Chapter 997
The End of the Huaihai Campaign
Zhang Anping came and went, but the battle continued.
To be fair, the Nationalist government at this time was quite adept at playing the game – for example, in the Battle of Pantang Town.
As mentioned before, even without Zheng Yaoxian's uprising, Pantang Town was a key core area—the Xudong blocking battle was fierce, and both sides hoped to break the deadlock.
So all eyes were on Pantang.
Our goal is to cut off the Eastern Reinforcements' retreat, or if that fails, to threaten them and force them to abandon their fierce attack.
The enemy wanted to infiltrate from Pantang to support the eastern reinforcements and quickly open up a passage to Nianzhuangwei.
Therefore, the final outcome was that the Northern Jiangsu Corps and the 74th Army clashed at the Pantang line—because the 74th Army was cautious and did not attempt to infiltrate, its mission changed from offense to defense.
The Northern Jiangsu Corps originally intended to break the stalemate and relieve pressure on the Xuzhou East Blocking Battle. Of course, it would be even better if they could cut off the Eastern Reinforcement Corps' rear—but this possibility is not very high, since the Eastern Reinforcement Corps is too close to Xuzhou. To cut off its rear, they would have to face the dual pressure from the Eastern Reinforcement Corps and the Xuzhou Corps.
From the perspective of the Nationalist army, the Northern Jiangsu Corps was there to cut off their retreat.
Now, the 74th Army has stabilized the Pantang defense line. The Northern Jiangsu Army Corps conducted a simple probing attack, but after finding that Commander Qiu's defense was unshakeable, they simply abandoned the attack.
Then, the Nationalist government's "Winning Theory" began.
Pantang Victory!
The Eastern Expeditionary Force reported as follows:
The main force of the Communist army intended to launch a surprise attack on Xuzhou, but was counterattacked by our Second Army Corps, which annihilated most of them and caused a complete rout!
He certainly wouldn't say that the Northern Jiangsu Corps was trying to cut off or threaten the Eastern Expeditionary Corps's rear.
Liu Jingfu, who was transferred to Bengbu but still held the title of Commander-in-Chief of the Suppression Headquarters, wrote a quick note after receiving the telegram:
The bloody battle of Pantang resulted in the defeat of five Communist columns, leading to the complete collapse of the Communist forces in eastern Xuzhou and turning the tide of the battle for Xuzhou!
When the news reached the Attendant's Office, they immediately made an official announcement:
The great victory at Xudong annihilated tens of thousands of enemy troops and turned the tide of the Huaihai Campaign!
After the news spread throughout the country, Mi Gu looked at the battle report in his hand and couldn't help but question his life—the Subei Corps, after being reinforced with special weapons, not only had greatly increased mobility and manpower, but also upgraded its artillery, with two divisions directly equipped with American weapons, so how could it have lost tens of thousands of men...
He looked at the photos of "prisoners of war" in the newspaper and thought to himself... There are so many!
These people will be ours sooner or later!
No matter how much the Nationalist government boasted about the Pantang victory, it couldn't change one fact:
The Yellow Army Corps is getting more and more dangerous!
The fictitious "Pantang Victory" occurred on the 17th and was announced nationwide on the 18th—but on the night of the 19th, after eliminating the outer defenses of Nianzhuangwei, our army launched a full-scale general offensive against Nianzhuangwei!
Three days!
Three days of bloody battle!
This corps, which was waiting for friendly forces and was ordered not to break out, and was also tasked with replicating the unfinished business in Northeast China, was completely annihilated by our army when no reinforcements arrived from the east. Its commander also chose to commit suicide in the end.
A great victory!
This is the real victory!
120,000 elite troops were all wiped out!
The complete annihilation of Huang Baituan at Nianzhuangwei shocked the Nationalist government once again.
But amidst the shock, the Nationalist government's attention turned to another army corps:
The Twelfth Army Corps!
The 12th Army Corps was originally stationed in Henan. When the Huaihai Campaign broke out, the 12th Army Corps received orders:
They rushed to the aid of Xuzhou.
Well, they had barely set off when the Yellow Army was surrounded, so an additional order was added: the Yellow Army must rescue the Yellow Army...
