Chapter 149: Inspecting the Defensive Line

Abusai sat there staring at the casualty report, at a loss for words. In this single battle, his 11th Corps had suffered 21,024 killed in action, 14,982 severely wounded, and over 7,000 non-combat casualties. Meanwhile, the Limaguo 7th Corps had lost 7,938 men with 4,891 severely wounded. The casualties were nothing short of catastrophic.

For them, accepting this reality was incredibly difficult. They had assumed the defending troops on the opposite bank were a soft persimmon. But God knows, this soft persimmon was full of thorns—and not just one thorn, but a massive cluster of them. Not only did they fail to eat the persimmon, but their mouths were also stabbed bloody in the attempt.

“We have to report this casualty figure up the chain of command. All we can do now is report the truth. The Eastern Spirit forces on the opposite bank are incredibly strong, and their will to fight is incredibly resolute.

“Our two corps underestimated the Eastern Spirit combat effectiveness and suffered heavy losses as a result. We must request Command to send further reinforcements. We need support; otherwise, we cannot digest the enemy forces in front of us.

“From what I saw today, there are still a substantial number of troops on the opposite bank. If our two corps continue attacking on our own, taking the position will be extremely difficult!” Ren Kefu said, looking at Abusai.

“Mm, send the report. Do as you said. When the time comes, we can provide artillery support, and our troops can act as a reserve force.” Abusai nodded with great difficulty.

He knew they had to report it. If they didn’t, and they subsequently failed to break through, Command would find out eventually. Being caught hiding the truth would lead to massive trouble.

Hearing this, Abusai’s Chief of Staff nodded and submitted the casualty report, notifying Command of their situation.

Abusai and Ren Kefu remained seated. They exchanged a glance, both shaking their heads with bitter smiles. Neither of them had expected to arrive brimming with confidence only to be beaten this badly.

“Our opponent is an incredibly intelligent man. He has fewer troops than us, but look at the firepower and troop distribution on his defensive line—it’s flawless. This man, even among our own generals, would be considered a famous commander.

“If he is given control of the Eastern Spirit Empire’s forces, I believe he will bring immense trouble to our Allied armies. I hope our nations can gather more intelligence on this general and see if there are other ways to eliminate him! If we can’t kill him on the battlefield, then we should let the people of the Eastern Spirit Empire eliminate him themselves!” Ren Kefu told Abusai.

“Mm, but he’s definitely dead meat regardless. As long as our reinforcements arrive, I will personally capture that Li Jingsong. Hmph, that bastard cost us so many troops and forced us to suffer like this here!” Abusai nodded.

…

Meanwhile, Hu Hao had already begun inspecting the defensive positions.

“Hao-ge!”

“Hao-ge is here!”

“Hello, Hao-ge!”

As Hu Hao walked along the trenches, the soldiers stood up, smiled, and called out to him!

“Hello, brothers. You fought well. You all fought exceptionally well!” Hu Hao smiled and praised the soldiers.

“Hao-ge, fighting like this is what’s truly satisfying! Just lying prone on the trench and firing at the Allied forces. I’ll kill however many come at me!” a soldier in his twenties boasted.

“Mm, but you must be careful. Remember to change positions after firing!” Hu Hao smiled.

“Of course! Our Squad Leader told me that already!” the soldier nodded with a grin.

“Hao-ge, he fought really well! He killed at least three Allied soldiers!” the Squad Leader beside him chimed in.

“Mm, that’s excellent. Let’s see if we can promote him to Squad Leader!” Hu Hao smiled upon hearing this.

“Hehe, thank you, Hao-ge! Thank you, Squad Leader!” the soldier beamed.

“Mm, it’s well-deserved. Keep fighting hard. Be like your Squad Leader and pass on your combat experience to your soldiers!” Hu Hao smiled, patting the young man on the shoulder.

“How are you holding up? Why didn’t you go to the hospital?” Hu Hao asked another soldier whose face was wrapped in bandages.

“Hao-ge, I’m fine. A bullet grazed my cheek; it didn’t hit any meat. The bandages make it look a bit ugly right now, but it’s nothing serious!” the soldier replied with a smile.

“As long as you’re fine. But if anything feels wrong, get to the hospital immediately. And remember to have the medic change your dressing!” Hu Hao nodded and instructed.

“I know, don’t worry. I know the medic well. If he doesn’t change my dressing, I’ll beat him up!” the soldier said proudly.

“Haha, good. We’re all brothers, of course you know him well!” Hu Hao laughed.

Hu Hao continued his walk along the trench, observing and chatting with the soldiers. When he reached Mo Qin’s section, he saw Mo Qin standing there, watching him.

“How was the fighting?” Hu Hao walked over with a smile and patted his shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Hao-ge. We were too naive before!” Mo Qin said, looking at Hu Hao and addressing him as ‘Hao-ge’.

