Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 172 Failure is betrayal, success is revolution!
"Sir, this is absolutely unacceptable!"

"Back then, Major General Smith was captured alive by the Chinese Steel Seventh Company because he was close to the front line."

"The Chinese army might have brought the Steel Seventh Company with them during this surprise attack on Seoul. If something happens to you, the front line and Seoul will collapse together!"

Upon hearing this, the US military chief of staff panicked instantly and hurriedly said...

"But if I don't go, what will happen to the comrades fighting hard on the front lines?"

"Once the front line is breached and the Chinese army marches into Seoul, our troops will not be able to hold it."

"If Seoul falls, America and the entire world will be shaken!"

Li Qiwei calmed down a little, but still spoke with great concern.

"General Ridgway, there is no need for you to go in person."

"The South Korean First Division still has spare troops; we might as well mobilize their troops to provide support."

"To put it more bluntly, the entire Seoul is not as important as you."

"Compared to the Chinese army's temporary capture of Seoul, your capture as the de facto supreme commander of the Korean War is probably more shocking to the world and will also cause the morale of the troops to plummet."

Chu Yunfei realized that Li Qiwei didn't really want to take the risk, so he wisely offered him a way out.

"General, we all know how brave you are, but for the future of the entire UN forces, you absolutely cannot go there in person!"

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff quickly echoed his sentiments.

“What you say makes sense, but we can’t just sit here and wait to die.”

"It would be better to transfer a battalion from the Guard Regiment to support the eastern defense line of Seoul and help them hold it to the death."

"I will personally lead the remaining battalion to a second-line position so that it can serve as a reserve force to support the front line at any time. What do you think?"

Li Qiwei looked at the battle map and tapped his fingers lightly on the table.

"The 25th Division of the US Army is highly mechanized and can arrive in Seoul to provide support within a day."

"The reason why the Chinese army was willing to use so much artillery fire was precisely because they needed to take Seoul in a blitzkrieg; otherwise, the rushing troops would have become a dead end."

The U.S. military chief of staff said.

“You’re right, but their artillery threat is still quite significant. I’m worried they might actually manage to create a breach ahead of schedule.”

"Can our air force take off and bomb now?"

"First, take care of the Chinese army's artillery to relieve the pressure on the defending forces."

Li Qiwei thought for a moment and then said.

"Sir, I'm sorry, the fighting on the front lines is just too intense. It was my oversight that I didn't leave some fighters for defense."

"The Chinese army's attack was very precise, and it was timed exactly when all our fighter jets were sent out to bomb. It would take two hours for our fighter jets to return after completing their escort mission."

"However, we weren't entirely unlucky. Some of our fighter jets were heading to the Gaoyang battlefield, which coincided with the 25th Division's breakout and support."

The U.S. Chief of Staff scratched his head and said.

What he didn't know was that Wu Wanli's attack wasn't just due to luck, but rather because he used the Sky Eye Map to pinpoint the exact time when the US military aircraft were launching their attack.

"It's not your fault, the Chinese army was just too lucky."

"However, luck and sneak attacks are insignificant compared to strength!"

"Mr. Chu, what are you thinking? Do you have some different ideas?"

Li Qiwei looked at Chu Yunfei, who was frowning and hesitant to speak, and asked.

"General, we cannot deploy our troops like this!"

Chu Yunfei hesitated for a moment before speaking.

He considered the situation and concluded that if the Chinese army could capture Seoul, the victory in this battle would essentially be China's.

If Ridgway holds out like this, he might actually be able to hold out a little longer. But once the US Air Force returns to reinforce, there will still be uncertainties.

After all, an elite U.S. regiment, under the cover of the Air Force, could retreat and fight in urban warfare, and it was entirely possible for it to hold out until the 25th Division came to its aid.

Of course, most importantly, although Chu Yunfei loved his country, he did not want to be arrested and sent to Gongdelin Fried Noodles.

"The situation is critical now. Mr. Chu, please speak up if you have any different opinions."

Li Qi was slightly taken aback, then raised his hand and said.

"General, the best place for our troops to be deployed is Seoul Airport!"

Chu Yunfei tapped his finger on the map marking Seoul Airport and said succinctly.

Do you think we'll lose?

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff frowned slightly and said...

“Sir, our forces are limited. Even if we can hold the east, the South Korean forces on other fronts may not be able to hold them.”

