Chapter 752: Strategic-Level Deception

"Sit.'

'Commander, I'll just stand.'

'Sit.'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong sat down as he was told.

Zhou Yang went out. Soon he came in carrying a folder. He placed it on the desktop and then went out again. He even closed the door behind him.

Zhang Yong: ???

What's going on?

Top secret documents?

A test?

Zhang Yong fills in the blanks with countless plot twists...

Commander Qian pushes the folder in front of Zhang Yong, 'Read it carefully.'

'Yes.' Zhang Yong is about to stand up again.

'Sit down and read it. There's a lot in here. Take your time. Read it carefully. There are some key points you must remember.'

'Yes.'

'After you've finished reading, think about it. If you have any ideas, we can exchange them later.'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong is secretly puzzled.

You and I will exchange ideas? How many levels are we apart?

You're the big shot!

I'm the little guy!

I'm flattered!

This will cause my persona to collapse, okay?

I'm just a small-time figure born and raised in Shanghai, with no knowledge or culture.

If I suddenly act like I know what I'm talking about, won't that arouse suspicion?

He reminded himself.

Keep a low profile. Keep a low profile...

Commander Qian went out. But the door didn't close.

Zhang Yong then bowed his head. and concentrated on reading. No, it was a folder.

There was a lot in it. Thirty or forty pages.

It was all in mimeograph, but it was very clear.

As a result, after just reading the beginning, Zhang Yong was stunned.

The Battle of Tianjin Plan?

What's going on?

The National Army is going to fight the Japanese army in Tianjin?

Oh...

The National Army had such a plan?

Wasn't it going to fight the Japanese invaders in Songhu? Why was it changed to Tianjin?

He was secretly shocked.

It seemed that there was no such thing in history. Tianjinwei fell quickly. There was hardly any fighting.

Could it be that his own appearance had caused the trajectory of history to change?

Or was this a test for himself?

In fact, there was no such plan at all. It was just made up to test himself...

However, if you look closely, the plan is very detailed.

It has everything about how to mobilise troops and who will command them. It has the marching and garrisoning routes of the troops.

It is specific to each division. There are more than 50 divisions alone.

The Central Army, Hunan Army, Sichuan Army, Guangdong Army, Yunnan Army, Guangxi Army, etc. are all mobilised. Even Han Fuzhu's troops have been arranged.

There are also nine heavy artillery regiments directly under the Military and Political Committee. There is also a special note. They are all 150mm howitzers. In addition, there are 105mm howitzer regiments. There is also a garrison map. The specific deployment of each heavy artillery regiment.

And then there is the course of the battle...

The commander-in-chief of the battle is General Cai of the former 19th Route Army...

Zhang Yong muttered to himself.

Something doesn't feel right.

This should be top secret. Commander Qian is showing it to me?

I don't think I have the authority to...

Keep flipping back. There are notes at the back. After the Japanese invaders are expelled from North China, a certain young marshal will become the supreme military and political administrator of North China, with Song Zheyuan as deputy...

My mind is in a whirl.

I still feel that something is wrong.

When did the National Army have such a huge battle plan?

It's much bigger than the Battle of Shanghai.

The Battle of Shanghai involved the Huangpu Army, the elite.

But this Battle of Tianjin plan involves almost all the troops in the country, with more than 1 million troops planned to be deployed.

Oh my god...

When did Chiang Kai-shek become so determined?

When did he have the ability to mobilise so many troops? Is the National Army that strong?

This is just wishful thinking...

Nonsense...

I don't know how long it took, but Commander Qian returned.

'Have you finished reading it?'

'Yes.'

'What do you think?'

'I don't really understand it.'

'This is a preliminary plan. It was drawn up by Guo Xiaogui. He's a talented man. He's very good at drawing up all kinds of battle plans. Especially for large-scale army operations.'

'Yes.'

'Now, we want you to disguise this plan and leak it to the Japanese.'

'Leak it?'

'It means providing the Japanese with a fake plan. To fool them.'

'Huh?'

Zhang Yong was taken aback.

Then he understood.

It turned out that the plan was completely fake.

That's what I said!

If it were real, how could it be implemented?

How could Chiang afford to move more than a million troops and conduct military operations? How could the others cooperate?

It turns out that it was created specifically to fool the Japanese...

Wow. Is there such a thing?

This is strategic deception! It's very artistic.

How high is it?

It's at least world-class.

I thought only the Allied Intelligence Department had that. I didn't realise that Commander Qian also knew how to do it...

But I soon felt relieved.

What's the big deal? The Chinese are the ancestors of military strategy.

