?" Andreas said, "He¡¯s dead!"

    "Yes, lucky. The unfortunate ones have their spines broken,pletely immobilized, just lying there, watching life slip away until someone discovers them after the battle is over.

    "During that time, the sense of pain hasn¡¯t faded, agony torments you, yet you can¡¯t even twitch a facial muscle."

    Andreas closed his mouth.

    At that moment, he heard the sound of the Antenguage nearby.

    The sergeant shouted: "Grenade!"

    Before his words even finished, a grenadended at their feet.

    The sergeant grabbed the grenade, tossing it back out of the bunker, then said to Andreas: "This ce isn¡¯t safe anymore, the Ante People have nked us! Move!"

    He turned and yelled to the machine gun team: "Move! To the next position!"

    The machine gun team immediately began to dismantle the machine gun from the tripod.

    The sergeant hesitated for a moment, then pulled Andreas to start moving earlier, and the two charged into the fog.

    "Damn it, what¡¯s with this thick fog?" he cursed as he ran.

    "Damn it, what¡¯s with this thick fog?" Major General Vitte cursed.

    Because of the fog, the Prussian Army was thrown into chaos by the surprise attack within it; the staff officers were frantic, shouting into the phone: "Hello! Louder!"

    "Which area has been breached?"

    "What the hell is a mist wraith? Shoot at it! The Imperial Academy of Sciences can have the body!"

    Watching the busy staff officers, Major General Vitte suddenly said: "Just at this moment, my experienced chief of staff is not here, because he and my best staff officer were blown to the skies by friendly fire!"

    Colonel Busse, also on the phone, twitched his cheek.

    He stood up: "I¡¯ll go find out what happened and stabilize the troops in the chaos."

    "That¡¯s for the best." Major General Vitte said.

    The colonel saluted, turned to pick up his hat from the table, and left while putting it on.

    At that moment, the acting chief of staff approached Major General Vitte: "I¡¯vepiled the current situation; the enemy took advantage of the fog tounch a surprise attack on us."

    "I know that! Just listen to the gunfire outside!" Major General Vitte scolded, "Tell me something useful!"

    "The enemy is using subsonic weapons, making them very advantaged in the fog. Moreover, soldiers from Steiermark reported being attacked by mist wraiths. It seems to be a creature from their local folklore."

    Major General Vitte: "Then shoot it down and give the body to the Imperial Academy of Sciences. The Empire will reward the discoverer."

    The acting chief of staff continued: "Additionally, we¡¯ve lost telephone contact with the outer defensive positions to the southeast and northeast of Yeisk. Presumably, those positions have been overrun."

    Major General Vitte paced back and forth in the room, then suddenly said: "Deploy the armored units from the city, they all have radios and armor for protection, they can keep theirposure. Once outside the city, in the open ins, they can form a defensive formation. The armored grenadiers withplete units should follow the tanks out. Do not leave the half-track vehicles on the road out."

    Major General Vitte paused, then added: "I will go with the armored units; prepare the tank toon assigned to division headquarter."@@novelbin@@

    The acting chief of staff: "Colonel Busse is still..."

    Major General Vitte: "Let him gather the scattered troops; first get the units that are not yet in chaos out of this quagmire!"

 Chapter 425: The Dense Fog Lifts

    Yegorov was not in his division headquarters at that time but had, like Rocossov, run to the front lines and joined the guards¡¯ first tank battalion.

    His chief of staff, Alexandria, and Pavlov were just as powerless and furious, and after unsessfully trying to persuade him, the military bishop also rushed over, saying he was prepared to physically restrain him before he personally led a charge.

    Yegorov stubbornly insisted, "I won¡¯t be leading a charge in the flesh; I¡¯m not Major General Rocossov. I know my limits."

    The bishop looked at him askance, "Oh really? Do you now?"

    Just as Yegorov was about to speak, he suddenly furrowed his brow, "Hold on a second!"

    He looked toward the city where at that time the fog was still thick, rendering anything beyond five meters invisible.

    Bishop: "What¡¯s wrong?"

    "Hush! Do you hear that engine sound?"

    "No, isn¡¯t it the sound of our tanks¡¯ engines?""That¡¯s not right! Our tanks are only maintaining engine turnover without being geared; they wouldn¡¯t be that loud. This is the sound of tanks in motion."

    If a tank¡¯s engine is idling without being in gear, although the sound is loud, it will not be as loud as a tank that is moving.

    The bishop also held his breath and listened intently before speaking, "Indeed, engine sounds. The enemy in the city has moved, and they¡¯re moving away from us."

    Yegorov: "Phone!"

    The signalman immediately brought over a portable phone and handed the receiver to Yegorov.

    Yegorov: "Connect me to¡ªno, the Corps Command, damn, can¡¯t get used to it."

    The bishop chuckled, "After all, the General is your old boss."

    Secondster, a male voice came through the receiver, "Corps Command, go ahead."

    "This is Yegorov, I need General Rokossovsky!"

    "One moment."

    After another twenty seconds, Rokossovsky¡¯s voice came from the receiver, "This is Rokossovsky, what¡¯s happening Yegorov?"

    "The enemy has left the city, the engine sound is loud; looks like their whole tank force is out."

    "Understood, can you direct artillery fire?"

    "No, visibility is only five meters here; we can only hear them, can¡¯t see anything."

    "Got it, I¡¯ll figure something out. Wait a second, can you tell which direction the sound ising from? I need a specific direction."

    Just as Yegorov was about to speak, an idea struck him, and he bent down to pull out apass, carefully checking the scale before replying, "Roughly thirty degrees to the northwest from our position."

    "Good. Keep monitoring¡­ Adjust the positions of the eddies before the fog lifts, so we are ready to fire as soon as it clears."

    "Yes sir."

    Rokossovsky hung up the phone.

    Yegorov handed the receiver back to the signalman, looking puzzled at the bishop, "The General asked for the sound¡¯s direction but not for my position, what is he nning to do?"

    The bishop spread his hands, "You¡¯ve been with him for a year, and you don¡¯t know. I¡¯m new here; how would I know?"

    Wang Zhong, through an external device, obtained Yegorov¡¯s position and marked it on the Army Group Command¡¯s map, then drew a line north-northwest.

    Pavlov: "What is this?"

    "Yegorov heard the enemy¡¯s engine sound; I¡¯m marking it. Connect me to General Eugene of the 225th Division."

    After a few dozen seconds, Vasily handed the receiver, "The General is waiting."

    Wang Zhong took the receiver, "General Eugene, your troops should hear the enemy¡¯s engine soundsing out of the city."

    "Ah? Did they hear them? Let me check."

    Wang Zhong switched his view, and indeed, General Eugene was not on the front line but remained in his division headquarters; he was a normalmander.

    Because the phone was connected, Wang Zhong¡¯s external device, which normally only disyed a division headquarters symbol, now showed the detailed situation at the division headquarters, making it clear Eugene was inquiring his chief of staff.

    The chief of staff then personally picked up another phone¡¯s receiver, starting to inquire about the troops.

    Immediately after, Wang Zhong realized that under these conditions, he could not directly see the front line. When Vasily was calling down the line right next to him, he could see what was happening below.

    Could it be that the key lies in themunication process involving several different devices?

    While Wang Zhong was pondering this, General Eugene got his answer and reported, "Indeed, we heard the engine sound, towards the southwest."

    "Understood. Adjust the position of your tank destroyer battalion to ensure they face the enemy as soon as the smoke clears."

    For a brief moment, Wang Zhong considered having the 225th Division send a reconnaissance team with a radio to find the enemy¡¯s position.

    But he quickly realized it was impossible; first, in the thick fog, a reconnaissance team would probably have difficulty determining their own position, and second, it was unlikely that an individual soldier¡¯s radio would directly connect with the Corps Command¡ª even if the fog didn¡¯t affect radiomunication distance, it would not be feasible.

    The Army Group Command was now too far from the frontline.

    So Wang Zhong instructed Eugene, "That¡¯s it, be careful."

    At that moment, Eugene reported, "General, we are supposed to be conducting a feint, but the front line reports a smooth advance, and we¡¯ve already prated deep into Yeisk."

    Wang Zhong: "Stop and hold your ground, to avoid any mishaps with friendly forces in the fog."

    "Yes sir."

    Wang Zhong hung up the phone and drew another line on the map.

    He shook his head after studying the map for a few seconds, "No, trying to determine the enemy¡¯s position this way is too imprecise, it would only waste artillery shells. I need to go to the front line myself."

    Pavlov: "No! With such dense fog, what if there¡¯s a car ident?"

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯ll go on horseback! Bucephalus will safely take me to the front lines."

    "That won¡¯t do either! Even if Bucephalus is a divine beast that can gallop through the fog, it¡¯s uneptable. Think about how far we are from the front lines now! By the time you get there on horseback, the fog will have almost dissipated." Pavlov stared at Wang Zhong, then picked up the telephone receiver and handed it to him, "You can make a call to the front. We established an anti-tank gun positionst night, and the phone line has reached the position."

    Wang Zhong smiled wryly: "You¡¯re right."

    He took the receiver: "Connect me to the Anti-tank Battalion of the 225th Division."

    The main force of the assault battalion used whirlwinds and belonged to the armored troops, whereas the anti-tank battalion mainly used anti-tank guns, which counted as field artillery. The assault battalion had not established positions, so there was no phone lineid, but the anti-tank battalion¡¯s position naturally could have a phone line.

    Soon, Wang Zhong saw that among the units of the 225th Division, an icon representing the anti-tank unit lit up, affording him the view from the battalion.

    Wang Zhong immediately moved over, only to find a dense fog obscuring his sight, barely making out the anti-tank battalion¡¯s positions, let alone anything in the distance.

    "Who is this?" the battalionmander of the anti-tank battalion was still asking.

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s me, Rokossovsky!"

    "General!" The voice on the other side immediately became respectful and went up an octave.

    "Have you heard engine noises?"

    "Yes, judging from the distance it¡¯s not our tanks, and they are moving away from us."

    Wang Zhong: "Direction?"

    The battalionmander immediately reported the bearings, using thepass scale as Yegorov had done.

    "Continue to be on alert."

    Wang Zhong left with these words and hung up the phone, and started replotting on the map.

    Pavlov shook his head: "The uracy is still too low. If it were this easy to hit the enemy, we wouldn¡¯t need an artillery observation post. Let¡¯s wait for the weather to clear. The Folklore Society said the fog wouldst two hours, and there¡¯s less than one hour left now. The enemy won¡¯t be able to escape."

    Wang Zhong looked at his watch; indeed, there was less than an hour left. Even if he rode out on Bucephalus right now, he wouldn¡¯t make it to the front lines in time.

    Only by driving there could he reach the front lines before the fog dissipated, and pinpoint the enemy¡¯s position with the "cheat."

    After a moment¡¯s reflection, Wang Zhong made up his mind: "We can¡¯t let the enemy get away. Grigori, prepare the car!"

    At times like this, one could only trust Grigori¡¯s driving skills.

    Pavlov: "No! I disagree! Popov, you try and talk some sense into him too!"

    Popov, who was sitting on the sidelines, suddenly became rmed when his name came up: "Eh? Me?"

    Vasily suddenly shouted: "Look outside!"

    Wang Zhong turned his head and saw a ray of sunlight falling on the windowsill of the Corps Command.

    Pavlov was impressed: "The fog has cleared earlier than expected; this ¡¯spell¡¯ is really unreliable, isn¡¯t it?"

    Popov, however, wore an expression as if he¡¯d seen a ghost¡ªor rather, as if he¡¯d witnessed Saint Andrew performing a miracle.

    Wang Zhong: "Look! The fog is starting to clear; there¡¯s no danger for me going to the front lines now!"

    Pavlov: "Now that the fog is starting to clear, our artillery observers will be able to see the enemy tanks, so there¡¯s no need for you to go to the front line."

    Wang Zhong was stunned: "Oh, that seems right."

    Damn, there goes my chance to show off with the "cheat"! What about the two hours of dense fog?

    Suddenly, he realized there was something more important: "No, that¡¯s wrong; with the fog gone, the enemy might recover. We¡¯ve only sent two regiments and one battalion in, what if there¡¯s trouble? Order the 401st Temporary Infantry Division to advance! Into the city!"

    Pavlov: "But that division isn¡¯t under ourmand."

    "Who cares? It¡¯s in our area of operations, it¡¯s our troop. Hurry up! Use our trucks to transport them into the city, move fast, while the fog hasn¡¯tpletely lifted."@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov immediately turned to implement the order, while Popov looked at Wang Zhong, saying: "I don¡¯t think it¡¯s because the researchers of the Folklore Societyck skill; it¡¯s rather that a pair of mighty hands has dispersed the dense fog."

    What mighty hands? Hayek¡¯s mighty hands? A clergyman and he knows economics?

    While Wang Zhong was inwardlyining, Popov continued: "The fog assisted our attack; now that the enemy is leaving the city and we need a clear line of fire, the fog has quietly dissipated. General, please allow me to report this to the Church headquarters."

    Wang Zhong solemnly said, "There¡¯s no need to report such a thing, it¡¯s just that the spell didn¡¯t work, that¡¯s all. I even think that the fog wasn¡¯t created by any spell, it¡¯s just natural fog. Didn¡¯t the meteorological department find weather records? It¡¯s normal to have fog at this time of year."

    Popov shrugged: "You¡¯re right; let¡¯s report it that way then."

    About fifteen minutester, the phone rang.

    Wang Zhong stepped past Pavlov and picked up the phone: "This is Rokossovsky."

    Yegorov¡¯s voice came from the other end: "The fog is clearing a bit, I think I can see the enemy tank forces. They¡¯ve set up a circr defensive position outside the city, circr! Damn, the enemymander is quite ssical."

    Wang Zhong switched his view, and since Yegorov was able to see the enemy, he naturally could see them from his overhead perspective as well.

    Seeing the enemy¡¯s formation, he wondered if he had seen it wrong.

    They really formed a ring!

    And the Prussians had their headlights on, so anyone trying to approach stealthily through the fog would be blinded by the lights.

    No, this isn¡¯t the time to be impressed.

    Yegorov: "I¡¯ve calcted the enemy¡¯s coordinates, please bombard the following coordinates!"

    He reported a series of coordinates.

    Wang Zhong: "Understood. We¡¯ll get the artillery firing immediately. Also, move the assault and tank battalions to see if they can close in to 1500 meters¡ªno, 1800 meters to fire. Keeping a bit more distance is safer, it won¡¯t matter if they fire a few extra shells."

    "Got it."

    After hanging up, Wang Zhong altered thest digit of the coordinates slightly, "Yegorov has given us the coordinates; fire at these coordinates!"

 Chapter 426: Close Quarters Combat

    In the Prosen Army just fifteen minutes ago.

    When Major General Witter saw the first rays of sunlight appear in the sky, he breathed a sigh of relief.

    At that moment, the chief of staff approached him, saluted, and said, "General, the confirmation isplete. So far, we have two armored battalions that have withdrawn, totaling 90 Panzer III tanks and 44 Panzer IV tanks."

    Major General Witter was shocked and interrupted the chief of staff¡¯s report, "How did we lose so many Panzer IIIs?"

    In the Prosen armored battalions, there are generally 70 Panzer IIIs and around 28 Panzer IVs. The current count indicates that more than 50 Panzer IIIs and over ten Panzer IVs were left in the city.

    Chief of Staff: "Last night¡¯s artillery shelling damaged many tanks; themanders of the two armored battalions believe they have driven out every functional tank they could."

    Major General Witter shook his head and gestured for the chief of staff to continue his report.

    Chief of Staff: "Sixpanies from the Armored Grenadier Corps made it out, eachpany losing about half of its vehicles."

    Major General Witter¡¯s brow furrowed.The Armored Grenadier Corps of the Busse Division was arge unit,prising 16panies, each argepany itself, which included infantry, various weapons teams, reconnaissance, logistics, and totaling over 200 men. Now, two thousand men were left in the city.

    There were also apanying infantry with the armored battalions. By this ount, it¡¯s possible that more than four thousand men were abandoned in the city.

    The sound of intense gunfire could still be heard from within the city, and since the enemy¡¯s weapons were all suppressed, those gunshots were likely fired by Prosen soldiers.

    Major General Witter looked up at the sky to confirm that the sunlight was getting brighter, and then said to the chief of staff, "As soon as it clears up, we must immediately return to the city to help our troops reim the upied city."

    The chief of staff looked hesitant, to which Major General Witter nced at him and said, "Speak your mind."

    Chief of Staff: "We are an armored division, not adept at urban warfare. We should wait for the subsequent armored grenadier divisions to catch up."

    Major General Witter shook his head: "You¡¯re not aware yet, but our following armored grenadier divisions have been deployed to the north and south nks. General Boke is preparing tounch a pincer attack on Rocossov."

    "Eh?" The chief of staff was surprised, "Is that so?"

    "That¡¯s what the encrypted message the day before yesterday said, didn¡¯t you see it? Oh, you weren¡¯t the chief of staff then, not even a senior staff officer, so it¡¯s normal for you not to know."

    The chief of staff remained silent.

    Major General Witter: "In any case, we must return to the city. We have thousands of our brothers fighting there; we can¡¯t abandon them."

    As he spoke, much of the thick fog had dissipated, surely because of the sunlight, the best weapon against heavy fog.

    Visibility gradually restored, Major General Witter suddenly spotted something on the distant grasnd.

    He picked up his binocrs.

    Thanks to the superior performance provided by the Zeiss optical lenses, Major General Witter saw the famed T-34 tanks of the Ante Army perched on a distant hill, and these were the big-headed models.

    Over the past year, these big-headed tanks had almost be synonymous with Rocossov¡¯s name, so much so that the Prosen Army began to assume they were encountering Rocossov whenever they saw a T-34 with a big turret.

    The Prosen High Command had to issue a directive emphasizing that Rocossov would fly a unique red g and that hismand vehicle would use the tactical number 422.

    For this reason, Major General Witter carefully checked the view through the binocrs for any tanks flying red gs¡ªbut he couldn¡¯t make out the tactical numbers clearly enough to confirm.

    Nheless, Major General Witter saw an Ante Army officer with a broad back and round waist looking in his direction from in front of the tanks.

    He then saw that officer seemed to receive a radio headset from an aide (actually it was a telephone receiver, but it was too far to see clearly).

    Major General Witter immediately shouted, "Signal officer, monitor the enemy¡¯s radio frequencies, they might be reporting to their superiors!"

    "Yes!"

    The signal officer¡¯s voice came from the direction of themunication vehicle.

    Major General Witter waited for ten seconds, but when he didn¡¯t hear the signal officer¡¯s report, he prompted, "You haven¡¯t heard anything?"

    "No, no one¡¯s speaking on the enemy¡¯s radio channels."

    Major General Witter frowned: "Could they be on the phone instead? What do you think, Hank¡ª"

    Suddenly, the major general remembered that his partner, the experienced chief of staff, had already been sent heavenward by friendly fire.

    He cursed, and then thinking of the prime culprit, he asked, "Did Colonel Busse make it out?"

    "No," the chief of staff reported.

    Major General Witter pursed his lips.

    At that moment, he realized that Colonel Busse might just be the most experienced senior officer left in the unit, apart from himself, and his remaining in the city didn¡¯t bode well at all.

    Before he could reflect further, the Ante officer in the binocrs returned themunication device to his subordinate.

    Had the conversation ended?

    What had been said?

    Major General Witter saw the officer starting to issue orders to those around him, and soon after, the Ante armored units stationed on the hill began to move.

    No, not just the armored units; there was something else!

    Major General Witter watched in astonishment as what he had thought were merely taller grasses began to move.

    The enemy¡¯s assault guns!

    Major General Vitter suddenly realized that he should not have attacked the city, but should have taken advantage of the enemy shifting positions tounch an armored raid.

    He turned and shouted, ¡¯Order the armored troops to spread out in a wide wedge formation! Target the hill to the southeast, begin the attack! The enemy doesn¡¯t have many tanks, just about the same number as our Panzer IIIs! And we have the newest long-barreled Panzer IVs...¡¯

    In that instant, Major General Vitter heard the whistling sound in his ears.

    He immediately realized the shell wasing towards him, so he dived forward: ¡¯Get down!¡¯

    The shellnded.

    It wasn¡¯t the usual artillery strike where shells fall one after another; instead, hundreds of shells fell in an instant.

    Of course, Major General Vitter didn¡¯t know this was "time-on-target firing," but he made a judgment based on past experience, ¡¯My God, at least ten artillery battalions are firing on us!¡¯

    When the division headquarters was shelledst night, Major General Vitter had not been in the area of heaviest fire. He had even thought the objective of the shelling was to destroy defensive positions and had ordered the entire army intobat readiness.

    Now, he was right in the ce where the fire was most intense.

    ¡¯My God!¡¯ he shouted¡ªas it turns out, when you take cover from shelling, you need to open your mouth wide to bnce the air pressure inside and outside the skull¡ªso he might as well yell to vent his nervous emotions.

    Upon hearing the artillery, Colonel Busse immediately ran to the window,y on the sill, peering out, and indeed saw that the city outskirts were being hit by intense artillery fire.

    ¡¯The armored troops are being bombarded; I guess we won¡¯t be getting any reinforcements for a while,¡¯ he turned his head to the captain behind him and said, ¡¯We¡¯ll have to drive the enemy out of the city on our own.¡¯

    Captain: ¡¯Aside from the personnel on defense duty, we have gathered a hundred men, and we¡¯ve pooled together the submachine guns.¡¯

    Colonel Busse moved away from the window and stood up straight in the room: ¡¯Good, I¡¯ll lead the team personally. We¡¯ve held this position for three days now, and we¡¯re more familiar with the terrain than the Ante People¡ªeven though this is their country. Hand me a submachine gun.¡¯

    An MP40 was immediately delivered into the colonel¡¯s hands.

    The colonel checked the gun, pulled back to see there was a bullet in the chamber, then returned the bolt to position.

    A guard handed over a magazine bag, and Colonel Busse cursed upon seeing it, ¡¯Why is this an Ante People¡¯s magazine bag?¡¯

    ¡¯It¡¯s handy,¡¯ the guard said, ¡¯it¡¯s morefortable to use than our magazine bags, and it can also stop bullets on the chest. This is the gear used by the Ante troops that entered the city today. We haven¡¯t seen it used by other Ante troops before. We only captured a little.¡¯

    Actually, this was a knockoff of our own chest rig, which had been immediately well-received by the infantry. Unfortunately, it couldn¡¯t spread among other Ante units, as they either used the drum magazines of the Papasha submachine guns, which wouldn¡¯t fit into the chest rig, or they used therge bolts on the Mosin-Nagants and didn¡¯t need the chest rig either.

    But the chest rig was just right for carrying MP40 magazines.

    Colonel Busse frowned: ¡¯What about that enemy¡¯s suppressed weapon? Did we capture any?¡¯

    Captain: ¡¯We have four here; other units in the city must have sporadically captured a few.¡¯

    Colonel Busse: ¡¯Send one out of the city, make sure the High Command and the Imperial Academy of Sciences get a sample gun.¡¯

    As he was talking, he took the Ante People¡¯s gear, about to attach it to his battle belt when the guard interjected, ¡¯No no, it¡¯s not meant to hang on the battle belt but to be worn on the upper body like a vest. Look, you can even carry grenades here, ready at hand. This gear is brilliantly designed, I think it should be sent back along with the enemy¡¯s weapons.¡¯

    Colonel Busse nodded: ¡¯Then send one back.¡¯

    The current Prosen Army gear was still in a state where everything was slung over the shoulder, and anything that couldn¡¯t be slung was crammed onto the belt, so the belts¡ªmore precisely, the battle belts¡ªwere extremely heavy.

    With the guard¡¯s assistance, Colonel Busse finished dressing, then turned to the captain to say, ¡¯Once we start the offensive, you hold this position, this building must not be lost as a stronghold...¡¯

    Suddenly, a bursting noise came from behind Colonel Busse; soldiers cried out in rm, ¡¯Look out! The Ante people areing around from the back!¡¯

    Colonel Busse, holding the MP40: ¡¯First deal with them! Move!¡¯

    ¡¯Charge, this is the enemy¡¯s firepower support point!¡¯ Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao shouted, ¡¯If we take this position and set up the machine guns, we can control the main roads in the city!¡¯

    This morning, Brigadier General Eugene of the 225th Division had issued an order to halt any advance to avoid friendly fire. However, due to the chaotic situation in the fog, many of the 225th Division¡¯s infantry had not received the order.

    Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao¡¯s team was among them, having gotten separated in the fog with his radio operator, so he led his troops forward in a charge.

    Indeed, they encountered some infantry from the Guard¡¯s Motorized Infantry, possibly even suffering from friendly fire incidents, but they couldn¡¯t see clearly in the thick fog.

    Anyway, Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao gathered up the infantry he encountered, and they charged all the way here.

    The recent explosion had knocked down an entire wall, the courtyard doors wide open. Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao, equipped with a spiral clip cutter, was suppressing the enemy by firing at the doors and windows on the other side while charging into the yard.@@novelbin@@

    At this moment, the door on the first floor of the building opened, and a Prosen officer leaped out, wielding a submachine gun and firing at Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao.

    The lieutenant colonel was hit immediately, but he struggled to prop himself up, ncing at the enemy¡¯s badge¡ªonly to realize he did not recognize the officer¡¯s badge.

    After all, The Asgard Knights¡¯ ranks were different from those of regr Prosen units.

    Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao raised his gun and fired at the enemy¡ª

    The enemy¡¯s body jerked, leaning back against the door frame, struggling to continue firing.

    Lieutenant Colonel Xie Miao, under the effect of the bullets, fell backwards and crashed heavily to the ground.

    The Prosen Colonel dropped his gun; his body slowly slid down along the door frame.

    Prosen soldiers stepped over his syed legs, charging at the Ante soldiers who had broken through, and a fierce melee ensued.

 Chapter 427: The Frontline Without Rocossov Charging

    As soon as closebat began, the Ante People began to gain the upper hand.

    It wasn¡¯t because the Ante People wererger in size, but because the stopping power of the guns in their hands was higher. The Prussians were specifically assembled assault teams, equipped with MP38 and MP40 submachine guns shooting pistol bullets; unless a fatal hit was achieved, the target would mostly continue to move.

    The weapons of the Ante People fired reduced-load rifle cartridges, causing huge damage no matter where they hit, putting a Prussian soldier down with a single shot.

    This was crucial in closebat because everyone was at close range and whoever had higher stopping power per shot had the advantage.

    Yes, in closebat, both Ante People and Prussians would shoot whenever they got the chance.

    Additionally, the weapons in the Ante People¡¯s hands were heavier and extremely sturdy, proving exceptionally effective when swung as melee weapons.

    The brutal melee quickly unfolded in every corner of the city.

    Filippov swung the butt of his gun from bottom to top, sending a Prussian soldier flying into the air.Without waiting for the enemy tond, Filippov hurried to regain his submachine gun¡¯s shooting stance, looking for enemies to shoot, only to find out his squad had wiped out the opposition.

    "Five minutes rest, reload your weapons, collect grenades from the enemy bodies, Misha, you keep watch."

    The ordered private nodded and immediately rushed to a pile of wood by the wall, looking out vigntly over the street from above the brick wall.

    The others began searching the bodies of the Prussian soldiers.

    Suddenly, someone called out, "There¡¯s a live one here!"

    Filippov turned his head and made his way over in three steps, finding a Prussian soldier with a wounded shoulder, his hands raised high.

    "Just kill him and be done with it," said a sergeant in the squad.

    Filippov pressed down on the sergeant¡¯s gun, "We are General Rokossovsky¡¯s troops; as much as the general hates the Prussians, he never tortures prisoners, at most just a shot in the shoulder before letting them go."

    The sergeant¡¯s expression softened, "Alright, you¡¯re right. So, should we also give him a shot in the shoulder?"

    "No, things are different now," Filippov turned to the private with a bandage on his shoulder, "Grisha, you stay behind."

    "I can still fight!"

    "I know, that¡¯s why I¡¯m leaving you to guard the prisoner. What use would it be to have you stay if you couldn¡¯t fight? You did well today; I saw you take down a Prussian who was even taller than you."

    The private no longer argued but red at the prisoner with resentment.

    Filippov: "You¡¯d better tie him up. Everyone else, continue with the previous order and reload your magazines."

    Ante infantrymen generally carried three full magazines in addition to the one in their guns, but by now, everyone¡¯s magazines were nearly empty. Apart from the magazines, each person also carried some loose bullets in the backpack on their back.

    Exactly how many depended on their personal carrying capacity.

    Right now, Filippov was giving everyone time to take spare bullets from their backpacks and load them into their magazines.

    He also checked his chest rig for empty magazines, taking out spare bullets to fill them.

    While loading bullets, he suddenly heard Grisha say, "Someone, give me some bullets."

    He looked up and asked, "What, you didn¡¯t bring enough?"

    Grisha spread his hands, "I never thought I¡¯d live to empty all my magazines, damn, someone give me some!"

    Everyone shook their heads, one replied, "Everyone¡¯s magazines are almost empty; we might not even be able to refill our own."

    Grisha sighed, slung his empty gun over his shoulder, and picked up an MP40 from the ground, "Last year, I thought the Prussian submachine gun was the best-designed weapon in the world, I even nned to use it for the entire war."

    He skillfully removed the magazine to check the amount of ammunition inside before inserting it back and expertly chambering a round.

    Filippov, "Why did you stop using it?"

    "Because there are better weapons now. The Prussian submachine gun is light and handy, but obviously not as good as our new guns. Past 100 meters, this thing can only shoot wildly."

    Filippov, "It¡¯s a submachine gun that fires pistol bullets; don¡¯t be too critical."

    "True. It¡¯s barely eptable for urban warfare."

    Filippov finished loading thest bullet, now he had two full magazines again, plus the half-spent magazine on his gun, which shouldst him a while.

    He ced the magazines back into his chest rig, looked at his watch, then checked on everyone¡¯s progress, deciding to extend the rest time by a few minutes, at least until everyone had their spare bullets loaded into magazines.

    At that moment, there was the sound of artillery shells whistling overhead.

    The veterans looked up at the sky.

    "Bombing outside the city?"

    "I heard engine sounds in the fog just now; enemy armored units might have broken out of the city."

    "We all heard it. The artillery fire is probably targeting the armored units."

    Filippov, "Stop chatting and arm yourselves quickly; there are still many enemies waiting for us to kill."

    The team hurriedly bowed their heads to load bullets.

    After a moment, seeing everyone was armed, Filippov stood up, "Let¡¯s go! Since the fog has cleared, we don¡¯t need to worry about friendly fire. Head towards the direction of intense gunfire to restore contact with other units as soon as possible."

    On the Prussian side, Andreas followed Sergeant Kosolek and had already made it to the city¡¯s edge.

    Sergeant Kosolek: "There¡¯s a motorcycle!"

    Andreas also spotted the motorcycle, probably a sidecar three-wheeled motorcycle from the motorized reconnaissance battalion.

    Sergeant Kosolek stepped forward to quickly inspect it, then deftly used the butt of his gun to smash the lock and mounted the bike.

    Andreas eximed in rm, "What are you doing?"

    "Didn¡¯t you hear the engine in the fog? The troops have pulled out, we¡¯re getting out of the city to catch up with the main force now!"

    "Is that okay?" Andreas asked worriedly.

    "If the troops hadn¡¯t made it out of the city, then what we¡¯re doing would definitely be a problem, and I¡¯d be shot by the disciplinarians, and you¡¯d have to go to the disciplinary camp to prove yourself. But since the troops have left the city, we¡¯re just following orders. Get in the sidecar!"

    Andreas hesitated, but did as the sergeant instructed, then the sergeant began to vigorously pedal, attempting to start the motorcycle.

    Suddenly, he stopped struggling with the pedal and looked up at the sky.

    Andreas, being a new recruit, didn¡¯t understand the meaning of the whistling sound in the sky and could only mimic the sergeant in looking up.

    Sergeant: "The bombing¡¯s outside the city, why?"

    Both of them had been running on the ground and, even after the fog lifted, had not gotten to a high point to see that the Division¡¯s forces had only driven their vehicles outside the city to avoid being ambushed in closebat by infantry in the fog.

    Finally, the sergeant shook his head: "Never mind, let¡¯s go."

    He stepped hard on the pedal again, and this time the engine finally started.

    Sergeant: "You control the machine gun from the sidecar. Although, I think the machine gun probably won¡¯t be much use against enemy armor once we leave the city, it¡¯s better than nothing. Plus, it¡¯ll still be very useful against enemy infantry before we get out."

    Andreas held onto the rear of the machine gun, cing the butt in his shoulder socket: "I¡¯m ready!"

    The sergeant revved the engine, and the motorcycle started moving, quickly elerating through the narrow streets.

    Yegorov saw through his binocrs that his own tank battalion and tank destroyer battalion had moved into position, and then shouted to themunicator standing by: "Phone!"

    The handset was immediately brought to his hand.

    Yegorov: "Connect to the Corps Command¡ªHello? Switchboard? Hello!"

    He called out several times and then angrily returned the handset to themunicator: "The damn rats must¡¯ve chewed through the phone line again, send someone to check the line! Bring me a field phone!"

    Military Bishop: "Should we tell the artillery to cease fire?"

    Yegorov pointed into the distance: "Obviously, look at this shelling¡ªit¡¯s impossible to see where the enemy is. We can¡¯t defeat the enemy if the artillery doesn¡¯t stop."

    Bishop: "Maybe we don¡¯t need to do anything anymore."

    "How could that be? The enemy surely still has armored forces left. Artillery can solve many problems, but it¡¯s not omnipotent."@@novelbin@@

    The signalman handed the field phone to Yegorov: "Corps Command on the line."

    Yegorov took the handset: "Corps Command! This is Yegorov, our formation ispletely deployed, stop the shelling and leave it to us!"

    General Rokossovsky¡¯s voice came through from the other end: "Are you sure? The enemy has quite a few of those long-barrelled Mark IVs, don¡¯t they?"

    Yegorov raised an eyebrow: "Quite a few?"

    "It¡¯s my guess," said General Rokossovsky dryly. "I¡¯m usually right, aren¡¯t I? Let¡¯s shell for another 30 minutes."

    Yegorov: "Okay, you¡¯re the boss, you call the shots."

    After putting down the handset, Yegorov turned to his adjutant and said, "Send someone in a jeep with orders to stop the shelling after 30 minutes, and to get ready."

    The adjutant saluted and departed.

    The Military Bishop looked at the dense barrage and remarked, "So, the general still trusts his own artillery more?"

    Yegorov: "It¡¯s what he¡¯s good at."

    Just then, a guard yelled, "General, look over there!"

    Yegorov turned his head and saw a cloud of dust on the dirt road between the Guards machine-gun infantry and the 225th Infantry, indicating a unit moving from the direction of Army Group headquarters.

    Bishop: "Troops from the 1st Mnia Division?"

    Yegorov: "That doesn¡¯t seem right. The level of mechanization in our Army Group is so high, infantry ride in M3 half-tracks, which kick up more dust than this. This looks like a bunch of trucks."

    At that moment, a Willis jeep drove up, and the Colonel of the Army Group¡¯s motorized regiment got out, saluting Yegorov: "The motorized regiment has been ordered to escort the temporary 401st Infantry Division through the defensive zone."

    Yegorov raised an eyebrow: "Escorting greenhorns into the meat grinder of the city? When did Rokossovsky be so cautious."

    Bishop: "Right now there should be six to seven thousand of our troops in the city, mainly from our tworge regiments. There shouldn¡¯t be any problems. Listen how sparse the gunfire in the city has be."

    The colonel of the motorized regiment shrugged: "I¡¯m just following orders."

    Yegorov: "Letting the greenhorns get some experience is not a bad idea. Call our units in the city with the radio, tell them the brothers from the temporary 401st Infantry Division are going in, and to be careful not to cause friendly fire."

    The signalman immediately began calling with the field phone.

    Yegorov, meanwhile, continued to observe the enemy armor being bombarded through his binocrs¡ªhe always considered them the "big fish," while the city fight was just a side show.

    "Why does 30 minutes feel so long!"

 Chapter 428: The Roar of Tanks on the Plains

    "How long is this artillery barrage going tost!" Major General Witty on the ground and shouted.

    But his shout waspletely swallowed by the exploding shells.

    For a moment, Major General Witt considered giving up on taking cover and simply lying on the ground, thinking that maintaining this position was tiring and may not significantly increase his chances of survival.

    But in the end, he decided to maintain the defensive posture.

    The shelling continued, and suddenly he heard a crack as his watch ss shattered, and the splinters scratched Major General Witt¡¯s forehead.

    Major General Witt was shocked, reasoning that if the watch ss couldn¡¯t withstand the sts, it would be unlikely for a person to be unscathed¡ª

    Then he realized his nose had already been bleeding profusely, with blood continuously streaming from his nostrils and dripping onto the ground.

    And he had been maintaining the position of keeping his mouth open to bnce the pressure inside and outside his skull!

    Major General Witt immediatelyy on his side, pulled out a first aid kit from his person, and took emergency measures to stop the bleeding.Every Prosen soldier had been trained to handle some less serious injuries on their own.

    Nosebleeds caused by shell shock were among these.

    After taking care of the bleeding, Major General Witt decided to lie on his back instead, feeling the earth¡¯s vibrations through his spine, sensing the ferocity of the enemy¡¯s firepower.

    Bits of crushed rock and sand kept falling on his face.

    He closed his eyes, letting his eyelids shield him from the debris.

    Suddenly, a voice said close to his ear, "Oh, the glory of the Imperial Armored Troops, the Asgard Knights, not to die in a tank duel, but to be sted to smithereens by heavy artillery, how ironic."

    He opened his eyes, trying to find the speaker, only for sand to fall into his eyes, causing his tear ducts to immediately start secreting fluid to flush out the sand.

    And the voice continued by his ear, "New weapons seem to change the form of war, but in the end, it¡¯s still the big guns that have the final say."

    "Who are you? Identify yourself!" Major General Witt yelled.

    The person justughed heartily.

    "Damn sorcery! It must be a hallucinogenic gas, the Ante People have mixed gas shells in with the artillery!" (Actually, there was none; Major General Witt was simply hallucinating after being concussed by the explosions.)

    The shells were still falling, and the barrage seemed as if it would never end.

    "The shelling has stopped!" Yegorov eximed with delight, "It¡¯s our turn now! We¡¯ll hammer the enemy once the dust settles!"

    Military Bishop: "Given the current situation, should we also move the anti-tank guns to cover the nks of the tank destroyer battalion and tank battalion?"

    "You¡¯re right. With the situation in the city, having just reinforced it with another wave of infantry, it¡¯s unlikely that armored vehicles will rush out from there. Order the anti-tank guns to move and upy position Gamma 2," instructed Yegorov.

    In the operational ns, several positions for anti-tank guns had already been mapped out, and divisional engineers had even constructed simple defensive works on these positions, with the apanying machine guns already in ce.

    Soon there was a cloud of dust at the anti-tank gun positions¡ªRocossov¡¯s Army Group¡¯s anti-tank guns were all motorized, something learned from the Prosen,

    With the entire Prosen anti-tank gun units motorized, while most of the heavy artillery and infantry guns were still drawn by mules and horses.

    And the First Mobile Group Army had even motorized the heavy artillery.

    The anti-tank gunners hitched their guns to M3 half-track vehicles and various tractors, kicking up a great cloud of dust as they moved toward new positions.

    Yegorov observed the area around the anti-tank guns with binocrs, then turned his attention back to the enemy.

    The dust from the shelling had been somewhat dispersed by the morning wind, and the contours of Prosen tanks became visible.

    Major General Witt got up, intending to observe the Ante positions, only to notice a crack in the eyepiece of his binocrs when he picked them up.

    Ignoring the crack, he raised the binocrs to look towards the enemy positions he had spotted before the shelling.

    That Ante officer was also looking in this direction, but there were no tanks around him anymore.

    Major General Witt shifted his viewpoint and saw the Ante¡¯s tanks spread out on the grasnds; the self-propelled guns¡¯ "haystacks" had also changed position, now facing directly toward his troops.

    Using the enemy tanks¡¯ frontal silhouette as the main reference point, Major General Witt adjusted the binocrs¡¯ scale and began calcting the distance.

    Soon he concluded the enemy was positioned at 1800 meters.

    Major General Witt turned his head, "Order the armored troops to deploy; the enemy wants a shootout, and we¡¯ve never been afraid! Our long-barrel Panzer IVs can easily handle T34s, and let the new tanks take on the assault guns!"

    No one responded to him.

    Major General Witt: "Chief of Staff? Hoffman (his adjutant)!"

    No one responded, but a young staff officer ran over, "I¡¯m afraid you can onlymand me now, sir; both the Chief of Staff and Hoffman have been injured and are unconscious."

    Major General Witt: "Have the armored troops begin the assault! The enemy wants a shootout, and our long-barrel Panzer IVs are more than a match for T34s! Let the new tanks deal with the assault guns!"

    "Yes, sir!"

    Captain John Christopher poked his head out of the tank turret and nced around.

    He clicked his tongue and began performing his duty, picking up the headset: "All units report in, all units report in! I¡¯ll start; Tank 201 has a slight issue with its running gear, might¡¯ve broken a wheel, but it doesn¡¯t affect mobility."

    After all, with so many road wheels on the Panzer VI heavy tank, breaking one wouldn¡¯t really affect the overall mobility, it would just gradually cause the other wheels to break down.

    "Tank 202 might have an issue with the turret; its turning speed has dropped significantly, we may have to hand crank it soon."

    "Tank 203...

    "Are your sights working properly?" someone suddenly interrupted the orderly reporting.

    John looked at the gunner, "Periscope!"

    The gunner immediately put his eye to the sighting scope, his hands starting to work the knobs, "Running a self-check... there seems to be a problem, but I need a fixed reference point to recalibrate."

    Sighting scopes were often thrown off by artillery hits, but they could be recalibrated using objects at known distances.

    As for how to tell if the sighting scope was off, you would either know when your shells missed their mark, or you would rely on the experience and intuition of the seasoned gunners.

    And John¡¯s tank toon was full of old birds with plenty of experience; they could feel it directly when aiming if the sighting scope was crooked.

    John: "Recalibrate the sighting scope, Tank 203, move forward, and tell us the change in the odometer reading when you stop."

    The travel distance on the odometer was only an estimate based on the engine and transmission gear¡¯s rotations, but it was still better than no calibration at all in this situation.

    Certainly better than not recalibrating at all.

    "203, roger that."

    John watched as Tank 203 left the line and moved forward.

    At that moment, an order came through the radio: "All tank units be advised, Panzer IV toon form up, target enemy T34. New heavy tanks, target enemy assault guns! Form up immediately!"@@novelbin@@

    John cursed, "Engaging in a tank battle with the enemy under these conditions?"

    At that moment, someone climbed onto his tank.

    He turned his head and saw the face of Tank 211¡¯smander.

    "My tank¡¯s radio is busted, and the tracks are broken too. We can¡¯t join the assault. Any instructions?"

    John: "Go find the repair toon, have a tractor tow your tank away."

    Tank 211¡¯smander: "Are you sure? The enemy is right in front of us! We can stay and cover the retreat, just like those KV tanks of the enemy¡¯s didst year."

    John: "Follow the orders. Besides, we¡¯re on the offensive. Even if we¡¯re wiped out here, the follow-up armored forces will catch up. We don¡¯t need to worry about covering retreats. Go find a tractor now!"

    Themander saluted and jumped off John¡¯s Tank 201.

    John grabbed the microphone: "Anyone else unable to join the battle? Continue reporting!"

    "Tank 204 here, the walking mechanism is damaged; we¡¯re immobilized and can only stay put."

    "Go find a tractor to tow away your tank, your battle is over. The rest continue to report."

    "Tank 205 here, our tracks got blown off too, the artillery¡¯s effect on breaking tracks is too good, isn¡¯t it?"

    John clicked his tongue. He turned his head and saw that both Tanks 3 and 4 belonging to the unit were beginning to move, but there were also many tanks paralyzed on the spot.

    It seemed the artillery had done severe damage to the tracks, and even the Panzer IV¡¯s front Number 1 road wheel hadpletelye off, leaving the tank stuck on the ground.

    Reports continued in the headset: "Tank 206 here, we are all good."

    "Tank 212 here, all systems normal, and by the way, Tank 211¡¯smander might have a busted radio, I saw hime to find you."

    "He found me. I ordered them¡ª"

    Before he could finish, a beam of light shed by, hitting the advancing Tank 203¡¯s armor, ricocheting off.

    The loud boom of the shell was heard even by John, who was wearing a headset.

    "Assault gun!" John yelled, "The enemy is attacking us! Tank 203! Turn your hull!"

    As he shouted, Tank 203 had already turned just in time for the second shot to hit the side of the hull and ricochet off again.

    The shell that flew past went over John¡¯s head,nded not too far away, and bounced again.

    The voice of Tank 203¡¯smander was steady: "It¡¯s arge-caliber anti-tank gun, with high initial velocity, but it didn¡¯t prate us because we are too far away!"

    Meanwhile, John was straining to locate the firing assault gun.

    However, the damn thing was hidden in the bushes, utterly out of sight.

    More shells flew at Tank 203, all bouncing off.

    "We¡¯re not too badly hit, someone got knocked out by the shock, but they should wake up soon¡ªalready awake!"

    Yegorov watched as the enemy¡¯s boxy tanks continuously ricocheted the shells from his swirl-pattern gun, cursing, "This thing is really tough; it seems a bit too hopeful to try to prate it at 1800 meters. Switch targets! Don¡¯t keep hammering at the enemy¡¯s turtle shell!"

    But the destroyer battalion kept firing anyway.

    Yegorov: "Get me a radio, I need to call them, tell them to target those Panzer IVs!"

    "The enemy has started shooting at the Panzer IVs!"

    As the voice came through the headset, John saw a Panzer IV¡¯s turret flying through the air.

    "Damn it!" he yelled, "Everyone, calibrate the main gun! Tank 203, what¡¯s your reading?"

    "Calcte it as 93 meters!"

    "Adjust your sighting scopes, everyone, use 93 meters for calibration. Speak up when ready."

    "Tank 202 ready!"

    "Tank 204 ready!"

    ¡­

    After all tanks had reported, John waved his arm grandly, "Armored troops, advance! Don¡¯t lose to the enemy!"

 Chapter 429: Not Resting Until Death

    Yegorov saw through his binocrs that the enemy¡¯s new square-shaped tanks were advancing.

    "Tsk," Yegorov clicked his tongue, "The enemy¡¯s tankmander made the wrong decision. Although I¡¯m an infantry officer, I know he¡¯s definitely wrong."

    The Military Bishop beside him also held binocrs: "Maybe they spotted the vortices?"

    "How could they, from that distance? Besides, with the smoke and dust from the firing vortices, even if they could see, it would all be blocked." Yegorov shook his head, "I think I understand what he¡¯s thinking. He believes only his tanks can counter the vortices, so he ordered an advance."

    Having said that, Yegorov turned towards the Prosen tanks maneuvering towards the nk and said: "That¡¯s the correct choice, to stay out of the vortex¡¯s firing zone and circumvent from the side. The vortex doesn¡¯t have a turret, so it¡¯s not very effective against this tactic."

    The Bishop said: "And we¡¯ve moved the anti-tank gun squads to the side already."

    Yegorovughed: "Yes, that¡¯s right. We also have 30 T34Ws as a mobile force. I feel we can win."

    Just then, the enemy¡¯s new tank started firing.

    Yegorov was shocked: "They really spotted the vortex¡¯s position? Without a map, we wouldn¡¯t even know where the vortex is exactly!"The next moment, a shellnded in front of the vortex¡¯s position, bursting into a ball of white cotton and quickly obscuring the view.

    Yegorov pped his thigh: "I forgot they had this thing!"

    The next moment, the enemy¡¯s other tanks also fired, and smoke bombs rapidly covered the area in front of the vortex¡¯s position.

    Yegorov pursed his lips and after a few seconds of thought, he ordered: "Have the vortex move and retreat to the second preset position."

    The Military Bishop said: "The second position is for engaging the enemying out of the city."

    "The second position is on the high ground, which can snipe at the enemy. We¡¯ll retreat after being obscured by the smoke. Also, contact the 225th Division, enemy tanks areing towards us. Ask them tounch an attack from the rear."

    The radio operator immediately began to ry the orders, while Yegorov continued to observe the enemy.

    He noticed something: "The grass along the enemy¡¯s assault path is quite high, perhaps we could make use of that. Tell the apanying infantry of the Guard Tank Battalion to dismount and hide in the grass behind the smoke."

    The Bishop said: "To confront steel giants with flesh and blood, it takes immense courage from the soldiers."

    "Don¡¯t worry, our soldiers mayck cultural knowledge, but they¡¯re not short on courage," said Yegorov.

    A few minutester, through the binocrs, Yegorov saw the Guard Tank Battalion¡¯s apanying infantry dismount and scatter into the blue gauze tent.

    Yegorov also saw some infantry trying to drive a Willis jeep into the grass, but the tall grass immediately tangled up the wheels¡ªit was too high, only track vehicles could go in there, even the half-tracked M3 would struggle in such grass.

    But this kind of grass could conceal infantry.

    On the Prosen Army¡¯s side.

    Captain John was pleased to see the smoke bombspletely obscure the view of the enemy¡¯s assault guns.

    The cooperation of the Long-Barrel Division No. 4 even further expanded the coverage of the smoke.

    Captain John said: "The most powerful attack is useless if it can¡¯t hit the target! Full throttle, charge!"

    At this moment, hismand vehicle had already passed the No. 203 vehicle, which was used as a reference for calibration. Captain John shouted to themander of 203: "Come on! Attack together! Let¡¯s see the performance of Ante Army¡¯s new assault gun!"

    Thick smoke spewed from the exhaust pipes behind No. 203 as it followed No. 201.

    All avable new tanks of the Prosen army moved towards the enemy¡¯s assault gun positions, while Captain John reminded them over the radio: "The field of fire for the assault guns is poor. We need to move as much as possible to force the enemy to turn their vehicle body to aim at us!"

    Indeed, aiming with assault guns was not as simple as in the video games ofter eras because the operatorscked a third-person perspective and could only see a very limited amount of information through the extremely narrow viewing slots.

    Even if there was amander¡¯s cup with a better view, there¡¯s still a dy in passing orders to the driver.

    Therefore, assault guns were only suitable for upying positions for long-distance sniping. Once they entered within 500 meters of closebat, their disadvantages became very significant.

    The Prussian Army, having equipped arge number of No. 3 assault guns and having extensive experience with them, was of course very clear about this.

    No. 201, pushing through its own wall of smoke, Captain John ordered: "Load smoke bombs, fire a new row of smoke immediately after leaving the smoke. The enemy will definitely move their position. Although we don¡¯t know where their new position is, firing smoke first is never a mistake!"

    Everyone responded in unison: "Understood!"

    No. 201 charged out of the smoke first.

    "Fire, quickly!"

    The gunner fired, and the shellnded about 300 meters ahead, bursting into white.

    Simultaneously, enemy shells came whistling over, passing less than a meter beside 201!

    Then came the sound of enemy guns¡ªthe shells were obviously much faster than the sound!

    Captain John looked towards the direction of the gun sound, only to see the smoke from the enemy¡¯s firing. He couldn¡¯t see where the assault guns were at all.

    But knowing the approximate position of the enemy was enough.

    "Turret, turn left 35 degrees! The enemy is on the hillside! Load smoke bombs!"

    While giving themand, John was on the radio, so all tanks could hear him and turn their turrets in advance.

    The enemy fired a salvo!

    Clearly, the first enemy to fire was skilled and aimed quickly, just too eager¡ªhe might havecked experience shooting at moving targets.

    Now, No. 201¡¯s travel direction made a 35-degree angle with the enemy¡¯s line of fire; for the enemy, this was a moving target!

    As John watched at least ten shells fly towards him from the turret, in a sh, his tank suddenly made a sharp turn to the right. The preemptively aimed shells all missed their mark, whizzing past the tall grass in front of the vehicle.

    Johnughed out loud: "Well done, Kyle! You fooled them all!"

    "It wasn¡¯t me!" Kyle yelled, "Our idler wheel is busted! We¡¯re skidding!"

    No. 203 charged out of the smoke, firing the moment it emerged¡ªthe gunner deliberately aimed low, so the shellnded between the enemy¡¯s position and John¡¯spany.

    The smoke immediately obscured the line of sight.

    Still, shells pierced through the smoke and hit the front of Tank 203, which slowed down and stopped right next to Tank 201.

    Themander of Tank 203 turned back to look at Captain John.

    The next moment, a shell aimed at Tank 201 came through the smoke¡ªthe enemy had clearly adjusted their aim based on thest known positions.

    Tank 203 was hit by seven or eight rounds, and a great fire burst from themander¡¯s hatch, turning themander into a burning torch.

    His screams nearly tore through John¡¯s eardrums.

    The next instant, Tank 203¡¯s ammunition exploded, and all the openings on the turret burst open. Themander¡¯s body was flung into the air, spinning before finallynding in front of Tank 201.

    Tank 203 had be a bonfire.

    John witnessed the entire process, but in his mind was still thest nce of Tank 203¡¯smander.

    Every muscle motionless, so no expression, just looking at John.

    In that moment, John knew he would never forget that face for as long as he lived.

    It would appear in all his nightmares until death.

    "Commander!" the gunner shouted, "Direct us!"

    John turned off the radio, "Turret right, fifty degrees, target the Ante¡¯s T34, free to engage the enemy!"

    Gunner: "I¡¯m on it!"

    At that time, more No. 6 tanks burst out of the smoke, for the recent strike on Tank 203 had spared these tanks from enemy sniper fire.

    John turned the radio back on, "I can¡¯t move forward, the deputymander will take over, the enemy is 35 degrees to our front left, on the hillside."

    Deputymander: "Understood, all units fire smoke bombs to the left, ensure cover, and advance towards the enemy in a spiral!"

    The four remaining new tanks surged past Tank 201.

    At the same time, the main gun of Tank 201 fired at the T34 group, immediately turning a T34 into a fireball.

    Then the enemy released smoke as well!

    John was shocked, "The Ante people actually know where we¡¯re firing from? Can they precisely cover our vision?"@@novelbin@@

    Gunner: "This is Rocossov¡¯s troops, the most elite unit of the Ante Army, it is said that their exchange ratio with our armored units is astonishing, each crew has destroyed more than ten of our tanks."

    John was taken aback.

    Driver Kyle: "What do we do next?"

    John: "Check how bad the situation with the load-bearing wheels is, whether it¡¯s possible to repair them on the battlefield."

    "Yes."

    The driver immediately took off his headset, climbed out of the tank, and fell to the side to inspect.

    He promptly reported, "No hope, four load-bearing wheels are shattered."

    As soon as the words were out, a burly Ante man sprang from the grass and slit the driver¡¯s throat from behind.

    John was shocked, bent down to find the MP40 issued to each tank, but then noticed another Ante man climbing onto the tank from the other side¡ª

    He immediately ducked, grabbing the tank¡¯s hatch door and locked it.

    "Lock the hatches! Enemy infantry is right beside us!"

    Then he despairingly saw light streaming in from the driver¡¯s seat, clearly the driver hadn¡¯t closed the hatch when he went out.

    The next moment, a grenade was thrown in.

    The machinist dived on top of it.

    Then the damned Ante grenade exploded with tremendous power, sting the machinist into the air, shards flying close to the bottom of the tank.

    Most of the shrapnel was blocked by the floor of the turret basket, but some bounced back and hit the gunner¡¯s foot, causing him to scream in pain.

    John thought it was over.

    At that critical moment, the sound of Prosen machine guns came from outside the tank.

    A barrage of bullets hit the tank¡¯s armor, making a crackling sound.

    John and the loader exchanged nces, while the gunner took sulfanmide powder from the medical kit and sprinkled it on his wound, grimacing.

    John picked up the submachine gun issued to the crew, cautiously opened the hatch slightly, and looked out, only to see a half-track emerging from the smoke with six Prosen soldiers scattered around.

    "The enemy is in the grass!" John shouted.

    The machine gunner on the half-track immediately started firing into the grass, bullets cutting through many stalks, scattering green juice everywhere.

    Then the half-track¡¯s front wheel got entangled in the grass and halted.

    The driver cursed, "Damn! The grass is too tall! The half-track can¡¯t move any further!"

    A sergeant climbed onto the tank and said to John, "Let¡¯s retreat, no idea how many Ante people are in the grass. If we fall back, at least we can get to where the grass is shorter!"

    John was about to say, "We can continue fighting when the smoke clears," but the next moment he remembered the face of Tank 203¡¯smander.

    "Alright." He looked down inside the tank, "Can you walk?"

    Gunner: "No problem, it¡¯s just a minor wound."

    John nodded, "Alright, Tank 201¡¯sbat mission is over, abandon tank! The current mission is to strive to get back!"

 Chapter 430: Armored Melee

    Yegorov watched as the enemy once again used smoke bombs to obscure the field of fire of the vortex.

    "Sukabule, it¡¯s all smoke!" he cursed.

    Military Bishop: "The Prussians have always liked to use smoke to block the range of the Divine Arrow when they were in Mnia, and in Carolingian, they took the use of smoke to the extreme. Now we use the Divine Arrow for air defense, and they use smoke to block our direct fire."

    Yegorov shook his head and ordered, "Shift the vortex, don¡¯t engage the enemy in closebat. Now I see why General Rokossovsky emphasized the mobility of assault guns so much; he anticipated that the Prussians would use smoke like this."

    In reality, he hadn¡¯t.

    Yegorov: "General Rokossovsky has calcted every step of the enemy, he even wrote articles predicting how Prosen would lose in the future!"

    The bishop felt a bit awkward: "You mean his brilliant article? That¡¯s based on the current conditions and trends to analyze the future; don¡¯t make it sound like a wizard predicting the future."

    Yegorov: "You¡¯re still not familiar with the general. I¡¯ve been with him for a long time, following him since the war broke out, let me tell you, he definitely saw through the future; he has this feeling about him."

    "Let¡¯s not talk about that," the bishop interrupted Yegorov, "The destroyer battalion has retreated; we should also fall back, otherwise the enemy tanks will charge right up to us."Yegorov looked over the battlefield and indeed, it was the case. The next sniping position of the destroyer battalion had already moved behind him, and now the destroyer vehicles were trailing clouds of dust, passing in front of him.

    "Let¡¯s go too." Having said this, Yegorov turned and walked towards the jeep.

    At this moment, themunications soldier reported: "A phone call! From Army Group Command!"

    Yegorov raised an eyebrow: "The line is through? Give it to me."

    After all, they would have to rey the phone lines once they started moving, which could mean no phone service for possibly dozens of minutes.

    Taking the handset, Yegorov spoke loudly: "This is Yegorov."

    Rokossovsky: "What¡¯s the situation now?"

    "The enemy is using smoke to negate our advantage and trying to engage in closebat. The destroyer battalion is currently using their mobility to cope with the enemy."

    When Yegorov reported, Wang Zhong already had a clear overhead view of the situation.

    There were tworge smoke zones on the battlefield, and the smoke was mostly spread horizontally. It was clear that the smoke bombs had been fired by direct-fire guns¡ªthe mortars would have caused sporadic bursts because their impact points are random within a circr area, not capable of forming such a "smoke wall."

    This meant that the enemy tanks were using fired smoke bombs to block the superior long-range fire and attempt closebat.

    It was a bit like the tactic used by the American Sherman squad against the Tiger tank in the movie "Fury."

    Wang Zhong marveled, as when he provided the design specifications for the vortex, he only focused on anti-armorbat and a stable pration of a Tiger tank¡¯s front at 1500 meters, forgetting that in this timeline, the Prussian Army was extremely skilled at using smoke.

    Now he was extremely grateful that he hadn¡¯t sacrificed the vortex¡¯s mobility for increased defense; under these circumstances, the vortex could still utilize its mobility to reposition.

    From the overhead view, there was more than a thousand meters between the enemy¡¯s heavy tanks and the vortex clusters, clearly indicating another opportunity for the vortex group to ambush the enemy.

    Wang Zhong suddenly realized something.

    He hurriedly shouted, "Yegorov, move quickly! How did you get so far forward? No more going to the front line from now on!"

    In the overhead view, the enemy heavy tanks were less than 800 meters away from Yegorov! They even had a direct line of sight!

    Yegorov: "I was just about to run when you called me; I had to answer!"

    As Yegorov spoke, Wang Zhong saw that a Tiger tankmander had noticed Yegorov and was pointing in his direction, and the next moment, the Tiger¡¯s turret began to rotate¡ª

    "Release the smoke and get out of there, move!" Wang Zhong hung up the phone, then using the remaining view, watched as Yegorov passed the handset to themunications soldier, then gave an order to the guards.

    The guards began to throw smoke bombs.

    The Tiger tank fired, and the shellnded not far from Yegorov.

    Yegorov got into the vehicle; before he was seated properly, the driver floored it, and the car sped away, zigzagging across the grasnd like Yegorov did when he was drunk.

    The guard squad continued to deploy smoke while one vehicle bravely movedterally, trying to draw the Tiger tank¡¯s attention.

    During this tense moment, the view cut out!

    Wang Zhong cursed as if he had encountered a cliffhanger in a gripping web novel!

    Pavlov eximed, "What happened?"

    Wang Zhong switched back to themand post view: "Nothing. Yegorov ran to the front line and ended up in danger himself!"

    Pavlov and Popov looked at each other before Popov said, "So you know that wasn¡¯t right?"

    Popov: "What, finally decided not to personallymand the tank charge?"

    Vasily: "He¡¯s nning to lead the charge on horseback."

    The three generals in the room looked at Vasily, the captain.

    Initially amused by his ownment, Vasily¡¯s smile stiffened on his face. He quickly dropped the smile, touched his nose: "Er, perhaps charging with tanks is better."

    Popov: "I actually think it might be safer on horseback."

    "No," Wang Zhong responded decisively, "How could horseback possibly be safer than a tank? Popov, you have to believe in science, you¡¯re a bishop of the Secr faction."

    Popov spread his hands: "There might be a scientific principle at work here, one we just don¡¯t understand yet. Maybe something like quantum entanglement or de Broglie waves is protecting you."

    ¡ª And you know what, that does sound rather cool, a knight protected by quantum mechanics.

    At this moment, two officers from the Mnia People¡¯s Army entered the room and snapped to attention: "General!"

    Wang Zhong casually returned the salute and asked, "Which unit are you from?"

    The leading lieutenant colonel: "Tank destroyer battalion."

    Wang Zhong: "Great,e to the map, we need your vortex units right now."

    He stepped up to the map first, gesturing to the officers: "Weunched an attack in the heavy fog this morning. The enemymander is clever; to avoid having his armored units easily destroyed by infantry in closebat, he pulled his troops out of the city first. Now they are in a melee here with the armored forces of the Guards Mechanized Infantry."

    Both Mnia officers clearly only had the lieutenant colonel who understood Antenguage, while the major behind him was utterly confused.

    Lieutenant Colonel, "Are you nning to have us go for support?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, there is a good anti-tank position here, and also remember not to go here, this area is a swamp, and tanks will sink in."

    The lieutenant colonel took out a map from his map case and began updating the information on it.

    Wang Zhong did not disturb them but turned his head to Pavlov and said, "Check on the situation with the 225th Division. Where have their armor units reached?"

    While carrying out artillery shelling against the enemy, Wang Zhong had ordered the armored units of the 225th Division to bypass the city and encircle it, but since the route was a bit long, they had not yet arrived.

    Pavlov immediately picked up the phone and began to confirm the situation, "This is Pavlov, connecting to the 225th Division."

    Wang Zhong watched as the Mnia officers professionallypleted the map updating process.

    After finishing the updates, the lieutenant colonel handed the map to his follower and looked up at Wang Zhong, "We will rush to support immediately."

    Wang Zhong nodded, then turned around and called out, "Nelly!"@@novelbin@@

    Nelly entered from the side door full of anticipation, "What¡¯s up?"

    Wang Zhong, "Tell the kitchen to give the Mnia boys something they can hold and eat while driving."

    Nelly nodded and turned to leave.

    Mnia Lieutenant Colonel, "We are indeed a bit hungry, but just some biscuits will do."

    "No, trust me, eating something good can boost morale," Wang Zhong waved his hand, "Go ahead!"

    The two Mnia officers saluted and turned to leave.

    At the front line.

    Yegorov pointed ahead, "Stop over there! On that slope!"

    The driver immediately turned the steering wheel, so the Willis jeep climbed a hill less than ten meters high.

    As soon as the vehicle stopped, Yegorov stood up and looked through his binocrs at the high ground they had just left¡ªnow it was shrouded in smoke released by the guard toon, and the smoke also blocked Yegorov¡¯s view.

    He could no longer see the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks.

    Yegorov cursed under his breath, looked to the other side, and saw one of the guard tank regiments¡¯ T34s aze.

    The enemy¡¯s long-barrelled Mark IV hade around and was exchanging fire with the T34s of the guard tank regiment.

    Yegorov frowned because he saw many of the enemy¡¯s shots were missing.

    "What the hell, the enemy¡¯s shooting skills have decreased? Have they added a lot of new recruits?" he muttered to himself.

    The Military Bishop also stood up to observe through binocrs, nodding as he did so, "Indeed, it feels like their shooting skills have gone down. But this won¡¯t do, we should release smoke to force the enemy toe closer, to let our anti-tank guns y a role! Our division has the upper hand against enemy tanks in trade-offs!"

    Yegorov, "You¡¯re right, although I don¡¯t like smoke, it should be done this way. Radio!"

    The radio was handed to Yegorov immediately, who shouted into it, "This is Grizzly! Wolfpack, Wolfpack, release smoke to force the enemy into Hound¡¯s range!"

    "Wolfpack understood!"

    Apanying the response, the T34s in view started shooting smoke bombs, quickly creating a wall of smoke that forced the enemy to continue moving.

    That¡¯s right, now the guard tank regiment also carries smoke bombs, all learned from the Prussians.

    In the 16th Armored Battalion of Prosen, the battalionmander¡¯smand tank stopped on a high ridge. Themander, speaking into the handset, angrily questioned, "Our firepower strike efficiency is not enough. Are you just sitting there doing nothing?"

    "Reporting to themander, the sighting scope was damaged by artillery, and our long-distance shooting uracy has dropped! We suggest advancing for a direct short-range shot!"

    Themander swore, "Haven¡¯t you thought of calibrating the sighting scope before going into battle?"

    "We were preparing to adjust, but then the order to attack was given."

    Commander, "Forget it, there¡¯s no time now. We cannot give up our long-range advantage. Later, tanks that can hit the enemy will share ranging data, and you can temporarily adjust! Now, move southeast, bypassing the enemy¡¯s smoke!"

    "Yes!"

    At the Anti-Tank Gun Position of the Mechanized Infantry Guards.

    Dmitri stood tall and observed the enemy¡¯s movement with his binocrs.

    The enemy¡¯s tank cluster chose to bypass the smoke to the side and was soon to enter the anti-tank gun position¡¯s range.

    Dmitri put down his binocrs and ordered the gun battery hemanded, "Get ready! Let the enemye within 500 meters before firing to achieve a higher hit rate. Wait for mymand."

    He looked at the enemy again.

    This was not his first time facing the charge of enemy tanks. He was an old soldier who had fought with General Rokossovsky since the time of Loktov; at Loktov, they only had three cannons.

    Now, he wasmanding a fully-staffed anti-tank gun battery.

    The enemy¡¯s tanks crossed over the target.

    Dmitri raised his hand, then brought it down with a vigorous chop, "Fire!"

    The concealed 57mm anti-tank guns opened fire!

    Dmitri, "Fire as fast as you can! Fire fiercely!"

    Because it was a fully-staffed anti-tank unit, each gun had five or six loaders, and shells were continuously loaded into the chamber, allowing almost every three seconds a shot could be fired!

    A tempestuous barrage swept across the enemy tank units.

 Chapter 431: The End of Major General Witte

    Major General Witt saw smoke from firing emerging ahead of the tank front line and hurriedly raised his binocrs.

    Several secondster, he confirmed that the armored forces had encountered the enemy¡¯s anti-tank gun emcements.

    Over the past year, the Ante Army¡¯s anti-tank gun units had caused much more losses to the Prosen armored forces than the tank units.

    Of course, the Prosen Tank Operators were also very experienced with anti-tank gun emcements.

    First, they would try to find the anti-tank gun emcements and attack them with artillery shells. If artillery couldn¡¯t resolve the issue, they would release smoke, then charge towards the anti-tank gun emcements.

    Last year, for the most part, Prosen¡¯s attacking front had a much higher tank density than anti-tank gun density. Moreover, the Ante Army had mostly 45mm anti-tank guns, which didn¡¯t pose a high threat to the front of the Panzer III and Panzer IV tanks.

    Then, the Ante gunners¡¯ shooting skills were quite poor, so most of the time the Prosen Army didn¡¯t rely on smoke; instead, they destroyed those anti-tank gun positions through direct fire.

    Yes, the Ante anti-tank gun positions had caused great loss, but most of the positions were still breached, followed by tanks ughtering the Ante infantry and gunners at the positions.

    It was only because the performance of other Ante units was so poor that the anti-tank gun units became the number one threat.Now, it seemed themander of the armored battalion was followingst year¡¯s experience, ordering the troops to turn towards the anti-tank gun position, andunching an assault against it¡ªmore precisely, the position was already on the battalion¡¯s nking route; they just needed to turn the vehicles¡¯ heads left about ten degrees to charge toward the position.

    With one hand holding binocrs and the other clenched into a fist, Major General Witt yelled, "Quick, annihte them! Show them what we¡¯re made of!"

    Unfortunately, from his position, he could not see the effect of the tank group¡¯s strike. All he could see was Prosen tanks catching fire one after another¡ªcatching fire basically meant the tanks would bepletely destroyed.

    As for those tanks that stopped and didn¡¯t move, Major General Witt also had no idea whether they had been taken out or their crew members were only stunned and temporarily halted.

    Suddenly, the Ante People¡¯s T34 tanks appeared from the nk, beginning to strike the sides of the Prosen tanks!

    These Ante tanks had excellent marksmanship; one volley of fire had halted a dozen advancing Prosen tanks.@@novelbin@@

    Themander of the armored battalion ordered the tank units on the nk to turn and engage with the Ante tanks in closebat.

    Last year, once it came to a melee, the Ante tanks could only be unterally pummeled, and Prosen had many new tank aces who had gotten their medals by continuously taking out T34s in close-quarters battle.

    But this batch of Ante tanks was clearly different; they didn¡¯t have the "blindness" issue that T34s used to have.

    Because they were all the big-headed T34Ws!

    The Marchbat report from this year had specifically mentioned that encountering the big-headed T34W units, they could not be treated as regr T34 units.

    These tanks were often driven by the Ante¡¯s best armored operators, and they had added separate tankmanders, giving them iparable situational awareness.

    Major General Witt was frantic; he could see that his armored forces were in trouble, gradually losing the upper hand!

    "What are the heavy tanks doing? Quickly take out the enemy¡¯s assault guns, and help us out!"

    Major General Witt cursed aloud.

    The new Chief of Staff said carefully, "The enemy¡¯s new assault guns are powerful, our new tanks are doing well just to hold them back¡­"

    "Shut up!" Major General Witt rebuked, "My forces are melting away! Damn it, if it weren¡¯t for the artillery barrage that paralyzed so many tanks, we were supposed to have the advantage in numbers!"

    Suddenly, someone shouted, "General, look quickly!"

    Major General Witt turned his head sharply and saw smoke rising in the north¡ªa clear sign of an armored force moving across the ins.

    Immediately, he raised his binocrs, "Are those friendly forces from a pincer attack on both wings?"

    Then he saw the silhouette of the racing tanks on the ins.

    Sloped armor!

    Prosen tanks currently had no sloped armor!

    The Ante People¡¯s tank forces were nking from the north side!

    Major General Witt shouted, "Prepare defenses! All crippled tanks stop repairs; crew, get on board, at least they can serve as fixed gun positions! Where are our anti-tank guns?"

    The aide responded, "Report, the enemy¡¯s artillery fire has almostpletely taken them out!"

    Armored forces had better resistance to artillery strikes, but softer targets like infantry suffered greater losses.

    Major General Witt waved his hand dismissively, "Never mind, just relying on the firepower of the crippled tanks is enough. The enemy¡¯s T34s can¡¯t do anything to our new tanks. Just two crippled new tanks can thrash the enemy. Infantry units, make good use of the remnants of the half-track vehicles; it¡¯s time for your incendiary bombs to y a role!"

    Then, the charging T34s stopped for their first round of shooting.

    Instantly, tanks lying in wait caught fire one after another, and probably several more were hit, but as long as the crew didn¡¯t abandon ship, it wouldn¡¯t show.

    The Prosen tanks also fired, but most of their shots missed.

    The Major General frowned slightly and then shouted, "It¡¯s the sights!"

    Crippled tanks meant that artillery shells had exploded very close to the tanks. Since even the road wheels and tracks were damaged, the more delicate optical systems couldn¡¯t possibly be unaffected.

    Major General: "Recalibrate the sights!"

    Now, the crippled new heavy tanks began to fire, and the first barrage set two T34s aze, causing them to stop.

    The crew members, engulfed in mes, leaped out of the tanks and rolled on the ground.

    The new heavy tanks kept firing, and their 88mm main guns shattered the Ante tanks like hammers smashing eggs, turning them into burning wrecks.

    The Ante People returned fire, and the shells exploded against the heavy tanks, creating white "cotton"!

    Smoke Bomb!

    The Ante People had learned too!

    All the crippled heavy tanks were hit with smoke bombs, shrouded entirely in white smoke.

    Then the Ante¡¯s T34s started picking off Prosen tanks¡ªthat should say Prosen fixed gun positions¡ªwithout recalibrated sights.

    For a moment, the whole Prosen position was a sea of fire, with burning tanks everywhere.

    The Ante People still shot at the wreckage, making sure it caught fire¡ªso it wouldn¡¯t suddenly e to life" and cause casualties for the Ante People.

    The fire illuminated Major General Witter¡¯s face.

    At that moment, footsteps came from behind; he turned to find Captain John, "General!"

    Major General Witter told his adjutant, "Gather all the vehicles that can still run and take all the surviving tank crews with you; retreat along the way we came. The surviving infantry, assemble and I personally lead the rear guard mission. Deploy smoke bombs to force the enemy tanks into closebat."

    The adjutant saluted sharply, "Yes, sir!"

    Major General Witter instructed, "You lead the retreat. And, take the staff officers with you, all of them."

    The Chief of Staff was shocked, "Me as well?"

    Major General Witter affirmed, "Yes, you are just inexperienced, but you will make apetent chief of staff in the future."

    The Chief of Staff opened his mouth as if to speak, but ultimately didn¡¯t say anything. However, his eyes became moist.

    Major General Witter gestured emphatically, "Move quickly!"

    Captain John stood at attention before Major General Witter and saluted, "I salute you."

    At that moment, the guard shouted, "Halt! Who goes there?"

    A three-wheeled motorcycle approached, driven by a sergeant with a private holding a machine gun in the sidecar. Neither of them wore the impressive leather jackets of the motorcycle units.

    "We are messengers from the 16th Armored Grenadier Corps," said the sergeant, "The Grenadier Corps is still fighting in the city, requesting support."

    Major General Witter shook his head, "There¡¯s no support left. You two act as the vanguard for the retreating troops. Get moving!"

    The sergeant¡¯s expression rxed, he saluted the general, and drove straight to the gathering motorized division.

    The smoke set by the infantry had already formed a curtain to the north, so Major General Witter couldn¡¯t see the movement of the enemy armor, but he could hear the engines getting closer, as well as the noise from the gearboxes.

    Ante tanks have really loud gearboxes, he thought.

    On the column¡¯s side, the surviving Tank Operators and wounded were loaded onto the vehicles still in operation.

    The adjutant seemed to want to report back, but Major General Witter waved him off, "Go! As soon as you¡¯re ready, go!"

    From a distance, the adjutant saluted the Major General, then removed his gold adjutant¡¯s aiguillette¡ªno longer an adjutant after themanding officer¡¯s sacrifice.

    Major General Witter watched the column head west.

    An infantry captain approached him, saluting, "General, the remaining Armored Grenadiers are ready."

    "Give me a submachine gun," the Major General said.

    The captain immediately handed over his submachine gun and ammo pouch to the Major General.

    The Major General slung them over his shoulder and then pulled a stick grenade from the captain¡¯s grenade pouch.

    "¡¯I Still Have One Last Grenade.¡¯" he quoted.

    The captain asked, "What?"

    The Major General exined, "An Ante saying, a song Ante People have taken to singing ofte. Since the song became widespread, our captured prisoners have decreased by sixty percent. Most Ante People prefer to pull their grenades and die with us rather than be captured. I used to think they were mad, but now¡ªI may have gone mad myself."

    He tucked the grenade into his belt.

    It looked somewhat incongruous for an officer to attach such a grenade to his dress belt.

    Major General Witter didn¡¯t care about that in the slightest. Hands behind his back, he sniffed the burnt scent of corpses in the wind, saying, "This wind, this sensation, this is the smell of war."

    No sooner had he spoken than an unfamiliar tank burst through the smoke.

    This tank boasted a thick cannon on its body, and atop its tall frame was a turret with a thinner gun.

    The machine gun on the tank sprayed bullets toward the Major General.

    The captain threw himself at Witter, pushing the Major General to the ground.

    The Major Generaly t, brushing the grass blocking his view, and then he saw a brave Prosen soldier clutching an incendiary bomb, charging at the tank¡ª

    Then a door on the side of the tank opened, and an Ante soldier leaped out, firing his submachine gun.

    Then a second Ante soldier emerged, followed by a third, a fourth...

    The Major General watched in astonishment as seven infantrymen jumped out of the tank. Was this actually an "infantry fighting vehicle"?

    In the next instant, the tank¡¯s main gun fired, and a high-explosive shell hit the debris in front, sending a Prosen soldier who had just stood up from the grass flying into the sky.

    Major General Witter¡¯s mouth hung open.

    At that moment, another "infantry fighting vehicle" charged through the smoke, and another squad of infantry disembarked.

    Fierce close-quarter infantrybat erupted, but for the first time in suchbat, Prosen infantry fell short in firepower against the Ante People with their "infantry fighting vehicles"!

    The Ante People began efficiently ughtering the Prosen rear guard.

    They were closing in on Major General Witter still prone on the ground.

    The Major General looked to the captain who had just tackled him to find him with a vacant expression and his pupils dted.

    It was clear that he had been shot while leaping at the Major General.

    The Major General pushed the captain aside and struggled to his feet. He did not pick up the submachine gun; instead, he grabbed the grenade, pulled the pin, and clutching the grenade, charged at the Ante soldiers.

    Machine gun fire struck the Major General¡¯s shoulder, forcing him to his knees.

    In the next moment, the grenade in his hand exploded, reducing him to a bloody mist.

 Chapter 432: Rocossovâ€™s Troubles

    At this time, Wang Zhong was pacing back and forth in his own headquarters.

    He had walked to the point of sweating, so he directly unbuttoned the discipline button on his military uniform and grabbed a writing pad to use as a fan to cool himself.

    Popov said, "You¡¯re walking around here like a racewalker, of course it¡¯s hot. Sit down, take a rest, and it won¡¯t be hot."

    Pavlov said, "He, having been ustomed to charging on the front lines, is experiencing withdrawal. You know what withdrawal is, right? Right after the civil war, most of the White Army soldiers were opium smokers. The Secr faction made them quit, and then they went through withdrawal, acting as if they were dying."

    Wang Zhong stopped and looked at Pavlov, "I am far from having withdrawal symptoms, okay! At least my mind is still normal."

    Pavlov nodded: "Really?"

    Popov said, "Of course it¡¯s true, if he went crazy it would be a problem."

    Wang Zhong shook his head and walked toward the telephone.

    Pavlov stood up and held down the handset of the telephone. "Don¡¯t do that. Yegorov is in the middle of relocating, and it will take a while before the phone lines are reconnected."Wang Zhong pursed his lips and looked toward the radio.

    Pavlov said, "The radio¡¯s not going to work either. Sit tight and wait for the front line to report back. If you¡¯re really bored, let¡¯s y chess, I¡¯ll have a game with you."

    Wang Zhong scratched the back of his head and said, "Do I look like I¡¯m in the state to y chess right now?"

    Pavlov shrugged his shoulders, "Then you can¡¯t be making calls and interfering with the front-linemanders. Trust yourmanders a bit more, they can handle it."

    Wang Zhong had no choice but to approach the map and stare at it.

    Truthfully, he never thought it would be so difficult for him to adapt from a junior to a mid-senior levelmander, and of course, his reliance on cheat devices also yed a role, as he was too eager to make full use of the advantage they provided.

    Just then, the telephone rang. Pavlov picked up the phone: "Army Group Headquarters. Alright, I got it. I¡¯ll inform Rocossov immediately."

    He hung up the phone, looked up to meet Wang Zhong¡¯s expectant gaze, and said, "The armored troops of the 225th Division have made contact."

    Wang Zhong: "Made contact?"

    "Yes, they report annihting the enemy¡¯s division headquarters, though they did not find the enemy divisionmander and senior officers but seized some documents and a divisionalmunications vehicle. The documents are being sent back by special vehicle, and it¡¯s estimated that they will arrive in an hour."

    Wang Zhong clenched his fist firmly: "Good! Destroying the headquarters isn¡¯t enough; we need to attack the Prussian armored troops from behind. Issue the order quickly!"

    Pavlov: "General Eugene has already issued the order, but the front line is all smoke, and the firing range and visibility are poor."

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, then, inspiration striking, he said to Popov, "How about we ask the folklorists to summon a strong wind? The wind could disperse the smoke, so our assault vehicles could be effective."

    Popov stood up and headed towards the telephone, saying as he walked, "I¡¯ll ask. Don¡¯t get your hopes up though; you saw the fog this morning as well, nobody knows whether it¡¯s a naturally urring fog or not."

    He picked up the phone: "Connect me to the church."

    A few secondster, the call evidently went through, and he said, "The general has asked me to inquire if it¡¯s possible to summon a strong wind. It¡¯s not? Why? Is the situation grave? Okay, understood."

    Popov put down the phone and looked at Wang Zhong: "Several folklorists have already gone to sleep; this morning¡¯s fog has practically exhausted their spiritual power."

    Wang Zhong: "Did they really expend their spiritual power?"

    Popov spread his hands: "Why don¡¯t you go and see for yourself, verify it with your own eyes?"

    For a moment Wang Zhong truly wanted to seek out the truth of the matter, but to leave the headquarters for such a reason was not good. Not that he didn¡¯t trust Pavlov¡¯s experience and capability, but because Wang Zhong wanted to be the first to know the news from the battlefield.

    So Wang Zhong shook his head: "No, let it be."

    He continued to stare at the map as though if he kept on staring, the map would suddenly be a magic map, disying real-time battlefield statuses.

    However, that didn¡¯t happen; the map was still reflecting thest state updated by the staff an hour ago.

    The Ante¡¯s way of mapping is different from that of Prosen, with the main forces of various units represented by variously sized blotches on the map.

    Whereas the Prussian map would have lots of lines, lines of Ante Army defense, lines of the Prussian Army¡¯s attacks, and so on. Only encircled units would be depicted as a blotch.

    Wang Zhong had seen the map of the Federation, and the Federation¡¯s map emphasizes zones, marking out the battle areas of different units very precisely, with dividing lines for the army, and each division having its own dividing lines within.

    Within these lines, identifiers represent the battalion andpany level units.

    Beyond the dividing lines, there were lines forunching attacks, lines where the attack stopped for the day, maybe for the second day, and so on.

    The differences in the maps of the three countries were apparent: Ante¡¯s map was the easiest to understand, even soldiers with no military mapping training could make out parts of it as long as they could read.@@novelbin@@

    The Federation¡¯s map, on the other hand, was onlyprehensible to specially trained staffers. The Federation¡¯s nonmissioned officers and junior officers often used Ante-style blotch maps, with enemies encircled one ce and allies another.

    But for those trained in cartography, the Federation¡¯s map was transparent and stratified, andmand hierarchies on the map were clear.

    The characteristic of the Prussian map was its ability to clearly show the marching routes of various units, which was particrly advantageous for nning offensives.

    As Wang Zhong was daydreaming in front of his map, the telephone rang again.

    He immediately looked at Pavlov, eagerly watching the Chief of Staff pick up the handset.

    Pavlov: "Corps Command, what? Okay, I¡¯ll ask."

    He set the handset aside and covered it with his hand, looking at Wang Zhong: "The Air Force says the weather is clear enough to provide support; where do you need an airstrike?"

    Wang Zhong waved his hand grandly, "The front line battle is already settled, tell them to scout and disrupt the enemy¡¯s other troops. Especially find out where the enemy¡¯s other armored units are."

    Indeed, the Prussian armored units were elite; even after being ambushed in the fog and then shelled, they were still able to pose a threat to the Ante Army.

    No wonder in 1944, when the Earthlings were counter-attacking, they still directly ordered their assault troops to bypass Sturmtigers if they encountered them. Don¡¯t engage them head-on.

    Pavlov nodded, brought the receiver to his ear again, and said, "Rocossov asks you to scout the movements of the enemy¡¯s other armored units. We have already dealt with the ones in front. Yes, don¡¯t bother with the front anymore. Yeisk is currently filled with our own troops. Don¡¯t bomb it!"

    After finishing, he put the receiver down and looked towards Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong, in turn, looked back at the map.

    At that moment, the phone rang again.

    Pavlov picked up the receiver: "First Mobile Army Headquarters. Hello, I¡¯ll get the general for you right away."

    Wang Zhong turned around, "Who is it?"

    With his mouth, Pavlov shaped the words: "Your Majesty."

    Wang Zhong reluctantly walked over and took the receiver, "This is Rocossov."

    Olga¡¯s voice immediately came through the receiver, "Alyosha!"

    Wang Zhong, "When working..."

    Olga, "Major General Rocossov, I heard you wereunching an attack in the fog this morning. How did it go?"

    Wang Zhong, "Currently we have crushed the enemy¡¯s armored unitsing out of the city, but the situation inside is unclear, the battle is still ongoing."

    "Can I do anything to help?" asked Olga.

    Wang Zhong,"Don¡¯t call my headquarters. This phone line is crucial right now as countless messages need to be reported through it."

    Olga let out a cute whine: "I... understand, but you have to call me tonight to tell me the oue, okay? I mean, when the line isn¡¯t busy!"

    "Understood, so goodbye, Your Majesty." Wang Zhong hung up the phone.

    Vasily,"Our line isn¡¯t busy, right?"

    Wang Zhong,"That¡¯s because all officers below us arepetent and responsible, able to make their own decisions. Precisely because of this, any situation they report is sure to be urgent, so this line must remain clear. Understand?"

    Vasily nodded repeatedly, "Got it, got it."

    Pavlov,"Even though you¡¯re engaged, there¡¯s no need to be this avoidant, right?"

    Wang Zhong,"Is this a matter of avoidance? No, it¡¯s military urgency!"

    At that moment, the phone rang, and Wang Zhong immediately said, "See! Urgent military business ising. If I had tried to extend the conversation, this call wouldn¡¯t havee through!"

    With that, he grabbed the receiver first, "This is Rocossov, what happened?"

    "Why are you answering the phone personally?" Yegorov¡¯s voice came from the other side,"Our vortex and infantry have wiped out thest four new enemy tanks, the enemy¡¯s attack has been smashed!"

    Wang Zhong with a stern face,"Didn¡¯t you encounter any problems?"

    "No, the enemy¡¯s new tanks were fast, but not fast enough. Our infantry hiding in the grass took out two with Molotov cocktails, and then the vortex took care of thest two. It¡¯s over."

    Wang Zhong frowned tightly,"That¡¯s not right. At times like this, shouldn¡¯t there be a crisis that demands my solution?"

    Like thest Tiger tank suddenly transforming and then standing up.

    After a second of silence, Yegorov burst outughing,"General, you¡¯re still so humorous!"

    Wang Zhong looked at the others in the headquarters and scolded,"Don¡¯t make jokes on the battlefield. You did well. Now, I¡¯m giving you a new mission. Figure out the situation in the city and provide as much support as possible to the troops there."

    Yegorov,"We¡¯re getting ready to send in the M3 Grant tanks from the apanying armor battalion together with the infantry. I estimate now it¡¯s just a few sturdy buildings that haven¡¯t been dealt with. M3¡¯s main guns should be enough."

    Wang Zhong,"I approve your n. That¡¯s it."

    After hanging up the receiver, he told the others,"See! Had I not hung up on Her Majesty¡¯s call, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to approve Yegorov¡¯s use of M3s in urbanbat in time!"

    The others in the headquarters nodded repeatedly,"Right, right!"

    "Truly an important directive!"

    Wang Zhong cursed under his breath and continued to turn to the map.

    Having nothing else to do, he called out, "Nelly!"

    Nelly opened the door, "What¡¯s up?"

    Wang Zhong,"Do you have any snacks that are a bit troublesome, like something with shells to peel?"

    Like sunflower seeds.

    Nelly,"Would boiled peanuts do?"

    "That¡¯ll do! Anyway, I need to find something to do, or I¡¯ll go stir-crazy. I shouldn¡¯t have such capable officers as subordinates. I can¡¯t micromanage anymore!"

 Chapter 433: Capturing Yeisk

    Filippov¡¯s squad was pinned down by a Prosen machine gun in a courtyard by the side of the road.

    "Explosives!" Filippov turned and shouted, "Blow up the wall next door! We¡¯ll encircle the enemy!"

    The sapper spread his hands: "All gone!"

    Filippov cursed "Damn it," and then pointed to the residential building behind them: "Go see if there¡¯s another door, or a ce we can climb over the wall!"

    Immediately, two soldiers carrying bolt cutters rushed toward the house. The one in the lead kicked the door open with a flying kick, and then both entered, one after the other.

    Filippov leaned against the courtyard door, took out the spoon he carried with him, and used the shiny back of the spoon as a mirror to observe the fire point position. To his surprise, the moment he stretched out the spoon, it got shot away.

    His finger was also nicked by the edge of the spoon, and he started to bleed immediately.

    "Damn it!" Filippov cursed again.

    Then he heard the sound of engines."Enemy tanks?" someone guessed in a low voice.

    Filippov said, "No, it shouldn¡¯t be. If the enemy tanks had cleared the fog, they should havee back, but they haven¡¯t. The artillery noise outside the city has also died down for a while now, I guess it¡¯s our tanksing in for support!"

    As he finished speaking, the sound of the tank engines suddenly became clearer¡ªit was evident that the tanks had turned the street corner, and there was no longer any obstruction between them and the courtyard where Filippov and others were hiding, allowing the sound to travel directly into their ears.

    No sooner had he spoken than the sound of a tank gun firing came from outside.

    Filippov could even hear the sound of the shells flying past the doorway.

    The relentless machine gun fire stopped immediately after.

    Filippov peeked out, confirmed that the Prosen fire point waspletely covered by the smoke from the grenade explosion, and then ran out toward the tank that had just turned the street corner.

    The tank¡¯s apanying infantry stopped him: "Which unit are you from?"

    "I am themander of the thirdpany of the 31st Regiment. Can¡¯t you see my medals?" Filippov said loudly, "We know the distribution of the enemy fire points along the street below. We¡¯re here to guide the tanks!"

    At that moment, the tankmander poking his head out of the hatch said: "Let hime up!"

    Filippov immediately pushed past the apanying infantry, climbed onto the tank, and said to themander while lying on the turret, "On the left side of the fire point you just destroyed, there are two more along the street, each blocking a road. We¡¯ve run out of explosives and can¡¯t blow up the courtyard walls to encircle the enemy."

    The tankmander said: "Leave it to us. Have your troops join the apanying infantry. We¡¯ve also brought an ammunition truck inside, you can send someone to get ammunition from the truck!"

    Filippov immediately shouted to his subordinates: "Misha, we have an ammunition truck out back. You take someone and get some ammunition! Everyone else, join the apanying infantry."

    At that moment, the tank started to move forward again.

    Filippov gestured to themander: "Drive up to the street corner, turn right about 30 degrees, and you can fire!"

    No sooner had he spoken than the previously silent machine gun fired again. Bullets immediately took down three infantrymen, then rattled against the front armor of the tank.

    "Fire!" themander roared, and the 75mm gun sprayed mes again, the st post from the muzzle kicking up all the surrounding dust.

    The shell exploded where the machine gun shes were seen, and Filippov clearly saw the machine gun and tripod tumble out of the gap made by the shell, crashing onto the street.

    The machine gunner was also thrown out but got caught by rebar exposed from broken floorboards and hung from the ceiling of the first floor.

    Filippov took up the anti-aircraft machine gun on top of the turret and sprayed bullets through the gap created by the shell to ensure no one was alive inside.

    Themander said: "Advance! Just slow it down a bit to give the gunner and infantry brothers time to react."

    Filippov stopped firing and looked towards those who had fallen. Soldiers had already approached to check them and gently shook their heads after touching their noses, "No saving them."

    Filippov fired more fiercely at the enemy-held building, suppressing the Prosen¡¯s firepower.

    Suddenly, a stick emerged from the building with white underpants hanging on it.

    Themander with the binocrs said: "Am I seeing things? Have the Prosens surrendered?"

    Filippov also stopped firing and reached for his binocrs, then realized the binocrs strap had been shot through by a bullet at some point, and his binocrs were gone.

    He swore.

    By then, themander had already given the order: "Cease fire! Cease fire! Does anyone speak Prosen?"

    Everyone looked at each other.

    Filippov said: "I know a little."

    "Yell at them to raise their hands high, put their weapons on top of their heads, and walk out slowly!"

    Filippov raised his voice and tranted themand into choppy Prosen.

    Soon, an officer emerged from the building with his hands held high, carrying a white g in his right hand and his own sidearm holster in his left, followed by the dirty and disheveled Prosen soldiers.

    Filippovmanded: "Throw your weapons by the roadside, pile them up!"

    The officer immediately did as he was told, tossing his sidearm holster on the ground and then proceeded towards the tank, still carrying the white g in one hand.

    The other Prosens dumped their weapons on top of the handgun holster, as if it were a marker.

    Soon, a sizeable pile of weapons was umted on the ground.

    Filippov looked at nearly a hundred prisoners and asked the leading officer, "You still have more than half a toon, why didn¡¯t you continue to resist?"

    The officer shook his head, "We have no anti-tank weapons and can¡¯t fight against tanks. Besides, we have already fought for our mothend long enough."@@novelbin@@

    Filippov shook his head, "I thought you were more resolute fighters."

    "That¡¯s just propaganda, it doesn¡¯t count for anything," the officer said.

    Wang Zhong peeled a peanut shell and put the peanut into his mouth.

    The bowl in front of him was already full of peanut shells.

    Popov joked, "Thanks to the cooking of peanuts, General Rokossovsky will no longer be restless about not being able to go to the front lines to kill the enemy himself."

    Nelly, "I¡¯ll cook a pot every day from now on to ensure he can¡¯t finish them."

    Wang Zhong looked at Nelly, "Thanks!"

    Pavlov, "If you¡¯re really that idle, you could do some staff work, you know, the staff members are having a hard time drawing maps and clerks are busy sorting out documents."

    Wang Zhong, "What, you think that frontline soldiers just need to fight desperately against the enemy, while the staff have to think about many things? If you say things like that, I¡¯m going to have Popov teach you a lesson!"

    Vasily, "Ah? I thought they were all about picking manure! What¡¯s going on? Don¡¯t do this, you three generals looking at me together is a lot of pressure! Look, I¡¯m almost going bald!"

    Popov touched his own bald head, "What¡¯s wrong with being bald? It¡¯s the fate of men, you and the general are going to be bald sooner orter!"

    Perhaps because there had been good news from the front lines, the atmosphere in the Corps Command was very rxed, which was probably why Popov could make jokes.

    Wang Zhong was solely focused on peeling peanuts.

    That was when themunications staff officer came in, "We¡¯ve received a telegram from the Air Force, they have spotted enemy armored forces to our northwest."

    Wang Zhong immediately looked up, "Northwest? How far?"

    A telegram couldn¡¯t provide a view, after all, transmitting and receiving took too much time and would be out-of-date.

    Themunications staff officer, "55 kilometers."

    Wang Zhong and Pavlov moved in unison, both standing in front of the map at once.

    The staff officer responsible for mapping hastily updated the map with the new information.

    Wang Zhong, "To report the enemy¡¯s position so clearly, it must be a PE-2 modified reconnaissance ne, it has a navigator."

    Pavlov, "And a telegraph machine, that¡¯s why they were able to send a telegram. What do you think?"

    Wang Zhong, "The enemy wants tounch a pincer attack on us."

    He looked at themunications staff officer, "Did the telegram say whether the enemy is on the move or if they have already deployed an assault formation?"

    Themunications staff officer shook his head, "It didn¡¯t mention that, just reported the location and distance."

    Wang Zhong, "Have them rify the enemy¡¯s status and take photographs if possible, send the message immediately."

    Themunications staff officer was just about to leave when another telegrapher came in and handed over a telegram to the staff officer, "Just decoded!"

    "Understood." The staff officer took the telegram, looking down at the content.

    Wang Zhong stepped forward and took the telegram to read it aloud, "Based on the interrogation of prisoners and the decoding of captured documents, your front is currently facing the enemy¡¯s 10th Army Group,manded by General Boke. We are confident that this Army Group has under itsmand three Armored Divisions and three Motorized Infantry Divisions, as well as three to six Infantry Divisions, totaling 200,000 to 300,000 men."

    After reading, Wang Zhong looked up, "Information sent by the Tribunal¡¯s intelligence department."

    Pavlov took the telegram and as he read said, "It doesn¡¯t indicate any carbon copies, it means it was sent directly to us. Shouldn¡¯t this kind of intelligence be ryed to us by the Front Army?"

    Wang Zhong, "The High Command will probably give simr intelligence to the Front Army. Anyway, we now know the current strength of the enemy. Although we took the initiative and won a battle, the enemy still has two more divisions like that. One of which was just discovered by our aerial reconnaissance."

    As he said this, he pointed at the map and continued, "I have reason to believe that the enemy originally nned to use one division along with the city defense of Yeisk to hold us back, then implement a pincer attack on us. But they didn¡¯t expect us to rout Sednev¡¯s Division so quickly."

    Pavlov, "But the enemy¡¯s pincer attack has not yet been broken. So what do we do? A frontal assault? Break through the enemy front?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "Today, Sednev¡¯s Division was just routed by us, many of their core troops likely escaped, and they will soon regroup into a formidable force. In order to quickly weaken Prosen¡¯s power and reduce the number of veterans, we should fight an annihtion war as they didst year."

    Actually, Wang Zhong had also nned to fight an annihtion war; he was waiting for all his units to arrive by the 16th and thenunch an attack on the 17th.

    By then, Yeisk would bepletely encircled, and the enemy would be annihted.

    Today¡¯s attack was not originally aimed at capturing Yeisk, but it went too well, Yeisk was taken, the enemy was routed, and the annihtion war turned into a pipe dream.

    Winning too swiftly can also be problematic.

    Pavlov, "You want to take out the 10th Army Group? That¡¯s a bit of an overreach, you know, you might bite off more than you can chew. We only have a hundred thousand men."

    Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m aware. And the battle this morning showed that our armored forces on the steppe are a bit insufficient."

    The phone rang again.

    Pavlov picked up, responded a couple of times, then hung up and said to Wang Zhong, "The enemy¡¯s main forces in the city have surrendered, just scattered resistance remains. I estimate if we set out now, by the time we reach Yeisk, the enemy will almost be cleared."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Good, let¡¯s enter the city. Yeisk will be the supply center for my Army Group from here on."

 Chapter 434: The General Arrives at the Frontline

    In fact, the process of taking Yeisk was not as simple as Pavlov had imagined.

    Even as Wang Zhong reached the ce where he could see Yeisk in his vehicle, he could still hear the sound of Prussian machine guns firing in the city.

    "This Pavlov, he swore that once we moved in the resistance would be over," Wang Zhong shook his head, "He really should be dragged over here to see for himself."

    Moving the Corps Command involved a lot of trouble, so Pavlov was still in Trinkamanding, while Wang Zhong had arrived first with themunications and clerical staff who were supposed to lead the way. The clerical staff was responsible formunicating with the locals and arranging housing, while themunications department was to set up telephone lines.

    Wang Zhong changed his view and found that it only spread to the edge of the city, not knowing the situation inside, he turned his head and asked Vasily, "What¡¯s with the gunfire?"

    Vasily pointed ahead, "The frontlinemander has arrived, why don¡¯t you just ask him?"

    Wang Zhong turned his head, and sure enough, he saw a Willis Jeeping towards them, stirring up rolling dust.

    Before the vehicle even came to a stop, Yegorov stood up in the Jeep and saluted Wang Zhong, "General!"

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, "What¡¯s with the gunfire?"Yegorov replied, "There¡¯s a particrly sturdy reinforced concrete building, not the type with steel reinforcement only in the support structure and the rest brick walls, but truly all reinforced concrete. The 75-mm gun on the M3 and the 100-mm gun on the Vortex can¡¯t deal with them."

    Wang Zhong said, "Then let¡¯s bring up the artillery regiment¡¯s 203. I¡¯ll give the order, send a messenger."

    He was about to reach for his pen and notepad when he suddenly remembered he had aides now, so he turned to Vasily and said, "Write the orders and send a messenger to deliver them!"

    Vasily immediately pulled out his notepad and pencil and wrote the orders quickly, then turned his head and shouted, "Messenger!"

    Someone immediately came up driving a Jeep.

    Vasily tore off the note and handed it to the driver, "Deliver this to the 204th heavy artillery regiment."

    The messenger saluted and drove off in the Jeep at full speed.

    Yegorov was astonished, "Even messengers are using Jeeps now, we really have upgraded from bird guns to cannons."

    Wang Zhong inquired, "What are your troop losses?"

    Yegorov pointed toward the city, "I don¡¯t know about the inside, we haven¡¯t tallied it yet. We estimate we¡¯ll get a preliminary infantry casualty report by tonight. Confirmed losses outside include twenty T34s abandoned, seven of which caught fire and can be considered total losses; the others need inspection from the repair battalion.

    "The apanying M3 Grants had two casualties, both of which caught fire and burned.

    "The Vortex had six with broken tracks, and one exploded after being hit on the side. The anti-tank gunspletely lost two crews, and there were casualties in other crews too, all hit by the enemy¡¯s high-explosive shells."

    Wang Zhong was astonished, "The losses are greater than imagined."

    It was clear that the performance of the T34Ws had fallen behind; using these tanks to contend with the enemy¡¯s long-barreled Panzer IVs was not a wise choice.

    Yegorov nodded, "The enemy¡¯s long-barreled Panzer IV tanks pose a significant threat. They can prate the T34¡¯s armor head-on, and basically render thembat-ineffective with a hit. If we hadn¡¯t been broadly equipped with smoke bombs, the situation would have been worse."

    Wang Zhong stepped out of the car and walked a few steps towards the outer city tank battlefield, gazing at the battlefield while asking, "How many of the enemy did we take down?"

    Yegorov responded, "Heavy artillery immobilized half of the enemy tanks on the spot, so most of them became the 225th Division¡¯s achievements. We destroyed about 23 long-barreled Panzer IVs and 49 Panzer IIIs. In addition, we captured six of the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Good, very good! Just counting the long-barreled Panzer IVs, you¡¯ve got a favorable exchange ratio! The Panzer IIIs are a bonus! Congrats!"

    Yegorov smiled, "Mainly because we won and controlled the battlefield, so the enemy couldn¡¯t repair their damaged tanks. When you win, the exchange ratio looks much better."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Indeed."

    "By the way, there¡¯s one of the new tanks that is rtively intact. Would you like to take a look?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Sure, let¡¯s take a look. The heavy artillery won¡¯t be here for a while, and there¡¯s still gunfire in the city. If I go in now Pavlov will start nagging again."

    Yegorov teased, "Are you worried about Pavlovining? No, you just want to wait for the heavy artillery to arrive so you can personally direct it."

    Wang Zhong blinked and hurriedly said, "Let¡¯s go see the tank, see the tank!"

    As he made his way to the front line, Wang Zhong encountered several of his own troops.

    Seeing the red g approaching, they all shouted "Hurrah."

    For a moment, Wang Zhong felt as if he had be Napoleon; unfortunately, this time he hadn¡¯t ridden in. Bucephalus was still in the stables at Trinka, and now that he was further from the front, the stables wouldn¡¯t be bombed again, and Bucephalus couldn¡¯t make a run for it.

    After passing several units, Wang Zhong approached the still burning tank wreckage on the fields, and from a distance, he saw the remaining tank units stopped at the edge of the battlefield. The tank operators had used the tanks to tten the grass on the prairie, creating a clearing where they then sat down, using the crushed grass as mats.

    Wang Zhongmanded the driver of the Jeep, "Stop next to the tanks ahead."

    "Yes, sir."

    When the Jeep stopped, the tank operators all stood up and saluted toward the red g.

    Wang Zhong stood and returned the salute, then asked, "How many crews are without a tank?"

    Themander of the Guards Tank Battalion immediately answered, "We¡¯ve cobbled together 10 crews without tanks, just waiting for the tanks to be repaired so we can continue the battle."

    The tank operators of the First Mobile Group Army were all required to master the skills needed for allbat positions, enabling more convenientbination intoplete crews in the event of casualties on the battlefield.

    This was also learned from the Prussians.

    Wang Zhong remarked, "Only ten crews."

    The battalionmander said, "The power of the enemy¡¯s long-barreled guns is astonishing. Seven tanks caught fire immediately after being hit, and in two cases only one crew member managed to escape. It¡¯s only been a year, and already our tank armor isn¡¯t sufficient."

    Wang Zhong conceded, "Indeed, when I was working on the Vortex, there were people who ridiculed me, saying I had overestimated the Prussians, imed that the T34 was enough. These people have no idea how fast modern military technology advances in war! These outdated old fogeys will get us killed!"

    "Luckily, we have you!" the battalionmander said sincerely.

    Wang Zhong originally was just criticizing the old-timers and hadn¡¯t meant to boast about himself; caught off guard by thepliment, he couldn¡¯t very well say "Right, it¡¯s all thanks to me," could he?

    Then a familiar tank operator asked, "We¡¯ll be getting the new model tanks soon, won¡¯t we?"

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s almost done, the factory relocation is nearlyplete. I was actually ready to start working on the deployment of the new tanks, but the Prussians aren¡¯t giving us any time. Before the new tanks are put into service next year, we¡¯ll still have to contend with the enemy using T34s for a while."

    "But we do have eddy currents, so we shouldn¡¯t suffer too much."

    Company Commander: "The enemy¡¯s smoke greatly limits the effectiveness of the eddy currents. To prevent our entire sniper position from being obscured by smoke bombs, we should disperse the eddy currents."

    Several tank operators immediately agreed: "Right!"

    "We should disperse them. Our centralized configuration this time was specifically targeted by the enemy¡¯s smoke bombs."

    "Spreading them out reduces the density of the fire, making it impossible to eliminate the enemy¡¯s tanks all at once and dealing heavy damage, but at least it gives us all the opportunity to fire!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, then pointed to the Company Commander: "You write the summary report, include all this, and summarize the lessons learned from this encounter."

    The Company Commander was at a loss for words.

    Wang Zhong sat down in the jeep and said to the driver: "Go find that rtively intact new heavy tank."

    Yegorov: "I¡¯ll lead the way, just drive ahead, see those two block-like tanks stuck together over there, one of which is still burning? Head over there."

    The jeep soon stopped beside two heavy tanks that were side by side.

    Wang Zhong got out of the vehicle and closely examined the shattered road wheel.

    Yegorov misunderstood his expression andmented: "You didn¡¯t expect it, did you? This road wheel is soplex!"

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯t forget, I captured one of these intact. I¡¯ve seen this type of road wheel."@@novelbin@@

    He had even seen it before his transmigration and had actually disassembled and reassembled this road wheel in a game, gaining an in-depth understanding of the problematic nature of this walking mechanism.

    After inspecting the road wheel, Wang Zhong turned to observe the grass nearby.

    "It¡¯s clear that the tank slid after the road wheel shattered first," he said, pointing to the ttened grass on the ground. "I guess this sudden turn of events caused the shells aimed at it to miss their target. Then this tactical number 203 heavy tank charged up and used its body to shield the damaged one."

    Wang Zhong then turned to examine vehicle 203, which was still on fire, the air filled with the smell of burning metal and the foul odor of burned flesh.

    As a general who had personally fought on the battlefield, Wang Zhong was already quite familiar with this scent.

    This is the smell of the battlefield.

    Wang Zhong then asked, "Why are there our infantry¡¯s bodies nearby?"

    "I ordered the infantry to approach through the grass, and they got close to the tank, then they were strafed by machine-gun fire, likely from another vehicle providing cover."

    "And this number 201 tank, there are no bodies inside?"

    "There are, there¡¯s an electro-mechanic inside, his body has been blown to pieces, the front full of shrapnel, as if he¡¯d been lying on top of a grenade. The driver was inspecting the road wheel when his throat was slit by the infantry. But the bodies of the others weren¡¯t found."

    Yegorov paused, then as if remembering something, he added:

    "The Guards Tank Battalion reported that they had fired at the battalion, and then the battalion immediately used smoke to cover their line of sight."

    Wang Zhong: "The tankmander still had the will to fight, it¡¯s just that the smoke blocked their line of fire, and the infantry surrounded them, so they abandoned the tank."

    He turned his head to look at a half-track that was well-preserved: "What about this vehicle?"

    "Its wheels got entangled in the grass. That¡¯s why we took a detouring here; if we drove through this taller grass, our wheels would get caught too," Yegorov exined.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue: "This area of tall grass isn¡¯t on my map, we should mark these areas where the grass could tangle the wheels on our maps in the future."

    Having said this, he nced at Vasily.

    Vasily: "Alright, I¡¯ll note it down."

    Wang Zhong: "You¡¯re getting the hang of it!"

    Just then, he saw a jeep approaching from a distance.

    The jeep apparently did not expect the tall grass to entangle its wheels and charged straight into the grassy area.

    Then the jeep broke down.

    The people in the jeep cursed as they got out, parted the tall grass with their bodies, and cursed their way over: "Salute to you, General!"

    It was thepanymander from the 225th Tank Battalion.

    "I came straight over when I saw the red g."

    Wang Zhong: "Did your division suffer heavy losses?"

    "Not much, the enemy¡¯s gunnery suddenly became very bad, only two heavy tanks could hit their targets! We used smoke to cover the heavy ones and then had ourselves a feast!"

    The Company Commander said gleefully.

    Yegorov sneered: "Yes, indeed, we fought the tough battle!"

    Thepanymander from the 225th said seriously: "We thank our older brothers!"

    Then he saluted Yegorov.

    Yegorov pursed his lips, no longer angry.

    Wang Zhong patted him: "Remember to stay united. It¡¯s good for brother units topete, but we must not harm our camaraderie."

    Only then did Yegorov reluctantly reply: "Congrattions on your sess! Salute to you."

    With that, he returned the salute.

 Chapter 435: The Cannon General

    Having dealt with the minor friction between brother units, Wang Zhong was about to speak when a radio operator from his entourage reported, "The borrowed B4 heavy artillery has arrived."

    Wang Zhong immediately said to the battalionmander of the 225th Division, "Write everything in the report, what was captured and why the enemy suddenly couldn¡¯t shoot urately. I will read it myself, so write it well!"

    The battalionmander, obviously a military man, furrowed his brows tightly upon hearing he had to write a report.

    Wang Zhong jumped onto the jeep: "Let¡¯s go, meet up with the heavy artillery! Remember to drive around the bushes, okay!"

    After everyone got into the vehicle, the jeep retraced its route and met up with the heavy artillery battalion that had been waiting for Wang Zhong.

    Looking at the B4 heavy artillery, Wang Zhong eximed, "Haven¡¯t seen this buddy in a long time."

    Vasily: "Wasn¡¯t it your decision not to add more B4 heavy artillery to the Army Group?"

    "That¡¯s because it¡¯s too cumbersome and doesn¡¯t fit with our Army Group¡¯s principles of mobile enemy annihtion. Besides, we can always borrow it to the brother units, can¡¯t we?"

    During the conversation, the jeep stopped next to the tractor towing the heavy artillery; Wang Zhong used the jeep as a step and jumped onto the tractor, patting the driver on the back, "Let¡¯s go! To the city!"Vasily took down Wang Zhong¡¯s red g from the jeep, carrying the red g as he climbed onto the cannon, and just like that, he stood on the small operating tform of the cannon and moved along with it.

    The city of Yeisk was gradually approaching, and the sound of the Prussian Army¡¯s machine guns was bing clearer.

    Approaching the edge of the city, a few infantrymen jumped out from buildings on the roadside, seemingly to block the way, but upon seeing Wang Zhong standing on the tractor, they gave up trying to stop him and voluntarily stood by the roadside, watching as the tractor hauling the massive artillery entered the city.

    As he passed them, Wang Zhong loudly asked, "Which way to the battlefield?"

    The leading sergeant pointed straight ahead, "Just follow this main road straight ahead, take the left at every Y-intersection, and keep going straight at crossroads, it¡¯s simple!"

    Wang Zhong: "Thank you!"

    "You¡¯re wee, General!"

    Wang Zhong to the tractor driver: "Did you hear that? Take the left at a fork, and go straight through crossroads."

    "Understood, General."

    The artillery continued to advance.

    Not far along, a group of infantrymen appeared by the roadside, shouting and tipping their hats to Wang Zhong, "General! Why have youe this early? There could still be scattered enemies around!"

    Wang Zhong: "Then I¡¯ll just tten them with the artillery¡¯s tracks!"

    As they talked, even more soldiers emerged from buildings along the street, and some people leaned out from second-story windows, all cheering for Wang Zhong, "General! You¡¯ve finallye!"

    "Hurrah! Let¡¯s finish the fight with the heavy artillery!"

    "Hurrah!"

    The locals of Yeisk also began to open their doors and windows, curiously watching who the soldiers were cheering for.

    Wang Zhong heard a local ask, "Which general is that?"

    A soldier promptly answered, "It¡¯s General Rokossovsky! We are General Rokossovsky¡¯s troops!"

    "The General Rokossovsky?"

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brows instinctively furrowed; he had a premonition that "that" wasing.

    "The Rokossovsky who captured 51 Prussian generals?"

    See, here ites!

    I knew this wasing!

    Then Wang Zhong heard his soldier reply, "Yes, that¡¯s the one! Besides the generals, he even captured a hundred thousand men!"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that it was over; at this rate, he might end up being rumored as the man who captured a hundred thousand generals.

    Whether Prosen even had a hundred thousand generals was a question.

    More and more locals and troops lined the roadsides. Though the battle was not yet over, and everyone could hear the enemy¡¯s machine-gun fire, people crowded joyfully to the streets.

    Wang Zhong had to shout, "Don¡¯t crowd, don¡¯t crowd! We are off to eliminate thest of the Prussians! Make way, please!"

    Then the tractor entered the first intersection, a Y-intersection, and the driver decisively turned left.

    The machine-gun fire was closer now.

    And there were even more local residents lining the street to wee them!

    The residents began throwing bread onto the tractor; in a moment, Wang Zhong¡¯s hands were full with fiverge loaves.

    He could only put the loaves on the shelf at the back of the tractor, and in the process, a piece of bread even fell and got crushed under the artillery¡¯s tracks.

    (The B4 heavy artillery also used tracks for mobility.)

    Never mind the bread; soon, an olddy holding a hen followed the tractor, shouting, "This hen, the Prussians wanted to steal, so I hid her away, but I hid her too well and she suffocated! My poor hen! General, you eat it, it will give you strength to fight the Prussians!"

    Wang Zhong: "Keep it for yourself to eat!"

    "Oh, I¡¯m an old woman, what would I do with such fine food? It¡¯s right for youngds like yourself to eat it! Just take it, General!"

    "Old mother, there¡¯s nowhere to put it! Look, when our mene into town, we will need to borrow some space in your home, then you can cook it and give the soldiers staying with you an extra meal, right?"

    After Wang Zhong¡¯s words, the olddy had an epiphany: "Right!"

    Finally, she stopped chasing the tractor.

    Now, the tractor entered a crossroads, and Wang Zhong quickly said, "Straight ahead, straight ahead!"

    "I remember, General!"

    The tractor pulled the heavy artillery across the crossroads.

    After the crossroads, the crowds on both sides suddenly disappeared.

    And the sound of machine guns was almost in front, along with the sound of the M3 tank gun¡¯s 75.

    A captain emerged from a building and saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong patted the driver¡¯s shoulder: "Stop the vehicle, I need to ask about the situation."

    The vehicle stopped, and before Wang Zhong could ask, the captain volunteered, "General! The enemy¡¯sst stronghold is straight ahead, the machine gun positions are very tricky, and the 75 can¡¯t hit them."

    Wang Zhong: "Why not adjust the firing angle for close-range shots?"

    Captain: "The enemy has an anti-tank gun set up on the first floor, which has already taken out two of our M3s. We tried to get close using theplex terrain, and we¡¯ve tried using smoke, but none of it worked. They just spray into the smoke and stop us, causing heavy casualties."

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, leave it to us. We¡¯ll just tear down the building, and they¡¯ll have no way to fight back!"

    The captain nodded: "It¡¯s up to you!"

    Wang Zhong then patted the driver on the shoulder: "Forward!"

    The tractor started up again.

    At that moment, themanders of two M3 Grant tanks at the street corner heard the engine noise, turned their heads back, and when they saw the tractor towing a big guning their way, they quickly reversed to clear the path.

    And so, the tractor, towing the heavy artillery, entered the enemy¡¯sst bastion ¡ª the square in front of the city council building.

    Wang Zhong immediately understood why this concave-shaped building was so difficult to attack. Its entrance was right in the middle, and it was shielded by the wings on either side.

    The Prussians had sealed all the windows on the first floor of the building, and the second-floor windows were also covered with wire mesh, which made climbing with hands utterly impossible.

    There were already many bodies of Ante Army soldiers on the ground.

    The M3mander who had just moved aside shouted: "General! We¡¯ve forced the enemy away from the exterior windows, and we were nning to take this opportunity to climb the building, but those inside¡ª"

    Before he could finish, a sizzling noise came from the direction of the building, and Wang Zhong turned his head to see arge pot of boiling oil being poured out from a third-floor window.

    Wang Zhong was shocked. Pouring boiling oil? Was this some kind of medieval siege warfare?

    The M3mander continued: "Look! The locals said that the Prussians moved all the olive oil stored in the church next door into the city council building. They heat it until it¡¯s scalding hot and pour a vat down from time to time."

    Wang Zhong: "They won¡¯t be able to act so recklessly for much longer. Artillerists, dismount and prepare to fire!"

    After the order was given, all the artillerymen sitting in the transport truck dismounted. They worked with the tractor driver to swing the big gun around, aiming it at the still-resisting building.

    Then the connection between the tractor and the cannon was removed, and the "freed" tractor moved aside to stand by.

    Wang Zhong jumped off the tractor and climbed directly onto the cannon: "Lower the cannon t, aim directly. M3, provide fire support! Suppress the enemy!"

    After all, the cannon was now too close to the enemy, and the artillerymen operating it were very likely to be killed by machine gun fire from the building.

    Therefore, fire support from friendly forces was needed for suppression.

    The two M3 tanks opened fire at full force, suppressing the Prussians so they didn¡¯t dare raise their heads.

    On the B4 side, loading was quicklypleted, and the artillerymen all jumped off the cannon.

    An artillery captain came up to Wang Zhong and said: "General, you can¡¯t stay on the cannon. When firing at a t trajectory, we won¡¯t fix the cannon in ce. This allows it to recoil backward, absorbing the energy of the recoil in the process."

    Wang Zhong: "Would there be a problem if I stood on it?"

    "It would be very dangerous."

    Wang Zhong: "Then there¡¯s no need to worry, I¡¯ll hold on tight."

    The captain hesitated, but ultimately chose toply with Wang Zhong¡¯s wishes.

    Wang Zhong stood on the cannon, grabbing the edges up to the railing, opened his mouth wide: "Fire!"

    The next moment, Wang Zhong¡¯s head was stunned by the shock, his mind went nk for about a second or so, he might have been knocked unconscious, but he quickly came to.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t see anything in his field of view, it was all smoke and dust from the cannon fire.

    The violent recoil almost made him vomit.@@novelbin@@

    Damn it, I shouldn¡¯t have shown off!

    He had no time to observe the results of the shelling, and it wasn¡¯t until he regained his senses that he realized the people around him were cheering.

    Then he saw arge chunk of the city council building¡¯s side sted away, the concrete walls crumbling like a sandcastle struck by a giant¡¯s hand, tumbling down to pieces.

    Wang Zhong smacked his lips: "My, is the firepower that strong?"

    At that moment, the artillery captain suggested: "I rmend another round, hitting the same spot."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "Approved!"

    Then he jumped off the cannon and moved away from it.

    The captain hesitated, then chose to turn a blind eye.

    Because the B4 was leveled, loading was made much easier. The artillerymen quickly dismounted the cannon and took positions next to it, ready to brace against the shock.

    Wang Zhong did likewise.

    At that moment, the captain ran up to Wang Zhong: "Please order to fire!"

    Me again!

    Wang Zhong shouted: "Fire!"

    Then, as the captain pulled thenyard, Wang Zhong assumed the shock-resistant position again.

    The second shot was fired!

    A strong wind blew across Wang Zhong¡¯s cheeks ¡ª that was the st from the muzzle!

    This time, Wang Zhong had the chance to observe the point of impact. He saw the cracks in the wall burst asunder, followed by a massive explosion.

    As if a string had been touched, more than half of the west wing of the building copsed, exposing the interior floor structure.

    Wang Zhong: "Good! Another one!"

    Loading was quicklypleted, and the cannon roared again. This time, the entire west wing copsedpletely.

    The rising dust from the copse even covered the entire square.

    While sneezing, Wang Zhong shouted: "Be careful of the enemy counterattacking under cover of the dust!"

    At that moment, Prussian could be heard through the dust.

    Vasily immediately tranted: "They want to surrender."

    Wang Zhong sneered: "Just three shots, and the Prussians aren¡¯t as brave as they boast."

 Chapter 436: Entering Yeisk

    Wang Zhong marched briskly toward the captured Prussian soldiers.

    Suddenly, Grigori came up and blocked Wang Zhong¡¯s way, "The enemy might be hiding weapons, wait until we¡¯ve searched them."

    Wang Zhong gently pushed him aside, "It¡¯s fine, the bullets of cowards can¡¯t hit me."

    In fact, Wang Zhong had used a cheat to confirm these people were unarmed¡ªthe presence of weapons would have been highlighted and easily identifiable.

    Wang Zhong strode forward to the Prussian prisoners.

    Grigori hurried to follow, his weapon ready to fire at any moment, evidently determined to shoot if any of the captives made a sudden move.

    The Prussians also watched Wang Zhong, the officer who had led the surrender initially full of arrogance, until Vasily took down the red g from the cannon and followed behind Wang Zhong with it.

    The officer¡¯s brow furrowed, and then his expression turned to fear.

    Wang Zhong joked, "What, are you going to recite a prayer too? Something like ¡¯Hees from the darkness, bringing death but also lighting up the future¡¯?"Vasily, carrying the red g, tranted.

    The officer shook his head vigorously, his cheeks pping, "No, no!"

    Vasily, "He says no."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he understood this phrase¡ªat least he¡¯d watched ¡¯The Fuhrer¡¯s Rage¡¯ so many times.

    "Ask them why they look so terrified of me, what are they afraid of."

    Vasily did so immediately.

    Then the prisoners opened up and said a lot quickly.

    Vasily, "He says the prisoners you catch will be tortured, shot in the shoulder, and left permanently disabled."

    Wang Zhong sneered, "Don¡¯t equate us with you! You are beasts; we are humans. We shot in the shoulder in the past because we didn¡¯t have time to take prisoners, and we couldn¡¯t let them go to kill our soldiers, so we had no choice. Now, we have the conditions to take prisoners, and I assure you that you will receive treatment in ordance with the Geneva Convention!"

    At least until they were handed over to the Tribunal¡ªWang Zhong secretly added in his mind.

    Then he waved his hand grandly, "Take them away, prepare for evacuation!"

    No sooner had Wang Zhong¡¯s words fallen than he suddenly saw two destroyed M3 tanks and raised his hand, "Wait a second!"

    Grigori immediately shouted, "Wait a moment!"

    The prisoners startled, someone even stumbled and almost fell.

    Wang Zhong left the prisoners behind and walked toward the tanks.

    Both tanks had been prated at the front, the holes left by the armor-piercing shells were clearly visible. It looked like they burst into mes immediately after being hit and continued to burn until destroyed.

    It was only when Wang Zhong thought of the word "destroyed" that he realized the scent of burning was in the air, an odor his brain had already grown ustomed to and automatically ignored before.

    Wang Zhong turned back to Vasily, "Tell them to dig graves for our soldiers before leaving."

    At that moment, a major spoke up, "We¡¯ve checked; the fires inside the tanks were too intense, we can¡¯t retrieve the bodies of the soldiers without dismantling the tanks."

    Wang Zhong, "Then dig a bigger pit and bury the tanks with them."

    "Yes, sir!" The major saluted and turned to make arrangements.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong stopped him, "Wait a second, where is the enemymand post?"

    The major shook his head, "I don¡¯t know, we¡¯ve been pushing hard all morning without stopping to check the upied houses."

    Wang Zhong nodded, then turned to Vasily, "Ask them where themand post is."

    Vasily immediately went to talk with the prisoners and then came back to report, "It¡¯s the building they were defending. When Division Commander Ante led his troops to retreat, they chose to stay behind to cover the withdrawal and deal with the remaining documents."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Let¡¯s go in and take a look; maybe there are things that haven¡¯t been burned. Get them digging! Bury my soldiers properly."

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong turned and walked toward the half-copsed building with his hands behind his back.

    Soldiers who had already entered the building had searched it. As soon as Wang Zhong came in, he ran into the familiar face of Filippov and smiled, "Filippov, still alive!"

    He grabbed Filippov¡¯s shoulders with both hands, "Good, very good, all limbs intact, ready to give the Prussians a good beating!"

    Filippov also smiled, then got straight to the point, "General, we¡¯ve checked. All the documents and maps inside have been burned. We didn¡¯t find any codebooks, and the Enigma machine was smashed."

    Wang Zhong, "Smashed?"

    "Yes, we¡¯ve collected the pieces as best we could, but I don¡¯t know if they can be restored; we¡¯re not skilled in that."

    Wang Zhong, "Still amendable job. Let the technical department worry about the rest."

    Having said that, he patted Filippov on the shoulder and continued deeper into the building, but Filippov said, "General, there are cracks in the main structure of the building. The 203 heavy artillery is too powerful. You shouldn¡¯t go in, what if it copses?"

    As if to underscore Filippov¡¯s words, fine dust fell from the ceiling,nding right on Wang Zhong and the others.

    The 203 artillery had fired three rounds, turning the entire building into a dangerous ruin?

    Wang Zhong had originally nned to use the remaining two-thirds of the building as hismand post.

    Vasily, observing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, said, "It looks like we¡¯ll need to find anothermand post."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Right, you¡¯re in charge of selecting the location."

    After finishing, he turned to Filippov and said, "Since this building is already dangerous, quickly evacuate the soldiers. Nothing else is that important, no need to search further."

    "Yes."

    After finishing, Wang Zhong walked out of the building and saw Ante soldiers in one corner of the square distributing shovels to the Prussians. To prevent them from using the shovels as weapons and causing an uprising, a jeep was parked not far away, with an M2 heavy machine gun mounted on it, trained on them.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong thought, what if the captives think they¡¯re being made to dig their own graves?

    Upon reflection, he mischievously decided not to have Vasily exin that the pit was just to bury the destroyed tanks.

    It wouldn¡¯t hurt just to scare them a little.

    At that moment, three jeeps and one M3 half-track squeezed past the artillery blocking the road and drove up to Wang Zhong.

    Yegorov and the chief of staff of the Guards Motor Rifle, Alexandria, got out of the jeeps one after the other, both eyeing the Prussian prisoners digging.

    Yegorov pped his thigh and eximed appreciatively, "Nice! Just shoot them all and save the trouble!"

    Hey!

    Wang Zhong hurriedly exined, "No, we¡¯re having them dig to bury our soldiers. Two M3s entirely burned down and the people inside couldn¡¯t escape; their flesh has fused with the steel, so I thought we might as well bury the vehicles too."

    "Oh, so it¡¯s not a mass execution," Yegorov said, clearly disappointed.

    The Chain coughed, "Be mindful of the impact! These things trickle down from the top!"

    "I know, I know, look, our soldiers didn¡¯t kill them, did they?" Yegorov changed the subject, "Why did youe out, can¡¯t you use that nice building? Would¡¯ve been perfect for the Corps Command headquarters."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "It¡¯s been hit by heavy shelling three times; it¡¯s unstable now. I was thinking of disguising it, making a fakemand post to trick the enemy¡¯s bombing runs, which wouldn¡¯t be bad."

    Staff Chief Alexandria looked up at the building, "What a pity, such a nice building."

    "When the war is over, we¡¯ll build an even more luxurious one," Wang Zhong said to Vasily, "Write this down, say that¡¯s what I¡¯m nning to build."

    Vasily said, "I bet the new building will have your bronze statue in front, maybe even you personallymanding artillery fire."

    While speaking, several trucks drove into the square through the "gap" the division staff vehicles hade through earlier. No sooner had they stopped than the men aboard lifted the tarp covering therge pot on the back, filling everyone¡¯s nostrils with the scent of meat soup.

    With enthusiasm, Vasily¡¯s stomach grumbled aloud.

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "You, always hungry before any real work¡¯s done."

    "I¡¯m speaking on behalf of all the soldiers, it¡¯s time to eat," said Vasily.

    Wang Zhong looked at Alexandria, "After setting up a security perimeter, let the troops eat on the spot."

    -------------

    By three in the afternoon, the Corps Command had arrived in Yeisk, entering the food bureau warehouse Vasily had chosen¡ªthere was no grain left in the warehouse; even if you scraped the entire floor, you wouldn¡¯t fill a cart.

    However, the warehouse itself was a concrete structure, ideal for amand post, except that the lighting was a bit of an issue, there were hardly any lights in the granary.

    Vasily started a fire directly in the middle of the granary, then stuck torches all around the warehouse.

    Pavlov frowned, "You might as well bring a few trucks in and use their headlights for lighting."

    Vasily pped his thigh, "You¡¯re right, I¡¯ll get on that immediately!"

    Wang Zhong stopped Vasily, "That¡¯s enough, no need to go! Leave the setting up of themand post to the Level 6 Clerk!"

    "Couldn¡¯t you just use my name?" Colonel Karataev of the civil service appeared behind Wang Zhong like a ghost, triggering a reaction in Wang Zhong¡¯s DNA¡ªback in his school days, the head teacher and ss leader would suddenly appear and take the pocketbook from Wang Zhong¡¯s hands!

    The civil service colonel frowned, looking at Wang Zhong, "General, isn¡¯t your reaction a bit too much? A general should be calm in the face of changes."

    "You¡¯re right," Wang Zhong agreed solemnly.

    The colonel nced at the warehouse and shook his head, "How can you start a big fire where there¡¯s so much paper in themand post? Just run some electricity for lighting, that would be enough! Forget it, I¡¯ll take care of it."

    The old man walked ahead grumbling, issuing orders as he moved.

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong, "You stopped Vasily because you¡¯re preparing for recon, aren¡¯t you?"

    Wang Zhong, "You¡¯re right! Although we¡¯ve taken Yeisk, the fight has just begun. On this ground of hundreds or thousands of square kilometers, we have to face the enemy¡¯s 10th Army Group; I must see for myself what the terrain is like."

    Pavlov nodded, "I think it¡¯s a bit much for the Army Group Commander to do recon himself, but I have no reason to argue with you. When you be the Front Armymander, will you still do recon personally?"

    Otherwise?

    Wang Zhong, "Of course not, by then I might be tens or hundreds of kilometers from the front line, I should only be able to do actual recon for key breakthrough areas."

    Pavlov gave a knowing look, and Popov, standing nearby, said, "I think it¡¯s better to send scouting teams; the area your Army Group is responsible for is so vast, can you really cover it all?"

    Wang Zhong, "Of course the scouts have to go, but I¡¯ll do the recon myself. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t encounter danger."

    Because from two kilometers away, the enemy could be highlighted.

    Pavlov said to Popov, "No use, he¡¯s decided to go, let¡¯s just trust in Sergeant Grigori¡¯s capabilities."

    Popov shrugged, "That¡¯s all we can do, then."

 Chapter 437: Picking Up Maps is an Art

    Wang Zhong, leading the recon team himself, had just set out when he heard a horse¡¯s whinny from behind.

    Turning around, he saw Bucephalus catching up with light steps as if overtaking an internalbustion engine vehicle was a trivial matter.

    Wang Zhong, surprised, asked Vasily, "What happened? The stables bombed again? Stop the car, stop the car, wait a moment!"

    The vehicle came to a sudden halt, and as a result, Bucephalus, unable to contain its momentum, slipped forward, skidding on the ground and struggling for a while before standing up, looking at Wang Zhong.

    Vasily asked, "I¡¯m not very familiar with horses. Can a normal horse do this too?"

    Grigori shook his head, "No, a normal horse would definitely have fractured its shinbone doing that, and even if the injury was minor, it wouldn¡¯t be able to run freely afterward, only fit for breeding, not fit for war."

    Wang Zhong said, "It must be because the grass on the ground is thick, so it cushioned the fall, it has to be that way! You have to believe in science!"

    At least wait until I and the horse have been gone for a hundred years before saying things like "an undying loyalty that turns a horse into a heroic spirit."

    But really, if there truly are mysterious forces in this world, perhaps Bucephalus is also protected by quantum mechanics.Bucephalus walked up to Wang Zhong and started chewing on his hat.

    At that moment, two riders caught up to the unit; the lieutenant leading them said, "Sorry, General, your horse ran off while we were moving it, and we immediately gave chase."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "It¡¯s not your fault. My horse is too clever."

    Bucephalus snorted.

    Wang Zhong said, "Dismount a saddle for my horse, and then you two ride back on one horse, I¡¯m taking it with me for reconnaissance."

    Grigori widened his eyes, "Are you nning to race the enemy aircraft again?"

    Wang Zhong said, "No, look at the enemy aircraft. They haven¡¯t bothered us all day today..."

    Vasily said, "There was a heavy fog this morning, the airfield may have clearedter, or Prosen¡¯s pilots have to wait until after lunch to set out. If they took off in the afternoon, enemy aircraft should arrive around now."

    The next moment, Wang Zhong heard the roar of engines above.

    Wang Zhong cursed, "You jinx! Take cover!"

    Vasily eximed, "Ah? Aren¡¯t we racing the enemy aircraft?"

    "Are you blind¡ªlook at this tall grass! Take cover!"

    Wang Zhong grabbed Vasily by the cor and pulled him into the grass.

    The others also disappeared into the grass with their respective tricks, leaving only empty jeeps parked on the road.

    And three horses leisurely grazing.

    The roar of the engines moved aggressively overhead towards Yeisk, while the sound of anti-aircraft guns came from the direction of Yeisk.

    Wang Zhong switched his perspective to ensure no other enemy aircraft were around before poking his head out of the grass.

    Vasily also got up, spitting out pieces of grass from his mouth, "Ptui! Ptui! General, I¡¯m not a herbivore, don¡¯t push my face into the grass."

    Wang Zhong apologized, "Sorry. In my haste, I was too rough."

    "Ah? Uh..." Vasily was taken aback, "I... I didn¡¯t really mind that much, there¡¯s no need for you to apologize so formally."

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily. As someone about the same age as Vasily, he suddenly wanted to tease the guy, but a voice in his head said, "The enemy aircraft just passed and there might be more attacks," "Now is not the time for such things."

    So he dismissed the urge to tease and nodded solemnly, "Before the enemy aircraft return, let¡¯s hurry up and set out."

    Grigori objected, "No, we should wait until the enemy¡¯s bombing is over before moving. They¡¯ll definitely pass by again, flying low afterpleting their raid. Here theye! Get down!"

    Wang Zhong and the others hastily crouched in the grass¡ªthis time everyone realized that there was no need to lie down; in fact, doing so would tten the grass more conspicuously.

    Soon, eight Stuka aircraft flew over their heads, one with an engine spewing ck smoke, its radiator obviously damaged, and its engine temperature soaring.

    Wang Zhong had a bird¡¯s-eye view and saw it all clearly: the pilot was covered in oil, indicating that the cabin¡¯s oil line or something else had been pierced. That aircraft was likely to crash soon.

    He also saw a map board on the pilot, presumably used for navigation.

    How he wanted to capture that map board!

    Just then, Wang Zhong heard Grigori announce, "Alright, the enemy nes have passed."

    Only then did Wang Zhong realize that his bird¡¯s-eye view could capture flying objects from far away, and they had been out of Grigori¡¯s line of sight for some time.

    Switching back to his perspective, he stood up and told Grigori, "One of the enemy nes is heavily damaged; I doubt it can make it back to base. Let¡¯s head towards the direction of the aircraft and try to find its wreckage. Pilots carry map boards that are updated with thetest situation maps before takeoff!"

    Updating situation maps, on one hand, prevents bombing friendly positions; on the other, it helps pilots parachute into controlled areas.

    Conversely, capturing a pilot¡¯s map board could instantly reveal enemy deployment¡ªat least as it was before the ne took off.

    Some dy is inevitable, but having intelligence is better than none.

    Grigori concurred, "Okay, let¡¯s chase."

    Wang Zhong turned to the two who had chased after Bucephalus and said, "No need to chase anymore. Are you armed?"

    The riders hoisted up the bolt cutters strapped to the saddles.

    Wang Zhong: "Good! You are cavalry, follow us! You never know when cavalry might be needed. Get in the cars, get in!"

    A group of people quickly climbed into the unharmed vehicles and raced towards the direction the enemy ne had left.

    Scratching his head in the car, Vasily said, "We were not spotted by the enemy ne just now, could it be because Bucephalus came along and we stopped, so the dust we kicked up was blown away by the wind?"

    Vasily looked at Wang Zhong, and seeing that he didn¡¯t grasp the meaning, Vasily exined, "The wind over the steppe is quite strong, so the dust raised by the vehicles dispersespletely a few hundred meters past."

    "If the vehicle convoy stops, the dust will disappear quickly."

    "Without the dust, the enemy nes going to raid Yeisk probably couldn¡¯t see the grass-green Willis Jeeps from high altitude¡ªthose things are too small, and even on the ground, they disappear from view at a distance."

    "And when the enemy nes were returning, they were probably too busy thinking of their own escape to look closely at the vehicles on the ground¡ªright when our vehicles hadn¡¯t kicked up any dust yet. General, do you think that¡¯s what happened?"

    As Vasily put it this way, Wang Zhong scratched his cheek, "Seems like that could be it... no, no, no, don¡¯t be superstitious, it¡¯s just a coincidence! A coincidence!"

    If this really wasn¡¯t a coincidence¡ªthen one could only say that Prosen¡¯s loss wasn¡¯t unjust. Continue reading on empire

    But Wang Zhong thought about it and felt it was indeed a coincidence; there are many miraculous coincidences on the battlefield that turn into stories told by old soldiers after the war, and if lucky, some get made into movies.

    The Jeep convoy soon saw smoke rising from something on the grasnds ahead.

    Approaching it, they found an airne that had crashed nose-down into the prairie, its tail sticking high in the air, looking like a gravestone stuck into the ground.

    The ne was smoking, but there seemed to be no open mes or burning.

    Standing up, Wang Zhong personally grabbed the handle of the M2 "Old Ma" heavy machine gun, fired off a long burst, and then said to Vasily, "Call out! Tell the pilot to surrender. Cavalry, encircle from the left and right!"

    "No good, the wheels can¡¯t go into the grass, and the horses can¡¯t run fast in it either! The grass is too high!" the stable hand shouted loudly.

    Vasily, however, called out to the ne in Prosennguage.@@novelbin@@

    There was no response.

    Grigori stopped the car next to an endless meadow, picking up a thread-cutting machine: "Looks like I¡¯ll have to go over and take a look. Stay on alert here. Stuka has a crew of two, right?"

    Wang Zhong and Vasily nodded together: "Right!"

    Grigori: "Alright, I can handle that."

    He got out of the car and crouched low as he crept into the meadow.

    Wang Zhong switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, then remembered he could just switch to the bird¡¯s-eye view himself¡ªdamn it, seems like he wanted to show off just now.

    Forget it; ying a role to prevent a slip-up doesn¡¯t cost anything.

    At this moment, he was pretty sure the two from the Stuka were dead in the ne, but he made an effort to seem very tense, gripping the M2 "Old Ma."

    Grigori reached the side of the ne, checked it out, and then shouted back, "Both are dead. Come on over!"

    Wang Zhong: "Map case!"

    Grigori turned, pushed open the cockpit ss, leaned his upper body into the cockpit, and came out quickly with a piece of wood about A4 size, waving it towards them.

    Wang Zhong made a megaphone with his hands near his mouth: "Come here first! The ne is still smoking; it might catch fire!"

    Grigori did not follow the order but searched the cockpit again, and then ran towards them carrying the pilot¡¯s personal bag, the map case, and a pistol.

    Wang Zhong had thought that as soon as Grigori left the ne, it would explode, creating a ¡¯cool guys don¡¯t look at explosions¡¯ moment, but nothing happened¡ªthe ne just kept smoking quietly, looking like a steel gravestone under the sun.

    A few minutester, Grigori returned to the Jeep, handing over the map case to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong started to look but then remembered he didn¡¯t understand Prosen, so he nudged Vasily with his elbow: "Trante!"

    "You have to give it to me first!"

    Wang Zhong handed the map case to Vasily: "Hurry!"

    Vasily: "This map case belongs to Captain Henrich of the 54th Tactical Bombing Aviation Squadron. The contents of the map case¡ªwow, we¡¯ve hit the jackpot. Although it¡¯s very basic, it genuinely is an enemy troop deployment map, detailed down to the division!"

    A map detailing down to the division level has little tactical significance.

    Vasily: "The enemy is to our northwest and southwest, with a pincer attack formation, each having an Armored Division and a Grenadier Division, and then¡ªright in front of us are one, two, three, four¡ªfour Infantry Divisions! Four of them!"

    "The closest Infantry Division¡ª" Vasily looked down at the scale, then made a measuring gesture with his hands, and eximed, "Is less than 20 kilometers away from us!"

    Wang Zhong: "What? That close?"

    Vasily: "Yes, and look at this line; this is the advance route. These Infantry Divisions are advancing towards us!"

    Wang Zhong was surprised: "When was the mapst updated?"

    Vasily checked the time on the map, then looked at his watch: "Two hours ago! The Infantry Divisions are almost upon us!"

    The next moment, artillery fire sounded in the distance.

    Grigori: "That¡¯s not our artillery, the direction is wrong! The enemy is bombarding us!"

    Wang Zhong: "Back to division headquarters! No, to Army Group headquarters!"

 Chapter 438: The Rigidity of the Prussians

    Wang Zhong rushed back to find the city under bombardment. Venturing in now might just get him blown up by a shell.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong knew that during a bombardment, there was nothing one could do except lie t on the ground to avoid the shells¡ªthose who didn¡¯t usually ended up dead, and the surviving few might have used up a lifetime¡¯s luck.

    Thankfully, there were still plenty of troops outside the city: The armored division hadn¡¯t entered the city and was resting in ce outside, as were the anti-tank gun units.

    Now themander of an army group, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t possibly cram all his troops into the city.

    Standing on a hill, he looked out towards the bombarded city, sincerely hoping that those familiar faces wouldn¡¯t meet misfortune.

    At that moment, he suddenly understood something: When he first returned home from university, his grandmother would call every hour to ask about his situation, which irritated him. Now, he understood her feelings, as he too wanted to call over the radio soon to confirm that the army group headquarters was safe.

    So that¡¯s how grandma felt, anxiously waiting for me to return home from the provincial city.

    Amidst the enemy¡¯s bombardment, Wang Zhong suddenly spotted a jeep in the distance. Instinctively feeling it was for him, he switched his view and, sure enough, the visitor¡¯s tag was that of Major General Eugene, themander of the 225th Division.

    When the jeep stopped in front of Wang Zhong, Eugene got out of the car and saluted: "The armored battalion said you were here, so I came as fast as I could. I was nning to enter the city and report to the headquarters."Wang Zhong pointed at the city, "It¡¯s to your fortune you didn¡¯t enter. Otherwise, you might have ended up getting bombed like Yegorov."

    Major General Eugene nced at the city, "If the enemy¡¯s artillery can hit inside the city, that means they are very close. Tanks could make a direct assault."

    He looked to Wang Zhong expectantly, "Shall we give it a try?"

    Wang Zhong pointed at Eugene and said to those by his side, "Look at this¡ªbefore the battle started, Major General Eugene came to me saying, ¡¯Why don¡¯t you rece me? I¡¯d rather be a regimentmander again¡¯ ¡¯I really don¡¯t know how to attack¡¯ and now he¡¯s the one suggesting we go on the offensive! A single battle has transformed Major General Eugene from that mine superintendent turned colonel into a hardened warrior!"

    Everyone burst intoughter.

    Major General Eugene scratched his head, "I just thought it was an opportunity, so I made the suggestion."

    Wang Zhong remarked, "I think by the time we finish this series of battles around the big bend of the Suhaya Weili River, we should promote the Major General to Lieutenant General and put him inmand of an army!"

    Other soldiers, in good spirits after their victory, immediately joined in the rousing chorus, "An army, an army!"

    Major General Eugene was embarrassed, "The enemy is still bombarding us, it doesn¡¯t seem appropriate to discuss this now, does it, General?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "We have no way to make the enemy stop their artillery fire, so there¡¯s no use wearing a mournful expression! You¡¯ll have to bear it, just be our happy clown!"

    Everyone joined in the teasing, and Major General Eugene simply showed a kind smile, suggesting he wasn¡¯t the kind of fierce, tyrannical mine overseer during his days as a mine superintendent.

    Then Wang Zhong shifted the topic: "But I cannot agree tounch an attack."

    Eugene¡¯s smile froze, "Why not?"

    Wang Zhong pointed to the distance, "ording to the maps we captured, those are the artillery of the enemy infantry division."

    He took out the captured map board, on which Vasily had penciled in Ante trantions next to each Prosen word en route back.

    Wang Zhong, pointing at the map board, said:

    "Look, all infantry divisions are in front of us. The Prussians are very rigid in their use of various divisions: their infantry primarily defends, asionally expanding upied territories behind armored units, but they never use them to attack."

    This was Wang Zhong¡¯s biggest takeaway from reading military history; in World War II, whenever the Sturmtiger attacked, the main force always had the "Panzer" element¡ªlike armored grenadier divisions, armored divisions.

    Historically, the Sturmtiger usage of different divisions was like ying a game of matching pieces¡ªarmored divisions and armored grenadier divisions were responsible for attacks, counterattacks and the like, while the infantry was mainly trailing various units with "Panzer" elements, reinforcing upied areas¡ªin other words, defending.

    Once in a while, an infantry division would spearhead a limited offensive to widen a breakthrough or retake lost positions, but these were local and confined¡ªmassive offensive operations at the campaign level would always consist of units with "Panzer" elements.

    Armored divisions could also partake in defense battles but generally as a counter-attack; essentially, they took part in offensive operations.

    Only heavy tank battalions acted as fire brigades, thrown into purely defensive operations.

    It was for these reasons that Sturmtiger¡¯s infantry divisions were highly proficient at defense.

    Wang Zhong now believed that the Prosen would likely follow the same "doctrine"¡ªthese infantry divisions probably wouldn¡¯t attack but would instead hunker down after taking in the fleeing troops from the routed armored divisions to establish defensive positions, such as deploying 88 mm anti-aircraft guns at ground level.

    Wang Zhong was aware of this, but the others were not, so right after he mentioned "the Prussians will defend," Major General Eugene showed a puzzled look, "Why? Just because they are infantry divisions?"

    Vasily interjected, "That famous Prosen General Erwin even wrote a book called ¡¯Infantry Attack¡¯!"

    Wang Zhong pointed at the endless grasnds and meadows in front of him, "Look at this in! Not all grasnds are like the tall grass we¡¯ve seen¡ªyou can drive a jeep through this kind of grass. How could infantry mount an attack here?"

    Vasily and Major General Eugene turned to scan the vast grasnds together.

    Vasily responded, "Indeed."

    Wang Zhong continued, "But if enemy infantry stops and defends, they can hide their positions in the grass. PAK40 and the even more terrifying 88mm guns. No, we cannot rashly attack now, we must at least wait for our own artillery toe up first."

    The First Mobile Group Army¡¯s artillery now only reaches Yeisk, and it wasn¡¯t until after the city was taken that the artillery positions started moving forward. They aren¡¯t in ce yet.

    Read new chapters at empire

    Vasily: "So, we¡¯re just waiting here now?"

    Brigadier General Eugene suddenly lit up with excitement, "We¡¯re starting garrison duty, right? Time to dig trenches?"

    The call of blood suddenly rose within the General of the Miners!

    Wang Zhong, however, stroked his chin and fell into deep thought while looking at the map board seized from the pilot¡¯s hands.

    "Order the four infantry divisions to halt and set up defenses, and amodate the remnants of Sturmtiger Division,"manded General Boke. "We had hoped for Sturmtiger Division to hold Yeisk, but as expected, armored divisions are not suited for defense, hence the current disastrous defeat."

    He picked up the goblet from the map table and took a sip of vodka, his brow furrowing at the spirit¡¯s sharpness: "Damn, I¡¯m still not used to this stuff. For a Prussian¡¯s taste, it¡¯s a bit too spicy. Maybe the people of Mnia would like it."

    General William von Frederick, themander of the Sixth Army Group, also raised his ss, "I quite like it, as long as I don¡¯t drink too much. The Ante People drink this like water, which I really can¡¯t understand."

    General Boke finished thest of his vodka, put down the ss, and refocused his attention on the map:

    "There¡¯s still a chance to salvage the situation. Rocossov definitely wants to break through the center! That was Emperor Reinhard¡¯s favorite tactic during map exercises!"

    General Boke paused and chuckled, "And because of that, every one of us has be very proficient in dealing with this tactic."

    General Frederickughed too, "Yes, it¡¯s all too familiar. The center defense forces take the brunt of the attack, and the nks encircle. That¡¯s all there is to it."

    General Boke nodded, "The problem now is how we can hold off Rocossov¡¯s offense on the vast grasnds. Fortunately, we learned from the retreating Sturmtiger Division members that Rocossov doesn¡¯t have many armored forces."

    "And among his armored forces, the mainstay is a kind of assault gun! Although named for assault, assault guns are actually not suited for offense; we all know this very well!"

    General Frederick: "Rocossov will pay for his misced faith in assault guns! Of course, ording to descriptions from the front, these assault guns have very strong front armor. We might have to order our forces to conceal the anti-tank gun positions as much as possible and fire at close range."

    General Boke: "Our infantry divisions will show the Ante People what true indomitable defensive spirit is!"

    "If we station our defense here, wouldn¡¯t that be exactly what the enemy wants?" Wang Zhong suddenly said. "They n to pincer us!"

    Vasily: "But advancing also fits into what the enemy wants. You said they will concentrate their forces for defense."

    "True."

    Wang Zhong, looking at the map, said, "But look, when we scouted in this direction, we encountered a vast meadow, where vehicles can hardly move. Tanks can pass, but logistics can¡¯t follow easily, at least not without difficulty, right?"

    Vasily: "We could use bulldozers to make a road."

    "But that would be troublesome. We need to find a herdsman from the grasnds to figure out how big this meadow is and where its boundaries lie."

    Brigadier General Eugene looked confused, "What are you nning to do?"

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯m not sure yet, but something tells me it¡¯s important to find out the size of the meadow. And we already know there¡¯s a marsh here; the size of the marsh is also important. We need to find a herdsman on the grasnds and ask."

    Vasily: "Why not ask the Parish Priest? He surely knows where to find the herdsmen."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Just then, the rumbling sound of artillery that had been in their ears stopped.

    Wang Zhong: "Let¡¯s go and find the Parish Priest!"

    "This is the Parish Priest," said the local vige elder, pointing to the row of bodies hanging from the streemp ahead. "We urged the Priest to leave quickly, but he insisted on staying with the young priests, to be with us. Then the Prussians killed them all."

    Wang Zhong looked at the bodies swaying in the breeze, listened to the creaking sounds from themp post, and clenched his fists in silence.@@novelbin@@

    "Take them down and bury them properly."

    The soldiers, not waiting for orders from Vasily and other officers, took the initiative and climbed up to themp post.

    Wang Zhong then asked the vige elder leading the way, "Where do we go to get in touch with the herdsmen? The herdsmen of the grasnds."

    The elder: "There are herdsmen settled in the city, lived here for just over five years, moved in when the church began using price guidance to buy wool and milk. He¡¯s the liaison for the herdsmen in the city."

    Wang Zhong asked an important question, "Is he still alive?"

    "He was alive before the enemy bombardment; at least, when I saw himst, he was alive."

    Wang Zhong: "Can you take me to find him?"

 Chapter 439: The Wreaths on the Street

    On the way to the home of the herdsman representative, Wang Zhong and his group came across logistics workers collecting bodies.

    The sacrificed Ante Army soldiers wereid out along the curb, spaced ten centimeters apart, lining the entire left side of the street, while the right side was left clear for vehicle passage.

    A GAZ truck and a Federation supplied Stepanek truck were parked one behind the other, and the workers were continuously lifting bodies onto the vehicles.

    Wang Zhong initially wanted to say, "My soldiers can¡¯t be piled up like canned fish," but he immediately dismissed the thought¡ªthe trucks had many tasks, and it was already a stretch to spare two for collecting bodies.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong saw Nelly carrying a basket full of wildflowers.

    He was shocked, his first reaction being that Nelly¡¯s little boyfriend must have died in there.

    Then he saw Nelly pinning a small flower on thepel of each sacrificed soldier.

    Wang Zhong patted Grigori on the shoulder, signaling him to stop the car.

    A worker noticed him, eyes widening in surprise, about to speak."Shh," Wang Zhong raised his index finger to signal the worker to keep quiet.

    The vehicle simply stopped at the corner of the street filled with bodies, as Wang Zhong quietly observed Nelly from an overlooking angle, only to find she wasn¡¯t crying, just silently distributing the flowers.

    Though Nelly wasn¡¯t crying, the scene was exceptionally sorrowful, reminding Wang Zhong of the sad folk song "Alyosha."

    The song goes: He can no longer give flowers to the girl, it is the girl who gives flowers to him.

    While Wang Zhong was lost in thought, watching his little maid, a group of soldiers nearby began singing "I Still Have One Last Grenade"¡ªno, "The Last Courage!"

    "I am the ¡¯original author,¡¯" Wang Zhong thought to himself. "I can¡¯t be led astray by others! Even if the whole country of Ante calls this song ¡¯I Still Have One Last Grenade,¡¯ I will call it ¡¯The Last Courage.¡¯"

    Nelly looked toward the soldiers who had interrupted her mourning, realizing they were clearly doing it on purpose, staring at her while singing.

    Wang Zhong noticed this too, and was about to speak up to stop the soldiers from teasing his little maid when he saw Nelly step forward and pin a small flower on each of them.

    The blaika-ying soldier said, "I have a younger sister at home, about your age."

    "The general really shouldn¡¯t be bringing such a young girl to the battlefield!"

    Nelly: "Mind your tongue, or the Swamp Witch will shred it to pieces."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes widened; Nelly wasn¡¯t usually so sharp-tongued, typically reserving herself to disdainful looks or expressions reserved for fools.

    It appears Nelly had been holding back on a regr basis.

    The soldiers looked at each other and then allughed, beginning to tease: "Swamp Witch?"

    "Does she also summon Forest Wraiths?"

    "And gives magic potions to women to turn faithless men into toads!"

    Nelly shook her head with an expression that said, "Ignore the wisdom of the elders and suffer the consequences."

    Wang Zhong watched it all, feeling like Nelly was a mother unable to discipline her mischievous children.

    At that moment, the blaika yer spoke up: "We speak ill of the general and you get this mad, even invoking the Swamp Witch to scare us, you must really like the general, right?"

    Wang Zhong coughed, "Andrei, Dakar, and Haolopakov, stop flirting with my orderly, or I¡¯ll have you haul manure with Vasily."

    The three soldiers, hearing their names, turned their attention and found Wang Zhong, immediately standing erect, ready to salute, only to realize they held instruments and couldn¡¯t salute properly.

    After some flustered movements, they hid their instruments and saluted Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, "Enough, it¡¯s a break, don¡¯t be so stiff. And saying goodbye to the deceased is a serious matter, don¡¯tugh and joke."

    "Reporting!" the blaika yer raised his hand, "We think ourrades would prefer to leave listening to this song."

    The blaika yer added, "In hell, they might still have to battle Prosen devils!"

    Immediately after, the blaika yer kicked the blaika yer¡¯s heel, retorting, "Ourrades surely ascend to heaven; we¡¯ll never encounter Prosen devils!"

    Wang Zhong: "In any case, be serious, see them off on theirst journey. I¡¯m not saying the song is bad; I¡¯m saying you can¡¯t chase girls while bidding farewell. And, at no time are you to flirt with my orderly!"

    The three "musicians" allughed: "Your orderly is too young, just like our younger sister!"

    "Right, right, we were just ying with our little sister!"

    "Look at the flowers she gave us; they¡¯re not the kind that a grown girl would give, these are wildflowers that little girls give." Explore more stories with empire

    Wang Zhong scolded, "Be thankful! Now settle down and y some music appropriate for farewellingrades!"

    The three looked at each other and then sat back in their spots synchronously, beginning to y music.

    It was a song Wang Zhong was also very familiar with: "Far Across the River."

    When Wang Zhong was a child watching the CCTV version of "How Steel Is Forged," the theme song left a deep impression on him.

    What struck him the most was that after the climax of the song, just as victory seemed within reach, the protagonist sacrificed himself.

    The protagonist fell just before dawn, which left Wang Zhong feeling incredibly regretful.

    Although defeating Prosen was still a long way off, this song was more than appropriate for bidding farewell torades.

    Amid the mournful singing, Nelly came up to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: "When did you pick the flowers?"

    "Just now. You were fighting, and I had nothing else to do, so I picked flowers." Nelly turned to nce at the bodies on the street, biting her lip lightly, "This is all I can do, cook food, so everyone is well-fed, and then ce little flowers on them."

    Wang Zhong ced his big hand on Nelly¡¯s head, pressing down her boat-shaped cap into his palm, and rubbed vigorously, "You¡¯re doing very well. Keep it up, the soldiers will like it. We¡¯ve got important things to do, so please send off the soldiers properly for me."

    Nelly nodded.

    Wang Zhong withdrew his hand, signaling Grigori to drive.

    And so the convoy drove away in a cloud of dust.

    Nelly, with a flower basket slung over her arm, watched Wang Zhong leave before she carefully took off the boat-shaped hat that had been crushed down and restored it to its normal shape.

    The three young musicians happened to y thest note just as the convoy disappeared around the corner of the street.

    The blaika yer exhaled deeply and turned to hispanions, "The general really knows our names! I¡¯ve never spoken to him before!"

    The blaika yer also said excitedly, "The legend is true! He really knows all our names! No one in the general¡¯s troops who dies in battle will be unnamed!"

    "I thought it was the military chain conning people! It¡¯s actually true!"

    Nelly turned back to the three, "Do you know my name?"

    The trio nced at each other.

    The first one said, "The general¡¯s maid!"

    Nelly shook her head.

    The second one, "The general¡¯s sister!"

    Shake of the head.

    The third said, "The general¡¯s¡ª orderly! This one¡¯s got to be right."

    Nelly, "I asked for my name, not my title!"

    This time it was the trio¡¯s turn to shake their heads.

    Nelly ignored them and continued to ce flowers on the graves of the fallen soldiers.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s convoy stopped in front of a three-story building.

    The damage to the block where the building sat was minor, and there was even a bakery that had opened for business! Some soldiers of the Mnia People¡¯s Army were trying to buy bread from the bakery using the Mnianguage.

    Wang Zhong patted Vasily on the shoulder and pointed towards the Mnia folks. Understanding, Vasily jumped out of the vehicle before it could fully stop and ran over to help trante.

    Wang Zhong, on the other hand, got out of the vehicle with the local guide.

    Guide, "I won¡¯t go in. We old settlers see nomads the way rabbits in the field view eagles. Back when I was a kid, nomads were mostly part-time bandits! Right up until the civil war ended, they roamed as bandits, sometimesing to sell products from their livestock, sometimesing to scavenge!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Thank you, sir."

    Then, he personally approached the door and knocked on the wooden gate.

    He had already confirmed with an external device that there were no enemies inside the house.

    After knocking twice, the door finally cracked open, and a young man in his early twenties looked over Wang Zhong before removing the bolt and opening the doorpletely.

    "Pleasee in, general," he said.

    Wang Zhong, "I am looking for the nomadic representative. Are you the one?"

    "Yes, that¡¯s me. What¡¯s the matter? Do you need help with something?"

    Wang Zhong, "Are you familiar with the steppes?"

    The young man shook his head, "I was only ten when I moved to the city to settle."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "The guide just said your family moved into the city five years ago with a policy change, so that means you¡¯re only fifteen?"

    Looking at the young man¡¯s towering height nearly two meters tall and his muscr build, Wang Zhong inwardly eximed: Is this really what fifteen looks like?

    The young man, "Yeah, I just matured a bit early."

    Wang Zhong, "Alright, that¡¯s not important. If you¡¯re not familiar with the steppes, do you know anyone who is? It¡¯s critical, as we need someone who knows they of thend to fight against the Prussian devils."

    The young man, "Then, you¡¯ll have to talk to my father."

    "Where is he?"

    "Right here!"

    An impatient voice came from above everyone¡¯s heads.

    Wang Zhong looked up to see a burly middle-aged man standing on the stairs leading to the second floor.

    Wang Zhong, "Could you tell us¡ª"

    "I cannot!" The uncle instantly rejected Wang Zhong.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "We need to resist the Prussian devils!"

    "The Prussians didn¡¯t do much to us when they upied this ce," the uncle said.

    Wang Zhong, "The Prussians will make us all ves!"

    The uncle snorted and crossed his arms, "I am His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s steppe inspector! I only answer to His Majesty the Tsar! Without a direct order from His Majesty the Tsar, no one canmand me!"

    Wang Zhong pulled out his pistol and pointed it at the uncle¡¯s head, "This is treason!"

    "Loyalty to the Tsar is now treason? I think it¡¯s you who¡¯smitted a grave crime!"

    What a bunch, truly remnants of warlord times.

    Seeing that the other party wasn¡¯t swayed, Wang Zhong immediately had a new idea.

    He holstered his pistol and said to the uncle, "So you need authorization from His Majesty the Tsar, right? Fine, I¡¯ll make a phone call to Ye Fort and have her authorize it in her own voice! Come to themand center!"

    The uncle, "What if I refuse to go?"

    Wang Zhong, "Then it would be a refusal to follow His Majesty the Tsar¡¯smand, which is treason!"

    The uncle thought for a moment, then sweepingly gestured, "Lead the way. But if you trick me and it¡¯s not His Majesty the Tsar, I will not reveal a single word!"

 Chapter 440: Listening to the old man talk about the past

    Afterwards, Wang Zhong and his party returned to themand headquarters located in the warehouse, only to discover arge hole in the external wall before even entering the warehousepound.

    Wang Zhong hurriedly asked the guard at the gate, "Were we shelled? Is the damage extensive?"

    The guard chuckled, "Don¡¯t worry, General. Three shells fell, but only one hit the warehouse building, and nobody died. Twonded in the courtyard, exploding with great force, but our yard was empty, with nothing but bran in it."

    In order to make the disguise more convincing, Wang Zhong had instructed before setting out on reconnaissance that the anti-aircraft battery was ced next to the city council building, which had copsed by a third, and even the guards at the warehouse were operating undercover. There were only two groups of four guards on the surface, each watching over one of the two main entrances.

    Now it seemed that this decision had fortuitously reduced the casualties from the shelling.

    The motorcade entered the warehousepound and stopped in front of the granary. An elderly herdsman who hade with the vehicles hummed disdainfully, "The general is actuallymanding battles from a grain barn, that¡¯s even worse than us herdsmen!"

    Wang Zhong: "Grain barns are pretty good, you know, strong and durable, even the drainage is good when it rains! Please,e on in!"

    "Hmph, my ears are quite sharp. I can identify His Majesty¡¯s voice in an instant, don¡¯t think you can fool me!" said the herdsman as he took a chair from the staff officer, spreading his legs wide as he sat down.

    The old man¡¯s posture, bold and authoritative, revealed that in his youth he must have been a rough-and-tumble insman¡ªor perhaps more urately, a bandit.Popov stood up, "What¡¯s the matter here? Shall I call the Judge?"

    "Hmph!" the old herdsman snorted, curling his lip, "If the Judgees, I won¡¯t say a word, and you can deal with the ins yourself!"

    Wang Zhong picked up the phone, "Connect me to the Summer Pce."

    The operator responded with a "Alright" and said no more. Soon after, the voice of the Summer Pce Court Chambein came through: "Summer Pce, who is this?"

    Before Wang Zhong could reply, he heard Olga¡¯s voice from the other end, "Is it Rocossov? Is it? Give it to me, give it to me!"

    Then there was a burst of static, probably from tussling over the receiver, followed by Olga¡¯s voice mming into Wang Zhong¡¯s eardrum, "Rocossov? Is that Rocossov?"

    Wang Zhong: "If it isn¡¯t, you might cause a misunderstanding!"

    "I didn¡¯t even call you Alyosha! Oh right, I forgot the rank of major general, cough cough." The girl cleared her throat, adopting a more official tone, "Major General Rocossov, how is the situation at the front?"

    Wang Zhong: "I need a favor from you. There¡¯s an old herdsman here who insists on hearing His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s voice before he¡¯ll offer help."

    "Then hand him the phone!"

    Wang Zhong nced at the old man and handed over the receiver, "His Majesty the Tsar is on the line."

    The old herdsman quickly tapped his half-filled pipe onto the tabletop, knocking out the tobo. After putting the pipe away neatly, he straightened the hat on his head and took the receiver with both hands, reverently saying, "Hello?"

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t hear what Olga was saying, he could only observe the changes in the old man¡¯s face.

    At first, he was doubtful, then became fearful and anxious¡ªapparently recognizing Olga¡¯s voice as he had imed. The old man, in his anxious state, repeatedly uttered, "My sins, my sins, for having doubted His Royal Highness."

    Hmm?

    Since the call was with Olga now, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t see fit to correct him and could only signal with his eyes to those around him, "I¡¯m not it."

    The next moment, the old man¡¯s expression turned to astonishment, "Not him? Then I misunderstood! My sins, my sins!"

    Wang Zhong¡¯s curiosity about what Olga was saying grew.

    With the Court Chambein and General Tugenev watching over, surely she wouldn¡¯t say anything too outrageous, would she?

    Finally, the old man again nodded like a pecking chicken, "Alright, alright, I will cooperate fully, rest assured Your Majesty! That... what¡¯s that word again? No need to say it? Alright, alright!"

    The old herdsman kept repeating "alright, alright" and handed the receiver back to Wang Zhong with utmost respect, "His Majesty said to speak with you."

    Wang Zhong took the receiver, "What did you tell him?"

    "Ah, just that my brother, upon his deathbed, entrusted me to your care, and now you are essentially my brother, so he should cooperate with you fully."

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, "Why do I feel like you said more than that?"

    "That¡¯s all I said, you can ask him if you don¡¯t believe me!"

    Wang Zhong nced at the old man and shook his head, "I believe it, I believe it. We¡¯ll call you back after we finish talking here!"

    "Make sure you do!" Olga insisted.

    "Don¡¯t worry." Wang Zhong set down the receiver and looked at the old man.

    The old man continued to pray, his prayer seemed to be for God to bless His Majesty the Tsar.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong finally realized why the church still preserved the Tsar.

    It had been so long since the Secr faction within the church had won the civil war, and most young people had be secrists, yet they could still encounter such devoted followers of the Tsar.

    If they hadn¡¯t preserved the Tsar, the civil war might have dragged on for over five more years.

    In a world where supernatural forces and miracles existed, pursuing a secr reform was indeed fraught with difficulties.

    After the old man finished praying, Wang Zhong asked, "Elder,..."

    "No! His Majesty said you are like her older brother now, His Royal Highness. Pleasemand me as you will!"

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to mand" people, since before his own crossing he had been a working man himself; he felt a natural aversion to terms that carried connotations of servitude.

    But now he had no choice but to overlook it, so he gestured, "Come, over to the map."

    The old man quickly approached, a stark contrast to his previous unruly demeanor.

    Wang Zhong: "Can you read maps?"

    "Of course. I was once with His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s Fifth Guards Cavalry Regiment. Cavalrymen have to carry messages; how could they function without reading maps!" The old man imed.

    Wang Zhong: "When I conducted personal reconnaissance before, I discovered there¡¯s arge meadow around this position. Where does this meadow extend to?"

    The old man picked up a pencil and began to draw lines, his hand trembling slightly as he did so.

    After finishing, the old man said, "Sorry, I¡¯m old, and the line is not straight. Bear with it. This meadow is hard to traverse for horses and has been neglected for a long time! There were Cossacks who tried to cultivate it as farnd, but they failed."

    Wang Zhong: "Such a vast area."

    "On the steppe, despite the grasnds seeming endless at first nce, there is actually a bit of everything! This part here," the old man continued to draw on the map, "is actually a swamp. The snowmelt in winter has nowhere to go and umtes right here."

    Wang Zhong: "Are there any other terrains on the steppe that are impassable? I mean for wheeled vehicles."

    "Plenty. For instance, here¡ªeven a tractor¡ªI mean a tank, would find it impossible to advance a single step!"

    "What¡¯s there?" Wang Zhong asked.

    "Moles." The old man answered seriously, "Moles have dug plenty of holes here. A horse might sprain its foot walking over it, and a tank would definitely copse into them."

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue: "Are mole infestations that severe? We also have our telephone lines cut frequently by their digging."

    "On the steppe, telephone lines need to be strung up. That¡¯s what the Secr faction forces did during the civil war."

    Wang Zhong looked at the map, marked up in a variety of colors, stroking his chin: "I originally thought the steppe was a in simr to the desert and had considered using a ¡¯tide¡¯ tactic."

    It was actually an idea taken from Earth¡¯s Desert Fox, roughly about the desert being seen as a sea, with supply lines able to reach anywhere, thus desert warfare needn¡¯t be too constrained by roads or settlements.

    It was entirely possible to use armored forces like fleets, allowing tanks to patrol the sandy seas, break through at the enemy¡¯s weakest point, and then all troops would flood through the single breakthrough point like a rising tide.

    Now it seemed that the steppe was quite different from the desert and the Gobi.

    A ¡¯tide¡¯ tactic simply wouldn¡¯t be feasible on the steppe, still tied down to supply lines.

    Wang Zhong muttered to himself: "Does the enemy know this?"

    Pavlov: "If we don¡¯t know, then the enemy definitely doesn¡¯t. Their scouts haven¡¯t had the time tob through the entire steppe."

    Wang Zhong: "So we can be certain, the enemy¡¯s armored forces will definitely be disjointed from their motorized troops like trucks, and their supplies will also get stuck due to theplex terrain hidden beneath the steppe."

    "If we couldunch raids on the enemy¡¯s supplies, we could gain a substantial advantage¡ªeven though weck the manpower to carry out annihtion battles, we could still break the enemy forces!"

    Popov asked, "Which troops should we use tounch the raids then? Even tanks can¡¯t pass through mole hills and swamps."

    Wang Zhong fell into deep thought as well.

    At this time, the herdsman old man said, "Why not try horse cavalry? What about Xia Boyang¡¯s Cavalry Troops?"

    Wang Zhong turned to Pavlov: "Right, cavalry! How could the steppe be devoid of cavalry?"

    Pavlov: "I must remind you, we don¡¯t have any cavalry troops at all."

    Wang Zhong: "And I must remind you, I can get whatever troops I want."

    He picked up the phone: "Connect to Ye Fort, Summer Pce."

    Pavlov frowned from the side: "Is this really a good idea? His Majesty the Tsar has interfered with military movements again and again, something not even the previous emperor did."

    Wang Zhong: "Hasn¡¯t it happened before? Have you forgotten Argesukov?"

    At that moment, the phone connected, and it was Olga¡¯s voice: "Hello? Is this General Rocossov?"

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s me."

    "Go ahead, what troops do you want?"

    Wang Zhong: "I want cavalry, send Kiriyenko¡¯s Cavalry Army to me!"

    Pavlov: "General Kiriyenko¡¯s Army Group is on another front. Isn¡¯t it improper to snatch troops from hismand just like that?"

    On the other end of the phone, clearly, Olga moved the handset away and consulted with someone nearby¡ªlikely General Tugenev.@@novelbin@@

    After a few seconds, she said, "General Kiriyenko¡¯s Cavalry Army can¡¯t be deployed to you. But the reserve Front Army has a newly organized Cavalry Army, will that work for you?"

    Wang Zhong: "That will do, send the Cavalry Army to me."

    "What are you nning to do with them?" Olga asked, curiosity in her voice.

    Wang Zhong: "Let them charge across the vast steppe, carry out Raid Operations."

    "Hmm?" Olga asked, puzzled, "Isn¡¯t ¡¯Raid Operations¡¯ naval terminology?"

    Wang Zhong: "So what? I¡¯m also using naval artillery. What¡¯s the problem with using a naval term?"

    "Alright then... you¡¯re confident you can break the enemy, right?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, not yet certain. I need to take another look at what should be done. Just send me the cavalry for now."

    Olga: "Alright, I¡¯ll guarantee the cavalry¡ªwhat? You want to talk too? Okay then... General Tugenev wants a word."

    Then General Tugenev¡¯s voice came through: "Using cavalry for Raid Operations, we tried thatst year and it didn¡¯t go well."

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s because you didn¡¯t try it on the steppe of Nan¡¯ant. Trust me, it¡¯s much moreplicated here than the chernozemnds of Kazarlia. There¡¯s a reason thisnd remains uncultivated to this day!"

    "I see. In that case, try again. I will dispatch two Cavalry Army Groups to you. I estimate they won¡¯t arrive until the 17th."

    "That will work. I¡¯ll be waiting!" Wang Zhong replied.

 Chapter 441: Sunset on the Battlefield

    An hourter, Wang Zhong had the map staff gather around the old man, holding the map and asking about the surrounding grasnd terrain piece by piece ording to the map¡¯s numbering.

    Military maps are divided into coordinate grids, each with its own number, and there are even smaller grids underneath.

    In this way, when necessary, countless maps can be pieced together into onerge map ording to their numbers.

    The old man was, after all, aged and had no idea what the numbers meant, so the maps had to be pieced together like a puzzle before he could "identify" each location.

    Fortunately, themand post was now in a barn, with plenty of space for the staff to assemble the puzzle.

    Wang Zhong stood by, unable to get involved as he was not as savvy in military cartography as the staff. He was just an enthusiast¡ªhow could he understand how to piece together maps?

    After about half an hour, themand post¡¯s guard brought in the old man¡¯s son.

    The young herdsman representative froze upon seeing arge group of people gathered around his elderly father: "Eh?"

    Wang Zhong stepped forward, "Your father is helping us confirm the terrain of the surrounding grasnds. Without confirmation, we wouldn¡¯t have known how rugged the terrain under the grass truly is. Without your father, ourbat operations could have been significantly hindered.""Eh?" the herdsman looked bewildered, "I came over worrying that my father was caught as a remnant criminal... This..."

    At this moment, the old man turned his head and shouted at his son: "You fool! Why didn¡¯t you tell me that the man leading the troops is His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s sworn brother? The Tsar is our father and mother, and his brother is our uncle!"

    Wang Zhong and the young herdsman: "Eh?"

    Then they exchanged a nce. Had they suddenly be inws?

    The herdsman was the first to recover: "Dad, you can¡¯t count it like that, it¡¯s disrespectful to the general! We are just ordinary herdsmen, representatives living in the city!"

    The old man: "Stop talking, go get my old map pack. There are a few ces I can¡¯t remember. Their new map is too new, too precise, not to my liking. I can only recall when I look at the old map! Quick, run!"

    Wang Zhong: "Vasily, drive him there, and bring the maps back as fast as you can."

    "Alright!" Vasily stuffed the map he was holding to another staff member, clearly relishing the task.

    It was apparent that he did not enjoy piecing together maps.

    After Vasily left, Wang Zhong nced at the busy staff and said to Pavlov: "I¡¯ll take a walk outside."

    Pavlov: "When you say outside, do you mean outside the city or just outside this warehouse?"

    "Of course, just outside the warehouse, no wait, perhaps I should tour the whole city to boost everyone¡¯s morale."

    Popov immediately stood up: "I have to apany you. I can¡¯t let you take all of my work."

    Wang Zhong: "You can just say you want to keep me from leaving the city."@@novelbin@@

    "That is not the case. I believe what you¡¯re most concerned about now is the updated map; I am merely fulfilling my duty as a Military Bishop," Popov said before gesturing to his aide, "Prepare the horses."

    Wang Zhong walked straight out of the warehouse.

    In truth, using a warehouse as amand center gave Wang Zhong a very strong sense.

    As a child, after watching "The Rock," he was deeply impressed by the scene of the FBI storming into the warehouse at the docks to set up amand center¡ªalthough there were many impressive aspects of that movie.

    Wang Zhong walked slowly, observing the people at themand post busily at work.

    With one hundred thousandbat personnel, not to mention the numerousborers and support staff, managing such a vast entity was no small task for themand post staff.

    This hectic scene always reminded Wang Zhong of the stock exchange on trading days.

    If Wang Zhong had not experienced the front lines firsthand, and only observed themand post, he might have erroneously concluded that "front line soldiers just need to follow orders and fight the enemy, while the rear staff have to consider a lot more."

    As Wang Zhong ambled along, Popov couldn¡¯t help but ask, "You¡¯re not really here just to rx and kill time, are you?"

    "Of course not. I am inspecting the situation. It¡¯s just that the departments are operating normally now, and they don¡¯t need my input," shrugged Wang Zhong.

    Popov nodded and then the conversation turned to today¡¯s battle.

    "Although we won today, we let the enemy¡¯s veterans escape. After they reorganize and rest in the rear, those veterans will be a big problem."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "Yes, we must strive to fight annihtion battles that deplete the veterans and technical soldiers of the Prussian Army and prevent the enemy from replenishing their ranks.

    "Unfortunately, annihtion warfare requires superior forces, terrain, and a little cooperation from the enemy."

    Speaking, Wang Zhong shook his head, "I was hoping to achieve results on the grasnds with my new tide warfare technique. But now I find out that the grasnds are full of impassableplex patches, not as open as the desert."

    Popovughed: "The people of Kazarlia are used to the ck soil."

    His mood suddenly dropped: "I wonder how long before we can recapture Kazarlia, recapture the ck soil."

    "Don¡¯t worry, that day wille," said Wang Zhong.

    During their conversation, the two men (along with several guards) stepped outside the warehouse.

    It was already 9:30 pm, and the sun was setting in the west, coloring the entire sky with fiery red clouds. Even obscured by the city¡¯s buildings, the view was still breathtakingly beautiful.

    Wang Zhong stared at the fiery red clouds, honestly admitting to himself that he never grew tired of such sunsets, no matter how many times he saw them after 9 o¡¯clock.

    Popov: "What are you nning to do with the cavalry?"

    Wang Zhong looked at the Military Bishop, "Isn¡¯t it obvious? We should disrupt the enemy¡¯s supply convoys. Cavalry can sustain themselves for quite a while on the steppe; horses can carry a considerable amount ofpressed forage, and there¡¯s water in the grasnds for replenishing our canteens at any time.

    "As for the horses, I believe they¡¯ll take good care of themselves. If a rider falls in battle, his horse will probably enjoy a free and easy life on the steppe, heeding the call of the wild."

    Popov said, "That sounds reasonable, but how do we deal with the enemy¡¯s rear guard forces?"

    "We don¡¯t engage them," Wang Zhong looked at Popov. "If we encounter them, we go around. We never meet the enemy head-on; we only attack those convoys that aren¡¯t apanied by substantial defense forces¡ªthe enemy can¡¯t possibly assign adequate escorts to all their convoys."

    At that moment, Popov¡¯s aide led a few horses over.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s "old me" was mingling among the herd, like a dandy surrounded by admirers. He snapped his fingers, and Bucephalus immediately left the mares, frolicking towards Wang Zhong and attempting to flip his cap when he arrived.

    Wang Zhong said, "Alright, behave! Don¡¯t mess with my cap!"

    Bucephalus stopped and stood erect, half-raising its body as if being reviewed by a soldier.

    Wang Zhong beckoned the horse, saying, "Alright, you can rx;e here."

    Only then did the horse take small, leisurely steps towards Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong mounted and with a squeeze of the horse¡¯s sides, he made the horse trot off.

    Popov and the guards hurriedly mounted to follow, but it seemed only Grigori managed to catch up with Wang Zhong.

    "General, warn us before you sprint off next time!" the senior sergeant said.

    Wang Zhong replied, "Didn¡¯t you keep up?"

    "When I was in the vige, I was the runner-up in the horse races."

    Wang Zhong teased, "Only runner-up?"

    "The lord¡¯s son had a much better horse than I did, so much better that despite all my skills, I couldn¡¯t outrun him. After that, I never raced horses again."

    Wang Zhong said, "Now you¡¯ve caught up to my Bucephalus."

    Grigori replied, "Because I am riding a good horse too. You might not know, but all of the horses in our Army Group have turned into fine steeds, selected from the stables of the nobility¡ªmany noble stables are now state-run, which is why they can provide good horses for us."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, do we have this now?

    He had no idea!

    Bucephalus nced back at Grigori¡¯s horse, then focused ahead, starting to elerate.

    Clearly, it felt a little challenged.

    Grigori also kicked his horse¡¯s belly and leaned low, lying t on its back.

    Wang Zhong did the same.

    The two of them raced through the city until a cart pulled by oxen suddenly appeared ahead; Wang Zhong yanked the reins hard, and Bucephalus skillfully turned around,ing to a stop in front of the cart.

    Grigori, showcasing his superb horsemanship, lightly guided his horse¡¯s head, threading the gap between the cart and the wall before turning back.

    The cart driver, an old man, angrily eximed, "Running horses in the city, what¡¯s the meaning of this¡ªoh, it¡¯s you, sir general. I have some home-pickled cucumbers here, would you like to try some?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Yes, let me have a taste."

    By then, Popov and a big group of guards finally caught up, seeing Wang Zhong snatching cucumbers from the local, Popov remarked, "Who decided that we wouldn¡¯t take even a thread from the people?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "I¡¯ll pay for it."

    The old man was instantly moved, "Our own army is the best. When the Prussian Army was here, they smashed a lot of my cucumber jars and didn¡¯t pay me a cent! General, please drive the enemy out quickly!"

    Wang Zhong said, "We will fight here until August. You should take this time to evacuate to the rear. Everyone needs to go."

    The old man froze, "Only until August? Wasn¡¯t it said that we wouldn¡¯t cede an inch of ground?"

    Wang Zhong exined, "Last year, His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s order was to not give up an inch of ground, and as a result, we needlessly lost millions of troops. The thing about war is that we need to preserve lives even if we lose territory. Lostnd can be recovered one day, but lost lives mean losing everything."

    The old man asked, "When will youe back?"

    Recalling Earth¡¯s history, Wang Zhong said, "Probably in the spring of 916, or if we¡¯re quick, we might push back by this winter."

    The old man felt relieved, "That¡¯s not too long. I¡¯ll just wait here for you. My son went missing in battle; maybe he¡¯ll make his way back, and if I leave, he won¡¯t be able to find his way home."

    Wang Zhong hesitated, then turned to look at Popov.

    Popov muttered quietly, "There you go, putting it on me!"

    He then assured the old man, "Don¡¯t worry, your son is surely out there fighting as a guerri! When we triumph, he will definitely return!"

    Or he might have be an unnamed grave somewhere.

    But there was no need to voice such possibilities.

    The old man looked very pleased and handed over two jars of pickles, "Then I¡¯ll take your word for it. Here, have some! Eat!"

 Chapter 442: Childhood

    At the same time, at the headquarters of the Tenth Army Group of Prosen.

    After pacing back and forth innumerable times, General Boke looked up and asked the chief of staff, "Has the infantry division not been attacked yet?"

    "Yes," the chief of staff replied, "It¡¯s possible that the artillery barrage of the infantry division has disrupted Rocossov¡¯s deployment."

    General William von Frederick of the Sixth Army Group stood up. "Then I won¡¯t disturb you any longer in your battle of wits with Rocossov. Looking at the time, my army group¡¯s headquarters should have already moved into position; it¡¯s time for me to head back."

    Prussians asionally do this; when the follow-up echelon¡¯s troops are moving forward, themanders precede them to the forward echelons¡¯ headquarters for a "visit" to get a head start on the frontline situation.

    By the time the follow-up echelons¡¯ headquarters have moved to the front, themanders are alreadypletely aware of the situation.

    The premise is that the twomanders are fairly familiar with each other.

    Of course, ording to military regtions, it¡¯s definitely uneptable for amander to leave the headquarters while the troops are advancing to a war zone, but the Prussians are very "flexible" about this.

    If anyone questions this, the Prussian generals will say it¡¯s a way to train their staff and officer corps.General Boke told his old friend, "Be careful on your way back. My troops report that although this grasnd appears navigable everywhere, in fact, many areas will bog down vehicles once they enter. It¡¯s unlike the great steppe of Eastern Europa or the ck earth of Kazarlia¡ªtake extra caution."

    Frederick waved his hand and gestured to his aide-de-camp before leaving the headquarters of the Tenth Army Group.

    General Boke then turned to the chief of staff, "What about the scouting unit¡¯s report?"

    The chief of staff shook his head, "Nothing unusual has been discovered, but there were reports of enemy reconnaissance nes conducting aerial scouting."

    General Boke looked at the map, "Our intent for the pincer attack must have been discovered by Rocossov. Yet he has stopped. Isn¡¯t he just waiting to be surrounded by us?"

    The chief of staff spected, "Maybe he¡¯s realized we can¡¯tunch an immediate offensive, so he wants to wait for his own follow-up troops?"

    The pincer attack n formted by General Boke¡¯s staff was set to begin on the morning of the 18th, but it was only the 15th now. The various units were still in transit, none had reached their starting positions, and the supply of fuel and ammunition hadn¡¯t caught up.

    After pondering the chief of staff¡¯s spection for a few seconds, General Boke shook his head. "Where did he get such information? No, it doesn¡¯t make sense. It¡¯s unlikely he could determine our time of attack. It must be the artillery barrage that has disrupted their movements. Rocossov also likes tounch counter-fire preparation before our offensives to upset our attack ns¡ªInfantry Division 190 did good this time!"

    The chief of staff asked, "Should we inform Division 190 of your praise?"

    "No, there¡¯s no need; after all, the disruption by artillery fire is just one possibility. It¡¯s also possible that Rocossov¡¯s battle n was to seize Yeisk, considering that this city is thest major city before we attack Yarvik. Without seizing Yeisk, his army would have no supply center."

    Upon saying this, General Boke fell silent for a few seconds, then cursed, "Damn it, we were also nning to use Yeisk as a supply center! Now we have to ren the supply logistics!"

    The chief of staff quickly said, "We¡¯ve already prepared contingency ns for supplies. No need to worry. The progress is a bit slower than we expected, but by the 17th, all supply centers will definitely be set up, with ammunition and fuel delivered to the attacking units."

    General Boke frowned. "The progress has slowed? Why? When we made the ns, didn¡¯t I instruct you to ount for a day of ck?"

    The chief of staff showed a wry smile. "Not only did we ount for ck, but we also considered the poor road conditions in the Kazarlia area when nning. Unfortunately, the road conditions here are even worse, with many roads swallowed up by weeds. To prevent the follow-up troops from getting lost, we set up many traffic control stations along the way, but there were still supply convoys that deviated from the roads and got lost in the grasnds."

    General Boke¡¯s face darkened. "So our day of ck has already been used up?"

    "Yes, but there shouldn¡¯t be any problemunching the attack on the morning of the 18th," the chief of staff assured confidently.

    General Boke nodded, "Alright, then we just need to withstand the attacks tomorrow (the 16th) and the day after."

    Until now, General Boke still believed that Rocossov would attack.

    Wang Zhong was now riding a horse through the city of Yeisk.

    Although the sunset still hung in the sky, it was almost ten o¡¯clock at night, the time when many ordinary people went to bed.

    But now almost no one was sleeping. The entire city¡¯s poption had mobilized to assist the hired workers of the First Mobile Group Army in gathering the bodies of fallen soldiers.

    The bodies of the enemy, on the other hand, were piled up carelessly by the roadside.

    As Wang Zhong strolled, he saw a group of children ying war games; the children ying the Ante Army had no equipment, while those ying the Prosen Army were decked out in steel helmets andbat belts.

    Stopping, he called out, "Children!"

    The children stopped and looked at Wang Zhong. An older child spotted Wang Zhong¡¯s insignia, shouted, "It¡¯s a general! Salute to the general!"

    A group of children mimicked the adults, stood at attention, and gave a very sloppy salute.

    Wang Zhong smiled and returned the salute, then asked, "Howe the ones ying the Ante Army don¡¯t have any equipment?"

    The child who had called for the salute replied, "We can¡¯t take things belonging to martyrs."

    Wang Zhongughed. He dismounted, took off his own military cap, and ced it on the child¡¯s head, saying, "You¡¯re themander; here, wear this."

    The child, touched, asked, "Is this alright?"

    "Yes, my cap is just a regr one, no different from a Second Lieutenant¡¯s cap."

    One of the resting Mobile Army soldiersmented, "Kid, if I were you, I¡¯d take that cap and hide it away. It¡¯s an heirloom to pass on!"

    The older child took off his military cap, eyeing it with delight.

    Wang Zhong turned to the child ying a Prussian soldier, "Where did you get that Iron Cross?"

    The child pointed toward the street corner, "Misha, who was cleaning up Prussian bodies over there, gave it to me!"

    Misha was probably the name of a person helping theborers with their work.

    Wang Zhong approached the child, squatting down beside him. As he adjusted the position of the Iron Cross, he said, "This should be hung around your neck, and this is a wound badge, it should be here."

    The child looked surprised, "General, how do you know all this so well?"

    Wang Zhong, "To defeat the enemy, you first have to understand the enemy, in great detail, everything. You even have to know them better than they know themselves!"

    In fact, before his time travel, Wang Zhong had once been a German soldier for a few years, andter read a book called "General NC," which shocked him with the brutality of the Sturmtiger and its inhumanity¡ªthe book included numerous photos that documented the atrocities of regr soldiers of the armed forces.

    After that, he was no longer a fan, but the knowledge he gained during his time as a German soldier wasn¡¯t lost; he could still recite all kinds of Sturmtiger medals and their wearing methods like the back of his hand.

    After helping the child adjust his uniform, Wang Zhong stood up and said sternly to all the children, "Listen up, after you¡¯re done ying, go back and tell your folks to pack up. Tomorrow, the empty vehicles from our motorized travel here will be heading back to Yarvik, and you can take them to leave."

    The children looked at each other, their gazes finally settling on the big kid wearing Wang Zhong¡¯s cap.

    "We want to stay and fight!" the big kid said, "We¡¯ll use guns!"

    Another child shouted, "Katya has joined the army, so can we!"

    Wang Zhong, "When did Katya join the army?"

    "This January!"

    Wang Zhong, "Then she must still be in training. Modern warfare isn¡¯t just about knowing how to shoot. Staying here, you won¡¯t be of any help, you¡¯ll only be giving up your lives for nothing. Listen to me, go back and tell your parents to follow the empty vehicles back to Yarvik tomorrow."

    The big kid fell silent for a few seconds then suddenly asked, "Are you telling us to leave because the city can¡¯t be held?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, but I promise you, we¡¯ll surely retake it by next June. Right now, we need to trade space for time, to thin out the enemy¡¯s forces, to drag down their logistics. Once we¡¯ve dragged them to the bone, we¡¯ll strike back with one punch!"

    Big kid, "Then why can¡¯t we just wait for you here?"

    "No, the enemy will ughter you. Have you seen the priests hung up on the streetmps? The enemy will do the same to your parents. If we¡¯re going to retake the city anyway, why sacrifice in vain?"

    The children looked at each other.@@novelbin@@

    "Okay," the big kid said, "we¡¯ll go talk to our parents. May I ask your name, sir?"

    Wang Zhong, "Your choice of words, have you been to a proper school?"

    "I attend the church middle school in the city, in the ninth grade," the child said.

    "Alright. I am Rocossov, ¡¯that¡¯ Rocossov. Your current mission is to move to the rear and then finish middle school. We really need high school graduates right now, and there will be a ce for you to make a difference."

    Wang Zhong paused, then seemed to remember something and asked, "What about your ssmates?"

    Big kid, "They should be with their families¡ªif they aren¡¯t dead, that is."

    Wang Zhong, "I have a task for you then. Wearing my hat, go find these ssmates and get them to convince their families to evacuate with the empty vehicles tomorrow too. Can you do that?"

    The kid smiled, "Of course!"

    Wang Zhong, "Then go! While it¡¯s still light out! Run!"

    The big kid turned and sprinted.

    Seeing this, the other children also ran along.

    The child ying the Prussianmander suddenly remembered something, stopped, snapped to attention, saluted Wang Zhong, then turned and chased after the main group.

    Wang Zhong, with his hands sped behind his back, sighed, "Childhood amidst warfare."

    Grigori, "I don¡¯t know whether to envy them or pity them."

    "Certainly pity, no matter what, children should never be involved with war. Every time I see these kids, my hatred for the Prussians grows stronger."

    Just like before he traveled through time, whenever he looked at photographs of certain ces.

    At that moment, two motorcycle messengers drove up.

    The motorcycle was still a Harley provided by the Federation, impressively stylish.

    Wang Zhong was so taken with the motorcycle he almost missed what the messenger said.

    Messenger, "General! A Po-2 from the Air Force hasnded outside the city, bringing us aerial reconnaissance photos."

    "Good, I¡¯ll head back to headquarters immediately."

 Chapter 443: July 15th Battle Summary

    By the time Wang Zhong returned to the Corps Command, night had fully fallen.

    The holes in the warehouse¡¯s exterior had been patched with canvas, and all the windows were blocked with cloth, the massive warehouse quietly nestled in the darkness, with only asional light leaking from the ajar side door.

    Wang Zhong walked through the main entrance and reached up to remove his cap, only to touch his bare forehead, recalling then that he had given his hat to a child as a family heirloom.

    Since his hand was already raised, he felt a bit awkward not doing anything, so he patted his forehead and said, "That¡¯s right, I need a new hat. Hey you, go to the quartermaster¡¯s department and get me a new hat!"

    Nelly: "I don¡¯t go by ¡¯hey you¡¯."

    "Mum, I want a new hat!"

    "I¡¯m not your mum either." Nelly said seriously, "A new hat, right, got it."

    With that, she stuffed the c she was holding into Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and ran off with her skirt hoisted up.

    Wang Zhong sipped the c as he looked towards Pavlov, then saw the two female aviators in front of him also looking at him."Uh," Wang Zhong put down the c, approached thedies, and extended his hand, "Hello,dies, I¡¯m Rocossov. Why did they send two different female aviators this time? The one who delivered the photosst time, uh... Lieutenant Colonel Smijanovna, why didn¡¯t shee? I remember her partner was named Katya."

    "Both of them were hit by the enemy¡¯s anti-aircraft guns and got injured during an emergencynding across the front line." The female aviator with the rank of major said, "They¡¯ll probably be spending half a year in the rear."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "I see, luckily the Po-2 has good flight performance."

    The Po-2 aircraft, with its remarkable gliding ability, allowed the female night bomber pilots to frequently shut off their engines and let the nes drift in the air, only starting the engines near the target to achieve surprise.

    The major aviator nodded: "Indeed, if it were any other ne, they might not have made it back, because that would¡¯ve resulted innding deep within enemy-controlled territory. You really seem to know your nes, just as the rumors say."

    Wang Zhong: "Ah, my adjutant taught me."

    Vasily: "Eh? Ah yes, it was me who taught you."

    He patted his chest, then asked, "By the way, how is Miss Katya? Is her injury serious?"

    Wang Zhong: "What, the miller¡¯s daughter isn¡¯t charming enough for you?"

    "I¡¯m concerned about arade-in-arms."

    Major aviator: "She can still walk, so it shouldn¡¯t be a big problem; she should be back in the ranks in half a year. Shouldn¡¯t we discuss official business now?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, how should I address you two?"

    Vasily: "Is this official business?"

    The major aviator smiled, then stood at attention and saluted Wang Zhong: "I¡¯m Major Yufilia, actingmander of the 588th Night Bomber Aviation Regiment, assigned to deliver the aerial reconnaissance photos. This is my partner Leniya."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow: "Neither of you are from Asgard?"

    Major: "Our ancestors have some blood from other countries, why, can¡¯t someone who isn¡¯t from Asgard fight against the Prussians?"

    "Of course not, our Army Group even has Davarish from the Mnia People¡¯s Army." Wang Zhong quickly said, and then shifted the topic to the photos, "Where are the aerial photos?"

    Pavlov raised his hand: "They¡¯re with me; the Air Force¡¯s photography has improved."

    Wang Zhong quickly went over to Pavlov and took the photos from his hand.

    Popov also leaned in, peering over Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder.

    Wang Zhong flipped through the photos quickly, handing each one to the Army Group¡¯s head priest after inspecting it.

    Just as Pavlov had said, the Air Force¡¯s photography had indeed improved, which of course might also be due to the monotonous scenery of the ins, highlighting the Prosen targets.

    Major Yufilia exined: "Aerial reconnaissance spotted enemy armored units to the northwest and southwest of Yeisk, but the ins seem to have caused them some trouble, and we captured many temporarily abandoned armored vehicles."

    As she spoke, Wang Zhong just happened to flip to a photo showing seven or eight vehicles left on the ins, along with a small Prosen salvage team.

    Wang Zhong picked the photo and asked, "Where is this photo from?"

    "The coordinates of the shot are on the back." said Major Yufilia.

    Wang Zhong turned the photo over and indeed saw the coordinates, but only the grid coordinates on the map.

    "Find out which map grid this is." Wang Zhong said as he handed the photo to Vasily.

    Vasily took the photo and dashed over to where the map staff were gathered, likely organizing intelligence provided by the royalist elder.

    Wang Zhong, following the numbers, picked out all the photos from the same map block.

    "No guard troops." he muttered softly.

    Pavlov took a photo from his hands and looked, "Indeed, no guard troops, it seems to be logistics and repair units."

    Wang Zhong: "This is a weak spot for the enemy. If cavalry were to strike here, the Prosen supply system would fall into chaos immediately."@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov nodded, then suddenly remembered something and said, "Wait a moment, our radio interception unit has also caughtmunications from the enemy¡¯s traffic control department. Although they use some jargon, so we don¡¯t know exactly which units they¡¯re reporting, the content suggests that there is some congestion in enemy supply movements."

    Wang Zhong: "Is there a report?"

    "Yes." Pavlov snapped his fingers, "Bring the interception records."

    Soon a staff officer came over with a clipboard, on which a thick stack of interception reports was clipped: "It¡¯s all summarized here."

    Pavlov poured the contents into Wang Zhong¡¯s hands.

    The content inside was all minor issues, like Area 53 having a broken-down vehicle blocking the road, or that Area 113 was confirmed impassable and needed route renning, and so on.

    Each report was secure, because no specific unit or location of the event was disclosed.

    But when all the information was coted, it revealed that the enemy¡¯s logistics were clogged.

    Wang Zhong: "Very good, very good. Our terrible infrastructure hase to our aid once again."

    Popov frowned, "Your words can be taken out of context to mean you are attacking the Church¡¯s Five-Year n for not investing enough in infrastructure¡ªbut you¡¯re not afraid of being quoted out of context. If we said something like that, we could be done for."

    Wang Zhong paid no attention to Popov. His focus remained on the photographs, "Now we just wait for the cavalry. On the vast grasnds, it¡¯s impossible for the Prussians to defend everywhere. If we can roll up all the supply units scattered across the grasnds, their pincer movement won¡¯t be able to get off the ground!"

    Vasily eximed excitedly, "Then we¡¯ll fight an annihtion battle?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, to annihte the enemy, we¡¯d need to maintain an encirclement. How would we ensure supplies for the troops encircling on the grasnds? This time, we should still aim to defeat them. Don¡¯t be in a hurry to bite off more than you can chew. Our current goal is to dy the enemy, prevent them from breaking through the Suhaya Weili River Front Army in one fell swoop, and coordinate with Duke Meishikin¡¯s operations."

    If the Suhaya Weili River Front Army is breached, then Duke Meishikin¡¯s Bolsk Front Army would be in danger.

    The enemy would pour into the grasnds, making straight for Abawahan.

    At this moment, Major Yufilia said, "You¡¯re discussing strategy, so we won¡¯t interrupt. I believe the nes must have finished refueling by now, so we¡¯ll take our leave."

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, Vasily, escort the two of them to the ne."

    "Okay," Vasily gestured with a ¡¯please¡¯ motion, "This way, please."

    The two pilots walked in single file toward the doorway.

    Popov watched them leave and suddenly said, "Did you know? The captured Prussians say our night flying squad consists of monsters with cat blood, iming their eyes have vertical pupils just like cats."

    Wang Zhong turned back to nce at the female pilots already at the door: "Really? I didn¡¯t notice!"

    "Of course it¡¯s false. How could anyone have vertical pupils? The Prussians also believe they can perform magic, thinking that what they drop at night isn¡¯t bombs but magical fireballs."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, bent over to continue examining the photographs, and as he looked, he said, "The Prussians sure have an imagination, I¡¯ll get angry with anyone who says they¡¯re rigid."

    At that time, the telephone rang.

    Pavlov picked it up, "Army Group headquarters. Your Majesty? Alright, I¡¯ll hand him the phone."

    Wang Zhong frowned, "Why is she calling me now?"

    Pavlov shrugged and handed over the receiver.

    As soon as Wang Zhong put the receiver to his ear, he heard Olga¡¯s displeased voice, "You said you would call me tonight!"

    "The headquarters¡¯ phone lines are very busy. And it¡¯s nearly midnight now, you should go to sleep!"

    "I won¡¯t sleep unless you tell me about today¡¯s battle!"

    Wang Zhong: "We¡¯ll summarize the battle report tonight and send it to High Command in a coded telegram. You can find out at tomorrow morning¡¯s imperial conference!"

    "I don¡¯t want Tugenev to read it to me, I want..."

    "Your Majesty!" Wang Zhong raised his voice, "We¡¯re at war! I¡¯ve just witnessed the funerals of a dozen young kids on the street, I¡¯m not in the mood to coddle you. Grow up!"

    In truth, there had not been a funeral for young children.

    Surely, children had died in the gunfire, but Wang Zhong had not personally bid them farewell.

    Olga shut up.

    Wang Zhong: "I much prefer the intelligent and sensible Olga who knows the bigger picture."

    Olga: "Alright... Sorry, I thought you might need to talk to someone since Liu Da isn¡¯t with you..."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, you¡¯re overthinking it, I have Nelly for hugs.

    The next moment, Olga¡¯s voice turned serious: "Okay, my steward also advised me not to call the front line all the time. I promise this is thest time. Please tell me, is everything alright?"

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s okay. We¡¯ve recaptured Yeisk, which the enemy upied a few days ago, and defeated the enemy¡¯s elite Asgard Knights Cede Division."

    As he said this, nearby Pavlov muttered, "Tomorrow¡¯s headline will be the great victory at Yeisk."

    Olga: "Very good. Did you capture any generals?"

    "No, all the enemy¡¯s senior officers escaped. We can say in the propaganda that they fled in terror at the mere whisper of our approach."

    "Good, good, good!" Olga¡¯s mood obviously improved a lot, "That¡¯s great! Remember to report the battle situation every day! I will look forward to it at the imperial conference every morning! Promise me, okay?"

    "Alright. I promise you."

    "Mm, good night then." Olga sounded a bit reluctant, but she hung up the phone anyway.

    Wang Zhong put down the receiver and told Pavlov, "Write up a detailed battle report every evening and send it up with a coded telegram."

    Pavlov turned to a staff officer and said, "You, write up a detailed battle report every day¡ª"

    Just then, a staff officer approached with a document in hand: "Report, we have an initial summary of today¡¯s losses."

    Wang Zhong took the document directly and started reading.

    His expression immediately turned solemn.

    After reading, he handed the report to Pavlov, turned towards the map with hands sped behind his back, and sighed deeply, "Although it was a great victory, we suffered considerable losses as well."

    "Cheer up," Pavlov said. "With the prisoner exchange ratio now at three to one, that¡¯s a significant improvement. Before, we had to exchange six of our men for one Prussian. Moreover, the majority of casualties are from the recently mobilized 401st Temporary Infantry Division¡ªif we only count ours, we might even have an advantage. In war, it¡¯s impossible not to lose anyone. It¡¯s an unavoidable reality."

    Wang Zhong: "Those who have to be sacrificed because there¡¯s no other way should not exist at all. I know it¡¯s impossible to have no losses, but asmanders, we should aim to bring everyone home."

    Pavlov: "That¡¯s something only magic can achieve. Be realistic."

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips and said nothing.

 Chapter 444: Coffee Time Bombardment

    This evening, Wang Zhong fell asleep directly in the warehouse¡ªthe ce was big enough, and Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t worried about the staff seeing his well-toned body.

    Moreover, Pavlov and the others were also staying in the warehouse. Yesterday, Popov had protested about this, arguing that the military¡¯s No. 1 and No. 2 should not be housed together, what would happen if the enemy learned from Wang Zhong¡¯s tactics and carried out a nighttime artillery attack.

    But the Prussians did notunch a night bombardment, and the night passed peacefully.

    The next day, on July 16th, when Wang Zhong got up, the first thing he saw was Pavlov standing in front of the map, watching as the staff updated it.

    Wang Zhong got up, put on his shirt, trousers, and such, while fastening hisbat belt, and headed toward the map table where Pavlov was, "Didn¡¯t you sleepst night?"

    "I slept a bit, but then got right up. I can¡¯t sleep that soundly on the battlefield, I¡¯ll catch up on sleep once I¡¯m back in the rear."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "Catch up on sleep? Every time I went to headquarters at Ye Fort, I saw you busy."

    "That¡¯s because you always arrived at headquarters in the afternoon. In Ye Fort, I actually got plenty of rest, even gained some weight," Pavlov said, patting his belly, "See!"

    Truth be told, given Pavlov¡¯s physique, even if he had gained weight, it wouldn¡¯t have been noticeable.Wang Zhong, "Alright then."

    Seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, Pavlov hurriedly added, "When things get a bit more organized, I¡¯ll have Popov take over the night shift every evening, just like in Shostka!"

    At the mention of the familiar ce name, Wang Zhong sighed, "Shostka has been upied by Prosen for almost ten months now, I wonder what it has be."

    "The prisoners say," Popov started, appearing as he spoke, "that the then Emperor¡¯s favorite has preserved the ce in its entirety and even had the Science Academy survey it, seemingly treating it as a model for urban defense warfare."

    Wang Zhong frowned, "What the hell, you mean to say, in future urban warfare we¡¯ll have to deal with defense works of that scale?"

    As the designer and actual user, Wang Zhong knew all too well how fearsome those defenses were.

    Popov nodded, "I¡¯m afraid so."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "That¡¯s bad news, as the chairman of the Equipment Review Committee, I need to quicklye up with something for urban warfare. Why didn¡¯t you tell me about this before?"

    "Because it was only interrogated out of the prisoners yesterday. We caught three thousand prisoners yesterday, and I casually interrogated some to glean quite a bit of intelligence. The judges are going to be busy."

    Popov said this with a big yawn.

    Wang Zhong, "Didn¡¯t sleep well?"

    "It was alright. I hadn¡¯t really woken up yet, normally I need some tea at this time to be alert, coffee works too."

    Wang Zhong turned his head and sure enough, saw Nelly nearby, ready to serve at any moment, and as their eyes met, she promptly pushed her cart over.

    "Coffee and tea have arrived," Wang Zhong said, then resumed the previous topic, "What¡¯s this about the Emperor¡¯s favorite?"

    "Don¡¯t you know? He¡¯s the Emperor¡¯s childhood friend, now the most trusted general by His Majesty, and holds more influence than his military rank would suggest on many matters."

    Images of "Takami", the plump man who said "The tactics of pigs have been repeatedly sessful and must be used by others" from "The Great Battle", immediately came to Wang Zhong¡¯s mind.

    Popov, "Also, he seems to be having an affair with the Emperor¡¯s sister."

    In Wang Zhong¡¯s mind, "Commander-in-Chief" suddenly became Siegfried from "Legend of the Gctic Heroes".

    What a stark contrast!

    Pavlov said, "Speaking of which, at Shostka, I thought about how we would assault a city defended like that, and the only solution I came up with was to obliterate it with heavy artillery.

    "In my opinion, we just put a shell around the B4 heavy cannon, turn it into an assault gun, and it¡¯s perfect for demolishing buildings, right?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, the B4 heavy cannon has too long a barrel, it¡¯s too heavy, and in order to cope with the enormous chamber pressure during firing, the breech mechanics are tooplex, too thick and heavy.

    "In fact, there¡¯s a better choice. Oh, we can use a short, thick barrel to fire a short-range rocket with a huge charge, specifically for demolishing buildings. Theuncher could then be very light, without needing to withstand the ultra-high chamber pressure of firing shells, and the recoil during firing would also be very small."

    Wang Zhong exined his idea while gesturing.

    "Rockets?" Pavlov furrowed his brow, "From a production standpoint, it does seem a lot simpler than making big guns."

    The production of a cannon¡¯s barrel requires mastering a series of intricate processes, with the output of barrels severely constraining the overall production of weapons and equipment.

    On Earth, Sturmtiger had to produce a massive number of anti-aircraft guns for strategic bombardment defense, and the barrels for these guns took up a huge amount of production capacity, seriously affecting the production ofrge-caliber, long-barreled guns like the PAK 40.

    If a weapon could be created without the need for intricate barrels, its manufacturing potential would be greatly advantaged.

    Popov looked at Wang Zhong, "Seeing how confident you are, I suppose you already have an idea?"

    "Yes," Wang Zhong nodded.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s idea was to simplify the Tiger Assault Gun, such as reducing the weight of the shell to speed up the loading of shells, and then making changes to the overall structure, simplifying the movement mechanism.

    Alternatively, they could adopt the design from Earth, mounting a 290mm spigot mortar on the Churchill tank, creating the Churchill AVRE specialist tank designed specifically for demolishing buildings.

    In theory, the KV2 was quite suitable for demolishing buildings, but this weapon was hindered by the 152mm gun. In reality, these armored vehicles didn¡¯t need to achieve long-range firing ¨C a range of 500 meters would suffice. Limiting the range to 500 meters would greatly simplify the design of the weapon.

    The Churchill AVRE¡¯s mortar was extremely crude, with drafts everywhere because it was never intended to fire shells very far.

    Upon reflection, Wang Zhong realized that solving this problem would probably be simpler than designing a vortex gun, and they could even retrofit existing KV heavy tanks for the purpose.

    As Wang Zhong pondered, a whistling sound came from the sky.

    Someone at the doorway shouted, "Artillery attack!"

    Wang Zhong dived to the ground in one swift motion.

    After getting down, he looked up and saw Nelly too lying nearby in a standard artillery defense posture.

    The ground shook violently with the onught of the attack¡ªhuh?

    Wang Zhong turned his head and asked Pavlov, "Doesn¡¯t the shelling feel less intense?"

    Pavlov agreed, "Indeed, it feels simr to yesterday¡¯s shelling. There aren¡¯t many 150mm heavy cannons, maybe around twelve. Just an estimate!"

    Wang Zhong: "So that means right now only one division¡¯s artillery is firing at us."

    Pavlov: "It could also be two divisions, after all, our estimate might be off. But definitely no more than twenty-four cannons at the most."

    Wang Zhong cut into his bird¡¯s-eye view, initially wanting to estimate the number of heavy artillery pieces over 150mm by the intensity of theirnding, but then he discovered the continuous barrage of shells made it difficult to discern if they were from the same salvo or not.

    Therefore, he trusted Pavlov¡¯s estimate.

    The bombardmentsted for about an hour, and as the cannon fire gradually subsided, Wang Zhong got up and patted the dust off himself. He had gotten used to maintaining the anti-bombardment posture for extended periods, and one hour was simply not enough to tire him.

    Nelly also stood up, took off the peaked cap from her head, and kept pping the dust off of it.

    Wang Zhong: "Both the coffee and tea have gotten dusty, let¡¯s change them."

    "No need, no need!" Popov said, picking up the coffee and downing it in one gulp, "The dust will settle at the bottom, just be careful when drinking."

    Wang Zhong: "Are you sure you still need coffee to stay awake? Wasn¡¯t the enemy¡¯s shelling invigorating enough?"

    "That¡¯s true, isn¡¯t it."

    Pavlov, meanwhile, was giving orders to his staff to confirm the damage caused by the shelling.

    At that moment, themunications officer ran over: "A cable from the Front Army headquarters."

    Wang Zhong took the cable, nced at it, then handed it to Pavlov: "The Front Army wants us to retreat back to Yarvik and set up a defense with the city and the Suhaya Weili River."

    Pavlov: "Madness, just to let the Prussians have the west bank of the Suhaya Weili River like that, isn¡¯t that the same as selling out the Bolsk Front Army?"

    Wang Zhong: "Clearly some Front Armymandersck a sense of the bigger picture."

    Vasily: "Rece him!"

    Wang Zhong looked over.

    Vasily spread his hands: "That thing about calling His Majesty the Tsar!"

    Wang Zhong shook his head: "No, to handle this directly through a phone call would confirm that I¡¯m a prince. Send a cable to the High Command expressing our dissatisfaction with the Front Army headquarters, and have the High Command press the Front Army headquarters."

    Pavlov: "Alright, I¡¯ll order the drafting of the cable immediately."

    Popov spoke in a tone more suited to casual gossip: "We keep going over the heads of the Front Army headquarters tomunicate with the higher-ups, if we had amander with a temper, they would have started cursing a long time ago."

    Wang Zhong: "Actually, I¡¯m quite concerned too, militarymand order must be maintained. But look at the situation now, rather than waiting for the foolishness of the Front Armymander to brew disaster, it¡¯s better to disobey orders."

    Popov nodded: "You didn¡¯t notice I was just chatting, did you? Moreover, it¡¯s pretty clear that the High Command also agrees with your opinion, to hold out here until at least August, at least until August so that the mud can help us."

    Wang Zhong corrected: "The mud and the steppe. These steppes are no joke, they will swallow up those who underestimate them."

    "It seems you¡¯ve had quite an experience," Pavlov said.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "Of course, I¡¯ve seen with my own eyes tall grass entangle the front wheels of an enemy half-track, rendering it immobile."

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong approached the map, stared at it for a few seconds, then shook his head: "It¡¯s a pity, we haven¡¯t had the opportunity to reconnoiter the area upied by the enemy, so we don¡¯t know where their artillery is positioned."

    Pavlov: "We can look forward to today¡¯s reconnaissance. Unlike the steppes of Kazarlia with their many forests and scattered towns where cannons have plenty of ces to hide,

    "Here, across the endless steppes, hiding cannons requires constructingplete artillery positions, digging out emcements for the guns, and setting up camouges.

    "Enemy infantry divisions only arrived yesterday afternoon; they haven¡¯t had much time to dig in, so if our pilots set off early, they¡¯ll be able to photograph the enemy¡¯s artillery positions."

    Wang Zhong: "But is the resolution of the photos good enough for us to conduct artillery strikes?"

    Pavlov fell silent.

    The photos from yesterday could only be matched with the coordinate grid on the map, no more specific coordinates were avable.

    The scale of a grid coordinate was unimaginablyrge, making it impossible to conduct a bombardment based on it alone.

    The main reason for this was that in this era, there were no GPS or Beidou systems, making it incredibly hard for Air Force units to determine their exact position.

    The only way was for Wang Zhong tomand the Air Force personally, establishing directmunication between him and the Air Force so as to determine their position externally, and incidentally determining where the targets they saw were located.

    Unfortunately, there were currently no Air Force units under Wang Zhong¡¯s directmand.

    Wang Zhong, looking at the map, thought for a while and felt that the best way to steal a march on the enemy¡¯s artillery would be to dispatch a small cavalry unit to raid their artillery positions.

    If this small unit was very familiar with steppe terrain and had experience living on the steppes, they might seed.

    Unfortunately, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t have such a "special forces" unit at his disposal.

    Nevermind then, it¡¯s just twelve 150mm cannons; they could bear with it. Besides, considering the enemy¡¯s logistics, they might run out of ammunition after a few barrages.

 Chapter 445: Respite on the Battlefield

    After the morning¡¯s shelling, the Prosenians seemed to have lost their drive and made no further moves.

    Wang Zhong finished breakfast without any disturbances, and then Popov came over with a box.

    "Come on, have a game of chess," Popov said as he opened the box, spilled out the pieces, and the box unfolded into a ck-and-white checkered chessboard.

    Wang Zhong, "I only know how each piece moves."

    "Really?" Popov¡¯s eyes widened in surprise.

    Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m deadst in skill."

    "Stop with yourst ce talk. Just try and see, if I can beat you easily, I¡¯d have something to brag about," Popov said as he sat opposite Wang Zhong, pushed the cutlery aside on the table, and began setting up the chessboard, "Anyway, we¡¯ve got nothing else to do right now, and if we don¡¯t find something for ourselves, Pavlov will call us to help out!"

    Pavlov looked up and nced over at the two of them, "You know I need help and you¡¯re noting over?"

    Wang Zhong, "No, we wouldn¡¯t want to get in the way of the Chief of Staff showing off his might."Pavlov snorted and handed a stack of documents to Vasily, "Take these to him for his signature."

    Vasily obediently brought over a stack of documents, "The Chief of Staff wants your signature."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "How were these documents dealt with when I wasn¡¯t at Corps Command?"

    "I signed them before," Pavlov said.

    "As long as you sign them, that¡¯s fine! So why bother looking for me specifically?"

    "This is to give you something to do," Pavlov spread his hands, "You should be thanking me."

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov¡¯s bald head, thinking to himself how nice it would be if he were a white-haired beauty. That temperament would be an endearing feature, then one could write a book titled "My Chief of Staff Can¡¯t Be This Cute."

    Unfortunately, the Chief of Staff was a broad-shouldered, portly bald man.

    With that thought, Wang Zhong began signing the documents.

    Meanwhile, Popov set up the chess game and started ying against himself.

    A new staff officer was gossiping, which Wang Zhong overheard andmented, "Is it really okay to be this rxed?"

    A senior staff officer lowered his voice, "This is the battlefield, as long as the fighting hasn¡¯t started it¡¯s like this. Everyone does their job, kills time, waiting for the moment the battle begins."

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered having a simr doubt before, but now he had bepletely ustomed to the dead calm in these battlefield interludes.

    He quickly skimmed through the documents, most of which involved moving supplies and a variety of misceneous matters that didn¡¯t require any directives from an Army Group Commander like himself, just a signature would suffice.

    While signing the documents, the telephone rang. Pavlov picked it up, "This is Corps Command..."

    As he spoke, the air raid sirens started ring outside.

    Popov, "Looks like Brother Peter heard the enemy nesing."

    Wang Zhong, "The monk is up here? Howe I didn¡¯t see him?"

    Popov chuckled, "You were running around everywhere yesterday, no time to see them. In fact, both the monk and God¡¯s Arrow Company are in position, arranged by Pavlov in the defensive positions."

    By now, Pavlov had finished speaking and put down the receiver, then said to them, "Brother Peter reports, there are 24 twin-engine bombers headed our way."

    Wang Zhong, "As expected. No Stukas following them?"

    Pavlov shook his head, "No."

    Popov, while capturing a white pawn with a ck knight, said, "Intelligence has sorted out recent interrogations of captured enemy pilots. The Prosenians seem to have forbidden Stukas from bombing areas that might be defended by Divine Arrow units."

    Wang Zhong, "Is it because the Divine Arrow is too efficient at killing Stuka pilots?"

    "Yes, you don¡¯t know how many Stukas Divine Arrow brought down in the first half of 915. The Knight Order even formed special mobile Divine Arrowpanies. Eachpany has two half-track vehicles equipped with Divine Arrowunchers, one Stepunk truck for transporting ammunition, along with a mobile infantry toon and a light anti-aircraft artillery toon.

    "Such apany, along with a prayer warrior, runs around thebat zone for mobile air defense, specializing in killing Stukas."

    Wang Zhong stopped signing and looked up at Popov, "A wholepany with just one prayer warrior?"

    Popov nodded, "Yes, the attrition of prayer warriors is too great and cannot be replenished quickly enough. The church has already conscripted all prayer warriors over the age of fifteen into the military, and any further losses would only mean we have to start using fourteen-year-olds¡ªeven then, it¡¯s a drop in the bucketpared to how few prayer warriors are born each year."

    Wang Zhong sighed, "From what you¡¯re saying, the fact that our Army Group still maintains the same number of prayer warriors as before actually means we¡¯re getting special treatment, huh?"

    Previously, when Wang Zhongmanded a division, there were five prayer warriors in the division.

    Now, as hemanded an Army Group, there were still only a total of five prayer warriors¡ªactually, there had been an increase because Ludm had gone to have children and another prayer warrior was added to take her ce.

    Popov, "The massive defeatst year was too costly. Tukhachev and thete emperor really deserve to die."

    During the great defeat of the previous year, over twenty thousand tanks were lost, thousands of heavy guns, millions of soldiers, and nearly ny percent of Supernatural Users.

    The lost troops could be quickly replenished through conscription, but recing Supernatural Users was extremely difficult because their numbers were naturally low.

    The church moved up the conscription age to fifteen, but it was still a drop in the bucket¡ªSupernatural Users are typically in it for life, with uncle-aged figures like Brother Peter still serving, along with a vast number of elderly magic users.

    So such massive casualties fromst year couldn¡¯t possibly be made up for.

    It only showed that the Prosenians had indeed seized on the weak point of supernatural forces¡ªtheir scarcity.

    In low-intensity, localized conflicts, these prayer warriors and Sound Array Masters can have a significant impact, but in arge-scale, total war, these people are at a loss.

    Because the losses cannot be reced, they are essentially a one-time consumable resource.

    Wang Zhong, "But even with so few prayer warriors, they still pose a significant deterrence to the enemy."

    "Yeah," Popov continued to y chess with himself, but it didn¡¯t seem to interfere with his conversation with Wang Zhong, "Judge also got some interesting news. The Prosen Science Academy seems to have installed radar on nes, preparing to use radar to guide rockets and attack our nes."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth hung open: "Radar-guided rockets?"

    Popov: "Hard to believe, huh?"

    No, joke, I¡¯ve killed over 1000 yers with semi-active radar-guided munitions in War Thunder, okay!

    Wang Zhong: "Can Prosen¡¯s radar technology really mount that stuff on airnes now?"

    "It seems they¡¯re cing it on four-engine heavy bombers, with the rockets in the bomb bay and fired using multipleunchers."

    Wang Zhong frowned tightly: Aerial radar-guided semi-active warhead aircraft? Damn, that¡¯s pretty cool, isn¡¯t it!

    But can the performance of current radars and radar-guided munitions really handle this thing?

    Popov: "It could be made up to bluff their pilots."

    At that moment, the sound of anti-aircraft guns firing came from outside, clearly Brother Peter had heard enemy nes approaching.

    Wang Zhong nced at the sky: "We¡¯ll see if our camouge can fool the Ploson Air Force."

    The copsed two-thirds of the City Council building had been disguised as the Corps Command, with anti-aircraft guns primarily arranged in its vicinity.

    The real Corps Command was still protected by anti-aircraft guns, but few in number and well concealed¡ªthis was the backup.

    Together with the backup was a praying hand and a Divine Arrowuncher.

    The other four praying hands were protecting the fakemand center, the fake logistics center, the real logistics center, and the artillery positions.

    Popov: "I think it¡¯ll be fine. The Ploson Air Force is pretty easy to dupe¡ªthis is my feeling; the Army can sometimes be quite cunning."

    Wang Zhong thought so too.

    He switched perspectives, sure enough, he saw the flight path of 24 bombers heading straight for the fake Army Groupmand, obviously intending to bomb themand center.

    Of course, this flight path also passed the fake logistics center, and they would probably drop some bombs there as well.

    But the real logistics center and the warehouse where Wang Zhong was, weren¡¯t on the enemy¡¯s flight path.

    It seemed the deception was highly sessful.

    Wang Zhong switched back to the naked eye perspective and continued endorsing documents.

    Pavlov said: "Is the enemy really not nning on attacking today?"

    Wang Zhong: "Definitely. The Prosen Infantry Troops will only make limited attacks in secondary directions at most. Attacks are the business of the Armored Division and armored grenadiers."

    Popov: "I heard it¡¯s because the emperor favors those technical units since their Junker officer corps influence is lower. You can tell by the direction of Prosen propaganda after the Mnia and Carolingian campaigns; the aplishments of the infantry divisions are basically overlooked."

    Wang Zhong: "I heard they also highlighted a young non-Junker general, Erwin, in their propaganda."

    "Yeah, his father was an engineer, and he himself was nning to be one."

    Engineer!

    You can tell right away this person has the makings of a tough candidate for Tongliao.

    At that moment, the sound of bombs exploding reached them from outside; Wang Zhong switched views and saw the bombsnding near the fakemand center.

    Probably due to the anti-aircraft gun positions driving them off, the enemy nes dropped their bombs from a high altitude, so most missed the City Council building that was copsed by two-thirds.

    Wang Zhong had just switched back when the phone rang.

    Pavlov picked up: "Corps Command. How many enemy nes? Understood."

    He hung up and reported to Wang Zhong: "Brother Peter heard enemy nes again, four-engine, but just one. He spectes it¡¯s the enemy¡¯s new modified high-altitude reconnaissance ne."

    Wang Zhong nodded. Suddenly he remembered something and asked, "Are our artillery positions well concealed?"

    "Not exactly, the artillery just arrived yesterday afternoon. Like the enemy, they had no time to set up well-camouged artillery positions."

    Wang Zhong: "Then won¡¯t the enemy reconnaissance spot everything?"

    Pavlov: "Don¡¯t worry, although we didn¡¯t have time to properly hide the real artillery positions, we brought wood, and fake artillery positions have been set up.

    "Without low-altitude reconnaissance, the enemy can¡¯t see through it, they can only guess."

    Wang Zhong felt relieved.

    Vasily said: "Could the Prussians suddenly get smart and use fake artillery positions to deceive our reconnaissance?"

    Pavlov shook his head: "Even if they thought of it, there are no trees nearby to chop down. We brought wood from Yarvik to make fake targets. After all, the fake artillery positions performed well in previous battles."

    The moment his words fell, the rumble of enemy nes drifted in again through the warehouse¡¯s venttion window.

    Wang Zhong switched views and saw a four-engine heavy bomber flying in from the west.

    But such a heavy bomber wouldn¡¯t perform solo bombing missions, it could only be the new modified high-altitude reconnaissance ne.

    Brother Peter¡¯s judgment wasn¡¯t wrong.

    At this point, Popov said: "So, are we going to spend today amidst constant air raids and bombardments?"

    Wang Zhong: "You¡¯ll get used to it. Of course, you could also help me sign some documents."

    Popov gave a faint smile: "No, I¡¯m the Military Bishop, that¡¯s not within my authority."

 Chapter 446: Beware of Aerial Attacks

    While the First Mobile Group Army was idling about, the situation was much the same for the Tenth Prussian Army Group.

    "They still haven¡¯t attacked," General Boke said, arms crossed, looking at the map, "So now we are just standing around here, wasting time?"

    No sooner had he finished speaking than a mosquitonded on the general¡¯s face.

    Enraged, he pped at his own face, only for the mosquito to take flight and avoid the blow, buzzing around his ear as if to mock him.@@novelbin@@

    General Boke: "Damn it! Rocossov is in the city, living in houses, while we can only sleep in tents andmand vehicles, dealing with swarms of mosquitoes every day!"

    Chief of Staff: "The Science Academy has issued special mosquito-repelling gear..."

    "That gear is a nightmare to use! Don¡¯t they know that?" General Boke continued, agitated, swinging his arms to hit the fluttering mosquitoes, inevitably failing of course.

    At that moment, the general¡¯s aide suggested, "We could burn something that produces a lot of smoke to drive the mosquitoes away. That¡¯s what we do back home."

    General Boke nced at the maps and paper documents stacked inside the headquarters and shook his head: "Forget it. If we end up setting fire to the headquarters just to repel mosquitoes, I¡¯ll be theughing stock of the entire army."The Chief of Staff offered an idea: "We could use strong-smelling perfumes that make mosquitoes reluctant to approach."

    In fact, using perfume to repel mosquitoes works by masking human scents, simr to using camouge to hide one¡¯s shape.

    The same principle applies to fumigating with smoke, but at that time, people¡¯s understanding of mosquitoes was not so sophisticated; they thought the fragrance "dispersed" the mosquitoes.

    General Boke asked the Chief of Staff, "Do you have any strong-smelling perfume?"

    "I have cologne."

    General Boke immediately reached out: "Here, give me some."

    The Chief of Staff promptly took out the cologne and passed it to General Boke.

    The general, without hesitation, unscrewed the cap and poured it liberally over himself.

    The Chief of Staff, wanting to say something but holding back, simply watched the general¡¯s antics.

    After dousing himself with cologne, General Boke looked around and listened intently for a while, then said, "It seems like there really isn¡¯t any buzzing from mosquitoes."

    No sooner had he spoken than the cry of some insect echoed from a corner of the headquarters, as if mocking General Boke.

    "Damn it," he cursed.

    Chief of Staff: "Because of the mosquito problem, since we entered the grasnds, the number of soldiers falling ill has been increasing daily. We¡¯ve ordered the soldiers to wear long sleeves to avoid mosquito bites, but still, many have contracted mria."

    General Boke: "Get the soldiers some quinine."

    "Because the number of sick has exceeded our expectations, we¡¯ve run out of quinine. Since replenishments prioritize ammunition, food, and penicillin, all levels of medical facilities are currently short of quinine."

    General Boke sighed: "Then we can only wait until we retake Yeisk¡ªno, break through the Suhaya Weili River andplete the first phase of the Blue n before stopping for a thorough rest."

    Saying this, he picked up a clipboard, removed the documents clipped on it, tossed them onto the desk, and used the clipboard to fan himself and shoo the mosquitoes while he stepped up to the map.

    "What do you think, could Rocossov really be hoping for mosquitoes and diseases to defeat us?"

    "That¡¯s unlikely," replied the aide. "I¡¯d say Rocossov is waiting for his own supplies toe through. The grasnds are harsh for us, but no less so for the Ante People. At most, they have local support which helps them be more familiar with the grasnd conditions."

    General Boke: "You¡¯re saying Rocossov is waiting for supplies..."

    At that moment, the roar of engines came from outside.

    Themand post of the Tenth Army Group was too rudimentary to have any soundproofing, so the sound of engines in the sky was distinctly audible.

    General Boke rushed to the entrance, pushed aside the curtain, and stepped out, looking up at the sky.

    Indeed, there was a very small dot in the sky, indistinguishable as either Ant Air Force or Prussian Air Force.

    General Boke stated confidently, "That¡¯s enemy aerial reconnaissance. Damn it, our Air Force has to interpret the reconnaissance results themselves before handing them over to us! By the time we get them, the information in the photos is already outdated."

    The Chief of Staff then turned to his subordinates to confirm, "Are the artillery units positioned directly opposite Rocossov well concealed?"

    A staffer reported, "They began constructing attack positions yesterday. ording to standard operation timeframes, they should be finished by tomorrow. Don¡¯t worry, General. The grasnds are so vast, and withoutndmarks for reference, aerial reconnaissance photos will hardly pinpoint our artillery positions."

    General Boke nodded, well aware of these military fundamentals himself, not requiring a reminder from his staff.

    This was the limitation of the Air Force of the era, a situation that gradually eased with the implementation and improvement of onboard electronic equipment, until positioning systems like GPS and Beidou were introduced, which ultimately solved the problem of aircraft not knowing their exact locations.

    But at the moment, aerial reconnaissance photos could only be deciphered with the help ofndmarks and other surface features.

    In short, expecting to find and direct artillery to destroy enemy guns solely based on aerial reconnaissance was practically wishful thinking.

    So even if the artillery positions weren¡¯t well camouged, it wasn¡¯t a matter of much concern¡ª

    Probably.

    Ant Air Force, Fourth Combat Bombing Squadron.

    Originally this was the Fourth Assault Squadron, but after re-equipping with the Federation¡¯s P47, the squadron also gained some airbat capability, so it was renamed the Combat Bombing Squadron.

    All P47s were categorized asbat bombers, because after dropping their bombs and returning to high altitude, they could still take on the Prussian BF109s in arm-wrestling matches.

    The former leader of the Fourth Assault Squadron, Dchenko Grigoyevich, was now the leader of the Fourth Combat Bombing Squadron. At this moment, he was under the biggest sunshade, assigning missions to his team members.

    Dchenko said, "Yesterday¡¯s aerial reconnaissance discovered some enemy artillery units, but we don¡¯t know their exact location, and our ground cannons can¡¯t hit them. Now it¡¯s our turn to y a role. The photos you received are all marked with coordinate grids. Our mission today is to plow through every single grid!

    "Make sure to be thorough and find the enemy artillery positions! We can only have such good equipment and break away from the Il-2 thanks to Lieutenant General Rocossov! Now his troops can¡¯t handle the enemy¡¯s heavy artillery, and we must ease his worries!"

    The pilots answered in unison, "We guarantee toplete the mission!"

    Dchenko said, "I paid out of my own pocket to develop so many photos! You must remember how the enemy artillery positions look! Find them, drop the bombs, and then strafe!"

    A pilot said, "These artillery positions are protected by anti-aircraft guns, aren¡¯t they?"

    "They are covered byrge-caliber anti-aircraft guns, which are meant for heavy bombers. As long as we keep changing direction, we can avoid their fire area!" Dchenko waved his hand and dered, "Don¡¯t be afraid! I will personally lead the team and help you dodge the enemy¡¯s artillery fire! Alright, let¡¯s move out!"

    The pilots all clipped the photographs to their map boards and stood up, running toward the aircraft parked not far from the sunshade.

    The ground crew had already hung bombs under the stubby fusge of the P47s.

    The Ant ground crew and pilots had grown very familiar with the P47, realizing that the technical specifications provided by the Federation were conservative. In reality, the P47 could still fly even with twenty percent more bombs than the standard load.

    Generally, pilots would hang fewer bombs to ensure the maneuverability of the aircraft, but the pilots of the Fourth Assault Squadron, having gotten used to the clumsy Il-2, found that an overloaded P47 was still very agile and unanimously chose to overload.

    If someone couldn¡¯t take off due to overloading, they would be theughingstock of the entire flight squadron.

    The pilots ran towards their own "bomb trucks."

    Dchenko also arrived at his own ne, took off hisrge cap, and ced it on the crew chief¡¯s head. He then took the flying helmet and goggles from the crew chief¡¯s hands, put them on, jumped onto the aircraft¡¯s left wing, and then climbed into the cockpit.

    The crew chief, wearing hisrge cap, poked his head into the cockpit and said loudly, "All is well! Enough to st the Prussians into the sky!"

    "Thank you, old pal," Dchenko patted the crew chief¡¯s shoulder, gripped the control stick, gave it gas, and the ne slowly began to slide on the grass.

    The makeshift airfield where the Fourth Combat Bombing Squadron was stationed was essentially a t expanse of grasnd, with only the rudimentary windsock tower made of wood proving that it was an airfield.

    Dchenko nced at the windsock on the tower, confirming the wind direction and force¡ªsince the airfield conditions were too poor, there was no control tower to tell him this information, so he had to check for himself.

    After getting ready, Dchenko gave the throttle full gas, and the ne suddenly elerated.

    Due to the overload, the ne picked up speed very slowly, and it was only with difficulty that it reached takeoff velocity as it neared the end of the runway.

    Dchenko gently pulled on the control stick, helping the aircraft lightly glide into the air.

    "So heavy," he said, "enough to give those Prussian bastards a hard time."

    Prussian 190th Infantry Division artillery position.

    The head of the engineer battalion ran to the artillery battalionmander and saluted, "Report, sir, the ground underneath is full of moleholes, which is why your cannons keep sinking suddenly during firing."

    The artillery barrage this morning had suddenly stopped because the ground suddenly copsed during the bombardment, affecting three 105mm howitzers and two 150mm howitzers, making it impossible to guarantee shooting uracy.

    To avoid more cannons being sucked into the sinkhole, the artillery battalionmander ordered a halt to the shooting.

    Because of this, the divisionmander had thrown quite a tantrum.

    But the artillery battalionmander stood his ground and even got the divisionmander to agree to cease fire and sent the engineer troops to reinforce the position.

    The head of the engineer battalion continued to report, "Given the current situation, we can¡¯t continue to shoot from here; we need to move the position."

    Artillery battalionmander: "Then where are there no moles?"

    "Don¡¯t know," said the head of the engineer battalion.

    The artillery battalionmander was about to speak when someone at the adjacent anti-aircraft gun position shouted, "Beware of enemy air raids!"

    The artillery battalionmander looked up and saw something sparkling in the distant sky approaching fast!

    "Damn it! Take cover!" he shouted loudly.

    At the same time, the anti-aircraft guns opened fire, and the 88mm guns roared at the sky.

 Chapter 447: The Hero of Land Warfare

    Originally, Drachenko¡¯s squadron hadn¡¯t noticed the artillery positions on the ground.

    Yes, they had been given photographs before takeoff, and everyone had looked at them many times, but these photos were taken from above, and the squadron was preupied with looking directly downward, so theypletely missed that the target was right ahead.

    As a result, the moment the ground forces opened fire, a pilot immediately noticed: "There¡¯s something firing from the ground ahead!"

    Drachenko quickly adjusted his wings, tilting the aircraft to the side, then looked toward the front and below. Sure enough, he saw the smoke from the firing. He judged by experience that it was anti-aircraft artillery.

    "Anti-aircraft guns are firing, follow my maneuvers!"

    He gently pulled the joystick, starting a left bank turn, and at the same time, he stepped on the rudder to correct for the shift caused by the ne¡¯s circling.

    The other nes of the Fourth Fighter-Bomber Squadron hurriedly followed Drachenko¡¯s maneuvers, and the formation shifted like a flock of geese in the sky.

    Secondster, the anti-aircraft shells flew up, detonated by timed fuses, exploding into clusters of ck smoke in the air.

    However, the area where the shells exploded was far from where the squadron now was."The enemy will be adjusting their aim, follow my maneuvers. Full throttle, maintain speed."

    Making such maneuvers would definitely reduce speed, which was the case for most nes of the era, so pushing the throttle to maximum was to lose as little speed as possible, preserving the ne¡¯s energy.

    After issuing the order, the deputy squadron leader called out, "We¡¯re all over-loaded, and the engines alone can¡¯t recover the lost energy. We¡¯re almost over the enemy now, dodge another barrage and then dive!"

    Drachenko estimated the distance and agreed, "Good! Dodge another salvo of anti-aircraft fire, then dive."

    Having said that, he again juggled the joystick and pressed the rudder. While maneuvering, he nced at the instrument panel.

    The speedometer was nearing the danger zone, but since the ne was at a high altitude, the actual speed would be greater than what the gauge showed, so it should be fine.

    But another maneuver would not work; the ne was carrying too many bombs, and this severely affected its flight performance.

    However, Drachenko consoled himself that this was already much better than an Il-2. If he were flying an Il-2, he would have had to force his way through the enemy¡¯s anti-aircraft fire, relying on armor to withstand it.

    "Drachenko!" his wingman called, "It¡¯s about time to recover our position!"

    Drachenko realized he had be distracted and quickly pulled the joystick: "Keep up with me, up!"

    His ne rolled in response, entering a dive, and during the dive, it gradually shifted from a nose-down position to level out.

    The sh of the ground anti-aircraft fire indicated the target, and Drachenko aimed at the anti-aircraft position, soon spotting the artillery positions next to it that had not been camouged in time.

    "Artillery positions! The enemy has no small-caliber anti-aircraft guns, lower the bombing altitude!"

    By then, the enemy¡¯srge-caliber anti-aircraft guns fired again, but because there was no time to adjust the timing fuses, all the shells exploded far behind the diving squadron, high in the air.

    Drachenko even saw Prosen soldiers hastily adjusting the shell fuses, endlessly twisting something like a clockwork mechanism on the shells.

    How he wanted to bomb those anti-aircraft positions!

    With this thought, Drachenko pressed the rudder, causing the ne to drift to the side, the machine gun aiming device pointing directly at the enemy¡¯s anti-aircraft position.

    It was an experience gleaned from many bombing runs; using the machine gun sight to assist targeting meant that by aiming just a bit higher, the hit rate was trustworthy.

    This time, Drachenko¡¯s target was the ammunition truck next to the enemy¡¯s gun position, and from his experience, it should explode right on target.

    However, the timing of the dive was tight and the angle of the dive was probably not as steep as before, which meant greater error. He hoped the explosive power wouldpensate for that.

    Feeling the altitude was about right, Drachenko dropped the bombs and then pulled up the ne.

    The violent motion of pulling up sent the blood rushing to his feet, darkening his entire field of view and dimming even the sky.

    Drachenko, relying on his experience, let the joystick return to position.

    As his vision recovered, he checked the altimeter and confirmed that the ne had already reached an altitude of two thousand meters and was still climbing, while the speed indicator plummeted rapidly.

    He adjusted the propeller pitch and called out over the radio, "Did anyone fail to pull up?"

    At that moment, the explosion on the ground illuminated the rearview mirror of Drachenko¡¯s cockpit.

    He couldn¡¯t help but turn to look at the ground situation, but the rear view of the P47 was not good.

    Someone shouted over the radio, "Commander, we made a big hit! Someone must¡¯ve ignited the enemy¡¯s ammunition!"

    Then, the light from the second explosion illuminated the rearview mirror.

    Drachenko banked the ne to the left, turning the climb into a left-hand spiral to gain a view of below.

    The ground had turned into a sea of fire, with Prussians fleeing in all directions.

    Suddenly, Drachenko spotted a truck escaping from the st, clearly also loaded with ammunition, as the driver struggled to avoid the impact.

    "Everyone, destruction of the enemy is not yet sufficient, break formation, free strafing of those fleeing trucks! This is the Fourth Combat Red Bomber Squadron, does anyone hear my call? Yak-Yak, we are strafing enemy vehicles, we need Yak cover!"

    As he called, Drachenko once again put the ne into a dive, aiming for that fleeing ammunition truck.

    He lined up the truck in the sights and pressed the fire button.

    The eight heavy machine guns unleashed a fierce barrage, quickly catching up with the truck. The ammunition belt supplied by the Federation included armor-piercing shells and incendiary bombs, which immediately set the truck aze.

    The driver, sensing trouble, pushed open the door and bailed out, and then the burning truck surged forward until it finally exploded into a fireball.

    Dchenko was satisfied as he pulled up the ne.

    At that moment, a garbled response came through the static on the radio: "Where are you guys..."

    Dchenko: "Just head towards the biggest fire on the ground, Davarish!"

    He regained some altitude, then flew level to build up speed, while also turning his head to observe the ground.

    The fighters from the 4th Combat Bomber Group were strafing everywhere, and their eight machine guns were extraordinarily effective against soft targets like trucks and infantry.

    Even half-track vehicles with a bit of armor couldn¡¯t withstand the firing of the 12.7mm machine guns.

    Over the radio, a pilot from the 4th Group shouted: "Now we are heroes of groundbat too!"

    While Dchenko and his wingman continued a shallow climb to gain altitude and speed because he felt that, given the Prussian¡¯s level of coordination, the Ploson Air Force would show up soon.

    In a low-altitude, low-speed situation, a P47 couldn¡¯t beat a BF109.

    If the 109s really dide, he could only rely on himself and his wingman to drive them away.

    Suddenly, Dchenko saw a reflection on the cockpit canopy.

    It was eight 109s!

    "Everyone! 109s are here! Prepare for defensive maneuvers!"

    As he spoke, Dchenko once again went into a dive, charging at the 109s.

    The 109s, focusing entirely on the low-flying P47s, had not noticed the high-altitude attack.

    In the blink of an eye, two 109s were turned into fireballs, and the rest scattered in retreat.

    "Pull up, pull up! Just disrupt the enemy¡¯s first wave of attacks!" Dchenko, while pulling up himself, shouted to his wingman, "Don¡¯t follow the enemy¡¯s maneuvers, don¡¯t follow! Pull up and disengage! We¡¯ve already yed our part in protecting our allies!"

    "Leave the rest to us!" Along with the shout over the radio, a Yak-1 streaked past the climbing P47s on their right.

    The liquid-cooled engines of the Yak were on afterburner, and each exhaust stack was spitting sparks.

    In the blink of an eye, Dchenko saw a row of red stars painted next to the cockpit of the Yak.

    The two climbing P47s simply passed through the group of Yaks charging towards the enemy.

    Dchenko pressed the radio microphone and shouted: "The Yaks are here, watch out, the Yaks are here! They are all cigar-shaped liquid-cooled nes, do not fire on them by mistake, do not fire on them by mistake! Enemy nes have yellow nose cones, enemy nes have yellow nose cones! Our targets are still the soft targets on the ground, our targets are still the soft targets on the ground!"@@novelbin@@

    "Understood!" Someone shouted over the radio, "Our goal is to be heroes of groundbat!"

    Lieutenant Colonel Hank, themander of the Prosen artillery battalion,y on the ground, watching the battle unfolding in the skies above.

    There were clearly more enemy nes than the Prosen Air Force.

    Warnes with slender fusges, simr to the 109s, were entangling with them, while those "fat" nes, resembling flying milk bottles, were "licking the ground."

    Apparently, the enemy¡¯s fighters were called Yaks and had weaker firepower, not suitable for ground attacks. But the "fatties" had numerous machine guns, and when they opened fire, it was as if two swords of light sprang from their wings, cutting across the ground, leaving death or injury in their wake.

    The ground had be a sea of fire, with vehicles and half-tracks getting hit everywhere.

    Luckily, it had rained lightly that morning, and the grass was damp; otherwise, arge grasnd fire would have been hard to handle.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hanky t on the ground, not daring to move for fear of bing a target for the enemy nes. He had no confidence in surviving such intense strafing.

    "What?" the staff officer at the headquarters of the 10th Army Group asked loudly, "Speak up! What got bombed? Artillery positions? What¡¯s the Air Force doing?"

    General Boke snatched the phone: "Where¡¯s the attack?"

    The person on the phone responded, "Our division¡ªthe 190th Division¡¯s artillery positions, we¡¯ve now lost almost all of our shells, and half of our guns."

    General Boke: "You¡¯ll get resupplied. How about the anti-aircraft positions?"

    "The anti-aircraft artillery can¡¯t deal with the enemy¡¯s new bombers; we set up the anti-aircraft guns ording to standards for dealing with the enemy¡¯s twin-engine tactical bombers. The small-caliber guns are protecting the front-line troops against Il-2s. But we haven¡¯t seen any Il-2s, just new dive-bombers."

    "Understood." Boke hung up the phone, but immediately picked it up again, "Connect me to the Air Force. Is that General Kylet? The Ant Air Force just bombed my artillery positions, I demand that you immediately bomb the Ante People¡¯s artillery positions!"

    General Kylet: "We¡¯ve already bombed the Ante People¡¯s artillery positions, and by the way, bombed Rocossov¡¯s headquarters. Air reconnaissance indicated the bombing was very effective; Rocossov might already be dead!"

    "To hell with that! If Rocossov could be killed that easily, he wouldn¡¯t still be around! I want you to bomb the enemy¡¯s artillery positions again!"

    "Alright, alright, I¡¯ll make the arrangements. However, ever since Rocossov arrived at the front, the enemy¡¯s Air Force strength has significantly increased, and some elite air units have been deployed here¡­"

    "What are you trying to say?" Boke demanded, "Are you already making excuses for your ipetence?"

    "Of course not, I¡¯m just informing you of the situation. We¡¯ll arrange to bomb the enemy¡¯s artillery positions right away."

 Chapter 448: "Courtesy calls for reciprocity

    First Mobile Group Army, decoy artillery positions.

    As the bombs fell, a Stuka dive-bomber of the Prussians, trailing thick smoke, smashed into the ground.

    The second Divine Arrow also took to the sky, making a turn in the air and chasing after the low-flying enemy aircraft.

    The Stuka, with the Divine Arrow on its tail, had its gunner desperately firing at the approaching missile. Sadly, the machine gun¡¯s fire density was no match for close defense weapons, and manual aiming couldn¡¯tpete with radar and photoelectric targeting of future generations.@@novelbin@@

    Thus, the Divine Arrow caught up with the Stuka, turning it into an orange glow.

    The Stuka burst into mes, its wings aze as it plunged toward the ground.

    The third Divine Arrowunched, pursuing the enemy that had already disappeared over the horizon.

    On theunch site, the Guardian Army soldiers were already moving theunchers and other equipment, but the prayer warrior continued to kneel on the cushion, maintaining the posture of prayer.

    "Katyusha, we need to move now."Katyusha was Ekaterina¡¯s nickname. Having fought together for so long, the Guardian Army had be quite familiar with the prayer warriors, hence the use of the nickname.

    Moreover, since Katyusha was very petite, everyone looked after her like a little sister.

    The girl didn¡¯t respond, continuing to pray, clearly hoping that the Divine Arrow justunched would hit its target.

    Yeca Neiko, a deputy knight, nced at his watch and patted Katyusha on the shoulder, "Alright, the rocket is now beyond its thrust phase, it won¡¯t catch up to an enemy aircraft flying so close to the ground even if it hasn¡¯t hit."

    Only then did Katyusha take a deep breath and open her eyes, "How many did we shoot down?"

    Unlike other prayer warriors, she didn¡¯t need to keep watching the target once the rocket wasunched, so she would close her eyes while praying, which made her look more devout.

    "Two," Yeca Neiko held up two fingers. "As for thest one, we can ask the infantry if they have found any remnants of the Divine Arrow that crashed. If the wreckage isn¡¯t near an enemy ne, it probably didn¡¯t hit. Okay, let¡¯s move out."

    Saying this, Yeca Neiko reached out and pulled Katyusha up, heading towards the truck that was standing by.

    Katyusha followed him, saying as they walked, "That makes sixteen enemy aircraft I¡¯ve shot down, I should get the Venus award, right?"

    "You should have one. You¡¯re our most sessful prayer warrior now, by rights you should get the Venus. I¡¯ll write a report for the higher-ups," Yeca Neiko answered.

    Katyusha: "With the Venus, it should be the Army Group Commander who presents the medal to me, right?"

    "It should be. Why, do you have a little crush on Rocossov?"

    "No," Katyusha immediately responded, then added after a few seconds, "But everyone expects the person bestowing their Venus to be somewhat impressive, right? When the war is over and I be a granny, I can tell my grandchildren, ¡¯The person who awarded Grandma her medal was that Rocossov.¡¯"

    Yeca Neiko burst intoughter, "Back when he led us to break out from Ronied, we thought, ¡¯This is it, we¡¯ve got a lousymander.¡¯ I even argued with him because he wouldn¡¯t let us set the Divine Arrow on the top of the bell tower."

    Katyusha eximed, "Really?"

    "Really. Turns out the enemy¡¯s first strike took down the bell tower; if the general hadn¡¯t ordered us to change positions, his wife and I would have died there."

    "I see."

    Yeca Neiko climbed onto the truck first, then reached out a hand to Katyusha.

    Katyusha didn¡¯t hesitate, grabbing his hand to pull herself up onto the truck¡ªshe would have had to mber up the wheels on her own.

    Sitting down in the back of the truck, Katyusha asked with concern, "So the general saved your life?"

    "Kind of. Butter, the fighting was intense. I was prepared toy down my life for my country. The enemy tanks and infantry got within twenty meters of us, and we had no angle tounch the Divine Arrows.

    "The general himselfmanded a tank to sneak up behind the enemy and rescued us."

    For some reason, Katyusha looked dreamily at him, "I see!"

    Just then, a Guardian Army private sitting opposite Katyusha said, "Thanks to the general, using Divine Arrows for air defense has drastically reduced the death rate of prayer warriors. Otherwise, we would still be on the front lines now, facing enemy tank assaults at any moment."

    Yeca Neiko: "Luckily that¡¯s not the case. Otherwise, the prayer warriors and Divine Arrows would soon have be historical terms, who knows how long it would be before we could gather enough prayer warriors to form a Divine Arrow battalion again."

    "There isn¡¯t even a Divine Arrow battalion now," added the Guardian Army soldier. "Look at us, only five prayer warriors left in the whole Army Group."

    Katyusha looked up at the blue sky and sighed, "Saint Andrew once said, the more advanced the productive forces, the greater the scale of war, the less use there is for us. Now it¡¯se true."

    Yeca Neiko said solemnly, "Glory to Saint Andrew, Amen."

    The others murmured in unison, "Amen."

    "The enemy has bombed our decoy artillery positions," Pavlov put down the report in his hand and looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: "General! Let¡¯s see you run now!"

    "You¡¯re too focused on the offense," Popov said with a smile, moving his castle and effortlessly neutralizing Wang Zhong¡¯s aggressive move. Then he warned, "You¡¯re about to be in checkmate."

    Wang Zhong quickly turned to his king and after a long silence, he let out an elongated "Oh," and thenined, "This piece always manages to move diagonally, and a pawn can transform when it reaches the back rank¡ªit¡¯s tooplicated. I mean, I can understand promoting to a rook, knight, or bishop, but bing a queen? What¡¯s the point? Is it cross-dressing?"

    Popov burst intoughter.

    Wang Zhong: "What¡¯s so funny? Am I wrong? If a pawn turns into a queen, can it give birth to a prince? That¡¯s illogical!"

    Vasily with his arms crossed: "General, your chess skills are really bad."

    Nonsense, I¡¯ve never yed chess in my life!

    How about we switch to Chinese chess, and we can try it across the Chu River and Han boundary?

    Just then, Pavlov raised his voice, "The enemy has bombed our fake artillery positions!"

    Wang Zhong: "I know, find another ce and set up another fake position. Also, camouge the real artillery positions quickly. Come on, let¡¯s start over. I feel like I¡¯ve already got the hang of chess."

    Pavlov: "Can¡¯t you stop ying chess?"

    Wang Zhong: "Isn¡¯t this a show of confidence in your abilities? How about this, I¡¯ll go to the front line and drive a little tank, how¡¯s that?"

    "Have you ever thought about doing what amanding officer should be doing?"

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯ve finished reviewing the documents! And there was a huge stack of them!"

    "What¡¯s with you, a high-rankingmanding officer, shirking your duties and still having the nerve to justify it?"

    Wang Zhong sighed: "The enemy is idle, neither making a frontal assault norunching a pincer movement.

    "I guess their supply lines must also be bogged down by the steppe. After all, it¡¯s nearly two hundred kilometers from their logistics center here, and many supply vehicles have gotten stuck in the grasnds. Throw in a bombing from our PE-2 nes, and they¡¯re done for."

    While resetting the chess pieces, Popov said, "The Prussians probably mistook the vast grasnds of Nan¡¯ant for the ck earth of Kazarlia. They didn¡¯t consider why Kazarlia has viges scattered everywhere, while this ce is so sparsely popted."

    Wang Zhong: "When I first came here, I had no idea about the situation here either. And what happened? The phone lines were constantly being chewed by field mice, there were hazardous terrains impassable to tanks, and grass so tall it could entangle a truck¡¯s wheels¡ªquite a situation.

    "No wonder Xia Boyang took so long to suppress bandits on the steppe back then and still ended up getting his headquarters attacked. If you¡¯re not familiar with the terrain here, you¡¯re prone to ambushes."

    Vasily: "And we are about to ambush the enemy!"

    Wang Zhong: "Not quite urate, we¡¯re aiming to ambush the enemy¡¯s supply lines. A saber can¡¯t chop through a tank."

    "But we are equipped with anti-tank incendiary bombs," a voice called out from the entrance of the headquarters.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and saw two officers wearing cavalry breeches entering¡ªthey were part of the new cavalry uniform, where, to save resources, the upper half was just like the regr soldiers¡¯ uniforms, and only the breeches remained, so they could only be recognized as cavalry by their trousers.

    As a faithful Chief of Staff, Pavlov took the initiative to step forward and inquire, "Who might you be?"

    "I¡¯m Gorokhov, the regimentalmander of the 1st Cavalry Regiment, 33rd Cavalry Division of the 20th Cavalry Army, leading the vanguard cavalry unit here!" said the two officers, saluting Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong stood up, straightened his clothes, and returned the salute, "Good to see you. Perfect timing, we¡¯ve just summarized the situation gathered from the herdsmen on the map."

    Pavlov gave Wang Zhong a sidelong nce.

    His expression was reasonable¡ªafter all, Wang Zhong made it sound as though the gathering of this information had something to do with him as themander, when in fact, it had nothing to do with him and was all thanks to the efforts of the mapping staff.

    Ignoring Pavlov¡¯s look, Wang Zhong enthusiastically introduced to the cavalry officers, "Look at the map. If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand, ask the old herdsman right away. He is a former Tsarist Guard officer with very high military literacy."

    Gorokhov said, "We also have herdsman-born soldiers in our unit. They went off to find their kin en route here, and they should bring back many who are familiar with the terrain."

    Wang Zhong asked with concern, "Can you get them to join us? That old herdsman is quite a hardliner."

    "I sent my military chain with them, so that should help. ording to our soldiers, many of the herdsmen are already from the Secr faction."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Good. We also had the old herdsman write a letter to their elders. Once the main forces of your cavalry arrive, there should be enough guides. But be careful to protect the civilians. Don¡¯t let the guides get hurt. Sacrifice yourself if necessary to ensure their safety."

    Gorokhov stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds, then said, "You really are as the rumors say."

    Wang Zhong: "What do the rumors say?"

    "They say you would evacuate civilians even during a breakout, and that you prioritize moving women and children to safety when defending a ce."

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯m just repaying the kindness of the people who saved me many times. It¡¯s nothing to mention and shouldn¡¯t be brought up again in the future."

    "Yes," Gorokhov saluted.

    Wang Zhong: "By the way, are you familiar with Kiriyenko?"

    "He¡¯s good friends with our divisionmander," Gorokhov replied.

    "I see," Wang Zhong nodded. "Get familiar with the terrain quickly. Your task tomorrow is crucial. Whether we can break the enemy¡¯s pincer movement depends on how well you ride on the steppe!"

 Chapter 450: Cavalry Charge

    Actually, by 8 a.m. on the 17th, cavalry armies in name from both divisions had arrived.

    More than 400 herders had also rushed over.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong nned to gather representatives of the herders and officers of the cavalry army at and above thepany level to discuss issues pertaining tobat operations.

    He initially wanted to convene the meeting after the enemy¡¯s morning barrage, but when it was eight o¡¯clock, the enemy had not yet started shelling.

    Waiting indefinitely was not an option, so Wang Zhong simply moved the gathering site to the grasnds outside the city. In case of artillery fire or an enemy air raid, they would scatter and hide in the grass.

    So at 8:30 that day,manders from the cavalry armies (in name only) of both divisions, as well as representatives of the herders, gathered on the grasnds outside the city.

    Wang Zhong used a jeep as a podium and climbed onto it.

    "Gentlemen!" he began, "this time I¡¯m entrusting the offensive task to the cavalry, to you! It is said that cavalry has been eliminated, but I believe that there is no obsolete branch of the military, as long as there are suitable battlefield conditions, the cavalry can y a tremendous role!"

    In actuality, the Sovietster realized that in certain areas cavalry could be extremely effective. So, they reformed their cavalry armies and extensively employed cavalry during their counteroffensive in the south.At that time, the Sturmtiger¡¯s armored forces had suffered such losses after the battle of Kursk that some divisions had fewer than ten tanks ready forbat.

    With tanks in such a state, there were huge losses in other technical equipment too, so many Sturmtiger infantry and mountain troops had to retreat on foot, then they were pursued and attacked by the cavalry.

    It could be said that it was truly thest great moment for the cavalry troops.

    Later, cavalry was also used to cross the Carpathian Mountains, but there it did not fare well, as crossing the Carpathians meant entering the densely popted Eastern European ins, and the Sturmtigers had received recements for their technical equipment. Consequently, the Soviet cavalry suffered heavy losses.

    This also indirectly showed that cavalry was indeed very limited and could only y a major role under special conditions.

    And Wang Zhong, of course, had absorbed all the Soviet experiences and lessons; he would never employ cavalry in densely popted areas.

    But now, this vast grasnd was perfect for horse riding!

    In the game "Hearts of Iron" series, there is a tactic called "cavalry raiding," which means using the high mobility and low logistics dependence of cavalry units to run around the map with a skeleton force of a few cavalry units, leading enemy regr units on a merry chase, and ultimately capturing enough victory points to win.

    Originally, this tactic was just an exploitation of the game mechanics and AI stupidity, but now Wang Zhong suddenly found the term quite suitable to describe the battle about to take ce.

    Wang Zhong nced at the cavalry officers present again and decided to offer some ttering praise, "In the era of flintlock guns, cavalry was the branch of the military most in need of independent action!"

    Actually, that was true. During the era of line infantry and flintlock guns, cavalry required courage, independent spirit¡ªor in other words, ruthlessness or even a bandit-like attitude. That¡¯s why cavalry units often allowed their soldiers to drink and plunder to maintain that spirit.

    Wang Zhong continued, "Duringbat with the Conqueror, the Cossacks often broke away from the general¡¯smand to maneuver and charge at the enemy¡¯s supply trains at their own discretion.

    "I now require you to revive this tradition! You will set out this very day, pass through enemy lines by night, and loot the enemy¡¯s supply trains at will!

    "My demands are simple, bypass the enemy¡¯s armored forces and any other units that offer strong resistance andbat capability; only prey on the enemy transport troops!

    "You are topletely break down the enemy¡¯s logistics!"

    At that point, someone among the cavalry officers shouted, "We have incendiary bombs to deal with enemy tanks!"

    "I know you can handle them," Wang Zhong paused, "I know you have enough courage and skill to destroy the enemy¡¯s tanks, but that¡¯s not your mission this time. We have numerous ways to handle enemy tanks, but only you can destroy the enemy¡¯s supply lines!"

    Then Wang Zhong pointed to the herders waiting nearby, "I require you to pack your saddles with dry food and operate for about a week behind enemy lines without resupply! When the enemy logistics copse after a week, we willunch a counterattack andpletely annihte them!

    "During this week, in addition to asional support from the Air Force, you must fight independently. And these fellow countrymen will be your guides, eachpany will be assigned at least one local guide.

    "They all have rich experience surviving on the grasnds and will help you get through the week."

    After Wang Zhong finished speaking, one of the herder representatives stood up, "During the civil war, I was the aide to Peterly, and after the war ended, I spent five years in abor camp. The past ten years have seen the herders¡¯ lives getting better. To hell with Peterly, I will fight with you!"

    Wang Zhong was surprised to look at this herder, thinking to himself that the church must be quite merciful for you to have survived until now.

    However, this guy had earned a merit this time, and it seemed he might not face future reprisals.

    Wang Zhong took control of the meeting again, "Now let¡¯s assign the guides, Vasily!"

    Vasily, with documents in hand, also climbed onto the jeep. Taking advantage of the rising sun¡¯s light, he read from the list, "Abnachinko, go to the 33rd Division of the 20th Army, First Regiment, First Battalion, First Company¡­"

    Wang Zhong stepped down from the jeep, yielding the stage to Vasily.

    At this moment, themander of the 20th Cavalry Army, Rodionovich, came to Wang Zhong and said, "I never thought the Cavalry Army would be entrusted with such an important task again."

    Wang Zhong replied, "It wasn¡¯t until I came here to inspect the situation myself that I realized cavalry is the most suitable military arm. I initially thought about using jeeps from the Federation, but unfortunately, the conditions here are too harsh and only cavalry will do."

    Rodionovich asked, "You think you¡¯re back in the grasnds of Nan¡¯ant?"

    "Yes, I didn¡¯t expect the difference to be so huge."

    Saying this, Wang Zhong turned to look towards the sun, as the grasnds gently swayed in the sunlight.

    He thought of the Kazarlia steppes; in appearance, they indeed looked remarkably simr.

    Vasily jumped out of the jeep and saluted Wang Zhong, "General, all 400 herders have been allocated."

    Wang Zhong nodded and said to Rodionovich, "Let the soldiers leave after they¡¯ve received their cigarettes and alcohol. The longer we gather here, the greater the possibility of being shelled and bombed by the enemy. Disperse as much as possible and avoid being caught by enemy nes."

    Rodionovich saluted Wang Zhong and then turned to run towards his warhorse.

    Wang Zhong climbed back into the jeep.

    Minutester, the officers from the cavalry camp rode past Wang Zhong on their well-fed horses, heading towards the troops scattered across the prairie.

    As each row passed in front of Wang Zhong, they all saluted him.

    Wang Zhong had always found this Russian salute a bitical, as if they were jabbing their chins towards the sky.

    But now that he had be the person receiving the salutes, he suddenly felt the chin-jabbing gesture was quite imposing.

    Wang Zhong stood on the jeep, watching the officers advance forward.@@novelbin@@

    "Return victorious!" he shouted involuntarily.

    The officers responded with a thunderous "Ura."

    ----

    An hourter, Wang Zhong returned to the warehouse where the Army Group Command was located.

    Popov was still ying chess by himself. Seeing Wang Zhong enter, he spoke, "The sound of ¡¯Ura¡¯ could be heard even here. Thest time someone brought ¡¯Ura¡¯ wherever they went in Ante¡¯snd was Kutuzov."

    Wang Zhong, "I thought it was Peter the Great."

    "That can¡¯t be." Popov shook his head, "There was an Ekaterina in between."

    Pavlov, "Is it appropriate for a Military Bishop to make such jokes?"

    Popov shrugged, "Don¡¯t worry. The ¡¯Ura¡¯ from outside just now is enough to keep many from sleeping well. A few jests from me won¡¯t hurt anyone."

    Wang Zhong turned the conversation back to military matters, "Has anything happened while I was mobilizing the cavalry?"

    "What could happen? The Prussians are very quiet, no shelling, no attacks. Some reconnaissance troops tried to infiltrate, but quickly retreated after exchanging fire with our patrol units."

    Wang Zhong, "They couldn¡¯t really be having supply issues, could they?"

    ----

    "Our logistical efficiency is worse than we estimated yesterday," the Chief of Staff of the Tenth Army Group reported solemnly to General Boke, "because the enemy¡¯s twin-engined bombers raided Shepetovka."

    He turned towards the nearby map, picking up a pointer and indicating the location of the Commander of the Western Front Army, "It must have been the Air Force units of the Western Front Army. The bombing seemed to be guided by ground guerris. It detonated arge amount of ammunition, and the oil fires ignited are still not extinguished."

    General Boke, with pursed lips, was silent for several seconds before asking, "Is that the full report?"

    "Yes."

    General Boke, "So our fuel and ammunition were destroyed by the enemy¡¯s bombers?"

    "Yes, we estimate it will take until the 20th toplete repairs. The good news is, while waiting for fuel and ammunition, we can repair damaged tanks. By the 20th, the number of our operational tanks will increase by ten percent."

    General Boke cursed, "But the enemy¡¯s cavalry will soonunch an attack! Rocossov won¡¯t wait on the prairie, because the longer he waits, the greater the chance of air raids and shelling! His cavalry will sweep across the prairie!"

    Chief of Staff, "Should we break up the armored grenadier division into many parts and defend at critical supply points?"

    "It¡¯s toote," General Boke shook his head, "we¡¯ve spotted so many cavalrymen yesterday, they should start disrupting our supply today. Apetentmander would seize the fleeting opportunity. Do you think Rocossov is an ipetent?"

    "Err..." the Chief of Staff hesitated.

    General Boke answered his question, "No! Clearly not! Otherwise, the generals he¡¯s defeated in our army wouldn¡¯t be worth much, would they? He will take advantage of this gap!"

    General Boke paced back and forth in themand tent as he spoke.

    Chief of Staff, "Maybe we can have the Air Force strafe the cavalry moving on the ground as much as possible?"

    "If the Air Force was any good, we¡¯d havended in the United Kingdom by now."

    General Boke stopped in front of the map, "Now, the only way to reduce casualties is to pull back the supply convoys, retreating to near heavily defended depots."

    "The enemy¡¯s Cavalry Troops also need supplies. They can at most roam in our controlled area for five to eight days. Let¡¯s have our troops stand guard, tighten their belts, and wait for them to exhaust their supplies and retreat on their own!"

    Chief of Staff, "Isn¡¯t this...a bit passive?"

    General Boke stomped his foot, "Then what other methods do you have to deal with these cavalry? This way, by hunkering down and waiting for them to retreat, we can immediately resume supplies! If more of our trucks get burnt by the enemy, then we¡¯re really in trouble! Hunker-down defense is the most suitable response right now!"

    General Boke stared at the map for a few seconds and repeated, "The most suitable!"

 Chapter 451: One with the Void

    Yeisk, First Mobile Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov: "What if the enemy adopts a strategy of hunkering down and noting out? Cavalry have no siege capabilities at all."

    Wang Zhong: "Think about how this situation was dealt with in the era of line infantry."

    When Pavlov stroked his chin and fell into deep thought, Vasily spoke up: "In the era of line infantry, square formations were used to deal with cavalry, which basically had no way to ovee the squares, and a direct charge would not work. The solution was to bring the square formation within the range of the artillery."

    Wang Zhong: "Right, if the enemy shuts themselves in and adopts a turtle formation, our artillery can demonstrate its might. Where our cannon fire can¡¯t reach, the Air Force units can strike."

    Pavlov said: "Actually, we don¡¯t even have to deal with the enemy¡¯s turtle shell, our goal is to dy the enemy, not to annihte them. If the enemy hunkers down and doesn¡¯t move, we¡¯ve achieved our goal."

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers: "You¡¯re right¡ª"

    At this moment, amotion came from the door.

    "What¡¯s going on?" Wang Zhong turned his head and asked.Senior Sergeant Grigori: "I¡¯ll go and take a look."

    Soon Grigori returned, bringing with him the old herdsman who had provided Wang Zhong with map information earlier.

    The herdsman was wearing an old cavalry uniform, a leather hat, and on his chest shone the bright George Cross Medal.

    Upon closer inspection, the old man¡¯s walking stick had been reced with a military saber.

    Vasily took a sharp breath.

    Wang Zhong quickly asked: "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Vasily: "That saber, it must have been bestowed by the Tsar, that model is a royal ceremonial saber."

    Well then, a die-hard royalist.@@novelbin@@

    The old man¡¯s son said to Wang Zhong: "Please persuade my father! He insists on going to the front line!"

    Wang Zhong: "Old man, you¡¯ve already been a great help by providing information on the steppe..."

    "I am eighty-five years and five months old, in very good health! When the Anatolians invaded, I chopped off their heads with a saber!" the old man patted his chest, "I want to defend Ante as I did before, how can you not let me?"

    Wang Zhong: "You¡¯re 85 years old!"

    "Ha!" The old man looked down on Wang Zhong dismissively, "Compared to riding a horse and chopping off heads, General, you might not even match me! Let me go, General!"

    Wang Zhong: "Leave it to the younger ones, they can handle it."

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong told the son: "Hurry and help your father rest, it would be terrible if he fell."

    Just then the phone rang, and Pavlov, who had been enjoying the spectacle, rushed over to answer it: "This is the Corps Command, how many enemy nes? Understood."

    Before he could put down the receiver, the air raid rm sounded outside.

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong: "48 twin-engine, and the same number of Stukas, with 24 109s escorting."

    Wang Zhong: "This fleet of nes, lucky for us we left early, or the losses would have been heavy."

    "What? You¡¯ve set out? All the cavalry outside the city have set out? Take this old man with you!" the old herdsman shouted, deliberately standing without leaning on his saber, and stood on his legs, "Look! Look, General!"

    At that moment, the sound of anti-aircraft gunfire and the screeching of Stukas diving came from outside.

    Wang Zhong and the others all got down.

    The old man¡¯s son tried to throw his father to the ground, but the old man pushed him away: "Don¡¯t shove me! I¡¯m not afraid, it¡¯s just nes!"

    The sound of explosions came from outside the window, shaking down debris from the ceiling of the warehouse.

    Standing in the dust, the old man swung his saber: "I¡¯m not afraid! nes, those effeminate things, can¡¯t scare the sons of the steppe! Can¡¯t scare me!"

    At the same time, Dchenko once again led the Fourth Combat Bomber Group on a patrol in the sky.

    "What¡¯s that running on the ground?" he muttered, then opened the radio to ask his wingman, "Hey, deputy squadron leader, take a look at what¡¯s running on the ground?"

    The deputy¡¯s aircraft banked its wings slightly, then came back with an answer: "It looks... not like armoured forces, the dust is too small, too fine. The dust raised by treads shouldn¡¯t be like this."

    Then the radio fell silent for a moment.

    Suddenly someone blurted out: "Could it be cavalry?"

    "Cavalry? Didn¡¯t they say that the cavalry units have been downsized recently? How could there be so many cavalry?"

    Everyone started discussing.

    Suddenly Dchenko chimed in: "Never mind that, one thing is certain, the Prussians have no cavalry! These are our troops! With such a massive charge, they¡¯re definitely attacking! We¡¯ll fly ahead of them and bomb the enemy¡¯s defensive positions first!"

    "Right, makes sense!"

    Dchenko gently pressed on the rudder, making slight adjustments to the aircraft¡¯s course, flying towards the direction of the cavalry¡¯s attack.

    Soon, the dust raised by the cavalry became invisible.

    After another ten minutes, someone shouted through the radio: "There! Armour is circled up on the ground!"

    Dchenko rocked his wings and took a nce down, confirming almost immediately: "That¡¯s right! And the armoured vehicles are all painted grey! First squadron goes down with me, second and third squadrons go a bit further ahead, see if there are other enemies! We can¡¯t waste firepower!"

    "Alright!"

    As his subordinate responded, Dchenko¡¯s ne had already rolled 180 degrees and flipped over.

    During the dive, Dchenko suddenly thought that he should learn from the Prussians¡¯ Stuka and fit his ne with a siren to strike fear into the enemy with its sound.

    Like now, the Prussians hadn¡¯t even noticed the air raid!

    No sooner had he thought this than a Prussian pointed at the sky, his mouth agape, probably shouting.

    The next moment, the Prussian camp was like an ant nest drenched in water, swarming with ants running helter-skelter.

    "Toote!" Dchenko pressed the bomb release button.

    Lieutenant Joseph of the Prussian rear maneuver brigadey on the ground, a lot of dirt falling on the back of his head and sliding down into his clothes through the opening around his neck.

    He loudly cursed in Prussian profanities.

    Ever since the Ante People equipped these ugly, fat-looking bombers, the intensity of their air raids suddenly increased.

    At the beginning of the year, when Lieutenant Joseph was receiving reinforcements, he told these fresh troops that the enemy¡¯s Il-2 looked terrifying but that most of its attacks would miss, and they relied on the density of fire topensate for poor uracy.

    He also said that only the very unlucky would get hit during an Il-2 air raid.

    And indeed, that was the case;st year, the rear maneuver brigade also suffered several Il-2 air raids, typically with hundreds of sorties causing only two to three hundred casualties, averaging three deaths per ne.

    The loss of trucks was slightly higher, but generally did not exceed ten percent of the total number of trucks.

    So the brigade¡¯s conclusion was that the Il-2 posed not a significant threat, especially when there were friendly antiaircraft guns for cover; Ant pilots would attack recklessly before fleeing and rarely returned for a second strike.

    In contrast, the twin-engine bombers of the Ante People posed a much greater threat because these nes had higher attack precision and the bombs were more powerful.

    The Il-2 had too much armor and carried too few bombs and rockets.

    But this year things had changed.

    First, the Il-2 began using cluster munitions, covering arge area and causing significant casualties among the unprepared Prussians.

    But soon the Prussians discovered the rockets¡¯ ws and began to increase the parking distance between vehicles, spreading out formations, which greatly reduced the lethality of the cluster munitions.

    Then came the enemy dive bombers.

    These fat fighters that resembled milk bottles could carryrge-caliber ammunition and drop it with rtively high precision, retreat quickly after bombing, and even engage in air battles with the approaching 109s, which was extremely terrifying.

    If the troopscked antiaircraft gun cover, these bombers would even return for strafing runs, using fierce machine-gun fire to kill personnel and light armored vehicles on the ground.

    Their 12.7mm ammunition could even prate the roof armor of a covered 251 half-track.

    Since the introduction of this new bomber, the enemy¡¯s aerial attack efficiency had greatly increased.

    It was said that this was because the Ante People selected elite pilots for the new nes; only those who had shown results in Il-2s were transferred into bomber regiments equipped with new aircraft.

    Regardless, by April, Lieutenant Joseph could no longer reassure the new recruits that enemy air raids were no big deal.

    Instead, he would instruct them that if they heard engines from low altitude, they needn¡¯t worry too much; that was an Il-2, but if they saw something reflecting in the high sky, they¡¯d need to be cautious, as it might be a milk bottle or a Pe-2 bomber.

    Lieutenant Joseph looked up and listened attentively for a while, making sure the enemy nes had flown away before standing up and trying to clear the mud that had gotten inside his cor.

    While shooing away the mud, some lice were disturbed and hopped into the nearby grass.

    "Anyone injured?" he shouted.

    "Hans got hit in the shoulder by a machine gun!"

    "Sanitater!" Lieutenant Joseph yelled.

    The medic, carrying a red cross bag, immediately ran over, "Lieutenant, are you hurt?"

    "No, our Private Hans got shot by a machine gun. Over there!" he pointed in the direction from which the voices hade.

    The medic hurried over and crouched next to a new soldier cradling hisrade, "Let me see!"

    "Please, save him, Doctor!"

    "I¡¯m not a doctor, just a medic, trained in field first aid," the medic said, feeling the wounded man¡¯s pulse, "Put him down, he¡¯s dead."

    "What?" the new soldier¡¯s eyes widened.

    "He¡¯s dead. I suggest you check his body for letters or other belongings that could be sent to his family. Then put him on the truck for transporting bodies."

    The new soldier immediately covered his face, "He¡¯s the only fellow townsman in the whole brigade! How... how am I supposed to break this to his mother!"

    Lieutenant Joseph was about to go over andfort the new recruit when he heard someone shout, "Achtung! Dust clouds approaching from afar!"

    Lieutenant Joseph raised his head and indeed, saw dust rising from the direction of the horizon.

    Headquarters had just radioed a message, warning that the enemy mightunch a cavalry attack, and here they were now!

    Right after the enemy nes had raided!

    The lieutenant stepped forward, grabbing the still-crying recruit, "Get up! Enemy cavalry ising! If you don¡¯t want your head split in half, get to the side of the half-track! Move it, you swine!"

 Chapter 452: The Steed Gallops Across the Vast Grassland

    Lieutenant Joseph climbed aboard a half-track, came up beside the machine gunner, "Suppressive fire! Hurry!"

    The machine gunner held the gun with his right hand and the ammunition belt with his left, firing short bursts.

    Lieutenant Joseph, "Sight! It¡¯s too high! Set the sight to 500!"

    Not all models of Prosen¡¯s half-tracks came equipped with machine gun mounts. The one Lieutenant Joseph mounted had a gun that was rigged somewhat haphazardly and could only be aimed using tracer rounds.

    The machine gunner clearlycked training¡ªwell, it wasn¡¯t surprising considering the new recruits who ended up in the rear mobile brigade were generally of poor quality.

    The best reinforcements were assigned to armored training camps to be reserve armored troops. The next best went to armored grenadiers and various hunter divisions, and those of lower quality were sent to the regr infantry divisions.

    And as for the rear mobile brigades and national guard divisions, they received either second-ss national soldiers or recruits who had performed very poorly in training.

    Lieutenant Joseph watched the gunner clumsily adjusting the sight, sighed, pushed him aside, took the machine gun himself, set the sight properly, and began to fire at the enemy.

    He quickly realized that firing in bursts wasn¡¯t very effective against the cavalry.Moreover, the Ante cavalry had fired smoke bombs using signal pistols, covering the charge of the subsequent cavalry troops and making urate shooting even more difficult.

    Lieutenant Joseph gritted his teeth and started to spray fire.

    Two cavalrymen were struck down, one horse struggled to its feet and continued galloping while the rider was dragged on the ground, half-hidden by the grass.

    Lieutenant Joseph hosed down the wave of charging cavalry, toppling several more horses.

    The soldier he had just pushed away shouted, "Lieutenant! The barrel! If we don¡¯t change it, it¡¯s going to jam!"

    Lieutenant Joseph swore under his breath and stopped firing, unlocking the section containing the barrel, then grabbed the scalding barrel with both hands.

    Immediately, there was the sizzling sound of meat hitting a hot pan, and smoke rose from between Joseph¡¯s hands and the barrel.

    Agony struck his brain like lightning, but an overwhelming will to live made him roar, yanking out the barrel and throwing it on the ground, "Quick! Change the barrel!"

    The reced shooter swiftly took out the spare barrel and inserted it into the machine gun.

    While the shooter operated, Joseph nced at his palms; the skin that had been in contact with the barrel waspletely stripped away, the exposed flesh looked cooked, and bubbles of fluid had formed on both sides of the contact area.

    "Ready!" the shooter called out.

    Joseph took off his shirt, wrapped it around his hands, and continued to fire the machine gun.

    By this time, the cavalry had already reached the edge of the position.

    Apart from Joseph¡¯s machine gun, there was another one firing, but how could just two machine guns hold back the flood of charging cavalry?

    The cavalry rolled in like a tidal wave, and the scattered half-tracks on the prairie seemed like rocks that were swiftly overwhelmed by the surge, sweeping away all the dispersed infantry.

    Joseph¡¯s mind was so flooded with adrenaline that he lost the capacity for thought, intent only on shooting and shooting some more!

    Suddenly, he heard a ng and looked down to see an Ante-made hand grenade on the floor of the half-track.

    The lieutenant immediately bent over to pick it up, but the grenade exploded.

    Lieutenant Joseph was hurled high into the air.

    For an instant, he thought he saw the Valkyriesing to greet him¡ªah, am I going to Valha?

    What a pleasant thought¡ª

    Lieutenant Josephnded hard on the ground, hitting headfirst, and then his neck snapped under thebined force of inertia and gravity.

    Colonel Gorokhov of the 33rd Division, 20th Cavalry Army, fiercely pulled back on the reins, halting his somewhat crazed horse; then he turned to look back at the Prosen Army defensive line they had just charged through.

    It seemed these Prosen soldiers had wanted to rely on their half-tracks to form a circr defense, but they had been suddenly attacked.

    Gorokhov turned to the deputy regimentalmander, "Was it our artillery shelling that helped pry open the enemy¡¯s defense?"

    The deputy regimentalmander pulled out a map and examined it, "That¡¯s unlikely, we¡¯ve already moved out of the artillery¡¯s support range. Could it have been the Air Force that bombed them?"

    Gorokhov turned and yelled to the staff in his regiment, "Stepan!"

    "Present!" The bespectacled staff officer rode up on his horse, "What¡¯s the matter?"

    "Go ask the prisoners what sted them into this state?"

    "Yes, sir!"

    The staff officer turned his horse around and rode toward the surrendering enemies to disarm them.

    Meanwhile, Gorokhov stood up in his saddle and raised his binocrs to scan the horizon, "Sukabule, I can¡¯t see anything, it¡¯s all prairie!"

    Deputymander: "Isn¡¯t that a good thing? When we run, no one will be able to catch us."

    "Yes, a good thing."

    At this time, Stepan returned.

    Stepan: "I asked around, these enemies are from their rear mobile brigade, ordered to stand ground. Their original task was to supply the 17th Armored Division."

    Gorokhov: "Take all the food and gather the remaining ammunition and fuel together, and set it on fire!"

    Stepan pushed his sses up and turned his horse around to ry the orders.

    Deputymander: "It¡¯s quite a haul; if things could always go this smoothly, the two armored divisions of the enemy¡¯s pincer attack are going to starve."

    Just then, the Military Chain came over riding a maroon horse: "Gorokhov, there are a dozen wounded."

    "Check if there are any usable trucks among the enemy¡¯s, and send one who can drive to take them back," said Gorokhov. "That¡¯s all we can do under these circumstances."

    The Military Chain nodded: "Okay, I¡¯ll go to hear their prayers."

    Gorokhov: "Thank you."

    No sooner had the Priest left than Gorokhov heard the sound of an engineing from afar.

    "Airne!" he shouted while lifting his binocrs, looking towards the direction of the sound and spotted an FW189 reconnaissance ne.

    "Enemy scout ne iing!" Gorokhov turned his head, "Use the machine guns on the enemy half-track vehicles for anti-aircraft defense and chase it off!"

    As the words fell, the asymmetric fusge of the FW189 appeared in everyone¡¯s field of vision, the iron crosses on its wings clearly visible.

    The machine guns opened fire, with tracer bullets desperately chasing the scout ne. But cavalrymen were not professional gunners after all, and hitting a ne flying one or two hundred meters high was too difficult.@@novelbin@@

    Gorokhov: "We¡¯ve been spotted. Set the fire quickly and move out! Otherwise, the enemy¡¯s Stukas wille after us!"

    Shortly after the order was given, mes shot up into the sky; the cavalry troops continued forward, heading into the northwest with the burning mes at their backs.

    Prosen Tenth Army Group Command.

    A signaler entered the tent and saluted General Boke: "General! Many units report sighting enemy cavalry!"

    General Boke: "Those reporting cavalry sightings have probably established a solid defense and driven the enemy cavalry away. The key is those who didn¡¯t have time to report the cavalry. Our orders were issued toote, some of our supply detachments have likely suffered."

    Chief of Staff: "We will find out when we receive the fixed reports. The units that didn¡¯t report are probably gone."

    General Boke, with hands behind his back, stared at the map and snorted: "Cavalry, damn it, cavalry! This Rocossov really knows how to use everything to its fullest."

    Chief of Staff clicked his tongue: "Those in the rear hearing about Rocossov deploying cavalry will probablyugh at us."

    General Boke¡¯s face turned ashen, but he did not reply.

    The night of the 16th, within Prosen Empire territory, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "To think that cavalry could turn everything upside down!" the Prosen Emperor raged, "Cavalry! An outdated branch! Our propaganda even made a joke of Mnia using sabers to attack tanks, and now we¡¯ve been shed by sabers!"

    Giles: "Reports sent back from the front indicate that the steppes are very suitable for this type of cavalrybat. Rocossov must have sharply observed this and thus decisivelymitted this ancient branch of troops."

    "Cavalry!" the Emperor snorted.

    At that moment, Chief of General Staff William Kyle suggested, "Why not try the Moravian cavalry troops? They should still maintain a considerable size of cavalry units, and even after joining the Empire, they were not disbanded."

    Emperor Reinhard: "You mean, we should rely on an outdated branch from second-ss citizens to rescue our elite Prosen troops?"

    William Kyle fell silent.

    After some thought, the Emperor shook his head: "We can¡¯t be choosers at this point. Tell the Moravians, if they perform well, we will upgrade their national rating within the empire! By then, they¡¯ll be higher ranked than the Mnians!"

    As he spoke, the Emperor mmed his fist on the table.

    A report on the table was about the activities of the restorative forces in Mnia.

    William Kyle immediately made a gesture to his subordinates.

    Von Bulein said: "But moving the Moravian cavalry over will take time, what do we do in the meantime?"

    The Emperor was silent for a few seconds then looked up at Grand Duke Meyer of the Air Force.

    The Grand Duke pointed at himself: "Me?"

 Chapter 454: The Situation in the Early Morning of July 17

    After witnessing the entire process of receiving and decoding the telegram, Wang Zhong finally understood just how troublesome this telegraph thing could be.

    First of all, the telegraph codes were very lengthy; it took several "dits" to make up just one letter, and a whole string of dots and dashes just for a single word.

    If the content of the telegram was extensive, it was quite normal for the operator to be tapping away for half an hour.

    After receiving it, they had to check for any omissions, listening from the beginning to proofread before they could move on to the decoding phase.@@novelbin@@

    A longer telegram might take half a day from the reception of the first message to finally being delivered into Wang Zhong¡¯s hands.

    Fortunately, the telegrams from the Cavalry Troops were very brief, and it only took an hour to handle.

    The cryptographer handed the tranted telegram to Wang Zhong: "Telegram from the 20th Cavalry Army!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, ncing at the content: "Our forces have already inserted themselves at coordinates¡­ position, airstrikes have provided us with a great deal of convenience, we have confirmed the crushing of a portion of the enemy¡¯s 240th Rear-Movement Brigade and a part of the 190th Infantry Division¡¯s Reconnaissance Battalion, destroying a significant number of enemy trucks¡­"

    Wang Zhong quickly scanned through it; it was all about reporting the current battle achievements.He passed the telegram to Popov: "It seems that the results are gratifying."

    Popov nced at it and nodded: "Yes, indeed."

    Then he turned his head towards Pavlov, who was busy organizing the staff to devise an attack n: "Chief of Staff! Frontline report!"

    "Any signs of the enemy copsing?" Pavlov asked.

    Wang Zhong and Popov exchanged looks, then Popov answered: "No, not at least in the telegram."

    Pavlov: "That means everything is normal. We are bound to eliminate some of the enemy¡¯s forces, burn some trucks and fuel ammunition, all within expected limits. I still have to formte a new attack n, so I won¡¯t look at the detailed reports now. You can hand it over to the clerk responsible for tallying."

    Wang Zhong: "Understood, I¡¯ll hand it over to the Level Six clerk¡ªI mean, Colonel Commissar Karataev."

    While they spoke, a clerk ran over and took the telegram from Popov¡¯s hand.

    At that moment, the telegraphist, who had just finished receiving a telegram, suddenly sat up straight, adjusted the radio¡¯s knob, and began to record the message he was hearing.

    Wang Zhong: "Another telegram from different troops?"

    "The 21st Cavalry Army¡¯s," reported the telegraphist, while his hands continued to swiftly record the series of dots and dashes.

    As Wang Zhong watched the telegraphist at work, another cryptographer stood up with a decoded telegram and handed it to the Staff Captain.

    Captain: "Telegram from Front Army Headquarters."

    Wang Zhong took the telegram, looked at the content, and clicked his tongue in disbelief: "The Front Army Headquarters believes we should retreat to the east bank of the Suhaya Weili River again, using the river as a barrier against the enemy. What¡¯s with Front Army Command, always thinking about using rivers to stop the enemy? Doesn¡¯t giving up the west bank equal to abandoning Duke Meishikin?"

    At that moment, another cryptographer stood up, handing a telegram to the Staff Captain.

    Wang Zhong, not waiting for the Captain to look down, snatched the telegram and read aloud, "Our 60th Army Group has also received the order to retreat. Damn it, if the 60th Army Group gives up their defense, our nk will be exposed. What is High Command doing, why don¡¯t they rece the Front Army Commander?"

    Popov: "Maybe High Command also thinks it¡¯s not that suitable to face Prosen¡¯s Armored Troops on the prairie?"

    Wang Zhong: "If that¡¯s the case, they should order Duke Meishikin to begin a retreat as well. No, I need to call High Command to find out what¡¯s going on."

    As he said this, a new telegram was delivered: "Urgent telegram from High Command."

    Wang Zhong took the telegram, squinted at the first two lines, and cursed, "Damn it, turns out Duke Meishikin¡¯s efforts to break through have failed; the remaining troops of the Coastal Army Group are done for."

    He walked over to the strategic map with the telegram in hand, picked up the map pointer, and pointed at a spot near the coast: "This bunch is gone, Meishikin¡¯s nk is exposed, and the enemy can attack Bolsk from the side at any time. Now Meishikin¡¯s only chance is to head south, retreating to the entrance of the Caucasus Mountains and forming a defense relying on the mountains."

    The staff officer responsible for updating the map hurried over and erased the part representing the Coastal Troops.

    Ignoring the staff, Wang Zhong continued to point at the Caucasus Mountains with the map pointer: "To retreat to this position, Meishikin¡¯s troops have to travel one hundred fifty, even two hundred kilometers, they must set out immediately."

    Popov crossed his arms: "It¡¯s clearly a daunting task. Meishikin has to retreat, so the Front Army Commanding us to rush back to defend isn¡¯t necessarily a mistake, is it?"

    Wang Zhong: "Bullshit, if we retreat, can Meishikin still escape? We can¡¯t let the enemy focus all their efforts on stopping Meishikin¡¯s withdrawal. We should maintain an offensive stance on the prairie, attracting as much of the enemy¡¯s forces as possible."

    Popov lookedplicated: "If the whole Ante Army had the same level of training and equipment as us, we could indeed try an offensive. Unfortunately, that¡¯s not the case. Think about the 401st Division; when they entered the fray, the enemy was already worn out, and yet they suffered such heavy casualties."

    Wang Zhong, stroking his chin: "I think, our Army Group could perform a daring move and hurt the enemy¡¯s 10th Army Group, and then pretend to want to devour thempletely."

    "With the current setup of our Army Group, it¡¯s not possible, right?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head: "Certainly not. But if the Front Army could give us the reserve forces¡ªthe 40th Tank Army, with the 300 tanks of the 40th, it shouldn¡¯t be a problem to adopt an offensive stance. We could even break off one of the enemy¡¯s Armored Divisions thatck fuel and ammunition.

    "Together with the previously routed Sedd Division, the enemy would lose two Armored Divisions on this front¡ª"

    As Wang Zhong was gesturing, Popov interrupted him: "Then they will have to send more troops our way."

    "That¡¯s right!" Wang Zhong forcefully tapped the map with his pointer on Yeisk, "The objective of covering Meishikin¡¯s retreat has beenpleted. We can even intentionally appear isted, attracting the enemy to encircle us. We have plenty of trucks, and they¡¯re fast."

    Popovughed, "How about using your reputation to bluff the enemy? I think it might work!"

    Wang Zhong, "Let¡¯s try it, whether it works or not, go ahead with the n!"

    Vasily watched the two Army Group leaders discussing without saying a word.

    At that moment, the phone on the other end rang.

    Experience new tales on empire

    Pavlov rushed over in three steps and picked up the handset, "This is the First Mobile Army Headquarters."

    Popov said, "I guess it¡¯s High Command."

    Pavlov set the handset on the table and turned his head to Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s General Gorky of the Western Front Army."

    Wang Zhong, "Got it, I¡¯ming."

    After speaking, he lowered his voice to Popov, "I guess they¡¯ve also just received themunique from High Command."

    "Hmm, they¡¯re probably looking for your opinion," Popov said, "Even though you¡¯re two ranks lower, General Gorky puts a lot of stock in your viewpoint."

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t say such things carelessly, you¡¯re a bishop."

    After thatment, Wang Zhong hurried to the table and picked up the handset, "I¡¯m Rocossov, go ahead."

    The voice of General Gorky came through the handset, "Have you finished decrypting?"

    "Finished. The operation to extricate Meishikin failed."

    "It¡¯s tough for him; with the quality of our troops, we indeed can¡¯t easily take on the Prussians," said General Golikov, who had suffered a defeat in May.

    It sounded a bit like he was looking for someone to me.

    However, Wang Zhong himself had also not conducted a sessful offensive with current ordinary Ante troops, so he did not point this out.

    The low quality of the troops was a fact, indeed they couldn¡¯t break through.

    General Gorky, "So what to do? I see your troops have already advanced and are directly confronting the enemy¡¯s Army Group. Knowing General Andrei, he is probably thinking about how to shrink the defense. He might even order you to retreat to the eastern bank of the river."

    Spot on!

    Wang Zhong, "He did indeed give that order, which amounts to selling out Meishikin. We definitely can¡¯t do that."

    "So you¡¯re nning to attack?" General Gorky asked, "With the current quality of our soldiers? Once your elite troops are exhausted, the offensive will be a mess, just like what happened to me in May."

    Wang Zhong, "I n to concentrate our forces to knock out two of the enemy divisions, one of them being an Armored Division. Currently, our Cavalry Troops are making significant impacts with breakthrough battles. Cavalry can also roam the prairie for a week, and we n to end the battle within that time."

    General Gorky was very surprised, "Cavalry can be so effective?"

    "It has to do with the grasnd terrain of South Ante. After this battle, I will summarize the methods of utilizing cavalry troops in the new era."

    "I see. Well, good luck to you. I¡¯m also preparing some limited offensives on my side to test my ideas."

    Wang Zhong, "Your ideas?"

    "Yes, a full-scale offensive to probe the enemy¡¯s defensive weaknesses, and then pour arge number of troops into the breakthrough point. The essence is not to fight the Prussians directly, since our troops are not as good as yours, but to bypass your strong defensive positions and bully the weaker rear mobile brigades and supply units," General Gorky said, "I¡¯ve mentioned it to you before!"

    Wang Zhong recalled for a moment; it seemed that it had indeed been mentioned before, but he had not been paying attention, so he had forgotten.

    He hurriedly said, "You did mention it, I hope you seed."

    "Whether it seeds or not, a full-line offensive here will definitely draw the enemy¡¯s reserve forces over, relieving some pressure on you."

    Wang Zhong, "The key is to reduce the retreat pressure on Duke Meishikin. If he can retreat to the Caucasus Mountains safely, he should be able to hold out for a long time."

    If the enemy upied the South Ante Prairie, indeed the connection between the mountain region and Ante¡¯s central area would be cut off, but Meishikin could rely on the Kuba oil fields and the Allied supply linesing from the north of Bahara.

    The supply quantity of this line was quite high, easily supporting several hundred thousand people of a Front Army like Meishikin¡¯s.

    Meishikin could continue to hold the mountain line until the Ante¡¯srge counteroffensive regained control of the South Ante Prairie.

    The critical part was to enable Meishikin to sessfully retreat there.

    Thus, the Suhayaveli Front Army must not shrink its defense, but instead make the enemy believe that the Front Army is about tounch arge-scale offensive.

    Wang Zhong to General Gorky, "Anyway, I will find a way to tie up the enemy here to create an opportunity for Meishikin to retreat."

    "With your word, I feel assured. I don¡¯t want to see news of hundreds of thousands of our men being captured again. Until next time."

    "Goodbye," Wang Zhong hung up the phone.

 Chapter 455: Change of General

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong as he hung up the phone and said, "Our forces should have no problem devouring a division in front of us. But to take on the Prosen Armored Division will be much harder, as the enemy¡¯s armored division is likely to be fully equipped and at full strength. We lost some tanks and tank destroyers during the hard fight against the Sedder Division."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Should we be able to repair a considerable portion of them?"

    Pavlov picked up a chart from the desk: "This is the report from the maintenance department as of yesterday afternoon¡ªfive o¡¯clock."

    It was now past midnight on the 17th, making the 16th officially ¡¯yesterday,¡¯ so Pavlov specifically corrected his reference.

    Wang Zhong took the chart and frowned at the total number, "That many under repair?"

    ording to the data on the chart, there were 100 jeeps, more than 40 tanks, and 13 whirlwinds undergoing repairs.

    Wang Zhong remarked, "Yesterday¡ªno, the day before yesterday, I don¡¯t remember losing that many, did we?"

    "Because many tanks that werepletely fine the day before yesterday developed minor faults today that needed repairs. Especially the whirlwinds, apart from those with the tracks broken the day before yesterday, the rest suffered mechanical failures yesterday," exined Pavlov.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Does that mean seven or eight whirlwinds experienced mechanical failures yesterday? Let me see, there are a total of nine minor repairs. Are track repairs considered minor?""Yes," replied Pavlov.

    In astonishment, Wang Zhong eximed, "So, four of them need major repairs due to mechanical failures? What kind of issues are we talking about?"

    "Mostly, the filters weren¡¯t working properly, causing the engines to suck in a lot of debris like grass and leaves. So, the engines need a thorough cleaning, hence they are ssified as needing medium repairs."

    Wang Zhong still looked incredulous when Vasily spoke up, "I¡¯ve talked with the maintenance personnel, they said the problems urred in tanks that had their engines reced before departure. The new batch of engines might have some issues."

    "Are you sure?"

    Vasily shrugged, "They just mentioned it in passing, but we can check the engine recement records. The clerks wouldn¡¯t miss such a detail."

    Wang Zhong corrected, "Call him Colonel Karataev of the civilian personnel. Colonel, you heard that? Please get us the engine recement records."

    The old man clearly snorted, and then gave instructions to the clerks around him. Before long, one of the clerks came over with a report.

    Wang Zhong flipped to the next page of the armored vehicle readiness chart in his hand: This page contained a detailed table, meticulously recording the specific tactical numbers of the vehicles under repair, the parts malfunctioning, and the estimated repair time, among other details.

    Comparing the two charts, Wang Zhong quickly concluded, "Nonbat malfunctions are almost exclusively found in vehicles that had their engines reced starting from April this year. There¡¯s no doubt, the rate of engine reliability has decreased."

    "If we calcte the time," Pavlov said, "workers conscripted in January of this year would have just finished training and started full production."

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, realizing that expanding production meant using inexperienced workers, which was an unavoidable problem.@@novelbin@@

    He remembered from Earth¡¯s history that during the second year of the Patriotic War, the Soviet military industry also faced serious quality issues, even affecting the quality of armor in the T34 tanks produced that year.

    Poor-quality armored T34s could even be prated by the short-barreled 50mm guns of the Panzer III.

    Wang Zhong had also taken some measures to mitigate the impact of unskilledbor - the three months of training was his suggestion.

    It turned out that three months of training was still futile.

    If the First Mobile Army was having so many problems with its engines, the conditions of tanks in other units that received the engines were even more worrying.

    Wang Zhong mused, "It seems I underestimated the impact of unskilledbor."

    He set down the two charts.

    "We can only do our best to repair them," he said.

    "The good news," Pavlov interjected, "is that the tanks of the First Division of the Mnia People¡¯s Army from the Federation are in very good condition, and they did not participate in the battle at Yeisk. Now they are fully equipped and eager for battle."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Good. Let the Mnia People¡¯s Army take the lead in the offense, first by taking over the defensive positions of the Guard First Motor Rifle Division and the 225th Division. Once the pincer movement isplete and the 190th Division¡¯s retreat is cut off, we¡¯llunch the attack with Mnia¡¯s Davarish."

    "Understood," nodded Pavlov, "they will be pleased to hear that."

    Popovmented, "But this way, we won¡¯t have the forces to annihte the enemy¡¯s armored division. We must have the support of the 40th Tank Army."

    "Let¡¯s go through the standard procedure first and submit our operation n to the Military Orders Department," Wang Zhong suggested. "I guess the Military Orders Department will agree to ce the 40th Army under ourmand. If they disagree, I¡¯ll call His Majesty the Tsar."

    Popov nodded, "Then let¡¯s do that... Are we really just an Army Group?"

    "Of course, even if we reinforced with the 40th Tank Army, we are still just an Army Group, which still falls short of the Prosen¡¯s Army Group organization, not to mention the Front Army."

    After saying this, Wang Zhong also nodded, adding to himself, "Hmm, it¡¯s an Army Group."

    Vasily: "Actually, back during Karanskaya, we weremanding forces far beyond the capability of the headquarters."

    Pavlov sighed as if recalling some painful memory, "I was nearly worked to death back then. We were still organized as a divisionmand, yet had to deal with matters on the scale of an Army Group or even a Front Army. That¡¯s why I intentionally overstaffed this Army Groupmand with arge number of staff officers and clerks, and it turned out exactly as I expected."

    Wang Zhong turned his head to look at the staff officers and clerks packed in the warehouse, thinking to himself: Wow, Pavlov, you bushy-browed fellow, even you have started ying tricks!

    Ye Fort, Summer Pce, High Command of the Ante Empire. Find your next adventure on empire

    General Tugenev put down the telegram that had just arrived and looked toward Defense Minister Field Marshal Boris: "Rocossov wantsmand of the 40th Tank Army; it seems he¡¯s preparing to take a bite out of the enemy¡¯s Armored Division."

    Marshal Boris nced at the small door leading to the Tsar¡¯s office before saying to General Tugenev, "If his performance is passable this time, he should be the Commander of the Front Army. Giving him a bit more troops in advance isn¡¯t an issue. The question is, will General Andrew ept this?"

    Tugenev shook his head, "Definitely not. In fact, many Army Groupmanders who support his decision have already started moving on the retreat order. The only ones who haven¡¯t moved at all are the First Mobile Group Army. The shadow ofst year¡¯s encirclement by the Prussians still lingers over many of ourmanders."

    Marshal Boris sighed, "Indeed, no one wants to be the one who gets encircled. Inform thesemanders of Rocossov¡¯s intentions; they might even bring up General Skorobo, who was personally executed by Rocossovst year."

    As his words fell, the two senior officials of the High Command fell silent.

    Secondster, Tugenev broke the silence, "It¡¯s summer again, and again on the ins, it¡¯s no wonder themanders thought of fleeing. We¡¯ll have to order them to hold their ground by authority of High Command, at least until Rocossovpletes his offensive and Duke Meishikin retreats to the Caucasus Mountains."

    Marshal Boris: "That¡¯s all we can do. Whose name do we sign on the order for the Suhayaveli Front Army?"

    "Sign my order," Olga¡¯s voice came from the side door.

    The two men turned their heads just in time to see His Majesty the Tsar enter the room, and they immediately stood up straight.

    Olga: "I will sign the orders; if there¡¯s any problem, I will take responsibility. Follow Rocossov¡¯s n to strike hard at the enemy and support Duke Meishikin¡¯s battle."

    Tugenev and Boris exchanged nces before Marshal Boris, the higher-ranking officer, spoke up, "Your Majesty, it¡¯s not yet that time. Moreover, if either of us signs, that¡¯s already sufficient to stop the Army Groupmanders from retreating. If thismand results in a very bad oue, we could resign to ept the me."

    "Oh, is that so," Olga nodded, then asked with curiosity, "Alyosha¡ªwhat about those officers that Rocossov has trained? Where are they?"

    General Tugenev: "They are continuing to gain experience. Most of them have now risen tomand at the division and army level, with only a small number taking on Army Groupmand.

    "Your Majesty, there is something you must know. The reason so many Army Groupmanders are eager to retreat is the great impact ofst year¡¯s failure, not because they are unqualified asmanders."

    Olga seemed surprised, "Really?"

    "Yes, even experiencedmanders, after the defeat of Argesukovst year, would fear being the next to be surrounded by the Prussians. This tendency can only be ovee by defeating the Prussians.

    "We can¡¯t dismiss thesemanders just because they followed General Andrew¡¯s orders to retreat; we don¡¯t have that many qualified Army Groupmanders to rece them."

    After General Tugenev finished, Olga looked at him for several seconds and said, "If I didn¡¯t know so well the work you¡¯ve always done, I might suspect you of treason."

    General Tugenev spread his hands, "Leading an army isn¡¯t ck and white. Of course, General Andrew, who ordered the retreat, could be reced since he indeed behaved too cautiously, neglecting our allies, but his Army Groupmanders can simply be ordered not to retreat next time."

    It was then that Marshal Boris said, "How about we transfer General Golikov, who closely cooperates with Rocossov, tomand the Suhayaveli Front Army?"

    General Tugenev thought for a few seconds and said, "How about the Commander of the Western Front Army be taken on by Ivan Stepanovich, who has been General Golikov¡¯s chief of staff since the time of the Saint Andrew Front Army?"

    Marshal Boris: "Ivan Stepanovich? Sure, I¡¯ve long felt he¡¯s wasted as a chief of staff; let him have a go."

    Olga: "Is that really a good idea? To move all the capable generals to the Suhayaveli Front Army?"

    General Tugenev: "In reality, the change of senior military officers has limited impact on the troops because the troops are truly familiar with their direct leaders. Who issues the orders doesn¡¯t greatly affect thebat style of the ground forces. After all, not every general likes to make frequent appearances in front of frontline soldiers like Rocossov does."

    Olga nodded, "Alright, let General Golikov cooperate with Rocossov."

 Chapter 456: The Decision to Attack the 190th Division

    At 7 a.m. on the 17th, at the headquarters of the Western Front Army.

    General Golikov and Chief of Staff Ivan Stepanovich were eating ck bread while looking at a map.

    At this moment, themunications staff officer opened the door and saluted, "Report, a telegram from High Command."

    General Golikov, holding a pair ofpasses, gestured on the map without looking up and said, "Read."

    Themunications staff officer opened the telegram, "General Golikov is appointed as the Commander of the Suhayaveli Front Army, and General Ivan Stepanovich as the Acting Commander of the Western Front Army."

    General Golikov put down hispasses, "Just as I expected. High Command wouldn¡¯t simply interfere with General Andrey¡¯smand; they would rece him, so there¡¯s no need to worry about overstepping the chain ofmand bing the norm. When a general is relieved, it¡¯s only logical for High Command to issue a new order to all the Army Groups below."

    Ivan Stepanovich extended his hand to General Golikov, "I wish you all the best in your new position."

    "And to you," General Golikov shook the Chief of Staff¡¯s hand, "I believe the offensive n we devised has promise, don¡¯t give up on it. We can¡¯t rely on Rocossov to win all the battles for us."

    Ivan Stepanovich, "It¡¯s a pity that the n you proposed won¡¯t be executed by you personally.""Don¡¯t say that. Rocossov needs me to rece the man who¡¯s been dragging him down, and of course, I can¡¯t refuse his request. Of course not," General Golikov repeated thest sentence.

    At that moment, the door opened again, and General Golikov¡¯s aide-de-camp led a pilot in, who saluted, "General Golikov, High Command orders me to escort you to Yarvik, the headquarters of the Suhayaveli Front Army is located there."

    "Understood," General Golikov saluted the pilot, then continued to instruct Ivan Stepanovich, "Make sure tounch the attack, even if there are some casualties, it doesn¡¯t matter, the key is to verify whether this method works."

    "Don¡¯t worry."

    Only then did General Golikov release Ivan Stepanovich¡¯s hand and turned to walk towards the pilot.

    Pilot, "You can pack your belongings..."

    "No need, as a soldier I am always ready to assume my post, I only have two changes of clothes, just have the aide-de-camp fetch them for me," said General Golikov.

    The pilot looked on with a solemn respect.

    The First Mobile Group Army Headquarters.

    "Report, urgent telegram from High Command."

    Wang Zhong looked up, "Oh?"

    Popov, who had just finished his night shift and was on his way out, casually took the telegram, "Oh, good news, General Golikov has reced General Andrey as themander of the Suhayaveli Front Army, we don¡¯t have to worry about being sold out and left to fight alone by friendly forces."

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows, "They¡¯ve sent him here? That¡¯s good, we can confidently fight our own battles now, he¡¯ll cover for us."

    Vasily, "Sending General Golikov here, is that a move to limit the Rocossov faction?"

    Wang Zhong looked confusedly at his aide, "What do you mean by that?"

    "You see, whichever general you win a battle under, that general gains the spotlight, and they be part of the Rocossov faction, whether it¡¯s Kashuk or Kiriyenko, all the same. In the future, all of you will be promoted to Front Armymanders, making it three Front Armies.

    "If you win another victory this time, General Andrey will be convinced and will also be part of the Rocossov faction!"

    Wang Zhong tapped Vasily¡¯s head, "You¡¯ve read too many political thrillers! They transferred General Golikov here because we coordinated well during the winter campaign of 914, they¡¯re hoping we will make another brilliant achievement in the summer campaign of 915."

    Vasily, "Okay, my bad."

    Popov came over, handed the telegram to Wang Zhong, then while yawning and heading out, said, "Since that¡¯s settled, you have no worries, work hard. General Golikov will surely give youmand of the 40th Tank Army."

    Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s not certain yet, let¡¯s prepare for both possibilities. But first, let¡¯s take down the 190th Division on our doorstep."

    As the words fell, someone at the door called out in heavily ented Antenguage, "Report!"

    Wang Zhong turned his head and sure enough, it was Tadeusz, the divisionmander of the first division of the Mnia People¡¯s Army, and his chief of staff.

    "You¡¯ve arrived,e over here!" Wang Zhong hurriedly waved them over.

    Popov was almost at the door and stepped aside for the two men, making a "please" gesture.

    The two Mnia officers, facing Popov¡¯s gesture, appeared quite constrained and only after saluting did they pass by Popov.

    Yawning, Popov left the warehouse where the headquarters was located.

    The two Mnia officers approached the map table and saluted Wang Zhong once more, "Report, divisionmander Tadeusz of the first army first division of the Mnia People¡¯s Army, reporting for duty."

    Wang Zhong said, "Good timing. I believe you¡¯ve already heard the rumors. You¡¯re the main attack force against the enemy¡¯s 190th division. We will initiate a pincer movement today to cut off the 190th division from the rest of the enemy forces."

    Pavlov added, "Then it¡¯ll be your performance time. You haven¡¯t participated in the previous battles and your establishment is intact. Your Federation armored vehicles have fewer malfunctions. Our Ante equipment is highly affected by the scale of production, with a very high rate of failure."

    Tadeusz saluted loudly, "Guaranteed toplete the mission!"

    Wang Zhong said, "No need to be so loud. The entiremand is in one warehouse, and shouting like that will disturb everyone else¡¯s work."

    "Sorry," Tadeusz hurriedly said.

    Wang Zhong pushed a map covered in symbols towards them, "This is the topographic map of the intended area of attack. Don¡¯t be fooled by the ins; underneath the grass is veryplex. Be very cautious. We¡¯ve asked the old herdsmen in detail about the terrain, hoping you can use it to your advantage."

    Taking the map, Tadeusz opened it for a nce and then quickly put it away, "Understood. I¡¯ll distribute this to all themanders of our armypanies and toons."

    Wang Zhong said, "Tomorrow morning when you attack, I will ask the researchers from the Institute of Folk Customs if they can create a thick fog for you. Last time, we attacked Yeisk in the fog and achieved unexpected sess. You should be able to do it too¡ªunless you have any superstitions."

    Tadeusz looked troubled, "Our soldiers are saying those researchers are witches. They will summon the fog, and those trapped in it will fall into an eternal damnation. Perhaps¡­it would be better not to invoke the fog. Let¡¯s attack in clear weather."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "I respect your beliefs." Enjoy new tales from empire

    Tadeusz seemed still a bit worried and emphasized quickly, "A considerable part of us are believers in the Secr faction. Otherwise, we wouldn¡¯t have fled to Ante when Prosen annexed Mnia."

    Pavlov said, "We understand. You don¡¯t have to worry. Besides, the Military Bishop in charge of these matters has gone to sleep, so there¡¯s nothing for you to fret about."

    Vasily interjected, "If you hadn¡¯t mentioned that, there¡¯d be no issue. But saying it makes it seem like there¡¯s definitely a problem."

    Pavlov shrugged, "What¡¯s there to fear? Ourmander has theplete trust of the Grand Patriarch."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong joked, "Trust? Now they¡¯re all saying I¡¯m an angel under Saint Andrew himself. So, don¡¯t worry. Since you don¡¯t want a foggy attack, we will use smoke grenades tomorrow. You¡¯ll y the role of demons in the smoke instead."

    "Excellent! We will surely live up to your expectations," Tadeusz responded enthusiastically.

    Pavlov ced a document in front of them, "Take a look at this. This is the logistical supply n I¡¯ve prepared for you. Follow this n and arrange your own attack waves. If you have any requests, feel free to make them."

    Tadeusz said, "After studying it, we¡¯lle up with a concrete battle n and report back to the Army Group Headquarters."

    Wang Zhong instructed, "Remember during the attack, if you encounter any hard-to-crack points, do not force the assault; surround them. There aren¡¯t many must-capture spots on the prairie. Once the enemy is split and surrounded by the smoke, just bombard them one by one with firepower. Make full use of the radio in your hands.

    "Information, plus firepower! We must not only win but win handsomely, with a good exchange ratio! Otherwise, the Prussians will always look down on us, feeling psychologically superior when they face us. That won¡¯t do!"

    "Yes!" Tadeusz responded loudly.

    Wang Zhong continued, "Information, plus firepower! Understand the concept of signal-fire unity? Signal-fire unity!"

    Wang Zhong hadpletely adopted the style of the American forces, like the Ceres Army had after the Penins campaign.

 Chapter 457: Pincer Movement Attack

    On the morning of July 17th, Wang Zhong nced at his watch and nodded to Pavlov.

    Pavlov picked up the phone, "Connect to the artillery position."

    Wang Zhong stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the map covered with targets identified by the reconnaissance team the day before. The artillerymand should have devised a fire n, and all these targets would be subjected to a simultaneous barrage.

    Wang Zhong had seen the effects of such firepower with his own eyes; the craters were still there in Yeisk. ording to the locals, the ground shook like an earthquake during the bombardment.

    At the time, Wang Zhong asked a local whether the shelling had caused them any harm, and the local¡¯s expression left a deep impression on Wang Zhong: He said through gritted teeth that if it could kill the Prussian bastards, it would be worth dying for.

    The Prussians had upied Yeisk for only a short time, yet the hatred had already etched deep into their bones. If ever there came a time of peace and there were "public intellectuals" who tried to exonerate the Prussians, Wang Zhong was sure he would pull out his pistol, which had been blessed by the Grand Patriarch, to give them a "chill".

    While Wang Zhong was thinking this, he heard Pavlov shout into the receiver, "Fire!"

    He looked up and could faintly hear the sound of the artillery firing outside the city, beyond the thick walls of the warehouse.

    Pavlov stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds.Noticing his gaze, Wang Zhong asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    "I¡¯m wondering whether you want to go out and drive your little tank."

    "I really do want to drive my little tank. I even fancy charging into battle riding Bucephalus. Will you let me?"

    Pavlov shook his head, "No way, of course not!"

    "Well, that¡¯s that," Wang Zhong said, shaking his head, imagining Pavlov turning into a white-haired beauty countless times in his mind. Damn it, in a normal cute story, shouldn¡¯t Ludm be the chief of staff?

    I was thinking when I first time-traveled here and saw Ludm, this must be the start of a cute story, right?

    Suddenly, Pavlov shivered, then looked around, puzzled, "What¡¯s going on? Why did I just shiver all of a sudden?"

    Wang Zhong pointed to the ground, "Quick, check if you¡¯ve stepped on andmine."

    Pavlov red at Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m wearing leather shoes. Even if I stepped on it, nothing would happen. Do you know what instion is?"

    "No idea, I camest in my ss. I don¡¯t understand any of that," Wang Zhong said, indignant.

    Pavlov shook his head and ignored Wang Zhong.

    Damn, the d¨¦j¨¤ vu feeling of "My Chief of Staff Can¡¯t Possibly Be This Cute" grew stronger.

    Pavlov got busy with his work, and Wang Zhong could only run over to the wireless camp, as he had discovered that whenever he stood next to a radio, he could gain the perspective of the unit they connected with.

    For example, if they called up the headquarters of the 225th Division, he would gain the perspective of the division¡¯s headquarters ¡ª yes, only the headquarters¡¯ perspective, not the perspective of the units below the division.

    But many times, by looking at the perspective from the division¡¯s headquarters, one could see the situation around the headquarters, and for a high-rankingmander, that was already enough.

    So Wang Zhong took what he considered a very cool POSE next to the radio area, then started switching his viewpoint all over the ce.

    He saw the vanguard reconnaissance jeep of the 225th Division hidden on the edge of the underbrush, with a radio operator observing the results of the shelling up close.

    He saw the near-guard mechanized infantry tank unit already in their starting positions, anxiously waiting for the artillery preparation to finish.

    He saw¡ª

    As Wang Zhong switched his observational focus at the speed of a professional StarCraft yer, he overheard someone whispering nearby, "What is the general doing?"

    "Probably attuning with heaven and earth, receiving instructions from Saint Andrew."

    Wang Zhong was startled, how did theye to such an idea? I didn¡¯t strike any particrly conspicuous poses, did I?

    He quickly reverted the perspective to the warehouse and from a 45-degree angle took a look at his own pose.

    He realized one thing: without checking in a mirror, it was impossible to know what kind of posture he had struck.

    Damn it, just a bit more twisted and he would be striking a JOJO pose; no wonder the people around were whispering to each other.

    Wang Zhong switched back, struck a normal pose, and continued changing viewpoints.

    As soon as he switched again, he heard someone gossiping softly, "Did he hear our whispers?"

    "Probably, to cover up the fact he¡¯s tuning with heaven and earth."

    Wang Zhong wanted to switch back and correct their words, but then he thought better of it; setting the record straight would only make things worse. It was better to let it be. After all, he had to stare at the overall view all day long, so having an exnation wasn¡¯t bad.

    Thus, hepletely ignored the gossip around him and focused on checking perspectives of the various units that happened to be in contact, keeping track of the battlefield situation.

    At the same time, in the Prussian 190th Division¡¯s headquarters, the divisionmander hugged a radio and shouted, "Hello! Hello! I¡¯m under artillery fire! I¡¯m under intense artillery fire! Damn, why did the phone lines have to be chewed by a ground squirrel just now! Damn it! Hello! Hello! I¡¯m under intense artillery fire!"

    As the divisionmander was howling, the tent p lifted and two motorcycle couriers rushed in, shouting, "Our western edge defensive position is under intense enemy artillery fire! Not only the position, but the st shelters behind it are also being shelled; the anti-shell shelters on this muddy ground can¡¯t withstand this kind of bombardment!"

    The divisionmander said, "Don¡¯t you realize we¡¯re being shelled everywhere? With such ferocious firepower, the entire Front Army¡¯s artillery must be firing at us!"

    The divisionmander had never seen simultaneous barrage fire, so naturally, he misjudged the scale of the bombardment.

    Messenger: "General, we should request reinforcements from neighboring units."

    Previously, the 190th Division prepared to support Yeisk along with three other infantry divisions. Yet Yeisk fell all of a sudden, and General Boke judged that the four divisions positioned on the in without any buildings would be live targets for the Ante People¡¯s artillery¡ªRocossov was an expert at employing cannon.

    Thus, General Boke arranged the four infantry divisions in echelons, ready to send reinforcements from the rear in a so-called "wave defense" in case of an attack.

    Themander of the 190th Division shouted at the messenger; "Now is the time for wave defense, where are the follow-up forces?"

    The messengers looked at each other, and the lead sergeant said: "General, we are just two messengers, here to report that our peripheral positions have suffered heavy damage."

    The divisionmander: "I now order you to immediately set off for the Corps Command and tell them we are under artillery fire!"

    No sooner had he spoken than amunications staff yelled, "It¡¯s through! The radio¡¯s through!"

    The divisionmander immediately grabbed the radio headset and microphone and yelled: "This is 190! This is 190! We are being shelled!"

    The response from the other side was: "Louder! Louder!"

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    "This is 190, we are under enemy attack!"

    In fact, they were not under attack, but in actualbat,manders at all levels tended to exaggerate their attacks to secure more reinforcements from highermand¡ªeven the meticulous Prussians were no exception.

    "Louder!" came the response again.

    The divisionmander threw his gear down and cursed vehemently.

    Themunications battalionmander intervened immediately, saying: "Our antenna was blown up by a cannon, so it¡¯s normal for themunication to be poor using only the indoor antenna."

    Divisionmander: "Send someone to check the lines quickly, get the phone line connected!"

    Battalionmander: "We sent someone as soon as the enemy shelling began, because the shelling is very likely to break the phone lines!"

    The divisionmander could only pace back and forth in the tent; after twops, he suddenly noticed the two messengers still standing there and roared: "Why haven¡¯t you two left? Hurry to the Corps Command!"

    Messenger sergeant: "We don¡¯t know where the Corps Command is."

    Of course, the location of the Corps Command was not something a few messengers stationed on the front line would know, so their staying behind was understandable.

    But the divisionmander did not want to hear excuses and scolded: "What are you doing! Chief of staff, tell them quickly!"

    At that moment a shellnded outside the tent, and the st wave instantly blew the tent and the stakes that held it aloft away.

    The divisionmander was engulfed by the flying tent and, after struggling for a while, broke into fierce cursing.

    At that moment, the chief of staff handed the messengers a note with the location of themand and signaled them to leave quickly.@@novelbin@@

    The two turned and ran, hopping onto a tricycle motorbike and sped off in a cloud of dust.

    General Boke from the 191st Division, positioned behind the 190th Division, learned that the 190th Division was under artillery fire.

    He clenched his fist tightly: "Excellent! The enemy has finally broken through the center. As long as we employ staggered defenses, we can dy and deplete the enemy¡ª"

    Before he could finish, the Army Group chief of staff interrupted him: "Our supply lines have beenpletely cut off by the enemy¡¯s cavalry troops. All the supply units are now relying on the second tank line for constricted defense. If this situation continues for several days, the front-line troops will have nothing to eat!"

    General Boke angrily said: "I know! I know that! But now Rocossov doesn¡¯t want to starve us to death; he ns to attack! That way we can thwart him! Rocossov also knows, the cavalry troops¡¯ sustainability is at most a week, he must defeat us within a week! So he ns to first crush our 190th Division, and then gradually prate our defenses, reaching here, understand? Here!"

    General Boke pointed to the ground with his finger.

    "Here! This guy definitely wants to capture me alive, just like he has with other generals! It¡¯s his way of showcasing his power!"

    190th Division, the division headquarters tent that had been toppled by the explosion of a shell.

    As soon as the shelling ceased, the divisionmander was working hard to restore contact with units throughout the division.

    The wireless antenna was re-erected, and the surviving messengers were found and mounted on motorcycles, war horses, or bicycles that were still intact.

    As the divisionmander was issuing orders left and right, suddenly a signaler called out: "Divisionmander, we have contact with the northern position."

    The divisionmander rushed over, picked up the headset, and said, "Hello! Can you hear me?"

    "Loud and clear! Reporting to the divisionmander, enemy armored units are moving through our position, enemy armored units are moving through our position!"

    Divisionmander: "What about your anti-tank guns?"

    "Destroyed!"

    Divisionmander: "I will divert the assault gun battalion there!"

    After he spoke, he handed the headset and microphone to the signaler,manding loudly, "Call the assault gun battalion, we need them to intercept the enemy¡¯s tank units now!"

    At that moment another signaler shouted: "Contact with the southern position established, the enemy is nking! It¡¯s a pincer movement! We¡¯re going to be encircled!"

 Chapter 458: The Subjective Initiative of the Cavalrymen

    Wang Zhong¡¯s side had just managed to radio the advancing 225th Armored Division.

    As soon as he switched over, he saw T34 tanks chasing down Prosen¡¯s PAK38 anti-tank guns. It appeared that the Prosen gunners were scattering and fleeing, only to be mowed down by the tank¡¯s machine gun fire.

    Watching the tanks crush the enemy, Wang Zhong suddenly realized the Prosen¡¯s anti-tank capabilities were not that great; after all, they hadn¡¯t yet started using ¡¯Iron Fist¡¯ and maic mines, and this infantry division seemed to be without even the PAK40.

    He guessed that the PAK40s were given priority to the Panzergrenadier Divisions, while the infantry divisions were still stuck with outdated PAK38s, which were no match for the T34s.

    Wang Zhong watched his tank units rush through the Prosen positions, and then seven strong men jumped off an apanying M3 Grant tank, swept the panicked Prussians clean, jumped back on the tank, and caught up with the advancing armored forces.

    It had a bit of a modernbined-arms operation vor.

    Unfortunately, the M3¡¯s lethality against infantry wasn¡¯t high enough; they should put Bofors 40mm guns on the heads of the infantry fighting vehicles. The 40mm could kill infantry and asionally also serve as anti-aircraft defense for the tank units.

    While Wang Zhong was pondering these things, hismunication with the armored troops ended, and he took a final look at the advancing units, particrly enjoying the sight of the Prussians whocked anti-tank means scurrying like rats.

    Very good.The image vanished.

    Then the screen from the Motor Rifle Guards lit up, and without dy, Wang Zhong switched over, only to see the assault spearhead of the Motor Rifle Guards passing by destroyed 88mm guns.

    These 88mm anti-aircraft guns seemed to have been ced alongside the artillery battalion¡¯s 105mm and 150mm howitzers, presumably with the anti-aircraft battalion providing coverage for the artillery battalion.

    Judging by the impact points of the explosions, Wang Zhong thought these were not the result of their own artillery fire, but rather the Air Force¡¯s impressive work in an air raid.

    No wonder the 190th Division hadn¡¯t been artillery-barraged for several days, the guns had been destroyed.

    The Air Force did a good job!

    Wang Zhong recalled that the Soviet Air Force on Earth never achieved such high attack efficiency because during World War II their average training level was too low, making many attacks inurate.

    Thisck of training was even more obvious on the IL-2, which could not dive at steep angles.

    Now, Wang Zhong had equipped the elite pilots of the Ant Air Force with the most suitable nes for the time, so it was normal for the attack efficiency to be greatly improved.

    By the time hismunication with the Motor Rifle Guards tank battalion also ended, Wang Zhong took onest look at the big guns left behind by the troops before contentedly ending his oversight.

    The troops were making good progress and should be able to sessfully insert themselves into position today.

    ording to aerial reconnaissance, the frontline of the First Mobile Group Army consisted entirely of infantry, and no matter how strong the Prosen infantry¡¯s attacking ability was, they were just infantry units after all.

    It was quite a foolish idea to use infantry to attack across the open fields.

    In other words, as long as he held the enemy¡¯s neck, the 190th Division, like a tasty snack, was as good as Wang Zhong¡¯s.

    "Damn it!" General Boke stared at the two new lines on the map, which were the attack routes of the enemy forces identified by aerial reconnaissance, "They¡¯re executing a pincer movement! The enemy¡¯s goal isn¡¯t to break through our lines but to devour our 190th Division positioned at the front!"

    If they broke through the lines, it would mean that after crossing the 190th Division¡¯s defensive area, the attacking pincers would continue on to strike the next division¡¯s defense area.

    The pincer movement only needed to surround the 190th Division.

    General Boke cursed, "I was misled by exercises with the Emperor on the map! Rocossov doesn¡¯t want to break through the center at all; he wants to devour us bit by bit! And he¡¯s not picky¡ªHe¡¯ll even eat infantry divisions!"

    Chief of Staff: "What do we do now?"

    General Boke thought for a moment and said, "Call back an Armored Division for a counter-attack to re-establish contact with the 190th Division."

    The Chief of Staff shook his head, "That won¡¯t work. The Armored Troops are low on fuel. It was already disrupted because of enemy air raids on Shepetovka station, and now the enemy cavalry has burned a part, with what¡¯s left not yet delivered to the Armored Troops.

    "The Armored Troops had already made a long advance for many days, and it was time for them to resupply."

    General Boke stared at his Chief of Staff: "We¡¯ve runpletely out of fuel?"

    "We have some, but there won¡¯t be much left if they return."

    General Boke: "What if theye back and then resupply?"

    The Chief of Staff¡¯s expression was grave: "Our supply n is to postpone everything, every depot in the Army Group¡¯s control area is short on fuel. The enemy cavalry and air force have even burnt so much of our fuel, we¡¯re soon not going to have enough even for our trucks."

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    General Boke cursed and paced back and forth in the tent. After walking a few steps, he stopped and furiously picked at his cor, finally flicking off a louse and a big chunk of skin onto the ground, where he crushed it with his foot: "Damn it! These godforsaken fields, the goddamn Ante People, and that cursed Rocossov!"

    Chief of Staff: "Each of them we could handle alone, but together they¡¯re hard to manage."

    General Boke paced around the tent a few times, then sighed deeply: "Request air drops of supplies from the air force, especially fuel, to at least get our Armored Troops moving and smash the enemy hard."

    At that moment, the Chief of Staff reminded him with a serious face: "The enemy has new assault guns. ording to reports from armored troops of the Sedd Division who escaped, those assault guns can perfectly conceal themselves in the grass and ambush from a long distance, prating our armor."

    General Boke clenched his fists, then slowly rxed them, saying, "Smoke bombs will allow our brave soldiers to close the distance with the enemy and engage the assault guns in closebat. Last year when the enemy¡¯s prayer men were not thoroughly defeated, we dealt with it in this manner, just continuing the old battle tactics from the past!

    "Should we refrain from even attempting an attack because we know the enemy has new weapons? No, Prosen soldiers are not such cowards, and neither are Prosen generals!"

    General Boke clenched his fists again: "Last year we were also at a loss against the T34s and KVs, but in the end, didn¡¯t we also achieve a glorious victory?"

    The Chief of Staff thought for a while, then nodded vigorously: "I agree, we have to try no matter what. Let¡¯s have the 14th Armored Divisione back. If the air drop is arranged quickly, by the time the Armored Division arrives tomorrow, the fuel will already be there."

    "That¡¯s the n!" General Boke banged the table.@@novelbin@@

    Themander of the 18th Division of the 21st Cavalry Army watched the distant cloud of dust: "Is the enemy deploying armored troops to encircle us? Such a big cloud of dust?"

    His Chief of Staff and the Military Bishop also stood upright on their horses, observing the distance.

    The Chief of Staff spoke first: "They¡¯re not in an attack formation, more like they¡¯re rushing on their way."

    The division leaders exchanged nces.

    The Division Commander pped his thigh: "Use thendmines we¡¯ve captured! Attach the fuses and throw them on the ground, no need to bury them. The grass is so tall, the tanks won¡¯t see them! Get the smoke bombs ready. As soon as the leading tank is stopped by an explosion, throw the smoke bombs for cover, and then close in with Molotov cocktails to finish them off!"

 Chapter 459: Battlefield Blue Flower

    The cavalry had already spread out across the grasnd, and a messenger with a small g ran shouting, "Don¡¯t bury the capturedndmines on the left side!"

    Horses have a certain ability to avoid obstacles, and if the mines aren¡¯t buried, they can generally avoid them on their own. Of course, with the grass so dense, it¡¯s normal for a horse not to notice them. In such cases, one can only trust their own horse.

    The battlefield is just like that, if you¡¯re unlucky, you die, and it¡¯s got nothing to do with your rank orbat experience.

    Luck is always the best amulet on the battlefield.

    The cavalrymen dismounted, inserted the fuses into thendmines, and then carefully ced the mines on the ground.

    The messenger came over again with the small g, "Release the smoke and immediately retreat toward the signal re!"

    At this moment, the signal re soared into the sky, exploding in midair and hanging under a parachute, it looked like sudden stars had appeared in the sky.

    The cavalrymen quickly got back on their horses and threw smoke bombs¡ªalthough the order didn¡¯t specify which direction to throw them, everyone tacitly threw them towards the direction from which the enemy was attacking.

    The entire horizon was covered in dust raised by the enemy¡¯s armored units.Continue your adventure at empire

    To be honest, many of the cavalrymen were feeling worried; not like Rocossov¡¯s favored First Mobile Group Army who had fought many victoriesst year. They had coincidentally encountered the theory of cavalry obsolescence and had seen brother troops reformed into armored units, so now they trulycked confidence.

    The myth of the invincible Rocossov was just that, a legend. They did not have the unconditional trust in this legendary general that his direct subordinates had.

    The cavalry began to distance themselves from the smoke and the advancing enemy armored units.

    Tracer rounds pierced through the smoke, obviously the Prussian tankers were not willing to let the troublesome cavalry go so easily.

    Unfortunately, their shots were too high, whistling over the heads of the cavalry.

    Cavalryman Misha leaned close to the back of his beloved horse as he galloped, shouting, "It looks like the enemy hates us to death!"

    Valery, from the same vige as him,ughed and said, "Because we¡¯ve snatched all their fuel and ammunition, and divided up their food."

    Misha replied, "Don¡¯t remind me of those disgusting canned beef. Was that even beef? I wouldn¡¯t trade a ton of that stuff for a single can of Spam!"

    Someone ahead turned back and shouted, "And that coffee was truly awful, tasted like mud!"

    The meals of the Prussians are said to give even the officers of the United Kingdom a sense of superiority when ites to food.

    Misha was about to respond to hispanion when Sergeant Semyon turned back and scolded, "That¡¯s enough! We¡¯re in a battle here, not a chat! Death loves toe for those who underestimate him! If you don¡¯t want to die, shut your mouths!"

    No sooner had the sergeant finished speaking than the sound ofndmine explosions came from the smoke behind them.

    Five mines detonated in session, and then a tank with its tracks blown off burst out of the smoke.

    The tank¡¯s first road wheel fell off in a sh as it fled the smoke, as if carrying on its whole frame a longing for freedom.

    Correspondingly, the tank itself seemed to have exhausted itsst bit of strength and stopped at the border with the smoke.

    More Prussian tanks broke through the smoke; clearly the mines had notpletely stopped them.

    The iron knights of the Prussians roared, chasing after the cavalry on the grasnd, and the "knights" from two different eras began a cross-temporal duel.

    As the saying goes, in the blink of an eye, Misha¡¯s mount suddenly fell forward, and he was thrown forward. He instinctively took a crash position to protect his head and rolled on the ground a few times before finally stopping.

    Misha immediately got up and looked back to check the condition of his warhorse, realizing its front left hoof had stepped into a ground squirrel¡¯s burrow.

    It looked like the horse¡¯s front leg was broken, an injury so severe that there was no chance of treatment, even if it were taken to the rear.

    At such a time, Misha should have quickly put his mount down, but he still stroked the forehead of the horse, now in agony and wailing,forting it as he crouched down, hiding in the tall grass.

    The enemy tanks were getting closer.

    The fleeing cavalry had once againid a smoke screen, and Misha could no longer see them.

    However, themander must have intentionally led the cavalry into the territory of the ground squirrels.

    Suddenly, the enemy tank leading the charge seemed to fall into a trap, its front end dipping sharply and stopping in the grass, motionless.

    Misha was overjoyed; the tank was not far from him, and if he could just crawl over to throw the incendiary bomb¡ª

    A second tank fell into a ground squirrel hole.

    Misha saw a man with arge cap on the turret of the first tank that had been crippled. He was pressing a headset to one ear and holding a microphone in the other hand, chattering away.

    Misha stared at the man, feeling as if his heart was about to leap into his throat. He took out an old-fashioned hand grenade issued to the Cavalry Troops, first slipping on the fragmentation sleeve, then trembling as he fitted the fuse to the top of the grenade¡ªthese old-fashioned grenades were unstable and the fuse was only inserted just before throwing.

    His warhorse seemed to sense his tension and actually tried to stand up.

    Misha hurriedly shushed it, but the noise the warhorse made had already caught the attention of the Prussians.

    The man with therge cap put down the microphone, took off his headset and retrieved a submachine gun from the turret, his eyes alert as they searched the underbrush.

    Misha grew more nervous, pressing down hard on his horse¡¯s head, trying to make it understand the situation, to stop struggling¡ª

    At that moment, a Prussian soldier shouted something, and the man with therge cap immediately looked off into the distance.

    Misha also turned to look and saw his own cavalry unit maneuvering upwind, each man holding a smoke bomb, with the smoke obscuring the windward direction and then drifting down¡ª

    Once the smokepletely covered the Prussian tanks, the cavalry could charge and engage in closebat!

    The man with therge cap put down the submachine gun and picked up a pair of binocrs.

    Misha knew the opportunity hade.

    He made a dash to a range where he could throw the grenade, spread his arms, andunched it toward the tank.

    He had a premonition that the grenade wouldnd inside the tank¡¯s hatch¡ª

    However, the grenade exploded mid-air.

    The old-fashioned hand grenades supplied to the cavalry had extremely unstable impact fuses. The explosion timing was random, and the vigour of the throw might even cause the fuse to fly out, turning the grenade into a mere club.

    But Misha was in luck, the grenade still exploded, and the resulting shrapnel rain fell onto the tank.

    The man with therge cap was hit by several pieces of shrapnel, his face obliterated. Instinctively, he tried to touch his face, only to have his hand impaled by the shrapnel embedded there.

    He screamed in agony.@@novelbin@@

    Misha rushed forward and then realized that the airburst grenade had also killed the driver who had exited to check the tank¡ªearlier, the grass was too tall for Misha to see the driver.

    As Misha¡¯s gaze rested on the driver, the tank¡¯s mechanic suddenly burst out of the tank and tackled Misha to the ground.

    The mechanic mped his hands around Misha¡¯s neck in an attempt to strangle him.

    Misha plucked a handful of grass and smeared it across the mechanic¡¯s face, the sharp edges of the grass des immediately scratching the enemy¡¯s eyes.

    The enemy wailed, loosening his grip on Misha.

    So Misha took the chance to break free and kicked the mechanic away, then grabbed the submachine gun and sprayed a burst of fire.

    "Surrender! Sukha, surrender!" Misha yelled.

    By this time, the smoke had rolled in, and not a single Prosen tank could be seen within visibility.

    The solitary surviving gunner and loader raised their hands, shaking as they climbed out of the tank.

    Then, explosions sounded from within the smoke, Misha said, "It must be our cavalry blowing up your tanks! You¡¯ve lost! Tanks defeated by cavalry!"

    No sooner had the words left his mouth than a roar approached, a Prosen tank burst from the smoke, its turret turned to the rear and its machine guns zing.

    Misha¡¯s eyes widened, but before he could react, the tank¡¯s hull machine gun opened fire, and he was hit in the chest, falling backward.

    His warhorse neighed, struggling to get up.

    The Prosen tank thundered forward, its steel tracks crushing the warhorse beneath.

    Mishay on the ground, his blue eyes staring at the blue sky above.

    In thest moments of his life, he noticed a wildflower blooming in the corner of his vision.

    The wildflower seemed so blue, so beautiful, as if it were about to merge with the sky itself.

 Chapter 460: Using Life to Consume the Enemyâ€™s Bullets

    The cavalry troops¡¯ attack on the enemy¡¯s armored units, though only a part of the tanks were destroyed, indeed yed a role in dying the advance of the enemy¡¯s tank forces.

    The tank units were forced to deploy into formation to counter the cavalry attack and galloped across rough terrain for over an hour.

    By the time the cavalry troops werepletely defeated and retreated, the number of tanks that were malfunctioning or damaged exceeded those that were destroyed.

    Many of the tanks were even immobilized by gopher holes, the most modern war machines hobbled by harsh environments and this primitive form of troops.

    Prussian Tenth Army Group Corps Command.

    General Boke couldn¡¯t help eximing, "Halting progress after a cavalry charge? I didn¡¯t know our armored units had be this frail!"

    The Chief of Staff replied with a wry smile, "The 14th Armored Division reports that, indeed, not many tanks were destroyed by the cavalry, but many were damaged due to the harsh natural environment.

    If we leave all these tanks behind, or only leave the repair crews to fix them, the enemy cavalry will surelye back and use incendiary bombs to burn the tankspletely, even harming the repair personnel.@@novelbin@@So the divisionmander decided to halt and wait until a majority of the less severely damaged tanks were repaired before moving out."

    Boke shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, no! Leave an armoredpany to guard the repair teams, and order the rest of the units to continue marching back to receive supplies!"

    The Chief of Staff nodded, "Okay, I will issue the order immediately."

    An hourter, General Boke was pacing back and forth inside themand post when finally, amunications officer lifted the tent curtain and entered, "Report from the 14th Division!"

    The Chief of Staff hurriedly went to take the telegram and frowned at the first nce, "The 14th Division reports another harassment by cavalry, and the enemy has nted even more mines. Unlike the hasty cements before, this time they¡¯ve had time to bury the mines deep into the ground."

    General Boke said, "Have the engineers clear the mines! Tell the 14th Division to hurry back! They are an armored unit, how can they fear the enemy¡¯s sabers?"

    The Chief of Staff was still looking at the telegram, and upon hearing the general said, "The enemy cavalry used smoke to cut off the tanks¡¯ mutual cover, then approached and threw incendiary bombs.

    The enemy suffered appalling casualties but still kept pressing on, leading to severe depletion of the tanks¡¯ machine gun ammunition."

    General Boke frowned deeply, "Nonsense! The enemy using casualties to deplete the tanks¡¯ bullets sounds like a bad joke!"

    The Chief of Staff said, "But the 14th Armored has been inbat for a considerable time. Machine gun ammo naturally runs high, and it is possible to run out of ammunition.

    Before Operation Bluemenced, many tank crews, based onst year¡¯sbat experience, mounted a lot of extra machine gun ammo behind the tank turrets. If not for that, the ammo might have run out even earlier."

    General Boke pressed his forehead in frustration, "Damn, why is this godforsaken Ante so vast? We¡¯ve advanced so far, if this were in Carolingian it would have been enough to do another Battle of Arden Forest, but in Ante, damn it!"

    The Chief of Staff also revealed a wry smile, but he still reminded, "What now? If the 14th Armored runs out of machine gun bullets, they can only use high-explosive shells to deal with cavalry. If the high-explosive shells get depleted to a certain extent, the 14th Armored¡¯s offensive capacity will be greatly reduced.

    As the Army Group Chief of Staff, I would not agree to an attack by such a unit without resupply; it must be replenished."

    General Boke sighed, "I understand. Then withdraw all the Armored Divisions and Armored Grenadier Divisions currently preparing for a pincer attack. I don¡¯t believe Ante¡¯s cavalry can block all these troops."

    "We only called back the 14th Armor because we had not given up the idea of a pincer offensive against Rocossov, with the result that the 14th Armor suffered a great loss.

    "As long as we give up the concept of a pincer attack and go all out to consolidate our forces and rescue the 190th Division, there is still hope!"

    Chief of Staff, "Then we must report this decision. The previous concept of a pincer attack against Rocossov was praised by the Emperor, and now it¡¯s being canceled, the Emperor will get angry. It would be best to ask Marshal Von Bulein to intercede or to go directly to General Giles."

    "Never," General Boke waved his hand abruptly, "I will absolutely not resort to that Emperor¡¯s favorite!"

    "Damn it!" the then Emperor mmed his fist on the table, "Forced to abandon the pincer attack by cavalry, is this still the glorious Prussian officer corps, the glorious Junker nobility?"

    William Kyle, "The enemy is too cunning, and the natural environment is too harsh, which led to this situation. It¡¯s not something shameful, Boke is still trying to rescue the 190th Division."

    then Emperor, "Then why wasn¡¯t it investigated earlier that the situation was so dire? Last year during Barbarossa, you underestimated Ante¡¯s infrastructure level, nned the supply ording to the average level of Western Europa, and it was a mess!

    "Not seizing Ekaterinburg Fortressst year, High Command¡¯s staff should bear more than half the responsibility! And then what? No one was punished, just a meaningless transfer out of the staff office and that was it!

    "Now you have misjudged the severity of the grasnd again! Just wait, if Operation Blue fails, I swear someone will be shot, even if it offends the Junker Nobility, they will be shot!

    "I should learn from Rocossov, use a pistol and shoot you one by one! At the military academy, you only learned how to use knives and forks to eat!"

    A few senior officers exchanged nces.

    General Moochi, who had been highly trusted, said, "Actually, the situation is not too bad yet, it¡¯s just one division that¡¯s been surrounded. As long as that division fights with all their might and holds out for three to five days, the horses of the cavalry won¡¯t be able to stand it."

    The soldiers of the cavalry can eat the Prussian supplies they capture, but the horses cannot.

    The Prussians also have military horses, but mostly they are pack horses used for carrying things, and their consumption is far less than that of military horses.

    Military horses, reliant solely on wild grasses from the ins, will quickly lose condition, and then their physical performance values will greatly diminish.

    So cavalry cannot really operate behind enemy lines indefinitely, a military horse that carries a robust soldier with a full set of weapons and equipment, as well as variousbat supplies in the saddlebags, truly can be ridden to death if not fed sufficiently. Read new chapters at empire

    Although the Prussians no longer have purely cavalry troops, many of those present had started out as cavalry officers and were well aware of this.

    The Emperor surveyed everyone, sighed, and changed the subject, "Where is the Moravia cavalry now?"

    "In transit, able to reach Shepetovka by the 19th."

    "Make them hurry! As long as they can handle the enemy¡¯s cavalry troops, they will all be granted the status of honorary citizens! Equal to ordinary Prussians!"

    The Emperor paused, as if making a great concession, and added, "It can be hereditary! This privilege can be hereditary!"

 Chapter 461: The 21st Army Regains a Foothold

    On the night of July 17 at nine o¡¯clock, the First Mobile Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov came to Wang Zhong with a thick stack of documents.

    Wang Zhong: "My God, you¡¯re actually asking me to sign documents at a time like this?"

    "No, these are summaries of the situation, I think you should need a detailed understanding of the battlefield conditions¡ªor trust my and the staff officers¡¯ capabilities, and just listen to my summary."

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov and said seriously, "I trust you and the staff officers¡¯ capabilities."

    Pavlov nced at the moved junior staff officer next to him: "He¡¯s just toozy to read through it himself, you all need to get used to themander¡¯s inaction as soon as possible, and try to handle every detail well, because themander won¡¯t take care of these things."

    The junior staff officer nodded repeatedly while Wang Zhong protested, "I¡¯m still going to scout the front line personally!"

    Pavlov: "Right, he often scouts the front line personally, and then leaves the entire headquarters miles away, as if he¡¯s still that hands-on divisionmander, happy to just close his eyes and ride his little tank around the ground."

    Wang Zhong corrected him seriously, "Closing one¡¯s eyes is not a way tomand a tank."Pavlov: "asionally themander will do such childish things that match his age, don¡¯t mind it, most of the time he is an excellentmander who can lead us to victory. But the foundation of him making judgments and winning victories is our hard, efficient, and precise work."

    Vasily listened with a stern face, counting on his fingers as he listened, and finally he said with great assurance, "The Chief of Staff is praising you."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "Are you sure?"

    "Certain, although he has manyints about you, he does recognize your military capabilities."

    Pavlov: "Now at Ante, nobody doesn¡¯t recognize Rocossov¡¯s military capabilities, but they only observe from a distance, not knowing the specifics.

    "The fact is, only when all of us do our duty diligently can Rocossov harness his military capabilities.

    "For Rocossov to harness his military capabilities, we sometimes have to make independent military decisions as well."

    Damn it, the things Pavlov was saying sounded like some rule-obsessed nonsense.

    The phrase "rule-obsessed nonsense" suddenly made Wang Zhong feel a bit homesick¡ªbefore he crossed over, rule-obsessed nonsense was all the rage, and Wang Zhong had also written a few stories to join in the fun, but they sank like stones without causing the slightest ripple.

    He had no idea what the flow of time was like in the world he came frompared to this one, and whether rule-obsessed nonsense was still popr after a year of refinement.

    Wang Zhong quickly suppressed this feeling of homesickness and said to Pavlov, "Alright, tell me what happened."

    Pavlov immediately reported, "Today¡¯s operations, though they encountered a few minor surprises, went generally smoothly.

    "The minor surprises mainly urred with the cavalry troops responsible for breakthrough battles when the enemy dispatched the 14th Armored Division from the force designated to pincer us from the reserves.

    "Our cavalry troops engaged in brave dying actions, and after suffering heavy casualties, they sessfully halted the enemy.

    "There are still over three thousand from Cavalry Army 21 who are capable of fighting."

    Wang Zhong was shocked, "They were only one division, but along with the augmented troops from Army 20, there were ten thousand cavalrymen! And now only three thousand are left?"

    Pavlov¡¯s expression turned serious: "This is mainly because they fought deep within enemy territory, and the steppe conditions were extremely harsh; wounded soldiers could only let their horses carry them out, and many died by the time they reached the field hospital.

    "Additionally, there were incidents of warhorses being injured or killed, and in such situations, the fallen riders were usually seriously injured as well and often died."

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips and took a long time before he sighed, "Gather the information, award more Gold Star Medals liberally. Send someone to ensure that their families are properly cared for."

    Pavlov: "Of course, you don¡¯t have to worry about this; we never make a mistake in this regard."

    Wang Zhong nodded, and with a change of topic said, "With such heavy casualties, how effective has the enemy¡¯s dy been?"

    "Reconnaissance indicates that the enemy¡¯s 14th Armored Division has stopped in ce, likely running out of ammunition soon."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "Really? Then can we try a nighttime raid?"

    Pavlov reminded him, "With what troops? The elite mechanized first division and the 225th Division are our main forces, and they¡¯re alreadymitted on two fronts. The first division of Mnia, holding the center of our forces, is to bemitted to tomorrow¡¯s offensive; they have already reconnoitered the terrain and prepared for the attack.

    "It¡¯s not really appropriate to change their objectives at this time, and as the chief of staff, I would definitely advise against it."

    Wang Zhong fell silent for a few seconds, then tentatively suggested, "We could move up the divisions on rear guard duty..."

    "Bringing up such reserve divisions would serve no purpose but to undermine morale," Pavlov reminded.

    Scratching his head, Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov, "Could it be... that we can only send the cavalry for a night raid?"

    Pavlov: "Is a night raid necessary?"

    Wang Zhong: "They dyed their armored forces during the day, suffering six thousand casualties. It¡¯s worth trying at night, don¡¯t you think? Their armored forces definitely won¡¯t be as powerful at night as they are during the day, and people¡ªour side doesn¡¯t have many with night blindness, do we?"

    "Indeed." Vasily was the first to agree with Wang Zhong,ing over to the calendar, ncing at it and saying, "The moonlight is not bad tonight, suitable for a sneak attack."

    Popov: "Rather than dying in vain tomorrow during the day, let¡¯s give it a try at night."

    Pavlov nodded, "Okay, as long as we make contact with the 21st Cavalry, let them give it a try."

    Actually, at this moment, the 21st Cavalry was already attempting a night raid.

    The survivors of the day¡¯s battle all had friends who had perished under the enemy¡¯s iron hooves. The proud cavalry had long been champing at the bit to deal the enemy¡¯s Armored Division a "heavy blow."

    Before nightfall, they had dismounted, concealing themselves in the bushes with their warhorses, cautiously edging toward the enemy¡¯s position.

    The enemy probably never imagined they would be attacked in the middle of the night, so they set up sentries as usual and started to rest.

    No, it wasn¡¯t entirely rest; the division¡¯s repair teams were still working hard to fix tanks that had broken down in the day¡¯s fighting, so faint shes of light could be seen in the distance.

    These shes became the "beacons" for the cavalry hidden in the bushes.

    When the troops of the 21st Army came within a few hundred meters, they remounted and gradually picked up speed in the cover of night.

    The sentry heard the hoofbeats, picked up his submachine gun and shouted, "Halt!"

    But with a whoosh, the sentry was snared by a rope, yanked away violently, vanishing without a trace, without any time to fire a warning shot.

    The cavalry battalion surged into the Prussians¡¯ camp amidst the night.

    As the first incendiary bottle shattered into mes, the night sky was abruptly lit by a blood-red glow.

    Enjoy exclusive content from empire

    The Prussians struggled to organize a defense, while tracers tore through the sky, but were still unable to prevent more and more tanks from catching fire!

