Chapter 6: A Discussion on Warfare over Wine

Song Yuhang, whose throat was so dry it felt like it was smoking, shouted at the guard: "I want herbal tea! Herbal tea!"

After giving a thorough briefing, Song Yuhang conducted a comprehensive inspection of the defenses of the central bank. At the solid top of the third floor of the bank, Song Yuhang discovered a blind spot! An absolutely first-rate mortar preset position, with six 60-millimeter mortars and two 80-millimeter American mortars, had been established here

A cup containing a full three taels of liquor was downed in one gulp by Song Yuhang, a wave of spiciness coursing down his throat all the way to his stomach, which felt as if a roaring bonfire had been ignited within.

Glancing at the slanting sunset, Song Yuhang yawned and said: "Brother Jiuming, don't scatter me away! You all go ahead, I will follow shortly."

Taking advantage of the gap in the waiting tank battalion, Song Yuhang had the soldiers below nominate 30 top-notch marksmen. After his careful assessment, although these individuals did not yet possess the qualities of snipers, their fundamentals were quite solid and they held significant potential for development

The thirty unfortunate individuals selected are currently feeling relieved that they do not have to endure the scorching sun while constructing the works; little do they know that their chief of staff, Song Yuhang, has already prepared a hell for them

The little maid standing next to Xinwen exclaimed in surprise, "Miss! The one with the surname Song is truly impressive! You took the hangover remedy in advance and used the Yunzhong Pa to avoid drinking. That guy must have consumed at least 2 jin of Huozhong Shao, and he can still stand?" (Yunzhong Pa is a technique invented by women in the brothels of the late Qing Dynasty to avoid drinking. It involves swallowing the liquor to the throat and then, with a specially made handkerchief, discreetly spitting it out while chatting.)

The utterly intoxicated Song Yuhang occasionally spoke eloquently, leaving several guards in a state of utter disarray

Song Yuhang broke free from the grip of the other party and glanced at the burly man in front of him. This man was Wu Jiuming, the commander of the 600th Regiment, who had only started calling him brother since yesterday.

After drinking the herbal tea, Song Yuhang suddenly recalled the young female soldiers he had seen at the headquarters of the 200th Division. Their attentiveness in serving tea and water was truly worlds apart from his own rough and burly demeanor as a guard

In the evening, accompanied by Xu Tuan, the progress of the construction near the central bank was inspected. Looking at the fully covered "Z" shaped trenches that had taken shape in just one day's work, the towering clusters of bunkers, along with hidden fortifications and concealed firing points, had begun to outline the three-tiered circular defensive works. The military engineers, acting as military police, were shouting commands as they aligned the cedar logs and connected them with steel pins. The towering clusters of bunkers, along with hidden fortifications and concealed firing points, had begun to outline the three-tiered circular defensive works. The military engineers, acting as military police, were shouting commands as they aligned the cedar logs and connected them with steel pins.

On this night, Song Yuhang was truly intoxicated, to the point of complete disarray. Although Ouyang Xinwen made every effort to persuade Song Yuhang to stay overnight, Dai Anlan refused on the grounds of Song Yuhang's position as a military judge and insisted on sending someone to escort him back to the Military Police Headquarters

After getting off the car, Song Yuhang looked up, and a building covered by an ancient-style Ming dynasty archway immediately came into view. Wu Jiuming leaned in closer, mysteriously patted Song Yuhang's shoulder, and said: "If you arrive in Myanmar and don't eat sour tamarind, it's just like going to Tonggu and not visiting Fengyuxuan! The service here is said to be better than that in the country, and I've heard that a few staff members even came from Shanghai!"

In utter helplessness, Song Yuhang had no choice but to casually take off his shirt, squat beside the water cart, splash some water to wash the sweat off his face, and change into a clean outfit before setting off with Wu Jiuming to the Fengyu Pavilion.

Fengyu Xuan is located near the New City Police Headquarters, but there are hardly any police officers to be seen in the current Tonggu City. The British senior officers had long since evacuated along with the library before the arrival of the 200th Division, leading to the immediate collapse of the local police that the British Empire had painstakingly trained.

