172: The Presidential Palace was shocked

Late at night, General Zhang Zhizhong and his party returned to the command post.

After getting out of the car, he immediately issued a gag order.

"What you have seen and heard tonight is not to be leaked without my permission. Violators will be court-martialed!"

After dismissing everyone, only he and his trusted aide, Staff Officer Lin Shiming, remained in the office.

"Shiming, what do you think of today's events?" Zhang Zhizhong took a sip of the tea Lin Shiming brought him.

"Sir, I believe it is credible!" Lin Shiming's expression was firm and his words certain.

Zhang Zhizhong set down his teacup and asked calmly, "What makes you say that?"

Lin Shiming spoke steadily, "Commander, just hearing Brigade Commander Huang's impassioned words, one can tell these battle results are no fake.

Setting everything else aside, Brigade Commander Huang was definitely involved in the capture of the Japs' Naval Headquarters!"

"You clever little monkey!" Zhang Zhizhong smiled faintly and turned to ask, "Who else noticed?"

Lin Shiming thought for a moment before replying, "There are those who suspect, but none who can confirm it.

After all, Brigade Commander Huang was so heavily disguised that only those most familiar with him could tell."

"Keep an eye on the staff officers. Don't let anything slip about Old Huang and his group."

As he spoke, Zhang Zhizhong placed several documents on the desk. "Shiming, compile all the battle results of the Security Team."

"Understood."

Lin Shiming acted quickly and soon placed a compiled briefing in front of Zhang Zhizhong.

Looking at the list of terrifying achievements, Zhang Zhizhong still felt his heart race, even though it was his second time reading it.

Lin Shiming lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming. "Sir, this unit's combat power is too formidable.

Especially that tank squad; whether it's their equipment or their operational level, it's absolutely shocking!

If they could be integrated into our ranks, or even just provide tactical cooperation...

...the 'Lightning Strike' plan that Advisor Shuhr strongly advocated for would have a much higher chance of success.

Perhaps your strategic goals could be achieved in a single stroke."

Hearing this, a sharp light burst from Zhang Zhizhong's eyes, and he slapped the table hard. "Exactly! This is crucial!

I will meet with that gentleman tomorrow. We must find a way to secure their cooperation."

After the excitement, Zhang Zhizhong calmed down.

After a moment of silence, he ordered Lin Shiming, "Encrypt this report and send it to Nanjing immediately to be presented to the Headmaster. However..."

He paused and emphasized, "But in the telegram, omit the specific details of this unit to avoid unnecessary complications."

"I'll refer to them as 'civilian armed forces'." Lin Shiming understood and immediately turned to carry out the task.

Late at night.

Nanjing, Presidential Residence on Huangpu Road.

Qian Dajun, Director of the Aides Office, held a newly decoded telegram and practically jogged to knock on the door of the President's study.

"Headmaster, an urgent telegram from Commander Zhang in Shanghai! The battle report... the results are astounding!"

Qian Dajun's voice carried an irrepressible excitement.

Chiang Kai-shek, who was reviewing a map, frowned slightly and took the telegram.

At first, his expression was calm, but as his eyes moved down the page, his brow furrowed deeper and his breathing grew heavier.

When he saw the telegram read: [...Friendly Forces wiped out the 1st Company of the japanese 5th Tank Battalion in the Yangshupu area.

Destroyed eleven Type 89 tanks, damaged 7, destroyed seven type 94 light armored cars, and killed or wounded over a thousand enemies;

Successfully raided and heavily shelled the Japs' Marine Headquarters building, causing severe damage to the enemy's command center.]

"This... how is this possible?"

The Headmaster stood up abruptly, his hand holding the telegram trembling slightly, his face filled with extreme shock and disbelief.

The Japs' Naval Headquarters in Hongkou District was known as the number one defensive fortress in East Asia.

Not only was it rock-solid itself, but it was also guarded by numerous surrounding troops.

Even his most elite Central Training Corps had no guarantee of success in a raid.

Yet this small, mysterious unit had struck right at the heart. This was completely beyond his comprehension.

Not to mention, they not only raided it but also managed to shell it and paralyze its operations?

He truly could not imagine what kind of divine soldiers could achieve such brilliant results in a single day.

"Shelling Huishan Wharf and paralyzing it?

Breaking into the Gongda Cotton Mill in the Jap-occupied area and burning down the supply warehouses?

Annihilating a Jap infantry battalion?

Wiping out a japanese tank company?

Shelling the Naval Headquarters in Hongkou District?

Paralyzing the Japan's command structure?

Every single one of these feats was a near-certain death sentence.

Accomplishing just one would be a supreme military achievement, enough to gain fame nationwide and become a hero of the Chinese nation.

For someone to complete them all... this is no longer a miracle; it's a divine act."

"Zhang Zhizhongs courtesy name wouldn't... this couldn't be a false report, could it?" A hint of doubt rose in his heart.

Thus, he read the telegram three times over.

Confirming the encryption level and the sender were correct, he turned to stare at Qian Dajun with a sharp, hawk-like gaze.

This look startled Qian Dajun, who quickly replied, "Director, there is no false report. Absolutely none.

I have already verified it with Commander Zhang's confidential staff officer, Lin Shiming. The results are real and verifiable."

"Hmm," the Headmaster grunted as realization dawned on him. He muttered to himself, "Niang Xipi, so that's why the Japs are so urgently demanding a ceasefire and peace talks.

So this is where the problem lies! Damn, you little Japs finally have your day. This is truly satisfying!"

In his excitement, he immediately ordered, "Send out the notice: convene an emergency military meeting immediately! Right now!"

As Qian Dajun hurried away...

He relaxed completely, a wave of immense joy washing over him.

He picked up the telegram and read it again and again, talking to himself excitedly, "Good! Well fought!

Damn! This has truly boosted our national prestige. My decision to wage a decisive battle against the Japs in Shanghai was indeed brilliant!"

He rarely showed such emotion, and in a rare move, he took out a cigarette, lit it, and took a long, satisfying drag.

He picked up the telegram again. This wasn't just a battle report!

This was the medicine to cure his heart's ailment.

The kind that works with just one dose.

After finishing the cigarette, he lit another one.

By now, the joyful expression on his face had faded, replaced by a hint of wariness.

The reason was simple: although there was very little information and no background on this powerful unit...

...he knew clearly that this unit did not belong to him and was not under his control.

For someone who followed the policy of 'internal pacification before external resistance,' this was a fatal drawback.

After all, how can one allow others to sleep soundly beside one's own bed?

He immediately made a decision: "We must find a way to uncover the information on this unit, whatever the cost!"

With that thought, he picked up the phone on his desk to order his trusted aides to conduct a thorough investigation.

Just then, a soft sound of footsteps accompanied by a gentle voice arrived.

"Darling, although the fighting at the front is intense, you shouldn't be smoking so much late at night."

The Headmaster looked at the newcomer, put down the phone, and a smile appeared on his face as he handed over the telegram to share the good news.

"Madame, look! Damn, the little Japs have been heavily hit. God bless China!"