Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 279: If China wins this battle, it can establish an independent and complete fleet!

Soviet Union, Moscow, Kremlin

It was a winter night, and the firewood in the fireplace crackled, but it couldn't dispel the bone-chilling cold that even the heavy heating curtains couldn't block.

Stalin, with a pipe dangling from his lips, watched the embers flicker as the tobacco burned slowly.

The heavy battle report lay spread out on the table, the letters under the light seeming to carry the scent of gunpowder.

Molotov sat opposite him, his gaze behind his gold-rimmed glasses repeatedly sweeping over several key passages, especially those concerning the Battle of Incheon and the Battle of Songaksan.

"The battle reports coming from the Far East front are simply...unbelievable."

"The Chinese military is incredibly powerful!"

He put down the battle report and exclaimed in amazement.

"Tell me in detail what earth-shattering things China's young heroes have done this time."
Stalin raised his eyes from beneath his thick eyebrows, moved his pipe away from his mouth, and exhaled a thick cloud of smoke.

His voice was low and calm, revealing little emotion.

But Molotov knew that Stalin's attention had been firmly locked on.

"A young hero?"

"Yes, that's a very apt description."

"After he led a Chinese infantry regiment to capture Incheon Port, he seized the USS Enterprise, the most powerful aircraft carrier in the US Navy, and the symbolic USS Missouri battleship!"

"Not only that, on land, they were like a sharp knife piercing the heart of the US military!"

"A massive fire on Songyue Mountain almost destroyed the elite forces of the U.S. Army's 1st Division, and even the U.S. Army's lieutenant general commander became a prisoner!"

"Just recently, their fleet was flying red flags and receiving cheers from thousands of people in Chinese coastal ports, while the Americans were shocked and humiliated!"

"Just think of those two giant ships, the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier and the USS Missouri battleship!"

"That was the pinnacle of US naval technology, and its value is immeasurable."

"Whether from the perspective of military value or strategic deterrence, this represents a qualitative leap for the navy's power!"

"Our Soviet Union not only supported their air force in the great battle in the Yellow Sea, but also provided crucial equipment assistance and vital strategic intelligence support over a long period of time."

"The Soviet Union committed too much substantial force to the Korean War."

"Now, isn't it a responsible approach to let them hand over those two ships to the rightful owners who can truly exert their deterrent power?"

Molotov's lips curled up slightly, and he paused, his tone shifting to one of burning desire.

After these words, the room fell into a brief silence, broken only by the faint sound of burning tobacco and Molotov's somewhat rapid breathing.

Stalin put his pipe back in his mouth, took a deep drag, and then slowly exhaled.

Amidst the swirling smoke, he let out an undisguised sneer, even tinged with a slight mockery.

"You..."

Stalin stood up, walked to the huge window, turned his back to Molotov, and looked out at the cold starlight on the outline of the Kremlin's high walls.

"Two mere US warships have fooled you so much that you can only see what's right in front of you?"

"Is our scope limited to steel production with a displacement of tens of thousands of tons?"

What is truly of strategic significance?

"It's a longwave radio station!"

"It's the Sino-Soviet joint fleet that can enter Lushun Port!"

"It is a steel harbor that will never sink in the heart of the Far East!"

"May the flag of the Red Navy fly forever in the skies over the western Pacific!"

"This is what you call a long-term plan!"

Stalin turned around abruptly as he spoke, his pipe tracing a short arc in the air.

His voice wasn't loud, but every word struck Molotov's heart like a hammer blow.

Molotov was stunned, his pupils behind his glasses dilating slightly.

Combined fleet, long-wave radio stations...

These are all strategic ideas that were proposed to China in the past but were politely declined.

"But...China highly values ​​independence and autonomy."

"How could they possibly agree to such an arrangement that concerns sovereignty?"

“We made a similar proposal in a roundabout way last time, but the Chinese ignored it completely.”

Molotov said.

"It is precisely because it did not work out last time that we need to create an 'opportunity'."

"Just reach out and ask?"

"That's not a solution, that's international thugs!"

"It will make the whole world laugh at our communist camp."

"Eat properly!"

"Especially for a country that has just proven its military capabilities and is being ignited by national pride."

