Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 149 Chu Yunfei's Pure Heart! A Hidden Clue to Trap the US Army!
Seoul, UN Command Headquarters
"Sir, urgent telegram from the Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army!"

At that moment, the US Chief of Staff rushed over and shouted loudly.

"Urgent telegram? What's going on?!"

A hint of worry flashed in Li Qiwei's tired eyes as he spoke.

"Hill 371 has fallen, and the Royal Rifle Garrison's retreat to Dead Eagle has been cut off!"

"Sir, could all of this be a premeditated attack by the Chinese army? The Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army is in danger!"

The U.S. Chief of Staff said urgently.

"How can this be!"

"The Chinese army has just captured Tashanli. Even if they immediately send a large force to launch a surprise attack, it will be too late!"

"If it were a small-scale attack, there would be no way to take Hill 371 so quickly."

Li Qi frowned slightly and shook his head.

He couldn't understand how the British Rifle Regiment, a veteran of World War II and a direct subordinate of Field Marshal Montgomery, which had defeated the German army commanded by Rommel, could have been defeated so quickly.

"Sir, could it be that the Chinese Steel Seventh Company that launched a surprise attack on Hill 371?"

The U.S. Chief of Staff paused for a few seconds, then asked.

"How can it be!"

"Wasn't the location of that Seventh Steel Company always under close surveillance by the British forces? Could they possibly be in two places at once?"

"This might be a battle they planned all along!"

Li Qi frowned slightly and said.

“Sir, if that’s the case, we’ll have to think twice about whether or not to save this British Rifle Regiment.”

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff paused for a few seconds before speaking.

"What do you mean?"

Li Qi frowned slightly and asked.

"Sir, what do you think caused the 38th Regiment to be destroyed?"

The U.S. Chief of Staff asked with a wry smile.

"Because their retreat was cut off by the Chinese army, and then... no!"

"They were mired in a quagmire because they were supporting the main force of the South Korean army, and were eventually annihilated by the Chinese army when the opportunity arose!"

Li Qiwei suddenly realized what he meant and said.

"Sir, could you please take another look at why the Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army has fallen into a new dangerous situation?"

The U.S. Chief of Staff looked at the battle map and said.

"You mean, this could be a new tactic of the Chinese army to besiege a stronghold and then attack its reinforcements?"

"However, according to our intelligence and reconnaissance, the other main forces of the Chinese army are simply unable to move to a favorable position to launch a new encirclement."

Ridgway frowned, his expression showing a hint of struggle.

"Sir, even before the 1st Marine Division was wiped out, no one expected that the Chinese army could complete the encirclement of the entire Chosin Reservoir area."

"General Walker did not expect that the Chinese army could advance on Sansuoli faster than mechanized troops."

"No matter what choice we make, there are risks involved. It all depends on whether we can gamble correctly."

The U.S. Chief of Staff sighed and said.

"Chinese soldiers really can't be treated like ordinary troops when they fight..."

Li Qiwei sighed, his inner turmoil intensifying.

If, as his chief of staff said, the Chinese army is indeed conducting a series of encirclements and attacks on reinforcements, then the reinforcements he sent may find themselves in danger again.

However, if we don't send them and watch the Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army be wiped out, it may anger the British 29th Brigade and even cause them to become disloyal.

"Not only that, even if we wanted to send people, it would be difficult to send as many as possible."

"After all, we have already built a defensive line near Seoul. If we send too many troops and it turns into a large-scale field battle, we will actually give up our defensive advantage."

"But if we send too few, they might get wiped out by the Chinese army."

The U.S. Chief of Staff shook his head and added.

"Sigh... If only we could understand the combat psychology of the Chinese army."

Li Qiwei slammed his hand on the table, slightly annoyed, and said.

"Sir, Chinese military advisor Chu Fengxian has arrived in Seoul!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer walked in and reported.

"A Chinese military advisor! Yes, we also have an advisor who knows the Chinese military best!"

