Snowflakes drifted down from the crimson clouds, leaping from the cloud layer towards the ground. Such weather greatly affected visibility, which also gave the Northeast Army's infantry infiltration tactics more room to play.

On a 50-kilometer wide front, the Northeast Army's 5 corps faced the Japanese Army's 6 divisions. 200,000 against 210,000; the Northeast Army was not at a disadvantage. As expected before the battle, the Northeast Army's progress in the first two hours was quite smooth. The Japanese army had not expected to encounter a sudden frontal counterattack. Although they immediately organized resistance, they still fell behind, retreating continuously under the Northeast Army's fierce attack.

However, by the 4th hour, the Northeast Army felt something was wrong. The Japanese army had actually established a very solid and tight defense line in the rear, resisting the Northeast Army's infiltration operations.

The Japanese 6 divisions, which had been beaten into chaos at the front, withdrew into this defense line. Coincidentally, all 5 corps sent out elite squads to capture prisoners. Although they paid a not insignificant price, they still obtained the answer through interrogation. It turned out that Ishiwara Kanji, Chief of Staff of the 2nd Expeditionary Army, had arrived with two divisions to join the battle. This defense line was formed by the 2nd Expeditionary Army together with the reinforced Japanese troops.

With the situation having changed so much, the Northeast Army immediately acted according to the prior plan, did not continue the attack, and instead retreated immediately.

The Japanese army obviously didn't understand why the Northeast Army acted this way, nor did they send troops to pursue. This allowed the Northeast Army to withdraw from the battlefield smoothly. A battle that should have been a great victory ended so anti-climactically.

Regardless of the reason, since the battle was over, the Frontline General Headquarters ordered, "The whole army retreats, return to the Yalu River defense line."

Since the Japanese army had no ability or desire to attack at this time, the Northeast Army retreated to the defense line in an orderly manner, began boarding trains at the railway station, and executed the order to withdraw across the Yalu River.

Two days later, the train transporting the Frontline General Headquarters passed the Yalu River. The snow had stopped, but the sky was still gloomy, appearing as if it might snow again. Xu Chengfeng looked at the river water outside the window, which presented a dark color, and remained silent. When the train passed the railway bridge, Xu Chengfeng finally said: "I originally thought that crossing the bridge was taking the initiative, only now do I know that crossing the bridge can also be taking the initiative."

Cheng Ruofan wanted to say something, but coughed as soon as he opened his mouth. When the coughing stopped, Cheng Ruofan smiled bitterly: "I'm going to quit smoking in the future. Smoking like this, my life will be gone."

Xu Chengfeng nodded in agreement. But without the stimulation of cigarettes, who knew how many times they would have fallen asleep directly while working.

The Japanese army, having suffered a painful blow, moved much more slowly. They reorganized for a day first, then cautiously approached the Chosin Reservoir defense line. After confirming that the Northeast Army was not defending the line to the death, they continued to advance cautiously. It was not until January 31st that the Japanese vanguard troops arrived at the Yalu River.

February 1, 1923. After getting up and eating a little, Ishiwara Kanji went straight to the Joint Headquarters. He had an important thing to do today and had to leave as soon as possible.

Before entering the headquarters, he saw the staff officers outside the headquarters bowing respectfully with faces full of joy, "Your Excellency, good morning!"

Ishiwara Kanji knew that news had been received in Japan over the past two days that the Japanese army had recovered the entire Korea within a month. It was truly a nationwide celebration. However, in Ishiwara Kanji's heart, this matter counted for nothing at all; what he had to do today was the most important.

Entering the Joint Headquarters, other generals were already inside, surrounding Nagata Tetsuzan and saying something. Seeing Ishiwara Kanji enter, Nagata Tetsuzan quickly greeted him: "Ishiwara-kun, you're finally here."

Ishiwara Kanji quickly apologized, "Sorry, I was studying the map yesterday and didn't notice the time."

At this time, the voice of Terauchi Hisaichi, Commander of the Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army Headquarters, sounded behind the generals, "Since everyone is here, let's read the Imperial Rescript!"

The generals immediately lined up, and Nagata Tetsuzan beckoned Ishiwara Kanji to the first row. A spot had already been saved for Ishiwara Kanji right next to Nagata.

Terauchi Hisaichi's adjutant picked up the official document and read aloud, "Imperial Rescript of His Majesty the Emperor. This time, the Empire was shamelessly attacked by the Manchurian-Mongolian government, and Korea almost fell. The officers and men of the Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army and the 2nd Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army fought bravely, defeating the shameless enemy..."

At the time of victory, documents like rescripts are full of clichés. Ishiwara had things on his mind and didn't listen much. However, the Imperial Rescript was not long. After the reading was finished, Ishiwara followed the Lieutenant General in raising his hand and shouting, 'His Majesty the Emperor, Banzai, Banzai, Banzai!'