"Although there is a South Korean army unit stationed on each of the north, south, and west sides, considering the performance of the South Korean army on the Imjin River battlefield, are you really at ease?"

"Once the Chinese army breaks through from those directions and seizes the airport ahead of time, we'll all be sitting ducks!"

Chu Yunfei looked at Li Qiwei and bluntly pointed out the truth.

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff paused slightly, then remained silent for a moment.

Actually, he had considered this point, but Seoul was too important, and protecting the airport in advance would actually have the opposite effect on the tactic of defending Seoul to the death.

How many people are guarding the airport now?

Li Qiwei thought for a moment and then asked.

"Sir, the airport is relatively safe within the city, so only a company of soldiers has been stationed there."

The U.S. Chief of Staff replied.

"Alright, Mr. Chu's proposed plan is indeed more prudent..."

"Let's move the command post to the location of Seoul Airport. I'll personally lead a battalion of the main force to stay put."

"The remaining battalion serves as a reserve force, ready to support South Korean or our troops at any time."

After a moment of deep thought, Ridgway ultimately adopted Chu Yunfei's prudent approach.

"General, should we temporarily halt our support for the eastern defense line?"

Upon hearing this, the U.S. Chief of Staff quickly offered a reminder.

"Telegrams are all used up. Let him find a way to transfer a battalion from the South Korean army to assist in the defense, and bring weapons and ammunition supplies with him."

Li Qiwei thought for a moment and then said.

"But judging by the fighting capabilities of those South Korean soldiers..."

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

"Even if we just have them go over there to carry shells and ammunition for our soldiers, or do medical first aid, it will allow more guys to join the fight!"

Li Qiwei waved his hand and said.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff had no choice but to agree.

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

South Korean Capital Division Command
At this moment, the officers of the Isshin Society gathered here, sitting upright in two rows on chairs.

Jeon Doo-kwang sat at the head of the middle row, smoking a cigar and using the smoke to conceal his expression.

"General Quan!"

"The Chinese army has engaged in combat with the US forces to the east, with artillery fire roaring and severely suppressing the US forces."

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Chinese army destroyed the US military's ammunition depot!"

"Even judging from their ammunition situation, they can't hold out for much longer."

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

"Well done!"

"What about Ridgway? Hasn't he responded yet?"

Upon hearing this, Quan Douguang turned his head and asked.

"Reporting to General Quan!"

"Ridgway urgently telegraphed, ordering us to send a battalion to reinforce the eastern defenses of Seoul! He also requested that we carry more weapons and ammunition to replenish the American forces!"

At that moment, a South Korean military staff officer walked in and said...

"General Quan, the American troops are indeed panicking!"

"Now is the perfect opportunity! Let's hurry and help the Chinese army eliminate that American battalion first!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Taijian quickly replied.

"Wait a minute, something's not right with this order..."

"If we take a battalion to provide support, what about the remaining two battalions of the U.S. Guards Regiment?"

"Are they planning to escape on their own?"

Quan Douguang frowned slightly and asked.

It's important to know that a U.S. Army battalion, besides an infantry company, includes an artillery company, a tank company, and a medical company.

There are still nearly two thousand American troops left in those two battalions, which would be a real problem to deal with if a fight broke out.

"Sir, Ridgway is taking a battalion to Seoul Airport to continue overseeing operations."

"The remaining battalion is stationed at the command post, clearly intended to be used as a reserve force."

"In my view, this was a consideration Ridgway made taking into account the Air Force's return flight and possible future escape routes."

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

"So, the US military forces are already deployed at three locations: Seoul Airport, the Seoul headquarters, and the eastern defense line of Seoul, with more than a thousand troops in each location."

"Before the operation, our troops had to divide and surround them in advance."

"That way, when the fighting starts, they will fight individually and won't be able to form a complete fighting force."

"Otherwise, if we are exposed, the other two battalions of American troops will move towards the Seoul airport, and then it will be much more difficult for them to fight."

Upon hearing this, Jeon Doo-kwang stroked his chin and said.

"General Jeon, are we...relying on us South Korean soldiers to divide and encircle the American forces?"

"General, you're not joking, are you?"

A South Korean colonel paused, then asked.

Not only him, but the other South Korean officers looked at each other, somewhat nervous and bewildered.

The fear of the US military is deeply rooted in their hearts and cannot be shaken off.

