Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 165 Target: Seoul!!!
志司
"Did the 50th Army manage to intercept the American reinforcements by following Li Yunlong's deployment?"

"So, he actually did something good? He's probably gloating over there!"

The boss gave a cold snort on the surface, but a flash of appreciation crossed his eyes.

"Boss, in my opinion, this is the best situation right now."

"The British 29th Brigade on the western front was blocked around Pugok-sang-ri by Li Yunlong's 27th Army, creating a situation of trapping and beating the dog."

"The 42nd and 66th Armies in the central region also drew the attention of the 24th Division and the 1st Cavalry Division of the United States near Uijeongbu City, preventing them from making any rash moves."

"The 198th Division in the east and the two major corps of the Korean People's Army are advancing towards Hongcheon, ready to attack Hengcheng at any time."

"With the US 2nd Division also eager to rescue the British troops, it can be said that the UN forces on the other side have almost exhausted all their trump cards. It's time for us to make our move."

said the chief of staff.

"Pretty!"

"Boss, look, the main battle line of the US military on the western front is very clear. Goyang Castle is on the left, Uijeongbu Castle is on the right, and Fugok Sang-ri is in the middle of the two castles, forming a triangle."

"We still have two main forces, the 39th Army and the 40th Army, that we can mobilize. The initiative is in our hands."

Chief Chen looked at the strategic map and said with a hint of excitement.

"The 39th and 40th Armies are right near Goyang City. We can leave the 40th Army to deter the American troops in Goyang, while the 39th Army can go around to Suilaksan behind Uijeongbu City and cut off the American troops' retreat route from Uijeongbu City!"

"At that time, the British troops around Kamagosato will be wiped out, and the American troops in Uijeongbu will be cut off from their rear. They will be in grave danger and will have no choice but to break out."

"All that's left is Gaoyang, an isolated city. The Turkish brigade and the US 25th Division inside are no longer a threat and must be evacuated!"

The chief of staff thought for a moment, then said with a smile.

"no!"

"While this could kill some enemy troops and advance the front line, the result was that the American troops were all pushed into a large, encircled mass and retreated into Seoul."

"We are constrained by the food problem. If we cannot conquer the city after a long siege, we will have to retreat and recuperate. We cannot maintain a long siege."

Upon hearing this, the boss shook his head and immediately rejected the idea.

"But……"

"Boss, even if we fail to capture Seoul under these circumstances, this battle can still be considered a great victory for us!"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff was slightly taken aback, and then spoke.

"It was a great military victory, but not enough politically."

"Our diplomats are in talks with the Soviet side to discuss the large-scale replacement of Soviet weapons with new ones and to increase the MiG fighter jets to aid North Korea, thereby strengthening our air force on the battlefield."

"Moreover, we still have Wanli's Steel Seventh Company and Seoul's Chun Doo-kwang as pawns that we haven't used yet, it's about time..."

A glint of light flashed in Chief Chen's eyes as he spoke.

"Yes!"

"The American devils have played all their cards; now it's time for us to take their lives."

The boss nodded slightly in agreement.

"Boss, you mean... to urgently order the 7th Electric Steel Company to withdraw from the battlefield at Bugok-sang-ri and make a detour to attack Seoul?"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff guessed.

"The attack on Seoul is the right thing to do, and it will happen within the next day or two. As for the specific timing of the attack, let Wanli and the others handle it."

"What we need to do is to cooperate fully and not let the American devils see through our plan."

Chief Chen and the general exchanged a glance and said.

"The 39th and 40th Armies should prepare to launch an attack on Gaoyang. Let's launch a multi-pronged attack and keep the American devils busy."

"After the 27th Army finishes off the British, let them go and carry out the plan to encircle the Uijeongbu American forces at Shuiluoshan!"

"After the fighting breaks out everywhere, they will realize that Seoul has fallen and will surely collapse in a complete rout!"

The boss clenched his right fist and slammed it hard on the table, saying...

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

27th Army Headquarters
"Hahahahahaha..."

"Old Kong, take a look!"

"I told you, our 27th Army should be the main force in attacking the British 29th Brigade!"

"Look at this US 2nd Division, they even tried to launch a covert attack, but they ended up getting their heads bruised and bloodied by the 50th Army!"

Li Yunlong laughed as he handed the battle report to Kong Jie and said...

"That's thanks to Director Zhao Gang, you're taking the credit for yourself, aren't you ashamed!"

Seeing Li Yunlong grinning from ear to ear, Kong Jie couldn't help but jokingly tease him.

"The command of our 27th Army is unified and coordinated. Everyone has made contributions, so it doesn't matter who gets this empty honor."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang responded modestly, seemingly unconcerned.

"that is!"

"Who are we to Old Zhao? We're inseparable! The meat tastes just as good as the meat in the pot!"

"But Lao Zhao, I think the battle report shows that the US 2nd Division is really serious."