What about Sun Tzu's The Art of War, The Thirty-Six Stratagems, and The Art of War: All Warfare Is Deception? How many tricks to deceive the enemy are contained within?

Commander Qian is the head of the adjutant's office. He is responsible for formulating combat plans. How could he not know?

The problem is, you are all big shots, and you all know.

I am a newcomer, I don't know!

How can I, a small group leader of the Special Branch of the Fuxing Society, bear this kind of strategic deception information?

You really overestimate me...

'Commander, I don't understand!' Zhang Yong said honestly.

'Don't worry,' Commander Qian said with a smile, 'I'm not asking you to make the whole plan.'

'Then...'

'It's very simple. You just need to know the general idea. You are to pass on false information to the Japanese spy when you get the chance, hinting that the Nationalist government is preparing to concentrate its troops and confront the Japanese invaders in Tianjin. The Nationalist government will deploy all its heavy artillery to Tianjin.'

'And then?'

'Once the Japanese invaders' attention is focused on Tianjin, we can attack them when they least expect it.'

'But...'

Zhang Yong hesitated.

It seems to be correct. This is indeed the way of military strategy.

Historically, the Nationalist government did seem to have surprised the Japanese marines when they attacked.

The Battle of Shanghai did start suddenly.

The Nationalist army definitely knew this basic strategic principle.

The problem was that there was a slight miscalculation of the strength of the Japanese army. No one expected the Japanese marines to be so good.

The key was that the strength of the Japanese navy and air force was underestimated.

It was thought that the enemy was the Japanese marines. In fact, it was the Japanese navy battleships and naval air force.

At the beginning, the Japanese put up a stubborn resistance, and the Japanese battleships also quickly arrived.

Although there were no aircraft carriers, the 127mm guns on the destroyers and the 203mm guns on the cruisers were a deadly threat to the National Army.

When the guns opened fire, the National Army did not have enough men to sacrifice.

What was fatal was that the Nationalist army, from top to bottom, seriously underestimated the power of the Japanese navy's warships.

Not many people had seen the Japanese cannons and warships.

I don't think Commander Qian had even seen the Japanese 88 fleet in person. It was eight battleships. Eight heavy cruisers.

The 88 fleet was the Japanese navy's main weapon. It would not be used lightly.

However, once it was used, its lethality would be absolutely terrifying.

The senior government officials judged that the combat effectiveness of the Japanese navy was several times stronger than that of the Nationalist navy.

Hmm. Several times. That's a huge difference.

In fact, the combat effectiveness of the Nationalist navy was not even on the same level as that of the Japanese navy.

The Nationalist navy could not even be considered a navy.

If the combat effectiveness of the Nationalist navy was barely 1, the combat effectiveness of the Japanese navy was at least 9999 or more.

A random fleet of destroyers could dominate. There was no need for cruisers, battleships, aircraft carriers or anything else. Those big guys were all aiming at the red polar bear in the north, the old Japanese empire that would never set, and the rising star of the United States across the Pacific.

To put it bluntly, at that moment, China didn't even have the qualifications to look at the Japanese navy on the ocean. It didn't even have a single real destroyer, while the Japanese navy had over 100! Plus the new ones that were built later, there were more than 300 in total!

What is strength?

This is strength.

Then the American empire used more than 100 aircraft carriers, more than 1,000 destroyers, and more than 10,000 10,000-ton Liberty ships to teach Xiaorizi what strength is!

'Commander, I really don't understand...' Zhang Yong said cautiously.

'No one understands. Your boss doesn't understand either,' Commander Qian waved his hand, 'since no one understands, then you try. Whether it's effective or not, it's a try. There will be many more missions like this in the future.'

'Yes,' Zhang Yong said, standing to attention hastily, "I am here to serve the Party and the country!'

As soon as the words left his mouth, he cursed again.

He was in trouble. He had become more and more comfortable saying those words, "I am here to serve the Party and the country.'

In the eyes of outsiders, he was definitely an elite member of the Party and the country, a pillar of the Party and the country!

Sooner or later, he would be in trouble...

Sure enough, Commander Qian was very satisfied, 'Very good! Young people have spirit!'

Zhang Yong: ...

Damn. The effect is the opposite.

It seems that I need to look a little haggard for a while and act a little lustful.

Otherwise, with my good luck, my good looks and all the achievements I have made, sooner or later I will be sent to see Chiang Kai-shek.

If Chiang Kai-shek thinks I am a promising talent and trains me carefully, then I am finished.

It is possible that Chiang Kai-shek will even award me with the rare Order of the Blue Sky and White Sun, and that would be the end.

Play up the haggard look...

It's all over...

Suddenly, a red dot appeared at the edge of the map.

