Chapter 775
The Young Lady's Wedding, Bombing Japan!
Jinan, the City of Springs.
North China Front Command Headquarters.
The heavy curtains sealed the windows tightly, completely blocking out the glaring midday sun.
Several high-powered incandescent lamps hung overhead, illuminating a huge, specially made nautical chart in minute detail.
"Splash."
Zhou Zhirou, director of the Aviation Commission, lifted the white cloth covering the nautical chart.
He was dressed in a crisp air force general's uniform, but his eyes showed the weariness of a long flight.
The air force had already drafted the original bombing plan, but it had never been able to materialize.
The plan was only able to proceed after Chang Ruiyuan urged it on.
Zhou Zhirou also knew that this was an opportunity for the Air Force to shine again. As Chang Ruiyuan's most relied-upon strategic force, the Air Force would naturally not disappoint him.
"Your Excellency, based on your strategic vision and the relevant data provided by the US military, my colleagues have worked tirelessly for three days and three nights, and this is the final draft."
Zhou Zhirou took a slender baton from her adjutant, flicked her wrist slightly, and pointed to the several striking red circles in the center of the map.
"The code name for this operation is: 'The Lady's Wedding'."
Is the young lady getting married?
"A nice name," Chu Yunfei thought with a slight smile.
It would be even more wonderful if this lady were "Miss Qiu".
Unfortunately, the Republic of China at that time was not qualified to participate in the "Manhattan Project".
Chu Yunfei stood at the very front of the nautical chart, his hands resting on the edge of the table, his gaze as sharp as a hawk's, but he did not speak immediately.
He simply reached out and gently stroked the drawing, which still smelled of ink, his fingertips lingering for a moment on the word "Tokyo".
Chu Yunfei's lips curled into a cold smile: "Our dowry needs to be substantial enough."
Fang Ligong, who was standing to one side, pushed up his glasses.
Leaning slightly forward.
Clearly, Fang Ligong was full of curiosity and scrutiny regarding the details of this plan.
After all, he came from an army background.
Knowledge of the Air Force, Navy, Armored Forces, and related fields was learned through hands-on experience.
He only had a general idea of the Air Force's operational plans.
"Since we're going to have a grand wedding, we need to make it a proper affair."
Zhou Zhirou took a deep breath and slammed his baton down on several points on the border between the Shandong Peninsula and Jiangsu Province. His voice instantly became firm and powerful: "For this operation, we will use all the long-range strike forces that the Air Force can currently mobilize, a total of three mixed bomber squadrons, ninety-six bombers, and one hundred and twenty P-51D Mustang fighters to provide relay escort. This is all of our air force strength. After the deployment, our northwest, southeast, and Burma Road will temporarily lose air superiority."
"In order to diversify the risks and avoid early warning and concentrated interception by the Japanese army's new equipment, we split into three groups, took off simultaneously, and launched a coordinated attack!"
Zhou Zhirou's directives first landed on the location of Quancheng (Jinan) Airport.
"Route 1, codenamed 'Bride's Sedan Chair'."
"It was personally led and commanded by Liu Zhenting, the commander of the First Squadron of the Air Force."
"The departure point will be Quancheng Airport."
"Organization: 36 B-24 heavy bombers, all equipped with external fuel tanks to ensure a smooth return."
"This behemoth has a long range and a large payload, and is the only aircraft capable of carrying heavy incendiary bombs directly to Japan and returning."
"Target: Kyushu Island, Japan."
Zhou Zhirou flicked her wrist and pointed to the industrial hub on the east side of the map: "This is Japan's steel heart, and also their closest vulnerability. If we can successfully destroy it, it will greatly affect Japan's domestic industrial capacity."
"Alternate landing airport: If the aircraft is unfortunately severely damaged or runs out of fuel, the crew will divert to the Ningbo or Quzhou line for emergency landing, or make an emergency landing at sea in Haizhou Bay, where our search and rescue fleet will be responsible for the salvage."
Chu Yunfei nodded slightly, his gaze not lingering long on the Japanese steel heart, but instead looking towards the takeoff point further south.
"What about the second route?"
"Route Two, codenamed 'Suona'."
Zhou Zhirou's baton slid down and landed on Dawenkou Airport.
"Departure location: Dawenkou Qianjin Airport, Shandong Province".
"Organization: 30 B-24 bombers."
"Commander: Senior Instructor Robert Scott, seconded from the U.S. 14th Air Force, will provide co-command."
"Target: Nagasaki, Sasebo Naval Base!"
A hint of helplessness flashed in Zhou Zhirou's eyes: "That is the Japanese Combined Fleet's maintenance home port and supply center."
"Since we don't have a navy, let's attack their shipyards and ports with bombs. Any damage will do."
"The defenses here are much stronger than we thought. Of the thirty bombers, how many will return?"
