Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 154 The Sun Never Sets? It'll be over after you taste the iron fist of the new China!

Seoul, UN Command Headquarters
"Fuck you!"

"That bastard actually dared to disobey military orders and lead troops to the rescue without authorization!"

Ridgway tore the telegram to shreds and roared in fury.

"Even if we were to save them, we shouldn't have done it this way."

"In large-scale military operations, the most important thing is to strictly enforce orders and maintain unity of purpose."

"If all units act in this way, then there's probably no need to fight this battle; they can just fight their own battles."

Chu Yunfei feigned righteous indignation as he cursed, but in reality, he added fuel to the fire in Li Qiwei's heart.

In fact, if the US military hadn't come to the rescue, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army could have safely captured the Royal Rifle Regiment.

If the rescue operation were coordinated and covered, it would be like launching a small-scale decisive battle in advance, giving the Chinese People's Volunteer Army a chance to inflict casualties on the American defenders, which would be better than a direct assault.

The current situation is that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army is just about to defeat the British Royal Rifle Regiment, and then they bring in the British 29th Brigade.

If Ridgway hadn't come to the rescue, the entire British 29th Brigade would have been severely damaged. If he had, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army could have simultaneously achieved the two strategic objectives of drawing out the main American force and annihilating the Royal Rifle Regiment.

"Sir, do you think about why the British Royal Rifle Regiment got bogged down in this mess?"

"They were ordered to rescue the US 38th Regiment, but they just stood by and watched the 38th Regiment be annihilated. Now they are surrounded, and the British 29th Brigade is disobeying orders to go to their rescue."

"If they weren't British troops, we would have shot a bunch of officers long ago."

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

"Damn it, they ruined my whole plan!"

"We could have held our ground steadily, or even withdrawn quickly if things went wrong. Their fighting style completely exposed weaknesses in the Chinese army!"

Li Qiwei said with a headache.

"General, should we rescue the British troops or not?"

"In any case, they are troops sent by Britain to provide support. If we ignore them, we may face diplomatic difficulties."

The U.S. military chief of staff issued a reminder.

"What is the current position of the Chinese troops? Have they completed their encirclement?"

Li Qiwei asked with a gloomy face.

"The Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army is completely surrounded and will surely die without external assistance."

"However, the British 29th Brigade is in a good position. The Chinese army has not yet completely encircled them, so it is still not too late to leave now."

The U.S. military chief of staff said.

"Mr. Chu, what do you think?"

Li Qiwei noticed Chu Yunfei smiling as he looked at the sand table and asked him a question.

"This……"

Chu Yunfei looked at the battle map and fell into deep thought.

He knew how to break the deadlock, but he hadn't figured out how to appear to be looking out for the US military while actually sabotaging them.

"Mr. Chu, there's no need to worry. We're the only ones who know about the negotiations here. Even if those British gentlemen come back, they can't do anything to you."

"Tell me, if you were in charge of the army, would you save the British?"

Li Qiwei thought Chu Yunfei was worried, so he took a puff of his cigarette and calmly assured him.

"Save them! But if it were me, I would save military discipline first, not the British troops!"

Chu Yunfei smiled slightly and said.

"Let's put it more clearly."

A hint of impatience appeared on Li Qiwei's face as he spoke.

"The Royal Rifle Regiment of the British Army disobeyed orders and failed to provide assistance. The 29th Brigade of the British Army disobeyed orders and deployed troops without authorization."

"To teach these arrogant and fierce soldiers a lesson, we might as well send troops to rescue them when they are in danger, so that they will remember this lesson."

Chu Yunfei shrugged without changing his expression and then said something surprising.

"Sir, you absolutely mustn't!"

"If this drags on, we don't know if they can be saved!"

"If we try to rescue them then, the already weakened British army might not be able to cooperate, and the main force will be stuck in the quagmire!"

"You Chinese, you have the ambition of a wolf, you did this on purpose, you should be court-martialed!"

The US military chief of staff pointed at Chu Yunfei and deliberately pretended to be angry as he cursed.

Li Qiwei didn't speak, but squinted his eyes and observed Chu Yunfei's expression.

After all, they had listened to Chu Yunfei's words earlier, which had led to this dilemma, so it was inevitable that they would have some doubts.

"I have never heard of a military court being held for a purely military discussion in your army."

There is an old Chinese saying: "If you employ someone, don't doubt them; if you doubt someone, don't employ them."

"Since you don't trust me, then I'll take my leave and go back to see the principal."

"I'm sure the principal's wife will have even more material to use when she gives her speech to the U.S. Congress."

Chu Yunfei snorted coldly and got up to leave.

"and many more!"

"Mr. Chu is perfectly healthy."

Li Qiwei thought for a moment and then said.

