Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 194 The Volunteer Army's Grand Offensive! (5K)

"Buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz—"

The roar of wild American planes could be heard, and a dark shadow was rapidly approaching from afar.

"Start the bus quickly, and remember to split up!"

Wu Wanli picked up the light machine gun, roared, and jumped out of the car.

"Ten thousand miles!!!"

Upon seeing this, Liu Hanqing threw his pack onto the carriage and roared with wide eyes.

Just then, the American fighter jet circled once and then dove down.

Inside the cockpit of a US military aircraft

"This is Hawaii One! This is Hawaii One!"

"Major reconnaissance findings have been discovered; the Chinese military is currently..."

As the U.S. pilot pulled the control stick downwards in preparation for strafing, he reported the reconnaissance situation to the radio.

According to Major General William's intelligence, the Chinese Air Force was not present at all, and there was no need to take those army units seriously.

"Da da da da da da da da..."

However, the next second, a burst of bullets fired by Wu Wanli shattered the cockpit of the fighter jet like meteors and directly hit the American pilot's body.

What's wrong with the Chinese army?

"Hawaii One? Respond if you hear me!!"

At that moment, an anxious voice came from the radio.

The American pilot opened his mouth, coughed up a mouthful of blood, and unconsciously pressed his body against the control stick.

The fighter jet instantly lost its balance and plummeted downwards.

"go!"

Wu Wanli climbed onto the military truck and shouted loudly.

Upon seeing this, the military truck immediately started and drove off into the distance.

On military truck

The Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers couldn't help but feel more impressed when they saw Wu Wanli so effortlessly take down the American warplanes.

"The machine gun is in the commander-in-chief's hands, and it seems to be even more effective than the anti-aircraft gun..."

One of the volunteer soldiers couldn't help but sigh.

"Of course, our deputy regimental commander rose from a new recruit to the position of commander-in-chief, and he has long been the top soldier of the Volunteer Army."

Upon hearing this, another soldier from the old 7th Company wiped his Garand rifle and said without any surprise.

"Wanli, you're not the same little soldier you used to be. Take good care of yourself."

Liu Hanqing thought of many things to say, but in the end he only whispered a word of advice, then hugged his pack and leaned against the metal plate of the military truck.

To be fair, such a commander is definitely loved by soldiers and can greatly boost morale.

But if you walk by the river often enough, you're bound to get your shoes wet eventually. The commander's safety is more important than these impressive achievements.

"Hanqing, I understand what you mean."

"Don't worry, I'm not a reckless person. I would never do that in a truly dangerous situation."

Seeing the concern and complex emotions in Liu Hanqing's eyes, Wu Wanli patted him on the shoulder to comfort him.

He had already observed it on the Sky Eye map; it was just an isolated reconnaissance aircraft, and the real combat formation was yet to come.

Taking out the US reconnaissance aircraft as soon as possible might allow the US military to learn about their withdrawal plan later.

"Wanli, you say that now, but when it comes to fighting for your life, how can I stop you?"

“Those comrades are just like you, stubborn as ever. No matter how you try to persuade them, they insist on staying on the front lines…”

Liu Hanqing looked towards the Han River battlefield behind him and sighed.

"Stay in the position? How could it be the position!"

"I only arranged for Zou Xixiang to lead men to harass and snipe!"

"Wait...didn't I say to take the seriously wounded ones with me too?"

Wu Wanli's smile vanished instantly, and he looked at Liu Hanqing with a serious expression.

"The reason given by those comrades was basically that, given their injuries, they wouldn't make it to Seoul."

"I couldn't persuade them, so I wrote down all their names."

"Some only had nicknames, so they just gave me an item, and it's all here..."

As Liu Hanqing spoke, he opened his backpack to Wu Wanli.

Inside was Liu Hanqing's notebook, with the words "Great Hero" written on the cover. The rest were the "relics" of those soldiers.

There were bullet casings, a holster, a military water bottle, and a white cloak.

Wu Wanli picked it up gently and then carefully put it down, until a black and white photograph appeared, which made him slightly dazed.

"This photo was taken by a war correspondent during the Second Battle. The company political instructor begged for a long time before he was able to get a copy to keep."

"He said he had never had his picture taken in his life, and he was afraid that his one-year-old child would not know what he looked like in the future. The second one from the left holding a gun is him."

Liu Hanqing tried to remain calm, but his heart was breaking.

"They are the pride of the motherland and the people, and the backbone of the Chinese nation..."

"I will not let them sacrifice in vain. The entire 25th Infantry Division will be buried with them!"

Wu Wanli clenched his fists and looked in the direction of the Han River position.

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

US 25th Division Command
"A reconnaissance plane was shot down? Are these air force personnel a bunch of useless trash?!"

"Without the Chinese Air Force, they couldn't even complete the reconnaissance mission!"

Major General William slammed his fist on the table and said angrily.