Xinwen's gaze also fell upon Song Yuhang, who was still exchanging cups and toasts. She had long heard of this young master from the Song family, but upon seeing him today, he seemed to be quite different from the rumors.

At that moment, the door was suddenly pushed open, and a wave of fragrant air rushed in as a group of young ladies entered, taking their seats one after another! Song Yuhang had been paying close attention to Dai Anlan's demeanor and noticed that Dai Anlan also appeared quite natural. Upon reflection, it was understandable that this group of passionate soldiers, who fought for their country and nation in foreign lands, would take a moment to relax before the great battle.

Having consumed four cups of wine, Song Yuhang entered a state of exhilaration, calling the officers who came to toast him "brother" and treating them as equals, truly refusing no one who approached him

Sitting opposite Song Yuhang, Zhou Zhizai smiled slightly after signaling for the dishes to be served and said to Song Yuhang: "You have worked hard today, little brother! Later, I must toast you a few more times on behalf of the master!"

After the armored vehicles were placed in the underground shelter, Song Yuhang personally called Dai Anlan, requesting to borrow half a company of personnel. Naturally, Dai Anlan, who did not have any armored vehicles at hand, would not be so stingy, especially with Song Yuhang's solemn assurance that his armored vehicles would be ready for deployment at any time

Although Dai Anlan was very cautious, he believed that Song Yuhang's viewpoint was overly pessimistic. The subsequent troops of the New Fifth Army, specifically the 22nd Division under Liao Yaoxiang, had already arrived west of Mandalay, just a few days' journey from the 200th Division. Moreover, the 200th Division was the pride of Du Yuming and the old man. In the context of the Nationalist Army, only the 200th Division had truly completed mechanized reorganization. Although it lacked heavy weaponry and air support, the idea that the Japanese could swallow the 200th Division with just one division was nothing short of a delusion. Furthermore, the 200th Division was the pride of Du Yuming and the old man. In the context of the Nationalist Army, only the 200th Division had truly completed mechanized reorganization. Although it lacked heavy weaponry and air support, the idea that the Japanese could swallow the 200th Division with just one division was nothing short of a delusion.

With a rosy complexion, Xinwen raised her fourth glass of wine high and said: "This cup is dedicated to all the esteemed defenders of our nation! I wish the national army and soldiers to defeat the Japanese invaders so thoroughly that not a single piece of their remains is left. Today we fight the enemy in Myanmar, and tomorrow we will raise our flag in Tokyo!"

Song Yuhang naturally understood the implication of Wu Jiuming's words, but he was indifferent to whether there truly existed such a paradise on earth within the ancient city that was about to be engulfed in war.

Dai Anlan smiled slightly and indicated, "This is the owner here, Ouyang Xinwen. Boss Ouyang, you must take good care of our Chief of Staff Song today! The officers and soldiers of my 200th Division owe him a favor!"

Wu Jiuming was unwilling to comply, shouting loudly: "A real man should act swiftly, my brother, I will be waiting for you right here!"

"Good! Well said!" Diane was the first to applaud, leading the way with a toast. The lively atmosphere was instantly invigorated by the effects of the alcohol

Song Yuhang also realized that while Diane Lan appreciated his minor tactical suggestions, she ultimately could not influence his strategic deployment and determination. It seems that history cannot be easily altered

Finding a girl to accompany for drinks has already become the bottom line for Dai Anlan. In the 200th Division, the ironclad military discipline does not allow for overnight stays. Especially considering that Song Yuhang holds the position of Chief of Staff in the Military Police Corps.

Thirty Mauser rifles are sufficient to equip a platoon of snipers, but the training period of just ten days is indeed too tight. Unless enhanced training is employed, thinking of this, Song Yuhang's lips curled into a faint, inexplicable smile, after all, this is what Song Yuhang loves most

"Get up, you little rascal! Hurry up!" A voice as loud as thunder jolted Song Yuhang awake. A rough, large hand yanked Song Yuhang out of the car and shook him vigorously, saying, "The master wants you to wash up and change your clothes quickly. You will be welcomed at Fengyuxuan shortly!"

Just after putting down his wine glass, Song Yuhang noticed that Xinwen had raised another glass to signal him. She then drank it all in one go, her delicate wrist turning slightly to indicate that the cup was empty.