After the three cheers of Long Live, it was the order from the Imperial General Headquarters. First was the commendation from the Imperial General Headquarters to the Expeditionary Army, followed by the promotion orders for the main generals. Commanders Terauchi Hisaichi and Ugaki Kazushige, both Lieutenant Generals, were promoted to Army Generals. Vice Admiral Suzuki Kantarō was promoted to Admiral. Nagata Tetsuzan and Ishiwara Kanji were promoted to Army Lieutenant Generals.

As for the promotion of other generals, field officers, and company officers, it was still under evaluation and was not announced at this time.

The generals immediately applauded to express their congratulations. Major General Okamura Yasuji turned his head slightly to look at Nagata and Ishiwara. He saw that Nagata Tetsuzan looked calm and composed, while Ishiwara Kanji seemed to be thinking about something. Neither of them showed any smugness because of the promotion. Okamura Yasuji couldn't help but feel some admiration and loss in his heart.

Becoming an Army Lieutenant General meant one could serve as the Chief of General Staff at the center, the Inspector General of Military Training, or as a commander of an expeditionary army sent abroad, or commander of various regional headquarters. All could be assumed by an Army Lieutenant General. Nagata and Ishiwara were less than 40 years old, yet they relied on military merit to be promoted to Army Lieutenant Generals. Their future was truly limitless.

Okamura knew that as a member of the Ishiwara faction, he probably had no hope of being promoted to Lieutenant General this time. But as Ishiwara rose, Okamura would inevitably be reused, and he would have every opportunity to become a Lieutenant General before the age of 40. It was just that compared with these two brilliant colleagues, Nagata and Ishiwara, Okamura inevitably felt a little lost.

The commendation order was expected by everyone, and the 5 people promoted were worthy of their names, so the headquarters was naturally harmonious. After accepting everyone's congratulations, Ugaki Kazushige, Commander of the 2nd Expeditionary Army, said to Ishiwara Kanji: "Ishiwara-kun, I have something to discuss with you."

Following General Ugaki Kazushige outside, Ishiwara heard Ugaki say: "Ishiwara-kun, I have been informed that if I choose to return to Tokyo, I will serve as the Inspector General of Military Training. I have decided to recommend General Terauchi to serve as the commander of the merged Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army. How about it, Ishiwara-kun, will you return to Tokyo with me?"

The Inspector General of Military Training is directly subordinate to the Emperor and is fully responsible for Army education. Except for the Army War College, other military schools and military education are under his responsibility. That is to say, all officers are his students. The personnel arrangements for military academy students after graduation are also handled by him. He is one of the three giants of the Army, alongside the Army Minister and the Chief of the General Staff.

Ishiwara Kanji answered without hesitation: "Congratulations on your promotion, Your Excellency. Although this subordinate is grateful for your high regard, I wish to remain on the frontline to fight."

General Ugaki Kazushige cherished talent too much, which was why he gave Ishiwara Kanji this opportunity. Since Ishiwara Kanji refused, Ugaki Kazushige didn't say much more. He only said: "Then I look forward to more outstanding performances from Ishiwara-kun on the battlefield."

Ishiwara Kanji didn't think about anything else at all. He called Nagata and Okamura out and said: "I'm going to the Yalu River. Will you two go together?"

Okamura knew what Ishiwara wanted to see and remained silent. Nagata answered decisively: "Naturally, we will go together."

Since the Northeast Army withdrew from Korea, the Japanese army had stationed heavy troops along the border. The headquarters was only 20 kilometers from the Yalu River. The three of them took a car to a highland two or three kilometers away from the river.

The weather today was good, not only cloudless but also windless. The sun shone brightly on the earth, feeling warm on the body. Ishiwara Kanji could see without binoculars that on the other side of the Yalu River lay a long defense line. With the naked eye, one couldn't see the end of the defense line, only its two ends disappearing onto the horizon.

Although the sun felt very warm on his body, Ishiwara Kanji felt as if his blood was about to freeze. He originally thought He Rui would fight a decisive battle with the Japanese army in Korea, but now he understood that He Rui's purpose in attacking Korea was actually for this defense line. Looking at the distinct layers of the defense line, one could feel a chilling murderous aura.

Although Ishiwara didn't know what his expression looked like at this moment, seeing the expressions of Nagata and Okamura, Ishiwara felt that their pale faces should be not much different from his own.

A gust of wind blew across the highland, and all three felt cold, wanting to say something, but unable to say anything.

Ishiwara suddenly understood why Ugaki Kazushige had so decisively given up fighting for the position of Commander of the Manchuria-Mongolia Expeditionary Army. This was indeed a choice a truly smart person would make.