"Sir, our follow-up air force formation has arrived as well. They've already dispatched new fighter jets for reconnaissance, and they should be here soon..."

The US military chief of staff quickly said to press the button.

"report!"

"Sir, the Air Force has sent the latest news: the main force of the Chinese army is gone!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer rushed in to report.

"Damn it, their previous counterattack and smoke bombs were all a prelude to their retreat. We've fallen for it again!"

"Send the air force to split up and pursue them..."

Major General William paused slightly mid-sentence.

Wasn't it because he bombed separately that he was defeated one by one by the Chinese Air Force?

Dividing it up now might actually be risky.

"Sir, an urgent telegram from General Ridgway!"

"After the Air Force allocated another 200 fighter jets to the Han River battlefield, the pressure on Goyang increased significantly."

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, the main force of the Chinese army has intensified its offensive, and Gao Yang may not be able to hold out for as long as expected."

"General Ridgway ordered us to prepare early, either to achieve a swift victory or to withdraw ahead of schedule to cover the main force's retreat to Incheon!"

Another U.S. military staff officer walked in and said.

"Tell General Ridgway that we have made great progress and the recapture of Seoul is just around the corner!"

"Pass on my order: the main force is to cross the Han River and head straight for Seoul!"

"The air force will split into at most two groups, maintaining formation to carry out bombing missions, and must destroy the Chinese army's troop transport vehicles!"

Major General William struggled for a moment, but still refused to give up and said...

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff immediately agreed.

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

Han River Position
Soon, the main force of the US 25th Division, having received the order, accelerated and rushed forward.

They never imagined that there would be a threat on the position at this time.

Hanjiang No. 6 position
A bearded veteran of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, clutching his wound, watched the approaching American troops in the distance, a glint of light flashing in his eyes.

He looked at the explosive charges and bundles of grenades laid out on the position, pinching the flesh on his thighs to force himself to maintain his last vestiges of consciousness.

But the scene before them continued to blur, as if darkness was about to fall at any moment.

"The five-star red flag flutters in the wind, the song of victory is so loud..."

An Lin hummed the song Wu Wanli had taught him on the train carriage, a smile playing on his lips as he watched the American troops finally enter the position.

Because of their status as volunteers, the five-star red flag did not fly in Korea.

He also understood that he would never have the chance to hear the victory song.

But at this moment, An Lin gritted his teeth without any regret and pulled the fuse hard.

"Shit! There's something here..."

An American soldier spotted him and tried to turn back and run away, but it was obviously too late.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

The next second, a deafening explosion rang out on the position, and a fierce flame instantly engulfed the American troops near the position.

In this way, a seriously wounded veteran of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army replaced seven or eight American soldiers.

At the same time, explosions rang out from all over the Han River positions, and a large number of American soldiers fell on the ground without warning.

The sudden explosion caused the other American soldiers to drop to the ground instantly, and they dared not advance for a moment.

"Fuck!"

"The main force of the Chinese army has long since left. Do you think these suicide bombings by wounded soldiers can scare you?"

"The Japanese troops on Iwo Jima were far more insane than they are now! What are you afraid of? Chase them!" A U.S. Army captain, seeing this, was furious and shouted.

However, he did not notice that in a hidden spot in the distance, Zou Xixiang had already raised his gun and pointed it at him.

"boom!"

With a sharp gunshot, the U.S. Army captain fell to the ground.

The other American soldiers were stunned for a second, but quickly reacted and raised their guns to fire wildly at the source of the gunfire.

However, by this time, Zou Xixiang had already moved to the rear.

Other positions also experienced sniping incidents, but almost all of them fled without lingering after firing a single shot.

The main force of the US military angrily called for a barrage of artillery fire before treading on the scorched, burning earth and rushing toward Seoul.

However, after such a long delay, they have wasted too much time.

………………

On the other side, on the military vehicle

"The American troops can't catch up with us. Send a message to all squads and platoons: get off the vehicles immediately and march at full speed to Seoul to rendezvous!"

Looking at the Sky Eye map of Iron Heart, Wu Wanli made a decisive decision.

"Get off the bus immediately?"

"Yes!"

Liu Hanqing was somewhat surprised, but thinking of the approaching US warplanes, he immediately agreed.

Soon, Wu Wanli and the others jumped off the carriage and disappeared into the mountains and forests.

The next second, the roar of fighter jets filled the sky.

"Lie down!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli immediately gave the order.

All the soldiers instantly dropped to the ground, guns pointed to the sky, frozen in tension.

“Buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz…………”

However, hundreds of US warplanes flew directly over them and dropped bombs on the cars they had just abandoned.

"Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom..."

A series of bombs blasted scorched craters into the ground, and the once intact cars were reduced to shrunken, burning steel wreckage.

After completing these tasks, the US fighter jet formation did not stop but continued flying toward the next target.

"so close……"

Looking at the scene in the distance, Liu Hanqing sighed.

