PNB Chapter 117: Yongxin Defense Battle (1)
Chapter 117: Yongxin Defense Battle (1)
On the evening of August 1927, , Yongxin County was like an isolated island trembling before a storm. The tense atmosphere was like a thick dark cloud, weighing heavily on everyone's heart.
The time traveler Zhao Shao is in the midst of this ever-changing historical vortex. His eyes are filled with determination and worry, because he knows that an extremely cruel battle is about to sweep in like a raging flood.
The attacking side was a group of fierce and powerful troops led by Zhu Kan, Jiang Shi, Shanyu and others.
In the previous battle of Changlin, they were like hungry wolves pouncing on their prey, gaining the upper hand and pursuing the enemy all the way with great momentum, like a giant dragon burning with the fire of destruction rushing towards Yongxin County.
The defending team was headed by the regiment commander Wang Yaxin, with deputy regiment commander Wang Zuo, Yuan Wencai, Liu San, Zhao Shao and others as the backbone.
However, after experiencing the nightmare-like bitter battle in Changlin, everyone was exhausted both physically and mentally. The military strength was greatly reduced, like a stream exposed to the scorching sun, and the supplies were like a dried-up spring, with very little left.
After Wang Yaxin retreated back to Yongxin County with his remaining troops, he did not stop for a moment. He immediately summoned important figures such as Wang Zuo, Yuan Wencai, and Shi Shui to discuss countermeasures in a command post in the county that was as simple as a candle in the wind.
The dim lights swayed in the breeze, and the flickering light and shadows reflected the faces of the people, some of which were as solemn as rocks, some as anxious as ants on a hot pan.
"We just retreated from Changlin. Our brothers have suffered heavy casualties. Can we really hold Yongxin County?"
Shi Shui's brows were furrowed, like two heavy mountains, and he was the first to break the suffocating silence.
His eyes revealed deep worry, as if he had already seen the tragic scene after the enemy broke through the city.
Wang Zuo slammed the table, and the sound exploded in the small space like thunder.
“Why can’t you defend it?
If we withdraw like this, what will happen to the people?
Are we just going to watch them being trampled by the enemy?
We are soldiers, and protecting the people is our mission!"
His face flushed with excitement, and his eyes burned with anger and indomitable spirit.
Yuan Wencai turned his gaze towards Wang Yaxin, his eyes filled with inquiry and trust.
"Captain, what do you think?"
At this moment, everyone's eyes were focused on Wang Yaxin, as if he was the only beacon in the darkness.
Wang Yaxin's brows were furrowed like two tangled twists of dough. He knew very well that the severity of the situation was far beyond his imagination.
"If we retreat here without a fight, the enemy will surely march straight in, as if entering an empty land. But if we defend, everyone knows our difficulties.
We are short on manpower and supplies, and every decision we make could mean the difference between life and death for us and our people."
His voice was low and hoarse, like a traveler trudging through the desert.
The heated discussion lasted for a long time like turbulent waves, with everyone expressing their own opinions and refusing to give in.
Some believed that preserving strength was the most urgent task and advocated a quick retreat, like a wounded beast returning to its lair to lick its wounds.
Some people insisted on defending the county town as if guarding the last holy land, providing a safe sky for the people, even at the cost of their lives.
Finally, Wang Yaxin decided to vote by raising his hands, which was a fair but extremely heavy way.
"Raise your hands if you agree to defend the city."
Wang Yaxin's voice echoed in the room, and that voice seemed to carry a tremendous force, pressing on everyone's heart.
Hands were raised one after another, like flags raised in the darkness.
At last count, there were ten votes in favor of defending the city and only one vote against.
The people who voted against it had their own unique views on the current situation, but under the principle of minority obeying the majority, the determination to defend the city was as strong as steel and indestructible.
The decision was made, and everyone immediately took action like a clockwork machine.
Before the enemy arrives at the city, we race against time to defend the city.
On the city wall, soldiers were hurriedly carrying sandbags. The sandbags were like the cornerstones of life, being piled up continuously to strengthen the fortifications.
Their figures flickered in the sunlight, and sweat fell like raindrops.
At the city gate, someone was carefully checking every part of the gate. Every hinge and every wooden board were related to the sturdiness of the city gate, and they were ready to deal with the enemy's tidal attack at any time.
At this time, Zhao Shao, who had just come out of the hospital, had a different idea.
He knew very well that once the war broke out, the people of Yongxin County would struggle in the flames of war like ants and fall into a desperate situation with no one alive.
Regardless of possible opposition from others, he resolutely took Liu San, Wu Hou, Xiao Si and others to go door to door in the county town to persuade the people to evacuate.
His eyes were filled with anxiety and compassion, and his steps were hurried, every step seemed like a race against death.
"My fellow villagers, it's bad!
The enemy is about to attack, we are no longer safe here, everyone quickly pack up your bags and evacuate the city!"
Zhao Shao's anxious cries were like a thunderbolt across the silent streets, or like a rapidly ringing alarm bell, echoing over and over again in every corner.
Zhao Shao was seen running anxiously through the streets and alleys, banging on doors from house to house and shouting at the top of his voice:
"Fellow villagers, don't hesitate any longer, escape is the most important thing!"
However, his voice gradually became hoarse due to long-term shouting. Despite this, he still did not stop for a moment and continued to tirelessly call on people to evacuate.
When the people heard this sudden bad news, they all seemed a little confused and at a loss at first.
Some people stood blankly in front of their homes, their eyes revealing endless confusion and reluctance. After all, this land is where they have lived and multiplied for generations, and it is not easy for them to give it up so easily.
Others seemed to be suddenly awakened, and rushed into the house in a panic and began to pack up their things in a hurry. In the chaos, the crisp sounds of pots and pans colliding with each other were intertwined in a disorderly manner, filling the air.
This shocking news seemed to have a pair of invisible wings and spread to every corner of the county at lightning speed.
In an instant, the originally peaceful and tranquil small county was instantly shrouded in an atmosphere of panic and anxiety. Everyone was in danger, as if the end of the world was really imminent.
This panic spread like a gust of wind to Wang Yaxin, the county party committee member.
Someone breathlessly reported to him that Zhao Shao was disrupting the morale of the army and making the people panic, just like throwing a huge rock into a calm lake, causing huge waves.
After hearing this, Wang Yaxin fell into deep thought.
He understood that Zhao Shao's starting point was for the people, but this behavior could indeed be like a sharp blade, cutting off the morale of the army and affecting the entire defensive deployment.
Wang Yaxin, accompanied by a few trusted aides, hurried to the place where Zhao Shao was admonishing the people.
Seeing Wang Yaxin coming, Zhao Shao stopped what he was doing. He looked at Wang Yaxin with eyes as firm as a rock, as if he was waiting for the leader's decision. There was no trace of retreat in his eyes.