Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 286 Liberating Suwon! Attacking the South of the City from the North! Mobile Warfare!

Suwon, City Defense Command
"Sir, the Seventh Steel Brigade of China is coming on strong right now."

"We only have the 187th Airborne Regiment, with a force of just over three thousand men, plus the decimated South Korean Third Division..."

"Given the disparity in military strength between the two sides, we don't have much confidence in holding Suwon Castle."

"That's what the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment said."

"What are you afraid of!?"

"We don't need to annihilate the entire Chinese Steel Seventh Brigade, we just need to hold our ground!"

"Back in the day, on the Bataan Peninsula in the Pacific theater, I led the 26th Cavalry Regiment, a hundred or so men, to hold off a large Japanese force for six hours!" (Historical fact)

"The 7th Steel Brigade is nothing special; its combat strength is probably about the same as the Japanese army in the Pacific theater!"

Commander Trappnell snorted coldly.

"Sir, their tactical skills are extremely high, especially that Chinese man named Wu Wanli..."

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment quickly whispered a reminder.

"Okay, stop talking!"

"Didn't the Japanese army also consider themselves to have superior tactical skills back then?"

"In my opinion, China's victory at Incheon and the seizure of its aircraft carrier and battleship were just like the Japanese attack on Zhengang – both were nothing more than cunning and treacherous schemes involving surprise attacks!"

"Given the United States' powerful military and national strength, they are destined to fail!"

"Let's not talk about that anymore. Tell me, how many people does Master Han have?"

"Also, let their division commanders come to see me. There are many opportunities for them to play a role in this situation."

Commander Trappnell snorted coldly and said.

"Sir, a regiment of the Han Third Division was completely annihilated by the Chinese Seventh Steel Corps in the Shuainan area!"

"Furthermore, Han Sanshi suffered heavy losses in the previous battles, so only 5,000 men remain."

At that moment, Division Commander Park Jung-hee, clutching his wounded left arm, walked in and reported.

"Sir, Park Jung-hee was the South Korean army commander who fought in Su-nam before, and he was also the only South Korean military officer who led troops to garrison Su-nam."

"General Ridgway kept his promise and promoted the only person who dared to go to the position to be the commander of the Third Division of the Han Army."

The chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment explained.

"So that means we have over three thousand regular troops plus five thousand of your auxiliary troops stationed here."

"Simply holding on is enough!"

"Park Jung-hee, you will lead 5,000 South Korean troops to guard the south gate, and 1,000 American troops will be stationed on each of the remaining three sides. Is that alright?"

Commander Trappnell looked at the battle map and said with a smile.

"no problem!"

Upon hearing this, Park Jung-hee immediately spoke up.

"Alright, you can go down and prepare to reinforce the defenses of the south gate."

Trappnell nodded and waved his hand.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Park Jung-hee immediately walked outside and gently closed the door behind him.

"Sir, although the South Korean army is not very strong, isn't it a bit of a waste to have 5,000 troops stationed at the South Gate?"

"The best strategy would be to have part of our troops combined with part of the South Korean troops for defense, just like when the Chinese were stationed in Incheon and they also borrowed a lot of North Koreans!"

"That's what the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment said."

"Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha……"

"This defense is very conservative and cautious, but there is at least a 50% chance that Suwon will be captured."

“Those so-called division commanders and army commanders always do the same thing when they fight the Seventh Steel Brigade: they don’t grasp the key points.”

"They naively thought that by increasing firepower, artillery fire and air bombardment, and then relying on the old trick of infantry charging and artillery bombardment, they could win."

"Especially that idiot Van Fleet, who keeps spouting nonsense about not having enough ammunition!"

"What truly determines the outcome of a war is never firepower, but people!"

"The reason why the Chinese army can fight us to a standstill is because of its large number of elite soldiers who are fearless and have exceptional organizational skills."

"What do you think enabled the Steel Seventh Brigade to become China's top ace in the Korean War?"

Trappnell smoothed his blond bangs, his azure eyes seeming to hold an all-knowing arrogance.

"Is it because...they possess American-equipped firepower that the Chinese army doesn't have?"

"Or is it because they have the elite, highly organized Chinese soldiers you just mentioned?"

"I asked the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment."

“You’re wrong, but I’m not surprised, because most of our officers think so.”

"The real strength of the Seventh Steel Corps of China lies in their commander, that Chinese man named Wu Wanli!"

"He is the soul of the Chinese Steel Seventh Brigade, and also a genius tactician!"

"I think it's a worthwhile thing to exchange several thousand South Korean soldiers for the premature death of China's top young genius."

Trappnell smiled, a hint of disdain flashing in his eyes, and said.

"Sir, what are you trying to do..."

