freenovelworld Chapter 307 Stern Negotiation
Chapter 307 Stern Negotiation
The noise on the battlefield gradually subsided, with only a few sporadic gunshots occasionally heard, like the last whispers before the end of the war.
Under the careful care of the military doctor, Captain Chen's cramping pain was significantly relieved as the nitroglycerin tablets taken sublingually slowly took effect.
His face was still a little pale, but a determined light had rekindled in his eyes.
He stood up with a slight tremor, and despite the military doctor's dissuasion, he dragged his tired body back to the command vehicle.
The lights inside the car were dim and warm, but they couldn't dispel his sense of mission.
He knew very well that this battle was of great significance and that he had to report the entire process of the battle in detail to the Anti-Japanese Headquarters as soon as possible without any delay.
At this time, their location was not far from the liberated area, and fortunately, it was still within the signal coverage of the communication drone.
This small signal seemed to be the lifeline connecting the battlefield and the rear command center, keeping them closely connected with the Anti-Japanese Headquarters.
Because of this, this report can not only send concise text information, but also transmit video materials recording the fierce fighting scenes, allowing the anti-Japanese headquarters to fully and intuitively understand everything happening on the battlefield.
Captain Chen sat in front of the communication equipment in the command vehicle, his eyes focused and serious.
He first carefully organized the written materials, clearly listing the key information such as the time, place, troop deployment of both sides, course of the battle and the final results.
Every word seems to carry the smell of gunpowder on the battlefield, condensing the blood and sweat of the soldiers.
Afterwards, he carefully selected the video footage that best reflected the entire picture of the battle, from the armored column breaking through the enemy's defenses like a sharp blade, to the infantry bravely charging in the hail of bullets, to the Y-42 helicopter playing a key role in the air. Each scene is a precious testimony to this battle.
He operated the equipment carefully to ensure that the information could be sent out completely and accurately.
In the distant anti-Japanese headquarters, the personnel on duty kept a close eye on the communication equipment, waiting for news from various battlefields.
Finally, the report information sent by Captain Chen came in like snowflakes.
The staff on duty quickly submitted this important report to their superiors.
The atmosphere in the Anti-Japanese Division's meeting room was solemn and serious.
Several leaders sat around a conference table, with written and video materials urgently sent from the battlefield placed on the table in front of them.
The light shone softly, but it could not conceal the solemn expressions of the leaders.
They first read the written materials carefully, and each line of text was like a heavy hammer, hitting their hearts again and again.
When reading about the heroic deeds of the soldiers fighting bravely against the enemy, some people could not help but clench their fists slightly, with excitement flashing in their eyes;
When they read about the heavy casualties suffered by the soldiers, their eyes revealed pain and pity.
Then they opened the video footage.
On the screen, there was war and smoke everywhere. The armor rushed towards the enemy like a steel torrent, and the infantry charged forward in the hail of bullets.
The soldiers' resolute faces, fearless eyes, and their unflinching attitude in the face of the enemy filled the leaders with infinite excitement and comfort.
However, when they saw the scene of the scientific expedition team being attacked and people being injured, their faces turned pale in an instant and anger spread in their hearts.
They were extremely excited about the victory in this battle and were deeply pleased with the bravery of the soldiers;
But he was also indignant at Jiang Wufa's disregard for the overall situation and his brazen decision to launch a war!
The conference room was filled with a depressing atmosphere, and the faces of the chairmen were serious and stern. They were well aware of the seriousness of the incident.
Then, the chief host decisively ordered:
"Send a telegram to Jiang Wufa immediately to make our position clear!"
Inside the telegraph room, the lights were dim and bright.
The radio operator sat at the table, looking focused.
His fingers were long and flexible, moving quickly on the keys.
As he operated the electric key, it made a rhythmic "tick-tick" sound, as if telling of a heavy mission.
In a room that is decorated in a simple and elegant yet solemn and majestic manner, military maps and famous calligraphy and paintings are hung on the walls.
Jiang Wufa was wearing a long robe and a black felt hat. His face was resolute but a little tired. He was standing in front of a large desk.
There were some documents and an old desk lamp on the desk. The light was dim and soft, but it could not dispel the tense atmosphere in the room.
A telegram lay quietly on the table. Jiang Wufa reached out and picked it up, unfolded it, and read the message word by word.
"To: Mr. Jiang Wufa
We have received a detailed report regarding the Ma family army in your jurisdiction, which blatantly violated the 'April 4th Agreement' and launched a surprise attack on our scientific expedition team."
Jiang Wufa frowned slightly, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he continued to look down.
"This incident is extremely egregious in nature and has grave consequences. It not only seriously violates the consensus reached by both parties, but also causes immeasurable losses and delays to the ongoing mushroom bomb development work."
His expression became serious, his lips were tightly pursed, and his eyes revealed worry.
"According to our intelligence and on-site combat reports, the Ma family troops in your jurisdiction, under the command of Ma Ning, ignored the fact that our scientific expedition team was carrying important scientific research tasks and deliberately launched a surprise attack in an attempt to rob our scientific research data and technicians."
A hint of anger flashed in Jiang Wufa's eyes, and he shook his head slightly, as if he was dissatisfied with the behavior of the Ma family army.
"This move is not only a huge disruption to our scientific research, but also a blatant provocation to our sovereignty. Its actions have far exceeded the scope of military conflict and are in fact a civil war."