After all, the firepower and combat capabilities of the US military are well-known, and even the Chinese People's Volunteer Army had to suffer huge casualties to take them down.

"Axiba!"

What are you panicking about?

"What is the firepower configuration of our First Division of the Capital Region?"

Seeing everyone's expressions, Jeon Doo-kwang quickly stood up and asked.

"General, we are a full-strength infantry division with approximately 10,000 soldiers, and we are equipped with an artillery regiment and a tank battalion!"

Upon hearing this, Lu Taijian was the first to answer.

"What about the US military?"

Quan Douguang glanced at everyone and asked.

"Although the U.S. military has more firepower, it only has more than two thousand men."

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

"So what are you still worried about?!"

"The battle force is 10,000 to 2,000, the advantage is on our side!"

Quan Douguang looked at everyone and loudly cheered them on.

These words, though still causing concern among the South Korean officers present, revealed a newfound clarity in their eyes.

Seeing the changes in everyone, Quan Douguang knew that this was not enough. The most important thing to defeat the US military was to overcome psychological fear. So he smashed the wine glass on the table to the ground.

"Pong!"

The wine glass shattered on the ground, the red wine splashing everywhere, as if foreshadowing the bloody battle to come.

"Damn it! Don't you even have this much awareness?!"

"From the moment we returned, we were destined to confront the U.S. military."

Quan Douguang walked past each officer, scanning their eyes, and shouted loudly.

The South Korean officers whose eyes he swept over all lowered their heads, not daring to meet his gaze.

"I'm giving you one last chance. If you still want to quit, get out! I'll pay you to leave Seoul and go wherever you want!"

"But once that door closes, you'll have to fight me to the bitter end..."

Quan Douguang opened the door and looked at everyone.

Upon hearing this, the South Korean military officers present exchanged glances, but none of them stood up.

At this moment, Huang Yongshi, the commander of the elite regiment, slowly stood up and walked towards the door.

The crowd stared at him in disbelief, some even reaching for the pistols at their waists, ready to fire as soon as he stepped out the door as a show of loyalty.

However, Huang Yongshi simply walked to the door and closed it.

"General Jeon, after returning to Seoul, you have treated me to many delicacies and fine wines, and I am tired of them."

"But I think the best thing was the small piece of biscuit you gave me after you took a bite when we were retreating from the Battle of Chosin Reservoir."

"Back then I was just a junior sergeant, and now I'm a regimental commander, hahahahahaha..."

"I really like a Chinese saying: 'To repay your kindness, I would gladly die for you.'"

"I don't know any South Korean president or UN Commander-in-Chief. All I know is that you are the most important elder brother in my life!"

"General Quan, after this is done, will we still be your brothers?"

With tears welling in his eyes, Huang Yongshi looked at Quan Douguang, reached out his hand, and asked with a faint smile.

"Damn it! You brat, why are you making it sound so touching..."

"of course!"

Seeing the burning gazes of Hwang Young-seok and his subordinates, Quan Douguang tightly grasped his hand and said sincerely.

"Ah Xiba!"

"Follow General Quan! Forget about betrayal, I'd be the first to charge into battle even if it meant fighting the American army!"

"loyalty!"

At this moment, Lu Taijian stood up first and shouted loudly.

"loyalty!!!"

All the officers of the Yixin Society present stood up and shouted loudly.

At that moment, they thought of the bundles of banknotes that Jeon Doo-kwang had given them, and the beautiful women from Seoul.

Of course, the most memorable moment was when Quan Douguang was discovered by Wu Wanli at Shuimen Bridge, and he preferred to die rather than betray the others.

At this moment, their eyes shone with light, and their hearts burned with passion.

At this moment, they dare to lead their troops to confront the US military head-on!
"Damn it! What do you mean by betrayal?"

"Failure is betrayal, success is revolution!!"

"Though the night of revolution was brief, its glory will live on forever!"

"Please believe me, I will fight to the end and will not keep all the glory to myself!"

Jeon Doo-kwang turned around and looked at the saluting crowd, his gaze firm as he spoke.

Just then, moonlight streamed into the room, illuminating half of Quan Douguang's face and the back wall of the command room.

Hanging on the wall is a calligraphy scroll with four large, flowing characters: "破釜沉舟" (break the cauldrons and sink the boats).

(End of this chapter)