"An estimated ten aircraft, but fortunately, most of the pilots are US military pilots."
Chu Yunfei tapped the table in front of him: "Are the Americans willing to back down because they chose this target?"
"Aren't these two goals just setting the stage for this grand finale?"
"good."
Zhou Zhirou's expression turned solemn, and the baton in her hand slowly moved, finally landing at the southernmost point of the map, which was Pengcheng Field Airfield, which had just ended a bloody battle and was still under repair.
Then.
The baton traced a long arc, crossing the Yellow Sea and the southern part of the Korean Peninsula, like a sharp sword, piercing straight towards Tokyo, the heart of the Kanto Plain on Honshu Island.
"Route 3, codename 'Bride'."
"This is the core of the operation, and also the riskiest route."
"Departure location: Pengcheng Field Airport".
"The same 30 B-24 'Liberator' heavy bombers!"
"Commander: Xu Huansheng, Captain of the Air Force Headquarters' Bomber Squadron, Gao Zhihang Squadron (Honorary Number)."
Upon hearing the name Xu Huansheng...
Fang Ligong raised an eyebrow and subconsciously looked at Chu Yunfei.
This was the man who flew a Martin bomber to the Japanese mainland and dropped millions of leaflets.
Later, after the great victory in Qiongzhou, it was this same person who launched another paper bullet offensive.
After all, he was the captain of Chiang Kai-shek's private plane, so there's really nothing to criticize about his abilities.
And this time...
He no longer carried paper scraps, but real, burning flames of revenge.
"Target: Tokyo, the Marunouchi government district east of the Imperial Palace, the Kasumigaseki government district, and the densely populated wood industry area in the downtown area."
"Based on the suggestion from the US side, we will not be carrying high-explosive shells this time, but will be carrying only US-made M69 napalm bombs!"
"Each aircraft carries 2.5 tons, for a total bomb load of 75 tons!"
"According to calculations by US military advisors, this amount of napalm is enough to burn out a no-man's land of three kilometers in diameter in that wooden house in Tokyo."
"Where's the fuel?"
Chu Yunfei stared at the long flight path, his tone still calm: "Although the B-24 has enough range, the round trip from Xuzhou to Tokyo is nearly 5,000 kilometers. We also have to take into account avoiding interception and wind direction. This is almost the limit of its range."
"Reporting to Your Excellency."
Zhou Zhirou pulled out a meticulously calculated data sheet from the folder: "We removed all the self-defense machine guns from the aircraft, leaving only the tail turret, and even the co-pilot's armor plating was removed."
"The weight freed up will be used to install an auxiliary fuel tank."
"In addition, to ensure a safe return, we have developed a 'Z' shaped return route."
"If the fuel runs out, the crew will try to fly to the Zhejiang coast, or make an emergency landing in the New Fourth Army-controlled area in northern Jiangsu."
"They are currently coordinating on that side, and ground troops should be able to provide support."
"certainly."
Zhou Zhirou's voice lowered slightly: "We also have a worst-case scenario in mind. If the plane is severely damaged and unable to return, the crew will head directly north and make an emergency landing in Vladivostok, Soviet Union."
"Although the Soviet Union did not formally agree, it was the only way out under those circumstances."
"As for escorting them."
Zhou Zhirou pointed to a series of points along the coastline on the map: "One hundred and twenty fighter jets will take off in three batches."
"The first batch of aircraft flew over the Yellow Sea to escort and drive away any Japanese patrol planes that might appear."
"The second group will meet the bombers in the southern waters of the Korean Peninsula and provide cover when the bomber group is most vulnerable on its return flight."
Fang Ligong spoke up to remind them, "Isn't the escort force a bit insufficient...?"
"This is the limit of what we can do." Zhou Zhirou said with a hint of helplessness, "The 14th Air Force also needs to support the South China front and is unable to spare more combat forces. This is crucial to the success or failure of the Fourth Theater Command's operations..."
Many things require weighing.
Just like the Fourth War Zone's current counter-offensive.
If the attack goes smoothly, we can seize Guangdong's access to the sea, which will shorten the arrival time of aid by at least thirteen days and bring great benefits.
Chu Yunfei stared at the three red shipping routes on the map, which pointed like sharp swords towards the Japanese archipelago, and remained silent for a long time.
"Our pilots are ten thousand times more valuable than those bombs!"
"If I had a choice, I wouldn't take this risk. They are all seeds, they are all excellent."
“But now, the trilateral meeting between China, the UK, and the US is about to convene, and we need sufficient leverage.” Zhou Zhirou straightened her back and snapped to attention: “Yes, sir!”
"The entire Air Force is prepared to sacrifice everything!"
Chu Yunfei reached out and gently tapped the target map of "Tokyo": "Since it's a 'young lady's wedding,' it needs to have a good omen."