"Forced acquisition should be transformed into a fair transaction based on mutual consent."

"At least, that's how it should appear on the surface."

“Design an ‘impossible mission’ for them.”

"Remember, the goal should be high enough, the time should be tight enough, and it's best to aim for a point that is outside their current strength limit."

"Ideally, it should be military targets on the Korean battlefield, as these are easier to quantify, less likely to cause disputes, and can also strike at U.S. military power."

"If we succeed, we'll reward you generously; if we fail..."

"It is time for them to 'voluntarily' 'compensate' for the contributions of their ally, the Soviet Union, in other ways."

Stalin's eyes gleamed coldly behind the smoke as he sat back in his high-backed chair, a cruel smile playing on his lips.

Military targets on the Korean battlefield?

"Now the Chinese People's Volunteer Army is retreating across the board, and the North Korean troops are withdrawing and returning to their defensive positions."

"Only a few elite blocking units are still undertaking the task of covering the rear, and the fighting is extremely arduous."

"At a time like this, we can't force them to launch a preemptive attack on a heavily armed group..."

Molotov's train of thought was instantly understood, and he almost immediately responded.

"This is the time!"

"Our target is there—Suwon!"

"That's the logistical heart of the US military's western front!"

"The air force base and the cluster of supply depots are all there!"

"They must capture Suwon Castle within thirty days!"

"At the same time, we must annihilate more than 10,000 enemy troops!"

"To show we're not being too demanding, Suwon Castle only needs to be captured; there's no need to defend it!"

Stalin nodded in satisfaction, a glint of light flashing in his eyes. He then pointed sharply at the Suwon marker on a map showing the deployment of US and South Korean troops.

Molotov quickly calculated in his mind that within thirty days, he would shift from a defensive posture to a counter-offensive, capture and seize bases with strong fortifications and reserve reinforcements, and annihilate tens of thousands of American troops...

This is practically a death order!
"China has always been an ally of the red camp; what we really want to weaken is the United States."

"If they can really fight like this and make the United States bleed so much, it is also in our national interest."

"Moreover, the fact that such results could be achieved with blocking forces shows that the Chinese army has reached the world's top level of combat capability."

"Only a China with such military strength is worthy of talking about independence and autonomy with the Soviet Union."

"The Soviet Union will no longer provoke China's independence and autonomy. On the contrary, we can increase investment and let them help us continue fighting against the United States!"

"Isn't it a good thing that we can sit back and watch the US military weaken and waste its national strength?"

"As long as China can win, the Soviet Union can help China build the framework of a complete and independent fleet."

"From two isolated ships, one aircraft carrier and one battleship, to a true fleet consisting of aircraft carriers, battleships, cruisers, destroyers, and submarines!"

"Is this prize big enough?"

"Public opinion will only see the Soviet Union's 'generous aid' and the Chinese comrades' 'extraordinary efforts,' and everything will seem prosperous!"

"Of course, don't give them the most advanced version directly. Just give them the outdated version, one cruiser and four destroyers!"

"Provide aid gradually, not too much at once, so that China and the United States can fight for a longer period of time."

Stalin seemed to have anticipated this question, and spoke with a generous tone, as if bestowing a favor.

"If China refuses to accept this international mission, their attitude at the negotiating table will likely be very tough."

Molotov's voice lowered, and he pushed up his glasses—a subtle gesture he made when asking the core question.

"Then let's settle for second best!"

"The aircraft carrier Enterprise and the battleship Missouri must belong to the Soviet Union."

"This is a reasonable compensation for the Soviet Union's contribution of personnel, resources, aircraft, and intelligence to help them achieve an 'unprecedented victory' on the Korean battlefield."

“We don’t even need them to be driven away during the war; they can be secretly transferred after the war.”

"This is the bottom line. I think this is lenient enough towards China!"

The last trace of warmth vanished from Stalin's face, and his eyes, sharp as a hawk's, emerged from the smoke as he spoke coldly.

In an instant, a chilling cold seemed to creep up the carpet onto the back of my feet.

Molotov felt his Adam's apple bob as he fully understood Stalin's plan.

An opportunity that seemed tempting but led to a precipice, and a way out that would put the Soviet Union in a favorable position no matter what the outcome.