As a result, the Yellow Army Corps in Nianzhuang was wiped out on the night of the 22nd.
At this time, the vanguard of the Huang Corps that was carrying out the rescue had already reached the banks of the Huai River—when the news came, the 12th Corps stopped.
If the people we need to save are all gone, what's the point of saving them?
It would be better to withdraw and retain the 18th Army, one of the five main armies, which was also the last elite force of the National Revolutionary Army at this time.
However, this person, like a gambler who has become blinded by greed and has sat down at a gambling table, gave the following order:
No turning back! Keep heading north! To Xuzhou!
The reason is simple: they can't afford to lose!
If Xuzhou is lost, the chances of the Americans cutting off military aid are extremely high. Without military aid, there will be no follow-up...
Another reason:
Help me up, I can still fight one more match!
The 12th Army Corps, the main force from Xuzhou, and the Bengbu Army Corps launched a three-pronged attack. They could fight another battle and turn the tide—to put it bluntly, they were blinded by defeat and wanted to win back their losses and recover everything.
Normally, the rational behavior in this situation would be:
Since Xuzhou is indefensible, we should retreat.
The 12th Army Corps has lost everyone they were supposed to rescue, so let's come back!
However, the Nationalist government made an anti-intellectual decision.
But fate is so cruel!
The 12th Army Corps' rescue mission went smoothly. So, after receiving orders to continue to Xuzhou, the 12th Army Corps resolutely carried out the order and continued this "smooth" rescue mission.
Crossing the Hui River – Arriving at Shuangduiji.
And then...
Everything went smoothly but then came to an abrupt end; the sky had fallen!
Because our army began the encirclement operation at dusk on the 24th, and by the morning of the 25th, the 12th Army Corps woke up to find the sky had fallen—the last elite army corps of the National Army, including the 18th Army, the ace mobile corps, was surrounded in Shuangduiji!
The same scenario that played out for the Yellow Army Corps at Nianzhuangwei has once again befallen this particular Yellow Army Corps.
Spies don't believe in coincidences, but there are just too many coincidences in the world...
In fact, this was something our army did deliberately from the very beginning—this Yellow Army Corps advanced too smoothly, causing them to gradually become arrogant and underestimate our army. In addition, the battles at Xudong and Nianzhuangwei made this Yellow Army Corps believe that our army was exhausted.
Since you're at your last gasp, what do you have to fight against my fully equipped main mobile force?
And so, with such arrogance, he walked right into the trap he had set, and as the trap was opened, the cycle of being surrounded began again...
After this Yellow Army Corps was besieged in Shuangduiji, the Nationalist government was once again shaken.
Oh my god, how did we get surrounded again?
again!
Impossible! Absolutely impossible!
The 12th Army Corps is a main force equipped with American weapons, how could it possibly be surrounded!
Don't panic, don't panic, don't retreat, don't break out, hold your ground and wait for orders—don't be afraid, don't be afraid!
But this stroke of luck only lasted one day:
The following day, the 26th, according to air force reconnaissance, Huang's corps was surrounded in Shuangduiji with layers upon layers of encirclement. With such a strong encirclement, let alone the main force equipped with American weapons, even a fly could not get out!
With this Yellow Army Corps surrounded, the Nationalist government was plunged into its most chaotic, desperate, and indecisive period—it was thought to be only 24 hours, but those 24 hours were just the beginning.
As the air force reconnaissance revealed, the Nationalist government discovered that there was no "most" in the world, only "more"!
The next 24 hours were even more chaotic, more desperate, and more indecisive.
Commander Du in Xuzhou was furious—"Damn it, you don't care about the 12th Army Corps, and you don't care about the 300,000 troops in Xuzhou either?!"
He hurriedly flew to Nanjing, slammed his fist on the table, and angrily said:
If the 300,000 troops in Xuzhou don't leave soon, they'll become the third Yellow Army Corps!
According to Commander Du, let's run. This second Huang Corps is beyond saving. The key is for the 300,000 Xuzhou troops to escape. Although they are not fully equipped like the 12th Corps, they are still 300,000 troops. You can understand elementary school math, right?