"Paint four words on the first bomb."
Fang Ligong and Zhou Zhirou both looked at him at the same time.
Chu Yunfei said, enunciating each word clearly: "A blood debt must be repaid in blood!"
"We need to make sure the propaganda department gives this a prominent spot in our news coverage. We need to make these four words ingrained in our own bones, and also in the bones of the Japanese people."
"Yes!"
Zhou Zhirou's voice was a little hoarse with excitement: "I'll go arrange it right away!"
Chu Yunfei glanced at the calendar on the wall; three days later was an auspicious day according to the lunar calendar.
Suitable for travel and marriage.
Funerals are considered inauspicious.
Chu Yunfei took out a pen from his pocket and tapped it heavily on the paper: "At dawn three days from now, see 'Miss' out. I will handle the New Fourth Army. The General Headquarters doesn't need to worry too much."
"clear."
As Zhou Zhirou's figure disappeared outside the door.
The heavy wooden door closed again, shutting out the impending smoke and fire.
The air in the operations room seemed to have settled down, but the oppressive feeling did not lessen in the slightest.
Fang Ligong took out a black file without a cover from the inner pocket of his briefcase and gently placed it on the newly unfolded nautical chart.
"Your Excellency, this is a top-secret briefing sent back by Wei Guo through special channels."
Chu Yunfei raised an eyebrow: "Which Weiguo, Luo Weiguo or Zhou Weiguo?"
"Naturally, he's the head of the Yunnan-Burma Road Inspection Office."
Fang Ligong's voice was low and tinged with seriousness: "In the six months since he took office, he certainly hasn't been idle. He's plunged the knife deep enough, but he's also hit a tough nut to crack."
Chu Yunfei reached out and picked up the file folder, but didn't open it immediately. Instead, he ran his fingertips along the rough paper: "A tough nut to crack?"
"In this remote southwestern rear area, what bones are harder than the fists of the Expeditionary Force?"
"Much tougher than a tank."
Fang Ligong gave a wry smile and pushed up his glasses: "There are quite a few people involved."
"Following the clues, Luo Weiguo uncovered a great deal of evidence, including the resale of military supplies, smuggling of opium, and even the interception of supplies for the expeditionary force."
"The grasshoppers tied to this chain of interests are all huge."
Fang Ligong held up his fingers and counted them off one by one: "Long Yun, the 'King of Yunnan' of the Yunnan Army, is inextricably linked; Xia Wei of the Guangxi Clique was also involved in various schemes over there; even..."
He paused, his voice lowering even further: "It also involves a lot of comprador bureaucrats, as well as many mid-to-high-level cadres of the CC Clique, and some people who got in through Commander He's connections."
"Commander He was involved too?"
"No, but knowing Commander He's personality, he will definitely send someone to plead on his behalf."
Chu Yunfei opened the file folder, pulled out several copies of confessions and accounts, and his gaze swept over the shocking names. His eyes gradually turned cold: "They are all the 'pillars' of the Party and the State."
He snorted coldly and threw the file on the table: "Plead for leniency? What's Ze Jun's reaction?"
When Chen Zejun was mentioned, Fang Ligong sighed, a hint of helplessness on his face: "He's in a bind now, he's on the verge of exploding with anxiety."
“If Luo Weiguo wants to move these people, he needs troops to provide garrison and military support. Relying solely on the military police of the Inspectorate is not an option. This is why you transferred Chen Zejun to Myanmar in the first place. But you know Chen Zejun’s background. He is the nephew of the two Chens and comes from the CC Clique with impeccable credentials.”
"Now that the investigation has reached his uncle's former protégés and subordinates, should we send troops to arrest them?"
Fang Ligong shook his head: "Isn't this the same as making him dig up his own ancestral graves?"
"He's under a lot of pressure right now. He sends us three telegrams a day, and every word he writes is a complaint. He expresses his support for the anti-corruption work, but asks if we can find someone else to lead the troops. He wants to go to the front lines."
Chu Yunfei walked to the window, looking at the sliver of light blocked by the curtains outside, and tapped rhythmically on the windowsill with his fingers: "This game of chess wasn't originally played like this."
There was a hint of regret in his voice: "According to our previous plan, it should be our Brother Yu'an's turn to provide assistance at this time."
"Although Qiu Yu'an is arrogant, it is precisely because of his arrogance that he does not recognize those messy networks of relationships."
"Just give him a warrant and tell him that someone is undermining the country and that someone is sucking the blood of the expeditionary force."
“This madman will definitely come knocking on our door, both to purge the warlord forces and to show his loyalty to the Chairman.”
"When the time comes, we'll just go with the flow, put the blame on him, and the matter will be settled."
Fang Ligong chimed in, "Yes, as long as we go down this path..."