The red dot gradually approached. The distance kept shrinking. Finally, it entered the police headquarters.

Eh? His attention was involuntarily drawn there.

A Japanese invader has entered? What's his status?

'What's wrong?' Commander Qian noticed.

'There's a Japanese spy,' Zhang Yong said subconsciously, 'who just entered.'

'Who?'

'I don't know...'

Zhang Yong answered casually. Then he realised that something was wrong.

I'm in trouble. I've been careless. By blurting out the truth like this, I've made myself look like a charlatan.

'I just sensed the presence of the Japanese invader,' Zhang Yong said, changing his tone. 'But who the Japanese invader is, I don't know. I need to go and take a look myself to find out.'

'I'll go with you,' Commander Qian said, excited.

This Zhang Yong is really talented. How can he sense the Japanese invader approaching like this?

Without even using his eyes or ears? Just by sniffing?

This is truly a rare sight...

'I and Lieutenant Zhou will go.'

'Go!'

However, Commander Qian did not hesitate and went out himself.

Zhang Yong had no choice but to follow him.

When they got to the back, they found a deliveryman.

Well, it turns out that the answer is very simple. It's similar to the air force base before. It's the Japanese invaders infiltrating the logistics.

The garrison headquarters can't be too strict with the logistics. Anyway, they can't access the secrets. But no one expected that the Japanese invaders would infiltrate through the logistics.

Needless to say, the Japanese invaders must have bribed one or more traitors in the logistics department.

These traitors, having received the benefits of the Japanese spies, may have developed one or more other traitors to secretly help the Japanese spies.

As a result, the Japanese spies did not need to get their hands dirty in some matters. They only needed to provide information. The traitors would help.

Zhang Yong was able to distinguish between the Japanese invaders. But there was no way to tell the difference between the traitors. This was more troublesome.

'Where?'

'It's the rickshaw man who delivers the food.'

'Are you sure?'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong answered with certainty.

This rickshaw man is definitely a Japanese spy. But...

'Go back!'

'Yes.'

The group returned.

Commander Qian immediately instructed Zhou Yang to retrieve the entry and exit records.

Sure enough, on the day the Japanese spy was killed, this rickshaw man also delivered food. After he left, the captured Japanese spy committed suicide.

'Check who had contact with him that day,' Commander Qian instructed.

'Yes,' Zhou Yang went off.

Zhang Yong thought to himself, I hope nothing else comes up.

Otherwise, I really won't be able to handle it all.

Commander Qian seemed to sense his concern, 'We'll investigate this ourselves. Don't worry about it.'

'That's great,' Zhang Yong let out a sigh of relief.

'You can go now!'

'Yes,'

'Remember what I just told you...'

'Yes...'

'Bang!'

Before Zhang Yong could finish, there was a sudden gunshot outside.

Without thinking, Zhang Yong immediately turned around.

The guards outside immediately raised their guns. At the same time, they closed the door.

'What are you panicking about?' Commander Qian was very calm. After all, he was an old soldier.

'I...' Zhang Yong was a little embarrassed.

He tried hard to calm himself down.

Okay. It's a bit embarrassing. But it's not a bad thing.

It's true that I'm a bit nervous!

The main thing is that none of his men are around. He doesn't feel secure.

If he had a group of bald, strong men around him, carrying more than ten Thompsons, he definitely wouldn't panic!

There are so many people, so many guns, so much money, what's there to be afraid of!

'Pop!'

'Pop!'

At this time, more gunshots came.

Footsteps could be heard outside. Obviously, more soldiers had been sent here to protect the area.

Zhang Yong's heart gradually eased.

Okay, it's fine.

There are so many people and guns outside, the Japanese invaders definitely won't be able to get through.

But it is strange. The rickshaw puller has no weapon! The map doesn't show any weapon symbols. So who was firing the shots?

The map shows that he is not running away either.

Those darting around are all white dots. He is the only red dot standing stupidly in place.

It's hard to figure out the situation for now...

'Sit down!'

'Yes.'

Zhang Yong sat down.

Since there is so much chaos outside, he might as well sit down.

Commander Qian also sat down. He folded his arms. He rested his hands on his belly. He closed his eyes and rested.

Zhang Yong had no choice but to pretend to rest his eyes as well. He secretly monitored the map.

The map showed that at least a company-sized force was deployed outside the operations room. They must all be elite troops. It's all right.

Soon afterwards, footsteps were heard outside, and it was Zhou Yang returning.

'Report!'

Sure enough, Zhou Yang's voice came loudly.

It seemed that the battle was over.

'Enter,'

Commander Qian opened his eyes.

The door opened and Zhou Yang strode in.