Li Qiwei's eyes lit up, and he said.

"Sir, are you here to question this Chinese man?"

"I will immediately issue a military order to have that Chinese military advisor come and report."

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff quickly responded.

"and many more!"

"This Chu Fengxian is a top student from the Whampoa Military Academy in China. He was a meritorious soldier in the war against Japan. I heard that he was a lieutenant general before, right?"

Li Qiwei pinched his chin and asked.

"Yes, but this man is quite principled. According to FBI intelligence, he often said: 'A soldier must have backbone!'"

“Sir, just in case, we should be cautious and not trust this person immediately.”

The U.S. Chief of Staff thought for a moment and then said.

"Wasn't President Wang, whom the Japanese supported, a national hero in the Nationalist government? In the end, he also served the Japanese."

"Moreover, we Americans represent democracy and freedom, Mr. Chu will understand."

Li Qiwei waved his hand and said.

"But, General..."

Upon hearing this, the US military chief of staff wanted to offer further advice.

"Alright, I'll give it a try myself, no need to worry!"

"Let's host a banquet to welcome this Chinese advisor and give him a proper welcome, just like the Chinese saying, 'spend a fortune to buy a horse's bones'!"

"After all, there are still many former Nationalist soldiers in the opposing Red Army. If we could recruit them..."

Li Qi smiled slightly and said.

His purpose in inviting Chu Yunfei was not only to serve as a military advisor, but also to help persuade Chu to surrender.

For example, the predecessor of the 50th Army was the 60th Army of the National Revolutionary Army. If they had defected on the spot, the situation would have been very different.

However, considering the sensitivity of this matter, which carries the label of traitor, Ridgway only requested military advisors.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff's eyes lit up, and he quickly went to make preparations.

....................................

Ballroom

"Sir, what is the meaning of this move by the Americans?"

"I heard that even British generals weren't specially entertained by Ridgway of the United States, so why would he treat us with such courtesy?"

Fang Ligong looked at the exquisite Western dishes that were being served and asked in a low voice.

"Commander Chu, could this be a trap set by five hundred axemen?"

Sun Ming glanced around and whispered.

"What are you thinking? Why would they set up a trap for us?"

"I think this is an attempt to win over our hearts and minds. The Americans have come to us for more than just military advice!"

Chu Yunfei smiled slightly and said in a low voice.

"Sir, should we go all out to help the Americans...?"

Fang Ligong frowned slightly and asked.

"A true man lives between heaven and earth for nothing more than fame and fortune. If he is given enough money and beautiful women, what is wrong with that?"

A sly glint flashed in Chu Yunfei's eyes as he cautiously pretended to speak.

"Commander Chu..."

Sun Ming's eyes widened, thinking that this was different from what he had been told before entering the court.

"Cough cough cough..."

"The temperature and soil in North Korea are not as good as in China. I'm having some trouble adjusting right away. It's much more comfortable in China."

Seeing that Sun Ming didn't understand, Chu Yunfei quickly coughed twice to remind him.

The fact that North Korea's temperature and soil are different from China's is an implication that it is no longer under the control of the Chinese government and should proceed with caution.

Chu Yunfei couldn't say it outright, so he could only complain in this way.

"Yes...yes, we hope the Americans will treat us well, and it would be best if we could also let two Korean women have some fun with us."

Upon hearing this, Sun Ming immediately understood Chu Yunfei's meaning and readily agreed.

……

At this moment, in a room not far from the banquet hall
"Sir, these Chinese people have absolutely no backbone!"

"Listen to this Chu Fengxian! He's clearly a greedy, lustful, and deceitful charlatan!"

The US Chief of Staff sighed as he listened to the sounds coming from the listening device.

"This person was able to make meritorious contributions in the war against Japan, and even become a lieutenant general in the National Revolutionary Army. He fought to a draw with Li Yunlong on the other side, so he must have some ability."

"As for being greedy for money and lustful, isn't that even better?" "If they weren't greedy for anything but devoted themselves to giving us advice, I would be a little scared."

