Warlords: Rising from the Northwest Border and Sweeping Across the Powers

Chapter 1184: Complacent

Heijiang front base camp, 2pm.

In a heavily camouflaged command tent, Division Commander Otto was studying a battle map with his staff. Outside the tent, soldiers were busy preparing for the upcoming crossing of the river.

Lieutenant Colonel Carlson, the commander of the reconnaissance battalion, hurried into the tent and saluted Otto: "Reporting to the division commander, the reconnaissance battalion has completed the reconnaissance mission on the other side of the river and now reports the enemy situation to you."

"Go ahead, Carlson," Otto motioned for him to continue.

Carlson unfolded the map in his hand, which marked the fortifications and firing points on the other side of the river: "According to our observations, the Tsarist Russia has deployed heavy firepower on the high ground on the other side of the river, including anti-tank guns and mobile anti-aircraft firepower."

"They built strong fortifications on the high ground," Carlson continued, "and used camouflage nets and branches to hide their tanks and armored vehicles, trying to blend in with the surroundings."

Otto nodded, motioning for him to continue.

"Besides," Carlson pointed to the river bank on the map, "they have deployed multiple layers of defense along the river bank, apparently to prevent us from building a pontoon bridge."

"Their firepower is densely distributed," Carlson added, "especially near several possible river crossing points."

"Have you found any supply lines?" Otto asked.

"Yes," Carlson replied, "We have seen a lot of trucks moving supplies in the rear, indicating their supply lines are still functioning."

"One more thing," Carlson continued, "we found that the enemy had new reinforcements, probably the 34th Motorized Infantry Division. Their arrival has greatly strengthened the enemy's defenses."

Otto pondered for a moment and asked: "Where do you think their defense focus is?"

"According to our judgment," Carlson pointed to several locations on the map, "their defense focus is around these high ground and river crossing points. We need to pay special attention to fire suppression in these areas."

"Very good, Carlson," Otto nodded with satisfaction, "your intelligence is very important. We will adjust our plan to cross the river based on this information."

"Thank you, commander," Carlson saluted and stepped back to continue commanding his reconnaissance unit.

Otto turned to his staff team: "Ladies and gentlemen, Carlson's intelligence provides us with valuable reference. We must suppress the enemy's heavy firepower before crossing the river, especially those hidden anti-tank guns and mobile anti-aircraft firepower."

"Yes, commander," the staff officers nodded and began to mark the new battle plan on the map.

Heijiang front base camp, three o'clock in the afternoon.

In the command tent, Division Commander Otto was nervously discussing a new battle plan with his staff. The reconnaissance intelligence he had just received made him realize that the enemy's defense on the other side of the river was tighter than expected.

"Everyone," Otto looked around at his commanders, "We need to adjust our plan. Temporarily abandon the crossing and move the troops back five kilometers."

Deputy Division Commander De Lan frowned and said, "Division Commander, move back five kilometers? Isn't this giving up the chance to cross the river?"

Otto smiled and pointed to several marks on the map: "Derran, look, these are the enemy's heavy firepower points. Our Nebelwerfer rocket launchers have a range of seven kilometers, which can completely destroy the enemy's defense line outside the enemy's firepower range."

"The temporary retreat is just to paralyze the enemy," Otto continued to explain, "so that they will think we have given up the plan to cross the river and relax their vigilance."

Delan nodded thoughtfully, but still a little worried: "But, commander, we may not have enough rocket launchers. Can we deal a sufficient blow to the enemy?"

Otto smiled and patted Delan on the shoulder: "Don't worry, the rear has sent us 34 Nebelwerfer rocket launchers."

&34；128辆？&34；德兰惊讶地睁大了眼睛，&34；那可是相当可观的火力。&34；

"That's right," Otto nodded, "We will concentrate our attacks on the enemy's weakest links and destroy their fortifications and heavy firepower points."

"I understand, commander," De Lan smiled, "I will arrange for the troops to retreat and prepare for the deployment of rocket launchers."

"Very good," Otto said with satisfaction, "Remember, the rocket launcher must strike accurately to ensure that every shot hits the target."

"Yes, commander," De Lan saluted and quickly left the tent to carry out the new order.

Otto turned to his staff and said, "Ladies and gentlemen, our goal is to destroy the enemy's defense system and clear the way for subsequent crossing operations."

"Yes, commander," the staff officers nodded and began to mark the new fire strike plan on the map.

Blagoveshchensk, Tsarist Russian command post.

At 4 p.m., Colonel Konovalov and Major General Smirnov were watching the movements on the other side of the river through binoculars. Suddenly, they noticed that the troops of the Northern Division began to evacuate the river bank in an orderly manner and move to the rear.

"They are retreating?" Konovalov put down the binoculars, frowning slightly. "What does this mean?"

Major General Smirnov also seemed a little confused: "Did they give up the plan to cross the river?"

The two looked at each other for a moment, then began to analyze the map.

"Our fortifications have been completed," Konovalov pointed to the mark on the map, "The heavy firepower points and camouflage positions are in key locations, and it will be difficult for them to find a breakthrough."

"Yes," Smirnov nodded, "and our supply lines are open and reinforcements are available at any time."

"It seems that they realized that our defensive strategy was too tight," Konovalov said with a smug smile, "The opponent couldn't break through at all, so they had no choice but to give up."

"This shows that our deployment was successful," Smirnov also smiled, "Their retreat just proves this."

The two smiled at each other, and the tension in their hearts was swept away. Konovalov took out a bottle of vodka from the cabinet on the table, poured two glasses, and handed them to Smirnov.

"Come, let's drink to our victory," Konovalov raised his glass, "We won this battle beautifully."

"Cheers," Smirnov raised his glass, "to the safety of Blagoveshchensk."

They both drank it in one gulp, the flame of vodka burning in their throats, bringing a feeling of warmth and satisfaction.

"However, we cannot let our guard down," Konovalov put down his glass, "and continue to be vigilant to prevent the enemy from having other plots."

"Of course," Smirnov nodded, "I will step up reconnaissance to ensure that no movement escapes our eyes."

In this brief peace, the two commanders enjoyed the joy of victory. They believed that with the solid defense line and careful deployment, Blagoveshchensk would continue to stand.