On February 3rd, the Imperial General Headquarters announced the order to merge the two headquarters. At the same time, orders were issued for General Terauchi Hisaichi to serve as Commander, Lieutenant General Nagata Tetsuzan to serve as Chief of Staff, Ishiwara Kanji to serve as Vice Chief of Staff, and Okamura Yasuji to serve as Chief of the Operations Section.

On February 7th, the reorganized Japanese army began a tentative attack on the Yalu River defense line. Ishiwara Kanji watched the attack from the highland. From the moment the artillery duel began, Ishiwara discovered that the Japanese army had no advantage to speak of. The Northeast Army had built a large number of sturdy artillery emplacements on their defense line. These emplacements exchanged fire with Japanese artillery located in field shelters without falling behind in the slightest.

The Japanese troops braved the fierce artillery fire, taking small river-crossing boats or crossing the Yalu River via pontoon bridges to land on the opposite bank. Immediately, the Northeast Army's artillery fire began to sweep across the Japanese landing positions like a plow. Smoke and dust covered the long riverbank, so that Ishiwara Kanji could no longer see the figures of the attacking Japanese troops.

The Northeast Army's Yalu River defense line seemed to be a monster that couldn't devour enough lives. Even if a large number of Japanese troops arrived on the opposite bank, they couldn't shake it. The fierce attack went on for a whole day. By evening, the Northeast Army's artillery fire suddenly turned towards the Yalu River. Moments later, the pontoon bridges erected by the Japanese army on the Yalu River were destroyed by the precise firepower of the Northeast Army's defense line. The landing grounds where the Japanese army temporarily stored ammunition were swept by the Northeast Army's artillery fire. Among them, several giant guns were like monsters; as long as one shell hit, hundreds of square meters of the landing ground were blown beyond recognition.

On the 8th and 10th, tentative attacks continued. Each time ended in the complete failure of the Japanese army. Ishiwara Kanji even saw with his own eyes Japanese heavy artillery hit a Northeast Army artillery emplacement, yet the fortress gun inside that emplacement did not stop firing. It was evident that the sturdiness of the emplacement could completely ignore 150mm shells.

By February 15th, the Japanese army organized a large-scale attack on multiple points across a front of nearly 200 kilometers. The battle was fought for a day and a night. Ishiwara Kanji could only see a very small part of the battlefield with his naked eye. However, from the sound of artillery echoing from the red horizon, it could be confirmed that the Japanese army was engaging in tragic confrontation with the Yalu River defense line at other crossing points.

The battle went from day to night, and continued into the morning of the second day, until it had to end on the afternoon of the 16th.

The loss report didn't have a rough result until the 18th. The Japanese army had a total of 93,000 killed or missing, and 124,000 wounded. Casualties exceeded 200,000. Before the Yalu River defense line, the Japanese army had stationed nearly a million troops, but this one attack alone lost one-fifth of its strength.

When the casualty report was submitted to the headquarters, General Terauchi Hisaichi's face was ashen. He asked loudly: "Nagata-kun, when will the next attack begin?"

Nagata Tetsuzan answered immediately: "Reporting to the Commander, the next attack will begin within 10 days."

"Then prepare quickly, we must break through the enemy defense line and enter Manchuria-Mongolia!" General Terauchi Hisaichi shouted.

"Hai!" Nagata answered General Terauchi's angry shout with a determined look.

General Terauchi's grim gaze swept across the faces of Nagata Tetsuzan, Ishiwara Kanji, and Okamura Yasuji, then he stood up and walked out of the headquarters angrily.

Nagata was about to go to work when Ishiwara Kanji stopped him and asked in a low voice: "Nagata-kun, why attack?"

Nagata Tetsuzan's eyes were like deep pools, showing no fluctuations. His voice was also as cold as ice, "Ishiwara-kun, naturally for the Empire, for victory!"

Ishiwara Kanji felt he might have heard something wrong. According to the analysis of the Northeast Army's Yalu River defense line compiled from the reports of soldiers who came back alive, this defense line was divided into 4 layers.

The first layer was a type of multi-row pyramidal reinforced concrete roadblock. Although called a roadblock, the gaps in between actually allowed infantry to pass through easily. However, this concrete roadblock was 1 meter high, yet unexpectedly could not effectively allow infantry to use it to avoid bullets. The firepower from various Northeast Army bunkers could easily penetrate the gaps between them and hit the approaching Japanese troops.

The second layer was layers of barbed wire and landmines, as well as the bunkers behind them.

The third layer was various infantry artillery and mortar positions hidden behind them.

Until now, no Japanese infantry had been able to reach the third layer of defense positions. What was behind those positions in the large open areas, the Japanese army did not know clearly.

The fourth layer, let's tentatively consider it the fourth layer. That was where the Northeast Army's fortress artillery emplacements were, equipped with a large number of fortress guns. Ishiwara had seen this kind of fortress emplacement hit by a 150mm field gun that had been transported across the river with difficulty, yet it remained unharmed. Instead, the Japanese 150mm artillery was blown to pieces along with the gun crew in the subsequent counterattack.