"Let's go see them and talk about the recent battles; that will reveal the final outcome."

Li Qi finished speaking with a smile and then walked towards the banquet hall.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the U.S. Chief of Staff followed Ridgway toward the banquet hall.

....................................

Banquet hall
"General Ridgway, I have long admired your name!"

When Chu Yunfei saw Li Qiwei arrive, he quickly stood up and spoke in English.

"General Chu also speaks English?"

A hint of surprise flashed in Li Qiwei's eyes as he asked.

“I have a very good friend: Miss Manley.”

"Her English is extremely good. I often study foreign languages ​​with her in the evenings, and the first language I learned was English."

Chu Yunfei smiled and explained.

"Mr. Chu is indeed exceptionally talented, worthy of being a lieutenant general in the National Revolutionary Army!"

"We hope that you can contribute your wisdom to America in the upcoming battles!"

Li Qiwei handed a document to Chu Yunfei and said.

"Lieutenant General, that was a long time ago."

"Now I'm just a military advisor, and my treatment and everything else are not as good as before!"

"Does the general want me to offer some advice now?"

Chu Yunfei flipped through the documents in his hand, a glint of shrewdness flashing in his eyes.

"The military situation is urgent, but we also wanted to welcome Mr. Chu, so we decided to do it together."

"The British Royal Rifle Regiment is currently ambushing the Chinese Iron Seventh Company in Dead Eagle. I am anxiously waiting for news and finding it difficult to make a move."

"I wonder what insightful opinion Mr. Chu has?"

"If you can offer good advice, we will reward Mr. Chu with a generous sum of US dollars and a beautiful girl to enjoy."

"Don't even mention South Korea, I could have General MacArthur send a few Japanese ones without any problem."

Li Qi said with a smile.

In fact, the documents he gave Chu Yunfei were incomplete, missing the crucial information about the latest fall of Hill 371.

The purpose was to test Chu Yunfei's abilities and whether he was truly dedicated to helping the US military.

As a seasoned veteran, Chu Yunfei immediately noticed that the telegram was not up-to-date, but he did not point it out.

"General Ridgway, the Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army is in danger!"

After thinking for a moment, Chu Yunfei said.

"What a joke! The Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army is an elite force sent by Britain!"

"The Chinese army has just captured Tashanli and is exhausted. How could they possibly complete the offensive in a short time?"

"I think you're nothing but a fraud, utterly useless!"

Upon seeing this, the US Chief of Staff snorted coldly and played the good cop.

"The main force may not be able to make it in time, but if I were in command, I could easily send a small force to quickly take Hill 371."

"Judging from the battle map you provided, if Hill 371 falls, the British army may be trapped in Dead Eagle!"

"However, since your army looks down on me, I will not say anything more and will just wait for the outcome."

"Thank you for your hospitality, General. I shall take my leave now!"

Chu Yunfei feigned anger and got up as if to leave.

"and many more!"

"I'm sorry, Mr. Chu, what just happened was just a test."

“My chief of staff is naturally suspicious and always feels that you are not trustworthy. I will just let him take a good look.”

"I'll make him drink three cups of wine as punishment. Mr. Chu, please apologize!"

Having been stationed in China, Ridgway was very familiar with these social customs and, after speaking, looked seriously at the US Chief of Staff.

"I?????"

"I drink!"

The U.S. Chief of Staff gave a bitter smile and drank three glasses of red wine in a row.

"Mr. Chu, I will arrange for several young women from Seoul to come to your residence. Please go back and enjoy yourselves."

"However, Mr. Chu, please tell us whether to fight or give up in the next battle."

Li Qi smiled and looked at Chu Yunfei, asking a question.

“Besides the documents you provided, I had already studied the war situation before I entered Korea.”

"Is the general now afraid that the enemy's main force will encircle and ambush reinforcements, causing the subsequent reinforcements to follow in the footsteps of the US 38th Regiment and the British Rifle Regiment?"