'Commander, it's Huang Yaoguang, the staff officer of the Fifth Division. He probably realised he was about to be exposed and took a desperate risk...'

'Where is he?'

'Killed.'

'This Huang Yaoguang...'

'And Zhou Junyi of the Sixth Division...'

'He was involved?'

'He also drew his gun and fired. I don't know why.'

'Guilty conscience.'

'The delivery boy has been arrested. But no evidence has been found.'

'Shaolong.'

Commander Qian turned to look at Zhang Yong.

Zhang Yong: ?

Oh, no. You just said it wasn't my business, and now you're calling me?

You want me to interrogate the trishaw driver?

I told you there's no evidence!

How can I interrogate him?

However, he quickly had an idea.

'Let him go! Lieutenant Zhou and I will follow.'

'He's on edge now. He'll be extra careful.'

'Let's follow him from a distance.'

'Go ahead!'

Commander Qian nodded.

Zhang Yong then came out with Zhou Yang.

'Shaolong, what should we do?' Zhou Yang was eager to get started.

'Tell someone to throw him out. Be rough,' Zhang Yong said casually, 'to lower his suspicions.'

'Okay,' Zhou Yang immediately gave the order.

Soon after, the map showed that the red dot began to move.

Zhang Yong walked behind a nearby wall and watched what was happening in silence.

Sure enough, a few soldiers shoved the rickshaw puller and kicked him out.

The man went out. But the rickshaw stayed behind.

The rickshaw puller was pushed out of the door, and then the door was closed.

He looked back. A little puzzled.

He thought he had been exposed. But it seems that he wasn't?

If he had been exposed, he would definitely have been arrested. How could he still be let out?

Such a violent expulsion obviously shows that the people inside were impatient and wanted to close the door and get on with their business, so they expelled him.

However, he was still very careful. He was well aware that this might be a case of the Chinese playing hard to get. So, as he left, he paid special attention to whether anyone was following him from behind.

The result...

It seems that there was no one?

There didn't seem to be anyone following from behind?

He had already walked a long way, and after peeking back many times, he didn't notice anything unusual.

Strange...

Could it be that he really wasn't being followed?

Stupid Chinese...

However, this Japanese spy was still very careful. He deliberately made detours. He deliberately turned repeatedly. He used the turns to look behind him.

And he kept looking down, as if he were picking something up from the ground. In fact, he was looking back.

He remembered everyone behind him. If the same face appeared more than twice, he was suspicious. But there was nothing. There was no one suspicious behind him at all. After turning for more than an hour, he never found anyone following him.

This made him feel slightly relieved.

Only then did he really leave.

'Damn, so careful...'

'It's obvious that there's no profit in this...'

Zhang Yong inwardly grumbled.

This Japanese spy was just disguising himself as a vegetable vendor. How much money could he possibly have?

To be honest, there was no incentive.

If it weren't for the fact that the other person was connected to the garrison headquarters, he wouldn't even bother catching him.

This Japanese spy was still being so careful. Repeatedly checking to see if anyone was following him. In fact, there really wasn't. Zhang Yong didn't even move.

The red dot was always within the range shown on the map, so he let him do whatever he wanted.

It wasn't too late to catch up with him when he was about to leave the edge of the map. At that distance, the Japanese spy definitely wouldn't be able to notice.

Sure enough, the Japanese spy was cunningly tossing and turning for another half hour before gradually heading towards the edge of the map.

'Go!'

Zhang Yong led the men out.

He always maintained a straight-line distance of more than 300 meters from the Japanese spy.

With such a long distance and so many obstacles in between, the Japanese spy definitely won't be able to find them.

Suddenly, many weapons symbols appeared on the edge of the map.

Huh?

What's going on?

Zhang Yong secretly raised his guard.

Then he realised it was Ye Wansheng and Feng Jiliang.

These two guys, the map is marked.

Strange...

What are they up to?

There seems to be only one answer: they're after the Red Gang.

Red Gang?

Where?

Keep moving.

A yellow dot appears on the edge of the map.

There really is a Red Gang.

Well, these guys from the Party Affairs Department really are like dogs. I can smell the Red Gang again.

I don't know how they work, but why is it that they can always find the Red Gang?

Unfortunately, the yellow dot cannot be marked. So, Zhang Yong doesn't know who the yellow dot really is.

Could it be Boss Huang?

Could it be Shi Bingdao?

But never mind, whoever it is, just stir up trouble.

It so happens that he has Zhou Yang with him, and they have a special mission. They will kill anyone who gets in their way. No one can stand in the way of Qian Shengli.

So he waved his hand and led the team on.

They went straight for Feng Jiliang and Ye Wansheng.