Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 251 We can't just give Wu Wanli the title of brigade commander! Let Wu Wanli establish a MiG fighter jet production line!

Seoul, Zhisi

"Comrade, I can tell you with certainty that the US aircraft carrier fleet has arrived in the waters off the Korean Peninsula."

"I believe it won't be long before they launch the Inchon Landing!"

"This intelligence was painstakingly transmitted by our Soviet agents on the US aircraft carrier fleet."

"You need to be prepared to defend against this."

"That's what Soviet advisor Ivan said."

"Is the US military really going to land at Inchon?"

"Then why did they wait until the US 5th Division was encircled and annihilated before launching a surprise landing?"

Upon hearing this, Chief Chen was filled with a sense of utter shock.

"If it weren't for Wu Wanli's risky raid on Lizhou, and if they had attacked according to their planned strategy, the US 5th Division would never have been encircled and annihilated."

"Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Regiment was the biggest variable in their plan."

The boss paused for a few seconds, thought it through, and then spoke.

"Comrade, your comrade Wu Wanli is indeed very brave."

"But by advancing as far as Lizhou, he actually fell into the trap set by the American forces."

"Fortunately, we had high-ranking Soviet agents; otherwise, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army might have been annihilated."

"Let's quickly prepare for defense. Although it's a bit rushed to turn the tide now, and we haven't built any fortifications in advance, we can still hold out by filling in with troops."

While Ivan was anxious, he also smiled smugly as he spoke.

He didn't mean any harm, but he did have an arrogant feeling that we, as the older brother, were helping you younger brothers.

But Ivan didn't think it was rude. In his view, everyone in the world except the US and the USSR was the same, and there was no discrimination.

"Comrade Ivan, even without Soviet agents, I'm afraid my Volunteer Army would not have been in any trouble."

"The reckless general Wu Wanli you mentioned has already deployed defenses in Incheon. This is the latest deployment map he sent."

Commander Chen handed the deployment map to Ivan with a smile, neither humble nor arrogant.

"South Heavenly Gate defensive fortifications..."

After taking one look, Ivan was immediately struck by the defensive fortifications on Songak Mountain in the picture.

It wasn't because the construction was so good, but because the formation of such complex fortifications meant that Wu Wanli realized the threat of the Inchon landing earlier than Soviet agents!

"My goodness, China is truly full of talented people, especially a Chinese general named Wu Wanli!"

"He has such foresight and vision; if only our Soviet Union had another general like him..."

Ivan exclaimed in admiration.

"Comrade Ivan, did your Soviet agents only know about the Inchon Landing?"

"What are the unit designations, firepower configurations, attack plans, and troop numbers of the US forces landing there?"

"If we inform the Incheon front in advance after learning about it, it may be beneficial to the battle situation."

The boss immediately asked.

"The U.S. Army's 1st Division, which is preparing to land, has about 30,000 troops and consists of three brigades."

"We don't know the specific attack plan. Our senior agents are mainly naval personnel who have infiltrated aircraft carriers and cruisers."

"The army also has it, but the security clearance for this offensive plan is very high, and our people haven't gotten it yet."

Ivan said.

"It's alright, this is enough."

"Old Chen, immediately send a telegram to Wu Wanli about this situation."

“Tell him that he just needs to hold off the American troops and doesn’t need to feel pressured to kill them.”

"Once Ding Wei's 12th Army arrives, the main force can retreat."

The boss thought for a moment, then waved his hand and said.

"Comrade, perhaps it would be good to put some pressure on Wu Wanli to kill the enemy."

"In fact, after learning about the US Inchon landing, our Soviet leadership attached great importance to it."

"Because this US Army 1st Division was an important armed force that confronted and deterred us in Western Europe, it is now rare for them to be deployed to the Korean battlefield."

"If you can annihilate this US Army 1st Division, we can hand over the production line of the outdated MiG fighter jets to you."

"As long as you agree, we can complete the laying ahead of schedule for you."

"But if you promise it but don't deliver, you'll have to pay for a lot of grain to buy this production line."

"You should think about this carefully. The opportunity to launch a major power's air force is not easy."

Ivan said with a smile.

"A major power's air force..."