Ultimately, they will either gain the long-desired strategic foothold in the Far East, or they will acquire those two giant ships that symbolize China's emerging power.

Either deal a heavy blow to the United States, the Soviet Union's biggest enemy, and see an opportunity to support China in continuing to bleed the United States.

"Understood. I will immediately begin preparing the proposal documents and relevant negotiation authorizations!"

"The cooperative proposal to capture Suwon and annihilate 10,000 enemy troops within 30 days, along with other plans, were clearly and accurately conveyed to the Chinese comrades."

"But is it really only China that needs to conquer it?"

"If the Chinese conquered it in a very short time, and then left after the battle, does that count?"

Molotov straightened his back, his gaze regaining its composure and determination as he asked.

"Calculate!"

"Let's see where Suwon is located!"

"It's already part of the UN forces' rear logistics base and largest air force base!"

"Even if the Chinese only fought for an hour, it would be enough to destroy these things, so why doesn't that count?"

Stalin took a puff of his pipe and said.

"Yes!"

"This proposal will greatly inspire the fighting spirit of our friends on the front lines in Korea."

"Of course, based on past experience, the one responsible for such a major assault should be that young Chinese hero Wu Wanli and his Seventh Steel Brigade."

"Hopefully they won't be completely wiped out by the US military, otherwise it would be such a pity."

Molotov said.

Stalin nodded slightly, said nothing more, and simply turned his gaze back to the deep winter night outside the window.

Molotov understood that the conversation was over.

He silently gathered the documents on the table, his footsteps disappearing into the thick carpet outside the door, leaving only the cigar smoke and the cold, silent power struggles within the Kremlin.

The war on that distant peninsula on the map has now been weighed down by an invisible hand, with a new and heavy weight added before the fireplace in Moscow.

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

Beijing, Special Meeting

A heater dispelled some of the winter chill in the reception room, but the atmosphere was somewhat somber.

Amidst the wafting aroma of tea, Secretary-General Wang's face remained impassive, his fingers unconsciously tracing the rim of the purple clay teacup, as if drawing upon its warm essence.

Sitting opposite him was Comrade Vladimir, the Soviet representative.

He always liked to emphasize class friendship, with a seemingly friendly smile on his face, but his eyes were like the Siberian taiga in winter, hiding a deep and subtle calculation.

"Secretary-General Wang, our government greatly admires the bravery of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers on the front lines!"

"Comrade Wu Wanli, in particular, has simply created a military miracle!"

"The capture of the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and the battleship USS Missouri is a heavy blow to American imperialism and a cause for celebration among peace-loving people all over the world!"

Soviet representative Vladimir took a sip of black tea and spoke in perfect pronunciation.

"This is the result of the joint efforts and bloody battles fought by all the officers and soldiers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army and the Korean People's Army, and it is also inseparable from the valuable support of the great Soviet comrades in terms of equipment and morality."

Secretary-General Wang maintained a diplomatic smile, attributing the credit to the collective and mutual cooperation, speaking with neither arrogance nor servility.

"It was precisely because of our shared revolutionary friendship and the unity of the communist camp..."

"Moscow believes that in order to better consolidate these strategic assets and maximize their effectiveness against the US imperialist bloc, it is necessary to..."

"Perhaps your country could reconsider our previous proposals regarding a joint fleet and the establishment of longwave radio stations in the Far East?"

"Such powerful warships, especially the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, require a strong and stable platform for operation and maintenance."

Vladimir changed the subject, his smile unchanged, but his tone lowered slightly as he spoke.

The air seemed to freeze for a moment after those words were spoken.

Upon hearing this, a sharp glint flashed in Secretary-General Wang's eyes, which he quickly concealed.

"Comrade Vladimir, I have read your proposal regarding the joint fleet and longwave radio station, and our Party Central Committee has already given a clear response on this matter."

"These two arrangements are unacceptable in order to safeguard China's sovereignty and independence."

"The Chinese people have experienced hardship and deeply understand the significance of independence and self-reliance."

"This is our bottom line, and it is not open to negotiation."

He put down his teacup and spoke in a steady yet unwavering voice.

"Independence and self-reliance..."