"Moreover, these American devils have become shrewd and dare not separate the Air Force for missions anymore."

"Comrades, keep marching. The American troops certainly won't catch up with us for the remaining distance."

Wu Wanli said.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the volunteer soldiers readily agreed.

……

Soon, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who had split up and marched separately all escaped the American bombing raids by abandoning their vehicles.

Having utilized the speed advantage of automobiles and the harassment and sniping efforts in the early stages, Wu Wanli led his main force into Seoul smoothly.

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

Seoul, Blue House Command Center

"Commander-in-Chief, your prediction was spot on!"

"Those American devils were completely outmaneuvered by us, and in the end, they couldn't catch up with us!"

Yu Congrong said excitedly.

"More than that!"

"Our harassment sniper units did a great job, killing a large number of junior US military officers!"

Gao Daxing also looked excited.

“There’s a sniper named Zou Xixiang who single-handedly killed seven or eight American soldiers. I think we should report him for promotion.”

Upon hearing this, Pinghe immediately added.

"Zou Xixiang, yet another sharpshooter..."

"Let him select a few men to form a sniper squad and report to Zhang Taofang's Ninth Company."

Wu Wanli smiled slightly.

"Commander-in-Chief, our air force has been idle at the airport for so long, isn't it time for us to play a role?"

Wang Wei felt a little itchy to ask, so he quickly inquired.

"It's definitely your turn to shine!"

"Pass on my order: all warplanes shall take off immediately and head to Gaoyang City to bomb the American front lines, coordinating with the main force to capture Gaoyang!"

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then spoke.

"Gao Yang?!"

"Wanli, based on the situation from the recent pursuit, the US military has sent at least two hundred battlefield reinforcements!"

"Our air power is already at a disadvantage, so sending it to Gaoyang would be..."

Wu Qianli thought he had misheard and quickly reminded him.

"The U.S. military had already lost so many aircraft in the Seoul battle, and with the addition of these supporting aircraft, their air force in Goyang was already severely insufficient."

"Our air force was at a complete disadvantage in Seoul, but in Goyang, we were able to gain a slight advantage over them!"

Looking at the information on the Sky Eye map of Iron Heart, Wu Wanli said with certainty.

"It's kind of like... frog racing?"

Yu Congrong slapped his thigh and immediately said.

"It's just like the story of Tian Ji's horse race, which is indeed quite similar."

"However, it is more accurate to say that we should concentrate our superior forces to attack their weaknesses."

Mei Sheng smiled and explained.

"Let's take off in thirteen minutes, that should be about right."

Wu Wanli looked at the Tianyan map, estimated the time, and said.

"Yes!"

Wang Wei immediately agreed and hurriedly walked out.

"Report! The main force of the US military has advanced to a point not far outside Seoul and is about to enter the city!"

At this moment, a communications officer came in to report.

"Comrades, street fighting is brutal, but I don't need you to suffer!"

"Resist step by step, weaken the American forces while letting some of them in, and then they will find it difficult to extricate themselves!"

"By the time our reinforcements arrive, the 25th Infantry Division will be completely wiped out from the US military!"

"Let the world remember the might of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army!"

Wu Wanli slammed his hand on the table and said domineeringly.

"Yes!"

Everyone present immediately straightened their backs and responded loudly.

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

Outside Gaoyang City, the 27th Army Command Post
"Old Li, there's still time before the final deadline given by the headquarters, so there's no need for us to rush."

"Let's wait and see. After all, the American troops at the south gate are all elites. The pressure of a general offensive is too great now."

Zhao Gang cautiously offered his advice.

"What the hell are you calling elite troops? I'll take down the elite troops!"

"The American devils are short of warplanes and have just finished a bombing run and returned to resupply with ammunition. Now is the perfect time to strike!"

"Pass on my order: all reserves, move up! Bombard them with artillery, wipe them all out! That's it!"

Li Yunlong slammed his fist on the table and said fiercely.

"Old Li..."

Upon hearing this, Kong Jie also wanted to offer some advice.

"Don't try to persuade me, I'll take responsibility if the attack fails!"

"Guard battalion, come with me!"

"If Zhang Dabiao can't take it down, I'll go myself!"

After thinking for a moment, Li Yunlong finally drew his pistol and headed towards the front line.

…………

Gaoyang South Gate
Countless Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers surged towards the South Gate position like waves, and the Volunteer Army's artillery fire was also unusually abundant, launching a slow-moving barrage.

"Great! Charge! Charge!"

Upon seeing this, Zhang Dabiao, who was holding up his binoculars, immediately shouted.

However, the US military was not to be trifled with. They unleashed a barrage of light and heavy machine gun fire, and their artillery bombardment was relentless.

For a time, the all-out offensive actually reached a stalemate.

“Buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz buzz…”

Just then, the roar of fighter jets rang out, and rows of dense black dots appeared in the sky—it was the Chinese Air Force led by Wang Wei!

(End of this chapter)