Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 196 People's War! (Over 5K words)
Outside Gaoyang City, the headquarters of the US 25th Division
"Hahahahahaha..."

"These Chinese people boast about being brave and willing to fight, but now, in order to protect those fighter jets, they don't dare to go into battle at all!"

Major General William looked at the battle report from the front lines, his expression slightly disdainful.

"This is a long-standing Chinese tradition. Back then, they had what was considered the strongest navy in Asia, but didn't they abandon the battle to save their ships?"

"They probably don't dare to fight now, because if they do, the Chinese Air Force will be completely finished!"

The U.S. Chief of Staff smiled and echoed.

"Sir, the Chinese army has captured Gaoyang!"

"General Ridgway led the main force of the UN forces in a breakout and is now fighting his way back towards Incheon!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer rushed in and shouted.

"What?!"

"Gaoyang City is heavily fortified with artillery fire and has air superiority. How could the Chinese army have suddenly captured Gaoyang?!"

Major General William stared wide-eyed and roared in disbelief.

The US Chief of Staff also snatched the telegram with a look of surprise, and after reading it, his face turned ashen.

"What happened? Did a spy manage to open the city gates?!"

Major General William took a deep breath, frowned, and realized that this was the only possibility he could think of.

"Sir, those Chinese air force troops weren't cowardly avoiding battle; they launched a surprise attack on Gaoyang City!"

"The Gaoyang Air Force was understrength, and they were replenishing their fuel and ammunition when the Chinese Air Force arrived."

"Taking advantage of this opportunity, the Chinese Air Force destroyed the artillery at the south gate of Gaoyang and bombarded our defending positions indiscriminately."

"The Chinese Air Force launched its general offensive, captured the south gate in one fell swoop, and stormed into Gaoyang City..."

The U.S. Chief of Staff forced a wry smile and said in a low voice.

"Chinese Air Force launches surprise attack on Gaoyang?!"

"The Chinese commander on the other side is fighting against our fierce attack with fewer troops, and he has also spared all his air force to support the main battlefield..."

"That's bad enough, but it just so happens that the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army is launching a general offensive, and our air force is replenishing supplies at the airport?!"

Upon hearing this, Major General William paused for a few seconds, looking at Seoul not far away, a surge of fear welling up in his heart.

He fought against the Japanese army in the Pacific and also against the German army in the European theater.

He has seen people with strong will and no fear of death, people crushed by firepower, and people who dare to operate.

But I've never seen anyone so perfectly strategizing!
From the all-out attack at Chosin Reservoir to the blitzkrieg at Seoul, the precise annihilation of the airborne regiment, the burning of Anshan, the emergency reinforcement of the Han River, and the perfect evacuation...

If the other side makes even one mistake, Seoul will be driven back by the US 25th Division!
"We seriously underestimated the strength of the Chinese military; they are at least among the top in the world."

"Especially the Chinese army, I don't think anyone can defeat such a force."

"Since General Ridgway has ordered us to retreat..."

William sighed in resignation, then hesitated before speaking.

"Sir, General Ridgway has relayed the situation on the battlefield, but it seems he hasn't given us a formal order to retreat."

The U.S. Chief of Staff looked at the telegram in his hand several times and asked in confusion.

"what?"

"They didn't give us the final order to retreat?!"

Major General William became somewhat agitated and asked with a frown.

"report!"

"General Ridgway's secret telegram!"

"To prevent a major defeat, the main force retreated to Incheon at a relatively slow pace, almost step by step, fighting and retreating at the same time."

"The general ordered us to take Seoul at all costs, and then the main force will abandon the Incheon direction and come to join us!"

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer strode in and said in a low voice.

What was the meaning behind Ridgway sending this coded telegram?

A hint of disgust flashed in Major General William's eyes as he addressed him by his name.

"I understand, General."

“If he doesn’t order the abandonment of the Seoul offensive, the blame for the retreat will fall on us. We could just be executed to appease public anger.”

"And at all costs, it means disregarding the lives of those North Korean civilians, and refusing to take responsibility for it, hence the use of such cryptic telegrams..."