“What’s with the ‘Hao-ge’? Hu Hao, Haozi—anything is fine!” Hu Hao pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Mo Qin.

“No, that won’t do. You are Hao-ge—the Hao-ge in all the brothers’ hearts. I am no exception. The brothers all say that without you, holding this line would have been impossible!” Mo Qin said earnestly.

“Nonsense, I didn’t fire a single shot. What ability do I have?” Hu Hao waved his hand dismissively.

“Hao-ge, that’s not right. You didn’t fire a single shot, but you commanded the brothers and held the line!” Li Nan, Commander of the 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, said as he looked at Hu Hao.

“Go away! Bullshit! The brothers are the ones risking their lives. What am I? I just sit in the command center!” Hu Hao tossed a cigarette to Li Nan and retorted.

“Hao-ge, if you weren’t sitting in the command center, how could we have any confidence? Isn’t that right, brothers?” Bai Ye, the Commander of the 4th Regiment, smiled.

“Absolutely! Hao-ge, you belong in the command center. Just tell us how to fight, and we’ll handle the shooting and grenade throwing!” the surrounding soldiers agreed.

“Ha! Right, Mo Qin, where’s your Company Commander? Let me ask him how you performed!” Hu Hao asked Mo Qin.

“Report! Our Company Commander was severely wounded and sent to the hospital. I am currently the Acting Company Commander!” Mo Qin stood at attention and reported.

“Oh, I see,” Hu Hao said, his expression turning solemn.

“Hao-ge, he fought very well. He basically commanded the defense against the second wave of attacks. I think he can be directly promoted to Company Commander with the rank of Captain!” Li Nan suggested.

“Mm, let him act as commander for now. Keep an eye on his Company Commander’s condition. If he needs to be hospitalized for over a month, promote Mo Qin. If he can return, let Mo Qin remain Acting Commander for now, and we’ll transfer him to command a different company later!” Hu Hao instructed Li Nan.

“Yes, sir!” Li Nan nodded.

Hu Hao patted Mo Qin’s arm and sighed. “Mo Shui, don’t blame me, brother. This is war, and many rules have changed. I hope you all survive. I hope you continue to achieve great merits. And I hope you never bring shame to the uniform you wear!”

“Don’t worry, Hao-ge. We were ignorant before. Hao-ge, on behalf of the brothers, I want to say thank you, and I’m sorry!” Mo Qin looked at Hu Hao firmly after finishing his statement.

“No need for that. Mm, lead your troops well. An Acting Company Commander is still a Company Commander. Take good care of your brothers. They are your brothers too!” Hu Hao told Mo Qin.

“Yes, Hao-ge!” Mo Qin nodded.

Hu Hao then continued inspecting the defensive line with Bai Ye, walking through the trenches.

At this point, the temperature inside the trenches was nearing fifty degrees Celsius, while the outside temperature had soared past forty. Although the trenches were built with concrete, the numerous air conditioners were constantly exhausting hot air into them, making it incredibly sweltering.

Yet Hu Hao persisted in walking through the trenches. Wherever he went, the local Regimental Commander and Battalion Commander would join him, accompanying him as he inspected every air-raid shelter and checked on the brothers.

He even stopped midway to eat lunch with the soldiers inside one of the air-raid shelters. He didn’t finish his inspection and return to the command center until past 3 PM. During his tour, he bumped into his classmates and chatted with them as well.

Upon returning to the command center, Hu Hao went to the lounge to rest. He slept all the way until past 8 PM. After waking up, he walked into the main command area.

“Hao-ge, the telegrams from Command are all here. The Allied Kabuguo 21st Corps is currently moving toward Xike City. They are likely heading our way. Based on their march speed, they should arrive in the Santong County area around 1 AM tonight.” A senior staff officer saw Hu Hao and immediately reported the situation.

“Oh? It’s confirmed they’re coming?” Hu Hao stopped and asked.

“Yes, they are coming. Command also sent a telegram confirming the Allied forces dispatched troops here. The Commander even called to ask if we needed reinforcements. I told him you were sleeping, and he told you to call him back!” the staff officer relayed.

“Mm, alright. Communications, get the Commander on the line for me!” Hu Hao nodded and ordered his communications officer.

“Yes, sir!” The communications officer immediately dialed. Once the connection was made, he spoke briefly with the operator on the other end before handing the phone to Hu Hao.

“Hu Hao!”

“Hello, Commander!” Hu Hao said immediately upon hearing Jiang Kai’s voice.

“Hello?! Hello my ass! You’ve got some nerve! Who gave you permission to conscript troops privately?! I thought you, Hu Hao, actually had some real ability! Turns out you were just privately conscripting troops! Do you have a death wish?!” Jiang Kai roared, severely reprimanding Hu Hao over the phone.

(End of Chapter)