Arc of Gunfire

June 24, Eagle's Nest, 9 a.m.

Emperor Plossen looked at Marshal Celtic who had just finished his report, and then at Army Commander-in-Chief Rundsteyer: "So your opinion is to postpone the attack on the southern front and go all out to deal with the attack in the center...' crisis'?"

"Yes." Marshal Rundsteyer nodded.

The emperor pursed his lips and thought for a long time, then asked: "So is this really a crisis? Ten hours ago, you said that General Mendel's counterattack was effective?"

"Yes, and so far, his counterattack is still very successful and has wiped out most of the Ant troops that broke through the Ninth Army's defense line. But the problem is..."

"The question is?" the emperor asked.

Marshal Celtic: "Other group armies have failed to carry out effective counterattacks, and the current defense line is in a state of fragmentation. In fact, Marshal Pogg judged that except for the Ninth Army, all group armies have reached a relatively dangerous point.

"They need fresh troops to fight back so they can get some breathing time."

Emperor: "So what you are saying is to transfer troops from Army Group South to supplement Army Group Center so that they can block the attack and delay the attack on the southern front?"

Marshal Celtic: "Due to transportation problems, half of the new weapons scheduled to be deployed on the southern front have not yet arrived. By July 10, when the attack is scheduled to be launched, some of this equipment may still not be in place.

“It is better to wait more time until we block the offensive in the center, and then mobilize our troops to attack.

"At that time, all the new weapons that were difficult to transport have been transported to the front line. We only need to transport ordinary troops."

After Marshal Kelt finished speaking, Marshal Lundsteyer added: "There is another advantage to delaying the attack. Our newly formed armored division can also be put into combat. By then our strength will be stronger."

Originally, the commander-in-chief said that the formation of new troops should be something that the chief of staff should report to, but now he doesn't care so much.

Emperor: "Then how can you guarantee that Rokossov will not attack?"

Marshal Lundsteyer: "Isn't this just right? We are also launching a defensive counterattack. The Elephant tank destroyer that was painstakingly transported to the front line has low maneuverability and is obviously more suitable for defense. There is also the mass-produced Big Max anti-attack vehicle. Tank guns, they are also more suitable for preset position defensive operations.

"Let Rokosov also taste the bitter pill of overcoming difficulties."

The emperor asked: "What about the 500mm rocket launcher that Rokosov invested in?"

"Your Majesty, we are organizing mobile defense in the wilderness, and Rokosov's new weapon is obviously used for urban attack. It will not play much role on the plains."

The emperor thought for a while, then turned to look at Giles: "What do you think?"

Giles replied very firmly: "I don't think we should launch an attack when we need to mobilize troops."

Marshal Celtic and Marshal Rundstel were relieved after hearing Giles's opinion of supporting their side.

The emperor was still hesitant: "Our attack window is only three months, and the mud will come in October. By then, all armored units will be stuck in the mud and unable to move."

Giles: "The same goes for the enemy. Rokossov is working hard. He must have big plans this year. He will attack. This time it is our turn to defend and counterattack."

The emperor thought for a few seconds and finally nodded: "You are right, this time we will defend and counterattack. Marshal Celtic, modify the plan and transfer troops from Army Group South to supplement Army Group Center to stabilize the front.

"Also, a commendation telegram to Mendel who successfully carried out the counterattack and stabilized the front line, drafted in my name."

Celtic Marshal: "I will execute it immediately."

After saying that, he turned and left the conference room.

Everyone else in the conference room was left looking at the emperor, clearly feeling the sadness escaping from the emperor.

Emperor: "Over the years, Prosun has been attacking and winning. Attack and victory seem to be tied together. Now I have ordered to terminate the attack. Although I know the necessity behind it, I still feel like giving up. A chance to win.”

Giles: "The last defensive counterattack is a counterattack, which is also an attack. We will win. Rokosov has been defensively counterattacking. He defeated us time and time again and enjoyed the fruits of victory."

The emperor nodded: "I know, I know this choice is right and logical at this time. Giles, thank you, without you, I may not be able to make a decision calmly. This Rokossov has already made I suffered from insomnia for countless days and nights.