"It should be noted that the direct cause of the fall of Gaoyang was the surprise attack by the Chinese Air Force."

"We lost so many fighter jets, and then we asked for more than two hundred more, but instead the Seoul Air Force went to bomb Goyang."

"Don't you think we are the natural scapegoats to absolve him of all his sins?"

The U.S. Chief of Staff clenched his fists, his face pale.

"Shit!!"

"Damn Ridgway!"

"He's not giving us a way to survive!"

After understanding all this, Major General William slammed his fist on the table in a fit of rage and roared.

"Now is not the time to be angry; the fate of thousands of men is in our hands outside."

"Please decide as soon as possible whether to launch a full-scale attack or retreat."

"Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but the worst thing is indecisiveness."

The U.S. Chief of Staff looked at Major General William and gave him a serious reminder.

How is the situation at the front?

"Do we... really have any hope of taking Seoul?"

William was already feeling somewhat insecure, and asked with a worried expression.

"The enemy forces on the other side seem to have a lot of experience in urban warfare; they are fighting extremely skillfully."

"Our soldiers were often shot down by snipers before they even saw the enemy."

"As for taking Seoul, it's impossible to do so in the current short time, unless..."

The U.S. military chief of staff hesitated before speaking.

He didn't know that Wu Wanli's system gave him a boost in street fighting; he only knew that to win, he had to be ruthless, but he was a little hesitant to say it.

“Our fates are now intertwined, so you can just say it.”

Major General William seemed to sense the other's worry and sighed.

“Using North Korean civilians as human shields, coupled with indiscriminate bombing, would definitely have a miraculous effect.”

"Compared to being blamed for retreating, going to a military court, and being executed, being vilified is acceptable."

"If we can capture Seoul, we will be American heroes, both praised and criticized!"

"We have let down the North Koreans, but we have done right by the American people!"

"The worst outcome would be being dismissed due to public pressure and transferred to a lucrative logistics department..."

The U.S. Chief of Staff leaned closer and spoke in a low voice.

"well said!"

"We have no other choice. I'd like to see if those supposedly disciplined Chinese troops dare to open fire in this situation!"

Upon hearing this, Major General William's eyes flashed with a ruthless glint.

"Sir, although the truth will eventually come out, it's best not to rush things..."

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

"I see."

“Expel them from the camp and let them retreat to a safe place.”

A flicker of annoyance crossed Major General William's eyes as he waved his hand.

"Expulsion?"

"General, shouldn't we protect their retreat?"

"just in case……"

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff paused slightly in surprise.

"If they are hit by stray bullets or accidentally injured, we can use that to smear the Chinese."

"The murders of these British, French, and American journalists will probably attract more attention than those of North Korean civilians, right?"

"This will help to reduce media attention on ordinary citizens in Seoul..."

Major General William smiled and said in a low voice.

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff felt a chill run down his spine.

It should be noted that there were Americans among the reporters; he never expected that Major General William would disregard even the safety of his own people.

"What are you standing there for? Go down and relay the orders!"

"I want to see the American flag flying over the Blue House and the Capitol in Seoul!"

Major General William's eyes turned cold, and he said in a deep voice.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the U.S. Chief of Staff immediately agreed.

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

Seoul

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

"Da da da da da da..."

"Boom! Boom..."

Gunfire erupted from all directions, dense and intense.

The U.S. military launched relentless attacks on the streets of Seoul, in units of platoons and companies.

At first, they relied on firepower and intense offensives to take over the outer streets, but the deeper they went, the more they realized something was wrong.

In their haste to attack, they had no time to clear every house, let alone identify civilians.

So often, while the US troops were still attacking, a sniper bullet would come from behind and kill a US soldier.

Or suddenly a grenade was thrown from the second floor, blowing up two American soldiers.

Under such torment, the momentum of the US military's offensive was greatly dampened.

Inside a house
Several American soldiers, guns at the ready, cautiously searched every room inside the house.

In a corner of the room, a North Korean girl named Kim Seol-yeon crouched down, crying, and looked at the American soldiers in fear.