But the Nationalist government's logic was:
Xuzhou can be lost, but the Yellow Army Corps—no, the second Yellow Army Corps—absolutely cannot be lost.
Losing Xuzhou was a strategic retreat, but losing the Yellow Army Corps was political suicide!
Because the whole country, the entire party, and US military advisors are all watching, failing to come to the rescue would mean the complete collapse of the regime, the complete collapse of morale in the military, and the cessation of US aid.
Therefore, the head attendant slammed his fist on the table and said:
We must save them! Not saving them would be disobeying orders!
Even a fool knows that our army will be waiting for the 300,000 troops in Xuzhou to abandon their positions and come out to be killed—the trap is definitely already set.
Encircle and attack reinforcements – our ancestors have been using this tactic for thousands of years. Does anyone not understand it?
In despair, Commander Du made one last effort, and surprisingly succeeded—he reached a private agreement with his attendant, Changda.
On the surface: abandoning Xuzhou and turning to rescue Huang's army;
Privately: I'll save them if I can, and if I can't, I'll just run away and I won't take responsibility.
Commander Du was overjoyed, then he simply said he couldn't save him.
And indeed, things were done exactly as he had hoped.
After flying back to Xuzhou, Commander Du began to plan the attack – deciding to send troops from Xuzhou to rescue Huang's army group on the 1st.
That's right, it's an attack, a rescue, an eastward advance at all costs!
……
Commander Du knew the Nationalist army's character all too well, so his subordinates at the operational meeting were:
Objectives: Attack, Rescue!
Date: The 1st! (Actually, it's the 31st, which doesn't exist, haha!)
Force: At all costs!
Not to mention our own troops, even the Nationalist troops were kept in the dark—on the 30th, the Xuzhou army was in motion and began preparations for the attack. The artillery and air force had already begun their offensive.
Upon seeing this, our army immediately redeployed its forces, abandoned the previous encirclement, and prepared to wait for the Xuzhou army to come to them.
Orders were issued in rapid succession, and even the traffic police headquarters received specific orders—to intercept and surround the enemy. The traffic police headquarters were to immediately join forces with our army and participate in the encirclement to complete the complete encirclement of the Xuzhou army!
It should be noted that our army's previous assessment was that the enemy in Xuzhou would not come to the rescue, but would instead flee from the southwest along the direction of Xiaoxian and Yongcheng. Therefore, we prepared a grand gift for them.
Faced with the Xuzhou army's resolute yet reasonable actions, our army could only conclude that they had overcomplicated Nanjing.
Fortunately, I had the initiative.
Then just abandon the old pocket and prepare a new one—it's no big deal!
No matter how much they struggle, they're still meat in our pot!
But everything changed at dusk on the 30th.
At dusk, Commander Du sent men to take control of all the radio stations, bringing all the registered radio stations of the 300,000-strong army under his command, and simultaneously conveying his true orders:
Run! Run west!
As for rescuing Huang Bingtuan?
Just kidding, I already said there's no saving him!
So why take over the radio station?
Commonly known as: covering your ears and running for your life!
The goal was simple: to avoid being micromanaged – he knew the higher-ups' style all too well; if the radio was on, he would be forced to go to the rescue.
So, they simply took over all the radio stations, silenced the entire army, and kept running westward. Once they escaped, they would then turn on the radio and contact the adjutant's office.
You may kill or torture me as you see fit, but I have ultimately brought out an army of 300,000!
That move was absolutely brilliant!
Traffic Police Corps Headquarters.
Seeing the orders issued and the radio taken over, Xu Baichuan felt as if he had been struck by lightning—I was all prepared to cooperate with the army in a decisive battle, and now… you're running away?!
Xu Baichuan, Tan Zhongshu, and Zhao Gang looked at each other in bewilderment:
"How to do?"
uprising?
All radio stations have been taken over and ordered to remain silent. To light up a radio at this point would be tantamount to giving away our position. Not only would we lose our element of surprise, but we would also be overwhelmed by the enemy – keep in mind that the traffic police units are scattered and cannot be coordinated; there are only three units at the airport.
Three brigades, barely three reinforced regiments, were nothing but a drop in the ocean among an army of 300,000.
"Keep up!"