He clenched the telegram slightly, a serious expression on his face, and thought to himself about the seriousness of the matter.
"Although our scientific expedition team, under the heroic command of Captain Chen, successfully repelled the Ma family army's attack, we suffered heavy casualties in the process, and our scientific research equipment was also damaged."
After reading this, Jiang Wufa's eyes showed a hint of regret.
"More seriously, this incident has severely impacted the delivery and development of mushroom bombs, causing irreparable damage to the nation's cause."
He took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, his expression becoming more solemn.
"Based on the overall situation, we have reached the 'April 4th Agreement' with your ministry, aiming to jointly fight against foreign enemies and promote national scientific and technological progress.
However, the Ma family army within your jurisdiction has openly torn up the agreement and provoked civil war. Their actions have seriously deviated from our original intention and violated the common interests and responsibilities of both parties.
Jiang Wufa's eyes were filled with helplessness and disappointment, and he sighed softly.
"In view of this, we have no choice but to strongly condemn your ministry's dereliction of duty and connivance in this incident. We demand that you immediately conduct an in-depth investigation into the matter, severely punish the perpetrators, and make a formal apology and compensation to us.
At the same time, we reserve the right to take further measures to ensure that our rights and interests are not infringed and that scientific research can proceed smoothly."
His brows were furrowed, and he was lost in thought.
"We reiterate that the country is currently in a critical situation, with powerful enemies lurking outside and ethnic conflicts waiting to be resolved within.
At this critical juncture, any action that undermines unity and hinders progress is unacceptable.
We call on your ministry to put the overall situation first, earnestly implement the agreement, and work together for the independence and prosperity of our country.
We hope your ministry will take our serious request seriously and respond promptly to prevent the situation from further deteriorating and affecting bilateral relations and the overall national situation."
After reading the telegram, Jiang Wufa was silent for a moment, then gently placed the telegram on the table and slowly sat down.
He leaned back in his chair, supporting his head with one hand, a puzzled look on his face.
At this moment, a senior advisor hurried in, handed over another telegram, and said:
"Sir, this is an urgent telegram from General Gu Shousan."
Jiang Wufa was slightly startled, then took the telegram and started reading:
"To: Master Jiang Wufa
Disciple Gu Shou bows three times in submission."
Jiang Wufa's eyes revealed a hint of concern as he continued reading.
"I have received urgent military intelligence and am reporting this urgently.
According to frontline reports, the so-called "scientific expedition team" led by Captain Chen of the People's Liberation Army is actually a completely military organization. Its actions are so secretive and its intentions so sinister that it is difficult not to be suspicious.
A hint of surprise flashed in Jiang Wufa's eyes, and he couldn't help but feel a little skeptical about Gu Shousan's statement.
"Following the instructions of my mentor, I have strictly ordered the troops to clear the path to demonstrate our sincerity and awareness of the overall situation.
However, at approximately 1: AM today, the team brazenly launched an attack on the Ma family army. The brutality of their tactics and the intensity of their firepower far exceeded what an ordinary scientific research team could do."
Jiang Wufa's expression turned serious as he thought carefully about the contents of the telegram.
"The Ma family army was caught off guard and was forced to fight back, and the two sides fought fiercely for several hours.
What is particularly serious is that during the battle, the 'scientific expedition' blatantly violated the number limit stipulated in the 'April 4th Agreement' and arbitrarily added a regiment of troops, causing the Ma family army to be outnumbered and suffer heavy losses.
There was a hint of worry in his eyes, fearing that the situation would get out of control.
"Such actions are undoubtedly a blatant violation of the agreement and a serious provocation to our department, which is truly intolerable.
I am well aware that the development of these events is far beyond my control alone.
There has been a long-standing hatred and resentment between the Ma family army and the People's Liberation Army. This conflict could trigger a larger-scale war, which would be detrimental to the overall situation."
Jiang Wufa nodded slightly, agreeing with Gu Shousan's assessment of the situation.
"I beg you, Master, to stop forbearing and act decisively. Mobilize your forces and, with unstoppable force, destroy this PLA scientific expedition team. This will serve as a warning to others and maintain overall stability."
Seeing this, a hint of hesitation flashed in Jiang Wufa's eyes. Mobilizing troops means escalating the war, which is contrary to his recent idea of maintaining peace.
"I am fully aware that this action may go against the peaceful ideals of my Master, but I believe that extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.
The PLA's move has clearly violated the consensus reached by both sides. If it is not severely punished, it may encourage its arrogance and make it more difficult to deal with in the future.
I am willing to lead the troops in person and vow to annihilate this team in the northwest to prevent future troubles.
I implore you to make a decision quickly and give me instructions.
I will obey your orders and defend our tribe's dignity and interests to the death."
After reading Gu Shousan's telegram, Jiang Wufa fell into deep thought again.
Two telegrams, two completely different statements, put him in a dilemma.
He didn't know which side to believe, nor did he know how to make a decision.
The atmosphere in the room grew more solemn, with only the ticking of the clock on the wall, as if relentlessly urging him to make a decision.
In the dimly lit room, the atmosphere was as depressing as the eve of a storm.
Jiang Wufa sat at the table, his hands unconsciously clenched around two telegrams, his knuckles turning white from the strain.
His eyes were like a beast trapped in a cage, moving back and forth between the lines anxiously and uneasily, his brows tightly furrowed together like a heavy mountain, depicting the entanglement and solemnity in his heart.