    The warriors of the 21st Cavalry dashed about on horseback, recklessly throwing incendiary bombs, sowing destruction.

    They seemed to be fighting for a breath of revenge for theirrades fallen in the daylight.

    And indeed, they seeded!

 Chapter 462: Melaniaâ€™s First Division Attacks

    The 21st Army¡¯s night attack was sessful, and at the same time, the 20th Army¡¯s cavalry also harassed the Prussian supply convoys on the grasnds.

    Even the herdsmen on the grasnds joined the attack, reportedly because the Prussians forcibly abducted their cattle, sheep, and some horses.

    The herdsmen¡¯s livelihoods heavily relied on cattle and sheep, and without them they might not survive the winter. What to do if they couldn¡¯t get through? They had no choice but to damn well fight the Prussian devils.

    In the blink of an eye, the sun rose again, and the morning of the 18th arrived.

    The Prussian 10th Army Group had nned tounch a pincer movement that morning, but all units designated for the offensive were now preparing to consolidate their forces, then join in the operation to relieve the encircled 190th Division.

    First Mobile Group Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov looked at his watch, then turned his head to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong, "Wait a minute, didn¡¯t this scene happen yesterday?""Yes, but the target of the bombardment is different. Yesterday we mainly bombarded the nks of the 190th Division, and only carried out a feint attack on the core positions. Today we will focus on bombarding the core area." Pavlov paused, then asked, "So shall we begin?"

    "Of course, let¡¯s start, please!" Wang Zhong gestured towards the telephone invitingly.

    Pavlov picked up the receiver, "Artillery position, are you there? Fire."

    As he put down the receiver, the sound of rolling "thunder" emerged from outside.

    Wang Zhong switched his view. He couldn¡¯t directly see the Mnia 1st Division preparing to attack from the headquarters, but he could see the artillery positions.

    All types of artillery from the entire Army Group were roaring in anger, a scene reminiscent of an iconic moment from "The Great Battle."

    Wang Zhong searched for a moment and indeed found birds flying in the sky. Although he couldn¡¯t remember the voice-over for this scene, the image of the birds calmly flying amidst the sound of gunfire was deeply etched in his memory.

    At this time, Pavlov gave the order to fire to the rocket artillery brigade, and Wang Zhong consequently got the perspective of the rocket artillery brigade.

    From the overhead view, you couldn¡¯t hear the sounds from the field, but the sight of Katyushas firing in unison, with such a destructive force, led Wang Zhong to automatically fill in the "whizzing" sound of the rockets firing in his mind.

    With such intense firepower, the enemy deployed on the grasnds was surely already blown to pieces¡ªthis was what Wang Zhong thought.

    By this time, the Mnia 1st Division¡¯s troops were deployed less than three kilometers from the enemy. The shells passed over their heads one after the other, emitting a buzzing sound that made their scalps tingle.

    When the rocket artillery opened fire, the noise in the sky reached its climax, causing even the bravest of veterans to shrink their necks.

    The uniform of the Mnia People¡¯s Army was based on that of the Ante People, but some modifications were made to reflect their cultural identity. Mainly, some decorations were added, and their hats were different from those of the Ante People¡ªthis highlighted the differences from the Ante troops without putting too much pressure on supplies.

    Now, the Mnians, who had been trained for more than half a year, were waiting for their moment of vengeance.@@novelbin@@

    Some of them had been forced to leave their homnd three years ago, unable to contact any friends or family. Others had escaped from Mnia to Ante within thest two years, already familiar with the Prussian atrocities before leaving their homnd.

    Now, all these experiences were transformed into fury and courage etched on young but weathered faces.

    They awaited the cessation of artillery fire, waiting for the whistle to attack.

    The veterans who had fought with the Mnia National Army were the first to notice the artillery fire transitioning to the Xu Jin barrage.

    "It¡¯s starting!"

    "You Prussian bastards born of bitches! Your Mnia grandfathers areing for you!"

    The call to attack spread across the entire starting line.

    The next moment, the rumble of tank engines drowned out the whistles.

    The Mnia 1st Division¡¯s Shermans and M3 Grant tanks took the lead, with half-track vehicles and infantry lines following behind the tanks.

    Not long after they set off, someone started singing the famous Mnia song "Wis?awa Waltz": "The wind of hatred roars overhead~"

    Others immediately joined in: "The demon has yed his cruel hand!"

    "Get up and fight to the death with the enemy, no need to ask what lies ahead!"

    "Rise bravely, rise proudly!"

    "Brave falcons, fight for the cause of liberation!"

    The red g with the white eagle of Mnia flew at the forefront of the troops, the eagle on the g seemed toe alive, leading a flock of falcons over the prairie.

    On the Prussian side, because the prairie was really not suitable for digging anti-gun bunkers, the troops had already lost more than half.

    The surviving machine gunners were struggling to dig out their machine guns from the dirt, while the surviving gunners tried hard to flip the overturned anti-tank guns back over.

    Medics were running everywhere, vainly trying to snatch some lives back from the hands of the Grim Reaper.

    Suddenly, someone shouted, "Listen!"

    Everyone stopped.

    The roar of tank engines and solemn singing floated through the air.

    Some of the veterans understood: "Mniannguage! Damn it, it¡¯s the Mnians, I¡¯ve seen their methods when I was fighting bandits in Mnia, they don¡¯t take prisoners! Falling into their hands means having your eyes and nose cut off, tied to a tree, and left to die slowly!"

    No sooner had the voice faded than the red g appeared.

    This time many reacted, "It¡¯s Rocossov¡¯s troops!"

    In the Prussian forces, the red g equaled Rocossov¡¯s troops, a widely known fact.

    At that moment, an officer ran along the trench that had been sted into segments, "Gather the weapons of our fallenrades! Prepare to fight!"

    "Prepare to fight!"

    The Prussians repositioned their machine guns and readied their anti-tank guns.

    On the severely reduced artillery positions, sergeants reced the fallen officers, observing the approaching tanks with blood-stained binocrs.

    "Damn, I¡¯ve never seen such tanks, they don¡¯t look like T34s! Nor do they look like Matildas or Valentines (both are tanks from the United Kingdom, seen in the Carolingian campaign)!" Stay updated with empire

    The gunner asked the actingmander, "Where should we aim?"

    The Prussian anti-tank gunners all had a manual that taught them where to aim when facing different tanks.

    But there were no instructions for this new type of tank in the manual.

    The sergeant hesitated for a moment and then said, "Just aim for the front of the chassis near the driver¡¯s observation window!"

    They didn¡¯t know that this model of Sherman had no driver¡¯s observation window; the driver mainly relied on a periscope to observe the outside duringbat.

    The correct action was to aim for the machine gun muzzle.

    Following the sergeant¡¯s instructions, the gunners searched for the observation window and soon found something amiss, "How could the observation window be on the top of the tank chassis?"

    However, by that time the enemy¡¯s tanks had moved past the target.

    "Fire!"

    Despite their doubts, the Prussian gunners still executed the order, so the shells hit the upper front of the hull, deflecting off the highly angled armor.

    The tanks did not stop their advance but instead fired back while moving!

    The stabilizer, kid!

    The mixed contingent of Shermans and Grants just like that stormed over the Prussian positions.

    The artillerymen scattered, leaving the anti-tank guns to be ttened by the treads¡ªjust as the Prussian tanks had done to the Ante people¡¯s 45mm anti-tank gunsst year.

 Chapter 463: Destroying Decayed Wood With a Pull

    The 190th Division¡¯s headquarters staff hadn¡¯t all died yet. The divisionmander squatted in arge crater, holding the sole surviving radio and shouted, "I am 190! 190! I am under heavy attack! We are about to be annihted! Hello? Hello? Can anyone hear me?"

    Only the sound of static came through the earpiece, with no one responding to the divisionmander¡¯s call.

    The divisionmander called out several more times until finally, a voice came through the static, "190, how is your situation?"

    "We¡¯re about to fall! The enemy hasunched a fierce attack, and our positions were pretty much wrecked in the first round of shelling! After the shelling ended, some of our units suffered forty percent casualties! Forty percent!"

    Static filled the earpiece once again, making the divisionmander wonder if his message hadn¡¯t gone through, so he repeated, "After the shelling, some of our units lost forty percent! It¡¯s a miracle we haven¡¯t copsed! We can¡¯t hold back the enemy anymore!"

    Finally, a voice came through the earpiece again, "Hold firm, and there will be a way out! Hold firm, and there will be a way out!"

    The divisionmander shouted in despair, "How long do we need to hold?"

    The other side fell silent, only the static hissing in the earpiece responded to the divisionmander¡¯s anxiety.

    Find your next adventure on empire"How long do we need to hold?"

    Vasily, holding the microphone, looked up at Wang Zhong, "How should we reply?"

    Wang Zhong, "I need to think about that question for a moment."@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov crossed his arms, "It seems that nobody has reminded this divisionmander about the discipline of radiomunication; his staff officers must be almost all dead by now."

    Popov nodded, ncing at the terrain map hanging on the movable ckboard, "It looks like we guessed the location of one of the enemy division headquarters right, based on the aerial reconnaissance photos, just not sure which one."

    The photos taken by the Pe-2 bomber turned high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft were all fuzzy. Wang Zhong had guessed eight possible locations of the enemy division headquarters and then selected the three he thought most likely for bombardment.

    To bombard all eight wasn¡¯t realistic; it would dilute the firepower, and even if a target were hit, it wouldn¡¯t cause much damage.

    Selecting three for bombardment at least ensuredpletely destroying those three.

    After all, all the chosen locations were confirmed by aerial reconnaissance to have enemy units stationed, and if themand centers were missed, destroying the units was also beneficial.

    In any case, the enemy¡¯s defensive depth was just so much, the starting line of Mnia¡¯s 1st Division¡¯s attack, and the blocking line of the Guards Mechanized Infantry was only twelve kilometers apart, and it was fifteen kilometers from the 225th Division¡¯s blocking line.

    On the map, the 190th Division¡¯s encircled space looked very much like the Squash from nts vs. Zombies, with the 225th Division responsible for the plump end, and the Guards Mechanized Infantry as the Squash head.

    There were virtually no buildings in this encirclement. Aerial reconnaissance had only discovered a few standalone thatched cottages, which had already been ttened.

    Themander of Mnia¡¯s 1st Division guaranteed to Wang Zhong that they could take the 190th Division, which was in such a state of attack, in 30 hours ofbat.

    Wang Zhong allowed them 48 hours.

    After the attack began, Wang Zhong ordered Vasily to monitor enemymunications using previously captured Prosen radios, and then they received a distress call from someone presumed to be themander of the Prosen 190th Infantry Division.

    Wang Zhong, based on a sense of humor that no one in this time and space could understand, had Vasily reply with "Hold firm, and there will be a way out."

    After listening for a while, Vasily continued to ask, "He¡¯s still asking until when he should hold. It seems like he really believes I¡¯m from their side."

    Wang Zhong, "Tell him that the rescue Armored Division has already assembled and is currently resupplying ammunition and fuel. Soon, forces drawn from several Armored Divisions will form the Cyclops Combat Group and initiate a breakout operation, codenamed ¡¯Crossing the Rubicon¡¯."

    Vasily looked at Wang Zhong in surprise, "Do we need to be that specific?"

    Wang Zhong gestured at Vasily, "You don¡¯t understand. Giving the enemy even a sliver of hope in such times is my greatest kindness. Then I shallpletely crush this sliver of hope. It shows my kindness and makes my ruthless judgment against the Prosen bandits."

    Popov, "You¡¯ve just uttered another phrase that will be remembered in your memoirs. Too bad our friends from the Federation press aren¡¯t here."

    At that moment, Vasily said, "The enemy knows now, including about thebat group and Crossing the Rubicon. But, talking about this on the radio actually vites radiomunication discipline, so they shouldn¡¯t believe it on the other side, should they?"

    Popov, "A person who¡¯s about to sink will grasp even at straws."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    At that moment, themunications officer entered with a telegram, "A message from the Front Army headquarters."

    Wang Zhong frowned, "Are they ordering us to retreat to the Sukhaya Reka again?"

    Pavlov shook his head, "It shouldn¡¯t be, General Golikov should arrive today, and it wouldn¡¯t make sense to issue another order before being reced."

    Wang Zhong took the telegram and nced at it, "¡¯Does your unit need reinforcement? Please inform us. Wishing you sess in annihting the enemy ¡ª General Golikov.¡¯

    Pavlov said, "See?"

    Wang Zhong said to Vasily, "Send a telegram to the Front Army headquarters. My unit needs the support of the 40th Tank Army to crush or even annihte a part of the enemy¡¯s Armored Division."

    Vasily replied, "Alright."

    He took out his notebook, quickly wrote the telegram, looked up at Wang Zhong, and repeated the content at a very fast pace.

    Wang Zhong confirmed, "Confirmed, send it."

    Vasily immediately tore the note from his notebook and handed it to themunications officer.

    Pavlov said, "At this stage, one of the enemy¡¯s pincers, an Armored Division, has already pulled back, and their Grenadier Division also seems to be nning an escape. The other side, with its two divisions, shows no sign of moving, but since one pincer is gone, there¡¯s no use for the other to remain. My assessment is that the enemy intends to consolidate their forces to solve their supply issues and form a battlegroup..."

    Wang Zhong said, "Why do you think I fabricated the false information that way? This is what they call ¡¯great minds think alike.¡¯"

    Popovughed, "Now we can rest easy, General. With youmanding the tanks on the charge, we can still expect the same level of leadership."

    Everyone in the roomughed.

    Because victory was now in sight, the mood in the headquarters was rxed.

    Soon, a new report came in.

    Vasily picked up the report and said, "The First Division of Mnia reports they havepletely broken through the enemy¡¯s front line, and all units are making smooth progress. They request the forwarding of follow-up echelons to take prisoners."

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov, but before he could speak, the chief of staff picked up the phone, "Connect to the rear mobile brigade. You can move forward now, yes, take the hired workers with you."

    The mobile brigade was small in number, mainly tasked with patrolling the rear areas to prevent destruction by small enemy units. With the addition of hired workers, it became arge force for clearing the battlefield.

    Just as Pavlov put down the phone, themunications officer brought another telegram, "A message from the High Command to the various units of the Sukhaya Reka Front Army."

    Wang Zhong said, "I suppose it¡¯s to inform us of the change in the Front Armymander."

    Vasily took the telegram and nodded after a nce, "Yes, it officially informs us that General Golikov is now themander of the Front Army, and the whereabouts of General Andrei have not been disclosed."

    Pavlov took the telegram, looked at it, and said, "General Andrei is likely to continue serving at the front since he hasn¡¯t messed up, and though he performed poorlyst year, everyone didst year."

    Wang Zhong said, "What do you mean? We promoted our suggestions and had him removed. Is he still able to harm our army?"

    "It was you who suggested having him removed," corrected Popov.

    "Hey, don¡¯t mind these details," Wang Zhong waved his hand dismissively.

    Just then, the radio operator called out loudly, "Report, we¡¯ve received a call from the enemy."

    Vasily immediately took the earphones from the radio operator, listened for a moment, and began to simultaneously trante, "¡¯My unit cannot hold out that long. Please start operation ¡¯Rubicon River¡¯ immediately, I repeat...¡¯"

    Wang Zhong said, "The enemy is really grasping at straws. Respond to them like this¡ª"

    "No need," Vasily took off the earphones and turned up the volume, allowing everyone to hear the phrase in Antenguage "Surrender, and you will not be killed!"

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin, thinking how remarkably simr it was?

    When this ¡¯Prosen Chen X. Jie¡¯ was brought back, he had to ask him what it all felt like.

 Chapter 464: Hatred

    Themander of the Prosen 190th Infantry Division was brought to the First Mobile Group Army Headquarters at eight o¡¯clock on the evening of the 18th. Stay updated via empire

    The major general nced at the sunlight streaming in through the second-floor window of the warehouse, "To think it¡¯s in a warehouse, the Air Force intelligence really got it wrong."

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily, "What did he say?"

    "He said the Air Force really messed up the location of our headquarters."

    Wang Zhong, "Does he actually think that with the correct intelligence from the Air Force they could have won? Don¡¯t be like that. The current situation mostly results from their vanguard Said Division being unexpectedly crushed by our surprise attack through the fog. This led to his division being ced at the very forefront of their entire formation.

    "And their superiors didn¡¯tmit armored troops and grenadiers to the front line to solidify the defense but went off to execute a pincer movement.

    "A pincer movement would have been fine, but they acted neither swiftly nor resolutely, letting the armored troops stand idle¡ªalthough I suspect they were probably waiting for supplies."

    Pavlov, "They were waiting for supplies; they definitely underestimated the harshness of the steppe environment."

    Popov added, "The testimonies of the prisoners confirm this as well."Vasily tranted Wang Zhong¡¯s words one by one, and surprisingly, the Prussian major general¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change much.

    The major general, "We just didn¡¯t expect you to use cavalry! And General Boke misjudged your target, he thought you¡¯d breakthrough the center, deal with a pincer strategy with a direct assault, just like the Emperor did during tabletop exercises."

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, thinking that a central breakthrough to counter a pincer attack? The Battle of Astarte from Legend of the Gctic Heroes? Could such an old-fashioned tactic really be implemented on the modern battlefield? Are you Prussian generals fooling around with the Emperor?

    An abundance of sarcasm shed through Wang Zhong¡¯s mind in an instant, then he said, "It shows that your Emperor isn¡¯t all that great. When we break through Prussia, I¡¯ll personally take his dog life, with this gun."

    As he spoke, he ced his hand on his pistol holster, caressing the sidearm that had already killed two generals. If he killed an emperor with it too, this gun would truly be a Holy Relic.

    Vasily tranted Wang Zhong¡¯s "bravado" word for word, and everyone got to witness the Prussian major general¡¯s impressive change of expressions.

    He shouted, "Insolence! Delusional! Your exchange rate with us is still so terrible, dreaming of hitting Prussia is the talk of fools! You can¡¯t even get back Argesukov that you lostst year!"

    Wang Zhong sneered, "Let¡¯s wait and see. ording to my estimation, in four years, at most four years, we¡¯ll take down Prussia and beat all our allies to it! Someone, take him away and let the judges give him a good reception.

    "Remember, we need him alive so one day he can see me trampling over¡ªuh, are there any notable buildings in this city to be trampled underfoot?"

    Everyone looked at each other confusedly.

    Wang Zhong had thought of mentioning the Brandenburg Gate, but firstly, it was a gargantuan structure over ten meters high not so easily trampled underfoot by a person, and secondly, he didn¡¯t know whether this world possessed a Brandenburg Gate.

    After pondering for a while, Vasily replied, "There doesn¡¯t seem to be anything that can be trampled underfoot. Perhaps trample their g? I¡¯ll trante it that way."

    Wang Zhong, "Alright, trante it that way!"

    Vasily immediately carried out the order and just as he tranted thest word, the Prussian stood up from the chair, attempting to rush at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong instinctively stepped back, at the same time turning to Grigori¡ª

    The sergeant major dropped his cigarette and raised the submachine gun from his waist¡ª

    Then everything was ended with a punch from Pavlov.

    The chief of staff, looking at the Prussian major general on the ground, pulled out a handkerchief to wipe the enemy¡¯s blood off his fist, "Now you act the hero, why didn¡¯t you resist to the end when facing the guns of Mnia¡¯s People¡¯s Army?"

    Wang Zhong sighed in relief, nced at Grigori, and noticed he was picking up his cigarette from the ground¡ªreally, is he going to continue smoking that?

    Vasily scratched his head, "Should I trante what the chief of staff just said?"

    Wang Zhong, "Trante it, and add a saying from Cyrus: ¡¯A general of a defeated army should not speak of courage.¡¯ Let him reflect on it."

    While this small incident took ce at the First Mobile Group Army Headquarters, General Boke, at the Prussian Tenth Army Group Headquarters, was anxiously waiting for news from the front line.

    "A whole division! It couldn¡¯t possibly have disintegrated so quickly, could it?" he murmured to himself as he paced back and forth.

    Corps Chief of Staff: "We were one step behind, always behind. The pincer movement wasn¡¯t prepared in time and caught us by surprise, then we misjudged the enemy¡¯s intent..."

    General Boke interrupted the Chief of Staff, "It¡¯s too early to draw conclusions now. Moreover, we were blinded by Rokossov¡¯s reputation, thinking he wanted to win a grand, luxurious victory, but in reality, he just wanted a small bite, a very small bite!"

    General Boke walked around themand center before continuing, "I should have realized earlier! He never intended to win big in one fell swoop because he knew the supply situation on the steppe was terrible. If it weren¡¯t for their cavalrymitment, they would be in the same predicament as us."

    In fact, not really, because the First Mobile Group Army is the richest in Ante, with plenty of trucks supplied by the Federation.

    General Boke: "Under limited supply conditions, Rokossov chose the most appropriate tactics. He might not be the bestmander, but he is definitely the most suitable for Ante, the most fitting."

    -------------

    At the same time, at the original position of the 190th Division.

    Since the 190th Division¡¯s position on the steppe was made of dirt, it couldn¡¯t withstand the ferocious firepower of the First Mobile Group Army.

    There were practically no shelters on the battlefield that remained in their original form; even the sandbags filled with dirt were blown apart by the cannons, their contents spilling out.

    Private Popov of the Mnia People¡¯s Army First Division was clearing the battlefield.

    Suddenly, he heard a sneezeing from beneath the destroyed No. 3 assault gun.

    Popov immediately became alert, disengaging the safety on the thread cutter machine he held.

    He approached the front of the assault gun, slowly bent down, and looked underneath.

    A young Prosen privatey under the vehicle, covering his mouth with a terrified look on his face.

    Popov shouted, "Come out! You damned Prosen cur! Come out!"

    The Prosen recruit shrank his neck and started yelling something loud, quickly crawling out from under the vehicle with his hands held high.

    Popov looked at the Prosen soldiers raising their hands high and hit him in the stomach with the butt of his gun.

    The Prosen soldier knelt on the ground, clutching his stomach and moaning in pain.

    Popov pulled back the bolt of his rifle to make sure there was a bullet, and then he aimed at the Prosen, "Damn it, I learned a bit of Prosen just for this moment. Listen well!"

    Popov took a deep breath.

    "This is for my sister!" (In Prosen)

    Apanied by a roar, Popov fired, hitting the Prosen man¡¯s arm with a single shot.@@novelbin@@

    The powerful ammunition of the thread cutter machine immediately shattered the Prosen man¡¯s bones, causing his left arm to hang limply.

    "This is for my sister!" (In Prosen)

    The captive¡¯s other hand was broken.

    The Prosen man started to wail.

    At that moment, the Military Bishop rushed up and raised Popov¡¯s gun.

    "Enough! He has surrendered! ording to General Rokossovsky¡¯s orders, ughtering prisoners is punishable by death!"

    Popovughed, "I¡¯m Mnia, I don¡¯t understand Ante or Prosen. I didn¡¯t know he had surrendered."

    The Bishop stared at Popov, "You don¡¯t understand, huh? Alright, I won¡¯t sentence you to death. But you can¡¯t escape 40shes."

    Popov: "Fine! To kill a damned Prosen, I can withstand 100shes!"

    The Bishop looked at him for a few seconds, then waved his hand, "Take him away, we¡¯ll execute the sentence tomorrow."

 Chapter 465: The Usage of the Tan 40 Army

    Wang Zhong naturally could not have known about the minor incident with Mnia¡¯s First Division; he was already an Army Group Commander, and such matters were typically relegated to just a line of text in the daily and decadal reports.

    On the evening of the 18th, within the First Mobile Group Army Corps Command, the "Big Three" were discussing how to employ the 40 tank armies that had just been assigned to their forces.

    Wang Zhong dropped the just-received detailed organization chart for the 40th, sighed deeply, and said, "To be honest, I have very little confidence in theserge tank units with a configuration of 100 KV tanks and a total strength of over 300 tanks."

    Although Wang Zhong had been structuring model units in the first half of the recently ended year 915, and without his model unit achieving any noteworthybat results, the Military Orders Department followed the previous year¡¯s experience to assemble a batch of units.

    The 40th Tank Army was one of them; its designation had been eliminated during the catastrophic defeat from June to July the previous year, and the army was now being reorganized from scratch.

    Although it did adopt some of Wang Zhong¡¯s military building ideas, incorporating a certain number of apanying infantry and other auxiliary forces, that was the extent of it.

    The circumstances of this year did not allow for the formation of many support units, so the Military Orders Department loaded it with rtively more infantry and a sufficiently equipped artillery, ostensibly adhering to Wang Zhong¡¯s philosophy that "armored forces should not operate alone."

    However, the 40th Army¡¯s maintenance strength was extremely weak, the overall support force only equaling one and a half times that of the Guards¡¯ Mechanized Infantry, and not as much as the Guards¡¯ Mechanized Infantry plus the strength of the 225th Division.

    Yet they had more tanks than the entire First Mobile Group Army.On Earth, the Soviets typically only formed heavy breakthrough tank regiments, with a regiment having 21 heavy tanks, because this was thergest contingent they could sustain; the Sturmtiger had better support capabilities, with a typical Tigerpany having 45 tanks and a Pantherpany, at its peak, 98 tanks.

    But that was the limit; only a very few armored regiments received one Tigerpany and one Pantherpany, this kind of super-eliterge-scale heavybat unit was virtually unique among the entire Sturmtiger forces.

    It was simply because they were not able to be adequately supported.

    Deeply aware of these issues, Wang Zhong, upon seeing the organization of the 40th Tank Army, was overwhelmed; he could almost immediately see that after the 100 KVsmenced their assault, it wouldn¡¯t be long before they became damaged and were left by the wayside.

    Moreover, these abandoned KVs were essentially beyond repair, generally left on the roadside until the end of the war.

    That¡¯s how the Soviets waged war on Earth, winning entirely through sheer numbers and the bravery and skillful fighting of seasoned soldiers starting from the midpoint of the war.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t see much change in this timespace¡ªat least not from the organization of the 40th Tank Army.

    Pavlov said, "The 40th Tank is now in our hands, and although there are problems with its organization, we still need to use it."

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, falling deep in thought.

    Popov remarked, "Aren¡¯t you best at mixing all sorts of messy units into one? Look at the First Mobile Group Army now, it¡¯s all jumbled up¡ªPavlov has even lost a few hairs because of it¡ªI mean, hairs that could have grown are now missing."

    Pavlov bluntly retorted, "You haven¡¯t got many more hairs than me, have you? But indeed, with highly integrated units, the workload for the Corps Command has greatly increased. We can barely cope with three divisions of this kind. To expand and integrate more of these highlyposite forces, I think we would need to double the size of the Corps Command."

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov, "Why didn¡¯t you report earlier that the burden on the Corps Command had increased so much?"

    "Because the units hadn¡¯t actually mobilized before. If they¡¯re just stationed without moving, there¡¯s no such problem, at most some extra paperwork. So we didn¡¯t foresee such pressure cropping up, and it¡¯s a good thing I expanded themand in advance," Pavlov exined.

    Wang Zhong said, "So what you¡¯re saying is, the organization of such highly integratedbat units exceeds the capabilities of themand."

    It made sense; by the time countries on Earth started to employbined arms battalions, militarymand, andmunications capabilities had evolved beyond those of World War II, withputational assistance allowingmanders to intuitively grasp the situation and adjust deployments.

    But under the technical conditions of World War II,mand capabilities became an obstacle tobined arms.

    The Russians during World War II achievedbined arms to some extent, but often the various branches fought separately, probably for this reason. Later, they adopted a major branch system, which involved organizing each branch into veryrge units to simplify themand system.

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then said, "Let¡¯s put a bit more pressure on the Corps¡¯ staff. I want to disperse the 100 KV tanks into four groups plus an independent tank brigade, with each group having 21 tanks, and the tank brigade having 16 KV tanks under Corps Command."

    Pavlov¡¯s eyes widened, "Then you are nning to personally lead this brigade in a charge, right? It just so happens that the KVs have tankmanders!"

    Wang Zhong patted Pavlov on the shoulder, "Don¡¯t worry, I didn¡¯t say I would do that. After reallocating the KVs, the remaining T34s will be formed into an assault group. Have the enemy¡¯s pincer movement forces all pulled back?"

    "ording to current intelligence, aside from the 14th Armored Division, the others are still in their original positions," Pavlov answered.

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, "ording to reports from the Cavalry Troops, the enemy¡¯s armored forces still possess considerable fighting capacity. I think it would be too costly for us to assault the enemy¡¯s armored forces with our few hundred T34s."

    Previously, with the 40-tank army, the n was to wait until the enemy¡¯s supplies were exhausted and their troops were weary¡ªspecifically speaking, after the enemy had been trapped on the steppe for about a week, thenunch an attack.

    But now, with the enemy about to contract, the original battle n was no longer applicable.

    In battle, ns must be modified ording to the situation; hardly any n is carried out unchanged to the end.

    Wang Zhong, "I believe, reinforcing a KV group with the T34s of the 40-tank army to strike the enemy¡¯s infantry units would be more appropriate. During this time before the 40th Army arrives, we can have the artillery advance."

    Popov, "Using tanks to strike the enemy¡¯s infantry divisions? We¡¯re not going for annihtion?"

    Wang Zhong, "We don¡¯t have the time. After the enemy has pulled back, we¡¯ll have to face one and a half¡ªno, one and three-quarters of the enemy¡¯s Armored Divisions, plus two Armored Grenadier Divisions. I¡¯m concerned we would suffer major losses." Enjoy exclusive content from empire

    Vasily couldn¡¯t help but interject, "Our total manpower is no less than the enemy¡¯s."

    Wang Zhong, "But the quality of our troops is not up to par. Think about the battle at Yeisk, just how much we lost in the brief time the 401st Division joined the fight. It¡¯s better to quit while we¡¯re ahead, lest we end up losing more than we gain."

    Pavlov, "So the battle n is, to have artillery and the 40-tank armyunch a powerful charge against the enemy¡¯s infantry units, take advantage before the enemy contracts and then run? Run to where? Defend Yeisk?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, we need to hold Yeisk until the retreat of Duke Meishikin¡¯s Front Army ispleted."

    As soon as he finished speaking, themunication staff ran over from the distant telegraph station, saying loudly, "Report! Today¡¯s battle status update has arrived."

    Pavlov immediately took the telegram, nced through it, handed it to the staff responsible for updating the map, and then said to Wang Zhong, "Meishikin has started to retreat, sooner than we expected, his staff has good efficiency."

    Wang Zhong pped his hands, "Great! This means we can retreat earlier, pulling out before we suffer any major losses."

    At that moment, the phone rang. Since Pavlov had just taken a telegram and was a bit far from the phone, Wang Zhong answered it, "This is Rocossov."

    The voice of General Golikov came through the receiver, "Aleksei, Meishikin has started to retreat, and we shouldunch some offenses to support them. The 40-tank army is already en route. You¡¯ll make good use of it, right?"

    Wang Zhong, "No problem, leave it to me."

 Chapter 467: Itâ€™s Time to See Whoâ€™s Better at Fighting Dirty

    Cursing or not, the current situation still needs to be addressed.

    After giving it some thought, Wang Zhong said to Pavlov, "How about dying the original attack n by a day or so? Use this day to scout the enemy¡¯s situation, to confirm the coordinates of important targets and the like."

    Pavlov nodded, "I also think that¡¯s the right move. Our ammunition supply n was only 60 percentplete as of today, having an extra day to stockpile shells would benefit our defenseter on."

    Wang Zhong looked towards Popov.

    Popov frowned, "We¡¯ve been a step ahead of the enemy this whole time. Won¡¯t we lose our advantage if we suddenly dy the attack? Our battle n was tounch the attack tomorrow (the 20th). If we dy by another day..."

    Wang Zhong, "The enemy hasn¡¯t pulled back their forces yet. I estimate they will act today, and the cavalry troops should have a report by tonight. I don¡¯t think the enemy willplete their tactical intentions today."

    Pavlov, "After they pull back, the enemy will likely also need to replenish ammunition and fuel, as well as repair their vehicles."

    Wang Zhong repeated, "As well as repair their vehicles."

    Popov looked at the two of them, "Alright then, I¡¯ve voiced my concerns. Vasily, make sure you note this down, I do not agree with the decision to dy."Vasily, "Ah? Isn¡¯t it the responsibility of the staff to take notes?"

    A staff officer behind Pavlov was shocked, "Was I supposed to take that down just now?"

    Pavlov, "Make a note of it, to be included in the summary of this campaign afterward."

    Wang Zhong, "So now it¡¯s two against one, the attack is postponed until the 21st...morning?"

    Pavlov looked up at the sky, "If it¡¯s July 21st, we¡¯re close to the summer solstice, the daylight is very long. We canunch the attack at noon and still have plenty of daylight."

    In this era, everyone¡¯s ability to fight at night was poor, so military operations had to consider daylight hours.

    Wang Zhong, "Then we set the attack for noon on the 21st."

    He turned to Kexikoff, "Your troops should be ready for the full attack by the morning of the 21st, then gather thepany and toonmanders, and I will exin to them theplete battle n."

    Kexikoff asked in surprise, "Can¡¯t this just be passed down through the ranks?"

    "Here, it will be conveyed by me personally," Wang Zhong said.

    Kexikoff smiled, "That¡¯s great, everyone wants to see you with their own eyes. On our way here, we encountered many vehicles transporting prisoners, and Yarvik sees captives and captured equipment brought back every day. Whenever they see these, they say, ¡¯It must be Rokossovsky, he¡¯s won another victory¡¯!"

    Wang Zhong said sternly, "Don¡¯t talk about such useless things, do your job. I¡¯ve already given you a day¡¯s time, make sure the attack is well-organized!"

    Discover more stories at empire

    Kexikoff saluted, "You can count on me."

    He lowered his hand and was about to leave when Pavlov called out to him, "Wait a minute. Although more than half of the heavy tank brigade is out of action, the number of remaining tanks still exceeds the optimal number determined by General Rokossovsky, so they still need to be divided."

    "I think we can base it on the original n and incorporate the remaining tanks into two regiments¡ªone regiment will still be under yourmand, and the other will be directly subordinated to the Corps Command. What do you think?"

    Kexikoff turned his head to nce at Balev, who nodded, "I¡¯ll arrange it, they will be divided immediately upon arrival tomorrow."

    Kexikoff, "My staff agrees. The Chief of General Staff is with the brigade behind us, and they should arrive today. And the heavy tank brigade, I¡¯ve asked them to stop and repair the vehicles?"

    Pavlov, "That¡¯s fine, we will also dispatch the Army Group maintenance forces to help rescue the heavy tanks."

    Kexikoff saluted again, turned to leave, and then Popov said, "The soldiers must be hungry after marching all night. Let¡¯s eat first."

    Popov turned his head to the messenger beside him and said, "Tell the cooking team to boil some potato dumplings, let the soldiers eat them while they¡¯re hot."

    Upon hearing the words ¡¯potato dumplings,¡¯ Wang Zhong furrowed his brows; he had been eating nothing but these for the past few days, and it was practically a sacrilege to dumplings.

    What was worse, he had gradually begun to adapt to eating them with sour cream.

    When he had the chance, he would find a skilled Ceres chef to correct the taste buds that had gone astray.

    While Wang Zhong was thinking this, Kexikoff finally led the staff officers away.

    Pavlov: "Now, we just have to see what the situation is like for Prosen. Hopefully, they¡¯re in as tough a spot as we anticipated."

    "Potatoes and cucumbers again!" General Boke looked at his breakfast, voicing his displeasure, "Isn¡¯t there anything else? Did Duke Meyer eat it all up?"

    The orderly, holding a tray with both hands, said cautiously, "Our food supplies are critically low because logistics have been focusing mainly on fuel and ammunition. Plus, the enemy cavalry harassment..."@@novelbin@@

    "Enough, I get it." General Boke put down his fork and picked up a potato with his hands, biting into it. While chewing, he asked the Chief of General Staff, "How is the contraction of the Armored Division going?"

    The Chief of General Staff replied, "Today, the 14th Armored will reach the supply position, while the rest of the Armored Divisions and the Armored Grenadier Divisions will start moving today. We expect to finish replenishing all troops by the 21st... However, the 190th Division has already been eaten away, so the significance of any relief attempt has already dissipated."

    General Boke: "No, you don¡¯t understand. Rokossovsky won¡¯t be satisfied with just consuming one of our Infantry Divisions, alongside crippling an Armored Division. He¡¯s certainly going to do something. If, as previously conceived, we let the armored units wait on the ins for the enemy cavalry horses to grow thin, then Rokossovsky might start coveting our armored forces."

    The General stuffed the rest of the potato into his mouth and freed his hand to make a gesture: "Encirclement, annihtion, understand? That¡¯s why we need to pull back. On one hand, it will alleviate our supply situation, and on the other, it will prevent Rokossovsky from breaking us one by one."

    With his right hand clenched into a fist, he demonstrated to the Chief of Staff: "With a closed fist, Rokossovsky can¡¯t exert any force!"

    The Chief of General Staff nodded: "Understood."

    At that moment, themunications officer entered General Boke¡¯s tent and saluted: "General! A telegram from High Command."

    "Bring it here." The General gestured.

    Themunications officer stepped forward and handed the telegram to the General.

    The General picked up his coffee, read the telegram while sipping, and then sprayed the coffee out.

    The orderly immediately stepped forward to help clean up, but the General waved him away, scolding, "Don¡¯te over here! I¡¯m reading a telegram!"

    Then, he confirmed the text on the telegram repeatedly, looking up at themunications officer: "Is there no mistake in the trantion?"

    "None, I¡¯m sure of it."

    Chief of General Staff: "What¡¯s the matter?"

    The General handed the telegram to him and said, "They are urging us to restart the offensive, saying we¡¯ve been dragging our feet here for too long."

    The Chief of General Staff took the telegram and nced at it, clicking his tongue: "The wording is quite stern, but the signature is that of Chief of General Staff Kyle."

    The General stood up: "This must represent the Emperor¡¯s intentions."

    He went over to the map, sighed, and said, "Send a reply, tell High Command that our supplies are severely dyed, we need time to reorganize, we will resume the offensive on the 22nd. The 22nd!"

    He picked up a map stick and pounded fervently on Yeisk on the map.

 Chapter 468: Childhood and Youth Amidst the Flames of War

    The remainder of the 19th was quiet, a stark contrast to the noise that had prevailed on the battlefield for the previous days.

    At ten in the evening, Wang Zhong stepped out of the warehouse and looked towards the setting sun in the west.

    For no particr reason, an old Earth song came to his mind, "The sun is setting in the west, the enemy¡¯s end ising fast~"

    Unfortunately, Prosen did not use the sun as a symbol, and the concept of sunset could not be associated with Prosen, otherwise Wang Zhong might have posed" another song.

    From the warehouse where the headquarters was located, it was impossible to see aplete sunset, as the sun would first be obscured by the surrounding buildings.

    Feeling a sudden urge to wander, Wang Zhong turned to Vasily and said, "Go inform Pavlov that I¡¯ll be riding around the city on horseback. If he encounters any urgent matters, he should deal with them first and needn¡¯t report to me."

    After speaking, he headed straight for the main gate, calling out to Grigori, who was smoking in the courtyard, "Come on, apany me for a stroll."

    "We¡¯d better ride, the city is a bit toorge to walk across," Grigori replied as he tossed his cigarette butt on the ground, extinguished it with the tip of his leather shoe, and ground it in a bit.

    Wang Zhong thought about it and felt it made sense: "You go saddle the horses and bring them here, I¡¯ll wait. There¡¯s still some time before the sun sets."Grigori turned and headed to the stables.

    Vasily returned at that moment and, seeing Grigori¡¯s retreating figure, said, "Going horse riding? It is about time. If we don¡¯t let Bucephalus out for a stretch, it just might summon Prosen¡¯s bombs or something else to blow up the stables."

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brow, "Has it really gotten that preposterous?"@@novelbin@@

    "Yes," Vasily replied.

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, you have to believe in science. Bucephalus is just lucky, that¡¯s all."

    While he spoke, Wang Zhong thought to himself, damn it, I¡¯m in a world where Divine Power guides missiles, and here I am talking about this, if there really were gods, they¡¯d strike me with lightning right now.

    But on the other hand, the Sanctified faction has been dealt with in such a way, and no major disasters have urred, which might suggest that these Divine Powers are indeed a natural phenomenon of this world.

    Or perhaps some ancient super-technology.

    But these matters had little to do with generals like Wang Zhong who were "cheating" inmanding wars; they were headaches for scientists.

    Just then, Wang Zhong suddenly heard engine noisesing from the east and muttered, "That must be another brigade from the 40th Army arriving. I wonder how many tanks they have left."

    "I feel it¡¯s about the same as the two brigades that arrived in the morning and at noon. We¡¯ll find out when we go have a look," Vasilymented.

    By then, Grigori returned with two horses, and a groom followed behind with another.

    "I¡¯ve brought three horses," Grigori announced, "Perfect for you, General, plus me, and the g-bearer."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, no need for a g-bearer. Thest horse is for Vasily; we¡¯re just going for a simple ride around the city."

    Grigori nodded, checked the saddles of the two horses once more, and then handed the reins to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong mounted his horse with a swift leap, flicked the reins lightly, and Bucephalus trotted eagerly towards the gate.

    Riding atop the horse, Wang Zhong could even sense a rhythm in its step, as if it could march in time with a military band ying a march tune alongside.

    Upon exiting the gate, Wang Zhong¡¯s first sight was a row of tanks parked on the street, with several children climbing on them as if they were y structures.

    The soldiers of the 40th Army watched the children with smiles, not even noticing Wang Zhong riding out on horseback.

    Wang Zhong asked, "What¡¯s the matter with these children? Why haven¡¯t they been evacuated?"

    The moment he spoke, the soldiers looked over and all stood up at attention, saluting him.

    Imitating the soldiers, the children also saluted Wang Zhong earnestly.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute casually and repeated his question.

    The soldiers looked at each other in confusion, apparently unaware of why the children were still in Yeisk.

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    That¡¯s when the older child standing atop a tank gun spoke up, "Our parents were killed by Prosen¡¯s bombardment. We are all orphans now."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze softened upon hearing this.

    The leading child called out, "Don¡¯t pity us, General. I am their leader now, and I can take good care of them!"

    The other children nodded vigorously, "Yes!"

    Wang Zhong asked, "But we won¡¯t be fighting here forever. We¡¯re expected to retreat in August. What will you do then?"

    The child leader was taken aback, "You¡¯re going to retreat? Everyone says you are the invincible Rocossov¡¯s troops. Would Rocossov¡¯s troops also retreat?"

    Wang Zhong: "Of course, in fact,st year we had been retreating the whole time, all the way to the gates of Ekaterinburg Fortress. We need to trade space for time, to stretch the enemy¡¯s supply line..."

    At this point, Wang Zhong hesitated, wondering if such young children could understand what he was saying. Perhaps an orphanage should be established in the rear to take in these war orphans, so their childhoods wouldn¡¯t be marked by nothing but misfortune because of the war.

    He had barely formed this idea when it was interrupted by the self-proimed leader among the children: "I don¡¯t believe it! The brothers who drive tanks said Rocossov is really powerful, that he can tear open enemy tanks with his bare hands. He would never run away like you said, not him!"

    "The brothers who drive tanks?" Wang Zhong looked up in surprise and suddenly realized that the tank gunners who had just saluted him were all very young, appearing to be around 20 years old.

    Wang Zhong even suspected a few of them might have lied about their ages to join the army.

    He was quite young himself, but he could already be considered an older brother to them.

    Ah, that¡¯s right, the armored troops suffered such heavy lossesst year, with more than twenty thousand tanks lost. So these armored troops were all new recruits¡ª

    Wang Zhong pointed at a sergeant with the highest rank among them and asked, "When did you enlist, and where were you when the war broke out? How many hours have you driven?"

    The sergeant saluted: "I enlisted in Aprilst year. I was in the rear receiving training when the war broke out. I¡¯ve driven for 270 hours!"

    Wang Zhong turned his gaze to a private standing beside the sergeant: "And you?"

    Private: "I enlisted in February this year. I was at my tenth-grade graduation ceremony in Linnitsa when the war broke out. I haven¡¯t driven a tank; I¡¯m a loader."

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯m asking how long you¡¯ve been training forbat on a tank."

    The private scratched his head: "I don¡¯t know; most of the time we trained in simted cabins made of wood. Getting on a real tank only happenedst month. I¡¯ve driven a few dozen hours in total, I guess?"

    ¡ªOnly sixty hours on a tank if every member of the 40th Tank Army was at this level, it¡¯s no wonder they ran out of steam and lost forty percent of their force here.

    With such poor quality in tanks andbat members, how could they possibly confront the elite Prosen armored troops head-on?

    Looking at these young faces, Wang Zhong resolved never to engage directly with the Prosen armored forces again.

    After all, the battlefield is vast. Isn¡¯t it enough to just bully their infantry?

    At that moment, the first child who¡¯d spoken up earlier asked, "Who are you, exactly?"

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯m Rocossov."

    The children all widened their eyes.

    Wang Zhong spread his hands and added, "As you can see, I¡¯m just an ordinary person, and I can¡¯t tear tanks apart with my hands."

    The children looked at each other, bewildered.

    Wang Zhong continued, "I¡¯m not six meters tall, nor can I use a saber to slice through bullets."

    A girl asked, "Do you have angels?"

    "Of course..." Wang Zhong started to say that he did not, but then he thought, Ludm looked even more beautiful than an angel, and so did Nelly; he couldn¡¯t entirely deny it.

    Perhaps an angel meant a giant several meters tall who could swing a mortal around like a hammer; those were indeed the Emperor¡¯s angels.

    The girl blinked her big eyes, "So do you have them or not?"

    Wang Zhong: "I do not."

    In the end, he chose not to add mythological elements to his legend.

    The young girl looked visibly disappointed.

    Wang Zhong: "In a moment, I will have the Priest of the troops find you, and you will stay with the Priest to help with cooking andundry for logistics, alright?"

    Feeling that the children might refuse to leave if he just persuaded them directly, Wang Zhong used a more cunning approach, letting the children be little helpers for the troops and naturally follow when the troops moved on.

    As soon as the self-proimed leader heard they¡¯d be allowed to help, he was delighted: "Great! The Priest wanted to send us away before, but I said we wouldn¡¯t leave because we still haven¡¯t found our families, and maybe they wille looking for us. But helping Rocossov defeat the Prosen devils, that¡¯s something we can do!"

    "Right!" The children chimed in unanimously.

    Wang Zhong: "Good, so when the Priestes, follow him, and remember to work hard. Otherwise, the soldiers might not have clothes to wear or food to eat!"

    "Yes!" The young leader stood to attention and saluted first, the other children promptly followed, looking quite proper.

    Mounted on Bucephalus, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t able to stand at attention, but he straightened his upper body and saluted to all of them.

    Then themander¡¯s evening patrol continued.

 Chapter 469: Pre-Attack Concerns

    Bidding farewell to the children he had encountered by chance, Wang Zhong let Bucephalus take a leisurely jog through the town.

    Yeisk was now filled with tanks, and shes of welding could be seen everywhere on the streets.

    In the past, Wang Zhong dared not station arge number of troops in town out of fear of artillery strikes, but now that the Prosen 190th Division had been driven off, there were no more Prosen artillery units within range of Yeisk.

    So Wang Zhong ordered the units that had suffered heavy losses to be pulled back for rest and reorganization, and he also moved the tank repair factory, originally located outside the town and housed in tents, into the town itself.

    All tanks of the 40th Tank Army with mechanical issues were also brought into the town for repairs.

    As everyone saw Wang Zhong riding over on a tall and majestic horse, they put down their work and saluted him.

    Once Wang Zhong had passed by, you could hear people muttering behind his back, "See that? That¡¯s Rocossov!"

    "Fighting under his name, we¡¯re finally going to win!"

    "Indeed, before, we were fighting worthless battles, chased around by the Prussians.""On our way here, we even saw trucks transporting prisoners; it was so satisfying."

    Wang Zhong treated all thesements as though they were justpliments of ttery, feeling secretly pleased, when Vasily said, "General, your presence alone boosts morale. Priests like Popov are going to be out of a job!"

    "Don¡¯t stir up trouble between the three of usmanders," Wang Zhong nced at Vasily, "The bishop¡¯s team of priests is indispensable. Soldiers¡¯ morale can¡¯t rely solely on blind adoration for theirmander¡ªthat¡¯s too dangerous."

    Vasily replied, "Alright, alright, I get it."

    At that moment, the roar of an engine came from up the street. Wang Zhong looked up, quickly shifted his gaze, and saw a tractor towing a broken tank into what was now serving as the tank repair yard.

    That roaring sound came from the tractor¡¯s engine.

    Several tanks were already in the yard, almost all of them with their engines dismantled.

    General Wang switched back and said to Vasily and Grigori, "Let¡¯s go check out the repair yard."

    Vasily asked in surprise, "How did you know there was a repair yard up ahead?"

    Wang Zhong smiled faintly, "Most tanks are currently undergoing maintenance and wouldn¡¯t start their engines. Such a loud roaring sound must be a recovery unit¡¯s tractor. Hence, I deduced that there must be a repair yard ahead."

    Vasily had an epiphany, "Oh, brilliant."

    Wang Zhong spurred his horse forward, turned the intersection, and saw another tractor hauling a T34 into the repair shop.

    There was a line of T34s parked at the entrance, all being repaired.

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    Unlike Prosen, Ante didn¡¯t have a welder for every armored toon; tanks requiring weld repairs had to be handled by specialized repair camps.

    Along the entire road in front of the repair shop were sparks from welding, the air filled with the smell of ozone produced by the welding.

    Seeing Wang Zhong approaching, everyone, as usual, stood to salute, but Wang Zhong preemptively said, "Alright, no need to salute, carry on with your work! That¡¯s what¡¯s most important right now."

    With that, everyone squatted back down and continued with their tasks.

    A clerk holding a clipboard approached Wang Zhong and reported loudly, "General, during the day wepleted minor repairs on 10 tanks. There are another eleven tanks in the yard undergoing engine recements, and we expect toplete their repairs by tomorrow evening.

    "Additionally, the recovery units are still continuously towing back tanks. We are starting to run short on maintenance personnel, so for now, we can only repair vehicles with minor issues first."

    Wang Zhong nodded. "Alright, you¡¯ve worked hard. May Ie into the yard for a look?"

    "Of course, you are themander. There¡¯s nowhere in Yeisk you can¡¯t go. Please,e in! However, the space inside is limited, so you¡¯ll need to dismount."

    Wang Zhong swung off his horse, tied the reins to a hydrant next to the gate, and then walked into the yard.

    In fact, from an overhead view, he had already more or less understood the situation inside. Now, by walking around, he aimed to let those at the repair site feel the concern of the Army Group Command and boost work efficiency.

    He came beside a tank whose engine had been hoisted out and craned his neck to look into the cavity left by the engine.

    Just by looking at the welding in the engine bay, it was clear that whoever produced this tank was aplete novice. The welds were twisted and contorted with many protrusions.

    Seeing these welds, Wang Zhong suddenly worried about the tank¡¯s armor protection, so he walked around to the front to examine the tank¡¯s mantlet.

    It was aplete mess. Even someone like Wang Zhong, who knew nothing about welding, could tell from the welding on the mantlet and the entire front half of the turret that the strength of these parts was definitely subpar.

    It seemed this batch of T34s, whether in reliability or protection ability, was thoroughly inadequate.

    Meanwhile, the Prussians had already begun mass-producing the long-barreled Mark IV tank, and the upgrade of the Mark III with the long 50 cannon was probably not far behind. The Prussian Armored Troops would likely gain another impressive set ofbat achievements.

    As the chairman of the new Equipment Review Committee, Wang Zhong was burning with anxiety. He had to quickly churn out better, qualified tanks. Otherwise, Ante¡¯s Armored Troops would simply be sent to their deaths in vain, unable to build upbat experience or train many elite tank crews.

    With such thoughts in mind, Wang Zhong turned to the mechanic working on the engine. "Has the problem with the engine been identified?"

    "We¡¯ve identified the issue with this one." The mechanic shook his head. "We originally thought it was a specificponent that was always problematic, but until now, after disassembling ten engines, each one had a different issue. This is terrifying; it indicates there¡¯s a manufacturing problem at the factory."

    If it were a specificponent malfunctioning, that would allow them to pinpoint the precise production stage and then address the issue.

    But now, with no way to even begin resolving the widespread problems, they would have to endure poor quality for a considerable time toe.

    Wang Zhong patted the mechanic¡¯s shoulder. "You¡¯ve been working hard, master. Do as much fixing as you can. The more tanks we can deploy during the attack, the greater our chances of winning."

    "Rest assured," the mechanic replied with a smile to Wang Zhong, "You ce such high value on us; of course, we won¡¯t let you down, Your Excellency the General."

    Wang Zhong nodded, withdrew his hand from the mechanic¡¯s shoulder, and paced through the yard heavy with the scent of engine oil.

    The state of the dismantled tank engines was visibly poor, as the mechanics sweated profusely working on them.@@novelbin@@

    After making a round, Wang Zhong felt overwhelming concern about the attack on the 21st.

    But the decision to attack had been made, and it could not be lightly modified¡ªchanges from day to night could affect troop morale, as well as their trust in themander.

    A troop doubting itsmander would definitely not be able to fulfill themander¡¯s intent.

    So all they could do on the 21st was to try and see how the attack would pan out. The good news was that the Infantry Division from Prosen currently stationed in the area had trouble constructing especially sturdy bunkers; with a good shelling from the artillery, even if the condition of the tanks was not ideal, it shouldn¡¯t pose a problem.

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath, looking up at the fiery clouds in the sky.

    July 21, noon.

    Pavlov nced at his watch, then at Wang Zhong, and picked up the phone. "Connect to artillerymand. Fire."

 Chapter 473: The Air Force Never Disappoints

    As the Ante¡¯s 40th Armyunched its attack, the vast steppe skies near the Prosen 10th Army Group Command were dotted with countless parachutes, drifting gently down like dandelions.

    Below each parachute hung a gasoline barrel cushioned with sandbags, the fuel airdropped by the Prosen Air Force for the 10th Army Group.

    General Boke personally stepped out of his tent to watch the "dandelions" slowly descending from the sky.

    "Damn it," he cursed, "how can the Air Force drop so off-target? So many are drifting kilometers away¡ªkilometres at least!"

    The Air Force colonel liaison officer standing next to General Boke replied awkwardly, "The wind is strong today. There was severe turbulence reported before the airdrop, so we had to increase the drop altitude slightly."

    General Boke nced at the Air Force colonel: "All you know is to increase the drop altitude. If there¡¯s ground anti-aircraft fire, you raise the bomb altitude; if there¡¯s wind turbulence, you also raise the drop altitude, and if enemy aircraft intercept, you abandon the drop and scram for your lives!"

    The Air Force colonel was about to speak when an observer on the ground shouted, "Look!"

    Everyone hurried to look up and saw eight white trails approaching from the east, heading towards the Junkers supply nes mid-airdrop.

    The Air Force colonel looked very tense: "Oh no, the ¡¯Iron Annies¡¯ (nickname for the transport nes) have hardly any defensive firepower. Where are the escort fighters?"General Boke: "You¡¯re asking me? You¡¯re actually asking me?"

    The colonel, very embarrassed: "Uh, I was just thinking out loud. Maybe the fighters are at a higher altitude, so they can swoop down when the enemy attacks the transport nes."

    General Boke: "So you¡¯re using the transport nes as bait?"

    "Uh... yes."

    The general shook his head: "That¡¯s the Air Force for you."

    At that moment, a barrel truck came over and the officer on board jumped off to salute General Boke: "We¡¯ve received amunication from the Air Force. Because of enemy interception, they will dump all their loads at once."

    General Boke snorted and looked up at the sky: "At least they¡¯re still dropping it."

    Then he saw a transport ne jettison a string of supplies in quick session; because the dropping interval was too short, the supplies¡¯ parachutes seemed to tangle together, squeezing into a lump on its way to the ground.

    The cloud of dust kicked up uponnding was almost like that from a heavy bomb.

    General Boke waited a few seconds and, seeing no fire, breathed a sigh of relief: "At least it didn¡¯t catch fire."

    The Air Force colonel swallowed hard, clearly also dead worried.

    Soon another barrel truck came by, and the officer aboard didn¡¯t even get off before reporting: "By the time we got there, the barrels were almost empty, General. Please lodge a protest with the Air Force; this is the fuel we need for tomorrow¡¯s attack!"

    General Boke turned to the Air Force liaison officer: "You heard ourint?"

    A group of senior officers from the Army Group Command, along with the couriers on two barrel trucks, all watched the Air Force colonel.

    The colonel nodded: "I¡¯ve heard it, we¡¯ve all heard it. I will include this in the after-action review."

    By now, the aerialbat had begun above, with Ante fighters diving into the transport fleet.

    Soon, a transport ne was hit in the engines, veered off course trailing mes and smoke, plummeting to the ground, drawing a smoky arc in the sky, like a rainbow turned ck.

    Suddenly, the fire severed the ne¡¯s wings, and the transport, which was slowly descending, pitched forward and plummeted to the ground like a javelin.

    Meanwhile, more transport nes broke formation, gliding slowly to the ground.

    The Prosen fighters finally appeared, and as the Air Force colonel had said, they dove from above, pouncing on the enemy aircraft like eagles to rabbits.

    In the blink of an eye, several more fireballs plunged toward the ground.

    General Boke shouted, "Quickly collect the cargo that hasnded! Otherwise, the enemy nes falling from the sky will ignite the prairie, and that would be terrible!"

    At 2100 hours on the 21st, Wang Zhong finally received the battle report from the 40th Army.

    Of course, he had already made periodic radio calls to ensure the attack was proceeding smoothly.

    But without reports from the frontline, he couldn¡¯t show off, so he could only pretend to be anxious, pacing nervously next to the radio team.

    After Pavlov read the telegram, Wang Zhong no longer feigned concern and voiced the thoughts he had been deliberating on until now, "We¡¯ve sessfully crushed the enemy¡¯s second Infantry Division. If we now advance the artillery to prepare to continue attacking the next division¡¯s position, we might encounter a counterstrike from the enemy¡¯s armor."

    "Hm, that¡¯s a possibility," Pavlov said. "So what do you suggest?"

    Wang Zhong, "We should push our tank destroyers and anti-tank guns to the front to set up an ambush alongside the 40th Army¡¯s tanks."

    Vasily pped his hands, "y defense... let the enemy witness the might of the Empire¡¯s iron wall!"

    Popov, however, worriedly asked, "But what if the enemy¡¯s counterattack doesn¡¯te? For example, what if they can¡¯tplete their counterattack preparations in time? Wouldn¡¯t we then miss the chance to destroy another one of the enemy¡¯s divisions?"

    Pavlov, "ording to the 40th Army¡¯s report, they haven¡¯t encountered significant anti-tank firepower, but a considerable number of tanks were put out of action due to mechanical failures during the assault.

    "They are currently tallying the number of functional tanks. I reckon the outlook isn¡¯t optimistic." Explore stories on empire

    Wang Zhong dered, "Then we set up an ambush. Let¡¯s not be greedy. If we run into a Prosen armored counterattack during our advance, our losses will be huge. It¡¯s frustrating, but their Armored Troops are far superior in quality to ours.

    "Therefore, we mustn¡¯t engage them head-on. If we can ambush them, we ambush; if we can sneak attack, we sneak attack."

    Pavlov, "You don¡¯t need to persuade us; we all know how you conduct warfare. Ambush positions¡ªare you going to choose them personally?"

    Only then did Wang Zhong remember he could select the ambush locations himself and quickly adopted a serious expression, "Of course, I¡¯ve always nned to do this. That¡¯s how we can ensure the best ambush effect."@@novelbin@@

    Popov spoke up, "I think we could trust the abilities of our subordinatemanders. We can¡¯t rely solely on you to fight the war."

    Wang Zhong instinctively wanted to object but immediately felt that Popov was right; he had to give his subordinates practical opportunities.

    After thinking it over, he said, "Then let¡¯s appoint Yegorov of the Guards Motor Rifle as the overallmander of the ambush, with Eugene, the acting divisionmander, as his deputy. Let them put into practice what they¡¯ve learned from me."

    Pavlov, "In terms of ability, Eugene is more suited for directing the ambush."

    "But Eugene is a brigadier general; it¡¯s not appropriate for him, a Major General, to serve under Yegorov," Popov said.

    Wang Zhong, "Let¡¯s do it as I just said. If Yegorov is sensible, he will let Eugene take charge of arranging the tank entrenchments. Also, tell the 40th Army to halt their advance, not to recklessly charge into enemy anti-tank positions that haven¡¯t been plowed through by our artillery."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than another thought shed through his head, prompting another order, "Send the reconnaissance troops forward, small groups equipped with radios to make discreet contact with the enemy. And snipers, send them up to probe and identify as many of the camouged anti-tank positions on the next line of defense as possible."

    Issuing this order made Wang Zhong feel as though he was back ying "War Game: Red Dragon," with the main forces squatting at the extreme firing range of the enemy, while reconnaissance troops quietly advanced along the treeline.

    Wang Zhong made up his mind; if the enemy didn¡¯t attack the next day, he himself would carry out a limited offensive to crush at least one battalion of the Prosen forces.

 Chapter 474: The United Kingdomâ€™s Turn

    While Wang Zhong devised his own modest offensive n, the greater trend of the war was changing quietly.

    At 1 am on the 22nd, within the territory of the Prosen Empire, at Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "It¡¯s already the early hours of the 22nd," the then Emperor Reinhard looked to Chief of General Staff William Kyle, "why hasn¡¯t the Moravian Cavalry arrived on the scene yet? Weren¡¯t they supposed to arrive on the 19th?"

    Chief of General Staff William Kyle looked towards Duke Meyer.@@novelbin@@

    The Duke began to sweat.

    Chief of General Staff Kyle said, "Ever since we began to encircle the enemy clusters by the sea, the enemy has intensified the bombing of our transport system, and the severe bombing has greatly disrupted transportation.

    "Moreover, the arbitrary massacre of civilians by the internal troops has heightened the antagonism of ourborers, resulting in a greatly reduced recovery speed of the railway system."

    Kyle¡¯s implication was clear, it was the Air Force and the internal troops to me, both of which belonged to Your Imperial Majesty, so we couldn¡¯t be held responsible.

    Duke Meyer hurriedly exined, "The enemy has deployed heavy bombers, an all-metal heavy bomber like we¡¯ve never encountered before. Our 109s now find it difficult to bring down these armored flying fortresses, and we also have to worry about the enemy¡¯s defensive firepower."Their nes have stronger firepowerpared to our heavy bombers modified from seanes!

    "For this reason, I¡¯ve tasked the technical department to develop 109s equipped with 30mm cannons and 20mm cannons. In addition, the 190 fighter nes from the Focke-Wulf Company are about to enter service, and by then we should be able to effectively counter the threat of the heavy bombers..."

    The Emperor walked up to Duke Meyer, stood with his hands behind his back looking at him, "What you¡¯ve just said means we simply can¡¯t deal with the enemy¡¯s new bombers, is that right?"

    "Temporarily," Duke Meyer answered.

    The Emperor was clearly very disappointed with the reply, shook his head repeatedly, "A new kind of weapon changes the entire situation of the war, no, I don¡¯t believe in that. You have more to say."

    After thinking for a moment, Duke Meyer said, "The Ant Air Force has also... changed theirbat methods. Previously, they tended to use nes like the IL-2 for low-altitude, close support to attack ourbat troops."

    Chief of General Staff Kyle, "Such attacks are not very threatening. Only the most elite Ant Pilots could achieve sufficient attack efficiency, and most Ant pilots are novices with less than two hundred flying hours.

    "The IL-2 can¡¯t hit urately and can onlypensate for a low hit rate with arge number. However, the effectiveness is still limited."

    Duke Meyer, "But recently, we have noticed a significant decrease in the appearances of the IL-2. It seems that the Ante has gradually given up on this aircraft, which was highly favored by theirte emperor, and many strike aircraft groups have re-equipped with new nes supported by the Federation, and the number of their own Pe-2 has noticeably increased."

    Emperor Reinhard, "You¡¯re saying the enemy has abandoned the IL-2, which we have assessed as ineffective, and instead started producing the Pe-2, which we consider a significant threat?"

    Duke Meyer, "Yes, the Pe-2s are raiding our front-line traffic hubs, assembly points, transfer stations, etc. Then the new four-engine heavy bombers attack important targets such as our rear train scheduling yards, lotive repair factories, etc.

    "Now the pressure on the Eastern Front¡¯s air defense has greatly increased, and we are nning to move fighter squadrons from the Western Front to the Eastern Front to serve as air defense for important locations¡ª"

    At that moment, the air raid rm suddenly sounded.

    Everyone looked up at the ceiling.

    After a few seconds, Emperor Reinhard turned and demanded, "What¡¯s happening? Why sound the air raid siren?"

    The Emperor¡¯s guard shook his head, "We don¡¯t know; please allow me to make a call to find out."

    "Ask quickly!"

    However, before the guard could make the call, the Court Chambein entered, "Your Majesty, the radar has detected arge number of blips, possibly enemy aircraft formations."

    The Emperor turned to Duke Meyer, "Verify the situation quickly!"

    The Duke, "Night fighters are deployed near the coastline to protect our ports. The enemy¡¯s night raids have always targeted ports and the ships within that can be used to cross the sea."

    Marshal Kyle, "It may just be a radar malfunction, although I doubt that a radar protecting Eagle¡¯s Nest would malfunction."

    The Emperor red at Duke Meyer for a few seconds, then turned to the window and yanked open the curtains.

    Outside, the lights of Baden city were visible, the illumination of the entire city lighting up the night sky as though it were daytime.

    Despite the air raid siren having been sounded, the city showed no intention of enforcing a ckout because up to now, the hearnd of the empire had never been bombed before.

    Neither the empire¡¯s grassroots officials nor the ordinary people had any awareness of air raids.

    The shrill siren continued to sound, but the city remained in a state of revelry.

    At that moment, arge group of attendants rushed into the map room where the Emperor and others were, turning off all the lights.

    The Emperor asked, "What¡¯s happened?"

    The attendant said, "The air observation post has heard the roar of enemy aircraft formations in the sky, the enemy air raid ising!"

    By then, Duke Meyer, who had run off to use the phone at some point, also put down the receiver and looked at the Emperor, "Several radar stations have spotted blips. They¡¯ve used our cognitive inertia against us¡ªthe coastal radar mistook the blips for chaff released by Mosquito nes, but in reality, it¡¯s an actual aircraft formation."

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    The Emperor stared at Meyer for several long seconds, furious, "All these years, Prosen has spent so much money, and all it has done is to raise a group of wastes like you, unable to force the United Kingdom to surrender through attack, unable to defend the homnd!"

    "Today, when the United Kingdom¡¯s nes drop their bombs, do you know how long it will take to restore the people¡¯s confidence? Do you know?"

    The Duke fell silent for a few seconds, then said, "I think propaganda can handle this problem."

    "This is not about whether or not it can be handled," the Emperor stepped forward, adjusting the Iron Cross on the Duke¡¯s cor, which was the highest level of Iron Cross awarded to only one person in the entire empire.

    "I am very disappointed," the Emperor said.

    Outside the window, the city lights began to disappear one by one; evidently, Baden city was now cutting off the main switches in each district to enforce the ckout.

    The Emperor said, "Do you know why the enemy would prate deep into our territory to bomb Baden city first? Hmm? Think about it!"

    Outside, the beams of the searchlights tore through the night sky, as if transforming the skies of Baden city into a stage.

    The spotlights were searching for the "actors" about to perform.

    Having adjusted the Iron Cross, the Emperor pulled lightly so the ribbon of the decoration gently chafed against the Duke¡¯s corpulent neck, "Because this is a demonstration against me! They know I¡¯m here and are intentionally performing it for me to see!"

    Outside, the anti-aircraft guns began to fire, bursting into small ck flowers in the sky.

    The Emperor said, "You have disappointed me time after time, remember, I can do without you, but not without the Air Force."

    As a rising military branch, the Air Force had indeed attracted some Junker nobility who enjoyed flying, but generally speaking, the Air Force was an area devoid of the Junker aristocracy¡¯s power, and it was also the Emperor¡¯s spearhead against the Junkers.

    If the spearhead did not perform well, it naturally would shake the prestige of the Emperor.

    Of course, the glorious victories in conquering Europa had kept the Emperor¡¯s prestige sky-high within the army and among the Prosen civilians, and it would not be devastated by such an incident, but a levee a thousand miles long could copse due to an ant hole.

    The Emperor stared at the Duke, the corners of his mouth twitching.

    At that moment, res lit up in the night sky outside the window, as if two supernovae had suddenly appeared in the starry heavens.

    These were the target markers dropped by the pathfinder nes of the United Kingdom¡¯s night bomber group.

    The next moment, sessive shes lit up the darkness.

    The shes outside the window repeatedly outlined the Emperor¡¯s silhouette.

    The Emperor, with bloodshot eyes, stared intently at the Duke.

 Chapter 475: Waiting

    At 4 a.m. on the 22nd, the First Mobile Group Army was in ambush positions.

    Yegorov and Eugene stood on a low hill that was almost negligible in height, observing the direction of the Prussians with binocrs.

    The sun had not yet risen, but light already illuminated the prairie, and the soft glow came from behind them.

    Yegorov was the first to put down his binocrs, "No dust from troop movements, could they have already assembledst night?"

    Brigadier General Eugene shook his head, "Didn¡¯t we hear any engine soundsst night? Have the Prussians learned to assemble armored troops without making any engine noise?"

    Yegorov didn¡¯t reply, but continued to look towards the west.

    At that moment, a major rode up the hill on horseback, saluted while still mounted, and eximed loudly, "Report, the tank units havepleted the construction of their shelters."

    "Very well," Yegorov nodded and picked up the binocrs again, but this time to inspect their own deployment."

    From this mound, parts of the hidden shelters and tank destroyers hidden in the bushes were visible.The Anti-tank Artillery Battalion¡¯s guns were hidden so well that they couldn¡¯t be seen at all, their positions discernible only by the Stepanov trucks parked on the reverse slope of the position.

    After ten minutes of meticulous observation, Yegorov said to Brigadier General Eugene, "I cannot see any areas that need improvement; we should be able to inflict heavy damage on the enemy if they reallye at us."

    Eugene continued to check the position with his binocrs and, after a while, put them down and said, "It¡¯s not very clear from here; I¡¯ll go check the deployment personally."

    With that, he turned, called over, and immediately a Willis Jeep was driven up by a guardsman.

    Eugene boarded the Jeep, waving his hand robustly, "Let¡¯s go!"

    The Jeep set off, and the recently arrived messenger urged his horse into a trot, following behind Brigadier General Eugene.

    Yegorov watched them go and then looked west again, "It would be good if we can get a shot at them."

    At that moment, another Willis Jeep drove up, and a lieutenant general got out from the vehicle, saluting Yegorov, a major general, first, "General Yegorov, I am Kexikoff from the Armored Division 40."

    Yegorov returned the salute, "Lieutenant General Davarish, you shouldn¡¯t salute me first."

    "You are under General Rokossovsky, and even when I meet Lieutenant General Rokossovsky himself, I salute him first. Consider this a mark of respect for you brave and skilled fighters."

    Yegorov nodded, "Then I dly ept thepliment. How many tanks does your division have operational?"

    Kexikoff, "Ny-one, most of them were notpletely destroyed, so the majority of the tank crews survived. But¡ªdamn, when we began the attack yesterday, I had nearly 300 tanks!"

    Yesterday, when Armored Division 40unched their attack, they had nearly 300 tanks, thanks to the First Mobile Group Army¡¯s strong repair capabilities.

    Now, they had less than 100 left.

    Yegorovmented, "Rokossovsky was right, tanks require a lot of personnel to maintain; they cannot be used like cavalry."

    Kexikoff, "I heard that for each tank toon the Prussians have, they have two welders and an electrical engineer!"

    "Oh?" Yegorov raised his eyebrows, "Did General Rokossovsky tell you that?"

    "No, we captured some Prussian tank soldiers on the prairie yesterday, dying of thirst, dressed in ck uniforms. When they saw our tanks broken with no one to fix them, that¡¯s what they said."

    Yegorov shook his head, "Our welders and electrical engineers are in short supply even in the factories; our Army Group only has them because of General Rokossovsky¡¯s influence. Regr forces can forget it!"

    Kexikoff hesitated for a moment but still asked, "So the general will be a prince...?"

    "He will, but not through marriage to His Majesty the Tsar; he¡¯s now His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s foster brother," Yegorov, quite carefree, answered offhandedly.

    Kexikoff¡¯s eyes widened, "Can you just say that?"

    Yegorov, "It¡¯s better than your guys spreading rumors that the general is going to marry His Majesty the Tsar everywhere. The general loves his wife dearly; they¡¯re about to have a child."

    "Oh, I see, I get it," Kexikoff nodded repeatedly.

    Just then, the whooshing sound of artillery shells passing overhead reached them, and the two old hands immediately knew it was their own artillery firing on the enemy, so they remained unmoved.

    Kexikoff¡¯s driver, clearly a rookie, leaped off the Willis Jeep and hit the ground.

    "Enough, Mikhail!" shouted Kexikoff, "They¡¯re not targeting us! Get up!"

    The soldier named Mikhail then got up, not even bothering to brush off the grass, and defended himself, "I... I thought we were being shelled. This is only my second time under artillery fire."

    Kexikoff, pointing at Mikhail, said to Yegorov, "My driver, he was terrified by artillery thest time."

    Yegorov chuckled, "You¡¯ll get used to it; I know a guy who was aplete mess his first time on the battlefield, but now he¡¯s be a general capable ofmanding his own forces."

    Mikhail, "Who?"

    Kexikoff shot him a look, "Don¡¯t ask."

    Yegorov: "You can ask. Even now, our troops have a custom where new soldiers who kill their first enemy on the battlefield will then pee on the enemy¡¯s trousers. The soldiers believe this will help them be someone like a general."

    Mikhail¡¯s eyes widened: "Eh? Could it be..."

    Yegorov looked at him: "That¡¯s right, your reasoning is pretty strong. That¡¯s exactly it. So you see, don¡¯t give up just because you got scared on your first time on the battlefield. The general always says that you should be ashamed first to be braveter. It seems to be an old saying from Ceres."@@novelbin@@

    Mikhail nodded: "Then I¡¯ll go find a Prussian corpse to pee on..."

    "No, no," intervened Yegorov¡¯s guard, "it only counts if you kill them yourself. It¡¯s a technical job because the general hates the mistreatment of prisoners. If you think about waiting until the enemy¡¯s situation is dire to find an unlucky soul, and then they surrender before you can shoot, then tough luck! The difficult part is, during intensebat, to take out an enemy precisely and remember where they fell."

    Mikhail¡¯s eyes widened: "You guys think about this stuff on the battlefield?"

    Suddenly, Mikhail noticed the medals on the guard¡¯s chest. Though they were not of Venus, they still signified the old soldier¡¯s status.

    The guard: "If you think about this, you won¡¯t have time to be scared. The fastest to die on the battlefield are those who are afraid. Look at our general, how he really risks his life when he ys with it. Isn¡¯t he still fine?"

    Yegorov nodded: "Right. When he was still a lieutenant colonel, he liked to rush forward alone, like seeking death, but he always came back."

    "Is that so..."

    At that moment, the whooshing of artillery shells that had been constant over their heads suddenly ceased. It seemed that the barrage on the enemy hade to an end, probably because the reconnaissance troops had reported that the targets had been destroyed.

    But then, something new appeared above them.

    Countless white lines flew parallel towards the Prussian army direction.

    Mikhail asked: "What¡¯s that?"

    "The Air Force. The general requested a reduction in the numbers of IL-2s, forfeited attacking the enemy¡¯s front-line troops, and instead, intensified bombing of the enemy¡¯s supply hubs and cities in the rear." Yegorov looked up at the contrails in the blue sky, "So the Air Force now has enough long-range bombers to organize these kinds of air raids. The general is always right."

    "Achoo!" Wang Zhong sneezed mightily, spraying his nose onto the surface of the map table.

    Nelly hurried over, handing him a handkerchief before taking out a cloth to wipe the table.

    While blowing his nose, Wang Zhong asked Pavlov, "Why aren¡¯t the enemy attacking? They withdrewpletely on the 20th and should have resupplied by now."

    The calendar on the wall showed the 22nd, two days since the enemy¡¯s armored forces and mechanized infantry had withdrawn.

    Pavlov shrugged his shoulders.

    At that moment, a group of cavalry entered the warehouse. The general at the forefront strode across the space to Wang Zhong and saluted with a snap.

    It was Rodionovich, themander of the 20th Cavalry Army.

    "General, the 20th Army has returned sessfully afterpleting its mission!"

    Wang Zhong, hurriedly throwing the handkerchief on the table, extended his hand to Rodionovich: "You¡¯ve worked hard."

    "It¡¯s our duty," Rodionovich took Wang Zhong¡¯s hand firmly and shook it, "We¡¯re ready for the next mission! I heard the 40th Tank Army doesn¡¯t have enough apanying forces. We can apany them."

    Wang Zhong withdrew his hand, saying, "I¡¯ve sent the Army Group¡¯s reconnaissance cavalry brigade to apany them. Rest for a while, fatten up the horses, and wait for further orders."

    Pavlov approached Rodionovich: "Did your army suffer many losses?"

    "Significant. Apart from those lost inbat with the Prussians, many got lost and separated in the steppes, others contracted mria and fought while sick. Go outside and see for yourself, many of the soldiers¡¯ saddles are covered in their own filth."

    Wang Zhong scolded: "Then why did you just say you could continue to fight? Commanders need to be realistic; if you need to rest, just say you need to rest."

    Popov: "The Army Group hospital has quinine newly provided by the Federation, which is supposed to be effective against mria. Give it a try. Additionally, the local church will help settle the soldiers; get some hot food, take a bath, change the dirty clothes, and get a good night¡¯s sleep."

    Rodionovich appeared deeply moved: "I¡¯ve never metmanders who care so much for their soldiers."

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s for now. But when the timees that we need you to fill the line, I will ster you onto the defenses like mud."

    "Yes, sir!" Rodionovich saluted, though it was unclear to what he was assenting.

    After the cavalry general left, Wang Zhong turned to discuss with Pavlov and Popov: "The Cavalry Army has also suffered heavy losses, and the 40th Tank Army is down to less than 100 tanks. If we continue to attack now and take another bite out of the Prussian infantry ording to the original n, it will be bad if we encounter the enemy¡¯s fully-equipped Armored Division."

    Pavlov: "So we wait here? Won¡¯t the enemy see the ambush if we stay put? The steppe is so vast, if the enemy just goes around us a little bit, won¡¯t theypletely avoid our ambush?"

    Wang Zhong: "We must still attack to lure the enemy into a counterattack. Then draw the enemy¡¯s tanks into our ambush area."

    "Maybe after the artillery barrage, we could try a purely mechanized infantry assault on the enemy position."

    Then, an idea shed through Wang Zhong¡¯s mind, and he looked at Popov: "Hold on, the olddies from the Institute of Folklore have been resting for so long, can they summon a thick fog again?"

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    Popov raised an eyebrow: "I¡¯m not the Priest responsible for those matters, but I can ask. Just a phone call."

 Chapter 476: Game Theory

    After Su Fang entered the warehouse, she smiled at Wang Zhong, "I was wondering when you woulde to find me."

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t make it sound like I¡¯m here for a private rendezvous. How¡¯s the situation with the folklorists now?"

    "The grannies have already rested and are waiting for your summoning," Su Fang stared at Wang Zhong, "Is the fog not useful enough, that¡¯s why you haven¡¯t used the second big fog for so long?"

    Wang Zhong, "Previously, we needed a rtively clear field of vision since our long-range firepower has the advantage. In fact, the enemy has been using smoke bombs all along to limit our Whirlwind Tank Destroyers¡¯ effectiveness. Summoning big fog would only make things easier for them."

    Actually, Wang Zhong still harbored some doubts about whether this big fog was naturally formed, but just these few mornings there had been only a little fog which dispersed quickly once the sun rose, making the previous summoning thatsted over an hour seem unscientific.

    If it could be reproduced, it would be perfect to observe whether this fog was scientific or not.

    Wang Zhong, "In any case, now we are preparing tounch another surprise attack with infantry at the forefront, we need a big fog to block the enemy¡¯s long-range firepower, such as machine guns, the main guns of the number three assault cannons, and all sorts of mortars and infantry cannons¡ª"

    Su Fang, "I get it, I¡¯ll go and have the researchers start preparing for the ritual."

    Wang Zhong, "Will the big fog be ready by tomorrow morning?"Su Fang smiled and gave a thumbs-up before turning towards the warehouse door.

    Wang Zhong sharp caught that Su Fang nced back at him just before turning around.

    He turned and sure enough, in the direction Su Fang had been looking, Nelly stood with a stern face, staring at Su Fang¡¯s back with the expression one might have upon finding a louse while washing clothes.

    Wang Zhong coughed to draw Nelly¡¯s attention to him, then seriously said, "Although ourmunication capabilities have improved, Su Fang¡¯s abilities can serve as a backup. She mighte in handy anytime, so¡ª"

    Nelly, "I¡¯m not going to do anything to her, at most I¡¯ll just sprinkle some salt."

    "That¡¯s good," Wang Zhong said and then turned to Pavlov, "Order the infantry troops to prepare, scout units to immediately consolidate reconnaissance information, staff officers to formte a detailed battle n, and tonight gather themanders of various units for a brief meeting."

    Pavlov nodded and started issuing orders one by one to the staff officers like apiler, tranting Wang Zhong¡¯s intentions in his brain into numerous executable detailed orders.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but remember a book about the Napoleonic Wars he had read before traveling through time, saying that Napoleon¡¯s efficientmand of his troops was rted to his chief of staff, Berthier.

    One of the major reasons Napoleon was defeated at Waterloo was because Berthier did not respond to his summon.

    Wang Zhong recalled hisbat experience thus far and realized he could never have been so sessful without Pavlov.

    Rocossov also had his own Berthier.

    Just as Wang Zhong thought this, he heard Popov say, "Tell the mess to prepare extra tea and coffee, as the workload for the staff officers today is not likely to be low."

    Wang Zhong suddenly felt he too ought to give some orders beneficial to tomorrow¡¯s battle, so he turned to Vasily and said, "Vasily, you... you..."

    After faltering for a moment, Wang Zhong waved it off, "Never mind, don¡¯t worry about it."

    Having said this, he headed to the radio unit, nning to replicate the trick of obtaining a view of the front line during the brief moments of establishing radiomunication.

    This was something only Wang Zhong could aplish, and it might enable him to detect a sign of the enemy¡¯s movements.

    "On the 24th, we must be ready to attack," General Boke, themander of the Prosen Army¡¯s Tenth Army Group, told the several Armored Division and Panzergrenadier Divisionmanders gathered at the Corps Command, "If we do not attack, not only will I, the Army Group Commander, be dismissed by His Majesty, but you all will not fare well either!"

    Themander of the 14th Armored Division frowned, "Hasn¡¯t the first phase of Operation Blue simply been dyed for a few days until now? After all, we started the attack so smoothly, it¡¯s just that we¡¯ve been dyed by Rocossov for ten days here." Find adventures on empire@@novelbin@@

    Operation Blue had learned fromst year¡¯s lessons, slowed down the advance to avoid the disconnection between the armored divisions and infantry, and provided buffer time for the armored troops to replenish and repair tanks.

    So even though they had been dyed by Rocossov for ten days, the overall campaign n was not set back much.

    General Boke shook his head, "Do you think tomorrow¡¯s attack can break through Rocossov? He has so many troops now."

    Themander fell silent.

    General Boke continued, "We need tounch a swift offensive to shatter Rocossov, and strive to capture Yeisk before the end of the month. By then, the enemy¡¯srge force in the Bolsk region will bepletely exposed, and we will envelop andpletely devour several hundred thousand of the Ante People, just likest year."

    Themander of the 16th Armored Panzergrenadier Division, Schultz, said, "With the ins terrain, there¡¯s really no need for a strict encirclement along the roads. We could conduct a smaller nking maneuver towards the enemy¡¯s nk at Bolsk, creating a smaller encirclement¡ª"

    "The Emperor desires a grand encirclement like the one Argesukov achievedst year that can be called art," Boke interrupted the 16th Panzergrenadiermander, "So we will push to the Suhaya Weili River, and then start the envelopment using a perfect nking maneuver to devour the enemy¡¯srge force."

    Themanders exchanged nces.

    It was still the 16th Panzergrenadier¡¯smander Schultz who said, "ording to the High Command¡¯s military situation report, the enemy at Bolsk shows signs of retreat. If we continue the encirclement as per Operation Blue, won¡¯t we be toote? The High Command wouldn¡¯t be so foolish as to insist on the original n at this juncture, they should have a new n, perhaps even deploying the Imperial Marine Corps tounch anding operation on the coast."

    Schultz approached the map and drew a line on the coastal part with a pencil, cutting off the connection between Bolsk and the mouth of the Raoul Mountains.

    General Boke stepped forward, picked up an eraser, and wiped off the line on the map, "That¡¯s for High Command to consider, not our concern. We just need to continue the attack as nned."

    All Schultz could do was nod, "Understood, we¡¯ll coordinate the attack with the Armored Division."

    General Boke nodded, nced at the others, and stressed, "The attack must beunched on the 24th. Fortunately, Rocossov has not continued his advance either; surely his supply has also been affected by the steppe."

    No, in fact, Rocossov was just lying in ambush, waiting for your "Armored Division" to deliver itself to him.

    Who could have thought that the cavalry and air force bombings had disrupted the Tenth Army Group¡¯s supply ns to such an extent¡ªof course, this was also rted to the Tenth Army Group¡¯s rapid consumption of ammunition and fuel before encountering Rocossov.

    "Everyone¡¯s resupply is troubled, so let¡¯s see who canplete their resupply first. Who knows, on our way to the attack, we might just run into Rocossov¡¯s tank troops and have a decisive tank battle!" General Boke said with full conviction.

    At the same time, at the Front Army headquarters of the Ante Army, in Bolsk.

    Duke Meishikin covered his mouth with a handkerchief, coughing incessantly from the smoke of burning maps and documents, much to the concern of his staff.

    His adjutant worriedly said, "Your Grace, you should leave first, we can handle the burning of the documents."

    Meishikin said, "Once I start moving, the retreat will inevitably fall into chaos, and each unit will have to decide for itself, to solve the problems in front of them¡ªuntil themand post reaches the new location, is set up again, and establishes radio contact with them.

    "But by then, some units might be marching and unable to deploy radios, do you understand?"

    The adjutant nodded.

    Yet the Duke still set the record straight, "That¡¯s why I want to stay here as long as possible, to address the issues that units encounter during the retreat."

    No sooner had Meishikin finished than a messenger rushed into themand post, now littered with scraps of paper, headed straight for the Duke, and reported loudly, "Enemy forces spotted near Diporosk."

    Duke Meishikin clicked his tongue, "The enemy has realized we¡¯re running and ns to epass us in a small encirclement. Order the Fifth Guards Tank Brigade to strike; they don¡¯t need to defeat the enemy, just hold them off."

    The messenger was about to turn away when Duke Meishikin stopped him, "Tell Colonel Stolov of the Fifth Tank Brigade to hold off the enemy at any cost, even if it means the sacrifice of his entire brigade."

    The messenger nodded.

    Duke Meishikin released his hand and gave a slight wave.

    Thus, the messenger ran off without looking back.

    The Duke called over another messenger and continued with his orders, "Command the 331st Infantry Division to set up a blocking position south of Diporosk. I know it¡¯s difficult to hold off armored units on the steppe, but they must hold the enemy back, they must!"

    After the messenger sprinted out upon receiving the order, Duke Meishikin began coughing violently.

    The adjutant hurriedly began patting his back.

    The Duke waved his hand away, "No, no, don¡¯t worry about me. The Prussians surely realize we¡¯re fleeing. The enemy¡¯s 11th Army Group has just defeated our forces within the encirclement of the Coastal Fortress and needs reorganization. The 12th, after fighting us for so many days, shouldn¡¯t have the strength to encircle us either.

    "The enemy will need to deploy fresh reserve forces to cut off our escape."

    The adjutant quickly corrected, "You mean, retreat."

    "There¡¯s no difference, my troops won¡¯t care about such trivial wordy. If the enemy wants to catch us, they mustmit their reserves, and at such a time, we can only hope that General Golikov stirs up something big in the direction of Suhayaveli and draws the reserves there."

    The adjutant said, "There¡¯s also ¡¯that¡¯ Rocossov over there; they¡¯ll surely manage."

    The Duke stared at the map, pondered for a few seconds, and said, "That Rocossov excels at defense;st year¡¯s offensive wasunched only after depleting the enemy¡¯s supplies, which doesn¡¯t prove he¡¯s outstanding at offense. If we want to break out, we¡¯ll probably have to see how well General Golikov does with his attack."

    After saying this, the Duke began to cough heavily again.

    The adjutant continued to pat his back.

    When the coughing subsided, the Duke felt an ominous sensation and, looking at his handkerchief, saw arge stain of deep red.

    He told the adjutant, "Send a message to High Command, asking them to dispatch a capablemander to take over mymand."

    The adjutant eximed in surprise, "What? At a time like this? Changingmanders during a retreat could be even more fatal than before an attack!"

    "Carry out my orders," Duke Meishikin said sternly.

 Chapter 477: Repeating the Same Trick

    At 1 a.m. on the 23rd, Wang Zhong said to Pavlov, "Begin."

    Pavlov picked up the phone.

    Popov muttered beside him, "I feel like we¡¯ve been through this scene many times before."

    "In fact, it has happened many times," Wang Zhong recalled, raising his right hand to count his fingers, "three times, right? Each time we take a small bite out of the enemy, over and over again."

    Popov sighed, "Now it would be great to achieve a small-scale victory. To expect a thorough and decisive victory likest year at Prosen is hardly possible now."

    Wang Zhong added, "I really thought that with the First Mobile Group Army at hand, I could conquer everywhere, but things have not gone as I wished. Prosen is strong, and we are not as formidable as we imagined."

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong walked to the map, stood with his hands behind his back, and fell into deep thought.

    After giving the orders, Pavlov too came to the map and said, "The battlefield is a crucible. New formations need to be heated in the crucible, hammered, and finally cooled in water to slowly be an unbeatable sword."

    Wang Zhong nodded, then suddenly thought of something, "Why haven¡¯t I heard any artillery fire?"Pavlovughed, "Our artillery positions have been moved forward twice. If we could hear artillery now, it would mean the enemy¡¯s artillery has somehow used evil sorcery to get close to us, and that would be terrible."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow, "Is that so?"

    "In the past few days, we¡¯ve made several significant advances. Although we haven¡¯t been able to annihte the enemy en masse, the results have been very impressive," Pavlov said. "The Front Army headquarters even sent a congrattory telegramst night."

    Wang Zhong said with a wry smile, "The main issue is that it¡¯s impossible to construct solid defensive positions on this ground. Underneath the grasnd, there are holes made by field mice, and artillery fire destroys any fortifications."

    "Don¡¯t worry about how we achieved victory. Victory is victory. The important thing is the result, not the process!" Pavlov eximed.@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, Su Fang, apanied by a nun, entered the headquarters¡¯ warehouse and made her way to Wang Zhong, saluting, "The preparations for the ritual areplete. The researchers have asked me to remind you to stop shelling before the fog rises."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Rest assured, we¡¯ve already ¡¯been there, done that¡¯; we know what to do. It¡¯s on your end that you must ensure there¡¯s thick fog because if we attack in the open without it, the losses will be heavy."

    Pavlov joined in, "Although smoke bombs can achieve the same effect, there¡¯s been a strong wind on the grasndtely, which limits the duration of the smoke. Besides, our shells are in short supply, so the transportation of smoke bombs has been dyed."

    The First Mobile Group Army had too many big guns, which were certainly terrifying when firing full force, but also put a tremendous strain on logistics.

    With the grasnd¡¯s poor infrastructure, there was no choice but to prioritize transporting high-explosive shells; although some smoke bombs had been delivered, they were unlikely to cover an entire division¡¯s positionprehensively.

    If even one firepower point was left uncovered, the attacking infantry troops could pay a heavy price.

    After listening to the discussion between Wang Zhong and Pavlov, Su Fang smiled reassuringly, "Don¡¯t worry, the thick fog will definitelye. But the mamas from the research team also asked me to inform the general that next month it might not be possible to summon the fog."

    Wang Zhong was surprised. Could it be that it¡¯s impossible to summon fog in August because the rising temperatures make the air too dry? Your magic is quite scientific then.

    Guessing Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts, Su Fang smiled and reminded him, "We are the Secr faction. We¡¯ve always believed that these so-called miracles and magic can have a scientific exnation."

    It was then Wang Zhong remembered, that was indeed the way of the Secr faction.

    Pavlov asked, "Besides stopping artillery fire early, is there anything else we can help with?"

    "Nothing else," Su Fang shook her head, "The duration of the fog might not meet the two hours promised by the grandmothers, just likest time. You should hurry with your attack."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Don¡¯t worry. This time we¡¯re only nning to take the enemy¡¯s infantry division¡¯s forward positions and break through one or two of their regiments."

    Infantry don¡¯t have the same mobility as armored troops, and once through the defenses, theyck the strength to advance deeply.

    Therefore, the ns drawn up by Pavlov and his staff were very conservative: after destroying the enemy¡¯s forward positions, they would retreat to the area where the tank destroyer and anti-tank artillery troops were ambushing, ready to deal with the enemy¡¯s armored counterattack.

    Wang Zhong approved this n. Your adventure continues at empire

    Before he traveled through time, when ying games, he favored conservative ns; even in the war-themed game "Advance Command," he disliked aggressive deep strikes and preferred to y it safe and secure ground step by step.

    So, in Advance Command, hisbat groups were all solid Armored Divisions or mechanized Infantry Divisions, seldom employing the riskier but potentially more rewarding airborne assault divisions.

    Of course, no one else knew these things, except for Wang Zhong himself.

    Su Fang nodded, "Good, then I¡¯ll be on my way, otherwise I¡¯m afraid your orderly mighte bite me."

    Nelly said coldly, "I¡¯m not a dog, so of course I wouldn¡¯t bite you."

    "But you¡¯re staring at me with a look like you want to bite me."

    "That¡¯s your illusion. As a maid, my expression management is professional. Such oversights won¡¯t ur. Moreover, in a ce like the headquarters, please restrain your behavior and do not let personal matters interfere with the operation of the headquarters," Nelly rambled on.

    Sufangughed, "Alright, alright, I¡¯m leaving now."

    She turned around and walked toward the main entrance, with the nun who hade with her hurriedly bowing to Wang Zhong before scampering after her.

    Nelly stepped forward.

    Wang Zhong, "Stop rubbing salt in the wound, everyone is looking."

    Nelly immediately stopped her actions and turned back to look at Wang Zhong.

    Pavlov shouted at the surrounding staff officers and clerks who had stopped working to watch, "Stop looking, get back to work! There¡¯s still a lot to be done before the attack tomorrow morning!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Zhong saw a telegraph operator at the radio station stand up, leave his post, and dash with a piece of paper to the radiopanymander.

    Thepanymander waved his hand, said something, and the telegraph operator looked up at Wang Zhong before running over to him with the telegram.

    "Urgent dispatch from High Command."

    Wang Zhong took the telegram and frowned deeply after a nce.

    Pavlov, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Wang Zhong, "Meishikin is requesting another general to be sent to the Bolsk Front Army to prepare to take over hismand."

    Pavlov hurriedly snatched the telegram for a look, "Damn, at this time?"

    Popov also came over to take the telegram from Pavlov and after confirming its content, he said, "Duke Meishikin has always been in poor health, could it be that his body can¡¯t hold up anymore?"

    Wang Zhong, "Possibly. If he leaves hismand post now... the situation could get messy, especially since the Bolsk Front Army¡¯s current mission is to fight and retreat to the line of the Caucasus Mountains. Organizing a retreat is even moreplex than an attack."

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong, "You, the hands-off shopkeeper, didn¡¯t participate in the nning of the retreat. During the retreat, you were only responsible for charging ahead in your little tank."

    Wang Zhong, "Retreat battles are like this, the staff just need to write a good retreat n and issue it to the troops. As someone creating a route for the retreat, I have to consider a lot."

    Pavlov shook his head and brought the topic back to the situation, "If Duke Meishikin suddenly cannotmand the troops, the situation would indeed be bad. The enemy might possiblyunch a small-scale encirclement on him."

    Wang Zhong was about to answer when a second telegraph operator ran over from the telegraph area and handed Wang Zhong a piece of paper, "Urgent dispatch from the Army Group headquarters."

    Wang Zhong took it and after a nce said, "It¡¯s from General Golikov. He believes that given the current situation, we need tounch arge-scale attack to hurt the enemy, thereby causing the enemy to divert forces that might have been used to encircle Meishikin to our side."

    After finishing, he passed the telegram to Pavlov and walked over to the map, muttering to himself while looking at it, "Large-scale attack... on the steppe? The enemy¡¯s Armored Division has been making preparations for a while, they should have resupplied ammunition and fuel, and rested for some time. Attacking Prosen¡¯s armored forces head-on in the steppes is madness."

    On Earth, up until Bagration, the Sturmtiger armored forces could still manage a decent exchange ratio against the Soviets¡¯ armor. Even during the Oder River battle in ¡¯45, Sturmtiger carried out a very impressive armored counterattack¡ªonly to still lose their shirts in the end, because besides the armored forces, the disparity between Sturmtiger troops and the battle-hardened Soviet forces was too great.

    Apart from the "historical lessons" from another timeline, in the recent month ofbat, Wang Zhong had personally experienced just how well-trained Prosen¡¯s armored forces were. His judgment was that they were not yet ready to go head-to-head with these elites.

    As he stared intently at the map, deep in thought, Pavlov came over, "The only tank reserve of the Army Group has been given to us. Where are we supposed to get so many tank forces for a major offensive?"

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Indeed. Unless they continue to send tank armies from the rear. I saw the tank production report before I left. Based on the production of tanks, the High Command and the Reserve Army should still have several tank armies."

    Pavlov, "Then again, we¡¯d lose half the tanks on their way here, wouldn¡¯t we?"

    Wang Zhong gave a wry smile.

    Suddenly, he had an idea.

    "We may not have real tanks, but we can use fake ones. Do you remember what you said when we just arrived at Yeisk? Artillery and tanks are hard to hide in the steppe, they need to dig emcements and use camouge, but the steppe iscking in trees,cking ¡¯raw materials¡¯ for camouge, right?"

    Pavlov thought for a moment and nodded, "I did say that."

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, "That¡¯s right! The enemy will think the same! We¡¯ll put up a few hundred fake tanks for the enemy¡¯s aerial reconnaissance to photograph."

    Pavlov nodded in agreement, "Brother Peter¡¯s side should have surveince reports, the enemy reconnaissance nes do indeed frequently visit our area. But as I¡¯ve said before, we don¡¯t even have materials for camouge here, it¡¯s hard to make fake cannons out of wood, so where will you get the materials for fake tanks?"

 Chapter 478: Impact

    Wang Zhong immediately knew what to do.

    He said, "For the wrecked tanks, as well as the debris, we have many tractors; we can drag them all over here, paint them our color, then cover them up with some cloth!"

    Pavlov said, "Using wreckage to camouge good tanks... it could work, but we¡¯d have to collect paint from Yeisk..."

    Popov said, "I¡¯ll arrange it, and I¡¯ll handle theborers as well."

    Wang Zhong nodded and turned to Vasily, "Musician!"

    Vasily frowned, "Every time you call me a musician, it¡¯s never for anything good!"

    Wang Zhong said, "This time it is good. You¡¯re in charge of making each fake tank look convincing. Use your musician¡¯s imagination!"

    Vasily retorted, "What does being a musician have to do with this sort of thing!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Then use the wisdom you¡¯ve gleaned and refined from picking manure!"Vasily¡¯s expression was as though he had just entered atrine that hadn¡¯t been cleaned out in years, a ce where the horrendous smell spoke for itself.

    Suddenly, his brow rxed, "Hey? We can smear mud on the tanks, the soil from the grasnds around us. It may not be good for making bunkers, but it¡¯s perfect for smearing on tanks! Mix the mud with water, ster it on the tanks, and by morning¡¯s sunlight¡ª"

    Vasily threw his hands wide as if he, the musician, had just conducted a grand symphony, receiving the cheers of the audience.

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder, "See, I knew you could do it! Get moving, and theborers should include the newly hired war orphans; take the children with you! Tell them it¡¯s an extremely important mission!"

    Vasily asked uncertainly, "Why bring the kids along?"

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression softened, "Maybe I¡¯m being sentimental, but... I think they should do something that fits with childhood."

    After he spoke, themand post fell silent¡ªnot entirely silent, since the sound of the telegraphs still ticked on.

    But the ticking of the telegraphs only served to entuate the quiet of the map area.

    Popov suddenly stepped forward and pped Wang Zhong on the shoulder, "You are absolutely cut out to be a Military Bishop!"

    Vasily touched his nose, "Even at such a time, you still consider the children, General. Alright, I¡¯ll take the kids with us."

    That¡¯s when Nelly suddenly spoke up, "Just let theborers do their job. I¡¯ll take care of the children, I¡¯m a professional."

    Wang Zhong nced at Nelly, "Alright,e back before supper is ready¡ªno, the children will surely be sleeping at thiste hour. Prepare my supper first."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the cooks pushed a cart into the storehouse, "Supper¡¯s ready!"

    Wang Zhong said, "Good, after eating let¡¯s keep up the hard work. We still have a lot, a lot of things to do!"

    On the Prussian Army¡¯s side, General Boke was awakened by the sound of a telephone ringing.

    He sat up and, reaching for the receiver, noticed several bumps on his hand¡ªthe work of mosquitoes.

    He cursed a few times, then picked up the receiver, "This is General Boke; what¡¯s the matter?"

    "The enemy is bombarding our positions."

    General Boke nced at the time, "Now?"

    Suddenly, a shiver ran down his spine, "Wait, when the enemy took advantage of the fog to assault the Sedd division, wasn¡¯t it also around this time that they bombarded us?"

    The chief of staff on the other end of the line was obviously consulting with other staff members. A few secondster, he reported, "Yes, it¡¯s the exact same time."

    General Boke said, "I¡¯ll be at the Corps Command immediately. Also, send someone to repair the mosquito repellent in my tent!"

    He hung up the phone and began to dress.

    A few minutester, the neatly dressed General Boke burst into the Army Group¡¯smand tent, "Weather report!"

    The Air Force colonel acting as a liaison officer immediately brought over the weather report, "This is the forecast for the next 24 and 48 hours!"

    General Boke snatched the report and scanned it, "Clear skies? Fog possible in the early morning? What are the chances of fog?"

    Air Force colonel, "Actually, there¡¯s been fog every morning for the past few days, but it clears up quickly. It should be the same tomorrow. The report only says ¡¯possible¡¯ for the sake of precision."

    "Precision?" General Boke clicked his tongue and repeated, "Precision! If only you could be so ¡¯precise¡¯ when delivering supplies! So much supplies either didn¡¯t drop or exploded uponnding. Exploded! Our inability tounch an assault, the Air Force is at least sixty percent to me!"

    The colonel didn¡¯t dare say a word.

    General Boke turned to the chief of staff, "Inform the 113th Division, which is under bombardment, that the enemy will attack during tomorrow¡¯s fog. Tell them to be ready. Once the bombardment ends, thebat engineers should enter the trenches in battle gear. It will surely be close-quartersbat in the fog; let the Ante People taste the might of our elitebat engineers!"

    The chief of staff nodded and suggested, "We can arm thebat engineers with Wolf Fang Clubs."

    The Prussianbat engineers were equipped with Wolf Fang Clubs for closebat in smoke conditions. After all, random shooting in smoke could hit one¡¯s own troops, but the club was different.

    However, this equipment had hardly any realbat use, as manually released smoke does notst long, and a fog-bound melee battle thatsts for hours is virtually non-existent, sobat engineer units tended not to carry this burdensome weapon.

    But if the Ante People reallyunched a foggy assault like they did when they crushed the Sedd division, then the Wolf Fang Club woulde in handy.

    General Boke pondered briefly and agreed, "Alright, order it so."

    As the staff began to ry the orders, General Boke approached the map, "This Rokossovsky, does he intend to carve us up and consume us bit by bit like slicing sausage? He sure has patience."

    At that moment, General Boke¡¯s aide-de-camp entered the tent, came up to the general, and whispered, "Your mosquito repellent device isn¡¯t broken."

    The general immediately raised his hand, pointing to the now reddening bumps, "Then how do you exin this?"

    Aide-de-camp, "Because there are simply too many mosquitoes."

    The chief of staff also reported, "The prevalence of sickness among the troops is increasing, and it might be rted to the same ¡¯Evil Sorcery¡¯ as during the Carolingian campaign."

    General Boke: "Then do we still have enough quinine and penicillin?"

    "Still enough. But it¡¯s being consumed at an rming rate," said the chief of staff.

    General Boke sighed, "The soldiers will just have to endure a bit more hardship. Outstanding Prussians will not fear these difficulties!"

    The chief of staff nodded, "That¡¯s how we¡¯re propagating it right now."

    General Boke paced back and forth in the tent twice and suddenly cursed: "It¡¯s that damn Rokossov! We could have entered the city by now! Now we have to feed the mosquitoes on the in! Damn it!"

    Three hourster, General Boke sat in his chair with his eyes closed, vigorously massaging his temples as if trying to ease his fatigue.

    Suddenly, a staff officer shouted, "Fog¡¯s rolling in!"

    General Boke sprang to his feet, the motion too abrupt causing him a bit of dizziness, nearly making him copse back into his chair.

    An aide-de-camp and the chief of staff both reached out to steady him.

    Once General Boke steadied himself, he thanked them and then strode out of the tent with a brisk pace, looking at the dense fog enveloping the sky.

    The fog was so thick that General Boke couldn¡¯t see the guards of the Corps Command¡ª even though the sentry post was just a short distance from the Corps Command tent.

    "Damn!" cursed the general, "This is evil sorcery! Report to the Imperial Academy of Sciences! The enemy is using sorcery to control the weather!"

    Suddenly, General Boke heard a scream, followed by gunshots.

    The staff officers immediately drew their weapons and then shielded the general behind them.@@novelbin@@

    The aide-de-camp drew his gun and charged into the fog, shouting, "What¡¯s going on? Who¡¯s firing?"

    After a moment, the aide-de-camp and a guard came before General Boke and the staff officers, supporting a soldier whose face was stricken with terror.

    Aide-de-camp: "This man ims he saw a ¡¯Little Fog Sprite¡¯!"

    General Boke: "What the hell is that?"

    Chief of staff: "It was mentioned in reports from Sedd¡¯s division, seems to be a superstition from the Steiermark region and Mnia."

    The terrified soldier shouted, "I saw it! The Little Fog Sprite wasughing in the dense fog! Our home is in the mountains of Steiermark, and whenever the fog thickens, each household closes its doors and leaves offerings outside. The Little Fog Sprite will eat the disobedient children who wander into the fog!"

    Impatiently waving his hand, General Boke said, "That¡¯s just a folk tale to keep you from going out in the fog. Take him away, hand him over to a psychologist!"

    The aide-de-camp released the soldier¡¯s shoulder, and immediately guards came forward to take over, escorting the terrified soldier back into the fog.

    The soldier screamed, "Don¡¯t go into the fog! No, don¡¯t!"

    General Boke swore, "Announce to all troops, any soldier from Steiermark who mentions the Little Fog Sprite is to be arrested and sent to see a psychologist!"

    "Yes!"

    Turning on his heel, the general reentered the tent, giving the order, "Contact the 113th Infantry Division, ask about their situation!"

    Meanwhile, the mixed infantry cluster of the First Mobile Group Army was advancing through the dense fog.

    The infantry of the Guard¡¯s First Panzer Unit was on the far left, with the infantry of the 225th Division on the far right, and the center was entrusted to the First Division of the Mnia People¡¯s Army.

    To amalgamate infantry from different divisions into one attacking group, the staff at the Army Group headquarters had lost count of how much hair they¡¯d pulled out.

    Walking alongside his toon, Filippov said, "Just likest time, don¡¯t worry! This time there are no buildings left, Prussians definitely can¡¯t handle it, we¡¯ve always been strong in hand-to-handbat!"

    Suddenly, machine gun fire erupted from ahead, and bullets whistled over everyone¡¯s heads.

    Filippov: "See? Their machine guns are aiming behind us, and the rate of fire is too sparse. There¡¯s no way they can organize a fire block like General Rokossov."

    "That means the artillery did a good job before! Quick march!"

    Everyone immediately quickened their pace.

    Filippov thought to himself, Prussian machine gun positions wouldn¡¯t be directly at the front line; there had to be an infantry defense line in front of the machine guns.

    Which meant, they were about to meet the enemy.

    He raised his threaded-cutter, ready to fire.

    Suddenly, a massive figure loomed out of the fog ahead!

    Filippov fired!

    Then he heard the sound of weights nging against an iron te.

    After a series of ngs, the figure copsed with a thud!

    Filippov surged forward two steps and saw that it was abat engineer wearing a breastte!

    The breastte was cracked everywhere from the impact of the threaded-cutter bullets, and blood continuously flowed from the gaps at the side of the breastte.

    Thebat engineer was even carrying a Wolf Fang Club!

    More figures appeared in the fog ahead!

    Filippov: "Fire! The enemy has only melee weapons, fire!"

    A chorus of nging sounds rang out immediately.

 Chapter 479: Dense Fog Envelops

    Several secondster, Filippov ran out of bullets in his sidearm and shouted, "Reloading," as he stepped back to change the magazine.

    At that moment, he heard heavy footsteps. In the blink of an eye, a tall Prosenbat engineer burst out of the thick fog, charging at him with a Wolf Fang Club raised high.

    Filippov raised his rifle, barely blocking the strike.

    The powerful impact bent the rifle barrel, as thick as a threading machine, out of shape. Despite the rifle absorbing much of the force, Filippov was still pressed down into a half-kneel by the remaining power.

    He thought that this was it, he might meet his "Grenade of Glory" moment, his hand instinctively reaching for a grenade. But just as he grasped the grenade, the enemy¡¯s body tilted to the side and fell to the ground, motionless.

    The Wolf Fang Club slipped from the bent rifle and fell into the weeds.

    Still shaken, Filippov realized that the enemy had been bleeding from below the breastte¡¯s edge, apparently already gravely injured, using hisst surge of willpower tond that blow on Filippov.

    In that instant, the disdain Filippov had recently developed for the enemy vanished¡ªthe disdain that had be mainstream in the army following a series of victorious battles, as if under General Rokossovsky¡¯s leadership, they would soon be storming into Ploseni.

    The Military Chains had repeatedly tried to extinguish this disdain among the soldiers, but to little avail.At least Filippov himself would no longer look down on any Prosen but regard them as deadly adversaries.

    Filippov picked up a steel helmet that fell to the ground, cing it back on the enemy¡¯s head as though the kneeling, motionless corpse were a tombstone. When the Ante People buried theirrades, they would do something simr by inserting a wooden stick and covering it with a helmet.

    After finishing these acts, Filippov checked the bent rifle, slung it over his back with a sense of resignation, and bent down to pick up the Wolf Fang Club.

    At this moment, the area was filled with the sounds of battle and the cries of both friends and foes.

    Filippov discerned his bearings and darted into the dense fog, soon facing an ordinary Prosen soldier wielding a spade.

    Both men froze for a moment upon seeing each other, then simultaneously swung their weapons¡ª

    The spade flew off, and the Wolf Fang Clubnded solidly on the Prosen¡¯s arm.

    In the midst of the crunching sound of breaking bones, the Prosen screamed out in pain.

    Filippov withdrew the Wolf Fang Club and swung it full circle, crashing into the Prosen¡¯s head, snapping the enemy¡¯s neck.

    "Misha! Grishka! Anyone from the third squad, regroup on me! Regroup on me!" he shouted, charging towards the nearestbat noises, soon finding a Prosen soldier on top of an Ante soldier.

    With one blow, the Prosen¡¯s back was distorted, a mouthful of blood spurting out in the process.

    Filippov pulled back the Wolf Fang Club, kicked away the half-dead enemy, and pulled up the man on the ground: "What were you doing, Grishka, letting a Prosen ride you! You¡¯re clearly bigger than the enemy!"

    Grishka swore, "He ambushed me!"

    As he said this, he raised his hand and fired a short burst at the still-struggling enemy.

    "Damn it!" Grishka spat at the enemy and reiterated loudly, "He ambushed me!"

    "Stop yelling!" While speaking, Filippov suddenly noticed something on the ground and quickly crouched to inspect it, pulling up a wire.

    Filippov: "A phone line!"

    He took out a smallpass, checked the direction, then pointed forward: "This is heading towards the enemy¡¯s rear. Let¡¯s follow the line and take out their headquarters!"

    Grishka: "Are you sure? Just the two of us?"

    Filippov: "What¡¯s there to be scared of? The enemy can¡¯t see how many of us there are! Let¡¯s go!"

    Yeisk, Ante Army First Mobile Group Army Headquarters.

    Popov: "Rokossov, do you always have to travel dozens of kilometers back and forth with each attack?"

    Pavlov: "That¡¯s just him unable to contain his impulse to charge. If we don¡¯t hold him back, he¡¯dmand a little tank right into Ploseni."

    Wang Zhong: "Hmph, just you wait. One day I¡¯ll personallymand a tank into Ploseni and give the order to st the then Emperor¡¯s memorial to pieces."

    Popov and Pavlovughed.

    At that moment, someone on the radio shouted, "Contact with the assault troops established."

    Wang Zhong hurriedly shifted his view and indeed saw a small patch light up at the forefront of the battle line.

    It was lit up, but each soldier could only see their immediate surroundings. Wang Zhong, looking down, felt like he was observing a piece of cheese full of holes.

    Under such circumstances, only limited intelligence could be obtained. Nheless, Wang Zhong took note of a small squad rushing to the front.

    The squad had only five members, and the officer leading them was named "Filippov."

    ¡ªWasn¡¯t this Vasily¡¯s good friend?

    Vasily helped arrange "The Holy War," so his name appeared on the music score alongside Vasily¡¯s great name.

    Wang Zhong stared at Filippov, watching as his five-man squad took down several groups of enemies in session.

    For some reason, Filippov didn¡¯t have a gun; instead, he was wielding a Wolf Fang Club.

    Wang Zhong also saw him distributing the helical gear cartridge clips he carried to the others.@@novelbin@@

    Could it be a rifle malfunction?

    Wang Zhong took a closer look and realized that Filippov¡¯s squad seemed to be following something on the ground, a line perhaps?

    Good Heavens, they¡¯re following the telephone line to find the enemy headquarters! But can so few of you really take on the headquarters¡¯ guard?

    Wang Zhong really became anxious for this group of brave soldiers.

    Suddenly, the squad ran into twomunication soldiers carrying equipment head-on, who seemed to be repairing the telephone line.

    In the blink of an eye, the Prosenmunication soldiers were struck down to the ground.

    Filippov used the Wolf Fang Club, which came from who knows where, to smash the twomunication soldiers¡¯ heads.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to continue watching, Pavlov¡¯s voice interrupted him, "Hey! If there are any orders, issue them quickly to the attacking troops! We don¡¯t know how longmunications will hold!"

    "Tell them to maintain the original n, clear the enemy¡¯s outer defenses at the fastest speed after breaching, and then pull back to the ambush positions," said Wang Zhong, as he switched his view back to Pavlov.

    Pavlov picked up the radio headset and microphone and repeated Wang Zhong¡¯s words to the other end.

    Popov: "The attack is going so smoothly, should we expand the victory?"

    Wang Zhong: "We don¡¯t know how many enemies are behind the fog. It¡¯s better to be cautious at this time. Strategically we scorn the enemy, but tactically we must treat them seriously."

    Popov: "I have no objections, after all, I¡¯m not a military officer. But what if the enemy is weaker than we anticipated and the armored counterattack is dyed, could it affect the morale of the ambushing troops?"

    Wang Zhong stepped forward and patted Popov¡¯s shoulder: "That¡¯s why we have you! I believe you can boost the morale of the entire army!"

    "I don¡¯t have your level of appeal," said Popov, "but I¡¯ll do my best. If all else fails, you¡¯ll have to make a speech at the front."

    Upon hearing this, Pavlov looked up sharply: "If he goes to the front, do you think he¡¯lle back? Then I¡¯ll have to make all the decisions!"

    Wang Zhong: "Well, you make the decisions then. Maybe in the future, you could switch from a staff position to amand post and lead a Front Army! Then you can boss around another chief of staff!"

    Pavlov shook his head: "I¡¯m not the same as you. I¡¯m at an age where I can recognize the limit of my abilities. I¡¯m just suited to be a chief of staff."

    Wang Zhong wanted to say "give it a try," but Pavlov¡¯s expression dissuaded him. Pavlov was already over forty, which ording to the old saying of Ceres, meant he had reached the age of no doubts.

    And Wang Zhong was still a youngster. Although his rank was higher than Pavlov¡¯s, he felt odd about imparting wisdom on life to an older man who was beyond the age of doubt.

    After all, before he time-traveled, Wang Zhong was not as old as Pavlov, nor had he eaten as much salt as the other had eaten rice.

    At that moment, a telegraph operator came running from the radio station: "Report! Urgent telegram from the Front Army!"

    Wang Zhong directly took the telegram and read it out loud: "The Army Group Command is eager to know your opinion on increasing pressure on the enemy to alleviate the pressure on the Bolsk Army Group. The signature is General Golikov."

    Pavlov: "How about informing the Front Army about our n to make fake tanks?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, that might give away secrets. Just tell General Golikov that we already have a good strategy and don¡¯t need¡ªno, we do need the Front Army to mobilize reserve forces and additional supplies for support."

    Pavlov looked puzzled: "What¡¯s this all about?"

    Popovughed: "Isn¡¯t it obvious, deception. If troops and supplies start concentrating towards our side, it will trigger the movement of supplies and logistics along the line, which will look more credible to Prussian scouts."

    Wang Zhong nodded: "That¡¯s the idea. If General Golikov really wants to know what we¡¯re up to, he¡¯ll fly in on a Polikarpov Po-2 bomber."

    On Earth, the Russians often used Polikarpov Po-2 bombers for generals¡¯ mobile field transportation. This aircraft could take off andnd anywhere, very convenient, and even if there was a mechanical failure, it could mostly make an emergencynding.

    Pavlov: "Alright, draft the telegram like that!"

    Meanwhile, Filippov led his small team forward through the fog.

    Suddenly, he heard voices ahead.

    It sounded like Prussians shouting something; Filippov¡¯s Prosen wasn¡¯t as good as Vasily¡¯s, and he couldn¡¯t make it out clearly at first, but he guessed it might be "speak louder."

    It appeared they had found the enemy headquarters¡ªwhat level of headquarters it was, they couldn¡¯t discern in the dense fog.

    Filippov turned back to the four members of his squad and said: "Our objective is right ahead. Once we get there, split up and sneak inside. Those who can¡¯t get in, stay outside and fiercely attack the Prussians to draw attention. Those who make it in, try to take control of the enemymander to have him issue an order to surrender weapons!"

    Misha: "We don¡¯t speak Prosen!"

    Filippov: "Then try to capture as many as possible. We will fight here, and others in the fog will converge towards us. Remember to prevent friendly fire. That¡¯s it, let¡¯s go!"

 Chapter 480: Itâ€™s the Prussiansâ€™ Turn

    Filippov charged into the fog at the forefront.

    The remaining four were also old hands; they had acted together with Filippov when they attacked Yeisk in the thick fogst time.

    Seeing Filippov taking the lead, the four exchanged nces and each chose a direction to scatter in, all of them disappearing into the dense fog.

    Soon, a scream in Prussian could be heard from the fog, followed by an explosion.

    Prussians, shouting in pain, poured towards the direction of the explosion, and the next moment, the rat-a-tat of sewing machine guns hitting the ground could be heard, apanied by the sound of heavy objects falling.

    The Prussians were shouting, "Little Fogsprites!"

    "Shut up! This is clearly an ambush by the Ante People, find them! Hurry!"

    Then again, the sound of bullets striking the ground rat-a-tat.

    The second explosion sounded.A Prussian cried out in a voice full of fear, "They are everywhere!"

    "Don¡¯t panic! Such a silent attack is usually carried out by a handful of elite..."

    The voice that was probably an officer¡¯s suddenly ended.

    Such amand post already had plenty of nonbatants, such as staff officers, clerks, and the like. A nonbatant¡¯s nerves gave out first, screaming, "This is magic! Damn, this is magic! The enemy are warriors who practice magic, using evil witchcraft to merge people with Little Fogsprites to create freaks! We¡¯re all going to die!"

    Sharp gunfire, the wailing abruptly stopped, followed by a middle-aged man¡¯s voice, "(In Prussian) It is forbidden to spread such remarks that demoralize the troops. If Little Fogsprites really exist, then we must shoot them down and hand them over to the Imperial Academy of Sciences!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, the third explosion was heard, followed by the fourth.

    After the two explosions, silence fell.

    Distant gunshots and explosions made this silence all the more eerie.

    Suddenly, a voice in Ante came from the fog, "Is anyone still alive? Misha, Grishka?"

    "Grishka¡¯s been hit!"

    "Drag him over here!"

    "He¡¯s beyond saving, and so is Panjelevich. There are just the three of us left!"

    "Get into the bunker! Follow my voice!"

    Soon, the three remaining members of this raiding squad met up in the Prussianmand bunker.

    Filippov, holding a captured map, looked at it and said, "This is a regimental headquarters, not the division headquarters I thought it would be, no wonder there¡¯s only this much guard force. We¡¯ve far exceeded the attack stop line set by General Rokossovsky; we need to start heading back immediately. Last time we attacked using the fog, it cleared up about thirty to forty minutes earlier."

    "So we need to leave now! Just grab any documents you can from the rooms, whether they¡¯re important or not, leave it to the Judges to decide."

    "Alright!"

    Just as everyone was grabbing documents, the phone suddenly rang.

    Filippov answered the phone, "Hello?"

    There was a pause on the other end, "Hmm? Hello? Why are you using the Ante phone response method?"

    Filippov replied directly in Ante, "Because we are Ante People, we are from General Rokossovsky¡¯s elite First Guard Mechanized Infantry Division! We are here to tell the Prussian bastards that blood debts must be paid in blood!"

    After speaking, Filippov hung up the phone and gestured to his subordinates, "Let¡¯s go!"

    -------------

    General Boke put down the receiver, his expression somber.@@novelbin@@

    The others in themand post all looked puzzled.

    The Chief of Staff asked, "What happened?"

    "The person on the other side spoke to me in Ante, I didn¡¯t understand, but his disdain was conveyed through his tone," said General Boke with a grave expression, "We can be sure that at least two regiments on the front line of the 113th Division have been breached."

    The adjutant said, "It could also be Ante Army soldiers who stumbled into the regimental headquarters by mistake in the fog."

    General Boke stared at the adjutant, "Even if it¡¯s a regimental headquarters, can it be taken by troops that stumble upon it by mistake? Impossible! A regimental headquarters of an infantry division indeedcks its own tank squadron, but there are many half-tracked vehicles! With the half-tracked vehicles as a stronghold, it shouldn¡¯t be possible for stragglers to take it down!"

    The adjutant, without yielding, said seriously, "Maybe the half-tracked vehicles were destroyed by preparatory fire. General, we must take action. I suggest that the armored forces that have not yet fully replenished their fuel and ammunitionunch an immediate counterattack!"

    General Boke pursed his lips, staring at the adjutant for a few seconds before saying, "You make sense, thank you Fred. Contact the 14th Armored Division and the 16th Armored Grenadier Division, andunch a counterattack with them at the core!"

    The Chief of Staff asked, "Setting out in the fog? That could easily cause idents, along with other mishaps!"

    General Boke checked the time, "It¡¯s about time, yesterday I reviewed the information from theirst fog assault, the fog started to lift after an hour or so. Once the armored forces are ready, the weather should have cleared up, and as soon as it does, they will immediately start the counterattack!"

    -------------

    On Wang Zhong¡¯s side, he was also looking at his watch.

    "Based on the previous experience, the fog should be lifting by now. Order all units involved in the offensive to start retreating," Wang Zhongmanded.

    Pavlov: "What if the enemy doesn¡¯t fall for it?"

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s okay, our strategy has changed now. In the past, we wanted tounch an offensive to divert the enemy¡¯s attention this way, but now the offensive is just a secondary tool, the real killer is those fake tanks. Whether it¡¯sunching an attack or gathering troops and supplies here, it¡¯s all to make the fake tanks look real.

    "Of course, if the enemy encounters our ambush after counterattacking and suffers heavy casualties, then the entire deception n will seem even more realistic."

    Pavlov nodded: "Let¡¯s do it your way. Communication staff, call the attacking troops and tell them to retreat to the starting line as soon as possible!"

    "Yes!"

    Then the radio crackled with themunication staff¡¯s call: "Att Att! Respond if you hear this!"

    Att was the radio call sign of the assault group in this attack.

    "Att Att, respond if you hear this!"

    Pacing back and forth in the warehouse, taking a few steps and looking up at the window to check if the fog outside had dissipated.

    At this moment, Vasily was smearing mud on the tank while sighing, "Ah! Why do I always end up doing this kind of work?"

    "Don¡¯t you like it?" A young, abrupt voice rang out.

    Vasily turned his head and saw that it was the eldest of the group of war orphans taken in by the general.

    "How could I not!" Vasily quickly said, "The general¡¯s tasks are all very important. This is about... you wouldn¡¯t understand it anyway!"

    Child King: "How would I not understand? You¡¯re making a mistake now. You¡¯ll be punished by being sent to haul manure! The guards from the Army Group talked about you, they all say you¡¯re an expert in hauling manure, that it¡¯s all you do because of the penalties!"

    Vasily¡¯s eyes widened: "How can you nder someone out of the blue?"

    "We saw it too, you were carrying the manure bucket, walking and humming a tune at the same time. They say it was some kind of aria!"

    Vasily opened his mouth, unable to say anything in return, and could only continue to ster mud on the tank.

    The tank he was working on was a Panzer III; honestly, turning a Panzer III, which had a lot of vertical armor, into the likes of a T34 was a bit of a challenge.

    Firstly, the T34¡¯s turret was located at the front of the chassis, whereas the Panzer III¡¯s turret wasn¡¯t as forward. Secondly, the Panzer III¡¯s turret wasrger than the T34¡¯s, and this model even had amander¡¯s cup ¡ª something the regr version of the T34 didn¡¯t have.

    Moreover, the T34W was produced in limited quantities and was unlikely to appear en masse.

    Vasily turned his head to look at the people who were unfolding a huge piece of cloth.

    They were going to use the cloth to create a camouge, to cover the "new" tanks.

    But this camouge was designed to achieve the opposite effect of what camouges usually sought.

    This was intended to ensure that the Prosen Air Force could urately locate these tanks, while also concealing various unmasked ws on the tanks.

    Vasily looked at the makeshift camouge and could only hope that the Prosen would maintain their usual rigid style and be duped once again.

    Just as they were in front of Loktov¡¯s fake mines.

    At 7:40 a.m. on the 23rd, Prosen Army 14th Armored Division.

    After days of rest and reorganization, the number of tanks in the 14th had somewhat recovered ¡ª although Ante cavalry kept trying to interfere with the armored recovery teams retrieving the broken-down tanks, the Prosen still relied on a sound battlefield maintenance system to restore the number of the 14th¡¯s tanks to around seventy percent of what it was a few days ago.

    Another portion of tanks was undergoing major repairs, and once these repaired tanks were redeployed, the 14th¡¯sbat-ready tank numbers would reach eighty percent.

    Of course, this eighty percent refers to the situation a few days before, prior to the contraction from the pincer attack position. Compared to before theunch of the Blue Advance, the 14th¡¯s tank numbers had halved.

    Even so, the 14th still retained a powerful force; most importantly, its tank operators were all veterans of many battles, and there weren¡¯t many new recruits.

    Now, after being frustrated for many days, the 14th was preparing for a vigorous blitz attack.

    However, at that moment, Schultz, the divisionmander of the 16th Armored Grenadier Division, arrived beside the 14th¡¯s armoredmand vehicle in a bucket car.

    Schultz got out of the vehicle and nced at the sky, which was beginning to clear up.

    Just as the divisionmander of the 14th opened the door of the armoredmand vehicle, the two met and immediately started the standard exchange of pleasantries.

    Once the formalities were over, Schultz said to themander of the 14th: "I have a personal feeling that something is fishy. Rokossov¡¯s attack reeks of strangeness."

    Major General Karl of the 14th asked, "On what grounds?"

    "Intuition. Previous attacks by Rokossov were executed in one go, with an air of grandeur. Topare it to eating, Rokossov used to wolf down his food ravenously, but now he has started to chew slowly and carefully."

    Major General Karl¡¯s brows furrowed: "A soldier should not make judgments based on ¡¯intuition¡¯."

    "I know! I know that! But I have a very bad feeling, that our counterattack may achieve its goals too easily. I suggest that once you havepletely recovered the positions lost by the 113th, you stop advancing immediately to avoid any deceit!"

    Major General Karl snorted coldly and answered: "You can stop your advance, but my troops have been very constrained, endlessly harassed by the enemy cavalry. No, I will continue to advance to see the true strength of the Ante People."

    Schultz shouted: "Then you might fall into a trap!"

    Major General Karl shrugged: "The entirebat area is a vast steppe, with no terrain conducive to ambushes, so I don¡¯t think there¡¯s much to worry about."

 Chapter 481: Armored Counterattack

    The weather had already cleared uppletely.

    Major General Karl looked up at the sky, then climbed onto the tank belonging to the division¡¯s headquarters and, standing on the tank, said to Major General Schultz, "You should head back too. The 16th Armored Grenadier Division is our rearguard, you¡¯ll need to advance with us."

    Major General Schultz gestured toward the signalman sitting in the barrel cart; the radio was being cradled in the signalman¡¯s arms.

    Schultz, "All I need to do is give an order, and my division will catch up with you."

    Major General Karl nodded, "Good, then we¡¯ll see each other in Yeisk."

    Schultz, "I think we shouldn¡¯t be so optimistic. That Rocossov... gives me a very bad feeling, very bad. He¡¯s certainly plotting something, waiting to give us a hard time. Be careful, Major General Karl!"

    Major General Karl, leaning against the turret of the Panzer IIImand tank and looking ahead, thought for a moment, then nodded, "Maybe you¡¯re right; there really is some problem here."

    As he spoke, he picked up the radio headset with one hand, cing it on his ear, and brought the radio close to his mouth with the other, "Attention all units, check your smoke bomb inventory, check your smoke bomb inventory; we may need these things to escape the enemy ambush."

    A momentter, reports came through the headset from various units, "General, because our resupply wasn¡¯tpleted, the smoke bombs haven¡¯t been replenished."When resupplying, we prioritized fuel and armor-piercing shells, then high-explosive shells, the smoke bombs ¡ª are still those we had before."

    Major General Karl put down the radio handset, pursed his lips in thought for a moment, then picked up the handset again to give orders, "All tanks, count your smoke bombs; distribute the existing smoke bombs equally among all vehicles, ensuring every Panzer IV has smoke bombs."

    The smoke bomb effect is not very good due to the 50-caliber limitations of the Panzer III¡¯s main gun, so the main reliance forying smoke will be on the 75mm guns of the Panzer IVs.

    After issuing the orders, Major General Karl turned to Schultz, "If we encounter an ambush, we will immediately deploy smoke to break contact."

    Schultz looked gravely, "If we don¡¯t even have enough smoke bombs topletely obscure the enemy¡¯s vision, you¡¯re going to suffer significant losses! We still don¡¯t know the caliber of the enemy¡¯s new assault guns, but those things frequently pierce and knock out entire vehicle crews!

    "The Carolingian Division has experienced this; tank crews are significantly reduced in number. When hit by direct fire from the new assault guns, the losses involve more than just tanks."

    Major General Karl, "Would Division Commander Schultz give up the attack because the enemy is equipped with such weapons?"

    Schultz was silent for a few seconds, then shook his head, "No."

    He took a step back, saluted Major General Karl, "We will follow closely behind you. Good luck."

    Major General Karl returned the salute, "Good luck to us both."

    After speaking, he dove into themander¡¯s turret of themand tank and bellowed the order, "Troops, attack!"

    Originally, the entire prairie was filled with the humming of idling engines, which suddenly increased following Major General Karl¡¯s order, and then the tter of the gearboxes engaging added to the din.

    The whole prairie suddenly bustled into action.

    A startled field mouse scurried out of the ground near Schultz¡¯s feet, squeaking as it vanished into the grass.

    Themand tank began to move forward, with the engine¡¯s exhaust pipe belching ck smoke, the pungent odor from ipletebustion assaulting Schultz¡¯s nostrils.

    He thought of reaching for his handkerchief, but immediately dispelled the idea, standing in the foul air, watching Division Commander Karl¡¯smand tank fade into the distance.

    He waited until he could no longer make out the details of themand tank before extending his hand to the side.

    The aide-de-camp immediately stuffed the radio headset and microphone into his hand.

    "This is Schultz," this kind ofmunication vited radio discipline, but Schultz didn¡¯t care to bother with that, "begin the advance."

    Wang Zhong was pacing themand post with his steps as usual.

    Pavlov joked, "If this campaignsts ten years, you¡¯ll have worn a trail of footprints into the floor."

    Popov chimed in, "Yes, just like the shoe impressions in the Saint Andrew Library. Saint Andrew sat in the same spot every day studying for ten years and actually managed to wear shoe impressions into the floor."

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but tease, "To wear shoe impressions, that would mean wearing out quite a few pairs of shoes, doesn¡¯t that seem unreasonable?"

    After saying it, he realized that maybe it wasn¡¯t too nice to say this to a bunch of religious believers.

    To his surprise, Popov said, "Oh, that¡¯s a ssic problem in the seminary. When I was studying there, it was believed that the library made the impression deliberately to showcase the rtionship between themselves and Saint Andrew."

    Wang Zhong was astonished, "Can they even do that?"

    "Saint Andrew taught us to always be skeptical, to seek the truth from facts," Popov shrugged, "We¡¯re just following his teachings."

    At that moment, a monitoring operator from the radio side shouted, "Heard from Prussianmunications! ¡¯This is Schultz, begin the advance¡¯!"

    Wang Zhong was thrilled, "Did you hear that correctly?"

    "Yes!"

    Pavlov then picked up the enemy situation report from the table, flipped through it, and said, "Schultz¡¯s words might be from the enemy¡¯s 16th Armored Grenadier Divisionmander."

    The enemy situation report was updated daily, containing various intelligence summaries from the Front Army headquarters and High Command, including the enemy¡¯s organization and the names of the leaders for each unit.

    Wang Zhong, "The Prussians wouldn¡¯t let an armored grenadier division attack alone in the open field, there must be an armored division spearheading. That is to say, our prey has arrived! Call Yegorov and tell him to get ready to wee the enemy!"

    Pavlov immediately picked up the phone, "Get me the Ambush Combat Group Command. What¡¯s going on? Keep the repairs up!"

    After hanging up the phone, he cursed, "Field mice again! Signalman!"

    "Present!"

    As the signalman ran over, Pavlov tore off a page from the notepad, finished writing the order, and handed it to the signalman, "Remember to burn this after reading, take a guard with you on your way, in case it¡¯s enemy sabotage."

    Wang Zhong gave the chief of staff¡¯s water-tight orders a thumbs up, "When the enemy started their attack and we lost contact with the front line, it is indeed likely to be the work of the enemy¡¯s Brandenburgmandos."

    The Brandenburgmandos specialized in disguising themselves as Ante Army soldiers to infiltrate and sabotage.

    However, these disguised enemies were not protected by internationalw, so when the Ante Army captured Brandenburg troops, they were tortured mercilessly, squeezed for intelligence as much as possible before being executed.

    After the messenger left, Pavlov said, "Should we also call them?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Yes, just use the code to warn Yegorov to be careful, even if he is careless, there¡¯s still Major General Eugene."

    Pavlov immediately issued a new order for the radio to send the agreed-upon code.

    Popov said, "They¡¯re finally here. As long as we hurt the enemy and add some decoy tanks, the enemy will definitely frown."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Yes, but I¡¯m a bit worried. What if the enemy makes good use of smoke bombs and breaks through our ambush? After all, the terrain for this ambush is not ideal."

    Generally, an ambush is about limiting the enemy¡¯s ability to use their firepower while unleashing our own full force. The ambushes organized by Wang Zhong in Orachi involved attacking the enemy¡¯s marching formation from the side, destroying the tanks at the front and rear and then trapping and relentlessly assaulting the enemy on the road.

    This time, on the grasnds, the armored strength and tank destroyers of the two divisions were deployed at the front, facing the enemy¡¯s attacking formation head-on, which certainly wouldn¡¯t be as lethal as the Orachi ambushes.

    Moreover, Wang Zhong had seen the enemy tank troops skillfully using smoke bombs to obscure the vision of the destroyers, attempting closebat.

    Wang Zhong truly respected the Prussian armored troops in terms of tactics.

    After a brief contemtion, Wang Zhong ordered, "Form all the tanks that have been repaired and prepared for transfer to the 40th Army into an independentbat group and have them rush to the front immediately."

    Pavlov asked, "May I ask who shallmand them?"

    Wang Zhong thought for a few seconds, then suddenly pped his thigh, "Didn¡¯t I keep Major General Zinov in the directmand tankpany?"

    Major General Zinov had been demoted and investigated for losing all his tanks duringst year¡¯s winter counteroffensive. Wang Zhong encountered him on the testing range and, believing he had strength in professional areas, had actively recruited him.

    Pavlov took a few seconds to recall who Zinov was, "You mean the general who made a mistake and whom you saved? Now that he¡¯s been demoted to lieutenant colonel, he¡¯s indeed very suitable formanding thisbat group. Simply add the directmand tankpany to thebat group as well."

    Wang Zhong said, "Good, let him redeem himself through merit!"

    Pavlov said, "I will draft the order immediately."

    Popov asked, "We are so far from the front line, can the tank troops make it in time if we dispatch them now?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "An extra precaution is good."

    Yegorov did not know how many times he had used the binocrs to observe the distance, muttering as he watched, "Nothing! There is nothing!"

    Major General Eugene cursed, "We¡¯ve been out in the wild for two days feeding mosquitoes and lice, with some soldiers getting sick everywhere, even stinking up inside the tanks."

    Yegorov replied, "That¡¯s a good thing. We¡¯ll be even tougher on the Prussians then, just to vent our frustrations!"

    Just as he finished speaking, a cry came from the radio operator on the divisionmand vehicle, "Code received! Code received! The enemy ising!"

    Yegorov was shocked, "Why use a code? What about the phone?"

    "It broke off twenty minutes ago," the adjutant reported. "We¡¯re checking the line."

    Yegorov cursed, "Damn moles. Send out messengers immediately, the enemy ising! Pour all the anger we¡¯ve umted over the past few days onto their heads! Hurry!"

    Under Yegorov¡¯s urging, eight messengers mounted their horses and, while shouting the orders, dashed across the surrounding grasnds.

    Major General Karl¡¯s eyelid began to twitch.

    During the Carolingian campaign, his eyelid twitched once, and then he faced the desperate counterattack of the Carolingian armored troops.

    Carolingian heavy tanks weren¡¯t something the Panzer III¡¯s 37mm gun could handle; only the Panzer IV¡¯s high-explosive shells could stop those heavy armored cavalry.

    But even then, they only stopped temporarily. As soon as the crew inside the heavy tanks recovered, they would resume moving forward.

    Back then, as themander of an armored battalion, Karl¡¯s unit was beaten and scattered until the anti-aircraft units¡¯ 88mm guns wereid t and began to fire, finally halting the Carlingian heavy armored cavalry.

    At that time, Major General Karl¡¯s battalion suffered more than fifty percent casualties, especially the Panzer IIIs and IVs, while the small Panzer Is and IIs went rtively unnoticed by the enemy, saving a significant number of them.

    Now, the Major General¡¯s right eyelid was twitching again.

    He subconsciously touched the amulet underneath his uniform, a pendant containing a photo of him with his wife and child.

    Just as his fingers touched the bulge under his uniform, a shout came over the radio, "The enemy!"

    Quick as a sh, at the forefront of Major General Karl¡¯s view, a Panzer III acting as a scout exploded into a rising fireball.

    The turret, blown sky-high, even reflected the sunlight, ring into Major General Karl¡¯s eyes!

    The next moment, the enemy¡¯s volley arrived.

    In an instant, over a dozen tanks exploded.@@novelbin@@

    An armor-piercing shell screeched as itnded not far from Major General Karl¡¯smand tank, bounced like a football, grazed over the turret and flew into the distance.

    The Major General made a decision on the spot, "Release smoke! Release the smoke quickly!"

 Chapter 482: Allies in Trouble

    Yegorov cursed as soon as he saw the first Smoke Bomb explode, "More smoke bombs! I¡¯m sick of smoke bombs! Why doesn¡¯t the general have them develop something to deal with the smoke!"

    Brigadier Eugene put down his binocrs as well, "The Prussians are also being forced out... Is it about time to move the hunter-killers?"

    Yegorov nodded, "Yes, the vortex is a precious thing; let the tank troops and anti-tank gun troops hold the enemy back until the vortex is in position¡ªhuh?"

    Brigadier Eugene was also puzzled, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Yegorov didn¡¯t answer and lifted his binocrs to observe the southwest.

    Brigadier Eugene looked in the same direction too.

    A few secondster, he said, "Is it... the smoke hasn¡¯t covered it all?"

    Yegorov: "Yes, the vortex is still firing; there¡¯s clearly a gap in the visibility. What¡¯s going on? The Prussians couldn¡¯t possibly make this kind of mistake."

    No sooner had his words fallen than he saw several smoke bombs hit the gap, but the smoke plumes they created were too small.The battlefield was in disarray due to the exchange of fire and the air currents were turbulent, plus the wind over the grasnds in this season, so the little smoke clouds dispersed quickly and couldn¡¯t effectively obscure the view.

    Yegorov muttered, "Could it be they don¡¯t have enough smoke bombs?"

    Brigadier Eugene: "It¡¯s possible. When transport capacity is limited, I¡¯d also prioritize resupplying Armor-Piercing Shells and High-Explosive Shells."

    Yegorov put down his binocrs and turned to issue orders, "The guard regiment¡¯s hunter-killer battalion stays put, continue sniping the enemy from the current position, the 225th Division¡¯s hunter-killer battalion abandons the original n, maneuvers to the enemy¡¯s nk, bypass the smoke obscuring the northern view.

    "The 225th Division¡¯s Armored Battalion follows the hunter-killer battalion in maneuver, acting as a defensive force. Tank Corps 40 stays put for the time being."

    The signalman on themunications vehicle responded loudly and began rying the orders via radio, repeating continuously, "Guard regiment¡¯s hunter-killer battalion stays put¡­"

    Yegorov continued to observe the battlefield with his binocrs, "Even the smoke on the northern side is very thin. The enemy definitely doesn¡¯t have enough smoke bombs. Those small clouds of smoke just now must have been fired by the number three tanks. We¡¯re about to face a major onught!"

    Brigadier Eugene: "Indeed. Deprived of the cover of smoke bombs, our hunter-killers greatly showcase their advantage at long distances. It¡¯s just a pity we can¡¯t see the enemy discarding their helmets and armor from our angle."

    The enemies¡¯ smoke couldn¡¯t fully block the line of sight of the "sniper positions" to the north and south but did manage to block Yegorov and Eugene¡¯s view quite effectively.

    That¡¯s why Yegorov could only issue a rather vague encirclement order just now; how to encircle was left to the battalion chiefs of the 225th Division¡¯s tank and hunter-killer battalions to decide.

    After watching for a while, Yegorov turned his binocrs to look at the 225th Division¡¯s hunter-killer and tank battalions.

    The tank battalion was just leaving its tank shelters, while the hunter-killer battalion, as it was lying directly on the ground without shelter, had already begun maneuvering.

    Because the vortex moved faster than the T34W model, the vortex squadron was already running far away, dragging thick smoke with it.

    Brigadier Eugene noticed this and asked, "Should we ask the vortex to stop?"

    Yegorov: "No, if the enemy targets the vortex, they¡¯ll be hit from the side by the tank battalion; let¡¯s keep it this way."

    Eugene: "It¡¯s a shame we can¡¯t see the enemy movements. Should we move ourselves?"

    Yegorov hesitated but finally shook his head, "No, having one general who rushes ahead in a tank on the frontline is enough. If we were to do what the general does, the chief of staff would go mad."

    The divisionmanders were both directing specialbat groups in ambush at the front, leaving the other units of their divisions to bemanded by their division staffs.

    The chiefs of staff of the two divisions probably have their hair numbers flying towards matching Pavlov¡¯s by now.

    About ten minutester, Yegorov saw the maneuvering vortex squadron stop, turn, and start firing.

    Although Yegorov couldn¡¯t see the results of the firing, he trusted the members of the vortex. To eliminate Prosen tanks at a distance of 1800 meters, all member groups had undergone rigorous training.

    The sound of the vortex¡¯s guns overpowered that of all other artillery firing, showing the dominance of their caliber.

    Yegorov didn¡¯t know how many times he had looked toward the smoke obstructing his view.

    At that moment, the signalman came forward with a field telephone, "Tank Corps 40 is calling."

    Yegorov took the field telephone, "This is Yegorov. What is it?"

    Kexikoff¡¯s voice came through the field telephone, distorted, "My tank troops don¡¯t have visibility; let us join in the fight! Let us charge through the smoke!"

    Yegorov: "No! You have a two-man turret; once you start moving, your battlefield awareness is not good enough. You¡¯d be taken advantage of by enemy Tank Operators!"

    Brigadier Eugene muttered under his breath, "Battlefield awareness is a term the general likes to use."

    Although Yegorov and Eugene were both generals, the Kexikoff speaking on the radio was still a lieutenant general, but clearly, in the First Mobile Group, only one person could be referred to simply as "the general."

    Kexikoff couldn¡¯t hear Eugene¡¯s words but continued to plead, "The opportunity for military honors is right before us; the soldiers can¡¯t hold back anymore, Dawasili, let us join the battle!"

    Yegorov: "No, the general expects not only a victory but also a favorable casualty exchange ratio, do you understand that! So¡­"

    "Wait a minute," said Brigadier Eugene, "I remember the general gave instructions, we need to draw the enemy¡¯s attention now to provide cover for the Bolsk Front Army¡ªthat is, Duke Meishikin¡¯s troops! Wouldn¡¯t it be better to engage Tank Corps 40 now to make some noise?"

    Yegorov thought for a moment and nodded, "You¡¯re right."

    Kexikoff hadn¡¯t heard Eugene¡¯s words from beginning to end and was now confused, "I¡¯m right? Are you talking about the soldiers being on the verge of breaking ranks?"

    Yegorov: "No, I¡¯m saying you shouldunch an offensive. Major General Kexikoff, in the name of themanding officer of the ambush battle group, I earnestly implore you tomit to the attack."

    After all, Kexikoff was a Major General; it was only because of General Rokossovsky¡¯s resounding reputation that he epted themand of Yegorov, a Brigadier General.

    Therefore, Yegorov "earnestly implored," rather thanmanded.

    Kexikoff: "Not at all! As long as we can secure victory, it doesn¡¯t matter whomands. Didn¡¯t General Rokossovskymand many higher-ranking officers than himself during the first stage of the counter-offensivest year? I¡¯llunch the attack right now."

    Yegorov: "Good luck to all of you!"

    The tanks of the 40th Army were gued with obvious ws; they needed luck on their side.

    Major General Karl anxiously surveyed the state of the battlefield.

    The shortage of Smoke Bombs allowed the Ante Army to fully utilize its long-range firepower advantage.

    The enemy¡¯s new assault guns were exceptionally deadly, iming lives with each shot, and also almost entirely negating the armor-piercing shells of the Prosen Army.

    And these cursed machines were also fast, appearing to have good reliability as well.

    How could something so unreasonable exist?

    After thinking it over, Major General Karl concluded that the vehicle¡¯s sides must be as thin as paper; only then would it make sense.

    So as long as one could nk it, they could attack it with ease.

    The problem was that nking was impossible.

    Major General Karl now firmly believed that, aside from assault guns, he was also facing at least one battalion of anti-tank guns and several battalions of T34 tanks directly in front of him.

    Although the long-barreled guns of the Mark IV tanks easily took care of the T34s, they struggled against the fierce firepower of the enemy¡¯s other units.

    Now, Karl¡¯s headset was filled with screams, and the hysterical roars of tank operators.

    The enemy was encircling them, with an unknown number of assault guns upying the north side of the 14th Armored Regiment¡¯s frontal charge, popping open tanks one after another.

    The enemy on the southern side, while not encircling, had a clear line of fire and had been shooting since the battle started.

    Karl estimated that his division had already lost more than half its strength. If the enemy continued tomit armored units, the situation would be dire.

    Just then, Major General Karl heard the roaring engines and the ttering of gearboxesing from right in front of him.

    The enemy had deployed their tank units!

    In the blink of an eye, a T34 burst through the smoke in front and charged toward the already battered ranks of the 14th Armored!

    More T34 tanks followed suit, rushing through the smoke like waves of iron cavalry!

    Karl made a split-second decision, switching the radio of hismand tank to the frequency for calling other units, and shouted, "Schultz! Pull the brothers back! Pull the brothers back quickly!"

    Wang Zhong listened to the sounds on the radio. Although he didn¡¯t understand Prosen, and the trantor, Vasily, was outside ying in the mud, he felt something oddly familiar about the phrase.

    The Prosennguage trantor said, "The phrase means, ¡¯Pull the brothers back!¡¯ The name at the beginning is Schultz."

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov: "If I¡¯m not mistaken, wasn¡¯t Schultz themander of the 16th Armored Grenadier Division?"

    "Right, the enemy¡¯s getting desperate; they¡¯re calling for help," replied Pavlov.

    Wang Zhong: "Can this Schultz do anything to immediately assist the armored division that we are about to severely damage?"

    Pavlov and Popov exchanged nces and both shook their heads: "No idea."

    "Order the artillery battalion to deploy right here, load Smoke Bombs," Schultz said. "For coordinates, uh..."

    He looked at the map and finally jabbed it three times with his riding crop.

    "Hit these three spots. How much coverage we¡¯ll get, we¡¯ll just leave it to the fate of the 14th Armored. We¡¯ve done all we could."@@novelbin@@

    The chief of staff of the 16th Armored Grenadier Division nodded, "Yes. Being an armored grenadier division, naturally, our armored strength is not as powerful as the 14th Armored¡¯s. Fighting a tank battle on the ins with the enemy is a bit of a stretch for us."

    At this moment, amunicator called out, "General! Themander of the 14th Armored is shouting that hundreds of tanks are assaulting his position!"

    Schultz furrowed his brows: "Hundreds? That¡¯s impossible. Air Force reconnaissance didn¡¯t notice a trace. The aerial photos from yesterday showed everything was normal. It¡¯s impossible to miss so many tanks!"

    The chief of staff remarked, "Maybe... they exaggerated the number to urge us to rescue them?"

    After mulling it over briefly, Schultz said, "Charging head-on into enemy tank formations is dangerous. Order a halt and establish defenses in our current position, prepare to receive the retreating troops from the 14th Armored!"

 Chapter 483: Annihilation

    The white smoke that erupter over Karl¡¯s position left him stunned.

    His first thought was that it was enemy artillery, but he quickly realized that obscuring visibility now was of no benefit to the enemy.

    If that Rocossov was the renowned general the rumors imed, he would not make such a mistake.

    This had to be fire support from friendly forces.

    He immediately picked up the phone and shouted, "This is friendly fire, our allies are supporting us! Once the enemy¡¯s long-range fire is blocked, prepare to wipe out the advancing enemy tank units!"

    Indeed, even in such circumstances, Major General Karl still believed he could destroy the onrushing T34s¡ªgiven that the enemy¡¯s long-range artillery was cut off.

    Themanding officer of the armored battalion responded, "Understood, General! We still have 17 long-barreled Mark IVs, enough to take care of those T34s!"

    Just as his voice fell, Karl saw a T34 get hit. Sparks flew as the shell prated the front armor of the tank, and in the next moment, the tank burst into mes, with the burning Ante tank operator jumping out and rolling on the ground.

    Major General Karl eximed with delight, "Destroy them! Quickly!"

    Kexikoff furrowed his brow inside his own tank.

    Unlike Rocossov¡¯s First Mobile Group Army, Tank Army 40 had scant radio equipment, and in these smoke-shrouded battlefield conditions, Kexikoff had no idea what was befalling his troops or their situation.

    He could only try to piece together the battlefield situation from the sparsemunicationsing from themand tanks.

    Suddenly, a clear voice came through the headphones, and Kexikoff recognized it as themander of the 41st Tank Regiment: "The enemy only has a dozen long-barreled Mark IVs, just a dozen! Charge them, and if it doesn¡¯t work, ram them!"

    Kexikoff¡¯s brow tightened even more. Did it sound like trouble?

    How could this have happened?

    It was only then that he noticed the rumbling of the tank destroyer¡¯s gunfire had stopped.

    He looked questioningly towards their positions and saw they were relocating.

    Then Kexikoff finally noticed the smokeid down by the enemy was intensifying, blocking the tank destroyers¡¯ line of sight.

    He immediately turned toward the high ground where themanders of the First Mobile Group Army were situated and saw Yegorov giving orders.

    Kexikoff picked up the handset, adjusted the frequency, and called out loud, "Kexikoff calling Yegorov, Kexikoff calling Yegorov!"

    He saw a signalman pass the field phone to Yegorov, and the next moment, themander of the guards¡¯ first motorized infantry looked over.

    "I¡¯m Yegorov, go ahead."

    "My troops are in a bad situation, the enemy seems to be attacking my men! Think of something fast!"

    Yegorov¡¯s reply came through the headphones, "Let them release smoke."

    "We¡¯re not equipped with smoke bombs!"

    Yegorov was silent for a few seconds then said, "Then how do you counter the enemy¡¯s advantage in long-range firepower?"

    "We don¡¯t, actually if you¡¯ve driven a T34, you¡¯d know that we often can¡¯t see where the enemy is when charging. If we need smoke, it¡¯s provided by the artillery!"

    Yegorov said, "Don¡¯t panic,mand your units to retreat back into the smoke. Once we encircle them, we can inflict casualties on the enemy."

    Kexikoff replied with an ashen face, "Our radio equipment isn¡¯t sufficient, I repeat, we don¡¯t have enough radio equipment to execute a unified retreatmand amidst this chaos!"

    Through the radio came Yegorov¡¯s Ante curse, "Damn it! Why aren¡¯t the radios supplied to every vehicle yet! How many long-barreled Mark IVs does the enemy have?"

    Clearly, Yegorov was also aware that only the long-barreled Mark IVs could fully nullify the armor advantage of the T34s.

    "Not sure, they say about a dozen. My battalionmander has ordered a ram assault on these Prosen tanks! But the effect is unknown!"

    Yegorov again fell silent for a few seconds before answering, "Then I wish you good luck."

    Kexikoff pursed his lips, his expression serious. He was about to respond when Yegorov suddenly said again, "Wait, reinforcements assigned to us by the Corps Command have arrived!"

    Kexikoff turned and saw arge cloud of dust on the eastern highway, obviously a column of tanks advancing.

    Yegorov continued, "It¡¯s Colonel Zinov¡¯s direct Army Group tank unit and the repair tank battle group, all veterans! And they¡¯ve got smoke bombs! They must have smoke bombs!"

    Kexikoff was overjoyed, and though he could only see the tanks entering the dust they raised, he still pounded the turret of themand tank forcefully and shouted, "That¡¯s great! Get them into the fight quickly!"

    "I¡¯ll order them forward immediately! Hold your positions!"

    40233,manded by Captain Semyon, was hit.

    As the dizziness from the impact subsided, he felt a hot breeze on his back, and turning around, he saw a fire had broken out in the turret.

    The loader was sitting in the mes, breathless. The smell of burning flesh assaulted Captain Semyon¡¯s nostrils.

    Then Semyon heard the driver opening the hatch, clearly alive and making an urate assessment of the tank¡¯s condition.

    The captain also immediately pushed open the turret hatch, trying to climb out of the tank, then suddenly discovered he couldn¡¯t muster the strength in his lower body.

    He looked down and saw his pants were soaked with blood.

    At that moment, Captain Semyon knew he couldn¡¯t make it out.

    He looked toward the sight in front of him, where a photo of his wife and daughter was tucked into the crevice. Both were smiling at him.

    In that instant, the captain made up his mind.

    He struggled with both hands as he climbed into the driver¡¯s seat and forcefully pushed the control stick.

    Though the turret was on fire, the engine and gearbox responded to Captain Semyon¡¯s operation.

    He pressed his eyes against the driver¡¯s observation window, desperately searching for the firing Prosen Tank¡ª

    Then he charged forward in the burning tank.

    The engine and gearbox roared, and the T34 seemed to be a part of Captain Semyon, both making a final stand.

    Captain Semyon called on the name of Saint Andrew, hoping for Divine Power¡¯s guidance to keep the tank¡¯s engine working a while longer.

    Suddenly, the target he had chosen turned its cannon toward him.

    The next moment, tank number 40233 was hit again.

    There was an ominous sound from either the engine or the gearbox, but Semyon, unfamiliar with the driver¡¯s position, didn¡¯t know what it meant.

    All he could do was cry out, "General Rokossovsky! Protect me! Mother Ante, protect me!"

    The engine noise grew louder, but the tank kept moving forward!

    It was as if something was indeed responding to Captain Semyon¡¯s prayers.

    Just a little more!

    However, the enemy tank went into reverse and began to retreat.

    In that instant, despair seized Captain Semyon.

    With a crisp bang, the gearbox finally gave way, tank number 40233 slowly came to a halt, and Semyon slumped forward over the two control sticks.

    His eyes were still fixed to the observation window, watching the enemy tank widen the distance.

    The enemy¡¯s gun barrel was aimed at the driver¡¯spartment.

    In the blink of an eye, a shell from the side struck the enemy, sending sparks flying; the enemy tank suddenly stopped retreating.

    Then, Captain Semyon watched as the skilled Prosen Tank Operator mbered out of the tank and attempted to jump into the underbrush for cover.

    Machine gun fire swept in.

    Semyon saw the enemy driver hit in the foot, tumbling head over heels into the underbrush.

    He also saw the electrical mechanic disembark to run behind the tank, only to be struck in the back by a bullet.

    The loader who emerged from the side of the turret stayed shivering in the shadow of the tank, while the gunner who came out from the other side wasn¡¯t so fortunate, getting his shoulder shattered by machine gun fire.

    Next, a second armor-piercing shell struck tank number four, igniting mes, and the Prosenmander, who hadn¡¯t managed to climb out, screamed miserably atop the turret.

    Captain Semyon couldn¡¯t speak anymore; he stared at the burning tank number four, the corners of his mouth turning up slightly.

    With that smile, he departed, not seeing Colonel Zinov¡¯smand tank charge next to the enemy tank, use the wreckage as cover, and open fire continuously.

    Major Karl heard someone shouting through the radio: "Enemy reinforcements areing! Enemy reinforcements!"

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    He quickly brought the microphone to his mouth, "What¡¯s going on? How many reinforcements?"

    "I don¡¯t know!" said the battalionmander, his voice wavered, who had just assured that he could destroy Ante¡¯s advancing tanks. "Our long-barreled Mark IVs are almost gone! Retreat, General! If we don¡¯t retreat now and the enemy surrounds us, it¡¯ll be toote¡ªour Mark IIIs can¡¯t beat those assault guns!"

    Major Karl clicked his tongue, "All right, retreat immediately, I repeat, retreat immediately!"

    Just then, as if guided by fate, Major Karl suddenly turned to look at the nk.

    He saw the dust.

    And because the grass there was rather low, he clearly saw a kind of low-profile assault gun speeding through the shallow grass.

    Then, all the assault guns turned uniformly¡ªan indication that they all had radios.@@novelbin@@

    In that moment, Karl felt a chill in his heart, but he stillforted himself: those assault guns were nearly two kilometers away; they shouldn¡¯t be able to hit the division headquarters¡¯ tanks directly¡ª

    Major Karl saw a sh.

    The scene reminded him of the antiaircraft battery¡¯s simultaneous fire with their 88mm guns.

    Before the sound of the cannons reached him, the armor-piercing shells were already whistling in.

    Themand tank¡¯s apanying vehicle suddenly burst into mes; the tank operators, engulfed in fire, jumped out of the tank, screaming miserably as they rolled on the ground.

    The Major broke out in a cold sweat, his entire scalp numbing.

    It was over; the enemy¡¯s assault guns could prate the Mark III at a distance of two kilometers!

    No, even the highly anticipated new tanks would be prated by these things at over a kilometer away, so it was no surprise that the Mark IIIs, which were old models, werepromised¡ª

    Major Karl finally realized it was time to run, but by then, the second sh was already lighting up his view.

    Major Karl¡¯s consciousness froze at that moment.

    He felt no pain, nor could he hear his adjutant¡¯s cry of rm.

    By the time the adjutant dragged him out of the burning tank, most of his body was charred, even his proudly-worn Iron Cross was scorched ck.

 Chapter 484: Misjudgment

    At this time, Schultz was waiting for the 14th Armored to retreat.

    However, not only were there no tanks in sight, the radio was also in chaos, with only the asional snippet of conversation without context.

    Nevertheless, based on these snippets, it could be surmised that things were mostly bad for the 14th Armored.

    Schultz¡¯s expression grew increasingly grave.

    The Prussians generally had great confidence in their armored forces, and if the 14th Armored had been defeated, then Rocossov had crushed two Armored Divisions in half a month.

    That was terrifying.

    However, Schultz had a doubt; he couldn¡¯t discern Rocossov¡¯s strategic intentions.

    If Rocossov wasunching an offensive to push back the 10th Army Group, then his attacks were too trivial at the moment.

    If Rocossov was merely trying to contain the 10th Army Group to cover the Ante heavy forces gathering in Bolsk and the coastal areas, then wasn¡¯t his force a bit too strong?Schultz couldn¡¯t understand what Rocossov was doing. Although the Ante Army had been victorious these days, continually inflicting casualties on the Prussian Army, beyond that, they hadn¡¯t done much else.

    In Schultz¡¯s understanding, Rocossov should be doing something more significant.

    As Schultz pondered, he paced back and forth.

    At that moment, someone cried out, "General, look quickly!"

    Schultz momentarily set aside the tangle of thoughts in his mind and looked up in the direction his subordinate pointed.

    There was dust rising, it looked like armored vehicles speeding across the grasnd.

    Schultz: "Call out to them! Confirm their identity! Prepare the anti-tank guns and armored forces."

    Soon his adjutant reported: "Confirmed, it¡¯s troops from the 14th Armored!"

    Schultz: "Ask them what happened to the 14th¡­ No, have their officere to me! I will ask him myself!"

    Shortly after, a supply truck stopped in front of Schultz, and a dust-covered armored troops colonel got out of the vehicle.

    The colonel¡¯s uniform bore traces of smoke damage; it was practically certain he had been plucked from a burning tank.

    The colonel saluted Schultz: "I am Colonel Vincent, saluting you, General. Without your smoke support, we would have been annihted."

    Schultz returned the salute: "Salute to you, Colonel Vincent. So, what¡¯s the situation?"

    "The enemymitted nearly two hundred T34s in two waves against us. They also used new assault guns for nking maneuvers. Major General Karl¡¯smand vehicle was directly hit by enemy assault gun fire; the Major General is presumably dead.

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    "We didn¡¯t encounter anyone from the division staff, but I think others might gradually make it out," Vincent replied.

    Schultz frowned, "Did you see the red g? And that ¡¯blessed by the devil¡¯ Command Vehicle number 422?"

    Colonel Vincent shook his head: "No, I am certain of it, there was no red g, Rocossov did not personallye to the front. I believe this is an ominous sign; it suggests that the Ante lower-level officers are improving.

    "I don¡¯t know if this is limited to Rocossov¡¯s units."

    Schultz nodded, then asked, "Is the enemy pursuing?"

    Again, Vincent shook his head: "Some of our forces are still resisting; the enemy is surrounding them. At least the units maintaining radio contact with us haven¡¯t seen any pursuing enemy forces."

    Schultz pursed his lips, his eyebrows twisted, "The same thing again¡ªthey consume a part of our forces and stop... What is Rocossov doing? Could he be satisfied with just these few units? That doesn¡¯t make sense."

    Colonel Vincent suggested, "Could it be possible that Rocossov is waiting for more forces from the rear to assemble? If these limited offensives are only to disrupt our advance and buy time for subsequent troop assembly, then he has been very sessful."

    Schultz did not immediately answer, but after a long period of thought, he once again asked Colonel Vincent to confirm, "Did the enemy reallymit nearly two hundred tanks?"

    "Yes, nearly two hundred, there might be some margin of error. But I am certain that there were ¡¯a lot,¡¯" Colonel Vincent responded.

    Schultz began to pace in front of Colonel Vincent, muttering as he walked, "Strong forces at hand, yet only limited offensives areunched. This does not fit with the generalbat habits of Antemanders."

    At that point, Schultz¡¯s adjutant spoke up, "Could it be that Rocossov is very aware of the gap between his own forces and our Prussian forces, judging that he still does not have enough troops to defeat us, which is why he concentrates local superiority tounch limited attacks to weaken us, while waiting for more forces to arrive?"

    Schultz thought for a few seconds, then nodded, "That¡¯s a possibility."

    Colonel Vincent added, "When he crushed the 190th Division, hemitted arge number of tanks. Now again, he has used two hundred more. The Ante Army¡¯s repair units have limited capacity; they cannot fix that many tanks. These must be newlymitted tank forces."

    "Last year, I participated in both the summer and winter campaigns and fought throughout the entire duration. I know just how fast the Ante People can mobilize their troops! Last year, our 14th Armored Division crushed one Ante Army Group after another, only for new Army Groups to fill in their ranks! New designations kept appearing, and then they wouldunch attacks against us!"

    "I have a hunch that the Ante People are about to make their move."

    When Schultz recalledst summer and winter, he was somewhat moved. His 16th Armored Grenadiers also fought throughout the entire duration, facing the Ante troops¡¯ attacks that came like a sudden storm.

    The Ante People were indeed poor fighters, making aplete mess, but their courage was still shocking.

    Major General Schultz took a deep breath and said to his adjutant, "Send a message to Corps Command. The Ante People might be nning a major operation. I suggest weprehensively strengthen our Army Group¡¯s defenses and be on high alert for a possible pincer movement."

    -------------

    Meanwhile, Yegorov looked at his watch. "It¡¯s been five minutes since the artillery fire ceased. Has the battle ended?"@@novelbin@@

    Brigadier General Eugene said, "It should have. Shall we go look, or wait until the smoke clears?"

    Yegorov replied, "Let¡¯s wait for the smoke to clear. If we move forward rashly, the troops will still need to protect us. Signalman, is the phone line working yet?"

    "It¡¯s working, General!"

    "Connect me to the division... no, the Army Group!" Yegorov nced awkwardly at Brigadier General Eugene. "I still tend to think of the general as our divisionmander."

    Eugene said, "You dide up through the ranks under Peniye after all. He is your oldrade-in-arms."

    The signalman handed the receiver to Yegorov. "You¡¯re through to the Army Group!"

    As soon as Yegorov held the receiver to his ear, he heard Pavlov¡¯s voice, "Yegorov? What¡¯s the situation?"

    Yegorov replied, "Tell the divisionmander, we have crushed the enemy¡¯s 14th Armored Division. Quite a few of the enemy have fled, and I did not allow our troops to pursue."

    "You should have pursued them at least until you encounter the enemy¡¯s defensive positions, to at least get a clear idea of where their defense lies," Pavlov said.

    Then, Rocossov¡¯s voice could be faintly heard over the phone, "No need for that. It¡¯s fine this way. Just have the division¡¯s artillery shell the enemy¡¯s retreat path. Pursuing them could reveal theposition of our forces."

    Pavlov said, "The Army Group Commander wants you not to pursue. Forget what I just said."

    "I heard him," Yegorov replied, "Tell the general, we are tallying our gains and counting our casualties. I think we should be able to achieve the exchange ratio the general wants."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than Rocossov¡¯s voice came through the receiver, "I¡¯ll do the talking."

    The next moment, Rocossov¡¯s voice came through more clearly, "Yegorov, you all did well. Take care of the injured and drag back whatever damaged tanks you can repair. Merge the crews from the depleted vehicles... In any case, there is no need for further pursuit. And remember tomend those who showed bravery in battle... that will be all."

    "Yes!" Yegorov replied, instinctively bringing his feet together.

    -------------

    At the same time, Vasily looked upon his handiwork with satisfaction.

    A T34 made of mud!

    Beneath the mud was the wreckage of a destroyed Prussian tank. After being coated in mud, it took on this new form.

    Of course, there were many ws up close, but for aerial reconnaissance, these ws were virtually non-existent.

    Around this tank were a great number of wrecks. Due to insufficient manpower, these wrecks couldn¡¯t be covered with aplete mud shell, but had just been disguised slightly.

    Even aerial reconnaissance might detect these "fake tanks," so they were covered with camouges.

    This way, one passable mud tank, along with a heap of real wreckage covered in camouges, made up an armored force lying in wait.

    The enemy¡¯s aerial reconnaissance, upon capturing images of these, would most likely be rmed.

    Sincest night until now, these kinds of decoy tank units had been prepared in abundance by Vasily¡¯s small team.

    The only question now was when the enemy¡¯s aerial reconnaissance would arrive.

    Vasily looked up at the sky.

    The sky was clear for thousands of miles, not a single bird in sight.

    The enemy¡¯s reconnaissance nes had not yet arrived.

    Vasily took the rag that hung around his neck and wiped off some sweat, then continued "ying with mud."

 Chapter 485: This Time the Air Force Actually Delivered!

    At 6 p.m. on the 23rd, the headquarters of the First Mobile Group Army of Yeisk Ante was bustling.

    Wang Zhong set down the preliminary casualty and battle report from the front line and said to Pavlov, "Our losses are still significant, and the Prosen armored units remain an insurmountable obstacle for us."

    Pavlov replied, "Last year, we had several elegantly executed engagements, once we benefitted from the enemy¡¯sck of experience against the T34 tanks, and the other times were pre-set defensive battles."

    "Indeed, we haven¡¯t managed to gain an advantage in the ins armor shes. In the previous armored engagements on the grasnds outside Yeisk, we had the edge in equipment with the vortex, yet it all ended the way it did."

    As Pavlov spoke, Popov picked up the preliminary report and after ncing at it said, "Actually, the main losses were suffered by the 40th Tank Army, who operate older tanks and are scarcely equipped with radios. It¡¯s a side proof that the new measures we¡¯ve taken in our Army Group are very effective."

    Wang Zhong said, "That¡¯s one way to put it. It¡¯s a pity that radio production is still insufficient. The equipment department¡¯s report before we arrived said that it wouldn¡¯t be until October this year that every tank produced could be guaranteed to have a radio."

    Many of Ante¡¯s precision industries were mainly set up in the industrial zone of Saint Andrew Fort, and now Saint Andrew Fort is under siege by Prosen, so the lost production capacity is not so easily recovered.

    Popov remarked, "Thinking about it, our abundance of radios seems a bit extravagant."

    Wang Zhong said, "I won¡¯t reduce our radio allocation, no! Our Army Group¡¯s troop quality is naturally higher than that of ordinary Ante units. Equipping more radios to fully utilize the advantage of troop quality is far better than giving them to units filled with raw recruits."Discover more stories at empire

    Popov chuckled and said, "I didn¡¯t suggest reducing our radios."

    His tone changed as he returned to the current operational objectives, "We¡¯ve already hurt the enemy¡¯s 10th Army Group. Now we¡¯ll see if the decoy tanks can fool the enemy."

    Pavlov checked his watch, "It¡¯s about the time for the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance aircraft to arrive ¨C theye every day at this point, take photos and flee under the cover of night."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the phone rang. Pavlov immediately picked up the receiver, "Headquarters. Alright, I understand."

    After putting down the receiver, he told Wang Zhong, "They¡¯re here. Brother Peter heard a high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft and several bombers; they must being to bomb us and conduct reconnaissance at the same time."

    Wang Zhong responded, "Good, let the antiaircraft units make it look convincing! Also, ignite the tires at the predetermined locations."

    Igniting tires was meant to create ck smoke to disrupt the enemy¡¯s photographic reconnaissance. However, this time Wang Zhong specifically adjusted the position of the tire piles to ensure enough "gaps" were left for the enemy to discover the "tank units" gathering.

    After issuing his orders, Wang Zhong happily switched perspectives, looking for the reconnaissance aircraft in the sky.

    It didn¡¯t take much effort for him to find the reconnaissance aircraft among the bombers, and thanks to the overhead view, he could even clearly see the enemy observer¡¯s face behind the ss.

    ¡ªYou better keep your eyes peeled, observer Vasily! Take a good look at the tanks on the ground!

    On reconnaissance aircraft No. 103 of the Prosen Air Force, Air Force Major Hans Fred was operating a ground observation device that had been converted from a bombing sight. This device was linked to the high-magnification camera installed on the belly of the ne; by pressing a button on the device, Fred could take a photograph.

    The ne¡¯s old camera was still intact, and once its timer was started, it would take a picture at regr intervals, creating a string of photos that would detail the path the reconnaissance ne flew over the enemy territory.

    Major Fred scrutinized the ground when the pilot¡¯s voice came through his headset, "Do you see anything?"

    Fred replied, "Nothing yet. The enemy has lit tires, using dense smoke to block my view."

    Just as he finished speaking, about a kilometer in front of the ne, a small ck blossom exploded.

    The Ante People¡¯s antiaircraft gun had fired upon them.

    The aircraft noticeably leaned to the right, and through the ss, it was evident that the other bombers were also circling to the right.

    The artillery fire range of the ground antiaircraft was generally ineffective against bombers, but Prosen pilots weren¡¯t keen on testing their armoring and structural integrity against the k zone.

    The squadron¡¯s path switched to southeast, avoiding the k-filled killing zone now crowded with ck smoke umbres.

    The formation had barely leveled out when the lead aircraft began a left turn, tilting the floor beneath Fred once again.

    However, throughout this maneuver, Fred waspletely focused on observing the ground through the scope.

    Suddenly, he cried out, "Something¡¯s not right! It looks like there are a lot of tanks under the smoke!"

    As he spoke, he rapidly pressed the operation button, prompting the camera to take several continuous shots.

    The pilot¡¯s voice came through the inte, "Are you certain?"

    "Not sure. The smoke is obscuring my view; I can only see the tip of the iceberg. I request to lower altitude!"

    After a few seconds of silence, the pilot said, "Wait for the bombs from the bombers to explode, which might change the wind direction slightly and clear the view."

    At that moment, a new artillery barrage from the antiaircraft guns appeared, this time on the nk of the Prosen squadron¡¯s flight direction.

    But this time, the Ante People were more cautious, with some antiaircraft guns not pre-aiming but rather making a blind guess at the new heading of the squadron.

    They guessed correctly, although it might also be due to long-term studies summarizing the flight patterns of Prosen aircraft.

    After all, whether it¡¯s Prosen¡¯s navigators or the leaders of their formations, they all preferred to act by the book ¨C it¡¯s not prejudice, it¡¯s a fact.

    In any case, just as the lead aircraft began to turn, ck clouds appeared amidst the squadron.

    An antiaircraft shell exploded near aircraft No. 103, and Fred heard the sound of something colliding in the cabin behind him, followed by the curses from the machine gunnering through the inte, "Damn! I¡¯ve been hit by shrapnel! Damn it!"

    Still, Fred ignored it all, his attention fixed on the ground below.

    Suddenly, a fragment pierced through the ss window of his battle station, shattering the ss, and then smashed the instrument panel on his left.

    Fred swore and turned his head to see that the mercury gauge was shattered and mercury spilled out, dribbling onto the steel te.

    Captain: "What¡¯s going on? Can we continue the observation?"

    "Yes! Please continue to circle."

    At this moment, the bomber fleet began to drop bombs, with heaps of explosives pouring out of the bomb bays, plummeting toward the ground.

    Afterpleting the bombing, the bomber fleet began to circle right, preparing to enter the return flight path.

    Fred shouted, "Don¡¯t return! We need to figure out the situation on the ground!"

    Captain: "Don¡¯t worry, I have no ns to return yet¡ªnot for the moment. You have five minutes to confirm the situation on the ground, or I have to leave. The longer we linger over enemy territory, the greater the chance of getting tangled up with enemy fighters!"

    Fred¡¯s eyes were pressed tightly against the eyepiece of the observation device, as if the next moment his eyeballs were going to be gouged out by the rim of the eyepiece.

    "Can¡¯t we fly a bit lower?" he asked.

    Captain: "No! We¡¯re heading back, and from high altitude! Otherwise, the enemy¡¯s high-altitude fighters wille up!"

    Since the "enemy¡¯s high-altitude fighters" were mentioned, Fred raised his head and looked toward the direction of the sun¡ªbecause the sun¡¯s blinding light could camouge the silhouette of nes, so most sneak attacks wereunched from the direction of the sun.

    Perhaps it was because he had been staring at the observation device for too long, but for a moment Fred thought he saw enemy nes preparing to dive.

    He then realized that it was nearly impossible for human eyes to clearly see such distant objects when facing the sunlight¡ªeven a four-engine heavy bomber was hard to make out under these conditions.

    Fred said to the captain: "I think I saw something in the direction of the sun."

    "What?" the captain eximed in shock. "Where? Let me look!"

    A few secondster, the captain¡¯s voice was fraught with tension: "You¡¯re not wrong, Major Fred! The enemy¡¯s high-altitude fighters are up high!"

    Where else could high-altitude fighters be if not high up?

    The next moment the captain shouted: "Falcon! Calling Falcon! We have critical information that must be taken back to the airfield! Calling Falcon!"

    The radio call sign for the fighter group responsible for covering the bomber and reconnaissance ne mixed formation was "Falcon," and they should be waiting somewhere above for the enemy nes to "bite."

    The bait, of course, was the twin-engine group below.

    As the captain¡¯s cries became increasingly hysterical, the top turret gunner yelled: "Enemy ne! Coming straight for us! I¡¯m opening fire!"

    The sound of the machine gun firing came through.

    Major Fred felt his adrenaline surge as sweat broke out on his forehead.

    With shaky hands due to the tension, he adjusted the zoom setting of the camera gun and pressed the button repeatedly.

    Suddenly, the ne jerked.@@novelbin@@

    The co-pilot shouted: "Left engine out!"

    A MiG-3 roared past behind tail number 103.

    The tail turret also opened fire.

    Fred¡¯s headset was filled with the pop-pop sound of the defensive machine guns.

    Then, quickly, a voice rose in the headsets of all the crew: "Falcon is here!"

    Fred couldn¡¯t help but look away from the observation device, searching for the Prosen Air Force fighters.

    He saw them.

    109 fighters, with their signature yellow noses, reflected the sunlight as they dove from on high.

    The MiG-3s that had been preparing to surround aircraft number 103 began defensive maneuvers.

    Fred saw a MiG-3 attempt to execute an Immelmann turn to slip under the diving 109, but the 109 pilot anticipated it and started rolling in advance.

    As soon as the MiG-3 finished its maneuver, the 109 rolled in pursuit, and the pilot easily executed arge turning radius.

    The MiG-3 caught fire and plummeted to the ground trailing thick smoke.

    Fred felt relieved and was ready to continue observing the ground, but by this time the reconnaissance ne had begun to circle, turning towards the return flight path.

    Fred shouted, "Our fighters are here, let me take more pictures!"

    "There¡¯s no time, we¡¯ve lost an engine! Even returning now we might only manage an emergencynding in our controlled area! We must go!"

    With no other choice, Fred disregarded the fact that the ne now felt like a ship about to capsize, and frantically pressed the buttons on the observation device to take photos.

    He could only hope that some of the photos developed would be usable!

 Chapter 486: A Rollercoaster Journey of the Film Roll

    At this moment, Wang Zhong was nearly frantic inside the warehouse.

    Find more chapters on empire

    Damn it, don¡¯t shoot down the recon ne! Where did this Air Forcee from?

    In fact, it wasn¡¯t fair to me the Air Force, because thanks to Wang Zhong¡¯s good rtionship with them, the First Mobile Group Army, althoughcking the authority tomand the Air Force, often benefited from their care.

    It wasmonce for Air Force fighter jets to swing by for a visit while also providing air defense, and the Air Force bombers helping to destroy the enemy¡¯s logistics were frequent urrences.

    There was also providing aerial reconnaissance or dispatching BI-2s directly onto the battlefield to deliver reconnaissance photos¡ªthe list goes on.

    Now, by all logic, knowing that the Army Group headquarters at Yeisk had been air-raided, one should be grateful for the immediate assistance from the Air Force rushing to support them.

    But at this moment, Wang Zhong wished they weren¡¯t so diligent.

    This deception maneuver was hastily concocted yesterday, and after ordering the preparation of decoy tanksst night, Wang Zhong immediately reported to the Air Force to let the enemy¡¯s recon nes through today.However, the Air Force¡¯s interceptor units apparently didn¡¯t receive the order and went straight for the engines of the recon ne!

    Then the Prosen fighters arrived, chasing the MiG-3 away from the recon ne, and Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief, again praying that the recon ne wouldn¡¯t go down.

    He was even having visual hallucinations, seeing the recon ne¡¯s engine hit, suddenly falling off, and then thepromised wing breaking away as the ne plummeted towards the ground.

    Fortunately, none of that happened, and the fighter jet flew out of Wang Zhong¡¯s sight unharmed.

    Wang Zhong let out a sigh of relief and switched his view only to find that everyone was staring at him.

    "Uh..." Wang Zhong summoned all his quick-thinking talents and came up with an excuse, "I was just mentally simting changes in the battlefield situation and rxed after seeing a favorable oue!"

    Wait, wouldn¡¯t saying that actually lead to even more far-fetched spection?

    But to be honest, being misunderstood like this was quite amusing. Seeing how oundish the rumors about oneself could get was also a form of entertainment.

    For example, the mysterious custom of the elite guards urinating on the crotch of an enemy corpse after killing it, which Wang Zhong found entertaining, had already evolved into many strange rules.

    For instance, the new recruits in the guards would carry chalk to write on the enemy¡¯s helmets after killing them in hand-to-handbat, marking their kills for when they¡¯d return to urinate.

    So Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov and Popov, seeing their puzzled expressions.

    Pavlov: "The anti-aircraft units just reported they saw Air Force fighters attacking enemy nes. Should we remind the Air Force not to interfere with this recon ne?"

    Wang Zhong: "Doing that would give us away, just let it be. If not today, there¡¯s still tomorrow!"

    "Okay then." Pavlov nodded, "We¡¯ll send another telegram to the Air Force tonight, reminding them not to patrol over our area for the time being."

    "That¡¯s fine." Wang Zhong had barely finished his sentence when the phone rang.

    As it was right by his side, he picked up the receiver directly: "Corps Command, this is Rokossovsky speaking, go ahead."

    Brother Peter¡¯s voice came through the receiver: "General, the enemy recon ne has lost an engine on one side, I don¡¯t understand much about nes, can it make it back to the base? We should advise the Air Force not to attack the recon ne."

    Wang Zhong: "Do you hear any sounds of fire?"

    "No."

    "Are there any other unusual sounds?" Wang Zhong asked again.

    "No, other than the sound of one less engine, the recon ne is operating normally."

    "Thank you, I¡¯ll take care of the rest," Wang Zhong said and then hung up the phone.

    He had actually seen from the overhead view that there was no fire, but the mod only allowed for surface visuals, which is why he asked Brother Peter if there were any unusual sounds from inside the ne.

    Since there were no anomalies, all that was left was to hope for good luck for the Prosen pilots.

    Popov: "Was that Brother Peter on the phone?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, he heard the Prosen recon ne had one engine down, but he didn¡¯t hear any sounds of burning, so they must have extinguished the fire sessfully."

    Pavlov sighed in relief: "I was worried when the anti-aircraft units reported that the recon ne was on fire."

    Popov: "I¡¯m not familiar with nes, how was the fire put out? With a fire extinguisher?"

    Wang Zhong gestured with his hands as he exined: "As long as you cut off the fuel supply while making a shallow dive, adjusting the propeller pitch to let the wind blow over the engine as much as possible, there¡¯s a chance the fire will go out naturally."

    Popov raised his eyebrows: "You really know your way around nes."

    Of course, he knew all about the worth of a War Thunder airbat Brahmin!

    Wang Zhong spread his hands: "Previously I made a point of showing my familiarity with nes to win the Air Force¡¯s favor, so I took the time to learn more about Air Force-rted knowledge."

    "...Just to get on better terms with the Air Force?" Popov asked.

    "Exactly."

    Popov clicked his tongue: "One day you¡¯llmand a Front Army, why not just order the Air Force directly then?"

    "No, it¡¯s not the same, carrying out orders inly and carrying them out with enthusiasm give different results," Wang Zhong said.

    Pavlov interjected: "But this time, the overly diligent Air Force nearly spoiled our n."

    "That¡¯s a different matter. Think about how they¡¯ll approach our enemies with the same zeal in the future; that¡¯s not a bad thing, is it?" Wang Zhong spread his hands again.

    On the outskirts of Yarvik, at the Ant Air Force field airport.

    "Damn it!" Colonel Koryonin, the newmander of the 11th Pursuit Squadron, cursed, "You almost shot down the reconnaissance ne and ruined General Rokossovsky¡¯s big n!"

    Among the scolded pilots, one tried to defend themselves, "We just wanted to leave a few bullet holes in the recon ne to make it look authentic. We weren¡¯t using cannons anymore, just machine guns, and unfortunately, we happened to hit the engine. Since when are these machine guns so destructively urate?"

    Several pilots chimed in, "Exactly, usually when we hit an enemy ne with our machine guns, you see sparks flying, visible from three hundred meters away, but the ne just wouldn¡¯t go down."

    "Enough! Don¡¯t make excuses!" Colonel Koryonin yelled, "I told you during today¡¯s mission to keep your distance from the recon ne!"

    "Wouldn¡¯t that be too obvious?" some pilots still protested.

    The Colonel said word by word, "That¡¯s still better than not being able to return the film to the enemy¡¯s hands! If this happens again tomorrow, I¡¯ll twist your heads off! Dismissed!"

    The pilots turned and left the Colonel¡¯s tent, dejected, and as soon as they were outside, they made faces at each other.

    Colonel Koryonin could only sigh at the sight of these "favored children of the skies."

    Major Hans Fred of the Prosen Air Force did not know how long he had been unconscious.

    As soon as he opened his eyes, he heard the sound of the ne¡¯s defensive machine guns firing.

    For a moment, he thought he was still in the air, with the gunner fighting against enemy fighters.

    Then he realized the ss in front of him was shattered, and past the remaining steel frame was the tall green grass of South Ante Prairie.

    ¡ªRight, the ne had made an emergencynding.

    What was that gunfire aiming at?

    Struggling to stand, Fred checked himself over and confirmed he wasn¡¯t injured. At that moment, he heard shouts in Ante from outside.

    Guerris!

    He heard the gunner cursing as he fired.

    Then he heard the sound of a Luger pistol firing, probably the other flight crew members.

    Fred immediately crawled to the cockpit and saw the pilot, his lower body covered in blood, firing his sidearm outside.

    Fred looked out the window but saw nothing but grass.

    But the Ante People were definitely there, because the grass was speaking in Ante.

    Seeing Fred, the pilot shouted, "Go take the film out of the photo gun! And the film from the camera fixed to the fusge! Get these to the airport for developing! It¡¯s very important!"

    Fred nodded and squeezed through the narrow door leading to the fusge.

    At that moment, a rifle bullet hit the ne¡¯s skin, piercing a small hole, and the setting sun¡¯s rays shot through the gap, forming a fiery red line.

    As Fred crawled past that line, he felt like he could be hit by a bullet at any moment, sweat pouring down, his adrenaline pumping wildly in his heart.

    He had just reached the photo gun when he grabbed the tool box fixed next to it, prepared to unscrew and retrieve the film, when outside a roar of anger from the Ante People ensued, followed by something mming against the ne¡¯s hatch.

    Fred despaired.

    In that instant, engine noises approached from outside, and the Ante People shouted something.

    The mming stopped, and the constantly firing gunner yelled out, "Ha-ha! Run,e on, run!"

    Major Fred had no idea what was happening but worked as quickly as possible to dismantle the photo gun.

    As he carefully packed the film into a specially designed metal box, the sound of the engines drew closer¡ªclearly the noise of tanks.

    Then someone shouted in Prosen, "How many are still alive?"

    It seemed the rear-guard forces had arrived.

    The pilot called out, "We have important intelligence that must be sent back at once! Please help us!"

    Major Fred, holding the metal box with the film, tried the cabin door and found it hopelessly deformed and jammed by the Ante People¡¯s attempts to break in, so he opened a small, maintenance door beside it and struggled through.

    He saw a No. 2 tank and two half-track armored vehicles, clearly a patrol squad from the rear.@@novelbin@@

    Themander of the squad, a lieutenant, saw Fred emerge and promptly saluted, "Major, how may I assist you?"

    "There¡¯s another film on the other side of the ne. I need the fastest transport to take me back to the field airport at Kalingrad as soon as I get the film. It¡¯s of the utmost importance!"

    The lieutenant said, "We have a three-wheeled motorcycle patrolling nearby; I can call it here."

    "Good," the Major paused, then suddenly remembering the guerris, asked, "Is guerri activity frequent around here?"

    The lieutenant gave a wry smile, "All too frequent."

    Major Fred, with his hands on his hips, looked out over the South Ante Prairie where the Ante guerris had infiltrated, pondered for a few seconds, and then sighed, "I¡¯ll take the tank."

    The lieutenant said, "The right choice, especially as the sun is about to set. At night, when traveling, the half-track is not as reliable as the tank."

 Chapter 487: "Rocossovâ€™s Grand Ambition!"

    The Prosen Southern Army Group headquarters, 0600 hours on the 24th.

    As soon as Marshal Ewald von Steyr-Mark entered the headquarters, he saw his adjutant looking tense.

    "What¡¯s the matter?" the Marshal asked coldly, "Don¡¯t panic! The soldiers are all watching!"

    The adjutant hurriedly straightened his face and said seriously, "The Air Force just sent a report, aerial reconnaissance discovered over a thousand tanks gathered in Yeisk!"

    Marshal Ewald¡¯s brow furrowed, "Is the message reliable? What about the photos?"

    "The reconnaissance ne was forced tond, so the person carrying the photos just returned to the airbase and they are being developed. Due to the urgency of the military situation, the observer on the ne wrote a written report," the adjutant answered.

    Marshal Ewald nodded and approached a map, quickly finding Yeisk and muttering softly, "What is Rocossov nning by concentrating so many troops at this position? Wasn¡¯t it said that he¡¯s only a Major General? Can a Major Generalmand so many troops?"

    The adjutant replied, "ording to recent intelligence from the Krat Bureau, which has been transferred to the direct control of the Tsar, Rocossov has made connections with His Majesty the Tsar, so even though he only holds the rank of Major General, he has more power than an Army Group Commander.

    "Additionally, ording to information we obtained from interrogating recently captured prisoners at the front, the Commander of the Suhayaveli Front Army has been changed to General Golikov. This is a general who has coordinated with Rocossov multiple times, and when he was the Commander of the Western Front Army, he was very close with Rocossov!"Upon hearing this, Marshal Ewald¡¯s expression became grave, "It sounds like a prelude to arge-scale offensive, but we can¡¯t jump to conclusions just yet. Let¡¯s wait and see what the photos show. In the meantime, send a telegram to the Tenth Army Group; they have been facing off against Rocossov. Ask for their opinion."

    The adjutant asked, "How should we inquire? Do we ask if they think Rocossov is going to attack?"

    Marshal Ewald pondered and said, "Ask for their judgment on Rocossov¡¯s intentions. Since taking Yeisk, Rocossov has been staying in that area for quite some time. Although he defeated an Infantry Division again, on the whole, he appears to be dragging his feet."

    The Army Group Chief of Staff finally spoke up, "Regarding this point, after you went to sleep, General, the Tenth Army Group sent a telegram reporting that Rocossov with an absolutely superior force crushed the 14th Armored Division, including arge number of officers, with Major General Karl among the fallen. The organizational structure of the Armored Division has been shattered and cannot be recovered."

    Marshal Ewald looked up, staring at the Chief of Staff, "What?"

    "The 14th Division¡¯s structure has beenpletely shattered and cannot be recovered. General Boke of the Tenth Army Group decided to incorporate the remnants of the 14th into the 16th Armored Grenadier Division -- mainly tank operators without tanks and support troops who managed to escape."

    Marshal Ewald¡¯s lips trembled slightly.

    The Armored Divisions of Prosen weren¡¯t like the myriad and varied tank divisions of Ante. Even after the expansion earlier this year, Prosen had not more than 50 Armored Divisions.

    Moreover, the 14th Division was a seasoned troop. Its history could be traced back to the period of the first expansion under His Majesty the Tsar.

    The defeat of such a unit, unable to maintain its structure, could have a greater impact on the Prosen era than the defeat of the Asgard Knights¡¯ Sed Division.

    After all, the Asgard Knights were a new force, though they consisted of strong, handpicked soldiers, the unit¡¯s sense of collective honor and cohesion had not yet been established. Stay tuned with empire

    A defeat could be dismissed as a new unit not having withstood the test.

    Among the seasoned Junker Nobility officers, there was another reason for their defeat:ck of support from a tested corps of Junker officers.

    As a force nurtured by the Emperor topete with the old defense forces, even if old officers were used, they were the ones who had already abandoned the Junker officer corps.

    So when Rocossov routed the Asgard Knights¡¯ Sed Division, many indeed celebrated it, just as they did when Rocossov steadfastly blocked the Emperor¡¯s favored Asgard Knights led by attackst year.@@novelbin@@

    Now that the 14th Armored Division, a tested unit with a basic officer systemprised of the Junker Nobility, had beenpletely defeated, it proved that the elite troops of the National Defense couldn¡¯t best Rocossov.

    The Junker officers could no longer mock those young sessors of the Asgard Knights.

    That¡¯s why Marshal Ewald von Steyr-Mark looked so bitter, "The 14th has been annihted... My old friend¡¯s son was in the 14th; I have no idea if he made it out."

    The adjutant spoke up, "Is it Marshal Ailerode¡¯s son? He was with the headquarters of the 14th Division. If the senior officers are all gone, he probably died for his country."

    Ewald red at the adjutant, "Thank you for the reminder."

    After a long silence, Ewald said to the Chief of Staff, "Send a telegram to General Boke, same topic as before, still inquiring about his views on Rocossov¡¯s strategic intentions, and demanding a detailed response. Everything else will wait for the photos."

    0900 hours on the 24th, the headquarters of the Tenth Army Group.

    General Boke shook his head as he looked at the telegram in his hand, "Rocossov¡¯s intentions? I can¡¯t very well guess what¡¯s in his stomach! Maybe Rocossov just wants to eliminate us bit by bit, slicing away like cutting ham, gradually chewing through each bit until the whole hefty cut is down!"

    The Chief of Staff remarked, "Isn¡¯t that too slow? At this rate, it would take at least ten years to eliminate all Prosen troops!"

    There wasughter from some staff in the room, but they were quickly silenced by a stern re from General Boke, "What¡¯s so funny? Rocossov is blocking us, making it impossible for us to move! Not only are we stuck, but the Sixth Army Group preparing to move up behind us is the same! This guy¡¯s blocking two Army Groups, hundreds of thousands of troops!"

    "To make matters worse, he¡¯s also taken several bites out of us! Even if he doesn¡¯t have some grand goal, just achieving this much already makes him a famous general! Damned famous general!"

    General Boke sighed, "We¡¯re just like that Conqueror from years past, underestimating the Ante People, and as a result, one capable general after another keeps emerging."

    Chief of Staff: "But the problem is, how do we reply to the Corps Command? What should we say?"

    General Boke fell silent.

    Everyone was waiting for him to speak again.

    For a moment, the tent quieted down to the point where even the distant chirping of insects could be heard.

    Finally, General Boke said, "Report ording to the worst-case scenario in order to seek more reinforcement troops. Make the assessment of the battlefield look good!"

    For amander of Boke¡¯s level at the army group, the overall battlefield situation did not require his consideration; he only focused on ensuring that his own front would not be breached and that hepleted hisbat missions as much as possible.

    Thus, it was amon practice to portray the situation one faced in a more serious light¡ªin fact, in Prosen¡¯s military academies, they even suggested students do this¡ªto at least ensure that the area they were responsible for didn¡¯t get screwed up.

    It was the responsibility ofmanders at the army group level to sift through a pile of exaggerated reports and determine where reinforcements were truly needed.

    This was the doctrine taught at all of Prosen¡¯s military academies.

    General Boke didn¡¯t want to break this tradition¡ªmoreover, he genuinely needed reinforcements; his Armored Division had been reduced to just one, and if Rocossov attacked again, he would have to y hisst card.

    General Boke felt that, for the sake of certainty, he should obtain at least one more Armored Division from above.

    To acquire this Armored Division, portraying the situation as severe was reasonable and justified.

    At 1130 on the 24th, the headquarters of the Southern Army Group of Prosen.

    Field Marshal Ewald finally received the detailed battle assessment sent by the Tenth Army Group.

    He had only read halfway when his eyebrows twisted into knots, "Is the situation this bad? Has the Tenth Army Group suffered to such an extent? How did Rocossov inflict such heavy damage on our forces during defensive operations?"

    Chief of Staff: "It might be an exaggeration, but they are risking the lowering of their own evaluation to highlight the enemy¡¯s threat; I think they really do need reinforcements now."

    Field Marshal Ewald cursed, "When will the officers below stop watering down their reports of victories and exaggerating the enemy in their situation reports?"

    The Chief of Staff could only offer a wry smile.

    Field Marshal Ewald sighed, "But, I agree with your judgment; the Tenth Army Group has indeed been hit hard by Rocossov. What do you think about detaching an Armored Division from the 55th Army Group reserves to reinforce the Tenth Army Group?"

    "I think it¡¯s feasible." Just as the Chief of Staff agreed, an Air Force Brigadier came in with a document bag, his expression extremely grave.

    Field Marshal Ewald: "Are the photos out?"

    "They are out, and we have already carefully analyzed them; the situation is very bad." The Air Force Brigadier took off his cap, revealing his sweat-soaked fringe.

    Field Marshal Ewald: "Calm down, you¡¯re an Air Force officer, even if Rocossov has a million-strong army, it¡¯s not your burden to bear."

    The Chief of Staff walked up, took the document bag from the Brigadier, and began to look through the photos.

    Air Force Brigadier: "The clearest photos are on top. There are tanks everywhere outside Yeisk, nothing but tanks!"

    The Chief of Staff¡¯s expression turned grim as well while he studied the photos, muttering, "When did they assemble such arge tank force?"

    Field Marshal Ewald pulled out a monocle, fitted it into his eye socket, and then gestured for the Chief of Staff to hand over the first photo.

    The Chief of Staff quickly passed the first photo to the Marshal.

    The next moment, Field Marshal Ewald¡¯s hackles rose.

    Despite the thick smoke in the photo that obscured the view, the gaps in the smoke still revealed a multitude of tanks.

    He loudly said to his aide-de-camp, "Quick! Get the aerial reconnaissance photos from the day before yesterday!"

    Brigadier: "This is the first time we¡¯ve captured this tank group! And look at this one!"

    He stepped forward, took the stack of photos from the Chief of Staff, quickly found a photo numbered 133, and handed it to the Marshal: "Look! The Ante People are camouging these tanks, and we took the photo before they finished! Now look at these wide-angle shots! Rocossov has at least a thousand tanks in his hands!"

    Field Marshal Ewald silently reviewed all the photos, his expression grave, and then said, "Rocossov is aiming very high! We must immediately report to the High Command!"

 Chapter 488: The Ideal Abacus

    The telegram arrived at Eagle¡¯s Nest within Prosen territory during lunchtime ¡ª the lunch hour at Eagle¡¯s Nest was alreadyte, as the Emperor preferred to have dinner at ny o¡¯clock as a midnight snack, so lunch was consequently pushed back as well.

    The Emperor was eating at the time when the telegram came. He set aside his knife and fork temporarily and picked up his coffee cup, drinking while reaching out his hand.

    The secretary in charge of ssified information did not dare to dy and quickly stepped forward to hand the telegram to the Emperor.

    As the Emperor read the telegram while drinking his coffee, he ended up spraying coffee onto the table, forming the shape of a fountain on the tablecloth.

    He put down his coffee and stood up, reading the telegram once again before raising his head to confirm with the secretary, "Is there no mistake in the trantion?"

    "No. We used five Enigma machines for the trantion; it¡¯s impossible for all five Enigma machines to have the wrong initial settings. Moreover, we carefully cross-checked the decoded message, and it¡¯spletely consistent, eliminating the possibility of a mistrantion."

    The Emperor put down the telegram, paced to the window with his hands sped behind his back and his head bowed in contemtion, looking outside.

    The scenery of Eagle¡¯s Nest was in full view, but at this moment, the Emperor was not in the mood to appreciate it.

    Rocossov has gathered more than a thousand tanks? And that¡¯s a conservative estimate? What is he nning to do?"@@novelbin@@At that time, there were no military personnel present in the dining room, except for the ssified secretary who was a military academy graduate ¡ª regrettably, his expertise was in military cryptology, so everyone exchanged puzzled looks.

    Just then, the door opened, and a guard entered, announcing loudly, "Chief of General Staff William Kyle and Army Commander-in-Chief Walter von Blenheim have arrived!"

    The Emperor turned around and saw the two top officers of the national defense forces entering the dining room with serious expressions.

    William Kyle saw the telegram on the table and immediately understood the situation, saying only, "Field Marshal Steiermark believes that Rocossov is preparing to execute a breakthrough to prate the Tenth Army Group."

    The Emperor asked, "If the Sixth Army Group is sent in to hold the line, can we stop Rocossov?"

    Marshal Von Blenheim shook his head, "It¡¯s difficult. The local infrastructure can¡¯t support such arge deployment of troops. But High Command has a new n."

    He snapped his fingers, and a group of staff officers carrying disy boards with maps on them came in.

    Marshal Von Blenheim took a map pointer from an aide and began to exin while pointing at the map, "We are nning to send the Neenth Army Group, which was originally intended to encircle and annihte the enemy at Bolsk, to the southern side of the Suhaya Weili River basin. They will take the attack route nned in our Orange n."

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    "The Orange n isn¡¯t as bold as the Blue n; it only ns to take out the dense concentration of Ante troops on the Suhaya Weili River. Because it was too conservative, the n was rejected. But now, if we can consume Rocossov¡¯s heavy troop concentration, we might be able to force Ante into surrender."

    "Because, as you know, His Majesty the new Tsar of Ante is Rocossov¡¯s lover. A woman in the throes of passion can lose her judgment. There¡¯s a great chance she would surrender to get back the man she loves."

    The Emperor frowned, "Do Junker officers also take romantic liaisons into consideration?"

    Marshal Von Blenheim replied, "I¡¯m just saying it¡¯s a possibility."

    The Emperor didn¡¯t respond but walked slowly towards the map, standing a few meters away to examine the newly drawn attack route intently.

    The map drawing technique of Prosen had its unique advantages in representing various troop movements and attack ns. Meticulously drawn march routes were clear and organized, allowing for easy identification of each unit¡¯s designated action with close inspection.

    Of course, once the attackmenced, these routes were seldompleted in full. That¡¯s when the adaptability of themanding officers and the number of contingency ns prepared by the staff woulde into y.

    The Emperor, in fact, preferred the Ante-style maps, which were characterized by broader strokes. He would always frown upon seeing such overly detailed maps.

    Now his frown deepened.

    At that moment, the Emperor¡¯s favorite, General Giles, entered the dining room. The attendant announced loudly, "General Giles has arrived!"

    The Emperor nced at his close friend and said, "Come and take a look. High Command has made a modification to the Orange n to deal with the heavy forces of Rocossov we discovered today."

    Giles responded, "I heard that the Air Force spotted several hundred thousand of Rocossov¡¯s hidden troops?"

    "Has it already been passed around like that?" the Emperor cursed, "These people have no sense of confidentiality!"

    Marshal Von Blenheim said, "I think the staff, like me, believe that everyone at Eagle¡¯s Nest can be trusted."

    The Emperor red at him and continued, "That¡¯s a separate matter from whether or not you should control your staff¡¯s chatter, Marshal Von Blenheim. Let¡¯s see your n¡ªsurrounding and annihting Rocossov would indeed deal a significant blow to the enemy¡¯s morale.

    "But will it, likest year, lead us to miss the opportunity to win aplete victory?"

    Von Blenheim looked at the Emperor with some surprise, "Your..."

    "I¡¯m reflecting, Blenheim! I know in the eyes of some of your Junker officers, I¡¯m an idiot, but I¡¯m not, and that¡¯s why I¡¯m leading you now! I¡¯ll always reflect on my mistakes, and I¡¯ve been doing so for half a year already!

    "Tell me now, will it make us repeat the same mistakes?"

    Blenheim and Chief of General Staff William Kyle exchanged a nce before responding, "No. Without action, the Tenth Army Group alsocks the strength to break through Rocossov¡¯s formidable forces."

    Giles spoke up, "I do think if the Tenth Army Group continues the offensive, there¡¯s still a chance. I feel that Rocossov is bluffing. He uses continuous attacks to crush our division-level units, creating an impression of strength.

    "Rocossov is that kind ofmander who, even when he¡¯s truly weak and unable to advance, stillunches a full assault, cleverly inflicting heavy damage and making you believe he¡¯s still strong."

    At this moment, William Kyle took out an envelope and scattered the photos from inside onto the freshly cleared and restered dining table.

    William Kyle, "Are you trying to say that the tanks in these photos are all fake?"

    Giles, "Rocossov likes to deal in trickery. I¡¯ve studied every campaign he¡¯smanded in detail. He¡¯s especially skilled at creating illusions to affect judgment.

    "These tanks, no matter how real they look, could all be Rocossov¡¯s trickery!"

    William Kyle, "Absurd! Assuming all these tanks are fake, how do you exin that they were conjured up out of nowhere? Did they use magic to make fake tanks sprout from the mud?"

    Giles shook his head, "I don¡¯t know. Maybe these are just wrecks that Rocossov has dragged together and then rigged a few fake tanks while camouging the rest withs."

    At this point, the Emperor patted Giles on the shoulder, asking gravely, "Giles, do you dare assert that these are illusions created by Rocossov?"

    Marshal Von Blenheim, "Even if he were to give his word, we couldn¡¯t trust him. The Ante People simply don¡¯t have that many tank trailers. It¡¯s impossible to move that many tanks overnight¡ªand there aren¡¯t that many tank wrecks around Yeisk for him to drag together either. No, these are real tanks, and Rocossov is preparing for an offensive."

    Giles sighed, "Marshal Blenheim is right, I can¡¯t guarantee with one hundred percent certainty that this is an illusion. But if Rocossov is going to attack, can¡¯t we wait until he actually does? The Tenth Army Group should be able to hold off his offense!"

    The Emperor shook his head, "The Tenth Army Group currently has only one intact Armored Division, plus two intact Armored Grenadier Divisions. In addition, there are two second echelon Infantry Divisions and two third echelon. Do you think these forces can hold off Rocossov, my dear Giles?"

    Giles pursed his lips, hesitated for a moment, then said, "Then the Tenth Army Group should be reinforced. We could consider reallocating a part of the six hundred thousand men from the Sixth Army Group to strengthen the Tenth..."

    Von Blenheim, "That would dy our opportunity! We should immediately start moving the Neenth Army Group."

    Suddenly the Emperor raised his voice, "Enough! Marshal Blenheim, proceed with your n. But remember, this is the oue you¡¯ve pushed through against many objections. If your n fails, you must face the consequences, or you won¡¯t have the troops¡¯ confidence."

    Marshal Blenheim bit his lip, answering, "Alright, I¡¯m willing to take responsibility!"

    At that moment, Giles, worried, asked, "What about our n for a small encirclement to annihte Bolsk¡¯s enemy force concentration? Do we still have an Army Group for that?"

    Chief of General Staff William Kyle, "We do, but they¡¯re on the Viking Penins and Minotauros Ind, and we¡¯d need to move them over a thousand miles. Plus, at a port in the Carolignian Puppet State, there¡¯s an Army Group preparing to embark for the Mamluk battlefield, reinforcements that Admiral Erwin has long awaited.

    "He promised that with this Army Group, he can reach Mamluk¡¯s capital and cut off the lifeline of the United Kingdom¡ªthe grand canal."

    The Emperor turned and approached a globe in the room, gently spinning it, "Enemies are all around us, and they¡¯re trying to annihte the Prosen people! This is a battle for the survival of the Prosen nation, and we cannot afford to abandon any front."

    Giles, "Then we should call for a general mobilization so that at least our troop strength would be more adequate."

    The Emperor was silent for a few seconds, then said, "No, Ante will surrender this year, after which we must fight the United Kingdom and the Federation with all our might. That¡¯s when we¡¯ll need a general mobilization. A general mobilization before that might cause our people to lose faith in the war."

    Giles, "They¡¯re already losing faith."

    "It doesn¡¯t matter! A small matter like that can be mended once we defeat Ante! But if we start a general mobilization, mere suspicions will be taken for reality! Siegfried, you should understand this! We cannot call for a general mobilization. It¡¯s Pandora¡¯s box!"

    At that moment, Marshal Blenheim coughed.

    The Emperor gestured impatiently, "Go execute your n! Capture Rocossov! And then see if we can force Ante to surrender!"

 Chapter 489: Moravian Cavalry Finally Arrives

    At the same time, at the Tenth Army Group Corps Command.

    General Boke suddenly heard the sound of hooves outside.

    He turned his head in confusion, "So many hoofbeats, doesn¡¯t sound like a transport unit."

    The Prussian Army¡¯s logistical units still maintained arge number of mules and horses as a supplement to the Opel trucks. However, a mule and horse transport team would not produce such a dense sound of hoofbeats.

    At nearly sixty years old, General Boke had certainly experienced the era before mechanization; he knew that only a cavalry brigade on the march could make such a racket.

    "Where are the cavalry from?" he turned and asked his chief of staff.

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    "The Moravian Cavalry Troops, they were supposed to have arrived a week ago, but due to the Ant Air Force bombing the train stations, they only just made it. The original intention of High Command was to reinforce us with these cavalry troops to counter the Ante Army¡¯s cavalry."

    General Boke said sarcastically, "Well, they¡¯re right on time."The Ante Army¡¯s cavalry troops had already retreated due to running out of supplies, and the Tenth Army Group had also withdrawn forces vulnerable to cavalry raids, consolidating into a fist, so they no longer needed to worry about cavalry cutting off their supply lines.

    In other words, the Moravian Cavalry Troops no longer had a role to y.

    At that moment, two Prussian officers wearing the old insignia of the Moravian military entered themand post, the one in front wearing a red cor patch¡ªthat was a major-general, but General Boke had no recollection of him.

    He must be a Moravian general who became a Prussian major-general after incorporation.

    The Moravian saluted General Boke.@@novelbin@@

    While returning the salute, General Boke said, "You¡¯ve arrived toote, the cavalry threat has been removed, and the enemy¡¯s cavalry has suffered heavy casualties."

    The Moravian appeared embarrassed, "After we entered Ante territory, the train stopped many times, each wait being half a day or even a full day. We had to get off the train and find a way to gather grass and feed from the surrounding viges for the warhorses. In Kazarlia, it was fine; thend is very fertile, the prairies have enough robust natural grass, and even if we just let the warhorses graze on their own, they wouldn¡¯t get too skinny.

    "Once we entered South Ante, the situation turned grim. The prairies seemed lush, but most were not grass for grazing, some even harmful for the horses¡¯ digestive systems. Moreover, the ground covered by the green grass had a lot ofplex terrain, causing horses to frequently sprain their legs when running, and the wear and tear on their hooves was far more than in Kazarlia!

    "Our soldiers were privatelyining, what¡¯s the point of upying this godforsaken ce where even birds don¡¯t shit!"

    General Boke replied, "I believe it¡¯s for Ante¡¯s industrial area by the Valdai Hills River, and for their transportation lines through the Ind Sea, as well as Kuban¡¯s oil."

    The detailed answer from General Boke made the Moravian major-general pause, then he embarrassingly said, "I was just venting, I didn¡¯t mean to say that capturing this ce was useless."

    "I know," General Boke nodded, "Let¡¯s talk about your mission. The enemy¡¯s cavalry has already retreated, we estimate they¡¯ve lost fifty percent of their forces, and won¡¯t be able to harass us again for a while. You might not have anything to do; may I ask how much supply you consume per day?"

    The Moravian major-general didn¡¯t directly answer, "General, we have twenty-five thousand men and one and a half times that number in warhorses and packhorses. Just the feed for our horses alone is a staggering amount each day.

    "But,pared to your armored units, we are rtively energy-efficient."

    At this point, the Corps chief of staff interjected, "This is probably also why General Rokossovsky of Antemitted the cavalry troops. Cavalry rely on logistics much less than armored units, even less so than fully equipped infantry units."

    In fact, the chief of staff¡¯s remark was somewhat biased¡ªsome Ante infantry units had only five thousand men each, without much artillery or many machine guns.

    Such infantry units truly lived up to the old nickname given to Ante infantry: grey beasts.

    The Prussians had already crushed countless such units, and yet the Ante People still had countless more.

    General Boke sighed, "Although you rely less on logistics than our armored units, our logistics are in very bad shape right now, and we can¡¯t even handle this new pressure. Maybe you can fall back¡ª"

    "We came to fight," the Moravian major-general interrupted General Boke, "We want to prove our worth to the empire through valiant fighting, and then be promoted to first-ss citizens of the empire, recognized as Aryans. Please let us fight!"

    General Boke gazed into the eyes of the Moravian, and after a few seconds, he raised his hand to scratch his forehead, "Alright, I¡¯m moved by your passion and loyalty. But the mission I can give you¡ªhmm?"

    General Boke¡¯s scratching hand suddenly stopped; he maintained the raised hand pose and nced at the Moravian, "We have a task that requires yourpletion. Pleasee over here."

    The general lowered his hand and walked briskly to the map table, picked up some photographs that had just been air-dropped from the rear, selected a few, and ced them near a candle, "Come, take a look, the Air Force has photographed arge number of Ante armored troops in Yeisk, and tomorrow the Air Force will perform dive bombing to verify the authenticity of these tanks.

    "But I suspect that these tanks will definitely be protected by Divine Arrow, so Stuka won¡¯t achieve very good results. Plus, the uracy of horizontal bombing is limited. Moreover, bombing alone isn¡¯t enough to determine whether the tanks are real or fake, after all, fake tanks could also have fuel poured on them, so they would catch fire when bombed.

    "To identify these tanks, only low-altitude reconnaissance can do it, but the Air Force bastards won¡¯t do it; wherever there is Divine Arrow defense, the Air Force will never perform low-altitude bombing. Do you understand what I¡¯m getting at?"

    "Are you saying the Air Force is unreliable?" the Moravian major-general asked doubtfully.

    "That¡¯s one way to put it." The general waved his hand dismissively, "I want you to infiltrate past the enemy¡¯s lines, strike at these tank units, and confirm whether or not they are real tanks!"

    The Moravian frowned, "If these are real tanks, my cavalry would suffer heavy losses."

    "If you want to be a true Aryan, you have to endure this sacrifice," General Boke said with a stern face, in an indisputable tone, "If you won¡¯t execute this order, then please go back. I will personally send a telegram exining why you have returned."

    Major General Moravia sighed, "Fine, we¡¯ll scout these tanks. You must give us a positive rmendation after weplete our mission, helping us be true citizens of the Empire!"

    General Boke: "I promise."

    Major General Moravia saluted, turned to leave, but General Boke stopped him, "Hold on, you don¡¯t need to set off in the middle of the night. Leave tomorrow morning, you can still have a hot meal tonight."

    Suddenly, the sound of explosions came from outside.

    Major General Moravia¡¯s body instinctively wanted to react and throw himself to the ground, but seeing that no one else around him moved, he stopped himself, though his adjutant had already hit the dirt.

    "What¡¯s that?" the major general asked.

    General Boke answered indifferently: "Witches, the night witches."

    The major general was shocked, "Did Ante people deploy real witches?"

    "No, it¡¯s their night bomber regiment, piloted by female aviators. Theye to drop bombs at this time every day."

    "But I didn¡¯t hear any engine noise!"

    The general pointed to the top of the tent: "You¡¯ll hear it soon enough, just be patient."

    As if on cue with the general¡¯s words, the sound of engines started toe from the sky.

    Major General Moravia cursed, probably in Moraviannguage, which had significant differences from standard Prussian, and General Boke couldn¡¯t understand.

    The general said: "These witches, when they approach our camp, will turn off their engines. Relying on their nes¡¯ amazing aerodynamic capabilities, they just glide over. So you can only hear the whizzing of the wings through the sky as if there were witches flying on broomsticks.

    "Only after they¡¯ve finished bombing do they start their engines again. The Air Force says it¡¯s because they lose a lot of speed when making turns and have to start the engines to ensure the nes maintain speed and altitude."

    Only then did the Moravian who had ducked stand up, brushing off the dust from his uniform awkwardly.

    General Boke: "Is your adjutant a new recruit?"

    The major general nodded.

    By this time, the sound of the airne engines had finally faded away, and the major general asked, "Can this kind of attack cause significant losses?"

    The Army Group Chief of Staff answered: "No, we have shot down one of the enemy nes and found that it had no night-vision observation equipment at all. They locate targets by the light of anti-aircraft fire, so as long as the anti-aircraft guns fire, most of the bombs willnd around them.

    "So we havee up with the best way to counter these bombingspletely ignore them. Use thorough ckout measures against them and don¡¯t fire the anti-aircraft guns. Then they would bepletely baffled, and the effectiveness of their air raids would plummet dramatically."

    Major General Moravia showed a contemptuous smile: "So they arepletely useless?"

    The Chief of Staff replied with a serious expression: "No, they still kill some people. For instance, at Corps Command, an average of eight people die every night. This continuous casualty rate is a disaster for morale."

    General Boke joined the conversation: "That¡¯s why it would be even better if you could also eliminate the witches¡¯ airfield on the way. Get rid of the witches, let the troops have a good night¡¯s sleep, if you please."

    The Moravian saluted for the second time.

    Just then, a staff member came in with documents, "Report, preliminary casualty report. Six people died tonight."

    General Boke: "Not too bad, below the average. The Night Witches¡¯ damage to us isn¡¯t even as significant as mosquitoes and lice! These two pests suck hundreds of kilograms of blood from our soldiers every day! Hundreds of kilograms!"

    Major General Moravia didn¡¯t quite know how to respond.

    General Boke waved his hand: "Alright, off you go, eat, rest. I believe a room suitable to your rank has been arranged for you."

    Just as the general finished speaking, an orderly who had been waiting outside the tent peeked in, "We are ready, generals."

    With a gesture from General Boke inviting them to proceed, the Moravian followed the orderly out.

    No sooner had they left than the Army Group Chief of Staff asked, "Is it right to wear them down like this? Perhaps we could also use cavalry to attack Rokossovsky¡¯s supply lines."

    General Boke shook his head: "Reports from all quarters mention that the terrain beneath the South Ante Prairie is rugged. It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to strike at Rokossovsky¡¯s logistics, but even the cavalry, without a guide, could easily perish in this damn green hell."

 Chapter 490: Cavalry vs Cavalry

    July 25th, noon.

    On the Ant Air Force¡¯s 5th Long Range Bomber Squadron, tactical ID number 501, a B24 heavy bomber, the voice of the bomb aimer suddenly resounded through the inte.

    "Hey, Major, I see dust rising from the ground. It looks like a cavalry unit is making a charge."

    "Are you sure it¡¯s not an armored convoy?"

    "No, the dust from an armored convoy wouldn¡¯t be this thin. And most importantly, I saw something like ants moving across the prairie. I think they¡¯re not tanks. No, definitely not tanks."

    Major Ivan picked up the map board beside him and nced at it, "If I¡¯m not wrong, we¡¯re currently flying over the South Ante Prairie. It seems the army has recently found that cavalry is quite effective on the South Ante Prairie and has reinstated that branch."

    The bomb aimer fell silent for a few seconds, then said, "Our current course should be from west to east, right?"

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    "That¡¯s right," the major confirmed."Then the cavalry below is moving northeast, in a battle formation. Would our Cavalry Troops do that?"

    Major Ivan frowned and stared intently at the map board. Although his map board also had a flight path drawn on it, this was estimated based on the aircraft¡¯s direction of flight and the instrument readings.

    This flight path was almost certainly inurate and could only approximately indicate the aircraft¡¯s current position.

    So, Major Ivan asked over the inte, "Navigator! Where are we now?"

    The navigator immediately replied, "We¡¯re above the prairie of South Ante."

    "I know that! I can tell from the scenery below. I¡¯m asking for our exact location!"

    The navigator had more instruments at his disposal, which could more urately determine the aircraft¡¯s position.

    After a brief silence, the navigator reported, "We are roughly a hundred kilometers west of Yeisk. We will soon be flying over Yeisk."

    Major Ivan¡¯s brows twisted into knots. He switched on the radio and called to the fleet, "Squadron leader checking in with flight information. ording to our instrument readings, we¡¯re a hundred kilometers west of Yeisk, coordinate grid¡ªplease answer with your estimated data ording to your tactical ID."

    After that, each aircraft began to report their positions estimated by their own instruments over the radio, which could effectively avoid deviations caused by instrument errors.

    A minuteter, Major Ivan confirmed that he should be near the vicinity of General Rokossovsky¡¯s troops.

    He then ordered the radio operator (themand aircraft of the heavy bomber squadron was equipped with its own radio and had a radio operator), "Send a message to General Rokossovsky¡¯s First Mobile Group Army, asking if they have anyrge-scale Cavalry Troops in action."

    "Yes, sir."

    The next moment, the cking sound of the Morse code key being tapped arose in the cabin, not even drowned out by the roar of the engines.

    Soon, the radio operator reported, "Response received. All Cavalry Troops under themand of the First Mobile Group Army are resting!"

    Major Ivan exchanged a nce with the co-pilot.

    Then the voice of the bomb aimer came through the inte, "Do the Prussians have cavalry? I remember they¡¯d disbanded all their cavalry units; even the horses were sent to support units, weren¡¯t they?"

    Major Ivan replied, "But we¡¯re seeing cavalry now. ording to the situation map, the only troops here are General Rokossovsky¡¯s, and his cavalry hasn¡¯t moved. Then these troops must be Prussian. They might be nning to bypass General Rokossovsky¡¯s defenses andunch a surprise attack on the transportation systems or even artillery positions in the rear."

    "Radio operator, send a message to General Rokossov immediately!"

    The co-pilot reminded him, "We¡¯re about to fly over Yeisk. Maybe a radio call would be faster; the telegraph has to be decoded."

    Major Ivan insisted, "We don¡¯t have the contact codes with the army... Damn it! We must report this information to General Rokossov whether it¡¯s in speech or not!"

    Having said that, Major Ivan began to adjust the radio, while urging the radio operator via the inte, "Send that message, quick! We can¡¯t rely solely on the radio!"

    All electrical equipment on the B24 was from the Federation, theoretically more reliable than what Ante produced themselves. But the 501 had participated in several battles already, and during repairs, many Ante-manufactured parts had been substituted, making it less reliable, including the radio.@@novelbin@@

    Major Ivan, who had finished tuning the radio frequency, immediately started calling, "5th Long Range Bomber Squadron to the First Mobile Group Army! We have urgent military intelligence! 5th Long Range Bomber Squadron to the First Mobile Group Army! We have urgent military intelligence!"

    After repeating the call and waiting a moment, and just as he was about to call again, a voice came through the radio, "First Mobile Group Army to 5th Bomber Squadron, you have vited radiomunication discipline. I hope you have an important matter."

    Major Ivan was delighted, "First Mobile Group Army, we¡¯ve spotted a sizable cavalry unit moving toward your northern nk, for a northern encirclement. Be cautious. Please repeat to confirm!"

    Asking for a repeat ensured the uracy of the message delivered.

    After a brief silence, the radio echoed with the reply, "You¡¯ve discovered a sizable cavalry unit moving toward our northern nk, end of repeat."

    "Correct! Good luck to you, First Mobile Group Army! This is the 5th Long Range Bomber Squadron signing off."

    "Thank you for the intelligence, First Mobile Group Army out."

    Major Ivan breathed a sigh of relief. At this moment, the co-pilot who had also heard the exchange through the inte said, "Do you think that could have been the famous General Rokossov on the other end?"

    "Impossible! Why would Rokossov personally respond to a radio call! I wish it were him though; they say talking to him brings good luck, likeing out unscathed from a bullet rain!" said Major Ivan.

    The co-pilot suggested, "Maybe we just did?"

    "Stop dreaming!"

    Wang Zhong put down the radio headset and mouthpiece, and looked at Pavlov, "The bomber saw cavalry moving to envelop us from our north side."

    Popov was shocked, "The Prussians still have cavalry? I mean, apart from the packhorse teams and mounted messengers, do they have actual units that use horses?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "They¡¯ve even got messengers on motorcycles now. In terms of motorization, only the Federation could match Prosen. Call in both cavalry armymanders right now! It¡¯s an emergency."

    Pavlov suggested, "Besides dispatching cavalry, maybe we could use the light armored reconnaissance troops to drive off the enemy?"

    Wang Zhong objected, "No, the vast grasnd would cause the light armored units to quickly suffer mechanical breakdowns while chasing cavalry. This prairie is heaven for cavalrymen. I have no idea where the Prussians managed to gather these cavalrymen from; perhaps they are troops from nations that haven¡¯t been fully integrated. In any case, we need to deploy our cavalry to meet them!

    "The key isn¡¯t to crush them, but to prevent them from getting close to Yeisk and discovering that our tanks are fake."

    At that moment, both cavalry armymanders¡ªone following the other¡ªarrived; their troops were resting in the city of Yeisk, so naturally, they arrived quickly.

    Wang Zhong said, "I have an urgent task for you! Our long-range bombers just spotted enemy cavalry preparing to envelop us from the north. Don¡¯t let the enemy¡¯s cavalry get close to Yeisk, and prevent them from taking any intelligence out!"

    The grins on the faces of the two cavalry generals froze. Rodionovich, themander of the 20th Army, frowned, "I thought we were called in for amendation; turns out it¡¯s military intelligence? But where did the Prussians get cavalry troops? Could the pilots have made a mistake?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "The pilot risked breaking radio silence to inform us, so I think there¡¯s no mistake. Anyway, send your troops out immediately, with radios, and see what¡¯s going on! If it¡¯s an enemy armored unit, notify my armored forces to intercept!"

    Rodionovich nodded, "Alright! Are both of our armies striking together?"

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then shook his head, "No, the enemy has no reason to just envelop one side. There might be other forces encircling from the south. The 21st Army will scout south. I know your soldiers are tired and the horses haven¡¯t regained their condition, but we have to deploy you now. We¡¯re counting on you!"

    Rodionovich smiled, "Blocking enemy cavalry reconnaissance has always been our duty; we¡¯re just getting back to our roots! We just never thought we¡¯d get the chance to do our old jobs again."

    Wang Zhong urged, "Then set off!"

    Bothmanders saluted Wang Zhong.

    The leader of the 33rd Division of Cavalry Army 20, Gorokhov, personally led his troops out from Yeisk and, after a two-hour trot on the prairie, saw a trail of dust in the distance.

    Gorokhov immediately galloped to a small hilltop, took up his binocrs, and observed the dust cloud. The battalion staff officer and the military chain, too, spurred their horses up the hill, raising their binocrs to look in the direction of the dust.

    After a moment, Gorokhov said, "I believe that¡¯s the enemy cavalry. Damn it, when I received the orders to charge, I thought General Rokossovsky was jesting with us. But there really is an enemy cavalry unit!"

    The chief of staff grimaced solemnly, "We didn¡¯t bringnces. There will be problems during a cavalry charge, won¡¯t there?"

    The military chain was even more pessimistic, "Never mind thences; we haven¡¯t conducted cavalry-versus-cavalrybat training in a very long time. When the timees, we can only charge and hack away with sabers."

    Gorokhov lifted the Papasha hanging from his saddle, "No, we still have this."

    The two menughed, "That¡¯s true. We can use the submachine guns and then draw sabers if we need to."

    Gorokhovmanded, "Alright, order the troops to form the traditional wall formation! Damn, it¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve charged in a wall formation."

    The military chain asked, "Should we sound the trumpet?"

    "Of course, how can there be a cavalry charge without the trumpet? Tell the buglers to y it loud!"

    Soon, the 33rd Cavalry Regiment of the 20th Cavalry Army formed two lines of troops¡ªthis was the so-called wall formation. In this formation, the horses¡¯petitive instinct would be ignited, urging them to charge forward fearlessly, much braver than usual.

    And what cavalry fears most during a sh is their own horses flinching first.

    Gorokhov shouted, "Sound the trumpet! Sound the trumpet!"

    All six buglers of the regiment raised their trumpets and blew the call to attack for the cavalry.

    The wall formation began to move across the prairie, gaining speed toward the enemy, literally rolling over the prairie like a steamroller.

    Prussian cavalry also appeared on the prairie, forming their wall formation, and both sides began to elerate towards each other.

    Whichever side¡¯s horses faltered first, would lose.

    This was the method of cavalry confrontation handed down from the era of the line infantry of that Conqueror over a hundred years ago!

    Gorokhov¡¯s mount beneath him grew more excited the faster it ran!

    However, the entire wall formation was elerating, so Gorokhov did not rush out of formation!

    Only a hundred meters remained!

    Gorokhov raised his Papasha and started to spray bullets, and seeing this, others around him followed suit; the barrage from the submachine guns swept through the Prussian cavalry formation in an instant.

    The Prussian cavalry, equipped only with rifles, were caught off guard and many were knocked down.

    Relying on the confidence built by the wall formation, the morale of the horses crumbled all at once, as all the horses began to scatter, carrying their riders away.

    Gorokhov yelled, "Clean them up! Don¡¯t let any escape! Charge! For Mother Ante! For His Majesty the Tsar! For Rokossovsky! Ura!"

    "Ura!" Amidst the deafening shouts, the cavalry thundered across the prairie, overwhelming the enemy with irresistible force.

 Chapter 491: In Argesukov

    Shortly after the cavalry set off, Vasily, in his dirty clothes, entered the headquarters and stood at attention before Wang Zhong, saluting, "Captain Vasily has returned from setting up the decoy targets!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, "I have good news for you, the enemy has dispatched cavalry, and I believe it¡¯s very likely they want to confirm whether these tanks are real or fake."

    Vasily¡¯s eyes widened, "The Prussians still have cavalry?"

    It seemed that anyone who heard that Prosen had deployed cavalry would have this first reaction.

    After all, the Prussians had vigorously publicized how "stupid" the Mnia cavalry was for using sabers to chop at tanks, creating an atmosphere that Prosenpletely looked down upon the cavalry branch of the military.

    And indeed, their organization did not have cavalry included; even the messengers rode motorcycles.

    Wang Zhong, "I was also shocked, but indeed, a cavalry unit that doesn¡¯t belong to us has appeared. Considering the recent deployment of United Kingdom troops in Bha, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s likely to be theirs."

    Vasily clearly tuned into the sarcastic tone in Wang Zhong¡¯s words and looked ready to join in the jest, but Pavlov interrupted first, "No, the United Kingdom has troops on the Bs teau, which is much closer than Bha."

    Wang Zhong, "Is it a matter of being a little closer?" Read thetest on empireThis guy¡¯s sarcasm was not even pointed at the right ce!

    Pavlov, "I¡¯m just saying. And Aleksei Konstantinovich, didn¡¯t you read this morning¡¯s daily brief?"

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, "I read the domestic part, what¡¯s wrong?"

    Pavlov squinted at Wang Zhong, "You clearly participated in the aid negotiations with the Allied Forces but don¡¯t care about the situation of one of the three aid routes? Bs is recently at risk of tipping towards Prosen."

    Wang Zhong, "Really? They are so far from Prosen, it¡¯s impossible for them to get support if they turn towards Prosen, isn¡¯t it?"

    Yes, Bs might have a coastline, but it¡¯s in the south, by the side of the Bha Ocean, and for Prosen to send support by sea, they would have to pass through the Aegean Sea, the Red Sea, and itself, all of which are controlled by the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom.

    Thend route is even more impossible, consisting of all mountains, with only a few major highways running north from Bha through Bs to reach the coast of the Ind Sea. Bs itself is a teau with geographical terraces at its edges, and if the Prussians were crazy enough to consider supporting Bs bynd, it would truly be "as hard as ascending to heaven."

    Furthermore, between Prosen itself and Bahara lies the neutral country of Anatolia, and whether that neutral country would allow Prosen¡¯s army transit is another issue.

    Prosen¡¯s battleships are currently trapped in the White Sea because Anatolia won¡¯t allow them to use their waterways.

    Wang Zhong felt that it would be illogical for Bs¡¯ rulers to lean towards Prosen if they were of sound mind.

    Seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, Popov said, "Prosen¡¯s propaganda recently seems to consider the Bas people as descendants of Aryans, and some ethnic groups in Bha are also identified by them as Aryans who migrated to the subcontinent."

    Wang Zhong, "So, that makes the rulers of Bs decide to defect?"

    Popov, "It¡¯s not just that, the Allied Forces are either constitutional monarchies like the United Kingdom or republics like the Federation; we, although an imperial nation, follow the Secr faction. Bs is a true monarchist nation and is institutionally closer to Prosen."

    Wang Zhong was astonished.

    That is to say, the monarch and ruling clique of Bs, fearing that the Allied Forces would favor the peasants, n to defect to the imperial Prosen... that could make sense.

    Anyway, they might as well struggle in advance rather than being reced by the peasantster; maybe there lies a glimmer of hope.

    Last year, Prosen¡¯s army suffered a significant defeat without conquering Ante, yet still touted it as a "glorious victory" based merely on the oues. Plus, on this year¡¯s Mamluk front, Prosen¡¯s army again brilliantly outperformed the United Kingdom, shedding their armor and abandoning their weapons, and also achieved the impressive feat of annihting the coastal heavy troop cluster on the Ante battlefield¡ª

    It made sense for Bs to think they might have a shot at gambling too.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, "All right, I know the situation in Bs is bad, but it doesn¡¯t really concern us. By the time we hold out in Yeisk until August, we should begin retreating. Our troops have been fighting for a month, they¡¯re fatigued, and have suffered great losses. We need to return to Kubinka for repairs and as chairman of the Equipment Committee, I¡¯ll focus on some reliable heavy tanks and the next-generation medium tanks that can rece the T34..."

    As Wang Zhong spoke, he thought to himself that the production lines and machine tools provided by the Federation must have arrived partly by now, and it was time to start developing the "pot-cover helmet."

    Just the thought of the "pot-cover helmet" prematurely born and beating the panther-style tanks made Wang Zhong feel exhrated.

    In the future, when filming movies rted to the Ante Defense War, seeing the "pot-cover helmet" in a long shot wouldn¡¯t be considered a goof.

    At that moment, a staff officer came over to salute and loudly said, "Report! We¡¯ve made contact with the cavalry troops; they have routed a group of the enemy and are sending back the prisoners."

    Wang Zhong immediately switched perspectives and saw that time had not yet passed, with the residual view still there. The 20th Army¡¯s 33rd Division was cleaning up the battlefield, loading prisoners and the wounded onto the wagons that moved with the cavalry.

    Wang Zhong then realized that the 33rd Division was actually equipped with "machine gun wagons," also known as the famous "Tachanka." Should it be said that the traditions of the cavalry troops were well preserved, or that they were stubbornly conservative?

    In thest moment before the view disappeared, the wagons finished loading, the drivers cracked their whips, and the entire convoy began moving forward.

    As the view vanished, Wang Zhong returned to the warehouse and realized everyone was looking at him.

    "What¡¯s going on?" he asked.

    Pavlov thought Wang Zhong had missed the previous report and repeated it, "The cavalry troops encountered the enemy, won a victory, and are preparing to send the prisoners back."

    Wang Zhong nodded, continuing from what Pavlov said, "Soon we¡¯ll know where this group of cavalry came from."

    Vasily, "Could it be the Sanctified faction recruited in Kazarlia? I heard that the Prussians set up Ante¡¯s own police in Kazarlia, and these bastards treat Ante People even worse than the Prussian military police!"

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly, "Once we¡¯ve liberated Kazarlia, I won¡¯t let a single one of those men get away, not one! With Prosen POWs, we adhere to international conventions, but for those bastards, huh!"

    Popov: "This is just a matter of terminology, we can define them as spies, and then dispose of them at will."

    Argesukov, under Prussian upation.

    Old Lady Alexeyevna (see Volume Four) heard a rough knock at the door.

    She lifted her head, nced at the door, and at that moment, the floor behind her lifted, and a resistance fighter with a gun poked his head out.

    Old Lady Alexeyevna waved her hand and mouthed, "Leave it to me."@@novelbin@@

    The resistance fighter silently retreated back into the hole and covered up the floor.

    You could hear the sound of heavy objects being moved beneath the floorboards¡ªto prevent the enemy from discovering the space beneath by sound, the tunnel had a unique design, with a thickyer of stone underneath.

    Argesukov was the center of resistance behind enemy lines, and after a year of developments, the resistance army hade up with many tricks to deal with the Prussians.

    Old Lady Alexeyevna calmly set aside the sweater she was knitting, stood up while calling out in response to the door, and walked at a steady pace to the front door.

    "Who is it?"

    She asked.

    "Damn it, old woman, open the door!" came a rude curse from outside, in the local ent.

    The olddy opened the door to see two burly men dressed in "Security Forces" uniforms.

    The olddy sneered, "I thought it was someone important. Isn¡¯t that Mikhail from 63rd Street? When you were a kid, your father beat you in the street, and I was the one who went to persuade him to stop."

    The leader of the Security Forces, feeling embarrassed, lowered his head, but the other, a scar-faced man, kicked the olddy: "Shut your damn mouth! Why did it take you so long to open the door? Old hag, I suspect you¡¯re harboring a traitor!"

    Old Lady Alexeyevna staggered backward several steps and only stabilized herself leaning against the wall.

    The Security Forces moved a step forward but were blocked by theirrade.

    Mikhail: "Let it go, the poor olddy can barely walk. It¡¯s normal for her to be slow."

    The scar-faced one snorted, spat at the olddy, "Listen here, I was disfigured by those gueris! If I catch one, I kill one! If you dare to help them, I¡¯ll kill you!"

    Upon saying that, Scar-face pushed the olddy aside and rushed into the house, starting to rummage through her belongings.

    Mikhail nodded at the olddy and also entered the room.

    Old Lady Alexeyevna watched them run around the house calmly.

    Scar-face was still cursing: "Damn it, why isn¡¯t there anything of value?"

    Old Lady Alexeyevna: "Have you ever thought about how many times you¡¯ve searched?"

    "Shut up! Old hag!"

    At that moment, a man with the Prussian major military rank and a band on his arm walked over, speaking wless Antenguage without any ent: "Madam, our men are just a little rough, they are also trying to protect the safety of the civilians! The explosion at the station yesterday, many civilians were injured!"

    Old Lady Alexeyevna looked coldly at this "Prussian," without replying.

    The "Prussian major" continued, "Madam, is there only you in the house?"

    Old Lady Alexeyevna: "There used to be tenants, but didn¡¯t you kill them all? Xie Na from the third floor was lying right there, naked, and I was the one who came out at night to collect her body."

    The "major"ughed: "Madam, you sound very much like a resistor!"

    Old Lady Alexeyevna: "Besides you, is there anyone in this city who is not a resistor? No, you and your masters should just kill us all."

    The "Prussian" shook his head: "You obviously misunderstood, madam, I am already a Prussian, and if you cooperate with us, you can be a Prussian too."

    Old Lady Alexeyevna sneered, showing her disdain without any hesitation.

    At that moment, a "real" Prussian approached and asked in the Prussiannguage, "Is there any problem with this old woman?"

    "No," replied the fake Prussian major, "the gueris wouldn¡¯t show their hatred so openly. She¡¯s just an olddy who is powerless over everything, probably all her sons are already dead in the war. She¡¯s just waiting to be reunited with her sons!"

    The Prussian nced at Old Lady Alexeyevna, nodded, and walked away.

    The "Prussian major" turned around and said to the olddy, "Remember, I¡¯ve done you a favor today, so you might have to wait a little longer to be reunited with your children."

    The olddy gathered her strength and spat, but she was old and had little energy, so her spit onlynded in front of the "major¡¯s" shoes.

    The "major"ughed heartily.

 Chapter 492: The Air Force Suddenly Became Unreliable Again

    On the evening of July 24, at 2330 hours, the headquarters of the Prussian 10th Army Group.

    When General Boke heard the sound of horseshoes, he raised his head and adjusted his monocle, looking towards the entrance of the tent.

    He did not have to wait long.

    A dusty and dishevelled Moravian Cavalry Major General lifted the tent p and hobbled his way to General Boke.

    General Boke said, "It seems I do not need to ask to know the oue. You didn¡¯t run into those tanks, did you?"

    The Moravian Major General shook his head: "No. We were stopped by Ante¡¯s cavalry troops. We had only rifles, and some units carriednces, but all of Ante¡¯s cavalry were equipped with submachine guns and drum magazines, their fierce firepower had uspletely overwhelmed!"

    "They have no chivalry at all!"

    General Boke turned his head to the chief of staff: "Didn¡¯t you tell the Moravian cavalry about the enemy¡¯s submachine guns?"

    "We did," the chief of staff looked at the Prussian, "and we also informed them of the enemy¡¯s known formation to facilitate their maneuvering around the enemy. Not only did we give them intelligence, but to prevent diarrhea, we also distributed quinine to them. Our own supplies of quinine are running out, and a considerable number of soldiers have already fallen due to mria-induced weakness."The Moravian Major General hung his head low, like a frost-hit eggnt, repeatedly mumbling, "No chivalry, no chivalry!"

    General Boke looked as though he wanted to say something but eventually simply patted the Moravian¡¯s shoulder: "Get some rest, and see the psychologist tomorrow."

    Ever since the discovery of shell shock, a condition leaning more toward psychological illness, Prussian field hospitals at division level and above had been staffed with psychologists.

    The Moravian Major General did not argue but just nodded his head before turning and leaving themand tent.

    After he had gone, General Boke cursed: "Damn that Rokossovsky, he¡¯s nearly driven the Moravians insane! Sometimes I can¡¯t help but believe what the propaganda machine trumpets, second-ss citizens will always be second-ss citizens!"

    The chief of staff and a bunch of staff officers nodded in agreement.

    General Boke paced a few times in the tent before heaving a long sigh: "It seems we can only rely on the air force now. Hopefully, this time they will be more reliable!"

    On July 25th, at 1000 hours in the morning, at the Yeisk Corps Command.

    The telephone rang, and Pavlov picked it up immediately: "Headquarters! Yes, got it."

    As he responded, the sound of an air raid siren from outside the warehouse echoed in.

    Wang Zhong, looking at Pavlov putting down the phone, asked: "Was it Brother Peter who called?"

    "Just as you guessed," Pavlov looked towards the window of the warehouse, "Well, no need to guess. Yes, it was Brother Peter. Arge enemy air group ising our way. And he has already issued orders directly to the anti-aircraft forces."

    The day before, Wang Zhong had anticipated that the Prussians would bomb the fake tanks outside Yeisk, so he had delegated the authority to activate anti-aircraft preparations to Brother Peter to save on reaction time.

    Popov asked: "How many enemy nes areing exactly?"

    "Brother Peter said there are at least 40 heavy bombers and sixty-four Stukas."

    Wang Zhong: "What about the reconnaissance nes mixed in?"

    "There are two, mixed in with the high-altitude group, and there¡¯s a distant Focke-Wulf 189 flying low and hugging the ground."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s interest piqued upon hearing about the Focke-Wulf 189: "What? After yesterday¡¯s failure of the cavalry reconnaissance, the low-altitude reconnaissance has finallye! Tell the Divine Arrow unit to take down that 189 at all costs! It¡¯s a must!"

    Popov stood up, grabbing the phone¡ªDivine Arrow fell under church jurisdiction.

    "Hello! Deputy Knight Yeca Neiko, tell your unit to keep a sharp lookout, there¡¯s a Focke-Wulf 189 flying low on the enemy¡¯s side that mighte over for surveince at any moment. Ignore the other nes, but that reconnaissance aircraft has to be brought down!"

    Reconnaissance nes at high altitude would have difficulty discerning that the tanks on the ground were "fakes," but they would clearly see the "mes" rising from the tanks and billowing smoke.

    Thus, high-altitude reconnaissance might actually add to the deceit of these fake tanks, inadvertently aiding Wang Zhong in tricking the Prussian generals.

    However, a low-flying reconnaissance ne could easily see through Wang Zhong¡¯s "little trick," so the low-flying scout ne, as well as Stukas flying low after dive-bombing, must be dealt with no matter what.

    After Popov issued his instructions, he was about to put the receiver down when Wang Zhong stopped him: "Wait a moment, let Katyusha not engage the other enemy aircraft, just wait for the reconnaissance ne to appear."

    Popov was momentarily puzzled, holding the mouthpiece: "Who is Katyusha?"

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s the little girl, only her guided Divine Arrow would continue to pursue after leaving the visual range, very impressive little girl!"

    Read new chapters at empire

    Popov: "Do we have such a person?"

    Wang Zhong: "Her full name is Ekaterina. What¡¯s going on with you, Military Bishop not aware of the names, ages, and abilities of his prayer warriors?"

    Popov: "I used to know, but a lot of the Army Group¡¯s prayer warriors have changedtely... The deputy knight will definitely know."

    He released the mouthpiece: "Hello, General Rokossovsky requests that the prayer warrior named Ekaterina on your side handle the enemy reconnaissance aircraft specifically. Alright, that¡¯s the request."

    After finishing his call, he hung up and looked at Wang Zhong: "The deputy knight is aware."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    At that moment, anti-aircraft guns began firing outside, signaling that the enemy aircraft had entered the anti-aircraftmanders¡¯ field of vision.

    As Wang Zhong shifted his gaze, he saw the swarm of aircraft above.

    Without much effort, he found the reconnaissance ne mixing in with the flock. Then he looked around but didn¡¯t spot any aircraft carrying Fritz X guided bombs.

    Strangely enough, the Fritz X had been used inrge-scalebatst year, but now they were nowhere to be seen.

    What Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know was that the Prussians had evaluated the effectiveness of Fritz X in bombing cities and found that in an environment with numerous buildings, even without any ground defenses, it was difficult for the bombardiers to urately guide the bombs to their intended targets.

    Mainly because Fritz X required bombardiers to see the light at the tail of the bomb to know where it was, and in theplex urban background, that light was too hard to spot, especially during the day.

    In nighttime bombings, the bombardiers could clearly see the light at the tail of the bomb, but then they couldn¡¯t see the targets on the ground under ckout conditions, making it quite awkward.

    Moreover, frequentrge fires on the ground and the thick smoke would also interfere with the guidance.

    So the Prussians had reassigned the bomber squadrons equipped with Fritz X to the Aegean Sea to attack naval ships.

    Unaware of these facts, Wang Zhong was still puzzled. His knowledge of Fritz X came from ying War Thunder, where the Fritz X was extremely reliable, precisely hitting dug-in enemies every time. Little did he know about the weakness of the real Fritz X.

    Under Wang Zhong¡¯s watch, the Prussian formation began bombing, targeting the "tank cluster" outside the city, and bombs carved several "scars" of explosions on the ground.

    Many "tanks" caught fire, looking just like the real thing from high up.

    The dense smoke from the mes further concealed the tank formation, ensuring that the enemy¡¯s high-altitude reconnaissance nes wouldn¡¯t be able to snap any useful photos.

    The problemy with the FW189 hiding at low altitudes.

    At that moment, the MiG-3s from the 11th Fighter Regiment appeared, with 12 white contrails rushing toward the trails of the dense Prussian formation, reminding Wang Zhong of a phrase he¡¯d loved before crossing over: The storm ising! It is the brave petrel, flying proudly over the roaring sea, amid the lightning; it is the prophet of victory, shouting:¡ª May the storme harder!

    The Prussian formation opened fire, with tracers creating a storm in the high skies, and the MiG-3s danced like petrels amid the tempest.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, just wait, next year Prussian pilots will be charging like this against the Federation¡¯s B17 formations, facing an even greater disparity between enemy and ally.

    Just wait, Prussia!

    As the MiG-3s tangled with the bombers now on a return flight course, Stuka dive-bombers descended.

    Wang Zhong saw several fire dragons shoot up from the ground, hitting the diving Stukas and forcing them to drop their bombs at high altitudes before they scurried towards the ground in a panic.

    However, the in had virtually no significant elevations and depressions¡ªor rather, such unevenness was negligible for aircraft, so the Divine Arrows continued their simultaneous firing, downing nearly 30 Stukas in the brief time span of a single dive!

    Just then, Wang Zhong spotted two FW189s¡ªno, there were two of them almost stacked together! They had sessfully fooled Brother Peter¡¯s hearing by using the noise from therger group of aircraft as interference!

    A lone fire dragon burst from the ground, hitting the higher-flying FW189.

    The Prussian pilot pulled the ne away from the friendly aircraft above just before being hit, so that after taking the hit, they wouldn¡¯t interfere with theirrades¡¯ flight!

    A second fire dragon ascended!

    The enemy aircraft had spotted the fire dragon¡¯sunching position and attempted to dodge the threat with an ultra-low, nearly ground-skimming flight¡ª

    But it was still hit.

    Wang Zhong watched a thrilled little Katyusha jumping for joy at the firing position.

    He thought to himself that he¡¯d have to award her a medal when they got back and give her head a good rub!

    As for whether little Katyusha would take that as a reward, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t care less!

    On the evening of the 25th, at the southern Ante air base of the Prussian Air Force Command.

    Themander of the Prussian 5th Air Force looked at the Stuka pilots in front of him and questioned, "Are you sure what you saw were real tanks?"

    "They were real!" the Stuka pilot with the rank of colonel answered assuredly, "They must be tanks! And they were filled with fuel, so they caught fire as soon as they were bombed! The enemy is preparing to attack!"

    The other pilots nodded in agreement: "Yes, they were real tanks!"

    Themander of the 5th Air Force scanned the faces of the pilots and suddenly pointed to a lieutenant, "Your expression isn¡¯t very convincing. You tell me!"

    The lieutenant pilot nced at hispanions, then said, "None of the tanks exploded in sympathy, so I thought that was a bit odd¡­"

    The leading colonel exined, "That¡¯s because the enemy wasn¡¯tpletely ready to attack; they hadn¡¯t loaded ammunition yet! Our tanks also fuel up first, then get loaded with ammunition!"

    Themander paced back and forth in front of the pilots as the chief of staff said, "Whether they¡¯re tanks or not, we¡¯ll know once the photos are developed tomorrow."

    Themander retorted, "Why would we need reconnaissance by human eyes if photos were enough? But the enemy managed to wipe out the very reconnaissance nes that could have rified those fake targets! So many Stukas came back, but both reconnaissance nes were lost!"

    At that moment, a colonel wearing airborne ranger uniform entered the room, sporting a natural edelweiss on his cor.

    Only airborne rangers could wear a real edelweiss; mountain rangers could only carry the metal edelweiss insignia.

    The colonel saluted themander, "The airborne ranger assault team is ready; we can drop tonight!"

 Chapter 493: Airborne Ranger Assault

    Themander of the Fifth Air Force approached the colonel of the airborne rangers and said gravely, "You can refuse this mission because the nning time was too short, and it is basically a suicide mission, just to confirm if Rocossov¡¯s tanks are fake or not. To tell you the truth, I personally don¡¯t think it¡¯s worth sending airborne rangers."

    The ranger colonel replied, "General, we¡¯ve been training for a long time in night glider drops for this day. Moreover, we are familiar with nighttime operations and have undergone extensive wilderness survival training, so it¡¯s too early to dere this a certain death march now."

    Themanding officer was at a loss for words for a few seconds before asking, "Are you nning to glide-drop at the outskirts of Yeisk and then approach the city on foot?"

    "Yes, we believe Yeisk must have one of Ante¡¯s Sound Array Masters, which is why Rocossov always seems prepared and precisely takes out low-flying reconnaissance aircraft."

    "So we need tond outside the range where the Sound Array Master can listen in. The intelligence we got from our Ante coborators indicates that while the listening range varies with the individual, overall it¡¯s not as extensive as our new radar, so we just need tond outside that range."

    The colonel drew a semicircle on the map.

    Themanding officer asked, "How will you solve the navigation issue? How will you know where you¡¯ve flown to in the dark?"

    The colonel replied, "The personnel towing the gliders will bring sextants to correct the aircraft¡¯s position by the stars."

    "Sextants¡­" themanding officer marveled, "such an ancient device.""As long as it works," replied the ranger colonel.

    Themanding officer stared at him for a few seconds, then gestured to an orderly, "Bring the liquor. And you guys can go back and rest."

    Thetter sentence was addressed to the surviving Stuka pilots.

    The pilots then got up one by one and left themand headquarters. Outside the door, one could hear them opening up and discussing what Rocossov nned to do with so many armored forces concentrated.

    "What else to do but attack? Inst year¡¯s winter campaign, he was the general with the most sessful offenses in the whole Ante army. Too bad he wasn¡¯t inmand of the counteroffensive that followed."

    "I heard they called him back to execute Ante generals who had been negligent. He would personally pull the trigger, executing the errant Ante generals one by one with his service pistol! That¡¯s what the captured Ante pilot said!"

    "Now Rocossov is on the offensive again. I wonder if our airfield will be attacked by him."

    The airfield where the Stukas were stationed was quite far from the front line, yet the pilots were still worried that Rocossov mightunch an attack.

    Themanding officer was listening to the pilots¡¯ discussion outside when the orderly came with the liquor: "General, the liquor is ready."

    Themanding officer picked up two wine sses and personally handed one to the colonel before raising his own in a toast: "To your bravery!"

    The colonel responded, "To His Majesty the Emperor!"

    The Air Force, whether pilots, airborne rangers, or air force field divisions, all believed they were the military branch most favored by His Majesty the Emperor, the Emperor¡¯s own guard, despite the absence of a "royal" title.

    As for the newly-formed Asgard Knights, they were just considered younger brothers.

    After drinking, the colonel set down his ss, saluted, and then turned to leave.

    Themander of the Fifth Air Force watched him leave.

    At 2200 hours on the 25th, Wang Zhong let out a big yawn and headed towards the bed in the corner of the warehouse¡ªthese days he had been sleeping in the warehouse at night, which spared him the trouble of moving around.

    Every morning, he would go for a shower behind the curtain in the corner of the warehouse to stay clean.

    Especially since it had gotten hot, it was unbearable not to shower.

    Wang Zhongy on the cot with his eyes slightly closed, then habitually changed views to observe his troops.

    Although he could not see the specific soldiers, but could only see the symbols of the units, the terrain and street scenes were quite clear, so such "pre-sleep inspections" helped Wang Zhong to deepen his mastery of the terrain.

    He could even quickly review the terrain of the entire Army Group deployment area, bing fully aware of all the ups and downs.

    Through these continual "inspections," Wang Zhong was sure that he was the person most familiar with the terrain of the entire area.

    Although he did not know when this advantage woulde in handy, it was still an advantage nheless.

    While Wang Zhong was inspecting, suddenly something shed across his vision.

    He was startled and quickly elevated his viewpoint to find the shing object, only to discover four bombers, each towing a glider!

    Cold sweat ran down Wang Zhong¡¯s back. Just to verify if I had really amassed so many tanks, you guys actually sent airborne rangers too?

    Do you have to be that dedicated?

    He immediately sprang up from the bed, but he stood up too abruptly, causing a momentaryck of blood to his head, and he lurched to one side.

    A squat figure supported him.

    Once Wang Zhong came to, he looked down to see it was Nelly.

    "Thanks!" said Wang Zhong as he straightened up, then noticed that both Popov and Pavlov were looking over.

    Wang Zhong eximed, "Air raid!"

    Pavlov and Popov exchanged a nce, with thetter saying, "Brother Peter didn¡¯t hear anything. Although he¡¯s resting tonight, he still connects his headphones to a smaller Sound Array system while he sleeps; he would hear such noisy enemy aircraft."

    Wang Zhong retorted, "No, no, no, I... I dreamed that the enemy¡¯s four bombers were towing four gliders to sneak attack us! They¡¯re probably going to air-drop to confirm if those tanks are real or not. Send out the alert troops immediately, equipped with shlights and torches! Look for gliders!"

    "I guess the enemy will release the gliders outside of Brother Peter¡¯s listening range to allow the gliders tond silently!"

    But Wang Zhong stopped short; even though the gliders¡¯ glide might be silent, the moment they hit the ground they would make noise, right? So Brother Peter would definitely hear that.

    "No!" Wang Zhong corrected himself, "The enemy wouldn¡¯tnd within the hearing range of Brother Peter. That would alert the Monk; they wouldnd outside of Brother Peter¡¯s auditory range. The enemy doesn¡¯t know exactly how far Brother Peter can hear, so they would use a rather conservative estimate."

    The people in the room without urgent tasks looked at each other. Finally, Pavlov said, "You¡¯ve heard themander¡¯s order, dispatch all troops with lighting equipment to search for the enemy¡¯s gliders!"

    Vasily: "Wait a minute, are we mobilizing just because of the general¡¯s dream?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, I¡¯m just being cautious. I¡¯m not certain that the enemy will conduct an airborne operation, not certain! But it¡¯s better to be safe than sorry, right?"

    Pavlov: "Yes, better to be safe than sorry. Order the troops to move out! Not only the Yeisk troops mobilize, but each division should also send out a night patrol to search their own defensive area!"

    At that moment, the telephone rang.

    Pavlov picked up the phone: "Is it Brother Peter? No? Corps Command, who? Report!"

    Secondster, Pavlov put down the phone: "A sentry from the 225th Division has seen shadows moving in the sky! Also heard engine noises!"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh: "See, I guessed it!"

    Vasily gawked at Wang Zhong: "Did you really guess?"

    Wang Zhong: "Of course! What else could it be?"

    Vasily gesticted in front of him, scraping together a few words: "ck body radiation? Quantum entanglement? De Broglie transformation? Or some other high-energy physics phenomenon that I don¡¯t understand."

    Wang Zhong: "Whatever! Move out quickly! Eliminate the enemy¡¯s airnding troops!"

    Prosen¡¯s paratrooper squad, inside Glider #1. Read thetest on empire

    Suddenly the glider pilot yelled, "Colonel! Come take a look!"

    The colonel immediately came to the cockpit, pressing down on the two pilots¡¯ seats: "What¡¯s going on?"

    "Look!" the pilot pointed to the ground, "It¡¯s all running lights! We¡¯ve been spotted! Landing now would be suicide!"

    The colonel gritted his teeth: "Doesn¡¯t matter, continue thending! We don¡¯t have power and can¡¯t possibly fly back."

    The pilot cursed and pushed the control stick forward.

    The colonel then turned to face the paratroopers in the cabin: "The enemy has somehow discovered our operation. Now I judge that the original mission cannot be aplished, so with my authority, I decide to change the mission objective.

    "Survive, use the cover of night to shake off the pursuit of the Ante People, and strive to return to our forces! That¡¯s it!"

    The pilot yelled: "Landing! Hold tight!"

    The next moment the fusge began to shake violently, and although everyone was buckled in, they were still jolted harshly.

    Suddenly, someone¡¯s safety belt bolt was yanked out, bouncing back and forth in the cabin, eventually striking the colonel¡¯s steel helmet.

    The colonel straightened his helmet, holding onto a handle above the cabin with his right hand, relying on the strength of his legs and arms to maintain his stance.

    Suddenly, the body sank downward, and the entire tail section tipped upwards!

    The pilot yelled: "What¡¯s with this pit!"

    A hole dug by a ground squirrel ended up vertically lifting the ne, which was sluicing horizontally along the ground, and it stuck in the ground.

    At this point, all the paratroopers became literally "wall-hanging", hanging on the cabin walls.

    The paratrooper whose safety belt had flown off fell straight down,nding with a thud next to the colonel.

    The colonel kept hisposure: "Everyone, follow mymand to rock your bodies. We can level the ne back out! Listen to me, one, two¡ª"

    With everyone¡¯s coordinated swaying, the tail of the ne indeed began to sink, and then the fusge snapped in two.

    The rear half fell downwards, while the front half remained hanging.

    The colonel shouted: "Don¡¯t panic! The people on the first level, unbuckle your safety belts first!"

    Just then, a light swept over from outside!

    Light flooded into the glider through every window, illuminating the entire cabin.

    The next moment, machine-gun fire raked across, punching a series of bullet holes in the cabin wall.

    A paratrooper in the midst of unbuckling his safety belt went still, with blood flowing down the wall.

    Outside, the Ante People shouted, but the colonel didn¡¯t understand.

    He kicked open the cabin door, shouldered his weapon, and started firing at the figures in the wilderness.

    The force of a submachine gun immediately prompted a stormy retaliation.

    The colonel was hit by several shots, his body violently trembling like a dancing puppet.

    Under the impact, he leaned against the open door of the ne. When the Ante People ceased firing, he slowly slid downwards.

    A white edelweiss still pinned to his cor.

 Chapter 495: Unexpected Gains

    Half an hourter, Vasily checked the confession record in his hand and looked up at Wang Zhong, saying, "22 pages, I¡¯ve tried to be as concise as possible, but he nearly confessed to what color underwear the Huntsmen Corps¡¯mander wears every day."

    Pavlov came over to Vasily¡¯s side and took the thick record to start flipping through it.

    Meanwhile, Popov asked, "Why the sudden change of heart, such a detailed confession? Could it actually be a bunch of fabricated fake information?"

    Vasily, now with nothing to do as his record was taken away, joked, "Our general has divine inspiration, the information about your sneak attack came to him in a dream! You can¡¯t fool the general with your fabrications."

    Wang Zhong felt bitter inside: How the hell would I be able to tell? This stuff definitely needs to be given to the intelligence department for cross-referencing to confirm its authenticity.

    But on the surface, he put on an inscrutable facade.

    The captain, named Franz, hesitated for a few seconds and asked, "I heard that everyone confesses when interrogated by the Judge."

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, indeed, they can even make dead bodies speak."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s original intention was to reference the famous KGB gag about making the dead speak, but realizing that his words had turned the captive¡¯s face pale, he quickly rified, "That was a joke, the Judge obviously can¡¯t make the dead speak."The Prussian prisoner¡¯s face grew even paler.

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and decided not to exin, as the more he did, the worse it seemed, and chose to wait and see what the prisoner would disclose.

    The captain began to speak, "I¡¯ve actually been hesitant for a long time. We once rescued many of ourrades in a building where the Judge¡¯s forces were stationed. They all wished for us to kill them because the Judgepletely disregarded the Geneva Conventions."

    Popov, "We abide entirely by the conventions with ordinary soldiers, but officers are different. Officers know too much, and if they withhold information, we see that asplicit with espionage. Conversely, as long as the officers cooperate, they¡¯ll also receive conventionpliant treatment."

    The captain retorted, "You wouldn¡¯t easily confess to your ally¡¯s intelligence if you were captured, would you? Have we treated your prisoners that way?"

    Popov, "Yes, in fact, our captured officers have generally been subjected to inhumane torture, ording to reports from our underground organization, which has also rescued many officers. Everyone they saved is a witness. We¡¯re just returning the favor¡ªthat¡¯s what Ceres would say."

    The captain fell silent, clearly aware of the deeds of his own intelligence department and the imperial ministry, unable to defend himself with a clear conscience over such actions.

    Wang Zhong, "Not only do you do this to officers, but you also mistreat ordinary soldiers and civilians! To be frank, invaders like you shouldn¡¯t feign purity. I was originally nning not to keep a single prisoner, but considering the future, if you resist to the end because of my decision to take no prisoners, it would bring significant casualties to my soldiers.

    "That¡¯s why I¡¯m giving your ordinary soldiers treatment in ordance with the conventions, but remember, I¡¯m not at all fond of giving you this treatment; I despise you to the bone.

    "However, if you can fully recognize the harm of Prussian militarism and truly reform and stand with the side of justice, I wee you. In fact, many prisoners of war have already chosen to defect and are now working in tank factories. We¡¯re even nning to host a sports meet for them!"

    The captain stared intently at Wang Zhong, "A sports meet?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, to enrich the leisure time of the liberated prisoners of war. We¡¯ve also prepared a library and y music for them every day. I know well enough that Prussia considers dances like the tango decadent; here, they can listen to their heart¡¯s content!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, Vasily added, "They can even have dance-offs with the prison guards, and as far as I know, the guards are undefeated."

    Nonsense, ¡¯undefeated¡¯ is achieved through knee-banging! What could the Prussians possiblypete with, goose-stepping?

    The captain shook his head, "My reason tells me this should be a lie, but you speak in such a convincing manner."

    Wang Zhong shrugged and returned to the previous subject, "So, was it the fear of the Judge¡¯s punishment that made you confess?"@@novelbin@@

    "No!"

    The prisoner shook his head.

    "That¡¯s not all. It¡¯s a long story; I am a Junker noble, but I am not a proper Junker noble. I hardly spent much time living in the Junker manor¡ªit was a small and dpidated estate, and every summer when my parents went there, I always made a scene not wanting to go.

    "It seems my parents also disliked the manor, entrusting it to the steward William, hiring just twoborers to work there, with the three of them maintaining its operations."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that an "estate" that could be kept running by three people likely wasn¡¯t much different from the ruralpounds he had seen before his transmigration.

    The prisoner continued, "My parents had jobs in the city; my mother was a family tutor for the duke¡¯s family, teaching the duke¡¯s daughter dance. My father was a clerk for the city government. Before the depression, their sries were enough to maintain the estate and pay for my brother and me to attend school.

    "But then the depression came."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself about the era when a loaf of bread cost 500,000 marks, noting that in this timeline, the new Emperor of Prussia had initiated top-down reforms, eradicating arge number of capitalists and merchants.

    Pavlov spoke up, "Shouldn¡¯t you be thankful to the emperor who led you out of the depression, serving your country loyally?"

    The captive captain was silent for a few seconds before answering, "Perhaps I should be, but I really can¡¯t find any love for the social ss to which I belong. To save on tuition, my parents sent me to military school. There the old Junkers looked down on us and lumped us together with the children ofmoners.

    "The children ofmoners resented us, and the kids from big cities even scorned us ¡¯country bumpkins.¡¯

    "When I finally graduated and joined the army, I encountered even more severe antagonism. The officers and NCOs berated those from simr backgrounds as me, calling them ¡¯pigs¡¯ and punishing them with the harshest penalties. And I could gain no respect from the NCOs¡ªfor the reason that I had no batman."

    Wang Zhong, almost reflexively, nced at Nelly, then asked, "So what you¡¯re saying is, you had already been dissatisfied with the Prussian military?"

    The captain shook his head, "It¡¯s not that I¡¯m dissatisfied, but seeing how united you are with your officers and soldiers, I can¡¯t help but feel envious. Although you still have a duty soldier."

    Wang Zhong was greatly surprised, "How did you know that was my duty soldier?"

    "I didn¡¯t know, but if only one person can use a female duty soldier, then it must be you," said the captain.

    Wang Zhong looked at Popov.

    Popov shrugged, "It¡¯s a bit far-fetched, but it¡¯s understandable to act this way in the face of the Judge¡¯s intimidating interrogation and at the same time encountering an enviable situation. Of course, I can¡¯t rule out that all of this is false information, which needs to be cross-checked."

    Pavlov said, "We might as well have the Judges work some overtime."

    A look of terror immediately shed across Captain Franz¡¯s face.

    Wang Zhong replied, "Indeed."

    In truth, Wang Zhong¡¯s only goal had been to get that edelweiss. That the captain had confessed was an ident; the man was on his way to the Judges anyway.

    But once there, he probably couldn¡¯t hope to get the edelweiss back, at least not in one piece.

    He waved his hand, "Take him away. Make sure the Judges are strict, to ensure he¡¯s telling the truth."

    The captain cried out, "No! I¡¯ve told you everything already! No!"

    Pavlov assured, "Don¡¯t worry, for someone like you who has already confessed, the Judge will be gentle, I guarantee there won¡¯t be any fractures or injuries worse than that."

    Not fracturing bones is considered gentle now?

    Popov quickly said, "No, it¡¯s not like that; for his kind, we¡¯ll first cross-examine the things he¡¯s confessed to. If he¡¯s truly told us everything, we¡¯ll stick to the conventions. Of course, we might then add a few questions that the Judges are more interested in, and offer you a bit of vodka."

    Wang Zhong frowned. The Ante People¡¯s idea of "a bit of vodka" could probably get a brown bear drunk.

    By the way, the Federation might have something like truth serum, but Ante had none; vodka was the best truth serum the Ante Judges had, and it was very effective.

    It just sometimes resulted in the interrogation subject getting drunk to death.

    After Popov¡¯sforting words, the captain looked even more uneasy. Wang Zhong gestured, and immediately two soldiers came over to escort him away.

    Once he had left, Pavlov asked Wang Zhong, "You just wanted the edelweiss, right?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "You know me well."

    Popov interjected, "Now that he¡¯s confessed so much, if it¡¯s all true, we¡¯ve got the Prosen paratrooperspletely figured out."

    Wang Zhongmented, "Too bad it¡¯s not the Brandenburg troops we have figured out."

    Pavlov said, "Alright, the threat from the paratroopers has been dealt with, you should go rest. I need some rest too."

    Discover exclusive content at empire

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Just then, two female pilots were led into themand post by guards.

    Wang Zhong looked at them with curiosity, "Ladies, what brings you here sote at night?"

    The major leading them pulled out a man envelope, "Inside are the photos taken today, freshly developed, and they sent us to deliver them immediately. We¡¯ve just finished tonight¡¯s bombing and taken off again right after that."

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, "Nelly, prepare some supper for the two pilots, and they might want to take a bath too."

    As soon as the two pilots walked in, Wang Zhong had smelled the scent of engine oil on them.

    The female major remarked, "You have a good nose, General."

    Wang Zhong smiled as he answered "Yes," while opening the envelope, taking out the photographs, and beginning to look through them one by one, casually handing them to Pavlov after.

    Popov stood next to Wang Zhong, peeking over his shoulder at the photos as well.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong picked out a photo andid it on the table, "What¡¯s going on here?"

    Before the pilot could answer, Pavlov spoke up, "It should be the front of the 91st Infantry Army. It looks like the enemy is reinforcing the entire right wing of the Suhayaveli Front Army. It seems they n to nk us and encircle our Army Group."

    Wang Zhong remarked, "Strange, they¡¯re still trying to confirm whether our tanks are real or fake, yet they¡¯ve reinforced their troops before the hunters have even moved out? Doesn¡¯t that make the hunters and the recklessly charging Moravian Cavalry Troops look like clowns?"

    Popov shrugged, "It shows that Vasily did a good job; the tanks looked real enough to deceive the enemy."

    Wang Zhong was impressed, "Send a telegram to the Bolsk Front Army immediately to ask when they¡¯ll be ready! We¡¯ve sessfully attracted the enemy¡¯s reserves!"

 Chapter 498: Hooked

    At 12:30 pm on the 27th, Yeisk, in front of the headquarters of Ante¡¯s First Mobile Group Army.

    Though it¡¯s called a za, in reality, it is the yard of a warehouse.

    Wang Zhong looked satisfied as he observed the newly formed suicide squad.

    Popov exined, "They are all fully aware of the nature of the mission, and everyone is carrying a Grenade of Glory."

    Wang Zhong nodded his head; he could indeed see determination and fervor in the soldiers¡¯ eyes.

    But Wang Zhong felt that he still had to say something.

    "Not caring about the number of casualties as long as we take the hill" is one thing, but making sure the troops are fed before they go is another.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong said, "I¡¯ll tell you the truth. We are currently trapped in a dilemma. On one hand, we must retreat; otherwise, we¡¯ll be surrounded and even impede the brother troops assigned to dy the enemy.

    "On the other hand, if we run, the Bolsk Front Army might suffer heavy losses. Of course, some of you may ask, why not defeat the enemy? Why not wipe them out entirely like we did with those few divisions?"About these questions, I¡¯ll speak frankly to all of you Davarish, I wish we could do it too, but we are outmatched. Our Army Group can indeed exchange blows with the Prussians, but other troops facing the Prussians are like butter against a red-hot iron rod.

    "We¡¯ve tried, and as soon as the 401st joined the battle, for a brief time, they turned the exchange rate between us and the enemy upside down, and we still haven¡¯t made up for the losses.

    "The 50th assigned to hold the line on our left nk didn¡¯tst even a day before they crumbled to pieces.

    "We have too many new recruits; they are indeed brave, but modern warfare is no longer like the era of the Conqueror; you can¡¯t win wars on bravery alone.

    "Troops need training andbat experience, andmanders are no different. I believe that this year¡ªeven the next, we probably won¡¯t be able to achieve an equal exchange ratio against the Prussians.

    "But I can predict for you¡ªtwo years from now! Two years from now, our battle-hardened forces will flood over the enemy like a tidal wave!"

    When Wang Zhong spoke these words, he was the picture of confidence! Knowing the course of history, his words carried weight!

    Inspired by Wang Zhong, all the soldiers wore faces full of anticipation, already fantasizing about the day they would effortlessly annihte the enemy.

    Wang Zhong shifted his tone, "But for now, we are unable to defeat the enemy; this is the reality. A goodmander needs to recognize the truth, admit when the enemy is stronger, and seek a breakthrough under such circumstances.

    "My solution is you! I cannot disclose the specific details of the mission, but I can only say that for the mission to seed, none of you can be captured by the enemy! If you can¡¯t escape, I demand that you detonate the Grenade of Glory!"

    Wang Zhong paused, and then he noticed that a soldier¡¯s chest gear was not properly fastened. He reached out to adjust it for the soldier and patted him on the shoulder.

    Wang Zhong said, "Normally, I would not make such a demand. If you have fought until your ammunition is spent, surrendering is understandable. Although I¡¯m the one whoposed that song, ¡¯I Still Have One Last Grenade.¡¯"

    The others began smiling, as the song was evidently well known among them.

    Wang Zhong raised both hands, palms facing down, and gently pressed down, waiting for theughter to subside before continuing, "That song is just my personal choice. When faced with such a situation, I would detonate thest grenade, taking the enemy with me."

    That was genuine; the current Wang Zhong was convinced he had the resolve and courage to do so.

    As soon as his words fell, the soldiers began to shout, one after another, "I would do the same!"

    "So would I!"

    Once again Wang Zhong pushed his palms downward to silence the crowd before continuing, "However, I previously didn¡¯t make this a requirement for everyone. This time it¡¯s different. This time I want each of you, when you are about to be captured, to pull the pin of your grenade. Don¡¯t let the enemy take any prisoners, don¡¯t let the enemy interrogate you!

    "I believe you could withstand the interrogation, I have faith in your willpower, but this mission is too critical to risk any slip-up."

    Everyone fell silent.

    It was then that Popov spoke up, "They are all aware of this, and they volunteered knowing the stakes, and they have already taken care of their wills and handed over their personal belongings to the designated department."

    Wang Zhong nodded, just about to continue when someone shouted, "Look, it¡¯s the general¡¯s horse!"

    Everyone turned their heads, including Wang Zhong, and indeed saw Bucephalus being led out, tethered together with the other horses participating in the mission.

    The soldiers suddenly erupted intomotion, with someone¡¯s booming voice echoing in the courtyard, "General, you can¡¯t go!"

    "Yeah, we¡¯ll go do the dying!"

    "If you fall, the troop¡¯s morale will copse!"

    "Everyone¡¯s saying it, you¡¯re the one who will lead us into Plosenia!"

    Wang Zhong originally nned to gesture again to silence the noise, but this time the trick didn¡¯t work, as everyone kept shouting.

    So he had to use his own loud voice, calling out, "Silence! Silence!"

    But at that moment, the crowd was too impassioned, and most didn¡¯t realize that it was Wang Zhong himself yelling for quiet.@@novelbin@@

    Then those who noticed Wang Zhong trying to speak started shouting, "The general wants to talk, quiet down!"

    After more than a minute of chaos, finally, the scene was under control again, and everyone shut their mouths and looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong said, "This mission is too risky, so I will not be joining. A volunteer who resembles my build will y my part instead. However, for the sake of authenticity, my horse Bucephalus will join the mission. It will be with you. When things go south, remember to follow it; after all, it has escaped from so many crises before."

    As his words ended, Bucephalus neighed.

    Wang Zhong had a sudden inspiration, "Right, Bucephalus, what you said is right!"

    Everyoneughed.

    Once theughter naturally subsided, Wang Zhong saluted everyone, "May the Ante mother be with you. If we survive, see you in Plowsonia!"

    Being saluted by a general like Wang Zhong¡ªRocossov, all the dare-to-die team members proudly lifted their chins.

    Ante People, like Earth¡¯s Russians, liked to look skyward while saluting, as if they feared neither heaven nor Earth.

    Now they returned Wang Zhong¡¯s salute in the same manner.

    Wang Zhong lowered his hand, "Move out!"

    In the first defensive line of the Prosen 16th Armored Grenadier Division, Captain Hans took shelter from the sun beneath a tent made of tarpaulins.

    He had smoked half a cigarette, and seven or eight buttsy on the ground in front of him.

    Ever since the 16th Armored Grenadier Division had forcefully halted their advance and switched to defense, they engaged in minor skirmishes with Ante reconnaissance troops daily.

    Every other day, the regiment also demanded patrol teams be organized to capture prisoners from the Ante side.

    But despite all these captured prisoners, it seemed the higher-ups couldn¡¯t figure out why the Antes weren¡¯t attacking.

    Word had it that on the right nk (the left nk for the Antes), the newly arrived Army Group had started to attack, tearing through the Ante positions with unstoppable might. Rocossov¡¯s end was nigh.

    As Captain Hans thought about this, he took another deep drag on his cigarette, reducing it to just a filter in one puff.

    He tossed the butt and stood up, picking up his binocrs¡ªas Captain Hans, he always had to be on guard for a potential Ante attack.

    Suddenly, Captain Hans froze, as if struck by a spell of petrification.

    He saw a red g! A red g!

    Wasn¡¯t this the red g that Rocossov would be flying?

    Putting down his binocrs, Captain Hans sprinted along the trenches, past the surprised soldiers, and raced to the artillery observation post.

    He pushed aside the observer using the spotting scope, adjusted its direction and zoom, and secondster, he located his target. He immediately adjusted the magnification and zoomed in again¡ª

    There was no mistaking it, that was definitely Rocossov, the man mounted on the tall white horse!

    Captain Hans had heard rumors that Rocossov would personally scout the front lines, gathering intelligence for his own armored assault.

    This meant Rocossov was indeed nning to attack, or why else would he be collecting intelligence in person?

    Captain Hans was beside himself and handed back the spotting scope to the observer, rushing for the observation post¡¯s phone, "Hello! Hello! Connect me to the division headquarters! What? Damn moles! Did the line checkers set out? Send another group! Or else I¡¯ll bash your skull in with a Grenade of Glory."

    After cursing out themunications toon leader, Captain Hans mmed the phone back onto the cradle.

    He thought for a moment and felt he couldn¡¯t pass up this opportunity, so he yelled, "Companymander! Quick! Gather thirty half-track vehicles, five motorcycles, ten Panzer II tanks! We¡¯re going to blitz out there and take down Rocossov!

    "Mortars and mountain guns, be ready. I¡¯ll give the order to fire over the radio! Hurry up!"

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    The entire Prosen defensive line sprang into action.

    Captain Hans once again pushed the artillery observer aside and observed Rocossov and his guard unit through the spotting scope.

    No tanks, just some armored cars and jeeps¡ªyes, all targets that could be easily taken care of with the machine guns on the Panzer IIs.

    He wondered what kind of medal capturing a famous general like Rocossov would merit.

    Captain Hans felt his Iron Cross heating up, as if it was about to upgrade to a Diamond Oak Leaves Swords Iron Cross!

    Just then, thepanymander entered the artillery observation post, "Ready!"

    Captain Hans said, "Good, you need to be quick. Rocossov is less than two kilometers in front of our position. Once the artillery opens fire, charge at full speed! Hit them hard! Better alive, but dead works too! Go! Today is the day you¡¯ll make your mark!"

    Thepanymander saluted and dashed off.

    Captain Hans once again peered through the spotting scope at the ducks that were almost in his grasp¡ª

    The mortars and infantry guns began firing!

    The armored vehicle column, led by Panzer IIs, charged out from cover, rushing toward a disordered enemy with murderous intent.

    "Rocossov! I¡¯ming for you!" Captain Hans¡¯s eyes were practically embedded in the spotting scope as he whispered, "Come on, Rocossov!"

 Chapter 499: Captain Vasily Slightly Understands Deception

    Several minutester.@@novelbin@@

    Captain Hans looked at thepanymander, "Where¡¯s Rocossov?"

    Thepanymander shook his head, "We didn¡¯t catch him; the enemy scattered all at once, but we found the body of a high-ranking officer."

    As he spoke, he stepped back, and two soldiers carried the stretcher bearing the badly mangled corpse.

    Looking at the rank, it was a Lieutenant Colonel, his map case still hanging intact on his body, but the document case was nowhere to be found.

    Hans asked, "What happened? Where¡¯s the document case? That¡¯s the most important thing!"

    Thepanymander turned his head and shouted, and soon someone brought over the document case, which appeared to have its strap cut by shrapnel or something simr.

    Hans snatched the document case, opened it, and quickly flipped through it, finding many messy documents.

    Hans didn¡¯t understand Antenese and couldn¡¯t make out what was written.But he vaguely felt that it was very important!

    At that moment, themunications toon leader ran over, stood at attention, and saluted, "Communications are through!"

    Hans immediately handed the items in his hands to thepanymander, "Package all of these, including the documents and the map. Assign your most trusted person to transport them in an armored vehicle¡ªno, in a tank to Division Headquarters! Wait, don¡¯t go yet, take this body as well!"

    Thepanymander turned and left, and Hans picked up the phone which hadn¡¯t been working just moments ago, "Connect me to Division Headquarters! Yes, Division Headquarters! Forget the regiment, I need to speak directly with the Division Commander, there¡¯s an emergency!" Enjoy more content from empire

    An hourter.

    Division Commander Schultz of the 16th Armored Grenadiers looked on as a staff officer who understood Antenese unpacked the document case and reviewed the documents inside.

    He watched the staff officer pick out a document, his eyebrows twisting into knots.

    Schultz hurriedly asked, "Is that a very important document?"

    "No," the staff officer shook his head, "This is a list of gifts Rocossov, the General, bought this month for thedies of the Ekaterinburg high society, addressed to... the Equipment Committee¡¯s office supply procurement department. It seems General Rocossov has been quite greedy."

    Schultz scoffed, "Isn¡¯t that just like the generals of the Empire, like Duke Meyer?"

    In the Prosen Army, it wasmon to discuss thevish lifestyle of Duke Meyer, especially among officers from the Junker Nobility, who even secretly encouraged their subordinates to discuss these matters.

    Clearly, this procurement list further detailed Rocossov¡¯s personal character.

    Schultz said, "Let the Empire¡¯s intelligence department handle these matters rted to Rocossov¡¯s lifestyle. Let¡¯s look at something else."

    Meanwhile, at the First Mobile Group Army Headquarters, Vasily whispered to Sergeant Grigori, the General¡¯s personal guard, "I made up a lot of details to make it seem more real. But I dare not tell the General; I didn¡¯t include them in the files when the General checked."

    Grigori frowned, "You with your stories again. Don¡¯t do that; you previously boasted that the General shot down a ne with his pistol, and now everyone firmly believes the General has taken down four nes with his pistol.

    "But... what did you concoct this time?"

    Vasily gave a sly smile, "It¡¯ll definitely make the Prosens believe that the guy who died was the General¡¯s confidant! Don¡¯t worry, this time our deception will definitely seed!"

    At the headquarters of the 16th Armored Grenadiers of the Prosen Army, the staff officer unfolded a thrice-folded letter, furrowing his brows as he read the contents.

    Schultz: "What¡¯s this now?"

    "So," the staff officer answered, "It¡¯s quite well-written, I just don¡¯t know who this Susanna mentioned in the poem is."

    Schultz: "Who wrote the poem?"

    "General Rocossov... at least that¡¯s who signed it, whether he wrote it himself or had a staff ghostwrite it, I don¡¯t know."

    Schultz: "Alright, alright, I¡¯m not interested in how Rocossov makes money or ys the field, find the critical documents!"

    The staff officer set down the poem and said, "I¡¯ll go through the map case first then, maybe there¡¯s important intelligence on it."

    "You should have started with the map case!" Schultz said.

    The staff officer: "I thought it was better to check the documents first to ascertain this man¡¯s identity and the authenticity of his intelligence. If it¡¯s false information, we could be misled just by looking at the maps."

    Saying so, he opened the map case, pulled out a map and unfolded it, his mouth instantly forming an O.

    Schultz took a few steps closer, standing beside the staff officer and looked closely at the map.

    He could vaguely see the direction of arrows on the map and thought it was a retreat n, so he asked, "What, is Rocossov running away?"

    "No," the staff officer shook his head, "At first nce, I thought so too, but this map has many issues upon closer inspection. For instance, there are too few supply points set up, such small stations can¡¯t sustain the retreat of arge army. Moreover, there are many cked-out spots on the map, look here, and here, these ck bars likely cover some critical text."

    Schultz stepped forward, standing beside the staff officer, peering closely at the map.

    "There are indeed many cked out sections," he muttered.

    The staff officer said, "Not just cked out, but ording to Antenese grammar, they seem to be either predicates or subjects. Erasing them renders the entire sentence unclear.

    "Our Security Department treats ssified documents in a simr manner. This certainly isn¡¯t a retreat n, definitely not!"

    Schultz stroked his chin, "Rocossov is cunning and adept at tactical deception. But now he has amassed so many tanks, it¡¯s impossible to deceive¡ª"

    Suddenly, Schultz felt a numbness in the back of his head, "I¡¯ve got it, this is Rocossov¡¯s tactical deception! He uses a small unit to retreat, fooling our aerial surveince into thinking he¡¯s running away! But in reality, he¡¯s preparing to attack!

    "ording to the files from High Command on Rocossov, he likes to personally scout the breakthrough direction before an attack, which is why our Armored Grenadiers seized the opportunity to strike him!"

    "Quick, check the map case, there should be an attack n!"

    The staff officer put down the retreat n, shuffled through the map case, but failed to find an attack map. He looked up at Schultz, hands spread, "There¡¯s no attack map!"

    "How is that possible?" Schultz personally came over to search, and indeed there was no attack map in the entire map case.

    "No!" he pped his thigh, "How could this map case possibly contain only a fake retreat map? There¡¯s definitely a problem¡ª"

    Schultz suddenly remembered something and yelled, "Quick, bring that corpse in here! Hurry!"

    Soon, the corpse of "Rocossov¡¯s confidant" was brought in, and his personal belongings, including the pistol he wore, were allid out beside in a frame.

    Schultz searched and found a box of matches.

    The matchbox was crushed, many matches already fallen out through the torn opening, almost empty.

    Schultz said, "Look at this matchbox! The man was severely injured, no longer able to open the matchbox, so he crushed it to get the matches out!"

    The Antenese-speaking staff officer had an idea, he picked up the map case and saw, "There are bloody handprints! He had opened the map case! And the bloodstains inside can also be exined!"

    Schultz grabbed the corpse¡¯s hand, "Look! His fingernails are charred ck! He burned the map that recorded Rocossov¡¯s real ns!"

    In that moment, everyone in the room felt a deep respect for this fallen enemy officer.

    Schultz released the man¡¯s hand and gently removed his own hat, "Rocossov¡¯s confidants are all such people, no wonder he keeps winning."

    The Chief of Staff asked, "Should we give him a proper burial? That might also inspire our soldiers¡¯ morale, stirring up their spirits topete with the enemy."

    "No!" Schultz shook his head, "We¡¯ll only put the spection in the report, the higher-ups might not believe it. Send this body back along with everything else, let the Corps Command send it to the rear by ne! That way, the intelligence department will agree with our judgment too! Find the craziest driver to transport all this back!"

    At the First Mobile Army Headquarters, everyone was preparing for the retreat, while Vasily, having justpleted the deception by creating a basket of fake documents, was temporarily on leave.

    He leaned against the wall watching the bustling officers in Headquarters and suddenlyughed.

    Grigori asked, "Laughing at what?"

    "I tell you, this deception is my masterpiece, several magnitudes more deceptive than before! The enemy will surely be fooled. I even want to suggest to the general not to set up a rear guard unit, just to bolt!"

    As Vasily spoke, his face was filled with pride.

    Grigori shook his head, "The general wouldn¡¯t do that, our general is peculiar, appearing reckless in battle, but he¡¯s actually quite conservative in many aspects, always ready with many ns. He would not leave without rear guards."

    Vasily said, "Yes, he won¡¯t. And he¡¯ll even stay personally at the very back, do you believe that?"

    "I do," Grigoriughed, "Then, it¡¯ll be me and Bucephalus protecting the general¡¯s safety."

    Vasily said, "I thought it was the loyal Tank 422."

    "It¡¯s the Prosen who sing ¡¯Only the loyal war chariot will grant us a steel tomb,¡¯ the general wouldn¡¯t. I¡¯ve been with the general through life and death so many times, I tell you, not once did he n to die in a charge, not once! He always believed he would return alive, that¡¯s why he made those desperate attacks."

    Grigori watched Rocossov being held down by Pavlov in his position, approving ns rted to the retreat.

    "After returning from Hell many times, you can tell which men are resolved to die," said Grigori, "Like Argesukov, I figured out the Crown Prince had no intention of living, I think the general saw that too. And the general¡¯s father, that old man also had a strong sense of it. But Aleksei Konstantinovich Rocossov never had that same aura of intending to die."

    Vasily marveled, "That sentence needs to be written down, when someone writes the general¡¯s biography, I¡¯ll provide it, it must appear in the general¡¯s biography."

    Grigori shook his head, "Maybe not, I¡¯m just a simple man."

    "I know, just now you even spelled ¡¯atmosphere¡¯ wrong."

    "What? Did I spell it wrong?"

    "Yeah, and ¡¯going to die¡¯ too."

    Grigori cursed, thenughed, "Then please make the revision a bit more literary."

    "I will."

    (The lines spoken by Grigori in this chapter were all edited versions by Vasily.)

 Chapter 500: Getaway!

    On July 28th, 915, the retreat of the First Mobile Group Army had been underway for almost six hours.

    Wang Zhong was still in the converted warehouse that served asmand headquarters, watching staff officers burn documents they nned not to take with them.

    Because it was uncertain whether the enemy would be deceived, Wang Zhong chose to stay behind to lead the rearguard troops, while Popov went to the local church to oversee the evacuation of the townspeople.

    If all the locals were evacuated, the enemy would have no civilians to hire for manualbor, which would slow their advance, so Popov¡¯s work was important too.

    As for Pavlov, he was currently directing staff officers to burn things, and once that was done, he would take the Army Group¡¯s staff clerks and leave under the cover of night.

    Wang Zhong, with his hands on his hips, found it boring after watching for a long time, and turned to ask Vasily, "This trick of yours, will it work?"

    Vasily blinked and said, "How¡¯s that? You¡¯ve prepared rearguard troops, if it doesn¡¯t work, you can hold them off, right?"

    Wang Zhong scratched his cheek, "That¡¯s true, but the casualties would be high. You know our Group Army, full of veterans and high school students¡ªit really hurts to see them go. Especially all those high school students I went to great lengths to recruit, I hope as many of them as possible survive to be the core of our fighting force!"

    Enjoy exclusive adventures from empireVasily nced at Wang Zhong¡¯s profile, saying, "Don¡¯t worry, let me tell you what I¡¯ve arranged. Once you hear it, you¡¯ll know!"

    So Vasily started to exin his arrangements.

    Fifteen minutester, Wang Zhong cursed, "Your arrangement is good, but you could have let me know, why bother putting on a show just for my approval?"

    Vasily said, "I wasn¡¯t sure if you would agree to burn the fake attack ns. It seemed too risky, and if the Prosen intelligence officers didn¡¯t have enough imagination, wouldn¡¯t that be bad?"

    Wang Zhong blinked, "True, they can be really rigid when ites to that, I¡¯ve seen it myself."

    Vasily, "So you see, making preparations for the rearguard was the right call!"

    As Wang Zhong was about to respond, Nelly came over with a tray, "Eat something, the cooking team has already left, there won¡¯t be hot mealster on."

    Wang Zhong sniffed, "Walnut jam?"

    "Yes, the locals brought out all their hidden goodies, they don¡¯t want to leave them for the Prosens, so breakfast this morning was especially rich," said Nelly.

    Wang Zhong picked up a piece of bread, broke it in two, handed one half to Vasily, and plunged the other half into the walnut jam, stirring it around until the bread was soaked with jam, dripping onto the tray.

    He bit down contentedly, the rich vor of walnut jam spreading through his mouth.

    If only the bread didn¡¯t taste so much like hardwood.

    Ah, he didn¡¯t dare to think how delicious the walnut jam would be dipped in fried dough sticks, such a pity.

    Wang Zhong crunched on the bread, reaching for a slice of pickled cucumber to toss into his mouth. In that moment, he truly felt like he had be one of the Russians¡ªno, an Antean.

    As he thought this, the weight of the Kazarlian soil in the iron box at his waist felt especially pronounced.

    With this retreat, he would be even further from the ck soil of Kazarlia.

    Although Wang Zhong knew they¡¯de back to fight, he couldn¡¯t help feeling wistful.

    When he returned to Kazarlia, he¡¯d have to visit the graves of His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and his own father, bringing the best wine. Sadly, at present, he didn¡¯t know where the Prosens had buried them.

    When the time came to liberate Kazarlia, they would surely capture many Prosen prisoners, then they could interrogate them fiercely.

    Wang Zhong thought silently about this and inadvertently finished even the unbuttered part of the bread.

    Nelly held up a cup of milk, "Drink some milk, eating dry bread is bad for your stomach."

    Only then did Wang Zhong snap out of his reverie, taking the milk and gulping it down in one go.

    At that moment, Monk Peter dodged past two groups of staff moving boxes, squeezing into the warehouse.

    Seeing Wang Zhong, he shouted from afar, "General! Reconnaissance nes! Reconnaissance nes areing!"

    Wang Zhong, "Got it! Don¡¯t worry, this time we¡¯re not afraid of reconnaissance nes!"

    He added quietly after shouting, "Provided the enemy takes the bait."@@novelbin@@

    Vasily, while eating, said, "I think they¡¯ll bite; if not, they would already be making artillery preparations against our positions."

    Monk Peter shouted again, "Then I¡¯m retreating! Damn it, when will we ever stop retreating?"

    As he spoke these words, Wang Zhong felt many in the room look up.

    Indeed, when would they ever stop retreating?

    Everybody wanted to know the answer.

    So Wang Zhong summoned all his energy and shouted, "End of this year! I promise you all, we will start counterattacking by the end of this year! From the end of this year onwards, we will not retreat!"

    Having heard this, Monk Peter stood there staring at Wang Zhong for a few seconds, then raised his hand high, thumb up, "Saint Andrew bless you, General!"

    With that, the monk turned and swaggered away, following the others moving boxes out of the warehouse.

    Vasily, "Can we really stop retreating by the end of the year?"

    Wang Zhong: "I can do it, trust me."

    Prosen reconnaissance ne number 510.

    The observer shouted loudly, "The Anteans on the ground are retreating! Just like the intelligence we received! Damn, it really looks like they¡¯re retreating!"

    Because they are indeed retreating.

    The pilot¡¯s voice came from the inte: "The enemy hasn¡¯t even burned tires to create ck smoke. If they were truly retreating, how could they do such a thing?"

    "Yeah, that sly Rocossov," agreed the observer. "I think we can send a telegram to confirm with headquarters now. The Anteans are really deceiving us, the attack will probably start soon!"

    Telegraph operator: "Shall I send the telegram?"

    "Send it!" said the pilot, "This time we¡¯ll make Rocossov regret it!"

    At that moment, Schultz was personally inspecting the defense works.

    "This tank shelter is well dug, but the firing field will be obstructed by grass after the tank enters," Schultz looked towards the great prairies of the east, "We¡¯ll have to burn all the grass. Organize a team to create firebreaks, and when the wind is favorable, set it on fire! We¡¯re not attacking anyway, and there¡¯s no use holding onto so much fuel."

    "Yes, General!" responded themander of the Armored Grenadier Corps immediately.

    Schultz continued to walk along the defense line.

    The Armored Grenadiers, bare to the waist, were feverishly swinging their Sapper Shovels, digging tank shelters, foxholes, and filling sandbags with earth.

    Schultzmanded as he walked, "Put your backs into it! Give Rocossov a bloody nose! Let him know that we Prosens are the masters of defense! Show him what an Empire¡¯s iron wall really looks like!"

    Inside the Empire of Prosen, at the Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    Giles, looking at the freshly updated map, said, "Something doesn¡¯t feel right, Your Majesty. The enemy¡¯s nk has copsed too quickly, not like they¡¯ve been reinforced. If Rocossov was to attack, he would definitely reinforce to block our right hook."

    The Emperor, hands crossed on his chest, replied, "It is indeed strange... but could it be that everything reported to us thus far is an borate ruse? We even gave a proper burial to that close confidant of Rocossov¡¯s after analyzing the body."

    Giles: "Last year, in a vige in Kazarlia, Rocossov imed to have buried many Booby Traps. To this day, our logistics and transport personnel stationed in that vige are still on edge.

    "He¡¯s very good at deception."

    The Emperor: "If it were only the documents on that confidant, I might be skeptical. But Kratt¡¯s bureau also mentioned Rocossov might attack."

    Giles: "Kratt¡¯s bureau also provided intelligence that could lead us to believe Rocossov wouldn¡¯t attack."

    "Of course, contradictory intelligence ismon. In such times, it is up to us to make a judgment," the Emperor gazed at the map, "Rocossov¡¯s goal is to tie us down, covering the retreat of the Bolsk Front Army to Mount Raoul. That goal has not been achieved, or at least not fully. There¡¯s still a heavy concentration of Bolsk enemy troops and some units 60 kilometers from Mount Raoul¡¯s pass. No, he wouldn¡¯t retreat."

    Giles: "But now... our Army Group on the Southern Front also doesn¡¯t have the strength topletely annihte these units. The supply lines are too long, and they¡¯re all on grasnds with poor infrastructure.

    "The grasnds of Nan¡¯ant are different from those of Kazarlia. Kazarlia is filled with viges, with infrastructure inferior to ours but still much better than that of Nan¡¯ant. Kazarlia has many localborers that can be hired... whereas in Nan¡¯ant, the enemy can evacuate all the residents!"

    The Emperor clicked his tongue, paced back and forth in the map room a few times, and said, "Let the Air Force give it their best shot. Maybe they can finish off the remnants fleeing toward the pass. Even if they can¡¯t finish them off, it doesn¡¯t matter; that area is all mountainous, without resources, much less industry, and no oil.

    "Our main objective is still to push east, all the way to Abawahan! To achieve this, we must block Rocossov¡¯s counterattack!"

    Giles nodded solemnly.

    Several days passed.

    Rocossov never attacked.

    July 31st, Yeisk.

    Schultz entered a house, heading straight for the kitchen, and opened the cover of the stove.

    Inside were still smoldering logs.

    At that time, a messenger entered the room, reporting loudly, "General, all the houses have been checked, all stoves have fires, the enemy clearly left not long ago! We also found traces of feeding horses in the Stables, likely left by enemy Cavalry Troops!"

    Schultz took a deep breath, "Rocossov left Cavalry behind to light stoves every day and create smoke to deceive us! Damn it, I¡¯m going out to see what¡¯s happening with the ¡¯tanks¡¯ outside!"

    Twenty minutester, Schultz broke off a clump of dried mud from a "tank," revealing the gray paint of a Prosen Tank underneath.

    "What the hell?" he cursed, suddenly bing hysterical, snatched the rifle from a guard, and started smashing the outside of the tank with the butt of the gun.

    The mud was dried out and brittle due to the heat andck of water; it shattered on impact.

    Thus the Prosen ck cross and tactical numbers were all revealed.

    It was a destroyed Prosen Tank.

    "Rocossov aahhh!" Schultz howled to the sky, "One day, I swear I¡¯ll kill you!"

 Chapter 501: Rocossov Returns to Court

    130 kilometers from St. Ye Katerina Fortress, at the Nameless Station.

    Although it was a nameless station, it had crucial water and coal refilling facilities, so most military trains would stop here temporarily. To cover the stopped trains, anti-aircraft troops had been deployed, and a temporary airfield was established. Gradually, the small town also began to flourish.

    The headquarters train Wang Zhong was on also made a temporary stop here.

    The three big shots of the First Mobile Group Army had regrouped during the retreat to Yarvik.

    After all, once the Army Group retracted, they could retreat for reorganization and recuperation and did not need to take on the defense task of the Suhayaweili River. Before boarding the train, it was natural to reorganize the entirebat sequence of the Army Group.

    After letting go of the heavily depleted First Mobile Group Army, General Gorky¡¯s Front Army pulled in two fully equipped Army Groups from the reserve armies.

    Only the wounded world of the Prosens waspleted.

    As soon as Pavlov and Popov got off the train, they began to puff on smoke. Wang Zhong, who didn¡¯t smoke, silently distanced himself from them and strolled along the tform.

    Just then, amunications staff officer jumped down from the carriage housing the radio and ran quickly towards Wang Zhong. "Report! A telegram from Yarvik."Wang Zhong took the telegram and nced over it.

    Pavlov asked, "Any news?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Nothing much, the Cavalry Regiment that stayed behind to stoke stoves every day has alle back. Only a few dozen were killed during enemy ne strafing, which is eptable."

    Popovughed and said, "Such arge-scale retreat, only a few dozen casualties, and then you say ¡¯eptable¡¯? Don¡¯t be too demanding. That¡¯s not just eptable, that deserves a cheer: ¡¯That¡¯s great!¡¯"

    Wang Zhong raised his hands, "That¡¯s great!"

    "Too perfunctory!" Popov said.

    Discover stories with empire

    Wang Zhong shrugged and handed the telegram to Pavlov, who hade over so that he could take care of filing it.

    Pavlov skimmed the telegram, folded it neatly, and handed it to a staff officer behind him. Then, after extinguishing his cigarette, he asked, "What shall we do after we get back to St. Ye Katerina Fortress?"

    Wang Zhong answered, "First, sort out the tanks. Get our elite tank operators into proper tanks. Look at the current state of the T34s, they are a mess. A two-man turret already ruined situational awareness, and now the engine and front armor are being made so shoddily. How many experienced tank operators have been killed because of these defects?

    "First thing when we get back, execute those responsible for these issues.

    "Then, see if we can get something suited for urbanbat and for breaching permanent concrete fortifications. Like a 380mm rocket or something."

    That¡¯s right, Wang Zhong wanted something like a Tiger assault gun.

    But simpler and cheaper.

    Although using a B4 heavy howitzer at a range of 500 meters was also a solution, the B4 was too fragile, and there were problems using it in street battles.

    Wang Zhong stood on the tform, looking down the railroad towards St. Ye Katerina Fortress, his thoughts already drifting to the not-too-distant future¡ªwinter of the year 915, on the banks of the Valdai Hills River, the Prosen Army, exhausted after being ground down, would be surrounded by a million-strong force...

    At that moment, another staff officer came down from the radio carriage and hurried over.

    This time it was Pavlov who took the telegram. ncing at it, he said to Wang Zhong, "The Bolsk Front Army has also fully retreated to Mount Raoul pass and is now officially reorganized into the Raoul Mountain Front Army. It seems our operations have beenpletely sessful."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Very good. Commend Vasily, put him in school for half a year, and promote him to Captain."@@novelbin@@

    Vasily was nearby, listening, "Eh? I have to go to school? No way, I want to fight alongside you, General!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "I shouldn¡¯t have much else to do for this half year; my child is about to be born! I should be staying in Ekaterinburg Fortress for about half a year or so."

    Just then, Wang Zhong saw several jeeps drive through the station¡¯s gate.

    Pavlov also noticed the jeep convoy and muttered, "Feels like they¡¯re here for us. But there¡¯s no headquarters in this small town that could bother us, right?"

    Wang Zhong said, "But there is an airfield, maybe..."

    He already knew through his cheat device who wasing in the jeep and what they were there for.

    But he had to y along.

    A group of officers and nonmissioned officers alighted from the jeep and strode purposefully towards Wang Zhong, led by a colonel.

    The private following the colonel was holding a box that clearly contained military ranks and medals.

    The group reached Wang Zhong and all saluted him in unison.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute and asked, "What¡¯s the matter?"

    "Duke Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky," one of them said, "we¡¯re here to convey thetest orders from the Military Command. You have been promoted to Admiral Rokossov."

    Wang Zhong frowned. "I haven¡¯t won any significant victories, have I?"

    Pavlov replied, "It¡¯s true that the current results might be much less thanst year, but you have already beenmanding a group of vice admirals and corpsmanders, so continuing with a vice admiral rank is not suitable. The Military Command must have considered this."

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and realized that was true. Bing an admiral wasn¡¯t bad, and it was just a step away from bing a generalmanding a Front Army.

    So, he said, "Understood, thank you for the trust of the Military Command."

    The colonel looked at him, seemingly hesitant to say more.

    Pavlov prompted, "And His Majesty the Tsar."

    Wang Zhong, "Oh right, thank you for the trust of the Military Command and His Majesty the Tsar."

    The colonel nodded, handed over the appointment to Wang Zhong, and stepped back to make space.

    The private carrying the rank insignia came forward, and a master sergeant approached Wang Zhong, asking, "May I?"

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Thus, the master sergeant removed Wang Zhong¡¯s old rank insignia and attached the new one.

    Wang Zhong straightened his clothes and smiled, "Very good, I can pretend a bit when I get back home with Liu Da!"

    However, the colonel came forward again and spoke loudly, "Next, we convey the orders of the Military Command to the First Mobile Army Headquarters. Your unit should be immediately reorganized into the Bs Expeditionary Army Headquarters, proceeding to Abawahan to take over the Expeditionary Force troops, and prepare for a special military operation in Bs."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows twisted in confusion. Now there¡¯s a special military operation as well?

    Wait a minute, there had indeed been news that the King of Bs was leaning towards Prosen, and the United Kingdom was nning to deal with Bs. Ante was going to dispatch an expeditionary force.

    He hadn¡¯t expected that he would be the one to lead this expeditionary force.

    Wang Zhong, "May I go home to see my wife and soon-to-be-born son first?"

    The colonel said, "The military situation is urgent, please understand."

    Pavlov said, "Let¡¯s go ahead; anyway, you wouldn¡¯t be much help with the initial troop handover and nning. You go to Ekaterinburg Fortress to see your wife and then quickly join us."

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov. "Aren¡¯t you going home?"

    The chief of staff shrugged his shoulders, "I¡¯m looking after our distinguishedmander, after all. Go ande back quickly. Also, if you apany the troops to Saint Ekaterina Fortress, it will be good for the morale of the troops; otherwise, if you go to Bs to fight without the old troops, many warriors will feel disgruntled."

    Vasily said, "I¡¯d be disgruntled. Can¡¯t I just not go to school? I think being a captain is pretty good already."

    Wang Zhong looked at him, "Thene back to Yeburg with me, and then go to school."

    "Do I still have to go?"

    And so, the new journey continues.

    (See the next volume for more.)

 Chapter 502: Reunion

    August 3, 915, the moment Wang Zhong¡¯s boots hit the tform, the band started ying.

    However, Wang Zhong¡¯s attention wasn¡¯t on the band at all; he was staring straight at Ludm, who was visibly pregnant, and he rushed over in haste, longing to embrace his beloved.

    But as he got close, he suddenly thought that such a tight embrace might hurt her, so he promptly changed his mind and stopped abruptly.

    Ludm: "I wouldn¡¯t mind if you just hugged me."

    Wang Zhong: "You might not mind, but I can¡¯t ask the child¡¯s opinion, can I? My dear, I¡¯m back."

    He said this as he seriously embraced his wife¡ªwell, technically fianc¨¦e, since they were only engaged.

    When the hug ended, Wang Zhong was just about to let go, but Ludm tightened her arms and kissed him actively.

    Wang Zhong felt like his tongue was almost sucked off.

    A minuteter, Ludm smacked her lips as she released her hold and backed away.Wang Zhong: "That expression doesn¡¯t look like you¡¯ve just kissed your husband; it looks like you¡¯ve just chewed on a pig¡¯s head. How was the vor? Well salted?"

    Ludm slightly furrowed her brow: "That¡¯s what you said the first time I kissed you."

    Wang Zhong surprised: "Really?"

    Ludmughed without answering.

    Damn, I¡¯ve been through so much time travel, and yet the skit jokes from before still haunt me.

    Wang Zhong, to hide his embarrassment, forcibly shifted the topic to their soon-to-be-born child, touching Ludm¡¯s belly and asking, "When is the due date?"

    "In a few days," she smiled, "you really timed your return perfectly."

    Wang Zhong: "Then you should thank Prosen; had they not been deceived by the ruse of war I proposed... or rather, the ruse implemented by Vasily, I¡¯d probably still be retreating while fighting with the rear guards."

    Ludm smiled and interjected: "Kind of likest year, right?"

    That instant, a flood of images fromst year¡¯s retreat shed through Wang Zhong¡¯s mind, with each memory featuring Ludm.

    As a child, Wang Zhong had studied a text titled "Wedding on the Execution Ground," where the teacher analyzed the enemy¡¯s brutality, the hero¡¯s courage, and optimism. Naive young Wang Zhong, however, envied the protagonist, thinking it was damn romantic for lovers to walk bravely to their death together, with the enemy¡¯s gunfire serving as wedding fireworks.

    Afterward, when assigned to write a reflection on the text, Wang Zhong wrote his heartfelt thoughts and failed.

    Now, Wang Zhong suddenly realized that he possessed the bloody romance he had always longed for.

    So he said, "I suddenly think, what if we dy our wedding a bit and use the cannonade aimed at Plowsonia as our wedding salvo? Wouldn¡¯t that be incredibly romantic?"

    Ludm didn¡¯t state her position, but the people around cheered loudly: "Great!"

    Vasily added: "And capture the then Emperor, have him shot in front of the church to boost the mood."

    "Great!"

    "This is perfect!"@@novelbin@@

    "Ura!"

    Those nearby knew what Wang Zhong had said; those further away heard only the shout of "Ura!" and the high spirits and joined in shouting "Ura!"

    Wang Zhong quickly gestured to calm down the impromptu cheering; just when he had the situation under control, Ludm said: "I disagree, I can¡¯t wait that long. Unless you defeat Prosen quickly, we could advance into Plowsonia next year..."

    Wang Zhong quickly covered her mouth: "No, don¡¯t say that; tomorrow night in the tavern they¡¯ll be saying I predicted victory for next year."

    Vasily: "Tomorrow? Hah, you underestimate everyone; they¡¯ll start saying that tonight!"

    Wang Zhong frowned slightly, turning to Vasily: "It¡¯s our reunion, why do you keep interrupting?"

    "Because the person I¡¯m supposed to reunite with hasn¡¯t arrived," Vasily said seriously, looking at Wang Zhong. "I¡¯m really anxious."

    Wang Zhong initially wanted to joke, but Ludm pulled on him.

    Although Prosen had recently reduced their bombings of Yeburg, they still bombed asionally just for the sake of it; perhaps Vasily¡¯s girl had died in one of those bombings.

    If that were the case, it wouldn¡¯t be nice to tease Vasily about it.

    Moreover, if the girl had cheated on Vasily, teasing him would also seem inappropriate.

    So Wang Zhong patted Vasily¡¯s shoulder: "She¡¯lle!"

    Damn, that feels just like Gojo Satoru saying "We¡¯ll win."

    Holy crap, I actually still remember the name Gojo Satoru!

    Wang Zhong¡¯s sudden nostalgia was interrupted by a loud cry from afar:

    "Vasily! My dear Vasily!"

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily: "Is that your mother?"

    Ludm pinched Wang Zhong¡¯s arm fiercely.

    Vasily nced at Wang Zhong, unable to hide his smile: "It¡¯s my Antean woman!"

    He then took off his hat, raised it high, and waved it, shouting as he waved, "I¡¯m here! I¡¯m here!"

    He shouted as he ran toward the girl.

    Others, seeing this, stepped aside, and finally, the two collided like cannonballs and began to bite each other.

    Wang Zhong pointed at Vasily and asked Ludm, "Were we just like that earlier?"

    "I think it was pretty simr,"ughed Ludm, then took Wang Zhong¡¯s hand. "Let¡¯s go home! You are not allowed to work today!"

    Wang Zhong said, "Don¡¯t worry, Pavlov has taken all the work! He¡¯s still on his way to Abawahan, turning non-stop with the entire Headquarters.

    "The fighters just need to rest; the staff and clerks have more to consider."

    Ludm thought for a while and said, "Should I prepare some gifts for them? The supplies in the capital are much better now than when you left; we can send them some good-quality underwear."

    Previously, items like underwear, considered unimportant, were mass-produced from synthetic fibers. They provided no warmth in the winter, were suffocating in the summer, and were extremely ufortable when sweaty, sticking to your skin like ayer of water.

    Wang Zhong said, "I think the logistics department will replenish these for them; you could better write handwritten thank you notes for Pavlov to read to them, or organize photos from their families back home to send to them."

    Ludm nodded gently, "Let¡¯s not talk anymore; let¡¯s go home."

    She pulled Wang Zhong toward the train station¡¯s main gate, and everyone hurriedly made way for them.

    Suddenly, a wild photographer from the Federation appeared!

    The shbulb burst with a puff of smoke, and the peculiar smell immediately filled Wang Zhong¡¯s nostrils.

    "What a great photo!" muttered the photographer while Mike the reporter appeared: "General, wee back from your triumph. I hear you¡¯re about to head to Abawahan to prepare for the invasion of Bs?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Our attack on Bs is to prevent Bs from turning to the evil Empire of Prosen; it is part of the World¡¯s Righteous War, so using the word ¡¯invasion¡¯ is not urate."

    Mike the reporter said, "Of course, of course! My apologies. What do you think about this joint operation with the United Kingdom? I mean, do you trust the United Kingdom¡¯s military forces?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Certainly, I think the Royal Air Force performed quite well, and I look forward to working with them. And the Royal Navy, despite being severely beaten by the Empire of Fusang, recently sank the pride of the Prosen Navy, proving their strength to be very reliable."

    "Are you deliberately not mentioning the United Kingdom¡¯s Army?" Mike asked with a faint smile.

    Wang Zhong said, "Of course not. I have heard that the Gurkha Infantry from Bha will be involved this time, and I am very much looking forward to their performance."

    The joint operation mainly involved the forces stationed in Bha, aside from a small regr number from the United Kingdom¡¯s Army, with the main forceposed of local units from Bha.

    Wang Zhong was skeptical about thebat effectiveness of the local forces from Bha, since on Earth one Earth battalion of over a hundred soldiers had been defeated by just five of our troops in a pincer movement, ultimately surrendering with the famous words: "Not only do the enemy not surrender to us, they have the audacity to fire back."

    As a Ceresan, he indeed could not bring himself to respect Bha.

    Mike the reporter keenly observed Wang Zhong¡¯s expression and said, "I can tell, you have utter contempt for Bha and the United Kingdom¡¯s Army from the bottom of your heart!"

    "I didn¡¯t say anything!" Wang Zhong raised his voice, "Don¡¯t put words in my mouth!"

    Mike the reporter ignored Wang Zhong¡¯s remarks and continued asking, "What do you think about the Federation deploying its Army for this attack?"

    Wang Zhong said, "I doubt whether the Federation can manage to send an army so far from their homnd..."

    Ludm interjected; "Isn¡¯t it inappropriate to discuss this matter here? Wouldn¡¯t it lead to a leak?"

    Wang Zhong said, "No, it¡¯s almost like an open secret; even if Prosen knows, they can¡¯t send many troops to Bs, at most some light forces."

    Mike the reporter shook his head, "I can¡¯t understand the Bs highmand; aren¡¯t they courting death by leaning toward Prosen under these circumstances?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Haven¡¯t you read the internal report of Bs? Both the United Kingdom and our Secr faction are supporting local forces; we all want to eliminate the autocratic monarchy. They¡¯re just struggling at the end."

    Ludm interrupted Wang Zhong again, "Let¡¯s talk in the car; I can take another car and let you two have your fill of discussion all the way."

    "That works." Wang Zhong nodded.

    Meanwhile, within the territory of Prosen, at the Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "Our Empire¡¯stest Battleship, the Navy¡¯s pride, was sabotaged by an old bine!" the then Emperor pounded on the table, "Where was your anti-air defense?"

    The Naval Marshal kept his head down, silent.

    It was Giles who spoke up: "Before that, we also destroyed the pride of the United Kingdom¡¯s Navy and heavily damaged the brand-new George V. I think..."

    The Emperor sat down, his hand on his forehead, "We always proimed our science and technology to be the best in the world! And then? Ourtest heavy tanks got crushed by the new tanks of the despised Anteans! Our newest Battleship had its rudder destroyed by a bine!

    "The public might start doubting whether we are truly the world¡¯s superior race!"

    The Propaganda Minister stepped forward, "Don¡¯t worry; to the public, our Navy¡¯s pride fought to the end, sinking five enemy battleships before going down. The public will sing praises of the Navy¡¯s bravery and weep."

    The Emperor was silent for a few seconds, then sighed, "That may be the only way. Have the Science Academy elerate the research on anti-ship missiles; relying solely on traditional Navy, we may never have a chance to defeat the United Kingdom and the Federation."

    Explore more at empire

    The Foreign Minister took a step forward, "Maybe we can rely on the Fusang Empire¡¯s fleet."

    The Emperor snorted, "The Navy assessed the data sent by Fusang Empire and concluded they are no match for the Federation¡¯s Navy. If the war is to continue, we must push forward the Blue n, upy Abawahan, seize the oil, and cut off the lifeblood feeding Ante."

    The Emperor paused, "Of course, we also support the Bs Royal Family¡¯s fight, and once we¡¯ve upied Abawahan, we can transport our Army there by sea."

    Just then, the door suddenly opened, and the Valuable Secretary walked in with a telegram, "Urgent report! From Admiral Erwin."

    "Read!"manded the Emperor with a sweeping gesture.

    The Valuable Secretary bowed his head and read aloud, "I have seen the Nile River."

 Chapter 503: Desert Fox

    North Africa, within the Mamluk region.

    Admiral Erwin Jonas Eugen Rommel crouched by the Nile River, raised his camera, and aimed the lens specially customized by Zeiss Company at a small boat on the river.

    There was no one on the boat, presumably because they had jumped and run seeing the Prosen Army tanks, as the boat slowly drifted downstream under a half-full sail.

    Erwin continuously maneuvered the film advance lever with his thumb, like a skilled marksman working a rifle bolt, capturing the scenery of the Nile River entirely on film.

    Behind him, a signalman ran over with a telegram but was stopped by the Deputy Officer.

    The Deputy Officer whispered, "Unless it¡¯s extremely important, do not disturb the General¡¯s photography."

    "Let hime over," Admiral Erwin said. "Reading a telegram won¡¯t interrupt my photography."

    The signalman immediately rushed to report loudly to Erwin: "An urgent telegram from the downstream reconnaissance troops, reporting that the United Kingdom¡¯s Shallow Draft Gunboat and seven river defense ships are coordinating with the Armored Troops moving south."

    While searching for traces of waterbirds through his camera lens, Erwin said, "That¡¯s faster than expected. Have our mines arrived yet?"Deputy Officer: "Not yet, currently weck the resources to blockade the river. General, advancing too quickly has drained all our troops; we can¡¯t defeat the Royal Navy¡¯s fleet."

    "Everyone knows we can¡¯t beat them. The enemy knows it too, so we can take a gamble," Erwin continued to record the scenery, "By exploiting the enemy¡¯scency, we can achieve a surprise victory. So where exactly are the mines? Hmm? What does the Navy say?"

    The Deputy Officer shrugged. "The Navy just lost theirtest battleship."

    Erwin, shocked, eximed, "What? Isn¡¯t the gship of the United Kingdom stationed at Alexandria an old, decrepit ship? Wasn¡¯t it said that the ship couldn¡¯t even reach a speed of 27 knots? How could it defeat our newest high-speed battleship?"

    Deputy Officer: "It¡¯s not in the Mediterranean¡­ Anyway, currently we don¡¯t have the mines to block the river. Also, our supplies are almost depleted."

    Erwin, cursing under his breath, looked helplessly at everything before him and carefully covered the camera lens and meticulously put the device into its protective case.

    Erwin: "Without mines to blockade the riverway, and with our ammunition insufficient, exchanging fire with the enemy¡¯s ship and artillery is not wise."

    He pondered for a few seconds, then sighed, "Retreating is too much of a pity, we can only manipte when the enemy¡¯s tactics are rigid and uninspired."

    The Deputy Officer asked, puzzled, "What should we do?"

    "Camouge. Both banks of the Nile are floodins, look at all these trees and aquatic nts," Erwin stomped on the ground, "and this ground, so suitable for digging that it would be a waste not to utilize it."

    Deputy Officer: "You intend to¡­"

    Erwin turned his head towards the north, as if his gaze reached the northernmost tip of the entire battlefield.

    "I¡¯ve always studied Rocossov¡¯s tactics from Ante, which most of our generals scoff at as child¡¯s y. But I think differently."

    Erwin paused, then continued: "What¡¯s wrong with child¡¯s y if it wins wars? It¡¯s the art of war. So, we¡¯ll imitate Rocossov, using motorcycles dragging these branches running across the desert, creating the illusion of a massive tank army withdrawing.

    "And our main forces, they will be ambushed on the Nile floodin."

    Just then, the Chief of Staff of the African military urgently arrived, catching thest phrase, and eximed, "Then how will we face the enemy¡¯s Shallow Draft Gunboat? That ship has poor defensive capabilities by naval standards but can resist our 88mm cannon well enough, and our 150 cannons might not even harm it!"

    Erwin tapped his temple with a finger: "Think, think. We can use the 88 and 150 cannons to take out the escorting ind gunboats, then board the Shallow Draft Gunboat by boat."

    Chief of Staff and Deputy Officer: "Eh?"

    Erwin continued, "I¡¯ve studied the ns of the enemy¡¯s Shallow Draft Gunboat stolen by our intelligence department. Most of their secondary cannons are unarmored, and sweeping them with heavy machine guns and autocannons could inflict heavy casualties on their personnel, not to mention tank guns and 150 howitzers.

    "And the main guns of the Shallow Draft Gunboat, they fire just one salvo every 30 seconds, as long as we are cautious with our formation, they are not to be feared. After capturing the warship, we can turn around at Lake Libor upstream, head back, strike at Alexandria. Once we¡¯ve taken Alexandria, we¡¯ll have supplies!"

    The Deputy Officer and Chief of Staff exchanged a look.@@novelbin@@

    Chief of Staff: "That¡¯s too fanciful, General, too risky!"

    Erwin looked at the Chief of Staff, "Do you think up to now, any of ourbat actions weren¡¯t risky?"

    After thinking, the Chief of Staff answered, "When we first left Libya¡ª"

    Erwin waved his hands, "No, no, no, I¡¯m talking about since Emperor started his conquest. During the Mnia campaign, we only had a few Three and Four tanks, and for a smooth advance, we activated the Brandenburg troops.

    "The northern campaign was the same, massively using paratroopers to raid the enemy¡¯s coastal fortress clusters, including risky amphibious operations. Isn¡¯t that n wild too?

    "During the Carolingian campaign, sending tank troops through the forest, wasn¡¯t that risky? And the Low Country campaign, capturing Antwerp in advance with paratroopers, those were unprecedented, wild ideas!

    "This is the glory of Prosen, and now we will continue this glory here. When we incorporate Mamluk into the empire¡¯s territory, no one will remember Rocossov anymore, everyone will praise us, praising me."

    The Chief of Staff still looked distressed, but he did not rebut further.

    Meanwhile, the Deputy Officer had gotten excited: "Indeed. In this situation, the enemy will also think we can only run, we¡¯ll definitely catch the enemy by surprise! Fantastic, General, you truly are our empire¡¯s foremostmander!"

    Erwin grimaced, "No, if I had mines, to use them to blockade the river, I wouldn¡¯t have resorted to this. But we don¡¯t have mines, no! Damn, I told the Navy I needed mines long ago, why haven¡¯t they delivered?

    "I even told the Air Force I needed mines, they vowed to deliver them usingrge seanes, but they never came!"

    At that time, even the Chief of Staff showed a sympathetic expression, "If it weren¡¯t for the ipetence of the Navy and Air Force, our logistics wouldn¡¯t be so strained."

    Erwin said, "No worries, once we take Alexandria, we¡¯ll have supplies, and we can evenunch a new offensive topletely block that canal and choke the United Kingdom!"

    August 4th, in the capital of Ante, St. Ye Katerina Fortress. Find adventures at empire

    Wang Zhong stretched and approached the dining table, picking up the newspaper that was alreadyid out.

    The moment he saw the front-page headline, all his tiredness vanished.

    The Empire of Prosen defeated the United Kingdom¡¯s river defense fleet and is approaching Alexandria?

    What the hell?

    Did the world change while I was asleep?

    Is this still Ante?

    Wang Zhong quickly checked the name of the newspaper. It was indeed still an Ante newspaper.

    Then he took the newspaper back to the room, rubbed the frontal armor of Ludm, who wasbing her hair, to make sure she was still his wife.

    Ludm looked puzzled, "What¡¯s wrong? Is there news in the paper?"

    Wang Zhong looked again at the front-page headline, "I don¡¯t know. There¡¯s a very sci-fi story here. How did he (referring to Desert Fox) manage to do this?"

    The African Army with that dire supply situation can still approach Alexandria along the Nile River?

    Wang Zhong said, "I need to make a phone call, several calls!"

    After saying that, he ran off in a hurry.

    Ludm and Nelly exchanged nces and then shrugged simultaneously.

    While Wang Zhong was busy confirming the situation, on the banks of the Nile River, Erwin handed his beloved camera to his Deputy Officer, then stood by the riverbank, posing as if he were gazing at the Shallow Draft Gunboat flying the Prosen g.

    The Deputy Officer found the right angle and pressed the shutter.

    Erwin said, "No, I shouldn¡¯t be standing like this for the shot. Bring over a Long-barreled Four!"

    "Yes!"

    The radio operator immediately began calling, and soon a Long-barreled Four arrived by the riverbank. The vehiclemander jumped down, saluted the General, "General! Salute to you!"

    Erwin nodded, casually waved his hand, and began climbing the tank. The vehiclemander hurriedly offered a hand and the driver also leaned out to help pull Erwin up onto the vehicle.

    The Admiral, with his left hand on the turret and right hand holding a telescope, posed as if gazing at the Shallow Draft Gunboat.

    Without needing hismand, the Deputy Officer started finding angles and snapped away.

    Erwin said, "Hold on, there should be some more film. Let me get inside the tank and take another picture."

    Thus, Erwin climbed into the tank, expertly put on the headphones, allowing the headband to press down on hisrge cap¡ªan iconic look of a Prosen tankmander.

    After "arming" himself, Erwin struck a pose, and the Deputy Officer took more photos.

    Erwin said, "Make sure both the tank and the Shallow Draft Gunboat are in the shot!"

    "Rest assured, General."

    While Erwin was busy, two guards nearby were chatting:

    "Why does the General keep taking photos?"

    "I¡¯ve heard the General actually wanted to be a photographer. He even won a photography prize when he was a battalionmander¡ªapparently, it was the big prize across all of Prosen."

    "Really?"

    At that moment, amunication soldier came running, saluting, "Report, the Air Force has contacted, the seane carrying sea mines will be able tond on the river today!"

    The photographing Erwin stopped and frowned as he looked at themunications soldier, "They should have been here two days ago! Then I wouldn¡¯t have had to take this risk!"

    Themunication soldier awkwardly said, "It¡¯s not like I told the Air Force not to deliver, General."

    Erwin shook his head, "What else?"

    "There¡¯s also that, the Air Force group carrying secret weaponspleted its repositioning today, and they can join the fight tomorrow. Their secret weapons are highly effective against the aged battleships of the United Kingdom¡¯s Aegean Fleet."

    Erwin replied in an uninterested tone, "Hmm, noted. We would take Alexandria without them anyway."

 Chapter 504: New Weapon Design Specifications (Extra Update 1/81)

    August 6, Wang Zhong at the Equipment Committee¡¯s desk, saw the daily paper from the Empire of Prosen delivered by the intelligence department.

    The front-page headline featured a picture of Admiral Erwin gazing at the Shallow Draft Gunboat decorated with the Prosen and navy gs.

    The photograph¡¯s resolution was very low this age,pounded by the printing quality of the newspaper, making it difficult to discern the extent of damage to the gunboat.

    Wang Zhong studied the image for a long time but could not figure it out, so he shouted, "Vasily,e trante this... oh..."

    Vasily had gone to school.

    So he changed his request and called his chief secretary and national dignitary Gabriel, "Uliyanovna, find someone who understands Prosenese!"

    Soon, a female clerk who understood Prosenese was summoned to Wang Zhong¡¯s office.

    The clerk looked very nervous, continuously adjusting her clothes and hair as she entered the room.

    Wang Zhong handed her the newspaper: "Trante the front-page headline."The clerk gasped, "Eh?"

    Wang Zhong: "Trante the front-page headline."

    "Ah, oh, okay." The clerk bowed her head and began to trante.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s chief secretary, Aunt Gabriel, watched the clerk with a stern gaze, clearly ready to rebuke her for any presumptuous behavior.

    The clerk: "The glorious Prosen Army, with courage and intelligence, annihted the insuperable ind fleet of the United Kingdom and inflicted heavy losses on the apanying ground troops.

    "Admiral Erwin Jonas Eugen Rommel ingeniously leveraged the enemy¡¯s rigid thinking, pretending to withdraw all forces¡ªthose were actually motorcycles dragging branches.

    "The main force of the African Legion was ambushed on the floodin by the riverbank, ambushed the fleet of the United Kingdom, destroyed the escort ships, and boarded the Shallow Draft Gunboats..."

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows, perplexed as to why this tactic seemed familiar, as if he might use it himself. Was this Erwin learning from me?

    The clerk continued tranting, but Wang Zhong no longer cared about the front-page content¡ªafter all, most of it was just boasting. He walked to the globe and located Mamluk.

    If Alexandria were indeed upied by Prosen, the Royal Navy would lose its most crucial naval base and might have to retreat to Maoti Ind.

    The support facilities on the ind were not very good and might not sustain the entire fleet. Moreover, the supplies stored on Maoti Ind were not abundant.

    The worst-case scenario was the Royal Navypletely withdrawing from the Aegean Sea, retreating directly to Gibraltar.

    That would give Prosenplete control over the canal, allowing their ships to pass through and enter the Bahara Ocean.

    Of course, the Royal Navy should not be weak enough to let Prosen transport materials and troops to Bs by sea.

    The disconnection of the canal route would not spell immediate death for the United Kingdom; in fact, with the diminishing air raids from the Prosen Air Force, domestic industry in Conedian where most industrial production took ce was gradually recovering.

    The industrial chain of the United Kingdom currently did not rely heavily on Bahara. Iron ore came from Oslya, coal was supplied by the Federation, and a lot of it was refined into steel in Conedian, then turned into industrial finished products.

    Bahara currently mainly provided personnel and tea.

    Wang Zhong stared at the globe and pondered for a while, feeling that even if Mamluk were taken by Prosen, it wouldn¡¯t cause a fundamental change in the overall war situation.

    But the progress on the side of the Allies would be slower, which might allow him topletely dismantle Prosen before the Allies could open a second front.

    Wang Zhong did not realize that his current strategizing greatly resembled the times before he crossed over when he yed "Hearts of Iron IV", except now he truly was a general whose decisions could determine the lives of tens of thousands, and those under hismand were no longer just strings of zeros and ones.

    At that moment, the clerk finally finished reading the front-page headline and looked up at Wang Zhong, "General, I¡¯ve finished. Should I read the next one?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, that¡¯s not necessary, you may go back to work."

    The clerk¡¯s expression immediately filled with dejection and disappointment.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t notice, as he was engrossed in envisioning how to deploy his troops on the globe.

    That was more interesting.

    Gabriel gestured to hurry the clerk out.

    The girl reluctantly left the room.

    Gabriel: "General, you haven¡¯t looked at today¡¯s documents yet."

    Wang Zhong suddenly snapped out of his fantasy, returning to the cold reality.

    "When I go off to war, themittee seems to run just fine. Do I really need to approve these documents?" he asked.

    Gabriel pushed up her reading sses, "Of course."

    Wang Zhong had no choice but to sit at his desk and start reviewing the documents./filepath> The first document was the requirements for urban siege assault guns proposed by Wang Zhong after his return.

    Themittee¡¯s clerks had transformed Wang Zhong¡¯s verbally stated requirements into detailed design specifications.

    Wang Zhong quickly skimmed through the document, shaking his head, "No, no, no, this specification¡¯s mobility is too good, but we don¡¯t need it to be very fast nor do we need it to have long-range mobility. The way I envisioned this thing, it¡¯s supposed to be transported by train to the front lines.

    "Its own power only needs to cover the segment from the station to the front line. Understand? We sacrificed mobility and firing rate for a single shot¡¯s incredible destructive power and robust protection that can move freely through cities."

    He finished speaking and looked up, seeing Gabriel¡¯s stern, unmoved face.

    Wang Zhong, "Did you hear what I just said?"

    "I will convey this to those who set the design parameters, or you can annotate thesements on the document," the statedy said.

    Wang Zhong held his forehead¡ªGabriel doesn¡¯t understand military matters, what¡¯s the use of talking to her.

    So he picked up a pen, drew a line across the speed index, and addedments next to it.

    Damn, it used to be Vasily who wrote thesements!

    After finishing this document, Wang Zhong opened the next one and found it contained the heavy breakthrough tank design requirements he had proposed after returning from the frontline.

    This actually closely matched Wang Zhong¡¯s expectations, the proposed technical specifications were very close to the Earth¡¯s IS3 heavy tank.

    It¡¯s just unclear what the actual thing would turn out to be. Although Wang Zhong recognized the IS3, he couldn¡¯t draw the design himself and had to wait for the designers toe up with something rough, which he could then alter based on his memory.

    After signing off on the second document, Wang Zhong flipped open the third document.

    "Design Specifications for a 30-ton Medium Tank with an Egg-shaped Turret"

    This was it! With Ante¡¯s current industrial level, they probably couldn¡¯t produce a real T54, but with the Federation¡¯s aid in machine tools arriving next year and the improvement in factory workers¡¯ skills, there was still hope.

    Of course, he couldn¡¯t put all his bets on this one. He needed a more secure n to raise the tank¡¯s weight to the 40-ton ss and create a new tankparable to the Leopard.

    Wang Zhong made slight adjustments to the specifications for the egg-shaped turret tank, then signed off his approval.

    Then, he stopped reviewing the documents and said to Gabriel, "Call the old principal up, I need to submit a new requirement proposal."

    Gabriel, "You should finish reviewing the documents first, who knows how long you two will talk."

    Wang Zhong thought it over and agreed, nodding, "Alright then."

    As Rocossov and his subordinates discussed the new tank design specifications, on the outskirts of Alexandria.

    Admiral Erwin stood on a hill, observing the military port right before his eyes through binocrs.

    The fleet of the United Kingdom had left its station and was bombarding the Prosen army; the fierce firepower of the battleships was indeed iparable to that of a shallow draft gunboat.

    This vicious firepower had kept Erwin¡¯s African Legion immobile for two days straight.

    Today, the Air Force had promised to deliver a powerful attack to deter the United Kingdom¡¯s fleet and force their withdrawal from Alexandria.

    However, the time the Air Force had promised had passed by an hour, and the Royal Navy of the United Kingdom was still unleashing fire on the shore, with no signs of stopping.

    Just as Erwin was about to give up, a nearby artillery spotter shouted, "nes! Our nes!"

    Erwin, who had just put down his binocrs, immediately resumed his observation stance.

    He saw a formation of Stukasing from the north. Higher up were numerous heavy bombers, but Erwin didn¡¯t see the legendary nes carrying secret weapons.

    The Stukas began to dive, and amidst their screeching, huge columns of water started to rise around the United Kingdom¡¯s naval ships.

    The enemy¡¯s bombardment squad fell into chaos, with each ship frantically trying to dodge the dive bombers¡¯ attacks.

    Simultaneously, the heavy bombers began attacking the port facilities.

    Erwin cursed, "Damn, they bombed the materials piled at the port too! We were counting on those supplies for food! Damn it! They should use the secret weapons to drive away the Royal Navy instead of bombing my supplies!"

    Experience more tales on empire

    Just then, Erwin suddenly noticed two medium bombers following behind the bomber formation entering the scene.

    He saw one of them drop a shiny object, initially thinking it was a reflection, but then realized it wasn¡¯t¡ªit seemed to have lights of its own, shing in the sky.

    Erwin vaguely remembered something from the Imperial Academy of Sciences about a remote-controlled bomb, the Fritz X something¡ªwas that it?

    Erwin watched the Fritz X fly straight toward the Royal Navy¡¯s battleship.

    He began to pray, praying that this bomb would hit its target!

    At the critical moment, the big fellow struck the middle of the battleship, immediately prating the structure near the smokestack, creating a terrifyinglyrge hole.@@novelbin@@

    The next moment, nothing happened.

    Erwin frowned deeply.

    Was it a dud? What sort of secret weapon was this,pletely useless?

    In the blink of an eye, the middle deck of the battleship bulged upwards!

    The next moment, a massive explosion urred, the orange mes burst through the deck, shooting into the sky, forming a huge mushroom cloud¡ª

    The shockwave swept through the entire port before the sound wave, shattering all the ss in the City of Alexandria.

    Then, a deafening boom almost tore Erwin¡¯s ears apart!

    The first sessful attack of the remote-controlled bomb had been achieved!

 Chapter 505: The Hot Sands Frontâ‘ 

    United Kingdom, Royal Navy HMS Warspite Battleship.

    Lord Cunningham, the fleet¡¯s deputymander, put down his telescope and watched with the naked eye as the explosion formed a mushroom cloud.

    People on the Cambridge were nervously looking for the direction of the gunfire¡ªthey subconsciously thought it was the handiwork of a main gun from arge Elector-ss warship.

    Lord Cunningham, "No need to search anymore, this is a Prosen remote-controlled bomb. The Ante Army has already experienced it and even captured an unexploded bomb. The Royal Academy of Sciences haspleted the jamming device, but it¡¯s still being tested."@@novelbin@@

    The first officer eximed in shock, "What do we do now?"

    "Have the destroyers release smoke. This thing is a paper tiger; it must be visually guided by the operator. Once the smoke obscures the view, it is just a regr bomb."

    After Lord Cunningham issued hismand, the destroyers began releasing smoke, with one G-ss destroyer rushing to the windward direction of the Warspite and starting to release smoke.

    At that moment, the telephone rang. The captain of the Warspite picked up the phone, gave two responses, and then reported to the Lord, "The anti-air observation post saw enemy nes turning back, heading 171!"

    Lord Cunningham, "Hard to port! The Anteans¡¯ report said that the bomb¡¯s tracking range isn¡¯t long. Full speed ahead!"The captain ryed Lord Cunningham¡¯s orders, "Full speed ahead, hard to port!"

    The helmsman began to frantically turn the steering wheel, while the third officer, while repeating themand and shouting "Full speed ahead," turned the engine order telegraph to the full-speed-ahead position.

    Secondster, the telegraph bell rang, and the pointer followed the lever to the full-speed-ahead position, indicating the engine room had received themand.

    The Lord gripped the handrail inside the bridge, and others also grabbed onto anything they could around them.

    Only the helmsman was still frantically turning the wheel, until it nged and wouldn¡¯t turn any further.

    The helmsman shouted, "We¡¯re hard to port!"

    As he shouted, he also grasped the wheel firmly.

    At that moment, the deck beneath everyone¡¯s feet began to tilt.

    The first officer, staring at the inclinometer, yelled, "Five degrees inclination!"

    As he was yelling, the needle on the inclinometer raced toward 10 degrees; the old Warspite was turning with all her might.

    A G-ss destroyer with the pennant number H91 crossed the Warspite¡¯s course, and the smoke pouring from its funnel directly obscured most of the view from the bridge.

    The first officer cried out, "Fifteen degrees inclination!"

    Lord Cunningham, "Steady the helm!"

    The helmsman began furiously turning the wheel again.

    But the entire ship remained tilted because it wasn¡¯t a simple task for such arge battleship to change course.

    Dozens of seconds after the helmsman started turning the wheel, the deck¡¯s tilt began to reduce.

    Lord Cunningham hadn¡¯t had time to breathe a sigh of relief when a shout came through the voice tube from the anti-air lookout, "The second one ising! I see the second one!"

    Lord Cunningham, "The pom-poms fire! If they can¡¯t take it down, disturbing its flight path is also good!"

    The sound of anti-air guns firing soon came from outside the bridge.

    Lord Cunningham himself rushed out of the Cambridge, standing on the side lookout tform, looking up at the thing that could send the fleet gship away in a moment.

    Just as he thought this, something fell less than one cable (a nautical distance unit, one cable is 185 meters) away from the right side of the Warspite, and the water ssh looked like that from a 4-inch gun explosion¡ª

    Just then, arge ssh of water rose from the sea and spouted upwards.

    The shockwave from the water reached the captain, causing the deck to tremble as if in a frenzy.

    The seawater turned into a heavy rain, falling on Lord Cunningham.

    He didn¡¯t care about that and turned to ask, "What¡¯s the situation? Any signs of leaking?"

    Ordinary people might think that a bomb explosion at a 200-meter distance wouldn¡¯t affect a ship much, but Cunningham was an old sailor; he knew that the shockwaves traveled farther in water and with greater force. Even an explosion 200 meters away could damage the hull and cause leakage.

    Depth charges could attack submarines for the same reason; an explosion of a depth charge more than a hundred meters away could also damage a submarine.

    First Officer, "Damage control is checking now, there seem to be no issues so far, just some leakage in the pipes."

    Lord Cunningham wiped off his cold sweat; the first wave had been navigated.

    At that moment, from the observation post beside Lord Cunningham, a sailor yelled, "Look!"

    Following the direction the sailor pointed, Lord Cunningham saw the front half of the HMS Queen Elizabeth Battleship, which had been split in two, rise high and then plunge down into the water.

    Stuff kept on falling from the ship, lots of which, upon close inspection, were live humans.

    From the observation deck, a sailor eximed in a low voice, "Good Lord, people are dropping like trash."

    Just as the Lord was about to respond, another sailor pointed to the sky and shouted, "Look up!"

    Expecting another remote-controlled bomb, the Lord looked up only to see countless contrails surging towards the Prosen squadron in the sky¡ªthe Royal Air Force had finally arrived!

    Cheering erupted everywhere on the HMS Warspite, from the anti-aircraft gun deck to the searchlight deck to theunch deck¡ªeveryone was cheering.

    Lord Cunningham turned his head and ordered his deputy officer, "Send our regards to the Royal Air Force. And then, have the fleet continue the task of bombarding the Prosen forces outside the city."

    "Yes, sir!"

    ---

    Admiral Erwin Rommel pursed his lips and frowned as he watched the Royal Navy Fleet at sea.

    At this moment, themunications staff reported, "The Air Force says that the Royal Air Force sent nes from nearby Ra airfields. They¡¯re questioning why we haven¡¯t upied all the airfields."

    Erwin Rommel could no longer contain his anger, "Because I need supplies! Without taking Alexandria, I have no supplies! How can I clear the airfields further east?"

    Communications staff, "So... is that the response I should send?"

    "No," Erwin took a deep breath, "just reply to the Air Force like this: Thank you for your support. Your support has provided a precious half-hour firepower gap; we have prated the city and are now engaged in close-quartersbat with the United Kingdom Army. Also, please do not bomb the harbor with horizontal bombers tomorrow, especially the harbor warehouses. We desperately need the supplies in there. That¡¯s all. Repeat it back to me!"

    Themunications staff wrote down thest word, then recited it loudly.

    Erwin waved his hand.

    Themunications staff left swiftly.

    The Admiral continued to watch the fleet, which kept firing volleys, and cursed, "How much ammunition do these ships have? They¡¯ve been bombarding for so long and still haven¡¯t run out of ammo?"

    Chief of Staff, "I hear when the Navy engages in battle, it might go on for a whole day, with night warfare as well, and continue the second wave the next day. They must¡¯ve brought a lot of ammunition."

    Admiral Erwin cursed again, "Our tanks¡¯ ammo would have run out if we fired for a whole day. Why didn¡¯t the United Kingdom¡¯s fat man actually build a cruising battleship onnd?"

    The Chief of Staff could only offer a bitter smile.

    ---

    Capital of the Mamluk Empire, under the control of the United Kingdom and the Mamluk Kingdom Army.

    General Bernard Law Margo assured the King of Mamluk, "They absolutely cannot take Alexandria. We¡¯ve got arge number of troops in the city, including the fearless Gurkha soldiers, and the Royal Navy¡¯s Marine Corps as well.

    "Moreover, we are deploying Commando special forces tonight to execute a decapitation strike on General Erwin, who is highly regarded by the then Emperor, and to blow up his supplies! The headless Prosen Army in Africa will crumble at the first touch!"

    The King of Mamluk was a massive man, almost 400 pounds, who, it was said, never stopped eating. He was currently both munching on a chicken leg and listening to General Margo.

    Only after the General finished speaking did the king reluctantly remove the chicken leg from his mouth to ponder, then said with a mouthful of grease, "Um, very good! Since the enemy can¡¯t take Alexandria, does that mean we don¡¯t have to relocate our capital? Can I tell my court manager to stop moving my gold and treasures?"

    General Margo frowned, "You¡¯ve started moving your gold and treasures?"

    The rotund king shrugged¡ªhis size made the gesture seem momentous¡ª"Just in case. I have quite a lot."

    General Margo, "Does this include the treasures of Mamluk? Like mummies and such?"

    "Ah, those. They¡¯ve all been taken by the Carolingians and the United Kingdom. We only have some stone tablets left. Have you forgotten?" the king retorted.

    General Margo felt a bit embarrassed, "Well, that was for safekeeping."

    "Yes, yes, safekeeping our artifacts, safekeeping our canals¡ªthe support of a powerful nation like the United Kingdom is trulyfortable!" the portly king replied sincerely.

    General Margo suddenly didn¡¯t want to continue the conversation any longer. He said, "Then I will continue taking care of military matters. If you have any needs, please direct them to the governor."

    With that, he didn¡¯t wait for the king¡¯s response, saluted, and left the sumptuous hall.

    Outside, the hot winds from the desert hit General Margo¡¯s face, causing him to break out in a thin sweat immediately.

    His deputy officer waited outside, standing up as soon as he saw Margo walking out, "General, the Division Commander of the Seventh Armored Division is waiting for you at Headquarters."

    Margo nodded, "Good, the Prosens are certainly weary by now. Once they break into the city and get entangled with the Marine Corps and the Gurkhas for a day or two, we¡¯ll be ready for the counterattack. We must ensure that the ¡¯Desert Fox¡¯ meets his downfall this time."

    General Margo took a deep breath and turned to look at the sky¡ªmirages had appeared, allowing him to clearly see the Sphinx and the Pyramids of Giza far away in Ra¡¯s outskirts.

    General Margo, staring at the mirage, said, "Who would¡¯ve thought we¡¯d also resort to using Ante¡¯s Rocossov¡¯s tactics, using space and supply distance to wear down Prosen¡¯sbat power. It¡¯s unpleasant, like admitting Prosens are a superior race."

    Deputy Officer, "But in the end, we will win. The one who wins in the end is the superior person, aren¡¯t they?"

    Margo thought for a moment and thenughed, "You¡¯re right, the Prosens might be good fighters, but in the end, if we win, that means we are superior. Let¡¯s go to Headquarters." Experience tales at empire

 Chapter 506: The Hot Sands Frontâ‘¡

    That night, outside the City of Alexander.

    Although it was summer, the City of Alexander was close to the equator, so it got dark very early.

    A shallow draft gunboat captured by the Prosens anchored near the ferry crossing of a small vige outside the city, continuously firing heavy artillery into the city.

    The United Kingdom¡¯s fleet at sea had been trying to attack this heavy artillery ship, but the seanesunched by catapult were too vulnerable in front of Prosen Air Force fighters to provide sustained corrective shooting.

    The Prosen side relied on the artillery observation post on the mountain to continuously guide the shallow draft gunboat¡¯s fire.

    However, neither side had achieved a hit.

    Now that night had fallen, the artillery observation post could no longer see the enemy ships, so everything quieted down.

    At eight o¡¯clock sharp, the sky had almostpletely darkened, and a Prosen captain emerged from the hut used as a guard post, beginning to fulfill his duty, routine patrol¡ªevery two hours on the dot, even the time the captain arrived at each post was urate to the minute, a true disy of Prosen punctuality.

    The captain, with his usual stride, illuminated each sentry with a shlight as he proceeded along the dock¡¯s outer wall.Suddenly, a figure emerged from the bushes, grabbed the captain from behind, and covered his mouth.

    Before the captain could struggle, the syringe plunged into his carotid artery with exceptional precision. An unknown liquid was pushed a little bit into his bloodstream.

    The captain¡¯s body immediately went limp, and the figure dragged him into the shadow of the outer wall.

    A momentter, the "captain" emerged from the shadows, slightly taller than before and now wearing a pair of sses.

    The "captain" continued down the path he hade from and approached the north gate. He waved to the two soldiers manning the machine gun, "How¡¯s it going?"

    The two soldiers saluted in unison, but the master sergeant machine gunner immediately noticed something amiss, promptly raised his submachine gun, and clicked off the safety, "You¡¯re not Captain Yeager!"

    "Captain Yeager has diarrhea, maybe mria, so I¡¯m taking over his patrol duty, which is why I¡¯m a bitte," the "captain" said, pulling out his identity card and handing it over to the master sergeant machine gunner.

    At this time, an entire toon dressed in Commando Force camouge uniforms and wearing berets appeared on the machine gun-guarded main road.

    The tall man leading them wore only a vest, revealing muscr arms, and held a Scottish ymore; behind him were a Scottish bagpipe and the United Kingdom¡¯s traditional longbow.

    He nced at "Captain Hoffman," nodded slightly as a sign, and then tiptoed past the machine gun emcement and into the dock.

    Soon, away from the machine gun emcement, ropedders were thrown over from the other side of the fence, and the waiting Commando Force members approached thedders and began to scale the wall.

    Captain Hoffman shifted his gaze back to the two men in front of him.

    The master sergeant machine gunner, scrutinizing the identity card under the light: "Captain Hoffman, huh? Howe I¡¯ve never heard of you?"

    Captain Hoffmanughed, "Because I just got transferred here, along with the supply convoy that barely made it this afternoon. Dammit, the journey here was tough. Last year, I was in Ante for the winter campaign, and it was just as bad.

    "Our enemies, unable to beat us, resort to such despicable tactics!"

    The less experienced assistant gunner chimed in, "Right! They¡¯re too cunning; why can¡¯t they fight us head-on?"

    The master sergeant still furrowed his brow, "I can¡¯t find an issue with this ID; were you wounded and discharged from the troops? Then why didn¡¯t you return to your original unit after recovering?"

    Captain Hoffman spread his hands, "Because the unit was wiped out; it¡¯s that simple. They were going to send me to the West Wall to join the coastal defense troops there, but I said that an invasion might not happen this year and that going to the West Wall would only result in growing mushrooms. I asked to go somewhere where there would be action.

    "So, I came here."

    The master sergeant nodded, epting the exnation, and handed back the identity card to Captain Hoffman.

    Captain Hoffman took the ID, sliding it into his pocket while asking, "Anything to report?"

    "Nothing, all normal," said the master sergeant machine gunner, turning his head at the mention of the road, pointing. As he turned away, the remaining Commandos who hadn¡¯t scaled the wall yety t on the ground, using the shadows as camouge.

    Captain Hoffman: "No other officers have passed through?"

    "No, Captain."

    "What about vehicles passing through? Have you noticed anything peculiar?"

    "Nothing."

    Captain Hoffman asked a series of questions like this until all the members of the Commando Squad had climbed over the fence.

    "Alright, that¡¯s all from me; carry on with your duty, soldiers!"

    Captain Hoffman saluted the two soldiers and walked steadily toward the next post.

    The two soldiers watched him leave, and then the assistant gunner asked the master sergeant, "That Captain Hoffman is quite talkative, isn¡¯t he? Unlike other officers who don¡¯t have much to say to us grunts."

    The master sergeant shook his head, "Good guys like that die fastest."

    The assistant gunner: "Really?"

    "Yeah, I¡¯ve seen it a lot. Stay on your guard."

    Captain Hoffman, afterpleting his patrol, did not return to the security office but quickly disappeared into the darkness, skillfully navigating through the port area.

    Soon, he heard the call of a Toothpick Bird, amon bird near Alexandria. However, this call was rhythmic, and normal Toothpick Birds did not call like that.

    Captain Hoffman spoke up, "Lightning."

    The shadowy figure who had been holding a longsword leaped out, "Thunder!"

    Captain Hoffman, "Now that you¡¯ve shown yourself, why bother with a password? I can¡¯t imagine anyone else using your gear forbat."

    Longsword man, "Procedures must be followed. Alpha Squad has hit the water, targeting the Shallow Draft Gunboat. If the Prosens can capture it by boarding, we can sink it the same way.

    "Beta Squad will head to the supply depot to nt explosives after Alpha Squad seeds, prepared to destroy Prosen supplies.

    "And you, me, and Charlie Squad are going to find Erwin. He¡¯s a big star, having made a name for himself in the Carolingian campaign, and now he¡¯s fighting his way to Alexandria with so few troops. He might be awarded the rank of Marshal when he returns home."

    Captain Hoffman, "I need to get myself a... more intimidating uniform. The rank of Captain is too low, I have prepared documents ranging from Lieutenant to Colonel, and a whole basket of fabricated experiences. It¡¯s not quite right to just have me wear a captain¡¯s uniform."

    Longsword man, "On my way here, I saw theundry room. Gonif! Get a colonel¡¯s uniform from theundry room!"

    "Right away." Gonif was a tall and thin figure who, upon receiving the order, vanished into the night like a monkey.

    Longsword man, "It won¡¯t be a long wait."

    Captain Hoffman nodded.

    The longsword man extended his hand, "Jonathan Jojo, everyone calls me Jojo."

    Captain Hoffman shook Jonathan¡¯s hand, "My name isn¡¯t important. You can call me Doctor."

