Chapter 9, The True Purpose of Gao Hongming

Regimental Flag

However, after the words were spoken, he recalled that his superior was indeed a well-known landlord in Liantai County, and a single cow was truly nothing significant to him

Xiao Zhankui also raised the telescope to observe for a moment, hesitated briefly before saying, "This seems to be the enemy's command post"

Under the telescope, Gao Hongming's face finally revealed a smile

After leaving the defensive area of the 358th Regiment, Gao Hongming quickly led the militia to the vicinity of Cangyun Ridge

However, Gao Hongming knew that this seemingly old farmer was actually Xiao Zhankui's artillery platoon leader, who had been recruited from the Jin-Sui Army, and he was exceptionally skilled at handling mortars

However, due to the uphill assault and the fact that the Eighth Route Army had laid landmines on the hillside, the Japanese army, despite having far superior numbers and weaponry compared to the Eighth Route Army, found the battle extremely arduous. Several times, they were repelled by the Eighth Route Army, who held the high ground, even after advancing partway up the slope.

Understood! The two individuals responded affirmatively.

Moreover, the Japanese military regulations explicitly state that the presence of the military flag signifies the existence of the regiment, and the loss of the military flag results in the disbandment of that regiment. Therefore, for the Japanese Army, the regimental flag is considered more important than life itself

To know and *illustrate*, every side of the team flag has the Emperor of Japan's handwritten signature and is personally bestowed by the Emperor

The two of them responded in unison, and then Wu Chengfeng asked in confusion, "Commander, why do we have to seize the enemy's command post? Is there something valuable inside?"

Sakata Nobutaka, where do you think you can run this time

Soon, a middle-aged man with a dark complexion and an occasional honest smile approached him. If it were not for the German Army M36 uniform he wore and the M35 steel helmet on his head, no one would associate him with a soldier

Gao Hongming looked at the two and said word by word: "Don't you want to capture a flag of the enemy's regiment?"

Although the two individuals have been away from the military for several years, they are still aware of certain common knowledge regarding the Japanese army, and they certainly understand the significance of the regimental flag to the Japanese military

Upon seeing this, Gao Hongming felt a deep admiration for Li Yunlong, who commanded this battle

Although Cangyun Ridge is referred to as a ridge, it actually consists of three peaks, and the gunfire is coming from those three peaks.

"Are you serious, Chief Chang?" Geng Changshun was overjoyed, as his hometown was Liantai County, where his family had been engaged in farming for generations. However, due to their poverty, they had to pay high prices to rent others' oxen for plowing during the farming season

Gao Hongming took the telescope and said with a serious expression: "You must remember that we are currently facing more than 3,000 enemy troops. If we cannot eliminate the enemy's command center at the first opportunity, once we expose our position, you are well aware of the consequences that await us. Therefore, you must not miss your shot, do you understand?"

At this moment, the gunfire from the mountain was already clearly audible, and the sound of cannon explosions could occasionally be heard

Gao Hongming said without hesitation: "I can be certain that this is definitely the command post of the Japanese army's Sakata Brigade. Where is our artillery unit? Call Geng Changshun over here."

What a worthless thing!

Of course there is

Geng Changshun also reined in his smile, his expression becoming serious. "Rest assured, Commander, if I cannot take down the enemy's command post later, you may execute me, Old Geng, without hesitation!"

It is ! ''

Gao Hongming shook his head: "What would I gain by executing you? However, I can promise you this: if you manage to take down the enemy's command post this time, I will reward you with a cow when you return!"

After speaking, Gao Hongming lay down again and raised the telescope to begin searching carefully

Understood

Geng Changshun looked for a while before returning the binoculars to Gao Hongming: "No problem, Commander. The distance is over 860 meters, which is precisely within the optimal range of our mortars. The hit rate for the first round of simultaneous fire can reach at least 70%, and the hit rate for the second round of simultaneous fire can reach 90%.

After reconfirming the command post of the Sakata Joint Team, Gao Hongming called over Xiao Zhankui and pointed forward

Gao Hongming glared at the two individuals

After a considerable amount of time, his gaze finally fixed upon a small hill.

I have finally found you

That's good

However, this can only be described as extraordinary talent, which ordinary people can only envy but cannot attain.

Upon seeing the newcomer, Gao Hongming handed him the telescope and pointed to the target, saying: "Geng Changshun, take a look, this is the enemy's command post. Once the fighting starts, will you be able to take it out at the first opportunity?"

This bamboo craftsman, who has never attended a military academy for a single day, was able to lead a force that was inferior in both manpower and weaponry to defeat the Sakata Brigade, and even managed to break through the Sakata command post from the front. This not only requires exceptional command abilities but also a keen sense of battlefield intuition

The mere thought of capturing a regimental flag would likely make their militia famous nationwide

"Do not rush, now is not the time." Knowing the process and direction of this battle, Gao Hongming shook his head, "With our limited resources, we cannot recklessly expose ourselves. Go tell the brothers below, without my orders, no one is allowed to fire at will. Those who disobey will face battlefield discipline"

"Old Xiao, what is that in the left front, about eight hundred meters away?"

"I must have the flag of the regiment, remember this: as long as we obtain that flag to cover the safe retreat of the Eighth Route Army, we will withdraw immediately. Do not foolishly engage in a hard fight with the enemy; we have so many resources at our disposal, do you understand?"

Gao Hongming ordered the troops to halt their advance and took out his binoculars to observe the mountain peak

"Commander... what should we do now?" Wu Chengfeng had arrived at his side at some point, asking in a low voice.

Thinking of this, the two exchanged a glance and nodded vigorously, "Commander... if we can truly capture the enemy's regimental flag, it would be worth it even if we lose the entire squad!"

Upon hearing this, the two felt as if their breathing had momentarily ceased

Without mentioning the preparations made by Geng Changshun, Gao Hongming called over Wu Chengfeng and Xiao Zhankui, pointing to the command post and saying to the two of them: "You need to pay attention. Once Geng Changshun takes out the enemy's command post, you must launch an assault immediately. It is essential to occupy their command post at the first opportunity. Do you understand?"

Understood

Through the telescope, Gao Hongming could clearly see a Japanese soldier dressed in khaki military uniform continuously launching attacks against the Eighth Route Army positioned on the three hilltops

In his telescope, there is an inconspicuous small hillock that, at first glance, appears no different from the surrounding scenery; however, the long pole measuring seven to eight meters behind the hillock and the antenna on top reveal its presence

Remove the word 'seems'

Therefore, his greatest wish is to save money to buy a cow, in order to alleviate the burden at home. The reward offered by Gao Hongming truly struck a chord with him.