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment immediately widened his eyes.

"Doesn't the Chinese army like using fire attacks?"

"The US Army's 1st Division was burned so badly on the Songyue Mountain battlefield, it's time for them to suffer!"

"I have read the battle records of the Seventh Steel Brigade of China. The Chinese commander named Wu Wanli really liked to lead the charge."

"Moreover, given our city's defensive layout, they will definitely prioritize attacking the South Korean army's southern flank."

"When Wu Wanli leads the main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade into the southern position and gets bogged down in a melee with the South Korean army, just drop incendiary bombs!"

Trappnell shrugged and they all started talking about a trivial matter.

"Sir, fighting like this might discourage the South Korean troops, and General Ridgway might also intervene..."

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment quickly offered a reminder.

"The performance of the South Korean military has already disappointed the United States enough; they are utterly hopeless!"

"Besides, I didn't do it on purpose."

"I would have sent someone to generate electricity two minutes in advance to order the South Korean troops to evacuate, but the South Korean troops are currently engaged in a fierce battle with the Chinese army and cannot leave for the time being."

"It's not my fault, it's the Chinese army's fault."

"If I can kill this Chinese man named Wu Wanli and then defeat the Chinese Steel Seventh Brigade, I will be an American hero!"

"No matter how much I have wronged the Koreans, I am still a hero of America!"

"In the end, they basically just dismissed me from my post, made me lay low for a few months, and then promoted me to division commander."

"Let's do it this way, hahahahahaha..."

Trappnell laughed heartily.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment had no choice but to agree.

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

Outside Suwon City, the headquarters of the Seventh Steel Corps

"Wanli, according to our reconnaissance and intelligence, the US military has deployed 1,000 troops each on the north, east, and west sides."

"In addition, there are 5,000 South Korean troops stationed on the south side for defense, and several hundred US guards as reserves."

"Those five thousand South Korean soldiers sound impressive, but they were the South Korean Third Division, which had been decimated on the eastern front."

"Oh right, there was another regiment that we just wiped out in Shuainan."

Liu Hanqing said.

"This arrangement does look a bit strange!"

"A South Korean army unit with such a casualty rate would be an unstable factor that could collapse at any time on the battlefield."

"Maybe after we bombard them a few times, we'll launch a fierce attack and they'll all collapse!"

"I always felt that the way the US military was fighting might be part of some kind of conspiracy."

Wu Wanli frowned as he spoke.

"Captain, this might be a good opportunity?"

"I've heard the story of the Empty City Stratagem from storytellers. Sima Yi was intimidated by Zhuge Liang and dared not attack!"

"If we just storm in, nothing will happen, and we'll win big!"

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong quickly replied.

"Old Yu has a point. Maybe the US military is using this as a feint."

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing nodded in agreement.

"Captain, I don't quite understand it. You should make the decision."

Pinghe thought for a moment, and finally said.

Lei Gong took a puff of his pipe, nodded, and clearly agreed.

Approximately how many US Air Force personnel are stationed in Suwon?

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then asked.

"Based on existing intelligence, the estimate is approximately three hundred aircraft."

"Two hundred of them were mainly used to bomb Commander Li Yunlong and his men, while another one hundred hovered near Suwon to guard against us."

Liu Hanqing said.

"Send a telegram to Commander Li Yunlong, instructing them to launch a feint attack against the American forces!"

"The request isn't high; just move two hundred US military aircraft away as normal!"

"At the same time, we are preparing to mobilize all the fighter jets at Seoul Airport and carrier-based aircraft that we can currently use."

"Send all intelligence information and reconnaissance data from various military units to me. After I analyze them, I will provide them with flight routes, times, and speeds. You must strictly follow my instructions!"

After looking at the map of the Heavenly Eye, Wu Wanli immediately spoke.

The edge of the Sky Eye map's limit range exactly covers the location of the US military's Suwon command post and main artillery positions.

Unfortunately, the artillery of the 7th Steel Brigade could not reach the US Army's Suwon Command.

They could reach the US artillery positions with a small number of howitzers, but judging from the number of US artillery pieces seen on the Sky Eye map, they simply couldn't out-bomb them.

"Wanli, you're going to be analyzing the locations of U.S. military strategic targets again, using a lot of intelligence and information!"

"However, Suwon is very close to Anyang Gorge and the Han River front, so our air force can only bomb once or twice before having to leave."

"Otherwise, our air force really can't defeat the US air force that comes to our aid."

Liu Hanqing reminded him.

"Trust my analytical abilities!"

"I will find it precisely and try to have the Air Force bombard it once to destroy the US command post and artillery positions."

"Before this, Gao Daxing, your assault detachment's three battalions launched a feint attack from the south, east, and west."

