Shandong secured by Japanese Forces
The Japanese invasion of Shandong, held by Sun Ce's forces, which started five weeks ago, has just ended with spectacular success. In an amazing show of force, Shandong has been pacified, all of Sun Ce's forces have been crushed and Sun Ce himself was trapped by Japanese marines and committed suicide. The invasion, which begun five weeks ago, was planned by Marshal Toyotomi Hideyioshi. After two weeks of bombarding Sun Ce's forces and economic and military centers, the Japanese forces managed to secure the entire area in just three weeks.
With the fall of Shandong, the Imperial Japanese Mainland Army begins to prepare for a new offensive which will bring Japanese forces to Beijing. Already, the Japanese Navy is bombarding Hebei with cruise missiles. Hebei is under the control of warlord Cao Qing, who has declared himself Emperor. However, his reign shall not last long as Japanese forces will soon invade Hebei. The main goal of the new Operation is to encircle Beijing.
Among the areas secured, of great importance is Qingdao, the economic and political capital of Shandong, as well as major seaport, naval base, and industrial centre, and Mount Tai, one of the Five Great Mountains of China and a religious center. A total of 72 emperors were recorded as visiting it. Men of letters also came to acquire inspiration, to compose poems, write essays, paint and take pictures.