A North Korean woman stood in front of him, but her body trembled slightly with fear. The man of the house happened to be a soldier in the 1st Division of the Capital Region, so they were all afraid that the American troops would find out something.

"Sir, we didn't find anything besides some kimchi and canned goods!"

A U.S. soldier slung his Garand rifle over his shoulder and reported.

"Kimchi and canned goods?"

"Ordinary civilians in Seoul have long since run out of food reserves, how could they possibly have any left over? They must be enemy soldiers' families!"

The U.S. Army captain frowned and strode quickly toward the North Korean woman.

"what!"

Startled, Kim Seol-yeon couldn't help but let out a scream.

"Tell me the enemy's location."

The U.S. Army captain looked at the North Korean woman and asked her harshly.

"I don't know, I'm not, I..."

The slightly plump North Korean woman waved her hands repeatedly, speaking incoherently.

"Fuck!"

The U.S. Army captain kicked the North Korean woman aside and grabbed Kim Seol-yeon.

"Tear--"

With the sound of tearing fabric, a glimpse of snow-white skin on Kim Seol-yeon's legs was revealed.

"Ah—Armani!!"

Kim Seol-yeon was terrified and screamed, trying to break free.

"If you don't tell me, don't blame me for what I'll do!"

The U.S. Army captain pulled Kim Seol-yeon back and looked at the North Korean woman with a lewd smile.

"report!"

"Sir, the Air Force has begun indiscriminate bombing to clear the way for us!"

"The higher command has ordered us to use civilians as cover while carrying out the next mission: to capture the main street!"

At that moment, an American soldier rushed in and said.

"Have the higher-ups finally come to their senses?"

"It's a waste to use him directly as a meat shield. Let me have some fun first."

The U.S. Army captain took a deep breath of Kim Seol-yeon's virgin scent and said with a smile.

"Damn it! Let go of my daughter!"

Upon seeing this, the North Korean woman rushed over with red eyes.

"boom!"

A gunshot rang out, and the North Korean woman fell to the ground, blood spurting from her chest.

"Since they can bomb indiscriminately and act as human shields, it doesn't matter if we kill them."

The U.S. Army captain snorted coldly and said disdainfully.

"Sir, our superiors are urging us urgently. Let's head to the main street as soon as possible to carry out our mission."

A U.S. soldier reminded him.

"It's alright, I'll be quick!"

The U.S. Army captain grinned lewdly, tossed his belt aside, and pounced on Kim Seol-yeon.

……

A minute later, a splash of crimson blood appeared on Kim Seol-yeon's torn pants.

"Ahhhhhh!!!"

Her eyes widened, her hair disheveled, and she screamed hoarsely, tears streaming down her face. She had transformed from an innocent young girl into a madwoman.

"One of her is still too few. We need to bring a few more meat shields and prepare to attack the main streets of Seoul."

The U.S. Army captain waved his hand dismissively, picked up his gun, and walked outside whistling.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the American soldiers immediately agreed.

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

The main street of Seoul, in the barricades

"You've worked hard. I've written down the names of those who sacrificed their lives and those who made meritorious contributions. I guarantee you'll receive the treatment you deserve."

"I have sent the family members who have been found to relatively safe areas in the rear, so you don't need to worry."

Looking at the densely packed American corpses outside, Wu Wanli spoke to a South Korean soldier in Korean.

"Thank you, Wukakasmida!"

A South Korean soldier, moved by Wu Wanli's personal visit, responded with gratitude.

Previously, the US military treated them as cannon fodder; once they died, they were gone, and there was no special treatment for them.

Not to mention the US military commanders coming to comfort these cannon fodder.

"Commander-in-Chief Kaka, the US military is now in a frenzy and has begun indiscriminate bombing."

"Moreover, we have just repelled a US offensive, and the US could launch a new offensive at any time."

"It's still too dangerous for you to stay here, perhaps you should..."

"That's what Quan Douguang said, who was accompanying him."

"It's alright. If the soldiers on the front lines aren't afraid, why should I be?"

“There is an ethnic group in China called the Korean ethnic group. They migrated to Northeast China in 1869, and many of them have become native Chinese.”

"You...can also be Chinese!"