"Comrade-in-Chief, independence and self-reliance are certainly a noble goal!"

“But great goals are never achieved by… well, by talking or by giving alms.”

A barely perceptible hint of contempt flashed across Vladimir's eyes as he spoke.

He pronounced the word "charity" very lightly, yet it pierced the listener's nerves like a cold needle.

Secretary-General Wang's knuckles turned slightly white. In an instant, his mind flashed back to a series of humiliating treaties that had ceded sovereignty and national dignity since modern times, and the humiliating years of being at the mercy of others.

"Independence and self-reliance are not something that can be given as charity..."

These words struck Secretary-General Wang like a hammer blow, a painful reminder of the deep-seated national humiliation.

However, years of self-cultivation meant that his Adam's apple bobbed slightly as he took a deep breath and forcefully suppressed the surging emotions.

"Independence and self-reliance..."

"These are the precious principles that our countless martyrs bought with their blood and lives, and they are also the foundation upon which the new China stands tall among the nations of the world."

"It doesn't need anyone's approval; we will definitely stick to it."

Secretary-General Wang spoke again, his voice deeper and more powerful, carrying a sense of historical vicissitude.

“Commendable courage, Comrade.”

"Then, Moscow has another proposal, a 'test' that better reflects your country's independence and autonomy."

Vladimir leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping lightly on the armrest of the sofa, the rhythm carrying a condescending, scrutinizing air.

He paused deliberately for a few seconds to create pressure.

"Since your country emphasizes its strength and believes that it can independently manage such strategic assets, then let's verify it."

"If China is truly capable of independence and self-reliance, rather than simply relying on... international aid."

"Then let your army prove itself on the battlefield!"

“Thirty days—yes, starting today.” He leaned forward slightly, his eyes fixed on Secretary-General Wang, and threw out a trap carefully designed by Stalin.

"If the Chinese People's Volunteer Army can capture Suwon, the core logistics base of the US forces on the western front, within thirty days, and annihilate at least 10,000 US troops there!"

"So, the Soviet Union not only never mentioned the Joint Fleet and the longwave radio station, but also didn't take a single thing from those two American warships!"

"Furthermore, we will also 'free of charge' gift your country an advanced 'Sverdlov'-class cruiser and four brand-new destroyers!"

"This is equivalent to helping China build the framework of a navy fleet that truly belongs to itself and has initial combat capabilities!"

"Isn't this a more practical form of aid than an aircraft carrier that is difficult to maintain and might be locked down in coastal waters?"

"This is true, equal cooperation between socialist countries with backbone!"

"Of course, if you refuse this opportunity to prove your abilities, or... if you fail to conquer Suwon in thirty days, then I'm sorry."

"Please tone down your high-profile stance on independence and autonomy. I understand your reluctance to join forces with the fleet."

"But it is a necessary price to pay for the 'contribution' of the red camp and to maintain unity."

"The precious aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and the historically significant battleship USS Missouri must be handed over to the Soviet Union after the war."

"That makes perfect sense, doesn't it?"

"We can't let our valuable strategic assets sit idle and go to waste."

Vladimir glanced at his Soviet-made watch and continued smiling.

Upon hearing this, Secretary-General Wang's emotions were in turmoil.

He was furious at the other party's blatant coercion and enticement, and the undisguised contempt in their words.

Test, verify, prove ability...

It was as if the new China needed to prove to the Soviet Union that it deserved the title of "independent and self-reliant".

The impact lies in the fact that the other side precisely targeted the "naval dream" and the need to maintain independence and autonomy.

Stalin's "conditions for victory" precisely met the most realistic needs of the Chinese navy's development.

Even more urgent is the thirty-day countdown that's being ticked down!
Vladimir's words, "Independence and self-reliance are not something that can be given as charity," resonated once again in Secretary-General Wang's mind.

This is not only a provocation, but also a reminder: dignity and status are earned through strength!

However, such a significant military decision and political condition could not be made on the spot by him.

He needed time to report to the Central Committee and the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, which was far away on the front lines in Korea.

All the emotional fluctuations on Secretary Wang's face eventually turned into a deep, still calm.

"Comrade Vladimir, the 'test' you have put forward is of great importance and exceeds the scope of authorization for this meeting."