"After the air force operation is completed, Yu Congrong will lead the fire support detachment to attack the north, Pinghe will lead the reconnaissance detachment to attack the west, and Gao Daxing will lead the assault detachment to attack the south!"

"The 7th Steel Brigade, with nearly 10,000 men, launched a general offensive and liberated Suwon City!"

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then immediately gave the order.

"North, east, and west?"

"Commander-in-Chief, what about the south?"

Upon hearing this, Gao Daxing immediately asked.

"My battlefield instincts tell me that it's dangerous there!"

"Leave one detachment of your assault team to launch a feint attack. Do not go too deep, but do not let the enemy break through."

"I will lead the guard battalion as a reserve force to hold the line. If anything happens, I will rush over there. Don't worry."

"Fight like this, go and prepare."

Wu Wanli waved his hand and gave the order.

The battlefield threat perception he gained when he first entered North Korea is now proving invaluable.

When he was still a soldier, he relied on this early warning system to prevent the personnel and supplies of the 80th Division from being bombed.

Now, as a general in an army, he uses this early warning system to plan attacks from all directions.

Wu Wanli's heart was pounding when he was simulating an attack from the south, so there must be a major threat here that needs to be avoided!

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately agreed.

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

Wu Wanli's plan was quickly transmitted via radio to the 27th Army, which was currently stationed in Incheon, and the 12th Army, which was currently stationed on the north bank of the Han River.

Incheon, inside the 27th Army headquarters

"It's so enjoyable, so enjoyable!"

"This Wu Wanli wants to destroy the US military's command system and artillery positions in Suwon within an hour before launching a full-scale offensive!"

"Based on his planned pace of attack, he might actually be able to take Suwon before having breakfast!"

Kong Jie looked at Wu Wanli's plan and laughed heartily.

"Suwon has three hundred fighter jets!"

"We suffered heavy losses in the previous long battle. The combined number of fighter jets at Seoul Airport and carrier-based aircraft is only 180. We can't win, can we?"

Zhao Gang frowned slightly and said.

"This is where Wu Wanli's brain works!"

"He wants us to launch a feint attack to lure away most of the US warplanes in Suwon, and then let the Chinese Air Force destroy the artillery positions and command systems in Suwon!"

Kong Jie handed the telegram to Zhao Gang and said.

"To be honest, if someone else gave me such a plan, I would just think it was ridiculous!"

"To analyze the location of the US military command post and artillery positions based on existing intelligence and information, what a boastful statement!"

"But this is Comrade Wu Wanli, so he can still be trusted. After all, he was able to do it before!"

Zhao Gang smiled and nodded in agreement.

"Yep!"

"That's how we should fight! Only a lightning-fast offensive can take down Suwon!"

"If this drags on, and American reinforcements arrive, Wu Wanli and his men will be helpless!"

"Duan Peng! Pass on my orders!"

"Give them all the firepower!"

"Furthermore, have Zhang Dabiao lead the 80th Division forward and prepare for a full-scale counter-offensive!"

"Remember! The bigger the commotion, the better!"

"Tell Ding Wei that he needs to put on a good show too!"

After reviewing Wu Wanli's plan, Li Yunlong immediately waved his hand and said...

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Peng immediately agreed.

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

After Li Yunlong issued the order, the soldiers of the 27th Army, who had been holding back their energy, were like tigers released from their cages, with cannon fire roaring and shaking the earth.

Under the cover of captured tanks, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army infantry launched wave after wave of fierce attacks on the American troops that were poised to move out of the canyon.

The American positions outside the canyon were suddenly filled with smoke and the pressure increased sharply. Caught off guard, the forward troops were forced to retreat and urgently called for air support.

12th Army Headquarters on the North Bank of the Han River
"Old Ding, take a look at Comrade Wu Wanli's telegram!"

"He ordered us to cross the river and launch a feigned attack, creating the appearance of a counter-offensive to lure the US military into calling in air support, and then launch a general offensive in coordination with the air force to strike strategic targets in Suwon!"

"No wonder he dared to talk about a blitzkrieg. If his tactics succeed, Suwon will be liberated within hours!"

"Besides being beautiful, sensible, gentle, talented in singing and dancing, and cultured, my daughter Anjing's greatest strength is that she has good taste..."

An Changsen handed the telegram to Ding Wei, smiling and remarking.

"Alright! If we're going to act, we'll go all the way!"

"Let's give those American devils a real treat!"

"All artillery regiments, aim at the south bank beachhead, transportation lines, and suspected command posts, and unleash a saturation bombardment!"

"Assault troops, organize fire support units to launch a probing attack. Be ruthless and maintain high morale!"

"It has to be Director An of our army... no, the headquarters of the Volunteer Army recently promoted you and Zhao Gang to the rank of commander!"