Given the Japanese army's current strength, it was impossible to penetrate this defense line with infantry. Continuing to implement infantry operations was just sending infantry to their deaths.

Since it was impossible for Nagata not to know this, there remained only one reason, and that was that Nagata Tetsuzan wanted to let the infantry go to their deaths.

"Heh heh!" Ishiwara finally couldn't help but sneer, "Does the Empire that Nagata-kun believes in mean an Empire that ignores the lives of soldiers?"

Hearing Ishiwara accuse him with such harsh words, Nagata Tetsuzan couldn't help but sneer back, "Heh heh! Then what does Ishiwara-kun think the Empire should do? Truce with He-kun?"

Ishiwara Kanji had indeed seriously considered whether to truce with the Northeast Government. Since He Rui was already so powerful, adjusting the relationship between Japan and China and letting the two countries join hands to deal with the Western powers was a very reasonable choice. However, Ishiwara Kanji was also very clear that such a choice would inevitably lead to the failure of Japan's current unwritten continental policy. Many people in Japan would absolutely never accept it.

Although reality was such, the thought that in order to maintain the interests of these people, an unknown number of Japanese troops would die worthlessly in the battle to attack the Yalu River defense line made Ishiwara Kanji feel as if some kind of fire was burning his body.

Seeing Nagata Tetsuzan striding out, with Okamura Yasuji following silently behind Nagata, Ishiwara Kanji couldn't bear it anymore and said loudly: "Chief of Staff Nagata, Your Excellency, this subordinate's health has really been unable to hold up recently, so this subordinate will submit a resignation to Commander Terauchi and the Imperial General Headquarters."

Nagata Tetsuzan stopped, turned back and glanced at Ishiwara Kanji. At this moment, Ishiwara saw disgust in Nagata's eyes, yet Nagata said nothing and walked straight away. Okamura Yasuji turned back and walked up to Ishiwara, saying with a straight face: "Ishiwara-kun, please speak to the side."

The two entered a small office nearby. The staff officers inside hurriedly stood up and saluted. Okamura waved his hand, and with just a sharp look, made all the staff officers stand up and leave the office.

Okamura then asked: "Ishiwara-kun, do you know how much impact your resignation like this will have on the nationals? The confidence that was re-established with great difficulty will likely be shaken again."

"Is that more important than letting nationals die?" Ishiwara asked coldly.

Okamura Yasuji frowned, stared at Ishiwara for a moment, and then asked in confusion: "Ishiwara-kun, if all three of us resign, what kind of decision will the generals sent by the Imperial General Headquarters to the frontline make next? Will it be the decision Ishiwara-kun expects?"

Ishiwara Kanji was shocked. He found that he actually already knew the result; the generals sent again would only make the same decision to continue the attack as Nagata proposed. It was just that Ishiwara had previously wishfully thought that with Nagata and Okamura's intelligence, they would make a different choice.

Now it seems that Ishiwara himself was wrong. Apart from being smarter, Nagata and Okamura were no different from those generals.

Okamura felt that Ishiwara should understand his words, so he continued: "Ishiwara-kun, your talent is outstanding in the Imperial Army. However, if Ishiwara-kun loudly appeals to the Imperial officers about the difficulty and infeasibility of this battle, presumably at least 90% of the officers will agree with Ishiwara-kun's analysis and views in their hearts."

Ishiwara Kanji looked at Okamura Yasuji, waiting for him to say 'However' and what followed.

"However!" Okamura Yasuji continued: "How many people will stand up to support Ishiwara-kun?"

Speaking of this, Okamura Yasuji tried to persuade earnestly: "Ishiwara-kun, if you stay on the frontline, you can prevent those officers whose strength is far inferior to yours from intervening in decision-making, and you can let the Empire suffer fewer deaths."

Ishiwara Kanji was silent for a while, and finally nodded, "I understand."

After speaking, Ishiwara turned and left the office. Okamura Yasuji also followed out and soon arrived at Nagata Tetsuzan's side. Nagata Tetsuzan turned his head and said a sentence, "This person cannot be trusted!"

Okamura agreed deeply with this sentence without a subject, "Exactly so."

Although Ishiwara Kanji no longer wanted to resign at this time, he also reconfirmed his thoughts through Okamura Yasuji's persuasion. The current officers in the Japanese army were all birds of a feather. For them, letting fewer soldiers die was the greatest kindness in their hearts towards the Japanese people. As long as these officers continued to agree with the so-called national policy, they would absolutely never change their policy thinking of letting Japanese people die, absolutely not.

As for whether these officers were smart or stupid, it was irrelevant. If one wanted to save Japan, there was no other way but to eradicate these people.