Chapter Seven, Letter from Chongqing

The veterans who had been complaining incessantly yesterday about not being selected have now fallen silent. The chief of staff, who seemed approachable and amiable to them just a day ago, has overnight transformed into a tormenting devil. Compared to those poor sharpshooters, the task of constructing fortifications is far more comfortable.

At five o'clock in the morning, the first rays of sunlight have already blossomed on the horizon, and the slight coolness that once lingered on the earth is immediately engulfed by the boundless heat

Is it true that you are going to the new 38th Division as the deputy chief of staff? Naturally, Song Yuhang is well aware of what the new 38th Division is; its predecessor was the Tax Police Corps. Even now, people in the Expeditionary Force often jokingly refer to it as the "Song Family Army"

Taking the National Revolutionary Army's adjustment of divisions as an example, the composition of its command staff includes the division commander, deputy division commander, chief of staff, infantry commander, director of the political department, and deputy division commander. The infantry commander is often concurrently held by the commander of the main regiment.

The intelligence network established by the Burmese in Tonggu City under the Imperial Third Division has been completely destroyed due to the expulsion of locals by the gendarmerie. The deployment and fortifications of the 200th Division have been largely surveyed with the assistance of several days of military inspections, yet the new district, guarded by the gendarmerie, remains impenetrable and inaccessible.

"What could the Ministry of Foreign Affairs want from me?" A bewildered Song Yuhang opened the telegram, which turned out to be sent by his distant uncle, Song Ziwen. The telegram repeatedly mentioned the urgent situation in Tonggu, expressing the deep concern of his family, including his third aunt, and urging him to return to Chongqing promptly to report on his duties! Inside the envelope, there was even an additional promotion order.

All the soldiers hurriedly secured their weapons and stood up, their faces pale. Song Yuhang, with a grim expression, raised his watch and said: "From the issuance of the order to the halt, ten seconds have passed, and not a single person has fired? What are you waiting for? Waiting for food? Everyone has missed breakfast!"

When they formed the aiming line, many were surprised to find that their target was actually moving, and in an irregular manner

It is undeniable that Major General Sun Liren of the New 38th Division was promoted by Song Ziwen and recommended to the committee. The Song family has shown him immense favor, and Song Ziwen, who once served as Minister of Finance, naturally ensured that the Tax Police Corps, this Song family army, was well-fed and robust. From weapons to radio equipment, every item bore the mark of the USA. Most of the officers were graduates of foreign military academies, returning home as students who had enjoyed bread and milk, holding high ranks and exuding a commanding presence, making them unique within the Nationalist Army. Even Du Yuming, who had once guarded the president's remains, was merely a major general at this time.

While Song Yuhang devoted himself wholeheartedly to training his snipers, the ancient city had, through the collective efforts of all the officers and soldiers of the 200th Division, transformed into an impregnable fortress. Notably, due to the implementation of Song Yuhang's suggestions, the 131 Heights had been nearly hollowed out, with an eight-meter-wide and five-meter-deep trench excavated in front of the position. The slope opposite the trench was also cut into a sheer cliff over seven meters high. Countless fire points, in conjunction with the trench and tunnels, formed a composite three-dimensional fire point structure with three layers above and three layers below. Especially at the 131 Heights, the mountain had been nearly hollowed out due to the adoption of Song Yuhang's recommendations, with an eight-meter-wide and five-meter-deep trench dug in front of the position, and the slope opposite the trench cut into a sheer cliff over seven meters high, creating countless fire points that, together with the trench and tunnels, established a composite three-dimensional fire point structure.

On March 14, Song Yuhang calculated that there was less than a week left before the outbreak of war. After expelling and even executing a group of pro-Japanese armed elements in Myanmar, there were no longer any Myanmar nationals to be seen in the ancient city. Only then did Song Yuhang relocate the nine armored vehicles and twenty trucks in his possession to a concealed location in the southern part of the city, preparing to support the engineering regiment making a breakout from the airport at any moment. With their assistance, the central bank he was defending would truly be as solid as a fortress.

Song Yuhang let out a wry smile in resignation, casually tossing the appointment into the room without paying it any mind, and instead devoted himself entirely to training

Target two hundred meters, wind direction southwest, wind speed two meters per second, rapid fire in ten shots within fifty seconds! Song Yuhang's command prompted the nearly incapacitated "marksmen" to struggle, removing their Zhongzheng rifles from their backs, lying down in front of the target positions, and beginning to aim and shoot.