    "To be known by code names, then? That¡¯s fine."

    "Yes, after all, who knows if after we finish with the Prosens, we will be enemies."

    Jonathan, "You¡¯re also part of the Mamluk independence movement? I heard you once tried to contact the Prosens to fight alongside them."

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    "And then we saw them massacre the natives of Pelusium. Like you, they don¡¯t treat us as people and don¡¯t want to give us freedom," the "Doctor" said.

    Jonathan wanted to add more, but Gonif returned with the uniforms, "Here, I was afraid of picking the wrong one, so I grabbed a few extra!"

    Jonathan¡¯s eyes brightened, "Good, then we¡¯ll disguise a few more people. The lower-ranking ones just won¡¯t speak, and Doctor will lead us to Erwin."

    "The Doctor" said, "When this ce turns into chaos, the guard around Erwin will surely be depleted. We strike then, aiming to take him down directly. If possible, we can capture him alive! That would surely deal a severe blow to Prosen morale andbat will."

    Jonathan, "Capturing him alive might be difficult, especially how we¡¯d carry him while fleeing. I don¡¯t n to die here, none of us do. Better just to take him out."

    "The Doctor" nodded, "Respect your choice. Let¡¯s move."

    And so, under the lead of "Doctor" the "local", Charlie Squad followed the path from the harbor towards the African Army Headquarters, creeping towards their target.

    Outside the Port of Alexandria, in a vi of typical Mamluk style, Erwin was reading reports submitted by various units.

    The Chief of Staff spoke at his side, "Our army is in severe shortage of supplies. Some toons need to concentrate their submachine gun bullets for a few skilled machine gunners. To cope with the ammunition shortage, the units have had to resort to United Kingdom weaponry, and at present, there is a flood ofints about the Sten Submachine Gun, considered a very bad weapon."

    Erwin, "But that¡¯s all the enemy has to use, so no worries. What I¡¯m more concerned about is, it mentions here the enemy engages in hand-to-handbat with strange curved des?"

    He pointed to a line in the document.

    The Chief of Staff nodded, "Yes, the enemy..."

    That instant, there was a sh outside.

    Then the shockwave arrived before the sound could catch up.

    The vi, being used as Headquarters, had its windows already shattered by the explosion of the Royal Navy gship earlier that day; thus, the shockwave now turned into a fierce wind that poured into the room.

    Atst, the sound arrived¡ª

    Erwin stood up and ran out of the room, looking from the terrace toward the port where an orange ball of fire rose.

    The Shallow Draft Gunboat that had yed a significant role in today¡¯sbat had exploded!@@novelbin@@

    The Chief of Staff, a step slower exiting the room, eximed, "Does the enemy also have Fritz X?"

    Erwin, "No! It¡¯s Commandos! Our forces in the north often get ambushed by these bastards! Those mixed breeds from the United Kingdom! Hurry, the enemy certainly ns more than just to destroy the Shallow Draft Gunboat. There must be more squads in action! Sound the rm!"

    Soon the rm red.

    The weary soldiers of the African Army jumped from their beds at the sound, quickly assembling with the utmost speed.

    Erwin, "It¡¯s the supplies, they¡¯re targeting our supplies! Quick, send troops to the depot and the docks!"

 Chapter 507: The Hot Sands Frontâ‘¢

    Several minutes after Admiral Erwin¡¯s orders were issued, another explosion urred towards the port.

    The mushroom cloud from the Shallow Draft Gunboat hadn¡¯t dispersed before a new mushroom cloud rose into the sky.

    The shockwave turned into a gale, shing across Admiral Erwin¡¯s face like a knife, and nearly blew his hat away had he not caught it swiftly.

    Erwin¡¯s Deputy Officer also ducked with his hand on his hat, shouting loudly, "It¡¯s over, look at the size of that explosion, our ammunition is done for!"

    "Take these bastards out!" Admiral Erwin roared, "We can¡¯t let them get away unscathed! For the honor of Prosen, surround and annihte them!"

    "Yes!"

    The Deputy Officer turned to ry the orders.

    At that moment, Erwin heard a guard shouting outside the Headquarters, "Akh, it hurts!"

    He tensed up immediately, "Go see what¡¯s happening! What are the guards shouting about?"The next moment, the rattle of machine guns filled the air.

    Prosen infantry and Armored Grenadiers were well equipped with machine guns, and five tripod-mounted heavy machine guns were set up around the Headquarters, with the one at the main gate now firing.

    The next moment, the sound of a grenade explosion forcefully cut off the gunfire.

    Then came the ¡¯tat-tat-tat¡¯ of sweep fire, which was clearly different from the MP38/40 submachine guns used by Prosen forces, sounding more hollow.

    The Deputy Officer rushed in from outside, reporting loudly, "The enemy is attacking the main gate, looks to be about a toon¡¯s strength! General, let¡¯s move out through the rear door!"

    "No," Erwin shook his head, "The most vulnerable time is during a move. Don¡¯t worry, we still have tanks here!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, another explosion sounded outside, and everyone in the room turned just in time to see the turret of a Panzer IV belonging to the African Army Corps flying into the air.

    It was one of the short-barreled Fours.

    The African Army¡¯s equipment was poor, with even some units still using the Panzer III with its 37mm gun.

    Admiral Erwin¡¯s Deputy Officer turned pale, "This ce is no longer safe, there¡¯s no telling how many enemies will break in. The United Kingdom¡¯s special forces have achieved many victories in the northern countries, we mustn¡¯t underestimate them! Let¡¯s go, General!"

    Erwin pursed his lips, hesitated for a moment but still grabbed the camera from the table, "You¡¯re right, we¡¯ll move to the 15th Armored Division Headquarters. Let¡¯s go."

    The Deputy Officer, relieved, immediately summoned three guards, who surrounded the Admiral and headed towards the Headquarters¡¯ rear door.

    No sooner had they stepped out the door than the lead guard suddenly clutched his throat and fell.

    The Admiral hadn¡¯t heard a gunshot, only the whisper of an arrow.

    Before anyone could react, a second "whiz" came through the air. The Deputy Officer reacted quickly, pushing the Admiral out of the way, only to get a one-meter-long arrow shot into his shoulder!

    Erwin¡¯s eyes widened as he stared at the arrow, subconsciously unfastening the camera case, intending to take a picture.

    However, the remaining guards pounced on him and covered himpletely with their bodies.

    At the same time, the shoulder-shot Deputy Officer, holding the Sten Submachine Gun with one hand, began firing into the darkness.

    A third arrow struck true, hitting his throat and cutting off the gunfire immediately.

    The Deputy Officer attempted to speak, but only a hissing leak of breath sounded.

    Then the rip of canvas-like machine-gun fire erupted, as a Panzer III Command tank approached, firing on all cylinders and using its hull to shield Admiral Erwin and the guards.

    Erwin yelled, "Turn on the headlights! Turn them on and light up the enemy!"

    The Panzer III¡¯s tankmander had already been half-out of the turret and, hearing Erwin¡¯smand, immediately ordered the lights on.

    The tank¡¯s headlights came on, illuminating the pitch-ck yard as if it were broad daylight.

    A United Kingdom soldier poised with a longbow, ready to shoot, was also lit up.

    Erwin, upon seeing this soldier, also instinctively thought to take a photo, but the man vanished like a startled mole.

    The machine gun¡¯s tracer bullets immediately tore up the ground tiles where the enemy had been.

    A Molotov cocktail flew in from nowhere but was thrown too far,nding on the tank¡¯s tracks and igniting them.

    The tank itself was unaffected, with the machine gun continuing its relentless fire.

    Erwin heard someone shout something in Onsanguage.

    Quick as a sh, a three-wheeled motorcycle, used by the Corps Command¡¯s messengers, sped into the yard, the rider ducking low as he and the bike dashed through the co-axial machine gun fire of the tank turret, heading for the rear door of the Headquarters.

    Passing the gatehouse, that "bowman" sprinted out and jumped onto the vehicle.

    He slung the bow over his back, took out the bagpipes, and began to y an unidentified tune.

    To the mncholic sound of the bagpipes, the United Kingdom soldiers stopped their attack and disappeared into the darkness.

    The gunfire quickly fell silent.

    Admiral Erwin: "All right, you two, let me get up!"

    No response came.

    The admiral could only push away the two men pinning him down by himself, and it was then that he discovered both guards had an arrow lodged in their backs, soaked thoroughly with blood.

    Erwin pulled out an arrow and examined it closely.

    The design was ancient, yet it was clear that it had been crafted with advanced modern techniques.

    Erwin dropped the arrow, stood up, and looked at the four corpses around him.

    The deputy officer still had his eyes open, disying an unwillingness to let go.

    Erwin squatted down, took out an undelivered letter and the photograph of his fianc¨¦e from the deputy officer¡¯s pocket, and with a sense of formality, tucked them into his own, then gently closed the deputy officer¡¯s eyes.

    At that moment the chief of staff hurried over: "We¡¯ll be ready to burn the maps and move to the 15th Armored Division Headquarters shortly."

    "There¡¯s no need, the enemy has already retreated," Erwin waved his hand dismissively, "Count the personnel and bury the dead."

    He spoke while turning his back, facing the riverfront docks aze with fire.

    To tell the truth, this brush with danger and the death of the deputy officer dealt a considerable blow to the "Empire¡¯s most promising Novae."

    After a brief contemtion, he said, "We might not be able to take Alexandria. We must retreat back to Tobruk before the enemy starts to counter-attack."

    The chief of staff nodded: "I agree. In fact, I¡¯ve wanted to suggest a retreat for a while. After all, our principal Armored Divisions have suffered severe equipment losses, and the enemy¡¯s Seventh Armored Division disappeared from the frontline two months ago and should now be fully rested and re-armed.

    "We only have 88 mm guns and a limited number of long-barreled Four tobat Matilda II tanks. If theyunch an attack, the situation will turn very grim."

    Erwin nodded: "You¡¯re right. Let¡¯s retreat. I¡¯ll handle the Emperor¡¯s side of things."

    The chief of staff shook his head: "No, general, the Emperor didn¡¯t really expect you to sever the canal. He probably just wanted you to hold up the United Kingdom¡¯s forces at Mamluk.

    "They pose less of a threat in the remote North Africa than if they were tond on Sicily and menace the southern reaches of the Empire."

    Erwin furrowed his brow; he had already deduced the Emperor¡¯s intentions but was reluctant to carry them out. Engaging in a mere holding action was not at all in line with his military philosophy.

    What Erwin revered was offense, relentless offense, that forced the enemy into a continuous retreat, screaming for mercy.

    Unfortunately, now they could no longer sustain the attack, burdened by the overextended supply lines, alongside unimpressive Air Force support, forcing his offense to draw to a halt.

    Erwin turned to gaze at Alexandria¡¯s still-burning port.

    He pulled out a camera, framed the city through the viewfinder, but didn¡¯t press the shutter.

    Because without an AIpensation algorithm, nighttime photography without a sh wouldn¡¯t capture anything¡ªno, even with a sh, it wouldn¡¯t yield any good photos.

    Erwin put down the camera and etched the scene before him deeply into his memory.

    "We made it to Alexandria," Admiral Erwin told the chief of staff, "We got there!"

    The chief of staff too turned towards the city and nodded firmly: "Yes, we did."

    The next morning at dawn, General Margo arrived at the Seventh Armored Division¡¯s assembly area in a jeep.

    The Seventh Armored Division had just been re-eqipped with arge number of M4 Sherman tanks, and after months of rest in Mamluk¡¯srgest city, Ra, their morale was high.

    Seeing the general¡¯s jeep arrive, the tank operators ceased their final checks and shouted: "General! When are we going to give those Prosens a thrashing?"

    Margo stood up in the jeep and yelled back at the soldiers: "Now! Dammit, you¡¯ve already received your orders!"

    The jeep continued on to the head of the column.

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    Division Commander Smith greeted him with a salute, then asked: "General, do you intend to lead us into the charge personally like Erwin would by jumping into a tank?"

    Margo shook his head: "No. The Prosen¡¯s Erwin would do that, Ante¡¯s Rocossov would do it, and the Federation¡¯s young George would probably do the same. But not me, no. First off, I¡¯m an infantry officer..."

    Division Commander Smith: "So is Erwin, he even wrote a book on the joint offensive of infantry and artillery."

    Margo: "But now he¡¯s seen as an outstanding armored troopsmander, at least that¡¯s what Prosen newspapers say. Same for Rocossov, and George, well, he¡¯s the one who built the Federation¡¯s Armored Troops.

    "Look at me, I can¡¯t even drive a tank, not even a little bit."

    Smith: "General, a tankmander doesn¡¯t need to know how to drive, only how to give orders. Care to give it a try?"

    General Margo raised an eyebrow: "Really? Maybe I¡¯ll consider it..."

    But he immediately shook his head: "No, better not."@@novelbin@@

    Smith: "How about this? You could stand in a Sherman, with the upper half of your body showing, holding binocrs, just in time for a photographer from The Times to snap a photo of you."

    General Margo stroked his chin thoughtfully for a few seconds and nodded: "Okay, that¡¯s not a bad idea. Pick out a Sherman in good condition for me."

    "All Shermans are in good condition, General, we¡¯re prepared to strike at the Prosens."

    General Margo removed his medalden jacket: "Here, lend me one of the tank operator¡¯s uniforms, let¡¯s take a picture tomemorate driving the Prosens out of Alexandria!"

 Chapter 508: The Birth of Little Rocossov

    August 10th, as soon as Wang Zhong opened his eyes, he dashed out of the room in his pajamas, and immediately ran into Nelly.

    Nelly directly pulled out a thick stack of newspapers, "Today¡¯s papers, the intelligence department has already tranted all the Prosen newspapers they provided."

    Wang Zhong said thanks and immediately began flipping through the papers, pulling out the front page of the Prosen newspaper and muttering, "There¡¯s no headline about capturing Alexandria, no photos of Admiral Erwin showing off his might, good. At least this means Alexandria hadn¡¯t fallen by the 5th."

    These papers were allegedly obtained by Antean spies lying low in embassies of Neutral Countries, first flown back to Neutral Countries, then transported over through awork of spies, typically arriving three to five dayste.

    Wang Zhong then took out The Times from the United Kingdom, which was much timelier, first flown to the Federation, then channeled through the Federation¡¯s air transport to Ante, finallynding at the Capital airport.

    Of course, as soon as The Timesnded, it was tranted immediately.

    The front-page photo of The Times on the 7th was of General Margo sticking his head out of a tank to observe the distance. Wang Zhong recognized at first nce that it was an M4 Sherman and immediately noticed General Margo wasn¡¯t wearing headphones nor the throat microphone used for the M4.

    Posing for pictures, are we?

    Wang Zhong was someone who had personallymanded tank charges, and he knew that without headphones, you couldn¡¯t hear what other people were saying, even in a tank with good human-machine ergonomics like the M4.Especially when the tank was moving, the tter of the gearbox and the sound of a wrench banging on the tank¡¯s inner wall could drown everything else out.

    Observing Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, Nelly asked, "What¡¯s wrong? Is the situation bad?"

    "No, if they used this photo for the front page, I guess they won."

    While saying this, Wang Zhong looked at the title¡ªtrantion in small letters next to it, which read: The Seventh Armored Division inflicts heavy damage on the Prosens, Alexandria Port is safe!

    It seems that even Jude couldn¡¯t cut off the canals.

    Wang Zhong read the headline article carefully and found that the African Legion led by Admiral Erwin had not been severely damaged.

    The title said that the Seventh Armored Division had inflicted heavy damage on the Prosens, but in reality, the Seventh Armored Division¡¯s attack was stopped by the 88mm guns, and by the time they attacked again, the poor mobility of the Matilda and Churchill tanks meant they couldn¡¯t catch up with the Prosen Army.

    Moreover, reading to the end, Wang Zhong realized that what had actually yed a key role was likely the Commando special forces; these tough guys blew up the Shallow Draft Gunboat the Prosens had captured and destroyed the supplies the Prosens had obtained with great difficulty. They even nearly killed the Prosens¡¯mander, Admiral Erwin.

    Why does the United Kingdom excel in special operations in every reality?

    I really want some of these tough guys for special operations too!

    Unfortunately, Ante couldn¡¯t systematically mass-produce tough guys now, they just scattered a bunch of unevenly trained recruits onto the battlefield to see if any tough guys would emerge, and if they did, award them the Antean Heroic Venus medal.

    Wang Zhong had thought about recruiting the Venus Heroes together for a devilish week of training to be a special forces unit.

    But nomander would let go of theirbat backbone who had received the Venus, and Wang Zhong himself would never agree to let hisbat backbone be transferred away.

    Besides, with the Antean regr units performing so poorly, taking away thebat backbone would definitely make things worse.

    Thus, Wang Zhong had vetoed the idea of establishing special forces for special operations several times.

    Now, seeing the United Kingdom¡¯s special operations, the idea of engaging in special operations surged again in his mind.

    Maybe... I could rough up a unit of Naval Infantry and form them into a special operations brigade, then find a seasoned instructor from the United Kingdom to train them for a year?

    After a year, all the nes and whatever else needed for special operations would definitely be sorted out, and they could be airdropped behind enemy lines to cause chaos.

    Wang Zhong held the newspaper, mulling over these thoughts.

    Suddenly, Ludm¡¯s voice burst from the bedroom, "Alyosha! Hurry! Come here!"

    Wang Zhong dropped the newspaper and rushed back into the room.

    Nelly turned and ran, shouting while running, "The madam is going to give birth, get ready! Find the doctor! Also, call Auntie Prenina! Hurry!"

    Aunt Prenina was a professional midwife who hade to live in the Rokossovsky family¡¯s mansion from a month ago.

    Wang Zhong burst into the room and saw Ludm clutching her belly in pain, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Ludm, "What do you think? The little one wants toe out!"

    "I¡¯ll take you to the hospital now!"

    "No, there¡¯s no time, just like this. Help me up, change to a proper position!"

    As Wang Zhong was about to move, the door flew open, and Nelly led a group of maids rushing in.

    The maids directly pushed Wang Zhong aside, started adjusting Ludm¡¯s position, and ced essentials like a basin directly in front of her, with towels, gauze, and other various items all prepared.

    Wang Zhong was anxious by the side, but as he had no idea what to do in childbirth, he could only try to offer some help verbally, "Be careful with her, and is this really reliable?"

    A middle-aged maid turned around and gave Wang Zhong a reassuring smile, "Don¡¯t worry, General, we¡¯ve all been through childbirth, we know what to do."

    Wang Zhong pointed at Nelly, "She¡¯s been through it too?"

    "Oh, except for your personal maid, all of us have. Just rest easy."

    As the seasoned maid finished talking, the door swung open again, and in burst a woman who looked like she could take down two bears, rolling up her sleeves as she entered saying, "Everything is ready. Madam, please take a deep breath, calm yourself, being too tense makes it harder for the baby toe out. If you¡¯re too nervous, have some vodka!"

    Wang Zhong was rmed, "Vodka? Is that appropriate?"

    Vodka for a woman about to give birth? What kind of practice was that?

    Even Russians can be too tough, huh?

    No, I can¡¯t allow such unscientific nonsense!

    The midwife seemed to guess Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts and smiled reassuringly, "Don¡¯t worry, General, I¡¯ve delivered thousands of children. Your wife is in the best of conditions, and there definitely won¡¯t be any problems."

    Wang Zhong nodded, still somewhat doubtful, and asked, "So what can I do?"

    "You," the midwife beckoned Wang Zhong over, parted the maids, and pulled him to the bedside, "crouch down, hold her hand and smile at her. That¡¯s all you need to do, and something only you can do."

    Hence, Wang Zhong crouched and took Ludm¡¯s hand. Experience exclusive tales on empire

    At this time his mind was filled with various soap opera childbirth scenes, but none of them matched the current situation. In those dramas, childbirth scenes usually took ce in hospital corridors, with the operating room lights shing "in surgery," and, after a while, a doctor would ask, "Do we save the mother or the child?"

    Wang Zhong had already made up his mind; he¡¯d definitely choose to save the mother.

    But the scene before him nowcked a doctor. The midwife was a robust dame who looked strong enough to wrestle two bears, making him feel she would pull out the child regardless of the mother¡¯s well-being.

    At that moment, Ludm chuckled, "Alyosha, you look more nervous than when you charged at a group of Prosen Tanks!"

    Wang Zhong: "Ah? Is it that exaggerated?"

    Ludm nodded, and as she did, a drop of sweat fell from her temple onto her corbone.

    Wang Zhong gripped Ludm¡¯s hand tighter, "Don¡¯t be nervous, I¡¯m nervous enough for both of us. Just rx and let the little one¡ª"

    "Here ites!" the midwife shouted.

    Wang Zhong: "What thing?"

    Ludm couldn¡¯t restrain herughter, "Seeing you so tense, thinking that I¡¯m scarier than the Prosen Army, just makes meugh uncontrobly."

    Wang Zhong: "And then you¡¯re not nervous?"

    Meanwhile, the midwife was cleaning the baby¡¯s nose and mouth, cutting the umbilical cord, and the maids were busy cleaning Ludm.

    The Rokossovskys were in their little world, oblivious to others.

    Ludm: "Actually, I felt much better when you held my hand. I didn¡¯t expect it would go so smoothly; some people have to endure such pain until the baby is born and it canst for ages."

    Wang Zhong: "True, it took you only a short while, it came out with a plop, just like taking a big dump."

    Maybe the child¡¯s nickname should be Poop; I wonder if the Anteans believe in the tradition of using an embarrassing nickname to ensure easy upbringing.

    Ludm: "How can you say that! If the child finds out you said this, he¡¯d be so heartbroken."

    "No problem, if anyone tells him that, I¡¯ll have them executed by firing squad," Wang Zhong joked.

    Ludm pushed him yfully, "The maids are all listening! You can¡¯t make such jokes!"@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, the baby¡¯s vigorous cries resounded, simr to an air raid siren. The midwife let out a huge sigh of relief, "Okay, okay, he is finally crying! If he didn¡¯t start soon, I¡¯d have had to take measures."

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered, when he was in elementary school, he met the doctor who had delivered him. The doctor said, "When you first came out, you wouldn¡¯t cry no matter what we did. Finally, I flipped you over and pped your feet hard, and that pain made you wail."

    It seems the child is definitely mine.

    Wang Zhong, holding Liu Da¡¯s hand, locked eyes with her, and the air raid siren-like wailing started to sound agreeable.

    Finally, the baby tired of crying and quieted down, and then the midwife brought the bundle wrapped in a nket over to the couple.

    "Congrattions to you both, it¡¯s a boy, weighing 4022 grams, and very healthy."

    As she spoke, she ced the baby in Wang Zhong¡¯s hands.

    He cradled the child, staring at his face.

    Ludm: "Look how you¡¯re holding the baby; he¡¯s not a shell."

    Wang Zhong: "This... how should I hold him?"

    Ludm took the "shell" from him, demonstrating the proper way to hold a baby, "Like this, your hand should support the baby¡¯s head..."

    At that moment, the baby stared at Wang Zhong and suddenly raised his hand, fingers outstretched, reaching for the Venus on Wang Zhong¡¯s uniform.

    Wang Zhong: "You want this? Here..."

    He was about to remove the Venus when the midwife scolded sharply, "Don¡¯t let sharp things near the baby! Not even the Venus!"

    Wang Zhong reluctantly put the Venus back.

    Nelly approached with a calendar and Scripture, "Today¡¯s date is August 10th, and ording to Scripture, the young master should be named..."

    Anteans named children based on the saints¡¯ names corresponding to their birth dates.

    Wang Zhong raised his hand, stopping Nelly from flipping through the Scripture.

    The Secr faction had long beenmitted to breaking the tradition of naming newborns after saints, but to no avail.

    Wang Zhong nned to set an example: "No, I want his name to be Lev, which means lion. He will be the master of the ins."

    And not a coward with the heart of a lion¡ªhe finished the sentence in his mind.

 Chapter 509: Congratulations from All Sides (Additional update 2/81)

    Wang Zhong was still ying with the child when he faintly heard the sound of a telephone ringing from the study¡ªto avoid disturbing Ludm, who was nearing her due date, the telephone in the bedroom had already been removed by Wang Zhong.

    Anyway, it was unlikely that an emergency situation requiring immediate attention from Rocossov would arise in Yeburg at this moment.

    The telephone rang a few times and then stopped, presumably answered by the butler.

    Ludm whispered to Wang Zhong, "With so many people taking care of me and the child, you should go and take care of your matters."

    Wang Zhong nodded, stood up, and walked out of the bedroom.

    Just as he stepped out, he was greeted by the elderly butler, Mikhail.

    Mikhail, "The Royal Pce called to congratte the birth of little Duke Charon and informed us that His Majesty the Tsar is already on his way, unstoppable by anyone."

    Wang Zhong, "Understood. Anything else?"

    "I had just put down the phone when the Grand Patriarch called, the usual congrattions, and then, it seemed, he hopes to personally preside over little Duke Charon¡¯s baptism and... you know."So the Eastern Holy Church has this tradition as well, looking to be my son¡¯s godfather?

    Could it be that the Judge will carry out purges of the traitors during my child¡¯s baptism? A perfect homage to the ssic scene from the movie "The Godfather."

    But then again... for the benefit of the child, wouldn¡¯t having the Grand Patriarch as the godfather be more advantageous?

    Wang Zhong was already starting to think from the perspective of a father.

    At that moment, the sound of a telephone ringing came from the distance, cutting off after only one ring.

    Mikhail, "I¡¯ve arranged for a dedicated secretary to take calls; we¡¯re bound to get many today."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "Even though I haven¡¯t achieved many notable military aplishments this time."

    Mikhail sternly reminded him, "You crushed two Armored Divisions and two Infantry Divisions; looking at the overall situation in the first half of this year, you are the most sessful General, without equal. I know you are being modest and have high standards for yourself, but refrain from such talk.@@novelbin@@

    "Not to mention other matters, the Church is publicizing your amazing victory, while the Equipment Committee is emphasizing the outstanding performance of the Whirlwind Tank Destroyers that you advocated for. You shouldn¡¯t p your own people in the face."

    Wang Zhong, "That¡¯s just a private remark."

    "Our guests will be numerous today, General. And not all the servants can be relied upon," Mikhail said, "Although after the purges, the atmosphere of court intrigue in the Ante Empire has somewhat reduced, but court intrigue still exists."

    "Understood," said Wang Zhong.

    As soon as he finished speaking, a servant ran up and loudly reported, "His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s motorcade has just passed the gate!"

    Wang Zhong, "Understood. Mikhail, you prepare things here; I¡¯m going to the main entrance of the hall to greet my god-sister."

    Having said that, Wang Zhong briskly walked down the corridor.

    Mikhail stood in ce, watching him leave, when a maid opened the bedroom door, and the deep cries of the infant leaked out from the crack.

    Mikhail¡¯s expression changed, appearing deeply moved.

    As Wang Zhong approached the main entrance of his family estate, His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s motorcade arrived.

    The estate had employed more workers than usual, all of whom were the old, weak, sick, and disabled who couldn¡¯t work in factories. Employing them was essentially like giving them a meal, so they wouldn¡¯t starve in these troubled times.

    Now, seeing His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s Double-headed Eagle, the people¡¯s reactions were divided: the elderly were excited, almost to tears, seeing the Tsar as both a father and a mother figure; the young children showed only curiosity and no reverence.

    And some children were whispering, "I heard the Tsar is the General¡¯s mistress and will bear the General a prince in the future."

    "Nonsense, I heard that after this war there won¡¯t be a Tsar anymore, His Majesty will live in the General¡¯s estate as a sister."

    "The General is looking this way! You two, don¡¯t speak so loudly, if the General weren¡¯t a good man, you would be facing the whip!"

    ...

    Wang Zhong averted his gaze and looked at the stopped limousine of His Majesty the Tsar¡ªsurprisingly, it was a Stiponk limousine, which reminded Wang Zhong of some romance-tinged matters.

    Olga couldn¡¯t wait for the servants to open the car door; she opened it herself and leaped out, sprinting up the steps and giving Wang Zhong a hug, "Congrattions!"

    Wang Zhong, "Your Majesty, please be mindful of your image."

    "What¡¯s wrong with a sister giving you a hug? So, do I have a new nephew or niece?"

    Wang Zhong, "A nephew."

    "Excellent! He will surely be a promising General of the Ante Empire in the future!" Olga stepped back, raising her fist jubntly before her.

    Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s not certain yet."

    As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Zhong saw a new caravan passing through the garden.

    "Do you have more peopleing after you?" he asked Olga.

    The Tsar turned his head to look and said, "It should be Belinsky. The month you went off to war, Yeburg was in turmoil. Tugenev said the ¡¯Imperial Guard¡¯ left, so everyone had ideas."

    The First Mobile Group Army under Wang Zhong¡¯smand was considered the Tsar¡¯s Imperial Guard in Yeburg. Whoever wanted to stage a coup had to weigh whether they could defeat the fearsome First Mobile Group Army that even the Prosens feared.

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯ve been back for so many days, and I already know some about the situation in Yeburg. It¡¯s not that dire, is it? Belinsky¡¯s Guardian Army is very strong, and there are so many reserve Front Armies in training. Those forces might not be enough to fight the Prosens, but they are surely sufficient to deal with rebels."

    Olga pouted: "I think none of them are our own people, you are my only one. How about next time you go to war, don¡¯t take the entire First Mobile Group Army, leave at least one division..."

    Wang Zhong: "You should know that we don¡¯t have that luxury right now, right? The First Mobile Group Army, known as the finest of the Ante, is only exchanging blows with the enemy."

    "That¡¯s so," Olga pursed her lips, "when will we be able not just to exchange blows, but to crush them?"

    "When half of the seasoned Prosen elites are dead, it will be about time. I don¡¯t know how long it will take, but that day will definitelye."

    In fact, Wang Zhong knew how long it would take since there was a ready-made answer on Earth, but the recent shock he received from Admiral Erwin almost taking Alexandria had been considerable, so he didn¡¯t spell out the "standard answer" from Earth¡ªalthough he had already said quite a bit before.

    Olga seemed somewhat mncholic, but she immediately cheered up, took hold of Wang Zhong¡¯s arm, and started walking towards the gate: "Let¡¯s go see the newborn little Duke!"

    Wang Zhong: "The Grand Patriarch¡¯s carriage is about to arrive, and I need to greet him. You follow the maid over¡ªthat way, you already know the way."

    Previously Olga used toe running to have afternoon tea with Ludm, and she was now very familiar with the Rokossovsky Estate.

    While they talked, the Grand Patriarch¡¯s carriage also arrived at the door, and Olga transformed from the soft, cute character she just disyed into a dignified and majestic female Tsar.

    Find your next read at empire

    Belinsky¡¯s guards got out of the carriage first, opening the door for Belinsky. The Grand Patriarch then descended from his carriage, giving Wang Zhong a heartyugh: "Ho ho ho, the Admiral isn¡¯t by his wife and child¡¯s side, but here to wee me, I see."

    The Grand Patriarch nced at His Majesty the Tsar as he said "wee me."

    Wang Zhong immediately read into this detail: there wasn¡¯t as much harmony between the Tsar and the Grand Patriarch as it seemed on the surface.

    Perhaps it was because Olga didn¡¯t fully trust the Church.

    After the war ended, if Olga wanted to continue maintaining the true form of the Tsariate, perhaps unspeakable things would happen.

    Wang Zhong frowned and decided to wait until they had defeated Prosen to think about these issues.

    At that moment, Olga greeted the Grand Patriarch: "Your Holiness, my brother and I havee to wee you."

    The Grand Patriarchughed, which felt much more natural than before: "Oh, is that so. By the way, who will preside over the child¡¯s baptism?"

    Wang Zhong immediately said: "If Your Holiness is willing, I would like you to oversee it."

    "No problem at all!" The Grand Patriarch¡¯sughter grew more joyful, his beard quivering, "Then, it¡¯s decided. Also, about the child¡¯s godfather, I was wondering..."

    Wang Zhong: "If you wouldn¡¯t mind..."

    "Of course, I wouldn¡¯t mind, you are the Empire¡¯s first War General! Your child deserves the Church¡¯s highest blessings!" With that, the Grand Patriarch stepped forward, took hold of Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, and, while pulling him inside, said, "The blessing ceremony will be held in the Great Cathedral; we¡¯ll use the Holy Artifact stored there, which was used to baptize Peter the Great. Saint Andrew himself had also used it."

    Well, stack up those buffs, and at least little Lev will be a War Marshal in the future.

    While Wang Zhong was being dragged along by the Grand Patriarch, Olga suddenly asked, "So what is my nephew¡¯s name? Let me think about the date today..."

    Wang Zhong: "Lev. I¡¯ve decided to follow the Church¡¯s call and not choose a name from the list of saints."

    Belinsky was delighted: "Good, very good! The Church also advocates doing this. Lev, the mighty army on the steppes, not bad. You could also call him Steel; facing enemies and danger in the future, he could be as hard as steel."

    Wang Zhong pondered that Steel was best avoided; that name might trigger a strange chain reaction in the Ante realm.

    Olga: "You could also choose a name rted to eagles; that way, when girls miss him, they can sing ¡¯Katyusha,¡¯ singing to the eagles of the steppes."

    Wang Zhong: "No, the eagle of the steppes is me. So my son can only be the lion."

    This time both Belinsky and Olga burst outughing.

    They had almost reached the bedroom door¡ªnow the door of the maternity room¡ªwhen Belinsky suddenly said, "Oh, yes, you two are only engaged and then had the child; it¡¯s a bit improper procedurally. But I have already solved that."

    Olga: "If necessary, I will issue a decree to acknowledge your marriage, so we don¡¯t have to worry about the rule that you have to be engaged for a year before getting married."

    Wang Zhong: "Thank you both. We¡¯ve arrived at the maternity room; my son and wife are waiting for the two of you."

    The moment he stopped talking, the door opened, and Nelly came out, looked at the three people outside, and stepped aside, maintaining the door open.

    The infant¡¯s strong crying came from inside the room.

    Belinsky: "Such a strong and powerful cry; he will be a healthy child."

    Olga had already rushed inside: "Nephew, your auntie is here! Eh, is it auntie, or... never mind!"

 Chapter 510: People Still Living in Dreams of the Past (Extra Update 3/81)

    As Olga rushed to embrace her nephew, Belinsky stayed by Wang Zhong¡¯s side and spoke in a hushed voice, "Although you just had a son, and it¡¯s not easy to say this, you still need to take action on the Bs matter as soon as possible. The suppliesing from Bs have already greatly decreased, and having just returned from the front line, you know how much we need those supplies."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Yes, I know. I will breach the supply lines as quickly as possible and overthrow the current King of Bs."

    Belinsky, "Can it be done before December if you start in September?"

    Wang Zhong, "On the way here, I was continuously reviewing the Bs intelligence provided by the MI6 of the United Kingdom. I believe that conquering the entire territory of Bs in two months is definitely not feasible, there are too many mountains, and the infrastructure is too poor.

    "Our troops will be like mired in mud, struggling to advance. However, we can move along the highways, only target their economically developed areas, force the Bs Royal Family to abdicate, and then establish a rtively stable proxy governance through our and the United Kingdom¡¯s infiltration of local forces."

    Belinsky, "The United Kingdom suggests supporting the current king¡¯s more progressive brother, Bawei, as the new king. I have seen the files; Bawei seems to agree with our Secr faction¡¯s ideals, which is worth pursuing, hence I agreed to the n from the United Kingdom."

    Wang Zhong, "That makes it even simpler. We¡¯ll use lightning advances along the highways, sweep away all enemy resistance, ce that progressive royal brother on the throne, and then return our troops home."

    Belinsky, "You first need to conduct an amphibious operation in Bs. Ournd route to Bs is very difficult to traverse, no better than the roads in the Nan¡¯ant Prairie. Hence, you must take the water route andunch anding operation. I will mobilize Naval Infantry to assist you."

    Wang Zhong, overjoyed, "How many Naval Infantry? How many divisions?""Two divisions of Naval Infantry will assist you. But they will only be responsible for capturing the beachhead. Capturing the port cities will depend on your troops. Your First Mobile Group Army has suffered considerable losses and needs to be replenished, so I have transferred some experienced reinforcements from other theatres for you."

    Wang Zhong, "Why can¡¯t the Naval Infantry advance with us? I should go stir things up with Navy Commander Kosov."

    Grand Patriarch shrugged, "It would be great if you could get the Naval Infantry involved; I¡¯d be happy to see it happen. However, I can¡¯t intervene in issues between the Army and Navy as a mere Priest who listens to prayers."

    Wang Zhong was astounded.

    At that moment, in the temporary delivery room, Olga, wanting to lift little Lev high up like at the beginning of The Lion King movie, frightened all the maids in the room, only the midwife bravely snatched little Lev from her grasp.

    Ludmughed, "Her Majesty means no harm, she wouldn¡¯t drop her own nephew."

    Olga stuck out her tongue, "Sorry, I got carried away."

    Olga sat down next to Ludm, holding her hand¡ªit was a gesture simr to what Wang Zhong had just done.

    Wang Zhong watched this scene and temporarily forgot about his conversation with the Grand Patriarch.

    Belinsky, "We¡¯ll discuss the details tomorrow¡ªmaybe the day after, as you will likely be busy today."@@novelbin@@

    Just then, Mikhail came over and whispered to Wang Zhong, "Duke Roshar has arrived."

    Wang Zhong, "Who the hell is he?"

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    Belinsky, "A core figure in the Aristocratic faction, now ims to be a staunch Secrist. The Judge hasn¡¯t caught him slipping up yet."

    Wang Zhong, "The Judge can¡¯t catch him slipping up?"

    "As long as there¡¯s a slipup, the Judge will definitely catch it. So, be cautious with those whom the Judge hasn¡¯t caught, because it¡¯s very likely they¡¯re truly innocent and have no slipups," Belinsky said.

    That makes sense.

    Wang Zhong, "Then I¡¯ll go meet this suddenly enlightened Secrist."

    Belinsky, "Then I shall not show myself for now and instead stay here to watch over the future disciple."

    Wang Zhong examined Duke Roshar carefully, then was absolutely certain that he had never met him before.

    That is to say, this Duke might not have held a military position, which is rather unusual among the Antean nobility.

    The Antean nobility system has drawn references from the Prosen Junker Nobility System, where male nobles generally seek some minor official role in the army.

    After the small talk, Duke Roshar got straight to the point, "General, I heard you are about to go to Bs for battle?"

    Wang Zhong: "The news travels fast, huh?"

    "Your headquarters didn¡¯te back with you, this much everyone at the social event knew on the night you returned to Yeburg. Afterwards, by piecing together various bits of gossip, naturally one could conclude you are heading to Bs."

    Wang Zhong: "What kind of gossip? I think the Tribunal would be quite interested."

    "Ah, just some disjointed statements circting in the social scene, the Tribunal wouldn¡¯t be interested, as evidenced by the fact that I¡¯m still sitting here talking to you, right?"

    This guy actually used the same logic as Belinsky.

    Wang Zhong: "If you are asking whether I¡¯m going to Bs for battle, I can only say ¡¯noment.¡¯ But seeing your eagerness, it wouldn¡¯t be nice not to say anything at all which might upset you. My headquarters indeed didn¡¯te back; they have other tasks, and that¡¯s all I can say."

    Duke Roshar: "My request is very simple, my wife is the sister of the Emperor of Bs, and she also has a im to the Bs session. I hope after you overthrow the Bs Royal Family, you could..."

    Wang Zhong: "How long has your wife been away from Bs?"

    "Not less than twenty years," Duke Roshar shrugged. "Does that matter?"

    "It does, your wife has been away from Bs for nearly twenty years, how can you ensure that the local people will trust her? Could she trulymand their loyalty as an Empress?"

    Duke Roshar: "I will apany her there. In Bs, women cannot inherit the throne, but a son-inw can. As for rtions with the locals, we would only hold nominal positions; the Ante Empire has always practiced indirect rule in these newly acquired territories, hardly interfering with the local people...

    "If it reallyes to that, you could station troops there. When the timees, I could appoint you as a General overseeing the nation..."

    Wang Zhong stood up, threw his cup on the floor: "Keep dreaming! Do you think this is the Middle Ages? Aspiring for the throne! Wake up, even the crown of His Majesty the Tsar¡ªat such a time, stop dreaming!

    "For this dream of yours, we might have to station troops in Bs, and then the troops would be dragged into an unending internal security battle!"

    I¡¯ve seen this before, such things have urred so many times on Earth.

    Wang Zhong continued: "No, I won¡¯t do it! And you still im you are a staunch member of the Secr faction, your recent idea couldn¡¯t possibly be from a Secrist! I should report you to the Judge right now! But today my son was born, I¡¯m in a good mood, so I¡¯m letting you off, get out!"

    Duke Roshar scrambled away in a pitiful state.

    After his outburst, Wang Zhong felt a bit hoarse, reached for his cup only to remember it was broken, so he walked over to the liquor cab near the living room, took out a bottle of liquor, and guzzled several mouthfuls to quench his thirst.

    Only after drinking did he remember: Damn, using spirits for thirst, I¡¯m more and more like a real Antean, no, judging by physical fitness alone, I am a real Antean!

    He put down the bottle, leaning against the cab, lost in thought.

    As soon as he learned the guest had left, a maid entered the room and began cleaning up the broken ss on the floor.

    Mikhail came in again, still whispering in Wang Zhong¡¯s ear: "General, there¡¯s another visitor."

    Wang Zhong sighed: "Does this one also have a rtive from Bs? Tell them, there¡¯s no room for discussion anymore, it¡¯s useless no matter how manye."

    Mikhail nodded: "Understood. Then I¡¯ll persuade them to go back."

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, signaling for Mikhail to hurry.

    Once the butler left, Wang Zhong sighed again.

    He knew the day would be longer and more taxing than he had anticipated.

 Chapter 511: Rocket Assault Gun

    Having dismissed Duke Rorsha, Wang Zhong then met with several more visitors, all of whom were strangers to him.

    Well, not exactly strangers¡ªafter all, the lowest-ranked among them were Barons. Nowadays, most Barons on Earth were either dead or in Prosen¡¯s prison camps, so Barons certainly weren¡¯tmoners.

    However, Wang Zhong had no interest in these people and dealt with them perfunctorily.

    By the time he finally finished with his visitors, it was already eight o¡¯clock in the evening. He hurried back to the delivery room¡ªwhich had likely been turned directly into a nursery by now.

    Upon entering, he saw Olga sitting beside Ludm¡¯s bed, whispering something to each other.

    Wang Zhong was puzzled, "When did you two be such good sisters?"

    "After you went off to war on the seventh day?" Olga looked at the ceiling, trying to remember.

    "The sixth day," Ludm said.

    Olga pped her thigh, "Right, the sixth day! That day I thought, my brother has gone to the front lines, I should take good care of my pregnant sister-inw. Besides, the Court Chambein said that a woman¡¯s emotions be more vtile close to her due date, so I came over."Ludmughed, "Actually, we already had great chats at tea parties before, right?"

    Olga: "Right!"

    Wang Zhong: "Given how close you sisters are, I¡¯ll go back to my duties then..."

    Olga immediately changes her expression, "You¡¯re going to busy yourself with duties when your son was just born?"

    Before Wang Zhong could speak, Ludm said, "It¡¯s all thanks to Chief of Staff Pavlov that he coulde back to see his son born. The war is still ongoing, and frankly, this isn¡¯t the best time to have children. It all happened out of passion that day."

    Wang Zhong: "I actually feel that bringing new life into the world during times like these represents confidence in the future. With my current reputation, if we don¡¯t defeat Prosen in the future, imagine what kind of Hell awaits this child."

    Olga beamed with joy, "Good, let¡¯s use that angle for the propaganda! Alyosha, you¡¯re so smart."

    Ludm also smiled, "Come to think of it, that does make sense."

    "Well then, I¡¯m off," said Wang Zhong, waving his hand before turning to leave, but then he immediately turned back to the baby¡¯s cradle to nce at his child, who had cried himself to sleep.

    Ludm: "Alright, go on then, Dad. Go save the world."

    Wang Zhong smiled too, filled with a sense of responsibility and happiness, and left the nursery.

    Momentster, Wang Zhong pushed open the door to his study and immediately noticed the extra stack of paperwork on the desk.

    Wang Zhong: "As expected, it¡¯s been delivered. Aunt Gabriel really doesn¡¯t give me a day off."

    He sat down at the desk and began to flip through the first document.

    At this moment, Nelly opened the side door of the study, bringing in a cart loaded with the night¡¯s snacks.

    Without looking up, still reading the document, Wang Zhong said, "You¡¯ve been so tired today, you needn¡¯t have prepared the snacks."

    Nelly: "I wasn¡¯t very busy today; it was mainly the midwives and other maids doing the work."

    Wang Zhong: "I saw you running up and down the corridor, holding things. Your maid¡¯s blouse was soaked with sweat, and there wererge dark patches on the apron¡ªprobably sweat as well."

    Nelly frowned, "You were looking at the maid¡¯s sweat-soaked uniform when your son was being born?"@@novelbin@@

    "I was concerned about you," Wang Zhong stopped looking at the document and earnestly looked at Nelly, "You¡¯re my family, too."

    Nelly stared at Wang Zhong for a second, then opened the cart¡¯s lid to introduce tonight¡¯s snack, "Tonight we have waffles and yogurt cheese, and pickles."

    Wang Zhong: "Isn¡¯t today supposed to be fish day?"

    "It¡¯s almost past midnight; I don¡¯t think the Grand Patriarch would mind," Nelly said while cing a te of waffles, cheese, and pickles at the edge of Wang Zhong¡¯s desk, then went back to pour a cup of coffee within his reach.

    Wang Zhong immediately took a sip of the coffee, "Huh, it¡¯s so sweet this time?"

    Nelly: "I read that sugar can help stimte the mind."

    "Sounds like you¡¯re insinuating I¡¯m not very smart," Wang Zhong teased.

    Nelly: "If you really think so, then you should definitely have more sugar."

    Wang Zhong burst intoughter, signing his name at the back of thepleted document, then pressing down hard with the seal on the ink pad and stamping it onto the signature.

    He ced the signed document aside and opened the next one, instantly frowning in confusion, and muttered, "What is this, such ridiculous targets can¡¯t possibly be met!"

    While saying this, he began to furiously write his remarks on the side of the document, thements getting longer and longer.

    Nelly watched for a while, then turned to open the window wider to let the night air in before taking a fan and gently fanning Wang Zhong.

    The remaining time on August 10, as well as the first two hours of August 11, passed in this manner.

    On August 13, the Equipment Review Committee held its fifth design review meeting.

    Although he had a son who was just three days old at home, Wang Zhong still rushed to attend the meeting.

    He had toe, for the lives of the soldiers at the front, he had to ensure that those designs filled with the designers¡¯ personal desires were killed off at the blueprint stage.

    However, this time¡¯s submissions were unexpectedly normal; out of the ten designs, there were eight that Wang Zhong felt could be produced for trial.

    After reviewing the ninth design, Wang Zhong raised his hand, "Let¡¯s have the next onee inter; let¡¯s all take a sip of water first."

    "Yes, General," the office clerk said before opening the door and leaving.

    Wang Zhong turned to the Air Force representative beside him and asked, "Have you noticed that this time¡¯s designs are much more reasonable? None of that impractical, fanciful stuff, right?"

    The Air Force representative stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and said, "Perhaps the designers don¡¯t want to be demoted tomon technicians at the factories. Everyone has seen what happened to the former Ordnance Department head¡¯s son-inw."

    Another representative from the Navy interjected, "It could also be that everyone has grasped your preferences, or otherwise, it¡¯s because the design parameters you have reviewed are more sensible."

    Wang Zhong, "So you all think it¡¯s rted to me?"

    Everyone had the same expression as they looked at Wang Zhong and didn¡¯t say a word. That expression summarized was, "Don¡¯t you know this yourself?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head and rang the bell on the table, and the guard who had left earlier re-entered, "General?"

    "Let the designer of thest design casee in."

    "Yes."

    Momentster, the designer of the Whirlwind, Ke Jing, entered with head held high, followed by an assistant carrying blueprints.

    The assistant immediately stuck the blueprints onto the room¡¯s ckboard upon entering.

    Wang Zhong, "Ke Jing Davarish, you¡¯re a bit more showy thanst time, eh? I still prefer that chief engineer who carries his own blueprints."

    Ke Jing, "Ah? Oh! Get going, get going..."

    Ke Jing turned around and hustled the assistant out, then unfolded the blueprints himself and fixed the corners with mas.

    Wang Zhong closely inspected the three-view drawings on the blueprint and asked, "Looks like an improved version of the Whirlwind?"

    Ke Jing nodded, "You¡¯re correct. I saw the design parameters issued by themittee for the citybat assault gun and immediately modified a n based on the Whirlwind.

    "The advantage of this n is that it¡¯s easy to manufacture; basically, the current production line of the Whirlwind just needs some adjustments to start mass production. It is based on the Whirlwind but has enhanced side armor to deal with theplex environment of street fighting.

    "The performance requirements in terms of mobility in the design are easy to meet, and as long as the weight increase is controlled, there won¡¯t be too many reliability issues, ensuring that the assault gun can travel from the train station at the front line to thebat zone on its own."

    Wang Zhong raised his hand, "Wait a second, its side armor has been strengthened?"

    Ke Jing, "Yes, we¡¯ve increased the side armor to 80 millimeters, which can resist the light anti-tank firepower of the Prosen, such as the PAK38 or various 20 mm autocannons. Experience new stories with empire

    "Of course, its defense against the PAK40 and 88 cannons is a concern, but we believe that to defend against these heavy weapons would greatly reduce reliability, which would not be worth it."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Okay, heavy firepower like that is not easily moved in the city, infantry can handle it. What about firepower? I don¡¯t remember us having a rocket artillery that meets the requirements."

    "We don¡¯t. But as you know, the rocket artillery doesn¡¯t demand much from the firing apparatus, the Katyusha rocketuncher is just a series of rails. Our Guards rocket artillery battalion even came up with a makeshift method ofunching rockets from a trench they dug out.

    "So the key is to develop 380 millimeter or even 400 millimeter caliber rockets. I don¡¯t think that¡¯s a difficult task, especially since the required range is only about 500 meters. Considering the practical scenario of street fighting, I estimate even a range of 200 meters could suffice."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "You make a good point."

    On Earth, the Sturmtiger had developed a series ofrge caliber rockets, allunched from very simple instations. For example, the Land Stuka self-propelled rocket artillery, which was essentially a 251-type half-track armored vehicle with six gas cylinders attached, and the firing mechanism was just a rectangr metal frame.

    Ke Jing continued, "So for this thing¡¯s main weapon system, we designed a 400 mmunch rail, which is mounted on the outside of the main armor of thebat room, making the main armor of thebat room aplete piece, even eliminating the mantlet, thus the vehicle is even more bnced than the Whirlwind, we believe its off-road capability could even surpass the Whirlwind..."

    Wang Zhong, "No, that¡¯s not right, you¡¯re too fixated on cing the weapon directly in front of thebat room. Think about it, this thing fires rockets, which are very slow, even if it¡¯s only over a distance of 200 meters, you would need to increase the elevation for indirect fire."

    Wang Zhong had used the engineering version of the Churchill and its twin, the engineering version of the Centurion, in "War Thunder," and had a deep impression of the "garbage canuncher" (the nickname for its main gun) which had to elevate in order to fire.

    He stood up and came over to the blueprint, adding a few strokes on the back of the paper, "You can ce theuncher on the back, adjusting the elevation at the tail end of theuncher to determine the firing angle. This way thebat room can protect theunch mechanism from frontal fire."

    Ke Jing¡¯s mouth gaped open, "This... looks a bit odd!"

    Wang Zhong, "So what if it looks strange? As long as it¡¯s functional. Moreover, this way it¡¯s easier for you to bnce it. And the frontal defense capability is stronger."

    Ke Jing, "That is true..."

    Wang Zhong, "Follow this train of thought for Revision. Don¡¯t rush, first design the rockets properly. I will be leaving for war soon, to deal with some minor issues, just have it ready by the time I¡¯m back. That will be all, this design review meeting is adjourned!"

 Chapter 512: Departure

    In the following days, Wang Zhong kept an eye out to see if anyone was interested in trying out the other two tank specifications he had proposed.

    By August 17, he had heard no word of any design team, led by a designer, taking on the task.

    Wang Zhong felt an urge to tackle it himself, but he knew he was only half-qualified; he couldn¡¯t perfectly replicate Earth¡¯s designs, nor did he understand design and drafting. He could only provide specifications if an engineer took over.

    Until Ke Jing engineers developed the second version of the rocket assault gun, Wang Zhong heard no one challenging the two tank ns he had proposed.

    However, new tanks certainly needed to be built, as the Whirlwind could only defend and was susceptible to the Prosen favorite, the smoke bomb, which forced it to retreat using its mobility once covered by smoke.

    Once Prosen produced next-generation medium tanks like the Leopard or even the E50, the disadvantages of the Whirlwind¡¯sck of a turret would be greatly magnified.

    Moreover, by the time the Leopard was released, the Ante Army would likely be attacking, and the Whirlwind was very weak in offense.

    Tank destroyers like the SU76 and SU85 could elevate their gun barrels to serve as self-propelled artillery, making them somewhat useful in offense.

    The SU100 Whirlwind, designed to simplify the elevation mechanism, limited the elevation to below 20 degrees, rendering it useless as self-propelled artillery during attacks.Therefore, Wang Zhong was extremely anxious and, having no other option, he turned to his dear sister Olga, who issued a decree mandating that several tank design institutions present their proposals.

    However, with the departure time approaching, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t wait any longer for the designs to be ready.

    He set a separate review date for the three projects he had proposed, nning to address them upon his return, thus giving these projects more time to develop potentially better ns.

    These three projects were: an urbanbat rocket assault gun, a 30-ton medium tank with an egg-shaped turret, and a 50-ton heavy breakthrough tank.

    The 40-ton medium tank project based on the T34 was directly passed on to the vice-chairman of the reviewmittee as a recement n for the T34.

    Wang Zhong thought the 40-ton tank was the simplest; just adding additional armor to the T34 would solve the issue, and handing it over to someone else wouldn¡¯t be much of a problem.

    After arranging these tasks, Wang Zhong visited the City Defense Command to inspect the rest situation of the First Mobile Group Army, making sure his former troops were all well-prepared.

    By August 17, when his child was a week old, Wang Zhong was fully prepared for departure.

    That morning, just after he had gotten up, someone knocked on his bedroom door.

    Wang Zhong went to open the door, and found it was Mikhail, the old steward, holding a telegram: "Your Excellency, a telegram from General Pavlov."

    "I see." Wang Zhong took the telegram, opened it, and read the brief message, "Hurry up, we¡¯re waiting for you."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "My child is a week old, and he doesn¡¯t even say congrattions."

    Mikhail: "That¡¯s a sign of responsibility, General."

    "I know." Wang Zhong handed back the telegram, "File this away. It might be published someday in something like ¡¯Admiral Rokossov¡¯s Wartime Documents Collection¡¯, bing historical material."

    "Very well, General." Mikhail paused, "Are you preparing to leave today? Should I start packing?"

    "Yes, help me with the packing¡ªthat should be enough for Nelly to handle. Also, has Vasily¡¯s recement Deputy Officer arrived?"

    Mikhail: "He arrived yesterday, I¡¯ve arranged for him to stay in the guest room."

    Wang Zhong: "Send him to my office to wait for me; I guess the documents needing my attention have arrived."

    "Delivered at five this morning."

    "I knew it! Bring breakfast to my study; I¡¯ll go through the documents while eating."

    When Wang Zhong entered his study, he saw a Lieutenant with light golden curly hair sitting on the sofa.

    Seeing Wang Zhong, the Lieutenant immediately stood up and saluted: "General! I am your new deputy, Yakov Konstantinovich tov. I am here to rece Captain Vasily, who has gone to military school."

    Wang Zhong saluted back: "Hello Yakov, what did you major in?"

    Lieutenant: "I majored in staff duties, but I also speak Prosenese and Onsa, can converse normally in Mnia, and know a little Carolingian."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Quite a variety, but I wonder if you are as skilled at deceiving the enemy as Vasily."

    Yakov gave a wry smile: "Captain Vasily won the Venus for his excellent deception operations; I can¡¯tpare to him."

    Wang Zhong: "Many say, though, that Vasily got the Venus because of me, as I already had two Venuses, so they let the Deputy Officer have one too."

    Yakov was shocked: "They dare to say that, aren¡¯t they afraid of being scrutinized by the Judge?"

    Wang Zhong looked at Yakov surprisingly: "Do you actually believe those rumors?"

    "Shouldn¡¯t I?" Yakov was even more astonished.

    Wang Zhong: "Of course not, I have no special connections with the Tribunal, and my rtionship with Cardinal Ravkid, the head of the Tribunal, is just that of ordinary friends."

    "But you have a special rtionship with Grand Patriarch Belinsky; everyone says you are his illegitimate son."

    "No no no, I am one hundred percent born from my parents, not adopted. However, Bishop Belinsky will indeed personally preside over the baptism of my child and be his godfather."

    Yakov uttered ¡¯oh¡¯ and then asked seriously: "I shouldn¡¯t tell others about this, right?"

    "Err, actually, you can share it as you wish, after all, the baptism is this month, and bing godfather too, but I will miss it. Alright, enough chit-chat, I need to review these documents."

    As if on cue, Nelly came in pushing a cart, ncing at Yakov like a farmer assessing a newly purchased donkey.

    Yakov: "Oh, so this is the little maid! No wonder everyone says you are a lucky man."

    Wait, what have people been saying about Nelly!

    Nelly frowned, clearly displeased, but did not bring out any salt; instead, she pushed the trolley to the desk, opened the lid, took out breakfast and coffee, and arranged them on the table, one by one.

    After she finished setting the table, she asked Wang Zhong, "Is the new deputy officer a girl? The name sounds male."

    Yakov: "I am a man, and I just got married!"

    Wang Zhong gasped, "You got married? You look only eighteen!"

    "I am twenty-four years old. Haven¡¯t you looked at my file at all?"

    Wang Zhong had to admit: "Yes, Ipletely skipped it. So, you are much older than Vasily? I thought they sent me someone who just graduated from the tenth grade!"

    "Graduating from the tenth grade isn¡¯t enough toplete the staff officer training! Though it¡¯s only preliminary staff training."

    After all, being a lieutenant,ing out after advanced staff training, one would be an officer.

    Yakov sighed: "Everyone always treats me like a child, even though I¡¯m not short, standing at one-seventy-seven!"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, what are you dreaming about, kid, you would be considered tall in the Empire of Fusang, but this is Ante.

    But he didn¡¯t speak the harsh truth, instead, he coughed and said, "Did you just get married?"

    "Yes, Lida insisted that I marry her before I went to the front line, she is my ssmate, currently undergoingbat medic training."

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s a good girl, cherish her."

    Yakov continued, "I told Lida that I am a deputy officer at Admiral Rocossovsky¡¯s Headquarters and wouldn¡¯t be in any danger, but she wouldn¡¯t believe it. I guess the girls at nursing school must have filled her head with ideas.

    "Anyway, we got married yesterday, took photos, and I hurried over here right after without even developing the pictures." Your journey continues at empire

    Wang Zhong: "You can ask the photography studio to send the photos to the manor, and then send them to the front line with my family letters; that way, it will be smoother."

    Yakov was overjoyed: "Really? That would be great!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, picked up the breakfast on the table, and began to eat while flipping through the documents.

    Around noon, the airport called to inform Wang Zhong that the ne was ready and could take off at any time.

    So Wang Zhong tidied up thepleted documents, dressed neatly, and went to the nursery to take onest look at his wife and child.

    As he opened the door, he met Ludm¡¯s gaze.

    "Are you leaving?" she asked.

    Wang Zhong nodded softly: "Yes, the ne is waiting for me."@@novelbin@@

    Ludm apologetically said, "The baby just fell asleep, though even if he were awake, he wouldn¡¯t understand what¡¯s happening."

    Wang Zhong: "Let him sleep. I just came to see the two of you."

    He walked over to the cradle, looked at the male infant sleeping like a kitten, and gently touched his delicate cheeks.

    This action instantly woke the baby, whose vigorous crying nearly tore Wang Zhong¡¯s eardrums.

    Ludm immediately reached out to rock the cradle, humming as she swayed it.

    She hummed "Departure," swaying the cradle to the rhythm of the melody.

    "We march the long road ahead/Comrades look forward with anticipation/Our team¡¯s g waves high/Themander leads at the forefront~"

    The baby¡¯s cries visibly subsided.

    As Ludm hummed the line "Dear, I will write to you along the way," the baby smiled, swinging his limbs in rhythm.

    Looking at the baby, a massive resolve surged through Wang Zhong, overtaking his mind and body.

    This smile, this smile is the reason for fighting.

    For the children tough without worries, for my country to no longer mourn.

    Wang Zhong put on his hat, adjusted it lightly, nodded at Ludm, and resolutely turned around.

    The new deputy officer, Yakov, was about to speak but shrank back at the sight of Wang Zhong¡¯s expression.

    Nelly, carrying a huge suitcase, squinted her eyes, her face full of admiration and pride.

    Ludm tenderly watched his retreating figure, continuing to hum: "Soldiers all brave and young/Gaze sharp as an eagle/We bear the highest glory/Having distinguished ourselves in battle~

    "Soldiers! Depart! Depart! Dear, I will write to you along the way~Hear the bugle calling~Goodbye, depart."

    Having listened to this, Wang Zhong finally said, "Let¡¯s go, clear up the fools deceived by Prosen, and afterward, settle ounts with the Prosense."

    Yakov: "Yes."

    Admiral Rocossovsky strode out of the nursery.

 Chapter 513: Reunion of the Expeditionary Force and the War Marshal (Additional Update 4/81)

    Wang Zhong¡¯s nended in Abawahan at 10 p.m., and it was already getting dark.

    However, Abawahan hadn¡¯t implemented light-out controls yet, and the airport was brightly lit, allowing Wang Zhong to clearly see Pavlov¡¯s face from the ne.

    The Chief of Staff was there with a big group of people, crowded around the apron area, watching the iing ne.

    A few minutester, Wang Zhong walked down the airstairs and shook the Chief of Staff¡¯s hand, saying, "I¡¯m sorry to have kept you waiting."

    Pavlov said, "I thought you were going to wait until the baby¡¯s christening; then it really would have been toote."

    Wang Zhong replied, "How could I? You mentioned everything was almost ready, so it must mean we could act immediately. Of course, I had toe over to find out the situation right away."

    As he spoke, he looked toward a group of unfamiliar faces and said, "Would you mind introducing them?"

    "Of course," Pavlov replied, letting go of Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and stepping back to make space, pointing to two men in red berets and camo, "This is Colonel Charlie, themander of the United Kingdom¡¯s 1st Paratrooper Division¡¯s task force, and his deputy, Lieutenant Colonel Richard. And this gentleman here is Admiral Rokossov."

    Red beret saluted Wang Zhong, "I¡¯ve long admired you, Admiral sir."Wang Zhong, not waiting for his Deputy Officer Yakov to trante, answered, "The same to you. I did not know the Red Devils would be acting with us."

    After all, he had studied Antenese before he transferred here; though he returned most of it to his teachers after finals, he could still understand "I¡¯ve heard a lot about you."

    The United Kingdom¡¯s 1st Paratroopers, known as the "Red Devils" for their red berets, were infamous on Earth for being disastrously engaged in Operation Market Garden led by Montgomery, ending up fighting against Sturmtiger forces with light arms for many days and remarkably escapingrgely intact, keeping their designation.

    The Britishter made a famous WWII movie titled "A Bridge Too Far" based on this event.

    Wang Zhong really enjoyed that movie, mainly because of its ster cast¡ªSean Connery, Anthony Hopkins, and many more.

    Now seeing real "Red Devils," Wang Zhong felt as if his childhood admiration was turning into reality, even though this wasn¡¯t Earth.@@novelbin@@

    When Yakov had finished tranting, the two red berets seemed thrilled, "You¡¯ve actually heard of us and even know our nickname! Yet we haven¡¯t been in many battles."

    Wang Zhong got stuck¡ªthis was rather long, and he barely understood until after Yakov tranted, he got stuck¡ªindeed, the Red Devils hadn¡¯t made a name for themselves in battles yet.

    His only response could be, "It was mentioned in the information provided by the Tribunal, saying you got that nickname because of your rigorous training within the United Kingdom¡¯s forces."

    Upon trantion, Lieutenant Colonel Richard eximed, "Truly, the Tribunal¡¯s intelligence capabilities are well-deserved!"

    Wang Zhong agreed, "Indeed, especially their interrogation skills. We have a joke about that here¡­"

    Wang Zhong retold the joke about the Judge making corpses confess, which Yakov tranted almost simultaneously, causing everyone to burst outughing.

    Find exclusive stories on empire

    After theughter, Pavlov jumped in, speaking to Wang Zhong, "This is the United Kingdom¡¯s Army liaison officer. He has brought encryption books and a radio. Once wemence operations, he will be responsible for coordinating with the United Kingdom¡¯snd and air forces."

    Just as Pavlov was about to continue introducing Wang Zhong in ordance with the protocol, the liaison officer interjected using the Antenesenguage, "Admiral Rokossovsky, I¡¯ve seen his name in the newspapers every day beforeing here, as if he were one of our own generals."

    Then standing straight in his greenish-yellow United Kingdom army uniform, he saluted, "Colonel Benjamin, in charge of liaison with the United Kingdom¡¯s Army."

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, "I¡¯m d to meet you."

    Pavlov continued, "This gentleman is an air force Colonel from the Free Carolingian forces, leading a fighter squadron that will take part in this attack."

    Wang Zhong went through the same introductions again and then asked Pavlov, "Didn¡¯t you say that the Royal Air Force would also be taking part? Where are they?"

    "I¡¯m here," a female voice caught Wang Zhong¡¯s ear, though her Antenese ent sounded a bit off, far less fluent than Colonel Benjamin¡¯s.

    He turned and saw a blonde girl.

    Wang Zhong was surprised, "I wasn¡¯t aware that the Royal Air Force had female pilots?"

    Pavlov shrugged, "Indeed they don¡¯t, but thisdy is a witch."

    Wang Zhong, "A what?"

    "A witch," Pavlov stated.

    Wang Zhong hesitantly asked, "Like those who can ride brooms in the sky and have a ck cat as a servant¡­ that kind of witch?"

    Before the girl could respond, a ck cat climbed out from her clothes onto her shoulder.

    The girl confirmed, "You got it right."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes widened, "Can you really fly on a broom?¡¯

    Previously, Wang Zhong had thought all that talk of magic and miracles was ambiguous at best, and certainly something that penicillin could conquer.

    Could there really be witches flying on brooms?

    Wang Zhong felt as if he had discovered a new world.

    But that new world quickly rejected him!

    The girl responded with a hint of irritation, "Of course not, how could people possibly fly? And this ck cat is just my pet. My mentor said witches should have ck cats, so I got one¡ªit¡¯s already my second partner."

    Wang Zhong looked at the ck cat and asked, "What happened to your first one? Did you send it fifty kilometers away and lose it?"

    "She died of old age," the girl replied, her face tense as if she were trying to control her expression.

    Wang Zhong said, "Sorry. So, what can you do? Make the weather clear up?"

    "No, I can fly nes. I¡¯m the best fighter pilot in the Royal Air Force, piloting a specially modified Spitfire with cut wings."

    Cut wings are a type of wing shape. This airne is an upgraded version of the Spitfire fighter.

    Wang Zhong said, "Are you... the best pilot because you¡¯re a witch?"

    "Yeah," the girl replied. "Otherwise? My situational awareness is much stronger than that of average pilots, and I don¡¯t even need to install rearview mirrors on the ne."

    Anyone who has yed flight simtion games knows that rearview mirrors are amon configuration on fighter nes, used to observe the blind spots behind the cockpit.

    This meant that witches, like Divine Arrows, indeed have supernatural aspects, but they weren¡¯t powerful enough to change the entire battle situation directly; they were just a more potent weapon.

    Wang Zhong extended his hand, "It¡¯s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Witch. How may I address you?"

    The girl shook Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and replied in Antenese, "Amelia Brown, just call me Amelia. You don¡¯t need to bother with thoseplex Antean formalities. Honestly, I can barely remember your long Antean names that are as long as a train."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he couldn¡¯t remember either; it was all thanks to cheats.

    He also replied in Antenese, "I¡¯m Rocossov; you can call me Alyosha. Good reading indeed!"

    Thest line was a culmination of all the Onsanguage Wang Zhong had learned.

    Ameliaughed, "Good reading indeed. I¡¯ll still call you General Rocossov though; if I call you Alyosha, your maid might just kill me."

    Wang Zhong turned around and saw Nelly with a pleasant face and no intention to kill.

    Amelia let go of Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, "Besides being a witch, I¡¯m also the captain of the Royal Air Force¡¯s special task force. You saw the rank yourself. We¡¯ll be fighting alongside the Antean Air Force."

    Pavlov finally found a good chance to jump back into the conversation and quickly interjected, "You have met all the Allied highmand involved in this operation. Let me introduce the Naval Infantry involved. This is Brigadier Aromeyev,mander of the 393rd Naval Infantry Brigade, which will be responsible for establishing the beachhead."

    Aromeyev stood at attention and saluted.

    After returning the salute, Wang Zhong asked, "Isn¡¯t it said that two divisions of Naval Infantry are participating in the operation?"

    "Originally, there were two divisions, but the enemyunched an encircling operation in the north, and the Navy is worried about the Northern Ice-free Port being captured, so they reassigned those divisions."

    As soon as Pavlov finished speaking, Aromeyev interjected, "Don¡¯t worry, I personally inspected the coastal defense line by speedboat. There are just some poorly equipped old armies there. We can easily capture the beachhead and even take the city. Additionally, we have support from the Allied paratroopers."

    Wang Zhong always felt that reassurance from the Naval Infantry was particrlyforting.

    Pavlov then said, "Because transport capacity has been freed up, we can have a portion of the infantry assigned to us go ashore, and we might even deploy some tanks."

    Wang Zhong said, "Very good, and where is my Armored Division? Where is my Armored Division?"

    "This operation will have a tank corps under ourmand; this is Niki Fyodorovich,mander of the 51st Tank Corps."

    Niki saluted Wang Zhong, "Salute to you, General. Our corps is equipped with a battalion of T34W tanks, and I have already selected the one in the best condition, marked with the tactical number 422."

    Really, has that tactical number be so widely known?

    Wang Zhong said, "Good, I will personallymand that tank."

    He then asked Pavlov, "Do we have any other troops? Just a tank corps?"

    "No, there¡¯s also an Infantry Division. They¡¯ve sent us a mix of various units, which I have inspected all over, and the quality is mixed. The 51st Tank Corps is rtively well-trained."

    Pavlov shook his head.

    "The good news is, the 393rd Naval Infantry Brigade is entirely under ourmand now, which is the most reliable infantry unit, probably aspensation for the two divisions that were reassigned."

    Wang Zhong looked at Aromeyev, "Are you under mymand now?"

    "Yes, General. It is an honor to serve under yourmand."

    Wang Zhong was delighted, "Good, good! Will you be under mymand in the future too?"

    Pavlov rolled his eyes, "Don¡¯t get greedy, but... you could ask His Majesty the Tsar to order it. Can a brigademander really fall out with His Majesty over one brigade?"

    When Aromeyev heard this, he smiled awkwardly.

    Amelia and Colonel Benjamin, who understood Antenese, were making meaningful expressions at Wang Zhong.

    A few officers from the United Kingdom didn¡¯t know what they were talking about and felt awkward standing there.

    Wang Zhong said, "Let¡¯s go and see what random assortment of troops they¡¯ve assigned us."

    Pavlov said, "It¡¯s ten o¡¯clock, mymanding officer of the Expeditionary Force, Davarish."

    Wang Zhong looked at the sky, "Oh, indeed. Let¡¯s find a ce to sleep first; I¡¯ve had enough of flying for such a long time."

 Chapter 514: Night in Abawahan (Extra update 5/81)

    Pavlov arranged Wang Zhong¡¯s living quarters right across from the Expeditionary Army Headquarters, snug against a steam bathhouse.

    Yakov entered the room and immediately looked puzzled, "This... General, you¡¯re living here?"

    Wang Zhong, "What¡¯s wrong? Can¡¯t I stay here?"

    "It¡¯s miles apart from your estate!" Yakov answered.

    Wang Zhong, "The estate is my ancestral property, and I personally have no special requirements for where I live. In fact, at the start of the warst year, I could sleep soundly in the passenger seat of a truck."

    Yakov¡¯s eyes widened, "Really?"

    "Yes, and not to mention something as far back, during the recent Battle of Yeisk, I also slept together with the staff of the Headquarters in a storeroom that served as the headquarters, and I could still hear the ¡¯beep beep beep¡¯ of the radio while sleeping."

    Yakov looked a bit dizzy, "Being able to fight and sleeping and eating with the soldiers, you sound like Suvorove again."

    Wang Zhong, "Otherwise, how could I be appointed as the dean of the Suvorov Military Academy?""Oh right, too bad I had already graduated when you became the dean."

    Wang Zhong, "Where did you spend thest year? Didn¡¯t you go to the battlefield?"

    Yakov looked somewhat embarrassed, "I applied to go to the battlefield, but it wasn¡¯t approved, so I¡¯ve been working at the Yeburg High Command the entire time, mainly doing things like updating maps because I was too junior. They wouldn¡¯t even let me go to the trantion department even though I know so manynguages!"

    Wang Zhong consoled, "Last year, there were some issues with our upper ranks, His Majesty the Tsar was a puppet put in ce after the civil war, possible in the infighting but utterly ipetent otherwise.

    "Now things are much better."

    Wang Zhong suddenly thought of his dear friend Ivan, the Crown Prince, who had died for his country. If he hadn¡¯t died and had be Tsar, his performance would probably have been better than Olga¡¯s.

    After all, Olga was still learning, taught daily by the neutral faction leader, General Tugenev, about variousmon sense.

    Crown Prince Ivan would have been definitely stronger than her.

    Wang Zhong was pondering when he suddenly noticed Yakov looking at him with admiration, so he asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    Yakov, "You really are the Shadow Prince, speaking ill of the former Emperor with not a trace of concern."

    Wang Zhong, "Shadow Prince? This is the first time I¡¯m hearing this title. Is that what they¡¯re calling me in Yeburg?"

    "Yeah, and some even address you as ¡¯Your Majesty¡¯."

    Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m already married."

    "They say the current Tsar will abdicate in your favor and that the Rokossovsky family originally has royal blood. Is it true?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head; he had checked his family tree, and there was none.

    Yakov was about to continue when Nelly came in, "Yakov, your room is ready; you can go and rest."

    "Oh, okay. General, is there anything else you need me to do?"

    Wang Zhong, "Wait a moment, keep mepany for a chat, and we¡¯ll have ate-night snack together. Nelly, please prepare his share."

    "Okay." Nelly curtsied and left.

    Yakov, "Your maid doesn¡¯t seem to like me much."

    Wang Zhong, "You look a bit frail, and she also didn¡¯t like myst deputy officer much, probably thinking Vasily not very reliable. Maybe... she didn¡¯t like me that much before either, as I was pretty unreliable at the time.

    "But then I got blown up by a 380mm shell, and afterward I became what I am now, and my rtionship with Nelly improved."

    Yakov furrowed his brow, "What blew you up?"

    Wang Zhong, "The main gun of an enemy battleship. I was at the Riamed Supreme Commander¡¯s headquarters at that time, and a 380mm shell came through, killing everyone but me¡ªhmm?"

    Wang Zhong remembered not everyone was killed, there was one survivor, but he¡¯d gone off to be the toyboy of a duchess, living the high life.

    Damn, to be a kept man in times like these, when the expedition got back he¡¯d shove that guy to the front line in Gleb.

    Yakov didn¡¯t know why Wang Zhong suddenly stopped and asked curiously, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    "Nothing, just remembered there was another survivor. He escaped with me and then immediately went off to be a kept man. When we return from the expedition, I¡¯ll need to sort him out properly; his injuries should be healed by now, and it¡¯s time for him to fight like a man."

    In "And Quiet Flows the Don," there was an annoying character who received medals at the start of World War I, then sustained himself on boasting and opportunism until the war ended.

    Wang Zhong particrly despised this guy.

    Of course, Wang Zhong just wanted to send the kept man to the front, but Yakov apparently misunderstood and looked at Wang Zhong with reverence.

    Wang Zhong changed the subject, "You¡¯ve been in Yeburg allst year, haven¡¯t you ever thought about marrying your girlfriend?"@@novelbin@@

    Yakov shook his head, "Everything seemed very dire at the time. Neither of us had any thoughts of marrying; we didn¡¯t know what would happen after Yeburg was upied by the Prosens. Some said they would sack the city, in that situation... how could we marry? The mere thought kept us awake."

    Wang Zhong, "If it were me, I¡¯d say ¡¯Let the cannon fire of the Prosens be the salute for our wedding¡¯; don¡¯t you think that would be romantic? My wife got pregnant around that time."

    Yakov, "But we¡¯re not like you; we don¡¯t have your kind of courage and breadth of mind. At that time, Yeburg was really in panic, especially on the day when the Prosen¡¯s artillery hit the Royal Pce. Many people started to secretly make Prosen gs, and then the Judge began to capture people all over the streets, executing those who embroidered Prosen gs right there.

    "Then you won the battle and paraded so many prisoners through the streets; it was only then that many people gained a bit of confidence in victory. We got our courage from you."

    Wang Zhong looked at Yakov and saw no ttery, but genuine belief on the young man¡¯s face.

    "Was the situation that dangerous at the time?" Wang Zhong said, "I only saw some descriptions in the reports, yet secunda manu knowledge seems shallow. No one around me would talk about these things."

    Yakov, "The people around you must have been influenced by you and believed in victory. Whereas I was just a little staff officer drawing maps at the headquarters, and my girlfriend was studying ounting, ignorant of everything.

    "She joined the women¡¯sbor battalion, digging trenches outside the city; Prosen nes came and killed many of herpanions, then some defeatist came shouting, saying there¡¯s no hope, surrender.

    "After she told me about these things, I really felt..."

    Yakov suddenly shut his mouth, his face going stern.

    Wang Zhong: "I won¡¯t tell the Judge. Or to put it another way, with my protection, the Judge won¡¯t give you a hard time either."

    Yakov: "Is that so."

    After a brief pause, he cautiously asked, "Did you always think we would win from the very beginning?"

    "Yes," Wang Zhong nodded since, as a transmigrator, he had already seen the oue on Earth.

    Yakov looked even more admiring: "You really are amazing. Last year, I thought if I had a chance, I would definitely want to work at your Headquarters, but my transfer application kept getting rejected, and I thought I would never have the chance.

    "I never imagined that I would actually be your Deputy Officer; it¡¯s beyond belief."

    Wang Zhong: "A man¡¯s fate, you know, aside from relying on his own efforts¡ª"

    He was about to quote a famous saying when Nelly pushed in a cart.

    Nelly: "I cobbled something together with leftovers from the cooking squad; let¡¯s make do with it. Besides, I found something strange in the cooking squad."

    Saying so, she brought out a dish¡ªFrench fries.

    That shape should definitely be French fries.

    Wang Zhong was puzzled but then remembered there were people from the United Kingdom stationed here.

    So, having French fries wasn¡¯t strange, right?

    Out of curiosity, Yakov picked up a fry and stuffed it into his mouth.

    "Hmm, why is it all mushy and not very tasty?"

    It must have gone soft after sitting out too long, Wang Zhong thought.

    He didn¡¯t like eating soggy French fries either, so he took an empty te, dished himself some stew, dolloped on some sour cream, and began to eat heartily.

    Yakov tried another fry, still shaking his head: "No, this strange thing won¡¯t do; it feels like a fried potato."

    You guessed right, Yakov Davarish!

    Yakov, no longer concerned about the mushy fries, also took a te of the stew.

    After just a couple of bites, hemented: "This stew isn¡¯t as tasty as the one my wife makes."

    Wang Zhong nced at Nelly and quickly said, "I think this is the most delicious stew! Maybe because I¡¯m hungry¡ªno, not hungry, it¡¯s still tasty! Really tasty."

    He began to rave about the stew.

    Yakov got it and quickly nodded: "What I said just now... I only tasted the initial vor! Yes, the initial vor! Now the aftertaste ising through, and indeed the stew is more delicious."

    Before and aftertaste, it¡¯s not a perfume! Wang Zhong thought.

    Nelly: "I didn¡¯t add perfume to it, where did the before and aftertastee from?"

    Wang Zhong: "The aftertaste! This is called the aftertaste!"

    "Right, the aftertaste!" Yakov agreed again and again.

    Nelly shook her head: "What do you want for supper tomorrow? Decide now."

    Wang Zhong: "Whatever you cook, I love! It¡¯s Yakov, this short-sighted one, who doesn¡¯t appreciate it! I¡¯ll eat alone tomorrow."

    Nelly stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds, then gave a faint smile.

    Wang Zhong: "Ah, you smiled."

    Nelly: "It¡¯s the moonlight."

    Is that so?

    Wang Zhong decided not to think about it too much.

    That was when Yakov spoke: "So it¡¯s true, the rumor! You really have something going on with the maid... Uh, sorry."

    Wang Zhong: "Do you know, Yakov, that my Deputy Officers must master one skill?"

    Yakov: "What is it? Drawing maps? Or something else?"

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s cleaning outtrines. Grigori!"

    The senior sergeant entered: "Here."

    Wang Zhong pointed at Yakov: "Teach him how to clean outtrines tomorrow."

    Grigoriughed heartily: "Is it that only those who deserve a smack turn into your Deputy Officers, General? Alright, you learn this skill as well tomorrow."

    Nelly: "Learn well. Then I won¡¯t have to clean the Generals¡¯ toilets."

    So when Vasily wasn¡¯t cleaning outtrines, it was you, Nelly?

    Suddenly I feel like letting Vasily keep doing that!

    (In distant Yeburg, Vasily sneezed numerous times.)

    Wang Zhong, with a happy heart, finished everything on his te, let out a satisfied burp, and then felt the tirednesse over him. Explore more stories at empire

    It seems like his first night in Abawahan was going to pass just like this.

 Chapter 515: Expeditionary Force Combat Readiness Status

    On the morning of August 18th, at 0900 hours, Wang Zhong arrived at the Expeditionary Force¡¯s base.

    All troops had formed up on the parade ground, and as soon as Wang Zhong got out of the car, a thunderous "Hoorah" rang out.

    Wang Zhong nced at Popov, "I haven¡¯t said anything yet, haven¡¯t even approached the podium, what are they hoorah-ing for?"

    Popov replied, "You¡¯ll get used to it, the Propaganda Department exaggerated your victory into a great triumph again."

    Pavlov urged, "Let¡¯s go, time is tight, you need to see all the units assigned to us this morning and understand their situation."

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov, suppressed the desire to ridicule, and walked toward the troops.

    As the troops clearly saw his face, they shouted with even more vigor.

    I have to say, it was quite exhrating, almost like bing Napoleon himself.

    In the final moments of Waterloo, even as the French Guards were crumbling and fleeing past Napoleon, they didn¡¯t forget to cheer for him, which made Napoleonugh in spite of himself.I hope I never have to experience that moment myself.

    Praying as such, Wang Zhong walked up to the front of the troops.

    Then he was taken aback.

    Because at a nce, from officers to nonmissioned officers to soldiers, all were young faces, with only the Division Commander with his sideburns and the Military Chain appearing older, even the Chief of Staff seemed to be only about thirty!

    Wang Zhong, puzzled, turned back to look at Pavlov and pointed at the troops. Before he could speak, Pavlov nodded, "Yes, that¡¯s the situation."

    Once again looking at these young soldiers, he couldn¡¯t help but cry out, "Alright, stop shouting now! Stop!"

    The leading officer called out, "Stop shouting! Quiet!"

    Then the call for "Quiet" spread like dominoes all the way to the distance, and the cries of "Hoorah" gradually ceased, bringing calm to the parade ground.

    Wang Zhong approached the Division Commander with sideburns, "What¡¯s the average age of your division? What¡¯s the proportion of seasoned nonmissioned officers? How many experienced officers do you have?"

    Faced with Wang¡¯s rapid-fire questions, the Division Commander shook his head, "General, our 450th Temporary Infantry Division doesn¡¯t have any experienced officers or nonmissioned officers. Even I was a high school principal. They said if I could manage a high school of five thousand, I could manage a temporary infantry division of eight thousand, so they gave me the rank of Major General and made me the Division Commander."

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help butment, "Even Eugene began as a Lieutenant Colonel battalionmander, what is the reserve Front Army doing!"

    The Division Commander didn¡¯t dare to respond.

    Pavlov said, "Not bad, this division still has eight thousand fighters, and everyone has fully undergone recruit training, proper training! The most hard-pressed division only has five thousand men, and their training was done by Guardian Army instructors. Theirbat effectiveness is no different from a Militia Division."

    Taking a deep breath, Wang Zhong calmed his mood and asked the Division Commander with sideburns, "How should I address you, High School Principal Davarish?"

    "Davarish?" The principal was momentarily stunned, "Isn¡¯t that a title from the Navy?"

    "My troops refer to each other that way. So, how should I address you?"

    "Semyon Aleksandrovich Roshenkov, Division Commander of the 450th Temporary Infantry Division." After finishing, the sideburns remembered to salute Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute, then turned to the soldiers of the 450th Temporary Infantry Division.

    He asked a young private in the front row, "How long have you been in the army?"

    "Six months, General. I¡¯m one of the old hands here," the private replied.

    Wang Zhong hesitated to speak, then just took the Mosin-Nagant rifle off the shoulder of the private to inspect it. It was clear that it was well-maintained; this private must have received better training and took good care of his weapon.

    After returning the rifle, Wang Zhong asked Pavlov, "Other than Mosin-Nagants, are there no other weapons? I saw the report beforeing here, the daily production of Papashas has already exceeded 6000!"

    Pavlov exined, "But we have ten million troops, at least three million of them are in fierce battle on the front line. The remaining seven million, many like the First Mobile Group Army, are in rest and recuperation. Six thousand a day is not enough for them to share."

    At this moment, the private interjected, "Report, General, our division¡¯s officers are also equipped with Papashas, it¡¯s a reward for being promoted to an NCO. Those who perform exceptionally in training may also be selected as submachine gunners and receive a Sten Submachine Gun. I wasn¡¯t good enough, so I have a Mosin-Nagant!"

    Wang Zhong stared at the private¡¯s face, suddenly feeling that it was a dereliction of duty on his part as the Chairman of the Equipment Review Committee to have such good kids going to the front lines with outdated rifles¡ªeven though he wasn¡¯t actually in charge of the specific production.

    Pavlov mentioned, "Once the supply line is re-established, maybe they could be equipped with a full set of United Kingdom gear."

    Wang Zhong replied, "You mean Sten Submachine Guns and Bren light machine guns? Forget it, the United Kingdom¡¯s nes are good, but we should use our own light weapons. What did the Quartermaster Commander at Abawahan say?"

    Pavlov said, "I¡¯ve already used whatever equipment I could intercept to arm them."

    Wang Zhong patted the private on the shoulder, then ced his hands behind his back and slowly walked down the line.

    After a few steps, he saw a private, who looked slightly older, holding a Sten Submachine Gun¡ªhe must have been the skilled soldier selected to be the submachine gunner.

    The submachine gunner, with a chest rig designed by Wang Zhong, stood spiritedly and looked up at Wang Zhong with his chin held high.

    Wang Zhong inquired, "How does the Sten Submachine Gun feel to use?"

    The submachine gunner replied, "Report, General, it¡¯s not as easy to use as the Papasha, mainly because it has too few rounds and the magazine is prone to jamming, requiring very careful handling. If the General can swap for us to Papashas, that would be better."

    Wang Zhong: "There will be."

    After saying that, he continued to walk forward, his gaze sweeping over each young face.

    The few infantry divisions assigned to the Expeditionary Force were all in the same situation as the 450th Temporary Infantry Division.

    Good news: they were fully equipped and staffed.

    Bad news: that was all they were.

    Wang Zhong went around and pretty much knew what kind of forces were stuffed under hismand. Taking these troops into a fight with the Prosens was asking to be thrashed by Aryan supermen.

    Taking these troops to Bs for actualbat might be a good thing for them.

    After inspecting the infantry troops, Wang Zhong moved on to the tank troops.

    The faces of veterans suddenly became moremon, nearly half and half with the young recruits! Wang Zhong was so moved that tears came down his face. It seemed that Pavlov wasn¡¯t lying yesterday, the 51st Tank Army was in a better overall condition than the infantry troops.

    The T34W tank, with the 422 tactical number brushed on it, stood at the very front of the entire tank army¡¯s formation, crewed by four¡ª the tank could be operated and fought in even without amander, which was exactly like reserving themander¡¯s position for Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong shook hands with the highest-ranking gunner: "We¡¯ll be fighting side by side. Whether I cane back alive depends on you guys."

    The gunner¡¯s voice trembled a bit: "Rest assured, leave it to us!"

    Wang Zhong nodded, then turned to the Colonel standing next to the tank: "Is this your brigade?"@@novelbin@@

    The 51st Tank Army had three tank brigades under it, with no tank division set up, but the brigademander should be a Brigadier, so that¡¯s why Wang Zhong asked.

    Colonel: "Acting brigademander. General, why are we still producing T34s? Just switch to producing T34Ws. We¡¯ve had enough of the two fatal ws: the two-man turret and theck of radio."

    Wang Zhong: "Haven¡¯t your T34s been equipped with radios yet?"

    "Yes. It¡¯s said that the 915 model T34s all have radios, but ours are all old tanks."

    After the Colonel finished, Pavlov exined: "High Command thinks that the Bs Army is weak and that the old T34s are enough. Besides, they wouldn¡¯t be able to support that many radios anyway. You might as well ask them how many electrical engineers they have."

    Wang Zhong: "How many electrical engineers do you have?"

    Colonel held up two fingers: "Two, our whole brigade only has two electrical engineers."

    Wang Zhong was shocked and quickly asked: "Then how many tractors do you have for towing broken-down tanks? How many repair camps?"

    Continue your journey with empire

    Colonel: "Repair camps? We have a supportpany, which includes six tractors."

    "Six tractors!" Wang Zhong was taken aback, "What about the artillery? How many tractors and prime movers does your artillery have?"

    "We don¡¯t have artillery in our brigade," said the Colonel.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth formed an ¡¯O¡¯, but he quickly regained control of himself and muttered: "It¡¯s okay, I¡¯ve fought worse battlesst year."

    Pavlov: "The 2nd Brigade has artillery, and they have a bit more prime movers and tractors."

    Wang Zhong: "Really, let¡¯s go take a look at the 2nd Brigade."

    After he said this, he walked toward the 2nd Brigade full of expectation, but a few minutester, he was again deeply frustrated.

    The organization of the 51st Tank Army showed that they had learned fromst year¡¯s lessons. Except for the first brigade, which didn¡¯t have artillery, the other brigades had organized a little bit of each type of troops, but not enough of any type.

    It was sort of integrated, but not fully integrated.

    Especially in terms of support capabilities, the entire Tank Army basically had "shorings" written all over their faces.

    After understanding the situation, Wang Zhong was one hundred percent certain that this Tank Army would fall apart when they went up against the Prosens.

    Even though the non-mainstream tank units strengthened for him in Yeiskst year had a bnced overall structure, it turned out that wasn¡¯t themon situation!

    Wang Zhong asked Pavlov: "Is it possible to reassign the support troops from the First Mobile Group Army alone to us, so at least the armored troops¡¯ operations can be assured?"

    "I called you in a hurry exactly to coordinate this matter," Pavlov spread his hands, "Only you can do this. I¡¯m just a Chief of Staff; I really can¡¯t handle such movements involving many aspects."

    Wang Zhong: "Okay, I¡¯ll make a few calls to sort this out. Are there any other troops I haven¡¯t seen?"

    Pavlov pointed toward the ck Legion in the corner of the parade ground.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mood improved the moment he saw them.

    The warriors of Naval Infantry Brigade 393 had been standing under the sun for so long, yet they did not waver in the slightest.

    Wang Zhong walked up to them, looking at each young yet weathered face with satisfaction, and praised: "Good! Looking at the previous units, I was a little bit uneasy, because whether it¡¯s their training orbat readiness, or the condition of their weapons and equipment, all were worrisome.

    "But seeing you gives me confidence. It¡¯s on you now, ck Reapers!"

    The naval infantrymen in their sailor shirts roared in unison, "Ura!", as the wind swept across the parade ground, lifting the streamers behind their wide-brimmed caps.

 Chapter 516: United Kingdom You Plot Against Me

    After the inspection, Wang Zhong returned to the Expeditionary Army Headquarters and made a few phone calls to arrange for the transfer of the First Mobile Group Army¡¯s support brigade, which was now part of the reservist Front Army.

    Once the transportation and other arrangements were in order, Wang Zhong headed to the map room, where he saw for the first time the map outlining thebat ns within the Kingdom of Bs.

    The n was very straight-forward, simply advancing in coordination with the troops from the United Kingdom from the north and the south.

    Wang Zhong felt a bit of PTSD from "XX advancing" ns as they reminded him of vibrantlypetitive scenes from nature.

    Fortunately, the deployment of the Bs Army on the map, resembling the Changshan Snake, alleviated some of Wang Zhong¡¯s worries.

    Upon Wang Zhong and others¡¯ arrival, Colonel Benjamin from the United Kingdom came forward immediately and handed Wang Zhong a thick stack of documents, saying, "General, these are the intelligence reports on the Bs Army acquired by MI6."

    "Thank you," Wang Zhong said as he took them and first nced over the summary, then spotted the words "lowbat effectiveness." "This¡­ How weak is thebat effectiveness of the Bs Army?"

    Colonel Benjamin replied, "Except for the Imperial Guard trained by a retired Prosen instructor, other troops resemble personal armies of local tribal chiefs. Many of these tribal chiefs have been bribed by us and will not support the Kingdom¡¯s army inbat."

    Wang Zhong then asked, "What about the level of those troops trained by the retired Prosen instructors?"Colonel Benjamin, carefully choosing his words, answered, "They already represent something of a prototype of a modern army. They have a crushing advantage over the tribal militias in Bs."

    It seemed that the Bs Army was indeedcking.

    Having just familiarized himself with the strength of the Expeditionary Force, Wang Zhong was slightly relieved.

    Wang Zhongmented, "Oh¡­ I see."

    Colonel Benjamin added, "But we must not let our guard down. ording to the intelligence we¡¯ve gathered, Prosen might deploy light infantry into Bs territory. Our spies in Anatolia indicate that some Prosen soldiers, disguised, have passed through Anatolian territory into Bs."

    As a Neutral Country, Anatolia has maintained ambassadorial diplomatic rtions and allowed personnel flow with Prosen but prohibits their Navy from entering the Aegean Sea through the Anatolian straits.

    Wang Zhong asked, "You mean, we might encounter Prosen soldiers without heavy equipment?"

    "Yes. Furthermore, the Royal Air Force once shot down a Lufthansa passenger ne on the western border of Bs and discovered personnel and equipment in the wreckage."

    It appeared that the King of Bs was notpletely without Prosen¡¯s support.

    However, in this era, air transportation could only carry infantry and light weapons; they likely wouldn¡¯t encounter Prosen¡¯s armored troops.

    Even the most elite light infantry, when facing tanks, would be at a disadvantage.

    Wang Zhong casually flipped through the information he had just received to make a show of it, then handed it over to his deputy officer, Yakov.

    Pavlov had certainly read through it all, so there was no need to worry.

    He moved to the map that detailed the entirebat n, where Pavlov immediately picked up a map pointer and began to exin, "We anticipate the main difficulty in the operation to be here."

    The pointernded on a ce named Moha.

    "Here it is defended by the 2nd Division of the Kingdom of Bs¡¯s Imperial Guard, a division established after the model of Prosen¡¯s Armored Grenadier Division. It boasts over twenty thousandbat troops and weapons, including the Mark I and Mark II tanks purchased before the war as well as Matildas."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s voice suddenly rose, "And Matildas?"

    Colonel Benjamin awkwardly exined, "Yes, they were sold to us in an effort to win over the King of Bs. After the outbreak of the war between Prosen and the United Kingdom, Prosen¡¯s sources of weapons were cut off, and the Kingdom of Bs¡¯ military equipment mainly came from us."

    Wang Zhong red at Colonel Benjamin, "Besides Matildas, what else is there? Are there any Churchills?"

    The only good thing about the Churchill was its annoyingly tough armor; if Bs had Churchills, they¡¯d have to deploy Whirlwinds.

    Colonel Benjamin shook his head, "No, they only have the Infantry Tank Matilda Mark I and Crusader Cruiser Tanks."

    The United Kingdom called tanks with thick armor and slow speed ¡¯infantry tanks,¡¯ which were used withrge caliber short barrel guns, while they referred to fast-moving, lightly armored tanks as ¡¯cruiser tanks.¡¯

    These tanks were used ording to their names: infantry tanks to support infantry movements and cruiser tanks for swift raiding maneuvers, akin to cruisers.

    Simply put, they were like heavy and light tanks.

    Wang Zhong recalled the specifications of the Matilda Mark I tank and said, "So, they basically have no armor advantage against T34s, right?"@@novelbin@@

    "Exactly. And the United Kingdom troops to the south will be using Churchill and Valentine tanks, as well as M4 Shermans, which also afford them an armor advantage. This operation will be like a ceremonial parade¡ª the only question is how long it will take us to reach the Capital."

    After a moment of thought, Wang Zhong said to Pavlov, "Our tank units will dock at the port and then hoist the tanks onto shore, right?"

    "What else?" responded Pavlov.

    Wang Zhong scratched his head; indeed, in this era, there were no tanknding ships ¡ª at least Ante didn¡¯t have them.

    "So, how are the infantry units supposed to deal with the enemy tanks?"

    Pavlov: "Incendiary bombs and anti-tank rifles, ording to the technology parameters provided by the United Kingdom, anti-tank rifles can prate Crusader Tanks and can also attack Matilda viewing ports. And incendiary bombs... as long as you can throw them, the effect will not be bad."

    Wang Zhong: "Equip the troops with light anti-tank guns. If the enemy chooses a good position, relying on anti-tank rifles and incendiary bombs might not be enough."

    Pavlov: "Hmm, a 45 mm anti-tank gun could indeed be ced on assault boats, directly storming the beach, and the troops could also drag it along conveniently."

    Wang Zhong paced back and forth in front of the map, turning twice, and said, "What about this, can we directly rush a boat onto the beach, then cut open the front part of the boat with something like a jet cutter, and have tanks directly drive out from the boat onto the beach?"

    Colonel Benjamin expressed a look of disbelief: "That... is a bit too brute force, isn¡¯t it?"

    Wang Zhong: "I want my troops to have tank support, and right now we don¡¯t have time to mess with amphibious tanks or to build tanknding ships."

    Pavlov: "Wait a second, the T34 is too heavy, a wooden boat might not carry it, but if we use the extensively equipped ZIS-3 self-propelled anti-tank gun from the First Mobile Group Army, we could use a wooden boat to carry it. After storming the beach, cut the bow of the boat and it can be driven onto the sand."

    Wang Zhong: "Okay, then we¡¯ll borrow apany of ZIS-3 from the old troops. When does the operation start?"

    Colonel Benjamin: "D-Day is currently set for the 28th of this month."

    "That should still be in time," Wang Zhong ordered Pavlov. "Develop the transportation n as fast as possible, the troops will pull... from the 225th Division¡¯s Anti-tank Battalion, as the 225th Division has not been through extensive tank battles and is rtively well-preserved."

    Pavlov nodded: "Alright. Since we¡¯re pulling troops out, why not bring Whirlwind as well? The Whirlwind troops have basically no losses and have also rested for half a month now."

    Wang Zhong: "Can the wooden boat carry it? Whirlwind and T34 are of the same tonnage."

    Pavlov: "Although it can¡¯t storm the beach, it can be usedter to deal with the enemy¡¯s fortifications. Whirlwind has a 100mm gun, and the equivalent of its high-explosive shells are enough to destroy most bunkers, and incidentally eliminate tanks."

    Wang Zhong: "Is the transport capacity enough?"

    Pavlov: "It¡¯s sufficient."

    "Very good, that settles it."

    Colonel Benjamin became even more cheerful: "Will we get to see Whirlwind in actualbat? That¡¯s great! We intercepted a telegram from Prosen that described Whirlwind as very formidable; we can finally see it with our own eyes."

    Wang Zhong had not taken his words to heart, but jumped at this sentence: "Wait a minute! You¡¯ve already managed to decrypt the Enigma code?"

    Colonel Benjamin was embarrassed: "Uh, that... it was their unencrypted telegram..."

    Wang Zhong: "ording to the Allied Mutual Assistance Treaty, I have the right to demand that the Allied Nations share intelligence. Yakov, start drafting a formal application immediately, requesting the Allied Nations to disclose information rted to the decryption of the Enigma code."

    Yakov: "Eh? How should I write this application? I don¡¯t know the format!"

    Wang Zhong wanted to facepalm, thinking that if Vasily had already started performing, Colonel Benjamin should have been fooled.

    Fortunately, Pavlov took over the responsibility: "I¡¯ll draft it personally. Colonel Benjamin, you¡¯ve always wanted us tounch an attack to relieve your pressure, but you¡¯re not sharing the secret of the Enigma code with us; isn¡¯t that a bit inappropriate?"

    Colonel Benjamin: "Alright, we have indeed decrypted the Enigma code, but it¡¯s aplex cipher, and even after decrypting, it requires a massive amount of decoding work. We have gathered a bunch of mathematicians working day and night to decrypt..."

    Wang Zhong: "As far as I know, although our Ante is a bit behind the United Kingdom in other scientific fields, we are not at all inferior in mathematics."

    Colonel Benjamin was embarrassed again: "Uh, this..."

    Wang Zhong: "Here¡¯s what; we¡¯ll submit a formal application, please hand over theplete method of decrypting the Enigma code to us, and we will organize our own mathematicians to decode it."

    Colonel Benjamin: "Honestly, this isn¡¯t something I can decide. But I think the Prime Minister won¡¯t refuse; it might just require you tounch some substantial offensive."

    Wang Zhong: "We will. So that¡¯s settled, Pavlov, remember to write the application."

    Colonel Benjamin: "Let¡¯s continue discussing the uing D-Day."

    Wang Zhong: "Sure."

    Colonel Benjamin: "At 4 AM on D-Day, the special task force of the First Paratrooper Division will parachute outside Moha to control the airport and cut off the enemy¡¯s aerial support."

    Pavlov joined in, "An hourter, the Naval Infantry 393rd Brigade willnd on the east side beach of Moha. Landing here would allow us to directly nk the junction between the port and the main urban area."

    Enjoy exclusive content from empire

    Wang Zhong: "Then our troops will directly rush into the port?"

    "Yes, the enemy virtually has no navy, so we n to drive gunboats into the harbor area to provide direct fire support," Pavlov remarked as he firmly tapped on the port location on the map.

    Wang Zhong: "Feasible. The beach naval infantry¡¯s Davarish has already surveyed it, right?"

    "Surveyed," said Aromeyev, the brigademander of the 393rd Brigade.

    "Leave it to you then," said Wang Zhong.

    Aromeyev saluted: "Mission will be aplished."

 Chapter 517: Raid on Moha (Additional update 6/81)

    August 27, 915, at Abawahan airport outskirts, 2330 hours.

    Lieutenant Colonel Richard nced at the time and said to Colonel Charlie, the task forcemander of the 1st Paratrooper Division Special Forces, "If the attack resolution is passed, we should be boarding now, otherwise by the time wend, it¡¯ll be daylight, and there will be severe casualties."

    Colonel Charlie looked outside, "They¡¯re waiting for the scout ne to send back the weather report."

    Lieutenant Colonel Richard said, "We¡¯ve trained for parachute drops in bad weather. If it reallyes down to it, the nes cannd directly at the airport without airdropping us, we¡¯ve discussed this possibility."

    As Colonel Charlie was about to respond, the telephone suddenly rang.

    The Colonel sprang to the phone and picked up the receiver, "1st Paratrooper Division!"

    Colonel Benjamin¡¯s voice came from the other end, "Rocossov is asking you, if the nesnd directly, are you confident that you can take the airport?"

    "Yes!" Colonel Charlie responded decisively, "We¡¯ve rehearsed this scenario. So the target area has bad weather, right?"

    "The clouds are low,nding is possible, but it¡¯s uncertain whether a parachute drop is feasible.""Tell the General, we will certainlyplete the mission and take the airport intact."

    In addition to cutting off the enemy¡¯s air support, seizing the airport had another important objective: to prevent the enemy from destroying the airport so that the Carolingian Air Force and the Antean Air Force could use it to provide aerial support to the Expeditionary Force.

    Although thebat effectiveness of Bs¡¯s Air Force was insufficient and the ground forces of Bs would probably not be able to withstand the Ante Army¡¯s attack, having air support was a bit more reassuring.

    After receiving the assurance from Colonel Charlie, Colonel Benjamin seemed to be consulting with someone, speaking in Antenese.

    Momentster, Colonel Benjamin said, "Depart, Colonel Charlie, and good luck."

    "Yes, sir!" Colonel Charlie snapped to attention and, once the other end had hung up, mmed the receiver down onto the phone, excitedly dering, "Move out! The initial battle hase!"

    Yes, this was the 1st Paratrooper Division¡¯s first realbat since its formation. Charlie and his team were tasked with umting experience for the far more significant Operation Torch in a few months.

    Lieutenant Colonel Richard asked, "Parachute drop? Or are transport nesnding directly at the airport?"

    "Transporting straight in fornding. Let¡¯s hope those Antean pilots flying the transports weren¡¯t just boasting."

    Lieutenant Colonel Richard shrugged, "Even if they were just boasting, all we need to do is give them some vodka, and after drinking it, they¡¯d darend on the then Emperor¡¯s bed!"

    Colonel Charlie roared withughter, grabbed his beret, and ran outside, shouting as he went, "Boarding, boarding! Everyone, board the aircraft! Implement n B! n B!"

    August 28, D-Day, 0010 hours, at Abawahan Port.

    When Wang Zhong heard the sound of engines in the sky, he looked up and could see the navigation lights of the transport nes passing like a swarm of fireflies.

    "The paratroopers have left." he said.

    Pavlov said, "Wish them luck. And let¡¯s wish all of us luck, too."

    "There shouldn¡¯t be any problems." Wang Zhong muttered, returning his gaze and continuing towards the cargo ship carrying the Expeditionary Army Headquarters.

    The 393rd Naval Infantry Brigade and the first wave ofnding troops had departed the day before; the Expeditionary Army Headquarters and the second wave of troops were boarding now.

    As Wang Zhong climbed the gangway onto the cargo ship¡¯s deck, he saw Popov retching and said, "How can you start vomiting with just this little swaying?"

    The Ind Sea was essentially just argeke; the waves were nothing like those of the real ocean. Someone like Wang Zhong would never get seasick.

    Popov pulled out a handkerchief to gently wipe his mouth, "Everyone¡¯s physique is different. Looks like I¡¯m never going to join the navy as a Fleet Chain in this lifetime."

    Wang Zhong said, "Why don¡¯t you go lie down for a bit? It might make you feel better. The ship hasn¡¯t even set sail yet; once it does, you¡¯ll really be in trouble."

    At that moment, Pavlov came up and frowned at Popov¡¯s condition, "You¡¯re getting seasick already?"

    Popov said, "The General just said the same thing a moment ago. Can you find a different way to say it?"

    Pavlov thought for a few seconds and said, "Do you want some vodka?"

    Really, they treat seasickness with vodka too?

    Popov said, "Shove off! But, maybe a bit of vodka would help."

    No, I think you¡¯re just craving the vodka!

    Pavlov reached into his pocket, pulled out a hip sk, unscrewed the lid and handed it to Popov.

    The moment the lid was opened, Wang Zhong caught a strong whiff of vodka and teased, "This is the first I¡¯ve learned that you carry alcohol with you."

    Pavlov said, "It¡¯smon for Anteans to carry a bottle of alcohol with them. Come on, brother, drink up. Once you¡¯re done, you won¡¯t be able to tell if it¡¯s the boat swaying or you that¡¯s swaying."

    Popov took the hip sk and tilted his head back, gulping down all the liquor inside.

    "Thanks, I feel much better now," he said.

    Could it really work like that!

    Wang Zhong decided not toment on it and went straight to business, "When can themand center begin operating?"

    "As soon as the radio is set up, it¡¯ll be operational," Pavlov said, "in just a few minutes. But there¡¯s not much tomand now, right? The paratroopers are already en route; can you call them back?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "I can¡¯t."

    At 0330 hours in the early morning of the 28th, twenty-three kilometers north of Moha, at sea, the Ante Armynding group.

    Naval Brigadier Aromeyev looked up immediately upon hearing the engine sound, yet the thick clouds rendered him blind.

    At this time, many naval infantrymen, having heard the sound, emerged from the cabins, staring into the sky.

    "Damn it, can¡¯t see anything."

    Aromeyev yelled, "Alright! Stop looking! The paratroopers willplete their mission! Now hurry up and write your wills if you haven¡¯t yet, and get some sleep while you still can!"

    The moment his words ended, sailors hurried out of the cabins, beginning to operate the deck cranes.

    Aromeyev grabbed a sailor and asked, "What¡¯s happening? Are we switching tonding crafts already?"

    "No, we¡¯re lowering thending crafts first, then it¡¯s your turn! Don¡¯t rush!" the crew member said, patting Aromeyev on the shoulder¡ªprobably not noticing he was a brigadier.

    Aromeyev didn¡¯t mind it and instead shouted to the naval infantry, "Alright, don¡¯t block the crew from deploying the boats, move away from the rail!"

    ---

    United Kingdom¡¯s First Paratrooper Division Special Task Force, lead aircraft.

    Colonel Charlie stuck his head into the cockpit, "How is it, can wend?"

    The pilot, with a heavy Antenean ent in Onsasnguage, said, "Certainly, we haven¡¯t torn our faces off with Bs yet, so I just called them and they¡¯ll turn on the lights to help usnd!"

    Colonel Charlie, "Really?"

    "Yes, so once wend, secure the light controls first to make sure the airfield stays lit. Dawn is an hour away, we need the lights," the pilot said.

    As Colonel Charlie was about to respond, he saw the co-pilot fiddling with a Papasha and asked, "Why tinker with the Papasha?"

    The pilot replied, "We¡¯ve nothing else to do after wend, and we can¡¯t use the runway with other nesnding, so we¡¯re going down to provide you some firepower support."@@novelbin@@

    After speaking, the co-pilot snapped the charging handle forward, chambering a round in the Papasha.

    Colonel Charlie awkwardly said, "You guys just make sure you¡¯re safe, we can handle it."

    "You sure?" the pilot asked, looking very reluctant to receive a positive response from Colonel Charlie.

    The colonel nodded, "I¡¯m sure, we don¡¯t need help."

    The pilot and co-pilot both looked quite disappointed.

    Then the co-pilot¡¯s rm rang.

    Colonel Charlie¡¯s eyes widened as the co-pilot took a wind-up rm clock from under the seat, pressed the stop button, and then said to the pilot, "Time to descend."

    The pilot gently pushed the control stick, and the airne nosedived, burrowing into the clouds.

    A dozen secondster, clouds were suddenly left behind, and even Colonel Charlie could see the lights of the airfield.

    Colonel Charlie, "My God, this trick actually worked, was it your idea?"

    The pilot shook his head, "No, how could I think of this? It was suggested by General Rocossov¡¯s forces. He¡¯s an expert in deceiving the enemy around here!"

    While they were talking, thending gears mmed onto the runway, shaking the entire airne violently as if it might disintegrate the very next moment.

    Colonel Charlie had to grip the cockpit door¡¯s upper handle tightly.

    The bumping finally ceased and the Antenean pilot steered sharply, sliding the aircraft diagonally.

    "The enemy hasn¡¯t caught on!" he shouted, "Get your men out fast, or the enemy might start strafing when they react, and the ne¡¯s hull won¡¯t withstand heavy machine guns!"

    Colonel Charlie turned, kicked open the cabin door, and yelled to his subordinates, "Quick! Just like in training! Remember to cushion your fall, go!"

    A sergeant first ss sitting by the door held onto his beret, first tossed down his equipment, then jumped down with a Sten Submachine Gun and his personal ammo.

    Colonel Charlie didn¡¯t look at how the jumper faired but continued to urge, "Hurry, hurry!"

    Until then, there was no gunfire outside.

    After the fifth soldier jumped, the pilot yelled, "Stop jumping, the enemy hasn¡¯t noticed anything off. I¡¯ll slide straight to the control tower, go take it!"

    Colonel Charlie grabbed a soldier ready to jump and said, "Wait, the situation seems to have changed."

    At this moment, a soldier perched at a cabin window shouted, "Look, ne number two hasnded too, the enemy hasn¡¯t noticed a thing!"

    By then, themand aircraft had slowed down considerably, slowly sliding towards the control tower.

    Two guards finally felt something was amiss and began shouting over.

    Colonel Charlie made a split-second decision, grabbed his pistol and jumped out first. After rolling on the ground, he surged to his feet and strode towards the guard post.

    The slowly taxiing aircraft followed him, with paratroopers continuously jumping from the open cabin door.

    The two guards had never seen anything like this and were stunned, watching Colonel Charlie approach them, not even thinking to load their fixed machine guns.

    Colonel Charlie, "We are instructors from the United Kingdom, sent to provide you with training."

    Guard A, "Uh, we weren¡¯t informed about instructorsing from the United Kingdom."

    Guard B, "We even have retired Prosen instructors here, won¡¯t they fight?"

    At this moment, two United Kingdom paratroopers suddenly appeared, their submachine guns aimed at the guards¡¯ chests.

    "Don¡¯t talk! Surrender and we won¡¯t kill you!" the paratrooper shouted in poorly spoken Bsnguage¡ªclearly a phrase hastily crammed from a manual handed out earlier.

 Chapter 520: Expeditionary Army Headquarters Idle (Additional update 7/81)

    On the morning of August 28, Wang Zhong got up early.

    After washing up, he grabbed a quick bite and headed straight for Headquarters.

    As soon as he arrived at Headquarters, he saw Pavlov leisurely reading a telegram.

    Wang Zhong, "How is it? Is it a telegram from the front lines?"

    Pavlov pulled out his pocket watch and said, "Patience, the paratroopers have justnded, and the naval infantry should have just boarded thending craft.

    "This is a report on enemy movements sent by High Commandst night. From today¡¯s developments, it seems the enemy has done exactly as you and General Gorky predicted¡ªthey¡¯re focusing their attack on the Southern Front. Although the North and Central fronts have alsounched attacks, they are minor offensives meant to realign the battle lines."

    Wang Zhong, "They¡¯re doing this because,pared to the Northern Front, which is all dense forests and swamps, and also endures harsh winters, and the Central Front, which is full of cities, the Southern Front with its vast grasnds is more suitable for the Armored Division.

    "And the Southern Front just happens to have the oil they desperately need."

    Pavlov nced at Wang Zhong, "Oil, right, oil. I¡¯ve always wondered, in the past, Prosen and the United Kingdom severed rtions, but it still had us and the Federation selling them oil. So, their war machine operated for three years until theypletely annihted Carolingian."After they dered war on us, they could still buy oil from the Federation, but now...where are they getting their oil? Sincest year when the Empire of Fusang attacked the Federation, Prosen shouldn¡¯t have been able to buy any oil, relying only on their domestically produced oil. Can that supply sustain their war machine for such a long time?"

    In this timeline, Prosen is what¡¯s known as Jude, and it has also annexed Romania, so it does have its own oil. However, that amount of output truly isn¡¯t enough to supply Prosen¡¯s significantlyrger military.

    Not to mention, Prosen¡¯s navy alone is muchrger than Earth¡¯s Sturmtiger and needs more oil, especially since ships burn through oil crazily once they leave port.

    Of course, Wang Zhong knew what was going on. Back on Earth, when the oil fields in Romania, controlled by Sturmtiger, were bombed into oblivion, there was still an oil supply, all thanks to the advanced synthetic oil industry.

    Given that Jude emphasizes technological nation-building, it¡¯s probable that their synthetic oil industry is even more developed andrger in scale.

    It¡¯s just unclear if there are still "anti-Jude partisans" who have unearthed Prosen¡¯s synthetic oil factories for the Allied Forces to bomb the hell out of them.

    Seeing Pavlov looking puzzled, Wang Zhong hesitated, but then spoke, "They might be using synthetic oil."

    The Chief of Staff was shocked, "That stuff can be synthesized?"

    "Of course. His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and I had noticed rted papers a long time ago, many of which were published in Prosen¡¯s academic journals."

    Actually, that wasn¡¯t true, but since the Crown Prince had already passed away, he probably wouldn¡¯t mind having a bit more of a halo attached to him.

    The Chief of Staff, "Has synthetic oil matured to the point where it can supply such a massive army?"

    "Not just synthetic oil, they also have oil from their own wells. Once we push to the border, we can let the Allied Forcesunch from our airfields to bomb those oil fields and refineries," Wang Zhong confidently said, "Next year, or the year after at thetest."

    At that moment, themunications officer came in with a telegram, "Report! We¡¯ve received a telegram from the United Kingdom¡¯s paratroopers! The attack was sessful, and the airport is now under control."

    Wang Zhong checked the time, "Later than expected, did they mention encountering any issues?"

    "Yes, the telegram states they encountered an organized unit of Prosen troops, at least twopanies!"

    Wang Zhong immediately sat up straight, "What the hell? Prosen troops? Damn, I need to sit up and get into this."

    Pavlovughed, "Weren¡¯t you already sitting? Just a bit hunched over."

    Yakov, "Is this some kind of code?"

    Wang Zhong, "Never mind, I just like to joke around like this sometimes."

    Yakov looked at the broad-shouldered and bald Pavlov and asked skeptically, "With the Chief of Staff?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s normal to banter among friends, it¡¯s not only reserved for interactions with women, my dear Yakov."

    Without waiting for Yakov to respond, Wang Zhong asked themunications officer, "Anything else?"

    "Nothing more, all we know is that everything is going smoothly. The first batch of transport nes will soonnd at the airport, and everything is proceeding as nned, with just about a half-hour dy."

    Pavlov, "This time I nned for a twelve-hour buffer, which should be enough."

    Wang Zhong nodded, then suddenly realized someone was missing, and asked, "Where¡¯s Popov? I remember before I went to sleep, he said he would stay through the night shift, where is he?"

    Pavlov, "I saw him vomiting so miserablyst night that I got him drunk on vodka, so he¡¯s currently sleeping in bed. Don¡¯t worry, I specifically instructed his orderly to keep a close eye, so he doesn¡¯t choke on vomiting."

    "That so."

    Pavlov, "His file mentions he gets seasick, but I didn¡¯t expect it to be this severe."

    Wang Zhong, "Neither did I."

    Wang Zhong, a person who before crossing over never experienced motion sickness, either in 3D or in vehicles, seemed to have a naturally high resistance in his brain.

    I remember back in the day when I took a boat from my hometown for a little trip, it nearly took three days at sea. During the crossing of the strait we encountered strong wind and waves, everyone on board was throwing up and having diarrhea, except for Wang Zhong, who was so hungry that he sneaked into the ship¡¯s kitchen to eat.

    At that time, his whole family thought Wang Zhong had what it took to be a pilot, but as soon as it was time for his university entrance exams, he failed the vision test and lost his chance to be a pilot.

    Later, Wang Zhong became obsessed with aerialbat in War Thunder and DCS simtions, probably for that reason.

    Thinking of the past, Wang Zhong subconsciously touched his eyes. In this world, he didn¡¯t have nearsightedness at all, which made up for a bit of that small regret. After the war, he definitely nned to get a pilot¡¯s license and fly his own ne.

    After all, he wasn¡¯t ck, nor did he wear a number 24 jersey, so there should be no problem!

    While thinking this, Pavlov suddenly nodded towards someone behind Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong turned around and saw Amelia yawning as she entered.

    Today, the Witch of the United Kingdom wore a tube dress, showing off her shapely legs.

    Looking at her legs, she really would look great in ck stockings, but unfortunately, it seemed like the thin stockings ofter times hadn¡¯t been invented yet.

    Amelia noticed Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze, nced down at her legs to make sure there was nothing odd, then teased, "I heard that you¡¯re married, isn¡¯t it a bit inappropriate to stare at a single woman¡¯s legs like that?"

    Wang Zhong was shocked, "You¡¯re still single?"

    "It¡¯s not about that! I mean, even if I weren¡¯t, you shouldn¡¯t be looking, where are your gentlemanly manners?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Maybe our two countries have a different understanding of what constitutes gentlemanly manners. But, Miss Amelia, why are you on my ship?"

    Amelia responded, "I¡¯m the seane pilot on your ship. If the enemy Air Force attacks, I¡¯ll be piloting the seane to counter them."

    Wang Zhong doubtfully said, "But...the performance gap between a seane and modern mainstream fighters is quite big, isn¡¯t it?"

    Seanes either need floatation devices or need to be designed like a boat, both of which do not help improve their flying performance.

    Trying to win an aerial battle with a small single-engine seane against a conventionalnd-based single-engine fighter is basically wishful thinking.

    Thus, seanes tend to develop towardsrger sizes, equipped with plenty of self-defense firepower to confront attacking enemy nes.

    But theserger seanes can¡¯t beunched from a ship using a catapult.

    Curious, Amelia looked at Wang Zhong, "I¡¯ve heard rumors that you know quite a bit about flying?"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, duh, have you not heard of a War Thunder aviation Brahmin? But he humbly answered, "Just a little, it was mainly taught to me by my previous deputy officer, Vasily."

    Amelia¡¯s expression slightly sank, "He sacrificed himself, did he? My condolences."

    "No, no, no, don¡¯t kill off my musician, ah! He went off to study to advance to a higher military rank. Before, he was just a student at an ordinary infantry school, being trained to lead a toon."

    Amelia replied, "You... brought a deputy officer with only the skills of an infantry toon leader? I thought deputies for generals of your caliber were all top graduates of staff college."

    Yakov proudly lifted his head, nostrils ring.

    Wang Zhong stated, "Vasily was very capable, he received the Ante Heroic Star for excellently performing a deception mission. Plus, he¡¯s also an outstanding musician, having helped me finish ¡¯The Holy War¡¯ and¡ªno, it¡¯s called ¡¯The Last Courage.¡¯"

    Pavlovughed, "You almost forgot the name of the song!"

    Wang Zhong ignored Pavlov, "Anyway, he¡¯s outstanding."

    Amelia inquired, "Can he also fly?"

    "Uh... yes, he can fly nes too!" Wang Zhong went all in; after all, Vasily wasn¡¯t there, and he could make up whatever he wanted.

    "Oh, really?" Amelia stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and said, "Wait a second."

    She turned and walked briskly away, her footsteps sounding like Nelly¡¯s "tap-tap-tap".

    Pavlov teased, "You think your luck with thedies just keepsing wave after wave?"

    Wang Zhong thought it might be because he was a virgin in his previous life, and now it waspensating. Of course, it also could be because Rocossov was indeed handsome.

    As they were talking, Amelia returned with a big box.

    She ced the box on the table in front of Wang Zhong, smiled sweetly, "General, it must be boring waiting for news from the front, so how about we exchange our understanding of aerialbat?"

    Then, Amelia opened the box, took out two model nes, and handed the one with a yellow nose to Wang Zhong.

    It had been a long time since Wang Zhong had yed with nes, and he was itching to try, so he stood up and took the yellow-nosed ne, "Alright, what are the rules? Do we fly them face-to-face or¡­ should I give you a thousand meters of altitude?"

    Amelia narrowed her eyes, "You seem very confident! If that¡¯s the case, then let¡¯s do as you said."

 Chapter 522: Beachhead Defense

    Karamazov dropped the sapper shovel, sat on the ZIS30, and gasped for air.

    He had dug an emcement to hide the ZIS30, but honestly, he didn¡¯t think it was of any use.

    The ZIS30 was already quitepact, just piling some grass on it made it nearly invisible from a distance.

    Putting the vehicle in the emcement merely made an already concealed vehicle more hidden. But when it came to concealment, if the enemy couldn¡¯t see it, they couldn¡¯t see it. Making something that was already well hidden even more so seemed like a futile effort.

    The loader asked Karamazov, "Do you think the enemy will counterattack? If they don¡¯t, aren¡¯t we just wasting our time? We could follow the naval infantry in their attack and be useful by blowing up bunkers or something."

    Karamazov took out some loose tobo, then fished out a piece of newspaper to tear off a corner and began rolling a cigarette. As he rolled, he answered, "There¡¯s no need for us to worry about the port attack. They¡¯ve got destroyers with naval guns for that."

    "Saying it¡¯s a naval gun, when I first got to Abawahan, I went on a destroyer and saw for myself, their caliber is about the same as ours, they just switched to rapid-fire guns. It went ¡¯tat-tat-tat,¡¯ just like a machine gun. Although those destroyers are called destroyers, they are actually coastal defense ships used for harbor patrols by the real navy."

    The Ind Sea, as the name implies, ispletely ind, outside ships wanting to get in would have to navigate drynd, so they can¡¯t be toorge.

    The Ante Empire has shipyards around the Ind Sea, they certainly could buildrge warships, but considering building them toorge would be pointless, as long as they arerger than the warships from other countries around the Ind Sea, that¡¯s enough.Over time, thergest warship on the Ind Sea became this so-called "Ind Sea battleship."

    So Rocossov proposed a n for fire support, usingrge cargo ships converted into fire support vessels, stuffed with the army¡¯s 152mm howitzers or Katyusha rocket artillery.

    But this n was eventually scrapped due to a limited number ofrge cargo vessels avable for transport on the Ind Sea.

    In any case, the Ind Navy¡¯s "destroyers" had to take up the task of fire support, forcibly entering the port and using direct fire from their naval guns against the defenders.

    Karamazov rolled up the cigarette, put it in his mouth, and started patting his pockets for a match.

    The loader casually took out a box of matches and struck one.

    Karamazov leaned in to light his handmade cigarette, took a strong drag, then exhaled a smoke ring.

    He watched the smoke ring slowly rise and disappear into the sunlight at seven in the morning.

    At that moment, artillery fire was heard from the north.

    Karamazov: "It¡¯s started at the port, even if the enemy is stupid, they should be counterattacking by now."

    Loader: "But... the Bsians on the beach were beaten so badly, we shattered their morale with armor-piercing shells, they probably don¡¯t have the guts to counterattack now, do they?"

    "Yes, just the Bsians probably wouldn¡¯t dare to counterattack." Karamazov exhaled another smoke ring and looked towards the city through it.

    Although it was called a city, Karamazov didn¡¯t see any buildings taller than three stories¡ªnot many were even two stories¡ªand there were hardly any reinforced concrete buildings or even a few red-brick houses.

    Karamazov: "If it weren¡¯t for the transport routes, I reckon nobody would bother to upy this dump."

    As soon as he finished speaking, the battalionmander of the Anti-tank Artillery Battalion came riding on a motorcycle, shouting, "The observation post has spotted dust clouds, the enemy should be arriving soon, prepare for battle!"

    Karamazov shouted, "Are they reallying? Is it tanks? I hope it¡¯s not another bunch of cavalry!"

    "If it¡¯s cavalrying, the machine gunpany left by the naval infantry will deal with them. Don¡¯t worry, Karamazov. We¡¯ll take care of the tanks. Remember the weak spot diagram of the Matilda tank given to you. It¡¯spiled from our own testing results and data from the United Kingdom, it should work."

    Karamazov waved his hand, signaling he understood.

    The battalionmander rode off on his motorcycle.

    The loader pulled out the diagram, "Want to take a look?"

    Karamazov shook his head, "I¡¯ve seen it, really seen it. I know where to hit to take out the United Kingdom¡¯s turtle shell. Can you believe this thing moves at infantry pace in the field?"

    "Moves at the same pace as infantry?" The loader eximed in surprise.

    "Yeah, maybe that¡¯s why it¡¯s called an infantry tank."

    As he finished speaking, Karamazov spotted a dust cloud in the distance.

    Under the sun, the dust cloud was very apparent.

    He threw his cigarette butt to the ground and stamped it out with his military boot, then loudlymanded, "Load armor-piercing shells, quick! The enemy ising!"

    The other vehicles nearby also promptly enteredbat readiness, and the atmosphere at the previously rxed position suddenly became tense.

    The dust cloud in the distance grew thicker, even obscuring part of the city.

    At that moment, the battalionmander came back riding his motorcycle, shouting as he rode, "This dust cloud doesn¡¯t look like cavalry. A tough fight ising, boys! If we hit the tanks, they¡¯re done for! If we miss, they can still st us to pieces! We can only fire as much as we can before the enemy spots us, keep firing constantly!"

    Themander¡¯s motorcycle passed by Karamazov.

    Karamazov watched themander¡¯s retreating figure for a while, making sure he had gone far before opening the emergency supplies box next to his fighting position and taking out binocrs to look towards the enemy.

    These binocrs were previously confiscated equipment and, ording to military regtions, should have been turned in for redistribution among the troops based on need.

    But Karamazov kept the illicitly obtained binocrs, with a quite righteous-sounding reason, "General Rocossov demands the Whirlwind to prate and destroy the enemy tanks at 1800 meters. Then, we who operate self-propelled anti-tank guns should do the same. Without binocrs, how can I spot the enemy at 1800 meters?"

    This excuse was agreed upon by everyone else on the crew, they just didn¡¯t dare to tell the battalionmander.

    Karamazov used a captured Zeiss telescope to observe the enemy charging over, "One, two, three...twenty, a total of twenty Matildas, and behind the formation, together with the infantry. The front is all filled with Crusader light tanks."

    The United Kingdom calls them cruiser tanks.

    Karamazov observed the light tanks for a moment and then, perplexed, asked the loader, "Do you remember how much the Crusader light tank weighs ording to the data?"

    The loader shrugged his shoulders, "I can¡¯t remember, isn¡¯t it about the same as our BT series?"@@novelbin@@

    Karamazov replied, "Then why are they moving so slowly? Could it be due to a lousy engine? But howe I remember that the United Kingdom¡¯s engine technology is more advanced than ours? Even our Air Force uses engines licensed for production by the Rolls-Royce Company."

    "Is it really slow?" The loader, without a telescope, couldn¡¯t see the specifics and could only stare at the approaching dust and say so.

    Karamazov followed a Crusader with his telescopic field of view, "Yes, quite slow, maybe just a bit faster than the off-road speed of a T34. Could it be that they¡¯ve equipped the tanks with speed limiters? But why would they do that?"

    "For more urate firing while on the move?" the loader suggested, spreading his hands.

    "Stop talking, they¡¯ve passed the marker, quickly getting within range!" Karamazov put down his telescope, stering himself to the gun sight, locking onto a Crusader at the front line.

    He fired.

    There were sparks on the shell of the Crusader, hit!

    Then the Crusader continued advancing unharmed!

    The shell had exploded behind the Crusader tank!

    Karamazov was shocked, "Over-pration?" Read thetest on empire

    Over-pration: it means that the armor-piercing capability of the shell far exceeds the target¡¯s defense, causing the shell to pass through as if it were paper, piercing right through the target and exploding on the other side.

    "Wait! Stop loading armor-piercing shells, load the high-explosive shells! Good, during thending, we used up lots of armor-piercing shells, but we didn¡¯t consume many high-explosive ones!"

    The loader, reluctantly, pulled out the shell already shoved into the barrel and pushed in a high-explosive shell instead.

    Karamazov fired again.

    This time the Crusader exploded, its turret flying into the sky.

    Karamazovughed loudly, "Good! Continue clearing out the Crusader light tanks! Load quickly."

    At this moment, all 30 ZIS30s of the battalion began to fire, but many didn¡¯t realize that the armor of the Crusader tanks was too thin for the 57mm guns; many gun crews dutifully used armor-piercing shells.

    Some Crusaders, hit by armor-piercing shells, began to smoke heavily, then a bunch of tank operators scrambled out and fled in all directions.

    The concentrated firing went on for a few minutes, and more than half of the enemy vanguard Crusaders were destroyed; the rest turned around to retreat.

    By the way, it seems like all the Crusader tanks had no intention of counterattacking and not a single shot was fired back at the anti-tank position.

    And the Matildas, not until all the Crusaders had run away, had yet toe forward.

    "Switch to armor-piercing shells!" Karamazov, who had resumed observation with his telescope, ordered as such, "High-explosives probably won¡¯t be effective against the Matildas."

    By then, the whole position had fallen silent, everyone waiting for the Matilda tanks toe into range.

    But these abstract contraptions, with cross-country speeds matching that of infantry, took a formidable seven minutes and still hadn¡¯t reached the rubble of the Crusader tanks.

    Finally, Karamazov could no longer bear it and adjusted the scale using the gun sight, aiming at a Matilda and fired!

    The shell fell at a steep angle onto the front of the Matilda, only to be bounced away.

    Karamazov cursed loudly.

    The loader consoled him, "It¡¯s too far, the energy of the shell has decreased significantly."

    "You even know the word energy!" Karamazov said mockingly.

    The loader replied, "I too attended night school opened by the General! I really want to advance, buddy!"

    Karamazov didn¡¯t respond and continued to observe the distance, waiting for these slow movers to enter effective range.

    Five minutester, the first Matilda crossed the marker.

    Karamazov immediately put down the telescope, pressing his eye to the gun sight, carefully aimed, adjusted the scale, and fired!

    Sparks appeared on the front armor of the Matilda tank, which then stopped, with thick smoke emerging from the rear of the vehicle. The tank crew hurriedly ran out of the tank and scattered in all directions.

    Karamazov clenched his fist, "Good! Armor-piercing shells are effective against this thing too! Load quickly!"

    The other ZIS30s also fired, and this time the heavy tank¡ªthe infantry tank cluster¡ªheld out for just over a minute before beginning to reverse and retreat.

    Karamazov urged, "Load quickly! Quicker! They¡¯re about to move out of our effective range! Hurry!"

    "We¡¯re out of armor-piercing shells!" the loader shouted, "You used too many on the beach just now!"

    Karamazov pped his thigh and didn¡¯t know who he was cursing, "Sukabule!"

 Chapter 523: Rocossov Steps on Balas Land (Supplementary update 8/81)

    While the ambush battle continued, the port was also engulfed in fiercebat.

    Brigadier Aromeyev established his headquarters on a water tower on the periphery of the port area, using binocrs to observe the situation within the port.

    "These do not seem like the Bsians¡¯ will to resist. When wended, the Bas Imperial Guards were scared off just by the anti-tank units using armor-piercing shells," Aromeyev put down his binocrs and turned to the Deputy Officer, "Have we captured any prisoners? Bring them over; I want to interrogate them."

    "No, Brigadier, the enemy is exhibiting very strongbat will. Even when wounded, they continue to resist," the Deputy Officer reported.

    The Military Bishop said, "Such a strong will to resist, could they be the Royal Family¡¯s personal troops?"

    Aromeyev thought for a moment and said, "Bring over a body. I have a bad premonition."

    Soon, a body was brought over andid out in front of Aromeyev.

    The Brigadier crouched down and lifted the military cap from the body.

    Light golden hair was exposed under the sunlight.Aromeyev asked, "Do Bsians... have blond hair?"

    The Military Bishop shook his head, "Some do, although not many, but indeed they do."

    At this point, the Sergeant who brought the body spoke, "But all the Bsian soldiers we killed had blond hair. This morning, those soldiers we captured retreating from the beachhead didn¡¯t have a single blond among them, Brigadier!"

    Aromeyev looked up at the Sergeant and asked, "These ¡¯Bsians,¡¯ whatnguage did they speak? Was it Prosenese?"

    The Sergeant shook his head, "We don¡¯t know."

    "How can you not know!" Aromeyev scolded, "You¡¯ve heard so much Prosenese on the battlefield, ¡¯saise,¡¯ ¡¯aku-tong,¡¯ can¡¯t you recognize it?"

    The Sergeant said, "If you¡¯re asking if it sounded like it, it really did resemble Prosenese, but we¡¯ve truly never heard Bsian, so we have noparison. We don¡¯t have anyone who understands Prosenese, so we can¡¯t be sure if it was Prosenese. Thenguages of the northern nations are also quite simr to Prosenese, aren¡¯t they?"

    Aromeyev said, "You guys sure are logical, don¡¯t worry about those things for now. Just tell me, when you were fighting them, did it not feel like you were battling Prosens?"

    "Yes," the Sergeant answered promptly, "But their equipment consisted of Sten Submachine Guns and Bren light machine guns, and Maxim guns; we didn¡¯t hear the characteristic sweeping fire of the Prosen machine guns."

    The Military Bishop said to Aromeyev, "It seems we¡¯ve encountered Prosens disguised as Bsian soldiers, no wonder the port has been so tough to take."

    At that moment, the sound of rapid machine-gun fire came from the direction of the port.

    Aromeyev immediately recognized it as the machine guns of the "Destroyer": "Even with the navy helping us like this, we still can¡¯t take it down! General Rocossov trusts us a lot! Tell the troops, I don¡¯t care if the enemy is Prosenese or Bsian, charge and engage them in hand-to-handbat, we must take the port before General¡¯s ships can see it!"

    As the words left his mouth, the Sergeant who had delivered the body spoke, "Brigadier! The port buildings are all made of reinforced concrete; naval artillery can¡¯t do anything to them. We need direct artillery support! Otherwise, the casualties will be enormous!"

    Aromeyev said, "Don¡¯t you have explosives? The Naval Infantry has never been a force that can¡¯t breach without artillery! Blow them up!"

    The next moment, an explosion came from the direction of the port.

    Read exclusive adventures at empire

    Aromeyev frowned, "That does not sound like a small caliber; is it the enemy¡¯s or ours?"

    The Military Bishop said, "It might be ours; listen, the naval artillery is still firing. If the enemy was firing at the ships, with the ¡¯Destroyer¡¯s¡¯ fragile frame, they would have stopped firing long ago."

    Aromeyev raised his binocrs, looking doubtfully at the port, but unfortunately, the port buildingspletely blocked his view, and he could not see what was happening on the docks.

    ------------

    Fifteen minutes earlier, at Moha Port¡¯s inbound shipping channel.

    Lieutenant Colonel Yusov yelled at the transport ship captain, "Don¡¯t you see? The port buildings are all concrete, the ¡¯Destroyer¡¯s¡¯ cannons can do nothing to them! The Naval Infantry needs the 100mm guns from the Whirlwind."

    The captain shook his head, "No way, my sailors still need to transport supplies! After the Expeditionary Force is done with Bs, we have to transfer Allied Forces¡¯ materials, and skilled sailors like these aren¡¯t easy to find now. I can¡¯t dock while the enemy still controls the port!

    "This ship is precious, do you know how few ships like this there are on the Ind Sea? No, I can¡¯t take the risk!"

    Lieutenant Colonel Yusov drew his pistol and pressed it against the captain¡¯s forehead, "I suspect you¡¯re a Prosenese spy!"

    "Go ahead and suspect!" the captain did not back down, "The biggest difference between you and me is that I know the priorities. Losing this ship and sailors to take Moha Port is definitely not worth it!"

    Yusov argued, "If we can¡¯t take Moha Port, there will be no supply line!"

    "You¡¯re exaggerating. I know the caliber of the Bsians very well; they definitely won¡¯t be able to hold it!" the captain did not budge and even stepped forward, pressing the muzzle of the pistol against his own forehead like a stamp.

    At this moment, the Military Bishop from the 225th Division¡¯s Tank Destroyer Battalion stepped forward, grabbing Yusov¡¯s pistol with one hand and the captain¡¯s shoulder with the other, forcibly separating the two men and disarming the gun.

    Yuosov¡¯s eyes widened as he looked at the Bishop, "Where did that brute strengthe from?"

    The Bishop said, "Never mind that! I have a good idea. Captain, our tank destroyers can hit whatever they aim at within a distance of 1800 meters! Could you clear a space on the deck of your small boat and build a tform out of wood or something, so that the tank destroyer can drive on it?"

    The captain turned his head to look at the Whirlwind that had been fixed on the deck, "How much does this vehicle weigh? 30 tons? We could make a tform for it, but what difference would one vehicle make?"

    "We do have a difference!" Lieutenant Colonel Yusov was invigorated again, "Our 100mm gun¡¯s high-explosive shell contains six kilograms of TNT, not even reinforced concrete can stand it! One shot over there and everyone inside will be stunned for a minute."

    The captain nced at the dock, dense with gunfire, thought for a few seconds, and finally nodded, "1800 meters! It won¡¯t get any closer! Get your Tank Operator to work with my crew to build a tform!"

    Lieutenant Colonel Yusov turned back and shouted, "Did you hear that? Hurry, hurry, build a tform! Misha, have your crew fire the gun! If you can¡¯t hit your target, you might as well be shoveling shit!"

    People on the ship scrambled to get busy, with the captain himself overseeing the work for a minute, then he said to the Boatswain, "You direct the construction of the tform and the positioning of the tank, I¡¯m heading to the bridge to direct the ship into the harbor."

    Boatswain, "Leave it to me."

    After another ten minutes of hustle, a Whirlwind had finally driven onto the hastily erected tform, operated by the crew designated by Lieutenant Colonel Yusov.

    The operations officer had also set up an Artillery Mirror next to the tank destroyer to observe the target data.

    The observer reported loudly, "Distance to the dock is 1700 meters! Distance to the enemy-upied dock¡¯s administrative building is 1850 meters, we can fire!"

    Lieutenant Colonel Yusov stood next to the Artillery Mirror, nervously observing the building through his binocrs.

    Suddenly, the Whirlwind fired, the thick smoke and st from the muzzle blowing away Lieutenant Colonel Yusov¡¯s cap.

    The Lieutenant Colonel didn¡¯t care about that, his attention entirely on the building in the binocrs.

    A secondter, a row of windows on the first floor of the building spewed out thick smoke at the same time; clearly, the high-explosive shell had prated through one of the windows and exploded inside the room.

    The st wave made the walls of half the building tremble, raising ayer of dust, making it look like a protective film had suddenly been applied to the concrete surface.

    Thest remaining window on the second floor shattered into countless pieces, ttering down amidst a swirling cloud of dust.

    "Good!" Lieutenant Colonel Yusov shouted, "Keep firing! st those bastards in the building to hell!"

    No sooner had his voice fallen when the second shell arrived.

    This time it targeted the middle of the office building, likely a stairwell, hitting the second floor directly, with smoke and dust engulfing the first and third floors.

    The Maxim guns that had been firing went silent, in fact, the entire building¡¯s gunfire stopped.

    Lieutenant Colonel Yusov saw naval infantry in ck uniforms andrgepels, carrying Papashas, rushing to the front of the building, tossing grenades into the windows one after another.@@novelbin@@

    "Don¡¯t hit our naval infantry by mistake, change the target! Change the target!" the Lieutenant Colonel shouted, "Rotate the hull 10 degrees left; there¡¯s a two-story building still spewing fire!"

    Soon, a soldier climbed onto the Whirlwind, yelling into the open hatch: "Turn left 10 degrees, target the two-story building!"

    The Whirlwind turned ten degrees, the barrel pointed at the two-story building.

    The first shell hit the external wall of the building, the explosion¡¯s smoke quickly engulfing most of the structure.

    The firing machine guns and rifles all stopped, likely leaving everyone inside stunned.

    The naval infantry who had just been hiding behind a low wall on the opposite side of the building instantly jumped out, charging at the building, not wasting any time while the enemy was stunned.

    Yusov was pleased, "Shift the target again, keep the hull position, look for the warehouse with the huge number 2 on it! They¡¯re firing from the second floor of the warehouse, fire!"

    The Whirlwind fired again, this time hitting the external wall of the warehouse directly, the dust raisedpletely stripping the enemy machine gun¡¯s field of fire.

    The naval infantry, unexpectedly provided with "smoke" cover, immediately moved out, charging into the smoke.

    Yusov eximed, "Good! Next target!"

    ------------

    Aromeyev couldn¡¯t see the fighting at the port, but he could hear the diminishing sound of machine-gun fire with each boom of artillery.

    The naval infantry also had machine guns, but they were clunky Maxim guns with wheels and shields, not very practical during an assault, and the infantry were reluctant to use them.

    Thus, the reduction in machine gun sound indicated the enemy had been heavily damaged.

    "Although I¡¯m not sure who¡¯s firing, remember to remind me to apply for the Ante Hero of Venus after this," Aromeyev told the Military Bishop.

    Bishop, "Rest assured. However, I think that this hero will definitely notck praise afterwards, even if we do not apply, someone else will."

    "Doesn¡¯t that make it all the more reason to apply? Otherwise, it would seem like the Navy and Army have unresolved issues!"

    At that moment, a messenger, riding a bicycle, rushed over, shouting, "Report! With the coordination of the Whirlwind tank destroyer on the ship, we now haveplete control of the second dock, the transport ships can dock!"

    Aromeyev nodded to his Deputy Officer, "Fire the signal re, let the transport ships dock!"

 Chapter 524: Rocossov Stands on the Land of Balas

    On the afternoon of August 28 at 1630 hours, the transport ship carrying the Expeditionary Army Headquarters entered Moha Port.

    Wang Zhong stood on the deck, looking at the chaotic port, and asked Pavlov with confusion, "Aren¡¯t the Navy¡¯s destroyers only equipped with machine guns? Howe these look like marks made by 100mm cannons?"

    Pavlov was also bewildered, "I don¡¯t know, maybe it was done by Whirlwind afternding? But if the enemy is still resisting, shouldn¡¯t the transport ships avoid docking?"

    Then the two top military leaders of the Expeditionary Force exchanged nces.

    Yakov said, "It seems that the Whirlwind troops have already left the port. Are they attacking Moha City now?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "ording to the n, yes."

    He looked toward the city, listening to the gunfire in the air.

    Then he switched his perspective because he hadn¡¯t established direct contact with units such as the Naval Infantry 393rd Brigade. From an overhead view, he could only see terrain and the "troop tags" of thebat units¡ªthe northern part of Moha City was already dominated by a huge Naval Infantry insignia, and the Ante Army Infantry¡¯s insignia was slightly smaller but also covered arge area.

    These tworge insignias, along with the smaller emblems of the Tank Destroyer units, seemed to indicate that Whirlwind had entered the city to support the infantry in capturing the urban area.The enemy forces in the southern part of the city were designated as Bas Imperial Guards Fifth Infantry Division.

    Wang Zhong was puzzled, unable to understand how his elite Tank Destroyer units and elite Naval Infantry 393rd Brigade were struggling to overtake the poorly reported Bas forces?

    That doesn¡¯t make sense.

    He switched back to his physical perspective and asked Pavlov, "Has the United Kingdom provided any new intelligence? Why is this Fifth Division of the Imperial Guard fighting so evenly matched with ournding forces?"

    Pavlov still hadn¡¯t realized something was amiss, he answered, "That¡¯s already not bad, considering it¡¯s a brigade plus a newly trained infantry division full of green troops facing a mechanized infantry division. It¡¯s normal for them to be at a disadvantage.

    "They¡¯ve at least trained for quite some time."

    Wang Zhong replied, "No, that¡¯s not right. Immediately contact the 393rd Brigade via field telephone to find out what¡¯s going on!"

    Pavlov quickly turned to summon themunication staff officer.

    Soon, themunication staff officer handed the field telephone to Wang Zhong, "Brigadier Aromeyev of the 393rd Brigade is on the line."

    Wang Zhong took the field telephone and switched perspective again. The icons of the 393rd Brigade indeed changed into specific individuals, showing them fighting room by room against the enemy.

    "Aromeyev, what¡¯s going on? The Federation¡¯s intelligence indicates that the Imperial Guard, with regr training and morale, is also having a tough fight?" Wang Zhong immediately questioned.

    "They are not the Imperial Guard, not even Basians. They are Prosens dressed in Imperial Guard uniforms!" The voice of Aromeyev came through the handset, "Repeat, Prosens!"

    Wang Zhong hurriedly looked at the enemy, trying to confirm this with his own highlight capability. Then he found that he couldn¡¯t confirm as the highlighted enemy did not stand out.

    He asked, "Aromeyev, where is your headquarters?"

    As he spoke, he had already located Aromeyev: The Brigadier was on a water tower, surrounded by the capablemand team of the 393rd Brigade.

    Water tower, ah, how nostalgic.

    Wang Zhong momentarily recalled the water tower in Upper Penie vige. Maybe after the war, an enemy statue would be erected on the water tower.

    Aromeyev answered, "I¡¯m on the water tower southwest of the port. Do you want toe over?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Of course, I¡¯ll be right there, over and out."

    He handed the field telephone back to themunications staff officer, and told Pavlov, "They are Prosens! Damn it, they are wearing Basian uniforms, that¡¯s why the Naval Infantry is having such a back and forth fight with them!"

    Pavlov squinted his eyes, "No wonder you¡¯re so excited, it turns out there are Prosens to kill."

    No, what exactly do you think of me?

    At this moment, Popov came out of the cabin looking pale, "Damn, have we docked?"

    Wang Zhong pointed to the sailor who was throwing mooring ropes over the side of the ship, "The sailor is performing the final step of docking."

    "Finally over," Popov exhaled deeply, "This two-day journey has been more ufortable than the past year."

    Wang Zhong then told Yakov, "You go ashore first and find a jeep."

    Popov asked, "What? Are you going to the front line personally again? It¡¯s just indigenous Basians, there¡¯s no need for that, right?"

    "They are Prosens, Prosens wearing Basian uniforms are fighting us."

    Popov suddenly became animated, "What? This vites internationalw! These Prosens won¡¯t enjoy the protections of the Geneva Conventions if we capture them!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Clearly, they don¡¯t care about that. Anyway, I¡¯m going to personallymand the 393rd Brigade, Pavlov, you manage the overall situation, and get the Expeditionary Force ashore as quickly as possible. Popov, you... you rest first!"

    As he finished speaking, there was amotion at the cargo hold entrance; Wang Zhong turned his head and saw Bucephalus running onto the deck. Upon seeing Wang Zhong, it grimaced and ran over.

    The cavalryman also rushed onto the deck, chasing the horse while shouting, "The moment I opened the door, this thing bolted out! Grab it!"

    Bucephalus rushed up to Wang Zhong, attempting to bite off his big cap with its mouth.

    Wang Zhong, "Enough! Behave yourself!"

    Bucephalus did not listen at all, it bit Wang Zhong¡¯s cap, shook its head, and tossed the cap like a frisbee.

    Then it started to gnaw at Wang Zhong¡¯s hair.

    Pavlov, "I reckon you¡¯ve spoiled this horse?"

    Wang Zhong, "Then let¡¯s switch to a ¡¯Willys Jeep¡¯ that runs on gasoline!"

    At that moment, witnessing everything, Amelia asked, "Is there anything special about this horse? Why is it so refractory? Could it be... it¡¯s a Druid?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, no, no, Druids in our country can only summon thick fogs, and that also depends on the weather, so they cannot transform into one. Besides, if this were a Druid, I definitely wouldn¡¯t let it transform into a horse; having it turn into a wolf rider would be much better."

    As he spoke, he pushed Bucephalus away.

    Just then, Yakov returned, "The Jeep is ready!"

    Wang Zhong, "Good, I¡¯ll be right there."

    The water tower, where Aromeyev was, was easy to find, especially with someone like Wang Zhong, who was a ¡¯cheat code¡¯ himself, leading the way; the Jeep soon stopped next to thedder of the water tower.

    The naval infantrymen assembled beneath the water tower saluted Wang Zhong in unison.

    Wang Zhong lifted his hand and swiftly scurried up the stairs, reaching the top in no time.

    Now, the entire naval infantry brigade was considered under Wang Zhong¡¯s directmand, and the whole area was in in view.

    Sadly, the naval infantry¡¯sbat was so fierce that they had already expelled the enemy from within 2.5 kilometers of Wang Zhong¡¯s view.

    Aromeyev saluted Wang Zhong, "General! We have done our best, but the enemy is incredibly determined; we¡¯ve sustained heavy losses!"

    Wang Zhong, "How many have we lost by now?"

    "There¡¯s no urate count yet, but some toons have lost more than half. However, we¡¯ve also killed quite a few enemies; the papers and family letters on them were all in Prosennguage! This is definitely the Prosen Army!"

    Wang Zhong raised his binocrs.

    At that point, he suddenly noticed that two naval infantrymen were escorting five or six prisoners towards the water tower.

    Although they were still far away, they had already entered the area lit by Wang Zhong, and these enemies were marked with red borders with names and affiliations appearing above their heads.

    The fighting on the front lines and the infantry hadnded first from the Vulture Legion of the Empire of Prosen.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong was surprised; the Vulture Legion was a force sent by Sturmtiger during the Banya civil war on Earth. In this dimension, it had somehow be the codename for Bas intervention forces!

    Damn, Wang Zhong thought, MI6 of the United Kingdom isn¡¯t as formidable as imagined. On reflection, the founder and leader of MI6 was someone who devoted his entire life to causing mischief. Their messing things up was not so surprising?

    At this moment, Wang Zhong saw a Whirlwind tank destroyer supported by naval infantry turning the street corner and opening fire on a building resisting the Prosens.

    Most buildings in the city didn¡¯t have reinforced concrete exteriors, so when struck by the 100mm cannon, the entire building was enveloped in smoke.

    Wang Zhong, from a bird¡¯s-eye view, wasn¡¯tpletely obstructed and could clearly see half of the building copse as Prosens dragging machine guns ran out from the back door, running for their lives.

    It seemed the machine gunner had stopped shooting and started changing positions the moment the Whirlwind appeared, else he wouldn¡¯t have escaped unscathed.

    The Whirlwind knocked down a house and fired again, this time targeting shops on the south side of the street¡ªanother cannon shot caused half of the two-story building to copse. A surviving Prosen limping out from the back door staggered towards hisrades.

    The Whirlwind continued firing, seemingly relentless in its effort to destroy the buildingpletely.

    Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s a pity, our Whirlwind isn¡¯t equipped with white phosphorus shells or napalm." Readtest chapters at empire

    He switched his view and saw Aromeyev looking perplexed, "What? Whirlwind? Indeed, we¡¯re closely coordinating with the Whirlwind tank destroyers, but where did you see a Whirlwind?"

    All the Whirlwinds had indeed been deployed to the city to fire high-explosive shells.

    Wang Zhong, "I was just musing about not having been able to equip new shells for the Whirlwind. If we had white phosphorus shells, we could fire them at the windows of buildings, igniting the people¡¯s skin and clothing inside; they would rush out of the rooms in unbearable pain, begging us to grant them a peaceful death."

    "Oh, the Allied Forces have such things?" said Aromeyev.

    At that moment, an army officer entered the courtyard of the water tower and called out, "Report! I¡¯vee to inform you, General, that the 1st Battalion of the 51st Tank Army has justpleted their unloading."

    Wang Zhong, "Tell Pavlov to organize the dispersed units into a temporarybat group and push towards the city. The naval infantry needs our support."

    "Understood!"

    After the officer had left, Aromeyev said, "We can defeat the enemy, we don¡¯t need additional support."

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder, "I know, but we can¡¯t afford to dy. We don¡¯t know how many Prosen forces are still inside Bas; we need to quickly capture Moha and advance deeper."

 Chapter 525: Saying Goodbye to the Idol

    At 1800 hours, Pavlov¡¯sbat group passed by the water tower where Wang Zhong was located and headed for the city.

    Because the 51st Army and the three divisions personally trained by Wang Zhong were different, the armored troops did not have infantry fighting vehicles (i.e., the M3 Grant Lee tanks), nor did they have any half-track vehicles or jeeps, so the infantry all sat on the tanks.

    Wang Zhong watched this marching column from the water tower, feeling as if he were watching the Indian Army march.

    Ante did not produce half-track vehicles itself, all the half-track vehicles were supplied by the Federation, only Wang Zhong¡¯s directly subordinate First Mobile Group Army could get so many M3 half-track vehicles.

    The First Mobile Group Army, when inbat, only organized "armored cavalry" during the reinforcement of other infantry units.

    The other units,cking half-track vehicles and even trucks which were necessary for transporting supplies, had no choice but to mount the tanks for mobility or else proceed on foot, which couldn¡¯t keep up with the full-speed advance of the tank units.

    Now, the Ante Army also knew that tanks without infantry support were too vulnerable, almost like a death sentence, so there was no choice but to continue this way.

    This actually was not good, as the infantry was too easily wounded by machine guns, and their response to enemy attacks was too slow.

    Thus, as Wang Zhong watched the troops head toward the urban area, he began to ponder getting some proper infantry fighting vehicles.But this was just a consideration; the reason Ante did not produce half-track vehicles was that the majority of factories capable of producing tracked mechanisms were desperately supplying tank factories, with the remaining track production capacity going to tractors.

    After Wang Zhong¡¯s reforms, the Ante Army started to prioritize the production of tractors, elevating the status of tractors used for tank recovery in newly formed tank units and also because the artillery units needed tractors to tow heavy artillery, making tractors highly sought after.

    The solution, of course, was to expand production to increase the output of tracks and running gear, but now Antecked skilled technicians.

    After much deliberation, Wang Zhong concluded that equipping the armored troops with infantry fighting vehicles could only be achieved by securing more resources from the Federation.

    At least equip his own 51st Tank Army with enough infantry fighting vehicles and half-track vehicles.

    At that moment, Popov also climbed up the water tower and said to Wang Zhong, "The soldiers are all looking at you, give them a bit of encouragement! Don¡¯t just daydream."

    Wang Zhong was pulled from his thoughts, hurriedly raised his hand, intending to shout something, but the soldiers shouted first, "Hurrah!"

    Popov said, "That¡¯s how simple it is for you to rally the troops; you just need to raise a hand, and the soldiers¡¯ morale soars."

    Wang Zhong, feeling somewhat embarrassed while maintaining his raised hand gesture, said to Popov, "I didn¡¯t want it this way."

    Aromeyev said, "I heard from the Army that you once personally used a knife to blow up a tank?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Do you see a knife on me? That¡¯s definitely fake. It must be my former deputy officer spreading rumors in the tavern, he¡¯s a musician, you know. In the Middle Ages, that would be a minstrel, and minstrel tales always have exaggerated elements."

    He had just finished speaking when he saw a motorcycle making its way from the edge of the city toward them.

    The two riders on the motorcycle wore red hats, and from this distance, they looked like two Marios riding over on a motorcycle.

    From an overhead view, Wang Zhong confirmed their identities: messengers from the First Paratrooper Division¡¯s special task force.

    The people on the motorcycle, obviously not knowing where Wang Zhong was, neared the troops heading into the city, and asked in a heavy Antenese ent, "Where is the Commander?"

    The infantry sitting on the tanks all pointed in the direction of the water tower.

    Then, the paratroopers rode their motorcycle through the columns of marching troops, heading straight for the water tower, and within a minute, the two had climbed to the top.

    Wang Zhong said, "Isn¡¯t it a bit crowded on this tower?"

    Aromeyev said, "Then I¡¯ll move forward¡­"

    "No!" Wang Zhong stopped him, although as the brigadier of the 393rd Brigade, moving forward with themand post made sense, but moving would take him out of Wang Zhong¡¯s line of sight, "Stay here, Popov, I feel like you should y a role."

    "You just think I¡¯m fat," said the military bishop, shaking his head, "Then I¡¯ll move a bit forward."

    So Popov, along with a few priests, descended the water tower, boarded the Willys Jeep they had arrived in, and merged into the advancing column.

    Wang Zhong then turned to the two paratroopers wearing red berets, "What¡¯s the situation at the airfield?"

    A paratrooper took out a stack of documents from a leather bag, "We encountered a full formation of Prosens at the airfield. We used explosives to copse the buildings they were holding, and eliminated them all. These are the Prosen documents collected after a day¡¯s digging."

    Wang Zhong took them, pretended to look over them ¡ª he actually couldn¡¯t understand them ¡ª then handed the stack of documents to Yakov.

    Yakov immediately began to review them.

    Wang Zhong then asked the paratroopers, "Were there many casualties?"

    "Almost no casualties. The tactic you proposed of pretending to carry out tasks was highly sessful. If it weren¡¯t for encountering the Prosens, perhaps we could have taken the airfield peacefully," one of the paratroopers said, looking quite regretful.

    Wang Zhong further asked, "What¡¯s the defense situation at the airfield?"

    The airfield, due to its very open and extremely t terrain, has always been one of the hardest areas to defend.

    The paratrooper said, "Each of us dug foxholes, and we even got mines from the airfield¡¯s warehouse toy down. We¡¯ve been waiting all day for the enemy¡¯s counterattack, but we only heard your side fighting intensely. The enemy actually didn¡¯t consider retaking the airfield!

    "If you ask me, General, you might as well use us as regr infantry. We came here to hone our skills, but what are we honing exactly?"

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but smile wryly: using elite paratroopers as regr infantry felt extravagantly wasteful.@@novelbin@@

    He could only say, "Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll still need you to parachute inter, there will be battles."

    "Really?" The two paratroopers were overjoyed.

    "Yes, you¡¯re just sergeants, so you don¡¯t know. In a couple of days, you¡¯ll be taking a glider to seize a bridge, and that¡¯s key to our ability to advance quickly!"

    The two paratroopers looked at each other and asked, "Are you talking about the Fenny Valley Bridge?"

    Wang Zhong grew serious, thinking there had been a leak, "Yes, how did you know?"

    The paratrooper smiled, "We also study maps and make battle ns. After all, paratroopers operate behind enemy lines, and it¡¯s not surprising to encounter any situation during a drop. When we were studying the map, we thought that Commando would probably be the ones to seize the Fenny Valley Bridge."

    Commando!

    Wang Zhong, "Are they the superheroes from the United Kingdom who destroyed the Prosen supplies and shallow draft gunboats at Alexandria?"

    "They just have better training," said the paratrooper, his face filled with pride.

    Wang Zhong, "Well, I look forward to their performance. But if they don¡¯t show up, it¡¯ll be up to you to take the bridge in the gliders."

    "If we really need tounch an attack, we guarantee we¡¯llplete the mission." The red-beret paratrooper said confidently, his reliable posture almost unbelievable for a United Kingdom soldier.

    That¡¯s not right, even on Earth, the special forces and paratroopers from Ying are quite reliable.

    Wang Zhong nodded to them, "Very well, are you heading back now? Give my regards to yourmander and tell him he¡¯s done well."

    "Yes."

    Then the two paratroopers didn¡¯t take the staircase, instead they parkoured down from the water tower, jumped on a motorcycle, and left.

    Aromeyev was not impressed, "Juste down properly, no need for stunts! All sh and no substance!"

    Wang Zhong looked at Aromeyev, thinking that maybe someday he should invite the Commando from the United Kingdom to teach you guys the tricks, but better not say that out loud.

    By the time the sun set, only one local temple in Moha City remained under the control of the Bas Imperial Guards.

    Wang Zhong personally arrived at the temple and looked from a distance at the canine-headed statue, bing visibly upset¡ªdammit, the Bs teau looks just like the Egyptian desert, but why does the local god also look so Egyptian?

    Could it be because Egypt¡¯s current location had turned into Mamluk?

    Looking at the temple that was so clearly out of ce with Earth, Wang Zhong wondered if this he was fighting on was actually a world formed after someone on Earth started a game of Civilization VI.

    Egypt starts off at the Bs teau and then conveniently takes over the wonder Petra?

    A tank destroyer from the 225th Division¡¯s Whirlwind Tank Destroyer Battalion approached the temple, but suddenly inside the temple door, there was a burst of mes and smoke, and an armor-piercing shell hit the Whirlwind¡¯s front armor, sting it off and striking the buildings behind it.

    This shell had actually left a mark on the Whirlwind¡¯s highly reliable front armor.

    Wang Zhong looked down and saw a hidden 88mm cannon inside the gate.

    He shouted, "That trajectory, and that sound, it¡¯s an 88mm cannon! Bring up two more Whirlwinds, otherwise we might not be able to handle it!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, another shell came over, hitting the Whirlwind¡¯s mantlet, twisting itpletely, and the 100mm cannon stuck at a 20-degree angle.

    Another Whirlwind rolled out, firing at the temple gate.

    Smoke and dust raised by high-explosive shells enveloped the entire gate.

    The two statues of canine heads at the portal also got covered in the lifted dust, glowing red in the orange sunset.

    Wang Zhong shuddered and quickly ordered, "Don¡¯t attack the statues! Avoid the statues! Later we need to persuade the local tribes to help us! Damaging the statues could be hard to exin!"

    Then the third Whirlwind fired, the shell grazed the statue and shot inside the gate.

    Wang Zhong shouted, "Don¡¯t hit the statues!"

    The second shell exploded and immediately triggered a chain of explosions.

    The entire temple¡¯s roof was blown sky high, and the main body of the temple copsed thunderously, spreading to the surrounding structures like dominoes.

    Both statues at the front also fell and disintegrated.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth gaped open in an ¡¯O¡¯ shape.

    At that moment, he heard the voice of Colonel Benjamin of the Federation from behind, "General, I¡¯ve brought the local tribal leader."

    Wang Zhong spun around, looking at the kind-faced old man, "Uh, this... well..."

    The old man made a gesture of the Eastern Holy Church and said in very standard Antenese, "Our tribe has already embraced the Secr faction, General, you need not worry." Explore more at empire

    "Uh¡­ that¡¯s good to hear," Wang Zhong rxed, introducing himself, "I am that Rocossov, a pleasure to meet you."

 Chapter 526: Discussion on Mysticism (Additional Update 9/81)

    Wang Zhong finished speaking and looked at the local tribal leader in the fading light of the setting sun.

    He noticed that the leader was wearing a rather exquisite mechanical watch, clearly not something that could be produced in the backward country of Bs.

    "Hello," the leader began, "I am Bahram, the chief of the local tribe. I thank the general foring to rescue us from dire straits."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong replied, "Rescue from dire straits? Is the Royal Family of Bs somewhat... anthropomorphic?"

    Bahram¡¯s wrinkled face twitched, as if all his wrinkles were about to squeeze together, "Bs is a poor country, but the Royal Family lives in luxury. Our tribe has embraced the ideas of the Secr faction. We want to live like human beings, just like the Royal Family."

    Living like human beings, it was a simple phrase, vague indeed, but to Wang Zhong, this austere wish was enough to motivate a rebellion.

    However, he immediately thought that the United Kingdom did not want to liberate the tribal people; their proposal was to rece the King.

    Wang Zhong looked toward Colonel Benjamin of the United Kingdom.

    The Colonel smiled, "I know what you¡¯re thinking. Don¡¯t worry, the prince we want to promote is people-oriented and ready to reform. It¡¯s precisely because of this that Grand Patriarch Belinsky could agree to this candidate."Wang Zhong said, "I hope that¡¯s true. But right now, I¡¯m skeptical about the uracy of your intelligence. Today we encountered the regr Prosen Army. If it hadn¡¯t been for the first-tond Naval Infantry Brigade 393 and our battle-tested anti-tank gun troops, we would have been driven back into the sea!"

    If thending had been by the 8000-strong Infantry Division, whichcked training and had a severe shortage of officers, the Prosen people would have definitely pushed thending forces back into the sea.

    Colonel Benjamin responded, "This level of intelligence error is considered eptable in espionage. Considering transportation issues, the number of Prosen people in Bs wouldn¡¯t be too many.

    "And look, they were using our Crusader Tanks and Matildas, not the Long-barreled Fours they are more proficient with and..."

    Wang Zhong pointed to the copsed temple, "And 88mm guns! If it weren¡¯t for the Whirlwind¡¯s exceptionally reliable frontal armor, my elite tank troops would have suffered losses!"

    "It¡¯s not confirmed to be 88mm guns yet," Colonel Benjamin smiled.

    Wang Zhong retorted, "I¡¯m a hundred percent sure it was an 88mm gun! Do you think I wouldbel every powerful artillery as an 88mm gun like the Federation forces?"

    And call every formidable tank a Tiger, but Wang Zhong didn¡¯t say this out loud.

    Colonel Benjamin happily joined Wang Zhong in mocking the Federation, "Hahaha, you also know about the Mamluk front, right? The U.S. Military¡¯s advance team really mistook all long-barreled artillery for 88mm guns!"

    Misidentifying enemies seemed to be a recurring theme with the Federation forces, both Navy and Army.

    The American Navy once mistook a randomly encountered Destroyer for a Chokai-ss light cruiser or a Myoko-ss heavy cruiser, with each ship in the fleet identifying it differently.

    Wang Zhong shook his head and continued to speak to Bahram, "We need to advance to the capital as quickly as possible and require your assistance in providing guides."

    Bahram patted his chest, "Leave it to us. Our best hunters and shepherds will serve you, even ensuring a guide for everypany!"

    "Thank you." Wang Zhong thought for a moment, feeling there was nothing more to say, he decided to end the conversation.

    At that moment, Bahram said, "General Rocossov, you must be careful of the Royal Archmage¡¯s witchcraft, be extremely cautious!"

    Wang Zhong and his officers exchanged nces, then he asked, "What kind of witchcraft? Is the Archmage also capable of summoning gues?"

    And then thwarted by Penicillin.

    Bahram replied, "They can bring the dead back to life and summon armies from Hell!"

    Wang Zhong frowned and turned to shout, "Popov! Come here!"

    Popov quickly came over, "What¡¯s up?"

    "Call Su Fang and Yeca Neiko, oh and also call Miss Amelia from the United Kingdom over, get them here quickly. I need some experts in mystical affairs."

    Popov nodded, turned, and issued the orders. Soon, Su Fang, Yeca Neiko, Amelia, and for some reason also Katyusha, who followed along, stood before Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong said, "This Bahram ims that the King¡¯s Archmage can revive the dead and summon armies from Hell. What do you think?"

    Miss Emilia spoke first, "Death capture might be a kind of stimnt that makes soldiers fearless and ferocious in appearance, and they act as if nothing had happened after being injured, looking as if the dead had been resurrected. When the United Kingdom was at war with the Zulu, I saw something simr."

    "Of course, this stimnt might have a bit of a mystical element, but it can generally be considered a very strong stimnt."

    After Emilia finished, Su Fang chimed in, "The army summoned from Hell might be dressed in bizarre attire, with poison added to the water and mushrooms put in our food."

    Wang Zhong remarked, "Skip the first part, though it has some fantasy elements, but putting mushrooms... that¡¯s just a letdown, isn¡¯t it?"

    Does that mean everyone from Yunnan can summon an army from Hell through magic? Eating mushrooms lets dogs talk and even see the dead, with little green men dancing everywhere.

    Su Fang shrugged, "In Ante, the Church system studied these local legends, Forest Wraiths are just strangely-shaped branches seen at night, and the witchcraft of wild witcheses from eating too many mushrooms."

    Wang Zhong felt like the team from ¡¯Exploring Science¡¯ had caught up with him through a tear in space.

    Su Fang continued, "Actually, the Druid magic that summons dense fog is already one of the more reliable things among these supernatural tales, since the fog really does form."

    Wang Zhong added, "But those researchers cannot summon any fog outside of the ins of Nan¡¯ant."

    "Right," Su Fang nodded.

    Emilia agreed, "So-called mysteries are often just like that."

    Wang Zhong queried, "And your extrasensory perception?"

    Emilia replied, "It¡¯s hard to exin to you, but I can sense the position of the enemy; for instance, if there¡¯s an enemy diving in from my six o¡¯clock direction, I feel like I¡¯ve been zapped by static electricity inside."

    Wang Zhong had initially thought Emilia¡¯s abilities were like the third-person perspective in War Thunder, but now from her description, it sounded more like the New Humans in Gundam¡ªable to sense danger and even the malice of others.

    But Wang Zhong was still a bit uneasy, so he continued to ask, "Miss Emilia, are you really from the United Kingdom?"

    "Of course," Emilia replied, a bit annoyed, "Why would you ask that? Don¡¯t you trust my background?"

    She didn¡¯t seem to be lying, but Wang Zhong struggled to distinguish truth from lie when it came to beautiful women.

    So Wang Zhong tried a different question, "Is itmon for witches like you to have this condition?"

    "It¡¯s fairlymon among witches, but witches themselves aren¡¯tmon."

    Wang Zhong confirmed again, "How many witches are there now?"

    "There are publicly a hundred, but how many there are secretly, I don¡¯t know. That¡¯s the United Kingdom¡¯s highest secret, guarded well by the King¡¯s tailors."

    Wang Zhong thought, publicly a hundred witches ¨C if they were all transmigrators, it would have caused a world-shaking change by now, but as far as he could tell, the only fellow townsman was perhaps Saint Andrew.

    The abilities of Emilia didn¡¯t seem like Wang Zhong¡¯s external plug-in; perhaps this plug-in was a unique "privilege" for transmigrators.

    While Wang Zhong was contemting this, little Katyusha couldn¡¯t help but ask, "Who is this big sister with a foreign vibe?"

    "Big, big sister?" Emilia eximed, "I¡¯m only twenty years old!"

    Katyusha retorted, "That has nothing to do with age! So who are you exactly, and why do you seem so close to the General? Are you the General¡¯s lover?"

    Wang Zhong rebuked, "Katyusha, we¡¯re discussing serious matters, don¡¯t interrupt."

    Katyusha pouted.

    It seemed that after a year of war, Prayer Hand Katyusha was still the same little girl.

    Then Su Fang said, "I remembered some research records from our side, there¡¯s another possibility¡ªthe so-called army from Hell might be tamed bears or goris, just paint their fur a terrifying color, give them stimnts, let them smell something with our scent, or deliberately scatter something with a strong scent on our army to guide them to attack us."

    Emilia snapped her fingers, "Indeed, that¡¯s a possibility, and these animals could carry diseases like mria, initiating an outbreak while attacking."

    Wang Zhong concluded, "I see, I think I have an idea now."

 Chapter 527: Night of Moha

    The discussion had just concluded when Yakov came over with a notebook, "I have tranted all the Prosen documents collected by the Allied Forces paratroopers. These documents mention a secret pact, based on which the Prosens must have silently entered Bs."

    Wang Zhong, "How long have they been in there? If the Prosens have been in Bs for a long time, I am going to have tough at MI6."

    Yakov checked the contents of the notebook and confirmed, "The Prosen troops at the airport have been in for a week now."

    Wang Zhong, "Then when did the Imperial Guard¡¯s Fifth Division get reced by the Prosens?"

    "The documents don¡¯t specify, but it does say that the airport troops are the second batch to enter, and that they were received by ¡¯their own people¡¯ who had already been in Bs for a long time."

    Wang Zhong took the documents and quickly leafed through them before casually passing them to Popov, then looked up at Yakov and said, "Go check the upied headquarters of the Imperial Guard¡¯s Fifth Division, see if you can find anything valuable."

    "Yes, sir." Yakov saluted and ran off.

    Amelia, "There are many secluded areas in Bs. If they built an airport there and then transported Prosens in through civilian airlines like Lufthansa, it would be normal for MI6 not to know."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, miss, that¡¯s too presumptuous of you. After the Prosens arrived, they need food, clothing, shelter¡ªthese things can¡¯t be without a trace. Professional intelligence agencies would definitely notice these clues."In fact, intelligence gathering often doesn¡¯t require sneaking into dangerous ces like in the 007 movies and the Mission: Impossible series¡ªmuch critical information is obtained through the analysis of seemingly ordinary public data.

    Amelia, "I don¡¯t mean to excuse MI6, but Bs wasn¡¯t our intelligence focus before. The United Kingdom had always considered Bs as an appendage of Bahara, within the scope of our influence, and within that range, we hardly had any rivals.

    "After all, Ante had just finished a civil war, and in the twenty years after the civil war, Ante rarely showed any desire for expansion."

    After the civil war, the Secr faction had been devoted to winning over the old farmers, eliminating the Sanctified faction, and curbing the Old Nobility that clustered around the Tsar to regain control of speech, among other things.

    In this situation, Ante really didn¡¯t have the spare capacity to think about expansion.

    Wang Zhong, "Are you saying that the Prosens came in too early, when MI6 was not paying attention to Bs? Aren¡¯t you just making excuses for MI6?"

    "I¡¯m stating the facts to you," Amelia said.

    Just then, Yakov rushed back with a very old-looking notebook, "General, I found this on the desk of the suspected enemy¡¯s highestmander. It¡¯s a diary. You won¡¯t believe it, but this diary started six years ago. The Prosens had been secretly infiltrating Bs since six years ago."

    "Really?" Wang Zhong snatched the notebook, nced at the date it was opened to, and sure enough, it was from 909, six years ago.

    Well, well, no wonder the Prosens call themselves the Vulture Legion. In Earth¡¯s history, Sturmtiger also practiced in Banya under the name of Vulture Legion before beginning to expand.

    Over here, people had sent men over to Bs way before the invasion of Mnia and before the United Kingdom and Carolingian openly fell out, attempting to pull a tooth from a tiger¡¯s mouth within the United Kingdom¡¯s sphere of influence.

    Amelia, "See, at that time, MI6 probably never imagined that the Prosens would infiltrate Bs all the way from afar, and they deployed very little force here.

    "Like you said, realizing the truth from various clues requires manpower. Without manpower, it¡¯s impossible to collect enough intelligence, nor is it possible to perform the meticulous analysis of this intelligence."

    Wang Zhong, "Anyway, for now, we¡¯ve figured out why there are so many ¡¯skin-changed¡¯ Prosens."

    This situation reminded Wang Zhong of the game Hearts of Iron III, which he enjoyed ying before traveling through time. In Hearts of Iron III, there was a volunteer mechanic, and after volunteers joined, their units¡¯ gs would change to the g of the host country.

    Theputer yers in the game were especially fond of using this mechanic, and Wang Zhong often saw a bunch of "skin-changed" enemy troops popping up along his front lines.

    Yakov, "There are many more documents. I¡¯ll trante overnight and see if I can sort something out tomorrow, such as the total strength of the Vulture Legion."

    "Good," Wang Zhong looked at Yakov, his gaze and expression conveying appreciation for his proactive work ethic, "Pavlov should also be up all night setting up headquarters today, you all keep up the good work."

    Having said that, Wang Zhong yawned grandly.@@novelbin@@

    Amelia expressed a disdainful look, "You¡¯re not going to sleep while your subordinates are working overnight, are you?"

    Wang Zhong, "As amander, my duty is to always keep my mind clear in order to quickly respond to battlefield situations. So, I must sleep; otherwise, I might make a wrong judgment due to fatigue and weariness, leading to severe casualties among the troops."

    Amelia, not responding, stared at Wang Zhong.

    "Okay," Wang Zhong said, "it¡¯s really because I can¡¯t be of much help with these specific tasks."

    After all, Wang Zhong had not received professional staff training. He couldn¡¯t even draft military maps properly, and it¡¯s a good thing he didn¡¯t have to now, or he would certainly make a fool of himself.

    Without the help of cheats, Wang Zhong was nothing more than a military enthusiast.

    Amelia, somewhat surprised, "You can¡¯t be of much help with specific tasks? Aren¡¯t you the head of the Suvorov Military Academy?"

    Wang Zhong, "But back in my military school days, I wasst in my ss."

    Amelia shook her head, "No, no, ording to the information from MI6, you intentionally camest to save the Crown Prince Ivan from being thest. Your ability had be so strong that you could score as much as you wanted."

    Wang Zhong hastily waved his hands, "No, no, that¡¯s just a rumor from Yeburg. Anyway, I¡¯m going to rest now. Tomorrow I need to think about how to deal with the Hell¡¯s Army summoned by the King¡¯s archmage."

    Suddenly, the emergence of the regr Prosen Army could indeed be considered as "Hell¡¯s Army."

    Wang Zhong turned around and only then noticed that Nelly had been waiting behind him for some time.

    So, he asked, "Nelly, is my amodation ready?"

    "It¡¯s ready, please follow me."

    Wang Zhong felt somewhat sentimental, "This city still has intact houses?"

    Even the headquarters of the Fifth Division of the Imperial Guard had been hit by two rounds of Whirlwind fire, with half the building copsed, requiring precious documents to be unearthed from the rubble.

    Nelly: "No, I actually didn¡¯t find a suitable house, so I pitched a tent next to Pavlov¡¯s established headquarters. I¡¯ve heard that it never rains here this season, so there should be no worries."

    Wang Zhong: "A tent, huh... It¡¯s been a long time since I¡¯ve enjoyed this kind of treatment. In Nan¡¯ant Prairie at least there were warehouses to sleep in."

    The infrastructure in Nan¡¯ant Prairie might be poor, but it still fared better than Bs. After all, Ante was one of the great powers, and a camel, thin as it might be, is bigger than a horse.

    Nelly: "Let¡¯s go, this way please."

    Wang Zhong always felt his little servant orderly seemed extremely eager today, could it be to get him to leave Su Fang and Amelia as soon as possible?

    He thought about it but decided not to voice the question, silently following Nelly¡¯s footsteps.

    ---

    When they reached the tent, Wang Zhong found it to be more impressive than he had imagined and asked Nelly, "Did you build this yourself?"

    Nelly shook her head, "No, I got some workers to help with the construction. When they heard it was your tent, they became very enthusiastic."

    "My name still has that effect?"

    Nelly: "Go inside, it¡¯s gettingte."

    Wang Zhong then lifted the tent p and stooped to enter.

    Inside was a faint fragrance that made one¡¯s spirit be refreshed. Wang Zhong immediately located the source of the scent: an incense burner that was smoking.

    Wang Zhong suddenly thought of the "magic of a grand sorcerer" they had just discussed and shuddered, quickly turning to ask Nelly, "Where did this incense burnere from?"

    "I prepared it," said Nelly. "Why, don¡¯t you like it?"

    Wang Zhong: "Who supplied the incense that is burning in the incense burner?"

    "I bought it at a Church store back in the country; there were many different scents. Do you want me to change it?"

    Wang Zhong: "No, why does a big man¡¯s room need incense? You never used to prepare this for me, did you?"

    Nelly: "Before we left, I was wandering around in a Church store in Abawahan and saw this. The shopkeeper said it could soothe the nerves and improve sleep quality. Seeing you with serious dark circles, I bought it. Did I make a mistake?"

    Because the sight of Nelly bowing her head in apology was so rare, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but gaze at her for a few more seconds.

    Wang Zhong: "Okay then, let¡¯s try out the effect of the incense today."

    He plonked down on the camp bed, quickly took off his jacket andid it over a stool at the bed¡¯s side, then immediatelyy back on the bed.

    Wang Zhong stared at the "ceiling" of the tent and began to reflect on everything he had encountered today.

    The sudden appearance of the Prosen troops, the rumors about the King¡¯s grand sorcerer¡ªhow this expedition seemed to be moreplicated.

    As Wang Zhong was thinking, he suddenly felt a breeze on his body.

    He looked towards the direction of the wind and saw Nelly gently waving a fan, sending waves of cool air towards him.

    Her posture involuntarily brought to his mind an image from his childhood when his mother, worried that an electric fan might give her young son a cold, would fan him with a hand fan.

    He used to driftfortably into sleep, while his mother would be sweating profusely from the effort.

    The resurfacing memory caused Wang Zhong to look at Nelly with a tender expression.

    Nelly: "What, do you want me to sing you a luby?"

    Wang Zhong: "Is that part of the service too? Then sing me one."

    Nelly looked disgusted but nevertheless began to sing.

    Listening to Nelly¡¯s soft singing, Wang Zhong slowly drifted into sleep, and in that moment, all thoughts of war faded away.

 Chapter 530: Special Operations

    "The ¡¯doctor¡¯ got on the motorcycle and said to the drivingmando team member, "Wait a moment, let me finish disguising myself."

    After speaking, he took out a makeup box, opened it, removed his military cap and hung it on the motorcycle¡¯s rearview mirror, took off his sses and ced them on hisp, and began to work in front of the makeup box¡¯s mirror.

    The motorcycle driver watched the doctor¡¯s operation, his eyes gradually widening, until he looked like he had seen a ghost, mouth agape.

    The ¡¯doctor,¡¯ havingpleted his work, put the eyebrow pencil back in the makeup box, snapped it shut, and looked at the driver, "Don¡¯t act so clueless; your wife would know this trick too."

    "I¡¯m not married," the driver honestly replied.

    The ¡¯doctor¡¯ paused, looked at the driver and asked, "What if you die on such a dangerous mission?"

    The driverughed, "Then the United Kingdom would have one less woman crying. Isn¡¯t that good?"

    The ¡¯doctor¡¯ thought for a moment and thenughed as well, "That¡¯s not wrong, but your captain, Jonathan, made sure to get married quickly after returning from his first mission."

    "That¡¯s because love came knocking. If I could make the headlines and be a household-name hero, I¡¯d probably be married too. Are you ready?""Hold on!" The doctor stored his makeup box, put the old identity papers in his bag, took out a new set of documents for his pocket, and then put on his sses and military cap, "Okay, let¡¯s go!"

    The driver revved the engine, and the motorcycle roared into action, leaving the hiding spot to join the flow of traffic on the road, speeding past a long line of trucks and swiftly overtaking seven or eight of them.

    They passed through a checkpoint directing traffic, where a captain, upon seeing the ¡¯doctor¡¯s¡¯ rank, stepped aside to clear the way.

    Since everyone¡¯s attention was on the motorcycle, no one at the checkpoint noticed a group of people taking advantage of the recently fallen night to crawl under the trucks off the shoulder of the road.

    Soon, the motorcycle reached the gate of the Bridgehead Fort, stopping before the obstructing officer. The ¡¯doctor¡¯ got off, saying nothing at first, but reached for a gold-ted cigarette case, pulled out a cigarette, and ced it in a long holder.

    He bit down on the holder, moved in front of the obstructing officer, and gave him a meaningful look.

    The officer was a Prosenese major who hadn¡¯t recognized that the ¡¯doctor¡¯ was really the colonel they had just seen, nor did he notice that the motorcycle¡¯s license te hadn¡¯t been changed.

    The major hesitated for a moment, but still pulled out a lighter and lit the ¡¯doctor¡¯s¡¯ cigarette.

    The doctor took a strong puff and asked in a curry-vored Prosenese, "What¡¯s going on here? You¡¯re blocking your own retreating troops, obstructing your field of fire. You know the Anteans are very good at closebat!"

    Indeed, the long column of vehicles hadpletely blocked the machine guns¡¯ firing arc at the Bridgehead Fort, and the anti-aircraft cannons could not cover the highway either, allowing Antean infantry to safely charge to close range.

    The major nced at the convoy, shook his head: "We¡¯ve been ordered not to let anyone through, but I don¡¯t want these people blocking our field of fire either, so please have them go back; talking to me won¡¯t help."

    As soon as he finished speaking, a Bs Armymander shouted: "There are a hundred thousand Ante Army troopsnding on the beach (actually there weren¡¯t), with hundreds of tanks (not that many either). If we go, it¡¯s a suicide mission! Their general is that Rocossov, someone who escaped saw him with their own eyes. Rocossov holding a Red g, and the troops passing by him immediately had their eyes re red!"

    The major sneered, "That¡¯s superstition. Rocossov isn¡¯t that supernatural! He was just recently run off from Yeisk by the Empire, with his forces cut in half! He¡¯s nothing special!"

    Readtest stories on empire

    This was Prosen¡¯s propaganda style, simr to "Earth¡¯s" radio reports iming exaggerated enemy casualties, and in the future there would likely be more of such cases.

    The doctor said, "Look at their morale, no, they won¡¯t go back. You should report this to yourmander, let them pass so you can clear your field of fire, and they can try to escape ind. Maybe as they run, they¡¯ll regain their confidence and can once again be auxiliary forces sharing the Empire¡¯s burdens."

    The Prosen pondered and turned toward the checkpoint phone, lifted the receiver and said, "Connect me to Colonel Lepont. Colonel, the retreating Bs troops are blocking our field of fire, should we let them cross the bridge first? Right now, they¡¯re useless to us, and if the Anteans attack, they might even rush our defenses and detonate our mines.

    "Yes, they are terrified of the Anteans and that Rocossov. Yes, they swear they saw Rocossov in Bs. Alright, I salute you."

    After hanging up, the Prosenese major turned to the ¡¯doctor¡¯, "The major has agreed. However, I suddenly remembered, I have not yet confirmed your identity, might I ask..."

    The ¡¯doctor¡¯ produced his documents, "Your request is legitimate; here are my credentials."

    The major frowned: "This is in Bsian, you should have temporary credentials we can understand, those printed on paper..."

    The doctor took out a ring bearing the Bs Royal Family¡¯s crest, "Can you understand this?"

    The Bs officer was scared stiff, stepping back to kneel on the ground, "Your Highness!"

    The Prosenese major nced at the Bsians and saluted the ¡¯doctor¡¯, "My apologies, I had not realized I was in the presence of a prince!"

    The ¡¯doctor¡¯ shook his head, "It¡¯s all right; we have so many princes, don¡¯t we? It¡¯s not surprising that one is willing to go to the front lines. So, may my troops pass through now?"

    The Prosenese major nodded, "Of course."

    He turned to his soldiers and ordered, "Remove the barricades! Let them through!"

    The well-trained Prosenese quickly moved all the barricades aside.

    The kneeling Bs officer looked up gratefully at the ¡¯doctor¡¯, "Your Highness, I will never forget your great kindness."

    "Go quickly," the ¡¯doctor¡¯ gestured with his hand. In truth, he was quite worried about being asked "Which prince are you?" He couldn¡¯t wait for the Bsians to leave, leaving only the Prosenese who were easier to deceive.

    The convoy passed the checkpoint, heading for the bridge.

    The Prosenese soldiers on the bridge had apparently received orders, as they did not stop the convoy.@@novelbin@@

    Everyone¡¯s attention was focused on the convoy; even the Prosenese sentries in the outer towers were watching Bs trucks pass by, oblivious to themando team sneaking through the minefield in the darkness.

    On the convoy side, the moment the sixth truck drove onto the bridge, the sentries at the checkpoint turned their gaze to the next vehicle, their line of sight blocked by the trucks¡ªin that instant, a figure crawled from under a truck and dashed into the shadows of the building.

    After getting down from the truck, the figure quickly moved beneath the bridge to the other side and found the detonator wire for the explosives.

    He took out an engineer cutter, and with a snap, cut the wire.

    At that moment, the searchlights on the other side of the valley swept over, and the figure hurriedly tucked into the shadow of a bridge pir.

    While trucks were still crossing the bridge surface.

    On the other side of the bridge, shadows continuously hopped off the trucks in the blind spot of the Prosenese¡¯s field of vision and rolled into the darkness.

    At the same time, the infiltrating Commandos made their way past the minefields and barbed wire.

    Sentry Hans waszily sneaking a smoke when suddenly someone patted his shoulder.

    He was startled, thinking it was an officering to inspect the guard, and his cigarette dropped to the ground. Turning around, he found a fellow soldier like himself and breathed a sigh of relief, "Damn it, you scared me to death¡ª"

    Then his mouth was gagged, and iron hands strangled his throat from behind. Secondster, there was a snap, his neck broke, and he stopped struggling.

    Hans was dragged into the shadows, and another sentry half a head taller took his ce, looking around "alertly."

    Several fully armed Commandos passed by the sentry.

    Over by the doctor, seeing that the convoy had almost passed, he said to the Prosenese Major, "Where is yourmander? I want to meet with him."

    The Major said hurriedly, "He¡¯s in that barrack over there, the one with the Bsian g hanging at the door."

    After all, these Prosenese troops were still wearing Bsian uniforms, so naturally, they also flew the Bsian g.

    At this moment, the doctor had already seen the Commando Team members hiding in the shadows, ready to seize the checkpoint, so he said, "You take me there."

    Taking themander away would slow down the troops¡¯ reaction to the attackter.

    And indeed, the Prosenese were disciplined, but that didn¡¯t mean they wouldn¡¯t ck off when an officer wasn¡¯t around.

    The Major showed difficulty on his face, "I should hold my position here."

    The doctor replied, "What does it matter? Nothing¡¯s going to happen in just these few seconds!"

    The Major thought for a moment, then nodded, "Alright, I¡¯ll take you there. Herman, you takemand!"

    A Master Sergeant with two wound medals saluted the Major, "Understood!"

    These Prosenese, although dressed in Bsian military uniforms, refused to give up their own medals; that Master Sergeant was even wearing an Iron Cross inside his Bsian uniform¡¯s cor!

    The doctor took another look at the Master Sergeant, then followed the Major inside.

    The motorcycle driver quickly parked the motorcycle to the side and followed with submachine gun in hand.

    The Major looked at the driver warily, "This is..."

    The doctor interrupted, "My bodyguard, he¡¯s mute. I bought him from a ve market; he knows Ceres martial arts!"

    The driver hurriedly made a "Ah-da" sound and gestured.

    The Major had an expression of iprehension.

    The doctor asked, "Don¡¯t the princes of Prosen hire these wondermen and marvels?"

    The Major shook his head, "His Majesty is still young, and he hasn¡¯t even married yet."

    "I see, I suppose he must be a virtuous and outstanding Emperor," the doctor said, carefully gauging the effect of the ttery.

    Clearly, the effect was quite good, and the Major concurred wholeheartedly, "Yes, His Majesty has made Prosen greater than ever! He even conquered the whole of Europa!"

    The doctor said, "That¡¯s right, I suppose Ante will be conquered within the next six months, yes?"

    "Of course! The Minister of Propaganda says that once we take Abawahan, Ante will have to surrender. They won¡¯t have enough fuel for heating and will all freeze to death!"

    The doctor replied, "Is that so!"

    Chatting like this, the group entered Headquarters, all the way to the Commander¡¯s office.

    Upon entering the office, the Major introduced, "Colonel Hawke, this is... uh, how should I address Your Highness?"

    Just as the doctor was about to respond, a sudden explosion was heard outside.

    Colonel Hawke turned to look outside and immediately pressed the rm button on the desk.

    The shrill rm immediately red.

    The Major turned to rush out of the room to his battle position, but the "mute bodyguard" of the "prince" had already locked the door, and began firing the submachine gun.

    The Major was hit with six shots, falling backward¡ª

    Colonel Hawke drew his pistol, but was struck by the doctor¡¯s cane and knocked away.

    Then the doctor donned the ring with the Bsian Royal Family¡¯s seal and punched the Colonel in the face.

    The Colonel¡¯s jaw skewed to the side, and two teeth flew out, bouncing off the wall.

    As the teeth hit the floor, the Colonel leaned against the wall and slowly slid down.

    The "mute bodyguard" asked, "Where did you get that ring?"

    The doctor answered, "They sell them as souvenirs in the Royal Capital, 21 pence each."

 Chapter 531: Blood Night

    The timeline rewound a bit, to three minutes before the battle began.

    Jonathan, dressed in military uniform, swaggered towards the Bridgehead Fort.

    Since everyone¡¯s attention was on the convoy, not many found anything amiss with him.

    At the entrance of the Bridgehead Fort, a guard raised his right hand in a "stop" gesture, and then questioned Jonathan in Prosenese.

    Jonathan showed the guard the snacks and wine in his hand¡ªactually stolen from the canteen of the troops guarding the bridge after he had entered.

    Seeing the food, the guard grew more puzzled, but Jonathan made a "shush" gesture. The guard thought for a second as if he had realized something, and then opened the door with a "go ahead" gesture.

    Jonathan entered the Bridgehead Fort, shut the door, and immediately locked it from the inside¡ªthese fortress gates could be locked from the inside, making them imprable from the outside, even with a key.

    He ced the food on the table.

    A Prosen private, originally looking out of the firing port, turned around at the sound and saw the food, cheerfully said something, and walked over to pick up a sausage.@@novelbin@@That¡¯s when the soldier noticed Jonathan was an unfamiliar face and froze.

    Without a word, Jonathan drew his curved knife and shed down, and the private immediately clutched his throat and fell backward.

    Jonathan caught the falling private and carefully sat him down on a chair next to the table, then quietly climbed to the second floor of the tower with his curved knife.

    A sergeant, sitting at a table writing something¡ªperhaps a letter home¡ªdid not notice Jonathan creeping up on him.

    So Jonathan shed the sergeant¡¯s back with the knife, its de sinkingpletely into the man¡¯s body.

    The sergeant struggled to turn around, but his body no longer obeyed him; he could only roll his eyes to their limit to see Jonathan from the corner of his view.

    Jonathan pulled out the curved knife and struck the sergeant¡¯s neck with another sh,pletely separating his head from his body.

    He picked up the tarpaulin from the table and began wiping the blood off the curved knife when a bird call came from outside.

    Jonathan quickly stashed the knife, returned to the first floor, opened the front door, and then the people outside pushed the body of the sentry inside, saying, "Doc took away the enemy checkpoint¡¯smander. Our guys are all in ce now, you give the signal to start the action with the machine gun."

    "Got it," Jonathan said.

    The man outside nced at Jonathan. "Can you use the machine gun?"

    "I just prefer cold weapons, doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m crazy enough not to use firearms, rx. I can even throw grenades! Plus, there are three machine guns in this tower, get two more guys up here."

    The decisive man outside turned and quietly called out, "Philip! Come quick, the three of us will hold the Bridgehead Fort."

    Soon, a fully-armed Commando Team member entered, followed by the man who had been speaking outside dashing in.

    Jonathan quickly shut the door, locked it, and then the three of them pushed a nearby cab to block the entrance.

    They then rushed up to the tform on top of the tower.

    There was a searchlight on the tower, but it was fixed, shining toward the direction of the gate to provide light for the entrance.

    "Perfect," Jonathanughed. "Later, we can use this light to dazzle the enemy so they can¡¯t aim at us properly."

    "Sounds good! Alright, Big Joe, start it up!"

    Jonathan nodded and positioned himself at the machine gun. It was not a Maxim, but the Prosen MG34. Thankfully, Jonathan had learned how to use Prosen weapons. He checked the gun mechanism, adjusted the tripod¡¯s handwheel, and then aimed the muzzle at the entrance checkpoint.

    He hadn¡¯t yet fired when gunshots first rang out from across the bridge.

    It was the sound of the Sten Submachine Gun.

    The Bs Army convoy had just passed, and the area had just quieted down, making the gunfire particrly jarring.

    Jonathan immediately squeezed the trigger, and the Prosens¡¯ machine gun let out the sound that had already given many Allied Forces warriors PTSD. Tracer bullets wove a line of fire across the entrance checkpoint.

    Jonathan was sure he had mowed down at least five Prosens with that burst, while the other Prosensy trained on the ground.

    But the checkpoint¡¯s machine gunner quickly turned the muzzle towards the tower and fired, missing due to the blinding searchlight.

    The next moment, the Prosen machine gunner heard the sound of a grenade safety pin being pulled.

    Prosen grenades were pull-type, just yank the ring to ignite the fuse, whilst Allied grenades had the lever fly off once the pin was pulled, the spring would eject the lever while the striker smashed into the detonator.

    So when an Allied grenade was activated, it had this distinct ¡¯ping¡¯ sound, followed by the lever flying high.

    The shooter turned back just in time to see a grenadend at his feet.

    The explosion lifted himpletely out of the cover.

    Commandos emerging from the darkness with Sten Submachine Guns swept through the checkpoint with machine guns, quickly clearing the entire ce.

    Suddenly, a piercing rm sounded from the direction of the main barracks, and a great number of Bs uniform-wearing Prosens warriors rushed out of the barracks and into battle positions.

    On top of the Bridgehead Fort, Jonathan swung the muzzle toward the barracks and started shooting, instantly felling seven or eight men. Then the Prosens threw a smoke bomb.

    Jonathan didn¡¯t care, and continued to block the dormitory with the machine gun from memory.

    However, this did not stop the Prosens from forming a nking maneuver on the Bridgehead Fort.

    From the direction of the checkpoint, Commando Team members seized the machine gun and fired on the Prosens, forming crossfire with the Bridgehead Fort.

    Jonathan kept shooting and shouted, "Quick, the ammunition! Martin, the ammo!"

    Martin hefted tworge buckets of ammunition as he climbed up from within the Bridgehead Fort, simultaneously reminding, "Time to change the gun barrel!"

    Jonathan nced at the gun barrel that was already turning red and shook his head, "Never mind, we won¡¯t be using it much longer, if it breaks, it breaks!"

    Martin put down the ammo and took out a water bottle, "Let me pour some water on it!"

    The water from the bottle instantly evaporated upon touching the gun barrel, the steam even scalding Jonathan¡¯s eyes, but he still did not cease firing as thest strip of ammunition was quickly used up.

    He opened the feed cover, "Load!"

    Martin stuffed a new ammo belt into the weapon.

    At this moment, shouts from the Prosens rose from beneath the tower.

    As Jonathan was about to close the feed cover, he looked up to see a stick grenade flying towards his face.

    He immediately caught the grenade and threw it back.

    The grenade exploded just as it hit the night sky, apanied by the screams of the Prosens below.

    Martin helped Jonathan close the feed cover, shouting, "Ready!"

    Explore more adventures at empire

    Jonathan resumed sweeping fire.

    Martin pulled the pin of another grenade and hurled it downward to st the enemies who had crept up to the base of the tower.

    At this time, George, who was also firing a machine gun behind them, yelled, "Load!"

    "Coming,ing! Does your gun barrel need cooling?"

    "This is a Maxim, it has water cooling! You got the wrong ammo, bro!"

    "Darn, you should have told me it was a Maxim earlier!"

    Jonathan could hardly care about the two behind him; after firing around thirty shots, he saw another grenade flying toward his cheek¡ª

    So again he caught the stick grenade and threw it back.

    The second grenade had barely exploded when a third one was already on its way.

    Jonathan simply grabbed a sapper shovel next to him and batted the grenade back like a badminton racket.

    With the third grenade still unexploded, a fourth came flying in, forcing Jonathan to keep swinging the shovel, unable to open fire.

    Suddenly, an explosion was heard from the ground floor; it sounded like a Prosen had tossed a grenade through a firing hole. However, there was no one on the ground floor!

    Then, suddenly, the nearby anti-aircraft gun position opened fire.

    The 20mm automatic cannon raked the area around the fort, knocking down all the enemies surrounding the tower.

    "Good job!" Jonathan yelled in the direction of the anti-aircraft guns, "Watch out for them trying to nk you!"

    The reply was the sound of Sten submachine guns firing, as the Commandos had already upied positions around the anti-aircraft gun emcement.

    The 20mm cannon left the Prosen defenders in disarray, breaking their siege on the Bridgehead Fort.

    Suddenly, a Maxim heavy machine gun on the Prosen dormitory¡¯s attic began to fire.

    Its target was the anti-aircraft gun position, where two Commandos operating the 20mm gun were hit and fell at their stations, and another Commando carrying ammunition was shot in the back despite diving to the ground.

    With the advantage of height, the Prosen machine gunner began to rain fire, pinning down the Commandos in the direction of the anti-aircraft gun position.

    Jonathan swung the gun around, aiming at the attic, but regretfully, his angle did not allow him to hit the machine gunner sheltered behind the attic walls.

    At that moment, a heroic Commando Team member appeared on the roof! He waved at Jonathan, clearly signaling for him to cease fire.

    Just as Jonathan¡¯s belt of ammo ran out, he opened the feed cover and pulled out the spent belt.

    Jonathan had ceased fire, but the Prosens on the ground had noticed the Commando on the roof and began concentrating fire from their Mauser 98Ks.

    Jonathan quickly loaded a new belt of ammo and began suppressing the groups of Prosens.

    Before he could fully suppress the enemy, the Commando on the roof stood up.

    The bullets from the 98Ks shattered the tiles under his feet, clearly, the shooter had not adjusted his sights well.

    The Commando advanced amidst the whizzing bullets and dove beside the attic window, pulling out two grenades, biting the pins with his teeth, and pulling out the safety levers.

    With a grenade in each hand, he released the arming levers, tossed the one in his left hand into the room, and as he prepared to throw the one in his right, he was hit by a bullet.

    The young Commando¡¯s face was etched with pain, but he still managed to throw the right-hand grenade into the room.

    Almost simultaneously as the grenade entered, both exploded; the machine gun was blown out of the window and smashed on the ground below.

    The Commando warrior slumped next to the window, with 98K bullets continuing to strike around him.

    Tiles shattered, unable to support the weight of the warrior, and he slowly slid off the roof, crashing to the ground beside the machine gun.

    Jonathan having witnessed the aftermath of the grenade explosion stood up, dismounted the machine gun from the tripod, and with a roar, continued sweeping the enemy while holding it in his hands.

    Seeing this, Martin was shocked, shouting, "It¡¯s more urate on the tripod!"

    Jonathan: "Ahhhhh!"

    "Big Joe, calm down!"

 Chapter 532: All-Night Fierce Battle (Additional Update 11/81)

    "Are the Prosens scared by Jonathan¡¯s momentum?" It seemed so, as their firepower visibly thinned out¡ªof course, the Mauser 98K couldn¡¯t deliver dense firepower anyway.

    The Prosen infantry squads were primarily organized around machine guns, which the Commandos had now dismantled, so the Prosens were left with only the automatic firepower of the submachine guns held by their sergeants.

    It was clear that the Prosens were not ustomed to fighting without machine guns.

    Jonathan ran out of bullets and dropped down again, shouting, "Reload!"

    "Your barrel has melted! That machine gun is scrapped!" Martin yelled.

    Jonathan then realized the barrel was indeed shot and sizzled when it touched the sandbags.

    He cursed, grabbed a submachine gun, and opened fire on the Prosens, who were trying to nk them again.

    The Prosens fired back with Mauser 98Ks, and Jonathan¡¯s beret was shot off.

    He ducked down and cursed, "Damn it, the Sten Submachine Gun just can¡¯t effectively kill the enemy."Martin: "We all know how crappy it is!"

    At that moment, the enemy¡¯s gunfire suddenly stopped, and no more bullets from the Mauser 98Ks were heard hissing against the sandbags.

    Jonathan: "What¡¯s happening?"

    He and Martin exchanged nces, then both peeked out.

    The Prosens were retreating out of the camp!

    The two looked at each other again, and Jonathan asked, "Do you know what happened?"

    Martin shrugged.

    A few minutes earlier.

    A doctor had put on a fake beard and asked the only Commando member with him, "How do I look, convincing?"

    The Commando nced at the deceased Colonel, "Pretty convincing. No wonder you didn¡¯t let me shoot this colonel earlier."

    Doctor: "No, no, it¡¯s not about the uniform, but the medals. Didn¡¯t you notice?"

    Saying that, he stripped the medals off the colonel¡¯s body and wore them one by one.

    After dressing neatly, the doctor stood in front of a full-length mirror and looked at his reflection.

    From now on, he was Colonel Hawke of Prosen.

    To add a bit of authenticity, the doctor pocketed all the colonel¡¯s identification and took his Luger pistol.

    "Let¡¯s go fool those Prosens," the doctor dered with a wave of his hand and unlocked the big front door himself.

    The Prosens who were battering the door were stunned at the sight.

    "Uh, Colonel¡­"

    A submachine gun thrust out from beside the "Colonel," and mowed down the several men.

    With gunfire raging outside, no one noticed these changes.

    The doctor stepped over the bodies of the Prosens, telling his assistant, "Set the office on fire, don¡¯t let anyonee in and see the real colonel."

    "Okay."

    As the assistant started the fire, the doctor hurried down the stairs, yelling at the staff in therge downstairs office, "What are you still doing here? Get out and fight! Come on, get your weapons!"

    The staff looked at each other, then the highest-ranking officer asked, "Colonel, your voice sounds strange!"

    "I got punched in therynx by a damn bastard! Never mind that, just get out and fight! You pigs!"

    Whether it was the scolding or something else that reminded them of the colonel¡¯smanding presence, they soon put down their phone receivers and documents and headed toward the office door.

    "Go get your weapons! Quick!" the doctor urged.

    Once the staff were gone, he quickly searched the room for any valuable documents, stuffing them into his uniform which might offer some bullet protection.

    Then the "colonel" left the office, joined his assistant who had finished starting the fire, and they descended to the ground floor and outside.

    Right outside, he shouted, "Commander! Where¡¯s themander?"

    A captain quickly ran up: "Colonel? Where have you been?"

    Obviously, the captain didn¡¯t have the time to question if this colonel was an imposter.

    Doctor: "What¡¯s with this attack? Trying to capture a strong point without heavy weapons is futile! You should withdraw, regroup, and prepare to find a crossing to reunite with the main force!"

    Captain: "But..."

    Doctor: "Don¡¯t you see? It¡¯s impossible to take this position now! You don¡¯t even have machine guns!"

    The captain fell silent, seemingly realizing themselves that regaining the position was indeed hopeless.

    They were still attacking simply because they were Prosen soldiers, always pushing through toplete their missions¡ªtheir previous mission had been to hold the bridge.

    But now the "colonel" had given them a new mission.

    Thus, the captain turned his head, "Signal the retreat! Regroup outside and prepare to find a crossing!"

    At that moment, the armed staff members emerged from the barrack as well, and the doctor pointed to the back door, "Leave from this side! There might still be fighting, I need everyone ready for battle! Also, captain, check if there are any vehicles avable."

    The captain shook his head, "I checked already, all the vehicle tires have been shed."

    The doctor thought to himself, the Commandos are too efficient, shing all the tires in such a short time.

    If they had left some vehicles, these guys could have driven far away before they realized what was happening and Rocossov¡¯s reinforcements could have already arrived.@@novelbin@@

    Doctor: "Retreat on foot!"

    Captain twisted his head and issued amand.

    At that moment, a staff officer who was walking out turned back for a nce and noticed that the third floor office was on fire. He shouted, "The Colonel¡¯s office is burning!"

    All the staff officers stopped and turned back to look at the third floor.

    The Captain was also looking at the third floor, seemingly deep in thought. Finally, he made up his mind and, while shifting his gaze, questioned, "Are you really Colonel Hawke? Think carefully, your voice also doesn¡¯t sound quite the same as the Colonel we know... Where is he?"

    The doctor had already dodged behind the pir by the main door and had left behind a grenade with its pin pulled.

    The springunched safety lever even flew toward the Captain, making him instinctively tilt his head to dodge...

    However, the grenade with the ignited fuse was right in front of him, and dodging the safety lever was clearly of no use¡ª

    The grenade exploded, and the Captain faced the storm of fragments head-on.

    His face and clothes were shredded simultaneously; flesh and blood were indistinguishable.

    Under the impact, he fell backward.

    The surrounding Prosens were also affected by the shrapnel; however, they weren¡¯t as close, and most of them didn¡¯t die but fell to the ground moaning.

    The doctor¡¯s aide fired, and the Sten submachine gun discharged a dense barrage of bullets.

    The rifles that the staff officers had just been issued were not the familiar Mauser 98Ks, but Lee-Enfields from the United Kingdom, and their shooting skills were noticeablypromised; the first volley of bullets didn¡¯t even hit the Commandos.

    In the gap as they worked the bolts, the Commando team, like the doctor, had already ducked behind the pirs.

    The disadvantage of the Sten submachine gun was revealed then, with its side-inserted magazine making it inconvenient to shoot from behind cover.

    The Commando team members had to awkwardly lean out sideways from behind, aiming slightly behind the barrel of their guns.

    At that moment, the doctor threw another grenade among the staff officers, where it exploded.

    A staff officer yelled, "Stop firing at them, quickly go and get the retreating troops toe back!"

    Immediately, a staff officer turned and ran, but the Sten submachine gun prioritized him, and he fell to the ground with three bullets in his back.

    But more staff officers left their cover and sprinted toward the retreating troops, shouting as they ran, "Come back! Come back quickly!"

    Just then, intense gunfire suddenly erupted from the opposite side of the bridge.

    Originally, there were no barracks on the other side of the bridge, only duty-bound Prosen soldiers, so the Commandos who "hitched a ride" cleared them out in about ten minutes.

    The squadmander, Henry, even began to consider sending people across the bridge to support the allies.

    As Henry was arranging this, the Commando responsible for the machine gun shouted, "Car lights! Lots of car lights!"

    Henry looked up and saw numerous car lights approaching along the highway.

    He immediately realized that the retreating Bs troops might have turned back after crossing the bridge.

    Henry asked, "What¡¯s going on? Wasn¡¯t their moralepletely broken? Why would they turn back?"

    At that moment, the trucks were already close, and the Commando assigned to the machine gun shouted, "Should we open fire?"

    Henry gritted his teeth, "Fire! Fire!"

    Tracer bullets immediately swept toward the enemy, the leading truck was hit and veered right off the cliff, plummeting into the ravine.

    The Bs soldiers inside frantically jumped out, their screams echoing throughout the ravine.

    The second and third trucks also caught fire, but the drivers managed to stop in time, with soldiers on fire rolling out of the trucks onto the ground.

    The smell of charred flesh was carried by the wind.

    The Commandos opened fire fully, harvesting Bsians like cutting wheat.

    But the Bsians, screaming, charged forward against the gunfire.

    Henry made out what the Bsians were shouting, something about "His Highness," as though they were trying to save someone.

    He turned and shouted, "Bob! What are these people shouting?"

    "They¡¯re shouting about not forgetting His Highness¡¯s kindness. They seem to think there¡¯s a Bsian prince among us!"

    Henry was shocked, "Is there?"

    "I don¡¯t know!"

    Henry was about to ask something else when he suddenly heard the sound of mortar shells falling.

    These Bsians had mortars!

    And they remembered to use them!

    As the shells fell, the Bsians¡¯ machine guns fired, sweeping over the heads of their soldiers toward the Commandos.

    Henry cursed.

    The Commandos were of high individual quality and excelled in special tasks such as ambushes and sabotage.

    But on the frontal battlefield, they were just a bunch of "fifty-poundrades," and theirbat advantage wasn¡¯t so evident at times.

    Especially when the enemy used heavy artillery.

    The mortar didn¡¯t care whether you were a Commando or a regr soldier; if itnded near you, you had to die.

    And these Bsians, trained by Prosen instructors, were quite urate with their mortars!

    After a round of bombing, one of the machine guns had already gone silent.

    Henry had no choice but to shout, "Get into the bunkers! Everyone, into the bunkers! Move! Don¡¯t get hit by the mortars!"

    At that moment, a shellnded near him, and he was thrown high into the air¡ª

 Chapter 533: Bring My Red Flag

    When Jonathan heard the sound of the mortar, he knew trouble was brewing.

    Before joining the Commando Force, Jonathan had served in the Hignd Corps and participated in the Expeditionary Force, so he knew the threat artillery posed to light infantry.

    Though the Commandos were exceptionally skilled soldiers, they were still just light infantry when faced with artillery fire¡ªeven just mortar fire.@@novelbin@@

    Jonathan shouted, "Take cover! Get to solid shelters! Get to solid shelters!"

    As he yelled, he grabbed two ammo boxes and rushed down the stairs to take cover inside the Bridgehead Fort.

    Inside the Bridgehead Fort was an MG34 machine gun without a tripod, using the same ammunition as the mounted machine gun on the roof.

    After Jonathan rushed into the Bridgehead Fort, mortar shells begannding outside the bunker.

    Martin and George, a step behind, tumbled down the stairs.

    "Damn, you stepped on my face!""Shit, if you hadn¡¯t suddenly pushed me, we wouldn¡¯t have rolled down the stairs like a ball!"

    Jonathan nced at them, ignored them, and continued to focus on the outside.

    The Prosens seemed to have realized their mistake and started to head toward the bridge, only to run directly into a barrage of mortar shells, scattering in panic.

    Jonathanughed heartily¡ªdespite the dangerous situation the Commandos were in, he couldn¡¯t help butugh seeing the enemy caught in their own fire.

    Martin and George, done bickering, exchanged a nce, then both looked at Jonathan.

    That¡¯s when the bunker phone rang.

    Jonathan immediately answered, "Hello? Who is it?"

    "I¡¯m a doctor. We¡¯ve captured the enemy headquarters, and there¡¯s a radio here that they didn¡¯t manage to destroy. We need someone who can operate it!"

    Jonathan replied, "Someone who can operate it? This¡­"

    He looked at Martin, "Wait, Martin, didn¡¯t you work in the telegraph office at the train station before you enlisted?"

    "Railway telegraph office! Telegraph office! How many times do I have to say it was the telegraph office, not the reception room! It was a major station!"

    Jonathan said, "Alright, alright, got it. Can you send telegraphs?"

    "Of course, but I don¡¯t have the codebook, neither for the Allied Forces nor the Prosens. I can only send telegraphs using the international postal standard code, which anyone can receive and read." Martin spread his hands.

    Jonathan opened the door of the Bridgehead Fort, "Go to headquarters. There¡¯s a radio there. We must get immediate support from thending Antean Troops, or we¡¯ll be wiped out by the sheer number of the enemy and this damn mortar barrage!"

    Martin looked at the continuously falling mortar barrage outside, just as a shell convenientlynded on the roof of the Bridgehead Fort, showering them with a burst of debris and dust.

    Martin eximed, "Are you sure you want me to run to headquarters under this artillery fire?"

    Jonathan took out a Scottish Bagpipe he had been carrying on his back and looked at Martin seriously, "Yes, I¡¯ll go with you."

    Martin, squinting at the musical instrument in Jonathan¡¯s hands, asked, "What does pulling out a bagpipe have to do with anything?"

    Jonathan blew a long note, then tested all the holes of the bagpipe to make sure the instrument was in perfect condition.

    Then he began to y "The Hignders Are Coming Forward," a famous Scottish battle song and the regimental song of the Hignd Corps.

    He then walked into the mortar barrage, ying the bagpipe.

    Martin and George exchanged a look.

    Martin cursed, "Either he¡¯s insane, or the world is insane, probably both."

    With that, he crouched and dashed out of the Bridgehead Fort, following Jonathan.

    Martin shouted, "Hurry up, man! Move faster out of this damn barrage!"

    Jonathan continued to y the song casually. Meanwhile, a group of Prosens spotted them and attempted to shoot, but right at that moment, a mortar shell hit among them, sending everyone flying.

    The Bsian mortar, appearing to be 80mm in caliber, was extremely powerful.

    Jonathan kept ying the bagpipe, calmly walking towards headquarters at a parade ground pace.

    The doctor peeked out from behind a pir at the entrance of the building, looking at Jonathan skeptically.

    When the two finally entered the sheltered area beneath the building¡¯s roof, the doctor asked, "What kind of sorcery is this?"

    Jonathan shrugged, "Don¡¯t know, maybe it¡¯s just probability. The mortar shellsnd randomly, and they didn¡¯t happen to hit around us."

    The words written all over the doctor¡¯s face were: I call bullshit.

    Jonathan urged, "Quick, to the radio!"

    The doctor immediately realized, "Right, the radio! We¡¯ve already been calling via radio, but the Anteans are too far away; radio calling doesn¡¯t reach them. We must use the radio!"

    Martin halted the two people who were about to go inside and said seriously, "I indeed can send a telegram, but I can only send it in clear text."

    The doctor said, "Clear text is fine; it even saves the time for decoding. In this situation, clear text is good! Just send it in clear text!"

    Martin said, "You said it! If there¡¯s a leak or if it¡¯s pursued afterward, you¡¯re responsible!"

    "I¡¯m responsible," the doctor patted his chest.

    At the same time, at the Antean Expeditionary Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong was talking to Amelia, "Your anti-aircraft shooting was really good. If it weren¡¯t for you taking down two enemy nes, one shot down and one scared away, the headquarters would have suffered heavy losses."

    At this moment, Katyusha, not convinced, said, "I could have shot down the enemy nes too! Those cunning Prosens, actually flying at super low altitude to stay out of my sight!"

    Little Katyusha (Ekaterina¡¯s nickname) guided the Divine Arrow, which could continue to track the enemy even out of sight until it hit.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t unavoidable. If the Prosen pilots had experienced using third-generation air-to-air missiles, knew how to use F-POLE maneuvers to continually deplete the "missiles¡¯" kic energy, they might be able to dodge it.

    But that was just a possibility; after all, a propeller aircraft¡¯s performance was far inferior to that of a third-generation fighter, and they might run out of kic energy after dodging the Divine Arrow, only to crash to the ground.

    In short, once an enemy ne entered Katyusha¡¯s sight, as long as it was locked by the Divine Arrow, there was no escape.

    But the enemy nes must first enter Katyusha¡¯s sight.

    This time, the sneak-attacking nes, until they abandoned the attack and turned to leave, only then came into Amelia¡¯s sight, and little Katyusha hadn¡¯t seen the two BF110 nes at all, thus couldn¡¯t guide the Divine Arrow to attack.

    Amelia looked at Katyusha, "Your Divine Arrow is too limited against low-flying enemy nes, so that¡¯s why I took the initiative to shoot. There would have been many staff dead without me; I think you should honestly be grateful, since protecting the Expeditionary Army Headquarters was initially your duty."

    Little Katyusha pouted her lips.

    Wang Zhong was about to smooth things over when amunications staff member ran over with a telegram, "General! Report! We have received a clear code telegram, the Commando Force is encountering a massive assault by Bsian Army at Fenny Valley Bridge, and the situation is critical."

    "What?" Wang Zhong rushed over, snatched the telegram, and said while reading, "How could this happen, the Bs forces daring to confront the Commando?"

    The telegram stated two things; first, the Commando already defeated the disguised Prosen Army at the bridge, upying the bridge, and second, the previously retreating Bsian Army suddenly returned and attacked the Commando troops upying the bridge.

    The enemy had mortars, and the Commando, armed only with light weapons and closebat equipment, were in a dire situation.

    After reading, Wang Zhong handed the telegram to Pavlov, who was nearby, and asked, "Can the 51st Army depart tonight?"

    Pavlov nced at the telegram, confirmed the situation, and handed it to Popov while replying, "No. Even if the 51st Army is ready, I wouldn¡¯t rmend departing now. The retreating Prosen soldiers still have considerable fighting spirit;we might be ambushed by Prosens if we march at night.

    "Additionally, we don¡¯t know if there are Prosens waiting in two viges along the way. We must wait for daylight to depart! Then, visibility will be good, and we can send out the Air Force to scout the two viges along the road."

    Wang Zhong said, "But the Commando Force might not be able to hold out until tomorrow noon, they are elite, but too few in number, and not adept at this kind of frontalbat. We must deploy now to rescue them, rush to the Fenny Valley in three hours!"

    Pavlov asked, "Are you willing to wager the lives of soldiers on the chance that there are no enemies along the way?"

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, "I¡¯ll personally lead the rescue team!"

    Pavlov said, "No, what difference does that make other than putting you in danger as well?"

    Wang Zhong said, "Trust me! The troops I lead will never be ambushed by the enemy, nor will they suffer a sneak attack!"

    Because any enemy approaching within 2.5 kilometers would be highlighted, and a sneak attack? Impossible.

    Amelia said, "That is such an unreasonable confidence! No, although the Commando is our United Kingdom¡¯s elite, I¡¯m against this irrational rescue operation that puts the expeditionary forcemander in jeopardy!"

    "I think it¡¯s possible," Popov suddenly said, looking at Wang Zhong, "I think it¡¯s possible. The Admiral wouldn¡¯t make such a low-level mistake. He has an astonishing battlefield intuition, I believe he won¡¯t be ambushed."

    Pavlov pondered for a while, sighed, "I believe too. Then, General, you personally lead the rescue team, depart immediately, and rescue the Commando Force fighting at the Fenny Valley Bridge."

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh, "Great! I¡¯ve been wanting to take a spin in a tank for a while."

    Pavlov squinted, "I knew you just wanted to go for a tank ride."

    Amelia said, "You are the Chief of Staff; you can¡¯t agree to themander¡¯s irrational decision!"

    "No," Pavlov shook his head, "Miss Emilia, when I was still the staff officer of the Third Amur Group, I fought alongside the General. He indeed has an amazing insight into the battlefield; when he personally leads the troops, there are only others being ambushed by him, never the other way around."

    Popov also chimed in, "I know it¡¯s unreasonable, but... we of the Secr faction, value pragmatism, and the facts are right here, undeniable."

    Emilia, skeptical, looked at the two bears (referring to Popov and Pavlov), then skeptically at Wang Zhong.

    Then she said, "Fine then, I¡¯lle along. If it¡¯s a night skirmish, my abilities can also contribute; I¡¯ll be a machine gunner that will chill our enemies."

    That¡¯s right, you¡¯re not relying on sight when firing a machine gun, but on superpower.

    Wang Zhong said, "Then it¡¯s settled. Form the assault team immediately, led by my tank #422. Grigori, bring my Red g!"

 Chapter 534: Courage Versus Courage

    Fenny Valley Bridge, the battle was still ongoing.

    Bsians¡¯ tactics were very simple: first, they bombarded with mortars, followed by infantry charges; if that didn¡¯t seed, they resumed the mortar shelling.

    Fortunately, these Bsians had no mountain guns or direct-fire artillery. The bunkers built by the Prosens were sturdy, and even though the outer walls of the bunkers were sted away in many ces by the mortars, they nheless failed to destroy the bunkers.

    By two in the morning, the real problem began to emerge.

    "We¡¯re out of bullets!" came the voice of Commander Keys from the north side of the bridge on the phone, "The ammo stockpiled in the bunker is almost gone! We¡¯ve fired at least thirty thousand rounds, and the enemy has simply consumed all our ammunition with their bodies!"

    It seemed that Captain Henry, who originallymanded the South Bank Commandos, had been killed by mortar fire, so Lieutenant Keys took overmand ording to the sequence.

    Jonathan said, "I¡¯ve already organized two groups to transport ammunition to you, is that gone too?"@@novelbin@@

    "Gone! Not only is the ammunition gone, but the barrels you sent over are all shot out, now the machine guns could burst at any moment, ready to explode! Hurry, think of something!"

    "Don¡¯t panic, once the mortar attack is over, we can use our AA guns here to support you!""The firing range of the AA guns is limited, and the Bsians have discovered that. After all, they¡¯ve been trained by Prosen instructors, so they do have some tactical proficiency. In addition, they¡¯ve also realized we¡¯re short on troops, so each of their assault formations are even more dispersed, and in thest wave of attack, there were people trying to nk us from the cliffside!"

    Just as Jonathan was about to reply, the doctor said, "The mortar shelling has stopped!"

    "Hold on, I¡¯ll find a way to support you!"

    He hung up the phone and immediately rushed to the window, shouting toward the anti-aircraft artillery position: "Quick, use the AA guns that haven¡¯t been destroyed for indirect fire!"

    Commandos who were originally hiding beside the AA guns in shelters immediately ran out, operated the AA guns to turn the muzzles, and started to rain fire on the opposite shore.

    The Bsian troops were poorly trained andcked the will to fight; when the 20mm shells exploded among their attacking formations, many men hit the ground, motionless on the spot, with no telling whether they were dead or just too scared to move.

    But the problem was that whether it was the 20mm guns or machine guns, they could only suppress the Bsians in one area.

    The Bsians had pulled out a very wide attack front, and, making use of the tactical proficiency trained into them by Prosen instructors, they effectively used various buildings and shelters for cover.

    Jonathan observed for a moment and then made a snap decision, "We can¡¯t hold the bridgehead anymore, we have to pull back the troops from the South Bank, or they¡¯ll be wiped out over there!"

    Saying this, he returned to the phone, picked up the receiver: "Connect to the South Bank!"

    Among the Commandos there were professionalmunications soldiers who now acted as switchboard operators, and soon the voice of the South Bankmander, Keys, came through the receiver: "Jonathan! I think I should retreat, I do not think these Bsians understand how to blow up the bridge with the unremoved explosives underneath!"

    "I agree with your retreat, but I need you to pick two of the most physically fit men to remove the explosives from under the bridge! Just directly remove them and throw them into the river valley below!"

    "Damn it, that order really sucks, big Jo!"

    "Carry out the order! If the bridge blows up, the Antean army¡¯s advance will be greatly hindered! Our main force on the Southern Front is the Bahara Forces, and you know well how they fight! You served in Bahara!"

    "Damn it!" Keys cursed, "Damn it! I¡¯m sending people to disarm the bombs now!"

    The phone was hung up, and Jonathan dashed out of themand post, running all the way to the bridgehead, where he hid behind sandbag fortifications and peered toward the South Bank.

    He saw two burly Commando Team members dashing out from cover, shedding their equipment as they ran, and finally, dressed only in their uniforms and with pistols slung over them, they ran to the side of the Bridge and skillfully climbed down, hanging from the bridge¡¯s steel beams, advancing like gymnasts suspended, while stripping off the explosives attached to the beams and throwing them down into the valley.

    Just as everything was going smoothly, a group of Bsians reached the cliff edge and opened fire on the Commandos hanging below the Bridge.

    Fortunately, they were using Lee-Enfield rifles, and their marksmanship was poor.

    Jonathan raised his submachine gun and fired at the enemy, but at this distance, he had no expectation of killing them; he only wanted to disrupt their aim.

    Before he finished his magazine, the whole group of Bsiansy down.

    The two Commando strongmen sessfully climbed to the north side of the Great Bridge, having removed all the explosives from under it.

    The Commandos waiting to escort them directly pulled the two up, patting their shoulders vigorously.

    At this time, Lieutenant Keys also began to retreat with his troops.

    The remaining eight Commandos retreated in leapfroggingbat formations.

    They were only halfway across when the Bsians, finally mustering up their courage, upied the now-empty bunkers and shelters, surging to the edge of the bridge and opening fire in a hailstorm.

    The Bsians¡¯ nighttime marksmanship was really bad; astonishingly, all eight Commandos made it across.

    Lieutenant Keys rolled over the sandbags and took cover next to Jonathan, gasping for breath as he said, "We left booby traps in the bunkers, they should¡ª"

    Before he could finish, the bunker opposite emitted smoke and a double sh.

    "They should do that!" Lieutenant Keys pointed to the other side.

    Jonathan patted his shoulder, "Well done, you did very well!"

    Lieutenant Keys: "What now? Do we still have machine gun bullets?"

    "Not much left, we used quite a bit in the fierce battle with the Prosens, and the rest was sent over the bridge to you guys. We¡¯re left to use grenades and submachine guns to block the bridge!"

    As he spoke, Jonathan peeked out and the submachine gun mowed down arge number of Bsian soldiers attempting to cross the bridge.

    Lieutenant Kayes: "Then how shall we counterattack?"

    Jonathan, while reloading his magazine, answered, "You¡¯re asking us? Unless we can win in a hand-to-hand fight against an enemy a hundred times our size, I wouldn¡¯t suggest a counterattack."

    After reloading, Jonathan peeked out again and with a rat-tat-tat, he swept fire across the enemy lines.

    At that time, Martin charged over with several Prosen submachine guns and a big pile of magazine pouches, sliding into the sandbag bunker. A stray bullet had hit his helmet without prating it, leaving only a scratch.

    "Shit!!"

    Martin cursed, trying to remove his helmet when Jonathan yelled, "No! Usually when a lucky guy like you takes off his helmet, he gets his head blown off! That¡¯s how it always happens in movies!"

    The United Kingdom had dered war on Prosen during their invasion of Mnia, and after so many years, a bunch of war-themed movies had been produced. Jonathan was referring to the clich¨¦s in those films.

    The battlefield is an uncanny ce; whenever someone disbelieves in its omens, it harshly punishes them.

    Martin didn¡¯t remove his helmet but instead passed the submachine guns and ammunition to Jonathan and Kayes, while shouting loudly, "The Anteans are moving our way! Led by that Rocossov!"

    "Why is he leading them?" Jonathan asked in shock, "Isn¡¯t he themander of the Antean Expeditionary Force? What the hell is he doing leading a charge? Trying to be the famous Desert Fox?"

    Martin shook his head: "No, no, no, it seems like the Desert Fox learned from him! But I don¡¯t know the specifics. Anyway, the telegram said that the general himself is leading a small squad this way! They have tanks and self-propelled artillery! Of course, there¡¯s also infantry!"

    "That¡¯s great! The only issue is, how long will it take them to get here?" Jonathan asked while picking up a submachine gun Martin had brought and unleashing a hail of bullets on the Bs Army, who were again trying to cross the bridge.

    Lieutenant Kayes leaned out and threw a grenade.

    The grenade exploded on the Valley Bridge the moment itnded, knocking down a group of retreating Bsians, making them run even faster.

    Just then, the whistling of shells filled the sky again.

    Damn it, more mortar fire!

    Jonathan and Kayes shouted in unison, "Get to cover, quick!"

    Both men were quick to act, darting away.

    The mortar shells fell at this moment,nding on the parade ground of the camp, far from the bridgehead position.

    Jonathan had run a few steps when he realized Martin wasn¡¯t with him. He immediately turned around, grabbed hisrade who had startedte, and sprinted toward the concrete bunker.

    A second shellnded.

    This time, the Bsians attempted a stealthy crossing of the bridge amidst the artillery fire!

    The machine guns at the Bridgehead Fort began to flicker! It was George inside the fort! Jonathan remembered George had an MG34 on a bipod with several hundred rounds of ammunition.

    Hey worriedly at the observation window of the bunker, watching the continuously firing Bridgehead Fort.

    "Damn it," he cursed, "if we had taken the big bridge tonight, the Anteans should have been here!"

    Martin: "The telegram said that this afternoon the Prosen Air Force bombed Moha, disrupting their unloading and assembly rhythm."

    Without responding, Jonathan focused on the only resistance at the Bridgehead Fort under mortar fire.

    George¡¯s rate of firing slowed down, probably because he didn¡¯t have much ammunition left.

    More fatal than running out of bullets was the barrel¡¯s temperature. Prosen¡¯s machine guns, due to their high rate of fire, often required a barrel change before depleting a 200-round belt.

    But its firepower was undeniably effective. Even with continuous bursts, it could pin the Bs soldiers down on the bridge surface.

    Jonathan pursed his lips, contemting his strategy.

    At that moment, Lieutenant Kayes said, "When the mortars fire, we daren¡¯t use the anti-aircraft guns. But look, the anti-aircraft guns are just sitting there in the open. Despite so many mortar rounds, not a single one has hit it. Maybe we could gamble on the odds, risk the enemy¡¯s mortars and use the 20mm guns?"

    Martin raised his head, giving Jonathan a meaningful look.

    After contemting for a few seconds, Jonathan decided: "Okay, let¡¯s do that. Kayes, you and Martin operate the anti-aircraft gun, and William, you run the ammo! I¡¯ll provide cover with the bagpipes!"

    Kayes: "Eh?"

    Martin patted Kayes¡¯s shoulder: "You¡¯ll get used to it."

    Then Jonathan took out the bagpipes that he always carried, started ying the same tune as before, and walked towards the anti-aircraft gun.

    Just at that moment, the mortars stopped.

    The Bsmander eximed angrily, "Why have the mortars stopped?"

    "We¡¯re out of shells!"

    "Damn!" themander swore, drawing his saber, "The enemy doesn¡¯t have much ammunition left either. Let them witness the Bsians¡¯ courage and loyalty, charge!"

    He leapt from his cover, saber held high, rushing towards the big bridge.

    The Bsians, greatly inspired, charged after him towards the Valley Bridge.

 Chapter 536: Commando and Rocossov Meet

    Fenny Valley Bridge, 0200 hours.

    The offensiveunched from the South Bank finally ceased.

    The doctor jogged back to Jonathan¡¯s shelter, whispering, "I couldn¡¯t see anything from the camp building upstairs, no idea what the situation with the Bsians on the other side is like. I suggest turning on the searchlights."

    Jonathan was startled, "There¡¯s still electricity here?"

    The doctor replied, "Of course, we just turned off the lights. Turn on the searchlights, and we should be able to see the enemy¡¯s condition clearly in the instant the lightse on."

    Jonathan thought for a moment and shook his head, "No, seeing them won¡¯t help. I don¡¯t know why these Bs soldiers, who are cking inbat will¡¯ ording to MI6 reports, still attack like this after such casualties, nor do I want to know.

    "If we turn the lights on and see that the enemy is well-manned, it¡¯s still debatable whether we could maintain morale."

    At this moment, Lieutenant Keith ran over to Jonathan and said, "There are only twenty-five rounds left for the anti-aircraft guns, enough to repel one more assault. We¡¯ve killed at least eight hundred of the enemy. Every time they charge, we have to take down a noble officer leading them, seventeen times now, seventeen times! If the enemy is the size of a division, we¡¯ve wiped out all their senior officers above the regiment level!

    "Is this the Bs Army?""Yes," Jonathan looked towards the other bank, "there¡¯s only one exnation, they¡¯ve lost their minds in a killing frenzy and have be fearless."

    The doctor, with an air of detachment, said, "That¡¯s the worst possible scenario for us. Once the machine guns run out, we¡¯ll still have hand grenades, but what after we¡¯ve thrown all the grenades?"

    Jonathan replied, "Collect the grenades from the enemy¡¯s corpses. I¡¯ve already sent Tommy and Jerry to gather them."

    As soon as he finished speaking, two Commandos dragged a sack each back to Jonathan and crouched in front of him, "Boss, there are quite a few grenades, enough for us to throw for a while, but not a single automatic weapon. What¡¯s crazier is that some of these Bsians only had five rounds for their weapons!"

    Jonathan muttered, "No wonder no one shot at me when I was alone blocking the bridge."

    The doctor said, "Looks like the officers sold the equipment, huh? It¡¯s already quite impressive that such an army managed to charge us at all. They would have likely copsed long ago if they hadn¡¯t all been riled up. Now they are seeking revenge for their brothers who died under our guns."

    Right after he spoke, a Commando watching the other side shouted, "The enemy! The enemy is crossing the bridge!"

    Jonathan told the two men searching bodies, "Quick! Get the grenades to the Grenadiers!"

    "Right!" The two men, crouching low, rushed to the Grenadiers¡¯ shelter.

    At this moment, the machine gun opened fire, but it was very controlled, waiting until each explosive round detonated and the effects were confirmed before firing the next.

    However, the enemy was not totally ipetent, and Jonathan clearly heard someone on the bridge shouting in Bsian. He turned to the doctor, "What¡¯s he shouting?"

    "He¡¯s shouting, ¡¯The enemy¡¯s out of ammo, avenge our fallen brothers!¡¯ Exactly the worst-case scenario you mentioned."

    Jonathan shook his head and shouted to the Grenadiers hidden on the other side of the bridge, "Prepare to throw grenades!"

    "Ready!" a Grenadier replied.

    As they spoke, the machine gun fire stopped, and Keith¡¯s curses came from the gun position, "Why does it fail now? Which bastard boasted about the high reliability of Prosen equipment?"

    It looked like thest 25 explosive rounds couldn¡¯t be fired smoothly either.

    The moment the machine gun ceased fire, the Bsians charged across the bridge with a roar.

    The Grenadier took action, the first grenade uratelynding at the forefront of the Bsian formation and detonating on impact, knocking down the leading officer and a few others.

    The Grenadier continued to throw grenades, apparently having someone specifically help him pull the pins.

    Regr explosions came from the bridge, the hand grenade fire from just two men was enough to hold back the enemy.

    After the initial panic, the enemy steadied, taking up positions on the bridge and firing at the Grenadiers¡¯ shelter.

    Given that grenades have a shorter range than rifles, both sides remained deadlocked.

    Then the Bsians came up with a new n: they charged in pairs.

    Jonathan cursed, raised a captured Lee-Enfield, and dropped one man with a shot, then expertly worked the bolt and knocked down another with a trigger pull.

    Yet the Lee-Enfields he picked up didn¡¯t have much ammunition; after five shots, Jonathan had to switch rifles, and after the Bsians sent over a hundred men, he was out of bullets!

    Meanwhile, the Bsians on the bridge had also fired theirst rounds, and the whole scene suddenly went quiet!

    Then the enemy sent another pair, two strong, burly men who looked like formidable fighters. Your journey continues with empire

    Jonathan drew his serrated saber, already nicked seven or eight times, and stood at the head of the bridge.

    The doctor eximed, "Motherfucker, is this the 20th century? Why doesn¡¯t it feel like it?"

    Jonathan said, "On the battlefield, when the fight gets desperate, not just knives, but teeth and nails are weapons too."

    Across the bridge, before the two Bsians could advance, another pair was sent out. They kept at this, advancing in pairs within the effective range of a grenade.

    Jonathan twirled his saber in front of him, then switched it from his left hand to his right, striking a ¡¯bring it on¡¯ pose.

    It was 0215 in the early morning of the 30th, just 15 minutes until the reinforcements Rocossov promised were due to arrive.

    However, Jonathan believed that if the reinforcements arrived before four o¡¯clock, it would be considered expedient, as the United Kingdom¡¯s Army had never been on time.

    He had made peace with the idea of defending his position to the death with cold weapons.

    However, the enemy came at them two by two, making it easier for him¡ªan enemy pair wasn¡¯t too hard to handle.

    Just as Jonathan thought this, Lieutenant Keith stood by his side with a bay-fixed Lee-Enfield, his gaze resolutely fixed on the enemy.

    After striking a posture of a fight to the death, Lieutenant Keith whispered, "I¡¯ve got eight bullets left in my pistol. What do you say?"

    Jonathan replied, "Hold steady for now. The enemy doesn¡¯t look trained in closebat."

    As they spoke, Martin also took position at Jonathan¡¯s other side, repeatedly pping his palm with a Sapper Shovel.

    The two leading Bsian brutes froze, momentarily halting their advance and looking back, signaling for the pair behind them to join and form a trio.

    At that moment, a line of tracer bullets flew in from a great distance,nding around the group of three. One of them was hit immediately, the bullet striking his shoulder and exiting through his lower back, mming into the bridge deck.

    As the first man fell, the other two were also hit, copsing onto the bridge floor, their eyes wide open in shock as they looked in the direction the bullets came from.

    The rain of tracer bullets moved along the bridge, systematically bringing down the distant Bsian soldiers one by one.

    "The reinforcements have arrived!" shouted the medic.

    Jonathan eximed, "They¡¯ve arrived earlier than expected?"

    He immediately went prone to avoid friendly fire and turned his head.

    The tracer bullets arched over their heads like a giant child peeing in parabs.

    At the same time, the roar of engines came from the main road.

    The ttering of gearboxes joining, it was tanks!

    Next, the silhouette of tanks appeared. These massive beasts charged towards the bridge head at at least 40 kilometers per hour, kicking up a dust cloud as tall as a three-story building!

    A gunner stood on the tank¡¯s engine cover, continuously firing the machine gun mounted on the turret.

    The machine gunner was actually a blonde woman¡ªby her frame, still a girl!

    Jonathan couldn¡¯t make out the other details, but he knew there were many people seated on the tank, and fluttering from its radio antenna was a red g!

    That red g!

    Jonathan had seen that red g in The Times. It was Rocossov¡¯s emblem!

    Jonathan squinted to see the figures beside the firing gunman better, yes, the silhouette sticking out of the turret to look around.

    In the sh of the machine gun fire, he thought he glimpsed a red patch on the figure¡¯s cor¡ªif he remembered correctly, that was a distinction only General Ante had!

    Had Rocossov reallye himself to the rescue?

    At that moment, a shout came from the turret, and the tank fired. The shell whizzed over Jonathan¡¯s head and hit the South Bank.

    The explosion lit up the entire South Bank.

    A second tank fired, lighting up the South Bank once more.

    By then, the leading tank¡¯s rooftop machine gun had clearly run out of ammunition. The gunner was reloading while shouting, "Don¡¯t lie in the road! General Rocossov has decided to charge over the bridge! Get up!"

    Jonathan quickly got up, dragging the slower Martin with him, and along with Lieutenant Keith, they ran to the side, taking cover behind the sandbag parapet.

    The tank reached the bridge head, and Jonathan clearly saw the tactical number 422 on the vehicle¡ªRocossov¡¯s personal vehicle¡¯s tactical code! He had reallye himself for the rescue!

    Then the tank halted, and the infantrymen seated on it began to dismount¡ªone after another, they all wore dark clothing withrge turned-down cors, the stripes of a sailor¡¯s shirt peeking out at the neckline.

    The infantrymen immediately began firing at the enemy still on the bridge, unleashing fierce firepower from their Papashas to suppress the Bsians.@@novelbin@@

    Meanwhile, someone from the tank¡¯s turret leaned down and asked something in Antenese.

    The blond gunner tranted, "The general is asking how you all are."

    Jonathan said, "We¡¯re fine! Tell the general, you arrived just in time!"

    After rying the message, the general nodded, saluted Jonathan, and then with a swift motion brought his saluting hand down, barking "Advance!" in Antenese.

    Jonathan actually understood!

    The tank roared to life, pressing forward with an air of unstoppable might, its tracks crushing the steel helmets of the Bsians lying in its path.

    Injured Bsians who had been pretending to be dead in the pile of corpses immediately stopped ying possum, attempting to crawl away towards the far bank¡ªonly for the machine gun on the tank¡¯s hull to fire, leaving several bloody marks on their bodies.

    The coaxial machine gun of the main tank gun also began firing, sweeping across to the other side.

    The blond gunner had finished reloading and resumed firing.

    Tank 422 was like a great mountain, spewing three tongues of me while rolling across to the other side of the bridge.

    Faced with this seemingly insurmountable, unstoppable monster, the morale of the Bsians finally copsed.

 Chapter 537: The Young Balas Lion (Supplementary 12/81)

    As Wang Zhong¡¯s car crossed the bridge, the Bsians hadpletely copsed, with all Bs warriors fleeing the bridgehead, leaving only corpses strewn across the vast battlefield.

    And a Bs officer standing his ground, pistol aimed at tank number 422.

    It must have been because the Commando had interrogated some of the Bs soldiers earlier, so at this moment Wang Zhong could see the name of this yet unyielding enemy.

    Colonel Mayar Abduh.

    Wang Zhong heard the sound of Amelia cocking her gun next to him and hurriedly stopped the girl, "Wait a minute!"

    Amelia looked at Wang Zhong with confusion, "Why? An officer like this, who still has the will to fight to this point, cannot be spared! He will see our actions as an invasion and keep resisting!"

    "Isn¡¯t it an invasion?" the Bs Colonel roared in Antenese, "You invaded our country without notice, isn¡¯t that an invasion?"

    Wang Zhong, "Your country cut off the supply lines of the Allied Forces, and was even ready to defect to the Prosens."

    Colonel, "Then you can invade my country?"Wang Zhong, "The Prosens started the war actively and implemented a full-blown racist policy in the upied countries, killing those they deemed inferior without restraint. They are evil, and this war is a battle between good and evil. When you were nning to turn to the dark side, it¡¯s only natural for us, as part of the world¡¯s anti-*** coalition, to stop you."

    The Colonel sneered, "My mothend has always been an independent country. It¡¯s our freedom to choose our allies. Now that you¡¯re invading my country, you are the evil ones. You and those Prosens you call evil are cut from the same cloth!"

    "Not so," Wang Zhong dered emphatically, calling out the Colonel¡¯s name, "Colonel Mayar Abduh, use your brain for a moment! How could the Prosens, who im themselves to be the superior nation, ever treat you well? If the Prosens win this war, the Anteans will be ves, and so will you, just maybe slightly higher-ranked ves."

    Colonel Mayar Abduh looked at Wang Zhong suspiciously, "You have investigated me?"

    Huh? This reaction?

    Wang Zhong decided to feign ignorance, "It¡¯s not investigating. We just know your name, that¡¯s all."

    Amelia suddenly spoke, "Colonel Mayar Abduh! One of the leaders of that freedom officers¡¯ group mentioned in the intelligence!"

    Wang Zhong thought, I¡¯m trying to bait someone, why did you jump in first?

    Colonel Mayar Abduh retracted the pistol that had been aimed at the tank, pointing it at his own head instead, "You have investigated me and now try to lure me into betraying my country with sweet words!"

    Wang Zhong, "How is that betraying your country? If the country is ruled by a foolish King, with famine widespread and the people barely surviving, then overthrowing the King is just, it¡¯s an act of loyalty to your country.

    "You are now helping the King oppress the people and seeking glory through betrayal by joining an evil Empire, that¡¯s the true betrayal of your country! Think about it, if Prosens are destined for downfall, imagine what will be of your nation then."

    Mayar was visibly hesitant.

    Amelia said, "Keeping him will be a disaster! He will..."

    Wang Zhong, "He will lead Bs in the fight for freedom and independence, he will drive your colonial forces out of this country. If he can¡¯t drive you out, he will continue to fight. I know this, and that¡¯s why I want to keep him.

    "I¡¯m a member of the Secr faction; we Secrs support the fight of all colonial peoples for national independence."

    In truth, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know whether this was part of the Secr doctrine, but he felt that Saint Andrew might well have been a fellow countryman of his, and it was very likely that a doctrine established by a fellow countryman would include such a use.

    Amelia frowned, her gaze fixed intently on Wang Zhong.

    But Mayar Abduh stared at Wang Zhong with wide eyes, his expression like someone who had been walking in the dark for ages seeing the pale light of dawn, like a ship tossed about in a storm spotting the light of a lighthouse.

    However, he immediately hardened his face and barked, "I¡¯ve seen plenty of these sugar-coated cannonballs. They¡¯re all pie in the sky, offering nothing concrete!"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "Look at the expression on the youngdy¡¯s face next to me, her eyes a moment ago could have killed me. Would I really risk fissures among allies by offering you an empty promise? Besides, what would I lose by executing you right now? Nothing!

    "The prince chosen by the United Kingdom will still be the new King, and the influence of the United Kingdom radiating from Bahara will prate Bs deeper. Meanwhile, we Secrs will continue to spread in the northern region of Bs.

    "Some local tribes have already converted to the Secr faction. Do you know the leader called Bahram? When the timees, and the contradictions between UK¡¯spradors and the Secr tribes be irreconcble, a civil war will break out.

    "The Secr tribes will receive support from Ante, while thepradors will have weapons shipped in continuously through Bahara. Think about it, Mayar Abduh! Think about it!"

    Mayar maintained the pistol to his temple, deep in thought. Find adventures at empire

    Finally, he slowly lowered the gun from his temple¡ª

    At that instant, a navy infantryman in ck sailor¡¯s attire rushed up, snatched the pistol, and attempted to throw Abduh to the ground.

    Wang Zhong, "No need!"

    The navy infantryman who took the pistol stopped.

    The Naval Infantrying to assist in the capture of Mayer Abduh from the other side also stopped.

    Wang Zhong: "Give him back his gun."

    "General!" The Naval Infantry and Amelia shouted together.

    Wang Zhong: "Return the gun to him, he won¡¯t shoot himself anymore, nor will he shoot at me."

    The Naval Infantry quickly returned the gun to Mayer Abduh.

    "What do you mean by this?" Mayer, holding the gun, asked.

    Wang Zhong: "I am resisting the demon¡¯s invasion for the sake of my mothend. You are doing the same, only you¡¯ve been mistaken about who the real demon is, blinded by appearances. But now you see clearly."

    Mayer put the safety on his gun and slid it into its holster: "So what if I see clearly? Do I mean anything to you?"

    "Yes, you can inspire those officers who share your ideals to see clearly who the real demon is, to let them know who they should be fighting!"

    Wang Zhong said this as he climbed out of the tank, took three steps, and jumped to the ground, striding confidently toward Abduh.

    Amelia eximed in rm, "You can¡¯t approach an armed enemy like this!"

    The Naval Infantry seemed ready to stop him too.

    Wang Zhong bellowed, "I am approaching our new friend! His knowledge of Antenese shows he understands the thoughts of Saint Andrew!"

    At first, the Naval Infantry were a bit resistant, nning to forcibly stop Wang Zhong, but upon hearing "the thoughts of Saint Andrew," they all looked toward Abduh.

    "You¡¯re right," said Mayer Abduh.

    Only then did Wang Zhong pass through the soldiers toe before Mayer Abduh, extending his hand: "Davarish, a pleasure to meet you."

    Mayer did not reach out: "I still don¡¯t understand, what can we do?"

    Wang Zhong: "The intelligence we received imed that the Bs Imperial Guardsckedbat spirit, but as the tanks came, I saw many Bsian corpses. They had died in the assault.

    "Their fighting spirit was incredibly tenacious, which I think has to do with you and your group of free officers."

    At this point, Wang Zhong heard someone speaking in the Onsanguage behind him, he turned his head and saw a Commando officer wearing a green beret standing not far away, saying something to Abduh.

    The pale schr tranting for him said, "The Commando Captain says these Bsian soldiers were indeed very brave, and that it shocked him¡ªand all the Commandos."

    Mayer: "We have always tried to instill in the soldiers the belief in protecting their home and country. Just now the Division Commander and higher officers got carried away with their ambitions, wanting to rescue a prince, and led a counterattack. But they all died, and with their deaths, our group of free officers took control of the troops.

    "I could tell your ammunition was running low, so I kept up the attack."

    Wang Zhong shook his head: "Your beliefs aremendable, but unfortunately, you¡¯ve picked the wrong enemy. Also, yourmand skills are very poor. Finding the enemy low on ammo and then using the lives of soldiers to deplete it is something I could never endorse. If it were at the Suvorov Military Academy, I would give you zero points and question your qualifications to be apetent officer."

    Mayer frowned: "Then what should we have done..."

    "The region is surrounded by mountains; the correct move would have been to retreat into the mountainous areas and continue resistance there. Of course, this is hypothetical. Perhaps one day, if you¡¯re truly facing invaders, do not use the lives of your soldiers to wear down the invaders¡¯ ammo."

    Wang Zhong paused, then continued: "You would need to avoid the invaders¡¯ cutting edge, mobilize the support of the local popce widely, and engage in gueri warfare, specifically targeting the invaders¡¯ supply lines, hitting the invaders¡¯ small units when they are separated, disappearing without a trace..."

    Mayer Abduh¡¯s eyes lit up: "Please General, teach me!"

    Wang Zhong: "That would be far tooplex to teach right now. After the war, you can attend the Suvorov Military Academy to learn. But to address the current issue, I need you to tell yourrades who the true enemy is and bring any loyal,bat-capable troops to our side.

    "When we overthrow the foolish current King, you cane to Ante. In the war, you will learn about war. Once the war is over, you will have acquired sophisticated tactical skills and considerable prestige. When you return to Bs, the sky¡¯s the limit for what you might achieve!"

    Amelia hurriedly said, "He¡¯s deceiving you! He¡¯s just luring you with empty promises!"

    Wang Zhong pointed his thumb at Amelia: "See, she¡¯s getting anxious. You know what that means?"

    Mayer Abduh shook his head: "No, I won¡¯t let my people be cannon fodder for Ante."

    Wang Zhong frowned.

    But then Mayer quickly changed tack: "But we do indeed need to learn about war. It was wrong to have the soldiers we trust exhaust the enemy¡¯s ammunition with their lives."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s brow immediately smoothed: "Then I¡¯ll leave it to you."

    At this moment, Wang Zhong did not yet know thatter Mayer Abduh would be known as "The Lion of Bs," he was simply happy to potentially turn part of the Bsian forces and thereby reduce casualties for his own troops.

 Chapter 538: Using Courtesy to Subdue

    Although Mayer¡¯s attitude had changed, he still didn¡¯t take Wang Zhong¡¯s hand.

    So Wang Zhong raised his outstretched hand slightly, "Won¡¯t you shake hands? For the sake of new friendship."

    Mayer was startled, then somewhat embarrassed, he took Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and with a look of apology, he said, "I¡¯ve made you wait for so long."

    "It¡¯s no problem," Wang Zhongughed. "My troops must hold here until the follow-up forces arrive; I¡¯ll give you a motorcycle. Go and pursue those fleeing Bs soldiers and persuade them to fight for the future of Bs."

    Wang Zhong said this because he could see that the mark above Mayer¡¯s head had already changed to that of an ally, so he could confidently send Mayer out to reorganize the troops.

    If Mayer¡¯s prestige was enough to attract arge number of Bsians, then the subsequent advance on the Bs capital would go very smoothly.

    First, he could persuade the defending troops to defect and disarm, and second, he could win over the fervent wee of the civilians. All in all, it was a sweet deal for Wang Zhong.

    If Mayer¡¯s reputation wasn¡¯t that significant, and he got eliminated as an insurgent, Wang Zhong wouldn¡¯t have lost anything.

    Amelia protested loudly, "How can you trust him like this? He is a prestigious enemy general; letting him go back will undoubtedly cause massive casualties to our forces! Even the Commando was nearly defeated by them!"The two Commando members heard this remark. The muscr archer frowned, and the schr-like figure spoke in heavily ented Antenese, "We were not defeated; there¡¯s still a long way to go from defeat. The Bsiansck sufficient tactical training and only know how to charge across the bridge, posing no threat at all. We were just running out of ammunition."

    Amelia turned to the Commando, "Being defeated means being defeated. If the bridge is lost, you fall. No, General Rocossov, I oppose letting such a dangerous Bsian go back!"

    Wang Zhong, "Miss Amelia, have you ever heard of a parable from Ceres, where an ancient great chancellor captured the most respected tribal leaders from the southern frontiers again and again and then let them go. He did this to win their loyalty."

    Amelia frowned, "Is there such a story?"

    "There is, and that story is full of Ceres wisdom, something that the rtively young United Kingdom could learn from." Wang Zhong turned to Mayer Abduh, "What I want to say to you is the same as that chancellor. Mayer Abduh, are you convinced? If not, you can use your influence to organize the Bsians to resist, and I will capture you again and ask you the same question."

    Mayer Abduh frowned, "This... I have only one question. If I rebel again, won¡¯t it just add to the casualties of your troops?"

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, "Look at how many casualties the Commando have suffered?"

    The talkative schrly Commando said, "Six dead, five wounded."

    Wang Zhong pointed at him with his thumb and said to Mayer, "Did you hear that? And how many casualties did your soldiers suffer? You were facing¡­"

    Schr, "Mainly the casualties were caused by mortars."

    "Oh well, mainly caused by mortars, you were facing essentially Light Infantry, just more elite Light Infantry with no heavy weapons. And you sent in a whole division, only to cause this number of casualties.

    Wang Zhong paused, then, staring at Mayer, said, "My troops are Armored Troops; how many casualties do you think you could inflict? Maybe after all that resistance, you¡¯ll end up causing us less harm than the vodka casualties we¡¯ve had along the way."

    The major leading the Naval Infantry protested, "We wouldn¡¯t drink ourselves to death that much! Even if we wanted to drink, there isn¡¯t that much vodka in our supplies!"

    Wang Zhong, "Thank you for the rification, Major."

    "You¡¯re wee."

    The Naval Infantry indeed had a fierce reputation; a major interrupting an admiral¡¯s speech, although it could also be because these people all knew Wang Zhong had no pretenses.

    Mayer¡¯s face showed a convinced expression, "Though as a Bsian, I am not happy with your assessment of ourbat effectiveness, I have to admit it¡¯s true. Especially when I learned that the United Kingdom¡¯s forces suffered only ten casualties¡­"

    "Eleven people," the schrly Commando corrected.

    Mayer, "Eleven people. We made so many sacrifices, only to inflict such small losses, and that¡¯s because the other side was out of ammunition. No, I cannot let this situation continue. I assure you, any troops I can persuade, I will definitely bring them over."

    Wang Zhong, "I believe you. Go ahead. Just be careful not to lose your life."

    After speaking, Wang Zhong saluted Mayer.

    Mayer was even more moved and bowed deeply to Wang Zhong with great solemnity.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t understand what he was doing; he could only guess it was a grand gesture.

    At this time, Sergeant Grigori came up to Mayer, "Right this way, please. I have prepared the motorcycle for you. Can you ride?"

    "Of course," Mayer nodded.

    Then Sergeant Grigori handed him a Sten Submachine Gun and four magazines, "Take care of yourself."

    With tears of gratitude, Mayer took them, strapped them on, saluted Sergeant Grigori, and turned to leave.

    "Hey," Grigori called out to him, "I don¡¯t trust you as much as the general does, so the magazines are loaded with nks. Switch them out."

    Mayer was taken aback, then burst outughing, "That¡¯s better! That¡¯s much better! With a guardian like you, the general¡¯s safety should be secure."

    Saying that, he didn¡¯t exchange the magazines but went straight to the motorcycle, hopped on, and sped off.

    Wang Zhong was very satisfied, feeling like he had gained one more valiant soldier¡ªwell, valiant or not, at least they would fight many fewer battles.

    Then, he heard someone jump down from a tank behind him, puffing angrily as they approached.

    Turning around, he saw Amelia swaying in her armor,ing towards him, "As an officer of the Allied Forces in this joint operation, I have to question your decision! It¡¯spletely unreasonable!"

    Wang Zhong: "Let¡¯s see if that¡¯s reasonable. I think by tomorrow night at thetest, he wille over with arge number of Bs troops to surrender."

    Amelia looked at Wang Zhong skeptically, "Are you willing to bet?"

    "What¡¯s the wager?"

    Amelia thought for a moment, "Ten pounds, then."

    Wang Zhong: "Deal."@@novelbin@@

    August 31st, 11:30 AM, headquarters of the original Prosen defense force on the third floor of the battalion office.

    When the knock came, Wang Zhong called out loudly, "Come in!"

    Amelia, who had been looking out the window at the continuous stream of troops crossing the bridge, also turned her head back.

    Amunications soldier entered and saluted Wang Zhong, "Reporting to the General, the advance troops have encountered Bs troops wishing to surrender, led by the very Mayer Abduh you mentioned."

    Enjoy new chapters from empire

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers and said to Amelia, "Ten pounds!"

    Amelia¡¯s eyes widened as she looked at themunications soldier, "Really? You¡¯re not a stooge arranged by your Admiral, are you?"

    Themunications soldier looked disdainfully, "Our General needs a stooge? The advance troops reported that the Bs troops are moving along the right side of the road and will soon be at the bridge, asking us to take them in. That Mayer Abduh has gone to persuade other units to surrender."

    Wang Zhong smiled proudly, "How about that? If you don¡¯t want to give it now, it¡¯s not toote to wait until the Bs troops reach the bridge. We¡¯ll set up a reorganization base right here, and when Chief of Staff Pavlov arrives with the Headquarters, we¡¯ll reorganize on spot."

    I wonder if Pavlov sneezed.

    Amelia: "Are you really nning to use Bs soldiers?"

    Wang Zhong stood up, went to Amelia¡¯s side, and looked out the window, "Look at all these bodies. They charged into overwhelming firepower without flinching. They don¡¯tck courage, Amelia. Don¡¯t underestimate them.

    "As a soldier from a country invaded by Prosen, I admire their courage. Last year I saw my soldiers, countless ordinary Antenese civilians, charging into the enemy¡¯s fire just like this, ready to meet death."

    Amelia: "I understand what you¡¯re saying, but can you not talk like that in my ear?"

    "What, should whispering sweet nothings be reserved for the ear?"

    Wang Zhong was prepared to show off his ability with romantic words, but thinking about it, all his lines seemed too cheesy, so he gave up.

    At that moment, a jeep pulled up downstairs at the battalion office. Pavlov¡¯s shiny bald head reflected the sunlight and nearly blinded Wang Zhong.

    He moved away from the window, sat down behind his desk, and then realized that themunications soldier who had reported earlier was still there.

    Wang Zhong: "Anything else?"

    Themunications soldier nced at Amelia, his face screaming "I¡¯m just here for the gossip."

    Wang Zhong: "If there¡¯s nothing else, get going, and tell Chief of Staff Pavlov I¡¯m waiting for him on the third floor."

    "Yes."

    Themunications soldier left as though making his escape.

    Immediately after, Pavlov¡¯s heavy footsteps could be heard outside¡ªthe bear of a man made Wang Zhong feel like the floor was shaking.

    A few secondster, Pavlov opened the door and looked back and forth between Amelia and Wang Zhong, "Is it my imagination, or does it seem like you two just separated?"

    Wang Zhong: "It¡¯s your imagination."

    Pavlov shrugged, "Actually, you don¡¯t have to care about it. In a ce like the battlefield, desires can be stirred up. My advice is not to hold back at such times."

    Wang Zhong: "You¡¯re overthinking things, and there¡¯s nothing going on. Only a beast can¡¯t control himself; I am a civilized man."

    Pavlov nodded and changed the subject, "On the way up, I heard about it. You recruited a Bs Davarish?"

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s right."

    "Good heavens, Popov will againment that you¡¯ve stolen his job."

    "Wait until Popov arrives; he¡¯ll have his hands full then. A battalion of Bsians is en route here to surrender. I hope Popov can turn them into loyal troops."

    Pavlov: "Do we really need Popov? Why can¡¯t you just do it?"

    "I still have military matters to worry about. Besides, Popov has nothing to do all day; we need to find something to keep him busy."

    Wang Zhong said decisively.

    Amelia: "Why do I feel like you¡¯re the least busy person in the entire Headquarters?"

    "That¡¯s your imagination."

 Chapter 539: Making a Direct Assault

    Afterward, as Wang Zhong had predicted, influenced by Mayer Abduh, a great number of Bs soldiers pledged their allegiance to the Ante Army.

    Every time a group of Ante soldiers defected, Wang Zhong would tease Amelia.

    Eventually, Amelia got annoyed and gave up, yelling at Wang Zhong, "Alright, alright, I know I was wrong! You are the great general, and I am just a pilot! What do I know about these things! You were right! You are right, right!"

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t stopughing at her.

    By September 2nd, the Expeditionary Force led by Wang Zhong had advanced over two hundred kilometers into Bs territory, and because they had advanced too quickly, logistics were struggling to keep up.

    So, on the afternoon of September 3rd, Wang Zhong ordered the entire army to pause and rest for a day before setting off again on the morning of September 5th.

    That night, the Expeditionary Army Headquarters was set up in a small town called Zaymu.

    It was a typical Bs city, where most of the buildings were made of earth, except for the brick and stone structures of the local royal family and tribal elders, which were requisitioned for the headquarters.

    Wang Zhong was assigned a spacious and bright room as his quarters, but upon entering, he immediately noticed the canopy bed in the room.So he turned to Grigori and asked, "What¡¯s the deal with this bed?"

    "This room was the boudoir of a youngdy," Grigori exined, "We¡¯ve already taken out things like the dressing table, but this bed seemed pretty nice, should be reallyfortable to sleep in. You¡¯ve worked hard for so long; you deserve a good sleep."

    Wang Zhong stared at the bed for a few seconds and said, "Give this room to Pavlov ¨C he¡¯s the one who needs a good rest. His room isn¡¯t a boudoir, is it?"

    Grigori looked troubled, "General, this bed is velvet, I¡¯ve never even slept on anything so fancy back in Ante!"

    "Then you sleep in it! Bring my camp bed here! I¡¯ll sleep next to you."

    "That wouldn¡¯t be proper. If you sleep on a camp bed I¡¯d have to sleep on the floor."

    Wang Zhong red at Grigori, "Howe you¡¯ve picked up bad habits just like Vasily?"

    Grigori proudly dered, "I was the one who taught Vasily those crap-shoveling skills."

    Wang Zhong looked at him for a few seconds, shook his head, "Anyway, I¡¯ve given an order. Call Pavlov over, this is my way of showing concern for his health."

    A minuteter, Pavlov, staring at the velvet canopy bed said, "This is nice. You sure you don¡¯t want to sleep here? But then again, you¡¯re of duke origin; you¡¯ve probably slept in beds like this before."

    After saying that, Pavlov, without any burden on his conscience, took off his hat, and plonked himself down on the big bed, sincerely eximing, "This really is nice, I¡¯m going to sleep well tonight."

    Wang Zhong suddenly didn¡¯t want to give up the bed, but the whole thing was so childish, and refusing to give it up would be even more childish, so he nodded, "Rest up. I¡¯m going to your room to sleep on my camp bed."

    Pavlovughed, "This could be another story for the memoirs. When I write them in the future, I will have to record your childish behavior. The sight of a canopy bed made you not want to sleep."

    Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m not even thirty years old yet. Compared to you, I¡¯m still a child."

    "I wouldn¡¯t dare to say the most famous general of Ante is a child," shrugged Pavlov. "By the way, I came to tell you that the reorganized Bs First Brigade will be arriving this afternoon."

    Wang Zhong, "It¡¯s only been a few days, and they¡¯re already reorganized? Popov that cker, is he really that capable?"

    Pavlov shook his head, "It¡¯s not him that¡¯s amazing, it¡¯s that Mayer Abduh. The Bs military defected with their whole units, and the officers are from the Free Officer Corps. They¡¯ve been studying hard to save their mothend for a long time, and their troops are well trained ¨C that is, by the standards of Bs military."

    Pavlov paused then added, "They¡¯re even more disciplinedpared to our newly established infantry divisions of only five thousand men."

    Wang Zhong, "So you¡¯ve cobbled together a brigade out of these ready-made units?"

    "That¡¯s right, and we even have ready-made brigademanders, all won over by Mayer. Honestly, getting Mayer on your side was a stroke of genius. We owe our rapid advance to your move.

    "We faced virtually no resistance along the way, and there have even been Bs units guarding strategic points who threw down their positions and ran twenty kilometers to defect."

    Pavlov, sitting on the overly frilly velvet bed, looked at Wang Zhong with admiration.

    Wang Zhong, "Some people were against what I did."

    "The people from the United Kingdom? They¡¯re not used to your whimsical methods yet. Once they get used to it, they won¡¯tin. By the way, is there really nothing going on between you and Amelia?"

    Wang Zhong, "Nothing."

    Pavlov, "I won¡¯t tell Ms. Vasilyevna."

    Vasilyevna was Ludm¡¯s patronymic, and Wang Zhong was shocked to realize he had automatically associated it with Ludm, a sign he was bing a true Russian.

    Wang Zhong, "Nothing. Lady Amelia is just concerned about ambushes, so she follows me around all day using her keen intuition for danger to keep me safe."

    "Alright," Pavlov shrugged, "Anyway, when the Bs First Brigade arrives this afternoon, you should give them a pep talk. They really look up to you."

    Wang Zhong, "No problem. But... do they understand Antenese?"

    "Most of the officers, in order to learn advanced military techniques, know both Antenese and Prosenese. As for the soldiers... they can listen to trantions."

    Pavlov checked the time and said, "In three hours, remember that!"

    Simultaneously, atop a mountain near Zaymu.

    Colonel Hoffman, a specialmissioner from the Imperial Ministry of Prosen, solemnly questioned the Bsian in front of him, "We¡¯ve received reliable intelligence that Rocossov is in Zaymu town. Are you really able to hit him?"

    "Of course," the Bsian tossed out a small piece of meat, and a falcon swooped down from the sky to feast, while the Bsian looked into Colonel Hoffman¡¯s face, "Just like the eagle, I can spot him from three kilometers away. My bullet will be as unerring as the hawk, striking right between his eyes."

    Colonel Hoffman looked at the eagle on the ground, "Really? You better not just be an animal trainer street performer, trying to cheat the Empire of Prosen out of its money. The Empire never forgives such deceit. Thest person who tried to fool the Imperial Academy of Sciences was locked in a gas chamber, and afterward, we made a nket out of his hair."

    The Bsian falconer grinned, "Don¡¯t worry. As long as that Rocossov dares to show himself in the open, he is a dead man."

    The Falconer loaded his rifle.

    Colonel Hoffman took a few steps back, his expression one of "I¡¯ll watch you perform."

    The Falconer tossed all the meat from his bag, thenid down beside the voraciously feasting eagle, getting the gun ready.

    Colonel Hoffman said, "Are you sure you don¡¯t need a scope? I¡¯ve brought thetest from Zeiss optics. We¡¯re at least two-thousand five hundred meters from the city, just using your eyes¡­"

    "The science-trusting Prosens, today you¡¯ll witness something not even science can necessarily achieve. I¡¯ve said, my bullets will find their target like an eagle, all I need to do is spot Admiral Rokossov and roughly aim in his direction."

    The Falconer showed Colonel Hoffman his mechanical sight, "Look, I haven¡¯t even adjusted the scale, because this gun¡¯s scale is only good for up to 800 meters."

    Colonel Hoffman pursed his lips, "If that¡¯s true, you could go to the heart of the Empire, and the Imperial Academy of Sciences would set up a research group just to study your¡ª ¡¯spell,¡¯ until it¡¯s included within the realm of science and technology." Find more to read on empire

    The Falconer just smiled and did not reply.

    At this moment, a Prosen special agent using an artillery mirror to observe Zaymu eximed, "Rokossov hase out! He¡¯s out, it looks like he¡¯s about to address the troops! Right in front of the three-story mansion in the center. The troops he¡¯s addressing seem to be Bsians; they¡¯ve assembled Bsian servant soldiers!"

    Colonel Hoffman said, "Don¡¯t make a fuss, he¡¯s just appointed a leader from the free officer alliance of Bs, gathering those who hope to overthrow the King of Bs or drive out the United Kingdom influence under hismand.

    "He¡¯s sown the seeds for the civil war in Bs, the demon."

    Colonel Hoffman turned to the Falconer, "The target has appeared, can you hit him?"

    As he spoke, the colonel pulled out his Luger pistol and put it in a ready position.

    Whether the Falconer would live depended on his next shot.

    Suddenly, the eagle eating the meat flew up, grabbed the colonel¡¯s hand, and pecked the Luger pistol away.

    The colonel screamed like a pig being ughtered.

    The Falconer said, "Quiet down, even though we¡¯re three kilometers away from Rokossov, they might have a Sound Array Master over there who could hear you screaming."

    The colonel immediately shut his mouth.

    And the Falconer simply closed his eyes and adjusted the aim of the gun.

    He had clearly established a spiritual connection with a certain bird of prey in the sky.

    His finger had been outside the trigger guard all this time, but now he slowly extended it into the guard and ced it on the trigger.

    Wang Zhong walked out of Headquarters, looking at the soldiers of the first Bs brigade lined up in the courtyard.

    Then he spotted a familiar face¡ªMike, a Federation journalist, and his war photographer partner.

    Mike smiled, "We heard you¡¯ve incorporated a great number of Bs troops, so we came over specially, just in time to see these Bsians lining up."

    Wang Zhong said, "You Federation journalists have one advantage: you run faster than anyone! I think my troops don¡¯t advance half as fast as you!"

    Mike replied, "No, sir, you¡¯ve actually surpassed the pace of the Prosens when theyunched their invasionst year."

    Wang Zhong eximed, "Have I surpassed it?"

    "Yes, you have. But it¡¯s rted to therge number of Bs troops who have defected¡ªor should I call it a rebellion?"

    Wang Zhong¡¯s grin stretched to his ears, surprised he had exceeded the Prosens on something as trivial as frying fish, but then¡ª@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, Amelia standing on Tank #422 suddenly swung the turret and fired rapidly at something far away.

    Almost simultaneously, Wang Zhong felt as if he saw an eagle swooping towards his face.

    He instantly tilted his head, and the bullet struck the upper edge of his right ear.

    Blood spattered, leaving two trails across Wang Zhong¡¯s face.

    Grigori rushed over and, with all his might, pushed Wang Zhong to the ground, shielding him with his body from the direction of the iing bullets.

    Yakov also charged forward; indeed, everyone was trying to encircle and protect Wang Zhong.

    The sound of Amelia firing was incessant.

    Finally, the soldiers of the first Bs brigade reacted andy t on the ground.

    Wang Zhong eximed, "I¡¯m alright; you¡¯re about to crush me! Damn! Do you Ante musclemen even know how heavy you are?"

    Amelia shouted, "I got him! I got them! Danger is over!"

    Wang Zhong ordered, "Let me get up! Quickly!"

    Those pressing down on him finally let him stand up again.

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath and then raised his right fist high.

    The Ante Army g waved proudly atop the Headquarters building.

    Wang Zhong dered, "You can¡¯t eradicate me! All these plots and schemes, they can¡¯t eradicate me!"

    He heard the sound of a shutter clicking.

    From the corner of his eye, he saw Mike¡¯s partner furiously snapping pictures.

    He had a premonition that he was about to dominate the front-page headlines of all the nation¡¯s newspapers once again.

 Chapter 540: Troops at the City Walls (Additional Update 13/81)

    The body of the assassin killed by Amelia from an extreme distance was soon brought before Wang Zhong.

    There were three people in total, two of them were clearly Prosens, and the remaining one should be a Bsian¡ªWang Zhong wasn¡¯t entirely sure, but the hair and skin color looked a lot like a Bsian.

    However, solving this problem was quite simple; he waved his hand to summon themander of the first Bs brigade, who was waiting on the side for orders: "Mustafa,e take a look at this person, is he Bsian?"

    Mustafa came over and said immediately: "He¡¯s a Falconer."

    Wang Zhong: "Does he¡­ have magic? Like our Miss Amelia?"

    Amelia: "What do you mean? I saved you, can¡¯t you be less distant?"

    Wang Zhong: "Like Amelia the little girl?"

    Amelia frowned.

    Wang Zhong quickly corrected himself: "Like sister Amelia?""Whatever. But Falconers indeed possess mysterious powers, they can empathize with eagles, so it is said."

    Wang Zhong looked at Amelia: "So it is said?"

    Mustafa continued: "It¡¯s all legend, some also believe they are just sharpshooters with particrly good marksmanship. When Falconers strike, they mostly use eagles to peck out the target¡¯s eyes, it¡¯s rare for them to use guns."

    Wang Zhong: "His sniping range¡ªeven very far."

    He wanted to say that the sniping range exceeded his highlight range but changed his words at thest moment.

    Wang Zhong had always thought that with his highlight he could be worry-free, but it now seems it wasn¡¯t so safe, facing a long-range sniper was still quite scary.

    Although it took supernatural powers to do such a thing, and the Prosens happened tock supernatural powers, so maybe he could afford to be a bit reckless when facing the Prosens.

    But¡ªif the United Kingdom wanted me dead, that would be a different story.

    Wang Zhong looked towards Amelia.

    Amelia: "Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t shoot at an Allied General."

    Wang Zhong: "But the war will end, can we still be allies afterward?"

    Amelia shook her head: "At least not with the Bsians. Our Prime Minister is famous for saying: There are no¡­"

    "There are no permanent enemies, no permanent friends, only permanent interests," Wang Zhong interjected.

    "Mhm." Amelia nodded, but after a brief pause, she added, "But you and I are good friends; I wouldn¡¯t shoot at a friend."

    Wang Zhong: "Since when did we be good friends?"

    "When you won ten pounds from me." Amelia looked at Mustafa standing beside Wang Zhong, "I could never have imagined earning such genuine respect from the locals like this."

    Wang Zhong: "Because we don¡¯t want to colonize them, we hope they can achieve national liberation. One day, perhaps Ante will be opposed to us, but as long as I¡¯m here, I will do everything in my power to prevent that from happening."

    Amelia looked at Wang Zhong: "Really, then I¡¯ll be watching."

    Don¡¯t just watch, ording to Earth¡¯s history, you United Kingdom folkse out on top; don¡¯t hesitate, be a Davarish!

    At that moment, Amelia said: "Actually, you don¡¯t have to worry too much, people like myself and the killed Falconer are few and far between. The biggest weakness of magic is that it relies too much on talent, no one can reliably produce individuals with high talent.

    "That¡¯s why the Prosens put forward the slogan that the light of technology will ultimately rece the grace of God."

    Amelia looked at the Bsian user of mystical powers with a sense of emotion.

    Just then, the Judge who was searching the two Prosens stood up and saluted Wang Zhong: "Report, the documents on these two are likely forgeries; they entered the country with Bahara diplomatic visas."

    Amelia was shocked: "Bahara? Impossible! We couldn¡¯t possibly be exploited like this!"

    Wang Zhong: "I suggest checking your embassy in Bs."

    "I will suggest that," said Colonel Benjamin, the liaison officer, "No, I will insist on it."

    The Judge continued his report: "Based on their equipment and clothes, I believe they are agents of the Prosens Imperial Ministry."

    Wang Zhong asked seriously: "Can you interrogate them?"

    The Judge answered solemnly: "They are already dead. We can¡¯t really make the dead talk."

    Wang Zhong: "Understood. I thought the Tribunal might have some mysterious powers, like conversing with the dead."

    Clearly, Wang Zhong had yed "Baldur¡¯s Gate 3" before crossing over.

    The Judge said with a straight face: "We don¡¯t have that kind of technology."

    Damn, by saying that you make me feel like you do have that kind of technology!

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath and decided not to dwell on these matters anymore, changing the subject: "Is there any useful documentation on them?"

    "None," said the Judge. "Judging that they might be Imperial Ministry agents is already based on my personal experience and a bit of reasoning. On official documents, I will write ¡¯persons unknown¡¯."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Understood. Then we should start by looking for clues from those who are less professional as falconers; he must have carried something to prove his identity."

    "Indeed, we found a Bsian ID card on him, as well as... a Bsian Falconer License, and a photo."

    Wang Zhong took the photo and saw it was a family of three; the deceased was the father.

    He flipped the photo over and saw an address on the back.

    Wang Zhong, "Take down this address. But don¡¯t disturb them; I wish to personally deliver his remains to his family."

    Emilia, "You¡¯re nning to win over the falconermunity again? Damn it, your antics in Bs would undo all our hard work there."

    Wang Zhongughed, "Isn¡¯t that a good thing? I mean, for the Bsian people?"

    Emilia didn¡¯t immediately arch her brow and re at Wang Zhong; instead, she turned her head away.@@novelbin@@

    See, that is the nature of the United Kingdom¡ªcasting their lot with the Secr faction!

    Wang Zhong, "Alright, the matter of the assassin is settled. At least for now; we cannot let this little incident affect the attack. After tomorrow¡¯s rest, we will continue the offense at dawn on September 5th!"

    Speaking of which, he turned to Mustafa, "Your brigade will join the vanguard, but are you used to advancing on tanks?"

    Mustafa, "Not used to it, but we can learn."

    "Good. Set off as soon as you can, while the vanguard is resting."

    "Yes." Mustafa saluted Wang Zhong, the very solemn salute that Meyer had given Wang Zhong a few days earlier.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help asking, "Meyer saluted me with this before. What is this salute?"

    "It is our most formal and grand gesture, signifying that we regard you as our best friend," said Mustafa.

    Wang Zhong smiled faintly, then turned to ask Emilia, "Has any diplomat from the United Kingdom ever been weed by Bsians with such a gesture?"

    Emilia, "Quit badgering me."

    On September 5th, the Expeditionary Force set off again.

    All along the way, not only did Bsian troops keep surrendering, even Bsian civilians began offering food and drink, warmly weing the Ante Expeditionary Force.

    At the same time as the Expeditionary Force set off again, photos taken by Mike¡¯s partner Robert Capa were published on the front page headlines of all newspapers in the Federation.

    Robert Capa shot an entire roll of film, all focused on the scene where Admiral Rokossovsky, after being shot, raised his arm and shouted "Fight!" He selected the bestposed photo from among them.

    In this photo, Admiral Rokossovsky was raising his right hand with an intrepid look, facing the front, and the Ante Army g was waving behind him in the wind.

    And the Ante soldiers protecting him formed a very stable triangr structure at his side.

    Such a naturalposition, impossible to create intentionally, needed just a touch of luck.

    The impactfulposition, coupled with various sensational front-page headlines, made Admiral Rokossovsky a top-tier celebrity in the Federation once again. Stay connected with empire

    Moreover, the progress of the Expeditionary Force very much matched the pace, even creating an atmosphere within the Federation of "As long as Rokossovskyunches an attack, everything will be fine."

    This atmosphere even diluted the impact brought on by the Prosens making rapid advances in Southern Ante.

    Indeed, the Prosensunched an onught in Southern Ante akin to sweeping away the fallen leaves with autumn winds.

    The strength of the entire Southern Army Group was split into two groups, Group A advanced to the mouth of Mount Raoul, leveling towns along the mountain range.

    However, the attack on the mountain pass was firmly blocked by the Raoul Front Army led by General Feodor Mikhailovich (who seeded Duke Meishikin).

    While the Eastern Group B Army, though unable to encircle and annihte the Suhayaweili Army, quickly took over part of the Suhayaweili River bay area after General Gorky¡¯s retreat, pushing towards the Valdai Hills River.

    Between the two army groupsy vast grasnds, where, due to poor infrastructure, neither side deployed many troops.

    Therefore, Federation newspapers arbitrarily painted this entire empty expanse in Prosen colors of upation.

    It looked quite frightening.

    If it weren¡¯t for Rokossovsky¡¯s victories easing people¡¯s concerns, perhaps the sales of Federation war bonds would have even dropped.

    Because of this, the Federation¡¯s bond issuancemittees became even more vigorous in promoting Admiral Rokossovsky, releasing an abundance of rted merchandise, from postcards to stamps.

    To attract high society women to buy war bonds, they even came up with the idea of publishing booklets about Admiral Rokossovsky, filled with stories of American women who went to Ante and then had chance encounters with the general, developing into romantic rtionships.

    Thus, Admiral Rokossovsky of Ante rapidly became a top celebrity in the Federation, amassing arge fan base of housewives.

    Subsequently, calls within the Federation for Rokossovsky to visit grew louder.

    After all, there was apletely secure air route between Ante and the Federation, and the Federation¡¯s support nes reached Ante via this route.

    This situation peaked on September 7th.

    Because on that day, the Ante Expeditionary Force reached the outskirts of the Bs capital.

 Chapter 541: Siege Plan

    Bs City, the royal capital of Bs, is a mountain city that guards the canyon leading to Bahara.

    Thus, Ante and the United Kingdom¡¯sbat n was to advance from north and south.

    However, the United Kingdom¡¯s Army was still a hundred kilometers away from Bs City.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong stood on the high ground outside the city, looking at the ancient walls of Bs City.

    "Geez," he put down his binocrs, turned and asked Pavlov, "How thick are these walls?"

    Lady Emilia said, "Didn¡¯t you see the information we provided? The thickest part is five meters."

    Wang Zhong sighed in relief, "Good, not thick, enough explosives should destroy it."

    Pavlov shook his head, "If the enemy has set up intense firepower, it might not even be possible to get close enough to ce the explosives."

    Wang Zhong suggested, "Just use tanks for cover, let the engineers rush to the wall under their protection, blow up the wall, and then the army can storm in... But if the defending troops are disguised Prosens, then that would be bad."If the defending troops turned out to be disguised Prosens, then the siege n would have to be approached with extra caution.

    At that moment, Mustafa from the First Brigade of Bs and Mayar Abduh came over, and upon seeing Wang Zhong, they immediately paid him a grand tribute.

    Wang Zhong said, "You don¡¯t need to salute me like that every time we meet, we are all ordinary humans, we are equals."

    Mayar Abduh immediately nodded, "Alright. It was thoughtless of us. I noticed you mingle well with the soldiers, and using such grand gestures might indeed be seen as a smear."

    No, it wasn¡¯t quite to that extent¡­

    Wang Zhong could only smile awkwardly.

    Mayar then said seriously, "We came today because we have something to discuss. In our resistance against the King, we¡¯ve gained control of the underground tunnels of the Royal Capital. It seems they were dug during the ancient dynasty and are now being used as sewers."

    Wang Zhong was immediately intrigued, thinking how ssic a setting of ancient sewers was for a CRPG¡ªmaybe harboring a Lich or some Thieves¡¯ Guild within.

    Considering the world had Supernatural Powers, he asked Mayar, "Are there any skeletons, ghouls, or goblins in these sewers?"

    "What kind of skeleton? I¡¯ve never even heard of the other two," Mayar looked puzzled.

    At that moment, Colonel Benjamin, the liaison from the United Kingdom, said in Bsian, "They are two types of legendary creatures known to appear in legends, and while the United Kingdom has simr beings, your Bsian legends do not, so there aren¡¯t corresponding trantions. In short, they are creatures that lurk in dark ces like sewers to attack humans."

    Mayar shook his head, "No. The biggest beasts in the sewers are just rats."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Are those rats as tall as an eight-year-old child, wielding weapons that emit green light?"

    Mayar continued to shake his head, "No, the biggest rats are only about one and a half kilograms, about this big."

    He gestured with his hands; they did seem to berge rats, but not to a frightening extent.

    Wang Zhong was relieved; since being attacked by Falconers, he had be slightly sensitive to mysterious forces, and he suddenly recalled the documents provided by the United Kingdom before the offensive, which mentioned that Bs had spells to summon armies from Otherworlds and to control the dead. Yet, it seemed none had been seen on their advance.

    So, he asked Mayar, "What about the other famous spells of Bs? Why haven¡¯t we seen any as we advanced?"

    Mayar gave a hearty smile, "Because I persuaded them to go south to confront the United Kingdom¡¯s Army. Maybe their intervention is why the United Kingdom¡¯s military advances so slowly."

    "No," Colonel Benjamin shook his head, "No, our Army is just that slow. Rather, considering how smoothly the operations on Ante¡¯s side have gone, the United Kingdom¡¯s Army has onlygged slightly... Well, I think your witchcraft hasn¡¯t really worked."

    Wang Zhong looked at Colonel Benjamin, thinking, are people from the United Kingdom so self-deprecating?

    But then he suddenly realized that the most biting satirical dramas about Ying had been made by Ying themselves, and it seemed quite fitting.

    Alright then, it turns out that the near-fatal attack on me, Wang Zhong, was the strongest resistance these mystical forces could muster; no wonder Prosens don¡¯t regard these mystical powers too seriously.

    In the era of cold weapons, these mystical powers probably had immense influence, but now, in the face of modern science and industry, the mystical seems rather insignificant.

    Or rather, once the power of technology and industry exceeds a certain threshold, the supernatural starts to look unimpressive.

    Wang Zhong felt he was gradually understanding this world.

    "General," Mayar interrupted Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts, "if we take the sewer route, bypassing the city defenses, it could greatly reduce our casualties. Themando team could directly raid the city gate defenders¡¯ barracks and rapidly capture the north gate of the city."

    Wang Zhong asked, "The troops stationed in the city, are they Bsians or Prosens?"

    "They are Bsians, after all the city has lots of traffic and with United Kingdom diplomats stationed, it¡¯s highly unlikely to switch to Prosens without drawing attention."

    As Mayer had just spoken, Mustafa picked up the conversation, "But these Bsians are different from us. To save our nation, we strictly forbid our soldiers from consuming moon sugar, a candy made from local specialty nts that has a strong stimnt effect. Those who eat it dance around, be extremely agitated, and cannot feel pain."

    Wang Zhong squinted his eyes and looked towards Colonel Benjamin.

    The Colonel said, "Exactly, this is also one of the origins of the so-called necromancy of animating corpses in Bs. We believe that the wizards use a more potent version of moon sugar, or add other rare herbal ingredients to enhance its stimnt abilities."

    Wang Zhong sighed, "When the mystery is stripped away, what lies beneath is outrageously mundane."

    Pavlov said, "Let¡¯s see if these drugged loyal dogs of the Emperor can outfight a Thread Cutter."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Do we have a Thread Cutter?"

    "Just got a shipment from home, and the Naval Infantry Regiment 393 is taking a rest, so it¡¯s been issued to them," said Pavlov. "The elite Naval Infantry have rested for a few days; it¡¯s time for them to enter the fray."

    Wang Zhong turned to ask Colonel Benjamin, "Can the First Paratrooper Division special task force be deployed? And the Commando. I want to deploy the elite infantry of the United Kingdom alongside our own elite to execute this mission, hitting different targets, and then see who fails toplete their mission.

    "This would also address the issue of the United Kingdom not being able to participate in time for the siege."

    Colonel Benjamin stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and said, "Considering your friendship with Lady Amelia, I won¡¯t presume you¡¯re being sarcastic."

    Wang Zhong said, "Of course not. Even you know that the United Kingdom¡¯s Army is too inadequate to catch up for the north-south pincer attack, so I want to dispatch the excellent First Paratrooper Division special task force and Commando assault team ahead as a contingency for the current situation."

    Lady Amelia said, "You can be annoying at times, but yes, this is a contingency n prepared due to distrust of the Army¡¯s capability. The First Paratrooper Division special task force and the Commando assault team are both ready.

    "By the way, I¡¯ve been informed by our homnd that the First Paratrooper Division will receive a royal title after this battle, so I hope you assign them more important targets."

    Wang Zhong turned to ask Mayer, "What¡¯s the state of defense at the Royal Pce?"

    Stay tuned for updates on empire

    Mayer replied, "The Royal Pce¡¯s city defense map was supposed to be sent outst night, but the Pce¡¯s secret police suddenly carried out a city-wide searchst night, and we couldn¡¯t get the map out."

    Mustafa added, "I heard a blond, blue-eyed foreigner wasmanding the Pce¡¯s secret search."

    Wang Zhong said, "Don¡¯t you have tunnels?"

    "The tunnels leading to the Pce were destroyed. We suspect there¡¯s been a betrayal by someone high up," Mayer Abduh said resentfully.

    Lady Amelia said, "So now we know the distribution of the Pce¡¯s exterior guards..."

    Wang Zhong interrupted her, "No, they might reshuffle."

    "Our contact came out before they reshuffled," Mayer said.

    Wang Zhong replied, "Prosens are methodical in their approach; they will reshuffle. But key points of the city¡¯s defenses won¡¯t change, just the defenders from Bsians to Prosens. Honestly, I feel more at ease facing Prosens than drugged-up madmen."

    Sergeant Grigori, who rarely interjected, said, "Yes, I¡¯m tired of killing Prosens. They all even scream for their mothers in the same tone when they die; every inflection is the same."

    Everyoneughed.

    Wang Zhong said, "Then our n is set. We¡¯ll send the elite troops through the tunnels to strike at the enemy¡¯s key points first, and after securing those, the main force will move out.

    "Given the higherbat morale and initiative of the elite troops, I suggest implementing a night raid."

    Nightbat enhances the fighting strength of troops with higher morale and initiative.

    Pavlov said, "That¡¯s fine. If it¡¯s the Naval Infantry, a night raid is no problem."

    Colonel Benjamin also agreed, "Paratroopers are best suited for airborne operations at night, so they¡¯re also proficient in nighttime raids. As for Commando, well, they are like ghosts at night, silently annihting the enemy."

    Wang Zhong concluded, "Good, then a night raid it is. Tomorrow morning we¡¯ll concentrate heavy artillery fire on the city walls. How many 203 heavy artillery do we have?"

    Pavlov responded, "We have a heavy breakthrough artillery regiment, a total of 24 203s."

    Wang Zhong directed, "All should be concentrated together. Select the positions during the day today. Have Bsians familiar with the city¡¯syout go with the artillerymanders to choose the positions."

    "Good."

    Wang Zhong picked up his binocrs again, gazing at the ancient city.

    This was the final destination of this expedition. After capturing the ancient city, it would be time to consider how to block the Prosens along the Valdai Hills River. The First Mobile Group Army had only rested for a month; it was uncertain how well they had recovered.

    Unfortunately, the additional troops assigned to the First Mobile Group during the battle of Yeisk probably hadn¡¯t recovered well.

    The 401st Division, for instance, had suffered heavy losses.

    At this moment, Wang Zhong was unaware that he wouldter have to make a trip to the Federation.

 Chapter 542: Attack

    The Commando squad entered the sewers under the guidance of a Bs guide.

    Gonif immediately startedining as soon as he entered the sewer, "Why do they have uspete with paratroopers and Antwerp regr infantry? What¡¯s the point?"

    Jonathan responded, "It¡¯s obviously to fuel everyone¡¯s fighting spirit with patriotism. The person who decided this had a good idea."

    "We are a special forces unit, look how few of us there are! The other two participating groups are entire brigadebat teams," Gonif continued.

    Walking behind him, Jerry, one of the brothers along with Tommy, opened up, "I heard that Antean brigade took heavy losses during thending, they are not at full strength. But they have received new equipment that might have enhanced theirbat capabilities."@@novelbin@@

    Tommy nodded, "I heard about a silent repeating weapon; it really should have been given to us. If we had silent automatic weapons, many battles would be much easier. But look at what we¡¯ve been equipped with?"

    Tommy lifted the Sten submachine gun he was holding and smacked it hard.

    Continue your saga on empire

    Jonathan quickly said, "Don¡¯t p it, what if it goes off? It¡¯s so narrow in this sewer, and there are so many brothers around. Let¡¯s go."Tommy shook his head, slung his gun, and continued walking.

    At this moment, Lieutenant Ke turned back and said, "We might be few, but we¡¯ve been assigned demolition tasks, like blowing up telegraph poles, cutting telephone lines, and throwing bombs into enemy headquarters.

    "These tasks don¡¯t require us to hold positions against counterattacks; we just need to break through, throw the bombs, and leave. I¡¯d say the tasks the Ante Expeditionary Army Headquarters assigned to us are quite suitable."

    Jonathan added, "Of course they¡¯re suitable. That¡¯s Rocossov¡¯s headquarters, their staff must be exceptionally brilliant, capable of devising perfect battle ns."

    At that moment, the group passed a manhole cover with an iron grid, through which they could suddenly hear gunshots erupting outside.

    Jonathan stated, "Ante 393rd Naval Infantry Brigade and the United Kingdom¡¯s First Paratrooper Division Task Force have started fighting; we better hurry while they¡¯re drawing attention. Let¡¯s get out there and find the buildings on the list to blow up."

    At this point, the doctor spoke up, "Though our task is only for demolition, there are many targets assigned to us. That bear-like Chief of Staff probably thinks blowing up a quarter of them will cause enough chaos, that¡¯s why he¡¯s set these targets.

    "But I think we can blow them all up."

    Gonif patted therge pile of TNT explosives he was carrying, "Of course, otherwise why the hell am I carrying so much TNT? We¡¯re going to blow up every single target assigned to us, not leaving a single one!"

    After Gonif spoke, the members of Commando all agreed, their morale high.

    Lieutenant Ke said, "Let¡¯s hurry, the Bs guide said the exit is just ahead."

    The task for the Ante 393rd Naval Infantry Brigade was to attack the north-western gate of the city walls, directly facing the front of the Ante Expeditionary Force.

    Once the gate was conquered and the city gates opened, the Expeditionary Force¡¯s Armored Troops could drive directly into the city, supporting the infantry within the city with direct tank gun fire.

    The Naval Infantry were equipped with brand new Thread Cutter Assault Rifles with suppressors. Initially unfamiliar with this weapon, they employed a Papasha firing style ¨C spraying bullets.

    But the ck Death, wearing their sailor shirts, soon found out the Thread Cutter was highly urate, not needing to spray bullets like the Papasha; a few bursts of four or five shots would hit the target.

    The Naval Infantry soon began using longer, precise bursts, significantly reducing ammunition consumption.

    They discovered that the bullets fired from the Thread Cutter were incredibly lethal, often incapacitating enemies from a single hit.

    This feature immediately received everyone¡¯s praise.

    The Naval Infantry swiftly eliminated the enemies around the gatehouse and its annexes and knocked out the few opposing firepower points directed towards the city interior.

    However, at the gatehouse entrance, the Naval Infantry faced trouble.

    Prosens soldiers ¨C reced by Bsians ¨C had piled sandbags inside the entrance, constructing a makeshift bunker and mounted an MG34 machine gun, start to fire through the entrance.

    The Naval Infantry, not true Grim Reapers and merely flesh and blood, suddenly found themselves outgunned by the machine gun.

    But as Naval Infantry seasoned inbat against the Prosens, all the soldiers patiently waited for the enemy to change the gun barrel.

    Suddenly, the machine gun fire stopped.

    A young Naval Infantry private dashed out; his olderrade didn¡¯t manage to hold him back.

    The Prosens¡¯ machine gun opened fire again, continuously hitting the young soldier in the abdomen, chest, and neck, instantly iming his young life.

    The Prosens¡¯ machine gun fell silent once more.

    The old soldier stationed by the door threw a stone out.

    As expected, the stone¡¯snding elicited a burst of machine gun fire.

    As the machine gun paused, the old soldier who had thrown the stone suddenly dashed out, unleashing a burst of fire from his Thread Cutter.

    Bullets stirred a great cloud of dust on the sandbag bunker, hitting both the Prosens¡¯ main and assistant gunner who were changing the barrel, causing them to slump over the machine gun.

    Hit by bullets from the Thread Cutter, their faces were nearly unrecognizable.

    Holding his Thread Cutter, the old soldier cautiously entered the space housing the machine gun bunker.

    A Prosens soldier, d in Bsian uniform, burst out diagonally and yelled as he tried to snatch the veteran¡¯s gun. However, the veterannded a swift kick to the soldier¡¯s groin, halting the attack due to severe pain.

    The veteran then swung the thread cutter he held, smashing its butt into the Prosens soldier¡¯s cheek, shattering his facepletely.

    Having repelled the enemy, the veteran swiftly turned the gun around and fired a three-round burst at the enemy.

    Three terrifying bullet holes appeared on the enemy¡¯s body, turning his flesh into a bloody mess.

    While the veteran dealt with the assant, naval infantry flooded in behind him into the city gate tower, beginning their climb to the second floor.

    ¡ª

    By this time, Wang Zhong had just woken up from a short nap and was now on the hillside, where he had observed the city during the day, holding a pair of binocrs and looking towards the city gate tower.

    Saying he was looking through the binocrs was just a pose; his real consciousness was hovering above everyone, looking down.

    Wang Zhong trusted the naval infantry to handle the situation, but he couldn¡¯t help but worry.

    Inside Bs City, gunfire was rampant, and now and then, there were loud explosions¡ªit was unclear whether they were set off by the Commandos.

    Pavlov noticed Wang Zhong¡¯s worry and said, "We still have a backup n. Tomorrow¡¯s heavy breakthrough artillery group will definitely breach the city walls with their 203mm heavy artillery. Although it¡¯s not as powerful as the siege tanks you designed, it will be enough."

    "The city walls of Bs," he continued, "were surveyed by engineers after nightfall, and although they look formidable, theyer between the twoyers of brick and stone is probably just dirt. A few shots from the 203 heavy artillery will crumble it."

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to reply, he suddenly saw lights appearing on the city gate tower, shing on and off, clearly signaling in Morse code!

    He immediately handed the binocrs to Yakov: "Quick! Light signals, decode!"

    Yakov raised the binocrs and began tranting, word by word: "The city gate tower is guarded by Prosens soldiers dressed in Bsian uniforms..."

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t wait for Yakov to finish, he pped Pavlov on the arm, "What did I tell you? They definitely changed guards! They always follow the book to a T!"

    Pavlov: "Why do you always argue these points with me? I never doubted your judgment! If you want to brag, go brag to Miss Emilia."

    Wang Zhong wanted to argue back, but Yakov was still tranting the signals, so he didn¡¯t want to say too much and just shut his mouth.

    Yakov: "Our forces have taken the passage leading to the city wall, but the Prosens are still resisting near the gate¡¯s mechanical device; it will take some time to clear the Prosens¡¯ defenses."

    Wang Zhong: "No need to seize the mechanical mechanism for the gate. Can¡¯t TNT st open an ancient iron gate? If that really doesn¡¯t work, you can just blow up the city gate tower and leave the gate standing."

    "Eh?" Yakov looked surprised at Wang Zhong, "Should I really send such a message?"

    Meanwhile, someone from Pavlov¡¯s staff had already pulled out a shlight and started to signal to the people on the city wall.

    Within a minute, thick smoke billowed out from under the city gate tower.

    Following that, two men withnterns ran out through the smoke, drawing circles in the night sky.

    It appeared the naval infantry had sessfully sted the city gate. There was no need to demolish the entire city gate tower now, thankfully preserving some proud history for Bs.

    Right then, two massive explosions sounded from within the city.

    Wang Zhong: "That was definitely the work of the Commandos. The Prosens only use so much explosives when demolishing buildings."

    Pavlov: "I wonder if they could destroy a fifth of the targets I marked. sting away a fifth is enough to severely disrupt the enemy¡¯smand and coordination."

    "You only need a fifth?" Wang Zhong remarked, "You really set them an achievable target."

    "That¡¯s called leaving a margin," Pavlov replied somewhat smugly.

    Wang Zhong turned his binocrs back towards today¡¯s target for the first Paratrooper Division task force.

    Turning the binocrs was just for emotional effect; Wang Zhong had already shifted his bird¡¯s-eye view to the Red Devils¡¯ target.

    He saw the Red Devils fiercely fighting in the streets, because in the square between the three targeted buildings, there was a Panzer IV tank!

    Wang Zhong instantly wanted to curse the Prosens for their cunning in secretly bringing in the tank, but then he remembered that with the binocrs¡¯ perspective, he definitely couldn¡¯t have seen the Panzer IV under the building. Cursing about the tank seemed a bit odd.

    He could only watch as the paratroopers were mowed down by the tank.

    Although the paratroopers had set up smoke screens, the tank seemed to have learned from Wang Zhong¡¯s tactics; it continuously fired into the smoke-covered streets, extinguishing any chance of sneaking through.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong saw a team of paratroopers climb to the rooftop, briefly looking down at the tank below before hurling three grenades.

    Wang Zhong clearly saw the second grenade dropping into the open hatch where the Prosens tank operator wasmanding.

    The next moment, thick smoke burst from the tank turret¡¯s hatch, and themanding Prosens tank operator immediately slumped over.

    Soon, mes burst from around the turret ring, quickly spreading to the enginepartment.

    The remaining surviving Prosens tank operators leaped from the tank one after another and scattered.

    And that¡¯s when the Red Devilsunched their charge; from Wang Zhong¡¯s viewpoint, it looked like a flurry of red berets storming towards the three targeted buildings.

    Looks like the Red Devils had prevailed too.

 Chapter 543: "Undead Army" (Extra 14/81)

    Wang Zhong confirmed that all three assault targets had been secured, then he ordered Pavlov, "Although we¡¯ve opened the gates, the heavy artillery brigade must continue to bombard the walls after dawn. Naturally, the more breaches, the better."

    Pavlov replied, "I just knew you would issue such an order. You just want to use the 203mm cannons to st something to rubble!"

    Wang Zhongughed heartily.

    Bs, Royal Pce.

    King of Bs, Tutka, was pacing back and forth in the reception hall.

    Experience tales with empire

    Eventually, the Prosen plenipotentiary ambassador Schmidt, apanied by a small squad of soldiers dressed in Prosen Army uniforms, entered the hall.

    Tutka immediately rushed forward, shouting at Schmidt, "The enemy is storming the city! They¡¯re storming the city! None of the things you promised have been done!"Schmidt smiled, "The speed at which the Anteans have arrived here isn¡¯t our fault, is it? It¡¯s because your troops offered no resistance at all. You¡¯ve been indulging those traitorous Free Officers all these years; now you¡¯re reaping what you sowed, aren¡¯t you?"

    Tutka shouted, "I indulged the Free Officers because I wanted to use them to counteract the influence of the United Kingdom that was seeping in from Bahara! Moreover, these Free Officers are among the higher quality in my army, leading troops that do not sumb to ¡¯moon sugar¡¯, with a firm will to fight!

    "I positioned these troops in the north to resist the Antean invasion because I knew that the United Kingdom¡¯s Army couldn¡¯t move that quickly! Bereft of the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force, the United Kingdom¡¯sbat effectiveness plummets. It¡¯s not like the days when their red lobster soldiers ran rampant!"

    Tutka paused and added, "Besides, we defeated those lobster soldiers back then!"

    Schmidt shook his head, "What you defeated was a handful of lobster soldiers, along with arge number of Bahara troops. If it had been all lobster soldiers, you would have been annexed into the range of the United Kingdom¡¯s Bahara long ago."

    "Don¡¯t talk about these useless things!" Tutka waved his hands dismissively, "Can you help me out of this predicament or not? I helped cut off the Anteans¡¯ supply lines; your speedy progress in Nan¡¯ant is at least half my doing!"

    Schmidt frowned, "I cannot agree with that assertion. I believe our generals, as well as the experts around His Majesty, would not agree either.

    "Once you are eliminated by the United Kingdom together with the Anteans, supply lines will be restored, and you¡¯ll see that our forces will still advance rapidly. Soon our forces will cut off the supply line that stretches from the Bahara Ocean by ourselves. We will take Abawahan!"

    Tutka¡¯s lips trembled, and after a long struggle, he yelled, "If the city falls, I can¡¯t run, but do you think you can escape? The Anteans have such hatred for you Prosens; you won¡¯t die a good death!"

    Schmidt smiled as he took off his coat, revealing the military uniform beneath, "Do you know why both I and the Paratrooper Hunters behind me have changed into Prosen military uniforms? ording to internationalw, we are considered prisoners of war.

    "As far as we know, the Anteans treat prisoners quite well; they even use some basic methods to ¡¯reeducate¡¯ prisoners and then send them to factories to produce weapons for them.

    "So many of our captured officers have found ways to escape, and they have headed south into the Neutral Country."

    Tutka cursed, "Despicable!"

    "Don¡¯t be in such a hurry to curse," Schmidt said with a smile, "I¡¯ve brought you a n to escape. You can flee through a secret passage in the pce to the mountains in the east and wait for a special ne sent by Hansa Aviation. This ne will fly to the Neutral Country of Anatolia, refuel, and then return to Prosen. You can establish a Government in exile there in Prosen, not acknowledging the new Emperor supported by the enemy. Just like Mnia and other countries have done."

    "Government in exile?" Tutka squinted, as if hearing the term for the first time.

    Schmidt replied, "If you don¡¯t like that title, you can call it Free Bs, just like General Dagaul¡¯s Free Carolingian. The name isn¡¯t important, what matters is that your hold on conquest is factually present!

    "When we reach Abawahan and force the Anteans to surrender, we will move south to address the situation in Bs. Our Army will aim straight for Bahara, and once the United Kingdom loses Bahara, their power will sharply decline! They will soon surrender too.

    "Just think, at that time, you will be the king of the entire subcontinent!"

    Tutka seemed captivated by the bright future Schmidt was painting.

    But he quickly brought up an issue, "A secret passage? What secret passage? Howe I don¡¯t know about it?"

    Schmidtughed heartily, "Of course you wouldn¡¯t know. This Royal Pce, when it was being built, because your ancestors didn¡¯t trust the United Kingdom, they hired Prosen designers.

    "Your ancestors asked the designers to create a secret passage that could be concealed from all the United Kingdom¡¯s spies in Bs at the time. The designers achieved this with the precision and rigor associated with the Prosens!"

    Having said that, Schmidt snapped his fingers, and a design drawing was brought up and unfolded in front of Tutka.

    Tutka¡¯s face beamed with joy, "Great, let¡¯s hurry and run!"

    "Hold on," Schmidt said, "You should first order all the Bsian troops in this city to take ¡¯moon sugar¡¯, and then make your escape."

    Tutka¡¯s expression turned ferocious, "You¡¯re right; we can¡¯t let these invaders have it so easy!"

    When the Whirlwind of the 225th anti-tank battalion drove into Bs City, they were suddenly confronted by arge number of Bsian soldiers.

    These soldiers had gaunt faces and looked like a bunch of skin-and-bones skeletons under the sun.

    They charged toward the lead Tank Destroyer, the 22501 Whirlwind, screaming at the top of their lungs.

    The Whirlwind¡¯s rooftop machine gun immediately opened fire.

    However, after all, the Whirlwind was a tank destroyer specialized for the single purpose of destroying tanks, and the only anti-infantry firepower it had was one machine gun mounted on the top.

    Inparison, the standard T34 had two machine guns and the T34W even boasted three: one in the hull, a coaxial machine gun in the turret, and an antiaircraft machine gun on the top.

    The single machine gun of the 22501 was simply not enough to stem the ck "skeletal" tide.

    The tank destroyer fired a shot, and a 100mm high-explosive shell exploded among the crowd, instantly felling a swath of the enemy. But more enemies charged toward the Whirlwind as if they knew neither fear nor pain.

    The Whirlwind¡¯s gunner even saw a Bsian soldier whose gun-holding right arm had been severed. His weapon had dropped to the ground, and yet he bent down, picked up his own limb, raised it high with his left hand, and continued to charge.

    The gunner eximed, "Are these really living people? Could this be the legendary Undead Legion?"

    The tankmander cursed, "Damn it! Didn¡¯t you see these people bleeding? They¡¯re just humans high on drugs, and humans die when they¡¯re killed! And even if they were monsters, monsters die when they¡¯re killed too! Fire!"

    As the tankmander ordered to fire, the loader finished loading the high-explosive shell and shouted, "Ready!"

    The gunner fired again.

    Through the gunsight, the shell exploded in the dense crowd, sending many unfortunate souls with missing arms and legs flying into the sky.

    Body parts and a rain of blood showered down, but the Bsians fearlessly charged on as if they were an Undead Army.

    Gunner: "Our firepower can¡¯t stop these people! Should we fall back?"

    At that moment, the 22502 Whirlwind moved up next to the first vehicle and delivered a high-explosive shell into the oing "tide of corpses."

    A shower of blood and flesh erupted along the entire street.

    By now, the enemy had closed to within a hundred meters and unbelievably started firing at the Whirlwinds.

    Unfortunately, their uracy was sorelycking.

    Some even threw grenades at the Whirlwinds from a distance of 100 meters, only to see themnd tens of meters in front of the vehicles, sting up columns of mud and causing no damage.

    The 22501¡¯s tankmander reassured the gunner, "Look! The enemy has nobat skills at all. Once the infantry begins shooting with their Papashas, they¡¯ll be clueless!"

    Just as he finished speaking, heavy machine guns opened fire from a two-story building next to the two Whirlwinds ¡ª these were the widely used wheel-type Maxim Machine Guns, equipped with water jackets, which emitted a dependable thump when they shot.

    As the machine guns fired, apanying sergeants with Papashas also began spraying bullets.

    A hail of gunfire swept over the dense Bsian formations, and the battle seemed to turn into a one-sided ughter. It appeared to be a test of the Antean Expeditionary Force¡¯s firepower delivery. If not delivered effectively, they would be overrun by Bsian soldiers with ferociously grinning faces, ready to smash their skulls with rifle butts.

    Suddenly, a T34 burst through the middle of the Bsian formation.

    There must have been a cross street there, and the tank took that route.

    Several Bsians, armed with long-handled broadswords, sat atop the tank, crazily chopping at the drugged Bsian soldiers around it.

    The 22501¡¯s tankmander was stunned as he looked through themander¡¯s observation scope, but then he considered that nobody had ever stipted that tank cavalry couldn¡¯t brandish long-handle broadswords.@@novelbin@@

    (In fact, themon term used in Ceres was the unadorned version of the Green Dragon Crescent de.)

    The T34 rampaged unopposed, and soon its tracks were covered in blood and flesh, jamming the steel tracks and clogging the idler wheels with a thickyer.

    The nearly triangr area between the road wheels was now full of minced meat.

    The T34 continued to skid, with each motion flinging drugged-up Bsian soldiers against the walls.

    The tank¡¯s three machine guns also opened fire, but amid so many people, the machine gun¡¯s power seemed insufficient.

    The broadsword wielders on the back of the tank were covered in blood, their trousers entirely red, their clothes mostly saturated.

    Suddenly, someone grabbed a broadsword, and in a moment, the swordsman was pulled off the tank. The next second, his severed hand flew into the air, still gripping the wooden handle of the de, but the de itself was gone.

    The enemies seemed to be devouring him, and soon intestines were seen tossed into the air.

    Seeing all this, the 22501¡¯s tankmander eximed loudly, "I understand now what the so-called Ghoul legend is about! Command headquarters! I understand what the Ghoul legend is about! My God! No wonder the ancients, witnessing this scene, would speak of an army of resurrected dead! So this is the grim truth!"

    At that moment, the order came through the radio, "Forget all that, charge them, crush them under the tracks! The enemy¡¯s intelligence is no longer sufficient to use Molotov cocktails against us! Charge!"

 Chapter 544: Hell

    Wang Zhong had been using his "cheat" to observe the battlefield all along.

    This time, the tanks that surged into the city were all equipped with radios, and the Expeditionary Army Headquarters just outside the city could directly call the tanks, so Wang Zhong had gained vision.

    Although he couldn¡¯t see the highlights himself, the situation in the city seemed to not require any highlighting.

    Thest time Wang Zhong saw such a scene was in the game "The Road to Survival 2."

    He thought about the best way to deal with this situation in The Road to Survival 2, pped his thigh, and said to Pavlov, "Do we have any methrower tanks?"

    Pavlov replied, "We do, but you forbade us from using methrowers and poison gas bombs during the siege yesterday because they could cause arge number of civilian casualties."

    Wang Zhong said, "We can use them now! Deploy the methrower tanks, but be careful not to spray the houses when firing!"

    Pavlov looked confused, "Why suddenly deploy the methrower tanks? Isn¡¯t the city just reporting arge number of enemy soldiersunching a desperate charge? Aren¡¯t machine guns and high-explosive shells enough?"

    Well, Pavlov didn¡¯t have the "cheat," Wang Zhong thought; he could only summarize the situation from the reports he had received and probably hadn¡¯t realized how bad things were inside the city.At that moment, an operator suddenly shouted over the radio, "Report, the front-line tankmander has ordered the tanks to charge forward and crush the enemy with their tracks."

    Pavlov then frowned, "Isn¡¯t that an unreasonable order? In urban street fighting, tanks already keep a distance from enemy infantry and are always under the protection of our infantry."

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder, "Don¡¯t worry, the 51st Army¡¯s tankmander has given the correct order. The situation in the city right now is such that it is indeed appropriate to ram with the tank bodies and crush with the tracks."

    Pavlov squinted his eyes, "You know the situation inside the city?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "I¡¯m guessing, I mean, the front-linemanders have a clearer view than us. If they are giving such orders, the situation must have be that severe."

    "But your statement just now clearly implied ¡¯I know what¡¯s happening in the city,¡¯" Yakov interjected, "I agree with the Chief of Staff on this point."

    At this point, Popov stepped forward, patted Yakov¡¯s shoulder, and said, "Just think of it as an angel from Saint Andrew telling the general."

    Wang Zhong forcefully changed the subject, "Send out the methrower tanks; relying solely on tracks is too inefficient."

    Pavlov didn¡¯t ask any more questions and immediately turned to grab the phone.

    Amelia leaned in close to Wang Zhong and whispered, "I¡¯ve been observing from the side, and you seem to be zoning out, but every time youe back from your reverie, you look even more serious. I also notice that every time the radio establishes contact with the frontline tanks, you zone out."

    Wang Zhong turned his head towards Amelia and whispered, "It¡¯s just a coincidence." Experience new stories on empire

    Amelia shook her head, "I don¡¯t think so. I have a bold guess, you and I¡­ are the same kind."

    Wang Zhong was shocked, barely keeping his voice steady, "I am not a witch!"

    If given a choice, I¡¯d choose to follow the path of a Red Priest!

    Amelia said, "I didn¡¯t say you¡¯re a witch! I meant¡­ don¡¯t you also have Prayer Hands? The Prayer Hand and I are the same kind. You also have the¡­ right, the Sound Array Master¡­ so are you a Sound Array Master too? Did you hear the situation in the city?"

    That¡¯s right, Wang Zhong thought to himself, his ability did indeed resemble that of the Monk Peter¡¯s Sound Array Master. Could it be that this ability was just manifesting in the form most convenient for his own understanding?@@novelbin@@

    Could it be that this enemy-highlighting ability, on regr Anteans, would appear as devil horns above the enemy¡¯s head?

    That¡¯s possible!

    So being able to directly monitor the situation around his subordinates might manifest as something like the Angel¡¯s Voice Transmission. It¡¯s just that I¡¯m a modern person who has crossed over, familiar with real-time strategy games, and so it manifested in this way for me.

    While Wang Zhong was pondering, Amelia¡¯s voice floated into his ear, "See, you¡¯re zoning out again. Did you discover something happening on the front line?"

    No, not this time, really just zoning out.

    At that moment, Pavlov with the telephone receiver said, "The methrower tanks have been deployed! But it will take half an hour to reach the front line, and I am arranging for troops along the way to make way."

    Wang Zhong said, "Good job, tell the troops entering the city to hold on a bit longer."

    ording to the intelligence from Mayer Abduh, there were supposed to be 150,000 Bs troops outside the Royal Pce, plus the disguised Prosen Army, there could be 160,000 or even 170,000 men defending the outer city.

    If all 150,000 Bs troops had taken whatever it was, they would still need time to be killed off even with methrowers.

    This kind of mindless charge might be effective against feudal armies from the era of cold weapons, but Wang Zhong¡¯s Allied Forces couldn¡¯t be defeated in such a way.

    Wang Zhong asked Yakov, "What do you think is Bs King Tutka¡¯s intention in ordering his troops tounch this kind of do-or-die assault?"

    "Eh? Damaging our forces...isn¡¯t that the goal?" Yakov asked in confusion.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, "Damaging our forces is only the direct objective, but what indirect goal does he hope to achieve by inflicting damage on our forces? He surely can¡¯t hold the city..."

    As Wang Zhong fell into thought, his voice also lowered, and he stopped speaking mid-sentence.

    At that moment, Amelia said, "Maybe Tutka has gone mad?"

    Wang Zhong: "If that¡¯s the case, it would be simpler. No minister would follow a monarch who has gone insane. But I always feel there¡¯s another intent... He ordered the troops to take drugs; could that be to buy time to do something else? Like activating some giant war statues underneath the Bs Pce or something."

    Amelia squinted, "You¡¯ve read too many nonsensical books, haven¡¯t you? Isn¡¯t that content only found in the Amazing Stories of the Federation?"

    At this time, the term "science fiction" was not yet in use, but there were already magazines that published science fiction stories, with the American Amazing Tales magazine as the representative, and thus the magazines thatbined thetest scientific discoveries with various hackneyed gimmicks came to be known as Amazing Stories.

    Wang Zhong looked at Amelia, "How do you know about Amazing Tales magazine? You haven¡¯t been reading a lot of them, have you?"

    "I certainly haven¡¯t!" Amelia raised her voice, seemingly having indeed read quite a few issues of Amazing Tales magazine.

    Although teasing Amelia could offer the pleasure of seeing her flushed appearance, they were still at war, so Wang Zhong forced himself back to the topic at hand.

    He said, "I was just joking earlier, there can¡¯t be such a fanciful development. I¡¯m wondering if the King is nning to flee?"

    Colonel Benjamin immediately said, "Impossible! We¡¯ve obtained all the blueprints of the Royal Capital (only missing the one from the Prosen engineers which MI6 doesn¡¯t know about), all the escape routes have been sealed off by our agents."

    Wang Zhong: "ording to Meyer¡¯s intelligence, the Bs Pce spies, under the guidance of Prosen¡¯s Imperial Ministry agents, conducted arge-scale manhunt in the city yesterday. Perhaps your agents have already been taken out."

    Benjamin frowned, "That¡¯s indeed possible. But even if the King manages to flee the Royal Capital, there will be a lot of trouble to leave the country."

    "The tribes have already decided to support the younger brother of the Emperor. They won¡¯t let the King pass through their controlled areas. For King Tutka, all roads have been blocked."

    Wang Zhong: "No, there¡¯s one more route. He could go by air."

    Benjamin shook his head, "No, the airport has been taken over by us. It¡¯s impossible."

    "It doesn¡¯t have to be an airport. Prosen¡¯s transport nes can take off from straight highways, and their pilots have all been trained to take off from highways." Wang Zhong quickly walked over to the map and began searching for straight stretches of road¡ª

    Suddenly, Pavlov pped his bald head, "Wait a minute, I remember from the intelligence that the Prosens helped build a high-standard highway, located between the Royal Capital Bs City and the King¡¯s Summer Resort!"

    The Chief of Staff hurried to the map and quickly found that section, "Look, here it is! There¡¯s a stretch that¡¯spletely straight!"

    Wang Zhong: "Send out troops immediately¡ªdamn it, our Expeditionary Forcecks half-trackbat vehicles and reconnaissance motorcycles!"

    Pavlov: "We have captured some! We¡¯ve captured quite a few motorcycles, especially at the Valley Bridge, where we seized a lot of motorcycles with punctured tires, and we fixed some of them."

    "Good, quickly organize a motorcycle team, bypass the city, and take control of that stretch regardless of whether you encounter the fleeing Emperor or not." Wang Zhongmanded with a wave of his hand, "Quick!"

    Meanwhile, inside Bs City, the methrower tanks rolled to the frontline.

    The difference between a methrower tank and an individual methrower was very clear. After all, the weight and output of the firing mechanism were quite different, as was the sustainability of the firepower.

    A long stream of fire crossed the entire street, igniting everything it touched, and those drug-fueled Bs soldiers instantly turned from "Skeleton Soldiers" into "ming Skeletons."

    The stimnts couldn¡¯t help them resist the neural spasms caused by the burning mes, and the intense pain broke through the stimnts¡¯ suppression, causing these "Undead Warriors" to howl.

    As a result, the entire scene became even more terrifying: a bunch of skeletons on fire were dancing and wailing.

    Themander of Whirlwind Unit 22501 watched this scene, silently making the sign of the Eastern Holy Church in front of him, and murmured, "This is truly a vision of Hell. Saint Andrew above, please grant me courage and steadfast faith to confront this horrifying sight."

    The other members of the Whirlwind Unit heard themander¡¯s murmur and likewise sketched symbols on themselves, chanting softly.

    Despite the dreadful sight they created, the methrower tanks indeed had an unparalleled advantage in massacring tightly-packed enemies. The fire swept through, and none of the enemies survived.

    Some enemies retained a bit of consciousness, knowing to jump into the water to douse the mes, so soon all the street drains were clogged, and the sewer entrances were blocked.

    Some people, in their panic, ran into buildings, and soon house after house caught fire.

    Civilians fleeing the mes from their rooms were discovered by the drug-fueled soldiers, who had be bloodthirsty, and were captured for torture.

    The scene of Hell on Earth spread throughout the urban area.

 Chapter 545: The Downfall of the King of Balas

    Outside Bs City, inside a dpidated church, the base of the altar slowly moved aside, revealing a narrow secret passage.

    The first thing to emerge was the muzzle of an MP40 submachine gun, followed by a Prosen dressed in Paratrooper Hunters¡¯ military gear who crawled out of the passage and quickly took cover behind the stone benches in the church, adopting a guard stance.

    Then a few more Hunters came out and upied the most defensible positions near the exit.

    It was only then that the Prosen Ambassador Schmidt crawled out of the tunnel, patted the dust off his cap solemnly, and put it on his head.

    King of Tutka peeked out from behind Schmidt, trying to crawl out of the tunnel, but was stuck due to his overly corpulent body.

    He struggled a few times, only to remain immovably wedged in.

    "This exit is too small, why isn¡¯t it as wide as the passage? No, the passage itself is narrow too! Aren¡¯t you Prosens known for being meticulous? How could you not consider that a ruler might be broad-minded and plump?" King of Tutka bellowed.

    Schmidt shook his head, "Pull him out! Those in the back push hard too! Quickly!"

    Thus, two Paratrooper Hunters who were on guard dropped their weapons and rushed over, tugging at the King¡¯s hands and clothes with all their might¡ªyet the King did not budge.Schmidt said, "We need to do it together, I¡¯ll count us down, one, two¡ªlift!"

    The robust Paratrooper Hunters exerted all their strength, and finally popped the King out with a thud.

    The two Hunters who exerted force lost their bnce and fell to the ground along with the King.

    Only then could the Hunters trapped behind the King crawl out of the tunnel, frowning as they looked at King of Tutka who was still panting on the ground.

    Schmidt, puzzled, asked, "Why those expressions?"

    One of the Hunters replied, "We were pushing him from behind, and then he farted. That fart was unprecedentedly foul; I suspect his digestive system is nothing but rotten meat now. Look, even the edelweiss on my cor has wilted from the stench!"

    Schmidt looked at the edelweiss, noticing the white petals indeed looked less vibrant, but he wasn¡¯t sure if it was from the fart or simply because they had been picked too long ago.

    "Alright, forget about that, get His Majesty up, we still have a long way to go. The Hansapany¡¯s ne should havended, but we still have a hundred kilometers of mountain road to cover to get to the stretch of road straight enough to serve as an airstrip.

    "The good news is that this road was built by us Prosens to high standards, so a hundred kilometers will be covered quickly."

    Finishing his speech, Schmidt looked toward the captain of the Paratrooper Hunters, "There should be a truck hidden nearby, it¡¯s disguised as a pumpkin transport vehicle, go bring out the vehicle!"@@novelbin@@

    King of Tutka eximed, "Pumpkins! I love pumpkins!"

    "This is specially grown for you in your estate to ensure pumpkins could flourish in Bs¡¯ climate. We certainly spared no effort!" said Schmidt proudly, "Prosen science and technology is reliable!"

    King of Tutka nodded repeatedly, "Reliable, reliable! So, are we eating pumpkins now?"

    "No. We are using this pumpkin truck to escape."

    Just then, the captain who had gone to fetch the vehicle rushed into the church, "Anteans areing! They¡¯re at the foot of the mountain, almost here!"

    Schmidt gasped in shock, "How could they appear here? This shouldn¡¯t be happening! Quickly, you go rely on the church¡¯s outer walls for defense, make sure to stop them before the church!"

    After saying this, he grabbed King of Tutka¡¯s arm, "Pleasee with me."

    Then he pulled the King outside without further discussion.

    "Wait a minute, wait a minute!" the King shouted loudly, "My hand! My hand is about to be torn off by you! I¡¯ll tumble! Slow down!"

    Schmidt ignored the King¡¯s cries, pulling him outside the church to the front of the truck.

    At that moment, Paratrooper Hunters stationed at the church¡¯s low wall opened fire, spraying bullets down the mountain with their submachine guns.

    A clearlymandeered Prosen three-wheeled motorcycle was hit, its front veering into a roadside rock, and the driver tumbled out although the machine gunner in the cart returned fire.

    The Paratrooper Hunters armed only with submachine guns were immediately suppressed.

    Machine gun bullets flew past Schmidt¡¯s head and struck the rear panel of the truck in rapid session.

    Schmidt opened the rear panel, and bullets hit the pumpkins inside, sshing their juice onto his face.

    "Get on!"

    King of Tutka looked at the height of the truck and immediately became gloomy, "Look at me, can I climb into such a high truck bed? I can¡¯t even get on with help."

    Schmidt immediately called to the Hunters trying to return fire, "Come here! Throw him onto the truck!"

    "No, isn¡¯t throwing him a bit too much?"

    However, the Space Huntsman didn¡¯t care, directly grabbing the King and tossing him onto the truck.

    The King screamed as he fell among the pumpkins, fortunately, hisyer of fat cushioned the impact.

    "Schmidt, I¡¯m going to report you to the Emperor! Just you wait!"

    Schmidt himself jumped onto the truck and shouted to the hunters outside, "Release smoke bombs to cover our escape; block the Anteans¡¯ pursuit!"

    "Yes!" The Paratrooper Hunters, seemingly unconcerned about being trapped or potentially killed or captured, saluted and carried out the orders.

    The smoke bomb was thrown, and white smoke quickly obscured the highway in front of the church.

    Schmidt closed the tailgate and yelled to the cab, "Go now! Fast! If the Anteans catch up to us, we¡¯re done for!"

    The pumpkin truck immediately started and, using the smoke as cover, rushed out of the church yard and sped down the highway.

    Just two hundred meters after the truck had left, a three-wheeled motorcycle burst through the smoke and directly chased after the truck.

    Then came the second one, followed by a Jeep clearly not of Prosen style¡ªit was a Federation¡¯s Willys Jeep!

    The three vehicles raced after the truck at breakneck speed.

    Schmidt turned around and urged, "Drive faster! Hurry up!"

    The Prosen driver yelled back, "The pedal is to the metal! It can¡¯t go any faster! This is a truck, not a race car, Your Excellency!"

    Schmidt cursed, pulled out his Luger pistol, and fired a shot at the pursuers.

    Immediately, the machine gunner in the motorcycle sidecar returned fire with a burst of gunfire.

    It was only because the motorcycle was so bumpy, and the machine gun was inurate, that King Tutka and Ambassador Schmidt didn¡¯t end up sacrificing themselves for their countries.

    Schmidt was about to return fire¡ªyes, with a pistol against a machine gun¡ªwhen he nearly tripped over a pumpkin.

    An idea struck him, "It¡¯s these pumpkins meant for camouge! Throw out the pumpkins! Otherwise, we can¡¯t go fast!"

    Saying this, Schmidt picked up a pumpkin and threw it behind him.

    The pumpkin smashed on the road, spilling its juice everywhere.

    The three-wheeled motorcycle immediately skidded over it, swerving wildly like a drunk Antean.

    But the Antean driver actually managed to stabilize it!

    "Try this one!" Schmidt hurled another pumpkin.

    This pumpkin didn¡¯t smash but rolled down the highway like a tire, heading straight for the motorcycle.

    The Antean rider was swerving when he saw the pumpkining straight at him and swung the bike¡¯s head.

    The motorcycle zipped off to the side and disappeared from the road.

    Schmidt roared withughter and kept hurling more pumpkins!

    To avoid the pumpkins, the second motorcycle crashed straight into a roadside sign, severing the connection between the bike and its sidecar.

    The motorcycle rider, quick as lightning, nted his foot inside the sidecar and used his broad hips as a makeshift joint between the bike and the sidecar.

    Schmidt was baffled, "Can you Anteans have some respect for thews of physics?"

    King Tutka handed Schmidt another pumpkin, "Quick, keep throwing!"

    Schmidt flung his hand, hurling the pumpkin.

    But thest vehicle was a Willys Jeep, and the pumpkin smashed against the Jeep¡¯s front, crumbling to pieces while the Jeep was absolutely fine!

    Yes, Willys Jeeps are just that durable!

    The Antean in the Jeep ducked their head, even lowering the windshield, as if it would reduce the Jeep¡¯s air resistance.

    Schmidt furiously kept throwing pumpkins, but the Jeep took more than a dozen hits without any trouble!

    Schmidt got fierce, kicked open the tailgate, and shoved all the pumpkins off in a rush.

    But the Jeep safely crossed the yellow area created by the smashed pumpkins.

    Your journey continues on empire

    Schmidt reached back and grabbed another pumpkin¡ªthis one was a bit soft, possibly rotten.

    King Tutka gasped, "No! That¡¯s my head!"

    In a sh, the first motorcycle that had left the road earlier, now came shing back onto the scene, using roadside stones to leap high into the air; its front wheel crashed directly into the pumpkin truck¡¯s sidecar.

    The Antean on the motorcycle lunged, knocking Schmidt off the truck, and both men rolled on the ground continuously.

    Atst, the Antean stood up first and punched Schmidt.

 Chapter 546: General Rocossov and the Prisoners

    September 8, 1730 hours, outside Bs City, at the Expeditionary Army Headquarters of Ante.

    Wang Zhong had spotted King Tutka of Bs and the plenipotentiary ambassador of the Empire of Prosen, Schmidt, being escorted through an overlook perspective early on.

    He walked naturally to the front of the map, posing as if deeply concerned about the battle situation within the city.

    Lately, Wang Zhong hade to understand the approach of a certain five-star admiral on Earth more and more; image and propaganda were extremely important¡ªthey determined how many resources you could get and how much credit you would receive.

    That admiral from Earth had risen through the ranks based on propaganda, while the more capable George Patton remained a four-star general until his death.

    Too bad Wang Zhong didn¡¯t smoke; otherwise, he could havepletely imitated that "five-star critic" with a tobo pipe.

    The door suddenly burst open, and the assault team sent to chase the fleeing king brought in two prisoners, one fat and one thin.

    The thin prisoner was dressed in a Prosen military uniform, the dark and slick color scheme seemed out of ce with Bs¡¯ geographical environment.

    Wang Zhong looked over with surprise, and upon seeing the two eximed, "Did you really catch these two on that road?""Yes," the captain of the Naval Infantry saluted and said loudly, "General, your divine foresight is incredible, we arrived just as they were making their escape!"

    Wang Zhongughed heartily, "I don¡¯t have any divine foresight; I simply made a logical reasoning. It was Chief of Staff Pavlov who determined that the enemies would wait for a ne on this road."

    Pavlov replied, "I¡¯m just familiar with the geographical data of the battlefield, and I just happened to remember that the Prosens built that road; it was mainly the General who predicted the enemy¡¯s movements."

    Wang Zhong unapologetically epted the ttery, then sauntered over to Schmidt¡ªwell, theoretically, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t yet know that this German was called Schmidt, but he sauntered over to him anyway.

    "Howe I don¡¯t recall Prosen having regr troops in Bs?"

    Schmidt grinned and answered in quite standard Antenese, "We are members of the embassy staff in Bs, ordered to rescue the King of Bs to establish a government in exile in Prosen."

    "Oh, is that so. You¡¯re a colonel, this operation must be of a high level then."

    "Of course," Schmidt replied, "We ce great importance on His Majesty King Tutka of Bs."

    Wang Zhong inquired, "Which route did you take to leave the city?"

    "An ancient tunnel, left behind by Prosen engineers responsible for constructing the royal pce of Bs in the past, the relevant design ns are only preserved in our nation¡¯s royal archives, so the gentlemen of the United Kingdom are unaware of them." As he spoke, Schmidt nced towards the officers of the United Kingdom.

    Colonel Benjamin and several officers from the United Kingdom looked at each other in confusion.

    Wang Zhong said, "Very well, you almost seeded. So, if I may ask, Colonel, how should I address you?"

    "You may call me Franz."

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow.

    Schmidt immediately corrected himself, "Of course, for this mission, I normally operate under the name Schmidt."

    It was then that Wang Zhong realized his microexpression had given him away, revealing that he knew this man was called Schmidt.

    But he decided to continue the charade, "Oh, is that so. Then, what is your real name? If you perform well when our forces enter Prosen, and you¡¯re in a POW camp, we can try to spare your family from harm."

    Schmidt looked incredulous, "What did you say?"

    "As we enter Prosen, we¡¯ll treat the families of the Prosens who behaved well in the POW camps kindly," Wang Zhong repeated his point.

    Schmidt was shocked, "Have you not updated yourself with the domestic war reports for a long time? We are now advancing triumphantly..."

    "Correct, as per our ns advancing triumphantly," Wang Zhong interjected. "Ceres has a very famous, ssic tactic called ¡¯luring the enemy in deepare you familiar with it?"

    Schmidt looked incredulous, "Are you saying that our triumphant advance is your strategy? Next, are you going to im that your tragic failure on the battlefieldst year was also nned?"

    "That, no, what I¡¯m saying is¡ªneither summer nor autumn. But the winter one was," Wang Zhong spread his hands, "At that time, my n was to retreat in front of the capital, stretch your supply lines, and inbination with the muddy season,pletely sever your supplies. Then counter-attack. I think it was executed quite well."

    Schmidt¡¯s expression grew serious, "Are you suggesting this time is also your strategy?"

    "Yes," Wang Zhong nodded, "The same strategy asst time. Of course, you won¡¯t believe it, but let me ask you, since this May, you have been attacking so sessfully, besides encircling the Front Army, how many of our military units have you surrounded?"

    Schmidt¡¯s mouth opened and closed, like a goldfish.

    Wang Zhong said, "There¡¯s none. You haven¡¯t surrounded and annihted another one of our units because all these units have orderly withdrawn. Of course, you still defeated some units, but these could be reorganized upon reaching the rear."

    "Even if we go by those watered-down battle reports from your High Command, the number of Ante Troops you¡¯ve annihted this year is much less than the same periodst year."

    Schmidt was at a loss for words.

    Wang Zhong bent down, got close to him, and gestured with one hand in front of him: "When we reach the muddy season this year, your situation will be better thanst year, but this time the supply lines are longer and pass through Nan¡¯ant, where the Antean infrastructure is the worst.

    "And by that time, we will counter-attack along the whole frontline with the forces that escaped during the summer and autumn campaigns. You¡¯ll have to divide your forces everywhere, and the troops attacking Abawahan won¡¯t receive enough reinforcements or supplies. After prolongedbat, they will be exhausted and their equipment losses enormous..."

    Wang Zhong suddenly clenched his spread fingers into a fist.

    "We will encircle it, and then annihte it!"@@novelbin@@

    Schmidt shook his head: "No, no, your n won¡¯t go that smoothly and besides, His Majesty is very determined. Even if youunch a full offensive, His Majesty will mobilize more troops from within the country."

    "He won¡¯t! Because the counter-offensive of the Allied Forces is about to begin as well, the whole Mediterranean will be aze! The Balkans will erupt like a volcano waiting to explode! The Royal Air Force will bomb your West Wall defenses, and the cannons of the Royal Navy will strike like express trains on schedule every day¡ªyou will be attacked from both front and rear!"

    Wang Zhong revealed a smug smile: "Then, you will suffer a humiliating defeat in Nan¡¯ant and the Allies will suddenly discover that you are nothing but a paper tiger. Yakov, throw me that booklet I wrote!"

    Yakov immediately pulled out one from the stack of booklets on the desk and threw it over¡ªthis was one of many booklets Wang Zhong had written when he was the head of the Suvorov Military Academy, mainly discussing why the enemy is bound to fail.

    Wang Zhong threw the booklet on the ground in front of the Prosens, and said to the Naval Infantry: "Untie him, let him read."

    The Naval Infantry promptly untied Schmidt and pushed him forward, causing him to fall face-first onto Wang Zhong¡¯s booklet.

    Wang Zhong then turned to the King of Bs: "Your Majesty, how do you do? Will you be as stubborn as His Excellency, the full plenipotentiary ambassador of the Prosens?"

    "No, no, no, I¡¯ll tell you my full name right away."

    Then the corpulent king blurted out a string of names so long that Wang Zhong, the would-be Antean, couldn¡¯t be bothered to remember them.

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers: "Call Meyer."

    Soon, Meyer Abduh came with Mustafa, and the moment he saw the back of His Majesty the king, mes burst from Meyer¡¯s eyes: "That bastard!"

    He rushed forward, kicked the king to the ground, then grasped the ne around his neck and pulled out a pendant: "Look at this! This is a child¡¯s finger bone! I watched him starve to death under a tree at the entrance of the vige, and I was very angry, so I stormed into the vige wanting to confront the scoundrels who watched a child starve to death! Then I found the whole vige was nearly starved to death, they truly had no food to save this child!

    "The whole vige was starving! Every child was skin and bones! So, I buried that poor child, took off his finger, and swore to bring the finger to the one who caused this tragedy! That¡¯s you!"

    Wang Zhong immediately empathized with Meyer and thus said: "Handover this king to you, Meyer. No, he is not a king anymore."

    Meyer hesitated a moment, then put away the bone and stood up: "No, this is not my personal vengeance. He must face a public trial, and then be hanged!"

    Saying so, Meyer looked to Wang Zhong: "Do we have to ept another king?"

    Before Wang Zhong could speak, Amelia interjected: "Ante has a king too, I mean, an emperor, and he¡¯s also the brother-inw of your former teacher. There¡¯s nothing bad about having a king, Meyer Abduh; a king can also be a wise ruler."

    Wang Zhong gently pushed Amelia, who was blocking his view, away and said to Meyer: "You can try all the paths and choose the best one. Before that, learn the capabilities, train the troops, so that one day you can keep the choice in your hands."

    Meyer red at Amelia and nodded: "You¡¯re right."

    At this time, the King of Tutka wailed: "Don¡¯t put me on trial! Don¡¯t put me on trial, ah ah ah! I can abdicate, I can step down! Fellow members of the United Kingdom, I will do anything, I just don¡¯t want to resist you anymore!"

    Saying so, he crawled on the ground towards Amelia¡¯s feet, seemingly intent on kissing Amelia¡¯s shoe.

    Amelia backed away with a look of disgust, keeping a significant distance.

    Wang Zhong: "He has disgusted my friend. Take him away and let the Bsian people decide his fate!"

    Immediately, Naval Infantry came and dragged away the spherical Tutka king.

    The king¡¯s wails could be heard long after they¡¯d left the Headquarters.

    When finally the noise of the king had subsided, Schmidt stood up.

    The Naval Infantry moved to restrain him, but Wang Zhong waved his hand: "No, let him be."

    He then walked over to Schmidt: "Do you have any insights? You should be able to understand it with your Antenese, right?"

    Schmidt bit his lip: "I need to think, I need to think about it! No, by the end of this year, I want to see if you aplish your goal!"

    Find your next read on empire

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, take him away and let him think properly. And give him a copy of the Secr faction Scripture to read and think about."

    Wang Zhong waved his hand.

 Chapter 547: Ascending Heights

    On September 9, there were still sporadic battles within the city, mostly waged by Prosens in Bs Army uniforms who continued to resist.

    The Bs defenders were all gone.

    Those who had survived yesterday¡¯s battle all fell today on their own, for the food they ate yesterday had made them beyond rescue; they would have perished even if the Allied Forces did nothing.

    The few with unusually strong constitutions who had not died took their own lives with the weapons in their hands, unable to endure the pain.

    At 1100 hours, Wang Zhong entered the outer districts of Bs City in his 422 tank.

    He had observed the dire state of the outer districts from an overhead perspective yesterday, but seeing it with his own eyes today was still a shock to him¡ªapparently, an overhead view could greatly diminish the gory details.

    It might be because looking down from above gives one a detached feeling, much like when ying real-time strategy games: even with sma patches installed and the violence depicted in great detail, yers wouldn¡¯t feel too affected.

    However, seeing it from a first-person perspective was not the same, especially with the air filled with an extremely strong smell of burning flesh, which enhanced the realism of the scene all the more.

    Wang Zhong heard the sound of vomiting from the radio headset¡ªthe position was originally meant for a mechanic, but the Anteans were now unable to appoint a mechanic for each tank, so it had been changed to a machine gunner solely responsible for operating the gun.The gunner of the 422 tank was a new recruit, probably seeing such a scene for the first time. It was not surprising he vomited.

    Still, unlike Wang Zhong, whose upper body was outside, other members of the tank crew began toin, "Damn it, Alyosha, now the whole tank smells of your vomit."

    "Sorry!"

    "Once we stopter, hurry and fetch a bucket of water to rinse it off!"

    "Yes! I will get it soon!"

    Wang Zhong said, "Alright, don¡¯t be too harsh on the new recruit. This scene is too horrific; even I can¡¯t stand it. The tank won¡¯t move for now, Alyosha, go down, find a corpse that doesn¡¯t upset you too much, and pee on it. You¡¯ll probably stop being afraid after that."

    The gunner asked in confusion, "Eh? Does that really work? I heard it only helps if it¡¯s an enemy you¡¯ve killed yourself."

    No, has this rumor spread this far already?

    Wang Zhong thought, then realized that wasn¡¯t right¡ªthe Tank Destroyer Battalion from the 225th hade along, they would spread these rumors everywhere.

    Oh no, from now on the 51st Army would likely pick up this habit¡ªno, this tradition.

    While Wang Zhong was thinking this, Alyosha climbed out of his position, only to confront an even more gruesome sight upon exiting, prompting him to start heaving again, with streaks of yellow-white substance trickling to the ground next to the tracks.

    The acrid smell of stomach acid mixed with the stench of charred bodies, causing Wang Zhong to frown.

    Wang Zhong asked, "It wasn¡¯t as intense through the periscope just now, was it?"

    "Yes. General, how can you face this scene without changing your expression?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Because I¡¯ve seen it before, many times. I¡¯ve gotten used to it."

    "That¡¯s amazing, sir, I wish to be like you," said the new recruit Alyosha. Alyosha was his nickname; he shared the same name as Wang Zhong, which was Aleksei, amon situation in Ante. Typically, to distinguish individuals in such cases, a patronymic was added.

    However, this was not a problem in the 422 tank, because everyone simply referred to Wang Zhong as "General."

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    Wang Zhong looked at the scene before him, shook his head, and said, "Alyosha, you don¡¯t need to feel guilty about vomiting at such a horrific sight. It¡¯s normal, and it¡¯s actually me, indifferent to the carnage, who is abnormal. We fight today so that our children can grow up as normal people.

    "One day, my own son will see this scene and vomit uncontrobly, and I will loudly cheer for him because that is the meaning of my struggle."

    Silence filled the internal tankmunications line¡ªno, the entire tank toon was silent.

    Wang Zhong then realized he had the radio on.

    If this were peacetime, like when streamers doing live broadcasts forgot to turn off their mics and made a speech, it would certainly be suspected of being scripted.

    But no one doubted it now; everyone listened quietly to Wang Zhong¡¯s words, even the Naval Infantry who had been resting beside them fell silent, pursing their lips as they watched Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong said, "Alyosha, do what you need to do."

    "Yes, General," replied Alyosha, jumping down from the tank to look for an enemy corpse that he found agreeable.

    The gunner opened the side hatch of their T34W and also stuck his head out, immediately wrinkling his brow, "My God, it¡¯s true that it¡¯s different from what you see through the scope¡ªtruly terrifying."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    At that moment, an elderly Bsian woman appeared next to the tank with an empty bowl in hand, shaking it while pleading for something.

    Wang Zhong instructed, "Give her a piece of bread."

    The gunner immediately took out some bread stored inside the tank, ready to throw it, so the old woman lifted her bowl high, even standing on her toes.

    Clearly, she was very eager for the bread.

    A Naval Infantryman next to them leaped onto the tank, took the bread from the gunner, ced it in the woman¡¯s bowl, and added his own ration as well.

    Wang Zhong: "See, it is to save them that weunched the attack."

    At this moment, Alyosha came running back, pulling up his pants and shouting loudly, "Hey! I found a Prosen dressed in Bs army uniform! Definitely a Prosen!"

    Wang Zhong: "Great! Hurry up ande on board, we¡¯re about to enter the King¡¯s Castle."

    The situation in the King¡¯s Castle was much better than outside. Residing within the King¡¯s Castle were not only His Majesty the King but also the nobles and tribal leaders from inside Bs City.

    They had been waiting at the entrance of the King¡¯s Castle from early on.

    It seemed the entrance gate was blown open by a 100mm shell, and the Whirlwind that had done the deed was parked on the street inside the gate, where tank operators were chatting with beautiful noble girls.

    At the sound of engines and gearboxes, the tank operators immediately looked over and shivered when they saw the Red g behind vehicle 422, dropping the noble girls, straightening their attire, and standing at attention.

    When vehicle 422 stopped in front of them, themander shouted, "Good day, General! Salute to you!"

    Wang Zhong: "Greetings to you, and to the valiant fighters among you. However, remember our military discipline, we do not allow hands to beid on the local civilians¡¯ daughters."

    Immediately, a noble girl said, "We volunteered, General!"

    Wang Zhong: "No matter if you volunteered or not. Don¡¯t make mistakes, soldiers!"

    But Wang Zhong always felt it was of little use, as the Anteans were toox in this regard. He had often found this troubling during domestic campaigns, for when it was consensual, he could say little; he could only caution the local church¡¯s parish priest to take good care of any girl who became pregnant and try hard to remember who the father was.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong sighed and said to the driver, "Continue down the road, let¡¯s go see the King¡¯s pce."

    Vehicle 422 started up again, moving along the road.

    Soon, the pce appeared ahead.

    It appeared that the King¡¯s pce had not been damaged much, even the pretty stained ss was mostly intact.

    Arge group ofvishly dressed courtiers were already waiting at the entrance to the pce.

    As Wang Zhong¡¯s tank stopped, a long-bearded elder half-knelt before the tank: "Hail, Duke of Charon Ante!"

    Wang Zhong: "Please rise."

    He climbed out of the tank swiftly, ncing over at the Naval Infantry standing behind the courtiers.

    Immediately, the leading Naval Infantry captain spoke: "All searched, no weapons, most have no military training, no callouses from handling guns on their hands."

    Wang Zhong nodded, hopping off the tank: "Take me to the tallest point of the King¡¯s Castle, I want to see the city we have taken after a day and night of fierce fighting."

    Actually, there was another reason Wang Zhong wanted to go to the highest point; it was September 9th, which was a Gregorian calendar date, but he wanted to climb high tomemorate his real homnd¡ªafter all, climbing high on the Double Ninth Festival was tradition.

    Just as he finished speaking, the half-kneeling elder stood up and eagerly said in Antenese, "Please follow me, the watchtower is not far away."

    About five minutester, led by the elder, Wang Zhong ascended the watchtower of the King¡¯s Castle.

    Indeed, this was the highest point of the entire King¡¯s Castle, even the rooftops of the pce were not as high as Wang Zhong¡¯s current position; the tiles were clearly visible.

    Wang Zhong gazed out toward the south.

    The main color of Bs teau was a mix of green and yellow, without the destion of a solitary desert smoke or the abundance of a wind-swept grasnd revealing cattle and sheep.

    Peering down from this vantage point, Wang Zhong noticed a small group from the Bs Free Army Officers¡¯ Alliance, including Meyers, just stepping onto the watchtower; he maintained his lookout stance and asked, "Meyers, look at this teau, what do you think?"

    "Stunningly beautiful, General."

    Wang Zhong smiled: "In the eyes of Bsians, their country is indeed different. Although I don¡¯t like thisndscape, it reminds me of my homnd."

    He patted a box at his waist: "Here, the ck soil of my homnd is right here. One day I will fight my way back, no one can stop me."

    Meyers didn¡¯t make a sound.

    Wang Zhong continued: "You too must work hard to drive out all the colonists."

    "I will," Meyers responded with conviction.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly saw a cloud of dust to the south, as if a convoy wasing from the south.

    He switched his viewpoint and saw that it was a convoy from the United Kingdom Army, consisting of Bren machine gun vehicles and Daimler armored cars, racing towards Bs City.

    Wang Zhong switched back to his naked eye view, pointing to the dust in the south, he said to Meyers, "Look, the colonists areing. But now they are Allied Forces. Our conflict with the Prosens outweighs our own, bing the main conflict. Once the war is over, it won¡¯t take long for the old imperialists to show their true colors."

    Meyers nodded vigorously: "Your teachings, I shall keep in mind. Before the war ends, we¡¯ll strive to learn and master the methods to fight them."

    Wang Zhong: "Good, don¡¯t let Amelia know about this; she¡¯s gone to wee the United Kingdom¡¯s convoy."

    Meyers: "Of course, rest assured."

 Chapter 548: Allies Among Each Other

    After his meeting with the progressive Bsian officers like Mayer had ended, Wang Zhong tossed aside Tank No. 422 and took a Willys Jeep back to the Expeditionary Army Headquarters, which hadn¡¯t yet moved from outside the city.

    The United Kingdom¡¯s convoy had already arrived, and the Bren Carrier machine-gun vehicles and Daimler Armored Cars were parked in the yard.

    Wang Zhong hopped out of the Willys Jeep and circled the two models of vehicles.

    The Bren Carrier, a light vehicle, was a favorite of Wang Zhong¡¯s before he crossed over; he often used it in the game Company of Heroes 2. Affordable, durable, with satisfactory firepower, and most importantly, fast¡ªit harassed opponents all over the map.

    As for the Daimler Armored Car, that thing was a gem; even on Earth, the British were full of praise for it, and all the Allied Forces who used it had good things to say.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s knowledge of this vehicle was entirely from games. His impression of it was simple: fast! And its cannon could prate the side armor of most of the enemies it encountered.@@novelbin@@

    Generally speaking, in the hands of a skilled gamer, vehicles that were fast and had passable firepower were considered good.

    Wang Zhong kept circling the two vehicles.

    There was no helping it. Back when hemanded the First Mobile Group Army, his troops were equipped with a whole bunch of Willys Jeeps and Studebaker trucks, and then there were the M3 Half-tracks, so he never felt the shortage of infantry transport vehicles¡ªbecause there wasn¡¯t one.Now inmand of the Expeditionary Force, trucks were needed for transporting supplies, infantry either walked or rode on tanks, resulting in a host of problems.

    The Expeditionary Force had even fewer Willys Jeeps than the First Mobile Group Army, where they were considered no more than mounts and expendables, and there wasn¡¯t a single motorcycle; they had to capture enemy bikes.

    So, seeing the United Kingdom¡¯s Bren Carriers and Daimler Armored Cars, Wang Zhong somewhat lost his bearings and wanted to immediately put out a begging bowl in front of the British officers, starting to ask for little favors.

    As he walked around the two vehicles, he muttered, "So nice, so nice."

    Finally, Amelia¡¯s voice came through, "What are you doing? You look like a country bumpkin who¡¯s never seen an armored vehicle."