The boss was suddenly jolted, and a glint of desire flashed in his eyes.

If the new China had also had a powerful air force, the operations of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army would not have been so limited, and so many people would not have died.

Moreover, I still vividly remember the pain of having to fly twice during that year's ceremony due to the scarcity of fighter jets.

"Boss, we need to consider Wanli's actual situation!"

"His only truly elite force is the Seventh Steel Regiment!"

"The combat capabilities of the New Eighth Army and the Ninth Division of the Korean War are worlds apart from those of the US Army!"

"We can't just force such a promising general to his death, can we?"

Upon seeing this, Chief Chen quickly leaned close to the general's ear and said something.

"He was the one who seized a batch of US warplanes in Hagaru-ri, which strengthened our air force."

"He was really risking his life back then. He even rushed into the airport with a gun in hand for those fighter jets."

"To be honest, I didn't want to put so much pressure on him, but you understand what the MiG fighter jet production line meant to the new China."

The boss said, his mind filled with conflicting emotions.

"Boss, at most we can have Wu Wanli severely cripple the US 1st Infantry Division. Killing more than half of them would be a miracle."

"Leave the rest to Ding Wei's 12th Army."

“If they can’t even defeat half a remnant division, then Wu Wanli can take the leadership of the 12th Army.”

"Chief Chen said."

"Comrade-in-Chief, have you reached an agreement?"

Ivan asked.

"Apart from the large-scale purchase of grain which requires approval, we can grant you all other requests."

After thinking for a moment, the boss said firmly.

"Hahahaha...No problem!"

"I believe you will agree. I will report this to the higher-ups and coordinate the delivery of the MiG production line."

"However, I must remind you that you may need to purchase a lot of grain for the production line, so it's best to prepare in advance."

Ivan said with a smile.

"Comrade Ivan, do you think we can't do it?"

The boss frowned slightly and said.

"Just in case..."

"The exact amount of grain is not something I can decide; it needs to be discussed in detail, and that's a matter between our two sides."

"Don't hold a grudge against me, Comrade. Respect is earned on the battlefield."

"If you win, we will not want anything."

Ivan smiled and walked out proudly.

"Boss, you've heard about Ding Wei's arguments on national defense, haven't you?"

Commander Chen looked at the retreating figure of the Soviet advisor in the distance and asked.

"I've heard that. Ding Wei is indeed a strategic talent, but given the current situation with the Soviet Union, we should still tell him to be careful with his words."

"Eh……"

"He's right, respect is earned on the battlefield!"

"While we, the founding soldiers of New China, are still here, let's fight desperately and fiercely!"

"Strive to earn respect and peace for ten, twenty, or even a hundred years!"

"The children should just study hard and learn about international conventions and the concept of peace."

"Only with the military might we have earned through bloodshed and sacrifice will the children's talk of peace be taken seriously."

The boss took a deep breath and said with a firm look in his eyes.

"I'll go send a telegram to Wanli right now. I hope he can really do it!"

"However, given such a heavy responsibility, isn't it too low to promote Comrade Wu Wanli to brigade commander after the war, a position that would allow him to manage seven or eight thousand soldiers?"

"That was the MiG fighter jet production line, the starting point of the new China's dream of becoming a great power air force!"

"Chief Chen said."

"Let's see if he can really annihilate more than half of the US Army's 1st Division. If he can really win, of course he won't just give him an 8,000-man brigade."

"You can send him a formal telegram saying that after winning the battle, he will receive more than just the position of brigade commander!"

"But if we lose, we won't even get the brigade commander!"

"Of course, he can choose to keep his promotion to brigade commander, then he won't need to have any missions to kill enemies, and Ding Wei can handle it."

The boss thought for a moment and then said.

"But sir, what will happen to the 38th and 50th Armies on the southern defense line of the Han River without the support of Ding Wei's 13th Army...?"

Upon hearing this, Chief Chen asked.

"Order Li Yunlong to stop sleeping soundly at Eagle's Nest Ridge!"

"Break through and get back to help defend the southern line of defense!"

"In addition, we will have the 40th Army and other units on the eastern front launch a feint attack on the UN forces from the flanks to put pressure on them and tie down the UN forces."