It is still quicker to start from the obvious aspects. With this in mind, Song Yuhang waved to the cart and the book truck parked nearby, saying: "One can of beef for each person, five steamed buns, one pound of milk, half an hour for breakfast, and then we will proceed to the morning exercise class"

One year ago, Ueda Sakura, who had already been assigned to the Intelligence Section 3 "Mei Agency" as the Deputy Director, assumed the alias Ouyang Xinwen. Under the guise of a Chinese expatriate, she opened a Chinese-style restaurant rich in cultural charm in the strategically significant area of Mongko in Myanmar.

Ueda Sakurako first realized that she was hesitating. Was it emptiness? However, she quickly reassured herself that the person with the surname Song was merely a minor official with little power, nothing more than an ordinary dandy. It was indeed somewhat laughable to consider him a rival.

As news of the Japanese army's advance continued to arrive, a series of tragic incidents caused the people of Tonggu City to become increasingly restless, prompting some overseas Chinese who had originally not planned to retreat to begin packing their belongings

Back in the car, Song Yuhang realized that he had been somewhat too impatient. After all, he himself had been scolded harshly by his instructor years ago. It took him five years of hard work to develop the skills he had today. He wanted to guide them slowly and impart professional knowledge, but on one hand, time was running out, and on the other hand, many soldiers could barely recognize a few characters. Explaining ballistics, temperature differences, and the principles of physical projectile motion to them was akin to playing the lute to a cow

Song Yuhang loaded a row of bullets with agility, swiftly inserting them into the chamber. With a clatter, he pulled the bolt back and chambered a round. After firing five consecutive shots, Song Yuhang glanced at his target. Although the impact points were all within a five-centimeter diameter area on the target's head, they paled in comparison to Wang Tianyi's plum blossom pattern.

In the face of such a commander, all the selected gendarmes fell silent. Not consuming empty rations, not drinking the blood of soldiers, and even subsidizing their own meals? This is unprecedented! Following such a commander, even dying on the battlefield would be worthwhile!

No one knows that Song Yuhang is, at his core, a standard passionate patriotic soldier, and naturally, he would not engage in any sordid affairs

Upon inquiry, a logistics officer informed them that the chief of staff had gone back to the headquarters for a meal. Their breakfast had been specially approved by the chief of staff, and the funds came from the chief of staff's personal allowance

Run faster and - picture - book! Don't fall behind! The last five will go hungry!" Standing on the jeep, Song Yuhang waved a whip that he had somehow found.

My goodness! Amidst the cries of lament and complaints, the remaining soldiers, gazing at the dense residential buildings, finally realized that misfortune had indeed arrived

Amidst a cloud of dust, Xu Tuan watched as the team disappeared at the street corner. He then nudged the stunned "Duty Officer" (the lieutenant on duty for the week) and said, "Everyone is accounted for! The Chief of Staff has ordered the complete clearance of all buildings within 400 meters to the west, south, and north of the central bank, in order to clear the line of fire (the line of fire generally refers to the horizontal 180-degree range of the machine gun's axis). Then, all bricks, wood, and tiles must be piled against the outer wall of the bank to construct a defensive wall against artillery."

At the age of 20, Ueda Sakurako graduated with outstanding results from the Tokyo Foreign Affairs Institute and was assigned to the Fifth Intelligence Section, commonly known as the "Kiku Agency." She operated in Washington, successfully stealing numerous important intelligence from the American military-industrial complex. As the headquarters established a strategic direction for advancing southward, the value of the "Kiku Agency" within the intelligence department rapidly increased, showing signs of surpassing the "Shou Agency" in China.

Thus, she made a bold decision to exploit the weaknesses of the Song family as a breakthrough point, even deciding to resort to seduction in order to ascertain the defensive arrangements of the Tonggu New Urban Area

Soon, Song Yuhang discovered a soldier from Guangxi, Wang Tianyi, during training. His slender build nearly led to his elimination during the initial physical training period

Unrestrained and carefree, pure and transparent, warm like sunshine, especially those jokes that make one laugh until they cramp. Ueda Sakurako never expected that someone could be so humorous, with such a diverse personality. This was completely different from the people she had encountered before. This was her first impression and evaluation of Song Yuhang. However, today, Song Yuhang unexpectedly declined her invitation, leaving her both frustrated and unwilling to accept it. She even wished that Song Yuhang were Japanese, how wonderful that would be!