"This concerns the military deployment on the front lines in North Korea, and even the entire battlefield situation and the lives of millions of soldiers."

"I must report to the Central Committee immediately and seek the opinion of the Headquarters of the Volunteer Army."

"We cannot make any promises or responses without receiving instructions."

He picked up his teacup, gently blew away any non-existent foam, and slowly began to speak.

Each word is clear, steady, and contains immense power.

"Hehe, of course, of course."

"Prudence is a virtue, Comrade, we fully understand."

Vladimir smiled generously, stood up, and extended his hand.

Secretary-General Wang also stood up and shook hands with him politely.

"but……"

"The thirty-day period officially begins from this moment."

"Time waits for no one, and war waits for no one. Please coordinate as soon as possible..."

"Perhaps your young commander on the front lines, Wu Wanli, can continue his legend."

As Vladimir reached the door, he suddenly stopped and turned back to add.

After saying that, he nodded slightly, turned around and strode away, the sound of his thick leather boots hitting the floor being particularly clear.

Secretary-General Wang was left standing alone inside the room, the winter sunlight outside the window pale and weak.

On the coffee table, beside the still-warm cup of black tea, the chilling calculations and tests seemed to echo beneath the Soviet representative's affectionate address of "comrade-in-arms."

The only remaining pressure in the air was invisible pressure—thirty days, Suwon City, tens of thousands of American troops.

Secretary-General Wang took a deep breath and picked up the secure phone on the table.

He knew all too well that a silent battle concerning national dignity and future strategic space was about to begin.

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

Korea, Zhisi

The wind and snow poured into the heavy curtains of the command post, bringing a biting chill, but it couldn't suppress the stagnant, almost burning air inside the operations room.

The fire crackled in the charcoal brazier, but it couldn't dispel the frost that had settled in everyone's hearts because of a telegram.

"General, Chief Chen, Chief of the General Staff."

"The proposals made by the Soviet representative Vladimir during the talks have been formally forwarded to the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteers."

"The core requirement is: if our volunteer army can capture Suwon City within 30 days and annihilate more than 10,000 American troops, including the defenders and reinforcements."

"The Soviet Union will transfer some of our naval vessels, including a cruiser and four destroyers, free of charge after the war, and provide assistance with maintenance technology."

"If it cannot be completed..."

"Then the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise and the battleship USS Missouri, which we captured in the Battle of Incheon, will be handed over to the Soviet Navy after the war."

The young staff officer in charge of liaison with the country and the Soviet Union spoke with barely suppressed trembling and a hint of insulted anger, almost straining to his last breath.

"Clap!"

There was a crisp sound.

The old pipe that the boss was holding, about to put into his mouth, fell onto the map spread out on the table.

A few sparks flew out from the pipe, burning the small dot representing Suwon on the map, and seemingly burning everyone's nerves as well.

Inside the command center, there was a brief, suffocating silence.

"Thirty days! To capture Suwon? To annihilate 10,000 American troops?!"

"What kind of place is Suwon?!"

"That was the largest and most fortified logistical hub for the US military on the Western Front!"

"A military outpost, an oil depot, an airport, a supply transfer center! It's basically a tortoise shell!"

"The U.S. 187th Airborne Regiment has constructed a deep defensive position outside Suwon, with impenetrable firepower!"

"Thirty days? And they still need to annihilate at least ten thousand?"

"They want Comrade Wu Wanli and the entire Seventh Steel Brigade to go into the furnace! To be fed into the meat grinder!"

A staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army suddenly stood up, his finger almost poking at the huge situation map hanging on the wall, and said in a sharp voice filled with indignation.

"Too deceiving!"

"Use us? Dream on!"

"We're going to send away the precious warships we just acquired? Why should we?! This is forcing Wu Wanli and his men to their deaths!"

Another veteran staff officer slammed his fist on the table, trembling with anger.

"calm!"

The Chief of the General Staff's deep and authoritative voice rang out, instantly silencing the commotion.

His brows were furrowed as if carved by a knife, and his sharp gaze swept over the crowd, finally landing on the livid CEO and the solemn-looking Chief Chen.