The boss thought for a moment and said, "Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Chief Chen immediately agreed.

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

Soviet Union, inside the Kremlin
"They agreed, so it seems the MiG fighter jet production line is still very attractive to them."

"However, the 1st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army is even more terrifying than the 1st Marine Division. It is a super-enhanced division with three brigades under its command."

"Even if they reduce the enemy by half, there are still 15,000 targets to kill. Can that Chinese general named Wu Wanli really win?"

Foreign Minister Molotov frowned.

"This is not something we need to consider, but rather something that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army will have a headache about."

"That Chinese man named Wu Wanli is interesting; he always manages to win miraculous battles."

"Stallin said."

"Do we really want to deliver the MiG production line ahead of schedule?"

"If they really win, they won't have to pay any purchase price at all."

"Their army has already proven its strength. If they have a production line, their air force, as a major power, will probably also begin to develop rapidly."

Molotov said with some heartache.

"Comrade, do you know who our main enemy is right now?"

"The MiG fighter jet production line we provided was only an outdated version, not the most advanced one."

"Besides, their bloodshed and sacrifice on the battlefield are also a price to pay. If they can really win, it will be in our national interest."

"As long as the US keeps bleeding, oh no... I heard that Wu Wanli has also annihilated quite a few French and British troops, right?"

"As long as it keeps the American and Western European armies bleeding, I'll give up not only MiG fighter jet production lines, but also other weapons, artillery, and even heavy industrial technology!"

"China's foundation is too weak. No matter how much it grows, it can't compare to the threat posed by the United States."

"Stalin took a puff of his pipe and said."

"Indeed, the United States, as the leader of the capitalist camp, took the lead in fighting against us, the second-largest member of the red camp. This move was a strategic mistake."

"If we can keep them weakening their national strength, we can win without a fight!"

"As for other military production lines and technologies, we'll see how much the Chinese can bleed the United States dry."

Molotov thought for a moment and then nodded.

"From now on, let's follow this strategy with China. They will provide corresponding aid, rewards, and support based on the amount of damage they cause to the United States."

Stalin thought for a moment and then said.

"In that case, China's national strength will probably only grow stronger with each battle..."

Molotov said.

"If it's strong, then so be it. The United States has powerful allies like Britain and France, but we seem a bit lonely. We do need another ally to stand up for us."

"As for what happens next, I believe we are strong enough to control the situation."

"Go ahead and fight, beat the US to a pulp, and China's national strength will grow faster and faster..."

Stalin smiled and looked in the direction of China as he spoke.

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

United States, White House

"How could the situation in the Korean War have deteriorated to this extent? How did Ridgway manage to fight like this?"

Truman looked at the battle report, frowned, and asked.

"Mr. President, Ridgway's strategy was originally sound."

"If we fight a normal battle, the Inchon Landing would cut off the main Chinese army's retreat route, allowing them to reap the rewards."

"But that Chinese general named Wu Wanli fought too boldly, creating the conditions to encircle and annihilate the US Fifth Division, and later captured Chipyong-ni."

"It can be said that the biggest variable is Wu Wanli and his troops."

Secretary of State Acheson said.

To be honest, it can't really be said that Wu Wanli was the one who caused the damage; it was just that Li Qiwei deliberately reported it that way to shirk responsibility.

"I don't care what happens ahead, but the Inchon landing plan can't wait any longer. Have Ridgway order the 1st Incheon Division to storm that damn Inchon."

"China and the Soviet Union both knew about it, and even reached a betting agreement to give MiG fighter jet production lines."

Look at this!!!

"Did you know that their agreement involved betting on whether one of our most elite units, the U.S. Army's 1st Infantry Division, would be wiped out?!"

"Damn it, since when did China dare to put America on the table?!"

Truman threw the latest intelligence intercepted by the spies in Ridgway's face and roared angrily.

"what?!"

"Damn Chinese, how dare they?!"

Acheson quickly took a look and immediately flew into a rage.

"Beat them! Beat them hard!!!"

“Tell Thomas of the 1st Infantry Division that as long as he can win this crucial battle, and at the same time annihilate that damned 7th Steel Regiment and kill that Wu Wanli.”