"I'm no longer the director of the political department and acting political commissar; I'm a full-fledged political commissar now! My mouth is agape!"

"Let's bomb a few more times for our Political Commissar An's son-in-law and lure the American devils' warplanes over!"

Upon hearing this, Ding Wei looked at the dense American fortifications along the south bank of the Han River and laughed heartily.

"Hey, hey, hey, Wu Wanli said that the Xiongnu have not been destroyed yet, so how can we have a home? The future is still uncertain."

"Old Ding, don't talk nonsense!"

An Changsen feigned uncertainty, but inwardly he was overjoyed.

There's no way around it. It's easy to find the sons of meritorious officials, but Wu Wanli is the only son of a generation of meritorious officials who can command tens of thousands of troops at the age of nineteen!

If Wu Wanli and An Jing really get together after the Korean War, then An Changsen's family will definitely get a great deal.

"You, you'd love to, wouldn't you!"

"That's right, let Comrade Wu Wanli make his own choice."

"Maybe after the war I can introduce him to some young and beautiful girls from my relatives, and he'll take a liking to them!"

"Wasn't Zhao Gang's wife introduced by Li Yunlong?"

Upon hearing this, Ding Wei immediately joked.

"Eh?"

"You, Ding Wei, don't you even know what 'first come, first served' means?"

"If you ever do something like this that ruins my daughter's happiness, I'll pretend I never knew you!"

Upon hearing this, An Changsen immediately became anxious and said...

"Hahahaha... Let's not talk about this anymore!"

"Behold the endless artillery fire on the south bank of the Han River!"

Ding Wei looked towards the south bank of the Han River and said with a loud laugh.

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

Upon receiving the order, the artillery positions of the 12th Army, which had been prepared on the north bank of the Han River, roared in unison.

Heavy cannons spewed deadly flames, their deafening roar tearing through the air.

The shells, trailing sharp whistles, rained down on the American positions on the south bank of the Han River like dense hail.

In an instant, the pre-arranged beachhead, transportation hub, and suspected assembly area on the south bank were engulfed by towering flames and thick smoke.

The mud and fire that erupted when the shells landed blended together, as if a hellish carpet of fire had been laid over the south bank.

Flares exploded in the air, their blinding light illuminating the riverbank and revealing the panic of the American troops below.

The shockwaves from the shelling even shook the land on the north bank, and billowing smoke drifted across the Han River on the breeze.

Intense artillery fire rained down on the front and rear of the positions, accompanied by the deafening battle cries of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers. The US 24th Division on the south bank of the Han River instantly felt immense pressure.

The US commander misjudged that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army intended to force a crossing of the Han River, and hurriedly organized a defense, also calling for air support.

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

UN Front Command

Ridgway, who was already overwhelmed by the crushing defeat at Songaksan and the loss of Pyeongtaek Port, was pacing back and forth in agitation.

The shrill ringing of the telephone continued as the communications officer delivered one urgent report after another to him.

"Sir! Urgent report from the front!"

"Li Yunlong's 27th Army in the Incheon direction suddenly launched an unusually fierce counterattack against our troops outside the Anyang Gorge, and the offensive was fierce!"

"At the same time, Ding Wei's 12th Army in the Han River direction also carried out large-scale artillery bombardment and troop concentration on our positions on the south bank of the Han River, suspected of launching an offensive to force a crossing of the Han River!"

At that moment, a tense-looking U.S. military staff officer strode in and snapped to attention.

"Incheon? Han River?"

"The Chinese troops on both sides launched attacks simultaneously... and the fighting was quite fierce?"

"The position where the Seventh Steel Brigade can still break through doesn't seem like it's for covering a retreat..."

"Could it be that they want to tie down our forces and prevent us from supporting Suwon, thereby relieving the pressure on their Steel Seventh Brigade in the Suwon direction?"

Ridgway turned around abruptly, his hawk-like gaze sweeping over the marked points on the battle map, his brows furrowing tightly.

Unable to ascertain the opponent's true intentions, he fell into a brief moment of contemplation, and the atmosphere in the command center suddenly froze.

"Sir, don't hesitate!"

"The Chinese army is like a cornered beast, fighting desperately to try and divert our forces!"

"The safest way to deal with them is to send bomber groups to Incheon and the Han River line and bomb them hard!"

"Take advantage of their escape and exposure in the open, and blow them back to their air-raid shelters!"

"This is much easier to bomb than when they were hiding in caves building fortifications. We can use bombing to severely weaken their strength!"

Van Fleet, who was standing to the side, stepped forward and spoke in his usual tough tone.

“Van Fleet, I’m a little worried about the situation in Suwon.”