Amidst a chorus of agreement, Song Yuhang realized that almost everyone present were the regimental commanders of the 200th Division. He had interacted with several commanders of the main reinforcement regiments, and there was a bond formed through the sharing of ammunition and supplies, which made him feel quite familiar with them. Even those he did not know were offering him warm smiles. At that moment, Song Yuhang felt a sense of belonging within the atmosphere of the 200th Division. The soldiers of this era were mostly quite simple; they fought the enemy for food and pay, and whoever treated them well, they would reciprocate with even greater kindness.

The next day, the sound of Song Yuhang, whose head was pounding painfully as he searched for water, startled the guards. To his surprise, the burly guards actually poured him a cup of scalding hot water

After Song Yuhang took his seat, he realized that apart from himself and Dai Anlan sitting next to each other, everyone else was seated with an empty seat in between, and the reason for this empty seat was self-evident

Undeniably, alcohol serves as the best bridge for communication among soldiers; however, as the effects of alcohol take hold, many unconsciously shift the conversation to the impending arrival of the Japanese forces

In Song Yuhang's view, there is not much difference between asking a girl to serve as a platform and the role of a nightclub hostess in later generations. Three tables are arranged in a triangular formation, with the armored Dai Anlan seated in the primary position at the eastern end, and an empty seat beside him is clearly reserved for himself

Apart from a few Western journalists lingering in the city, there are only a handful of local Chinese expatriates! Fengyuxuan is the largest Chinese restaurant in the area.

However, Diane only had this one cup, and none of his subordinates, who were well aware of his character, urged him to drink, as they began to drink on their own.

The Mauser series pistols can be broadly classified into two categories based on their automatic mechanisms: semi-automatic and automatic. The automatic Mauser refers specifically to the M1932 model Mauser submachine gun. Prior models featured fixed chambers and magazines, and what is commonly referred to as a "magazine" actually refers to a "bridge-type feed system." When using a fixed chamber Mauser pistol, one would open the action, pull back the bolt, and use the ejection port to press the cartridges into the chamber via the feed bridge. The Mauser M1932, on the other hand, can utilize magazines that hold either 10 or 20 rounds

Upon hearing the incident of the British soldiers being stripped of their uniforms mentioned again, the embarrassed Song Yuhang could only raise his glass and drink in salute first

Zhou Zhi then pulled the woman and said: "Sister Xinwen, please wait a moment. I would like to introduce you to a young man, Lieutenant Colonel Song Yuhang, the Chief of Staff of the Military Law Enforcement Corps."

At the invitation of several officers, Song Yuhang and Wu Jiuming exchanged polite gestures and stepped into the hall together. Upon entering the hall, Song Yuhang's eyes immediately brightened; having experienced the splendor of future nightclubs, he could not help but praise the uniqueness of Fengyuxuan.

Inside the lobby, there is unexpectedly a scene reminiscent of the water towns of Jiangnan. Between the small bridges and flowing water, green bamboo serves as a screen, creating distinct seating areas. A waterwheel made of bamboo turns slowly, while the music of a flute wafts down from the second floor, invigorating the spirit and dispelling the heat and fatigue.

Amidst the enthusiastic cheers of the crowd, Song Yuhang downed three cups of white liquor, and his gaze instantly became hazy

The woman, with her shining eyes, looked up and down at Song Yuhang and said: "I have long heard of your name but have not seen you in person! Could it be that this is the Chief of Staff Song, who left the British with nothing but their underwear! Please allow me to toast Chief of Staff Song with three cups, in gratitude for him avenging us overseas Chinese!"

Dig the anti-artillery pit deeper, add an extra layer of cedar wood, pay attention to the ventilation openings, and also! Dig a few more secret passages through the walls. In case we are surrounded by the Japanese army, transporting the wounded and resupplying ammunition through the secret passages can reduce the chances of our personnel being exposed to enemy fire.

At this moment, a woman in her late twenties, exuding an air of maturity, caught Song Yuhang's attention. She had delicate willow-shaped eyebrows paired with large, expressive eyes, a finely sculpted nose, and full, red lips. She was dressed in an appropriately fitted pink qipao.