Chapter 135: The Anti-Aircraft Autocannon Company

“Commander, it’s bad! Something terrible has happened!”

Chen Qingzhi was inside the 135th Division’s command post in the city, discussing the battle situation with Su Zuxin, when a soldier suddenly burst in, his face pale with urgency.

Seeing the soldier so alarmed, Chen’s heart sank, but he maintained a calm expression and asked, “Why the panic? What exactly happened?”

“The devils have launched an attack with armored tanks—twelve in total! Six of them are assaulting the South Gate alone. Their armored vehicles have already broken through and are about to blast the city gate open. Our regiment is powerless to stop them. They sent me to ask you, commander, what can be done!”

“What!”

Before Chen Qingzhi could respond, Su Zuxin’s face paled, and she exclaimed, “You’re saying the devils have deployed armored vehicles? This is catastrophic! I fear Dingyuan won’t hold!”

“The devils have brought out their armored vehicles. Our troops simply cannot withstand them. Once the Ninth Division breaks into the city, it will be extremely difficult for us to hold them back!”

Su Zuxin’s expression darkened. The previous battles had gone well; they had even annihilated many enemy soldiers. She had hoped defending Dingyuan would be easier, but never expected the enemy to deploy armored vehicles. Holding Dingyuan now seemed nearly impossible.

Historically, even if the Japanese deployed one or two tanks, resisting them was a monumental challenge. Now, twelve tanks at once, with only their infantry’s flesh and blood to oppose them, would come at a steep cost.

Moreover, the Ninth Division was lurking nearby, watching hungrily—truly, the worst had come to pass.

Su Zuxin was flustered, but Chen Qingzhi remained composed and said calmly, “The devils have only deployed armored vehicles; what is there to fear?”

At this, Su Zuxin was stunned, then hurriedly said, “Brother Chen, you don’t understand how formidable their tanks are. Resisting them will be nearly impossible! Right now—”

Before she could finish, Chen Qingzhi interrupted in a low, firm voice, “Commander Su, I know their tanks are powerful. But we do have ways to counter them.”

Ignoring Su Zuxin’s surprised glance, he turned to an officer from the independent brigade behind him and ordered, “Immediately notify the anti-aircraft artillery company. Have them move their units to the city wall and level the firing ports of the Gaoping dual-purpose cannons. Aim directly at the enemy tanks and unleash a fierce barrage!”

“Since the devils have brought tanks, then we shall blast them all to pieces! Let them learn what it means to suffer!”

Chen Qingzhi’s expression was resolute, his voice decisive. The officer was momentarily stunned, but Chen frowned and scolded, “Why are you standing there dazed? Relay the order at once!”

“Yes, sir!” The officer snapped to attention, then bolted away to deliver the command.

After issuing the order, Su Zuxin finally regained her composure and hesitantly asked, “Brother Chen, what exactly is this Gaoping dual-purpose cannon you mentioned?”

“This is the anti-aircraft artillery company I equipped for the troops. It was originally intended to defend against enemy aircraft, but since the devils’ planes never appeared, it hadn’t been deployed. Now that the tanks are here, it’s finally put to use.”

“Anti-aircraft guns can shoot tanks? Will it really work?” Su Zuxin’s tone was skeptical, barely hiding her doubt.

“The Gaoping cannons I equipped for the anti-aircraft company are dual-purpose and can be leveled horizontally. They are designed for anti-aircraft fire, but they’re perfectly suited for striking armored vehicles. Using them against tanks now will be very effective.”

Seeing Su Zuxin’s doubtful look, Chen smiled and said, “Rest assured, it will work. Commander Su, please wait patiently here.”

Though skeptical, Su Zuxin had no better options. After all, they had no means to counter the Japanese tanks. Rather than sitting idly by, it was worth trying Chen Qingzhi’s anti-aircraft artillery company. If it failed, no harm done. But if it worked, Dingyuan could be held.

With that thought, Su Zuxin’s anxiety eased slightly, though she still cautiously directed her troops to prepare fallback plans in case the city fell, preventing chaos if the enemy broke through.

Chen Qingzhi smiled faintly and did not oppose her cautious approach.

Though Su Zuxin was a division commander, she likely had never encountered the Gaoping dual-purpose cannons firsthand. Given the state of their forces, many units could barely equip every soldier with a rifle, let alone anti-aircraft artillery. Even if funds allowed, they would prioritize mountain or field artillery; anti-aircraft cannons were scarcely known.

As they spoke, the independent brigade’s anti-aircraft artillery company swiftly mobilized upon receiving the order. They hauled several cannons toward the South Gate and soon set them up along the city wall’s passageway.

By the time they arrived, a large breach had already been blasted in the wall. The enemy tanks and infantry were advancing rapidly toward their position.

Following Chen Qingzhi’s instructions, the artillerymen adjusted the cannons to a horizontal firing angle and aimed directly at the enemy tanks.

“Thump, thump, thump…”

With dull booms, several shells were fired, kicking up dense clouds of dust. Like streaks of light, these shells barreled forward with overwhelming force, smashing toward the enemy tanks.

“Boom!”

A fierce explosion erupted, engulfing the targeted tanks in flames and smoke, obscuring everyone’s view.

On the battlefield, both sides turned their gaze toward the blast. Watching the tanks consumed by fire, all eyes fixed intently, eager to see the outcome.

The Japanese forces were startled; seeing their tanks enveloped in fiery explosions made them nervous, fearing the defenders had found a way to counter their armored vehicles.

The defending soldiers, curious about these large cannons brought up, watched closely. Though doubtful whether the shells could penetrate tank armor, they focused intently on the result.

Hope flickered in their eyes—they wished the shells would succeed in destroying the enemy tanks.

If so, they would no longer have to sacrifice lives recklessly. If so, they might hold back the enemy assault.

Soon, the smoke cleared.

Everyone’s eyes followed the scene. When the outcome became clear, both the enemy and the defenders were utterly astonished.