Zhao Gang said helplessly, "Send someone else to inform the higher-ups."
What else can we do? This is the only way!
……
The mass evacuation began.
Throughout history, the withdrawal of troops has always been a rigorous test for the officer corps, and it is the most stringent test of all.
The National Revolutionary Army's discipline was generally poor, and they had been preparing for an attack before, only to find out they had to run away when night fell—and the run was incredibly chaotic.
Government officials fled in a panic, officials and their families fled in a panic, military officers looted cars to stuff valuables into vehicles, and soldiers looted personal belongings...
As a result, military rations were scattered everywhere, classified documents flew in the wind, and all sorts of equipment that couldn't be packed away were left lying around.
Occasionally, fully loaded trucks would be overturned, resulting in the release of large quantities of gold, opium, and jewelry, which would then trigger a looting frenzy...
Du's convoy was stuck in the chaos for several hours during the retreat.
Looking at the intractable chaos, he felt a deep sense of desolation.
He deceived Nanjing, our army, and the entire Xuzhou army, but in the end, he overlooked the deadly routed soldiers!
Although this was one of the most chaotic retreats in military history, ultimately 300,000 people, along with a large number of government personnel, were evacuated overnight—or perhaps it should be said that they fled.
Xuzhou, in just a few hours, became an undefended city.
The city gates were wide open;
Government agencies are wide open;
The military camp was wide open;
The prison... was wide open;
Details of the hasty retreat are everywhere.
……
Xu Baichuan's secret report arrived at the command post at almost the same time as the reconnaissance results of our army's scouts.
Xuzhou, the troops have gone and the city is empty... This result left Mi Gu in disbelief.
From any perspective, it's clear that the enemy in Xuzhou is about to advance eastward and deliver their own casualties—all the intelligence confirms this assessment, and even the traffic police headquarters has relevant operational instructions!
But the result?
Ran!
They ran away!
They actually managed to escape!
Three hundred thousand troops! If they escape, what will happen!
He immediately issued the order:
Pursue with all your might, intercept in parallel, and outflank and block!
No rest, no meals, and no falling behind!
Chase after the car on foot, we must intercept Du Yuming! (This is the original historical text!)
This order signifies that all 11 columns are to be deployed, demonstrating our army's determination to catch up with these 300,000 troops!
……
From an objective standpoint, although the retreat from Xuzhou was extremely hasty and unprecedented in military history, this tactic of deceiving the heavens and crossing the Chencang pass in secret was truly a stroke of genius.
In fact, our army was almost in despair. They chased them for two days and nights without stopping, but they still couldn't wrap up the ambush. The command was in despair, believing that the 300,000 troops had really escaped.
They managed to escape right under their own noses and through their own words!
But history often... loves to "play tricks".
Traffic Police Corps Headquarters.
Zhao Gang, Xu Baichuan, Tan Zhongshu, and Liu Xinjie were studying a map under the dim light.
Their eyes were all focused on one point:
Yongcheng!
The situation is now very clear: once the Xuzhou army crosses Yongcheng tomorrow, our army will completely lose the opportunity to encircle and annihilate the Xuzhou army.
But now, there is another way to turn things around:
Traffic Police Corps Uprising!
With a weaker force, we can block the entire Xuzhou army at Yongcheng, thus buying time for our army to annihilate them.
After a long silence, Xu Baichuan said in a deep voice:
"Tomorrow, all units will rush to Yongcheng and establish a blocking position there. We must block the Xuzhou army completely—as long as we hold out until nightfall, our army will be able to completely encircle them!"
"Then, we'll achieve our goal in one decisive battle!"
As Liu Xinjie and Tan Zhongshu looked at the map, it was as if a massive army was fighting fiercely before their eyes.
An indescribable emotion welled up inside me.
The ancients said, "Do not pursue a desperate enemy."
The ancients also said, "Do not stop the returning troops!"
What they need to do now is to block the enemy who has exhausted all their paths and to block a large army from returning!
So, what will happen once a fierce battle breaks out?
At that time, the traffic police headquarters had to face a massive army of nearly 300,000 people who were desperate to escape.
What will the result be?!