"Of the new US air force personnel deployed to Korea, half were assigned to the eastern front, and the majority were used to bomb the 50th Army!"

Li Yunlong changed the subject and said...

"Indeed, but we have already sent the 38th Army to support the 50th Army in its troop rotation."

"We can hold out for two days without any problem, that'll be enough for us to encircle and annihilate the British 29th Brigade!"

Zhao Gang said.

"Now all Wanli needs to do is lead the Steel Seventh Company and cooperate with the Third Battalion to hold out in Fugu Shangli for two hours, and our main force will arrive!"

"At that time, the Steel Seventh Company, which has been fighting for so long, can take a short rest before continuing the attack."

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie offered his analysis.

"report!"

"Urgent telegram from the General Staff!"

"Order the 27th Army to accelerate the encirclement and annihilation of the British 29th Brigade, and then detour to the Shui Luo Shan area to cut off the retreat route of the US 1st Cavalry Division and the US 24th Division in Uijeongbu City!"

"The Steel Seventh Company does not need to participate in the final assault on the British 29th Brigade, but instead should take the opportunity to bypass Ziniu Valley and advance to attack Seoul!"

"With the help of our inside man, the First Division of the South Korean Capital Region, we will take Seoul!"

The chief of staff rushed in and said in a low voice.

"coming!"

"We've prepared ten barrels of vinegar for the Seventh Steel Company's raid on Seoul. I refuse to believe those American devils can tell!"

Upon hearing that they were about to launch a surprise attack on Seoul, Li Yunlong immediately made the decision with great excitement.

"So it seems that after our 27th Army annihilated the British 29th Brigade, our attack on Shuiluoshan and the retreat route of the American troops in Qieyu Government City was... to cover the retreat of the Steel Seventh Company?"

"Let the American devils know that the 27th Army, which includes the Steel Seventh Company, is in the Shuiluoshan area, so that they will lower their guard against the rear?"

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie immediately guessed.

"This...can't be done, right?"

"Do you think our entire 27th Army is going to act just to provide cover for Wu Wanli's Steel Seventh Company's feigned attack?"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff was slightly taken aback and said...

"I don't care if it's a feint or not. The telegram didn't say it explicitly, so I'll treat it as the main attack!"

"Telegram to Zhang Dabiao and his men: It will be dark in two hours. There's no need for rest. Launch the general offensive immediately!"

"In addition, send the telegram from the headquarters to the Steel Seventh Company verbatim, and let them seize the opportunity to launch a surprise attack on Ziniu Valley on their own."

A resolute glint flashed in Li Yunlong's eyes as he spoke with unwavering conviction.

"Commander, this expedition has been so arduous. Why don't we rest for a while before continuing? Even just an hour's rest, sitting down and having something to eat would be fine."

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff quickly offered some advice.

"My 27th Army was exhausted, but the British 29th Brigade, which suffered defeats all the way, must have been even more damn tired!"

"Besides, their armored units and artillery are gone. They're just a toothless tiger. What are they afraid of?"

"No rest for a minute! Launch the final assault in two hours! If we can't win, make Zhang Dabiao and his men come back with their heads to face me!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Li Yunlong immediately made the decision.

"Yes!"

Seeing his resolute attitude, the chief of staff quickly agreed.

Kamagosato, Temporary Command Post of the 7th Steel Company

"Reporting to the company commander, an urgent telegram from higher command!"

Liu Hanqing hurried over and said.

"So, what new mission do you have this time?"

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli rubbed his bloodshot eyes and asked.

"Company commander, the higher command has ordered that the Seventh Steel Company need not participate in the siege of the British 29th Brigade."

"Instead, they're heading straight for Ziniu Valley, rushing towards Hancheng!"

Liu Hanqing handed the telegram to Wu Wanli and said.

"The main dish has finally arrived. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time."

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli's eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he said...

"Wanli, although the higher-ups didn't say it explicitly, I roughly understand what they mean by 'waiting for an opportunity.' You can take the Steel Seventh Company and leave. The main force of the Third Battalion and I will stay behind to hold them off!"

Upon hearing this, Zhang Taofang said...

“Comrade Zhang Taofang, since all the armies have already mobilized, and this concerns the overall situation, I will not be polite and refuse.”

"Kamagaya no Satoshi is indeed in your hands, but there's one more thing I need your help with."

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then said.

"Wanli, just tell me what to do, and I'll do it."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Taofang spoke without hesitation.

"Although the Steel Seventh Company is elite, it is still too conspicuous. I am worried that if I and the Steel Seventh Company suddenly disappear, the US military will become suspicious."

"So I need you to pretend to be me after the Steel Seventh Company leaves, and lead another 'Steel Seventh Company' to continue fighting here."

"As for who will replace you, the enemy won't care much."

Wu Wanli said.