"Wu Wanli and his Seventh Steel Brigade are eyeing Suwon City like tigers."

"If the main air force force is redeployed to bomb Incheon and the Han River, weakening Suwon's air defenses, will they take advantage of the situation...?"

Ridge glanced instinctively at the location of "Suwon" on the map and frowned as he spoke.

"Sir, you're overthinking it!"

"Of course not all of them will be transferred!"

"I suggest leaving a small number of fighter jets to maintain vigilance and patrol over Suwon, while keeping some bombers on standby to support the defense of Suwon."

"The Suwon fortifications are complete, with numerous artillery pieces, and we also have Trappnell's 187th Regiment. They should be able to hold out until our aircraft return after bombing Anyang and the Han River!"

"Besides, Suwon Airport is so close to Incheon and the Han River front."

"Unless the Chinese Air Force is incredibly lucky, by the time they discover us and send fighter jets over to Suwon, our bomber group should have already completed its mission and turned back."

"They ran right into our massive returning fleet, and we took them out even during their takeoff run!"

"Their pitiful air force, even if the commander is crazy, wouldn't dare to gamble with such a small amount of resources, right?"

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Van Fleet immediately spoke up.

Ridgway's eyes flickered upon hearing this, clearly moved by Van Fleet's analysis.

“Sir, I know you’re still worried about Mizuhara, but this might put your mind at ease.”

"This is the specific defense plan mentioned by General Trappnell, commander of the 187th Airborne Regiment, in his telegram."

"He positioned 5,000 South Korean troops at the south gate, planning to send out the air force when the Chinese army broke through the south gate, especially when Wu Wanli led his elite troops in and got into a chaotic battle with the South Korean army!"

"Have those air force fighter jets drop napalm bombs at the south gate, which is within our controlled area!"

"Although this is not very 'friendly' to the South Korean army, as long as it can inflict heavy casualties on the enemy, especially that damned Wu Wanli and his core troops!"

"Given the current state of the war, doing this is absolutely worthwhile!"

"Trappnell is confident he can hold on; he sees this as an opportunity to defeat the Steel Sevens and secure the overall victory."

At this point, Van Fleet lowered his voice and added a few words, handing over a report he had just received.

"Sacrifice South Korean troops to defeat the Seventh Steel Brigade?"

Ridgway took the telegram and quickly glanced at it. Although Trappnell's plan was ruthless, it was also a vicious and effective tactic.

Combined with Van Fleet's confidence in the defense of Suwon and the use of the air force, the scales in his mind finally tipped in his favor.

The fortifications and reserves at Suwon should indeed be able to hold out, and the opportunity to concentrate air power to strike the exposed main Chinese forces is fleeting.

"it is good!"

"Give me the order!"

"Mobilize 200 fighter jets from Suwon to bomb the 27th Army attacking us from the outskirts of Incheon, as well as the 12th Army attacking our defensive forces from the Han River!"

"Let them taste the power of American bombs! Double the bombing density! Bomb them to a pulp!"

"As for Suwon, order Trappnell to proceed according to his plan and hold the position at all costs!"

"At the same time, notify the fighter jets on standby at Suwon Airport to raise the alert level, ensure the safety of the airspace over Suwon, and be prepared to intercept any aerial threats from China!"

A glint flashed in Li Qiwei's eyes, and he decisively gave the order.

"Yes, Sir!"

Upon hearing this, the U.S. Army messengers and staff immediately began to get busy.

Before long, the massive war machine started up again according to Ridgway's will, and two hundred American bombers, loaded with the dead, took off one after another from Suwon and other auxiliary airfields.

They split into two groups, roaring as they rushed towards the flames-stirred outskirts of Incheon and the deafening roar of artillery fire on the Han River front.

At this point, only one hundred US warplanes remained in the Suwon area, fewer than the one hundred and eighty Chinese air force aircraft that had bypassed the area!

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

The headquarters of the 7th Steel Brigade, located outside the southern position of Suwon City.

"it's time!"

"Are our fighter jets and carrier-based aircraft in position as I requested?!"

"And that battalion on the south side, didn't I recently order them to maintain a fierce offensive but not to break in?"

"Tell them to prepare for defense. I'm not afraid of failing to break through the south. Once my general offensive starts, I won't have time to let the South Korean troops escape."

"They were very good at escaping; they were even fast enough to run over and kill U.S. Lieutenant General Walker."

Wu Wanli looked at the battle map and said.

"We've already circled around to the designated airspace outside Suwon, following your route, and are ready to attack Suwon at any time!"

"As for the large force at the south gate, there's no problem. Their offensive firepower is fierce, but their main force hasn't penetrated too deeply."

"The force of only a few hundred men went a little too deep as the vanguard of the assault, but they can withdraw at any time."