    Wang Zhong: "What can I do? My Expeditionary Force really doesn¡¯t have Bren Carriers or vehicles with the same functions as Daimler Armored Cars! We don¡¯t even have M3 Half-tracks!

    "Our military production is all focused on making tanks, tank destroyers, self-propelled artillery, and trucks; there¡¯s no production capacity left to produce these kinds of frontline infantry transports."

    Amelia asked, puzzled, "Can¡¯t you just adjust the production? Aren¡¯t you the chairman of the Equipment Committee? And the Tsar¡¯s sworn brother too. Just give the order."

    Wang Zhong shook his head: "It¡¯s not that simple. The frontline losses of tanks are so high that we can only fill the gap with new tanks. I¡¯d like to strengthen the frontline repair capabilities to reduce the monthly replenishment needed, but we don¡¯t have enough industrial workers.

    "I¡¯ve been working hard to start various courses to train qualified maintenance technicians, but I estimate it won¡¯t be until the second half of 916 that we¡¯ll have trained enough technicians to effectively reduce the frontline tank loss rate.

    "Only then can we free up production capacity to make stuff like infantry fighting vehicles."

    Amelia stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and then suddenly said, "You¡¯re notining to me just because you want the United Kingdom to help you with vehicles, are you?"

    Wang Zhong: "You¡¯re going to give me all these vehicles? That¡¯s wonderful, Yakov, call some people to drive these away! And remember to ask them what kind of fuel they use, don¡¯t fill them with the wrong stuff!"

    Amelia: "Are you going to take these too?"

    Wang Zhong scratched his head: "I was thinking these were gifts from you, right?"

    Yakov couldn¡¯t help himself: "General, we really arecking in armored vehicles for infantry, but we¡¯re not that desperate, are we? And... the battle at Bs has ended."

    Wang Zhong stared at Yakov and blinked: "Yakov, although you are specialized in staff work, I will actively ask for your professional opinion when needed. Could you speak less at other times?"

    Yakov covered his mouth: "Uh, I got it."

    Grigoriughed loudly and patted Yakov on the shoulder: "Be content, at least you¡¯re not being sent to shovel manure."

    Wang Zhong: "And Yakov, I¡¯ve been thinking that the toilets at headquarters were a bit dirty since yesterday."

    "Alright, alright, I got it," Yakov shrugged his shoulders, "I¡¯ve found that shoveling manure isn¡¯t so difficult after all, and as long as you do it right, you won¡¯t even get dirty."

    Wang Zhong looked at his deputy officer who had epted the unreasonablemand from his superior for a few seconds, and he wanted to rescind the order, but then he thought that changingmands from day to night wasn¡¯t appropriate, so he turned his head to Amelia and said: "Did youe out to lead me to meet with the officers from the United Kingdom¡¯s Expeditionary Army?"

    "That¡¯s right, this way please," Amelia gestured.

    A few minutester, Wang Zhong met with the United Kingdom officers who were talking to Pavlov.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t recognize the rank of the man leading them¡ªhe wasn¡¯t too familiar with the ranks of the less-than-ster British Army in World War II¡ªbut he could cheat.

    A secondter he reached out his hand: "Major General Richard, pleased to meet you."

    Amelia¡¯s eyes widened: "I don¡¯t think I¡¯ve introduced the general¡¯s name to you, have I?"

    Wang Zhong: "But I¡¯ve known the names and ranks of the generals from the British Army moving north from the south all along. I also know their functions. After seeing this rank, I guessed it must be the Division Commander of the leading 5th Armored Division.

    "As an officer meeting with us, his rank is just right. If the Brigadier of the 1st Brigade of the 5th Armored Division hade instead, it would have seemed like a slight against me, wouldn¡¯t it?"

    In Ante, Brigadiers were not often considered Generals, so sending someone who wasn¡¯t a General over as the vanguard for the "rendezvous" was against protocol.

    Amelia, "You... actually remember the names on those documents? I never see you look at official papers..."

    Pavlov, "Our General really doesn¡¯t like to deal with paperwork, but he has an extraordinary memory. When he was still a Division Commander, he even remembered every fallen soldier¡¯s name and rank."

    Wang Zhong, "I still remember them too."

    After saying that, he realized, damn, remembering the names and ranks of the whole Front Army¡¯s fallen was too horrifying and not quite appropriate, so he hurriedly added, "I mean, I still remember the names of the soldiers who fellst year at Loktov and other ces.

    "Now that I¡¯m a Commander at the Front Army level, it¡¯s unlikely I¡¯ll remember all the fallen¡¯s names."

    Amelia looked at Wang Zhong, her expression clearly showing disbelief.

    However, Amelia now considered Wang Zhong a kindred spirit, probably attributing this to some mysterious power of his, so she didn¡¯t say anything.

    Major General Richard looked stern and put on airs, his demeanor fitting Wang Zhong¡¯s image of the stiff and rigidmanders of the United Kingdom Army.

    But this Major General Richard seemed to have quite a few injuries; one of his eyes was covered with a ck eye patch, his left sleeve was empty, and from the right pant leg protruded a section of a prosthetic leg.

    Wang Zhong, "My goodness, do you actually have three serious injuries?"

    "Four," said Major General Richard. "I was also hit by a fragment of a shell that took off one of my... ahem, testicles."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s mouth formed an ¡¯O¡¯ shape as he gasped, "My God, is the banana still there?"

    "Intact," Major General Richard responded with pride.

    Wang Zhong began to understand why the United Kingdom had sent this man to lead the way; faced with such a "fierce warrior," anyone would be intimidated.

    And Wang Zhong vaguely remembered that there was such a General on Earth as well, who had even been made into a video by little John Khan.

    He recalled that General¡¯s military talent was far below his ability to spout fancy talk, generally more of a hindrance in battle.

    That¡¯s why the United Kingdom¡¯s Fifth Armored Division was advancing so slowly!

    Major General Richard seemed to misunderstand Wang Zhong¡¯s expression, thinking his own valor had subdued Wang Zhong, so he held his head high and announced, "The Commander of the United Kingdom Expeditionary Force is on his way. He wishes for you to hand over His Majesty, King of Bs, and the full Plowsonian ambassador to us first."

    "No, His Majesty the King of Bs will be judged by the Bsians themselves, and the full Plowsonian ambassador has already been sent to our prisoner of war camps. Of course, we will share the intelligence he has provided with the United Kingdom as per our alliance treaty."

    "What?" eximed Richard. "This is not in ordance with our agreement."

    Wang Zhong, "Our agreement also included storming the city together, but I didn¡¯t see you sticking to that either."

    "That¡¯s because you didn¡¯t wait for us!"

    "We had to storm the city immediately. King Tutka of Bs almost escaped. If I hadn¡¯t made a decisive decision then, the Bs government in exile would have been established in Plowsonia by now." Wang Zhong spread his hands, "At that point, that brother of the Tsar would have been crowned improperly, and it seems the United Kingdom would be the one with the headache, right? For now, Ante doesn¡¯t have much at stake in Bs."

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    Major General Richard, after struggling for a while, squeezed out, "I will report this to Admiral Okinlek, Commander of the United Kingdom Expeditionary Force."

    Wang Zhong, "Feel free."

    Major General Richard picked up the military cap that was on the table and left in a huff.

    Wang Zhong turned to ask Amelia, "Aren¡¯t you following him?"

    Amelia, "My mission is to stay by your side, and besides, you¡¯ll need my escort soon."

    Wang Zhong, "What do you mean? Am I returning home? Surely the Prosen fighter jets can¡¯t fly over for this part of the journey, can they?"

    Amelia, "You don¡¯t know?"

    Just then, Pavlov came over and handed a telegram to Wang Zhong, "His Highness Belinsky has ordered that after the battle of Bs is concluded, the troops will be under mymand."

    Wang Zhong stared at the Chief of Staff in disbelief, "Then what am I going to do?"

    The Chief of Staff pointed at the telegram.

    Only then did Wang Zhong begin to read the telegram, "Alexei Konstantinovich, I have an extremely important mission for you, which is why I am sending you this confidential cable in a personal capacity."

    Wang Zhong quickly checked the signature first; it was indeed Belinsky, and he had not included the title of the Grand Patriarch.

    He continued to read, "Within the territory of the Federation, you have gained tremendous prestige. All citizens of the Federation wish to meet you, the hero who turned the tide and saved Ante. This is extremely important for increasing the Federation¡¯s support for us."

    Wang Zhong was taken aback; he didn¡¯t read the rest aloud but rather skimmed through it quickly.

    He put down the telegram and looked at the others, "Alright, I¡¯ll make a trip to the Federation."

 Chapter 549: The Public Trial of King Tutka

    Admiral Okinlek of the United Kingdom arrived in Bs City on September 11.

    By that time, Wang Zhong had already moved Headquarters into the Bs Royal Castle. However, he did not reside in the pce of the King of Bs, but instead upied a manor belonging to a noble.

    The pce was naturally left for the Progressive Bs forces of the Free Officers Alliance.

    When Admiral Okinlek arrived at the Expeditionary Army Headquarters, he was clearly very angry. As soon as he entered the door, his eyes scanned the Headquarters, and upon spotting Wang Zhong, he locked onto his target, then strode over, shouting as he walked, "This is not what we agreed on!"

    His shouted words were iprehensible to Wang Zhong, as the admiral¡¯s Old LD ent was too thick, but Amelia diligently acted as a simultaneous interpreter.

    Yakov had intended to trante, but upon hearing Amelia trante with her pleasant voice, he touched his cheekbone and chose to keep quiet.

    Wang Zhong handed the signed documents to Yakov and then leaned back in a leather swivel chair seized from the nobility, looking at Admiral Okinlek. "My friend, what is different?"

    Amelia continued to trante.

    After listening, Admiral Okinlek roared, "We negotiated for the Tsar¡¯s brother to be the new King, not to establish a republic!"Wang Zhong, "Was it not agreed that the Tsar¡¯s brother would be the new King? The leader of the Free Officers Alliance, Mayer Abduh, also agreed to this. Current Bs needs a King to unite the conservatives, and once the war is victorious and the situation stabilizes, we can gradually carry out economic reforms, persuade the conservatives, and ultimately achieve¡­"

    Admiral Okinlek interrupted Wang Zhong, "Isn¡¯t this what your Secr faction did in Ante? Is it really necessary to replicate this again?"

    Wang Zhong, "It is necessary. We hope Bs will no longer be your colony, and we hope the people of Bs can also enjoy the conveniences brought by the industrial society, live better lives, and not just produce industrial raw materials for you, the United Kingdom, to reap profits through price scissors."

    Admiral Okinlek stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and then said through gritted teeth, "Is it really appropriate to say this in front of your ally?"

    "Why can¡¯t I say it? Can you still ally with Prosen?" Wang Zhong spread his hands. "No, no, Prosen is now the main challenger. Until we defeat them, you will just have to endure."

    Admiral Okinlek, "Don¡¯t forget, you have always been begging us to open a second front! To divert the Prosen Army and reduce the pressure on your front!"

    Wang Zhong, "True, but you also haven¡¯t opened a second front, right? You even let the Mamluk be beaten so badly by the Prosens, if the Prosens hadn¡¯t run out of supplies, the canal would already belong to the Prosens.

    "I might as well tell you, if you don¡¯t open a second front next year to recover Carolingian, the Ante army might just march all the way to Antwerp."

    Actually, that wouldn¡¯t be possible because Ante¡¯s logistical capabilities were too poor. During thest phase of the Bagration campaign on Earth, another general¡¯s army from Rocossov had already exhausted its strength, which is why they couldn¡¯t support the rebel forces.

    It then took Russians on Earth four months to slowly recover andunch another offensive.

    Logistics were Prosen¡¯s limiter as well as Ante¡¯s.

    But the reality didn¡¯t stop Wang Zhong from bluffing to intimidate the admiral of the United Kingdom.

    Admiral Okinlek huffed, "I¡¯ve heard that Ante¡¯s Rocossov is a renowned general, didn¡¯t expect him to be just a braggart! You should first look at the map of your country¡¯s situation, look at therge areas of conquered territory!"

    Wang Zhong. "I¡¯ve looked, indeed it¡¯s vast, but by the beginning of next year we will have regained most of it."

    Admiral Okinlek huffed again, changed the topic, "You said the Free Officers Alliance of Bs agreed to elect the Tsar¡¯s brother as King, where are they?"

    Wang Zhong, "Inside the pce, they are conducting trials for the deeply guilty nobles and¡ª and His Majesty the King."

    As soon as he finished speaking, a liaison officer from the Free Carolingian Air Force burst intoughter, "We are quite familiar with this, perhaps we should go and offer some old-time advice to the progressive youth of Bs?"

    Admiral Okinlek squinted at the Carolingians and snorted disdainfully, apparently, the world could never let go of the prejudices between Carolingian and the United Kingdom.

    Wang Zhong, "In any case, if you want us to hand over King Tutka, that¡¯s not going to happen. We have already issued announcements; the King will be hanged tonight.

    "But we agree that after hanging the King, we will give the spotlight to the Tsar¡¯s brother. I think he¡¯d better be prepared to deliver a speech immediately after the King is hanged.

    "As long as the former King Tutka is described as the root of all problems, I believe the people of Bs will support this new King."

    Admiral Okinlek stared at Wang Zhong for a long time before saying, "It doesn¡¯t seem like there¡¯s any trickery involved."

    Wang Zhong just smiled slightly, thinking to himself that there wouldn¡¯t be any trickery, as this was inly an open scheme, just to be carried out step by step.

    Since it was an open scheme, Admiral Okinlek had no other options and could only ask, "Are you saying I must go talk to the people of Bs?"

    Wang Zhong, "That¡¯s correct, I hope you can humble yourself andmunicate well with them. Their leader, Mayer Abduh, is a reasoned and wise man."

    "Is he your puppet?" Admiral Okinlek retorted.

    Wang Zhong, "Absolutely not, they support us voluntarily."

    Admiral Okinlek looked suspiciously at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, this is bad, on Earth people don¡¯t understand why there¡¯s always someone who turns sides, so they came up with a brainwashing theory.

    When Wang Zhong was young, he thought brainwashing was cool. Back then there was the game "Red Alert," and Wang Zhong¡¯s favorite was the Yuri faction, known for its brainwashing as its main feature.

    Later, Wang Zhong grew up and realized that real brainwashing didn¡¯t need any strange scientific devices, but rather something called "144-hour visa-free" ¡ª in and simple yet effective.

    Thinking of these things, Wang Zhong looked at Admiral Okinlek with a pitying gaze.

    Admiral Okinlek stormed off, cursing under his breath.

    Wang Zhong turned to Popov and said, "He must think we¡¯ve brainwashed those Bsian youths."

    Popov shook his head, "They will never understand what has happened to these youths, and if they ever do, the same thing will happen to him."

    Amelia stood solemnly to the side, not saying a word.

    When the former King of Tutka saw the gallows, he immediately burst into tears, his whole body draining of strength as he nearly copsed to the ground.

    The crowd in the pce square, upon seeing him, immediately grew agitated and began hurling anything they couldy hands on at this negligent king.

    Wang Zhong had expected to seemon items like rotten eggs, but he realized that the people of the Bs pce couldn¡¯t afford eggs. They threw cow dung, and possibly human feces as well.

    Wang Zhong could smell it even from the viewing tform.

    Mayer Abduh stepped onto the execution tform and addressed everyone, "People of Bs! Next, I will enumerate the former King of Tutka¡¯s transgressions!"

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    Wang Zhong silently listened as Mayer listed each charge, each one igniting his fury.@@novelbin@@

    Admiral Okinlek suddenly said, "After you finish reading this, will the people still need a new king?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "People won¡¯t change so quickly. In Ante, we also distributed doctor sausage, cheese, and caviar champagne for over a decade before we could win everyone to our side. Before that, the old farmers in the countryside still referred to the Tsar as ¡¯little father.¡¯"

    Admiral Okinlek did not respond.

    The scroll Mayer Abduh held, documenting the king¡¯s sins, was thick. As he read, he unraveled the scroll, letting the read portions fall to the ground, forming a long trail covered in fine print.

    Admiral Okinlek looked at the scroll and cursed, "Did you even include that the king didn¡¯t wipe himself after defecating?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Didn¡¯t you know? The Bsians, just like the Baharians, don¡¯t use paper to wipe."

    Admiral Okinlek paused for a second then answered, "The Brahmins and Kshatriyas still do."

    Really? They actually don¡¯t?

    Wang Zhong momentarily didn¡¯t know how to respond to Admiral Okinlek.

    After about half an hour, the long scroll finally came to an end. Mayer Abduh, holding one end of the scroll, raised it high and proimed, "Ladies and gentlemen, the king¡¯s crimes have all been announced! Does anyone have any objections?"

    The Bsians yelled, "No!"

    Mayer Abduh asked, "Then, what is the verdict for the king?"

    "Guilty!"

    All the Bsians present shouted in unison, "Guilty!"

    Admiral Okinlek pursed his lips, "Damn, after such a trial, no matter how legitimate the brother king¡¯s lineage or how orthodox thew, his authority will be greatly undercut."

    Wang Zhong said, "It¡¯s fine, as long as the conservatives still recognize this king, you do not need to worry about what the Bsian city dwellers think... at least until the end of the war."

    "Until the end of the war, huh..."

    Admiral Okinlek¡¯s expression darkened, evidently foreseeing that after the war, the days of the old colonial imperialist United Kingdom would grow increasingly difficult.

    While Wang Zhong and Admiral Okinlek were conversing, Mayer Abduh announced loudly, "King, guilty! Carry out the execution immediately!"

    Inside the prison cart, the former King of Tutka wailed like a ughtered pig.

    At that moment, a handsome, tall Bsian man climbed onto the prison cart and looked at Tutka saying, "Brother, this is unbing of you."

    Upon seeing the man, Tutka saw him as a savior, crying out, "Save me! Save me, my dear brother!"

    The royal brother drew his curved de and with a swift motion, decapitated Tutka.

    He raised the severed head high, "Bs, from today, will see its rebirth!"

    The Bsians were still in shock.

    Wang Zhong turned to Admiral Okinlek, "Was this your arrangement?"

    Admiral Okinlek smiled faintly, "Of course, don¡¯t underestimate the old empire, neer."

    Wang Zhong squinted his eyes, having much to say, but the immediate priority was to end the war and defeat the Prosens.

    Thus, he chose to remain silent.

 Chapter 550: The Flight to the Federation (Extra 15/81)

    Wang Zhong stayed in Bs for a few more days, mainly to handle some diplomatic affairs that required his presence.

    After all, the highestmander of the United Kingdom was Admiral Okinlek, so Ante had to send an admiral as well.

    When all the red tape was over, Wang Zhong first flew back to the Saint Ekaterina Fortress.

    As soon as he arrived at the main entrance of the Rokossovsky Estate, he heard a full-bodied wailinging from the second floor.

    In fact, Wang Zhong was annoyed by the crying of children. In middle school, his uncle had conned him, saying, "Come and look after your brother for the summer, and I¡¯ll give you two thousand yuan."

    So he went, and then he regretted it.

    In the end, he earned the money, but it was taken away by his family before it warmed in his hands, with the reason given as "We¡¯ll keep it for you until college."

    Thus, Wang Zhong only remembered the endless crying and the fickle nature of the child that summer.

    Now, hearing his own son¡¯s wails, his brow furrowed, and unpleasant memories were stirred up again.Fortunately, the wailing ended quickly.

    Wang Zhong then handed his military cap and coat to the butler and tiptoed up the stairs.

    He saw the baby sleeping soundly in Ludm¡¯s arms.

    Ludm heard the footsteps and turned to look at the door, smiling immediately, "You¡¯re back earlier than the time you notified."

    Wang Zhong: "I was eager to return."

    Ludm: "I thought you would go to the High Command first to understand the current situation on the battlefield, especially since it looks quite grim, with some unsettling rumorsing from Yeburg."

    Wang Zhong: "I have fought in Yeisk, I know the situation in Nan¡¯ant. Therge areas upied by the Prosens are wastnds without any value. Yet they still have to station their troops across this vast wastnd for vignce and mobile operations.

    "We can concentrate our forces along the Valdai Hills River, utilizing the developed shipping system to maintain logistics. Although we seem to be at a disadvantage, we actually now have the upper hand, and soon the Prosen offensive will be halted¡ªprobably at some city along the Valdai Hills River. I guess the highest probability is here... Where¡¯s my map?"

    Wang Zhong was speaking enthusiastically when he realized there were no maps in the nursery.

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    Ludm: "If you¡¯re so eager for your son to receive a military education, I can have the maids hang up military maps and update them daily ording to the war reports."

    Wang Zhong raised his eyebrows slightly: "No, there¡¯s no need to be so extreme. Let him grow up more freely; after all, by the time he has memories, the war will have ended."

    Then the Iron Curtain would fall, and the Cold War would begin. No, there was no need to worry about that now.

    Wang Zhong sat down by the bed and gently poked the baby¡¯s chubby cheeks: "You¡¯re so adorably pink."

    Ludm yawned: "He¡¯s not so adorable when he cries at night. I haven¡¯t had a good night¡¯s sleep in a long time."

    Wang Zhong: "You could hand him over to a wet nurse..."

    "No," Ludm shook her head, "The wet nurse will have plenty of opportunities to take care of him when I¡¯m well-rested and join you back at the front line. For now, I should do it."

    Wang Zhong: "Wait, you want to go back to the front line?"

    "Of course, now there are fewer Prayer Hands who can guide the Divine Arrow, so I must return to the front. It¡¯s my responsibility." Ludm looked at Wang Zhong seriously, "Your Front Army Headquarters will need Divine Arrow for air defense; I¡¯ll take care of it, while other Prayer Hands can go to other ces to protect more critical targets."

    Wang Zhong: "The Prosen Air Force has already lost much of its air superiority, and once the Allied Forces begin strategic bombing¡ªwhich actually has already started, but mainly by the Royal Air Force¡ªonce the Federation Air Force joins inrge-scale strategic bombings, the Prosen Air Force¡¯s sorties on the Eastern Front will significantly decrease."

    Because a considerable number of fighter squadrons would be redeployed back to their homnd for air defense. The survival rate of the unescorted Stukas would drop sharply.

    Once the survival rate decreased, the intensity of air raids would naturally diminish over time.

    Ludm looked at Wang Zhong: "You know everything, even the future."

    Her expression showed pride.

    She lowered her head and whispered to the sleeping child: "Look, your dad is so formidable, he has to worry about the whole Ante."

    Wang Zhong: "Can a baby understand these things?"

    "You can stay out of childcare." Ludm changed the subject: "So, are you not leaving this time, or does the Valdai Hills River direction need you to go there now?"

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯m going on a trip to the Federation. His Highness Belinsky personally indicated that he hopes I can secure more assistance."

    "I see." Ludm thought for a moment and said, "I did hear from thedies who came to chat with me that General Tugenev has gathered arge group of war heroes with distinguished service, saying they are going to the Federation to sell some bonds!"

    Wang Zhong: "War Bonds. The Federation wants to use this method to raise war funds, and then they¡¯ll be able to fight. I¡¯m supposed to lead these people; once in the Federation, it will be endless speeches to rally support. If possible, I really wouldn¡¯t want to go; I¡¯d prefer to face off against the Prosens on the battlefield."

    "Liars," Ludm said softly, "you know the importance of this more than anyone."

    Wang Zhongughed and raised his hand to gently stroke Ludm¡¯s cheek: "My wife understands me best. Yes, I must go. During my time in Bs, I deeply understood that we need more assistance, we need Federation trucks, we need Greyhound armored cars, we need Kettle self-propelled mortars.

    "The United Kingdom¡¯s Bren gun carriers are also very good, as well as the Daimler armored cars. Of course, also the Sherman Tanks; the Mnia Forces have high praise for the Sherman Tanks.

    "And high-performancethes, so we can produce even better tanks to counter the new cutting-edge Prosen tanks that will soon appear on the battlefield. Our Whirlwind won by taking unconventional approaches, but this will inevitably force the Prosens to develop even better-performing tanks and armored vehicles.

    "Liu Xia, my dear, I must go to the Federation."

    Liu Xiaughed even more: "I just said you were going. I understand you. So, do what you have to do, go save the world."

    Wang Zhong stared at Liu Xia for a few seconds and said, "Can you not rush me? There¡¯s still time to sleep at home for one night."

    Liu Xiaughed again.

    At that time, the old maid busying herself nearby said, "In the little time since the Master has returned, the Mistress has smiled more than in the previous month. If only you could stay at home longer, Master."

    Wang Zhong: "Master?"

    "Yes, this estate now belongs to Duke Charon. Your brother has transferred the ownership of the estate to you."

    Wang Zhong: "And him?"

    During his time in Bs, Wang Zhong had been concerned with the domestic battlefront changes every day but had not paid attention to his brother¡¯s personal movements.

    Mainly because he couldn¡¯t think of where that plump brother of his could go.

    Liu Xia answered for the maid: "Your brother requested a transfer to the Saint Andrew Regional Army. It seems he said he wanted to y a more significant role."

    Wang Zhong: "Is he also managing logistics in the Regional Army?"

    "Yes," Liu Xia nodded, "he was awarded a medal for his outstanding performance in logistics coordination, personally presented by General Tugenev."

    Wang Zhong: "I see, that¡¯s great."

    As soon as his words fell, the baby somehow woke up and immediately began to cry out.

    Wang Zhong immediately stood there like he was under a Bewitchment spell, at a loss.

    He wanted to pick up his son but didn¡¯t know how to start, so he kept wiping his hands on his military uniform.

    Liu Xia picked up the son and then handed him to Wang Zhong, showing him how to hold the baby with her hands and simultaneously reprimanded, "I taught you how to hold your son before you left. How could you forget now?"

    Wang Zhong: "Because... you don¡¯t know, I was almost beaten to death by Bs¡¯s Falconer. It must be because of that I forgot how to hold my son."

    "Near-death experiences have such aftermaths?" Liu Xia teased, "That¡¯s really odd. Does everyone who has a narrow escape from death not good at taking care of children?"

    That could be possible. Look at Trump; he doesn¡¯t seem like he would be good at taking care of kids.

    In any case, Wang Zhong¡¯s rare day off was spent with his wife and son.

    Olga, surprisingly, did note over to disturb the couple.

    On September 15, Wang Zhong stood in front of the C47 transport ne.

    He looked back at Amelia, who was climbing into the Spitfire¡¯s clipped-wing cockpit. This flight would be fully escorted by the Royal Air Force squadron led by Amelia.

    Wang Zhong withdrew his gaze and turned to Liu Xia: "Well, I¡¯m off."

    Liu Xia stepped forward to straighten his uniform and rank insignia, then patted his arm: "Good! Bring back the aid! A lot of it!"

    Wang Zhong: "I have it all figured out. Wait and see!"

    Liu Xia: "Mhm, goodbye."

    "Goodbye." Having said this, Wang Zhong turned and walked towards the boardingdder.

    Suddenly, he heard his son¡¯s howling cry.

    He stopped in his tracks and looked back, finding the little guy stretching out his hands in his direction, crying loudly.

    Wang Zhong smiled and turned to stride up the ne.

    Inside the cabin, Yakov was flipping through a dictionary.

    Wang Zhong: "What are you doing?"

    "I learned the United Kingdom¡¯s pronunciation; now I¡¯m getting used to the Federation¡¯s pronunciation," Yakov shook his head, "I hope these few dozen hours on the ne will be enough."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "Actually, they would understand you if you speak with the United Kingdom¡¯s pronunciation."

    "No, I think since I¡¯m a trantor, I should do my best. If the other side disapproves of my ent and doesn¡¯t give aid, then I have made a mistake." Yakov looked up, his gaze earnest, "There will be many of our soldiers who could die because of my error."

    Although Wang Zhong didn¡¯t think the Federation would refuse aid over a trantor¡¯s ent, he had no reason to dampen Yakov¡¯s enthusiasm and encouraged: "Good, you¡¯re doing the right thing. Keep at it."

    After speaking, Wang Zhong turned his head to look at the others on the ne.

    Just like Liu Xia said the day before, the ne was full of young faces adorned with medals, the most elite delegates Ante could offer.

    Everyone¡¯s expression was extremely serious, as if they were about to go into battle.

    The flight attendant closed the cabin door, and the ne began to taxi slowly.

 Chapter 551: The Prairie Ante Guy in the Federation

    As the lengthy flight was nearing its end, Wang Zhong saw Yakov writing something and leaned over to take a look.

    Yakov immediately answered, "I¡¯m writing in my diary, maybe one day I can turn it into a book and make some money."

    Wang Zhong, "You¡¯re already thinking about how you¡¯re going to live in the future?"

    Yakovughed, his smile somewhat shy like a big boy¡¯s, "I didn¡¯t before, given how unpredictable the war was, but after being around you, my confidence in us winning the war has grown. I¡¯ve got to n out my future life.

    "Of course, publishing this diary would be ast resort, before that I n to earn a living with my own two hands."

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t say that, I don¡¯t mind having more books written about me. You could even be a writer who specializes in writing biographies for me, how I was during the first year of the war, the second year, what decisions I made during which battles, the days that were the hardest to endure, write book by book like that, and you¡¯ll livefortably!"

    Yakovughed even more joyfully, "I hear what you¡¯re saying, you¡¯re just teasing me. How could there be such writers!"

    On Earth, there really are, like someone making a good living by recalling the brother they kicked out.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t reveal the secret of another timespace, but instead pointed to the date in Yakov¡¯s diary and said, "The date is wrong.""Eh? Isn¡¯t it correct? I remember we took off on the 15th!" Yakov looked puzzled.

    Wang Zhong gestured with his hand, "We flew from west to east over the International Date Line, so we have to subtract a day."

    "Oh!" Yakov suddenly realized, "So that¡¯s it! I forgot!"

    Wang Zhong, "Haven¡¯t you read a novel about a man who bets with his friend that he can travel around the world within a specified time, and, in the end, when he thought he¡¯d lost the bet and was about to pay up, his friend congratted him on winning the bet instead?"

    While talking about it, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t use the name of the book, after all, he didn¡¯t know whether this era had Verne or his masterpiece "Around the World in Eighty Days," and even if the book did exist, he didn¡¯t know whether the time to circumnavigate the Earth was still 80 days.

    Yakov shook his head, "I haven¡¯t read it. Sounds like a very exciting... what do you call that kind of novel?"

    Wang Zhong, "Science fiction, the Federation also calls it Amazing Stories, mainly published in a magazine called Amazing Tales."

    "Good, I¡¯ll definitely find it and take a look when I have the chance." Yakov nodded repeatedly.

    Wang Zhong thought he wouldn¡¯t really go looking for it, but what if he did and it wasn¡¯t there?

    Meanwhile, Yakov was correcting the date in his diary, saying, "As a child, to get into the military academy, I studied very hard and didn¡¯t have much time to read these books. And... I could only rely on the library to read, and they didn¡¯t have these types of books.

    "Later, the Church opened a reading room in my neighbourhood where you could go in and read newspapers, magazines, and selected books for free, so I often reported there."

    Wang Zhong, curious, asked, "Did you ever meet a girl who liked to read in the reading room or library? She would often read by the window, and the library¡¯s white curtains would flutter in the wind, often obscuring her face."

    Actually, what Wang Zhong was describing was a scene from the ssic romantic movie "Love Letter," but Yakov misunderstood, "That must be your and yourdy¡¯s past, right? So beautiful."

    Wang Zhong, "Uh, yes, that¡¯s right!"

    Yakov with a look of longing, "That¡¯s wonderful. My wife and I didn¡¯t have such romantic scenes... No, that¡¯s not right; we do, but not as poetically as you described."

    Wang Zhong could onlyugh awkwardly. At this point, saying it was actually a movie scene was out of the question.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong felt the ne¡¯s shaking increase noticeably. He knew this was because the ne was slowing down and approaching the ground.

    He had experienced suchndings many times in various aviation simtion games.

    He stopped peeking at Yakov¡¯s diary and looked out the window, sure enough, seeing the C47 deploying its ps, entering thending mode.

    The ne gently swayed in the wind.

    Wind rushed in from the opened gear bay doors, causing Wang Zhong¡¯s hair to wildly flutter.

    With the slight shaking, Wang Zhong heard the sound of the wheels rubbing against the ground, and the Fusge trembled rhythmically.

    Wang Zhong maintained his position looking out the window, ncing outside from another angle.

    The Federation¡¯s weing personnel were already in ce, with the leading army general looking somewhat familiar.

    Those sunsses, that pipe! It¡¯s you, famed critic MacArthur! No, Wang Zhong looked at the name again, this timespace doesn¡¯t call him MacArthur, it calls him Hawthorn.

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    So, does the Federation also have a simr setup with a bunch of literary giants as high-ranking army officers? What about Hemingway? Jack London? And Mark Twain, where have all these famous authors been hiding?

    Wang Zhong internally scoffed but remainedposed on the surface.

    At that moment, the ne decelerated all the way and finally came to a stop amid the crowd waiting to greet them.

    The military band gathered behind the weing party immediately began to y, to Wang Zhong¡¯s surprise, "Farewell to Antenese Women."

    Wang Zhong stood up, picked up his hat, and ced it on his head, adjusting it carefully.

    The flight attendants also opened the cabin door at this moment, the wind gushing into the aircraft more fiercely, blowing against the medals on Wang Zhong¡¯s chest.

    These medals were newly awarded by the High Command of Ante just before departure, probably because they felt that the old medals Wang Zhong had worn into battle for so long weren¡¯t shiny enough.

    Everyone watched Wang Zhong, waiting for him to exit the aircraft first.

    The moment Wang Zhong stepped out of the cabin door, the cannon salute sounded its first shot.

    Wang Zhong walked down the ne with the sound of cannons saluting, and approached that sunss-wearing, pipe-holding General Mick¡ªHawthorn.

    Neither of the two saluted first.

    Wang Zhong suddenly understood, this guy was here to show off, and thinking about his personality, it wasn¡¯t strange at all.

    Since showing off was the order of the day, how could he salute Wang Zhong first? Wang Zhong was an admiral, and so was he¡ªthey both sported the same number of stars.

    After a standoff, Wang Zhong thought to initiate apromise, so he reached out his hand, "Hello, Admiral Hawthorn."

    The other side took the cue and grasped Wang Zhong¡¯s hand, "Hello, Admiral Rocossov. Wee to the Federation."

    He spoke in surprisingly standard Antenese.

    Having said that, the man maintained the handshake and skillfully turned to face the photographers with their cameras.

    Wang Zhong barely suppressed his urge to scoff, and turned to smile at the reporters as well.

    Then came the blinding shes of camera lights. So close and so many shes nearly dazed Wang Zhong. When the photographers had finished, his vision was speckled with bright spots¡ªwhen he blinked, the green spots became ringly obvious.

    After the photographers dispersed, Wang Zhong said to Admiral Hawthorn, "I¡¯ve long admired your name. When you were withdrawing from Borneo, that saying of yours, ¡¯I shall return,¡¯ resonated deeply with me. When I left my homnd, I took a tin of its ck soil to inspire myself to fight my way back."

    Wang Zhong was ironically alluding to the retreat from Borneo, but to his surprise, Admiral Hawthornughed, "Indeed! Let us both hope to fulfill our promises soon!"

    What, is this how it was going to go? I was sarcasticallymenting on you abandoning your troops to flee!

    However, Wang Zhong reconsidered; when he had left Kazarlia, although he had managed to bring all his troops out intact, he had left behind good friends and his father, and it seemed he didn¡¯t quite have the right to sneer at the critics of the Federation.

    At that moment, Admiral Hawthorn released his hand and saluted Wang Zhong, "I salute you for your brilliant efforts in averting crisisst year!"

    Sure enough, Admiral Hawthorn was convinced that Wang Zhong had justplimented him, so he returned the salute proactively.

    A decent sort, indeed.

    Wang Zhong returned the salute.

    Then Admiral Hawthorn began introducing the members of the weingmittee.

    The Speakers of the Senate and the House of Representatives were present, as were party whips from both the Democratic and Republican parties, along with a whole slew of congresspersons and governors.

    Once Admiral Hawthorn finished, he leaned in and whispered to Wang Zhong, "These folks are just here to get their faces known. The elections are on hold during the war, but as soon as it ends, things will go back to normal and everyone is building up their power."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, you¡¯re no different; had you not poked the panda, you might truly have be President.

    He too couldn¡¯t be bothered to remind the admiral, so he acted as if he didn¡¯t understand all the machinations of the Federation and asked, "Building up power? What are you talking about?"

    Admiral Hawthornughed heartily, his eyes seemingly fixed on a nearby photographer through the tint of his sunsses.

    Once the magnesium lights had shed past, Admiral Hawthorn distanced himself from Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong asked, "When can I meet the President of the Federation?"

    "The President will host a banquet for the delegation tonight; you¡¯ll definitely meet him then. But right now it¡¯s noon, and¡ªording to our schedule, you have a speech at the airport. The evening paper¡¯s reporters are all waiting for material for tonight¡¯s headlines."

    With that, Admiral Hawthorn waved his hand.

    At this point, he heard Yakov whisper in Antenese, "It¡¯s quite different than Ante here, everything here has a mboyant air."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, wee to the bastion of ***ism.

    He asked Admiral Hawthorn, "Shall I go give the speech now?"

    "No, no, no, you should first inspect the joint military honor guard," Admiral Hawthorn gestured invitingly.

    Following his gesture, Wang Zhong saw the lined-up honor guard, the long red carpet, and at the end of the carpet, the speech podium.

    So he said, "Then let¡¯s begin."

    Thirty minutester, Wang Zhong and Admiral Hawthorn climbed into a Jeep, and as the Jeep started, Admiral Hawthorn said, "The newspapers are currently very pessimistic about the Ante battlefield. I¡¯m not sure how many will ept the points about luring the enemy deeper that you mentioned in your speech.

    "But it doesn¡¯t matter, here in the Federation, the correctness of opinions is not as important as the emotions they provoke. Yourck of fluency in Ansese is a significant disadvantage, but don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll trante for you during the subsequent fundraising speech¡ªI¡¯m an expert at stirring up emotions."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself your sunsses andrge pipe are indeed very good at stirring up emotions.

    Admiral Hawthorn continued, "By the way, you have a great look. When I saw your photos on the front pages, I thought you were born to be a public rtions ambassador. Seeing you in person has convinced me even more. I¡¯ll arrange for some tabloids to interview you; their reports might even outdo the front-page news!"

    Admiral Hawthorn paused and asked, "Do you have an eagle?"

    Wang Zhong was shocked, "What?"

    "An eagle! Don¡¯t the lyrics go, ¡¯She sings of the mighty eagle of the steppe¡¯? You should have an eagle."

    No, I do not¡ªI almost got killed by an eagle trainer in Bs.

    Admiral Hawthorn ignored Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts, merely saying, "I¡¯ll figure something out. How about a bald eagle?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "My hometown is the steppe, only the edge touches the White Sea; a bald eagle... doesn¡¯t seem fitting, does it?"

    Hawthorn considered, then asked, "So perhaps...?"

    Wang Zhong suggested, "A falcon, or any other bird from the falcon family would do."

    "Settled!" Admiral Hawthorn snapped his fingers.@@novelbin@@

    And so began Wang Zhong¡¯s extraordinary journey in the Federation.

 Chapter 552: Homesickness is a Caesar Salad

    This noon, Admiral Hawthorn entertained a delegation at a Carolingian restaurant.

    Wang Zhong, who had grown ustomed to Antean cuisine, found it a bit difficult to adapt to authentic Carolingian food when he tried it.

    He thought about it carefully; his personal chef was a Carolingian. Why then did all the dishes taste authentically Antean?

    After the main course was taken away, Admiral Hawthorn mysteriously said to Wang Zhong, "Whates next is truly the best thing this restaurant has to offer! You¡¯ll be absolutely satisfied!"

    Wang Zhong, with his limited knowledge of Western cuisine, thought that after the main course, it would either be sd or dessert. The Federation¡¯s top dessert should probably be some kind of ice cream.

    As for sd... could it be the legendary Caesar sd?

    At that moment, the waiter came in with a ted dish for each person.

    When the round lid was lifted, there indeed was a sd beneath.

    Wang Zhong prodded it with his fork and discovered pieces of bread cut up in it¡ªother than that, it was just an ordinary dish of vegetables.At least, from Wang Zhong¡¯s Cerean perspective, it appeared quite ordinary.

    Admiral Hawthorn had already started eating and even showed a look of ecstasy as he did.

    Wang Zhong grew even more perplexed.

    Could it be that this dish, while modest in appearance, was actually quite good?

    He imitated Admiral Hawthorn, scooping up some with his fork and ced it in his mouth.@@novelbin@@

    Then his verdict was: not as good as chilled cucumber.

    Damn, it¡¯s been a long time since he had chilled cucumber. It was time to find a few Chinese diners in Chinatown and give them a try.

    No sooner had the idea struck him than he could not suppress it any longer.

    So Wang Zhong asked Admiral Hawthorn, who was still enjoying his meal heartily, "Does our fundraising process involve Chinatown?"

    Admiral Hawthorn spread his hands, "No, because they¡¯ve always been actively fundraising. They know that to save their homnd, they must rely on the Federation to defeat the Empire of Fusang. Incidentally, they are also actively donating to their own country. I have no idea where they get all that money."

    No, perhaps they didn¡¯t have that much money, just selling their pots and pans for the sake of their homnd.

    Wang Zhong said, "I want to take a look at Chinatown."

    Admiral Hawthorn was shocked, "Why? I told you they¡¯ve been very enthusiastic about buying War Bonds and making donations..."

    Wang Zhong replied, "That¡¯s my homnd¡ªmy second homnd."

    At that point, among the entire visiting group, only Wang Zhong¡¯s Deputy Officer Yakov was rtively familiar with him, so he looked at Wang Zhong with surprise, as he had never heard Wang Zhong utter those words before.

    While others thought it was odd, they didn¡¯t think much of it. Having an aspirational second homnd was quite normal; just like many people wanted to visit Tibet.

    Then, Yakov pped his thigh, "I¡¯ve got it! Madame Su Fang is of Mongolian descent, that must be linked to Ceres!"

    ...Wait a minute!

    Wang Zhong quickly interjected, "That¡¯s not it. As a child, I loved to read ¡¯The Art of War¡¯ by Sun Tzu! The ancient wisdom of the Cereans gave me great inspiration. So, I¡¯ve always wanted to visit Ceres, and now that I¡¯m in the Federation, I have to go to Chinatown at least once."

    Yes, he hadn¡¯t had such thoughts before, but once the idea took root, it was nted deeply and would not change even if heaven and earth were to fall apart, or the seas dry up and the rocks crumble.

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered that old song: "Only in my dreams do I see my rivers and mountains/The homnd that I have not been close to for many years~"

    In truth, it hadn¡¯t been that long since he crossed over, just a little over a year, not even a year and a half. But in this year-plus, Wang Zhong had endured trials that in peaceful times might take a lifetime¡ªno, three lifetimes¡ªto experience.

    So it felt as though a long, long time had passed.

    But nothing could change my Chinese heart.

    Though I wear Western clothes, my heart remains Chinese¡ªmy ancestors long ago branded everything about me with the mark of China.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s tears simply wouldn¡¯t stop.

    He hastily began gobbling up the Caesar sd, praising as he ate, "This Caesar sd is so delicious, it¡¯s making me cry!"

    Admiral Hawthorn was delighted and rapidly rang the bell on the table, "Quick, bring Admiral Rocossov another bowl."

    Wang Zhong ate even faster, oblivious to the source of the voice¡ªstill hallucinating:

    The Yangtze and the Great Wall, the Yellow Mountain and the Yellow River, they weigh thousands of pounds in my heart~ No matter when, no matter where, they feel just as close~

    As the hallucination faded, another bowl of Caesar sd was ced in front of Wang Zhong, appearing to have a lot more than the previous one.

    Wang Zhong thought, for the sake of the Antean Empire¡¯s dignity, he had to finish it, otherwise he couldn¡¯t exin his sudden tears.

    Your next chapter awaits on My Virtual Library Empire

    He could only take up his fork with the determination of someone about to wipe out an entire Prosen armored army group.

    An hour before the banquet.

    Wang Zhong slumped in a chair in the Federation¡¯s Presidential Pce ck Pce rest lounge, emitting pained groans.

    Yakov looked at him, "Ate too much, huh? Even overeating a Carolingian feast, you really didn¡¯t disgrace us Anteans."

    Wang Zhong, "If you were Vasily, thatment would have been a dig at me."

    "But I¡¯m not," Yakov smiled, "Or do you think Vasily would have been a better Deputy Officer?"

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and shook his head, "No, Vasily should be inmand¡ªat least a battalion. I¡¯m not clear whether he can lead more troops, that¡¯s something to be seen."

    Yakov nodded, "So you think I¡¯mqualified as a Deputy Officer?"

    Wang Zhong, "Of course, you¡¯re much more adept at staff work than Vasily, who, after all, was trained to be an infantry toon leader. You even do a great job picking up manure. I have it much easier with you around."

    Yakov, "I¡¯m pleased to hear you say that."

    Just then, the door to the rest lounge opened, and Amelia came in, "The banquet is ready. Admiral, aren¡¯t you going to meet with the heroes of the Allied Forces?"

    Wang Zhong, "Why are you notifying me?"

    "Because I¡¯m also abat hero of the Allied Forces," Amelia said with a slight smile, "And I hold the Royal Air Force¡¯s highest kill count."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself you¡¯re just like the New Humans, gunning down assants from three kilometers away with a machine gun¡ªif you weren¡¯t number one, it would mean someone else was cheating.

    Wang Zhong stood up, the action causing him to let out a long, satisfied belch, and that wasn¡¯t all¡ªa foul air escaped from behind him.

    In such a situation, there¡¯s nothing to do but make a loud noise to cover it up and act like nothing happened.

    Wang Zhong, "Amelia! The Federation hasbat heroes now? From the Navy, you mean?"

    "Many from the Navy, and there¡¯s one from the Marine Corps. They¡¯ve just made anding on a small ind in the Solomon Inds and gave birth to the Marine Corps¡¯ first medal winner, apparently killing over 200 members of the Empire of Fusang with a machine gun."

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, "Oh, then I must meet this hero."

    He walked out enthusiastically, but then Yakov stopped him, "General! Your belt came loose; it isn¡¯t fastened tight?"

    Wang Zhong, "Ah?"

    The next moment, his head jolted, and he caught his belt, preventing a major diplomatic incident.

    After tightening his belt, Wang Zhong gave Yakov a thumbs up.

 Chapter 553: Allied Forces Ying Heroes Meeting

    Wang Zhong had just entered the side hall of the banquet hall when he spotted the Commando officer who preferred using cold weapons, he seemed to recall the man¡¯s name was Jonathan.

    He tilted his view for a better look and, after confirming it was indeed Jonathan, he approached him and asked, "How did you get here? I thought you had returned to Bahara for a vacation?"

    Amelia, standing nearby, immediately tranted, and Jonathan responded enthusiastically.

    Amelia tranted, "We returned to Bahara, and our forces were regrouping. I was sent to the Federation to attend this gathering, and I heard that the Federation Navy has some tasks for us."

    Wang Zhong suddenly remembered that Earth¡¯s Commandos also attacked the Japanese fuel depot on the inds, which was used to refuel Japan¡¯s seanes, and incidentally blew up the enemy¡¯s disguised reconnaissance fleet.

    This operationter inspired a level in the game "Allied Commando Suicide Squad."

    Wang Zhong was fiercely envious, knowing the British Army might be ineffective, but their special forces were truly fierce.

    By the end of the year, employing a Commando raid on critical enemy positions might significantly reduce casualties.

    When the Russians in Steelgrad finally surrounded Paulus, there was a painful fight in the Sturmtiger fortified zone, which led to heavy casualties, so Wang Zhong greatly valued the ability to breach tenacious defenses.If Commando strike teams could raid these fortified areas¡¯ critical points, such as ammunition transport centers and food supply stations.

    Thinking of this, Wang Zhong directly said, "We also have tasks we need to assign to Commandos, so could you please send a Commando squad to Ante?"

    "You should speak to a diplomat about this matter; we can¡¯t decide," Jonathan replied (after trantion).

    Wang Zhong wanted to say more, but Admiral Hawthorn appeared in the side hall.

    All the Federation soldiers present promptly saluted, the United Kingdom¡¯s soldiers a fraction slower, while all the Ante soldiers were looking at Wang Zhong.

    Feeling that he had already arrived at the President¡¯s residence, Wang Zhong thought it best to show respect, so he saluted Admiral Hawthorn.

    The representatives from Ante, as if on cue, crisply saluted in unison.

    Admiral Hawthorn returned the salute and then approached Wang Zhong, "Let me introduce you to some of the Federation¡¯sbat heroes."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "I¡¯d like to meet the brave souls who valiantly fight against the evil Empire of Fusang."

    "Hahaha, it¡¯s a pleasure talking with you," Admiral Hawthorn responded and then led Wang Zhong to a group of Federation military personnel.

    "This is Commander John Lynch of the Navy Air Force¡¯s third carrier-based fighter squadron!"

    The third carrier-based fighter squadron? VF3? The genius who invented the Thach Weave and who fought a 3 vs 15 air battle achieving 1-to-4 or 1-to-5 ratios?

    Wang Zhong immediately saluted, "A salute to you, warrior!"

    Admiral Hawthorn frowned, probably feeling slightly annoyed that Wang Zhong was so enthusiastic about a meremander.

    Regardless, Admiral Hawthorn continued performing his duties, "This is Commander Richard Bateman of the sixth carrier-based dive bomber squadron."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s salute grew even more enthusiastic, "Hello, hello, I¡¯ve heard all the way in Ante about your three-ne raid that destroyed an Empire of Fusang aircraft carrier!"

    After listening to the trantion, Commander Bateman appeared ttered, "You know about that?"

    Admiral Hawthorn remarked, "Clearly Admiral Rokossovsky did his homework beforeing to see you!"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that no, he¡¯d done his homework way before crossing over.

    Admiral Hawthorn stepped aside and introduced another navalmander, "This is Commander Tom Hanks of the USS O¡¯Bannon."

    Wang Zhong frowned, as Tom Hanks was one of his favorite Hollywood actors from before his crossing, especially for his role in "Forrest Gump" which Wang Zhong found profoundly moving each time he watched it, especially when feeling directionless or discouraged.

    He looked at the navalmander and indeed saw Tom Hanks¡¯ signature double chin, though other aspects did not resemble him much.

    Overall, this man seemed handsomer, with a fiercer look in his eyes, the kind that belonged to someone who had survived the battlefield and the brink of death.

    The gaze of someone who had returned from Hell.

    Wang Zhong: "O¡¯Bannon, I remember it was a potato that sunk the Fusang Empire¡¯s submarine?"

    Tom: "No, it was a pumpkin."

    A pumpkin?

    Seeing Wang Zhong¡¯s surprised expression, Tom borated, "We were delivering supplies to the Outer Inds, carrying quite a few fresh pumpkins. We hadn¡¯t brought ammunition, hardly anybatants either, definitely notbat-ready, so in an urgent situation, we used the depth chargeunchers to hurl pumpkins, sinking the Fusang Empire¡¯s submarine.

    "I don¡¯t know if our pumpkins were too heavy, or if the Fusang Empire¡¯s submarine was too crappy."

    The submarine sunk by USS O¡¯Bannon on Earth with a potato was a tiny submarine from the Japanese, just that size.

    If it was the same in this world, then a pumpkin would indeed do it.

    This throwing of pumpkins, why did it so resemble the famous World War IIedy "La Grande Vadrouille"?

    It must be a coincidence, Wang Zhong thought; it couldn¡¯t possibly be that he too had watched "La Grande Vadrouille" and thought to throw a pumpkin in a moment of inspiration. Experience tales at

    Wang Zhong dismissed that thought and changed the subject, "You speak Antenese quite well."

    "Because I originally served in the Antic Fleet, and at that time, ording to ourbat ns, there was a possibility of a joint strike with Ante against the United Kingdom, so I learned Antenese," said Major Tom. "Actually, from the end ofst year to April this year, I mainly fought in the North Antic, escorting merchant fleets heading to Ante."

    Admiral Hawthorn interjected, "During one of those escort missions, hemanded the USS O¡¯Bannon and sank four Prosen submarines."

    "Actually, it was five if you count the one we sank with Air Force fire support, General," said Major Tom.

    Wang Zhong asked, "How many Prosen submarines have you sunk in total?"

    "12," Tom said somewhat proudly. "There¡¯s hardly any room left to paint on the O¡¯Bannon¡¯s funnel."

    On destroyers, after sinking submarines, submarine silhouettes would be painted on the first funnel, just like the Army paints kill rings on tank guns and the Air Force paints enemy gs and stars outside the cockpits.

    Boasting about military achievements like this was verymon in the military and could boost morale tremendously with just a bit of paint.

    Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t painted kill rings on vehicle 422, firstly because there were too many to paint, and secondly, seeing the tactical number 422 and the Red g on themunications antenna was enough to fire up the troops without needing any kill rings.

    Wang Zhong patted Tom on the shoulder, "Good job, good job! By the way, were you at Midway Ind?"

    "Of course," Tom¡¯s expression suddenly darkened, "In the end, it was my ship that torpedoed the irreparable USS Yorktown... It was a brave and beautiful ship indeed."

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯ve never seen an aircraft carrier, but I can imagine."

    He patted Tom¡¯s shoulder once more.

    For some reason, he just wanted to talk more with him.

    But Admiral Hawthorn was already furious, and to avoid an ugly scene, Wang Zhong had to turn to the next person.

    Then Major Tom asked, "Can you stop Prosen and the Empire of Fusang from establishing connections? I¡¯ve heard that Prosen is actively deploying various guided weapons, and I really don¡¯t want Fusang to get them."

    Wang Zhong gave a thumbs up, "Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯re going to have a tough time this winter! They¡¯ll be defeated horribly and will spit out the vastnd they upied in the first half of the year. Just make sure you don¡¯t get ttened by the Empire of Fusang and give them a chance to attack Ante from the east."

    "Rest assured, a piece of cake," Major Tom gave Wang Zhong the ssic victory gesture.

    The two parted ways.

    They would not meet again for many, many years.

    Just before the banquet began, the President of the Federation, sitting in a wheelchair, was pushed by his wife into the side hall.

    He spotted Wang Zhong immediately and whispered something to his wife, then the wheelchair headed straight toward him.

    Upon arrival, the President spoke first, "Admiral, I¡¯m unable to stand up due to my condition, please forgive me."

    The President¡¯s secretary, who was proficient in simultaneous trantion, barely missed a beat.

    Wang Zhong smiled, "Of course. I heard that you stood up while convincing Congress to dere war on the Empire of Fusang. Is that true?"

    The Presidentughed heartily, "It is true, but there¡¯s also the not-so-true part, as I couldn¡¯t have stood up without assistance; my lower legs are severely atrophied. So both the podium and the wheelchair I used that day had special mechanisms built in."

    The First Lady quickly chimed in, "Even with those devices, it was very difficult for him to stand. I was strongly opposed to the idea, but he insisted and actually did it."

    Wang Zhong: "That was a great speech, a great stand."

    "Your speech in Ante was also something I devotedly read," the President said with a sly smile, "My staff thinks it was ghostwritten, but I believe you wrote it yourself. Saint Andrew was also a great orator, and his sessor surely must be as well."

    Wang Zhong: "Oh no, I wouldn¡¯t dare im to be Saint Andrew¡¯s sessor."

    "The Secr faction of the Eastern Holy Church within the Federation refers to you as such. Could you please make sure to give a few more speeches there, convincing them to buy more War Bonds? Our treasury needs to be full to support Ante and the followers of Saint Andrew."

    Wang Zhong: "Certainly, certainly."

    Finally unable to stand being sidelined, Admiral Hawthorn barged into the conversation, "Mr. President, the General also has an unusual request; he wishes to speak at Chinatown."

    The President frowned slightly, "Why? Chinatown has always been very keen on purchasing War Bonds; I don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need for a speech there."

    Wang Zhong: "A lot of my military wisdomes from ¡¯The Art of War by Sun Tzu¡¯, I wish to experience the Seres culture."

    The President considered for a moment, then nodded, "No problem, just arrange an additional speech venue, Admiral," he looked toward Hawthorn, "handle it, please."

    Admiral Hawthorn nodded, "Alright, how about noon the day after tomorrow? If you can endure their peculiar eating habits, you might have a meal there."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: "No, I¡¯d like to go in the morning, I want to have morning tea."

    "Uh¡­" Admiral Hawthorn looked at the President.

    The President: "Whatever time you¡¯d like is fine. Let¡¯s go with that."

    Wang Zhong swallowed hard, his mind already listing dishes: steamedmb, steamed bear paw... no, wait, that¡¯s wrong, it¡¯s rice noodle rolls, shrimp dumplings, thousandyer cake, boat congee...

 Chapter 554: Longing Beyond Time and Space

    Two dayster, in the early morning.

    The moment Wang Zhong stepped off the Stiponk car, he smelled a familiar scent in the air.

    It was the aroma of Cantonese fried dough sticks. He immediately turned his head toward the direction of the fragrance and indeed saw a tea house on the first floor selling fried dough sticks, where a bare-chested chef with a cigarette between his lips was busy frying.

    It seemed like the chef got sshed with hot oil, as he suddenly cursed loudly, "Damn it all!"

    Wang Zhong felt a deep sense of nostalgia as he watched.

    He had thought he was probably an Antean by now, but only now did he suddenly realize that everything from his homnd was still in his heart, even the sizzling sound of fried dough sticks in the oil was so familiar.

    The people in Chinatown probably hadn¡¯t seen someone with as many medals on his chest as Wang Zhong; anyone who wasn¡¯t busy was watching him.

    But Wang Zhong paid no attention to their gazes, walking instead toward a roadside stall selling breakfast, looking at the foodid out on arge bamboo tter.

    He had never known what this kind of breakfast was called since he was young, just that it was a whole tter of something like rice cakes, cut into many tiny squares, ready to be eaten with just some soy sauce poured over.As a child, Wang Zhong had not liked this simple breakfast; he had preferred pulled noodles and pig offal noodles.

    But now, his mouth was watering uncontrobly, all swirling inside his mouth.

    He swallowed arge gulp of saliva, almost letting his native ent slip out.

    However, the trantor provided by the Federation, stepping in first, said in Cantonese, "Get a serving, how much?"@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong could only say to Yakov in Antenese, "It looks very delicious."

    Yakov hesitated, looking at the humble breakfast, "Is it really?"

    Pfft, clueless Russians.

    Experience new stories with

    The vendor disyed practiced skill as he cut the whole block of white rice cake, poured soy sauce over it, and then stuck a bamboo skewer into it before handing it to Wang Zhong.

    The trantor seemed about to exin how to eat it, but before he could start, he saw Wang Zhong grab the te, use the skewer to pick up a piece and throw it into his mouth, then another piece.

    Wang Zhong ate with such expertise, as if he had been eating this for more than twenty years.

    The trantor looked doubtfully at Wang Zhong, then at Yakov, before digging out 20 cents in coins and tossing them to the vendor, "Keep the change."

    The vendor, moved to tears, said, "Thank you so much!"

    After finishing eating, Wang Zhong wiped the corner of his mouth and was about to walk down the street when the trantor stopped him, "Hold on, General! The tea house we booked is right here! This is the headquarters of the **Hall."

    Wang Zhong guessed the trantor had turned the term for local chapter into "headquarters." He looked up at the signboard of the tea house and waved his hand, "Alright, lead the way."

    Wang Zhong nodded and followed the trantor into the tea house, then stopped at a ce collecting donations for the national cause.

    He understood each character, but he had to ask the trantor, "What is this for?"

    In a very adaptable reply, the trantor answered, "This is a stall selling Ceres War Bonds."

    Wang Zhong pulled out his wallet, took out all his Rubles, and pped them on the table, "I¡¯m donating."

    The person guarding the stall was shocked, eyes wide open. He couldn¡¯t understand Antenese, and could only ask in a highernguage, "What? You want to donate?"

    The trantor hastily said, "Yes, yes, the General wants to donate. He is an Antean war hero, willing to support the global fight against evil. Please ept it."

    The stall guard thanked him continuously, but then stopped to ask, "Um, whose name should I write?"

    Wang Zhong, in Antenese, said, "Wang Zhong, write this."

    The trantor was shocked, "Ah? General? Are you..."

    Wang Zhong replied, "It¡¯s like this¡ªI had a Khitan horse riding coach when I was young, and he gave me a Ceres name."

    The trantor frowned, "Why didn¡¯t your Khitan riding coach give you a Khitan name?"

    "I wanted him to give me one; I like ¡¯The Art of War by Sun Tzu.¡¯ Plus, I know Wang represents the King, and Zhong means loyalty and honor; it implies loyalty to the king. Let him write that." Wang Zhong decided to bluff.

    Trantor blinked, "Okay, then, let¡¯s do that. I¡¯ll go tell the stall owner."

    The vendor asked softly, "Exactly which Wang and which Zhong, though?"

    After a simple exnation by the trantor, finally, Wang Zhong¡¯s name appeared on the donation list.

    Seeing his own name, which he hadn¡¯t seen for a long time, Wang Zhong nodded and headed towards the stairs.

    Trantor hurriedly followed up, "This way, please! To the hall¡ªI mean, the BOSS is already waiting for you."

    Unexpectedly, just as the trantor finished speaking, an elderly man dressed in traditional Chinese clothes came down from upstairs and, seeing Wang Zhong, bowed with sped hands, "General, it was my neglect that dyed you, please forgive me."

    Confirming that his nativenguage skills hadn¡¯t regressed, Wang Zhong instinctively wanted to respond, but the trantor started tranting already, so he just had to close his mouth and wait for the trantion to finish.

    Behind the elder stood a young man who looked like he had just run up to the third floor, still catching his breath. It was probably he who had informed the elder about Wang Zhong¡¯s donation.

    After the interpreter finished speaking, Wang Zhong immediately bowed and said, "Mr. Zhang, sorry for disturbing you."

    "Not at all, we arerades battling against the evil Axis, please!" Having said that, he stepped aside to make way for the stairs and gestured for Wang Zhong to proceed.

    Wang Zhong then stepped forward.

    Momentster, everyone was seated around the carved round table on the third floor.

    Mr. Zhang picked up the teapot and filled Wang Zhong¡¯s teacup.

    Instinctively, Wang Zhong tapped his fingers on the table surface, having gotten used to drinking morning tea over many years.

    Seeing this, Mr. Zhang eximed, "The General has learned about our customs! Unfortunately, we really can¡¯t help you much now. To be frank, all the young people in Chinatown have gone back home to join the war, even our enforcers are mostly over 40.

    "As for money, to tell you the truth..."

    Wang Zhong interjected, "No, I¡¯m just here to visit the homnd of ¡¯The Art of War by Sun Tzu,¡¯ which helped me ovee my enemies. Just look at this ¡¯Mystic Crossing Chencang,¡¯st year I used this tactic to steal a car from Prosen, drove through the night with the headlights on, and managed to escape the enemy¡¯s encirclement."

    The Ceresians present all looked embarrassed until the interpreter whispered gently, "That¡¯s from the ¡¯Thirty-Six Stratagems,¡¯ not from ¡¯The Art of War by Sun Tzu.¡¯"

    Wang Zhong burst intoughter, "Is that so? Well, it doesn¡¯t matter. Ceres¡¯s ancient wisdom helped me escape anyway! To me, Ceres is like a second homnd."

    After finishing, Wang Zhong paused, giving the interpreter time to trante.

    After hearing the trantion, Mr. Zhangughed heartily and then regretfully said, "It¡¯s a shame we don¡¯t drink alcohol in the morning; otherwise, I would definitely drink with the General until dawn. Come, let¡¯s drink tea instead of wine! Cheers!"

    Wang Zhong lifted his teacup and downed it as if it were a shot of liquor.

    Though it was only tea, he felt slightly intoxicated.

    Mr. Zhang pped his hands, and then various snacks were brought in.

    There were phoenix ws, pig stomachs, siu mai, har gow, and more.

    Looking at these dishes that he hadn¡¯t eaten in over a year, Wang Zhong felt as if he were gazing upon the mountains and rivers of his mothend, the giant desert smoke and sun setting over the long river.

    At that moment, he felt as if the ck soil of Kazarlia at his waist was trembling, as if the homnd of this era and the homnd of another time were in dissonant resonance.

    Feeling his tear ducts as if they were broken and ready to "leak" once again, he picked up the chopsticks, not caring that he, as an Antean, was supposed to be unfamiliar with using them, and directly grabbed a piping hot lion¡¯s head meatball and bit into it.

    The rich vor of the pork and the crispness of the water chestnuts burst into his mouth, tears shamelessly rolled down, but Wang Zhong pretended he was scalded, and the tears were from the heat.

    Mr. Zhang immediately scolded, "How could you serve something so hot? Look, our esteemed guest is scalded!"

    Wang Zhong quickly waved his hands and nearly slipped into Cantonese before switching back in time, "It¡¯s alright, this is just too delicious, I was too eager. You know, at the front, I often only get to eat dry food, having some sour cream and pickles is already good enough. This is simply too tasty."

    After the interpreter ryed the words, Mr. Zhangughed, "If you like it, I can send a team of chefs to Ante! We can still support you this way!"

    Really? That¡¯s great!

    Wang Zhong truly wanted to cheer! He could now eat authentic Ceres cuisine at the camp!

    Completely overtaking his homesickness, he momentarily forgot what Anteans were supposed to say in such situations, and in his excitement, he eximed in Carolingian, "Boraboir (good)!"

    Mr. Zhang alsoughed heartily, "Boraboir!"

    After finishing the lion¡¯s head, Wang Zhong reached for the shrimp dumplings with his chopsticks.

    At this moment, Yakov finally gave up struggling with the chopsticks and picked up a fork to spear a lion¡¯s head meatball, cautiously bringing it near his lips to test the temperature.

    Then he asked confusingly, "This doesn¡¯t seem too hot... Ow!"

    Wang Zhong withdrew his foot from kicking Yakov¡¯s shin, delightfully savoring the shrimp dumplings, praising as he ate, "Good! Really good!"

    Yakov stared at Wang Zhong in confusion for a few seconds before hesitantly biting into the lion¡¯s head.

    Then a mixture of confusion and admiration for the deliciousness twisted together on his face.

    The pleasant dim sum breakfast continued all the way until noon.

    Once he was full, Wang Zhong remembered, "Wait, wasn¡¯t I supposed to give a speech?"

    The interpreter awkwardly replied, "Uh, we haven¡¯t arranged for a speech as, even if there was one, we genuinely can¡¯t buy any more war bonds now. Every issue here is already oversubscribed. We really hope the Federation Navy can quickly destroy the Empire of Fusang¡¯s joint fleet."

    After thinking it over, Wang Zhong said, "I suppose, me being an Antean general and giving a speech here does seem a bit odd. But I really love Ceres cuisine, please send the chefs as promised!"

    "Of course, of course," Mr. Zhang said. "My word is my bond, the chefs will definitely travel with you when you return to Ante."

    Wang Zhong nodded and then asked Yakov, "What¡¯s the n for this afternoon?"

    Yakov replied, "This afternoon you are participating in a congressional consultation session, focusing on the next stage of support for Ante."

    Wang Zhong said,, "Alright, let¡¯s head there now."

    The morning dim sum was just to satisfy Wang Zhong¡¯s personal desire, the afternoon session was crucial for Ante.

 Chapter 555: The â€œBarbarianâ€ at the Consultation Meeting (Added 16/81)

    Afternoon, special consultation of the Federation Congress.

    Speaker Dous was banging the gavel on the table, "Order, please. Now I invite the distinguished general from the Anteans, Marshal Rocossovsky to speak. Marshal, may I ask¡­ hmm? Is it Admiral?"

    A secretary whispered awkwardly to Dous.

    "Well then, still an Admiral? I thought with all his military achievements he should have been a Marshal by now. What? There¡¯s also a General? Oh, never mind these, anyway, please Admiral Rocossovsky, proceed with the consultation!"

    Wang Zhong, wearing headphones, was thus able to hear the simultaneous interpretation, unfortunately in a male voice, since now he couldn¡¯t choose the voice line and had to make do.

    After listening to the trantion, he straightened up, "I¡¯m ready, Mr. Speaker. Should I stand up though?"

    "No, war heroes have the right to sit while being questioned. Admiral Rocossovsky, how much did the Federation¡¯s assistancest year help the Anteans withstand the Prosen onught?"

    Wang Zhong, "Your question isn¡¯t very urate. The aid only began after the Empire of Fusang¡¯s surprise attack on the Federation, and I was involved in the rted negotiations. By then, I was no longer a front-linemander but was working at the Suvorov Military Academy and the Equipment Review Committee.

    "At that time, we had already pushed the Prosens hundreds of kilometers away from our capital. Enjoy more content from "So, if you¡¯re asking about the aid¡¯s role in the victory of the defense of Saint Ekaterina Fortressst year, my answer is that it wasn¡¯t helpful."

    Wang Zhong noticed many Federation people were frowning.

    He quickly continued, "However, the aid has been crucial for Anteans to sustain themselves till now. Last year, a severe cold wave hit Ante, killing arge number of livestock. Without the aid, including Spam cans, many Anteans wouldn¡¯t have survived that winter.

    "At that time, our industrial production lines had just been relocated and were far from restoring their original productivity, so the industrial materials obtained through aid significantly helped, ensuring the continued production of critical equipment like tanks.

    "And the direct support of nes, tanks, trucks, and jeeps yed a huge role in restoring our military strength.

    "Especially the trucks and jeeps, along with the M3 half-tracks. Currently, Ante¡¯s industrial production is mostly involved in manufacturing various tracked vehicles and trucks, with no production capacity for jeeps and half-tracks."

    Speaker Dous nodded seriously, "Alright, so to summarize, you¡¯re saying the aid was vital for Ante to pull throughst year? Is that correct?"

    Right, focus onst year then.

    Wang Zhong guessed that some pro-aid council members needed some political leverage, and nodded, "Yes, that¡¯s correct."

    Dous looked satisfied, "Thank you for your expert advice. Next, I¡¯d like to know: if it were up to you to decide the aid to Ante this year, which aspects would you emphasize?"

    Wang Zhong thought about it and replied earnestly and seriously, "I¡¯d particrly emphasize on machine tools, as well as the transfer of various proprietary technologies. We hope to acquire the licensing for the Federation¡¯stest piston engines, including air-cooled and liquid-cooled, and we need authorization for tank engines.

    "We also hope the Federation can send experts to help train our industrial workers, enabling them to produce higher-quality products. Poor armor and low-quality engines in T34 have already cost many Antean warriors their lives."

    "Order," Dous hammered with his small gavel, silencing the rising murmurs due to Wang Zhong¡¯s increasing volume, "Admiral Rocossovsky, you misunderstood my question. I meant, if you could decide on the various material aids, which ones would you prioritize? Tanks, perhaps?"

    Wang Zhong, "I think our current demand for tanks isn¡¯t that high, although both the M4 Sherman and M3 Grant are excellent tanks, our T34s are sufficient. We also have the KV heavy tanks regimented for breakthrough operations.

    "Recently, the Whirlwind Tank Destroyer has also performed well on the battlefield, so I think we don¡¯t particrly need more tanks."

    He paused, then continued, "What we need are nes, trucks, and Willys Jeeps. We especially need the Dragon Tug, heavily utilized by the Federation military."

    The dense riverworks in Kazarlia make it impossible for armies without river-crossing capabilities to maneuver in Kazarlia¡¯s steppes. Last year, when the Prosens attacked, they had theirbat engineers build pontoon bridges everywhere.

    Instead of building pontoons, Anteanbat engineers are more adept at using sapper shovels or miner¡¯s picks to crack open Prosen skulls.

    Hence, Wang Zhong needed the "Dragon Tug," which could carry lightnding boats, sailing on drynd on highways.

    This practice was previously carried out by the U.S. Military on Earth, crossing the riverworks of the European ins withnd yachts.

    Wang Zhong wanted to do the same, not because he was a history buff who liked ying around with thend yacht gimmick.

    After consulting with those around him, Speaker Dous asked solemnly, "Are you sure you don¡¯t need more tanks? We have many Grant and Stuart light tanks avable."

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, our light tanks are also sufficient. There is some demand for M3 tanks, we hope that can continue, but please don¡¯t use precious transport capacity on light tanks for us anymore."

    "Alright," Dous looked disappointed, "what about the nes? We have a model of the ¡¯Flying Snake¡¯ fighter jet here, which performs exceptionally well. Can we reduce the aid of P-47s and rece them with the Flying Snake fighter jets?"

    Wang Zhong finally understood that this consultation meeting was just to give Ante the extra supplies the Federation had no use for.

    So, he firmly refused, "The items listed in the agreement we signedst year are still needed this year. We can ept fewer M4 Sherman tanks, but we cannot ept being forced to take so many inappropriate items that we don¡¯tck."

    Dous scratched his head, "Then... do you still need light weapons? We have..."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Every day, we produce thousands of ¡¯Papasha¡¯ submachine guns, almost the same number of Tokarev semi-automatic rifles, and even more Mosin-Nagant rifles.

    "We currently do notck light weapons. Let me repeat: we need trucks, jeeps, half-track vehicles, advanced fighter jets and bombers, and we also need the machinery and the licenses for engine production!"@@novelbin@@

    Dous scratched his forehead, "This... of course, is up for discussion, but we need to confirm next year¡¯s material aid first..."

    Wang Zhong said, "I know, please continue with your questions."

    Dous asked, "Do you need textiles like clothing, or agricultural products like soybeans?"

    Wang Zhong wanted to face-palm, realizing this meeting might go on for a long time since these old congressional men would force him topromise repeatedly to modify the aid agreement to reflect their own interests.

    At that point, he couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and stood up.

    Dous said, "You can sit down to answer; this is our respect for a war hero..."

    "You have no respect at all!" Wang Zhong interrupted him, "Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t see through your scheme. Under the guise of aid, you lobby for bigpanies that help you get elected to seek benefits! You don¡¯t care about what Ante needs, you don¡¯t care about what would help Ante win this war quickly and efficiently! What you care about is how much money you can make out of this!"

    At that moment, Wang Zhong recalled the promotional video of the game DLC "Conflict World," where a Russian general gestured grandly, "The vultures have feasted enough; now, clear the skies."

    Then, a Schlecke River Self-propelled Anti-Aircraft Gun rolled off a transport ship, shredding media helicopters in the sky with its quad anti-aircraft guns.

    Wang Zhong continued, "You are a bunch of vultures! Feeding on the flesh and blood of warriors who bled and sacrificed on the battlefield, getting fat and obese. The war is still ongoing, but a few years after winning, you will abandon those veterans who have earned their honors!"

    Dous banged the gavel on the table, "Order! This is not the content of this consultation!"

    Wang Zhong went on, "Order, my ass! Just ask around, see what I¡¯ve done in Ante! Let me tell you, because of my identity, I¡¯m allowed to carry a gun into this room!

    "This gun, blessed by Grand Patriarch Belinsky, has killed two generals! You¡¯d better think carefully before trying to stuff those useless things into the aid agreement, or I¡¯ll blow your head off.

    "Of course, you can ignore this threat because, bymon sense and to avoid a diplomatic crisis, to avoid fractures in the alliance, I shouldn¡¯t do this.

    "But are you willing to bet on that chance? No, you¡¯re not. Because unlike those brave soldiers on the battlefield, you¡¯re a bunch of cowards who fear death! If you want to challenge me, keep rmending chips to me!"

    Dous¡¯s lips trembled for a while before saying, "I won¡¯t rmend chips. I didn¡¯t..."

    Wang Zhong interjected, "Then it¡¯s probably Coca-C, children¡¯s toys, or something else. It depends on whosepany¡¯s sponsorship you have, doesn¡¯t it?"

    Dous pushed his sses up awkwardly, "Alright, your statement just now has shown us the rudeness and barbarism of Ante. I guess you wouldn¡¯t need some things from the civilized world. So please tell us what you do need!"

    Wang Zhong demanded, "I need Dragon Tug trailers! I need a lot of trucks! Stiponk would be good, our mechanics are already familiar with these trucks. We also need Willys Jeeps and M3 half-track vehicles! The more, the better!

    "And advanced bombers! I know you have a new model intended to rece the B-17! We want them too!"

    After Wang Zhong finished, he realized asking for B-29s might be asking for too much; that equipment was too good, too strong, and the Federation might not agree.

    Moreover, considering takeoffs from Antean territory, it was still a bit far to bomb Prosen¡¯s interior.

    However, he thought again, recalling what Lu Xun taught: if you want to open a window, you must first blow off the roof.

    So, he stared sternly at Dous.

    The speaker said reluctantly, "We will consider it. Really."

    It seemed they truly did not dare to test how seriously the ¡¯barbarian¡¯ Wang Zhong would take his threat to draw his gun.

 Chapter 556: Taking Command in a Crisis

    For nearly a month, Wang Zhong crisscrossed the Federation.

    Initially, he was a bit worried that his berating of Chairman Dous during the consultation meeting would ruin his poprity in the Federation, but it turned out to be aplete over-concern.

    Because the Federation has a two-party system, and the chairman is from the Squirrel Party, Wang Zhong¡¯s outburst made him a natural ally of the opposing Deer Party, who followed the principle that the enemy of my enemy is my friend.

    Now, the War-time President, from the Deer Party, had an uncle who was a former President of the Federation and was assassinated by a gunman from the Squirrel Party during his tenure.

    Furthermore, this President was once Mr. Zhang¡¯s personalwyer.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong became an old friend of the Deer Party.

    Moreover, in many Deer Party strongholds, the local customs are robust; boys learn traditional Federation martial arts from a young age. Wang Zhong¡¯s use of a pistol to kill two traitorous generals was seen as something straight out of a martial arts novel -- thrilling and captivating to them.

    Especially since Wang Zhong had also survived an assassination attempt from an extraordinary distance. A photo of him raising his fist under the Ante Army g and shouting became popr again, even turning into postcards and various souvenirs that sold hugely in the Iron Deer states (referring to the Deer Party¡¯s solid support bases).

    It is said that the Federation¡¯srgest gambling city has opened a betting pool on whether Wang Zhong could assassinate the then Emperor using the same gun.This development was... just so typical of the Federation.

    Even among the voters of the Squirrel Party in the south, many were also dissatisfied with Chairman Dous and wanted to rece him. Some representatives went so far as to stand up and criticize the chairman for still seeking to benefit his party¡¯s big bosses even in such times.

    This month¡¯s shift in public sentiment made Wang Zhong grateful for his knowledge of the Federation brought from another timeline.

    A month quickly passed, and the Ante War Heroes group, led by Wang Zhong, sold an amount of War Bonds equivalent to what the Federation had sold in eight months of participation in the war, directly doubling the fundraising amounts.@@novelbin@@

    Of course, there were objective reasons for this too.

    Experience tales with

    There were many Prosens within the Federation who were not, unlike those of Fusang descent, rounded up after the war began -- since Prosen had not directly harmed Federation citizens enough to stir widespread public outrage.

    These Prosens descendants were always boasting about the strength of the Empire of Prosen and suggested that the Federation should share the world with the Empire of Prosen, h, h, h.

    And until now, the Federation had not achieved a decisive victory against Prosen; moreover, starting in June of 915, Prosens¡¯s attacks had been sessful, turning a vast swath of the map into the color of Prosen. ????????

    Actually, most of the areas now colored belonged to scarcely inhabited steppes, but the public didn¡¯t care about that.

    Thus, a portion of the Federation¡¯s popce believed that the Empire of Fusang, having been beaten at Midway Ind, was just a matter of time; War Bonds were no longer necessary, and fighting the Empire of Prosen would be too costly, with the fear that the Bonds might not even be redeemable after such a conflict.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s soaring poprity changed all that; for a month, the delegation he led did one thing: tell the people of the Federation that Prosen could be defeated.

    While Wang Zhong made public appearances everywhere, professional diplomatic delegations continued to engage with the Federation, gradually finalizing the details of assistance for the following year.

    Wang Zhong achieved most of his goals¡ªexcept for the B29, which indeed was a vital asset in the Federation and not something they would easily give away.

    For technology transfers, besides the engines Wang Zhong wanted,panies such as the General Technologies Corporation of the Federation also transferred arge batch of machine tools that Ante could not yet produce¡ªin the form of gifts.

    In exchange, Wang Zhong became their spokesperson for free, recording a lot of advertisements¡ªsince television was not yet widespread, these were primarily for radio broadcasts.

    Wang Zhong spent an entire day at the radio station recording lots of advertisement lines like "General Motors looks good to me" and "I¡¯m Commander Rocossov, and I only use Shell oil."

    Due to Wang Zhong¡¯s immense poprity, the Federation even considered extending his visit.

    But on October 11, at noon, the Ante Ambassador to the Federation entered Wang Zhong¡¯s hotel in Consweissen State with a serious expression.

    Wang Zhong was surprised: "Mr. Ambassador, shouldn¡¯t you be busy finalizing the supplemental agreement back in the Capital?"

    The supplemental agreement referred to a secret agreement on what actions the Allied Nations had pledged to take next year. Ante hoped the Allied Forces would open a second front in Europa to ease the direct pressure, while the Federation and the United Kingdom hoped Ante wouldunchrge-scale attacks to tie down more Prosen troops.

    Wang Zhong: "Is it because the Allied Forces are too demanding, setting a target for the number of Prosen troops we must annihte?"

    Although Wang Zhong, with knowledge from another timeline, knew that Ante would soonunch a vigorous counteroffensive, demolishing an enemy often required the cooperation of the adversary.

    If the opponent ran fast, even an army as strong as one with a mobile suit wouldn¡¯t be able to catch up.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t too keen on boasting about the number of enemies he would annihte; fighting as aggressively as possible and letting the final casualty count determine sess was the best approach.

    The Ambassador looked at Wang Zhong and shook his head gently: "It¡¯s not because of that. Actually, the negotiation for the supplemental agreement is going quite smoothly. The main point of contention is whether it is necessary to open a second front next year. They don¡¯t have any additional demands for us. I guess it¡¯s because those generals don¡¯t believe we can make significant progress next year.

    "In the minds of many high-ranking officers of the Allied Forces, you can achieve a series of tactical victories, but strategically, we Ante can only hold Prosen at bay. They believe defeating Prosen is a role only the Allied Forces can y as the main characters."

    Wang Zhong: "Hmph, they will eventually realize how ridiculously wrong they are. So, what brings you here then?"

    Mr. Ambassador produced a telegram: "This encrypted message must be delivered to you personally, and burned after reading."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression turned grave.

    Since arriving in the Federation, he had been unable to obtain first-hand war reports because the High Command had forcefully suppressed any negative news to ensure the smooth progress of the negotiations here.

    Wang Zhong could only rely on personal contacts to obtain intelligence from the Allied Forces, and the intelligence from the Allied Forces was second-hand, stolen by their intelligence officers in Yeburg. It was not necessarily urate, and it certainly contained deliberately released false information.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong was not quite clear about the actual situation on the front lines.

    But since things had be so urgent that a coded telegram had to be sent to him, then probably¡ª

    Wang Zhong picked up the telegram and opened it to read.

    "Admiral Rokossovsky, the front is critical; enemy forces nearing Abawahan, return immediately."

    He read the string of words softly, pursed his lips, and took out the lighter given to him by Admiral Hawthorn, lighting a corner of the telegram and watching it burn slowly.

    The Ambassador did not speak, just watching Wang Zhong.

    Abawahan, a port city by the Ind Sea, the endpoint of the Allied Forces¡¯ supply line stretching north from Bs.

    What happened to the promised Steelgrad? What about stopping the Prosen Army at the big turn of the Valdai Hills River?

    How did the battle suddenly reach Abawahan?

    Wang Zhong remembered the days he spent in Abawahan before the Expeditionary Force set out tond in Bs.

    The good news was that Pavlov had led the Expeditionary Army Headquarters and all forces not stationed in Bs back to Abawahan¡ªWang Zhong would immediately assume his appointed position, with a batch of familiar troops ready to use.

    Pavlov should also have a grasp of all the surroundings of the city.

    The bad news was that if the enemy had reached this far, it was likely that the oil from Kuba was not getting out, and many ces would have a difficult winter this year.

    Wang Zhong weighed his options, and then the fire burned to his fingertips.

    He quickly tossed the telegram into the ashtray and put his scalded, reddening fingertips in his mouth.

    Finally, the Ambassador couldn¡¯t help but ask, "What are your thoughts?"

    Wang Zhong asked, "Has Prosen used any new weapons of astonishing power?"

    History had changed so drastically, Wang Zhong could only suspect that Prosen had dropped the bomb.

    The Ambassador shook his head, "No."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Has the Western Front Armyunched an offensive?"

    On Earth, it was the Western Front Army thatunched the Zhelefov offensive, grinding meat in Zhelefov and attracting arge number of Sturmtiger elites there, which was why the push in the south couldn¡¯t gain traction.

    Wang Zhong was using the process of elimination, to sift through all the possible causes of this situation.

    The Ambassador replied, "Not to my knowledge, no. That is, there hasn¡¯t been arge-scale offensive."

    Wang Zhong understood that he hadmunicated to General Gorky that it was too costly in casualties to forcefully push against Prosen forces at this stage and that it was better to wait for the troops to slowly umte training andbat experience.

    Wang Zhong had eliminated what should have been a meat-grinder battle on the central front. Left unchecked, arge contingent of Prosen forces had been directed into the Southern Front offensive.

    And since Prosen was stronger than Earth¡¯s Sturmtigers, this was the result!

    This time, the butterfly had truly stirred up a hurricane. I, Wang Zhong, am that cursed butterfly.

    Now, I must return to my second homnd, my current homnd, to extinguish the storm I have sparked.

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath when Admiral Hawthorn entered without knocking¡ªever since Wang Zhong had shot to fame, this media-savvy admiral had been staying close by.

    "Rok!" Admiral Hawthorn called out joyfully, always condensing Wang Zhong¡¯s surname to "Rok," "Good news, Operation Torch¡¯s first phase was a sess, we¡¯vended on the North African territory of Vesigarolin, our troops are mopping up! The days of the Desert Fox are numbered!"

    At that moment, Admiral Hawthorn noticed the ash in the ashtray, "This... is it a bad time?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "No, you¡¯ve arrived just at the right time. I need you to inform the President of the Federation and those who are waiting for me to speak, I have urgent official duties, and I must return immediately to my homnd."

    At that point, Yakov came in, "General! Just received a domestic telegram, you have been appointed as the Commander of the Abawahan Front Army, please return home immediately!"

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows tightened. The appointment had been sent through without using a more secure radio. This meant the High Command could no longer keep things under wraps, and soon the Allied liaison officers in Yeburg would be aware of the crisis in Abawahan.

    Admiral Hawthorn had an expression of sudden realization: "The Prosens, they¡¯re about to seed, right?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "No, they won¡¯t seed. I will turn the tide just as I didst year. I surely will."

 Chapter 557: A Display of Authority

    Wang Zhong¡¯s return flight didn¡¯t head to Yeburg, but flew straight to Abawahan.

    The Antenese heroes who had gone with him to the Federation didn¡¯t return with him, as selling bonds for the Federation was an important task, tied to how much aid Ante could receive.

    On the C47 transport aircraft, besides Wang Zhong and Yakov, there was also a Ceres chef apanied by ten helpers.

    Mr. Zhang was very trustworthy, and the chef, being stout and robust, seemed very skilled in cooking.

    The helpers, however, looked like members from a gang.

    Also, there was the previous trantor, who now sat in the airne looking somewhat uneasy.

    Wang Zhongforted him, "I¡¯ve already be the Front Army Commander, and generally, few die at the Front Army Headquarters."

    The trantor responded awkwardly, "I see, thank you for yourfort."

    Wang Zhong, "What should I call you?""Oh, my surname is Liu, and I have an Antenese name, Niki Nikyevich."

    Wang Zhong, "Niki, if there¡¯s timeter, I hope you can teach me Ceresnguage, because I¡¯d like to further study Ceres¡¯s culture."

    Niki looked at Wang Zhong with a face of disbelief and said, "Honestly, I¡¯ve only heard of mypatriots learning foreignnguages¡ªabout your country, to see the world. It¡¯s the first time I¡¯ve seen someone like you."

    Wang Zhong thought to himself, don¡¯t rush; if you can live to be 120 years old, then you¡¯ll witness foreign schrs rushing towards Ceres from Shanhaiguan.

    Niki continued, "Of course, I will definitely teach you Ceresnguage if you want to learn. But I¡¯m not a professional; I¡¯m afraid I might not teach well."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder, "Don¡¯t worry about that."

    You just teach, I¡¯m only worried I might learn too fast and scare you.

    At that moment, Wang Zhong suddenly felt the airne tilting.

    Due to the rapid decrease in altitude, his ears felt strange.

    He immediately asked loudly, "Why descend so quickly?"

    But because of the noise inside the ne, the cockpit in front did not hear him. So he stood up, strode through the cabin to the door connecting the cockpit to the passenger area, and forcefully raised the cockpit¡¯s back panel.

    "Why are we descending?" he shouted loudly.

    The pilot nced back at him, still looking confused.

    Wang Zhong was about to shout again when he suddenly saw headphones and a microphone hanging on the back panel, apparently connected to the inte. He put on the headphones and, holding the microphone, asked loudly, "Why are we suddenly descending?" ????¦­§°?¨¨?

    This time, the captain heard clearly and immediately replied, "The radio reports enemy aircraft! We¡¯re descending below the clouds and will fly super low above the ground, using it as cover. I suggest you quickly put on a parachute and life vest. We might have tond in the Ind Sea!"

    Although the pilot was specifically selected for this mission due to his fluency in Antenese, his nervousness caused him to misspeak several times.

    Wang Zhong stretched his neck and through the cockpit ss, he nced at the Ind Sea on the left side of the aircraft.

    "Damn it," he eximed, "How did Prosen¡¯s aircraft get here?"

    The captain, "We¡¯re heading south along the coastline of the Ind Sea, already very close to the front line." Your next read awaits at

    Wang Zhong, "How far are we from the airport?"

    The co-pilot, looking at the map, said, "About an hour more to go. This is the fastest speed we can manage."

    Wang Zhong, "Thank you."

    He was just about to turn back when he heard an ominous noise.

    He immediately switched to the overview perspective, just in time to see a Prosen twin-engine fighter diving down.

    Great, using a twin-engine heavy fighter to intercept a high-ranking enemy officer in the air¡ªthis scene feels so familiar!

    Just as Wang Zhong thought this, Amelia¡¯s fighter jet shed past, and Prosen¡¯s heavy fighter¡¯s wing was severed mid-air along with its engine.

    Losing its counterweight, the fusge began spinning, the Prosen pilot desperately pressed the firing button, the nose guns began indiscriminately spraying tracer bullets around.

    At that instant, a Prosen heavy bomber breached the bottom of the clouds. Six engines on the bomber, two of which were on fire, but still maintaining flight momentarily, though the speed was steadily decreasing, and it continued to descend.

    As the bomber was highlighted by Wang Zhong, it was now less than two and a half kilometers from the C47.

    The next moment, Wang Zhong clearly saw all the bomber¡¯s defensive firepower aimed at the C47. So many defensive turrets turning in the same direction was quite a shock¡ªit was like seeing an airborne battleship ready to concentrate fire.

    Then a barrage of tracer bullets rained down on the C47.

    From such a distance, and considering it was a moving target, the shots shouldn¡¯t have hit, but the enemy¡¯s volume of fire was too dense.

    Every turret that could be aimed at them had turned, the barrage dense like the anti-aircraft barrages of the Federation¡¯s battleships.

    And the enemy was to the left side of the C47!

    The first bullet pierced through the C47¡¯s cabin. Wang Zhong only had time to switch back to the cabin¡¯s internal view as the bullet passed through and exited, leaving only a whizzing sound.

    One of the helpers touched his head, "Damn mother, that almost killed me (in Cantonese)."

    No sooner had he spoken than a second bullet hole appeared on the cabin¡¯s left side, hitting the temple of the helper in front. The bullet, having traveled far,cked prating power, so the hole wasn¡¯t big and the bullet remained lodged in his brain, not passing through to the other side.

    The worker slumped to the right side, leaning on the chef.

    The chef yelled, "A¡¯Gui! A¡¯Gui!"

    Although they were speaking Cantonese, Wang Zhong understood everything. He was about to speak when an explosion¡¯s sh lit up outside the left porthole.

    He quickly changed his viewpoint and saw the enemy ne¡¯s engine that had been spewing tracer bullets finally explode, severing the wing. The huge aircraft broke apart instantly and fell towards the sea of the Ind Sea.

    The crew members jumped out of the aircraft in session.

    Since it was at a low altitude, the burning wreckage quickly made contact with the sea surface, sshing up huge waves.

    Amelia¡¯s fighter ne came alongside the C47, and Wang Zhong heard the girl¡¯s voice over the radio in his headphones, "These are bombers and their long-range heavy fighters escorting them. It seems we¡¯ve bumped right into them.

    "I just saw the MiG-3 entangled with the enemy at high altitude; we should be able to escape soon."

    Wang Zhong responded, "Please keep watch, and howe you are the only escort ne left?"

    Amelia said irritably, "In an aerial battle, fighters scatter; it¡¯s normal to lose track of each other."

    After all, this wasn¡¯t a game; the aircraft¡¯s avionics weren¡¯t advanced, which Wang Zhong could understand.

    Wang Zhong stuck his head back into the cockpit and patted the captain¡¯s shoulder, "Call the airport, tell them we are arriving soon, don¡¯t let our own anti-aircraft fire shoot us down!"

    "Okay!" the co-pilot answered and began calling in shaky Antenese, "Abawahan, Abawahan, this is Orient Express, Number One is on my ne, be careful not to shoot us by mistake! Number One is on my ne, be careful not to shoot us by mistake!"

    No sooner had they made the call than the ground forces began shooting anti-aircraft artillery into the air.

    Wang Zhong grabbed the co-pilot¡¯s microphone and yelled, "Idiots! You¡¯re firing at your own forces! Idiots!"

    He had only shouted once when the aircraft violently jolted.

    Amelia¡¯s voice came through the headset, "Orient Express! I see your left engine smoking! Please cut off the left engine¡¯s fuel line!"

    At that moment, it seemed the ground forces realized their mistake, and the artillery fire ceased.

    Wang Zhong rushed to the left porthole and watched the mes on the engine.

    Then he heard someone blowing air next to him and turned to see Yakov panting as he blew on the porthole ss as though he could extinguish the mes on the engine outside.

    When Wang Zhong turned back, he indeed saw the mes had gone out!

    The engine smoked ckly, and the propeller had stopped, but it wasn¡¯t on fire anymore! Fortunately, the anti-aircraft shell had only hit the engine without destroying the fuel control system!

    Shit, had the frontline be this perilous? They really weed me with quite the scare!

    Wang Zhong was just about to breathe a sigh of relief when the pilot¡¯s voice transmitted through the inte inside the ne, "We have to make an emergencynding! Everyone, brace yourselves! It¡¯s best to put on steel helmets! If you¡¯re afraid of pain, you might prefer jumping out! That would kill you quicker!"

    Wang Zhong looked outside the airne, indeed the altitude was now at a level where parachuting could lead to a quicker death.

    He could only take off his headset, return to his seat, fasten his seatbelt, put on his helmet, and adopting the crashnding posture he had learned about before flying, curled up his body.

    Yakov¡¯s voice reached Wang Zhong¡¯s ears, "What are you doing? Are you ufortable?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "No, this is a protective posture. It can help you survive a ne crash! You¡¯d better do the same."

    Yakov asked, "Can you really survive a ne crash?"

    Wang Zhong affirmed, "Yes, and we¡¯re making an emergencynding, so our chances of survival are high!"

    Actually, Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t sure himself; a part of him was already wailing inside: Could his journey really end here?

    That would be too much to bear!

    Unwilling to ept this, he switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view, watching the ne rush towards the shallow beach, hmm, this crash site with its water cushioning and resistance to fire and explosion seemed to significantly increase the survival rate!

    From the bird¡¯s-eye view, the moment the ne touched the water, Wang Zhong felt an intense shudder.

    The seatbelt nearly squeezed out his dinner fromst night!

    The shaking gradually lessened as the ne slowed to a stop in the bird¡¯s-eye view.

    When all the shaking hadpletely stopped, Wang Zhong exhaled deeply, unfastened the seatbelt that had nearly strangled him, and shouted out the ssic line from the science fiction novel "Starship Troopers": "We¡¯re on the ground! Sir!"

    Everyone looked at him skeptically.

    Wang Zhong then remembered that he was that damn Sir.

    So, he said, "Quickly, get out of the ne! The cabin door might be jammed due to deformation; several people should help open it!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, the burly Ceres chef stood up and rammed the door, sending it flying.

    Wang Zhong gave a thumbs up, "KUNG FU! Good!"

    Wait a minute, with this chef¡¯s figure, could his name be Chen Guohan?

    Was that a Green Rush?

    Yakov interrupted Wang Zhong¡¯s thoughts, "Quick, get out of the ne! General!"

    "Got it, got it!" Wang Zhong got up, rushed out the cabin door, andnded in shallow water.

    The wind blew against his face, carrying with it the scent of war.

 Chapter 558: Military Regulations (Additional Update 17/81)

    October 15, Abawahan, Ante Abawahan Front Army Headquarters, 1347 hrs.

    Pavlov turned pale when he heard the news, "Shot down? Where? Who did it?"

    Themunications officer shrank his neck, obviously intimidated by the Chief of Staff¡¯s rage, "It... happened 30 kilometers north of us by the coastline, by our own anti-aircraft artillery. The escorting Royal Air Force reported that the General is fine."

    Pavlov grabbed the arm of themunications officer, "Are you sure? Are you sure the General is alright? Did the Royal Air Force confirm it while flying low enough?"

    Communications officer, "She¡¯s said to be some kind of witch who can clearly sense that the General is still alive, so there¡¯s absolutely no problem; they asked us to send a vehicle to pick him up. I don¡¯t know how she sensed the General¡¯s condition."

    Pavlov breathed a sigh of relief, "If it¡¯s Lady Emilia, then it should be credible."

    After all, in Bs, Pavlov had witnessed indirectly how Emilia had taken down a falconer three kilometers away with a machine gun; he was quite aware of a witch¡¯s abilities.

    At that moment, Monk Peter rushed into the headquarters wearing one shoe, yelling, "Pavlov! It¡¯s terrible, I think I heard that the General crashnded into the sea! Quick, send a naval patrol boat to pick him up! No, search and rescue! Search and rescue!"

    Pavlov, "The General is still alive, and hended by the seaside, Miss Emilia of the Royal Air Force confirmed he¡¯s fine.""Oh, Miss Emilia confirmed he¡¯s fine, then that¡¯s good," Monk Peter sighed, "Wait a minute, why does my foot hurt?"

    He looked down and noticed his bare foot seemed to have stepped on broken ss, so he began to howl.

    "Medic!"

    Pavlov, meanwhile, turned and ordered, "Have the navy send patrol boats north along the beach, and also send troops onnd..."

    Monk Peter, "Wait a minute! I hear horses neighing!"

    Pavlov frowned; he hadn¡¯t heard anything.

    Immediately after, the coachman ran in, "Reporting, the General¡¯s horse has bolted from the stables!"

    Pavlov, "Never mind about that, are the stables okay? No explosions or fires? What damage did it cause to break out?"

    Coachman, "No, we were just letting it rx and grooming it when it snapped the rope and ran; the coachman who was brushing it got thrown on his buttocks and fractured it."

    Pavlov, "Alright, treat the injured coachman as abat casualty; don¡¯t bother with the horse, it wille back on its own, and it¡¯ll bring the Commander with it."

    Popov, "And chewing on the Commander¡¯s hair."

    Pavlov looked at his oldrade, "Back from the local church? What¡¯s the word?"

    Popov, "The local can organize at least twenty Guardian Army camps, but they¡¯re all working overtime producing arms and equipment in the factories, impossible to get them to halt production."

    Pavlov walked quickly to the city schematic in front, "Twenty camps is a bit few, the area we have to defend is toorge; with twenty camps and our eight temporary infantry divisions, it might not be enough to hold such arge urban area."

    Popov, "What about letting the Tank 51 Army into the city? They¡¯ve also rested for a month..."

    "Letting tanks into the city? But there are no ces like Loktov suitable for armored ambush or firepower deployment. Plus, although Tank 51 Army hasbat experience, it¡¯s with the Bsians; facing elite Prosen troops would be disastrous."@@novelbin@@

    Popov, "But out in the open, facing elite Prosen troops, they¡¯d face even quicker destruction. We¡¯ve seen it, the enemy¡¯s tankers can hit our tanks from more than a kilometer away on their first shot, whereas our troops might not spot the enemy even within 300 meters." ??????§§?

    "Tank 51¡¯s tanks are all dual-turret T34 base models, not usable like the T34W!"

    Pavlov, "Then keep them in the city?"

    "At least they can serve as street barricades and fire points!" Popov said.

    Chief of Staff shook his head, "Forget it, the General is still 30 kilometers away. Let him decide when he gets back."

    At that moment, anothermunications officer came with a telegram, "High Command telegram, the First Mobile Group Army will be ready to depart within three days and begin loading."

    Pavlov, "Finally some good news. That gives us another hundred thousand troops. But still too few; when the General arrives, we should request more troops from the High Command."

    Popov shook his head, pointing to the war map, "Look at this long serpentine formation, all the mess created by the recently dissolved Valdai Hills River Front Army, those guys only thought about relying on the big river for defense, which is why things are such a mess!"

    Pavlov, "When the General arrives, he should be able to tighten up the serpentine formation, using fewer troops in easy-to-defend sections, with the main force concentrated in Abawahan."

    Popov, "I think we should issue that order."

    Pavlov, "No, we need to rify the river defense situation first; I have already ordered my most trusted staff to inspect along the river. Once the General arrives and rests, the investigation results should be delivered tomorrow."

    Pavlov, indeed, was outstanding in handling matters without a w. Read exclusive content at

    The Chief of Staff, with his hands behind his back, turned toward the windows of the headquarters, looking at the blue sky outside, "Just waiting for the General to return now."

    Wang Zhong sat on the beach, looking at Yakov, "Why are you so uneasy? If the co-pilot¡¯s navigation hadn¡¯t been wrong, we would now be just about ten kilometers from Abawahan. Miss Emilia confirmed our situation, and the people picking us up will be here soon."

    Yakov sighed, "General, are you always this calm?"

    Wang Zhongughed, "Yes, after all, I¡¯ve been to Hell so many times."

    "But, you got burned by a meatball that wasn¡¯t even hot¡ªspeaking of which, that meatball was delicious, it¡¯s called ¡¯Lion¡¯s Head¡¯. Is it made from lion?"

    Wang Zhong, "No, it¡¯s made of pork."

    "Uh... So why is it called ¡¯Lion¡¯s Head¡¯?"

    Wang Zhong, "How would I know? Maybe the person who shaped the meatballs had lions in their eyes."

    He truly didn¡¯t know why ¡¯Lion¡¯s Head¡¯ was called ¡¯Lion¡¯s Head¡¯, despite having eaten it for so many years.

    While they were chatting, engine noises approached, and Wang Zhong saw Miss Emilia¡¯s clipped-wing jet fly back, sweeping over the head of Wang Zhong¡¯s squad.

    Then, a steam whistle sounded from the sea, everyone turned their heads to see, and saw an Ante Gunboat speeding towards them, looking to be one of the several "Destroyers" that had previously provided fire support for thending.

    Wang Zhong pointed at the destroyer, telling Yakov, "See, didn¡¯t I tell you they wereing?"

    "General, you¡¯re right; I was too impatient."

    At that moment, Wang Zhong heard the whinnying of a horse.

    He thought to himself, it couldn¡¯t be, but looking toward the direction of the sound, indeed, he saw Bucephalus galloping towards them, neighing, with several Willys Jeeps following behind.

    "See, even thendlubbers have arrived!"

    Wang Zhong waved at Bucephalus, who ran even happier towards him, but since it had no saddle, Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t ride it back to the headquarters.

    When the horse reached Wang Zhong, it screeched to a sudden halt, panting heavily under his helmet.

    Resignedly, Wang Zhong took off his helmet, and the horse immediately started licking his hair happily, leaving it wet with saliva.

    The Willys Jeep arrived a bitter; it fishtailed to a stop right in front of Wang Zhong, and the driver, Sergeant Grigori, stood up in the driver¡¯s seat and saluted, "General, we¡¯re a littlete!"

    Wang Zhong, "Notte at all."

    Grigori, "So, was there a spy again? It looks like Yeburg is in for another cleansing¡­"

    Wang Zhong, "Whether to cleanse or not is for His Highness Belinsky and Cardinal Ravkid to consider. What I saw was just the enemy¡¯s bomber units mistakenly running into me. Believe me, if it had been Prosen¡¯s assassination n, they wouldn¡¯t attack me with a heavy bomber as an aerial warship."

    "Heavy bomber?" Grigori pondered, "That doesn¡¯t seem like an assassination."

    "Exactly. Plus, we have the Royal Air Force¡¯s Miss Emilia to escort us, who is the top ace of the Royal Air Force. All their pilots are monsters."

    While they spoke, Miss Emilia¡¯s clipped-wing jet flew over their heads yet again.

    Wang Zhong, "Alright, enough talk. Now that you¡¯re here, I trust your driving skills."

    By then, the Navy¡¯s rubber boats had also reached the shore, and the Naval Infantry jumped down from the boats, saluting Wang Zhong, "General! We¡¯ve been ordered to pick you up!"

    Wang Zhong, "No need, my motorcade and my most trusted sergeant are here. You guys can go back."

    Just then, several more Willys Jeeps approached from the north, hearing the engine noises, everyone scrambled to find cover and armed themselves.

    Wang Zhong, having identified from the elevated view that these were not enemies, waved his hand and said, "Don¡¯t be afraid! It¡¯s just the anti-aircraft artillery units who mistakenly targeted me that havee to apologize."

    As he said this, he walked towards the approaching jeeps.

    The jeep¡¯s co-pilot, a captain, stood up, took off his hat, and from afar began muttering, "My God! Oh heavens! Buddha! Look what mess I¡¯ve made!"

    After the vehicle stopped, he leapt out and saluted Wang Zhong, "Report! General, execute me! I almost harmed you! Execute me! The others are innocent, it was my order to fire!"

    Wang Zhong waved his hand dismissively, "No, no, your mistake was just not identifying the target properly. You need to be punished for this, but militaryw doesn¡¯t say you must die for not identifying carefully. ording to militaryw, I¡¯ll just... damn it, where¡¯s our Military Chain? How much should the penalty be ording to militaryw?"

    Being second-tost in the rules, Wang Zhong truly didn¡¯t know what the penalty should be ording to militaryw.

    From the second jeep, a Priest spoke, "General, ording to militaryw, a failure in target identification warrants fiftyshes and intensified target identification training. They can¡¯t return to their unit until they pass the test."

    Wang Zhong, "Then let that be carried out. Except for this captain, everyone else undergo intensified target identification training, and assign different anti-aircraft units to rece them."

    "Yes!" The captain saluted Wang Zhong, "I will sincerely reflect on my errors."

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder, then turned to Grigori and said, "Alright, let¡¯s go!"

 Chapter 559: Sorting Out the Situation

    Wang Zhong had just entered the headquarters when he first shouted, "Nelly, get me a towel, and some recement pants and shoes. These shoes and legs of my pants are all wet."

    Pavlov, who was originallymanding his staff in front of the map, turned his head toward the door when he heard Wang Zhong and said, "After you went to the Federation, she went to Yeburg to take care of your wife. Your orderly is too busy to idle; she even went to theundry team to help washing clothes when you departed."

    Wang Zhong took off his hat and handed it to Yakov, then looked down at his soaked leather shoes and shook his head, "Well, I will change themter. Report the situation!"

    Pavlov picked up a file that had already been organized from the desk, walked over to the map, and grabbed a map stick, "ording to reconnaissance, the Prosen vanguard is 50 kilometers west of Abawahan, right here we have encountered Prosen¡¯s motorized reconnaissance battalion.

    "The captured prisoners have confessed the numbers include the 14th Armored Army and the 41st Armored Army as well as the 4th and 8th Infantry Armies. The Army Group number is the Sixth Army Group, and themander is General William von Frederick."

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips; his guess when he received the orders was confirmed. In Earth¡¯s history, the 41st Armored Army wasn¡¯t part of the Sixth Army Group. The Earth¡¯s Sturmtiger Sixth Army only had one 14th Armored Army. This fellow had directly doubled the armored strength.

    That is to say, he had to face a Sixth Army Group that was much stronger than in history.

    But on a positive note, the enemy made a deeper advance, which also meant that their logistics were worse than the Earth¡¯s Sixth Army Group.

    Wang Zhong, "Weather forecast."Pavlov immediately gestured, and a staff officer delivered the report to Wang Zhong.

    As Wang Zhong looked down, the Chief of Staff exined sinctly, "The mud should start this week."@@novelbin@@

    "Good!" Wang Zhong immediately looked up from the forecast, handed the report back to the staff officer, "A month of the muddy season, what¡¯s our supply situation?"

    Pavlov immediately pointed with the map stick to the Valdai Hills River, "The Prosens have taken control of some areas on the west bank of the Valdai Hills River and have ced artillery there. The Ind Sea Naval gunboats have attempted to engage them several times but have not been able to destroy these guns, so transportation on the river is limited to our side¡¯s waterways.

    "The Valdai Hills River is very wide. Prosen¡¯s direct fire can¡¯t cover the East Bank channels, and their indirect fire relies on adjusted shooting, but the Naval Infantry and Ind Fleet have been uprooting the Prosens¡¯ observation posts on the banks.

    "Therefore, we still ensure half the transport capacity on the Valdai Hills River ¡ª well, less than half, because of the losses brought by air raids, a third.

    "The good news is, all our railroad lines are on the East Bank. It was deliberately nned that way back in the day, so that, in the event of an invasion from the west, the railroads would be protected by the Valdai Hills River."

    Wang Zhong, "So the Prosens don¡¯t have any railroads to use?"

    "Yes, they don¡¯t," Pavlov stopped and after a brief silence, added, "I¡¯ve never been so grateful for the Imperial Chancellor who designed this, it¡¯s said he was from the Secr faction."

    Wang Zhong, "So, the Prosens¡¯ logistics mainly rely on roads, right?"

    "Yes, we¡¯ve sketched out their approximate supply routes based on aerial reconnaissance, prisoners¡¯ confessions, and descriptions by scattered soldiers who have returned."

    With a snap of his fingers from Pavlov, his staff immediately ced a separate map on the ckboard.

    A very obvious blue line ran a long course on it.

    Wang Zhong carefully observed the blue line and then asked, "Why aren¡¯t their supply depots and transit stations marked?"

    "Because we don¡¯t know," Pavlov looked very helpless, "The Prosens are different fromst year; they¡¯ve also started disguising. Aerial photos haven¡¯t captured these ces."

    Last year, the Prosens didn¡¯t bother with disguises at all. Supply and transit stations were all openly ced, and aerial photography could directly reveal them, without any need for identification. ????§à?¦¥?

    Pavlov continued, "This is probably rted to the continuous bombing of the Prosen logistics system by my Air Force."

    Under Wang Zhong¡¯s interference, the Air Force¡¯s operational focus hadpletely shifted from the Russian Air Force¡¯s on Earth, which emphasized close air support, valuing models like the IL-2, which were heavily promoted post-war with the IL-10.

    The Air Force, under the artificial influence of Wang Zhong, now mainly bombed Prosen logistics, destroying train stations, transit stations, etc., and the amount of close air support had sharply reduced.

    Overall, the Air Force had achieved better results than its different space-time isomers on Earth, because train stations are much bigger targets than a tank. This was an easier target under the premise that the pilots generallycked training.

    It seemed that the sessful aerial raids by the Air Force had forced the Prosens to disguise their logistical nodes.

    Wang Zhong clicked his tongue, "So, the effectiveness of the bombing has reduced the efficiency of reconnaissance, quite a contradiction. Alright, I understand the general situation now, so how many divisions do I have on hand as fresh troops?"

    Pavlov, "Apart from the troops returning from Bs, there are eight new divisions added."

    Wang Zhong in shock, "Only eight? Are these new divisions formed ording to my new restructuring?"

    Pavlov, "No, those new divisions are highly sought after. As soon as they¡¯re assembled, they¡¯re taken by various Front Armies. Given the urgency here, we can¡¯t even pull out new divisions for us."

    Wang Zhong, "Alright, but these eight new divisions have eight thousand troops each?"

    "Yes, ording to the standards of the provisional infantry division, all eight divisions are fully staffed."

    Wang Zhong, "When will my First Mobile Group Army arrive?"

    "The Army Group is mobilizing; the vanguard troops should arrive in three days." Pavlov paused, then switched gears, "Actually, High Command has also assigned the original Valdai Hills River Front Army to us, but these are not fresh troops. They have already sustained some wear in the battle with the Prosens, and currently, the distribution of these divisions is as shown on the map."

    Wang Zhong finally shifted his attention to the heaps of things on both banks of the Valdai Hills River.

    What a Changshan Snake!

    Wang Zhong quipped, "Which idiot arranged the troops like this?"

    "Themander of the Valdai Hills River Front Army, Yemyenko."

    Wang Zhong palm-pressed his forehead, "Where the hell did he roll off to now?"

    Pavlov shrugged his shoulders, "Don¡¯t know."

    Wang Zhong changed the question, "How are our defensive positions being built? How many days have the fortification zones been dug?"

    Pavlov immediately moved to the city defense map of Abawahan, "At present, we¡¯ve mobilized all the women and elderly in the city to formbor camps, constructing two anti-tank barriers outside the city. The bunkers are being rushed by the City Construction Worker¡¯s Association and cement nt workers working overtime.

    "Unlike all previous defenses, this time we are very well equipped with weapons¡ªanti-tank guns, submachine guns, and machine guns¡ªwe have everything.

    "Furthermore, since the Ind Sea Fleet Headquarters is in Abawahan, we also have a considerable number of naval infantry, but they are not under ourmand."

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows knotted, "Aren¡¯t I a Front Army Commander? In theory, shouldn¡¯t all of these be under mymand?"

    Pavlov replied, "Yes, but the Front Army was established too hastily, andmand authority has not yet been passed down to us. Or perhaps the High Command has been too busy to remember."

    Wang Zhong inquired, "Didn¡¯t you send a telegram to ask?"

    "I did, but there has been no reply so far."

    Wang Zhong decided, "I will make a call to High Commandter... no, to His Majesty the Tsar. Also, see which units in this line formation can be pulled out and concentrated for use."

    "I¡¯ve already dispatched the staff to inspect where the troops are no longer needed," Pavlov immediately responded, "The report will be ready by tomorrow."

    Wang Zhong nodded and continued to order, "We need to pinpoint the enemy¡¯s supply nodes. I¡¯ve persuaded the Allied Forces to send amando squad to help me, they¡¯re experts in covert sabotage. Afterst year, the Prosens must be prepared for mud, we need to stoke the fire."

    Pavlov spread his hands, "It would be good to confirm, but you¡¯ve seen the state of the aerial photos. The intelligence experts have been deciphering them all day and really can¡¯t make out which are supply depots or transit centers."

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin, deep in thought, when Amelia, who had just escorted him, entered the headquarters.

    He suddenly snapped his fingers, "Got it!"

    Pavlov suggested, "You want to conduct a forward reconnaissance yourself? This time you probably can¡¯t, right? Why not let one of the naval gunboats take you along the Valdai Hills River so you can see firsthand which units can be pulled out?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "No, no, no, this time I¡¯ll go from the air, fly across thend myself."

    "I object!" Pavlov raised his voice, "You¡¯ve already been shot down once! No, I cannot allow you to go! The Prosen Air Force is now focused in this direction, and the Western Front Army and Saint Andrew Fort have not sufferedrge-scale air raids for a long time. The Prosen Air Force¡¯s strength on the Eastern Front is all here! I won¡¯t allow you to risk your life!"

    Wang Zhong reassured him, "Don¡¯t worry! A C47 is too easy to shoot down, and it was brought down by our own anti-aircraft fire at that. I just need to ride in a ne that cannot be shot down."

    Pavlov shook his head vehemently, his chubby cheeks rippled, "No, no, no! I disagree! And I think the Air Force¡¯s Davarish would not agree either! They know how dangerous it is in the sky right now!"

    "No, Chief of Staff, please look this way!" Wang Zhong gestured Amelia with both hands, "The ace of the United Kingdom, the Witch Miss who will never be shot down!"

    Amelia frowned, "I can avoid being shot down because my ne is a special model. If you ask me to fly a two-seater scout ne, mybat effectiveness will be greatly reduced."

    Wang Zhong retorted, "I¡¯ll ride in your ne, we¡¯ll squeeze in."

    "Will you be able to see clearly?" Amelia asked, puzzled.

    Not clearly, but grandpa¡¯s got cheats!

    Wang Zhong asserted, "You know I can see clearly!"

    Because we are New Humans, Davarish! Quickly sense my thoughts!

    Amelia hesitated, but soon shook her head, "No, thinking it over, you¡¯re too tall, too heavy, you won¡¯t fit in my slender wings. My ne, designed to amodate arger engine, already has a cramped cockpit. It¡¯s barely manageable for me because I¡¯m a girl, slender, and can barely maneuver.

    "If you squeeze in, I might not be able to pull the control stick."

    For a moment, Wang Zhong thought, why not just stuff me in the fuel tank, since I don¡¯t need to use my eyes to see outside.

    It was then Amelia suddenly said, "Aren¡¯t the reconnaissance results from the modified Pe-3, the Pe-2, very good?" Your next read awaits at

    Pavlov contributed, "These aerial photos were mostly taken by the Pe-3 model. Currently, this fast reconnaissance aircraft is rarely intercepted by the Prosen Air Force."

    Amelia suggested, "Then use that, it¡¯s a perfect two-seater, and if we encounter an enemy ne, I can fight with my abilities."

    Wang Zhong immediately approved, "Good! Let¡¯s use that one!"

 Chapter 560: Aerial Reconnaissance

    Because of the urgency of the immediate threat, Wang Zhong said to just do it.

    Of course, another reason was the fear that Pavlov might change his mind and oppose it.

    Although, as the Front Army Commander, Wang Zhong could be headstrong if he wanted to, he had worked with old Pavlov for so long; they were truly closerades in arms, and face had to be given.

    Half an hourter, Wang Zhong, now in fresh trousers and leather shoes, appeared at Abawahan Airport.

    They had barely set foot on the apron when a jeep bearing the Air Force emblem sped towards them from afar, screeching to a halt with a tail swing right in front of Wang Zhong.

    Grigori shielded Wang Zhong in time, standing in front of the jeep with the Thread Cutter ready to fire.

    Themander designated to the Front Army jumped down from the jeep, straightened his uniform, and then saluted stiffly, "General! You can¡¯t take to the skies right now. The Prosen Air Force is flying too frequently; we can¡¯t afford the risk of losing you!"

    Wang Zhong introduced the woman beside him to the Air Forcemander, "This is Miss Amelia, the ace pilot from the United Kingdom. She has fought against the Prosens for three years..."

    "Four years," Amelia corrected, "Ever since Mnia was invaded, I¡¯ve been fighting the Prosens. I was in the Expeditionary Force Air Force then. Even though there was a sit-in battle on the ground, the skies were aze."Wang Zhong continued, "See, she¡¯s fought the Prosens for four years and never once got grazed by Prosen firepower! She can definitely bring me back unscathed!"

    The Air Forcemander¡¯s face remained taut, clearly troubled.

    At that moment, Colonel Koryonin from the 11th Destroyer Squadron came running over, with two majors with Venus insignia following him. He saluted Wang Zhong first, then said urgently, "General, the skies are indeed chaotic right now, and the enemy is even trying to assassinate you! We all know it!"

    Wang Zhong asked, "If you were trying to assassinate an enemy¡¯s senior general, would you send a six-engine heavy bomber?"

    Colonel Koryonin was stunned, "Uh? Mmm? Six engines? I remember Prosen bombers aren¡¯t that fast, are they? They should be unable to catch a C47! This... doesn¡¯t make sense!"

    Wang Zhong added, "Right? We just ran into their bombers, and in the end, it was friendly fire that brought us down."

    Koryonin was shocked, "Who would be so audacious? It must be the remnants of the Quick Victory Faction, the poison of the surrenderists. They all need to be eliminated!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "I believe it was a genuine misfire. Anyway, I need to conduct my own aerial reconnaissance immediately. Get the best-conditioned Pe-3 out of the hangar!"

    Colonel Koryonin waved his hand expansively, "We¡¯ll send the highest-scoring second squadron for escort!"

    Wang Zhong pressed down the hand Koryonin had just raised, "Don¡¯t do that. A Pe-3 with a twelve-ne MiG-3 escort is too ostentatious."

    One of the two heroes behind Colonel Koryonin stepped forward, "It can be done like this. We¡¯ll pretend to carry out air dominance patrols, setting up eight loose pairs of aircraft overhead. That way, no matter where the enemy attacks from, we can quickly dive down to protect."

    Wang Zhong pondered for a moment and thought a little more security wouldn¡¯t hurt¡ªhe really didn¡¯t want to end up like a certain navy general who was livingfortably.

    So, he nodded in agreement. Continue your adventure at

    Koryonin, overjoyed, turned and ordered, "Second squadron, prepare to strike immediately and take off with the General!"

    Just then, the Air Forcemander spoke loudly, "General! You haven¡¯t convinced me yet! Let the regr pilots do the photography, why take such a risk?" ????????

    Wang Zhong replied, "You¡¯ll know when Ie back, Air Force Commander Davarish."

    Amelia chimed in beside him, "He¡¯s different; both he and I have special sensing abilities. I know too well; I can feel where the enemy is!"

    Great, having a Witch at his side sure made exining things easier!

    After hesitating for a few seconds, the Air Forcemander finally stepped aside and ordered, "Bring out the best Pe-3. However, Miss Amelia, you haven¡¯t been trained to fly a Pe-3. Are you really capable of handling it?"

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that themander didn¡¯t understand¡ªNew Humans stepping into a Gundam cockpit for the first time could beat professional soldiers with dozens of times their experience. That¡¯s the quality of New Humans!

    Amelia dered proudly, "Don¡¯t worry, I can learn to fly any aircraft just by looking at it!"

    The Air Forcemander finally seemedpletely convinced, and he took a few steps back with a worried face. Koryonin reassured him, "We have the second squadron. The Prosens won¡¯t seed. The General will surelye back safe and then use the intelligence gathered to tally up the Prosens."

    While they were talking, a ground crew pushed a Pe-3 towards Wang Zhong.

    The insignia on the tail of the ne indicated it belonged to the Third Aerial Reconnaissance Squadron, and there was a line of Antenese on its body: For my brother Petro!

    It seemed the crew member¡¯s brother had died under Prosen¡¯s iron heel.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Where¡¯s the original pilot of this ne? I¡¯d like to meet him, tell him that by letting Amelia fly, it¡¯s not that I don¡¯t trust his abilities."

    The Air Forcemander¡¯s face showed difficulty, "He took a bullet through the shoulder from the enemy, and it was sheer willpower that got the ne back here. He¡¯s in the hospital. The ne¡¯s in good condition also because there¡¯s been no pilot to fly it¡ªit¡¯s stayed on the ground, and the ground crew have been using it to train the newbies."

    Wang Zhong replied, "I see. Send some flowers to him in the hospital for me."

    Amelia had already stepped towards the ne ahead of Wang Zhong, who quickly followed her. The girl gasped when she climbed thedder and saw the control panel inside the cockpit.

    But this did not prevent her from entering the pilot seat.

    Wang Zhong also climbed thedder and sat in the observer¡¯s seat.

    To be honest, the cockpit was a bit cramped for Wang Zhong, perhaps because the Pe-3¡¯s design adhered to the Antenese principle of sacrificing space for performance in their man-machine ergonomics.

    From the front seat, Amelia cried out, "What¡¯s with these safety belts? They won¡¯t buckle!"

    It seems the frontal armor is too thick.

    With a "click," Amelia took a deep breath and then began reading the words on the instrument panel, "Airspeed indicator, barometer¡­"@@novelbin@@

    She read it as if she were reciting a menu.

    About fifteen minutester, Amelia said, "I think I understand how to fly this ne now, let¡¯s go!"

    Without waiting for Wang Zhong to reply, she raised her arm and gave the "start" signal.

    So, the ground crew grabbing the propeller began to push it fiercely.

    After several pushes, the propeller¡¯s rotation speed started to increase, the engine¡¯s exhaust pipe also spewed thick smoke, and there were even some sparks scattering.

    The engine¡¯s roar hit Wang Zhong¡¯s eardrums.

    The ground crew removed the boardingdder and then gathered at the wing¡¯s tail, pushing the ne towards the take-off runway.

    The 11th Destroyer Squadron¡¯s second squadron¡¯s 12 MiG-3s had also started their engines, and their propellers began to rotate.

    However, these MiG-3s were capable of taxiing on their own, and they followed the Pe-3, pushed by the crowd, and entered the take-off runway in sequence.

    Wang Zhong nced to the rear and thought that taking off was made to look like an elephant¡¯s leisurely stroll.

    At this time, Amelia turned her head back to look at Wang Zhong, "Put on your headset, I¡¯ve been calling you for a long time, you didn¡¯t respond!"

    Wang Zhong then picked up the headset and ced it on his head; just as the Antenesemunication from the control tower entered his ear, unfortunately, he couldn¡¯t understand it.

    Amelia replied in Antenese, "Understood, I¡¯m ready to take off right now."

    The roar of the Pe-3¡¯s engine immediately intensified, and Wang Zhong could feel an invisible hand pressing him into his seat.

    Switching to an overhead view, you could see the Pe-3 Wang Zhong was on elerating rapidly and then soaring into the sky.

    Wang Zhong was firmly pressed into his seat.

    Amelia¡¯s voice came through the headset, "You are responsible for guiding my flight, do you have the map board?"

    Wang Zhong lifted the map board in his hand and shook it at her.

    "Then guide me, and let¡¯s conduct a good reconnaissance, oh right, remember to take pictures!"

    Wang Zhong, "Rest assured!"

    After saying that, he looked down at the map¡ªactually switching to the overhead view¡ªand then issued the first flight direction, "Heading northwest by north, full speed ahead!"

    "Got it!" Amelia shouted.

    Thirty-five minutes after take-off, Wang Zhong highlighted the first transfer station. The highlighted Prosens were busy under the camouged; as he zoomed in, he could see through the camouged stacks of supplies, including canned beer and cigarettes, as well as antifreeze oil and winter clothes.

    Thus, Wang Zhongpared the overhead view with the map in his hand, found the precise coordinates, and then marked a transfer station symbol with a pencil.

    Damn, this was much easier than he had imagined.

    The best part was that the Prosens probably thought that a concealed transfer station didn¡¯t need anti-aircraft fire, as setting up anti-air defenses would increase the risk of exposure, so they really didn¡¯t set up any anti-air defenses!

    No anti-air defenses meant that the Ante Air Force could take out these supply stations as easily as reaching into a bag!

    Wang Zhong held back his joy and pressed the photograph button several times, then issued a new flight direction.

    As Amelia operated the ne to turn, she asked, "What is it, did you find an enemy supply station?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yes, we did. Keep to the new heading now, and we might be able to ¡¯light up¡¯ all the important supply centers along the enemy¡¯s supply lines!"

    Amelia, "That¡¯s good to know! I knew you were a ¡¯Witch¡¯ just like me."

    Wang Zhong deliberately ignored Amelia¡¯s remark and swiftly marked the Prosen maintenance truck¡¯s repair spot.

    After several hours of flight, as soon as Wang Zhong got off the ne, he handed the map, filled with highlighted Prosen supply points, to the Air Force Commander, "Take a look at this."

    Themander¡¯s eyes went wide, "What?"

    Wang Zhong, "Every marked point, I¡¯ve taken a photo. Once they are developed, I will give you detailed positions of these targets. By the way, these targets have no anti-aircraft protection; the Prosens seem to think that camouge is the best protection!"

    The Air Force Commander, "I¡¯ll organize a meeting with all the bomber squad pilots of our forces right away, to distribute air raid targets!"

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t rush! Wait until we send more reconnaissance nes to take more photos, let each squadron¡¯s lead ne get familiar with the route, and then make a concerted effort to strike all at once before the enemy catches on to what we are doing!"

    Amelia, "We can also drop Commandos first, let them be in charge of ground target guidance."

    Wang Zhong pped his thigh, "Good! That¡¯s the n!"

 Chapter 561: Towards the Turbulent Afar (Additional update 18/81)

    October 17, 915, St. Ye Katerina Fortress, the Capital of Ante, 1100 hours.

    While Wang Zhong was preparing tounch a major air raid on the Prosen Sixth Army Group¡¯s supply system, Ludm was packing her belongings.

    The butler Mikhail tried to persuade her, "Madam, you gave birth to a child less than three months ago. You should rest and recuperate. Winter ising soon, and it might be as cold asst year, which would not be good for you!"

    Ludm stopped and looked at Mikhail, "Do you know he has already had two close calls with death?"

    Mikhail said, "Didn¡¯t the General have even more close encounters with deathst year?"

    "Last year I was by his side, do you understand?" Ludm¡¯s voice was very serious, "If the Grim Reaper wants to take him, I hope I am there to watch it happen. I want to personally bring his body back."

    Mikhail said, "Madam, I can understand how you feel, but..."

    "Imand you not to stop me." Ludm was about to bow her head and continue packing when she found that Nelly had already taken over the job, skillfully folding the clothes and stuffing them into the suitcase.

    After closing the suitcase and locking it with abination lock, Nelly raised her head, "The luggage is all packed."Ludm looked at Mikhail again, "Nelly needs to return to his side too. Unlike me, she takes care of all his daily needs. If he is not in a good state and makes an error inmand, Mikhail, you would be a sinner of Ante!"

    Mikhail appeared helpless, "I don¡¯t think the Duke would make a wrong decision just because he wasn¡¯t taken care of."

    Ludm said, "Can you guarantee there definitely won¡¯t be any mistakes? Instead of trying to convince me here, consider how to take good care of my son."

    Mikhail said, "You don¡¯t need to worry about that, our nanny has already brought up many young masters."

    "That reassures me. Nelly, do you hear the sound of a car?"

    Nelly nodded, "I hear it. It must be the vehicle from the reserve Front Armying to pick us up."

    Mikhail seemed ready to make onest effort, "I heard that the First Mobile Group Army is mobilizing. If you go with them, not only will you have someone to look out for you on the way, but it will also boost the morale of the soldiers."

    "Mikhail," Ludm smiled faintly, "I am also a soldier. When I informed the Church that I wanted to go to the front line, my transfer orders came. Are you suggesting I lead by viting orders?"

    Mikhail shook his head and finally gave up, "No, that¡¯s not what I meant."

    Just then, the sound of a car braking came from outside, followed by the honking of a horn, causing the cat in the room to stand up abruptly and prick up its ears, alert to its surroundings.

    Mikhail said, "Let me carry your luggage for you."

    "Thank you." Ludm smiled, then put on a boat-shaped hat, draped on the Church-issued cloak, and walked outside.

    Nelly also put on her own boat-shaped hat, carrying arge leather suitcase, and followed behind Ludm.

    Mikhail picked up a bag from the ground and followedst.

    He was thest to leave the room, closing the door behind him.

    The wind blew through the forgotten open window, sweeping over the now-empty dressing table and the baby¡¯s crib, which was devoid of its upant (the baby had been left in the care of the nanny). ??a?????§§?

    In the room, only the baby¡¯s mobile continued to gently spin, making a creaking sound.

    To get to the military train departure station, one had to pass through the square in front of the Yeburg train station. Before the war, this was one of the busiest squares in Yeburg. Now it was even more crowded.

    The vehicle carrying Ludm had to slow down and weave through the crowd. Ludm took the opportunity to look out the window, observing the people saying their farewells.

    "Look at those girls crying so sadly," she said softly, "even though the boys are only going to the new recruit training camp."

    The trains departing from the civilian station were filled with these new recruits, so although the young men wore uniforms, they had no rank, not even that of a private.

    But that didn¡¯t stop the girls from crying their hearts out.

    Ludm suddenly saw a pair where the roles were reversed; a girl in a military uniform, already with a rank, with a Red Cross for field nurses on her sleeve,forting a young man a head shorter than her, who was crying bitterly.

    The nurse held the young man¡¯s cheeks in her hands, wiped away his tears with her thumbs, and gently said something to him.

    Ludm kept her gaze fixed on this pair.

    Then, someone in the square started singing. It wasn¡¯t the often-sung "Song of the Youth Corps Members" but an old song from the civil war era, a song countless idealistic young people sang as they rushed toward tumultuous destinations.

    The Jeep passed through the square and onto the highway beside it. The highway was full of trucks; the Jeep could only drive through the gaps between the trucks and the shoulder of the road, overtaking one after another.

    All the military vehicles were full of serious-faced Ante warriors, all bearing the medals of theirbat injuries, these old soldiers returning to duty after recovery.

    Everyone had solemn expressions, and the few who were more rxed leaned against the railings of the trucks, looking up at the sky and smoking.

    Some noticed Ludm and whispered to theirpanions, "Look, isn¡¯t that General Rocossov¡¯s wife? She¡¯s going to the front line just after giving birth?"

    Ludm just offered the soldiers a faint smile.

    Finally, the Jeep entered a cargo station converted into a military transit station, passed through the guard post, and drove onto a wide overpass, overlooking the bustling station below.

    Under the overpass, the tforms were lined side by side, some loading tanks, others transporting ammunition and supplies.

    The tform on the far left was clearly designated for personnel, packed with fresh recruits who had justpleted their basic training and old soldiers returning to duty after recovery.

    The Jeep drove off the overpass and stopped in front of arge group of nurses.

    The major who was driving said to Ludm, "ording to your request, we did not arrange a special carriage, you will be going to the front line with these nurses."

    As the major finished speaking, the nurses who had already noticed Ludm collectively asked, "Are you General Rocossov¡¯s wife?"

    Ludm got out of the vehicle and nodded to the nurses, "I am, Captain Prayer Hand Ludm Vasilyevna Rokossova. I am pleased to share the journey with you."

    The girls screamed with excitement, then a nanny with a scarred face shouted, "Stop making noise! Act with dignity! Shouting like that on the battlefield will attract artillery fire!"

    The girls all quieted down, looking timidly at Nanny.

    Nanny approached Ludm, "Captain, please refrain from causing the girls to scream, okay?"

    "Okay, I¡¯ll try my best," Ludm said.

    After giving the girls another stern look, Nanny turned to attend to her own matters, resulting in Ludm being promptly surrounded by the girls.

    "Is it true that you and the General fell in love on the battlefield?" asked a girl full of freckles.

    "Uh, the General and I are childhood friends; we¡¯ve known each other for a long time. If nothing had happened, we would be engaged by now. But back then, he wasn¡¯t as remarkable as he is now..."

    Ludm had intended to give a detailed ount of her rtionship with Rocossov, but the girls got excited and started chattering:

    "It seems this version is the real one!"

    "Miss Ludm must have also caught the attention of the former Crown Prince!"

    "The General and the Crown Prince have beenpeting for the Miss all along!"

    Ludm: "Uh, this..."

    She raised one hand, attempting to interject among the girls who had started discussing on their own, but ultimately she gave up. She just stood aside, watching the young faces.

    ------------

    26 hourster, 110 kilometers from Abawahan.

    Ludm just stood aside, watching the young faces.

    Theyy side by side next to the railway bed, their faces so youthful that it hadn¡¯t even had time to fade.

    The surviving girls huddled together, crying inconsbly.

    Ludm began to perform her clerical duties, reading the eulogy, apanying the brave young souls on theirst journey.

    Not far away, the male soldiers were shouting cadence as they worked hard to push the Stuka-damaged tank cars off the railway.

    Many destroyed carriagesy in deep pits beside the roadbed; obviously, the enemy air raids were too frequent for those repairing the railway to bury them in time.

    Ludm finished thest prayer, making the sign of the Eastern Holy Church on her body.

    She turned around and said to the still crying girls, "Come on, let¡¯s bury them. It¡¯s pitiful to leave them exposed in the wilderness."

    Despite the tear-streaked faces, the girls nodded.

    As they picked up shovels, a shout came from the distance: "They¡¯ve caught a Prosen pilot!"

    Everyone¡¯s anger and hatred were instantly ignited, with many ready to drop their work and rush to see what kind of scoundrel had killed their friends.

    The officers quickly shouted, "Keep working! Continue the work to strike at the Prosens better!"

    "Prioritize the tasks at hand!"

    Unlike the officers who yelled sharply, Ludm gently said to the girls, "Come on, let¡¯s dig."

    At that moment, Nelly returned and said to Ludm, "The train conductor says the line can be cleared by tomorrow morning and our car could be arranged then. He suggests we make a campfire and spend the night here."

    Ludm, surprised, asked, "A campfire? Is that allowed?"

    "Mmm, I heard that the Prosen Air Force never bombs at night. I will make the fire; otherwise, it will be cold at night, and you have just given birth, madam."

    As Nelly turned to be busy, Ludm personally took a shovel and, together with the surviving nurses, began to bury the young faces into the fertile loam of the Valdai Hills Riverbank.

    ------------

    That night, Ludm was suddenly awakened by singing. She sat up, pulled closer her Church cloak, and looked for the source of the song.

    She saw a Corporal by the fire, ying the Blaika, a traditional Ante instrument, while another Sergeant was ying the Bayan (an instrument like an ordion).

    They were performing a sad song:

    "Tanks rumble over the vast fields/soldiers engage in their final battle/they carry the youngmander/a bullet pierces his head.

    "The fierce fire consumes the tank/explosions resound across the ins/the young man longed to live in this world/but he can no longer muster the strength to open his eyes..."

    Ludm stood up, listening to the mournful tune; at that moment, sobs arose, and she turned to see the nurses who had just buried their friends weeping.

    Ludm waited quietly for the song to end.

    Then she intended to sing a song, to alter the mood slightly, after all, she was Rocossov¡¯s wife.

    Unexpectedly, a Major put away pictures of his wife and daughter and started to whistle.@@novelbin@@

    That song. Explore more stories with

    The yers of the Bayan and Blaika exchanged nces and quickly followed the whistle.

    Ludm silently counted the beats, and when the time came, she sang out, "Always on our minds, is a simple wish.

    "May our dear hometown be beautiful, may our mothend stand for ten thousand years.

    "Hear the blizzard roar, see the meteor soar¡ª

    "My heart calls out to me, to the tumultuous faraway."

    ...

    In the gentle melody of the song, the crying gradually ceased, and fighting spirit was reignited in everyone¡¯s heart.

 Chapter 562: Raid

    Ludm, performing her duties as a cleric, belted out a song to boost morale as, in the Prosen-controlled zone, Commando Gonifnded on his feet.

    Then he fell t on his buttocks.

    Gonif, grumbling, stood up¡ª"Why do I alwaysnd on my ass every time I parachute?"

    Casino, who hadnded just before him, walked over as he gathered his parachute, "Because you always try to cut corners in parachute training. That¡¯s why. Cut the chat. We¡¯re in enemy-upied territory; someone might have seen our parachutes and could being to search."

    Gonif, hearing this, hurriedly stood and began to efficiently gather his parachute.

    Casino quickly folded his parachute into a cube, stuffed it into a camouged bag, and found a nearby tree to hide it under the roots, covering it with some fallen leaves and dirt.

    Then he checked the weapons he carried.

    By this time, Gonif had also finished with his parachute and found a tree to hide it, asking as he did, "Did you see where our weapons packnded?"

    "Saw it, less than a hundred meters north. Let¡¯s check our weapons and then go fetch it."For the safety of parachuting, paratroopers could not carry too much heavy equipment, thus aside from personal weapons and a few magazines, all heavy equipment and extra ammunition had to be airdropped in special containers.

    But Commandos and paratroopers were different; they carried out special sabotage missions requiring explosives, detonators, and other such items. Carrying these items on one¡¯s person not only posed a danger, but was also prone to damage (specifically the detonators) during thending.

    Thus, each Commando team normally had a weapons box dropped with them.

    Soon, Casino and Gonif located the weapons box assigned to them and retrieved timing devices, explosives, and additional weapons.

    As Gonif armed himself, he asked, "Should I steal some Prosen uniforms? You know Prosenese, so if something happens, you can bluff our way through."

    Casino responded, "Forget it. In these uniforms, we¡¯re military personnel protected by the Geneva Conventions. In Prosen uniforms, we¡¯re just spies without any protection from the conventions."

    Gonif questioned, "Do you think the Prosens will respect the conventions?"

    "We¡¯ve been captured; it¡¯s a gamble now. It¡¯s best to avoid capture. Luckily, this mission is simple. We just need to direct the Ante Air Force. We don¡¯t have to do the bombing ourselves. We can sneak in, leave a timed bomb, sneak out, and move on to the next target."

    Gonif, puzzled, asked, "Then why bring so much explosives?"

    "I¡¯m worried what if the Ante Air Force misses their target. Rocossov needs time to assemble his troops; it¡¯s all on us to buy that time."

    "You really care, and you¡¯re not even from Ante," Gonif remarked.

    Casino sighed, "I fell in love with a doctor at the hospital. Can you believe they actually have female doctors?"

    "What? A female doctor?" Gonif eximed, surprised. "Girls can go to medical school? She¡¯s not a nurse thrown in over her head?"

    "No, no, I talked with her. She really graduated from medical school. I¡¯ve never seen anything like it, and I¡¯m really smitten!"

    "Cut it out, you Castilian. When have you ever not been smitten!"

    As they talked, Gonif stuffed all his equipment onto himself, "I¡¯m ready. Let¡¯s go set this bomb for the sake of your love!"

    "You should find someone, too," Casino suggested. "Antean girls are quite nice, and they have a unique beauty."

    "I don¡¯t speak Antenese, you jerk!" Gonif cursed, standing up to leave but suddenly crouched down.

    Casino rmed, asked, "What¡¯s wrong?"

    "Shh, listen."

    Casino leaned over next to Gonif, soon hearing an engine noise.

    "Sounds like a Prosen bucket truck," Casino, more familiar with such things, immediately recognized.

    Sure enough, a bucket truck stopped nearby, and four Prosens got out, loudly speaking in Prosenese.

    Casino whispered, "They just noticed a ne flew over, didn¡¯t see parachutes. They¡¯re just checking things out. Good, we can go."

    "Hey, wait a moment," Gonif pulled Casino back, "there are only four of them. We could use the vehicle. It¡¯s a long walk, and we have two targets, ten kilometers apart." ??£Î???¨¨?

    Casino thought it over and nodded, "You¡¯re right. We¡¯ll take the truck."

    Thus, the two men set down their explosives and other gear, drew their tactical knives, and silently split up, stalking towards the four enemies, vanishing into the night.

    The enemies were spread out, in a searching formation, but their 98K rifles were not even safety-off. Continue reading at

    After all, they were Eastern Front troops, unustomed to Commando attacks.

    The first unlucky ones were on the left and right nks, pulled into the darkness like by invisible hands, disappearing without a sound.

    The remaining two continued talking loudly,pletely unaware that two of theirrades had already fallen.@@novelbin@@

    Several secondster, one of them finally sensed something wrong, turned his head, and called out, "Hans? Hans, stop ying; I know you¡¯re trying to scare us!"

    At that moment, Casino stood in front of him and eximed, "Ha-ha!"

    The Prosens were startled, about to raise their rifles, but were silenced by a swift sh to the throat.

    Thest one was distracted by Casino, suddenly turned around, pulled the trigger, and then realized the safety was on.

    Gonif, like a fish suddenly darting out of water, grabbed a Prosen by the chin with one hand, elegantly cutting open his throat with the other.

    As thest enemy thunderously fell, Gonif lifted his hand and tossed something shiny to Casino, "The keys! No idea which one is for the vehicle."

    Casino caught the keys, "You even remembered which enemy drove?"

    "Of course; it¡¯s not that hard."

    Casino ran toward the barrel truck, while Gonif efficiently ran back to their previous hiding spot, grabbed their gear, and swiftly returned.

    And like that, they drove off.

    At the same time, multiplemando groups paratrooped into an area spanning over a hundred kilometers long and thirty kilometers wide, rushing toward their designated targets.

    They were to install timed bombs at daytime bombing targets; these resulting fires and smoke would guide the Antean Air Force bombers to their targets.

    This tactic was adopted because many of the Antean pilots had less than two hundred hours of flying experience, making direct target identification quite challenging for them.

    Furthermore, since themandos were veterans, they could choose critical targets for the bombs, ensuring some damage even if the air raid missed entirely.

    In addition,mandos were particrly adept at shing car tires.

    The Prosens werepletely unaware of all these preparations.

    October 19, morning, 0830 hours, at the Headquarters of the Prosen Sixth Army Group.

    General Frederick William von Frederick entered the Headquarters on time.

    The staff, busy, didn¡¯t stop to salute but looked up and greeted, "Good morning, General."

    Frederick nodded in response and reached the map table before asking the Chief of Staff, "Anythingst night I need to know?"

    "Many units heard the sound of Antean nes, not the Dark Night Witches, butrge transport aircraft. Many units sent out search teams to anticipate Antean paratroopers," reported the Chief of Staff, "No enemies found so far."

    General Frederick nodded. At that moment, an orderly brought over coffee and breakfast, cing it on the table.

    The General picked up his coffee cup, "Thank you, Hank."

    The veteran orderly nodded and turned to leave, just as a messenger burst into the Headquarters, "General! The anti-air observations have spotted arge formation of Antean aircraft heading towards our rear."

    General Frederick looked at the messenger, "Howrge a formation? Give me precise numbers."

    The messenger replied, "Many, some outposts reported seeing hundreds."

    The Chief of Staff added, "This must be the new Front Army Commander¡¯s first big move, although it¡¯s quite different from what I had imagined."

    "How so?" General Frederick looked at his Chief of Staff, "You¡¯re supposed to have thoroughly studied that Rocossov; does this action not fit your predictions?"

    The Chief of Staff nodded, "Rocossov would likely take immediate, visible actions to alleviate the situation the Antean Army faced in Yeisk. But an air raid? Previous Antean air strikes on our supply lines were intense, but because of your excellent deception strategy, General, they bombed false targets."

    "My deception strategy was also learned from Rocossov," chuckled General Frederick, "I am not like those delusional at the High Command who naively think the Anteans are worthless. In the end, they werepletely outyed by Rocossov."

    The Chief of Staff said, "Acknowledging and learning from the enemy¡¯s strengths is what makes a great general."

    General Frederick smiled again and asked, "By the way, are our anti-air defenses ready? Once our deception is exposed, we need to quickly establish an anti-air firework at critical points."

    "Of course, all the anti-air artillery units are prepared; they can move to predetermined positions within an hour to provide anti-air firepower."

    "Very good, very good," Frederick said satisfied, squinting his eyes and gazing at the map, then sipping his coffee.

    Then the phone rang.

    The Chief of Staff answered, "Corps Headquarters. Where was bombed? What? Okay, got it."

    He put down the phone, looking sternly at General Frederick, "General, ourrgest supply station has been¡ª"

    The phone rang again.

    "Sorry." The Chief of Staff quickly picked up the receiver, "Headquarters. What? Bombed again?"

    As more phones started ringing, within moments, the entire headquarters was filled with the tingling sounds of phone rings, as if those two calls had awakened a beast called ¡¯the telephone.¡¯

    General Frederick maintained his coffee-drinking posture but somberly watched everyone in the room.

    The Chief of Staff put down the receiver, looked around at the others, pulled out his handkerchief, wiped the sweat from his forehead, then reported to Frederick, "General, almost all of our critical supply nodes have been attacked by aerial strikes."

    General Frederick took a deep breath, put down his coffee cup, "Send in the air defense teams to stop further air strikes. Then tell me, how did the enemy find these supply nodes?"

 Chapter 563: Blood Debt

    An hour had passed since the attack on the Headquarters of the Sixth Army Group of the Prosen Empire.

    A Lieutenant Colonel of the Constitutional Guards entered the Headquarters with three Constitutional Guards and approached General Frederick, "General, we found this at the site of the airstrike."

    The Lieutenant Colonel snapped his fingers, prompting one of the guards to step forward with a box, which was opened in front of General Frederick to reveal thepletely charred remnants inside.

    General Frederick asked, "What is this?"

    The Lieutenant Colonel exined, "Our explosives experts believe it¡¯s the timing device from a bomb. This wasn¡¯t just a simple air raid. Before the enemy nes arrived, the timed bomb exploded, creating arge fire and thick smoke to mark the target for the enemy nes."

    General Frederick let out a sigh of relief.

    The puzzled Lieutenant Colonel asked, "General? Why do you seem relieved?"

    General Frederick borated, "Many legends revolve around Rocossov, including one that he has a special sense to pinpoint our position.

    "In fact, in Ante, Carolingian, and the United Kingdom, there are some records of people with such abilities, but they¡¯re all very ambiguous. I initially thought I¡¯d encountered the real deal."Now, these timed bombs indicate that guerris were guiding the enemy Air Force. The guerris got hold of intelligence, andst nightrge aircraft skimmed our upied area, most likely dropping the explosives and timing devices for the guerris.

    "This immediately turns the situation from one of supernatural nonsense to one that is scientific and logical."

    As soon as the General finished speaking, the Chief of Staff, with a very troubled expression said, "But now, the matter concerning Rocossov has also be ambiguous, moving closer to resembling those rumors."

    Frederick responded, "Don¡¯t scare yourself. Now that we know it¡¯s the work of the guerris, what¡¯s left to do is simple. To all the Constitutional Guards, your task is to take care of the guerris! Find a way to make those Antean workers in the logistics system confess¡ªhow was their behaviorst night? Even better if someone directly confesses to being part of the guerris!"

    The Lieutenant Colonel of the Constitutional Guards saluted General Frederick, "Yes, sir! We willplete the mission."

    After the guards left, Frederick turned to the Chief of Staff, "To prevent this situation, I had all units stockpile more ammunition. Are all these munitions and fuels safe?"

    "They¡¯re safe," the Chief of Staff replied, looking down at the report in his hands, "it¡¯s odd, the attacked sites were all along a single line, as though someone flew over these stations in a ne and marked them all."

    Frederick remarked, "Is that so? It is indeed strange. If the guerris were signaling, they wouldn¡¯t have only marked this one line."

    "Right, and the same goes for a mole; they wouldn¡¯t have just reported the locations along this one line," the Chief of Staff said, stroking his chin pensively, "it¡¯s just too strange. I should ask the Air Force if there have been any Antean nes flying this route in thest few days."

    General Frederick nodded, "That¡¯s indeed worth asking about. Better to inquire and be sure, even if it¡¯s an overcaution. Where¡¯s the Air Force liaison?"

    "I am here, General," the Air Force Colonel said, suddenly appearing by their side as if out of nowhere.

    General Frederick requested, "I need the activity records of the Antean Air Force for the past few days, all of them if possible. We¡¯ll have our own staff sort through them."

    The Air Force Colonel replied, "That might be difficult, sir. We will organize the information and present the results to you."

    "No need, we¡¯ll sort it out ourselves."

    "Very well. I¡¯ll try to convince the Air Force Commander."

    General Frederick suddenly changed his mind, raising a hand to stop the Colonel about to make the call, "No! Don¡¯t bother. I¡¯ll phone the Admiral of the B Army Group Command. He will talk to the Air Force Commander."

    The Chief of Staff interjected, "It¡¯s of no use. The King¡¯s strategy to check us by not allowing directmand of the Air Force, opting for a liaison system instead, won¡¯t change even if we approach the Army Group Command.

    "It¡¯s said that the Front Army Commander in Ante can directlymand their air forces. That is truly enviable."

    Frederick nodded in agreement before steering the topic back, "As long as our stockpiled ammunition and fuel are intact, we should use them tounch an attack. ??????§§?

    "Rocossov¡¯s striking at our logistics is simply trying to make us pause, which shows he is weak at the moment. We must seize this opportunity and attack with full force!"

    The Chief of Staff concurred, "That makes sense. But our reserve ammunition can only sustain about two days of heavy artillery fire since we¡¯ve only just advanced to this location and haven¡¯t had much time to umte heavy artillery shells."

    With a grand gesture, Frederick dered, "Two days will be enough. Maybe we¡¯ll break through in two days and see the beaches of the Ind Sea. Rocossov is on the other side, and I¡¯ve watched him receive reinforcements while defending Yeisk, the troopsing endlessly.

    "He¡¯s rumored to be the favored older brother of the Tsar, highly favored by the Tsar. Whatever troops he requests, the Antean High Command delivers. The railways on the East Bank must be packed with trains transporting troops.

    "After two days, who knows how many troops we¡¯ll be facing!"

    The Chief of Staff hesitated but eventually agreed with General Frederick¡¯s perspective, "You¡¯re right; no one knows what we¡¯ll face in two days.

    "I¡¯ll order our forces tounch an attack using the ammunition and fuel we¡¯ve umted! In our original n, we had feints in secondary directions. Now we can concentrate the fuel and ammunition reserved for feints, and the troops allocated for the feints will carry only basic ammunition and remain in position to defend."

    General Frederick confirmed, "Exactly, that¡¯s the n! We must achieve our objective with a swift offensive, at least exposing Rocossov¡¯s weakness so that when our logistics are restored, we can strike a deadly blow!"

    October 19, in the evening at 1930 hours, the "Odin" Comprehensive Supply Station of Prosen (radio call sign).

    Under the blood-red sunset, 1000 Antean workers, hired by the Prosen Empire and working here, stood in five rows, silently watching the fat Constitutional Guards Colonel on the "lectern."

    The lectern was actually a Panzer IV tank, which had been transferred to rear security forces and the Constitutional Guards because of its short-barreled gun; it then became the colonel¡¯s vehicle of choice.

    When the Desert Fox gained fame, some young Prosen officers began the trend of using tanks as personal vehicles. It was only after Rocossov of the Anteans became famous that the trend really took off.

    Moreover, the high-ranking officers who were lesspetent militarily and less popr with their troops were even more fond of this practice, as if sitting in a tank made them qualified officers.

    This chubby Constitutional Guards Colonel was one of them.

    He stood atop the tank, shouting in broken Antenese, "I want to know who nted the bomb at the supply station! We¡¯ve found remnants of the detonator and know it was someone among you!

    "If the person who did ites forward, I can spare the rest of you innocents!

    "If you don¡¯te forward! I will use decimation, killing one out of every ten of you! Now, the first one!"

    The guards immediately dragged out the eleventh person in the first row, a boy who looked no more than sixteen or seventeen.

    As the Constitutional Guards seized him, the boy shouted, "Don¡¯te out! Don¡¯te out, Uncle Guerri! My brother is also in the guerris! Tell him..."

    The gun fired.

    The fat colonel, satisfied, blew on his Luger pistol¡¯s muzzle and said to the guards, "Throw the body in the pigpen. The pigs will have meat today."

    Two guards dragged away the boy¡¯s body, leaving a crimson trail of blood.

    Colonel: "Such bravery ismendable! But it is through your cowardice, you guerri fighters, that such a brave boy dies for nothing, bing pig feed! He died because of you, because of all of you!"

    One thousand¡ª999 Antean workers watched in silence, with icy stares at the blustering Constitutional Guards Colonel.

    Stay connected through

    Colonel: "Hmph, your cowardice is astonishing! Then the next one!"

    They immediately pulled out a middle-aged man with graying hair.

    "Have you anything to say, old man? You must understand things better than that fiery young kid."

    The old man looked at the colonel: "Yes, I understand. I didn¡¯t retreat because my grandson had a fever, and in such cold weather, I feared he would not survive the journey.

    "To keep him alive, I joined your work crew. I¡¯ve betrayed my neighbors, my localmunity, and everyone in the city. Do you think the guerris woulde forward for me? No, Colonel, they won¡¯t. They will only watch me die."

    As soon as the old man finished speaking, the colonel pulled the trigger.

    "Drag him away," he said irritably, "they¡¯re all the same! Why doesn¡¯t someone cry and beg for mercy? Any of you want to cry and beg for mercy?"

    998 Anteans remained silent, yet their silence was thunderous.

    "Then I¡¯ll ask differently," the Colonel said through clenched teeth, "I¡¯ll ask you, did anyone notice suspicious behaviorst night? Speak up, and the Empire of Prosen won¡¯t let you down!"

    No one answered.

    The colonel paced back and forth, continuing to question, "Who saw something, anything, even a shadow of a doubt!"

    Suddenly, someone spoke up, "Give it up. After today¡¯s bombing, we can see, you¡¯re about to fail. It looks like rain ising soon, and then winter.

    "You¡¯ll fail when winteres!"

    "Who said that?" the Colonel was overjoyed, "Pull him out!"

    Quickly, a robust man in histe thirties was brought in front of the tank.

    The fat colonel: "You have quite a knack for rallying troops! You must be one of the guerris!"

    The manughed heartily: "How I wish I were! I¡¯m not afraid to tell you, I¡¯ve been shirking work these past days, arranging the clothes hung up in the barracks to spell words, and today they finally saw my message! Ha ha ha ha!"

    "It was you!" The Colonel raised his hand, ready to pull the trigger, but the gun jammed.

    "Damn it!" He furiously worked the Luger pistol¡¯s slide, finally ejecting the unfired round and reloaded.

    He aimed and pulled the trigger a second time.@@novelbin@@

    But the gun did not fire!

    The Colonel, for the third time, furiously worked the slide to clear the jam, raised the gun, and pulled the trigger, but the hammer snapped down and the bullet did not fire; it seemed to be a primer failure this time.

    "Damn it!" the Colonel tried to clear the fault for the fourth time¡ª

    And the man keptughing: "Guerri fighters! Do you see this? Join inughing at the enemy¡¯s ipetence! Ah, guerris! Take me with you!"

 Chapter 564: Guerrilla in Action

    Gonif suddenly turned his head back and looked at the supply station behind them, which had already extinguished its mes but was still emitting ck smoke.

    "Hey, Casino, hold up! Why do I feel like someone is calling us?"

    Casino had already walked a good distance ahead and had to stop reluctantly and turn back, "I have to remind you, we¡¯re in the enemy-upied zone, at any time we might encounter Prosen patrols, or maybe even regr troops on the march. We need to quickly regroup with our squad and head to the evacuation point."

    Gonif stared at the distant ck smoke for a few seconds, sighed, and turned to catch up with Casino.

    After a few steps, he suddenly said, "Do you remember that mission in Navalon? We were chased by the Prosens and fled into a vige that happened to be hosting a wedding."

    Casino sighed, "How could I forget."

    "The locals helped us," Gonif continued reminiscing, "they changed our clothes and even had us sitting among the guests, and the bride danced with me."

    Casino¡¯s previously hastened pace gradually slowed, as he reminisced along with Gonif, "The bride¡¯s sister pulled me into a dance. I didn¡¯t know their traditional dances, but I am a Castilian."

    "Yeah, the Prosen Officers and their Imperial Ministry agents roamed around the wedding, and in the end, they didn¡¯t realize that we were the most conspicuous ones dancing right in front of them. These Prosens are just too rigid to handle such situations." Gonif reminisced, managing tough.But his smile soon faded.

    "Afterwards," he said, "after we escaped, walking in the mountains, we saw Prosen convoys entering the vige, the sound of submachine guns firing ceaselessly, the houses where the wedding was held burst into mes, and the thick smoke could be seen from kilometers away."

    Casino quickened his pace again, as if trying to flee the memory.

    Gonif: "At that time, the local guerri fighters who coordinated with us sang a very cheerful song, it went something like this: ¡¯One morning, I woke from my dreams, Invaders have stormed into my hometown... Ah my friend, goodbye, ah my friend, goodbye, goodbye, goodbye, Guerris ah, please take me away...¡¯"

    Casino, carrying the remaining explosives and brandishing two MP40s, walked along while whistling in tune with Gonif¡¯s rhythm.

    Up ahead was the ruin of a farmstead, looking like it had been destroyed a long time ago, with new vines and even small flowers appearing on the charred walls.

    The two walked towards the ruins and had just approached within a hundred meters when someone asked in broken Antenese, "Uncle Ivan?"

    "No, it¡¯s Aunt Ivankca," replied Casino in Antenese, heavily ented just the same.

    Then the ivy vines fell down, revealing a Commando sniper hidden behind them: "Damn it, you two walking so openly across the fields, Prosens could spot you from three kilometers away!"

    Gonif shrugged, "The Prosens are in chaos."

    At that moment, the leader of the small squad, Jonathan, emerged from the ruins, "We¡¯re just short of you two; if you didn¡¯t show up within ten more minutes, we were going to retreat." ???????????

    "We¡¯re here now, let¡¯s go," said Casino.@@novelbin@@

    Jonathan nodded, "Let¡¯s move, the tunnel is in these ruins. This is Semyon something-or-other Zakayev from the guerri fighters."

    Guerri fighter Semyon: "The enemy now suspects it was our guerris who directed the bombing, and they¡¯re hunting everywhere, so you¡¯ll have to cross the frontline on your own. Also, we¡¯ve got a better route, you can take the waterway directly, once you¡¯re past the central axis, you¡¯ll be in the patrol area of the Antenese Ind Fleet, then you¡¯ll be safe."

    Jonathan: "The General has already notified the troops to meet us; it¡¯s faster to take the front, the enemy just arrived not long ago, the front line should be full of gaps."

    The guerri fighter nodded, "Yep, we can even get ammunition from the regr army right now; crossing the frontline is easy. As long as the enemy doesn¡¯t attack, it¡¯s a piece of cake."

    Gonif couldn¡¯t help butugh, "The enemy¡¯s supplies have been scattered by us, what will they use to attack? By the time they recover, it¡¯ll be at least a weekter."

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of artillery fire came from afar.

    Jonathan, the only one who had stayed on the front line, frowned tightly, "The enemy is preparing with artillery fire! Are they going to attack?"

    Gonif¡¯s smile froze on his face, "That can¡¯t be, can it?"

    Casino pushed him, "That¡¯s why they call you a jinx!"

    "Speak up!" Pavlov yelled into the receiver, "Have you not eaten? Speak louder!"

    Wang Zhong watched Pavlov in his rage and couldn¡¯t help but pat his shoulder, before turning his head to look at the others.

    The entire Headquarters was filled with shouts of "speak up," a scene Wang Zhong had seen many times, knowing this definitely meant the enemy was attacking; the booming of artillery on the caller¡¯s end meant that even yelling at the top of their voices would have limited effect.

    Popov stood with his hands on his hips beside Wang Zhong, "It looks like the Prosens are attacking by force."

    Wang Zhong replied, "Yes, judging by the range of the artillery, I estimate the shells won¡¯tst more than a few days. They¡¯re trying to break through our defenses before we get organized."

    Popov asked, "How do they know that we only have sixty-four thousand new fighters in eight divisions right now?"

    "Maybe they don¡¯t know," Wang Zhong answered, "They might just figure that with us striking their logistics so hard, our frontline strength must be weak."

    Before Wang Zhong could finish speaking, Pavlov picked up the phone, "The front is under heavy artillery fire, and the temporary infantry divisions withck of training are struggling to hold." Continue reading at

    "Alright," Wang Zhong stood up and approached the map, where the staff was continuously applying artillery strike markers on the symbols for frontline units, "The enemy¡¯s response to our actions is a swift attack. They¡¯ve actually bet correctly."

    Right now, the main forces on the Abawahan front line consisted of the returning Bs Expeditionary Army and the newly supplemented eight divisions.

    The divisions of the Expeditionary Army hadbat experience, but it was only against the Bs Puppet Army, and they had just returned from a distant ce, having rest for less than a week, and were fairly exhausted.

    The supplemented eight divisions barely had sergeants with rich experience at the grassroots level and were not particrly high in spirits¡ªperhaps they had been full of zeal when they first enlisted, but high morale isn¡¯t so easily obtained. It¡¯s found only in those steel divisions hardened by countless battles on the frontline.

    The Earth¡¯s Russians were like this; even during the battle of Kursk in ¡¯43, there were plenty of troops who faced Sturmtiger tanks, lost their morale, and turned tail.

    And now, these eight divisions were already struggling as soon as they faced enemy fire.

    Pavlov said, "Prepare to send reinforcements to the front. Just today, the experienced Infantry 56th Army has arrived, let them fill in first."

    Wang Zhong asked, "Infantry 56th Army? Is it the one that was disbanded and reassembled, or has it been fighting sincest year? Generally, units that have been fighting sincest year should be Guards by now."

    Since the war that had started in Junest year, Ante incurred heavy losses, and units like infantry armies with low mobility, if not annihted, were mostly honored as Guards.

    That¡¯s why Wang Zhong had this question.

    Pavlov exined, "They were reassembled in February this year, then joined General Gorky¡¯s spring offensive. They suffered over fifty percent casualties when they retreated from the crossing point and went to the rear to recuperate. The 56th Army does not have the Guards title, but several of its regiments do."

    Wang Zhong ordered, "Send them to the front line immediately, and keep the division with the most Guards titles as the reserve force for the Front Army."

    "Yes," Pavlov immediately began making arrangements.

    Popov suggested, "We still have a reserve unit in our hands, with a Naval Infantry division at our disposal, a total of three brigades, it¡¯s arge division."

    The divisions of the Naval Infantry wererger than the average infantry division; a Naval Infantry brigade could exceed five thousand men, a division with three brigades held about fifteen thousand fighters, which was about the size of the divisions under Wang Zhong¡¯s First Mobile Army.

    Popov continued, "Adding our own 393rd Brigade, these four brigades of Naval Infantry can join the defense of the fortified zone when necessary¡­"

    Wang Zhong interrupted, "No, the Naval Infantry will do what they are meant to do. I will fly today to scout along the banks of the Valdai Hills River and find a weak point in the enemy¡¯s defenses tounch an amphibious operation!"

    Pavlov was taken aback upon hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s new mission and lifted his head to ask, "You¡¯re going to fly? During the enemy¡¯s attack?"

    Wang Zhong affirmed, "Of course. I¡¯m of no use in Headquarters; you keep pushing troops to the front, and I can¡¯t make you do it any faster. But by scouting for the enemy¡¯s weak points, I canunch an amphibious operation with the Naval Infantry, then after setting up pontoons, send the 51st Tank Army through here to strike at the enemy¡¯s nk."

    Approaching the map, Pavlov asked, "Not ce the 51st Army in the city but nk them? But if the enemy counterattacks with their tank units, it will turn into a tank battle between both sides, which we won¡¯t win."

    Wang Zhong countered, "Tying down the enemy¡¯s tank units would already be a victory. Besides, the Prosens are very rigid in using their troops. When theymit their tank units to the counterattack, they¡¯ll move infantry units to defend.

    "When there are more infantry outside the city, there will be fewer entering the city. It¡¯s a simple math problem, isn¡¯t it?"

    Pavlov conceded, "That¡¯s true. But the tank soldiers will pay a heavy price. Those are the original T-34s with two-man turrets, facing the Prosen tank units..."

    Wang Zhong replied, "I know the casualties will be heavy, but we need to hold Abawahan. Begin preparations immediately ording to this n. I¡¯m heading to the airport to take off now."

    "Report!" a fresh-faced tank officer with the rank of major shouted.

    Wang Zhong nced at him, and before he could speak, the officer introduced himself, "I am themander of the 21st Heavy Breakthrough Tank Regiment, Major Romanov! We have 21 KV tanks ready for battle! Our tanks have been reinforced with armor for urbanbat. Let us go to the front line, Commander Davarish!"

    Wang Zhong approached the older major and gave his shoulder a firm squeeze, "You¡¯ve arrived just in time, the enemy has justunched a full-scale attack. I will assign a support squad to each of your tanks to ensure they can make it to the front!"

    Major Romanov smiled, "That¡¯s great, General. We were worried we wouldn¡¯t make it to the front!"

    Wang Zhong stated, "This is my Chief of Staff; he will brief you on the situation on the front. Understand clearly and then depart."

 Chapter 565: Commander Davarish Occasionally Abuses His Power for Personal Gain

    Several minutester, having receivedplete instructions, Major Romanov of the 21st Heavy Tank Battalion saluted Wang Zhong, "General, I salute you for thest time!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Not thest time, return alive!"

    The Major smiled, "That depends if the Prosens are willing. They¡¯ve equipped new anti-tank guns, and the armor of the KV isn¡¯t as reliable asst year."

    Wang Zhong could only say, "Coordinate fully with the infantry, make the most of the rough terrain; the enemy¡¯s anti-tank guns won¡¯t easily reach you."

    "Understood," the Major saluted Wang Zhong again, "I¡¯m leaving."

    Wang Zhong solemnly returned the salute and then watched as the Major departed.

    Pavlov remarked, "The KV,st year a single KV could block the enemy for a whole day and night. Now, in the face of the rapidly improving enemy anti-tank firepower, it¡¯s simply a target. So when can we see the heavy tanks you proposed?"

    Wang Zhong shook his head, "How would I know? I¡¯m just the one who proposes requirements. How and when they will be realized, that¡¯s up to the designers below."

    After all, Wang Zhong¡¯s external help had nothing to do with military production, and although he studied science, he had no ability to manually create various military equipment.If the luck was bad, the design requirements that Wang Zhong proposed in August might not materialize for two years, and the deployment in battle would still notpare to Earth¡¯s IS-2 and T-3485.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, "I¡¯m off to do reconnaissance. I leave the headquarters to you, old friend."

    Pavlov responded, "Don¡¯t worry. If it¡¯s just about continually sending troops to the front line, I can handle that better than you."

    Enjoy more content from

    When Wang Zhong arrived at the Air Force Reconnaissance Group¡¯s location, the pilots were all startled and stood up abruptly, "General! What brings you here?"

    Wang Zhong exined, "I¡¯vee to borrow a ne to take off; you¡¯d know by seeing Amelia behind me."

    The pilots looked at each other, and finally, the group leader asked, "Isn¡¯t it said that the enemy is attacking? And you¡¯re leaving the headquarters at this time?"

    Wang Zhong exined, "My Chief of Staff and I have a clear division ofbor, during enemy attacks, he is responsible for continuously sending reinforcements to the front line. He handles that better than I do; I have no need to interfere. So, I¡¯m here for reconnaissance to find the enemy¡¯s weaknesses and change the whole situation."

    "Oh, I see," the pilots nodded in understanding.

    Amelia asked, "Which reconnaissance ne is ready?"

    "They are all ready, but as you see, the airport is busy dispatching bombers to support the front lines, and they don¡¯t have time to refuel our reconnaissance nes or load ammunition for the nes¡¯ machine guns and cannons." ??N???§§?

    Wang Zhongmanded, "Just say it¡¯s my order, refuel and load ammunition into the best-conditioned aircraft. Also, I want the Fourth Attack Aircraft Group to dispatch a P47 squadron for escort, each aircraft carrying two 1000-pound bombs."

    "You are the Front Army Commander, your orders stand."

    Just then, a Jeep with the Air Force insignia drove up swiftly to Wang Zhong, skidding to a stop. The Air Force Commander, like being thrown from the vehicle, got off and stood at attention saluting Wang Zhong, "General! Headquarters called to say you wereing, so I quickly made it here from the Air Force Command bunker!"

    Wang Zhong corrected, "Call me Commander Dawasili, as for General¡ª we both are generals, it gets confusing to others."

    "Yes, Commander Davarish! What instructions do you have?"

    Wang Zhong: "Refuel the reconnaissance ne and load it with ammunition. Also, choose the Fourth Attack Aircraft Regiment for escort this time. I¡¯ll find a way to signal the target to them so they can have a st!"

    Air Force Commander: "We can attach a smoke grenade to it, won¡¯t add much weight. When dropped, it will create colored smoke, perfect for indicating targets to the air squad."

    Wang Zhong: "Will it not affect the dive bombers¡¯ targeting?"

    "It won¡¯t, it¡¯s not that thick of smoke, more like a colorful streamer. It¡¯s what we¡¯ve been using to prevent the Prosens from targeting, their ground troops use this to signal to the Stuka," the Air Force Commander excitedly said, but his excitement visibly cooled off immediately.

    He sighed and continued, "We¡¯ve already issued some of these to the frontline troops, but they¡¯ve barely used them or failed tomunicate well with the bombers!"

    Wang Zhong knew without thinking that they had given the smoke grenades to inexperienced temporary Infantry Divisions.

    Wang Zhong: "Next time, try assigning it to the Naval Infantry, they are educated, proactive, and know how to use advanced equipment."

    Air Force Commander: "Okay, I¡¯ll give it a try. Also, the nes will be ready in half an hour! During this time, please head to the Air Force Headquarters, so any news from the Front Army can reach you immediately."

    Wang Zhong: "No need, I have my walkie-talkie with me. If real trouble arises, Chief of Staff Pavlov will call me. I¡¯d rather stay with the warriors. I mean, with the pilots."

    "We are also your warriors," proudly stated the leader of the reconnaissance ne team, "You are already our role model. You brought back so much intelligence after just one reconnaissance, and even captured clear photos of the targets. Our Military Bishop has even started a campaign to learn from you."

    The leader looked towards the man dressed as a priest.

    The Bishop immediately said, "General, look at this! We¡¯ve created a points table, anyone who captures a valuable target will have their photo disyed here and the whole crew will earn points! Once you umte enough points, you can apply for medals!"

    Wang Zhong listened with interest, then suddenly interrupted, "It can¡¯t just be medals as rewards. Vodka and cigarettes should be given too. We¡¯ve already gotten throughst year, which was the hardest, so surely we have enough vodka and cigarettes!"

    The priest hesitated: "We are pilots, our treatment is much better than the infantry, we are already supplied with cigarettes and vodka."

    Wang Zhongughed: "Well, it sounds like you guys have it even better than me!"

    "That can¡¯t be; you have a Ceres chef! It¡¯s all over the cetely," the speaking pilot winked, ncing around before continuing, "that chef, with a block of tofu or an eggnt, can cook something that smells so good the whole street can smell it!"

    Wang Zhong thought exactly, the braised tofu and eggnt were indeed cooked on high heat, making the smell quite potent.

    Suddenly, an idea struck him: "Well then, whoever umtes enough points, I¡¯ll have my Ceres chef cook a meal for you, I¡¯ll join you, and have my orderly serve the drinks!"

    The noisy pilots immediately quieted down, looking at Wang Zhong.

    The leader of the flight regiments, speaking for everyone, asked, "Really?"

    Without waiting for Wang Zhong¡¯s reply, a pilot shouted, "Can we dance with your orderly?"

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯s not possible!"

    That orderly is mine! I might not be running a harem, but dancing is off-limits!

    But then Wang Zhong quickly added, "However, you can dance with the nurses from the field hospital!"

    The pilots cheered, but someone still wasn¡¯t satisfied: "What about the girls from theundry team?"

    Wang Zhong: "Dance with them as well!"

    "Ura!" the pilots cheered in unison.

    At that moment, a ground service Major ran over and saluted, "Report, General! The aircraft is ready! Fully fueled and armed, here¡¯s the checklist. Please have the sortie pilots sign it!"

    Amelia took the checklist, "I need to see it myself. But please, General,e with us."

    "Alright!" Wang Zhong decisively nodded and before leaving, he turned to the Military Bishop, "Thispetition is going well! We should promote it! Moreover, I think we can have the Fourth and Fifth Attack Aircraft Regimentspete to see who can destroy more trains. We can even include the fighters!"

    "Yes!" The Military Bishop saluted Wang Zhong, as if he had been given an extremely important task.

    Thirty minutester, Wang Zhong was flying over the West Bank of the Valdai Hills River.

    To avoid the small caliber anti-aircraft guns of the Prosens, Amelia flew at an altitude of 3000 meters.

    The P47 fighters were ready to dive down from 5000 meters to drop bombs.

    Additionally, from the conversation over the radio, there should be a squadron of Yaks nearby engaged with the enemy; they probably hadn¡¯t noticed Wang Zhong¡¯s aircraft and the P47s in the air.

    In Wang Zhong¡¯s earphones, he could hear frantic shouts from the pilots: "Sergey! Bank right! Bank right! The enemy is behind you!"

    "Where did he go? I¡¯ve lost the target!"

    "Misha, don¡¯t follow! Let him go if he¡¯s climbing!"

    "I can¡¯t return, Ivan, I can¡¯t return."

    Although Wang Zhong was continuously scouting the ground, hearing these conversations was distressing.

    The Air Force fighter units were still flying a modified version of the Yak-1. Once the new engines he negotiated from the Federation arrivedter this year, they could upgrade and give the pilots the "low-altitude perpetual motion machine" known as Yak-3.

    He silently wished these pilots good luck, and meanwhile, he marked the position of the enemy¡¯s riverbank observation post on the aviation map and casually took a photo.@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, Amelia spoke through the internalmunication, "Last time your scouting was frighteningly urate, so you¡¯re really one of my kind, aren¡¯t you?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "No, I was just going by intuition, feeling that something was off there."

    "I also rely on intuition, knowing there are enemies three kilometers away," Amelia responded with augh, "You don¡¯t have to y dumb with me. Maybe, I¡¯m the only one in this world who can truly understand you."

    Wang Zhong just smiled.

    Suddenly, Amelia eximed, "Wait! I sense something! I need to deviate from our current flight path!"

    Wang Zhong asked, "What¡¯s wrong? Did you sense a high-value enemy target?"

    "No, I sensed a target of great value to you."

    She didn¡¯t wait for Wang Zhong¡¯s permission and banked right, flying towards the East Bank of the Valdai Hills River.

    Wang Zhong looked puzzled, and over the radio, the Fourth Assault Aviation Regiment asked, "What¡¯s going on? You¡¯re deviating, General!"

    Wang Zhong responded, "Follow me, and don¡¯t lose track. Amelia mentioned a target of great value to me."

    "Look down!"

    The aircraft tilted, allowing Wang Zhong to easily view the ground through the cockpit ss.

    Looking down, he saw a blonde girl with arms wide open, as if embracing the sky.

    Even without switching to an overhead view, Wang Zhong knew whom he saw.

    Ludm, the love of my life.

    Ludm didn¡¯t pay much attention when she saw the bomber, but suddenly, she felt something.

    She looked up, staring at the aircraft growing bigger.

    Then she started running.

    Due to enemy bombings reducing transport capacity, non-essential personnel like her were asked to walk thest fifty kilometers.

    Of course, as the wife of the Front Army Commander, Ludm could have received special treatment, but she chose to walk thest stretch with the young nurses.

    Now, she ran onto a roadside mound, opened her arms wide, and shouted to the sky, "Hey! I¡¯m here!"

    The ne swept over her head, its engine stirring her long hair wildly in the wind.

    The momentsted less than a second before the sound of the engine swiftly faded away.

    But Ludm stood on the mound,ughing heartily.

    Nelly, puzzled, climbed up the mound, "Who¡¯s on the ne?"

    "There¡¯s..."

    Just then, the aircraft circled back, dancing through the air like a fairy.

    Ludm covered her mouth but stillughed out loud.

    Wang Zhong, watching the ground, whispered softly, "Alright, let¡¯s not dy the reconnaissance mission."

    Ameliained, "Damn, I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m helping one man court another woman."

    Wang Zhong thanked her, "Thank you for your fairy dance. I really appreciate it."

    Speaking, he used the bird¡¯s-eye view to look at Ludm on the ground and murmured to himself:

    ¡ªThis is the most romantic thing I can do for you on this cold, cruel battlefield.

 Chapter 566: Rushing Towards Hell (Supplementary Update 19/81)

    Although he took some time to romance his wife, Wang Zhong still returned to the Abawahan Air Force base on schedule.

    On the way back, he even guided the fourth Attack Aircraft group to attack a Prosen artillery position using Smoke Grenades.

    Afternding, the Air Force Commander himself pushed over the boardingdder: "How did it go, General, discovered anything?"

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯ve found a rather nicending spot, tell the Admiral to go to the Front Army Headquarters for a meeting. Also, has there been any news from the Front Army Headquarters while I was up in the sky?"

    "No," the Air Force Commander shook his head, "We only know that we¡¯ve lost seven or eight frontline positions, and the enemy is advancing into our depth."

    Wang Zhong: "How many units have moved up to the front?"

    "Trains have been continuously transporting military vehicles out of the station, and the bridge across the Valdai Hills River is also filled with military vehicles, with troops moving non-stop towards the front."

    Wang Zhong nodded, and as he was about to walk away, he suddenly remembered something and said to the Air Force Commander: "Develop the photos! Then deliver them to the Front Army Headquarters immediately, I¡¯ll personally mark the important targets on the photos!"

    "Yes!" The Air Force Commander, clearly almost twenty years Wang Zhong¡¯s senior, still snapped to attention and saluted Wang Zhong like an ordinary private.In fact, it was normal; as Wang Zhong took to the skies personally, the affection of the Air Force pilots for Wang Zhong skyrocketed at an astonishing rate.

    Maybe it was because Wang Zhong used to be a legend, but now he had be a rade-in-arms" who shed blood and sweat together with the pilots, and the distance between them suddenly closed.

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to get into Grigori¡¯s Jeep, a ground crew member called out to him: "General! How about we prepare a dedicated reconnaissance aircraft for you, with some special paint?"

    Amelia immediately said, "That wouldn¡¯t be a good idea. The enemy learns from experience too, and they would start intercepting the General¡¯s personal aircraft. Although my flying skills are top-notch, bullets are merciless, and the General could get hurt."

    Wang Zhong: "Your proposal is good. We could paint one reconnaissance aircraft all red, red is my signature color."@@novelbin@@

    Continue reading stories on

    "Alyosha!" Amelia unexpectedly used Wang Zhong¡¯s nickname, "That won¡¯t do!"

    Wang Zhong: "Hear me out. Once the enemy catches on, we can use this red aircraft as a decoy, flown by the most experienced pilot. That way, we could carry out stealthy reconnaissance.

    "When we¡¯re not flying, we could also use this red aircraft to confuse their vision. For example, when we want to counterattack, we could first fly the red aircraft in the feigned attack direction."

    After a series of gestures, Wang Zhong finished and looked at Amelia: "You understand what I mean?"

    Amelia stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds: "You¡¯re really cunning, you¡¯re actually a viin, aren¡¯t you?"

    "No, no, no. Ceres has an old wisdom that says bad people will stop at nothing, so good people always lose to them. To punish evil and promote good, good people must be even more cunning than the bad ones!"

    In reality, Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t read about this principle in some profound book, he learned it from Stephen Chow¡¯s film "Hail the Judge".

    When you really think about it, that story is pretty incorrect; in the end, the good guy wins through connections with the Emperor, ying tricks, and pure verbal abuse.

    It¡¯s... quite darkly humorous.

    After Wang Zhong finished citing the principle from the movie, everyone nodded in agreement: "Makes sense. To defeat the bad guys, we have to be even more cunning than they are!"

    Amelia: "You¡¯ve convinced me, cunning Admiral Your Excellency."

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯t mention it."

    With that, he got into the Jeep.

    Like a swallow, Amelia jumped into the seat next to him.

    Grigori instantly stepped on the gas, and the Jeep sped towards the airport¡¯s main gate.

    At the same time, in themand vehicle of the 21st Tank Breakthrough Regiment, Commander Romanov stuck his upper body out of the turret, removed the tank operator¡¯s soft cap, letting the wind blow through his wet hair. ??¦­??????

    The infantry major hitching a ride asked, "I heard that the Prosen Tank Operators don¡¯t have to wear these soft caps, is that true?"

    "Yeah, I¡¯ve seen their tanks, they are very spacious and steadier when moving, so there¡¯s no need to worry about bumping their heads," Colonel Romanov patted the top of the turret, "Look at this thing we¡¯re in, it¡¯s a heavy tank, if you sit in a T34, it can shake you until you hurlst night¡¯s dinner!"

    The majorughed heartily, "I¡¯ve ridden in a T34, it¡¯s indeed rough. It¡¯s barely manageable on the road, but off-road, trying not to fall off is a real physical task."

    Romanov shared augh with the major, then turned the conversation, "Are you heading to a new unit to be a colonel?"

    "Yeah, I got shot in the shoulder before¡ªspeaking of which, my shoulder wound, it¡¯s on the same side as General Rocossov¡¯s! But the general only got grazed, I had a bullet stuck in my scap, lodged in the cartge, took surgery to get it out."

    The major gestured as he spoke.

    Major Romanov was in awe, "I¡¯m envious of you, us Tank Operators eithere out without a scratch or get burned to ashes along with our tanks."

    The infantry major began to hum, "Ah, the youngmander, his head already pierced by a bullet~"

    Major Romanov sang along too, "Armor-Piercing Shell hits the tank, farewell dearrades~ Four crew members... no, we have a five-man crew."

    The infantry majorughed out loud.

    At that moment, everyone inside the KV tankughed over Romanov¡¯s headphones.

    It was a sorrowful song, yet the two majors sang it with fearless spirit, matching the valour of that Prosen battle hymn.

    Yes, the one that goes, "Only the loyal war machine can provide us an iron grave."

    Then, the sound of exploding shells came from the direction they were advancing; even during the day, the explosion¡¯s brightness still illuminated the overcast skies.

    That sh was like lightning, the rumbling of the guns like the thunder before a storm.

    Romanov looked forward, pulling his voice to a high pitch, singing, "That youngmander, his head already pierced by a bullet~ His eyes will never open again~"

    All the Tank Operators sang together, "Armor-Piercing Shell hits the tank, farewell dearrades~"

    Even the infantry on the tanks joined in the singing.

    On both sides of the road, infantry troops were also advancing towards the thunderous "lightning," watching as the tanks continuously "overtook" them.

    Suddenly, an infantryman shouted, "Davarish! Give the Prosens a solid beating for us! We¡¯ll catch up right after!"

    "Don¡¯t finish off all the enemies! We know how tough you are!"

    "Yes, leave some for us infantry! Because we can only march there, we always end up just with the leftovers!"

    "Don¡¯t sing such a mournful song! Sing something uplifting!"

    Then the infantry started singing "The Last Courage," "Damn it, I¡¯ve still got onest grenade in my hand!"

    Romanov banged on the top of the tank turret, "We can¡¯t lose to the ground-pounders, can we? Come on, louder! That youngmander, with his head pierced through..."

    The chaossted for a while, and only when the tank troops finally passed the infantry did the raucous atmosphere die down.

    At that point, the infantry major said, "My position is up ahead, you see the people by the road waiting for me."

    "Alright, stop ahead!" Romanov shouted.

    The tank came to a perfect halt in front of the people there to meet the infantry major.

    The major jumped off the tank, turned back to Romanov, and saluted, "Onwards, Davarish!"

    Romanov saluted in return, "See you in Prosennia, Davarish!"

 Chapter 567: In the Nameless Highlands

    On October 20, 915, at 10:30 AM, five kilometers deep in the outer defenses of Abawahan, Nameless Hignds.

    Military Chain Ilyich Ivanovich found the regimentalmander.

    He gently closed themander¡¯s eyes, pulled out his pistol from his waist, and turned around to shout, "Get to your positions! Quick! The enemy ising up!"

    With that, he rushed into themunication trenches, heading towards the already heavily bombarded position.

    The surviving soldiers followed him, charging through themunication trenches into the position, but each one had a look of bewilderment, obviously not having recovered from the recent intense artillery attack.

    Ilyich shouted, "Snap out of it! If you can¡¯t, just rely on your regr training! Your body knows what to do! Get the machine guns up to the gun emcements! And the 45 mm guns! Quickly!"

    The Nameless Hignds defenses were built ording to thetest defense manual, which, it¡¯s said, taken into ount the fact that front line troopscked training and morale, made it as easy as possible for conscripts to y an effective role.

    Now, it was time to test whether the experienceid out in this manual was effective.

    Ilyich approached the machine gun and patted the gunner¡¯s shoulder, "Distances have been measured, set the sights, you don¡¯t need to aim to hit someone, so don¡¯t be nervous!"The gunner took a deep breath and seemed even more tense.

    At that moment, the roar of engines came from the foot of the hill, and soon the sandbags next to the machine gun began to vibrate, with the surface sand and pebbles bouncing around as if they were droplets in a frying pan.

    Ilyich took a deep breath. As the military chain and the highest-ranking officer in the position, he couldn¡¯t afford to panic.

    If he showed any sign of flinching at such a time, it could lead to a total copse across the position.

    After several deep breaths, Ilyich patted the machine gunner¡¯s shoulder again, "I¡¯m going to make a round in the position. Hold steady, as soon as the enemy passes the markers, open fire!"

    The machine gunner nodded repeatedly.

    Ilyich began his rounds along the position. Due to the damage caused by the bombardment, he had to sidestep through the copsed sections from time to time.

    As he walked, he boosted the soldiers¡¯ morale, "The enemy are people too, they die when shot, they cower when the machine gun fires, use your weapons well!"

    At this, Ilyich happened to be near the Anti-tank Rifle crew, and he said, "Aim for the enemy¡¯s vision slits! You understand, the vision slits!"

    The Anti-tank Rifle was manned by a man who looked about fifty, wearing a worn military cap with its insignia nearly rubbed off. He said to Ilyich, "Don¡¯t worry, Father!"

    "Don¡¯t call me Father, the civil war is over, the Sanctified faction has been defeated," Ilyich said.

    "Alright, Priest Davarish, I have never hit the vision slits during training, never," the older man admitted.

    Ilyich reassured him, "Don¡¯t worry, others get nervous and can¡¯t hit it too. You just need to get your bullets on the tank to create sparks, scare the infantry around it, and that¡¯s your mission aplished.

    Also, the enemy¡¯s Armored Troops will be apanied by half-track vehicles, and your Anti-tank Rifle is not too bad against those," Ilyich added.

    The older man took a deep breath, "Okay, I¡¯ll shoot when I see the half-track vehicles."

    Leaving the Anti-tank Rifle crew, Ilyich continued on and then saw Stepan, one of the few veterans in the unit, arranging hand grenades along the edge of the trench.

    "Stepan!" Ilyich said sincerely, "It¡¯s up to you now."

    The veteran simply nodded, without a word.

    Ilyich continued forward, rallying every new recruit who looked like they had wilted.

    Someone called out, "Enemy tanks, 800 meters away!"

    Ilyich immediately dropped to the edge of the trench and peered out, indeed seeing about a dozen tanks in a Strike Formation, followed by an equal number of half-track vehicles. ??????§¦??

    He couldn¡¯t see any infantry for the moment, probably because they were hiding behind the tanks.

    Ilyich ducked back in, waving his pistol and shouting, "Remember, use crossfire to clear the infantry following the tanks! Once you¡¯ve cut off the infantry, close-range Incendiary Bombs can destroy the tanks!"

    In fact, Ilyich had never actually fought the enemy hand-to-hand; he used to be a parish priest in the local Church, and his most familiar task was to distribute sausages to the elderly men and women of themunity, telling them while he did so that these sausages were made in Secr faction factories, not granted by the grace of the Tsar¡¯s little father.

    The speed of Ilyich¡¯s promotion indicated that he had been highly effective in this role.

    But now, he could only wave around a pistol with which he was not very familiar, reciting knowledge he had learned from the manual.

    Suddenly, gunfire rang out on the position.@@novelbin@@

    Ilyich stopped and looked towards the anti-tank gun position.

    His regiment was only equipped with outdated 45 mm Anti-tank guns, which were ineffective against the strengthened frontal armor of the Panzer III and Panzer IV, even at point-nk range.

    Thus, the artillery positions could only hide on the side of the entire position, waiting for enemy tanks to rush into the main position before firing to strike the sides of the tanks, especially the area a bit above the suspension system.

    If the artillery was firing now, it meant someone had panicked, already bing hysterical.

    Ilyich shouted, "Stop firing! Dammit! Stop firing!"

    He ran along the trench while shouting, approaching the side where the artillery was stationed.

    However, the artillery continued to fire, the shells constantly striking the Prosen Tanks, causing sparks but having no effect.

    Finally, Ilyich reached the end of the main position, sticking half his body out and yelling towards the anti-tank artillery, "Stop firing, you fool! Do you see any effect?"

    "I don¡¯t know!" shouted the Lieutenantmanding the artillery, looking at Ilyich, "The Captain is dead, the Captain is dead! I don¡¯t know what to do!"

    "Stop for now, wait¡ª" Suddenly, Ilyich had a premonition and turned to look at the Prosen formation, catching sight of a Panzer IV with a short-barreled tank gun firing.

    "The sound of ¡¯day¡¯ pierced Ilyich¡¯s eardrums, and before he could hit the ground, the explosion urred."

    The hysterical artillery lieutenant had vanished, and all Ilyich saw was a helmet soaring into the air.

    The light gun carriage of the 45mm cannon was flipped onto the ground, followed by a chain explosion of the 45mm shells that hadn¡¯t been fired. Enjoy exclusive chapters from

    The enemy continued firing, with at least a toon of short-barreled Panzer IVs opening fire, quickly swallowing the anti-tank gun position with dust and mes.

    "Sukabule!" Ilyich couldn¡¯t help but curse, although theoretically, as a cleric, he shouldn¡¯t curse, but at a moment like this, that was no longer his concern.

    "Priest!" he heard someone shout, "Alexandria has run away!"

    "What?" Ilyich turned around and saw Alexandria clutching his Papasha, running frantically backward, not even bothering to pick up his dropped helmet.

    Ilyich raised his hand and fired a shot but missed, though his action made Peter, who was just about to leave the trench to run away, hesitate.

    Ilyich: "Peter! Think about your sister! How heartbroken she would be if she knew you were a deserter!"

    Peter returned to the trench, lying back down beside hisrades.

    Ilyich: "I¡¯m scared to death right now too! But we can¡¯t retreat! If we do, weren¡¯t the deaths of those fallenrades in vain?"

    As soon as his words ended, the spotter called out: "Enemy tanks, five hundred meters!"

    Ilyich: "Machine gunner, get ready!"

    At this moment, the half-tracks apanying the tanks opened fire, their machine gun bullets skimming over the trench.

    "Don¡¯t panic! It¡¯s a harassing fire, they haven¡¯t really spotted us!" said Ilyich.

    Spotter: "Four hundred meters!"

    "Stay calm, remember, after cutting off the infantry, the grenade teams get ready!"

    Spotter: "Three hundred meters!"

    Ilyich felt he should continue to say something about precautions, anything would do, to stabilize the troops¡¯ morale.

    By then, the vibrations from the approaching enemy tanks were causing dirt to crumble from the trench walls, setting the grenades lining the edge of the trench shaking, their pins clinking.

    Suddenly, the machine guns began firing.

    Along with the stato sound, the spotter¡¯s shout came: "Two hundred meters!"

    Ilyich: "Fire! Fire now! Don¡¯t need to aim, just shoot! We¡¯ve got plenty of bullets!"

    The sound of machine guns and the rattling fire of the Papashas echoed throughout the position.

    Once again passing the anti-tank rifle position, Ilyich saw an uncle in his fifties take a shot, the bullet trailing an arc of light and striking a distant half-track, sparking a dazzling sh of fire.

    The half-track stopped, and one by one, the men on it jumped off and quicklyy down to take cover.

    Ilyich: "Well done! Keep firing!"

    The uncle operated the bolt, the spent casing ejected by the extractor and falling into the trench. The assistant gunner immediately stuffed a new bullet into the chamber.

    Ilyich was pleased with their coordination, but just as he was about to speak, he saw a Panzer IV¡¯s turret turn their way.

    "Take cover!" Ilyich yelled, and simultaneously, a sh burst from the gun.

    The next moment, his consciousness was cut off.

    He didn¡¯t know how much time had passed when Ilyich¡¯s vision returned, his brain felt like it was full of water, ready to explode like a water balloon, and he couldn¡¯t hear anything but a buzzing noise in his ears.

    He sat up to find the gunner uncle¡¯s lifeless eyes staring nkly; it took a second before he reached out to close the eyelids.

    He looked around numbly, seeing the assistant gunner clutching his severed arm and wailing, and the anti-tank gun toppled beside them.

    Ilyich remembered that he was supposed to fight, supposed to keep firing the anti-tank rifle, so he picked it up, set it up on the edge of the trench, and without much aim, pulled the trigger.

    But the gun didn¡¯t fire.

    Ilyich tried to work the bolt to clear the stoppage, but it felt like it was welded shut,pletely immovable.

    That gun was probably useless now.

    He threw the rifle down, grabbed a clustered grenade from the edge of the trench, roared, and charged out of the trench, pulling the pin and hurling it towards the charging tank.

    However, the throw was too short, and the grenadended in front of the tank, sting a column of mud seven to eight meters high.

    Immediately, a barrage of tracer bullets from the tank cut through the falling mud, sweeping towards Ilyich.

    In that instant, he was pulled back into the trench by someone.

    Tracer bullets cracked and flew, peppering both sides of the trench, and the flying stone chips scratched Ilyich¡¯s cheek.

    The pain quickly cleared the fog from his concussed brain.

    As the ringing in his ears began to fade, an old soldier, Stepan, shouted at him: "Are you insane! With that distance, no matter how strong you are, you can¡¯t throw it far enough! You have to wait for the enemy toe closer!"

 Chapter 568: Minced Meat

    Ilyich climbed to his feet, "Thank you, you saved me."

    "I saved you because if you had fallen, this position would have copsed. Then none of us would survive!" Stepan picked up Ilyich¡¯s pistol and handed it to him, "You should go to the machine gun position and see why they¡¯ve stopped firing. I¡¯ll organize the Grenadiers to bomb the tank!"

    "Okay." Ilyich didn¡¯t argue and directly sprinted past Stepan along the trench toward the silent machine gun point.

    Stepan leaned against the trench wall and peeked to observe the approaching Prosen Tanks.

    At that moment, a nurse walked along the trench, checking the breathing of the fallen people as she passed.

    "There are no survivors here!" Stepan shouted, "Go back to the medical station quickly, nurse! Soon there will be only corpses here!"

    The nurse nced at Stepan, then directly lifted the arm of a fallen warrior, slung it over her shoulder, took a deep breath, and with one strong effort, hoisted the warrior onto her back.

    Stepan recognized that this was the method taught by the field medical teams, which even a single person could use to hoist someone much heavier than themselves.

    Stepan watched as the nurse carried the man, who was significantlyrger than herself, and disappeared at the end of the trench."Good gracious." He muttered.

    Just then, the machine gun point that had gone silent began firing again, and Stepan was reminded that he was still on the battlefield with important tasks to undertake.

    He took out the issued incendiary bomb,y on the edge of the trench, and waited for the Prosen Tank toe closer.

    As an experienced veteran, Stepan knew that the closer to the tank, the bigger the blind spot in the tank¡¯s field of vision making it safer to attack. If he kept his distance, he might be sent to meet King Yan by the hull machine gun or coaxial machine gun.

    Of course, approaching an enemy tank required great courage, something new recruits couldn¡¯t manage.

    That¡¯s what trenches were for; one only had to lie low in the trench, and the tank woulde right up to them.

    Stepan listened to the tank engine, counted silently one, two, three, then suddenly rose to his feet, and sure enough, saw the tank just a few meters away, its turret facing the other side of the vehicle.

    Perfect angle for a sneak attack!

    Stepan pulled the trigger on the incendiary bomb, letting the fuse spit out red sparks like fireworks, then threw it with all his strength.

    The incendiary bomb traced a perfect arc in the air,nding precisely on the tank¡¯s engine vent cover.

    mes immediately enveloped the entire engine radiator.

    The Tank Commander first opened the hatch and looked out, holding a submachine gun and searching for the person who threw the incendiary bomb, but Stepan fired first, bullets striking the turret making a BIUBIU sound. ?¨¢????¦¥?

    The Tank Commander, still holding the submachine gun, fell backward andy still.

    Then the other tank hatches opened, and the Tank Operators scrambled out and ran backward.

    With his submachine gun, Stepan executed short, precise bursts, shooting all of them down.

    At that moment, a nearby trench¡¯s Grenadier threw an Incendiary Bomb, but missed slightly, igniting only half of the tank¡¯s tracks.

    Seeing this, the Grenadier immediately rushed onto the tank, intending to lift the cover of the turret to throw a hand grenade inside.

    Stepan shouted, "Don¡¯t! The enemies will cover each other!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, a follow-up half-track vehicle opened fire, bullets hitting around the turret, and the Ante Grenadier clutched his chest and fell backward.

    Stepan cursed, grabbed a new incendiary bomb, and sprinted along the trench in that direction.

    By the time he reached the spot, the Prosen Tank had already crossed over the trench¡ªthe body of the Ante Grenadier who had just been killed still hung on the tank.

    Stepan immediately pulled the fuse, and with a hook shot, the Incendiary Bombnded on the tank¡¯s engine vent cover like a basketball shot.

    mes quickly covered the radiator grille.

    However, the tank was not immediately ignited, and the Tank Operators, unaware that the grille was on fire, continued to drive the tank forward!

    Stepan cursed again, picked up a Cluster Grenade from the ground, pulled the pin, and threw it onto the burning engine radiator grille.

    A cloud of ck smoke exploded behind the tank, which then finally stopped.

    Stepan was already ready with his submachine gun, opening fire as soon as the hatch opened, killing the Tank Commander who popped his head out.

    But that didn¡¯t stop other Tank Operators from escaping the tank. As he fired, Stepan shouted, "Doesn¡¯t your army song sing that only loyal tanks will give you a steel grave? Now the tank is right here, why do you keep escaping from your graves?"

    Before the echo of his words faded, his Papasha jammed. He didn¡¯t bother to clear the malfunction, threw away the Papasha, picked up another and continued firing.

    On Ilyich¡¯s side, he had reached the machine gun position and found all the Machine Gunners were dead.

    "Damn it!" Ilyich swore for the second time today as he pushed aside the bodies of the Machine Gunners and then tried to recall his machine gun training.

    As the battalion¡¯s Military Chain, he was the most educated person in the unit. ording to the new military regtions, those with a higher education level in the unit were required to master all necessarybat skills to rece the soldiers killed in action quickly.

    That¡¯s why Ilyich could operate an Anti-tank Rifle.

    But an Anti-tank Rifle was essentially just a rifle and fairly simple to operate, whereas operating a machine gun required recalling some details.

    "It should be like this." He began to check the gun mechanism ording to his memory, "It should be fine... now load the belt and chamber..."

    Ilyich grabbed the handle of the machine gun,pletely forgetting to check the sight, and just opened fire.

    The machine gun spat out mes, sweeping over the Prosen soldiers who had just mustered their courage. Although it didn¡¯t hit anyone (because the sights weren¡¯t adjusted), it still scared everyone to the ground.

    Ilyich instinctively realized the shots were too high, but he didn¡¯t adjust the sights; instead, he just pressed down the muzzle.

    He also didn¡¯t use one hand to support the ammunition belt, just gripping the machine gun¡¯s handle with both hands and firing, allowing the belt to convulse freely.

    It could only be said that it was fortunate that the Maxims issued to the temporary Infantry Division were old models; their outdated design meant they were highly reliable, and thus, this method didn¡¯t jam the gun.

    After firing one belt, Ilyich changed the ammo, shouting as he did so, "Ammunition belt! Someone bring an ammo belt over!"

    "Priest! The enemy¡¯s turret is turning towards you!" the observer shouted.

    That¡¯s when Ilyich realized a Panzer III was rotating its turret towards him.

    He didn¡¯t bother to reload but instead grabbed the machine gun and started running¡ªit was equipped with wheels and a shield.

    A high-explosive shellnded right behind him; fortunately, the 50mm gun of the Panzer III had an explosive effect simr to a hand grenade, and Ilyich only felt a shove on his back, staggering a bit before steadying himself.

    The observer ran over, "Let¡¯s go to the second position; we were supposed to go there anyway!"

    "Okay, where is the second position again?" Ilyich asked, removing his helmet and pouring out the sand within.

    "Follow me!"

    Corporal Maria had already carried back four soldiers, each more robust than herself.

    Sheid the fifth man at the entrance to the medical bunker and yelled to the doctor, "This one¡¯s got an abdominal gunshot wound! I applied first aid!"

    The doctor conducting triage came over, checked the soldier¡¯s nose, and said, "He¡¯s dead."

    Corporal Maria was surprised. "He was alive when I carried him!"

    The doctor pulled the body up, checked its back, then told Maria, "While you were carrying him, he was hit in the back by a shrapnel. It¡¯s not your fault; he was just unlucky."@@novelbin@@

    Maria¡¯s visible disappointment was palpable as a nearby wounded soldier spoke, "This is Karlov; he would have been happy knowing he blocked that shrapnel for you before he died."

    Maria didn¡¯t respond, and the doctor moved on to other patients. Meanwhile, an entire team of female nurses kept bringing in more wounded soldiers into the bunker.

    The bunker was filled with wounded awaiting triage, the air thick with the smell of blood and decay.

    Flies buzzed about happily as if they had found a cer full of rotting meat, flying around the bunker annoyingly like a swarm of Stukas.

    Maria stared at the deceased soldier, suddenly raised her hand to vigorously wipe her eyes, adjusted her cap properly, and dashed out of the bunker.

    She moved along the trench, continually checking on soldiers lying on the ground.

    At that moment, she heard the sound of a tank engine.

    Turning around, she saw a Prosen tank just as it was crossing the trench, its tracks spinning close to her head like a chainsaw¡¯s chain.

    Maria crouched down, gasping for air.

    ¡ªI should find an incendiary bomb! I can take down this tank!

    Thinking so, she searched for an incendiary bomb, unaware that the tank had no intention of genuinely crossing the trench.

    The next instant, dirt was scattered on Maria¡¯s head.

    She looked up in surprise as more dirt fell, rushing into her nose and mouth.

    Stay tuned to

    She quickly crawled back, finally moving away from the continuously copsing dirt.

    After wiping her face several times with her sleeve, she opened her eyes again, only to see the enemy tank grinding its "butt" on the trench.

    The enemy nned to use the tank¡¯s tracks and weight to "tten" the trench, burying the Ante warriors inside alive!

    Maria looked for an incendiary bomb or a grenade, didn¡¯t find anything, and despairingly started throwing stones at the Prosen tank erasing the trench¡ª

    The moment a stone hit the tank turret, the tank exploded!

    Maria was stunned.

    Then, a green tank, starkly different in paint from the Prosen tank, appeared!

    Maria didn¡¯t recognize the model of the tank, but she knew that Prosen tanks were either gray or camouged, never this nondescript green.

    She heard other warriors cheering.

    "Haha!"

    "Our tank has arrived!"

    "Good job KV!"

    The green tank opened fire, mowing down all the Prosen troops that had charged forward with the tank.

    Suddenly, someone patted Maria on the shoulder, "Nurse, are you alright?"

    Maria turned and saw a rugged,posed face, but she couldn¡¯t remember his name.

    "If you¡¯re okay, quickly get moving! Help me pull out those who were buried! There must be survivors!"

 Chapter 569: We Will Be Found Under the Ruins

    Romanov¡¯s tank was assigned to a ce called the Nameless Hignds.

    When the tank arrived, the Prosen tanks were charging up the high ground.

    Romanov put down his binocrs and shouted in surprise, "I don¡¯t see any Long-barreled Fours! They¡¯re all Panzer IVs with short barrels and Panzer IIIs with short 50mm guns! We can wipe them all out!"

    The gunner, with experience fromst year¡¯s war, said, "Be cautious, Prosen tank operators are very elite, they might break our tracks and jam our turret."

    "Before that, let¡¯s wipe them all out first!" Romanov confidently said, "Turret, turn left five degrees, driver, shift gears, advance slowly!"

    For a tank like the KV, slowing down could shoot while on the move, and uracy was actually better than shooting after a sudden stop, reaction speed was also faster, because the KV¡¯s gun would sway up and down after a sudden stop, and one would have to wait for it to stabilize before firing.

    The Prosen tanks were still busy entangled with the infantry on the position,pletely unaware of the approaching KV.

    "Armor-piercing shell, ready!" the loader shouted.

    Without a second word, the gunner fired.The shell hit the side of the Panzer III turret in a blink of an eye, and the explosion engulfed more than half of the tank.

    "Good!" Romanov couldn¡¯t help but pound vigorously on the top of the turret, "Keep going, turn the turret another 10 degrees left!"

    As the turret began to turn, the loader¡¯s voice rang out in the inte, "Armor-piercing shell, ready!"

    At the same time, the KV¡¯s hull machine gun began to fire, and tracer bullets crossed over the trenches and fell into the Prosen skirmish line, forcing the line that had just stood up to lie down again.

    "Good! Well shot!" Romanov praised while he himself took hold of the anti-aircraft machine gun on top of the tank, adjusted the sight, and fired at the Prosens.

    Amidst the rattling of the machine gun, the main gun fired for the second time.

    The hit Prosen tank¡¯s turret flew into the air, flying for more than ten meters before crashing down heavily.

    At this moment, the Prosens finally spotted the KV, and the 50mm gun of the Panzer III fired immediately.

    Since there was no time to switch ammunition, the first round to hit KV was a high-explosive shell, which fizzled and split Romanov¡¯s tank cap in two and broke the transverse bar of the headset.

    Quick as a sh, Romanov grabbed onto one side of the headset that was slipping off while continuing to fire with the machine gun in his other hand.

    The KV tanks of the 21st Heavy Tank Brigade had been upgraded, not only with extra steel tes welded on for increased protection, but they were also equipped with thetest DShK machine guns, which used new self-leveling gun mounts that required very little effort to operate.

    Romanov, "Continue to turn the turret left, the target is the Panzer III aiming at us!"

    Gunner, "I see it! Commander, get inside! It¡¯s too dangerous to stick your body out."

    Just as Romanov was about to reply, a high-explosive shell fired from the Panzer IV hit the tank¡¯s tracks, apparently trying to blow the tracks off with the explosion.

    The st wave swept into Romanov¡¯s eyes, making them ache, and he had to shrink back into the tank.

    And then, because he was inside the tank and without a headset, the roaring noise inside the tank immediately made him furrow his brows.

    Gunner, "Target destroyed! Instructions for the next one!"

    Romanov, "What?"

    Your next read is at

    "The next target!"@@novelbin@@

    Romanov still couldn¡¯t hear, but he guessed what the gunner was saying and quickly searched for targets through themander¡¯s observation port.

    "Turn left¡ª"

    "What?"

    Romanov pressed the microphone next to his mouth, "Turn left 7 degrees! The Panzer IV that¡¯s firing high-explosives at us¡ª"

    The next moment, a smoke bomb from the Panzer IV hit the KV.

    Arge cloud of white smoke was about to cover the entire field of vision.

    Romanov cursed, "Another smoke bomb! Sukabule! Prosens, you can die with your smoke bombs! Advance! Move out of the smoke range! Turret, turn right, there¡¯s still visibility on the right! Turn right 40 degrees, no 50 degrees!" ???????¦¥?

    The turret began to turn right, but then the second smoke bomb hit.

    Romanov, "Keep maneuvering, fire the moment we rush out of the smoke! It¡¯s all on you now, gunner!"

    "Got it!"

    The tank¡¯s engine roared, and Romanov was practically lying on the observation window, his eyes nearly imnted in the narrow aperture.

    Finally, the smoke cleared¡ªnot really, the tank had broken through the smoke.

    Romanov, "Quick! Fire! Before the enemy shoots new smoke bombs!"

    Gunner, "Firing!"

    The gunpowder gas from the main gun temporarily blocked the view, but the tank quickly left the gas behind, and Romanov clearly saw the smoking Panzer IV, although there was no open me, the Prosen tank operators were leaping out of the tank one after another.

    Then suddenly a submachine gunner popped out of the trench, spraying bullets at the fleeing Prosen tank operators.

    The gunner eximed, "Prosen tanks reversing! They¡¯re running away!"

    Romanov, "Good! That¡¯s great! Chase after them, wipe them all out!"

    As they spoke, the KV climbed to the highest point of the Nameless Hignds.

    The front opened up abruptly.

    The waiting second echelon of Prosens suddenly entered Romanov¡¯s field of vision.

    "Sukabule!" Romanov muttered.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen of the Prosen Armored Army¡¯s 9th Armored Division¡¯s 1st Armored Battalion observed the Nameless Hignds from hismand tank and clearly saw the second Panzer IV destroyed.

    He picked up the handset, adjusted the radio, and asked, "1st toon, what¡¯s happening? What keeps destroying your tanks?"

    Over the radio came the response: "Battalionmander, it¡¯s a KV tank that seems to have extra armor tes welded on, but we can handle it."

    "If you can¡¯t handle it, fall back."

    "We can handle it!" The toon leader of the 1st toon was very assertive.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen: "Understood, I¡¯ll leave it to you. But retreating with your current armaments against a KV is no disgrace."

    The 1st toon was sent in because they were equipped with older tanks, so their loss in a meat grinder wouldn¡¯t be too regrettable. The second echelon¡¯s Panzer IIIs and Fours were all new models outfitted with long-barreled guns.

    Yes, even the Panzer III had been outfitted with the new 50-caliber gun, giving these tanks the capability to directly prate the front armor of a KV tank.

    Of course, the toon leader of the 1st toon had just reported that the KV had new welded armor, which could mean that the long-barreled guns might not prate its front armor.

    But Lieutenant Colonel Hansen had confidence in the long-barreled gun on the Panzer IV.

    At this moment, another Prosen tank atop the Nameless Hignds was destroyed.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen picked up the handset, but after thinking for a moment, put it down again. He decided to trust his toon leader.

    Another Panzer III was destroyed, and Lieutenant Colonel Hansen merely watched through his binocrs.

    He saw the crew of the Panzer III bail out and run backward, only to be gunned down by Ante submachine gunners who emerged from the trenches.

    Even so, he remained unmoved, silently counting the loading time for the KV. Lieutenant Colonel Hansen, having faced KV tanksst year as the Armored toonmander, was well-versed in the capabilities of these massive machines.

    He finished counting quickly but no new tanks were destroyed.

    It seemed the toon leader had chosen to deploy smoke, blocking the KV¡¯s line of sight.

    A correct judgment¡ªLieutenant Colonel Hansen thought to himself.

    If the KV wished to charge out of the smoke, it would have to get close to the 1st toon¡¯s tanks, which then could surround it, break its tracks and jam its turret ring.

    Just as he thought this, another friendly tank was hit.

    He picked up the handset once more¡ª

    However, the tanks of the 1st toon began to retreat, meaning the toon leader had also judged that continuing to fight the KV on their own would incur too great a loss.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen turned to the Long-barreled Four next to him, number 210: "William! Your tank fires, aim to take out that KV with one shot."

    The tankmander of vehicle 210 gave a thumbs-up, said something while holding the microphone to his neck, and the tank¡¯s turret began to rotate while its elevation mechanism started to lift.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen continued to watch the top of the high ground with his binocrs.

    Due to the loud engine noise from the friendly tanks, he couldn¡¯t hear the KV¡¯s engine.

    Finally, the green tank appeared.

    No Red g.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen felt a tinge of disappointment, yet after careful thought, it made sense that Rocossov, now the Front Army Commander, would not be personally driving a tank at the very forefront.

    He raised his right hand, signaling vehicle 210.

    The long barrel of 210 aimed at the KV.

    "Fire!" Lieutenant Colonel Hansen¡¯s hand chopped down like a guillotine.

    Vehicle 210 fired its shot.

    The Armor-Piercing Shell, like lightning, struck the KV¡¯s front armor, leaving behind a round hole still emitting mes.

    The next moment, the rear enginepartment of the KV exploded into an orange fireball.

    mes then burst out from around the tank turret ring, enveloping the turret.

    No tank operators bailed out, at least not yet.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen turned to nod at themander of vehicle 210, who took out his water bottle and took a sip.

    -------------

    When Romanov came to, his first feeling was heat.

    He looked to the side and saw that the entire tank interior was aglow with red.

    The gunner and the loadery in the turret, motionless, their uniforms soaked with blood.

    After grasping the situation, Romanov picked up the only submachine gun in the tank and crawled out of the turret through the hatch that had not been closed in time.

    The first thing he saw was Prosen soldiers approaching the tank, so he aimed the submachine gun intending to shoot, but when he pulled the trigger, he realized it was not loaded.

    He worked the charging handle and opened fire on the Prosens from atop the turret.

    The next moment, a rifle bullet hit him in the forehead.

    Romanov leaned backward, fighting against the urge to fall with all his remaining strength. In this instant, he and his tank were like a statue.

    His hand was the first to lose power, and the submachine gun slid off onto the side of the tank with a thud.

    Romanov wanted to scream, to curse the Prosen devils, to bid farewell to his wife far behind the lines, but the sinister bullets kept hitting him one after another.

    He finally rolled off the turret andnded on the scorching engine vent grill. The mes caused his muscles to spasm involuntarily, forcing him to tumble.

    He rolled down like that onto the ground, his face buried in the dirt.

    The half of his eye that was exposed remained wide open, staring at the burning battlefield.

 Chapter 570: An Insignificant Place, Blood Colors the Sunset Clouds

    Ilyich Ivanovich watched the burning KV and immediately realized that at this time he had to maintain morale.

    And the best way to stabilize morale at such a moment was to charge.

    Once the soldiers started charging, they would no longer be distracted by thoughts, but dominated by impulse.

    What was best was that thest performance of the KV¡¯s tankmander had been witnessed by everyone. Tounch a charge at this point couldn¡¯t be more appropriate.

    As the soldiers wereing to their senses from the shock of theirrade¡¯s heroic actions, morale was at the brink of copsing.

    So Ilyich dropped the machine gun and, brandishing his pistol, eximed, "Let¡¯s fight them! Hurrah!"

    Having said that, he was the first to charge out of the trench, lifting his hand and shooting a Prosen Corporal.

    Every Antean in the trench who was able to move stood up, shouting "Hurrah!" and waving whatever weapons they could grasp.

    The Prosens lying not far in front of the trench stood up, attempting to resist the charging Antean soldiers. In mere seconds, they were almost all knocked to the ground.The remaining Prosens started to run away.

    Since the enemy and allied forces were mixed together, the Prosen tanks couldn¡¯t open fire and could only retreat with the infantry.

    Ilyich led his troops in pursuit for a while, all the way to the frontline trench - which they had unknowingly lost earlier in the battle.

    Ilyich rushed into the trench and yelled to those around him, "All right! We¡¯re at the very front of the position! We¡¯ve retaken the entire position! No need to chase them anymore, just shoot at the enemy from the trench!"

    As he spoke, he continued to fire his pistol, while others followed suit, diving into the trench and shooting at the retreating enemy with their weapons.

    Now that the distance between the two sides had widened, the enemy tanks were able to open fire again, and high-explosive shells continuously exploded all over the position.

    Ilyich ducked his head but did not stop shouting, "We repelled the enemy attack! As a temporary Infantry Division, we repelled the attack of the Armored Division! If we can repel them once, we can repel them a second time!"

    By that time, the enemy tank bombardment had also stopped.

    After all, the infantry had been crushed; advancing only with tanks against the trenches felt like sendingmbs to the ughter. The Antean Commanders might do such a thing, but the Prosens would not.

    The Prosen manual stated that tanks attacking a preset position required infantry support.

    When it came to following their manual, the Prosens always performed very well.

    When the sound of the enemy tanks had also faded away, Ilyich stood up and walked along the trench, soothing the soldiers as he went ¡ª just like before the enemy attack.

    Visibly, there were many fewer men than before, and exhaustion was evident on everyone¡¯s faces.

    Ilyich patted their shoulders one by one, "Well done! You, well done! Alyosha, you did well too; I saw you personally destroy a tank."

    He made his way like this until he reached Stepan¡¯s shoulder.

    Ilyich stopped, grinned at Stepan, and asked, "Survived again?"

    "Yeah," Stepanughed, "aren¡¯t you the same? I thought you¡¯d either die on the front or be too scared to function, but you turned out pretty good."@@novelbin@@

    Ilyich leaned against the trench wall opposite Stepan and smiled, pulling out a cigarette. "I¡¯m surprised myself, given that before I enlisted, I was just a parish priest handling hams. Last night I even had a nightmare. I dreamed that today I was the only chief officer left on the front and that all the warriors had run away; I was chasing after them, waving my pistol continuously and shouting ¡¯Come back,e back quickly!¡¯"

    Stepan roared withughter, and the soldiers who heard Ilyich¡¯s wordsughed as well.

    After theughter, Stepan said, "It¡¯s better now. These new recruits have be real men. Based on my experience, those who didn¡¯t run in the first wave won¡¯t runter on." R§¡N¨¯???

    The Private Second ss, who had been listening, was thrilled. "Really? So the next time the enemyes, I won¡¯t wet my pants?"

    Stepan said, "Don¡¯tugh. You think that¡¯s a good thing? No, it¡¯s a bad thing. It means you¡¯re no longer human. Even if you survive this war, you won¡¯t be human anymore."

    The Private Second ss widened his eyes. "What do you mean? I¡¯ve grown three heads and six arms?"

    Stepan said, "You ask the Priest, he understands. I¡¯m a simple man, I don¡¯t understand. All I know is that when I went home on leave to visit my family, I felt ufortable everywhere in the small vige where even the dogs didn¡¯t like to bark.

    "Clean beds, my wife¡¯s smile, and my son¡¯s crying all made me ufortable. I even had insomnia, is that the word?"

    "Come on!" The Private Second ssughed. "You could have insomnia? In the stuffy boxcar, you were the one who slept the soundest. Your snoring was so loud, we all couldn¡¯t sleep!"

    Stepan said, "Really! It was only when I got back to the front line and climbed into the stuffy boxcar that I could sleep soundly again. The nging noise of the boxcar was like a mother¡¯s luby, and as soon as I closed my eyes, I would know nothing! Right, like a mother¡¯s luby! Isn¡¯t my analogy good, Priest?"

    Ilyichughed, "This is called war syndrome, simr to shell shock. There are specific doctors studying this. I only know a little, but it¡¯s something like psychological trauma.

    "It¡¯s a word transliterated from Antenese; we didn¡¯t have it in ournguage before! In short, people who fight will have shadows, nightmares, and the like, feeling uneasy even in a safe environment."

    Stepan said, "See, the Priest knows best. I don¡¯t understand these words. Anyway, now you guys are also suffering from this trauma syndrome. After the war ends, you¡¯ll end up just like me, unable to sleep."

    The Private Second ss shook his head. "I don¡¯t believe it. You¡¯re definitely messing with me along with the Priest! After all, I graduated from the tenth grade, I¡¯ve never heard of such a word."

    At that moment, a messenger ran over. "Who¡¯s in charge here?"

    Ilyich raised his hand. "I am!"

    The messenger immediately ran over to him and sized him up. "A Priest? I¡¯m looking for the military chief officer!"

    Ilyich took a puff of his cigarette. "I am the military chief officer. Of course, you can speak to this warrior next to me too; there¡¯s no one better in battle on this front than him."

    The messenger looked at Stepan, hesitated for a moment, but still spoke to Ilyich. "The headquarters sent me to inform you, the Infantry Division reserve has already set out and will arrive in half an hour. You must hold off the enemy¡¯s attack until then!"

    Ilyich smiled. "The headquarters still has reserves? Impressive. We guarantee to hold off the enemy¡¯s attack."

    The messenger nodded, then asked, "What about the telephone?"

    Ilyich pointed to themand post, now in ruins. "It¡¯s been blown to bits, along with the Commander."

    The messenger looked at the rubble, nodded. "Then I¡¯ll go back to headquarters and get you another telephone. Good luck." Experience exclusive tales on

    Before Ilyich could reply, the sound of a high-explosive shell tearing through the air came from above.

    "Take cover!" he shouted.

 Chapter 571: Rocossovâ€™s Right Hook

    Returning to Headquarters, the first sight was a map riddled with red.

    Wang Zhong: "How many positions have we lost?"

    Pavlov gave him a sidelong nce: "Although it¡¯s the truth, don¡¯t be so blunt about it, it¡¯s bad for morale. Currently, on the first line of defense, almost all the positions without reinforced concrete structures are gone.

    "Several support points based on the original reinforced concrete buildings are still resisting, we can even reach them by phone."

    Pavlov said as he picked up a map stick and quickly pointed on the map a few times: "Here, here, and here, three support points in total. We¡¯ve dispersed most of the 21st Tank Regiment¡¯s KV tanks into the alleyways surrounding these three points."

    Wang Zhong pretended to look at the map, but his bird¡¯s-eye view had already rified the terrain¡ªof course, without establishing contact with the frontline troops, he could only see the topography, with enemy and friendly troop markers stuck on the terrain like sters.

    You wouldn¡¯t believe it, but it¡¯s quite like a game, Wang Zhong thought. Before he time traveled, he used to like ying games like SGS, which felt somewhat the same before zooming in.

    Since he couldn¡¯t see where the tanks were specifically ced, Wang Zhong called out, "Phone contact with these three support points."

    Pavlov: "The fight is still ongoing, I¡¯m afraid even if you call through, you won¡¯t be able to adjust anything."Wang Zhong had no choice but to change the subject: "Besides the support points, are there no other positions defended?"

    "There are, the Nameless Hignds defended by the temporary 510th Division are still in our hands. This high ground overlooks our second and third lines of defense, so the temporary 510th put all their reserves into it, including cooks and the division guard. ording to them..." Pavlov paused, adjusted his expression, "it¡¯s down to the division staff and the divisionmander himself."

    Wang Zhong: "What about their reinforcements?"

    Pavlov pointed the map stick at the arrow toward the Nameless Hignds: "One division from the 56th Infantry Army is en route, but the 56th¡¯s equipment isn¡¯t great, with low motorization, they can¡¯t catch up for now."

    Wang Zhong stared at the map, switched his view, and looked at the actual topography of the high ground: "This hignd, our Whirlwind can be put to use, send the 225th Division¡¯s Whirlwind troops. Do we have any infantry that could go with the Whirlwind right now?"

    Pavlov: "The 393rd Brigade of the Naval Infantry has asked to fight for the fourth time."

    Wang Zhong hesitated for a moment but then decisively said, "Have the 393rd Brigade mount the Whirlwind and head over! With the mobility of the Whirlwind, they¡¯ll be faster than the 56th Army on foot!"

    "Yes!" Pavlov immediately turned to make the call.

    Just then, another phone rang. The staff officer picked it up and immediately shouted, "No, you have to hold on! Night falls in three hours. The Prosens do not have strong nightbat capabilities, hold until nighttime and then we¡¯ll see!"

    The Prosens relied heavily on long-range firepower, especially the firepower provided by the machine guns issued to their squads. It wasmon knowledge among the Ante Troops that the Prosenbat effectiveness would decline at night. R??????¦¥?

    Wang Zhong watched the staff officer shouting into the handset, "No! We have absolutely no other troops to send out. Do you want to pull troops from the second and third defense lines? Then if the enemy breaks through, isn¡¯t thatpletely exposed? No! No retreat!

    "High casualties? Casualties are heavy everywhere! You..."

    Wang Zhong walked over and extended his hand.

    The staff officer nced at him, then immediately said to the handset, "Admiral Rokossovsky, the Front Army Commander, wishes to speak to you!"

    After that, he handed the handset to Wang Zhong, adding, "It¡¯s the phone from the support point at the peripheral repair shop."

    Wang Zhong nodded, took the handset, "This is Rokossov."

    "General!" The voice from the handset shouted anxiously, even over the sound of machine gun fire, "We¡¯ve suffered too many losses! Some units are down to just a few men! If the fight goes on, we¡¯ll be obliterated!"

    Wang Zhong: "I don¡¯t want your casualty figures, I want the support point. If you want reinforcements, I am the only one left. I¡¯lle personally!"

    There was sudden silence on the other end, only the intense sound of machine gun fire could be heard.

    Wang Zhong: "Hello?"

    A voice from the other end, as if snapping out of a trance, responded: "Understood, Commander Davarish, as long as there¡¯s one of us, the position stands. When we have all sacrificed, you would be the only hope for defense."

    Wang Zhong: "Good luck, Commander Davarish."

    "See you in Plowsonia, Comrade Commander."

    The other side resolutely hung up the phone.

    Wang Zhong: "Who opened a window? It¡¯s a bit windy."

    All the staff looked at the tightly closed windows as the howling wind rattled them.

    Wang Zhong turned to Pavlov: "I order you, even if you have to scrape them together, get troops to the front line!"

    Pavlov: "The capacity of the railway line is such that it can deliver three divisions each day, but the bombing from the Ploson Air Force has caused huge losses. To have sufficient troops, we must eliminate the Prosen artillery positions and observation posts on the West Bank, so that the Valdai Hills River can be navigable throughout its basin."

    Pavlov said this while running a map stick over the map, tracing the entire course of the Valdai Hills River.

    Wang Zhong: "Good, this is exactly what we need to do. Here are the reconnaissance results."

    He took out a map board from his chest: "The photos are being developed, they should be ready by midnight. I¡¯ve found three suitablending spots along the entire West Bank. One of those spots is perfect for setting up a pontoon bridge. After the Naval Infantrynds, we can send the 51st Tank Army across using a pontoon bridge. With the rapid mobility of the tank units, we can clear the enemy artillery positions on the riverbanks."

    Wang Zhong gestured over the map.

    "I¡¯ve found the artillery positions and observation posts at these locations." He circled several marked positions on the map with a pen.

    Pavlov: "Your reconnaissance is miraculous. I suddenly have absolute confidence that we can defeat the enemy¡ªeven though our forces are currently insufficient."

    As soon as he finished speaking, a staff officer muttered, "Even though our troop numbers are nearly on par with the enemy¡¯s, why do we still feel like we¡¯re at a disadvantage?"

    Wang Zhong: "The enemy¡¯s quality is better than ours. Don¡¯t worry. Veterans are an irreceable resource. Once we have significantly reduced the enemy¡¯s veteran forces and forced Prosen to begin total mobilization, we¡¯ll be able to thrash them with the same number of troops."@@novelbin@@

    Staff Officer: "How long will that take?"

    Wang Zhong: "You¡¯ll see by next year, I mean, in some areas."

    "You..." The staff officer looked at him with respect, "have you already grasped the entire context of the war?"

    Wang Zhong poked the staff officer¡¯s shoulder with the map board in his hand: "You haven¡¯t been studying hard enough. If you read the booklets I wrote, you¡¯d understand too."

    "I have read them!" Yakov suddenly interjected, "Indeed, after reading them, my whole mind became clear, and I was instantly filled with confidence in the future."

    Yakov almost became a professional salesman for the booklets Wang Zhong wrote, always carrying three sets with him¡ªone to read, one to give away, and one to spare.

    Wang Zhong, embarrassed by the praise, forced himself to turn back to the map: "Anyway, let¡¯s get this right hook going. Call the Ind Fleet Commander and the Naval Infantry Division Commander right now. Also, have the Pontoon Bridge Troops ready."

    Pavlov: "The Pontoon Bridge Troops have been preparing to build bridges; we¡¯ve even importedrge-scale bridging equipment from the Federation. Now, they¡¯re practicing bridge construction daily on tributaries without real-world application.

    "Besides, there¡¯s also the option of car ferries. We¡¯ve tested them before, and they can transport tanks across if we limit it to two tanks per ferry."

    Wang Zhong shook his head: "We still need pontoons, ferries are too slow, and they¡¯re an easy target for enemy bombers."

    Just as he spoke, the Ind Fleet Commander and the Naval Infantry Division Commander walked in.

    "How did you get here so quickly?" Wang Zhong was surprised.

    "We heard that you had returned from reconnaissance and came straight over, bringing along a staff officer skilled in organizingnding operations," said the Ind Fleet Commander, indicating the staff officer behind him, "If the distance isn¡¯t too great, we cannd tomorrow. Of course, if we¡¯re talking aboutnding 100 kilometers upstream, that¡¯s moreplicated¡ªwe¡¯ll need to form a convoy of transport ships... Anyway, we canunch an assault within three days."

    Wang Zhong: "Within three days?"

    "Yes, since it¡¯s just an indnding. Tides and such are fairly straightforward, and we¡¯re familiar with the conditions on both banks of the river," the Ind Fleet Commander exined, "but the Prosens have fortified likelynding spots."

    The Prosens didn¡¯t spread their troops thin but instead fortified the easynding spots and set up artillery positions to blockade the river.

    Wang Zhong: "Come take a look, thending site is here."

    By then, the staff had already marked all the locations Wang Zhong identified on the big map.

    Wang Zhong, pointing to those spots: "After my personal reconnaissance, I¡¯ve chosen anding site where the enemy forces are weak and it¡¯s easy to attack the artillery positions on the shore."

    "Here, huh," the Ind Fleet Commander shook his head, "there¡¯s a sunken ship in that area, and the currents are quite strong¡ªit¡¯s not an idealnding spot. Perhaps that¡¯s why the enemy hasn¡¯t fortified it."

    The Naval Infantry Division Commander immediately said, "I think it¡¯s worth trying. Catch them by surprise. If thending craft get stuck, we¡¯ll wade ashore. We¡¯re all swimmers anyway, and we can even swim across the river fully armed without thending craft."

    Wang Zhong: "We still need thending craft; the enemy has heavy firepower onshore."

    "We can capture the enemy¡¯s heavy firepower," the Division Commander said confidently. "We¡¯re all trained to operate the enemy¡¯s artillery, tanks, and armored vehicles."

    Wang Zhong felt a twinge of envy; an entire division trained to drive tanks, operate half-tracks, and manage artillery¡ªwhat kind of infantry are you? You should be in a technical service!

    Fifteen thousand skilled Tank Operators, how many tanks could they man!

    But then he reconsidered, realizing that truly reliable tanks hadn¡¯t yet been produced; sending the elite Tank Operators to man T34s and KVs would be like delivering themselves to defeat, so he quickly regained hisposure.

    Wang Zhong: "In any case, I havepleted the reconnaissance, and we can get the photos by midnight. You should finalize the n quickly, aiming tounch the assault before the 25th. That¡¯s when the muddy season starts, making it harder for the enemy to counter thending."

    "Yes, sir!" the two senior Naval officers saluted in unison.

 Chapter 572: Rushing to Help

    On the Nameless Hignds.

    The Prosens¡¯ third charge was repelled.

    Ilyich walked along the trench, picking at the bandage on his left shoulder as he went¡ªhe felt as if some beetle was crawling beneath it, making it unbearably itchy.

    His fingernails were already caked with charred dirt and bloodstains from scratching at the bandage.

    The soldiers on the front, whether they had been there from the start or wereter reinforcements, were almost all injured. As Ilyich passed by Nurse Maria, he saw her bandaging Stepan with a bandage that was already filthy and no longer white.

    Ilyich said, "Stepan, you¡¯ve finally been hit?"

    Stepan shook his head, "It¡¯s just a scratch, nothing serious. I told the nurse that using this bandage might infect the wound, and then I¡¯d have to amputate my entire arm. Better to leave it alone, just pour some alcohol on it, that way I can keep my arm."

    Ilyichughed, "Now you¡¯re thinking about keeping your arm, but in this damn fight, we don¡¯t even know if we¡¯ll survive. The Prosens have attacked three times, and now only the old, weak, sick, and disabled are left on the position. If theye again..."

    At that moment, someone shouted from afar, "Some oddly dressed people areing! Their uniforms don¡¯t look like the Prosens¡¯, nor do they look like ours!"Ilyich quickly pressed himself against the trench wall and stretched his neck to look outside.

    He saw a small squad wearing berets and camouged uniforms crawling up from themunication trench on the side of the position.

    The leader looked like an Antenese civilian, even wearing a felt hat popr in factories, and his clothes also resembled those of guerri fighters.

    Virtually all the workers had be guerri fighters, and even those who worked for the Prosensrgely belonged to the underground resistance¡ªearning bread for their families whilst preparing to sabotage and aid the regr army in recovering their homnd.

    Ilyich raised his hand, "Hold your fire, they look like our own. I¡¯ll ask them."

    Then he dashed out of the trench and shouted to the people in themunication trench, "Who goes there? Say your name, or we¡¯ll open fire!"

    The leading guerri fighter called out, "We¡¯re a Suicide squad from the Allied Forces! They guided the air raid earlier, blowing up the enemy¡¯s entire supply system! I brought them across the front lines, and our troops that were supposed to rendezvous with us ran into Prosen tanks and got wiped out, so I had to keep leading them forward!"

    Ilyich looked at the members of the Suicide squad and could tell from their appearance that they were formidable fighters. Most crucially, more than twenty of these men had guided the bombing behind enemy lines and made it out, running through most of thebat zone, without a single one being injured!

    They were fresh reinforcements!

    Ilyich, overjoyed, asked, "Have youe to join us? We can hardly hold this position anymore, just look at us, all old, weak, sick, and handicapped. If we had your toon of fresh reinforcements, we could definitely hold against the enemy¡¯s next attack!"

    The leading guerri fighter smiled, and the rank of Allied Forces¡¯ Suicide squad members behind him also smiled.

    Ilyich, "Why are you smiling?"

    Guerri fighter, "On our way here, we conveniently blew up the ammunition depot for the artillery meant to support you and the fuel depot for the tanks. Look over there, you can still see the smoke! It¡¯s just that you were inbat just now and didn¡¯t hear the explosions."

    Ilyich, puzzled, turned his head and indeed saw a dark column of smoke connecting heaven and earth.

    "Sukabule," he cursed, "You¡¯ve casually blown all that up? And then made it back without a scratch?"

    As soon as the words were out, the officer leading the team shook his head and took out two Soldier¡¯s ID tags. The guerri fighter exined, "We lost two people." ??????¨§?

    Ilyich¡¯s thick eyebrows twisted into knots, "Sacrificing two men for such an important target?"

    The guerri fighter nodded, "They were really skilled. Before the bomb detonated, the Prosens hadn¡¯t even realized they had infiltrated. I could only watch from the side, not knowing how they managed to do it."

    At this point, someone from the suicide squad said in heavily ented Antenese, "Don¡¯t overpraise us, our sess was mainly because the Prosens were attacking, so they neglected their rear defenses."

    Ilyich turned his head to look in the direction of the horizon, then at the old, weak, and sick in the trenches, and finally at the members of the suicide squad. He scratched his bloodstained cheek, "The devil, we¡¯re getting pounded into the ground by the Prosens, and you manage to do this so easily... the devil."

    The member of the suicide squad who had spoken earlier tranted Ilyich¡¯s words, and the squad burst intoughter.

    Then the guerri said, "See, Priest Davarish, they y a greater role when they return to the rear to receive orders from the General. I need to take them back. We only came to your position to borrow a vehicle. Are there any here... any vehicles?"

    Ilyich shook his head, "No, they¡¯re all destroyed. If you walk in the direction I¡¯m pointing, you mighte across a vehicle transporting the wounded. You can discuss it with the driver. Also, be careful of Stukas; the Ploson Air Force has been very active today."

    After all, with the shortage of ground artillery shells, Stukas had be a very important means of fire power deployment.

    The guerri waved his hand and led the suicide squad off in the direction Ilyich had pointed.

    Ilyich stood still, watching them depart as the setting sun cast a blood-red glow on everyone¡¯s back.

    Stepan also came out of the trenches, leaning on a Mosin-Nagant he had picked up from somewhere, watching the assault team moving away, "It would be invigorating to fight shoulder to shoulder with those guys."@@novelbin@@

    Ilyich replied, "They will be executing those especially dangerous missions, Stepan."

    "What¡¯s the difference? I see it¡¯s just as dangerous on the front lines," Stepan shrugged, then winced from the pain in his recently bandaged arm.

    Seeing him like this, Ilyich was reminded of the bandage on his own shoulder. Strangely enough, when he was speaking with the suicide squad earlier, he hadn¡¯t felt like there were beetles scurrying around under his bandage.

    Now the beetles seemed to have be active again, making Ilyich¡¯s face twist with the itch.

    As Ilyich was trying to scratch under his bandage, someone shouted, "Look! Such a big cloud of dust! It could be our reinforcements!"

    Stepan stared into the distance for a few seconds before picking up the binocrs around his neck to take a long look.

    Ilyich followed suit.

    Through the binocrs, amidst the rolling dust, it looked like self-propelled artillery vehicles were speeding their way, with infantry packed behind them.

    Ilyich became excited, shouting, "Reinforcements have arrived! Reinforcements have arrived! And we¡¯ve got armored support! We finally have armored support!"

    Stepan did not shout but leaned on his Mosin-Nagant and let out a breath.

    Those on the "old, weak, sick, and disabled" positions now all cheered, "Hurray!"

    "General Rocossov hasn¡¯t forgotten us!"

    "Hurray!"

 Chapter 573: Itâ€™s Time to Show the Real Skill!

    The former battalionmander of the 225th Division¡¯s Tank Destroyer Battalion had excelled in Yeisk and Bs and was promoted to study at the Suvorov Military Academy.

    The new battalionmander, Sergey, took Ilyich¡¯s hand, "I hope we haven¡¯te toote."

    "Of course, you haven¡¯t!" Ilyich turned and pointed to the defensive position, "Look, the position is still fully under our control!"

    Sergey observed the defensive position and silently took off his hat.

    The entire position was littered with the bodies of Anteans and Prosens, some of which were burnt and huddled together, indistinguishable from one another.

    At least three thousand Antean soldiers had fallen on the tiny Nameless Hignds, and who knew how many more would be swallowed by this bottomless pit.

    Ilyich also looked at the soldiers on the position, but he didn¡¯t take off his hat. Instead, he said to Sergey, "Let¡¯s not rush to pay our respects; who knows, we might join them soon."

    Sergey paused, then put his hat back on and nodded, "Yes, you¡¯re right. Let¡¯s talk about deploying the Whirlwind instead.

    "In Yeisk, we found that the Prosens tend to use arge amount of Smoke Bombs when facing the overwhelm direct fire power of the Whirlwind against their armored units, much like how they counter our ¡¯Divine Arrow.¡¯"So we need to find a way to ambush them and achieve sufficient battle results when they realize they need to use Smoke Bombs."

    Ilyich turned towards the Prosen direction, "You all havee marching up so openly; they must have noticed. I say we do this: their tanks are arranged right there, you push forward into firing range and hit them! When they use Smoke Bombs to block, we pull back!"

    Sergey pursed his lips, thought for a moment, and shook his head, "No, we need to first reconnoiter the terrain and ensure the Tank Destroyers won¡¯t get stuck in the ground. Your position was originally dug with trenches, sandbags piled up for shelters, and then plowed over by enemy fire, and the battle has raged until now..."

    As he spoke, he bent over to pick up a damaged helmet and shook it at Ilyich, "Look at this helmet. A single track can roll over it, but there¡¯s a pile of helmets like this on your position, and weapons scattered everywhere... If we¡¯re to advance and engage the enemy from your position, we must actually scout the terrain, or we¡¯ll definitely have Tank Destroyers disabled on the way forward or in retreat."

    Ilyich clicked his tongue, "That¡¯s the situation. You could take advantage of the night to scout the terrain..."

    At that moment, the telephone rang.

    Everyone stopped talking and looked in the direction of the ringing. The phone stopped abruptly, reced by the voice of the person answering, "This is Nameless Hignds! General! Yes! I will transfer the phone to the Commander immediately!"

    A corporal with a bandage around his head ran towards them, one hand holding the telephone base, the other the receiver, "Priest! It¡¯s a call from the General!"

    He ran a few steps, and the phone line got caught on something. Immediately, three or four wounded men started fumbling to straighten out the line.

    The corporal reached Ilyich and said, "Telephone call from the General!"

    In the Abawahan Front Army, mentioning the General could only refer to one person.

    Ilyich respectfully took the phone, "Your Excellency, General! I¡¯m Ilyich Davarish, the highestmander at Nameless Hignds, and beside me is the newly arrived Tank Destroyer Battalionmander!"

    Rocossov spoke on the phone, "Stop calling me ¡¯Your Excellency,¡¯ Ilyich Davarish, first of all, your defense has been very sessful, I have seen your situation, and it wasn¡¯t easy to hold out!"

    Ilyich was pleasantly surprised, "You¡¯ve seen it? But we have been fighting for a day and haven¡¯t had any visitation groups from Front Army Headquarters down here?"

    "Let¡¯s say Saint Andrew allowed me to see it. Now, I have orders for you, which you will convey to themander of the 225th Division¡¯s Tank Destroyer Battalion. Tonight, you can start the Whirlwind¡¯s engine at night and use the gradually decreasing engine noise to feign that the Whirlwind has left. ??????????

    "Also, have the Naval Infantry that went up with the Whirlwind dig shelters for it, and try to hide the Whirlwind as much as possible. Remember to leave a route for maneuvering. And about the enemy¡¯s Smoke Bombs, consider using explosives to disperse the smoke; you should still have plenty of explosives left in your position, right?"

    Ilyich nodded, "Yes, there¡¯s plenty of explosives left, but not many who can throw them."

    Rocossov continued on the phone, "Use the explosives to drive away the smoke and clear the Whirlwind¡¯s firing range. Also, think about igniting tires to heat the air with arge fire, creating convection on the position, thereby reducing the effect of the Smoke Bombs."

    "Understood!" Ilyich brought his feet together and saluted the General who was not present.

    Rocossov said, "Don¡¯t rush to salute."

    "Eh?"

    Ilyich looked around, then realized the General wasn¡¯t watching him. He then had a hunch and looked up at the sky.

    Rocossov said, "Tell your ns to Battalion Commander Sergey, and also, the machine gun position on the far left of your position is not well ced, I think moving it five meters to the left would be better."

    After saying that, the phone call ended.

    Ilyich nced at the sky and muttered, "The left side is..."

    He looked to the south, "Could it be the south? If the General really looked over here, it should be from the east."

    Sergey, perplexed, asked, "What happened?"

    "Nothing," Ilyich waved his hand and instructed his soldiers, "Move the machine gun position on the south side another five meters to the south! Also, Battalion Commander Sergey, the General¡¯s instructions for you are as follows..."

    On October 20 at 2230 hours, Major General Schneider of the 9th Armored Division of the Prosen 14th Armored Army was inspecting his troops in a jeep.

    He hade all the way to the Nameless Hignds, which had withstood a day¡¯s intensebat without falling.

    The battalionmander of the 1st Armored Battalion, Hansen, tasked withmanding the assault, was already waiting for him there.

    "Hansen," Major General Schneider got out of the car, "do you have anything to say? Out of the entire 14th Armored Army, only we have been stopped by the enemy¡¯s field positions!"

    Hansen, with a look of helplessness: "Our supporting artillery¡¯s ammo dump was destroyed. Otherwise, we could have definitely taken the high ground!"

    Major General Schneider did not respond and strode into the artillery observation post to survey the enemy positions in the night with his Artillery Mirror, scrutinizing for more than ten seconds. He pulled away from the Mirror¡¯s eyepiece and looked at Hansen: "I thought I would see reinforced concrete fortifications, but there¡¯s nothing!

    "It¡¯s unbelievable that such rudimentary fortifications have held you back."

    Hansen: "The Anteans have demonstrated a remarkable will to fight. We¡¯ve engaged in hand-to-handbat several times and have been repelled each time! The twopanies that joined the attack suffered heavy losses! I lost thirty tanks today on the battlefield, General!"

    Major General Schneider shook his head and questioned: "So are the troops in position the enemy¡¯s elite? Naval Infantry or Guards Infantry? Hm? The intel I received at Headquarters mentioned only a bunch of conscripts."

    Hansen was about to reply when suddenly, from the dark of the night, a deafening roar of engines could be heard.

    Schneider hurriedly turned to the Artillery Mirror and pressed his eyes against the eyepiece.

    He saw what appeared to be dust rising from the positions.

    Major General Schneider: "All units on alert!"

    Hansen immediately ryed the order and waited for the messenger to leave before saying to Major General Schneider: "The enemy wouldn¡¯tunch an armored offensive at night, although there have been cases where they¡¯ve sent Naval Infantry to conduct night raids, but..."

    "Shush!" Major General Schneider raised his finger and whispered, "The sound of the engines is moving away from the position. Didn¡¯t you report observing an enemy Tank Destroyer before darkness fell?"

    Hansen also lowered his voice: "Yes."

    "This is a trap," Major General Schneider waved his finger, "I¡¯ve studied that Rocossov¡¯s tactics. He likes to feint one way and strike another. If it appears as though the Tank Destroyers have left, then you will encounter Tank Destroyers on the position tomorrow. Perfect¡ªthe artillery doesn¡¯t have proper shells anyway, so use Smoke Bombs to cover the entire position tomorrow, depriving the enemy¡¯s Tank Destroyers of visibility. Moreover..."

    Hansen: "General, this will also prevent our tanks from utilizing their firepower advantage. If we rush to closebat range, enemy infantry will inflict heavy losses on us."

    Major General Schneider: "Then bring more infantry. The enemy is just a group of ad hoc infantry, surviving thus far on sheerbat will¡ªand continuous reinforcements. I bet that today, as defenders, they suffered more casualties than us attackers. Far more!"

    Indeed, today on the Nameless Hignds, there were far more Antean bodies than Prosen.

    Major General Schneider continued: "Tonight, the 9th Armored Grenadiers Division will join the assault, our brother unit. You will receive the support of an entire Armored Grenadier Corps! Use pure infantry to attack and annihte the enemy! And incidentally, shatter the myth of that so-called ¡¯Whirlwind¡¯ Assault Gun!"

    Since the battle of Yeisk, Ante¡¯s propaganda machine had been touting the Whirlwind, painting it as a divine weapon capable of altering the course of battle.

    Hansen was greatly encouraged: "Understood! Tomorrow, we¡¯ll deliver results that will please you, General!"

    "Good," Major General Schneider patted his shoulder.

    Just then, a howling sound came from the sky.

    Three minutes earlier.

    At the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters, Pavlov was looking at his watch: "This familiar feeling, it feels like it¡¯s been a long time since west had it."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhongughed heartily: "In Yeisk, our supply situation wasn¡¯t good, we couldn¡¯t shell on schedule like this."

    The Abawahan Front Army was short of troops but not shells because this ce was the end of the Allied supply lines. Shells produced by the United Kingdom in ces like India and those transported by the Federation from Australia all came here.

    So naturally, Wang Zhong¡¯s specialty, the timed artillery barrage, was about to begin.

    The main goal was to prevent the enemy from sleeping soundly.

    Should one be careless, it might even scatter one¡¯s bed and cooking pot.

    On Earth, this was a tactic yed by the U.S. Military. After the war, Sturmtiger generals even wrote books ridiculing the Americans, saying that such "aimless shelling" was pletely useless apart from wasting shells" and that it "consumed arge amount of ammunition affecting normal artillery fire."

    However, after Wang Zhong tried it himself, he thought that the Sturmtiger generals were just talking tough. How could losing sleep in the middle of the night have no effect?

    If anything, the Americans¡¯ logistics were botched by their stupid chief of logistics, causing a lot of shells to not be delivered, which then impacted the normal offensive artillery fire.

    If the Americans weren¡¯t sabotaged by their own chief of logistics, they would have had enough shells, and the Sturmtigers might have been blown to smithereens.

    Pavlov, the second hand on his watch reaching the top, picked up the receiver: "Fire."

    Wang Zhong switched his view; by that time, he had just gained the view of the various artillery units, so he could look down from above at the sight of thousands of cannon firing simultaneously.

 Chapter 574: This is Rocossovâ€™s Tactics

    Major General Schneider thought he might be about to give up the ghost at the front line.

    He had heard before that Rocossov liked to use artillery, but he never imagined it would be "used" like this.

    He suspected that there were 1,000 pieces of heavy artillery firing at them now, the shells practically flipping the entire camp upside down.

    ording to statistics from the Prosen High Command, Rocossov had directly or indirectly killed four major generals with his artillery, and now Schneider worried that he might be the fifth.

    Amidst the earth-shaking bombardment, he took out a notebook and begun to write his will with a trembling pencil, "My dearest Erika, if you are reading this... Damn, why the hell am I writing if you are reading this!"

    As if in response to his words, the roof of the artillery observation post they were in¡ªan improvised roof made from wood and ropes that was practically only a psychologicalfort against shelling¡ªsuddenly copsed.

    Major General Schneider was knocked out cold. In his unconsciousness, he saw his long-deceased grandparents smiling at him (Schneider was 51 years old).

    He also saw his parents, who had passed away many years ago, holding a child in swaddling clothes, watching the child babble and grow up gradually.

    Just as the child was joining the Youth Corps, everything suddenly disappeared, reced by Schneider¡¯s deputy officer shouting at him, "General! General, wake up!"Schneider opened his eyes, "Have youe to heaven too?"

    The deputy shook his head, "No, General, we¡¯re in hell."

    It was only then that Schneider heard someone shouting nearby; he turned his head to look and saw tank operators with fire extinguishers and fireproof canvas, trying hard to put out the fire on a tank.

    Next to the battered truck, mechanics were looking for anything usable.

    Stretcher bearers were sprinting with their stretchers, the wounded on them screaming without any of the honor and pride of the Prosen Empire¡¯s soldiers.

    Major General Schneider: "I¡¯m still alive?"

    Deputy: "Yes, but the entiremand unit you brought has been wiped out, and the radio is gone. We¡¯ve lost contact with the division¡¯s headquarters. Most critically, we can¡¯t find a working motorcycle to send a messenger, so I¡¯ve sent one on horseback with the message."

    Major General Schneider stared nkly at the scene of "total chaos" before him, and after a long pause, he remembered to ask loudly, "What about Lieutenant Colonel Hansen?"

    Deputy: "The lieutenant colonel and the recently arrivedmander of the 9th Armored Grenadier Corps¡¯ First Regiment both died, as did the entiremand staff of the 9th Armored Grenadier First Regiment."

    The deputy pointed to a burning armoredmand vehicle in the distance, "It is said that the 9th Armored Grenadier First Regiment was just gathering all the chief officers for a meeting." ???¦­??¨§¡ì

    Major General Schneider, holding his forehead: "I should have anticipated Rocossov would shell our assembly and departure points. I should have ordered the troops to move out and rest elsewhere!"

    The battlefield is vast, and such shelling is mostly a waste of ammunition if it just misses the target by a bit.

    But the problem was that Major General Schneider didn¡¯t order to change the location before resting, and all units of the 9th Armored Division were at the positions they had at the end of today¡¯s offensive.

    It was likely that the entire division had been smashed to pieces by Rocossov¡¯s barrages.

    Schneider silently learned from this lesson and turned to give orders, "Immediately promote newmand personnel, tell the new officers the n for tomorrow¡¯s battle; the n for tomorrow morning¡¯s offensive remains unchanged. I¡¯m heading back to division headquarters."

    Deputy: "General, the only fit horse was taken by the messenger, and now we have no means of transportation to return to Headquarters."

    "What?" Major General Schneider eximed in rm, "Quickly call the division headquarters with the radio and ask them to send a vehicle for me!"

    Deputy: "The tank units were just bombarded, and radio equipment on tank vehicles is the most readily destroyed by shelling. It is likely that no tank radio is operational¡ª"

    At that moment, a tank operator on a nearby tank shouted, "We just fixed the radio!"

    Every armoredpany in the Prosen Army was assigned one or two electrical engineers, who often sat next to the driver and the machine gunner and were really "mech-electricians," each possessing at least some skills to repair radios.

    Major General Schneider eximed with delight, "Quick, call Headquarters! Tell them to send a car for me! And bring new guards, all my attendants here, except for Lister (the Deputy Officer), have been sacrificed."

    The radio repairmen immediately began to call.

    Major General Schneider sighed and turned to look at the ruined Armored Battalion and Armored Grenadier Corps.

    Wang Zhong struggled to use the overhead surveince system to get a clear view of the artillery strike¡¯s effect. Unfortunately, the overhead mappletely obscured the situation below, and Wang Zhong could only infer through icons where the viges were, where the farmsy, but how many Prosen troops were stationed there, theposition of the forces, and what their state of preservation was after the recent bombardment¡ªall of these details were unknown to him.

    He could only pace back and forth nervously in themand center. After walking for a long time, he suddenly felt thirsty and called out, "Nelly! Fetch me some yogurt!"

    Suddenly, he realized that Nelly had not yet arrived. Thest time he observed from the air, Ludm was there, and Nelly had been by her side.

    The two of them now seemed to be stuck on the road, only able to proceed towards Abawahan bit by bit aboard a transport vehicle using the railway, while hitching a ride with a group of nurses.

    Pavlov originally wanted to issue amand to give them special treatment, but Wang Zhong refused.

    Wang Zhong hoped that they would arrive at the frontter. If the situation in Abawahan proved dangerous, he could have them stop on the opposite bank¡ªthe opposite side was definitely safe, as neither the Ante Ind Sea Fleet nor the Ind Fleet would allow the Prosens to cross the river.

    At worst, they would split the river mouth¡¯s port in two.

    However, whether Kuba¡¯s Front Army could hold back the Prosen Army¡¯s direct advance once past Abawahan was uncertain. On the path to Kuba, there were no rivers, no fortified cities, and not evenplex terrain¡ªit waspletely t.

    Under such terrain, the Ante Army currently could not withstand the Prosen Army. Find more chapters on

    Even if Kuba¡¯s Front Army could resist with the aid of General Winter, with transportation lines choked, the oil transported ind from the oil fields would drastically reduce.

    Ante was now heavily reliant on Kuba¡¯s oil¡ªonce the transportation lines were severed, they might evenck enough fuel oil to make it through the night, potentially freezing millions to death and greatly shaking the entire resistance will of Ante.

    The current situation from all aspects indicated that Abawahan was this timeline¡¯s Steelgrad, where a very brutal meat grinder battle in the city was bound to ensue.

    Wang Zhong did not wish for his wife and the little maid to arrive at such a time.

    Because he was certainly going to share the city¡¯s fate, just like another time¡¯s Chuikov did.

    When the enemy forces closed in and the heavy artillery could reach Abawahan, Wang Zhong would have to move to a much sturdier undergroundmand center.

    By then, the Headquarters would probably see arge number of casualties daily due to artillery and heavy bombs.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong did not want his important women toe here.

    So he yed a little trick, causing them to be trapped on the railway, only able to start and stop each day.

    At first, Pavlov did not understand, but now he did, and thus he was fully cooperating with Wang Zhong.

    Since Nelly was not there, Wang Zhong had to ask someone else for yogurt.

    "Yakov! Yogurt... huh?" Wang Zhong looked puzzled as the yogurt was passed into his hands.

    Yakov smiled, "Yogurt it is, sir. I just checked the time and figured it was about right, so I prepared it. Even without Miss Nelly, I can take good care of you!"

    Wang Zhong smiled, took a sip of the yogurt, and gave a satisfied sigh of appreciation.

 Chapter 575: Battle Interlude

    Major General Schneider didn¡¯t return to the 9th Armored Division headquarters of the 14th Armored Army of Prosen until two in the morning.

    Major General Hoppe of the 9th Armored Grenadier Division had already been waiting at the division headquarters.

    Hoppe, a contemporary of Schneider, was shocked to see hime in looking so disheveled, his eyes wide with surprise, "Did youe across a night raid?"

    "I survived the artillery attack. Rocossov must have used a thousand guns to fire at me. My armored battalionmander and the first groupmand team of your division are all gone because they were having a meeting when the bombardment came!" Schneider paused, then continued, "Hurry up and leave my headquarters! We can¡¯t let Rocossov take out the headquarters of both of our divisions!"

    Major General Hoppe frowned, "He doesn¡¯t know where the division headquarters is, and besides, your headquarters are fifteen kilometers from the front line. The enemy shouldn¡¯t have too many guns that can reach our artillery positions.

    "Remember our instructor Erwin from the military academy? He always stressed that the distance between divisionmand posts and the front line should not exceed ten kilometers. If it¡¯s more than that, the divisionmanders can¡¯t get a clear picture of what¡¯s happening at the front.

    "We¡¯ve already vited the instructor¡¯s teachings."

    Major General Schneider shook his head repeatedly, "No, no, no, Instructor Erwin was always at the forefront every day with the Africa Corps. He¡¯d definitely be the first on Rocossov¡¯s trophy rack."

    Major General Hoppe raised his eyebrows, "Trophy rack?""Yes, Antean nobility like to hang bears or deer they¡¯ve hunted themselves on the walls as trophies. And since Rocossov is of the highest Junker Nobility, he might melt down the medals and ranks from the Prosen generals he has killed, inscribe their names and ranks, and disy it on his trophy rack."

    Major General Schneider said "might", which was spective, but since it was such a horrifying thought, Major General Hoppe turned pale,pletely missing the conjectural tone, "Would he really do such a thing?"

    It was then that Schneider realized his friend had misunderstood, and he quickly corrected, "I mean, possibly! There¡¯s something sinister about this Rocossov; he definitely has a way to know the positions of the high-ranking officers entering artillery range. Remember how the divisionmander Major General of the Asgard Knights died?

    "He rode up to the front line in a tank to see what was going on, and then he got obliterated by Rocossov¡¯s heavy artillery."

    Major General Hoppe shook his head, turned to his orderly, and said, "Bring over my treasured whiskey, I think my old friend needs a drink."

    Orderly: "The whiskey that Carolingian brought over?"

    "Yes, that¡¯s the one, and also bring the carved cups I brought from Florence. Florentine craftsmanship, you really should see it. These Sardinians might be awful at warfare, but their artistry is truly exceptional," said Major General Hoppe to Schneider, half the statement directed at his friend as he reached to pat his shoulder.

    But Major General Schneider waved away his old friend¡¯s hand, "I haven¡¯t lost my mind, nor have I gotten hysterical from shell shock. It was just too coincidental that the bombardment came right when I reached the front line."

    Major General Hoppe: "Actually, just now, all of our army¡¯s starting points for attack and assembly areas were bombarded. Rocossov must have guessed the locations of the assembly areas based on the day¡¯s attacks, got it right on the first try, and you just happened to be there."

    "Can it be that coincidental?" queried Major General Schneider, skeptically.

    Major General Hoppe: "Of course, it can. Are coincidences so rare on the battlefield? I could wander around the troops and collect a basket full of stories about amulets, how someone¡¯s amulet went missing one day, and then they got shot in the head.

    "Are all those stories true? No, it¡¯s probability and survivorship bias; only the ones that happen toe true are remembered, and countless people who went into battle with amulets have been killed. The amulets didn¡¯t help at all.@@novelbin@@

    "What happened to you is the same. Rocossov just happened to shell the front line, which is his standard operation. In fact, many units that moved first and then set up camp after dark were not hit by him.

    "You were just careless, letting your troops rest right at the assembly area, and that¡¯s why you suffered heavily."

    Major General Schneider stroked his beard, gazing at his friend.

    Major General Hoppe: "That¡¯s the way it is, old friend!"

    At that moment, Major General Hoppe¡¯s orderly arrived with the whiskey and the carved cup.

    "Come on, you should have a drink to steady your nerves. You¡¯re just scared after escaping death, and now you¡¯ve started to worry and imagine things." Hoppe took the whiskey and cup from the orderly, filled the cup, and handed it to Schneider.

    Schneider grabbed the cup and gulped down the drink in one go.

    After finishing, he seemed to calm down a bit and, after breathing deeply a few times, said, "On second thought, you make sense. I just coincidentally encountered the bombardment. I shouldn¡¯t be scared like this; it¡¯s an embarrassment to the Imperial Military Academy." ?§Ñ???¦Â???

    Major General Hoppe nodded, "Indeed, if people who are dissatisfied with our Junker nobility saw you like that, they would say that we went to the military academy just to learn how to eat with a knife and fork."

    "The hell with them!" Schneider seemed to regain his confidence and courage through the alcohol, "Let¡¯s n tomorrow¡¯s attack. My first battalion took such a beating from the bombardment, we can¡¯t attack tomorrow without repairing the tanks. When I was there, I saw many tanks with their tracks blown off. And a lot of the radios and other equipment were also damaged."

    In fact, Schneider had omitted an important detail: the tank sighting system.

    After such bombardment, nearly all the tank sighting systems had to be readjusted, but that issue could be resolved by the tank operators themselves once daylight broke. Most sighting systems did not require repairs, only recalibration.

    As a professional tank officer, Schneider subconsciously assumed this to be a non-issue and overlooked it.

    It was precisely because Prosen¡¯s Armored Troops were elite that he didn¡¯t worry about such matters. Should the training level of the troops be diluted by recement soldiers, Schneider might have to pay a price for his oversight.

    Now, Schneider issuedmands on his own initiative, "Tomorrow, the second battalion will rece the first battalion inunching the attack. All tanks from the first battalion must be towed to the maintenance camp for preliminary inspections. Any that need major repairs should be transferred to the Armored Army¡¯s maintenance factory."

    "Yes," the Division Chief of Staff quickly noted Schneider¡¯s orders.

    "Hoppe, my old friend," Schneider turned to his friend, "it¡¯s about time your First Armored Grenadier Corps was reced too. Only a few lucky chaps remain among the senior officers abovepany and battalion levels."

    "Don¡¯t worry, my troops are up to the task. Even the second echelon inmand sequence consists of experienced officers. No problem," Major General Hoppe confidently stated.

    Schneider nodded, "Good. My reconnaissance mission today was fruitful indeed. I¡¯ve seen through Rocossov¡¯s ruse. Tomorrow, I¡¯ll use up all the smoke bombs assigned to us, cover the entire Nameless Hignds, and then engage in close-quartersbat."

    Hoppe asked, "Doesn¡¯t that mean it¡¯s all up to my Grenadiers?"

    Schneider waved his hand, "No need to worry. We¡¯ve been attacking all day and the positions are full of mobilized soldiers. The units with ¡¯Temporary¡¯ prefixes in their designations are exceptionally trashy, as are all such Antean units."

    "You were held back by a temporary force for a whole day?" Major General Hoppe widened his eyes in disbelief. "How is that possible? I thought these hignds were held by Ante¡¯s Imperial Guard when I arrived ¡ª like Rocossov¡¯s elite, the Guard First Red g Infantry Division."

    Schneider shook his head, "When the attack stumbled at noon, I specifically asked. The troops resisting us did not carry the Red g, nor did the reinforcing tanks. We were held back for a whole day by Ante¡¯s regr forces ¡ª no, by Ante¡¯s temporary infantry forces."

    Hoppe pursed his lips and after a few seconds of silence, he remarked, "It seems that after more than a year ofbat, the gap in quality between our forces and the Antean forces isn¡¯t thatrge anymore."

    Schneider replied, "Don¡¯t be so gloomy. We¡¯ve just made such a long advance in thest three months! So long!"

    He pointed at the giant map on the wall of the Division headquarters and repeated, "Look! So long, so far!"

    Major General Hoppe looked towards the map and nodded gently, "Yes, we¡¯ve advanced further and secured more territory thanst year. Except for not annihting as many enemy units as we didst year, we can say that our summer offensive has been a glorious victory."

    The mention of not destroying as many units as the previous year fell into an uneasy silence.

    Schneider grabbed a bottle of liquor from Hoppe¡¯s orderly, filled his ss, and downed it in one gulp.

    After finishing, he mmed the ss on the table and dered loudly, "Regardless, this offensive will end the war. Soon we can return home in triumph and focus on preparing for an assault on the United Kingdom."

    Major General Hoppe nodded, "Indeed! Tomorrow, we¡¯ll take this Nameless Hignds in one swoop, and then push all the way to the outskirts of Abawahan City."

    The 14th Armored Division¡¯s objective was to push the frontline from the open spaces on either side of the city straight into the densely built-up areas.

    After taking the Nameless Hignds, the 14th Armored Division would enter a region resembling the suburbs, where the number of brick structures increased but was still considered open terrain.

    ording to the attack n, the 14th Armored Division was supposed to reach the Abawahan City area by the 23rd.

    Now, a minor issue had arisen in this attack n.

    Major General Schneider was determined to rectify this slight snag tomorrow. Experience tales with

    He muttered to himself as if seeking reassurance, "It¡¯s just some temporary infantry, definitely no problem!"

    "The enemy surely didn¡¯t expect us to take over from our brother unit," Brigadier Aromeyev of the Naval Infantry 393 Brigade said. "ording to intelligence from prisoners taken, an Armored Grenadier Division has just arrived. It¡¯s a good time to sh with these elite forces. They always boast about being the strongest light infantry! Let¡¯s see how strong indeed!"

    With that, Brigadier Aromeyev patted his chest, where the solid muscles underneath his naval shirt thudded audibly.

    The staff and soldiers gathered in the small bunker of the 393 Brigade shared knowing smiles, "Let¡¯s show them!"

    Brigadier Aromeyev continued, "General Rocossov has always had high regard for us! We all can feel it! We¡¯ve also fought side by side with the elite Tank Destroyer Battalion of the 225 Division! Tomorrow, we will make sure the enemy has no chance of return!"

 Chapter 576: Dawn on the 21st, Rain

    Major General Schneider reluctantly opened his eyes, disoriented for five minutes before remembering who he was, where he was, and what he was supposed to do.

    He got up. It was then that he overheard two guards whispering outside the room, "Do you know? That Rokossov from Ante melts down the medals and ranks of our captured or killed officers into metal tes inscribed with their names and ranks, which he then disys in his home cab!"

    Major General Schneider furrowed his brow, finding the statement oddly familiar.

    Suddenly, he pped his thigh, recalling that this was what he had hysterically made up yesterday. How did it turn into truth overnight?

    He opened the door, about to scold the guards for cking off during their watch, when he suddenly remembered that he wasn¡¯t wearing his uniform pants.

    Major General Schneider was the type who preferred to sleep in just a tank top and briefs during winter before crawling under the nket.

    Embarrassed, he quickly closed the door, leaving the two dumbfounded privates outside.

    Momentster, a fully equipped Major General Schneider opened the door with seriousness, and asked the soldiers, "Where did you hear such rumors about Rokossov?"

    "One of the guards from the wholepany said it, seems like it came from themunicationspany!" replied one of the guards.Major General Schneider: "Themunicationspany, damn it. They should be working properly instead of gossiping! Bring themunicationspanymander to me!"

    The two guards exchanged looks, then the Private First ss with the Wound Badge pointed and the Private Second ss immediately turned and ran off to find themander of themunicationspany.

    Major General Schneider stood there, shivering from the cold wind, "Why is it getting so cold at this time? Damn it..."

    He looked up at the sky and then felt raindrops on his face.

    Very fine raindrops, carrying the scent of the wind from the Ind Sea.

    Major General Schneider¡¯s spirits plummeted instantly.

    Memories associated with mud from the previous year suddenly flooded his mind, "Damn that Rokossov, he is relying on this again!"

    Wang Zhong stood on the steps in front of the headquarters, looking up at the drizzling sky.

    Pavlov, with his hands sped behind his back, observed, "The timing couldn¡¯t be better. This will reduce the enemy¡¯s logistical capacity by at least fifty percent. Even if they manage to restore their supply lines and deploy anti-aircraft guns to protect key nodes, the materials delivered to the front line will be significantly reduced."

    Popov: "And we have the railway and a continuous supply from the Bahara-Bs transport line from the Allied Nations."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Yes, from a strategic perspective, the puzzle pieces necessary for victory are now in ce. Now it¡¯s up to our tactics to hold back the Prosens."

    Pavlov: "However, the freezing period for the downstream of the Valdai Hills River is approaching, the Prosen Army might seize the chance to attack our railway line on the opposite bank."

    Wang Zhong: "Then it will be a contest of who excels more at winter warfare, I can¡¯t wait to see our cavalry crossing the ice to strike at the Prosen¡¯s supply lines." ???????

    After he spoke, Pavlov and Popovughed. Yakov, suspicious, looked at the group and wrote in his war diary, "Early this morning, it started raining, the three giants of the Front Armyughed together like viins. Despite the looming threat of a great enemy, they appeared as victors."

    At the Western Front Army Headquarters, General Gorky extended his hand, watching the raindrops falling onto it.

    "Finally, it¡¯s here," he eximed.

    His new Chief of Staff (the previous one had been promoted to Front Army Commander) frowned, "Defeating the enemy with the weather feels a bit like winning without honor."

    "That¡¯s not right! If you say that, then winning by using terrain is also without honor. Only facing each other and fighting like diators in an arena is considered fair and honorable. But the art of war epasses the art of using the weather and terrain," General Gorky wiped his rain-drenched hand on his coat before sping his hands behind his back and looking up at the sky.

    After a brief pause, he added, "Rokossov is a master of this aspect, he foresaw this momentst year." Find your next read on

    At that moment, two staff officers approached, carrying a thick stack of documents and saluted the Chief of Staff, "The n for the winter offensive is ready."

    Chief of Staff: "Good, I¡¯ll look at it right away..."

    "Give it to me," General Gorky took the operational n, nced at the summary at the beginning, closed it, and handed it back to the Chief of Staff, "Very good, proceed with this."

    "Aren¡¯t you going to look at it more closely?" the Chief of Staff eximed.

    General Gorky: "Because the value of an attack n lies in its execution. As long as the Prosen forces in our direct confrontation feel the pressure, it¡¯s enough¡ªthey will definitely feel it. We have far more troops than them, and have stockpiled so much ammunition."

    "The key of the n is to fire 400,000 shells on the first day, four hundred thousand, understand?"

    The two officers responsible for the n looked at each other, then replied, "Reporting, General, it¡¯s more than 400,000. Following your tactical thinking, we willunch an indiscriminate attack across the entire line, then reinforce the sessful break-through points with reserves, while surrounding but not attacking the hard-to-break points.

    "To ensure the execution, we have concentrated 2,000 cannons at the front line, with 20 cannons per kilometer.

    "Each cannon has ammunition prepared, all umted over a period of four months."

    General Gorky nodded with satisfaction, "Good, just like that. Rokossov is skilled at precise break-throughs and encirclements, his style is actually very simr to that of the Prosens, full of elegance. Unlike him, my method of warfare is the true Ante warfare."

    "And I chose a different time to attack than Rocossov. He wouldn¡¯t attack during the muddy season. I specifically chose the muddy season, catching the Prosens off guard," he said.

    General Gorky, with his hands sped behind his back, watched the rain intensify. "This winter¡¯s most significant victory will definitely belong to Rocossov; it¡¯s the great victory he had talked about with mest year. And my attack on the central front will help him secure that victory."

    "Future military historians will remember my contributions, understand?" he added.

    The Chief of Staff was somewhat puzzled. "Aren¡¯t you part of the Rokossovsky faction, sir?"

    "I am, of course, I am," Gorky nodded repeatedly. "But even within the Rokossovsky faction, there¡¯s a pecking order, right? He has staff who have been with him through many battles¡ªchiefs of staff, bishops, and divisionmanders, and soon Kashuk and Kiriyenko will join under hismand¡­ But history will remember, my attack was also significant."

    General Gorky raised his head proudly. "My tactics, though inspired by casual conversations with Rocossov, are indeed my own! They will find ce in the literature at the military academy!"

    After a pause, he murmured to himself, audible only to his own ears, "I might even receive the Marshal rank before Rocossov¡ªif the attack goes well."

    The Chief of Staff was unsure whether he heard thatst remark and decided it was best to pretend he didn¡¯t. At that moment, one of the timid staff members asked, "So¡­ when is the attack scheduled?"

    General Gorky thought briefly and responded, "In four days. It will take about that long to issue thebat orders and position the troops ordingly. We¡¯ll begin artillery fire at 5 a.m. on the 25th."

    "Yes, sir!"

    Over to Wang Zhong¡¯s side.

    A motorcycle made its way to a trio through the pouring rain.

    A priest, wrapped in bandages, dismounted and saluted Wang Zhong with his left hand: "Commander Davarish!"

    "Wang Zhong: Are you the Bishop Ilyich Davarish who held the Nameless Hignds for a day?"

    "Yes," the priest was deeply touched. "You know my name?"

    Wang Zhong stared at Ilyich for a few seconds: "You have really thick eyebrows."

    "Ah?" the priest was shocked by this sudden topic, "Should I trim them?"

    "No, don¡¯t bother; thick eyebrows make you look honest. I saw all of yesterday¡¯s battle."

    Ilyich was deeply moved. "Really! I felt like you were watching us from the sky!"

    Wang Zhong: "Eh¡­ Better not talk like I¡¯m up in heaven; I haven¡¯t died yet."

    "I¡¯m sorry!" Ilyich immediately saluted.

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯t worry about it; I was just joking. Go have some food; my chef Ceres cooks delicious meals. I had him prepare a feast today just for you."

    "Thank you very much!" Ilyich responded loudly.

    Wang Zhong: "Alright, no more saluting, go eat."

    As Ilyich turned to leave, he suddenly remembered something and turned back. "General, today, when it was most dangerous, a KV tank saved the day. But the tank was destroyed by the enemy. When I handed the position to the 393rd Naval Infantry Brigade, I recovered some items from the wreckage. As a Military Chain, it¡¯s my duty to apply for their honors."

    Ilyich returned to the motorcycle, retrieved a backpack from the sidecar, and presented it to Wang Zhong, taking out one item at a time.

    A charred rank insignia, a photograph burnt to half, apletely ckened cap badge...

    Wang Zhong picked up the rank insignia, recognizing it from the shoulders of Major Romanov,mander of the 21st Heavy Breakthrough Tank Regiment.

    "Was the tank¡¯s tactical number 2101?" he asked.

    "Yes," Ilyich was surprised, "You know this major?"

    Wang Zhong: "I know him, I met him before he went into battle yesterday. Were there any survivors from his crew?"

    Ilyich: "No more. Major Romanov was thest survivor. He left the tank and continued to fight until a bullet went through his skull. Because he was outside the tank, these items were preserved as much as they are; inside, even the cap badges melted."

    Wang Zhong, holding the rank insignia and the half-burnt photo¡ªthe girl in the photo unknown to him, probably Romanov¡¯s daughter rather than a girlfriend¡ªfelt rain intensified by the wind smack his face.

    Pavlov raised his head: "Damn, why has it started pouring all of a sudden?"

    Wang Zhong: "Because Ante¡¯s mother is crying."@@novelbin@@

    Yakov silently jotted down this phrase in his notebook.

    Wang Zhong collected the belongings, telling Ilyich, "Give them to me; I¡¯ll personally deliver them to the family."

    Ilyich saluted, mounted his motorcycle, and rode off with a twist of the throttle.

 Chapter 578: Armored Grenadiers vs Black Death (Additional update 20/81)

    Heavy rain, coupled with artillery fire, Brigadier Aromeyev could hardly hear or see anything.

    Once the artillery fire ceased, he immediately shouted, "With such artillery fire from the enemy, the infantry might have already sneaked up! Prepare forbat!"

    No sooner had he finished speaking than gunshots rang out from the west.

    It was the sound of Papasha firing, apanied by loud shouting.

    This was followed by the sound of grenade explosions.

    Brigadier Aromeyev immediately understood, "The enemy is here! They advanced to our position, risking being hit by their own artillery! Prepare for hand-to-handbat and protect Whirlwind at all costs!"

    At that moment, gunfire erupted from all directions, and it was evident that the Prosens had deployed many troops, already reaching every position in the Nameless Hignds.

    Brigadier Aromeyev picked up the Papasha beside the bunker, checked the chamber to ensure not too much sand had entered, reinserted the magazine, and charged it: "Everyone get ready, our Naval Infantry has never feared hand-to-handbat, never!"Master Sergeant Hans crawled forward on the ground with his submachine gun.

    Artillery shells from his own forces continuously flew over his head,nding on the hilltop more than a hundred meters ahead.

    He heard the Private Second ss beside himining, "What if it hits us by mistake?"

    The Master Sergeant said, "If you want to survive on the battlefield, don¡¯t worry about such things. The more you worry, the more likely it is to happen. Keep your head down and crawl forward. Get close to the position, throw a grenade to clear the trench, then move to the next."

    The Private Second ss shut up and continued to crawl silently.

    The group quickly approached the trench, and finally, the leading Lieutenant ordered the whole team to stop.

    They were right in front of the actual artillery fire zone; any further and they would indeed be blown to bits by friendly fire.

    Soon the order to rest in ce came down.

    Master Sergeant Hans sighed in relief and looked back at the Private Second ss.

    Although he couldn¡¯t see the recruit¡¯s face, he instinctively felt his anxiety and added, "Calm down. The Antean soldiers in the positions are just as green as you. Plus, you¡¯ve trained for six months, fired thousands of rounds, and worked in the Labor Camp for half a year. Antean recruits only have three months of training and have fired about fifty rounds!" ????O??????

    Private Second ss: "I¡¯ve heard about that, and heard that Ante, as defenders, suffer more casualties than us attackers."

    Master Sergeant Hans nodded, "That¡¯s exactly it. These greenhorns probably panic at the sight of grenades, just sting them all dead. Then we take advantage of the chaos to charge, remember when encountering Anteans always shout first. Recruits panic when they hear shouting. I¡¯ve figured this out after killing countless Antean recruits."

    "Shout loudly, got it," the Private Second ss took a deep breath.@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, the artillery shells that had been whistling overhead suddenly disappeared.

    The explosion sounds ahead also faded away, and suddenly everything around was quiet, with only the sound of rain drizzling incessantly.

    The silencested less than three seconds, a new order came down: "Crawl forward quickly, the enemy is 50 meters ahead!"

    "Here we go!" Master Sergeant Hans took out a hand grenade, bit it in his mouth, then started to crawl rapidly.

    He could hear the Private Second ss¡¯s panting, clearly, the recruit was not performing well in the rapid crawling drills, getting out of breath after a while.

    Suddenly, gunshots rang out from the west.

    Continue reading at

    The Master Sergeant just nced towards the west, then continued moving forward.

    The Private Second ss behind him stopped and stared nkly towards the west.

    Hearing that the recruit¡¯s breathing wasn¡¯t following him, the Master Sergeant immediately turned around and kicked the recruit¡¯s arm, making a "tsk tsk" sound¡ªhe couldn¡¯t speak as he was biting the grenade.

    Luckily, the Private Second ss came to his senses, gave Master Sergeant Hans a look, and continued to crawl.

    Just as Hans turned his head back to the front, he saw someone ahead prop up their upper body, a hooked arm throwing a grenade towards the trench.

    Immediately afterward, he saw hands stretch out from the trench in the heavy rain, catching the grenade and throwing it back.

    The explosion hurled mud up like a fountain, and flying helmets were visible.

    Hans was shocked.

    Then, more grenades were thrown from the trench, and a mud "fence" suddenly rose in front of them.

    But the heavy rain immediately patted down the exploded mud back to the ground.

    Machine gun fire began, and the long strip of machine gun fire left a bright streak in Master Sergeant Hans¡¯s eyes.

    Due to the poor visibility caused by the rain, the Machine Gunner was obviously not aiming carefully, just firing casually based on previously determined parameters.

    The barrage swept over Master Sergeant Hans¡¯s head, making him instinctively lie down, face pressed to the ground, trying to keep his head as low as possible, praying that his helmet was reliable this time.

    He heard the sound of bullets hitting rotten flesh beside him¡ªthis sound was clearly different from that of bullets hitting the muddy ground.

    So Master Sergeant Hans turned his head and saw a Non-Commissioned Officer lying on the ground next to him, his head tilted to the side, helmet rolled off.

    The Non-Commissioned Officer¡¯s back was spreading red, obviously hit by the stray bullets.

    Master Sergeant Hans cursed, took the grenade from his mouth, pulled the pin, and threw it.

    The grenade exploded near the machine gun firing point. Although it didn¡¯t sessfully enter the firing point, it momentarily stopped the machine gun bursts.

    Master Sergeant Hans seized the moment to continue crawling forward, encouraging the Private Second ss as he crawled, "Hurry! In this situation, even a novice enemy can easily kill us. Charging into the trench for hand-to-handbat is our only chance!"

    Private Second ss: "I know, I know! Huff huff huff..."

 Chapter 579: Armored Grenadiers vs Black Death

    Clearly, the new soldier was so nervous that his breathing had be several times heavier, resembling a bull.

    The machine gun fired again, but this time it targeted the ground behind Master Sergeant Hans and the Private Second ss.

    At this time, many Prosen soldiers had already leapt into the trenches, but they obviously hadn¡¯t gained control as quickly as Master Sergeant Hans had anticipated.

    The firing point that should have been dealt with first was still shooting.

    Master Sergeant Hans fumbled for another hand grenade, unscrewed the cap, pulled the pin, held it in his hand for a second, and then flung it with a flick of his wrist.

    This time the grenadended precisely in the firing point, and the next moment the explosion kicked up muddy clumps.

    Master Sergeant Hans stood up, clutched his submachine gun, and leaped with a vigorous step to the side of the trench, bellowed into it, and then opened fire with a sweeping burst.

    The bullets from the submachine gun hit the two machine gunners who had been knocked down by the grenade.

    The third machine gunner had just turned the corner of the trench, probably intending to continue the firing, when he saw Master Sergeant Hans.He immediately raised his submachine gun, but before he could pull the trigger, he was hit.

    Master Sergeant Hans emptied all 30 bullets into the trench in one go, then tried to lie down to change the magazine; that¡¯s when he heard Papasha¡¯s voice.

    He turned his head toward the direction of the gunfire, but saw only the shooter¡¯s sailor shirt.

    Wait, that¡¯s not right, Master Sergeant Hans thought as he fell; weren¡¯t they all new soldiers? Why weren¡¯t they wearing the khaki uniform like Ante had?

    Thisrgepel ck uniform, the peek of sailor shirt at the neckline, and the streamers on the cap ¡ª this was clearly the elite Naval Infantry of Ante, the ck Death!

    Find exclusive stories on

    Master Sergeant Hans¡¯sst thought was, I¡¯ve just gunned down three ck Deaths with a single burst, I can be proud.

    He fell to the ground, staring at the sky as the rain continued to fall, washing the blood into the soil.

    The Private Second ss following behind him saw this and immediatelyy t on the ground, shivering uncontrobly, not even bothering to throw his grenade anymore.

    ----------

    Aromeyev fired a short burst, toppling an Armored Grenadier trying to rush along the trench, then shouted, "Drive the enemy out of the trenches! We have more automatic firepower, we have the advantage!"

    The Prosen infantry squads invested all their resources in squad machine guns, and the regr soldiers all carried 98k bolt-action rifles. Even the Armored Grenadiers didn¡¯t have submachine guns widely issued; normally only NCOs had one.

    But nearly every member of the Naval Infantry was equipped with a submachine gun.

    In terms of automatic firepower, Ante¡¯s side indeed had an advantage.

    Emboldened by Aromeyev¡¯smand, the Naval Infantrymenunched a counterattack against the Prosens who had surged into the trenches.

    Aromeyev stood up straight, pulled the Naval St. Andrew¡¯s Cross g nted beside themand post, and with one hand holding the g, the other shooting a submachine gun.

    "Charge! Today, let the Prosens see what the ck Death really means!"

    "Ura!"

    A deafening "Ura!" resonated throughout the position.

    ----------

    Major General Hoppe frowned and looked at the staff officering to report, "What did you say?"

    "Our attack has been repelled," the staff officer said.

    "Pushed back by a bunch of mobilized troops?" Hoppe suddenly stood up, mming the table, "Where does that leave our Armored Grenadiers feeling?"

    The staff officer said, "Reports from the front say that the troops in the trenches are dressed in ck uniforms withrgepels. The g is not the Army¡¯s standard but rather the blue and white St. Andrew¡¯s Cross." ?????????

    Major General Hoppe was stunned, "Naval Infantry? ck Death?"

    He looked toward his fellow academy ssmate, Major General Schneider.

    Schneider quickly waved his arms: "No, no, no, it was indeed mobilized troops yesterday! We had no idea the ck Death had joined the fight, absolutely no clue!"

    Major General Hoppe cursed, "You¡¯ve really done me in! Every member of the ck Death carries an assault rifle, their morale is high, their tactical movements are skilled, and they¡¯re even sturdier than the average Ante soldiers. You¡¯ve really done me in!"

    He turned to the staff officer, "How big are the losses?"

    "Still being tallied," the staff officer replied.

    Major General Hoppe shook his head, "It seems we can only wait for the rain to stop, then try to press on using smoke bombs and twice the manpower! Your tanks need to join in as well, using the machine gun firepower and artillery to suppress the ck Death!"

    Major General Schneider thumped his chest, "No problem, as long as we can cover the field of fire from those assault guns, my tanks can charge together with your grenadiers."

    Major General Hoppe, "We¡¯ll have to wait for fair weather then, but... will the weather clear up?"

    "The weather forecast says moderate to heavy rain will continue until the end of this week." Pavlov ced the report in front of Wang Zhong, "Logistics will suffer, on both sides. We still have the railways and the ships, but the enemy is going to have a tough time."

    Wang Zhong, "Too bad we can¡¯t deploy nes to strafe the Prosen convoys stuck on the roads in this rain."

    Popov, "We can only send out nes after the freeze, I hope the Prosens have prepared enough winter gear by then."

    Just then, amunications officer ran over and said loudly, "Report, the train repair shop has fallen."

    Wang Zhong, "Finally lost it, huh. Not bad, held out for a day and a half."

    Pavlov, however, confirmed the details, "How did we find out it was lost? Was it reported by the 561st Division?"

    Themunications officer, "During our telephone call with the division headquarters, we heard Prosenese over the line, then the call was cut."

    Popov sighed, "Seems like the division headquarters got taken out by the Prosens along with the rest."

    General Wang stood up, walked over to the Abawahan city defense map, and personally erased the train repair shop, then pointed to the red "bun" on the Nameless Hignds and said, "This way, the first line of defense is now just this Nameless Hignds left, holding on now would turn it into a salient."

    Pavlov, "But losing the Nameless Hignds, the enemy will have a good artillery observation post, and the fight after will be difficult. How about waiting a bit longer? The Nameless Hignds are close to the second line of defense, we could wait for the enemy to form a pincer movement around it before retreating."

    Wang Zhong thought about it while looking at the map and asked Pavlov, "How much ammunition do you think the enemy has left? With their current rate of consumption, they must be running through their stockpiles, right?"

    Pavlov thought and said, "Shouldn¡¯t be much left, it¡¯s just we don¡¯t know how much they¡¯ve replenished thesest two days. Before the rain, the Air Force¡¯s reconnaissance indicated that the enemy¡¯s supply lines were recovering quickly, and they also set up anti-aircraft guns, making it difficult for the Air Force to attack with ease."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Then let¡¯s have the Nameless Hignds hold out a bit longer and see, maybe by tomorrow the enemy will have to stop and wait for supplies."

    Pavlov nodded, picked up the receiver, and began issuing orders.

    Popov said to Wang Zhong, "The real pressure wille after the muddy weather ends, right?"

    Wang Zhong, "Right, when the ground has just frozen over and it¡¯s not very cold yet, the Prosens should be able tounch another charge."

    Popov, "I hope our man-power issues are resolved by then."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t worry, they will be. Once the First Mobile Group Army arrives, everything will get better."

 Chapter 580: October 22, Light Rain

    October 22, 0830 hours, Antean Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong stared at the second hand on his watch, and after it passed the number 12, he looked up and asked, "Has the enemy attacked yet?"

    Pavlov: "At least for now, no troops have reporteding under artillery fire."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers: "Good! The enemy really is out of shells! Today, we¡¯ll take the time to adjust the defensive line, and swap out as many of the wounded as possible, sending them to the rear to recover. When they return after healing, they will all bebat backbones.

    "We¡¯re in the greatest need ofbat backbones."

    Pavlov: "Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ve summarizedst year¡¯s experiences and also took a look at the practices of the Allied Forces. The number of aid stations and field hospitals has increased a lotpared to before, and the arrangements are also more logical.

    "Although we can¡¯t reach the casualty evacuation rate of the Federation troops, it¡¯s still much better thanst year."

    Popov: "The Church is also organizing arge number of stretcher teams, formed by uncles between forty and fifty years old as well as women who want to contribute, and we¡¯ve even organized ox-cart teams that specifically transport the wounded."

    After a brief pause, the Military Bishop from the Front Army added: "As well as bodies. Since all therge bags were used to fill sandbags for rebuilding the barricades, we now don¡¯t have enough body bags. It¡¯s only by the Church¡¯s utmost efforts that we can ensure each corpse cart gets a piece of tarpaulin to cover up."Wang Zhong: "No need to worry, even if the new soldiers whoe here can¡¯t see the dead bodies, they¡¯ll learn through other ways that this ce is Purgatory."

    Popov: "That¡¯s the in truth. The closed transport cars that bring the new soldiers, on their return journeys, carry the wounded. I made a round at the train station yesterday; all the cars inside were covered in blood and various types of vomit. When the soldiers boarded in Yeburg, they knew what kind of Hell this ce was."

    At this moment, Yakov changed the subject: "Now that the enemy is out of ammunition, can we counter-attack a bit?"

    Wang Zhong: "Indeed, we could try if we had the troops, but right now, all the forces we haven¡¯tmitted to battle are preparing for the uingnding operation. That¡¯s the main event. If sessful, we can transport many troops and supplies down the river before the Valdai Hills River freezes."

    Yakov nodded: "I see, I¡¯ve learned something new."

    Popov: "Learn more, your predecessor Vasily has already finished learning, and he¡¯s now studying at the military academy. When hees out, he¡¯ll be a battalionmander, and he might even make General after the war."

    Yakovughed: "I¡¯m good as a staff officer, but let¡¯s leavemanding aside."

    At that moment, a gust of wind suddenly blew in from the direction of the doorway, scattering many papers on the table. A bunch of staff officers started moring to pick them up.

    Wang Zhong turned his head to see a burly figure standing at the entrance.

    "Yegorov!" He eximed with delight, "You¡¯ve finally arrived! Where is my Guard First Mechanized?"

    Yegorov, while pping the rainwater off his body, walked towards Wang Zhong: "They¡¯re on their way, they¡¯re on their way. They said the frontline is in desperate need of infantry, so they sent the infantry regiment over first. And let me tell you, they wanted to break up your regiment, saying it was a waste to concentrate so manybat backbones in one unit, and they should break it up into several regiments.

    "I said sure, but all new regiments that are formed would be under Rokossov¡¯smand. Otherwise, I¡¯d write to the Royal Pce and let the Admiral¡¯s sister weigh in on it! In the end, they broke off four regiments and formed a new 230th Division, also under the name of the Guard First Mobile Group Army."

    Wang Zhong: "I¡¯ve got another division now?"

    Pavlov shook his head: "Yes, the 230th Division. It doesn¡¯t have a temporary designation, but it¡¯scking in artillery and various support units; only the infantry regiments are at full strength. ording to the n, this division was to continue training and be aposite division that meets your standards before being moved to the frontline.

    "But given the current situation, I¡¯ve ordered the 230th Division to head to the frontline as well."

    Wang Zhong: "Who is the Division Commander? Do I know him?"

    Yegorov: "You might not. He¡¯s an old guy who¡¯s great at drinking. The mobilization hadn¡¯t reached his age yet, but he came running anyway. He should be on one of theter trains."

    The bear-like Yegorov stopped and looked around, asking: "Is there any water?"

    Yakov immediately brought over a ss: "Here."

    Yegorov took the ss, not drinking it right away, and after sizing up Yakov said: "Not bad, you look more like a real Deputy Officer than that hothead Vasily. Our distinguished Admiral finally has a proper Deputy Officer!" ???¨¯¦Â??

    Wang Zhong: "We were just talking about him, saying that if he learns a bit more here, he can go back to the academy for further training and be a battalionmander when he gets out."

    "Good, learning from the Admiral is definitely right!" Yegorov patted Yakov on the shoulder and drained the ss of water, "But back to business, where should I go? We have one regiment of infantry that¡¯s arrived; Whirlwinds and tanks are on the way. Oh right, I brought your vehicle number 422 over."

    Pavlov: "That was not necessary; our Commander now has a new ride, the tactical number 422 is a Pe-3 reconnaissance ne."

    "Switched to nes?" Yegorov looked puzzled, "Isn¡¯t that thing very fragile? What if it¡¯s shot down?"

    "You don¡¯t have to worry about that." Amelia¡¯s voice came from behind Yegorov.

    Yegorov turned around, and immediately clicked his tongue, "Tsk, this... might not be good, Vasilyevna is on the way, might arrive at any moment. I hear she¡¯s letting military vehicles pass and is currently on her way here on foot?"

    Wang Zhong: "Yes, that was at my direction, hoping she¡¯d arrive at this Purgatoryter, better if she stays on the opposite side of the river."

    Yegorov nced at Amelia: "Is that true?"

    Amelia sighed: "Of course it¡¯s true, my rtionship with Admiral Rokossovsky ispletely tonic, everyone knows that. To avoid the spread of rumors, I even moved my quarters to the airfield. When he¡¯s not scouting, I fly my Spitfire into battle."

    Wang Zhong: "These past two days, she¡¯s shot down another four Prosen fighters, and a bomber."

    "Two," Amelia corrected, "Two bombers."

    Yegorov¡¯s eyes bulged in amazement, "That impressive? Shot down six nes in two days? Even more remarkable than ¡¯White Lily¡¯ Liliya who made the newspapers!"

    Wang Zhong, "She¡¯s a Witch, remember? She took out my Falconer from three kilometers away who was trying to assassinate me."

    Yegorov scratched his head, "True, I thought she was just a good shot, like those female snipers with talent."

    Wang Zhong, "If it hadn¡¯t been for her escort, my flight back home would have been sent to the bottom of the Ind Sea by Prosen¡¯s twin-engine heavy fighters." Experience tales at

    Yegorov immediately showed his respect to Amelia, "That¡¯s quite something. On behalf of the whole Army Group, thank you, Pilot Davarish."

    "It¡¯s what I should do," Amelia said with a smile.

    It was then that Pavlov approached, holding an order and handed it to Yegorov, "This is your mission. We have a salient on the front line that is currently surrounded by the enemy on three sides, which we¡¯ve named Nameless Hignds. Naval Infantry Brigade 393 and anti-tank battalion from Division 225 took over defensest night and have been battling the enemy for a day.

    "Your job is to rece them. Also, the enemy should be running low on ammunition by now, so see if you canunch a small-scale counterattack to relieve the situation around the Nameless Hignds a bit."

    Yegorov flipped through the orders, pausing on the attached map, and after looking at it for a few seconds said, "Possible. I¡¯ll do some reconnaissance on site, and if Ie up with a n, I¡¯llunch the counterattack immediately and ask Front Army Headquarters for artillery support then."

    Wang Zhong, "Just ask, we have plenty of artillery. Our allies have sent us more shells than we can use. I need you to hold the Nameless Hignds for at least two days."

    Yegorov snapped to attention and saluted, "Mission will be aplished!"

    After he finished, he suddenlyughed, "Feels like we¡¯re back tost year, when the war just started, and this time the defense duration is even longer."

    Wang Zhong alsoughed, "Yeah,st year under mymand we held the line¡ªwell, mainly due to the timely arrival of KV tanks. Now you have to hold out longer, and there are no KVs."

    "I have the Whirlwind," Yegorov said confidently, "This is much more reliable than the KV heavy tanks, one of the great things you¡¯ve introduced, General. Well, I¡¯m off!"

    "Wait!" Wang Zhong called out to him, "Eat before you go. I¡¯ll join you for a meal."

    He stood up, patted Yegorov¡¯s shoulder, and walked out.

    Pavlov, "If there¡¯s any trouble, I¡¯ll send someone to the mess hall to call you."

    Yegorov followed Wang Zhong out, talking as they walked, "Is this ast meal?"

    Wang Zhong, "Don¡¯t talk such nonsense. However, you¡¯re not wrong; this time could be different, and this may well be yourst hot meal."

    Yegorov, "Why are you suddenly getting sentimental? Are you still the same man who came back from Hell?"

    Wang Zhong, "I¡¯m just inviting you for a meal. Why are you reading so much into it?"

    Yegorov burst outughing and changed the subject, "I heard your Ceres cook is quite skilled?"

    Wang Zhong, "Yeah, everyone who tries his food says it¡¯s delicious."

    At this point, the two arrived at the mess hall, which was next to the Headquarters, where the burly Ceres cook was busy. Hearing footsteps, he looked up, saw Wang Zhong, and let out a heartyugh, "Good morning!"

    Wang Zhong responded in the "just learned" Cantonese, "Good morning, what are we having today?"

    The cook answered, "I¡¯ve got something different today! But definitely to the taste of the Anteans!"

    Wang Zhong, despite understanding directly, still pretended to look at the trantor for a trantion.

    The trantor gave the response straightforwardly, "Today¡¯s meal is a dish from the north of Ceres, pork and vermicelli stew."

    The cook scooped out a portion directly from a pot¡ªor more like a bucket.

    Wang Zhong swallowed, his mouth watering.

    Yegorov was already rubbing his hands in anticipation, "Ooh, this looks too good, it smells delicious! Reminds me of the stew from my hometown! What¡¯s that transparent thing?"

    Wang Zhong, "Vermicelli, a kind of... uh, Ceres noodle dish, I guess it¡¯s a noodle dish."

    Yegorov picked up an empty bowl from the table, "Fill it up, a dish that smells this good can¡¯t be bad. Come on, fill it up!"

    Wang Zhong, watching the excited Yegorov, asked the cook, "How much did you make? Enough to feed the entire battalion?"

    The cook turned to the trantor, who conveyed the question, then he looked troubled, "That¡¯s... difficult. The main issue is we don¡¯t have enough spices, though we have enough pork¡ªoh right, and not enough vermicelli either."

    While waiting for the trantion, Yegorov had already started to eat heartily, like a bear with honey.

    Yakov also came over, "This... looks really delicious, can I have a bowl too?"

    "You bet!" Yegorov gestured to the bucket, "There¡¯s a whole bucket¡¯s worth; I can¡¯t finish it all by myself!"

    You actually thought of finishing it?

    Wang Zhong suppressed the urge toment and watched as the two Anteans, one plump and one skinny, feasted heartily.

 Chapter 581: Yegorov Strikes Back

    Yegorov, having had his fill of food and drink, drove directly toward the Nameless Hignds with his troops in a Willys Jeep.

    Once they reached the hignds, he jumped out of the vehicle and his first words were, "Well, there sure are a lot of destroyed Prosen tanks, almost as many asst year¡¯s battle at Shostka."

    The guard driving the jeep was shocked, "So many tank wrecks, and it still doesn¡¯tpare to Shostka?"

    Yegorov nodded, "That¡¯s right, and back then we didn¡¯t have Whirlwinds. We used the ZIS-3 and ZIS-30 anti-tank guns, with 57mm rounds. They had enough pration butcked punch; often, a single shot would kill just one or two people, and the rest of the Prosen tank operators would flee."

    At that moment, two men dressed in naval infantry garb crawled out of the trenches; the leader wore the rank of Brigadier, with his right arm in a bandage hanging across his chest.

    He approached Yegorov and saluted with his left hand, "Naval Infantry Brigade 393, Aromeyev here. Front Army Headquarters called to say you wereing to rotate troops."

    Yegorov returned the salute, "First Mobile Group Army, Guard First Mechanized, Yegorov. You¡¯ve had it rough; we¡¯ll take it from here. How big were your losses?"

    "That¡¯s a really senseless question," the naval infantry brigadier said with a bitter smile. "I can only tell you it¡¯s manageable, we weren¡¯t wiped out on our positions, and there are still over a dozen operable Whirlwinds left."

    Yegorov: "That much damage to the Whirlwinds?""Most were damaged by enemy artillery fire, and only four were destroyed by enemy infantry who got close enough to use grenades. The Prosens have a new type of grenade that can stick to the armor of armored vehicles. Bring it over!"

    After Aromeyev shouted, an infantryman came over with something that looked like a funnel and handed it to Yegorov.

    Yegorov examined it, swinging it like a club, "What¡¯s this? A closebat weapon? I¡¯ve indeed heard that Prosenbat engineers are equipped with hammers..."

    Aromeyev pointed at the broad opening of the funnel, "This end can stick to a tank¡¯s armor; we all think it¡¯s like a ma because it has no pull on people."

    Yegorov swapped to holding the object in his left hand and gently stroked the bottom of it with his right hand, indeed feeling no sense of it sticking or anything.

    Then Yegorov turned and pressed the object against the guard¡¯s Papasha, and indeed, the metal part stuck with a ng.

    Then Yegorov pointed at the tail end of the object, "So, is this like a Prosen stick grenade, where you have to unscrew the cap to pull out the ring and the cord?"

    "Yes, after unscrewing you will see a long cord; just pull it with a finger and run forward, and the bomb will be activated," exined Aromeyev.

    Yegorov thread his finger through the ring, as if to pull it, and the guard yelled out in rm, "General!"

    "I¡¯m not going to pull it," Yegorov said with a smile. "I wouldn¡¯t use my guards for a test. So, have you tried it out?"

    "No, how could we test it on the battlefield? We gathered these up and nned to take them down once the rotation was over for specialists to analyze and study, like the Tribunal," said Aromeyev.

    Yegorov was puzzled, yanking the device off the guard¡¯s Papasha and weighing it in his hand, "You really don¡¯t want to keep this new Prosen weapon for defending your positions?"

    Aromeyev: "Because we saw that the Prosens found this too heavy to use effectively, it¡¯s hard to throw, and due to its momentum, it often fails to stick firmly to the tank.

    "The Prosens have to rush to the tank and carefully attach the head to the tank¡¯s armor surface. After observing their methods, we thought it might be better to throw Molotov cocktails when that close¡ªthey can destroy a tank.

    "Cocktails don¡¯t require such proximity; you can throw them from the trenches. But with this Prosen funnel, we would have to leave the trenches and lie next to the tank."

    Yegorov looked again at the "big funnel" in his hands, "The Prosens... came up with a useless piece of equipment?"

    Aromeyev: "It¡¯s not entirely useless; it did take out four Whirlwinds. But mainly because our soldiers were stunned when they saw the Prosens with it and didn¡¯t realize it was an anti-tank weapon."

    The naval infantryman who had brought the object interjected: "We didn¡¯t know what it was; we really didn¡¯t. When we saw them cing it on the Tank Destroyers, some realized it toote, and shot the Prosen sappers dead. The weight of the bodies pulled the pins. ????¨®???

    "Then those who knew what it was started shouting, ¡¯Don¡¯t let the men with the funnels get close to the Tank Destroyers!¡¯"

    Yegorov pictured a scene in battle with shouts of "Don¡¯t let the men with the funnels get close to the Tank Destroyers!" floating through his mind.

    Aromeyev: "At that time, nobody knew why we had to stop the men with the funnels from getting close to the Tank Destroyers, but since that¡¯s what the enemy wanted to do, we should stop them. So after the first four sessful attacks, the Prosens never achieved any more sesses, and we captured a pile of these unexploded devices."

    Yegorov looked confused, "Is this the Prosen Army that sent us running in disarray?"

    At this point, the Sergeant of the naval infantry spoke up, "Maybe it¡¯s like the Prosen grenadeunchers. I have captured one of those before; veryplex, it took me a long time to figure it out¡ªit¡¯s overlyplicated. But if you use it exactly as instructed, you canunch a grenade right through a bunker¡¯s firing slit."

    Yegorov¡¯s eyes widened: "The Prosens have such equipment?"

    Then the battalionmander of the 225th anti-tank battalion came over, recognizing Yegorov, he saluted without introducing himself: "You finally arrived! My battalion has only half its Whirlwinds left, and we¡¯re almost out of ammunition. We need to pull back for rest and refit. Several Whirlwinds have broken tracks or engines, so we¡¯re leaving them in position for you to use as fixed gun emcements."

    Yegorov nodded, "Alright, thank you for your hard work. Our own Whirlwinds should arrive tomorrow, and the anti-tank guns are probably being unloaded now; they should be here by the afternoon."

    "Good luck to you all."

    "Wait a second," Yegorov raised the funnel in his hand, "what do you make of this?"

    "How should I see it? Just like the interleaved road wheels of the new Prosen tanks we destroyed, I can¡¯t understand it, I¡¯m thoroughly shocked." The anti-tank battalionmander spread his hands, "What I don¡¯t get is, they get up close to the tanks, why not just throw incendiary bombs? As far as I know, there isn¡¯t a tank yet that¡¯s immune to incendiary bombs, just throwing one on the engine vent cover should do the job."

    Yegorov took onest look at the object in his hand and handed it back to the Naval Infantry who had just delivered it: "Take it away, I¡¯ve seen enough. Let¡¯s see what the equipment department¡¯s scientists have to say about it."

    The Naval Infantry took the item and said, "Actually, we should be happy that the Prosens are using resources to make these useless things. If they had made effective weapons, Whirlwind¡¯s losses would have been even greater."

    Yegorov nodded: "You¡¯re right."

    Aromeyev of the 393rd Brigade: "Then, may I take my leave?"

    "No, wait a minute, you¡¯re familiar with the situation of the position, I¡¯m asking you, if I want to counterattack, capturing what ce would most improve the situation on the high ground?" Yegorov asked with the utmost sincerity, although his rank was higher.@@novelbin@@

    Aromeyev pointed toward the distant factory in the rain: "Do you see that? That¡¯s the Agricultural Machinery Station, and a factory for repairing tractors, made of reinforced concrete. By the time we got there, it had already been upied by Prosen troops.

    "If you can take it back and ce DShK heavy machine guns in the factory windows, you¡¯ll be able to form crossfire with our side."

    Aromeyev gestured.

    Yegorov nodded: "Indeed, the factory and the hignds are only a kilometer apart, and the 14.5 mm DShK could shoot over, hitting the enemy¡¯s light armor on the nk. If I deploy a Crusader AA gun there..."

    The 40 mm Bofors autocannon of the Crusader Self-Propelled AA gun would definitely give the Prosens attacking the high grounds a hard time.

    Yegorov: "All right, that¡¯s our counterattack objective. Reconnaissance battalion!"

    The reconnaissance battalionmander quickly ran up to Yegorov: "Reporting!"

    "Organize a reconnaissance, of that Agricultural Machinery Station and the repair factory next to it. Find out the enemy¡¯s defense situation as soon as possible, and try to capture a prisoner."

    "Yes!" The reconnaissance battalionmander saluted and jogged away.

    Yegorov turned to Aromeyev: "Thanks for the intelligence, we¡¯ll take it from here."

    He didn¡¯t salute but instead reached out his hand.

    Aromeyev: "I¡¯ve injured my right hand."

    "Sorry." Yegorov quickly switched to the other hand.

    Aromeyev gripped his hand firmly and pinched hard in the palm: "Good luck to you."

    On the afternoon of October 22, the joint headquarters of the 14th Prosen Armored Army¡¯s 9th Armored Division and 9th Armored Grenadiers Division.

    Find your next adventure on

    Major General Schneider suddenly frowned, looking outside: "What¡¯s going on? Artillery? Is Rocossov now conducting artillery harassment during the day?"

    Schneider¡¯s Deputy Officer shouted "Silence," and all the staff in the headquarters stopped, and the noisy headquarters becamepletely quiet.

    Thus, the rumbling sound from afar became clear.

    Major General Schneider cursed: "It¡¯s heavy artillery; no, these are the sounds of heavy artillery exploding that can travel this far!"

    Major General Hoppe turned his head and yelled: "Find out where the gunfire ising from, quick!"

    Soon a staff officer reported: "The shelling is hitting the area upied by the 20th Armored Grenadiers Division next to us; it seems to be an Agricultural Machinery Station they took over yesterday."

    Major General Schneider approached the map: "Where? Here?"

    He pointed to a symbol on the map.

    "That should be it," the staff officer replied, "The Nameless Hignds are on the outskirts of the city, and within our line of sight, that¡¯s the only all-concrete building."

    Major General Schneider twisted his brow into a knot: "I have personally surveyed the terrain at the front line. If that Agricultural Machinery Station is taken, it could form crossfire with the fire from Nameless Hignds, at least making the attack on this side of the hignds very difficult!"

    He picked up a pencil and quickly drew a triangle on the map, fitting it between the Agricultural Machinery Station and the Nameless Hignds.

    "I need to call the 20th Armored Grenadiers! Quick!"

 Chapter 582: Weâ€™re Not Going Anywhere

    At the Agricultural Machinery Station, Prosen¡¯s 20th Armored Grenadier Division¡¯s Third Battalion Commander Hansen lifted his head, a motion which sent a waterfall of dust cascading down from the brim of his cap.

    "Arau!" he shouted loudly. "The bombardment is over, the enemy is sure toe up! They can¡¯t just bombard us without attacking in broad daylight!"

    The Prosen Armored Grenadiers immediately sprang into action, rushing from their bomb shelters to their battle positions.

    Next to the battalionmand post was a machine-gun position. Two machine gunners rushed into the bunker, one flipping over a tripod that had been toppled by shellfire, and the other rapidly pushing sandbags, which had been disced by explosions, back into proper position.

    Finally, they took out a machine gun from a wooden box buried in the ground¡ªthis way they didn¡¯t have to carry the cumbersome machine gun from the bomb shelter, nor worry about delicate parts of the gun being damaged by shelling.

    No sooner had the two machine gunners set up the machine gun by working together than they were hit by something.

    Battalion Commander Hansen watched wide-eyed as the machine gunners fell, only hearing the ¡¯biubiu¡¯ sound of bullets hitting the sandbags.

    After a brief hesitation, he thought of a most terrifying possibility and yelled out, "Silent weapons!"

    Rocossov¡¯s forces were equipped with new silent weapons. Since the first confirmed usage of these weapons in July this year, only the "Prince" Rocossov¡¯s Imperial Guard would employ these weapons on arge scale.Battalion Commander Hansen continued to shout, "We are under attack! The enemy is using silent weapons! The documents issued by the High Command mention listening carefully for an extremely subtle sound, like a whip cracking against a horse¡¯s behind!"

    After shouting, themander heard gunfire, but it wasn¡¯t the whipcrack-like sound described in the High Command¡¯s documents. Instead, it was the sound of Prosen machine guns ripping through canvas.

    This was followed by the sound of hand grenade explosions.

    Battalion Commander Hansen shrank his neck, staring around in panic. Without the sound of enemy gunfire, he felt as if his forces were fighting against the air¡ªno, against ghosts.

    Next, he heard Antenese, not far from himself.

    Every hair on Battalion Commander Hansen¡¯s body stood on end, and the back of his head tingled numbly.

    The Antean elite infantry was nearby! Hearing the voices meant they were less than 50 meters away!

    The next moment, the Red g appeared.

    The banner of the Ante Army, which had continued from the war with the Conqueror until now, was of blue and white color. Only Rocossov¡¯s Imperial Guard would use such a blood-red g.

    The Imperial Guard First "Red g" Mechanized Infantry Division!

    Many legends about this red g circted among the Prosen Army. Some said it was dyed red with the blood of the soldiers that Rocossov sacrificed. Others imed it was stained with the enemy¡¯s blood.

    Regardless of the truth, now the blood-red banner was pping before Battalion Commander Hansen¡¯s eyes, rustling in the wind.@@novelbin@@

    Immediately following, soldiers carrying rifles with thick barrels appeared!

    By this time, Battalion Commander Hansen had been seized by fear so deeply that he always imagined the Antean soldiers¡¯ eyes were ame.

    He always felt he was being scorched by those intense gazes, gradually decaying, turning into mud.

    In this moment, this proud Prosen officer, old Junker nobility, who had never doubted the righteousness of "securing living space," for the first time thought that perhaps this war was a mistake. ???????S?

    It was also thest time he would think so.

    The Anteans raised their hands, and the guns with the thick barrels fired. The sound was exactly like the whips the Commander-in-Chief¡¯s briefing described, as if whipping a horse¡¯s behind.

    Except the frequency of this whipping was so dense, it seemed as if it would not stop until every hair on the horse¡¯s butt was stripped clean.

    Battalion Commander Hansen felt as though he was being hit by numerous heavy punches. He could even feel his bones breaking under the impact and his flesh being crushed.

    ---

    After opening fire, Filippov realized he might have killed a high official.

    "Damn it," he cursed.

    One of the new soldiers who had charged up with him asked confusedly, "What¡¯s going on?"

    Filippov replied, "I think I¡¯ve identally killed a big shot. We¡¯ve lost a lot of potential intelligence."

    Saying this, he jumped into the high official¡¯s hiding spot, only to be faced with someone dressed like a staffer. Instinctively, he pulled the trigger.

    "Damn it!" That exmation and the bullets hitting the Prosen staffer happened simultaneously. The firepower of the Thread Cutter was especially strong, directly caving in the staffer¡¯s chest. There was no need to check to know that he definitely wouldn¡¯t survive.

    Filippov released the trigger and shouted to the others in themand post, "Don¡¯t resist any further! I don¡¯t want to kill anymore! I¡¯ll have to write a self-critique if I do!"

    After shouting, he remembered that this group probably didn¡¯t understand Antenese and yelled out in Prosenese, "Raise your hands! Surrender and you won¡¯t be killed!"

    There were three people left in themand post, one of whom was likely a guard with only a Private¡¯s rank. Everyone obediently raised their hands.

    Filippov continued, "Now face the wall, raise your hands above your head, and put them against the wall."

    The Prosens all did so.

    Filippov tilted his head slightly and said to the new recruit, "You, go gather the documents before they get a chance to destroy them!"

    The new soldier immediately moved forward and efficiently collected all the documents.

    "Maps! More maps! The map is the most important!"

    Filippov wasmanding.

    At this time, the recruit actually blocked most of Filippov¡¯s field of fire, so if the Prosens wanted to make a move, they would likely seed.

    But both Prosen officers were standing properly with their hands pressed against the wall, showing no intention of doing anything. The private first ss seemed to think about making a move, but after ncing at the two officers, he chose not to act.

    Perhaps ording to the Prosen officers¡¯ code of conduct, making an escape attempt in a POW camp was only to be done within the camp, and it was clear they were not in one yet.

    After the recruit had collected the items, Filippov ordered again, "Get some rope and tie them up. We need to take them back for interrogation! If we haven¡¯t caught that big shot or the one who looks like his deputy officer, capturing these two will do!"

    "Where would I get rope..." the recruit said with a troubled face.

    Filippov retorted, "Can¡¯t you use their belts? And get their pistols while you¡¯re at it."

    "Oh, right."

    At that moment, there was a noise nearby, and Filippov turned his head to see hisrade Mikhail carrying a Red ging over, "Filippov! Almost everything is settled! Now there¡¯s just one room where the enemy is stubbornly resisting. We¡¯re waiting for them to change their machine gun barrel." Read thetest on

    Filippov immediately looked toward the direction of the machine gun fire, "That way?"

    "Yes, it seems to be the office of the Agricultural Machinery Station¡¯s chief engineer. There¡¯s a machine gun blocking the stairs leading up."

    "Get Aleksei to throw a bomb up there."

    "Aleksei has fallen," Mikhail said, "Sergey too. All our good grenade throwers are gone. No one can throw a bomb up there now, and it¡¯s hard to toss a grenade through the window. We can only wait for them to change the barrel."

    Filippov muttered to himself, "If it were Vasily, he would now... Mikhail, ry my orders. Get a cab or something in the room below to act as a prop, elevate the bomb, and then blow up the floorboards under the machine gunner¡¯s feet!"

    Mikhail was stunned for a moment, then heughed heartily, "Right, we can do that. I¡¯ll go set the charges!"

    With that, he turned and ran off with the Red g.

    Filippov turned back to see that two of the three prisoners were already pantsless, their trousers having slid to the ground.

    The third appeared very shy, making the recruit¡¯s task of undoing his belt somewhat difficult.

    Filippov eyed the Prosen officers¡¯ underwear and couldn¡¯t helpmenting, "Why would soldiers wear pink heart-print underwear? If the troops saw this, it would destroy their morale."

    The two Prosen officers didn¡¯t understand, so they had no reaction.

    The recruit, however, burst intoughter.

    At that moment, the sound of an explosion from a bomb echoed in the distance, and the continuous machine gun fire abruptly ceased.

    The entire position fell silent.

    Filippov turned to look outside, listening carefully, and after confirming there was no more gunfire throughout the position, he set down the Thread Cutter and took out a re gun to load the signal re.

    That¡¯s when Mikhail came running back, "It¡¯s done! The entire Agricultural Machinery Station and the neighboring repair factory are ours! Fire the signal now."

    Filippov finished loading the signal re, raised the gun high, and pulled the trigger.

    The projectile soared into the air trailing smoke, burst open in the sky, transforming into red stars that slowly drifted down.

    After firing the signal re, Filippov put away the re gun and asked Mikhail, "Have you seen the Priest?"

    "No," Mikhail¡¯s expression sank, "He may have fallen. I¡¯ll have everyone look for him."

    Filippov nodded his head.

    The recruit shouted, "Report, all three are tied up! It¡¯s secure!"

    Filippov replied, "Good! I have a new task for you. Run and take the documents we just captured back to battalion headquarters directly to themanding officer."

    "Yes!" The recruit slung the Thread Cutter on his back, hung the captured briefcase in front, and dashed out of themand bunker into the rain.

    Filippov then loudlymanded, "Prepare the defenses immediately! Enemy counterattacks could arrive at any moment! Also, see what we can use from the enemy¡¯s equipment."

    A Master Sergeant ran over and shouted to Filippov, "We captured a mortar! And 20 shells!"

    "Good, I remember Petro knows how to use a mortar, put him in charge."

    "He¡¯s wounded, and the stretcher team has already taken him down," the Master Sergeant replied. "We no longer have anyone who can operate a mortar, so I came to ask you, Commander Davarish."

    Filippov took a deep breath, "Mortar shells just need a good whack on the primer to activate; you can throw them directly as bombs. Bring the 20 shells to me, I¡¯ll throw them."

    "Got it."

    The Master Sergeant ran off, and the battalion Priest stumbled out of the rain and into themand bunker, "Damn, I almost thought I wasn¡¯t going to make it."

    He then pulled out a Luger pistol, "See, captured from the Prosens. I smashed his head with my steel helmet. Damn it, this fight felt different from the ones before!"

    Filippov grunted, "What¡¯s so different? Could it be worse than Loktov? At Loktov, we were reduced to just a few hundred men. We¡¯ll hold here until the Generalunches a counterattack and defeats the Prosens! We are not going anywhere!"

 Chapter 583: The Red Pe-3

    "After we get on there, we¡¯ll be nailed there and won¡¯t go anywhere!" dered Nik Grasimovich, themander of the First Naval Infantry Division decisively.

    Wang Zhong nodded. "Good, the Armored Troops willplete the breach operation. Your job is to hold the beachhead."

    In Steelgrad on Earth, Sturmtiger had also never managed to take down the twonding sites opened by the Naval Infantry, and Russian troops continuously came ashore from thending sites.

    Wang Zhong patted Nik Grasimovich¡¯s shoulder hard. "I¡¯ve approved thending n. It¡¯s all up to you tomorrow."

    Nik Grasimovich smiled, saluted, and was about to leave.

    Wang Zhong: "Hold on, don¡¯t leave before you eat."

    Nik shook his head. "No, I better not. I¡¯ve heard thatmanders who have eaten don¡¯te back."

    "That¡¯s superstition," Wang Zhong said, before remembering that Popov was also nearby. He carefully nced at him.

    Popov: "It indeed is superstition. Don¡¯t be so paranoid; we of the Secr faction are scientific."A Bishop dering his religion was scientific left Wang Zhong unsure where to begin his critique.

    Nik Grasimovich hesitated for a moment, but then responded, "I¡¯d better not. There¡¯s still a lot of preparation to do for thending operation. I¡¯ll take my leave."

    As the Naval Major General stepped out, Amelia walked in. While she was taking off her raincoat, it was visible that arge part of her front armor was wet, probably due to rain seeping in through the cor.

    "The rain today made it impossible to scout," Amelia said, looking at Wang Zhong. "Of course, if you were to go personally, you¡¯d probably be able to gather quite some intel. So, ready to fly? I can guarantee the safety of flying in this weather."

    Wang Zhong: "Why do I feel like you¡¯re looking forward to flying with me?"

    "I look forward to striking the Prosens and ending the war as soon as possible. Every time you return from a scouting flight, you arrange for an air raid that inflicts heavy casualties on the enemy." Amelia approached Wang Zhong with a sincere look, "This is the bond betweenrades-in-arms."

    Before Wang Zhong could respond, Yakov stepped forward and handed Amelia a cup of coffee.

    Amelia took a sip and smiled. "Thanks, you even remembered the exact amount of sugar and milk I like. Yakov, your wife is very lucky."

    Yakov smiled shyly: "I wish she thought so too, but sheins about me all the time."

    Wang Zhong: "Being away from home for so long this time, she¡¯s definitely going to be happy for three days and nights when you return."

    Pavlov recalled something painful: "Don¡¯t mention it. Thest time I went home, my wife almost wore me out to a frazzle, the devil."

    Wang Zhong: "Didn¡¯t you add a son this time?"

    Pavlov: "We¡¯re at war. My wife said she can¡¯t work to resist the Invaders if she¡¯s pregnant. She is now a workshop leader in the factory, leading arge group of women manufacturing cars."

    Amelia widened her eyes: "Women workers? Cars? I can hardly imagine! In the United Kingdom, we alsock workers, but they still make women do ¡¯women¡¯s work¡¯ and send men who used to do those jobs into factories.

    "In the United Kingdom, not a single car or airne is manufactured by women!"

    Wang Zhong: "So, how about joining the Secr faction? Come on, Popov, introduce Lady Amelia to our Saint Andrew!"

    Popov stood up, cleared his throat, but before he could speak, a clerk came over and handed Pavlov a thick stack of documents: "The list of officers above junior rank who died yesterday." ???¦­????¨¨s?

    Whether it was Popov or Wang Zhong, both fell silent.

    Pavlov: "It looks thick, but it actually contains every officer¡¯s information. If that many really died, the troops would already bepletely dispersed. Damn, weren¡¯t the Prosens out of ammunition yesterday? How did we still lose so many?"

    A staff officer quickly answered: "Yesterday, intense firefights still urred in some local areas. Also, some of ourmanders nned tounch a limited counterattack to change the situation on the ground when the Prosens ceased their assaults, simr to what General Yegorov intended."

    "Okay, thanks for the rification." Pavlov said, cing the documents on the table, quickly signing them, and handing them back to the clerk, "Send these to the bereavement department, and for the officers who fought exceptionally bravely, arrange for someone to write sce letters, signed with Duke Alexei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky."

    "Yes."

    After the clerk left, Pavlov nced at Wang Zhong: "You can continue flirting, we don¡¯t mind."

    Wang Zhong: "First, I was not flirting. Second... I¡¯d better go scout, maybe I can locate a Prosen General¡¯s headquarters and send the Commando to take him down."

    He stood up and waved at Amelia.

    Amelia finished her coffee with a quick gulp, spilling a few drops on the front of her armor, quickly merging with the rainwater.

    Wang Zhong personally drove Amelia to the airport, just in time to see a red Pe-3 reconnaissance aircraft parked in the hangar.

    The ground crew, seeing the Jeep arriving, all gathered together, waiting for Wang Zhong.

    "I thought there wasn¡¯t enough paint?" Wang Zhong asked curiously after getting out of the car, pointing at the red Pe-3.

    "We have it now," said today¡¯s duty ground crew leader. "The paint arrived yesterday, and we even have enough to paint another one, we could y real or fake Rokossov."

    Wang Zhong, hands on hips, walked around the Pe-3. "Not bad, but it¡¯s a pity it¡¯s all red. It would have been nice if part of it was distinguished in pink."

    Find adventures on

    Several ground crew members furrowed their brows: "Pink? Wouldn¡¯t that be a bit too effeminate?"

    Amelia also said, "Isn¡¯t pink just used by the sulky men in bomber squadrons to paint hearts? They like to paint cartoon-style females on the nes, with Marilyn Monroe winking and blowing kisses, making a heart shape."

    "Seems like you know quite a bit," said Wang Zhong.

    "Not really, but my eyes are quite sharp. I can see from afar what nonsense they paint on the escort bombers." Amelia slightly smoothed her bangs with a touch of pride.

    Wang Zhong: "Then today, let¡¯s fly this red Pe-3. Where¡¯s the ground crew checklist?"

    Today¡¯s team leader immediately took out a clipboard and handed it to Amelia, "Right here."

    Amelia took the clipboard, made her way around the airne, checking each part before marking them off on it.

    Hearing the news, the pilots also hurried over to the hangar in the rain, with the leading Captain saying to Wang Zhong, "General, are you still going out in this weather? In this kind of weather, even taking off andnding wouldn¡¯t be a problem, but there could be faults in mid-air. The engine isn¡¯t entirely waterproof!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Don¡¯t worry, the Prosen people won¡¯t send fighter jets to hunt me down in the rain, it might even be safer."

    He spoke with such ease primarily because Amelia guaranteed the flight¡¯s safety, as long as there were no mechanical faults.

    The Captain pilot insisted, "With this weather, we can¡¯t guarantee safe take-off andnding, let us escort you¡ª"

    "You don¡¯t need to take off," Wang Zhong patted the pilot¡¯s shoulder, "If you crash while escorting me in the rain, I would feel guilty."

    Wang Zhong casually touched the Venus medal on the pilot¡¯s chest.

    "I wouldn¡¯t know how to face your wife and children," he added.

    The Captain nodded.

    Amelia announced, "Inspectionplete, the airne is fully fueled and armed, ready for departure?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Let¡¯s go!"

    On November 23 at 1530 hours, at the division headquarters of the Guard First Red g Mechanized Infantry Division, located on the reverse slope of the Nameless Hignds.

    Yegorov raised his head and looked at the timber roof of the headquarters, "Is that the sound of an airne?"

    His new Chief of Staff also looked up, "In this weather? Could you have heard wrong?"

    Yegorov shook his head, "No, I¡¯m definitely not wrong, that¡¯s the sound of airne engines. I might not have a keen sense like Monk Peter, but I¡¯m not bad at hearing!"

    He briskly stepped out of the headquarters and stood at the entrance of the bunker, looking up at the sky.

    A soldier carrying sandbags nearby asked, "Division Commander, what are you looking at?"

    "An airne,ing from our direction."

    The sandbag-carrying soldier stopped and also looked up, causing all others doing the same task to stop and look up in unison.

    The officermanding the sandbag task looked up as well.

    Then, everyone heard the sound of airne engines together.

    An experienced soldier noted, "Twin-engine, could it be a Pe-2? But there doesn¡¯t seem to be many, what¡¯s going on?"

    Yegorov turned his head, "Who just made that out? Get them moved to the air defense post now! We¡¯re wasting a good pair of ears not using them for air defense."

    The others all looked towards a veteran sergeant in his forties.

    "Don¡¯t," the sergeant begged with a mournful face, "I still have to kill more Prosen people, to avenge my son and brothers!"

    His words immediately resonated across the crowd, "Who isn¡¯t!"

    "Our division¡¯s veterans all came from Kazarlia! We¡¯re waiting to fight back with the General!"

    Yegorov looked at his soldiers, smiling, "Yes, we all have vendettas to settle, which is why we need to do our jobs well. Air defense is very important. That veteran sergeant, please go to the air defense outpost, you could save more lives."

    The veteran sergeant resignedly replied, "If the Division Commander says so..."

    Just then, someone shouted, "An airne! There it is!"

    Yegorov turned his head and just caught sight of the red Pe-3 reconnaissance aircraft slicing through the rain veil.

    He felt as though someone on the airne was watching him.

    A soldier eximed in admiration, "That ne flies so fast! Almost three times faster than a regr Pe-2 (the infantry hadn¡¯t identified it as a Pe-3)!"

    Yegorov retorted, "What do you know, that¡¯s a specialized reconnaissance model, of course it¡¯s faster! Better engine, lighter ne!"

    "I see."

    During their conversation, the red Pe-3 swept over the Nameless Hignds, charging towards the enemy¡¯s direction.

    Wang Zhong stated, "A major... hmm, not very valuable."

    The front-seater Amelia asked with puzzlement, "What?"@@novelbin@@

    "Nothing, just focus on finding the enemy headquarters, at least a headquarters is valuable."

    Amelia responded, "I can¡¯t sense these. So, can you really feel the presence of an enemy officer?"

    "I don¡¯t know, do you know what you feel?" Wang Zhong continued to bicker.

    "Not really. But when I fire, the enemy is always precisely there."

    Wang Zhong wanted tough, what an odd exchange between smartasses. Just then, Wang Zhong suddenly had the anti-aircraft artillery position up ahead highlighted.

    "Quick, bank right!" he yelled.

 Chapter 584: This is Our Hot-Blooded Unison Move

    Amelia¡¯s voice carried a hint of confusion, "What¡¯s going on?"

    "Didn¡¯t you feel it?"

    In the midst of their conversation, the ne flew right over the Prosen air defense position.

    It was only then that Wang Zhong saw that the enemies below were drinking coffee.

    Drinking! Coffee!

    They even looked up at the red Pe-3 as if they were critically assessing something.

    Amelia eximed, "My god, it looks like an anti-aircraft gun position down there! Lucky for us, they weren¡¯t on alert, or we would have been shot down!"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Is your perception only limited to hostility? So, if the enemy doesn¡¯t harbor hostility, you can¡¯t sense it?"

    "I don¡¯t know," replied Amelia with a helpless tone in her voice. "I reported to the superiors that my perception should be tested to figure out what¡¯s going on and suggested the Royal Science Committee form an expert group or something. But my report¡¯s been filed for three years now with no oneing to test me, although plenty of people have wanted to date me."Wang Zhong asked seriously, "Did you ept?"

    "What? The testing? No one¡¯se to test, so it¡¯s not like I could say yes..."

    "I meant the dates."

    "I didn¡¯t ept. I hate those pretentious officers. Is now really the time to talk about this? You have a wife, right?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Just curious."

    At that moment, he noticed arge building on the map, which appeared to be a noble¡¯s estateprising four structures, with the main building being a three-story mansion.

    Because of the distance, the entire building was shrouded in the "War Fog," making it unclear whether there were Prosens stationed inside or if the Prosen military g was flying.

    Furthermore, this building was significantly off-course for the Pe-3, and with Amelia flying straight, there was no chance they would pass over it¡ªor even bring the building into Wang Zhong¡¯s highlighted range of 2.5 kilometers.

    Wang Zhong ordered, "Adjust our heading 30 degrees to the right."

    "Is there more anti-aircraft artillery?" asked Amelia, even as her hands were already moving, tilting the ne to the right.

    "No, I spotted arge estate that looks like it could be a headquarters. Let¡¯s check it out." As Wang Zhong spoke, the ne¡¯s tilt had stabilized, with Amelia having executed the 30-degree turn, now heading straight towards the noble estate.

    At over 400 kilometers per hour, their ne quickly arrived above the estate.

    From Wang Zhong¡¯s aerial perspective, a flurry of "red names" suddenly appeared below. If this were an online game, such a rapid spawn of red names could frighten someone to death.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes blurred, unable for a moment to identify any high-ranking officials.

    He sharply realized the weakness of his highlighting system: it didn¡¯t mark ranks! He would have to judge who was a high ranking officer based on their demeanor and other cues.

    Damn it, with such rity, marking each person¡¯s rank over their head wouldn¡¯t be too much to ask!

    Before Wang Zhong could finish his thought, the ne had already swept over the residence and moved beyond the highlighted area.

    Flying fast didn¡¯t seem all that great sometimes!

    But flying slow could lead to being caught by enemy fighters, or even being shot down. Such a dilemma!

    Amelia noted, "It really is a headquarters! Judging by the number of cars, it might be a Military Department (she didn¡¯t know it was actually thebined headquarters of two Infantry Division, which exined the abundance of cars and people)." ???????¨¨S

    Wang Zhong marked the location on the map, "We¡¯ll have the Commando raid here tonight."

    Amelia questioned, "With this weather, wouldn¡¯t it be difficult to do an airdrop?"

    Wang Zhong looked up at the sky, where raindrops continuously fell onto the ss canopy of the ne, being swept back by the wind, forming lines like those seen for speed inics.

    Amelia added, "Besides, this ce must be deep within enemy lines; artillery wouldn¡¯t be able to reach."

    "No," Wang Zhong said, gesturing on the map. As a seasoned veteran of a year and a half in this realm, he was adept at using various tools for map plotting. With the aid of the external ovey, he quickly measured the distance, "This ce is 15 kilometers from our lines. If we wanted to, we could hit it. Push the artillery up near the frontline, open fire on this position, then withdraw."

    Amelia pondered, "With new artillery positions, can they really hit their target without ranging shots? If it¡¯s nighttime bombardment, there¡¯s no way to range."

    Wang Zhong insisted, "Pure map operation firing has a certain hit rate, but what¡¯s important isn¡¯t to kill someone but to intimidate the enemy. I think we can n something, seeing as this could be a Military Department."

    Indeed, Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t been able to make out that among therge group of red names, there were two Major General Division Commanders; he even thought there might be a Vice Admiral corpsmander present.

    Amelia suggested, "It might not be a Military Department, right? It feels like they wouldn¡¯t ce one just a dozen kilometers from the frontline. Should I go back for a closer look?"

    Wang Zhong advised, "No, the enemy¡¯s probably been alerted by now, going back would be too dangerous. Let¡¯s just continue our reconnaissance flight."

    Rewind time by three minutes to the joint headquarters of the 9th Armored Division and the 9th Armored Grenadier Division of Prosen¡¯s Fourteenth Armored Army.

    Major General Schmidt looked up, "The sound of a ne¡¯s engine? In this rainy weather?"

    By then, everyone had heard the engine noise.

    It was but a brief moment before the sound moved into the distance.

    Major General Hoppe asked, "Flying very low, could that be an Antean recon ne?"

    Major General Schmidt cursed, "Damn it, the headquarters¡¯ anti-aircraft fire didn¡¯t respond at all! Get the anti-aircraft battalionmander here! And find out what kind of ne just flew over our heads!"

    The anti-aircraft battalionmander arrived quickly, snapping to attention before the two Major Generals with a ck.

    Schmidt reprimanded, "The sound of your heels clicking together can¡¯t cover up your recent failure. So what kind of ne just flew over us?"

    The battalionmander reported, "A red bine, could be a Pe-2, or perhaps a Tu-2."

    Schmidt: "Why didn¡¯t it drop any bombs then?"

    "Maybe it¡¯s a reconnaissance type," the battalionmander said. "It passed by too quickly, just a few seconds from hearing the engine to seeing the ne¡ªand it was flying low to the ground..."

    Major General Hoppe cut off the battalionmander, "Does Ante Air Force have a tradition of painting their aircraft entirely red?"

    "Yes," an Air Force colonel in charge ofmunications finally got the chance to speak; usually, his job ended with delivering the weather report. "One of Ante¡¯s ace Yak pilots likes to use an all-red paint job, very conspicuous. It¡¯s said to be in imitation of our ace, the Red Baron."

    Schmidt frowned, sensing that the situation was not simple, "A reconnaissance ne scouted out an ace? Something doesn¡¯t feel right."

    Major General Hoppe nodded, "Indeed, it¡¯s quite strange. Our ace¡¯s special paint is mainly on fighters and ground-attack aircraft, but a reconnaissance ne painted red..."

    "Red!" Schmidt pped his thigh. "Admiral Rokossovsky loves to use the Red g! His ace division is also called the ¡¯Red g¡¯ Mechanized Infantry Division."

    "How could it be," Major General Hoppe repeatedly waved his hand. "The Front Army Commander in a ne, personally scouting, and painting the ne an eye-catching red color¡ªit¡¯s impossible! Even if he did scout, there should be escorts. Were there any escorts just now?"

    Major General Hoppe turned to the anti-aircraft battalionmander and repeated the question, "Were there escorts?"

    "No, or at least we didn¡¯t see any," the anti-aircraft battalionmander reported truthfully.

    "Then it¡¯s definitely not it. However, the observation of a red reconnaissance aircraft still needs to be reported upwards. Maybe the higher-ups have other intelligence sources and know what this ne is all about," said Major General Hoppe.

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    Two hourster, Wang Zhong returned to the Front Army Headquarters and handed the map directly to Pavlov: "I¡¯ve found a ce that might be a military headquarters."

    Pavlov: "Really? Uh... isn¡¯t it too close to the front line?"

    Amelia chimed in, "I took a look at the courtyard, and both the vehicles and the guard force are stronger than a typical division headquarters; it indeed looks like a military headquarters."

    Pavlov: "Good, are you nning to shell it? Currently, none of our artillery positions can hit that area."

    Wang Zhong: "Don¡¯t we have the SU-76? Move the self-propelled artillery battalion to... this position!"

    He found a protrusion on the secondary defensive line and jabbed the map with a stick.

    "To fire from here."

    Pavlov: "The SU-76 can¡¯t reach that far; we need to push the artillery battalion¡¯s 152mm guns here to ensure coverage."

    Wang Zhong: "Then how long would it take for the artillery battalion¡¯s 152mm guns to deploy here, fire, and then retreat?"

    "Are you asking how long it would take toplete the full set of actions, deployment, and retreat? At least an hour. If the artillery battalion was all towed by vehicles, it could be faster, but right now all the artillery battalions we have are drawn by mules and horses."

    Wang Zhong pursed his lips, staring at the map and falling into deep thought.

    He suddenly felt an urgent need for truck-mounted guns.

    However, for truck-mounted artillery, first, you need strong load-bearing trucks, and right now, Ante¡¯s three-ton trucks definitely couldn¡¯t be converted into truck guns.

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then turned his head to look at the night that had already fallen and mmed the table: "No matter, mules and horses it is. Move a heavy artillery battalion in the cover of rain and night to this position and deploy. While it¡¯s firing, use other artillery troops to bombard nearby Prosen troops to protect the artillery battalion¡¯s bombardment of the headquarters."

    Pavlov: "It¡¯s another haphazard n, but I¡¯ve gotten used to it. Someonee, draw up a battle n ording to themander¡¯s intent; a n like this should be doable by three people."

    Yakov raised his hand: "Let me try; as a deputy officer, I can¡¯t always just be writing down the general¡¯s sayings."

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers: "You do it, let¡¯s see the level of a staff professional graduate."

    In thete night of October 23rd, the Prosen 9th Armored and 9th Armored Grenadier Division headquarters.

    Major General Schmidt returned to his room, threw his hat on the nightstand, yawned, and began to unbutton his shirt cor.

    All day today, the 9th Armored and its brother units didn¡¯t have muchbat activity, all waiting for supplies¡ªso Major General Schmidt had a rare day of leisure.

    This made him feel that Rokossovsky was nothing to make a fuss about, not worth the fuss.

    Looking back on how he lost hisposure when the red reconnaissance ne flew over that afternoon, Major General Schmidt couldn¡¯t help butugh.

    Just at this moment, a rumbling sound of shells tore through the sky.

    Major General Schmidt dived under the camp bed.

    The shockwaves from the heavy artillery explosions shook the entire house, and dust pattered down onto the camp bed.

    The shells continued to fall, and Schmidt felt like the whole ground was shaking.

    Because of the negative pressure from the explosions, he felt like his eardrums would burst from the internal pressure, and he could only open his mouth and scream, "Aaaah! Damn it!"

    Shouting did indeed bnce the internal and external pressure, and Schmidt¡¯s ears gradually eased up.

    Just when he had rxed a bit, arge piece of ster from the ceiling ttered down onto his bed, stimting him to shout again, "Damn it! I¡¯ve had enough! To hell with it, just bomb me to death! Rokossovsky, bomb me to death! Just do it!"

    As if in response, the ceiling light fixture came crashing down, and the decorative crystals shattered, slicing Schmidt¡¯s cheek.

    Then, finally, the earth-shattering barrage ended.

    Schmidt waited a few seconds to be sure it was over before crawling out from under the bed and storming out of the room to Headquarters, "The Ante artillery must be within range of our troops¡ªif they could bomb me, they must have ced their guns on the very front line! Quick, ask where it came from!"

    Chief of Staff: "Report, our troops have all been shelled; no one has reported the sighting of Ante artillery."@@novelbin@@

    "It must be somewhere our infantry can see! It must be!" Schmidt yelled.

    At this moment, his friend Hoppe rushed in, pulling up his trousers, "The enemy artillery is definitely on the line; there should be units that have noticed the artillery nearby!"

    Schmidt: "Just now, all of our units were shelled, and we are trying to make contact... The key is how the enemy knew..."

    Suddenly, Schmidt pped his thigh: "That red reconnaissance ne! That ne spotted us, and then Rokossovsky risked losing an artillery battalion to push the guns to the front line! Damn it, he¡¯s going to pay the price! Even if it¡¯s a night fight, we will wipe out that artillery battalion!"

 Chapter 585: Yakovâ€™s Little Trick

    "I yed a little trick," Yakov gestured on the map, "Based on our intelligence, the enemy¡¯s divisions line up here and here. Our shelling likely hit the headquarters of the Ninth Armored Division or the Fourteenth Armored Army. So, I ced our forward artillery positions in front of the operational area of the 20th Armored Grenadiers of the 41st Armored Army."

    Wang Zhongughed, "So if the enemy wants to figure out where our shells areing from, they¡¯d first need to locate an army scale? No, to coordinate between the Fourteenth and Forty-first Armored Armies, they would need to find themand post of an Army Group."

    Yakov pped his hands, "Right! That way our artillery has enough time to retreat. By the time the enemy coordinates and possiblyunches an attack on our artillery positions, the area would be long deserted."

    Wang Zhong pped his hands continuously, "Great, great! Your handling has a bit of Vasily in it."

    "Really?" Yakov seemed pleased, "Being a third as good as the senior Vasily would be enough for me."

    Popov chuckled, "A third? No, no, just by not being mouthy, you¡¯re already at a third of Vasily. He¡¯s just a little clever, but he¡¯s really good at songwriting."

    Just then, the phone rang¡ªit was the red telephone.

    Picking up the receiver, Chief of Staff Pavlov said, "Front Army Headquarters, okay, hold on."

    After covering the phone¡¯s microphone, he looked towards Wang Zhong, "Thending forces need to depart now, so they can arrive near thending site by tomorrow morning."Wang Zhong looked at the time, "It¡¯s thiste already; I should rest. When I wake up, thending operation will just be starting. Although I don¡¯t know what I can do for thending forces from amand post over a hundred kilometers away, I still feel it would be better to be awake."

    Amelia suggested, "You could take an airne to oversee them."

    "If it really bes necessary, I¡¯ll do that," Wang Zhong replied, "Not now though. Yakov, get the hot water bottle."

    Although it wasn¡¯t below zero yet and to Ante it wasn¡¯t considered cold, the continuous rain made the air very humid, so the perceived temperature was quite low.

    Sleeping at night without a hot water bottle meant that the bed would take a while to warm up, and one might catch a cold before that happens.

    Yakov sighed, "Alright, alright. Here I am, making ns and acting as an orderly. Ludm and Miss Nelly better get here soon or I¡¯m going to end up as themander¡¯s maid!"

    Wang Zhong stated, "No, you¡¯re far from Nelly. When she¡¯s here, every morning my clothes are warm and crisply pressed, something you¡¯ve never done."

    "You could have told me that earlier," Yakovined briefly, putting down the paperwork in his hands and heading to the boiler room to get Wang Zhong a hot water bottle.

    Wang Zhong stood up, "Then I¡¯ll leave first. Call me if there¡¯s an emergency."

    "Prosens don¡¯t attack at night; you can rest easy," Pavlov said.

    Wang Zhong responded, "You can never be sure; they might have developed some sort of night vision equipment, better safe than sorry."

    On Earth, the Sturmtigers once worked on night vision equipment towards the end of the war, but they were already too weakened to mass produce it.@@novelbin@@

    Moreover, early infrared equipment was hardly impressive in performance.

    Explore hidden tales at

    But in this timeline, even the Fritz X was avable at the start of Barbarossa; who knows what Prosen might pull out.

    Having said his piece, Wang Zhong yawned and left the Headquarters.

    The next day.

    At the Ante Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov nced at the clock, "Hmm, someone said he¡¯d be awake this morning, but he went back on his word."

    Popov remarked, "Let the Commander sleep a bit more;tely, he¡¯s been scouting the front lines, making ns, and continually speaking tomanders heading to the front, dining with them... he deserves some rest." ?a?¦¯?¨§s

    Pavlov responded, "Saying goodbye to those heading to their death is an exhausting task, which I¡¯ve long known. That¡¯s why I stepped back and let the Commander handle it.

    "I have a feeling that the week just after freezing will be the toughest days; I hope the Commander is prepared."

    Popov added, "A cornered beast fights hardest, a desperate struggle is the scariest. By the way, tell me honestly, did you intentionally dy the arrival of the Commander¡¯s wife and the young maid to the front line?"

    "How could I do that?" Pavlov said, "The two of them are sensible and know the priority; they didn¡¯t want to use up the precious transport resources."

    "Alright then. I¡¯ll take your word for it."

    At that moment, a staff officer with a telephone receiver reported, "The artillery group on the East Bank is asking whether to start the artillery preparation."

    Pavlov and Popov exchanged a look, and thetter gestured for him to proceed, so Pavlov inquired, "Has the Navy said they¡¯re ready?"

    "They have."

    "Then fire the artillery, don¡¯t wait for the Commander to wake up."

    October 24, 0630 hrs, West Bank of the Valdai Hills River, Landing Site No. 1.

    Of course, the Prosen forces stationed here had no idea that this location was designated as "Landing Site No. 1" by Admiral Rokossovsky.

    Today, as usual, Corporal Hans Rote was going to deliver coffee to the forward artillery observation post.

    Although he was a corporal, Hans Rote¡¯s Kar98k rifle had never been fired.

    When he upied Moravia, he was a sergeant, delivering ammunition and bread to the troops every day.

    He was still a sergeant when they invaded Mnia, delivering ammunition and bread to the troops every day.

    During the Carolingian campaign, he finally got a promotion and began delivering coffee to the troops.

    And he continued doing so until now.

    Because of the rain, Sergeant Hans Rott¡¯s usual BMW motorcycle couldn¡¯t move through the muddy ground, so these days his vehicle had been reced by a mule, riding this beast early every morning, carrying a load of coffee-filled bottles and jars clinking merrily toward the front lines.

    It was said that the clinking sound had prompted some of the younger, naughtier recruits to start calling Sergeant Rott "the scavenger."

    Today, Sergeant Hans Rott, clinking merrily, walked toward the riverbank, his unused 98K rifle polished bright, hanging on his back, its stock repeatedly bumping against the saddle in rhythm with the mule¡¯s steps.

    The mule climbed up the hillside by the riverbank, the wide expanse of the Valdai Hills River unfolding before the sergeant.

    Today, the visibility was poor, with the entire river surface shrouded in ayer of fog.

    The light rain continuously fell on the sergeant¡¯s face, bringing chills.

    The sergeant sneezed several times and, perhaps to warm himself up, he took out a sk, taking a swig of the strong liquor he had obtained yesterday from a cer near the supply station¡ªthe owner of the liquor had vanished, possibly dead.

    The burning sensation of the liquor spread from his throat, the powerful effect of Ante¡¯s liquor making the previous chill disappear after just one gulp.

    The sergeant took another swig, just about to revel in this pleasurable moment, when a whistling sound came from the sky.

    Although Sergeant Hans Rott had always been delivering supplies, delivering coffee, he was, after all, a veteran who had survived many battles, and he immediately realized it was the whistling of artillery shells.

    Realizing it was one thing, and reacting correctly was another.

    Sergeant Hans Rott¡¯s first thought wasn¡¯t to dismount and take cover but to grab his rifle.

    Thus, he missed the best chance to dismount, and a shell crashed not far behind him, the massive explosion and st frightening the mule into a frenzied gallop.

    Sergeant Hans Rott finally remembered what to do when a mule got spooked; he clung tightly to the saddle, gripping the reins firmly.

    The mule rushed all the way, miraculously dodging every shell.

    Sergeant Hans Rott¡¯s peaked cap was blown away by a shrapnel slice, his "typical Aryan" pale blonde short hair wildly dancing in the wind.

    The mule¡¯s "Divine Evasion"sted for two minutes until a shell finallynded right in front of it, the poor beast rearing up on its front legs briefly.

    Sergeant Hans Rott was thrown from the saddle, hitting the ground hard.

    Then, the spilled hot coffee smeared all over him.

    Had it not been for his recently changed winter clothes, he would have certainly been scalded.

    Sergeant Hans Rott didn¡¯t have time to feel relieved when the struggling mule crashed onto his waist, finally eliciting a pained scream from him.

    As the muley on the ground, emitting itsst dying snorts, its legs still thrashing, leaving trails in the muddy ground.

    The artillery bombardment continued, shells continuously falling around the sergeant, mud sshing relentlessly onto his face, nearly turning him into a mud man.

    Wang Zhong faintly heard the sound of artillery, he opened his eyes, staring nkly at the ceiling for a few seconds before realizing that the cannonade was just the bubbling sound of boiling water on the stove beside him.

    He got up, yawning greatly, before throwing off the nkets and standing up, grabbing clothes to wear.

    Then he stopped.

    Because the clothes were warmed through, exuding a coziness, the corners perfectly pressed.

    Wang Zhong cursed, "Don¡¯t do things that will make fangirls scream decadester, Yakov."

    "You called me?" Yakov entered the room, the cold rainy wind blowing in with him, causing Wang Zhong to sneeze.

    Yakov hurriedly entered the room, closing the door, "Sorry. I warmed and pressed the clothes."

    Wang Zhong, "I didn¡¯t expect you to be so handy with these tasks, has anyone praised you as a perfect spouse and parent yet?"

    "Not yet." Yakov smiled shyly.

    Wang Zhong, "Well, now you have. Alright, so what time is it now?"

    "You are upte. Thending started half an hour ago, Chief of Staff Pavlov and the Military Bishop didn¡¯t allow me to wake you, they said to let you sleep a bit longer."

    Wang Zhong, "Damn, you should defy their orders at a time like this! I¡¯m the Commander!"

    He hurriedly dressed, not bothering to tidy up properly, and dashed out of the room straight to Headquarters.

    Reaching Headquarters, Wang Zhong loudly asked, "How is thending going?"

    Pavlov, "All is well, the enemy¡¯s troops on the riverbank were directly crushed by our artillery, the Naval Infantry reported not encountering much resistance afternding, and the engineers are building a bridge; the 51st Armored Division on the East Bank can hardly wait."

    Wang Zhong pped loudly, "Good! It¡¯s great to gain the upper hand!"

 Chapter 586: Forward, Tanks!

    October 24, at noon, at the 51st Army tank assembly point on the East Bank of the Valdai Hills River, corpsmander Korodov was anxiously pacing back and forth.

    The liaison officer from the engineering troops reassured him, "We¡¯ll definitely have the pontoon bridge set up before the deadline, just be patient."

    "I know you can. But I wish we could cross earlier! Prosen¡¯s anti-tank units and tank units are highly elite. If we could attack earlier and catch them off guard! By the time they react and gather their tank units for a counterstrike, we... We would be..."

    Korodov flung his arm in frustration. "Anyway, just earlier!"

    He ended up not finishing his sentence.

    In fact, all the tank officers present knew what was left unsaid: we would be annihted by the Prosen tank operators.

    The war had been going on for over a year, and Ante tank operators had epted the reality that they would face severe losses against Prosen tank units.

    They chose to go into battle with tanks that had no significant armor advantage, knowing this.

    Before the enemy¡¯s anti-tank units and tank units could react, their main task now was to inflict as many casualties as possible on the Prosens¡¯ infantry, whocked anti-tank means.That¡¯s why Korodov was so anxious; he knew the more time they could get across the river before the enemy armored troops reacted, the better.

    He continued to pace back and forth in front of themand vehicle, his boots already covered in mud.

    Beside him was arge team headed to Abawahan, mainly consisting of various support staffborers, nurses, etc.¡ªas precious transport resources were all used to transport soldiers.

    Just as Korodov turned to retread this short stretch of road for who knew how many times, a group of nurses happened to pass by.

    Of course, these weren¡¯t the experienced nurses who had carried countless young men out of gunfire and explosions. Those nurses were probably also in shortage at the front lines, maybe getting a spot in a stuffy boxcar on a train.