Ueda Sakurako knew that she no longer had time to wait, as most of the overseas Chinese in the city had already evacuated, and staying any longer would likely attract suspicion

The five bullet holes, resembling a plum blossom, were all concentrated in the center of the target! This astonishing achievement ignited Song Yuhang's competitive spirit

After being unprecedentedly rejected in Tonggu, Ouyang Xinwen's expression fluctuated between joy and sorrow. Ouyang Xinwen, originally named Uetani Sakura, comes from a family with profound influence in the Shikoku region of Japan. From a young age, Uetani Sakura was inspired by her parents and brothers, and she is determined to strive for the realization of a prosperous East Asia under the imperial way.

Song Yuhang extended his hand towards Wang Tian and said, "Private Second Class, let me have a look at your rifle"

Upon receiving Wang Tianyi's rifle, Song Yuhang was astonished to discover that the stock of the rifle had been shaved down with a knife. Moreover, there were signs that the sight had also been filed down. Within the Nationalist Army, privately modifying weapons is equivalent to sabotaging military equipment.

Thirty selected snipers each carried a Czech light machine gun and wore a Republic of China Type 24 Zhongzheng rifle on their backs, surrounding the new urban area to commence a day of training

After breakfast, Song Yuhang shared his insights on rifle handling and shooting techniques, including breathing techniques, methods for judging wind direction and distance, the essentials of quickly establishing a sighting line, camouflage and counter-surveillance, pre-setting sniper positions, and the tactics for relocating positions. The master leads you to the door, but the practice is up to the individual

Song Yuhang's only requirement is that each person must consume 500 rounds of ammunition every day This is a very simple principle, as all methods converge into one, and most sharpshooters are developed through the accumulation of bullets Only through continuous shooting can one find the right feeling This has made it difficult for the soldiers responsible for cooperation, as they have to run back and forth in the trenches holding targets, almost wearing out a pair of sandals a day, with a new group of people changing every half day

As lunchtime approached, Song Yuhang received a telegram from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Chongqing along with a large envelope

After reviewing several targets, Song Yuhang decided to distribute the Mao www.hetushu.com.com sniper rifles to the soldiers tomorrow, allowing the snipers to quickly familiarize themselves with the weapons in their hands

In the eyes of the soldiers, who is Chief of Staff Song? He is a direct descendant of the Song family, one of the four prominent families. The Song family possesses countless assets both domestically and abroad. Previously, engaging in the trade of military supplies was merely a means to earn a little pocket money. How could the meager profits from exploiting soldiers and drawing empty salaries be worth his attention?

The soldiers, who initially thought there was no hope for breakfast, were momentarily stunned by such a lavish spread. As they lined up to receive their breakfast, they suddenly noticed the absence of the chief of staff.

Song Yuhang discovered that Wang Tianyi's shooting posture was not standard. Moreover, he was a left-handed shooter, yet he established the aiming line with remarkable speed and fired with exceptional decisiveness, almost pulling the trigger simultaneously with drawing the gun. After observing Wang Tianyi shoot a series of bullets, Song Yuhang ordered the soldiers to bring Wang Tianyi's target in front of him.

The new 38th Division is currently still in Yunnan, far from the battlefield! It seems that the Song family is showing quite a special concern for themselves!

In the evening, after a tiring day, Song Yuhang received a special invitation. Ouyang Xinwen, the owner of Fengyuxuan, wanted to host a banquet for him. Naturally, Song Yuhang had no interest in such an unsolicited affair. In his view, Ouyang Xinwen could undoubtedly be considered a femme fatale, exuding an enchanting charm with every move and gesture. Believing that his resistance was not strong, Song Yuhang could only hang up the golden medal of exemption from battle.

Looking at her assistant, Asada Miho, who had been following her for more than three years, although her determination had not changed, the years of her intelligence career had left her feeling weary, or perhaps one could say jaded, until Song Yuhang appeared in her line of sight

Thirty exhausted soldiers stood dejectedly in place, worried that if they continued this training, they might not even meet the Japanese before being "operated on" to death by the chief of staff

Fifty seconds later, Song Yuhang swung the whip fiercely and shouted loudly: "Cease fire"

The ten-kilometer armed forced march around the city left the panting snipers nearly collapsing to the ground, with a few of them already foaming at the mouth