After all, he felt that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army on the other side had been fighting the Nationalist Army to the death just a few years ago, and Chu Yunfei was an officer who had directly participated in the war. How could he possibly help his enemy?
"Mr. Chu, please continue. I'm listening."

Li Qi smiled, stood up, gestured to the chair, and said.

"I know that not rescuing them directly might cause morale issues and pressure from British diplomacy, but adding just one order can perfectly resolve the problem."

Chu Yunfei readily sat back in his seat and said.

"any solution?"

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

"The British 29th Brigade has not yet fully penetrated the enemy's territory, and the Chinese army has not yet completed its encirclement."

"Order the British 29th Brigade to break out immediately, and the US 2nd Division can provide support not far from the Uijeongbu defense line."

Chu Yunfei took out a cigar from his pocket, lit it, took a deep drag, and then exhaled a cloud of smoke before speaking.

"If the British 29th Brigade breaks out directly, we won't need to take much risk to bring him back."

"If the British troops disobey orders for the third time, then don't blame us for having to come to their rescue again."

"Mr. Chu is indeed worthy of being a lieutenant general in the National Revolutionary Army; his military skills are quite impressive."

Li Qi said with a smile.

"A defeated general is not worth mentioning."

Chu Yunfei shook his head and sighed.

"To be honest, I originally had some prejudice against the fighting capabilities of your National Revolutionary Army."

"But now that we're actually fighting these volunteer soldiers, we realize that the National Revolutionary Army's combat strength isn't low."

"At least those arrogant British soldiers are definitely no match for your Nationalist Army's American-equipped divisions."

Ridgway praised both the American weapons and the Nationalist army.

"Sir, shall we proceed with the attack as described above?"

The US military chief of staff had a feeling that something was wrong, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.

"Our aircraft carrier fleet support is coming soon, and we will have hundreds of carrier-based aircraft supporting us."

"Even if the British army is defeated, we will most likely be able to hold our ground."

"If they still don't listen to the military orders after three attempts, then let them suffer. I've already been tolerant enough."

"Go ahead and relay the orders according to Mr. Chu's plan."

A hint of displeasure flashed across Li Qiwei's face as he spoke.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the US Army Chief of Staff understood that the British army's repeated attacks on Ridgway's prestige had angered the commander, and had no choice but to agree.

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

British 29th Brigade, temporary rest area

"Sir, an urgent telegram from General Ridgway!"

"He ordered us to withdraw to Uijeongbu immediately, and the Second Division of the United States would support us."

"This was said by British Chief of the General Staff Edward."

"Withdraw?"

"What about our elite rifle squad?"

"They all fought for the British Empire, shedding countless blood and sacrificing their lives, and were heroes of World War II."

"You want us to abandon them? I can't do that!"

Brigadier General Brody looked in the direction of the Dead Hawk and said decisively.

“Sir, but General Ridgway said that if we insist on going our own way, there may be no reinforcements to support us.”

"Even if we are forced to rescue them under pressure, it is possible that we can delay it, let us fight a bloody battle with the Chinese army first, and then come out to reap the rewards."

Chief of Staff Edward looked at Brody's weathered and weary face and whispered words of advice. "Edward, do you know that on the North African battlefield, I was once surrounded by the German and Italian forces and fought a bloody battle for three days without sleep?"

"When I thought I was going to die under the German guns, Field Marshal Montgomery led a counterattack to support us, and in one fell swoop we defeated the main force of the German-Italian army and saved the Suez Canal supply line!"

"The first thing Field Marshal Montgomery said to me was, 'The British Empire will not abandon any soldier!'"

Brigadier General Brody looked at the wound on his arm, his eyes filled with tears.

“Sir, I understand.”

"However, even if we're incompetent, we still need an excuse to give General Ridgway a way out."

"Otherwise, even if we successfully rescue them, it will be difficult to explain."

Chief of Staff Edward patted the old general lightly and sighed.

"Excuse……"

"Just say our radio station is damaged and we can't receive telegrams."

Brigadier General Brody said.

"Yes, sir!"

Chief of Staff Edward responded.

"Go do it."

Brody left after saying that.

Outside the tent

Many British soldiers had just finished eating and were sitting and chatting when they saw Brody come out, and they immediately stood up and saluted.

"All troops break camp! March out to rescue!"

"Glory be to the British Empire!"

Brigadier General Brody looked at the British soldiers and shouted.

"Glory be to the British Empire!"

"Glory be to the British Empire!"

"..."

The British soldiers waved their guns and shouted in unison.

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

80th Division Headquarters
"Those damned British Empire! Let them taste the iron fist of our new China, and their sun will set!"

Zhang Dabiao snorted coldly and cursed, clenching his fists.

"Commander, I was just explaining my understanding of the British army. It's best to be cautious and not underestimate the enemy."

Liu Hanqing said, not knowing whether to laugh or cry.

"I already valued them enough. I stood around the British troops for ages without eating, just to lure them in."