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing immediately spoke up.

"Reporting to the Commander!"

"The remaining fighter jets from Suwon have all taken off, and they've flown just to the south. I wonder what they're up to!"

At that moment, a volunteer army communications officer rushed in to report.

"What else can they do but bomb us!"

"It's not a big problem. Our feints didn't go too deep, so the enemy shouldn't blow up their own people."

"Let the feint attack troops retreat to the air-raid shelters, and wait for our air force to finish dealing with the battlefield."

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli calmly replied.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the volunteer army communications officer immediately responded.

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

Suwon South Position
"airplane!"

"An American plane has arrived!"

"Bomb! Bomb those Chinese on the perimeter!"

Some of the South Korean soldiers, who had just been engaging in sporadic firefights with small groups of Chinese People's Volunteer Army assault troops, looked up and noticed something amiss, and immediately shouted excitedly.

But before they could even shout with joy for a few seconds, their voices were drowned out by the sudden roar of engines and the screeching sound of a dive.

"Ah Xiba!"

"This dive direction is a bit off..."

Park Jung-hee raised his binoculars and looked inside; his heart sank.

An ominous premonition coiled around his neck like a cold, venomous snake.

The US military positioned the ROK 3rd Division outside the South Gate as the first line of defense, which essentially put them in a position of cannon fodder! Now US planes are heading straight for this area...

He hadn't even had time to order his troops to take cover!
Before he could react, the first batch of napalm incendiary bombs burst open like fireworks from hell at the forefront outside the south gate of the city!

"Boom—! Boom—!!!"

In an instant, crimson flames mixed with thick black smoke shot into the sky, instantly engulfing a small vacuum zone at the forefront of the battle area.

The high-temperature blast wave spread outwards from the point of explosion, so hot that the air itself seemed to distort.

Dozens of Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who were charging or lying prone firing, as well as South Korean soldiers who were also exposed in the open field or in makeshift shelters, were instantly engulfed by the sea of ​​fire!
A bloodcurdling scream suddenly erupted, drowning out the aftershocks of the explosion!

"what--!"

"Burn me to death!"

"Fire! Fire everywhere!"

"Help!!!"

Countless South Korean soldiers were burned into human-shaped torches, running and rolling in despair.

They tried to extinguish the sticky, burning liquid flames that clung to their bodies like maggots, but it was all in vain.

The pungent smell of burning flesh mixed with the stench of burning plastic and fabric, along with thick smoke, quickly filled the entire South Gate area.

Park Jung-hee and the South Korean officers and soldiers who were slightly behind his command post were completely stunned by the scene before them!
Their mouths were wide open, their eyes were wide open, and their minds were blank.

That brief area of ​​confrontation has now been transformed into a raging inferno!
The flames mercilessly licked at the soil and debris, and even more terrifyingly, they devoured the bodies that had been alive not long ago, whether they were Chinese soldiers or... their own people!
"Crazy...crazy..."

"They...they even bombed their own people?!"

The adjutant beside Park Jung-hee trembled as he looked at a South Korean platoon leader who had collapsed not far away, his body engulfed in flames. He felt a chill run from the soles of his feet to the top of his head and shouted!

This cruel reality struck like a heavy hammer into the hearts of every South Korean soldier who witnessed this scene.

After a brief, deathly silence of astonishment, came a volcanic eruption of rage!
"Damn it! These American bastards!!"

A South Korean captain, his face covered in dust, kicked a sandbag, his eyes bloodshot, and pointed at the planes circling overhead, preparing to drop a second batch of incendiary bombs, cursing loudly.

"They slaughtered us like pigs and dogs!" "They never intended for us to live!"

"Use us as bait to lure the Chinese here and burn them all!"

"Beasts! Americans are beasts!"

"Sir! We're not defending the city!"

"We're just waiting to die!"

The South Korean officers were filled with righteous indignation. Their fear was replaced by immense humiliation and anger. They looked at Park Jung-hee with eyes full of despair and accusation.

Park Jung-hee felt as if his heart was being clenched and torn apart.

The experience of being captured in Lizhou seemed to be right before my eyes again, only this time it was more brutal and the betrayal was more thorough!

The Americans don't care about their lives at all; they'd even send them to hell with their own hands!

He thought of Chun Doo-kwang in Seoul, the South Korean general who safely surrendered with his troops and families. A hint of envy flashed in his eyes, but it was quickly followed by a deeper sense of despair and helplessness.

His family is still under the control of the US military. If he were to rebel against the US military now, the fate of his family would be uncertain!
"No, even if we rejoin the UN forces this time, we must first find a way to relocate our families!"

Park Jung-hee thought to himself.

"Commander! We can't hold out any longer!"