"Am I leading the disguised Steel Seventh Company to continue fighting the British?"

"Wanli, I don't have your flexible tactical thinking. I'm worried I'll be exposed."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Taofang frowned slightly and said with difficulty.

"It's alright, just do your best. I'm talking about individual combat skills, especially long-range sniping!"

"My most famous title is not that of a tactical master, but the empty name of the Gun of God."

"Right now, only you can achieve this level of effectiveness here, comparable to the reputation of the Guns of God."

Wu Wanli looked at Zhang Taofang and said sincerely.

"it is good!"

"In that case, I'll give it a try!"

"Comrade Wu Wanli, you should leave quickly. The British army will probably be here soon. If you don't leave now, you may be surrounded."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Taofang felt a surge of fighting spirit and said...

“Yu Congrong, don’t we have extra American weapons in reserve? Let’s allocate some of them to the main force of the Third Battalion.”

Looking at Zhang Taofang's resolute gaze, Wu Wanli was moved and shouted loudly.

"what?"

"Company commander, this isn't a good idea."

"Based on our tactics, we're losing American weapons pretty quickly, and we might not even have enough. Where would we get any extra..."

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong immediately leaned close to Wu Wanli's ear and said with heartache.

"Cut the nonsense."

"Everyone knows that the Seventh Steel Company uses all American equipment. When acting, we have to go all the way. We can't let these details give us away."

Wu Wanli lightly elbowed Yu Congrong and said.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong quickly agreed.

"Comrade Zhang Taofang, the number of American devils' warplanes has increased, and their reconnaissance capabilities have also greatly improved. We can no longer march in mechanized formations with impunity."

"So I'll leave these tanks with you for now. Use them as you see fit. Who knows, they might just be the final straw that breaks the back of the British army and lead to some great achievements!"

Wu Wanli glanced at Zhang Taofang and said meaningfully.

"To perform extraordinary feats..."

Looking into Wu Wanli's expectant eyes, Zhang Taofang felt a surge of excitement.

"If our Volunteer Army had one more elite spearhead, the battles ahead would be much easier... Take care!"

"Beep----"

Wu Wanli bid farewell to Zhang Taofang and then turned around and blew the cormorant whistle.

Within ten seconds, the soldiers of the Steel Seventh Company, who had just been resting and replenishing their food and water, had all assembled and were waiting for orders.

"Seventh Steel Company, set off!"

"Target: Seoul!!!"

Wu Wanli looked at the soldiers of the Steel Seventh Company under his command and gave the order.

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

Seoul, the gathering place of the Isshin Society

"loyalty!!!"

A group of South Korean military officers stood in two rows, saluted Jeon Doo-kwang, and shouted.

"Please sit down, we're all brothers in the same boat, no need for such formalities."

Quan Douguang pressed his hands down slightly and said.

Upon seeing this, the South Korean officers below quickly sat upright on either side, looking at Jeon Doo-kwang in the main seat.

"I heard that the Chinese troops and the Americans are fighting fiercely at the front. What's the specific situation?"

Quan Douguang looked at intelligence officer Kim Jae-myung and asked.

"The Chinese army advanced with unstoppable momentum, annihilating the US 38th Regiment and the British Rifle Regiment, and then surrounded the British 29th Brigade."

"Moreover, their main forces have all arrived near the main battle lines of the US military, and it is estimated that they will soon launch a new offensive operation."

"That's what intelligence officer Kim Jae-myung said."

"So, the US military is overwhelmed by the Chinese army's offensive and it's unlikely that any troops will suddenly return to Seoul for the time being?"

Quan Douguang spoke through the swirling smoke of his cigar.

"Yes."

"Even the last reserve, the U.S. 2nd Infantry Division, rushed to rescue the British, leaving only Ridgway's garrison in Seoul."

"Oh right, and President Syngman Rhee's guard battalion."

"These men can't defeat our Capital Division, but we also lack the most elite troops to break the deadlock."

"After all, under psychological pressure, it's okay to fight with the wind at your back, but it can be quite dangerous if you're going against the wind."

Intelligence officer Kim Jae-myung explained.

"The most elite troops... the Iron Seventh Company from China is enough, there's no need to worry."

"As for psychological stress, the root cause is that we are not good enough to the soldiers and do not care enough for them."

“That’s easy. I’ve amassed a lot of wealth recently, and I plan to give ninety percent of it to the soldiers.”

"With the soldiers' loyalty and a legitimate excuse, we can begin our operation."

Quan Douguang smiled slightly and said.

"What excuse does the general intend to use?"

Upon hearing this, Lu Taijian asked.

"If there is a mutiny in the city, or even if it leads to the killing of a high-ranking official, wouldn't it be perfectly reasonable for us to raise an army and impose martial law to suppress it?"

Quan Douguang slowly exhaled a smoke ring and said calmly.

(End of this chapter)