"Comrades, anger will not solve the problem. The Soviet conditions are extremely harsh, full of power logic and strategic traps."

"But the real threat is that if we don't take them, the two giant ships could be seized under the guise of 'international coordination,' which would be a devastating blow to our fledgling navy."

"Currently, Comrade Wu Wanli's plan is to lead the Seventh Steel Brigade across the sea to launch a surprise attack on Pyeongtaek, with the aim of catching the American forces off guard, cutting off their forward supply lines, and then launching a blitzkrieg against Suwon!"

"Note that the key to 'blitzkrieg' here is 'blitzkrieg'!"

"It is a powerful strike force that tears open the US defenses and fiercely strikes its key nodes, such as logistics warehouses, airfields, and command centers."

"Their fundamental purpose is to create enormous chaos, forcing the main UN forces besieging the Han River and Incheon to withdraw and provide relief, thereby reducing the enormous pressure on our main forces and creating favorable conditions for a strategic retreat!"

"It's about containment! It's about mobilization! Not a full-scale attack, and it's not about conquering within a fixed timeframe! Nor is it about annihilating a certain number of enemy troops!"

He walked to the huge map, pointed to the location of Suwon, and said in a heavy tone.

Chief Chen slowly stood up, holding the Soviet telegram in his hand, his eyes filled with worry and deep sorrow.

He walked to the map, stood side by side with the Chief of the General Staff, and pointed to the dense contour lines and defensive fortification symbols around Suwon.

"Commander-in-chief, comrades, the General Staff is absolutely right."

"Once this flexible blitzkrieg tactic is turned into a hard-line command to capture Suwon and annihilate ten thousand enemies, its nature completely changes!"

"Comrade Wu Wanli will be forced to abandon all tactical maneuvers and opportunities for maneuver, and must charge in like a nail, losing all initiative!"

What will this mean?

"This means that the Seventh Steel Brigade will have to take on the reinforced city defenses inch by inch and foot by foot, under the attack of the enemy's absolute air superiority and firepower, and with the continuous onslaught of the heavily armed American troops that are being reinforced!"

"Every step forward is a sea of ​​blood and a mountain of flesh!"

"Even if they manage to advance, the US military will plug any gaps like mercury."

"Time and casualties will spiral out of control! The dangers and difficulties involved are ten thousand times greater than any previous mission!"

Chief Chen's voice was slightly hoarse as he spoke.

The boss had been standing silently ever since his pipe was knocked off, his burly body hunched over and his head bowed.

The light from the charcoal fire shone on his weathered face, casting flickering shadows.

His fingers pressed hard against the edge of the map, veins bulging, the immense pressure almost crushing him.

On one side, there is the glimmer of hope for the rise of the navy and a possible strategic foothold.

On one side is the "National Blade" Steel Seventh Brigade, forged through countless sacrifices, and Wu Wanli, on whom all his hopes were placed!
What will he choose?!

Should Wu Wanli be sent on a mission with a near-certain death, or should he once again cripple himself under the pressure of imperialism?

Either outcome is terrifying to even think about!

But there was nothing that could be done; that was just how difficult it was in the early days of the People's Republic of China...

For a moment, only heavy breathing and the crackling of popping charcoal could be heard in the command room.

The air was so thick it seemed to solidify, pressing down on everyone's chest.

Just then, the curtain was suddenly flung open!

A communications staff officer, covered in snowflakes, stumbled in, his face flushed from excitement and the cold, clutching a document that still smelled of gunpowder from the battlefield.

"Report! Urgent!"

"Top-secret intelligence sent directly from the Incheon front by Commander Li Yunlong!"

"This concerns Comrade Wu Wanli's latest combat deployment!"

The communications officer reported loudly.

In an instant, all eyes were focused on him.

"Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli?"

"Two of the most restless guys, let's see what they're up to."

"Read!"

The boss suddenly looked up and said.

"Based on the minutes of the Western Front meeting, the Western Front Command, after an emergency consultation, formulated the following operational plan for the 'Great Victory of Anyang' and the subsequent 'Blitzkrieg against Suwon'!"

"First, set up an ambush in Anyang Canyon and aim to annihilate the elite vanguard of the pursuing US forces!"