"We can then take the opportunity to flatten the hills within the expeditionary force and unite the entire logistics line in the southwest into one."
"The Burma Road is a project of national importance, spanning centuries, concerning access to the Indian Ocean and the development of the Toungoo region..."
"pity."
Fang Ligong looked at Chu Yunfei with a complicated expression: "Qiu Qingquan has been transferred."
"The temptation of a thousand tanks is too great, and the position of commander of an armored army group is too high; no one can refuse."
"And Song Xilian succeeded him in going to Dongyu."
Fang Ligong shook his head: "Although Commander Song is a good fighter, he is also known for being smooth and worldly-wise, with an extremely high political acumen."
"Should we send him to break ties with Long Yun, the Guangxi clique, and the bureaucrats?"
"He wouldn't do something so stupid that would offend people."
Without Qiu Qingquan's "quick-witted knife," Luo Weiguo's evidence cannot be used for the time being, and Chen Zejun does not dare to make any rash moves.
"It's really difficult for us to stir up this murky water in the southwest anytime soon."
Chu Yunfei turned around, leaned against the windowsill, and stared at the huge strategic map in the operations room, his gaze shifting back and forth between Kaifeng in Henan and Guilin in Guangxi.
After a long while, he suddenly laughed, a laugh that carried a hint of self-mockery and a touch of camaraderie at meeting a worthy opponent: "Brother Ligong, it seems we've all underestimated that Lord De."
"Commander Li?"
Fang Ligong was taken aback. "You mean, Commander Li had already considered this beforehand?"
"At the Kaifeng Conference, we thought of using a cup of wine to release military power, and using the name of reorganization to weaken the military power of the Guangxi clique."
Chu Yunfei's eyes flashed with a sharp light: "Although Li Delin cooperated on the surface, he even went so far as to 'sacrifice' Li Pinxian's 21st Army Group."
"But he immediately gave us a cold shoulder."
"He was the first to suggest that Song Xilian replace Qiu Qingquan, and he also strongly supported Qiu Qingquan's return to China to build an armored army."
"At the time, I only thought that he was trying to balance the relationships within the Central Army, or to curry favor with Chiang Kai-shek."
"Now it seems..."
Chu Yunfei picked up the pencil on the table and twirled it in his hand: "That old fox has long since sensed our movements in the southwest."
“He knew what Luo Weiguo was investigating, and he also knew what we wanted to do.”
“If we take action in the southwest, his allies in Guangxi and Yunnan will be the first to be affected, and it may even affect the stronghold of the Guangxi clique.”
"So, he quietly removed Qiu Qingquan, this real 'troublemaker'."
"They've replaced him with Song Xilian, someone who won't offend anyone. Although we have a past with him... but..."
Chu Yunfei sighed.
Fang Ligong suddenly realized, and felt a chill run down his spine: "With Qiu Qingquan gone, we've lost the 'thugs' we need in the Southwest."
"Luo Weiguo and Chen Zejun are essentially fighting alone, it's a pity that Ziqiang is only in a deputy position, if he were in the head position..."
"I'm not qualified enough," Chu Yunfei said helplessly.
He wanted to promote him, but Wu Ziqiang did not meet the requirements in terms of background, military achievements, or seniority.
Fang Ligong couldn't help but sigh: "It seems like they are retreating step by step, but in reality, they are setting up defenses at every step."
"This seemingly insignificant move not only preserved the remnants of the Guangxi clique in the southwest, but also left us speechless and unable to express our grievances."
"After all, we ourselves agreed to give Qiu Qingquan important positions and transfer him away."
Chu Yunfei gently tossed the pencil onto the map, where it landed precisely in Yunnan: "This bone is really stuck in my throat now; I can't spit it out, and I can't swallow it down either."
"Long Yun and those parasites can live a few more days."
"but."
Chu Yunfei changed the subject, his eyes hardening again: "Since Commander Li has ruined this game, let's try a different approach."
"Tell Luo Weiguo to seal the evidence first and not to make any rash moves, lest we alert the enemy."
"Since we've run out of 'sharp knives,' let's use 'slow cooking.'"
"We'll make our move once the bombs in Tokyo explode and the armored army group is fully formed."
"When the time comes, the tide will be on our side. Let's see where those demons and monsters can hide!"
"Commander Li's move was indeed brilliant, but it only delayed their deaths."
"Yes!"
Fang Ligong stood at attention and accepted the order, his fighting spirit rekindled in his eyes. "I'll go send a telegram to Luo Weiguo right now."
Chu Yunfei watched Fang Ligong's departing figure, and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions.
No wonder this old fox was able to die peacefully and even fight Chang Ruiyuan in the ring for so many years.
However, the general trend of the world cannot be stopped by calculation... (End of this chapter)