173: The situation is unclear, but the combat strength is verifiable.

Twenty minutes later, the Operations Hall of the Military Commission in Jinling.

A group of high-ranking officials who had been urgently summoned looked at each other, bewildered.

However, their President loved launching sudden 'attacks,' and they had gradually become accustomed to it.

Seeing the Generalissimo sitting upright and solemn, they silently took their seats.

As the confidential clerk distributed the documents, the big shots opened and browsed through them nonchalantly.

But what they saw didn't just surprise them—it gave them a massive shock.

In an instant, all stray thoughts and speculations were replaced by pure shock.

The sound of sharp intakes of breath and cries of disbelief echoed throughout the meeting hall.

"Is... is this for real?"

"A civilian armed force? They have this kind of combat power?"

"So many battle results, and it was all done by a single unit?"

"They actually managed to strike directly at the enemy's Naval Headquarters?"

"Generalissimo, was this record truly created by one unit? Is it credible?"

The Principal, sitting as steady as Mt. Tai, took in everyone's expressions and spoke out loudly to reassure them.

"This telegram was sent by Zhang Zhizhong from the front lines; the news is absolutely reliable, and the achievements are real and verifiable!"

As soon as these words were spoken, the group of big shots was collectively petrified.

They were all battle-hardened generals; how could they not know what this record meant?

With achievements like these, it wouldn't just be enough to start a new page in the family genealogy—it would be enough to start a whole new book.

If any of them had achieved this, they could have had a separate biography written for them in the history books.

Riding the wave of shock, everyone began to voice their opinions on the current war situation.

"Generalissimo, why even bother with peace talks with the Japs? Keep fighting and beat them into submission!"

"Generalissimo, take this opportunity to order Zhang Zhizhong to wipe out the japanese in one fell swoop!"

"Exactly! If we annihilate the japanese in Shanghai, we'll hold an absolute advantage in the peace talks!"

"Right! If we win, we can directly demand that the Japs withdraw from North China during the negotiations!"

"Generalissimo, I suggest we respond aggressively to the japanese in tomorrow's talks!"

For a moment, various optimistic voices regarding the peace talks rose and fell.

Facing the various opinions, the Principal spoke unhurriedly: "Talks will continue, but our attitude can be firmer. However..."

"However, we must be even better prepared to fight. First Operations Hall, you are to immediately study the next phase of our operational strategy."

With the order issued and their minds at ease, the big shots began formulating strategies for the war situation on the spot.

At this moment, Dai Li, the confidant sitting just below the Principal, had a solemn expression.

He leaned in and suggested in a low voice, "Generalissimo, this unit must be kept in our own hands."

The Principal showed a hint of distress upon hearing this: "Unfortunately, Zhang Wenbai's telegram was vague; I don't know their true background."

Dai Li took a deep breath and asked in a low voice, "Then should I make a trip there tomorrow?"

"The situation in Shanghai is complex; you don't need to go." After a moment's thought, the Principal asked, "Is Tang the Fourth in Jinling?"

"Mm... he arrived around dinner time." Understanding the hint, Dai Li followed the lead.

"The Principal uses people like a god; no one is more suitable than Old Fourth to go to Shanghai. Brilliant, truly brilliant. I'll go discuss it with him in a moment."

While nodding in agreement, the Principal instructed, "Dai Li, make it clear to that Little Bastard: he can play around, but the task must be handled properly!"

"Understood... I will arrange for Old Zheng in Shanghai to follow him!" Dai Li replied solemnly.

Meanwhile, several big shots in the Operations Hall were also exchanging opinions privately.

"Gentlemen, I've just returned. Can any of you tell me where this mysterious unit came from? Who leads them?"

"I don't believe you wouldn't know about a unit with such formidable combat power!"

Minister He, who had just rushed back from Sichuan and Chongqing, brought the topic out into the open.

As soon as he said this, everyone fell silent.

It wasn't that they didn't want to say; they really didn't know!

If they knew the other party's background, would they still be here?

They would have brought generous gifts to recruit them long ago, because: such a brave and fierce army, if it could be used by me, would surely... At this time, Chief of Staff Bai, known as the 'Little Zhuge,' pondered, "Minister He, we truly don't know; we are also completely in the dark."

Changing the subject, he continued, "However, this combat style and intense firepower sound very familiar. It... it's quite like... quite like that mysterious team that heavily damaged the Japs on the outskirts of Beijing during the Lugou Bridge Incident a month ago."

"Similarly coming and going like the wind, appearing and disappearing like a divine dragon, and similarly, the situation is unknown, but the battle results are verifiable."

As soon as he said this, several big shots nodded one after another; this matter had been solemnly discussed at a previous meeting.

Li Zhongren immediately followed up: "Since we have this clue, in my opinion, we should immediately propose a suggestion to the higher-ups."

"It is necessary to recall Zhang Zizhong as soon as possible to ask for details."

Hearing this, Minister He felt it made sense: "Then what are we waiting for? Find a way to bring Zhang Zizhong back to report on his duties!"

Deputy Chief of General Staff Bai Congxi smiled faintly: "Minister He, you know about Old Zhang's situation. Whether to bring him back or not requires the Principal's personal decision."

"Sigh... you Little Zhuge, you're even playing your mind games on me!" Minister He pointed at Bai Congxi with a wry smile.

Then, he spoke frankly: "If someone has to say it, I'll say it. What are you all waiting for? Come with me!"

As Minister He left, Chief of Staff Bai and Li Zhongren looked at each other and smiled, then followed him.

Meanwhile, on the Huangpu River, aboard the Izumo, the flagship of the japanese Navy.

Vice Admiral Hasegawa Kiyoshi, Commander of the Navy, paced back and forth in his cabin like a trapped beast.

Recalling the development of today's battle made him feel as if he were sitting on pins and needles; he would roar in rage one moment and slump down dejectedly the next.

The humiliation of the Naval Headquarters being shelled, the bad news of his nephew's death in battle, and the opponent's completely incomprehensible and powerful combat strength...

Every time he thought of it, he hovered on the brink of a breakdown.

"baka! Incompetent! Trash!"

He smashed everything within reach, his face filled with shame, indignation, and despair.

"The glory of the Imperial Navy... has actually been destroyed by my hands! How can I face His Majesty! Only seppuku... can apologize to the Emperor!"

Muttering to himself, he actually stumbled over to grab his command sword.

Just then, there was a knock on the cabin door, and a signalman reported in a trembling voice, "Your Excellency, Commander! Urgent telegram from Headquarters!"

Hasegawa Kiyoshi paused, put down his command sword, and took the telegram.

The telegram showed that the Navy Headquarters had decided to urgently deploy the 3rd Division and the 11th Division from the mainland to reinforce Shanghai.

Seeing that there were only two divisions of reinforcements, Hasegawa Kiyoshi was not comforted; instead, he became even more furious.

"Two divisions? What use are two divisions?"

"The opponent has unknown heavy armored vehicles and terrifying firepower; this small amount of troops isn't even enough to fill the gap."

"Reply! Reply to Headquarters immediately! The situation is far more severe than estimated. Request at least three more divisions."

"In addition, demand that Headquarters send more heavy weapons and request more air support! Fast!"

He roared at the signalman, pouring all the fear and anger resulting from the crushing defeat into this telegram for help.

The situation in Shanghai, due to Lu Fan, the butterfly that had unexpectedly descended, was seeing its storm become increasingly violent and unpredictable.