"At this rate, we'll all be burned to death here!"

The South Korean adjutant growled urgently.

Just then, another incendiary bomb exploded violently less than 100 meters from the left flank of their position!

A wave of intense heat hit them, scorching their skin, and several soldiers who couldn't dodge in time were instantly engulfed in flames.

"Commander!! It will be too late if we don't make a decision soon!"

The officers and soldiers all looked at Park Jung-hee, their eyes filled with fear and anger mixed with a last glimmer of hope.

"If we keep guarding this place, we'll all turn into roasted pigs!"

"If those Americans in Suwon don't treat us like human beings, then we won't be their scapegoats!"

"Brothers, let's break through!"

"We need to go back and report this damned US Army commander to General Ridgway and get justice!"

Park Jung-hee suddenly drew his pistol from his waist, his eyes bloodshot, and he almost roared through gritted teeth.

This wasn't his idea; it was simply that the choice to break out of the encirclement without surrendering to the enemy was both a way to take care of his family and had a reasonable basis.

It was the US Army commander who acted inhumanely and burned them away; it wasn't that they wanted to leave.

These ideas might seem naive to Park Jung-hee, but the South Korean military below him certainly needed such a reason.

"Yes, sir!"

"Come on!"

"Break through! Get out of this godforsaken place!"

The remnants of the South Korean army, who had long been suppressing their anger and will to survive, suddenly erupted into a chaotic yet resolute shout.

Under Park Jung-hee's leadership, these South Korean soldiers no longer cared about formation or cover.

They scrambled out of the remaining makeshift fortifications outside the south gate and fled desperately toward their pre-arranged "escape route" in the southwest.

Seeing this, Park Jung-hee realized that the situation with the South Korean army was completely out of control!

Panic spread like a plague.

South Korean soldiers pushed and shoved, and when someone was pushed down, they were immediately trampled over by the people behind them.

Guns and helmets were carelessly discarded, and flags were thrown into the mud.

The so-called breakout instantly turned into a disorganized and irrational rout.

Everyone was scrambling to escape this hellish place that had just been ravaged by incendiary bombs.

This chaotic and disorganized rout ran right into the trap that Wu Wanli had "prepared"!
After seeing the incendiary bombs hitting the South Korean troops, Wu Wanli predicted that the South Korean troops would flee, so he made preparations in advance.

Behind a low hill to the southwest of Suwon's South Gate
"As expected, they've arrived, completely without any strategy."

Wu Wanli put down his binoculars, a cold glint in his eyes.

He had already ordered Gao Daxing's assault detachment to make only a symbolic feint attack on the south gate, while the main force had already moved to the flank.

The guard battalion he personally led was a deadly guillotine blocking this seemingly "escape" path!

His original plan was to launch a general offensive from all sides after the air force bombed the US command and artillery, but the premature collapse of the South Korean army disrupted his plans, but also gave him an excellent opportunity.

"Attention, all guards!"

"Target—the fleeing South Korean troops!"

"Advance in a wedge formation, platoon by platoon!"

"Shoot in the head! Shoot in the waist! Cut it off!"

"Take care of yourself, don't linger in battle, focus on defeating them!"

Wu Wanli suddenly drew his signal gun, fired a signal flare into the sky, and shouted loudly.

"Drip drip drip drip drip drip drip————"

In an instant, the resounding bugle call suddenly pierced the sky shrouded in the thick smoke of incendiary bombs!
"Come on!"

"kill--!"

With Wu Wanli's order, the guard battalion of the Seventh Steel Brigade, which had been lying in ambush behind the hills, suddenly rushed down from the flank like a surging torrent!
This elite force, personally led by Wu Wanli, numbered only a few hundred men, yet moved with lightning speed and maintained strict discipline. Every volunteer soldier was like a precise part of a war machine.

Under the command of their platoon and squad leaders, they split into several sharp bayonets and instantly plunged into the chaotic and fleeing tide of South Korean soldiers.

The first wave of precise bursts of fire and grenade throws exploded on the vanguard of the fleeing South Korean troops, instantly mowing down a large number of them.

Immediately afterwards, the guard battalion soldiers, advancing at high speed in small groups, like tigers among sheep, bravely wedged themselves into the middle of the fleeing ranks, cutting them into several pieces.

"Surf the gun and don't kill!"

"Put down your weapons, cover your heads, and crouch down!"

The roars of these volunteer soldiers and the sounds of rifle butts smashing down resisters rose and fell.

Under the precise strikes and rapid infiltration and cutting off of the guard battalion, the already demoralized and disorganized South Korean troops completely broke up their camp.

They wandered around like headless flies, crying and screaming. Most of them were terrified and dropped their weapons, falling to the ground and raising their hands in surrender.