Wu Wanli looked at the group of South Korean soldiers and said with a smile in Korean.

The South Korean soldiers' eyes immediately turned to Wu Wanli, their hearts instantly filled with fervor.

No matter how good Wu Wanli was to them before, would they only need them now and then abandon them later?

But now, this guarantee instantly made them feel completely convinced.

The Chinese People's Volunteer Army instructors who were in the Korean uprising troops below were all shocked when they heard this.

This statement is more effective than a year of intensive ideological education!
"Of course, not everyone can."

"China has only great warriors who fight to the death, not cowardly soldiers who retreat and surrender!"

"Anyone who deserts or surrenders will be shot!"

After giving the peaches, Wu Wanli's eyes instantly turned icy cold, and he said sternly.

"Don't worry, Wu Kaka, I'll personally lead the military police to oversee this. Anyone who retreats will be killed without mercy!"

"Did you all hear that?!"

Upon hearing this, Quan Douguang immediately expressed his opinion.

Upon hearing this, almost all the South Korean soldiers nodded solemnly, still feeling delighted.

Before, when they were dogs or cannon fodder, of course they would run away. Now that they can be human or heroes, and even if their families die, they can still benefit, so they are willing to risk it all.

Wu Wanli looked at these people and nodded with satisfaction.

Having such a force is not just for their combat effectiveness.

Furthermore, expanding behind enemy lines, recruiting soldiers locally, and even building a strong grassroots base would all be highly beneficial.

But in the crowd, Kim Sung-woo, a South Korean military officer with a worried look on his face, caught Wu Wanli's attention.

Takeshi Kaneshiro was seen holding the red cloth in his hand, staring blankly at it.

"What's wrong? You don't seem to be feeling well?"

Wu Wanli looked at Takeshi Kaneshiro and asked with concern.

"Report, Wu Kaka!"

"I...I'm worried about my sister and my mother!"

“This red cloth was given to me by my younger sister, Jin Xueyan. I still remember the last things she said to me.”

He said, "Oppa, cover your stomach with the red cloth, especially your belly button, otherwise you'll easily catch a cold..."

As Takeshi Kaneshiro spoke, his eyes reddened, and tears instantly streamed down his face.

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli's heart trembled.

In his previous life, his family had told him to cover himself well with a blanket, especially around his navel, otherwise he would easily catch a cold.

This kind of ordinary concern is most likely to resonate with people. When Han Jun, whose family members had not yet been evacuated, heard this, a hint of worry flashed in his eyes.

"Commander-in-Chief, the situation in Seoul is too urgent, and we are unable to complete the transfer of all military personnel and their families."

Seeing this, the prehistoric creature whispered something in Wu Wanli's ear.

"report!"

"Commander-in-chief, a large number of American troops are advancing from a distance, and..."

At this moment, Pinghe hurried over, hesitated for a moment, and handed the binoculars to Wu Wanli.

"And what?"

Wu Wanli raised his binoculars and saw a large number of Seoul civilians being driven towards the front lines by American troops, clearly being used as human shields by the Americans!

Before long, the other Han uprising soldiers also saw what was happening, and they stared wide-eyed at the scene in disbelief.

The previous restraint shown by the US military led them to believe that these situations wouldn't occur, but now...

Takeshi Kaneshiro raised his binoculars and just then saw Kim Seol-yeon, her clothes torn and her hair disheveled, clutching her leg and limping as she was driven away by the American soldiers.

"Yukiken!!!"

Takeshi Kaneshiro's eyes burned with rage. He stood up abruptly, roaring with all his might, before being tackled to the ground.

"Bang! Bang! Bang..."

"Ta-ta-ta! Ta-ta-ta!"

In the distance, American troops, using civilians as cover, fired wildly at the positions.

A volunteer army instructor looked at the civilians, unable to bring himself to fire, but was unable to dodge in time and was shot and fell to the ground.

"Commander-in-Chief Kaka, the American troops are getting closer and closer. They'll be on the defensive soon, and our casualties will only increase..."

"Should we...fire or not?"

Quan Douguang leaned close to Wu Wanli's ear and asked in a low voice.

(End of this chapter)