    These nurses looked like they had just finished their training, their young faces full of exhaustion, and it seemed like dropping their crutches would instantly rob them of the ability to walk.

    Korodov nced at the nurses and suddenlymented, "Aren¡¯t these all young girls? Even they have to go to the battlefield?"

    The tired girls lifted their heads upon hearing his words, but no one responded to Korodov.

    At that moment, from the back of the nurses¡¯ line came a challenging question: "Vice Admiral Davarish, your tank soldiers are just a bunch of green boys, too."

    Korodov looked towards the source of the voice and saw an elderly woman with white hair wearing a priest¡¯s cloak; she might be the nanny apanying the girls.

    This nanny looked somewhat familiar, andbined with the Venus medal on her, Korodov thought he might have seen her in a newspaper receiving her medal.

    "My warriors might look young," Korodov said, "but they¡¯ve been baptized by fire."

    The white-haired nanny replied, "The girls have been baptized by fire too. The day after we left Yeburg, they lost their best friends and sisters in an air raid. They were terrified, but they still decided toe to the front line. Their courage is no less than that of your boys, Vice Admiral Davarish."

    Korodov touched his cheek: "You priests are good at this game. I can¡¯t argue with you, but indeed, my earlier statement was inappropriate."

    The white-haired nanny nodded, "I think the girls will ept your apology, Vice Admiral Davarish."

    She looked towards the engineers setting up the bridge and asked, "Are you nning to cross here?"

    "Yes, the naval infantry has secured the beachhead on the other side. Once the engineers¡¯ pontoon bridge is ready, we¡¯ll cross. The bridge is supposed to be one supported by the Federation, strong enough to hold the weight of a T34," Korodov exined. ?????????

    The white-haired nanny paused for a few seconds before turning to the nurses and said, "Ladies, attention."

    The nurses, who were slowly marching, stopped and looked curiously at the white-haired nanny.

    "Nanny": "Ladies, take a break; it¡¯s a good time to see these soldiers cross the river."

    A puzzled girl asked, "Why? It¡¯s just crossing the river..."

    The nanny interrupted, "A good number of them won¡¯te back. A good number. So, I thought it would be nice to see them off as you all rest a bit. Is that alright, nanny?"

    At that moment, the real leader of the nurses, a nanny with a wrinkled face, appeared: "Of course, Madame Vasilyevna."

    Korodov suddenly gasped in surprise: "You are Ludm Vasilyevna Rocossov! You¡¯re the general¡¯s wife!"

    "More urately, fianc¨¦e. We¡¯re only engaged, and we have a child, but we haven¡¯t had the official wedding yet. However, His Highness Belinsky seems to think that¡¯s not an issue," Ludm corrected with a smile.

    Korodov was about to say something when he suddenly caught a glimpse of one of his tank operators casually leaning against the tank gun turret, drinking from a t bottle, and he turned to scold, "What are you doing! You¡¯re about to go into battle! Act like it!"

    The tank operator, startled, dropped the bottle, which bounced off the tank¡¯s body, spilling vodka in an arc.

    Ludm caught the bottle and, holding it out to the tank operator, said, "Hold on to this, drink less to keep your mind clear, and don¡¯t drive the tank into the river."

    The tank operator chuckled, "I¡¯m themander and gunner, not the driver."

    Ludm looked surprised, "Your tank still has a two-man turret? Aren¡¯t those tanks known for lowbat efficiency?"

    Korodov, looking embarrassed, replied, "We don¡¯t have many T34Ws."

    Ludm¡¯s expression grew moreplicated.

    At that time, the engineer corps¡¯ liaison officer rushed over to Korodov and saluted, "General, the engineering troops have repaired the bridge and are about to carry out a traffic test. As long as the T34 being tested makes it across, we can all get through."

    "Okay, I¡¯ll be right there," Korodov replied, then asked Ludm, "Would you like toe and see the test?"

    Ludm gently shook her head, "I¡¯ll just stay here and watch you all enter. Don¡¯t worry about me, Vice Admiral Davarish."

    Korodov nodded, gesturing to the engineer liaison officer with a "lead the way" gesture.

    Momentster, Korodov reached the riverbank, just as the T34 being tested mounted the pontoon bridge. The pontoon bridge provided by the Federation sank a great deal, but ultimately it withstood the weight of the T34.

    The tank moved slowly, gradually heading toward the opposite shore.

    The navy¡¯s ships had already moved downstream, and the sailors were all gathered on the deck, watching the test.

    When the tank reached the other shore, a re shot into the sky.

    Korodov clenched his fist and eximed, "Good!"

    He turned back to the messenger and said, "All forces, cross the river! Lower your speed, maintain spacing, and ensure only one tank is on each section of the pontoon bridge at a time! Anyone who makes a mistake that causes trouble with the pontoon bridge will be court-martialed!"

    "Yes!"

    Soon, Korodov¡¯s orders were executed¡ªthe 51st Tank Corps was already ready to cross the river and had been specially arranged for the crossing, with the tank operators also assigned their crossing order.

    A few minutes after the order was given, the first tank mounted the pontoon bridge.@@novelbin@@

    Korodov stood beside the pontoon bridge, watching his warriors rush to the battlefield.

    After the first regiment of T34s hadpletely passed, he turned and returned to hismand tank, saluting Mrs. Rocossov, "I must depart too, ma¡¯am."

    Ludm saluted back, saying, "You¡¯re a Vice Admiral. I should be saluting you. I would like to wish you a pleasant hunt, but instead... I wish you a victorious return."

    "A return," Korodovughed, "Recently, there¡¯s been a tradition in Abawahan where themander invites officers headed to the front line for a meal. Unfortunately, as an old subordinate of the general, I don¡¯t have that privilege."

    Ludm responded, "I only have a bit of dry food here. But Nelly brought some coffee, would you like some before you go?"

    Korodov shook his head, "No, perhaps skipping a meal will bring better luck. Using the dual-gunner T34 against the Prosen tank troops will require a lot of luck to win."

    After saying this, he climbed onto the tank, climbed into the turret, took off his general¡¯s cap, reced it with a crash-barred tank helmet, and put on his headphones.

    He gave Ludm onest look and nodded gently.

    Then he pressed the microphone at his throat and loudly ordered, "Tanks, forward!"

    Themand tank took a sharp step forward before gradually elerating, the tter of the gearbox meshing and the roar of the engine together drowned out the drizzling rain.

    Ludm stood in ce, watching Korodov depart.

    At that moment, Nelly came over holding a coffee can, "Ma¡¯am? I¡¯ve brought the coffee."

    "They don¡¯t need it anymore," Ludm said softly, continuing to watch the young tank operators drive their tanks towards the pontoon bridge.

    Nelly also watched them, suddenly saying, "Their hearts are calling them to the tumultuous horizons."

    "Yes," Ludm agreed.

    Then she softly started humming, "Hear the blizzard¡¯s roar, see the shooting stars fly~"

    At that moment, a nurse spoke up, "Isn¡¯t this the time to sing ¡¯Katyusha¡¯?"

    Ludm looked at her, "Katyusha?"

    The young girl with freckles nodded, "Yes, look, we are right by the riverbank."

    Ludm widened her eyes, nced at the Valdai Hills River, then burst intoughter, "Yes, we are right by the riverbank. Come, let¡¯s sing together."

    She led them, "As the pear blossoms cover the ends of the earth, a delicate sheer drifts upon the river..."

    The girls sang in unison, "Katyusha stands on the steep shore, her song bright as the spring light."

    The soldiers on the tanks turned their heads back, looking at these young girls.

    "Hey!" a young man shouted, "Are you singing to your beloved ones¡ªthat¡¯s us? But we haven¡¯t sent you letters of love yet!"

    A girl shouted back, "I¡¯m Tanya from the third reserve nurse group of the field hospital! Send me a letter!"

    "Tanya! I¡¯ve got it!" the young man said excitedly, waving his hand.

    Ludm just tenderly watched him and her.

 Chapter 587: Fury Waves

    October 25th, early morning, on the west bank of the Valdai Hills River, position of the 240th Prosen Artillery Battalion.

    This was a new position, the old position of the 240th Artillery Battalion had been unexpectedly discovered by the Anteans two days ago, and they shelled it from across the river, destroying six of the twelve 150mm heavy cannons and arge amount of ammunition.

    The good news was that at the time, most personnel were in bomb shelters, so there were not many casualties.

    The artillery battalion¡¯s trailers had also gone to transport ammunition and, restricted by the mud on the main road on the day of the bombardment, narrowly escaped.

    After the bombardment, the artillerymen had used manpower to move the remaining cannons to the new position and camouged them overnight.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook of the 240th Artillery Battalion couldn¡¯t understand how his previously well-camouged position had been discovered, as Antean reconnaissance nes had flown over several times without spotting it.

    Even more bizarre was that on that day, all Prosen artillery positions and observation posts on the western bank of the Valdai Hills River came under bombardment from the opposite bank, disrupting Prosen¡¯s control of the river for two days.

    The Anteans took this opportunity to establish a beachhead on the western bank and, it was said, even built a pontoon bridge.

    Yesterday at midnight, a rear operationspany came to the 240th Battalion¡¯s position, iming to be an infantry unit hastily transferred by the Sixth Army Group to prevent a ground attack by the Anteans on the artillery position.This rear division¡ªor what might be called the National Guard Division¡ªwas poorly equipped, with apany managing to muster only ten submachine guns and not every squad having a machine gun.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook took one look and knew these "infantrymen" were no match for regr Antean soldiers¡ªthey could maybe handle guerris.

    If they encountered those Antean Imperial Guards wearing capes, such a force would likely copse on first contact.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook felt that the only thing that could save his troops now was a retreat order.

    The Anteannding field was less than fifteen kilometers from his position; even marching infantry should have arrived by now.

    What is the Army Group Headquarters doing!

    Due to his anxiety, Lieutenant Colonel Hook had suffered from insomnia the previous night and had barely managed to sleep for a while just before dawn. As soon as daylight broke through the clouds, he left the shelter to patrol the position.

    The remaining six heavy cannons were lined up at the position, hastily covered with camouges, while the artillerymen were still digging anti-bombing pits, the excavated soil piling up like small hills, looking very much like a mass of excrement after the rain.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook stopped and asked the digging subordinates, "What time was the shift change this morning?"

    "Report, Colonel, there was no shift change," the leading master sergent stopped, nted his sapper shovel in the ground, and rested his hands on it, "Everyone¡¯s been working since bomb shelters protect our own lives, who knows when the Anteans will shell us again. Theirmander is that Rocossov, who likes surprise bombings."

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook was just about to respond when he suddenly stopped, perplexed, looking into the distance.

    "Colonel?" the master sergeant asked, confused.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook whispered, "Do you hear that? Sounds like the engine of a tank."

    The master sergeant paused, listened for a few seconds, then turned to shout at his subordinates digging the pit, "Stop digging, be quiet!"

    The sounds of shovels and chattering promptly disappeared, revealing the true sound of the tank¡¯s engines.

    And they were getting louder.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook immediately shouted, "Enemy tanks approaching! Battle alert! Enemy tanks are approaching!"

    The master sergeant and the artillerymen also started shouting, and soon the whole position was reverberating with the cries of "Arau."

    Because the Anteans were right in front, Lieutenant Colonel Hook and the other Prosen officers assumed there would be no more shelling, so he ordered all troops into their positions. ???£Î?§£§§?

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook also ran to the frontline observation post to get a clear view of the enemy firsthand.

    He pushed aside the observer in front of the artillery mirror and put his eyes to the eyepiece.

    He saw the enemy¡¯s tanks in line formation, each tank also carrying four or five infantry, making the tanks appearrger.

    Being an artillery officer, Lieutenant Colonel Hook quickly calcted the distance of the tanks through the readings of the artillery mirror: three kilometers away!

    Hook fixated on the approaching tank forces.

    When it was two kilometers away, Antean infantry began jumping off and advancing behind the tanks.

    Clearly, the enemy had known about the 240th Artillery Battalion¡¯s new position for some time. This puzzled Hook¡ªhow did they know? We had camouged overnight, after all!

    No, even if it was discovered yesterday, it was toote to organize an attack.

    This was very strange.

    Just as he was wondering, a howl came from the sky.

    Damn, there was more shelling!

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook yelled, "Take cover!"

    The sound of cannon shells had barely ceased when the ground began to shake.

    This barrage was very brief; Hook, relying on his training as an artillery officer, estimated that around 20 heavy artillery shells and several 76mm high-explosive shells had fallen.

    He got up and, while dusting the dirt off his body, shouted, "Hold steady! Report casualties!"

    Then he heard someone yelling, "Commander! The guards are running away!"

    "What?"

    Hook rushed out of the observation post and indeed saw arge group of guards fleeing the trenches without looking back.

    He even saw some artillerymen mixed with the guards, running away as well.

    The lieutenant colonel burst out of the trench, grabbed a guard, and threw him back into the trench: "You¡¯re mad! Running like that makes it easier to get hit by bullets! It¡¯s safer to stay in the trenches!"

    At that moment, Ante¡¯s tanks opened fire, tracer bullets streaked over the trench and other low-fired bullets hit the unprocessed dirt, hissing loudly.

    Suddenly, Lieutenant Colonel Hook stopped; blood flowed from his cap, covering half his eye and nose, then his mouth, and finally dropped from his chin,nding on the deserter¡¯s face.

    The deserter screamed, pushed Lieutenant Colonel Hook away, and dashed out of the trench, frantically running backwards, only to be caught up by tracer bullets, which blossomed with seven or eight blood flowers on his back before he fell forward to the ground, sliding a little further.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hook leaned against the rear wall of the trench, his body slowly slid down, finally resting on his side within the trench.

    The sound of tank engines grew louder, and finally, a T34¡¯s wide tracks crossed the trench, mud continuously falling and sticking on Lieutenant Colonel Hook¡¯s face.

    The tank that crossed the trench charged toward the heavy artillery on the position, colliding with hastily erected breastworks, and hit the barrel of the cannon, slowly but firmly deforming its carriage, the long barrel now pointing skyward.

    After confirming the cannon was destroyed, the tank reversed two meters, then bypassed it.

    At this moment, Ante soldiers slid into the trench, speaking in Antenese, "Damn, why is this trench so shallow? Do the Prosens handle shoddy work like this too?"

    An officer who slid in momentster yelled, "Prosens are humans too, judging by the traces we¡¯ve seen, they just moved from the old position yesterday and didn¡¯t have time to dig deep. Check for documents or someone who looks like a high-ranking official, we might find the enemy¡¯s deployment maps! We need their maps!"

    It turned out that the Anteans were following traces left by the Prosens as they changed positions.

    Although Lieutenant Colonel Hook was lying nearby, he could no longer hear this answer.

    ---

    Prosen Army Sixth Army Group Headquarters.

    Commander General William Frederick frowned, observing the new red arrows appearing on the map.

    The chief of staff beside him said, "This is Rocossov¡¯s response, he¡¯s determined to cut off our logistics."

    General Frederick shook his head, "Not necessarily, maybe he just wants to clear the threat on the West Bank, restore shipping. There¡¯s still a month¡¯s navigation time on the Valdai Hills River, less than a month.

    "He ns to ship reinforcements to Abawahan by ferry as much as possible."

    General Frederick¡¯s gaze shifted to therge gray city area on the far right of the map.

    "We¡¯re now less than fifty kilometers from the coastline; soon we will be able to water our horses by the Ind Sea like we did the Antic two years ago, though the sea water is undrinkable."

    Staff members appropriately chuckled.

    "I¡¯m not joking!" General Frederick scolded, "This is our final trial, as well as the Empire¡¯s final trial! Once we cross it, no one in Europa can stop the Empire anymore. We will aplish what the Conqueror of yore didn¡¯tplete."

    General Frederick turned to the people, "The final trial! Understand? Trial!"

    At this moment, amunications officer ran into the headquarters with a serious expression, handing a clipboard to the Army Group chief of staff.

    The chief of staff was just about to read it when General Frederick strode over, took the clipboard, and read aloud, "The Central Army Group is under heavy enemy fire, and the enemy hasunched attacks along the entire line."

    General Frederick frowned, "An attack now? It¡¯s hard not to suspect it¡¯s a feint by the enemy Western Front Army to reduce pressure towards Abawahan."

    The chief of staff said, "Could this reduce the reinforcements sent to us?"

    "Impossible! The Emperor can prioritize. We just need to trust His Majesty. What we need to deal with now is Rocossov¡¯s counterattack!"

    General Frederick picked up a baton, tapping the new red arrows.

    "Since the Anteans are counter-attacking with armored troops, we¡¯ll respond with armored troops! The 41st Armored Army should still have an Armored Division umitted?"

    "Yes, the fifth Asgard Knights Armored Division of the 41st Armored Army is currently reserved as the Army Group¡¯s reserve force, with nobat operations," the chief of staff immediately reported.@@novelbin@@

    General Frederickmanded, "Let them engage in the counterattack! Now, immediately."

    The chief of staff looked ufortable, "General, the mud favors Ante¡¯s wide tracks; our Mark III and IV tanks struggle in these conditions. I suggest deploying the Anti-Air Artillery Corps and establishing a defensive line here."

    General Frederick retorted, "If tank troops can¡¯t move, how could the Anti-Air Artillery Corps¡¯ trucks? Impossible! The trucks definitely can¡¯t move either. Order the tank troops to counterattack! Destroy Ante¡¯s armored spearhead!"

 Chapter 588: Elegy (Additional update 21/81)

    Aleksei, the battalionmander of the first Armored Battalion of the Asgard Knights¡¯ fifth Armored Division, was ordered tounch a counterattack.

    His Armored Battalion had 91 Panzer III and 31 Panzer IV tanks ready forbat that morning at 25th hour, but two hours after leaving their base, half of the tanks had broken down on the road.

    It wasn¡¯t that the Prosen tanks were in poor condition, but rather the muddy weather in Ante was exceptionally severe.

    Before departure, Lister had ordered anti-skid tes to be fitted onto all the tank tracks, a new equipment developed specifically for the muddy season of the year 915.

    It took them over an hour to install this new equipment, and then ten minutes to realize the equipment was more shy than functional.

    When you think about it, it makes sense: the Anteans had adopted wider tracks to cope with their homnd¡¯s mucky terrain¡ªT34 tracks were 50 centimeters wide, and some models even reached 55 centimeters, yet many tanks still broke down in the mud.

    The earlier model of Panzer III had tracks only 36 centimeters wide, which had been increased to 40 centimeters in thetest model H, still much narrower than the T34¡¯s width.

    Not to mention the Panzer IV, heavier but with tracks only increased from 36 to 38 centimeters.

    In such conditions, relying solely on the "ingenious ideas" of the development department¡¯s anti-skid equipment to conquer the mighty mud demon was indeed a bit of a fantasy.By the time they had progressed to the anticipated enemy engagement location, and when the first battalion started to deploy its attack formation, Lister had only 19 Long-barreled Fours ready for action; Panzer III tanks were more in number, just achieving the standard three-to-one ratio with the Panzer IVs.

    But everyone knew, now the Long-barreled Four was the mainstay of armored warfare; though some Panzer III tanks had also switched to the longer-barrel 50mm guns, the base capability of the 50mm stillgged far behind; even with the barrel extension providing simr pration power to the Long-barreled Four, the damage caused post-pration was notparable to that of the 75mm gun.

    Thus, Lister divided the Panzer IV tanks into countless two-tank squads, mixing them with the Panzer IIIs.

    The only single Panzer IV acted as his personal vehicle and also the battalionmand center.

    The improved radio systems of the Long-barreled Four did not fall much short of the adaptedmand tanks of Panzer III.

    It took about twenty minutes toplete the grouping. Lister climbed onto his newmand tank¡ª the original tanker of that vehicle took over Lister¡¯smand tank.

    After putting on his headset, Lister scanned around, took a deep breath, and ordered, "Tanks, advance!"

    On the ins, the roar of engines suddenly escted, and all the tanks¡¯ exhaust pipes spewed ck smoke.

    Following tactical protocol, Lister waited until all units had moved forward a distance before ordering his tank and the following battalionmand tank toon to advance, allowing him to see the entire attack formation from the rear and maintain control of the overall situation at all times.

    Not long after Lister started moving, a cry came through the radio: "There seem to be enemy tanks ahead! The light rain is making visibility poor, can¡¯t see clearly!"

    Lister immediately brought the microphone to his mouth, "We anticipated encountering enemy tanks, prepare for engagement. All units, halt and prepare to fire!"

    Prosen tanks were more elite, the tank operators well-trained, and the aiming mechanisms more advanced; the Long-barreled Four still had advantages in pration depth and damage, so Lister chose to deplete the Antean armored troops with long-range fire.

    Of course, even if it came to closebat with the T34 ¡¯blind tanks,¡¯ Lister had confidence in his armored troops, believing they would deliver an impressive exchange rate.

    Fromst year to now, Prosen¡¯s armored troops were brimming with confidence, as they had won every encounter against Antean tanks.

    After issuing the orders, Lister used the internalmunication to call to the driver: "Stop the vehicles! We won¡¯t advance any further either."

    With a brake, the Long-barreled Four made Lister, who was sticking out of the turret top, sway back and forth, looking like wheat in the wind¡ªalthough the harvest season had long passed.

    Lister stood upright in the tank, adjusting his binocrs to the maximum magnification.

    Perhaps as the rain was lessening, the outlines of the distant enemy became gradually clearer.

    Antean tanks, carrying infantry, were plodding forward through the mud.

    They didn¡¯t seem to intend to stop at all; they probably hadn¡¯t noticed Lister¡¯s battalion.

    Lister recalled the early days of the warst year when he was still in the Infantry Division,manding an Assault Gun battalion equipped with 71 Sturmgesch¨¹tz III assault guns. ?¦¡??¦Â§¦??

    That division had just entered Antean territory when they faced a counterattack from Antean armored troops.

    The Antean tank operators mistook Lister¡¯s assault guns for tanks, so they halted and engaged in a firefight with the assault guns.

    The oue of that battle was neither the assault guns nor the T34s could prate each other¡¯s front armor; eventually, the T34s ran out of ammunition, and the infantry units snuck up and wiped them out.

    Since then, Lister had looked down on the Antean armored troops, considering them just a bunch of farmers crammed into tanks, only slightly better trained than conscripts¡ªactually, Lister was quite doubtful the Antean tank operators were trained any longer than the Antean conscripts.

    Now, this disdain resurfaced in his mind.

    Looking at the enemy tanks, they seemed to be strolling drunkenly without any caution!

    If he couldn¡¯t beat such adversaries, he would be a disgrace to his many years of military education.

    Lister recalled the width of the Antean T34s and, using the density grid in his binocrs, estimated the distance to the enemy tanks. When the enemy approached 1600 meters, Lister brought the microphone to his mouth again: "Fire!"

    His armored battalion fired simultaneously.

    Armor-piercing shells were shot towards well-chosen targets, and in the blink of an eye, several fireballs rose from the Antean assault formation, the fiery explosions from tanks detonating.

    The Anteans didn¡¯t react at all, seeming unaware they were being attacked, and maintained the same furious speed forward.

    Lister urged, "Quick, reload, fire! As long as we don¡¯t let the enemy close in, this is just a one-sided crush. Fire!"

    The second wave of shells cut through the rain, igniting more Antean tanks.

    At that moment, the Anteans finally realized they were under attack; Lister could see some Antean tank turrets rotating.

    He thought they had spotted their own tanks, and the next moment there might be a brief cease to their firing.

    However, the T34 didn¡¯t stop; it continued to advance.

    Lister finally understood that the rotation of the turret was because the T34¡¯s two-person turret didn¡¯t have a separate tankmander; themander, who also served as the gunner, had to use the sighting scope to observe the target¡ªstanding up and observing through the gaps of themander¡¯s turret was too time-consuming andborious.

    The third and fourth salvos of shells pierced through the rain curtain, and another dozen T34s came to a halt.

    When hit by the Panzer III 50mm gun, a T34 would generally just stop, without any certainty of being "killed," so the tank operators had to continuously fire at the wreckage until it started burning, or a surviving tank operator crawled out.

    But when hit by the 75mm gun of a Panzer IV, the T34s almost invariably turned into torches in the rain, bright enough to be seen from several kilometers away.

    The tank that caught fire first had already burned through its fuel, and the visible mes gradually extinguished in the heavy rain.

    Antean tank operators continued to charge forward, their aiming significantly impaired by the heavy rain¡ªof course, it could also be that the sighting equipment fitted on these T34s was just crappy.

    In March of this year, Prosen¡¯s armored troops and anti-tank units began to report shocking quality issues with some of the Antean T34s. At that time, High Command concluded that these quality problems were due to Ante¡¯s blind expansion of production.

    Now, Lister felt he had personally witnessed the results of blind expansion and shoddy manufacturing.

    He was immensely thankful that Prosen¡¯s factories were renowned for precision work.

    Enemy tanks at 700 meters!

    In the thousand-meter stretch that the Anteans had just charged across, burning wreckage was everywhere.

    The remaining number of T34s had already dropped below that of Lister¡¯s battalion, but still, they charged fearlessly forward as if totally unaware of the severe losses their unit had just suffered within the past few minutes.

    Lister saw a T34 with the number 333 being hit, mes spurting from the turret ring.

    The infantry jumped off the tank first, followed by the tank operators, one after another, rolling on the ground with the help of the infantry to extinguish the mes on their bodies.

    Lister was about to shift his binocrs elsewhere when he abruptly saw an Antean tank operator climb back onto the tank.

    The tank operator had medals on him, possibly a war hero, and seemed to be carrying a rank on his shoulder.

    The man climbed into the driver¡¯s seat, and the next moment, the tank with the ming turret ring started moving forward.

    Lister immediately realized what the brave Anteanmander was nning: he was preparing to ram a Prosen tank!

    He slowly lowered his binocrs, slowly took off his headset, and then removed his cap.

    Even if an enemy, such a fighting spirit deserved respect.

    Lister looked down on Ante¡¯s armored troops.

    But at that moment, he suddenly felt that Prosen might be losing the war.

    Aleksei Podoliskov returned to the tank because he had finally spotted the formation of Prosen tanks that had annihted countless Brotherhood units.

    Thus, he was determined to achieve at least one victory with this T34.

    If he were to meet Saint Andrew and the old man asked, "What¡¯s the exchange ratio with the enemy," and he could only answer "zero," it would be utterly heartbreaking.

    So, at least, he had to achieve one victory!

    Aleksei Podoliskov floored the throttle. He didn¡¯t pray, because deep down, he knew this tank would run until thest moment.

    Because the engine and gearbox, maintained by the whole crew, were in excellent condition when they set out.

    Through the driver¡¯s periscope, he could see a Prosen Panzer IV.

    He saw that long cannon barrel sh.

    It seemed the armor-piercing shell had hit, and the resulting shockwave felt like a sledgehammer mming into Podoliskov¡¯s back.

    It felt like something warm and wet was trickling down his spine.

    As he began losing blood, Podoliskov¡¯s consciousness started to drift, clinging to his body by a mere thread of will.

    Find your next adventure on

    He gripped the control stick with all his strength, issuing a final roar.

    The Panzer IV fired again, this time the shell headed straight for the driver¡¯s cabin.

    In that instant, Podoliskov thought he saw the Prosen armor-piercing shell prating the armor.

    His consciousness halted there.

    Lister didn¡¯t use his binocrs, because the T34 had already drawn close enough to be clearly visible to the naked eye.

    He remained silent for a while until the gunner patted his thigh.

    "What¡¯s up?" he asked, looking down.

    The gunner gestured to his ear: "They¡¯re calling you, battalionmander."@@novelbin@@

    Lister quickly put on his headset, just in time to hear thepanymander responsible for frontlinemand report: "All T34s have been destroyed, our forces are unscathed. Shall we pursue the remaining enemies?"

    Lister hesitated for a moment, then rallied his spirit, "Pursue the remaining enemies! Wipe out all the fleeing tank operators!"

 Chapter 589: The Star of Victory Shines Upon Us (Additional Update 22/81)

    Ante Tank 51st Army Temporary Headquarters.

    Although it was called temporary headquarters, it was just a few telmunication vehicles from the Federation arranged in a circle with a piece of tarpaulin fixed over the antenna to block the rain.

    Corps Commander Korodov was holding a wireless radio handset produced by the Federation, listening to the report from the other end.

    "General, my brigade is finished, but we have identified where the enemy counterattack ising from. The coordinates... The enemy is here! General, don¡¯t send any more troops! Our apanying infantry are trying to dy the enemy!"

    Korodov immediately marked the enemy¡¯s counterattack position on the map.

    The Chief of Staff immediately said, "I¡¯ll send Tank Brigade 123 over!"

    "No," Korodov shook his head, "No, let Brigade 123 continue their mission to clear the enemy¡¯s artillery positions. Take as much fuel and ammunition as possible, keep moving forward, and don¡¯t look back!"

    After a brief pause, he said, "If we¡¯re lucky, we might make it back to Abawahan."

    As soon as these words were spoken, the whole temporary headquarters fell silent.Over the radio, themander of Brigade 124, which had encountered the enemy, said, "We will dy the Prosen armored troops to thest man. The mud will help us too."

    Korodov said, "Good luck to you. Davarish, good luck!"

    "Thank you. Goodbye, Commander Davarish."

    Korodov was holding the radio. He knew that themunication had ended on the other side, but he just wanted to listen a bit longer to the static noise, hoping to hear some more soundse through it.

    However, the radio wentpletely silent, leaving nothing but the rustling static.

    Finally, Korodov put down the radio, looked around at the people nearby, and said loudly, "When I left, Front Army Commander Rocossov Dawasili invited me to dinner, and I promised him that we would hold fast on the West Bank. Even if we are down to one tank, we¡¯ll disrupt the enemy¡¯s supply lines and destroy their artillery positions on the riverbank.

    "As for the enemy¡¯s armored troops, we indeed can¡¯t beat them, so whoever encounters them should just try to dy them to thest tank, thest man."

    Korodov paused, took a deep breath, and continued, "Transmit exactly what I¡¯ve just said to every brigade, every regiment, every battalion... every vehicle!

    "So many good people, so many crews have been sacrificed. We are not afraid to sacrifice, we are only afraid of failing toplete our mission."

    The Chief of Staff wiped the corner of his eye and raised his voice, "Quickly transmit the order! Make sure every vehicle hears it!"

    At that moment, amunication staff member came down from the telegraph vehicle, "Front Army Headquarters has sent a telegram asking if the enemy has deployed armored troops for a counterattack."

    Korodov said, "Tell Front Army Headquarters that we have been counterattacked, but tell the Commander not to worry, we won¡¯t be bogged down fighting Prosen tankers; we willplete our mission and strive for victory."

    "We willplete our mission and strive for victory. ¡ª Tank Army 51 Corps Commander Korodov." After Pavlov finished reading the telegram, he looked up at Wang Zhong, "This is a death signal."

    Wang Zhong sat in front of the map, his back to Pavlov, staring at the position of the 51st Army on the map without saying a word.

    Popov came over and patted Pavlov on the shoulder, "Issue whatever orders need to be given. The Commander has sent off many officers these days."

    At that moment, Wang Zhong said, "Is it really okay for me to sit here? To send them to their deaths while I sit here?"

    Pavlov replied, "Everyone has different duties. You are a symbol of victory. If you are sacrificed now, we might not be able to hold Abawahan."

    Your journey continues with

    Wang Zhong was silent for a few seconds, then shouted, "Yakov, go check the kitchen to see if there are any snacks that can keep my hands busy. I can¡¯t calm down; I need something to distract me." £Ò¨¢¦­?????

    "Yes," Yakov immediately left the headquarters.

    At the same time Yakov was exiting the headquarters, amunication staff member brushed past his shouldering in, "General, the fleet on the river reports that the pontoon bridge is blocking them, and they hope it can be dismantled."

    Wang Zhong turned his head, "How many troops have they transported?"

    Pavlov replied, "They transported the 16th Army Group, which has three Infantry Divisions bearing the Guards title; they have strongbat capabilities."

    After a short moment of thought, Wang Zhong asked, "Can theynd near thending spot?"

    "It¡¯s impossible. The fastest way to get them into the fight is to dock at the ind port of Abawahan. Besides, the area around the port is already crowded with troops including Naval Infantry, anti-tank gun units, anti-air units, andbat engineers. Adding one more Army Group would really be too much."

    Popov reminded, "And logistics are alsogging; after all, dismantling the pontoon bridge and relying on small boats to supply an Army Group is too strained."

    Wang Zhong thought for a few seconds, then stiffened his face and said in a cold tone, "Dismantle the pontoon bridge, let the fleet pass."

    Pavlov immediately began to issue the order.

    Then Yakov came back, holding a small bag, "General, it seems the chef said he stir-fried some soybeans for you, to keep you upied."

    Wang Zhong took the bag, opened it, and was greeted by the aroma of fried soybeans.@@novelbin@@

    He silently started nibbling on them.

    October 26, Beachhead Position One, 0230 hrs.

    The Naval Infantry were using their resting time to help the anti-tank gun units build bunkers when suddenly a Private Second ss ran over, shouting, "Everyone,e and see! The engineers are going to dismantle the bridge!"

    All the Naval Infantry who were helping stopped. The veteran sergeant stuck his shovel into the ground and eximed, "You kid, stop spouting nonsense! This bridge is our supply line; it can¡¯t just be dismantled."

    "I¡¯m not talking nonsense; it seems the bridge is blocking the transport ships, and they¡¯re going to dismantle the bridge to let the ships through!" the Private Second ss waved his hands, "Come and see, the engineers are discussing how to dismantle it!"

    The old sergeant waved his hand, "You guys keep working on the bunker; I¡¯ll go see what¡¯s happening!"

    Saying this, he took the towel from his waist, wiped his sweat, and with a brisk step jumped out of the trench and walked toward the Private Second ss.

    "This way! Hurry!"

    Thus, the two quickly arrived at the beach.

    The engineers were indeed having a meeting, surrounded by a group of Naval Infantry who were resting.

    In such a tense situation, even the Military Chains turned a blind eye as long as everyone did their jobs properly.

    The old sergeant had just emerged from the crowd when he heard abat engineer sergeant shout, "We all oppose demolishing the bridge from this side."

    The battalionmander of the engineers said, "But the order is to demolish the bridge. The sixteenth Army Group¡¯s ships are blocked by the pontoon bridge. The ship convoy isrge, and demolishing just a little bit won¡¯t be enough. If we let them stay blocked on the river, once the weather clears and the enemy begins aerial bombings, it¡¯ll be over."

    The engineer sergeant responded, "We don¡¯t oppose demolishing the bridge, we oppose starting from this side."

    The battalionmander exined, "This way, the bridge equipment will remain on the opposite bank and won¡¯t be easily damaged!"

    "But we arebat engineers," the sergeant stood firm, "We want to stay on this side and fight."

    The battalionmander looked at the young faces of the engineers one by one, "Do you all think this way?"

    "Yes," a young private chuckled, "Wherever we can thrash the Prosens, that¡¯s where we¡¯ll go."

    The battalionmander was silent for several seconds before saying, "Those who volunteer to stay on this side and fight alongside the Naval Infantry, step forward."

    Thebat engineers moved forward in unison, their boots even making a sound on the sand.

    The battalionmander, shaking his head, said, "Now no one is left to demolish the bridge. First Company, you demolish the bridge, the rest of the battalion stays here."

    Seeing this scene, the old sergeant firmly patted the Second ss Private on the head, muttering quietly, "I told you you were talking nonsense, making it seem like we were abandoned here."

    "I didn¡¯t know..." the private looked aggrieved, "I thought... anyway... just..."

    Before he could find the right words, the battalionmander of the engineers bellowed, "First Company! My order is to demolish the bridge! Get on the bridge and start work immediately! The demolition must bepleted before dawn to let the ship convoy pass!"

    Thepanymander of the First Company, on behalf of everyone, asked, "What about you, Commander?"

    "My forces are here," the battalionmander said, "I will fight here to the end. Carry out the order, Vasily Antonovich."

    Company Commander Vasily Antonovich pursed his lips, saluted, then turned andmanded, "All of First Company, right face!"

    East Bank, field hospital of the crossing troops.

    Ludm watched the nurses returning to the camp.

    Yesterday, the nurses and the leading nanny decided that it would take some time to continue to move toward Abawahan to be effective, so they might as well help at the battlefield hospital.

    So, the local church provided a small house as a dormitory, and the girls began their first internships.

    Now, the girls who had just returned looked like wilted eggnts.

    Ludm asked with a smile, "How was the battlefield hospital?"

    No one responded.

    A few secondster, a girl with small braids covered her face and burst into tears; her tears mixed with the blood on her hands.

    The girl next to herforted her while whispering softly, "I think I will keep dreaming about today for the rest of my life, in nightmares."

    At that moment, someone outside the house shouted, "They are demolishing the bridge!"

    All the girls looked up¡ªeven the crying one lifted her head to look outside.

    Ludm stepped out, stopping the person who had shouted, "Are they demolishing the pontoon bridge?"

    "Yes, it seems like they need to let the ship convoy pass, so they have to remove the pontoon bridge, cutting off contact with the opposite bank!"

    Ludm asked, "Is it an order from General Rocosov?"

    "Yes." The person who answered suddenly squinted, "Wait a minute, are you General Rocosov¡¯s wife?"

    "Yes," Ludm replied with a look of great determination, "Please go to the engineer troops demolishing the bridge and tell them I want to cross."

    The nurses in the house all stood up: "You can¡¯t do this!"

    Ludm said, "We can¡¯t let the troops feel like they have been abandoned¡ª I mean, abandoned by General Rocosov. I know he wouldn¡¯t abandon any unit, it¡¯s just necessary to do this. I will rece him and be with the soldiers."

    The nurses looked at each other.

    The one who had just been crying wiped her tears and said, "Sisters, we should go too. Our training is for battlefield first aid, for emergency treatment amid gunfire, for carrying the wounded¡ªnot to hold their hands here watching them slowly pass away.

    "We need to save them!"

    The girls paused, then all became excited, "Yes! Let¡¯s go too! Nanny will agree!"

    Ludm said, "If she doesn¡¯t agree, I will persuade her."

    At that moment, the nanny appeared in military attire, "Of course I agree, but I¡¯ll go with you. You youngdies are unreliable; you need me. Since it¡¯s decided, let¡¯s set off."

    Ludm smiled, "Let¡¯s move!"

    Just then, the door of the dormitory¡¯s small courtyard opened, and a Monk Technician entered the courtyard, "Ludm Vasilyevna Davarish, we have received orders stating you are the Prayer Hand. Our Prayer Hand was sacrificed in the enemy¡¯s artillery fire. Our Divine Arrow Team is responsible for providing cover for the logistics station supplying the opposite bank."

    "Eh? I...," Ludm pointed westward, toward the opposite bank.

    Suddenly, Nelly came forward, "Ma¡¯am, it¡¯s enough if I go across. Everyone knows, I am the General¡¯s orderly."

    Ludm reached out, grabbed Nelly¡¯s face, and gently smoothed her bangs, "Nelly, my good Nelly... you are just an orderly..."

    "I am old enough for military service, ording to the conscription order, I should join the army," Nelly spoke softly.

    Ludm silently straightened her boat-shaped hat, "Alright, you can change into a military uniform..."

    "No, I want to emphasize that I am the General¡¯s orderly, so the maid outfit is perfect."

    Saying this, Nelly gave a slight smile, "Don¡¯t worry, ma¡¯am, the star of victory will shine upon us."

    Ludm freed one hand to wipe a tear, "Yes, the star of victory will shine on us."

 Chapter 590: "Let Her Fight the Prosen Devils

    West Bank, Landing Site One.

    Naval Infantry Private Second ss Zaitsev suddenly patted the shoulder of his old sergeant, Malov, "Look! A group of girls ising over the pontoon bridge, and one is dressed like a maid."

    "What, there¡¯s a girl dressed as a maid?" Malov had never seen someone dressed as a maid on the front lines either. Stopping his digging, he turned to get a clear look, "It really is a maid outfit. How did a girl who hasn¡¯t even graduated from 10th grade get to the front lines?"

    The 10th-grade uniform for girls at Ante schools is a maid outfit, so if you see a bunch of maids taking photos together on the street, it¡¯s not a group of household servants on a team-building exercise, but rather 10th-grade students on a spring outing.

    In the midst of their conversation, the girl in the maid outfit had already reached the West Bank. The engineers on the bridge looked at each other confusedly before all eyes settled on the leading officer, who was shouting something at the girl in the maid outfit and waving his arms, apparently wanting her toe back.

    It was unclear what the maid-dressed girl had replied, but the officer suddenly stood at attention and saluted her.

    Malov adjusted his military cap, "This is too strange, let¡¯s go take a look."

    After all, it was still rest time, and the Naval Infantrymen were voluntarily helping with the fortifications.

    Malov greeted hispanymander and then led Zaitsev towards thending site.By this time, the Naval Infantrymen who had heard about the girls crossing the river had all gathered. The navalbat medics were all men since they had yet to suffer significant casualties, so there was norge influx of female nurses.

    In other units, they might already be quite ustomed to female nurses or even female snipers.

    Malov heard a young man shout, "Ladies, you¡¯vee to the wrong ce, you can¡¯t dance here!"

    Then a nanny dressed as a Captain roared back, "You¡¯d best keep some decorum, young man, otherwise if you get injured, one of my girls will be thest to carry you!"

    Her words immediately stirred a wave of jeering:

    "Did you hear that! Thest one will carry you!"

    "Take cover toward the back when the fight starts, Alyosha, because you¡¯ll be thest one they carry!"

    The one called Alyosha was still stubborn, "Hmph, look at the size of these girls. I¡¯m so heavy; they couldn¡¯t carry me. It¡¯ll have to be our Andrei who can carry me!

    "Or I could justy on the stretcher!"

    By this time, Malov had finally reached the nurses, taking a nce at their insignia, "Hmm, all qualified war nurses, that¡¯s not an issue. But nanny, what¡¯s with the girl at the end of your column? She¡¯s still wearing her 10th-grade uniform!"

    Malov had really mistaken the maid dress for a school uniform.

    Just as the nanny was about to speak, the "10th-grade girl" stepped forward looking at Malov, "My name is Nelly. I¡¯ve grown up ying with General Rocosov since we were kids, and now I am his personal orderly. I¡¯m here in ce of Ludm Vasilyevna Rokossova, who was supposed to cross the river.

    "Lady Rokossova received ast-minute assignment to join the Divine Arrow squad as their Prayer Hand, covering the supply center across the river, so she couldn¡¯te and fight alongside you. ?????¦¥??

    "My task as her representative is to tell everyone that you haven¡¯t been abandoned, General Rocosov won¡¯t abandon anyone."

    The crowd exchanged looks.

    Malov asked on behalf of everyone, "Are you really General Rocosov¡¯s ymate?"

    "Yes, my family has been serving his family since before the civil war, and of course, now my entire family are employed workers for the general. Since I can remember, I¡¯ve lived with the general and his wife," proimed Nelly.

    Malov took a deep breath, turned back to the assembled Naval Infantry, and shouted, "Alright, the situation is clear now. The general wanted to send his wife, but Lady Rokossova has an even more important military task, to protect our supply station!

    "So thedy sent the general¡¯s ymate of the same age! She¡¯s going to fight with us! So those who were gossiping can shut up now! The general hasn¡¯t abandoned us!"

    As soon as he finished speaking, a Military Chain from the Naval Infantry troops stepped up beside Malov and countered, "Your words are incorrect, we do not fight for the general. Of course, we must acknowledge that General Rocosov is a very charismatic leader, but we¡¯re here because Mother Antea needs us, we¡¯re here to win the ultimate victory!"

    The Chain¡¯s words met with approval from the crowd, and then he turned and offered his hand to Nelly, "Please return, and then ry to the general and his wife that we don¡¯t feel abandoned, we are fighting for Mother Antea."

    Nelly, "I am also fighting for Mother Antea. I am now eighteen years old; you can¡¯t deprive me of my rights."

    The Chain reevaluated Nelly, "But what can you do? You¡¯re not even as tall as a Mosin-Nagant rifle!"

    Nelly, "I¡¯ve also learned battlefield first aid, I can throw grenades and shoot machine guns. I can also use a rifle, when the general and His Royal Highness the Crown Prince went hunting, the rabbits were actually all shot by me, then secretly given to the hunting dogs to bring back."

    The entire ce fell silent at once.

    The Chain waspletely baffled and after a long pause said, "But you¡¯re not as tall as a hunting rifle!"

    "That¡¯s not important," Nelly frowned, clearly showing her displeasure.

    Sergeant Malov patted the Chain on the shoulder, "That settles it then. Since she¡¯s such a sharpshooter, give her a Mosin-Nagant and let her shoot at those Prosen devils!"

    At the same time, within Prosen Central Army Group¡¯s 9th Army Group Command.

    Due to the offensiveunched by the Western Front Army on the 25th, the atmosphere in the Headquarters was extremely tense, filled with staff officers shouting "I can¡¯t hear you" into telephones.

    To receive telegrams as quickly as possible, the Army Group¡¯smunications battalion had even left the doors to the telegram room wide open, and the urgent ticking of the telegraph poured into themand center.

    Admiral Walter Mendel demanded harshly, "So have we ascertained how many breakthroughs the enemy has made?"

    Army Group Chief of Staff: "We have confirmed six. The most critical is thending site west of Shostka. Antean troops thatnded there are encircling Shostka from the rear and could cut off the railway line at any moment."

    Mendel inquired, "Which is the nearest Armored Troops to this breakthrough?"

    "At Mofka. The 8th Armored Division is currently resting there. Their tank count is only half the normalplement, as the other half were sent for long-term repairs. As of this morning, they reported 67 two-number and 31 four-number tanks ready forbat."

    Mendel: "Mofka..."

    Mendel pushed his monocle up and located the vige, then his finger slid eastwards along the road passing through it, eventually stopping at Shostka.

    Mendel: "Order the 8th Armored Division to move out immediately. Advance towards Shostka using the road through Mofka, and destroy all Antean Troops encountered."

    The Chief of Staff hesitated, "Is it really okay to issue such a vague order? Shouldn¡¯t we at least inform the 8th Armored Division of the potential forces they might encounter?"

    "Do you know which units disembarked west of Shostka?" countered Admiral Mendel.

    The Chief of Staff shut his mouth.

    No one knew. Due to the unjustified full-frontal assault by the Western Front Army, and every unit engaged with the enemy grossly exaggerating the attacks they faced, the 9th Army Group Command didn¡¯t even know how many Antean Troops were attacking them, let alone identifying the units¡¯ numbers and formations.

    Admiral Mendel, with his hands sped behind his back, looked at the map: "This kind of attack vites the art of war! Militarymon sense suggests concentrating forces at a key point to make a breakthrough, thenunching a supporting offensive on another nk to execute a pincer movement.

    "Such a reckless broad-front strike, senselessly dispersing forces along the entire front, is just too unsophisticated."

    Mendel paused for a few seconds and cursed, "The key thing is¡ªit¡¯s actually working."

    As he spoke, a staff member rushed over with a telegram: "Report, Antean Troops spotted in the Karinka area!"

    "What?" Mendel eximed, "Isn¡¯t that deep in our rear? How could there be troops there?"

    The Army Group Chief of Staff stayed calm, "Probably broke through the 48th Army¡¯s lines. The Anteans are assaulting all along the line and know the terrain well, opening many small breaches between our units."

    Mendel: "Where are our rear-areabat divisions?"

    "The telegram came from the rear-areabat divisions," said the staff member holding the telegram. "They can¡¯t hold back the Antean Troops; the railway line is in imminent danger."@@novelbin@@

    Mendel: "Where are the closest Armored Troops?"

    "There are no Armored Troops nearby," said the Chief of Staff.

    Mendel: "Then are there any Armored Grenadiers nearby? There must be some troops resting, right?"

    "The 15th Armored Grenadier Division is resting." Stay tuned with

    "All from the 31st Armored Army?" Mendel frowned.

    "Yes, the 31st Armored Army began full unit rest half a month ago. Additionally, the 6th Armored Army on the front line has alsoe under attack, but they have held their first-line positions. It¡¯s one of the few segments not breached by the enemy. Perhaps we should mobilize the 6th Armored Army as well?"

    Mendel thought for a few seconds and said, "Have the 6th Armored Army extend their defensive line to both nks, and close up the gaps next to them as much as possible. Order the 15th Armored Grenadier Division to end their rest and attack Karinka, disperse the Antean Troops that have made it there.

    "Lastly, are the phone lines to Eagle¡¯s Nest operational?"

    "They are functional, General."

    Mendel: "I need to speak with His Majesty!"

    The Chief of Staff was shocked, ncing at the time: "Now? His Majesty is likely asleep!"

    "Never mind that, just dial!" Mendel instructed.

    The Chief of Staff had no choice but to pick up the handset: "Connect me to Eagle¡¯s Nest."

    He waited a few seconds before handing the handset to Mendel: "It¡¯s through."

    Mendel took the receiver, just in time to hear a familiar voice from the other side: "Hello?"

    "This is Mendel from the 9th Army Group, Siegfried. I need to speak with His Majesty!" Mendel was quite familiar with the redhead youngster; after all, when the kid had attacked Shostkast year, they¡¯d borrowed some units from the 9th Army Group.

    "His Majesty just took a sleeping pill and has gone to bed. He¡¯s been having trouble sleepingtely because of the Allied Forces¡¯ campaign in Africa," said Siegfried Gis.

    Mendel: "Then I have some good news, he¡¯s going to sleep even less well now, as I¡¯m about to be breached by the Western Front Army."

    Siegfried: "You could discuss with the Central Army Group Command first. The direct line to yourmand was established to reflect His Majesty¡¯s concern for your defense sector, not for you to bypass the chain ofmand with reports."

    Mendel, after holding back for a few seconds, sighed: "Fine, I understand. Wish His Majesty sweet dreams for me."

    "I¡¯ll thank you on his behalf."

    Mendel hung up the phone and cursed, "Damn Emperor¡¯s pet! The Empire will eventually be ruined by these courtesans!"

 Chapter 591: Fathers

    October 26, 0300 hours, Central Army Group Command.

    "Do you think your Army Group is the only one under attack?" Marshal Von Bock, holding the receiver, said to General Walter Mendel of the 9th Army Group on the other end of the phone, "The entire line, I mean the entire line is under attack. All the Army Groups are telling me that the Anteans have made a breakthrough!"

    Mendel shouted back, "But not all breakthroughs are lethal! They are indiscriminately attacking every sector; as soon as they break through, they startmitting troops, but the mass of troops pouring through can¡¯t really cause too much damage!"

    Marshal Von Bock shook his head, "No, you feel the threat to you is not great because you have nearly three hundred thousand men; you are the strongest in the entire Central Army Group. Look at those Army Groups with only about a hundred and fifty thousand soldiers¡ªAntean breakthrough troops are appearing less than five kilometers from the Corps Commands!

    "If you¡¯re calling to ask me for reinforcements, then I¡¯m telling you there are none. I¡¯ve already sent thest of my reserve forces to those crumbling Army Groups.

    "They have been calling meining for a while now; you are thest one, do you understand, thest one!"

    Walter Mendel: "What if I am breached?"

    "If you are breached, the Central Army Group would be on the verge of total copse, and there would be no point in any ¡¯Blue n,¡¯" Marshal Von Bock picked up a waffle from the table, dabbed a bit of cream on it, but didn¡¯t rush to put it in his mouth.

    Mendel: "So, we have no reinforcements?""At least not until High Command sends us new troops. High Command should still have the strength of a few divisions on the Eastern Front, and if things get dire again, we could only pull from the homnd or other fronts, which would also take several days at least."

    Marshal Von Bock paused, as if to let General Mendel feel the weight of his words.

    After enough time had passed, he continued, "You must find a way to deal with the Antean offensive yourself. You have two Armored Armies, two! The Sixth Army Group, which is the main assault force in the Blue n, also has only two Armored Armies. Drive the Anteans back!"

    Having said that, Marshal Von Bock hung up the phone directly.

    When he put down the receiver, the marshal let out a long sigh, "I hope the air I just put on has fooled General Mendel."

    "Of course, it will," the Deputy Officer chimed in beside him, "I thought you were really angry."

    Von Bock did not respond; he finished the waffle he had been holding, stood up with his hands in his pockets, walked over to the map, and stared at it for a good while.

    "Suddenly, I¡¯m a bit worried," he turned his head to his Deputy Officer and the Chief of Staff of the Army Group, "What if we have too many breakthrough points and the whole line copses? This possibility does exist, doesn¡¯t it?"

    Deputy Officer: "How could that be? A copse of the entire line due to tactics like this has never happened in military history. The Anteans are just wasting manpower. Their only sessful offensive to date came after they drained our supplies, and then they got their chance.

    "And now we have ample supplies because we anticipated that mud could impact our supply lines, and all the Army Groups have stockpiled in advance. The Anteans will surely gain nothing."

    Marshal Von Bock, with his hands behind his back, stared at the map for a few seconds, then shook his head, "Still, we must prepare for the worst scenario. Chief of Staff, organize the staff to estimate how many Ante troops we are likely under attack from. The standard for assessment can be appropriately rxed, exaggerate the gravity of the situation a bit." Find your next read on

    The Chief of Staff shook his head, "The reports we¡¯re receiving now are definitely exaggerated. Themand posts below are surely thinking of inting the situation a bit in order to get more reinforcements." ????????

    Marshal Von Bock waved his hand, "I am the Commander of the Central Army Group. My responsibility is to ensure that my Army Group is not in danger and to maintain control of the current front. So, asking High Command for more troops is just fulfilling my duty. Without troops, there is no way to guarantee the front, understand?"

    The Chief of Staff nodded: "Got it. I¡¯ll start the assessment right away."

    Marshal Von Bock: "I¡¯m going to take a short nap. When I wake up, I hope you will have finished the assessment and drafted the telegram to High Command. I want to see the first draft of the telegram. Gentlemen, thank you for your hard work, and... good night."

    Von Bock looked at the time, corrected himself, "Good morning."@@novelbin@@

    "Good morning," General Gorky yawned as he entered the Western Front Army Headquarters, "How¡¯s the progress up to today?"

    Chief of Staff: "We¡¯re seeing small-scale breakthroughs, with only five points of significant value across the entire front."

    General Gorky: "The second echelon to advance to these five breakthrough points!"

    "We¡¯re on it, but because we¡¯ve spread the second echelon across the entire front, and now it¡¯s the muddy season, I think it will be difficult to form a decisive advantage quickly at the five breakthrough points," the Chief of Staff said while gesturing on the map with a pointer.

    Gorky¡¯s attack n, which nobody knew where a breakthrough would ur, was designed to ensure that troops could quickly follow up on any breakthrough anywhere along the front, with the second echelon deployed evenly along the entire line and the third echelon¡¯s troops concentrated at a few points where progress was anticipated.

    The result is that the second echelon can be immediatelymitted, but only a little bit at a time, and it cannot form an overwhelming advantage quickly like a flood breaking through a dam.

    General Gorky frowned, "Even the mud starts to block us now."

    Chief of Staff: "It has always indiscriminately affected everyone, it¡¯s just that we¡¯re used to the mud and have the advantage due to shorter supply lines."

    General Gorky didn¡¯t answer; he stared at the map for several dozen seconds before suddenly pointing at Shostka and asking, "Can tanks cross over to thending field north of Shostka?"

    The Chief of Staff replied, "No, we don¡¯t have that many heavy ferries, and as for pontoon bridges¡ªthe heavy pontoon bridges supported by the Federation are with the Saint Andrew Front Army and the Abawahan Front Army; we don¡¯t have any."

    General Gorky asked, "Then have we sent them anti-tank weapons?"

    "Some ZIS-3 anti-tank guns have been sent over, but the 85 anti-aircraft guns have not."

    General Gorky said, "Immediately send anti-tank guns over there. If the Prosens counterattack, they¡¯ll deploy armored troops, at the very least armored grenadier units. Without anti-tank firepower, it¡¯s not going to work."

    "What about our air force strength? Can we airdrop some light anti-tank guns?"

    The Chief of Staff nced outside and said, "With this rain, I estimate the air force won¡¯t be able to take off. Even if they were forced to, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see where to airdrop."

    General Gorky sighed, "Then our warriors will have to face the enemy¡¯s tanks with their flesh and blood."

    October 26th, 0700 hours, Prosen Sixth Army Group Headquarters.

    Army Group Commander William von Frederick held a radio handset and demanded, "What do you mean the enemy tank force has disappeared?"

    "General, that¡¯s the situation. ording to the prisoners¡¯ confessions, the regiment we destroyed belongs to the Ante 51st Tank Army, 124th Regiment. This army should still have several tank regiments, but now we can¡¯t find them anywhere," said Hosette, the Division Commander of the Fifth Armored Division of the Asgard Knights, who were part of the counterattack.

    General Frederick was about to speak when his Chief of Staff reminded him, "These tank regiments are ravaging our artillery positions and supply lines. Several artillery battalions have lost contact, and all reported tank assaults before losingmunication."

    Immediately, General William von Frederick shouted into the microphone, "They are attacking our artillery positions. Find those regiments and wipe them out!"

    Division Commander Hosette said, "General, I have a better suggestion. We attack the beachhead and cut off their supply lines. That way, the tank units will have toe back to save it."

    General Frederick thought for a moment and thenughed, "Good, do that."

    Themand vehicle of the 123rd Tank Regiment of the 51st Tank Army.

    The regiment¡¯s Deputy Officer climbed onto themand vehicle and said to the regimentmander, "We¡¯ve been unable to contact Headquarters for seven hours now. The troops are running seriously low on ammo. Do you think we should return to the beachhead to resupply?"

    The regimentmander replied, "No, the order we received is to advance, keep advancing, all the way back to the suburbs of Abawahan where our army¡¯s positions are. Once we rest, the whole regiment will continue to advance!"

    The Deputy Officer said, "But that¡¯s still so far away. And before we reach our army¡¯s positions, we¡¯ll first encounter the enemy¡¯s attacking units won¡¯t we? Without ammunition..."

    The regimentmander said, "Look at the river next to us."

    The Deputy Officer turned his head toward the Valdai Hills River, where arge number of ships were streaming downstream.

    The regimentmander said, "If the pontoon bridges were still there, the ships couldn¡¯te down. Even if we returned to the beachhead, there would be no supply waiting. Let¡¯s keep moving forward and unleash ourst shells on the Prosens!"

    The Deputy Officer stood on the engine hood of the tank, gazing at the Valdai Hills River, looking at the ships on the river, and gently biting his lip.

    He said, "At the beginning of this year, when General Rocossov drove the enemy away from near Yeburg, my wife insisted that we have a child. She said she didn¡¯t want one before because she didn¡¯t want them to be a ve. The due date is within these few days."

    The regimentmander also looked at the Valdai Hills River, "I have two daughters, the younger one is only three years old this year. I hope their stepfather takes good care of them."

    "Yes," the Deputy Officer agreed. "Hope their stepfather can take good care of them. By the way, General Rocossov¡¯s wife had just given birth not long ago too. It seems she¡¯s also on her way to the front."

    "I heard about that. Perhaps that¡¯s why the general hasn¡¯t jumped onto a tank and charged into battle at the frontline again."

    "The Front Army Commander jumping onto a tank and personally leading a charge would indeed be a bit uncouth," the Deputy Officerughed.

    "Indeed."

    Both menughed for a while, then fell silent at the same time.

    A few secondster, the Deputy Officer pointed at the signal vehicle, "I¡¯ll go back to man the radio."

    "Go ahead. If Headquarters has any news, let me know immediately!"

    "Don¡¯t worry." The Deputy Officer waved his hand and climbed into the open door of the signal vehicle.

 Chapter 593: Pulling the Plug (Extra Update 24/81)

    Nelly truly received a Mosin-Nagant rifle.

    Then she regretfully realized that, even though she was eighteen and even without the cumbersome long bay attached, she was still not as tall as the rifle.

    The Quartermaster who handed her the rifle was serious, "We Naval Infantry don¡¯t have optical sights, you can only get used to the mechanical sight."

    "I¡¯m very used to it," Nelly said, "When I was shooting rabbits, I used a mechanical sight."

    The old Quartermaster looked at Nelly skeptically, "The General and the former Crown Prince went hunting, and it was really you who did the shooting?"

    "Mhm," Nelly nodded.

    "Alright,e, take these clothes and this military uniform. This is the smallest uniform we could find here."

    "I can just wear my maid outfit."

    "No, that¡¯s too conspicuous."Nelly, however, pointed at the mud spots on her skirt, "It won¡¯t be long before the white turns to the color of mud, don¡¯t worry."

    The old Quartermaster sighed, "Even a girl like you has to roll in the mud, war is truly detestable, the Invaders are truly detestable."

    Nelly didn¡¯t respond, she bent her head to check the bullets she had been given.

    At that moment, the Naval Infantry Brigade Commander, carrying the rank of Brigadier, approached, "Are you the General¡¯s Orderly? Come help make coffee at the Brigade Headquarters."

    "No, I want to fight the Prosens, to be with the warriors," Nelly coldly said, "I¡¯m just a hired worker, and not under yourmand."

    "In theory, even a rabbit on this battlefield falls under mymand," the Brigadier stopped, watching as Nelly expertly checked the Mosin-Nagant¡¯s bore.

    The old Quartermaster beside her said, "She might shoot better than most of our recruits, you can rest assured, Brigade Commander."

    "How could I be assured, what if General Rocosov asks meter, and I say your Orderly..." At that moment, a howling sound came from the sky.

    Nelly immediately threw herself against the trench wall, her reaction faster than both the Brigadier and the old Quartermaster.

    While taking cover, the Brigadier shouted, "Take cover! Artillery ising, take cover!"

    The shells fell, but they did not shake the ground as intensely as anticipated.

    The Brigadier lifted his head, "What¡¯s going on? No Heavy Artillery? It feels like the biggest tubes are just 105 millimeters."

    In fact, 105mm howitzers were already powerful enough, perhaps the Naval Infantry¡¯s perception of cannon caliber differed from the Army¡¯s. After all, they were Navy, and on a warship, a 105mm gun was only considered a fire poker, the main guns on a Destroyer were 127mm. ?§¡£Î??¨¨S

    The bombardmentsted for 20 minutes, a rather short period of time for a preparatory barrage.

    Moreover, the density of the falling shells was not very high.

    Nelly got up, looked down at her maid outfit, and sure enough, the white had nearly disappeared. One more bombardment and she would blendpletely with the position.

    The Brigadier seemed to want to persuade Nelly again, but a loud call came from the observation post, "Tanks! Enemy tanks approaching!"

    Following that, the roar of engines pierced everyone¡¯s ears.

    The Brigadier turned and ran towards themand post, shouting as he went, "Into the positions! Get into positions! Anti-tank guns and Anti-tank Rifle bearers get ready! Grenadiers, check your ammunition!"

    After the Brigadier left, Nelly turned to the Quartermaster and said, "I¡¯m also going to fight, you¡ª"

    She stopped, seeing the old Quartermaster fallen in the trench.

    After a moment of silence, she reached out and gently closed the old man¡¯s eyes, then pulled a letter, now half stained with blood, from his pocket and stuffed it into her maid outfit.

    Then she adjusted her beret, took her Mosin-Nagant which was taller than herself, and quickly moved along the trench until she arrived at the foremost firing pit in no time.

    An old nonmissioned officer named Malov was in the pit, encouraging the new recruits. When he saw Nelly show up, he eximed, "How did you get to the firing pit, get to the back! Wait until you hear someone shout ¡¯Medic¡¯ and thene to rescue us!"

    Nelly patted her Mosin-Nagant.

    Malov: "Nonsense! Look how many Papashas we have! Are we missing your one Mosin-Nagant? We know you¡¯re representing the General here, but¡ª"

    A shrapnel round fired from a Prosen tank exploded behind Malov. Zaitsev, lying next to Malov, turned his head and said, "Damn, what¡¯s that explosion? Our machine guns haven¡¯t fired yet! Wait, we don¡¯t have machine guns here, do we?"

    Malov smacked him on the head, "It¡¯s to scare new recruits like you! The machine guns will open fire soon!"

    Before he could finish, the Prosens¡¯ tanks opened fire, and bullets swept over the heads of the warriors like a violent storm. At this moment, whether they were veterans or new recruits, even Malov himself ducked.

    "See!" he shouted loudly, "That¡¯s how it is, this is suppressive fire."

    Even seasoned warriors cannot change their instinct to avoid danger; when arge number of bullets arending all around, most will have adrenaline surging and heart rates elerating.

    Those who are more afraid of dying will curl up in a ball, unable to even shoot.

    Zaitsev: "Then what do we do in this situation?"

    "Wait until the enemyes within 100 meters, then the Papashas can achieve better uracy. Before that, the machine guns will block the enemy infantry," Malov patted Zaitsev¡¯s shoulder.

    That¡¯s when he noticed Nelly lying at a specifically designed firing port in the pit, her rifle already propped up.

    "What are you doing? If our anti-tank guns haven¡¯t opened fire then that means the enemy tanks are still beyond 500 meters, and their infantry is behind the tanks, so right now..."

    Nelly ignored Malov and carefully adjusted her range to the 700-meter mark.

    Yes, the Mosin-Nagant¡¯s mechanical sight can be set to that range, but ordinary people wouldn¡¯t need to use that sight setting.

    Then Nelly aimed at a target.

    At that distance, with the naked eye, it was impossible to distinguish which ck dot was an infantryman and which was an officer, so Nelly simply picked a target at random.

    She pulled the trigger.

    Beside her, Malovmented, "The shooting posture is quite standard, no buttstock hitting the shoulder. But can you really hit urately at this distance, youngdy?"

    Nelly didn¡¯t answer, but Zaitsev shouted, "Down! An infantryman is down!"@@novelbin@@

    Seeing the enemy fall, Nelly breathed a sigh of relief, then worked the bolt to eject the spent cartridge case, which flew out of the ejection port, bounced once in the trench, and finally rolled to a stop at Malov¡¯s feet.

    Malov stepped on the cartridge case and squinted at Nelly.

    At this time, she fired again.

    The toon leader was running towards them, shouting, "Malov, why is someone here firing single shots? Tell her not to shoot!"

    "We¡¯ve got a female sniper here!" Malov shouted back, "She¡¯s already taken down two."

    "I wasn¡¯t informed that a female sniper had joined," the toon leader approached and, upon seeing Nelly, he changed his tune, "That¡¯s good, but Miss Nelly, if you could just obey the trench discipline a little better. When the enemy gets closer, you can target officers and those sergeants with submachine guns, even aim for their Wound Badges and Iron Crosses."

    Those with Wound Badges were likely the core returned from injuries, and those with Iron Crosses went without saying.

    Nelly nodded: "Understood. I¡¯m sorry."

    "No problem, it¡¯s good as long as you¡¯re taking out the Prosens," the toon leader nodded and turned to walk back the way he came.

    At this time the anti-tank gun fired, indicating the enemy tanks had crossed the marked distance.

    Malovy on the edge of the trench, cautiously peering out and indeed saw a Panzer IV engulfed in mes.

    "Good!" he shouted with a clenched fist.

    It was of course the naval infantry who were equipped with 45mm anti-tank units, but the anti-tank gun units at the beachhead were now equipped with ZIS-3 type 76mm anti-tank guns. It was quite easy to prate a Panzer IV¡¯s weak points at a distance of 500 meters.

    After all, the Panzer IV was fundamentally designed that way; after being equipped with a heavier long-barrel 75mm gun, there wasn¡¯t much weight redundancy left for reinforcing armor.

    The second shot from the ZIS-3 hit a Panzer III but only stopped the tank.

    The Prosen Tankers swiftly ran out of the tank andy t on the ground for concealment.

    Clearly, they too were well versed in this drill.

    Discover stories at

    At the same time, several Panzer IVs returned fire, and explosions immediately came from the anti-tank gun positions.

    Malov: "Let¡¯s see how reliable the shelter we worked overtime to buildst night without sleep is! It has to hold against the Panzer IV¡¯s shrapnel!"

    Before he finished speaking, another Panzer IV was hit, but this time the armor-piercing shell didn¡¯t hit a weak spot urately, and due to a bad angle, it was deflected by the front armor of the turret.

    The Panzer IV continued to fire, as the anti-tank gun positions were engulfed in smoke from the shrapnel explosions.

    The Panzer III tanks, meanwhile, fired a barrage while advancing towards the trenches.

    When they crossed the 200-meter marker, machine guns opened fire, and the crossfire forced the infantry following the tanks to go prone, disrupting the entire assault formation.

    The naval infantry Grenadiers hidden in cat ear holes in front of the main firing trench quickly popped their heads out, tossing the first wave of incendiary bombs onto the Panzer III tanks within arm¡¯s reach.

    Several Panzer III tanks were instantly enveloped in mes.

    Tank with the tactical number 143, a Panzer III, was hit on the engine vent cover and immediately came to a halt. The hatch of the turret opened, and the tankmander, holding an MP40, popped his head out to shoot at the Grenadier.

    Nelly fired.

    She had reset the sight to the default distance and relied entirely on instinct for the shot.

    The Prosen tankmander was shot in the head, the bullet lifting the scalp and even breaking the crossbar on the headset.

    As Nelly was pulling the bolt, the door of the Panzer III turret opened from the side, presumably the Gunner climbing out and jumping off the tank to run.

    So Nelly sent a bullet into his back.

    As she was working the bolt, Nelly heard Zaitsev nearby saying, "Malov, why do I feel the Mosin-Nagant is more useful than the Papasha?"

    "That¡¯s because she shoots urately. Stick to your Papasha!" Malov scolded.

    Nelly took out another Prosen officer, then pulled a cartridge from her pocket and ced it by the edge of the trench, starting to load and fire one round at a time.

    Malov came over and said, "Let me help you with the magazines; you focus on firing."

    "Thank you," Nelly whispered gently and took down a Prosen sergeant who was firing a submachine gun ¨C the MP40 magazine was inserted vertically, requiring the upper body to be propped up while firing prone.

    Malov finished loading the magazine and handed it to Nelly.

    At that time, the Prosens began to retreat, releasing smoke.

    Zaitsev asked in surprise, "Is that it?"

    "This was a probing attack. Didn¡¯t you notice the enemy numbers were very small? Not many apanying infantry, and even the fire preparation was quite sloppy," Malov said while loading, "If I¡¯m not mistaken, the real test wille tomorrow."

 Chapter 594: Twilight

    On November 26 at 1640 hours, Captain Hosette of the Fifth Armored Division of the Prosen Army¡¯s Asgard Knights, holding a handset, said, "Relying solely on our current state, we can¡¯t capture the beachhead.

    "We need artillery, enough infantry, and time to fix those tanks stuck in the mud, ensuring a sufficient number of tanks."

    On the other end of the phone, General Frederick of the Sixth Army Group sighed, "Because of the damn mud, most of our artillery units don¡¯t have a single base of ammunition left. The good news is, I¡¯m pulling the entire 41st Armored Army to block off the beachhead that threatens our rear.

    "The enemy¡¯s armored troops are like a fleet of pirate ships, raiding along our supply lines. Damn it, raiding is supposed to be a founding principle of the Imperial Navy¡¯s strategy, and now the Imperial Navy has existing fleets, while our enemies have started raiding with nd cruisers¡¯!"

    When the United Kingdom first developed tanks, they were intended asnd cruisers, and now the Anteans¡¯ use of them perfectly matches the original development intent.

    Hosette could hear General Frederick¡¯s sigh and spoke up, "Although we can¡¯t capture the beachhead, we are ready to intercept the enemy¡¯s tank forces, and we will definitely inflict heavy damage on them!"

    "No tanks will return," General Frederick said grimly. "These tank units won¡¯t engage in a standoff with you; they will prey on our forcescking anti-tank capabilities until they are destroyed or run out of theirst drop of fuel."

    Hosette fell silent.

    He recalled the Antean soldiers they had encountered before reaching the beachhead.Hosette had to admit, although these Antean soldiers were untrained and poorly equipped, their will to fight was no less than any Prosen Soldier.

    They were formidable enemies.

    The most formidable enemies.

    Captain Ivan climbed out of the turret and stood next to the engine cooling hood to ask his driver, "Is there any hope?"

    Looking at the engine, the driver shook his head, "No, it can¡¯t be fixed, not even if we go back to the workshop. The engine must be reced. It¡¯s been pulling hard, with rain and mud."

    Captain Ivan patted the top of the turret and nced at the three kill rings on his gun barrel, "How many trucks have we destroyed today? Ten trucks for one kill ring, how many more should we add?"

    The loader shook his head, "I don¡¯t know, just like a person doesn¡¯t remember how much bread they¡¯ve eaten since birth; I haven¡¯t kept count of how many trucks we¡¯ve destroyed. Let¡¯s add five for now."

    And with that, he took out paint and a brush from the turret, beginning to draw rings on the gun barrel.

    Soon, five new rings were added, giving a total of eight conspicuous rings on the barrel.

    Under the tank, the tank operators began toin, "When our tanks broke down, Captain, you didn¡¯t let us draw rings. You rushed us to move on!"

    Captain Ivan smiled, "That¡¯s because we still had tanks that werebat-worthy and we had to seize the time to destroy more of the enemy¡¯s facilities. ??¦­??¨º??

    "Now we don¡¯t have tanks."

    The crew chief of the second vehicle asked, "What do we do now? Seek shelter with the locals and wait for the general to counter-attack? ording tost year¡¯s script, as winteres, the general should start a counter-attack. It shouldn¡¯t take that long."

    Captain Ivan looked up towards the west and said, "No, our mission is to disrupt the enemy¡¯s logistics, to relieve pressure on Abawahan. Based onst year¡¯s experience, the enemy will mount a fierce surge just as the mud season ends, and that will be the most dangerous time."

    The captain¡¯s gaze swept across the faces of the warriors, "So we must continue to fight, even if it¡¯s only to destroy one truck, it could change the tide! Of course, as tank operators, as a technical branch, now is a reasonable time to choose to preserve our lives and wait for new equipment.

    "So I¡¯m asking you to decide for yourselves what to do. Those who decide to stay can go and find the locals. Those who decide toe with me can follow me!"

    At that moment, a voice came unexpectedly from the nearby bushes. Stay updated through

    "Who¡¯s there!" The tank operators raised their submachine guns towards the bushes.

    A local emerged from the bushes, holding up his identification high, "I¡¯m with the guerri, we¡¯ve been fighting after being dispersed, with help from the locals. I suggest you don¡¯t take risks and instead lie low for now, n for the long term."

    "Our mission¡­"

    "Your mission is to disrupt the logistics, I know, the guerri has been doing this all along. Without tanks, you won¡¯t do any better than us; you are tank operators, not infantry. Davarish, listen to me, you can use the Papasha, and so can I, but I can¡¯t drive a tank!"

    Captain Ivan, holding his submachine gun, looked at his soldiers and said, "If only the military chain were here; s, may Saint Andrew bless him, may the Mothend bless him. Let¡¯s vote. Those who agree to ept the protection of ourrade from the guerri and wait to return to the troops to continue operating tanks, raise your hand!"

    They looked at one another, no one raising a hand.

    The guerri fighter became anxious, "Davarish! We really can¡¯t operate tanks, think about the training you¡¯ve undergone! If you die here, so many tank operators will need to be retrained. You¡¯ve still gotbat experience!"

    Captain Ivan bit his lip and raised his right hand, "Ourrade from the guerri has convinced me."

    One by one, everyone raised their hands.

    "Good, unanimously approved. We¡¯ll go to ground and wait for new tanks, then we¡¯ll settle scores with the Prosen devils!"

    Guerri fighter: "Quick, this way! The Prosens are hunting for you, but they¡¯ve been ordered to find tanks¡ªwe can evade them!"

    Captain Ivan jumped off the tank, carrying the captured Prosen MP40 submachine gun, and briskly caught up to the guerri fighter.

    The other tank operators followed immediately.

    A few dozen steps out, several more guerri fighters emerged from the diagonal, all armed with guns.

    "I convinced them!" the leading guerri fighter shouted, "Don¡¯t shoot!"

    The muscr leader then put down the MP40 and jerked his head toward a narrow path: "This way, hurry! The Prosens are conducting a dra search, they¡¯re very close."

    Captain Ivan nodded.

    The group, blending together, moved quickly down the path when suddenly, gunfire erupted in the distance.

    Captain Ivan was about to grab his gun but was stopped by the guerri leader: "Don¡¯t worry, it¡¯s our people drawing the Prosens¡¯ attention. They will lead the encircling enemy away."

    Captain Ivan nodded, took a moment to grasp what that meant, and then asked, "What about the ones drawing attention?"

    The guerri leader, face stern: "We were meant to have been sacrificed in the Prosens¡¯ attack fourteen days ago. Having lived fourteen more days is enough."

    Captain Ivan started to speak but hesitated, then just patted the guerri leader¡¯s shoulder.

    The group continued to move forward in the rain.

    The distant gunfire persisted, like birds in a fairy tale that live only for a day, singing with all their might.

    All at once, without warning, the birdsong ceased.

    Captain Ivan slowed his pace slightly, ncing toward the direction from which thest sound came.

    At that time, the guerri leader started whistling.

    It was a powerful tune, yet it carried a sense of sorrow.

    Captain Ivan, curious, asked, "What tune is that?"

    "It¡¯s a song taught to us by an Allied Forcesmando team that parachuted down a few days ago, supposedly sung by the local guerris duringbat in the Kingdom of Sardinia. We¡¯ve got a poet in our squad who writes for the newspaper, and he came up with new lyrics.

    ¡¯Ah, friend, goodbye, ah, friend, goodbye, ah, friend, goodbye then, goodbye then, goodbye then.¡¯"@@novelbin@@

    All the guerri fighters sang together: "That morning, waking from a dream, invaders stormed into my hometown. Guerris, oh, take me away, I can bear no more..."

    Suddenly, the rain grew heavier, as if intentionally muffling everyone¡¯s footsteps.

    So the light yet resolute singing waspletely drowned out.

    October 26, 20:30, Ante Army Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    "This is Commander Panfilov of the Sixteenth Army Group," Pavlov introduced to Wang Zhong.

    Commander Panfilov saluted Wang Zhong: "Commander Davarish, our Army Group is at full strength; we have eighty thousand young men from the ins near Ceres, all from the secr faction¡¯s core in the pastoral areas. Myds are well-trained and well-equipped! Unlike temporary infantry divisions, you can use us in the most dangerous sectors!"

    Wang Zhong nodded: "You have finallypleted disembarkation. To get you here we dismantled the pontoon bridge, leaving the naval infantry on the opposite shore."

    Wang Zhong was unaware that Nelly was also at Landing Point One on the West Bank.

    "In fact, we just lost a vital support point two days ago. Look here." He approached the map and pointed directly at the Train Dispatch Yard, "Here, it¡¯s thergest reinforced concrete buildingplex on the first line of defense. The enemy had stopped their attack previously due tock of ammunition, and it¡¯s not clear how well they¡¯ve resupplied, but they¡¯ll have to attack at some point."

    After Wang Zhong finished, Pavlov immediately took over, continuing: "If we can take the support point and the surrounding blocks, you¡¯ll need to hold out there as long as possible. I can¡¯t tell you until which date, and we predict the Prosens will mount a resolute counter-attack when the ground freezes over while the temperature is still not too low. Your troops will withstand the shock together with the Nameless Hignds to the north."

    Wang Zhong reimed the conversation: "The Nameless Hignds are defended by my elite forces of the First Mobile Group Army, which should be able to form a mutual support angle with your forces."

    Commander Panfilov saluted: "Understood, recapture the Train Dispatch Yard, then hold out as long as we can!"

    Wang Zhong: "You will receive artillery support from the entire Front Army. The follow-up troops will send you support as soon as they arrive. Of course, if the Train Dispatch Yard cannot be taken, you can also reinforce the second line of defense along with the original defenders."

    "Rest assured, we will take it," Panfilov saluted Wang Zhong, "I shall leave now."

    "Eat before you go. The battlefield is right there; it¡¯s not going anywhere," Wang Zhong said softly, but with an undeniablemanding presence.

    Commander Panfilov could only nod: "Yes."

 Chapter 595: The Long Night

    October 27th, 0100 hours, at Beachhead One.

    Nelly and two battlefield nurses were sleeping in the trench when they were suddenly awakened by footsteps.

    Her first reaction was to check for enemies, but it turned out to be the voice of the old sergeant, Malov, "Don¡¯t panic, the toon leader sent me with a few soldiers to catch some prisoners. With this weather and at this time, it¡¯s perfect. Zaitsev! Haven¡¯t you always wanted to try prisoner-snatching? The chance hase!"

    Zaitsev appeared, brimming with energy, "Great! Does this mean I can get a medal if I catch one?"

    "During the civil war, yes. But for now, think about how you¡¯ll stay alive to receive it. Let¡¯s go."

    Saying this, Malov crawled out of the trench, moving briskly and stooped, belying his age.

    Zaitsev quickly followed, asking as they walked, "Is it just the two of us? Shouldn¡¯t we bring more people?"

    "More people make it easier to be detected. Plus, if we rm the enemy, it¡¯s easier for us two to slip back. Shut up and just follow me."

    Nellyy at the edge of the trench, watching them disappear into the night.By then, another nurse had woken up and asked in a hushed voice, "What happened?"

    Nelly replied, "Nothing much, they went across to grab some prisoners. Did I wake you up?"

    "No, I just had a nightmare." The nurse bowed her head and wiped away her tears, "I thought what I saw in the hospital was the nightmare I¡¯d live with, but today..."

    Nelly interjected, "The enemy¡¯s offensive wasn¡¯t intense today. If you¡¯re having nightmares today, you¡¯ll never find peace."

    The nurse looked towards Nelly, "You¡¯re quite theforter."

    "I¡¯m just telling you the facts. Even if we leave this beachhead alive, none of us are going to sleep peacefully again," Nelly stated calmly.

    "Have you been through this before?"

    "At Orachi, my first time on the battlefield," Nelly lifted her head to look at the rainy night sky, "The kind uncle who packed extra meat for me yesterdayy in a pool of blood today, his intestines spilling out. And the kind olddy lying in the street, next to her grandchild who hadn¡¯t yet been weaned off her¡ª I¡¯ve seen enough of these scenes."

    The nurse continued to wipe her tears, "Why do humans do these things? Why?"

    "After we conquer the Prosens, you can ask those who waged this war," Nelly replied.

    "That¡¯s what I want to ask," the nurse nodded, "I need to ask!"

    She changed the subject, "Miss Nelly, don¡¯t you have nightmares?"

    "I do, so during that time I suffered from insomnia every night and had to force myself to keep busy and drink coffee to stay alert. The general thought I was always awake when he woke because I¡¯m a well-trained maid.

    "The general, however, sleeps soundly every night despite having seen even more gruesome sights. He never has nightmares and falls asleep instantly. It seems his whole family is like that."

    Nelly paused, looking at the nurse as if waiting for her to ask more.

    But the nurse merely eximed, "The general is amazing, so that¡¯s why he¡¯s a general."

    Nelly nodded, "Yes, he¡¯s the general."

    The nursemented, "All these deaths are just numbers to him, aren¡¯t they?"

    Nelly replied, "I don¡¯t know; I¡¯ve never asked him about his thoughts. Maybe his wife knows¡ªno, his wife definitely knows, but she isn¡¯t here."

    Find your next read at

    Wang Zhong yawned and stood up, "I¡¯m going to rest."

    Pavlov said, "Hope you sleep well."

    Wang Zhong replied, "I¡¯m sure I will. I don¡¯t even know if I still have a conscience, sending so many to their death yet still able to sleep without any burden, and not even dreaming." ?¦Á??????¦¥??

    "It¡¯s probably gic; some people just can sleep without any burden," Popov got up and said, "I¡¯m on night duty. Pavlov, you should go rest too. If both of you are down, then it¡¯s just me leftmanding the forces as a bishop here, and we¡¯d certainly be done for."

    Pavlov thought for a moment and nodded, "Alright, I¡¯ll also rest. Actually, I¡¯ve been unable to sleep recently. Every time I close my eyes, I see march ns, troop cements, supply arrangements¡­ I¡¯ve even seen a doctor about it, the one Yegorov is fond of, you know? The female doctor Yegorov found..."

    Yegorov¡¯s family had all died, so he and a female doctor supported and warmed each other, a fact known by everyone who had fled from Upper Penie.

    Wang Zhong asked, "How is the female doctor? I mean, in medicine."

    Pavlov replied, "I haven¡¯t tried her medicine yet, I¡¯ll see tonight. Hoping the report formats are correct this time so I don¡¯t get too annoyed. Let¡¯s go."

    Popov said, "Take care, gentlemen of the night shift, now it¡¯s our turn to hold the fort. Let¡¯s hope the Prosens don¡¯t suddenly acquire the ability for night attacks."

    Wang Zhong and Pavlov then walked shoulder to shoulder toward the door, as Yakov and Pavlov¡¯s deputy officer approached, offering their coats and military caps to the two men.

    Outside, a light drizzle continued to float down, and since the Prosen people were not ustomed to night bombings, the hospital across was brightly lit, and faint screams from the ongoing surgeries could be heard.

    Wang Zhong: "Why are they screaming so terribly? Are we running out of anesthetics?"

    "Well, on our side, we have an abundance of morphine that we can¡¯t use up, supplied like it¡¯s free by the Allied Nations, but the proper surgical anesthetics... mainly, it¡¯s because we need to perform too many surgeries. You should see the doctors; they¡¯re all as tired as moving corpses."

    Due to theck of education in Ante, there is a severe shortage of doctors, to the extent that all doctors are almost forced to convert to trauma surgeons.

    It is said that even pediatricians are now treating gunshot wounds on the front lines, and the mortality rate among children in remote areas has greatly increased.

    Wang Zhong: "By this time next year, the situation will have drastically turned around."

    "I thought you would say, by this time next year, we would have liberated Argesukov."

    Wang Zhong chuckled softly, "You have to eat your rice one mouthful at a time, my dear Pavlov Davarish."

    At that moment, a small piece of ice crystal stuck to Wang Zhong¡¯s forehead.

    Confused, he raised his hand and touched it, but he only felt the melting water of the ice crystal.

    Just when he thought it was an illusion, a second piecended on his forehead.@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov felt it too.

    They were less than five meters away from their "dorm," but they stopped together and looked up at the sky.

    The fine rain was mixed with ice crystals, and a cold wind howled down the Valdai Hills River.

    Wang Zhong: "What is this? Has the cold air arrived so soon? Didn¡¯t the weather forecast say it¡¯s still ten days away?"

    Pavlov: "Maybe General Winter saw our dire situation and couldn¡¯t help himself?"

    At this time, Yakov with his notebook said, "I¡¯ve seen local climate records before; on average, every ten years, winteres a bit earlier, ending the mud season by the end of October. So maybe this isn¡¯t an abnormal climate?"

    Wang Zhong, mouth agape, looked at the sky, "Damn! Trouble, the early end of the muddiness means Prosen¡¯s supplies will be restored!"

    "Congrattions, General," the Chief of Staff of the Prosen Sixth Army Group said to General Frederick, "the mud season has ended early, and we can move again. This mud period,sting less than a week, is a gift from heaven!"

    General Frederick rebuked, "Is this a time to be happy? With the mud season ending early, the enemy¡¯s transport will also improve, and their tanks scattered behind us will be more convenient and quicker to maneuver! (Actually, the tank units responsible for the raids were already wiped out, but Frederick¡¯s headquarters had yet to obtain this intelligence)"

    After the rebuke, Frederick shifted to a more gentle tone, "Ensure the smoothness of supplies, eliminate the impacts caused by the Anteans, and quickly resume the offensive. We have at most one to two weeks until the weather gets so cold nobody can move! We need to capture Abawahan urgently.

    "To ensure this, the 41st Armored Army should eliminate the Antean beachhead within a few days!"

    The staff officers who had just gathered to celebrate with the General hastily dispersed to resume their duties.

    The General then relieved himself, undoing his tunic¡¯s disciplinary button, and gestured to the Deputy Officer, "Get me something to drink."

    "Vodka okay?"

    "No, no alcohol; I need to stay alert¡ªget me some coffee," General Frederick said in an even more cated tone than before, "We need to ensure the input of follow-up troops, due to Rocossov¡¯s action, I estimate we need at least two more armies to take Abawahan."

    Chief of Staff: "Isn¡¯t that being too cautious?"

    "It¡¯s better to be cautious, to prevent those people at the Army Group Command, sitting safely over a hundred kilometers away, from talking nonsense." After brief consideration, General Frederick amended, "Make it three armies in the telegram, we need the extra three armies to conquer Abawahan."

    The Chief of Staff nodded, "Alright, I will draft the telegram right away."

    After speaking, he left.

    Frederick looked at the map on the wall as if appreciating a piece of art, with a wholerge section added on the right side showing all the "fruits of victory" of the Sixth Army Group.

    Of course, Frederick knew, between himself and Group A, there was arge barren grasnd, and both sides had only limited maneuver forces responsible for vignce in this area.

    The troops on Prosen¡¯s side keeping watch here belonged to the 16th Armored Grenadiers of Group B, known as the Greyhound Division after its emblem of a greyhound.

    This was an obscure unit, but its reliable fighting strength was highly regarded by Maximilian von Geron, the Marshal of Group B Command.

    Frederick looking at the map, remembering the appearance of the Greyhound Division Commander, just when the Deputy Officer came in with a tray holding the coffee.

    General Frederick took the coffee cup, took a sip, and his brows immediately furrowed, "Damn it, this coffee is too refined; no finely ground coffee beans, use the instant coffee we¡¯re issued!"

    Deputy Officer in shock: "But that tastes like mud!"

    "Exactly, that¡¯s how it should be!" General Frederick asserted.

 Chapter 596: The 16th Army Group Counterattacks (Supplementary 25/81)

    Despite the early arrival of winter, which helped dissipate the muddy conditions, the Prosen Sixth Army Group was still short on ammunition on October 27.

    That morning, the counterattack of the Sixteenth Army Group began.

    Wang Zhong stood at the headquarters entrance, listening to the artillery fireing from the west.

    Because the artillery position was a bit far from the headquarters, the sound of the guns was deep, like a hammer wrapped in five cotton quilts smashing on the floorboards.

    The north wind poured into Wang Zhong¡¯s cor, making him shiver.

    Yakov, seeing this, took off his scarf and handed it to Wang Zhong, "Commander, you wrap this around."

    Wang Zhong, "No, no, I¡¯m fine. I just need to button up my coat. It¡¯s not that cold yet¡ªI didn¡¯t bring out my overcoat¡­"

    As he spoke, he buttoned up his coat, which indeed warmed him considerably.

    But Yakov didn¡¯t take his scarf back, "If you fall ill, it will be a big problem, and my wife won¡¯t let me off the hook. She¡¯ll scold me for not taking good care of you."Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then took the scarf and wrapped it around, "I¡¯ll return itter. Did your wife make this for you?"

    "Yes, we had just started dating, and she knitted it little by little under her mother¡¯s guidance."

    Wang Zhong touched the scarf, feeling the fine stitches with his fingers and smiled, "That¡¯s nice. I¡¯ve never received such a handmade gift from Ludm."

    "When the war is over, you surely will," Yakov said with a smile.

    Wang Zhong nodded, then looked toward the west, quietly listening to the sound of gunfire.

    At 0831 on October 27, after two hours of artillery preparation, on the outskirts of the Train Dispatch Yard.

    With a cluster of whistle sounds, the soldiers of the Sixteenth Army Group, who had been lying concealed on the ground, all stood up.

    They were wearing clothes that were a bit too thick for the current weather, and they strode forward.

    The Antean battle g fluttered at the front of the column, followed by the military chains of each squad.

    The Church had issued an order not to let military chains lead the charge, but this order was not obeyed.

    The enemy¡¯s machine guns began to fire, which acted like a signal, causing the soldiers of the Sixteenth Army Group to start running.

    The deafening battle cries overwhelmed the noise of the machine guns.

    Yet the deadly sweep of machine gun fire still reaped the lives of the soldiers.

    In just a few seconds, the first wave of Antean warriors suffered hundreds of casualties.

    Then, the Prosen soldiers stopped firing to change their gun barrels.

    The Antean soldiers rushed to the buildings, hurling hand grenades inside.

    After a series of explosions, the Anteans, bays fixed, stormed through the sted-open doors and over the shattered windows.

    At the headquarters of the Sixteenth Army Group, corpsmander Panfilov held the receiver, "Speak up! You¡¯ve only taken half of the factory hall with a single charge? Why only half? I don¡¯t want to hear your excuses, now drive the Prosens out of the Train Dispatch Yardpletely!" ?§Ñ¦­????§¦s

    The person on the other end of the call shouted, "Impossible, the enemy has machine guns blocking all the roads, we can¡¯t break through!"

    Panfilov yelled, "Then push the cannon right up to the enemy¡¯s bunker, and st the hell out of them! st the hell out of them!"

    "We¡¯ve already ced the cannons where they can intercept enemy tank forces, should we move them?"

    "No," Panfilov became frantic, "You blockhead, just pull one gun, knock out the enemy fire points one by one. Who told you to move the entire anti-tank artillery battalion? One gun, push it forward to hit those fire points directly, st them out!"

    At the Train Dispatch Yard, western factory.

    Prosen machine guns on the second floor were continuously firing.

    Judging from the sustained firing, there were likely two machine guns on the second floor, one shooting while the other changed barrels.

    The Antean infantry in the factory could barely raise their heads due to the fire from these two machine guns, forcing them to crouch behind cover.

    Then, over a dozen anti-tank gunners appeared, pushing a ZIS3 76mm anti-tank gun.

    The machine gunners immediately spotted this highly threatening target, and bullets rained down on the cannon, instantly killing four gunners.

    The gunner hiding behind the gun shield began to operate the cannon, aiming the barrel at the Prosen machine guns on the second floor. As he finely adjusted the aim, he pulled open the breech and looked out through the barrel, spotting the windows on the second floor¡ªthis shot was sure to hit!

    "Load high-explosive shell!" shouted the captain from behind the shield.

    The loader, who had been crouching behind the cannon with a shell in his arms, immediately excitedly loaded the shell into the breech.

    The gun sergeant grasped the firingnyard, shouted, "Ready!"

    Another burst of machine gun fire came, and the gun sergeant was shot in the neck, blood spurting out three or four meters in a fine spray.

    As the gun sergeant fell backward, the assistant gun sergeant grabbed the firingnyard.

    The assistant gun sergeant yanked thenyard hard, and a st from the cannon swept across the factory, picking up all the dust within a five-meter radius.

    The shell directly hit the second-floor window and exploded.

    One machine gun, along with its tripod, tumbled out, and through the smoke-filled hole, another machine gun could be faintly seen.

    Infantrymen cheered as they rushed out of cover, sprinting across the railway toward the factory buildings.

    Prosen soldiers also emerged from behind cover.

    Prosen NCOs, firing MP40s, were then clubbed down with rifle butts.

    Once it evolved into a melee, it was the area where the Anteans excelled¡ªthese men from the ins normally enjoyed wrestling and now forcefully threw the Prosens, along with their guns, to the ground, finishing them off with bays.

    As the Prosens reached a certain threshold of panic, an "avnche" urred. It started with one man turning to flee, followed by the entire position, and finally, all the soldiers in the dispatch yard began to run. Discover more stories at

    A Prosen officer drew his pistol and executed two "deserters," then saw a ferocious Antean soldier charging at him with a bay.

    The officer also turned and ran, even faster than his troops.

    By 2 PM on the 27th, the Sixth Army Group had full control of the train dispatch yard and the surrounding concrete buildings.

    ¡ª

    October 27 at 1741 hours, Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong, holding a handset, said, "Panfilov, remember, don¡¯t bunch up your troops¡ªthree men per block is enough. If those three die, then send out another three."

    On Earth in Steelgrad, the defending Russians were divided into smallbat groups, each squatting in a city block. Their task wasn¡¯t to block the Sturmtigers but tounch surprise attacks on their troops, causing as many casualties as possible.

    As long as they depleted the enemy¡¯s forces, the enemy couldn¡¯t attack, and the mission to defend the city would beplete.

    As for the oues of thesebat groups, one could only say they were horrifying, as they essentially traded their lives for those of the enemy.

    At this point, Wang Zhong could only copy the "sessful experience" of the Earth¡¯s Russians.

    Sacrificing many was better than letting the city fall to the enemy.

    The time hade to treat soldiers like dirt.

    Over on the phone, Panfilov nodded, "Understood, our Army Group is perfect for the job¡ªwe have a high rate of submachine gun equipment, almost catching up to the Naval Infantry!"

    Wang Zhong, "We¡¯re relying on you. Remember, hold out as long as possible!"

    "Yes!"

    Wang Zhong hung up the phone and turned to Pavlov, "Any troops arriving today? What support can we provide to the Sixth Army Group?"

    "Because the navigational capacity of the Valdai Hills River has been restored to pre-blockade levels," Pavlov picked up a map stick and gestured on the map, "ships are now delivering considerable forces every day."

    Wang Zhong, "Good."

    Pavlov then asked, "All to the front lines? Aren¡¯t you keeping some troops for a counter-attack?"

    Wang Zhong, "Let¡¯s not consider that yet. When we have enough front-line troops that the Prosens can¡¯t break through, then we¡¯ll start gathering forces for a counter-attack."

    Pavlov, "Understood."

    After the Chief of Staff finished, he turned and busied himself again, leaving Wang Zhong alone sitting on a chair, looking at the map while eating edamame.

    Wang Zhong also didn¡¯t know where this Ceres chef had found the edamame, but it was quite tasty.

    ¡ª

    Prosen Sixth Army Group Headquarters.

    The Army Group Chief of Staff, looking at the operational markers on the map, thundered, "Didn¡¯t High Command¡¯s information say that Rocossov is an Antean general who specializes in defense? Why has he started attacking? Look at how many offensives he¡¯sunched this week?

    "Just tworge-scale attacks!"@@novelbin@@

    General Frederick then mmed his pencil down on the map.

    "Nonsense!"

    General Frederick patted the Chief of Staff¡¯s shoulder, "Look closely, the offensives by Rocossov are actually for defense. He hasn¡¯tunched a massive attack on us, nor does he intend to encircle and annihte us.

    "They¡¯re just localized attacks."

    The general paused and continued, "But the fact that Rocossov can attack means he still has reserves, so I think our request to High Command for three more army corps is justified. We need these fresh forces to break into the city."

    Chief of Staff, "Ipleted the telegram today, but there has been no reply yet¡ªcould it be..."

    General Frederick, "Sending three army corps to us now will ensure we end the war! I¡¯m sure High Command will understand this."

    The Chief of Staff could only nod.

    ¡ª

    Within the Prosen Empire, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    Emperor Reinhard mmed his hand on the table, "The Central Army Group has so many forces, and now they¡¯re still asking me for reinforcement! What is the Army Group Reserve, eating their heads off?"

    Celtic Marshal William spoke, "Your Highness personally ordered the reallocation of some Eastern Front troops to other lines, so that¡¯s what they did. The immediate forces they can use are just a few divisions.

    "And some forces are also being equipped with new tanks and need retraining. So the armored strength of the Central Army Group is currently far below that at the beginning of the year."

    "Are you ming me?" Reinhard challenged.

    "No, of course not. I am just making a feasible suggestion, Your Highness," the marshal shrugged, "This is the situation now. The Central Army Group is asking for reinforcements, and the Sixth Army Group, currently attacking Abawahan, is also calling for reinforcements¡ªthree army corps at once."

    The marshal did not continue but waited for the emperor to consider.

    Emperor, "I need to think about this, don¡¯t rush the decision. I need to think."

 Chapter 597: Silence

    The Prosen Emperor didn¡¯t ponder for long.

    Reinhard: "The troops we can send to the front line right now are just two armies, right?"

    "Yes, currently the total reserve on the Eastern Frontprises just two armies," Celtic Marshal immediately confirmed.

    "And how long would it take to mobilize troops from farther away?"

    "One week. Within a week we can deploy troops newly formed within the country, as well as those returning from retraining, to the Eastern Front, totaling two armies..."

    Reinhard interrupted Celtic Marshal, "Then dispatch one army to the Central Army Group for urgent support and the other to the Southern Front¡¯s Group B, transferring it to Frederick. Then, tell him that in one week¡¯s time, there will be two more armies."

    Celtic Marshal nced at Army Commander Walter von Blenheim, who had been silent.

    Von Blenheim finally spoke, "If the Central Army Group is breached, the situation will be extremely dangerous. The Anteans¡¯ Western Front Army could sweep through to our border like a whirlwind, erasing all progress we¡¯ve made since June 22, 1914.

    "We cannot afford this risk, Your Majesty.""That¡¯s why I¡¯ve already dispatched one army," Reinhard said angrily, "You Junkers, always exaggerating the difficulties you face to secure more reinforcements. You never consider the situation on the Empire¡¯s other fronts, only worrying about not taking the me! I know you all too well."

    Reinhard paused, and looked at the map, gathering his thoughts before continuing, "It¡¯s probably the same situation on the Southern Front with Frederick; he needs troops, but not many. One army should be enough for a significant breakthrough.

    "The mention of three armies is likely an exaggeration to emphasize urgency. Moreover¡ªI am actually preparing to give him three armies!"

    At that moment, the Armored Corps Director, Moochi, raised his hand, "Your Majesty, actually, on the Western Front, we have several well-equipped armored divisions ready for battle. Together, these divisions have over a thousand tanks, and although they¡¯re not as advanced as the Panther Tanks currently in development, they are still superior to the outdated Models Three and Four generally deployed on the Eastern Front.

    "Transporting these armored divisions to the Eastern Front through our nation¡¯s developed railway system would take less than a week. In just a few days, these divisions will reach the furthest eastern railway hubs we control and start advancing towards Abawahan!"

    "No!" Reinhard interrupted Moochi, "These armored divisions are in ce to counter an Alliednding! They are the most crucial counterattack force of the entire Western Front Command, entrusted with driving the Allies back into the sea!"

    Moochi: "But the Allies are unlikely to undertake anding operation this year; their main focus is in Africa, and High Command predicts that any potentialnding site would be in the Kingdom of Sardinia..."

    Reinhard: "The Kingdom of Sardinia is all mountains, plus the Alps as a barrier. Even if theynd, threatening the Empire¡¯s core regions would still require them to cross the Alps.

    "Today¡¯s armies are nothing like those of the Conqueror a hundred years ago; mountainous assaults are extremely difficult, and our mountain infantry couldpletely block any enemy."

    Reinhard approached a huge sand table in Eagle¡¯s Nest¡¯s war room, picked up a map stick shaped like a knight¡¯snce, and jabbed its tip into the sand table, "Carolingian, however, is all ins. Even though there are rivers that pose obstacles, these slow-flowing rivers are easy to bridge over and cannot serve as effective barriers. What¡¯s more, there are bridges across these rivers everywhere; Western Europa is too developed, with towns everywhere, and where there are towns, there are bridges!

    "Do you understand? My dear Armored Corps Director! If the Alliesnded in Carolingian, they would liberate it within a year and threaten the Empire¡¯s most vital industrial area.

    "No, we cannot move the armored divisions from the Western Command; they have to stay put!"

    Moochi: "But the enemy has alreadyunched anding operation in Africa; do they really have the capacity tond in Carolingian?"

    At this time, the Emperor¡¯s intelligence director, Duke Redweizi of the Rabowell Intelligence Agency, said, "We have two extremely reliable intelligence sources confirming that the United Kingdom and the Federation are actively preparing for anding operation. One is an ace spy in Castilia, and the other is from the Krat Bureau, directly overseen by His Majesty."

    Upon hearing Krat Bureau, General Moochi could only sigh, "The Krat Bureau also mentioned anding, then it really needs to be taken seriously. Their previous intelligence perfectly matched my assessment of the front lines and can be trusted."

    After all, the intelligence from Krat Bureau is all "legendary espionage" specifically fabricated to cate the Prosen highmand.

    Reinhard looked pleased, "So the armored forces on the Western Front can¡¯t be moved, my Armored Corps Director, see where else we can draw armored forces from?" ??????§£???

    Moochi: "How about drawing from the armored units initially intended to join the African Corps? The situation with the African Corps is bing increasingly desperate; if we pull them out soon, we can free up the 15th and 21st Armored Divisions and the 90th Light Division. These are all seasoned units that have fiercely battled the armored troops of the United Kingdom."

    Reinhard: "But giving up on Africa like this doesn¡¯t sit well, especially since Erwin has already promised me that with just a bit more manpower, he could cut off the canal,pletely isting the United Kingdom from Bs¡¯s shipping routes.

    "The United Kingdom currently uses arge number of Bsian soldiers, which are an important source of their manpower. It¡¯s said that the United Kingdom won¡¯t surrender until thest drop of Bsian blood is shed... perhaps..."

    Chief of General Staff, Celtic: "But the Allied Forces have already made their way along the coast and have hit Erwin¡¯s African Corps from behind; he¡¯s about to have his supply lines cut."@@novelbin@@

    "And furthermore, we are about to lose control over the Aegean Sea. The Franz bombs from the Imperial Academy of Sciences were not as effective as anticipated, although they did sink some ships. The ships of the United Kingdom have already begun to equip themselves with radio jamming devices, and they are also using smoke to obstruct visibility."

    Reinhard pursed his lips, "The Imperial Academy of Sciences has another weapon to test. If this weapon performs well, we might regain control of the sea! So, it¡¯s not toote to wait for the results of this new weapon in actualbat."

    "No, the reinforcements for the African Army cannot be touched."

    The Armored Corps Director, General Moochi, Army Commander Bryan, and Chief of General Staff Celtic Marshal looked at each other, the three of them surprisinglying to a consensus for the first time.

    However, they unanimously chose not to oppose the Emperor.

    "Where else can we deploy troops?" Reinhard asked, tapping the table.

    Celtic Marshal said, "There are still many Moravian troops that can be deployed. Their training is poor, and theirbat will is not high, but the training of the Antean forces is also poor. As long as we assure them the best equipment, they should be passable."

    Reinhard hesitated, "How many Moravian troops can be deployed?"

    "Two Army Groups," replied Celtic Marshal. "And though their training is poor, they are all long-trained regr troops of Moravia and number two hundred thousand."

    Upon hearing ¡¯two hundred thousand,¡¯ Reinhard waved his hand grandly, "Allot all to General Frederick, and have the logistics department ensure that these 200,000 men receive the best equipment!"

    "Yes!" Celtic Marshal immediately picked up the handset and began issuing orders.

    General Moochi exchanged nces with Marshal Bryan.

    Finally, the marshal said, "As much as these many Moravian troops can contribute, they need to be fed, which will greatly strain our logistics." Enjoy exclusive chapters from

    "As long as they can hold on until our domestically retrained troops arrive at the front lines, about a week or so, then we can position them in less crucial areas!" Reinhard dered. "Even if these Moravian troops are substandard, deploying them in the city to wear down the Anteans can be extremely effective! Just let them go!"

    Meanwhile, at the headquarters of the Antean Guard First Red g Mechanized Infantry Division, Yegorov looked at the returning scouting team leader, "What did you say? The Prosens¡¯ armored forces at the front line are retreating?"

    "Yes, we killed a few stragglers and discovered they were from the 41st Armored Army of the Sixth Army Group," replied the Captain leading the scouting team.

    Yegorov stroked his chin, "The 41st¡¯s troops are retreating, but our direct front¡¯s 14th armored troops haven¡¯t moved... It seems like they¡¯ve been pulled to attack the beachhead."

    The Chief of Staff asked, "Should we take any actions to hinder the enemy¡¯s movements?"

    Yegorov shook his head, "What actions can we take? The enemy¡¯s 88 cannons are all set up; we don¡¯t have sufficient armored strength to counterattack; we can only rely on the advantages of the Whirlwind and counter-shooting the enemy.

    "We can only report this information to the Front Army Headquarters."

    At the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters, Pavlov hung up the phone and said to Wang Zhong, "The enemy¡¯s 41st Armored Army troops have withdrawn from the front line, and they¡¯ve been reced by an infantry division. It looks like they intend to use the 41st Armored Army to storm the beachhead, likelymitting a significant number of infantry forces as well."

    Wang Zhong said, "That¡¯s one of ournding targets. As long as the beachhead remains nailed to the opposite bank, the enemy will never be able tomit two armored armies¡¯ worth of attack strength against us. That will make the battle on the outskirts of Abawahan a bit easier."

    Though Abawahan is thergest city along the Ind Sea, its scale is considerably smaller than that of Saint Ekaterinburg, and the outskirts feature a lot of open ground, with smaller-sized satellite cities.

    The guarding of aparativelyrge satellite city had been entrusted to the Sixteenth Army Group.

    In these open areas, the armored forces of the Prosens pose a significant threat; typically, any temporary infantry division that encounters armored forces is swiftly cut through, as easily as a hot knife through butter.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s forces included numerous temporary infantry divisions, cobbled together to defend the city¡¯s second and third lines of defense.

    Though an eventual grinding down of the city seemed inevitable, Wang Zhong hoped to dy it as much as possible.

    Thus, there was only hope that the Naval Infantry could hold the beachhead a little longer.

 Chapter 599: The Furnace (additional update 26/81)

    Zaitsev had made their battle preparations ready.

    Nelly decided to go and see what she could find to continue utilizing her shooting skills.

    She hadn¡¯t undergone grenade-throwing training and couldn¡¯t guarantee that she would urately throw incendiary bombs and cluster grenades on the tanks.

    Just as she walked a few steps along the trench, she heard the sudden cessation of machine gun fire.

    Nelly looked in the direction of the gunfire, just in time to see the enemy¡¯s high-explosive shell st up a cloud of sand and dust nearly two people tall.

    After a brief moment of thought, Nelly randomly picked up a rifle from the trench and checked the chamber. As she loaded a bullet, the suppressed Prosen skirmish line emerged again¡ªwithout machine gun fire, the crawling enemy stood up again.

    This time the enemy was closer, Nelly calmly chose her target and downed him with one shot.

    But killing the sergeant did not stop the advance of the Prosens; they even began to jog, crossing the 100-meter mark.

    Sheriff yelled, "Fire!"Then came the dense sound of Papasha gunfire, with bullets pattering on the Prosen skirmish line.

    Nelly continued firing, each shot taking down a Prosen soldier clenching his chest.

    Suddenly, the view of an enemy tank blocked Nelly¡¯s line of sight.

    The tank operator didn¡¯t see her in the trench and just drove toward it.

    Nelly ducked and crawled from beneath the tracks, found an incendiary bomb on a fallen Naval Infantry, pulled the pin with clumsy movements, and threw it to the rear part of the tank chassis.

    Initially, the tank seemed oblivious to the incendiary bomb, continuing forward for several meters before the engine started making abnormal sounds, and the exhaust vent spewed out thick ck smoke like ink.

    Finally, the tracks stopped rolling, and the whole vehicle slid forward for a second before halting.

    The crewmander was the first to open the hatch and climb out, holding an MP40.

    Nelly shot him in the waist, causing him to summersault backward off the tank.

    Then four tank operators emerged from the tank, and each was holding an MP40¡ªthis crew had quite an arsenal!

    Suddenly, Zaitsev appeared, firing his Papasha in unison, taking down all the tank operators surrounding Nelly.

    "Are you alright, General¡¯s maid?" Zaitsev shouted as he reloaded.

    Nelly stood up, "I¡¯m fine."

    Zaitsev said, "Sheriff wants us to restore the machine gun fire. My partner just sacrificed himself;e with me!"

    Stay connected via

    Nelly responded promptly, "Let¡¯s go."

    Zaitsev loaded his magazine and picked up another Papasha from the ground, handing it to Nelly, "This works better in closebat, I think you can handle it." ??????§£¨¨¡ì

    Nelly hesitated for a moment before dropping her Mosin-Nagant and taking the Papasha, "I haven¡¯t used this."

    "Just pull the trigger, rece it when it¡¯s empty, and look, there are so many unimed Papashas in the trench," Zaitsev¡¯s tone suddenly turned somber. "So many unimed Papashas, dammit. Let¡¯s go!"

    He pressed down his steel helmet, crouching low as he ran along the trench, with Nelly close behind.

    The shooting trench had been dug into a standard W-shape, and after a few turns, they encountered three Prosen soldiers.

    The Prosen soldiers, armed with rifles, fired a shot that missed Zaitsev, then the Papasha resounded.

    The three Prosen soldiers fell, Zaitsev excitedly shouted, "I took down three, did you see?"

    Nelly replied, "Keep moving, more Prosens will enter the trench if we don¡¯t restore machine gun fire!"

    "Okay!" Zaitsev then continued forward, and as they turned the next corner, they only saw three Naval Infantry firing, with four Prosen soldiers already lying dead in the trench.

    The corporal leading them turned his head, "Zaitsev? Help us hold back the enemy!"

    "I need to restore the machine gun!" Zaitsev replied.

    "Why are they sending a Private Second ss? Where¡¯s Malov?"

    "He¡¯s been sacrificed." Zaitsev continued walking as he spoke.

    The corporal cursed, "Suka Blyat!"

    He leaned out, spraying fire out of the trench, seemingly venting an endless fury.

    Turning another corner, they could clearly see the machine gun emcement up ahead, its sandbag barrier sted open at one corner, the machine gun still in ce but without a shooter.

    Zaitsev said, "Come on, you take the shooter¡¯s spot, I¡¯ll be your assistant and feed the belt!"

    Then a of green tracer bullets swept over, bullets hissing as they struck the edge of the trench.

    Zaitsev ducked in time, avoiding the wave of fire.

    Due to her short stature, Nelly wasn¡¯t hit at all.

    "Fuck," Zaitsev cursed, "the enemy tank has us in their sights; without machine gun fire, we can¡¯t focus on hitting the tank when the infantryes!"

    He was about to run to the nearby machine gun position when a grenade was thrown into the trench.

    The grenade clearly had been held in the hand before being thrown in, exploding the moment itnded.

    Zaitsev blocked most of the shrapnel for Nelly, only the side of her face was exposed a bit, a shard hitting right above her right eye, immediately blurring half of her vision with blood.

    Zaitsev copsed to the left, his shoulder against the trench wall.

    A Prosen soldier appeared on the right side of the trench, raising his rifle, freezing when he saw Nelly.

    Nelly pulled the trigger, and the Prosen soldier immediately fell backward.

    Nelly tiptoed to poke the muzzle out of the trench and sprayed bullets outside.

    Zaitsev: "Nurse... I¡¯m a bit cold."

    He seemed to mistook Nelly for a nurse.

    Nelly nced at Zaitsev¡¯s wound and decided not to waste time on first aid; instead, she pulled a blood-soaked letter from his pocket, grabbed him, and made him lie on the right side of the trench with his head poking outside.

    Then Nelly picked up a Papasha and shoved it into Zaitsev¡¯s hands: "Cover me!"

    Zaitsev couldn¡¯t hold up his upper body; he almosty on the gun, managing only with hisst strength to hold the gun and pull the trigger.

    The Papasha fired, and although it wasn¡¯t aimed, it was still enough to deter the enemies near the trench.

    Nelly patted Zaitsev¡¯s shoulder and ran toward the machine gun bunker.

    Zaitsevy on the gun and continued firing, even remembering to shoot in short bursts to make the firepowerst longer.

    Blood flowed from his nose and mouth, dripping onto the gun and sliding down the steel.

    Finally, the magazine was empty, but Zaitsev still mechanically pulled the trigger.

    Nelly reached the machine gun bunker, quickly checked the Maxim Machine Gun, and found that this decades-old relic was still functioning well.

    She then pulled the feed te, removed the empty ammunition belt, kicked open the ammo box lid, and stuffed a new belt into the breech.

    After loading, Nelly held the ammunition belt with one hand and the machine gun handle with the other, and began firing.

    The enemy was right in front of her; she didn¡¯t need to care about any scale or aiming, but just needed to spread the firepower to see the enemy fall.

    While suppressing the enemy, Naval Infantry rushed out of the trenches, tossing various anti-tank weapons at the tanks.

    At this moment, the enemy prating the position was at the end of their rope, and burning Prosen tanks were everywhere across the battlefield.

    At that moment, a howling sound came from the sky.

    The artillery support fired from the opposite bank had arrived.

    Katyusha rockets fell one after another in the enemy¡¯s formation, blowing the apanying infantry around the tanks into disarray.

    In an instant, the enemy¡¯s offensive front waspletely covered by artillery fire.

    Finally, Nelly saw the Prosen Infantry stand up and start running back.

    At the same time, the remaining enemy tanks also began to reverse.

    Nelly continued firing, harvesting the lives of the retreating enemies with relish.

    Suddenly, someone grabbed Nelly¡¯s shoulder: "Enough! Youngdy! You need to get dressed and then cross the river on the next ferry!"

    Nelly finally released the machine gun trigger and looked at the person persuading her.

    It was a Naval Major who cursed: "Saint Andrew above, you look as young as my daughter. Get across the river, youngdy, you¡¯ve done well enough."

    Nelly shook her head, "No, I must stay here. I am here on behalf of General Alexei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky and Lady Ludm Vasilyevna Rokossova. I will stand with you."

    The Naval Major hesitated and finally yielded, "All right, there¡¯s no reason to refuse a brave woman soldier representing the General and everyone to fight side by side. But you must bandage up; wounds on the eyes can easily get infected, you might lose your eye if it¡¯s not treated timely."

    Only then did Nelly realize her vision was blurry on one side as she lifted her hand and felt sticky blood on her palm.

    "Go get dressed," the Major said.

    Nelly: "Wait, the anti-tank firepower is all gone; how do we stop the enemy¡¯s next attack?"

    The Major pointed to the surface of the Valdai Hills River, "The warships have arrived, although they are only river gunboats modified from tank turrets, they are still capable of handling tanks. New anti-tank artillery troops should be transported here tonight."

    Nelly looked at the vessels on the river and then left the machine gun.

    The Major asked, "Do you know where the field aid station is?"

    "Yes." Nelly nodded, picked up her Mosin-Nagant, and walked along the trench.

    The Naval Major shouted loudly, "Get two people who can operate a machine gun. It¡¯s also time to change the machine gun position, move quickly, as the enemy may attack again at any moment."

    At that moment, a howling sound came from the sky.

    "Take cover!" the Major shouted.

    The enemy¡¯s artillery fire fell once again, as if venting the frustration from a repelled attack.

    October 28, Evening, on the East Bank of the Valdai Hills River.

    Captain Alexandria Nikyev directed soldiers to push their ZIS3 anti-tank gun onto a small boat.

    At the ferry point next to him, countless boats loaded with guns were lined up, waiting for nightfall to set off.

    The sunset was nearing the horizon, and night was about to arrive.@@novelbin@@

    Captain Alexandria Nikyev took a deep breath when his Loader nudged him in the waist with an elbow: "Look!"

    Captain Alexandria Nikyev turned his head and saw silver hair pping in the sunset next to the Divine Arrowuncher.

    "Am I seeing an Angel?" he murmured.

    "They say it¡¯s General Rokossov¡¯s wife," the Loader whispered.

    "Really? The General¡¯s wife is here in such a dangerous ce serving as a Prayer Hand," Captain Alexandria Nikyev marveled, "It looks like we¡¯re going to win this time."

    "Of course, the General is a star of victory."

 Chapter 600: Quenching

    October 29, 915, 0700 hours, Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov heard the telephone ringing and said to Wang Zhong, "I guess the front line is under artillery fire."

    Before Wang Zhong could reply, he picked up the receiver, "Front Army Headquarters, okay, got it. Hold your ground."

    After hanging up the phone, Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong asked, "Is the artillery preparation starting?"

    "Yes."

    Wang Zhong said, "Given Prosen¡¯s patterns, this indicates their troops are already assembled. We should start preparing counter-artillery fire too. Fire away. They had moved their assembly point forwardst time to avoid our counter-artillery fire, I bet they¡¯re using the same spots as before."

    Popov interjected, "Actually, it doesn¡¯t matter if we don¡¯t hit them directly, we now have enough shells to waste freely."@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Right, our current situation is such that if wasting shells can reduce manpower losses, then waste without reservations. The Prosens broke through too quickly before, coupled with the ipetence of the previous Front Army Commander, leading us to be constrained in manpower. But as long as we hold on, we will have ample forces; we will always have ample forces."Yakov added, "And there¡¯s General Winter."

    Wang Zhong nodded again, "And General Winter."

    Two kilometers west of the Train Dispatch Yard, the front linepany of the first battalion of the 29th Infantry Division from Prosen¡¯s Fourth Infantry Army departed from their position.

    Captain Hansen of thepany recognized something off about the whistling of shells overhead.

    He looked up, puzzled.

    Many of the veterans in thepany also sensed something was wrong and all looked up.

    The deputypanymander ran over and said to Captain Hansen, "This isn¡¯t right, is it? It sounds like artillery fireing back at us. Are the Anteans firing back?"

    Captain Hansen looked toward the rear of his troops, "They¡¯re hitting behind us, could be our battalion¡¯s supply center, or the assembly points for the second and third waves of attack."

    Deputypanymander asked, "Do we still advance? Will there be follow-up forces if we go ahead?"

    Captain Hansen replied, "As long as the order hasn¡¯t changed, we advance. We¡¯ve taken it before, and the Anteans took it back because we ran out of ammunition. Now that we have plenty, it will be easy to retake." ?¨¤£Î§à£Â??

    The deputypanymander nodded, "I¡¯ll go inspect the departure formation then. We¡¯ll set off as soon as the artillery preparation is over. In one vigorous effort!"

    Captain Hansen nodded and watched the deputypanymander run along the skirmish line toward the distance.

    He checked his watch; the artillery preparation was expected tost another twenty minutes, so he took out his diary from his pocket and opened it to the page marked with a bookmark.

    On the bookmark was a portrait of his wife, copied from a photograph.

    Captain Hansen gazed at his wife¡¯s portrait for a few seconds before writing in his diary, "My dear, I don¡¯t know if this diary will make it through the strict censorship to the rear after I write this.

    "The fighting will of the Anteans is getting stronger. During thebat, I sensed their determination to liberate their homnd, perhaps the Empire¡¯s propaganda that they are inferior is wrong.

    "At least at our front, no one underestimates these warriors who are as strong as oxen and disregard death. After so many years of war, they are the most formidable opponents I have encountered...

    "Honestly, my dear, I don¡¯t know if I can return to your side, nor if we can truly win this war. Last year they said they would end this war, but as you see, I am still at the front, and the Anteans are still resisting.

    "They say the same this year, and now the Constitutional Guards are closely watching anyone who doubts this point, which gives me a very bad feeling.

    "My dear, I am increasingly feeling this diary will never return to your hands, but... I must write it down. Perhaps in the future, some kind-hearted Ante officer will deliver this diary to you.

    "I wrote our home address on the title page, my dear. Five years ago, I believed we needed living space, which is why I joined the army with all my passion, but now, I only want to return to your side."

    After finishing thest letter, Captain Hansen looked up at the city retaken by the Anteans.

    The city was burning because of the shelling, with at least five huge pirs of smoke slowly rising.

    Artillery shells were still falling; it was said that this time they had deployed 210mm heavy artillery¡ªone shell couldpletely demolish a three-story brick building.

    Hansen heard a messenger beside him whisper, "No one could maintain the will to resist under such artillery fire."

    Captain Hansen nced at the messenger, "Never underestimate the enemy."

    At that moment, the whistling overhead gradually diminished, leaving only the iing barrage from the enemy¡ªtheir counter-artillery preparation was still ongoing, as if the shells cost nothing.

    With a grim expression, Captain Hansen realized that this meant hispany¡ªperhaps the entire battalion¡ªwould not receive follow-up reinforcements for a while after advancing.

    If possible, he would have liked to halt the attack.

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    Yet the whistle was blown.

    Captain Hansen also took out his whistle, blew a long note, then turned back and gestured to his men, "Forward!"

    With that, he grabbed his submachine gun and led the way out of the departure position.

    His men followed closely behind, forming a skirmish line across the charredndscape.

    Ahead, the city was burning, filled with billowing smoke.

    Hansen¡¯spany encountered no resistance; they safely crossed the open ground and entered the burning city.

    The remnants of buildings interrupted the defenders¡¯ firing lines. ording to Captain Hansen¡¯s military knowledge, the Anteans had already missed the best chance to defend.

    Captain Hansen rxed slightly.

    Yet, he always felt as if something was watching him.

    His infantrymen began to clear each room one by one, searching for the shadow of Ante warriors, and the entirepany dispersed into countless small groups.

    Suddenly, gunfire erupted.

    The sound of the Papasha stirred Captain Hansen¡¯s nerves.

    Someone was cursing, and it was unclear which officer was yelling, "Grenade! He¡¯s hiding around the corner, grenade!"

    The explosion of the grenade silenced the Papasha.

    Suddenly, the street became quiet, only the crackling sound of mes consuming tree branches could be heard.

    Someone shouted, "Sanitater! Sanitater!"

    Captain Hansen patted the messenger on the shoulder, "Go see who died, and search the Anteans¡¯ bodies. Find out which unit he belonged to, if they were stragglers or..."

    The sound of the Papasha rang out again, apanied by grenade explosions.

    This time, there was an immediate response from a squad machine gun, a sound like ripping canvas that quickly suppressed the Papasha.

    Secondster, all was quiet again.

    Captain Hansen, "Where is the firefight? Where is the enemy?"

    The deputypanymander replied from afar, "Seems like it was two stragglers, the enemy probably retreated, leaving only a few¡ª"

    The Papasha rang out once more, this time two of them, simultaneously from different directions.

    Captain Hansen¡¯s scalp tingled, "They¡¯re broken up! They¡¯re hiding in the ruins! They are¡ª"

    They are trading their lives for the lives of Prosen soldiers!

    These were suicide squad members, who from the moment they hid in the ruins did not expect to return alive. Their only goal was to kill as many Prosens as possible.

    These men wouldn¡¯t break, wouldn¡¯t be afraid, as long as they had bullets, as long as they had a breath in them, they would fire on the Prosens.

    Captain Hansen breathed terribly fast, he had heard about an Antean who fought in a fortress that was thought to be conquered in the first week of the war, who until he was shot at the beginning of the year, managed to kill a Prosen with a knife.

    He looked at the burning city before him.

    This was Purgatory, the nightmare of every Prosen soldier.

    Startled, the captain heard the sound of a manhole cover being pushed open nearby.

    He turned his head to see an Ante Warrior sticking out halfway from the sewer, holding a Papasha.

    The Papasha fired, and the Ante Warrior sprayed bullets liberally, hitting Captain Hansen, his messenger, and an unprepared Prosen soldier nearby.

    The well-trained Prosens instantly retaliated, their MP40 bullets piercing the body of the Ante Warrior but could not stop his barrage.

    Bullets prated the Antean¡¯s head, ensuring hisplete death, yet the tensed muscles allowed the Papasha to continue firing, and stray bullets hit a Prosen sergeant in the shoulder.

    Finally, the Papasha ran out of bullets, and the Ante Warrior fell backward, tumbling back into the sewer.

    A Prosen Master Sergeant ran to the body of Captain Hansen, touched his nose, then closed his eyes.

    The Master Sergeant wanted to reach into the Captain¡¯s pocket, but a Papasha from across the street opened fire, its inexperienced shooter scattering bullets indifferently within a few meters.

    The Master Sergeant crouched in the hail of bullets, lifted his MP40, and burst a few shots at the gunman.

    The shooter was hit, tumbling down from the second story, crashing onto the road.

    The Master Sergeant stood up, forgetting to grab the Captain¡¯s diary, instead gesturing to the surviving Prosen soldiers¡ª

    Another Papasha shot rang out.

    It seemed the battle wouldn¡¯t stop until one side waspletely dead.

    Literal meat-grindingbat.

    Now every Prosen soldier knew they were in hell itself.

    The evening of the 29th, at the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov, "Today¡¯s battle assessment hase out. We held the Nameless Hignds, we held the Agricultural Machinery Station which nks it, and we held the Train Dispatch Yard. Beyond these three ces, the line copsed. The enemy has prated our second line of defense, and some of their more aggressive forces have reached our third line."

    Wang Zhong, "The temporary Infantry Division managed to hold for a day, not bad."

    Yakov, "Should we stop the temporary troops from resisting on the outskirts? Facing the enemy¡¯s Armored Troops, they really are struggling, why not pull them all back to the city..."

    Wang Zhong, "Do you think they can outfight them in city¡¯s meat-grinder? No, no, close-quartersbat demands too much on morale and fighting spirit; let¡¯s leave it to the elite troops."

    Pavlov, "The good news is, Infantry Division 225 and the First Mnia Division have already taken their positions. They are stationed in a line from the Nameless Hignds to the city center, responsible for guarding the riverbank. Once the surface of the river freezes over, the troops from the opposite bank can directly cross."

    Wang Zhong, "The weather forecast! I need to know how many days until the freeze."

    "Notter than November 20th," reported Yakov.

    Wang Zhong fell silent for a few seconds before cursing, "Sukabule."

 Chapter 601: Forging Steel

    Chapter 601: Forging Steel

    On the night of October 29th, at the East Bank of the Valdai Hills River, opposite Pier No. 1. Find your next read on

    Ludm stood by the Divine Arrowunch team, watching the soldiers boarding the ship.

    After delivering able-bodied soldiers across, these boats would bring back the wounded who were missing arms and legs. Since yesterday, there were no more soldiers with minor injuries on the return trips, Ludm found out after asking that they did not wish to abandon theirrades and return.

    As for the bodies, there simply wasn¡¯t enough transport capacity to carry so many corpses.

    The returning warriors said that the bodies on the battlefront had been blown to pieces by enemy artillery and mixed with the soil, the entire beachhead reeking only of the smell of blood.

    Ludm also specifically asked the returning wounded if they had seen Nelly.

    The result was that every wounded soldier who heard the name Nelly became like they were injected with chicken blood, starting to babble incoherently about some battle goddess, some General¡¯s Angel¡ªit was a whole bunch of stuff Ludm didn¡¯t understand.

    As a cleric, Ludm even considered performing exorcisms for these people. Unfortunately, the Secr faction didn¡¯t practice exorcism. Instead, what was formerly considered demonic possession was now treated by specialized psychologists.@@novelbin@@

    After all the questions, Ludm knew only that Nelly was still alive.Being alive was good.

    In recent days, when Ludm asked when the pontoon bridge would be repaired, the answer she got was that there were too many ships on the river surface; there was no gap to rebuild the bridge.

    The entire shipping department was working overtime, sending troops to Abawahan.

    During the daytime on the 29th, Ludm saw two ships being sunk by Prosen bombers. At that moment, the entire river surface was full of soldiers in the water; it was impossible to tell how many were stuffed onto the ships.

    It seemed the Prosen bombers were purposely avoiding the stretch of the river defended by Ludm¡¯s Divine Arrow Team, attacking frantically elsewhere up and down the river.

    The Antean Air Force was also fighting bravely. The newest model of the Yak-1 was engaged in dogfights with Prosen nes all day long.

    Ludm had seen several Yak-1s on fire, struggling to fly towards the East Bankpletely controlled by the Anteans, where parachuting pilots would have a higher chance of survival being retrieved by ground forces and sent back to base.

    The Prosen on the opposite bank had taken control of the riverbank outside the beachhead. They just hadn¡¯t positioned artillery at the riverside yet, so parachuting to the West Bank would almost certainly lead to capture.

    Ludm heard the sound of a steam whistle, signaling the start of tonight¡¯s transport.

    She gazed across the river, whispering prayers for the warriors rushing into danger.

    At that moment, several illumination res rose from the enemy-controlled river beaches on the opposite bank, lighting up the river surface.

    Enemy machine guns began firing at extremely long range, tracer bullets streaking across the night sky.

    The artillery on this side of the river opened fire immediately, the enemy positions, covering the crossing troops.

    The once quiet night suddenly filled with blood and fire.

    On the West Bank of the Valdai Hills River, Beachhead Position No. 1.

    Nelly heard someone talking outside the bunker and stood up, lifting the p to go outside, looking at the infantry officer speaking.

    Officer, "We¡¯re organizing a night suicide squad to take out the river beach that¡¯s being bombed. Can your Naval Infantry provide some men?"

    "I¡¯ll go," Nelly raised her hand.

    The officer nced at the bandage covering Nelly¡¯s right eye, "No, Miss Nelly, you can¡¯t go. We¡¯re counting on you to boost morale tomorrow. Besides, close-quartersbat could involve brawling, and you¡¯re not quite suited for that."

    Nelly quietly picked up a Sapper Shovel, "I¡¯m small, sometimes that¡¯s an advantage."

    The officer sighed, "We¡¯ll handle it. If you really can¡¯t sit still, you could go to the river bank and wee the neers; they¡¯ve already lostrades during the crossing, they must be heartbroken."

    Nelly turned her head towards the Valdai Hills River.

    Officer, "They need encouragement. Leave the night raid to us."

    Nelly could only nod, turn around, and scramble out of the trench, running towards the river bank.

    When she arrived at the river bank, she shouted to the first boat to reach the shore, "Wee to Hell! We must hold the beachhead, otherwise, there will be no ce left for Anteans on the entire West Bank of the Valdai Hills River! Wee to join us!"

    "Good heavens," she heard a soldier exim, "a girl as young as my sister is going to the battlefield!"

    Nelly held a Sapper Shovel in one hand and a Papasha in the other, "Antea is in dire straits; everyone should fight for her!"

    The soldiers, disheveled from the enemy¡¯s firepower and the sudden casualties, looked at each other.

    The Military Chain was the first to respond with encouragement, "Is your courage even less than that of little girls? Are you not grown men? Get moving, these boats need to transport the wounded back! Don¡¯t just sit on them!"

    Someone started shouting, and suddenly all the fresh troops on the beachhead roared, leaping from the boats and wading towards the shore.

    Nelly stood atop a destroyed tank on the riverbank, loudly rallying the soldiers, "Can you imagine your mothers, your sisters, fighting on the battlefield just like me? If not, then get into position!"

    At that moment, the nanny appeared, holding high the Ante Army g, standing behind Nelly.

    The nanny¡¯s head was also wrapped in a bandage, which had lost its original color due to the blood, looking dark red and murky.

    The g in the nanny¡¯s hand was dirty and riddled with bullet holes, but it still fluttered against the wind.

    The corpsmander of the Prosen 41st Armored Army looked at the divisionmanders in front of him, "Just a spread-out beachhead that, being a beachhead, can¡¯t even have a solid offensive built, and you¡¯re telling me you can¡¯t take it down after attacking for two days?"

    The divisionmander of the 5th Armored Division of the Asgard Knights, Hosette, replied, "They receive reinforcements from across the river every night. If we can¡¯t organize artillery fire to cut off the enemy¡¯s transportation, we¡¯ll never be able to take the beachhead."

    The corpsmanderughed out of exasperation, "You are the esteemed Asgard Knights¡¯ Armored Division telling me that you can¡¯t take down a position with merely a muddy advance unless you cut off reinforcements? Are you really an armored division?"

    "We are indeed an armored division, but the enemy¡¯s will to fight is unimaginably strong, and the apanying infantry losses are severe. Without infantry support, our tanks on the enemy¡¯s position are just like fat sheep being ughtered!" Hosette argued assertively, "I believe we have achieved a great casualty exchange rate, at least three to one. But if the enemy reinforces four men each day, then we will never be able to capture the position!"

    The corpsmander shook his head, "The enemy¡¯s T34 tanks force us to suffer great casualties when they charge our infantry. So when our tanks take their positions, we¡¯re just like fish on a chopping block?"

    At this point, a divisionmander from the infantry spoke up, "It¡¯s not entirely like that. In fact, we have also destroyed arge number of T34 tanks over the past year and the first half of this year. Tanks without infantry cover in pre-set positions are very vulnerable.

    "But the Anteans have a crazy tactic. Their infantry ride on tanks in the charge and dismount only before reaching the position, making the overall assault faster and more cohesive.

    "Our infantry dismount the half-tracked vehicles two kilometers away from the enemy, following behind tanks in a scattered line. Even in the most ideal circumstances, there¡¯s a distance of about 25 meters between our tanks and infantry."

    The corpsmander of the 41st Army was silent for a few seconds, "There¡¯s no time to change thebat method. I will call the Army Group headquarters to see if we can solve the enemy¡¯s transportation problem. You may leave, and tomorrow I hope to see progress, not more reasons for headquarters to doubt we¡¯re a bunch of ipetents who can¡¯t even take a beachhead."

    "You mean to shell the other shore?" The Chief of Staff of Prosen¡¯s 9th Army Group frowned, yelling into the phone, "We¡¯ve lost all the artillery deployed at the riverbank, all of it, do you understand? The Army Group¡¯s artillery now must be used to break through the enemy¡¯s lines. We¡¯re less than five kilometers from Abawahan¡¯s urban area; we cannot afford to redeploy artillery units at this juncture."

    General Frederick then spoke up, "Give me the phone."

    The Chief of Staff immediately handed the receiver over to the general.

    "I am Frederick, what¡¯s going on with you? I was counting on you to quickly take the beachhead and then turn to attack Abawahan!"

    The voice of the corpsmander of the 41st Army on the other end of the line sounded very constrained, "The enemy¡¯s resistance is unimaginably fierce, and they have a continuous flow of support. My divisionmanders tell me that we will never be able to take the beachhead unless we cut off the reinforcements."

    Frederick challenged, "But that¡¯s a position on the riverbank! A shell would reduce it to mush! If you can¡¯t take that, and still need me to cut off the enemy reinforcements, that¡¯s absurd!"

    "But that¡¯s the situation now, Admiral. We need to shell the opposite bank to stop their reinforcements!"

    General Frederick sighed, "Alright, I will think of something¡ªI mean, if you don¡¯t take the position by tomorrow."

    Then he hung up the phone.

    Chief of Staff remarked, "To shell the other side means we would have to push the artillery positions to the riverbank again, potentially repeating what happened before."

    Frederick replied, "No, this time we have Armored Troops at the beachhead, and the enemy¡¯s tanks can¡¯t avoid our armor. Draft a n, so if the beachhead is not taken by tomorrow, we¡¯ll move the artillery forward in the afternoon to prepare to shell the opposite bank and stop transportation."

    At that moment, a logistics officer reported to Frederick, "Admiral, the reinforcements have arrived!"

    Frederick was overjoyed, "How many?"

    "Two Army Groups plus one army! Several hundred thousand!"

    Frederick¡¯s eyes widened, "Really?"

    "Yes, an army from the National Defense Army, plus two Moravian Army Groups."

    Frederick¡¯s smile froze on his face, "What? Why are you giving me Moravian troops?"

    The Chief of Staff, who seemed to have known this earlier, then said, "These Moravian troops are equally, if not better equipped than ours. They also have undergone extensive training, definitely stronger than the Ante¡¯s makeshift Infantry Divisions."

    Frederick frowned, "Really?"

    The Chief of Staff suggested, "We can try deploying them to the beachhead, considering 41st Armored Army¡¯s reported losses today, they are likely in need of infantry. Oh, and the Moravians have artillery units, maybe let them handle suppressing the other bank, cutting off transportation."

    Frederick was silent for a few seconds, then nodded, "Fine, it¡¯s better than letting them eat rations here for nothing. Let them go up!"

 Chapter 602: The Flock of Cranes

    Chapter 602: The Flock of Cranes

    October 30th, 0900 hours, Beachhead One.

    After the Prosen bombardment had ceased, Nelly crawled out from the earth and looked around.

    One advantage of the decreasing temperature was that the ground had frozen solid, so those unreliable anti-artillery shelters on the beachhead suddenly became dependable.

    The troops guarding the beachhead even actively drew water from the Valdai Hills River to pour around their dugouts, making them rock hard after a short while. Unless it was hit directly by heavy artillery, the shelter was definitely secure.

    As for being close to where heavy artillery hit, the overpressure could seriously injure people. At that point, the condition of the shelter didn¡¯t matter anymore.

    It was purely a matter of chance, something no one could influence, so most Ante Warriors were resigned to their fate and didn¡¯t worry about it.

    Nelly sprang up and ran along the frozen-hard trenches, shouting as she went, "The enemy ising! Get ready!"

    As if in response to her cries, the ground began to tremble, and the roar of tanks could be heard from the distance.

    Nelly saw a green recruit trembling mightily, so she went up and patted his shoulder, "Don¡¯t be afraid. Look at me, I¡¯ve been on the frontline since day one, and I¡¯m still alive."The recruit¡¯s eyes widened, looking at the dirty bandage over Nelly¡¯s right eye, "You¡­ Your eye is already¡­"

    "Probably can¡¯t be saved, but I¡¯m still alive, while all the attacking enemies are dead," she said.

    The recruit nodded and gripped his Papasha more tightly.

    Nelly continued on, boosting morale like a seasoned nonmissioned officer.

    Just then, someone shouted, "Look! The Prosen¡¯s uniforms seem a bit different!"

    Nelly furrowed her brow, found a steel helmet to step on, and peered out from atop it.

    After a few seconds, she pulled out a scope she had captured from an enemy sniper, pressed it to her remaining eye, and looked into the distance.

    Through the magnified view of the scope, Nelly could see that the enemy¡¯s uniform was indeed different from themon Prosen military attire.

    But Nelly did not recognize this uniform. Her knowledge of the Prosen military was not very detailed¡ªeven though she had always been by General Rocossov¡¯s side.

    At that moment, an officer came along the trench, shouting as he walked, "These are the Moravian servant troops,posed of second-ss citizens of the Empire of Prosen! Take a good look, if we are defeated, we will be the ones wearing such uniforms, driven onto the battlefield to die."

    After a moment¡¯s thought, Nelly called out loudly, "We wiped out the Prosen! They have no infantry left to apany them, and can only use the servant army!"

    The officer inspecting the area was stunned, and after a short pause, he also shouted, "We wiped out the Prosen Infantry! They are forced to send up their servant army!"

    A few shoutster, he continued, "We scared off the Prosen Infantry, they refused to fight! Only the servant army could be sent up!"

    Within seconds, the entire position was echoing, "We scared off the Prosen Infantry and forced them to field their servant army!"

    The truth didn¡¯t matter, what mattered was that the Prosens had indeed fielded their servant army.

    The entire beachhead was boiling with fervor.

    "The genuine Prosen Infantry couldn¡¯t take us down, and now they send up their servants thinking they can win?"

    "Though the enemy appears numerous, they are but a disorganized mob!"

    "Let¡¯s mop them up!"

    At that moment, the new attackers crossed the 500-meter mark.

    The anti-tank gun units that had crossed the river only yesterday opened fire, hitting several tanks almost in the blink of an eye.

    Although tanks were the ones hit, some of the servant army¡¯s skirmishers even dropped to the ground!

    It seemed that the morale and courage of this servant army were vastly inferior to that of the regr Prosen troops.

    The Prosen¡¯s tank units retaliated, as precise as ever. Soon the exposed gun positions were bombarded to smithereens.

    Nelly no longer encouraged the troops but instead hunkered down on her firing position, picking off Prosen tankmanders who were bold enough to stick their heads out to look for the position of the anti-tank guns with her Mosin-Nagant.

    She had noticed that although the observation capabilities of the Prosen tanks were much better than the T34¡¯s, as long as Prosenmanders did not poke their heads out, it was still very difficult to spot a well-camouged anti-tank gun position.

    The key was not to let the Prosenmanders look around.

    Nelly aimed at amander who hadpletely retracted into the turret, showing only half his head and eyes.

    After pulling the trigger, the bullet hit the edge of the turret and then ricocheted off, grazing over the top of themander¡¯s head and breaking the headset¡¯s crosspiece.

    Themander, terrified, dived into the tank, not daring to reach out to close the hatch.@@novelbin@@

    Nelly worked the bolt and turned the gun¡¯s muzzle towards another tank.

    Thismander had exposed his entire head, observing through binocrs.

    When Nelly squeezed the trigger, themander fell backwards, a bullet hole above his left eye bleeding profusely, and his right hand dangling outside the turret, still holding half of the broken binocrs.

    Nelly worked the bolt, and the still-smoking cartridge case flew out of the chamber, tracing an arc in front of Nelly¡¯s sole eye.

    Nelly kept firing.

    At that moment the enemy crossed the 300-meter mark.

    The machine guns were about to open fire.

    The enemymanders had all retracted into the safety of their turrets¡ªnobody in their right mind would expose themselves at this range.

    Nelly then shifted her target to the Moravian servant army.

    She quickly noticed that if a sergeant was sniped, the squad he led would hit the deck.

    Nelly¡¯s single shots effectively served the purpose of a machine gun!

    Take out one sergeant, and a squad would lie t on the ground for dozens of seconds, even minutes, afraid to move.

    Afterward, an officer waving a pistol woulde over, pulling each soldier up from the ground and urging them forward.

    If Nelly took the officer down too, that whole line might just stay t on the ground, immobile.

    The trouble was, there were too many Moravians. They formed surprisingly dense formations, and the sergeants seemed endless as if they couldn¡¯t bepletely killed off.

    The tanks crossed the 200-meter marker.

    The heavy machine guns opened fire.

    Simultaneously, the Moravians began their charge.

    Countless Moravians were cut down by machine gun fire, but even more charged towards the position, as if fueled by stimnts, screaming as they rushed forward.

    The Papasha on the position opened fire.

    The Moravians seemed numbed as they watched theirrades fall in swathes to the Papasha, yet they continued to charge forward.

    This was nothing like the tactics of the Prosen Army; the Prosens would lie down, leap forward, and advance to grenade-throwing distance.

    The Moravians were simply using their lives to deplete the Ante Warriors¡¯ bullets.

    And they had seeded to some extent, with about one-tenth of the Moravians breaking into the trenches, where brutal hand-to-handbat began.

    Nelly shot a Moravian who had gotten too close to her face, then pulled out her Sapper Shovel from her back and, with one swing, chopped off the wrist of another charging Moravian, causing him to scream before she cleaved his head off with another swing.

    The edge of Nelly¡¯s Sapper Shovel had been sharpened to be as lethal as a de.

    She dispatched another Moravian with it, then rolled past his body and dealt a fatal blow to the back of the head of another Moravian, who was grappling with herrade.

    Then she kicked away the body of the Moravian and pulled herrade to his feet¡ªit was the new recruit she had just encouraged.

    Nelly: "Don¡¯t use your bay; a Sapper Shovel is much more useful in the trenches. A hammer works too."

    "Hammer¡ªhammer?" The recruit was still dazed.

    Nelly: "Grab those Incendiary Bottles, follow me, we¡¯re going to blow up some tanks."

    "Oh, okay." The recruit quickly picked up a few Incendiary Bottles from the ground and followed the agile Nelly through the trenches.

    Just a few steps in, he was shot.

    Kneeling in the trench, he tried to call out to Nelly but couldn¡¯t make a sound; blood gushed from his throat whenever he opened his mouth. All he could do was watch Nelly¡¯s figure disappearing down the trench.

    He fell forward, his face buried in the earth.

    The battle on the beachhead continued until noon.

    "The enemy is retreating!"

    The words prated Nelly¡¯s ears just as she was stepping on an enemy¡¯s chest, pulling her Sapper Shovel from his throat.

    The spattering blood covered her legs and muddied the ck skirt of her maid¡¯s uniform.

    Scattered cheers of "Hurrah" erupted across the position, unclear whether they celebrated yet another victory or simply their own survival.

    Nelly didn¡¯t shout. She turned her head, pondering what seemed like she had forgotten something.

    But in the end, she couldn¡¯t remember what she had forgotten.

    She looked up at the warm sun of winter, cursing the damn sun for keeping the temperature high enough to prevent cold from freezing the enemy.

    Suddenly, she saw a flock of migratory birds flying in a V-formation across the sky.

    It was nearly November; could it be that migratory birds were only now beginning to move?

    The warrior beside Nelly was about to greet her, but as she looked up, he followed her gaze, and soon everyone on the field was looking up.

    "Is that a flock of geese?" someone asked.

    "No, it could be cranes; I¡¯ve seen them before, a very beautiful bird, delicious, too."

    Watching the flock, Nelly felt an inexplicable urge to cry.

    Wang Zhong stood outside Headquarters, looking up at the sky: "Why isn¡¯t there a blizzard yet? Come on, General Winter, give us some strength."

    At that moment, he saw a line of migratory birds appear in the clear sky.

    A solitary crane against the clouds above on a clear day?

    But was it time for poetry amidst this azure expanse?

    Then, Wang Zhong suddenly remembered a famous Soviet song from another time and space called "Zhuravli" (The Cranes). He had memorized it because he liked the lyrics so much.

    Sometimes I feel like those soldiers who never returned from the bloody battlefields

    Aren¡¯t lying in our soil.

    They¡¯ve turned into flying cranes.

    Theye from far-off times of war and fly over, giving their cries there.

    That¡¯s why we often gaze silently, in remembrance, looking into the distance.

    Tired flocks of cranes fly in the sky, soaring through the dusk, amidst the dull haze.

    There¡¯s a small gap in that formation; perhaps it¡¯s the spot left for me.

    After he recited it silently, Yakov¡¯s voice reached his ears: "What a beautiful poem! They say you¡¯re an ignorant libertine, General, but I knew it was nder!"

    Wang Zhong turned to see Yakov feverishly writing something.

    Continue your adventure at

    "I¡¯ve written it down!" Yakov said excitedly, "I¡¯ll make sure this poem gets published!"

    Wang Zhong: "Whatever you want. I was just moved to say it."

    Looking up at the cranes once more, he repeated to himself,

    Sometimes I feel like those soldiers who never returned from the bloody battlefields...

    Just then, Pavlov emerged from the Headquarters: "Alright, stop standing around, let¡¯s move to the new Headquarters. Artillery fire from the Prosen mightnd here any minute."

    Wang Zhong: "Understood, let¡¯s go, Vasily¡ªno, Yakov."

    "You always get it wrong when you¡¯re deep in thought!" Yakovined, "I¡¯ve been your Deputy Officer for half a year now, and I might be for even longer!"

    Wang Zhong smiled and patted Yakov on the shoulder.

    Yakov: "By the way, if I have a child, would you be the godfather?"

    "Of course, Yakov, of course."

 Chapter 603: In the Underground Tunnel

    Chapter 603: In the Underground Tunnel

    The Abawahan Front Army¡¯s new Headquarters was set up in a maintenance well on the side of the cross-river tunnel.

    The cross-river tunnel itself had already be an important transportation channel for the Front Army, with vehicles shuttling back and forth almost day and night. Just opening the door from the maintenance well to the main tunnel, one could hear the endless sound of car engines.

    Wang Zhong was initially concerned that the tunnel maintenance well might be stuffy, but upon entering, he discovered that it also served as a venttion shaft, providing excellent air cirction. Your journey continues on

    He even felt a bit cold.

    But with so many people gathered in a confined space, maintaining venttion was essential to avoid danger.

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered the Headquarters, his guard Grigori said, "I¡¯m going to check the defenses of the Headquarters."

    Having said that, the Sergeant grabbed a passing clerk, "Show me the blueprint of the tunnels. I need to know every exit."

    Wang Zhong, "If the enemy has reached here, then Abawahan is nearly lost, at least on this side of the river. It shouldn¡¯te to that."

    "Better safe than sorry, my general," Grigori said, saluting Wang Zhong. "This is my duty, just as your duty is to lead us to victory."Wang Zhong, "Alright, I leave it to you."

    After sending Grigori off, Wang Zhong said to Yakov, "This ce is too cold. Go to my quarters and bring me my thickest coat over."

    Yakov, "Your clothes have already been delivered to the rest area. I¡¯ll fetch them."

    With those words, he darted through a narrow side door, running down the passage.

    Wang Zhong turned to Pavlov, "How long will it take toplete the transfer of the Headquarters? I mean, how long until the Headquarters¡¯ functions are restored?"

    "Operations have already resumed. Due to the limited space here, we can only amodate some of the staff officers and clerks. I¡¯ve requested those who have undergonebat training to stay, and the others have been sent to the East Bank, maintaining the entire Headquarters¡¯ operations via telephone lines."

    Wang Zhong nodded, "Good, that¡¯s very good. Send all untrained civilians in the city to the East Bank as well."

    "I started doing this as soon as I arrived here, but many refused to go to the East Bank. They want to keep production going in the city. Currently, Abawahan can produce several hundred Papashas a day, ten T34s."

    Wang Zhong, "A production rate of 300 units a month? Is it that high?"

    Pavlov, "This is the production achieved even now, with difficulties in raw material supply. The local Church found a way to keep the factories supplied. I don¡¯t know where they got so much steel and non-ferrous metal from, probably from the local residents."

    Wang Zhong eximed, "The people, with such people, we will certainly prevail."

    "Yes."

    Wang Zhong, "But ensure that women and children are moved out of the city. You must persuade them¡­"

    Popov, "That¡¯s my task. In fact, I have already done my best to persuade the women and children. But most of the city¡¯s women have joined the Labor Camp, currently building defenses throughout the city, constructing tank barricades. Their children also refuse to leave, helping bury mines, directing traffic, and doing whatever transport work they can handle."

    "Nonsense, get the children out! If you can¡¯t, it¡¯s your dereliction of duty!" Wang Zhong raised his voice, ring at Popov.

    Popov, "I will handle this matter."

    He quickly left the Headquarters.

    Yakov just came in with the coat, looking at Popov¡¯s departure he asked in confusion, "What happened? The Military Bishop looked very serious."

    Pavlov, "His Excellency the Commander has given him a difficult task, convincing children to leave their mothers¡ªand possibly all their families."

    Wang Zhong, "It is his duty, his duty, understand?"

    Yakov, "Alright, here¡¯s your coat."

    Wang Zhong put on his coat, releasing a sigh of relief. He approached the map on the wall, watching the staff officers update the status of the various divisions within the city.

    Pavlov, "Every division, as per your orders, has split into countlessbat groups, hiding in buildings and ruins. They will inflict as much damage as possible on the enemy until they fall in battle."

    Wang Zhong nodded.

    Pavlov, "This is just trading lives, nothing of strategy or tactics to speak of."

    Wang Zhong, "But it can bring us victory."

    Just then, a staff officer ran over, "Report from Beachhead Position One, the enemy has begun tomit the Moravian subordinate army."

    Wang Zhong, "Really? How many subordinate armies have beenmitted? How many unit numbers appeared?"

    "Two Army Group¡¯s numbers," replied the staff officer.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes widened with joy, "Great! That¡¯s wonderful! The subordinate army is weak inbat and still requires supplies. Two Army Groups, that¡¯s how many extra mouths to feed; this will be the final straw to break the enemy¡¯s back. As long as we can withstand the enemy¡¯s final offensive, we will win!"

    Pavlov looked at the map solemnly, "Withstand the final offensive¡­"

    In Prosen, at the Sixth Army Group Headquarters, General Frederick pointed at the map, "We have advanced into the districts of Abawahan, once we move the artillery positions forward, our guns could even strike at Rocossov¡¯s Headquarters."

    "And your army will be directly engaged in the assault on the urban districts."

    He looked at the face of the thirtieth infantry corpsmander who had arrived with the Moravians.

    The thirtieth infantry corpsmander stood tall with pride, "Leave it to me, my army is equipped with a substantial number of self-propelled infantry howitzers called ¡¯Bison,¡¯ which can be effective in urban environments. We will destroy the enemy-held buildings with precise, high-powered gunfire."

    General Frederick said, "Very well. I will send the Asgard Sixth Armored Grenadier Division to assist you. This division has yet to bemitted to battle, and not only does it have elite armored grenadiers within its ranks but also an armored battalion!

    "These tanks have been specially armored for urbanbat, with added ting to protect against enemy incendiary bottles."

    The thirtieth infantry corpsmander saluted, "Thank you for your trust, General. We willplete the mission and take the port within three days!"@@novelbin@@

    "Three days?" General Frederick shook his head, "Three days is too slow, my general, three days is too slow. The longer we dy, the stronger the Anteans be, just likest year! I want you to reach the port in one day, do not dy!"

    The corpsmander looked troubled, "But this is urban warfare, and all the buildings are reinforced concrete. Based on our experience in the Capital of Mnia, such cities are not easily attacked."

    General Frederick sighed, "Being realistic is a fine quality of Prosens soldiers, you¡¯re right. Let it be three days then, but after three days, I want to see the waves of the Ind Sea."

    At this point, General Frederick¡¯s deputy officer reminded him, "The Ind Sea, being insidend, is mostly calm."

    "I know, damn it, I know. It¡¯s just a metaphor!" General Frederick said, irritated.

    ----

    Nameless Hignds.

    Yegorov came out of the division headquarters and climbed up the hignds, observing the direction of the city through binocrs.

    "The city is burning," his deputy officer said.

    Yegorov answered, "Yes, although we have held our position, the enemy has broken through other units and entered the city."

    He turned the binocrs toward the Train Dispatch Yard, "The condition over there is unknown,munications with the Sixteenth Army Group have been cut off since this morning¡¯s bombardment."

    The deputy officer mentioned, "This afternoon, the enemy conducted a rapid-fire attack toward the Train Dispatch Yard, so there should still be some resistance. The telephone line must have been cut."

    "Let¡¯s hope so," Yegorov put down his binocrs. "Today, the enemy¡¯s attack on our position was a lot fiercer, but thankfully, we have Whirlwind to keep their tanks from getting too reckless."

    The deputy officer sighed, "How long will this kind of contest continue?"

    "Until victory, isn¡¯t that obvious?" Yegorov said with determination. "Or until we all die in battle."

    ----

    Train Dispatch Yard.

    The fierce battle in Satellite City had been raging for two days without a pause from dawn till dusk.

    The warriors of the Sixteenth Army Group followed General Rocosov¡¯s instructions, breaking down into three-manbat teams, fighting around the clock throughout the entire city against the Prosens.

    Eachbat team operated independently, making their own decisions on movements in the ruins and actively inflicting casualties on the Prosens.

    Typically suchbat teams, led by one or two core members of the Secr faction, would spontaneously join forces with other reduced teams to form new ones and continue the fight against the Prosens.

    They had no contact with highermand and no resupply, living off dry rations they carried or food found in local cers, with ammunition taken from fallen enemies.

    Except for their khaki Antean uniforms, their equipment was identical to that of the Prosens.

    It was many such units that attacked the Prosens day and night.

    As long as a singlebat team was alive, the Sixteenth Army Group had not been annihted, and the Train Dispatch Yard had not beenpletely lost.

    Even though the Sixteenth Army Group¡¯s Headquarters had already been taken by elite Prosens warriors.

    A Prosens Major, stepping over documents that had not yet burned on the ground, walked up to the fallen general and bent down to retrieve identification from his body.

    "General Panfilov," the Major, who obviously understood Antenese, read the name on the identification and turned around to scold, "You should not have killed him!"

    The Master Sergeant at the door awkwardly said, "He was fighting with a submachine gun and had already killed three of our men, Your Excellency. We couldn¡¯t afford any more casualties!"

    The Major cursed, "Couldn¡¯t you wait for him to run out of bullets? There are so many ways to capture him alive, why didn¡¯t you think of that? Now that he¡¯s dead, there¡¯s no one left to order a halt to the resistance."

    The Master Sergeant hesitated, then said, "Major, I don¡¯t think these Anteans will stop resisting, even with a Commander¡¯s order. I¡¯ve fought with them; they won¡¯t stop, Major. They won¡¯t."

    The Major said, "Whether or not they will is not for you to decide! Take the body of this general and hang it in front of a tank, parade it through the city to show the Anteans that their cause is lost."

    The Master Sergeant replied, "I refuse to do that. It will only boost the enemy¡¯s morale and incite them to resist even more fiercely to the end."

    "Are you teaching me how to do my job?" the Major turned, pointing at his badge, "I am a Constitutional Guards Major, the eyes and ears of the Emperor!"

    The Master Sergeant clenched his teeth and nodded to his subordinates, and two privates stepped forward, grabbed Panfilov¡¯s arms, and dragged him outside.

    (You all worry about the little maid so much, I can only put out the draft for now)

 Chapter 605: Walking Through Ashes

    Chapter 605: Walking Through Ashes

    Little Griff had witnessed Aleksei¡¯s final battle in its entirety.

    He hid in the attic, peering down through the broken floorboards.

    It wasn¡¯t until the Prosens had left that he quietly opened the attic door, deftly jumping to the ground.

    He quickly approached Aleksei¡¯s side and picked up the photograph of Tatiana thaty on the ground.

    Aleksei¡¯s body had been mangled by his own Grenade of Glory, but Little Griff mustered his courage and closed his eyes with his hands.

    "Rest in peace, Alyosha, I will tell Tatiana of your final heroic stance."

    Little Griff said. He took a grenade from the dead Prosen Soldier, twisted off the cap, wedged the grenade between two floor tiles, and fixed the pull cord to the corpse¡¯s belt.

    In this manner, he set crude booby traps beneath each Prosen Soldier, tucking extra grenades at his waist before he proceeded to the doorway, listening cautiously to the sounds outside.

    The first wave of Prosen attacks had passed this block, so it was exceptionally quiet outside.Little Griff emerged from the room, scanning vigntly to the sides, then crouched and scurried quickly through the alley like a true Ante Warrior.

    Reaching the main street, he peeked out, seeing several Prosen warriors clearing the battlefield.

    They seemed to sense that their area had been cleared and was safe; thus, they loudly chatted andughed, looting the dead Ante Warriors.

    Suddenly, submachine guns sounded.

    Little Griff turned his head and after a few seconds located the second-floor window spewing smoke and mes.

    Following that, several Prosens were felled at once, and thest one tried to make it to cover, only to be overtaken by bullets.

    Since the neighboring blocks were still embroiled in fiercebat, the sound of the Papasha¡¯s gunfire didn¡¯t seem out of ce at all and didn¡¯t attract additional Prosen Soldiers.

    The shooter who had killed four Prosens peeked out to survey the street, then made eye contact with Little Griff.

    The shooter mouthed something and frantically waved.

    Little Griff gave a thumbs up¡ªhe didn¡¯t actually know what the warrior was saying; he was simply offering encouragement for the neat victory just achieved.

    Then Little Griff lifted the sewer manhole cover and climbed inside.

    Little Griff¡¯s father was a plumber, often inspecting the sewer, and the plumbers¡¯ children would always scurry through them.

    When the Church had attempted to send the children over the river, Little Griff and his peers had used the sewer to evade capture.

    Now, Little Griff moved swiftly through the sewer, familiar with the route, running for over ten minutes before stopping to carefully check the number on thedder leading upward.

    "517, this is the ce," he whispered, climbing thedder and pushing the manhole cover open.

    The street outside was blissfully quiet.

    One could see the windows across the street bricked up.

    But Little Griff knew these seemingly heavily guarded houses were actually empty, designed to exhaust the enemy¡¯s ammunition.

    All the defense forces were scattered across every street, fighting independently.

    Of course, there were still essential strongholds in the city, like the school that Little Griff detested, said to have been built as a fortress with walls frighteningly thick, and it now served as the pir of that region, manned by significant forces.

    There was also Little Griff¡¯s favorite cinema, which was now rumored to house an entire battalion in its defense.

    Little Griff was about to climb out of the tunnel when arge hand seized him, pulling him out, "Why are you still running around everywhere!"

    It was the parish priest from the church in Little Griff¡¯s block. He had removed his cleric¡¯s robe, donning khaki military attire distinct from the regr army, without rank insignia or a military emblem.

    Most soldiers from the Militia Camp wore this uniform.

    Little Griff: "Riv Street has fallen, but our people are still fighting. Alyosha has fallen too, and I¡¯ve brought back his belongings."

    The Priest sighed, "That good kid is gone... May Saint Andrew be with him. You mustn¡¯t run around anymore, go cross the river!"

    Little Griff: "I¡¯ve buried many booby traps, maybe I¡¯ve killed more enemies than you, Priest!"

    "You!"

    Little Griff shrugged off the Priest¡¯s hand and dashed eastward along the street.

    "Where are you going?" the Priest called out.

    Without turning his head, Little Griff answered, "To the May 5th Factory, to hand Alyosha¡¯s belongings to his father!" Your next chapter awaits on

    "Be careful of Prosens; no one knows how far they¡¯ve infiltrated!" the Priest continued to shout.

    "Got it."

    Little Griff ran around the corner, then suddenly stopped upon hearing the rumble of an engine.

    It was unclear whether it was a Prosen tank or an Ante T34.

    Little Griff took cover in the shadows of a building, focusing on the direction of the sound.

    He pulled out a recently acquired grenade and removed the cap.

    His breathing grew morebored, his heart pounding as if it might leap from his throat.

    ¡ªSuch bravery, indeed.

    But no matter how deeply he inhaled, his heart rate refused to calm, and excess adrenaline caused his fingers to tremble.

    It seemed that, for a child under ten, facing an enemy tank was still an overwhelming challenge.

    Just then, the source of the noise appeared in the distance on the street¡ªa T34!@@novelbin@@

    The tank had no paint or tactical numbers, obviously fresh off the production line.

    The Tank Operator looked out from the turret, an expression of utmost seriousness on his face.

    Little Griff burst out from his hiding spot, wielding a grenade, "Kill more Prosen people!"

    The Tank Commander raised his right hand high, "Rest assured, child!"

    Seemingly inspired by Little Griff, the tank sped up even faster, sshing mud on his face as it passed by him.

    For some reason, Little Griff found his feet automatically running after the tank, yet a nine-year-old child stood no chance of catching up to a full-speed T34.

    After being left behind by a dozen meters, Little Griff stopped and shouted towards the tank, "Take them out!"

    Just then, the door of a roadside shop suddenly opened, and a matron beckoned to Little Griff, "Child! Come in quickly!"

    Little Griff looked at the matron, "Please take the little ones across the river. On that side, you can get on the Church¡¯s vehicle!"

    The matron was taken aback, "Eh?"

    Little Griff said, "The Priest mentioned that the women still at home now must have children to care for and told us to pass the message on¡ªto tell you."

    The matron appeared very moved, "I don¡¯t have children to take care of. I am still at home because the Labor Camp doesn¡¯t want an old matron like me; they want those that are young and strong."

    "You should cross the river too."

    "No," the matronughed, "Crossing the river would mean eating the warriors¡¯ rations. I can take care of myself; I still have plenty of pickles at home!"

    Little Griff saluted the matron, "Then I have a mission toplete, I must go."

    Finishing his words, he took off running towards the direction the T34 had juste from.

    The matron leaned against the door frame, watching him disappear into the distance.

    As soon as Little Griff arrived at the May 5th Factory, he saw a bandage-wrapped Tank Operator asking the workshop director, "When can the next tank roll off the line?"

    "See for yourself, Tank Operator Davarish. We aren¡¯t Mages; we can¡¯t conjure up tanks. If you¡¯re in a hurry, you can tell us where your tank is broken, and we can send a tractor to tow it back. Fixing that is faster than building a new one."

    The Tank Operator sighed, "No use, the blocks have already been upied by the Prosen Soldiers. A tractor going there probably won¡¯t make it back. We need a new tank."

    "Do you have enough Tank Operators?"

    The Tank Operator replied, "There are three of us left in my crew, we¡¯re just short of a Loader, but the Machine Gunner can take over."

    "Then, while we¡¯re making the next tank, you should find a Machine Gunner. I hope every tank sent to the front lines can use all its firepower to deal damage to the enemy."

    Little Griff interjected, "I can operate a machine gun!"

    Everyone turned to look at him.

    Under the gaze of so many adults, Little Griff felt a bit intimidated but still mustered the courage to shout, "I can operate a machine gun!"

    "Oh,e off it, kid,"ughed one Tank Operator, "You couldn¡¯t even see the Machine Gunner¡¯s periscope from your seat. What are you going to shoot at? You would just be firing blindly."

    Little Griff argued, "I can stand and shoot!"

    The Tank Operators allughed, but just then, someone else entered through the small door Griff hade in, "Is this May 5th Factory? I heard they¡¯re gathering Tank Operators here!"

    The Commander who had just asked the workshop director for a tank immediately asked, "Can you operate a machine gun?"

    "Yes, I can fill any position!"

    "Great!" The Commander turned to the workshop director and said, "Our crew isplete. When will the tank be ready?"

    While they were speaking, the factory doors opened, and a brand-new T34 rolled out, stopping in front of the Tank Operators.

    The worker who drove the tank out said, "We built it in a hurry; make do with it, we¡¯ve made the frontal armor as reliable as possible."

    "As long as it¡¯s a tank," the Commander waved his hand, "Quick, load ammunition and fuel! Be ready in twenty minutes!"

    The workshop director let out a sigh of relief and looked at Little Griff, "What are you doing here?"

    "Alyosha has fallen. I¡¯vee to tell his dad."

    "Which Alyosha?" the director asked.

    "From the Panjyevich family."

    The director pointed towards the door of workshop number two, "Search the assembly line, and tell him he has an hour break."

    Little Griff nodded and ran towards the workshop.

    "Wait!" the workshop director called out, "Tuck away the grenade; don¡¯t cause an ident!"

    Little Griff quickly secured the grenade before entering the workshop.

    He soon found Alyosha¡¯s father, "Uncle, Alyosha has fallen!"

    The burly worker momentarily froze.

    The line supervisor shouted, "Just take a break; don¡¯t mess up the work."

    "No, leave it to me," continued the worker, busily returning to his task, "My locker is number 301. Just ce his belongings in there."

    Little Griff nodded, turned to leave, and then the worker suddenly asked, "Was he brave?"

    "Brave. He killed at least five Prosen Soldiers."

    "I see." The worker tightened a screw then added, "Good for him, good for him."

    Taking a step back, the production line moved along, carrying away the workpiece he had just finished.

    He stepped forward again to start on a new workpiece.

    Inside the factory, the rhythmic sounds of air hammers and presses thundered, like lightning strikes, like the beating of war drums.

 Chapter 606: Open Cards

    Chapter 606: Open Cards

    At 2330 on October 30, the headquarters of the Prosen Thirty-First Army.

    The corpsmander was scolding his subordinates when suddenly, gunshots from a submachine gun rang out in front of the military department¡¯s doors. Themander, a sly old fox, immediately hit the ground and shouted, "Check the situation, quickly!"

    Following that, the sound of machine gun fire and explosions erupted outside.

    After muchmotion, the nearby gunfire finally subsided, and the Guard Corpsmander personally came in to report, "It was Antean deserters wandering nearby! We¡¯ve killed them all."

    The corpsmander stood up, brushing the dust from his clothes, and retorted, "Would deserters attack a military department protected by an entire Guard Corps? This is theirbat team! What are the casualties for the Guard Corps?"

    Themander reported truthfully, "Five killed, five wounded."

    The corpsmander: "They were in three-man teams, weren¡¯t they? Then they¡¯ve profited. A simple numbers game, they had no intention of leaving the city alive, only cared about how many of us they could take down with them. Who knows how many of our men thisbat team has already killed."

    Everyone in the headquarters was grim-faced, and the Chief of Staff cursed on behalf of everyone, "Such a despicable tactic! Absolutely without honor!"

    "How is there no honor, warriors who face death with equanimity are always worthy of respect." The corpsmander leaned on the desk with both hands, "When I epted my task from General Frederick over there, I didn¡¯t expect to be waiting for such a rotten fight."He stared at the city map on the table for a few seconds, then asked, "Do we have enough poison gas? Faced with resistance that melts away and fires from every corner, only poison gas can do the job."

    The military Chief of Staff shook his head, "No."

    "Then, can we poison the water supply?" asked the corpsmander.

    The Chief of Staff reminded him somewhat awkwardly, "The Valdai Hills River is a freshwater river, General."

    "My apologies, I shouldn¡¯t have asked that question." The corpsmander stared at the city map, silent for a very long time, before finally sighing, "It¡¯s over, unless we have much more manpower than the Anteans, we won¡¯t be able to take this city."

    Everyone in the headquarters exchanged nces.

    Everyone knew it was impossible to have more manpower than the Anteans, and with each passing day, the enemy grew stronger, with train lines on the East Bank and ships transporting troops across the river.

    After a silence of a full five minutes, the corpsmander spoke again, "Unless, we can break the enemy¡¯s will to fight. Where¡¯s Rocossov¡¯s headquarters? On the other bank?"

    The military Chief of Staff answered, "We haven¡¯t captured anyplete city defense maps, and most of our prisoners were determined to face death. So, we don¡¯t know where Rocossov¡¯s headquarters are."

    "That¡¯s impossible." The corpsmander shook his head, "If he¡¯s on this side, on the West Bank, he would certainly let his soldiers know he¡¯s here to boost morale. You simply caught some particrly brave prisoners; there must be cowards who would reveal Rocossov¡¯s headquarters."

    At this point, the corpsmander¡¯s Deputy Officer said, "Actually, we don¡¯t need to strike at Rocossov¡¯s headquarters right now. The Army Group¡¯s artillery has been continuously bombarding the ferry point across the bank.

    "The Anteans are still able to constantly receive supplies and reinforcements because there¡¯s a tunnel under the river. We canunch a raid at the tunnel entrance and shut down this major supply artery. Then the enemy will bepletely crippled.

    "This riverbed tunnel, our spies have already gathered relevant information, even photographed blueprints. The exit on the West Bank is at this location."

    The Deputy Officer pointed to a spot on the map, "Look, it¡¯s also marked on the city defense map."

    The corpsmander nodded, "Immediately devise a n, organize abat group, andunch an attack targeting the tunnel entrance. Don¡¯t mind the scattered enemy forces or casualties, charge straight to the objective."

    Speaking, he looked up at the time, "Complete the formation tonight, set out first thing tomorrow morning!"

    At the same time, Wang Zhong was also looking at a map.

    Popov¡¯s voice was filled with joy: "The enemy¡¯s attack speed is much slower than we thought. It seems that the tactic of melting away is working very well."

    Wang Zhong: "No, it¡¯s the collective will of the warriors that deserves the credit. Without such strong fighting will, they wouldn¡¯t be able to maintain such tactics.@@novelbin@@

    "If it were the fighting will of the Moravian troops attacking Beachhead One, as soon as the leading officers died, the soldiers would scatter."

    Pavlov: "Yes, in our Ante military textbooks, there¡¯s no such tactic. Maybe it¡¯s because in the past, we never had an army where even if the officers and nons were sacrificed, the soldiers would continue to fight."

    Wang Zhong stood up, pped the map, and looked back at everyone: "This war is turning our army into steel. One day, this army will crumble the evil Empire of Prosen like rotting wood."

    As soon as he finished speaking, two senior military officers and a Military Chain were brought into the headquarters.

    They spotted Wang Zhong at first nce and saluted in unison: "General Rocossov! We are the corpsmander, Chief of Staff, and Military Bishop of the Sixty-Second Army Group."

    Wang Zhong returned the salute: "Hello, if you want to understand the current situation, look at this map. If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t understand, you can ask Chief of Staff Pavlov."

    "There¡¯s nothing we don¡¯t understand, we¡¯ve studied the situation beforeing here. Commander Rocossov, please give your orders."

    Wang Zhong: "How¡¯s the morale of your troops? Can they withstand each warrior engaging the enemy alone in the city?"

    The Sixty-Second Army Group¡¯s Commander and Chief of Staff looked at each other, then both turned to the Military Bishop.

    The Bishop answered: "I believe they can. They are determined warriors, many have family who have sacrificed in the war. They will fight the Prosens to thest moment."

    Wang Zhong: "Very well, I order you to split the entire army group intobat teams, eachpany responsible for one block, with the sole objective of inflicting maximum casualties on the Prosens before we are sacrificed."

    The senior officers of the Army Group exchanged nces once more, and then themander replied, "Yes, we guarantee toplete the mission."

    Wang Zhong turned to ask Yakov, "Is the kitchen still able to cook hot meals?"

    "It can¡¯t, didn¡¯t you eat canned food yesterday?"

    Wang Zhong: "Then bring some vodka, I¡¯ll have a drink with a fewmanders."

    "Yes." Yakov turned and ran off.

    After sending off the senior officers of the sixty-second, Wang Zhong sat down and said, "How many more excellentmanders do I have to send off? Has Panfilov¡¯s headquarters been contacted?"

    The headquarters of the Sixteenth Army Group had been out of contact since yesterday. No matter how many signalmen Wang Zhong dispatched to check the lines, telephonemunication had not been restored.

    They also didn¡¯t respond to the radio calls from the Front Army Headquarters, and the radio waspletely silent.

    In fact, Wang Zhong had a faint sense the headquarters of the Sixteenth at least had been destroyed. But aerial reconnaissance showed that the Train Dispatch Yard was still inbat, and the enemy had not taken control of this support point for the first line of defense.

    So, Wang Zhong still harbored a sliver of hope.

    But that flower of hope was gradually withering.

    Pavlov: "We haven¡¯t made contact with them. But the Train Dispatch Yard is still fighting."

    Wang Zhong nodded his head.

    Pavlov continued, "Considering the enemy¡¯s rate of advance, I think we can stop sending troops into the city. The enemy is no longer pushing forward. We should start gathering forces for a counterattack. In fact, I¡¯ve already ordered the tank units and Cavalry Troops, unsuited for urban meat grinders, to stay on the opposite bank of the river, preparing for the uing counterattack."

    Wang Zhong: "You did right, stuffing more tanks into the city center makes no sense. What are the casualties for the enemy¡¯s 41st Armored Army besieging our first beachhead?"

    Pavlov: "Using the most conservative estimates, we think they have lost seventy percent of their tank and armored vehicles, eighty percent of their troops."

    Wang Zhong: "Can they withstand our attack?"

    "If there¡¯s enough artillery, they can¡¯t withstand it," Pavlov said.

    Wang Zhong crossed his arms and stared at the war zone map for a while before asking, "How many troops do you estimate are needed topletely encircle our current Sixth Army Group?"

    "At least six hundred thousand," Pavlov replied instantly, obviously having considered it already.

    Wang Zhong: "How long would it take to assemble one million troops on the opposite bank?" Experience more on

    Pavlov: "Just assembling the troops, ten days would suffice, but I think setting the counterattack date for November 20th is more prudent. By that time, the enemy will be more fatigued, their supply situation worse, and maybe General Winter will lend a hand.

    "Our preparations will be more thorough, with more heavy artillery, more ample ammunition."

    Wang Zhong maintained a pensive posture and only after a long time did he sigh, saying, "Let¡¯s set it for November 20th. Based on this premise, we should formte the operation n. We want tond a big blow, to breathe out a heavy sigh of relief."

    Pavlov turned to the staff officers and said, "You¡¯ve all heard him, let¡¯s get moving!"

    Popov patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder, "Although I don¡¯t think High Command will hold back our troop reinforcements, shouldn¡¯t we make a call? To your foster sister?"

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and went directly to the telephone, lifting the receiver, "Connect me to the Summer Pce, the office of His Majesty the Tsar."

    "Alright," the operator replied immediately.

    A series of transfers followed and atst, Olga¡¯s voice came through on the other end¡ªthe Empress herself had actually picked up the phone.

    Wang Zhong: "Olga..."

    "Is that Alyosha? What¡¯s wrong? Has the front been breached? Tell me, what do you need me to do?" Olga¡¯s voice was a bit panicky.

    Wang Zhong: "No, the front seems to have stabilized for now, I¡¯m nning our counterattack. Listen, I need about a million troops."

    "Okay!" Olga answered immediately, "Is a million enough? I¡¯ve just authorized four Army Groups as reinforcements for General Gorky of the Western Front Army. Do I need toe back?"

    "No, no, they are attacking over there, they need troops too. There are still troops in the reserve Front Armies, just send them over."

    "Will cavalry do?" Olga asked again.

    Wang Zhong: "That¡¯ll work, the situation here is actually very suitable for cavalry."

    "Oh right," Olga suddenly remembered something, "since you¡¯re not on themittee, they can¡¯t find anyone to assess new equipment, so I went to check it out, and they¡¯ve made the kind of city warfare gear you wanted for demolition. Should I send it along? It¡¯s just a few rail cars¡¯ worth."

    Wang Zhong was taken aback for a second: "Uh, sure, okay."

 Chapter 607: The Final Struggle

    November 1st, early morning, 0800 hours, Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong had already been sitting in the headquarters, sipping half a cup of tea.

    It was unknown what method the Ceres chef brought back from the Federation had used, but this morning Wang Zhong had a hot pastry, so he was in a very good mood, as if the hot pastry had swept away the oppressive mood brought about by the heavy sacrifices of recent days.

    Wang Zhong was even seriously considering catching up on some sleep.

    Just then, the telephone rang.

    Pavlov, with a half-eaten pastry in hand, frowned, "What¡¯s the matter? It¡¯s not time for the daily routine report yet."@@novelbin@@

    Although he said this, he still picked up the receiver, "Front Army Headquarters. What? How many troops have crossed your defense area? Why didn¡¯t you stop them? Alright, I understand, make sure to close the breach and block the subsequent troops."

    After hanging up, Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong, "The enemy used a heavy troop cluster to blow up the barriers set by the 277th Division of the 62nd Army Group before dawn, taking advantage of our warriors¡¯ exhaustion, and passed through that division¡¯s defense area on Saint Andrew Avenue."

    Wang Zhong immediately stuffed the pastry into his mouth, chewing as he moved to the city defense map, "Saint Andrew Avenue? That road connects to Tsar Avenue and leads directly to the tunnel entrance."Pavlov did not respond as he was on the phone, "Hello? Is this the headquarters of the 161st Division? Get your Division Commander here! This is the Front Army Headquarters, the enemy¡¯s heavy troop cluster is advancing along Saint Andrew Avenue! Yes, you must hold them back, at all costs!"

    Wang Zhong looked at the map at the defense area of the 161st Division; Pavlov had skipped a division¡¯s area and directly issued orders to the division guarding the intersection of Saint Andrew Avenue and Tsar Avenue.

    The Chief of Staff had just hung up when the phone rang again; he picked it up, "Headquarters! I know you¡¯re being attacked, block the enemy¡¯s heavy troop cluster at all costs, at least buy time for the 161st Division behind you.

    "What? The troops have disintegrated, with norge organized forces to intercept? What are your Guard Corps doing?"

    At this time, Wang Zhong, with the help of an external aid, had already understood the situation¡ªwhile Pavlov was talking to these divisions, Wang Zhong could obtain their perspective.

    Pavlov was currentlymunicating with the 186th Division of the 62nd Army Group, their

    Prosen forces concentrated the equivalent of an enhanced brigade¡¯sbined strength, leading with a dozen methrower Tanks, attempting a blitz along the broad Saint Andrew Avenue.

    It should be said, this tactic effectively targeted Wang Zhong¡¯s strategy of disintegration.

    However, at the intersection of Saint Andrew Avenue and Tsar Avenue, there was a sturdy defensive support point.

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    The support point was originally the Abawahan Grand Theater, a robust structure of reinforced concrete and marble; after half a month¡¯s reinforcement, it had now be a fortress, which even Prosen¡¯s heaviest 210mm Heavy Artillery could not easily destroy. ?£Á????¨§S

    In the grand theater, a reinforced battalion of defenders was deployed, equipped with more than ten 76mm anti-tank guns and several dozen machine guns.

    Even for Prosen¡¯s elitebat group, it was challenging to pass such a strongly defended fortress.

    Wang Zhong paid attention to the movements of the Prosenbat group.

    The 186th Division indeed couldn¡¯t stop the organized Prosenbat group on short notice; the disintegrated Antean Warriors could inflict casualties on the Prosens, obtaining a not too favorable exchange rate, but could not stop the enemy¡¯s breakthrough.

    Although all Antean Warriors along the way were firing, bursting into a chaotic firefight, the Prosens were still determinedly advancing.

    Only the barriersid across the roads slightly dyed the enemy, but regrettably, the enemy¡¯sbat engineers quicklypleted the demolition of the barriers¡ªThe 186th Division didn¡¯t have sufficient troops to prevent the demolition.

    Just as the Prosens were about to break through, a battalion of Antean Warriors appeared.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s perspective immediately identified these people; aside from the division¡¯s Guard Troops, there were also staff officers, clerks, and various other mixed personnel ¨C the entire division hade.

    He even saw the Division Commander of the 186th Division taking the lead. Holding a submachine gun in one hand and a pistol in the other, he stood on the roadside flowerbeds shouting something.

    The Prosens responded quickly, immediately setting up a crossfirework.

    methrower Tanks advanced against the advancingrge force from the 186th Division headquarters, spraying a fan-shaped torrent of mes from the tank guns.

    Even the most resolute warriors, when set on fire, would forget to fight in the agony, rolling on the ground.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t bear to watch any longer, he elevated his perspective; just then, Pavlov hung up the phone, which meant that in a few dozen seconds, Wang Zhong would lose his vision.

    He switched the view directly, beginning to inspect the defenses at the tunnel entrance.

    "Pavlov," he began, "the defenses at the grand theater should be able to stop the enemy¡¯s advance. But I see they¡¯re very determined; they might use Smoke Bombs to block visibility, then quickly move past the theater."

    Pavlov: "Indeed, that¡¯s possible, we should order the theater¡¯s defenders to adopt the ¡¯fire belt¡¯ tactic."

    This was the tactic Wang Zhong had used before at Loktov; disregard the firing range, just have all firepower sweep along pre-set parameters, the Machine Gunners simply shake the cranks mindlessly, and Gunners fire blindly.

    On Earth, this was a tactic used by the Americans to deal with Japanese night raids, very effective, except for the waste of ammunition.

    And Wang Zhong was not short of ammunition now.

    While Pavlov made the call, Wang Zhong continued to use the bird¡¯s-eye view to inspect Tsar Avenue.

    "Just in case, we should set a few barriers on Tsar Avenue using trucks."

    He turned and instructed Yakov, "Go outside, stop the motor regiment that is returning through the tunnel, and have the Regiment Commandere to see me."

    The returning motor regiment was either empty or carrying corpses or seriously injured personnel.

    Stopping the empty vehicles and deploying them to the avenue to strengthen the barriers should be feasible.

    Pavlov put down the receiver and said to Wang Zhong, "The Grand Theater has received its orders, even if the enemy uses smoke, it won¡¯t be easy for them to get through."

    At that moment, Yakov came in with the head of the motorized battalion. Wang Zhong directly addressed themander, "No salutes, we¡¯re in an emergency, an enemy brigade is charging towards the tunnel. All the empty trucks in your battalion need to move to Tsar Avenue immediately. Here, here, and here, we have set up roadblocks. Use the trucks to reinforce them, and find a way to make the roadblocks impregnable."

    "Yes," themander still saluted, "We saw the positions of the roadblocks on the way here, we¡¯ll take position immediately."

    "Good luck. It¡¯s urgent, so no time for dinner," Wang Zhong picked up the fried soybeans on the table, "Have some of these."

    Themander grabbed a handful, stuffed them into his mouth, and turned to leave.

    Pavlovmented, "You actually remembered the position of every roadblock?"

    Wang Zhong replied nonchntly, "Just some random memory."

    After a brief silence, Wang Zhong added, "I don¡¯t think that¡¯s enough, we need to mobilize troops to block the enemy at this position, and prevent them from entering the firing range of the tunnel entrance."

    He pointed at a spot on the map.

    Pavlov agreed, "Indeed. We can block the view by burning tires, but stopping the enemy¡¯s elitebined operations group... that¡¯s going to be tough. I still have a tank brigade in reserve, hidden in the nearby school. Should we send them out?"

    Wang Zhong responded, "Send them out, and tell them that a T34 destroyed on the road also serves as a roadblock. Tell them to block the road with their deaths if necessary."

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s profile and said, "I thought you would lead the charge yourself."

    Wang Zhong was silent for a few seconds, then asked, "Would you allow me to do that?"

    "I wouldn¡¯t, because we no longer have the advantage in armor-piercing capability. Against the Prosen Armored Troops, the T34 is just cannon fodder. I can¡¯t let you go to your death," Pavlov answered.

    Wang Zhong reached for the soybeans on the table but didn¡¯t find any, then remembered he had already given them to the motorized battalionmander.

    He then recalled the dayst year when he left the militiamen, who had pulled him from under the vehicle, behind.

    He always felt he would spend the rest of his life guilty about that decision.

    To dilute this guilt, hemanded, "Bring the radio here; I want to listen to what the tank operators are saying."

    Actually, it was to gain a visual.

    Prosen-Hoffman temporarybat group.

    Brigadier Hoffman loudly ordered, "Stop, stop! Yes, stop right at the roadside, I need to assess the situation!"

    Themand vehicle braked, rocking the body and cannon back and forth.

    Brigadier Hoffman picked up the binocrs and observed from afar, "It looks like they are using trucks as roadblocks. We can¡¯t let them seed, continue the attack! The Anteans are short on trucks, them using trucks as roadblocks means we are close to our goal!"

    At that moment, Brigadier Hoffman¡¯s earpiece transmitted a report from a support vehicle, "Look in the distance, they¡¯ve lit something that¡¯s creating a ck curtain to obscure our view, might be burning tires."

    "That must mean the tunnel is right behind them," the Brigadier put down his binocrs, turned back to his troops and shouted, "Advance! The target is right up ahead, today we will im victory!"

    Then, the sudden exmation in his earpiece, "T34!"

    "Don¡¯t panic, destroy them!" the Brigadier ordered.

    The support vehicle fired first.

    The leading T34 was hit and stopped at the roadside, with two tank operators carrying Papasha jumping out of the tank, shooting while finding cover.

    Long-barreled Four in thebat group continued firing, T34s rushing along the road exploded one after another.

    "Hmph, downright senseless death!" Brigadier Hoffman scoffed, but then realized something, "Wait, they¡¯re trying to block the street with wreckage! Damn! They are using the debris to block the road!"

    "But we can only destroy them. Their main gun can prate us; it¡¯s either they die, or we do," said an officer.

    "Damn!" cursed Brigadier Hoffman, looking down at the city road map.

    "Wait, there¡¯s another road beside us, let¡¯s divert to that road. It¡¯s narrower and doesn¡¯t have a direct firing line to the tunnel entrance, but it still leads to our destination! Everyone, follow the order, turn right! Into the sideroad!"

    Wang Zhong stood beside the radio, pretending to listen, but actually watched from an aerial view as the enemy turned onto the forked road.

    The forked road also had roadblocks, but seemingly only the sort thatbat engineers could st through.

    And because of Wang Zhong¡¯s tactics, there were only a little over one hundred Ante Warriors divided into threes along the forked road.

    He immediately ordered Pavlov, "Have the Anti-Air Artillery Corps and the Guard Corps under the Front Army Headquarters move to Pozharsky Street, ready to intercept the enemy."

    Pavlov immediately grabbed the phone, then remembered these orders didn¡¯t need a phone, just a loud shout was sufficient, as messengers could ry themand outside the door.

    Thus, he began to shout.

    (Nelly progress, the artist originally wanted to draw scars like Blaika, but I stopped them)

 Chapter 608: Farewell

    Wang Zhong watched as all the able-bodied personnel at the Front Army Headquarters picked up their rifles, joining forces with the logistics department deployed near the tunnel, and surged toward Pozharsky Street.

    Fortunately, even if the enemy passed through Pozharsky Street, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see the entrance of the tunnel unless they turned around the corner.

    There was also good news¡ªthe street barricades and barriers obstructed the enemy tanks¡¯ advance, requiring the enemy¡¯sbat engineers to clear them with explosives.

    The bad news was that these obstacles provided ample cover, greatly reducing the effectiveness of the machine guns that blocked the road.

    Wang Zhong saw the Prosens skillfully advancing in leaps¡ªthey even disdained to throw smoke bombs.

    Moreover, Prosen tanks quickly eliminated the machine gun positions.

    In such open terrain, the advantage of the Prosen tanks was greatly magnified.

    Tank guns continuously knocked off machine gun covers, and the front line on the street gradually retreated.

    Wang Zhong had a clear view from his vantage point.Suddenly, he saw an Ante warrior release a smoke bomb in front of their own machine gun while it continued to fire ording to pre-set parameters, thwarting the advance of the Prosens on the street. Explore stories at

    This idea was indeed good; however, such unaimed firing required intense firepower to hit people, and without adequate firepower, the machine gunners still needed to aim at the enemy.

    While the smoke covered the machine gun, the Prosens stood up and advanced, ignoring the stray bullets flying haphazardly.

    The next moment, a Prosen tank fired, and its shell, passing through the smoke, hit the second floor of the machine gun¡¯s firepower point.

    Although this shot was off-target, the intense st brought down the second floor, and chunks of concrete fell mercilessly on the machine gunner¡¯s head.

    Simultaneously, Prosenbat engineers pulled the fuse, detonating the explosives attached to the anti-tank concrete piles in session, like setting off firecrackers.

    After the st, a methrower tank emerged from the path cleared by the engineers and shot blinding mes at buildings covered in smoke.

    The building was immediately ignited, and Ante warriors hiding inside howled as they rushed out, rolling on the ground.

    A Prosen submachine gunner, holding an MP40, adeptly finished off all the wounded Prosens with short bursts of fire.

    Wang Zhong changed his angle and looked at Pavlov, "With this motley crew, they can¡¯t hold back the Prosens."

    Pavlov replied, "Correct, so you better retreat to the East Bank and continue tomand the battle from there. We can¡¯t let the Prosens¡¯st struggle snatch our victory."

    Wang Zhong retorted, "No, my warriors need me now. Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t go to the front line; I just need to boost their morale a bit."

    Pavlov protested, "No, I disagree!"

    Wang Zhong insisted, "Pavlov, I just need to appear where the warriors can see me; you know how much this can boost morale."

    Pavlov looked helpless, "Well, the presence of amander can indeed greatly enhance morale at this time. I need Sergeants Grigori and Yakov to stick close to you."

    As soon as Grigori heard Wang Zhong was going out, he had moved closer and was ready, now patting his chest, "As long as I¡¯m alive, the General will not be in danger."

    Yakov mimicked Grigori¡¯s gesture, patting his chest as well, "Same for me."

    Wang Zhong dered, "Grigori, bring my Red g! Without it, how would the warriors know where I am?"

    "I¡¯ve already had someone fetch it; this is the gbearer, Niki," Grigori patted the gbearer¡¯s shoulder.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s attention, however, was entirely on the g. It was a banner given to him by the textile workers of Shepetovka, apanying him in battle for a whole year, bearing the marks of bullet holes and gunsmoke. ?????£Â¨º?

    Wang Zhong gently touched the surface of the g, reminiscing about the year he spent campaigning with it.

    He wondered how the workers in Shepetovka were doing, whether they had been evacuated to the rear.

    Wang Zhong released the Red g and said to Pavlov, "Order the artillery units across the river to fire smoke bombs at Pozharsky Street."

    Pavlov nodded, but suddenly remembering something, grinned and said, "Remember a year and a half ago at Ronied? You ordered the artillery to fire thest of the smoke bombs, then had Yegorovunch an assault with a bay charge that crushed the advancing enemy, ultimately escaping through a breakout in reverse."

    Wang Zhong: "How could I possibly forget? That was the starting point of my resistance. Today let us try it once more, remember to ensure the smoke bombs cover the entire Pozharsky Street."

    "Alright."

    Wang Zhong turned to leave the room, but suddenly remembering something, turned back to Pavlov and said, "If I am sacrificed, please request from Headquarters that General Gorky of the Western Front Armye tomand the troops."

    Pavlov stared at Wang Zhong, "I had a lot to say to you, but upon reflection, you¡¯ve courted danger too often. It is likely that even Hell is scared of you."

    Wang Zhong: "So, this is just in case."

    Saying this, he strode briskly out of the room with Grigori, Yakov, and Niki bearing the Red g following closely behind him.

    Pavlov sighed and picked up the receiver: "Operator, connect me to the Western Front Army."

    As he awaited the connection, Pavlov shouted to themunications staff, "Send a message to the High Command, if Rokossovsky is sacrificed, have General Gorky take overmand. Once the message is sent, destroy the cipher books and all telegraphic archives, and prepare to fight."

    General Gorky put down the receiver, his expression grave as he stared at the desk.

    The Chief of Staff asked, puzzled, "What¡¯s wrong? Is the Tsar questioning why the assault has not made progress yet?"

    General Gorky lifted his head to look at the Chief of Staff, "No, it was the Chief of Staff of the Abawahan Front Army who called, stating that if something unexpected happens, Admiral Rokossovsky hoped that I would take over themand."

    Chief of Staff: "Does this mean the enemy has reached the Front Army Headquarters? Shouldn¡¯t the headquarters be considering a retreat?"

    General Gorky took a deep breath, removed his hat, and ced it on the desk, "Rokossovsky likes to go to the front lines himself. I suspect the situation there is quite perilous, and he¡¯s gone to boost morale in person. Pavlov just made a call to prepare me in advance. Once the aircraft from the High Command arrives, I can depart immediately."@@novelbin@@

    The Chief of Staff of the Western Front Army widened his eyes, "Is the situation in Abawahan that dangerous?"

    "Just a temporary difficulty." General Gorky picked up the intelligence from the desk, "Look, we have so many units listed here, indicating that the enemy has redirected a considerable part of its forces to face us on the frontline. We¡¯ve tied down so many Prosen troops, his side¡ª I mean Rokossovsky¡¯s side should ideally be rtively rxed."

    Chief of Staff: "But the battle has escted to close quarters, indicating that the enemy has also put significant pressure on the Abawahan Front Army."

    "I believe the enemy is on itsst legs, merely a fleeting resurgence," General Gorky stated firmly.

    After a brief silence, General Gorky murmured, "I was also thinking about making a name for myself in Ante¡¯s military history, vying with Rokossovsky for the rights to name a new tactic, but he is only focused on victory and even showing up at the front line to inspire the troops."

    He stood up and walked over to therge-scale map of the entire battlefield, gazing at the name of the city near the mouth of Valdai Hills River.

    "Compared to Rokossovsky¡¯s actions, I truly pale inparison," General Gorky said with an admiring expression.

    As soon as Wang Zhong walked out of the tunnel, the smell of charred flesh hit him.

    The guard at the tunnel entrance was significantly reduced from when they had first moved in, as the Guard Corps of the Front Army Headquarters had been pulled to the front line.

    Seeing Wang Zhong emerge from the tunnel, followed by the Red g, the remaining guards immediately stood at attention and saluted with their weapons.

    Wang Zhong waved his hand, "Secure the entrance. If we can¡¯t repel the enemy¡¯s attack, this will be thest line of defense, at least hold until all the documents below are burned."

    The guards and soldiers exchanged nces, then one said, "General, shouldn¡¯t you retreat to the other side of the river? Let us handle the dangerous work. Your sacrifice would tremendously impact the progress of the war."

    Wang Zhong: "If I am sacrificed, there will be thousands more like me stepping forward. Ante will not lose the war forck of one man."

    Saying this, Wang Zhong proceeded towards Pozharsky Street.

 Chapter 609: Advance, Davarish

    When Wang Zhong emerged from underground, a wholepany of soldiers was assembling, and they all froze at his appearance.

    The Military Chain was in the midst of giving a motivational speech but stopped short upon seeing Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong headed straight for the tform from which the Chain was speaking, making a polite gesture to invite the man down off it before he himself climbed up.

    It was called a tform, but it was actually just several ammunition crates put together and covered with a couple of wooden nks.

    Wang Zhong swept his gaze over the entirepany and said, "I don¡¯t know which unit you belong to, but the Front Army¡¯s Chief of Staff must have ordered that all units capable of being on the frontline to join the fight. You may be cooks, you may be mechanics; this doesn¡¯t matter.

    "At this moment, you all have but one identity: Antean Warriors, my beloved Davarishes. I will join you inunching a counterattack against the Prosens."

    An NCO stepped forward and shouted loudly, "You can¡¯t go! Leave it to us!"

    Wang Zhong smiled, "Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got a much tougher life than you all. The Grim Reaper is an old acquaintance of mine, and he has failed several times to take me down; he will continue to face defeat with me. Hand me the submachine gun."

    The NCO immediately handed his service weapon to Wang Zhong.Wang Zhong took the submachine gun, expertly checked the ammunition and the chamber, and finally cocked the weapon.

    At that moment, there was a whistling sound in the sky,ing clearly from across the river and falling towards the city.

    Wang Zhong shouted, "Heree the artillery¡¯s smoke bombs! Everybody, on mymand, turn right~! Double time, march!"

    Thepany moved out in unison, advancing at a run.

    Wang Zhong stepped down from the tform and ran forward with thepany.

    The soldiers all saw it in their eyes, their expressions changing from initial surprise to fervor.

    Shells kept falling, and smoke even drifted between the buildings with the wind, spreading over the Tsar Boulevard, which was already blocked by tank wrecks.

    Pozharsky Street had be engulfed in smoke. As thepany ran past thest defensive line at the crossroads, the soldiers jokingly said, "Why are you hoisting the Red g? Didn¡¯t hear that the General¡¯s Guards Division was nearby?"

    People generally referred to the Guard First Red g Mechanized Infantry Division as "the General¡¯s Guards Division."

    Wang Zhong stopped and said to the jesters, "Because I am here."

    The soldier who spoke widened his eyes in shock, quickly stood up, and saluted, "General!"

    Wang Zhong said, "Call your battalionmander over here."@@novelbin@@

    The battalionmander was already running over, "General!"

    Wang Zhong ordered, "Leave those handling the heavy weapons, the rest join the counterattack."

    The battalionmander echoed, "Yes! Except for those operating heavy weapons, everyone else joins the counterattack!"

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t wait to see how the order was carried out. He just shouldered the submachine gun, crossed over the defensive line, and rushed into the smoke. ?????B¨¨?

    Niki, carrying the Red g, followed behind him. As they plunged into the smoke, he nced back at the people on the defensive line.

    The soldiers who had spoken earlier exchanged a look with theirrades, then, yelling loudly, vaulted over the sandbag breastworks and, weapons in hand, charged into the smoke.

    Meanwhile, the news that "the General is leading the charge" spread through the entire frontline like the wind, and along with it came the order, "All but the heavy weapon operators to join the counterattack!"

    At first, the "Hurrah" sounds were sparse, like the flickering of a small me, but in the blink of an eye, the whole city was shouting: Hurrah!

    Someone could be heard shouting loudly, "Forward, Davarishes!"

    --------------

    The Prosen battle groupmander initially thought that the Antean artillery barrage was meant to blow away both the friendly and enemy troops together.

    When the streets were shrouded in smoke, he suddenly realized that something was amiss.

    Rocossov¡¯s first battle had been using smoke cover for an infantry charge into hand-to-handbat. He was particrly adept at exploiting the advantages of elite troops in close quartersbat.

    Sure enough, Rocossov had left his elite Guards by his side, now nning to repeat his old trick!

    The deafening "Hurrah" cries came piercing through the smoke.

    Hoffman said, "Rocossov surely doesn¡¯t know that we have already developed tactics specifically to counter his strategy."

    He picked up the radio handset and ordered through the wireless, "All retreat behind the methrower Tanks, and methrower Tanks, create a firewall in front of the troops!"

    "Roger!"

    As Hoffman set down the handset, the foremost methrower Tank had already opened fire.

    mes shot into the midst of the smoke, and the high temperature generated winds that dispersed part of the smoke.

    More methrower Tanks fired, engulfing the entire street in a sea of mes.

    The deafening "Hurrah" also reached very close by.

    Hoffman smiled, "Stop in the face of this sea of fire! Even the deafening ¡¯Hurrah¡¯ will be destroyed by the fierce mes!"

    As he began tough, others started tough too, the entire Prosen line echoing withughter, as thoughughing loud enough could drown out the deafening "Hurrah."

    The next moment, a row of people engulfed in mes emerged from the smoke!

    The ze ignited their thick military garments, consuming their hair, and even scorching their faces.

    Yet they still shouted "Hurrah" as they fired their weapons, charging toward Hoffman.

    Bullets hit Hoffman¡¯s tank, likely inurate because the shooters were engulfed in mes, so despite numerous shots fired, none hit Hoffman.

    However, the sheer shock made this experienced Junker officer shrink back into the tank, revealing only the part above his eyes, watching in horror at this group of fiery juggernauts.

    Other Prosen Soldiers were equally stunned; they had never seen such steelybat will, nor imagined they would encounter such a scene.

    The smiles froze on their faces, and even as Papasha¡¯s bullets took the lives of theirrades, no one thought to fire back.

    The elite soldiers of the Empire of Prosen were nowpletely bewildered.

    They just stared, wide-eyed as the Ante Warriors charged at them, throwing open their arms to embrace them.

    As soon as an embrace was secured, the fire woulde raging across.

    The Ante Warriors turned the mes consuming them into weapons.

    Screams suddenly filled the entire front line.

    Screams of the Prosens.

    Morale virtually copsed in that instant; all the Prosens turned and ran, abandoning the tanks and armored vehicles that depended on their cover.

    The tank operators maintained rtive calm, thinking to open fire to block the assault.

    But smoke obscured their field of fire.

    More Anteans charged over, hurling incendiary bottles onto the cooling grates of the tanks.

    Some Anteans rushed to the tanks, climbed aboard, lifted the hatches, and fired inside.

    Bullets shot into the bodies of the tanks, ricocheting repeatedly, and soon there were no living souls inside the vehicles.

    The morale of the Prosen tankers also copsed, they began to reverse at full speed, inadvertently crushing the retreating Prosen warriors who had managed to keep their fighting spirit alive.

    Readtest stories on

    Other Prosen tanks, in blind panic, reversed into their own armored vehicles while retreating; their tracks were damaged upon contact and got stuck.

    No Prosens could make a full escape amidst such chaos.

    When Wang Zhong saw the methrower tanks open fire, he immediately pulled back the people nearby, instructing them to slow down, yet at that moment, he could not stop the momentum of the charge.

    Therefore, he could only watch helplessly as his warriors charged toward the enemy through the inferno.

    From his vantage point, he clearly witnessed thest glorious moments of his warriors¡¯ lives.

    At such a moment, this fake Antean had a song from his homnd that echoed in his mind:

    Heroes leap from the trenches,

    A bolt of lightning cleaves the long sky, the long sky.

    Alone they stand as the earth sinks, with only hands to support the falling sky.

    Feet zing through raging fire, their bodies agleam with rainbows!

    How could this song be so fitting!

    Wang Zhong quickened his pace; he had to personally kill some of those damned Prosen devils, or else he wouldn¡¯t be able to express the passionate fervor in his heart.

    But ahead of him, the red dots were extinguishing like a receding tide, one after another.

    A closer look revealed not every enemy was killed; the fight had just left all the enemies, who had now knelt down and surrendered their weapons.

    Wang Zhong charged for a while and finally came upon several living Prosenian soldiers, but none of them were highlighted in red.

    The moment they saw Wang Zhong, they knelt down, raising the submachine guns in their hands, babbling something.

    Wang Zhong, frustrated, kicked one of them, "Damn it, why surrender so quickly!"

    Grigori raced over and kicked away the submachine gun that had fallen to the ground.

    Yakov also emerged from the smoke and said, "They¡¯ve surrendered! General, this is a lieutenant; maybe we can get some information out of him!"

    The g-bearer Niki and a radio operator, who had appeared from nowhere, also arrived.

    The radio operator, seeing Wang Zhong, was stunned, "Huh? I thought I was charging with our battalionmander, where is he?"

    Wang Zhong replied, "Now you¡¯re with me. Give me the headset."

    The radio operator immediately passed the handset to Wang Zhong¡ªthe Federation-produced high-power radio set had a telephone-like handset.

    "Hello, Pavlov, the counterattack is going very well..."

    Just then, a Prosen interrupted the frequency, chattering away in theirnguage.

    Wang Zhong tapped Yakov on the shoulder, "Listen and find out what they¡¯re saying."

    After listening for a few seconds, Yakov¡¯s expression changed dramatically, "The Prosens are calling for an artillery strike! They say Rocossov hasmitted elite forces to counterattack!"

    At that moment, howling sounds came from the sky, clearly not from Antean artillery fire.

    Wang Zhong immediatelyy t on the ground in an artillery defensive position.

    Grigori rushed over, pulled Wang Zhong up, and dragged him beside the remnants of a tank, "Get under!"

    Wang Zhong crawled under the tank, still maintaining his defensive posture. Grigori quickly followed.

    The shells began to fall, but for the moment, they hadn¡¯t exploded near where Wang Zhong and his men were.

    From their trajectory, it could be deduced that the shells werending on the heads of the fleeing Prosen forces.

    Under the tank, Wang Zhong shouted to Yakov, "Stop listening to the enemy¡¯smunications, get over here!"

    Yakov finally put down the headset and ran with the radio operator toward another tank wreck.

    At that point, shellsnded one after another around Wang Zhong, the familiar earth-shaking sensation arriving.

    For a moment, Wang Zhong even felt that there was no need for a countercharge; artillery alone could finish off the enemy.

    The negative pressure from the artillery barrage was extremely ufortable for Wang Zhong¡¯s ears, and his head buzzed.

    After an unknown amount of time, the shelling finally ceased.

    Wang Zhong could no longer hear anything except for tinnitus, but he could tell from the stillness of the ground that the shelling was over.

    Grigori climbed out first and turned to pull Wang Zhong out.

    The enemy¡¯s shelling had dispersed the smoke, clearing the view.

    Wang Zhong saw a ck cat crawl out from under the tank wreckage, standing on the rubble-strewn street watching him.

    Grigori cursed, "At a time like this, seeing a ck cat is not a good omen! Scram!"

    The ck cat meowed once, leaped onto the tank wreckage, then sprang high onto the second floor of a nearby building and quickly disappeared.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze followed the ck cat and eventually turned upward to the sky.

    Another flock of cranes flew across the sky.

 Chapter 610: A Memorial to Forget

    Chapter 610: Chapter 53: A Memorial to Forget

    Wang Zhong withdrew his gaze and saw Grigori standing not far ahead, looking down at the bodies on the ground.

    His chest tightened, and he quickly rushed to Grigori¡¯s side, looking down.

    Yakov and the radio operatory on the ground, their eyes open, staring at the sky.

    It seemed he had not reached the tank wreckage.

    Grigori: ¡°I told you, seeing a ck cat is not a good omen.¡±

    Wang Zhong stepped forward, squatting down to study Yakov¡¯s face.

    In a moment, Wang Zhong remembered many, many things.

    "Do you remember which month he took over Vasily¡¯s shift?¡± Wang Zhong asked, ¡°I can¡¯t quite recall.¡±Grigori: ¡°August seventeenth, I remember very clearly.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked down at his palm: ¡°September, October¡­ not even two months, yet I feel like he had been by my side for many, many years.¡±

    As he spoke, Wang Zhong touched Yakov¡¯s chest, found the position of the diary, unbuttoned the pocket, and pulled out the notebook.

    He opened the first page of the diary, which read: ¡°August 17th, clear weather. Starting today, I am to serve as General Rocosov¡¯s Deputy Officer, very nervous. Natalia carefully checked my uniform several times to make sure I make a good impression on the General.¡±

    Wang Zhong read slowly, the scene of that day reemerging in his mind.

    Just then, someone called out, ¡°General, General! We have repelled the attack of the Prosenbat group, and were just about to¡­ General?¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up, closed the diary, and nodded to the informant: ¡°Continue.¡±

    The man nced at the bodies on the ground, awkwardly fidgeting with the ammunition on his chest: ¡°Uh, maybe I should wait a bit, maybe

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Grigori, take care of Yakov¡¯s belongings, secure his soldier¡¯s ID tag.¡±

    "Yes.¡± Grigori immediately bent down, starting to search Yakov¡¯s pockets.

    Wang Zhong turned to the informant: ¡°Report the situation.¡±

    "The counterattack was very sessful, although the enemy¡¯s artillery prevented us from continuing to advance, it also caused the enemy¡¯s total rout; those not struck by our charges were all scattered by heavy artillery. Currently, they have stopped two blocks away from Pozharsky Street.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Arrange ground guidance. We¡¯ll bomb them too.¡±

    "It might cause friendly fire

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Our troops have dispersed, even if there is friendly fire, it¡¯s only a fewbat teams. Arrange the artillery strike!¡±

    After issuing themand, he suddenly remembered he could just observe the coordinates, so he pulled to an overhead view, and on the edge of the view, he found the enemy. R?¨¤?O?????

    Wang Zhong looked down at Grigori: ¡°Is the radio still functional?¡±

    Grigori handed over the radio with the microphone and backpack: ¡°You can try it.¡±

    Wang Zhong took it, fiddled with it, and then heard the Prosen¡¯s urgent calls through the earpiece.

    Even though he couldn¡¯t understand, Wang Zhong felt the Prosen were quite urgent.

    He shouted directly into the microphone: ¡°Sukabule, just wait. Once my artilleryes down, you all are going to sky high!¡±

    After saying that, he threw down the radio and yelled: ¡°Now, immediately get me a radio operator! Right now, immediately!¡±

    The Prosen Thirty Corps Commander held the radio: ¡°What do you mean? You have tanks and armored vehicles, and even methrower tanks specialized for urbanbat, and you were routed by a mere infantry charge?¡±

    The other end of the radio urgently shouted: ¡°They¡¯ve gone mad! They must be on drugs! Those stimnts from the Imperial Academy of Sciences! I saw it with my own eyes, they were all set ame yet still bravely advanced forward! Only drugs could do this!¡±

    Thirty Corps Commander: ¡°I don¡¯t believe it! If they had such drugs, they would have used them already. Plus, no one could continue to charge after being set on fire; humans have an instinct to avoid harm!¡±

    "This is the truth! Commander, we¡¯re going to lose! We should start retreating now, we can still save some of our troops if we retreat now!¡±

    Commander: ¡°No, I think you¡¯re just trying to excuse your own cowardice. Where¡¯s Hoffman? Where¡¯s that Nov Hoffman? I need to talk to him!¡±

    "Hoffman Brigadier is already

    Their conversation was cut off as a loud voice bellowed in Antenese, and the Thirty Corps Commander couldn¡¯t make out what he was saying.

    He immediately turned to his Deputy Officer, who was also wearing headphones: ¡°What¡¯s this Antean saying?¡±

    "He says that when his artilleryes, he¡¯ll send us all to the sky.¡±

    The Commander thought for a moment, then took the microphone to ask: ¡°Which Antean General is speaking?¡±

    After speaking, he gestured with his eyes to the Deputy Officer.

    The Deputy Officer immediately tranted into Antenese.

    However, no reply came¡ªbecause the speaker had already thrown the radio aside.

    The Thirty Corps Commander pondered for a moment, then asked the Deputy Officer: ¡°Do you think it¡¯s possible that this is Rocosov himself? Could it be because he personally led the charge that the enemy troops have such fighting spirit?¡±

    Chief of Staff frowned, ¡°The Front Army Commander personally leading a charge? No, that¡¯s impossible.¡±

    "A hundred years ago, Bagration also personally led the shooting army in a charge and forcibly crushed the Carolus Army, allowing the Ante Troops to escape to safety. Otherwise, that Conqueror there would have captured the Tsar, and there wouldn¡¯t have been the Yeburg debacle afterward.¡±

    Having said that, the corpsmanders looked at each other in dismay, when suddenly the sound of an exploding shell came.

    The corpsmander listened for a moment and said, ¡°It seems Hoffman¡¯sbat group has been hit¡ªmaybe it shouldn¡¯t be called Hoffman¡¯sbat group anymore. So, do you think it was Rocossov himself?¡±

    Everyone exchanged nces, and finally, the Chief of Staff spoke on behalf of everyone, ¡°Whether it is him or not, firing at thest coordinates called in for a strike can¡¯t hurt.¡±

    When the enemy¡¯s second artillery strike fell, Wang Zhong had already evacuated Pozharsky Street and set up his temporarymand post at the intersection.

    Every car that came out of the riverbed tunnel could see the Red g fluttering in the wind.

    Every troop passing through here on their way to the front line knew that General Rocossov was here, not in a safe bunker.

    Wang Zhong watched Pozharsky Street being bombed again and said to Grigori, ¡°The enemy must have guessed I came out personally. Perhaps someone even saw me, but I can¡¯t leave the front line now. Otherwise, I would definitely personally fly a ne to scout the enemy¡¯s artillery positions, and really get them.¡±

    He paused and noticed Grigori holding a greasepaper package, then asked, ¡°Is this Yakov¡¯s belongings?¡±

    "Yes, everything is inside. It includes photographs, an unfinished letter, and a pendant.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the package with both hands and squeezed the contents inside.@@novelbin@@

    "You can have a look,¡± Grigori said, ¡°Yakov wouldn¡¯t mind.¡±

    Wang Zhong fell silent for a few seconds and said, ¡°Yakov was just one of the many warriors who sacrificed under mymand. I shouldn¡¯t make exceptions for him.¡±

    Grigori: ¡°He was still someone close to you. I think it¡¯s right to mourn a bit more for those close to you. Maybe it¡¯s my little selfishness, but I hope that if one day I sacrifice, you would also spend a little more time to mourn me.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at Grigori for a while, then nodded, ¡°I will.¡±

    He then opened the greasepaper package, looked at the belongings inside, and found a book titled ¡°Life Record of General Rocossov.¡±

    He flipped open the record, which interestingly narrated Wang Zhong¡¯s actions in a novelistic tone, with the first chapter titled ¡°On the Ship to Bs.¡±

    "This guy.¡±

    Wang Zhong did not realize that at this moment his expression was unusually gentle, even a bit sentimental.

    Just then, a brand new heavy armored vehicle emerged from the tunnel, saw the Red g, and stopped immediately. The hatch opened and the vehiclemander climbed out, shouting, ¡°General! General Rocossov!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up, startled by the heavy armored vehicle.

    "What is this?¡± he asked instinctively.

    After asking, he nced at the Launch rails carried on the back of thebat room, and asked again, ¡°Is this a gas canisteruncher?¡±

    The vehiclemander jumped off the vehicle and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°I am Aleksei Vasilyovich, themander of this prototype test vehicle! This is the specialized armored vehicle for urban barrier-breaking you requested, with a solid armor te in front and 80 millimeters thick on the sides of thebat room. It¡¯s basically immune to attacks from the front hemisphere. This at the back is a specially developed 500-millimeter rocket artillery.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How many millimeters?¡±

    ¡°500 millimeters! In front of this thing, the enemy and their shelters are equallyughable.¡±

    Wang Zhong climbed onto the rocket vehicle, touching the huge rocket shell, his mouth hanging open in awe, ¡°This looks powerful. Come on, bring the paint and a small brush. I want to write something on it.¡±

    Since there were logistics units nearby, Wang Zhong¡¯s order was immediately carried out.

    Wang Zhong took a small brush, dipped it in blood-red paint, and wrote on the rocket: For the revenge of the heroic Yakov.

    After writing, he looked at it and added three exmation marks.

    Having done this, hemanded, ¡°Paint the number 422 on this vehicle, and hang a Red g on the antenna! I want to personally verify the quality of this vehicle!¡±

    The gunner peeking out from the top of thebat room immediately cheered.

    The vehiclemander, however, grimaced, ¡°Although I knew it woulde to this¡­ well, your request to direct the firing of the first round is quite reasonable.¡±

    Wang Zhong climbed inside the tank, watching the logistics soldiers refresh the tactical number.

    Meanwhile, the Red g that Niki was carrying was also taken off the gpole and fixed onto the radio antenna.

    Once everything was ready, Wang Zhong picked up the microphone: ¡°All units, this is Rocossov, advance! We are going straight to the front line!¡±

    "Alright, I¡¯ve been waiting for this!¡±

    The engine roared to life, spitting out thick ck smoke.

    The peculiarly massive beast roared, elerating slowly but unstoppably.

    Wang Zhong stood at themander¡¯s position, watching ahead, thinking that this was more like it.

    The vehicle had not gone far when he heard someone shouting his name. Turning around, he saw Pavlov¡¯s bald head; the Chief of Staff was running while shouting, ¡°Come back! Sukabule! It was only because the situation was so critical just now that I let you charge personally. Come back to me!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°When you had this vehicle drive out of the tunnel, did you not foresee this situation?¡±

    Pavlov stopped, looking this way, his helplessness palpable even from this distance.

 Chapter 611: Ascension

    Chapter 611: Chapter 54: Ascension

    Wang Zhongmanded Vehicle 422¡ªah, the prototype of the heavy rocket assault gun¡ªalong Tsar Avenue, soon discovering the road was blocked by the wreckages of T34s andrge barricades.

    So he decisively ordered the crew to turn left, entering Pozharsky Street.

    There were many wreckages on Pozharsky Street as well, but the passability was still eptable, given that the Prosen engineers had almostpletely destroyed the anti-tank stakes.

    As the Red g-adorned Vehicle 422 passed by, many people spontaneously followed it.

    In designing this assault gun, Wang Zhong had hardly mentioned maneuverability; he only required that it be able to reach the front line without breaking down, so the prototype was much slower than the T34 and Whirlwind, and people could keep up with it by simply walking a bit faster.

    Wang Zhong had no choice but to wave at the followers, ¡°Don¡¯t follow, don¡¯t follow! We¡¯re heading to the front!¡±

    "We¡¯re going to the front too, General!¡± someone responded loudly.

    Wang Zhong could only give up, but just as he was about to, he saw a child, possibly under ten, among the followers, and quickly pointed at the child, ¡°That child cannot follow! Kid, it¡¯s too dangerous!¡±Immediately, several hands grabbed the child, trying to lift and carry him away.

    The child shouted, ¡°I¡¯ve killed more Prosen devils than you all! Really!¡±

    Othersughed, ¡°He¡¯s a little hero!¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at the child¡¯s face, sensing the truth in his words; such a little fellow surely was no stranger to the battlefield, and trying to scare him was futile.

    Besides, forcing the little hero to go back didn¡¯t feel right.

    So Wang Zhong asked, ¡°There¡¯s still space in the Combat Room, right?¡±

    "Yes, General!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Then stop the vehicle, let the little hero get on! Have him sit in the Combat Room!¡±

    Taking into ount both the child¡¯s safety and feelings, Wang Zhong momentarily felt like a genius.

    He gave the order, the vehicle had just stopped, and the crowd lifted the child over their heads, bringing him to the still unnamed tank, and directly ced him on top of the Combat Room.

    The child turned his head and looked at the big gas tank rocket artillery behind the Combat Room, ¡°What¡¯s this? A bomb?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°A flying bomb,ter it can send the enemy and their bunkers to the sky.¡±

    The child smiled, ¡°That¡¯s great.¡±

    He then looked at characters on it and asked, ¡°General, can I write the names of my fallen friends on it?¡±

    "Of course,¡± Wang Zhong immediately reached into the tank, ¡°Quick, give me paint and a brush.¡±

    Soon, both items were handed to Wang Zhong.

    He passed them to the child, then patted the top of the Combat Room, ¡°Move forward! Drive slowly, let the child write properly! Write them all! Those filled with hatred are often ugly, but this time, the righteousness is with us, this is a just revenge, a glorious revenge, under the mushroom cloud lies no wronged souls!¡±

    This 500mm thing created a mushroom cloud too, just smaller and without radiation.

    Wang Zhong was indeed not wrong.

    Vehicle 422, the prototype, restarted, moving extremely slowly, almost at the pace of a walking person.

    The crowd following thebat vehicle also moved at a standard pace and formed a wave of people behind the vehicle.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong tilted his head to watch the child writing on the rocket, ¡°Alyosha, Misha, Semyon

    "Wait a second, how many names are you nning to write?¡± Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but ask.

    The boy pulled out a bunch of Soldier¡¯s ID tags from his pocket.

    Wang Zhong was silent for a few seconds, then asked, ¡°Are they all your neighbors and friends?¡±

    "Yes, and there¡¯s a nemesis,¡± the child paused and countered, ¡°Who is Yakov to you, General?¡±

    "My Deputy Officer, a kind, simple, smart¡­ attentive mature man. He could be a good father in the future.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked ahead; without changing to a bird¡¯s-eye view, he could see a window at the very end of the road flickering, probably from machine-gun fire. ?¨¤?o??¨º?

    The crackling gunfire reminded Wang Zhong of a city¡¯s New Year¡¯s Eve before his time travel.

    How nice it would be if these gunfires were fireworks to expel the Nian beast.

    Wang Zhong waved away the sudden surge of homesickness; he was no longer the unaplished boy of peacetime, he was a determined warrior of the Secr faction, Davarish.

    The prototype rumbled forward, with the crowd behind holding their rifles, their bright bays pointing towards the sky, and the blood-soaked Red g flying above their heads.

    Someone in the radio was shouting, ¡°Calling the approaching Red g vehicle, is that General Rocosov?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Yes, I am Rocosov.¡±

    "Don¡¯t advance any further, enemy remnants have upied the Post Office Building and are stubbornly resisting; there are three Long-barreled Fours in front of the building, we have already lost six T34s! We have already lost six T34s.¡±

    Wang Zhong leaned over to confirm the situation, exactly as the unnamed officer in the radio had reported; a few hundred enemies were taking cover in the Post Office Building, resisting till the end, with the remaining three Long-barreled Fours positioned in a triangle pattern in front of the building, covering each other¡¯s weak spots.

    They had even adjusted their angles to make it difficult for anti-tank guns to prate their weaknesses.

    And these Long-barreled Fours also had additional add-on armor, the design was already quite close to thete-version Fours from Earth.

    Wang Zhong first switched to vehiclemunication, ¡°Be careful, there are Long-barreled Fours aimed at the front corner; make sure to watch the angle when you move out, don¡¯t expose your weak spots.¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry,¡± the driver confidently answered, ¡°Our vehicle has no weak spots on the front, just a whole armor te; Whirlwind has the main gun, these don¡¯t even have that.¡±

    The Gunner added, ¡°My role as gunner is actually just a sideline;ter, I¡¯ll go out with the Loader to load rocket shells.¡±

    Wang Zhong cautioned, ¡°Still, be careful about the sides.¡±

    ¡°80mm then!¡± the driver said, ¡°Rx, we¡¯re going out at an angle, it won¡¯t prate.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and turned on the radio, ¡°Thank you for the update, don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll take care of the stubborn enemy. Have your warriors find a good cover, don¡¯t be scared, the fireworks will be quiterge in a bit.¡±

    "This¡­ General, we can handle it

    "Follow orders.¡±

    Wang Zhong had just put down the handset when the little boy patted him on the shoulder, ¡°Done.¡±

    Wang Zhong turned his head and saw that the bomb was now covered with a dense mess of text.

    He lifted the cover on the gunner¡¯s side, ¡°Go down little boy, let the gunner give you the scope, so you can clearly see the enemy¡¯s end. Watch what it means for an enemy to turn to rot and mud.¡±

    The little boy nodded and crawled into the cabin, sitting on the gunner¡¯sp.

    Gunner: ¡°Good boy, you are about the same age as my son, eh? How many enemies have you killed?¡±

    "Five,¡± the little boy said confidently. ¡°And I buried many booby traps, all under the bodies of the enemies.¡±

    "Wow, impressive!¡± Neither the gunner nor the loader took him seriously, adopting a tone used to humor children.

    Only Wang Zhong felt this child might indeed have killed quite a number of enemies.

    He closed the hatch.

    Driver: ¡°We¡¯re about to turn the corner!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned around and shouted to the warriors following him, ¡°Take cover! Don¡¯te out until we¡¯ve fired! Take cover!¡±

    Officers and sergeants in the team hurriedly shouted, ¡°Cover! Let the General fire first!¡±

    Wang Zhong initially wanted to duck as well¡ªhe had an overlooking view, ducking his head wouldn¡¯t hinder his vision.

    But after a thought, he felt it looked too cowardly and might negatively impact morale, so he maintained his position ¡ª luckily, the hatch was designed to offer protection to themander poking his head out, so it was all good.

    Prototype 422 turned forty-five degrees, slicing directly towards the corner of the intersection. As it emerged from the intersection, it positioned at an invincible angle.

    An armor-piercing shellnded with a bang on the front armor and rebounded off, striking directly a building across the corner, then exploded inside, shattering the windows.

    Wang Zhong ducked his neck and looked back at the still-smoking second-floor windows.

    Worthy of a 75mm armor-piercing shell, he thought, the aftermath looked promising.

    Then another shell hit the side of the prototype vehicle, also rebounded by the 80mm angled side armor, and embedded into the wall.

    And it seemed that the fuse was damaged by the impact, as it did not explode.

    As the prototype vehicle burst out of the intersection, it straightened itself and faced Prosen¡¯s three Panzer IVs head-on with its invincible frontal armor.

    Wang Zhong checked the distance with his overhead perspective, ¡°320 meters, can we fire?¡±

    "Yes. How did you measure the distance so quickly?¡±

    I¡¯m cheating.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Target at 320 meters, fire!¡±

    "Wait, adjusting the elevation! Okay! Fire!¡±

    The gunner must have smashed something, Wang Zhong heard a burning sound behind his head, and he turned just in time to see a rocket ascend into the sky.

    Then he was engulfed by the smoke produced by the rocket¡¯s propent.

    He could only switch to overhead view, watching as that bright object soared into the sky, tracing an elegant arc towards the enemy-held Post Office Building.

    The object crashed into the third-floor window of the building.

    Nothing happened in the first second.

    The next moment, a violent explosion engulfed the entire building.

    From the overhead view, the shockwave spread like ripples, sweeping across the entire street in a second.

    The scene resembled a nuclear explosion, minus the initial burst ignitingbustible materials.

    The shockwave destroyed all the windows on the street and blew away anything that could be blown away.

    The three Panzer IVs parked in front of the Post Office Building were flipped over, one of them even losing its turret.

    A huge mushroom cloud rose from the ground, morphing in the air from bright white to dark red and finally extinguishingpletely into a cloud of gray smoke.

    By then, Wang Zhong¡¯s field of view was recovering, as the rocket¡¯s propent smoke had been dispersed by the explosion¡¯s shockwave.

    He had just switched back when he saw half a signboard from the Post Office Building stuck in front of the prototype vehicle, still swaying back and forth.

    Through the radio, only the little boy who had just entered the tank eximed, ¡°Wow.¡±

    For a moment, the battlefield fell silent.

    Even the gunfire several blocks away stopped, as everyone wondered what had happened.

    Wang Zhong thought, should I issue amand now?

    Just then, he saw a dusty person emerge from the building across from the Post Office, pistol raised high. ¡°Charge! Ura!¡±

    Then, like a video game spawning characters, a whole group of dusty people appeared, rifles with bays ready. ¡°Ura!¡±

    Stirred by the shouts, Wang Zhong heard a deafening ¡°Ura¡± from behind, as a massive force of dusty troops emerged from around the corner, flooding towards the enemy like a tidal wave.

 Chapter 613: Hometown (Extra 28/81)

    Chapter 613: Chapter 56: Hometown (Extra 28/81)

    The Army Group Commander of Prosen¡¯s 30th Infantry Division stared at the second mushroom cloud.

    "What did the Anteans deploy?¡± he murmured to himself.

    Nothing, just 500 kilograms of TNT.

    Themunication staff entered, tense, and reported, ¡°The 200th Infantry Division reports that we¡¯ve lost contact with the 580th Regiment.¡±

    The corpsmander immediately went to the city defense map, found the marker for the 580th Regiment, ¡°Didn¡¯t they establish a support point here? And now we¡¯ve suddenly lost contact?¡±

    Themunication staff pointed toward the mushroom cloud outside: ¡°That is the support point.¡±

    The corpsmander turned to look outside, murmuring, ¡°Was this done with explosives? How much explosive would be needed to create such an effect?¡±

    The Chief of Staff forced a smile, ¡°The Anteans¡¯ anti-infantry mines have a 2-kilogram charge. The manual we captured states a kill radius of 20 meters, though we believe they underreported it.¡±The corpsmander nced at themunication staff and then outside.

    "Report to the Corps Command,¡± the corpsmander could only say.

    General Frederick frowned as he looked at the Chief of Staff, ¡°What? The Anteans deployed new weapons, leading to an adverse situation? Didn¡¯t the 30th Army just report they were about to assault the enemy¡¯s weak spot¡ªthat riverbed tunnel? A single new weapon could change the course of the battle? No, that¡¯s impossible!

    "Modern warfare doesn¡¯t turn around fundamentally just because of one or two new weapons!¡±

    The Chief of Staff, holding a telephone receiver, said, ¡°But, the 30th Army reported seeing a huge mushroom cloud.¡±

    "Enough explosives could produce that effect too, we¡¯ve seen it in thest war on the ins of nders, where the enemy tunneled beneath our positions and detonated a massive amount of explosives, throwing the entire position into the air.¡±

    "The entire position?¡±

    "Yes, the entire position, including the reinforced concrete permanent works, all went flying! A huge mushroom cloud rose from the position,¡± General Frederick waved his hand, ¡°Don¡¯t be intimidated by the mushroom cloud! Continue the attack, their previous strategy was correct, just capture that river tunnel and the Antean army¡¯s resistance here will end. Then we can even cross the river!¡±

    The Chief of Staff pushed the receiver forward, ¡°You tell the 30th Army¡¯smander yourself.¡±

    Frederick took the receiver and roared, ¡°Listen, don¡¯t be scared of the mushroom cloud, it might just be the enemy deploying sufficient explosives underground through the sewers and then detonating it! Hold your formation, we have reinforcements arriving soon, and we can definitely take the whole city. Your approach to strike where the enemy must save is very good! Keep it up!¡±

    On the other end, themander of the 30th Army sounded rtively calm, ¡°Frontline reports, Rocossov personally drove a new type ofbat vehicle, destroying our support points one by one, creating huge mushroom clouds!

    "I¡¯ve already seen two mushroom clouds, and after each appears, I lose contact with a support point, first the remnants of the assault cluster upied the Post Office Building and then the 580th Regiment¡¯s¡­ My God.¡±

    Frederick: ¡°What happened?¡±

    "Third mushroom cloud! Quick, contact each support point! Confirm who¡¯s hit!¡±

    Thest sentence was clearly not addressed to General Frederick.

    The general: ¡°Calm down, even if there really is a new weapon, it¡¯s just an explosive chargeuncher, it can certainly be destroyed, you have PAK40 anti-tank guns, Sturmgesch¨¹tz III assault guns, and some Long-barreled Fours, stay calm!¡± ?¨¢??B§§?

    "Okay, I understand, general,¡± themander of the 30th Army evidently took several deep breaths, ¡°I¡¯m going to check the situation and report back to you in an hour.¡±

    The phone then clicked off.

    General Frederick put down the receiver, looking at the Chief of Staff, ¡°The 30th Army has definitely encountered trouble, if Rocossov personally went to the front, we can expect the enemy¡¯s morale to soar. ording to yesterday¡¯s report, there¡¯s already fierce fighting in the city, and the side with higher morale has a greater advantage.¡±

    The Chief of Staff nodded, ¡°Yes, unless we get massive reinforcements, otherwise this city¡­ might not be taken. Perhaps, ask the B Army Group Command for permission to retreat.¡±

    Frederick shook his head, ¡°The B Army Group Command can¡¯t decide this, the Emperor won¡¯t agree. We must find a way, break through the city! The approach of the 30th Army has shown us a way, we need to gather an elite force to push toward the tunnel entrance!¡±

    The Chief of Staff asked, ¡°But where can we get these forces?¡±

    Frederick: ¡°How many units can the 41st Armored Army still deploy?¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°They reported that they still have one third of their tanksbat-ready. Should we deploy them into the city?¡±

    Frederick: ¡°Only infantry and anti-tank guns on the beachhead, right? They can¡¯t initiate an attack if we pull out the tanks, the remaining troops can still encircle them in the narrow beachhead.

    "Of course, to prevent the Moravians from breaking away, we need to shell the opposite bank to stop enemy reinforcements.

    "Pull out the remaining tanks from the 41st Army,bine them with infantry units into an assault cluster, and make another strike toward the tunnel entrance!¡±

    Beachhead Position One.

    When the tank engines began sounding from the enemy positions, all the warriors on the beachhead woke up.

    "The enemy is attacking!¡±

    "But why is there no preparatory artillery fire?¡±

    "Never mind preparation, quickly get to positions!¡±

    What had been a silent position suddenly came alive with everyone rushing to their battle stations.

    However, the enemy¡¯s attack didn¡¯te, and the sound of tank engines kept moving away; evidently, the enemy¡¯s tanks were retreating.

    After a brief hesitation, someone started cheering, ¡°The enemy tanks are pulling back!¡±

    Officers shouted, ¡°Don¡¯t underestimate them! It might be a feint! Stay alert!¡±

    Nelly ignored the noise around, simply continuing to stuff checked bullets into her pockets.

    She still had her original Mosin-Nagant rifle, with no scope, no bay.

    Pus continuously flowed from her eyepatch, clearly indicating a severe infection that likely couldn¡¯t be saved.

    A young nurse ran over to Nelly and said, ¡°They¡¯re saying the enemy¡¯s tanks are pulling back!¡±

    "The battle is not over yet.¡± Nelly responded, taking out a cigarette, cing it in her mouth, and lighting it with a match.

    The young nurse asked, puzzled, ¡°Maids generally don¡¯t smoke, do they?¡±

    "Just quit then. If you can survive the battlefield, then quitting smoking should be easy,¡± Nelly said disdainfully. ¡°Without cigarettes, I might not even have the courage to bury you, Tatiana.¡±

    The nurse before her was already the eighth one to share a shelter with Nelly.

    Tatiana hesitated for a moment, then tentatively reached out her hand, ¡°May I have one? Can this really soothe anxiety?¡±

    "It might,¡± Nelly replied, handing her a lit cigarette.

    The nurse took a drag and then started coughing violently.

    As she coughed, a photo fell out.

    Nelly bent down to pick up the photo, looking at the young man in it, ¡°A lover?¡±

    "No, the younger brother from the neighbor¡¯s house, named Alyosha¡­ Aleksei.¡±

    Nelly remarked, ¡°He shares the same name as the general.¡±

    "Really? Then he must be able to cross the war and hardships just like the general,¡± Tatiana smiled. ¡°He is only seventeen, not even old enough to be drafted. Though our hometown is in Abawahan, he should have already been evacuated.¡±

    Nelly, looking at the nurse, asked softly, ¡°Worried about your hometown?¡±

    "Of course, my parents and grandparents are there. I thought we were so far away that the people of Prosen couldn¡¯t possibly reach us!

    "But now, they say the people of Prosen have entered the city, my home is just in the western suburbs, I don¡¯t know if our house is still there.¡±

    As she spoke, the nurse covered her face and began to cry, still holding the cigarette.

    "Our street where we grew up has a big birch tree. On my birthday, Aleksei made a swing from the tree branches, I sat on it, and he pushed me from behind, I could fly very high

    Wang Zhong suddenly noticed that the young guide, called Griff, was staring at something.

    He turned to look and saw a birch tree, its leaves burned off and the trunk scorched to an ugly bareness, resembling damaged coral.

    On the thickest branch, there were two thick ropes that had miraculously not burned, but the ends of the ropes had been uniformly cut off by bullets or shrapnel.

    It was a swing, just that the wooden seat tied to the ropes was missing.

    Wang Zhong asked Griff, ¡°Did you make this swing?¡±

    Griff shook his head, ¡°No, it was made by Alyosha for Tatiana, we could only avoid them and y secretly.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong ced his hand on Griff¡¯s shoulder, ¡°The people you know are gone, the familiar streets are gone too, but you are still here. Drive out the enemy and you can start over.¡±

    "Yes, General, yes. The enemy¡¯s support point is just ahead! General, can you hear it? The machine gun fire is getting intense!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I hear it, to the Combat Room, Warrior Griff!¡±

    "Yes!¡± Little Griff crawled into the hatch, closing the hatch cover behind him.

    Wang Zhong also ducked, lying behind the hatch.

    Prototype vehicle number 422 turned the street corner, the route pointed out by Griff, just right to target the enemy¡¯s support point.

    Wang Zhong once again called out the distance: ¡°440 meters, aim! Fire!¡±

    A mushroom cloud rose, the st wave sweeping through the streets.

    The remains of the birch tree¡¯s branches, the two swing ropes soaring high, twisting in the air like twin ponytails.

    November 2, 915, the heart of the Empire of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "Didn¡¯t you say that Abawahan would fall in three days?¡± the Imperial Emperor mmed the table, ¡°Three days, three days! And now, what about Abawahan?¡±

    Celtic Chief of General Staff: ¡°The Sixth Army Group has reported that they willunch another assault tomorrow morning, aiming to sever the enemy¡¯s connection with the East Bank and cut off all logistics for the Antean forces on the West Bank.¡±

    Emperor: ¡°He said the same thing before.¡±

    The Chief of Staff fell silent. At that moment, Army Commander Walter von Blenheim Marshal spoke up, ¡°Perhaps we should fulfill his request for three armies. Right now, two armies have just moved to the Eastern Front, just in time to reinforce Frederick.¡±

    Emperor: ¡°But the Central Army Group is also crying out, without troops they are going to fall!¡±

    Celtic Marshal: ¡°The Anteans have adopted a very reckless offensive strategy, flooding the entire line and then finding our weak spots. The situation is indeed a bit dangerous for the Central Army Group now, ording to the front-line reports, they¡¯ve thrown four fresh Army Groups into the attack.¡±

    Blenheim Marshal: ¡°If we continue to reinforce, it will just be feeding the me. Personally, I believe we should bear it a bit longer in the Central Army Group, let¡¯s allocate the troops to the Sixth Army Group.¡±

    Celtic Marshal: ¡°I¡¯m afraid we can¡¯t do that because the two Army Groups of Moravians are putting huge pressure on the logistics, we don¡¯t have enough transport capacity to send two armies that far.¡±

    Emperor looking back and forth between the Army Commander and Chief of General Staff: ¡°Are you two ganging up on me?¡±

    "Of course not.¡±

    "Absolutely not.¡±

    After a few seconds of thought, Emperor decreed, ¡°One army stays central, send one army to the Sixth Army Group. Then, let Duke Meyer and the Air Force figure out something!¡±

    Duke Meyer: ¡°We¡¯ve just received intelligence that Rocossov will personally board the red Pe-3 reconnaissance ne to scout the front lines, if we manage to shoot down this reconnaissance ne, kill Rocossov, victory in Abawahan will be within our reach.¡±

    "Then do it,¡± the Emperor waved his hand.

    At that moment, someone knocked and entered, it was the Armored Corps Director General Moochi, along with the Imperial Military Science Academy¡¯s Dr. von Krauln.

    The Emperor seeing Dr. von Krauln immediately rxed his brow, ¡°I guess you¡¯ve brought me some good news!¡±

    "Yes, we¡¯re ready to use thetest radar-guided anti-ship missiles in the Aegean Sea. After our continuous failures with the Fritz X guided bomb, this new weapon will definitely regain control of the sea and restore the supply line to the African corps!¡±

    The Emperor banged the table with force, ¡°Excellent, very good! After trial use in the Aegean Sea, immediately equip it widely on the West Wall, making the enemy¡¯sndingpletely impossible! Then we can redeploy troops from the West Wall to the Eastern Front.¡±

 Chapter 614: The End of the Mighty Crossbow

    Chapter 614: Chapter 57: The End of the Mighty Crossbow

    On November 4, Wang Zhong woke up early to the trembling earth.

    He hurriedly got up and headed to Headquarters. ¡°Is it an artillery bombardment?¡±

    "Yes, an artillery bombardment,¡± Pavlov looked quite rxed. ¡°The day before yesterday, the enemy withdrew the remaining tank forces of the 41st Armored Troops. They should be reorganized by now, and this should truly be the final attack.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded. ¡°Has the ammunition for my prototype vehicle been replenished?¡±

    Pavlov spread his hands. ¡°No.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What are the rear factories doing? Such high-efficiency equipment designed to target enemy support points should be produced inrge quantities.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Even if the ammunition was replenished, your vehicle still wouldn¡¯t start. The engine wouldn¡¯t ignite when they tried to check itst night. It¡¯s currently being repaired, and when I just passed by, they were sweating buckets.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Has it finally broken down? I was hoping that it would keep running smoothly this time, since it took me from the east side of the city to the west. It seems that it¡¯s still not reliable.¡±Even with continuous highway maneuvers, tanks and armored vehicles have a much higher failure rate than ordinary cars. There was just no helping it.

    Pavlov seemed very pleased: ¡°Hahaha, now you don¡¯t have your little tank to drive! Other tanks can¡¯t withstand Prosen¡¯s guns. I won¡¯t agree to you going to the frontline.¡±

    Wang Zhong could only shrug. ¡°Fine, I don¡¯t want to be a badge of honor for Prosen tankers either. So, have my siege assault guns been produced? What about the heavy tanks I wanted? And the medium tanks?¡±

    "It might be waiting for the Federation¡¯s machine tools,¡± replied Popov.

    Wang Zhong sighed, then lightly raised his hand. ¡°Yakov, my coffee

    He stopped and froze with his hand in the air, then retracted it embarrassingly.

    The entire Headquarters went silent. Everyone was looking at Wang Zhong.

    Pavlov was the first to break the silence. ¡°Get back to work! Guard, make coffee for the General.¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up. ¡°No, I¡¯ll pour it myself. Is Nelly still at the beachhead?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°The report from yesterday said she was. Do you want me to pull her back?¡±

    "Can we pull her back now?¡± asked Wang Zhong.

    "Not easily,¡± Pavlov replied while taking a sip of coffee. ¡°After the enemy ceased attacking the beachhead, they¡¯ve been bombarding the ferry points at the East Bank. Transport is difficult now; we can only do it during intervals of enemy shelling. In a few days, the Valdai Hills River should be freezing, but initially, the ice isn¡¯t thick enough to walk on.¡± ?¨¤¦­??§¦?

    Wang Zhong fiddled with the coffee pot, poured himself a cup, and took a big gulp.

    "That¡¯s bitter. Who made this? It¡¯s like mud,¡± heined.

    Popov: ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just your mouth that¡¯s bitter.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t reply. He drank his coffee in silence, allowing his brain to perk up before continuing the previous topic. ¡°So the enemy is bombarding the East Bank? That means their artillery has alsoe within our firing range. It¡¯s time for me to do some recon myself.¡±

    Pavlov, surprised: ¡°What now? You just got your tank taken away, and now you want to go out in a ne? Can you not stay put in Headquarters?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯m simply trying to be useful! The n is already set; you just execute it. I¡¯d just be in your way here.¡±

    "Oh my,¡± Pavlov exaggerated a shocked expression, ¡°the esteemed Front Army Commander has be a burden? Are you the Commander or am I?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You can be. But today, flying in the red Pe-3 feels a bit risky. The enemy might have made the connection between the red Pe-3 and our precise artillery strikes. So, we should set up an aerial ambush using the red Pe-3, while Amelia takes me for a recon in a regr Pe-3.¡±

    Pavlov raised an eyebrow: ¡°That¡¯s better. I¡¯d feel a bit relieved, but who will fly the red Pe-3 and act as the decoy?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°They won¡¯t necessarily die. Remember, the Pe-3 is fast. If we remove the photo equipment and rece the Observer with a lightweight dummy¡ªit¡¯ll be lighter and fly faster.

    "Choose a skilled pilot, and they can make it back safely

    Wang Zhong suddenly stopped, snapped his fingers. ¡°Let Amelia fly it. She will definitely make it back alive and might even shoot down some enemy nes. Meanwhile, I¡¯ll be safe in a Pe-3 flown by a regr pilot, as the attention will be on the red Pe-3.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°It¡¯s too risky. If even one enemy ne isn¡¯t drawn away, you¡¯ll be in danger.¡±

    Wang Zhong patted the bear-like Chief of Staff on the shoulder. ¡°Pe-3 pilots are often dodging enemy nes and they all make it back. Trust me.¡±

    "You have a point,¡± said Pavlov, looking at Wang Zhong for a few seconds. ¡°Alright, go ahead.¡±

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers and immediately grabbed the phone¡ªthen remembered the enemy was stillunching targeted attacks. He lowered the receiver: ¡°Wait, what about the enemy¡¯s assault?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°You know that more and more Whirlwind Tank Destroyers are being equipped in our army, right? Today, they just delivered a brigade of Whirlwinds, adding up to three battalions, 80 vehicles.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How many vehicles?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov gestured with his hands: ¡°Eighty vehicles. I¡¯ve stationed all these Whirlwinds in sniper positions and specifically adjusted the roadblock arrangements. The enemy will queue up on the main road, right into the Whirlwind¡¯s firing line.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed heartily: ¡°Good, that puts my mind at ease. I¡¯m off, Grigori, you¡¯reing with me.¡±

    "Understood, General.¡±

    After Wang Zhong left Headquarters, Pavlov turned to Popov. ¡°Do you think the General was forcing himself to smile just now?¡±

    Popov: ¡°A little bit, I guess. Commanding the prototype vehicle himself these past few days, sending the enemy sky-high, must have eased his mind quite a bit.¡±

    Returning to his own desk, Pavlov took out Yakov¡¯s death notice: ¡°This thing¡­ I¡¯ve always felt the general would prefer to write it himself, and the personal effects too. He¡¯d probably rather deliver them to Yakov¡¯s wife in person.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Let him do it himself. He¡¯s not a fragile man.¡±

    Pavlov nodded, then struck a match and set the death notice he had written on fire, holding it for a few seconds before tossing it into the ashtray.

    At this time, a staff officer came over with a phone: ¡°Our observation post has spotted arge concentration of enemy forces, apanied by armor.¡±

    "Which road?¡± Pavlov immediately countered.

    "May 5th Street.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°It¡¯s within the n. The May 5th Factory was going to keep producing T34s anyway, and with Whirlwind, that should be enough to repel the enemy.¡±

    At May 5th Factory, the newly formed crew surrounding a new tank, the temporary tankmander said to the workshop director, ¡°Let us take this tank and drive it away!¡±

    "No!¡± the director raised his voice, ¡°Because we¡¯re out of materials, this tank is only a semi-finished product, you can¡¯t take it!¡±

    Tank Commander: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Davarish, it won¡¯t be long before it¡¯s scrap anyway! We¡¯ll be satisfied just firing one shot at the enemy! Just one shot!¡±

    "No!¡±

    The tankmander stepped forward and thumped his chest: ¡°I was a loader before, and I¡¯m not familiar with the skills of a tankmander. We¡¯re all machine gunners and loaders here, we wouldn¡¯t fare well in a functioning tank! A semi-finished one is perfect! Please!¡±

    At that moment, the sound of an engine and the ttering of a gearbox came from outside.

    A worker rushed into the factory gate: ¡°Look! It looks like a tank destroyer ising!¡±

    The makeshift crew immediately surged to the door, watching the legendary Whirlwind Tank Destroyer driving down the street, lining up in front of the factory.

    The tankmander turned back and pleaded with the workshop director again: ¡°Look, we¡¯re not going on a suicide mission. We¡¯ll just assist the Whirlwind! They¡¯ll cannonade the enemy, and we¡¯ll cover! Surely that¡¯s okay?¡±

    The workshop director hesitated and finally just waved his hand: ¡°Go on then, go on!¡±

    The temporary crew hurriedly began loading shells into the tank and fuel into the gas tank.

    The workshop director stepped aside, shaking his head repeatedly: ¡°Such fine young men, wave after wave have gone, and here I am, an old man still alive. What is this?¡±

    Brigadier Menyayev,mander of the 5th Independent Tank Destroyer Brigade, had just dismounted when he saw a semi-finished T34 driving up.

    "What¡¯s going on here? How did you get a semi-finished product running?¡± he immediately stopped the tank and demanded.

    The tankmander poked his head out: ¡°Brigadier Davarish, we¡¯re here to coordinate with yourbat efforts! We can hit the enemy trying to nk you, or even ram into them directly!¡±

    "Nonsense!¡± the brigadier cursed, ¡°You just stay here. You¡¯re not needed. The Whirlwind can handle it! We just need infantry to help block the enemy infantry.¡±

    "Are you sure you don¡¯t need us?¡± the semi-finished tankmander asked.

    The brigadier thought for a moment, then counter-asked: ¡°Do you have a machine gun?¡±

    "We do, the hull machine gun is still there!¡±

    The brigadier nodded: ¡°Thene here, use the hull machine gun to seal off this area. Yes, right here!¡±

    The semi-finished tank drove to the spot indicated by the brigademander and stopped, and the tankmander asked, ¡°We still have shells left!¡±

    "The enemy tanks have welded an extra te of armor on the front, your guns won¡¯t prate the enemy¡¯s front from a distance. Watch the Whirlwind!¡±

    At that moment, a Prosen motorcycle drove by, with a reconnoitre soldier shouting: ¡°The enemy ising! Tanks and infantry in a group!¡±

    The brigadier immediately jumped onto hismand vehicle, picked up the radio handset: ¡°All units, prepare! The enemy is at hand! Aim for a disorienting volley on the first round! Once the enemy releases smoke, open fire as quickly as possible, don¡¯t bother aiming, the road is only so wide! Get ready everyone, fire at will!¡±

    No sooner had the words left his mouth than a Whirlwind fired, the st from the 100 mm gun blowing up dust from the buildings on both sides of the street.

    The Whirlwind followed up with rapid-fire, with shots ringing out on almost every street.

    The gun st seemed to throw a veil over the whole street.

    Prosen tanks exploded into magnificent fireworks, with turrets even flying into the air.

    The semi-finished tank immediately opened fire, with its sole hull machine gun sweeping over the enemy infantry.

    The enemy retaliated, but shells bouncing off the sturdy front of the Whirlwind were ineffective.

    The Whirlwind¡¯s own anti-aircraft guns also opened fire, tracer bullets crisscrossing the street into a, with no infantry daring to show their heads under such dense firepower.

    A second salvo from the Whirlwind came, and the Prosen Armored Troops began to release smoke and reverse!

    Brigadier Menyayev, holding the handset, shouted: ¡°Continue firing! Don¡¯t let them get away! If these tanks escape, our infantry Davarish will have to go blow them up! Fire! Break through them even through the smoke! Fire! Fire for me!¡±

 Chapter 615: This is not an ordinary Pe-3, its different from the Pe-2!

    Chapter 615: Chapter 58 This is not an ordinary Pe-3, it¡¯s different from the Pe-2!

    Amelia had just climbed into the ne and put on her headphones when she heard the airfield dispatcher calling out, ¡°Amelia, Amelia, don¡¯t take off yet.¡±

    "I¡¯m still in the middle of the pre-flight check. But why mention that in particr?¡±

    "The Air Forcemander believes that to ensure the mission¡¯s sess, we should wait for the Sound Array Master to hear the enemy reconnaissance ne¡¯s engine noise before taking off, to make sure they take the bait.¡±

    Amelia replied, ¡°Got it,¡± and continued to check the instrument status. Afterpleting all the steps, she ticked the final box on the eptance form in her hand and handed the form to the ground crew waiting outside.

    Then, with nothing else to do, she watched Rocossov chatting with the other pilots.

    From her angle, she could only see Rocossov¡¯s back; he seemed to be receiving the pilots¡¯pliments.

    Amelia clicked her tongue and adjusted the blonde hair that had escaped her aviator cap.

    "He can¡¯t even be bothered toe greet me, the one serving as bait.¡±The ground crew chief, filling out the maintenance forms nearby, looked up in surprise, ¡°What? Do you need anything?¡±

    "Nothing,¡± said Amelia.

    Thebat squadron responsible for the ambush was the first to take off; they were the fighter group that had coordinated together many times before. They had covered General Rocossov¡¯s red Pe-3 without engaging inbat during previous missions and were now fueled by a burning desire for action. Today¡¯s ambush was right up their alley.

    The field airfield was on the East Bank, next to the biggest battlefield hospital that might be housing tens of thousands of wounded soldiers awaiting evacuation. Although pilots rarely had the chance to enter the hospital, they often managed to build good rtions with the exhausted nurses, so they indirectly heard plenty of heroic stories taking ce on the opposite bank.@@novelbin@@

    Everyone was filled with raging anger, just waiting to vent their frustrations on the damned Prosen bastards.

    Soon, all of Squadron Two tasked with the ambushpleted takeoff, now waiting for the enemy reconnaissance ne to arrive before the red Pe-3 would take off to lure the enemy.

    Of course, it wasn¡¯t guaranteed that the enemy would fall for it, and if they didn¡¯t, Amelia¡¯s red Pe-3 could cover Rocossov¡¯s actual aircraft toplete the reconnaissance and locate all of the enemy artillery positions.

    Amelia kept her gaze on the back of the Front Army Commander.

    The ground crew chief noticed her gaze and turned to look. His eyes immediately lit up, realizing he¡¯d have something to talk about while drinking behind the Military Chain¡¯s back tonight.

    Amelia, with her witch¡¯s keen perception, noticed this and was about to say something when she heard the tower¡¯s voice through her headphones, ¡°The Sound Array Master has heard the enemy reconnaissance ne, and the flight path is the same as yesterday¡¯s. Prepare for takeoff.¡±

    At that moment, the sound of anti-aircraft guns came from the distance, intended to give the enemy high-altitude reconnaissance aircraft a sense of atmosphere.

    Amelia shouted to the ground crew chief, ¡°Start the engines!¡±

    "Roger that!¡± The chief immediately gestured for the crew toe and spin the propeller.

    Soon both engines of the Pe-3 were running at full power.

    With a little effort from the ground crew, the aircraft was pushed out of the hangar and began to taxi on its own.

    Amelia had already sensed the Prosen reconnaissance ne; she slightly throttled back on the Pe-3¡¯s taxiing speed to allow the enemy to get a clear view and give them some time to react. ?????¦¢§§??

    However, a few minutester, the aircraft still slid to the starting point of the runway.

    The tower radioed, ¡°Wind direction¡­ wind speed¡­ clear for takeoff.¡±

    Amelia pushed the throttle all the way forward, the aircraft shuddered for a moment and began to elerate. Halfway down the runway, the wheels left the ground.

    With a pull on the control stick, Amelia¡¯s aircraft soared into the sky.

    ncing back, she saw Rocossov waving at her from under the hangar.

    Well, the remaining question was when the enemy would arrive, Amelia thought.

    Prosen high-altitude reconnaissance ne, tactical number 454.

    "Red Pe-3 spotted, repeat, red Pe-3 spotted,¡± reported the Observer.

    The radio operator immediately began calling out, ¡°Coyote Coyote, rabbit spotted, rabbit spotted.¡±

    "Coyote understands.¡±

    Observer: ¡°Red Pe-3 is flying along the Valdai Hills River consistent with the previous recon route. It should cut directly towards the area controlled by our forces at some point. We can proceed with the interception as nned.¡±

    Radio operator: ¡°Coyote Coyote, the rabbit is moving along the path; the rabbit is moving along the path.¡±

    "Coyote understands.¡±

    Amelia nced toward the direction of the sun. Although she couldn¡¯t see the second fighter squadron hiding there, she could feel they were in flight.

    Perhaps the enemy would first encounter the second squadron against the backlight, turning the ambush into a proper fight.

    The pilots of Squadron Two probably wouldn¡¯t object to such ¡°good fortune.¡±

    Most Ante Air Force pilots only had a flying experience of 200 hours, and many new pilots went intobat flying with just sixty hours.

    It was said that new Prosen pilots had to train for at least 300 hours beforeing to the frontline.

    But everyone in Squadron Two was seasoned, barring the two new recruits. The rest were veteran pilots who had been fighting since the previous year, and they could definitely hold their own against the elite Prosen pilots.

    Amelia looked towards the sun again, and suddenly, she felt a sense of crisis.

    At times like this, she would absolutely evade. This instinctive evasive action had saved her life countless times.

    As she banked into a left turn, a 109 with a wolf¡¯s head painted on the nose came charging, intercepting right across Amelia¡¯s original flight path.

    At the moment the enemy ne intersected Amelia¡¯s ne, the pilot looked over¡ªyes, Amelia felt the gaze.

    She red back, only to find the enemy pilot looking surprised.

    Was it because she was a woman in the cockpit?

    But Ante should have had many female pilots fight against the Ploson Air Force by now, even producing aces.

    Amelia herself should have been a renowned ¡°Witch¡± on the Prosen side.

    However, there wasn¡¯t time to think about that during aerialbat; full concentration was required, as any slight mistake could be fatal.

    Amelia, trusting her sixth sense, quickly grasped the situation in the sky and chose to keep maneuvering by diving into the imagined negative G direction of the enemy aircraft.

    Sure enough, the enemy wingman descended, and the barrage of fire almost grazed Amelia¡¯s wings.

    Amelia opened up the engine¡¯s afterburners to full, unleashing the Pe-3¡¯s maximum eleration and speed in a shallow dive¡ªhaving lost significant speed in the recent maneuvers, she couldn¡¯t joust with an enemy that held an altitude advantage.

    As she gained speed, Amelia scanned her surroundings¡ªalthough she could sense the enemy, that couldn¡¯t rece visual observation.

    The two enemy nes from the first wave were gaining altitude. Where were the others? It was impossible that the enemy had sent only two nes to intercept!

    Soon, Amelia spotted several nes entangled in a fight above her; clearly, the covering second squadron had engaged the rest of the enemies.

    Then she just needed to take down these two nes.

    Amelia nced at the speedometer and gently pulled the stick, transitioning from a dive to a shallow climb. This allowed her speed to continue building, and her altitude to slowly increase.

    The twin-engine Pe-3 had a production advantage over the single-engine 109, though it was heavier.

    Facing off against two 109s, the key was to conserve her own energy and deplete the enemy¡¯s.

    The two enemy nes that had missed their attack didn¡¯t give up and turned back, trying to catch up with the Pe-3.

    At this point, if Amelia wanted to stay alive, she just had to continue level flight.

    But she decided to offer the enemy a slight opening.

    She veered slightly, allowing the enemy ne¡¯s closing rate to increase somewhat. It didn¡¯t take long for the enemy to get into a good position for an attack.

    "Come on, dive down and attack.¡±

    One of the two 109s dove, using amon tactic in formation fighting; one maintained altitude and speed while the other attacked.

    If Amelia dodged and lost energy, the other could strike while she was vulnerable.

    Normally, such a tactic was foolproof.

    But Amelia had been through this scenario many times.

    She knew that the enemy would becent at this moment¡ªand that was her opportunity.

    The attacking enemy ne dove, and only at the veryst moment Amelia gently banked the stick. The ne tilted just slightly in the air, and the 109¡¯s barrage passed beneath the Pe-3.

    The enemy ne passed by at a dangerously close range, and Amelia sharply pulled the stick, forcibly lifting the nose of her aircraft. Having flown the Pe-3 for so long, she understood the ne¡¯s pointing ability inside and out and had deliberately been adjusting her speed just for this moment to ensure maximum pointing capability.

    In that instant, Amelia fired.

    The firing window was incredibly narrow, for the diving enemy ne was moving fast; Amelia might have had only a fraction of a second to fire after getting her nose around.

    But Amelia caught that window.

    The 109¡¯s tail caught fire, trailing dense smoke as it hurtled towards the ground.

    Amelia¡¯s attention shifted to the other enemy ne.

    Her recent maneuvers had significantly reduced her speed, and the enemy wouldn¡¯t miss this chance.

    They dove.

    Amelia, now certain that there were no more enemies nearby, confidently made arge evasive maneuver.

    As expected, the enemy abandoned the attack as soon as Amelia maneuvered, missing the chance to catch her in a fleeting window for a counterattack.

    The enemy started to regain altitude. In an instant, Amelia decided to abandon the attempt to follow by pulling up and instead made a shallow dive to regain speed.

    Aerialbat was sometimes a test of patience.

    Whoever lost theirposure first was often the loser.

    At that moment, a MiG-3 came down from higher altitude, a burst of gunfire hitting the climbing 109.

    Over the radio came the voice of the MiG pilot, ¡°Looks like the second squadron has finished off the enemy; we¡¯vee to pick up the scraps. You don¡¯t mind, do you, Miss Witch?¡±

    "I don¡¯t mind!¡± Amelia responded, ¡°Good hunting.¡±

    Wang Zhong faintly heard a female voice saying ¡°Good hunting¡± over the radio and guessed that Amelia¡¯s situation must have been resolved.

    At this moment, his aircraft was flying along the West Bank of the Valdai Hills River.

    The artillery positions had already been marked on his map.

    "These Prosen folks, putting their artillery in the same positions as before. Aren¡¯t they afraid of us taking blind shots?¡± he muttered.

    The surprised pilot in the front seat asked, ¡°General, you can really spot artillery positions?¡±

    "Yeah, I¡¯m pretty observant of the ground.¡± Since the pilot wasn¡¯t a ¡°Witch,¡± Wang Zhong could only give such an evasive answer.

    Luckily, the pilot wasn¡¯t too suspicious and said excitedly, ¡°Now we can show the Prosens what for! Will we shell them tonight?¡±

    "Yes, we will shell them tonight.¡±

 Chapter 616: Gains and Losses (Additional 29/81)

    Chapter 616: Chapter 59: Gains and Losses (Additional 29/81)

    November 4, 2031, 8:31 PM, Beachhead Position One, Antean positions.

    A lieutenant colonel found Nelly and said, ¡°Tonight our forces will bombard the enemy artillery positions, so transportation won¡¯t be hindered. You should go back and recuperate.¡±

    Nelly asked, ¡°Is this an order from General Rocossov?¡±

    "No,¡± the lieutenant colonel shook his head, ¡°but the Front Army Headquarters inquired about your condition again today, it¡¯s clear themander is concerned about you¡­ ma¡¯am.¡±

    "He wouldn¡¯t issue such an order, don¡¯t you know? He himself is charging at the front lines, even the captured Moravians said they envy us for being able to fight under a general who leads charges in person,¡± Nelly said calmly. ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere. I¡¯ll stay right here until we win the campaign.¡±

    The lieutenant colonel wanted to say more but was interrupted by the sound of artillery from the opposite bank.

    From the West Bank, of course, you couldn¡¯t see the East Bank artillery firing, but everyone could distinctly hear the roaring in the sky.

    The lieutenant colonel looked towards the East Bank, then at the continuously twinkling lights in the west, and returned to the original topic: ¡°You should cross the river, the current situation is clear, we can¡¯t lose the beachhead now, everyone knows it. Are we going to let the Moravians take our positions? Impossible!¡±Nelly: ¡°I don¡¯t like to give up halfway. By your ount, it¡¯s safe to stay here then, can the Moravians kill me?¡±

    The lieutenant colonel fell silent.

    At that moment, the first wave of boats for the river crossing had already reached the shore, anxious people jumped directly into the water, wading across with the lower halves of their coats drenched.

    A major saw there were officers here and approached the lieutenant colonel, saluting, ¡°You have worked hard, we are here to relieve you.¡±

    The lieutenant colonel nodded: ¡°Have a good rest. How are things on the opposite side?¡±

    The major, while taking off his wet coat and cing it beside the fire to dry, replied: ¡°The counterattack seems imminent. The opposite side is full of troops, we came over first just to prevent losing the beachhead. Everyone is saying, once the Valdai Hills River freezes over, it¡¯s time for a counterattack.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Are there already many troops on the opposite side?¡±

    "Yes, countless units, some say it¡¯s already a million men. There are also many, many cannons and rocket artillery. Listen to that artillery sound, it¡¯s overwhelming even across the river.¡±

    After talking, everyone looked towards the East Bank; indeed, even across the wide Valdai Hills River, the power of the artillery could be felt.

    The lieutenant colonel eximed: ¡°It¡¯s finally ending, giving the enemy a swift bout!¡±

    Nelly remained silent, just watching the constant flickering lights on the western horizon.

    Prosen Sixth Army Group Headquarters.

    The chief of staff, with a stern expression, put down the receiver: ¡°We¡¯ve lost contact with the artillery positions near the enemy¡¯snding area, today we can¡¯t use artillery to disrupt their transportation.¡± ?¨¤????¨§s

    General Frederick: ¡°Where is my reinforcement?¡±

    "An armored army is already on the way,¡± the chief of staff replied.

    General Frederick suddenly became agitated: ¡°It better not be a Moravian armored division, right? It¡¯s strictly Prosen troops, correct?¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    After getting the affirmative answer, the general sighed, ¡°Moravians, with equipment almost the same¡ªor even a little better¡ªthan ours, and yet they perform so poorly. Besides increasing our logistical pressure, they¡¯re hardly useful at all!¡±

    The staff in the room exchanged nces.

    General Frederick stood up, pacing hands behind his back to the map, staring at it for several seconds: ¡°Perhaps we should retreat, continuing like this only wastes Prosen soldiers¡¯ lives.¡±

    Chief of staff: ¡°We can send a telegram to Army Group Command B, and CC the High Command.¡±

    General Frederick pondered for a few seconds, resolutely saying: ¡°Let¡¯s do that, draft the telegram personally, use a mild tone, try to describe the situation we¡¯re facing urately.¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    At the same time, in the front line Prosen 581st Infantry Regiment headquarters, Major Richard sighed deeply: ¡°It seems we probably won¡¯t be able to take this city.¡±

    The remaining staff, with lips pursed, said, ¡°Sir, this isn¡¯t good for morale

    "Do you think the soldiers don¡¯t know? When we first entered the city, the Anteans were just a mob hiding in the shadows, ambushing us. If their presence was revealed before their attack, they posed us no significant harm. A few of us could suppress a squad-controlled building by the Anteans!

    "But now, the Anteans still alive are seasoned warriors, the soldiers know that, and they do too. They have¡­ be veterans.¡±

    Major Richard looked at the softly falling snow in the night sky: ¡°It¡¯s getting colder, I heard the Valdai Hills River already has ayer of thin ice, the dreadful memory ofst winter has been giving me nightmares these past few nights.¡±

    Staff: ¡°This time we have winter gear.¡±

    "Yes, we have winter gear, and the military department¡¯s anti-freeze lubricant for the weapons,¡± Major Richard paused, then counter-asked, ¡°Do you know how many guns have frozen in thest few days, needing to be heated up?¡±

    The staff remained silent.

    At that moment, the orderly came in with canned food: ¡°Major, the canned food is heated, have some meat soup.¡±

    Richard: ¡°All we have to eat are canned goods, dry food, and pickles looted from the Anteans, and ammunition is increasingly running out. What will happen to the troops¡¯ morale then? Conquer the city, end the war, huh.¡±

    Staff: ¡°Superiors wille up with a solution.¡±

    "Yeah, they¡¯lle up with a solution,¡± Major Richard took the can, scooping a spoonful of meat soup into his mouth, chewing the undercooked meat chunks.

    After finishing, he cursed: ¡°This is simply pigswill, do you understand?¡±

    Wang Zhong raised the ham in his hand, ¡°A toast to our Amelia for making it back safely!¡±

    Amelia: ¡°Don¡¯t make it sound like I was in any danger! Those Prosen people are far from being able to shoot me down.¡±

    "Haven¡¯t been in danger, you say? Then a toast to Amelia for shooting down another enemy ne!¡± Wang Zhong improvised his toast.

    Amelia: ¡°You just want to drink, don¡¯t you? You Anteans are all drunks!¡±

    Wang Zhong burst intoughter.

    After finishing the ham on his te, Pavlov passed his te to the cooking team¡¯s girl, ¡°Bring me some more.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can the whole army get hot meals today?¡±

    The cooking team girl answered, ¡°We¡¯ve been trying to send hot meals to the front lines, but it seems some units have disintegrated. I¡¯m not sure what that means.¡±

    The girl looked like she had just finished tenth grade and was ready to get married.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It means that a whole unit has disbanded into countless smallbat groups, scattered across the city like stars. You know what stars are, right?¡±

    "I do know that, my husband used to make wreaths for me with those.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Oh? Where is he now?¡±

    "He went missing at Saint Andrew Fort,¡± the girl said calmly.

    Silence fell.

    Fortunately, at that moment, a major general entered the headquarters shaft. He spotted Wang Zhong and saluted loudly, ¡°Reporting! Division Commander Leonid Aleksandrovich of the 1st heavy breakthrough artillery division reporting to you, General Rocossov Davarish.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up at the major general, ¡°How heavy is your heavy breakthrough artillery division?¡±

    "We have two hundred artillery pieces above 200 mm, and two hundred 152 mm guns!¡± Major General Leonid Aleksandrovich said proudly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Not bad, Pavlov, include them in our fire n. When we counterattack, we want to tten the enemy¡¯s positions and st all their trenches!¡±

    "Leave it to me,¡± Pavlov stood up, wiping his greasy hands directly on his coat, and gestured to Leonid Aleksandrovich toe over.

    The major general hurried over, ¡°Yes, sir?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°This is our current fire n, my staff will incorporate your division. I estimate we¡¯ll deploy you here, supply routed from Mamayev military station

    Wang Zhong took a big sip of hot soup.

    Just then, a soldier from the Guard Corps entered and reported, ¡°General, it¡¯s snowing.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Hasn¡¯t it been snowing all along?¡±

    "Heavy snow, General. You¡¯ll see if youe out!¡±

    As soon as the words fell, cold wind poured down the shaft, making Wang Zhong shiver¡ªdespite being next to the stove and hot soup!

    He hastily buttoned up his field jacket, zipped up his coat, and wrapped a scarf around¡ª

    He paused, fingers twirling the scarf.

    It was Yakov¡¯s scarf, reportedly hand-knitted by his wife.

    Wang Zhong bit his lip, loosened the scarf, and turned to the guard, ¡°Let¡¯s go see how heavy the snow is!¡±

    Soon, he stepped out of the tunnel entrance and stood under the night sky of Abawahan.

    The north wind swirled the snowkes down like feathers.

    The wind on his face felt like des scraping his skin.

    It seemed there was hail mixed in the snow, creating a cracking noise as it hit the ground.

    Wang Zhong faced the heavy snow andughed, ¡°Good! Excellent! Let it keep pouring down like this to drown the enemy¡¯s supply lines!¡±

    Pavlov also came out of the tunnel, frowning at the heavy snow, ¡°Such heavy snow, we might need to mobilizeborers from churches along the route to clear the snow to keep the trains running.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Isn¡¯t that good news? The enemy can¡¯t mobilize so manyborers to clear the snow, and since they don¡¯t have railways, if the snow is heavy enough, even tanks can¡¯t move!

    "Mother Antea is finally showing her colors to the enemy!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Popov exited the tunnel too, shrinking his neck as he came out, ¡°Man, it¡¯s so cold! This winter might be colder than thest.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Isn¡¯t that good? Many of us have lived in the extreme cold of the Far East; they¡¯re definitely more used to harsh winters than the Prosens.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°We still have Kuba¡¯s fuel oil, good for heating, while they can only burn tank engine oil and gasoline.¡±

    As if to respond to Pavlov¡¯s words, a gust of north wind roared in, sweeping up nearly five centimeters of snow from the ground, enveloping everything outside the tunnel in a dense fog.

    For a moment, Wang Zhong thought he had arrived at some Sacred Mountain, and the fog was a prelude to a deity¡¯s entrance.

    But the bone-chilling cold kept him lucid.

    He murmured softly, ¡°Wee, General Winter!¡±

 Chapter 617: In the Blizzard

    Chapter 617: Chapter 60 In the Blizzard

    The 532nd troop transport train was trapped in the heavy snow.

    Train conductor Niki had no choice but to order the soldiers on board to get off and clear the snow to make way.

    However, the soldiers only had sapper shovels and no specialized snow-clearing equipment, so progress was extremely slow, and the train could only move forward at the pace of a walking human.

    Niki was so anxious that he went to shovel snow himself, but the snowfall was too heavy. No sooner had he cleared a small area than a few centimeters of fresh snow fell upon it.

    As the train was on the verge of being buried by the snow, a soldier trudged through the snow to report, ¡°Train conductor, people areing from behind, a lot of people!¡±

    "What? Have the Prosens crossed the river to attack us?¡± Niki asked with a tense face.

    "No, look!¡± The messenger turned around, pointing behind them.

    Niki looked and indeed saw arge group of people approaching through the snowstorm, holding gs.Those people quickly arrived, and Niki could see clearly that they were not carrying weapons but various snow-clearing tools.

    "Who are you?¡± Niki asked loudly.

    "Comrade train conductor, we are students from nearby schools, organized by the Church to clear the snow!¡± the leading young man shouted.

    Niki nodded, then looked at the gs they were carrying, ¡°Why are you carrying Red gs?¡±

    "Because we heard that now the bravest fighting units are awarded Red gs, and while we are too young to go to the battlefield, we can win Red gs first! We dyed them ourselves!¡± the young man shouted fearlessly through the blizzard.

    Niki looked at the young faces and then at the Red gs, shaking his head, ¡°You should go back, this storm is very dangerous!¡±

    "And could that be more dangerous than the battlefield?¡±

    A soldier clearing snow beside themughed, ¡°That¡¯s true indeed, Train Conductor Davarish, let them work. It¡¯ll get us to the rally point sooner.¡±

    Niki took a deep breath, and by the time he exhaled, he had made up his mind. He waved grandly: ¡°Onward, kids!¡±

    The leading boy turned back, ¡°Onward! Dig out the train!¡±

    All the boys¡ªno, the girls too¡ªrushed towards the train, tools in hand.

    Niki watched them for a few seconds, then started walking down the railway towards the end of the train, seeing many Red gs along the way, with words written on them:

    "Youth Assault Team of the Tenth Middle School.¡±

    "Youth Vanguard of Badayev Vige.¡±

    "Youth Rescue Team of Karinka.¡±

    ¡­

    Suddenly, someone began to lead, and the young people started singing loudly, ¡°Listen to the blizzard¡¯s roar, see the shooting stars fly~¡±

    "My heart calls to me, to the turbulent distance~¡±

    At the same time, the 420th Motor Regiment of Prosen.

    Major Hansen almost didn¡¯t hear someone knocking on the door of his vehicle. He opened the door of themand car and saw someone almost turned into a snowman outside. He struggled to recognize through the rank that it was the battalionmander. ??¨¤??¦Â§§s

    "We can¡¯t move!¡± the battalionmander shouted, ¡°We¡¯repletely stuck! And if it keeps snowing like this, there¡¯s a risk of us being buried! We should find shelter nearby!¡±

    Major Hansen looked up at the sky, sighed, and said, ¡°Moving through the snow is dangerous at this time. Just wait in the trucks for the storm to pass. Use the radio to inquire at the military depot, see if anyone cane to the rescue.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the radio operator in themand car said, ¡°It¡¯s no good, the radio won¡¯t reach anyone. It might be frozen or the ionosphere is in chaos due to the blizzard. Anyway, we can¡¯t reach anyone.¡±

    Major Hansen cursed, ¡°Don¡¯t you know what to do? Keep calling! Until you get through to someone!¡±

    At the Prosen Sixth Army Group Corps Command.

    General Frederick looked at the creaking window, which was already fogged up,pletely obscuring the view outside. Still, through the creaking noise, he could feel the chill of the north wind outside.

    "General Winter,¡± the general scoffed, ¡°just had to show up now, quite the timing.¡±

    His Chief of Staff was on the phone, and just at that moment finished talking and looked over, ¡°General, the transport column that set off this morning still hasn¡¯t reached the next station. Our entire transport line is paralyzed. This is more lethal than getting stuck in mud.

    "However, the good news is that the enemy¡ªthe Anteans¡ªare no better off in such a blizzard, as the railways must also stop.¡±

    The general was silent, staring at the white fogged window, lost in thought.

    The Chief of Staff waited a while before asking, ¡°General?¡±

    "Ah? Oh, yes, that¡¯s the only good news. They must have more troops than us, and running out of supplies will make it harder for them.¡±

    In Badayev Vige on the East Bank.

    The Marekhov family¡¯s door was violently knocked open. Old Marekhov grumbled as he opened the door, ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Can¡¯t you rest in this kind of weather? Huh? Parish Priest, what¡¯s wrong?¡±

    The Priest spoke seriously, ¡°The railway line has been blocked by the blizzard, Mr. Marekhov. You have experience with transportation in the snow. We need to organize a supply team, could you

    Marekhov looked at the sky, ¡°Transporting in this weather, many people will die, Reverend.¡±

    "We priests will also join the transportation.¡±

    Mr. Mayerkhov sighed, ¡°Then what else should I say? Old woman! Bring me my coat!¡±

    "Coat? What are you going to do? Going out in this weather, do you have a death wish?¡± The old man¡¯s wife grumbled as she came out. Upon seeing the parish priest, her demeanor changed immediately, ¡°Oh, your reverence, pleasee in and sit down.¡±

    The parish priest shook his head, ¡°No, the boys on the front line are waiting for their meal. We need to deliver meat and grain to them. Your three sons might also be waiting on the front line for food.¡±

    "So it is! Let our old man go, he¡¯s especially familiar with the blizzard! What are you doing, old man? Does the parish priest have to kneel down and beg you?¡±

    "My coat!¡± Mr. Mayerkhov became angry, ¡°I just called for my coat!¡±

    "All right, all right, your coat, I¡¯ll get it for you now!¡±

    Soon, the coat and dry tobo pipe were delivered into the old man¡¯s hands.

    While his wife helped him put on his coat, he spoke to the priest, ¡°The old man next door is a Tatarian, he¡¯s also familiar with the blizzards, we¡¯ll go together, and we can certainly reduce many casualties!¡±

    "He¡¯s been called, he¡¯s already reported to the church! I came especially to ask for you!¡±

    "Alright then, let¡¯s set off!¡±@@novelbin@@

    So the old man, now fully equipped, vanished with the parish priest into the whirlwind of the blizzard.

    The old woman stood at the door, staring long in the direction they left.

    November 6th, the blizzard continued.

    The headquarters post of Prosen Infantry Regiment 581 had already sealed all its windows, leaving only the machine gun ports.

    These gun ports had also been blocked with the coats of dead soldiers ¨C failing to do so would allow the cold wind pouring through one single port to freeze everyone inside the post.

    Acting Battalion Commander Major Richard and several warriors huddled together around the small stove, boiling coffee, shivering uncontrobly.

    Someone made a substantial decision, picked up the thermometer from beside their feet, then promptly started cursing, ¡°Twenty-seven degrees below zero? And that¡¯s with a fire!¡±

    Major Richard sighed. The moisture he exhaled instantly turned to frost, some of which hung onto the stubble he hadn¡¯t shaved in days ¨C to shave in such weather was too dreadful, the razor was so cold it would likely tremble upon touching the skin, then cut the face.

    Major Richard said, ¡°Be content, if you move the thermometer away from the fire, it will freeze instantly and then explode.¡±

    "Will it explode?¡± the person holding the thermometer asked in surprise.

    "I don¡¯t know, I¡¯ve never seen a mercury thermometer freeze,¡± Major Richard shrugged his shoulders, ¡°You can try and see, consider it a scientific experiment.¡±

    At this moment, the machine gunner came looking for help: ¡°Do you have any spare stuff for burning? The fire under the machine gun is about to go out, and I¡¯m worried it¡¯ll freeze over. It¡¯d be terrible if the enemy attacked.¡±

    "Even the Anteans wouldn¡¯t attack in this ghastly weather, right?¡±

    Someone muttered.

    To echo this statement, the sound of Papasha outside rose.

    Major Richard yelled, ¡°Battle alert! Get to your positions! Open the gun ports!¡±

    The machine gunner who hade to borrow fuel ran back to his position like a madman, and his assistant had already pulled the coat from the gun port.

    The piercing cold wind immediately poured into the room, causing the mes on the little stove to dance wildly, as if they would extinguish at any moment.

    Major Richard also rushed to his observation port, trying to pull out the object blocking it. After several unsessful tugs, it was clear that it was frozen, likely from water being spilled on it while drinking.

    He had no choice but to squeeze past another warrior to look out from the firing port.

    Through the swirling blizzard, not a single Antean figure could be seen.

    However, the sound of Papasha continued, with several guns joining the ¡°concerto.¡±

    "Maybe the enemy is just shooting into the sky, solely to keep us unnerved,¡± thest remaining staff officer provided his professional insight.

    "I don¡¯t know,¡± said Major Richard, shaking his head, ¡°Alright then, block up the holes again, or we¡¯ll freeze to death before the enemy attacks. Get to it!¡±

    While everyone was blocking the holes in every conceivable way, the machine gunner screamed out, startling everyone to a halt as they turned to look.

    The machine gunner eximed, ¡°The gun¡¯s frozen! Damn, just exposed to the cold air for such a short while! How do the Anteans keep their weapons functioning?¡±

    "They have real anti-freeze lubricant,¡± Major Richard said, ¡°If we engage with the enemy, try to capture some lubricant for our use.¡±

    "Damn, what¡¯s our Science Academy doing that we¡¯re even worse off than the Anteans!¡±

    Major Richard: ¡°Stopining. No one has it easy in this kind of winter, and the Anteans are certainly almost immobilized.¡±

    While saying that, the Major took out a piece of stationery, and in the dim light of the stove, he penciled a letter to his wife:

    "This detestable Antean winter, it hase so suddenly, so unreasonably. My dear, if only you knew the dire straits we are in, you would cry with pity.

    "In such cruel cold, no one can continue to fight

    The sound of Papasha¡¯s strafing came again from outside.

    People inside the room plunged back at the newly sealed gun ports.

    Major Richard bellowed, ¡°Enough! This must be an Antean trick, let them make noise! We¡¯ll wait for the bombs to explode outside the walls before we take action! Stay put!¡±

    The soldiers in the shelter hesitated for a moment but carried out the order.

    The Major continued to write: ¡°Our regiment, already worn down to less than five hundred men, are spread across three different fortresses. Calling them fortresses is a stretch; they¡¯re just Antean shoddy brick houses ¨C here, they are the best structures, but in Plowsonia, such would be outdone even by a suburban house

 Chapter 618: "Its over, its over

    Chapter 618: Chapter 61 ¡°It¡¯s over, it¡¯s over

    November 9th, at the Headquarters of the Western Front Army.

    Pavlov stuffed a document to Wang Zhong, ¡°The heavy snow is still severely disrupting our troop assembly and ammunition stockpiling, despite mobilizing a million civilians to clear the snow along the railway lines, trains are still severely dyed.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What about other means of transport?¡±

    "We¡¯ve mobilized three million civilians for transport; just in the heavy snow, over two thousand people have died, but it¡¯s still dyed. If the time of attack is set on the 10th, we really won¡¯t make it.¡± Pavlov returned to his position, picked up a cup of hot coffee, warming his hands on it.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°There are still 11 days.¡±

    Popov suddenly mmed the table, ¡°Damn it, I was just in a local church looking at the collected heroic deeds; I really want to counterattack today, rush up and kill those Prosens!¡±

    "It¡¯s snowing heavily,¡± Wang Zhong consoled, ¡°If you really think that, you should¡¯ve ridden in the little tanks with me the other day.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°No! Our Front Army already has you as the high-ranking general taking risks on the battlefield! Oh right, today I arranged for the Guard First Mechanized to rotate, the enemies won¡¯t respond in this heavy snow.¡±Wang Zhong, ¡°How are they¡­ casualties?¡±

    "Losses are still less than half,¡± boomed a voice from the door.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and saw a pr bear.

    "Shake off the snow first,¡± he said, ¡°And don¡¯t shake it off inside Headquarters; it¡¯s cold enough in here already, and when the snow melts, it¡¯ll turn this ce into an ice cave.¡±

    The pr bear nodded, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll be right back.¡±

    After shaking off outside for a while, Yegorov entered Headquarters, sporting a conspicuous bandage, ¡°The snow is reallying down hard. If a person faints in the snowfield, they¡¯ll be buried without a trace in seconds.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Which unit did the rotation?¡±

    "The 515th Infantry Division; they¡¯re a bunch of youngds who dream of having the title of Guards. Don¡¯t worry, they¡¯ll hold the Nameless Hignds.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We have lost so many brave warriors; the Nameless Hignds should have a name by now. After the war ends, I want to build a statue there.¡±

    "A group statue of soldiers?¡± Popov nodded, ¡°Sure, that can be done when the war¡¯s over.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, that¡¯s the starting point of the counterattack. I want to build a statue of the Mothend Mother clutching a raised sword, one hand with the sword, the other pointing to Plowsonia. The counterattack starts from here!¡±

    Yegorovughed, ¡°Hahaha, that¡¯s great! In the future, when I bring my son or daughter under the statue, I can say that their old dad was stationed here, here where we exceeded our mission!¡± ???¦­???§¦?

    Pavlov, ¡°What about making the statue from steel? Use the helmets, weapons, and tanks abandoned by the enemy on the hills to make it, melted down and recast into a statue!¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No, a metal statue is too troublesome to maintain and it won¡¯tst long enough. If human civilization perishes in the future, it will gradually disappear.

    "I think those pieces of steel should be cast into farming tools, to till thend and restore homes. As for the statue, it¡¯s better to make it from marble.¡±

    Turning swords into plowshares; this is just too romantic, so fitting of Wang Zhong, the man from Ceres.

    Popov, ¡°This is a great idea! When the war is over, I¡¯ll apply toe here, specifically to supervise this matter.¡±

    At the end of the war, everyone in Headquarters stopped when they heard Popov speak.

    The end of the war, these words weren¡¯t merely a wishful thinking for the first time, but a certainty that would happen.

    Yegorov pped his thigh, ¡°The Prosens said that this assault will end the war, but they didn¡¯t expect they¡¯d actually be right. This battle will indeed end the war, but not in the way they imagined!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Now is not the time to rx, ¡®With remaining courage chase the retreating brigands; do not seek fame like a braggart king.''¡±

    Everyone was stunned, as the trantor and chef that Wang Zhong had brought back from the Federation were not present, no one understood this phrase in the Ceresnguage.@@novelbin@@

    This was the effect Wang Zhong wanted.

    He looked at Yegorov and changed the subject, ¡°Your mission isplete, you and the soldiers of the Guard First Mechanized can now rest. Take care of your injuries.¡±

    Yegorov stood at attention, saluting Wang Zhong, ¡°Front Army Commander Comrade Alexei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, the Guard First ¡®Red g¡¯ Mechanized Infantry Division is requesting to endbat duty, Division Commander Yegorov!¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up and saluted him in return, ¡°Approved, thank you for your fierce battle.¡±

    Yegorov lowered his hand, turned to leave.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Wait! Eat before you go. Signalman, let the mess hall cook some noodles.¡±

    Yegorov scratched his nose, ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary. There¡¯s plenty of hot food and hot meals in the rear, and we¡¯re not heading to the front lines.¡±

    "Finish what you started. You¡¯re the firstmander who ate my food and came back alive,¡± Wang Zhong restrained his expression, ¡°Finally, someone hase back; otherwise, this meal of mine would really be what they call ¡®a parting meal.¡¯ It¡¯s actually so delicious.¡±

    Yegorov: ¡°That really does taste good. Alright, let¡¯s have it again. So, what is it today? Did you just say noodles? Are Ceres noodles different from ours?¡±

    "That¡¯s right, they are different. My cook, although he¡¯s from the southern part of Ceres, can also make noodles in gravy. You have to try it.¡±

    November 12th, Prosen Sixth Army Group Headquarters.

    General Frederick looked out the window and noticed the snow had finally stopped.

    He said to the orderly, ¡°The snow has stopped, and at least General Winter will not hinder our retreat now.¡±

    The orderly replied, ¡°I¡¯m more concerned about whether our supplies can be restored after the snow stops. I don¡¯t want to keep eatingpressed biscuits with Antean pickles.¡±

    General Frederick said, ¡°After we retreat to Shepetovka, not only will we have delicious food, but also Prosen sausages, and everyone will be able to get plump¡ªevery single one of us!¡±

    Having said that, he left the room in high spirits and headed straight for the headquarters. His first question upon entering was, ¡°Has the High Command¡¯s responsee? Has our request to retreat been approved?¡±

    The Chief of Staff, holding a telephone receiver, looked seriously at General Frederick, ¡°General, it¡¯s a call from the Emperor.¡±

    Frederick frowned slightly and slowed his pace.

    But he couldn¡¯t really refuse to take a call from the Emperor, so he reluctantly approached the phone and took the receiver, ¡°I am Frederick.¡±

    "Is the new offensive ready? I see the weather forecast predicts clear skies today,¡± said the then Emperor on the other end of the phone.

    Frederick nced at the window; it was indeed clear outside, and the winter sun was even shining through the ss.

    He had no time to enjoy the view and answered cautiously, ¡°Our supplies haven¡¯t been brought up yet. The troops have been starving for days and freezing terribly. Many have died directly in the icy wilderness.¡±

    In the severe cold, the human body naturally consumes stored fat to maintain body temperature, and, unfortunately, at such times, the entire Sixth Army Group had no food to eat.

    As a result, many soldiers had starved to death.

    Among those who didn¡¯t die, many suffered from frostbite.

    Furthermore, many were suffering from colds and fevers, some simply had gastrointestinal problems due to not eating properly, which also induced high fever.

    Now Frederick¡¯s Sixth Army Group was filled with sick soldiers, and even if the weather warmed up immediately, they had little strength tounch an attack.

    Moreover, the temperature was still around minus 40 degrees¡ªsunshine or not, it hardly made a difference.

    Everything Frederick was saying was the truth; it was simply not possible tounch an offensive at such a time.

    However, the Emperor on the other end was pounding on the table¡ªor perhaps something else; he was hitting something hard, yelling loudly, ¡°You¡¯re freezing, the enemy too! It¡¯s a battle for thest breath! I¡¯m sending the Armored Army your way, as soon as they arrive, you¡¯llunch an attack!¡±

    At that moment, the Air Force liaison officer came in and ced a bag on the table in front of Frederick, right beside the telephone.

    The Chief of Staff considerately picked up the bag, broke the seal, and took out photos from inside, turning pale after flipping through a few.

    Frederick listened to the Emperor¡¯s rant from the other end of the phone while he took a photograph from the staff officer¡¯s hand.

    It was an aerial reconnaissance photo showing neatly lined tanks. The pencil notes on the photo indicated that this was the situation across the Valdai Hills River.

    Frederick asked the Air Force liaison officer, ¡°How many tanks were photographed?¡±

    "A lot, the entire opposite bank is covered. And because of the previous snow disaster, they seem to have overlooked aerial concealment. Our intelligence believes there¡¯s at least 600,000 troops gathered across the Valdai Hills River.¡±

    Frederick interrupted the Emperor, ¡°Your Majesty! I have sometest information here¡ªthe enemy has gathered six hundred thousand troops on the east bank of the Valdai Hills River; they might be counterattacking! I must retreat immediately, or it will be toote!¡±

    The Emperor cursed, ¡°The Anteans have just deployed several hundred thousand reserve troops on the Western Front Army side; they can¡¯t possibly have six hundred thousand men, impossible! You should know, your opponent is that Rocossov; he made a bunch of fake tanks at Yeisk and fooled us!

    "This must be his deception n! You¡¯ll be falling right into his trap if you believe it! He¡¯s vulnerable right now; you must attack, attack!¡±

    Frederick was silent for a few seconds, then replied, ¡°I¡¯ll try my best.¡±

    "Not ¡®try your best¡¯! You need a decisive attitude to attack, to seize victory! Among all the generals, you are the closest to defeating Rocossov! Attack!¡±

    Frederick sighed softly, then answered with a stern face, ¡°I will carry out your orders!¡±

    "Good, if you need anything, just ask. The Air Force will support you to the fullest.¡±

    Frederick forced an excited tone, ¡°Really? That¡¯s wonderful.¡±

    "Looking forward to your good news,¡± said the Imperial Emperor before hanging up.

    Frederick slowly ced the receiver down, ¡°No knowledge of the authority of the three forces, but sharing the responsibility of the three forces, every critical juncture, always direct intervention andmand! It¡¯s over, all over!¡±

 Chapter 619: Rocossovs Frantic Escape

    Chapter 619: Chapter 62: Rocossov¡¯s Frantic Escape (30/81 Chapters Updated)

    On November 13, Wang Zhong had just entered the headquarters when he heard artillery fire outside.

    To be able to reach the underground headquarters, it must certainly be heavy artillery.

    Pavlov, who was originally having coffee, went straight to the telephone at the sound of the gunfire, touching the receiver, ready for action.

    The phone rang.

    Before the first ring finished, Pavlov snatched up the receiver.

    "Headquarters. Where are they hitting? What¡¯s the artillery density? Okay, got it.¡±

    After putting down the receiver, Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°Judging by the location of the shelling, it¡¯s another assault on the tunnel entrance.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°The first time was so dangerous because we ced too much emphasis on dispersal and didn¡¯t have the Whirlwinds. Now, there is a toon of Whirlwinds at every intersection in the city. What could they possibly use to charge with?¡±Pavlov spread his hands.

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°After deploying the Whirlwinds, our casualties in urban battles have greatly diminished, proving that although tanks are much more vulnerable in the city than in open fields, they are absolutely indispensable.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°After all, heavy armor can take much more punishment than infantry. Weaker in the field, that¡¯s all rtive. As long as there¡¯s infantry support, preventing the enemy¡¯s anti-tank weapons from hitting the tanks, the role of heavy armor in urban warfare cannot be overlooked.¡±

    Wang Zhong agreed, ¡°You summed it up well. You¡¯ll write the post-battle report this time.¡±

    Pavlov stopped and looked at Wang Zhong with a frown.

    Amelia entered the headquarters, ¡°Is that artillery fire again? Are we shelling?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°No, we¡¯re conserving ammunition for the counteroffensive, so there have been no ns to shell the enemy for the past few days. The enemy is shelling.¡±

    Amelia was shocked, ¡°Why? Shouldn¡¯t they be running at this point?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong knew the oue of another timeline¡¯s Steelgrad, but now he had to pretend he didn¡¯t, ¡°Perhaps the Prosen Emperor isn¡¯t ready to ept defeat? After all, at their closest they were only 800 meters from victory.¡± R????????

    Popov added, ¡°And then they were pushed back by a charge led by Rocossov himself.¡±

    Amelia looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°When I¡¯m on the other side with nothing to do, I go to the hospital to help take care of the wounded. They say you wield a sword bestowed by His Majesty the Tsar in one hand and the Scepter of Saint Andrew in the other, splitting open every enemy you encountered in battle. Some insist they saw a halo above your head.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up, only to see fluorescent light tubes.

    Pavlovughed, ¡°Ha-ha, they are implying that you¡¯ll be bald in the future!¡±

    Wang Zhong was surprised, ¡°Shit, you can actually joke!¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Is that a joke? Isn¡¯t it? I¡¯m just being self-deprecating.¡±

    "Self-deprecation is also a form of high-level humor,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    Amelia changed the subject, ¡°Really, is this okay? Almost everyone knows we¡¯ll counterattack on the 20th. Shouldn¡¯t the enemy be running?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°But listen, they¡¯re attacking again.¡±

    Just as he spoke, the sound of artillery ceased.

    Pavlov noted, ¡°It seems they¡¯ve run out of shells. I don¡¯t know what they¡¯re up to. We¡¯re well-fed and clothed, but the enemy has been starved for days. For such soldiers to attack¡­ it only shows the high quality of Prosen Soldiers.¡±

    Wang Zhong pondered, ¡°As their losses mount, their quality will deteriorate. General Gorky of the Western Front Army did a great job,unching a full-scale attack, breaking through by focusing on areas guarded by less elite enemy troops.

    "This tactic isn¡¯t fully effective yet because there are still too many elite Prosen unitsprised of veteran soldiers.

    "Next year, if we attack the same way, Prosen¡¯s defenses will be as leaky as a sieve, with about half their units made up of new recruits.

    "In another year, we¡¯ll be able to annihte their forces inrge numbers, just like they surrounded and wiped out ours in the first year.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s words filled the entire headquarters with a sense of joy.

    Suddenly, he experienced an auditory hallucination, hearing Yakov say, ¡°I can hardly wait to see that day!¡±

    He was startled and turned around, only to find it was Mikhail, the newly assigned temporary orderly, who had said, ¡°I can hardly wait to see that day.¡±

    His tone was so simr, so much like Yakov¡¯s.

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yes, we¡¯re all eager to see that day.¡±

    Amelia remarked, ¡°You eat food one bite at a time.¡±

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°Right, we¡¯ll start with the Sixth Army Group. But I¡¯m a bit worried they¡¯ll run. Pavlov, what do you think about luring the enemy in a bit deeper? All our forces on the West Bank have sufficient supplies, so let¡¯s just give up this ce to the enemy.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°It could work, but this bunker¡­ it can¡¯t be destroyed with your new tanks since it¡¯s underground. If the enemy decides to hold it, we¡¯ll suffer significant losses.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, then gave up the idea, ¡°Never mind. We can offer them something else enticing. What target do you think is suitable?¡±

    Pavlov looked around, then suddenly pointed at a building not far from the tunnel entrance, ¡°That, the grand hall! There¡¯s a well-known statue of Suvorov at the entrance.¡±

    Wang Zhong stroked his chin, ¡°No, the Suvorov statue isn¡¯t significant enough. Let¡¯s do this: take a Red g, make it look worn, as if it¡¯s the same one that¡¯s followed me for over a year, and hang it on the roof of the hall. Then ce some documents and a desk inside.¡±

    Pavlov understood, ¡°Got it, your Red g means it¡¯s your headquarters! But you¡¯re too frugal, not even willing to sacrifice a real Red g.¡±

    Wang Zhong insisted, ¡°Of course not. That was a gift from the weavers of Shepetovka, a keepsake I must return when I take back Shepetovka. A fake g will suffice for them. Hurry and dye a g red, shoot holes in it, make it look authentic.¡±

    "I¡¯ll arrange it.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly smiled, ¡°With Vasily here, it¡¯s time for him to make an appearance.¡±

    Popov said, ¡°He¡¯s still struggling with military theory. You don¡¯t know, but he¡¯s the bottom of the ss.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Really? That¡¯s so my style.¡±

    Pavlov remarked, ¡°Then he¡¯d better not have any battle honors. It would be a shame if he became a marshal and made everyone at the Suvorov Military Academy proud of beingst.¡±

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°Beingst isn¡¯t enough, you also need to pass. I¡¯m onlyst, I didn¡¯t fail to graduate.¡±

    He couldn¡¯t bear to think of a future at the Suvorov Military Academy where a bunch of people would engage in cutthroatpetition for grades.

    Hey, wait a second, perhaps it¡¯s also a training method? By then, all the graduates will be masters of deceiving the enemy.

    Seems¡­ feasible.

    On November 15th, in the Abawahan Grand Auditorium.

    General Frederick William von Fredrich was standing tall, looking at the Red g fluttering on the ceiling of the auditorium.

    "Is that the g?¡± he asked.

    "Yes.¡±

    "Take it down, I want to have a look.¡±

    Soon, the g was brought before General Frederick. He took it, unfolded it, and while looking at the bullet holes said, ¡°Truly a g that has seen many battles.¡±

    The Army Group Chief of Staff chuckled, ¡°This is the g that has followed Rocossov for more than a year! Capturing this g is enough to boost the morale of the entire army!¡±

    General Frederick added, ¡°It also makes it impossible for us to retreat.¡±

    The smile on the Chief of Staff¡¯s face stiffened.

    The general handed the g to the Deputy Officer and walked up to the statue of Suvorov, looked at it for a few seconds, and then turned to the photographers, ¡°Take the picture in front of this statue. Come, bring the g. Youe over too

    The war correspondent said, ¡°No, just you alone is fine. This way, the photo can be taken vertically to include the entire statue, which creates a more heroic impression.¡±

    "Heroic, huh?¡± said General Frederick with a wry smile, ¡°All right, let¡¯s follow the professional¡¯s advice.¡±

    The g was handed to him, and then the ¡°professional¡± pressed the shutter.

    General Frederick ordered, ¡°Immediately send the g, and the photo, by ne back to Plowsonia¡ªno, to the Eagle¡¯s Nest.¡±

    The heart of Plowsonia, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    The then Emperor picked up the tattered g, a very smug smile on his face: ¡°You see, gentlemen, I told you Rocossov was all bluster! He himself has fled in panic! But the g remained! Some of our soldiers were scared to death by the rumors, now they can desensitize!¡±

    Handing over the g to the Imperial Propaganda Minister, he said, ¡°Send this g to the Empire¡¯s Military Museum! Publicly exhibit it! Tomorrow, all the newspapers must publish General Frederick¡¯s photo! Oh right, he shouldn¡¯t just be a general anymore; promote him to Field Marshal Frederick!¡±

    General Ma Qi, the Armored Corps Director, looked troubled.

    However, both Celtic Marshal Celt and Marshal Bryan in the room seemed very pleased.

    Perhaps this was because Frederick¡¯s name included ¡°von,¡± indicating his nobility and Junker status, making him a part of the old officer corps.

    The Emperor continued, ¡°Looking at the map, they¡¯re less than 500 meters from that underground tunnel. Just a little more effort, and they can take the tunnel. With that, the entire Blue n will be aplete sess!

    "This winter is especially cold; Ante won¡¯tst a few months and will surrender! After that, the Empire can focus all its efforts on Africa! Our anti-ship missiles have achieved quite impressive results! The Allied Forces will soon be in full retreat! We will achieve total victory!¡±

    Marshal Bryan congratted, ¡°Congrattions, Your Majesty.¡±

    Other high-ranking officers in the room began to malfunction, ¡°Congrattions, Your Majesty!¡±

    "Congrattions!¡±

    The Emperor raised his hand in a calming gesture, ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not yet time to celebrate. Let¡¯s wait until all the wars are over before we celebrate! Right now, the Sixth Army Group must take that damned tunnel!¡±

    However, by November 20th, the Sixth Army Group had not advanced a step further.

    Before dawn on November 20th, while it was still dark on the East Bank of the Valdai Hills River, a T34 tank rolled onto the ice.

    "Slow down, slow down!¡± the guide officer yelled beside the tank, ¡°Good, go slowly, no cracks visible.¡±

    A group of people surrounding the T34 was closely observing the ice surface with shlights.

    "There shouldn¡¯t be any big problems,¡± a Master Sergeant ran over and told the guiding Captain, ¡°The ice didn¡¯t budge when it was shelled with the 152 guns yesterday.¡±

    "Ice thickness varies, you fool,¡± the Captain scolded, ¡°Only if the tank crosses sessfully can we be sure. Alright, move on!¡±

    The T34 moved slowly forward, its anti-slip treated tracks still slipping a bit. The eight fully armed soldiers on the tank¡¯s back were even more nervous than the Tank Operator themselves.

    Finally, the fully-loaded tank reached the West Bank of the Valdai Hills River, with eight other T34s already there, previously driven over from different locations.

    The guiding Captain confirmed, ¡°Hmm, it¡¯s certain now, the ice haspletely frozen over. Call the Front Army Headquarters!¡±

 Chapter 620: If Life Has Deceived You

    Chapter 620: Chapter 63 If Life Has Deceived You

    Ten hours before the assault began, at the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This time, the assault team hasn¡¯t been given a specific target, you can sabotage anything you want. I personally rmend damaging the enemy¡¯s telephone lines, telephone exchanges, radio centers,munications camps, and so on.¡±

    Amelia simultaneously tranted his words to Commando Captain Jonathan.

    Jonathan adjusted his beret and summarized in Angsa Language, ¡°Stir up the waters, that¡¯s the ticket.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Amelia.

    Amelia: ¡°They understand.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and gestured to Pavlov.

    Pavlov ced a stack of photos in front of the assault team members: ¡°The guerri fighters who received you before have all sacrificed themselves. However, workers employed by the Prosens have taken the initiative to contact us. They¡¯ve also met up with the surviving tank operators of Tank Corps 51 that previously made an assault behind enemy lines. If you need extra explosives, you can ask them for help.¡±Jonathan picked up the photos, flipped through them, and said with a look of regret, ¡°I quite liked a few of thoseds who guided usst time.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then kill a few more Prosens.¡±

    "Will do,¡± replied Jonathan before Amelia had finished tranting.

    "Report!¡± someone shouted loudly from the direction of the door.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and saw his old friends Kiriyenko and Kashuk standing side by side at the door, their deputies and staff officers behind them.

    After locking eyes, Kiriyenko stood at attention and saluted, ¡°Guard First Cavalry Army Group Commander Kiriyenko reporting to you, Front Army Commander Davarish.¡±

    "Infantry Guard Third Army Group Commander Kashuk reporting to you, Front Army Commander Davarish,¡± Kashuk added.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You two, speaking so formally, are you insinuating that I was promoted too fast?¡±

    Kashukughed, ¡°Of course not, we knew from the start that you would climb the ranks faster than us.¡±

    Kiriyenko: ¡°You weremanding us even when you were a Major General, Your Highness.¡±

    "You¡¯re also joking about this; at this rate, I¡¯ll never clear my name,¡± said Wang Zhong as he walked forward, opened his arms, and embraced the two old friends one by one.

    Kashuk: ¡°We can¡¯t wait to join the battle.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, tonight we need to test the condition of the Valdai Hills River ice first, and the artillery troops need to make their final preparations. Your Army Group has a hundred thousand men?¡±

    Kashuk: ¡°A hundred and ten thousand, not entirely organized like your First Strike Army Group because we couldn¡¯t find that much equipment. So we have more infantry, seasoned warriors, with two out of three armies holding the title of Guards.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, you¡¯ll follow behind the Guard Tank First Army Group.¡±

    Kashuk: ¡°Why not apany them, instead of following behind?¡±

    "Because it¡¯s us apanying the First Guards Tank,¡± Kiriyenko patted Kashuk¡¯s shoulder, ¡°With cavalry to apany the charge, enemy infantry on the ins are not a concern.¡±

    Pavlov immediately said, ¡°ording to the intelligence we¡¯ve gathered, the enemy has barely had enough to eat these days, with many nonbat losses. We anticipate an exceedingly easy battle.¡±

    Kashuk shook his head: ¡°I don¡¯t understand. The Prosen Air Force has flown over us multiple times for reconnaissance, they should see arge assembly of troops on the opposite bank, but they still haven¡¯t retreated. Why?¡± ?????§§??

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Maybe it¡¯s because I set up a fake tank formation in Yeisk that had thempletely fooled; they swore they wouldn¡¯t be fooled again.¡±

    Kiriyenko: ¡°I¡¯ve heard about that, you instructed the tank units not to conceal their tanks but to arrange them openly on the ice, so that¡¯s what it was.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed: ¡°All warfare is based on deception; I learned this from a great ancient military work of Ceres, ¡®The Art of War by Sun Tzu.¡¯ You should take a look at this magnificent book when you have a chance.¡±

    After he finished speaking, Pavlov approached the two with two envelopes: ¡°These are your operational ns. There is a slight differencepared to the ns we issued before to prevent information leaks. Though I believe the Judges wouldn¡¯t let such things happen, it¡¯s always better to be extra cautious.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Open them now. If you have any questions, ask them directly.¡±

    Both men immediately opened the envelopes and began to read the operational ns inside.

    A few minutester, the two raised their heads almost simultaneously.

    "No problems here.¡±

    "The n is very clear; we guarantee toplete the mission.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, I wish you all the best.¡±

    The two saluted Wang Zhong, but then they didn¡¯t turn to leave.@@novelbin@@

    Looking puzzled, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Why are you not leaving?¡±

    Kashuk nced at Kiriyenko, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say we could have a meal?¡±

    Wang Zhongughed heartily: ¡°Signalman, tell the mess to light the fires, make something good to eat!¡±

    Six hours before the attack began.

    Nelly opened her eyes and saw Tatiana sitting outside the hideout, hugging her knees and sobbing quietly.

    She threw off the nkets, casually tossed a piece of charcoal into the gasoline drum used for heating, then put on her coat and approached the girl.

    "Cover yourself. If you catch a cold before the counterattack, that would be a real shame,¡± Nelly said softly. ¡°So why are you crying?¡±

    "It¡¯s nothing¡­ I just can¡¯t help crying when I think it¡¯s finally over¡­ So many days, so many sacrifices, so much suffering¡­ Finally, it¡¯s over

    "Yes, it¡¯s finally over.¡±

    Nelly leaned against the doorway of the hideout and looked up at the stars in the sky.

    Tatiana: ¡°I¡¯ve been having nightmares recently, dreaming of him ¡ª I mean, my neighbor¡¯s brother, Aleksei. He¡¯s injured and looking at me. I ask him what happened, why he¡¯s here, and he doesn¡¯t speak, just looks at me and smiles. It¡¯s terrifying, as if he¡¯sing to say goodbye

 Chapter 621: If Life Has Deceived You (2)

    Chapter 621: Chapter 63 If Life Has Deceived You_2

    Nelly gently stroked the hair of the girl sitting on the ground, ¡°Maybe he really did sacrifice himself; this is hisst visit to see you.¡±

    Tatiana finally lost control and burst into loud sobs.

    Nelly raised her head and suddenly noticed a meteor streak across the starry sky.

    Then one meteor after another appeared, vanishing in the blink of an eye.

    She hurriedly called to Tatiana, ¡°Quick, look! Maybe this is the meteor shower Aleksei summoned for you.¡±

    The girl lifted her head, but her blurred, tear-filled eyes couldn¡¯t make out the stars.

    She hurriedly wiped her tears, only to leave streaks of ck marks on her face from her dirty hands.

    "Really, a meteor shower Suddenly, Tatiana shivered, ¡°I want to make a wish! Saint Andrew, please protect Alyosha, and if he has already sacrificed himself, then please bless me to fulfill his wish to invade Plowsonia.¡±Nelly, with her head tilted upward, whispered a wish to herself, but no one heard it.

    At that moment, the roar of engines came from the beachhead.

    Nelly turned her head and saw a T34 tank loaded with fully armed infantry cross over the ice.

    Someone was holding a shlight, checking if there were any cracks in the ice.

    More people heard the tank¡¯s roar and poked their heads out of the trenches, looking toward the riverbank.

    "The counterattack is starting!¡±

    "It¡¯s really starting!¡±

    People whispered among themselves.

    Four hours before the attack began.

    In the upied area of the Prosen Sixth Army Group, Captain Ivan knocked on the door of the farmhouse with the secret signal of three long, one short. ??¦Á¦­???¦¥?

    As soon as thest knock sounded, the door opened.

    "Come in quickly,¡± said the woman who opened the door as she stepped aside, and the captain entered. Then the woman stepped out, nced left and right, before returning to the house and closing the door.

    After the 51st Tank Army¡¯sst desperate assault, Captain Ivan had been hiding at the old woman¡¯s house, maintaining contact with the workers at the nearby station, and taking every chance to go out and sabotage.

    Tank operators were technically skilled soldiers capable of repairing tanks and handling demolitions, greatly enhancing the strength of the guerri forces.

    Captain Ivan went down to the cer, pushed aside the pots of pickled vegetables, and lightly tapped on the ground tile below, sending another coded signal.

    The tile was immediately removed, revealing adder below.

    Captain Ivan slipped down thedder to see that their guerri group had assembled.

    Everyone was surrounding a radio.

    "Any news?¡± he asked.

    The driver operating the radio shook his head, ¡°No, nothing yet; they¡¯ve just been ying music. Have you eaten?¡±

    "No.¡±

    "There¡¯s some food over there.¡±

    The captain turned his head and saw arge loaf of bread and sour cream on the table.

    He walked over, tore off a piece of bread, and started eating it with sour cream.

    At that moment, the music on the radio suddenly stopped, and the announcer said, ¡°Next, we¡¯ll y a special program for the people in the upied Area. Today is the Antean literature feature, we hope you don¡¯t forget that you are Antean.

    "The first piece, ¡®I Meet You at Sunset,¡¯ by Polok. I meet you at sunset, your oar breaking the silence of the river bend

    Captain Ivan chewed on rye bread and asked, ¡°Got any pickles?¡±

    "No more, the Prosen soldiers came today and took everything, this rye bread was only spared because it was hidden in a secret spot.¡±

    "Sukabule, those Prosen mutts, they¡¯ll see what¡¯sing when we counterattack!¡±

    At that moment from the radio, the broadcaster said, ¡°Our second piece, ¡®If life has deceived you,¡¯ by Anonymous.¡±

    Captain Ivan stopped, maintaining the pose of biting bread, and stared at the radio.

    Everyone else in the room also halted their movements and fixed their gaze on the radio.

    The broadcaster, ¡°If life has deceived you, do not be sad, do not be enraged, believe that joyful days are soon to arrive. Winter hase, can spring be far behind?¡±

    Captain Ivan threw the bread onto the table with a thud.

    "Quick! Attack today!¡±

    The driver turned off the radio, opened the secretpartment with weapons, and took out the hidden MP40s one after another, distributing them to everyone.

    "Remember, any chaos we create will help the frontal attack! So give it your all, wreak havoc everywhere!¡± After arming himself, Ivan looked around the basement, surveying each face, ¡°Either we¡¯ll see each other in the Martyrs¡¯ Cemetery, or in Plowsonia! Move out, Davarish!¡±

    Five minutes before the attack.

    Wang Zhong paced back and forth in the Headquarters.@@novelbin@@

    "What¡¯s the matter, getting nervous now at this time?¡± Popov teased.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The most important thing I¡¯ve learned over this past year is that, in this world, no battle ever unfolds ording to n. If something can go wrong, it will go wrong.¡±

    As soon as he had finished speaking, Pavlov put down the handset, ¡°All the troops are ready, we can begin now.¡±

    Wang Zhong checked the time and said, ¡°I want to address the whole army.¡±

    Pavlov picked up the handset again, ¡°The Commander wants to address the whole army, connect the phone to everyone.¡±

    After a while, he handed the handset to Wang Zhong, ¡°Ready.¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the handset, ¡°Davarish, this is Alexei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky. Last year, also in winter, I personallymanded the counter-offensive around Yeburg, sessfully encircling a hundred thousand enemy troops.

    "Today, our target is the enemy¡¯s Sixth Army Group, who, in addition to their original forces, have been reinforced by several army units arriving consecutively. There might be as many as four hundred thousand Prosens inside our intended encirclement.

    "Furthermore, there are about two hundred thousand Moravian troops they consider as a servant army. And our forcesmitting to this offensive? One point two million.

    "Earlier this year, the proud Prosenians imed that it would take five Antean Warriors to kill one Prosen Soldier. ording to that calction, we are but eggs against rocks, destined to fail swiftly.

    "I must admit, the Prosens are indeed excellent soldiers, and we trulyck experience in warfare; over the past year, we¡¯ve performed very poorly.

    "Maybe we really can¡¯t digest these six hundred thousand Prosenians.

    "But, after such a prolonged war of attrition, we¡¯ve umted favorable conditions for annihting the enemy. It¡¯s like a concave mirror facing the scorching sun, the light intensified hundreds, thousands of times to one point, white-hot, it cannot but ignite!

    "This so-called strategic battle is a gamble on the fate of the nation, the destiny of the army. The word ¡®gamble¡¯ is not pleasing, but I can find no better word to rece it!

    "It¡¯s just that¡ªa snap of the fingers, and the bet is ced!¡±

    Wang Zhong paused and nced at everyone in the Headquarters.

    He continued, ¡°That is exactly why, as the moment approaches, my heart cannot help but thump. What¡¯s the rationale here? What is the heart thumping for?

    "We are not afraid of burning, we are not afraid of bing white-hot! We are not afraid of scalding here, scalding there!

    "Six hundred thousand Prosenian troops, they are undercooked rice in the pot; even if undercooked, we must swallow them down!

    "Fire the artillery!¡±

 Chapter 622: The Tide of Anger

    Chapter 622: Chapter 64: The Tide of Anger

    The point of departure for the attack.

    When the artillery batteries in the rear began firing, the ground itself trembled.

    The T34 tanks, painted with snow camouge, formed a loose formation to cross the river. Tank operators all emerged from the hatches, looking back.

    "Good lord, this is more than enough for the Prosen devils.¡±

    "I heard we¡¯ve concentrated thousands of pieces of heavy artillery. General Rocosov said he wants to erase the enemy¡¯s trenches directly from their positions.¡±

    "Really? Is that true? Wouldn¡¯t that shave off three meters of soil from the positions?¡±

    At that moment, a messenger on horseback raced down from upstream, shouting as he rode, ¡°Start your engines, start your engines! Final check! Start your engines!¡±

    As the messenger passed by, the roar of engines came to life, and tank exhaust pipes spewed thick ck smoke.The entire river bank was filled with the thunderous sound of engines, at times even drowning out the noise of the artillery.

    Then the rocket artillery fired.

    Rivers of fire surged toward the opposite side, like a meteor shower rising against the current. The howling of the rockets overpowered the sound of the engines.

    Headquarters of the Sixth Army Group of Prosen.

    General William von Frederick¡ªa General¡ªwas jolted awake from his sleep. He had been suffering from insomnia since the day before and was so exhaustedst night that he didn¡¯t even want to take off his clothes, simply lying down on his bed as he was.

    As a result, he seemed to have caught a cold, sneezing several times the moment he sat up.

    He didn¡¯t bother to wipe the mucus and spit that shot out but went straight to the window and looked out.

    There was still some time before dawn, but the night sky was already lit up by shes of light.

    Continuous shes of light in the direction of the horizon were apanied by the rumbling ¡°thunder.¡±

    General Frederick held his forehead, ¡°It¡¯s over, I just knew Rocosov was going to attack.¡±

    The orderly standing behind him eximed in shock, ¡°Rocosov is attacking?¡±

    "What else could this be?¡± the General pointed toward the distant twinkling lights, ¡°Christmas fireworks? But the Anteans¡¯ Christmas isn¡¯t until the seventh of January next year! Aren¡¯t these fireworks a bit early?¡±

    The orderly was silent for a few seconds before asking, ¡°What do we do now?¡±

    General Frederick said, ¡°There¡¯s nothing we can do. We should have retreated when the snow stopped. Since we didn¡¯t retreat then, our fate was already sealed. Rocosov deliberately let us capture a Red g and gave me the rank of General, and now it¡¯s time for me to pay the price.¡± ???N????

    The General returned to the bed and sat down with a yawn.

    The orderly wanted to close the window but was stopped, ¡°No, no need to close the window. I haven¡¯t slept well for days. Now, if I leave the window open and let the sound of artillery fire in, I expect I¡¯ll get some decent sleep.¡±

    "What?¡± the orderly questioned, as if doubting his ears, ¡°This

    The General said, ¡°It¡¯s like the person upstairs who has to drop their boots every day. You need to hear two ¡®thumps¡¯ before you can sleep peacefully. If suddenly there¡¯s only one thump, you can only sit restlessly waiting for the second. Without it, you can¡¯t sleep.¡±

    The orderly stared wide-eyed, ¡°You want to sleep now?¡±

    "Yes, what else can I do? I don¡¯t have any reserves on hand. The Armored Army that was supposed to reinforce us has been dragging its feet on the way and hasn¡¯t arrived yet. Other units have been heavily depleted. The remaining men are gaunt, looking like a bunch of skeletons. Equipment is also almost entirely lost. One Armored Division submitted a ten-day report yesterday¡ªthey only have seven tanks ready forbat.

    "Seven! What am I supposed to use against Rocosov¡¯s million-strong army and his hundreds, thousands of tanks? Clearly, our air reconnaissance photographed so many tanks, yet High Command insists they were decoys!

    "Even if our tank operators could destroy all of the enemy tanks, we no longer have enough armor-piercing shells! They¡¯re all gone! So, tell me, what can I do other than sleep?¡±

    The orderly hesitated before saying, ¡°You could at least try to boost morale. Maybe a miracle will happen.¡±

    General Frederick sat silently on his campaign bed, as if conflicted.

    At that moment, the Chief of Staff of the Army Group burst into the bedroom, ¡°General! The enemy hasunched a full-scale attack. ording to the information we have, they¡¯re bombarding the Moravian troops and also the coast of the Ind Sea.¡±

    "They¡¯rending on the coast, aiming for a pincer movement,¡± General Frederick sighed, ¡°He¡¯s really picked up our tactics, different from General Gorky of the Western Front Army.¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°What do we do?¡±

    General Frederick said, ¡°We can¡­erm, send a telegram to the Army Group Command letting them know we¡¯re about to be surrounded and annihted.¡±

    "That¡¯s it?¡± The Chief of Staff¡¯s eyes widened like a fish out of water, bulging.

    General Frederick: ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±

    Watching the Chief of Staff¡¯s expression grow increasingly despondent, the General stood up, ¡°Well, we still have to struggle a bit. In response to the enemy¡¯s potential pincer movement, we¡¯ve had the Eighth Infantry Army fortify key positions. Maybe that will slow them down until the New Armored Army, which has been dragging its feet, arrives.¡±

    "Do we resist?¡± the Chief of Staff asked, ¡°Are we really going to resist?¡±

    "Yes, we can¡¯t let Rocosov eat us so easily. Even if just for the honor of a soldier, we should struggle.¡±

    After a brief pause, the General added, ¡°Also, begin preparations for a breakout with the other units. It¡¯s not impossible to break free if other unitse to our rescue.¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    November 20, 0900 hours, Position of the First Infantry Division of the First Army Group of Moravia.

    The entire position no longer existed, the terrifying heavy artillery had ttened the entire hill, and the trenches that were originally one person deep were sted to only 50 centimeters deep.

    Such trenches could hardly provide much cover for adult males.

    The distant roar of engines could be heard, but there was no one on the position shouting ¡°Prepare for battle¡±.

    The Moravians had already abandoned the position, disappearing without a trace.

    Arge number of T34s appeared from the dawn, thundering onto the position, crushing the bodies and helmets left on the position, and heading towards the vast snowy ins behind the position.

    The cavalry army coordinated with the armored troops to form a retro wedge formation, as if a ck tide swept across the snowy in.

    After the tanks and cavalry charged through, the position remained quiet for a long time, until Stiponk trucks carrying battlefield cleaning personnel arrived at the position.

    "How strange,¡± said the worker who got off the truck, puzzled, ¡°no corpses of our troops?¡±

    "How could that be!¡± The Priest who led the team cursed as he walked up to the worker, then froze.

    The Priest¡¯s gaze swept back and forth across the position, and finally, confused, he took off his hat: ¡°Am I seeing ghosts? How could there be no corpses of our own troops? Are the Moravians that ipetent?¡±

    Worker: ¡°Yeah, before we set off, the Commander mentioned something about ¡®undercooked rice¡¯, which I don¡¯t understand ¨C probably means it¡¯s hard to fight with heavy casualties, right? I thought I¡¯d be collecting the bodies of our goodds again, but¡­ Priest, what do we do now?¡±

    The Priest took out a cigarette, struck a match to light it, took a deep drag, and then answered: ¡°Collect the enemy¡¯s corpses, of course. Leaving them unattended is asking for an epidemic.¡±

    Abawahan Front Army Headquarters, 1000 hours.

    "The Moravian troops have disintegrated,¡± Pavlov threw the report in front of Wang Zhong, ¡°Currently, we only encountered firm resistance at Badayev, and the armored troops have bypassed it as ordered.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Prosen infantry specialize in defense, and they won¡¯t use infantry to attack in the open field. We can confidently bypass the enemy¡¯s strong points and let the heavy artillery handle it.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°You¡¯re not going to drive your prototype vehicle again, are you?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You know the condition of my prototype vehicle.¡±

    He had used the 422 prototype vehicle so intensely before that the maintenance department reported it had to be sent back to the factory for repairs; a simple engine recement at the front wouldn¡¯t suffice.

    "When I get back, I¡¯m going to severely criticize the designers. This reliability is uneptable!¡± Wang Zhong said.

    Popov: ¡°I think it¡¯s quite something already. You¡¯ve been racing around in the city for so long, taken so many armor-piercing shells, and it¡¯s only just broken down@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Strive for perfection, right?¡±

    At that moment, a staff officer came over with a report and handed it to Pavlov.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    "Our assault spearhead has encountered the Prosen armored troops.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Bypass them, their current state means most of their tanks will be stranded after a short maneuver in the open field.¡±

    "No,¡± Pavlov handed the clipboard with the report to Wang Zhong, ¡°See for yourself, we have destroyed a Prosen Armored Division.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°What? How is that possible

    Then he saw the number of destroyed tanks written in the report: 5.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How is this possible!¡±

    "That division only had five tanks left that could be deployed,¡± Pavlov said, ¡°Look at our losses ¨C to destroy these five tanks, we lost 22 T34s.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°A nearly four to one casualty ratio?¡±

    Popov: ¡°It¡¯s an improvement fromst year.¡±

    Wang Zhong, with aplex expression, put down the clipboard, stood up, and paced around the headquarters: ¡°Although we have destroyed an enemy Armored Division, I can¡¯t feel happy about it, gentlemen, I just can¡¯t. Over here we have the Guards Tank Army Group! Guards! This means arge part of the crew are experienced veterans.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°I heard that T34 production is stopping next year, and the units are receiving the T34W model with amander.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But even the T34W doesn¡¯t have the advantage against armor-piercing rounds anymore. Plus, the Prosen¡¯s new tanks should also be reaching the front lines.¡±

    Previously in Yeisk, Wang Zhong¡¯s Whirlwind had taken out the Tiger Prototypes that came to the front lines for testing. The Prosen side would definitely have to redesign, and who knows what they woulde up with.

    As Wang Zhong pondered, another staff officer ran over with a report, hesitated for a moment, but still bypassed Wang Zhong in his path and handed the report to Pavlov.

    Pavlov nced at the report and said, ¡°Thending operation at sea has also seeded. Now it¡¯s truly an encirclement campaign. It seems we can move up our ns.¡±

    Originally, Wang Zhong¡¯s n was to close the encirclement in 72 hours.

    Pavlov went to the map and looked at the situation being updated by the staff, and said to Wang Zhong: ¡°Maybe in 48 hours, we¡¯ll be able to seal the pocket.¡±

 Chapter 623: The First 24 Hours

    Chapter 623: Chapter 65 The First 24 Hours

    Badayev Vige, the Prosen 8th Infantry Army¡¯s 151st Infantry Division was holding its ground in the vige.

    The main reason a division was now defending a vige was because their troop strength had been severely reduced, and they currently only had enough soldiers for a battalion.

    However, the survivors were mostly experienced veterans, so despite their diminished numbers, they were defending the vige quite effectively.

    But after confirming that they would encounter determined resistance here, the Anteans left only a small alert force behind and bypassed the vige to continue advancing.

    Brigadier Hauson, the actingmander of the 151st Division, looked at the former divisionmander who had been killed by a bomb, and decided not to provoke the Antean Armored Troops on the snowfields for the time being.

    So, for the rest of the morning on the 20th, Badayev Vige became eerily calm like the eye of a typhoon, surrounded by the sound of artillery, yet it remained quiet enough to be frightening.

    By the way, the 151st Division¡¯s telephonemunication with the Military Department had been down since the attack began and had not been restored. Initially, themunicationspany had sent personnel to check the phone lines, but those who went also lost contact.

    As for now, it was clear what would happen to anyone leaving the vige to check the lines, so themunicationspany gave up on repairing the phone lines and instead focused on securing radio and wirelessmunication.By noon, fuel for the generators was running low, and even radio and wirelessmunication had to be stopped.

    The 151st Division had be a truly isted stronghold. Surrounded by Antean Armored Troops that did not attack, they dared not venture out, and they were unaware of the situation of friendly forces nearby.

    At two o¡¯clock in the afternoon, the observation post on the vige high point reported to division headquarters thatrge infantry forces had appeared around the vige and hadpletely encircled it.

    The Antean Armored Troops that were previously monitoring the vige seemed to have stayed to support the infantry.

    Acting Commander Hauson ordered his men to be ready to repel an enemy assault at any moment.

    However, by the end of the day, the Anteans had not attacked Badayev Vige.

    At 2200 hours on the 20th, Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov summarized the situation, ¡°At present, the enemy¡¯s defensive will at several support points is very strong, but due to terrain issues, we have bypassed these points.¡± ?a??????

    Popov said, ¡°This isn¡¯t good news, though. We could bypass the support points because the entire terrain is t as a pancake, the grass has been ttened by the snow, and the ground has frozen solid, allowing our tanks and transport vehicles to move without obstacles.

    "When the enemy tries to break the siege, our defensive pressure will be enormous.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Indeed. The enemy¡¯s 15th Armored Army, which might be used to break the siege, has not entered the encirclement, and that¡¯s the only w in our entire n. If a fully equipped armored armyes to the rescue, our blocking force will be under a lot of pressure.¡±

    Actually, when Wang Zhong received the news that the 15th Armored Army was on its way, he had been hoping to encircle it as well, devouring three of the enemy¡¯s armored armies at once and destroying a quarter of the enemy¡¯s armored strength on the Eastern Front. After that, the enemy would be passive on the entire Southern Front.

    However, even if Wang Zhong issued an order for the Air Force to deliberately let the 15th Armored Army through, without obstructing their advance, the army was still moving sluggishly, as if they had seen through the impending encirclement of the Sixth Army Group.

    If this army suddenly sped up and arrived behind the encirclement forces, that would be disastrous.

    Pavlov said, ¡°We¡¯ve diverted arge number of anti-tank forces, including two Whirlwind battalions, and deployed them on the blocking line. Our Cavalry has prated deep into the grasnds, exploiting their low dependence on supplies to attack the enemy¡¯s supply lines.

    "This army should not be able to breach our defenses.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°The blocking forces should hurry to repair the fortifications to ensure the annihtion operation against the Sixth Army Group goes smoothly. Once the encirclement isplete, we can move the tank units to the blocking line and act ordingly.¡±

    Popov asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t we deploying tank units in the battle to encircle and annihte the enemy?¡±

    "Deploy, of course, but not so many are needed; tanks are better utilized in the open field,¡± Wang Zhong walked over to the map, looking at the massbeled Sixth Army Group. ¡°Moreover, time is on our side. Perhaps we can consider not attacking the Sixth Army Group immediately but instead devour the enemy¡¯s reinforcements.¡±

    Pavlov interjected, ¡°Indeed, the Sixth Army Group¡¯s supplies should be running out soon, perhaps we can persuade them to surrender through siege and psychological warfare. But isn¡¯t it too ambitious to aim to encircle the enemy¡¯s relief forces? We are still at a disadvantage in terms of casualty exchange with the enemy. Consider that Prosen Tank toon that destroyed 22 of our tanks.¡±

    In reality, it was a tank division, but only five tanks (one toon) were left.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Let¡¯s surround them for a few days first; we have more shells than we can use. Bombard them daily, break them down with artillery, andbine that with psychological warfare. Also, all units should be ready for a forceful assault; if things turn bad, we¡¯ll initiate encirclement warfare.¡±

    "Agreed,¡± Pavlov nodded. ¡°Another issue, are we not going to attack those strong points?¡±

    Wang Zhong answered, ¡°They hardly have any more assault guns to break through with. Shall we just surround them and feed them a few thousand shells every day?¡±

    At Saint Ye Katerina Fortress, in the Summer Pce.

    "Why haven¡¯t I heard the news of victory today?¡± Olga questioned General Tugenev, ¡°When can I bestow the rank of General onto my dear brother?¡±

    General Tugenev forced a bitter smile, ¡°The battle must proceed step by step; the encirclement isn¡¯t evenplete yet. ording to the Front Army¡¯s operational n, it will take 72 hours toplete the encirclement, and we haven¡¯t even finished the first 24 hours, my dear Emperor.¡±

    Olga asked, ¡°What will the newspapers say tomorrow then? That it will take another 48 hours for the encirclement to beplete?¡±

    "They will say that Kutuzov¡¯s operation has begun and is progressing smoothly, with Rocossov blowing the horn for a counterattack.¡±

    Olga inquired, ¡°Last time his operation was codenamed Suvorov, this time it¡¯s Kutuzov, is it going to be Bagration next time?¡±

    Tugenev replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know; you should be clearer on this than I am.¡±

    Olga frowned, ¡°Don¡¯t make it sound as if I have a lot of private interactions with him. I would like to, but he ignores me.¡±

    Tugenev looked at Olga, blinking rapidly as if he wanted to say something but hesitated.

    At the heart of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.@@novelbin@@

    The then Emperor questioned while mming the table, ¡°So when can Steiner¡¯s 15th Armored Armyunch an attack?¡±

    Celtic Marshal replied, ¡°Currently, half of their tanks are under repair. The guerris have destroyed the repair factories on the road and caused massive casualties among the repair personnel. Relying solely on the 15th Armored Army¡¯s own support forces, it¡¯s impossible to handle a 500-kilometer field maneuver.¡±

    "What about the highways?¡± the Emperor queried.

    "Since the snowfall began, there¡¯s not much difference between highway and field mobility because the roads in Ante are very poor.¡±

    The Emperor eximed, ¡°I didn¡¯t know our tanks were such fragile things!¡±

    "Your Majesty,¡± Marshal Bryan began, ¡°a 500-kilometer operational distance would cause any country¡¯s tanks to break down by half. This distance should be covered by tank transporters or by establishing aprehensive battlefield rapid repair system to cope with it. But we have neither.¡±

    The Emperor said, ¡°Then let¡¯s attack with the remaining half of the tanks. The enemy can only intercept the 15th Army in the wilderness, and we have always been at an advantage in the wilderness!¡±

    Marshal Bryan responded, ¡°But the enemy has new-model assault guns, and we¡¯re no longer at an advantage in the wilderness shootouts. Many reports indicate that the enemy forces are increasingly equipped with new-model assault guns.¡±

    The Emperor asked, ¡°So, we just do nothing? Wait for the Imperial Academy of Sciences toe up with a tank that canpete with the enemy¡¯s assault guns before we take the next step? Is this still the proud Prosen military?¡±

    It was then that General Ma Qi, the Armored Corps Director, stated, ¡°The 15th Armored Army is equipped with Panzer IV tanks with new 48-caliber cannons, not the previous 43-caliber 75mm cannon. They should be able to prate the frontal armor of the new enemy assault guns.¡±

    Caliber ratio, which is the length of the gun barrel, is a multiple of the caliber.

    Generally, the longer the caliber ratio of a gun, the better its armor-piercing capability.

    "Look! The Armored Corps Director says so too. Order Steiner to attack! As long as Steiner attacks, everything will improve! We can rescue the Sixth Army Group and get them out intact!¡±

    Celtic Marshal said with a helpless look, ¡°I will draft a telegram immediately, ordering the 15th Armored Army tounch an attack tomorrow.¡±

    "Very well!¡± sighed the Emperor. ¡°Krat Bureau gave us two different pieces of intelligence, and we ultimately believed the report that Rocossov was just bluffing. That was our error in intelligence interpretation.¡±

    At that moment, Giles shook his head, ¡°No, we were tricked by Rocossov¡¯s deception. He clearly exposed his tanks in the snow on purpose, creating a misjudgment for us who have been fooled once before. He yed us.¡±

    The Emperor fell silent for a while as if he was reluctant to admit that he had been yed.

    Eventually, he spoke up, ¡°Yes, we were yed, fooled as easily as simpletons.¡±

    Marshal Bryan added, ¡°In fact, if we hadn¡¯t captured his banner, we wouldn¡¯t have been so naively convinced that he had reached his limit.¡±

    Everyone fell silent.

    Finally, the Emperor said, ¡°In any case, we must first rescue the Sixth Army Group. It¡¯s not yet time to despair! I need to dispatch an outstanding officer to the front tomand the breakout. Do you have any rmendations?¡±

    Celtic Marshal suggested, ¡°General Erik von Xiplin is capable of undertaking this task. In June, hemanded the Eleventh Army Group in the Coastal Region and sessfully encircled the enemy¡¯s heavy forces. Also, his performance in the Northern Army Group was quitemendable, having encircled two enemy army groups at Bankara Lake.¡±

    "Then let him do it. What is the Eleventh Army Group currently doing?¡±

    Marshal Bryan reported, ¡°They¡¯re under the A Army Group, preparing to attack Mount Raoul, but the heavy snow has halted their offense. Regardless, it¡¯s toote to redeploy the Eleventh Army Group now.¡±

    "Alright then, establish a new Army Group for him and incorporate all the troops that can participate in the rescue. Tell him that he must rescue the Sixth Army Group before Christmas, no matter what!¡±

    Although the Antean encirclement was not yetplete, the Emperor¡¯s tone had already conceded that the Sixth Army Group was surrounded.

    The generals present exchanged nces, but no one spoke.

 Chapter 624: Trapped Beast

    Chapter 624: Chapter 66: Trapped Beast

    "November 22, 0100 hours, in the southwestern vige below Perka in Abawahan.

    The roaring of engines made the residents push open their windows, looking out at the vige road piled with snow.

    A T34 came from the northwest of the vige road, its tracks flinging snow directly onto the faces of the infantry closely following the tank.

    The infantry on the back of the tank had nearly filled up the radiator grille, probably because it was a bit warmer on the grille. Anyway, with the temperature at minus forty degrees, there was no need to worry about covering up the grille and causing the engine to overheat.

    The tank rumbled toward the central square of the vige¡ªthe square in front of the church to be precise, where vige assemblies were held for any events, and so over time, it came to be called that.

    When the tank entered the central square, a Willys Jeep belonging to the Naval Infantry drove in from another vige road, packed with six burly Naval Infantrymen. Seeing the tank, the infantrymen immediately jumped from the Jeep and waded through the snow toward the tank.

    "Hey!¡± the leading infantryman raised his hands, ¡°Are you the vanguard of the Guard First Tank Army Group?¡±

    "Yes! Are you guys from the 300th Naval Infantry Brigade?¡±"That¡¯s us! We knew it was you when we heard the engines! The Prosen have no tanks left that can move!¡±

    The tank turned on its headlights, illuminating arge expanse of snow ahead, and not to be outdone, the Willys Jeep also switched on its lights, making the central square as bright as day.

    More Naval Infantry streamed into the square, while a second tank followed the tracks of the first one into the square.

    The two groups embraced each other, and some even took out vodka secretly stashed in their sks to share with theirrades.

    Everyone celebrated this unprecedentedrge encirclement since the operation began.

    Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    The staff officer entered with a report in hand, a broad smile on his face.

    Pavlov took the report, but didn¡¯t rush to read it and instead asked the staff, ¡°What¡¯s the smile for?¡±

    The staff officer beamed, ¡°The pincer movement has closed, Chief of Staff Davarish, we have encircled hundreds of thousands of enemy troops!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Victory has not yet been achieved. The enemy¡¯s Armored Army has already arrived at our doorstep. Yesterday, the unit responsible for the blocking action reported that it had encountered the enemy¡¯s armored reconnaissance team. It¡¯s too early to be happy now.¡±

    The staff officer immediately straightened his face, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, General. I just¡­ I just thought of therades who were sacrificed, and I couldn¡¯t help but

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I know, who isn¡¯t like that? Do your job well, and don¡¯t let joy cause mistakes in your work.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t it be my job to warn them of this? You really don¡¯t hold back when ites to taking my work.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t respond but instead looked worriedly at the marker outside the encirclement representing the 15th Armored Army.

    He said, ¡°I¡¯ll take another Pe-3 to do some reconnaissance, find the enemy¡¯s ammunition or fuel depot, and deploy the Air Force¡ªor Commando¡ªto bomb them.¡± ??????¨º£Ó

    "Agreed.¡± Pavlov said, ¡°That¡¯s an extrayer of insurance; we can¡¯t put all our hopes on Whirlwind.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and left, calling out to Grigori as he walked, ¡°Grigori,e with me to the airport.¡±

    "Alright.¡±

    Prosen Sixth Army Group Headquarters.

    William Frederick picked up a can from the table, looked inside, and snorted, ¡°Soybeans, I can¡¯t believe I have to eat soybean cans.¡±

    Orderly, ¡°The logistics department says the Guard Corps will start ughtering horses tomorrow. Some units have even begun catching rats or field mice to eat.¡±

    As he finished speaking, the Chief of Staff interjected, ¡°We have been running short on supplies for more than a day or two. If the 15th Armored Army cannot break through the encirclement in the next few days, we

    Amunications staff officer ran in, ¡°Telegram from the 15th Armored Army.¡±

    "Read!¡± General Frederick ordered aloud.

    "To General Frederick, my unit is awaiting the arrival of the new Commander, Vice Admiral Erik von Xiplin, who will coordinate our forces for the assault. He organized the June seaside annihtion battle and the October Northern Army Group annihtion operation. I believe he can surely lead our unit to prate Ante¡¯s defenses and rescue your unit from dire straits.¡±

    General Frederick scoffed, ¡°Rescue us from dire straits? Steiner, the corpsmander, is probably relieved that he always dragged his feet, so he didn¡¯t fall into Rocossov¡¯s trap with us!

    "Why doesn¡¯t he think if he had his armored corps with us, we might actually have broken through thatst five hundred meters and stormed into Rocossov¡¯s real death trap? Five hundred meters! It¡¯s because of people like him dragging their feet that we couldn¡¯t make it past those five hundred meters!¡±

    Chief of Staff, ¡°You were promoted for capturing a Red g, others are bound to have opinions.¡±

    General Frederick, ¡°That was a sweetener Rocossov gave to keep us in ce and prevent us from retreating. Can¡¯t they see that?¡±

    No one answered.

    Erik von Xiplin, the admiral, entered the recently established Erik von Xiplin Command Center and looked at the group of officers already waiting there.

    Among them were Vice Admiral Steiner, corpsmander of the 15th Armored Army, Vice Admiral Schmidt, corpsmander of the 25th Infantry Army, and others.

    The Chief of Staff assigned to him greeted him on behalf of everyone, ¡°Your Excellency! We wanted to wee you at the airport, but the airport reported that it was strafed by the Antean Air Force, and for safety reasons

    "You were right not to go; your presence at the airport wouldn¡¯t have made any difference.¡± Erik von Xiplin went behind the desk, took off his gloves neatly, ced them on the desk, and then unfastened his order buckle with his hands.

    "The Air Force?¡± he asked.

    "It has been greatly helpful.¡±

    "Armored forces?¡±

    "The 15th Armored Army currently has half of its tanks ready forbat, which includes thetest long-barreled Fours.¡±

    "Infantry?¡±

    "One hundred thousand men, all veterans.¡±

    "Supplies?¡±

    "Still reasonably sufficient.¡±

    "Morale?¡±

    The Chief of Staff, who had been responding smoothly until now, fell silent.

    Erik von Xiplin sighed, ¡°No morale, yes, after all, the troops have been freezing in the ice and snow for so long, supplies are not good, and the enemy has justunched a massive attack, I can understand.¡±

    "There is one division whose morale is still not bad,¡± the Chief of Staff said, ¡°the 16th Armored Grenadiers Division responsible for guarding the vast prairie between the A and B Army Groups has high spirits; we could let them spearhead the counterattack.¡±

    Xiplin frowned, ¡°The 16th Armored Grenadiers Division? I seem to have an impression of them, are they marked with a hound?¡±

    "Yes, their nickname is Greyhound,¡± the Chief of Staff answered.

    Xiplin thought for a while and said, ¡°Send a message to the High Command asking for the Greyhound Division to be assigned to us. Whether we¡¯ll be able to get them or not is another matter. Now let¡¯s address the supply issues. What¡¯s causing the poor supply situation?¡±

    "Precision bombing by the enemy¡¯s Air Force, cavalry units attacking covertly from the frozen Valdai Hills River, and continuous sabotage by guerris,¡± the Chief of Staff replied, obviously well-prepared.

    Admiral Xiplin, ¡°Let¡¯s solve them one by one. Didn¡¯t we get full support from the Air Force? Let the Air Force cover our supply lines, deploy the Constitutional Guards, andpletely eradicate the guerris. As for the cavalry units crossing the ice

    The admiral fell silent for a moment and then shook his head, ¡°We will just have to deploy additional escort troops. It¡¯s really unimaginable, at this point in time, that I still have to worry about cavalry units. If the folks back home knew about this, they would be incredulously surprised. When we attacked Mnia, our propaganda department mocked Mnia¡¯s cavalry for hacking at tanks with sabers!¡±

    Everyone kept a straight face.

    In reality,st year during the Yeburg counterattack, the Anteans had usedrge numbers of cavalry units, taking full advantage of their characteristics and creating plenty of trouble for the Prosen forces.

    And now, the damn situation in the Nan¡¯ant prairies was giving the cavalry even more room to maneuver.

    Admiral Xiplin, ¡°Anyway, let¡¯s get moving and solve the problems one by one. General Steiner, when can your troops attack?¡±

    "We can do it tomorrow, but our reconnaissance units have found that the enemy has set up a defensive line with those bothersome new assault guns, and many well-hidden anti-tank guns.

    "To break through this line, we need the support of heavy artillery!¡±

    At this moment, the telephone on the desk rang. Admiral Xiplin answered, ¡°This is Xiplin, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    "Air defense outpost has spotted a red-colored Pe-2 bomber (misidentified by the enemy) flying toward headquarters, be alert for air defense!¡±

    Xiplin, ¡°A red Pe-2? Isn¡¯t it a Pe-3 reconnaissance model? It is said that Rocossov himself flies reconnaissance missions in that aircraft.¡±

    Saying so, he left the desk, walked briskly to the window, and yanked it open, allowing the cold wind to rush in.

    Just then, a red twin-engine ¡°bomber¡± entered his field of vision.

    The ne was as fast as lightning, seemingly three times the speed of the normal Pe-2 bomber.

    It shed past Xiplin¡¯s view in an instant.

    But Xiplin always felt as if he had made eye contact with the person in the rear seat of the aircraft,

    Xiplin, ¡°Headquarters must move immediately.¡±

    "Now?¡± The Chief of Staff was astonished, ¡°This will severely affect all our preparations! Just because an enemy reconnaissance aircraft swept overhead?¡±

    Xiplin, ¡°Carry out the order. If Rocossov himself is conducting the reconnaissance, this ce has most likely been spotted, and next, he will send bombers to focus on this location, which will cause even greater dys in our work.¡±

    Having said that, he turned to Steiner, ¡°You will get artillery support, a probing attack must beunched tomorrow.¡±

    Steiner looked troubled, ¡°Just give me one more day, and I could repair dozens more tanks, increasing our attacking strength.¡±

    "Carry out the order, attack tomorrow,¡± Xiplin said with a tone that brooked no doubt.

 Chapter 625: I Have More Cannons, What, Youre Not Convinced?

    Chapter 625: Chapter 67: I Have More Cannons, What, You¡¯re Not Convinced?

    November 23, 0800 hours, outside the encirclement of the Abawahan Front Army.

    The divisionmander of the Eleventh Guards Infantry watched the snow-covered ins ahead through binocrs from a forward observation post.

    Just then, a whistling sound came from the sky, marking the start of the Prosen artillery bombardment.

    The divisionmander put down his binocrs, listened for a few seconds, and asked the staff officer, ¡°Do you hear the explosion of 210mm shells?¡±

    "It doesn¡¯t seem so,¡± the staff officer replied. ¡°Only 150mm guns.¡±

    The divisionmander listened again and shook his head, ¡°The density of fire is not high either; it feels like only one division¡¯splement of artillery is pounding us. They certainly underestimate the bomb shelters we dug in the permafrost. This level of bombardment is ineffective.¡±

    At that moment, the battalionmander of the Second Guards Tank Destroyer Brigade, who was defending this sector with the Eleventh Division, entered the shelter, ¡°The bombardment has started, but why does it feel like the intensity of the fire is inadequate?¡±

    "Indeed.¡± The divisionmander smiled, ¡°The enemy probably doesn¡¯t have much artillery ammunition left. Let¡¯s show them what a real fire preparation is.¡±He then picked up the phone, ¡°Hello, artillery battalion, this is Division Commander Lialkov. Has the High Command sent the reinforcements for our heavy artillery? They have? Great, use the coordinates we calcted earlier for counter-bombardment. What? How much ammunition? Spend one third of our current stock; save the rest.

    "You say one third canst for four hours? Then fire for four hours. Let the enemy either wait four hours or move through the barrage¡ªlet them choose. That¡¯s it.¡±

    After hanging up, Lialkov looked at the battalionmander, ¡°I¡¯m curious to see whether the Prosen soldiers are truly the ¡®steel warriors¡¯ they im to be.¡±

    The battalionmanderughed, ¡°That¡¯s definitely not the case. I faced their tank units head-on when I was with the Western Front Army. After they realized they couldn¡¯t cope with the Whirlwind, they broke down. They fear death just like anyone else.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, a whistling sound of shells tearing through the sky contrasted sharply with the continuous fall of enemy shells on their position.

    At General Xiplin¡¯s temporary headquarters

    General Xiplin frowned as he looked at the breakfast brought by the orderly, ¡°Is this all we have for breakfast?¡±

    "We have tried our best,¡± the orderly replied.

    Xiplin remained silent for a few seconds before speaking, ¡°I want to eat the same food as the soldiers. Distribute this food to the guards. From today onward, all officers must eat the same as the soldiers.¡± ???O??¨¨??

    The senior officers in the room exchanged nces, some quickly wiping the corners of their mouths, fearing remnants of the day¡¯s breakfast might still be lingering.

    "Yes,¡± the orderly paused, ¡°This amount of food can¡¯t be shared with the soldiers, you better eat it. Starting next meal, I¡¯ll prepare what the soldiers have.¡±

    Xiplin nodded, took a bite of bread, and asked while chewing, ¡°How is the Fifteenth Army¡¯s assault going?¡±

    "They are currently undergoing artillery preparation, but the enemy is responding with twice the density of fire. Fortunately, the Fifteenth Armored Army didn¡¯t start from our regr attack positions, given their experience,¡± the chief of staff reported. ¡°Currently, they report a very dense fire just in front of the deployment area.¡±

    Xiplin replied, ¡°The fire will not be permanent; let them patiently await their moment. What about the Sixth Army Group? We can¡¯t just attack on our own; they must alsounch an assault on the other side!¡±

    The chief of staff appeared troubled, ¡°The Sixth Army Group¡­ says they don¡¯t have enough ammunition and tanks tounch an attack.¡±

    Xiplin looked up sharply, ¡°What?¡±

    "They don¡¯t have ammunition and tanks; they can¡¯t attack.¡±

    Xiplin sighed, ¡°Send a telegram to the High Command, ask them to find a way to solve the Sixth Army Group¡¯s supply issues.¡±

    In the heart of Prosen, at Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "Why was there no airdrop yesterday?¡± Emperor of Plowsonia questioned Marshal of the Air Force Duke Meyer, ¡°You said yesterday that you could manage an airdrop; why the dy?¡±

    Duke Meyer replied, ¡°We first had to redeploy transport nes from various locations, and also, the Antean Air Force has been frequently bombing our airports recently, putting our frontline airports under full stress.¡±

    "You always have excuses! Yesterday it was the aviation lubricants not functioning well in the minus forty degrees weather. Last year, you were affected by minus forty degrees! It¡¯s the same this year!¡±

    Duke Meyer exined, ¡°The Science Academy has developed an anti-freeze lubricant, but¡­ that lubricant would still freeze; this year¡¯s low temperatures have exceeded the historically recorded lowest temperatures. Even Plowsonia has had cases of people freezing to death these days

    The Emperor eximed, ¡°People in Plowsonia have died from cold?¡±

    He turned his head to look at the only person not in a military uniform present.

    The Minister of Internal Affairs quickly shook his head, ¡°No, those who froze to death were people who got drunk and passed out on the streets at night. We have such cases every winter. There are somewhat more this year because we believe the national living standards have once again improved this year, encouraging everyone to celebrate

    Emperor of Plowsonia red at the Minister, ¡°Is that the truth?¡±

    The Minister opened his mouth but eventually opted for silence.

    The Emperor continued, ¡°The current difficulties are temporary, once we defeat the Anteans, the situation will ease! In fact, the grain, meat, and dairy products collected from Kazarlia this year have greatly improved domestic living conditions and weakened the impact of enemy blockades.

    "As soon as we capture the oil fields of Kuba, our dependency on synthetic oil will decrease, and the released resources can further improve the living standards of the popce.¡±

    All the generals remained silent.

    Emperor looked around, ¡°Why are you all silent? Do you really think we can¡¯t secure the oil fields of Kuba?¡±

    The generals looked at each other in dismay.

    The fattest, Mayer, took out a handkerchief and kept wiping off his sweat.

    The Emperor scanned the generals over and over again, finally sitting down dejectedly, ¡°Well, if we can only rescue the Sixth Army Group, that will have to do. Under no circumstances can we allow the Anteans to capture so many of our troops! We cannot!¡±

    Celtic Marshal and Bryan Marshal exchanged nces.