"Comrades, this battle will inevitably be fierce! But by eliminating these 300,000 enemy troops as soon as possible, we can bring down the corrupt Nationalist government sooner and liberate all of China sooner—no matter the cost, for the people and for the country, we are willing!"
Zhao Gang's words gradually strengthened their resolve.
Yes, we have indeed suffered great losses, but even if we suffer great losses, it is worth it when considering the overall situation!
The sooner the people are liberated, the less suffering they will endure.
Eliminate 300,000 enemy troops sooner, and save countless comrades from sacrifice!
That night, the entire traffic police force was secretly busy...
……
Number three.
The traffic police headquarters scheduled the event for five hours prior to the scheduled time.
Zheng Yingqi sat in the jeep, gazing up at the sky.
He knew Zhao Gang and his group's determination—a determination as futile as a mantis trying to stop a chariot.
But we also know history—airdrop, my dear airdrop, where the hell are you?
Give it to me now!
I was hoping to cause some trouble in Chenguanzhuang, so don't you dare mess things up!
A charming, lovely, and eagerly awaited C47 finally appeared in the sky. Zheng Yingqi immediately perked up and shouted to the driver:
"Keep up with that plane! Stay close!"
The driver was a bald monk with a chicken leg in his mouth. After hearing Zheng Yingqi's words, he cursed and said, "What were you thinking, chasing a plane with a jeep?"
But he still accelerated and followed the plane closely.
Just as they were about to be shaken off by the plane, it appeared to "lay" an egg. Zheng Yingqi, in the car, screamed:
"Monk, hurry up, you bastard! Chase after that airdrop!"
"Shut up! I'm about to unleash my ultimate move... What's that thing you always say again?"
"Ultimate move!"
"I'm about to unleash my ultimate move!"
The monk floored the accelerator, and the car sped off toward the "slowly" descending parachute.
Upon arrival, a squad of soldiers had already picked up the airdrop—a small red metal tube. The soldier who picked it up was illiterate and was handing the tube over to his superior.
Shangguan looked at the words written in black and white on the iron tube and read aloud:
"Xuzhou, Commander-in-Chief Du, Yu Ming, personally addressed to Chiang, handwritten order, top secret!"
"Hiss, this is for..."
Before the words were even finished, a jeep came hurtling towards them like a madman. The soldiers frantically drew their guns, but luckily the car stopped abruptly before hitting them. Then, an arrogant voice rang out:
"You bastards! Are you trying to rebel? I'm from the Secret Service! You dare point a gun at me?!"
The monk who was the driver really couldn't understand why his companion always liked to brag about this title...
Aren't you afraid of causing trouble for me later?
Zheng Yingqi jumped out of the car, stared at the gun barrels, and arrogantly pointed them at the captain opposite him:
"You—give me your things! Is this something you can see?"
Speaking arrogantly and still holding the rank of lieutenant colonel, the captain dared not be negligent and hurriedly handed over the red iron tube with both hands—there were too many cases of officers being shot during the chaos of the evacuation on the night of the 30th, and they were now being investigated strictly, so he dared not defy the law.
Zheng Yingqi snatched the iron tube, and after seeing the words on it, he couldn't help but burst into laughter.
It's here! It's here! This is it!
Sending this invitation from afar, the gift may be small, but the sentiment is profound!
Yes, this applies to our army.
After all, that represents an army of 300,000.
Zheng Yingqi jumped into the jeep:
"Monk, floor the gas pedal, let's get to headquarters!"
……
Traffic Police Headquarters – in mobile status.
Xu Baichuan closed his eyes to rest, but he kept glancing at his wrist—time was almost up…
Just then, Zheng Yingqi drove up and caught up with his car.
Seeing Zheng Yingqi stop him, Xu Baichuan hurriedly told the driver to stop as well.
Xu Baichuan asked with an unchanged expression, "What happened?!"
"Mr. Xu, look at this!"
Xu Baichuan took the small iron tube, paused for a moment after seeing the words on it, and then tore it open without hesitation—I'm going to reveal my hand now, what am I afraid of!
Screw top secret!
Upon opening it, a passage caught Xu Baichuan's eye:
According to the Air Force report, most of the enemy forces at Suixikou are fleeing towards Yongcheng. My troops are still advancing towards Yongcheng today. If we continue like this, and watch the Huang Corps be annihilated, we will face national extinction.
