RPAGF Chapter 236: Counterattack, unbearable heat
Chapter 236: Counterattack, unbearable heat
Just when several people were frowning and thinking about how to carry out the next battle plan, the signalman came running and reported anxiously as soon as he entered the room.
"Reporting to the division commander, General Wu called and asked us to launch a counterattack before noon and seize the Luozhuang position!"
"This..." Bai Leshan frowned into the shape of a "川" character when he heard this. He took the telegram hesitantly and read it carefully.
The chief of staff and the deputy division commander on the side also hurried forward. When they saw Wu Zhongwen's detailed combat order, the worries between their brows instantly dissipated. Even the chief of staff, who was always known for his boldness, couldn't help but sigh.
"Boss Wu is truly a master of foresight. According to his plan, we will capture Luozhuang before sunset today!"
"Hahaha..." The three people who were still worried in the last second laughed together. Bai Leshan looked relaxed and gave orders in a very heroic manner.
"Notify the Cavalry Brigade to prepare immediately. Launch the first charge against the Luozhuang position in half an hour. Before the enemy can gain a foothold, we must break their formation in one blow!"
……
At noon, the sun was scorching hot, mercilessly burning the earth.
In the south of Tang County, the Fangzhuang area finally ushered in a brief period of peace. The fierce fighting was temporarily stopped, and the exhausted coalition soldiers finally got a chance to catch their breath.
Not far in front of Fangzhuang, there is a winding tributary of the Qinghe River. The water there is crystal clear and the waves are sparkling. The banks are covered with lush and verdant aquatic plants, like a beautiful picture scroll.
On weekdays, people from nearby villages often come here to wash clothes and buy vegetables, enjoying the coolness and comfort bestowed by nature.
At this moment, in the scorching heat of noon, the soldiers who had been locked in the narrow trenches all day and night were covered in dust and haggard faces. Their uniforms were already soaked with sweat, clinging to their backs like a second skin.
The smell, mixed with sour and rancid smells, would get into the noses from time to time and would linger, making many soldiers feel nauseous. It was really unbearable to endure such torture.
"Dog!" A lean, dark-faced lieutenant in the Nationalist Army line shouted at his men, who were concentrating on cleaning their guns in the trench across from him: "Go, go, go! Take advantage of this free time and take a shower!"
The soldier called Gouzi raised his head and responded happily after hearing the commander's greeting.
"Alright, Captain, I've been wanting to take a shower for a while now. This damn hot weather is unbearable. I feel like I can wring water out of my crotch. I really want to just take a shower!"
As he said this, he quickly put down his gun, used his hands and feet to nimbly climb out of the trench full of dust and rubble, and then trotted behind the lieutenant.
They had just been transferred here from the south, and facing the dry and hot climate in the north, many of them showed varying degrees of acclimatization symptoms.
If I don't find some way to cool myself down, it will be difficult to hold on and complete the next combat mission.
In this way, the two of them walked slowly towards the bank of the Qing River not far away, one in front and one behind, talking and laughing.
Before the battle, the superior commander had issued an order to blow up the only available stone bridge connecting the two banks.
In this way, they don't have to worry about being suddenly attacked by the enemy while taking a bath.
There is no need to worry about whether there is any danger at the bottom of the river.
After all, the Qing River is extremely wide, more than three thousand meters wide.
Under such circumstances, no one would risk diving across the river to launch a surprise attack.
Ten minutes later, at the riverbank, the two men quickly took off their clothes, tied them together tightly with a strong rope, and threw them into the river, letting the current wash them away to avoid washing them.
After completing these preparations, the two took a deep breath and dived into the clear and sparkling water like two nimble fish.
The moment the body is completely immersed in the water, an indescribable feeling of coolness and comfort immediately spreads throughout the body.
This feeling is simply a luxury for them. After all, since they set foot on the land of Central Plains, this group of soldiers from the south have encountered all kinds of difficulties and discomforts.
Whether it is diet or daily living habits, everything makes them feel out of place and miserable.
If they hadn't been constantly worried about the supervision team keeping a close eye on them, this group of people would have fled without hesitation.
Now, the brutal battle has officially begun. Faced with the enemy's fierce artillery attacks like raindrops and the airtight and tight blockade line, this group of people have to be nervous and cautious even to move a little, let alone run forward.
They knew very well that if they were not careful they might accidentally break into the encirclement carefully arranged by the Independence Army. At that time, they would be helpless and could only become fish on the chopping board of others and be slaughtered at will.
So at this moment, even though their hearts were filled with fear and anxiety, they could only lie in the trenches, not daring to move, silently praying that this nightmare would end as soon as possible.
puff!
The dog dived out of the water, wiped the water droplets off his face quickly, and cheered happily.
"It's so fucking cool! They're standing by the riverbank and won't let us get in the water. Those officials really don't treat us as human beings!"
"Stop talking nonsense, just treat this like your own bed!"
The lieutenant nodded at the sentry not far away, signaling the boy not to say anything. If the patrol or the supervision team heard it, it would be all over.
"Captain, it's just the two of us now, so please tell me the truth."
Gou Zi glanced at the sentry on the shore, swam to the lieutenant with a laugh, and asked in a low voice.
"Will our salaries be paid this month? I heard the higher-ups are having a falling out with the foreigners. We might have to retreat back to Guangzhou."
"Bullshit, who told you that? How come I don't know anything about it!?" The lieutenant glanced at him sideways, then looked around, and after confirming that no one was paying attention, he lowered his voice to advise.
"Gouzi, we are from the same village. We just need to listen to what others say. Others can say it, but we can't spread it around!"
"I understand. How could I not understand this?" Gouzi grinned. After hearing the word "one of us", the smile on his face became even brighter.
"Be smart and stay in the trenches. Just fire a few shots randomly, but don't show your head."
The lieutenant still had some conscience and was quite caring towards his fellow brothers.
"The Independence Army's artillery fire is fierce, and their tank units are invincible. When we find an opportunity, I will transfer you to the rear transport team. It will be safer that way."
"Thank you, Brother Shan. I will remember your kindness forever!"
The dog was very touched when he heard this. If he hadn't been soaking in water, he would probably have kowtowed to him twice to express his gratitude.