    "What?¡± The Emperor keenly looked back and forth between them, ¡°Do you think we can¡¯t even manage to rescue the Sixth Army Group?¡±

    Celtic Marshal, with an awkward expression, admitted, ¡°Our supply lines are too stretched, and they are being disrupted by guerri attacks.¡±

    "I do not understand, weren¡¯t we overwhelming in October? Can¡¯t we just overwhelm them once more?¡±

    Celtic Marshal responded, ¡°In October, we were dealing with Ante¡¯s supplementary troops. At that time, Ante¡¯s veterans were either resting after the summer campaign or lying in hospitals. The current front-line enemies from the Xiplin Group have finished their rest and have started returning to the front inrge numbers. These troops are not so easily shaken.¡±

    The Emperor¡¯s mouth twitched.

    "Everyone but Giles, leave.¡±

    The generals, as if relieved of a heavy burden, left the war room.

    The young Emperor turned to his trusted friend, ¡°If I tasked you with themand, could you rescue the Sixth Army Group?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Giles replied, ¡°If all the armored troops from the Western Front Command are reassigned to me, there¡¯s a fighting chance.¡±

    The Emperor shook his head, ¡°I cannot do that before weplete our anti-ship missile defense line, as you know.¡±

    Giles, with a grim face, responded, ¡°Then I can¡¯t do it either.¡±

    The Emperor fell silent.

    After a long wait, Giles spoke, ¡°I¡¯ve reviewed the bookletpiled by General Rocosov that the intelligence department delivered. It¡¯s full of overt conspiracies. We need a total mobilization to have any chance of breaking his ¡®prophecy.''¡±

    The Emperor argued, ¡°Did you not see the Minister of Internal Affairs¡¯ face just now? If we mobilizepletely now, the fragile confidence we¡¯ve built with the people will be ruined.¡±

    "It¡¯s better than losing the war,¡± Giles argued, ¡°This defeat could indeed be an opportunity to disclose the true situation at the front to the people and start total mobilization, then next year we might have a chance to negotiate a respectable ceasefire.¡±

    The Emperor stared at the globe, whispering, ¡°I need to think.¡±

    At Xiplin Group¡¯s new headquarters.

    "Why haven¡¯t we attacked yet?¡± Admiral Xiplin nced at the clock, ¡°It¡¯s almost noon!¡±

    The Chief of Staff exined, ¡°The enemy¡¯s barrage has not stopped yet. The Fifteenth Armored Army believes that passing through the fire blockade forcefully would lead to significant casualties.¡±

    Admiral Xiplin asked, ¡°Hasn¡¯t stopped yet? Damn it, how much artillery do they have?¡±

    "I don¡¯t know,¡± the Chief of Staff immediately replied, ¡°Our aerial reconnaissance has found several suspected ammunition depots, but because we are dealing with General Rocosov, we do not know whether these depots are real or decoys.¡±

    Admiral Xiplin responded, ¡°Waiting a bit longer won¡¯t be an issue. They¡¯re wasting ammunition like this. When we do attack, they won¡¯t have enough left.¡±

    As he finished speaking, amunications officer came in to report loudly, ¡°The old headquarters has been hit by an Antean Air Force raid. The anti-aircraft troops left there shot down five Antean dive bombers.¡±

    "See!¡± Admiral Xiplin raised his voice, ¡°This Rocosov is not as undefeatable as you all make him out to be, he can be outmaneuvered. Don¡¯t demonize him, don¡¯t scare yourselves.¡±

    The Chief of Staff admitted, ¡°But his subordinates are using excessive artillery to block our advance. It seems we don¡¯t have many good options to counteract that.¡±

    Admiral Xiplin insisted, ¡°As I said, let them waste their ammunition. I don¡¯t believe their supplies are good enough to support suchvish waste.¡±

    At Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov reported, ¡°After the intensity of enemy air raids lessened, the daily arrivals of military trains increased by twenty percentpared to October, and suppliesing from the direction of Bs have also increased. It seems the Fusang Empire in the South Pacific has suffered a defeat, reducing their ability to harass our Pacific transport lines.¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the report Pavlov had just ced in front of him and read the summary directly, ¡°Wow, we¡¯ve never fought such a well-supplied war. Looks like our nightly artillery barrages on the enemy can resume. It would be a great loss if these many shells were to get blown up by the enemy¡¯s air raids.¡±

    Popov agreed, ¡°Indeed, we can formte a firepower n, ensuring we keep thirty percent in reserve each day, and direct all the rest to fire.¡±

    Wang Zhong remarked, ¡°If we had this many artillery pieces at the end of October, the casualties wouldn¡¯t have been so severe.¡±

    Pavlov added, ¡°The toughest times have passed, now it¡¯s up to General¡ªoh, Grand Duke Frederick of the Sixth Army Group to hold on as long as he can.¡±

    Wang Zhongmanded, ¡°Intensify the psychological warfare. Are the loudspeakers I requested set up?¡±

    "Sixty percentpleted,¡± as psychological warfare was Popov¡¯s ¡°specialty¡±, he was in charge of this aspect, ¡°We begin broadcasting today.¡±

 Chapter 626: Winning Over Hearts is Supreme

    Chapter 626: Chapter 68: Winning Over Hearts is Supreme

    Abawahan city district, the 36th Psychological Warfare Station.

    Originally a school, its main academic building had been converted into the defense support point for the 168th Infantry Division during the fierce thirty-day battle that had just passed. The Prosens had fiercely attacked for seven days but failed to capture it.

    The entire school¡¯s yground was covered with the bodies of Prosen Soldiers, but now they werepletely buried under heavy snow.

    Now, loudspeakers had been installed on the roof of the academic building and were currently broadcasting the famous Prosen song ¡°Erika.¡±

    From somewhere came the sound of gunfire, bullets hitting the loudspeakers, emitting a sharp ringing sound.

    However, this did not stop the melody of ¡°Erika¡± from floating out of the speakers.

    Inside the building, the psychological warfare team¡¯s broadcaster looked nervously outside, ¡°Is that gunfire?¡±

    The Military Bishop from the 168th Division said, ¡°It is gunfire. The enemy has taken control of the maintenance workers¡¯ dormitories, which happen to be in line of fire to the rooftop speakers.¡±Broadcaster: ¡°Isn¡¯t that very close? Why haven¡¯t we taken the maintenance workers¡¯ dormitories?¡±

    "Because the Front Army has ordered us to maintain a defensive posture in the city, waiting for the enemy to exhaust their will to resist, and to avoid unnecessary casualties,¡± the Bishop patted the broadcaster¡¯s shoulder, ¡°So it¡¯s up to you now.¡±

    The male broadcaster who was the female broadcaster¡¯s partner asked, ¡°Bishop Dawasili, I heard that your division is going to be part of the Guards?¡±

    "That¡¯s what they say,¡± the Bishop replied with a smile, ¡°Actually, every division that has held out in the city until now is likely to be promoted to Guards. The Front Army Headquarters approved twenty-eight Antean hero titles for us, twenty-eight! I was worried that someone might get upset for not receiving the title of Venus, but now, whether we can even gather twenty-eight people from those who are still alive is another question.¡±

    "That many?¡± the male broadcaster looked envious, ¡°It¡¯s a pity, I guess I¡¯ll never get it in this position.¡±

    Suddenly, the Bishop¡¯s expression turned serious: ¡°No, Broadcaster Davarish, once you understand what we¡¯ve been through these past twenty days, you won¡¯t think that. You¡¯d wish to be as far from the front line as possible.¡±

    The male broadcaster looked embarrassed, while the female broadcaster discreetly kicked him under the table.

    Bishop: ¡°Start broadcasting.¡±

    The female broadcaster immediately picked up the script, turned down the music, and read into the microphone, ¡°Brothers of the Prosen Soldiers, brothers of the Prosen Soldiers! You have worked hard! While you are starving at the frontline, battling the cold and diseases, the Emperor of Prosen and the nobles, are feastingvishly in theirfortable and warm pces.

    "Your fathers, frozen to death on the streets of Plowsonia, while the Emperor¡¯s propagandists still embellish the peace, iming that the increased death from freezing is because life is better, too many people celebrating with alcohol, passed out on the streets!

    "Prosen Soldiers, while you battle bloodily, the generals hide in safe fortresses behind the lines

    Outside, another gunshot was heard, the female broadcaster trembled but continued to read from the script.

    The Military Bishop turned his head and whispered softly, ¡°Is it still the loudspeaker they¡¯re shooting at? Get a sniper to take this person out.¡±

    Aide: ¡°It¡¯s not the loudspeaker, not sure what they hit.¡±

    The Bishop raised an eyebrow, nced at the still broadcasting pair, and lowered his voice, ¡°Keep monitoring, position the snipers well, and the moment you see someone targeting our speakers, shoot to kill immediately.¡± ??????§§?

    "Yes.¡±

    Major Richard raised his head upon hearing the gunfire, but their shelter had been entirely sealed off, abandoning all defensive duties, solely for the purpose of keeping warm.

    Thus, he didn¡¯t even have a ce to look outside.

    Even so, Major Richard was so cold he wore all his clothes and wrapped himself in a marching nket.

    He could no longer hold a pen, so he hadn¡¯t written to his wife in two days.

    What use was writing anyway? He probably wouldn¡¯t be able to get the letter out while alive.

    Then, a series of Papasha gunshots were heard outside.

    No one in the fortress moved, since moving would consume energy, leading to even more cold. Everyoney like hibernating bears, wrapped in nkets, huddled together.

    The NCO next to Major said, ¡°Could it be that our men who went to fetch food got ambushed?¡±

    "So what if that¡¯s the case?¡± the Major retorted, ¡°Do you think there will be any food at the supply center?¡±

    The NCO did not respond.

    Major Richard tightened his nket around him, curling up.

    Meanwhile, at the other end of therge room, someone got up, ¡°I¡¯m freezing, I¡¯m going to start a fire.¡±

    "There¡¯s nothing left to burn!¡± someone advised.

    "Burn my nket!¡± the person who wanted to start the fire shouted, ¡°Just to warm up a bit, then we can huddle around the fire, it could keep us warm for an hour!¡±

    "You¡¯re crazy! What will you do without a nket?¡±

    "I don¡¯t care! I¡¯d rather be dead! Isn¡¯t this a living hell? When I die, you can burn me too! Burn me!¡±

    Major Richard coldly watched the squabble from the other side.

    The small stove in front of him had been devoid of any sparks; the fuel had run out yesterday.@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, a Master Sergeant stood up and roared, ¡°Stop arguing! Isn¡¯t it even colder to argue in this freezing weather? If you truly want to survive, just surrender! The Anteans must be well-fed and warm!¡±

    The quarreling few quieted down.

    Not sure if it was psychological, but the Antean broadcast outside seemed louder, as if it had prated the thick walls of the room.

    "Prosen Soldiers, brothers, you are not fed enough, nor are you kept warm, while the generals in the rear are engorged. The fruits of your fighting are all swallowed by them, leaving none for your families, your brothers, and sisters.

    "Even your sisters have to sell themselves to feed themselves!¡±

    The Master Sergeant pointed in the direction of theing sounds, ¡°Go surrender! They surely have prepared hot meals to wee you! Go!¡±

    The few who had been arguing nced at each other.

    Suddenly, the one who initially wanted to burn his nket turned and walked outside.

    The Master Sergeant pulled out his gun, ¡°For deserters and those who surrender during battle, ording to Prosen militaryw, must be executed on the spot!¡±

    The soldier stopped, looked back, then firmly continued toward the door.

    The Master Sergeant pulled the trigger, but the gun, frozen, failed to fire. In his frustration while trying to fix the gun, the soldier opened the door, and a st of icy air, even mixed with snowkes, rushed into the fortress.

    Everyone shivered from the cold.

    After the deserter left without closing the door, a continuous stream of cold air poured in.

    Seeing this, several soldiers who had just dissuaded him immediately headed for the door, stumbling out.

    "Wait!¡± the Master Sergeant shouted, ¡°You bunch of bastards!¡±

    "Enough,¡± Major Richard rebuked, ¡°Close the door; those who didn¡¯t run away are already freezing. From now on, whoever wants to run, just run. But once you get to the Anteans, you¡¯ll have to be interrogated by their judge first, those people are very cruel, and you¡¯ll wish you were dead.¡±

    Everyone quieted down.

    The Master Sergeant was the first to snap back to reality, waving his hand and shouting, ¡°Quick, close the door! Close the door!¡±

    Several soldiers by the door stood up and together, they closed the massive door.

    However, the already low temperature was not going to rise quickly, forcing Major Richard to curl up even tighter.

    May 5th Street, the front-line cooking station.

    In fact, the so-called front-line cooking station, besides providing hot food to the soldiers, also serves an important role in psychological warfare.

    The cooking station cooked only highly aromatic foods, heavily seasoned, and when it was windy, the delicious smell could be detected across the street.

    That day, not long after the pot started boiling, several Prosen Soldiers emerged from an alley, lifting their weapons and white underwear, walking towards the cooking station.

    The station had a Prosenese trantor who shouted loud, ¡°Are you here to surrender?¡±

    "Do you have hot meals?¡± they asked.

    "Yes, meat soup, beet soup, both avable and plenty of meat!¡±

    "We are here to surrender!¡± the Prosens finally admitted.

    "Raise your hands high and walk slowly! ce your guns beside that old tree! Yes, walk slowly! Our soldiers need to search you to prevent any hidden grenades! Alright,e over, the soup is here!¡±

    As the Prosen Soldiers entered the trench and took the bowls of soup, they devoured it greedily, eating so fast that they started coughing.

    The trantor patted their backs while advising, ¡°Slow down! You¡¯ve been hungry for too long; eating too fast can cause a reaction in your body; you might even die! You¡¯ve all decided to surrender; it would be a loss to die over this now.¡±

    But no Prosen Soldiers heeded his words, they all ate ferociously like taking revenge.

    Finally full, the old soldier leading them told the trantor, ¡°Stop with those broadcasts; we¡¯ve heard enough of them back home. You should set up more cooking stations, people wille over when they get desperate! Now that I¡¯ve eaten, let the judge judge me!¡±

    The trantor replied, ¡°You won¡¯t see the judge; only officers are sent to the judge. The little intelligence you have, we already know it, has no value for questioning!¡±

    The old soldier widened his eyes, ¡°Not going to question us?¡±

    "Yes, only officers are questioned because they might have intelligence.¡±

    The old soldier looked back the way they hade and asked, ¡°Then can I go back and tell myrades about this? Many of them want toe, but the officers scare us saying we¡¯ll be questioned by the judge, and skinned.¡±

    "You can go back,¡± the trantor said without hesitation, ¡°Our general has already ordered it; go back if you want, but you can¡¯t take weapons back, to prevent you from using them against us when you return.¡±

    The old soldier hesitated, ¡°Can¡¯t take weapons back, huh? Holding weapons could still say we¡¯re patrolling, going back without weapons¡­ Now weapons can no longer be picked up, the heavy snow has buried all the previous corpses and weapons!¡±

    The trantor said, ¡°Then you decide, the prisoner of war camp lies on the East Bank, you¡¯ll be well-fed and warm there, surely surviving the winter.¡±

    The old soldier thought for a moment, sighed, ¡°I¡¯d rather not go back, poor my brothers, still have to continue to fight.¡±

    The trantor said, ¡°Alright, then I will arrange someone to ferry you across the river.¡±

    "Please arrange someone,¡± the old soldier said.

 Chapter 627: Facing Destiny

    Chapter 627: Chapter 69 Facing Destiny

    November 26, Ludm, as usual, climbed up to her battle station to begin her watch.

    The weather today was clear and sunny, but it was still so cold that even Ludm, an Antean, was finding it a bit unbearable.

    The cold wind from the Arctic Circle cut like a knife, constantly scraping against Ludm¡¯s cheeks.

    In such bitter cold, she suddenly heard someone calling out her name loudly.

    She stood up, her hands on the windowsill, and looked down to see a petite figure waving their arms on the ground.

    "Nelly?¡± Ludm muttered in a low voice, and then, with a jolt, she opened the window and leaned out, shouting, ¡°Nelly! Is that you, Nelly?¡±

    The girl downstairs sprinted into the tower where Ludm was stationed.

    Ludm turned and rushed to the door; as she opened it, the crosswind formed between the open window and the door howled in.But Ludm still dashed out, leaning over the banister in the corridor to look down.

    She could not leave herbat position, because she had to be ready to enterbat mode immediately if the Sound Array Master called.

    So, all she could do was yell down, ¡°Nelly!¡±

    The sound of climbing footsteps came from below, rapidly approaching the rooftop, and finally, Nelly turned the corner and came into Ludm¡¯s view.

    A few secondster, the maid rushed into Ludm¡¯s arms, her movements so forceful that her boat-shaped hat flew off.

    Ludm wrapped her arms around Nelly, rubbing her cheek against her hair: ¡°It¡¯s so good! You¡¯vee back alive, that¡¯s wonderful!¡±

    Nelly: ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m back.¡±@@novelbin@@

    The hugsted a full minute, then Ludm pulled back slightly, her eyes falling onto Nelly¡¯s eye patch, her expression turning solemn.

    She gently lifted Nelly¡¯s eye patch, staring at the dreadful wound.

    Nelly felt a bit shy: ¡°Don¡¯t look, it¡¯s ugly.¡±

    "It¡¯s not ugly, we¡¯ll clean the wound immediately, and once it¡¯s healed, I¡¯ll find the best ss eye craftsman to make you the most beautiful ss eye!¡± Ludm forced a smile, ¡°That will be even more charming! The scar can also be gradually treated with ?§¡?????§§S?

    "I don¡¯t want to remove the scar.¡±

    Nelly said calmly.

    "Why?¡± Ludm asked, puzzled.

    Nelly lowered her gaze, looking at Venus on Ludm¡¯s chest: ¡°Because it¡¯s proof of my fight on the beachhead, evidence that I fought shoulder to shoulder with so many good people; it¡¯s my medal.¡±

    Ludm was slightly surprised and then whispered, ¡°Only men regard their scars as medals.¡±

    "Doesn¡¯t the Secr faction advocate for gender equality? The future belongs to the Secr faction, and women can also regard their scars as medals.¡±

    Ludm was even more surprised, then sheughed, ¡°Nelly, you should tell that to the Church¡¯s propaganda officer. I think they would put it on the front page, headline news.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°If the madame says so, I will.¡±

    Ludm hugged Nelly tightly again: ¡°Oh, Nelly, you¡¯re even more endearing than before you went to battle! Alyosha, upon seeing you, might not be able to help but take you in his arms and spin you around.¡±

    "That would be terrible,¡± Nelly puffed up her cheeks, ¡°Then I¡¯d better not see him for the time being, anyway, he has a Deputy Officer to take care of him.¡±

    Ludm paused, then said, ¡°His Deputy Officer¡­ he has passed away.¡±

    Nelly¡¯s remaining eye widened: ¡°When did that happen?¡±

    "It¡¯s been two weeks. I heard that now a signaler is taking care of him.¡±

    "Then I must hurry over there,¡± Nelly turned to leave but Ludm pulled her back.

    Ludm: ¡°He¡¯s an adult now, he can take care of himself. You should heal your wound first and get a prosthetic eye, then go see him looking all pretty.¡±

    As she spoke, Ludm picked up the boat-shaped hat from the ground and gently ced it on Nelly¡¯s head.

    Nelly pondered for a moment, then nodded, ¡°Okay.¡±

    Ludm embraced Nelly once more: ¡°It¡¯s really good, despite having been through the baptism of war, you¡¯re still the same Nelly I know.¡±

    -

    The same day, at the position of the Guards Eleventh Infantry Division.

    Division Commander Lyakhov put down his binocrs and turned to the Commander of the Guards Second Tank Destroyer Brigade, ¡°It looks like the enemy won¡¯t attack today.¡±

    "Yesterday their attack was already showing signs of weakening,¡± the Brigade Commander replied, ¡°Their new tank model can prate the Whirlwind¡¯s weak spots, our safe engagement distance has been reduced to the range of 1800 to 1000 meters, but our position neutralizes the advantage of the enemy¡¯s weapons.¡±

    All the Whirlwinds in the position were well camouged, making it difficult for the elite Prosian Armored Troops to spot the Whirlwinds from 1000 meters away, let alone aim for their weak points.

    Lyakhov nodded, ¡°Whirlwind has such a great advantage in armor confrontation, why isn¡¯t it equipped across the entire army yet?¡±

    "Because the production of cannon barrels isn¡¯t sufficient,¡± the Brigade Commander said with a sense of helplessness, ¡°There¡¯s only one factory that can produce the barrels for the Whirlwind, and they can¡¯t all be used to make new Whirlwinds; a portion has to act as spare parts. Like our brigade¡¯s Whirlwinds, on average, each has fired several hundred rounds these past few days, and soon we¡¯ll need to rece the barrels. Some crew members are already reporting an increase in ipletebustion when firing, and the muzzle sh severely affects observation and shooting.¡±

    Lyakov: ¡°Really, why is the production of such good stuff so low? What are the people in the equipment department doing?¡±

    At this time, there was sudden cheering from the position outside.

    Lyakov was puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s happening?¡±

    "An airne!¡± the Deputy Officer reported.

    No sooner had the words fallen than Lyakov himself heard the sound of the airne engine,ing from the direction of Abawahan. He strode out of the bunker toward the direction of the city and sure enough, he saw a red Pe-3 reconnaissance ne swooping across the sky.

    Everyone on the position was cheering for the red reconnaissance ne.

    "I heard Rocossov is personally conducting reconnaissance on the red reconnaissance ne,¡± the Deputy Officer said.

    Lyakov: ¡°How is that possible? But every time the red reconnaissance ne flies over, the artillery troops do receive artillery coordinates issued directly from the Front Army Headquarters, which does make one suspect that there¡¯s some special person aboard the red reconnaissance ne.¡±

    While they were talking, the ne had already flown past the position and headed towards the enemy-controlled area.

    Lyakov and his subordinates watched as the red silhouette disappeared into the horizon.

    At the Abawahan Air Force Base, a normally painted Pe-3 touched down and glided towards the Air Force Commander.

    The ne hadn¡¯t even stopped when Wang Zhong pushed open the cockpit cover and stood up, pointing to the camera: ¡°Captured a lot of good stuff, hurry and get it developed, identify it carefully.¡±

    The Air Force Commander personally snatched a boardingdder from a ground crew member and pushed it beside the cockpit: ¡°Commander Davarish, I protest your continued reconnaissance flights. The hardest times are over; there¡¯s no need for you to risk yourself anymore.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What are you talking about? The enemy of the Sixth Army Group has not surrendered, and the battle is not over. That¡¯s one thing; another is that, after annihting the Sixth Army Group, we will enter a mode of surrounding and pursuing other enemies. If I don¡¯t conduct reconnaissance myself, how can I determine where the enemy¡¯s key positions are? How do I know where to strike to paralyze the enemy?¡±

    Air Force Commander: ¡°So you¡¯re saying that even after annihting the enemy, the battle won¡¯t end?¡±

    "Of course. The enemy is now very close to Kuba¡¯s oil fields, and I n to drive the enemy back to their starting point fromst June throughout the winter campaign,¡± said Wang Zhong with full confidence, ¡°The battle will only end next spring when the mud returns, Davarish!¡±

    The expression on the Air Force Commander¡¯s face wasplex, but the surrounding pilots and ground crew were very excited:

    "Did you hear that? The offensive continues until next March!¡±

    "Driven back to the starting point of June! Does that mean¡­ we are going to drive the enemy out of Nan¡¯ant entirely?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why are you all so surprised? If we don¡¯t counterattack, how can we face Plowsonia?¡±

    The pilots and ground crew looked at each other excitedly.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s words ignited their thirst for victory.

    Not just victory in a battle, but victory in the entire war.

    Wang Zhong patted the shoulder of the Air Force Commander: ¡°Quickly develop the photos; the Chief of Staff of the Front Army needs them to formte the next phase of the battle n.¡±

    "Yes,¡± the Commander saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°I¡¯ll personally oversee it and ensure the photos are developed and delivered to Headquarters before midnight.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°From your reconnaissance today, there have been some changes in enemy deployment. Look at this photo.¡±

    He picked out a photo andid it on the table.

    Wang Zhong and Popov leaned in to look closely at the photo.

    Wang Zhong, the photographer, pped his forehead: ¡°I remember this, it¡¯s an Infantry Division in

    "Digging trenches,¡± Pavlov said, ¡°The enemy responsible for the breakout is making an Infantry Division dig trenches. This is clearly for blocking our attack. The enemymander, Admiral Xiplin, is already starting to prepare for retreat. But right now, they cannot retreat as the Sixth Army Group has not been destroyed by us yet.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What if weunch another encirclement and consume the troopsing to break through?¡±

    "The enemy¡¯s supply lines are now shorter and their supply situation has improved quite a bit. It¡¯s estimated that they won¡¯t be surrounded as easily as the Sixth Army Group. Even if we could transfer fifty percent of the troops encircling the Sixth, we don¡¯t have enough forces to encircle another Prosen heavy troop group.¡±

    After a short pause, Pavlov added, ¡°Of course, this is only the opinion of me as the Chief of Staff; you might have a different view. If you want to try eating up another group of the enemy, I will do my utmost to help you implement your strategic ideas.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, ¡°Let¡¯s try this, have the Cavalry Troops cross the river here¡­ to create the illusion of continuing the encirclement.¡±

    Saying this, he drew an arrow on the middle course of the Valdai Hills River.

    Pavlov: ¡°How many troops do you n tomit?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°To make it lookrge enough, 100,000 to 200,000?¡±

    Pavlov calcted for a few seconds and answered, ¡°Two hundred thousand won¡¯t do; that would mean deploying all of our reserves into this feint operation, which isn¡¯t suitable should the enemy actually achieve a breakthrough. One hundred thousand should be able to be spared.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good. But you keep that many reserves?¡±

    "Of course. Also, what do you mean ¡®I keep that many reserves¡¯? The reserves are directed by the Front Army youmand.¡±

    Wang Zhong ¡°Oh¡±ed,ughing and said, ¡°I understand now why the Conqueror could never win a battle again without his Chief of Staff. Let¡¯s go with that and see if this Admiral Xiplin dares to continue trying to break the siege of the Sixth Army Group after we pose for a nk attack.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than themunications officer ran into Headquarters: ¡°The enemy has air dropped again!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s go have a look.¡±

 Chapter 628: Thanks for the Cake Sponsored by the Plathen Emperor

    Chapter 628: Chapter 70 Thanks for the Cake Sponsored by the then Emperor

    Wang Zhong emerged from the tunnel just as the first parachute bloomed in the sky.

    "Looks like the drop was a little more urate this time?¡± he asked Pavlov.

    Actually, after switching to an overhead view, he could immediately tell that most of the airdropped supplies had drifted outside of the encirclement andnded in the Antean-controlled area.

    But he still had to put on an act.

    Pavlov: ¡°I don¡¯t know, anyway, the parachutes drifted at least 500 meters off course¡­ is it 500 meters?¡±

    He turned his head to ask a staff officer: ¡°How far is the enemy from us now?¡±

    "Last night, the enemy troops stationed at the auditorium surrendered to us,¡± the staff officer replied. ¡°Currently, the closest enemy position is nine hundred and fifty meters away.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Well, the auditorium finally surrendered. I thought the enemy there would be thest to surrender.¡±General Frederick¡ªGeneral inspected the auditorium himself, looked at the captured Red g, and even took a photo.

    This distance was within Wang Zhong¡¯s highlighting range, so he could see everything clearly. However, he was worried that killing this general would cause the enemy to flee.

    After all, creating fake gs and such was all to keep the enemy¡¯s Sixth Army Group from leaving, so Wang Zhong strictly ordered all units not to fire recklessly and not to kill the general.

    Now that the Sixth Army Group was surrounded, the moment Frederick dared to appear within Wang Zhong¡¯s highlight range, he would either be captured or killed, either way demoralizing the encircled enemy troops.

    Unfortunately, General Frederick never entered Abawahan¡¯s city center again.

    At that moment, a parachute drifted directly over the tunnel exit, causing arge chunk of snow and ice to slide down and crash to the ground.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s guards immediately tensed up and surrounded him tightly.

    "It¡¯s just the snow sliding down,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    After all, he had the highlight and knew there was no one with hostile intentions nearby.

    But the guards still had stern faces: ¡°We can¡¯t take that risk!¡±

    Pavlov then directed the soldiers guarding the gate: ¡°Bring a tank over to stand on. Climb up and see what it is that¡¯s so big. It doesn¡¯t look like ammunition because there¡¯s no cushioning equipment.¡± ?§¡???§¦??

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Would the enemy definitely use cushioning pads for airdropping ammunition?¡±

    "Yes, there would definitely be cushioning pads, and even so, there¡¯s still a risk of idents after the ammunitionnds. Furthermore, their shells and fuses are airdropped separately, and it seems the fuses are too light as they all drifted onto our positions, while only half of the shellsnded in our area.¡±

    After Pavlov finished speaking, Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that allow the Prosen inside the encirclement to have too much gunpowder and create a lot of homemade explosives, causing trouble for us?¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry,¡± Pavlov spread his hands, ¡°food is also light, so most of it was blown over our heads by the north wind, or flew past us andnded in the sea.¡±

    Most parts of the Ind Sea don¡¯t freeze in winter, so these supplies drifted into the sea to feed the fish.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No wonder the fish caught in the Ind Sea have been so plump recently.¡±

    At that moment, someone who climbed to the roof of the tunnel opened the airdropped package and lifted a cake: ¡°General! It¡¯s a cake, I can¡¯t understand the Prosenese written on it!¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Get a Prosenese prisoner to taste it, and have an interpreter identify what¡¯s written on the cake.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is it necessary to be so cautious? They don¡¯t have the ability to airdrop with precision. If it happened tond on our own men and they ate poison and died, then who would dare to eat the food airdropped in the future?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Being a little bit cautious has no drawbacks, anyway, we have plenty of Prosenese prisoners.¡±

    Quite a few prisoners indeed¡­

    A few minutester, a Prosenese major with a blue and swollen face was brought over. He looked at the cake in his hands with hesitation.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Eat.¡±

    The major looked at him confusedly, but since he had been captured a few days, he understood the word ¡°eat¡± in Antenese.

    Then, his expression turned incredibly pessimistic, as if this were thest cake he would ever eat in his life.

    Although Wang Zhong didn¡¯t understand Prosenese, he felt the major had a big misunderstanding about him.

    At that moment, the major saw the actual cake.

    His expression underwent a shocking transformation.

    This made Wang Zhong curious about what was written on the cake.

    The interpreter: ¡°The cake reads, ¡®Happy 47th Birthday to General William von Frederick.''¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah? It¡¯s our opponent¡¯s birthday! Why didn¡¯t you tell me?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Did this really need to be mentioned to you specifically? Besides, when we previously provided information about the enemy leader, it included his birthday. It¡¯s not my fault if you didn¡¯t read it.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah, look at this mess. The Prosen Emperor¡¯s cake didn¡¯t get delivered, and now we¡¯ve cut it up for this major, this really is something.¡±

    Saying this, Wang Zhong stepped forward, cut a piece of the cake with a knife, and put it into his mouth with a fork.

    "Mmm,¡± he nodded lightly, ¡°Although Prosen food has always been quite unappetizing, this cake isn¡¯t bad. It¡¯s almost up to the standard of their sausage and roasted knuckle! We can¡¯t be without some gesture of our own. Messenger, tell the kitchen to bake a cake, and make it a big one!¡±

    Pavlov looked at Wang Zhong, blinking: ¡°What are you going to do? I can¡¯t ept you wasting resources on this without a reason.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We need to wage psychological warfare now, and this is part of that psychological warfare. First, we have to send an official telegram using Prosen¡¯s encryption method, but with the codebook from a week ago, to show that we haven¡¯t cracked Prosen¡¯s codes.¡±

    Actually, they had been cracked, and the United Kingdom had been sharing the decrypted Prosen secret cables all along.

    Pavlov: ¡°We did indeed capture an Enigma Machine set up a week ago.¡±

    To sessfully decrypt a message using an Enigma Machine, one needs to know the initial gear positions of the machine on the sending side. These starting positions are the key to decryption, and Prosens generally change them every ten days, which aligns with the habit of their Armored Divisions reporting theirbat readiness to the High Command every ten days.

    (Every day¡¯sbat situation was still reported up to the Army Group level and filed.)

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Use that to send the message. I believe, given the Prosen¡¯s meticulous nature, they will definitely have a record of the initial positions ofst week¡¯s Enigma Machine.

    "The wording of the telegram needs to be solemn, and the title should just be¡­ just write His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s name! It¡¯s regarding the phone call I made to Olga.¡±

    After hanging up the phone, Olga gave Tugenev a smile: ¡°My dear brother, he wants me to draft a telegram in my name to congratte General Frederick, themander of the besieged Sixth Army Group.¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°Congratte him for what?¡±

    "His 47th birthday today.¡±

    Tugenev lifted his chin and slowly lowered it: ¡°Oh, I see! Is this part of the psychological warfare against the Sixth Army Group?¡±

    "That¡¯s correct,¡± Olga said. ¡°What about Lady Melina the state dignitary? It would be better if she could help me polish it.¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°In what form shall we send it?¡±

    "It seems they want to use the enemy¡¯s codebook fromst week to send it

    "Enigma Machine, mm-hmm, smart. It doesn¡¯t reveal that we¡¯ve cracked the Enigma codes, while it intimidates the enemy.¡± Tugenev nodded, ¡°Though this trick is a bit unscrupulous.¡±

    Olga burst into loudughter, clearly very fond of Rocossov¡¯s approach.

    Prosen Sixth Army Group Headquarters¡ªlocated right in the center of the encirclement.

    "General, the enemy is broadcasting using our codes. They¡¯re using the initial settings fromst week¡¯s Enigma Machine,¡± said the Sixth Army Group Chief of Staff.

    General William von Frederick had already lost a lot of weight, his once plump cheeks now looked ¡°like those of real Junker Nobility.¡±

    The true Junker Nobility, living on their impoverished East Prussian estates, would have to do a great deal of farm work each year and undergo military training, which indeed made it hard for them to gain weight.

    However, such emaciated Junker nobility had almostpletely vanished within the Empire.

    General Frederick: ¡°Is the trantion finished?¡±

    "Not yet, the telegram is still being sent.¡±

    The General nodded, then asked, ¡°How long will the diesel for the generatorst?¡±

    "We dispatched a suicide squadst night, and they managed to recover 100KG of diesel from the no man¡¯snd between the two sides,¡± said the Chief of Staff gravely.

    The General: ¡°How many lives were sacrificed for this bit of diesel?¡±

    "Seven men,¡± the Chief of Staff answered.

    The General nodded.

    Chief of Staff: ¡°If we run out of diesel entirely, we can use hand-cranked power, but that voltage won¡¯t be enough to maintain a high-power radio station and wireless. Receiving signals should be fine, but transmitting

    At this moment, a messenger came in with a telegram: ¡°Decodingplete! It¡¯s a beautifully worded congrattory message, wishing you a happy 47th birthday.¡±

    General: ¡°Damn it!¡±

    The messenger: ¡°The signature is Her Majesty Olga Nikyevna.¡±@@novelbin@@

    General: ¡°Rocossov didn¡¯t sign it himself?¡±

    The messenger shrugged.

    Then another messenger rushed in: ¡°General! The Anteans are broadcasting on all wireless channels.¡±

    General Frederick: ¡°Bring me a wireless radio with batteries to Headquarters, I want to hear what Rocossov has to say.¡±

    The radio was quickly brought in, and considerately, the headphones had been warmed by the fire, making them very warm.

    The General put on the headphones, just in time to hear on the other end of the wireless: ¡°Respectable General Frederick, it is with great regret that I, Rocossov, inform you that I have just eaten the cake sent by the then Emperor for you.

    "I¡¯m sure the image of me eating the cake will appear on the front page of tomorrow¡¯s Antean Daily. As a substitute, I had my chef prepare a tastier cake for you. I propose a temporary ceasefire today for all our troops, so that we can gather and bury the remains of fallenrades on both sides, and so I can personally deliver the cake to you.

    "If you disagree, we will send a suicide squad to ce the cake in the May 5th Street garden, and we promise not to attack anyone retrieving the cake.

    "Furthermore, considering the current state of your forces, we agree, based on humanitarian grounds, to ept your critically injured soldiers.

    "Also, on humanitarian grounds, we will provide vodka and cigarettes for free, ensuring that every soldier gets their share

    The General mmed the headphones onto the table: ¡°Rocossov has gone too far!¡±

 Chapter 629: Hello, Your Marshal Staff Express Delivery

    Chapter 629: Chapter 71 Hello, Your Marshal Staff Express Delivery

    On December 2, 915, the 100,000-strong Second Guards Cavalry Army Group of Prosen majestically crossed the ice-bound Valdai Hills River.

    The task of the Army Group was to disrupt Prosen¡¯s transportation lines, creating the illusion of encircling the Prosen forces under General Sheeplin, who were in charge of breaking the siege.@@novelbin@@

    Whether the task of creating an illusion was sessful or not, this cavalry force of 100,000 could inflict severe damage on Prosen¡¯s supply lines.

    If General Sheeplin did not retreat swiftly, his troops might have had to cross the frozen Ante Prairie on foot.

    This was hardly better than being surrounded; it was unknown how many would freeze to death on the prairies at minus forty degrees Celsius.

    At the headquarters of Sheeplin¡¯s Army Group, General Sheeplin looked at the reports gathered so far with furrowed brows.

    Chief of Staff: ¡°I would bet my military instincts that this is a deception operation, probably involving only cavalry troops.¡±General Sheeplin said, ¡°Yet, these cavalry will seriously damage our logistics; we already have an extreme shortage of fuel, then that fool Mayer actually airdropped our fuel to the Sixth Army Group!

    "We must retreat, or we¡¯ll be walking off the Nan¡¯ant Prairie. Rocossov is a fascinating person; he dispatched cavalry forces to force our retreat and then gave us such a perfect reason for it.

    "He has actually given us an illusion; he wants to consume us all.¡±

    The General stood up and paced back and forth in front of his desk.

    After walking a couple of rounds, he stopped and turned to the Chief of Staff, ¡°Then let¡¯s make use of Rocossov¡¯s kindness. Report to the Emperor that we are at risk of annihtion.¡±

    "Is this really advisable?¡± the Chief of Staff asked uncertainly.

    "Of course, we are not lying. Allowing the enemy to deploy arge number of cavalry to destroy our transportation lines will result inevitably in our destruction. We can exin it as suchter, but now we report urgently that Rocossov has begun to iste and support.¡±

    General Sheeplin seemed pleased.

    The corpsmander of the 51st Infantry Army asked, ¡°What about the Sixth Army Group?¡±

    General Sheeplin pressed his hand against his chest, ¡°May the Empire of Prosen be with them.¡±

    Themanders exchanged nces.

    General Sheeplin said, ¡°Send the report, though it may not pass. The Emperor might call us with harsh words, instructing us urgently to rescue the Sixth Army Group. If so, we can only hope Rocossov treats prisoners as well as the rumors suggest.¡± ????¨¯??¨º??

    The Chief of Staff looked at the others and, determined, said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll draft the telegram right away.¡±

    The Emperor of Prosen, having read thetest urgent telegram, said to everyone in the war room, ¡°Everyone out.¡±

    Giles asked, ¡°Should I stay behind?¡±

    "No, all out.¡± The Emperor said calmly.

    So, the group filed out of the room.

    Outside, Marshal Bryan asked Giles, ¡°The Emperor seems very downtely, as if he has aged ten years all at once.¡±

    Giles replied, ¡°The Emperor has realized that defeat at Abawahan is inevitable. He just can¡¯t ept it.¡±

    Celtic Marshal added, ¡°He wasn¡¯t like this when we retreated from Yeburgst year.¡±

    "Because this time we lost, the chances of winning the war are extremely slim; even if we mobilize immediately, we would only hold our own against the Allied Forces.¡± Giles also seemed very disheartened.

    Marshal Bryan patted his shoulder, ¡°Take heart, there¡¯s still a chance to gain support from the Allied Nations to counter the Secr faction of the Anteans.¡±

    Giles nodded.

    At that moment, the Junker officers present exchanged nces, obviously sharing a little secret.

    Just then, the door opened, and the Emperor of Prosen walked out of the war room with his hands behind his back, ¡°Order Sheeplin to retreat. But tell him, the retreat can only go to the control line ofst August, no, the end of August!¡±

    Marshal Bryan replied, ¡°That should be feasible, our forces are sufficient to withstand any possible counterattack by the Anteans on the actual control line of the end of August.¡±

    The Emperor pointed his right index finger at Marshal Bryan, ¡°You must make sure of it!¡±

    "I guarantee,¡± Bryan said.

    "If you fail, your role as the Army Commander will be finished. You should know I¡¯ve wanted to rece you for awhile; govern yourself ordingly.¡±

    Bryan¡¯s expression was extremely grave.

    December 5th, sunny.

    Wang Zhong sat as usual in the Pe-3 driven by Amelia, sweeping over the vast prairie.

    "It looks like he carefully chose his words, ¡°It looks like the enemy is making a major move!¡±

    Actually, within his enhanced view, he had already clearly seen that these people were preparing to retreat.

    Amelia: ¡°If you feel the enemy is making big moves, then they probably are; our witches¡¯ intuition is very urate.¡±

    Don¡¯t ¡°we witches¡± me! I clearly have little brothers!

    Wait, in the world before crossing over, this didn¡¯t seem to be a problem; it was just about awakening the feminine side within one¡¯s heart.

    Wang Zhong forced himself not to think about these things, and continued to observe the ground.

    The more he looked, the more certain he became that General Sheeplin¡¯s Army Group was going to retreat, that all the offensive maneuvers at the front were deception ns.

    This General Sheeplin, the enemy¡¯smander, was quite formidable; he decided to leave without any hesitation or dragging his feet.

    Wang Zhong suddenly thought¡ªif the Prosen Sixth Army Group surrendered now, and the million-strong force under hismand was suddenly released, he wondered if they could catch up to the fleeing Sheeplin Army Group.

    Damn General Frederick, why haven¡¯t you surrendered yet! After being humiliated by a cake, you should be quick!

    General Frederick started a high fever three days ago, and his headquarters had basically been paralyzed, with each staff member thinking only about surviving the severe cold,pletely unable to carry out any staff duties.

    There were a few exceptions.

    Like the loyal secretary of the Army Group, who insisted on tranting the telegrams sent from the Emperor each day and presented them to General Frederick.

    Today was no different.

    The General, reading the telegram in bed, said, ¡°You know I currently have a fever of 39 degrees, right?¡±

    The secretary replied, ¡°You¡¯ll find the message from above very interesting.¡±

    Only then did the General look at the telegram, and suddenly sat up, reading aloud: ¡°As the Sheeplin Army Group faces the risk of encirclement, the fifteen-day relief operation is officially over. It is hoped that the members of the Sixth Army Group will remember the honor of the Prosen soldiers and fight to thest moment under extremely difficult circumstances.

    "Emperor Reinhard

    After reading the closing signature, the General¡¯s expression turned dejected: ¡°Although I knew this was going to be the oue, it¡¯s still so hard to ept when the message actually arrives.¡±

    The secretary asked, ¡°Would you like to reply to High Command and the Emperor?¡±

    The General thought for a moment and said, ¡°Destroy the radio and the Enigma Machine, and say that we¡¯ve run out of fuel supply, and the hand-cranked generator cannot support high-power equipment.¡±

    "This¡­ If we can¡¯t contact High Command anymore, is that okay?¡±

    "It¡¯s fine,¡± General Frederick said, ¡°High Command won¡¯t give us any valuable orders or intelligence anymore; at most they will just tell us ¡®stand firm and there will be a way¡¯.¡±

    The secretary asked, ¡°Are we going to stand firm? There have been cases of frostbite and freezing deaths at headquarters, we really can¡¯t keep fighting.¡±

    General Frederick replied, ¡°Didn¡¯t you hear the recent orders? Stand firm, and there will be a way.¡±

    "Yes,¡± the secretary took a step back, ¡°then I¡¯ll go and arrange to destroy the code machine and radio.¡±

    "You go ahead.¡± The Generaly down again, pulling the nket over his head.

    December 6, Eagle¡¯s Nest, Heart of the Empire of Prosen.

    The Emperor holding the phone: ¡°How are you still stuck so far away? Wasn¡¯t Rocossov supposed to be preparing a diversionary attack?¡±

    "Yes,¡± General Sheeplin on the other end of the line responded, ¡°our slow progress is due to breaking through enemy blockades. Fortunately, Rocossov¡¯s offensive wasunched hastily, involving arge number of cavalry troops, so the resistance we encountered was not severe, but¡­it still costs us hundreds to thousands of lives every day.¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°I don¡¯t care what your reasons are, bring your troops back from that godforsaken ce.¡±

    General Sheeplin: ¡°Of course, I¡¯ll do my best. I named this operation ¡®Generator¡¯! The Generator Operation willst for 15 days, mainly to rescue the Sheeplin Army Group, which has rtively scarce fuel and supplies.¡±

    The Emperor with a grim face: ¡°For your n to seed, you need to act swiftly, don¡¯t wait for Rocossov topletely consume the Sixth Army Group!¡±

    General Sheeplin: ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I¡¯m calling today, Your Majesty. We need to keep the Sixth Army Group hanging on in the encirclement until December 10, so we can

    "Enough,¡± the Emperor interrupted General Sheeplin, ¡°you never intended to rescue the Sixth Army Group! You just want to do enough to make it look like you tried, your only real concern is whether you can get away unscathed! I never knew you were this kind of person!¡±

    General Sheeplin: ¡°Rescuing the Sixth Army Group was an impossible task to begin with; it requires a lot of artillery, tanks, and infantry, and I only have so many troops. Rocossov is now very strong; if the Sixth Army Group can¡¯t hold on a bit longer, my elite veteran soldiers will be in danger.¡±

    "Alright, I¡¯ll think of something,¡± the Emperor was actually convinced by General Sheeplin.

    He put down the phone, looking at Celtic Marshal, ¡°What do you think we can do now to make General Frederick hold on to thest moment?¡±

    Celtic Marshal nced at General Moochi, the Armored Corps Director, his gaze lingering on the general insignia on his cor for a few seconds.

    However, the old Marshal pushed up his sses: ¡°I think we can promote William von Frederick to Marshal and bestow him with the Marshal¡¯s baton.¡±

    The Emperor frowned: ¡°Will that work?¡±

    "It¡¯s the only reliable method among many unreliable ones,¡± Celtic Marshal said with a wry smile, ¡°But honestly, the chances are very slim, and the Anteans might capture our Marshal soon; is that alright with you, Your Majesty?¡±

    The Emperor considered for a moment and said, ¡°Let¡¯s do it, I¡¯ll write the appointment myself!¡±

 Chapter 630: Thus, the Sixth Army Group chose to survive

    Chapter 630: Chapter 72 Thus, the Sixth Army Group chose to survive

    December 7th, 915, Sixth Army Group Headquarters.

    All the middle and senior officers who had not yet fallen ill were gathered in front of General Frederick¡¯s window.

    "General,¡± the Deputy Officer hesitated as he started to speak, turned his head to look at the others, then was frightened by everyone¡¯s gaze and quickly turned back, ¡°General, our nonbat attrition has already reached fifty percent. When we handed over the seriously ill to the Anteans, many simply surrendered and defected to their side.¡±

    General Frederick sighed and sat up¡ªthen almosty straight back down, as a severe dizzy spell caused by cerebral ischemia cut off all his thoughts.

    The Deputy Officer hurriedly stepped forward to support him: ¡°General!¡±

    "I¡¯m fine,¡± Frederick waved his hand, ¡°So, you¡¯vee to urge me to surrender?¡±

    Deputy Officer: ¡°Do you still think we can resist?¡±

    In the history of Earth, the Sixth Army Group had the strength to break through; after all, the Russians on Earth had suffered heavy losses, leading to uneven soldier quality. Many of the troops involved in Operation Uranus were green recruits, whosebat experience and morale were far below that of the Sturmtiger.Moreover, the condition of Earth¡¯s Sixth Army Group was not as dire as this.

    But the situation of the Prosen Sixth Army Group waspletely different. They faced Ante Troops with numerous surviving veterans, including many with the Guards prefix within the encircling forces. These veterans, tempered by the fires of war, were experienced and harbored a deep-seated hatred for Prosens, sworn to bury them all.

    And the Sixth Army Group was already in a severe state of ammo and supply shortage before being encircled, which quickly became even more dire after the encirclement.

    Frederick did not know the details of the other timeline, but he was very clear about his own troops¡¯ predicament.

    Breaking out was no longer possible; the remaining options were only two: to die or to surrender.

    The General nced at the officers, thinking that they did not seem willing to sacrifice their lives for a cause.

    Deputy Officer: ¡°General, we have fought to thest moment, continuing our offensive effort until we were encircled. We have already done enough for the Empire.¡±

    General: ¡°Have you considered what will be of Admiral Rokossovsky¡¯s million-strong army suddenly with nothing to do if we surrender?¡±

    "That¡¯s no longer our concern,¡± said the Deputy Officer. ¡°Our war has ended.¡±

    The General started coughing, and the Deputy Officer hurried to pat his back.

    After several seconds, Frederick finally stopped and took a long breath, then he looked at the Deputy Officer: ¡°Do you remember the day you became my Deputy Officer? Your father and your wife apanied you to visit me.¡±

    "I remember.¡±

    Frederick: ¡°Your father even wore his old military uniform from his era, with his Brigadier insignia. Your wife wore a blue dress, holding your hand.¡±

    The Deputy Officer was puzzled: ¡°Yes, General, that was seven years ago.¡±

    "Have you ever thought about what will happen to them if we surrender? The Imperial Ministry will not let them go, they¡¯ll be treated as traitors, turncoats!¡±

    The Deputy Officer was at a loss for words, but someone from among the officers behind him said, ¡°We are only surrendering because we have no other choice after fighting to thest. If the Emperor mistreats our families over this matter, he will lose the loyalty of his officers. I don¡¯t think His Majesty will do such a thing.¡±

    General Frederick looked at the speaker: ¡°Yes, perhaps not.¡±

    Suddenly, the sound of engines came from outside.

    Frederick turned his head in confusion towards the window: ¡°What¡¯s going on? Do we still have tanks that can operate?¡±

    "Sounds like an airne,¡± the Deputy Officer said. ¡°The engine noise has a distinct Doppler effect; it¡¯s approaching us rapidly.¡±

    Then a soldier came in from outside: ¡°Report, the air defense lookout observed one of our reconnaissance nes flying at ultra-low altitude, heading towards Headquarters.¡± ???N¦Ï??¨§?

    Everyone looked at each other in disbelief.

    Frederick threw off the nkets: ¡°Come, let¡¯s take a look.¡±

    Due to the cold, he was also wearing the military uniform under the nkets, which were now all wrinkled from lying in bed for days.

    The Deputy Officer hurriedly brought over his coat and draped it over the General.

    The nearly-recovered General moved with haste, not even buttoning up his coat, as he stepped out into the icy, snowy outdoors to look up.

    The weather was clear today, with not a cloud in the sky.

    The sound of the airne¡¯s engine became louder,ing from the west.

    Finally, one FW189 came into view and dropped a ¡°bomb.¡±

    The Deputy Officer rushed to tackle the General, but was loudly dismissed by him: ¡°Don¡¯t panic! High Command wouldn¡¯t send an FW189 just to drop a precision bomb on us.¡±

    The ¡°bomb¡± also hit the ground and disappeared into the snow in an instant.

    Frederick: ¡°Quick, dig it out!¡±

    Several guards who were still able to move rushed forward with their Sapper Shovels and after some digging, finally unearthed something that looked like an auxiliary fuel tank from the snow pit.

    Frederick: ¡°Open it!¡±

    "We don¡¯t have a screwdriver!¡± a soldier reported loudly.

    "Get one from the anti-aircraft battery! They¡¯re out of ammo, but they should still have a screwdriver to repair the guns!¡± General Frederick¡¯s voice rose a notch.

    A soldier trudged through the snow towards the yard.

    Ten minutester, the auxiliary fuel tank was opened, and the first thing that caught everyone¡¯s eye was a Marshal¡¯s Scepter with the Imperial Eagle reflecting sunlight at its head.

    Next to the Scepter was an appointment letter with a gilt cover, and letters sealed with the Prosen royal seal.

    The soldiers didn¡¯t dare to touch these items, and after opening the ¡°auxiliary fuel tank,¡± they stepped back and stood aside.

    The Deputy Officer stepped forward to pick up the items and came to General Frederick, ¡°General¡­ no, Marshal, take a look at this

    Marshal Frederick did not touch the Marshal¡¯s Scepter, but instead took the letter, roughly opened the envelope, pulled out the letter, and read softly, ¡°Respected William von Frederick, I clearly remember to this day, when at the Prosen Military Academy, you were my infantry tactics instructor. Your subtle understanding of the art of war fascinated me.

    "Now, although you are under siege, I firmly believe in your Prosen military quality and honor. I know you are certainly being coerced by those in the military who are afraid to die, but, you must also be clear that if you make the wrong choice at this time, the Prosen homnd will suffer a severe blow, and it may even lead to the extinction of the nation.

    "Today, more than ever, the fathend needs every one of its sons to fulfill their duties with utmost dedication. With highest respect, Prosen Emperor Reinhard.¡±

    Marshal Frederick sighed and passed the letter to the Chief of Staff.

    The Chief of Staff nced at the letter without reading it closely and said, ¡°It¡¯s worded very harshly; it¡¯s obvious that they hope for us all to die.¡±

    Frederick picked up the Marshal¡¯s Scepter and toyed with it in his hands.

    "I¡­ once longed for this immensely. Of course, as a soldier, who doesn¡¯t aspire to be a Marshal?¡± Frederick said with a self-deprecating smile, ¡°I could never have dreamed that I would receive my long-coveted scepter in such circumstances.¡±

    The Army Group Chief of Staffughed, ¡°After all, you have reached it, you are now at the pinnacle of a military career

    "No, the pinnacle of a military career is to win the war.¡± Frederick tapped his palm lightly with the Marshal¡¯s Scepter, ¡°Not like this.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Silence fell, the officers looked at each other, while the rank-and-file soldiers coerced into this affair could only stand awkwardly.

    Finally, Marshal Frederick, as if he had made up his mind, said to the Deputy Officer, ¡°Your wife and father will not suffer retaliation from the Imperial Ministry, because I will take responsibility for this defeat, like a responsible and honorable soldier. Chief of Staff, send an envoy to the Anteans, we agree to surrender.¡±

    The officers all shown expressions of relief, while the soldiers dared not show any emotion.

    Frederick continued to tap his palm with the Marshal¡¯s Scepter, ¡°All the consequences, I will bear alone.¡±

    December 8th.

    Wang Zhong stood on May 5th Street, waiting for the appointed time to arrive.

    All Prosen Soldiers within his heightened sense range had lost their will to fight, being identified as neutral.

    Soon, he noticed a group of high-ranking officers walking towards him on foot, with the foremost person carrying a white g.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°They surprisingly didn¡¯t wave white underpants.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°What?¡±

    "I¡¯m talking about the soldiersing out of that building.¡±

    A group of Prosen Soldiers, shivering, came out of the building holding white sheets, ced their weapons in a designated area, and then rushed desperately towards the food pots.

    Just then, a familiar face suddenly appeared, taking a sh photo at the surrendering Prosen Soldiers. The ¡°explosion¡± of the sh made many Prosen Soldiers reflexively duck, their bread sinking into the snow.

    Wang Zhong frowned and turned to look for another familiar face, and saw Mike the reporter grinning as he approached.

    "I just felt you guys would certainly not miss this.¡±

    Mikeughed, ¡°When you personallymanded thetest tanks to send the Prosens¡¯ stronghold to the sky, I missed it. This time I didn¡¯t want to miss such big news again. Three hundred thousand Prosen Soldiers surrender!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°By their organizational structure, it¡¯s six hundred and fifty thousand. The Prosens submitted theirplete order of battle yesterday, and it lists a total strength of six hundred and fifty thousand.

    "In reality, it¡¯s probably over two hundred thousand surrendering today, plus about two hundred thousand who have been surrendering bit by bit, the losses for the Prosens are quiterge.

    "It¡¯s just unknown how many are the results of General Winter¡¯s work.¡±

    "It¡¯s all your achievements, all of them,¡± Mike the reporterughed.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You still talk a good game.¡±

    Mike: ¡°Of course. By the way, can my partner capture a historic moment today? A Prosen Marshal surrendering to the Ante Army?¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow; he had actually seen through the external modifications that Marshal Frederick was not among the arriving officers, but at this moment he could only continue to pretend, ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. Then I want to share a cup of wine on the battlefield with Marshal Frederick.¡±

    Mike: ¡°Like the naval officers of the age of sailing warships? Not bad, this theme will be popr.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then you should thank me.¡±

    Frederick sat at his desk, looking at the photos of his wife and daughter and the Marshal¡¯s Scepter.

    A loaded Luger pistoly on the table.

    As long as he, the Marshal,mitted suicide for his country, the other members of the Sixth Army Group would not be pursued by the Imperial Ministry. This was thest thing he could do for the soldiers of the Sixth Army Group.

    "But,¡± Frederick gently stroked his wife¡¯s cheek in the photo, ¡°but it¡¯s such a difficult decision, Erika. You wouldn¡¯t believe how much I miss you.¡±

    He sighed, turned the photo face down on the desk, picked up the pistol, and put the barrel in his mouth.

    The moment he pulled the trigger, nothing happened.

    Frederick seriously checked the gun and concluded that the problemy with the bullets.

    He ejected the dud round, chambered a new one, and tried to put the gun in his mouth again¡ªhowever, this time he hesitated.

    After a long silence, Frederick turned his wife and daughter¡¯s photo over again, tossed the gun into the drawer.

    He stood up and called out to the outside, ¡°Quick! Notify the surrender delegation that I await Admiral Rokossovsky¡¯s arrival at the Headquarters! I must surrender in my ownmand post! After all, I am a Marshal!¡±

 Chapter 631: Victory

    Chapter 631: Chapter 73 Victory

    The surrender ceremony over here.

    Popov was expressing his dissatisfaction, ¡°What do you mean? If it had beenst winter, I could understand if you thought General Winter defeated you. But this year, we won the victory through a fight to the death. Do you know how bad it was when we first arrived?¡±

    Wang Zhong patted Popov¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Don¡¯t be like that, I guess it was General Frederick

    "It was a Marshal.¡± said the head of the surrender delegation. ¡°He was promoted to Marshal yesterday.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright, that Marshal Frederick, I guess he wanted to use his suicide to secure the safety of the families of you surrendering people, right?¡±

    All members of the delegation wore a look of shame.

    "You see, you can understand from their expressions.¡± Wang Zhong patted Popov¡¯s shoulder again, then addressed the delegation, ¡°As the party that has been invaded, we will not erect a monument for any invader, but I promise that the Marshal¡¯s body will return to his homnd in honor after the war and be handed over to his kin.¡±

    The delegation leader was visibly moved, ¡°You¡¯re different from the rumors, a soldier with a sense of honor.¡±Just as Wang Zhong was about to reply, a Prosen signaler came over with a radio, ¡°Commander, the Marshal says

    The words that followed turned into whispers; Wang Zhong could hear but not understand.

    Reporter Mikeughed, ¡°General, congrattions, you¡¯re about to ept the surrender of a Marshal.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°He didn¡¯t die? Was there a problem with the gun or what?¡±

    Mike shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±

    At that moment, the head of the delegation awkwardly said to Wang Zhong, ¡°General, the Marshal¡­ The Marshal wishes to surrender to you at his own headquarters. What do you think¡­ ¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s fine, but you are now the leader of a defeated army, and I will go to headquarters to ept the Marshal¡¯s personal surrender.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit improper? We are the victors!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Right, so I will ride my tank, with my Red g, and crush the bodies and helmets along the way with its roaring. I¡¯ll also select a brave representative of the citizens of Abawahan to ride with us. That little Griff who guided me that day wouldn¡¯t be bad. He also

    Wang Zhong hesitated for a moment, but still asked, ¡°Is he still alive?¡±

    Popov, ¡°Let me check, these kinds of kids like to run around, even the parish priest of his neighborhood doesn¡¯t know if he¡¯s alive.¡±

    "I¡¯m here!¡± Little Griff emerged from the crowd, raising his hand high, ¡°I¡¯m right here!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Good! As the representative of the brave citizens of Abawahan, you¡¯ll ride on my tank to the Sixth Army Group headquarters of Prosen to ept Marshal Frederick¡¯s surrender.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Your tank will be ready in twenty minutes; let¡¯s conduct the surrender ceremony now. Have you brought the g of the Sixth Army Group and the emblems and banners of the subordinate divisions?¡±

    The leader of the delegation, ¡°We have, they¡¯re here.¡±

    "Very well, these will be taken as war relics to the Ante War Museum. Maybe in the future, we¡¯ll even set up a special¡­ War of Defense Museum.¡± Pavlov spoke, while Mike¡¯s partner kept snapping photos and an officer from the Front Army propaganda department filmed with a camera.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Do we need to sign the surrender document?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov, ¡°We¡¯ve already drafted the surrender document here; you must ept it entirely, or else we¡¯re ready to fight again.¡±

    The leader hesitated to speak and finally just nodded his head.

    His pride seemed severely hurt.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ceres has an old saying, a defeated general shouldn¡¯t speak of bravery. Take care of yourselves.¡±

    The trantor frowned when tranting that saying, ¡°How¡­ How should this old saying be tranted?¡±

    Mike, ¡°Let me do it.¡±

    After he tranted, the Prosens looked at each other confusedly, and finally, the leader awkwardly said, ¡°We thank you for the lesson and understand. We will fully ept your terms.¡± ????¦¯¦¢¦¥??

    Pavlov pointed to a table that had already been prepared, ¡°Then sign.¡±

    ¡­

    Ten minutester, tactical number 422 T34W tank arrived at the surrender site, the antenna of the tank flew the Red g that had followed Wang Zhong throughout the campaigns, and the infantry on the tank held another Red g.

    Wang Zhong, puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s with another Red g?¡±

    "It¡¯s a gift from all the workers of the May 5th Factory,¡± the proud soldier holding the g said, ¡°The workers are thankful for your sessful defense of their hometown.¡±

    Wang Zhong climbed onto the tank and examined the new Red g closely, ¡°Good, very good.¡±

    The soldier added, ¡°General, the workers hope this g can be nted atop a symbolic building in Plowsonia. I asked which building, and they said they didn¡¯t know, for you to decide.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°Alright, I will nt this g at the highest point of the Prosen Royal Pce.¡±

    Then turning around, he lifted little Griff onto the top of the tank and pointed to the now vacant seat of the tankmander, ¡°Would you like to try being themander?¡±

    "Isn¡¯t that your position?¡± Little Griff asked curiously.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s a position for heroes! ording to the official record of valour, you might not qualify for the Ante Hero, but in my eyes, you represent all the heroes, and it¡¯s only right for you to sit there!¡±

    Little Griffughed, dove into the tank, but soon realized he couldn¡¯t stick out his head standing inside, so he had to sit on the edge of the hatch.

    Then Wang Zhong turned back, making sure that reporter Mike and the rest of the escorting guards had boarded other tanks before he patted the turret hatch, ¡°Let¡¯s go!¡±

    "Understood!¡± the driver¡¯s booming voice pierced through the engine¡¯s roar.

    The tank started up, ck smoke billowing from the exhaust pipe, and the tracks crushed the snow beneath, leaving deep ruts.

    May 5th Street was already full of people; the locals had emerged from their hiding ces, embracing their neighbors who had also survived.

    Some were still throwing stones at Prosen Soldiers, weeping as they did.

    Finally, someone noticed tank number 422.

    "It¡¯s the Red g!¡±

    "That young man on the tank, he¡¯s got three stars!¡±

    "It¡¯s General Rocosov!¡±

    "General Rocosov!¡±

    Wang Zhong waved to the people with a smile.

    Suddenly, a little girl with a bunch of flowers rushed over, holding the bouquet aloft as she chased after the tank.

    Wang Zhong bent down to receive the bouquet¡ªthe fake flowers; at this time, how could there possibly be real ones?

    He held the imitation bouquet to his chest and said to the girl, ¡°Thank you, littledy!¡±

    More girls ran out, throwing handkerchief-folded flowers onto the tank, others tossing presents directly into the open driver¡¯s hatch¡ªthergest opening at the front of the tank.

    The men shouted with vigor, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    More and more children followed the tank, running alongside it, some of whom knew little Griff, yelling, ¡°Little Griff, how did you manage to get on there? Why you!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Where were all of you hiding when the fight was going on? I thought there were no more children in this city!¡±

    By rights, the women and children should have been transported across the river.

    The boy who knew little Griff shouted, ¡°We didn¡¯t want to cross the river, we wanted to fight too!¡±

    Having said that, he held up an Iron Cross in his hand, ¡°I even ambushed one with medals and killed him, took his war trophy too!¡±

    Wang Zhong squinted, only after some time realizing it was a Silver Oak Leaves Iron Cross, an award for soldiers with quite staggering military achievements.

    "This medal is really something,¡± he said to the boy, ¡°See, it¡¯s decorated with dual swords and silver oak leaves, even higher rank than the Knight¡¯s Cross! Much higher! You took down the enemy¡¯s ace!¡±

    The child¡¯s face showed shock, ¡°Really? Did I really take down such a formidable enemy?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes! So keep that medal safe, and when you get older, you can proudly tell the story to your children and grandchildren!¡±

    The child stopped running, beaming as he examined the medal, and the children who had been chasing the tank also stopped, forming a circle around him.

    Wang Zhong turned his gaze back and noticing little Griff looking envious, asked, ¡°What, you also want to capture something that good?¡±

    "Hmph, the enemy I took down must have been formidable too, reducing the casualties of our army,¡± said little Griff.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll see if there are any higher-ranked Prosen medals among the war trophies to give you one.¡±

    Atst, little Griff smiled.

    At that moment, a group of Prosen Soldiers emerged from a bastion the tank passed by.

    The moment they saw the Red g, the leader stepped back several paces, knocking over others.

    All Prosen Soldiers eyed Wang Zhong withplex looks.

    From Wang Zhong¡¯s interpretation, about half were fear, the other half admiration.

    The tank made its way through the upied district, and the expressions of the Prosen Soldiers along the way were basically the same.

    Finally, the tank left the city, hurtling towards the Headquarters location provided by the Prosen delegation.

    After driving for a while, Wang Zhong suddenly said, ¡°Wait, turn left at the next intersection; I want to take a look at the Train Dispatch Yard.¡±

    The Sixteenth Army Group had been ordered to hold the Train Dispatch Yard and had subsequently lost contact with the Front Army Headquarters.

    The enemy that now upied the Train Dispatch Yard was likely waiting for the Ante Troops to take over.

    The tank swerved, heading straight for the Train Dispatch Yard.

    As they neared their destination, Wang Zhong switched to a bird¡¯s-eye view and then realized that there were no longer green ¡°units¡± throughout the whole city.

    It appeared that the entire Sixteenth Army Group had fallen at the Train Dispatch Yard in Satellite City.

    There were about a battalion¡¯s worth of Prosen troops waiting to surrender within the city, all huddled inside their strongholds, burning wood and other things looted from nearby homes.

    Hearing the tank¡¯s engine, Prosen Soldiers began to emerge from their strongholds, watching tank number 422 from afar.

    Wang Zhong turned and shouted to the interpreter behind him, ¡°Order these Prosen men to pile their weapons together and line up in an open area, waiting for the receiving troops to arrive. Those not in line will be regarded as having a will to resist and will be shot.¡±

    Little Griff, ¡°In this weather, standing outside for an hour will freeze someone solid.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the child sternly, ¡°Yes, I know, I am aware.¡±

 Chapter 632: The Title Worth Five Dollars

    Chapter 632: Chapter 74 The Title Worth Five Dors

    After handing over the starving and freezing Prosen Army to General Winter, Wang Zhong, with a small detachment, continued to race toward the Sixth Army Group Corps Command.

    On the way, they encountered the Prosens¡¯ air defense position.

    The trees surrounding the position had been chopped down, leaving the positionpletely exposed on the vast snowy in, making it highly visible, so the tank crews spotted the 88 guns early on and were extremely nervous.

    From an overhead view, Wang Zhong ensured safety, so he calmly sat on the tank, pacifying the others, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Prosens are already scared to death by the Red g.¡±

    In reality, the cold had kept them inside; the whole position was empty. Wang Zhong switched to the overhead view to find everyone hiding in the only wooden hut, huddled around a stove.

    But that didn¡¯t matter!

    The tank continued straight to the air defense position. Only then did the Prosens reluctantly open the door of the hut toe out.

    The first toe out, a Prosen officer, was stunned the moment he saw the Red g. The soldiers following him immediately knelt and raised their hands in surrender upon seeing the Red g.Wang Zhong turned back and yelled to the vehicles behind, ¡°Tell them we are not here to ept their surrender. Just tell them to crank the anti-aircraft guns up towards the sky, and they can go back inside to warm up.¡±

    The trantor immediatelyplied.

    The lead officer responded with a lengthy statement, which the trantor shouted to Wang Zhong, ¡°He says the guns are frozen solid and can¡¯t be moved at all.¡±

    What a scene, wasn¡¯t this the same scenario we¡¯d seen duringst year¡¯s counterattack?

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then have them find a way to block something in front of the cannon, at least to show the receiving troops that they have no will to fight.¡±

    With that, he didn¡¯t wait for the trantion, directly patting the top of the tank, ¡°Let¡¯s go, keep moving, to the headquarters.¡±

    The tank restarted, passing by the intact 88 and 20mm anti-aircraft guns.

    After passing the air defense position, the Sixth Army Group Headquarters was not far ahead. Soon, in the overhead view, Wang Zhong saw arge group of neutrally marked Prosens, all without the will to fight and waiting to surrender.

    It was probably because they were all about to surrender that the headquarters¡¯ manor had no sentries. Even when the rumbling of tanks were heard, the sentry only ran to the window of the house to look outside.

    The barrier at the entrance of the headquarters was already raised, and, unsurprisingly, looked frozen.

    The tank just drove straight into the headquarters courtyard, and still, no one came out from inside.

    In the overhead view of the headquarters, there were just three Prosens, one of whom was sitting behind the office desk. He could see his name was William Frederick, his rank, Marshal.

    Wang Zhong jumped down from the tank, walking boldly toward the main gate, with Grigori, the sergeant, and two Federation journalists quickly following him, while everyone else reacted sluggishly.

    Entering the headquarters, Wang Zhong encountered the first living person¡ªa private, curled up inside the gatehouse, trembling with a nket wrapped around him. R??????¨§?

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you by the fire?¡±

    After Mike tranted, the soldier replied, ¡°Themander isn¡¯t warming by the fire either.¡±

    Because yourmander was prepared to die for his sins, using his own sacrifice to protect his family, and possibly his subordinates¡¯ families as well.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t say these things but instead told the people behind him, ¡°Give him a coat.¡±

    Thus, Grigori took off his own coat and draped it over the private, while also taking away the private¡¯s gun.

    Little Griff asked Grigori, ¡°Aren¡¯t you cold, sergeant?¡±

    Grigori, ¡°The coat makes it hard to move, it¡¯s actually better off. It prevents the enemy from ying tricks.¡±

    The Antean coat was indeed heavy and stiff, not very conducive to movement. The Antean Army had a custom of removing their coats before a charge¡ªfirst, to ease movement, and second, if they sacrificed themselves, the coats could be worn by others¡ªsupplying these were not as simple as other types of clothing.

    Wang Zhong bid farewell to the first living Prosen and strode forward. He soon encountered the second living person in front of themander¡¯s office door.

    He asked, ¡°Are you the marshal¡¯s deputy officer? Your rank seems a bit low, and why don¡¯t I see your adjutant¡¯s sash?¡±

    In the Prosen military rank system, deputy officers had a special decorative sash, the officers¡¯ sashes were golden, and the marshal¡¯s deputy had a golden buckle on the golden sash.

    After Mike tranted, the Prosens answered, ¡°I¡¯m not a deputy officer; I just volunteered to stay behind to take care of the marshal¡¯s body. The deputy officer and the delegation have all left.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised an eyebrow. Normally, a deputy officer was the most trusted person of a general, like Yakov.

    He empathized for a moment, thinking that if faced with such circumstances, Yakov would definitely stay to the end.

    It seemed the Prosen military was indeed at the point where it would copsepletely.

    Served them right!

    Wang Zhong kicked open the door of themander¡¯s office and charged in with a fierce presence.

    Marshal Frederick was sitting behind the desk, legs crossed and smoking, with the Prosen military g and the Imperial g behind him.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Amander of a defeated army, yet still so full of airs.¡±

    Mike tranted, ¡°Understand your ce as the defeated; stand up for me.¡±

    At this moment, Ante¡¯s trantor hurried into the room and heard Mike¡¯s trantor frowning deeply.

    Marshal Frederick slowly stood up and straightened his clothes, ¡°I thought you were a soldier with a sense of honor.¡±

    Mike, ¡°I thought you would have better taste, not like a rustic peasant.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Mike, already instinctively feeling that he was ying with journalism, and said, ¡°Don¡¯t trante, let my own trantor do it.¡±

    After finishing speaking, he looked at the Marshal again, ¡°I came to your Headquarters alone ording to your request to ept your surrender and I have given you the honor you requested. Now let¡¯s speed this up.¡±

    This time, the trantor tranted everything urately, without errors.

    Marshal Frederick, ¡°Of course, of course. What do you n to do? ording to ancient customs, I should hand over my sword to you. Officers in the Empire of Fusang still wear swords, but we have discarded such obsolete things.

    "This is my service pistol, and all the bullets have been removed.¡±

    After saying this, Marshal Frederick moved from behind the desk, came in front of Wang Zhong, and presented the service pistol with both hands.

    Photographers hurried to take pictures.

    Wang Zhong also took the pistol with both hands but immediately handed it to little Karlov who had entered the room, ¡°This is your reward, Karlov, andter I will have the Front Army Headquarters issue a certificate proving it was the Prosen Marshal¡¯s service pistol.¡±

    Little Karlov beamed with joy, ¡°Really? Thank you, General!¡±

    Marshal Frederick¡¯s face tensed, ¡°What does this mean?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This little hero killed at least five Prosen soldiers and buried many booby traps in your control area. Remember, it wasn¡¯t me who defeated you, it was the heroic city of Abawahan that defeated you, it was the heroic people of Ante who defeated you! I am just a part of the Antean people.¡±

    Marshal Frederick smiled, ¡°The victor is always right, but personally, I quite like your speech, even though I know it¡¯smon rhetoric of the Secr faction.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Taking it as mere rhetoric is the reason for your failure.¡±

    "Perhaps,¡± Marshal Frederick calmly responded, ¡°What else should I do?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I will take your Marshal Scepter; this scepter will be disyed as an important trophy in Yeburg, just like you disyed my Red g in Plowsonia. I will eventually get back my Red g.¡±

    Marshal Frederick, ¡°Wasn¡¯t that a fake g? There are gunpowder burns near the bullet holes, obviously shot at close range to the g, the Headquarters were fake, weren¡¯t they?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You figured that out and still sent the g to the rear?¡±

    "Yes, I knew from the start, it was to get me to stay and give you time to counterattack,¡± Marshal Frederick shrugged.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then why did you still

    Frederick, ¡°If I didn¡¯t report the g as captured, the Imperial Ministry would soone after me. Knowing it was a plot, I had no choice but to go forward into it.

    "I must admit, it was a brilliant strategy, perfectly ying our glory-seeking Emperor.¡±

    Because he had surrendered, he could freely smear the Emperor now.

    Suddenly, Frederick thought of something and asked Wang Zhong, ¡°Off the record question, did you manage to gather such arge force so quickly because of a special rtionship with His Majesty the Tsar?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I don¡¯t have a special rtionship with His Majesty; I was entrusted by my close friend to take care of her, that friend who died in Argesukov. One day, I will go to visit his grave, one day.¡±

    For him, and for the father of this timeline.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression was stern, his eyes filled with a murderous aura.

    Marshal Frederick watched Wang Zhong intently for a long while and said, ¡°I wish you sess, future Marshal.¡±

    "Thank you.¡±

    At this time, Mike couldn¡¯t hold back anymore, ¡°Would you two drink the toast soon? My partner is getting impatient.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Alright, the current Marshal, we have a propaganda task next. We need to drink a toast like captains in the era of sailing warships after a battle is over. Do you grant me this honor?¡±

    "Of course, I would be very pleased.¡±

    Wang Zhong snapped his fingers, and the sses and wine were brought over.

    He and Marshal Frederick each took a ss, clinked them together, and then exchanged drinks.

    Mike¡¯s partner happily took the photo.

    Mike, ¡°I¡¯ve thought about it, the article with the picture will be called ¡®Past Marshal and Future Marshal.''¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That works.¡±

    Frederick looked back and forth between Wang Zhong and Mike with a puzzled face, then the trantor helpfully tranted the recent dialogue between the two.

    Frederick, ¡°That¡¯s not very good, it should be called ¡®Provisional Marshal and Future Marshal,¡¯ that¡¯s more urate.¡±

    Mike, ¡°Great! I¡¯ll take that title, and when the article is published, I¡¯ll pay you five dolls, Marshal.¡±

    After thinking for a moment, he added, ¡°I¡¯ll pay you five dolls now.¡±

 Chapter 633: Consolation Call

    Chapter 633: Chapter 75 Constion Call

    After a series of surrenders were finalized, on the evening of December 8, Wang Zhong finally returned to Headquarters.

    Pavlov, who had arrived earlier, was standing at a desk piled with documents, seeming to stretch his limbs.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What¡¯s this? Why are there so many more documents than usual?¡±

    "The battle is over, and we are identifying corpses, confirming the list of the deceased, but the city is in such a state now, I estimate quite a number will have to be listed as ¡®missing¡¯.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°You should hand these over to your sixth bureau clerks. We need to pursue the fleeing Prosen heavy troop cluster, apparently called the Sheeplin cluster? We aim to crush the enemy¡¯s B Army Group with an overwhelming force, reim thend lost since June in recent years, and advance towards Shepetovka.

    "This would further threaten the Prosens¡¯ A Army Group, and if things go well, we might even be able to return to Kazarlia!¡±

    Pavlov turned to look at therge battlefield map, his brow furrowing: ¡°You¡¯re not nning to encircle the enemy¡¯s A Army Group, are you? Isn¡¯t that a bit too ambitious? Last year, we were taught a lesson by the Prosen troops who had set up strong defensive lines ahead of time.¡±

    Theprehensive war map of Europa, especially the middle section of the Eastern Front, was still essentially in the state it was afterst year¡¯s counterattack. General Gorky¡¯s offensive had only made a local breakthrough and had not changed the frontline overall.Wang Zhong said, ¡°The Prosen military is still very strong overall, but I have reasons for my optimism. That is because nearly the entirety of the Nan¡¯ant prairie is defenseless and the logistics support is extremely poor. We can use our artillery and advantage in troops to break the tired enemy.

    "Of course, mentioning returning to Kazarlia was just a beautiful aspiration, and I don¡¯t really consider it a goal.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°I have alreadypleted the pursuit n, it just needs slight adjustments based on the current situation.¡±

    Wang Zhong waved his hand and said, ¡°No, the retreating Prosen troops are already severely weakened from the breakout battles. Even though General Sheeplin had set up defensive lines in advance, how much supplies could he have left for his troops on those lines? At temperatures of minus forty degrees, if our Sixth Army Group cannot withstand it, do you think the rear guard troops can?

    "No, Pavlov, forget your n. Right now, all our troops must participate in the assault, and it must be swift.¡±

    Pavlov replied, ¡°Cavalry and infantry can surely do so, but not the mechanized infantry and Armored Troops. However, since you wish to set out quickly, I suggest this: separate the units with low logistical needs from those with high logistical requirements.

    "Provide a series of forward supply stations for the units with low logistics needs so they can resupply as they advance. As for the Armored Troops and mechanized infantry, continue with a well-established supply n and proceed as usual.

    "You know our capability to support; we cannot advance day and night at full speed like the Prosens. If we do, about 60% of our tanks might break down mid-way, and we don¡¯t have adequate forces to recover them.¡±

    After thinking it over, Wang Zhong agreed with Pavlov¡¯s suggestion: ¡°You are more proficient in this area, proceed with your n.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the phone rang. Since Wang Zhong was nearer, he picked up the receiver: ¡°This is General Rocossov, who is this?¡±

    Ludm¡¯s voice came from the other side: ¡°Alyosha! Are¡­ are the lines busy now?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked around; every telephone at the headquarters was in use, but it was the staff actively calling various units to ry orders.

    The red telephone near him and Pavlov seldom rang, as if the hustle and bustle of headquarters had nothing to do with it.

    Wang Zhong lifted the phone and, pulling the cord, sat at the nearest empty desk: ¡°It¡¯s alright, there shouldn¡¯t be any emergencies requiring this red phone. How are you?¡± ?§Ñ?????¨§??

    "I am fine, perfectly healthy, not injured. But Nelly¡­ Nelly¡¯s eyes are damaged, the removed eyeball has arge scratch, and the doctor says even without an infection, her vision can¡¯t be preserved. Today, she boarded a train for evacuation, going to a rehabilitation center by the Ind Sea, the doctor says it will take at least four months for the wounds to fully heal.¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°I knew Nelly was injured, but I thought it was just a minor injury whilst she remained at the frontline.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°Your orderly did everything possible to ensure the soldiers knew they weren¡¯t abandoned. When she returns, you should really praise her.¡±

    Wang Zhong affirmed, ¡°Yes, I will, Xia, I will.¡±

    "Also Ludm¡¯s voice suddenly lowered.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    "Nothing, you need to continue the pursuit of the enemy, right?¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°Then I should free up the line. I¡¯ve heard that even His Majesty the Tsar has been strictly forbidden to interfere with the Front Army Headquarters¡¯ operations.¡±

    Wang Zhong reassured, ¡°Xia, you can talk a bit more, you¡¯re my wife. The soldiers would understand.¡±

    "No, don¡¯t be stubborn; the opportunity in war is fleeting, but we will have plenty of time in the future.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°Yes, we do have plenty of time ahead.¡±

    He felt as though he was raising a g, but at that moment, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t feel like he would lose Xia in the war, almost as if he had a divine revtion.

    "Then, see you in Yeburg when the muddy season arrives.¡±

    "Hmm, next year, see you in Yeburg. I¡¯m hanging up now.¡± Even though Ludm said that, she hesitated to hang up the phone.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hang up, dear.¡±

    The girl reluctantly ended the call.

    Pavlov: ¡°You could have talked a bit more.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What about you? Don¡¯t you want to talk with your wife? No, the Front Army Commander can¡¯t y favorites.¡±

    "Who just said ¡®you can talk a bit longer, the warriors won¡¯t mind¡¯?¡± Pavlov teased rarely.

    Wang Zhong just scratched his head.

    Then the red phone rang again, and Wang Zhong picked it up again¡ªit was actually to cover his embarrassment.

    "Abawahan Front Army Headquarters looking for General Rocosov,¡± before Wang Zhong could speak, the instruction came from the other end.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This is Rocosov, go ahead.¡±

    "This is His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s Court Chambein, General Rocosov, we have met before. His Majesty the Tsar wishes to speak with you.¡±

    Then Olga¡¯s voice eagerly broke in: ¡°Big brother!¡±

    Directly calling him big brother? Since Wang Zhong¡¯s son was born, Olga seemed to have embraced the role of a little sister.

    Olga: ¡°Big brother, I am using the official and formal protocol to make this call. I want to extend my regards to all the officers and warriors of the victorious Front Army¡ªwhat? Should I call thembatants? I want to express my appreciation to all thebatants of the victorious Front Army!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I will convey that to allbatants. Or do you want your call broadcasted?¡±

    "No need, just convey it for me. Also, I will broadcast nationwide on the radio tomorrow evening to announce the victory, so I will need the most precise enemy casualty numbers, please have Chief of Staff Pavlov prepare them.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Detailed casualty numbers, correct? For tomorrow evening¡¯s broadcast?¡±@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov cursed: ¡°This soon? Considering the time it takes to decode¡­ there¡¯s no way to make it!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Pavlov says it¡¯s impossible, can we postpone it to the day after tomorrow?¡±

    Olga: ¡°That¡­ Dying the victory announcement by a day might arouse suspicion. Right now, everyone in Yeburg knows that you¡¯ve achieved a great victory, having encircled and annihted hundreds of thousands of enemies, just likest year when they encircled and annihted our heavy Army Group!

    "Such a significant victory must be announced to the people still fighting, and to those in the upied Area, as quickly as possible.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You have a point.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°The main issue is the transmission. Such a telegram would be very long and would consume a lot of time for encoding and decoding. If it could be sent in clear text¡­ maybe we could try the wired telegraph system used by the railway system.¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly pped his thigh: ¡°Use airnes! Once the preliminary statistics are ready, we can have a staff member take the documents on a ne, and they will arrive in Yeburg in a few hours.¡±

    Pavlov also pped his thigh: ¡°Right!¡±

    Wang Zhong quickly said into the receiver: ¡°We¡¯ve found a way. Just go ahead with the regr broadcast tomorrow evening.¡±

    Olga: ¡°I heard that, I knew you¡¯d have a way, big brother.¡±

    For some reason, Olga¡¯s tone always reminded Wang Zhong of a favorite anime, ¡°Too Many Loser Female Leads,¡± and the protagonist¡¯s sister.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If that¡¯s all for official matters? This line is very busy, if there¡¯s nothing else I need to hang up.¡±

    Pavlov and the other staff were frowning at Wang Zhong, their thoughts clearly written on their faces.

    Olga: ¡°Wait a moment! Congrattions on your victory, big brother! Are youing back to Yeburg now? We are already preparing the award ceremony

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I will return to Yeburg during the muddy season next year. We are currently pursuing the enemy. We estimate there are about three hundred thousand enemies still escaping.¡±

    At that moment, a staff officer came over with arge envelope, opened it, and spread out the photos on the table: ¡°Report, aerial reconnaissance has spotted the enemy building defensive fortifications along the Suhayaweili River.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, it seems the enemy ns to maintain the frontline at the position they upied at the end of August this year.¡±

    Pavlov picked up the photos and looked closely: ¡°It appears they have heavy machinery, but¡­ it¡¯s winter now. Even if they use explosives to break the ice, it will freeze over again the next day. Forty degrees below zero.¡±

    Due to the severe cold, the river, which was originally a natural barrier, also turned into a passageway.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The defenders here are our old opponents from the Tenth Army Group. I wonder if itsmander still likes the dummy tanks I left him.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°This time you finally have a numerical advantage.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed.

 Chapter 634: Pursuit

    Chapter 634: Chapter 76 Pursuit

    December 9th, the youth volunteer team of Badayev Vige, following the directive of the parish, brought their own gathered dry food and crossed the frozen Valdai Hills River, setting up supply points on the main road.

    The vige militia acted as guards since there were reports of scattered enemy soldiers on both sides of the main road.

    However, by evening, the young people had not seen any remnants of the Prosen fleeing soldiers.

    It was only the soldiers from the Abawahan Front Army who kept advancing relentlessly.

    All the troops were marching rapidly, grabbing food and water from the young people¡¯s makeshift stalls as they passed, eating and drinking while they ran.

    A young man couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°Why are you all in such a hurry?¡±

    Most of the soldiers were busy eating and didn¡¯t respond, except for a Military Chain who was grabbing some bread and answered, ¡°The enemy is retreating, we are pursuing them, Admiral Rocossov has ordered us to advance at a run!¡±

    After speaking, the priest also started running while eating, followed by his soldiers.Not only the soldiers were running, but the apanying nurses and the Quartermaster were too, and even the cooking team¡¯s olddy with her iron pot kept on running.

    Countless troops continuously marched past the main road.

    The young men of Badayev Vige could only watch the soldiers with envy.

    Most of these young men were not yet of conscription age, but they had already experienced the horrors of war, burying rtives and friends killed by Prosen Air Force bombings, and they were eager to go to battle themselves to seek revenge against the Prosen invaders.

    When Erik von Xiplin entered the temporary Headquarters, he frowned immediately, ¡°This is just atrine! Are we really setting up Headquarters in a ce like this?¡±

    The Deputy Officer said awkwardly, ¡°This is the best house we could find, by the way, this is not atrine, it is the main house of this household. The smell might be¡­ might be because it hasn¡¯t been cleaned in a while.¡±

    Xiplin shook his head and turned to leave the room, stepping out into the yard: ¡°Alright, alright, we¡¯ll work from the car. The car has the warmth provided by the engine, anyway it¡¯s better than this straw hut!¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, the recently fallen night carried gunshots with it.

    Xiplin looked up, ¡°Where are the gunshotsing from?¡±

    Deputy Officer: ¡°From the west, the sound ising from the west.¡±@@novelbin@@

    "I know it¡¯sing from the west, I am asking how far it is from our location, specifically where!¡±

    The Chief of Staff of the Army Group said, ¡°It sounds close, no, it sounds really close by, we should receive a report soon

    Before he could finish, intense gunfire erupted, and at this point, anyone could tell that the fight was taking ce nearby.

    Shortly after, the head of the Guard Corps ran over urgently, ¡°I don¡¯t know where they came from, but Prosen Cavalry is attacking us!¡±

    General Sheeplin eximed, ¡°What nonsense are you spouting! Of course, they came from the ins! Admiral Rocossov has arge number of Cavalry Troops, even Guard Cavalry. He has let these well-fed troops loose to chase us! Quickly organize a defense!¡±

    At that moment, General Sheeplin heard the sound of horse hooves on the streets outside.

    He swiftly assessed the situation, made a decisive move, and jumped onto themand tank belonging to the Army Group¡¯s headquarters, patting the tankmander¡¯s shoulder forcefully, ¡°You get down, I¡¯ll take this spot.¡± ???£Î??§£?s

    The tankmander had just vacated when General Sheeplin climbed into the tank.

    Just then, the sound of horse hooves passed in front of the courtyard gate, and two smoking grenades were thrown into the yard.

    The explosion urred almost immediately, knocking down many of the guards who were posted at the entrance.

    Sheeplin ordered, ¡°Reverse, smash through the wall behind us, and prepare to sweep the cavalry with firepower!¡±

    The driver immediately executed the order, reversing the tank and smashing through the not-so-sturdy mud wall behind.

    Once outside the courtyard, Sheeplin continued to order, ¡°Turn right by 90 degrees! Aim the hull machine gun at the cavalry in front, open fire!¡±

    The tank immediately turned, and at the same time, the cavalry also spotted the tank and charged toward it, the leading cavalryman having already taken out an Ante incendiary bomb and lighting the alcohol-soaked cloth stuffed in the bomb¡¯s head while on horseback.

    The cavalrymen, holding their incendiary bombs like torches, led theirrades¡¯ charge.

    The hull machine gun opened fire.

    The Ante cavalryman was shot down, and the incendiary bomb shattered on the ground, turning into arge ze.

    The horses behind him, frightened by the mes, stopped and reared up, only to be knocked down by the machine gun fire.

    Sheeplin called out, ¡°Quick! Bring another tank out, back to back blocking both sides of the street. Also, call nearby troops via radio, quick!¡±

    At that moment, Sheeplin heard the radio operator¡¯s voice through his headset, ¡°General, our tanks have radios, you can issue the orders yourself.¡±

    "I don¡¯t know today¡¯s password!¡± Sheeplin cursed.

    In this era, only the Federation had mastered rudimentary radio anti-eavesdropping and anti-interference technology. Other nations¡¯ radios all had to use passwords, at least to hide the troop numbers and destination.

    At that time, another tank was trying to exit the courtyard and got stuck while breaking through the wall, its tracks hanging in the air, wildly spinning.

    Sheeplin cursed, ¡°Damn, misfortunes nevere singly! Quick, free this tank! First, dig out the earth wall blocking it! Fast!¡±

    As Sheeplin spoke, he heard the sound of horse hooves approaching from the other side of the street, and each rider carrying a lit incendiary bottle, determined topletely burn the two Prosen tanks.

    Sheeplin quickly climbed inside the tank, locking the hatch, and said to the gunner, ¡°Aim at the crowd of enemies and fire!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°But, General

    "Fire!¡± Xiplin shouted again.

    The gunner reluctantly fired, and the result was that an armor-piercing shell bounced on the ground before flying off, only to be detonated by a dyed fuse after traveling a great distance.

    Xiplin: ¡°Why was it an armor-piercing shell?¡±

    "We heard that Ante¡¯s cavalry were maneuvering with armored troops, so we prepared to face the enemy¡¯s armored forces.¡±

    "Load a high-explosive shell, and fire when ready.¡±

    Secondster, the tank gun from themand tank fired, and the shell exploded between two cavalrymen.

    However, themand tank was a modified version of the Panzer III, and most of the Panzer IIIs provided to Xiplin¡¯s Army Group were still using the outdated 37mm gun.

    After all, the main job of amand tank wasmanding; its gun wasn¡¯t important, and it wasn¡¯t expected to confront enemy tanks head-on.

    Now, however, this 37mm gun nearly cost Xiplin his life. The shell exploded between the two cavalrymen; logically, both should have been obliterated, yet one cavalryman fell, while the other continued charging, seemingly unscathed.

    Xiplin got goosebumps, unaware of what kind of fierce battles these cavalrymen had endured to develop such a strong will to fight!

    Fortunately, at that moment, the machine gun of the Guard Corps on the roof started sweeping fire, and gunfire from various locations unknowingly intensified quite a lot.

    Themander of the Guard Corps yelled from atop the doorway to Xiplin, ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, General, we¡¯ve confirmed that it¡¯s just a small toon-sized unit. The attack will be repelled soon!¡±

    Xiplin: ¡°I know. But I feel that the situation is bad, send orders! The entire headquarters must safely leave this damned ce and continue advancing towards Yeisk! We aim to reach the Suhayaweili River within two days!¡±

    December 9th evening, Saint Ye Katerina Fortress, National Radio Broadcast.

    Inside the main broadcasting studio, Olga didn¡¯t know how many times she had checked her speech.

    Tugenev: ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous, you¡¯re not meant to recite it, just read it when the timees.¡±

    Olga with a distressed face: ¡°I¡¯m afraid I might not perform well in some areas, unable to inspire the national morale or undermine the enemy¡¯s spirit.¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°The victory itself will lift spirits. You don¡¯t need to worry too much, just let the people know we¡¯ve won, and they will celebrate the hard-earned victory.¡±

    Olga nodded, then asked, ¡°The captured marshal¡¯s scepter and such, is the exhibition arranged?¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°His Highness Belinsky has provided arge cathedral managed by the Church as the exhibition venue; the captured enemy armored vehicles are parked in the cathedral¡¯s courtyard for the public to view.¡±

    Olga looked pleased, then asked, ¡°We¡¯re not disying the prisoners this time? Not parading them in the streets? I feel like that could be done again!¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°That wasst year when the situation was urgent, and we needed some strong stimtion, or many people would have lost the confidence to continue the war.¡±

    "So, we don¡¯t need stimtion this year?¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°We do, that¡¯s why you¡¯re preparing to deliver a speech now.¡±

    Then, a voice came through Olga¡¯s headset from the director: ¡°Get ready, 30 seconds to air. Your Majesty, as soon as you see me lower my hands, start reading.¡±

    Olga swallowed nervously, ¡°Alright! I¡¯m ready.¡±

    Wang Zhong checked the time and waved his hand, ¡°Bring the radio over, let¡¯s hear what His Majesty the Tsar is saying.¡±

    Popov looked surprised, ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How would I know? Telepathy? I deliberately avoided it yesterday.¡±

    While they spoke, the radio was brought over, and the staff member who brought it said, ¡°We have already tuned it to the right channel, you just need to listen.¡±

    After speaking, he ced the device on the table and turned it on.

    The melody of ¡®The Holy War¡¯ floated out from the speaker.

    Wang Zhong could feel that everyone in the headquarters stopped for a moment, but they quickly resumed their work.

    Suddenly, the music volume decreased, and a female announcer¡¯s voice spoke, ¡°Fellow countrymen, soldiers of the Ante Army, His Majesty the Tsar will now deliver a public speech.¡±

    Then a static noise came from the speaker, making everything around Wang Zhong seem very quiet.

    The static was interrupted by a simrly young female voice, ¡°Eh? Can I speak now? Ah, hello everyone, I am His Majesty the Tsar¡­uh, I am Olga Nikyevna Antonova.

    "I am here to announce great news to all our people! The brave Abawahan Front Army, under the outstanding leadership of Admiral Rokossovsky, not only held off the Prosen Sixth Army Group¡¯s attack but also counterattacked and surrounded the Sixth Army Group.

    "Just yesterday, the Prosen Sixth Army Group surrendered to Admiral Rokossovsky. Marshal Frederick, the Army Group Commander, handed over his marshal¡¯s scepter to Admiral Rokossovsky

    Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°His Majesty sounds like a little girl showing off a new doll she just got.¡±

    Pavlov and Popov bothughed.

    At that moment, a messenger rushed in and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°Report! Just now, the radio reported that General Kiriyenko¡¯s vanguard attacked a ce resembling a high-level headquarters, and the upants had fled in a tank. A messenger is bringing the captured documents back to the Front Army Headquarters.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tell Kiriyenko he¡¯s done well! Keep it up, and if they encounter troops they can¡¯t handle, bypass them and leave them to the mechanized troops behind!¡±

 Chapter 635: His Majesty the Tsar Rewards You with a New Tank

    Chapter 635: Chapter 77: His Majesty the Tsar Rewards You with a New Tank

    On December 10, 1915, a day after the light forces had begun their pursuit of the Prosen Army, the armored troops and mechanized infantry of the Abawahan Front Army also started their chase.

    Meanwhile, the Front Army Headquarters was also getting ready to set off with the heavy-armored troops.

    When Wang Zhong stepped out of the bunker, the tunnel entrance was packed with Anteans, including arge number of women and children.

    Pavlov exined, ¡°Yesterday, I had let those living in districts not upied by the Prosens go home, including many women and children.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at them, his expression softening, ¡°There are still so many women and children alive. Old friend, I feel the value of our struggle in this moment, such value!¡±

    Pavlov patted Wang Zhong on the shoulder, ¡°Liking to ramble is a sign of getting old, yet you¡¯re not even thirty, General Davarish.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Ah? General?¡±

    "Early this morning¡¯s ne, justnded. Should be arriving soon.¡±As they spoke, a horn sounded from the tunnel behind Wang Zhong; he turned around and saw a Willys Jeep approaching with its headlights on, only turning them off near the exit.

    Before the vehicle had fully stopped, a mischievously grinning major hopped out.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Vasily?¡±

    "Yes, it¡¯s me.¡± Vasily stood at attention and saluted, ¡°Report to General Davarish, Major Vasily haspleted the elerated six-month staff officer course and formally requests to rejoin the ranks!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, you should bemanding a regiment.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°No, General, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m cut out for that. Just consider me afraid of dying.¡±

    Wang Zhong was silent for a few seconds before pointing at the scarf around his neck, ¡°This belonged to myst deputy. You know that?¡±

    "I know,¡± Vasily said solemnly. ¡°Your personal charge is well-known throughout Yeburg, despite being an Admiral and a Front Army Commander, you charged like a battalionmander. So, high-risk as it is, let me be your deputy.¡±

    Pavlov interjected, ¡°There¡¯s one thing you got wrong. It is now strictly prohibited for anyone above battalion level¡ªincluding battalion chiefs to charge personally. We can¡¯t afford to lose so many senior officers. You see, even the staff courses have been crammed into half a year.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at Vasily for a few more seconds and sighed, ¡°If I have to lose another deputy in the future, it might as well be someone with a big fate like you.¡±

    Vasily pped his thigh andughed joyfully, but he quickly realized this was inappropriate and shut his mouth.

    After all, Wang Zhong had just lost a deputy, whose belongings still hung around his neck.

    At that moment, Pavlov nudged Wang Zhong¡¯s waist to catch his attention and nodded towards the people behind Vasily.

    Only then did Wang Zhong notice a colonel and a major standing behind Vasily, with the major respectfully holding a box.

    The colonel met Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes and said, ¡°Admiral Aleksei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, in light of your outstanding performance in the recently concluded ??????§£??

    "Not concluded, Kutuzov¡¯s operation isn¡¯t over. We n to keep pushing until we meet stiff resistance from the Prosens,¡± Wang Zhong interrupted.

    The colonel, ¡°Alright, in light of your outstanding performance in the recent defense of Abawahan and the encirclement battle against the Prosen Sixth Army Group, the High Command has decided to promote you to General.¡±

    The major with the box stepped forward, opened the box to reveal the General¡¯s insignia: five stars in total, four at the corners and one in the center.

    Pavlov, ¡°Next time it will be just one big star, frankly, I think the five stars look better.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I think either is fine, let¡¯s move on.¡±

    He reached to remove his own insignia, but Vasily immediately stepped forward, ¡°How can we let a General remove his own insignia? Allow me to assist you.¡±

    Quickly, the old insignia was removed, Vasily took the new insignia, and ced it on the cor of Wang Zhong¡¯s winter uniform.

    The senior colonel responsible for delivering the insignia said, ¡°We¡¯ve also brought the other military insignias, as well as this appointment letter, which needs to be handed over to your unit¡¯s clerk

    "Give it here,¡± Pavlov reached out and took the document directly, ¡°Our Commander suffers a headache just from looking at documents, most of them are handled by me.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯ve been a great help, Pavlov, a great help.¡±

    Having said that he turned around, found everyone¡¯s eyes on him, and said, ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing to remark, right now I only care about one thing: how long before we can advance into the Prosen capital, Plowsonia. So, let us depart.¡±

    With that, General Wang Zhong jumped into his Jeep.

    Vasily immediately climbed into the passenger seat, while the already seated driver released the handbrake and gently pressed the elerator.

    The surrounding crowd automatically parted, just wide enough for a vehicle to pass.

    They seemed reluctant to stray too far from their General.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong remembered something, he hadn¡¯t seen young Griff among the crowd.

    He always felt the boy woulde to see him off.

    Switching to an overhead view, he searched for little Griff and found the boy crouched on the rooftop of a nearby building, brandishing a small Red g.

    The little fellow was surrounded by arge group of children, acting every inch the king of the kids.

    "Forward, Davarish!¡± young Griff shouted.

    All the children shouted together, ¡°Forward, Davarish!¡±

    Like a pile of dead leaves ignited by a spark, the originally silent crowd suddenly burst into a cacophony of shouts:

    "Don¡¯t let them get away!¡±

    "Push all the way to the border!¡±

    "Wish you to return home soon, General!¡±

    The crowd on both sides of the road seemed endless; even after traveling a kilometer, the road was still lined with people.

    The crowd tossed various constion gifts onto the vehicles, calling out to Wang Zhong:

    "Avenge my father!¡±

    "My husband is missing, please find where he is buried!¡±

    "General, I want to go home! My own home!¡±

    Wang Zhong tried to see who had shouted thatst sentence, but he was lost in the crowd.

    Thus, Wang Zhong thought that if only all the upied areas could be liberated, then this stranger could go home.

    Even as the convoy left the city, the roadsides remained packed with people.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No need to see us off further! There might still bendmines outside! Go back!¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Now we really must fight all the way to Plowsonia.¡±

    "Isn¡¯t that stating the obvious? Starting to state the obvious is a sign of aging.¡±

    "Wait a minute, why do I feel like I¡¯ve just heard that line?¡± Vasily asked, puzzled.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s your imagination.¡±

    At the same time, at Saint Ye Katerina Fortress, a Military Arsenal Testing Ground, His Majesty the Tsar had suddenly arrived and was looking at several brand new prototypes: ¡°Is this the new model tank? It looks even bigger than the T34 and KV.¡±

    Designer Ke Jing: ¡°Indeed, because Admiral Rokossovsky

    "General,¡± Olga corrected. ¡°He¡¯s a General now.¡±

    Ke Jing hastily corrected himself: ¡°Right, his Excellency the General proposed increasing the weight of the tanks. He wanted us to develop a tank that could match the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks. So, I designed this vehicle.

    "The assault gun that the General favored previously was also my work.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Let¡¯s focus on this vehicle, the rest doesn¡¯t matter.¡±

    "Of course,¡± Ke Jing quickly produced the blueprints, ¡°The most important feature of this vehicle is its indestructible defense. The General wanted a breakthrough tank that could be used for assaults, so it required robust defense from all directions. To meet this requirement without excessively increasing the weight, you can see we employed angled armor on both the sides and the back of the tank.¡±

    Olga: ¡°I see that. Do you guys have to design it like a turtle? And why is the turret so round at the back?¡±

    Ke Jing: ¡°Afterparing all the designs, we found that an ovoid shape best achieves the goal of all-around defense.

    "The rounded back of the head, as you mentioned, offers at least 150 millimeters of effective thickness against horizontal shots from any angle, with some angles reaching up to 220 millimeters.

    "If we used the cast turretmon on tanks, achieving this would significantly increase the weight. It might even be too heavy to move, Your Majesty.¡±

    Olga: ¡°And the body?¡±

    Ke Jing, patting the front armor of the vehicle body: ¡°The body is simr, with the best-protected upper front armor having a thickness of 110 millimeters at a steep angle of 61 degrees. The enemy¡¯s best 88mm guns would hardly stand a chance of prating it from the front.

    "Additionally, you may have noticed that the front of the vehicle body is wedge-shaped, my new design. This increases the likelihood of deflecting iing shells.

    "Your Majesty, please believe, this vehicle has an unshakeable front armor and quite reliable sides and rear. It is an indestructible war machine that can frustrate all enemy firepower!¡±

    Olga: ¡°What about its firepower?¡±

    Ke Jing: ¡°Given that a 100mm gun is already powerful enough, and considering the tank was nearly overweight, we still opted for the same 100mm gun used in the Whirlwind. It should be sufficient against most Prosens tanks.¡±

    Olga nodded repeatedly: ¡°I see no issues, let¡¯s go with that. By the way, the engine used is the new one authorized by the Federation for our production, right?¡±@@novelbin@@

    "Yes, because the production nt has just been refurbished, the output of the engines is very low, but given our current use of heavy tanks, this output is eptable.¡±

    Olga nodded again: ¡°Good. Have you tested its reliability?¡±

    "It has been tested, but these prototype vehicles all used imported engines from the Federation, so¡­ it can¡¯t represent the reliability of the models with licensed production engines.¡± Ke Jing appeared somewhat awkward, after all, if mass-produced models had issues, it could cause unnecessary casualties.

    Olga: ¡°Since you¡¯ve tested its reliability, we don¡¯t need to test the rest, just take it to the battlefield to see how it performs. General Rokossovsky is organizing an attack, and since he set the specifications, let him test it personally.

    "Send all the prototypes to the Abawahan Front Army!¡±

 Chapter 636: The Way of War is Deceptive

    Chapter 636: Chapter 78 The Way of War is Deceptive

    In the following days, Wang Zhong¡¯s Headquarters was continuously on the move.

    The main troops advanced too quickly.

    The rear guard left by General Sheeplin, surrounded by cavalry and infantry, surrendered without much resistance,pletely unable to dy the onught of the Abawahan Front Army.

    The heavy troops of the Front Army, full of enthusiasm, departed but hadn¡¯t been able to engage in battle for two days.

    The supply for the Front Army was much smoother than originally anticipated because Pavlov adopted a new method of supply: across the frozen Valdai Hills River was a railway line, by nning in advance, military trains heading to Abawahan could unload their cargo early, and then volunteers from the viges along the way would transport the goods across the ice river.

    Through this method, the logistics department established arge number of supply stations and fuel depots along the march route, providing ample supply to the heavy troops of the Front Army.

    The only imperfection in this supply n was theck of a vehicle maintenance and recovery center; broken tanks could only be marked on the map and reported to the local church without further management.

    After all, it was unrealistic to expect the entire Front Army to have the same level of support capability as the First Mobile Group Army.On December 12th, Wang Zhong had been jostling in the vehicle since early morning, and after four hours he couldn¡¯t stand it any longer and ordered a halt for rest.

    Thus, the Headquarters motorcade stopped on a small hill beside the Valdai Hills River, and Wang Zhong got out of the car, strolling on the hill with a coat draped over his shoulders.

    He saw with his own eyes the sledges transporting supplies on the Valdai Hills River and asked Pavlov, ¡°Where did you find so many sledges?¡±

    Pavlov pointed at Popov and said, ¡°You should ask the Bishop about this.¡±

    Popov said, ¡°It¡¯s all organized by the local church. Everyone was very enthusiastic before, fearing that if the Prosens won, they would cross the river and ravage their homnd.

    "Now that we¡¯ve won, their enthusiasm has grown even more. Even those identified as hidden members of the Sanctified faction have joined the supply transport ranks.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked again at the endless crowd on the ice and eximed, ¡°The victory of the 915 Winter Campaign was pulled by the vast number of people with sledges.¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°Huh, the statement you just made looks like it could be recorded in the quotations. Should I write it down?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°No, you don¡¯t need to.¡±@@novelbin@@

    "I¡¯ll write it down anyway.¡± Vasily took out his notebook and wrote down what Wang Zhong had just said.

    Pavlov said, ¡°At this full speed, in a few more days we should reach the Suhayaweili River. I wonder how well the Prosen defenses are set up. If we can sessfully capture Yarvik, the trainsing from Yeburg could directly reach Yarvik to supply us, and our supply lines would be shortened by hundreds of kilometers.¡±

    Vasily asked, puzzled, ¡°Gentlemen, after the enemy captured Yarvik, why didn¡¯t they attack Yeburg again along the railway line?¡±

    Wang Zhong exined, ¡°Their supplies came from Shepetovka. Even if they controlled Yarvik, it wouldn¡¯t solve the vast steppe between Shepetovka and Yarvik. You were there, you know what the steppe is like.¡±

    Vasily then asked, ¡°So the question arises, our entire Front Army of more than a million men, won¡¯t it be too crowded if we rush into the steppe? Can the supplies keep up?¡±

    Everyone turned to look at Vasily.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°You make a good point. We were so focused on restoring the front line to its state in June, we didn¡¯t consider this.

    "Supplies can¡¯t supportrge-scale troop operations on the steppe, and without a numerical advantage, facing off against high-quality Prosen troops might not necessarily result in victory.¡± ???§°¦¢??

    Popov added, ¡°During the summer campaign, the First Mobile Group Army managed to recapture Yeisk by utilizing the time before the enemy¡¯s main force arrived and some clever tactics. After that, it was all thanks to the ¡®Whirlwind¡¯ equipment advantage and the morale and experience of the First Mobile Group Army that we managed to stop the Prosen advance.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and realized that was indeed the case.

    Pavlov said, ¡°Actually, recapturing Yarvik is already quite good. We can consider it the end of the winter campaign and wait for the muddy season to end before fighting again.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°We need to think from the Prosens¡¯ perspective. What do you think the Prosens will use to solve the transportation issue from Shepetovka to Yarvik?¡±

    Pavlov fell into deep thought.

    Vasily raised his hand and said, ¡°Professor, I have an idea.¡±

    "Go ahead,¡± Wang Zhong replied. He was one of the professors at Suvorov Military Academy.

    Vasily said, ¡°Based on my observations of the Prosens over the past year, I think they will build roads.¡±

    Indeed, on Earth as well, the Russians¡¯ poor infrastructure resulted in the Sturmtiger facing heavy losses in 1941, prompting them to rigorously construct a multitude of high-standard highways, and by early 1943, most werepleted.

    Then the Russians counterattacked, and after battling at Kursk, they advanced into their homnd and discovered: ¡°Huh, were the roads here always this good? Ah, the advance is too fast, trucks could even race Stuka dive-bombers on these highways.¡±

    This also became a topic of fond discussion among enthusiasts studying the history of the Eastern Front inter years.

    Wang Zhong patted Vasily on the shoulder, ¡°Right, they will build the road. We can take Yarvik and face the enemy across the river, and then counterattack once they have finished the road.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Although I¡¯ve heard a lot of outrageous tactics since partnering with you, waiting for the enemy to build the road is something I didn¡¯t expect.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed and continued, ¡°But the winter campaign must not stop at Yarvik. With our current rate of advance, as long as we don¡¯t get stuck outside Yarvik, we could even take the city before Christmas¡ªI mean the Gregorian Christmas.

    "There is so much time until the muddy season next year, and with a million troops, there¡¯s not much consumption, stopping would miss the opportunity. Since we are not attacking Shepetovka now, we could consider taking Yarvik, establishing a defensive line and then turning left to attack Bolsk, subsequently recapturing the Coastal Fortress.¡±

    Vasily took out a small map he carried and eximed, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that encircle the A Army Group? If they want to escape, they¡¯d only have a chance for a Dunkirk-type sea evacuation.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°That¡¯s exactly the idea. We need to pretend to attack Shepetovka but actually turn the troops left.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°God, can you think things through first, not decide on the battlefield and p your forehead? Now I have to create a new n overnight again.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I trust in your abilities! And with so many staff under you now, you can definitely do it.¡±

    After finishing speaking, he suddenly remembered, during the most critical moment, he had ordered the staff and headquarters logistics to go to the front line, to charge and kill the enemy alongside him.

    It seemed like a third of the staff were sacrificed, including Yakov.

    So he looked at Pavlov with an apologetic face, ¡°Sorry, I forgot about that for a moment.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°I know,st time you even had Yakov make you coffee. I¡¯ll get the n done, don¡¯t worry. Just one thing, I don¡¯t quite understand why we need to pretend to attack Shepetovka? The enemy has been fooled by you repeatedly, they won¡¯t believe it.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°No, think about Marshal Frederick¡¯s remark about the Prosen Emperor. This time, that Emperor will arrogantly think he¡¯s outsmarting me. He has been yed by me all this time, certainly scheming to beat me once to regain face.

    "Moreover, logically, it is very difficult for arge corps to cross the vast steppes to attack Shepetovka and can only use smaller local groups, but we don¡¯t have an advantage with small groups.

    "His Majesty¡¯s staff will assure him it can¡¯t be Shepetovka, just as they opposed going through the Ardennes Forest before.¡±

    Wang Zhong showed a sly smile, ¡°He will think Shepetovka is the main direction of the attack.¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°I¡¯ve studied the ancient military texts of Ceres that the General highly regards¡ªthis is called deception in warfare, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Exactly. The highest art in the art of war is the art of grasping the main opponent¡¯s general. So we need to make a grand show of attacking Shepetovka, we can use a scheme we¡¯ve used before, find a dead body, dress it as a messenger going to Shepetovka to convey orders to the guerris, attach a parachute, and drop it into the enemy-upied zone.¡±

    Vasilyughed, ¡°Using this again? I¡¯m familiar with it! Last time, I was the one who crafted the body. But, could it be too realistic and backfire?¡±

    "Just rx, make it as real as possible,¡± Wang Zhong waved his handrgely, ¡°Even if the Prosen Emperor isn¡¯t deceived, we can still forcefully destroy his interception troops, we have a million-strong army, and although it¡¯s not enough to conquer the world, breaking through this distance shouldn¡¯t be a problem.

    "It¡¯s a pity that the prototype vehicle was destroyed by me, otherwise it would¡¯ve been more stable, could have sent the Prosens¡¯ bunkers and the people inside sky-high.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Exactly, it seems like four prototype vehicles are on the way here, said to be some new heavy breakthrough tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Really? This time I¡¯ll use them sparingly, deploying them in the attack on Yarvik.¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong looked towards the ice again and noticed many people seemed to deliberately approach the high ground where he stood. The flow of people on the ice was originally straight, but now it curved past the front of the high ground.

    Wang Zhong turned around and saw that the Red g had been raised.

    Such a patch of red in the icy snowyndscape was extremely eye-catching.

    He already heard the passing people saying, ¡°It¡¯s Rocossov! General Rocossov!¡±

    "The General hase to see us!¡±

    "Run, Doggy, don¡¯t let the General look down on our Doggy!¡±

    Wang Zhong could only raise his hand and wave, resulting in the crowd starting to shout ¡°Hurrah.¡±

    This scene, perhaps only historical generals like Suvorov had ever enjoyed in Ante¡¯s history.

    After waving his hand, Wang Zhong turned away from the crowd¡¯s sight and while walking, he spoke to Pavlov, ¡°Anyway, that¡¯s the n, get the attack scheme ready as soon as possible. To achieve the second phase of the campaign¡¯s goal, we need the cooperation of the Mountain Corps, the Mountain Corps, and the White Sea Fleet.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°The issue of sea control is a bit tricky, although Prosen¡¯s ace battleship was taken out by the United Kingdom¡¯s Royal Air Force, they still have many cruisers and destroyers in the White Sea, and we only have destroyers.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Maybe the Federation can think of a solution, like borrowing their navy dive bomber squad, those guys are experts at striking battleships.¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°Would they lend them? The Empire of Fusang did withdraw from Gwadar, but

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Right now, the Federation navy is down to one aircraft carrier, one carrier can only carry one squadron of aircraft, and there¡¯s a squadron with nothing to do, let theme over and get some practice. I¡¯ll send a telegram to His Excellency, the President of the Federation.¡±

 Chapter 637: The Giant Wave

    Chapter 637: Chapter 79: The Giant Wave

    December 15, Yarvik, the Headquarters of the Tenth Group Army of Prosen.@@novelbin@@

    Admiral Boke, Commander of the Tenth Group Army, looked at thetest specialbat situation bulletin issued by High Command with furrowed brows.

    Usually, the High Command distributes a minor intelligence summary every ten days, which contains information not directly rted to the current situation on the battlefield.

    However, today was the 15th, five days before the next minor intelligence distribution was due, yet the report had already arrived.

    It contained only one piece of information: Rocossov had been promoted to General, and he might have received the power to lead the entire Antean forces along the Valdai Hills River. His Abawahan Front Army might already exceed one million troops.

    "Does this sort of thing really require a special bulletin?¡± Admiral Boke tossed the telegram onto the table, ¡°In June, when I was matched against Rocossov, he was still a Vice Admiral, and now he¡¯s already a General.¡±

    The operational map was updated four times a day, the most recent update being at five o¡¯clock this morning.

    On the map, the troops of the B Army Group were inplete disarray¡ªat least, that¡¯s how it appeared on the map east of Yarvik.B Army Group included the Tenth Group Armymanded by Admiral Boke, the Second Group Army with Marshal Maximilian von Geron also serving as the groupmander, the Fourth Armored Army Group, the recently annihted Sixth Army Group, as well as the First and Second Group Armies from Moravia.

    An Armored Army from the Fourth Armored Army Group was reassigned to the Sixth Army Group, the elite Sixteenth Armored Grenadier Division was ced on the ins between the AB Army Groups to perform patrol duties, leaving behind only a depleted Armored Army.

    Later, this Armored Army was also transferred to the Group Army being formed by Xiplin for breakthrough operations. Now, the Fourth Armored Army Group Headquarters had only one Armored Division left, deployed behind Admiral Boke¡¯s Tenth Group Army as a reserve force.

    Marshal Geron¡¯s Second Group Army, which the Group Commander also led, had many units pulled to rescue the Sixth Army Group. The remaining forces were deployed along the river for defense but were routed by the Antean forces that crossed the river for attack. Now, the entire Army Group was in a state of total copse.

    The First and Second Group Armies of Moravia werepletely scattered, unable to contact theirmand authorities, whether it was the Corps Command or the subordinate army and division headquarters. They were as if they had vanished.

    Rocossov had devoured five hundred thousand troops, and now his army of a million was bearing down on another five hundred thousand disorganized troops.

    On the map, Rocossov¡¯s Abawahan Front Army was pursuing the remnants like a sheepdog herding sheep towards the Suhayaweili River.

    The good news was that the Suhayaweili River had frozen over, allowing the main body of the battered troops to cross easily.

    The bad news was Rocossov¡¯s army of a million could also cross with ease.

    The Chief of Staff of the Tenth Group Army looked deeply worried, ¡°In June, Rocossov had only a hundred thousand men. Even adding the forces that were replenishedter, he had no more than three hundred thousand. Now he ising at us with over a million, and we haven¡¯t even finished recing our losses from June and July.¡± ?¨¤???§£¦¥?

    This was mainly because the training for Prosen recruits was lengthy, requiring six months even for basic infantry to ensure their skills were up to standard before they were sent to units as recements.

    Admiral Boke, ¡°Don¡¯t panic, we have fortifications this time. Up until now, the Anteans haven¡¯t been particrly sessful in storming fortifications; they¡¯ve been attacking the line of the Central Army Group for many days without breaking through.¡±

    The Chief of Staff sighed, ¡°We can only trust the fortifications we¡¯ve built over the past few months.¡±

    ¡ª-

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Why did you send my new tanks to Novorossk?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Because that¡¯s the closest station to Yarvik that is still under our control.¡±

    Yarvik had a railwaying from Yeburg, and naturally, the Prosen-controlled part was near Yarvik.

    Pavlov, ¡°Once we regain control of the railway, the train carrying your tanks can depart and move forward, approaching Yarvik as we advance. By the way, controlling the railway first could significantly reduce our supply pressure, and after that, most of our supply needs can be met by rail. Then our two millionborers can take their money and go home. I mean, most of them; we will need some middle-aged strongbor to unload the trains.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Hmm, your n makes sense, I approve!¡±

    "I¡¯ve already started executing it because I knew you wouldn¡¯t oppose,¡± Pavlov added.

    Vasily, ¡°After six months, you two still flirt like this, don¡¯t you?¡±

    Pavlov nced at Vasily, ¡°Commander, you¡¯re young and handsome, but look at me with several kids, do you think it¡¯s appropriate to say that?¡±

    Popov, ¡°Vasily, it seems you want to test your manure shoveling technique yourself.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°I am currently inmand of a crucial deception operation, making fake corpses. Shoveling manure would dy progress.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What did you learn at the Suvorov Military Academy?¡±

    "Staff work, a bit ofmand. Also map exercises, mostly map exercises,¡± Vasily spread his hands, ¡°which are practically no help with my current task.¡±

    Popov looked towards Wang Zhong, ¡°What do you think, Suvorov Military Academy¡¯s Dean Davarish?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Still, assign him to manure duty, but he can start after the deception task isplete.¡±

    ¡ª-

    Meanwhile, Private Second ss Hans of the Second Battalion of the 411th Regiment of the 51st Infantry Division of Prosen¡¯s 11th Infantry Army felt that he could no longer keep walking.

    The moment he had this thought, his legs gave way, and he started to fall, but the sergeant beside him grabbed him.

    "Hang in there, kid,¡± the sergeant said with a thick Baden ent, ¡°If you go down here, you¡¯ll never get up again! Think about your wife, your children!¡±

    "I¡¯m only eighteen,¡± the private said.

    Sergeant: ¡°So what if you¡¯re eighteen? You should be able to get married at eighteen. You didn¡¯t get married before heading to the battlefield? That¡¯s not good, not good at all.¡±

    Private Second ss: ¡°I¡¯m too tired to talk

    "When it¡¯s times like these, that¡¯s when you should talk, to forget the exhaustion,¡± the sergeant said. ¡°You have a girl you like, right? What if she likes you too, and then you just die in a foreignnd? For her

    Private Second ss: ¡°It¡¯s because I might die in a foreignnd that I can¡¯t tell her.¡±

    "I see, that makes sense,¡± the sergeant replied, looking ahead with unfocused eyes, not knowing what he was seeing.

    Suddenly, he said, ¡°Do you know? We might have to keep retreating like this in the future, retreating until we¡¯re back within the Empire¡¯s borders. Then, to survive, the women will keep selling their bodies over and over, just like the women in the countries we¡¯ve upied.

    "Do you know, in the londs, it only takes a box of eggs to sleep with a woman. Such things will happen someday within the Empire, to the Empire¡¯s women, to your girl.

    "After you die, she won¡¯t have it easy either. We¡¯ve been blinded by our previous victories and have already made grave mistakes.¡±

    The private second ss was silent, clenching his teeth tightly.

    Then, someone yelled from behind: ¡°The enemy ising, the enemy cavalry ising!¡±

    The sergeant immediately pped the private second ss¡¯s back: ¡°Quick, find cover and hide, the cavalry¡¯s saber can¡¯t chop well if you¡¯re crouched next to cover!¡±

    The private second ss looked around the snowy ins in confusion: ¡°Where is there any cover?!¡±

    The sergeant was stumped as well.

    Just a few days ago, they still had trucks to use as cover.

    But these days, the trucks had either been bombed or had run out of fuel and were discarded, leaving the entire infantry division without any vehicles, and they were now in the middle of nowhere.

    As far as the eye could see, there were only snowy ins, and even the private second ss, in his first battle, could recognize the rolling white dust clouds in the distance.

    It was the enemy cavalry raising snow as they charged across the ins.

    The order came through: ¡°Hunker down on the spot and organize fire!¡±

    The sergeant immediately ran to the side of the squad¡¯s machine gunner: ¡°I¡¯ll serve as your gun mount; don¡¯t put it in the snow¡ªthen you can¡¯t see anything. Mount it on my back.¡±

    Saying this, he crouched down and the machine gunner quickly set up the gun on his back.

    He also sped the two legs of the machine gun over his shoulders to keep it steady.

    Machine Gunner: ¡°Don¡¯t raise your head, sergeant, or it¡¯ll be smashed to pieces!¡±

    "Just fire your machine gun! At most, I¡¯ll singe my hair with the muzzle sh!¡±

    As his words fell, a small detachment of cavalry appeared in their field of vision, with a g-bearer following the leader, holding a retro triangr g¡ªa standardplement of the flintlock gun era cavalry, even featuring such triangr gs on each cavalryman¡¯snce.

    The next moment, rows of cavalry appeared.

    All the cavalry were draped in ck cloaks, looking like dark waves sweeping across the snow-covered ins.

    Seeing this spectacle, the private second ss started shaking and his breathing quickened.

    The cavalry drew their sabers, the shiny des reflecting the sunlight like so many light swords, and they began to shout, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    The Prosens side replied with machine gun fire. The 51st Infantry Division had just been equipped with thetest machine guns, which had an extremely rapid rate of fire and sounded like tearing fabric when firing, hence they were nicknamed tearing machines.

    The leading cavalrymen were knocked down, falling from their horses, and because of the impact, they tumbled on the snowy ground.

    The private second ss fired frantically, but from the third shot onward, he forgot to pull the trigger; after each bolt action, he immediately continued with another bolt action, ejecting the unfired bullets from the chamber.

    And so, he ¡°fired¡± through an entire magazine.

    The enemy had already charged to the front.

    Facing the glint of the saber, the private second ss instinctively dodged, only to m into the chest of a military horse, and was sent flying.

    As hended, cushioned by the snow, he didn¡¯t feel pain, but then a warhorse¡¯s hoof struck his stomach.

    A mouthful of blood sprayed out, and he instinctively knew his end was near.

    In thest moments of life, only the still-resounding machine gun provided a slightfort.

    The next instant, a grenade exploded, and the machine gun fell silent.

    With the machine gun noise gone, previously masked sounds crept into his ears.

    The sound of saber slicing off skulls, pleas for mercy, crying.

    Suddenly, the private second ss heard someone shouting, ¡°Mom!¡±

    He also used hisst bit of strength to cry out, ¡°Mom!¡±

 Chapter 638: Itâ€™s Different from KV, Different!

    Chapter 638: Chapter 80: It¡¯s Different from KV, Different!

    December 16th, on the west bank of the Suhayaweili River, at the western approach to the Yarvik cross-river bridge.

    Admiral Bock,mander of the Tenth Group Army of Prosen, and the corpsmander of the 11th Armored Army under hismand, were together receiving the newly supplemented tanks.

    Bock looked at the array of tank troops and asked the transport captain, ¡°How many tanks have been reinforced for us?¡±

    "Sixty Panzer IVs, General,¡± the captain answered.

    Admiral Bock waited for a while and, seeing that the captain said nothing more, asked, ¡°What about the Panzer IIIs?¡±

    "Panzer III production has already ceased, the chassis assembly lines remodeled to produce Sturmgesch¨¹tz III assault guns. Excess turrets are now used either for spare parts, or ced on the defensive lines around Argesukov as fixed gun turrets,¡± replied the transport captain.

    Admiral Bock muttered ¡°Oh,¡± vaguely sensing that he might have missed something.

    At this moment, the corpsmander of the 11th Armored Army asked, ¡°Is it sixty tanks for one division?¡±"No, sixty in total. Twenty more broke down on the way, and they can onlye after they are repaired,¡± the transport captain said with a troubled look, ¡°The road is too hard to travel, plus the distance is long.¡±

    Only then did Admiral Bock recall that he had actually forgotten to check the total number of tanks.

    Admiral Bock eximed, ¡°How can this be! They expect us to hold off Rocossov¡¯s million-strong army without enough tanks! How can we stop them!¡±

    The Armored Armymander consoled, ¡°It¡¯s enough. Last year we fought to the end and only received a few tanks, relying solely on repairing destroyed tanks to replenish our losses. Now, getting sixty Long-barreled Fours, I¡¯m content. I mean, sixty, after all the tanks are fixed and delivered.¡±

    Admiral Bock¡¯s face turned ashen, ¡°Like this, we can¡¯t engage Rocossov in the open field. His forces have arge number of new-model tank destroyers. Previously in Yeisk, I¡¯ve already suffered enough from these new tank destroyers.¡±

    After finishing speaking, Admiral Bock added with an expression of deep dissatisfaction, ¡°Propaganda always ims our technology is the best in the world, yet now we have no answer for the ¡®inferior race¡¯s¡¯ new assault guns, our only option is to lengthen the barrels of the Panzer IVs!¡±

    Everyone present showed a look of fear and nced toward the nearby Constitutional Guards.

    Several Constitutional Guards pretended to be enjoying the scenery as if they had not heard the admiral¡¯sint at all.

    The Armored Armymander soothed, ¡°New cannons or tanks take time to design and produce. Also, for now, only Rocossov¡¯s troops have a more considerable number of new assault guns, and they haven¡¯t had a decisive impact yet.¡± ?¦Á¦­¨®¦Â??

    Admiral Bock continued, ¡°I¡¯ve heard from deserters that Rocossov has used another kind of urban siege weapon, extremely powerful and effective. Before that weapon was destroyed by our forces (actually it broke down), we lost many strongpoints.¡±

    "I¡¯ve also heard such rumors, but it could be excuses made by deserters to justify themselves.¡±

    "Let¡¯s hope so,¡± Admiral Bock sighed, watching his subordinates receive these brand-new tanks, ¡°I¡¯ve made my decision, we will contract our defenses, withdrawing the troops from the open fields to hold steadfastly in fortified positions while we await reinforcements.¡±

    "Yes,¡± the Deputy Officer replied, ¡°I will ry your orders immediately.¡±

    Later that night, outside the urban defense circle of Yarvik, of the Tenth Group Army of Prosen.

    Vice Admiral Kiriyenko,mander of the Guards Cavalry Group Army, rode his horse to the wreckage of a Panzer IV, dismounted nimbly, climbed atop the tank, and stood on the turret with binocrs raised.

    His entourage did not dismount but instead spread out to keep watch.

    After all, this was deep in enemy territory; no one knew if there were any Prosen deserters nearby.

    "The city defenses are very formidable,¡± Kiriyenko said, smacking his lips, ¡°Now even if Kashuk¡¯s infantry came up, they wouldn¡¯t make a dent. We¡¯ll have to wait for the heavy artillery and armored troops.¡±

    His Chief of Staff, still mounted on horseback, agreed, ¡°We thought we could strike the enemy¡¯s trenches in the field, but we didn¡¯t expect to pass severalyers of abandoned trenches. The enemymander is very cautious. Now Yarvik will also be reduced to ruins.¡±

    Kiriyenko said, ¡°Exactly. Unless we can cross the ice river and envelop the city from the opposite bank, surrounding it without attacking.¡±

    The Chief of Staff turned his head to look at the frozen Suhayaweili River, ¡°This might be difficult. The frozen surface is so vast that even cavalry can¡¯t charge across, and tanks might risk being targeted with shelling from the enemy as they cross. With the ice already strained under the weight of tanks, one shell could cause it to give way.¡±

    Kiriyenko spected, ¡°I reckon Rocossov will take a wide nking maneuver by crossing upstream. He likes to wage annihtion battles that way.¡±

    Rocossov¡¯s true tactical intentions had not yet beenmunicated to the Army Group Commander, therefore Kiriyenko and Kashuk, who was not present at the scene, were unaware that the true objective had changed to retake Bolsk and the Coastal Fortress, aiming to devour the Group A Army.

    Kiriyenko continued to observe the enemy¡¯s strong fortifications through his binocrs, ¡°The fortifications are well constructed. A rash attack might lead to severe casualties.¡±

    Chief of Staff replied, ¡°We have to attack despite casualties. It is our city, and no matter the sacrifice, we must liberate it.¡±

    Kiriyenko put down his binocrs, ¡°Yes, you are right.¡±

    "Yes, you are right,¡± Wang Zhong told Amelia, ¡°If we can¡¯t regain control of the White Sea, even if weplete and encirclement, the enemy could still escape. And now we don¡¯t have time to build new warships, plus we¡¯ve lost our major shipbuilding centers along the coast of the White Sea. We must rely on the air power of the Federation and the United Kingdom.¡±

    Amelia remarked, ¡°Our naval aviation only has outdated bines like the Swordfish. These old birds are easy pickings for Prosen¡¯s fighters. You can only hope for help from the Federation¡¯s naval aviation, which has been battling the Empire of Fusang for a year.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ve already sent a telegram to the Federation¡¯s President, but I haven¡¯t received a response yet.¡±

    At that moment, the jeep they were riding in stopped in front of the Novorossk station.

    Wang Zhong immediately got out of the car, not looking back to help Amelia with the door, and excitedly rushed up the steps of the station.

    Amelia had no choice but to open the car door herself, get out, and hurry to catch up with Wang Zhong.

    After entering the station, Wang Zhong¡¯s gaze immediately fell upon the military train on the waiting track, securing four heavy tanks on tcars.

    At the sight of the tanks¡¯ silhouette, the side profile, Wang Zhong was ecstatic.

    He was all too familiar with this model, the IS-3! yers of World of Tanks and War Thunder liked to call it names like ¡°Bar 3,¡± ¡°Care 3,¡± etc.

    But upon closer inspection, Wang Zhong noticed some differences. The gun was a little thinner ¨C after all, it was equipped with a 100-mm gun, and the turret¡¯s diameter seemed to have reduced slightly as well.

    After all, the smaller gun meant less space was upied.

    However, the firepower of the 100-mm gun was sufficient, even if they faced the Tiger King; at worst, they could rely on solid armor to rush up to the Tiger King¡¯s face for a one-shot kill.

    Wang Zhong happily headed towards the tanks, only to be stopped.

    He turned around in anger: ¡°Who dares stop me? Don¡¯t you see my rank? I¡¯m a General, understand?¡±

    Ke Jing Chief Engineer: ¡°I know¡­ I¡¯m sorry, but I just wanted to introduce

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I know, frontal defense

    He listed off the IS-3¡¯s stats like rattling off a menu ¨C no joke, after ying War Thunder and World of Tanks for so many years, he knew it all by heart!

    Then the face of Ke Jing¡¯s Chief Engineer fell: ¡°This¡­ You need such high defense? This

    Wang Zhong frowned: ¡°What about the defense on this thing you designed?¡±

    Ke Jing handed over the armor distribution diagram to Wang Zhong: ¡°Like this.¡±

    After a careful look, Wang Zhong found that the overall armor thickness of this ¡°Bar 3¡± was about twenty percent thinner than the Earth¡¯s version, with only the frontal defense being very close to Earth¡¯s IS-3.

    Additionally, the angles of armor inclination were different too, with most angles on this tank beingrger than Earth¡¯s IS-3.

    Perhaps because it wasn¡¯t necessary to mount such arge gun, the space in the turret was improved, allowing for greater angles of inclination ¨C toughening up the tank crew.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Nice, this defense meets my requirements as well

    Suddenly, he thought of something. With so much less armor than the IS-3 and a smaller gun caliber, could it be lighter? Would the mobility be better?

    He hurriedly asked Ke Jing: ¡°What¡¯s the road speed for this thing?¡±

    ¡°50 kilometers per hour!¡± Ke Jing said, ¡°But it¡¯s not rmended to go that fast. The tracks and gearbox are prone to failure. Off-road it can reach 30 kilometers per hour.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is this really a heavy tank?¡±

    Ke Jing: ¡°Yes, it¡¯s in the same weight ss as the KV, but we installed engines from the Federation. These prototype vehicles are using imported engines, and mass-produced vehicles will use licensed produced engines of the same model. The increase in speed is mainly due to the increase in horsepower, 720 horsepower.¡±

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed: ¡°Fantastic, this is the heavy tank I wanted. It basically renders the Prosens¡¯ anti-tank firepower obsolete, at least for the moment. As long as it¡¯s not approached by infantry and targeted with incendiary bottles, it¡¯s fine for citybat.

    "This thing is not the same as the KV! Different! We need it right now for a city assault. Once the assault is over, we should be able to identify any issues. You¡¯ll need to make adjustments quickly, aiming for early mass production!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Ke Jing Chief Engineer: ¡°Will you personallymand one of them?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course¡­ No! I¡¯ll personallymand all of the tanks. I¡¯ll ride in one, the others will be on standby on the train, following the main force. If one breaks, I¡¯ll switch to another!¡±

    Ke Jing smiled bitterly: ¡°You¡¯re putting a lot of pressure on me.¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could speak, Pavlov interjected: ¡°You might not need to personally charge into the city battle in this little tank.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    As he asked, another train pulled into the station.

    Seeing what the train was carrying, Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes widened.

    The train had only four tcars, and each one was securing a prototype assault gun.

    Ke Jing Chief Engineer: ¡°Since you like them so much, we built four more. Also, now that you think it¡¯s suitable, shouldn¡¯t it be given a name?¡±

 Chapter 639: Preventing Prosen from Succeeding in Rome

    Chapter 639: Chapter 81: Preventing Prosen from Seeding in Rome

    "Naming, huh Wang Zhong stroked the stubble on his chin¡ªthese past days, the Headquarters has been on the move, and there have been all sorts of things keeping him busy, so he had no time to properly groom himself, resulting in a slightly scruffy appearance.

    In fact, it wasn¡¯t just him; at this time, the whole Abawahan Front Army looked somewhat unkempt, after all, the main force had been advancing so quickly these past few days that everyone was disheveled.

    Wang Zhong was lost in thought.

    Previously, he had named the Tank Destroyer ¡°Whirlwind¡± because the War Thunder card 52¡¯s Whirlwind anti-tank missile was terrifyingly effective. Now, here came the Assault Gun for demolishing fortifications, and it seemed that the Russians on Earth might not have any corresponding equipment.

    It was at this moment that he suddenly had an idea, ¡°This thing is used for breaching defenses, it can shatter the staunchest fortifications. I¡¯ve decided to call it ¡®Ulban.

    Ke Jing was taken aback.

    Pavlov frowned and asked Wang Zhong, ¡°Although I know that your ranking as the bottom st¡¯ now looks mostly like an act, I still have to remind you, do you know that the country that rolled out the Urban mega cannon has fought us six times?¡±

    Vasily, ¡°The General is still from Kazarlia, so it¡¯s more than six times. Your ancestors even wrote a letter taunting the Sultan.¡±Wang Zhong replied, ¡°That¡¯s all in the past. I believe the then Emperor¡¯s dream certainly includes rebuilding Rome, so let the Ulban mega cannon blow open the Capital of Rome once again.¡±

    Besides, Wang Zhong thought, once the Federation¡¯s Dragon Tug arrives, I¡¯m going to y a game ofnd sailing, using the Dragon to tug speedboats for rapid river crossing.

    Now all theponents were ready.

    Initially, Wang Zhong had considered naming the Assault Gun ¡°Vast Knowledge¡± because every time he encountered a tough nut to crack, he could shout out ¡°Vast Knowledge, save me,¡± like in his favorite pre-time travel game ¡°ck Myth Wukong.¡±

    But in the end, he gave up on that idea because it was too troublesome to exin.

    The Chief Engineer of Ke Jing, ¡°Ulban, huh? The mega cannon that sts open the outer walls of Plowsonia, makes sense. Let¡¯s report it to the Equipment Department like that.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Chief Engineer Ke Jing, do you still n to stay at the front line?¡±

    Ke Jing pushed his sses up, ¡°Of course, I need to analyze the performance of the equipment in real-time. The usage reports you¡¯ve written before when using them were terrible. To get detailed firsthand data, I have to be here.

    "Don¡¯t worry though, I won¡¯t be at the very front line; I¡¯ll stay with the train transporting the prototype vehicle.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s still very dangerous. I rmend you delegate your most trusted assistant to stay behind and record the firsthand data.¡±

    Ke Jing hesitated for a few seconds, then agreed, ¡°Okay, I will leave my most trusted team behind, all my most promising students. They will send the detailed reports back to Yeburg.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, then turned to ask Pavlov, ¡°How far is the front line from us now?¡±

    Pavlov had an expression of impending doom, ¡°20 kilometers. What, are you nning to drive a little tank and break through the lines yourself?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Might as well test its cross-country mobility along the railway, and if it breaks down halfway, we can send out the train for rescue.¡±

    Pavlov shook his head, ¡°Alright then, go for it. I¡¯ve just looked at the armor values on the table; it shouldn¡¯t be a problem.¡±

    Wang Zhong clenched his fist like a child who had just gotten parental permission to go out and y.

    Pavlov, ¡°But, it also takes time to unload this thing. Rather than that, let¡¯s rest up for today, treat the engineers who¡¯vee to the frontline to a meal, and then we can set off after we¡¯re prepared tomorrow.¡±

    Wang Zhong raised his hand to check the time, realizing indeed it was toote today to rush out in a small tank, and had to agree regretfully, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡± ??£Á??§£¨ºS?

    On the clear morning of December 17, the Headquarters of the 16th Armored Grenadier Division of the 11th Armored Army from the Tenth Group Army of Prosens.

    This division was now deployed in the northeastern suburbs of Yarvik, its defense sector being the far left of the Tenth Group Army¡¯s East Bank defense sector along the Suhayaweili River.

    The railwaying from Novorossk passed through this division¡¯s defense sector.

    Division Commander Schultz inspected the defensive line early in the morning, walking and boosting morale.

    When passing by the machine gun position of the 1st Battalion of the 35th Armored Grenadier Corps, he stopped and said to the machine gunner, ¡°Drag the machine gun back a bit. It¡¯s too exposed, and the gunfire is too conspicuous when shooting.¡±

    "Yes,¡± replied the Sergeant Machine Gunner, immediately directing the newly assigned recruit to move the tripod¡¯s position.

    Schultz left, satisfied.

    The recruit immediately asked the Sergeant, ¡°Isn¡¯t the Division Commander making too big a deal out of personally directing the positioning of the tripod?¡±

    The Sergeant shook his head, ¡°Half a year ago, the Division Commander got yed by Vice Admiral Rokossovsky, and it was quite a nasty trick. Back then, we were on alert for Rokossovsky¡¯s attack every day, but eventually, Rokossovsky ran off. When we went to check, we discovered that what the aerial reconnaissance saw, as tanks, were all made of wood.

    "Looking back on it, anyone woulde to the conclusion that Rokossovsky had no intention of attacking at all; he was just scaring us to keep us on defense, creating an opportunity for his own retreat.

    "Now General Rokossovsky ising at us full force with an army of a million men. Our Division Commander wants some vindication! After all, half a year ago, our superiors were also convinced Rokossovsky was going to attack with his million-man army and demanded we hold the line just like the current situation!¡±

    The new recruit digested the sergeant¡¯s words for a moment, ¡°Got it, six months ago the divisionmander was determined to hold back Rokossovsky¡¯s million-strong army, and now that determination has carried over, right?¡±

    "That¡¯s one way to understand it,¡± the sergeant patted the new recruit on the shoulder.@@novelbin@@

    The new recruit frowned, ¡°But, can we really hold back a million-man army? Our division only has fifteen thousand troops, right?¡±

    "You just don¡¯t get it,¡± the sergeant said. ¡°A million-man army can¡¯t possiblye at us all at once. We have fifteen thousand troops defending a wide sector, so the enemy can onlymit tens of thousands to attack our defenses. In the end, it¡¯s still one-on-onebat; it¡¯s just that the enemy¡¯s forces are inexhaustible.¡±

    The new recruit¡¯s face fell, ¡°Is that something you can just say so nonchntly?¡±

    The sergeantughed, ¡°What else can we do? That¡¯s why I told you yesterday to make sure you wrote a few more letters home and gave them to the quartermaster to send back.¡±

    Schultz continued his inspection all the way to the anti-tank gun position, scrutinizing each concrete-reinforced bunker.

    Each bunker concealed two PAK40 anti-tank guns, with each bunker set up to create crossfire, ensuring that no matter how the attacking tanks ¡°posed,¡± at least one gun could strike its side armor.

    Inspecting thest andrgest bunker, Schultz ran his hands over the 88mm gun in the center and praised, ¡°Good, very good. This way the 88 can maximize its firepower, continuously destroying the enemy¡¯s tanks.¡±

    The anti-tank gun corpsmander in charge of the position bragged, ¡°Our position can withstand an attack of at least 100 tanks. Rokossovsky won¡¯t be able to break through here.¡±

    Schultz nodded, ¡°Mmm, very good. Rokossovsky likes to y tricks, he has never fought us in a fair fight. This time let¡¯s give him a bloody nose!¡±

    In fact, at Abawahan, Rokossovsky had already fought Sixth Army Group fairly, but Schultz wouldn¡¯t acknowledge that.

    After talking tough, Schultz moved to the Artillery Mirror, pressing his eye to the eyepiece and observing while asking the deputy officer who apanied him on the rounds, ¡°How many of our forces passed throughst night?¡±

    "Not many,¡± the deputy officer answered. ¡°Our forces outside the city havepletely withdrawn inside. Currently, we are at the very edge of the defensive area, and the Second Infantry Army¡¯s defensive line is across the Suhayaweili River, facing us.¡±

    "Good.¡± Schultz slightly adjusted the Artillery Mirror, ensuring there was no sign of the enemy in front, before giving back the observation post to the gunner observer.

    He turned, hands sped behind his back, and told the deputy officer, ¡°Rokossovsky¡¯s troops have probably been running day and night for too long, just like the remnants of the Second Group Army, exhausted. He might need a week to rest before he canunch an attack! We can continue to strengthen our defenses; the longer he rests, the higher the price to take our position!¡±

    No sooner had the words left his mouth, than the rumble of engines sounded from outside.

    Schultz recognized it immediately, the sounding from the northeast, and he quickly pushed aside the gunner observer, eyes glued to the eyepiece, and then he saw white dust rising on the horizon.

    Tanks in a Strike Formation were moving in!

    Schultz frowned, ¡°Impossible, how could Rokossovsky attack without artillery preparation?¡±

    "Could it be a ruse?¡± the deputy officer suggested. ¡°Lure us into position and then prepare the artillery fire?¡±

    After a thought, Schultz ordered, ¡°Tell the soldiers not in the bunkers to keep hiding in the anti-gun holes, order everyone in the bunkers to be fullybat ready!¡±

    The anti-tank gun corpsmander, who had just dered Rokossovsky couldn¡¯t possibly breakthrough here, immediately began to shout, ¡°Combat ready! Get moving, you swines! Ring thebat bell!¡±

    The bell rang through the bunkers and the passages below, and Plowsian gunners who were still in the barracks ran out rapidly, rushing to theirbat positions.

    Ammunition elevators rose from the ammunition depots at the bottom, then the shells were carried to each gun position.

    As the soldiers prepared for battle, Schultz continued to observe the snowfield with the Artillery Mirror.

    Enemy tanks appeared!

    Although these tanks were very far away, appearing as vague outlines in the Artillery Mirror, Schultz still recognized them as the ¡°old friends¡± ¨C T34 tanks.

    "Very good, very good, all trash that our PAK40 can handle from a distance,¡± Schultz said happily. ¡°The Anteans are about to get a bloodied nose again here. Rokossovsky really hasn¡¯t learned General Gorky¡¯s tactics; this really helps!¡±

    The Supreme Command Department of Plowsonia had already summarized General Gorky¡¯s flood offensive tactics and distributed the reports to staff and general officers.

    Naturally, Schultz had carefully studied the report.

    Schultz said, ¡°If Rokossovsky adopted that tactic, given the troop strength and width of our defenses, we would quickly be breached.¡±

    Suddenly, his words came to a halt.

    Because he saw a silhouettepletely different from the T34 and KV series.

    No, there were two silhouettes.

    One looked like a giant turtle, the other was blocky, with sharp angles.

    Schultz, ¡°What the hell is that?¡±

 Chapter 640: The Hammer

    Chapter 640: Chapter 82: The Hammer

    Wang Zhong sat in his new tank and said to his old partner, gunner Alexandria, ¡°This new tank is a lot more stable than the T34. When the T34 moved fast, even wearing a helmet wouldn¡¯t prevent one from bumping their heads.¡±

    Alexandria¡¯s voice came through the headphones, ¡°Indeed. Moreover, the designer also considered the convenience of refitting. All the controls are just like those of the T34. Anyone used to the T34W can operate it immediately.¡±

    "No,¡± the driver said, ¡°It¡¯s different here on my side. I¡¯ve been crammed into this arrow-shaped protrusion at the front, the space has shrunk a lot!¡±

    If the Russians think the space is tight, then it must really be tight.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Remember to tell Chief Engineer Ke Jing about it when we get back.¡±

    The new tank had eliminated the machine-gunner, reducing the crew to four. This slightly diminished its infantrybat capabilities since now it only had the coaxial machine gun and the anti-aircraft gun on the turret.

    The advantage was clear, the frontal hull had no openings, which meant a stronger armor te and greater resistance to pration.

    With Ke Jing¡¯s experience in heavy tanks, a redesign might concentrate protection at the front, possibly resulting in a 30-ton Egg-shaped Turret medium tank.Just thinking about a T54 battling a Leopard was pictorial.

    However, Wang Zhong thought the Tiger Prototype had already been destroyed by the Whirlwind. Perhaps the Tiger wouldn¡¯t make it to the battlefield after all, and who knows what the Prosens, stimted by this, might bring out.

    As he was contemting, he suddenly saw a bright red in his overhead view.

    He immediately grabbed the microphone and shouted, ¡°Stop!¡±@@novelbin@@

    The tank made an abrupt stop, and the slender 100-mm gun oscited few times.

    Ke Jing had mentioned that the Yeburg research team was reversing the Federation¡¯s Sherman Tank¡¯s simple stabilization device, but the current imitation wasn¡¯t very effective and only added weight, so he had not adopted it.

    Most of the time, heavy tanks halted to fire; they didn¡¯t need the capacity for high-speed motion and abrupt firing like medium tanks, so it shouldn¡¯t matter much.

    Wang Zhong lifted his binocrs and switched to the overhead view, watching the busy enemy at the Red outpost.

    "Strange,¡± he muttered subconsciously and then quickly shut his mouth.

    The enemy was only moving within the bunkers, not entering the trenches!

    Could it be that they were afraid of artillery fire if I entered the trenches?

    But this time, I was just eager to use the new tank!

    The rapid advance of the Abawahan Front Army brought many consequences, including thegging of the heavy artillery.

    This was exactly the same issue the Prosen Army faced at the beginning of the war in 914.

    But Wang Zhong figured, even though the heavy artillery hadn¡¯t caught up, new heavy armor had, and it was worth trying out the new tank when the heavy artillery hadn¡¯t yet, and then using the ¡°Ulban¡± heavy gun to send the exposed enemy shelters flying. ??¦­????

    Indeed, the other T34s didn¡¯t n to attack; they all stopped 2.5 kilometers from the Prosen defense line as per Wang Zhong¡¯s orders.

    After observing for about ten seconds, Wang Zhong was sure that only PAK40 and 88 guns were on the enemy position, nothing more devilish. Up to now, besides the Whirlwind, the Prosens hadn¡¯t faced anything that 88 guns and PAK40 couldn¡¯t handle.

    The Whirlwind, being few in number and inconvenient for offense, would at most shoot out with anti-tank guns in the open field.

    Convinced that he could advance safely, Wang Zhong radioed, ¡°All units, remain on standby. Ulban One, follow me, do not exceed me.¡±

    "Understood, Commander¡­ White Wolf Davarish.¡±

    The tankmander of Ulban One almost called out Commander Davarish.

    Wang Zhong patted the turret armor, ¡°Move out!¡±

    The tank roared into life, its wide tracks trampling over the snowfield, heading towards the 16th Armored Grenadiers Division position, with Ulban One closely following.

    "Damn!¡± Schultz nearly shouted, ¡°Is that the Red g? Is that the fucking Red g? Rocossov is charging at us in a tank we¡¯ve never seen before!¡±

    The anti-tank gun battalionmander said, ¡°That¡¯s great, once it enters a range of 2000 meters¡ªno, 1500 meters, fire the 88 gun, target Rocossov¡¯s new tank!¡±

    "Yes!¡± the operator responded loudly, then began to turn the 88 gun, aiming it at the enemy silhouette.

    The gunner, puzzled, asked, ¡°What kind of tank is that? It looks like a giant turtle!¡±

    "Something the Anteans have conjured,¡± Schultz said irritably, ¡°A new tank can¡¯te out that quickly, just by blowing on it! Impossible, it must be another modification of the KV series! No matter how you modify a KV, it can¡¯t withstand an 88 gun!¡±

    Battalionmander, ¡°Load the armor-piercing shell, fast! Once within range, keep firing. Even if it withstands the first few hits, the inferior Antean armor will soon be prated due to metal fatigue!¡±

    Schultz gave way to the observer, lying on the firing port of the bunker to look outside.

    With the naked eye, one could clearly see the silhouette of the new tank, which indeed looked like a turtle.

    Schultz suddenly realized that the tank¡¯s all-round sloped armor was an excellent anti-ballistic shape.

    It was just unknown how thick the armor of the tank was.

    The observer reported, ¡°2000 meters! The enemy has passed the 2000-meter mark!¡±

    "Fire!¡± the battalionmander shouted.

    The 88 gun fired. The gunpowder gas that couldn¡¯t reach outside the bunker irritated Schultz¡¯s nostrils, but he didn¡¯t mind this, lying at the shooting window watching the shell fly out.

    The initial velocity of the 88 gun was fast, and it covered the 2000 meters in an instant.

    Schultz watched as the shell hit the front of the tank, was deflected, arced towards the sky behind the tank, and he had no idea where it wouldnd.

    "Not sessful! Load quickly!¡± Schultz urged loudly, even drowning out the battalionmander¡¯s voice.

    The loader yelled, ¡°Done!!¡±

    Artillery Captain: ¡°Fire!¡±

    The second shot was fired, hitting the turret again and being deflected amidst a shower of sparks.

    Schultz had a vague feeling of foreboding.

    Still, he loudly urged the gunners to reload.

    Despite the chaos inside the fortress, the artillery observer continued to dutifully report the distance: ¡°The enemy has crossed the 1500-meter mark!¡±

    Schultz: ¡°Stop it quick! Yes, aim for the tracks, target the tracks!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°The snow is too thick, the tracks are almost covered by the snow! I¡¯ll fire one shot to try!¡±

    While the gunner was operating the cannon with the crank handle, the loaderpleted loading the next shell and shouted, ¡°Ready!¡±

    The gunner fired.

    Schultz saw the shell hit the ground before striking the tank, bouncing twice, then exploding, creating a column mixed with snow and mud right in front of the new tank bearing a red g.

    That¡¯s when the tank stopped.

    Schultz cried out joyfully, ¡°It¡¯s prated!¡±

    Then he saw the tank turret turning towards them.

    Immediately, a st from the cannon blew the snow off the ground, concealing the shape of the tank.

    Schultz hit the ground fast.

    The next moment, the shockwave from the explosion gushed through the firing port, knocking over the artillery mirror.

    The artillery observer, who was using the artillery mirror, screamed in agony, clutching his eyes, possibly poked by the edges of the eyepiece.

    Schultzy on the ground for a second before looking up to find the bunker still intact, though dust continued to fall from the ceiling.

    The artillery captain got up: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, keep operating the 88! At this distance, with the Anteans¡¯ poor gunnery, they can¡¯t hit us through the narrow firing port! Keep firing!¡±

    Loader: ¡°Ready!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°The dust from the enemy¡¯s shot is too thick, I can¡¯t locate them!¡±

    Artillery Captain: ¡°Then fire at the position through the snow mist, betting that the enemy hasn¡¯t moved.¡±

    Gunner: ¡°Yes!¡±

    The 88 fired again.

    And possibly because the enemy tank had passed the 1200-meter mark, the anti-tank units equipped with PAK40 also opened fire, continuously shooting into the snow mist.

    The firing continued for three minutes, Schultz shouted: ¡°Stop! Everyone stop! Perhaps the enemy tank has been destroyed, Rocossov is dead!¡±

    The firing sound eventually subsided.

    The snow mist that had obstructed the view was now settling, and the turtle-shaped new tank was exposed once again.

    It sat motionless.

    Schultz swallowed.

    Suddenly, the tank started moving, emitting arge amount of smoke from the exhaust port, and the steel tracks began to turn again.

    The moment it started, without needing orders from Schultz, all anti-tank guns fired madly at it.

    Armor-piercing shells were continuously deflected, only leaving a trail of sparks on the tank.

    The artillery captain suddenly shouted: ¡°Hit the turret ring! Jam its turret! Also figure out how to break the tracks! Just stop it!¡±

    "Damn!¡±

    Wang Zhong had just woken from the concussion-induced stupor, when he heard the gunner shout: ¡°Our turret ring is jammed, the turret can¡¯t turn!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid, advance! We are mainly here to draw fire for Ulban One to move behind! They can¡¯t handle our armor-piercing shells, but Ulban One only has this defense on the front! If it gets hit on the side, it¡¯s finished! Advance!¡±

    The driver roared as if to speed up the vehicle.

    Wang Zhong, taking shelter inside the turret and judging the distance based on the ground map, finallymanded: ¡°Stop! We are 450 meters from the enemy, getting closer might get us prated! That¡¯s still within the range of the 88 and PAK40!¡±

    The tank stopped.

    Wang Zhong turned on the radio and yelled: ¡°Ulban One, it¡¯s up to you! The shot I just fired was to indicate the position of the 88 for you!¡±

    "We see it! Aiming! Aimplete, we are firing now!¡±

    Wang Zhong heard the unique whistling sound as the 500mm caliber rocket took off.

    Regrettably, with almost no upward vision, he couldn¡¯t see the giant rocket shell tracing a high-arching trajectory.

    He could only witness the moment it struck.

    The next second, a fireball rose into the sky.

    Wang Zhong thought of the ssic line from the ¡°Fallout¡± series: If you see a mushroom cloud, hold up your thumb, if the mushroom cloud is smaller than your thumb, run; if it¡¯s bigger, give up, you can¡¯t escape.

    Then Wang Zhong gave a thumbs-up, not to measure the size of the mushroom cloud, but simply as a salute.

 Chapter 641: Like a Steel Knife, Plunging into the Enemyâ€™s Chest (Added Update 31/81)

    Chapter 641: Chapter 83: Like a Steel Knife, Plunging into the Enemy¡¯s Chest (Added Update 31/81)

    Schultz only saw the sh of the tank gun firing from behind the enemy Panzer IV.

    The rocket that shot up disappeared from the view of the observation window, and no matter how hard Schultz pressed his face against the ss looking upward, he couldn¡¯t see it.

    Then Schultz lost consciousness.

    When he woke up again, the air was thick with the smell of scorching, the revolting odor hit his face with waves of heat, making him forget the bitter cold of minus 40 degrees in the dead of winter.

    With great difficulty, he opened his eyes to a world enveloped in mes. Empty ammunition boxes, human bodies¡ªeverything was burning except for himself.

    Feeling the hot air blowing persistently in one direction, he stumbled that way¡ªhis mind was aplete nk, incapable of thought.

    Just then, someone grabbed his arm: ¡°General! Don¡¯t go that way! The exit is over here!¡±

    He turned around to find it was his Deputy Officer.The Deputy Officer¡¯s head was injured, blood covering half his face, and his uniform was stained with blood.

    Schultz was dragged by the Deputy Officer, away from the bunker that had be a purgatory.

    Once outside, the Deputy Officer let go of Schultz¡¯s hand, turned back to close the bunker door, took a deep breath, and said to Schultz, ¡°The enemy fired a massive bomb. It prated the bunker¡¯s ceiling, went all the way down, and exploded. I don¡¯t know what happened down there, but we need to leave now, or we¡¯re finished if the ammunition dump blows.¡±

    At that moment, Schultz¡¯s brain finally started working, and he asked, ¡°Are there no survivors in the bunker?¡±

    Deputy Officer: ¡°I don¡¯t know. I closed the door just to prevent the fire from spreading outside the bunker. Let¡¯s get moving, General! We¡¯ll make a long-term n once we get back to Headquarters! The enemy¡¯s new tanks may be formidable, but they¡¯re not unbeatable. It hasn¡¯t fired again; its turret ring might be jammed.

    "Last year when we faced the KVs, we did the same thing. It¡¯s time to do it again!¡±

    Schultz: ¡°Yes¡­ yes¡­ just do it once more.¡±

    By then, the two had left the anti-tank gun bunkerplex and were entering the trenches.

    Suddenly, an Antean warrior appeared in front of them.

    The Deputy Officer raised his MP40 and fired. The Antean, possibly stunned by seeing Schultz¡¯s rank, didn¡¯t react fast enough and was gunned down with several bullets to the chest.

    "What¡¯s happening?¡± Schultz asked.

    Deputy Officer: ¡°The elevator and tunnels to the ammunition dump are blocked. Also, the anti-tank gun battery used too much ammunition firing at the new tank, so when the Antean armored assault came, we had no ammunition left. ???????¨¨?

    "The infantry got into the trenches toote and couldn¡¯t hold back the Antean armored cavalry. Their infantry charged right atop the tank engines, leaping down to fight as they reached our position, catching uspletely off guard.¡± The Deputy Officer exined while dragging Schultz through themunications trench at a frantic pace.

    Eventually, they reached the exit of the trench, and the bucket car Schultz rode during the inspection was still outside.

    The Deputy Officer opened the rear door, shoved Schultz in, jumped into the driver¡¯s seat, started the car, and sped off.

    They had not gone far when they encountered two T-34 tanks and a group of Antean soldiers.

    The Anteans didn¡¯t realize at first that the car approaching them was Prosen, and when the car drove past, one of the Anteans shouted the rm.

    Papasha bullets followed one after another, hitting the back of the car, turning the spare tires hanging on the rear into sieves.

    Schultz ducked his head, hiding behind the bare steel rim of what remained of the spare wheels.

    Bullets shattered the car¡¯s windows, and the ss shards cut the Deputy Officer¡¯s face.

    Fortunately, the area held by the 16th Armored Grenadier Division was in the suburbs, with winding streets and numerous buildings.

    The Deputy Officer wrenched the steering wheel, swerving the car into a narrow alley, racing through the alley.

    Suddenly, right in front of the alley, they smashed into racks used by locals to dry their catch of fish, sending fish flying everywhere.

    A nearly-well-cured dried fishnded on Schultz face. In a bizarre reflex, he licked it, but it only made him grimace at its saltiness.

    The Deputy Officer, driving the bucket car wildly through the suburban alleys, managed to burst back onto the main street and straight to the doorstep of Divisional Headquarters!

    The Division Headquarters staff were busily throwing documents and maps into two barrels of zing gasoline.

    Schultz got out of the car and demanded, ¡°What is going on?¡±

    The staff stopped, staring at Schultz with wide eyes of astonishment.

    "Quick, call the Chief of Staff!¡± one of the staff members called out.

    The Chief of Staff appeared immediately, shocked to see Schultz: ¡°I received a call from the front, reporting you were dead! So, I took temporarymand, ordered the destruction of documents, and prepared for retreat

    "A retreat my ass! We still have so many well-fortified positions and bunkers, we are not retreating, we will fight the enemy to the end!¡±

    As he finished speaking, a bright light from behind Schultz illuminated the entire yard.

    The staff all widened their eyes, staring at what was behind him.

    Schultz sighed, turned his head slowly, and saw another mushroom cloud rising.

    It looked like another meticulously constructed concrete fortress had been utterly destroyed.

    For a moment, Schultz was at a loss for words, and could only stare dazedly at the mushroom cloud ascending into the sky.

    Chief of Staff, ¡°General, your instructions?¡±

    Schultz suddenly snapped to attention and ordered, ¡°Immediately bury anti-tank mines on the main road, Rocossov¡¯s new weapons still use tracks, and our anti-track mines can handle them perfectly!¡±

    The Chief of Staff continued, ¡°The enemy is demolishing us. Our entire front line has copsed. Currently, the units below report that at least two new Assault Guns have been confirmed, and they¡¯re clearly designed to target bunkers, with very effective results.

    "The explosive power of these things can even blow a Panzer IV tank to the second floor!¡±

    Schultz, ¡°If we think about it, ever since the summer campaign began, we¡¯ve been consistently disadvantaged by Ante¡¯s new weapons. What are the Imperial Academy of Sciences and the Equipment Department doing? Where are our new weapons?¡±

    The staff exchanged nces.

    The Chief of Staff, ¡°The key is what to do now.¡±

    Schultz, ¡°What to do? Obviously, we must resist at every step and report the situation to Headquarters! This time we won¡¯t retreat. If the Anteans can hold Abawahan, we can hold Yarvik too!¡±

    At that moment, the telephone ring spilled out from the Headquarters¡¯ door¡ªbecause Rocossov¡¯s offensive hadmenced without preparatory artillery fire, most of the phone lines were still operational.

    Schultz strode briskly into Headquarters and picked up the phone receiver.

    On the telephone, Admiral Bock of the Tenth Army Group asked the instant the call connected, ¡°We saw a huge fireball rise from your division¡¯s defense area. What happened?¡±

    Schultz, on the other end of the line, was a bit incoherent, ¡°Rocossov! A masterpiece by Rocossov!¡±

    Admiral Bock¡¯s face grew serious, ¡°A fireball created by him? Surely, that¡¯s not something a mere mortal can produce, is it?¡±

    "He used two types of new armored vehicles, one that looks square from the front, without even a hole, just enormous nted armor tes protecting its Combat Room.¡± Perhaps it was the military academy training taking effect, as Schultz sounded much moreposed when he began reporting.

    Admiral Bock, ¡°So that great orb of light was the masterpiece of the new weapons? Are your losses severe?¡±

    "Our division¡¯s first line of defense has been breached. The new weapon fired just one shot and destroyed the main support point on the defense line, nearly killing me too! This weapon¡­ it¡¯s terrifying. Extremely terrifying!¡±

    Admiral Bock, ¡°Do you have a way to counter it? Do you need me to send over the 14th Armored Division from the reserves to counter-attack?¡±

    "No, Rocossov has another new tank that looks like a giant turtle. We concentrated eight PAK40 and one 88 gun to shoot at it but only managed to jam its turret ring!¡±

    Admiral Bock was astounded, ¡°What?¡±

    On the outskirts of Yarvik, Wang Zhong sat on top of a tank turret, passing the time by listening to the Tank Operators chatting over the radio.

    At that moment, engine sounds approached from behind, and turning his head, he saw the tank repair vehicle imported from the Federation¡ªsince all of Ante¡¯s production capacity was used to produce trucks and tanks, there was no spare capacity to make these things.

    Sitting in the back of the repair truck was the ¡°top student¡± Ke Jing had previously introduced, who shouted to Wang Zhong from a distance, ¡°General, are we toote?¡±

    "Not at all, we hit a mine here an hour ago; you¡¯ve arrived quite quickly.¡±

    This time Wang Zhong was unlucky while driving the small tank. Not only was it pinned down at a distance of 1000 meters due to its turret ring getting stuck, but it also ran over an anti-tank mine while advancing and had its tracks blown offpletely.

    Real life wasn¡¯t a game; repairing broken tracks was a troublesome task. And having the turret ring stuck was not something they could fix without a professional repair vehicle.

    Thus, Wang Zhong could only tearfully hand over the task of annihting enemies in the city to the T34s while he waited for the repair vehicle.

    Finally, the repair vehicle stopped in front of Wang Zhong¡¯s position.@@novelbin@@

    Ke Jing¡¯s top student jumped down, circled the tank, and said, ¡°This is quite a severe breakdown. The tracks are a minor issue, easy to rece, but the turret ring can¡¯t be fixed in less than half a day.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then start repairing, and use this opportunity to do a protection capability analysis.¡±

    The ¡°top student¡± grimaced, ¡°Please, spare me. Do the protection analysis at the test range with captured enemy artillery. Firing a few rounds to see at what distance they can prate.

    "Reliable protection capability analysis cannot be done based on visual inspection of shell scrape marks on the vehicle.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Then write a report about what issues you¡¯ve found during your inspection and how you solved the malfunctions. I think this is crucial for Ke Jing, to help him know how to modify the designs next time.¡±

    The ¡°top student¡± nodded, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll write the report.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and voiced his most pressing concern, ¡°How long till it¡¯s fixed?¡±

    The top student replied, ¡°If we¡¯re quick, by tomorrow night it¡¯ll be operational and can even participate in the evening¡¯s operations. My suggestion for the General is to take out the second tank and have a go in the city. When the second one breaks down, the first should be almost ready.¡±

    Wang Zhong considered for a moment and nodded, ¡°You make a good point!¡±

 Chapter 642: Returning to Yarvik (Extra 32/81)

    Chapter 642: Chapter 84 Returning to Yarvik (Extra 32/81)

    Wang Zhong¡¯s small tank rolled directly onto Yarvik¡¯s central avenue.

    As he observed the state of the street, Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°When we left, this was still a beautiful city, but look what it has be now.¡±

    While he was reflecting, an Ante Infantry soldier ran over, trying to climb onto the tank. However, because the tank was surrounded by sloped surfaces, he failed to mount it despite several attempts.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°There is wire on that side, which is there for you to step on when climbing the tank.¡±

    This situation reminded him of something he had always overlooked before: like the Earth¡¯s American Marine Corps, they should install a phone on the rear of the tank so the infantry could report situations simply by picking up the handset on the back of the tank. This would not only be more convenient but also safer for the infantry, as tanks generally face towards the dangerous areas.

    He silently reminded himself to talk to Ke Jing about this suggestion the next time he saw him. Just then, the young warrior climbed up the tank and said to him, ¡°General, there is an enemy anti-tank gun ambush around the left corner ahead, and there are already three of our tanks burning on the street ahead.¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up binocrs, then switched to a downward viewpoint, and indeed saw Prosens upying a four-story building, with an anti-aircraft gun position on the rooftop and a PAK40 anti-tank gun hidden in the basement. The gun was elevated on wooden nks, firing through the basement window.

    After carefully observing the design of this stronghold, Wang Zhong marveled at the Prosens¡¯ prowess in setting up a position. The cement of the anti-tank gun was such that even if it was detected, it would be difficult for tanks to destroy it with just a few shots.@@novelbin@@However, Wang Zhong had a better way to neutralize this underground anti-tank gun.

    He noticed that the balcony on the second floor of the building was directly above the basement window.

    Perhaps it would be challenging to shoot a shell through the window, but it was very simple to copse the balcony with a shell so it would fall and block the window, a task even a rookie gunner could aplish.

    The young warrior continued, ¡°Ourpanymander has sent someone to call for that Suka assault gun, but the gun is several blocks away, and it takes a long time to reload after firing. General, do you think your unique tank can take out the enemy¡¯s position?¡±

    Wang Zhong put down the binocrs and looked at the young soldier, ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    "Assault gun a few blocks away

    "The part after that.¡±

    "Your unique tank

    Wang Zhong frowned, ¡°Is my tank not handsome?¡±

    The young soldier was momentarily at a loss for words, ¡°Uh¡­ handsome¡­ I guess?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Don¡¯t you know what ¡®beauty in strength¡¯ means? Fine, return the way you came, and tell yourpanymander to prepare to coordinate an attack with me. I will personally handle that enemy stronghold.¡± ??¦Á??????¡ì

    "Okay!¡± With that, the young soldier turned around and lightly jumped down from the side of the tank.

    After Wang Zhong confirmed that the young soldier was clear of the tank¡¯s tracks, he ordered, ¡°Start up, move forward! Remember to angle the tank when we turn the corner, there¡¯s a PAK40 targeting the intersection.¡±

    "You can tell by the destroyed T34 at the intersection,¡± the driver remarked.

    The tank slowly elerated, moving straight ahead until it was about to reach the intersection, then it turned, preparing to graze the corner. This way, regardless of where the enemy¡¯s PAK40 anti-tank gun was located, it would face angled armor, making it impossible to hit the armor perpendicrly.

    Well, Wang Zhong¡¯s new tank didn¡¯t have many vertical surfaces.

    Especially since the enemy anti-tank gun was in the basement, firing from such a low position was likely to result in the shell ricocheting.

    Wang Zhong climbed into the turret and closed the hatch cover. He didn¡¯t need to literally peek out to see the surroundings, thanks to his external device.

    The armored giant thus burst around the corner. Through his own eyes, Wang Zhong could identify the building housing the PAK40, but from themander¡¯s cup, he couldn¡¯t see the basement¡¯s PAK40 anti-tank gun.

    Geez, Wang Zhong thought, the enemy had a reason for cing their anti-tank gun there; under normal circumstances, without sticking out the head, a tankmander wouldn¡¯t be able to see this anti-tank gun.

    The sound of the gun firing rang out.

    There was a clear ¡®thump¡¯ against the external armor.

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t see where the shell was deflected to, but he didn¡¯t worry about it. Instead, he patted the gunner¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Turn the turret to the right. See the smoke from enemy gun fire?¡±

    "I¡¯m turning!¡±

    Wang Zhong mentioned, ¡°The smoke seems minimal; the enemy gun might be at a lower position. Dip the elevation gear a bit!¡±

    Gunner Alexandria quicklyplied, then shouted, ¡°Found it, in the basement! Firing now!¡±

    Before Wang Zhong could even say stop, Alexandria had already fired.

    The shell flew directly through a window next to the basement. Good lord, Alexandria thought it was the window from which they fired!

    Wang Zhong switched to a downward viewing angle. As soon as he switched, he saw the enemy fire another shot.

    The shell grazed past the ¡°turtle shell¡± of Wang Zhong¡¯s tank and hit a church bell tower a hundred meters away.

    Wang Zhong ordered, ¡°Wait, stop firing at that basement window. When the enemy fires, all the basement windows generate smoke. Here¡¯s an idea: elevate the barrel, see the second-floor balcony? st it down to block the window!¡±

    Alexandria responded, ¡°Okay!¡±

    While he adjusted the elevation, the loaderpleted loading, shouting, ¡°High-explosive shell, loaded!¡±

    Then the enemy fired their third shell, clearly aiming for a weak spot; they targeted the coaxial machine gun port on the mantlet.

    The shell hit, and although it didn¡¯t prate, Wang Zhong heard a noise before something ricocheted back and forth inside the tank.

    Finally, that thing scored a line across Wang Zhong¡¯s face, scratching his cheekbone.

    "Suka blyat!¡± Wang Zhong cursed, and instinctively touched it, grimacing in pain¡ªalthough the wound didn¡¯t feel deep, it seemed like some machine gun parts or screws had been dislodged by the enemy¡¯s shell.

    Just then, Alexandria fired. The high-explosive shell directly shattered the balcony, breaking it into many pieces that fell and tightly blocked the observatory windows.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Good, keep aiming at the second floor, there¡¯s a machine gun emcement in the window!¡±

    Just then, the enemy machine gun began its desperate sweep.

    Alexandria: ¡°I see it! If he hadn¡¯t opened fire on his own, I would still be figuring it out!¡±

    Loader: ¡°High-Explosive Shell, ready!¡±

    No sooner had the loader shouted than the gunner fired.

    The window where the machine gun was located, and about seven or eight windows around it, blew out smoke and dust, the walls around the machine gun then copsed entirely, and the building was left with a gaping circr hole. More bricks and debris fell to the ground, blocking the basement air vents even more.

    At that moment, the rooftop anti-aircraft emcement began firing at Wang Zhong¡¯s tank.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°See if you can breach the building¡¯s load-bearing columns and bring it down!¡±

    "I¡¯ll try, the left side has already been sted, let me try the right!¡±

    The turret turned a tiny angle to the right and, apanied by the loader¡¯s shout ¡°High-Explosive Shell, ready¡±, the 100-gun roared again.

    The shell hit the stairwell, hollowing out half of the building¡¯s right side.

    The next moment, the building copsed towards Wang Zhong¡¯s side, the roof came tumbling down along with the 20mm autocannon and the heavy machine gun set upon it, and with them, the Prosen soldiers fell too.

    Immediately thereafter, a cheer erupted, and the Ante Warriors, previously hidden in other buildings, surged out of their shelters and attacked the crumbling Prosen stronghold.

    At the same time, the machine guns assigned to the infantry toon swept the building, revealing all the surviving Prosens as there were no walls left on this side of the building.

    The infantry rushed forward instantly, giving the enemy¡¯s remnants no chance to reorganize.

    Wang Zhong patted Alexandria on the shoulder and then pped the loader¡¯s shoulder with his left hand: ¡°Well done, guys! Well done!¡±

    At that moment, someone knocked on the hatch, Wang Zhong looked down and saw it was the young warrior who had brought him news earlier.

    He then opened the hatch and poked his head out: ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    "Thepanymander says thank you, General, and he also says our mission is to advance to the train station as the spearhead toon. Can you provide support?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tell him to just follow me; I¡¯ll take us directly to the train station.¡±

    "Okay!¡±

    The young warrior turned and ran.

    Wang Zhong was watching the young warrior leave when he suddenly noticed someone watching him from across in the second-floor window.

    He waved at the window, and it was abruptly shut.

    Why? Could they be one of the locals who sided with the Prosens?

    Given the size of Ante, it was not strange to find such people.

    The next moment, the window opened again, and thedy who was there before had changed into a new dress and washed her face.

    Now, more windows were open, and the people who stayed in the city were looking at Wang Zhong¡¯s tank.

    Most of the people who opened their windows were elderly, and some were young girls.

    An elderly man shouted loudly: ¡°General! Are you not leaving this time?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, I¡¯m not leaving this time.¡±

    "Last time they all said that when Rocossov came, he would never leave, but you still left!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This time, I¡¯m not leaving. We have already surrounded and annihted six hundred thousand Prosens, capturing almost four hundred thousand.¡±

    He almost mentioned that they would encircle tens of thousands more, but he held back since that was still confidential, not wanting to interfere with Vasily¡¯s deception operations.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Prosens have failed. In this winter, I, Alexei Konstantinovich Rokossovsky, pledge to you with my honor and life, this city will not fall a second time, never again!¡±

    After his words, the entire street fell silent, making the gunfire from nearby areas stand out more sharply.

    Suddenly, someone threw confetti from a window.

    "Reimed!¡±

    People shouted.

    More confetti flew, as if these people had been making confetti during the six months of upation just for this moment.

    Despite the intense gunfire around, people continued to celebrate the reiming.

    "Reimed!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Folks, don¡¯t rush to celebrate just yet, the enemy has not yet retreated! And we currently don¡¯t have the capacity to cross the river, the enemy can still shell us from the other side! Folks! Stay off the streets! Don¡¯t get too excited!¡±

    He shouted for a while in vain when suddenly a mortar barragended on the street.

    Wang Zhong immediately ducked inside the tank, while the celebrating crowd dispersed like birds and beasts.

    Yet Wang Zhong still felt exhrated.

    "I¡¯m back, Yarvik!¡±

 Chapter 644: Never Fought Such a Wealthy Battle in This Life

    Chapter 644: Chapter 86: Never Fought Such a Wealthy Battle in This Life

    Wang Zhong was observing the enemy¡¯s condition, though their heavy firepower had been eliminated, there were still arge number of enemies armed with anti-tank weapons hiding around the station. It would be dangerous to rashly drive the tanks in from the side of the square.

    However, it would be too wasteful of ammunition to pick off the ambushed enemies one by one with high-explosive shells through the walls¡ªthe enemy was too spread out, and one shell could at most kill two of them.

    It seemed there were only two solutions, one was to let the infantry charge in for closebat, and the other was to move to the direction of the railway. The terrain was open in that direction with few obstacles, which would allow full y to the tanks¡¯ firepower.

    Suddenly, a shout came over the headset.

    "General, I¡¯m here to help you!¡±

    Wang Zhong hurriedly asked, ¡°Report your affiliation!¡±

    "We are drivers of prototype tanks, and since you insisted on using your old crew, we brought the remaining two tanks to help you attack the train station!¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately searched the bird¡¯s-eye view and then saw two prototype vehicles approaching along the railway from the northeast of the train station, followed by an armored train and arge number of infantry.The armored train had a repair carriage at the end of the armed carriage; it had a crane and everything else needed, a veritable mobile tank repair factory.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Very good, immediatelyunch an attack from the nk and coordinate with us for a pincer movement!¡±

    The Prosen loved pincer movements, so let them have a taste of their own medicine.

    ¡ª

    When Lieutenant Colonel Hansen saw the two identical steel monsters appearing in the direction of the railway tracks, he almost had a heart attack.

    If the 88 guns were still there, they might have been able to resist, but now all of the battalion¡¯s long-range anti-tank firepower was gone. How were they supposed to fight?

    Moreover, there were few buildings in the direction of the railway, it was all open ground, and those two iron turtles once settled there would turn any number of men rushing at them into suicide.

    But it wasn¡¯t just two new-model iron turtles that came but also an armored train. The train¡¯s quad 25mm anti-aircraft gun started wildly ¡°sweeping¡± the station buildings with a barrage of fire as soon as it appeared, showering each window in turn.

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen¡¯s men didn¡¯t dare show their heads.

    The iron turtles on the railway fired their guns, and the 100mm shells flew over most of the tform, hitting the station¡¯s enclosed sky bridge and blowing the hidden machine-gun team to kingdome.

    The iron turtles on the side of the station square were not to be outdone, one shell sted into the station¡¯s ticket hall, and the explosion¡¯s shock wave shattered all the building¡¯s ground-floor windows.

    While contemting a counterstrategy under these circumstances, a battalionmander rushed into themand post and asked loudly, ¡°What should we do, Colonel? The enemy infantry ising. They¡¯re all Imperial Guards with cloaks! Most of us just have rifles, but they all have submachine guns!¡±

    The lieutenant colonel stared at the battalionmander for a few seconds, then retorted, ¡°Then why don¡¯t you take their submachine guns and use those?¡±

    At this moment, the distinctive sound of the Papasha started, clearly discernible from Antean guns and the 25mm anti-aircraft artillery.

    The battalionmander eximed, ¡°The enemy is upon us, Lieutenant Colonel!¡±

    The lieutenant colonel grabbed the battalionmander by the cor: ¡°Apart from fighting bravely, there¡¯s no other way! If you have a problem with me, I¡¯ll tell you that I am going to personally fight the enemy!¡±

    After saying this, he let go of the battalionmander¡¯s cor, picked up a submachine gun, and led the way outside.

    The two remaining staff members in themand post were shocked, ¡°Colonel, where are you going?¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Hansen stopped outside the door, looked back at them and said, ¡°You shouldn¡¯t just stand here either. Now is the time to fight like brave men. Take your rifles; the Fathend needs us to do our duty.¡± ????o?¦¢¨¨?

    ¡ª

    After the infantry rushed into the station, Wang Zhong directed the tanks to the side of the railway and met up with the other two prototype vehicles.

    Three iron turtles lying on the railway indeed looked intimidating, especially when all the enemy¡¯s anti-tank firepower couldn¡¯t touch these brothers.

    Soon, the battle for the entire station neared its end. A few enemies stubbornly resisting in houses were one by one dealt with by Wang Zhong with 100mm high-explosive shells, taking them and the buildings they held up to heaven.

    When the gunfire ceased, one little warrior, who had been keeping Wang Zhong informed, brought a Prosen lieutenant colonel over to him, beaming with pride.

    "General!¡± the little warrior shouted, ¡°I¡¯ve captured a big officer! Thepanymander asked me to personally escort him to you!¡±

    Wang Zhong was also happy: ¡°Great! I¡¯ll be sure to remember to award you a medal during the battle summary!¡±

    "Is it the Venus?¡± the little warrior¡¯s eyes lit up.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Venus is a bit difficult, but granting a slightly lesser medal is still possible! Plus, I¡¯ll promote you to Private First ss!¡±

    The little warrior pouted, ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary, thepanymander said, if I live until next month, I¡¯ll be promoted to Sergeant.¡±

    Wang Zhong was originally very pleased, but upon hearing this, his joy faded.

    He looked at the little warrior and said, ¡°Go back and tell yourpanymander that the previous heavy casualties were unavoidable because we had no other option but to fill the gaps with lives. I promise you, going forward, the casualty rate will decrease more and more. I will do my utmost to ensure everyone can live to see the day of victory.¡±

    "Yes! I will pass the message to thepanymander in a moment, but what about this officer?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°See the armored train behind? There¡¯s a Judge with a blue cap on board. Take this prisoner over to him and hand him off to the Judge.¡±

    The little warrior smiled as well, ¡°Good! Let the Judge teach them a proper lesson!¡±

    At the Prosens Tenth Group Army Headquarters.

    Admiral Boke furrowed his brow, ¡°The 16th Division¡¯s defense line has been breached?¡±

    "Yes, the enemy has captured the train station. The armored train from Novorossk has already entered the station, and some have seen trains loaded with heavy artillery passing by their houses,¡± reported the Chief of Staff, his face stern.

    Admiral Boke was even more puzzled, ¡°Heavy artillery? Why would heavy artillery enter the city? Shouldn¡¯t it be deployed in artillery positions outside the city?¡±

    The Chief of Staff shook his head, ¡°I don¡¯t know, they probably felt that setting up artillery outside the city was too vulnerable to our forces on the West Bank attacking across the river, so they simply drove it into the city.¡±

    Admiral Boke thought for a few seconds but still couldn¡¯t figure it out, ¡°Strange, very strange.¡±

    Lieutenant Schneider of the Prosens 541stbat engineer battalion wasmanding his troops from a house on Saint Andrew Street. They had already repelled five Antean attacks, and the bodies of Anteansy all around the house.

    During this rare break, Lieutenant Schneider was going from one soldier to the next, soothing their nerves and boosting morale.

    Suddenly, Sergeant Hans, who had been observing the enemy situation, shouted, ¡°Lieutenant! Lieutenant,e quick! Look at that!¡±

    The Lieutenant hurried over to Hans¡¯ observation post and leaned out of the window to look.

    He saw the Anteans moving a piece of heavy artillery onto the street, leveling the barrel, as if they intended to fire it directly.

    Sergeant, ¡°What are they nning to do?¡±

    Lieutenant, ¡°I don¡¯t know, maybe they n to fire shells directly at us? It¡¯s risky to push precious heavy artillery to such a ce. If a cadet suggested this in a military academy, the instructor would have singled out his n for ridicule by the whole ss.¡±

    As they spoke, the Anteans began to aim, the dark muzzle pointing directly at the building where the Lieutenant and his troops were stationed.

    A chill ran down the Lieutenant¡¯s neck; he moved away from the window, shouting simultaneously, ¡°Get down!¡±

    But his warning came toote; the explosion shook the earth, engulfing Lieutenant Schneider and his soldiers.

    The wooden floor underneath him copsed instantly, and he fell from the third floor to the first, followed by the roof and walls falling on top of him.

    In less than a second, Lieutenant Schneider and his troops were buried under the rubble.

    Admiral Boke watched a staff officer whisper something to the Chief of Staff¡¯s ear, then asked, ¡°What¡¯s happened?¡±

    "The enemy has pushed heavy artillery to within a kilometer of our positions, and direct fire from High-Explosive Shells has destroyed many of our strongpoints,¡± reported the Chief of Staff with an ashen face.

    Admiral Boke, ¡°Now we know why the enemy brought the heavy artillery into the city.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Just then, another sh appeared at the window, and the Admiral pointed at the window with his thumb, ¡°And that sh is the enemy¡¯s damnable new weapon sending our support points to heaven. The Anteans are not adept at siege warfare, so they¡¯ve chosen to send us and our fortifications to heaven together.¡±

    The Chief of Staff looked up at the mushroom cloud, which had already diminished in brightness, ¡°Indeed. They¡¯ve found a brutally simple solution, like the flood warfare faced by the Central Army Group.¡±

    Admiral Boke kept shaking his head, ¡°Such a crude nation, it¡¯s hard to imagine that they produced a great artist like Tchaikovsky.¡±

    The Chief of Staff didn¡¯t pick up on the topic, maybe he really didn¡¯t understand art.

    Another staff officer entered and whispered in the Chief of Staff¡¯s ear.

    "But speak freely!¡± said Admiral Boke loudly.

    The staff officer paused and looked at the Chief of Staff.

    "Just say it,¡± the Chief of Staff said softly.

    Staff Officer, ¡°Ante Troops appeared near the railway bridge. They¡¯re advancing along the railway, leading their new tanks adorned with the Red g, tactical code¡­ 422.¡±

    Admiral Boke, ¡°So, if I don¡¯t retreat now, I¡¯ll be ¡®beaten by Rocossov when he shuts the gate,¡¯ right? Is it he who¡¯s closing the gate personally?¡±

    The staff officer didn¡¯t dare to answer, just kept looking at the Chief of Staff.

    The Chief of Staff, ¡°The ice can now support movement, so I personally don¡¯t think there¡¯s a need to be so tense, but given the situation, without a good way to deal with the enemy¡¯s two new weapons, it might be better to retreat across the river for now.

    "On the other side, we have the heavy Anti-Air Artillery Corps, equipped with 105mm anti-air guns, which may be able to prate the Anteans¡¯ new weapons.¡±

    Admiral Boke stared at the Chief of Staff, ¡°Are you asking me to desert in the face of the enemy?¡±

    The Chief of Staff persuaded, ¡°It¡¯s not deserting, the other side is still Yarvik. We can report to the High Command that we¡¯re contesting control of the city with the enemy.¡±

    Admiral Boke moved to the window, looking out into the night that had fallen, looking at the fires that appeared even more evident against the night sky, and was silent for a long time.

    The Chief of Staff waited a while, then finally couldn¡¯t resist saying, ¡°General

    Admiral Boke, ¡°I understand. Order the troop to resist in an orderly fashion, progressively withdraw across the river, and confront the enemy from across the river. In the telegram to High Command, say we¡¯re contesting the city¡¯s control with Rocossov, with Rocossov¡¯s one million strong forces immobilized on the East Bank of the Suhayaweili River!¡±

 Chapter 646: "A Decent End to Everything" (Extra 34/81)

    Chapter 646: Chapter 88 ¡°A Decent End to Everything¡± (Extra 34/81)

    December 21st, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    The Supreme Command Department of Prosen continued to hold a strategy meeting.

    "So, what are your thoughts on Ante¡¯s new tanks?¡± the Emperor looked at everyone present in turn, ¡°The front line says they¡¯re immune to all our main anti-tank guns, and in the end, they were barely stopped by the 105mm anti-aircraft guns. But we have less than a thousand of those in the whole army.¡±

    The President of the Imperial Academy of Sciences said, ¡°We are researching

    "Don¡¯t talk about things that will take one or two years to develop. I need something that can be brought to the front line right now for emergencies!¡± the Emperor interrupted the old scientist¡¯s words.

    The President and several other doctors present looked at each other, and at that moment, General Ma Qi, the Armored Corps Director, raised his hand: ¡°Your Majesty, we do have an emergency product that can be deployed immediately. It uses the Panzer IV chassis, equipped with a 105mm anti-tank gun with a 52-caliber barrel, and two prototype vehicles have already been manufactured.¡±

    "Oh?¡± The Emperor perked up, ¡°Where are they now?¡±

    General Ma Qi: ¡°Both vehicles participated in the Barbarossa campaign, one was damaged, and the other was transported back to the Krupp Factory, possibly ced in the exhibition hall.¡±The Emperor: ¡°Start producing it immediately! Ante¡¯s new tanks are mostly not yet mass-produced, we must produce them first, and send them to the front line, this time we can catch them by surprise!

    "Also, the Panzer VI, which was sent back for redesign, should not be equipped with the 88 gun anymore, we have the 105 gun ready, use that!¡±

    "Er Ma Qi hesitated, but still said, ¡°The new n for the Panzer VI, if we extend the 88 gun, should also have better armor-piercing capabilities. Also, the long 70-caliber 75 gun on the Panzer V that is being tested should also

    "Since we have the 105mm anti-tank gun, then improve on the basis of the 105mm!¡± the Emperor interrupted the Armored Corps Director.

    General Ma Qi yielded: ¡°You¡¯re right, with only minor modifications to the production line, we can begin producing the Big Macs. When tested on the battlefield previously, many ws were discovered, so the Krupp Company improved the design but did not continue to manufacture new prototypes. I think we can go straight to producing new prototypes.¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°That¡¯s what we¡¯ll do, this time we must seize the initiative. Also, how effective is the use of the new maic anti-tank grenades?¡±

    Celtic Marshal and Marshal Bryan both looked troubled.

    The Emperor: ¡°If you have anything to say, speak up.¡±

    Marshal Bryan: ¡°The new grenade is too heavy, and to attach it to a tank, it can¡¯t be thrown. Soldiers have to carry something so heavy up to the tank, attach it, then pull the fuse and run away¡­ it¡¯s too demanding for the soldiers.

    "Front-line soldiers would rather use simple and reliable incendiary bottles instead.¡±

    The Emperor and the designer who came up with this device both stiffened.

    The designer: ¡°Are you actually saying that this is worse than a crude incendiary bottle? This is an advanced weapon that uses a concentrated explosive warhead! We previously tried to fire concentrated explosive armor-piercing bullets with a rifled gun, only to find the results very unsatisfactory.

    "Because rifled guns cause the projectile to spin, when it hits the armor, the spin creates all sorts of rtive states, so the effect of the concentrated explosive warhead on piercing the armor is also very random.

    "That¡¯s why we designed a maic head so that the warhead could explode in a more stable state rtive to the armor, and reliably prate the designed thickness of the armor!¡±

    Marshal Bryan: ¡°I don¡¯t understand the technical details, but the front line says it is not effective. They also say that the Anteans, when they capture these, don¡¯t use them at all, they never use them; they would rather throw incendiary bombs.¡±

    The designer¡¯s face turned red: ¡°This¡­ this is their

    The Emperor: ¡°If the front line says it¡¯s ineffective, then you need to improve the design. So far no other country in the world seems to have adopted the concentrated explosive warhead, it¡¯s a great opportunity to showcase Prosen¡¯s technological strength! Make sure to seize it.¡± ???¦­??§¦?

    The once arrogant designer now nodded vigorously in agreement.

    The Emperor: ¡°At present, the front line has confirmed a total of only eight new heavy tanks and new assault guns, which can only y a localized tactical role, and there are reports that shooting at the tracks and the turret rings is effective, we¡¯re notpletely without a way to deal with them.

    "Now, the issue is how to hold Shepetovka.¡±

    Marshal Bryan: ¡°Shepetovka has many permanent fortifications built by the Anteans when they held it; unless the Anteans can mass-produce that type of new assault gun, it¡¯s basically impossible to take Shepetovka.

    "I can¡¯t quite understand the motivation behind Rocossov choosing this ce as a target.¡±

    After a whole day of discussion yesterday, Bryan, Kyle, and other senior officers of the Empire hade to ept the conclusion that Rocossov nned to attack Shepetovka, or rather, they pretended to ept it.

    "Of course, it¡¯s to catch us by surprise,¡± said the Emperor, his lips curling slightly upwards. ¡°Everyone bescent, he¡¯s been dizzy from his string of deceits, bing paranoid, and out to trick us with unexpected moves. This time he¡¯ll hit a wall, and with that, his myth will shatter!¡±

    After the Emperor finished speaking, heughed, and everyone followed suit with augh.

    Once theughter died down, the Emperor continued, ¡°Of course, we need to be careful not to be tricked by his feinting forces into losing Bolsk. We also need to act fooled, so I n to draw the 11th Army Group back from the A Army Group to set up defenses in Bolsk.¡±

    Marshal Bryan¡¯s smile froze, ¡°What? Withdraw an entire Army Group? Do we still n to attack the mountain passes then?¡±

    The Emperor replied, ¡°It¡¯s winter now, and the snow has blocked many areas in the mountains. The enemy¡¯s Mountain Corps will have a harder time with supplies, so they won¡¯tunch an attack at this time.

    "As long as we set up defenses along the mountain ridges, we can wait andunch a new summer campaign next year, allowing us to take control of the White Sea coastline.¡±

    The generals looked at each other.

    The Emperor added, ¡°And the 11th Army Group has been fighting since the coastal battles began; it¡¯s time for them to rest. With them covering Bolsk, even if Rocossov sends his entire army there, it¡¯s unlikely he¡¯llpletely seed in taking it.¡±

    Celtic Marshal remarked, ¡°That¡¯s true, but doesn¡¯t this mean we are now on the defensive on two fronts? We just haven¡¯t moved the headquarters¡¯ reserve troops toward Bolsk.¡±

    The Emperor said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this the safest way? Or do you have better ideas?¡±

    "I have no objections to this n. But¡­ the 11th has indeed taken heavy losses and has not received sufficient reinforcements. If Rocossov does throw that left hook, can they really hold?¡± Giles expressed his concern.

    The Emperor thought for a moment, then said, ¡°Then let Xiplinmand his old troops! He couldn¡¯t rescue the Sixth Army Group; this time, let him redeem himself¡ªI mean, if Rocossov indeed throws that left hook.¡±

    Giles still looked worried, ¡°Even if we send apetent general over, a good chef can¡¯t cook without rice. We should at least send him some fresh troops, even one division would be helpful!¡±

    The Emperor didn¡¯t answer his old friend, but Celtic Marshal spoke up, ¡°All the divisions newly formed in the second half of the year in the Empire have already been sent to the front. The remaining divisions are still in training. The High Command has thest division; if we send that out, Prosen will truly have no troops left for battle.¡±

    The Marshal did not continue; to continue would be to spell out ¡°total mobilization¡± between the lines, which would be a bit too impolite for an Emperor insistent on not calling for total mobilization.

    The Emperor¡¯s face grew dark, ¡°We could draw an Armored Division from the Western Front to the Eastern Front and ce it under Xiplin¡¯s control. However, we cannot afford that risk. If the Allied Forcesnd in Carolingian, they could directly threaten our homnd. No, I cannot take that risk.¡±

    Silence fell over the meeting table.

    At that moment, everyone felt the utter difficulty of the situation.

    The Emperor suddenly stood up, sighing, ¡°Two months ago, our forces were advancing triumphantly, victory seemingly within easy reach, the enemy crumbling, defeated.

    "At that time, I even flew to the front myself, met with Admiral Fred, saw the soldiers who had distinguished themselves in battle, and took an oath with them.

    "The image of such vigorous life and burgeoning growth is still before my eyes. And now, just two monthster, Nan¡¯ant has changed¡ªhas it be the burial ground of the Empire?¡±

    Celtic Marshal and Marshal Bryan exchanged nces.

    The highly favored General Moochi and Duke Meyer, Marshal of the Air Force, were both bowing their heads in silence.

    The Emperor continued, ¡°Ever since this Rocossov appeared in our battle reports, the Empire has been defeated by him, time and again! He is the absolute worst! And yet, none of you outstanding National Defense Army officers have been able to beat him!

    "One by one, you have all be his vanquished foes! You can¡¯t defeat even the very worst, and you¡¯ve disgraced the entire Prosen military education system!¡±

    Giles spoke up, ¡°Your Majesty, our sessive defeats are not entirely due to Rocossov¡¯s merit. In fact

    Even Giles didn¡¯t dare to continue.

    ¡ªIn fact, perhaps the Empire of Prosen¡¯s defeat had been destined from the moment the attack on Antemenced.

    The Emperor turned his head to Giles and said, ¡°I know what you¡¯re trying to say. Stop mentioning these pointless matters and start thinking about how, under the current circumstances, we can bring this to a dignified end.¡±

    The generals all keenly noticed that the Emperor no longer aspired for victory.

    His goal had now shifted to ¡°ending all of this with dignity.¡±@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, a feeling of sorrow struck everyone present, including the Emperor himself.

 Chapter 647: "Christmas" (Extra 35/81)

    Chapter 647: Chapter 89 ¡°Christmas¡± (Extra 35/81)

    On the evening of December 24, 915, Wang Zhong signed his name on thest casualty notification and breathed a long sigh of relief.

    Those who had their casualty notifications personally signed by the Front Army Commander were warriors who had performed outstandingly in battle and would be posthumously awarded medals for bravery.

    That¡¯s why Wang Zhong always made a point of carefully reading the ounts of the fallen warriors before signing his name, leaving a brief personalment between the printed document and his signature.

    At first, he would shed tears while reading about these deeds, but as time went on, his eyes became dry and sore because there were so many heroic tales that he had run out of tears.

    Having finally signed thest one, Wang Zhong felt a great weight lifted off his shoulders.

    Pavlov¡¯s voice suddenly rang out, ¡°You¡¯ve worked hard. In total, there are over eleven thousand medals to be awarded. I only had you personally sign for those above the George Cross level; I took the liberty of signing the rest.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the thick stack of notifications on the desk with confusion, ¡°This many above the George Cross?¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°391 Venus Crosses were awarded.¡±Wang Zhong stood up and walked over to the window, gazing into the night outside. It took him a long while to quietly utter, ¡°For the spirit of great aspirations, we dare to teach the sun and moon to shine anew.¡±

    Pavlov asked, ¡°What?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Nothing, just a moment of emotion. By the way, today is the Prosians¡¯ Christmas, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    "Yes,¡± Popov, who had been busily writing condolence letters, stopped his pen and looked up, ¡°What, do you want to have a Christmas truce?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No, we don¡¯t celebrate this Christmas. Since the dates of Christmas are different for us, a truce won¡¯t work. But we could send the Prosians some rockets to wish them a happy holiday.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°I was wondering why the rocket artillery wasn¡¯t fired today; they were waiting here.¡±

    He stood up and picked up the phone, ¡°Near Guards Rocket Artillery Brigade, is it you? You¡¯ve been waiting for a while, fire away.¡±

    As soon as he put down the phone, the whistling of rocket artillery could be heard outside. With eachunch, the light and shadow in the room shifted from left to right.

    Wang Zhong went straight to the liquor cab, poured several sses of vodka, and handed them to Popov and Pavlov, then raised his ss toward the window, ¡°Happy Christmas to them!¡±

    Popov said, ¡°How nice, they get fireworks for Christmas. We just have to make do with a little drink.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Is it really okay for the Military Bishop to start drinking? Oh, but this is good stuff.¡±

    "Do I get some as well?¡±

    At the sound of that voice, Wang Zhong jolted, turning his head sharply to see Ludm standing at the entrance of themand room, smiling at him.@@novelbin@@

    "Liu Da!¡± Wang Zhong downed his ss in one gulp, ran over in three steps, and embraced his fianc¨¦e ¡ª no, wrong, they had been engaged for nearly a year and had a child, she was his wife. ????§°B¦¥??

    "Easy there, you¡¯re making it hard for me to breathe! Lighten up!¡± Ludmined, patting Wang Zhong¡¯s back.

    Wang Zhong finally took a step back, creating some space to take a good look at his wife¡¯s face.

    "You¡¯ve lost weight,¡± he said.

    "Given the emergency of the war, I¡¯ve had no chance to eat properly. But you seem to be glowing.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Because I got myself a Ceres chef. Even with just a cabbage and a potato, he can still create something beautiful, making the food taste fantastic. The culinary culture of Ceres is truly exceptional!¡±

    "I¡¯ll have to taste it for myself then,¡± Ludm said with augh.

    Wang Zhong called out, ¡°Vasily! Go tell the chef to prepare something special, my wife is here!¡±

    Vasily appeared, ¡°I¡¯ve already informed the chef. He¡¯s just lit the stove and started juggling!¡±

    Many considered the tossing skills of Wang Zhong¡¯s Ceres chef to be a kind of juggling, akin to circus performing, but Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t be bothered exining to them.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll just wait then. What about Nelly, now you¡¯re here?¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°Nelly insisted Ie quickly; she said she was fine. The doctors also said the infection has been contained and now it¡¯s just a matter of resting and waiting for the wound to heal. Additionally, I¡¯ve found the best artisan of ss eyes and have ced an order for one.

    "The artisan initially insisted on going to the front line, but he was too old, so the army never approved it. So, I made a deal with the old man ¡ª he crafts the eye, and I let him do some clerical work with the troops, contributing to the war effort as much as he can.¡±

    As she spoke, Ludm suddenlyughed, ¡°At first, the craftsman didn¡¯t know I was your wife and stubbornly refused mymission, sitting at the recruitment office every day, pleading with the staff.

    "Then I went and spoke with the recruitment station, agreeing to let the old man enlist and assign him some secondary tasks. Only then did he agree to make the final eye.

    "When the eye was finished, and the craftsman saw the name on the military note I gave him, he realized that I was your wife. He pped his thigh and said, ¡®Oh my, how could I set conditions with the wife of someone like Kutuzov!

    Wang Zhong chuckled as she finished the story, ¡°When the war is over, I must meet this charming old gentleman in person and thank him for making Nelly¡¯s prosthetic eye.¡±

    "You certainly should,¡± Ludm said earnestly, ¡°but before that, let¡¯s win this war, my dear.¡±

    "Of course,¡± Wang Zhong replied.

    He embraced his wife once again.

    It was then he suddenly realized that the spaciousmand room was empty; Popov, Pavlov, and Vasily were nowhere to be found.

    Switching to the top-down view, he finally realized that the whole bunch was hiding in the next room, drinking and chatting about something.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°These guys

    Ludm, ¡°Since they¡¯re all like this, we should thank them for their kindness.¡±

    With that, she kissed him.

    Even though Wang Zhong had been in this world for a year and a half, he still wasn¡¯t used to such forthright behavior from thedies here. All that stuff about needing to speak theirnguage to save face is just wishful thinking from guys who are living the good life!

    When ady here likes you, she¡¯ll just flip you over her shoulder and pin you to the ground, yes, just like that, oh my back¡­

    Half an hourter, Wang Zhong¡¯s personal chef from Ceres came pushing a cart with food, but upon entering themand center, he was taken aback and asked in his broken Antenese, ¡°Eh, the Prosens are attacking?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Uh, no. There was a wolf attack, a she-wolf, I was wrestling with it, just leave the food, thank you.¡±

    The chef nced at Ludm hiding under the carpet with only half her head showing, ¡°Ah, a she-wolf. Ah, I¡¯ll go find the sergeant to catch a hedgehog then, or a deer, do you need one?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t hedgehogs hibernate?¡±

    The chef, ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about that, the sergeant can definitely catch one.¡±

    That¡¯s for sure, after all, it is Grigori, the high-ranking sergeant who is proficient in everything from manure scooping to hunting to killing Prosensian soldiers.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No need for hedgehogs or deer at the moment, thanks.¡±

    The chef nodded, left the room and closed the door behind him.

    Ludm, ¡°You should have eaten.¡±

    What¡¯s she mean, I¡¯ve done my share for today!

    Afterward, Ludm stayed at the Headquarters, serving as the Prayer Hand for the anti-air Divine Arrow Team.

    Besides her role as the Prayer Hand, she also took great care of Wang Zhong¡¯s daily life, effectively taking over all of Nelly¡¯s duties.

    From the 25th to the 31st of that six-day period, Wang Zhong¡¯s Front Army, besides continuously stockpiling ammunition, also actively carried out deception operations¡ªnot that you could really call them deceptions, given that constantly sending out reconnaissance nes to scout from Yarvik to Bolsk and so on would greatly benefit the subsequent offense.

    However, these actionsbined with a series of deceptive operations executed by Vasily before made up a clever ruse, specifically targeting the then Emperor and the high-ranking generals.

    Of course, Wang Zhong was always careful not to overdo it, so he also sent out some reconnaissance nes to check the situation across the river from Yeisk to Shepetovka while continuously sending out aircraft to bomb the road from Yeisk to Yarvik.

    Despite this, in those ten-plus days, the Southern Front battlefield still seemed very calm, with the number of casualties even dropping to 2,000 per day at one point.

    Almost everyone knew that it was the calm before the storm.

    January 1, 916, Heart of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    The Court Chambein pushed open the door with a smile on his face, but upon seeing the expressions of everyone in the war room, his smile froze.

    "All¡­ New Year

    The Emperor eximed, ¡°Impossible! He must be deceiving us! We should reinforce Bolsk! If we pull the defense troops from Shepetovka to Bolsk, it¡¯s just what he wants us to do!¡±

    "But,¡± the Celtic Marshal, Chief of General Staff, said, ¡°if he attacks Bolsk, he could surround Army Group A and massively annihte our forces.¡±

    The Emperor, ¡°How will he annihte, with the White Sea under our control! Do you think some Federation pilots will take back sea control? Even if Army Group A is surrounded, we can easily escape by sea!

    "Besides, Shepetovka means a lot to him, he left Kazarlia from Shepetovka back then, leaving his best friend and his father in his homnd.

    "Their propaganda also says that he carries a box of Kazarlia¡¯s ck soil with him. Look at the geological survey report of Bolsk, is it ck soil? No! Bolsk was only included in the Kingdom of Kazarlia recently, legally it¡¯s not part of Kazarlia!

    "Rocossov¡¯s wish is to strike back at his homnd, back to thend of ck soil! I understand him; no opponent knows him better than I do! He will definitely attack Shepetovka!

    "Definitely! Hmm? What are you here for?¡±

    Thest sentence was addressed to the Chambein.

    Chambein, ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s 916 now, you ordered the preparation of cake and champagne.¡±

    "Oh, right, then gentlemen, let¡¯s toast to the new year! This year we must, we must end this damned war!¡±

    January 7, 916, Christmas for the Anteans, 0600 hours.

    Wang Zhong watched the second hand of his watch pass the number 12 and turned his head to nod at Pavlov.

    Pavlov had already grabbed the telephone receiver, ¡°Artillery, attention, fire!¡±

 Chapter 648: Rocossovâ€™s Right Hook

    Chapter 648: Chapter 90 Rocossov¡¯s Right Hook

    75 kilometers north of Mount Raoul Pass, Army Group Command, January 7, 916, 0700 hours.

    General Ewald von Steyr-Mark held a coffee cup in one hand and a report delivered that morning in the other.

    "Xiplin is stillmanding the Eleventh Army Group¡­ Is this really appropriate? He¡¯s a general, and so am I.¡± The silver-haired general sighed, ¡°These young men get promoted so quickly. Just a few years ago, he was a vice admiral, and now he¡¯s a general. In a little while, he might even be a marshal, while I will still be a general.¡±

    The deputy officer also sighed, ¡°I remember he¡¯s only five years older than me.¡±

    "You are a staff officer, it¡¯s not the same unless you get an opportunity like Rudendorf did, transitioning from a staff officer to a chief officer. But even then, many looked down on him, thinking he was just a staff officer, unfit for greater responsibilities,¡± said General Steyr-Mark before taking a sip of his coffee.

    The deputy officer asked with concern, ¡°How is it? Today I used coffee beans, not instant coffee.¡±

    General Steyr-Mark¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°Where did you get the coffee beans? We¡¯ve been blockaded for a long time. Let me think, smuggled in through Casanca from Castilia?¡±

    "No,¡± the deputy officer shook his head, ¡°captured from the enemy¡¯s supply truck, the brand andbels are from apany in the Federation, produced in South America.¡±General Steyr-Mark raised his coffee cup, carefully observed its color, and then sniffed it closely, ¡°Oh, it is good stuff indeed, I was wondering why it didn¡¯t taste like mud today. Ah, before the war, we could easily enjoy coffee and tea, but since the war started, we¡¯ve only had factory-produced mud.¡±

    Deputy officer, ¡°There are also some teas among the captured goods if you¡¯d like some

    "Is it ck tea?¡±

    "Yes, produced in Assam of Bahara.¡±

    "Then let¡¯s have that this afternoon. Speaking of which, when did we intercept the enemy¡¯s supply convoy? I don¡¯t remember it.¡±

    "The Armored Army¡¯s reconnaissance unit did it, they only sent it back yesterday.¡±

    The general nodded repeatedly, ¡°The Armored Army, eh? Very good.¡±

    At that moment, the telephone on the general¡¯s desk rang.

    "Who is it so early?¡± the general frowned displeasingly.

    As the deputy officer stepped forward to answer the call, the office door opened, and the Chief of Staff walked in with a group of stern-faced staff officers.

    Seeing the expressions on the faces of the staff officers, the general¡¯s face also turned grave. He waved off the deputy officer attempting to answer the phone and picked up the handset himself, ¡°This is General Steyr-Mark, what has happened?¡± ?¦Á????????

    Then the general¡¯s expression visibly tightened, ¡°Is that urate? Today is Ante¡¯s Christmas; they should be takingmunion, praying, and listening to sermons.

    "Uh-huh, understood.¡±

    Finally, the general hung up the phone, his hand still lingering on the handset, his face stern as he looked at the Chief of Staff and the staff officers who had just entered.

    "How much do you know?¡± the general asked.

    Chief of Staff, ¡°We too just received the phone call; we didn¡¯t know someone had already reported directly to you.¡±

    At that moment, the vast office felt isting for the deputy officer, who asked, ¡°What exactly has happened? You all look so serious!¡±

    General Steyr-Mark, ¡°The Abawahan Front Army contending for Yarvik is bombarding us, the firepower is extremely dense, and several of our infantry divisions in the fifth echelon positioned at the front have lost contact with themand.¡±

    In Prosen, infantry troops are divided into echelons by ranking, generally, the closer to the front, the better equipped and trained the division, those farther back are often used to fill in gaps as cannon fodder.

    Like those in the fifth echelon, which are characterized as such, many of the division¡¯s artillery pieces are decades old, and their machine guns might also be ones that front-line troops have discarded.

    But even for such divisions,pletely losing contact after a shelling was utterly unusual.

    Deputy officer, ¡°Even the fifth echelon shouldn¡¯t just lose contact after a shelling; I don¡¯t think the Imperial infantry has degraded to that extent, they¡¯re not Moravians.¡±

    "That¡¯s exactly the issue,¡± General Steyr-Mark looked to the Chief of Staff, ¡°Send a ne immediately to see what¡¯s going on, and make sure it¡¯s equipped with a radio.¡±

    Not all nes carry radios, but like heavy bombers and the FW189 reconnaissance aircraft, theye with radios capable of maintaining long-distance contact with the ground.

    The Chief of Staff turned to one of the staff officers, signaling with his eyes, and thetter immediately left the room.

    General Steyr-Mark walked over to the wall where a map was mounted, his brow furrowed, ¡°Wasn¡¯t Rocossov supposed to be attacking Shepetovka? Attacking us¡­ Is it a feint?¡±

    Chief of Staff, ¡°Indeed, the telegram from the High Command mentioned that Rocossov mightunch a feint against us.¡±

    General Steyr-Mark, ¡°And then suddenly silence four divisions of the fifth echelon to the extent that they can¡¯t even make a sound?¡±

    Deputy officer, ¡°It¡¯s possible that their radios and telmunications were destroyed.¡±

    "All four divisions at the same time? That probability is too low,¡± General Steyr-Mark¡¯s brow furrowed tightly, his years of military experience alerting him that the situation was not straightforward.

    After a few seconds of thought, he said, ¡°I need to call the Emperor.¡±

    After speaking, the General took three steps to the desk, picked up the receiver, ¡°Connect me to Eagle¡¯s Nest, now, immediately.¡±

    As the operator worked, the General muttered a prayer under his breath, ¡°Can the field mouse spare our telephone lines, just for today, could it spare our telephone lines!¡±

    Making long-distance calls in this era was quite aplex process and required a long wait.

    After waiting for about two minutes, azy voice came through from the other end, ¡°Eagle¡¯s Nest Administration Office.¡±

    "Schneider!¡± Since they were all old acquaintances, General Steiermark directly called out the name of the person on the other end, ¡°I need to speak with His Majesty!¡±

    Schneider replied, ¡°His Majesty took a sleeping pill andy down an hour ago, and he¡¯s in a very bad mood because several generals jointly requested total mobilization yesterday and he flew into a rage. Now only Giles dares to wake him, but Giles isn¡¯t here.¡±

    General Steiermark suppressed his anger, ¡°Then go find Giles! Right now I must speak with His Majesty!¡±

    "What happened that is so serious?¡± asked Schneider, puzzled.

    "Rocossov is bombarding us; I¡¯ve lost contact with four battalions of the fifth echelon on the front line.¡±

    Schneider¡¯s voice was very rxed, ¡°High Command had already anticipated this as a feint. As for not being able to contact the four battalions on the front line, it¡¯s possible that guerris reported their locations, which were then specifically targeted. Rocossov has used this tactic duringst year¡¯s offensive; he is particrly skilled at it!¡±

    General Steiermark, ¡°You¡­ I suddenly find I can¡¯t refute you. Indeed, this seems like something Rocossov would do. Alright, I will contact you again after I receive the results from the aerial reconnaissance.¡±

    After hanging up, General Steiermark cursed, ¡°My call, actually denied! Just because our Emperor took a tiny sleeping pill! He wants to sleep!¡±

    The others dared not speak.

    The Chief of Staff forcefully changed the subject, ¡°So what¡¯s the situation?¡±

    "It¡¯s a feint, and Schneider¡­ Vice Admiral Schneider believes this is one of Rocossov¡¯s tricks, using intelligence provided by guerris to precisely bombard headquarters, causing them to lose contact. Regardless, what we need to do remains the same, to quickly rify the situation.¡±

    The Chief of Staff added, ¡°Actually, there¡¯s a simple way to judge, if the enemy¡¯s Mountain Corps doesn¡¯t coordinate with the attack, it¡¯s a feint. If Rocossov intends to encircle us, the Mountain Corps would definitely participate to pin down our forces.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, General Steiermark¡¯s telephone rang.

    At the same time, a staff officer rushed in and loudly reported, ¡°The Mountain Corps has begun bombarding us!¡±

    The Chief of Staff¡¯s face fell.

    Steiermark picked up the phone, ¡°This is General Steiermark, you are being bombarded, correct? Hmm, don¡¯t panic, prepare for defensive operations following the normal procedures, we¡¯re currently trying to rify the situation. It might be a feint.¡±

    After hanging up, General Steiermark looked at the others, ¡°The Mountain Corps has also started shelling, but we can¡¯t conclude it¡¯s not a feint based on this alone; it might be a deception to make the feint appear more realistic.¡±@@novelbin@@

    "Before we rify the situation, we must be ready to defend. Also, what¡¯s the situation with the Eleventh Army Group?¡±

    The Chief of Staff responded, ¡°They reported yesterday that they just received a batch of reinforcements, and an armed cargo ship escorted by the Imperial Navy brought them a batch of supplies. Their strength has recovered to sixty percent of full capacity.¡±

    General Steiermark sighed, ¡°Xiplin and I are both Generals, I can¡¯t reallymand him openly, and since Marshal Geronmands Army Group B, he rightfullymands the Generals, I¡­ nevermind, I¡¯ll make a call in a bit.¡±

    "Right now, our primary task is to understand the scale of the attack, if it¡¯s a feint, the scale won¡¯t be toorge. Let¡¯s get moving!¡±

    ¡­

    An hourter, themunications officer came in solemnly holding a tranted telegram, handing it to the Chief of Staff.

    General Steiermark queried, ¡°How¡¯s it looking?¡±

    The Chief of Staff, with a face ashen, said, ¡°Aerial reconnaissance reports say that the bombing density could reach more than 20 heavy artillery pieces per kilometer, and from the air, none of our first-line troops are seen to be active.¡±

    General Steiermark¡¯s brows were tightly furrowed.

    His Deputy Officer asked, ¡°Is this¡­ also a feint?¡±

    The General picked up the receiver, ¡°Connect to Eagle¡¯s Nest! Make it quick!¡±

    Two minutester, Schneider¡¯s voice came through the receiver again, ¡°Eagle¡¯s Nest.¡±

    "Schneider!¡± General Steiermark spoke briskly, ¡°Rocossov hasmitted more than 20 heavy artillery pieces per kilometer on the front! And currently, he¡¯s not shelling the Tenth Group Army! This is clearly

    "Stay calm, Rocossov likes to y these games. You think you¡¯re the main target and you¡¯ve fallen for his trick.¡±

    General Steiermark, ¡°But what if it¡¯s not a feint? The Eleventh Army Group is still reorganizing; they just reported yesterday that their troop strength has recovered to sixty percent of its full capacity, while Rocossov has a million-strong army!¡±

    Schneider replied, ¡°Keep calm, he¡¯s still got to keep troops back to guard against the Tenth Group Army across the river. The river is still frozen, the Tenth Group Army can cross it to reach his supply lines¡ªthe railways.

    "Considering the disparity inbat capabilities between the sides, Rocossov would have to leave between five to six hundred thousand troops to defend the banks of the Suhayaweili River.¡±

    General Steiermark hesitated momentarily then said, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll watch the situation, goodbye.¡±

    He hung up, looking at the crowd, ¡°Contact the four battalions on the front line or find some routed soldiers. Also, send out another reconnaissance ne.¡±

 Chapter 649: Bewitching Maze

    Chapter 649: Chapter 91: Bewitching Maze

    January 7, 916, at 1031 hours, Kiriyenko rode his horse to the summit of Hill 361.

    This was the core defensive position for the Prosen people, but now not a single Prosen was alive.

    After reaching the summit, his deputy officer said, ¡°With the amount of ammunition fired, this hill should perhaps be renamed Hill 360, or even 359.¡±

    Kiriyenko replied, ¡°That¡¯s not bad at all; one more ton of ammunition, one less liter of blood spilled¡ªit¡¯s a bargain.¡±

    The deputy officer nodded, ¡°Yes, quite the bargain indeed.¡±

    At this moment, on the highway beside Hill¡ªno, Hill 359, tanks and trucks were driving along the road, nked by quickly advancing columns of infantry.

    And the cavalry charged directly across the vast snowy ins.

    Kiriyenko lifted his binocrs and peered ahead, ¡°I don¡¯t see the sh of gunfire. Has the enemy¡¯s infantry division truly copsed?¡±The deputy officer said, ¡°Whether they have copsed or not doesn¡¯t concern us, our mission is to infiltrate¡­ General, this tactic is indeed strange, sending us so deep behind enemy lines; no such method exists in the history of cavalry warfare.¡±

    Kiriyenko replied, ¡°That¡¯s Rocossov for you, promoted from lieutenant colonel to general in just over a year. He¡¯s a living legend; none of his peculiar ideas surprise me.¡±

    Kiriyenko lowered the binocrs and sighed, ¡°But I myself have no confidence in this tactic. When Rocossov had the cavalry cross the frozen river to attack, I could still understand.

    "In that situation, beyond the river were the enemy¡¯s supply units and rear guard, not many troops capable ofbat. Now we¡¯re supposed to insert ourselves among enemy units that are capable of fighting.¡±

    The deputy officer reassured him, ¡°Take it easy. The general only tasked us with disruptingmunications, killing messengers, and, depending on the situation, destroying supply units. He didn¡¯t order us to hold ground against enemybat units.¡±

    Kiriyenko conceded, ¡°Indeed, but¡­ never mind, a soldier¡¯s duty is to obey orders and do our best to aplish the mission. Let¡¯s go!¡±

    With that, he gently spurred his horse¡¯s nks, and the horse trotted down the slope. Arge group of followers descended the hill with Kiriyenko, merging with the westward advancing army.

    Pavlov hung up the phone and reported to Wang Zhong, ¡°The enemy¡¯s front line positions havepletely copsed, and now we will see the effect of your new cavalry infiltration tactic.¡±

    Wang Zhong stated, ¡°It will be effective.¡±

    The cavalry infiltration tactic was developed by Wang Zhong after summarizing experiences from November, drawing some inspiration from a tactic of the ¡°strongest light infantry.¡±

    Yet, Wang Zhong did not task his cavalry with holding critical nodes to dy the enemy, as cavalry is not suited for such tasks. Thus, he assigned them the mission to disrupt enemymunications and create chaos in their rear.

    In any case, after these tens of thousands of cavalrymen prate deep into enemy territory, their sole mission is to keep marching forward¡ªcutting down telephone lines, killing messengers, and bombing supply points.

    As long as they can disrupt the enemy, cause destruction, and interfere with enemy headquarters¡¯ decisions, they would have served their purpose.

    In truth, Wang Zhong did not know how effective this tactic would be.

    But it was worth a try. If it proves ineffective, he could think of improvements, like assigning three horses to eachmando team member so they could gallop across the great ins, dismount at their destination, and infiltrate to cause havoc.

    Popov observed, ¡°A year ago, we thought cavalry was an outdated branch, not much use. Now, the number of cavalry is nearly back to pre-war levels.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°There¡¯s no such thing as a useless branch, only uselessmanders. I only realized the value of cavalry on the vast ins of Nan¡¯antst summer¡ªwell, the summer beforest.¡± ??§Ñ?????¨º??

    Though a week had already passed into the new year, Wang Zhong still asionally forgot that it was already the new year.

    Vasilymented, ¡°I wonder how long it will take for the enemy to realize we are actually advancing towards Bolsk.¡±

    Wang Zhong wagered, ¡°24 hours.¡±

    January 7, Eagle¡¯s Nest, local time 0830.

    The Prosen Emperor Rheinhardt burst into themand room and, seeing the assembled generals, eximed, ¡°Damn it, why didn¡¯t you wake me up? How long has Rocossov been in action?¡±@@novelbin@@

    The Celtic Marshal, Chief of the General Staff, responded, ¡°There¡¯s a three-hour time difference; it¡¯s almost noon there, the attack has been underway for five hours.¡±

    The Emperor asked, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    The Celtic Marshal reported, ¡°It¡¯s chaos. The Eleventh Army Group and four misceneous divisions deployed on the front line have lost contact, along with a series of depots and supply stations.

    "The Eleventh Army Group reports being harassed by cavalry. A massive number of cavalry bypassed their positions and advanced deep into the battle line.¡±

    The Emperor suddenly looked up, ¡°Cavalry? Did you say cavalry?¡±

    "Yes, cavalry,¡± Celtic Marshal nodded.

    The Emperor sneered, ¡°When I sent Xiplin to rescue the Sixth Army Group, he imed that Rocossov was going to encircle him and that if he didn¡¯t retreat, even his Army Group would be surrounded.

    "After the retreat, it turned out that Rocossov had only sent some cavalry to make it look like an encirclement! Now, it¡¯s cavalry again! Always cavalry!

    "Where are Rocossov¡¯s armored troops? Where are those terrifying new heavy tanks that terrified our soldiers?

    "Right here!¡±

    The Emperor picked up the map stick and mmed it down on the city of Yarvik.

    "This is his real direction of attack, creating such a spectacle just to deceive us, making us divert our frontline defense troops! He still hasn¡¯t forgotten about Shepetovka!¡±

    Celtic Marshal looked towards Marshal Bryan.

    Army Commander Bryan spoke up, ¡°Your Majesty, even if we don¡¯t divert troops towards the direction of Shepetovka, we should still send reinforcements to Bolsk, in case Rocossov¡¯s thinking is the same as General Gorky of the Western Front Army, deploying troops wherever they break through our defenses.¡±

    "That means he would attack both directions at the same time!¡± the Emperor said decisively, ¡°But currently, he has only attacked Army Group A, assuming the posture of recapturing Bolsk! Therefore, this is certainly a feint; the real attack direction is Shepetovka!¡±

    After speaking, the Emperor was silent with a frown, as if he too began to fear the consequences should Bolsk fall.

    At that moment, Giles suggested, ¡°We could have the navy move its ships to the waters near the Coastal Fortress. With support from the naval artillery, it won¡¯t be so easy for Rocossov to seal the ¡®pocket,¡¯ and we could start mobilizing transport ships. If truly surrounded, we could emte the United Kingdom¡¯s great evacuation and sea-evacuate the Army Group A.¡±

    The Emperor was delighted, ¡°Good, that would be perfect. All we have to do is wait for Rocossov to fall into the trap and decimate his troops on the ins of Nan¡¯ant!¡±

    Prosen Army Group A Headquarters.

    General Steiermark was holding the receiver, waiting for the operator to connect the line.

    He had now moved his office from its isted location to the bustling main operation room.

    Before the call was connected, his Deputy Officer reported, ¡°All telephone lines with the frontline units in the direction of the enemy¡¯s breakthrough are out of contact, but we still have phone contact with the Eleventh Army Group Headquarters.¡±

    General Steiermark signaled for quiet with a gesture just as the call connected, and he shouted, ¡°This is Steiermark! I need to speak to the Emperor!¡±

    Before Schneider could say much on the other end, his voice changed (it seemed the phone was snatched away).

    The voice of the Emperor of Prosen transmitted over the phone, ¡°Do not panic. I¡¯ve sent naval forces as your backup. Even if Rocossov truly intends to encircle you, you can still escape by boat.

    "At the moment, the High Command assesses that Rocossov is still intending to attack Shepetovka. The noise from your side is just a feint.¡±

    Steiermark replied, ¡°I¡¯ve already lost contact with many units!¡±

    "It¡¯s the doing of Rocossov¡¯s cavalry!¡± the Emperor asserted confidently, ¡°It¡¯s a trick he¡¯s used before. Actually, your units are all right; it¡¯s just thatmunications are cut off! Don¡¯t let him scare you. Of course, if you¡¯re really worried, you canunch a counterattack. The scale of a feint won¡¯t be very big. Deploy your Armored Division; they¡¯ll quickly show their true nature. Moreover, from general military principles, you should also deploy an Armored Division to counterattack during defense!¡±

    Steiermark countered, ¡°Are you asking me to confront the enemy¡¯s new assault guns on the open fields? They call that assault gun Whirlwind, and even our Panzer IV tanks, if fitted with an additional 30mm armor te, would be easily prated by its main cannon!¡±

    "Last year¡¯s method of dealing with the KV tanks will work against this Whirlwind too! Just hold firm, and there¡¯ll be a way!¡±

    With that, the Emperor hung up.

    General Steiermark mmed the receiver on the desk, ¡°Damn it!¡±

    Deputy Officer: ¡°Does the Emperor still not believe our main direction of offensive?¡±

    "Yes, he insists it¡¯s a feint, but he assured us the navy has mobilized, and since we control the White Sea, even if we¡¯re encircled bynd, we can escape by sea.¡±

    The Deputy Officer frowned, ¡°But the Allied Forces¡¯ aircraft have already sunk the gship of the White Sea fleet. Can a few cruisers really suppress the Ante navy entirely?¡±

    General Steiermark took a few seconds to think and responded, ¡°We don¡¯t understand naval matters, best not to worry about it. We need to figure out how to reallocate our remainingmandable forces to assist the Eleventh Army Group; that¡¯s the proper course of action. Whether or not this is a feint, that¡¯s what we should do. If there¡¯s meter, I have a clear conscience! Chief of Staff!¡±

    The Chief of Staff immediately put down his receiver and stood up, ¡°Yes, sir!¡±

    "Have the Army Group reserve forces move north¡ªno, advance north and attack, destroying all encountered Ante forces, whether they are cavalry or armored troops.¡±

    The Chief of Staff, with a troubled expression, said, ¡°As reserves, both armored divisions reported yesterday that together they have only a hundred tanksbat-ready.¡±

    General Steiermark asked, ¡°How is it so few?¡±

    "Because thest time we received reinforcements wasst September, and those were inadequate too; at that time, those divisions had only the strength of one armored battalion.¡±

    After a few seconds of silence, General Steiermark made a firm decision, ¡°Still, let them move north!¡±

 Chapter 650: Advancing Toward the White Sea (Additional 36/81)

    Chapter 650: Chapter 92 Advancing Toward the White Sea (Additional 36/81)

    On the evening of January 7th, the intelligence summary from the first day of the attack arrived at the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong looked at the map with satisfaction, ¡°Progress is quite good, and the enemy¡¯s defense isn¡¯t as impregnable as we imagined.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°There are still some tough points to take, but they¡¯ve all been cleared by Ulban assault guns or close-range firing of B4 heavy howitzers. In addition, the troops report that the white phosphorus shells we got from the Federation are very effective. When hitting a bunker, even if the shellnds outside, it can still kill people inside.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How about the performance of the methrower tanks?¡±

    "They¡¯re also very good; these siege weapons have significantly reduced the difficulty of our advance. The only regret,¡± Pavlov shrugged his shoulders, ¡°is that there are too few Ulbans. Everyone in the forces likes them.¡±

    After all, it¡¯s the Russians, fond of powerful things.

    Popov: ¡°The military chains have even reported that the mushroom clouds soaring up can inspire morale. As soon as a mushroom cloud rises over one block, the soldiers fighting in the surrounding blocks charge recklessly as if they were on steroids, resulting in many casualties.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We should issue an order in the name of the Front Army Headquarters to tell everyone to pay attention to their methods duringbat and to reduce casualties. Don¡¯t assume that the enemy has turned to rotten mud just because of the rising mushroom cloud.¡±Vasily looked up: ¡°I¡¯ve noted that. Is that all? Shall I just send it out like this?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily with emotion: ¡°Indeed, your staff training has not been in vain.¡±

    Vasily grinned proudly: ¡°Of course!¡±

    While they were speaking, an Air Force colonel entered the headquarters and went straight to the table where the ¡°three giants¡± sat, cing an envelope of kraft paper on the table: ¡°Today¡¯s aerial photos have been developed.¡±

    "Good,¡± said Wang Zhong, while opening the envelope¡¯s string, he asked, ¡°Did the reconnaissance pilots see anything unusual, such as dust clouds raised by the enemy armored troops during maneuvers?¡±

    Most of the troops in Wang Zhong¡¯s hands were still equipped with the T34 dual-person turret type, and even the three-man turret T34Ws were only allocated in small numbers to the tank units with the Guards prefix.

    However, ording to thetest report from the Ordnance Department, the new T34W production lines were now running, and T34 production could gradually be halted to shift workers and lines to other tasks.

    Such as producing Whirlwinds.

    In fact, some T34 production lines had alreadypletely stopped, and technological transformation had begun. ording to the n of the Ordnance Department, by February 916, this production line would be able to start producing Whirlwinds, and by the end of 916, it would reach the predicted peak production rate.

    The T34 dual-person turret type was about to exit the stage of history, but the troops still had arge number of dual-person turret T34s, and this situation could not be changed overnight.

    And these T34s, when facing the Prosen¡¯s Long-barreled Fours, could basically only be harvested by the enemy forbat achievements.

    Fortunately, the opposing Prosen troops alsocked handy individual anti-tank weapons. Their maic hand grenades were too theoretical, even worse than incendiary bottles, so the dual-turret T34s could still bully the infantry without issue.

    So Wang Zhong, like a time-wise Russianmander on Earth, paid special attention to the movements of enemy armored divisions.

    He always kept two brigades of Whirlwinds as a general reserve, holding them in hand, ready to be used to ¡°put out fires.¡±

    In response to Wang Zhong¡¯s question, the Air Force officer shook his head: ¡°No, besides the reconnaissance pilots, we also asked the fighter and bomber pilots. In their operational areas, they didn¡¯t see anyrge-scale dust clouds produced by armored troops on the move.¡± ???N??§§?

    Pavlov immediately came to the map, drawing a line with a pencil: ¡°That means there are no Prosen armored troops in action north of this line.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°It must be that our deception operation worked! The enemy believes it¡¯s a feint.¡±

    Popov then asked: ¡°Should we bombard the opposite bank to extend the time the enemy is confused?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, looking at our current rate of advance, the enemy¡¯s troop deployment will already be toote. The only variable now is the Prosen navy on the White Sea surface, and the A Army Group itself.

    "The A Army Group has not fought a big battle since advancing to the edge of the steppe. They still have some strength. If they break out with all their might, a fierce battle will surely take ce on the t snowfields.¡±

    Wang Zhong also stood up, joining Pavlov by the map, both looking at it together.

    Pavlov: ¡°There could be a tank battle, and at that time, we will rely mainly on the Whirlwinds to block the enemy¡¯s armored troops. Fortunately, Whirlwinds are suited for defense and not for offense.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Once our new heavy tanks start mass production, we can confront the enemy on the open fields. Then, the mortality rate of our tank crews will drop significantly, they will umte experience, and grow into elite tank crews.¡±

    "But we still need to avoid the edge of the enemy armor troops for now.¡± Popov also ran up to the map, and the three men standing in a row gave the impression of two bears nking a clean-cut schr.

    Wang Zhong wasn¡¯t really short and his shoulders weren¡¯t narrow; it was just that the two bears were exceedinglyrge, making him look quite slender inparison.

    After discussing the enemy¡¯s movements for a while longer, Popov changed the subject: ¡°Speaking of which, the one defending Bolsk this time is our old acquaintance General Sheeplin again. Last time, he retreated very decisively, saving his own forces from the nk, but he caused great harm to the other troops of the B Army Group.@@novelbin@@

    "Do you think he will fight to the death this time?¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged his shoulders.

    Bolsk, Prosen Eleventh Army Group Headquarters, 2200 hours.

    General Xiplin was holding the telephone receiver, ¡°How can this possibly be a feint? We have already lost four divisions, and a mass of our troops have been crippled. The enemy¡¯s cavalry are everywhere blowing up phone lines, and the reason we can stillmunicate is that this line is buried underground, unknown to the enemy cavalry!

    "Rocossov deploying cavalry is to throw us into chaos, to disrupt our judgment of the situation! Now the only way I canmunicate with the most forward units is via wireless.¡±

    Sometimes the Prosen Army units were equipped with radios, but most of the time, to prevent the most crucial Prosen secret, the Enigma Machine, from falling into the hands of the Allied Forces, most infantry units did not have radios.

    Tomunicate with superiors, units either had to use the telephone, wireless shout-outs, or dispatch messengers.

    Xiplin was now faced with the situation where messengers dared not step out, because if they did, they would be ambushed, and the same applied tomunications soldiers who went out to check and repair phone lines.

    General Xiplin had no choice but tomunicate with his subordinates via wireless.

    General Xiplin ryed all this to the person on the other end of the line.

    The other side fell silent for a few seconds before saying, ¡°I understand the situation you¡¯re facing, General Xiplin, but Prosen soldiers will not falter because of this. General, hold Bolsk!¡±

    General Xiplin sighed, ¡°General Steiermark, there¡¯s no need for formalities. I have no issue holding, but you have to tell me until when. I can¡¯t be expected to hold indefinitely. My troops and I, we need a final deadline, a date by which we will retreat no matter what!¡±

    General Steiermark was silent for a long time, probably calcting.

    Finally, the general responded, ¡°I¡¯m asking you to hold until January 15th!¡±

    General Xiplin¡¯s face turned pale, ¡°That¡¯s impossible! My forces are only at sixty percent of full strength, with even fewer tanks. Including replenishments, my army group has fewer than 200 tanks!¡±

    It seemed General Steiermark was not particrly surprised, ¡°I¡¯m sending two Armored Divisions your way. Together, these divisions only have a hundred tanks, including Models Three and Long-barreled Fours.¡±

    General Xiplin held his forehead, ¡°I knew your situation was bad, but not this bad.¡±

    General Steiermark, ¡°Many armored units in the Army Group haven¡¯t received new tanks since September. And among the new tanks supplied, there were 38t tanks used to pad the numbers. I thought those tanks were no longer in production.¡±

    General Xiplin, ¡°Perhaps they are refurbished tanks that were previously destroyed. In any case, I have a rough idea of the situation now. Let¡¯s wish each other luck; we¡¯re both going to need it.¡±

    "Thank you, and the same to you, General Xiplin,¡± General Steiermark answered.

    General Steiermark hung up the phone and looked at the Chief of Staff and a group of staff officers, ¡°That call was virtually fruitless; Xiplin also doesn¡¯t know exactly what¡¯s happening. From this perspective, Rocossov¡¯s use of cavalry has already achieved its objective.¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°Actually, there are some supply station reports saying that cavalry raided through the defensive stands swiftly, throwing something resembling homemade explosives. A lot of supplies have been destroyed.¡±

    The Deputy Officer asked seriously, ¡°So, are we retreating?¡±

    General Steiermark¡¯s face tightened.

    That was a tough question to answer.

    After a moment he said, ¡°The Emperor believes this is a feint; retreating now would lead to me once we return. Besides¡­ Rocossov is inscrutable to me; the likelihood of it being a feint, strictly speaking, is still there, and not negligible.¡±

    The officers exchanged nces.

    General Steiermark continued, ¡°Furthermore, while we still can, take the opportunity to write a letter to your families via navy post, telling your children that daddy loves them.¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°Just give up like this? That doesn¡¯t seem right.¡±

    General Steiermark, ¡°Then tell me what else can be done. We can¡¯t retreat, and the front-line units are tied down by the persistent Mountain Corps.

    "I have already yed thest two cards in my hand; I have no more cards, gentlemen.

    "However, you need not be too pessimistic; perhaps the Eleventh Army Group can hold. After all, the Anteans are not skilled at attacking strongholds, and they certainly don¡¯t have many of those new weapons. General Xiplin is also an outstanding officer, having risen from Major General to General in just a few years.¡±

    After a brief pause, General Steiermark continued, ¡°And indeed, we still maintain control over the White Sea. If we¡¯re really encircled, we can escape by sea, though not all of us.¡±

 Chapter 651: Two Emperors

    Chapter 651: Chapter 93 Two Emperors

    January 8, 916, the heart of the Empire of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest, local time 0830.

    The Emperor sat with a grim face, listening to Celtic Marshal¡¯s report on the situation.

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Currently, Rokossov has not only refrained from attacking the Tenth Group Army on the west bank of the Suhayaweili River, but he has even canceled the usual reconnaissance flights and routine bombings.

    "The Eleveth Army Group, towards Bolsk, has already engaged with numerous units and well-equipped, experienced Ante Troops. These units are all equipped with sufficient artillery firepower, with heavy artillery over 150mm almost assigned to each regiment.¡±

    The Emperor interrupted Celtic Marshal, ¡°Impossible, even if you add up all the big guns from Ante, they couldn¡¯t assign a 150mm heavy artillery piece to every regiment! They don¡¯t have infantry guns like our 150mm heavies.¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Of course, this may be the beleaguered units exaggerating the military situation, which ismon, even for experiencedmanders.¡±

    "Or simply exaggerating the military situation deliberately to get more attention from the highermand,¡± the Emperor said coldly.

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Er, thatMarshal Bryan immediately stepped in to smooth things over, ¡°Mostmanders don¡¯t think too much under emergency situations, and our military academy teaches officers at every level to discern the exaggerations from their subordinates.¡±

    The Emperor scoffed, ¡°Yes, I¡¯ve learned that too. Continue your report, Chief of General Staff.¡±

    Celtic Marshal cleared his throat and continued, ¡°The Eleventh Army Group has interrogated some wounded prisoners and has confirmed the identifiers of at least four Army Groups.¡±

    The Emperor, ¡°Ante¡¯s Army Groups are quite small, so four Army Groups would be between one hundred thousand and two hundred thousand men.¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°However, we have confirmed six units with Guards identifiers among these Army Groups, and there may be more. These are Ante¡¯s veteran soldiers, and their arms and equipment are much stronger than ordinary conscripts.¡±

    The Emperor looked up, staring at Celtic Marshal, ¡°You¡¯re telling me all this to say that Bolsk is Rokossov¡¯s main direction of attack?¡±

    Celtic Marshal nced at Marshal Bryan.

    The old marshal sighed, ¡°Yes, but we are not ming Your Majesty. After all, we too were outwitted by Rokossov. His cunning was beyond our expectations.¡±

    The Emperor, ¡°So, we missed the first 24 hours after he began his attack?¡±

    "Yes,¡± Celtic Marshal answered, ¡°But the situation is not as bad as it seems. Generals Steiermark and Sheeplin have taken measures, so we still control the area around Bolsk. However, intelligence reports im that Ante¡¯s Cavalry have been spotted northeast of Bolsk.¡±

    Marshal Bryan took over, ¡°Rokossov has dispersed his cavalry, leading them deep into our territory and disrupting ourmand system. But such small cavalry unitsck the ability tounch major offensive actions, so it¡¯s not a huge issue.¡±

    The Emperor, ¡°His cavalry has already reached northwest of Bolsk and you tell me it¡¯s not a big problem? Do we have a way to clear out these cavalry?¡±

    The marshals exchanged nces, and the pressure eventually fell on General Ma Qi, the trusted Armored Corps Director of the Emperor.

    General Ma Qi, ¡°We have no good countermeasures against these cavalry. We identified this problem during the winter of the year beforest, and the Empire¡¯s Military Science Academy was ordered to resolve it. But so far, no solution has been found.

    "As a temporary measure, we decided to re-establish Cavalry Troops. However, our Cavalry Troops have all been transformed into Armored Reconnaissance Battalions; the officers have all bemanders of mechanized or armored units. Up to now, we have established three new Cavalry Regiments.¡± ??£Î???§¦??

    The Emperor questioned, ¡°Why is the formation of Cavalry Regiments so slow?¡±

    "Because the army horses have been sent to the front as pack horses,¡± Celtic Marshal replied. ¡°We deployed eight hundred thousand military horses to the front. If not for these horses, we would not have been able to sustain the Sixth Army Group to fight its way to the gates of Abawahan.¡±

    The Emperor, ¡°Eight hundred thousand horses! Didn¡¯t you think of leaving even ten thousand military horses to reorganize the Cavalry Troops?¡±

    "No, because we also could not find so many young men who could ride horses anymore. Since the usage of trucks became widespread, even country youngsters rarely know how to ride horses.¡±

    The Emperor couldn¡¯t help holding his forehead, ¡°Damn, now you¡¯re telling me we can¡¯t even deal with cavalry? During the assault on Mnia, the joke about Mnia¡¯s cavalry using sabers to sh at tanks was the most popr joke after the war started!¡±

    Giles couldn¡¯t help but speak up, ¡°This has to do with Ante¡¯s terrain. Mnia may have ins, but it is crisscrossed with roads and studded with viges and towns. The most important thing is that the entire front is very short, and the cavalry can¡¯t y much of a role.

    "On the Ante Prairie, there are often thirty-kilometer distances between viges, where cavalry have too much room to maneuver.¡±

    The Emperor looked depressed, ¡°So, are you telling me that Rokossov using cavalry is a masterstroke based on local conditions?¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Yes, it appears so at the moment.¡±

    "Alright, let¡¯s not talk about these useless things. Now, our problem is how to deal with this situation. Can the Eleventh Army Group hold Bolsk?¡±

    Marshal Bryan: ¡°They reported yesterday that they only had sixty percent of their troops, and the Armored Army belonging to the Army Group has a serious shortage of tanks. Most of the tanks are in long repairs, and some have even been sent back to the factory.

    "General Steiermark also reinforced the Eleventh Army Group with thest two Armored Divisions he had, but together, these two Armored Divisions have just a hundred tanks ready forbat.¡±

    Emperor: ¡°Hmm, it sounds like the situation is much better than when the Sixth Army Group was encircled; at least there are no Armored Divisions left with only seven tanks ready forbat.¡±

    Having said that, the Emperor stood up: ¡°The same mistake, I will not make twice, since holding Bolsk is now filled with uncertainty, then let¡¯s be conservative. The B Army Group has already been crushed, we can¡¯t afford the loss of another Army Group.

    "High Command, get moving. Create a n that unfolds both onnd and water at the same time, to withdraw the A Army Group.¡±

    Celtic Marshal seemed to not believe his ears: ¡°Did you say retreat, Your Majesty?¡±

    "Yes, retreat! Or do you think I am somebody who does not learn from the past? No, the reason I¡¯ve made it this far is because I constantly learn from past lessons.

    "Pull out the A Army Group. If Bolsk is defensible, then defend it; if it cannot be held, then retreat to our starting line fromst summer, where there is aplete logistical support and existing solid fortifications.¡±

    Celtic Marshal immediately turned to issue orders to the staff, which quickened the pace of the entire operations room.

    The Emperor sat down, heaved a long sigh, then through gritted teeth, he muttered that name: ¡°Rokossov!¡±

    In the days after Christmas of the year 916, the first thing Olga did every day when she woke up was to run to the High Command to see the updated operation maps.

    On the morning of January 9th, due to her impatience, she even bypassed the maids¡¯ pursuit, which resulted in being lectured for almost half an hour by a state matron.

    "Your Majesty the Tsar, how could you appear in front of the staff unmade up? You must maintain your beauty and smile at the hardworking staff and officers who have been on duty all night!¡±

    So lectured the state matron.

    Therefore, on the morning of the 10th, Olga dressed borately before hurrying to the operations room to check the map.

    Because she took the time to dress up, the staff who worked the night shift had gone, and the operations room was full of freshly arrived staff.

    General Tugenev was also in the operations room, and upon seeing Olga, he sighed: ¡°Your Majesty, it¡¯s good to be concerned about the front line, but your frequent visits to the operations room are seriously affecting our work efficiency.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Why? I already smiled at everyone, shouldn¡¯t everyone be full of enthusiasm?¡±

    "No, on the contrary, everyone bes constrained in order not to lose decorum. Please wait in your office to view the daily battle reports, and besides, you must have a lot of documents to review.¡±

    Olga pouted her lips, nced at the map, confirmed that the territory controlled by the Abawahan Front Army under Rokossovsky¡¯smand had grownrger today, and turned around satisfied: ¡°Fine, fine, dealing with documents is indeed my job. s, most of the documents are annotated by the Church or even Belinsky; I¡¯m just a vase merely for stamping approvals.¡±

    Those who heard her all kept a stern face, trying their best to act as if they hadn¡¯t heard her.

    General Tugenev: ¡°Your Majesty, suchments could lead to misunderstandings about rtions between the Church, Royal Family, and the Military Department. Better refrain from saying such things in the future. We¡¯ve been able to hold out until now, not just relying on assistance from the Federation but also heavily on the strong mobilization and organizational capacity of the Church.

    "If it were the old Ante, the soldiers would have mutinied by now, taking the train back to the Capital, ready to stir up some major trouble.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Olga: ¡°Ah, I know, you mentioned this in the history of the civil war!¡±

    "Studying history allows us to see through the future, Your Majesty,¡± said Tugenev.

    Just then, the confidential secretary came in with a telegram: ¡°A telegram from the Abawahan Front Army.¡±

    Tugenev looked at Olga, sighed, and said to the secretary: ¡°Just read it, the Tsar also wants to listen.¡±

    The secretary took out the telegram from the folder and began to read: ¡°Our forces have captured some of the outer defensive positions of Bolsk this morning, our Cavalry has circled behind Bolsk, and mines have beenid on the main roads. It is estimated that within two days, our forces willplete the encirclement of Bolsk ¡ª Commander of Abawahan Front Army, General Rokossovsky.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Good! Very good! Write amendation telegram in my name!¡±

    "No!¡± Tugenev shouted, ¡°It¡¯s not the time yet, at least wait until Bolsk is taken. Then we can broadcast to the nation, announcing the liberation of the important city of Bolsk half a year after its fall. But now, you can¡¯t do anything!¡±

    Olga: ¡°Fine, then.¡±

    Tugenev: ¡°Go deal with the documents, Your Majesty! That task is also very important!¡±

    "Alright.¡± Olga walked away, discontented.

 Chapter 652: Homeland

    Chapter 652: Chapter 94 Homnd

    On January 11, the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters moved forward as nned.

    Around 1330, Wang Zhong, ncing down from his vantage point, suddenly noticed a road sign ahead.

    He shouted loudly to Vasily, who was driving, ¡°Stop at the road sign up ahead!¡±

    Vasily replied and drove the jeep straight towards the road sign, grumbling along the way, ¡°General, how did you see that? I thought it was just a withered sapling.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I felt it was there.¡±

    It was a pity that Amelia had taken off in her ne and wasn¡¯t with the Headquarters convoy; otherwise, she would surely have provided cover for Wang Zhong.

    Ludm was sitting next to Wang Zhong. She just nced at him and said nothing.

    Although Vasily didn¡¯t understand, he still drove up to the road sign.The troops that had passed before had cleared all the snow from the road sign, and the snow on the ground had been shoveled away to ensure the road was passable.

    Wang Zhong took out his map and confirmed the ce names on the road sign.

    "Go this way to Bolsk, and the other way to Kulinka¡­ That¡¯s right!¡± He put away the map and looked toward Ludm, his eyes slightly sore, ¡°We are standing on the soil of Kazarlia!¡±

    Ludm covered her mouth with her hand. From the look of her mouth, she seemed to be smiling, but tears rolled out of her eyes and quickly froze.

    Wang Zhong hugged his wife and then took out an iron box he always carried with him from the car, intending to return the soil of his hometown to its homnd ¡ª but the moment he opened the lid, he found that the ck soil in the box was quite different from the brown soil under his feet.

    Could it be because the soil underfoot had just been uncovered from the snow and had just seen the light of day again? But that couldn¡¯t exin such a big difference, could it?

    "Why isn¡¯t it ck soil?¡± He asked Grigori, surprised, ¡°The color difference is too big, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    It was Vasily who replied, ¡°Uh, the region we are in now didn¡¯t originally belong to Kazarlia. Less than a hundred years ago, it was rewarded for wartime merit and incorporated into the Kazaria Kingdom.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°There¡¯s such a history behind it, huh.¡±@@novelbin@@

    He looked again at the ck soil in the box, sighed, closed the lid, tied it with a rope, and put it back in the car.

    Grigori said, ¡°Once we¡¯ve taken Bolsk and push northwest, we¡¯ll enter the true borders of Kazarlia, and then we¡¯ll be galloping across the ck soil.¡± ?¨¢??o??§§??

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yes, that day will not be far off, it may evene before the muddy season.¡±

    The muddy season is at the end of February or beginning of March when the rising temperature melts the ground snow. The snow water and fertile mud mix together to be marsnds, making almost allrge-scale military operationse to a halt and the battlefield to temporarily quiet down.

    This meant that wherever the actual control line was for both sides at that time, there would be no significant changes for the next three months.

    The nextrge-scale operations by both sides would have to wait until May, and some major offensive campaigns might not happen until June ¡ª after the mud season ended and there were sufficient supplies stockpiled forrge-scale military maneuvers.

    Just as he was about to get back in the car, Pavlov¡¯s jeep stopped beside the road sign.

    The burly Chief of Staff looked at the road sign, ¡°What¡¯s up with this sign? Is it wrong? Or did enemy spies fake it?¡±

    "No, it¡¯s correct. I stopped because this is the beginning of Kazarlia¡¯s territory.¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s expression paused briefly, then he smiled and said, ¡°We¡¯ve fought our way back, huh? When was it that we left Kazarlia?¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately cited the date, ¡°August 8, at Nameless Station, I filled a lunchbox with ck soil. It¡¯s been almost a year and a half, shorter than I expected, much shorter.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°Nelly chose the lunchbox, and I remember that it seems that on the same day

    Wang Zhong looked northwest, towards the direction of Argesukov.

    He gazed at the horizon and said softly, ¡°My father and my good brothers were sacrificed at Argesukov. I will always remember it, Liu Da, always.¡±

    Pavlov also looked in the same direction and said, ¡°Yegorov has taken his troops back to rest and recover. He needs to tend to his own wounds. If he were here, he would probably drink so much that even the Military Bishop¡¯s blood vessels would burst.¡±

    Ever since Yegorov¡¯s wife and children died, he started showing signs of heavy drinking, only holding back a little when he was with that female doctor.

    Popov happened to drive by and immediately said after hearing this, ¡°If there¡¯s a good reason, I might turn a blind eye to heavy drinking. So, is there a reason?¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed at the road sign, ¡°We are within the borders of Kazarlia now.¡±

    Popov was startled, then burst intoughter, ¡°Well then, I have no objections to you drinking more. But tonight, someone needs to be in charge to avoid giving the enemy an opportunity. In other words, at least one of you two must stay sober.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I n to wait until I get back to the ck soil of our homnd to have this drink. We still have an entire Army Group to deal with! Once we wipe out Army Group A, Prosen¡¯s heavy forces on the Southern Front will disappear into thin air, and suddenly our space to maneuver will greatly increase!¡±

    "Indeed,¡± Pavlov agreed, ¡°then we¡¯ll have many options. We could move north to attack Shepetovka or even head west. However, heading west might be troublesome because of the enemy navy. The few kilometers near the shore would be impassable, covered by naval artillery.¡±

    At this moment, a staff officer rode up, dismounted in front of Wang Zhong and the others, and extended a piece of paper, ¡°General, an urgent report from the front lines.¡±

    Pavlov took the report and his eyebrows twisted into knots, ¡°This is bad.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°The enemy is attempting to escape. Scouts and cavalry have spotted convoys retreating towards the interior of Kazarlia.¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned, ¡°How did the then Emperor make such a quick decision? Why didn¡¯t he just throw the Marshal¡¯s Scepter to the Commander of Army Group A and order him to hold at all costs?¡±

    Popov said, ¡°He has already suffered a setback at your hands and has learned his lesson.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned and asked Pavlov, ¡°Is there a way we can annihte the Eleventh Army Group within a short period?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s difficult. To wage an annihtion battle on the ins, we could only try encirclement tactics, but our troops¡¯ quality isn¡¯t up to that kind of fight yet.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°If we can¡¯t annihte them, then let¡¯s figure out a way to repel them. Let¡¯s advance straight through Bolsk and carve a bloody path through the city. Fortunately, we have the new tanks and assault guns needed to aplish this task.¡±

    At the same time, within the territory of the Empire of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    The Emperor looked over the freshly drafted naval evacuation n, ¡°Based on your n, how many troops can we evacuate in a day? Have you calcted it?¡±

    The nner, Navy Colonel Richard said, ¡°If things go well, we could evacuate thirty thousand personnel in a day.¡±

    The Emperor, initially brightening up, deted halfway through his reaction, ¡°Only thirty thousand?¡±

    Colonel Richard, ¡°If we can hold on to the Coastal Fortress and have the port, we could potentially evacuate up to fifty thousand a day.¡±

    The Emperor repeatedly shook his head, ¡°No, no. We need to evacuate at least fifty thousand people a day. Think of something, like requisitioning more ships!¡±

    Navy Colonel Richard nodded vigorously, like a bobblehead.

    Celtic Marshal, seeing the matter drawing to a close, then spoke, ¡°Actually, some troops could also be evacuated bynd. If the Eleventh Army Group can hold out a little longer, then

    The Emperor shook his head, ¡°I understand Xiplin. As long as there¡¯s a chance to resist, he will resist and fight the enemy. Before the naval evacuation begins, make sure to send as much ammunition and provisions to Xiplin as possible. Also, collect the soldiers¡¯ letters to their families and send them back home.¡±

    Navy Marshal stood at attention and saluted, ¡°The mission will be aplished, Your Majesty.¡±

    The Emperor stood up and pped forcefully, ¡°Let¡¯s get moving. We need to rescue Army Group A from Rocossov¡¯s clutches, gentlemen! Otherwise, the loss will be too great, a loss the Empire cannot afford.¡±

    At least not until total mobilization.

 Chapter 653: General Sheeplinâ€™s Decision

    Chapter 653: Chapter 95 General Sheeplin¡¯s Decision

    January 12, 916, at 01005 hours, at the Eleventh Army Group Headquarters of Prosen under ckout.

    General Xiplin, holding a candlestick, used the dim light to look at the map.

    "What kind of enchanting soup did we drink to think such arge-scale assault was a feint?¡± the general said in a self-mocking tone. ¡°I can¡¯t say whether Rocossov is a master of war, but he certainly understands the human heart, havingpletely outmaneuvered us.¡±

    "What should we do then? Hold our ground?¡± the Chief of Staff asked.

    The General: ¡°We tried counterattacks before, and the results were not good, were they? Even with two tank divisions from Army Group A supporting us, we still have too few tanks.

    "Rocossov hasn¡¯t deployed his Whirlwind yet, and our counterattacking forces have been going back and forth with the Anteans¡¯ anti-tank and tank units. Although we im to have inflicted losses five times our own, what use is that?

    "We might have destroyed only a fifth of the enemy tanks deployed, and we have to contend with the remaining four-fifths with our infantry and anti-tank units.¡±

    General Xiplin paced back and forth in front of the map holding the candlestick, then continued his previous thought: ¡°It¡¯s the numerical advantage again, always the numerical advantage! The Anteans receive dozens of T34s every day."They suffer higher losses than us, have weaker repair capabilities, and often after a battle, the battlefield is under our control. Yet their tanks seem endless, while ours are ever dwindling.¡±

    Typically, damaged tanks are scavenged from the battlefield after the battle is won. This means that the victorious side can reim numerous tanks from the field and theoretically should continue to grow stronger.

    During the summer offensive of 915, the Prosen were victorious in most of the tank battles, allowing the Ordnance Department of Prosen to recover a significant number of tanks and even repair some T34s, painting crosses on them for use by the Prosen Armored Troops.

    However, the Prosen Armored Troops were not fond of the T34¡¯s two-man turret and, concerned about friendly fire, these refurbished T34s were not deployed en masse.

    Under such circumstances, the Anteans still managed an overwhelming numerical advantage, which seemed unfathomable from the Prosen perspective.

    Xiplin continued his monologue: ¡°The year beforest, the Anteans needed a fivefold advantage in manpower to capture our positions,st year it dropped to threefold¡ªand these couldn¡¯t be just freshly drafted troops either. I predict this year they won¡¯t even need that threefold advantage.

    "Rocossov has just assembled the force disparity needed to defeat us! Many troops are worried about Rocossov¡¯s new weapons, but those are few and our front is long. The real threat is this manpower disparity.

    "Last year, the Antean Western Front Army initiated a full-scale assault utilizing this disparity, called ¡®torrent flooding¡¯ disdainfully by High Command, and made certain advancements.

    "And that¡¯s exactly the best strategy to employ when you have superior forces against an ample battlefield. If I were in their shoes, I¡¯d do the same.¡±

    At this point, Xiplin sighed and did not continue.

    His deputy officer tentatively asked, ¡°So, sir, does this mean we are not defending Bolsk anymore?¡±

    The General waved his hand: ¡°How could that be possible! But we can¡¯t just stubbornly defend it; we have to implement flexible defensive tactics, avoid a straight fight with the enemy, and make good use of our artillery and armor, along with ourbat experience.

    "After all, High Command instructed us to dy the enemy until Army Group A haspleted its retreat. We¡¯re not meant to hold Bolsk at all costs; we could even cede Bolsk to the enemy and nt plenty ofndmines in the city before doing so.

    "As long as the mines are cunningly ced and widespread, enemy artillery won¡¯t be able to clear them all.¡±

    Typically, pre-assault bombardments aim to clear enemy minefields. The shockwave from the explosion of heavy artillery shells can detonate mines in arge area.

    But if mines are ced in locations less susceptible to shock waves, or use tripwire-like fuses that are not easily triggered by shock waves, they can continue to inflict casualties on the enemy after the artillery has done its job.

    General Xiplinughed: ¡°Rocossov likes to y with booby traps too; let him have a taste of trepidation when entering the city.¡±

    The Eleventh Army Group¡¯s Chief of Staff chimed in: ¡°ording to your orders, General, we¡¯ve already ced a substantial number of booby traps in the city, and several pressure mines are scattered at various intersections, hidden under the pavement.¡± ???????¦¥?

    "Good, have the engineer troops redouble their efforts and try to bury double the amount of mines before the retreat. Let¡¯s deploy all our mine supplies into the city.¡±

    Having said that, the General looked at the map again.

    "If anyone has any more ideas on how to dy the enemy, feel free to share them.¡±

    At the Antean Abawahan Front Army Headquarters, 0120 hours.

    Pavlov waved thetest report: ¡°The advance has started to hit tough resistance, all from the Eleventh Army Group. The enemy is undermanned, but their fighting spirit andbat experience are formidable; it¡¯s starting to get tricky.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Could we continue with the previous strategy, isting and surrounding without engaging?¡±

    Before Pavlov could respond, Wang Zhong interjected: ¡°We¡¯re approaching Bolsk, the density of towns suddenly increased¡ªit¡¯s an important industrial city after all. Now it¡¯s time to test the capacities for tough, direct assaults. Has the Ordnance Department sent any new Ulbans over?¡±

    "Not yet.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then let¡¯s not wait. The B4¡¯s direct firing efficiency isn¡¯t bad either, though it can¡¯t boost morale.¡±

    This meant that the noise from the B4 bombarding bunkers wasn¡¯t impactful enough.

    Pavlov: ¡°Tomorrow we will attack Bolsk¡¯s first satellite city, Prinka, to test the enemy¡¯s defense strength. The main assault will be handled by the Guards 33rd Infantry Division, and in addition to their divisional artillery, I¡¯ve also reinforced them with a breaching heavy artillery division and two Guards rocket artillery brigades.¡±

    "Before the assault begins, the gun artillery¡ªreferring to 152mm and 203mm artillery¡ªwill carry out two hours of firepower preparation. The rocket artillery units will provide cover after the infantry line advances so that just as the rocket artillery coverage ends, the infantry line will be right in front of us.¡±

    "The Guards 21st Tank Brigade and Guards 12th Breach Tank Regiment will coordinate with the 33rd Infantry Division¡¯s attack.¡±

    Popovughed, ¡°Well, deploying so many units with ¡®Guards¡¯ in their names all at once.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We need to test the enemy¡¯s mettle. If such a configuration of our troops can¡¯t take it down, then it means we stillck the capability to forcefully breach hard defenses. We¡¯ll need to think of other methods if that happens.¡±

    When surrounding the Sixth Army Group, the strategy Wang Zhong adopted was to bypass firmly held enemy positions, encircle them, and then bombard them relentlessly.

    Now, having reached the developed areas of Kazarlia where city density was higher, that approach was no longer viable.

    Moreover, future offensives in Shepetovka, Argesukov, or even Plowsonia would be sieges in concrete jungles, so it was appropriate to train our troops for breach capabilities in advance.

    Wang Zhong nced at his watch: ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to rest for a bit. Have my wife wake me up before the artillery starts firing tomorrow morning.¡±

    Both Pavlov and Popov said in unison, ¡°Go ahead.¡±

    January 13th, Wang Zhong was woken up early by Ludm.

    "Today¡¯s the assault, aren¡¯t you supposed to be at the headquarters?¡± Ludm said as she threw the already-warmed clothes from the stove onto the bed.

    Wang Zhong, while dressing, replied, ¡°That¡¯s right. However, I anticipate that there shouldn¡¯t be too many problems. In Abawahan, we fought with a resolve to fight the enemy to the death. The Proseniansck such resolve¡ªafter all, this is not their homnd, not their soil. They will waver, shrink back, and run.¡±

    As they spoke, he got out of bed and dressed.

    Ludm picked up a scarf, a memento from Yakov, and gently wrapped it around Wang Zhong¡¯s neck: ¡°This scarf has some stitches that are wrong¡ª the girl who knitted it wasn¡¯t very skilled at knitting.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But I think, this must have been Yakov¡¯s favorite scarf. He just gave it to me like that.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°After the winter campaign ispletely over, let¡¯s visit that widow in Yeburg.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Mhm.¡±

    Even if Ludm hadn¡¯t said it, Wang Zhong would have gone anyway.

    He wanted to personally tell Yakov¡¯s wife that Yakov had behaved very well, very bravely.

    But now, Wang Zhong¡¯s primary task was to shatter the Prosenian Army Group in front of him and close the encirclement.

    He kissed his wife on the lips, turned around, opened the door, and walked into the winter sunlight.

    Prinka, 13th January, 0700 hours.

    The howling sound came from the sky. Before the defending Prosenians had time to react, intensive artillery fire rained down from above.

    Over 400 heavy artillery pieces, along with an even greater number of 122mm guns, were brutally pounding this Prosenian defensive stronghold.@@novelbin@@

    Inside the city defense headquarters, the infantry divisionmander, holding a telephone, shouted, ¡°We are under heavy bombardment! Heavy bombardment!¡±

    Echoing his words, the ceiling continuously dropped small stones and dust.

    Suddenly, a heavy shell exploded next to the headquarters, a whole chunk of ster fell from the ceiling, smacking down onto the desk where the phoney.

    Division Commander: ¡°We are under heavy bombardment! Heavy bombardment!¡±

    The person on the other end of the phone was quite calm: ¡°Offer appropriate resistance, and if you can¡¯t hold, then withdraw from the city, trade space for time! Understand? Trade space for time!¡±

    Division Commander: ¡°We¡¯re an infantry division! You want us to leave our shelters for the open field, to be ughtered by armored troops and cavalry?¡±

    The other end: ¡°Then hold fast, no matter what, just hinder and wear down the enemy, the Army Group will mount a counterattack when appropriate! We will

    The Division Commander mmed the handset down onto the desk: ¡°Damn it!¡±

    Before he could continue cursing, a 152mm heavy shell hit the division headquarters building, causing such severe trembling that the Division Commander fell to his knees.

    Then, the chandelier finally fell, smashing the map table to smithereens, and its crystal sses shattered all over the floor.

 Chapter 654: The Touchstone

    Chapter 654: Chapter 96 The Touchstone

    The two-hour-long artillery barrage had not yet ended, and the rocket artillery¡¯s coverage followed closely behind.

    The Eleventh Army Group of Prosen had just received arge number of new recruits, and this sudden, fierce firepower stunned half of them. Some outright copsed, clutching their heads and screaming, until they were silenced by a p from an experienced non from their squad.

    As for the other half of the recruits, they were already dead in the barrage.

    Under such intense fire, many veterans had perished, let alone the new recruits.

    By the time the shelling finally ceased, the nons began to drag up the huddled recruits one by one, ¡°Get into position, you pigs! Remember your training! The Anteans areing!¡±

    No sooner had the recruits been cajoled and threatened into their positions than the Anteans arrived.

    At least thirty T34 tanks, along with three lines of skirmishers pressing toward the city¡ªindeed, there were KV1 tanks mixed among the T34s, but the Prosens had not recognized them.

    Sergeant Hu Le was in charge of leading an anti-tank hand grenade team, armed with the Empire¡¯stest anti-tank weapon: maic hand grenades.However, because these devices were extremely unwieldy to use, the soldiers referred to them mockingly as mallets, implying that using them against tanks was as effective as using an actual mallet.

    There was even a joke: at least with a mallet, you could scratch the paint off an Antean tank, but with maic grenades, you couldn¡¯t manage even that, as the heavy contraption made it impossible to move fast enough to reach a tank¡¯s blind spots.

    Sergeant Hu Ke ced two anti-tank mallets next to his position and also pulled out a few captured Antean incendiary bombs.

    He looked at the sole new recruit in the group and said, ¡°I¡¯ve taught you how to use incendiary bombs, right? Don¡¯t be scared, they¡¯re very easy to use. The greatest feature of Antean equipment is simplicity! Just pull the cord, throw it on the tank¡¯s radiator grille, and you can force the tank operators to bail out!¡±

    The recruit, puzzled, asked, ¡°Then why don¡¯t we use these simple and reliable things? Why do we have to wield these deadly heavy mallets?¡±

    Sergeant Hu Ke replied, ¡°Recruit, remember, don¡¯t talk nonsense like that, especially not in front of the Constitutional Guards. Our weapons are precise and effective, as long as you use them strictly ording to thebat manual written by people who¡¯ve never seen the battlefield, they will surely be effective!¡±

    The recruit looked confused, ¡°I can¡¯t tell if you¡¯re praising or criticizing

    "I¡¯m praising,¡± Sergeant Hu Ke said decisively.

    The others in the group chimed in, ¡°Yes, he¡¯s praising.¡±

    "Our anti-tank mallets are so wonderful to use! And the new anti-maic paint on our tanks looks so cool!¡±

    The recruit looked back and forth at his seniors.@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, his attention was suddenly drawn to something else.

    Amidst the roar of engines, a song could be faintly heard.

    No, it was not just a song, but the Antean skirmishers behind the tanks singing in unison.

    The recruit asked, ¡°What are they singing?¡±

    "I don¡¯t know,¡± Sergeant Hu Ke shook his head. ¡°I¡¯ve never seen Anteans singing while charging. This is the first time.¡±

    The recruit then asked, ¡°Why are the Antean Infantry all wearing capes, like their cavalry?¡±

    With a grim face, Sergeant Hu Ke replied, ¡°That¡¯s their Guards units.¡±

    "Like the Tsar¡¯s Imperial Guard?¡± the recruit continued to press, as if determined to get to the bottom of it.

    Another veteran exined, ¡°It¡¯s a title of honor. Units that distinguish themselves in battle are awarded the title of Guards along with a new number, and everyone gets the cape you see, as well as better weapons like semi-automatic rifles and the ¡®Scale Weight Launcher¡¯.¡± ?????¨¯??§§?

    The recruit asked, ¡°Scale Weight Launcher?¡±

    "Yes, a silent rifle especially suitable for nightbat. In the dead of night, you can¡¯t hear a sound, and just as a breeze passes, you¡¯re down. The bullet will shatter your chest, making you feel no pain whatsoever!¡± As he spoke, the old soldier suddenly let out a loud roar, ¡°Awooo!¡±

    The recruit jumped, and his grip on the anti-tank mallets loosened, causing them to drop to the ground.

    Unsurprisingly, he ended up dropping one on his own foot.

    Sergeant Hu Ke said, ¡°How are you? Quickly take off your boot and check it out, our military branch needs to move fast, you can¡¯t fight tanks with an injured foot!¡±

    "I¡¯m fine!¡± the recruit imed.

    "Take off his boots!¡± Sergeant Hu Ke ordered. ¡°A man with a foot injury can¡¯t join our assault team!¡±

    So, two veterans nked the recruit and helped to remove his boots.

    Sure enough, the recruit¡¯s foot had swollen a bit, looking ready to burst.

    Sergeant Hu Ke said, ¡°Get someone to take him to the field hospital, or he can volunteer as a machine gunner, in charge of a machine gun.¡±

    The recruit protested, ¡°I can still fight!¡±

    But the obedient veterans had already grabbed the recruit¡¯s arms with vice-like grips, leading him away from the shelter.

    Sergeant Hu Ke, watching the two depart, sighed, ¡°One day you¡¯ll thank me, kid.¡±

    As soon as the words were spoken, the advancing Ante tanks began to fire, most likely for intimidation. To urgently reposition in response to such fire would y right into the Anteans¡¯ hands.

    "Hold steady!¡± Although there were no new soldiers in the squad, Sergeant Huck was still constantly boosting morale, reminding everyone to remain calm.

    At this moment, the Ante tanks that were approaching continued to fire,unching their main cannons at anything that looked like a bunker into the sky.

    However, the Anteans guessed wrong several times and did not hit the real bunker.

    At this point, the Antean skirmish line passed the 300-meter marker, and the Prosen machine gun fire started immediately.

    The sound of the new machine guns during strafing was like tearing canvas, and even the most seasoned Guards of the Anteans had to be wary of the dense firepower.

    So, the skirmish line behind the tanks immediately dropped to the ground.

    Then, the tanks fired.

    The machine gun emcement closest to Huck was silenced right away.

    Huck frowned and cursed, ¡°The enemy tanks are locating our machine gun emcements much faster than before! It used to take them at least five minutes to find out where our fire wasing from!¡±

    Another tank fired, and hit bunker was suddenly enveloped in white smoke. Huck thought it was a smoke bomb and figured our tactics had been learned by the Anteans, but the next moment he saw the bunker door open and people, smoking all over, running out.

    These people were rolling on the ground, but no matter how much they rolled, their bodies still emitted fizzing smoke, as if their flesh was being vaporized.

    The screams could be heard clearly even from this distance.

    Huck cursed, ¡°Another new weapon! Why do the Anteans alwayse up with new weapons!¡±

    Actually, the Federation¡¯s white phosphorus shells had been developed for some time, but only recently had been supplied to the Anteans.

    More and more white smoke rose from the positions, and whenever there was a puff of white smoke, there were bound to be people screaming and rushing out from it, rolling on the ground, yet the smoke still fizzed and devoured their bodies.

    The horrific scene made Sergeant Huck shudder.

    He whispered low, ¡°God, what on earth are the Anteans using now!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than a tank belched long mes, shooting them into the bunker from the firing port. Then the bunker door opened, and the machine gunner, aze, desperately rolled on the ground.

    Sergeant Huck¡¯s face turned ashen, ¡°It looks like this time, Rocossov is determined to win, and that¡¯s bad, truly bad!¡±

    At 1300 hours on the 13th, the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov threw a report onto the desk in front of Wang Zhong, ¡°We have taken the outer positions of Prinka and are now making progress into the urban area. In ordance with the General¡¯s intent, we haven¡¯t blocked the enemy¡¯s escape route; they can escape from the city¡¯s west side at any time.¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the report, briefly scanned it, hastily signed it, and then tossed the clipboard holding the report back to Pavlov.

    Pavlov handed the clipboard to a staff officer waiting behind him.

    Wang Zhong resumed the previous topic, ¡°We don¡¯t know if the defendingmander has the courage to flee; maybe they think it¡¯s good enough to be a defeated general right here. With the current supply situation in Prosen, they might eat better in our POW camps than in the Prosen military.¡±

    Popov said, ¡°Don¡¯t you know? During our nearly a week of wild pursuit, our soldiers seized a lot of Prosen supplies, and even some of the Prosen supply convoys surrended outright unawares.

    "Currently, our soldiers and officers¡¯ evaluation of Prosen military food supplies is ¡ª ¡®swill,¡¯ and the coffee that came with the supplies has earned the nickname ¡®mud.

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°They deserve it!¡±

    As his words ended, everyone in the room wore a smile.

    After that, two hours passed, and one of themunication staff rushed over and said loudly, ¡°Report! Our forces have upied Prinka!¡±

    Wang Zhong clenched his fist, ¡°Excellent! Come on, guys, this is a good start, let¡¯s continue to unravel and wipe out the Eleventh Army Group!¡±

    Xiplin received the report almost at the same time as Rocossov.

    He furrowed his brow and asked themunications chief, ¡°Is this message urate? Who reported this?¡±

    Communications chief, ¡°It was the Division Commander of the Armored Division preparing tounch a counterattack. After hearing something off on the radio, he stopped the retreating soldiers and interrogated them, finally confirming it.¡±

    He sighed, ¡°We spent a long time fortifying Prinka. Before we started copsing like a house of cards, the mobile forces stationed there began to build fortifications.¡±

    Xiplin stopped, paced back and forth in the room for a few rounds before continuing, ¡°A city fortified like this, and it¡¯s fallen in less than a day, looks like we need to reassess the strength of the Rocossov-led Abawahan Front Army under him.¡±

    Chief of Staff, ¡°Before it was captured, the corpsmander of the 20th Infantry and the defenders of Prinka spoke on the phone, and at that time, the corpsmander believed that Prinka could hold out for at least 48 hours. It seems that the enemy moves faster than we thought.¡±

    Xiplin shook his head, ¡°After this attack, Rocossov is no longer just a general good at defense. We¡¯re his proving ground.¡±

 Chapter 655: Drinking Horse by the White Sea

    Chapter 655: Chapter 97 Drinking Horse by the White Sea

    January 14, 916, by the White Coast.

    Kiriyenko rode his horse across the highway, passing by a recently captured supply convoy.

    "General, would you like a Prosen cigarette?¡± a soldier distributing supplies called out loudly.

    Kiriyenko smiled, ¡°You all share it; I¡¯m not used to their cigarettes. The ones I roll myself are stronger!¡±

    After saying this, he took out a cigarette rolled with newspaper from his pocket, ced it in his mouth, and continued to ride forward.

    His Deputy Officer shouted to the soldiers, ¡°Don¡¯t just focus on grabbing cigarettes, alcohol, and food, distribute the ammunition as well; we still have to continue fighting deep into enemy territory.¡±

    "Got it!¡±

    Kiriyenko¡¯s Cavalry Troops had been ¡°Prosenized,¡± wielding Prosen submachine guns and grenades, all for the sake of logistical convenience.As for food, the local vigers had offered everything they had, even sparing all their stored fodder to the troops. Seeing their cattle and sheep wouldn¡¯t survive the winter, they decided to ughter them to reward the troops.

    With the support of the vigers and the ¡°supply¡± from the enemy, Kiriyenko¡¯s troops infiltrated for seven days, growing ¡°fatter¡± as they fought.

    After crossing the highway, Kiriyenko climbed a small hill beside it, and his view suddenly broadened.

    The glittering White Sea stretched from beneath his eyes to the horizon.

    Kiriyenko eximed, ¡°The White Sea! I never thought I¡¯d be so thrilled to see it one day.¡±

    The Deputy Officer agreed, ¡°Yes, before the war, I had the chance to vacation by the White Sea, but I chose to go to a mountain vi instead.¡±

    Kiriyenkoughed, ¡°Same here, I chose to go fishing for Baikal salmon.¡±

    After speaking, the two fell silent, gazing together at the White Sea.

    Kiriyenko¡¯s horse seemed bored, constantly shifting its hooves left and right.

    Just then, a messenger rode up the hill, saluted, and reported, ¡°General, the Fifth Guards Cavalry has captured an artillery battery, including 21 cm heavy artillery. They are asking for instructions.¡±

    Kiriyenko responded, ¡°We can¡¯t take the heavy artillery with us. Tell them to stuff the gun barrels with explosives and destroy everything. Detonate the ammunition as well, try to make a big firework, preferably one that the nearby Prosens can see!¡±

    "Yes, sir.¡± The messenger saluted again, turned his horse, and galloped down the hill.

    Kiriyenko watched the messenger descend and then looked again towards the White Sea. ¡°A week ago, I thought Rocosov¡¯s tactic of infiltration was inappropriate. Now, it seems my view was absurdly wrong. The difference between Rocosov and me is that I didn¡¯t anticipate the tremendous support the vigers would give us.

    "Even though the local Church had been almost destroyed by Prosen Constitutional Guards and the Imperial Ministry, and most parish priests were hanged, some still dangling from the trees at the vige entrance,

    "Yet, they supported us unconditionally, risking execution by the Prosen Constitutional Guards.

    "Rocosov had predicted this! He told me and Kashuk once that in Loktov, he had been in grave danger, and the local militia made a great sacrifice to rescue him. He said there was immense power within the vigers!

    "At the time, I didn¡¯t pay attention. Now, I finally understand¡ªhe was right!¡±

    Kiriyenko paused, took a deep breath, looked at the White Sea, and repeated, ¡°He was right.¡±

    As his words faded, more hoofbeats approached from behind. Kiriyenko turned and saw several cavalrymen in Melianian People¡¯s Army uniforms riding towards the high ground. R????¦¢¦¥??

    The leading Major General saluted Kiriyenko, ¡°First Division of the Melianian People¡¯s Army Cavalry, reporting for duty.¡±

    Kiriyenko returned the salute, ¡°Did you encounter any problems on the way? Didn¡¯t the locals, unfamiliar with your uniforms, mistake you for a servile army of the Prosens?¡±

    The Major General, speaking broken Antenese, replied, ¡°They hadn¡¯t seen our gs, but seeing the Red g, they thought Rocosov wasing.¡±

    Kiriyenko looked up, gazed at the Melianian¡¯s ¡°Great White Goose¡± g on a red field, and burst into heartyughter.

    The Melianian Major General looked towards the White Sea, ¡°Is your homnd Kazarlia?¡±

    Kiriyenko shook his head, ¡°No, I am a fellow countryman of Grand Patriarch Belinsky, fond of Chanaky stew.

    "However, I once lived in Ronied for a while, and from my dorm window, I could see the White Sea. Outside my dorm was a gpole; a g was raised every day wishing venturing ships smooth sailing.¡±

    The Melianian sighed, ¡°How wonderful that you are back by the White Sea. My homnd is in Pomerania, and I grew up watching the waves of the Baltic Sea.

    "My route from school passed by the seaside where I loved to take off my shoes, walk in the shallow waters, and catch some hermit crabs asionally.¡±

    Kiriyenko looked at the Melianian, ¡°You will return to your homnd, you will! We shall fight alongside you, from the Suhayaweili River to the sea, Mnia will eventually be free!¡±

    "May your wordse true! Did Rocosov and Davarish also say this?¡±

    "Yes, I stole it from him,¡± Kiriyenko smiled. ¡°The General ys the fool, pretending to be a frivolous dandy, but he is actually eloquent and often speaks memorable words.¡±

    "General Rocosov, perhaps the greatest military strategist of our time?¡± mused a Melianian. ¡°We¡¯re lucky to have him on our side.¡±

    Scarcely had he finished speaking when Kiriyenko waved his hand dismissively, ¡°If you were to say that in front of Rocosov, he would tell you that his current situation isn¡¯t his own doing, iming that history has chosen him.¡±

    "History chose him, did it? What a humble man the general is,¡± remarked the Melianian.

    As the words settled, silence suddenly descended.

    Only the constant echoing of the waves from the White Sea seemed to reflect the restless throbbing in everyone¡¯s chests.

    On January 15th, General Sheeplin scrutinized the wreckage of the 21 cm heavy artillery that had just been towed back by a trailer.

    "So, Rocosov¡¯s cavalry has reached the White Sea shores? Damn, where did they get the stamina to keep fighting?¡± Sheeplin demanded.

    Chief of Staff said, ¡°Apparently, the local people provided them with stored forage and winter food, and the Constitutional Guards are trying to punish the locals supporting them, but without much sess, and they¡¯ve suffered heavy losses due to cavalry attacks.¡±

    "Locals! Are you telling me locals had enough forage and food to supply more than a hundred thousand cavalry, even after we had already requisitioned supplies?¡± Sheeplin challenged.

    "Yes, it seems the locals had quite a bit hidden away.¡±

    "Damn it, I knew these people couldn¡¯t be trusted! We should have the Imperial Ministry and the Constitutional Guards arrest them all and hang them!¡±

    After a brief pause, Sheeplin sighed, ¡°But talking about this now is useless, they¡¯ll soon be ¡®liberated.¡¯ How¡¯s the counterattack going?¡±

    Chief of Staff replied, ¡°We couldn¡¯t retake Prinka, but we were sessful in some of the viges lost yesterday.

    "We reimed fifty-five percent of the positions we lost yesterday.¡±

    "That¡¯s very good, excellent. Keep sawing back and forth with Rocosov¡¯s forces, buy us time for the retreat.¡±

    Just then, a motorcycle approached, and the Captain aboard it jumped off before it had fully stopped, quickly stepping up to the Chief of Staff to whisper a few words.

    "What¡¯s happening?¡± Sheeplin asked.

    Chief of Staff replied, ¡°Yakolevo fell, Achteka has reported sighting Ante army.¡±

    Sheeplin pursed his lips, pausing briefly before saying, ¡°It seems like the territory we recaptured in the counterattack doesn¡¯t evenpare to the new positions we lost today. How many troops does Rocosov have, anyway? His forces seem to be everywhere.¡±

    "We have formed a semicircle facing the front of the Eleventh Army Group,¡± Pavlov stated while drawing a circle on the map with a map stick. ¡°This is a scaled-down version of the offensiveunched by General Gorkyst October. We will initiate attacks all along this arc, and wherever there is a breakthrough, we will throw in subsequent echelons.¡±

    Wang Zhongmented, ¡°It¡¯s a shame the front isn¡¯t long enough, the enemy¡¯s density is still too high.¡±

    Pavlov replied, ¡°The attack on Prinka has proven that thebat effectiveness of the Eleventh Army Group hasn¡¯t recovered. Judging by theposition of the prisoners, they have many new recruits, and thebat vets lost over the past six months have not been reced.

    "If we dyed our attack and waited for their wounded vets to return, the situation could getplicated.

    "Also, byunching a full-frontal assault, we can effectively target the enemy¡¯s counterattacks. They regained quite a bit of ground yesterday, but today¡­ today we¡¯ll attack across the entire arc, and no matter in which direction the enemy counterattacks, they can only regain ground from one lost direction.¡±

    Wang Zhong was pleased, ¡°Very good. How long do you think it will take to capture Bolsk?¡±

    After mentally calcting, Pavlov answered, ¡°I originally thought it might take ten to fifteen days, but given the fight put up by the Eleventh Army Group, seven days should suffice.@@novelbin@@

    "Theyck manpower and equipment, the priorbat experience that used to be their advantage isn¡¯t overwhelmingly superior anymore, and their fortifications aren¡¯t as strong as we expected. Probably they never thought we¡¯d counterattack so soon.¡±

    Vasily immediately agreed, ¡°Yes, I took a look at Prinka, all the permanent reinforced concrete fortifications there were built during the time Duke Meishikin defended this ce. Our attack forces got detailed blueprints and knew exactly where they were.

    "The new permanent fortifications are essentially non-existent, the semi-permanent ones are makeshift at best, and most fortifications are just sandbags that absolutely can¡¯t withstand a sidelong B4 bombardment.¡±

    Popov snorted, ¡°A sandbag fortification surviving a B4 barrage would be absurd.¡±

    Vasily just shrugged.

    At that moment, Ludm rolled a cart into the headquarters, ¡°Everyone, it¡¯s time for supper!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at her, ¡°Didn¡¯t you just have a day¡¯s shift near the Divine Arrow?¡±

    "It¡¯s quite rxing on duty,¡± Ludm said with a smile. ¡°And the supper isn¡¯t even prepared by me, but by your Ceres¡¯s chef. He¡¯s really amazing, able to make such a plentiful meal with so simple ingredients!¡±

    "What kind of supper is it?¡± asked Wang Zhong.

    "A sweet lotus seed soup, I think it could replenish the sugar lost from our mental exertion,¡± exined Ludm, opening the pot.

    Wang Zhongughed upon seeing it, ¡°What lotus seed soup? This is Ceres¡¯smon sugary treat: Qingbu Liang.¡±

    "Give me a bowl, let me see how this odd-looking ¡®lotus seed soup¡¯ tastes!¡± he eximed.

 Chapter 656: Full-scale Attack

    Chapter 656: Chapter 98 Full-scale Attack

    January 15, 916, Eleventh Army Group Headquarters, 0641 hrs.

    As soon as General Sheeplin entered the headquarters, he asked the Chief of Staff, ¡°Was there any good news while I was sleeping? Don¡¯t bother with the bad news; I¡¯ll look at the map myself.¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°The vanguard of the reinforcementsing from Shepetovka arrived at Diboskayast night, only 30 kilometers away from us.¡±

    General Sheeplin¡¯s nose twisted in anger, ¡°The High Command realized the main attack direction was here on the 8th, and you¡¯re telling me that the troops are only moving now?¡±

    "The movement order was actually issued on the 9th, but during the process, the enemy¡¯s Western Front Army and the Kuskov direction from Shepetovkaunched an attack, which significantly increased the defensive pressure in Shepetovka¡¯s direction, so the troops were not immediately redeployed,¡± the Chief of Staff exined. ¡°Moreover, after the Sixth Army Group was surrounded, the guerris in the rear suddenly became active, affecting transportation.¡±

    General Sheeplin didn¡¯t speak, merely took the coffee passed by an orderly, and sipped from it while standing in front of the map.

    The Chief of Staff continued, ¡°Furthermore, moving from Shepetovka to our location would normally take about three days. Even if they set out on the 9th, arriving on the 12th was the best scenario, it wasn¡¯t really

    "Not much of a dy, was it? After all, it¡¯s only just started on the 15th. Is that what you wanted to say?¡± General Sheeplin retorted.The Chief of Staff nodded.

    The general sighed, ¡°Never mind all that, these troops are under mymand now, right?¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    "Then order them to disembark and deploy intobat formation as soon as they get off the train and advance towards Bolsk. No more trains; the route is full of Ante Cavalry and guerris.¡±

    General Sheeplin¡¯s words had barely finished when a telephone in the operations room rang.

    A staff officer hurriedly answered.

    As soon as that telephone stopped ringing, another immediately started, followed by everyone¡¯s phones beginning to ring.@@novelbin@@

    Holding his coffee cup, General Sheeplin, looking at headquarters suddenly noisy like a marketce, cursed, ¡°Dammit, so early in the morning!¡±

    The first staff officer to answer had already hung up and reported loudly, ¡°General, the 61st Infantry Division is under artillery fire!¡±

    He hadn¡¯t even finished when the telephone rang again.

    General Sheeplin said, ¡°No need for individual reports. Plot all the artillery strikes on the map; I want to see where Rocossov is nning to attack!¡±

    ¡­

    Twenty minutester, General Sheeplin, looking at the dense artillery markers on the map, furrowed his brow heavily.

    His adjutant said, ¡°Looks like Rocossov has learned his colleague¡¯s method of attack.¡±

    The Chief of Staff shook his head, ¡°It¡¯s useless against us. Our front is not as drawn out as the Central Army Group, and we have much higher troop density. There¡¯s basically no gap for them to ¡®exploit¡¯.¡±

    General Sheeplin said, ¡°No, you forgot that they just took Prinka from us yesterday. Rocossov¡¯s forces are generally strong, and he is attacking this way because he believes he can achieve a breakthrough everywhere.¡±

    At this statement, all the senior officers around General Sheeplin fell silent.

    There were staff officers looking their way, but they had other tasks to attend to.

    More artillery markers were added to the map.

    General Sheeplin asked the Chief of Staff, ¡°Do we have enough forces to counter-attack at so many ces? I mean, assuming they achieve¡ªachieve fifty percent breakthrough.¡± ?§Ñ??B¨¨?

    The Chief of Staff shook his head, ¡°No. In fact,unching counter-attacks at two directions simultaneously is already our limit. Unless the troops at Diboskaya cane immediately, our stic defense strategy will falter.¡±

    General Sheeplin thought for a few seconds, then said, ¡°Draft a telegram to the High Command, and copy it to the Group Army Headquarters A, stressing our difficulties. If they don¡¯t send more troops, Bolsk is in danger of falling, and we might have to retreat to the Coastal Fortress, ready to evacuate by sea.¡±

    "Yes,¡± the Chief of Staff immediately went to his desk.

    General Sheeplin added, ¡°You¡¯re an experienced staff officer; you know how to handle this!¡±

    Every staff officer in the Prosen Army was adept at crying poor to their superiors to garner more attention and reinforcements for their units.

    Same day, by the White Coast, Prosen Group Army Headquarters A.

    "Urgent message from the Eleventh Army Group!¡±

    As soon as themunication officer finished reporting, General Steiermark hurried over, took the telegram from his hands, quickly nced through it, and then handed it over to the Chief of Staff.

    General Steiermark: ¡°Send reinforcements? You¡¯re joking. Where do I have troops? The Mountain Corps with hundreds of thousands of men is right behind us, and our rear guards have no natural barriers to utilize. We can only fight to the death with the enemy on the ins.

    "The remaining troops are all squeezed at the shore preparing to retreat, with many abandoning their heavy equipment. Where am I supposed to find people to send him reinforcements?¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the sound of a ship¡¯s horn came from the direction of the beach, very much in harmony with the conversation.

    Then, air raid sirens red, and five minutester, continuous anti-aircraft gunfire and bomb explosions echoed from the direction of the beach.

    Steiermark walked to the window and looked outside through the foggy ss: ¡°All of this is a chain reaction. The Sixth Army Group surrendered too early, releasing Rocossov¡¯s million-strong army, resulting in the ongoing decimation of Group B Army.

    "Once Group B Army was decimated, Rocossov¡¯s million-strong army faced no opposition, hence delivering us a right hook. Incidentally, Rocossov¡¯s deception was sessful partly because Group B Army was crippled¡ªit and Shepetovka were protected only by the Tenth Army Group.

    "The High Command had no choice but to reinforce the Shepetovka direction. All this is connected, starting with Frederick¡¯s premature surrender! If he had held out for a month, Group B Army could have reorganized and continued to confront Rocossov.

    "If he could have held on for two more months, by the time Rocossov dealt with him, the mud season would have arrived.¡±

    Steiermark shook his head repeatedly: ¡°Frederick has betrayed the Emperor¡¯s faith in granting him the marshal¡¯s scepter!¡±

    Empire of Prosen¡¯s heart, Eagle¡¯s Nest, 4 hourster.

    "After two days of retreat, we have evacuated forty thousand people by sea,¡± reported themander of the White Sea Fleet proudly. ¡°At this rate of retreat, in ten more days, we will have evacuated all the vital forces of the A Army Group.¡±

    Emperor of Prosen: ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me that we could evacuate thirty thousand people per day?¡±

    "Uh¡­ at that time, we hadn¡¯t considered the damage to port facilities, nor had we estimated that using small boats for transportation would be so inefficient. A considerable part of the Army soldiers can¡¯t swim. Many are too frightened to move when transferring via ropes, greatly reducing the efficiency of transfers

    The White Sea Fleetmander looked helpless: ¡°Our estimate was based on the level of the Navy and the Marine Corps.¡±

    Marshal Bryan: ¡°This is absurd, ming the Army! Clearly, it was your Navy that failed to n properly! It¡¯s your ipetence!¡±

    "We¡¯ve gathered all avable transport ships, and while we were driving off Ante¡¯s navy, we were also using naval artillery to support ground operations. Without the naval gun support, the rear guard of the A Army Group would have been crushed by the Mountain Corps!¡±

    "You!¡±

    "Enough!¡± The Emperor mmed the table, ¡°Enough! What time is it, and you¡¯re still ying the me game!¡±

    Marshal of the Air Force, Duke Mayer, stood by, his mouth shut tight. Maybe because the heating in the room was too high, his forehead was drenched in sweat.

    At that moment, the Emperor looked at Mayer: ¡°How many aircraft can the Air Force spare for the retreat?¡±

    Duke Mayer swallowed: ¡°In the recent operation of air-dropping supplies to the Sixth Army Group, we lost quite a number of transport nes, and with the airports around Bolsk being harassed by Cavalry, it¡¯s not safe to operate aircraft

    Emperor: ¡°So you¡¯re saying you can¡¯t help, right?¡±

    Mayer: ¡°I wouldn¡¯t say I can¡¯t help. Recently, our fighter and bomber forces have been fully operational, constantly supporting ground forces and the Navy. In just this past week, we¡¯ve seen three new aces!¡±

    The Emperor¡¯s face was stern, showing none of the excitement he used to have when hearing about new aces.

    The Duke¡¯s voice, which had risen slightly, began to fade again.

    After a long silence, the Emperor said, ¡°We¡¯ll just have to push the Fifteenth Army Group that¡¯s just moved near Bolsk from Shepetovka.¡±

    Celtic Marshal: ¡°About that, there¡¯s a problem. The Fifteenth Army Group needs to use the road for the attack, but the road is filled with retreating troops¡­ they¡¯ve got a traffic jam.¡±

    The Emperor fell silent at this remark.

    Celtic Marshal continued: ¡°The Armored Troops and half-tracked vehicles can leave the road and travel across the snow fields, but the trucks still need the road. Additionally, the enemy¡¯s Cavalry harassment hasn¡¯t been stopped

    Emperor: ¡°Think of something! You should be thinking of solutions! Notining all day in front of me! Last year¡ª and the year before, we suffered because of issues with Ante¡¯s infrastructure! We¡¯re still suffering now!¡±

    Celtic Marshal: ¡°We started building high-standard roads inside the Kazarlia Kingdom since the year beforest, and it¡¯s beginning to show results. Otherwise, the Fifteenth Army Group wouldn¡¯t have been able to get into position so quickly. The section of road that¡¯s problematic now, was newly upied afterst summer¡¯s offensive, and we haven¡¯t had the chance to build roads there yet.¡±

    "Six months from summer until now, what were the engineering troops doing?¡± the Emperor questioned.

    Celtic Marshal: ¡°Repairing the road from Bolsk to the Raoul Mountains, their efforts were crucial in keeping the supply lines to A Army Group alive throughst year¡¯s muddy season. Incidentally, maintaining the Sixth Army Group also consumed a lot of our engineering resources, and these troops were heavily damaged in thest month¡¯s great defeat ofst year, and they haven¡¯t recovered yet.¡±

    The Emperor opened his mouth but didn¡¯t speak.

    At this time, Giles said, ¡°I actually have a suggestion that could contain Rocossov. We could allow the Eleventh Army Group to cross the river and attack Rocossov¡¯s rear. If we cut off the railway line from Yeburg to Yarvik, it would disrupt his supplies, and he wouldn¡¯t be able to fullymit to attacking the Eleventh Army Group.¡±

    The Emperor looked at Giles, paused for a moment, and nodded: ¡°It¡¯s a n. Let¡¯s try it.¡±

 Chapter 657: "I Severed Rocossovâ€™s Main Artery" (Supplement 37/81)

    Chapter 657: Chapter 99 ¡°I Severed Rocossov¡¯s Main Artery¡± (Supplement 37/81)

    January 16, 1916, at Zaykin Vige by the Suhayaweili River.

    Admiral Bock of the Prosen Tenth Army Group stepped down from the bucket carriage and climbed up to the railway tform. He stood in front of the signboard of Zaykin Station, turned around, and looked at the military journalists.

    "General, can you strike a pose?¡± asked a photographer.

    Admiral Bock, ¡°My posture is not important, the important thing is the ce name on the station sign behind me! I¡¯ve cut off Rocossov¡¯s main artery! Just make sure to get a clear shot of this station sign!¡±

    The military journalists quickly grabbed their cameras and began taking pictures, the sh illuminating the surrounding snowy area.

    Once the photos were nearly done being taken, Admiral Bock left the signboard and said to his deputy officer, ¡°Destroy the railway and the station¡¯s water tower and maintenance factories andy mines. Once everything is done, we retreat.¡±

    Deputy Officer, ¡°Retreat?¡±

    "Yes, we¡¯vee to cross the river upstream. Logistics can¡¯t possibly keep up. If we really want to leave troops to defend, we can only leave a suicide squad.¡±Admiral Bock sighed, ¡°We were prepared to withstand Rocossov¡¯s offense, and we were prepared. We cut Rocossov¡¯s main artery¡ªbut got pushed back because our supplies couldn¡¯t keep up. No one can fault us for that.¡±

    The deputy officer looked at the reporters, ¡°Even if this is all true, shouldn¡¯t it be avoided in front of the reporters?¡±

    Admiral Bock, ¡°They are all journalists who adapt to the times. They know how to write their reports. After all, they don¡¯t want to get on the wrong side of the Imperial Ministry, do they?¡±

    The reporters nodded repeatedly, ¡°Yes, we will ¡®report truthfully.

    Admiral Bock patted the deputy officer¡¯s shoulder, ¡°See, these journalists are all loyal subjects of the Empire!¡±

    At the Ante Abawahan Front Army Headquarters.

    Vasily, ¡°We prepared for one table of guests, and now two tables have arrived. What are we going to do?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Look at what you¡¯re saying. Admiral Bock just deployed a few elite troops to give us a surprise attack from upstream. His logistics situation definitely won¡¯t support a long-term hold at Zaykin. Just let Kashuk figure out a solution.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°When we drew up the supply n, we already took such situations into ount, so our Front Army¡¯s supplies have two routes besides the railway leading to Yeburg.¡±

    The Chief of Staff picked up a map stick, approached the full situation map of the Southern Front, and started gesturing on the map, ¡°The first onees from the railway hub on the east bank of the Valdai Hills River, to our Front Army¡¯snd corridor.

    "This route has limited capacity due to poor infrastructure, but it¡¯s passable after all and can bear thirty percent of our consumption.

    "The second route starts from Mount Raoul, bypasses the enemy-upied area, and heads north directly connecting our main forces attacking Bolsk. This route is more difficult to travel, so it can only bear twenty percent of our consumption.

    "Together, we still have half of our supply lines, plus the supplies stockpiled before the attack began. Even if Zaykin is upied by the enemy for a week or two, our offensive will not halt.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°They won¡¯t hold it for two weeks. It should be retaken in a few days. Counting the time to repair the destroyed facilities and tracks, a week at most.¡± ?§¡¦­?¦Â??

    At this moment, Amelia entered the room with Major Worcester, themander of the Federation naval aviators, and headed straight for Wang Zhong, ¡°General Rocossov, when can the Federation¡¯s aviatorsunch an attack on the Prosen White Sea fleet?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We have actually upied the airport already, which can cover a 200-kilometer radius from the shore. But the problem is that the enemy forces around the airport have not been cleared, so we dare not allow the Federation¡¯s naval elite to transfer there.¡±

    After Amelia tranted, Major Worcester spoke with considerable emotion.

    Amelia, ¡°They say they don¡¯t mind these issues and just hope to join the attack on the Prosen navy as soon as possible. Moreover, they don¡¯t understand your easy-going attitude. The enemy is already retreating from the sea. Aren¡¯t you worried about letting a victory slip away?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Indeed, I wish to annihte as much of Prosen¡¯s living force as possible, especially their veterans. Once Prosen¡¯s veterans are gone, they¡¯ll lose the advantage in troop quality, and we¡¯ll overwhelm them with numbers.

    "But you can¡¯t rush things. Around Bolsk, there are many permanent fortifications overseen by Duke Meishikin. Although we have the blueprints of these fortifications and know their positions, it takes time to take them down.¡±

    Popov, ¡°There is also a practical reason¡ªwe are not prepared to handle hundreds of thousands of prisoners. The sheer number of prisoners taken by the Sixth Army Group has already been a headache for our rear areas. After all, we did not have a good recovery in agricultural productionst year. We rely mainly on wheat, corn, and soybeans transported from the Federation.¡±

    Amelia frowned, ¡°You let the enemy escape just because you¡¯re not prepared to take prisoners of war?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, no, that¡¯s just an additional reason. The real reason is that we can¡¯t advance so quickly. In a couple more days, we¡¯ll be able to clear the enemy around the airport. Then, the gentlemen of the Federation can transfer and do what you¡¯re best at: bombing ships!¡±

    After Amelia finished tranting, Major Worcester shook his head repeatedly and said something fervently.

    "He says,¡± Amelia looked at Wang Zhong, ¡°they¡¯ve recently witnessed many heroic actions of the Ante military and civilians, and are deeply moved. He does not ept the idea of notunching because of safety concerns. War is about taking risks and making sacrifices.¡±

    Just as Amelia had finished speaking, Worcester spoke again, not even allowing Wang Zhong time to n a response.

    Miss Witch had no choice but to interpret simultaneously, ¡°At Midway Ind, our Torpedo Squadron, escort fighters, and dive bombers became disjointed. ording to the manual, they should haveunched a coordinated attack with the dive bombers and fighters.

    "Under those circumstances, they wouldn¡¯t have been med even if they had returned to base. But they chose to continue the attack and then were all shot down by Empire of Fusang aircraft, with none managing tounch their torpedoes.

    "But I think, if they were given another chance, they would still choose to attack. Themander of the Torpedo Squadron, Major Lynch, is a friend of mine. He¡¯s exceptionally smart and fully aware of the dangers ahead, but he would never retreat.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and said, ¡°Give me one day, and my Armored Troops will eliminate the scattered enemy forces near the airport by the end of today. Meanwhile, the Engineer Troops will rush to repair the runway. Is that alright?¡±

    Major Worcester stood at attention, saluted Wang Zhong, and said in broken Antenese, ¡°No problem.¡±

    Thirty kilometers northwest of Bolsk, Bolsk field airport.

    Uncle Kam got down from the disabled bulldozer and kicked the engine, ¡°Damn it! To break down right now!¡±

    The battalionmander of the Engineers, riding on horseback from a distance, asked loudly, ¡°Uncle! What happened?¡±

    "It¡¯s broken down! All my three hours of daily maintenance wasted on nothing¡ªthree hours!¡± Uncle Kam grumbled as he took a toolbox out of the storage box behind the bulldozer, ¡°Don¡¯t panic,mander, I¡¯ll have it fixed in no time! This old buddy is just like my old horse; though it¡¯s aged, it¡¯s still usable!¡±

    The anxiousmander nced at his watch, ¡°We¡¯re running out of time. In a few hours, nes will bending. They¡¯re from the Federation Allies, and they¡¯re here to bomb the Prosen fleet!¡±

    Uncle Kam said, ¡°Rest assured! Any time lost fixing this machine, I¡¯ll make it up to youter! I¡¯ve been driving bulldozers for years! I started at this unit right after my tenth-grade graduation and have been at it ever since!

    "Those Prosens listened to the traitor¡¯s words, even wanted to conscript me. I hid in the sewers for over half a year, but finally, I managed to wait for you all! Watch and see! By dawn tomorrow, the runway will be ready!¡±

    The battalionmander had more to say, but the parish priest came riding over, ¡°Commander Davarish, don¡¯t worry. If anyone drops the ball, Uncle Kam certainly won¡¯t.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the sound of submachine gun fire broke out from afar, and themander turned his head to see the flickering gunfire in the night.

    "Let¡¯s go, take a look!¡± themander whipped his horse, and the steed shot into the night, vanishing quickly from sight.@@novelbin@@

    Uncle Kam continued to curse as he repaired the engine, turning a deaf ear to the increasingly nearby gunfire.

    Ten minutester, as the gunfire subsided, Uncle Kam finished an initial inspection, ¡°Damn it, it doesn¡¯t seem to have any major issues, eh? You old thing, not feeling like moving, huh?¡±

    Changing to thergest wrench, he swung it and hit the engine. The sound was so loud that one might mistake it for an engine blowout.

    After striking the hit, the uncle climbed into the cabin, attempting to start the vehicle.

    However, the engine remained still.

    He jumped out from the cabin again, wielding the wrench¡ªsuddenly, he stopped, put the wrench down, grabbed the spark plug he¡¯d forgotten to put back in, shoved it into the engine, and twisted it tight.

    The uncle climbed into the cabin for the third time and ignited it.

    The engine rumbled to life.

    "Sukabule!¡± The uncle pped his head forcefully, then drove the bulldozer into the night.

    On the morning of January 17th, at Bolsk military airport (under Antenese control).

    An SBD Dauntless dive bomber from the Federation Navynded smoothly, decelerated after sliding a distance, and then glided towards the parking area on the side.

    As soon as the ne stopped, the ground crew that had arrived early swarmed around, cing the stairs beside the cockpit and helping the pilot to open the canopy.

    The pilot rattled off, and the interpreter, busy at his side, tranted, ¡°The runway is a bit uneven, and he¡¯s worried that taking off with the bombster might jolt the bombs loose.¡±

    Ground crew: ¡°What? That can happen?¡±

    The pilot spoke rapidly again.

    Interpreter: ¡°At Midway Ind, the leader of their squadron shook off the bombs, and in the end, the leader dove first just to draw enemy anti-air fire. So, we must make sure the runway is smooth!¡±

    Head of the ground crew: ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll go talk to the Engineer battalionmander.¡±

    At this moment, the second and third dive bombers werending, while the torpedo nes and fighters from the same carrier air group were circling in the sky.

    The wind from the Pacific had begun to blow across this snowy field.

 Chapter 658: The Eagle above the White Sea (Extra 38/81)

    Chapter 658: Chapter 100: The Eagle above the White Sea (Extra 38/81)

    January 17, the Prosen heavy cruiser Lyuzov, ten kilometers from the White Sea coast.

    Captain Otto Lindemann had been on the bridge until midnight before letting out a long yawn and saying to the executive officer, ¡°I¡¯m going to get some food, you continue the watch.¡±

    The executive officer, ¡°Yes.¡±

    Lindemann walked out of the bridge and stopped on the walkways on both sides, gazing at the White Sea coast ten kilometers away.

    He liked to appreciate the scenery when leaving.

    After all, it was written in the Prosen Navybat manual: It is rmended to spend at least one minute each day admiring the sea vistas to better serve the Empire of Prosen.

    Lindemann didn¡¯t care what was written in thebat manual, but he did indeed enjoy watching the seascapes.

    Sometimes when he was in a good mood, he would even grab some fries from the battleship¡¯s kitchen to feed the seagulls circling around the ship.He was quite fond of seagulls, and it was his childhood love for watching them at Hamburg Port that led him to join the Navy.

    Lindemann watched the seagulls absentmindedly.

    The Lyuzov had been on its current mission for over a week, with no shore support fire because there were no Ante army troops within range. Thecency of the ship¡¯s officers and sailors had grown so much that Lindemann had to order the boatswain to organize the soldiers to scrub the deck daily.

    Lindemann¡¯s gaze followed a seagull when he suddenly noticed that some of the seagulls on the sea horizon looked very peculiar.

    He squinted at them for several seconds before he realized what he was seeing, and all the hairs on his body stood on end.

    Lindemann turned and rushed into the bridge.

    The executive officer saw him and reflexively shouted, ¡°Captain on the bridge!¡±

    Lindemann, ¡°nes! nes are approaching us! Battle stations!¡±

    The executive officer immediately pressed the battle rm button on the bridge wall.

    But he was still bewildered, repeatedly asking, ¡°What nes? Where?¡±

    Lindemann pointed toward the sea surface, ¡°nes! Are the anti-aircraft sentries blind? Can¡¯t they see torpedo nes skimming the sea? The Bismarck was crippled by torpedo nes hitting its rudder! Ever since then, the anti-aircraft observatory handbook should have specifically mentioned paying attention to torpedo nes!

    "Full speed ahead! All ahead full! Hard to starboard! Avoid this wave of attacks first!¡±

    "Hard to starboard!¡± The helmsman repeated themand while frantically turning the wheel.

    The executive officer leaped to the engine order telegraph and moved it to the full ahead position.

    In the engine room, the chief engineer was having lunch when suddenly he heard the ¡°ding-a-ling¡± of the engine order telegraph, looked over, and his expression changed. ???????§§?

    He pushed his lunch aside, shouting, ¡°Lunch break is over! Everyone, take action! Full speed ahead!¡±

    As the mechanical engineers echoed themand, the chief engineer reached the engine order telegraph, pulled his lever all the way back, then pushed it forward to the full ahead position.

    The tinkling sound resonated with the increasingly roaring engines.

    Lindemann, gripping the handles on the bridge, countered the tilt of the ship¡¯s body caused by the full speed ahead and hard turn to starboard.

    His eyes were firmly fixed on the approaching torpedo nes.

    Because they were close enough, he could see clearly that there were fifteen torpedo nes, and they weren¡¯t sluggish bine Swordfish torpedo bombers, but monone, metallic-bodied Federation torpedo nes!

    Without a doubt, the pilots must have been battle-tested Federation aviators from the Pacific.

    The Lyuzov¡¯srge-caliber anti-aircraft guns had already opened fire, with the sky near the sea surface filled with ck smoke clouds from time-fused anti-aircraft shells.

    However, this did nothing to stop the fifteen ¡°seagulls.¡±

    Lindemann watched the enemy ne¡¯s movements closely. When he estimated that the ship¡¯s course and the enemy¡¯s entry direction were nearly parallel, he shouted, ¡°Steady as she goes!¡±

    "Steady as she goes!¡± The helmsman violently corrected the helm again.

    The tilted ship slowly returned upright.

    Lindemann saw the lead enemy aircraft banking left, because its wings stood up, turned from a horizontal line in his view to a cross of one horizontal and one vertical line.

    This meant the lead aircraft had given up the attack, opting to regain attack formation.

    The other torpedo nes also followed the lead ne in a left bank.

    Lindemann took a deep breath, and just then the telephone rang.

    He didn¡¯t wait for the executive officer to answer and grabbed the phone first, ¡°Bridge!¡±

    "Anti-aircraft observation post here, enemy nes overhead, diving!¡±

    "What?¡±

    Lindeman threw away the handset, stering himself against the bridge¡¯s forward window ss, straining to see up into the sky, but he could see nothing.

    He had a sudden inspiration, turned, and sprinted out of the bridge, craning his neck on the catwalk, and indeed saw a string of dark shadows swooping down from the direction of the sun!

    "Anti-aircraft guns!¡± Lindeman shouted, ¡°The firepower above is too weak; what the hell are the gunners doing?¡±

    Major Worcester felt somewhat rxed: ¡°The enemy¡¯s anti-aircraft firepower is really sparse, even weaker than the Empire of Fusang¡¯s anti-aircraft firepower!¡±

    Rear machine gunner: ¡°The Empire of Fusang¡¯s anti-aircraft firepower isn¡¯t that big a deal either, right? I didn¡¯t even feel the enemy had fired¡ªat Midway Ind, that is. But at the Battle of Saint Cruz, the South Dakota took us for Fusang nes, and that firepower was terrifying.¡±

    Major Worcester: ¡°Don¡¯t remind me. At Saint Cruz, our squadron lost six nes, four of which were downed by the South Dakota.¡±

    Rear machine gunner: ¡°Is it okay to chat like this? Can you hit your target?¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry, the Prosen¡¯s maneuvering actions are so gentlepared to the Empire of Fusang, it¡¯s scary. Just watch me toss the bomb straight down their boiler¡¯s chimney!¡± Worcester said.

    "Bester went to be an instructor, so I am now the best dive bomber pilot!¡±

    Lindeman clearly saw the moment the enemy dropped their bombs.

    He stared intently at the ck object hurtling down, watching as it smashed into the smokestack of the Luzov.

    Lindeman¡¯s scalp tingled, knowing without a doubt what woulde next.

    Sure enough, the mid-deck of the Luzov bulged upwards, followed by an explosion from beneath that flipped the deck and everything on it.

    The seane catapult installed near funnel number one waspletely blown away, sending the nes ¡°flying.¡±

    The shockwave hit Lindeman head-on, mming him against the railing on the other side of the catwalk.

    "Ow, my back!¡±

    Then the second and third bombs fell, one hitting the anti-aircraft gun deck mid-ship and the other narrowly missing the starboard side; the underwater shockwave caused the ship¡¯s bell on the bridge to fall, shattering the ss on the floor.

    More bombs dropped, and the water sshed up by the bombs soaked Lindeman through.@@novelbin@@

    He faintly heard the anti-aircraft guns firing, but the sound of gunfire was so sparse it seemed unlikely to effectively stop the enemy aircraft.

    He tried to stand up but was immobilized on the ground, likely having injured his spine or something else.

    He could only use hisst bit of strength to cry out: ¡°Damage control! Quick, for damage control! Put out the fires! Plug the leaks!¡±

    The next moment, he saw the helmsman rush in front of him, then climb over the railing and leap.

    "What are you doing! I haven¡¯t given the order to abandon ship yet!¡±

    Before he had finished speaking, the Executive Officer appeared in Lindeman¡¯s field of vision: ¡°Captain! The engine room is done for, turret number two reports flooding in the lower hull, the ship is sinking!¡±

    Lindeman grabbed the Executive Officer¡¯s cor: ¡°It¡¯s just a few nes!¡±

    "Captain, in the Pacific, a few nes sank four of the Empire of Fusang¡¯s aircraft carriers! It¡¯s the era of airnes now!¡±

    The squadron leader of the Federation¡¯s 6th Naval Air Squadron¡¯s VT6 torpedo ne squadron, Major Dodge, looked at the cruiser billowing with thick smoke and asked his rear navigator, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t waste torpedoes on this cruiser, right? It won¡¯t be able to leave port for at least half a year even if it makes it back.¡±

    "Indeed,¡± the navigator replied, ¡°how about we patrol along the coastline for a while based on the intelligence Ante provided? We might encounter enemy transport ships retreating.¡±

    "That¡¯s a n, let¡¯s do it. VT-6 calling VF-6, VT-6 calling VF-6!¡±

    Soon, the radio crackled with a response: ¡°VF6, go ahead VT6.¡±

    "We assess that the current target cruiser does not require a torpedo attack. nning to fly south along the coast to seek out enemy transport ships in retreat. Requesting escort coverage.¡±

    "VF6 received, we will follow. Keep an eye on fuel.¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    Dodge gently banked the control stick, and the ne nimbly entered a spiral, turning half a circle before heading south.

    His attack squadron all followed his lead.

    A squadron member asked over the radio: ¡°Why not finish it off, just in case that cruiser doesn¡¯t sink?¡±

    "It doesn¡¯t matter if it doesn¡¯t sink, it¡¯s out of action for at least half a year. We need to sink the enemy¡¯s transport ships to cut down on how many they can evacuate. Everyone, keep your eyes peeled!¡±

    "No need to strain your eyes anymore, the target is straight ahead, Captain!¡±

    Dodge saw them too, fiverge transport ships!

    "All units be advised, all units be advised, fiverge transport ships spotted! No enemy fighter cover, I repeat, no enemy fighter cover! Target all torpedoes to hit the enemy¡¯s port side! Understood? Port side! Engage in pairs at will!¡±

 Chapter 659: "Is There Any Justice Left?" (Extra 39/81)

    Chapter 659: Chapter 101 ¡°Is There Any Justice Left?¡± (Extra 39/81)

    On January 17, General Steiermark personally went to the seaside to supervise the troop embarkation.

    He set up amand post on the beach that was small in scale, but fully equipped.

    The core of themand post consisted of a radio car, a telegraph car, and a matching generator car. Besides, to deal with possible Antean attacks, there were four long-barreled Panzer IV tanks next to the headquarters.

    Throughout the morning, everything was normal. The White Sea Fleet dispatched fiverge cargo ships with a tonnage of ten thousand each, escorted by five destroyers, and additionally, a heavy cruiser led two destroyers to patrol the nearby waters, ready to confront the Antean navy.

    It could be heard from the radiomunication that General Steiermark instructed the radio operator to connect the receiver and the speakers on the car, so that the conversations from the radio were broadcasted through the speakers without missing a detail.

    Everyone speaking on the radio throughout the morning was calm andposed, not at all like those about to be surrounded.

    After all, they held control of the sea, and although the retreat was a bit slow at the moment, they were still able to evacuate ten to twenty thousand people each day.

    Today, the navy had stepped up efforts, dispatching five ten-thousand-ton behemoths all at once, aiming to evacuate a start of fifty thousand people.The only problem was that there were indeed too few small boats to transport the soldiers. Tens of thousands of Prosen soldiers were crowded on the beach, and after a day of transportation, there was no noticeable decrease in their number.

    It was uncertain if the five ships could be filled within one day.

    Just as General Steiermark worried about this, an exmation suddenly came from the speaker connected to the radio: ¡°Enemy nes above, diving rapidly!¡±

    The General immediately turned around, only to hear someone shouting from the speaker: ¡°Enemy nes are diving! We

    The words were swallowed by static and it was not clear what they were saying. The operator quickly adjusted the knobs, and soon the static cleared, allowing an anxious voice to shout, ¡°Luzov is hit! Luzov

    The sound of the explosion distorted the speakers and everyone present winced, their ears ringing painfully.

    General Steiermark¡¯s face showed that something was terribly wrong as he picked up the microphone and shouted, ¡°What¡¯s happened? What¡¯s happened?¡±

    The Deputy Officerid a hand on his shoulder to remind him, ¡°Don¡¯t use innguage! Use code!¡±

    General Steiermark waved the hand away, ¡°Nevermind me! I am General Steiermark, answer me, what exactly has happened?¡±

    After a moment of silence on the other end, the voice that had previously yelled ¡°Luzov¡± said, ¡°The Luzov has been attacked by enemy dive bombers; a massive boiler explosion just urred, it¡¯s sinking¡­ it¡¯s sinking.¡±

    General Steiermark¡¯s body stiffened, the news striking him like a bolt from the blue, shattering the good mood he had maintained all morning.

    The Deputy Officer kept reminding, ¡°General, talking about this on the radio can be a devastating blow to our soldiers¡¯ morale, General!¡±

    General Steiermark realized the Deputy Officer was right and was about to say something when the speaker called out again, ¡°The enemy torpedo nes are abandoning the attack! Luzov fleet calling ¡®Merchant¡¯, the enemy torpedo nes are heading your way!¡±

    Merchant was the radio call sign for the transport convoy of five ten-thousand-ton cargo ships.

    General Steiermark threw down the microphone and rushed out of his small temporary headquarters, standing on the edge of the high ground, he lifted binocrs to his eyes.

    Soon, he saw nes skimming the surface of the water, which were not painted in the usual Antean Air Force colors, but in a uniform deep blue, the insignia on their wings was not the Antean symbol, but a blue ring with a white five-pointed star containing a red dot (the early Federation naval aircraft insignia had a red dot in the middle of the white star, which waster removed to distinguish from the Empire of Fusang).

    These nes flew almost touching the sea, resembling flying fish leaping through the waves.

    Although an enemy, General Steiermark couldn¡¯t help butment: Is this the elite group of pilots that defeated the Empire of Fusang so thoroughly?

    No! This was not the time to admire the enemy!

    The enemy nes broke formation, attacking the five ten-thousand-ton ships anchored at sea in pairs.

    The first pair of enemy nes immediatelyunched their attack, circling to the port side of the cargo ship number 131 before veering right into their attack run. ??????B??

    The sole anti-aircraft gun on the cargo ship fired futilely, with shells continuouslynding in the water behind the enemy nes.

    General Steiermark, not familiar with navalbat, but versed in mathematics, knew that such a low density of fire was unlikely to bring down the enemy nes or prevent them from releasing torpedoes.

    Through the binocrs, he clearly saw two enemy nes drop something into the sea.

    From his vantage point, he couldn¡¯t see the track of the torpedoes, he could only see two torpedo nes, havingpleted their attacks, turning back towards the beachhead.

    Towards the beachhead???

    By the time General Steiermark realized what these two enemy nes were about to do, they had already opened fire, sweeping their forward machine guns across the Prosen soldiers on the beach.

    The people on the beach were still spectating when suddenly, death itself swept over them, and the machine gun fire mowed down many people in an instant.

    After the attack, two unidentified aircraft flew away into the distance (they were actually TBF Avenger torpedo nes).

    Steiermark pushed away the Deputy Officer who had toppled onto him, got up, and brushed off the dirt from his uniform, taking his military cap from the Deputy Officer¡¯s hand: ¡°Damn it, not doing a great job with my actual duties, but quite a lot of thoughts elsewhere

    He thought the enemy¡¯s attack on the ten-thousand-ton ship had been ineffective, but in fact, it was just that the aerial torpedoes were slow.

    No sooner had the words left his mouth than two columns of water erupted on the port side of the ten-thousand tonner with the hull number 131.

    Steiermark mped his mouth shut and watched in despair as mes engulfed the 131 ship, and the people on board frantically jumped into the sea.

    Then, the ten-thousand-tonner with the hull number 132 was also hit.

    The two torpedo nes that carried out the attack skimmed over the beach, strafed in passing, and then flew off.

    Then the third and fourth group of torpedo nes followed in session.

    They even discovered Steiermark¡¯s Headquarters and came straight for it, their machine guns ttering on tanks and armoredmand vehicles.

    After the torpedo nes left, Steiermark could only crawl out from under the tank, not even bothering to brush the sand off any longer, as he gazed nkly at the sea.

    All five ten-thousand-tonners were on fire; those that were sinking faster were already tilting, their deck almost touching the water¡¯s surface.

    People who had just been transported onto the ships by small boats were now thrashing in the water, desperately trying to swim ashore. Wherever one looked, there were sshes made by people floundering in the water ¨C no waves could be seen at all.

    General Steiermark finally snapped back to reality and screamed, ¡°Quick, save them! At least half of our soldiers can¡¯t swim! Save them!¡±

    Soon after, the small boats that had been busy transporting soldiers started to pick people up, when suddenly, deep blue aircraft dove from the sky!

    They actually started strafing the small boats that were rescuing people!

    Moreover, these nes were clearly different from the previous torpedo attack nes; their frontal firepower was exceptionally fierce (the attacking nes were F6F Hellcat fighters, armed with six 12.7mm machine guns). Most small boats would catch fire and burn after being strafed, and those who had just been rescued had no choice but to jump back into the water.

    Aside from strafing the small boats, these fighters also opened fire as they swept past the beach, leaving the exposed Prosens overturned and scattered.

    Steiermark stomped his feet in fury and yelled at the sky, then two enemy nes spotted him, circled back, and strafed his temporary Headquarters.

    When he saw them returning, Steiermark wanted to show his mettle and face death head-on, but the Deputy Officer grabbed him and threw him under a tank.

    After several waves of strafing, the headquarters¡¯ generator vehicle exploded.

    Lying under the tank for what seemed like an eternity, Steiermark only crawled out again when the roar of enemy engines and the sound of gunfire had ceased. He looked at the burning half-track vehicles, then at the chaotic beachhead.

    At this time, the White Sea was rising with the tide, pushing the reddened waves up to the shore, pilingyer uponyer of bodies.

    Steiermark cursed, ¡°This is against internationalw! They will pay for these inhumane acts!¡±

    "Your courageous actions will be honored with the highest award of the Ante!¡± Wang Zhong said jubntly, patting Worcester¡¯s shoulder, ¡°You will be the first, and perhaps thest group of Federation warriors to receive the Venus Medal!¡±

    Amelia faithfullypleted the task of simultaneous interpretation.

    Worcester smiled modestly, ¡°Just a heavy cruiser, in the Pacific, such a feat is only worth 50 gallons of ice cream.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Then I give you a hundred gallons! A hundred gallons for each person! The torpedo ne pilots who attacked the ships will also have a share!¡±

    After he finished, he saw the VF6 fighter pilots and quickly added, ¡°You too! But since you didn¡¯t achieve a great victory, you only get one ice cream cone each!¡±

    The fighter pilots looked at each other, and the team leader spoke for everyone, ¡°Actually, we don¡¯t really want to eat ice cream in minus 30-degree weather. Some hot soup and stew would be nice, and that chicken made by your chef, really good!¡±

    To entertain the pilots of the Federation, Wang Zhong personally gave the Ceres chefs his recipe and invented ¡°General Tso¡¯s Chicken¡± in advance. It proved to be very popr with the Federation pilots; they would finish every chicken served to them, no matter how many.

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°Fine, fine! Today you have earned a victory for the Antean people, you can have whatever you want to eat! But, be careful not to get diarrhea tomorrow and be unable to fly! We are counting on you to finish off the Prosen Navy andpletely crush the enemy¡¯s thought of escaping by sea!¡±

    After the trantion, the pilots allughed.

    However, Worcester was a bit worried and asked Wang Zhong, ¡°We volunteered toe to this front-line airfield, but is it okay for your Headquarters to also be so close to the front?¡±

    Wang Zhong reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the enemy has been pushed back, and there are no significant threats nearby. Soon, I will personally go to see the waves of the White Sea.¡±

    After saying this, he looked toward the west, ¡°Do you know? The beginning of my legend was in Ronied, on the banks of the White Sea. When I reach the White Sea shore, rounding up, I am also returning to my origins¡ªin a manner of speaking.¡±

    As he said this, suddenly a handnded on his shoulder. He turned his head to see Ludm smiling at him.

 Chapter 660: The Sun in the West Is About to Set

    Chapter 660: Chapter 102 The Sun in the West Is About to Set

    January 25th, Wang Zhong, despite the opposition from Pavlov and Popov, arrived personally at the shore of the White Sea.

    When he arrived, it was already the time for sunset, and the White Sea was dyed blood-red by the setting sun.

    Wang Zhong stood on the shore, suddenly longing to sing that old song: ¡°The sun in the west is about to set, the enemy¡¯s doomsday is about toe.¡±

    Ghosts from Prosen are still ghosts; it shouldn¡¯t be a problem to sing this song.

    Watching the sun gradually sinking, Ludm came to his side, draping her coat over him: ¡°It¡¯s windy by the sea, don¡¯t catch a cold.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, donned the coat properly, and looked out into the distance once more: ¡°Ronied is in that direction! The Battleship that fired a 380mm Heavy Artillery shell at me has already been sunk by the bombs of the United Kingdom¡¯s Royal Air Force.

    "I¡¯ve captured over a dozen enemy generals who had attacked our country.¡±

    Ludm leaned against Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder: ¡°How much longer until we can go home?¡±Wang Zhong was silent for a few seconds before saying, ¡°Soon, Liu Da, soon.¡±

    His thoughts took flight with the sea breeze, flying back to Argesukov hundreds of kilometers away.

    He saw in the Rokossovsky Family¡¯s manor, the old Duke Rokossov drinking vodka and chatting with the Crown Prince Ivan.

    Suddenly, they both looked towards Wang Zhong¡ªRokossov standing at the doorway.

    They seemed to be talking about something, but Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t hear clearly.

    Suddenly, Wang Zhong snapped out of his reverie, realizing Ludm was softly calling him.

    "What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked.

    Ludm: ¡°I saw you were lost in thought, your expression¡­ very sorrowful. You are the Commander-in-Chief, the star of victory. I know you feel sorrow, but you cannot show it in front of others.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±

    Just like virtual idols can only smile, the expression of the star of victory must always be as hard and cold as steel.

    Ludm embraced Wang Zhong tenderly: ¡°Here, you can sort out your expression, no one can see you except me. You can even have a good cry.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, it¡¯s not that serious. I just suddenly remembered something from the past, or I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s from the past because I really don¡¯t remember if Ivan has ever had a happy time drinking with my father. They must have, perhaps they were truly good friends despite their age difference.¡± R?¨¤N????

    Thinking about it carefully, as a transmigrator, Wang Zhong had not had the chance to get to know Ivan or his father in this timeline before losing them forever.@@novelbin@@

    But, Ludm is still by my side.

    Ludm, the love of my life.

    The only warmth remaining in this frigid, cruel war.

    I don¡¯t know how much time passed, but Wang Zhong pulled away, his expressionpletely restored to that of the ¡°star of victory.¡±

    Ludm stared at him for a few seconds, then smiled towards the sunset: ¡°The sun in the west is about to set.¡±

    The enemy¡¯s doomsday is about toe.

    January 26th, outside the second ring of Bolsk.

    Private Aleksei gazed at Bolsk and said to the old toon leader who had always taken care of him: ¡°This city doesn¡¯t look very big, yet we¡¯ve been attacking for so many days!¡±

    The old toon leader: ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed how many permanent defenses are nearby? They were built by Duke Meishikin when he was defending this ce. Moreover, to prevent the enemy from nking, he didn¡¯t just build defenses on the front side but also at the back, which has made it tough for us.

    "But back then, if he didn¡¯t build these defenses, he wouldn¡¯t be able to hold them. Poor Duke, I hope he gets well soon.¡±

    The toon leader had a good heart but was a chatterbox, though it seems all old soldiers are like that. It¡¯s said that with such chattering old soldiers around, the troop morale significantly increases.

    At that moment, the artillery barrage suddenly stopped, and thest wave created a smokescreen in front of the enemy lines.

    Aleksei belonged to the second echelon; they stayed on the high ground and could clearly see the location of the smokescreen.

    The soldier asked the old toon leader in confusion: ¡°Why did they set the smokescreen so far from the enemy¡¯s position? How are we going to cover the few hundred meters left?¡±

    The old toon leaderughed: ¡°That¡¯s what you don¡¯t know, right? This time our regiment has been reinforced with a great thing, called Ulban, but everyone prefers to call it the ¡®Rokossov Hammer.¡¯ That smokescreen, it¡¯s to cover for that thing, not the infantry!¡±

    Aleksei: ¡°However powerful that thing is, can it just crush the enemy¡¯s position in one go? With five hundred meters left, we¡¯ll get riddled with bullets by the enemy¡¯s machine guns!¡±

    The old toon leaderughed heartily: ¡°You just joined this January, you haven¡¯t seen its power!¡±

    The others also turned around and teased Aleksei: ¡°Just rx, after the enemy¡¯s hit by that gizmo, they¡¯ll beid out for at least 30 seconds, unable to get up! Once we charge and cry out ¡®hurrah,¡¯ they¡¯ll be too scared to run!¡±

    Aleksei furrowed his brows: ¡°I think you¡¯re just messing with me. Before I came, the training camp¡¯s Sergeant said not to underestimate the Prosens, they are all excellent warriors!¡±

    "The Sergeant is right,¡± said the old toon leader, ¡°but when faced with the Rokossov Hammer, anyone would be stunned. It¡¯s a pity there are so few of them, and they can only be used in assaults. They¡¯re slow to reload and need protection¡­ sometimes, I really think a t trajectory B4 would be more useful!¡±

    Aleksei still looked skeptical when one of those who had been teasing him pointed into the distance: ¡°Look! That thing is moving through the smoke!¡±

    Aleksei hastily looked, but at that distance without binocrs, he could only see a block, like a b of frozen ck bread.

    The enemy¡¯s machine guns and anti-tank guns were firing madly, but all were deflected by the ¡°ck bread.¡±

    The hardness matched its appearance quite well.

 Chapter 661: The Sun in the West Is About to Set (2)

    Chapter 661: Chapter 102 The Sun in the West Is About to Set_2

    Then, that thing came to a halt and adjusted its hull orientation as if it were taking aim.

    "Here ites, here ites!¡± everyone around shouted loudly.

    Aleksei was just about to speak when a star, bright beyondpare, rose from the ground, tracing an arc toward the city.

    The star burrowed into the enemy¡¯s three-story building used as a defensive fulcrum.

    Nothing happened for the first second, and then a burst of light erupted from inside the building, swallowing it whole. The rooftop, adorned with the Prosen g, and arge amount of dust ascended to the sky, bing part of a mushroom cloud.

    Aleksei couldn¡¯t help but exim, ¡°Fuck!¡±

    The sound of the explosion came a littleter, followed by the shockwave that nearly knocked Aleksei to the ground.

    Aleksei: ¡°What was that? Was it the legendary ¡®Sword of Heaven¡¯?¡±"No, just a bunch of TNT, kid,¡± said the veteran toon leader. ¡°But enough to send the Prosens soaring and terrify them out of their wits!¡±

    "Let me tell you, that thing can st Prosen tanks up to a second-floornding! You should have seen the photos. The Church¡¯s propaganda staff were all dumbfounded; they thought we had hoisted the tanks up there ourselves. Like we¡¯d have time for that¡ªthose are twenty-ton beasts!¡±

    Aleksei didn¡¯t bother listening to his chatteringrade and instead fixated his gaze on the first wave of attackers as they forcefully crossed the five hundred meters, breaching the enemy¡¯s positions.

    The veteran toon leader: ¡°Look at that! They will get used to the Rocossov Hammer sooner orter, but for now, they¡¯re still getting shell-shocked every time it hits.¡±

    At that moment, an order came down the line: ¡°Pass it back, begin advancing! Prepare to enter the city!¡±

    The veteran toon leader immediately raised his voice to shout toward the other side: ¡°Pass it back, begin advancing, prepare to enter the city!¡±

    As he finished speaking, the tanks everyone was riding revved up, spewing thick smoke from the side exhaust while hot air blew across everyone¡¯s cheeks through the radiator.

    Aleksei was delighted: ¡°Atst, some warmth! Without the tank moving, I¡¯d almost freeze into a popsicle!¡±

    The veteran toon leader: ¡°Stretch properly, rookie! If you¡¯re still alive tomorrow, you¡¯ll be the old soldier leading the new recruits!¡±

    Aleksei was stunned: ¡°Huh? What?¡±

    "Don¡¯t scare him! This isn¡¯t like back at Abawahan!¡±

    Aleksei: ¡°What do you mean?¡±

    The veteran toon leader: ¡°I mean exactly what I said. Back at Abawahan, if you could survive in the city for three days, you would be promoted to toon leader.¡±

    Aleksei: ¡°Eh?¡±

    The veteran toon leader: ¡°Of course, we never experienced the battle of Abawahan; we joined during the counter-offensive. But who knows whether this city will turn into a second Abawahan?¡±

    Aleksei: ¡°Don¡¯t frighten me!¡±

    Everyone sitting at the back of the tankughed heartily, and the air was filled with a lively spirit.

    January 30th, in the heart of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    Reinhard covered his face, showing a depth of dejection never seen since the war began.

    Before him on the map, Bolsk had changed color, indicating the Eleventh Army Group had retreated to the line from the Coastal Fortress to Lishenko, joining up with the remnants of the B Army Group. ??????B??

    Marshal Bryan nced at the others and let out a silent sigh before speaking: ¡°General Sheeplin has vowed that he would defend the Coastal Fortress to the death.¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°But what good would that do? Long before Bolsk fell, Rocossov had already blocked thend routes, effectively surrounding what¡¯s left of the A Army Group.¡±

    "And our proud White Sea Fleet has actually lost a heavy cruiser, two light cruisers, and 11 destroyers within ten days! Plus 31 merchant ships!¡±

    The Naval Marshal Duncan nced at Duke Meyer and said, ¡°The Air Force has not been providing us with enough aerial support! The enemy¡¯s bomberse and go as they please!¡±

    Duke Meyer: ¡°The Air Force has deployed over a thousand sorties of fighters in the past ten days! We¡¯ve been tied up by the Antean Air Force! The enemy¡­ the enemy has started to have ace pilots too! They¡¯re not the weak force we used to hunt down like birds anymore! Besides, they even have ace pilots from the Federation aiding them!¡±

    Duke Meyer stopped, wiped the sweat off his brow, and continued: ¡°And that damn Witch, who has given us enough trouble in the aerial battles over the United Kingdom, is now fighting in Antean skies!¡±

    "Enough!¡± the Emperor chastised, ¡°Enough! Send a suicide squad right now to extract all the senior officers from Army Group A.¡±

    Celtic Marshal: ¡°All of them? Without their leaders, the remaining two hundred thousand men of the Army Group will be like a dragon without a head

    Emperor: ¡°We can¡¯t let the Anteans capture our senior officers anymore, you fool! Extract them all! It¡¯s best to pull out all the officers above the rank of divisionmander! Go and take care of this! I need to be alone for a while, everybody out!¡±

    The crowd exchanged nces, then turned and left the room, one after another.

    On the night of January 31, General Steiermark was drinking alone in the Headquarters when suddenly the door burst open, and several officers from the Asgard Knights d in ck leather entered the room.

    The General looked up at them and sneered, ¡°What, are you here to show me some honor?¡±

    "No, His Majesty demands that all officers above the rank of divisionmander retreat by ne. The night flight is here for this reason.¡±

    The General raised his ss: ¡°I¡¯m not going anywhere.¡±

    The officer leading the Knights nced at two subordinates, who then rushed over, disarmed the General, and hoisted him up.

    "What are you doing? I¡¯m a General of the Empire! How dare you! Let go of me! I want to share life and death with my troops! Insolence, let go of me!¡±

    The General was carried out like that, and the retreating Knights even took away his coat.

    At the heart of Prosens, the Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    The generals gathered again at the door of the war room one dayter. Celtic Marshal asked the guarding Giles: ¡°How is the Emperor?¡±

    Giles looked worried: ¡°He ate, but he hasn¡¯t slept. If it reallyes down to it, we might have to ask his sister for help; her words always have effect

    Right as he finished speaking, the then Emperor came out of the door.

    Suddenly, there wasplete silence.

    The Emperor looked at the Celtic Marshal: ¡°Initiate the mobilization order, start total national mobilization.¡±

    The generals present were stunned as they had repeatedly urged the Emperor to mobilize before and had been refused.

    Emperor: ¡°Why are you standing there stupified? Even I know that we can¡¯t go on without mobilization after losing a million troops at once.¡±@@novelbin@@

    The Emperor sighed deeply: ¡°If we mobilize now, we might still be able to negotiate a ceasefire. At worst, we could give Mnia to the Anteans.¡±

    The crowd exchanged nces again, and the Celtic Marshal was the first to reply: ¡°I will go to prepare for the mobilization. I¡¯ll take my leave.¡±

    Bryan: ¡°And I!¡±

    The others followed suit, running off as if they were fleeing, leaving only Giles behind.

    The Emperor¡¯s close friend spoke softly: ¡°Take some rest, Angeloni (the Emperor¡¯s sister) will worry.¡±

    "Uh-huh,¡± replied the Emperor.

 Chapter 662: Sunrise

    Chapter 662: Chapter 103: Sunrise

    February 3, 916, remnants of Army Group A of Prosen surrendered to Ante Troops.

    On the same day, Wang Zhong issued an order to the entire Abawahan Front Army to attack Shepetovka, pushing the severely weakened but not yet recovered Group B,pletely ignoring the Eleventh Army Group that had suffered heavy losses and was hunkered down in the Coastal Fortress.

    His intention was clear, to get as close as possible to Shepetovka before the spring thaw made the muddy period arrive.

    After all, since they had left Nan¡¯ant, the infrastructure within Kazarlia should have supported Meishikin, Duke of Shepetovka, in his retreat to Bolsk two years earlier, which meant it should also be able to support a major counter-push now.

    His headquarters moved day and night toward Shepetovka, eager to get ahead of the troops.

    However, the temperature rose faster than his exhausted troops could advance.

    Winter arrived exceptionally early in 915, and the spring of 916 also came slightly earlier.

    By February 12, the temperature in some areas rose above freezing, and by February 22, quite a bit of snow had melted, even revealing the ground in some ces.Despite this, Wang Zhong continued to urge the Abawahan Front Army to advance toward Shepetovka, seizing every hour before the arrival of the mud.

    At 0730 on February 26, on the road to Shepetovka, right in the middle of the ins.

    The convoy of the Abawahan Front Army Headquarters suddenly stopped.

    Wang Zhong woke up startled and looked at Ludm beside him, who also seemed to have just woken up.

    He pulled off the nket, put on his military cap, and got out of the car.

    As soon as his boots touched the ground, he stepped into the mud with a squelch.

    "Damn it, General Mud, why do you have to arrive so soon!¡± Wang Zhong muttered.

    Just then, Vasily came up, wading through the mud, and said to Wang Zhong, ¡°A tank has broken down upfront, blocking the road. We¡¯re trying to get them out right now.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go take a look.¡±

    He turned back to Ludm in the car, ¡°I¡¯m going to check out what¡¯s happening upfront, stay in the car and don¡¯t move, the road is all muddy.¡±

    "Hmm,¡± Ludm nodded gently, clearly still groggy.

    Wang Zhong, followed by Vasily, rushed to the front of the convoy, and halfway there, Pavlov and Popov also joined in, all trudging through the mud.

    Pavlov, ¡°It¡¯s no use, the mud has arrived, about a week earlier than usual, which is normal. We should stop the attack now and just hold our position. It¡¯s good timing, as our troops have already severely depleted their ammunition, and the equipment condition has reached dangerous levels. Besides, everyone is exhausted.¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°It seems the second phase of the winter offensive has to stop here.¡±

    He indeed wanted to advance, but objective conditions didn¡¯t allow it. Continuing to force an advance might put his own troops in danger.

    Stopping and waiting for summer to arrive was the right decision.

    Popov tried to console Wang Zhong, ¡°Think about the brilliant results we¡¯ve achieved in the winter offensive. The Federation¡¯s newspapers are iming it surpasses the great victory at Agrekusov that Prosen achieved two years ago. ????£Î?¦Â¨º??

    "This victory marks the beginning, and now no one will doubt that we will win the final victory. Even the Empire of Prosen has had to start general mobilization!¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression was extremely serious, ¡°Prosen has started general mobilization, and then neither side will be able to move for the next three months, which will just allow their mobilization to transform into manpower and equipment. The war has not yet been won,rades still need to strive.¡±

    As they spoke, they arrived at the crux of where the convoy had stopped: a T34W tank was stuck in the mud,pletely blocking the road.

    The tank¡¯s engine ran normally, and the driver was trying hard to get the tracks to move, hoping to use the tank¡¯s own power to escape the mire.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Get something to help, and see if there are any trees nearby, chop some to put underneath!¡±

    Vasily immediately turned and ran off.

    Wang Zhong wanted to continue directing everyone, but suddenly stopped.

    Because at that moment, the dawn broke in the east, and the weak light allowed him to see the mud on the tank¡¯s tracks was ck.

    ck mud.

    The fertile ck earth!

    He brushed past Popov, who was blocking him, left the main road, and rushed into the still barren in.

    Everywhere the eye could see was dark soil, made all the darker under the contrast of the lingering patches of white snow.

    He turned around, intending to go back for the soil-filled lunch box, but saw Ludm holding the lunch box, standing not far behind him.

    The girl gently raised her hand and shook the iron lunch box she held.

    Wang Zhong took the lunch box, carefully loosening the metal hoop on top, took a deep breath, and then slowly opened it.

    The ck soily quietly inside the lunch box. He shook the box slightly, and a bit of the ck soil spilled out, vanishing before it even hit the ground, like a drop of water lost in the vast ocean.

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t even need to shift to a bird¡¯s-eye view to confirm¡ªhe knew he was standing on the soil of Kazarlia¡ªthe real soil of Kazarlia.

    He even felt as though he could feel the breathing of the fertile ck soil through the thick soles of his boots.

    His nostrils filled with the scent of morning dew.

    The predawn light in the east grew brighter, and above this light, clouds disyed a ze-like color.

    Wang Zhong intended to pour out all the soil from the lunch box, but as his hand was about to move, he hesitated. He now felt a slight reluctance to part with the soil of his homnd that had apanied him through two harsh winters.@@novelbin@@

    In the morning light, Wang Zhong vaguely saw General Rocossov and Crown Prince Ivan.

    They were talking as usual, their mouths opening and closing.

    But this time, Wang Zhong listened intently.

    General Rocossov: ¡°You did it.¡±

    Ivan: ¡°I knew you could.¡±

    In that moment, a golden light appeared on the horizon, and the apparitions of the two men shattered, breaking into countless fragments that scattered in the rising sun.

    Warm sunlight descended on the earth, driving away darkness and gloom.

    Wherever the sunlight reached, Wang Zhong heard the sound of seeds sprouting and buds eagerly growing, ready to dere the arrival of spring to the world.

    He stood in the warm sun, feeling the spring breeze on his face.

    Two harsh winters had passed, and his frozen homnd was reviving once again.

    Wang Zhong flipped his hand, turning the lunch box upside down. The soil fell like a waterfall,nding on the dark soil of his homnd.

    This time, I will not leave again.

    This time, I will drive out all the invaders and then advance into their country, onto theirnd.

    Just then, the sound of an engine came from the sky, and Wang Zhong shifted to a bird¡¯s-eye view, immediately spotting a PO-2 bine flying towards the morning light.

    The airne swooped over Wang Zhong¡¯s head, skillfully turned in the air, and approached the spot where Wang Zhong stood¡ªbecause of their excellent takeoff andnding abilities, PO-2s were often used by the Russians asmuter vehicles or as messengers.

    The airnended on the ground, sliding on the muddy surface, and finally stopped due to too much mud building up on its wheels, nosediving forward.

    "Sukabule!¡± cursed the officer who sat in the back of the ne, jumping out with a briefcase and heading towards Wang Zhong.

    The pilot climbed out of the ne a momentter, for the wings of the bine usually meant that pilots would exit after the passengers in such crashndings.

    The visitor was a Colonel who came up to Wang Zhong and snapped to attention, but the force of his stomp sent mud flying high.

    "General Rocossovsky, salute!¡± the Colonel said.

    Wang Zhong handed the empty lunch box back to Ludm, who was behind him, and then returned the salute, ¡°Salute to you, what brings you here?¡±

    "Orders from the Supreme Command Department and His Majesty the Tsar. Themand has decided to reorganize the Abawahan Front Army and the Mountain Corps into the First Front Army of Kazarlia, with you as Commander, Admiral Pavlov as Chief of Staff, and Admiral Popov as Military Bishop. That¡¯s all.¡±

    Wang Zhong took the orders, nced over them.

    "I have received the orders,¡± he looked at the ne, ¡°It seems you can¡¯t go back. Join me for breakfast at my headquarters.¡±

    The Colonel nced at the motorcade behind Wang Zhong: ¡°Your¡­ headquarters has breakfast?¡±

    Wang Zhong turned and looked back, saying, ¡°There should be, the next vige is only about ten kilometers away, we¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

    He hesitated, then repeated, ¡°We¡¯ll be there soon.¡±

 Chapter 663: Brewing

    Chapter 663: Chapter 1 Brewing

    March 10, 1916, Pronovka Vige, the Headquarters of the First Front Army of the Antean Kazarlia.

    Wang Zhong entered the headquarters cursing and mumbling, pulled over a chair by the door, picked up a small tool that was leaning against the shoe cab, and began to clean the mud off his boots.

    Pavlov: ¡°Setting up headquarters in such a medium-sized vige means having to endure the mud. If the headquarters had been set up in Bolsk, you could have walked on asphalt to get here.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Forget it, that would have put us too far from the front line. Generals being far from the front line, and from their troops, means being very close to defeat, very close.¡±

    Pavlov shrugged his shoulders and changed the subject: ¡°Today there¡¯s still no anomaly, the ammunition stockpiling speed is below expectation but it¡¯s not a big problem, we still have two months to continue increasing the ammunition.

    "The Prosen side is also very quiet, the front line reported that the Prosen forces sent out a patrolst night, and there was a low intensity skirmish with our troops.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Keep an eye on the frequency of enemy patrols. Although I believe the enemy won¡¯tunch an attack during the muddy season, but¡­ what if there¡¯s any change? How¡¯s the intelligence from within Prosen?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°The routine report early yesterday morning mentioned that since Prosen began its total mobilization, it is conservatively estimated that three million young people have enlisted in the military, most of the new recruit training camps are at full capacity, and factories have also begun operating day and night."ording to intelligence obtained by the Allied Forces, the first batch of civilian factories willplete their conversion by the end of this month.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, he finally finished cleaning the mud off his boots, put the tools back in the shoe cab, and stomped his feet a few times on the mat by the door before walking into the headquarters feeling satisfied.

    On the north wall of the headquarters hung arge map of the Southern Front, featuring a winding front line marking the actual control line between enemy and us.

    Wang Zhong frowned upon seeing this front line.

    The outbreak of the War on Earth was because the Russians had controlled a salient, and the Sturmtiger nned to use a pincer movement to cut off the salient and annihte the Russian heavy troops entrenched there.

    Now, the experience from Earth was useless, because on the map in front of Wang Zhong, it was the Prosen forces that controlled the salient.

    The Antean Army had absolutely no control over any salient on the Southern Front.

    This made it impossible to predict where Prosen would attack.

    But the Prosen forces would definitely attack, because their military doctrines and traditions made them firmly believe that to win the war, they must attack. ?§Ñ??B§¦S?

    Wang Zhong had been pondering these past few days where and how the enemy would attack.

    Popov: ¡°You¡¯ve been meditating in front of that map for days now, but I think instead of blindly guessing the enemy¡¯s direction of attack from the map, it would be better to take a closer look at aerial photos.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re right, I should personally conduct a reconnaissance to see how the enemy troops are assembling.¡±

    Popov: ¡°I told you to look at aerial photos, not to go scouting yourself! Besides, haven¡¯t you already scouted several times? It seems you didn¡¯t find anything new about the enemy¡¯s movements.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I need to scout more until I find the enemy¡¯s new movements. Where is Amelia?¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Haven¡¯t seen her today. Also, the Air Force reported that the airfield was bombed by the Prosen Air Force yesterday evening, and they are still repairing the runway, so nes can¡¯t take off for the time being.¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed helplessly.

    At this very moment, inside Wang Zhong¡¯s dormitory.

    "Here, I heard that people from the United Kingdom like to drink tea, this tea is from Yeburg.¡± Ludm held an exquisitely carved teapot and poured a cup for Amelia, ¡°Do people from the United Kingdom add milk and other things to their tea? I¡¯m not very clear, so I prepared it the same way as for coffee.¡±

    Amelia: ¡°No need, I prefer it in.¡±

    She lifted the cup and gently sipped.

    Ludm: ¡°I¡¯ve actually wanted to talk to you for a while, but the fighting has been fierce, and I heard that you have to take off every day to meet the enemy, and even apany him on personal scouting missions.@@novelbin@@

    "I also have to be on duty next to the Divine Arrow, so I just couldn¡¯t find the time.¡±

    Amelia: ¡°I have no inappropriate thoughts about your husband, he is indeed very outstanding, but

    "You misunderstood.¡± Ludmughed, ¡°I just wanted to thank you. I heard that he still let you take off in that red Pe-3 knowing that the enemy would set an ambush, using you as bait? That¡¯s too much, I scolded him harshly for that!¡±

    Wang Zhong suddenly started sneezing, one after another, each with a tremor that seemed to shake the earth.