"The Ministry of Internal Affairs has promised countless times that the plan to assassinate him has been completed, but until now, only Barras's one has almost succeeded. All other plans have failed without exception!"

The head of the Imperial Household Ministry was also present and said awkwardly: "Most of our actions have been frustrated by the secular church's tribunal. Bishop Lavkid under Belinsky is very powerful and extremely cruel. All suspected persons will be killed together with their families, even the children will not be spared. "

General Mao Qi teased: "The Imperial Household Ministry actually started to say that others are cruel?"

The Imperial Household Ministry has always been known for its tyranny internally. In the Prosen Empire, when a child cries at night, just say "The Imperial Household Ministry is here" and the child will immediately be too scared to speak.

That's why General Mao Qi teased them like this.

However, the head of the Imperial Household Ministry just smiled at General Moltke.

General Moltke was the director of armored forces and the emperor's favorite, but he still got goosebumps from the smile.

Emperor: "Enough, don't sabotage each other at this time, think about how to win the war for the empire."

"I have a way," said the head of the Imperial Household Ministry, "According to reliable intelligence, the Allies will hold a summit meeting before the end of this year. Rokossov, who will end this year's operations, may also attend. We can consider taking them all down at that time!"

General Moltke: "You can't handle a single court. This kind of joint meeting must have counterintelligence experts from various countries. Can you still handle it?"

"How do you know if you don't try?" The head smiled again.

Emperor: "These things will be discussed when the enemy really holds a meeting. Today's discussion is almost over, and we can adjourn. Giles, you stay, my sister will treat you to afternoon tea."

Giles was overjoyed: "Is she in good health?"

"Don't you know best whether she is in good health?" The emperor asked back.

The other generals pretended not to hear and quickly left the meeting room.

————

On June 27, 1330, 3,000 meters above the Southern Army Group of Plossen.

Wang Zhong opened his little notebook, where he wrote down the enemy numbers he saw during the last aerial reconnaissance in code.

The reason for using code to record is that if this notebook is opened by others, they will see that the commander of the front army knows the enemy numbers like the back of his hand, and who knows what trouble will arise.

After a careful comparison, he confirmed one thing: three divisions of the Plossen army originally deployed around Oril had been withdrawn.

Plossen's divisions are all large-scale divisions, so at least 70,000 people have been transferred.

In other words, the enemy is indeed transferring troops to the Central Army Group.

At this time, Emilia said: "I feel that the enemy's activities are decreasing. Combined with what I saw when I just flew over the front line, why do I feel that the enemy seems to be stationed in place?"

Wang Zhong: "Yes, I took pictures when I flew over the front line. The enemy is obviously building fortifications. Although the attacking party will also build some fortifications at the starting point of the attack to hide the troops and confuse the defending party, but... I always feel that the scale of the enemy's fortifications is not like this."

Emilia: "So the enemy is going to postpone the attack? Let's deal with the Central Army Group first?"

"Yes, that's it."

Emilia: "Could it be a deception by the Prosen people?"

Wang Zhong: "Hahahaha... It's hard to say, but if it is really a deception, and the enemy really continues to attack us under this situation, then I will laugh out loud. Okay, I've seen enough, let's go back."

"Okay!" Emilia swung the joystick, the plane cut into the right circle, turned around and flew towards the Ante control area.

Two hours later.

Kosalia First Front Command.

Wang Zhong: "Given the current situation, I think we can launch an attack in advance. This will prevent the enemy from withdrawing too many troops from our front and reduce the pressure on General Gorky.

"At the same time, the enemy's fortifications have not been built yet, which can reduce our casualties."

Popov slammed his fist on the table: "Very good, I didn't expect that this day would come so soon to take the initiative to attack the enemy who has not suffered a major setback."

Pavlov looked very worried: "The enemy is strong, and we don't have such a big advantage in manpower. If we attack... is it really appropriate?"

Wang Zhong: "Try to attack first, and then consider changing tactics if you can't beat it. Soldiers are not fixed, so we must adapt to the situation."

Pavlov thought about it and nodded: "You decide, I will execute it, but you should inform the headquarters, right? It is not appropriate to attack rashly."

Wang Zhong: "Okay, in the name of the three of us, send a telegram to the headquarters to request a change in the battle plan!"