Chu Yunfei smiled and succinctly revealed the truth.

"Oh! Mr. Chu, you are truly a clever man!"

How can this problem be solved?

Li Qiwei became genuinely interested at this moment and leaned forward slightly to ask.

At this moment, Chu Yunfei picked up his glass of red wine, took a small sip, and pretended to be deep in thought.

How can you trick the US military so subtly without leaving a trace? It's so difficult!

Putting everything else aside, based on Chu Yunfei's understanding of Li Yunlong, this 27th Army that suddenly launched an operation was most likely the result of Li Yunlong disobeying orders and attacking again.

Therefore, other troops did not follow, and the worry of besieging the point and attacking reinforcements was not a problem at all.

Faced with the national war, Chu Yunfei, as a Chinese soldier, naturally wanted to help Li Yunlong and push the British Rifle Regiment into the abyss of annihilation.

"We should rescue them! But we can't continue with piecemeal tactics of sending the army to rescue them."

Chu Yunfei said.

"You mean, only send air support to the Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army?"

The US Chief of Staff gave Chu Yunfei a deep look and asked.

"It's not supporting the operation, it's supporting the breakout!"

"General, if we send reinforcements, it's easy for both sides to add to their forces and end up fighting a decisive battle near Dead Eagle, which would be extremely disadvantageous for the entire UN forces."

"Based on my understanding of Li Yunlong, after he suffered losses and was hit hard, he is very obedient to his superiors, especially his old brigade commander. It is highly unlikely that he would disobey orders or act rashly."

"In other words, this operation is very likely a premeditated encirclement and annihilation campaign by the other side."

Chu Yunfei thought for a moment, then spoke in a half-joking tone, secretly delighted.

He almost couldn't help but laugh, especially when he mentioned that Li Yunlong was unlikely to disobey orders.

"That's true, but that would put the British rifle regiment in danger!"

"General, please reconsider..."

Upon hearing this, the US military chief of staff sensed something was amiss and quickly offered his advice.

"General, as the commander-in-chief of the entire coalition, you cannot be concerned with one place and ignore the overall situation."

"Compared to the safety of the entire UN forces, isn't it the best option under duress to put the risk on this isolated force?"

Chu Yunfei took a sip of his drink and said slowly.

"Mr. Chu is right. There are often no perfect choices in military operations."

"Let the remaining air force take off and go to support the British Royal Rifle Regiment's breakout."

"Furthermore, instruct the garrison troops from Goyang to Uijeongbu Castle to strengthen their defenses and prepare for the general offensive by the Chinese army!"

"The decisive battle must take place at our defensive line."

After some thought, Ridgway finally chose a plan that he believed would put him in an invincible position.

After all, it was just an elite British regiment. Although it would be a bit painful, the loss of such an army that refused to come to the aid of the American 38th Regiment was just that—loss.

As long as the defensive perimeter around Seoul remains intact, this battle can still be fought.

However, he did not realize the huge hidden danger of the Capital Division in Seoul, nor did he consider the surprise attack that Steel Seventh Company might launch.

"Go and relay the order!"

Ridgway looked at the hesitant US Chief of Staff, waved his hand, and said firmly.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the US military chief of staff had no choice but to agree.

"Mr. Chu, please enjoy your meal. I need to attend to military matters now."

Li Qi smiled and nodded to Chu Yunfei, then hurriedly turned and left.

Chu Yunfei nodded and continued eating the steak on his plate as if nothing had happened.

"American steak can't compare to Chinese dumplings!"

"Brother Yunlong, besides the equipment for that battalion, you still owe me a huge favor!"

"Fine, as a Chinese soldier, it's alright if you don't return it."

"Just do your best to establish a formidable reputation for China that will shake the great powers, and ensure a century of peace for our nation..."

Chu Yunfei looked in the direction of Li Yunlong's troops and suddenly laughed, thinking to himself with emotion.

(End of this chapter)