I urge my brother to swiftly order all army corps to halt their advance towards Yongcheng and instead turn towards Suixikou to launch an attack, coordinating with Li Yannian's army corps advancing north from Bengbu to launch a pincer attack from the north and south, thus relieving Huang Wei's siege. (Historical text!)
Xu Baichuan's eyes widened and his fists clenched.
Damn it, I should have known better than to play without knowing the cards!
At this moment, Zhao Gang rushed over: "What happened?"
Without saying a word, Xu Baichuan handed the warrant to Zhao Gang. After reading it, Zhao Gang exclaimed with delight:
"Great!"
Xu Baichuan shook his head: "Old Zhao, we have no choice but to act!"
The National Army couldn't possibly be unaware of the unusual movements of multiple traffic police brigades!
It's too late to stop now!
But Zhao Gang said:
"Who said that! We are the Traffic Police Corps, with close ties to the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics! We are the most elite of the elite, understand? This is not a mutiny, we are acting under orders, understand!"
"If they disobey Nanjing's orders, we will not complain even if it is like a mantis trying to stop a chariot!"
This attempt to stop a chariot by futile effort is not the same as the futile attempt to stop a chariot made last night.
Faced with Zhao Gang's profuse declaration of loyalty, Xu Baichuan was stunned for a moment, then immediately reacted and roared at the driver:
"drive!"
Zheng Yingqi pulled the driver out and shouted, "I'll do it! I'm the head of the special task force of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics, I'm more convincing!"
He made the most of this identity.
As a result, the vehicle sped forward, racing towards the location where Commander Du was.
At this moment, Commander Du was secretly relieved to be so lucky.
According to the scouts' intelligence, they only had a few hours left to escape—what a stroke of luck!
I am so proud to have led the army out of such a desperate situation.
Even if the price is that he might have to leave the military forever.
Just then, a general approached with a grim expression:
"Commander Du, there's something unusual going on with the traffic police headquarters. Several teams are speeding towards Yongcheng—what are they trying to do? Are they trying to block us?"
Commander Du was startled. What was the traffic police headquarters going to do?
Rebellion?
He remembered the events in Jiawang and the special forces, and his expression changed drastically.
Just as he was about to give the order, a car broke through the guards' blockade and arrived in front of him.
The guards around him looked as if they were facing a formidable enemy, but Commander Du remained calm and fearless, staring coldly at the other party until Xu Baichuan hurriedly got out of the car.
"Xu Baichuan, what are you trying to do? A mutiny?"
"Commander Du, our department has absolutely no such intention—this is the airdrop order, please accept it, Commander Du!"
Upon hearing this, Commander Du's eyes widened, and he seemed to deflate, his spirits visibly waning.
Why did he take over all the radio stations?
I'm just afraid of receiving orders!
Why did he cover his ears and run away?
I'm just afraid of receiving orders!
But now...
Everyone who was supposed to come has arrived!
Just then, someone shouted angrily, "Put down your guns! I am Zheng Yingqi, the head of the Special Intelligence Group of the Bureau of Investigation and Statistics—what are you trying to do!"
Upon hearing the words "Secret Bureau," Commander Du instantly understood the purpose behind the Traffic Police Corps' previous actions...
He waved his hand, signaling the guards to put down their guns, then listlessly took the warrant from Xu Baichuan's hand and stared at it blankly.
It was exactly as he had expected, although the wording wasn't harsh...
But the meaning between the lines is very clear, especially the four words "national subjugation and racial extinction"—these are words that are only mentioned during the most critical period of the War of Resistance!
After a long, long time, he weakly uttered three words:
"Let's start the meeting."
He knew it was hopeless, hopeless!
Xu Baichuan, who had been on high alert, felt a sense of relief upon hearing those three words.
It's all in the past now!
Meanwhile, Zheng Yingqi, standing to the side with an air of righteous indignation, seemed to be witnessing the grandeur of history.
He knew that with this, the Huaihai Campaign had effectively come to a complete end.
Completely and thoroughly! (End of Chapter)