"Now that our objective has been achieved, can we launch a full-scale attack?"

Zhang Dabiao looked at the dead eagle on the map and said enviously.

"Commander, I don't think there's any rush."

Wu Wanli shook his head and said.

"Aren't you in a hurry?"

"Back when I was fighting for Ping'an County with the army commander, the Italian cannons were positioned and three shots blasted down the city gate, allowing us to storm in directly."

"Why are they dragging their feet when fighting the British army?"

Zhang Dabiao frowned and looked at Wu Wanli.

In his view, if Li Yunlong hadn't told him to listen to Wu Wanli in everything, he probably would have made the decision to start the war long ago.

"First, the British 29th Brigade has arrived, but we haven't completed the encirclement yet. We have to wait for the 50th and 38th Armies to reach their designated positions first. We need to lay out the bait."

"Secondly, we can take them down without even fighting."

Wu Wanli shook his head and said.

"I understand you talking about bait, but what do you mean by 'catching it without even casting a shot'?"

Zhang Dabiao asked in confusion.

"Commander, these British troops have limited supplies. After fighting for so long, they are almost out of food."

"In addition, their troops have suffered heavy losses and their morale is low, so they have long since lost the will to fight."

"The only reason we're still holding on is because we're hoping for reinforcements and just hanging on by a thread."

Wu Wanli analyzed.

"You mean you're just waiting for them to run out of food and collapse?"

Zhang Dabiao asked.

"It's not like we're just waiting around."

"We can send small groups of troops to harass them constantly, bombard them with artillery fire from time to time, and sound the bugle call several times, regardless of whether it's a real attack or not."

"Keep them on edge all the time, with no time to rest, and with food shortages, they won't be able to hold on for long."

Wu Wanli said with a smile.

"You're a smart kid."

"Okay, we'll do it your way!"

"However, your Steel Seventh Company doesn't need to participate in harassment operations. Take a good rest."

Zhang Dabiao said.

"Commander, why is this happening?"

"Although the Seventh Steel Company has just finished a bloody battle, its losses are not actually that great, and it is fully capable of participating in the battle."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing said...

"This is a telegram that the army commander just sent not long ago. Take a look."

Zhang Dabiao handed a telegram to Liu Hanqing.

"Company commander..."

Liu Hanqing subconsciously handed it to Wu Wanli.

"I've read the summary, but I'm too lazy to read any more."

Wu Wanli rubbed his tired eyes and said.

"Yes!"

"Company commander, this British 29th Brigade doesn't seem to be as incompetent as we thought."

"After learning that our main force had completely encircled us, the British 29th Brigade quickly joined forces with the Royal Heavy Tank Regiment and charged towards us."

"I don't know why, but this British army seems to be in high spirits. They are advancing triumphantly and have caused considerable casualties to the assault regiment."

"The regimental commander Tan Ziwei and the political commissar were unfortunately wounded. Wu Qianli, the battalion commander of the third battalion, will act as the regimental commander, and Mei Sheng, the political instructor, will act as the political commissar."

"In addition, our Steel Seventh Company was dispatched to assist the First Assault Regiment in blocking and attrition the British 29th Brigade at the Yixiantian position."

Liu Hanqing read the telegram carefully and then said...

"This is because we don't want the British 29th Brigade to escape, but we also don't want them to arrive too quickly."

"If they break through now without bait, then all our plans will have been for nothing."

"But if they come too fast, it will be like when the regimental commander broke through the encirclement and then went back to Cangyun Ridge to save me."

"Perhaps the surrounded British troops will be greatly encouraged and fight to the death, causing huge losses to our comrades."

Wu Wanli stood still and analyzed.

"Is there anything else you need? Tell me now."

Zhang Dabiao glanced at Wu Wanli, who was still lingering and refused to leave, and pointed out the truth.

"Hahahaha... It's nothing, it's just that life is a bit tough for the assault regiment. Could I take some weapons and ammunition with me?"

"Not many, just a dozen or so machine guns, plus a few mortars, and oh yes, seven or eight rocket launchers, and..."

Wu Wanli, somewhat embarrassed, made an outrageous demand.

"stop!"

"Wu Wanli, you're a bandit! You're robbing me, a landlord, like I'm some kind of wealthy man?"

"Your Steel Seventh Company's heavy weapons are inferior even to those of battalion-level units, so why don't you distribute them to your own troops?"

Zhang Dabiao cursed, both annoyed and amused.

"Commander, the First Assault Regiment is under great pressure, we're not..."

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli brazenly tried to argue his case.

"Okay, okay, okay..."

"I'm bringing you six light machine guns, two heavy machine guns, and two mortars. Take as much ammunition as you like, but don't go too far!"

Zhang Dabiao said with considerable reluctance.

"Yes!"

Wu Wanli smiled and saluted.

(End of this chapter)