Mustard gas artillery shells fell upon Teng County like the claws of a demon, their unexploded bodies releasing plumes of pungent, yellow-green smoke. The soldiers stared at the spreading gas, a flash of terror in their eyes, yet not a single man panicked or fled. A veteran who had once survived a chemical weapon attack shouted hoarse and high: "Brothers, do not panic! Cover your mouths with wet towels, stay close to the city wall, and hold your breath!"
The soldiers hurriedly covered their mouths and noses with wet towels, though the pungent odor still forced its way into their noses, leaving them dizzy, nauseated, and trembling slightly. Yet they gripped their weapons tightly, held their ground, and stared with resolute eyes at the Japanese Army outside the city. A soldier, assaulted by the gas, coughed violently and swayed on his feet; a comrade at his side quickly steadied him and encouraged him: "Hold on, brother! We will never let those little devils have their way!"
In the streets inside the city, a Sichuan Army squad urgently organized the evacuation of the civilians to cellars or basements. A Sichuan Army platoon leader maintained absolute calm in his command: "Protect the elderly, children, and women first, get them inside, quickly!" Though the soldiers were brought to tears by the gas and found breathing difficult, they did not flinch, carrying or supporting the civilians as they moved swiftly. The civilians, faces full of terror, still did their utmost to cooper…
Chapter 88