"Secondly, Commander Ding Wei should dispatch at least one elite division to do everything in its power to block the main force of the US military and slow down their reinforcements!"

"Third, Li Yunlong's troops will be responsible for maneuvering and blocking the retreat route of the remaining American troops!"

"In this way, the vanguard of the US forces will surely be annihilated. The Seventh Steel Brigade will take the opportunity to board the warships and begin to implement the plan!"

"After the Seventh Steel Brigade completes its tactical objectives, Li Yunlong will use the captured American tanks and armored vehicles to form an iron torrent force to launch a counterattack against the American forces before retreating!"

The staff officer held the telegram and read it aloud in a loud and urgent voice.

"Buzz!"

In an instant, it was as if a mental bomb had been dropped into the command room!
Several leaders who had weathered countless storms and remained unfazed even in the face of imminent collapse showed expressions of utter shock on their faces.

The boss's calloused hands unconsciously gripped the corner of the table, his knuckles making a slight cracking sound. He leaned forward slightly, as if trying to read every word of the telegram more clearly.

Chief Chen's mouth was slightly open, and his usually deep and wise eyes were filled with disbelief. He subconsciously pushed up his glasses, as if he could not believe his ears.

The Chief of the General Staff's tightly furrowed brows suddenly shot upwards, his eyes instantly transforming from shock into a sharp, lightning-like glint!
"Wu Wanli and Li Yunlong..."

"They actually plan to wipe out an elite American regiment, then launch a counter-offensive with the captured armored forces before retreating?!"

The Chief of the General Staff was the first to recover his voice, his reaction filled with disbelief and astonishment, followed by a torrent of admiration.
"This plan is incredibly audacious, but it perfectly meets the Soviet Union's requirements!"

"It's the will of Heaven! This is the will of Heaven!"

"Anyang Canyon! They wiped out an elite ace squad! That's a very impressive number of enemy casualties!"

"Furthermore, with Wu Wanli's blitzkrieg and steel torrent counter-offensive plan, the goal of annihilating ten thousand enemies is entirely achievable!"

"And it wasn't passive biting! It was active smashing!"

"It's the blitzkrieg tactic that the Seventh Steel Brigade is known for! But the level of risk and difficulty is unprecedented!"

Chief Chen suddenly took over the conversation, speaking with a touch of emotion.

"boom!"

In an instant, the entire command center seemed to be set ablaze.

All the staff officers couldn't help but lean forward, their eyes glued to the map, then to the operational notes, and then to the Soviet telegram.

A tremendous, indescribable sense of awe, ecstasy, and reverence erupted like surging magma!

"Good heavens, it's a perfect match..."

"Is Wu Wanli really capable of divination?"

"The Soviet Union just set up a deadly trap for him, and he's been planning to break it for a long time?"

"And with such fierce spirit and ingenious strategies to break through?!"

The old staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army who had been slamming his fist on the table and cursing earlier was now in tears, murmuring to himself.

"What...what spirit! What heroic sentiment! Unheard of!"

Another young staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army praised it.

"The key is timing! It's courage! It's strength! And it's the confidence built up beforehand!"

"Without the astonishing victory of Wu Wanli and his men at Songyue Mountain, where they annihilated the main force of the US 1st Army Division and captured a lieutenant general, Li Yunlong and Ding Wei would not have dared to cooperate with such a risky plan!"

"To turn the tide when all hope is lost, and to prevent the collapse of an already crumbling edifice!"

How magnificent!

The Chief of the General Staff clenched his fist excitedly, as if all the blood in his body was surging at that moment.

The oppressive and despairing atmosphere was swept away, replaced by a thrilling and exhilarating feeling!

All the staff members turned their eager eyes to the boss, awaiting the approval order that was sure to be groundbreaking.

The boss stood ramrod straight, his face showing no more hesitation or struggle.

His eyes, which had seen the vicissitudes of life, now burned with an unprecedented firm belief in victory and boundless pride!

He shoved aside the burn marks on the map and slammed his hand down on Wu Wanli's battle plan notes!

"Let them fight well. We must win this battle, and we must win it spectacularly!"

The boss took a deep breath and said finally.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the Chief of the General Staff quickly agreed.

(End of this chapter)