    Popov: ¡°In my homnd, sneezing like this means someone is cursing you.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°It must be the Prosen people, you wiped out a million of their troops in the winter campaign, forcing them into total mobilization, they must hate you to death.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hmm, let them have their verbal satisfaction. This summer campaign, I¡¯m going topletely break their bones!¡±

    Amelia: ¡°I¡¯m actually very grateful to him for arranging opportunities to increase mybat achievements, although in the end I only added one more downed ne. But

    Miss Witch stopped because she noticed Ludm¡¯s meaningful smile.

    "I want to reiterate,¡± Amelia raised her voice, ¡°I do indeed have special feelings for Rocossov, but that¡¯s because he might be the only one of my kind in this world.¡±

    Ludm looked surprised, ¡°Eh? What do you mean?¡±

    Amelia exined seriously, ¡°You¡¯re also a user of mystical powers, so I can speak frankly with you, and you should understand. I can sense threat and hostility; I definitely know when an enemy is diving towards me, and I¡¯ll know where they¡¯reing from!¡±

    "Your husband has the same ability; he knows where the enemy is. During reconnaissance, he knows where to take photos, and the films from his reconnaissance flights are all filled with valuable enemy targets.¡±

    Ludm tilted her head, ¡°Hmm, ever since he was bombed by a 380mm shell in Ronied, I felt that he had changed.¡±

    Amelia asked, ¡°How many millimeters?¡±

    ¡°380mm, from the main gun of the battleship that your Royal Air Force¡¯s Lancaster sank. He was the only one who survived¡ªat least, almost the only one. Oh right, some duchess¡¯s lover survived too.¡±

    Amelia: ¡°What? A lover?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Yes, some nobles survived the purge after the civil war and brought some bad customs with them. I am a follower of the Secr faction and don¡¯t have such inclinations; he¡¯s the only one for me.¡±

    Amelia: ¡°Oh.¡±

    Then silence fell.

    Feeling awkward, Amelia brought the conversation back on track: ¡°Anyway, Rocossov and I are of the same kind, unlike you. We both use non-scientific powers. Meeting him felt like finally encountering a fellow countryman. That¡¯s all.¡±

    "I think you might have misunderstood something, I really just wanted to express my gratitude to you,¡± Ludm elegantly sipped her tea.

    Amelia also picked up her teacup¡ªshe hadn¡¯t touched it since the beginning.

    After taking a gentle sip, the girl from United Kingdom sincerelyplimented, ¡°This tea is rather good.¡±

    "Of course, it was specially sent over by your embassy during New Year¡¯s.¡±

    Amelia: ¡°You¡¯re using top-quality ck tea, a gift from our embassy, as a gesture of thanks to me?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Yes, any problem with that?¡±

    "Not really. By the way, what¡¯s the deal between Rocossov and His Majesty the Tsar?¡±

    "His Majesty probably likes my husband; he just views His Majesty as a younger sister. After all, he is entrusted by the former Crown Prince. My husband is a man of deep loyalty.¡±

    "Ah, I see,¡± Amelia responded and then both women simultaneously sipped their tea.

    Empire of Prosen, Belka Tank Testing Ground.

    A re-designed Model 6 tank made its way to the center of the testing field, marked by a Red g, and then all its crew members disembarked and ran toward a nearby bunker in a single file.

    A Whirlwind Tank Destroyer stopped 600 meters away from the new prototype. A Prosen majormanding the tank confirmed that all the prototype¡¯s tank operators had entered the bunker before raising his hand and chopping it down forcefully.

    The Whirlwind fired.

    The 100mm gun¡¯s muzzle sh swallowed the ground around the destroyer.

    The prototype tank remained stationary, seemingly undamaged.

    From a distance in an observation bunker, the Imperial Emperor put down his binocrs, ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look.¡±

    He took the lead out of the bunker, climbed onto an already running barrel cart.

    The barrel cart immediately sped off towards the prototype, followed by two motorcycles and a half-tracked vehicle carrying a squad of soldiers.

    The Emperor, unable to contain his impatience, alighted from the still-moving cart and walked up to the prototype, his eyes fixated on the bullet holes on the front of the vehicle.

    The Armored Corps Director, General Moochi, caught up and said, ¡°Your Majesty, when we repaired this enemy¡¯s new assault gun, we used quite a bit of our own technology, and our own shells were used for the shells; ording to previous tests, the Anteans¡¯ shells have a lower pration due to the quality of their gunpowder

    The Emperor interrupted, ¡°Do not make excuses!¡±

    Giles also advised, ¡°600 meters is rather a short distance. We¡¯ve tested another enemy assault gun wreckage, and the new Model 6 tank equipped with a 10.5 cm gun can prate the enemy¡¯s front at 1500 meters; the newly deployed Big Max self-propelled anti-tank gun uses this artillery, and indeed it can exchange fire with the Whirlwind.¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°What about Rocossov¡¯s new heavy tank? Can it withstand it too? Our new tank must resist the Antean 100mm gun attack at 600 meters, understand? Redesign it, increase frontal protection!¡±

    General Moochi: ¡°The new Model 6 is already sixty-six tons; adding more defense would exceed seventy tons, too heavy, inconvenient whether for transport or long-distance mobility.

    "Considering the enemy¡¯s new assault guns and the new heavy tanks are very rare, I believe just being able to withstand a 76mm gun like the T34 is sufficient

    "No!¡± the Emperor cut off the Armored Corps Director, ¡°By our June offensive, we need a new tank that can perfectly crush all of Ante¡¯s armored vehicles, to serve as our main breakthrough force! Now go check the self-propelled anti-tank gun!¡±

 Chapter 664: The Summer Campaign Plan of the Empire of Prosen

    Chapter 664: Chapter 2 The Summer Campaign n of the Empire of Prosen

    Belka Test Ground, Site Two.

    The new assault gun had justpleted its driving test and came to a stop in front of the group that included the Emperor.

    The officer who had personally driven the assault gun climbed out of the hatch,nded lightly, adjusted his uniform, and then saluted the Emperor, ¡°Your Majesty, the new assault gun performed well. I hope it can be distributed to the soldiers soon!¡±@@novelbin@@

    The Emperor asked, ¡°Did it withstand the enemy¡¯s 100-gun barrage?¡±

    "Yes, and its mobility and reliability are currently quite impressive.¡±

    Maintenance, however, was overlyplicated, but this was not something anyone would directly mention in front of the Emperor.

    "Very well,¡± the Emperor nodded, ¡°We have three to four months before our attack isunched, we must produce them quickly and deploy them into battle!¡±

    General Ma Qi frowned, ¡°The assault guncks a turret; it¡¯s not suitable for offensivebat. When Rocossov used his assault guns, he mainly deployed them defensively, rarely in offense."Even if used in an attack, they serve as long-range support fire, with the T34 tanks taking the forefront.¡±

    The Emperor turned to look at the Armored Corps Director, ¡°Are you suggesting that I misnamed this vehicle?¡±

    "Uh, no, not at all.¡±

    The Emperor added, ¡°You just mentioned Rocossov did use his assault guns in an offensive manner, so we might consider his tactics.¡±

    General Ma Qi replied, ¡°That would be difficult, as their assault guns have mobilityparable to the T34, possibly even better. But our experimental assault gun

    The Emperor interjected, ¡°I don¡¯t understand why the Anteans can achieve high defensive capabilities with so little weight, and why can¡¯t we?¡±

    An academician from the Imperial Academy of Sciences, who had been listening in, interjected, ¡°ording to our calctions, Rocossov¡¯s new heavy tank should be sixty tons, roughly the same as our new tanks.¡±

    (Actually, it¡¯s forty tons.)

    The Emperor remarked, ¡°Yet, his new tanks have already been racing across the battlefield, even leaving our soldiers psychologically scarred! This was supposed to be the impact our No. 6 tank had on the battlefield! The Anteans¡¯ soldiers should be fearing our No. 6 tank, just as they fear our Empire itself!

    "Instead, it¡¯s our soldiers who are fearing the creations of Ante, a nation not known for its technological strength! Everyone at the Imperial Academy of Sciences, the Imperial Design Institute, should feel ashamed!¡±

    The academician nodded repeatedly.

    Then, Duke Meyer, Marshal of the Air Force, said, ¡°Our Air Force¡¯s new fighter jets have recently begun to equip the troops, ensuring we canpletely secure air superiority.¡±

    The Emperor slightly frowned, ¡°Equipped already? Wasn¡¯t it reportedst time that the first flight would be in April?¡±

    "Uh, not the jet one, but the Ta-152, which is an upgrade over the Focke-Wulf 190. It performs better, especially at higher altitudes

    Before he could finish, air raid sirens began to sound.

    The Emperor¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, ¡°An air raid during the day? Doesn¡¯t the Royal Air Force¡¯s rats only dare to raid our cities at night?¡±

    Before he finished speaking, a messenger on a motorcycle raced up to the Emperor, dismounted, and saluted, ¡°Report! Multiple observation posts and radar stations of the Empire have detected arge formation of aircraft heading ind.¡±

    Duke Meyer, sweating profusely, stated, ¡°This is unprecedented, but I have already deployed enough fighter squadrons to dominate the skies; they won¡¯t seed.¡± ???N??¨º?

    Army generals all gave sidelong nces at the corpulent former ace pilot (Marshal Meyer was once an ace pilot).

    Suddenly, anti-aircraft guns near the test ground opened fire.

    The Emperor, along with generals and scientists, turned their heads towards the direction of the anti-air positions, then looked up together.

    The first batch of shells had already burst into ck clumps in the sky, indicating the explosions were at a considerable height.

    Shortly after, numerous white trails appeared; the Emperor realized a secondter they were contrails from high-flying aircraft.

    The trails were clearly visible at three to four different altitudes, densely stacked on top of one another.

    Giles eximed, ¡°This flight path, it¡¯s from Plowsonia; they aim to bomb the capital!¡±

    While wiping his forehead with a handkerchief, Duke Meyer remarked, ¡°Just from what we¡¯re seeing, there¡¯s more than 300 aircraft. How could there be such arge formation! Didn¡¯t Rabowell report that the Federation has only 1000 heavy bombers nationwide? And now they¡¯ve deployed a third all at once?¡±

    The Emperormanded, ¡°Get all civilians in Berlin into air-raid shelters. My Air Force Commander, where¡¯s the interception?¡±

    "Over there!¡± a general¡¯s deputy officer shouted, ¡°Coming from the Northeast!¡±

    Everyone¡¯s attention turned back to the sky.

    Indeed, there was a line of white streaks approaching therge formation from the northeast.

    "Howe there are only so few?¡± the Emperor asked again.

    Duke Meyer replied, ¡°It looks like this is already a squadron of fighters. Not a few, not a few, Your Majesty!¡±

    The white streaks of fighters plunged into the dense formation of bombers, and from the ground, the defensive firepowerwork of the bombers was not visible, leaving everyone helpless but to watch the progress of the situation closely.

    By now, the sky had turned into a melee.

    The bombers in tight formation fired intense firepower at the Prosenian fighters trying to intercept them.

    Thetest model of the B17 bomber was virtually a flying porcupine, bristling with self-defense cannons and machine guns, and the firepower of one ne could perhaps outmatch that of an Empire of Fusang destroyer.

    The dense formation of more than three hundredrge aircraft unleashed a super high density of firepower, as several Prosenian fighters caught fire and plummeted to the ground in thick smoke.

    The pilots of the Eighth Air Force had trained on their homnd for over half a year, and their marksmanship was guaranteed. Moreover, the defensive firepower of the bombers and the ground-based anti-aircraft firepower had simr tasks, both aimed at driving away enemy aircraft and forcing the enemy to abandon their attack.

    As the enemy aircraft charged in, the formation also entered the firework of ground-based anti-aircraft guns.

    If they were nes from the Royal Air Force, they would mostly choose to evade the ground anti-aircraft gunfire and engage in a battle of wits with the gunners.

    However, the Federation¡¯s Air Force adopted apletely different strategy. The generals believed that at the flying altitude of the formation, the fixed anti-aircraft fire from Prosen wouldn¡¯t be very effective, and maintaining a tight formation was better to counter the threat from enemy fighters.

    Thus, over 300 bombers just dived headlong into the area where shells were exploding continuously.

    Just as the generals had stated, the enemy¡¯s anti-aircraft fire was hardly urate¡ªit was also unlikely to be urate, as ground attacks on bombers flying at that height generally just aimed ording to the parameters issued by anti-aircraftmanders and fired based on those parameters.

    Even if a bomber was indeed shot down, the ground anti-aircraft units wouldn¡¯t know of their achievement, as it was uncertain whose shell had taken out the bomber.

    The Emperor of Prosen maintained a posture of looking up, watching the enemy¡¯s formation of bombers disappear from view.

    Only after the anti-aircraft guns ceased firing did he divert his attention.

    The Emperor¡¯s expression was very grim.

    The Emperor said, ¡°The Federation has started bombing our industrial cities. If the Air Force does not exert effort, our industry will soon grind to a halt. But for now, let¡¯s forget the Federation¡¯s brazen daylight bombing and return to Wolf¡¯s Lair to review our offensive ns!¡±

    Wolf¡¯s Lair was far from Plowsonia and naturally also far from the Belka Test Ground.

    The Wolf¡¯s Lair was also the code name for the secret sleeping quarters of the Emperor of Plowsonia and served as his wartime headquarters.

    An hour and a halfter, the Emperor led a group of generals into the grand conference room of the Wolf¡¯s Lair, where maps had already been prepared by the staff, and drafts of the operation ns were ced on the table ording to the number of attendees.

    After the generals were seated, the Emperor spoke, ¡°Last year and the year before, we tried to end the war swiftly, but our efforts failed. This summer, we will try again to end the war or at least achieve a rtively favorable peace. Celtic Marshal, it is your turn to speak.¡±

    The Celtic Marshal stood up, picked up a map stick, and approached the maps prepared by the staff: ¡°Gentlemen, to achieve His Majesty¡¯s goal, we believe the fastest way is to massively eliminate the enemy¡¯s living forces.

    "This is also more feasible than the objectives of the past two years. We were defeated by the mud and severe winter in those years because we demanded our troops drive deep and capture targets within the vast territory of Ante, which put great pressure on our logistical supply.

    "This time, we will only fight in areas easily essible by our supply lines, leading to expectably better supplies during thebat.¡±

    After the Chief of Staff finished, all the generals nodded continuously, and Duke Meyer added, ¡°The front line is very close to our well-conditioned Yonggu Airport, and the Air Force can also give their all.¡±

    The Celtic Marshal nodded, ¡°That¡¯s the situation. The shorter distance for the thrust also helps us to quickly achieve our campaign objectives. Now, the next question is which part of the enemy should we consume.

    "Currently on the front line, the Anteans have five major troop conglomerates, the most northern being the Saint Andrew Fort Army Group, followed by the Belix Army Group, Western Front Army, Shepetovka Army Group, and the most southern, the Kazakhstan Army Group.

    "Starting from the north, the Saint Andrew Fort Army Group operates in an area consisting entirely of dense forests and swamps with a densework of water bodies, making it inconvenient forrge-scale encirclement warfare.

    "The three Army Groups in the center actually merge together; they have held their region since the winter of 914, which hosts manyrge industrial cities and has many reinforced concrete fortresses built. Trying to consume a heavy troop conglomerate here is like pulling teeth from a tiger¡¯s mouth!

    "Moreover, gentlemen, please look, the entire central terrain is also not suitable for our attack because our controlled area bulges toward Ante, resembling a big

    The Celtic Marshal looked at Duke Meyer.

    The Emperor interjected, ¡°Enough, that¡¯s enough. We get your point.¡±

    The Celtic Marshal nodded, ¡°There aren¡¯t many options left, actually, there¡¯s only one, which is to upy the Kazakhstan First Front Army that holds Bolsk. The good news is, we almost had Bolsk Army Group surrounded here once but were deceived at the time, dispatching our forces toward Yeisk-Yarvik direction.

    "Now, we will not divide our forces. We will surround Rocossov¡¯s Kazakhstan Army Group here!¡±

 Chapter 665: Deep Battle Offensive

    Chapter 665: Chapter 3: Deep Battle Offensive

    Clearly, the senior officers present had anticipated the objectives of the summer campaign, so after Celtic Marshal finished speaking, everyone remained quite calm.

    Marshal Geron of the Southern Group Army, who had rushed back from the front to attend the meeting, nced at the others, cleared his throat, and said, ¡°My Army Group does not have enough forces to encircle Rocossov¡¯s army of a million.¡±

    (Marshal Geron was the originalmander of Army Group B. After the annihtion of Army Group A, his Army Group was reorganized into the new Southern Group Army.)

    The Emperor: ¡°Of course, you will receive reinforcements. Now that over a month has passed since total mobilization began, by this June, we are expected to add 50 entirely new divisions, of which you will receive the majority!¡±

    Marshal Geron frowned tightly: ¡°How is that possible? It takes at least six months just toplete the training of new recruits.¡±

    "It¡¯s not new recruits. New recruits won¡¯t graduate until September,¡± Celtic Marshal cut in, ¡°These 50 divisions will be made up of soldiers aged 24 to 30 who have already been discharged. Some of them even participated in the Mnia campaign. Three months of refresher training should be enough to restore them to their pre-discharge levels.¡±

    Marshal Geron nodded slightly, seeming to ept this exnation, but then immediately said, ¡°However, current intelligence indicates that Rocossov has at least 1.2 millionbatants, and after three months of replenishment, there will certainly be more. Giving me just 50 divisions, I¡¯m afraid

    The Emperor stood up: ¡°What are you afraid of? We have always had an advantage in individual soldier quality. In the first two years of the war, we always maintained a significant advantage in the casualty exchange rate! Even if Rocossov annihted so many of our troopsst year, we still held the upper hand!"Based on our experience from the past two years, when our forces are equal to the Anteans, we can achieve very impressive results!¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Your Majesty, the enemy is also learning from the war. As those of usmanding troops at the front can attest, we indeed feel the enemy¡¯sbat strength is growing.

    "I have reviewed many summaries ofbat experience submitted by frontline units. Frontline troops universally regard Antean soldiers as brave and tenacious adversaries. Compare this with reports from two years ago when frontline officers merely admired the Anteans¡¯ courage.¡±

    The Emperor hesitated before speaking and ultimately sighed: ¡°You will receive more troops. We will ensure you have three times the number of troops Rocossov has.¡±

    Marshal Geron¡¯s frown remained tight: ¡°But can logistics keep up?¡±

    Celtic Marshal: ¡°Of course, they can. Since September of 914, we¡¯ve been building roads and apanying guard posts in Kazarlia. The new road system is progressively beingpleted, and a widespreadwork of guard posts has significantly reduced guerri activities.

    "This is also why we chose the Southern Front as the strategic decisive direction. The Northern Front has its roads as well, but swamps and dense forests offer advantages to guerris that we cannotpletely eliminate.¡±

    Marshal Geron¡¯s brow rxed slightly, but he still asked with much concern: ¡°Assembling so many troops, Rocossov will certainly notice. What if heys a trap?¡±

    The Emperor took over the conversation again: ¡°In the past two years, Rocossov¡¯s victories have exploited our overextended supply lines, in addition to taking advantage of mud and harsh winters. This time we¡¯re not battling him in winter and we won¡¯t be far from our supply centers, nor dispersing our forces¡ªall of which I¡¯ve told you before.¡±

    "Indeed, that was said. And it was mentioned even before the summer campaign¡¯s objective of targeting Rocossov¡¯s Front Army was revealed,¡± said Marshal Rundstedt, the new Army Commander.

    After the disastrous winter campaign, Marshal Bryan had ¡°resigned to take responsibility.¡±

    The Emperor: ¡°We have reviewed our experiences and made targeted adjustments. This time Rocossov won¡¯t win so easily! Besides, we have more improvements, such as not attacking fortified cities. This time we will employ a strategy of encirclement without assault,pletely avoiding Rocossov¡¯s meticulously constructed defenses!

    "This time, we will battle Rocossov in the wilderness! Completely crushing him!¡±

    As he spoke, the Emperor clenched his fists and pounded on the table.

    March 18, 916, Northwest airspace of Yarvik.

    The red Pe-3 reconnaissance ne was flying at an altitude of 3000 meters, sweeping across the fields of Kazarlia.

    Wang Zhong was intently observing the Prosens units highlighted on the ground.

    In his focus, he almost missed hearing Amelia¡¯s words in his earphones.

    Amelia: ¡°Your wife, she invited me for tea.¡±

    Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t been paying attention, but suddenly caught the unusual nuance in her words: ¡°What?¡±

    "Your wife, she invited me for tea,¡± Amelia repeated.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh, she¡¯s probably just grateful you¡¯ve been protecting me. She mentioned she wanted to thank you for saving my life in Bs.¡±

    "Oh, I just remembered that,¡± Amelia blurted out.

    "Uh, she didn¡¯t mention it?¡±

    "Not at all, absolutely not.¡±

    Wang Zhong began to sweat behind his back; every few days he and Amelia were alone together in a confined space, had Ludm grown jealous?

    Amelia: ¡°I told her I¡¯m now your only partner.¡±

    What on earth are you saying!? Don¡¯t say things that can be so easily misunderstood! No, it¡¯s words that can be easily misunderstood!

    Amelia: ¡°She actually expressed understanding.¡±

    What does she understand?

    Amelia: ¡°She was soposed. I thought there was going to be a fierce argument.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Oh, good, it¡¯s nice that there were no disputes.¡±

    Amelia changed the subject: ¡°So, have you spotted any signs of the enemy¡¯s future moves?¡±

    "No, it currently just looks like normal rest and reorganization, and the unit designations don¡¯t seem to have increased¡ªI mean, it doesn¡¯t look like they have.¡± ???¦­?£Â¨º??

    Amelia: ¡°You can even get a feel for the unit designations? That¡¯s pretty magical isn¡¯t it?¡±

    It was fortunate Amelia was a Witch; she didn¡¯t seem particrly surprised.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°It¡¯s just a vague feeling. If there are new designations, suddenly I get this sense of ¡®Oh, there are neers stationed here.

    "I get it, I get it. It¡¯s like when I¡¯ve been dueling with the same ace from Prosen for a long time and suddenly a newbie joins in, I¡¯d feel like ¡®Who are you to meddle in our fight? Amelia shared her experiences cheerily.

    Wang Zhong breathed a sigh of relief.

    Amelia asked again: ¡°So, we still don¡¯t know where the enemy ns to attack?¡±

    "Yeah, we can¡¯t definitively determine where the enemy will attack, so let¡¯s make our move instead,¡± said Wang Zhong. ¡°Our troops are much more elitepared to two years ago, and our weaponry and organization have matured a lot. It¡¯s time to take back the initiative.¡±

    Wang Zhong concluded the reconnaissance flight and handed the photos over to the Air Force, then he and Amelia took a car back to the Headquarters¡¯ log cabin.

    At the entrance, he saw another Willys Jeep with five stars.

    Stars on a Jeep wasn¡¯t that a Federation custom? A Jeep for an admiral would have five stars.

    Amelia also saw the Jeep: ¡°So many stars, isn¡¯t that a custom of Federation generals?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, I wonder which general hase to visit. Let¡¯s go in and see.¡±

    Saying this, he lifted the heavy door curtain and entered the Headquarters.

    Then he heard General Gorky¡¯s voice: ¡°I was nning to meet with Rocossov at Yeburg, but he didn¡¯t return. He actually didn¡¯t go back to see his son!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Because I¡¯ve been constantly worried about the enemy¡¯s next main thrust.¡±

    As he spoke, he walked toward General Gorky, extending his hand: ¡°It¡¯s been a while, Gorky Davarish.¡±

    Gorky stood up and took Wang Zhong¡¯s hand: ¡°It¡¯s been a while. You had a tough timest year, but the counterattack went well, eliminating one million of the enemy! They should give you a marshal¡¯s medal! You should have received it when you captured the marshal!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I was only recently promoted to general, Olga¡ªHis Majesty the Tsar probably wanted to give it to me, but General Tugenev stopped it.¡±

    "Actually, that¡¯s nonsense. Who would object to your promotion to marshal now?¡± General Gorky let go of the hand and spread both of his arms. ¡°Who would object? Over one winter, you eliminated more Prosen troops than we did in two years!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You tter me, General Davarish. So you¡¯re just here to congratte me?¡±

    "Of course not.¡± General Gorky turned around, picked up a file bag from the table, and handed it to Wang Zhong. ¡°This is my Chief of Staff¡¯s n for the summer campaign. Last year we tried out my new tactic, and the results were quite good. While we didn¡¯t break the deadlock, it proved that my tactic worked!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, your attackst year greatly relieved our pressure. The Prosens had no choice but to pull in two Army Groups from Moravia to bolster their numbers, but the equipment of these two Army Groups was all standard Prosen, and theycked both the will and experience forbat.

    "We captured arge number of cannons, guns, and other equipment from them and used these to equip several divisions.¡±

    General Gorkyughed happily: ¡°You¡¯ve always kept an eye on the big picture! This summer, we n to give the Prosens an even tougher time! Last year during the offensive, we concentrated 20 heavy artillery pieces per kilometer along the front line. This year we¡¯re nning to double that!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Are you nning to borrow heavy breakthrough artillery divisions from me?¡±

    General Gorkyughed: ¡°How could I? The reserve Army Group has put together three such artillery divisions. I¡¯vee to discuss with you taking those three away, and the remaining assortment of artillery brigades and such, you can take more of them.¡±

    Wang Zhong in a joking tone: ¡°Alright then, you¡¯re stealing my food! Are you going topete with me for the newly formed units too?¡±

    General Gorky waved his hand dismissively: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I won¡¯t touch the units you¡¯ve pulled back for rest. I just want the newly formed units. When we start the offensive, it¡¯ll naturally disrupt the enemy¡¯s arrangement. Even if the enemy¡¯s summer campaign aims to attack you, we¡¯ll be able to share some of the pressure.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Today¡¯s aerial reconnaissance shows no signs of enemy reinforcements on the Southern Front. Prosen has been on total mobilization for two months, yet the front line troops have not increased, which is unusual. What if the enemy ns to try again in your direction?¡±

    Gorky: ¡°Once we attack, we¡¯re bound to notice. Then we¡¯ll just stop and transition to defense. Then you can step up to the te! You¡¯re itching to return to Shepetovka, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°Yes, I believe that our military¡¯s momentum has now matured enough tounch a pincer attack on Shepetovka.¡±

    "Ha ha ha,¡± General Gorkyughed heartily, pping Wang Zhong on the shoulder, ¡°you¡¯ve fully learned the Prosen¡¯s ways, pincer attacks, the exquisite art of war! What I¡¯m using ispletely the Antean tactic, and I¡¯ve named this tactic: Deep Battle!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s a good name, and I¡¯ve learned a lot from your tactics. However, I believe as Prosen mobilizes, the average quality of Prosen troops will inevitably decline due to the conscription and gradually fall. Your tactic will be increasingly effective on the vast Antean ins.

    "But as we advance into Prosen territory, the frontline will drastically shorten, the level of infrastructure will rapidly improve, and city density will increase, lessening the effectiveness of deep battle.¡±

    General Gorky¡¯s smile froze; he looked down in thought for a few seconds, then cursed: ¡°Damn Sukabule! Can¡¯t you let me boast a little longer! You¡¯re right! Bastard!¡±

    After saying that, he pped Wang Zhong on the shoulder again.

    "You¡¯re right, damn Sukabule!¡±

 Chapter 666: "Those are All Rumors

    Chapter 666: Chapter 4 ¡°Those are All Rumors

    Vasily interjected, ¡°But we need some time to counterattack back into Prosen territory, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Indeed, that¡¯s why General Gorky will have about a year left to utilize the advantage of a deep pration attack.¡±

    Vasily was startled, ¡°Eh? So we are going to fight within Prosen territory next year? Isn¡¯t that a bit soon?¡±

    At that time, the room was full of staff officers, and none could focus on their work anymore. All of them lifted their heads, unable to suppress their smiles.

    Who could contain it? The star of victory meant we¡¯d fight back in Prosen territory next year!

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I didn¡¯t say that, but¡­ by the end of this year, we might be able to reach near Mount Kalba, and next year we will be able to climb Mount Kalba!¡±

    General Gorky, originally lost in thought, immediately looked up upon hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s words, ¡°You are going to Moravia? I thought you would head straight to Plowsonia.¡±

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°Of course, I will head directly to Plowsonia; the Mnia People¡¯s Army under mymand also hopes to reim their homnd. But given the fighting capability of the Moravian troops, attacking Moravia is much simpler. Once Moravia is conquered, the Prosens willpletely lose ess to the oil fields.¡±@@novelbin@@Of course, Wang Zhong knew that Earth¡¯s Sturmtigers relied on synthetic oil after the Romanian oil fields were bombed and destroyed, yet still maintained the operation of their war machine.

    But the enemy having synthetic oil didn¡¯t mean they had no need for natural oil, and besides serving as fuel, petroleum had many uses in chemical industries. Cutting off the oil supply was not as simple as just making the enemy¡¯s tanks run out of fuel.

    General Gorkyughed loudly, ¡°Good,st year the enemy wanted to cut off our oil supply, and now you reverse their methods! Moreover, taking a detour through Moravia might indeed be a strategy to avoid the enemy¡¯s heavy forces.¡±

    While talking, he approached the map and stared at vast Kazarlia for a while and said, ¡°But if you truly reim Argesukov and advance to the foothills of Mount Kalba, there is an even more attractive direction for attack! I suspect this is your real intention!¡±

    Gorky tapped on Argesukov with a map stick and then drew a line north, ¡°Straight to the Baltic Sea, encircling both the Central Army Group and the Northern Army Group!¡±

    Wang Zhong grinned, ¡°You¡¯ve discovered it.¡±

    General Gorkyughed heartily, ¡°Taking the oil indeed could end the war, annihting the enemy¡¯s living forces could do the same! Knowing your nature, you would definitely choose to annihte the enemy¡¯s living forces! And by doing so, you also fulfill your promise to the Mnians!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Yes, the Mnia People¡¯s Army suffered a loss of seventeen thousand killed and about eleven thousand permanently disabled. And the first division of the Mnia People¡¯s Army that joined us had only fifteen thousand fighters.

    "The entire Mnia People¡¯s Army lost one-tenth of all its fighters, they shed their blood on ournd defending our country. I must repay them!¡±

    General Gorky said, ¡°I understand, I understandpletely.¡±

    The two of them stood shoulder to shoulder, looking at the map, silently in perfect ord for quite some time.

    However, Gorky changed the subject, ¡°If you don¡¯t return to Yeburg, how will you handle the development of new weapons? I¡¯ve already heard about the two new weapons used in the winter battle. The other Front Armies are also waiting for them.

    "When I was in Yeburg, General Ivan Stepanovich (Shepetovka Front Army Commander) specificallyined to me that the chairman of the Equipment Committee isn¡¯t working properly, not pushing for the mass production of new equipment, only caring about his own enjoyment.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I¡¯ve said it many times, I won¡¯t return to Yeburg without knowing the enemy¡¯s movements. Once I have a clear understanding of the enemy¡¯s main direction of attack this summer, I¡¯ll go back and take care of everything all at once.¡±

    Especially now, without Earth¡¯s history to draw upon, Wang Zhong was unsure of the next developments.

    The enemy¡¯s defeat was inevitable, but the process of this defeat could vary greatly. A small misstep could mean a lost battle and bring many unforeseen losses.

    General Gorky said, ¡°I¡¯m quite surprised that you¡¯re so worried about the enemy¡¯s next move. I always thought you had everything well under control.¡±

    That was because I had Earth¡¯s history to reference, you know, but now everything has deviated from that path.

    General Gorky said, ¡°I don¡¯t believe you have no foresight into the future!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I do have a little idea. A minute, immature conjecture.¡±

    He had always been a strategic game yer, yed a lot of games like ¡®Hearts of Iron¡¯, and after crossing over, he had umted so much experience. It would be false to say he had no clue about the possible directions of the enemy¡¯s attacks. ????????¦¥?

    He took the map stick from General Gorky and began to gesture along the battle lines, ¡°For the past two years during the summer battles, the Prosens have gained the upper hand. No, to put it conservatively, they achieved amazing victories, which emboldened the Prosen-favorable faction within the Federation.

    "I believe that the Prosen High Command might use these past two summer campaigns as a temte to formte their battle ns, avoiding the winter campaigns.¡±

    General Gorky said, ¡°Hmm, it makes sense.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Analyzing the past two summer campaigns allows us to predict their n this year. Look, the first year, their greatest victory was the encirclement at Abawahan, then they pushed Duke Meishikin back from Shepetovka to Bolsk, almost encircling the Duke.¡±

    "In the autumn, the Western Front Army almost got surrounded by the enemy, but I blocked their offensive fist.

    "The next year, they surrounded the heavy troops of our Coastal Fortress and almost encircled Duke Meishikin¡¯s Bolsk Front Army.

    "Their most splendid victories were achieved on the Southern Front, the vast ins, suitable for their armored troops to charge. But inparison, their progress in both the north and the central sectors was minimal.

    "Last year, the Northern Army Group¡¯s greatest achievement was annihting two of our armies, not even a hundred thousand men. The Central Army Group

    General Gorky said, ¡°I was always on the offensive, just without any tangible results.¡±

    "Yes,¡± Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Actually, in the northern and central lines, they made no progress, and it was for objective reasons that the Prosen High Command could not have failed to notice. Therefore, I presume that they would againunch an attack on the Southern Front. The targets could be only two, one being General Ivan Stepanovich¡¯s Shepetovka Front Army.¡±

    The Shepetovka Front Army had not upied Shepetovka, but they were always preparing to recapture the crucial industrial city.

    Once Shepetovka was retaken, the Front Army couldunch a nk attack on the enemy¡¯s Central Army Group.

    Pavlov joined the conversation, ¡°Unlikely, the position of the Shepetovka Front Army is not suitable for the Prosens who prefer pincer movements and encirclement battles to unfold.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°My Chief of Staff is right, so the only remaining option is to target me, cut off ourmunication with Yarvik, attack my nks, and surround my main forces in Bolsk.¡±

    General Gorky, looking at the map, said, ¡°The logic is clear; I have no counterarguments. But if they do this, what benefit would it bring to ending the war? For the past two years, Prosen has beenunching attacks with the goal of ending the war.

    "And this n, even if they annihte you, won¡¯t end the war, will it?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Exactly. But I ask you, do they have a way to end the war with just one sessful attack now?¡±

    General Gorky shook his head. ¡°At least I can¡¯t think of one.¡±

    Wang Zhong noted, ¡°So capturing me and then using me as a hostage to negotiate a ceasefire isn¡¯t so unimaginable.¡±

    General Gorky responded, ¡°Too naive! How could that work? At this point in the war, no matter who is lost, the war will continue until Prosen is destroyed.¡±

    Wang Zhong agreed, ¡°Exactly.¡±

    Silence once again descended.

    After several seconds, General Gorky asked, ¡°If they really doe at you, how do you n to respond? Continue to rely on fortified positions?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Consideringst year and the year before, the enemy might bypass the cities I¡¯m defending and use their armored troops for an encirclement to cut off our supply. My n is simple, deploy enough Whirlwindsbined with our tank troops on the ins to defeat them.¡±

    General Gorky paused for a few seconds, then asked, ¡°Can your new tanks be deployed on arge scale?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Probably not. By June, assembling a few heavy tank regiments will be about it; I n tomit these heavy tank regiments entirely to the tank battle.¡±

    General Gorky remarked, ¡°The tank operators are going to make sacrifices again. The Prosen Armored Troops are really tough;st year when Iunched an attack, I had to specifically order my troops to avoid direct confrontation with Prosen armored units¡ªjust report and not engage.

    "The troops were quite displeased about this, wanting to sh with Prosen armored units, but I clearly knew they couldn¡¯t handle it and would just end up as decorations on Prosen tankers¡¯ Iron Crosses.

    "Get your new tanks mass-produced!¡±

    Wang Zhong shared, ¡°At least by June your Whirlwinds will suffice; there are already several factories switching from old T34s to producing Whirlwinds.¡±

    General Gorky added, ¡°Before the winter offensive ends, my units reported spotting a new type of tank destroyer, it¡¯s got a hefty barrel; I wonder if it¡¯s meant to counter the Whirlwind.¡±

    Wang Zhong noted, ¡°The situation from the High Command also mentioned it; I even specially requested aerial photographs. The enemy¡¯s technological progress is fast indeed.¡±

    General Gorky concluded, ¡°After all, they¡¯ve always boasted about being first in science and technology. Anyway, if the enemy¡¯s real target is you, I¡¯ll wish you luck, but you¡¯ve been through these situations enough to always bloody the enemy¡¯s nose.¡±

    "Yes,¡± Wang Zhongughed, ¡°I also look forward to your offensive achieving results. If you break through the lines of the Central Army Group, the enemy¡¯s attack will disintegrate before it even begins.¡±

    General Gorky stated, ¡°I hope so. I¡¯ve got a good grasp of the overall situation; if I head back to Bolsk now, I can still catch tonight¡¯s train to Yeburg.¡±

    Wang Zhongmented, ¡°Wait a second, don¡¯t rush, have dinner before you leave.¡±

    General Gorky remarked, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your dinners, only Yegorov came back alright, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°That¡¯s all rumors; my Ceres chef is really great, everyone finds the meal delicious!¡±

 Chapter 667: Valkyrie Club

    Chapter 667: Chapter 5 Valkyrie Club

    March 20, 916, Germania, 11:00 PM (Hereafter, military time and civilian time will be distinguished, with 2300 being military time).

    Marshal Geron¡¯s vehicle had been blocked halfway.

    "What¡¯s going on?¡± he asked.

    The deputy officer immediately opened the door of the passenger seat and got out of the car, ¡°I¡¯ll go up ahead and check.¡±

    The Marshal waved his hand.

    The deputy officer quickly ran up the road.

    Just then, the car door at the Marshal¡¯s rear seat suddenly opened, and an officer dressed in a motorized troop leather jacket climbed in.

    Because motorized troops¡¯ leather jackets were particrly handsome, many officers would prepare them at their own expense, especially in Germania where colonels were asmon as carp crossing a river, and generals were everywhere¡ªofficers would spend money to procure custom, stylish military uniforms.Marshal Geron nced at the person who got into the car and said, ¡°I shouldn¡¯t know you, young man, have you gotten into the wrong car?¡±

    "No mistake, I am Colonel Belger from the High Command¡¯s Reserve Military Personnel Administration Bureau, I came specifically to see you.¡±

    Marshal Geron raised his eyebrows, ¡°What does the Reserve Management Bureau want with me? The total mobilization has started, shouldn¡¯t you be busiest now?¡±

    "Yes, which is precisely why we came to you, for the future of Prosen.¡±

    The Marshal fell silent for a second, then spoke to the driver in the front, ¡°Hank, go to the boutique tobo shop on Marine Street and buy me a box of cigarettes.¡±

    "Yes.¡± The driver immediately opened the door and ran off.

    Now only the Marshal and Colonel Belger remained in the car.

    Marshal Geron: ¡°He will be at least five minutes in getting back, and my deputy officer should join him, so you have five minutes.¡±

    Colonel Belger: ¡°Marshal, I presume you already know about thetest n. How many troops did His Majesty promise you?¡±

    Marshal Geron hesitated for a moment but then told the truth, ¡°He said he would give me three times the troops at General Rocossov¡¯s disposal.¡±

    "General Rocossov has at least one million one hundred thousand men. Even going by this minimum, most conservative estimate, they would have to cram three million three hundred thousand men for you. Even if they really mobilized so many, could they fit them on the front line? General Rocossov is still a general fond of heavy artillery¡ªwouldn¡¯t such high troop density just be fodder for heavy artillery?¡±

    Marshal Geron remained silent, eyes fixed forward.

    Colonel Belger sighed, ¡°We have a small gathering at the Valkyrie Club, if you¡¯re interested

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s impossible to deploy 3.3 million troops on the front line, even if these troops were arranged in echelons, there¡¯s not enough supply to sustain them. We all know that even Kazarlia, despite its enhanced transportation capabilities, can at most support two million troops.

    "General Rocossov¡¯s million-strong army isn¡¯t deployed all around Bolsk only, his troops start from Yarvik going up to Bolsk, and the uingbat operation is estimated to involve around one million troops.¡±

    Colonel Belger looked at Marshal Geron, ¡°So what do you make of this promise to give you three times the troops?¡±

    Marshal Geron again fell into silence.

    Colonel Belger continued, ¡°This just shows that someone¡ªI mean, His Majesty has lost the most basic judgment capabilities. He has been deranged byst year¡¯s defeats!¡± ??§¡??????

    "Don¡¯t say any more,¡± Marshal Geron interrupted Colonel Belger, ¡°My deputy officer and driver will be back soon. Step out, I¡¯ll pretend I never heard your opinion.¡±

    Colonel Belger: ¡°Have you considered the consequences of a failed attack? Have you thought about the fate of Prosen in a few years?¡±

    As he finished speaking, the deputy officer and driver had already approached, but realising something, the deputy officer grabbed the driver, and the two just stood outside the Marshal¡¯s soaring-brand luxury car.

    Marshal Geron: ¡°A soldier¡¯s duty is to obey orders. Since His Majesty has ordered me to attack Rocossov, I will attack. As for why Celtic Marshal made such an outrageous promise before His Majesty, I believe he has his difficulties too.¡±

    Colonel Belger: ¡°I am a colonel of the Reserve Management Bureau, I know the situation best. Fifty divisions can be organized, but many of them have not participated in reserve training since retiring! They¡¯ve left the army for years, how can they regainbat skills with just three months of training? Above all, they have aged! They have be corpulent in their daily lives!

    "Three months of training, and we would do well just to trim the fat off their stomachs!¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°I know, I¡¯ve been in the military for many years; you don¡¯t need to tell me these things.¡±

    Colonel Belger: ¡°And the tanks, look up at the sky now. Do you think the night is lit by lights? No, it¡¯s the enemy¡¯s bombings igniting great fires, the fires from daytime bombings haven¡¯t even extinguished yet, and the United Kingdom¡¯s nighttime bombings are about to begin!¡±

    As the sound faded, a piercing air raid siren went off, apanied by the sound of anti-aircraft guns firing.

    Looking out the car window, one could see the rays of searchlights lighting up the already red night sky.

    Colonel Belger: ¡°We do have arge number of fighter nes, but the enemy sends up hundreds of bombers at a time, forming that new formation called a ¡®box formation,¡¯ our fighter nes simply can¡¯t break through! General!¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°You should get off now, I remember your gathering address, Valkyrie Club. It¡¯s time to go.¡±

    Colonel Belger opened the car door, stepped out, and took onest look at the Marshal before he firmly shut the door.

    The Deputy Officer, seeing this, then got into the car with the driver and reported, ¡°The fire-fighting teams have blocked the road ahead, we need to find another route.¡±

    The driver then turned around and said, ¡°Marshal, your cigarettes.¡±

    The Marshal took the cigarettes, pocketed them directly, with no intention of smoking.

    At that moment, the sound of explosions came from afar.

    Deputy Officer, ¡°It sounds like they are bombing the industrial area, the tank production is going to decrease again.¡±

    Marshal, ¡°This is actually Plowsonia, two years ago if you had told me this, I definitely wouldn¡¯t have believed it. Why would the Empire of Fusang provoke the Federation?¡±

    Deputy Officer, ¡°Why did we provoke Ante?¡±

    "Don¡¯t say things that would get the Imperial Ministry to take you away. Think about your wife and children,¡± the Marshal said lightly.

    "You¡¯re right to remind me,¡± the Deputy Officer took a deep breath, still looking worriedly at the driver.@@novelbin@@

    The driver pretended as if he hadn¡¯t heard anything.

    Marshal, ¡°Is there a way to change our route?¡±

    "Yes, I found an alternative road on the side that is open. There are Constitutional Guards, but with your ID, we should be able to pass through.¡±

    "Then let¡¯s take that road,¡± Marshal Geron hesitated, ¡°Let¡¯s go straight home, not to the officers¡¯ club!¡±

    "Aren¡¯t you supposed to y bridge tonight?¡±

    Marshal Geron, ¡°Looking at the burning city outside, the crying civilians, do you expect me to y bridge and dance? No, I can¡¯t do it.¡±

    Deputy Officer, ¡°Should you be careful about saying such things in case the Imperial Ministry hears?¡±

    "And then retire like Marshal Bryan? I think that¡¯s quite fine,¡± sighed Marshal Geron, ¡°I can leave this responsibility to General Sheeplin who is not yet fifty, he at least can lead the Southern Army Group to escape.¡±

    Deputy Officer, ¡°General Sheeplin now has a nickname as the ¡®fleeing general¡¯, thoughst summer he was still acimed as a decimator of enemies.¡±

    Marshal Geronughed, but it was an ufortableugh.

    Deputy Officer, ¡°By the way, was that Colonel Belger from the Reserve Management Bureau just now? Did he have anything important?¡±

    Marshal Geron selected some matters that were harmless to share with the Deputy Officer and driver, ¡°He told me about the 50 divisions that Celtic Marshal promised. He said it¡¯s not possible to have 50 elite divisions made up of veterans, most of them differ from raw recruits only in age.¡±

    Deputy Officer, ¡°I see, actually, we never really expected to receive elite forces. Rather, it would be good enough just to replenish our heavily damaged divisions. But, have you seen the ten-day report that just came from the front line?¡±

    Each division of the Empire of Prosen has to report on its military equipment readiness every day, and highermand units report to even higher departments every ten days.

    Marshal Geron, ¡°I saw it. If Rocossovunches an attack now, we probably can¡¯t stop him, we can only rely on the mud to dy his advance.¡±

    The most recent ten-day report indicated that each Armored Division of the Southern Army Group had only about twenty operational Model 4 long-barreled tanks. Others were either waiting for repairs at front-line workshops or had been sent back to the factory for lengthy repairs.

    Such long repairs at the factory typically took several months.

    As for new tank reinforcements, the answer was none. The High Command had promised the first batch of reinforcement tanks would arrive at the front line on the 22nd.

    The Empire of Prosen had indeed mobilizedpletely, but the efforts mobilized were still taking time to impact the front lines.

    Like the Federation, which had switched to full wartime mobilization at the end of 914, but throughout 915, they were still being severely beaten by the Empire of Fusang, left with just one aircraft carrier desperately holding on. Their Air Force only started massive bombings of the Empire of Prosen recently.

    The full mobilization of the Empire of Prosen would only start showing effects by the second half of 916.

    As Marshal Geron and the Deputy Officer were conversing, the driver drove the car into an alley and indeed, they encountered a line of Constitutional Guards.

    A Constitutional Guard, bending over and shining a shlight into the car, stepped back immediately upon seeing the Marshal¡¯s rank, and gestured, ¡°Pass!¡±

    The temporary roadblock was moved aside, and the guards at the checkpoint saluted the Marshal. Only the military dogs, unaware of the decorum, kept barking incessantly.

    After passing the checkpoint, the Velocity-brand car drove through the empty alleyway.

    Deputy Officer suddenly mentioned, ¡°The Equipment Bureau seems to have developed a new medium tank. They¡¯re likely going to invite His Majesty and the senior generals in the Capital to view the first trial in a few days.¡±

    Marshal Geron, ¡°I hope what they¡¯vee up with this time is a bit lighter. The seventy-ton heavy tank and nearly seventy-ton assault gun I saw the other day really made me worry whether they could fight on the ins of Kazarlia.

    "Too heavy.¡±

 Chapter 668: Isnâ€™t This a Joke?

    Chapter 668: Chapter 6 Isn¡¯t This a Joke?

    On March 20th, at 2330 hours, the First Front Army Headquarters in Kazarlia.

    Wang Zhong heard the sound of an airne engine outside the headquarters.

    He immediately switched to an aerial view and saw a bine descending onto the vige road where the headquarters was located, under the cover of night.

    The vige road had just been cleared of mud that day, and it should remain dry at least until the morning dew sets in, so the nended smoothly.

    An officer jumped out of the ne with a briefcase and even blew a kiss to the female pilot.

    Wang Zhong frowned, his external device had already informed him that this man was the new liaison officer from the United Kingdom stationed in Yeburg, the previous liaison officer had been recalled to report back to the United Kingdom after a glorious victory in the winter campaign.

    It seemed the United Kingdom was keen to understand the true situation behind that glorious victory.

    It was normal for the United Kingdom to be suspicious, the Federation had also recalled the senior officer who coordinated the maritime aircraft reinforcements to rify the real situation.Till now, those officials hadn¡¯t returned yet, and the maritime pilots were all on extended leave, teaching the Air Force pilots from Ante various unique techniques for bombing ships every day.

    However, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know why the new liaison officer had rushed over from Yeburg, even travelling overnight on such an old model as the bine.

    He must have first taken a C47 to a nearby frontline airport, where it was already evening, then he switched temporarily to the bine piloted by the ¡°Dark Night Witches.¡±

    It must be something important.

    As Wang Zhong thought this, the liaison officer had already met with Amelia and was heading straight to the headquarters under the Witch¡¯s lead.

    Pavlov had just hung up the phone, ¡°The sentry reported a bine hasnded, the person from the United Kingdom is on his way to the headquarters right now.¡±

    Wang Zhong switched back to normal view, ¡°It looks like we have significant intelligence here, otherwise, they wouldn¡¯t send someone over in the middle of the night like this.¡±

    Pavlov nodded.

    Popov said, ¡°It¡¯s perfect timing since you guys were about to go off duty and rest, this ne arrived quite coincidentally.¡±

    While they were speaking, Amelia led the liaison officer in, ¡°Generals, Liaison Officer Richard has significant intelligence.¡±

    "Not important wouldn¡¯t have him rushing over at this hour,¡± Wang Zhong extended his hand, ¡°Let me see it, or do we need to wait for trantion?¡±

    Liaison Officer Richard said, ¡°It has been tranted already, here you go.¡±

    He took out an envelope from his briefcase and stuffed it into Wang Zhong¡¯s hand.

    Wang Zhong tore open the kraft paper envelope and pulled out the document inside. He frowned as he read the cover aloud, ¡°Prosen High Command, Top Secret, 916 Summer Combat Operations: Fortress? Looks like ¡®Fortress¡¯ is a codename?¡± ????§£§¦?

    Just like the code name for the Sturmtiger offensive in Earth¡¯s history!

    Instantly, Wang Zhong felt this document might be credible, but still asked cautiously, ¡°How did this documente into your hands?¡±

    "It was provided by a mole from MI6 in Germania,¡± the liaison officer answered, ¡°I don¡¯t know the details; the mole¡¯s ranking is very high, I couldn¡¯t possibly know more.¡±

    Wang Zhong knew about the disastrous handling of information during World War II on Earth; the Enigma Machine had been cracked by the British, and then all kinds of critical intelligence were taken out, eventually even leading to the Allied bombing of the crucial synthetic oil nts.

    Hence, he was quite inclined to believe that the MI6 could obtain such intelligence.

    Pavlov, unaware of this background, expressed his worries, ¡°Can we trust this?¡±

    Vasily also voiced his concern, ¡°Could this be a deception operation? Just like the several times we¡¯ve deceived the Prosens?¡±

    The liaison officer from the United Kingdomughed heartily.

    Everyone in the headquarters looked at him.

    Even Amelia, his fellow countrywoman, stared at him sternly.

    The liaison officer finally realized the mood and stopped smiling, ¡°Wait, this isn¡¯t a joke? It¡¯s actually not a joke? Isn¡¯t it funny that the Prosens would carry out this kind of deception operation?¡±

    Wang Zhong and the others looked at each other, then awkwardlyughed together.

    Liaison Officer said, ¡°You don¡¯t have to humor me like that, so you think this is a deception operation?¡±

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°We¡¯ll need to see the contents to decide.¡±

    As he spoke, he flipped open the cover and quickly began to review the entire battle n.

    Pavlov leaned forward, trying to sneak a peek, but was blocked by Vasily, who was equally curious about the contents.

    He red at Vasily¡¯s back, puffing his beard and ring, but Vasily didn¡¯t care and focused all his attention on the document.

    Vasily said, ¡°What? Are they really going to attack us proactively, just as the General had predicted? And such a great opportunity at that?¡±

    Amelia, who hadn¡¯t heard the conversation between Wang Zhong and General Gorky, widened her eyes, ¡°Did you predict this?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Yes, because on the entire front line, the best part for them to attack appears to be where we are¡ªthe salient.¡±

    Amelia asked, ¡°Are they crazy? You are Ante¡¯s best defense general!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°But I really haven¡¯t stopped them in the wilderness before. I either rely on pre-established positions in forests or rivers, or extensive reinforced concrete buildings.¡±

    Vasily asked, ¡°Have you forgotten Yeisk?¡±

    Wang Zhong paused, ¡°Ah? Oh right, Yeisk. I stopped them on the prairies near Yeisk, leveraging the advantage of the Whirlwind. But General Gorky said that the frontline discovered the enemy¡¯s new anti-tank guns, which have very thick barrels.¡±

    In fact, at this moment, Wang Zhong was not thinking about the Big Max or Emil¡¯s type, he thought it was a Weasel 3 type.

    The Whirlwind should be able to resist the PAK40 cannons mounted on Weasels at longer distances.

    He didn¡¯t expect that his creation would lead to Prosen¡¯s technology tree pointing towards the 105mm anti-tank gun, racing toward the direction of an E100 artillery carrier.

    Amelia said, ¡°The way you talk, it sounds like we might not hold it, but your expression is brimming with confidence.¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged, ¡°Let theme, we¡¯ll deal with them. Even if the enemy has better artillery, we can handle it. Weren¡¯t we able to survive when they first deployed the Long-barreled Four inbat?¡±

    Pavlov couldn¡¯t hold back anymore and said, ¡°Can I take a look at the n?¡±

    "Oh, sure,¡± Wang Zhong quickly handed the n to Pavlov.

    Pavlov quickly flipped through it and said, ¡°From the details, it looks very much like a n Prosen would make. But¡­ adding fifty divisions? That¡¯s a bit too stretched. Prosen¡¯s divisions arerge.¡±

    Popov said, ¡°Fifty divisions¡­ it might be possible for our mobilized infantry divisions, after all, fifty divisions are just 250,000 men and can¡¯t form a threatening heavy force cluster on the front line, just a fill.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°If the enemy has two directions of attack, fifty divisions might be usible, spread across both sides of a pincer movement, in a multi-echelon setup. But their battle n only intends to give us a left hook, so fifty divisions are unreasonable.¡±

    Vasily joyfully said, ¡°This increases the likelihood that it¡¯s a deception n!¡±

    The liaison officer immediately covered his mouth, ¡°Sorry, it¡¯s not a joke, I understand now.¡±

    Pavlov handed the n brought by the liaison officer to Popov, then approached the map, ¡°I still find it incredible that they¡¯d attack us. Our forces are strong, and we have many units within our formation that are titled as ¡®Guards¡¯. Except for the newly reorganized Eighth Guards Tank Army, other units are veterans that have retained theirbat backbones from hard battles.¡±

    The Eighth Guards Tank Army was formed based on the old 51st Tank Army, which had suffered severe losses. Only the vehicle crews and officers who had gone behind enemy lines for guerri warfare had survived. Thus, although this army held the ¡®Guards¡¯ title, it was essentially a new army.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Our infantry has also been tested time and again, most having experienced the bloodbath at Abawahan. However, we are exactly in a salient, andst year they almost pulled off the feat of quickly switching from attacking Yarvik to attacking Bolsk.¡±

    Last year, Wang Zhong had Vasily create a fake tank formation, whichpletely fooled the enemy. The troops, originally intended for a nk attack on Bolsk, were diverted to the Battle of Suhayaweili River Bay, allowing Meishikin¡¯s Bolsk Front Army to escape and eventually being reformed as a Mountain Corps.

    Popov suggested, ¡°So, is the enemy nning toplete what they didn¡¯tst year? Should we also retreat like before, extending the enemy¡¯s supply lines and then counter-attacking in winter?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°No, this year the enemy won¡¯t fall for it again, even if they are Prosen, they wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake thrice. The enemy is likely to undertake a short-term campaign this summer, just as I predicted to General Gorky.¡±

    As he said this, he approached the map, ¡°Whether this intelligence is true or false, we should focus on annihting the enemy¡¯s vital forces in defense and counterattack, using fortifications to tire and deplete the enemy, waiting until the enemy is spent beforeunching a counter-offensive.@@novelbin@@

    "Prosen has already mobilized fully; if we dy, the enemy¡¯s strength might increase, and their equipment may improve, which could make the situation tricky. We will have to make more sacrifices to achieve victory.

    "Now, we need to think not only about winning the war but also about winning with minimal sacrifices. If we win and go back to find that our viges are withoutbor and our factories filled with wounded workers, then the cost of this war is too great,rades!¡±

    Popov mmed the table emphatically, ¡°You¡¯re right! Let¡¯s start building the fortifications now!¡±

    Wang Zhong continued, ¡°To prevent the possibility of false intelligence or a change in the enemy¡¯s battle ns, we should build fortifications along the whole front line while actively conducting reconnaissance to grasp as much as possible about the enemy¡¯s assembly and ammunition supplies.

    "The next four months are crucial, determining how many sacrifices we need to achieve victory. We must minimize the sacrifices! Much as possible, reduce them! Let¡¯s get moving, Davarish!¡±

    Pavlov pped loudly, ¡°You all heard him!¡±

    Popov added, ¡°Wait a minute, have you forgotten the time? People who don¡¯t rest can¡¯t work. You should rest first, let the night shift handle things, and get thoroughly busy tomorrow!¡±

 Chapter 669: Old Friends (Extra 40/84)

    Chapter 669: Chapter 7 Old Friends (Extra 40/84)

    After roughly discerning the enemy¡¯s intentions, on March 24th, after a three-day train journey, Wang Zhong¡¯s private train entered St. Ye Katerina Fortress station.

    Before even entering the station, Wang Zhong saw through the window that the tracks outside were full of people, as if everyone from the capital had gathered on both sides of the tracks.

    Someone saw him through the window and started shouting loudly.

    Wang Zhong drew the curtain and turned to Ludm, ¡°It¡¯s precisely because I anticipated the crowds might be this enthusiastic that I wasn¡¯t too keen oning back.¡±

    Ludm said, ¡°Alyosha, lifting the spirits of the people is also one of your duties. You¡¯ve achieved such a brilliant victory; it should be used to motivate others.¡±

    As she spoke, she walked forward, adjusted Wang Zhong¡¯s military uniform, and tweaked the position of every medal, saying with a smile, ¡°Look, with your handsome and charming attire, you¡¯ll be the dream of all the young girls in Yeburg tonight.¡±

    Wang Zhongughed, ¡°Is it appropriate for you to say that?¡±

    Ludm responded, ¡°You¡¯ve been the man of my dreams for a long time now.¡±Caught off guard by her blunt confession, and even though they had been married for years, Wang Zhong was surprised to find himself blushing and could only hug her in an attempt to hide it.

    "You know,¡± Ludmined from his embrace, ¡°these medals are hard, they¡¯re pressing against my face.¡±

    "Oh, sorry.¡± Wang Zhong quickly pulled away, then noticed there indeed was a mark left by the Venus on Ludm¡¯s face.

    How embarrassing.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong rubbed the mark away, and the gesture made Ludmugh, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, we¡¯ll wait ten minutes before getting off, and it should be fine by then.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to speak, the train began to slow down¡ªindeed, it hadn¡¯t slowed at all despite the crowds on either side of the tracks, and had simply passed straight through up to now.

    Wang Zhong looked out the window; the train had entered the station, and the tform was filled with Court Guards in full dress. It seemed Olga hade out to wee him personally.

    Once the train came to a stop, the military band on the tform began to y.

    Amidst the music, Wang Zhong heard the doors of the train open and someone speaking loudly, ¡°Is it this carriage? Looks pretty in, but it¡¯s in keeping with the General¡¯s usual style. Oh, I smell something delightful, must be the General¡¯s Ceres chef!¡±

    Wang Zhong turned around, opened the door of the privatepartment, and addressed the burly man who was making a racket in the corridor, ¡°Yegorov, are you healed?¡±

    Yegorov, built like a bear,ughed heartily, ¡°Healed! Though there¡¯s still a bit of stiffness, hurts when it rains, but I¡¯m basically fine!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°So you¡¯re not quite back in shape yet? Continue your leave, take care of your injury; the big battle won¡¯te until June. Before that, you can hand over the can hand over relevant matters to your Chief of Staff.¡±

    Yegorov frowned, ¡°Not until June? The enemy hasn¡¯t recovered yet; we should be on the offensive!¡±

    Wang Zhong exined, ¡°How do you attack during the mud season? A time when tanks can get stuck in the mud, and no cars are operational, how can logistics for the troops be guaranteed?¡±

    Letting out a sigh, Yegorov said, ¡°That¡¯s true. I do miss the old days when we carried our food and ammo, broke through enemy lines, and could keep fighting for weeks. Now, well

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°Times have changed, and you know this as well.¡±

    "I know,¡± Yegorov scratched his scalp, ¡°anyway, the Guard First Mechanized is always at yourmand, General.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded and changed the subject, ¡°Alright, I¡¯m going to get off now, can¡¯t keep His Majesty waiting.¡±

    Yegorov quickly stepped aside, but hisrge frame only allowed Wang Zhong to pass by sideways.

    While Wang Zhong could manage to slip by, Ludm might not have the same ease.

    Suddenly realizing this, Yegorov turned around and opened a small door, darting into thepartment behind it.

    Now the path waspletely clear.

    Wang Zhong, holding Ludm¡¯s hand, walked through the carriage and came to the door.

    Dressed to the nines, Olga stood amid a crowd of guards and maids, smiling at Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong smiled back, stepped down the irondder at the door, and nted both feet on the tform.

    Olga, looking like she wanted to run up and hug Wang Zhong, restrained herself and instead walked with a gait befitting the Tsar¡¯s status, until she stood in front of him, ¡°My greatest General, all of Yekaterinburg awaits your triumphant return!¡± ??N???§¦S

    Wang Zhong responded, ¡°I cannot im to be the greatest General; we have many experienced leaders skilled in the art of war. Moreover, the victory is not solely my doing; it¡¯s the credit of all our soldiers and of every citizen in Nan¡¯ant. Even in the upied Area, the people are still resisting Prosen. Without them, my victory would not exist.¡±

    Olgamented, ¡°You are always so humble, my General.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°This is not humility, I can tell you thousands of stories about ordinary people bravely fighting. Take for example the story of a child called Little Griff, who killed many Prosen Soldiers! My contribution is but a small effort; the victory belongs to the people of Ante.¡±

    "Well said,¡± Belinsky¡¯s voice came from behind the Tsar, maids and servants made way, and the Grand Patriarch came up to Wang Zhong, ¡°Everyone is a Messiah, everyone a hero who saves the mothend.¡±

    Belinsky extended his hand to Wang Zhong, ¡°Comrade General, your awareness has already surpassed many of our bishops.¡±

    Wang Zhong took Belinsky¡¯s hand, ¡°I¡¯ve simply had some realizations through the war.¡±

    Ever since Loktov was rescued by the people, Wang Zhong¡¯s realizations had been growing more profound.

    Belinsky, ¡°Very good, excellent. Write down your thoughts and have it published on the front page of the Church¡¯s official newspaper!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Of course, I will.¡±

    Olga, ¡°Before you publish it, could you let me have a look first? I would like to know what you have felt, after all, you are my god brother.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Of course, I will send a copy to the Summer Pce.¡±

    "Good,¡± Olga¡¯s tone shifted, ¡°There¡¯s also a ceremony that needs to be held. I¡¯ve asked them to make it as simple as possible, but the Court Chambein said it would boost the capital¡¯s morale, and the Grand Patriarch has agreed too.¡±

    Belinsky, ¡°I¡¯ve indeed agreed.¡±

    "Then let¡¯s begin!¡± Olga said, naturally taking Wang Zhong¡¯s hand.

    The Court Chambein suddenly came out and whispered, ¡°Your Majesty, you can¡¯t hold the General¡¯s hand. You can only review the Guards and the military band side by side.¡±

    Only then did Olga reluctantly let go of Wang Zhong¡¯s arm.

    The Court Chambein, satisfied, stepped back.

    The ceremonymenced immediately, with the military band ying ¡°The Antean Women¡¯s Farewell,¡± and the Guards all stood tall and focused on Wang Zhong.

    Matching the Tsar¡¯s pace, Wang Zhong walked past the Guards with her, while Ludm and Yegorov, among others, stood by waiting for the ceremony to conclude.

    At the end of the red carpet stood a small tform with a microphone on it. Guessing that it was his turn to speak, Wang Zhong was surprised to see Olga take the stage first, beginning her speech.

    "Citizens of Yekaterinburg! The victor of the one million-strong Prosen Army, General Rocossovsky of the Grand Duchy, has triumphantly returned! You might have already learned from the newspapers that a month ago he was appointed as the Commander of the Kazarlia Front Army and will be leading our nation¡¯s finest troops to liberate Kazarlia, which has been under upation for two years!

    "To convey our hopes for Rocossovsky, I have decided to bestow upon him the title of King of the Kazaria Kingdom.¡±

    Wang Zhong furrowed his brows. When he first had the time to understand the background after traveling to this era, he knew that the crown of the Kazaria Kingdom had always been held by the Tsar, meaning Olga was not only the Tsar but also the King of the Kazaria Kingdom.

    Now Olga was handing a crown to Wang Zhong¡ªthis move¡ª

    Wang Zhong looked towards Belinsky, who gently shook his head, as if to say, ¡°I didn¡¯t know about this.¡±

    A sudden strike. Wang Zhong gazed at his god sister, momentarily unable to decide whether she had simply wanted to convey her expectations without careful thought, or if she was cunningly nning to pull the hot-topic General Rocossov into the chariot of nobility.

    Regardless, Wang Zhong decided that it was time to rify his position. So, after Olga finished speaking and stepped down, he went directly up to the podium, ¡°I appreciate His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s high regard. I am also willing to ept this crown, but all signs indicate that the age of the nobility has ended.

    "I felt this particrly sharply during the Abawahan defense battle. It was the Antean people who fought to the death against the invader; it was the Antean people who braved the blizzard to repair the railway and ensure military supplies. The people are the protagonists of this great patriotic war.

    "The nobility, too, are part of the Antean people. Like my father, and His Majesty the Tsar¡¯s own brother, they both fought alongside ordinary soldiers and died on the battlefield.

    "Therefore, once the war is over, I will donate the crown and the scepter to the Argesukov Historical Museum, keeping only the honorary title, and let these outdated things, unsuitable for the times, bow out gracefully.¡±

    Wang Zhong spoke these words while staring at Olga.

    And Olga maintained a smile the whole time, her true thoughts hidden.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°My speech is over.¡±

    The nobles in attendance exchanged nces, while themon people cheered.

    Olga suddenly led the apuse with vigor, ¡°Excellent! You spoke very well, brother!¡±

    Directly calling him brother, huh? What was she doing?

    Wang Zhong stepped down from the podium.

    Olga rushed over and gave him a hug¡ªa hug Wang Zhong had thought woulde when they disembarked.

    When they separated, Wang Zhong noticed that Olga¡¯s face also bore the imprint of a medal.

    But Wang Zhong hadn¡¯t been forceful this time, so it was Olga herself who had pressed hard against him.

    Of course, the people around them couldn¡¯t see the imprint on Olga¡¯s face; all they did was cry out excitedly, their thunderous cheers reaching the skies.

    Olga, ¡°Let¡¯s go! I¡¯ve prepared a wee banquet at the Summer Pce! I¡¯ve invited many people!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You know I¡¯m not too fond of all those tedious nobility rituals.¡±

    "Hey, ever since you won the battle, all the nobles in Yeburg have been studying your way of doing things, and suddenly none of them likes those tedious rituals anymore,¡± Olga said.

 Chapter 670: Commemoration (Additional Update 41/84)

    Chapter 670: Chapter 8: Commemoration (Additional Update 41/84)

    Half an hourter.

    Wang Zhong entered the banquet hall of the Summer Pce, only to see arge group of people dressed in foreign military uniforms.

    Olga whispered, ¡°These are military delegations from the allied nations, sent here to learn from your experience in defeating the advanced Prosens.¡±

    Wang Zhong cut off his overview perspective and took a close look at the affiliations of these officers: Intelligence Division Five, Intelligence Division Six, Federation Military Intelligence Bureau¡­

    Well, a bunch of spies.

    Wang Zhong actually didn¡¯t understand what kind of intelligence there was to spy on here. The entire battle n, as well as the process of the operation, had already beenpletely submitted to the envoys of the various nations.

    Moreover, there were so many foreigners in Wang Zhong¡¯s headquarters that it was impossible to keep anything secret. For example, the Federation naval aviators had to update their maps and stay informed of thetest progress every day before taking off to avoid parachuting into the enemy-upied zone.

    The pilots definitely knew the changes in the daily battle lines by heart.What else was there to dig for intelligence?

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t understand.

    Perhaps the high levels of the allied nations wouldn¡¯t know he waspletely open and honest if they didn¡¯t send their top intelligence agents.

    The head of the Federation¡¯s military delegation stepped forward first, ¡°General, I salute you! Congrattions on achieving such brilliant warfare results!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The Federation¡¯s naval aviators yed a tremendous role. Without their exquisite bombing skills that destroyed the Prosen White Sea fleet and sank arge number of transport ships, the Prosen¡¯s Army Group A might have escaped via the sea.¡±

    The delegation leader, ¡°The pilots also said that bombing the Prosen ships greatly boosted their confidence, and they can¡¯t wait to go back and bomb the ships of the Empire of Fusang.¡±

    In the first three months of 916, the Empire of Fusang had basically norge-scale operations at sea, with only two naval battles involving light cruisers and destroyers urring¡ªan unusually calm period.

    However, it was said that the Federation¡¯s new generation of fleet carriers was about to enter service, and several of the faster-built ones had already startedbined air wing training and were about to be delivered to the Federation Navy.

    It could be predicted that the intensity of naval battles would sharply increase in the second half of the year.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I sincerely wish that these young men will also perform brilliantly upon their return.¡±

    After exchanging pleasantries with the Federation representative, Wang Zhong turned to the next one¡ªthe head of the United Kingdom delegation was a one-eyed man, his appearance screaming ¡°tested by time.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook hands with him respectfully and then asked, ¡°Your eye is

    "It was blinded in a car ident while I was on holiday back home,¡± the delegation leader honestly said.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s only thought was: Damn it, only in the United Kingdom would you find such a story!

    Upon closer inspection, the delegation leader also had a wooden prosthetic leg. Wang Zhong wondered if he had chosen his delegation members by suddenly picking up a saw during selection and cutting the prosthetic leg to test the members¡¯ adaptability on the spot. ??¨¤¦­????

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The United Kingdom has also been of great help to us. Miss Emilia saved my life, and the Commando team¡¯s infiltration and sabotage behind enemy lines significantly slowed down the enemy¡¯s advance.

    "And during the counterattack phase, they controlled many crucial bridges, making our counterattack much smoother.¡±

    Wang Zhong realized after speaking that he had let something slip¡ªduring the counterattack, the temperature was minus 40 degrees, all river surfaces were frozen, and bridges were unnecessary since tanks could drive directly over the river.

    However, the United Kingdom¡¯s leader didn¡¯t fuss over these details, ¡°The members of the Commando team also spoke highly of yourmand art and praised the Ante Warriors as the most outstanding warriors they have ever seen.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I appreciate their recognition.¡±

    After releasing the leader¡¯s hand, he looked behind and saw arge queue of people still waiting to exchange pleasantries. He could only sigh inwardly.

    Olga patted Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Hang in there, big brother!¡±

    After finally getting through the wee banquet at noon, Wang Zhong, exhausted, got into his own car.

    Ludm also got into the car from the other side and smiled, ¡°You really had a tough time.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Finally done, now I can do something meaningful. Driver, go to this address.¡±

    He pulled out a piece of notepaper from his chest pocket and handed it to the driver.

    Sergeant Grigori in the passenger seat asked, ¡°Are we going to Major Yakov¡¯s widow¡¯s ce?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded slightly, then took off the scarf that Yakov had given him around his neck.

    He carefully examined the scarf, gently touching it with his hand.

    The car started and sped through the streets of Yeburg.

    Ludm: ¡°I think maybe thatdy might not want to take back this scarf

    Wang Zhong: ¡°She ought to decide that. Besides, I already have a gift from Yakov, the book he wrote about my daily life, which might be a bestseller someday. Although, it only covers a few months of my activities.¡±

    Ludm didn¡¯t respond; she just leaned on Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder, warming him with her body temperature.

    The widow¡¯s residence was a military officers¡¯ dormitory, and many stars were already hanging on the windows of the dormitory, each star representing an instance of a family receiving a casualty notification.

    The window with the most stars had three, possibly symbolizing that three brothers had fallen.

    As soon as Wang Zhong got out of the car, the children ying downstairs were stunned, pointing at him and shouting, ¡°It¡¯s Rocossov! The man who swallowed a million Prosen soldiers!¡±

    What, the champion of terror chosen by God?

    Probably the children thought the ¡°swallowed¡± in the news was literal.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Little friend, do you know where Yakov¡¯s family lives?¡±

    The child pointed behind him at the building: ¡°This one, the apartment on the third floor with one star. Yakov¡¯s casualty notification has been sent a long time ago, what are you here for?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The casualty notification has been sent? But I was clearly told to write the casualty notification myself!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Child: ¡°The church in themunity did it, they provided grain, oil, eggs, milk, and other things to confirmed casualties before the official notifications arrived.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°I understand, thank you.¡±

    After saying this, he walked with heavy steps into the narrow staircase.

    Just as he climbed one floor, an uncle opened the door, already in military uniform, and the sounds of a woman crying came from behind him, ¡°What are you doing? The children have already fought for Ante¡¯s mother!¡±

    The uncle: ¡°You don¡¯t understand! I¡¯m not just fulfilling a duty, I¡¯m going to kill those Prosen devils, to avenge the children! If I die, Tasha can join the army, they¡¯re now recruiting female snipers, to eliminate more devils for Daddy!¡±

    After saying this, the uncle decisively turned around, then froze when he saw Wang Zhong, ¡°Eh? One, two, three

    He counted the stars on the epaulettes.

    Wang Zhong saluted the uncle: ¡°I salute you.¡±

    "Ah, oh.¡± The uncle awkwardly returned the salute, then stepped aside to make way.

    Wang Zhong, apanied by Ludm, went upstairs.

    Behind him, there were exmations: ¡°My goodness, isn¡¯t that Rocossov? The Rocossov I¡¯ve seen!¡±

    Wang Zhong ignored themotion behind him and reached the third floor.

    He was just about to knock when the door opened.

    A young woman holding a sleeping baby stood in front of Wang Zhong.

    No mistake, this was Yakov¡¯s widow; Wang Zhong had seen her photo in the notebook of relics.

 Chapter 671: The Meaning of Victory

    Chapter 671: Chapter 9 The Meaning of Victory

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is this Lady Maria Vasilyevna Bratov?¡±

    Yakov was a Bratov.

    "Yes.¡± Maria first looked at Wang Zhong¡¯s face, then her gaze fell on the five stars of his military rank, ¡°Could it be¡­ General Rokossovsky?¡±

    "Yes, I came Wang Zhong had rehearsed many times in his heart, but at this moment, he was still at a loss for words and could only pull out the handwritten casualty notification that had warmed in his pocket, then took the package containing personal effects from Ludm¡¯s hands.

    He handed these to Lady Maria.

    Maria turned around,id the sleeping baby on the chair beside the door, then vigorously wiped her face before turning back to take the package and letter.

    Wang Zhong clearly saw the moisture around her eyes, evidently, the wiping she did just now was to clean away tears.

    "I Wang Zhong started to speak but stopped, suddenly remembering the scarf that he had stuffed into his pocket, so he hurriedly took it out, ¡°There¡¯s also this scarf. Duringst winter¡¯s coldest time, Yakov gave it to me because he was afraid I would freeze. Now, it has returned to its rightful owner.¡±Maria reached out, gently picked up one end of the scarf, her fingertips moving over the uneven stitches: ¡°I knitted this scarf for him¡­ He always said it was scratchy around his neck, itchy to wear¡­ Does it¡­ itch you?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, I think it¡¯s a good scarf, it could be used for a child in the future.¡±

    Maria continued to caress the surface of the scarf, showing no intention of taking it back, and after a long time, she withdrew her hand: ¡°No, since he gave the scarf to you, he must wish for you to use it. There might be countless severe winters in the future, and I believe he would want you to wear it.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But, just now, you seemed very reluctant.¡±

    "Yes, I want to keep everything rted to him, but¡­ I hope this scarf can follow you, enter Plowsonia with you.¡±

    Maria paused, as if lost in memories.

    Wang Zhong waited patiently, not wanting to interrupt her exchange with the memories of her departed husband.

    Finally, Maria spoke again: ¡°He¡­ my husband had a process of epting this slogan. At first, it seemed he treated it as a delusional dream, not using it himself, and even showing disdain when others did.

    "The Judge took note of us then, branding us as the surrender faction. Two years ago, when the enemy was closest to Yeburg, the Judge simply moved in across from our house. ???§à???

    "At that time, there were a few other staunch members of the surrender faction living in this vicinity. When they were arrested, the Judge looked meaningfully at my husband.¡±

    Wang Zhong was surprised: ¡°That happened? Yakov did mention to me that before I had repelled the enemy from Yeburg, both he and you thought victory was as hard as ascending to heaven.¡±

    Maria smiled: ¡°Yes. You didn¡¯t expect that, did you? When you paraded through the streets with a hundred thousand Prosen prisoners, he crazily bought the pamphlets you distributed, proiming ¡®See you in Plowsonia¡¯ to everyone he met after reading them, which made the Judge suspicious enough toe over and investigate thoroughly.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°The Judges also do it for the country.¡±

    Maria: ¡°After they were convinced my husband had be a staunch victor, they lifted the surveince on our home. After my husband¡¯s sacrifice, they even quietly brought over some necessities.¡±

    She suddenly changed the topic, looking at Wang Zhong: ¡°So, General, please take this scarf and march into Plowsonia. This is what he most hoped to see.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong nodded, solemnly wrapping the scarf around his neck.

    Ludm reached out to help him, adjusting the edges of the scarf.

    However, truth be told, with the current weather, wearing a scarf was slightly warm.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Is there anything else I can help with?¡±

    "There¡¯s nothing, themunity Church and the parish priest take very good care of us, there are no difficulties in life.¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, the baby Maria had set in the chair woke up, instantly letting out a strong cry.

    Maria quickly turned around, ced her husband¡¯s belongings on the shoe cab, and picked up the baby, gently rocking it.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Shall I send a nanny over?¡±

    "General, do you know how many single mothers there are like me? Many women thought of at least leaving a child behind before their husbands went to the front lines, in case of any eventuality, seeing the child¡¯s face to remember their husband.

    "Do you intend to send a nanny to every such mother?¡±

    Wang Zhong fell silent.

    Indeed, it wasn¡¯t feasible. In today¡¯s Ante, women were also vitalbor forces, in factories and in fields, where numerous women worked as hard as men.

    Maria suddenly thought of something, looking up at Wang Zhong: ¡°Our child does not yet have a godfather, could I ask you to be his godfather?¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled: ¡°Of course, I would be very pleased. When is the baptism ceremony?¡±

    "The ceremonies are all simplified now, seems many priests also went to the front lines,¡± Maria said, ¡°You just need to sign a document.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hmm, I¡¯ll sign.¡±

    He had never been as willing to sign a document as he was now.

    At this time, Ludm gently tugged at Wang Zhong¡¯s sleeve: ¡°It seems quite a crowd has gathered.¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong notice the noise outside.

    Maria: ¡°General, everyone needs your encouragement, please go and speak to them.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, take¡­ take care of yourself.¡±

    After speaking, he turned around, walked down the stairs, and just as he turned the first corner, he saw the second floor was packed with local residents.

    Women, old people, and children, but no able-bodied men.

    Countless pairs of eyes gazed at Wang Zhong.

    No one spoke, they just silently watched him.

    Yet their looks said everything, their eyes conveying volumes.

    Wang Zhong walked forward, the crowd parted like a tide around him, clearing the way. He moved through the crowd, as though guided and propelled forward by them.

    When he finally reached his car, the crowd, like an invisible wall, stood a few meters away from the vehicle, lining up, conscientiously not blocking the car¡¯s path.

    Wang Zhong watched them and felt it wouldn¡¯t be right not to say a word, so he spoke, ¡°Folks, I

    An elderlydy interrupted him, ¡°Go, General! Do what you must!¡±

    Suddenly, the previously silent crowd burst into chatter.

    "We can hold our ground!¡±

    "Leave the rear to us!¡±

    "Only you know how to defeat the enemy!¡±

    Wang Zhong closed his mouth, suddenly realizing that liberating the homnd, charging into Plowsonia, and achieving final victory was the best response he could give.

    So he raised his right hand high and shouted, ¡°Victory!¡±

    The women and the elderly responded with an overwhelming voice, ¡°Victory!¡±

    Only victory can answer all the sacrifices, all the suffering.

    Wang Zhong got into the car and found Ludm waiting for him inside.

    The car started and sped away.

    The Rokossovsky Estate looked almost the same as before.

    Only, there were more children.

    Wang Zhong was curious, and Ludm exined, ¡°Mikhail wrote to me, saying he recruited some teachers too old for the front lines to take care of the war orphans using the estate¡¯snd and set up an orphanage. There are over three thousand war orphans here.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How many?¡±

    Ludm: ¡°Over three thousand. This is just a fraction of the countless war orphans.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked outside again, watching the children pruning branches of fruit trees and turning the soil in the makeshift fields, preparing for the uing spring farming.

    Despite being at an age meant for y, these children all acted like little adults.

    Strangely enough, the more sensible the children appeared, the more uneasy Wang Zhong felt.

    He dearly wished that one day, innocence could return to the children¡¯s faces.

    He dearly hoped that one day, angels could peacefully sleep.

    On the front lines, when calcting how to eliminate the enemies, Wang Zhong enjoyed the sense of achievement from his role as the Commander-in-Chief in defeatingrge numbers of enemies.

    Only upon returning to the rear did he once again remember that victory was not just glory but also a duty.

    Victory was not to showcase his strategic brilliance and martial prowess but to allow for a day when peace would return to his homnd.

    Wang Zhong was lost in thought until the car stopped, snapping him back to reality.

    Ludm: ¡°We¡¯re here, my love.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, opened the door to get out, then quickly moved to the other side of the car to help Ludm out, only to find she had already opened the door herself.

    Ludmughed, ¡°I also need to leave some outdated baggage behind and embrace the new era.¡±

    This was in response to Wang Zhong¡¯s earlier speech at the train station.

    Ludm didn¡¯t want to be the Queen.

    Wang Zhong embraced his considerate wife, and then turned around, only to be surprised to find that at the front of the Rokossovsky Estate¡¯s main building, there was only one person there to greet their master.

    The person was somewhat short, dressed in a maid¡¯s outfit, and had a stern look as if Wang Zhong owed her a lot of money.

    Wang Zhong rubbed his eyes, making sure he wasn¡¯t mistaken, then eximed, ¡°Nelly?¡±

    Nelly nodded gently, ¡°Mmm, wee back.¡±

    Wang Zhong took three steps in one stride, jumping up the stairs, and scooped Nelly up, spinning her around three times.

    Nelly: ¡°My hat! My hat!¡±

    Her cloche hat had been thrown off, carried far by the wind, and then gently caught by Ludm.

    Nelly: ¡°I¡¯m still a patient, you know!¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong put Nelly down, carefully examining the scar on her cheeks.

    The scar above Nelly¡¯s right eye was notably less severe than Wang Zhong had anticipated.

    He had thought she would have turned into a gangster like Blaika in ¡°ck Ledge.¡±

    The injured right eye¡¯s pupil color was visibly different, probably a ss prosthetic, giving Nelly heterochromatic eyes.

    It was¡­ quite charming.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Not bad, you look even cuter than before.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°I¡¯m not cute.¡±

    "Right, right,¡± Wang Zhong responded as Ludm came over and put the cloche hat back on Nelly¡¯s head.

    Nelly adjusted her clothes and saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°General Comrade, please allow me to return to your war.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Approved!¡±

 Chapter 672: Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tank

    Chapter 672: Chapter 10: Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tank

    In the days that followed, Wang Zhong felt as if the old days had returned.

    Every morning, as soon as he opened his eyes, he could see Nelly standing beside him with a stern face, a familiar feeling that was truly nostalgic.

    For the remaining days of March, Wang Zhong¡¯s main focus was on handling matters of the Equipment Committee.

    He put forward several new requirements, one of which was to imitate Prosen¡¯s maic hand grenade warhead but not their maic head.

    ording to the confessions of captured Prosenbat engineers, they hadn¡¯t used shaped-charge jet warheads in shells primarily because all the big guns were now rifled, causing the shells to spin after being fired.

    When hitting the target, the rotation of the projectile would cause unpredictable changes in posture, affecting the effectiveness of the warhead. It was said that when Prosens used cannon tounch these warheads in tests, the pration depth data varied every time, with considerable fluctuation.

    The solution was simple, to use rockets to propel the ammunition and use fins for stabilization.

    Just as Wang Zhong made this request, the Ordnance Department reported that the army already had suitable equipment: the Federation had imported 1000 Bazooka rocketunchers, which perfectly met Wang Zhong¡¯s requirements.Before traveling through time, Wang Zhong had been a World War II enthusiast, but after all, he was not a professional military historian; he had always thought that the Bazooka was copied from the Sturmtiger ¡°Iron Fistlittle did he expect that the Federation would have produced it so early.

    Therefore, Wang Zhong decisively went to inspect the rocketunchers imported by the Federation and then put forward new requirements: to eliminate theplex firing mechanism, make it a single-use version, and to increase the power of the warhead.

    The firepower of the Federation was too weak; it was fine against Panzer III and IV for now but would not stand a chance against Tigers or Panthers¡ªit was just uncertain whether this world would ever encounter Tigers or Panthers.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s orders were quickly adhered to: a genius at the Ordnance Department had modified a Katyusha rocket slightly to create something that seemed to meet his requirements.

    When this device was test-fired, it resulted in a second-degree burn for the operator, but apart from this w, it perfectly met Wang Zhong¡¯s demands.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong brought the designer over for a scolding, demanding a version that wouldn¡¯t turn shooters into cooked meat.

    The designer was quick to act and made improvements in less than two days.

    He reduced some of the rocket¡¯s propent charge and used a water pipe as theunching tube, then welded a me shield onto the water pipe.

    When Wang Zhong saw thisuncher, he was speechless because the device was filled with the ¡°design aesthetics¡± of the Russians.

    In the end, during the test firing, the shooter was indeed not burned, but the water pipe did get a little hot.

    A dayter, the improved model was designed, with the designer wrapping a circle of wood around the part of the water pipe that rested on the shoulder. ????¨°??¨º?

    Wang Zhong had no choice but to find the designer himself and scold him fiercely, saying, ¡°Why do you still need to pack so much propent? This thing now can fly 1000 meters! Is that necessary? It only needs to fly 200 meters to meet our requirements!

    "After reducing the propent, the projectile will be lighter, don¡¯t you understand this concept?¡±

    The designer scratched his head: ¡°Is 200 meters enough?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re anti-tank now, and warriors have to get within a dozen meters of a tank to throw incendiary bombs; a weapon that can be used at 200 meters is a huge improvement, isn¡¯t it?¡±

    The designer thought for a moment and nodded, ¡°Alright! I¡¯ll go change the design right away.¡±

    A few dayster, the new product was delivered again.

    Wang Zhong hesitated as he looked at the wooden tube in front of him: ¡°All made out of wood?¡±

    The designer: ¡°Yes, after all, it¡¯s meant to be single-use, and this thing is simple to produce with readily avable wood that just needs ning. When fired, the rocket gases will burn the wood, but¡­ it¡¯s one-time use anyway.¡±

    Wang Zhong picked up the device and found it to be incredibly light for a rocketuncher. He then checked both ends and saw one end was sealed with kraft paper, while the other side was tantly unopened.

    "What¡¯s the meaning of this?¡±

    The designer: ¡°We figured blowing the powder gases directly out the back was wasteful, and it would also burn anyone standing behind, limiting the use environment of the device. So, we sealed the back endpletely, forcing the powder gases to only escape from the gaps around the rocket.

    "We also designed the shape of the projectile; the warhead of the projectile isrger than the rest of the rocket, so the powder gases in the warhead section would bepressed, creating enough thrust and also acting directly on the head.

    "This increases the range of the rocket, ensuring its stable flight. We precisely adjusted the new rocket¡¯s propulsion charge; just on the charge alone the rocket couldn¡¯t fly 200 meters, but with the assistance of the powder gases, it just barely reaches the range General you requested.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned and asked, ¡°What does this rocket projectile look like?¡±

    The designer promptly opened the booklet lying next to the finished product, disying a schematic diagram of the rocket projectile.

    The shape of the projectile was basically an Iron Fist.

    The designer continued with excitement, ¡°We found that this shaped rocket projectile has better overall stability; although reducing the propent has slowed it down, its trajectory remains stable, a steady arc. So, as long as it¡¯s paired with the simple aiming device we designed, it can guarantee a hit every time!¡±

    With that, the designer showed Wang Huazong the sighting device.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why is the sight designed like this?¡±

    The designer: ¡°The shooter just needs to align the sight with the turret of the enemy tank, and see which horizontal bar on the sight matches the width of the tank turret, and that¡¯s it¡ªthey¡¯re guaranteed to hit.¡±

    Wang Zhong mimed the action: ¡°Just¡­ align this horizontal bar with the enemy tank, see which one is just as wide, and fire like that?¡±

    "Yes, I utilized the principle that objects appearrger when they¡¯re closer and smaller when they¡¯re farther away, and not just for the turret but also for the vehicle body. That one beside it is for the vehicle body. We just find a horizontal bar of the same length.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You also simplified the range-finding step, very thoughtful consideration.¡±

    Designer, ¡°This way, our mobilized divisions can also make extensive use of this weapon.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°So, what would be the impact without this wooden tube?¡±

    Designer, ¡°The range would drop to 100 meters.¡±

    Wang Zhong pped the wooden tube forcefully, ¡°Remove this wooden tube immediately ande up with a version that can be fired directly by hand! And match it with this sighting device.¡±

    Designer, ¡°Eh? But that will only have a range of 100 meters, is that okay?¡±

    "Fine,¡± Wang Zhong patted the designer¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Also, what¡¯s your name?¡±

    "Valentin Konstantinovich Filinov.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You¡¯ve done a very good job. I will sign an order immediately to form a design team centered around you, specifically to improve our infantry anti-tank weapons.¡±

    Filinov, ¡°Really?¡±

    "Really. But before that, let¡¯s solve the mass production of this device first. I hope that by this June, my troops will be equipped with at least one hundred thousand of these. And by May, we should send at least a thousand to the units for tactical core training.¡±

    Filinov, ¡°Understood! Leave it to me!¡±

    Apart from anti-tank rockets, what Wang Zhong has been most concerned about in the past few months is that small tank he drove once¡ªno, the mass production issue of the heavy tank.

    The performance of the heavy tanks sent to the front lines turned out to be even better than the broken-down Ulban Assault Guns. Probably Ke Jing¡¯s team, after so many practices, has be quite adept.

    So as soon as Wang Zhong returned to Yeburg, he immediately ordered the start of mass production, and it was to begin with the highest priority.

    After all, in his vision for the summer campaign of 916, the main conflict would be an armored engagement on the ins. The more Whirlwinds and new heavy tanks his troops had, the smaller the losses his tank operators would suffer.

    Thus, at the beginning of April, the new heavy breakthrough tanks held a grand final assessment ceremony at the Ordnance Department testing grounds.

    On the morning of April 5th, Wang Zhong arrived at the testing ground early, only to be told that the ceremony could not start and must wait for ¡°important guests.¡±

    At 9 o¡¯clock sharp, Olga and Belinsky¡¯s vehicles arrived one after the other.

    Olga, wearing a blue riding skirt, burst with enthusiasm as she approached the new tanks, ¡°Eh, it kind of looks like a turtle.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°This is the best bulletproof shape.¡±

    Olga, ¡°The back of this turret is round and smooth. Is it really reliable?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Certainly, ording to my requirements, the back of the head has an effective thickness of over 110 millimeters in all directions and can resist close-range attacks from all current Prosen anti-tank guns, including the PAK40 which could easily prate the frontal armor of our T34s.¡±

    Olga, ¡°Since you say the defense is reliable, it must be very reliable then. So what¡¯s this tank called?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I n to call it Atama.¡±

    Thetest Russian tank on Earth, the T14, is called Atama; Wang Zhong nned to borrow this name.

    Olga, ¡°Does this name mean anything?¡±

    Wang Zhong was at a loss; he couldn¡¯t exactly exin that ites from the future, could he?

    Olga, ¡°I think we should call the tank Aleksei Rokossovsky Type One. After all, it was based on your design requirements and designed by your trusted engineer, Ke Jing.¡±

    Wait a minute, how did Ke Jing be my trusted engineer?

    It couldn¡¯t be that rumors are floating around that I¡¯ve got my own power now, right? No way!

    If you guys keep this up, you¡¯re going to make a mistake in the future!

    Wang Zhong was about to reject Olga¡¯s suggestion when Belinsky said, ¡°Your Majesty, that¡¯s an excellent suggestion. The warriors will be inspired to fight in tanks named after Rokossovsky.¡±

    No, but what about my opinion?

    Olga, ¡°Since Grand Patriarch His Eminence says so, let¡¯s go with that! Or are you, brother, going to refute both of our opinions?¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Olga, then at the Grand Patriarch, and smiled awkwardly, ¡°How could I? I¡¯m just a General, of course, I respect both of your opinions!¡±

    Olga, ¡°Great! Engineer Ke Jing, you have to work hard too. Aim to soon make improvements to the Rokossovsky Type Two heavy tank!¡±

    Ke Jing, ¡°Certainly, I will keep adjusting the design ording to feedback from the front lines. Also, my apprentice has designed a 30-ton medium tank based on the Rokossovsky Type One, and the prototype manufacturing is in progress.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°So we¡¯re putting this name to use already, huh? You sure are enthusiastic¡­ wait a minute, what did you just say?¡±

    Ke Jing, ¡°Ah, the prototype for the 30-ton tank with the Egg-shaped Turret you proposed is under manufacturing. This is because the Federation¡¯s new machine tools have arrived.¡±

 Chapter 673: Several Issues with the New Medium Tank

    Chapter 673: Chapter 11: Several Issues with the New Medium Tank

    Wang Zhong was about to continue questioning when Olga interjected, ¡°Isn¡¯t there already an excellent Rokossovsky Type heavy tank? Why not just focus on producing that?¡±

    "My lord, because of their own weight, heavy tanks have a higher failure rate in their running gear and require more support forces,¡± Wang Zhong patiently exined. ¡°Our heavy tanks are generally grouped in units of 21 and used separately, only reinforcing frontline troops when needed because they require so much support.¡±

    The logistical support of the Ante Army was extremely poor, unable to sustain arger scale of heavy tank units.

    Olga: ¡°So you mean, we can¡¯t support such heavy tanks, and that¡¯s why we need to produce lighter ones.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Exactly, lighter and more reliable, with better production quality¡ªthat should be our main force. Not every Prosen Infantry Division is equipped with enough anti-tank firepower, so medium tanks should be enough against them.¡±

    "Just like in the past six months, the enemy equipped anti-tank guns like the PAK40 that could easily prate the frontal armor of the T34, as well as Long-barreled Four tanks. But our T34 still achieved breakthroughs in many ces, especially the raids conducted by the 51st Tank Army.¡±

    Although the 51st Tank Army had been nearly wiped out, they devastated arge number of enemy artillery units and supply stations like a whirlwind, dying the enemy¡¯s advance.

    Olga: ¡°I see! After the ceremony for the Rokossovsky Type tank, let¡¯s go check out that new type of medium tank!¡±Wang Zhong: ¡°Sure¡­ Hm? You want to go too?¡±

    Olga: ¡°Of course, as the Tsar, why shouldn¡¯t I be concerned about the next generation of tanks that will rece the T34?¡±

    You can¡¯t really argue with that¡­

    Wang Zhong had to ept it since, logically speaking, he, a general, had no authority tomand the Tsar.@@novelbin@@

    When Wang Zhong arrived at the research institute with arge group of people, Ke Jing¡¯s apprentice was busy at the drafting table and said without looking up, ¡°Teacher, you¡¯ve returnedter than expected. Did something happen?¡±

    As he looked up, he was stunned, his gaze shifting back and forth between His Majesty the Tsar, the Grand Patriarch, and Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t be nervous.¡±

    This seemed to have the opposite effect on the young designer, who suddenly stood up, clumsily trying to greet Olga.

    Olga: ¡°No need to be so formal, I¡¯m the one interrupting your work.¡±

    "Not at all!¡± The designer shook his head like a bobblehead doll, ¡°This is all part of my duties!¡±

    Olga: ¡°Your loyalty to Ante¡¯s mother is admirable. Now, why don¡¯t you introduce me to what you are designing? General Rocosov has high hopes for it.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned, instinctively feeling there was something off about Olga¡¯s remark.

    So, he chose to ignore it.

    Belinsky, the Grand Patriarch, seemed to have chosen to ignore it as well.

    The designer, oblivious to any issue with the Tsar¡¯s words, excitedly began, ¡°Look! The basic idea is to simplify the teacher¡¯s heavy tank design

    Ke Jing interrupted, ¡°My design has been named the Rokossovsky Type heavy breakthrough tank.¡±

    "Ah?¡± The young designer nced at Wang Zhong, ¡°Oh, I see. I simplified the design of the Rokossovsky Type heavy tank to improve its manufacturability.¡±

    He stepped back, pulled over the drafting table with the design drawings, and continued exining: ¡°Firstly, my teacher designed a wedge-shaped armor area on the front of the vehicle, which actually isn¡¯t necessary. Although this wedge-shaped area increases frontal defense, the degree of enhancement is limited. ?¨¤?¦¯?¨¨?

    "I believe there is a diminishing marginal effect in defensive capability. Once the defense reaches a certain level, the weight and other costs required to enhance it further are too high.

    "So my design is like this, using arge angled t ne for the front instead, moving the driver¡¯s position back a bit, and ordingly shifting the turret back slightly.

    "As for therge angled protective areas on the sides of the tank body designed by the teacher, I examined and concluded that it¡¯s better topress the height of the vehicle body.

    "If most of the side cross-sectional area of the vehicle body is blocked by the road wheels, it effectively enhances the protection because, although the road wheels are not specifically armored steel, they are quite thick and strong in order to support the weight of the tank.

    "To reduce the height, I redesigned the powerpartment and also adjusted the position of the turret and the design of the ammunition rack.

    "This way, the overall height of the vehicle is forty centimeters lower than the teacher¡¯s design, neatly eliminating the step armor on the side of the vehicle in the process.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the design on the paper, all too familiar with this form¡ªspecifically, thoserge road wheels were enough for Wang Zhong to recall various military enthusiast inside jokes.

    It really looks like they designed a T54.

    At that moment, Olga said, ¡°It sounds like I understand what you¡¯re saying. Essentially, you used a few tricks to eliminate some of your teacher¡¯s designs?¡±

    "Right, eliminating those does reduce the tank¡¯s protection, but not by as much as everyone might think. But the weight savings reduce the tank¡¯s failure rate and improve reliability.¡±

    Olga: ¡°So, the frontal defense of the tank is the same as the Rokossovsky Type, correct?¡±

    "No, how could that be? It¡¯s nearly fifteen tons lighter, Your Majesty; it definitely won¡¯t have frontal defense as effective as the Rokossovsky Type, but it¡¯s much stronger than the T34.¡±

    Wang Zhong interjected, ¡°Our medium tanks don¡¯t need to have a protective advantage in a shootout with Prosen heavy tanks, and there¡¯s no necessity for that. It just needs to effectively handle the best anti-tank gun the Prosen Infantry has¡ªthe PAK40.¡±

    The young designer said, ¡°Full immunity is a bit difficult, given the enemy¡¯s anti-tank gun performs exceedingly well. Within 500 meters, pration is still possible, especially if the enemy aims at weak spots; the likelihood of pration is even greater.¡±

    "But Prosen¡¯s other anti-tank guns, such as the PAK38, basically wouldn¡¯t think about prating the front of our new medium tank.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°That¡¯s quite good, very good.¡±

    While the PAK40 anti-tank gun is excellent, the number of units equipped with it isn¡¯t that many, after all in the Prosen organizational system, the PAK40 is already ssified as a heavy anti-tank gun.

    In the Prosen Infantry Divisions, the moremon anti-tank guns are ssified as light anti-tank guns like the PAK38, and even some of the divisions from the eighth and ninth waves have a shortage of PAK38s.

    In any case, as a medium tank meant to see widespread use on the entire front throughout the campaign, one need not be too demanding about protection, rather, apromise between protection, mobility, firepower, and increased production rates is more important.

    It is the task of tank brigades equipped with the Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks to strike at the enemy¡¯s heavily fortified sectors with heavy anti-tank firepower.

    Wang Zhong was very satisfied with the overall design, ¡°Very good, start manufacturing the prototype soon. However, considering the testing and improvements of the prototype, it probably won¡¯t make it in time for this year¡¯s summer campaign, right?¡±

    Ke Jing, the chief engineer substituting for his apprentice, answered, ¡°It¡¯s toote for arge-scale deployment, and a small-scale one wouldn¡¯t make much sense either¡­ After all, this is a medium tank withprehensive performance, it needs to be deployed on arge scale to trigger a qualitative change.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Push forward as quickly as possible, and strive to have units at the brigade level test it on the battlefield during the winter offensive, then deploy it on arge scale next summer.¡±

    "Yes,¡± Ke Jing nodded repeatedly.

    After a day¡¯s work, Wang Zhong finally returned to the Rokossovsky Estate.

    As the car drove through the garden, he saw a group of children ying games under the supervision of several disabled veterans and promptly raised his right hand, ¡°Stop, I want to go down and see.¡±

    He opened the door before the car came to aplete stop.

    Before he had fully stepped onto the ground, the children cheered, ¡°It¡¯s Rokossov!¡±

    "General has returned!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Hello, so what are you ying?¡±

    "We¡¯re not ying; Captain Rezenov is conducting military training for us!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the Captain, noticing a Gold Star Medal on the chest of the officer whose left sleeve waspletely empty.

    Upon meeting his eyes, the Captain saluted with his lone arm, ¡°General! I¡¯m teaching the children how to carry out infantry attacks and defenses. This is a trench I instructed them to dig, please give us some pointers!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I¡¯m not as knowledgeable about digging trenches as you old soldiers.¡±

    That was true.

    Rezenov said, ¡°See that, kids. The General is very modest; you should learn from him well!¡±

    Wang Zhong could only smile wryly and changed the subject, ¡°Rezenov, I actually don¡¯t really want the children learning this. By the time they grow up, the war will have ended. I hope they can live happily like any ordinary people.¡±

    Rezenov said, ¡°This war will end, but the next one wille. These children hope that they can protect the nation like you.¡±

    Instantly one child shouted, ¡°No one understands the horrors of war better than us! So let us fight the future wars! Let others enjoy happiness!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at their young faces, reading a firmness that did not belong to their age.

    He sighed, ¡°Okay, you¡¯ve convinced me. But, I have one request: each of you must learn to y a musical instrument.¡±

    The children looked at each other perplexed.

    "Why?¡± It was the same child who had earlier spoken about letting others enjoy happiness. He asked loudly.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Maybe war will alwayse back, but when wares, it will also go, only music will endure forever. You should know, with the help of my Deputy Officer Vasily, I¡¯veposed quite a few popr songs. You should be able to sing them too!¡±

    Immediately one child sang, ¡°I still have onest grenade!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Exactly. Our country has always excelled in music and the arts! It¡¯s our tradition! As faithful sons of our mothend, you should naturally understand a bit about music, just like me.

    "So, Comrade Rezenov, tell Housekeeper Mikhail that if they are to start war-rted courses, they must also start music courses!¡±

    Rezenov saluted Wang Zhong with pride and admiration, ¡°Yes! Comrade General.¡±

 Chapter 674: "The Days You Were Gone, I Thought of You Daily

    Chapter 674: Chapter 12 ¡°The Days You Were Gone, I Thought of You Daily

    Wang Zhong spent some more time ying with the children before reluctantly returning to the front of the manor¡¯s main building, where Nelly was already waiting for him.

    Nelly looked at Wang Zhong, sizing him up, then her gaze locked onto his feet.

    Wang Zhong looked down and noticed arge number of mud spots on his pants, acquired during his y with the orphaned children. He exined, ¡°I was just ying with those war orphans, and, well¡­ the weather, right?¡±

    The muddy season was almost over. As the temperature rose, the dampness of the soil had significantly decreased, but not to the point where it wouldn¡¯t dirty the hems of pants.

    Nelly: ¡°Why do you need to make excuses like a child? I wasn¡¯t scolding you.¡±

    "Uh Wang Zhong stalled for a few seconds before forcibly changing the subject, ¡°How are your eyes feeling? Still itchy?¡±

    The humidity had been high in the previous days, and Nelly had beenining of an itchy prosthetic eye. It was only natural for Wang Zhong to show concern.

    Nelly: ¡°It¡¯s not so itchy anymore. You should hurry and change your clothes so I can wash your pants.¡±"Okay.¡± Wang Zhong nodded. ¡°Where is Liu Xia?¡±

    "In the nursery.¡±

    Ever since Ludm returned, she had been spending all her time in the nursery. Even though the Rokossovsky family¡¯s ¡°little lion¡± was nearing weaning age, she insisted on breastfeeding.

    It was as if she wanted to make up for all the missed feeds from before.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I¡¯ll go have a look

    "Wait!¡± Nelly grabbed Wang Zhong¡¯s belt and said word by word, ¡°Change! Your! Clothes! First! You¡¯re not allowed to enter the nursery with pants covered in mud!¡±

    Wang Zhong sighed: ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯ll change right away.¡±

    Suddenly, he felt a touch of sentimentality; without Nelly by his side, nobody seemed to manage his daily life.

    So he said to Nelly, ¡°It¡¯s nice, this familiar feeling. I missed you every day when you were away.¡±

    Nelly was stunned, but only for a moment before her expression turned fierce, much like the strict sister-head Blaika: ¡°Go change, then take a bath. You¡¯re not allowed in the nursery until you¡¯re done.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes.¡±

    April 25th, Yeburg, Supreme Command Department of the Ante Army.

    As soon as Wang Zhong entered the conference room, he saw General Gorky and General Ivan Stepanovich chatting quietly in a corner.

    So, he approached them and asked, ¡°Any new updates?¡±

    Both generals were smoking, and when they saw the non-smoking Wang Zhong approach, they silently snuffed out their cigarettes together and tossed them into the nearby trash can.

    General Gorky: ¡°Thetest aerial reconnaissance confirms your prediction for the summer campaign; the enemy is undoubtedly targeting you, and they¡¯ve made no effort to conceal their intentions.¡±

    General Ivan Stepanovich chimed in, ¡°Because it¡¯s so obvious, the High Command is wondering if they¡¯re engaging in a deception operation.¡±

    General Gorky: ¡°After all, you have tricked the enemy so many times, it¡¯s possible they¡¯ve learned something.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°But apart from the Southern Front, they have no other ces they could attack. The Central and Northern Fronts are even less viable. Especially the Northern Front, they¡¯ve been besieging Saint Andrew Fort for three years without being able to take it, and they¡¯ve even been pushed back a considerable distance.¡± ??¨¢£Î??¦¥?

    General Gorky: ¡°The marsnds have been a great help.¡±

    General Gorky had spent some time organizing defense operations in the Saint Andrew Regional Army during the first year of the war, evident in his deep understanding of the northern jungles and marsnd terrain.

    General Ivan Stepanovich: ¡°As for the Central part, it could be worth a try, but the front has been stable for so long. The enemy has strong fortified positions; so do we. And with the chain of cities in the Central part, it¡¯s hard to imagine that after suffering so many setbacksst year in the city cluster around Abawahan, the enemy would continue to insist on these urban battles.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°So only the great ins of Kazarlia remain. The enemy might also think such an overt strategy is meaningless, which is why they¡¯re gathering troops so brazenly. So how many have they assembled?¡±

    General Gorky: ¡°The intelligence bureau of the High Command has analyzed the photos and estimates the enemy has added three hundred thousand troops to your front, concentrated on the vast ins on both nks of Orel.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Looks like they are gearing up to throw a left hook at me. I wonder if there¡¯s any sign of the enemy¡¯s Marine Corps attempting a seasidending?¡±

    "Not at all. It could be that the enemy doesn¡¯t know the Federation¡¯s carrier-based aircraft squadrons have returned home,¡± General Gorky shrugged.

    Wang Zhongughed: ¡°That¡¯s because theds from the Federation left their nes behind. The Air Force of the Front Army sends these Federation carrier-based nes out for a spin from time to time, leading the Prosens to think they¡¯re still around.¡±

    The Federation had left behind the VF squadron¡¯s F6Fs and VB squadron¡¯s SBDs, suggesting the pilots were due to switch to F4Us and SB2Cs upon their return. The TBFs, although new torpedo nes, were of little interest to the wealthy Federation, and they left those behind, too.

    Now, Ante pilots were leisurely patrolling the sea in these nes, deterring the Prosen fleets from venturing out, relegating them within the operational radius of their own Air Force.

    Of course, even if Prosen knew that the Federation¡¯s carrier aircraft pilots had already returned home, organizing anding operation was aplex matter, one that couldn¡¯t bepleted in just a few months.

    Last year, during the battle of Bs, the Ante Army prepared for so long despite facing the weaker Bs Army.

    General Gorky, ¡°It seems all you have to do is put all your effort into blocking this left hook, and the difficulty is lower than expected.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Indeed. My troops started building fortifications in March. By the time I returned to Yeburg, we had already used thousands of tons of concrete, and now we¡¯ll use even more.¡±

    General Gorkyughed heartily, ¡°The Prosens probably never expected to encounter concrete fortifications on the ins!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We also used rebar, because many in our troops were originally engineers.¡±

    At this point, General Tugenev and a group of High Command senior officers entered the room.

    Wang Zhong and the others heard the noise and looked towards the door, then, as if by agreement, turned and walked back to their seats.

    Others chatting around the meeting room also returned to their ces.

    General Tugenev didn¡¯t take the main seat directly but had an orderly bring another chair and sat to the right of the main seat. Then the Chief of General Staff, who had been sick at home, also appeared and sat opposite Tugenev in a chair added on the spot.

    Shortly after, the Court Ceremonial Officer¡¯s voice could be heard from outside, ¡°Tsar Olga Nikyevna Antonovna has arrived!¡±

    All the generals stood up.

    The door opened, and Olga, with her dignified stride, entered and walked straight to the main seat and sat down, ¡°Please, be seated.¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong sit down with a thud.

    Olga, ¡°General Tugenev, please brief everyone on the current situation.¡±@@novelbin@@

    General Tugenev stood up, ¡°Gentlemen, the war has entered its third year, and we have achieved glorious victories in the past two years. Last year, we annihted a total of 1.7 million Prosen troops, and we captured 700,000 of them, most of which is credited to General Rokossovsky.¡±

    Wang Zhong leaned slightly forward and nodded to those present.

    General Tugenev continued, ¡°However, we must also recognize that in the past year, 1.7 million of our soldiers were killed, 1.6 million went missing, and another 1 million were injured and unable to return to their troops.¡±

    By unable to return to their troops due to injuries, it meant they were disabled and could no longer fight.

    Hearing these numbers, Olga¡¯s expression turned extremely sad, but Tugenev¡¯s face was stoic as he read off the numbers, ¡°These figures are a significant improvement fromst year, and we have effectively preserved our living forces. Thanks to this, the pressure to conscript troops everywhere has drastically decreased, allowing us to provide longer training periods for new recruits.

    "Moreover, based on the suggestions made by General Rocosov following his visit to the Federation, we have established a veteran rotation system. Veterans who have served on the front line for four months are pulled back to serve as instructors in training camps for new recruits for six months before they can return to the front.

    "The effectiveness of this mechanism still needs to be evaluated, as some troops on the front line areining that the removal ofbat backbones affectsbat effectiveness.

    "We have also established a front-line rotation system, hoping that each unit can rest and retrain in the rear after serving four months on the front line.¡±

    Wang Zhong was pleased with these numbers because the casualties of the Ante indeed were significantly less than those of the Earth¡¯s Russians. Duringst year¡¯s counter-offensive phase, he had felt that the growth rate of the Ante troops was faster than that of the Russians, with a number of units bearing the title of Guards being very reliable inbat.

    Perhaps the war of defense for this world could end earlier.

    General Tugenev took a sip of water, flipped through the documents in his hand, and continued, ¡°Our total military strength has now reached 13 million, with 2 million deployed in the Far East to prevent a sudden attack from the Empire of Fusang.

    "The remaining 11 million are basically deployed on the Eastern Front, with 5.7 million on the front lines and 4.3 million resting and training.¡±

    As he finished speaking, a full map of the Eastern Front unfolded behind Tugenev, powered by an electric motor. He put down the documents, picked up a long staff that looked like a knight¡¯snce, and began to point and gesture on the map.

    "On the front line, from north to south, there are five Front Armies: the Saint Andrew Regional Army, the Belix Front Army, the Western Front Army, the Shepetovka Front Army, and General Rokossovsky¡¯s Kazarlia First Front Army.

    "Each of our Front Armies has more troops than the enemy they are facing, and after two years of fighting, our soldiers¡¯ quality has gradually caught up with the enemy. Currently, only the Armored Troops show a significant difference in quality between the two sides.

    "This is because the enemy¡¯s Armored Troops have rarely suffered devastating blows. Their tanks haverge interior spaces, and even if they are destroyed, often half of the crew survives. However, our tank units always suffer tremendous losses, with experienced Tank Operators often perishing along with their tanks.¡±

    General Tugenev paused and nced at Wang Zhong, ¡°Only General Rocossov¡¯s tank units have a higher tank operator survival rate, but even Rocossov¡¯s troops had examples like the 51st Tank Army that waspletely wiped outst year.

    "The good news is that thanks to the efforts of General Rokossovsky, Chairman of the Equipment Committee, our deficiencies in military equipment are about to be resolved. We havepletely stopped producing the wed T34 dual-turret model, and since February this year, the new tanks received by our troops are all three-man turret T34W models.

    "And the brand new tanks will also be put into use soon. I can predict that in the year 916, the situation between us and the enemy will fundamentally reverse, and our army will move from the strategic defense phase to the strategic offensive phase!¡±

    With his speech concluded, Olga led the apuse, and the entire meeting room thundered with pping.

    Because Olga pped while looking at Wang Zhong, everyone turned their heads towards him.

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment, and considering the circumstance, he simply stood up and saluted everyone.

    The apuse became even more enthusiastic, as if it were going to lift the ceiling off.

 Chapter 675: â€™Victory in Sight for the Empire of Prosenâ€™ (Update 42/84)

    Chapter 675: Chapter 13: ¡®Victory in Sight for the Empire of Prosen¡¯ (Update 42/84)

    At the same time, at the heart of the Empire of Prosen, the Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "Three months after total mobilization, our total military strength has reached 9.3 million! The forces on the Eastern Front have even surpassed the initial stage of the war, having broken through six million, with 4.1 million deployed on the front line.¡±

    Celtic Marshal was holding a map rod, exining while gesturing on the map.

    "We are currently building strongholds in the central part of the front line; oncepleted, we will be able to free up the forces of 18 full divisions for use in other directions.

    "Furthermore, to solve the supply issues at the front, we started building a highwaywork since 914, which was progressivelypleted this year, significantly enhancing our transportation capacity during the muddy seasons. It can be predicted that when the summer campaignunches, our supply conditions will be better than ever before.¡±

    The Emperor nodded, ¡°Very good, how many troops have we already assembled?¡±

    Celtic Marshal replied, ¡°In the nned main direction of the attack, we have already assembled 12 first-wave infantry divisions, 8 armored divisions, and six Armored Grenadier divisions ¨C a heavy concentration of troops with a density exceeding any of our previous offenses.¡±

    "Not enough!¡± the Emperor shook his head, ¡°We need to strive for a breakthrough at the frontline with 150 tanks per kilometer! We need to stun the enemy from the start, catch them off-guard! We also need to equip our troops with at least four heavy tank battalions, 200 of the newest heavy tanks!¡±Celtic Marshal said, ¡°If we want to achieve this goal, then the attack needs to be postponed until July.¡±

    "That¡¯s fine, if we dy until July, our new medium tanks will also bebat-ready. We have three new medium tank battalions, three hundred of thetest Leopard tanks! The Anteans will be shocked by our force!¡±

    Celtic Marshal nced at the others.

    Armored Corps Director General Moochi said, ¡°The performance of the new tanks is definitely outstanding, but uh, the test field reports that the new tanks have a slightly high failure rate, especially after the new armor tes were installed. The overall bnce of the vehicles has some issues, there have been quite a few¡ªuh, I mean, reports of front wheel shattering.¡±

    The Emperor responded, ¡°These issues are eptable! If the front wheels shatter on the battlefield, we can stop the tanks in ce and use them as supporting turrets for others! After all, it¡¯s not like the Elephant tank destroyers without turrets.¡±

    Before, Prosen called non-turreted armoredbat vehicles assault guns, and now they had adopted Antean terminology, naming the new cutting-edge vehicles as tank destroyers (pronounced as tank destroyers).

    By the way, General Moochi was the staunchest supporter of this name change because when they were previously called assault guns, these vehicles were always assigned to infantry divisions as support.

    Now being called tank destroyers, they naturally should belong to armored divisions, as the primary function of an armored division is to destroy the enemy¡¯s armor, hence ¡°tank destroying.¡±

    It was this name that allowed General Moochi to snatch almost all the Elephants for the armored divisions, giving none to the infantry.@@novelbin@@

    General Sheeplin was grinding his teeth in hatred.

    The Emperor stood up, pacing around the conference table, ¡°In the past two years, our initial assaults have been quite sessful. Even Rocossov had to resort to some cunning tricks to escape from our encirclement!

    "In the first year, we almost caught him at Orachi! He abandoned arge number of his troops just to flee in disarray!¡±

    The Imperial Propaganda Minister had been busy discrediting Rocossov in recent months, and hence Rocossov¡¯s military actions at Orachi were portrayed as a total failure, the oue being that Rocossov fled only with his wife and concubines.

    The so-called Miracle of Orachi was merely a lie from the Antean propaganda department.

    In order to align with the Minister of Propaganda¡¯s narrative, the Imperial Ministry deployed the Constitutional Guards topletely devastate Orachi, eradicating all witnesses to that battle. ????N???S?

    The Emperor was obviously aware of these actions, but he partially believed the Propaganda Minister¡¯s statements.

    "Now,¡± the Emperor continued pacing, ¡°we will replicate that victory once again on the ins of Kazarlia! Rocossov will flee just as he did before!¡±

    After the Emperor finished, Dr. Porsche from the Empire¡¯s Military Science Academy stood up, ¡°This time, we will also be using new Golia remote-controlled weapons. These remote-controlled minesweepers will efficiently clear Antean minefields and explode within the enemy¡¯s positions!

    "We will also deploy thetest model of the Smoke Sprayer rocket artillery. Last year, the Anteans caused panic in our forces with theirrge-caliber heavy rocket artillery, and now we are deploying rocket artillery of the same caliber!

    "On the sides of the sdkfz251 half-track vehicles, we have mounted a total of sixunch frames, firing 480mm Smoke Sprayer rockets. When they fire simultaneously, they produce a sound akin to the Death Scream of the Stuka, deserving the name Land Stuka!

    "The technology of the Empire will crush the bravery of the Anteans!¡±

    "Hmm, of course! In fact, we are also developing a new type of bomb, and the raw material factory in the north has beenpleted. It will continuously supply us with the necessary raw materials.

    "Once we umte enough weapons-grade materials, we canplete this weapon! Just by detonating one, the entire Antean Empire will bow down to us! The war will alsopletely end!¡±

    The Emperor stopped, scanning the conference room, and then, just like during his first speech aftering to power years ago, he clenched his right fist, looked up at the ceiling as if dering his divine destiny: ¡°Victory for the Empire of Prosen is in sight! I will prove that the light of technology will indeed rece the grace of God!¡±

    The generals looked at each other.

    Rumors of the new bomb had been around, but the generals, not understanding the science or the concept of a chain reaction, merely thought it was an ordinary bomb.

    (Indeed, the nuclear bombs of World War II were genuinely just the ultimate enhancement of ordinary bombs, and even a powerful country like the United States only made a few, considering their greater value as a deterrentpared to their actual application in the scale of the war)

    Nevertheless, the generals stood up, pping furiously.

    Amidst the apuse, several Imperial Ministry operatives entered with pensive expressions, whispering something into the Emperor¡¯s ear.

    Emperor: ¡°What?? Blown up?¡±

    The Imperial Ministry operative nced at the attending generals and spoke softly, nodding: ¡°Yes, the Heavy Water nt was assaulted by Commandos, and critical facilities have beenpletely destroyed.¡±

    The Emperor stepped back a few paces, and his good friend Giles caught him just in time.

    Then Giles turned to the Guard Commander and said, ¡°Go call the Emperor¡¯s sister, she¡¯s the only one who can console His Majesty now.¡±

    "Yes,¡± the Guard Commander swiftly left the room.

    Emperor: ¡°Giles, don¡¯t worry about me, I have been through many such things before. This won¡¯t defeat me! Dr. Porsche, immediately have Dr. Heisenberg fly to the Heavy Water nt to see how long it will take to recover

    Dr. Porsche looked troubled: ¡°We haven¡¯t been able to contact Dr. Heisenberg since yesterday.¡±

 Chapter 676: Wings of Freedom (Extra update 43/84)

    Chapter 676: Chapter 14: Wings of Freedom (Extra update 43/84)

    In Prosen territory, near the Gil Canal riverbank clearing.

    Dr. Heisenberg stared at the aircraft promised by the Royal Air Force for a few seconds, then turned to Shaun, the spy from the United Kingdom, and said, ¡°You¡¯re not ying me, are you? This ne is made of wood!¡±

    Shaun: ¡°Oh, many aircraft were made of wood before the war started. All-metal airnes are the unreliable new gadgets. The Swordfish that damaged the rudder of the Bismarck had a fabric-covered body, you know.¡±

    Heisenberg: ¡°Fabric? Really?¡±

    "Really, It didn¡¯t stop the Swordfish torpedo nes from damaging the Bismarck¡¯s rudder and being the first to corner the Bismarck. Plus, wood nes have their advantages. For one thing, they don¡¯t reflect radar waves, or at least not as many, so they can sneak deep into enemy territory without being noticed.

    "Secondly, it flies very fast. Currently, the Empire of Prosen has no fighter nes that can catch up with it.¡±

    Shaun said with a smile.

    Heisenberg sighed, ¡°If I weren¡¯t facing certain death by going back now, I would never get on this ne, never!¡±Shaun patted the doctor¡¯s back gently: ¡°Once you¡¯re in the United Kingdom sitting in it, you¡¯ll realize we certainly didn¡¯t mean to slight you by sending it. In fact, we sent it precisely because we trust it.

    "Besides, the Imperial Ministry has been lured by a bait I set up to the border of the Neutral Country. But they will soon realize you didn¡¯t take that route. Maybe they¡¯ve alreadye to their senses. Do you still want to stay here and grumble about a wooden ne?¡±

    Dr. Heisenberg stepped forward,ining as he walked, ¡°If I had known I was going to fly over the North Sea in a wooden airne and face possible interception, I would¡¯ve taken the Neutral Country route no matter what sweet nothings you whispered.¡±

    Shaun: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Eighth Air Force fighter wing wille in midway with test auxiliary tanks to meet us. Just rx.¡±

    Dr. Heisenberg shook his head, by now he had reached the front of the aircraft, and the Royal Air Force pilot reached out to pull him in.

    But the doctor didn¡¯t grasp the Royal Air Force pilot¡¯s hand immediately. Instead, he stared closely at the ne that hade for him: ¡°What¡¯s this ne called? I mean the model?¡±

    "Mosquito.¡± The Royal Air Force pilot responded truthfully.

    "Hmph, Mosquito! I¡¯m fleeing the Empire of Prosen on a Mosquito!¡±

    After saying this, the doctor crawled into the narrow cabin of the Mosquito bomber.

    Spy Shaun approached the ne and said to the doctor: ¡°Be very careful not to touch anything else. Your seat is in the bomb bay, and you might get tossed out if you touch the wrong thing.¡±

    "What?¡±

    The pilot hurried to say: ¡°That¡¯s not going to happen, Doctor, that¡¯s Sir Shaun¡¯s sense of humor.¡±

    Heisenberg cursed: ¡°You¡¯re actually using your humor on a Prosen? We take everything seriously!¡±

    Shaunughed heartily: ¡°That self-deprecation is quite funny! By the way, Doctor, just to be safe I have to ask one more time, without you, is it certain that Prosen won¡¯t be able to develop that thing?¡± ??????¨§s

    Dr. Heisenberg stared at Shaun, batting his eyes mysteriously, and smiled, ¡°Yes, they won¡¯t be able to figure it out. Before I left, I burned all the blueprints and papers, but I know they secretly made copies behind my back.¡±

    Shaun¡¯s expression became serious: ¡°Then I¡¯ll go steal that copy. Do you know where it is?¡±

    "No need,¡± the doctor waved, ¡°I knew precisely because I intentionally burned the papers and blueprints. That way, they would firmly believe they were correct. But in fact, I miscalcted.¡±

    Shaun: ¡°What?¡±

    "I miscalcted. I used the wrong form, so the conclusions are wrong; the amount of weapon-grade material is off by an order of magnitude. The Empire of Prosen will never be able to initiate a chain reaction, as they will be far from reaching the critical point.¡±

    Shaun was stunned for a few seconds before bursting intoughter, ¡°That¡¯s quite humorous!¡±

    Dr. Heisenberg: ¡°It¡¯s not my credit. I thought of this method inspired by General Rocosov from Ante. He¡¯s particrly good at these tricks, fooling the Emperor and the generals around in circles. At that time, I thought I could pull off the same thing.¡±

    Shaun: ¡°Yes, the Guardian of Ante, the Star of Victory, a legend on the battlefield. To make your n more credible, I¡¯ll go steal that copy again but deliberately let them fend me off.¡±

    After saying this, Shaun stepped back and gestured to the people in hiding nearby.

    Then, a makeshift windsock fashioned from fabric was let loose in the air, and the people at the end of the ¡°runway¡± took their positions, signaling that it was clear for takeoff.

    Shaun waved: ¡°Bon voyage!¡±

    The Mosquito bomber¡¯s twin engines roared to life, pulling the wooden aircraft slowly forward.

    Heisenberg stared at Shaun for a few seconds, then looked away and asked the pilot aloud, ¡°Is there really cover halfway through?¡±

    "Yes, P-51 Mustang fighters carrying auxiliary tanks will cover us. Don¡¯t worry.¡±

    As the pilot finished speaking, the ne began its takeoff roll and lifted off into the night sky a hundred meters from the end of the runway.

    At the same time, from the direction of the nearby city, came the sound of air raid sirens and anti-aircraft fire, with massive searchlight beams tearing through the night curtain, visible even from this great distance.

    Heisenberg: ¡°Is that Hamburg over there?¡±

    "Yes, to cover our escape, the Royal Air Force deliberatelyunched a raid on heavily defended Hamburg. That way, the local air superiority fighters would all be drawn away, ignoring us flying low.¡±

    Heisenberg nodded, just as a gust of wind hit, causing the wooden aircraft to shake violently and sway from side to side like a drunk.

    "Oh my God!¡± Heisenberg cried out in terror, ¡°Will I ever make it to the Federation? My God!¡±

    Pilot: ¡°Do Prosen scientists also cry out ¡®god¡¯? I thought the light of science was supposed to rece divine grace?¡±

    Heisenberg: ¡°It¡¯s only the Secr faction that really believes everything can be interpreted by science. Prosen¡­ sounds more like grumbling about not being favored by God.¡±

    Pilot: ¡°I see.¡±

    Heisenberg was silent for a few seconds before saying, ¡°Actually, I¡¯ve considered going to Ante. Their agents have extended an olive branch to me. But I am a Prosen, and thinking about what mypatriots have done within the territory of Ante, I dared not go.

    "Who knows if one day in the future, the Anteans will seek revenge on us? Even if they do seek revenge, no one can me them. So I might as well go to the Federation. I¡¯ve had correspondence with Dr. Oppenheimer.¡±

    Pilot: ¡°In at most a week¡¯s time, you¡¯ll set foot on the soil of the Federation. We¡¯ve prepared nkets, right beside your seat. Cover yourself with it and have a good sleep.¡±

    Heisenberg nodded.

    He found the nket, leaned back on the chair, and closed his eyes.

    ¡ª I wonder if the letter will be sessfully delivered to Ekaterinburg Fortress.

    In Prosenia, an Ante underground contact station.

    The spy codenamed ¡®Bishop¡¯ opened Dr. Heisenberg¡¯s letter.

    "Respected General Rocossov, I hope this letter finds you well.¡±@@novelbin@@

    He read aloud softly,

    "I believe with your level of knowledge, you will undoubtedly understand the value of the weapon mentioned in the attached documentation to this letter. It is a weapon powerful enough to change the course of the war. Of course, it is very difficult to produce, and it might not be possible to produce many operational rounds before the end of this war.

    "But in the future, it will change the bnce of power in the world, and might even prevent hot wars between major countries from ever happening again¡ªof course, it also could lead to the destruction of the world.

    "I urge you to press Ante, no matter how difficult, to begin research on this weapon. Because if only one country possesses this weapon, it will inevitably be greedy and tyrannical, using this terrible power to oppress other nations.

    "This is something that I, and all scientists, do not wish to see.

    "I am in a rush with time and cannot borate further for your conviction, but I trust with your intelligence, you will understand.

    "Yours sincerely, Dr. Heisenberg.¡±

    ¡®Bishop¡¯ put away the letter and opened the apanying brown paper envelope to look at the many documents and photographs inside. He could hardly understand the documents, but he knew what the thing on the photographs roughly was¡ªan ultracentrifuge.

    ¡®Bishop¡¯ made a quick decision, tucked away the photographs, put on his coat, and hurriedly left the station.

    Before he left, he ced a flowerpot on the windowsill and opened the window.

    This was a signal to activate the emergencymunication channel, indicating that highly important intelligence needed to be sent to Yeburg as quickly as possible.

    That night, the entire Ante intelligencework in Prosenia sprang into action. Countless dormant nodes were activated, and the contents of the brown paper and Heisenberg¡¯s handwritten letter were copied many times, sent towards Yeburg through different channels.

    Back to Heisenberg.

    The doctor had finally fallen asleep, when he was suddenly awakened by a severe jolt.

    The moment he opened his eyes, the ne banked sharply to the right, pressing him against the wall of the cabin.

    "What¡¯s happening?¡± the doctor shouted.

    He then realized that it was already light outside, and the ne was flying over the sea.

    "The enemy¡¯s new type of fighter ne!¡± the pilot shouted back, ¡°On our six o¡¯clock! I can¡¯t shake it off!¡±

    The doctor turned his head and saw the Iron Cross on the slender fighter ne.

    Pilot: ¡°Prosen has developed such a fast fighter!¡±

    "Were we not supposed to have an escort?¡± Dr. Heisenberg asked, gripping the handle on the cabin wall.

    "A slight hup in the rendezvous! The fighter must have yawed off course!¡± the pilot responded.

    "What do we do now?¡±

    As soon as the words fell, Heisenberg seemed to see something shing in the direction of the sun.

    In an instant, the source of the sh darted to the side of the Mosquito bomber.

    It was a beautiful silver fighter!

    A P51 Mustang!

    The Mustang swooped down from the high skies, firing a dense of bullets thatpletely enveloped the slender Prosen fighter that was on the tail of the Mosquito bomber.

    The Prosen fighter¡¯s engine burst into mes, trailing thick smoke as it plummeted towards the ground.

    "Calling the Mosquito bomber, are you the ¡®courier¡¯?¡±

    "Yes, we are. The ¡®package¡¯ is intact,¡± The Mosquito bomber¡¯s pilot responded, ¡°d to see you guys.¡±

    Dr. Heisenberg listened to the pilots¡¯ radiomunication and took a long breath of relief.

    He was finally free.

 Chapter 677: Old Friends Raise Their Glasses

    Chapter 677: Chapter 15 Old Friends Raise Their sses

    Orel sector, Kazarlia Front Army position.

    Admiral Eugene dismounted from the Willys Jeep and strode towards the bunker under construction.

    The Colonel, who had been waiting at the entrance to the bunker, approached: ¡°Admiral, the bunker has already

    Admiral Eugene raised his right hand to stop the Colonel: ¡°I¡¯ll take a look for myself. Although I¡¯m a miner and my main job is drilling, I also know a bit about concrete. After all, we had to reinforce some non-expanding mines with concrete underground from time to time.¡±

    He walked past the Colonel, casually patting him on the shoulder.

    The Admiral arrived in front of the bunker and carefully examined it for a few seconds, then gestured with his hand: ¡°Pile the dirt a bit higher on the front, a thick enoughyer of earth in front of the concrete will greatly improve its defensive capabilities.¡±

    "Yes, Admiral,¡± the Colonel immediately turned and made a gesture to his aide-de-camp, ¡°You heard the Admiral¡¯s orders, get moving!¡±

    Admiral Eugene circled around the bunker and nodded: ¡°Good, the construction technique is very experienced. Was the person in charge working in a rted field before the war erupted?¡±"Report, Admiral, I was a construction foreman before the war erupted,¡± the Colonel answered.

    Eugene: ¡°Oh? Then how did you be a Colonel?¡±

    "Crash course. I was made a major after finishing, andst year during General Gorky¡¯s offensive, all the officers ranking above me were sacrificed. That¡¯s how I became a Colonel.¡±

    Eugene patted the Colonel¡¯s shoulder again: ¡°I¡¯m even less qualified; I didn¡¯t even go through a crash course. I just crammed a bunch of basic knowledge during a rest period at night school, and now I¡¯m already an Admiral.¡±

    Colonel: ¡°But you¡¯re different, you¡¯ve been through so many fierce battles, following Rocossov all the way from Orachi.¡±

    Admiral Eugene: ¡°Don¡¯t speak with such envy. I didn¡¯t know what I would face at the time. I just joined the army with passion, and got the rank of Lieutenant Colonel because of my position in the mine. But I was quite proud of myself. I went home in uniform to show my wife, delightfully disying the insignia of a Lieutenant Colonel.¡±

    Eugene stopped, looking into the distance¡ªnot so much at the horizon as at his former self from the distant past.

    Eugene: ¡°At that time, none of us were prepared for this brutal war. Everyone thought that we would quickly drive the Prosens out of our homnd and then rush into theirnd. Everyone believed it was going to be an exceedingly easy war, even the parish priests thought the same. Now, of all my good friends who enlisted with me, only I am still alive. My wife managed to retreat to the rear, but many neighbors didn¡¯t manage to evacuate in time, remaining in the enemy-upied zone; I don¡¯t know how they are now.¡±

    Colonel: ¡°We¡¯ll take it back this year, everyone says so.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Let¡¯s hope so. In fact, my hometown is very close now. Walk a hundred kilometers in that direction, and you¡¯ll reach the coal mine where I was the mine manager. I was also the manager of the neighboring iron mine. I know both mines well; going down the mine felt like taking a stroll in my own garden.¡±

    The Admiral pointed in the direction where the enemy was entrenched.

    Colonel: ¡°Then maybe you¡¯ll get to go home before this campaign is over.¡±

    Eugene smiled: ¡°I hope so.¡±

    Then he changed the subject, gesturing towards themunication trench next to the bunker: ¡°The depth of themunication trench is not enough. Dig down another 15 centimeters.¡±

    Colonel: ¡°We dug ording to thetest construction manual.¡±

    Eugene firmly said: ¡°Dig down another 15 centimeters. You¡¯ll thank me when the fighting starts.¡±

    Colonel nodded: ¡°Okay, we¡¯ll start right away.¡±

    As the Colonel gave the orders, Admiral Eugene climbed to the highest point beside the trench, hands sped behind his back, gazing into the distance, his thoughts unknown. ???¨®?§§¡ì

    The Gold Star Medal on his chest shone brightly against the morning sun.

    Kazarlia First Front Army Headquarters.

    "Report!¡±

    Pavlov turned to the person who spoke: ¡°Oh, you guys are here. I still can¡¯t match your names to your faces, since the new ID cards don¡¯t have photos. Introduce yourselves, please.¡±

    "Yes.¡± The foremost Major General answered loudly, ¡°I¡¯ll start. I am the second Division Commander of the Guard First Red g Mechanized Infantry Division, Niki Petrovich Kamenning.¡±

    "Hmm, seems more reliable than Yegorov. Did you know I was his Chief of Staff?¡± Pavlov said, ¡°Later, I went to the General¡¯s Headquarters as Chief of Staff, and because of my performance, I continued to be promoted with the General, while Yegorov is still on the front line

    Popov: ¡°Actually, he was injured and went to the rear for half a year of recovery; otherwise, he might not have been promoted slower than you.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°That¡¯s right. This damn war, as long as you survive, you get promoted quickly¡­ I wish I didn¡¯t climb the ranks so fast.¡±

    Bing promoted quickly meant that senior officers were suffering heavy casualties, which was not a good sign.

    Pavlov pointed at the second Major General and asked, ¡°And you?¡±

    "Yes, I am the new divisionmander of the Guards Eighth Mechanized Infantry Division, Vasily Aleksandrovich Levanievsky.¡±

    Afterpleting the defensive mission in Abawahan, the 225th Division withdrew and was awarded the title of Guards, bing the Guards Eighth Mechanized Infantry Division.

    Pavlov asked, ¡°How did you get the Venus Medal?¡±

    "I earned it during the defense against the Prosen at Galikov, where I destroyed six Prosen tanks by myself,¡± said Major General Levanievsky, his head held high and his tone full of pride.

    "Very good,¡± Popov pped his hands, ¡°We need tank-hunting experts.¡±

    Levanievsky looked at Popov, ¡°Military Bishop Davarish, my soldiers asked me to inquire why our division doesn¡¯t have a nickname? Look, we are all mechanized infantry divisions and direct troops of Rocossov. The Guard First Mechanized has the ¡®Red g¡¯ title, so we should have one too, right?¡±

    Popov replied, ¡°The previousmander of your division, Admiral Eugene, was very good at earthworks. How about your nickname being ¡®Mole¡¯?¡±

    Levanievsky looked troubled.

    Pavlov spoke, ¡°Don¡¯t feel insulted by being good at fortifications; it¡¯s an important skill!

    "Admiral Eugene is nowmanding the 63rd Infantry Army Group and is busy building fortifications. When the enemy starts their attack, his troops will be the first to bear the brunt. I believe he will give the Prosens a tough time.

    "If he knew you were frowning over the issue of a nickname, he woulde over and knock on your head! I think ¡®Mole¡¯ is quite good.¡±@@novelbin@@

    But Popov changed his mind, ¡°We should also consider the soldiers¡¯ feelings. Well then, Comrade Vasily Aleksandrovich, go back and hold a soldiers¡¯ meeting, discuss what name you want, vote for one that everyone epts, and submit it through your military bishop.¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    At that time, the third Major General said, ¡°Then should our division also get a cool name?¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Although we¡¯ve already figured out who you are through the process of elimination, please introduce yourself.¡±

    "Yes! Commander of the Guard First Melian Division of the Mnia People¡¯s Army, Yane Yemiyevich Vishliyevitsky.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°I am very sorry about your predecessor.¡±

    In the cruel battles of Abawahan, themander of the Melian First Division did not make it.

    Vishliyevitsky said, ¡°He, along with countlesspatriots, now rests in foreign soil. Ever since Mnia fell, there have already been countlesspatriots resting in foreignnds. But as long as our homnd is restored, they will have no regrets, General.¡±

    Pavlov nodded.

    Popov said, ¡°The Mnia forces have proven themselves. Rocossov personally said that the Mnia forces have be one of the most reliable.¡±

    "Thank you very much!¡± Yane Yemiyevich Vishliyevitsky stood tall and proud, his face beaming with pride.

    Pavlov said, ¡°We¡¯re now acquainted with all three of you. What about Yegorov? As themander of the Army Group, he sends you three over here. Where is he hiding?¡±

    "I am right here!¡± A resonant voice came from the entrance, and Yegorov walked in with a firm step, carrying a basket of buns. ¡°Ever since the divisionmander¡¯s farewell dinner, I have been remembering Ceres¡¯s culinary skills! So, I went to the kitchen first, but the cook followed the divisionmander to Yeburg! Only the cook¡¯s young apprentice was bustling about in the mess hall!¡±

    With that, Yegorov stuffed another bun into his mouth: ¡°Fortunately, the craftsmanship is still good, quite tasty.¡±

    "Humph.¡± Pavlov stood up, walked over to Yegorov, and extended his hand, ¡°Long time no see.¡±

    "Long time no see,¡± Yegorov shook Pavlov¡¯s hand, ¡°Don¡¯t be too proud. I¡¯ll be Admiral myself soon, after this battle! You¡¯re staff and it¡¯s hard for staff to be General, but I¡¯m different. Once the war¡¯s over, I might even be Marshal!¡±

    Popov also came over, ¡°Starting to worry about promotions means you¡¯ve recovered from the grief of losing your wife.¡±

    Yegorov¡¯s expression froze, but quickly rxed, ¡°One can¡¯t always live in the past. Besides, I¡¯ve killed so many Prosen devils, that¡¯s revenge for my wife and child. What¡¯s left is to march into Plowsonia. We can¡¯t rush that. The divisionmander said to take it slow and we¡¯ll eventually get there. I¡¯ll listen to the divisionmander!¡±

    Popov patted Yegorov¡¯s shoulder lightly, ¡°Good, that¡¯s better! But you should also be kinder to the doctor.¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry,¡± Yegorov¡¯s expression visibly softened, ¡°After the war is over, I¡¯ll have plenty of time to be good to her.¡±

    Pavlov empathically replied, ¡°When the war is over, we should treat them well. It¡¯s fine for me, I have always been at headquarters, but for you who have been at the front all the time, you might need time to adjust to peaceful life.¡±

    Popov said, ¡°By then, there will be plenty of time to adjust, don¡¯t worry! Come, it¡¯s rare for us to gather here when there¡¯s no war waging. Orderly! Bring the wine!¡±

    The orderly quickly brought the wine, mockining about Popov, ¡°Is it really okay for a military bishop to lead in drinking? The soldiers will follow suit!¡±

    Popov responded, ¡°Do you think if I don¡¯t drink, they won¡¯t? What troubles the military chains the most is sneaking drinks! But never mind that, cheers!¡±

    Yegorov raised his ss high, ¡°Aren¡¯t we saying a toast? I¡¯ll do it, to defeating the Prosen devils soon! Cheers!¡±

    "For victory, cheers!¡± Pavlov added.

 Chapter 678: Revenge for the Heroic Brother

    Chapter 678: Chapter 16 Revenge for the Heroic Brother

    May 15, in the capital of Ante, St. Ye Katerina Fortress.

    Wang Zhong was inspecting the recently replenished Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks of the Guard First Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment.

    As a tank rolled to the center, he suddenly noticed text on the turret and hurriedly shouted, ¡°Wait a second! Stop!¡±

    The apanyingmander of the Guard First Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment immediately turned pale, ¡°General, this is our troublemaker. He¡¯s always wanted to put slogans on the tanks. We¡¯ve painted over them many times, even said to wait until after today¡¯s inspection before painting over it¡­ and yet he still secretly applied it!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t talk yet, let me see what it says.¡±

    He hopped down from the vehicle and walked on foot towards the tank with the slogan.

    The tank crew climbed out led by the tankmander and stood in a row in front of the tank.

    Wang Zhong nced at them, intending to bypass them to see the slogan, but themander took a step to the side, blocking Wang Zhong¡¯s path: ¡°General, we know our mistake, we will paint over the slogan right away!¡±Wang Zhong patted themander¡¯s shoulder: ¡°Don¡¯t rush, I¡¯m not ming you. I just want to see what the slogan says. Maybe I¡¯ll even encourage you to do this.¡±

    Themander was stunned: ¡°Encourage?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at themander¡¯s build and asked, ¡°With your size, you don¡¯t look like a soldier. When did you join the military?¡±

    "Last June. My brother had been serving in the army. I was the best tractor driver in the vige, so the parish priest found a way to dy my conscription, to allow me to train a few apprentices who could drive tractors. That¡¯s how, after the spring farming was donest June, I joined and went to the Belov Crash Course for Tank Training.¡±

    A tractor driver is generally also capable of maintaining tractors. In Ante, they are considered high-tech talents, so they are generally not conscripted asmon infantry. Instead, they might be repairmen or learn to drive tanks.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your brother has always been in the military? Which unit?¡±

    Themander¡¯s expression darkened slightly: ¡°He has already fallen. So I named this tank ¡®Revenge.¡¯ The Military Chain says our battle is not purely for personal revenge. Our main goal is to liberate the upied territories and free other nations oppressed by the Prosens.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Priest is right, but too dogmatic.¡±

    As he said this, the Guard First Heavy Tank Regiment¡¯s Military Chain was right behind him, awkwardly fidgeting with his coat.

    Wang Zhong continued: ¡°Moreover, there¡¯s nothing wrong with revenge. It¡¯s not contradictory. I too must avenge my good brother and father. Is that also wrong?¡±

    The Guard First Regiment¡¯s Military Chain became even more embarrassed, looking as if he wished to find a hole to crawl into.

    "What¡¯s your brother¡¯s name, in which unit? I¡¯ll help you inquire if there are any mementos or something,¡± Wang Zhong continued.

    The Commander: ¡°He was in Tank Corps 51. The battle report said he went missing.¡±

    Wang Zhong was stunned: ¡°Tank Corps 51? The one that struck deep into enemy territory from thending fieldst year? And whose corpsmander is Korodov?¡± ???¦­o??§§?

    "Yes, General. During the winter campaignst year, they fought to thest moment under yourmand. My brother had already received the Venus Medal once before. After that battle, he was posthumously awarded another medal.¡±

    Wang Zhong recalled and said: ¡°Your brother¡¯s name is Aleksei Podoliskov, right?¡±

    Themander was taken aback.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I personally review and sign all the death notifications for heroes who receive posthumous medals. The heroes of Tank Corps 51, because of the special nature of their fight, thest moments were reported by local guerris verbally.¡±

    "I have a particrly strong memory of it.¡±

    Wang Zhong gave Podoliskov¡¯s shoulder a firm pat.

    Then he bypassed the stunnedmander and approached the tank, finding the row of red lettering on the side of the turret: Revenge.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Not specific enough! ¡®Revenge for the Heroic Brother¡¯ would be better! Bring the paint and brush, let¡¯s change it now!¡±

    The paint and brush were quickly brought, and the ¡°Revenge¡± on the turret was painted over and reced with ¡°Revenge for the Heroic Brother.¡±

    The other crew members on the tanks watched the new slogan beingpleted, envy written across their faces.

    Wang Zhong stared at the new slogan for a few seconds, nodded in satisfaction, and gave Podoliskov¡¯s shoulder a solid pat: ¡°Do not disgrace your brother. Moreover, I have another task for you, one even more difficult than not disgracing your brother! That is to survive until the moment of victory in this war!¡±

    Podoliskov: ¡°That¡­ sounds difficult, General. Our greatest advantagepared to the enemy is not being afraid of sacrifice.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Right, previously we held back the enemy mainly through this. So I say it¡¯s a difficult task, isn¡¯t it? You have to both honor your brother and survive. That is the highest difficulty! Do you have the confidence to take on this challenge?¡±

    Podoliskov¡¯s expression shifted from surprise to determination: ¡°Yes, General! I want to take on the challenge!¡±

    Wang Zhong gave him a thumbs-up, then looked at the others: ¡°The same goes for all of you! Not only must you annihte the enemy fiercely, but you must also preserve yourselves!¡±

    "Previously, we had no choice; T34s, KVs, against the enemy¡¯s new generation of anti-tank weapons like the PAK40 anti-tank guns, and the Long-barreled Four, we did indeed struggle. We could onlypensate for the enemy¡¯s tactical and armament advantages with our heroic sacrifices.¡±

    "Now that I¡¯ve produced the Rokossovsky Type heavy tank for you, I prohibit you from dying in vain before destroying a sufficient number of enemies!¡±

    "It¡¯s time for the Prosens to bleed and sacrifice! Ura!¡±

    A deafening chorus of ¡°Ura!¡± rose wave after wave across the entire parade ground.

    Wang Zhong had arrived home from the parade ground to find the royal carriage parked at the doorstep. He hurriedly asked the old butler who came to greet him, ¡°Where is His Majesty?¡±

    The old butler, Mikhail, said, ¡°In the tearoom having tea with the madam.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Understood, I need to change clothes, as quickly as possible.¡±

    "Everything is ready for you; you can change right away.¡±

    Momentster, having changed out of hisbat uniform, Wang Zhong appeared in the tearoom. Ludm and Olga were already inside, and to his surprise, the two were ying chess.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°You¡¯re actually ying chess?¡±

    "asionally, we also enjoy this kind of intellectual entertainment,¡± Olgamented. ¡°How¡¯s the new tank?¡±

    "It¡¯s excellent; after the inspection, it¡¯ll be shipped to Bolsk.¡±

    Olga asked, ¡°Now that our heavy troops are all gathered near Bolsk, what if the enemy doesn¡¯t attack here?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°The enemy has already concentrated a considerable amount of forces, and aerial reconnaissance shows they¡¯ve likely stockpiled quite a bit of ammunition as well. It¡¯s pretty much confirmed that this is their main direction of attack.¡±

    In Earth¡¯s history, just before the start of the Battle of Kursk, both sides had also effectivelyid their cards on the table, with aerial reconnaissance from both confirming the concentration of heavy troops, resulting in a sh without any subterfuge.

    The current situation was essentially replicating that of Earth¡¯s.

    However, the Ante Prairie made it difficult to hiderge numbers of troops, which was a significant reason both sides yed with open hands. Tanks on the prairie, even camouged withs, could still give away their positions.

    This was also why Wang Zhong¡¯s deceptive tactics near Yeisk had been so sessfulst year; it was normal for tank units amassed on the prairie to be spotted, leading the enemy to think nothing of it.

    Of course, the most crucial factor was that aside from Wang Zhong¡¯s Front Army, there were no other salients particrly vulnerable to pincer movements.

    Olga said, ¡°I don¡¯t quite understand, after suffering so many losses at your hands, why would they still attack you?¡±

    "Because I¡¯ve never managed to stop their summer offensive,¡± Wang Zhong exined with a shrug. ¡°The Prosens are very rigid. Bothst year and the year before, they broke through my defenses in the summer, or at least they think they did. So naturally, they want to try again this year.¡±

    Olgamented, ¡°The way you put it, I feel quite sorry for the Prosens.¡±

    Just as Wang Zhong was about to reply, the old butler arrived, ¡°General Gorky is here.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Let him in,e here.¡±

    "I¡¯m already here.¡± General Gorky entered the room, quickly noticed Olga, and promptly saluted, ¡°Your Majesty. I didn¡¯t know you were here.¡±

    Olga replied, ¡°Lies, Mikhail would have told you. I¡¯ve beening to the Rokossovsky family since I was little, and am very familiar with Grandpa Mikhail.¡±

    General Gorky seemed somewhat embarrassed, ¡°Well

    Mikhail interjected, ¡°I truly did not inform General Gorky. I assumed you had invited him over.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Olga teased, ¡°Oh, is that so? So, what are you Rokossovskys plotting? Let me in on it!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Your words are curious, but I believe General Gorky is here to report on his offensive preparations to me.¡±

    "Yes, that¡¯s correct. Actually, I came to report to the High Command, and stopping by here was just convenient.¡±

    Nelly appeared, carrying a tray of chilled c.

    She stopped in front of General Gorky.

    "Oh, thank you.¡± General Gorky focused on Nelly¡¯s right eye for a few seconds as he took the c, then looked up to ask Wang Zhong, ¡°Injured?¡±

    Wang Zhong confirmed, ¡°Yes,st year she stood in for me at the beachhead for over a month, her right eye got infected directly, and couldn¡¯t be saved.¡±

    General Gorky sympathized, ¡°Poor girl, to be so beautiful.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°She¡¯s still very beautiful, isn¡¯t she?¡±

    "Oh, right, indeed.¡± General Gorky took a sip of c and was immediately shocked by the coldness of the cup, ¡°This cold? I thought it would be like other cold drinks, only slightly chilled.¡±

    Nelly exined, ¡°The Federation sent us an ice machine, it seems to be one used on aircraft carriers, and it even produces ice cream. Now the kids eat ice cream every day.¡±

    General Gorky whistled, happily downing his chilled c in one go. After wiping his mouth contentedly, he got down to business, ¡°I¡¯ve heard that in your Front Army, the pilots have mastered a new way of making ice cream?¡±

    Wang Zhong shared, ¡°Yes, the Federation pilots taught them. They put milk and honey, stuff like that, in the auxiliary fuel tank, fly high for a fewps, and when theye down, they¡¯ve got a tub of ice cream. These Fed folks have as many tricks for making ice cream as our own people have for brewing alcohol.¡±

    General Gorkyughed heartily, ¡°I think we should definitely promote it. It allows the troops to enjoy ice cream without increasing the logistical burden. That¡¯s a real boon!¡±

    After another drink of c, he got to the point, ¡°Alexei Konstantinovich, I¡¯m nning tounch an offensive on the 20th of June, which should perfectly disrupt the enemy¡¯s rhythm of counterattack. What do you think?¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°That¡¯s fine, but will the Ulbans be able to replenish your Front Army by then?¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry, I already have one Ulban battalion. I n to use this battalion at the Shostka front, to create sufficient pressure on the enemy and draw their attention. However, in reality, the second echelon will be deployed to other breakthrough points!¡±

 Chapter 679: Skirmish

    Chapter 679: Chapter 17: Skirmish

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Use a fierce attack on Shostka by Ulban to create a false impression of a breakthrough here, while the real intention is to enter through a weak spot?¡±

    "Exactly. This time I have enough cavalry. Though the terrain in the central region has more forests, and the cavalry can¡¯t move as smoothly as in Kazakhstan and Nan¡¯ant, we can still effectively disrupt the enemy¡¯s supply lines andmunication,¡± General Gorky gesticted out of thin air.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°What about the enemy reserves in Oborsk? ording to aerial reconnaissance, there could be one or two Armored Divisions there.¡±

    General Gorky: ¡°They can only counterattack one or two directions. We will breach everywhere, they only have so many fire brigades, whereas we must be like wildfire, spreading far and wide!

    "Moreover, the attack on Shostka isn¡¯t entirely a feint. After Ulban has sted out some results, it canpletely turn into the main breakthrough direction.

    "Even if all attacks are ineffective, it would still draw their forces and lessen your pressure.¡±

    General Gorky spread his hands: ¡°Just like the winter campaign.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If you hadn¡¯t drawn arge portion of the enemy forces during the winter campaign, we would have had a hard time holding out. I protested to Belinsky, saying that your name must be included in the battle report, but he didn¡¯t agree.¡±General Gorky: ¡°It was I who actively requested my name be omitted from the battle reports because, put nicely, it means catching the enemy¡¯s attention. But put less nicely, it means no advancement. I will keep optimizing my ns and further familiarize my staff with them!¡±

    General Gorky¡¯s hands pressed against the table, staring at the actually map-less surface of the table, his eyes as if gazing at the map¡¯s rivers and mountains.

    He decisively said: ¡°Next time, let the enemy bring reinforcements but still be unable to stop us. Only then will I allow my name on the battle reports.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at General Gorky with some embarrassment, after all, during the winter campaign, the man had indeed taken on a lot of pressure.

    At this point, Olga spoke: ¡°Belinsky told me that he understands General Gorky¡¯s desire to catch up to you, respects his decision, and so I also approved his request.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at General Gorky, who was much older than himself, and said: ¡°When I was still a student, you were already a general, my senior. Receiving such respect from you¡­ I can only do my utmost to achieve results that live up to this respect.

    "Farewell, until we meet in Plowsonia!¡±

    Wang Zhong reached out his hand.

    General Gorky hesitated not and shook his hand: ¡°Farewell, until Plowsonia! Then, I willmence the attack in June.¡±

    "I¡¯ll catch up shortly after,¡± responded Wang Zhong. ¡°We aim to liberate Kazakhstan within this year.¡±

    General Gorky: ¡°Just liberate Kazakhstan?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You must be more familiar with the situation of the central and northern cities than I am, right?¡±

    General Gorky had served as the Commander of the Western Front Army for a long time before the war, at which time the defense area of the Western Front Army was the territory now upied by the enemy¡¯s Central Army Group. ?¨¢??¨¯¦Â??

    Gorky smiled: ¡°Indeed, cities that are easy to defend but hard to attack, plus the fortifications I built¡ªmy own work! At the time, we lost these ces so quickly, it proves that an unprepared army, one without morale, even with fortifications, is useless.

    "The truly impregnable defense line exists in every soldier¡¯s heart.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes. Taking those fortified areas is expected to cause numerous casualties. Therefore, I believe that after we reach the borders of Kazakhstan this year, the direction of next year¡¯s offense

    General Gorky: ¡°From Kazakhstan, straight to the Baltic Sea, encircle and annihte them on arge scale.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The enemy will also anticipate that we¡¯ll strike this way; it probably won¡¯t go smoothly.¡±

    "Then it will be up to your trickery, you¡¯ve always managed to bamboozle them every time. Enough about that, let¡¯s focus on this year¡¯s battles first.¡±

    Having finished, General Gorky turned to leave, but Ludm spoke up: ¡°Won¡¯t the general stay for dinner? My husband has a Ceres chef

    General Gorky: ¡°I must catch a ne back to Headquarters immediately, so I won¡¯t be indulging in the Ceres chef¡¯s cuisine.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the rumor that you won¡¯t be able toe back after eating is just that, a rumor.¡±

    "I¡¯m not worried about that; I really have to catch a ne.¡± After saying this General Gorky took a few steps out, then remembered the Tsar was still sitting, turned back to salute, ¡°Your Majesty, your servant takes his leave!¡±

    "Go then.¡±

    General Gorky then left the room.

    Olga nced at the door, then at Wang Zhong, and said: ¡°You guys talking over an empty table as though it had a map, and even continuing the conversation

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course, we look at maps every day and have memorized the terrain, the key cities, like it¡¯s our hometown.¡±

    For Wang Zhong, Argesukov was the starting point of his ¡°affection¡± for this world, so calling it his hometown wasn¡¯t incorrect.

    Wang Zhong looked toward his wife.

    Ludm did not speak, but her gaze was soft yet determined as she looked back at him.

    Olga looked back and forth between the two, sighed softly, then perked up: ¡°We will go back! We will definitely go back!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes.¡±

    Prosen 301st Armored Reconnaissance Battalion, First Company.

    Company Commander Schmidt led a toon-level special reconnaissance team, equipped with two Cougar armored vehicles, two Type 2 tanks, and one radio car, racing across the prairie.

    This was their third reconnaissance mission, with the primary goal of determining the location of the Antean defense line.

    On Kazirlia¡¯s vast prairies, not knowing the location of the defense line meant not even knowing where to aim the artillery fire.

    Commander Schmidt ordered the Cougar to stop, then stood up in the turret and raised his binocrs to scan the prairie ahead.

    "There¡¯s nothing, at least I don¡¯t see anything!¡±

    He had just finished speaking when the voice of themander of the second vehicle came through his headset: ¡°However, aerial reconnaissance indicates that the Anteans have carried out engineering work here, and we have photos.¡±

    Schmidt: ¡°Photos might be a ruse deliberately set up. The Anteans can work at night and conceal everything by day. It¡¯s been like that in other areas; the reconnaissance team must risk their lives to scout out their defense lines.¡±

    At present, aerial reconnaissance was only effective in locating somerge-scale engineering constructions, like heavy permanent supports built with reinforced concrete, which were nearly impossible to conceal from air surveince during their construction.

    But once the constructions ended, these supports would quickly vanish, swallowed up by the endless prairie. The Prosen staff could only roughly mark the locations of these supports and, based on previous reconnaissance photos, sketch theyout of these supports.

    Besides these, anything else like trenches that could be dug out in a single night became practically invisible to aerial reconnaissance, leaving no choice but to send recon soldiers to probe for reality.

    And such probing was essentially tantamount to scouting with their lives.

    Schmidt observed for another minute, sighed, and ordered, ¡°Send out a suicide squad, have them sneak over quietly.¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    Following a fewmands, two suicide squad members crawled into the bush and began to advance on their bellies.

    Schmidt nervously watched the two through binocrs, but they quickly disappeared into the wildly growing grass of early summer, with only the swaying of the grass vaguely revealing their positions.

    Soon, even the movements in the grass became indistinct as the wind started to blow, creating waves of green across the prairie.

    Commander Schmidt had a foreboding feeling.

    Suddenly, andmine detonated, and a fountain of earth erupted from the prairie, hurling helmets and weapons several meters high into the sky.

    shes of light and smoke soon followed in the distance.

    Schmidt immediately realized what was happening and yelled, ¡°Direct fire!¡±

    He leaped from the top of the Cougar reconnaissance vehicle to the side.

    Almost simultaneously, an armor-piercing shell struck the Cougar, creating a string of sparks; about ten meters behind the Cougar, a mound of mud rose, clearly from the shell hitting the ground and ricocheting, carrying up this mud.

    The Anteans had set the fuses on their armor-piercing shells incorrectly; they had shot right through the Cougar without detonating.

    Schmidt, seeing stars from his fall, still struggled to get up and ordered, ¡°Release the smoke! Mark the location of the anti-tank gun! And if you can take pictures, do it fast!¡±

    However, more anti-tank shells came flying in.

    The second Cougar had been prated by several shells, and although none of the shells detonated their fuses, the vehicle still burst into mes.

    The two Type 2 tanks weren¡¯t so lucky; the first direct hit from an armor-piercing shell exploded.

    Schmidt: ¡°Radio! Quickly report the location of the enemy defense line to the rear! Release smoke!¡±

    The surviving recon soldiers tossed the smoke bombs they carried, and the radio operator shouted, ¡°We¡¯ve pinpointed the enemy defense line¡¯s position! At coordinates

    Schmidt, limping, climbed onto a motorcycle: ¡°Quick, quick! Retreat! The enemy¡¯s mobile forces will soone to annihte us!¡±

    The surviving Prosen soldiers jumped onto any avable vehicles; since there were more survivors than expected, the motorcycles were packed with people, resembling those overhauled by a certain ¡®Brother Three¡¯.

    As the convoy fled, Schmidt turned to look back and saw the dust raised by the enemy¡¯s mobile forces.

    "The enemy¡¯s chasing us! Judging by their speed, it might be Willys Jeeps!¡±

    The Prosens were quite ustomed to the Anteans¡¯ extensive use of Willys Jeeps; indeed, the Prosens themselves favored the Willys Jeeps. If it weren¡¯t for the fact that driving them recklessly on the battlefield could lead to being mistaken for the enemy and shot by their own side, the Prosens would have probably phased out their Mercedes barrels long ago.

    After running for a while, the pursuers drew closer¡ªit wasn¡¯t a Willys Jeep but a six-wheeled armored vehicle with not only a heavy machine gun on its turret but also an unknown caliber gun!

    Schmidt swore that the recognition manual issued by the High Command had no trace of this kind of armored vehicle.

    (In reality, it was an M8 Greyhound armored car, armed with a 37 mm main gun and a.50 caliber M2 heavy machine gun)

    The enemy opened fire, and the heavy machine gun¡¯s tracer bullets chased the Prosens across the prairie.

    Schmidt hunkered down in the vehicle bed, shouting loudly, ¡°Move, move! Once we reach our lines, we can shake off the enemy!¡±

    Before he could finish, the enemy fired its main gun.

    The shells hit in front of the motorcycle, creating craters; at high speeds, enough to flip both rider and bike.

    Schmidt felt himself go airborne and then all consciousness cut out.

 Chapter 680: Rocossov Returns to the Front Line

    Chapter 680: Chapter 18 Rocossov Returns to the Front Line

    Wang Zhong¡¯s ne had just entered the Front Army Air Force¡¯sbat area when he saw Amelia leading a squadron of fighter jets to escort them.

    Amelia even flew close enough to nearly collide with the special ne, waving her wings outside the porthole.

    Wang Zhong suddenly felt something and turned his head to Ludm, ¡°Last October, when I just came back from Bs, I was almost shot down by the Prosens¡ªit ended up being our own Army¡¯s anti-aircraft fire that took me down. Amelia is probably worried something like that will happen again.¡±

    Ludm, ¡°Hmm, you should really thank her for the enthusiasm.¡±

    Wang Zhong stared at Ludm for a few seconds before nodding, ¡°Of course.¡±

    Dozens of minutester, the ne began its descent, with Amelia¡¯s squadron of fighter jets still vignt in the sky.

    However, this time there was no disturbance from Prosen fighter jets, and the nended smoothly.

    The moment the cabin door opened, Wang Zhong felt a hint of warmth, as the vanguard of summer had quietly arrived.Facing the warm breeze of the steppe, Wang Zhong exited the cabin, descending the gangway to meet with the high-ranking officers of the Front Army who were already waiting.

    Pavlov, ¡°I¡¯vepiled a report on the enemy¡¯s current activities, much more detailed than what¡¯s been submitted to the High Command, which you can review on the way back to Headquarters.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Dumping work on me as soon as I get off the ne?¡±

    "Anyway, you should have had plenty of rest in Yeburg.¡± Pavlov shrugged his shoulders.

    Wang Zhong took the folder, casually asking, ¡°Has the new equipment been distributed to the troops?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°For the rocketunchers, we¡¯ve established core training squads within various units to first learn the methods of use. Once the training squads havepleted their instruction, they¡¯ll then train the rest of the troops. However, the training squads report that the new weapons are very simple to use and some steps could be skipped.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°When designing it, we emphasized that it should be easy for the troops to get the hang of quickly. It shouldn¡¯t be moreplicated than a grenade.¡±@@novelbin@@

    "The training squads say it¡¯s simpler than using grenades, and some even suggest that we could rece the warhead with a standard grenade for use as a hand grenade.¡±

    "Let¡¯s solve the anti-armor problem for individual soldiers first, then consider the rest.¡± Wang Zhong said as he got into a jeep, ¡°What about the new tanks?¡±

    Pavlov, who had intended to answer standing by the jeep, was instead invited on board by Ludm, and she and Nelly got into another car behind.

    As the car started, Pavlov replied, ¡°The heavy tank battalions equipped with the Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tanks have already been assigned to both nks. Once the defense phase is over, they will be thrown into a pincer offensive against the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°How¡¯s the concealment going?¡±

    "Before the tanks arrived, we specifically excavated tank shelters ording to the standards you wrote in the textbooks: doubleyered ones where the tanks can bepletely hidden and covered with camouges.¡±

    Pavlov paused, his face showing difficulty, ¡°It¡¯s feasible to hide the few heavy tanks this way, but hiding the enormous numbers of T34Ws would be a huge undertaking. For now, we¡¯re just covering them with camouges to obscure the real numbers from the enemy.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No matter, it¡¯s fine if the enemy sees. After being tricked by us so many times, they¡¯re probably paranoid to the point of sickness.¡±

    The co-driver, Vasily, looked back, ¡°In that case, how about I cook up some more trouble for the Prosens? I feel like I could write a book called ¡®Art of Strategic Deception¡¯ once the war is over. I¡¯m not sure about other countries, but the Prosens would surely buy a lot to study¡­ uh, will there even be a Prosen after the war?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Of course, there will be, but it¡¯ll be a Secr faction¡¯s Prosen, without the Emperor and the Junker Nobility.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°All in all, our war preparations are proceeding methodically, and so are the enemy¡¯s. The only question now is when the enemy will attack.

    From our reconnaissance, the enemy haspleted their troop assembly and can attack now. June 22nd also marks the exact two-year anniversary of their brazen invasion, and my staff and I are inclined to believe they will attack on this date.¡± ??a???B???

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We¡¯ll have to see the status of the enemy¡¯s new weapons. They certainly don¡¯t want to go up against our Whirlwinds and Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks with just their Panzer IV¡¯s long barrels.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°The prisoners we¡¯ve captured have mentioned a tank called the Tiger King, officially numbered as the Tiger VI, and another called the ¡®Leopard,¡¯ numbered as the Panther V.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°One heavy and one medium, how many have we spotted on the front line?¡±

    "We haven¡¯t spotted any yet; we only got the model numbers from prisoner interrogations.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°We can¡¯t be sure of when the enemy will attack, but General Gorky¡¯s counterattack is set tounch on June 20th. It¡¯s certain to disrupt the enemy¡¯s deployment, and might even dy their advance.¡±

    "Exactly how, I¡¯ll know once I personally take to the skies for reconnaissance.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°I knew for sure you¡¯d want to go up personally again. However, it¡¯s strange to say, but ording to our observations, the number of enemy fighter nes seems to have decreased.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Arge number of fighter squadrons must have been called back to their homnd for air defense operations. This is good news.¡±

    Pavlov nodded, ¡°Yes, transport hubscking air cover are very vulnerable to surprise attacks by bombers like the Pe-2. We have already destroyed many trains transporting armored units.

    "Compared to the past two years, the situation at the front has never been better.¡±

    "Compared to the past two years, the situation at the front has never been worse!¡± Celtic Marshal said with a grave expression, ¡°The impact of the return of air force fighters to the homnd is gradually showing. The Ante Air Force has begun to attack our logistics nodes without any scruples. Although the anti-aircraft artillery troops fight desperately, they can only disperse the enemy nes, with limited actual damage inflicted.¡±

    Most of the time, anti-aircraft guns simply force the enemy nes to abandon precision attacks. Actually shooting down an enemy ne depends on luck.

    Celtic Marshal said, ¡°Also, the Elephant tank destroyers encountered significant problems during transport. Because they¡¯re so heavy, they¡¯ve outright crushed the tbed cars. We¡¯ve had to remove the armor and some of the load-bearing wheels, and transport them on separate t cars.

    "The Tiger King heavy tanks are facing simr issues. These super-heavy pieces of equipment are greatly dying our ability to transport equipment to the front lines.

    "The new Leopard tanks are also suffering from not being limated after reaching the front. Of the two Leopard Camps that reached the front, only half the tanks arebat-ready, the rest are under repair. The third Leopard Camp¡­ is stuck on the road.¡±

    Celtic Marshal put down the documents in his hand and looked towards the new Army Commander, Marshal Rundstedt.

    Marshal Rundstedt pushed up the monocle mped in his eye socket, ¡°Your Majesty, given the current situation,unching an attack on June 22nd seems unrealistic. It would be better to stick with the original n and attack on July 10th. We have thetest Land Stukas that will surely destroy the enemy¡¯s constructed defenses!¡±

    The Emperor said, ¡°I wanted the attack in July. Who was it that suggested moving it up? Who said it would catch Rocossov by surprise? And someone advised to attack before Rocossov returned from Yeburg¡ªwhy didn¡¯t anyone consider the issues rted to troop assembly then?¡±

    Celtic Marshal said, ¡°The staff officers who made these suggestions meant that we should not wait for new equipment and attack directly. As long as we start early, Rocossov won¡¯t have time to deploy new equipment on arge scale.¡±

    The Emperor said, ¡°But it¡¯s already mid-June now. Let¡¯s consider how to maximize the advantage of the new equipment. How are Rocossov¡¯s front-line defenses?¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt said, ¡°Our close reconnaissance is limited in effectiveness. Front-line troops report that the enemy are masters of camouge. Barbed wire andnd mines are all hidden in the fields, making them hard to detect.¡±

    The Emperor said, ¡°Then why not set fires? I don¡¯t believe Rocossov¡¯s troops will extinguish fires under our artillery fire. Burn the grasnds and whatever is hidden beneath will be exposed!¡±

    "Your Majesty, it¡¯s still too moist right now to start fires. If we truly want to burn the grasnds, we have to wait until July,¡± Marshal Rundstedt exined.

    Giles stood up and suggested, ¡°Your Majesty, since we¡¯ve waited until now, it¡¯s not toote to attack when we are fully prepared. Besides, the Ante Army has also been quiet, with no major military actions taking ce.¡±

    At this point, Duke Meyer spoke up while wiping sweat, ¡°However, our aerial reconnaissance indicates that Ante¡¯s Western Front Army is preparing tounch an offensive. The two Front Armies to the north and south of the Western Front Army are also clearly preparing to support it. This could be like therge-scale ¡®floodwater¡¯ attackst October.¡±

    The Emperor waved grandly, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The permanent defensive line we¡¯ve constructed in the Central Army Group¡¯s sector has beenpleted by fifty percent. It¡¯s as impregnable as the West Wall.¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt said, ¡°The Carolines also imed the Maginot Line was impregnable. But Carolingian ultimately surrendered. Even the most fortified position has its weaknesses. For us,cking reserve forces, General Gorky¡¯s attack tactics are even more dangerous than Rocossov¡¯s pincer movements.¡±

    The Emperor, frowning, said, ¡°Then what do you want me to do? Pull part of our assembled fist to the center? No, we can¡¯t do that! Withdraw well-trained new divisions from the homnd and reinforce the Central Army Group.

    "Even new recruits can do well when firing from fortified positions! Our goal remains to consume Rocossov and force Ante to stop and negotiate with us! It would be even better if we could capture Rocossov alive!¡±

    The generals in the operations room looked at each other with nk expressions.

    At that moment, Giles spoke, ¡°An attack, of course, is necessary. No war is won through incessant defense. But even if Rocossov is taken down, Ante is unlikely to cease hostilities, right?¡±

    The Emperor said, ¡°Then what do you propose? How should we end this war?¡±

    Giles pursed his lips.

    Suddenly, the entire meeting room fell silent.

    Army officers exchanged nces, while Duke Meyer wiped the sweat away frantically.

    Due to the repeated failures of air defense operations on the Prosen maind, the Duke had already slid towards the edge of disfavor.

    However, at this moment, neither the Army nor the Air Force officers coulde up with a solution.

 Chapter 681: General Gorky Attacks

    Chapter 681: Chapter 19 General Gorky Attacks

    June 20th, Western Front Army Headquarters.

    General Gorky nced at the time, nodded at the Chief of Staff, ¡°Begin.¡±

    The Chief of Staff picked up the phone, ¡°Fire.¡±

    General Gorky stood in front of the map, looking at the densely packed troops on it.

    The Front Army Chief of Staff confirmed that the orders had all been correctly delivered and also approached the map, ¡°Now we can only wait. Frankly, I think this is the most tormenting part.¡±

    General Gorky, ¡°Yes. After all, we¡¯re not like Rocosov, who could be sure of victory before counterattacking. Rocosov especially admires a book of ancient military tactics by Ceres, so I found a copy to read. This military book states in its preamble that the more one calctes before battle begins, the greater the likelihood of victory.

    "Rocosov is the type who ns meticulously before an attack, which is why his offensives are irresistible onceunched.¡±

    The Chief of Staff, ¡°It does sound convincing. So General Rocosov had determined from the beginning that we could win, due to this?¡±General Gorky, ¡°Possibly, as his pamphlet is logically unassable. I even don¡¯t know how to refute it. I¡¯ve seen at His Highness Belinsky¡¯s how the Tribunal confiscated and tried to refute the pamphlets of the surrender faction. They just stressed the nonsense part but ended up making Rocosov¡¯s theories seem even more credible.¡±

    The Chief of Staff, ¡°When I was in Yeburg, I even heard rumors that Rocosov and the Crown Prince¡ªthe former Crown Prince¡ªhad already calcted all of this. The Prince¡¯s sacrifice was to create an opportunity for Rocosov.¡±

    General Gorky waved dismissively, ¡°We can¡¯t take such tavern tales seriously; let¡¯s not talk about this anymore.¡±

    The Chief of Staff closed his mouth.

    General Gorky redirected the conversation back to the battlefield situation, ¡°Now that we have attacked, let¡¯s see how our old nemesis responds.¡±

    Empire of Prosen, Central Army Group Command.

    The Army Group Chief of Staff, holding the receiver, soothed General Mendel on the other end of the line, ¡°Don¡¯t panic. We saw such a full-front artillery barragest year and it will probably be anotherrge-scale drenching like before. We held offst year, so there¡¯s no reason we can¡¯t this year.¡±

    Mendel, ¡°How can it not be a problem? Last year my troops were all seasoned veterans; new recruits only ounted for about ten percent. This year, new recruits make up over thirty-five percent of my forces!

    "The veterans who should have returned from convalescence were all siphoned off by you to form new units!¡±

    The Army Group Chief of Staff, ¡°After all, the country has started mobilization, and arge number of new units are being formed. Yet, these units can¡¯t all consist of new recruits¡ªthen their fighting capability would be too unreliable, turning out as rubbish as Antean mobilized divisions. A number of veterans must act as the core of battle strength.¡±

    Mendel, ¡°So what about these newly formed divisions? Give me a few to fill up the lines!¡±

    "They are being positioned elsewhere that I can¡¯t disclose to you, rest assured they will partake in the impending offensive campaign.¡±

    "So my being breached is of no consequence? If I am breached, how many troops is the Army Group prepared to use for containment?¡± Mendel asked loudly.

    "Stay calm. You now have our meticulously constructed fortifications.¡±

    Mendel, ¡°Constructed my ass! The fortifications are only fifty percentplete! Did you see fifty percent and think that was decent? Let me tell you, that fifty percent means half of the defensive work is fullyplete, and the other half hasn¡¯t been touched! ?¨¤?¦¯?§§??

    "What if the enemy breaks through where nothing¡¯s been built? I need reinforcements! I need reinforcements! Without them, the Anteans will truly achieve their wish, and hello Plowsonia!¡±

    With that, the line went dead.

    The Army Group Chief of Staff stared at the receiver for a few seconds, shook his head.

    At this moment, the entire Army Group Command was filled with the incessant ringing of telephones, a clear indicator of the vast number of troops the Anteans hadmitted to their offensive.

    The Army Group Chief of Staff sighed, murmured, ¡°And just our luck, Marshal Von Bock is at the Eagle¡¯s Nest giving his report!¡±

    After a moment¡¯s thought, he picked up the phone, ¡°Connect me to the Eagle¡¯s Nest! Don¡¯t worry about it, I¡¯ll take responsibility!¡±

    The heart of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    Marshal Von Bock, holding a map stick, gesticted over the sand table, ¡°We¡¯ve made some specific adjustments to counter the Anteanrge-scale flooding offensive they usedst year. First is the increased density of support points. The Anteans tend to bypass our solid footholds without engaging, suggesting this tactic has been effective, but in fact

    The Marshal hadn¡¯t finished speaking when the Emperor¡¯s confidential secretary hurriedly entered the conference room, nodded slightly to the Marshal, and went straight to the Emperor, whispering a few words into his ear.

    The Emperor looked at Von Bock, ¡°Marshal, Ante¡¯s Western Front Army has just, along with the nking Antean Front Armies on both sides,unched an attack on your troops.¡±

    Marshal Von Bock appeared unsurprised, ¡°As just mentioned, we have long been aware, based on aerial reconnaissance and confessions from prisoners captured at the front, that the enemy was preparing arge-scale assault. We have contingency ns for this, my Chief of Staff should be able to handle it with ease.¡±

    The Emperor said, ¡°But he called Eagle¡¯s Nest.¡±

    After talking, the Emperor picked up the receiver of the phone in front of him and said, ¡°Transfer the call,¡± then handed the receiver to Marshal Von Bock.

    The Marshal, skeptical, took the receiver, just in time to hear the Chief of Staff¡¯s voice, ¡°Marshal, the enemy has justunched a full-scale offensive, a literal full-scale offensive, the entire line is under artillery fire.¡±

    Von Bock Marshal, ¡°Just likest time, such an offensive by the enemy could only result in breakthroughs where our forces are weakest, and that definitely won¡¯t be at any critical nodes. Once we confirm the points of breakthrough, we just need to deploy our Armored Troops for a counterstrike.¡±

    Chief of Staff, ¡°However, General Mendel of the 9th Army Group says that the total mobilization and expansion of forces have drawn away too manybat veterans, and there are too many new recruits in the units. Plus, half of the sectors haven¡¯t had time to construct permanent concrete fortifications, and he¡¯s worried about aplete breakout.¡±

    Marshal Von Bock, ¡°How could there be aplete breakout? Last year, at most, the enemy had four points of breakout, and we sealed them all up in the end, inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy¡¯s viable forces.

    "Just respond ording to thebat n, this time our reserve forces are double that ofst year¡¯s, capable of handling more than twice the number of breaches! Alright, I need to continue reporting to His Majesty.¡±

    Having said that, the Marshal directly hung up the phone.@@novelbin@@

    The Emperor, however, said, ¡°You¡¯d better return to the front line. Additionally, Celtic Marshal, do we have any forces that we can immediately dispatch to Marshal Von Bock?¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Yes, we have justpleted the organization of the 15th wave Infantry Divisions, and we can provide Marshal Von Bock with six newly formed Infantry Divisions.¡±

    Von Bock Marshal¡¯s brow furrowed deeply, ¡°The fifteenth wave? Infantry Divisions of the eighth wave were already using captured Carolingian artillery from the Carolyn Battle. Could it be that the Infantry Divisions of the fifteenth wave are all equipped with Maxim guns? Do you know how rubbish those guns are?¡±

    Army Commander Rundstedt spoke up, ¡°It¡¯s not all that bad, the machine guns are still MG34s and MG42s, mostly with a few Maxims, but we wouldn¡¯t use the trash Shosha. It¡¯s just that the fifteenth wave has¡­ slightly fewer cannons, that¡¯s all.¡±

    Marshal Von Bock, ¡°How much fewer? I mean, to what extent?¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Some divisions only have one Artillery Battalion, and those are all 105 caliber howitzers.¡±

    Marshal Von Bock frowned, ¡°Some? Knowing High Command as I do, Celtic Marshal, what you¡¯re saying is definitely not about the worst-off division, so how few cannons does the division with the least cannons have?¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Four 150mm heavy howitzers. But this is all temporary, expansion of production has already been partiallypleted, and cannon output is increasing every month. Soon, we will be able to equip all 15th wave Infantry Divisions with the standard number of cannons, meaning four fully-equipped Artillery Battalions.¡±

    Marshal Von Bock shook his head, ¡°Never mind, can you supply me with some extra Armored Divisions? Two years ago, my Armored Divisions had at least two Armored Battalions each,st year some divisions were down to one Armored Battalion, and this year all divisions have only one Armored Battalion! Where have all the withdrawn battalions gone?¡±

    "They¡¯ve been used to form new Armored Divisions,¡± answered the Celtic Marshal.

    Von Bock, ¡°And the Divisions? The Armored Divisions? Now you can only give me 15th wave Infantry Divisions to make do; what if I¡¯m broken through?¡±

    "Enough!¡± the Emperor mmed the table, attracting everyone¡¯s attention, ¡°You fellows are always moring for more troops in my presence, begging for reinforcements! Why don¡¯t you look at General Erwin? Without asking for reinforcements, he took the forces initially given to him and achieved so many splendid victories!¡±

    Actually, Erwin had asked for reinforcements, but with the Emperor not mentioning it, nobody else dared toment.

    After the initial burst of anger, the Emperor sighed and said to Von Bock, ¡°High Command will do everything in its power to support you, ensuring that you withstand the enemy¡¯s assault. But you must also understand, we¡¯re about tounch arge-scale offensive, a great offensive that can end this war! Your defensive operations must not affect the progress of this great offensive!¡±

    Marshal Von Bock repeatedly nodded, ¡°Rest assured, Your Majesty. General Gorky has already been defeated by General Mendel and me, and we can defeat him once more.¡±

    The Emperor nodded, ¡°Hurry back to the front and hold the line.¡±

    At 0100 hours on June 21st, Marshal Von Bock finally returned to Central Army Group Headquarters.

    As soon as the Chief of Staff saw hime in, he quickly approached, ¡°Marshal! The enemy has achieved breakthroughs in multiple sectors, and we have verified seven points of breakthrough so far. Moreover, there are reports that the enemy¡¯s Cavalry are pouring into our controlled areas through these seven openings.¡±

    "Cavalry!¡± Marshal Von Bock cursed, ¡°Ever since Rocosov gained an advantage with Cavalry, the Anteans have rediscovered the benefits of this ancient type of troop. But our defense area doesn¡¯t have that many grasnds, can the Cavalry really maneuver?¡±

    The Chief of Staff wiped sweat from his brow, ¡°The Cavalry can ford some small rivers that the Armored Troops can¡¯t cross, and the Antean popce in the upied zones supports them, allowing them toe and go without a trace.¡±

    Von Bock thought for a moment, ¡°Then shoot the civilians who support them, keep killing until no one dares to support them anymore. And our Armored reserve forces? Get them moving now, striving tounch a counterattack by tomorrow morning!¡±

 Chapter 682: Battlefield Yellow Flowers

    Chapter 682: Chapter 20 Battlefield Yellow Flowers

    Shostka City Suburbs, Prosen Controlled Area, June 21st at 05:10.

    Lieutenant Hansen used his binocrs to observe the area controlled by the Anteans.

    Yesterday, the Anteans hadunched an attack thatsted all day, forcing Lieutenant Hansen¡¯s camp back to their current position, and then they suffered heavy casualties in front of the strong steel-reinforced concrete fortress.

    The Anteans deployed new assault guns, attempting to destroy the fortress with cannons said to be one hundred millimeters thick, yet the fortress remained unscathed.

    Later, the Anteans brought in heavy artillery and opened fire on the fortress from a distance of 500 meters, and again they failed.

    Within Lieutenant Hansen¡¯s field of viewy the wreckage of three Antean heavy artillery pieces. The Ante Artillery were very brave, approaching the bastion with these unarmed weapons, and despite paying a high price in casualties, they managed only to st the surface of the fortress¡¯s outer wall, exposing the steel reinforcements.

    Today, the Anteans were likely to continue their attack, but they would surely struggle in front of the sturdy fortress¡ªLieutenant Hansen believed so.

    At that moment, his orderly made his way through the long tunnel and entered the bunker he wasmanding: ¡°Sir, it¡¯s time for breakfast.¡±Lieutenant Hansen turned around and nced at the dish the orderly was holding: ¡°Didn¡¯t I say to prepare enough for everyone? I cannot enjoy food alone at my battle station.¡±

    The orderly replied, ¡°I tried my best, but the kitchen said the egg storage was taken over by the Anteans yesterday, and there were not enough eggs. That¡¯s why only one egg was fried for you. The rest are one portion per person.¡±

    Machine Gunner Hawkeughed and said, ¡°With ham sandwiches, we¡¯re already satisfied. Look, there¡¯s even lettuce in the sandwiches.¡±

    The orderly added, ¡°I also put in cheese! It¡¯s just that there were no fried eggs.¡±

    "With cheese too! Here, Bavarian, this one¡¯s for you!¡± Hawke took a big bite of his own sandwich while also handing one to the assistant gunner.

    Nobody remembered the Bavarian¡¯s real name, mainly because his Bavarian ent was so strong that even when someone mentioned ¡°that Bavarian¡± within thepany, everyone immediately thought of him.

    He took the sandwich and ate while looking out the shooting window.

    Right then, the sound of artillery shells whooshing by came from outside; before anyone could react, an explosion followed, and the ground began to tremble.

    Though the men were sheltered in the secure bunker, the intensity of the artillery fire still caused everyone to instinctively duck their heads.

    The orderly even crouched down against the wall.

    Machine Gunner Hawkeughed and said, ¡°Leaning against the wall is actually more dangerous. The vibrations from the shells will travel through the wall and shake your insides to bits! The safest position during a bombardment is like this; let me show you!¡±

    The machine gunnery on the ground, demonstrating the standard protective posture: ¡°It¡¯s strenuous, but it can protect you to the greatest extent. Of course, if a shell explodes within ten meters of you, no position will help, not even lying in a trench.

    "If a shell explodes within twenty meters of you, even if you survive, you¡¯ll likely suffer a concussion and have to be carried away.¡±

    The orderly frowned, ¡°Are you trying to scare me? ording to what you¡¯re saying, couldn¡¯t the enemy just empty the fortress with artillery? One shell hits the outside, and everyone inside gets shaken silly.¡±

    Lieutenant Hansen spoke up, ¡°What do you think caused all those casualties in the main fort yesterday? The enemy¡¯s 210 heavy artillery directly hit the main fort (actually it was 203, but Prosen does not have 203 caliber, only 210, so the lieutenant said so), and although it did not break through, it still caused a bunch of people inside to be injured.¡±

    Machine Gunnermented, ¡°I heard several people were even shaken to death. It¡¯s terrifying; people were killed through such thick steel-reinforced concrete.¡± ?¦¡????¨¨S?

    Lieutenant Hansen continued, ¡°The reason the Anteans started advancing after firing yesterday was because they knew that the main fort bombarded wouldn¡¯t be capable of an effective counterattack for a while. In fact, yesterday was very dangerous, and had it not been for the alert people in the adjacent bunkers, we would have had to retreat again.¡±

    Just then, the earth-shaking sensation suddenly stopped.

    Lieutenant Hansen looked at his watch, ¡°Howe it stopped so soon? It¡¯s only been half an hour!¡±

    Hawke suggested, ¡°Maybe the enemy ran out of shells yesterday? The newspapers back home have been iming that the Anteans nowck sufficient artillery shells.¡±

    Lieutenant Hansen retorted, ¡°How is that possible? Even when we are bombarded at home, we have enough shells delivered to the frontline. The Anteans have a secure rear and support from the Federation; they definitely have enough shells.¡±

    "Maybe they all went to Rocossov?¡± said the orderly. ¡°He seems very adept at using artillery.¡±

    Just as Lieutenant Hansen was about to answer, the Bavarian shouted, ¡°Something¡¯s happening! The enemy ising.¡±

    After he shouted, the others also noticed the roar of engines and the noise of gearboxes.

    The gearbox noise of Antean tanks waspletely distinct from that of Prosen, reportedly because Antean gearboxes were designed very simply.

    Lieutenant Hansen crawled to the shooting port and raised his binocrs.

    Through the dust raised in the distance, he spotted armored vehicles maneuvering behind the riddled buildings!

    But Lieutenant Hansen¡¯s bunkercked anti-tank firepower, so these armored units were not his concern; his job was solely to intercept and eliminate the enemy infantry.

    "Get ready, check the machine guns!¡± the lieutenant ordered.

    Hawke stuffed thest bite of the sandwich into his mouth and joined the assistant gunner in checking the machine guns.

    There were three machine guns inside the bunker, but one was reserved for use to maintain continuous fire when the other two needed their barrels changed.

    Lieutenant Hansen¡¯s binocrs continued to chase the dust behind the buildings.

    Suddenly, the dust stopped, and correspondingly, the mechanical roaring sound also temporarily lowered.

    Then there was a change in the noise of the gearboxes; it felt as though the armored vehicles were turning.

    Immediately afterward, the patchy brick wall in Lieutenant Hansen¡¯s binocrs copsed with a crash, and a boxy armored vehicle emerged through the dense dust, crossing over the wall and crushing the bodies of soldiers behind it, advancing toward the fortress.

    The anti-tank guns of the other bunkers opened fire right away, and a direct hit from a PAK40 shell bounced off that thing!

    The more terrifying thing was that the front of the armored vehicle had no openings at all, not even a gun barrel¡ªit was just a solid armor te.

    Lieutenant Hansen heard the sound of the anti-tank rifle and saw the direction of the tracer bullets flying. They should have been aiming at the observation port above the enemy¡¯s main armor.

    However, Lieutenant Hansen, based on his knowledge of armored vehicles, thought that the observation port was likely a periscope and that even if the reflective mirror was shattered, it could still function to some extent.

    Sure enough, the armored vehicle continued to advance towards the bunker.

    Ante infantry nked the armored vehicle on both sides, their movements practiced as they alternately covered each other¡¯s advance. One look at this rhythm of advancement and you knew they were old soldiers.

    Not to mention, they also wore the cloaks of the Imperial Guard.

    Hawke cursed, ¡°Damn, it¡¯s the cloak cockroaches!¡±

    This was what the Federation soldiers called the Antean Imperial Guard because these guys were as tough as cockroaches and impossible to exterminate.

    Lieutenant Hansen said, ¡°The enemy has crossed the 400-meter mark, open fire!¡±

    Hawke pulled the trigger, and the distinctive sound of tearing fabric from the Prosen machine gun immediately rang out, sweeping a dense web of fire across the Antean formation.

    But only one man was hit and stopped; the rest all promptly took cover.

    Then the ¡°cloak cockroaches¡± began to leap forward adeptly. Wherever the machine gun swept, soldiers from the other side would stand and charge forward, entering the next cover.

    As he fired, Hawke cursed, ¡°Two years ago they were still charging forward like greenhorns! Goddamn, goddamn!¡±

    Inside Lieutenant Hansen¡¯s bunker, no one paid attention to the still slowly advancing armored vehicle.

    The lieutenant¡¯s attention was fully on the enemy infantry, continuously issuingmands until Hawke yelled ¡°Change the barrel!¡± Then he nced at the armored vehicle.

    That¡¯s when he saw the anti-tank gun firing at the tracks of the armored vehicle.

    However, there was a mine roller at the front and a dozer de, and even two armor-piercing shells failed to hit the tracks hidden behind, only managing to knock off one side of the mine roller.

    After all, it was difficult to hit the tracks in the first ce¡ªthere was too much debris and blockage on the ground, and now there was a bunch of other stuff piled up.

    Finally, the moment the third armor-piercing shell hit, the armored vehicle came to a halt.

    The lieutenant shouted, ¡°Good! Hit the tracks!¡±

    Then he saw a bright Novae rising from behind the armored vehicle.

    The back of Lieutenant Hansen¡¯s neck tingled, and he suddenly remembered a report that said the Anteans had acquired a new type of weapon that firedrge-caliber rockets.

    The Empire had alsoe up with something called the Land Stuka, based on Antean designs.@@novelbin@@

    Was it that kind of weapon?

    It was said that this thing could st all kinds of bunkers sky high and leave behind a huge mushroom cloud.

    Lieutenant Hansen watched the Novae until it disappeared from his field of vision.

    Hawke kept firing nonstop, not caring about the rocket that had beenunched.

    After all, he was just a machine gunner; he couldn¡¯t do anything else even if he wanted to.

    Lieutenant Hansen sighed.

    The shockwave from the explosion engulfed the small bunker, knocking everyone inside unconscious in an instant.

    Lieutenant Andrei watched the rising mushroom cloud and dashed out of the shelter, ¡°The enemy must be stunned! Charge now!¡±

    "Ura!¡±

    Guards soldiers poured out from behind the shelter, rushing towards the fortress.

    Yesterday, all day long, Ante troops had been working hard to determine the positions of the enemy¡¯s heavily fortified strongholds because these fortresses were hard to spot when not firing.

    Today, the Guard First and the Urban Assault Gun brigade of rocket artillery were deployed, guiding the infantry to take out the enemy¡¯s fortresses one by one.

    The Guard¡¯s 53rd Infantry Regiment cooperated in the assault.

    The rising mushroom cloud was the signal for the offensive.

    Lieutenant Andrei, leading his troops, charged towards thepletely silent fortress.

    "methrowers! Spray into the firing ports! Burn them alive!¡± After Andrei shouted, methrower soldiers rushed forward, pulling the trigger at the firing ports.

    Brilliant mes engulfed the firing ports, spewing out from other windows of the fortress.

    Immediately after, sounds of ammunition cooking off came from inside the fortress, crackling like fireworks.

    "Continue!¡± Andrei yelled, ¡°Burn them all! Advance! For the mothend!¡±

    The massive wave swallowed everything.

 Chapter 683: Full of Holes

    Chapter 683: Chapter 21 Full of Holes

    Prosen 9th Army Group Headquarters.

    Marshal Mengde was originally holding the receiver, waiting for themunications department to finish repairing the phone line when he suddenly saw a staff officer ce a breakthrough symbol at Shostka on the map.

    He immediately mmed the receiver down on the desk, loudly demanding, ¡°How could Shostka have been breached?¡±

    The staff officer hurriedly exined, ¡°This breakthrough symbol represents the enemy making some progress, capturing part of the key positions; it does not mean a full breach.¡±

    Mengde: ¡°So, does the 48th Army have confidence in reiming the lost territory?¡±

    The staff officer was at a loss of words: ¡°Uh¡­ actually, they are requesting reinforcements. The enemy has deployed the rumored 500mm rocket artilleryunchers. The defense points that held till yesterday were blown up one by one.

    "The 48th Army managed to destroy the tracks of three rocket artillery vehicles withndmines, and they used maic anti-tank mines to destroy one of them, temporarily stopping the enemy¡¯s advance.

    "However, the counterattack by the 48th Army was blocked by the Anteans. The Anteans rapidly utilized the original fortifications, inflicting heavy casualties on our forces.¡±Mengde: ¡°Pull an Armored Grenadier Division from the Sixth Armored Army to reinforce them.¡±

    "Yes, but on the way from the Sixth Armored Army¡¯s location to Shostka, there were reports of Antean forces.¡±

    Mengde: ¡°From now on, treat such ambiguous reports as minor Antean cavalry units.¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    The staff officer agreed and then bent down to work. Mengde, with his hands behind his back, looked at the defense zone map covered with dense breakthrough symbols¡ªno, it should be said, symbols indicating the loss of key positions but not yet fully overrun, possibly reimable.

    The real breakthrough points probably hadn¡¯t been marked yet because the defending troops were scattered, unable to report immediately.

    Mengde looked at the map: ¡°Full of holes. With insufficient troops to defend such a long frontline, it¡¯s our own doing.¡±

    The Chief of Staff of the Army Group was still busy and couldn¡¯t spare time to chat with themander, so his deputy took over the conversation: ¡°We can¡¯t possibly give up thend we¡¯ve upied and retreat voluntarily, General. Domestic opinion wouldn¡¯t allow it; there would be questions about the propaganda.¡±

    "I know, I certainly know,¡± Mengde looked at the map, ¡°We can only do what we can, hold as long as possible, and if we can¡¯t hold, we should start retreating early, not get surrounded and annihted like the Sixth Army Group.¡±

    The deputy was shocked: ¡°Retreat? Retreating without orders can lead to court-martial!¡±

    "Stay calm, nobody said to retreat. We still have an Armored Army¡ªI mean, an Armored Army short of one division. We¡¯re not yet at a stalemate, thanks tost year¡¯s reinforcements from the Third Armored Army.¡± Mengde mused again as he looked at the map.

    Then the telephone rang, Mengde muttered ¡°Is the phone fixed?¡± as he rushed to pick it up: ¡°Hello? Supreme Command Department?¡±

    Marshal Von Bock¡¯s voice came from the other side: ¡°How¡¯s the situation there? Your Army Group is key to our entire front line; make sure there are no slip-ups!¡±

    Mengde adjusted his expression, speaking with a mix of anxiety and anger, ¡°We¡¯re about to be breached! You shoulde to my Headquarters, see all these dense breakthrough symbols on the map!¡±

    The staff officers in the room couldn¡¯t help but look up at theirmander. Mengde¡¯s deputy showed a nonchnt expression, instructing the staff to continue working.

    Von Bock: ¡°It¡¯s the same with the other units. The good news is, I brought back newly formed Infantry Divisions from the Headquarters! I¡¯ve decided to allocate three to you!¡± ?§¡N??¨§?

    Mengde: ¡°Three? Even six divisions might not be enough! But having three will greatly relieve our pressure; send them over quickly!¡±

    Mengde¡¯s lips slightly curled up after securing the reinforcements, but he dared not show it, fearful that Marshal Von Bock might change his mind.

    However, the marshal went silent for a few seconds before saying: ¡°Mengde, I thought I¡¯d better tell you the truth, the Infantry Divisions I brought back are from the 15th and 16th waves formed after total mobilization began. Their artillery is made up of captured Carolingian guns, and some divisions evenck enough machine guns, having to use captured Shosha light machine guns.¡±

    Mengde¡¯s expression stiffened: ¡°What?¡±

    "The reinforcement is from the 15th wave, and the equipment is poor,¡± Von Bock repeated.

    Mengde held his head: ¡°Isn¡¯t it total mobilization now? How can light weapons not be fully equipped? Where is our vaunted industrial capacity?¡±

    "It was bombed by the Allied Forces,¡± Von Bock said.

    Here he was actually being facetious. In reality, as an established industrial power, Prosen¡¯s production recovery was swift.@@novelbin@@

    The Allied bombing indeed impacted Prosen¡¯s production capacity but wasn¡¯t as debilitating as the Allies themselves estimated.

    The supply issue was simply due to expanding the army too much at once, far exceeding the increase in industrial output¡ªafter all, while arming new units, the frontline troops also needed replenishments.

    Mengde: ¡°Send the troops over, I¡¯ll see where they can be utilized. These divisions should have enoughbat backbone, right?¡±

    "Of course,¡± Von Bock immediately asserted, ¡°Most of the wounded withdrawn from your units joined these newly formed units.¡±

    Mengde muttered quietly: ¡°If they had returned thesebat backbones to us, perhaps there wouldn¡¯t be so many breakthrough symbols on the map.¡±

    "What did you say?¡± Marshal Von Bock demanded.

    Mengde: ¡°I said the Chairman¡¯s view is excellent.¡±

    Von Bock: ¡°Good luck to you, General Mengde. Also, His Majesty is too busy, so there¡¯s no need to trouble him with a call.¡±

    "Yes,¡± Mengde reluctantly finished, and the call was immediately disconnected.

    After putting down the receiver, he shook his head and cursed, ¡°I have lost control here, and I fear Ante¡¯s Cavalry might follow the phone line straight to your headquarters. Now the entire Central Army Group will be like a dragon without a head!¡±

    His Deputy Officer asked with concern, ¡°How are things?¡±

    Mengde replied, ¡°Terrible, we¡¯ve been sent reinforcements for several divisions.¡±

    "Isn¡¯t that good?¡± His Deputy Officer was overjoyed.

    Mengde said, ¡°But these divisions are from the fifteenth deployment, and they are already facing equipment shortages. Some units don¡¯t have enough machine guns and have to resort to using Carolingian¡¯s outdated Shostka machine guns.¡±

    The Deputy Officer immediately frowned, ¡°Shostka machine guns? That obsolete light machine gun? The one that soldiers, to avoid jamming, have to forcibly control the firing rate?¡±

    Mengde confirmed, ¡°Yes. Even the seasoned soldiers frequently face malfunctions with it, and for new soldiers, it might break down before they can even finish their first magazine. Let¡¯s wish the units using them good luck.¡±

    The Deputy Officer eximed, ¡°Damn, how has the Empiree to this!¡±

    Mengde remained silent but stared at the map.

    After a while, he said, ¡°I can¡¯t just sit here and wait to die, nor can I send the armored troops I currently control straight to fill the front lines, no. The Third Armored Army¡¯s tank readiness is very high, we need to put this fresh force to work and sweep up those Ante troops breaking through our lines.¡±

    While saying this, Mengde picked up a map stick and pointed sharply at a location on the map, ¡°Order the Third Armored Army to move to this position and deploy along this line.¡±

    The tip of the map stick drew a horizontal line across the map.

    "Then attack here, advancing along the highway, and crush all encountered Ante troops, move to this point then turn, sweeping everything along another highway.

    "This inverted V-shaped offensive, oncepleted, will wipe out most of the Ante troops that have prated to our rear.¡±

    Mengde looked up at his Deputy Officer.

    The Deputy Officer suggested, ¡°It could be done in three days if the attack goes smoothly.¡±

    Mengde responded, ¡°The enemy didn¡¯t use their new rocket artillery until the second day of their attack, and up to now, there have been no confirmed sightings of the rumored new heavy tanks, indicating that the newest weapons are mainly deployed against Rocossov. We should not encounter significant resistance.

    "Let¡¯s settle on this, even if the counterattack fails, it¡¯s better than sitting here waiting to die. The Anteans are now like a swarm of ants, aiming to kill our elephant with numerous bites. We can¡¯t let them have their way.¡±

    On the same day, far from the central battlefield at the Kazakhstan First Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Could General Gorky¡¯s attack actually copse the enemy?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Don¡¯t rush. The attack has only started two days ago, they wouldn¡¯t copse that quickly. At least for today, our enemy¡¯s reconnaissance operations continue, it doesn¡¯t look like their attack ns have changed.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°If General Gorky¡¯s attack is sessful, can we cease our defensive counterattacks and instead use a pincer movement to envelop the heavily reinforced enemy troops near Orel?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We could try it; we¡¯ve never annihtedrge numbers of the enemy in fully known conditions before. Personally, I don¡¯t care much about fairness. I believe killing the enemy is just that, whether they are fully prepared or worn out, it¡¯s all about elimination.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Who wants to fight them fairly? They didn¡¯t bother with fairness when they ambushed us.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course. To not miss the opportunity to attack, I think I¡¯ll personally scout the area in a couple of days. This way we can confirm whether the enemy has moved their troops. If we find that the enemy at Orel has decreased, we will attack immediately.

    "All the troops originally stationed at Orel for defense will also be deployed in the attack.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Sure, I¡¯ll modify the existing counterattack n to develop a new contingency n for a full-frontal attack.¡±

    Popov: ¡°Originally we were nning to continue with defensive counterattacks, and now it¡¯s turning into an active assault, which is more inspiring, too.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes. Of course, this is contingent on General Gorky making progress. If the enemy withstands the attack, and our immediate enemies haven¡¯t decreased, then we¡¯ll continue with the original n.¡±

    "There is another possibility,¡± said Pavlov. ¡°Maybe the enemy has redeployed their reserves to General Gorky¡¯s side while not giving up on attacking us. This scenario would be the best for us.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned tightly, ¡°Really? Wouldn¡¯t this mean the enemy is caught between two fronts? If they¡¯ve thrown all their reserves into the center, that means Gorky¡¯s attack is highly effective. At this point, they should decisively stop their offensive and switch to defense here, concentrating their forces to respond to the breakthrough at the center.¡±

    He paused and thought deeply, shaking his head, ¡°No, that can¡¯t be right, unless the enemy has be blinded by their losses and lost their judgment, they wouldn¡¯t do this.¡±

 Chapter 684: The Plathen Emperorâ€™s Choice

    Chapter 684: Chapter 22 The then Emperor¡¯s Choice

    June 24, Eagle¡¯s Nest, 9 a.m.

    The then Emperor looked at Celtic Marshal who had just finished his report, then turned to Army Commander Rundstedt, ¡°So, your opinion is to postpone the attack on the Southern Front and focus all efforts on the central¡­ ¡®crisis¡¯?¡±

    "Yes,¡± Marshal Rundstedt nodded.

    The Emperor pondered for a long while, lips pursed, then asked, ¡°So, is this truly a crisis? Just ten hours ago, you were saying that General Mendel¡¯s counterattack was highly effective?¡±

    "Yes, and to this point, his counterattack remains very sessful, having cleared most of the Ante Troops that breached the 9th Army Group¡¯s defense lines. But the problem is

    "The problem is?¡± the Emperor pressed.

    Celtic Marshal responded, ¡°Other Army Groups haven¡¯t managed tounch effective counterattacks and the defense lines are in a shattered state. In fact, Marshal Bog believes, aside from the 9th Army Group, that the position of the other Army Groups is quite perilous.¡±

    "They need fresh troops tounch counterattacks to buy some breathing room.¡±The Emperor queried, ¡°So you mean to say, draw troops from the Southern Army Group to reinforce the Central Army Group so they can hold off the attack while we postpone the Southern Front¡¯s advance?¡±

    Celtic Marshal exined, ¡°Originally, because of transportation issues, half of the new weaponry designated for the Southern Front hasn¡¯t arrived yet. By the nned attack date of July 10th, it¡¯s likely that some equipment still won¡¯t be in ce.

    "Better to wait a bit longer until we have held off the central offensive, then deploy the troops to attack.

    "By that time, the troublesome new weaponry will have all been delivered to the front line. We¡¯d just need to transport regr troops.¡±

    After Celtic Marshal finished, Marshal Rundstedt added, ¡°Dying the attack also has another advantage; our newly formed Armored Division will be ready to fight. By then, our forces would be even stronger.¡±

    Normally, the formation of new troops isn¡¯t something the Army Commander should announce¡ªthat¡¯s the Chief of Staff¡¯s responsibility. But right now, there¡¯s no time to worry about protocol.

    The Emperor asked, ¡°Then how can you guarantee that Rocossov won¡¯t attack?¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt replied, ¡°Isn¡¯t that perfect? We¡¯ll counterattack defensively. Theboriously transported frontline Elephant Tank Destroyers have low mobility and are clearly better suited for defense, along with the mass-produced Max anti-tank guns, which are more suited for predetermined position defense.

    "Let Rocossov taste the bitterness of onught as well.¡±

    The Emperor pressed further, ¡°What if Rocossov deploys those 500mm rocketunchers?¡±

    "Your Majesty, we organize our defenses in the wilderness, but Rocossov¡¯s new weapon is clearly designed for urban assaults; it won¡¯t be much effective in the ins.¡±

    The Emperor thought for a moment, then turned to Giles, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    Giles replied with conviction, ¡°I think we shouldn¡¯tunch an attack when we need to divert troops.¡±

    Hearing Giles¡¯s supporting opinion, both Celtic Marshal and Marshal Rundstedt breathed a sigh of relief.

    The Emperor still hesitated, ¡°Our window for this attack is only three months. By October the mud will arrive, and then all armored troops will be stuck in the mud, unable to move.¡± ?¨¤??¦¢¨¨?

    Giles remarked, ¡°It¡¯s the same for the enemy. Rocossov is vigorously preparing his troops, he surely has big ns this year. He will attack, and this time it¡¯s our turn for a defensive counteroffensive.¡±

    The Emperor thought for another few seconds, finally nodding, ¡°You¡¯re right. This time we counter defensively. Celtic Marshal, amend the n. Draw troops from the Southern Army Group to reinforce the Central Army Group and stabilize the front line.

    "Also, send amendation telegram to Mendel, who sessfully counterattacked and held his line, drafted in my name.¡±

    Celtic Marshal responded, ¡°I¡¯ll execute it immediately.¡±

    After speaking, he turned and left the conference room.

    The rest in the conference room all looked at the Emperor, clearly sensing the mncholy emanating from him.

    The Emperor remarked, ¡°For years, Prosen has been on the offensive, always victorious, as if offense and victory were bound together. Now, I actually order to cease the attack, even though I understand the necessity behind it, I still feel as though I¡¯m giving up the chance of victory.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Giles stated, ¡°Defensive counterattack is still a counterattack, that is an offense. We will be victorious. Rocossov has always been defending and counterattacking; he defeated us time after time, enjoying the fruits of victory.¡±

    The Emperor nodded, ¡°I know, I know this choice is the right one, logical. Giles, thank you. Without you, I might not have been able to make this decision calmly. This Rocossov, he has already caused me countless sleepless days and nights.

    "The Imperial Ministry has repeatedly promised that the assassination ns are ready, but to this date, only the attempt by Bs nearly seeded. All other ns have invariably failed!¡±

    The head of the Imperial Ministry also present, awkwardly said, ¡°Most of our actions have been thwarted by the Church¡¯s Tribunal Secr faction, Bishop Ravkid under Belinsky is extremely formidable and unusually cruel, killing all suspected individuals along with their families, sparing not even the children.¡±

    General Moochi quipped, ¡°The Imperial Ministry is now talking about others being cruel?¡±

    The Imperial Ministry was notoriously brutal within the Empire of Prosen. When a child cried at night, merely mentioning ¡°The Imperial Ministry ising¡± would immediately silence them in fear.

    That¡¯s why General Ma Qi teased them like that.

    However, the head of the Imperial Ministry just replied to General Ma Qi with a slight smile.

    General Ma Qi, the Director of Armored Troops and the Emperor¡¯s favorite, was still frightened by that smile.

    Emperor: ¡°Enough, let¡¯s not undermine each other at this time. Think about how we can win the war for the Empire.¡±

    "I do have a method,¡± the head of the Imperial Ministry said. ¡°Based on reliable intelligence, the Allied Forces n to hold a summit at the end of the year. Perhaps even Rocossov, who might end this year¡¯s campaign, will attend. We could consider seizing them all in one fell swoop!¡±

    General Ma Qi: ¡°You can¡¯t even handle a Tribunal, and now a joint conference with anti-spy experts from different countries? Do you think you can manage that?¡±

    "Why not try it and find out?¡± the head smiled again.

    Emperor: ¡°Let¡¯s discuss these matters when the enemy actually convenes. For now, I think we¡¯ve discussed enough; you may all leave. Giles, stay behind; my sister would like to invite you for afternoon tea.¡±

    Giles, ted: ¡°Is she well?¡±

    "Shouldn¡¯t you know best how she is?¡± the Emperor retorted.

    The other generals pretended not to hear and quickly left the conference room.

    June 27, 1330 hours, 3000 meters above the Southern Army Group of Prosen.

    Wang Zhong flipped open his notebook, where he had recorded the enemy¡¯s unit numbers in code during thest aerial reconnaissance.

    He used codes because if someone else stumbled upon this notebook, seeing the Front Army Commander so familiar with the enemy¡¯s numbers could cause unwanted trouble.

    After a carefulparison, he confirmed one thing¡ªthe Prosen troops originally deployed around Orel had withdrawn three divisions.

    Prosen¡¯s divisions wererge, meaning at least seventy thousand men had been relocated.

    That is to say, the enemy was indeed transferring troops to the Central Army Group.

    At that moment, Amelia said, ¡°It seems like the enemy¡¯s activities are reducing. Combining this with what I saw flying over the front lines earlier, it feels as if they¡¯re settling in for defense.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, I took photos when I flew over the front lines. The enemy is clearly building fortifications. Though the attacking side also constructs some fortifications at the point of attack to conceal troops and deceive the defenders, the scale of the enemy¡¯s constructions doesn¡¯t quite seem right.¡±

    Amelia: ¡°So, is the enemy dying their attack? Focusing on the Central Army Group first?¡±

    "That¡¯s right.¡±

    Amelia: ¡°Could it be a deception by the Prosens?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Hahaha¡­ Hard to say, but if it really is a deception and they keep attacking us under these circumstances, then I¡¯d really have tough. Alright, we¡¯ve seen enough; let¡¯s head back.¡±

    "Okay!¡± Amelia maneuvered the control stick, the ne banked right and turned back towards the Ante-controlled area.

    Two hourster.

    Kazarlia First Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Given the current situation, I think we canunch an attack earlier. This would prevent the enemy from withdrawing too many forces from our front, alleviating the pressure on General Gorky as well.

    "Also, attacking now when the enemy¡¯s fortifications aren¡¯t fully prepared could reduce our casualties.¡±

    Popov mmed his fist on the table: ¡°Good, to take the offensive against an enemy who has not faced significant setbacks¡ªdidn¡¯t expect this day toe so soon.¡±

    Pavlov looked worried: ¡°The enemy has strong forces, and we don¡¯t exactly have arge advantage in numbers; is it really appropriate to attack?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Let¡¯s initiate the attack and see, if we can¡¯t continue, we¡¯ll adjust ordingly. Warfare is ever-changing; we must adapt to circumstances.¡±

    Pavlov thought for a moment and nodded: ¡°You decide, I¡¯ll execute. But perhaps we should inform High Command? It wouldn¡¯t be appropriate to attack rashly.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That¡¯s fine. We can send a telegram to High Command in the names of the three of us, asking to change thebat n!¡±

 Chapter 686: Homesickness

    Chapter 686: Chapter 24 Homesickness

    Wang Zhong had barely finished speaking for less than an hour when the confidental secretary came in with the decoded telegram: ¡°Urgent message from High Command.¡±

    He directly took it from the secretary¡¯s hands and saw that there was only one line written: ¡°Agreed, wishing you a sessful offensive, Tugenev.¡±

    "No wonder the telegram arrived so quickly, it was only this short,¡± said Wang Zhong as he passed the telegram to Pavlov.

    Pavlov said, ¡°With this, we can legitimately ry the decision tomence the battle to all the units.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What about the n?¡±

    "The n was ready-made, I¡¯ve already made the modifications,¡± Pavlov spread his hands, ¡°The n I devised was based on the premise that the enemy had not suffered significant losses in the offensivebat, and the estimates of enemy numbers were based on previous intelligence. Now that many of the enemies have been redeployed, it should be rtively easy.¡±

    Vasily said, ¡°The only concern now is whether the enemy¡¯s Southern Army Group will make any moves at the Coastal Fortress after weunch a pincer attack and cut off the Southern Army Group in the middle. Earlier this year, that Army Group had managed to retreatpletely from Bolsk.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°The Army Group Commander, General Sheeplin, is verypetent. He even managed to lead his ragtag forces to escape from the outskirts of Abawahan. Let¡¯s leave the strongest Army Group to deal with them, the First Mobile Group Army.¡±Pavlov said, ¡°Indeed, I feel more confident about the old troops, and Yegorov is reliable. So it¡¯s settled. When shall weunch the attack then?¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the calendar on the wall: ¡°How about the 30th of June? Would that give you enough time tomunicate the newbat n and battle decision to everypany?¡±

    "More than enough, even if field mice cut off the phone lines again, it would be enough,¡± Pavlov stated confidently, ¡°I will send messengers on motorcycles to deliver the orders!¡±

    The Corps Command of the 63rd Army Group of the Kazarlian First Front Army.

    Admiral Eugene, the Commander of the Army Group, was discussing with his staff how to further strengthen the group¡¯s defenses when a messenger in a leather jacket burst into the room, ¡°Report!¡±

    Admiral Eugene looked up, ¡°Who is it?¡±

    The leather-d messenger said, ¡°From Front Army Headquartersmunications team, I have been ordered to convey the newbat n to you!¡±

    After saying this, the messenger opened his leather bag and took out a man envelope. The handle of the bag was cuffed to the messenger¡¯s belt with handcuffs. ?¦¡???§¦?

    "A new n!¡±

    Admiral Eugene took the envelope, quickly opened it, and took out the documents inside, skimmed through the summary, and then handed it to the Chief of Staff.

    It wasn¡¯t that Admiral Eugene wasn¡¯t concerned about the details of the n; it¡¯s just that he had learned these aspects in a crash course and didn¡¯t grasp them as solidly as his Chief of Staff, so he simply didn¡¯t make a fool of himself with a half-baked understanding. He would rather wait for the Chief of Staff to fullyprehend them before exining, which was more efficient.

    This was the experience he had gained over the course of the war these two years.

    The 63rd Army Group¡¯s Chief of Staff, Andrei, flipped through thebat n and was amazed, ¡°An offensive? It seems our three Front Armies have had a strong impact on the enemy¡¯s Central Army Group. The Front Army Headquarters must have learned that arge number of enemy troops were drawn away to the Central Army Group.

    "The attack is scheduled for June 30th? We need to get the attack n to all the units as soon as possible. I suggest holding a military chiefs meeting immediately!¡±

    Andrei had just finished speaking when he noticed that Admiral Eugene was looking thoughtfully out the window of themand bunker.@@novelbin@@

    "General?¡± he asked.

    Admiral Eugene said, ¡°My hometown, the mine where I used to work, is just tens of kilometers away in front of us. It¡¯s a small city born because of the mine, where half of the people work directly with the mine, and the other half are engaged in transportation and other business indirectly rted to the mine. The ones with the least connection to the mine would be the cooks in the canteen.

    "Our small town has twenty public canteens, almost all built at the same time as the mines, managed by the Church. There¡¯s a reading nook in the canteen with bookshelves filled with various works of the Secr faction and the Secr faction¡¯s government-sponsored newspaper.¡±

    The staff in the Headquarters exchanged looks, but no one interrupted the Commander¡¯s soliloquy.

    After all, the Commander was an old soldier who had fought his way up with ¡°that¡± Rokossovsky ¨C someone who, like Yegorov, would refer to Rokossovsky as ¡°Division Commander.¡±

    Admiral Eugene continued recalling, ¡°The canteen I often visited was No. 10, not because it was closest to the mine¡¯s office building, but because it had the best pickled cucumbers, with a unique vor that other canteens couldn¡¯t match!¡±

    Finally, a staff officer couldn¡¯t help but interject, ¡°Can there be such differences in pickled cucumbers? Aren¡¯t they all pretty much the same taste?¡±

    Admiral Eugene shook his head, ¡°You think this way because you¡¯ve only had mass-produced pickles from factories, individual pickled cucumbers are different! Just like handmade sausages, although they may not be as full-bodied as factory-produced Doctor Sausage, they also have a unique vor!¡±

    After saying this, Admiral Eugene was silent for a while before turning around and sweeping his gaze over everyone.

    "Sorry, I just realized I am about to return home, and I got a bit sentimental. Let¡¯s immediately distribute thebat n, start mobilization! Has the Front Army enhanced our firepower?¡±

    Andrei looked down at the n in his hand, ¡°No, we are not the main attack direction; our task is to tie down the enemies in front. We¡¯ve only been reinforced with one brigade of tanks.¡±

    Admiral Eugene sighed, ¡°Looks like I won¡¯t be able to return home just yet, but that¡¯s okay, I¡¯ve waited for over two years, waiting for another few months is nothing.¡±

    Andre nodded and casually asked, ¡°How is the person from the canteen doing?¡±

    Vice Admiral Eugene replied, ¡°The young cooks and helpers have all enlisted, and the old chef has been drafted into the cooking squad. Before the infantry regiment I formed from the miners set off, I went to take a look; in that huge canteen, there was only an olddy serving thin porridge, she was thest employee left.

    "It seems she was called¡­ I forget what her name was, but she was there, stirring the pot of porridge with a brokendle and watching us.

    "I asked her, ¡®Granny, where are your children? Have them take you with them when they retreat!¡¯

    "She nced at me and said, ¡®I don¡¯t know where they are, so I¡¯m going to wait for them here. Even the Prosen people wouldn¡¯t do anything to an old woman like me.

    Vice Admiral Eugene paused, falling silent for a while before he continued, ¡°I almost immediately realized that her children were either in the Prosen people¡¯s POW camp or somewhere face down, buried in the mud.

    "And I, along with the boys I¡¯m leading, will end up the same way someday.¡±

    "But you¡¯vee through,¡± Andre said. ¡°I¡¯ve been your partner since the Orachi defensive battle, and I know how many hardships we¡¯ve been through.¡±

    Vice Admiral Eugene replied, ¡°Then you also know how many goodds are now face down, buried in the dirt.¡±

    Andre nodded and said nothing.

    Vice Admiral Eugene said, ¡°In Orachi, we were in such a hurry and in such disarray that we had no time to bury ourrades.¡±

    He hesitated, then his tone changed abruptly, ¡°Now it¡¯s the damned Prosen people who don¡¯t have the time to bury theirrades! Sukabule!¡±

    "Yes, finally it¡¯s our turn!¡± Andre agreed.

    First Mobile Army Headquarters.

    Yegorov was furious, ¡°Why is our mission defense? We should be the sharp edge of the Division Commander¡¯s de! No, I must go to the Front Army Headquarters and ask the Division Commander what he means!¡±

    The Army Group Chief of Staff and the Military Bishop tried to stop Yegorov, ¡°No! Our task is also very important! General Sheeplin of the Coastal Fortress, having slipped away from General Rokossovsky¡¯s hands several times, means they value us highly by putting us on the guard against him!¡±

    Yegorov tried to break free several times without sess and could only sigh deeply, ¡°I know they¡¯ve given us an important task, but¡­ this is our first time going on the offensive without being in a defensive position! I am from Kazarlia too! My wife and child died here! I want to take part in the attack!¡±

    After saying this, he strained harder to break free, causing all the staff in the headquarters to surround him, fearing to let this wild beast loose.

    At that moment, a sharp rebuke came from the doorway, ¡°This is disgraceful, Yegorov!¡±

    Everyone quieted down and looked toward the door.

    Yegorov¡¯s current wife, Doctor Kaja from the war hospital, stood in the doorway.

    "Uh,¡± Yegorov seemed to regain hisposure all at once, ¡°how did you get here?¡±

    "I came to report the current medical supplies to the logistics department and then heard someone yelling,¡± sighed Doctor Kaja. ¡°Everyone here has lost rtives and friends in the war; you¡¯re not the only one with a score to settle.¡±

    Yegorov awkwardly joked, ¡°You sound like the Military Bishop.¡±

    Kaja said, ¡°Right now is the crucial phase for nning the attack. Don¡¯t go causing trouble for General Rokossovsky, just stay here and carry out the task assigned to you. The fact that this task was given to you and the First Mobile Army shows its importance.¡±

    "Yes, yes! It must be important,¡± Yegorov nodded vigorously.

    Doctor Kaja turned her head to look outside, her back to Yegorov: ¡°However, I don¡¯t dislike the spirit of vengeance in you. Tell me all about your ns for revenge after you finish work tonight.¡±

    "My ns for revenge? Of course, with cannons and¡­ Oh!¡± Yegorov suddenly realized, ¡°Got it! I¡¯ll tell you tonight! I definitely will!¡±

    Doctor Kaja ran her fingers through her hair, ¡°There¡¯s a lot to do at the hospital; I should go. Don¡¯t cause any more trouble! And these days are crucial, so no drinking!¡±

    Yegorov shook his head repeatedly, ¡°Not drinking anymore, not drinking anymore! Heh heh!¡±

    Doctor Kaja left.

    Everyone else in the room felt awkward.

    The Military Bishop was the first to release Yegorov¡¯s waist, ¡°It¡¯s so embarrassing; we actually had to rely on Doctor Kaja to stop the Commander from going mad.¡±

    The Chief of Staffmented, ¡°He¡¯s quite popr with the soldiers, though.¡±

    Yegorov grumbled, ¡°Nonsense! As long as I¡¯m not bad in battle, that¡¯s all that matters! You¡¯ve seen that my tactics have never been wrong! And that general we¡¯re facing, what¡¯s his name? Show me his information!¡±

 Chapter 687: Rocossov Embarks on the Journey Home

    Chapter 687: Chapter 25 Rocossov Embarks on the Journey Home@@novelbin@@

    On June 30, near the military demarcation line between the Kazarlian First Front Army and the Southern Army Group of Prosen, at 0100 hours.

    The Prosen nighttime reconnaissance team quietly crossed the demarcation line of the two forces¡¯ controlled zones.

    Such nightly reconnaissance had also be a norm recently, with the same goal as the daytime reconnaissance, to confirm the positions and details of the Antean defense lines.

    However, the Anteans also sent out their own nighttime patrols, and in the process of matching wits and bravery, prisoners were often captured on both sides, so these night reconnaissances were also nicknamed ¡°prisoner exchange¡± among the Prosen soldiers, except it wasn¡¯t about exchanging their own people back from the enemy, but using their own to exchange for the enemy.

    Tonight¡¯s reconnaissance team was led by Lieutenant Hank, a veteran of reconnaissance, who had just been awarded a Second ss Iron Cross for capturing prisoners.

    For that Iron Cross, Lieutenant Hank had lost 11 soldiers, unsure if they died somewhere in the tall grass duringbat, or were captured by the enemy.

    Now, Lieutenant Hank gradually saw nighttime reconnaissance as apetition, imagining that on the other side, there must be amander like himself, eagerly awaiting a new round of confrontation.

    There must be such a person.While thinking this, the sound of crickets came from the front.

    That was the agreed-upon signal with the scouts; he had discovered the Antean patrol!

    In that instant, the sound of Papasha gunfire erupted!

    Lieutenant Hank yelled, ¡°Damn it! We¡¯ve been ambushed, retreat!¡±

    As soon as the words were out, the man beside the lieutenant turned around and ran in a straight line towards their own lines.

    The next instant, he stepped on andmine, and his body flew into the air.

    Lieutenant Hank himself was also pushed aside by the excessive power of the Anteanndmine, his head striking a rock in the bushes, and he lost consciousness.

    After an unknown amount of time, the lieutenant suddenly had a bucket of ice water poured on his face, jolting him awake.

    He opened his eyes to see an Antean Judge before him with a bucket.

    After making eye contact, the Judge immediately saluted someone beside him, loudly reporting something.

    Lieutenant Hank felt he might have suffered a concussion from the damned Anteanndmine; his entire brain was at a standstill. He struggled to turn his head, only to see an Antean senior general. ??¨¢?¦¯?¨§?

    It certainly must be a senior general, given the number of stars on the rank, at the very least, an Admiral.

    The senior general said something, but Lieutenant Hank couldn¡¯t understand a word ¡ª even though he had specifically learned crash-course Antenese for battlefield interrogations of wounded enemies!

    Fortunately, the trantor spoke up, ¡°The general asks when you received the Iron Cross.¡±

    Lieutenant Hank said, ¡°Less than a week ago, because I captured 15 of your prisoners, a full 15!¡±

    After speaking, Lieutenant Hankughed, looking provocatively at the Antean high-ranking generalden with stars.

    The general said something else and the trantor tranted with a snicker, ¡°The general says, the few prisoners you¡¯ve captured are less than the number of Prosen generals he¡¯s killed. Furthermore, he¡¯s also captured a few dozen high-ranking officers, including your very own Marshal Frederick.¡±

    Lieutenant Hankughed, ¡°Hahahaha, how is that possible! The only one capable of that would be your General Rokossovsky!¡±

    Suddenly, the lieutenant had a startle, his heart skipping a beat: Was it possible that this man before him was Rokossovsky?

    Because he was now fully awake, many details he had overlooked became clear, and this five-star general before him was indeed the same General Rokossovsky from the recognition manual issued by the Headquarters!

    Lieutenant Hank instinctively tried to stand up, but that provoked an overreaction from the guards; before he could react, he was pressed against the table, his cheek flesh wedged into the tabletop¡¯s cracks.

    After General Rokossovsky said something, Lieutenant Hank was released. He immediately stood up and said to Rokossovsky, ¡°One of our objectives is to capture you alive!¡±

    General Rokossovsky smiled and inquired in Antenese.

    The trantor ryed, ¡°The general asks, when do you n toe? Or even, are youing at all?¡±

    Lieutenant Hank dered, ¡°Of course we wille! We¡¯re encountering some minor difficulties right now, but as soon as the High Command ovees this little problem, we wille and capture you!¡±

    General Rokossovskyughed heartily.

    The trantor conveyed, ¡°The general says, you might not be able to solve that little problem, and your offensive may nevere.¡±

    Lieutenant Hank insisted, ¡°Of course, we¡¯ll attack! We¡¯ve amassed a great deal of cutting-edge equipment, and you will crumble before our technological power, just like two years ago!¡±

    General Rokossovsky suddenly stoppedughing and looked sternly at Lieutenant Hank, his tone bing serious.

    The trantor interpreted, ¡°The general says even if you have thetest equipment, you¡¯ll onlye to a bloody head-on collision with the Antean Army¡¯s new equipment. Prosen¡¯s technology isn¡¯t as powerful as you boast, and your scientific researchers are just ordinary people. The Aryan race is a manufactured collective delusion.¡±

    Lieutenant Hank stepped forward, but a burly Sergeant immediately inserted himself between him and the general.

    Maintaining his stance, the lieutenant spoke loudly, ¡°Our new medium tanks weigh forty-six tons! Our new heavy tanks exceed seventy tons! And they¡¯re equipped with main guns of an incredible caliber! You don¡¯t have any tanks that can match it!¡±

    General Rokossovsky disyed a derisive smile.

    The trantor said, ¡°Such heavy equipment is liable to not move far before sinking into the ck earth. We¡¯re ready to receive these luxury toys. By September, we¡¯ll hold a Prosen new tank exhibition in Yeburg, inviting all representatives of the Allied Forces stationed in Yeburg toe and see.¡±

    Lieutenant Hank: ¡°Hmph, try it if you can! If you¡¯re capable, then attack our army, which is waiting in full battle array!¡±

    After listening to the trantion, Rocosov turned his head to look at the wall clock.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Vasily, tell him we¡¯re about to attack.¡±

    Vasily immediately began to speak excitedly in Prosenese.

    Pavlov leaned in and said, ¡°It seems the Prosens haven¡¯t realized we¡¯re going to attack. This guy must just be on a routine night patrol.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Indeed, the enemy probably has an inertia of thought, believing that we would only defend and counterattack in the summer. But General Gorky has already taken the initiative to attack them twice.¡±

    By the time Vasily finished tranting, the Prosen man, even more agitated, wanted to step forward but was firmly held back by Sergeant Grigori.

    The Prosen man had no choice but to turn his anger into action and bbered a bunch of words.

    Wang Zhong looked toward Vasily.

    Vasily: ¡°He says that you¡ªwell, we¡ªmust be out of our minds to engage in tank warfare with Prosen armored troops on the open ins, and we¡¯ll only humiliate ourselves.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Tell him thanks for his¡­ um, suggestion. Alright, take him down and hand him over to the Judge.¡±

    Upon hearing Wang Zhong¡¯s words, the Judge, who had been itching for action, revealed a meaningful smile.

    The two Judges, one on the left and one on the right, grabbed the captured lieutenant and dragged him away.

    Grigori watched the Prosen man leave before returning to the doorway to continue smoking.

    Pavlov: ¡°Damn, what he said does make some sense! We really shouldn¡¯t engage the enemy in tank warfare.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯ll have to face them in a tank battle at some point. It¡¯s a good chance to test the performance of the Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tank.¡±

    In truth, Wang Zhong was indeed a bit anxious about engaging the Prosens in tank warfare.

    Even in the actual history, at the Oder River battle, the Sturmtigers¡¯ armored troops could stillunch quite a decent counterattack, managing a favorable casualty exchange.

    Wang Zhong seriously suspected that it was the Sturmtigers¡¯ counterattack at the Oder River that inspired Big Liu to write in his publicly released ¡°Full-Channel Blocking Interference,¡± about West Germany¡¯s final Leopard Tank Battalion counterattacking the iron tide, achieving an exchange ratio of one to one point five.

    Pavlov: ¡°Yes, it¡¯s a pity our new medium tanks won¡¯t be ready in time.¡±

    The production of the new medium tanks was slightly dyed¡ªafter all, the Egg-shaped Turret required a new production process, but not all of the new machinery and equipment from the Federation had arrived, and some were still being used to train workers.

    The Ordnance Department told Wang Zhong that by the time of the winter offensive, they could put two brigades¡ªa total of 82 tanks¡ªinto action.

    Now summer had just begun.

    At that moment, Major General Andro, the artillerymander of the Front Army, walked in and saluted Wang Zhong: ¡°General, the Front Army¡¯s artillery troops are fully prepared.¡±

    "Very good,¡± Wang Zhong nodded.

    The artillery strength of the Kazarlia Front Army had seen a huge improvementpared tost winter¡¯s offensive by the Abawahan Front Army. The artillery of the Front Army expanded to the size of an artillery army. Wang Zhong had deployed two heavy breakthrough artillery divisions on each breakthrough direction.

    Such arge-scale artillery troop would consume an astonishing amount of ammunition, requiring a lot of maintenance units to repair damaged artillery and the like. For the convenience of support, Wang Zhong established a separate artillery headquarters within the Front Army and promoted a general of artillery.

    At that moment, Popov suddenly said, ¡°Today¡¯s military intelligence report stated that the enemy seems to have deployed a type of heavy Rocket Artillery called the Land Stuka. We should be careful during the attack.¡±

    Wang Zhong frowned; he obviously knew the Land Stuka, having used it in many World War II strategy games.

    If the enemy had really mass-equipped this thing, it would be quite a hassle, as it could directly cover our attacking troops.

    If the attack was tomorrow, Wang Zhong would have to personally take off to locate these Land Stukas and then guide the Air Force bombers to blow them up.

    But now, the arrow was already nocked to the bowstring; they had no choice but to shoot.

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov, who immediately said, ¡°No matter what new equipment the enemy has, we can¡¯t postpone the attack. The good news is, even if the enemy¡¯s new equipment is effective, it can only dy us locally.¡±

    Indeed, this pincer offensive, the two breakthrough points Wang Zhong chose were both at least twenty kilometers wide¡ªat least. Once a breakthrough urred, arge number of troops would be put in to tear open the gap, and the width of the breakthrough would have no limit.

    This was not the petty pincer offensive of the Prosens; this was the Antean-style Big mp.

    Wang Zhong once again looked at the clock on the wall and cursed, ¡°Why is time moving so slowly!¡±

    Popov: ¡°Don¡¯t be like that; you sound like a newbie who¡¯s about tounch an attack against the enemy for the first time.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°The General is just eager to get home.¡±

    Everyone in the roomughed, filling the air with a jovial atmosphere.

    At that moment, Nelly came in pushing the snack cart: ¡°Would any of you like somete-night snacks?¡±

    The staff officers immediately shouted, ¡°Yes!¡±

    They knew that at this time, the Commander wouldn¡¯t be angry.

 Chapter 688: All Cannons Fire at Once

    Chapter 688: Chapter 26: All Cannons Fire at Once

    After supper, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t know how many times he had nced at the clock on the wall when he finally urged, ¡°It¡¯s time; begin.¡±

    Pavlov was about to pick up the phone receiver when something suddenly urred to him, and he turned his head toward the Front Army artillerymander, gesturing an invitation.

    The major general in charge of artillery came to the phone, picked up the receiver, and took a deep breath: ¡°This is Artillery Commander Andrew, connecting to the artillery headquarters.¡±

    A momentter, he looked at Wang Zhong with the receiver in his hand.

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Begin, no need to ask for my permission any longer.¡±

    With that, Andrew loudlymanded, ¡°This is Artillery Commander Andrew, fire! Repeat, fire!¡±

    As he gave the order, Wang Zhong switched his perspective. Indeed, he was now directlymanding each artillery position, so he shared their view.

    The roar of thousands of cannons firing simultaneously startled the sleeping birds of the night.However, the flock of birds was not overly frightened, but flew around the artillery, asionally swooping down to catch the insects panicked by the cannon fire.

    Wang Zhong, looking down at this scene, suddenly remembered a scene from his favorite war movie ¡°The Great Battle¡± from his childhood. He remembered the voiceover from that scene: Not long ago, getting a single cannon was quite a rare urrence, but now we can concentrate thousands of cannons, the density of the artillery formation exceeding the regtions of the drill.

    Back then, Wang Zhong often fantasized that one day he wouldmand this many cannons.

    That was like a childhood dreame true.

    By the way, Wang Zhong often confused this scene of all cannons firing simultaneously with another scene from the same series, a sequence mainly capturing the flock of birds in the sky already ustomed to the cannon fire.

    Through the behavior of the birds, the longsting effects of the war on people was depicted, also hinting at the expectation for peace. In Wang Zhong¡¯s eyes, it was one of the best war movie scenes.

    If someone in the future were to make a war movie about him as the main character, he certainly wanted them to include such a scene.

    That¡¯s what Wang Zhong thought.

    He stared at the scene of the cannons thundering for a while, and only when he had seen enough did he switch back to themand center perspective, then he met Pavlov¡¯s gaze.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°I¡¯m a bit surprised that you didn¡¯t personally lead the charge with your No. 422 heavy tank.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°If I personally charged into every minor skirmish, wouldn¡¯t that make my presence on the front lines seem like a cheap and mundane matter?¡±

    Vasily understood, ¡°Ah, the general is trying to keep the value of his actions high! In the future, if we don¡¯t see the general on the front lines, we¡¯ll say ¡®Surely this isn¡¯t a tough battle we can handle!¡¯ That way, the general won¡¯t have to personally go to the front lines anymore!¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head repeatedly, ¡°No no no, Vasily, you don¡¯t get it! If I don¡¯t go to the front lines myself and raise this Red g, how will the world know my invincibility, that I¡¯m irresistible to thousands?¡±

    Pavlov sighed deeply, ¡°So you still n to continue taking risks in the future? You won¡¯t go unless it¡¯s dangerous, right? Don¡¯t do this; in the past, you had no choice but to take risks, but the current situation doesn¡¯t need you on the front lines anymore.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°I thought you¡¯d be desensitized to me being on the front lines.¡±

    Pavlov replied, ¡°I¡¯ve given up, knowing it¡¯s useless to stop you. But you¡¯ll never get my approval for what you¡¯re doing! A Front Armymander should stay inmand properly inside the headquarters!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Alright, I got it. Look, I¡¯m staying put now.¡±

    At the same time, at the Southern Army Group Command in Prosen.@@novelbin@@

    Marshal Geron, looking weary, entered themand center: ¡°So what¡¯s so urgent that you had to wake me up?¡±

    "The enemy has begun their artillery preparation!¡± said the Army Group Chief of Staff with a grave expression.

    The sleepiness disappeared from Marshal Geron¡¯s face, ¡°Artillery preparation? Where?¡±

    The Chief of Staff pointed to the map, ¡°Every marked ce is being bombarded!¡±

    Marshal Geron took out his sses in a rush, put them on, and looked at the map, ¡°My God, has Rocossov adopted General Gorky¡¯s tactic? An all-out artillery barrage?¡± ????N?§£?S

    The Chief of Staff confirmed, ¡°Yes, and all front-line units have reported that they are under exceptionally heavy bombardment.¡±

    Marshal Geron waved his hand dismissively, ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter. Our officers tend to exaggerate the attacks they suffer; after all, that¡¯s how they were taught at the military academy, to draw attention from highermand.

    "Update on thetest enemy situation!¡±

    At the Chief of Staff¡¯smand, a staff officer immediately came over with a thick stack of documents.

    The documents were handed to the Chief of Staff, who then passed them to Marshal Geron.

    The Marshal quickly leafed through the documents and said, ¡°If the enemy deployment information we have is urate, Rocossov intends to break through at these two ces.¡±

    He put down the thick documents and tapped the map with a map stick twice.

    The tapped locations were right at the two ends of Orel.

    Geron spected, ¡°He might be nning a pincer movement to encircle and consume our concentrated heavy forces in Orel that are prepared to break through his lines.¡±

    After a brief pause, Marshal Geron added, ¡°Of course, we can¡¯tpletely rule out the possibility that he intends to push west and encircle the Eleventh Army Group defending the Coastal Fortress. In terms of execution difficulty, encircling the Eleventh Army Group would be simpler.

    "It¡¯s just hard to tell what Rocossov will choose.¡±

    At that moment, the red telephone on the Marshal¡¯s desk rang. He hurried over and picked up the handset, ¡°This is Marshal Geron of the Southern Army Group.¡±

    The Emperor¡¯s voice came through the handset, ¡°Marshal Geron, I heard that Rocossov has attacked you?¡±

    The Marshal nced at the Chief of Staff, who whispered softly, ¡°It wasn¡¯t me, it must have been a senior officer from the Asgard Knights who reported to the Emperor.¡±

    The Marshal had an expression that read ¡°damn it,¡± but his spoken words were full of humility, ¡°Your Majesty, you are correct, Rocossov has indeed begun his attack.¡±

    The Emperor sounded very excited, ¡°Good, although you have transferred some troops to the Central Army Group, you still have a very strong remaining force. Hit Rocossov hard! How dare he attack us when our troops are not tired, our equipment is without damage, and our supplies are plentiful. Let him taste our strength!¡±

    Marshal Geron agreed, ¡°Right away, I¡¯llmit our elite Armored Troops for a counterattack!¡±

    "No, no, no! Use positions to wear them out! Pure infantry units won¡¯t be much use in a counterattack, but they can y a role in defensive warfare! Use infantry and positions to drain Rocossov! Just like he wears us down!¡±

    Marshal Geron¡¯s face twisted with embarrassment.

    He looked at the Chief of Staff and decided to tell the truth, ¡°We only received orders to start digging trenches on June 26th, and so far, the works have barely begun. Relying on them to stop Rocossov¡­ and with the fierceness of Rocossov¡¯s artillery, I truly doubt how much of what we¡¯ve hurriedly constructed will remain after bombardment.¡±

    "Don¡¯t you still have cities and viges?¡± the Emperor countered, ¡°Kazarlia isn¡¯t some deste area like Nan¡¯ant. There¡¯s a high density of cities and viges. Rely on city defenses, and the woods! Rocossov conducted a splendid defense in Orachi, and he didn¡¯t dig trenches for more than a few days then!¡±

    Marshal Geron exined, ¡°They had the help of local residents; Rocossov could mobilize hundreds of thousands of civilian workers to help them build fortifications. We can¡¯t organize that. If we conscript civilian workers, we¡¯re lucky if they don¡¯t sabotage us!

    "Your Majesty, we should reallymit the Armored Troops against Rocossov¡¯s forces for a battle on the ins! I have confidence in our Armored Troopsds!¡±

    The Emperor was silent for a long time before answering, ¡°If Rocossov breaks through the infantry¡¯s lines and there really isn¡¯t any way to hold them back, I agree to let youmit the Armored Troops for a countercharge. Either way, make sure Rocossov suffers! The Air Force will also give you full support.¡±

    The Emperor then hung up.

    The Chief of Staff asked, ¡°What did His Majesty say?¡±

    Marshal Geron replied with a wry smile, ¡°He said to use infantry to dy and wear down Rocossov¡¯s forces, the same way he wears us down.¡±

    The Chief of Staff noted, ¡°That tactic shouldn¡¯t pose anyrge issues, indeed it should be so. But we have only been digging trenches for four days, and the strongest bunkers on the front line are just made of wood and bricks. Given the firepower and armor strength of Rocossov¡¯s troops, such fortifications won¡¯t be very effective, will they?

    "From a practical standpoint, deploying Armored Troops in conjunction with infantry for a counterattack would be the best response.¡±

    Marshal Geron recounted, ¡°His Majesty said that if the infantry truly can¡¯t hold and are quickly breached, then he allows us to deploy the Armored Troops for a counterattack. What a joke, if the infantry could hold, then why would we even need to go to such lengths?¡±

    The Chief of Staff inquired, ¡°Are there any other orders?¡±

    "That¡¯s all. Oh, and His Majesty said the Air Force would support us with all their might.¡± The Marshal offered a resigned smile.

 Chapter 689: Advance

    Chapter 689: Chapter 27 Advance

    Prosen Army, 20th Army, 371st Infantry Division Headquarters.

    Division Commander Major General Taylor lifted his head and shook off theyer of mud covering him. He looked up at the sky¡ªhe had been in the divisional shelter, but the temporary shelter built of wood could not withstand the heavy firepower of the Anteans.

    It could only be said that the heavy artillery had only flipped the roof and had not blown away everyone inside, which was already lucky for Major General Taylor.

    From his name, it was evident that Major General Taylor was not a pure Prosen. His family had immigrated to the Federation from his grandfather¡¯s generation, and by his generation, his name hadpletely assimted into the Federation¡¯s style, only his surname retained the traditional Prosen style.

    Because of this, many were puzzled when he chose to return to Prosen to serve his homnd.

    His Prosenpatriots were also quite puzzled and, for a long period, ¡°Taylor¡± had be a joke among senior officers.

    But now, nobodyughed at him anymore.

    It was not that Taylor¡¯s valor had been recognized; rather, those who had led the mockery were either dead or captured.So, Division Commander Taylor was quite thankful to Rocossov¡ªuntil Rocossov¡¯s shellsnded on him.

    Taylor first looked for a telephone, digging around in the dirt for a long time without finding it. Just then, the head of themunicationspany rushed into the shelter and said loudly, ¡°Division Commander! General! Antean armored troops have appeared!¡±

    Taylor responded, ¡°Then fire the cannons! Our division has so many PAK40s! Plus the Anti-Air Artillery Corps¡¯ 88 guns, it¡¯s impossible that all four 88s are destroyed, get them to fire!¡±

    Communicationspany head, ¡°The front line reports they have fired, but the enemy¡¯s new tanks have armor so thick, our direct-fire weapons arepletely ineffective!¡±

    "What?¡± Taylor was shocked, ¡°How is that possible? Wait, did you say new tanks? Those wouldn¡¯t happen to be the new tanks from the identification manual issued by the High Command, would they?¡±

    Communicationspany head, ¡°The front line says those are the ones and reported they are even tougher than High Command estimated; they arepletely imprable!¡±

    Taylor, ¡°Then aim for the joint of the turret or the tracks! Isn¡¯t that how we dealt with the enemy¡¯s KV and T34s in the first year?¡±

    Communicationspany head, ¡°Come over here and speak directly to the front line via radio!¡±

    "Alright, I¡¯m on my way.¡± Taylor had just taken a step when he stumbled with his right foot, thankfully themunicationspany head grabbed him.

    Company head, ¡°Commander! You have blood on your bottom!¡±

    Division Commander Taylor looked down and indeed saw arge patch of red on his buttock. Upon seeing the blood, the intense pain he had been suppressing with adrenaline rushed through his nerves.

    Taylor stepped back and leaned against the half-remaining shelter wall, ¡°Damn it, I thought the heavy artillery had spared me! Damn, medic!¡±

    Communicationspany head took out a first aid kit, ¡°I¡¯ll give you a preliminary dressing! Even if the medics are alive, they¡¯re too busy to help right now!¡±

    Taylor nodded repeatedly, ¡°Alright, just make sure to give me pain relief! Damn it, it hurts so much! Who knew getting shot in the butt could hurt this much! It¡¯s just like being stabbed with arge needle!¡±

    ¡­

    Five minutester, the bandaged Division Commander Taylor entered thest remainingmunications vehicle of themunicationspany; the other vehicles were burning nearby.

    The signalman immediately handed Taylor the headphones and microphone.

    No sooner had Taylor put on the headphones than he heard urgent and chaotic calls, ¡°Headquarters! Headquarters! Our weapons are ineffective against the enemy¡¯s new tanks, please advise! Please advise!¡± ?¨¤??¦¢§§?

    "I disabled one! Damn, it¡¯s still rotating its turret, only its tracks broken!!¡±@@novelbin@@

    "These things are too annoying with that big roller at the front, and the enemy even uses grass to cover the tracks, making it impossible to aim!¡±

    "Gentlemen!¡± Taylor spoke up, ¡°This is Division Commander Taylor! Even if the anti-tank guns can¡¯t handle the enemy¡¯s heavy tanks, use machine guns to stop their apanying infantry, then closebat to destroy these tanks! Make good use of your maic hand grenades!¡±

    This immediately caused a barrage of curses.

    Then an officer exined, ¡°We¡¯re not cursing you, we¡¯re cursing the designers of the maic hand grenades.¡±

    Taylor recognized the voice¡ªit might be themander of the Infantry Regiment 651, the absolute main force of the 371st Division.

    Taylor, ¡°Colonel Drink, hold your positions! A few heavy tanks aren¡¯t a formidable threat!¡±

    "Not a formidable threat? They¡¯ve already destroyed most of our firing points! My regiment¡¯s reinforced PAK40s are down to three¡ªno, make that two now! We need damn reinforcements!¡±

    Taylor, ¡°Block off the infantry, then engage in closebat! Even if the maic hand grenades are unreliable, there are still incendiary bottles! Anteans effectively dyed our armored advance with those; we can do the same!¡±

    "I¡¯m well aware of the use of incendiary bottles! But the Anteans have deployed a new Strike Formation, their heavy tanks don¡¯t have body machine guns, so they pair each heavy tank with a big-headed T34 on either side! Blocking off the infantry is useless, as the enemy¡¯s tanks protect each other!¡±

    The Prosen armored troops also use a Diamond Formation or Grid Formation, but generally, they don¡¯t use them because these formations restrict many tanks from firing effectively.

    The Prosen Strike Formation is designed to maximize the firepower of the tanks.

    Clearly, the Anteans had no such ambition.

    Taylor, ¡°Can¡¯t you use smoke bombs? Throw smoke bombs to block the visibility of the tanks behind, then engage in closebat to destroy these heavy tanks!¡±

    "The enemy¡¯s heavy tanks are backed by infantry riding on them, providing covering fire with Papashas; we really can¡¯t get through!¡±

    Taylor, ¡°Can¡¯t you st the infantry off with machine guns or grenadeunchers?¡±

    "We

    The conversation with themander of Regiment 651 abruptly ended.

    Taylor, ¡°Hello? Hello? Speak up! What¡¯s happened?¡±

    He called out several times with no response. Regiment 651 did not respond, and others were likely unaware of what had happened or dared not speak.

    Taylor, annoyed, handed the handset to the signaler, ¡°Keep calling! I need to know the situation on the ground!¡±

    At this time, in the position of the 651st Regiment of Prosen¡¯s 371st Infantry Division, Colonel Drink climbed up and nced at the signaler who had already been scattered around him due to the explosions, and the radio that had several holes in its casing.

    He took off his headset, threw it onto the radio¡¯s outer casing, and randomly picked up a 98K rifle, then rushed out of the already ruined regimentalmand bunker.

    Outside the bunker, the trench had been lowered by about 20 to 25 centimeters due to Antean artillery, so when Colonel Drink stood in the trench without bending down, surprisingly half of his upper body stuck out from the trench.

    He just stood there, raised the rifle, aimed, and pulled the trigger.

    An Ante Warrior leaping forward fell to the ground at the sound.

    Colonel Drink skillfully pulled the bolt, shoved in a bullet, and aimed again¡ªthe moment he raised his rifle, there wasn¡¯t an Antean in jump, so he patiently waited.

    Finally, an Antean exposed himself.

    Drink fired; the Antean was hit in response.

    The colonel smiled grimly, continued pulling the bolt, and the ejected shell hit the trench wall and bounced back onto his uniform.

    He raised his rifle again; then he noticed that the turret of the heavy tank gun that had just shelled the regimental bunker was turning again.

    The dark barrel faced him.

    Drink cursed, turned his rifle, and aimed at the barrel¡ª

    In that instant, the tank¡¯s coaxial machine gun opened fire, the bullets sparking around the colonel with a crackling sound.

    The colonel thought he was unhit, wanting to pull the trigger; yet he found himself unable to exert any force.

    The hand that was raising the gun lost its strength, and the rifle fell to the edge of the trench.

    Colonel Drink looked down, seeing arge red spot on his chest, even the Iron Cross was stained crimson.

    He cursed, then fell backwards, and war no longer concerned him.

    At the same time, on the nks of the position of the 561st Regiment, Prosen¡¯s 400th Anti-Air Artillery Corps¡¯ position.

    The only two remaining 88 guns were firing madly.

    Every st from firing engulfed the position momentarily.

    Only thirty percent of the gunners survived the initial barrage, so although half the cannons were lost, the firing efficiency scarcely improved.

    Lieutenant Hook, unable to use his left hand, which hung limply in its sleeve, still fulfilled his duty as a gun captain, loudly urging loaders to load bullets.

    "Quick! Load quickly! The gunners aim at the enemy¡¯s treads! Their Ante design is somewhat rigid; hiding treads with grass won¡¯t help! Just guess the position, andpensate with firepower density!¡±

    While speaking, his directed cannon fired once again.

    The pungent smell of gunpowder gases indicated excessive unburned powder.

    Normally, the barrel would need cleaning, but amidst intensebat, that was impractical.

    Lieutenant Hook shouted, ¡°Load! Don¡¯t care if the enemy halts! Just keep firing!¡±

    Before his words ended, the spotter shouted, ¡°The target stopped! I see the treads malfunctioning, they seemed to break!¡±

    Hook eximed, ¡°Good! Immediately shift targets, don¡¯t worry if the enemy is destroyed; focus on breaking as many enemy treads as possible! Anteans have poor repair capabilities; those tanks with broken treads can¡¯t rejoin the battle any time soon!¡±

    Following Lieutenant Hook¡¯s orders, the gunners swiftly turned the traverse wheel, aligning the cannon with the next target.

    Suddenly, the spotter sprinted aside.

    Lieutenant Hook shouted, ¡°Where are you going?¡±

    The spotter pointed toward a distant target.

    Hook turned his head and saw the halted tank aiming their way.

    Lieutenant eximed, ¡°Take cover!¡±

    As he shouted, the enemy fired; the gun st smoke immediately enveloped the tank¡ªafter all, it was bigger caliber than the 88, so naturally, it kicked up moremotion when firing.

    The enemy tank operator, clearly with excellent marksmanship, hit the mantlet of the 88 from such a distance on the first shot; a fuse without dy directly ignited the charge.

    After the devastating explosion, the 88¡¯s mounting was left badly damaged, and the barrel drooped to the ground.

    The gunner operating the cannon was instantly blown to bits.

    Around him, loaders carrying shells also littered the ground, most of those still breathing were moaning.

    Lieutenant Hook swore profusely, trying to sit up, but the numb arm couldn¡¯t muster any strength.

    He could only desperately shout, ¡°Medic!¡±

    His cries echoed across the entire Anti-Air Artillery Corps¡¯ position.

 Chapter 690: The Air Force is Doing Great

    Chapter 690: Chapter 28 The Air Force is Doing Great

    Colonel Rudel of the Ploson Air Force piloted thetest model of the Stuka Bomber, flying over the vast ins of Kazarlia.

    This new type of Stuka Bomber had forsaken the capability to carry bombs in favor of a 50mm cannon, which had be its main armament.

    As long as the cannon hit the tank¡¯s weak top armor while in the air, it ensured the destruction of the tank.

    This was the Air Force¡¯s solution to ¡°Rocossov¡¯s new heavy tanks¡± and it was one of the fastest implemented solutions on the front line.

    As Ploson¡¯s top ace in ground attack aircraft, Rudel¡¯s squadron was immediately chosen to re-equip with the new nes.

    Unfortunately, the re-equipment time was indeed too short, and the pilots had not fully mastered this new weapon.

    Up to this point in the sortie, Rudel¡¯s squadron had only reported eight hits.

    Now they were in search of the legendary enemy heavy tanks.Suddenly, a wingman¡¯s transmission came through the radio, ¡°Colonel! Look below! So many cavalry!¡±

    Rudel put down his binocrs and looked towards the grasnds below the wing, whererge groups of cavalry were crossing the ins, much like migrating buffalo.

    "Should we strafe them?¡± a pilot asked.

    Rudel, ¡°No, our target is the enemy¡¯s tanks. Besides the 50mm cannon, we only have two 7mm machine guns. What effect would strafing have? It would also waste valuable kic energy, and we¡¯d be targets when we encounter the enemy¡¯s Yakster!¡±

    "Continue searching for enemy tanks!¡±

    As soon as the words were spoken, someone reported loudly, ¡°Dust to the northwest! The scale and width of this dust cloud doesn¡¯t quite seem like cavalry!¡±

    Rudel immediately picked up his binocrs, looked towards the northwest, and indeed saw arge amount of dust, which unlike the cavalry racing, hadn¡¯t spread out t.

    "Turn, face the enemy!¡± Rudel ordered. At the same time, he gently pulled the control stick, and the ne turned towards the north.

    "Captain, aren¡¯t you flying in the wrong direction?¡±

    Rudel, ¡°Of course not, we have to enter from the enemy¡¯s rear to strike at the engine grilles and ensure we stop them.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Thus, the entire squadron turned north, circling around the dust cloud before chasing after it.

    Then Rudel quickly realized a problem ¨C entering from the rear of the enemy meant that their dust cloud would obscure their vision.

    He couldn¡¯t help but curse and ordered the whole squadron, ¡°Abort the attack, enter again. This time we¡¯ll attack from the side.¡±

    After all, it was Rudel¡¯s first time using the airborne 50mm cannon against tanks, and hecked experience.

    Just as the squadron was circling to re-enter, the anti-aircraft machine guns on the tanks opened fire.

    "Hold steady!¡± Rudel yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t panic, these machine guns generally won¡¯t hit us!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than a machine gun bullet hit Rudel¡¯s wing, passing between the ailerons.

    Rudel felt it out and, finding that the ne¡¯s controls were not affected, disregarded it.

    He lined up the crosshair on an Antean heavy tank and pressed the trigger.

    When the 50mm cannon fired, the whole aircraft shook, making one worry if the aircraft might be shattered by the cannon.

    Rudel clearly saw white smoke puffing from the enemy tank¡¯s armor¡ªhit!

    He fired two more rounds, and once he confirmed that the enemy tank had stopped, he ceased fire and pulled up, flying over the top of the tank.

    The rear gunner excitedly shouted, ¡°We blew up the enemy¡¯s heavy tank! The enemy drivers are abandoning the vehicle!¡±

    Rudelughed heartily, the Ploson Air Force did their duty!

    ¡ª-

    Podoriskoff crawled out of the tank, puzzled, ¡°What happened? What hit us?¡±

    The driver who had gotten out earlier responded, ¡°I don¡¯t know, we just heard something hit us.¡±

    "Is there any damage?¡±

    "Yes, General, the name you inscribed for us got scratched! Damn it!¡± the driver cursed.

    June 30, 2310, Kazarlia First Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong looked satisfied at the map with plenty of breakthrough markers.

    Vasily said, ¡°The enemy¡¯s first-line defense troops hardly resisted our attack. Are these really the Prosens that used to give us so much trouble?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°It¡¯s not that the enemy didn¡¯t hold on, a considerable number of units preserved their positions, to be precise, those positions that weren¡¯t assaulted by our new heavy tanks, the enemy held seventy percent. ???¦­?£Â?S?

    "Considering we deployed so many artillery in the grasnds where it¡¯s impossible to construct solid fortifications, and also considering their short preparation time, I think the enemy did well. We shouldn¡¯t look down on them.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at his deputy officer: ¡°Did you hear that?¡±

    Vasily rubbed his nose: ¡°Okay, okay, I just thought

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Strategically, we can certainly despise the enemy, but tactically, the current Prosens Army, still possessing considerable tactical discipline and experience, deserve respect.¡±

    He turned to Pavlov: ¡°For these still resisting Prosens units, we should adopt a strategy of encirclement and continuous bombardment. Most of them are infantry units, not like armored grenadiers with lots of armored vehicles, their offensive capability is not strong, just surrounding them with our mobilized soldiers and a bit of elite troops should suffice.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°I would suggest keeping some tank units to assist the infantry in the encirclement, on the ins the impact of tanks is significantly magnified, acting as ready-made forts and support points, the effect is extraordinary.¡±

    "Arrange it,¡± Wang Zhong said as he turned back to the map, ¡°With today¡¯s breaks, the Prosens must be uneasy, their armored counterattack shoulde tomorrow.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°I¡¯ve mixed heavy tanks and regr tanks, as well as Whirlwind Tank Destroyers, and the apanying infantry units are also equipped with a lot of new anti-tank rocketunchers. The enemy¡¯s once unbeatable armored units will definitely suffer a lot this time.¡±

    Empire of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "What on earth did you do!¡± The then Emperor, holding the receiver, eximed, ¡°We found out for the first time that our defenses are as fragile as tofu! Just likest year¡¯s Antean defense line in front of our troops!¡±

    On the other end of the phone, Marshal Geron exined: ¡°Your Majesty, actually seventy percent of our troops held their positions, Rocossov only achieved breakthroughs where he deployed new heavy tanks. We are nning to rely on several viges in the grasnds for defensive warfare.

    "We are confident in stopping the enemy¡¯s attacks with these viges. But

    Emperor: ¡°But what?¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Rocossov¡ªor the current tactics of the Anteans, make full use of the grasnd¡¯s characteristics. This season, the supply lines on the grasnd don¡¯t have to rely on the original roads, emergency roads quickly repaired by the engineering troops can also support the movements of the corps.

    "Also, because we upgraded the road system, even if the enemy controls just a small portion of the roads, it can meet the needs of many units.

    "These two factors make the usual method of defending forts and dying enemies no longer workable; they canpletely bypass our defensive points. Last year, when Rocossov surrounded the Sixth Army Group, that¡¯s how he attacked.¡±

    Emperor: ¡°You mean there¡¯s no way to use defensive warfare to wear down Rocossov, right? You just want to deploy armored units for a counterattack, right?¡±

    "Yes, I

    Suddenly, Marshal Geron¡¯s voice cut off, and only static noise could be heard from the receiver.

    "Hello? Hello!¡± The Emperor mmed the table, stood up, and shouted into the receiver, ¡°Speak! Marshal Geron!¡±

    Giles: ¡°It¡¯s possible that the phone line was cut. Rocossov usually ys these tricks during his attacks.¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt immediately joined in: ¡°Rocossov¡¯s attack will also involve a massive deployment of cavalry. ording to our intelligence, the number of cavalry troops in the Ante Army has now returned to about one million.

    "Such arge-scale cavalry force, all galloping across the grasnds, willpletely disrupt our logistics andmunications, under such circumstances the demand for wirelessmunication by front-line units will greatly increase.¡±

    Duke Meyer, seizing an opportunity to showcase, hastily said: ¡°Today alone, our Air Force conducted fifteen hundred sorties, massively harassing the enemy. ording to the intelligence we hold, at least one hundred thousand cavalry have already crossed the breakthrough point, deep into our territory.¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt immediately retorted: ¡°Then did you stop these cavalry units?¡±

    "Of course, we attacked these cavalry, achieving significant results from strafing,¡± said Duke Meyer, proudly, ¡°Additionally, our new-model aircraft also destroyed Rocossov¡¯s prized heavy tanks!¡±

    All military leaders widened their eyes.

    But the Emperor already joyfully stood up: ¡°Good! I knew it, the Air Force has done well!¡±

 Chapter 691: Mountain Rain is Coming

    Chapter 691: Chapter 29: Mountain Rain is Coming

    The attack began on the second day at 0200 hours, as the guards of the Kazarlia First Front Army¡¯s third tank army, the vanguard of the 24th Guards Tank Brigade.

    "Brigademander!¡± The brigade chief of staff knocked fiercely on the hatch of the brigademander¡¯s vehicle, ¡°Brigademander!¡±

    The hatch opened, and the brigademander, yawning, poked his head out, ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Mikhail?¡±

    "Engine noise!¡±

    The brigademander shivered, instantly wide awake. He raised his head and indeed heard the sound of engines in the night sky.

    After a brief listen, he cursed, ¡°Prosen¡¯s half-track vehicles¡ªit must be the enemy¡¯s reconnaissance unit. Why haven¡¯t our units opened fire?¡±

    The brigade chief of staff replied, ¡°They might not have figured out the situation either.¡±

    "Damn it, our half-tracks are all at the brigade headquarters! Tell them to open fire!¡± The brigademander suddenly stopped.He remembered he was inside a tank. Ever sincest year when the Federation provided assistance with radio production lines, all brigademand tanks had been equipped with high-powered radios, so he picked up the handset, turned on the radio, and started calling, ¡°This is the brigade headquarters, the engine noises are definitely from the enemy; fire at will!¡±

    The Ante armored forces didn¡¯t have half-tracks because the production capacity for track vehicles was too precious, not used to produce tanks and self-propelled artillery, then tractors, leaving no spare capacity for producing half-tracks.

    The M3 half-tracks imported from the Federation were luxuries that could only be used on arge scale by forces like the First Mobile Group Army. The 24th Guards Brigade had only eight half-tracks, all of which were listed under the brigade reconnaissance battalion, and should currently have no tasks.

    That meant the engine noise could onlye from the Prosen¡¯s sdkfz half-track vehicles.

    Seconds after the brigademander called out, the sound of cannons and machine guns erupted.

    The night that enveloped the earth was pierced repeatedly by the sh of the cannons firing and tracer bullets from machine guns.

    The battlested for about twenty minutes.

    Over the radio, a report came from the battalion that encountered the enemy: ¡°Brigadier, we repelled the enemy!¡±

    Brigademander: ¡°Any losses?¡±

    "Some crew members who didn¡¯t spend the night on the tanks were injured, but it¡¯s not serious.¡±

    Ever since Rocossov undertook reforms of the armored forces organization, the Ante Army¡¯s armored troops also came with several reserve personnel.

    These personnel were generally experienced tank operators and, when not needed to supplement other crews, were mainly responsible for driving towing tractors and maintenance vehicles, serving as tank maintenance personnel. ??????¦¥?

    Whenever abat crew suffered casualties, these veterans would fill in.

    Brigademander: ¡°It¡¯s too dark, don¡¯t pursue; stay put for the night as nned, and we¡¯ll see what¡¯s going on at dawn.¡±

    "Yes, brigademander.¡±

    A few hours passed.

    Wang Zhong had only slept for less than five hours when he sat up abruptly.

    As he was waking up, Ludm patted his back, ¡°Don¡¯t be so anxious. If there really were urgent military intelligence, Pavlov would have woken you up directly.¡±

    "Today, the enemy should react; how could I possibly sleep peacefully?¡± Wang Zhong said as he stood up to get dressed.

    Nelly seemed to hear the noise in the room and immediately entered, carrying a basin of hot water and a wet towel.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Thank you. Was there any movement at the headquarters in the middle of the night?¡±

    Nelly: ¡°No, Chief of Staff Pavlov also went to rest around two o¡¯clock; it should have been a peaceful night.¡±

    Ludm also got up: ¡°See, I told you there was nothing to worry about.¡±

    Wang Zhong finished dressing, took the hot towel to wipe his face, and rushed out of the room toward the headquarters.

    Ludm sighed, ¡°After he fell asleepst night, he started giving orders in his sleep, ¡®Alexandria, turn the turret right fifteen degrees.

    Nelly: ¡°Aftering down from the front, I often dreamt of being on the front, of enemy night raids.¡±

    Ludm: ¡°I¡¯ve never dreamed of such things, maybe because I haven¡¯t fought the enemy face-to-face.¡±

    "Don¡¯t you dream of it in Upper Penie?¡± Nelly asked, puzzled.

    Ludm: ¡°In Upper Penie, we were suppressed by the enemy¡¯s tanks in a house; it was quite dangerous, but Prosens didn¡¯te close enough for hand-to-handbat. I am a Prayer Hand, always well protected. You stopped me when I wanted to go to the front.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°A Prayer Hand shouldn¡¯t be on the front line; it¡¯s not right, neither emotionally nor logically.¡±

    After another year of fighting, the number of Prayer Hands like Ludm had dwindled to one percent of what it was before the war. Previously, Divine Arrow teams with Prayer Hands could be equipped up to the division level, often with formations like God¡¯s Arrow Company, with many Prayer Hands perpany.

    But now the Prayer Hands were mostly used individually, often positioned at critical hubs at the Front Army level for air defense tasks.

    Ludm stared at Nelly¡¯s face and sighed softly, ¡°Last winter, when you were fighting across the river, I often dreamt that you were getting farther and farther away from me. You all plunged into the furnace of war, while I stood outside it.¡±

    Nelly: ¡°But now you are here with us.¡±

    Ludm did not reply.

    Wang Zhong entered the headquarters and found Pavlov already drinking coffee, so he asked, ¡°Nelly said you went to sleep at two; are you okay with that?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°There¡¯s coffee, no problem. Once the war is over, we¡¯ll have all the time in the world to rest however we please.¡±

    Wang Zhong started to speak but then hesitated, and eventually just turned his head to ask Vasily, ¡°Where¡¯s the coffee?¡±

    "The coffee is ready, right here,¡± Vasily said as he came over with a coffee pot and cups, pouring Wang Zhong a full cup.

    Wang Zhong took a sip and his brows knitted together in bitterness.

    Vasily said, ¡°Seeing that expression on your face tells me it¡¯s definitely effective.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, amunications soldier ran into the room, ¡°Report on the situation this morning.¡±

    Pavlov immediately took the report and began to quickly browse through it.

    Wang Zhong continued to drink his coffee, each sip clearing his head a bit more from the bitterness.

    After about five minutes, Pavlov handed the report to his staff to update the map, then turned to Wang Zhong and said, ¡°Last night, a light armored reconnaissance battalion of the enemy encountered the 24th Brigade of the Guards Tank Third Army.

    "After a brief exchange of fire, the enemy retreated. The Guards 24 Brigade didn¡¯t understand the situation, so they didn¡¯t pursue. At dawn around four o¡¯clock, they tallied the enemy wreckage left behind and identified the insignia on the debris, confirming the enemy as the light reconnaissance unit of the 19th Armored Division of the Third Armored Army.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°It looks like the enemy is nning a counterattack. The Third Armored Army, originally our intelligence indicated they were deployed here

    As he spoke, he took a map stick and tapped a spot on the map in front of him.

    Pavlov said, ¡°Judging by the distance, the enemy started moving yesterday afternoon.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°It looks like they knew they couldn¡¯t stop our breakthrough in the afternoon and began to move their troops.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°Based on the enemy¡¯s previous movement speed, the counterattack will beunched this afternoon between two and three o¡¯clock.¡±

    He raised his hand to check his watch, ¡°If they start the counterattack at three, there will be over six hours until sundown, giving the enemy ample time for several tank battles.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Send out reconnaissance nes¡ªnot just reconnaissance nes, but all the main aircraft that operate at low altitude, including the Yak and the now lessmonly equipped IL series, to pinpoint the position of the enemy¡¯s armored vehicle forces and prepare our tank troops with early warnings.¡±

    In this timeline, due to Wang Zhong¡¯s interference, the number of equipped IL series had been greatly reduced, but a portion was still preserved, mainly used for attacking the enemy¡¯s softer targets with cluster rockets.

    In fact, this also represented the most effective attack method for the IL series on Earth.

    Pavlov immediately picked up the phone to give orders.

    Wang Zhong watched the staff update the map.

    At that moment, Amelia entered the room, and upon seeing Wang Zhong, she said, ¡°When I was covering the Pe-2 in bombing the enemy¡¯s logistical stations, I saw armored troops moving on the ins, about 20 kilometers east of Bariev.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the map, ¡°It¡¯s in front of the Guards Tank First Army, the expected time of contact with the First Army

    "Five hours,¡± Pavlov, having finished giving orders and putting down the phone, immediately reported the calcted time, ¡°Considering the time the enemy will need to reorganize their formation and refuel upon arrival, it¡¯s roughly three in the afternoon when they¡¯ll start the counterattack.¡±

    Amelia added, ¡°On our way back, we saw a lot of dust clouds at a height of 3000 meters in the air; the enemy will definitelyunch arge-scale counterattack today.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°We¡¯ve already anticipated this.¡±

    Popov joined in, ¡°The tank troops are eager for action; ever since they were equipped with the T34W, they¡¯ve been itching to measure up against the Prosens. Now they¡¯ve got their chance.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Too bad we¡¯re using T34Ws to counter the enemy¡¯s Long-barreled Fours. Our new medium tanks are still behind schedule.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°What I¡¯m really worried about now is that ording to the guerris¡¯ report, if the enemy¡¯s new tanks are massively deployed, whether it will cause us significant casualties.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded in agreement.

    Although he knew that on Earth, the initial deployment of the Leopard ended up in failure due to mechanical malfunctions and getting trapped in their own minefields without reaching the front lines, he couldn¡¯t guarantee that the Leopards in this timeline would repeat the same mistake.

    The T34W, despite itsrge profile, still had a 76 mm gun, and although it was now equipped with new armor-piercing bullets, it still found it hard to deal with the Leopards.

    Of course, Wang Zhong had also prepared a contingency n¡ªin case Leopards were deployed en masse, he nned to use the Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tanks in his hand as a fire brigade, much like how the Sturmtiger was used on Earth to back up the Tiger tanks.

    As for what would actually happen, he could only wait to see when they encountered the enemy at three in the afternoon.

    Meanwhile, with the Prosen Army, within the Ante Army¡¯s Asgard Knights¡¯ Anpura Armored Division, was the 51st Armored Battalion.

    This armored battalion, just reinforced to the Anpura Armored Division in early June, was equipped with 96 of the newest ¡°Panzer V.¡±

    His Majesty the Emperor had high hopes for this battalion and their Panzer Vs, so he had personally appointed the current number one ace of the Prosen armored forces, Lieutenant Colonel Otto, tomand the battalion.

    However, Lieutenant Colonel Otto was currently frowning, ¡°Sixty sent in for repairs?¡±

    "Yes,¡± the battalion maintenancepanymander nodded, ¡°There appears to be a problem with the running gear of the new tanks. We¡¯ve finished repairs on ten of them, and they all had the same issue.¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Otto asked, ¡°And when can the remaining 50 be fixed?¡±

    Thepanymander looked bitter, ¡°That¡¯s hard to say. The ovepping bogie wheels of the new tank are tricky to disassemble; even though we know where the fault lies, taking apart and reassembling a bogie wheel takes over five hours. Including various other maintenance tasks, fixing one in seven hours would be fast, and we can repair three at a time.¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Otto said, ¡°So you mean, a maximum of ten can be repaired in a day?¡±

    "That¡¯s under the best circumstances,¡± thepanymander shrugged, ¡°The new tanks are a hassle to repair. I don¡¯t understand why they didn¡¯t just use the mature suspension system of the Panzer IV.¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Otto sighed, ¡°Our designers have their own considerations! Repair as quickly as you can! The remaining 46 can still be deployed forbat, right?¡±

    "Yes, at the moment, that is. As for how many will actually make it to face the enemy, it¡¯s hard to say.¡±

 Chapter 692: Tank Battle

    Chapter 692: Chapter 30 Tank Battle

    The second day of the offensive, at 1510 hours, the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group.

    Podoliskov, the tankmander, heard the sound of engines in the sky and grabbed the anti-aircraft machine gun, preparing to counter the air raid.

    At that moment, a radio call in Antenese came through his headset, ¡°This is the 25th Fighter Group, this is the 25th Fighter Group, tank troops please respond! Tank troops please respond!¡±

    Podoliskov replied, ¡°This is the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group, I hear your engines, go ahead.¡±

    "There¡¯s a Prosen Tank formation ahead of you that has already deployed, good luck.¡±

    Podoliskov asked, ¡°Can you see the enemy¡¯s setup?¡±

    "Quite a few Long-barreled Fours, we haven¡¯t seen the new tanks that the Front Army Headquarters specifically instructed us to watch for.¡±

    "Understood, thank you,¡± Podoliskov responded as he spotted two Yaks in the sky, likelyrades from the 25th Fighter Group.Podoliskov picked up a cloth and waved it in the air.

    The two Yaks, one to the left and one to the right, flew past Podoliskov¡¯s tank, and one could faintly see the pilots saluting the tank.

    As soon as the nes flew past, someone shouted on the radio, ¡°Guard heavy tank group, this is Coyote, this is Coyote, a lot of dust ahead.¡±

    Then the voice of themander of the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group came over the radio, ¡°Understood, Coyote, evade, avoid unnecessary casualties; let us deal with the enemy tanks. Our new heavy tanks aren¡¯t afraid of them!¡±

    Podoliskov shouted, ¡°For my hero brother Aleksei Podoliskov¡ªvengeance!¡±

    Voices immediately erupted over the radio, ¡°Vengeance for my sister Shu Ya!¡±

    "For my father, vengeance!¡±

    "For my dear friend Semyon, vengeance!¡±

    Podoliskov felt that after his shout, the speeding tank seemed to run even faster.

    Soon, a small dust cloud appeared ahead, and Podoliskov lifted his binocrs to see several Willys Jeeps racing across the prairie, then picked up the microphone, ¡°This is hero brother Revenge, I see Coyote.¡±

    Coyote, the radio call sign of the light recon battalion assigned to the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group, was responsible for driving Willys Jeeps and clearing the way in front of the tank group.

    As Podoliskov spoke, a Coyote Jeep zoomed past the Revenge, and the driving lieutenant shouted, ¡°Give them a show! Whether or not you get a Venus depends on this!¡±

    Podoliskov replied, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter if I get a Venus! Just killing Prosens is enough!¡±

    "Just make sure you kill plenty of them then!¡±

    The reconnaissance soldiers had already run far as they spoke.

    Orders from the groupmander came over the radio, ¡°Each vehicle unload the infantry; don¡¯t let them get caught up in the tank battle.¡±

    Podoliskov turned to the infantry sitting on the radiator grilles, shouting, ¡°Get down, guys, up ahead it¡¯s tank versus tank!¡±

    The leading master sergeant grinned, ¡°Let¡¯s get a little closer before getting off. Have you forgotten what we¡¯re carrying?¡±

    With that, he patted the rocketuncher slung over his shoulder.

    Podoliskovughed, ¡°Fine, we¡¯ll make an emergency stop to fire soon, then you guys get down on your own, be careful not to get run over by yourrades.¡± ???????¨¨s

    "Roger that!¡±

    Just then, a private second ss from behind the master sergeant pointed ahead, ¡°Quick, look!¡±

    Podoliskov immediately turned to see the sky ahead filled with dust, like a sandstorm whipping up on the prairie!

    The master sergeant eximed, ¡°My, this dust storm reminds me of the spring sandstorms back home.¡±

    "Spring in your hometown?¡±

    "Yeah, back in my hometown, when springes, sandstorms would blow up from the western deserts, covering the whole prairie in yellow sand. If you didn¡¯t cover your face outdoors, your skin would turn as rough as an eighty-year-old¡¯s in just one day.¡±

    Podoliskov clicked his tongue, ¡°I must visit there when I have the chance; I have never been to our eastern territories.¡±

    He lifted the binocrs, observing the rolling dust.

    Major Hans of the Prosen 66th Armored Battalion was on hismand tank turret, watching the billowing dust ahead.

    "There don¡¯t seem to be many enemies ahead, about 20 tanks,¡± hemunicated to all the soldiers in the battalion via radio, ¡°Annihte them!¡±

    It should be said that the Prosen Armored Troops were indeed elite, determining the enemy¡¯s strength simply from the scale of the dust cloud without prior reconnaissance.

    Unfortunately, they hadn¡¯t anticipated that the opposing Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group had already switched to Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tanks.

    These monsters were practically immune to the 48-caliber long-barreled 75mm guns of the Panzer IVs from the front and the sides.

    To prate a Rokossovsky Type, Hans¡¯s soldiers needed to approach within 400 meters of the heavy tank, whichpletely went against Prosen Armored Troops¡¯bat protocols.

    Prosen Armored Troops customarily relied on their superior marksmanship to fire from long distances.

    Major Hans turned around, nced at his own battalion¡¯s billowing dust, and with full confidence raised his hand and chopped forward, ¡°Armor, advance! Crush them!¡±

    "Spread the formation!¡±manded the leader through the radio, ¡°The enemy is more numerous than us; spread out fully to ensure we aren¡¯t nked by arge number of tanks!¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°Commander, have you forgotten that our new tanks are reliable from the rear too?¡±

    "Damn it, I¡¯m worried about our turret rotation speed not keeping up with the enemy! With a Long-barreled Four, they can still jam the turret ring or prate weak spots at close range. Don¡¯t becent; they are elite armored troops¡ªvery elite!¡± themander responded sternly.

    Podoliskov didn¡¯t say anything else and quietly issued the order, spacing out from the adjoining vehicle.@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, the gunner shouted, ¡°Enemy tanks are within effective firing range!¡±

    Before Podoliskov could respond, the adjoining vehicle opened fire, the st from the gun muzzle even hitting Podoliskov¡¯s face.

    Podoliskov: ¡°Ivan (driver), on mymand,e to a sharp stop for seven seconds! Sergey (gunner), aim at the enemy you just ranged!¡±

    Then, the ¡°Revenge¡± turret rotated slightly about five degrees to the side, and the elevation mechanism was also adjusted slightly.

    "Aimplete!¡± the gunner shouted.

    "Sharp stop!¡±

    The tank immediately stopped, the vehicle body swaying back and forth¡ªthe suspension system of the Rokossovsky Type heavy tank was rtively simplistic and rough for production efficiency and reliability, and its stability wasn¡¯t particrly good.

    As the shaking stopped, Sergey fired.

    The st kicked up a dust cloud that blocked Podoliskov¡¯s view momentarily, preventing him from seeing the condition of the target.

    The next instant, the tank surged forward, breaking through the firing dust, and then Podoliskov saw the Panzer IV burst into mes.

    Before he could rejoice, an armor-piercing shell struck the tank¡¯s turret, scraping out a string of sparks as it flew past his ear.

    He was unscathed, but the Master Sergeant behind the turret started shouting, ¡°Vasily!¡±

    Podoliskov turned to see a Private Second ss carrying a rocketuncher fall to the left, tumbling down outside the tank¡¯s body.

    "Get down! We have armor protection; you don¡¯t!¡±

    Master Sergeant: ¡°The enemy is still over a kilometer away; getting off now won¡¯t do us any good! Drive us further!¡±

    Right as Podoliskov was about to respond, he heard the loader¡¯s voice in his headset: ¡°Good!¡±

    Gunner Sergey urged, ¡°Commander! Designate the target!¡±

 Chapter 693: Steel Collision

    Chapter 693: Chapter 31 Steel Collision

    Podoliskov could only ignore the infantry and picked the closest target to the muzzle, ¡°Rotate turret right ten degrees, Ivan prepare for emergency stop!¡±

    Just as he said this, two more shells hit the tank.

    Podoliskov ducked his head but did not retreat into the tank. Instead, he held the microphone and shouted, ¡°Emergency stop! Take them out!¡±

    The tank stopped. Perhaps because the interval between this emergency stop and the previous one wasn¡¯t long and the tank had not picked up speed, this stop was much smoother.

    The gunner immediately seized the opportunity to fire, and their view was once againpletely blocked by dust.

    Podoliskov: ¡°Move forward, move forward! Break through the dust

    Before he finished speaking, a new shell hit the body of ¡°Revenge,¡± but this time the shell didn¡¯t ricochet; it exploded directly.

    The explosion stunned Podoliskov, who was sticking out his upper body.The infantry squatting behind the turret were alright, thanks to the shielding provided by the turret.

    Podoliskov slid right into the turret, and the infantry master sergeant immediately peered inside from the edge of the hatch, ¡°Battalion Commander Davarish!¡±

    "I¡¯m fine!¡± Podoliskov, rubbing his backside, sat up straight, ¡°They¡¯ve started using high-explosive shells on us! How are you guys doing, mates!¡±

    Driver Ivan: ¡°All good! The shell exploded above my head; my brain is buzzing! But it won¡¯t affect my driving¡­ Suka!¡±

    Podoliskov: ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    "Nothing, just a nosebleed! I¡¯ll stuff it with paper and it¡¯ll be fine!¡±

    As they spoke, the tank started up and surged forward a couple of steps.

    Another shell, with a ¡®duang,¡¯ hit the tank¡¯s armor.

    Podoliskov poked his head out to look and was immediately blinded by rolling white smoke.

    The gunner yelled, ¡°The sight is all white, we seem to have been hit by a smoke bomb!¡±

    "I know! Drive out of the smoke area! Quick!¡±

    "Driving! Already at full speed!¡±

    "Armor-piercing shell, good!¡±

    The loader didn¡¯t care about the outside situation, just focused on loading.

    Podoliskov, with his head out, anxiously stared ahead, but the smoke seemed endless. The ¡°Revenge¡± had been moving forward for dozens of seconds but still hadn¡¯t broken through the smoke.

    Over the radio, the battalionmander was shouting, ¡°The enemy has released arge amount of smoke to close in forbat! I order all tankmanders to keep their heads out; we can¡¯t let the enemy leverage their search advantage!¡±

    "Got my head out! Got my head out!¡± Podoliskov muttered, frowning and peering into the surrounding dense smoke, ¡°Even with my head out, I can¡¯t see a thing!¡±

    Suddenly, Podoliskov heard the sound of tank engines and gearboxesing from the front!

    "Revenge¡± should have been at the forefront, so engine sounds from ahead must be the enemy!

    Lieutenant Gurman subconsciously touched the Iron Cross on his chest.

    "Engine sounds ahead, ording to the Doppler effect, they should be approaching us!¡± Gurman held the microphone, ¡°Prepare to meet the enemy! Load the first round with smoke bombs to ensure the enemy¡¯s vision is obscured! We don¡¯t have time for an emergency stop, we must hit the enemy while moving!¡± ?????¦¢§§?

    "Yes!¡± the gunner confidently replied.

    The Panzer IV advanced at full speed.

    Suddenly, a dark shadow burst out of the smoke!

    "Fire!¡± Lieutenant Gurman shouted.

    The smoke bomb exploded directly in front of the shadow, and a burst of white smoke immediately obscured the shape of the shadow.

    Gurman: ¡°Quick! nking maneuver! Prepare to hit its side and rear!¡±

    "Already at full throttle!¡± replied the driver.

    The roar of the enemy¡¯s engine and gearbox echoed in Gurman¡¯s eardrums, clearly showing that the smoke bomb could not stop the enemy¡¯s indomitable new-style tank.

    Gurman mentally calcted the distance between them, knowing that the two vehicles were about to pass each other¡ª

    The enemy appeared!

    The enemy¡¯s turret was still facing forward, unable to keep up with Gurman¡¯s maneuvering vehicle!

    But behind the enemy turret sat infantry, holding a weapon with a strange appearance, looking much like an ancient knight¡¯s spiked club!

    When the infantry and Lieutenant Gurman¡¯s eyes met, the infantry raised the spiked club.

    The next moment, white light shot from the tail of the club, dragging smoke as it soared toward Gurman¡¯s vehicle.@@novelbin@@

    There wasn¡¯t a particrly violent explosion; at first, Gurman thought the device had misfired.

    But then screams burst from Gurman¡¯s headset.

    "What¡¯s happening?¡± the lieutenant asked just before a wave of heat hit from behind. He turned his head to see his vehicle¡¯s radiator grill had turned into a torch, spouting high mes.

    The engine was on fire!

    Lieutenant Gurman: ¡°Abandon the tank! Everyone out!¡±

    As he issued the order, he adeptly climbed out of the turret, ready to jump aside.

    That moment, Gurman recalled something: Ante tanks had infantry on their backs.

    He looked up, only to see Ante infantry aiming a Papasha submachine gun.

    Podoliskov almost had his eardrums pierced by the Papasha gunfire that erupted right beside his ear.

    "Don¡¯t fire near my ear!¡± he shouted.

    "The enemy is trying to flee! If we let these experienced tank operators get on new tanks, they¡¯ll cause massive damage!¡± the infantry master sergeant replied while shooting, ¡°You¡¯ve got new heavy tanks and aren¡¯t afraid of them anymore, plus we haverades on the T34Ws!¡±

    Podoliskov picked up the anti-aircraft machine gun after hearing that and started firing at the enemy.

    The only escaping Prosen tanker had slithered into the smoke, while Podoliskov kept up the barrage.

    Then the sound of another engine approached.

    Podoliskov said, ¡°Another one ising, we¡¯ll stop and be still, the engine sound will fade, and the gearbox noise will disappear!¡±

    The driver, Ivan, immediately came to a halt, and the noise from the Revenge tank abruptly lessened.

    Podoliskov held his breath as if that could lower the chances of being detected.

    The infantrymen behind the turret also tensed up, not daring to even breathe heavily.

    Suddenly, the enemy appeared.

    The Prosen tankmander on top of the turret widened his eyes, evidently not expecting an Ante tank lying in wait here.

    The enemy¡¯s turret was facing a different direction too, clearly on alert for other sources of sound.

    The Prosenmander roared, and the turret immediately started to turn, with the body of the tank following suit. It was clear that he intended to coordinate the rotation of the hull and turret to quickly bring his cannon to bear on the Revenge.

    Podoliskov shouted, ¡°The enemy is right in front of us, fire!¡±

    As he gave the order, the gunner fired.

    The enemy was too close this time; the dust kicked up by the shot was instantly dispersed by the explosion of the enemy tank, and the turret of the Panzer IV ended up embedded in the ground in front of the Revenge.

    The explosion also cleared the surrounding smoke, giving Podoliskov a clear view of another Prosen tank.

    Before he could even give the order, the target crashed into an ally-driven Rokossovsky Type.

    The Prosen driver climbed out of his vehicle, holding a maic anti-tank hand grenade, ready to p it on the Rokossovsky Type.

    Podoliskov swung the anti-aircraft machine gun around and sprayed bullets, but without aiming, the shots sshed over like water, surprisingly missing the Prosen!

    The man stuck the grenade onto the wedge-shaped armor at the front of the Rokossovsky Type, pulled the pin, and dove to the side.

    The maic hand grenade exploded.

    The hatch of the Rokossovsky Type opened, and the tank operators mbered out, cursing and swearing¡ªit looked like everyone except the driver was alive.

    Just as the Prosens abandoned their vehicle too, climbing out of the Panzer IV.

    The Prosenmander picked up an MP40 to spray bullets, but was tackled and rolled off the tank by the Antemander.

    The two sides immediately grappled with each other.

    The Rokossovsky Type had only four crew members (without a mechanic), the driver still hadn¡¯t climbed out of the tank, probably dead, while the Prosen Panzer IV had five men.

    Despite being outnumbered three to five, the Ante tank operators gained the upper hand.

    The Antemander knocked the Prosenmander out with two punches, and after standing up, an uppercut sent the gunner flying, knocking out several teeth.

    At this time, the Revenge finally arrived at the scene of the fight, and Podoliskov, recognizing the crew, shouted, ¡°What happened to your driver?¡±

    Themander spat at the unconscious Prosen tanker he was fighting and looked up at Podoliskov, ¡°He¡¯s dead. We only abandoned the tank after we saw him catch fire. He was on fire, and there was no sound from the inside; he must have died right from the start.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, mes flickered from the tank¡¯s driverpartment.

    Podoliskov said, ¡°It looks like the fire can still be put out! Quick! Put out the fire before the tank ispletely destroyed; with some repairs and a new driver, it can still be used! Ante needs every tank!¡±

    "Podoliskov is right, quick, put out the fire, guys!¡±

    The three tank operators who had just finished brawling rushed toward the tank which only just started to show visible mes.

    Just as Podoliskov was about tomand the tank to move forward, the voice of the battalionmander came over the radio, ¡°The enemy is retreating! We have defeated the enemy in the tank battle! We have won!¡±

    Joyful cheers of victory came through the radio, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°We should pursue the enemy! We can¡¯t let them escape easily! We have an advantage over them, but the regr units¡¯ T34Ws have no advantage against people! We can¡¯t let the enemy go and harvest our Davarish!¡±

    The battalionmander paused for a second before responding, ¡°Podoliskov is right, advance! Although our heavy tanks are not as mobile as the enemy¡¯s Panzer IVs, we will still try our best to pursue! Try to take them down! All forces move out!¡±

    At the same time, not far from where Podoliskov¡¯s Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group was located, within the Guard Tank Army, the Guard 24th Tank Brigade, the Third Battalion.

    Semyon, the battalionmander, confirmed that his shell had hit the front of the enemy Panzer IV.

    However, the shell only sparked without prating the Panzer IV¡¯s front armor, now reinforced to 80mm.

    He picked up the receiver, ¡°Our 76mm gun can¡¯t prate the enemy¡¯s front, charge and engage in closebat! Strike the sides of the enemy tank! If all else fails, ram them!¡±

    At this moment, several Panzer IVs on the battlefield stopped moving, but even more T34Ws were on fire.

    Judging solely by the burning tanks, the exchange rate between the sides was roughly three to one.

    Over the radio, Prosen tankers could be heard shouting, ¡°The Iron Cross is within reach!¡±

    Semyon couldn¡¯t understand Prosenese, he could only watch, heart in agony, as his soldiers kept dying.

    The hand gripping the receiver turned white at the knuckles.

    Finally, he said word by word, ¡°Davarish! See you at the Martyrs¡¯ Cemetery! Advance!¡±

    His tank roared and charged toward the Panzer IV directly ahead.

    That Panzer IV was adorned with a Prosen army g on top, clearly the enemy¡¯smand tank.

    Semyon¡¯s tank had barely made it 50 meters when the Prosens opened fire.

    The T34W was hit and exploded into an orange-red bloom.

 Chapter 694: At Sunset on the Second Day

    Chapter 694: Chapter 32 At Sunset on the Second Day

    The attack began on the second day, at First Front Army Headquarters of Kazarlia, 2120 hours.

    Pavlov watched the sunset outside the window, ¡°The daylight is almost gone, the enemy should stop their counterattacks now.¡±

    Popov let out a sigh, ¡°Although we knew the enemy¡¯s armored troops were strong, aren¡¯t they too strong?¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s expression was grim, ¡°On the bright side, our armored troops held up the enemy¡¯s counterattacks with their sacrifices.¡±

    At this time, preliminary results from various units facing the enemy had already been delivered to the headquarters. Except for the Guards heavy breakthrough tank regiments equipped with Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks, the exchange ratio of other units with the Prosens forces hovered around 3 to 1.

    The good news was that the exchange ratio of regr tank units equipped with the T34W model was not as bad as before, and there would no longer be incidents like a battalion of T34s being wiped out by apany of Long-barreled Four without any losses.

    The bad news, however, was that the exchange ratio of the Guards tank veterans driving T34Ws against Prosens armored troops was not much improved.

    This was partly due to reasons such as aiming uracy and enemy detection speed contributed by the crew¡¯s skills, but a very important reason was that the armored troops universally reported the new armor-piercing shells couldn¡¯t prate the frontal armor of theter models of the enemy¡¯s Four.Vasily said, ¡°The new armor-piercing shells were stable in prating 80mm frontal armor of enemy tanks in rear tests, and even 100mm armor at closer distances. I think we should execute those testers; they definitely falsified the results.¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°It might not necessarily be falsification, it¡¯s possible our armor steel is simply not as good as that of the Prosens.¡±

    In fact, due to the loss of arge number of professionals during the relocation of industries, the armor steel produced by Ante in the second year of the war sharply declined in quality, and there were even reports of PAK38 prating the T34¡¯s mantlet from the front.

    This point was actually just like the situation on Earth.

    Now entering the third year of the war, the talent and crafts back home should have recovered somewhat, but definitely could not match the armor steel quality of Prosens.

    Pavlov said, ¡°Looking on the bright side, this time at least three of ours can exchange for one of theirs, and if we include the heavy tanks¡¯ achievements, we could even approach two to one. With this exchange rate, a one-to-one day will eventuallye.¡±

    In fact, on Earth, up to the very end, the Russians couldn¡¯t achieve a one-to-one ratio with the Sturmtiger armored troops and even got farmed for experience by the Sturmtiger¡¯s armored aces.

    Because the good Russian armored troops died inrge numbers and by the end of the war, the average driving time of the troops was not much higher than at the start of the war.

    Although the Russians also had a bunch of legendary aces, it couldn¡¯tpensate for the average level of the troops being too low.

    But this timeline was different, at least now many of the ace heavy tank drivers had survived.

    When the Ante version of T54 was mass-produced, they could transfer some of the aces trained on the heavy tanks to the T54 units and bring up some middle-tank ace units with the old leading the new.

    While Wang Zhong was contemting, a signal officer entered the room and spoke loudly, ¡°The report from the Eighth Guards Tank Army has arrived.¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°That¡¯s thest one we need! Let me see how many they lost.¡±

    The Eighth Guards Tank Army had inherited the legacy of the former 51st Tank Army, but it was only in name as too few of the original 51st Army survived, making this tank army essentially a brand-new unit.

    Pavlov opened the envelope, read the report for a while, and immediately his eyebrows lifted in joy, ¡°The Eighth Guards Army didn¡¯t encounter any enemy armored counterattacks, they sessfully broke through the position of the 167th Infantry Division and are advancing deeper, apanied by Kiriyenko¡¯s Cavalry Army Group.¡±

    Wang Zhong let out a sigh of relief, ¡°It seems there¡¯s no need to expand the casualty list today.¡±

    He looked at the battle damage numbers on the ckboard.

    These were estimates of the battle losses self-reported by each Armored Troops today; the actual losses wouldn¡¯t be known until the units¡¯ statisticians had finished their carefully detailed counts after nightfall. ??¦¡N???¨¨??

    On the first day of the enemy¡¯s counterattack, estimated losses had reached five hundred vehicles, with at least four brigades losing more than half, and other brigades encountering severe losses against the Prosen forces.

    But the good news was that most of the brigades were able to repel the counterattacks of the Prosen forces and ultimately controlled the battlefield.@@novelbin@@

    This also meant that a considerable portion of these 500 lost units might be repairable.

    Popov stood next to Wang Zhong, both looking at the numbers on the ckboard and sighed, ¡°A few more days of losses like this, and our Armored Troops will bepletely depleted.¡±

    Wang Zhong confidently said, ¡°The enemy will break before we do.¡±

    "We can¡¯t keep this up!¡± Marshal Geron banged the table, ¡°How did we lose three hundred tanks on the first day of the counterattack?¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°Most of the losses were due to the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks, my Marshal.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the corpsmander of the Third Armored Army responded, ¡°Marshal, although our losses are severe, various units imed to have destroyed even more enemy tanks. The newer-equipped 19th Armored Division even reported destroying 200 enemy tanks!¡±

    Not to be outdone, the corpsmander of the Second Armored Army of the Asgard Knight Order said, ¡°Our Anpura Division lost ten tanks but reported destroying 220!¡±

    Marshal sighed, ¡°Enough! We all know how inted these ims of destruction can be! Not to mention, if we destroyed so many Ante tanks, we should be controlling the battlefield. Why did we retreat in most areas then?¡±

    Commander of the Third Armored Army: ¡°The enemy forces were too numerous, and their tactics and techniques have significantly improvedpared to before. We couldn¡¯t drive them off as we used to.¡±

    The Second Armored Army corpsmander of Asgard concurred, ¡°Yes, and the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks are too powerful; they repelled our forces and continued their pursuit, threatening the logistics supply line of the Armored Forces, forcing us to retreat.¡±

    Themander of the Third Armored Army seized the conversation again, ¡°The mobility of the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks exceeded our expectations. We simply couldn¡¯t escape, and many of our pursued Armored Battalions suffered heavy losses.

    "Our forces only stabilized their positions within the shooting range of the Elephant tank destroyers and then managed to repel the enemy.¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Thank God, finally some new equipment made a slight difference.¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°It¡¯s a pity that these tank destroyers have too high a fault rate; they simply can¡¯t keep up with the mobility of the Armored Troops.¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Do we still have new weapons? What about those Mark V and VI tanks? Where are they? Didn¡¯t Anpura Division equip a battalion with Mark V tanks and a battalion with Mark VI tanks?¡±

    As the Anpura Armored Division belonged to the Second Armored Army of the Asgard Knight Order, its corpsmander responded, ¡°The Mark VI tanks are performing well; they are currently en route to thebat area, and we expect 30 Mark VI tanks to be deployed into battle tomorrow.

    "As for the Mark V tanks¡­ only 40 tanks in this battalion are operational, and then during movement, they entered a minefield.¡±

    Marshal Geron was shocked, ¡°The enemy set up minefields that quickly?¡±

    "No, it was our Infantry Division thatid them,¡± the corpsmander replied sheepishly, ¡°The rest of the Mark V tanks all had their tracks blown off, making them immobile.¡±

    Marshal Geron cursed, ¡°Damn it!¡±

 Chapter 695: The War of Attrition

    Chapter 695: Chapter 33 The War of Attrition

    July 2nd, 1916, Prosen Anpura Armored Division First Armored Battalion.

    The battalionmander checked his watch and sighed, ¡°Let¡¯s not wait for the Leopard Tanks any longer; we will go ourselves.¡±

    Having said that, he jumped onto themand tank of the battalion headquarters and waved back to the other support vehicles of the headquarters: ¡°Wait for our signal after we repel the Ante Troops, and then follow up.¡±

    "Yes,mander,¡± the deputy battalionmander saluted, ¡°I wish you a pleasant hunt.¡±

    Themander nodded and looked back ahead, cing the headset on one ear, and picked up the radio handset: ¡°Attention all units, this is yourmander, attackmences!¡±

    Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group.

    The group leader addressed the assembled tankmanders in a loud voice: ¡°Thanks to the efforts of the support battalionst night, we¡¯ve restored the number of tanks ready forbat to 10, and two with broken tracks are being urgently repaired; they¡¯re expected to join us midway!¡±In yesterday¡¯s massive tank battle, the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group had only two tanks damaged by enemy tank operators using maically-adhered anti-tank mines.

    The rest of the losses were due to broken tracks, jammed turret rings, and mechanical failures.

    Mechanical issues were the most numerous, after all, yesterday the Guard One Group made such a long advance, and even a normal cross-country march would have several breakdowns.

    After all, the Rokossovsky Type tank is a heavy tank, weighing over forty tons empty, and with ammunition, fuel, and the assorted items each tank crew brought, thebat weight exceeded fifty tons. Such heavy machines are prone to breaking down off-road.

    Group Leader: ¡°Although we only have ten tanks left, there¡¯s good news. The 60th Tank Brigade has rushed to join us, with 40 intact T34Ws and the infantry troops that cooperate with them inbat.

    "They will be advancing with us! Now, return to your respective tanks and make final preparations! Dismissed!¡±

    The tankmanders saluted together and then turned around, walking towards their tanks in pairs or groups of three.

    As Podoliskov lowered his head to walk, Alex, themander of Tank 276, patted his shoulder: ¡°Hey, I hear your crew did well inbat yesterday?¡±

    "Not bad. Three of the tanks were taken out by tubeunched missiles from infantry on top of our tank,¡± Podoliskovughed. ¡°I don¡¯t even know whose victory to count it as; it wasn¡¯t really our gun¡¯s work, but the infantry doesn¡¯t have a custom of marking their kills.¡±

    Alex: ¡°Isn¡¯t there a saying that a sniper marks an Iron Cross on their rifle stock for each enemy killed?¡±

    "That¡¯s snipers. A sniper¡¯s rifle stays with them; after all, different guns have slight variances in their trajectories. They can¡¯t adapt to a new rifle after using another. But for infantry, the tube used is disposable after shooting.¡±

    Podoliskov shook his head and said, ¡°There should be a new medal to honor infantry who destroy tanks alone. It seems the Prosens have such a patch.¡±

    Alex nodded, ¡°True, I¡¯ve seen it on the sleeves of some dead Prosenian soldiers. Especially those carrying ¡®funnels¡¯ and charging at our tanks, they usually have this.¡± ?¨¢?£Ï???

    "I saw a few before myst tank was destroyed.¡±

    Most of the tank operators in the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group were veterans transferred from other tank units; most had lostrades in previous battles, and themanders had ample experience in bidding farewell to subordinates.

    Podoliskov idly asked, ¡°How many people did you have left on yourst tank?¡±

    "Two, one loader, and myself.¡±

    "Both in the turret survived?¡±

    "Yeah, and before we abandoned the tank, we managed to destroy the Panzer IV that hit us. Right after firing the shot, the engine caught fire, and we had to leave the tank,¡± Alex burst intoughter, ¡°But now it¡¯s different. The Prosens can¡¯t do anything to our armor! Thanks to General Rocossov for the weapons!¡±

    Podoliskov: ¡°Only if my brother could be in a Rokossovsky Type, his crew are all braveds! Their tactics are even better than ours!¡±

    "You can shoot as well as your brother!¡± As Alex spoke, his tank arrived, and he stopped to nod at Podoliskov, ¡°Drive your Revenge and push all the way to Plowsoniania! Let your brother also see what the enemy capital looks like when it falls!¡±

    Podoliskov nodded: ¡°As long as I¡¯m still alive then, I definitely will!¡±

    "Don¡¯t talk like that!¡± Alex yelled.

    But Podoliskov turned around and headed toward his own tank nearby (both of their tanks were parked together).

    Driver Ivan, seeing Podoliskoving over, stood up: ¡°I¡¯ve properly lubricated all the parts, this guy is in great shape, surely it can run another hundred kilometers today!¡±

    Podoliskov smiled, ¡°A hundred kilometers? Do you know if we run another hundred kilometers we will meet up with ¡®mp¡¯ on the other side?¡±

    "That would be great!¡± Ivanughed heartily, ¡°Then we¡¯ve surrounded another few hundred thousand of the enemy again!¡±

    Podoliskov: ¡°Alright, let¡¯s get moving! The enemy will certainly counterattack today, and we will charge at them along with our allies¡¯ T34Ws.¡±

    The gunner, who had been sitting on the grass eating his meal beside the tank, stuffed the remaining bread into his mouth in three bites, his cheeks bulging and working as he stood up.

    "Finish your meal first!¡± said Podoliskov, ¡°So you don¡¯t drop bread crumbs in the tank and cause a malfunction.¡±

    Gunner: ¡°Prosen-made machines might halt because of a bread crumb since their machinery is delicate, but ours aren¡¯t that finicky, right?¡±

    In fact, the gunner spoke as if talking to the driver but appeared to be addressing the tank, Revenge.

    The loader sitting on top of the tank turret called out with a grin: ¡°A hero¡¯s machine won¡¯t go on strike!¡±

    Podoliskov was about to reply when, in the distance, a signal re shot up into the dawn sky, making it especially conspicuous.

    Everyone was momentarily stunned by the sight of the re, but Podoliskov reacted the fastest, ¡°It¡¯s the recon troops, they¡¯ve encountered the enemy! Get in the vehicles! Those of you doing maintenance, move it! Your maintenance vehicles are more precious than our tanks, hurry up, go!¡±

    The maintenance vehicles were imports from the Federation, and since Ante¡¯s production capacity was fully utilized for tank manufacturing, barely any maintenance vehicles were being produced, which is why Podoliskov said what he did.

    The maintenance camp personnel didn¡¯t dilly-dally either, they swiftly jumped into the maintenance vehicles, turned around, and sped off. The technician who had just helped inspect the engine of the Revenge shouted back, ¡°Good luck to you! Kill more Prosens!¡±

    Podoliskov waved his hand, climbed onto the tank, and shoved the loader who was climbing into the hatch, ¡°Hurry up!¡±

    "Don¡¯t push,mander! I bumped my head!¡±

    A Jeep then drove up, and the infantry that had been aboard the Revenge the day before jumped out, ¡°Commander, we¡¯ve got nine more canisters!¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°Great! Climb on up, we¡¯re about to move out!¡±

    By then, Tank 267 next to them had already started its engine, which roared as it began to move forward.

    Podoliskov climbed into the tank, stood in his position, confirmed that the driver had also gotten into the driver¡¯spartment up front, then patted the top of the turret, ¡°Start the tank!¡±

    The tank engine thundered, and ck smoke billowed from the exhaust pipe.

    Seeing this, the infantrymen adeptly climbed onto the tank, grabbing onto the handles on the edges, and took out their canisters, ready forbat.

    The driver¡¯s voice, Ivan, came through the headset, ¡°Hold on tight!¡±

    "We¡¯re secured, let¡¯s go.¡±

    So the Revenge spewed ck smoke as it trampled over the grass in front¡ªthe very grass that had been ttened by the tracks only the day before, only to stand erect again overnight.

    Podoliskov picked up his binocrs and saw the Willys Jeep of the recon troops speeding wildly through the prairie.

    "They seem to be having quite the ride,¡± Podoliskov muttered.

    The Master Sergeant of the infantry behind the turret said, ¡°Truth be told, the recon troops always suffer high casualties; the Jeeps can¡¯t always rely on their mobility to dodge enemy fire. Although, it¡¯s indeed hard to hit something that¡¯s racing across the prairie.¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°It¡¯s more reassuring to have armor, but pity that with armor we can¡¯t move that fast. It¡¯s really a tough choice.¡±@@novelbin@@

    "Maybe one day there will be a tank that¡¯s armored and can still go that fast!¡± the Master Sergeant said.

    "Forget it, how could such a tank ever exist!¡± Podoliskov shook his head, ¡°If such a tank did exist, it would surely phase out all the heavy and medium tanks, the army would only need to be equipped with that type.¡±

    As he finished speaking, the recon troop¡¯s Jeep had already arrived close by, with the reconnoitre soldiers operating the machine gun on it shouting to the Revenge, ¡°Roughly a battalion of the enemy, a battalion! They have significant force! Be careful!¡±

    Podoliskov only managed to wave his hand when the Jeep sped past in a puff of smoke, leaving him to only see the dust trailing behind.

    Podoliskov picked up the inte, ¡°Recon troops report an enemy battalion, close to a hundred tanks, repeat, an enemy battalion of close to a hundred tanks!¡±

    The battalionmander¡¯s curses immediately came through the radio, ¡°Damn it, including our brother unit¡¯s T34Ws, we only have fifty tanks!¡±

    "We know they can¡¯t prate our armor,¡± a confident tankmander said, ¡°Let¡¯s show them what we¡¯re made of!¡±

    "Dust in front!¡±

    Podoliskov saw it too, gray dust rising up in the direction of the horizon like a sandstorm¡ªhuh, where had he heard that term before?

    He shook his head, cleared the distracting thoughts, and raised his binocrs to search for the first target.

    "Turret, turn five degrees to the left, we should be able to see the first target!¡± He issued the firstbatmand of the day.

    A day of intense artillerybat was about to begin.

    12 hourster.

    Podoliskov finally heard an order from the deputymandere through his headphones, ¡°All tanks, stop and set up camp on the spot, wait for the maintenance camp toe forward.¡±

    He immediately gave the order, ¡°Alright, Ivan, stop the vehicle!¡±

    The tank screeched to a halt, the engine grumbling robustly.

    Ivan, while emerging from the driver¡¯s cabin, cursed, ¡°This sound is a clear sign of big trouble; I need to check it thoroughly. It¡¯s very likely that once the maintenance camp arrives, we¡¯ll need to rece the engine.¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°It¡¯s up to you.¡±

    After saying that, he took off his headphones, tossed them along with the inte on top of the turret, and turned to look behind the turret.

    The engine grille was empty, with blood and bits of flesh scattered everywhere.

    "Sukabule!¡± Podoliskov swore.

 Chapter 696: Armored Minced Meat

    Chapter 696: Chapter 34 Armored Minced Meat

    July 2, 2330 hours, Kazarlia First Front Army Headquarters.

    Pavlov tossed a document in front of Wang Zhong, ¡°Today¡¯s losses are in.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Judging by your expression, the losses aren¡¯t small.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°If we keep fighting like this for another two days, we¡¯re going to lose all our tanks. We need to think of something.¡±

    Wang Zhong stood up and came to the map, ¡°We¡¯re attacking, and the cumbersome artillery troops can¡¯t keep up with the advancing armored spearhead. Even the more mobile rocket artillery can¡¯t keep up; after all, car wheels maneuver less effectively on the ins than tracks.

    "Apart from the Willys Jeep, no other wheeled vehicle can keep up with the armored troops.

    "We did design a rocketuncher carried by the Willys Jeep, but so far it hasn¡¯t been equipped on arge scale. And the actual effectiveness still needs to be verified inbat.¡±

    Vasily, ¡°So you¡¯re saying, at this stage, we can only exchange armored troops with the enemy? What about the possibility of moving the Whirlwind troops to ambush the enemy?¡±Pavlov, ¡°We¡¯ve already done that, and in fact the Whirlwind troops performed well today. The enemy didn¡¯t deploy many Max tank destroyers capable of prating the Whirlwind during their attack, and the Maus tank destroyers that have been confirmed to exist weren¡¯t deployed because they¡¯re too cumbersome.

    "The enemy¡¯s tank troops suffered heavy losses in front of the Whirlwind; that¡¯s the best news today. The second best news is that we¡¯ve taken control of most of thebat area, preventing the Prosens from fixing those damaged tanks.¡±

    The Antes¡¯ repair capabilities arecking; their main repair vehicles are still imports from the Federation, and there aren¡¯t enough of them. Moreover, the quality of their repair personnel isn¡¯t as high as that of the Prosens.

    Controlling the battlefield is primarily to prevent the Prosens from repairing damaged tanks. If the Prosens controlled the battlefield, within a few days, half of the tanks that weren¡¯t burned out could be repaired.

    Of course, another way to prevent the Prosens from fixing tanks is, before vacating the battlefield, to hit all of the enemy¡¯s crippled tanks as much as possible.

    Tanks that have been on fire are very difficult to repair, and even if repaired, it would take a lot of time. ording to the Prosens¡¯ repair troop manuals and the confessions of prisoners, such tanks are generally written off for repair, and only the parts that haven¡¯t been burned are salvaged for use in other vehicles.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Another piece of good news, the Guards Eighth Tank Army still has not encountered the enemy¡¯s armored troops. They have formed a salient spearhead, threatening the enemy¡¯s entire rear area, in concert with our cavalry troops.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°ording to aerial reconnaissance, the Eighth Tank Army is likely to face an enemy armored counterattack tomorrow. Although the Eighth Army has the honor ¡®Guards,¡¯ it¡¯s a title given to the original Tank Corps 51, and many of their tank operators aren¡¯t veterans. Perhaps@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong looked at the Chief of Staff, ¡°You¡¯re worried they¡¯ll be treated as score boosts by enemy tank operators?¡±

    "That¡¯s basically what happens to our new tank crews out there,¡± Pavlov stated the cold truth, ¡°Some of them have only sixty hours of tank driving experience; it¡¯s rare to find anyone with two hundred.¡±

    Vasily suddenly interjected, ¡°As cannon fodder, they¡¯re more suitable than those veterans who¡¯ve gone through birth and death on the battlefield.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Don¡¯t talk like that, you heartless scoundrel.¡±

    Vasily shrugged, ¡°I¡¯m just stating the facts.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°No, the veterans can at least trade three for one, but the recruits will just wholesale Iron Crosses to the Prosens.

    "Is it possible for the Eighth Army to switch to defense tomorrow? Tell them to wait for the fuel to be delivered. Construct tank shelters on-site; that should at least reduce the enemy¡¯s advantage somewhat.¡± ?¨¢£Î¨°¦Â¦¥?

    Pavlov nodded, ¡°That really is the best option; the Guards Eighth Army has advanced far enough. Standing their ground for a bit won¡¯t dy our overall offensive rhythm. I¡¯ll issue the orders right away.¡±

    The same time, Prosen Southern Army Group Headquarters.

    Marshal Geron put down the report and sighed, ¡°Even if the imed victories from each division aren¡¯t exaggerated, our losses are significant.¡±

    Army Group Chief of Staff, ¡°Some Armored Divisions are now down to only twenty tanks fit forbat, all others being either lost or under repair. Not controlling the battlefield after the fight has severe implications for us.¡±

    Marshal Geron turned to look at the map, ¡°How did they (referring to the Antes)e up with so many tanks? Were they supported by the Federation? Even though I know the imed victories are surely inted, could it be that the enemy has improved their repair capabilities?¡±

    ording to reports from the Prosen High Command, the Antes¡¯ repair capabilities should only be one-tenth of the Prosens¡¯. In the past two years, the Prosens had captured many Ante tanks that had only minor faults before being abandoned, leading to this conclusion.

    Chief of Staff, ¡°Last year and the year before, facing Ante troops that just kept popping up from the ground, we¡¯ve had simr suspicions. I thought you were used to it by now. They just have the production capability to replenish their forces.¡±

    Marshal Geron pursed his lips in thought for a while before saying, ¡°I need to call His Majesty. If he wants us to defeat Rocossovsky, he needs to transfer the armored troops he took from us back here! Or send us new armored troops from the homnd.¡±

    Minutester, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    "The armored troops withdrawn can¡¯t possibly be returned to you!¡± the Emperor stood up, spitting at the phone, ¡°Can¡¯t you defeat Rocossov without these armored troops? The number of armored troops at your disposal has already surpassed that of the armored troops under General Ma Qi¡¯smand two years ago!¡±

    On the other side of the phone, Marshal Gollon replied, ¡°But the enemy isn¡¯t the same y-footed giant as they were two years ago! Back then, their troops were a mere facade, a 200-tank armored division could even be annihted by our infantry division!

    "But now, if our infantry division gets attacked by two hundred tanks, the position will be precarious and could be breached with a single misstep!¡±

    After a brief pause, Marshal Gollon added, ¡°And what¡¯s more, the enemy has those damn Rocossov Type heavy tanks!¡±

    Hearing the sybles of ¡°Rocossov,¡± the Emperor shuddered, demanding, ¡°What Rocossov? What Type?¡±

    "Rocossov Type, it¡¯s the code for the enemy¡¯s new heavy tank! They also call that heavy rocket artillery the Ulban mega cannon!¡±

    The Emperor cursed, ¡°This Rocossov, daring to name the tanks after himself! I¡¯d be too ashamed to call the new tanks ¡®Reinhard Type¡¯! Utterly shameless!¡±

    The senior generals silently exchanged nces as they listened.

    Marshal Gollon: ¡°He might do it to boost morale, for the Ante Soldiers, Rocossov means victory. If you don¡¯t give us armored troops again, he¡¯ll be victorious once more!¡±

    "But every report you submit to me daily has shown astounding kill ratios! Are you telling me those ratios are lies?¡± the Emperor questioned.

    "Of course not,¡± Marshal Gollon replied calmly, ¡°The enemy¡¯s losses might be exaggerated due to observation and ourck of control over the battlefield among many other factors, but not by such a significant amount. However, our losses are real! Some of my armored divisions have only 20 tanksbat-ready! Without reinforcements, we¡¯ll have to temporarily stop our attacks and wait for the tanks undergoing short-term repairs!¡±

    "We can¡¯t stop the counterattacks! We mustn¡¯t!¡± the Emperor raised his voice, ¡°Stopping the counterattack ys right into Rocossov¡¯s hands!¡±

    "I know, so Your Excellency, I need reinforcements. Rocossov¡¯s armored troops have already prated seventy kilometers deep into our territory, his cavalry is raiding our control area, and right now

    Suddenly, gunshots came from the other end of the phone.

    The Emperor, rmed: ¡°Why is there gunfire? Marshal Gollon, please respond!¡±

    Marshal Gollon looked up sharply at the sound of gunfire, and then came the reassuring sound of MG42 gunfire.

    Before long, the Army Group Command¡¯s Anti-Air Group opened fire as well.

    The Anti-Air Group of the Army Group Command was equipped with thetest anti-air tanks, so boxy in design that soldiers had nicknamed them ¡°home cars.¡±

    The receiver in Marshal Gollon¡¯s hand continued to transmit the howling of the Emperor: ¡°What¡¯s happening? Where is that gunfireing from?¡±

    The Marshal, putting the Emperor aside for a moment, loudly demanded, ¡°Why is there gunfire?¡±

    Themander of the headquarters guard rushed in and saluted, ¡°Report, Marshal! Cavalry Troops of the enemy haveunched a surprise attack on us.¡±

    Marshal Gollon: ¡°They¡¯ve reached here? The closest Ante vanguard should still be eighty kilometers away!¡±

    "I¡¯m not sure about that, but we have indeed killed several Ante Cavalry. Judging by the size, it appears that two toons or more of cavalry took advantage of the night to charge into the vige,¡± the guardmander reported truthfully.

    As if to corroborate his words, the courtyard outside echoed with the sound of Papasha gunfire and shouts in Antenese.

    Marshal Gollon: ¡°What are they saying out there?¡±

    A staff officer who understood Antenese immediately answered, So many vehicles, seems like we¡¯ve caught a big fish, hurry up and report via radio.

    Marshal Gollon broke into a cold sweat: ¡°What did they say? Thatst sentence!¡±

    "Hurry up and report via radio.¡±

    Marshal Gollon: ¡°Damn it, Rocossov likes to bomb headquarters! Get ready to evacuate!¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°If we evacuate, the headquarters will temporarily lose the ability tomand the troops, wouldn¡¯t that be bad? After all, Rocossov¡¯s artillery can¡¯t reach us just yet.¡±

    Marshal Gollon thought about it and felt it made sense, and then responded, ¡°You¡¯re right, strengthen the defenses.¡±

    After speaking, he put the receiver back to his ear.

    The Prosen Emperor was frantic: ¡°Why is there gunfire? Has Rocossov already broken through to your headquarters? Hello?¡±

    Marshal Gollon: ¡°Rocossov¡¯s Cavalry has broken through to my headquarters. Now, at least two hundred thousand of Rocossov¡¯s Cavalry are roaming in our control area; themon people are assisting them, so they can raid all over the ce, attacking our small units and logistics.¡±

 Chapter 697: Night Reconnaissance

    Chapter 697: Chapter 35: Night Reconnaissance

    July 3rd, 0030 hrs, Kazarlia Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong yawned and said to Pavlov, ¡°I¡¯m going to rest for a bit, if anything urgentes up, wake me up.¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll definitely wake you up.¡±

    Before the Chief of Staff could finish speaking, amunications staff officer rushed in, holding a telegram: ¡°Urgent message from the Cavalry Troops, they have discovered an abnormallyrgemand facility.¡±

    Wang Zhong was shocked, ¡°What? Give it to me!¡±

    Without waiting for the staff officer to respond, he snatched the telegram, nced over it quickly, and dashed to the map, picking up a tack and marking it on the map: ¡°Here! Pavlov, look, isn¡¯t this location perfect for setting up a Front Army¡ªno, an Army Group Command?¡±

    The enemy was not called a Front Army; Wang Zhong nearly misspoke.

    Pavlov: ¡°It is indeed suitable. The telephone line lengths to various units are about the same, but the length of the telephone lines is actually not important. It¡¯s just a matter of bringing an extra roll of telephone wire whenying them. It can¡¯t prove this is the enemy¡¯s Army Group Command.¡±Wang Zhong smiled broadly: ¡°Then let¡¯s go verify it. I¡¯ll go verify it! Vasily, make a call for Amelia to get on the reconnaissance ne, prepare to take off.¡±

    Pavlov shouted, ¡°It¡¯s nighttime! The Pe-3 has never had a record of night sorties!¡±

    Because the Pe-3¡¯s main task was photography, nothing could be photographed at night with the current photographic technology.

    Pavlov added, ¡°Besides, how will you determine it¡¯s the enemy headquarters from the air? You might not even be able to make out the details on the ground! The enemy has just been attacked by the cavalry, they¡¯ll have a ckout!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course, we¡¯ll rely on Miss Amelia¡¯s sensing ability!¡±

    Facing a significant strategic opportunity, Wang Zhong had no time to consider the nuances. Previously, he had personally conducted reconnaissance, constantly searching for the enemy¡¯s headquarters, but his ability could only cover an area of 2.5 kilometers. With the enemy¡¯s upation zone being so vast and the buildings within so numerous, finding the headquarters was like finding a needle in a haystack.

    Now that the enemy headquarters seemed to have appeared before him, it was imperative to confirm it immediately and then arrange for amando airborne assault.

    Such a rare opportunity was not to be missed.

    Even if it wasn¡¯t the enemy Army Group Command, sending troops to scout out an Army Group Headquarters would suffice.

    The Prosenian Army Groups were allrge formations, and once their headquarters were taken down, the tens or hundreds of thousands of soldiers would be like a dragon without a head. No matter how elite the Prosenians were, they would be thrown into chaos for at least a day and a half.

    Pavlov was still organizing his thoughts when Vasily put down the phone: ¡°Miss Amelia says she¡¯s got it covered, everything will be ready before you get to the airfield.¡±

    Wang Zhong pointed towards the door: ¡°Then I¡¯m off?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Alright, alright, with Miss Amelia flying the ne, at least we won¡¯t have to worry about crashing blindly in the dark. But you flying over in a red Pe-3, won¡¯t that startle the snake?¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately said to Vasily: ¡°Right, call Amelia and tell her we¡¯ll be taking a standard Pe-3 this time!¡±

    Vasily immediately picked up the handset to execute the order.

    "Well, I¡¯m off then.¡± Wang Zhong turned and headed straight for the door, fearful that Pavlov might change his mind.

    He stopped at the door and suddenly remembered, turning back to look at Pavlov: ¡°I am the highest-ranking officer of this Front Army, right?¡±

    "Right,¡± Pavlov nodded seriously, ¡°That¡¯s why I haven¡¯t stopped you. If I were the highest-ranking officer, you wouldn¡¯t be able to go out even once.¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled, pped Grigori on the shoulder: ¡°Drive, let¡¯s go!¡±

    Thirty minutester, Wang Zhong was already in the sky.

    Amelia asked via the internal line, ¡°What made you suddenly decide to take off for a reconnaissance flight?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We just received a report from the Cavalry Troops, saying they¡¯ve found a ce that looks very much like a Prosenian highmand. I checked the map and thought the location was perfect for setting up an Army Group Command, so I decided to check it out.¡± ?§¡N????S

    "Oh, I see,¡± Amelia replied calmly, probably having caught on to a hint of the news, ¡°With no use for the camera thiste at night, we¡¯ll have to rely on your intuition.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Leave it to me. The enemy Army Group Commander Marshal Geron is a formidable opponent, but as long as we pass over his headquarters, I¡¯ll be able to confirm it!¡±

    He phrased it this way to align with what Amelia had described about her sensing abilities.

    After speaking, it dawned on him, damn, how much did this sound like the New Humans¡¯ telepathic sensing from Gundam?

    Once they were over Marshal Geron¡¯s position, Wang Zhong envisaged rays of electricity shing before his eyes, apanied by strange sound effects¡­

    Oh well, a little far-fetched was okay, as long as they located the enemy headquarters.

    The tank slugfest had turned into a pure war of attrition, apetition to see which side would exhaust its reserves first. If they didn¡¯t find a way to break the stalemate, the tank crews who had finally umted some experience would all be sacrificed to the elite Prosenian soldiers.

    While Wang Zhong was pondering these thoughts, Amelia was looking for something to say: ¡°Night flying is harder than imagined, I wonder how the Dark Night Witches adapt to such flying conditions.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Their nes are very reliable; even if they make a mistake, they can still manage an emergencynding, but the Pe-3 is different. Only you can take off andnd smoothly in the pitch-dark night. If it weren¡¯t for you piloting, my excellent Chief of Staff would never have agreed to let mee out and take the risk.¡±

    Emilia: ¡°Sounds like I¡¯m pretty important, huh? So, did we yaw, Navigator?¡±

    Wang Zhong, currently seated as the Observer, was also serving as the Navigator since he had to mark the photo reconnaissance locations on the map while taking pictures. It was normal for him to take on the role of the Navigator.

    He confirmed with an overhead view and replied, ¡°We yawed two degrees, correct to the right.¡±

    "Understood, correcting two degrees to the right.¡±

    The ne gently shuddered, likely due to a small deflection of the rudder.

    At that moment, as the ne flew over Prosen territory, the alerted enemy switched on searchlights, trying to locate the aircraft.

    However, the Pe-3 was flying so fast that the enemy could not spot it, and the random firing of anti-aircraft guns all fell behind Wang Zhong¡¯s ne.

    At the Prosen Southern Group Army Command, Marshal Geron put down the receiver, sighed, and punched the desk.

    The Chief of Staff, concerned, asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t there any reinforcementing?¡±

    "The reinforcements areing,¡± Marshal Geron lifted his head, ¡°but not the units already deployed to the Central Group Army, but new units supplemented from the rear.¡±

    The Chief of Staff: ¡°With the current strain on rail transport capacity, both the Central Group Army and we are consuming a lot of ammunition and various supplies. How much more can we spare to transfer troops from the homnd? Those troops won¡¯t reach the front untilte July.¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Not necessarily. We have units training in Argesukov that can be moved up more quickly. Once they arrive, they can at least be used to plug holes, sealing some of therger breaches.@@novelbin@@

    "As for the crucial armoured force, we might as well hope that the grounded Leopard tanks can be repaired and put back into battle, hope for the Elephant tank destroyers, and our Panzer VI Tiger King.¡±

    The Chief of Staff pursed his lips, clearly at a loss for how to respond.

    The phone rang at that moment, and the duty staff calmly picked up: ¡°Army Group Command, an aircraft? The Dark Night Witch? Didn¡¯t we say we don¡¯t need to report this anymore? Sounds different?¡±

    Marshal Geron stepped forward, taking the receiver: ¡°This is Marshal Geron, what¡¯s happening?¡±

    The officer on the other end grew very anxious: ¡°Marshal! We just heard the engine sound of an enemy ne, not like one of those mosquito-like bines. It¡¯s flying very fast; our searchlights couldn¡¯t keep up with it! It slipped by¡ªmight be heading straight for your headquarters.¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°I understand; thank you for your diligence.¡±

    After he returned the receiver to the staff, he looked at the Chief of Staff: ¡°We just had a cavalry raid, and before dawn, an enemy ne is heading our way?¡±

    Chief of Staff: ¡°If a single enemy ne drops a bomb, it couldn¡¯t cause too much damage, right? Shall we move into the bunker in advance?¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Is this really just a bombing raid? No, I don¡¯t think so. Put the Anti-Air Group on alert; tell them this is a fast enemy ne and try to shoot it down. I want to see what the Anteans are up to.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°We¡¯re almost there. The enemies we just flew over might report our presence, so be careful.¡±

    Emilia: ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Do we have to sweep over the enemy¡¯s heads, or just graze the edge?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Just a graze should be fine. If it really is the Army Group Command, the anti-aircraft firepower will be strong.¡±

    "Alright, you confirm it for me, and I¡¯ll show the Prosenian gunners what a special maneuver is.¡±

    Wang Zhong didn¡¯t respond, his attention fixed on the overhead view.

    Suddenly, arge number of red dots appeared in front, rushing up to meet them.

    Wang Zhong saw clearly that this was, in fact, the ¡°Southern Army Group Command.¡± He shouted, ¡°Quick, move! Confirmed, that¡¯s the enemy¡¯s headquarters!¡±

    Before he¡¯d finished speaking, dense gunfire rose from the ground toward the sky.

    Emilia immediately turned sharply to the right, drastically lowering altitude, the wingtips nearly scraping the ground, with wheat noisily pattering against the wings.

    The enemy¡¯s tracer bullets fell like raindrops in the wheat field, and even an 88mm shell grazed the ne¡¯s tail, bouncing off into the field.

    Wang Zhong was almost pressed against the window on the side facing the ground.

    The aircraft swept past a farmhouse; the enemy¡¯s gunfire followed right behind, tearing off the earthen walls and roof, shattering wooden window frames to pieces.

    The dog inside the farmhouse, initially barking furiously at the ne, immediatelyy on the ground at the sound of gunfire, whimpering softly.

    After passing the farmhouse, the curvature of the Earth finally yed its part; ground gunners couldn¡¯t see the low-flying ne, and their gunfire flew aimlessly.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Sukabule!¡±

    Emilia: ¡°We made it out! All aircraft systems are good; how about it? Are you sure?¡±

    "Yes, that¡¯s the enemy¡¯s Army Group Command, get the Commando team ready!¡±

 Chapter 698: Raising the Red Flag

    Chapter 698: Chapter 36: Raising the Red g

    Marshal Geron listened to the artillery fire outside cease, then he pushed open therge doors to the Headquarters¡¯ balcony and stepped out onto it.

    The anti-aircraft searchlights were still on, sweeping constant beams across the sky.

    His Deputy Officer whispered, ¡°It seems the enemy¡¯s attack has been repelled by our fierce anti-aircraft fire. We can rest easy now.¡±

    Marshal Geron did not reply but after a few seconds of silence, he turned and asked the Chief of Staff, ¡°How much confusion would it cause if we moved Headquarters now?¡±

    "If you¡¯re talking about the kind of move where we first send a small team to secure a new location, establish a temporary Headquarters, and then gradually transfer over once all units have establishedmunication procedures during the move, then it would have little impact. But it would take three days toplete the move.

    "If you mean starting the move right away, leaving here within one day, that would definitely lead to widespread chaos.¡±

    Marshal Geron pursed his lips, pondering for a few seconds, ¡°Then we¡¯ll use the first method of moving. Let¡¯s start right now. When do I begin moving?¡±

    "As soon as the temporary Headquarters is set up, you can start moving. That should be by tomorrow night.¡±"Good, let¡¯s go with that. Also, prepare for arge-scale enemy air raid, as well as an all-out advance of Armored Troops. Bring more anti-aircraft artillery units here and increase anti-tank firepower in the vicinity. We can¡¯t let Rocossov seed!¡±

    July 4th, 0800 hours, at the First Front Army Headquarters of Kazarlia.

    Major General Aromeyev entered Headquarters and proimed loudly, ¡°Commander Davarish, Major General Aromeyev of the First Airborne Brigade reports to you!¡±

    Wang Zhong looked up, ¡°Oh, you¡¯re here? How are you adjusting to the paratroopers?¡±

    The Naval Infantry 393 Brigade, under themand of Major General Aromeyev, had performed excellently in the defense of Abawahanst year, and soon after being rotated out, they started training as paratroopers, which has been going on for nearly eight months now.

    Wang Zhong, using the backbone of the 393 Brigade as a foundation, formed the first Airborne Troops of the Ante Army. Initially, he wanted to name it the First Aerial Transport Brigade, but then he thought about the South Koreans¡¯ airborne forces, which didn¡¯t have much to show for themselves¡ªapart from coups and suppressions.

    So, in the end, he named the unit the Antean Airborne Army, abbreviated as VDV, which at least had a decent showing when strike operations happened in Aganstan on Earth, and they were also highly capable in Wang Zhong¡¯s favorite real-time strategy game ¡°Red Dragon,¡± which his kids also liked to use.

    As they were converted from Naval Infantry, Wang Zhong simply made the sailor¡¯s striped undershirt the standard attire for the VDV, to be worn under theirbat uniform, thus aligning with Earth¡¯s conventions. R¨¢???¦¥S?

    In response to Wang Zhong¡¯s question, Aromeyev answered, ¡°The troops have conducted many parachute jumps, and everyone feels that it¡¯s much simpler thanndings.¡±

    Commander Komanda Jonathan, studying maps at the operations table, looked up, ¡°Oh, big talker, Aromeyev.¡±

    He spoke in Angsa Language, but Aromeyev responded directly in Angsa Language, ¡°Instructor, good to see you again. I¡¯m not sure I¡¯d lose to you in a contest now.¡±

    Starting at a high school level, Naval Infantry would find it easy to pick up Angsa Language.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s proficiency in Angsa Language during high school was such that passing level four was like taking candy from a baby. Unfortunately, by the time he transported to this world, it had be a ¡°should¡¯ve, could¡¯ve, would¡¯ve¡± scenario.

    Jonathanughed heartily, ¡°Very good, very good! Now we won¡¯t have to worry aboutnguage barriers during operations. Come over here, General Rocossov personally went out on reconnaissancest night and obtained this enemy map.¡±

    Aromeyev, ¡°A map? I thought gathering the whole brigade at the airport meant we were going to strike a critical enemy position, but are we still doing special operations?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s not exactly special operations, since the enemy has too many defenders. I alerted them when I scoutedst night, and earlier the Cavalry Troops also raided them. So during the day, they will definitely be fortifying their defenses, Komanda needs you to draw the attention of the enemy troops.¡±

    Jonathan adjusted his beret, ¡°Of course, if we manage to infiltrate without alerting the enemy, you¡¯ll be able to withdraw and meet up with the Cavalry Troops, and join the guerris in wreaking havoc behind enemy lines.

    "You¡¯re already familiar with how to conduct sabotage behind enemy lines, right?¡±

    "Of course,¡± Aromeyev touched a spot on his hand where he had been injured, which might have be his new habitual gesture, ¡°All of us are well-versed in demolition techniques, plus we¡¯ve learned lock picking, key making, and so on, although I don¡¯t understand why we need these for forces primarily used in directbat. Demolitions make sense, but lock picking

    Wang Zhong, ¡°After the war, quite a few of you might transition into the intelligence sector, so these skills wille in handy. For now, let¡¯s focus on the map; this is drawn based on the scene I witnessedst night.¡±

    In actuality, he cheated by using an overhead view. The overhead perspective did not reveal enemypositions when there was no visibility, casting a ¡°war fog¡± simr to real-time strategy games, but it still clearly showed building structures and terrain.

    Amelia, tranting at the side, couldn¡¯t help but interject, ¡°Last night was dark, we just flew over the enemy¡¯s heads and ended up getting scattered by anti-aircraft fire¡­ Are you sure you only have a sense for the enemy, my witchrade?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I can only sense the enemy, but my memory for terrain and other details is photographic; you can ask Sergeant Grigori. On several reconnaissance missions, I grasped the terrain instantly. It¡¯s just a gift!¡±

    Of course, he always relied on the overhead view to grasp the terrain, or rather, with this view, understanding an area was a matter of a single nce.

    Sergeant Grigori nodded solemnly, ¡°The General has an exceptional sensitivity to terrain; I suspect he could memorize every mountain and river just by riding past.¡±

    Vasily chimed in, ¡°It shows our Commander loves the greatndscapes of the mothend deeply.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right!¡±

    Everyone in the room looked at Wang Zhong with faces full of admiration.

    Popov stood up and began to apud.@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Alright, alright, look at the map! This is the enemy¡¯s Army Group Command, the nerve center for this campaign¡¯s direction. Taking it out willpletely throw the enemy into chaos. You all know that our offensive has been going very poorlytely. The enemy¡¯s Armored Troops have been engaging us in a slugfest, and we shed a copious amount of blood for every inch we advance.

    "Destroying the enemy¡¯s Headquarters can save our Armored Troops from shedding more blood and preserve our precious veterans! This is extremely important, so you¡¯ll take off this afternoon and parachute in at dusk. Even if the raid fails, you must plunge the enemy¡¯s Headquarters into chaos!¡±

    Aromeyev pped his chest: ¡°Leave it to us! Even if our regiment is wiped out, we¡¯llplete the mission!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then what about my airborne troops that I¡¯ve trained so hard? How many times have I said that you need not only to fulfill the mission but also toe back! That¡¯s why I¡¯ve had you familiarize yourselves with the terrain, so you can take out the enemy and save yourselves at the same time!¡±

    Aromeyev nodded, leaned in to study the map closely, while a staff member shouted into the radio transmitter: ¡°Keep attacking, Comrade Battalion Commander, even if there¡¯s only one Rokossovsky Type left functional in your battalion, attack. The Rokossovsky Type is currently the only weapon we have that can negate the quality advantage of the Prosen Armored Troops. If you don¡¯t attack, the brother units will suffer countless more casualties!¡±

    Aromeyev was drawn in by the voice and looked at the staff member.

    Wang Zhong patted his shoulder: ¡°That¡¯s the situation now, our T34Ws are falling behind in anti-tank rounds. The enemy¡¯s No. 4 long-barrel has 80mm sloped armor of superior quality steel, and our 76 guns can¡¯t prate it at a distance.¡±

    Aromeyev: ¡°Has it gotten this serious?¡±

    "Yes, fortunately we have the Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks,¡± Wang Zhong sighed, ¡°If we could postpone the offensive to fall or even winter, we¡¯d have new medium tanks that could hold their own against the Prosen¡¯s upgraded tanks. But time waits for no one.¡±

    Aromeyev: ¡°I understand. We will definitely take down the enemy¡¯s Headquarters, disrupt their battle ns, and turn them into headless flies!¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded: ¡°I believe in you. I believe in you and the Allied Forces.¡±

    Jonathan gave a thumbs up: ¡°You can certainly trust us.¡±

    At the same time, at the Guard¡¯s Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group headquarters.

    The Commander personally rode in a Willys Jeep to the front of the tank named Revenge.

    Podoliskov was rolling a cigarette and stopped to look up when he saw the Commander approaching.

    Commander: ¡°Today, you¡¯re the only one that can move. This morning, tank number 267 wouldn¡¯t start. Don¡¯t worry, you¡¯ll be moving with the brother units¡¯ T34Ws.

    "We¡¯re in bad shape, and the enemy¡¯s Armored Troops can¡¯t possibly have many intact tanks left. If you encounter enemy infantry, bully them together with the T34Ws.

    "If youe across a supply station, take what you can for yourself and destroy the rest. The group¡¯s vehicles have been almostpletely lost, and we can¡¯t advance with you, so from now on, you¡¯re the Commander of this smallbat group.¡±

    Podoliskov hesitated: ¡°I haven¡¯t received any officer training, you know? I¡¯m just a roughneck who got talked into enlisting by my younger brother. When I was doing tank training, my brother was close to getting the Venus medal.

    "He knows how tomand a unit, but I don¡¯t!¡±

    Commander: ¡°Sukabule, you talk as if I knew anything. I was a Cavalryman before I was transferred to the tanks, thrown in the deep end as well. Podoliskov, we¡¯re all doing things we¡¯re not specialized in, but Mother Russia needs us, and the General needs us.¡±

    Podoliskov sighed: ¡°Alright, I¡¯llmand. But don¡¯t expect me toe up with strategies.¡±

    At that moment, a Tank Operator from a brother unit said: ¡°Just lead the charge, that¡¯s all you need to do. Floor the elerator, drive until the tank can¡¯t move anymore, then get out and keep advancing with your Papasha!¡±

    Everyone else agreed: ¡°Right!¡±

    At that moment, surrounding the tank Revenge were infantrymen, tank operators, and even Cavalryrades who had caught up after being left behind.

    Podoliskov: ¡°If it¡¯s just about charging forward, then that¡¯s simple, but I don¡¯t know how much longer my old buddy here can hold on. The other heavy tanks that rolled out with it have already broken down.¡±

    "Your tank bears the General¡¯s autograph!¡± someone shouted, ¡°As long as the General¡¯s line isn¡¯t scratched off, your loyal tank won¡¯t break down!¡±

    "That¡¯s right!¡±

    "Lead us forward!¡±

    At that moment, the driver of Podoliskov¡¯s tank crew suddenly returned, speaking mysteriously: ¡°Guess what the locals nearby gave me?¡±

    "What?¡± Podoliskov asked.

    "A piece of red cloth!¡±

 Chapter 699: The Battle Continues

    Chapter 699: Chapter 37 The Battle Continues@@novelbin@@

    Lieutenant Ilyich of the Guards¡¯ 17th Tank Brigade returned to his tank toon after the meeting at the brigade headquarters and was surprised to find all the tank operators looking in the same direction.

    He turned his head in confusion and saw a swathe of red in the far distance.

    "What¡¯s going on?¡± he muttered.

    "Lieutenant Davarish, they say the General has arrived and painted thest heavy tank with tactical number 422,¡± said his excited deputy toonmander who came to greet him. ¡°The General is going to charge with us!¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich looked at the deputy toonmander skeptically, ¡°I didn¡¯t receive any notice during the brigade meeting. Is he reallying?¡±

    "The Red g has been raised!¡± the deputy toonmander pointed to the distance. ¡°Look, that Red g is as red as the rising sun!¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich looked again at the Red g and realized the deputy toonmander was right; it was indeed as red as the sunrise.

    He waved his hand, ¡°Forget about the Red g,e over for a meeting, and I¡¯ll tell you today¡¯s mission!¡±The deputy toonmander turned and waved his hand, ¡°Hurry over, the mission for today is here!¡±

    The tankmanders ran over together, with one of them joking while running, ¡°What other mission could there be? Just stomp on the gas and charge forward. Follow the heavy tank when there is one, and if the heavy tank breaks down, charge on our own.¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich nced at the speaker and nodded, ¡°That¡¯s true, but it¡¯s still best to know how to resupply if you run out of fuel, and how tomunicate with the tank army.¡±

    Just as he finished, anothermander asked, ¡°Is General Rocosov going to lead our charge personally?¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich looked up and replied truthfully, ¡°I don¡¯t know. The brigade didn¡¯t get the message, and you can¡¯t just assume it¡¯s General Rocosov leading the charge personally because of the Red g. In reality, the General doesn¡¯t often go to the front lines himself.¡±

    The deputy toonmander immediately added, ¡°When he does go to the front lines himself, it means the situation is very dangerous. I heard that only one out of ten who fight under the General when he¡¯s on the front survive, but the General definitely is the one who survives!¡±

    At this point, the military chain couldn¡¯t help but intervene, ¡°Don¡¯t demonize the General! It¡¯s an enemy trick! We must stick to the facts! In battles personally attended by the General, the casualty rate is only one half!¡±

    "Really? Well, okay,¡± shrugged the tankmander. ¡°That¡¯s impressive, too!¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich coughed, ¡°Enough chitchat, remember today¡¯s resupply points and radio call signs.¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    All themanders bowed their heads and began to copy the contents from Ilyich¡¯s notebook, while he looked towards the Red g again.

    At that moment, a messenger on horseback galloped over, ¡°Get ready to move out! Get ready to move out!¡±

    In response to the messenger¡¯s loud calls, three signal res shot into the sky in the distance.

    Ilyich shouted, ¡°Alright, start the tanks! Follow the heavy tanks forward!¡±

    Podoliskov found it took a lot of willpower to resist the urge to look back at the Red g.

    He always felt an itching at the back of his neck, which only turning around seemed to soothe.

    His back also felt prickly, as if he were sunbathing bare-backed on the beach, with the sun directly scorching his skin.

    But when he looked back, the Red g was just fluttering quietly without emitting any burning light.

    The Military Chain riding on the tank spoke up, ¡°This is a psychological effect. You¡¯ve ced your hopes in the Red g; hence you feel like it¡¯s responding to you. This aligns with scientific principles; we¡¯ve conducted many experiments to verify such matters.¡± ??£Á?o??¨§?

    "Oh, is that so,¡± nodded Podoliskov, but he quickly retorted, ¡°Really? Isn¡¯t it a manifestation of a saint? Like the Divine Arrow, which is merely a regr rocket but can track the enemy¡¯s tanks and nes!¡±

    The Military Chain fell silent for a few seconds before responding, ¡°All I can tell you is that psychology provides an exnation. As for whether this is a natural phenomenon that we have yet to understand, I do not know. But all natural phenomena, including the guidance of the Divine Arrow, will eventually be exined as technology evolves to a certain extent!¡±

    Podoliskov nodded, realizing that he had to keep biting his lip to restrain the urge to ask more questions.

    Then, just like the day before, a call came through the headset from the light reconnaissance battalion scouting ahead of the tank formation, ¡°Enemy tanks! We¡¯ve made contact with enemy tanks! The number of the enemy¡­uh, only about 30! Few indeed! And they seem like captured T34s!¡±

    (Here the reconnaissance unit mistook Leopard tanks for T34s.)

    Another voice came over the radio, ¡°That can¡¯t be right, how could the Prosens have so many T34s?¡±

    "It¡¯s unmistakable, the enemy¡¯s tanks all have vertical armor, these are all sloped armor, definitely T34s! Also, those wide tracks, we¡¯ve seen plenty of the Prosens¡¯ Mark IVs, where are there tracks so wide?¡±

    Podoliskov frowned and ryed the reconnaissance unit¡¯s radiomunication to everyone in the tank, ¡°Recon battalion reports captured T34s ahead! Watch for identification! Don¡¯t confuse our own with the enemy!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°Don¡¯t worry, if the enemy is charging toward us, with their hulls facing the other way, how could we possibly mistake them?¡±

    Podoliskov: ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    At that moment, another exmation came through the headset, ¡°Ivan¡¯s group has closed in, they¡¯re firing the rocketuncher! A rocket hits the front! Wait, it seems the angle of impact is not good, the enemy hasn¡¯t stopped!¡±

    Podoliskov furrowed his brows.

    Although it¡¯s often hit-or-miss whether the infantry¡¯s new rocketunchers can prate the enemy¡¯s armor, a T34 should most likely be breached by a direct hit to the front.

    Could the Prosens have enhanced their frontal defense?

    Gunfire was already erupting over the radio, amidst a burst of rapid firing, the person who had just reported shouted, ¡°The enemy¡¯s gunfire is fierce, we might not be able to get back, armored troops hurry up ande forward! Hurry up!¡±

    Podoliskov: ¡°Ivan, can we go any faster?¡±

    "We can¡¯t, listen to the noise from the gearbox, this old fellow is about to give in! It¡¯s already not easy for it to havested this long without a gearbox change! Don¡¯t push it any further!¡±

    As they spoke, dust stirred up by the enemy tank units appeared in front of them.

    Indeed, the cloud of dust was much smaller than the scale of therge enemy forces that usually numbered over 80 tanks, the reconnaissance troops hadn¡¯t lied.

    Podoliskov raised his binocrs, wanting to see whether the enemy¡¯s tanks were indeed the captured T34s.

    Soon, the silhouette of the enemy tanks appeared.

    This sloped armor, from a distance, did look somewhat like a T34, but Podoliskov quickly realized that these tanks were taller than T34s, and significantly so, with a ¡°neck¡± that was much thicker.

    He grabbed the radio handset and shouted, ¡°The enemy¡¯s tanks are not T34s! Repeat, not T34s! These could be Prosen¡¯s new model tanks! We¡¯re about to engage with the enemy¡¯s new tanks!¡±

    The next moment, the Prosen tanks halted abruptly and opened fire.

    The Revenge was immediately hit, and then, as expected, the shell was deflected by the angled external armor.

    But Podoliskov thought the sparks from the shell scraping seemed a bit exaggerated, so he loudly called to the driver, ¡°Ivan, turn around and check the armor on the side of the vehicle, see how deep the scratches are!¡±

    "I¡¯ve seen it; the enemy¡¯s tank gun has much greater prating power than the Mark IV¡¯s long-barreled gun!¡±

    Podoliskov cursed, ¡°Damn it, Sukabule, following our T34 squadron is going to suffer! Guards heavy tank calling the Seventeenth Guards Tank Brigade! The enemy has new tanks, with higher pration power! Be careful!¡±

    However, the Prosens had already moved past the Revenge and started firing at the T34 squadron behind.

    Podoliskov turned back and saw two T34s burst into mes, with crew members engulfed in fire, climbing out of the tanks and rolling on the ground.

    Further away, two T34s came to a halt, and their crews were jumping out to take cover on the ground.

    The enemy continued to fire, with shells constantly flying past both sides of the Revenge.

    Podoliskov: ¡°Aim at the enemy tank directly in front, Ivan, seven-second emergency stop, start!¡±

    The tank braked, and the gunner, who was already familiar with the tank gun¡¯s performance, seized the moment when the barrel swayed and opened fire directly.

    The Prosen tank in front was immediately hit and burst into mes.

    The 100mm gun¡¯s prating power was clearly enough to counter the armor of the enemy¡¯s new tanks.

    But the enemy ignored the Revenge, continuing to fire at the T34 group behind.

    Podoliskov¡¯s heart raced with anxiety when suddenly, he remembered he still had the Red g.

    So he grabbed the radio and shouted, ¡°This is General Rocosov! Fire at me, you bastards! Don¡¯t you see the Red g?¡±

    After shouting, he realized that the enemy was Prosen, and they generally didn¡¯t understand Antenese.

    But Podoliskov didn¡¯t understand Prosenese either.

    As he was scratching his head in confusion, two shells hit the Revenge at the same time!

    Ivan shouted in surprise, ¡°The enemy is aiming at us!¡±

    The Military Chain standing behind the turret also yelled, ¡°It looks like the enemy is trying to encircle us! They¡¯re nning to surround us!¡±

    Podoliskov: ¡°Get out of the tank, the enemy will definitely have toe closer to prate our armor, and that¡¯s when you can take them out with the rocketuncher! Remember not to hit the front, it might not prate!¡±

    The Infantry Chain: ¡°Roger that! Good luck to you! Davarish, get out!¡±

    Echoing in unison, the infantry leaped out of the tanks with high spirit.

 Chapter 700: Rocossovâ€™s Red Flag Shines on the Revenge

    Chapter 700: Chapter 38 Rocossov¡¯s Red g Shines on the Revenge

    The Prosen Asgard Knight Order¡¯s Anpura Division, 52nd Armored Battalion.

    This battalion was fully equipped with the new Model 5 tanks, which are the Leopard Tanks.

    Of course, like other Leopard Tank Battalions preparing for the summer campaign, this one was also gued by mechanical failures. Only this morning could they barely muster 28 Leopards tounch an assault.

    These 28 tanks did put up a real fight, all sessfully making it to the battlefield.

    Perhaps this was because all the mechanically wed ones had already been sent to the repair shop, leaving only the ones without major issues.