"I'll let Ridgway sit in his place!!!"

Truman frowned and said with a hint of anger.

"Sir, we can't let Ridgway know about this. I'll send it via coded telegram."

"However, we shouldn't add anything about annihilating the 7th Steel Regiment. After all, the strategic focus is on taking Incheon and then heading straight for Seoul."

"Only in this way can we truly cut off the retreat route of the main force of the Chinese army."

"Otherwise, I worry that he will waste time in order to advance his own position."

Upon hearing this, Atchison quickly offered a reminder.

"Well, you're right."

“Then let’s do as you say. As long as we take Seoul and Incheon and cut off the Chinese army’s retreat, I will keep him in Ridgway’s position. Send it in the form of a secret telegram.”

Truman thought for a moment, then waved his hand.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, Acheson immediately agreed.

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

United Nations Command

"Reporting to the General, Li Yunlong has led the main force of the Chinese 27th Army to break through and return to the southern defense line of the Han River!!!"

Chief of Staff Van Fleet rushed over and said.

"what?!"

"Is the 1st Cavalry Division just sitting around doing nothing?!"

"Now is the crucial moment to break through the Chinese defense line south of the Han River. How can we allow the Chinese 27th Army to break through and retreat!"

"Once they returned, the already weakened Chinese 38th and 50th Armies received reinforcements and were able to continue holding on."

Upon hearing this, Li Qiwei immediately widened his eyes and roared.

"Sir, the Chinese army on the eastern front is launching a fierce attack on our right flank."

"Freeman's Provisional First Division is about to lose its hold on the eastern gateway to Red Cloud Canyon and has no choice but to request reinforcements from the First Cavalry Division."

"The 1st Cavalry Division transferred a batch of troops to provide support overnight, and the Chinese 27th Army took advantage of this opportunity to break out."

"Our troops suffered heavy losses and were powerless to stop them. We had no choice but to let them fight their way back."

Chief of Staff Van Fleet sighed and said.

"Damn it, the Chinese army's eastern front troops actually tried to bypass the encirclement and annihilation by attacking from the rear, but instead launched a direct attack from the flank. It seems they have figured something out."

"Well, that's enough fighting for now."

"At least their supplies are almost exhausted, and they have penetrated quite deep into the eastern front, so turning back won't be so easy."

Li Qiwei looked at the battle map and murmured to himself.

"General, President Truman has sent a telegram expressing his dissatisfaction with the situation we have created."

"And he issued a stern order for the U.S. 1st Infantry Division to immediately execute the Inchon Landing Plan, without waiting any longer."

Chief of Staff Van Fleet handed a telegram to Ridgway and said.

"What does a president know about military affairs?"

"I endured for so long to achieve this situation. Without the initial offensive and luring of the Chinese army, the conditions for the Inchon Landing would not have been ripe at all."

Upon seeing the telegram, Ridgway immediately cursed in displeasure.

In his view, he had endured humiliation and hardship, and it was finally time to reap the rewards.

But when Truman sent this telegram, it made it seem as if all the initial losses were his responsibility, and the credit for the Inchon Landing was to be his.

“Sir, the military serves politics. Perhaps the president does need this military achievement as a record of his success.”

"Let's just give in to him, otherwise he has too many ways to mess with us."

"Moreover, the Inchon landing assault may not be successful. According to our intelligence, the Chinese 7th Steel Regiment has already arrived in Inchon and deployed its defenses."

"They were accompanied by North Korean troops and the New Eighth Army, but the South Koreans' fighting ability was not up to par, so let's not talk about it."

"Chief of Staff Van Fleet said."

"Hahahahahaha..."

"Does Wu Wanli really think of himself as a Chinese hero who saved the day?"

"There's only one regiment that can fight. If the Steel Seventh Regiment is wiped out, the remaining Koreans will probably just flee in disarray, right?"

"Telegram: Carrier fleet, immediately coordinate with the 1st Army Division to launch an amphibious assault!!!"

Li Qiwei looked at the contents of the intelligence report and snorted coldly.

"Yes, sir!!!"

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Van Fleet quickly agreed.

(End of this chapter)