    The 28 Leopards were now directly encountering the advancing Prosen Armored Troops.@@novelbin@@

    In the Prosens¡¯ radios, there was jubtion:

    "Hit! A T34 is burning!¡±"The new anti-tank gun can prate the inferior armor of a T34 at a distance of 2000 meters!¡±

    "The damage effect doesn¡¯t seem as good as the 88 gun. Some tanks stopped without burning, but who cares, pration is all that matters!¡±

    Of course, there was also some dissonance:

    "Damn it! What the hell is with these Antean new ¡®turtle shells¡¯? Why can¡¯t our new tank guns prate them?¡±

    "Watch out, the gun on that ¡®turtle shell¡¯ can prate us!¡±

    After about five minutes ofbat, the battalionmander of the 52ndmunicated to the entire battalion via radio, ¡°Don¡¯t bother with that ¡®turtle shell¡¯. Before it annihtes us, destroy as many T34s as possible! One ¡®turtle shell¡¯ is not a big deal. It¡¯s the T34s that are the real threat¡ªthey will ughter our infantry and supply troops!¡±

    Just then, someone shouted something in a voice filled with anger over the radio.

    It was Antenese.

    Suddenly, radiomunications within the 52nd became silent.

    The battalionmander asked, ¡°Ferdinand, can you make out what was said?¡±

    The caller was the deputy officer of the 52nd Battalion, Ferdinand, of old Junker Nobility heritage. He understood a bit of Antenese and often handledmunication with the locals.

    Ferdinand¡¯s voice was very uncertain, ¡°If I didn¡¯t hear wrong, it said, ¡®I am General Rokossovsky, fire at me.

    The radio fell silent for two seconds, then someone shouted, ¡°Indeed, the ¡®turtle shell¡¯ is flying a Red g!¡±

    "It¡¯s Rokossovsky himself driving the tank into the attack!¡±

    "If we just surround and destroy it, we might directly be awarded the Diamond Double Swords Golden Oak Cross!¡±

    The battalionmander of the 52nd interrupted, ¡°Wait! Stay calm! First, eliminate the enemy¡¯s T34 tanks! Then deal with the isted ¡®turtle shell¡¯! Besides, that may not even be Rokossovsky¡ªit might just be a cunning enemy¡¯s trick!¡± ????¨®?????

    The obedient Prosen Soldiers raised no objections¡ªthere were supposed to be no objections. However, this time, someone objected over the radio, ¡°But if it really is Rokossovsky, we might be able to change the oue of the war! The situation we¡¯re in now, passively taking hits, was all caused by Rokossovsky himself!¡±

    To the Prosen Soldiers, the temptation to change the current state of the battle was too great.

    Originally, they were ready to give their all in the summer campaign to again thoroughly deal with the Anteans, to taste the fruit of victory like in the past two years.

    Then the Anteansunched their attack first, putting enormous pressure on the Central Army Group all at once. Many of the troops that were supposed to participate in the summer offensive were redeployed. Following that, Rokossovsky alsounched his offensive, and the defensive line was breached within a single day, with Antean Armored Troops and Cavalry charging through.

    The key point was that the Anteans had achieved breakthroughs in previous counterattacks, but as soon as the Prosen armored forces entered the counterattack, most of the Antean offensive would disintegrate, and the front lines would quickly return to their original state.

    However, this time the armored forces¡¯ counteroffensive was on its third day, the losses were getting bigger and bigger, and there were no signs of the front line being restored. The situation with the Central Army Group was the same; the enemy¡¯s offensive had been going on for nearly two weeks, and conditions hadn¡¯t improved at all.

    Although the official announcements imed that the Central Army Group was steadily achieving victories, the soldiers at the front had their own ways of getting information.

    If the situation was not good, news would leak out through various ¡°cracks¡± and reach the ears of more soldiers.

    Perhaps a deputy officer said something out of turn while drowning his sorrows in alcohol, or perhaps a guard at themunicationspany¡¯s door overheard a snippet of conversation. Bad news always seemed to find a way out.

    So, the Prosen Soldiers were anxious. Instinctively, they felt that the war shouldn¡¯t be like this, or at least the summer part of it shouldn¡¯t be. The winter defeats were due to the Anteans¡¯ ally, General Winter.

    This anxiety now began to affect their battlefield judgement.

    The battalionmander of the 52nd was acutely aware of this.

    "No, follow orders! Eliminate the T34 first!¡±

    At this moment, a Leopard toon leader said, ¡°If we focus on taking out the T34 first, by the time we¡¯re done with them, we¡¯ll be left with only a few tanks, and might not be able to deal with this tortoise shell at all!

    "Right now we¡¯ve still got more than 20 tanks, and the enemy¡¯s T34 can¡¯t even prate our armor. Take out the tortoise shell first. Regardless of whether Rocossov is inside or not, that will eliminate the threat. The remaining T34s will just be moving targets!¡±

    The battalionmander, who had intended to emphasize obedience to orders, paused upon hearing this.

    It seemed to make sense.

    After a brief hesitation, he issued the order, ¡°Use smoke to obscure the T34¡¯s line of sight, surround the enemy heavy tank with the Red g, get up close, and fire at close range! We don¡¯t need to take Rocossov alive anymore, capturing his body will suffice! Attack!¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    The radio was filled with jubtion.

    The battalionmander raised his binocrs, watching the few Leopard tanks split into two groups and start to encircle the tortoise shell flying the Red g.

    By now, the distance had closed significantly, and the battalionmander could make out the tactical number on the tortoise shell.

    It wasn¡¯t 422. That meant it wasn¡¯t Rocossov¡¯s personal tank¡ªbut what if it was?

    The battalionmander himself was also seized by the desire to change the course of the battle.

    What if it really was Rocossov? The battle could turn because of this, perhaps the peace promised by the Emperor woulde, and he could go home too.

    The 52nd Armored Battalion had originally been the 15th Armored Battalion of the 11th Armored Division. Inst year¡¯s battles, most of its tanks had been lost. After retreating to Shepetovka, only nine tanks remainedbat-ready, and many tank operators had died or were wounded. The battalion was, in fact, virtually destroyed.

    The remaining men were transferred back to the homnd. The designation of the original 15th Armored Battalion was given to a newly formed tank battalion, and the remnants of the old 15th Armored Battalion became the core of the newly formed 52nd Armored Battalion.

    The battalionmander argued hard to preserve the original emblem of the 15th Battalion.

    While the 52nd Armored Battalion was back in the homnd for re-equipment training, the battalionmander took the opportunity to visit home and discovered the city was in ruins. The Allied Nations¡¯ long-range bombers had turned the familiar world into a waste.

    His parents had perished in the bombings, leaving only his wife and two sons, who had managed to survive by fleeing to the countryside.

    No one wished for the war to end more than the battalionmander did.

    If killing Rocossov could end the war, then let him die!

    While the battalionmander was thinking this, an exmation came over the radio, ¡°Enemy infantry! Enemy infantry ambushing around the tortoise shell! There are¡­ ah ah ah!¡±

    The battalionmander quickly refocused his attention, his binocrs soon locating the enemy infantry.

    Infantry lying in the grass stood up and fired their rocketunchers, hitting the weaker side armor of the Leopard tanks.

    The tanks immediately burst into mes, and tank operators jumped out, only to be cut down by the anti-air machine guns on top of the tortoise shell, riddled with holes like a ho¡¯s nest.

    "There¡¯s more infantry over here! Just how many are hiding in this grass?¡±

    Apanied by screams, another Leopard tank was destroyed in the binocrs¡¯ view, Ante Infantry wielding submachine guns shooting down Prosen Tank Operators who were trying to escape their vehicles.

    At this time, the enemy¡¯s T34s also charged forward, with infantry sitting atop them carrying rocketunchers.

    The Prosens had never seen such tactics before, the Ante Infantry resembled armored cavalry, with the T34s serving as their steel steeds.

    The rocketunchers were likences, hitting the Leopard tanks with deadly uracy.

    In their attempt to assault the tortoise shell, the Leopard tanks had exposed their vulnerable sides to these armored cavalry!

    The besieged tortoise shell appeared to be powered down; its turret still turning slowly, with a bravemander poking out his head at the top of the turret, operating the anti-air machine gun.

    Could that person be General Rocossov? It seemed unlikely, as he wasn¡¯t wearing many medals.

    But then again, the battalionmander felt that it must be Rocossov, because under the shadow of the Red g, he seemed like the very embodiment of victory.

 Chapter 701: "Persistence Only

    Chapter 701: Chapter 39 ¡°Persistence Only

    Lieutenant Ilyich heard someone shouting over the radio, ¡°The General is drawing fire for us! Charge and destroy the enemy¡¯s new tanks!¡±

    The words seemed to ignite everyone¡¯s fighting spirit, and Lieutenant Ilyich felt the tank beneath him charge even more fiercely.

    The infantrymen sitting behind the turret couldn¡¯t hear the radio, but they could see the tank adorned with the Red g being surrounded.

    "Hurry!¡± the Master Sergeant leading Ilyich¡¯s vehicle urged as he patted his shoulder insistently, ¡°Quick! Get closer so we can use the rocketuncher to open them up like cans!¡±

    Ilyich ordered through the microphone, ¡°Charge at the enemy, our main gun can¡¯t prate the armor of the enemy¡¯s new tank at this distance! Get closer and fire! While the General is drawing their attention!¡±

    Infantry Master Sergeant: ¡°Once we get closer, we can also use the rocketuncher. It¡¯sbeled to prate 80 to 100 mm thick armor. A direct hit will definitely breach it!¡±@@novelbin@@

    Ilyich: ¡°The infantry brothers also want to help, so let¡¯s charge directly within 100 meters of the enemy¡¯s new tank! Take advantage of them focusing on surrounding the General!¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich hadpletely forgotten his earlier doubt that it might not be the General himself, and his tone became hurried.The driver replied, ¡°This is already top speed. To go faster would depend on the terrain. Entering easier terrain could make us faster! Beyond that, it¡¯s out of my hands!¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich clenched his teeth, constantly muttering as he looked ahead, ¡°Hurry up, hurry up!¡±

    He asionally nced at the surrounded heavy tank whose enemies were closing in, trying to get close enough for a concentrated shot to prate its sturdy armor.

    The heavy tank had stopped, apparently its tracks had been broken, but the turret was still slowly rotating, not jammed.

    It fired, and almost in the instant its muzzle shed, an enemy¡¯s new tank turned into a torch, the rising fireball even rivaling the sun in the sky.

    On top of the heavy tank¡¯s turret, someone was operating an anti-aircraft machine gun, bullets continuously striking the approaching Prosen Tanks.

    Could it be General Rocossovsky himself?

    Lieutenant Ilyich¡¯s heart was in his throat. If the General himself were to fall here, what would be of the war? What would be of Ante without its star of victory?

    No, Lieutenant Ilyich suddenly remembered the Military Chain telling him about the content in the booklet issued by the General, stating that Prosen¡¯s defeat and Ante¡¯s victory are inevitable, not swayed by human will.

    So, even without General Rocossovsky, Ante should still be able to win.

    But¡ª

    Lieutenant Ilyich didn¡¯t want things to unfold that way. If General Rokossovsky were alive, things would surely be simpler.

    They must charge and take out those bastards surrounding the General!

    He gripped the microphone tightly and said to the driver, ¡°If we still can¡¯t prate the enemy, just ram them, let the infantry use the rocketuncher at point-nk range!¡±

    The Gunner chimed in, ¡°Not just rockets! Did you forget I brought a bottle of vodka? I¡¯ve already prepared the wick; just light it, and it¡¯s a Molotov cocktail! So long as we get close enough, taking out the tank will be easy!¡±

    The mechanic added, ¡°I still have an incendiary grenade!¡±

    The driver eximed, ¡°Stop arguing! I really can¡¯t go any faster! It¡¯s already in top gear! If only the ground under the tracks would suddenly turn into a highway!¡± ??£Î??¨§?

    While the tank operators were arguing, the Infantry Master Sergeant patted Ilyich¡¯s shoulder, ¡°Steady! I¡¯m firing the rocket!¡±

    "Ah? Isn¡¯t it too far?¡± Lieutenant Ilyich hadn¡¯t finished speaking when the Sergeant had already fired.

    The pungent smell of gunpowder made Ilyich frown. He quickly followed the rocket¡¯s trajectory, only to see it hit its target¡ªthe shot actually hit!

    Sergeant: ¡°Sukabule, hit!¡±

    Ilyich turned his head in shock, wanting to tell him not to waste the precious rocketuncher.

    "The enemy¡¯s bailing out!¡± shouted the Gunner, pulling Ilyich¡¯s attention back to the target. Indeed, the Prosen Tankers were jumping out of their tank.

    Ilyich hastily operated the anti-aircraft machine gun to strafe the enemy, while the Gunner¡¯sints came through the headset, ¡°Sukabule, why don¡¯t they issue us shells with warheads like this! I could hit the enemy tank from 1500 meters! Isn¡¯t that more reliable than a rocket that only works from a hundred meters?¡±

    Because the T34W is a smoothbore gun, using concentrated explosive warheads is incredibly unpredictable,pletely dependent on luck.

    But at this moment, no one in Ilyich¡¯s crew knew this.

    Lieutenant Ilyich shouted, ¡°Stopining, turn the turret left 15 degrees, I see another enemy tank on its side facing us at a distance!¡±

    Lieutenant Ilyich had spotted the target on the far side of the enemy formation; it was attempting to nk the immobilized Red g heavy tank, thus exposing its vulnerable side.

    Lieutenant Ilyich: ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you could reliably hit targets within 1500 meters? Time to back up your ims!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°I¡¯m aimed! Ready for a sudden stop!¡±

    Ilyich: ¡°Seven-second hard stop, stop!¡±

    The tank braked, and the Master Sergeant standing on the cooling grate was mmed against the turret top by inertia, ¡°Sukabule! Give us a heads-up first!¡±

    Infantrymen on the grate were also tossed around, with some falling off.

    As the tank¡¯s main gun swayed up and down like on a skiff, it finally stabilized and the Gunner fired.

    The armor-piercing shell flew over the majority of the enemy formation and hit the side of the distant enemy tank.

    The enemy stopped, but no one bailed out.

    Ilyich made a snap decision: ¡°Fire another round! Don¡¯t rush to start up yet; it¡¯s perfect, the infantry brothers who were thrown off need to climb back up! Fire another round!¡±

    Loader: ¡°Armor-piercing shell, good!¡±

    Gunner immediately fired, and this time he adjusted his aim. Through Ilyich¡¯s telescope, the shell hit the side of the turret, clearly prating it.

    Ilyich immediately took out his notebook and wrote: ¡°The enemy¡¯s new tank turret side can be consistently prated at a distance of 600 meters.¡±

    While writing, he shouted on the radio: ¡°I just confirmed that the enemy¡¯s new tank¡¯s turret side can be pierced by our main gun at a distance of 600 meters! Whoever survives must remember to report this to headquarters!¡±

    This was a precious experience that might save countless lives of tank operators.

    The radio immediately responded: ¡°Six hundred meters, got it!¡±

    "I just prated one too, at a distance of 200 meters!¡±

    "Don¡¯t be so pessimistic, the enemy is almost finished! We¡¯re going to win!¡±

    ¡ª-

    Themander of the 52nd Armored Battalion of Prosen put down his binocrs, then tore off his Iron Cross.

    A battalionmander with his whole unit nearly wiped out did not deserve to wear this Iron Cross.

    He picked up the handset: ¡°Tanks, advance!¡±

    "Commander, the new tanks are almost all lost, sending up ourmand tank is useless!¡± said the driver.

    At the same time, the deputymander rushed over from the radio vehicle: ¡°Commander! We should retreat! There are tank operators who have escaped; we should bring them back, they are valuable assets to the Empire! Dying now would be pointless!¡±

    Themander looked at the battlefield filled with thick smoke and fierce fire, looked at the burning new tanks, and sighed deeply, closing his eyes.

    A few secondster, he said, ¡°You¡¯re right, let¡¯s retreat.¡±

    ¡ª-

    July 4th, 1830 hours, Prosen Southern Army Group Headquarters.

    Marshal Geron got into the armoredmand vehicle, preparing to head to the new headquarters, when suddenly he heard the sound of tank engines and gearbox noise outside.

    He frowned and asked his deputy officer: ¡°Weren¡¯t the tanks assigned to headquarters supposed to movest?¡±

    Among the headquarters¡¯ guard forces, there was a small armored toon with several old Panzer IVs.

    The deputy officer replied: ¡°I don¡¯t know, should I go check?¡±

    Before Marshal Geron could respond, the noisy sound of the gearbox ceased, and the engine roar also diminished a lot, indicating that the tanks had stopped.

    Marshal Geron nced at his deputy officer, just as his orderly came up with a tray full of food into the armoredmand vehicle: ¡°Marshal, your dinner. Once we get to the new location, we might not be able to have such a rich meal for a while.¡±

    "Put it on the table,¡± the Marshal said as he ced his cigar, still lit, on the edge of the ashtray, ready to cut the cigar head to extinguish it after dinner.

    But before he could pick up the cigar cutter, he heard a guard outside shouting: ¡°You cannot board without permission! Wait a moment!¡±

    Following the guard¡¯s yell, Division Commander Schmidt from the 19th Armored Division of the Third Armored Army burst into themand vehicle.

    The Marshal remainedposed: ¡°What¡¯s the matter, Major General?¡±

    "Reporting to you, Marshal, one of my divisions ispletely finished.¡±

    Marshal Geron wasn¡¯t particrly surprised, observing Division Commander Schmidt who seemed to have been fighting on the front lines alongside his soldiers until the very end.

    The Marshal scrutinized him repeatedly, then lowered his gaze.

    The Division Commander continued: ¡°But I will not forget my duty, Marshal.¡±

    After saying this, he saluted Marshal Geron and turned to leave the armoredmand vehicle.

    Marshal Geron turned around, picked up the cigar from the ashtray that hadn¡¯t been extinguished yet, and took a deep puff with a grave expression.

    He had just exhaled a puff of smoke when a gunshot sounded outside.

    The Marshal spun around: ¡°What happened?¡±

    The deputy officer immediately went to the door of themand vehicle, leaned on the door frame to look outside, and then replied: ¡°General Schmidt has killed himself.¡±

    Marshal Geron hurriedly looked out the window and saw General Schmidt¡¯s body near his tank surrounded by Headquarters staff.

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Meaningless.¡±

    He walked around inside themand vehicle with his cigar, murmuring: ¡°What is there left to say to the soldiers at this point? Only to keep going, just keep going.¡±

    Deputy Officer: ¡°I¡¯ll draft the orders immediately.¡±

    The Marshal nodded.

    Then he looked at the rich feast on the table, sighed deeply: ¡°Take this away, I can¡¯t eat now.¡±

    Orderly: ¡°You should eat something; you¡¯ve barely eaten anything today.¡±

    "How can I eat? Rocossov is nearly draining our armored forces dry! Take it away!¡± Marshal Geron barked angrily.

 Chapter 702: The Situation on the Night of the 4th

    Chapter 702: Chapter 40 The Situation on the Night of the 4th

    On the evening of July 4th, at 20:00, Wang Zhong said farewell to the first brigade of paratroopers and themando force participating in the raid at the airport.

    The aircraft responsible for their transport were the C47 transport nes supported by the Federation, Ante¡¯s own authorized production version was not a high production priority at the moment and the output was small. Most of Ante¡¯s aircraft industry capacity was being used to produce the two types of fighter nes, the Yak-3 and La-5, as well as the Pe-2 bomber.

    However, the Federation¡¯s production capacity had now been fully expanded, so providing these C47s to Ante was really no big deal.

    The Federation¡¯s Eighth Air Force was carrying out crazy bombing campaigns against the Empire of Prosen, based out of the United Kingdom, with up to 200 heavy bombers being lost in a single day.

    This rate of loss was much higher than that of Earth¡¯s Eighth Air Force and was probably due to the Prosen Air Force being much stronger than Earth¡¯s Sturmtiger Air Forces.

    ording to the information Wang Zhong had received, it seemed the Prosens had evene up with the TA152, which on Earth was specifically designed for high-altitude bomber interception. That they were already equipped with it made the heavy losses of the Eighth Air Force¡¯s bomber fleets understandable.

    Wang Zhong always felt that it wouldn¡¯t be long before Prosen¡¯s homnd air defense warfare would transform into a sci-fi jet battle with the HO229 taking on the ultimate improved version of the P51 Mustang.

    But then he realized, wasn¡¯t this the scene he often saw in ¡°War Thunder¡± before he traveled back in time?But whatever the state of Prosen¡¯s homnd air defense battle turned out to be, it wasn¡¯t his concern at the moment.

    He was about to send his bravest warriors on an extremely dangerous mission.

    After inspecting the paratrooper troops, he approached Aromeyev and reminded him, ¡°Afterpleting the mission, don¡¯t get bogged down fighting the enemy. Immediately disperse and rendezvous with the guerris and cavalry troops. The armored troops will also be arriving shortly.¡±

    Aromeyev saluted, ¡°Understood, General. Rest assured, we are aware of the great danger of this mission.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded slowly, then waved his hand, ¡°Board the ne.¡±

    Aromeyev immediately gave the order, and the soldiers of the first generation of paratroopers, adapted from naval infantry, turned in unison and headed towards the nes parked on the airfield.

    Themando strike team boarding the C47 would also mix in with the first paratrooper brigade¡¯s fleet, and when they approached the drop zone, they wouldnd separately.

    Cavalry troops on the ground would light campfires to guide the paratroopers andmandos to thending site.

    Wang Zhong watched the warriors board the nes, then the ground crew began to help turn the aircraft propellers.

    The first ne started up quickly, progressing along the taxiway under the guidance of the lead ne, followed closely by the second and third.

    The C47 fleet lined up like elephants walking to the starting point of the takeoff runway.

    Popov, who had alsoe to see off the paratroopers, said, ¡°This might be thergest scale attack on a campaign direction headquarters in this war. Before this, the Allied Forces only sentmando squads to carry out simr missions, like attempting to sabotage the Prosen African Corps¡¯ supplies and ports, and incidentally assassinate that Erwin.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°It was Colonel Jonathan who executed the operation, but in the end, he regretfully failed to eliminate that Prosen neer named Erwin.¡±

    Popov was shocked, ¡°It was him?¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at Popov, ¡°Seems like someone who skims through documents more hastily than I do has appeared in the headquarters!¡±

    "I just felt that with you two in charge, there wasn¡¯t much need for me tomand them, so I only nced over them,¡± shrugged Popov.

    At that moment, a signal re shot into the sky, and the lead ne began its taxi run, rushing into the night sky after a brief eleration.

    Wang Zhong waved to the nes.

    By the time all the nes had taken off, his hand was almost numb from waving.

    Wang Zhong and Popov returned to the headquarters to see Pavlov with a look of joy, so Wang asked, ¡°What¡¯s the good news, my Chief of Staff?¡±

    Pavlov looked up, unable to suppress hisughter, ¡°We¡¯ve captured the headquarters of the enemy¡¯s Third Armored Army. We didn¡¯t catch the corpsmander or senior officers, but we seized some documents and maps that had not been burned in time, as well as some low-level staff officers who stayed to burn the documents. ?????£Â¨¨??

    "The number of ready tanks in the Third Armored Army has dropped to 30, the size of three armored divisions. Besides these, they are left only with the assault gun units belonging to the 160th Infantry Division assigned to the armored army.

    "All of this added up does not exceed 100 vehicles. And we alone have 500 tanks just facing the Third Armored Army!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Didn¡¯t you say our exchange ratio with the enemy was three-to-one?¡±

    "That¡¯s the exchange rate of the T34W units with the enemy, but our new rocketunchers and new heavy tanks have pulled a lot of weight in bncing the exchange rate. Our original most optimistic estimate was two-to-one,¡± Pavlov¡¯s lips curled slightly up, ¡°but ording to the captured documents it¡¯s even more optimistic than our best guess!¡±

    Vasily, ¡°Actually, a significant portion of our victories didn¡¯te from our efforts; the enemy tanks broke down of their own ord. For instance, only a small part of the enemy¡¯s new medium tanks participated inbat.

    "Additionally, the enemy¡¯s Elephant tank destroyers, their reports im they were almostpletely lost upon engagement with us, but our armored troops did not report encountering new tank destroyers.

    "After careful confirmation with various units, these Elephant tank destroyers were wiped out by our infantry divisions.¡±

    Popov¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°How is that possible? Infantry? Did they use rocketunchers?¡±

    Vasily¡¯s face revealed his signature sly smile, ¡°No, the infantry troops that took out the Elefants didn¡¯t have rocketunchers; they used incendiary bottles to finish them off.¡±

    Popov, ¡°In the open field? While attacking?¡±

    Vasily nodded.

    Wang Zhong surmised, ¡°I guess, in the pursuit of protection, the Prosens learned from our Whirlwind and didn¡¯t install a machine gun port in the frontal armor.¡±

    Vasily said further, ¡°They took it a step further; there isn¡¯t even a machine gun port on the front of the Elefant tank destroyers. Actually, the Elefant tank destroyers don¡¯t have machine guns at all.¡±

    Although Wang Zhong already knew about the Elefants on Earth not being equipped with machine guns at the beginning, he purposely acted very shocked, ¡°What?¡±

    Vasilyughed heartily, ¡°They pursued the extreme even more than us! As a result, infantry approached with incendiary bombs and destroyed them all!¡±

    Wang Zhongughed along for a while before asking, ¡°What about the other heavy tanks? Where did the heavy tanks go?¡±

    The smile faded from Pavlov¡¯s face, ¡°The enemy¡¯s 3rd Armored Army didn¡¯t receive any heavy tanks. We interrogated a staff member of the enemy who informed us that there are two battalions with a total of 90 heavy tanks that have been assigned to the 2nd Armored Army of the Asgard Knights.¡±

    "We have confirmed with the various units at the front that only the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group has encountered a battalion from Anpura Armored Division of the 2nd Armored Army of the Asgard Knights, totaling 28 new Leopard tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°So, this Anpura Division is face to face with the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group? They will soone across Tiger

    Wang Zhong almost let the word ¡°Tiger King¡± slip out, but fortunately, Antenese is an alphabeticalnguage, and uttering just the first sound usually wouldn¡¯t arouse suspicion.

    Moreover, it couldn¡¯t be certain that they would encounter the Tiger King; the Prosens might directly deploy the Mouse or even the E100 heavy tank.

    To tell the truth, given the current equipment of the 100mm cannon, it would be somewhat difficult to take out the Mouse. If the Prosens really brought the Mouse up to the front line, they could only use smoke bombs to cover the infantry as they rushed to throw incendiary bottles.

    Tanks of this era were not universally equipped with NBC (Nuclear, Biological, Chemical) protection systems, so they were all vulnerable to incendiary bottles; just one throw onto the engine¡¯s cooling grilles meant game over.@@novelbin@@

    Dispelling his inner concerns, Wang Zhong asked, ¡°How many Rokossovsky Type tanks are left with the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group now?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head, ¡°None, thest Rokossovsky Type had its tracks broken in today¡¯s battle. Their assigned repair units are already operating above capacity; it won¡¯t be until tomorrow afternoon that they can fix three Rokossovsky Type tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Then if the enemy¡¯s new heavy tanks attack, wouldn¡¯t that be very dangerous?¡±

    Pavlov said, ¡°I¡¯ve already dispatched a new T34W Tank Brigade to reinforce them, and I¡¯ve ordered the Guards 108th Infantry Division behind them to speed up their advance. The 108th is equipped with new rocketunchers, and recently many infantry units have found that using tall grass on the ins to approach the enemy can effectively maximize the advantage of rocketunchers.¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, he had no more to say regarding Pavlov¡¯s arrangements.

    Popov spoke up, ¡°If tonight¡¯s attack on the Headquarters of the Southern Army Group is sessful, does that mean we don¡¯t have to worry about the enemy¡¯s heavy tanks rushing at the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Group without tanks tomorrow?¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Not necessarily, perhaps their officer corps ispetent and can quicklyplete the transfer ofmand, maintaining the stability of the entiremand system. We should still make multiple preparations.¡±

    At the same time, at the old location of the Headquarters of the Prosen Southern Army Group.

    Marshal Geron inquired of his Deputy Officer, ¡°Why can¡¯t we leave?¡±

    The Deputy Officer replied, ¡°Because nearby units have reported enemy paratroopersnding, it¡¯s too dangerous to leave now, we don¡¯t know how many enemy troops havended.¡±

    As soon as these words were spoken, an illuminating re went up outside the window, its dazzling light piercing into the armoredmand vehicle.

    Immediately after, machine-gun fire sounded, like the ripping of canvas.

    Marshal Geron furrowed his brow, ¡°That¡¯s very close.¡±

    "Yes,¡± the Deputy Officer responded gravely, unbuttoning his holster.

    As the light from the re faded, the sound of machine-gun fire continued.

    Marshal Geron shouted, ¡°Find out which unit is firing outside! Get on it quick!¡±

    "Yes,¡± the staff officer responded, just as a second illuminating re shot up, followed by the sound of Papasha gunfire.

    Clearly, it was the Anteans who were firing.

    Marshal Geron clenched his brow, ¡°So many submachine guns? Did the enemy air-drop a considerable force just to capture my Headquarters?¡±

    The Deputy Officer reassured him, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, sir. We¡¯ve mobilized all the nearby armor that can still move

    Marshal Geron interrupted, ¡°Fool! At night when the infantry have crept near, what use is armor? To light themselves up and illuminate the surroundings? Prepare for close-quartersbat!¡±

 Chapter 703: Infiltration

    Chapter 703: Chapter 41 Infiltration

    Marshal Gollon¡¯s orders had not long been issued when outside became aplete mess.

    "Damn, just how many troops have they dropped in?¡± Marshal mused as he paced back and forth inside the armoredmand vehicle.

    The Deputy Officer looked very worried, ¡°Marshal, the enemy is clearly after capturing or killing you. Why don¡¯t you get in a tank and let all the armored vehicles remaining here escort you to the new headquarters?

    "The enemy¡¯s paratroopers only have two legs; they can¡¯t keep up with armored vehicles.¡±

    Marshal Gollon nced at the Deputy Officer, ¡°No, I will not flee from battle! Continue to call nearby troops over; we must eliminate all of the enemy paratroopers!¡±

    "But if the enemy seeds, then you¡¯ll be the second marshal to fall to Rocossov¡¯s hands,¡± the Deputy Officer said with deep concern.@@novelbin@@

    Marshal Gollon: ¡°If thingse to that, I will ept it fully. It¡¯s my fault for not having moved to the new headquarters earlier. This is the result of my carelessness.¡±

    Deputy Officer: ¡°But¡­ letting Rocossov seed is bad for the entire Empire.¡±Marshal Gollon didn¡¯t answer but stood by the window of the armoredmand vehicle, watching the night sky continuously lit up by tracer bullets.

    Major General Aromeyev had established hismand post on a nearby cylindrical barn.

    There used to be a Prosen observatory on top of the barn, but now the Prosen sentinels that were stationed here had been eliminated, and the Artillery Mirror had been left behind.

    Using the Prosen Artillery Mirror, Aromeyev observed the target area: ¡°Theyout of the target area is actually just as General Rocossov drew it, unbelievable¡ªhe only flew over the enemy¡¯s head at night!¡±

    As soon as these words were spoken, the radio operator handed over the walkie-talkie: ¡°Call from de Battalion.¡±

    Aromeyev took the walkie-talkie: ¡°This is Aromeyev, what¡¯s the matter?¡±

    "The brigade¡¯s firepower is too fierce; we can¡¯t push through! We¡¯ve only got light weapons and can¡¯t break through the enemy¡¯s tight defenses! I request to nk from behind the enemy lines.¡±

    Aromeyev: ¡°No, the enemy¡¯s rear is left formandos to infiltrate. If we go around, we¡¯ll startle the snake. Keep up a fierce attack on the enemy from the front; themandos should have already gotten through, and soon you¡¯ll see fire in the enemy¡¯s backyard.¡±

    "Alright, Brigadier, we¡¯ll think of another way.¡±

    Themando team members are the instructors of the First Airborne Brigade, so no one knows the capabilities of themandos better than the soldiers of the First Brigade.

    Aromeyev returned the walkie-talkie to the radio operator and continued observing the firefight area with the Artillery Mirror.

    Suddenly, he noticed there was a significant amount of guard force around one of the armoredmand vehicles.

    "No way?¡± he muttered to himself, reaching out to the radio operator, ¡°Walkie-talkie.¡±

    The radio operator immediately stuffed the bulky walkie-talkie back into his hands.

    "Second Battalion Commander, Second Battalion Commander, Aromeyev calling.¡±

    "This is Second Battalion! The battalionmander has been martyred; Marokov is inmand, Brigadier, please speak!¡±

    "Your battalion advances another hundred meters; if you climb over the wall, you¡¯ll see an armoredmand vehicle surrounded by a lot of security¡ªthere could be senior Prosen officers inside!¡± ???¦­????§¦??

    "A hundred meters ahead? I¡¯ll see if we can send some guys to infiltrate, but don¡¯t get your hopes up too high, Brigadier; the entire way is filled with enemy fire points.¡±

    As soon as these words were spoken, something exploded within the enemy position, a fireball rising several stories high, momentarily illuminating the small town where enemy headquarters was located as if it were daylight.

    Aromeyev: ¡°The situation has changed, leave it to themandos. You all should conserve your strength, just contain the enemy.¡±

    "Understood.¡±

    Aromeyev handed the walkie-talkie back to the radio operator again, adjusted the focus of the Artillery Mirror, and aimed it towards the direction of the explosion.

    He happened to see Prosen soldiers distracted by the explosion asmando team members crept by from the side.

    Aromeyev: ¡°I knew this explosion was their doing.¡±

    Marshal Gollon watched the sudden rise of the fireball and cursed, ¡°Damn it, the enemy¡ªfrontal attacks are just a ruse to draw our attention; the real killing move is behind.¡±

    Deputy Officer: ¡°I¡¯ll immediately redeploy our troops

    "No, just fortify around the headquarters perimeter¡ªI refuse to believe that the enemy infiltration troops can forcefully cross the defense line formed by armored vehicles and barricades!¡±

    Jonathan suddenly raised his right fist, and themando team members following him came to a halt, squatting in ce, guarding their surroundings.

    "Doctor¡± caught up from the back of the line, asking in a low voice, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    "Do you see that sign up ahead? Is it the enemy¡¯sundry?¡±

    The Doctor peeked and nodded, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s theundry.¡±

    Jonathan: ¡°Good, we¡¯re going to change into the enemy¡¯s clothes and stroll right through the enemy¡¯s blockade.¡±

    Doctor: ¡°There might still be Ante Paratroopers attacking here, which could lead to friendly fire.¡±

    "The enemy thinks the same. Hence, there¡¯s risk and reward. I¡¯ve decided, we¡¯ll do it this way. Those who speak Prosenesee with me, everyone else stays alert around here.¡±

    "No,¡± the Doctor held back Jonathan who was about to move, ¡°I should lead the disguise team, youmand everyone else.¡±

    Before Jonathan could respond, the Doctor waved his hand, ¡°Follow me.¡±

    After saying this, the Doctor led the way, and the members of the disguise team all followed.

    Jonathan could only watch them go, continuing to hide in the shadows, remaining vignt.

    Soon, a new group of ¡°Prosen soldiers¡± emerged from theundry, with the leading Prosen Officer still buttoning up his jacket as he walked out.

    However, this group of ¡°Prosen Army¡± soldiers all had a white band tied around their sleeves, something the Prosens should have failed to notice.

    Jonathan said, ¡°Pass it back, those with white bands on their sleeves are friendly forces, be careful not to engage in friendly fire.¡±

    "Pass it back, those with white bands on their sleeves are friendly forces, be careful not to engage in friendly fire.¡±

    As the message was ryed, the doctor nced in Jonathan¡¯s direction and, with a wave of his hand, ordered in Prosenese, ¡°Turn right, double march!¡±

    This small squad of ¡°Prosen Soldiers¡± then ran into the night.

    Jonathan said, ¡°Advance! Keep up with the doctor and the others!¡±

    Southern Army Group Command Guard Corps, thest defensive line.

    Major Hoffman saw a squad of Prosen soldiers running towards his position through the night.

    He stepped forward and shouted, ¡°Hold on, where are you headed?¡±

    The leading officer shouted back, ¡°We are ordered to reinforce the defense of the Headquarters!¡±

    Major Hoffman said, ¡°Is that so, then reinforce Sergeant Weikos¡¯ bunker, they only have one machine gunner and the sergeant himself there.¡±

    As they spoke, the small squad of reinforcement soldiers reached Major Hoffman.

    The major suddenly noticed the white band on the sleeves of the squad and asked, puzzled, ¡°What is this white band on your sleeves?¡±

    "Identification band,¡± the leading officer said with a smile, ¡°to prevent friendly fire from our own men.¡±

    Major Hoffman didn¡¯t catch on, ¡°What friendly fire?¡±

    The leading officernded a heavy blow, and Major Hoffman was knocked out cold.

    Behind him, a sergeant raised his submachine gun and shouted, ¡°Arau

    But the soldier with the white band had already rushed up and delivered a precise butt-stroke to the sergeant¡¯s face, knocking him down.

    At the same time, beret-wearing soldiers emerging from the shadows slit the throats of other Prosen soldiers at the checkpoint, and the gunner on the half-track vehicle was taken down by a thrown knife to the eye.

    The tank parked next to the checkpoint didn¡¯t notice the incident, as tank operators have limited visibility, and without sticking their heads out, they can only see a little through the observation ports.

    Commandos appearing from the shadows climbed onto the tank and knocked on the hatch.

    The tankmander opened the hatch to poke his head out, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The silenced weapon made a ¡°puff¡± sound, and themander was shot, but his clothes were grabbed, preventing his body from sliding down.

    Themando who knocked on the hatch extended his silenced pistol between themander and the hatch and blew off the heads of the tank operators one by one.

    As all this was happening, the ¡°Prosen Officer¡± who had taken down Major Hoffman tossed his cap aside, shed his uniform, revealingmando gear underneath.

    Someone in the dark called out in Angsanguage, ¡°Shall we take the half-track straight for the vital point?¡±

    Jonathan said, ¡°No, take the tank!¡±

    So themando team members mbered onto the tank, opened the hatch, dragged out the dead Prosens, and jumped inside.

    Jonathan climbed up onto the tank, standing behind the turret, and pointed to a nearby tank, ¡°First, pop the hatches on the other tanks!¡±

    "Understood. Load the armor-piercing shell!¡±

    The turret slowly turned as Jonathan urged, ¡°Hurry up, will you!¡±

    "You have to let the engine rev up, otherwise the electric motor doesn¡¯t have enough power, that¡¯s the speed.¡±

    As the barrel aligned with the target, the gunnermando shouted, ¡°Firing!¡±

    Before Jonathan could respond, the tank fired.

    The target¡¯s ¡°back of the head¡± was struck and immediately exploded into the second-most dazzling flower in the night sky¡ªthe first being the ammunition depot explosion created by themandos.

    "Hmm?¡± Marshal Geron was shocked and leaned out the window to look outside, ¡°Why has a tank exploded?¡±

    The deputy officer didn¡¯t answer because he was also looking out the door trying to figure out what was happening.

    The marshal saw another tank rotating its barrel.

    Judging from the lingering dust that hadn¡¯t settled, this tank had just fired.

    Marshal Geron eximed, ¡°Damn it, the enemy has seized our tanks! These despicable scoundrels, always resorting to such underhanded tricks!¡±

    Before he finished speaking, the tank fired again, targeting ¡°friendly forces.¡±

    The struck Number Four tank burst into mes, and the tank operator frantically bailed out, rolling on the ground trying to extinguish the fire.

    Thest Number Four near the Headquarters was still confused; the tankmander poked his head out of the turret trying to grasp the situation.

    The treasonous Number Four fired for a third time.

    Marshal Geron stopped looking outside and said to his deputy officer, ¡°It¡¯s no use, I need to leave. Let¡¯s switch clothes!¡±

    The deputy officer hesitated momentarily but quickly began to unbutton, ¡°Yes, Your Excellency, Marshal.¡±

    At that moment, the ¡°treasonous¡± Number Four that had destroyed three tanks aimed its barrel directly at the Headquarters¡¯ main entrance, a high-explosive round annihted the door.

    Then, as it sprayed with its machine-gun, it charged towards the entrance.

    In the darkness, silhouettes could be faintly seen following the tank towards the main entrance, most likely the infiltrating enemies.

 Chapter 704: "Iâ€™ve Become a Stand-in!

    Chapter 704: Chapter 42 ¡°I¡¯ve Be a Stand-in!

    The tank reached the Prosen Headquarters entrance when Jonathan leapt off the tank and charged ahead through the gateway sted open by high-explosive shells.

    The Prosens, dazed by the explosion, were just about to raise their guns when Jonathan took them down with throwing knives.

    As he ran to retrieve his knives, othermando team members burst in, using submachine guns to suppress the Prosen guards armed with rifles.

    The doctor also charged in, shouting, ¡°Find the high-ranking officers! Our target is the enemy¡¯s high-ranking officers! It would be best to capture Marshal Geron, themander of the Southern Army Group!¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking, someone from the Prosen side responded in heavily ented Angsanguage, ¡°You only know these despicable tricks! If you can¡¯t win a fair fight, then you resort to this!¡±

    The doctor replied by sweeping the area with Papasha gunfire.

    The Prosens set up a machine gun in the corridor, trying to block themandos.

    Jonathan: ¡°nk from outside!¡±Immediately, somemandos jumped out of the windows, and soon the window beside the Prosen machine gun was smashed, and a grenade was thrown in.

    After the explosion, the machine gun fell silent.

    Themandos, who had been suppressed, jumped up and sprinted down the corridor.

    Doctor: ¡°Find the Marshal! The Marshal will have the Scepter!¡±

    About ten minutester, the entire headquarters waspletely upied by themandos, but there was no sign of anyone resembling the Marshal.

    A Prosen Colonel was brought before team leader Jonathan.

    Jonathan nodded to the doctor, who then asked in Prosenese, ¡°Where has Marshal Geron gone?¡±

    The Colonel lifted his head proudly: ¡°The Marshal has already moved to the new headquarters in advance. You are toote! Last night, the Marshal ordered the entire headquarters to relocate!¡±

    The doctor nced at Jonathan: ¡°The Marshal is likely still in the vicinity; Prosens have a particr scent when they lie, and I can smell it immediately.¡±

    Jonathan turned around: ¡°Search the entire courtyard, Marshal Geron is still here!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, gunfire from machine guns came from the direction of the courtyard gate.

    Soon amando ran in to report: ¡°The enemy is attacking the gate.¡±

    Jonathan: ¡°Send the tanks to the gate; we¡¯re still searching for Marshal Geron and must hold them off for a while!¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    Aromeyev took his eyes off the Artillery Mirror and snatched the walkie-talkie from the radio operator: ¡°Attention everyone, themandos have upied the enemy headquarters. Advance with full force while the enemy is in disarray, and join forces with themandos!¡± ???¦Ï???

    "First Battalion understands!¡±

    "Second Battalion understands!¡±@@novelbin@@

    ¡­

    While people were responding over the walkie-talkie, someone shouted from under the barn: ¡°Horses! A cavalry unit is approaching!¡±

    Aromeyev quickly looked down and indeed saw the dust kicked up by the charging cavalry.

    Soon, the sound of hooves followed.

    Quickly, the cavalry approached, and a general with stars on his cor left the formation, with a few followers running towards the barn.

    Aromeyev: ¡°Don¡¯t fire, they¡¯re our own!¡±

    The General heard his voice, reined in his horse, and looked up: ¡°Is this General Aromeyev¡¯s troops? We received the General¡¯s telegram and havee to support you!¡±

    Although two generals were mentioned, it was clear that the second general referred to General Rocosov.

    Aromeyev: ¡°Yes! We were ordered to air drop and attack the Prosen Southern Army Group Headquarters! Themandos have already breached the enemy lines, and we are coordinating with them!¡±

    "Are themandos those suicide squads of the Allied Forces?¡± The Cavalry General looked towards the town aze in the distance, ¡°Impressive indeed, to have infiltrated in there.¡±

    Aromeyev: ¡°They are our mentors! Of course, they are formidable!¡±

    Cavalry General: ¡°What can I do?¡±

    "Do you have artillery?¡± Aromeyev countered.

    "Ha ha ha ha, of course, we¡¯ve brought our cavalry artillery, and we have over a hundred rounds!¡±

    Aromeyev: ¡°That¡¯s great; weck heavy firepower and can¡¯t break the enemy bunkers! It¡¯s up to you now.¡±

    Cavalry General waved his hand: ¡°Leave it to us! Tell your men to be careful not to cause friendly fire; we¡¯re moving in!¡±

    "Okay, good luck!¡± Aromeyev saluted.

    "See you in Plowsonia!¡± the Cavalry General returned the salute.

    Jonathan and the doctor approached the armoredmand vehicle, where a Commando standing guard saluted, ¡°He¡¯s inside.¡±

    Jonathan nodded and went straight into the door of the armoredmand vehicle.

    A middle-aged man wearing Marshal¡¯s uniform was standing in front of the map on the wall of themand vehicle.

    "Are you Marshal Geron?¡± Jonathan asked.

    "I am,¡± the middle-aged man replied, standing tall and proud.

    The doctor also came in, saw the man, and immediately shook his head, mocking in Prosenese, ¡°You¡¯re nothing, Marshal Geron is almost seventy, do you think we¡¯re stupid?¡±

    The middle-aged man: ¡°I have maintained myself rather well.¡±

    "A Prosen telling me you¡¯ve maintained yourself well!¡± the doctor shook his head, ¡°I might believe it if you were from the United Kingdom. Colonel, we should continue searching for Marshal Geron, he must have worn this guy¡¯s uniform, he can¡¯t have gone far!¡±

    At that moment, the sound of artillery came from outside.

    Jonathan walked to the door, ¡°Where is the shellinging from?¡±

    Someone outside replied immediately, ¡°Don¡¯t know, maybe we should use the radio to check with the Ante Paratroopers about the situation.¡±

    "Go ask!¡± Jonathan waved his hand, ¡°The Prosenese radio truck is right next to us, use their equipment to ask on the public channel!¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    Jonathan turned back, standing in front of the ¡°Marshal,¡± ¡°Are you the Marshal¡¯s Deputy Officer?¡±

    "He¡¯s not!¡± the ¡°doctor¡± emphasized again.

    Jonathan: ¡°No, he is!¡±

    "How can that be?¡± the ¡°doctor¡± still couldn¡¯t grasp the idea, ¡°Age and everything don¡¯t match up!¡±

    Jonathan looked at the doctor, ¡°My old friend, does that matter? No, it doesn¡¯t matter in the slightest! We¡¯ve captured someone wearing Marshal¡¯s insignia, holding the Marshal¡¯s scepter! He should also have the Marshal¡¯s identification, he even changed the photo!

    "At this point, he is Marshal Geron!¡±

    The doctor stood frozen, then seemed to understand Jonathan¡¯s point: ¡°Oh, indeed! You¡¯re right! It¡¯s not like anyone can see clearly at night anyway!¡±

    Jonathan waved his hand, ¡°No no no, you still don¡¯t understand, it¡¯s not about the night! What I¡¯m saying is, whether he really is the Marshal doesn¡¯t matter anymore. We raided the Headquarters of the Southern Army Group and captured a person with the rank of Marshal, and also seized the Marshal¡¯s scepter! Then the person we¡¯ve captured is Marshal Geron!

    "We can proim this far and wide! Tomorrow we will be on Ante¡¯s newspapers, the day after tomorrow we will be on the Federation¡¯s, the United Kingdom¡¯s, and other Allied Nations¡¯ newspapers! Another Prosen Marshal has been caught by us!

    "Of course, Prosen will refute, they¡¯ll say we¡¯re faking! But we can also im they are deceiving their own people! Anyway, they are so evil, no one will doubt it!¡±

    Finally, the doctorpletely understood, nodding repeatedly, ¡°I get it now. Whether it¡¯s the real Marshal doesn¡¯t matter anymore. I suggest we should immediately broadcast over the Prosenese channels repeatedly, just saying the Marshal has been captured!¡±

    Jonathan: ¡°Makes sense, let¡¯s do it!¡±

    July 5th, 0700 hrs, Kazarlia Front Army Headquarters.

    As soon as Wang Zhong walked into Headquarters, the telephone rang.

    Pavlov picked up the phone, ¡°Front Army Headquarters, Pavlov speaking. Hmm? Good morning, Your Majesty, he is here.¡±

    With that, Pavlov passed the receiver to Wang Zhong, all while giving frantic gestures.

    Wang Zhong took three steps forward, took the receiver, ¡°General Rocosov speaking, good morning, Your Majesty.¡±

    Olga: ¡°You captured Prosen¡¯s Marshal Geron?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah? Did I capture him?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Yesterday evening, someone was broadcasting on Prosen¡¯s channels, saying that Marshal Geron had been captured. But we didn¡¯t receive a telegram from the airborne troops.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah, Your Majesty, we haven¡¯t confirmed that we¡¯ve captured Marshal Geron.¡±

    Olga: ¡°Belinsky called me, said the monitoring department heard the Prosenese radiomunication.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°That could be their deception.¡±

    "You think so?¡± Olga questioned, ¡°The Prosens, you know!¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°In any case, if we have captured Marshal Geron, we will give you¡­ give you a formal reportter. Please ask the Capital¡¯s newspapers not to rush to report.¡±

    After Wang Zhong finished speaking, Pavlov added, ¡°Even if it¡¯s true that we¡¯ve captured him, given the current situation, we can¡¯t bring him back immediately. It would be troublesome if someone intercepted him.¡±

 Chapter 705: The Task of the New Tank

    Chapter 705: Chapter 43 The Task of the New Tank

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Majesty, please wait a moment.¡±

    Then he mped the receiver between his shoulder and ear and turned to Pavlov: ¡°What did you just say?¡±

    "Yesterday night, a regiment of new medium tanks was delivered, a total of 42. The tank operators came as well, but there are no supply troops, not a single tank trailer or repair vehicle,¡± Pavlov replied.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Can we equip them?¡±

    Pavlov shrugged: ¡°Of course, we can. Many tank regiments have been wiped out, but the repair camps are still operational. They¡¯re in areas we¡¯ve captured behind enemy lines. A brigade equipped with new tanks can encounter repair units all along their advance through the breakthrough.¡±

    Wang Zhong internallyined, Pavlov, you bushy-browed fellow, are now cracking jokes about Hell, as if having Vasily around wasn¡¯t enough for the headquarters.

    Pavlov stared at Wang Zhong for a few seconds and asked: ¡°Do I need to digtrines?¡±

    Damn, are you a superhuman too? So your superpower is reading the mind of yourmander, right?Pavlov sighed: ¡°I just understand your way of thinking better, Alexei Konstantinovich Davarish.¡±

    When an Antean pronounces the full name along with the father¡¯s name, it¡¯s a sign of respect and seriousness.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I know.¡±

    Olga: ¡°What do you know? Do you like the reinforcements I¡¯ve sent you?¡±

    Although Wang Zhong had the receiver between his shoulder and neck, it was clear Olga had overheard some of the conversation.

    Wang Zhong brought the receiver back to his ear: ¡°Of course, I am extremely pleased, Your Majesty. These forces could very well be thest straw that breaks the enemy¡¯s back. Of course, it¡¯s also possible that the new tanks are too unreliable to make it to the front line.¡±

    "Our encounters with Prosen¡¯s new medium tanks were just like that, with most of their new tanks stuck in repair shops.¡±

    Vasily added: ¡°And some in their own minefields.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°And some in their own minefields.¡±

    Olgaughed heartily.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Your Majesty, I have a lot to take care of here, so

    "Fine, fine, I know. I¡¯m just calling to share some good news! You keep up the good work and I¡¯ll be waiting for your victorious report!¡± Olga sounded a bit forlorn, ¡°Alright, I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Yes, Your Majesty. Goodbye.¡±

    "When will you ever call me ¡®sister¡¯?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Even when you weren¡¯t on the throne, I never called you ¡®sister.

    "Alright. Bye~¡± Olga hung up the phone.

    Wang Zhong handed the receiver back to Pavlov and asked, ¡°Where are my new tanks?¡±

    Pavlov¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°You¡¯re going to the front yourself again? No, no, I disagree this time. I¡¯ve seen the specs on the new tanks; they have weaknesses on the sides and rear. I won¡¯t allow you to go to the front line personally!¡± §²§¡N????

    After all, the new tanks are 30-ton medium tanks; they can¡¯t be expected to have all-around defense like the Rokossovsky Type, vulnerable to anti-tank guns like the PAK40 on the sides and rear.

    Wang Zhong waved his hands to reassure him: ¡°Rx, I¡¯m not charging forward myself; I just want to take a look at the new tanks.¡±

    "Just take a look?¡± Pavlov asked skeptically.

    "Just take a look,¡± Wang Zhong nodded.

    At this moment, themunication staff officer came in to report: ¡°General, we¡¯ve received a coded message from the Cavalry Troops; Marshal Geron of Prosen has fled, but we¡¯ve captured a middle-aged military man disguised as Marshal Geron, likely his deputy officer.¡±

    As someone who had seen the movie ¡°Let the Bullets Fly,¡± Wang Zhong immediately understood what to do in such a situation: ¡°Good! We¡¯ve captured Marshal Geron! Broadcast immediately to all troops and have the psychological warfare units repeatedly broadcast in clear on all public channels; crank the transmission power to the max!¡±

    July 5th, 0830 hours, at the new Headquarters of the Prosen Southern Army Group.@@novelbin@@

    Marshal Geron entered the sparsely furnished headquarters, took off his hat, held it in his hand, and waited a few seconds for someone to take it.

    He turned around in confusion, not seeing the familiar sight of his loyal orderly, and asked: ¡°Where is Hans?¡±

    "Don¡¯t know, maybe he didn¡¯t make it out,¡± replied the Constitutional Guard officer following the marshal, ¡°In fact, we are among the few headquarters personnel who managed to escape the chaos.¡±

    Marshal Geron was astonished and had to hang his hat on the coat rack by the door himself. He then surveyed the few staff officers in the room: ¡°How can we possibly maintain the entire Army Group with so few staff officers? Which Corps Command is closest to us?¡±

    "The Second Army Group Command is only 30 kilometers from us; shall we ask them to move here?¡±

    "No, we¡¯re understaffed; we need to move there,¡± said Marshal Geron as he looked around the meager headquarters and sighed.

    Then the battalionmander of themunication unit came in, saluted the marshal: ¡°Report, Marshal, you need to listen to this.¡±

    The marshal asked puzzledly: ¡°What is it?¡±

    "The Anteans are broadcasting on all frequencies, iming they¡¯ve captured you!¡±

    The marshal retorted angrily: ¡°But I¡¯m right here, am I not?¡±

    Then he realized the implications.

    "The damned Rocossov! Too cunning! He ns to use my scepter and uniform to falsely im he has captured me! Use all our radios and shout back at them immediately!¡±

    Themunications battalionmander looked helpless, ¡°Most of ourmunication equipment hasn¡¯t been transported to the new headquarters in time. With our current equipment, receiving signals is fine, but broadcasting¡­ it¡¯s too much pressure.¡±

    Marshal: ¡°What about the telephone then? The telephone lines should¡¯ve been set up by now, right? I need to call the headquarters of each Army Group! Then have them broadcast to stabilize the troops¡¯ morale! No, the glorious Prosen soldiers won¡¯t be fooled by such tricks.¡±

    Constitutional Guard Colonel: ¡°But Rocossov has already captured a marshal.¡±

    Marshal Geron pressed his lips together as if unwilling to admit that Rocossov¡¯s ploy could indeed shake the loyalty of his troops.

    After brooding for a while, he took a deep sigh, ¡°Give me the phone. I¡¯ll personally order all Army Group headquarters to start broadcasting that I am still alive and stillmanding the Army Group.¡±

    Suddenly, he stopped and took another look at the new headquarters.

    "Where is my Chief of Staff?¡±

    The Constitutional Guard Colonel shook his head.

    In the wastnd, the tactical number 4041 sdkfz half-track vehicle burned quietly, with Prosen soldiers retreating from the Army Group Command headquarters passing by in groups of three or two.

    There were several more such wrecks within sight, all destroyed by Ante Cavalry in the chaos of the previous night.

    No one gave it a second nce, nor did anyone take the time to put out the fire or scavenge from it ¡ª the Prosens dared not linger, fearing the Ante Cavalry, while the Anteans were deep in enemy territory and had no spare time to bother with it.

    So, nobody knew that the half-track vehicle carried the number two person of the Prosen Southern Army Group, His Excellency the Army Group Chief of Staff.

    Headquarters of the Prosen 335th Infantry Division.

    Major General Hauson hurriedly asked the radio operator, ¡°What¡¯s the situation?¡±

    "Both sides are broadcasting. The Anteans say the marshal has been captured, and the Army Group headquarters says the marshal is stillmanding the troops,¡± the radio operator reported truthfully.

    Hauson put his elbow on the radio, looking at the Chief of Staff, ¡°What do you think?¡±

    "If the marshal was alright, why wouldn¡¯t hee out and speak himself?¡± the Chief of Staff replied.

    Hauson stroked his lips.

    The Chief of Staff continued, ¡°We¡¯ve suffered heavy losses. The Antean Armored Troops have turned our positions into swiss cheese, and morale is low. If someone hears the radio message that the marshal has been captured, it would be unthinkable.¡±

    Hauson: ¡°We¡¯ve held out for so long; now if we give up, therades who sacrificed themselves before did so in vain! No, we can¡¯t give up our positions. Immediately send someone to notify each unit not to be deceived by enemy propaganda.¡±

    Headquarters of the Sarria Army Group, July 5th, 1230 hours.

    Pavlov: ¡°Today¡¯s advances in our units seem to corroborate the intelligence we received yesterday, the enemy doesn¡¯t have many tanks left.

    "I believe we can take this opportunity for our tank forces to pause as well. They have been fighting the enemy so intensively for so many days. They need rest, and the tanks need maintenance.

    "The good news is that the roads the Prosens built are very useful. The supply situation for our units is better than we anticipated.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°If we pause for rest, does that mean we can employ the newly arrived state-of-the-art tanks when we resume the offensive?¡±

    "Yes. If we resume the offensive on July 8th, the new tanks will be the spearhead.¡±

    Popov, worriedly asked, ¡°The Prosens have better tank maintenance capabilities than we have. Won¡¯t that allow them to repair some of their tanks?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°This time we control most of the battlefields where the tank fights urred. The enemy has the ability to repair but can¡¯t salvage the tanks that broke down on the battlefield.

    "However, the unit equipped with new tanks might restore some because those tanks broke down before they could even be deployed.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°The Guard First Heavy Tank Brigade and a few medium tank brigades reported that the enemy¡¯s Type 5 tanks perform well, having a crushing advantage over our T34Ws. Units equipped with T34Ws will suffer greatly when they encounter them. Even if they only have ten, we can¡¯t take them lightly.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°During the rest, we¡¯ll send out as many aerial scouts as we can to locate those new tanks.¡±

    "It¡¯s too hard to distinguish new tanks from the air. Wepletely failed to notice these tanks being moved to the frontline before,¡± Pavlov shook his head. ¡°It might be better to rely on Cavalry Troops to raid repair factories more often; perhaps we could gather some intelligence.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I can scout personally!¡±

    "You can only monitor one line, though, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong had to admit, Pavlov was right ¡ª his own surveince range,pared to the currently vast battlefield, was indeed too limited.

    He changed his approach: ¡°Then let¡¯s not look for the enemy¡¯s new tanks. How about we stake out a location they would definitely send new tanks to capture?¡±

    As he spoke, he moved to the map, picked up the map stick, and looked at it for a few seconds, only to shake his head, ¡°A vast in, with no key points.¡±

    Pavlov shrugged: ¡°Exactly.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then like this, we¡¯ll make our new tanks the general reserve, positioned here.¡±

    The tip of the map stick pointed to a location on the map.

    Pavlov: ¡°That¡¯s possible. This way, no matter where the enemyes from, we can quickly move to support ¡ª assuming the new tanks really do have such strong maneuverability.¡±

    "We have to try and see,¡± Wang Zhong replied. ¡°We¡¯ll deploy the new tanks here then!¡±

 Chapter 706: Rest and Reorganization Time

    Chapter 706: Chapter 44 Rest and Reorganization Time

    July 6th, Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group¡¯s maintenance battalion.

    Podoliskov, holding a bottle of Vodka, found the battalionmander: ¡°Come on, my fellow countryman sent this, let¡¯s drink together!¡±

    The battalionmander sighed, ¡°It¡¯s not that I won¡¯t repair it for you, Podoliskov Davarish. Your tank has problems beyond the broken track: the gearbox and the engine both need recement. I can¡¯t sign off on itpleting repairs in its current state!

    "I have to be responsible for the lives of your entire crew!¡±

    Podoliskov retorted, ¡°It was running just fine before! If it weren¡¯t for the track being broken, it wouldn¡¯t have stopped fighting!¡±

    The battalionmander replied, ¡°That was just good luck! I cannot let you rely on luck to ensure smooth operations! No, I can¡¯t! I won¡¯t sign it; your ¡®Revenge¡¯ must have its gearbox and engine reced!¡±

    Podoliskov became desperate, shoving the bottle of vodka into themander¡¯s arms while saying, ¡°Look, our entire group doesn¡¯t have a single tank left! Not one! If you don¡¯t let my ¡®Revenge¡¯ go into battle, what do we do when the enemy attacks?¡±

    "The enemy will face the ¡®Whirlwind, the maintenance battalionmander remained unfazed. ¡°For defense, ¡®Whirlwind¡¯ is suitable. Besides, the apanying infantry, Davarish, started digging shelters yesterday. With ¡®Whirlwind¡¯ and the shelters, no matter how many enemy tankse, they won¡¯t be a problem! And we still have the brother unit¡¯s T34s!¡±Podoliskov eximed, ¡°T34? The T34 is outdated, it can¡¯t even prate the front of the enemy¡¯s Panzer IV long-barrel. Let alone those new tanks with cannons as long as fishing rods we encountered before!¡±

    The new tank model known as the Panzer V had a 75mm cannon, but the barrel was about 70 calibers long, earning it the nickname ¡°fishing rod¡± among Tank Operators of the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group.

    Podoliskov said, ¡°Even with the ¡®Whirlwind,¡¯ facing those ¡®fishing rod¡¯ tanks, it¡¯s not necessarily effective! After all, thebat weight of ¡®Whirlwind¡¯ is out there, it¡¯s just an enhanced defense version of the T34, yet we are more reliable! We¡¯ve been tested in realbat!¡±

    The battalionmander said, ¡°Today, two Rokossovsky Types will finish maintenance. Why not give this bottle of vodka to the crew of those two tanks to let them hand over the tanks for you to drive?¡±

    Podoliskov hesitated, ¡°That¡­ taking someone else¡¯s chance to go into battle doesn¡¯t seem right. Everyone has deep-seated vendettas to avenge!¡±

    The battalionmander was taken aback, ¡°Then there¡¯s nothing I can do. Without recing the gearbox and engine, I won¡¯t sign off, and it can¡¯t go into battle.¡±

    Podoliskovined, ¡°Why are you like this? What happens to our crucial effort to strike Prosen?¡±

    "The rest orders from the Front Army Headquarters indicate that General Rocossovsky judges that the enemy no longer has much strength to counterattack. Are you questioning the General¡¯s decision?¡±

    "Of course not!¡± Podoliskov raised his voice, ¡°I¡¯m just a tractor driver; how could I question the General¡¯s judgment! No one in Ante would question him! I¡¯m questioning your judgment! My ¡®Revenge¡¯ is fine, just a broken track and a slightly noisy gearbox

    "Forget it, the gearbox gears on ¡®Revenge¡¯ are worn t!¡±

    "They are not worn t yet! I checked, only the edges have dulled; you are fearmongering, Comrade Commander!¡±

    The battalionmander grew displeased, ¡°I¡¯ve fixed tanks for nearly fourteen years, starting with small ¡®Bean¡¯ tanks imported from Carolingian. Do you know what kind of tank that is? My judgment has never been wrong!¡±

    Podoliskov was about to speak but held back. Eventually, he stepped back, ced the vodka bottle on the control desk, and threw his military jacket on the ground, adopting a fighting stance, ¡°Forget it, let¡¯s solve this the traditional Antean way today, whoever wins is right! If you lose, you sign it!¡±

    The battalionmander nodded, ¡°Okay!¡±

    After finishing his statement, he took off his grease-stained military uniform.

    The uniform had be stiff in some ces due to the grease, obscuring the lines of his muscles; once removed, themander suddenly appeared as a muscr devil, exceptionally robust even among Anteans.

    Podoliskov frowned, carefully sizing up themander¡¯s tendons and muscles, cursing, ¡°Sukabule, you¡¯re tough!¡±

    After that, he picked up his jacket from the ground, tucked it under his armpit, picked up the vodka bottle: ¡°I won¡¯t argue with you!¡±

    The battalionmander replied, ¡°You will thank me for my insistence. I¡¯ve seen too many tank operators lose their lives on the battlefield due to insufficient maintenance of their tanks!¡± ?¨¤?¨¯?¦¥s

    "I¡¯ll remember that!¡± Podoliskov left abruptly without turning back.

    The battalionmander watched his departing figure, sighed, and muttered, ¡°You guys are all in such a hurry to die.¡±

    At that moment, a maintenance worker who had been watching chimed in, ¡°Commander, with the Rokossovsky Type¡¯s shell, they probably won¡¯t die as desperately as before.¡±

    "Yeah,¡± another added, ¡°When we were fixing T34s, people in the regiment would change frequently; sometimes even the regimentmander and the Military Chain would change. This time, at least 80% are still around.¡±

    The battalionmander nodded, ¡°Right, I always used to think, all the good people died on the battlefield, leaving only the wed ones; how are we supposed to continue as a country? Now, at least some good people can survive.

    "Thanks to General Rocossov, thanks to the shell he developed, so I really can¡¯t allow them to go to the front lines in wed tanks. Listen up, everyone, Podoliskov mighte and steal the tanks, don¡¯t let him seed, take down the gearbox and throw it outside!¡±

    "Yes,¡± the workers replied in unison.

    Prosen Second Armored Army Field Maintenance Workshop.

    Major Tim entered the workshop and approached theplicated double row load wheels of the assembling Tank No. 5 by the repair worker¡¯s side, ¡°How is it going?¡±

    Repair Worker: ¡°As you see, this damn load wheel, it takes several hours just to install! The person who designed this thing should be damned!¡±

    Major Tim: ¡°But the tank operators have responded that this thing is reliable when moving, the tank doesn¡¯t jolt much, and they can even shoot while moving. There is also a chance to maintain mobility when hitting a mine¡ªI mean, hitting our mines.¡±

    Antean mines were terribly powerful, and even the double row load wheels and wide tracks were helpless.

    Repair Worker: ¡°Tank operators don¡¯t have to dismantle all the load wheels for just one wheel. If you ask me, this is a terrible design.¡±

    "Stopining, so how many can you fix today?¡±

    The repair worker stopped, looked around the repair workshop filled with welding sparks, and said, ¡°About seven, I can¡¯t guarantee the others. These seven have been repaired for more than two days, it¡¯s time to send them out.¡±

    Major Tim: ¡°So by July 8th, you can fix 14 tanks, right?¡±

    "No, I can¡¯t guarantee that. Who knows how severe the faults are in the other vehicles? Since the Anteans started attacking, we¡¯ve hardly had any rest. Look at my dark circles, if it weren¡¯t for the possibility that the medicine eaten by the Asgard Knights might affect the precision during welding, I would have asked them for some.¡±

    Major Tim silently took out a cigarette and handed it to the repair worker: ¡°Just smoke, don¡¯t touch the Asgard Knights¡¯ medicine.¡±

    The repair worker shook his head: ¡°Smoking only refreshes me for a little while now, probably my nerves are already numb. Damn, I can still say the word ¡®nerves¡¯! Look at old Hank, his mind is already unclear.

    "If it goes on like this, I don¡¯t know if we will fail, but someone in this workshop is going to drop dead, maybe it will be me, Major!¡±

    Major Tim: ¡°Hang on for a few more days, then we can go back home for a vacation.¡±

    "Really? Can we really go back home?¡± the repair worker retorted, ¡°Has the Marshal been captured yet?¡±

    "No,¡± Major Tim¡¯s tone wasn¡¯t particrly firm.

    Repair Worker: ¡°Damn, you don¡¯t know either! But the news has spread, the Army Group Command was indeed attacked, and yesterday the Constitutional Guards executed a few people because they said the current Marshal is a body double!@@novelbin@@

    "Yesterday, I saw a note in the rest area, I guess it was left by the local woman who cooks for us, saying the Marshal has been captured, and our turn is soon, Rocossov will annihte us like a whirlwind!¡±

    Major Tim was shocked: ¡°What? There¡¯s such a note? Uneptable, I need to inform the Constitutional Guards to arrest all suspects!¡±

    "Please, if they rece our cook with some tough guys, we would really be better off dead, Your Honor Major! And the Constitutional Guards also want Antean women, you should see how stupid they look when they smile at women during inspections!¡±

    Major Tim: ¡°No, this is a serious incident, I must report it, it¡¯s my duty, someone must pay for this note!¡±

    "Even if it slows down the repairs?¡± the repair worker asked.

    Major Tim: ¡°Of course.¡±

    The repair worker asked again: ¡°And what if we do defeat them? Think about it, those women¡¯s families, pointing us out alongside Antean soldiers, you want to survive too, don¡¯t you, Your Honor Major!¡±

    Major Tim pursed his lips and fell silent for a few seconds, then said, ¡°Your thinking is very dangerous, if it weren¡¯t for the impact on the repair efficiency, I would have reported you to the Constitutional Guards.¡±

    Repair Worker: ¡°Major, aren¡¯t you also my potential supporter? I¡¯m not the only one who thinks this, even some in the Constitutional Guards feel the war is doomed.¡±

    Major Tim raised his voice, ¡°Stop talking! Don¡¯t get us all locked up! The Imperial Ministry has its ws inside the army!¡±

    The repair worker closed his mouth.

    Although Major Tim was young, he had a distinguished family background and belonged to the old Junker nobility officer camp, he had actually heard some rumors while chatting with other officers.

    It seemed like, if this campaign were to fail badly again, something unspeakable might happen within the Empire.

    But what exactly that was, Major Tim had no idea.

    For some reason, he was somewhat looking forward to this happening, probably because the war had been going on for far too long since the invasion of Mnia.

    Among Major Tim¡¯s friends who had joined the army with him, now only three were left, maybe if the war ended earlier, these three could still reunite.

    If the war ended earlier.

 Chapter 707: Start

    Chapter 707: Chapter 45 Start

    July 8th, 0300 hours, headquarters of the Second Armored Army of Prosen Asgard.

    The corpsmander, Weidel, was listening to the final report before the assault began.

    "Our current tank count has recovered to 100, among which 27 are the new Type VI Tiger King tanks. These tanks were supposed to bemitted to the counterattack on the 3rd, but the poor road conditions prevented them from mobilizing to the starting positions in time,¡± the Chief of Staff read the report and then looked up at Weidel.

    Weidel let out a long sigh, ¡°One hundred tanks. A year ago, when we were down to a hundred tanks, the Anteans had already lost thousands!¡±

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°The enemy¡¯s Rokossovsky Type tanks, as well as the Whirlwind tank destroyers, are very effective. Although our new weapons have also arrived at the front, most of them broke down on the way. It¡¯s not our fault, General.¡±

    Weidel was silent for a few seconds, then asked, ¡°The enemy we¡¯re facing, how many troops are they estimated to have?¡±

    "ording to aerial surveince and the reports from the motorized reconnaissance battalion, our immediate opposition consists of the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group, as well as the 11th, 17th, 24th, and 26th Tank Brigades of the Guards. It is said that the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group is personally led by Rocossov.¡±

    Weidel turned sharply, ¡°That many?¡±The Chief of Staff hurriedly exined, ¡°Actually, an Antean armored brigade isn¡¯t asrge as one of our armored battalions. The number of tanks in one of their brigades is roughly equivalent to half of one of our battalions.¡±

    Weidel said, ¡°But the number of tanks we have is only equivalent to one battalion.¡±

    A Prosen armored battalion could have 90 to 110 tanks; now, the entire Second Armored Army wasbat-ready with only 100 tanks, which indeed was theposition of one battalion.

    The Chief of Staff said, ¡°The enemy has also lost many tanks. Today, we estimate that the number of tanks the enemy could use tounch an assault on us is about a hundred as well.¡±

    Weidel asked, ¡°Then why does everyone seem so crestfallen?¡±

    "Because intelligence indicates that the frontal enemy has also received the support of a brigade of new assault guns, the kind with a hundred-millimeter main cannons. Moreover, they have likely used the past two days to build defensive positions.¡±

    Weidel said, ¡°I see. You mean to say that it¡¯s certain we can¡¯t repel the enemy¡¯s offensive today, right?¡±

    The Chief of Staff hesitated for a moment and answered, ¡°Yes. Besides armored troops, the Anteans also have arge number of infantry. A significant part of the infantry forces under Rocossov are veteran Guards with cloaks, and they have all undergone hate indoctrination, having high morale.¡±

    As the Chief of Staff finished speaking, an officer who hade for the meeting interjected, ¡°I think they don¡¯t need hate indoctrination to hate us.¡±

    Everyone turned to look at the Lieutenant Colonel who had spoken.

    The Lieutenant Colonel spread his hands, ¡°Don¡¯t you know what we¡¯ve done in their homnd? If there¡¯s hate education for the Anteans, we are its teachers.¡±

    Weidel cautioned, ¡°Watch your words, Lieutenant Colonel Fayn. We won¡¯t report ourrades to the Constitutional Guards and the Imperial Ministry, but that doesn¡¯t mean they can¡¯t hear.¡±

    "Thank you for the reminder,¡± responded Lieutenant Colonel Fayn.

    Weidel continued, ¡°That¡¯s the situation. We willunch the attack at eight tomorrow morning, and after annihting the enemy¡¯s tank forces, we¡¯ll continue advancing towards their infantry,pletely severing their offensive thrust.

    "You might have heard, the Third Armored Army has copsed; even their headquarters was taken out by the Anteans. We¡¯ve taken in many deserters from the Third Armored Army.

    "But we still have to attack because we are the Asgard Knights, soldiers of Prosen. In the long history of Prosen, Prosen soldiers have never refused to fight just because defeat was certain.

    "Dismissed!¡±

    All the field officers on site stood up, ready to return to their own troops to join this final counterattack.

    Suddenly, someone started:

    Whether it be a gale or a blizzard, or the sun high in the sky!

    It was the Prosen military song ¡°Song of the Armored Troops,¡± which every Prosen tanker could sing.

    So the others, about to leave, stopped and joined in the chorus:

    Whether it be the scorching daylight or the icy night,

    Even if sandstorms hit us in the face, our spirits remain high, still high!

    Together they sang and stamped their feet rhythmically; the uniform sound of their boots was like a drumbeat of war.

    Our tanks speed forth, towards the storm.

    With the roaring of the engines, we surge like lightning¡ªprotected by our armor, we meet the enemy head-on.

    Weidel watched his subordinates with chests puffed out and heads held high, his expression gradually softening until finally, he joined his subordinates in singing: ?¨¢????¨º?

    Once the enemy troops appear before our eyes, we¡¯ll just floor the elerator, charging straight towards their camp!

    Where does our value lie?

    Where does it lie?

    To die for our homnd on the battlefield is our highest honor.

    The song¡¯s stirring melody burst forth from the tiny room, reaching for the sky.

    The horizon to the east showed a glimmer of dawn, and the entire sky began to glow with the colors of the morning light.

    The song marched into the final section.@@novelbin@@

    The officers of the Asgard Second Armored Army sang together in unison,

    "If the goddess of fate abandons us,

    If we can no longer return to our homnd,

    If the bullets are fired towards us, ending our fate,

    Ending our fate!

    At the very least, our faithful tanks, will give us a steel grave!¡±

    ¡ª

    At the assembly point of the Antean Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Tank Brigade, July 8th at 0600.

    Podoliskov returned to his vehicle crew¡¯s tent with a look of despair, spreading his hands to everyone, ¡°No show, that old Don just won¡¯t sign it off. Insists on changing the gearbox and engine before anything.¡±

    The driver, Ivan, shrugged, ¡°Then let¡¯s just grab a T34 and go. They can kill Prosens too.¡±

    The loader spoke with concern, ¡°But a T34 surely can¡¯t beat the enemy¡¯s new tanks, can it? That fishing rod cannon barely sufficed against the Rokossovsky Type armor; our Revenge almost got pierced. The Rokossovsky Type really should have reinforced armor.¡±

    The gunner pped the loader on the back, ¡°So what? We¡¯re not afraid of sacrifice, it¡¯s just death.¡±

    Podoliskov, ¡°No, no, living is the only way to take revenge! General Rocossov taught us, preserve ourselves, eliminate the enemy. What¡¯s that sound?¡±

    He stopped talking and turned his head towards the direction of the sound.

    The other members of the vehicle crew joined him, lining up to look in the same direction.

    "A violin?¡± the driver, Ivan, said hesitantly.

    Podoliskov nodded, ¡°Sounds like it, but I don¡¯t know. I¡¯ve only heard a violin once at a concert organized by the Church. It was some long piece in D major, (actually Tchaikovsky¡¯s Violin Concerto in D Major, but Podoliskov couldn¡¯t remember the lengthy name).¡±

    The driver said, ¡°I used to hear it quite often. A girl always yed at the corner of the block where I lived. Every day, as I went to work early in the morning, I saw her standing next to the flower bed in the middle of the street, fiddling away.¡±

    Podoliskov asked, ¡°Really? Did you pursue her?¡±

    "How could I? I¡¯m a worker, don¡¯t even own a suit.¡±

    Podoliskov countered, ¡°You say that, but you should ask the Priest! He¡¯d definitely tell you there¡¯s no barrier between you two, that if you like her, you should bravely pursue her!¡±

    The driver didn¡¯t answer, just took out his sk and took a big swig.

    Then someone riding a captured BMW motorcycle came by, shouting as they went, ¡°New tanks are here! There are new tanks here!¡±

    Everyone in Podoliskov¡¯s vehicle crew, who had been listening to the violin, had their attention drawn away.

    Podoliskov called out, ¡°Petro! What about new tanks?¡±

    The BMW rider turned back, ¡°This morning, aerial reconnaissance spotted enemy tank gatherings, so the Front Army reserves mobilized toward us, all brand new tanks! Thetest model! Apparently, they haven¡¯t even been named yet!¡±

    Podoliskov and his subordinates exchanged a spirited look and with a wave of his hand said, ¡°Let¡¯s go take a look!¡±

    After saying that, he was the first to jump into a Jeep, followed close by his crew. Secondster, the Willys Jeep sped off in a trail of dust.

    Around the new tanks, arge crowd had already gathered, turning the empty steppe noisy.

    Someone recognized Podoliskov from afar and shouted, ¡°You¡¯vee to see the new tanks too?¡±

    "Just checking what¡¯s going on!¡± Podoliskov replied, his eyes fixated on the new tanks on the steppe.

    The new tanks were very low overall, the egg-shaped turret bore some resemnce to the Rokossovsky Type, but it was rounder, looking like an upside-down pot lid on top of the tank body.

    The driver, Ivan, clicked his tongue upon seeing the ¡°pot lid,¡± ¡°Looks like it¡¯s got good defensive capabilities.¡±

    The gunner was more focused on the barrel, ¡°Isn¡¯t its barrel a bit longer than ours? It must have greater pration; enough to deal with the enemy¡¯s new tanks!¡±

    Finally, the Jeep reached the new tank, Podoliskov pulled the handbrake and jumped off, shouting up to the people on the tank, ¡°How much does this tank weigh? It looks lighter than ours!¡±

    The egg-shaped turret¡¯s tank operator responded, ¡°They say thirty tons, made to rece the T34Ws! Oh boy, this gun, definitely won¡¯t have a problem piercing the front of an upgraded Panzer IV.¡±

    The new tank¡¯smanderughed, ¡°Panzer IV? Kidding, right? We¡¯ve extended the barrel just a bit from the original, something about being prepared for the enemy¡¯s future new tanks!¡±

    Podoliskov leaped onto the new tank energetically and patted the mantlet on the front of the turret, ¡°How¡¯s the frontal defense on this?¡±

    The new tank¡¯smander, ¡°About the same as the Rokossovsky Type, but this one¡¯s side and rear defenses aren¡¯t as good as the Rokossovsky Type. After all, the Rokossovsky Type is a heavy breakthrough tank, like the old heavy cavalry, intended for frontal assault against the enemy.

    "Our model is all about speed and reliability. Look, we started with 45 tanks and after traveling so far, we still have 27!¡±

    Podoliskov nodded repeatedly, ¡°That¡¯s great! That¡¯s excellent! Our first breakthrough brigade is now down to a few operational tanks, and only after repairs. Really, this new tank is great.¡±

    As he spoke, someone blew a whistle and rode a motorcycle over from a distance, the person in the sidecar shouting through a megaphone, ¡°Everyone get back to your units! The enemy is approaching! Damn it, stop surrounding the new tank. As long as you¡¯re alive, you¡¯ll get to drive one, hurry back to your units!¡±

 Chapter 708: Tanks Roaring Across the Wilderness

    Chapter 708: Chapter 46: Tanks Roaring Across the Wilderness

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn returned to his heavy armored battalion.

    The brand new number six heavy tank was ready for deployment.

    The lieutenant colonel greeted the battalion chief of staff who came forward, ¡°Is there any situation?¡±

    "The enemy¡¯s reconnaissance ne skimmed over us but was driven away by the apanying air defense battalion.¡±

    Fayn¡¯s armored battalion received special care, not only equipped with high-quality infantry and motorized reconnaissance units but also with an air defense battalion equipped with Panzer IV anti-aircraft vehicles.

    These anti-aircraft vehicles, jokingly referred to as ¡°furniture vehicles,¡± are thetest self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons of the Prosen Army, while the updated ¡°Whirlwind¡± self-propelled anti-aircraft weapons have yet to be widely equipped.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn was astonished, ¡°Our assembly has already been exposed; today¡¯s attack will not be easy.¡±

    "But we have the brand new number six tank! Even the enemy¡¯s Whirlwind Tank Destroyers, as well as those new heavy tanks shaped like turtles, can¡¯t prate the new number six tank from the front!¡± the chief of staff said confidently, ¡°It¡¯s specifically reinforced against the enemy¡¯s 100mm guns!¡±Lieutenant Colonel Fayn nodded, ¡°Yes, after the reinforcement, the fullbat weight is nearly eighty tons. Just moving to the assembly site for the attack might break a few wheels, and recing new wheels takes 12 to 18 hours! Our new tanks are indeed formidable.¡±

    Due to the sarcasm being too obvious, the chief of staff hesitated, unsure whether to continue the conversation.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn changed the subject, ¡°I want to engage personally, have themander of the 202 vehicle give me his ce.¡±

    The chief of staff was shocked, ¡°You want to engage personally? Why?¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn looked towards the horizon and after a few seconds replied, ¡°Just reminiscing about the youthful passion of my younger days.¡±

    "What?¡± asked the chief of staff, puzzled.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn: ¡°Only a loyal war vehicle will provide us a steel grave.¡±

    The chief of staff still didn¡¯t understand, ¡°Should I gather everyone to sing together?¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn: ¡°You¡¯re a typical Prosen, my good chief of staff.¡±@@novelbin@@

    The chief of staff, smiling, replied, ¡°Thank you. I grew up in my family¡¯s estate, but then it was sold to a majorndowner, and we moved to Brandenburg, bing city dwellers. However, I¡¯ve always held myself to the standards of the traditional Junker nobility!¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn nodded, ¡°Prosen is fortunate to have soldiers like you. Having soldiers like me is Prosen¡¯s misfortune.¡±

    The chief of staff, who had wanted to continue expressing loyalty, was taken aback.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn: ¡°Go issue the order. No, I¡¯ll go to vehicle 202 myself.¡±

    After saying this, he turned and strode toward the tanks, already arranged in the Strike Formation, and went straight to vehicle 202.

    The vehiclemander, seeing Lieutenant Colonel Fayn approach, climbed out of the turret, ¡°Lieutenant Colonel, are you nning to personallymand the offensive after a long absence?¡±

    "Yes,¡± the lieutenant colonel climbed onto the tank, took the headset from themander, and it pressed against his cap.

    He then entered the turret, looking back at the armored battalion ready to go, then, like a Prosen officer in a propaganda photo, took the microphone and ordered, ¡°Attention, battalion, tanks, advance!¡± ????????§¦?

    The already thunderous sound of engines at the rendezvous now roared across the ins like rolling thunder.

    The original vehiclemander of vehicle 202 jumped down, saluting the lieutenant colonel as the tanks slowly started.

    Just then, the roaring of engines came from the sky as several of the Antean Air Force¡¯s bombers dived from high altitude.

    The apanying ¡°furniture vehicles¡± opened fire, and anti-aircraft explosions periodically ckened the sky.

    The Antean Air Force dropped bombs prematurely, sting towering columns of mud among the tank formations.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn asked, ¡°Any casualties?¡±

    "The bombnded next to me,mander. I reckon I¡¯ll need to recalibrate the sighting, but otherwise, all¡¯s well.¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn replied, ¡°No need to recalibrate until we encounter the enemy, advance!¡±

    Someone excitedly shouted over the radio, ¡°Today we¡¯ll show the Anteans¡¯ turtle shells our might!¡±

    The Antean turtle shells that had recently vexed Prosen¡¯s armored troops were indeed lower and less imposing than the number six tanks.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn didn¡¯t respond, just listening to the spirited chatter over the radio.

    Vehicle 202 roared forward.

    ¡­

    An hourter,rge clouds of dust appeared ahead.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn picked up the microphone, ¡°Dust clouds ahead, prepare for the enemy!¡±

    "We¡¯ve been ready!¡±

    "The first victory for the number six tank will be mine!¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn raised his binocrs, observing the area ahead.

    ording to the intelligence received at the Armored Army headquarters, the enemy¡¯s Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tanks, after several days of intensebat, shouldn¡¯t have many operational left.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn hoped that this encounter would be with T34s. The number six tank could effortlessly roll over them;st year, using the older design in the summer campaign, they easily targeted Ante¡¯s T34 and KV tanks.

    Now, with every metric significantly improved on the new number six tanks, they were sure to achieve even more spectacr results.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn, holding his binocrs patiently, finally spotted the silhouettes of the enemy tanks.

    Something was off.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn put down his binocrs, rubbed his eyes, and lifted them again.

    The silhouette of the enemy tank didn¡¯t look like a T34 at all.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn had never personally seen the legendary Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tank, which resembled a turtle shell; he had only seen it in the identification manuals issued by Prosen High Command.

    He felt that the silhouette didn¡¯t quite match the ¡°Rokossovsky Type¡± in the identification manual.

    Moreover, after so many days ofbat, there shouldn¡¯t have been so many of them left.

    Yet, Lieutenant Colonel Fayn saw at least twenty outlines.

    Also, the Rokossovsky Type was said to be fast, but could it really be this fast?

    After all, it was a heavy tank!

    And these silhouettes before him, Lieutenant Colonel Fayn noticed, had already grown significantlyrger in just a short while, clearly approaching at an astonishing speed!

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn made a quick decision, picking up the handset to order, ¡°All units, halt!¡±

    With a mournful cry from the gearboxes, the entire battalion under the Lieutenant Colonel came to a stop.

    Thepanymanders urgently asked, ¡°Lieutenant Colonel, what¡¯s going on?¡±

    "The enemy is off, their approach speed is too fast! We stop here and try to maintain distance for long-range shooting,¡± Lieutenant Colonel Faynmanded, ¡°All tanks fire the first volley at 1800 meters, aiming for a first-hit sess.¡±

    For Prosen tankers, hitting their target on the first shot at 1800 meters was not an overly challenging objective, as their training and advanced aiming equipment supported this capability.

    Thepanymanders began to ry Lieutenant Colonel Fayn¡¯s orders, ¡°All units, fire at 1800 meters, first shot must hit!¡±

    "Those who miss will clean thetrines for a week!¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn then switched to internalmunications, ¡°No need to rotate the turret, there¡¯s one approaching right in front of us. Do you see it, Cole?¡±

    The gunner, Cole, replied, ¡°Seen, I¡¯m aimed in. I can hit at 2000 meters, request permission to fire at will.¡±

    "No, if we fire, the others will follow suit. Fire at 1800 meters,¡± Lieutenant Colonel Fayn decisively said.

    "Alright.¡±

    Since the old design of the Panzer VI¡¯s main gun couldn¡¯t prate the front of the Whirlwind Tank Destroyer, the new Panzer VI¡¯s main gun had been significantly lengthened and was dubbed the ¡°Long 88,¡± with pration power far superior to the Anti-Air Battalion¡¯s 88mm guns.

    It was said that the designers originally nned to equip the upgraded Panzer VI with a 105mm tank gun, but ultimately, due to the excessive weight, they opted for the Long 88 instead.

    If Prosen¡¯s designers thought the tank was too heavy, it must really have been too heavy.

    Now was the time to test the piercing capability of the Long 88mm gun.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn himself estimated the enemy¡¯s distance using the scale on his binocrs.

    Since he didn¡¯t know the enemy¡¯s specific parameters, his estimate might not be urate. Lieutenant Colonel Fayn was using the width data of the Rokossovsky Type from the identification manuals for his estimation, meaning if these were indeed Rokossovsky Types or an upgraded version, then the distance data would be mostly urate.

    He didn¡¯t know which set of data the gunner was using.

    When the distance Lieutenant Colonel Fayn estimated reached 1800 meters, the gunner of Tank 202 fired.

    The muzzle sh from the cannon fire momentarily blocked Lieutenant Colonel Fayn¡¯s view.

    However, there was a strong wind on the grasnd at that moment, and the dust raised by the muzzle sh was quickly blown away, allowing Fayn to see the projectile hit the target.

    It seemed the shell was deflected, indicating it was somewhat difficult to prate the Rokossovsky Type¡¯s armor at a distance of 1800 meters.

    The enemy tank returned fire.

    It must have been a snap shot, but at this distance, it was hard to tell if the enemy had abruptly stopped.

    The shell ¡®duang¡¯ hit the armor of Tank 202, leaving a striking scratch on its ripple-patterned ferro-maic coating.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn¡¯s heart, which had been in his throat, settled down; at least the enemy also couldn¡¯t prate the front of a Panzer VI.

    Next, it would be a matter of who could prate the other¡¯s armor as the distance closed.

    Just as he thought this, the enemy¡¯s second volley arrived.

    Smoke bombs!

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn was somewhat taken aback; firing smoke bombs meant voluntarily giving up long-range firing to close the distance for closebat.

    But why would heavy tanks engage each other in closebat? Wasn¡¯t it better topete at long range with armor-piercing rounds?

    Suddenly, a realization struck Lieutenant Colonel Fayn.

    Unless the enemy was not heavy tanks at all.

    Considering their speed, which far exceeded that of typical heavy tanks¡ªthese tanks were medium tanks! They were sessors to the T34!

    So knowing they couldn¡¯t match the defense of the newly designed Panzer VI, they had given up on long-range engagement to use their speed for a close-quarters battle!

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn switched to radio mode and shouted into the handset, ¡°Retreat! All units, reverse! The enemy has medium tanks, they are nning to close in for a closebat!¡±

    "What? But they don¡¯t look like T34s!¡± apanymander questioned.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn replied, ¡°Think about their approach speed! Only a medium tank like the T34 could have such speed! Do not engage them in closebat! They have armored cavalry on their backs; closebat is highly disadvantageous for us! Reverse!¡±

 Chapter 709: "Cavalry Regiment" Advance!

    Chapter 709: Chapter 47 ¡°Cavalry Regiment¡± Advance!

    Podoliskov¡¯s crew,cking an essential tank, chose to drive a Jeep following the cluster of new medium tanks assaulting the front.

    That way, if any crew member was killed, they could immediately take their ce and relish the chance to operate a new medium tank.

    No one worried about their ability to handle the new medium tanks, for any design overseen by General Rocosov and specifically implemented by Ke Jing¡¯s design bureau emphasized interoperability.

    The Rokossovsky Type heavy tank used the same operating system as the T34W, which allowed experienced soldiers to operate smoothly with just a little adaptation.

    Therefore, everyone in the Podoliskov crew believed that even if it was their first encounter with the new medium tank, they just needed to fiddle with it a bit to learn how to operate it, and could drive it as well as those who had undergoneplete re-equipment training.

    While steering the wheel, the driver Ivan muttered, ¡°The new tank¡¯s maneuverability is too good, it can actually outrun a Willys Jeep!¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°Calm down. It¡¯s just overtaking a Willys Jeep in the wild, isn¡¯t that expected? If we couldn¡¯t do that, why would we bother with tracks?¡±

    The gunner agreed, ¡°Indeed, it¡¯s because this light car is too ridiculous. Look, once it¡¯s reced with the Prosens¡¯ bucket car, it can¡¯t run this fast, especially with four strong men on it.¡±The driver snorted, ¡°Oh, don¡¯t mention it, the Prosens¡¯ bucket car is not as good as they boast, but their BMW motorcycles are pleasant to ride, no wonder all Prosens reconnoitre soldiers like riding BMW motorcycles, wearing leather coats.¡±

    At this moment, the only radio in the car crackled to life, ¡°Prepare to engage the enemy, and those following behind spread out a bit!¡±

    Everyone in the car looked at Podoliskov.

    Podoliskov, the crewmander, picked up his Papasha, ¡°Spread out? How are we supposed to fill positions promptly? Keep following them, our Jeep is agile, we might even slip past the enemy and toss some grenades.¡±

    "Good idea.¡± The gunner also grabbed his Papasha, ¡°Too bad we couldn¡¯t snag some tubeunchers from the infantry.¡±

    The loader spit, ¡°Damn it, the infantry are all counting on those tubeunchers to win the Iron Cross. Who said that a single person taking down ten tanks would get the Iron Cross? Now the infantry have gone mad, iming they could carry threeunchers each, and there are none left at logistics.¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°No tubeunchers, no problem. We can still destroy the enemy! Let¡¯s have some drinks first. Ivan, where¡¯s your liquor?¡±

    Ivan pulled out a sk, took a swig, then passed it to Podoliskov.

    The gunner said, ¡°Isn¡¯t this against the rules? What if the Priest finds out?¡±

    "Who cares? It¡¯s our first time charging into battle without armor protection, how can we go on without some liquor?¡± the loader retorted as he reached for the sk from Podoliskov¡¯s hands.

    Soon, all four in the vehicle were slightly drunk, and the Jeep¡¯s route became fearlessly bold.

    Just then, the first bout of gunfire began.

    An armor-piercing shell whizzed right over Podoliskov¡¯s head.

    "Suka!¡± cursed Podoliskov, ¡°If that were a bit lower, my head would be gone!¡±

    Ivan responded, ¡°Quick, see what kind of tanks the enemy has. Are they the new medium type we encountered before? I remember their frontal armor thickness.¡±

    It had been two days since the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group first encountered the enemy¡¯s new tanks; during the days of rest, the enemy¡¯s wreckages left on the battlefield had been thoroughly studied, and several well-preserved ones had even been sent to Yeburg for detailed analysis.

    Podoliskov eximed, ¡°Anyway, our 100mm cannon stands little chance against that frontal armor.¡±

    The gunner queried, ¡°Then why aren¡¯t any enemy tanks on fire? We¡¯ve already made a round of attacks, are we missing, or is something wrong with the 100mm shells?¡±

    Watching the enemy line through binocrs, Podoliskov muttered, ¡°It is indeed strange; let¡¯s get a bit closer and see. Wait a second, these aren¡¯t the Mark V tanks we¡¯ve encountered before! Damn it, its silhouette is so much more robust than the Mark V, I miscalcted the distance!¡± ??¨¢¦­????¦¥S

    Using binocrs to estimate the distance (officially called stadia metric rangefinding) requires knowing the specific dimensions of the enemy tank used as a reference, in order to calcte the actual distance.

    If the target¡¯s actual size isrger than known, the estimated distance bes inurate.

    After recalcting the distance, Podoliskov cursed, ¡°Suka, I don¡¯t know what this new tank is, but it disabled our 100mm cannon from 1800 meters!¡±

    "They also seem unable to deal with our medium tank Ivan had just finished speaking when a shell hit the new medium tank running ahead on their right.

    The tank halted, and itsmander poking out of the turret shouted at Podoliskov¡¯s crew, ¡°Our driver is injured! Send someone to take over!¡±

    Ivan hit the brakes, and without waiting for the vehicle to fully stop, he scrambled down from the Jeep and dashed toward the halted new medium tank.@@novelbin@@

    "Suka! Although we¡¯re just the substitutes, you don¡¯t have tomit that firmly!¡± shouted Podoliskov.

    Ivan, hearing Podoliskov¡¯s loud shouts, turned back and waved his hand.

    Muttering under his breath, Podoliskov took the driver¡¯s seat, released the handbrake, and floored the elerator, sending the vehicle speeding off again.

    The gunner, who had been observing the enemy lines, shouted, ¡°Smoke bombs! Our new medium tanks are firing smoke bombs! They¡¯re charging in for a melee!¡±

    Normal for the situation, Podoliskov noted, ¡°The enemy¡¯s tank looks like a heavy tank, better protected than our medium tanks. Smoking and charging in for a close fight is appropriate. Besides, we also have armored cavalry.¡±

    Like other T34s, each of their new medium tanks had a five-person infantry squad seated behind its turret.

    The infantrymen each had a rocketuncher, just waiting to charge within 100 meters of the Prosen tanks.

    As the smoke spread, the previously incessant exchange of fire abruptly ended, and the new medium tanks raced towards the smoke with all their might.

    Podoliskov also drove the Jeep at breakneck speed.

    The loader couldn¡¯t take it anymore and yelled, ¡°Slow down a bit! At least one of the wheels should be on the ground, right?¡±

    Before he had finished speaking, the Jeep plunged into the smoke.

    Podoliskov still valued his life, so once inside the smoke, he slowed down. After all, dying by rear-ending one¡¯s own tank was not a glorious way to go.

    Amidst the smoke, gunfire was heard.

    Podoliskov shouted, ¡°One of our tanks has burst out of the smoke!¡±

    Before he could finish, an armor-piercing shell hit the ground in front of the Jeep, ricocheted, and went through the bottom of the Jeep.

    Podoliskov was shocked, instinctively clenching his groin.

    The other two reacted simrly, with the gunner even twisting his head around to locate the shell, ¡°Did it go through? Where did it go?¡±

    Podoliskov replied, ¡°It might have passed under the Jeep, don¡¯t be such a coward, we¡¯re nearly out of the smoke!¡±

    No sooner had he spoken than the Jeep emerged from the smoke, and their view suddenly cleared.

    Then, everyone saw the turret of a new medium tank fly into the sky.

    It seemed that even at this close distance, the front of the new medium tank couldn¡¯t withstand the enemy¡¯s main cannon.

    But immediately after, they saw the enemy¡¯s tank burning too.

    Heavy tanks and medium tanks, at long distances they scraped each other, at close distances they prated each other. Somehow it seemed the heavy tanks took the worst of it for a while!

    Just as Podoliskov concluded they had ¡°won¡±, he saw infantry ahead firing rockets at the side of the enemy tank.

    When the rocket hit the side of the enemy vehicle, mes burst from the cooling grilles the next second.

    The Prosen tankers, well-trained, jumped out of the tank and took cover, lying low.

    The gunner immediately stood up behind the Jeep, manned the M2 machine gun mounted on it, and sprayed bullets at the recently hit Prosen tank while shouting, ¡°Thinking of escaping? None of you are getting away!¡±

    Podoliskov cheered loudly, ¡°Good shooting! Kill them all! As long as we eliminate all of Prosen¡¯s elite tankers, there¡¯ll be no gap in training between us!¡±

    Thus, the Jeep, spitting mes, raced across the battlefield littered with burning debris, catching up with the advancing column of tanks.

    "Good lord,¡± the loader marveled, ¡°Did we just break through the enemy¡¯s heavy tank formation? That¡¯s exhrating, it all happened in the blink of an eye!¡±

    Podoliskov said, ¡°We also took heavy losses! Damn it, these heavy tanks should be left to our Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group to handle head-on, let the medium tanks fight the enemy¡¯s medium tanks!¡±

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn climbed out of his tank, watching the surrounding Ante infantry.

    After a brief hesitation, he raised his hands, ¡°I surrender! If you are part of General Rokossovsky¡¯s troops, you should treat me well! They all say General Rokossovsky¡¯s troops treat their prisoners well!¡±

    The Ante soldiers climbed onto the tank wreckage, standing beside the turret to inspect Lieutenant Colonel Fayn¡¯s rank and Iron Cross.

    Lieutenant Colonel Fayn said, ¡°I am themander of this battalion and a holder of the First-ss Iron Cross, I demand proper treatment

    An Ante soldier raised his Papasha, smashing the buttstock against the lieutenant colonel, knocking him unconscious.

    Master Sergeant Petro of the Guard 200th Infantry Regiment turned to his apanying Private Second ss, ¡°What did he say? Did you understand?¡±

    Private Second ss said, ¡°I don¡¯t know. But shouldn¡¯t we capture him and hand him over to the Tribunal? Looks like he¡¯s a high-ranking officer!¡±

    Master Sergeant Petro smacked the Private Second ss on the head, ¡°You don¡¯t know shit! Prosen ranks are marked with a red backing to show high rank! This kind of officer, General Rokossovsky captures thousands in a day! But we really should search him for documents and maps or something, you, get into the tank and drag him out!¡±

    After taking a blow from the gunstock, the Prosen officer had slid inside the tank.

    Private Second ss said, ¡°Can¡¯t this tank explode?¡±

    As if echoing his concerns, a Prosen tank not far away exploded into a rising fireball.

    Petrol said, ¡°Look at you, scaredy-cat, there¡¯s no open me, it won¡¯t explode. Go and drag that Prosen officer out! He¡¯s probably the only survivor from this tank!¡±

 Chapter 711: End of the Road

    Chapter 711: Chapter 49 End of the Road

    As Weidel¡¯s words fell, a shell hit the distant number four gun position.

    Atst, the Anteans discovered the exact location of the artillery!

    The fuse of the high-explosive shell was triggered by the anti-shield of the number four gun, immediate bursts of sh and dense smoke engulfed the barrel, and the shockwave swept through the entire position, tearing the camouges and the low walls of sandbags to shreds.

    All gunners at number four gun were flung into the air, with the one who flew the furthestnding directly on Weidel¡¯s head, ripping through the camouge and hitting the floor behind Weidel.

    Sand caught by the camouge fell like a waterfall onto Weidel¡¯srge cap.@@novelbin@@

    Weidel looked down at the flying gunner and found that he hadn¡¯t been knocked unconscious and was subconsciously trying to sit up.

    "Medic!¡± Weidel yelled.

    Immediately, a sergeant with a Red Cross armband rushed over to check the gunner.Weidel raised his head to look at number four gun and saw that the entire emcement was twisted out of shape, the mantlet had a huge dent that clearly showed where the high-explosive shell had exploded.

    The surroundings of the gun position were shredded by shell fragments, and the ammunition boxes were riddled with holes, fortunately, the shells inside weren¡¯t detonated.

    "General!¡± the Deputy Officer shouted loud, ¡°You must leave here right now

    Before he could finish, another shellnded on the position.

    Ante tanks started firing at the now exposed location.

    High-explosive shells exploded in rapid session on the position.

    Weidel ducked into amunications trench, pressing hisrge cap against the wall with his hands.

    The Deputy also followed, shouting amidst the artillery fire, ¡°General! Retreat now!¡±

    Weidel pushed him away, ¡°No! I will hold out here to the very end!¡±

    "General!¡± The Deputy approached again, reaching out to grab Weidel¡¯s shoulder.

    Weidel pushed him with much force this time, toppling the Deputy to the other side of the trench.

    "Damn it! Don¡¯t you see? The nature of war has changed! What awaits us now is endless holding and retreating! I might not be the first Prosen general to share a fate with the position, and surely won¡¯t be thest!¡± Weidel red at the Deputy, ¡°If you want to run, then run.¡± R?¨¢N???¨§??

    Having said that, Weidel picked up the submachine gun that had just fallen to the ground, patted the dirt off of it, and switched off the safety.

    Just then, a catastrophic ammunition explosion urred at number two gun position nearby, and the st blew away Weidel¡¯srge cap, fully exposing his balding head.

    Machine guns from nowhere began firing, their sound overpowering the wails from the anti-aircraft position like ripping canvas.

    Weidel, holding the submachine gun, walked towards the source of the machine gun fire along themunications trench.

    The Deputy struggled to get up, following the general,pletely unaware that his golden Deputy Officer¡¯s sash had been severed by a fragment and was now dangling from his belt.

    Before Weidel could reach, the machine gun fell silent.

    The sound of tank engines was now very close.

    Weidel looked out of the trench and saw a tank loaded with infantry charging over a nearby trench.

    The tank was notably low, with the body feeling ttened on the side, only a thinyer above the tracks before the turret.

    The tank¡¯s turret was odd, like a pot lid turned upside down, designed to distinguish it from the squarely welded Prosen turrets.

    Caught by surprise, Weidel didn¡¯t initially realize the benefits of this cast turret, finding it merelyical.

    After all, since the advent of tanks, turrets had been square.

    While firing, the pot-lid-headed tank rolled over the trenches. The infantry on its back jumped off one by one, rolled on the ground to buffer, then stood up and started firing.

    Most of the Military Department¡¯s Guard Corps soldiers were still equipped with 98K rifles, which were no match in closebat against the fully automatic weapons of the Ante Soldiers.

    Moreover, these Ante Soldiers all wore Guards¡¯ capes¡ªreferred to as ¡°Cape Roaches¡± by the veterans.

    Despite being dubbed roaches, no one dared to underestimate thebat prowess of the Guards veterans.

    Even the most stubborn Prosen veterans had to admit that many among the Anteans had be fearsome warriors.

    Weidel raised his submachine gun and pulled the trigger vigorously, only to find the gun, which had just taken a ¡°mud bath,¡± jammed!

    After several trigger pulls failed to fire, Weidel remembered to clear the jam and yanked hard on the charging handle.

    An unfired bullet was ejected into the air by the catch, but the handle stuck while resetting.

    It appeared sand had gotten into the gun mechanism, mixing with the oil.

    While Weidel wrestled with his submachine gun, a stern voice exploded in front of him, ¡°Freeze! Drop your weapon, and we won¡¯t shoot!¡±

    The Deputy fired his pistol, hitting the Antean Priest who had shouted in the chest.

    As the Priest fell backward, he pulled the trigger, and the Thread Cutter made a fart-like ¡°pfft pfft¡± sound.

    Weidel was hit multiple times, the medals on his chest shattered by the ¡°flying weights¡± fired from the Thread Cutter, scattering everywhere.

    As he fell, he was still slightly conscious, a mercy considering the weights had smashed his upper body but spared his brain, which asionally allowed a few seconds of lingering.

    Weidel looked at the sky, suddenly thinking of his wife in his hometown, watching the same sky.

    This rare bit of poetry for such a stern Prosen.

    Podoliskov drove the jeep, plowing through the sandbags blocking his way, and charged into a makeshift ¡°yard¡± formed by other vehicles.

    The gunner operated the M2 venerated machine, initially sweeping through the area violently, only to find the ¡°yard¡± was already empty¡ªthe bullets noisily hitting the metal of the surrounding vehicles.

    "Goodness!¡± Podoliskov adjusted his cap, which had skewed during the furious driving, and picked up his submachine gun, ¡°With all these antennas on the vehicles, this must be amand center?¡±

    (Indeed it was)

    Podoliskov jumped out of the jeep and ran straight towards thergest armored vehicle.

    Reaching the vehicle, he immediately spotted a map hanging inside and shouted, ¡°Over here! There¡¯s a map inside! It must be themand vehicle!¡±

    He leaped up onto the smalldder at the entrance of the vehicle and crawled inside.

    A Prosen soldier screeched and charged at him, brandishing a dagger.

    Podoliskov knocked the dagger out of the soldier¡¯s hands with the butt of his gun, then kicked the Prosen across the map room, following up with a short burst of gunfire.

    "Fucking hell!¡± he cursed, ¡°Should I have captured him alive?¡±

    The gunner also entered, eyeing the dead Prosen, ¡°No need to panic, captain. He wasn¡¯t an officer, probably just an orderly or a guard; we wouldn¡¯t get much intel from him.¡±

    Podoliskov rxed slightly, scanning the carriage crammed with maps, ¡°Goodness, what level ofmand center is this? It has to be a division, right? With all those antennas outside!¡±

    The gunner remarked, ¡°Possibly, didn¡¯t you study map recognition?¡±

    "I took a crash course; I can understand the basics, figures out coordinates, but I never studied proper military cartography! Asking me to identify it is impossible,¡± Podoliskov shook his head vehemently. ¡°Before the war, I was just a tractor driver!¡±

    Just then, the phone rang.

    Both turned tensely, guns aimed at the telephone.

    "That scared the hell out of me!¡± Podoliskov picked up the receiver, then remembered he didn¡¯t speak Prosenese and urgently asked the gunner, ¡°What do Prosenese say when they answer the phone?¡±

    The gunner replied, ¡°I don¡¯t know! The Prosen phrasebook the Front Army issued only has ¡®surrender or you won¡¯t be harmed,¡¯ ¡®Ante Army treats prisoners well.

    Podoliskov shouted into the phone, ¡°Hello! Surrender or you won¡¯t be harmed!¡±

    Marshal Geron hung up the receiver and looked up at his newly promoted Chief of Staff.

    "What¡¯s wrong, Marshal?¡± the Chief of Staff inquired.

    "Second Armored Army of Asgard is done for; they reported they had a hundred tanks this morning, a quarter of which were the new model Six,¡± Marshal Geron informed.

    The Chief of Staff quickly gestured to another officer, who then ced a ¡®defeated¡¯ marker on the icon representing the Second Armored Army.

    Currently, there were only ten staff members in the Army Group Command, and ranks were generally low, with the Chief of Staff being merely a Major, hastily assembled from other areas.

    Marshal Geron stared at the map, pondered for a moment, then dered, ¡°We must start retreating to Shepetovka. Otherwise, Rocossov¡¯s pincer movement willpletely envelop us.¡±

    The new Chief of Staff hesitated before replying, ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll start preparing the retreat n!¡±

    Geron looked at him and sighed, ¡°You should have first questioned me, reminded me that His Majesty wouldn¡¯t agree to a retreat.¡±

    "Uh, His Majesty won¡¯t agree to a retreat!¡±

    The Marshal shook his head and walked towards the coat rack, ¡°Nevermind, I¡¯ll just move the Army Group Command to the Second Army Group¡¯s Headquarters; at least that can be somewhat useful. Prepare the vehicle! Also, inform the Second Army Group to get ready for retreat!¡±

    "What about His Majesty?¡± the new Chief of Staff asked.

    "I¡¯ll call him, from the Second Army Group¡¯s Headquarters, of course.¡±

    "Looks like the New Medium tanks had a draw with the enemy¡¯s heavy tanks,¡± Pavlov handed the report to Wang Zhong, ¡°but their mounted infantry had rocketunchers, so they managed to destroy all the enemy¡¯s heavy tanks with infantry firepower.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at the report, a bitter smile on his face, ¡°Using tank-riding anti-tank infantry to fight tanks; feels like something only the Baharians could pull off.¡±

    Vasily interjected, ¡°No, if it were the Baharians, a whole toon would jump off a single tank; we aren¡¯t that exaggerated.¡±

    "Have you ever seen Baharians?¡± Wang Zhong inquired.

    Vasily was in military academy, cramming military staff tutorials when Baharian troops were meeting up with those from the United Kingdom in Bs.

    "I¡¯ve heard from those who participated in the Bs expedition,¡± Vasily answered.

    Pavlov coughed, steering the conversation back to relevance, ¡°As of now, the enemy¡¯s organized armored troops have been nearly annihted. We still have some intact armored brigades, which shouldplete the encirclement within days.¡±

    "But this time, the enemy might actually flee, just like they continually escaped our encirclement inst summer¡¯s campaign,¡± Wang Zhong pointed out.

    "Yes, and this time they have that newly repaired railway and high-standard roads from Shepetovka; they might actually get away,¡± Pavlov suggested, ¡°I propose that the front-line troops, which have been engaging in diversionary attacks, also join the strike, not giving the enemy a chance to organize a retreat.¡±

    "Do we have enough artillery?¡± Wang Zhong asked.

    "Of course,¡± Pavlov said.

    "Then let¡¯s start tomorrow; our warriors have been engaged in diversionary attacks for nearly two weeks, they must be impatient.¡±

    "Definitely, this is more effective than any mobilization,¡± Popov added.

 Chapter 712: Return Home

    Chapter 712: Chapter 50 Return Home

    July 9, at 2 a.m., the heart of the Empire of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    When the attendant pushing the dining cart reached the door to the Emperor¡¯s office, he was taken aback.

    A group of marshals and generals upon hearing the rattling of the dining cart turned their heads in unison, staring at the attendant.

    "Uh,¡± the boy was somewhat intimidated, but the position of Imperial Pce Attendant was secured through much effort by his family, and he couldn¡¯t afford any missteps, so he mustered his courage and said, ¡°The head court chef asked me to bringte-night snacks, and the royal physician believes that Your Majesty must eat.¡±

    The marshals and generals remained unmoved, merely staring at the boy.

    Just as the boy¡¯s courage was about to falter, a red-haired young general approached, took the cart from the boy¡¯s hands, ¡°I¡¯ll handle this, I¡¯ll try to get His Majesty to eat as much as possible, but under the current circumstances, it might be necessary to ask His Imperial Sister to intervene. Anyway, you go and rest.¡±

    The attendant, feeling somewhat embarrassed, replied, ¡°I still have a lot of work, my shift doesn¡¯t end until six in the morning.¡±

    "Then go do your work,¡± said the red-haired general.The boy stepped back, bowed deeply, then turned and ran away.

    Giles pushed the dining cart towards the generals, ¡°Gentlemen, it¡¯s been a long time since you¡¯ve eaten as well, please have some.¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt hesitated, ¡°Is this appropriate? Isn¡¯t this His Majesty¡¯ste-night snack?¡±

    Giles replied, ¡°His Majesty is here, he would share these waffles with everyone.¡±

    The generals and marshals then started picking up the waffles, eating while conversing softly among themselves.

    Marshal Rundstedt, ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure if initiating the attack ording to n would lead to a better oue than now. Rokossov¡¯s technical weapons were already in ce; if we attack, he could dy us with his Guards Infantry and well-built fortifications.¡±

    Celtic Marshal nodded, ¡°The Armored Troops actually lost in the skirmish, which was not seenst year.¡±

    General Moochi immediately frowned upon hearing this, ¡°The enemy has a numerical advantage, but our overall exchange rate is still superior. Facing Ante Troops equipped with T34s, we had a three-to-one exchange rate, and most of our crew sessfully evacuated the conflict zone on tank transporters! ?????B§§?

    "Meanwhile, Antean armored fighters suffered heavy casualties because their T34 crews are poorly designed, too cramped; a single shell prates, killing half the crew on average! Whereas for us, frequently if we¡¯re prated, only one dies, one gets wounded.¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°Really? Then should I reduce the reinforcements for the Armored Troops and allocate more high-quality recruits to air defense and fighter squads?¡±

    Marshal Mayer immediately perked up, ¡°Sir And, my Fighter Corps Director, would thank you. Recently the enemy bombers have been escorted by fighter squads, and my boys are suffering heavy losses.¡±

    General Moochi hesitated for a moment, sighed, ¡°Alright, our losses have indeed increased recently, but that¡¯s due to the increasing appearance of ¡®Whirlwind¡¯ Tank Destroyers on the front line! Our tactical advantage over the Anteans is still overwhelming.

    "ording to captured Antean soldiers, recruits replenished to Antean armored units have only sixty hours of driving experience and less than three months of training. The Anteans treat such technical branches as expendable!¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt reminded the Armored Corps Director, ¡°We¡¯re not discussing whether our armored units or the enemy¡¯s are better in tactics and techniques. We are discussing our losses.

    "The truth is, no matter how much you, General Moochi, stress our excellent exchange rate, the enemy has worn us down, exhausted us. Damn it, do Antean tanks and soldiers grow out of the ground?¡±

    Celtic Marshal, ¡°The Allied Forces have supplied them with a lot of machine tools and production lines, and helped to train their workers too. Federation¡¯s weaponry has also entered the war directly; we¡¯ve destroyed many Federation trucks and Willys Jeeps, capturing quite a few.¡±

    Rundstedt, ¡°And our allies only send submarines asking for technical equipment; the navy even thought their submarines had advanced technology to travel such distances, excitedly preparing to use their technology to build oceanic submarines for attacks on the Federation¡¯s homnd.

    "Turns out!¡±

    The Marshal shook his head, evidently not wanting to continue.

    During the navy¡¯s inspection of Fusang Empire¡¯s submarines, they were overwhelmed by the foul stench aboard; the Fusang Empire had no new technology, their ability to travel long distances was purely due to their sailors¡¯ endurance.

    This news had already spread through the senior officers as a joke.

    Sometimes it was also sarcastically used against the Emperor and cab members, as the alliance with the Fusang Empire was a direct result of the Emperor¡¯s efforts, heavily promoted by the Minister of Propaganda and Minister of Foreign Affairs.

    Now the Fusang Empire keeps boasting about their many victories, but ssified information from ¡°friendly countries¡± in South America received by the higher-ups of Prosen suggests the Fusang Empire is in trouble.

    Over the past year, they had to retreat from several inds, and their once miraculous aircraft carrier squadrons were no longer prestigious.

    Justst year, the Fusang Empire was still boasting about reaching the Suez Canal to meet up with Prosen, which was rather remarkable.

    Perhaps remembering this unreliable ally, the officers present all fell silent.

    Eventually, Marshal Rundstedt broke the silence, ¡°We can¡¯t keep waiting, we should have the Southern Army Group retreat towards Shepetovka, splitting the Army Group into battle groups A and B to set up defensive positions along the Dibo River.

    "With that, we might have a chance to stop the Anteans¡¯ advance with the Dibo River, especially as our infantry units from the Southern Army Group haven¡¯t suffered too much.¡±

    Celtic Marshal nodded, ¡°Last year, we managed to erect fortifications on the west bank of the Dibo River; they should hold off the Anteans until the river freezes.¡±

    General Moochi also chimed in, ¡°This way our supply lines will be shorter too, backed by the capital of Kazarlia, Argesukov, which has been troubling us with its supply issues, can now be resolved easily.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Rundstedt immediately said, ¡°Then I¡¯ll count on General Moochi to persuade His Majesty.¡±

    General Moochi looked at Giles, ¡°Clearly there is a more suitable candidate for this task.¡±

    Giles nodded, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the doors to the Emperor¡¯s office opened, and Wagner¡¯s famous piece ¡°Ride of the Valkyries¡± spilled out from the room.

    The Emperor himself walked out of his office to the stirring melody, his expression and demeanor, along with his movements, reminding everyone of six months ago when he had agreed to full mobilization.

    "Can the Central Army Group hold the front line?¡± the Emperor asked.

    Marshal Rundstedt immediately replied, ¡°Certainly, Your Majesty. The troops of the Western Front Army are not as elite as Rocossov¡¯s troops, nor do they have the sted Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks, but the Armored Troops we¡¯ve pulled from the Southern Army Group have plugged all the breakthrough points.¡±

    Celtic Marshal immediately added, ¡°We estimate that the Western Front Army has suffered at least a million casualties in the past two weeks (this is Prosen¡¯s estimate, actual numbers are much less); they can no longer achieve a decisive victory.¡±

    "Of course, they¡¯ve still taken some minor salients, but it¡¯s not too big of an issue.¡±

    The Emperor nodded slightly, ¡°At least we¡¯ve held the central part of the front line. Now we need to think about defending at the Dibo River, waiting for our new recruits to finish their training, waiting for us toe up with a design for a tank that surpasses Ante¡¯s new tanks!¡±

    The generals present all breathed a sigh of relief.

    Until just now, they had been worried that His Majesty was insisting on his own views.

    The Emperor said, ¡°What is that expression for? Am I such a person incapable of assessing the situation?¡±

    "No, we didn¡¯t mean that at all.¡±

    The Emperor hummed and said to the Celtic Marshal, ¡°Draft the orders, I will sign them.¡±

    The Marshal immediately turned and strode away briskly.

    Giles said, ¡°Your Majesty, the supper is here, the royal physician and head chef are quite worried about you

    "Hmm, bring it in. And there are waffles, share them out, today has been a tough day for all of us.¡±

    The Emperor of Prosen sighed deeply.

    July 9, 0300 hrs, Headquarters of the 63rd Infantry Army Group.

    "General, themander of the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Artillery Division supporting us has arrived,¡± said the Army Group Chief of Staff, stepping aside.

    The burly artillery divisionmander saluted Admiral Eugene, ¡°General! It¡¯s an honor to fight alongside General Rocossov¡¯s old subordinates!¡±

    Admiral Eugene returned the salute, ¡°I¡¯ve heard about your exploits in Abawahan, it¡¯s not easy for artillery to earn the Guards title!¡±

    "We just keep firing away, it¡¯s all manualbor, but you all are the ones who trulymand respect.¡± The divisionmander paused, somewhat puzzled, ¡°When I came in just now, I saw your expression was somewhat somber, has something happened?¡±

    Admiral Eugene shook his head, ¡°Nothing¡¯s wrong, everything¡¯s normal. I¡¯m just¡­ never mind, don¡¯t worry about it.¡±

    Chief of Staff Andrei said, ¡°General¡¯s home is right in our assault direction, a day¡¯s drive from here.¡±

    "What? You¡¯re from the Basque Mining Area?¡± the divisionmander asked in surprise.

    "I was the mining chief at Mine No. 3, my original forces wereposed of mining worker militias from the Guardian Army, we were reorganized into regr forces upon meeting the General.¡± Admiral Eugene walked to the window, looking towards the northeast.

    The divisionmander saluted Admiral Eugene again, ¡°By the end of today, your hometown will be liberated!¡±

    The Admiral looked at him and nodded slightly, ¡°On behalf of thoserades who can never return home, thank you.¡±

    At that moment, the phone rang.

    Chief of Staff Andrei picked it up, ¡°63rd Infantry Army Group. Yes, they¡¯ve arrived. Understood, rest assured, Commander Davarish.¡±

    After hanging up, Andrei told the divisionmander of the Guard First Heavy Breakthrough Artillery, ¡°Enter your positions, prepare for battle.¡±

    "Understood, we¡¯ve already been in position, just waiting to open fire.¡±

    Admiral Eugene said, ¡°Do onest check, go ahead, Major General Davarish, see you in Plosonia.¡±

    "See you in Plosonia!¡±

 Chapter 713: The Fire of Liberation (Supplement 44/84)

    Chapter 713: Chapter 51: The Fire of Liberation (Supplement 44/84)

    On July 9 at 0630, in front of the 63rd Infantry Army Group, the Prosen Army defensive positions.

    Howling swept down from the sky, experienced Prosen veterans immediately sprinted into bomb shelters, while those too far to reach shelters sprawled in the trenches.

    Following that, the earth began to shake, the st waves from the explosions continuously plowed through the positions, overturning everything that could be flipped.

    Former rookie Andreas, now a one-year veteran (having made his debut with the First Mobile Group Army), wore the insignia of an Exempt Soldier, exempt from various misceneous tasks.

    Nevertheless, he still teamed up with old-timer Sergeant Kosolek, responsible for an MG42 machine gun in the heavy weapons squad.

    This rare dual-vet machine gun unit huddled near the machine gun position in a bomb shelter, sharing cigarettes they had just got from the quartermaster.

    Crammed in the same bomb shelter, the rookie Pyaje asked, ¡°How can you be so calm?¡±

    Andreas, nonchntly replied, ¡°Because we¡¯ve seen scenes like this before,st summer we shed with Rokossov¡¯s troops in Yeisk, Nan¡¯ant, and experienced his artillery then.¡±Sergeant¡ªnow Sergeant¡ªKosolek sneered and exposed Andreas¡¯ bluff, ¡°Sergeant was still a greenhorn then, turned pale as death during the artillery fire, just like you, rookie.¡±

    Andreas: ¡°Don¡¯t expose me, Sergeant.¡±

    The rookie looking back and forth at the two seasoned soldiers, boldly asked, ¡°Is it true what the training camp instructors say about the Anteans, that they are just a bunch of dumb brutes?¡±

    The smoking duo paused and looked at the rookie.

    Sergeant Kosolek: ¡°They say that in the training camps? That¡¯s terrible.¡±

    Rookie: ¡°What?¡±

    Sergeant Andreas: ¡°There are two types of Anteans, if they look young and nervous like you, holding a rifle that needs to be cocked¡­uh, what¡¯s the enemy¡¯s rifle called?¡±

    "Mosin-Nagant,¡± Sergeant Kosolek said.

    "Right, Mosin-Nagant, those indeed rely solely on brute courage. Just like you! Get it, like you! But if they are armed with a Papasha, wearing steel helmets, with resolute, scarred faces, then they are cunning and tenacious warriors.

    "If they¡¯re wearing green rain capes, holding some weird kind of submachine gun that looks like it¡¯s being yed when fired¡ªImperial Guard¡ªah, you won¡¯t meet such types. You¡¯d be dead before that happens.¡± ?????????

    Rookie turned pale: ¡°Are they that formidable?¡±

    "Yeah, that formidable,¡± Kosolek finished harshly smoking.

    Andreas then said, ¡°Last year, we first faced Ante Infantry armed with such weapons amidst the thick fog conjured by an Ante Wizard. Most didn¡¯t understand what was happening before they died.

    "Don¡¯t be fooled by officers like the quartermaster who refer to the Ante Imperial Guard as ¡®cape roaches,¡¯ as if they are weak. Actually, they just say that to embolden themselves.¡±

    Rookie: ¡°To embolden themselves?¡±

    "Right, anyone who tells you the Anteans are just gray beasts winning by sheer numbers, let theme to the front and face those fearsome warriors.¡± Kosolek blew a ring of smoke. ¡°They¡¯ve been fighting for two years now.¡±

    At that moment, a shellnded very close to the bomb shelter, copsing it instantly, massive amounts of soil pressing down directly.

    The two old soldiers had initially crouched at the entrance, rolling out the moment the shelter copsed, but Andreas was too slow and got half-buried.

    Sergeant Kosolek was stunned andy on the ground for several seconds before getting up and forcefully dragged his old partner out.

    Andreas screamed in pain, ¡°My back is breaking! At least dig a bit before pulling!¡±

    Kosolek suddenly spotted a sapper shovel not far off, blown over by the shell, and he fiercely started to dig.

    Andreas screamed like a ughtered pig, ¡°Not so fast! Ah! Be careful you don¡¯t sever that!¡±

    "Quiet! I haven¡¯t reached it! Yell when I do!¡±

    After struggling for a while, Andreas was finally dug out, Kosolek dropped the shovel and copsed in the trench.

    Actually, they should have been adopting a bomb-protective posture at this moment; otherwise, an iing shell st could easily cause internal injuries.

    Lately, it seemed the Anteans had altered the explosive form in their shells, the overpressure brought by the shells became even more terrifying.

    Andreas picked up the sapper shovel, turned around, and continued digging at the hole he had left. He hadn¡¯t dug much before he unearthed a rookie¡¯s hand.

    Sergeant Kosolek: ¡°Don¡¯t bother, he suffocated long ago. Rookies with no experience think the deepest part of the shelter is the safest.¡±

    "Damn it.¡± Andreas stuck the sapper shovel into the ground and slumped down.

    Sergeant Kosolek, eyeing the hand sticking out of the soil, said, ¡°Either take his ring andter give it to his wife or fianc¨¦e, or just bury the hand and ring together.¡±

    Andreas looked over, hesitated briefly, but still removed the ring, pocketing it, muttering, ¡°Who knows if we¡¯ll even make it home.¡±

    "But for the enemy, they are about to go home,¡± the sergeant looked up, listening to the ongoing explosions, ¡°In my hometown, when thunder begins like this in spring, it means spring plowing is about to start, and a year of busyness has begun.¡±

    Andreas shook his head, ¡°I never want to hear this sound again in my life. I bet anytime there¡¯s a thunderstorm in the future, I¡¯ll have nightmares, only able to tremulously sit on the side of the bed and smoke. Heck, where are the cigarettes?¡±

    Kosolek pulled out a cigarette and tossed one to Andreas.

    Sergeant struck a match, they lit each other¡¯s cigarettes.

    The swirling smoke seemed to inste them from the overwhelming tremors around.

    Suddenly, Sergeant Kosolek said, ¡°For those Anteans living in our upied zones, this is the gunfire of liberation, they will remember it for the rest of their lives.¡±

    Andreas didn¡¯t respond, focused solely on smoking.

    Prosen¡¯s First Land Stuka Battalion, five minutes after the cessation of Ante Army artillery fire.

    Amid whistles, Land Stukas rolled out of the shelters one by one to their pre-markedunch positions.

    "Remember the firing parameters calcted in advance!¡± An officer rode past the half-track vehicle that was modified into a rocketuncher, continuously shouting, ¡°Just fire ording to the parameters, and you¡¯ll precisely cover the Antean attack forces, thoroughly disrupting the enemy¡¯s first wave of assault, causing massive casualties!¡±

    Operators busied themselves adjusting the angles of theunch frames hanging on both sides of the sdkfz half-track vehicle.

    Soon, a signal re ascended, and themand to fire spread across the entireunch area.

    Rockets, like gas cylinders, trailed mes as they shot up into the sky towards the ¡°Antean attack forces.¡±

    Someone burst intoughter, ¡°Hahaha! The Anteans are in for it now! Maybe this morning¡¯s attack will just crumble!¡±

    Five minutester, the Antean forces began their offensive from their positions.

    After the earth-shattering explosions ceased, Sergeant Anton peeked out from the trench, looking at the chaotic ground ahead, ¡°Holy cow, are the Prosens trying to st the ground open so we can¡¯t advance?¡±

    Captain Sergey tapped his activating head, ¡°Idiot! They¡¯re nning to cover us! Luckily, General Rokossov changed the order of the attack, taking into ount the enemy¡¯s counter-artillery preparations!¡±

    Before they knew it, a whistling sound came from above their heads.

    Captain Sergey gazed up at the sky, ¡°This is probably the secondary strike against the enemy artillery, and it¡¯s going to kill all the Prosens fools who have foolishly entered the position.¡±

    After listening to the whistling sound for a while, Captain Sergey seemed finally fed up and averted his gaze.

    Anton asked, ¡°So when do we attack?¡±

    "Wait for the whistle.¡±

    No sooner had he spoken, the whistle came from the west of the trench.

    Captain Sergey also blew his whistle, waving his hand while he did so, signaling the soldiers crouched in the trench to stand up.

    Then, the ssic scene unfolded¡ªthe Military Chain dashed out of the trench vigorously, waving a small pistol, ¡°Everyone, forward!¡±

    After speaking, the Priest took the lead with the pistol.

    Captain Sergey also jumped out of the trench, shouting at the Priest, ¡°ording to the Church¡¯s orders, Priests can¡¯t go first!¡±

    The Priest retorted, ¡°To hell with the orders! I¡¯m going first!¡±

    Behind them, rows of infantry emerged from the trench, carrying submachine guns and marching spiritedly.

    The Priest waved grandly, ¡°Filippov, start singing!¡±

    "What song?¡±

    "You¡¯re local, sing some popr song from here!¡±

    Filippov fell silent.

    Captain Sergey looked back, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, Filippov? Sing!¡±

    So, a weathered voice began, ¡°I remember a small town, peaceful, quiet, and mncholic.¡±

    No one noticed the singer had changed the words; ¡°vige¡± was reced by ¡°hometown.¡±

    "There are churches, a station, and a tree-lined path

    "In crowds, sometimes I catch sight

    "Of that familiar, dear silhouette¡­

    "She wears a blue sun hat

    "Wearing a blue jacket

    "Dark skirt, the figure of a young girl

    "Oh, my fleeting love!¡±

    In the chorus, everyone who knew the song sang together loudly:

    "Tanya! Tanya! My Takiyanne!@@novelbin@@

    "Do you still remember that fiery summer

    "I can¡¯t forget those times

    "That time of fervent love!¡±

    Two years ago, the young people sang this song here as they fought before they left their homes.

    Today, two yearster, the still young people were singing the same song, walking on thend of their hometown.

    Sparrows flew up from the bushes, fluttering over the skirmish line, as if weing the returning warriors.

    Many who had left home years ago might never return, and their dreamt-of ¡°Tanya¡± may have already perished.

    Everyone understood that everything in their memories might no longer exist, yet they couldn¡¯t stop their leaping steps.

    Above the advancing infantry column, the preparation of artillery continued.

    You could hear the vengeful shells constantly exploding on the Prosen positions, like thunder heralding spring.

 Chapter 714: The Beech of the Hometown

    Chapter 714: Chapter 52 The Beech of the Hometown

    July 11th, the third day of the counterattack, 1130 hours.

    The 63rd Infantry Army Group Headquarters was on the move, and the new headquarters location was selected in the former mining city of Basque.

    It was difficult to say whether the choice of headquarters location involved the Commander¡¯s personal preferences.

    Admiral Eugene rode in the Jeep leading the entire headquarters column.

    As the vehicle climbed a small hill, the city suddenly unfolded on the distant horizon.

    Admiral Eugene shouted, ¡°Stop! Stop right here!¡±

    The driver braked, and the Jeep stopped, followed by the entire headquarters column.

    Admiral Eugene stood up, perched on the Jeep seat, and raised his binocrs to observe the city on the horizon.The security guard in the passenger seat asked, ¡°Do you have family left here?¡±

    "No. We all evacuated, but some elderly people from our fellow miners¡¯ families didn¡¯t want to leave and chose to stay,¡± sighed Admiral Eugene. ¡°Those elders experienced the war with Anatolia when they were young, having a weaker sense of nation and ethnicity. They liked the Doctor Sausage from the church store, but it didn¡¯t matter much if it wasn¡¯t avable.¡±

    Security guard: ¡°Do you know if those elders are still alive?¡±

    "We will know soon,¡± Admiral Eugene put down his binocrs. ¡°There are signs of people moving in the city, and I saw crowds gathering. Don¡¯t becent, stay alert! We are entering the city!¡±

    After speaking, he sat back down and patted the back of the driver¡¯s seat.

    The vehicle immediately started, sliding down the slope as if chasing the wind across the ins.

    As they approached the city, Admiral Eugene clearly saw crowds gathered along the road, holding flowers aloft.@@novelbin@@

    Guards deployed by the troops that had entered the city earlier were mingling among the crowd, their necks also draped with flowers.

    A T34W tank was parked by the roadside, with several officers standing in front of it.

    Admiral Eugene¡¯s Jeep drove up to the tank and stopped, and several officers came forward to greet him, the leading Colonel saluting first: ¡°General! The 71st Guards Infantry Regiment has upied Basque City without encountering any Pulosen forces. There are some severely wounded Pulosen personnel in the city hospital, which our medics have taken over.¡±

    Eugene nodded, ¡°Understood. Take good care of the wounded; that¡¯s what General Rocosov intends. We need to proceed with the selection of the headquarters site, have you found any intact buildings?¡±

    Colonel: ¡°We found that the miners¡¯ cinema is well-preserved. ording to the projectionist, they even showed a movie a few days ago¡ªa Pulosen film boasting of their cultural and martial prowess!¡±

    Eugene¡¯s expression turned reflective, ¡°The miners¡¯ cinema, huh? The one next to the church?¡±

    "Ah? Oh, the ruins next to it are the church. The Pulosen people ttened the church with a bulldozer,¡± the Colonel said indignantly. ¡°Those bastards truly deserve to die!¡± ??????¨¨£Ó

    Eugene: ¡°Indeed, they do deserve death! I want to see the cinema; is the road clear?¡±

    "Of course.¡±

    Eugene immediately patted the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°Get to the back, I¡¯ll drive.¡±

    The driver promptly exited the vehicle, and Eugene climbed over the back of the seat and settled down on it himself, not minding sitting directly on his own footprint.

    While pulling up the handbrake, Eugene suddenly remembered something and asked the weing Colonel, ¡°Did you organize the crowd by the roadside?¡±

    "No,¡± the Colonel said with a wry smile, ¡°somehow the news got out that General Rocosovsky is setting up headquarters in the city. Despite our denials, everyone is convinced that they¡¯ll soon see General Rocosovsky.¡±

    Eugene looked at the crowd and smiled, ¡°No wonder. I was wondering why I¡¯d have such renown.¡±

    With that, he lightly pressed the elerator, and the Jeep smoothly started, passing by the tank.

    People along the road threw flowers towards Eugene¡¯s Jeep.

    An enthusiastic young woman caught up with the Jeep, wrapping her arms around Eugene¡¯s neck and nted a kiss.

    Eugene: ¡°Thank you, thank you! Lady, I can¡¯t drive like this!¡±

    He lightly increased the gas, and as the vehicle sped up, the woman finally let go of him.

    As a second girl approached, Eugene shouted, ¡°I¡¯m not Rocosovsky! Look at the stars clearly! Rocosovsky has five stars on his epaulettes! Five!¡±

    The girl hesitated, carefully checking the stars on Eugene¡¯s epaulettes.

    Eugene took the opportunity to elerate, weaving the Jeep through the crowd.

    After entering the city, signs of war appeared. Half of the buildings along the road were damaged, some had been ruined for a long time, with ivy and green moss growing on their walls.

    Further ahead, Eugene suddenly saw a woman crying and yelling by the roadside, a group of elders holding her shoulders to restrain her, and a barber-like person was using clippers to shave her head.

    Eugene stopped and shouted loudly, ¡°What¡¯s going on with this woman?¡±

    One of the elders saluted Eugene, ¡°General, this slut has had an affair with the Pulosen people! She even betrayed the guerri fighters hiding in Peter¡¯s house!¡±

    The woman shouted, ¡°What could I do! My child needed food!¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Couldn¡¯t you have evacuated with the church? Women with children receive priority.¡±

    The woman fell silent.

    Old man: ¡°She thought the Pulosen people would win! God damn it, we old folks stayed back to not take up valuable transportation resources! She stayed because she wanted to be a Pulosen person!¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Alright! Even if she¡¯s at fault, she should be tried. Hand her over to the judges.¡±

    Upon hearing the word ¡®judge,¡¯ the woman trembled and a look of terror appeared on her face.

    Eugene gently pressed the elerator and stopped looking at the fool standing against the tide of history.

    The Jeep drove through the street and headed straight for the cinema.

    But just before reaching the cinema, Eugene sharply turned the steering wheel and drove into an alley.

    The crowd by the roadside, taken by surprise, curiously gathered at the corner to peer into the alley.

    Eugene continued until he reached an old three-story building, where he finally eased off the elerator and hit the brakes.

    After the car stopped, he solemnly got out and looked up at the beech tree in front of the building.

    The old tree had many branches broken by shrapnel, and its trunk was full of bullet holes, indicating how fierce the battle had been there before.

    Eugene stood under the tree staring at those bullet holes, as if turning into a statue.

    The Guardsman asked in confusion, ¡°Admiral, what is it?¡±

    "This beech tree, it has been here since I can remember. It¡¯s the only beech tree in this city, so in the fall, many peoplee to see its leaves. You know, beech leaves turn very beautiful in autumn.¡±

    Guardsman: ¡°I didn¡¯t know, all we have back home are birch trees and birch trees.¡±

    Admiral Eugene muttered, ¡°Then you should definitelye see it in autumn.¡±

    Saying so, he took a step forward.

    There used to be a brick wall at the edge of the tree, but now the wall waspletely dpidated, and the soil that the wall had enclosed was gone, leaving a significant portion of the tree¡¯s roots exposed.

    Admiral Eugene had to step on part of the roots to ce his hand on the mottled tree bark.

    He gently touched the bullet holes, only to find that there were no bullets inside.

    "All the bullets have been taken by me,¡± a childish voice suddenly came from behind the tree.

    Eugene slightly tilted his head to look behind the tree, spotted a canvas covering the roots, and a little face peeking from between the canvas and roots.

    Admiral Eugene hesitated, then asked, ¡°Kaja?¡±

    "How do you know me?¡±

    Eugene pointed to the nearby building, ¡°I¡¯m Eugene from the third floor of this building, remember?¡±

    "Uncle Eugene?¡± The little girl lifted the canvas and stood up, widening her eyes, ¡°Oh, it really is Uncle Eugene! I hardly remembered what you looked like.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Of course, you were only five when we left; it¡¯s not your fault.¡±

    Kaja blinked and pointed at Eugene¡¯s shoulder insignia, ¡°Are you an important official?¡±

    "I¡¯m an Admiral, and all these troops around us are mine,¡± Eugene replied.

    Kaja: ¡°Then, between you and General Rokossovsky, who is higher?¡±

    "General Rokossovsky is the boss of us all,¡± Eugene quickly changed the subject, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you evacuated?¡±

    "My mom wanted to take me, but she was killed by a bomb. Uncle Panjyevich took me in. He wanted to send me on the evacuation bus, but the station was bombed. Finally, thest Priest to stay was handing out weapons, saying it was no longer possible to leave.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°So you stayed behind?¡±

    "Yep!¡± Kaja smiled, ¡°I¡¯m small, the Prosens didn¡¯t expect me to deliver messages to the guerris! I also took these bullets and gave them to the guerris; they need the materials on the bullets to make new ones, otherwise they can¡¯t shoot far!¡±

    Eugene¡¯s Guard immediately said, ¡°Is it chromium and nickel?¡±

    Kaja: ¡°I don¡¯t know. They just said they needed these; iron alone doesn¡¯t shoot far!¡±

    Eugene reached out and gently stroked Kaja¡¯s head, ¡°You did well. Where is Uncle Panjyevich now?¡±

    "Last year, the Prosens found him and hanged him. Since then, I¡¯ve been hiding here. People around here secretly give me food, and sometimes they ask me to deliver messages to the guerris.¡±

    Eugene¡¯s mouth twitched slightly, then he touched Kaja¡¯s head and said, ¡°General Rokossovsky has established a school especially for children like you, providing the best education, called Zhongsi Academy. I¡¯ll write you a rmendation letter, take it and go join this academy in Yeburg!¡±

    "Can I go even though I¡¯m a girl?¡±

    "Of course.¡±

    After a brief hesitation, Eugene asked, ¡°By the way, do you know what happened to Miss Anastasia who lives next door at number 41?¡±

    Kaja shook her head, ¡°I don¡¯t know; there was no such person.¡±

    "Alright,¡± Eugene sighed.

    Kaja: ¡°Was she someone dear to you?¡±

    "She was my¡­ well¡­ you might not know, but my wife passed away before the war started, and Anastasia was a very good friend of mine

    Kaja: ¡°You wanted to marry her!¡±

    Eugene nodded.

    "But it seems impossible now; she is probably

    The Admiral rose his head, gazing at the old tree which was still leafless in the peak of summer and said no more.

    The summer sunshine prated the bare branches and fell on him.

 Chapter 715: Reunion

    Chapter 715: Chapter 53 Reunion

    Admiral Eugene had finally had enough and turned his gaze towards the apartment building next to the beech tree.

    Compared to the beech tree, the condition of the apartment building was a bit better, but it was also in a state unfit for inhabitation. The broken windows offered no protection against the wind and the rain, and while it might be bearable in summer, anyone living there in winter would probably freeze to death.

    Admiral Eugene suddenly felt a bit surprised and looked down to ask Kaja, ¡°How did you get through the winter?¡±

    "The neighbors took turns sheltering me. The Prosens knew Grandpa Panyele had a little devil helping him run errands, so nobody dared let me stay for long,¡± Kaja replied truthfully.

    Admiral Eugene patted Kaja¡¯s head again, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, the Church hase up with the Army Group¡¯s support troops. With my letter, you can eat at the Church cafeteria, and they¡¯ll give you new clothes as well.¡±

    After finishing speaking, Eugene walked towards the stairs of the building.

    Kaja: ¡°Are you going home?¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Yes, I want to go home and see. Have the Prosens searched my ce?¡±"I don¡¯t remember; this building has been abandoned for a long time. I hide inside when it rains. The first floor is quitefortable on rainy days.¡±

    Eugene nodded slightly and stepped into the stairwell.

    The first floor was just as he remembered it, with the mailboxes of the residents lined up next to the stairs going up.

    He found the mailbox marked with 201 and opened it, naturally finding nothing inside.

    Eugene closed the mailbox and went up the stairs.

    The stairwell on the second floor had been blown open by a cannon, and the door to apartment 201 was ajar.

    When Eugene pushed the door, a mass of dust fell from it. It was as if he had opened a door to the past, as everything inside remained just as he had left it.

    Even the picture frame covered on top of the chest of drawers was still in its ce.

    "I can¡¯t believe it wasn¡¯t looted,¡± Eugene mumbled in surprise.

    Following him inside, Kaja replied, ¡°The thieves were all conscripted by the Prosens. They¡¯re busy looting the rich and wouldn¡¯te to a ce like this.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Where have all these ¡®pseudo-army¡¯ soldiers gone now?¡±

    "They ran off with the Prosens.¡±

    After Kaja finished, a guard added, ¡°The judges seem to be capturing these traitors against the mothend with the help of locals. Tonight they will publicly hang the first batch of traitors.¡± ?a¦­¦Ï?¨¨?

    Eugene nodded, ¡°Good, they must be dealt with severely, not sparing any traitors. Otherwise, it would be too unfair to those guerri fighters who continued fighting in the upied Area.¡±

    After speaking, he went to the chest of drawers, turned over the upside-down picture frame, and looked at the slightly yellowed picture inside.

    Kaja climbed up a chair in the room and stood holding onto the backrest to clearly see the person in the photo and asked, ¡°Is this your wife?¡±

    "Yes, myte wife.¡±

    "Why didn¡¯t you take the photo with you?¡± the little girl asked again.

    Admiral Eugene replied, ¡°Because I never thought I would survive.¡±

    Having said that, he picked up the picture frame, fixed the stand at the back, and handed it to the guard, ¡°Hold this for me.¡±

    "Yes.¡±

    Admiral Eugene continued walking deeper into the room.

    Out of curiosity, Kaja asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you have any children?¡±

    "My wife died from childbirthplications, and the baby didn¡¯t make it either. After that, I spiraled for a long time, drinking, going to y cards at Ivan¡¯s in the next neighborhood. The parish priest of the district tried to get me back on the right path, but all failed.

    "Then Anastasia came along; she pushed me back on the right track, encouraged me to work my way up to the position of mine manager.¡±

    As he spoke, Eugene paced around the room.

    "This chest of drawers was something I made myself not long after meeting Anastasia. She stayed by my side, passing me water, wiping the sweat.

    "When I was measuring the chest of drawers, I used the marking methods from the mines. Anastasia said this chest was obviously crafted by a miner¡¯s hands.

    "Later, I made this table and the chair you¡¯re standing on, Kaja!¡±

    Kaja: ¡°Did you have nothing in the room when you married your first wife?¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Of course not, all these are new. I moved the old furniture to the storage room over there. Back then, I thought since I was starting a new life, I would make some more furniture, so I wouldn¡¯t think of her every day.

    "It might not be fair to her, but¡­ but I needed to keep moving forward. Do you think I¡¯m pathetic?¡±

    Kaja: ¡°I¡¯m only seven, Uncle Eugene. Is it appropriate to ask me this question?¡±

    Eugeneughed, continuing his train of thought, ¡°Back then, I couldn¡¯t even imagine that one day I would be a general, even an admiral at that, leading a whole Army Group of people.

    "I only knew how to mine.¡±

    At that moment, a voice from downstairs called out, ¡°Which unit are you from? Comrade, you can¡¯t go past; the Army Group Commander is upstairs!¡±

    Eugene turned around and took three steps to the living room window, shouting down, ¡°Don¡¯t make exceptions; are the Military Bishop¡¯s words falling on deaf ears?¡±

    "Is that you, Eugene?¡± came a woman¡¯s voice from below. ¡°Eugene, is that you?¡±

    Eugene¡¯s words came to an abrupt halt as he looked down in disbelief.

    At the end of his gaze, a female soldier wearing a boat-shaped cap was looking up.@@novelbin@@

    She was wrapped in a camouged cloak used by snipers, carrying a Tokarev semi-automatic rifle, with medals on her uniform¡¯s chest just like the male soldiers. From the medals, she must have participated inst year¡¯s Abawahan campaign and killed at least 20 Prosen invaders.

    "Anastasia?¡± Eugene muttered.

    "Eugene!¡± The female soldier began to run, crossing past the sentinel and rushing into the stairwell.

    Admiral Eugene also turned and ran towards the door, just as he pulled it open and charged down the stairs, he came face to face with the female soldier.

    Anastasia: ¡°I thought¡­ I thought it was just the same name! After all, the serial numbers didn¡¯t match!¡±

    It was verymon for Anteans to share the same name, even when including patronymics.

    Eugene: ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been trying to find out where you were, but Ante is too big, things are too chaotic, and I couldn¡¯t find any information anywhere.¡±

    Silence suddenly descended.

    Because they both had so much to say, they didn¡¯t know which sentence to start with.

    Finally, Eugene rushed down the stairs and embraced the girl.

    The girl responded to him, wrapping her arms underneath and tightly hugging his broad back.

    Eugene: ¡°Every day you were gone, I thought about you.¡±

    "I felt the same.¡±

    At that moment, Chief of Staff Andrei of the Army Group arrived in a jeep. As soon as he parked, he asked, ¡°Where¡¯s themander?¡±

    The sentinel gestured towards the dpidated building: ¡°Upstairs.¡±

    Andrei nodded and strode into the stairwell but suddenly stopped, his hand inadvertently blocking the staff officer who was about to proceed.

    The staff officer, puzzled, asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Andrei, the Chief of Staff, hushed: ¡°Give themander some time.¡±

    The staff officer tilted his head to look past Andrei¡¯s shoulder and understandingly nodded.

    Eugene let go of the girl and looked at Andrei, the Chief of Staff: ¡°I¡¯m done here, what¡¯s the situation?¡±

    Andrei, the Chief of Staff: ¡°I¡¯ve checked the situation in the cinema; there¡¯s no problem in setting up the Headquarters there. Also, Front Army Headquarters has sent a telegram asking about our progress.¡±

    "Give me the telegram.¡±

    Andrei lowered his blocking hand, signaling to the staff officer, who hurried to take out the telegram from his briefcase and ran up to hand it to Eugene.

    Eugene nced at the telegram and dered, ¡°Send a reply to the Front Army Headquarters. My troops face no obstacles, and aside from the 77th Infantry Division still resisting, other infantry divisions have crumbled.¡±

    Andrei, the Chief of Staff: ¡°Should we add ament about the quality of enemy infantry divisions after 15 waves? For example, the divisions in the 20th wave, whether it¡¯s the quality of the soldiers or their equipment, are very poor.¡±

    Eugene thought for a moment and said, ¡°We could mention it, just say that we will submit a detailed written reportter. It will include the Tribunal¡¯s interrogation results of the prisoners.¡±

    "That works,¡± said Andrei as he gestured to the staff officer, ¡°We¡¯ll leave first then. After you¡¯re done, head over to the cinema.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Do the Prosen still have copies of the films they were showing?¡±

    "There are. The angry locals wanted to destroy these film reels, but a priest hidden in the cinema stopped them, iming they are precious historical materials,¡± replied Andrei.

    "Good. Pack all of it up and hand it over to the Front Army Headquarters. The General might find quite some clever uses for them.¡±

    Andrei saluted, then turned and left with the staff officer.

    It was only then that Anastasia spoke: ¡°You really became an admiral, a Front Army Commander.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Didn¡¯t you know under mymand?¡±

    "I¡¯m not part of the 63rd Army Group; our 2nd Sniper Infantry Division is part of the 8th Guards Infantry Army Group, thebat zone is right next to yours.¡±

    "Then you

    Anastasia: ¡°I ¡®got lost¡¯ and came here with my good friend. Isn¡¯t it normal to get separated from your unit in such pursuit? So, I need to get back to my unit, or it wouldn¡¯t be good to be listed as missing in action.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Do you need me to write a letter exining the situation?¡±

    Anastasia smiled: ¡°A letter from an Army Group Commander to exin the situation to a mere sergeant? Oh no, dear, I¡¯m leaving now. Let¡¯s have a proper reunion after this campaign is over!¡±

    Eugene: ¡°The 2nd Sniper Infantry Division of the 8th Guards Infantry Army Group, I¡¯ll remember that.¡±

    "You don¡¯t have to remember, because I¡¯ll be looking for you. You¡¯re the Army Group Commander; you¡¯ll be easier to find. So, goodbye then.¡± Anastasia waved gently and then turned to leave with a light step.

    The guard came up to Admiral Eugene, puzzled: ¡°Why not keep her here? With your current status, it should be quite easy to do so.¡±

    Eugene: ¡°Because the mothend Ante has not yet been liberated, isn¡¯t that obvious? The time for personal romance hasn¡¯te yet. Not yet.¡±

    The girl Kaja said, ¡°I think a day wouldn¡¯t be a problem though.¡±

    Admiral Eugene nced at the young girl: ¡°If I hadn¡¯t seen you, I might have thought so, ¡®What¡¯s the problem with rxing for a day?¡¯ But not now, Kaja, not now! As long as there is an inch ofnd not yet liberated, as long as the Empire of Prosen exists, it¡¯s not the time!¡±

 Chapter 716: Marshal Geron is Skilled at Escaping (Supplement 45/84)

    Chapter 716: Chapter 54: Marshal Geron is Skilled at Escaping (Supplement 45/84)

    July 11th, 2300 hours, at the Ante Kazarlia Front Army Headquarters.

    After circting the situation briefing for the day, Pavlov was the first to speak, ¡°We can now confirm that the enemy is in full retreat.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We attacked before the encirclement waspleted because we were afraid they would run. So how much longer until the two mps close?¡±

    "The encirclement should bepleted by tomorrow, but the enemy¡¯s resistance is fierce. Moreover, aerial reconnaissance indicates that arge number of troops are now rushing towards Shepetovka through the gap in the encirclement.¡±

    As he spoke, Pavlov picked a photo from the table and handed it to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong nced at the photo and then threw it back on the table, ¡°Deploy the Air Force to bomb as much as possible and dy the enemy as much as possible.¡±

    On Earth, Sturmtiger troops often managed to break out of encirclements. Even duringrge-scale encirclements like Bagration, several Sturmtiger units breached the blockade.

    Wang Zhong¡¯s impression from reading military history was that the Allied Forces always underestimated thebat power of the Sturmtigers, thinking that the encirclement was sessful, and that they could begin mopping up the enemy, which led to oversights that the Sturmtigers exploited.Surely the Prosen of this timeline wouldn¡¯t make the same mistake?

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Can¡¯t the armored troops speed up? Strive toplete the encirclement by tomorrow noon.¡±

    Pavlov shook his head, ¡°Objectively, it¡¯s impossible toplete. Although the troops have rested for a few days in the middle, neither equipment nor personnel losses have been replenished. The Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group that has had significant achievements only has three heavy tanks operational in today¡¯s report.¡±

    Popov, ¡°The main issue is the heavy losses from tank-on-tank engagements with the enemy. Our spears have be blunted.¡±

    Vasily tried tofort Wang Zhong, ¡°It¡¯s good that we can encircle so many, thoughpared tost winter¡¯s victory, it seems minor, but it has great strategic significance! Look, we¡¯re about to encircle Shepetovka soon!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s true.¡±

    He approached the map and picked up a pointer stick, tracing a path on it, ¡°Afterpleting the encirclement, we can strike in this direction

    The pointer stick stopped at a familiar ce name, causing Wang Zhong to pause.

    Pavlov asked with curiosity, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Nothing, I just saw a familiar city name.¡±

    Pavlov nced at the map, ¡°Let me guess, it¡¯s Orachi, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You obviously guessed because you saw where my pointer stick stopped!¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Orachi is the city in this region that has the deepest connection with us. Even if I hadn¡¯t seen where your pointer stick rested, I could have guessed. If we retake Orachi, the enemy¡¯s troops at Shepetovka will have to retreat towards the Central Army Group.

    "The enemy¡¯s 11th Army Group defending the Coastal Fortress will also be isted from us, and the situation across all of East Kasalia will turn in our favor.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, and recapturing Orachi holds great symbolic significance, both for me and for all of us.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Pavlov, ¡°One of the prenned options for the next phase involves taking Orachi. Shall we use this version for our nextbat n?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Feasible. Anticipating the annihtion of the surrounded enemy troops as well as the rest and replenishment after battle will take fourteen days. How aboutunching the next phase of the offensive on July 25th?¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Considering the losses of our armored troops, half a month of rest seems reasonable. But is there a chance the enemy might abandon Shepetovka on their own initiative?¡±

    While speaking, Pavlov took the pointer stick from Wang Zhong¡¯s hand and gestured on the map.

    "If they abandon Shepetovka, the impact on the enemy¡¯s central front would be negligible, and for the southern front, they could shorten their defensive line and hold out along the Dibo River.¡± ??????????

    Vasily, ¡°Impossible, how could the then Emperor allow the Prosen Army to give up so much upied territory just like that? No way! You don¡¯t need a general to make that judgment; I can decide.¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, ¡°We should expect the enemy to have a wide array of tactics. The then Emperor has already lost so many troops due to his stubbornness. We must assume that he can learn from past failures.¡±

    Vasily was very surprised, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect you to say something like that.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Expect the enemy to have a wide array of tactics. Of course, it¡¯s nice to be able to encircle the enemy¡¯s main forces at Shepetovka. Even if we can¡¯t encircle them and they run to the Central Army Group¡¯s defensive area, that would still be greatly advantageous for us along the Dibo River¡ªbecause these troops won¡¯t be able to return to the southern front for a while.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°The only problem is, the Dibo River is in its high-water season, and crossing it with a full force will be difficult. If the assault costs us too much, I would rmend waiting for winter when the river freezes beforeunching the attack.

    "Having recaptured such a vast area of East Kasalia in the summer campaign is already an achievement.¡±

    Wang Zhong, after a brief silence, shook his head, ¡°No, we can¡¯t just stop there. Crossing the Dibo River during the high-water season is indeed difficult, but the enemy did it two years ago, and there¡¯s no reason we can¡¯t do the same!¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°What if the enemy destroys all the boats on the eastern shore during their retreat?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°We¡¯ll use the Federation-provided Dragon-type tractors to haul small boats from the rear directly to the front line. We should advance near Agreskov City before the muddy season arrives and then halt to get through the period.

    "When winteres, we will return to Agreskov City,pleting a full year ofbat operations.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Very well, I¡¯ll n ording to this schedule.¡±

    Marshal Geron¡¯s barrel car stopped in front of the Agreskov City Defense Command, and the general got out of the barrel car, looked up at the sky, and then let out a long sigh.

    The two people who came to meet him just came out of the City Defense Command¡¯s gate at that moment. Seeing the marshal sighing at the sky, they hurriedly asked, ¡°Marshal, what does this mean?¡±

    Marshal Geron looked at the two men, ¡°Don¡¯t mind it. I¡¯m just tired and yawning; it looks like a sigh.¡±

    The two men looked at each other and finally decided to take it as such.

    "So that¡¯s it. We thought the situation was so bad that even the marshal had to sigh.¡±

    Marshal Geron showed a bitter smile but did not answer.

    Seeing this, the two people who came to meet hurriedly changed the subject, ¡°Your Excellency, Marshal, the Emperor just called and asked you to immediately take the ne he sent and return to the Eagle¡¯s Nest to report to him.¡±

    Marshal Geron nodded, ¡°I am aware.¡±

    After speaking, he turned to his new Chief of Staff and said, ¡°You all should also prepare to wee the newmander. I estimate it is General Erik von Xiplin who is nowmanding the 11th Army Group to hold the Coastal Fortress.¡±

    The new Chief of Staff, ¡°Eh? Is that so? Isn¡¯t it bad to changemanders in the midst of battle?¡±

    Marshal Geron, ¡°The Empire needs someone to take responsibility for the failure. Naturally, I should bear the responsibility for this disastrous defeat. Rest assured, to avoid angering the old Junker officers, His Majesty probably won¡¯t give me a hard time but will just allow me to retire and tend to my flowers. Like former Army Commander Marshal Bryan.¡±

    "That, that¡¯s so!¡± The new Chief of Staff obviously had no idea how to respond to the general¡¯s words.

    Marshal Geron looked at him with a smile, turned his head to the people who came to meet him, and asked, ¡°Is the ne already at the airport?¡±

    "Yes, there is a Special Envoy on board to meet you, and the ground crew at the airport has already fueled the ne, so you can fly with confidence.¡±

    Marshal Geron turned and climbed back into the barrel car, saying to the driver, ¡°To the airport.¡±

    Indeed, just as the people who came to meet him said, the three-engine Junker transport ne nicknamed ¡°Iron Annie¡± was already waiting at the airport.

    As soon as Marshal Geron boarded the ne, he saw a colonel with an unfamiliar face sitting in the seat by the door.

    Marshal, ¡°Are you the Special Envoy?¡±

    "Yes,¡± the colonel stood up and saluted the marshal.

    "Alright, don¡¯t get hung up on that, the aircraft cabin is strangely low, no need to stand up to salute. But as far as I know, nes returning the scapegoat rarely send a Special Envoy, especially one with a colonel¡¯s rank!¡± Marshal Geron looked at the colonel, took out a cigarette case, opened it, and put a cigarette in his mouth.

    Colonel, ¡°Actually, I am not¡ªlet¡¯s wait until the ne has taken off.¡±

    Marshal Geron said something astonishing, ¡°You represent the Valkyrie Club, right?¡±

    Colonel, ¡°Let¡¯s wait until the ne has taken off.¡±

    At this moment, the crew opened the cockpit door and entered the cabin, saluting Marshal Geron and loudly reporting, ¡°We are ready to take off, awaiting your orders!¡±

    Marshal Geron, ¡°Take off when the tower gives clearance; you don¡¯t have to ask me one by one.¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    After the pilot returned, Marshal Geron nonchntly lit his cigarette and took a big drag.

    At this time, the roar of the engines came through the cabin walls, and the ne trembled with the roar.

    Then the ne began to taxi, inertia causing everyone on board to sway back and forth a few times.

    Marshal Geron looked at the colonel, just smoking and waiting for him to speak.

    The colonel was patient, waiting until the ne was off the ground and flying at 3000 meters in the air before he spoke, ¡°Your Excellency, Marshal, the crew is all our people, and they did indeed get orders to take you back to take the fall.

    "But we all know that the defeat in the war is not your fault.¡±

    "It¡¯s my responsibility,¡± Marshal Geron interrupted the colonel, ¡°I could have contracted the defense earlier. If I had, the Southern Army Group wouldn¡¯t have lost so much fighting power all at once, and the enemy¡¯s encirclement wouldn¡¯t have beenpleted so quickly! No, if I had contracted the lines, simply giving up Shepetovka and relying on the Dibo River

    The colonel interrupted the marshal, ¡°Your Excellency! We all know that you are a glorious Prosen soldier, and you wouldn¡¯t cast the me for defeat onto others! It¡¯s precisely because of this that we havee to you!

    "Your Excellency! The most effective way to save Prosen now is to hand over the chief culprit who started the war! Hand over His Majesty, the Emperor!¡±

    "No!¡± Marshal Geron shouted, ¡°I¡¯m clearer than all of you! The ones who most wanted tounch Barbarossa were us generals! Because if we didn¡¯t continue the offensive¡­ of course, His Majesty also wanted to earn merits andplete what that Conqueror did not finish. It can only be said that we were all wrong, it is not right to let His Majesty bear it alone.¡±

 Chapter 717: The Watchman Plan

    Chapter 717: Chapter 55 The Watchman n

    Faced with the Marshal¡¯s roar, the Colonel was silent for a few seconds before he answered, ¡°And after that? You should know what the Asgard Knights, Constitutional Guards, and the Imperial Ministry did in Orachi, right?

    "These people massacred the Anteans to cover up the truth. Just imagine what they would do when their military copses!¡±

    Marshal Geron¡¯s expression froze.

    The Colonel continued, ¡°Our people are spread throughout the entire war mobilization department, so we know that once the situation worsens further, they will continue to establish People¡¯s Charge Teams and haul even children and the elderly into the barracks!¡±

    "This hasn¡¯t happened yet!¡± Marshal Geron interrupted the Colonel, ¡°The situation hasn¡¯t be that desperate yet; the front line is still within Antean territory, more than seven hundred kilometers away from the Empire¡¯s border! I¡¯m talking about the Southern Front.¡±

    The Northern Front was too muddy, all forests and marshes, so the Pulosen Forces hadn¡¯t prated far into Antean territory.

    The Southern Front saw the greatest progress by Prosen, primarily because the vast grasnds were well-suited for the maneuvers of Armored Troops.

    The Colonel said, ¡°But Kazarlia is a in, virtually indefensible. We could swallow up all of Kazarlia in six months, and then the Anteans could fight back!"After all, we¡¯ve built highways! When we attacked, Antean ¡®highways¡¯ were just mud paths, which in more developed areas of Europa would only be considered vige roads! But now, there are high-standard expressways all over the ins of Kazarlia!¡±

    Marshal Geron responded, ¡°Don¡¯t pick faults with that. Without these highways, we wouldn¡¯t have been able to maintain such arge force on the Southern Front. Without these roads, Rocossov¡¯s troop advantage would be even greater, and we would lose even more terribly!¡±

    After the intense exchange of views, the Marshal sighed, ¡°Don¡¯t try to persuade me anymore, my war is already over.¡±

    The Colonel asked, ¡°Don¡¯t you want to save Prosen?¡±

    "What can I do? When I reach the Eagle¡¯s Nest, I will be stripped of my military power, and then I¡¯ll just be an ordinary old man. You might as well go find a few armies stationed near the Eagle¡¯s Nest, stir them up, and have them surround the Eagle¡¯s Nest!¡±

    The Colonel replied, ¡°The corpsmanders of those armies are all your students or old subordinates!¡±

    "Ha!¡± Marshal Geronughed loudly, ¡°That¡¯s why you¡¯re seeking me out! Unfortunately, my students will not betray the Empire just because of a word from their teacher. No, they won¡¯t. Your plot is doomed to fail.¡±

    The Colonel asked, ¡°What about the Empire then?¡±

    After a brief silence, Marshal Geron said, ¡°We started the war, and now that we¡¯ve failed, we can¡¯t me anyone else, can we?¡±

    After another pause, the Colonel said, ¡°You can no longer ensure your own safety. After we¡¯re exposed, they¡¯ll definitely trace it back to you, as everyone on this ne is ours, and even the Imperial Ministry, as ipetent as they are, wille investigating!¡±

    "What?¡± Marshal Geron eximed in shock, ¡°You are plotting against me!¡±

    The Colonel replied, ¡°We had no choice. I personally believe in your character, but there are many among us who do not know you well.¡±

    Marshal Geron leaned back in his chair and pondered for a moment, then said, ¡°Thirty-three kilometers west of the Eagle¡¯s Nest, the Fifth Infantry Training Brigade is stationed. Itsmander is a die-hard dissenter who¡¯s been sidelined for a long time. It took me a lot of effort to keep him from being dismissed.

    "He might be willing to join your operation. One training brigade should be enough to overpower the guards at the Eagle¡¯s Nest.¡±

    The Colonel mentioned, ¡°But the nearby armored training division

    "The Armored Troops are under the control of the Armored Corps Director. They are a new technological military branch, beyond the influence of us old Junkers. Do you think His Majesty isn¡¯t guarding against you? Of course, he is!¡± Marshal Geron looked at the Colonel, ¡°You¡¯ve dragged me into your chariot, but unfortunately, that still won¡¯t save Prosen. A coup detaining the Emperor and making peace with the Allied Forces doesn¡¯t look promising.¡± ????????§§s

    The Colonel fellpletely silent.

    Marshal Geron watched him for a few seconds and said, ¡°There¡¯s a less than perfect n: you could assassinate His Majesty and then kill off all his close propagandists. Perhaps afterward, someone in control of the military might assess the situation and join you.¡±

    The Colonel said, ¡°We don¡¯t have an assassination n.¡±

    "Don¡¯t you? Or are you worried I¡¯ll betray you to the Emperor to clear my own name and don¡¯t want to tell me?¡± Marshal Geron countered.

    The Colonel asked, ¡°Do you think betraying us will clear your suspicion?¡±

    The Marshal didn¡¯t speak, only turning to look out at the sea of clouds through the window.

    Silence fell in the cabin, leaving only the noise of the engines.

    ¡ª-

    In the Capital of the United Kingdom, in the Prime Minister¡¯s office,

    Prime Minister Leonard Spencer asked the returning representative of Ante in a stern voice, ¡°Do you mean to say that the Anteans might reim Kazarlia this winter?¡±

    "Yes, when I left, the Prosens had already abandoned their position and were retreating to Shepetovka. Given the current situation of the Prosen troops, it would be difficult to hold Shepetovka. Rocossov¡¯s heavy troops could strike the Orachi line at any time and cut off their retreat route.

    "The summer campaign has progressed to this point, and Ante has suffered heavy casualties, but the losses on the Prosen side are also significant. We all know that one of the characteristics of the Prosen troops is that their new soldiers require lengthy training times, and the replenishment is slow.

    "This is due to their military tradition, which isn¡¯t quite suited for modern total war. Of course, tradition grants the Prosens higher individual soldier quality, but with the current situation on the Eastern Front, the significance of individual soldier quality is diminishing.¡±

    Prime Minister Leonard took his pipe and drew deeply twice, saying, ¡°So, we need to open up a second front as soon as possible.¡±

    The army general sitting opposite immediately responded, ¡°But the Empire of Prosen¡¯s troops in North Africa have not beenpletely defeated. They still might advance to Mamluk and cut off the canal!¡±

    Leonard responded, ¡°Come on! Actually, after we drove the ¡®Desert Fox¡¯ away from beside the canal, we all knew that North Africa was just an excuse to dy Ante.

    "Once wend in the Apennines, the Prosen troops in North Africa will lose all their supplies. We just don¡¯t want to threaten the Prosen maind too soon.¡±

    Themander of the Aegean Fleet nodded, ¡°In fact, we have already cut off the Desert Fox¡¯s supply lines. The Prosens have invested in anti-ship missiles and remote-controlled bombs, but these new weapons have low reliability and haven¡¯t helped them regain naval supremacy.

    "Now, the Prosen troops in North Africa should be worried about how they will return to their homnd.¡±

    Leonard said, ¡°I have served as the Minister of the Navy, Sir Cunningham, I know the situation there.¡±

    "My apologies for speaking out of turn.¡±

    Leonard pursed his lips, pondered for a moment, and then said, ¡°I think it¡¯s time tond in Sicily. The ind, separated by the sea from the maind of Europa, diminishes the capabilities of the Prosens. Additionally, this ind can draw Prosen attention, causing them to deploy more troops on the penins.

    "This way, we can silence the Anteans by saying that if we do notnd in Sicily, even more Prosen troops will be moved to the Eastern Front, increasing their pressure.¡±

    The army general asked, ¡°Don¡¯t we need to inform the Federation? General George of the Federation is still contending with the Desert Fox.¡±

    "Who cares! I¡¯ll personally call Teddy (nickname for the Federation¡¯s president), and he will agree!¡±

    July 16, The heart of the Empire of Prosen, Eagle¡¯s Nest.

    As soon as Marshal Geron entered the war room, he subconsciously looked for unfamiliar faces.

    Because it could be an assassin sent by the Valkyrie Club.

    He sincerely hoped that when the assassination urred, the blood wouldn¡¯t stter on him.

    As for His Majesty, considering what His Majesty might do after escaping an assassination attempt, Marshal Geron genuinely hoped His Majesty would die, preferably taking the scoundrels from the Valkyrie Club with him, significantly increasing the chances his own family would survive the war.

    "Marshal Geron!¡± His Majesty stood up, ¡°Congrattions on withdrawing most of the troops from the encirclement at Rocossov.¡±

    Marshal Geron was surprised, and after a moment¡¯s thought, decided to me himself: ¡°I apologize, about 150,000 troops didn¡¯t make it out. Additionally, the loss of technical equipment is significant. Some armored divisions are down to just ten tanks.¡±

    Emperor waved his hand dismissively: ¡°No, no, I underestimated the enemy¡¯s strength. It¡¯s too risky for Anteans to attack now. The good news is that we can still inflict heavy damage on them in defensive battles!

    "I n to withdraw all the troops from Shepetovka to west of the Dibo River, and use the river for defense. I am naming this operation ¡®Watch of the Dibo River!¡¯

    "In order to pull this off, we need to deceive Rocossov. Let Celtic Marshal exin to you!¡±

    Celtic Marshal nodded: ¡°We estimate that withdrawing all troops and auxiliary personnel from Shepetovka will take 20 days. During the withdrawal, the enemy¡¯s pursuit will cause us immense losses.

    "So we need to create the appearance of holding Shepetovka firmly, as part of the entire deception n. The propaganda has already begun to depict Shepetovka as the ¡®City that Never Falls

    "Am I hearing this right?¡± Marshal Geron interrupted the Celtic Marshal, ¡°We are deceiving the enemy?¡±

    "Yes,¡± Emperor nodded, ¡°We are indeed deceiving the enemy. In fact, we often deceive the enemy. For example, in the Mnia Campaign, we sent a visiting fleet, creating the illusion of peace and deceiving the top echelons of Mnia. During the Carolingian Battle, we also pretended to breakthrough the Maginot Line head-on, but in reality, the main force passed through the Ardennes Forest.¡±

    Emperor stood up, pacing before the map, ¡°The Prosens are the most intelligent people. The enemy will deceive, and naturally, we will too! We will prove it!¡±

    Marshal Geron hesitated, ¡°But¡­ my armored divisions, on average, only have ten tanks each, ready forbat. If Rocossov encircles Shepetovka, we simply don¡¯t have the armored troops to counter them.¡±

    "He doesn¡¯t have armored troops either,¡± Emperor said confidently. ¡°In fact, Rocossov¡¯s armored troops are too depleted tounch an encirclement, he can only use cavalry. Can¡¯t you even beat cavalry?¡±

    Marshal Geron fell silent.¡±@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 718: Cavalry Charge

    Chapter 718: Chapter 56 Cavalry Charge

    July 19th, Kazarlia Army Group Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong looked at the three Prosen generals being brought into the room and said loudly, ¡°So it was you who requested to see me?¡±@@novelbin@@

    The three generals exchanged nces, and finally, the one with the lowest rank, a Major General, responded in slightly stiff Antenese, ¡°We wished to meet the legendary General Rokossovsky.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then you¡¯ve met him.¡±

    The Prosen Major General asked, ¡°Have you¡­ been to the front? I mean during this offensive

    The other two Prosen generals interrupted him in Prosenese, rattling off a stream of words.

    Vasily kindly tranted: ¡°They say that ever since the offensive began, there have always been reports from the front that Rokossovsky has appeared, and the Anteans go crazy.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at Pavlov: ¡°Have I been to the front that many times?¡±Pavlov shrugged: ¡°I don¡¯t know, only Vasilyevna (referring to Ludm¡¯s patronymic) can confirm whether it¡¯s you who¡¯s been in the headquarters or not, General Davarish.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I think Lady Nelly could also confirm, Nelly! Have I been away from headquarters these days?¡±

    Nelly, who was brewing coffee, looked up: ¡°You left with Lady Emilia three times.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Ah, that was when we took the Pe-3 for reconnaissance. Vasily, please tell these Prosen generals that aside from scouting the skies, I haven¡¯t left headquarters.¡±

    Vasily immediately began tranting.

    The Prosen were bewildered.

    The Major General who understood Antenese eximed, ¡°You actually conduct reconnaissance in person?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Of course, an excellentmander must always ensure an understanding of the front line situation. I¡¯ve just been doing my duty.¡±

    Popov suddenly said, ¡°It¡¯s because you¡¯ve been scouting in person that our army¡¯s senior officer casualty rate has increasedtely. Last week, General Vatutin was shot down while personally conducting a reconnaissance flight. I think it won¡¯t be long before the High Command issues an order to prevent senior officers from flying over enemy territory.¡± ?¨¤????¨§?

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How can that be eptable? Without personal reconnaissance, how can we achieve precise strikes against the enemy? Remember when we sent paratroopers andmandos to attack the enemy¡¯s headquarters? That was the Cavalry that obtained the intelligence, I flew over the headquarters personally to confirm.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°When you returned, you even drafted ayout of the enemy headquarters. I¡¯m not denying the efficacy of your personal reconnaissance, but if the orderse from above, there¡¯s nothing I can do, right? You can¡¯t be the exception.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°The Chief of Staff seems to be quite happy about this.¡±

    "Do I look happy to you?¡± Pavlov nced at Vasily, ¡°Oh no, you¡¯re mistaken! I fully support General Rokossovsky¡¯s personal frontline reconnaissance, haveplete trust in the ground crew to ensure the aircraft is in good condition, and also trust Miss Emilia¡¯s piloting skills.¡±

    Wang Zhong was about to jest, when Popov interjected, ¡°Enough, the Prosen prisoners are still here hanging around. Let¡¯s fulfill their wish, then hand them over to the Judge.¡±

    Everyone¡¯s gaze returned to the Prosen prisoners.

    The Major General who understood Antenese had been listening to the entire conversation between Wang Zhong and the others, and was now at a loss for words, looking at Wang Zhong with full admiration.

    The two who didn¡¯t understand Antenese were frantically nudging the Major General.

    Vasily said in Prosenese: ¡°Well then, you can continue to inquire about us in the cell, since your wish to meet General Rokossovsky is fulfilled. You may go now.¡±

    Having said that, Vasily signaled to the guards.

    The guards immediately stepped forward and prodded the waists of the Prosen generals with their Papashas: ¡°Move!¡±

    The three Prosen generals were thus escorted away.

    Wang Zhong let out a sigh of relief and asked Pavlov, ¡°So, have the tanks we ordered arrived? We won¡¯t really have tounch an attack using Cavalry, will we?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°A new Armored Army has been resupplied, but this Army isn¡¯t a Guards unit, hasn¡¯t seenbat; I checked the roster, only fifteen percent of the crew hasbat experience. And even that figure is doubtful, not the entire crew is experienced, it includes members who have.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°How many tanks does this Army have?¡±

    ¡°180 T34Ws.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°With the Guards Eighth Armored Army, which suffered fewer losses in previous battles, we have three hundred tanks, barely a striking force.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Indeed. General Kiriyenko has always suggested that we mount an all-Cavalry attack, and he will be visiting the Army Group Headquarters today.¡±

    "Right, I¡¯m here.¡± A hearty voice came from the direction of the door.

    Wang Zhong turned his head and indeed, it was Kiriyenko.

    The Cavalry Admiral had donned the traditional cavalry uniform and strode in following a square walkway, speaking as he walked, ¡°I heard you¡¯re going to be promoted to Marshal, along with Gorky.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I haven¡¯t received the news yet. Generally speaking, military promotions and the awarding of high-ranking officers don¡¯t take ce until a campaign is over.¡±

    Kiriyenko came up to Wang Zhong and sat on the edge of the map table. ¡°The campaign isn¡¯t over yet? It seems to usmanders, and even the soldiers below can see, that the Prosenese are nning to run away.¡±

    "Now there¡¯s a mood of joy throughout the army. You might not know, but some of theds in the Cavalry Troops are saying that this time we¡¯re going to charge straight across the border and gallop on Mnia¡¯s territory.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Nonsense, the supplies won¡¯t keep up. My n is to liberate Argesukov this winter.¡±

    Kiriyenko nced at the map, ¡°So you¡¯re nning to cross the Dibo River in autumn? Or in winter? Crossing the river after it freezes is easy, but the ice on the Dibo River isn¡¯t as thick as the Valdai Hills River. Be careful the enemy doesn¡¯t shatter the bold ice with artillery, causing unnecessary casualties.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I n tounch an attack in autumn. We have a month¡¯s time to transport boats to the riverside with Dragon Tug vehicles.¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°Sailing on drynd, huh? What kind of monster product has the Federation created?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Before the muddy season arrives, include as much of Argesukov as possible within artillery range.¡±

    Kiriyenko sighed, ¡°We¡¯re going to fire upon our own city now, the capital of your Kazaria Kingdom.¡±

    Only then did Wang Zhong remember that he still had the title of King of the Kazarlia Kingdom. He shook his head, ¡°I said I would return the kingship to the people. Let¡¯s not talk about this anymore.¡±

    "Understood.¡± Kiriyenko nodded and suddenlyughed, ¡°Remember two years ago? In Loktov, back then you were a Major General? Or a Brigadier? And I was a Vice Admiral,manding an army. Now Imand an Army Group, and you alreadymand the Front Army, soon to be promoted to Marshal.¡±

    Wang Zhong smiled faintly, ¡°I¡¯ve simply¡­ been standing at the crest of history¡¯s wave.¡±

    "You¡¯re as humble as the newspapers say,¡± Kiriyenko patted Wang Zhong¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Right, I forgot the reason foring to Headquarters. I request that my Cavalry Troops strike Orachi before the main force attacks.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You have to convince me. What¡¯s the reason for doing this?¡±

    "Do we still need a reason? Myds all want to gallop on thend of their birthce. Half of my troops are Cossacks!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s not a sufficient reason. No one wants to return home more than I do, but I¡¯m still sitting here, am I not? I haven¡¯t ridden a tank across the prairies of my hometown, have I?¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°The reason is the value of swift action! The enemy is about to flee; they can¡¯t all run towards the Central Army Group. I think it¡¯s more likely they¡¯ll retreat to Argesukov using this highway. By using the cavalry to cut the road and destroy their transport vehicles, isn¡¯t this what you did during the counteroffensive phase of the Abawahan campaign?

    "The infrastructure of the Nan¡¯ant Prairie is too poor and it¡¯s winter. We had a very tough time then; many horses starved. The cavalry turned into infantry.

    "But look at the prairies of our homnd, where there is excellent pasture for the horses to feed themselves wherever they go. Just shoot some game with guns every day, and that¡¯s enough to feed us.

    "Is there a more suitable stage for the cavalry to gallop? Alyosha, forget the tanks, let us cavalrymen run. The Prosenese are now like frightened birds; once we run, we can annihte them all!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You have persuaded me, but we need to have a n

    Pavlov, ¡°We do have a n. Deploy pure cavalry to disrupt the enemy¡¯smunication with Argesukov and interfere with their movement towards the Dibo River defense line.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°You have a n?¡±

    "I do.¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°Because I let my wife send his wife quite a bit of food and also milk powder.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°That¡¯s got nothing to do with it. Based on past battle experiences, I believe that deploying cavalry at this time would be very effective, especially when neither side has many tanks.

    "We also have so many Jeeps, which can supply the cavalry.

    "So, I ordered the staff to make a n, the key is to use the mobility of the cavalry, bypass the viges where the Prosenese rear guard troops are entrenched, and prate deep into enemy territory.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked back and forth between Kiriyenko and Pavlov, ¡°Well, you two have colluded against me. Kiriyenko, tell me the truth, how confident are you? Won¡¯t this waste our forces and cause our men to die in vain?¡±

    Kiriyenko, ¡°No! The enemy¡¯s tanks and half-track vehicles have suffered heavy losses, and ording to our reconnaissance reports, many enemy troops are retreating on foot. Let us go.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought for a moment and then decisively pped the table, ¡°Good! You have one day to prepare, set out tomorrow, July 20. Remember, the Armored Troops and mechanized infantry will not depart until July 25. Before then, you horsemen can only rely on yourselves.¡±

    Kiriyenko was overjoyed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry! Then, can I use your phone? I need to issue orders to the troops so they can be ready to strike tonight!¡±

    "Don¡¯t rush,¡± Pavlov said, ¡°First, take a good look at the n I¡¯ve drawn up for you. Don¡¯t mistake the rendezvous point with the supply convoy. I think you should set off at three o¡¯clock in the afternoon tomorrow; there¡¯s still plenty of daylight left, and that way, the preparations can be more thorough.¡±

    "Yes!¡± Kiriyenko saluted Pavlov, his peer in rank, ¡°See you in Prosenia!¡±

 Chapter 719: Hatred

    Chapter 719: Chapter 57 Hatred

    July 20, 0800 hours, in the vige of Karinka, Corps Command of the First Cavalry Army Group.

    At the hitching posts in front of Headquarters, there were high-headed horses fastened tightly.

    Children from the vige were sitting on the wall of the Headquarters¡¯ courtyard, asking Misha, the Coachman who was tending to the horses, ¡°Misha! Why are there so many horses?¡±

    "We are the Cavalry Army Group, we¡¯re meant to have a lot of horses,¡± Misha replied. ¡°Today is the day when officers above battalion level have meetings; we¡¯re about to attack.¡±

    The child was delighted, ¡°Are we going to kill the Prosens?¡±

    "Yes, we are going to kill the Prosens again!¡±

    "Are you going too?¡± the child asked again.

    Misha felt uneasy: ¡°I¡¯m just fifteen years old; they only let me be a hired hand. Even this job, I had to beg the Military Chain for it. I told him my family was blown up by the Prosens, leaving me alone, asking if I could go to the front line to see up close how they die."The Priest replied, ¡®Nonsense, your mother is helping wash clothes with theundry unit; I saw her yesterday. If you really want to go to the front, you can take care of horses in the Cavalry Troops. Brush the horses every day, clear out the dung. It¡¯s a tough job, but if you¡¯re willing, we¡¯ll let you go.

    Child: ¡°So you came?¡±

    "Yes, I tell you, just yesterday the Guard Corps Commander taught me how to use a saber. I asked him if we could capture a Prosen for me to chop at, but he said no, that we must treat prisoners humanely.¡±

    The child frowned, ¡°Why? When the Prosens upied our vige two years ago, they killed all who surrendered. Why should we treat prisoners humanely?¡±

    Misha shrugged, ¡°I don¡¯t know either, maybe you should ask the Military Chain.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, officers from the meeting came out of the wooden building of Headquarters, looking very pleased.

    The child boldly asked, ¡°Hey! What¡¯s the good news?¡±

    The officers all looked toward the wall.

    Someone joked, ¡°What¡¯s this, are you a Prosen spy? Be careful or the Judge will have you arrested!¡±

    The child was not afraid at all: ¡°That¡¯s not possible, a few days ago the Judge gave me candy because I helped them find all the booby traps the Prosens left behind!¡±

    "Oh, a little hero then!¡±

    At that moment, General Kiriyenko stepped out of Headquarters, ¡°What¡¯s the fuss about?¡±

    "General, our little hero here is asking if there¡¯s any good news,¡± they said.

    "Good news?¡± Kiriyenko adjusted his Cossack cavalry cloak. ¡°Of course, there is good news. In six hours, we¡¯ll strike Orachi as the vanguard of the entire Front Army!¡±

    "Orachi?¡± The child¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Our vige¡¯s Ivan came from there.¡±

    Kiriyenko: ¡°A lot of people came from there two years ago, right?¡±

    "No, just this year,¡± said the child.

    Kiriyenko¡¯s eyes widened at this, and not just him, so many officers in the yard stopped what they were doing and stared at the child sitting on the wall. ???¦­?§£¨¨?

    The child became a bit cowed, raising their voice: ¡°I¡¯m not lying! Ivan only came from Orachi this year! He said so himself, seemed like he was scared that the yellow dogs in the vige at the time would hear.¡±

    The Prosens had issued the Antean security forces they organized with yellow uniforms. The residents left in the upied Area called them yellow dogs.

    Kiriyenko said seriously, ¡°Take us to this Ivan, and you¡¯ll get this exchange ticket as a reward.¡±

    Exchange tickets were newly introduced this year. With the expectation that a vast amount of territory would be liberated this year, the Antean Ministry of Finance specially printed this type of voucher which could be exchanged for food and daily necessities at military depots and Church distribution centers.

    The child¡¯s eyes lit up at the sight of the exchange ticket, and they slid off the wall immediately, passing through a bunch of cavalry officers to get to Kiriyenko, snatching the ticket, ¡°That¡¯s great, I¡¯m going to exchange it for candy!¡±

    Kiriyenko: ¡°That won¡¯t do, the amount of candy you could get with this ticket could cause trouble if you ate it all. So lead us to Ivan now.¡±

    "This way!¡± the child eximed and started running.

    Ivan, who hade from Orachi, was splitting wood in the courtyard, and upon hearing the noise outside, he paused, straightening his back, and wiped sweat from his brows with a puzzled look over the low wall.

    The low wall was only chest-high for an adult, allowing a view of therge group of Cavalry Army Officers approaching the courtyard from the road outside.

    The person leading them seemed to be a child, who could only be seen waving over the low wall: ¡°Over here, over here! This is the courtyard!¡±

    The leading officer had four stars on his shoulder, likely an Admiral, and when he raised his head, his gaze met with Ivan¡¯s.

    Admiral: ¡°Fellow countryman! You came from Orachi?¡±

    Ivan¡¯s expression darkened, and he lowered his head, ready to resume chopping wood.

    Admiral: ¡°We¡¯re about to attack toward Orachi. We hope you can provide us with some intelligence! For example, how many Prosen troops are stationed in the city, what¡¯s the makeup of the poption, is there any guerri organization

    "There¡¯s nothing left,¡± Ivan interrupted the officer, ¡°Nothing at all, Orachi is now an empty city, no Prosens, no civilians, and definitely no guerris.¡±

    "What?¡± The Admiral looked shocked.

    Ivan ced the axe into the stump, looked up to the sky, and sighed deeply: ¡°It happened in February, at the end of the month. The Prosens suddenly surrounded the city, set up machine guns on the perimeter and then, using methrower Tanks, started fires from the upwind direction.

    "We were going to organize fire-fighting, but then we found that all the wells in the city had been preemptively sealed with cement by the Prosens. The sewers were blocked off. There was nowhere to get water in the entire city.¡±

    Admiral: ¡°Why would they do that?¡±

    "I don¡¯t know; my basement just happened to have a secret tunnel leading out of the city. I gathered as many people nearby as I could and attempted to escape underground. But the enemy¡¯s encirclement was doubleyered, and my tunnel exit was between the twoyers.

    "The Prosens sprayed bullets at women and the elderly. I hid in the tunnel, not daring to make a sound. Eventually, the Prosens, hesitant to search the tunnel, sealed the exit with cement and left. I relied on the air inside the tunnel and stayed there until the great fire died down before I crawled out of the exit on the other side of the city.

    "The entire city had turned into a ghost town, with charred bodies everywhere. Not even carrion birds would visit that city because there was no flesh left to eat.¡±

    Admiral: ¡°Would you be willing to repeat these words to the Church¡¯s propaganda department?¡±

    Ivan looked at the Admiral for a few seconds before slowly nodding, ¡°I can. I no longer¡ªhave nightmares.¡±

    The Admiral turned to the other officers, ¡°Remember, when you capture a Prosen Officer, interrogate them about why they massacred in Orachi. This is crucial! We need an answer, or we cannot guarantee that we will restrain ourselves after taking Prosen cities! Say this to the Prosen officers!¡±

    "Yes,¡± the officers responded in unison.

    The Admiral looked at Ivan again, ¡°Is there anything else you can tell us?¡±

    "Nothing more, just a few small rivers between here and Orachi. Even during high water periods, they¡¯re the kind you can ford on horseback. When I ran here in February, I didn¡¯t see the Prosens build any fortifications, and there weren¡¯t many garrisons in the viges along the way.¡± As he spoke, Ivan took out a cigarette case and put a cigarette to his lips.

    The Admiral pulled out a lighter, and with a flip of the lid, a me leapt out.

    Ivan leaned over to light his cigarette and took a drag beforeplimenting, ¡°Nice lighter.¡±

    "One of the supplies sent by the Federation, you can get one for an exchange ticket.¡±

    "That¡¯s pricey,¡± Ivan replied.

    The Admiral smiled, saluted, and turned to leave when Ivan suddenly said, ¡°There¡¯s a guerri liaison station in Torleka Vige. I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s still there, but if you need a guide, you can check it out.¡±

    "Understood,¡± the Admiral waved his hand and walked away with firm steps.

    Ivan smoked his cigarette, watching the officers depart.

    He was almost done with his cigarette when he noticed a child peeking out from the entrance of the courtyard.

    Ivan: ¡°Did you bring the General here?¡±

    "Hmm, he gave me an exchange ticket.¡± The child asked curiously, ¡°Are you a guerri fighter? If you¡¯re not a guerri, how do you know the location of the liaison station?¡±

    Ivan: ¡°I once was. But in February, I lost my nerve. I used to think that if I were caught, I could withstand torture, and die bravely without causing any harm to the organization.

    "But after the massacre in February, I was scared; I know that if I get caught now, without interrogation, I¡¯d spill everything I know.

    "So I ran for my life.¡±

    Ivan looked at the child: ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone.¡±

    The child: ¡°You¡¯re a deserter from the guerris!¡±

    Ivan: ¡°Better a deserter than a traitor who getsrades killed by giving information to the enemy! Besides, to them, I¡¯m already dead in Orachi, a martyr. That is good, very good.¡±

    "Is Ivan a pseudonym?¡± the child asked again.

    Ivan ced fresh logs on a stump, straightened them, and split them with an axe.

    "It¡¯s my real name now,¡± Ivan said.

    ¡ª

    July 20th, 1200 hours.

    Kiriyenko rode his ¡°old buddy¡± up a slope next to the highway.

    His troops were marching in four columns on the main road, advancing forward.

    Kiriyenko surveyed the troops, lifted his right hand, and shouted, ¡°To Davarish, to Plowsonia!¡±

    The cavalrymen responded in unison, ¡°To Plowsonia!¡±

    As the voices died down, the sound of engines could be heard overhead.

    Kiriyenko looked up to see eight Pe-2 bombers flying low.

    Unlike the IL Series attack aircraft, Pe-2 bombers usually didn¡¯t fly low; their presence above the cavalry at this altitude was likely meant to boost morale.

    And indeed, it had an impressive effect.

    The cavalrymen looked up, some even waving their hats at the aircraft.

    Kiriyenko muttered, ¡°Ever since General Rokossovsky was able tomand the Air Force, these kinds of stunts have increased!¡±

    Chief of Staff of the Army Group: ¡°I quite like it. During the first year, the spectacles of Prosen nes attacking together were eye-opening. Now we can do the same.¡±

    Kiriyenko nodded, ¡°Who wouldn¡¯t like it? It¡¯s exactly because we like it that General Rokossovsky pulls these stunts.¡±

    As he finished speaking, a messenger, holding a small g, ran up the hill, ¡°Report, special supply convoy from Front Army Headquarters has arrived.¡±

    Kiriyenko: ¡°Understood, let them rest for now. Once we¡¯ve captured the next predetermined supply vige, they can set off.¡±

    "Yes,¡± the messenger with the g ran down the hill again.

    Chief of Staff of the Army Group: ¡°I just thought, why don¡¯t we get a Red g too? I heard the Guard Heavy Breakthrough Tank Group has one, iming it was given by an old local farmer. We can say the locals gave us one too.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Kiriyenko¡¯s eyes widened: ¡°Can we do that? A Red g¡­ I kind of want one, but let¡¯splete our mission first. After achieving a decisive victory in the summer campaign, General Rokossovsky won¡¯t mind us getting a Red g.¡±

 Chapter 720: The Prosensâ€™ Response

    Chapter 720: Chapter 58: The Prosens¡¯ Response

    On July 20 at 1100 hours, one hour before the Ante Cavalry began their assault, Marshal Geron saw General Xiplin enter the Headquarters of the Southern Army Group.

    "My old friend,¡± he greeted immediately, ¡°you should know why I have called you here to the Army Group Command, right?¡±

    Xiplin replied, ¡°Is it to clean up this mess we¡¯re currently in?¡±

    Marshal Geron countered, ¡°How can you call it cleaning up a mess! The High Command and His Majesty the Emperor are wisely assigning each Prosen general to a stage where their talents can be fully utilized.

    "You are extremely skilled at conducting retreats. Last winter, you led the B Army Group out of Rocossov¡¯s million-strong army and the fiercely cruel General Winter.

    "Now the Empire needs your talent to rescue our warriors from the perilous Shepetovka. But you were slow in arriving from the Coastal Fortress, taking several days!¡±

    Xiplin hurriedly exined, ¡°I didn¡¯t purposely dy. There were many defense issues at the Coastal Fortress that needed to be addressed, which caused the dy.¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry about these,¡± Marshal Geron waved his hand dismissively, then gestured for Xiplin to follow him and walked over to the map, ¡°All the signs indicate that Rocossov, who obliterated our rear guard left at Oborony, will soon outnk our forces in this direction.¡±Xiplin, squinting at the map where Prosen and Ante forces met, suddenly interrupted the Marshal, ¡°Why don¡¯t I see the sawtooth line that represents defensive positions on the frontline between the two armies?¡±

    The so-called sawtooth line, a nickname for the map legend representing defensive positions, looked like a smoothed saw de.

    Marshal Geron exined, ¡°Because a continuous defensive line doesn¡¯t exist yet; our troops have only had time to fortify the defenses at each vige. Before I returned from the Eagle¡¯s Nest, the 52nd Army reported that along the control zone boundary, there¡¯s a series of discontinuous wooded areas where defensive lines could be positioned.¡±

    Xiplin asked, ¡°And the defensive line?¡±

    "The 52nd Army reported that the Anteans¡¯ observation posts have been directing artillery fire to disrupt the establishment of defenses, and currently, only 30 percent of the wooded area is fortified.¡±

    Xiplin found the 52nd Army¡¯s defensive area on the map, his mouth agape, ¡°So you¡¯re saying there are gaps everywhere?¡±

    Marshal Geron confirmed, ¡°We control the highways. Even if the enemy forces infiltrate through these gaps, they won¡¯t likely get supplies.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Xiplin retorted, ¡°Are you serious, Marshal?¡±

    Marshal Geron sighed, ¡°What can I say? Of course, I know that the Ante Cavalry, once infiltrated, can resupply locally with food, as the Antean civilians are eagerly awaiting liberation and would rather starve themselves to aid their army.

    "As for weapons, they could obtain them from guerris or even capture our supply depots. I know the situation is terrible! But how can I say that? It would only worsen morale if the others heard.¡±

    Xiplin queried further, ¡°What about the Armored Troops?¡±

    Marshal Geron continued, ¡°The 48th Armored Army has been requested from the Central Army, although they have been battered since the fierce battles which started in June. £Ò¦Á??????

    "Their best condition unit is the 8th ¡®Ghost¡¯ Armored Division, which served as an army reserve. This morning, they reported theirbat readiness: 4 Type Threemand tanks, 7 short-barreled Type Threes, 32 long-barreled Type Threes, and 22 long-barreled Fours.¡±

    Xiplin raised his eyebrows, ¡°Not bad indeed. Based on past experience, such a unit could destroy at least 300 Ante tanks.¡±

    Marshal Geron added, ¡°As long as they don¡¯t face Ante¡¯s new tanks. Currently, only our new tank destroyers equipped with 105 mm anti-tank guns can handle these new tanks.¡±

    Xiplin inquired, ¡°How many of these tank destroyers do we have?¡±

    ¡°21,¡± Marshal Geron responded promptly, ¡°I have reinforced the 8th Armored Division with all of them. Make good use of this armored power.¡±

    Xiplin paused, ¡°Wait, the new tank destroyers are the ones of 70 tons I¡¯m familiar with?¡±

    "No, the 70-ton machines could indeed face the enemy¡¯s new tanks, either scratching them or prating them. Yet, these bulky items are now trophies of the Anteans.

    "What we currently are dealing with, which I¡¯m telling you about, is hastily made in the rear: thin-skinned, big-stuffed machines¡ªessentially just artillery carriers. They may not prate the enemy¡¯s tanks, and if spotted, they¡¯re easily destroyed with a single shot!¡±

    Marshal Geron paused, took a deep breath, ¡°But the good news is a report from the Krat Bureau in Rabowell stated that the production of Ante¡¯s new tanks is deficient, with only Rocossov¡¯s forces equipped with a certain number.¡±

    "We are facing Rocossov¡¯s troops,¡± Xiplin reminded solemnly, word by word.

    Marshal Geron continued, ¡°But thest confirmation of these tanks was ten days ago; we have reason to believe all new tanks are either malfunctioned or destroyed. Anteans have poor repair capabilities; we might not see these formidable machines for another half a month.

    "Before then, the 8th Armored Division will be the bane of all Ante armored troops, annihting them all!¡±

    Xiplin concluded, ¡°I understand. I will make good use of the 8th Armored Division. But it¡¯s really poignant that a division with fewer than 100 tanks has be the savior of the entire Army Group.¡±

    Marshal Geron stated, ¡°The other divisions of the 48th Armored Army put together still have 100 tanks, plus it was transferred from the Central Army Group, which controlled most of the tanker battles and thus the battlefield, hence many tanks are being recycled and repaired.

    "Theoretically, the longer we wait, the more armored troops we will have.¡±

    Xiplin: ¡°Do you think Rocossov will wait?¡±

    "No,¡± Marshal Geron shook his head, ¡°he won¡¯t miss the opportunity.¡±

    As if echoing Marshal Geron¡¯s words, a tensemunications staff member entered the headquarters and whispered a few words into the ear of the Chief of Staff of the Second Army Group.

    Because the original staff of the Southern Army Group was nearly wiped out, the staff now mainly came from the Second Army Group.

    The organization of the Prosen Army Group was rtivelyrge, sometimesprising three to four hundred thousand people, so the staff team managed the operations of the entire army group adequately.

    Marshal Geron, who originally served as the Commander of the Second Army Group, managed everything logically.

    As for the temporarily promoted acting Chief of Staff of the Army Group, he was naturally sidelined to gain experience.

    The Marshal looked at the Chief of Staff of the Second Army Group: ¡°What happened?¡±

    "Just now, Ante¡¯s Cavalry Troops crossed our defense line.¡±

    General Sheeplin: ¡°It seems that the seventy percent undefended area has been exploited.¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Even if we defended all of the forests, cavalry could still slip through gaps. This is a grasnd; to form a stable front line, we need to build trenches in the vast ins, and we simply don¡¯t have the time.¡±

    Sheeplin: ¡°So, was the cavalry assault expected? What¡¯s the countermeasure?¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°Scorched earth, hold the strongpoints.¡±

    Sheeplin: ¡°Do we have enough troops?¡±

    "Not enough,¡± Marshal Geron admitted frankly. ¡°And even if the enemy ignores our well-defended viges, they can still wipe out our supply convoys. The only solution is to armor our supply convoys, equipping each retreating convoy with at least 20 half-track vehicles and a corresponding number of Armored Grenadiers.¡±

    After saying this, Marshal Geron and General Sheeplin stared at each other.

    Both clearly recognized the biggest problem with this ¡°solution.¡±

    General Sheeplin: ¡°How many more troops would that require?¡±

    "We¡¯ve calcted it; it needs at least four Armored Grenadier Divisions so that we have enough armored vehicles and Grenadiers to protect all the convoys.¡±

    General Sheeplin: ¡°Four Armored Grenadier Divisions, not strengthening the front lines, not joining the counterattack, just purely escorting truck convoys. Then these divisions will also consume fuel supplies, and the vehicles will wear out¡­ I feel like we¡¯re in a deadlock.¡±

    "No!¡± Marshal Geron countered, ¡°The root of the problem lies in the vastness of the Kazralian ins, our troops being too spread out, and the supply lines being too long. If we retreat to the Dibo River, our troop concentration will increase, our supply lines will shorten, and then we¡¯ll have a continuous defensive line, solving all the problems.¡±

    Sheeplin: ¡°It seems so.¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°This is now your responsibility. I¡¯m returning from Eagle¡¯s Nest and have brought your appointment letter. The Emperor has also entrusted me with a message that if you sessfullyplete the retreat, the Marshal¡¯s Scepter will be yours.¡±

    Sheeplin gave a wry smile: ¡°You¡¯re really putting me on the hot seat.¡±

    Marshal Geron: ¡°How can you say that? This is the trust of the Empire and the Emperor. Well, I must take my leave now. My Chief of Staff and the staff members are all trustworthy, and of course, you can also transfer people from the Eleventh Army Group.¡±

    Sheeplin shook his head: ¡°No, it¡¯s toote for that now. The enemy cavalry has already broken through. We cannot allow themand system to fall into chaos now. Chief of Staff, show me the current retreat n. Also, how many Armored Grenadiers do we have?¡±

    "We have six Armored Grenadier Divisions, but sixty percent of their half-track vehicles have been lost. Moreover, we do not have control over the battlefield, so the lost vehicles can be considered total losses,¡± the Chief of Staff swiftly reported a series of figures.

    Marshal Geron was drinking coffee nearby.

    Sheeplin: ¡°Which of the six divisions is the most elite? The 16th Armored Grenadier Division?¡±

    "It¡¯s hard to define ¡®most elite,¡¯ theoretically speaking

    As the Chief of Staff hesitated, Marshal Geron interjected, ¡°The 16th Armored Grenadier Division is the best, and you are quite familiar with them.¡±

    Sheeplin: ¡°Greyhound Division it is then. We¡¯ll form a battle group based around the Greyhound Division to counter the enemy attacking from the east¡ª I mean, the predicted pursuing forces.

    "Other than the 16th Division, break up the remaining Armored Grenadier Divisions into squads and disperse them along the entire retreat route to deal with Ante¡¯s cavalry.

    "Additionally, center it around the 8th Armored Division¡ª wait, the Division Commander of the 8th Armored Division, isn¡¯t that Adel?¡±

    "Yes, ¡®Armored Schultz,''¡± the Chief of Staff answered.

    Sheeplin: ¡°I want to meet him, now, immediately.¡±

 Chapter 721: The Beginning of the March of Suffering (Additional update 46/84)

    Chapter 721 -59 The Beginning of the March of Suffering (Additional update 46/84)

    On the evening of July 20th, at the Southern Army Group Command Headquarters in Prosen.

    General Sheeplin had not waited for the arrival of Major General Adel Schultz,mander of the 8th Armored Division. Instead, severalmanders of the Armored Grenadier Divisions hade.

    The five divisionmanders, bristling with fury, entered the headquarters and then froze upon seeing both Marshal Geron and General Sheeplin standing before a map table.

    Marshal Geron pointed to General Sheeplin, ¡°You may not yet know that General Sheeplin has been promoted tomander of the Southern Army Group. I haven¡¯t left yet because I want to help himplete the handover sessfully. If you have any issues, take them up with the general.¡±

    Themander of the 10th Armored Grenadier Division, Major General Bishop, immediately spoke up, ¡°Whose idea was it to disband the Armored Grenadier Divisions? We¡¯ve already suffered heavy losses, dissolving us now will prevent us from forming a united front, and we¡¯ll fall apart when the enemy attacks!¡±

    General Sheeplin responded, ¡°When the enemy attacks, the two Army Group-sized battle groups we have formed will be responsible for the response. Your current task is to use your armored advantage to cover the retreat of the infantry and supply convoys.

    "Arge number of Ante Cavalry has already crossed the demarcation line between the two armies, and aerial reconnaissance indicates they¡¯re heading towards the Oraqi Ruins. If we don¡¯t take action, they¡¯re going to ughter our infantry and truck convoys.¡±

    Major General Bishop questioned, ¡°Why not let the Air Force handle this? Have them send in fighters to strafe the cavalry on the ground!¡±Marshal Geron answered on his behalf, ¡°We¡¯ve tried that, to little effect. Additionally, many of our fighter pilots have now been recalled for homnd air defense operations, and we don¡¯t have enough fighter aircraft to both seize air superiority and attack ground targets.¡±

    The divisionmanders looked at each other uncertainly.

    In the end, it was Bishop of the 10th who spoke up again, ¡°But scattering the Armored Grenadiers to the winds is just foolish! What about the assault guns of the infantry divisions? They would do well against the cavalry, wouldn¡¯t they?¡±

    General Sheeplin replied, ¡°The losses in the Assault Gun units are as significant as yours, and they alone cannot deal with so many cavalry.

    "Moreover, since the ressification of assault guns as tank destroyers at the beginning of the year, they¡¯ve been under the purview of the Armored Corps Director. The assault gun battalions have been outfitted in ck uniforms, and newly formed infantry divisions seldom receive a fullplement of assault guns.

    "More than half of the assault gunpanies in our infantry divisions are understrength.¡±

    The divisionmanders exchanged looks again.@@novelbin@@

    General Sheeplin continued, ¡°Stopining, aplish the mission, and once we fall back to the Dibo River, your forces will be reconsolidated. At that time, you¡¯ll be needed as a defensive and counter-attack force.¡±

    Just then, Major General Adel Schultz of the 8th Armored Division entered the room. Seeing a group of his fellow Armored Grenadiermanders, he hesitated, ¡°Uh, should I step outside for a smoke first?¡±

    "No, we¡¯re done here,¡± said General Sheeplin. ¡°Themanders have understood my intentions. They willplete the mission.¡±

    "Hold on!¡± Major General Bishop spoke up again, acting as the spokesperson for everyone, ¡°Disbanding us is still too outrageous. We can actually use the Panzer II tanks for this kind of task. The Panzer II tanks of the Armored Reconnaissance Battalion can easily chase down the cavalry in the open fields, can¡¯t they?¡± ????????S

    General Sheeplin asked, ¡°How many Panzer II tanks does your 10th Armored Grenadier Division have left, Major General Bishop?¡±

    The Major General was momentarily at a loss for words, ¡°Well¡­ less than ten.¡±

    Marshal Geron interjected, ¡°I heard that the Imperial Armament Department is nning to repurpose the Panzer II production line to manufacture Lynx reconnaissance tanks. Perhaps using them against the cavalry might be a good idea?¡±

    General Sheeplin added, ¡°That would be better than stripping down furniture trucks andying the machine guns t. I don¡¯t know which idiot designer came up with that, an anti-aircraft gun that can¡¯t beid t.¡±

    It was only then that everyone btedly realized that maybe a good method to counter the Ante Cavalry Troops had just been born.

    General Sheeplin turned to the Chief of Staff and asked, ¡°I recall we have Whirlwind anti-air guns?¡±

    "Just a few prototype models; they were sent to the front lines for testing,¡± the Chief of Staff answered.

    General Sheeplinmanded, ¡°Send all the Whirlwinds to cover the convoys and infantry!¡±

    "Yes, sir.¡±

    The General again looked towards the Grenadier Divisionmanders, ¡°Any other questions?¡±

    Themanders shook their heads.

    "Then go execute the orders. The enemy¡¯s cavalry is already racing across the ins. The infantry and transport convoys need you!¡±

    The divisionmanders saluted and left.

    General Sheeplin turned towards Adel Schultz, extending his hand, ¡°I¡¯ve heard a great deal about you, ¡®Armored Schultz¡¯.¡±

    "It¡¯s just a title concocted by the propaganda department to counter Rocossov,¡± said Schultz modestly, as he shook the offered hand lightly and then let go.

    General Sheeplin remarked, ¡°Modesty is a virtue, good. I called you here for

    "To deal with the Ante Cavalry?¡± Schultz interjected, but then shook his head, ¡°No, the cavalry moves too fast, and tanks can¡¯t keep up. It shouldn¡¯t be that we expend valuable motor hours on such tasks.¡±

    General Sheeplin nodded in agreement, ¡°You¡¯re right. In fact, we¡¯re nning to form the Schultz Group, gathering all the armored forces we can muster, with just one mission: to deliver a counter-strike when Rocossov¡¯s armored forcesunch their assault.¡±

    Schultz confirmed, ¡°No problem. That¡¯s exactly what we were doing in the Central Army Group, and we did it quite well, birthing many ace tank crews.

    I believe my boys are itching for a showdown with Rocossov¡¯s Guard Tank Formation.¡±

    Marshal Geron interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t becent. Rocossov has many new tanks, and there are also a significant number of Whirlwind tank destroyers.¡±

    Schultz retorted, ¡°In the initial days of the conflict, my units performed admirably against KV tanks, and I think it¡¯ll be the same with Rocossov¡¯s new tanks. There¡¯s always a way to counter them.¡±

    General Sheeplin informed, ¡°Intelligence indicates that Rocossov¡¯s new tanks are nearly depleted. Your opponents, until August, should mainly be T34Ws, at most with a few Whirlwinds added.¡±

    "That¡¯s excellent news; watch and see,¡± said Schultz with confidence.

    At 0800 on July 21st, on the northeastern road of Orachi.

    Andreas, carrying the tripod of his machine gun, trudged along, panting heavily.

    The freshly repaired asphalt was searing hot under the summer sun.

    Andreas was extremely thirsty and shook his canteen, but it made no sound. It was obviously empty.

    He twisted the cap off and licked the bottle opening with his tongue.

    At that moment, a canteen was passed over to his side, ¡°Drink up. You still haven¡¯t learned, have you? During a retreat like this, you should carry more canteens.¡±

    Andreas nced at the person offering the canteen and, realizing it was Master Sergeant Kosolek, took a big gulp from it and retorted, ¡°Howe you have experience in retreating?¡±

    Master Sergeant Kosolek replied, ¡°During the Unification War of Prosen, my grandfather was on the defeated side. He taught me.¡±

    As he spoke, the sergeant adjusted the position of the machine gun he was shouldering.

    Just then, the soldier walking in front shouted, threw down his gun, and began to strip off his magazine pouch¡ª

    Both Andreas and Kosolek shouted, ¡°Hold on to your weapon, soldier!¡±

    The recruit looked back and then copsed on the ground: ¡°I can¡¯t go on; just let me stay here with my weapon and face the Anteans¡¯ cruelty!¡±

    Andreas and Kosolek exchanged nces, then grabbed the recruit by the arms and pulled him up, one on each side.

    Kosolek encouraged, ¡°Pull yourself together! Think about your family. Don¡¯t you want to see them again?¡±

    Andreas warned, ¡°The Anteans will have the Judge interrogate you and then send you to thebor camp to work until you die! (This is all propaganda.)¡±

    The recruit protested, ¡°It¡¯s not that I don¡¯t want to go; I really can¡¯t move anymore. I haven¡¯t eaten in two days!¡±

    Andreas took outpressed biscuits, tore the packaging, broke off a piece, and was about to stuff it into the recruit¡¯s mouth.

    Kosolek stopped Andreas and picked up the canteen, unscrewing the cap, ¡°He can¡¯t digestpressed biscuits without water in his mouth!¡±

    After taking three sips of water, the recruit finally managed to swallow.

    Andreas stuffed the biscuit into the recruit¡¯s mouth.

    Chewing the biscuit, the recruit coughed violently when swallowing.

    Andreas patted the recruit¡¯s back, helping him steady his breath.

    The recruit said, ¡°You guys go ahead, I¡¯ll catch up in a moment

    Just then, a cry came from behind, ¡°Cavalry! Ante Cavalry ising!¡±

    Master Sergeant Kosolek and Sergeant Andreas exchanged looks.

    The sergeant, with his machine gun, rushed toward the wreckage of a nearby car, opened the bipod of the gun, and set it up on the car¡¯s roof.

    Without a tripod, the MG42 was just a light machine gun, its uracy not enough tobat Cavalry charging across the ins, but it was certainly better than nothing.

    The first Cavalryman appeared, Master Sergeant Kosolek immediately opened fire, and the characteristic tearing sound seemed to instantly calm the panicked Prosen deserters.

    More Cavalrymen appeared in their sight, and they didn¡¯t adopt the traditional Cavalry wall formation but spread out instead.

    Master Sergeant Kosolek cursed, ¡°Damn! The enemy¡¯s gotten clever; now it takes more bullets to bring down a horse!¡±

    Andreasy beside Kosolek, lifting the ammunition belt with his hand.

    When the belt was nearly empty, Andreas reminded, ¡°Better change the barrel!¡±

    "After this belt¡¯s done!¡± Kosolek responded.

    In the midst of their conversation, the ammunition ran out, and Andreas stood up, expertly uncoupling the barrel¡¯s fastening and pulling out the red-hot barrel.

    Although he touched the glowing barrel during the change, as a seasoned machine gunner, he was used to such burns.

    Quickly, the machine gun firepower was restored, and a few Ante Cavalrymen charged very close to their position.

    Kosolek immediately mowed them down but couldn¡¯t prevent a thrown grenade.

    The sergeant rolled down the wreckage with his machine gun.

    Andreas, a bit slower to roll down, felt the grenade explode just as he did so, with shrapnel clinking against the wreck.

    Andreas propped up his upper body with a submachine gun and sprayed bullets at the Cavalrymen seizing the opportunity.

    The sound of the MP40 was much weakerpared to the ¡°tearing machine.¡±

    And in his haste, Andreas ran out of ammunition, emptying nearly ten shots without hitting the charging knight.

    At that moment, the tearing machine sound echoed once more.

    Looking up, Andreas saw Kosolek, who had just rolled off the wreckage, again prone on top of it, firing.

    That¡¯s when a more reassuring sound began to fill the air.

    Andreas could tell immediately that it was the sound of a 20mm machine gun.

    But he didn¡¯t remember any of the hand-cranked 20mm guns being left in their division; they should have been discarded near Oborony along with the Opel Blitz trucks that had towed them.

    Standing up to look in the direction of the sound, he saw an unfamiliar armored vehicle moving forward andying down a barrage of 20mm fire.

    The Ante Cavalry turned and retreated, dropping smoke bombs¡ªyes, the Anteans had now be masters of smoke too.

    Andreas breathed a sigh of relief, telling himself, ¡°I¡¯m still alive, yes, I¡¯m still alive.¡±

    He raised his voice, ¡°Kosolek, we¡¯re still alive!¡±

    "I see that, to the bitter end!¡±

 Chapter 722: The Embarrassed Prosen Army

    Chapter 722: Chapter 60: The Embarrassed Prosen Army

    Andreas and Kosolek¡¯s suffering had not yet ended.

    To be precise, the suffering of the Prosen Army had not ended.

    As the anti-aircraft artillery followed the troops¡¯ progression, the Antean Cavalry merely watched from a distance, since the mobility of the anti-aircraft vehicles couldn¡¯t keep up with the cavalry, and to shoot beyond normal range was too wasteful of ammunition and had low lethality.

    When the anti-aircraft vehicle reached its predetermined position to set up defense, the cavalry began to circle the defensive area, waiting for the infantry to leave.

    There was nothing Andreas¡¯s unit could do but wait for the cavalry to get hungry and go back for meals before they could secretly start moving.

    Fortunately, the Antean cavalry hadn¡¯t bothered them at night, probably for fear of something happening to the horses, like being trampled.

    Thus, the Prosen Soldiers dragged their exhausted bodies through the night.

    As the dawn broke with a whitening sky, a small squad of Antean cavalry appeared. They did notunch an attack, but just watched the Prosens from a distance.Andreas noticed this small group of cavalry and pointed them out to Kosolek.

    Kosolek said, ¡°It could be a cavalry officer observing us, waiting for his troops to catch up. We¡¯ve got weapons too; such a small cavalry unit can¡¯t do anything to us.¡±

    Andreas looked around, ¡°Just by following us like this, they¡¯ve got us all on edge.¡±

    Kosolek nced around, ¡°Everyone¡¯s just tired.¡±

    He suddenly raised his voice, ¡°Cheer up! Such few cavalry wouldn¡¯t dare to attack us! We still have weapons, bullets, and just our machine guns could kill half of them!¡±

    The Master Sergeant¡¯s voice made many lift their heads and really brace their weapons in spirit.

    Andreas suddenly realized that the new recruit he had helped before was no longer there; all he could see were veterans marked as exempted soldiers.

    It seemed that most of the new recruits had already ¡°fallen out¡± during this grueling march.

    Master Sergeant Kosolek said, ¡°Alright, let¡¯s move on! After such a long trek, there should be a vige ahead. Once we reach the vige, we won¡¯t have to fear the cavalry!¡±

    Cavalry was not suited forbat in viges.

    Andreas faintly felt the troop¡¯s pace quicken a bit.

    Thirty minutester, the vige appeared.

    The pursuing cavalry stopped in their tracks upon seeing the vige, with the Red Horse Knight standing on a small rise beside the road, gazing toward the vige. ?£Á¦­¨®¦Â??

    At the entrance to the vige, a two-story building mounted with machine guns met their eyes, the Master Sergeantmanding the machine guns holding a pair of binocrs, and staring back at the Red Knight.

    Kosolek suddenly said, ¡°They¡¯re all nonmissioned officers; most of the junior officers have been sacrificed.¡±

    Prosen high-ranking officers rarely died in battle, as they believed their duties were within Headquarters and didn¡¯t often go to the front lines.

    But Prosen junior officers still led from the front, so after brutal battles, it was normal for arge number of nonmissioned officers to remain tomand the rank and file.

    Licking his lips, Andreas said, ¡°I hope there¡¯s water in the vige.¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry, there will be. Maybe we¡¯ll even get some hot soup.¡±

    Five minutester, Andreas and Kosolek arrived at the entrance to the vige.

    Kosolek shouted to the Master Sergeant beside the machine gun, ¡°Is there any hot soup?¡±

    "No!¡± the Master Sergeant shook his head. ¡°We wanted to make a fire for cooking, but the locals ran off with all the firewood and such; we have nothing to start a fire with. Plus, you need meat and vegetables for soup, right? All we have are biscuits!¡±

    Kosolek asked, ¡°Didn¡¯t you ughter any horses or mules?¡±

    The Master Sergeant pointed at a pile of cavalry corpses in front of the machine gun position, ¡°There are horses there. Would you dare to eat that?¡±

    Andreas nced at the pile of corpses and noticed the horses¡¯ and humans¡¯ bodies werepletely intertwined, the vivid red indistinguishable as horse blood or human blood.

    Indeed, swallowing such ¡°meat¡± would require some courage.

    Kosolek waved his hand dismissively, ¡°Never mind, is there water?¡±

    "Yes, there is. Last night some locals tried to throw things into the well under cover of darkness but were caught by the Constitutional Guards. So, the well water is still drinkable. Hurry and drink, who knows when it might get poisoned.¡±

    Kosolek nodded and made a gesture to Andreas, and the two of them followed the troops into the vige.

    After just a few steps, they saw several locals hanging from the trees by the roadside, each with a sign detailing the reason for their execution.

    "For poisoning the well.¡±

    "For mixingxatives into our food.¡±

    "For throwing stones at Prosen Soldiers.¡±

    ¡­

    Andreas, focusing on the one executed for throwing stones, said to Kosolek, ¡°Do we have to hang a child just for throwing a stone?¡±

    Kosolek replied, ¡°That¡¯s how the Constitutional Guards are.¡±

    "No,¡± answered three infantrymen smoking by the tree, ¡°we hung him, not the Constitutional Guards.¡±

    Then the three of them burst intoughter.

    Andreas took a good look at them: all very young, in brand new uniforms without a single mud spot, obviously greenhorns who had just arrived at the front line.

    He couldn¡¯t help but speak out, ¡°We shouldn¡¯t hang a child, even if he threw stones at us!¡±

    The young private¡¯sughter came to an abrupt halt, and they awkwardly tugged at their clothing hems, ¡°Sorry, we¡­ But when we hanged the kid, the Quartermaster wasughing his head off, right?¡±

    Andreas wanted to interrogate, but Kosolek grabbed his shoulder, ¡°Alright, eating and rehydrating is more important, then you¡¯ll need some rest; there¡¯s still a long way to go to the Dibo River!¡±

    Andreas red at the three recruits and followed Kosolek¡¯s steps, quickly arriving at the central square of the vige¡ªevery Ante Vige has such a square, with the most conspicuous building next to it usually being a church.

    But now only ruins remained of the church, and several skeletons still hung from the bell tower.

    A crowd of grimy-faced Prosen Soldiers had already gathered at the ce wherepressed biscuits and water were being distributed.

    Andreas filled his water bottle and received his share ofpressed biscuits, and just like that, he ate the biscuits with water.

    Several res suddenly shot up into the sky.

    The soldiers around the distribution point didn¡¯t know what had happened, but the veterans getting their supplies reacted immediately, scattering to find cover.

    The sound of engines roared from the sky.

    Machine guns began to fire, but the sound seemed feeble against the airne engines, and the density of the gunfire was clearly insufficient.

    The Pe-2 bomber howled past, dropping a bomb straight onto a table piled withpressed biscuit tins, plunging through the thick tabletop and shattering the stone bs beneath.

    The bomb¡¯s rear timing mechanism kept ticking noisily.

    The new private distributing the goods stared at the bomb with eyes wide in panic. A Sergeant rushed over, pinning the private to the ground.

    Almost simultaneously, the ticking of the timer stopped, and the bomb exploded violently, light and smoke from the gunpowder instantly engulfing the Sergeant and the private sprawled on the ground.

    Someone was shouting, ¡°Quartermaster!¡±

    It seemed that this Sergeant was the Quartermaster who hadughed at the hanging of the young boy.

    Andreas was stunned by the st and passed out,ing to his senses after a whole five seconds, with a severe ringing in his ears drowning out all other sounds.

    But as a veteran, he was ustomed to such ringing; he didn¡¯t wait for it to subside before checking his surroundings.

    The tableden withpressed biscuits had vanished, and the tins were now scattered across much of the vige square.

    The water barrels had fallen over, and water covered the ground, even forming puddles.

    Many soldiers, regathering their strength after the bombardment, were lying next to the puddles, scooping water into their mouths with their hands.

    Only when the ringing in his ears stopped did Andreas remember Kosolek and shouted, ¡°Kosolek!¡±

    "Here, still not dead,¡± Kosolek¡¯s voice immediately came from behind him.

    Andreas turned and saw Kosolek crouched against a wall, cleaning sand off a machine gun.

    "You really can keep calm,¡± Andreas said.

    "When the Cavalryes for the assault, we¡¯re going to rely on this old fellow to fight them off,¡± said the old Machine Gunner.

    Before Andreas could reply, someone nearby eximed, ¡°The nes areing back! Take cover!¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than the previously bomb-dropping Pe-2 bombers reappeared, strafing the ground with their machine guns.

    This time even the new recruits reacted, and in the blink of an eye, there was not a standing person left in the square.

    The strafingsted two rounds before the Ante pilots finally flew away.

    Andreas got up, ¡°Damn it, the anti-aircraft artillery didn¡¯t fire a single shot!¡±

    "What anti-aircraft artillery? They¡¯re all out on the road dealing with the Ante Cavalry,¡± Kosolek said.

    Andreas: ¡°How did things turn out like this.¡±@@novelbin@@

    At that moment, someone interjected, ¡°This is much better thanst winter when we ran back from Abawahan. Weren¡¯t you guys in the Abawahan campaignst year?¡±

    Since the Prosen Army lost the Abawahan campaign, no correspondingmemorative medals were issued.

    Kosolek: ¡°Last year we were shing with Rocossov¡¯s troops in Yeisk, then we were sent to rest, and ever since rejoining the front line, we¡¯ve been defending the Suhayaweili River before ending up here.¡±

    The passing junior officer shook his head, ¡°Then you¡¯re really lucky. Only a third of our unit from the Abawahan campaign made it back, including me. Last year¡¯s retreat was unbearable; at least this year we have water to drink. Last year, we had to chew ice to get water, and many people got diarrhea because the ice water was too cold and it damaged our stomachs.¡±

    Another new voice joined the conversation, ¡°Ever since Rocossov began leading Ante, we¡¯ve been in continuous retreat.¡±

    Kosolek: ¡°He¡¯s not leading Ante.¡±

    "He isn¡¯t? I heard he¡¯s already the ¡®Shadow Emperor¡¯ of Ante.¡±

    Andreas: ¡°What I heard was, ¡®He slept with the Tsar.''¡±

    "Pretty much

    Another re shot up.

    "Another air strike, the Cavalry came and now nes, then after the nes, the Cavalry wille again!¡± Kosolek shut the now clean action of the machine gun, looking up at the sky.

    This time the dive bombers swooping down were Ante¡¯s squat bombers, which looked like milk bottles (actually P-47 Thunderbolts).

    Bombs exploded once again in the square.

    The enemy nes not only dropped bombs but also strafed as they pulled up, with Tracer Bullets falling like rain from the sky.

    Andreasy on the ground, thinking that this was truly enough.

 Chapter 723: Summary of the Situation

    Chapter 723: Chapter 61: Summary of the Situation

    July 25, 0400 hours, Kazarlia Front Army Headquarters.

    Wang Zhong entered the headquarters at dawn.

    Pavlov: ¡°You¡¯ve only slept for a little over three hours, are you okay?¡±

    "You talk as if you have had a lot of rest,¡± Wang Zhong replied.

    Pavlov: ¡°Considering my age, it¡¯s normal for us old folks to sleep less, but you young people need to sleep a bit more.¡±

    Pavlov was indeed much older than Wang Zhong, and also a father to several children.

    Wang Zhong nced at his bald head and decided not to take issue with his father-like statement, but instead asked directly about the battle situation: ¡°What¡¯s the situation at the front now?¡±

    "The Cavalry Troops have reported many victories and have brought back many prisoners.¡±Wang Zhong: ¡°Bringing back prisoners? We haven¡¯t started the armored assault yet. The Cavalry Troops are generally tens to hundreds of kilometers from our control area; how did they bring back prisoners?¡±

    "Using Pe-2 aircraft. In this season, the grasnds allow Pe-2 tond almost anywhere as long as they avoid the field mouse burrows. Hence, the Cavalry Troops constructed makeshift airfields for transporting prisoners,¡± Pavlov exined, ¡°Pe-2 needs just one pilot but has two seats.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I see, but isn¡¯t that very inefficient? Transporting ten prisoners would require deploying ten Pe-2 bines.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°That¡¯s why only officers are brought back. The Tribunal is thrilled, interrogating them daily, and has basically rified the current situation of the enemy.¡±

    Pavlov moved to the map: ¡°The enemy has now dispersed anti-aircraft vehicles equipped with rapid-fire cannons along their retreat routes to chase the cavalry.

    "This has decreased their defense capability against the Air Force, so these days the boys in the Air Force have been having a st bombing them.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°I knew that from when I went on a reconnaissance flight and talked with the pilots. But I didn¡¯t expect it to be because they used their anti-aircraft cannons against the cavalry.¡±

    Pavlov nodded: ¡°The Cavalry Troops can¡¯t take down the enemy¡¯s heavily fortified positions, but even so, they have had a huge impact on the ins, mainly because the ins are so vast.

    "Fully motorized enemy forces can¡¯t handle the Cavalry Troops on the ins; their mobile units can catch up to the cavalry, but the cost is too high.¡±

    At this moment, Popov interjected: ¡°I heard that the enemy Central Army Group started using armored trains against the Cavalry Troops, and during the summer offensive by General Gorky, the cavalry didn¡¯t y a significant role.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°No, no. The main reason the cavalry from the Western Front Army didn¡¯t y a significant role was due to thendscape being too forested, though there wererge expanses of grasnds and wheat fields between the woods, but they weren¡¯t continuous.¡±

    Cavalry is particrly suited to the steppes of Kazarlia and Nan¡¯ant, but as they pushed further west, the role of the cavalry began to diminish.

    It was simr on Earth; when the Russians nned to exploit the advantages of cavalry beyond their borders, they began facing setbacks as the viges in the Eastern European ins were closely packed, making it difficult for cavalry to maneuver.

    Wang Zhong remembered that on Earth, there was also an instance where a Russian cavalry unit had been surrounded and annihted in the Hungarian in¡ªthe viges and structures were too clustered with a plethora of barns and farmhouses scattered across the ins, which the defending forces used as points of fire, restricting the cavalry¡¯s mobility.

    Pavlov: ¡°From the lessons of the cavalry operations of the Western Front Army, as we continue pushing west, the effectiveness of the cavalry will continue diminishing. Maybe we can suggest to the High Command to stop expanding the scale of the Cavalry Troops.¡±

    "No need to worry; His Majesty the Tsar and I had a phone conversation earlier, and heined about the shortage of cavalry horses and the impossibility of forming more Cavalry Troops. Our cavalry has already reached its limit.¡±

    Having said that, a staff member brought a document directly to Pavlov.

    Pavlov tore open the kraft paper bag of the document, took out the contents inside and nced through before saying to Wang Zhong: ¡°This is our Maintenance Troops¡¯ assessment of the newly recovered enemy tanks from the battlefield. ???¦­??£Â§§??

    "The Maintenance Troops can¡¯t understand why the Prosens would use such aplicated suspension system.¡±

    Wang Zhong, of course, knew what was meant by suspension, but he had to feign ignorance: ¡°Complex suspension?¡±

    "Yes, it seems they adopted a new dual-row load-bearing wheel design to expand the track¡¯s ground contact area. ording to the Maintenance Department¡¯s report, this device is extremely difficult to maintain as the entire row of load-bearing wheels needs to be dismantled if there¡¯s an issue with the wheels on the inside. Our tanks¡ªand the enemy¡¯s Panzer III and IV¡ªcanplete a load-bearing wheel recement in one hour, but the new tanks need at least five to six hours.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°(Surprised) Five to six hours?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Five to six hours, and that¡¯s a conservative estimate. Maintaining the enemy¡¯s new tanks is very, very troublesome.

    "That¡¯s one thing; another is that our staff found it odd that the new tanks are very heavy, such as the one they call Tiger King, which weighs over seventy tons.

    "However, ording to our maintenance engineers¡¯ assessment, the defensive capabilities of the Prosen new tanks are nowhere near our tanks.¡±

    Wang Zhong pretended to be surprised: ¡°Really?¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Yes, our Maintenance Department estimates that the seventy-ton Tiger King¡¯s defensive ability is about the same as the forty-ton Rokossovsky Type.¡±

    Vasily: ¡°Really? Where did they put those extra 30 tons? Did the designers eat them?¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Wasting tonnage is a tradition for Prosens; just look at their battleships.¡±

    Pavlov: ¡°Anyway, the enemy¡¯s new tanks, astonishingly heavy, might even crush their own load-bearing wheels. The Maintenance Department believes we needn¡¯t worry about these tanks; just issue our 100mm cannons better armor-piercing shells, and they¡¯ll handle them perfectly.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°The Maintenance Department makes a good point, but still, we have to hand it over to the rear for a thorough assessment. So, did we repair these tanks? Can we get them on a train to Yeburg?¡±

    Pavlov shook his head: ¡°Most of the new tanks were burned; the Maintenance Department is working hard to find new tanks that weren¡¯t ignited.¡±

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Then let them keep looking. How are today¡¯s attack preparations?¡±

    "The troops report that they are ready to attack,¡± Pavlov paused, dropped the enemy tank assessment report he was holding, and took out a stack of aerial photos from the table, ¡°ording to aerial reconnaissance, the Prosens might have reinforced aplete Armored Division.¡±

    Wang Zhong slightly furrowed his brows: ¡°Is that so certain?¡±

    "Definitely. Don¡¯t believe me, take a look.¡± Pavlov pulled out a photo and pushed it towards Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong picked up the photo.@@novelbin@@

    In the photo, a train loaded with tanks was being unloaded.

    Wang Zhong: ¡°Why didn¡¯t we send Pe-2s to bomb them?¡±

    "We did bomb them, but the effect will have to wait until today¡¯s reconnaissance results are in.¡±

 Chapter 724: Armored Assault Begins

    Chapter 724: Chapter 62 Armored Assault Begins

    Wang Zhong stared at the photo, lost in thought.

    Pavlov asked, ¡°You¡¯re not thinking of getting on a ne right now for a personal reconnaissance, are you?¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°But at this moment, it is indeed the fastest way to get a clear understanding of the enemy¡¯s newly arrived armored troops.

    "I¡¯m worried about our military department, which isunching an attack today. Both Yegorov¡¯s First Mobile Group Army and Yane Yame¡¯s Mnia Army Group are mixed forces, they still have means to counter enemy armored assaults.

    "Likewise, the experienced Guards Eighth Tank Army that is also entering the fray today wears its Guards title with pride.

    "But the 55th Tank Army that is supposed to attack today is a newly arrived force from the rear, with only fifteen percent of personnel who have experience!

    "What if this army encounters a counterattacking enemy? Once the location of the enemy¡¯s new forces is ascertained

    Pavlov interjected, ¡°You can¡¯t change today¡¯s attack deployment anymore unless you tell the 55th not to advance. What would you say to those boys from the 55th?"Would you say ¡®I¡¯ve discovered the enemy armor massing, you won¡¯t be able to beat them, it¡¯s a death sentencethink of the blow to their morale! You¡¯re the Star of Victory, they idolize you, look up to you!¡±

    "But they would be alive!¡±

    "After a head-on encounter with the enemy¡¯s armored troops, many of them will still be alive, and those who survive will be experienced veterans.¡± Pavlov emphasized his point with a wave of his hand, ¡°And you, you should be used to this by now, shouldn¡¯t you? Last winter at Abawahan, you never showed mercy.¡±

    "That¡¯s because at Abawahan, we couldn¡¯t hold the line without taking those measures.¡±

    "The same applies now; someone has to wear down the enemy¡¯s armored forces. Are we supposed to wait for them to run out of fuel on the prairies?¡± Pavlov said decisively.

    Just then, Vasily came in with two unfamiliar officers. Clearly, he had heard the argument and immediately raised his voice upon entering, ¡°Maybe we won¡¯t have to spend lives to wear down the enemy¡¯s armored forces.¡±

    Wang Zhong spun around, ¡°What did you say?¡±

    Vasily stepped aside, ¡°This is themander of the newly arrived Guards Third Tank Brigade, Feodor, and the Military Chain Yerin. Their brigade is fully equipped with new tanks, those unnamed ones with pot-shaped turrets.¡±

    Wang Zhong was overjoyed, ¡°Another brigade?¡±

    Feodor saluted Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s right, General, 41 new tanks have just rolled off the production line and all have been assigned to our brigade. Moreover, I bring good news: the production of new tanks has increased to two per day, we can equip one and a half brigades in a month!¡±

    Wang Zhong was pleased, ¡°Your arrival is most timely. The brigade that previously went into battle encountered the enemy¡¯s Mark VI heavy tank units and suffered heavy losses. Our repair capabilities are insufficient, especially for the new tanks. That brigade is still in a crippled state.

    "But now the enemy has aplete tank division. Once our attack begins, this division mightunch a strike against us, and we expect the enemy to bypass our Whirlwind units and directly hit our assaulting armored troops.¡±

    "That¡¯s great, leave it to us!¡± Feodor eximed.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Have your forces finished unloading?¡±

    "Already done, General!¡±

    "Then return to your brigade immediately to reinforce the 55th Army. This armycksbat experience, and eighty percent of the vehicle crews have only sixty hours of driving time.¡± ???N?§£§¦S?

    "All new recruits,¡± Colonel Feodor said seriously. ¡°They¡¯ll suffer tremendously if they face the Prosen¡¯s armored forces.¡±

    "That¡¯s why I need you to strengthen them. They are about tounch an offensive. If you leave right now, you can meet up with them by nightfall.¡±

    After speaking, Wang Zhong patted the battalionmander on the shoulder.

    "Understood!¡±

    Feodor turned to leave but was stopped by Wang Zhong, ¡°Wait a minute, we have a tradition here. Commanders sent to the front must have a hot meal before they go.¡±

    "I know, the st supper¡¯! Now only a few with especially good luck survive!¡± Feodor appeared eager, ¡°They say surviving means passing the trial, bing one of your Angels!¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he was sick of it, even though it¡¯s a world of miracles, hadn¡¯t it been agreed that the Secr faction didn¡¯t believe in this? Howe they¡¯re more superstitious than the next?

    Be my Angels? My only Angel at the moment is Ludm!

    Despite Feodor¡¯s excitement, Wang Zhong didn¡¯t want to dampen his spirits.

    But then Feodor added, ¡°General Yegorov already survived several brushes with death at Abawahan. He has be your Angel!¡±

    Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t help but retort, ¡°Him? An Angel? No, no, no, with his bear-like figure, he doesn¡¯t look like an Angel.¡±

    Pavlovughed out loud, ¡°He looks more like a Druid in human form.¡±

    "That¡¯s good too,¡± Feodor said.

    Wang Zhong thought, as long as you¡¯re happy, and gestured to Vasily, ¡°Take them to eat.¡±

    On the same day, at 0600 hours, the 38th Tank Battalion of the 55th Army set off for their attack starting point.

    Lieutenant Alexander Fadin was about to leave the battalion headquarters when he was stopped by the battalionmander.

    The battalionmander asked, ¡°I heard you¡¯re the only one from this batch of cadets toe out as a Lieutenant? The Colonel who selected you has only one arm, right? How did you impress him?¡±

    Alexander was surprised, ¡°How did you know the one selecting us was one-armed?¡±

    "Because he was the oldmander of myst unit, they sent him to be a recruitment officer after his arm got shot off. He¡¯s very strict, how did you manage to make him bend the rules to give you a lieutenant¡¯s rank?¡±

    Lieutenant Alexander, ¡°I was driving the tank and shot three rounds while in motion¡ªall hit their targets, so I was given the rank of lieutenant.¡±

    The battalionmander widened his eyes, ¡°Shooting while in motion? There¡¯s no such training exercise, is there?¡±

    Both the T34 and T34W only had very basic stabilizers and were essentially incapable of shooting while on the move.

    Lieutenant Alexander, ¡°The tank we tested was an old T34, I personally served as the gunner and took the shots, timing the firing with the shaking of the gun barrel. If you get the timing right, you can hit the target.¡±

    "Sukabule!¡± The battalionmander expressed his feelings with this exmation, ¡°Alright then, let the Prosen people taste your prowess!¡±

    Lieutenant Alexander, ¡°No, the T34W has a three-man turret, so I can¡¯t do the shooting myself, which means we¡¯ll probably stop to shoot.¡±

    "That¡¯s fine, that¡¯s fine.¡± The battalionmander waved him off, ¡°Go on, I¡¯m looking forward to your performance.¡±

    Lieutenant Alexander saluted, turned, and left the battalion headquarters to rush toward his own tank.

    The meeting had just concluded and everyone had already returned to their vehicles, exining the battle n to the crew and where to regroup after abandoning their vehicles.

    Now, the Ante Army¡¯s Armored Troops all set up vehicle abandonment rally points, asking all tank operators to try to get back to the rally point instead of, like before, abandoning their tanks and bing infantry on the spot to continue fighting those damn Prosen people.

    This was also a change born out of the military reform advocated by General Rokossovsky, as the Ante Troops began to ce even greater emphasis on technical forces.

    Alexander returned to his vehicle crew, ¡°Alright, gather round! Everyone listen up, if you abandon your vehicle inbat, make your way back to the collection forces in Vasonka on your own. They¡¯ll wait for you there, and then you¡¯ll be grouped with others into new crews to continue the fight.

    "Understood? No matter who¡¯s missing, you all head to Vasonka!¡±

    "We understand, lieutenant!¡± The driver, autumn forest, spoke for everyone.

    "Final check! Have you got all the ammunition and fuel? And water, the weather is so hot today, you¡¯ll sweat a lot after a day¡¯s fighting and will need plenty of water! Don¡¯t end up fainting from heatstroke inside a tank!¡± Lieutenant Alexander raised his voice a notch higher.

    This was what the instructors at tank school taught.

    The gunner picked up a gasoline can by his feet, ¡°I got a few of these cans, cleaned them up, and filled them with water. They still smell a bit like gasoline, but you¡¯ll just have to bear with it.¡±

    "Good!¡± Alexander waved his hand, ¡°Mount up.¡±

    Not long after boarding, the signal re shot into the sky.

    Lieutenant Alexander Fadin picked up the radio handset, ¡°Autumn Forest, advance!¡±

    As he gave the order, the other vehicles also started up, and the armored battalion, already in fight formation, crossed the straw hurdles in front and charged onto the ins of Kazarlia.

    And then, as if they had agreed upon it beforehand, IL-2 attack aircraft flew over the tanks, lined up in attack formation.

    Someone said on the radio, ¡°I heard that these nes are now specialized for this role, it¡¯s General Rokossovsky¡¯s order.¡±

    "Yes, I heard too. The pilots all find the ne tricky to use, it¡¯s hard to aim at ground targets without a sight for the cannons, and they can¡¯t dive at a steep angle so the hit rate of rockets and bombs isn¡¯t great either.¡±

    "Really? But it looks so impressive, flying over our heads, it really boosts morale!¡±

    As the radio was buzzing with conversation, a second wave of Air Force units flew over the tanks.

    Lieutenant Alexander looked up and suddenly noticed arge number of parallel white lines in the higher sky.

    Other crews also noticed, ¡°What are those white lines up high?¡±

    "You don¡¯t know? That¡¯s the Air Force¡¯s heavy bombers, looks like Federation¡¯s B25 or B26 support! They¡¯re probably going to bomb Shepetovka.¡±

    "Speaking of Shepetovka, I remember that¡¯s where Petro came from, right?¡±

    Petro was one of the few tankmanders in the unit withbat experience, reportedly having fought for two years already.

    "Why isn¡¯t Petro speaking? Tell us about Shepetovka, what¡¯s it like?¡±

    "Yeah!¡±

    Normally, chit-chat like this would be nipped in the bud by the battalionmander and the Priest, but right now the two of them kept a tacit silence.

    Finally, Petro¡¯s voice came through on the radio, ¡°Shepetovka is¡­ it used to be a very beautiful city. There we had Kazarlia¡¯srgest train dispatch yard, and there was also the Church¡¯s First Tractor Factory, as well as theter Shepetovka Tank Factory, where the T34 was developed

    Immediateints filled the radio, ¡°Who asked you to say all that?¡±

    "Yeah! Tell us something we want to hear, like is there anything good to eat, and what about the girls?¡±

    Petro, ¡°I don¡¯t know, many girls were evacuated when we retreated. When the tanks were leaving the city, I suddenly saw a lot of girls¡¯ bodies lined up neatly by the road. The Prosen air raid hit the evacuation convoy, the girls¡¯ bodies were collected and buried on the spot.¡±

    The radio fell silent.

    Alexander sighed, lifted his headset to one side so he could hear the roaring of the engine.@@novelbin@@

 Chapter 725: Encounter Battle

    Chapter 725 -63 Encounter Battle

    The forces of the 55th Tank Army swiftly charged past Vosonka Vige, which had been designated as a rally point for tank operators.

    The Prosen Army defending the vige paid no attention to the passing armored troops, with even the anti-tank guns failing to fire.

    Had the Prosens¡¯ observation posts not watched vigntly, the 55th might have assumed the vige was abandoned and assigned the apanying infantry to seize it as an afterthought.

    But having spotted the Prosen garrison, naturally, the vige was left to the following up infantry divisions, as nned, to capture by noon on the 25th.

    After passing Vosonka, the 55th charged straight for Bochayev.

    Based on prior reconnaissance, the defending forces there consisted of elements from the 332nd Infantry Division and the Motorized Reconnaissance Battalion of the 11th Armored Division, with a possible battalion of assault guns.

    Even if the assault gun battalion was present, their insufficient strength was no match for the 55th Tank Army.

    After all, Ante¡¯s armored troops had significantly improved their integration, with the 55thprising three armored brigades alongside several infantry and self-propelled artillery units, far from the ¡°tofu dregs tank army¡± of a few years back when the war had just begun.Despite the bulk of the 55th¡¯s tank operatorsckingbat experience,

    Alexandria¡¯s battalion encountered the enemy¡¯s assault gun battalion north of Bochayev at noon on the 25th.

    Five minutes before the encounter.

    All hatches on Alexandria¡¯s tank were open; even the loader had emerged from the turret and stood with the infantry on the tank¡¯s cooling grills.

    Autumn, the driver, yelled, ¡°Can you not all sit on the grills? Isn¡¯t it hot? Some of you, sit in front of the tank! The engine¡¯s going to overheat with this scorching weather!¡±

    The gunnerughed, ¡°You should be thanking our infantry brothers for shielding us from the direct sunlight! If they move, your engine might get even hotter!¡±

    "What do you mean ¡®your engine,¡¯ as if you¡¯re not riding in this tank!¡±

    Alexandria was about to join the conversation when someone shouted over the radio, ¡°Semyon Semyon! Why is your tank smoking?¡±

    Immediately Semyon¡¯s cursing voice reached Alexandria¡¯s ears, ¡°Damn it! Too hot! The oil¡¯s caught fire! I have to stop and extinguish it! Go on without me!¡±

    No sooner had his voice faded than someone else reported, ¡°I think my transmission is shot, where¡¯s the repairpany?¡±

    "Quiet down! We¡¯re troubleshooting for tank 404 right now! Stop where you are and see if you can handle it yourselves!¡± said the repairpany¡¯s radio operator, coolly. After all,pared to the armored troops, the repair crew had fewer casualties and more veterans, some of whom were even transferred to the repairpany afterbat injuries.

    The battalionmander¡¯s voice followed right after the veteran from the repairpany¡¯s, ¡°All tanks report your status; I need to confirm how many have broken down.¡±

    So, the radio crackled with everyone calling out their numbers.

    A few minutester, the battalionmander¡¯s voice, tinged with astonishment, came through the radio, ¡°Only 12 T-34s left running? This failure rate is a bit high! We haven¡¯t even engaged in battle yet!¡± ??????s

    As if echoing themander¡¯s words, suddenly a streak of light zipped across Alexandria¡¯s field of vision.

    For the first time on the battlefield, Alexandria was stunned and failed toprehend what the light was.

    Over the radio, the veteran Petro shouted, ¡°Armor-piercing shell! The enemy missed! We¡¯re ambushed!¡±

    The atmosphere instantly tensified.

    Alexandria pped the top of the turret, ¡°Battle stations! Battle stations!¡±

    The gunner was the first to slip back into the turret, followed by the loader who, like an acrobat, zipped into the turret, bumping his butt in the process.

    "Ow!¡± he cried out, his movement into the turret disrupted.

    The gunner yelled, ¡°Don¡¯t stop! Your ass is wiggling right in front of my face now!¡±

    The loader retorted, ¡°Stop rushing me! I almost had my shit knocked out of me!¡±

    Alexandria forcibly pushed the loader into the turret, ¡°Then you might as well take a dump in the turret!¡±

    The driver and electromechanic screamed in panic, ¡°Don¡¯t! If you guys in the turret take a dump, it¡¯s going to fall down to the cabin floor, and we¡¯re the ones who¡¯ll smell it!¡±

    The loader snapped back, ¡°You should worry more about the ammunition on the floor bing ineffective if it gets covered in shit!¡±

    Anticipating prolongedbat, Alexandria¡¯s tank had been crammed with extra shells, all piled on the tank¡¯s floor.

    As they, a group of inexperienced recruits, fumbled around, around a dozen armor-piercing shells came flying in, hitting two T34s, setting them aze. One of them exploded after burning for a minute, sending the turret and body parts soaring high.

    Alexandria¡¯s eyes widened as he stared at the spinning turret in the air.

    He suddenly realized that stuffing the tank with additional shells might not have been a wise move; if his own vehicle exploded, the turret would probably fly higher than anyone else¡¯s.

    The radio was filled with cries of ¡°Suka,¡± and someone screamed, ¡°Where¡¯s the enemy? I can see nothing but the smoke from their firing!¡±

    "It¡¯s the enemy¡¯s new tank destroyers! They¡¯re new tank destroyers!¡±

    The battalionmander was also shouting, ¡°Don¡¯t panic! ording to intelligence, we¡¯re likely being attacked by the enemy¡¯s assault gun battalion. Prosen¡¯s assault guns are not as low-slung as our tank destroyers, we should be able to see them!¡±

    Petro disagreed, ¡°No, we should be deploying smoke. Fire smoke bombs in the direction of the enemy¡¯s gunfire!¡±

    The battalionmander, who hadn¡¯t served as long as Petro, quickly heeded his suggestion and changed the orders, ¡°All vehicles, load smoke bombs! Fire in the direction from where I¡¯m being shot at!¡±

    Immediately themander¡¯smand vehicle fired the first shot, and a smoke bomb burst in the direction from which the enemy armor-piercing shells came.

    Petro¡¯s vehicle fired too, with a second plume of smoke exploding not far from the first.

    The Prosens¡¯ armor-piercing shells continued to fly through the smoke clouds.

    Alexandriamanded, ¡°Load smoke bomb! Turret, turn left 30 degrees!¡±

    The Loaderined loudly, ¡°How am I supposed to load a smoke bomb? I don¡¯t think we will need this thing; I didn¡¯t put it in a handy ce! Wait for me to look for it¡­ Damn it, there¡¯s no light inside the tank, and I can¡¯t see where I put the smoke bomb!¡±

    The Gunner said, ¡°Never mind that now! Load a high-explosive shell, it will kick up the dirt on impact and create a smokescreen!¡±

    "Found it!¡± the Loader interrupted the Gunner, ¡°Smoke bomb loaded!¡±

    The Gunner immediately fired!

    Alexandria saw his tank¡¯s smoke bomb dive into the already-formed wall of smoke, unsure if it had any effect.

    A new order came, ¡°Turn the whole unit 30 degrees to the left, no need to adjust formation, advance towards the enemy assault gun positions! Prosen¡¯s assault guns don¡¯t have our maneuverability, they¡¯re not like Whirlwind! They can¡¯t escape!¡±

    Alexandria repeated the battalionmander¡¯s order, ¡°Autumn (driver), turn 30 degrees to the left! Charge towards the smoke wall! The enemy¡¯s assault guns are behind it!¡±

    "Roger that!¡±

    The T34 immediately turned, and the severe jolts during the turning process caused everyone inside the tank to bump heads.

    Afterpleting the turn, Alexandria heard the roar of the engine and the wail of the gearbox.

    Alexandria asked, ¡°The gearbox doesn¡¯t sound right! Autumn, what are you doing?¡±

    "I¡¯m squeezing itsst bit of potential, don¡¯t worry, Commander, the loyal war machine won¡¯t fail us now!¡±

    At that moment, the entire tank battalion formed an echelon formation and powerfully charged towards the smoke.

    Alexandria¡¯s tank plunged into the smoke and soon hit rough terrain, causing two infantrymen who hadn¡¯t held on tight to fall off the tank.@@novelbin@@

    The leading Sergeant mmed Alexandria¡¯s shoulder, ¡°My men have fallen off!¡±

    Alexandria replied, ¡°How can I possibly stop in the smoke? What if the tank behind us doesn¡¯t see us and crashes into us? The men who fell off will just have to fend for themselves!¡±

    The infantry sergeant cursed, ¡°Sukabule!¡±

    A minuteter, as they continued through the smoke, Alexandria¡¯s vision suddenly cleared.

    He keenly spotted a camouged assault gun and shouted, ¡°Turret left 5 degrees, enemy assault gun! That clump of grass is an assault gun! Load an armor-piercing shell!¡±

    Loader: ¡°Loaded!¡±

    While shouting ¡°Fire!¡±, the Gunner pressed the firing pedal.

    The main gun spewed a puff of smoke, and the glowing armor-piercing shell hit the ¡°haystack.¡± A secondter, several figures jumped out of the haystack, indicating that thest shot had prated the assault gun¡¯s armor, and the Prosenmander had ordered an abandonment of the vehicle.

    Alexandria eximed, ¡°We hit it! We hit it! The enemy¡¯s abandoned their vehicle!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°Should we keep firing at this vehicle to ensure it catches fire?¡±

    Alexandria: ¡°No! Turret right 15 degrees, new target! We will control the battlefield; even if it doesn¡¯t catch fire, the Prosens won¡¯t have a chance to repair it!¡±

    Loader: ¡°Armor-piercing shell, ready!¡±

    The Gunner didn¡¯t wait for Alexandria¡¯smand and fired straight away.

    This time, however, the shell was deflected.

    "Reload!¡±

    As Alexandria shouted, the enemy fired back, their armor-piercing shell grazing the side of Alexandria¡¯s tank and whizzing past into the air!

    Both sides managed to merely scratch each other¡¯s paint in the first round with the second target!

    Loader: ¡°Armor-piercing shell, loaded!¡±

    The Gunner immediately fired, and Alexandria watched as the glowing orb flew swiftly, hitting the clump of grass.

    The next moment, the grass burst into mes, and Prosen tankers scrambled out, rolling on the ground to extinguish the fire.

    Only then did the infantry on the back of the tank remember to attack the Prosen tankers who had bailed out, opening fire with their Papashas.

    Alexandria patted the Sergeant¡¯s shoulder, ¡°The Papasha won¡¯t be urate at that distance! Use the anti-aircraft machine gun!¡±

    Sergeant: ¡°Right!¡±

    He then leveled the anti-aircraft machine gun, holding the handle at the tail end, and firing at the burning Prosen assault gun.

    Loader: ¡°Armor-piercing shell, ready!¡±

    Gunner: ¡°Commander, give me a target!¡±

    Only then did Alexandriamand, ¡°Turret right 5 degrees, enemy half-track! Load a high-explosive shell!¡±

    "Hold on, I¡¯m getting the shell out now!¡± the Loader replied.

    "There¡¯s no time, I¡¯ll fire first!¡± the Gunner said, and fired.

    The armor-piercing shell hit the half-track but didn¡¯t explode; instead, it passed right through and hit the ground behind the half-track.

    Soon after, the half-track vehicle burst into mes.

    Alexandria: ¡°Good! Next target

    Suddenly, an rmed voice came through the radio, ¡°Enemy tank! An enemy tank has appeared!¡±

 Chapter 726: Prosenâ€™s Armored Grandeur Remains

    Chapter 726: Chapter 64 Prosen¡¯s Armored Grandeur Remains

    Alexander Fadin immediately searched for Prosen tanks.

    He had not found any yet when a violent explosion urred in a friendly tank to his front right.

    The explosion drew Alexander¡¯s attention, and in the instant he looked over, some shrapnel sent his tanker¡¯s cap flying.

    "What the hell?¡± He reached up to feel his head and discovered arge patch of his hair had been sheared off. His scalp was probably grazed too, as it felt sticky to the touch.

    He quickly realized what the stickiness was, because blood started flowing down his forehead, collected on his eyebrows, and then seeped into his eyes.

    With a blink, half his field of vision was dyed red.

    He immediately wiped his eyes, but before he could clear the blood away, his face was illuminated by another sh of fire.

    A T34 to his left had blown up; its turret was sent flying.Petro¡¯s voice came over the radio, the old soldier was shouting, ¡°Prosen Armored Troops¡¯ elites areing! Fire smoke bombs, keep firing smoke bombs! Block Prosen Armored Troops¡¯ line of sight first, and deal with their assault guns!

    "The Long-barreled Four¡¯s front armor can¡¯t be prated by our main gun from a distance! We need to find a way to close in, or attack the enemy¡¯s side!

    "Fire smoke

    Petro¡¯s voice abruptly stopped.

    The battalionmander was shouting, ¡°Petro! Petro, keep talking!¡±

    Lieutenant Alexander faintly realized that this time, the old soldier Petro had most likely not made it.

    He resolutely decided to carry out Petro¡¯sst order¡ªdespite the fact that Petro was just a nonmissioned officer, and he was a lieutenant.

    Alexander said, ¡°Fire smoke bombs! Cover the enemy tanks¡¯ line of sight, rush up and hit their sides! We are more mobile than they are!¡±

    Before his words trailed off, the main gun fired, sending a shell flying into the distance, hitting the ground and bursting into cotton-like smoke.

    However, a single smoke bomb was not enough to obstruct the view of Prosen tankers. More shells came flying, and the group of T34s which had just been bullying the Prosen assault guns instantly became prey.

    Alexander was deeply shocked. As the best in his ss technically, he had always taken the old soldiers¡¯ talk of the high quality of Prosen Armored Troops with a grain of salt. Now, he was seeing it firsthand.

    Respect for the old soldiers then naturally arose in him: They had been fighting against such a formidable enemy!

    And now it seemed they were about to push back this powerful foe!

    A feeling of ¡°I can¡¯t lose either¡± dominated Alexander, and he called out loudly, ¡°Advance! Our predecessors drove the original T34 against an enemy like this. Now we¡¯re in T34Ws, we must not disgrace the Antean tankers!¡± £Ò???£Â¨§s

    However, Alexander overlooked one point: the predecessors had driven T34s against Short-barreled Mark IIIs and IVs, where armor-piercing shells held the advantage, so they could still contend with the technically and tactically superior Prosen tankers.

    Now, the T34W was already an outdated design, with armor-piercing capabilities at a disadvantage. Facing the technically and tactically superior Prosen tankers truly left them without a chance.

    The correct course of action at this time would actually have been to throw smoke and retreat. The tracks of the Panzer IV had been widened over the years, but their cross-country performance had not improved much. Moreover, with the addition of a longer barrel and extra armor, its mobility was even less than that of the T34W.

    If they had fired smoke and turned tail, about half of the vehicles in Alexander¡¯s battalion might have survived.

    But right after Alexander¡¯s cry of ¡°Advance,¡± the whole battalion, perhaps even the entire brigade, had been fired up with fighting spirit. The smoke bombs were fired in session while throttling to full speed; they were bent on contesting Prosen¡¯s Armored Troops.

    -

    Division Commander Adel Schultz of the 8th Armored Division, Commander of the ¡°Armored Schultz¡± battle group, and Major General Adel Schultz, watched the smoke ahead and ordered calmly, ¡°All units, reverse! The slope to our rear will enable us to expose only the top part of our bodies and turret for a shoot-out. T34Ws cannot prate our hull front or turret.¡±

    After the order was given, the entire Prosen armored formation began to retreat, as if sharing one brain.

    The ¡°slope¡± that Adel Schultz mentioned was actually the 202.1 high ground. The Prosens had positioned a small infantry force to set up a stronghold there, supporting the Assault Gun Battalion inbat.

    The Prosen Infantry had already leveled the ground, which allowed the tank units to reverse smoothly to the back of the hill.

    Moreover, the infantry units were ready with machine guns to cope with Antean ¡°Armored Cavalry.¡±

    The sound of Antean engines neared.

    Adel picked up the radio handset, ¡°Attention! The enemy is about to emerge from the smoke! Now, each of their tanks has a wireless set too, don¡¯t give them the time to signal!¡±

    Five secondster, the first T34 burst out of the smoke.

    Before Adel could say a word, it was hit by two shells and burst into a towering inferno.

    The radio was filled only with screams.

    Then T34s came out of the smoke one after another, each turning into a ball of mes.

    The radio was full of the exultant voices of Prosen tankers, ¡°Never seen Antean tankers so easy to take down!¡±

    "This unit definitely doesn¡¯t have the title of Guards!¡±

    "If they had the title of Guards, at least they could scratch my paint!¡±

    -

    Alexander Fadin climbed out of the turret and missed his step, tumbling directly into a bush. At that moment, an enemy machine gun swept over, and bullets clinked against the armor.

    The infantry on the back of the tank had already jumped off, and now pulled Fadin out of the dirt frantically, ¡°Are you still alive, Comrade Lieutenant?¡±

    "My tank! Save my crew!¡± Fadin yelled.

    "Quick, pop smoke and save the crew!¡± ordered the leading nonmissioned officer among the infantry.

    The infantry immediately threw out smoke bombs, and under the cover of the smoke, they crawled into the tank, dragging out the tank crew, uncertain whether they were dead or alive.

    The Corporal dug out a first aid kit and clumsily wrapped Fadin¡¯s head with a bandage roll, murmuring as he did, ¡°Lieutenant, hang in there. I only learned how to wrap bandages and sprinkle sulfonamide powder in first aid ss. I¡¯ll find you a medicter.¡±

    Alexandria Fadin replied irritably, ¡°You should have sprinkled the sulfonamide powder before wrapping the bandage!¡±

    "Ah? Oh, right. Then let me unwrap it

    "No, no, no, it¡¯s fine as it is.¡±

    At that moment, a few infantrymen climbing out of the tank came over, ¡°There¡¯s not a single person left alive.¡±

    Fadin sighed, ¡°The enemy has pierced through us. Luckily, it seems the shell¡¯s fuse was damaged on impact; otherwise, I would have been done for.¡±

    He looked up at the tank and then said, ¡°It didn¡¯t catch fire. Maybe it can still be driven. I¡¯ll go try the driver¡¯s cabin

    The Corporal interjected, ¡°Don¡¯t go in there, Lieutenant! Can you drive the tank and fire at the same time by yourself?¡±

    Fadin replied, ¡°I can at least ram them! The Air Force pilots told me that in a dog fight, the airne is the pilot¡¯sst bullet! Tanks are no different!¡±

    He was about to stand up when the Corporal forcefully held him back down with his right hand, ¡°No, Lieutenant, you can¡¯t go up! You¡¯re different from us infantrymen! You should turn back, go to the Tank Operators¡¯ rallying point, form a new crew, get on a new tank, and then fight the enemy again!

    "Leave this to us. We have rocketunchers. If the enemy tanks attack, we¡¯ll show them! They definitely won¡¯t catch up with you, Lieutenant!¡±

    The other infantrymen nodded in agreement, ¡°Yeah, Lieutenant! Leave it to us!¡±

    Fadin nced at the rocketunchers on the infantrymen¡¯s backs and shook his head, ¡°No, I can also shoot auncher, and I can shoot more urately than you! I¡¯ve calcted where the rockets willnd. I can hit the target at 300 meters! Give me auncher!¡±

    The infantrymen looked to the Corporal.

    The Corporal ordered, ¡°Listen to the Lieutenant. Give him auncher.¡±

    So the lead soldier handed over a rocketuncher to Fadin.

    Holding theuncher, Fadin charged out of the smoke, using the grass as cover to approach the Prosen tanks.

    The Prosen machine gunners, not noticing him, were desperately firing at the recently hit and halted T34, preventing the tank operators from bailing out.

    Fadin advanced about two hundred meters, then crouched down to check the state of the rocketuncher.

    The Corporal caught up, ¡°Lieutenant! The enemy tanks are behind a dirt slope, only their turrets showing; it¡¯s a difficult shot! Let¡¯s wait for them to advance before ambushing them! They are countering us; they will definitely move up!¡±

    Without responding, Fadin stood up, aimed the rocketuncher towards the sky.

    The infantrymen quickly dodged away from the back of theuncher, although the back st had been treated to avoid turning a person into a cooked one, it could still cause burns.

    Fadin pulled the trigger, and the rocketuncher traced a parab, hitting the Prosen tank directly.

    It was hard to discern the effect of the attack with the naked eye, and Fadin didn¡¯t bother to check, immediately ducking for cover.

    The enemy machine gun fire soon swept over; two infantry who didn¡¯t duck in time were hit and fell onto the grass.

    Under the suppressive machine gun fire, Fadin crawled, grabbing more rockets from the fallen infantry.

    When machine gun fire shifted elsewhere, he burst, without taking careful aim, raised the rocketuncher, and fired.

    The rocket traveled in a parab, striking another Prosen tank.

    Fadin ducked down again, but this time the Prosens retaliated with a grenade.

    In the instant of the explosion, Fadin¡¯s head buzzed, and he passed out.

    Thest thing he heard was the Corporal¡¯s cry, ¡°Lieutenant!¡±

    "Armored Schultz¡± put down his binocrs, a satisfied smile on his lips, ¡°The Antean Armored Troops are still as frail as ever. Without their new tanks, they are nothing!

    "The misery of ourrades from the Southern Army Group is entirely due to the new tanks. It¡¯s the imbeciles of the Empire¡¯s Research Department who¡¯ve held back our glorious Armored Troops!¡±

    The Chief of Staff quietly reminded him, ¡°General, don¡¯t say such things over the radio. Be careful, for listeners may be eavesdropping. Many of the doctors in the Research Department are deeply trusted by His Majesty!¡±

    Adel Schultz snorted but refrained from further sharp criticism of the Empire¡¯s Research Department.

    After a brief silence, he said, ¡°However, ourrades from the Southern Army Group have done well, at least exhausting the enemy¡¯s new tanks. Now we can reap the Antean Armored Troops with such ease.¡±

    Suddenly someone shouted over the radio, ¡°Dust! There¡¯s dust in the distance, it could be a new Armored Troop!¡±@@novelbin@@

    "All units, listen,¡± Adel took up the microphone, ¡°Hold your positions, use the advantageous terrain to annihte the Antean Armored Troops. Today, we¡¯ll destroy as many as they send!¡±

    Lieutenant Fadin woke up, the first thing he saw was the Corporal¡¯s blood-covered face, ¡°What are you doing? Put me down!¡±

    "I can¡¯t, I need to support you to the rally point, Lieutenant! You¡¯ve avenged your Tank Operators with your rocketuncher by hitting two Prosen tanks! Now you need tomand the other Tank Operators!¡± The Corporal said, struggling with his steps, forcibly supporting Fadin forward.

    Fadin was about to speak when he heard engine noises in the distance.

    "Wait, listen! It¡¯s our tanks!¡±

    The Corporal retorted, ¡°So what if they are? Sending in more T34Ws is just handing them over!¡±

    "We have to get them to turn back!¡± Fadin was now fully alert, ¡°Quick, stop those tanks; we can¡¯t let them get sent to their doom!¡±

    As he spoke, a tank with a round, pot-shaped turret burst into view.

    Lieutenant Fadin: ¡°?¡±

 Chapter 727: "12345, itâ€™s five pairs of weighted wheels!

    Chapter 727 -65 ¡°12345, it¡¯s five pairs of weighted wheels!

    Lieutenant Alexander Fadin had seen tanks with round turrets before, such as the famously renowned Rokossovsky Type, but its turret resembled a turtle shell more than the one in front of him, which was even rounder.

    The tank stopped in front of Lieutenant Fadin, and judging from the noise of the brake system, it didn¡¯t seem as heavy as the Rokossovsky Type, likely a medium tank.

    The round turret hatch opened and a Tank Operator climbed out, ¡°Lieutenant Davarish, do you need help? Our battalion¡¯s medical vehicle is right behind, just a short walk away and you¡¯ll see it.¡±

    Lieutenant Fadin replied, ¡°There¡¯s an enemy ambush position up ahead at elevation 202.1! The enemy tanks are using the terrain to expose only their turrets, which are very difficult to deal with!¡±

    The tanker with the pot helmet smiled, ¡°See this 100mm gun? It¡¯s the same model as Whirlwind, and currently, no Prosen tank can withstand a direct hit to the front of its turret from this thing!¡±

    Lieutenant Fadin said, ¡°The enemy has arge number of Long-barreled Fours, I saw at least 20 of them!¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry, Davarish, we¡¯ve got 31! Plus ten more are out of service but will catch up soon. Thanks for the intel, Lieutenant. Your mission is done, leave the rest to us!¡±

    After saying that, the tanker on the turret saluted and then patted the top of the turret: ¡°Forward!¡±Fadin quickly stepped aside. With a roar from the new tank¡¯s engine, the whole vehicle aggressively lurched forward before settling into a normal cruising pace.

    Just from the power alone, it was better than the T34! As for its defense capabilities, Fadin had some doubts about the new tank¡¯s round shape, but knowing that the design had likely been approved by General Rokossovsky himself put hisst concerns to rest.

    General Rokossovsky ced special emphasis on tanks¡¯ defensive capabilities, wanting to ensure tank operators survived; so, the new medium tank¡¯s defense wouldn¡¯t be worse than the T34¡¯s.

    As Lieutenant Fadin watched the tank drive away, a sergeant began counting, ¡°12345

    "What are you counting?¡± asked a puzzled Lieutenant Fadin.

    "The wheels! This tank has five pairs ofrge road wheels, just like the T34!¡±

    Lieutenant Fadin replied, ¡°You¡¯re not trying to say that just because its road wheels are the same as the T34, it is a T34, are you?¡±

    "No, of course I wouldn¡¯t say that. Moreover, the T34¡¯s wheels are arranged very neatly. This one, there¡¯s some distance between the first pair of wheels and thest four!¡±

    By this time, more pot-helmet tanks had passed by, and Fadin noticed the new-style tanks were longer than the T34, so the spacing between the first and second road wheels had been increased.

    Furthermore, the new tank¡¯s turret was ced farther back than on the T34, almost in the middle of the tank.

    And the new tank¡¯s hull was lower than the T34¡¯s, giving it a morepact appearance.

    While Lieutenant Fadin watched the new tank, an infantryman sitting on the engine deck looked back at him, and someone shouted, ¡°Lieutenant, don¡¯t be in a rush! ording to reports, by next year, all tank operators will get new vehicles!¡±

    "So long to wait!¡± Fadin shouted back, ¡°Why don¡¯t you discuss it with the Tank Operator? He cane down, and I¡¯ll switch with him!¡±

    The infantrymen burst intoughter.

    Then the sergeant said, ¡°Looks like you can make your way back to the rallying point on your own, Lieutenant. I¡¯m going to join them here!¡±

    Fadin was shocked, ¡°You traitor, don¡¯t go! I refuse to let you abandon me to join the fight! Suddenly, my foot hurts! I need someone to support me! I order you to support me!¡±

    However, the sergeant was already rushing towards a passing tank with his Papasha.

    The infantrymen on the tank reached out and pulled him aboard.

    "Sukabule!¡± Lieutenant Fadin cursed.

    The sergeant on the tank saluted Fadin.

    The infantrymen on the other tanks, not understanding what was going on, also saluted Lieutenant Fadin.

    A minuteter, all the armored cavalry on the tanks saluted Fadin for no apparent reason, as if he had achieved some unprecedented feat.

    With no other choice, Fadin could only stand there and return the salute, watching the new tanks head toward the battlefield.

    ¡­

    After Lieutenant Fadin was out of sight, the infantrymen on the pot helmets asked the officer leading them, ¡°What was the deal with that Lieutenant just now? Why did we salute him?¡± ?¨¤?o??¦¥??

    "No idea, probably his whole unit got wiped out, and he was asking us to take revenge for them? Anyway, it¡¯s always right to salute,¡± the officer shrugged.

    ¡ª

    "Armored Schultz¡± was holding a pair of binocrs, patiently observing new dust clouds in the distance.

    "They¡¯re approaching quickly,¡± he said, ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like the enemy¡¯s heavy tanks. I was hoping to encounter the legendary Rokossovsky Type Heavy Tank and study how to deal with it. Turns out it¡¯s just T34s again, looks like the Anteans¡¯ logistical capabilities aren¡¯t enough to support the sustainedbat of heavy tanks.¡±

    Over the radio, the Chief of Staff responded, ¡°Yes, ording to prisoners¡¯ confessions, Rokossovsky has abandonedst year¡¯s practice of massing dozens or hundreds of heavy tanks in a single unit, instead forming armored battalions with a strength of 21 heavy tanks. He believes that Antean logistical support can only sustain heavy tank operations of that size.¡±

    Adel Schultz nodded in satisfaction, ¡°Rokossovsky is indeed a worthy opponent. Achieving victory over him would be very prestigious indeed!¡±

    As soon as the words were said, Adel saw the approaching Ante tanks.

    He couldn¡¯t help but frown, ¡°This tank isn¡¯t in the recognition manual! It¡¯s the enemy¡¯s new type of tank!¡±

    Actually, battlefield recognition is quite a tricky affair, especially at such long distances.

    But the silhouette of the enemy¡¯s tanks differed so greatly from those Adel had encountered before that he recognized at a nce that this was an entirely new tank.

    "Attention all units! We are about to encounter a new type of enemy tank; it¡¯s possibly the previously reported medium tank, which was said to be nearly wiped out in the fight against our Type 6 heavy tanks. That means the tank¡¯s defense capabilities are not as strong as the legendary Rokossovsky Type!¡±

    "Don¡¯t worry too much, just aim and shoot!¡±

    Adel Schultz paused, feeling that these words were not quite enough, and he cautioned further, ¡°For new tanks, aim for their traditional weak spots, such as the driver¡¯s viewport, the driver¡¯s hatch, and the machine gun port on the mantlet! If all else fails, aim for the turret ring to jam the turret!¡±

    "Or use a high-explosive shell to destroy the enemy¡¯s aiming device!¡±

    The Chief of Staff reminded him, ¡°Such orders don¡¯t need to be given by you as themander of abat group; thepanymanders, all veterans, will remind the tank operators!¡±

    There were many veterans in the Prosen Armored Troops; indeed, what Adel had said was somewhat superfluous.

    As the famously dubbed ¡°Armored Schultz,¡± how could he not be aware of these things! But he just couldn¡¯t help but remind his subordinates because these new types of tanks gave him a bad feeling.@@novelbin@@

    He asked the Chief of Staff, ¡°Are you sure these medium tanks were entirely destroyed by the Type 6 tanks?¡±

    "Yes, the battle report stated the tanks had been destroyed, but the remaining Type 6 tanks were also eliminated by the Ante armored cavalry that charged at them.¡±

    Sweat broke out on Adel, ¡°You mean our heavy armored forces were wiped out? Then who ended up controlling the battlefield?¡±

    "The Anteans did, the report said the Ante infantry advanced, so there was no way to control the battlefield to repair the damaged Type 6 tank prototypes.¡±

    Adel took out a handkerchief and wiped the sweat from his forehead.

    As a seasoned officer, he had long known the deception yed by the High Command in the battle reports.

    Based on the High Command¡¯s battle reports, the sh between the Type 6 heavy tank and the enemy¡¯s new medium tanks likely resulted in mutual destruction; a heavy tanking to a draw with a medium tank was not a cause for celebration!

    Adel announced, ¡°Attention all, the enemy¡¯s new medium tanks may perform beyond our expectations. All units should coborate with the infantry and anti-tank gun forces to obliterate the enemy

    Before he could finish speaking, the first wave of fire began.

    Adel immediately dropped the microphone and picked up the binocrs to observe the effect of the attack.

    None of the Ante tanks stopped advancing, at least Adel Schultz didn¡¯t see any of them stop.

    The first volley failed to prate the enemy¡¯s armor!

    However, it seemed the Anteans also hadn¡¯t spotted the tanks in Schultz¡¯sbat group.

    The Ante armored troops¡¯ situational awareness was always not too sharp.

    The second wave of bombardment began. This time, Adel kept the binocrs to his eyes and he clearly saw the sparks struck on the enemy tanks by the long-barreled 50mm and 75mm shells.

    Although they were still at a distance, Adel had already seen someone aiming at the enemy¡¯s mantlet and turret ring, yet it seemed they had no effect.

    It was said that it was hard to jam the turret rings of the Rokossovsky Type heavy tanks, which the Anteans must have designed specifically to avoid being frequently jammed by the Prosen armored troops¡¯ impable marksmanship, as had happenedst year.

    Then the enemy returned fire.

    The sound of the firing made Adel¡¯s heart flutter¡ªthat sound looked like the 100mm guns on the enemy¡¯s new style of tank destroyers!

    Could it be that the Anteans now standardly equipped 100mm guns?

    mes shot out from the turret hatches of a Panzer IV, and the tank operator, engulfed in fire, crawled out of the tank and rolled on the grass, with prepared infantrymen rushing over with buckets of water.

    The Ante tanks continued firing, and while not incredibly urate, any hit would turn a Prosen tank into a bright, fiery torch.

    The aftermath of a 100mm shell piercing through was devastating; hardly any tank hit would not catch fire.

    This was like at the start of the war, when the Prosen 88mm gun hit Ante tanks¡ªthe impact meant ignition, and if ignited, they would burn until scrapped. Tank operators who managed to escape would suffer substantial burns and be unable to return to the front line for a while.

    The radio was filled with the screams of Prosen tankers, likely the desperate cries of those who couldn¡¯t extract themselves from the tanks before being engulfed in mes.

    Adel made a tough decision: ¡°Release smoke, abandon positions! Let the infantry and anti-tank guns wear down the enemy!¡±

    The Chief of Staff warned, ¡°The enemy tanks have armored cavalry on their backs! The infantry might not be able to defeat them!¡±

    "We¡¯re not truly giving up our positions; we¡¯re just trying to hold the enemy, to create an opportunity for an encirclement. The enemy¡¯s all medium tanks, their side and rear defenses can¡¯t possibly be as strong as the front! Quick!¡±

 Chapter 728: Pugachevâ€™s Revival

    Chapter 728 -66 Pugachev¡¯s Revival

    Adel¡¯s orders had just been issued when he heard someone exim over the radio, ¡°The enemy¡¯s broken through the smoke!¡±

    "What?¡± Adel quickly grabbed his binocrs and indeed saw a pot-lid shaped tank leading the charge through the smoke they had just released.

    Clearly, these pot-lid tanks had a mobility advantage over the T34s, galloping across the ins like steel steeds.

    Then, under Adel¡¯s gaze, the pot-lid tank came to a stop.

    He thought it was getting ready to shoot in an emergency stop, but instead, the infantry disembarked, the tank remained in ce to fire, allowing the other tanks to rush past.

    Could it have stopped due to a mechanical failure from charging too hard?

    "Sukabule!¡± Inside pot-lid tank tactical number 333, the tankmander cursed, ¡°Why did it have to break down now? The Prosenians will think we¡¯ve been hit!¡±"I don¡¯t know either, it sounds like the drive shaft snapped,¡± the driver said, frustrated.

    The gunner said, ¡°I heard the Rokossovsky Type is also prone to breaking drive shafts. Do all these new tanks with this configuration share the same problem?¡±

    The loader said, ¡°There must be a traitor sabotaging production, the Judge should have all the drive shaft manufacturers shot!¡±

    The tankmander said, ¡°Forget it, we¡¯ll serve as a stationary turret here!¡±

    He climbed out of the turret and said to the infantry on the tank, ¡°Our drive shaft is broken, we can¡¯t move. We¡¯re now a stationary turret, you guys find other tanks to charge with! There are definitely others that have lost infantry, just squeeze in!¡±

    "Got it,¡± the sergeantmanding the squad waved his hand, ¡°Dismount, we¡¯ll board other tanks if we can, or we¡¯ll attack on foot if we can¡¯t. Kill those Pulosen Ghosts!¡±

    The infantrymen jumped off one by one and strode forward.

    Adel watched the pot-lid tank that had stopped. Because it had be stationary, it became a fixed target and was quickly aimed at by several Prosen tank crews.

    Under continuous armor-piercing shell attacks, the Antean tank crew stubbornly returned fire three times until either their turret ring jammed or their sights were damaged; either way, the Ante tank operator abandoned the tank.

    Before leaving the tank, the tankmanderunched a smoke bomb, so Adel couldn¡¯t see the effects of the infantry machine gun fire.

    Obviously, the Anteans were bing more familiar with warfare. They had very excellent warriors, and Prosen¡¯s tactical and technological superiority was diminishing.

    Adel felt uneasy, but as he was reflecting, the Chief of Staff¡¯s voice came through the radio, ¡°General! Enemy tanks are about to cross the ridge. We¡¯re going to lose our terrain cover! We cannot win a mobility contest against them!¡±

    Adel picked up the handset, ¡°This is Adel Schultz. To all Panzer III crews, I order you to abandon retreat and stop the enemy¡¯s assault with ramming!

    "The enemy has only 30 tanks; we have the numerical advantage!¡±

    Indeed, in the past, Adel would never have issued such an order. He had even taught his subordinates that the Ante tank operators¡¯ tactic of ramming to mutual destruction wasmendable in spirit but not worth emting, as qualified tank operators should make use of their firepower superiority with cannons to annihte the enemy. ?¦¡¦­??£Â¨¨?

    But now, ramming was the only tactic Adel could think of.

    Using the lighter and faster Panzer III tanks to ram under the cover of smoke to force the enemy¡¯s new tanks to stop, and then have the Long-barreled Four nk and take out the other Antean tanks, that was the n just born in Adel¡¯s mind.

    Even if there were only seven or eight Long-barreled Fours left, Adel had confidence in destroying dozens of T34Ws, depending on the avability of ammunition.

    It wasn¡¯t that Adel was delusional; on the frontline of the Central Army Group, his Greyhound Division had achieved a kill ratio of 5 to 200.

    Of course, that was with 27 Long-barreled Fours and an equal number of Long-barreled Panzer IIIs, but sometimes people unintentionally ignore some crucial details.

    Adel believed his division could replicate their sess in the Central Army Group ¡ª provided they sacrificed all Panzer IIIs to stop the enemy¡¯s erratic new tanks.

    On the Antean side.

    "The enemy is trying to ram us!¡± The voice of the brigademander came over the radio, ¡°Everyone, stop! Stop! Engage the enemy from your current position, don¡¯t let them get close enough to ram!¡±

    "Brigademander! We only have one reverse gear, with a maximum reverse speed of four kilometers per hour!¡±

    The brigademander fell silent.

    Because during training, it was always about charging, he had indeed forgotten the fact that there was only one reverse gear.

    After a brief silence, the brigademander cursed, ¡°Sukabule! It¡¯s just close-quartersbat! Our infantry on board haveuncher tubes, what¡¯s there to fear? Advance!¡±

    Fifteen minutester, Adel realized he had made a grave mistake.

    The Anteans had armored cavalry equipped with new anti-tank weapons, highly effective against the Panzer III¡¯s armor.

    Once the Panzer III approached the pot-lid head, it had to first endure a round of infantry firepower and would typically be immobilized immediately.

    After fifteen minutes of exchange, most of the Panzer III tanks had been lost, while the pot-lid tanks were still bounding around energetically.

    The remaining Long-barreled Fours, although they hastened to nk, failed to destroy several pot-lid tanks in time.

    His n hadpletely failed!

    Ante Infantry even dismounted the tanks, starting to clear out the infantry troops of the 332nd Division.

    In Prosen¡¯s organizational structure, the 332nd Division was ranked towards the end, full of weaklings who couldn¡¯t possibly stand up to the cape-wearing Imperial Guard of Ante.

    Actually, when he was with the Central Army Group, Adel had noticed that the infantry divisions after the eighth wave couldn¡¯t but get trampled when facing the cape-wearing Antean infantry.

    It was much like the situation at the beginning of the war when Prosen infantry were battle-hardened veterans and Ante¡¯s infantry were all greenhorns. Back then, a single Prosen veteran could easily take down seven or eight Antean infantrymen and still survive.

    Now, it was the experienced, cape-wearing Imperial Guards ughtering unseasoned Prosen infantry. And because the Imperial Guards either carried Papashas or even more terrifying Thread Cutters, the fresh Prosen troops died in droves and rapidly.

    Adel saw that the morale of the 332nd Division¡¯s infantrymen had copsed, and they began to flee their positions and run backwards.

    Just then, he suddenly heard the sound of machine gunfire nearby.

    Turning his head, he saw it was the machine guns of the Constitutional Soldier, aiming at the 332nd Division infantrymen who were deserting in the face of the enemy.

    Adel hesitated for a moment before saying nothing, instead continuing to focus on his own troops currently being pursued by ¡°pot-lid¡± tanks.

    The less than a hundred tanks hemanded were all that remained of the entire 48th Armored Division.

    The Central Army Group controlled most of the tank-engaged battlefields, and they should be able to repair a certain number of tanks from the battlefield by tomorrow or the day after. But those tanks wouldn¡¯t be able to arrive at Shepetovka until the day after at the earliest.

    Adel realized something extremely serious¡ªthat after his ¡°Schulz Combat Group¡± got wiped out, there would be no organized armored force left on the entire front line to stop the Anteans.

    His scalp began to tingle.

    He had no idea how many more armored troops the Anteans had. If they possessed more than a hundred tanks, the battlefield might just copse.

    After all, the only force resisting Rokossov in the Kazarlian sector now was one first-wave Infantry Division; the rest were all troops of the same low quality as the 332nd Division.

    The stronger Greyhound Division was holding off the Shepetovka Army Group on the eastern front.

    Disaster was about to fall upon the Southern Army Group!

    Adel Schultz shouted, ¡°Messenger! Send a telegram to the Southern Army Group Command right away! The situation here is dire! The front is in danger of copse! The original n is no longer applicable. We need to mobilize strong and useful troops to stop Rokossov!¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    While the messenger responded, the Chief of Staff reminded him, ¡°General, you can¡¯t use clearnguage to disclose such important matters over the radio! You could send a messenger!¡±

    Adel said, ¡°Look at the battle situation! The enemy is about to charge at me! It¡¯ll be toote if we don¡¯t send the telegram now!¡±@@novelbin@@

    After speaking, Adel put down the radio microphone and ordered hismand tank through the internal telephone line: ¡°Target the enemy¡¯s ¡®pot-lid¡¯ tanks in front

    "General,¡± the gunner reminded him, ¡°themand tank only has a short-barrel 50mm cannon. We can only scratch the enemy¡¯s paint.¡±

    Adel paused, realizing the gunner was right.

    The ¡°pot-lids¡± were already charging over. The Ante tankmander on the turret swung the anti-aircraft gun to aim at Adel and shouted loudly, ¡°Surrender and you won¡¯t be killed!¡±

    Pochayev Vige, Prosen 332nd Infantry Division headquarters.

    Defending Pochayev and its surrounding areas was only one regiment of the 332nd Division, along with units attached to the division, but the headquarters of the division was always based here.

    Next to the division¡¯s headquarters was the camp for the 11th Armored Reconnaissance Battalion. The motorized armored reconnoitre soldiers, who were elite infantry themselves, along with the division¡¯s guard troops, had built a quite robust position.

    But everyone knew that such a position was not enough to stop Ante¡¯s assault troops.

    The 332nd Division Commander pinned his hopes for holding Pochayev on the counter-assaultunched by the Schulz Group on the right nk of the position.

    ording to general experience, wherever the Prosen armored troops weremitted to a counterattack, at least there would be a dy in Ante¡¯s offensive.

    Previously at Oborony, Ante¡¯s encirclement was almost foiled by the intervention of the Prosen armored troops. It was just unfortunate that the Prosen armored troops were exhausted in the end, whereas the enemy still retained some armored forces.

    As a result, the Southern Army Group had to retreat to Shepetovka.

    Conversely, as long as the armored troops weren¡¯tpletely consumed, the Anteans wouldn¡¯t be able to advance smoothly.

    The 332nd Division Commander personally went to the observation post on the perimeter to watch the Schulz Group engage in the counterattack. The group had at least seventy tanks, even though a good part of them were Panzer IIIs with 50mm cannons, it was still a fairly powerful armored force.

    Such armored troops would definitely cause heavy casualties to the Anteans until the Southern Army Group could mobilize reinforcements.

    The 332nd Division Commander knew the Southern Army Group was retreating, but he firmly believed that they could only retreat smoothly if the defensive line held.

    In short, everything was left to the armored troops; all 332nd Division had to do was use their machine guns to wipe out some Antean infantry to fulfil their mission¡ªthat¡¯s what themander thought.

    So when the observation post reported the appearance of enemy armored troops outside the vige, he utterly refused to believe it.

    Then the apanying 76mm self-propelled guns of the Antean armored troops began to shell the vige.

    Chief of Staff asked, ¡°What do we do now, General?¡±

    The 332nd Division Commander straightened his uniform, ¡°Give me a submachine gun. The Empire needs every person to perform their duty.¡±

    By 2200 that day, Pochayev was liberated.

    Of course, from the Prosen perspective, this meant it was lost.

 Chapter 729: The Steps of Liberation

    Chapter 729: Chapter 67: The Steps of Liberation

    Southern Group Army Headquarters.

    General Erik von Xiplin rubbed his temple. ¡°Damn, I now suspect Marshal Geron knew how bad the situation was going to get when he hurriedly passedmand to me.¡±

    His old subordinate from the Coastal Fortress, Colonel Fischer, replied, ¡°It must be so. However, our situation is not yet desperate, the Greyhound Division sessfully dyed the enemy¡¯s offensive from the Shepetovka Front Army.¡±

    "That¡¯s because the Central Army Group is coordinating with us, putting considerable pressure on the Antean Shepetovka Front Army,¡± General Sheeplin looked at the map. ¡°Fortunately, the Central Army Group blocked General Gorky¡¯s offensive. If the central line copses, we can¡¯t even bear to think about it. How many of our troops have already managed to retreat?¡±

    The Chief of Staff left by Marshal Geron immediately answered, ¡°Twenty percent of the troops have reported reaching the Dibo River.¡±

    Xiplin: ¡°Five days, twenty percent.¡±

    "General, considering the lengthy distance and the continuous harassment by enemy cavalry, this number is not bad,¡± the Chief of Staff defended.

    "I know,¡± General Xiplin waved his hand. ¡°I¡¯m not ming you. How long until these troops can join the defenses at the Dibo River?¡±"The units report that they need about a week to regroup; many soldiers have dispersed in the long retreat¡ªand some may have been annihted by cavalry.¡±

    General Xiplin: ¡°Tell them no rush, Rocossov won¡¯t be able tounch an attack soon after capturing Shepetovka. Have them carefully check how many are missing, and enable as many veterans as possible to return to their original units.¡±

    "We may not get reinforcements for our line at the Dibo River before Rocossovunches his attack, so keeping the original structure of our current troops is extremely important.¡±

    General Xiplin was well aware of the slowness of Prosen in replenishing troops at the front line. By September, it would be a blessing if each division could get a new battalion.

    He was most likely going to use the troops at hand to defend the Dibo River.

    Fischer asked, ¡°What about the eighty percent of the troops that have not yet reached the Dibo River?¡±

    "No, no, the remaining eighty percent of the troops haven¡¯t reached the Dibo River yet, but they¡¯ve already been on the road for five days. Look at the outside of Shepetovka, aside from our rearguard forces and our headquarters, what troops do we still have? None.¡±

    Fischer: ¡°Indeed, I see even the anti-aircraft battalion protecting the train station has been withdrawn, and the engineers are cing explosives on the abandoned anti-aircraft guns.¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, a series of explosions were heard outside.

    Fischer: ¡°That should be the engineers destroying the anti-aircraft guns and lotives in the train station.¡±

    General Xiplin: ¡°Destroy as much as possible; the destruction we inflict on Shepetovka will all be converted into future advantages! The longer Rocossov takes to restore Shepetovka¡¯s functions, the more time we have to build our defenses on the Dibo River!¡±

    Suddenly, intense gunfire erupted from outside.

    General Xiplin demanded, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±

    The staff officers burning documents inside the room looked at each other, none knowing the source.

    At that moment, a Captain entered the room and saluted General Xiplin, ¡°General, guerris are preventing us from destroying the Shepetovka textile factory, and textile workers have organized themselves!¡± ???????S?

    General Xiplin: ¡°We kept the methrower Tanks exactly for this situation. Deploy the methrower Tank unit, burn the factory and the Anteans together to ashes ¡ª not a single loom or thread for the Anteans!¡±

    "Yes!¡± The Captain saluted again and left.

    Fischer, worriedly asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t that too much? What if the Anteans counterattack into the Empire¡¯s territory and do the same things to us?¡±

    General Xiplin looked at Fischer, ¡°Have you forgotten the situation when the invasion first started? Do you think showing pretend mercy to the Anteans now will make them give up revenge?

    "No, they won¡¯t. It¡¯s better to be ruthless and disrupt their production as much as possible to slow down their advance.¡±

    At that moment, amunications officer came in with a telegram: ¡°Report, we¡¯ve just received a telegram from Schultz¡¯sbat group; General Adel Schultz believes copse is imminent¡ªwe should prepare early.¡±

    "Copse?¡± Xiplin snatched the telegram, frowning intensely as he read the text. ¡°Is there an error in the decoding?¡±

    "No, the Enigma Machine settings arepletely correct; there couldn¡¯t be an error.¡±

    Xiplin asked further, ¡°Can we make contact with Adel Schultz?¡±

    "No, and we¡¯ve also lost contact with the 332 Division; most units near Pochayev aren¡¯t responding to our calls.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Xiplin¡¯s face lengthened: ¡°Pochayev is lost, Schultz¡¯sbat group is destroyed, our line is finished. It¡¯s happening too fast; Rocossov is moving too quickly!¡±

    Fischer: ¡°Does that mean the troops left to deal with the rebellion are essentially abandoned?¡±

    Xiplin shook his head, ¡°No, the situation has changed. All units, including the Constitutional Guards, engineers, and methrower Tanks, begin the retreat. Rocossov won¡¯t wait for us; his troops will push towards Orachi at top speed, and with Schultz¡¯sbat group gone, nothing can stop him.¡±

    As he spoke, Xiplin looked at the staff still burning documents, ¡°Stop burning documents, let the engineers set a fire; whether itpletely destroys everything is left to chance. Retreat immediately!¡±

    Fischer: ¡°There¡¯s a Junker airliner at the airport waiting; we can leave by that.¡±

    Xiplin shook his head: ¡°If I leave by ne, everything below will fall into chaos. No, I¡¯m leaving by an armored train.¡±

    "Enemy cavalry

    "The enemy¡¯s cavalry has been galloping across the ins for five days, shing for five days; their swords must be blunt by now! It¡¯s precisely not the time to worry about their cavalry!¡± Xiplin paused, looking at the long road leading to the Dibo River on the map.

    "Hunger and thirst are the biggest enemies of the soldiers now. It¡¯s unrealistic to provide supplies to everyone, but at least when they see our armored train pass by, they know they haven¡¯t been abandoned.¡±

    After a brief silence, Xiplin told Fischer, ¡°This is crucial. Whether we can hold the Dibo River, whether we can defend Argesukov, depends on this. Without morale, even the most experienced warriors can¡¯t bring out theirbat effectiveness!¡±

    Fischer: ¡°Just for this, are you cing yourself in jeopardy?¡±

    "Yes, Rocossov did exactly that; he took risks time and again to save the situation. I think a goodmander needs to learn from the enemy¡¯s strengths.¡±

    General Xiplin paused, as if convincing himself, repeated, ¡°Learn from the enemy¡¯s strengths! Yes, the strengths!¡±

    As he said this, the gunfire outside intensified, as if the city couldn¡¯t wait for liberation toe and was liberating itself.

 Chapter 730: The Atmosphere at the Front Army Headquarters Is Quite Relaxed

    Chapter 730: The Atmosphere at the Front Army Headquarters Is Quite Rxed

    Chapter 730: Chapter 68 The Atmosphere at the Front Army Headquarters Is Quite Rxed

    July 27th, 10:00 PM sharp, Kazarlia First Front Army Headquarters.

    Due to the Front Army Headquarters being too far from the frontline, Wang Zhong and Pavlov were discussing the relocation of the new headquarters.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°I am thinking of setting it up in Orachi. Back in the day, we used one division to withstand the enemy¡¯s entire armored assault Army Group, and were bullied terribly. Now, establishing the headquarters there, would carry a lot of ceremonial significance.¡±

    As he spoke, he looked towards Popov, ¡°We need this kind of ceremonial significance, right?¡±

    Popov, ¡°No, even the staunchest of the surrender faction now clearly see the situation. We all know that the ultimate victory is just a matter of time. In fact, many in our Front Army believe that you will enter Plowsonia with the help of General Winter by the end of this year.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Why emphasize General Winter¡¯s help?¡±

    Popov spread his hands, ¡°You achieve every major victory in winter, and some of the elders are already saying that you are the embodiment of General Winter, the guardian of the winter; the Melianians even call you the Wild Hunt thates with the north wind. You know about the Wild Hunt, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong thought to himself that he knew too well, having raced the Wild Hunt for his daughter throughout the entire Witcher 3 game ¡ª and asionally yed a game of Gwent.But he had to pretend he wasn¡¯t particrly familiar with Melianian culture, so he said, ¡°I don¡¯t know, what¡¯s that? Something like a Nadam festival?¡±

    "No, it¡¯s more like the Melianian version of Ragnar?k. The Wild Hunt brings extreme cold, destroying the world. Now they think you are the Wild Hunt, that you will bring extreme cold to demolish Prosen and bring rebirth to Mnia.¡±

    Wang Zhong¡¯s eyebrows twisted together, ¡°Do they really think so?¡±

    "It¡¯s just what a part of the Melianian soldiers believe. After all, less than half of the Mnie Forces are followers of the Secr faction, and they are considered quite superstitious throughout the whole army.¡±

    Wang Zhong did not initially find anything wrong with Popov, an Archbishop, sharply criticizing the Melianians for being superstitious.

    Popov continued, ¡°Overall, there is no need for this ceremonial significance now. Even the Prosens probably know that they are about to fail. That¡¯s why I am against cing the headquarters in such a frontline location as Orachi.¡±

    Pavlov pped his hands happily, ¡°Great! Now it¡¯s two against one, you can¡¯t ignore our opinion anymore!¡±

    Wang Zhong shrugged.

    Pavlov added, ¡°When we liberate Argesukov and push the front to along the Dibo River, we¡¯ll then set up the headquarters directly in Argesukov, in your family¡¯s old home. That would be really ceremonious, wouldn¡¯t it?¡±

    "That makes sense.¡± Wang Zhong suddenly felt nostalgic. He ced his hands behind his back and walked to the window of the headquarters, looking out at the night sky, ¡°We¡¯re about to go home, after losing Argesukov for a full two years, we¡¯re finally going to take it back.¡±

    Popov, ¡°With that, you¡¯ll finally achieve a major victory in summer.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Really? I didn¡¯t have any victories in summer before?¡±

    "There were victories, but none were major ones. It was just constant defense,¡± Vasily replied. ¡°I¡¯ve heard a funny saying while drinking at the officers¡¯ club¡ªthey say in summer, Rocossov is the shield of Ante, but in winter he bes the spear of Ante.¡± ?¨¢¦­????

    Wang Zhong looked towards Pavlov, ¡°It seems like the staff department isn¡¯t busy enough. Time to seriously pile on the work.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°I think the workload is already enough. Officers¡¯ rest should be managed by the Archbishop.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Ah? Indeed, but I believe at this jubnt time, we should allow the troops to drink a little as long as it does not interfere with their duties. Vasily, did you see anyone abusing alcohol at the officers¡¯ club?¡±

    "None at all, just light drinking, light drinking!¡± Vasily gestured with his fingers.

    Popov, ¡°Really?¡±

    Vasily, ¡°For an Antean¡¯s alcohol tolerance, anything less than half a bottle is just light drinking.¡±

    Popov cursed, ¡°Sukabule, I got it. It¡¯s time to have the Judge regrly inspect the officers¡¯ club. Anyone drinking more than one ss should be intervened.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Next thing you know, the club sses will just getrger andrger.¡±

    "Then we¡¯ll stipte the size of the sses!¡± Popov said. ¡°I¡¯ll draft the regtions right away.¡±

    Wang Zhong gave a thumbs-up.

    Having crossed over for nearly three years, Wang Zhong had realized one thing¡ªyou can¡¯t stop Anteans from drinking. They will always find ways to drink, the key is to make sure it doesn¡¯t cause trouble.

    As the headquarters staff chatted casually, the phone rang.

    Pavlov saw it was the red phone and directly said to Wang Zhong, ¡°I bet it¡¯s Her Majesty again; she¡¯s the only one who would call us at this time.¡±

    Wang Zhong nced at his watch, ¡°Indeed.¡±

    He picked up the red handset, ¡°Kazarlia Front Army Headquarters, this is Rocossov.¡±

    "Big brother!¡± Olga¡¯s voice came through, faintly audible even to the others in the headquarters, ¡°Tugenev told me you¡¯re about to liberate Shepetovka!¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Yes, we¡¯re about to liberate Shepetovka. The enemy is now in full retreat, and we expect to upy Orachi tomorrow, blocking their route to retreat towards Argesukov. They will have no choice but to retreat towards the Central Army Group, then form a new defensive line around Lienesk and Imulich.¡±

    "Once we liberate Argesukov, the area upied by the Central Army Group will be a huge salient.¡±

    Olga was very excited, ¡°So you¡¯re nning to uproot this salient during the winter?¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, though Olga couldn¡¯t see on the other end of the phone, ¡°I¡¯m afraid not, my Front Army has arge number of cavalry and armored troops, the quality of our infantry is not as high as that of the Western Front Army. We¡¯re not at our strongest when fighting in woods and swamps.

    "This winter we are nning to break through the Dibo River defense line, capture Bogdanovka, retake Ronied, and liberate the whole territory of Kazarlia.

    "The entire route is made of open ins, which presents fewer difficulties than attacking the enemy¡¯s Central Army Group.¡±

    While speaking, Wang Zhong had already picked up thendline and walked over to therge map at Headquarters.@@novelbin@@

    Olga, ¡°Is it really okay for you toy out future ns so openly?¡±

    "It¡¯s fine because even if the generals from Prosen were to devise battle ns, they would make the same choices. They know we¡¯re going to fight like this,¡± Wang Zhong said.

    Olga, ¡°What about their countermeasures?¡±

    Wang Zhong immediately answered, ¡°Firstly, they might fortify Argesukov since there are many fortifications we left behind. But at the moment, I believe the Prosenians don¡¯t have enough manpower for defense.

    "That General Xiplin will surely retreat across the Dibo River and revert the front to its pre-August 1914 state, except this time they will be the ones fortifying along the Dibo River.

    "I think we will capture Argesukov rtively easily.

    "Then they will try to resist us by relying on the Dibo River.¡±

    Vasily interrupted, ¡°They probably imagine that before the Dibo River freezes over in winter, we won¡¯t be able to cross. But the General will definitely try to act before the freeze.¡±

    Wang Zhong, seemingly forgetting he was still holding the receiver, switched to speaking to Vasily, ¡°The freezing will be mid-December, even if winteres early likest year, it¡¯s unlikely to freeze by the end of November.

    "Their training for reinforcements is slow, but the quality is high. We can¡¯t let Prosen¡¯s army get replenished, understand? The more reinforcement battalions that reach the front, the greater our casualties.

    "So, we need to attack as soon as possible, while using bombers to continuously attack their supply nodes, even bombing train stations and the Train Dispatch Yard inside Mnia across the border.¡±

    Olga, ¡°Did you forget you were on the phone with me? Was thatst bit for Vasily? I heard he got married?¡±

    Wang Zhong, surprised, ¡°Vasily got married?¡±

    Vasily raised his hand, ¡°Haven¡¯t you noticed the wedding ring since I came back? It saddens me, I thought you were just too busy withmanding the battles to notice.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Which blind girl took a fancy to you?¡±

    Vasily, ¡°General, I¡¯m not bad looking.¡±

    Popov, ¡°He¡¯s still a musician.¡±

    "It has nothing to do with this!¡± Vasily immediately said, it seemed that even after getting married, he had not reconciled with his musician father.

    Wang Zhong looked at Vasily again, ¡°I didn¡¯t expect the Emperor to tell me about this.¡±

    "Bro, can¡¯t you just call me your sister?¡±

    "Alright, sis.¡±

    Olga changed the topic, ¡°When will your Headquarters move into Shepetovka? The Grand Patriarch Belinsky thinks we should hold a grand entrance ceremony, as it¡¯s the first major city with a poption of a million that we¡¯ve liberated.¡±

    Previously, Wang Zhong had liberated a series of cities, all with pre-war poptions of only several hundred thousand, and after two years of fighting, some cities were left with only 200,000.

    But Shepetovka still had a poption of a million and would be a critical logistical node.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°An entrance ceremony

    Pavlov, ¡°Deliberately moving Headquarters to Shepetovka is impractical and would waste a lot of effort. I suggest Headquarters should keep moving towards Argesukov. So if there is to be a ceremony, you personally will have to make a trip.¡±

    Popov, ¡°Bring the new model of heavy tank named after you.¡±

    Olga, ¡°I heard that! I¡¯ll send a new tank over. Ke Jing reported that the new tank has solved the problem of the driveshaft breaking, and the transmission failure rate has also been lowered. It¡¯ll be just in time for you to give it a test drive.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Sure. Let¡¯s set the date for the city¡¯s entry for July 31st then.¡±

    Pavlov, ¡°Good, that will give the troops a chance to rest outside the city for two days. We can¡¯t have them entering looking like beggars.¡±

    Popov, ¡°After all, it¡¯s the first liberated city with a poption of a million. It calls for some grandeur!¡±

    Vasily, ¡°But we¡¯ll be liberating Argesukov soon, followed by Bogdanovka, Ronied

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The first one always calls for a celebration!¡±

 Chapter 731: The Eve

    Chapter 731 -69: The Eve

    July 30, 2330 hours, Shepetovka Suburb.

    Suddenly, in the dark, a sharpmand rang out, ¡°Halt, don¡¯t move!¡±

    Immediately, someone indeed stood up and shouted, ¡°I am a worker from the Shepetovka Textile Factory, representing the Worker¡¯s Protection Squad here to make contact!¡±

    The Sentinel stood up, turned on his shlight, and in the beam of light, an old worker shielded his eyes with his hand.

    The Sentinel turned off the shlight and called out to the back, ¡°Hurry, inform the squad leader¡ªno, inform the toon leader that an old worker has arrived!¡±

    The old man quickly caught up and approached the Sentinel, ¡°Young man, from your ent, you must be from Vishensk, aren¡¯t you? Do you know Alyosha?¡±

    "There are many named Alyosha,¡± the Sentinelughed, ¡°our Front Army Commander is also nicknamed Alyosha. Which Alyosha are you referring to?¡±

    "The Alyosha from Vishensk!¡± the old worker grabbed the Sentinel¡¯s hand, ¡°When he left, he was still a Private Second ss, about your age. Do you know him?¡±The Sentinel shook his head, ¡°Sir, these past two years, many of us have been injured, healed, and then returned to the front. We were continuously reassigned to different units. Sometimes, it was because our old units were decimated, sometimes because our old units were moved far away, and we could not rejoin them.

    "Perhaps when we left, we were all in units formed from people of Vishensk, but now we¡¯ve been scattered across the army.¡±

    In fact, the Sentinel did not voice the most brutal possibility, that the Alyosha he was asking about had, like countless others named Alyosha, turned into a flock of cranes and flown far away.@@novelbin@@

    The old worker gritted his teeth and changed the subject, ¡°You¡¯re right, child, let¡¯s talk business. Why haven¡¯t you entered the city yet? All the Prosens have fled the city; initially, they ran towards Argesukov,ter they headed north. Now Shepetovka is entirely empty!¡±

    The Sentinel replied, ¡°We stopped to regroup, after all, we¡¯ve been fighting continuously for a month, looking disheveled. Today, the Quartermaster issued new uniforms, and tomorrow we will enter the city neat and tidy.¡±

    The old worker said, ¡°Why fuss over that? You¡¯ve stopped outside the city and everyone is puzzled! Rumors are rampant, suggesting the Prosens spread a gue, that¡¯s why you stopped outside the city! We¡¯ve had a tough time suppressing these rumors!¡±

    The Sentinel was about to respond when he heard someone shouting from a distance, ¡°The toon leader and the battalionmander have arrived, as well as the Military Chain!¡±

    From afar, arge group of people were approaching with shlights.

    The battalion Military Chain stepped forward, took the old worker¡¯s hand, ¡°Sir, I hope the Prosens didn¡¯t give you trouble on the way?¡±

    "There are no Prosens left! You should have sent a contact team into the city!¡± the elder immediatelyined, ¡°At the very least, send a Priest! Before the Prosens retreated, they went on a rampage, and our Protection Squad made huge sacrifices to hold them off. Many are still alive today, they just wanted to see a proper Priest onest time!¡±

    The Priest apologized, ¡°Sorry, our field hospital hasn¡¯t arrived yet, and the medics have just replenished their supplies. I will now dispatch all the medics from our battalion and the field medical post to the city overnight.¡±

    The old man, holding the Priest¡¯s hand, said, ¡°That¡¯s good, that¡¯s very good! By the way, Mr. Priest, from your ent, you seem to be from Vishensk as well?¡±

    "No, I am a native of Argesukov, like General Rokossovsky,¡± the Priest replied.

    "I see,¡± the elder lowered his gaze, ¡°I am old, I misheard, my apologies.¡±

    The Priest added, ¡°What about Vishensk? If it¡¯s about finding someone, I can help you look.¡±

    "Alyosha from Vishensk, no, Aleksei Vasiliyevich Rublyov, is my grandson. He enlisted in August 1914 and then retreated with his unit.¡±

    The Priest nodded, ¡°Alright, I will look into it thoroughly.¡±

    The old man said, ¡°Even if he has fallen in battle, please tell me where, so after the war, I can go see him.¡±

    At that moment, a resonant voice came from afar, ¡°Sir, do not grieve too much; perhaps he has be part of a crane flock and flown far away with the other warriors.¡± ?????¨º?

    Everyone turned towards the sound, seeing an evenrger group approaching from the distance, perhaps for concealment, this group had not turned on any shlights.

    The leader, wearing the newly adopted military uniform with a row of stars on the new-style epaulettes.

    The battalionmander was the first to react, ¡°General Rokossovsky!¡±

    Everyone tensed up at once, soldiers and officers alike stood at attention, lifted their heads high, and saluted the General.

    Ante needed to lift his chin and tilt his nostrils towards the sky, looking particrly imposing.

    General Rokossovsky walked up to the old man and said, ¡°Old man, I must tell you the truth, there¡¯s a high probability that your grandson rests in some corner of the mothend.¡±

    "These past two years, we have made great sacrifices, even losing my closest deputy officer who had just be a father and had yet to see his child¡¯s face!¡±

    "After the war, we will build a monument in Yeburg¡¯s square, where we will light an eternal me at the base of the monument.¡±

    "I have already thought of the inscription, ¡®Your names are unknown, your deeds are immortal.''¡±

    Tears welled up in the old man¡¯s eyes. ¡°General, my grandson¡¯s name is Aleksei Vasilyevich Rublyov, my daughter¡¯s first child.¡±

    General Rokossovsky replied, ¡°I will remember that, and I assure you, unless we indeed receive news of his death, the Missing Soldiers Committee will not cease searching for him.¡±

    The old man nodded repeatedly. ¡°Good, you are like Kutuzov reincarnated, a hero of Ante.¡±

    General Rokossovsky patted the old man on the shoulder and thenmanded, ¡°Take the old man to rest in mymand vehicle, immediately dispatch a liaison team into the city, and first arrange the funerals for the warriors who sacrificed themselves for the defense of the city, and provide aid to the wounded.¡±

    The old man said, ¡°I can take you back, I know the way! I have led the guerri many times over these two years and have never been caught by the Prosen patrol!¡±

    General Rokossovskyughed. ¡°Old man, the Prosens have fled, there are no more patrols, the liaison team can take the main road.¡±

    "Oh! Look at my old head, I¡¯m getting senile!¡±

    General Rokossovsky nodded and handed the old man over to the sergeant behind him. ¡°Take the old man to rest in mymand vehicle.¡±

    The sergeant immediately took the old man by a strong hand and led him away.

    As they walked, the old man looked back, watching General Rokossovsky climb the hidden earthen embankment, gazing towards Shepetovka asleep under the night.

    The old man suddenly said, ¡°I thought the general was almost sixty, but he is about the age of my grandson!¡±

    The sergeantughed. ¡°Yes, he was just a kid when the war started, but now he¡¯s be an older man.¡±

    The old worker turned to the sergeant. ¡°Are you well acquainted with the general?¡±

    "I was his personal guardmander; I should have been a baron knight or something in the past. Now, I¡¯m just a high-ranking sergeant.¡±

    As the old man was about to speak, he noticed in the darkness a huge tank, with several tank operators applying fresh camouge paint.

    Another person climbed adder and hung a Red g on the tank¡¯s antenna.

    The old worker suddenly said, ¡°Wait a minute! That g! Does it have words on it?¡±

    The sergeant replied, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s the g that factory workers gave to the general when he left Shepetovka! He has carried it with him all these years, and each time he personally goes into battle, he hangs the g on his tank¡¯s antenna.¡±

    The old man stopped, unable to help covering his mouth, sobbing quietly. ¡°My goodness, my old pals, do you see? The general has been carrying that g all along! Misha, Protov! Do you see? Our g, with the general during every battle!¡±

    The old man stepped forward and leaned against the side of the tank, pounding on the skirt of the tank. ¡°Do you see? The general has changed to a new tank, takenmand of the Front Army, and he¡¯s still carrying the g we made for him!¡±

    The nearby tank operator paused his painting. ¡°Tomorrow, the general will be the first to enter Shepetovka with this g! The general will personally liberate Shepetovka!¡±

    "Someday,¡± another voice said, ¡°the general will drive his tank into Plowsonia under this g.¡±

    The old man was surprised, for the voice was just then a young girl¡¯s voice.

    Though young, it bore the marks of time, like rock.

    He looked up and saw a young girl dressed as a maid standing on the tank, holding onto the antenna, with the Red g fluttering above her head.

    The sergeant introduced her. ¡°This is the general¡¯s personal maid, Miss Nelly. Miss Nelly, the general has ordered you to take this old man to hismand vehicle to rest.¡±

 Chapter 732: Red Flag Flying in Shepetovka

    Chapter 732 -70 Red g Flying in Shepetovka

    Wang Zhong gazed upon Shepetovka, truly observing the city from a bird¡¯s-eye view.

    His bird¡¯s-eye view, of course, couldn¡¯t cover arge city with a poption of a million. Beyond the ¡°illuminated¡± area, he could only see buildings in the night.

    He quickly located the house he had lived in while in Shepetovka. It seemed that a certain senior officer from Prosen had also taken a liking to the house, as he could see a Prosen-style guard booth and sandbag bunkers at the entrance of the yard from the bird¡¯s-eye view.

    However, under the bird¡¯s-eye view, the machine gun had been dismantled, and there were no bloodstains on the road ahead.

    Two years ago, it was here that the Shepetovka textile workers handed the Red g over to Wang Zhong.

    Wang Zhong remembered that the dyer Bolutkin had struggled to achieve a ¡°blood-like color¡± for the g, which was then presented to him by Radilov.

    It seemed in his memory there was also an old worker, the leader of all the workers.

    He recalled the old worker¡¯s face, feeling it didn¡¯t resemble the elderly man who had just been sent off to rest.At this point, footsteps approached. Wang Zhong couldn¡¯t shift his point of view quickly enough, so he switched back to his own eyes, turning around to see Grigori returning with a cigarette in his mouth.

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Grisha, was that old man just now the one who gave us the Red g back then?¡±

    "Not really. The one who brought the Red g seemed more charismatic, like an old general, with a square face and a general¡¯s belly,¡± Grigori said. ¡°You could tell he was the kind of person who could raise his arm in a factory and get an immediate resounding response from all the workers. Even the factory director and nobles had to give him some respect.¡±

    Vasily asked, ¡°Back then?¡±

    "Yes, after the civil war ended ces like the textile factory, integral to people¡¯s livelihoods, were taken over by the Church.¡±

    Wang Zhong thought back to the old man he had just seen; indeed, he seemed quite different from themanding figure in his memories who had led the presentation of the g.

    He looked back toward the city under the night sky, murmuring softly, ¡°I hope they are well.¡±

    Grigori, puzzled, asked Vasily, ¡°Who is the general referring to?¡±

    "The people who gave the general the g,¡± Vasily sighed and added, ¡°But the best scenario is that they retreated with the withdrawing troops. The worst

    At that moment, Nelly approached, ¡°General, I have already arranged for that old gentleman. Please, take some rest as well. It¡¯s still a long time until dawn.¡±

    "I know, I know,¡± Wang Zhong murmured, still gazing at Shepetovka in the night.

    The next morning, Wang Zhong climbed onto the freshly painted No. 422 Rokossovsky Type heavy breakthrough tank, looking back at the energetic troops lined up behind the tank.

    Wang Zhong cried out, ¡°Put on your medals! You are no ordinary troops; you are the cloaked troops, the Guard! Every one of you is a hero on the battlefield! You do not need medals to prove yourselves, but the citizens do! ????¦­???§¦??

    "It¡¯s been so long since they¡¯ve suffered under the enemy¡¯s iron heel; let them see their heroes¡¯ sons returning!¡±

    As soon as he finished speaking, the soldiers shouted in unison, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    Wang Zhong said, ¡°Not everything warants a hurrah!¡±

    "Hurrah!¡±

    Wang Zhong shook his head, climbed into the tank turret, put on his headset, and patted the top of the turret, shouting, ¡°Forward!¡±

    Then, from the driver¡¯s side, came the familiar ¡°duang¡± sound.

    Over the past three years, Wang Zhong hadmanded tanks ranging from T28 to BT7 then to T34W, until now the Rokossovsky Type¡ªthe ¡°duang¡± sound of the wrench hitting the control rod had remained unchanged.

    The tank engine roared, its massive body starting to move forward.

    Not long after hitting the road, Wang Zhong saw crowds lined up to wee him.

    Girls holding flowers started throwing them as soon as they saw Wang Zhong¡¯s tank, aiming straight for his face.

    Wang Zhong eximed, ¡°All right, girls! Save the flowers for the youngds behind!¡±

    Just as he finished speaking, two young girls charged in front of the tank, tossing flowers into the driver¡¯s hatch.

    From the internalmunication came the driver¡¯s wail, ¡°Not like this! Sukabule, the petals are sliding into my cor.¡±

    Wang Zhong could only smile amid the shower of flowers, ignoring the petals hitting his face.

    Behind the tank, the girls alsounched their assaults on the soldiers; having thrown all the flowers, they began kissing the young soldiers.

    Wang Zhong, observing through his bird¡¯s-eye view, suddenly grew curious and asked the nearby crowd in a louder voice, ¡°Girls, why is everyone wearing lipstick? Where would you get so much lipstick during the war?¡±

    A few girls exchanged nces, then burst intoughter and replied, ¡°We stormed into the homes of the mayors and high officials appointed by the Prosens and took all their lipstick! Everyone got some to apply!¡±

    Wang Zhong dered, ¡°I see. In that case, we need to record the names of those traitors serving the Prosens. They can run with the Prosens now, but once we¡¯ve annihted the Empire of Prosen, we¡¯ll settle our scores with them!¡±

    This statement immediately won cheers.

    As No. 422 got closer to the city, more and more people gathered along the roadside to wee them, and Wang Zhong suddenly understood what it meant to be ¡°warmly weed wherever he went¡± and what was the ¡°vibrant flourishing of all life.¡±

    The desire of the people for victory after two years of suffering could no longer be restrained.

    Children ran alongside tank number 422, asking as they ran, ¡°General! My grandfather said that this winter you will reach Prosen!¡±

    Wang Zhong replied, ¡°Yes, this winter, we shall reach the border! Next year, we will enter the territory of the Empire of Prosen!¡±

    As he finished speaking, everyone erupted, shouting, ¡°Hurrah!¡±

    When entering the city, tank number 422 had to slow down because the crowds had spilled onto the road, and any faster might have resulted in injuries.

    It would be a hellish joke to die under the treads of one¡¯s own tank upon such a victory.

    Wang Zhong heard someone yell, ¡°Look! The words written on the Red g! Shepetovka textile workers! Hurry and notify the factory guard!¡±

    Wang Zhong shouted, ¡°Let the factory guard head to the central square of the city!¡±

    He was unsure if his words could be conveyed.

    At that moment, someone carried out a radio, which broadcasted Olga¡ªHis Majesty the Tsar¡¯s speech: ¡°Compatriots! Today, General Rokossovsky leading the Kazarlia First Front Army, has recaptured Shepetovka!

    "This signifies our restoration¡ªour liberation of the first city with a poption of a million! The once invincible Pulosen army has crumbled!

    "Let us sing to celebrate this great victory!¡±

    Then, the melody of The Holy War emanated from the radio.

    People lining the route ceased their cheers, joining the radio in singing the well-known song.@@novelbin@@

    As tank number 422 entered Shepetovka¡¯s central square amidst singing, Wang Zhong immediately recognized the crowd dressed in uniform workwear, sporting red armbands on their sleeves.

    From a distance, he thought these were all young workers, or at least middle-aged, but a closer look revealed, aside from a few middle-aged men, these were all elderly people over 50 whose hair had begun to gray.

    Wang Zhong immediately understood why it was so and barely managed to hold back his tears.

    General Rokossovsky could not weep in front of everyone: the star of victory does not cry.

    Tank number 422 drove right up to the group of workers, and without Wang Zhong¡¯s order, the driver abruptly braked.

    Wang Zhong wanted to use an external device to check everyone¡¯s names, but that would take too much time. Thus, he directly asked a middle-aged man who climbed onto the tank, ¡°Davarish, when I left Shepetovka, worker Radilov handed me this g, dyed by the exceptional dyer Bolutkin.

    "I haven¡¯t seen them. And the old man who was leading the workers back then hasn¡¯t appeared either. Did they retreat with the troops?¡±

    Worker Davarish shook his head, ¡°No, they were ordered to stay and organize underground resistance, and all were sacrificedst year.¡±

    Wang Zhong asked, ¡°Where are they buried?¡±

    "The Prosens used to hang the bodies of captured guerris and underground members for public disy right there,¡± the representative pointed toward the east of the square, ¡°We tried to retrieve the bodies for burial but failed. When the Prosens retreated, they burned all the bodies and the gallows; we have collected the remains, now kept in the ruins of the Church.¡±

    Wang Zhong took a deep breath, ¡°I want to take a look, carrying this g. Grisha, take down the g! Be careful!¡±

    At that moment, still on themand vehicle outside the city, Ludm turned off the radio.

    The conversation between Rokossovsky and the worker¡¯s representative had juste through the radio¡ªprobably the general got too emotional and forgot to turn off the transmission.

    Ludm covered her mouth, beginning to cry.

    An old worker sighed while sitting in themand vehicle, ¡°Madam, why are you crying?¡±

    Ludm replied, ¡°Because Alyosha cannot cry in these circumstances, so I thought, maybe I could shed tears for him.¡±

    Old worker turned to Nelly, ¡°Dear, try andfort thedy! Her makeup is all ruined, such beautiful makeup too.¡±

    Nelly simply offered a handkerchief.

    Old man sighed, ¡°This

    Nelly apologized, ¡°Sorry, my eyes were injured, my tear nds are damaged, so I¡¯ll have to ask Madame to weep on my behalf.¡±

    The old man then looked at the maid and back at Ludm, sighing deeply.

    Wang Zhong gently touched the charred remains in front of him, asking the priest who entered the city earlier, ¡°Is it impossible to separate the bones?¡±

    "They are inseparable now, General. After the organics burn out, it¡¯s hard to distinguish human bones from wood.¡±

    Wang Zhong considered for a moment, then said, ¡°Conduct a ceremony to properly soothe the spirits, and once everything is settled, send me a small portion that this box can hold.¡±

    As he spoke, he patted the small box at his waist that once held ck soil.

    The Priest nodded, ¡°Understood. We will handle it well.¡±

    Wang Zhong looked at the others who hade with him: ¡°The heroes have departed, yet millions of heroes have risen anew! You were not frightened by the brutality of the Prosens! This heroic city was not intimidated either!

    "In this war, it was you who won! You drove away the wicked invaders! I, on behalf of all the soldiers of the Kazarlian Army, salute you!¡±

    With that, Wang Zhong stood at attention, raising his right hand solemnly, saluting to the workers, to all the citizens of Shepetovka.

 Chapter 733: The Masterminds

    Chapter 733 -71: The Masterminds

    General Sheeplin had just entered the Eagle¡¯s Nest and asked Vice Admiral Grish immediately, ¡°How is the Emperor¡¯s mood?¡±

    "His mood is good,¡± the Vice Admiral nced inside and lowered his voice, ¡°thanks to Giles, the Emperor has nowe to terms with reality and has reverted to the leader who initially led us to constant victories.¡±

    General Sheeplin breathed a sigh of relief.@@novelbin@@

    Grish said, ¡°Go ahead, boldly propose your ideas. Just yesterday, the Emperor praised you for allowing Rocossov to kill only one hundred thousand men.¡±

    General Sheeplin said, ¡°Isn¡¯t that irony?¡±

    Grish replied, ¡°Of course not. The Emperor even said that if it had been someone else, most of the troops from the Southern Army Group would have retreated to the defense area of the Central Army Group, and then no one in the entire Western Kazarlia could have stopped Rocossov. You preserved the possibility for us to cease fire across the Dibo River.¡±

    "Cease fire?¡± General Sheeplin widened his eyes, ¡°Is the Emperor really considering this? Impossible! Rocossov would only cease fire when he needs time to resupply and regroup¡ªonce he¡¯s ready, he will continue his assault!¡±

    Vice Admiral Grish said, ¡°Then how do you think this war should end? We can¡¯t possibly defeat the Anteans now! We can only bleed the enemy dry and force them to ept a ceasefire!¡±General Sheeplin stared into Grish¡¯s eyes, ¡°That¡¯s impossible. As long as there is one Antean in this world, they will attack us.¡±

    "So how should this war end?¡± Grish countered, ¡°Is the Empire of Prosen to be destroyed?¡±

    Sheeplin didn¡¯t answer but pushed past Vice Admiral Grish and walked down thevishly decorated corridor.

    Vice Admiral Grish, hands in his pockets, watched his retreating figure then sighed deeply, turned around, opened a cab under his desk, took out a bottle of whiskey, and from a drawer a ss, poured himself a drink, and downed it in one gulp.

    ¡ª

    General Sheeplin entered the room and saw the Emperor gesticting over a map.

    Hearing the door open, the Emperor turned and met Sheeplin¡¯s gaze and said, ¡°You¡¯ve arrived just in time, General Sheeplin. I urgently need to know something, can Argesukov hold out?¡±

    "No,¡± General Sheeplin decisively replied, ¡°Our Eleventh Army Group from the Coastal Fortress pulled out quitepletely, but just one Army Group cannot hold off Rocossov¡¯s forces. Besides, I must remind you, the Armored Fifth Army, part of the Eleventh Army Group, has also suffered severe tank losses. About a hundred tanks are left in the repair factories, and currently, only one hundred tanks in the whole group are operational.¡±

    The Emperor added, ¡°I¡¯m already aware of the heavy losses to the Armored Troops. But what if we defend using the fortifications left by the Anteans around Argesukov? Is it possible to hold the city with just infantry troops?¡± ???¦­?B¦¥S

    General Sheeplin said, ¡°Your Majesty, Rocossov has extremely terrifying siege weapons, and currently, we haven¡¯t found an effective way to counter it.¡±

    "We have found one now,¡± said Celtic Marshal Kyle, ¡°Based on various reports, this siege weapon, named the Ulban, has its rocketuncher exposed on its back. So, we can cover it with artillery fire, directly destroying itsunching capabilities, and even detonating uunched rockets.¡±

    General Sheeplin nodded, ¡°Okay, I guess the Science Academy has developed a new artillery weapon that can precisely hit a moving Ulban?¡±

    "In fact, our Land Stuka rocketunchers are up to the task. We have already conducted tests,¡± Celtic Marshal Kyle answered.

    General Sheeplin said, ¡°But we haven¡¯t captured an Ulban, have we? How did you test it?¡±

    Celtic Marshal Kyle responded, ¡°Based on intelligence gathered from the front lines, we created a replica of an Ulban, made the backunch rails much sturdier and heavier than in normal conditions, but it was still destroyed by the Land Stuka.¡±

    Grand Duke Marshal Mayer interjected, ¡°Actually, the Air Force¡¯s new attack aircraft can also destroy the Ulban mega cannon.¡±

    "It must!¡± the Emperor dered loudly, ¡°So, General Sheeplin, tell me, can Argesukov hold out?¡±

    "No,¡± General Sheeplin replied with even more determination than before, ¡°Pulling back the Eleventh Army Group across the Dibo River can effectively strengthen the river¡¯s defenses. Although other units of the Southern Army Group haven¡¯t been entirely wiped out, they¡¯ve been thoroughly routed and need time to regroup.¡±

    Marshal Rundstedt asked, ¡°If we don¡¯t defend Argesukov and Rocossov crosses the river, what then?¡±

    "He won¡¯t make it across; his forces have swept through half of Kazarlia and also need to stop to resupply and reinforce. We might only have 100 operational tanks left, but Rocossov won¡¯t have many operable tanks either!¡±

    General Sheeplin walked to the map and drew two lines between the Dibo River and Rocossov¡¯s summer offensive starting point.

    "Look at this distance!¡±

    After a few seconds of silence, the Emperor asked, ¡°Then, as you said, let¡¯s abandon Argesukov. How much time do we have? Can we turn this city into ruins before we leave?¡±

    The military leaders at National Defense looked at one another.

    General Sheeplin said, ¡°If we are to cease fire, shouldn¡¯t we avoid further provoking the Anteans?¡±

    The Emperor asked, ¡°Do you think a ceasefire is possible?¡±

    "No,¡± General Sheeplin answered decisively.

    The Emperor nodded, ¡°You possess a quality our senior officers greatlyck at this moment! Coupled with the sessful retreat, I have decided to promote you to Imperial Marshal!¡±

    General Sheeplin stood to attention, chest out, ¡°Thank you, Your Majesty!¡±

    "But I demand that you hold the Dibo River line and save Bogdanovka!¡± the Emperor paused, staring intently into Sheeplin¡¯s eyes, ¡°Can you do that?¡±

    General Xiplin opened his mouth but ultimately swallowed the word ¡°impossible¡± and said, ¡°I will do my best!¡±

    His Majesty suddenly raised his voice, ¡°Do your best! Every time my generals tell me this, they fail to achieve it! You ipetents, at the military academy you only learned how to use knives and forks!¡±

    Marshal Xiplin replied, ¡°Your Majesty, if I am given control of all the newly formed armored divisions, I can at least maintain the Dibo River defensive line until next year!¡±

    The Emperor dered, ¡°You will get two new armored divisions!¡±

    Marshal Xiplin said, ¡°Two? As far as I know, the High Command has newly formed

    "The High Command has indeed newly formed six armored divisions, and also a heavy tank battalionprised of brand-new, just-off-the-line Tank No. 6. However, these troops will be sent to Sardin.¡±

    Marshal Xiplin frowned, ¡°The Allied Forces havended on that boot?¡±

    "Not yet, but we all know they areing,¡± the Celtic Marshal answered for the Emperor. ¡°The troops just withdrawn from Sicily suffered huge losses and will certainly withstand the Allies¡¯ subsequent offensive, and we are transferring the armored divisions to the south of Sardin.¡±

    The Emperor took up the conversation again, ¡°Due to Rocossov¡¯s rapid advance, we can expect the Allied Forces to make significant moves on the Western Front as well, and they do not want to share the glory of defeating us with the Anteans.¡±

    "Perhaps this is our opportunity, we may be able to stall the Anteans for the Allied Forces. I have already dispatched a secret envoy and may meet with the President of the Federation in a few weeks.¡±

    The Emperor grinned, showing a smile, ¡°This is the solution I have found for the Empire to end the war! As long as the Federation stops supporting the Anteans, we may be able to bring about a stalemate with the Anteans, causing the Allied Nations to crumble and every man for himself!¡±

    General Xiplin looked towards the Celtic Marshal and Marshal Rundstedt.

    Neither of them seemed to notice his gaze.

    The Emperor continued, ¡°So, we must destroy Argesukov! For this, I have mobilized a national police force of one hundred thousand men and about five thousandbat engineers, and we will reduce Argesukov to ashes before Rocossov can redraw its map!¡±

    At the same time, at the First Mobile Army Headquarters.

    The entire Corps Command convoy was on the move, Yegorov sat in the jeep, looking at the surrounding scenery.

    "Wait, are we almost at Orachi?¡± he suddenly eximed, pping the back of the driver¡¯s seat, ¡°Stop the car! Stop the car! I want to look at the terrain around here!¡±

    The driver hit the brakes hard, causing Yegorov¡¯s head to nearly bump against the seat back.

    He stood up, taking out binocrs to observe the surroundings.

    "Yes, yes, it¡¯s here! This is the forest where my troop ambushed the enemy! Our position was inside this forest! Eugene¡¯s old buddy¡¯s troop was on the high ground to the southwest! We just need to cross the hill ahead, and we¡¯ll see the city!¡±

    Yegorov put down the binocrs and told his new guard, ¡°I tell you, half of Orachi¡¯s people work in the dairy farms, and the milk and sausages they produce are very popr in Argesukov! Signal the order! All units speed up and move into the city for sausages!¡±

    Themand echoed down the line immediately.

    Yegorov remained standing on the seat, urging the driver, ¡°Drive! Drive! Don¡¯t worry about me, I¡¯m standing steady!¡±

    The jeep started up, possibly because Yegorov, the bear-like figure, had stood up, making the vehicle¡¯s center of gravity higher and causing it to sway terribly, as if drunk.

    The vehicle thus charged up the dirt hill.

    Then the driver subconsciously let go of the gas.

    The jeep that had just climbed the hill immediately stopped.

    Yegorov, clutching the driver¡¯s seat backrest, stared nkly ahead.

    There was nothing but ruins.

    Yegorov¡¯s fingers tightened on the backrest until his knuckles turned white.

    "Orachi he muttered softly, ¡°Is this¡­ Orachi? Are we mistaken? The terrain around here¡ªafter two years, there should have been some changes, right? This unchanged terrain, it¡¯s unreasonable!¡±

    At that moment, the vanguard of the First Guard ¡°Red g¡± Mechanized Infantry Division also crossed the hill and seeing this, the leading battalionmander shouted, ¡°Attention¡ªhalt!¡±

    The entire formation came to a sudden stop.

    The battalionmander jogged to Yegorov¡¯s vehicle, ¡°General, something is amiss, let¡¯s send out a reconnaissance team to look around first!¡±

    Yegorov replied, ¡°No, you see that red g; our forward units have already passed through, leaving a liaison officer behind. Orachi¡­ has been destroyed by the Prosens.¡±

    With that, he twisted the binocrs out of shape.

    "Suka! The Prosens must pay a blood debt!¡±

 Chapter 734: Courage (Extra 47/84)

    Chapter 734: Chapter 72 Courage (Extra 47/84)

    August 2nd, 9 PM, at the temporarymand center of General Rocossovsky, on the move.

    Wang Zhong hung up the phone and turned to look at Nelly.

    Nelly looked up, puzzled, ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Do you remember Orachi?¡±

    "Of course,¡± Nelly replied and continued to pour tea for Ludm.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°The Prosens have massacred the city. It seems they intend to annihte us there to negate our defensive sess, where one of our divisions held against several of theirs.¡±

    ...

    A few drops of tea spilled outside the cup.Nelly put down the teapot and looked up at Wang Zhong, ¡°That¡¯s really¡­ a sad thing.¡±

    Wang Zhong, ¡°When we were building defensive works in Orachi, I noticed you got along well with the locals. I hope you won¡¯t be too saddened.¡±

    "I¡¯m alright,¡± Nelly took the cloth and wiped the spilled tea.

    Ludm stood up and hugged Nelly tightly, ¡°Nelly! My strong Nelly.¡±

    Nelly, ¡°Madam, I¡¯m fine. I can¡¯t even recall their faces anymore, just that they were kind and gave me a little extra when they sold me things, that¡¯s all.

    "And I¡¯m almost being suffocated by your hug, Madam!¡±

    Wang Zhong patted Ludm on the shoulder, ¡°She said so herself.¡±

    Ludm finally released Nelly and stared at her face for a few seconds, ¡°Nelly, you look more expressionless than before. It¡¯s hard to guess what you¡¯re thinking.¡±

    "Mm,¡± Nelly nodded, seemingly unaware that her response was rather odd. After a brief pause, she asked, ¡°We will arrive in Orachi tomorrow, right?¡±

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°Yes. The Front Army Headquarters led by Pavlov should have arrived there by midnight today. They found some usable houses there, so the Front Army Headquarters should be set up there before Yegorov captures Argesukov.

    "That area is now considered a safe rear.¡±

    "I know,¡± Nelly still kept a stern face.

    Wang Zhong did not know whether it was the fierce battle at the beachhead that had hardened her heart or if she had always been such an irondy.

    Simultaneously, at 43 Krugan Street, Argesukov.

    Alekseyevna suddenly looked up at the window.

    She listened intently to the faint, muffled sounds outside.

    At that moment, the hidden door in her room opened, and a young face popped out asking, ¡°Grandma, what¡¯s happening? Is it thundering? Is there going to be a storm?¡± ?????¦¢??

    Grandma gently shook her head, ¡°No, child, it¡¯s cannon fire.¡±

    "Really?¡± The young man climbed out of the hidden door, ran to the window, and opened it.

    The dull sound filled the room.

    One sound after another, like the heartbeat of a giant.

    Suddenly, this sound was interrupted by a sharp screech. Prosen police cars, sirens ring, sped through the street, with Prosen upation forces firing their 98Ks at the surrounding windows.

    They called this a ¡®deterrence action.¡¯

    Alekseyevna calmly pulled the young man away from the window and closed it.

    The young man, ¡°Grandma, when the enemy¡¯s police cars move like this, it generally means they¡¯ve lost track of someone who broke the curfew. I think Sherlov and the others should be here.¡±

    No sooner had he finished speaking than there was a knock on the apartment door.

    Grandma pushed the young man, gesturing for him to hide in the hidden door.

    After the hidden door closed, she put on a coat and pretended to have just gotten up, meanwhile speaking loudly, ¡°I¡¯m here! Searching every night must be really exhausting, dear Prosen gentlemen.¡±

    This was a disguise, and also a code, telling those outside that nothing had changed inside.

    Alekseyevna arrived at the door, opened it, and let two middle-aged men into the apartment.

    "Sherlov,¡± the olddy asked the first man who entered, ¡°how are things?¡±

    "Terrible. We received news from our informant in the city government. The Prosens might start massacring the town tomorrow. The priest from the underground diocese has ordered a general mobilization of the guerri in all districts. We¡¯re preparing to rise up tomorrow to arm ourselves and defend Argesukov.¡±

    Alekseyevna¡¯s eyes widened, ¡°A rising up now? Listen, you can already hear our artillery outside, liberation is clearly at hand. If we rise up now, many won¡¯t see the day of liberation!¡±

    Sherlov ced his hands on the olddy¡¯s shoulders, ¡°Two years ago, you saved us wounded soldiers. The Prosens aren¡¯t fools; they¡¯ve realized you might be sheltering us. If they really start massacring tomorrow, you will be the first one they target!

    "It¡¯s our turn to protect you now!

    "The people of Argesukov have also been supporting our fight; we can¡¯t just watch them be ughtered.¡±

    Alekseyevna shook her head, grabbing Sherlov¡¯s hand, ¡°Over these two years, you all have be like my sons to me, and I don¡¯t want you to die on the eve of liberation.¡±

    Sherlov smiled, ¡°We¡¯re not nning to die; we have a good chance of winning. The Prosens¡¯ regr Eleventh Army Group is currently retreating to the west bank of the Dibo River; they should all leave Argesukov by tonight.

    "What¡¯s left are just useless things like the people¡¯s militias, barely having any machine guns. Over the past two years, we¡¯ve been umting weapons and ammunition, stealing a lot from Prosens¡¯ depots and also receiving support through underground transport lines and airdrops.

    "Our equipment is much better than the enemy¡¯s militias! Ourbat experience is also richer! Have you forgotten? Arge part of us were the wounded soldiers abandoned two years ago; we havebat experience!¡±

    Alekseyevna stared at Sherlov for several seconds, finally letting go of his hand, ¡°I understand, do what you must. I just¡­ just seeing victory about to arrive, I suddenly can¡¯t bear it.¡±

    Sherlov, ¡°Your strength has always inspired us, at least it has inspired me. Once we triumph, no matter which of us survives, we will all treat you as our own mother.¡±

    Alekseyevna gave a slight smile, pointing to the secret door, ¡°Go on then, ourrades are all waiting for themands from the underground diocese!¡±

    Sherlov nodded, walked to the secret door, and expertly slipped inside.

    His attendant respectfully saluted the olddy before disappearing into the secret door.

    Alekseyevna then returned to the bed, disregarding the risks of being hit by the frantic Prosens, shey on the window, her ear pressed against the ss, listening to the endless sounds of artillery outside.

    On August 3rd at noon, Wang Zhong¡¯s armoredmand vehicle entered Orachi.

    Tank 422 was currently being repaired; Ke Jing assured that the new batch of Rokossovsky Type had resolved the issue with the transmission shaft breaking, but now it seemed to have a new problem.

    So, Wang Zhong had no choice but to abandon the idea of driving a tank all the way to Argesukov and instead ride in the armoredmand vehicle provided by the Federation.

    Wang Zhong opened the door of themand car and nced at the street stretching out beneath the eyelids, his emotions mixed.

    The streets were the same, some buildings on either side maintained their integrity, but all bore the scars of having been scorched by fire.

    Wang Zhong realized that the Orachi he knew had disappeared.

    Suddenly, someone pushed him, squeezing past from his side out of themand vehicle.

    It was Nelly.

    Nelly took big strides forward, standing in the middle of the road, looking at the ruins on both sides.

    Wang Zhong, ¡°Nelly! You

    Before Wang Zhong could finish, Nelly started running.

    She dashed through the rubble, seemingly searching for something desperately.

    Wang Zhong stood by the door of the armoredmand vehicle, watching Nelly run further and further away.

    For a moment, Wang Zhong recalled ¡°The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly,¡± a movie he was very fond of before traveling through time, the scene where one of the protagonists ran wildly through a huge cemetery formed by the Civil War, had be a ssic in film history.

    Ludm came next to Wang Zhong, whispering, ¡°Indeed, Nelly established a deep connection with the residents during that month.¡±@@novelbin@@

    Wang Zhong nodded, ¡°That¡¯s why I hesitated yesterday about how to tell her the news.¡±

    Ludm, ¡°It¡¯s okay, she¡¯s stronger than we imagine, very strong. It¡¯s okay.¡±

 Chapter 735: The air is trembling, as if the sky is on fire

    Chapter 735: Chapter 73: The air is trembling, as if the sky is on fire

    Argesukov, early morning.

    The whole city was unable to sleep because the distant sound of artillery never ceased.

    Alekseyevna was no different as she sat by the window, leaning against the wall, listening to the distant artillery.

    As soon as dawn broke, Aunt Luna hurriedly descended the stairs, rushed to the reception desk, and peering through the window, asked Alekseyevna, ¡°Has the artillery sound gotten closer?¡±

    Alekseyevna replied, ¡°Even if it has, we can¡¯t tell. We aren¡¯t seasoned soldiers born and bred on the battlefield; we¡¯ve only heard artillery once in these two years.¡±

    That one time, of course, referred to when Argesukov fell.

    ...

    Aunt Luna sighed heavily, ¡°That¡¯s true. I just had a dream. I dreamt of Xie Na who used to live on the third floor. I told her we were going to win, that Argesukov was going to be liberated, and then Xie Na covered her mouth and started crying¡ªdespite being over there, she still weeps.¡±Xie Na was raped and killed by Prosens after they entered the city.

    Alekseyevna stood up and took a scarf from the cab next to the reception desk.

    "See this scarf?¡± the olddy said, ¡°Every time the Prosens did something evil, I would add a knot to it. Two years have passed

    With a gentle flick of her hand, the scarf unfolded and fell to the ground, rolling forward continuously.

    Aunt Luna was slightly stunned and asked subconsciously, ¡°Do you remember them all? So many knots!¡±

    "I can¡¯t remember,¡± the olddy sighed. ¡°Actually, making this scarf was just to calm my inner rage.¡±

    Aunt Luna nodded in understanding, ¡°I get it. I¡¯ve hidden a photo of a Prosen Officer who managed our block in my room¡¯s closet. Whenever I¡¯m angry, I stab his face with an awl! I¡¯ve already changed the photo five times; the others were all punctured.¡±

    After finishing, Aunt Luna suddenly lowered her voice and gestured toward the direction of a hidden door, ¡°What did they say?¡±

    Alekseyevna sighed, ¡°The Prosens n to massacre the city, so they¡¯re preparing to rebel to protect the townspeople.¡±

    Aunt Luna: ¡°That so? How about we join in? We¡¯ve been running errands for the guerris and the Resistance Organization for two years, why not give us a gun and let us fight?¡±

    Alekseyevna sighed, ¡°You make it sound easy, but fighting means death! Haven¡¯t we seen enough of it these years? Once the rebellion starts, who knows how many of these kids won¡¯te back.¡±

    Aunt Luna: ¡°That¡¯s why we need to do it. Look, for the Prosens to shoot us, they¡¯ll have to use their bullets, right? The guerri fighter, Petruchuk, who was recuperating at my house, said that if we keep zigzagging while running, like a snake, the Prosens will need at least 10 bullets to hit us, 10 bullets!

    "And Prosens¡¯ machine guns can only fire 100 rounds before they have to change barrels. You get it, when they¡¯re changing barrels, they can¡¯t shoot. So, ten old women like us can ensure ten young men survive!

    "Think about it, Alekseyevna! We are all past menopause, we can¡¯t have children anymore, and after liberation, we wouldn¡¯t be able to work much, only able to wash clothes. But if ten young men survive! They could build houses, cultivate crops!¡±

    Alekseyevna shook her head, ¡°No, if we go, they¡¯ll be distracted protecting us.¡±@@novelbin@@

    "So we just sit here and watch them die? Besides those old soldiers, most of them are just young adults!¡±

    At that moment, the hidden door opened, and Sherlov, fully armed, emerged. Noticing Aunt Luna, he seemed surprised, ¡°Auntie, why are you down here? Stay hidden at home today; the fighting could be fierce. If the gunfire dies down, run immediately¡ªthat might mean we¡¯ve been defeated by the Prosens, and they¡¯lle seeking revenge.¡± ???¦­???¦¥?

    Aunt Luna asked, ¡°Couldn¡¯t it possibly mean that you¡¯ve won?¡±

    Sherlovughed, ¡°That¡¯s possible, so keep your radio on. I know you have one. If we win, it¡¯ll be broadcasted on the radio, ying the songsposed by General Rocossov!¡±

    Aunt Luna: ¡°Which one?¡±

    "Just y them in rotation!¡± a young man behind Sherlovughed.

    The olddy saw him and immediately frowned, ¡°Why are you going too? You¡¯re not even of age!¡±

    "Sherlov agreed to let me go!¡±

    Alekseyevna thought for a moment and said, ¡°No, you have another task. Leave the city and tell the Ante Army outside that the Prosens intend to massacre the city, and they must hurry in, otherwise, they¡¯ll only find ruins!¡±

    The young man: ¡°The underground church district has already sent many people out; they won¡¯t miss one!¡±

    Suddenly Sherlov said, ¡°You told me you were very familiar with every street in the city, right?¡±

    "Yes, I used to deliver newspapers and milk as a kid. With a supply ticket, I could exchange good things at the church shop. I got a basketball and new shoes.¡±

    Sherlov said, ¡°Then this honorable task is yours. To avoid being discovered by the Prosens, hand over your rifle.¡±

    The young man¡¯s face scrunched up.

    Sherlov pulled out a sleek Prosen pistol, ¡°This was obtained a few days ago when we ambushed a Deputy Officer; take this for self-defense.¡±

    The young man immediately beamed, handed over the rifle to a guerri fighter, and took the pistol.

    Sherlov said, ¡°Go now, while it¡¯s still not fully light. Get out of the city quickly and find our forces!¡±

    "Yes!¡±

    The young man was about to head for the main entrance, but Alekseyevna swiftly grabbed him, ¡°Use the back door!¡±

    "Okay!¡± The young man dashed away.

    Sherlov said, ¡°Then we¡¯re leaving, olddy.¡±

    Alekseyevna wanted to say more but ended up just nodding slightly, ¡°Go well.¡±

    Sherlov opened the main door, checked the street, and then strode out.

    Guerri fighters followed him.

    Sherlov: ¡°Don¡¯t follow so closely! Battle formation! Makarov, don¡¯t tell me you don¡¯t get it either? Spread out!¡±

    Guerri fighters spread out into a loose battle formation. Over the past two years, they had killed plenty of Prosens, butunching a formal attack like this was a first for most of them.

    Alekseyevna watched through the window as they departed.

    Soon, the sound of machine gun fire came from a distance, likely from the guerris in other parts of the city.

    The gunfire quickly intensified.

    Alekseyevna returned to the window of the transmission room, sat behind the desk, and picked up her sewing, attempting to start knitting but making several mistakes in the process.

    Outside, there was another explosion, possibly from a hand grenade.

    The Prosen machine guns ripped through the air like tearing canvas.

    Aunt Luna remembered something, quickly climbed upstairs, and soon returned with a radio.

    "I have this radio; it can pick up shortwave broadcasts from Yeburg. Let¡¯s listen.¡±

    She turned on the radio and adjusted the dial.

    Alekseyevna said, ¡°Look at the time, Yeburg isn¡¯t like us, all mixed up¡ªit must be the morning music program now.¡±

    As soon as she finished speaking, the melody of music flowed from the radio:

    "Hear the battle horn sounding the rm, put on your uniforms, take up your arms. Youth Corps members, gather and embark on the journey, united to defend our nation!¡±

    Alekseyevna put down her sewing and stared at the radio.

    Outside, the gunfire grew even denser.

    The song on the radio moved into the chorus: ¡°Dasvidaniya, dear mother, please kiss your son goodbye. Farewell, mother, don¡¯t be sad, don¡¯tment, bless us with a safe journey.¡±

    Alekseyevna suddenly said, ¡°That¡¯s what my sons said when they left.¡±

    Aunt Luna added, ¡°Just now Sherlov and the others said the same, pretty much!¡±

    "Yes. Indeed.¡±

    The radio continued, ¡°Farewell, dear hometown, the victory star will shine on us, farewell mother, don¡¯t be sad, don¡¯tment, bless us with a safe journey.¡±

    Alekseyevna gazed at the radio¡¯s speaker, lost in thought.

    Even the usually talkative Aunt Luna remained silent, with only the song echoing in the transmission room¡ªcontending with the increasingly fierce gunfire outside.

    Kazarlia First Front Army¡¯s Air Force 20th Reconnaissance Squadron, Reconnaissance ne 207, was approaching Argesukov ording to the flight n.

    Prior to this, such urban overflights for reconnaissance had been carried out five times.

    But this time, for the first time, the Front Army Air Force approved reducing the reconnaissance altitude to below 500 meters.

    At this height, enemy anti-aircraft fire was extraordinarily fierce; flying over cities heavily defended by enemy forces at this altitude was called a ¡°medal flight¡± by pilots because a sessful return almost guaranteed a medal.

    Lieutenant Kukov had hardly managed to obtain this honor.

    Yes, an honor.

    As for danger, the young men of the Air Force never feared it.

    As they got close to the city, observer Sherlov asked Lieutenant Kukov, ¡°Lieutenant, you¡¯re from Argesukov, right?¡±

    "Yes, I¡¯m a fellow townsman of Commander Rocosov! I heard he wanted to fly over the city himself but was held down by the Chief of Staff.¡±

    Sherlov joked, ¡°How could they let him fly personally, Miss Amelia¡¯s abilities don¡¯t counteract the enemy¡¯s anti-air gunners! Unless she can perform a ¡®Ying Maiman spiral to dodge the anti-air cannons below¡¯, right?¡±

    The key in airbat was to control information and secure positions¡ªthe energy advantage made securing positions easier, and controlling information was the premise of applying this capability advantage.

    Thus, Amelia had enormous advantages in normal airbat.

    But ground-based anti-aircraft guns only needed to fire at the sky.

    "Herees the city!¡± the lieutenant shouted, ¡°Get ready to take pictures!¡±

    Observer Sherlov immediately refocused on the ground.

    "Strange,¡± he said, ¡°why is there so much thick smoke on the ground? Did we bombard the city?¡±

    "No, ording to the updated map before we took off, the First Mobile Group Army should still be in the suburbs; their artillery couldn¡¯t reach the city center!¡±

    As they entered the city airspace, no anti-aircraft fire greeted Kukov and Sherlov.

    It was probably because there was already chaos on the ground.

    Kukov asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on? I didn¡¯t hear about any airborne operations.¡±

    "It¡¯s the guerris! The Prosen Army is fighting the guerris!¡±

    Sherlov observed below: ¡°The guerris are being ughtered! We need to help them!¡±

    Kukov dered, ¡°We have a DShK machine gun. You direct the attack line, let¡¯s give the Prosens a wake-up call!¡±

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