Only a few officers or die-hards tried to resist or escape, but they were quickly subdued by the guard battalion's accurate shooting and swift hand-to-hand combat.

Under the protection of his trusted guards, Park Jung-hee attempted to escape in a car amidst the chaos.

He brandished his pistol, trying to stop the approaching volunteer soldiers, and shouted in Korean at the top of his lungs.

However, the vehicle Park Jung-hee was in was blown over by a cluster of grenades, throwing him heavily to the ground.

He struggled to get up, but suddenly everything went dark as a cold, hard gun barrel was pressed against the back of his head.

"lay down your weapon!"

A volunteer soldier who could speak basic Korean shouted sternly.

Park Jung-hee lay on the ground, covered in dirt, his arm scraped and burning with pain from the fall.

He looked back and saw that the South Korean soldiers were squatting down with their heads in their hands, like a flock of sheep being herded, and were being guarded by Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers with bayonets.

His retreat was completely blocked. His guards either fell to the ground groaning in pain or surrendered.

It's over...it's completely over.

This time, even his delusion of breaking out with his troops was completely shattered!

The overwhelming sense of defeat, the worry for his family, and the humiliation of being captured again left him ashen-faced and with a vacant stare.

Just then, the steady, powerful sound of military boots hitting the ground stopped in front of him.

Park Jung-hee slowly raised his mud-covered face and saw those familiar, sharp, hawk-like eyes—Wu Wanli!

At this moment, his military cap was askew, his face was covered in dust, and his eyes were filled with the humiliation and determination of being defeated and captured. His chest was being pressed down, causing it to heave violently.

The surrounding volunteer soldiers were watching intently, their steel guns gleaming.

Wu Wanli waved his hand, signaling the guards to release Park Jung-hee, and then stepped forward to stand opposite the South Korean army commander he had clashed with several times.

His military uniform was also stained with gunpowder, but his gaze was calm and composed, carrying a hint of scrutiny and understanding.

“Park Kaka, you slipped away in Yeoju once, and Suyun City let you go once. Now we meet again outside Suwon City.”

"Are you convinced this time?"

Wu Wanli's voice was not loud, but it clearly pierced through the noise of the battlefield.

His tone wasn't boastful; it was more like stating a fact, with a peculiar sense of inclusiveness.

Park Jung-hee suddenly looked up and glared at Wu Wanli, as if she had been deeply stung by the words "I'm convinced".

A sense of humiliation, worry for his family, and the last shred of self-respect as a soldier mingled into a surge of grief and indignation.

"Clothes?"

"What's the point of admitting defeat after being bombed by American incendiary bombs?!"

"Kill me if you want, and do it quickly!"

"The South Korean military will not bow down to you!"

"Come on! Give me a quick death!"

Park Jung-hee, thinking of the miserable state his family had become after he sought refuge with them, immediately roared in a hoarse voice.

After saying that, he abruptly closed his eyes, clenched his teeth, and awaited the final judgment.

At that moment, the surrounding air seemed to freeze.

Park Jung-hee could clearly hear his own heart pounding like a drum and the sporadic sounds of artillery fire in the distance, but the expected gunshots or commands did not come.

Immediately afterwards, he felt a pair of strong but not rough hands supporting his arms.

Park Jung-hee swallowed hard and opened his eyes in astonishment.

Wu Wanli's face showed no anger; instead, the corners of his mouth were slightly upturned, carrying an indescribable, almost gentle expression.

He personally reached out and brushed the dust off Park Jung-hee's shoulders and chest, his movements as natural as if he were treating a familiar comrade-in-arms, not a mortal enemy.

Park Jung-hee stood frozen in place, his mind blank, completely unable to comprehend the situation before him.

Soon, something even more shocking happened to him.

Wu Wanli untied one pocket of his military uniform and took out an unopened pack of cigarettes and a piece of chocolate wrapped in oil paper.

“Park Kaka, I know what you’re worried about.”

"It's always best for a family to be safe and reunited. Think about who you're always at the forefront for?"

"Let's go."

Wu Wanli calmly placed the cigarette and chocolate into Park Jung-hee's stiff hand and said.

"This... you..."

Park Jung-hee looked down at the "generous gift" in his hand, then looked up at Wu Wanli's clear and honest eyes. A huge shock mixed with warmth rushed to his head, shattering the mental defenses he had just built.

The sense of humiliation strangely faded, replaced by a complex emotion I had never experienced before.

The warm scenes of family reappeared, this time even clearer.

Thinking of how the US military command had repeatedly pushed him to the guillotine like a pawn, while this "enemy" who was supposed to kill him had given him a chance to escape and...respect?
His lips trembled, as if he wanted to say something to thank or apologize, but the responsibility he felt for his family choked him up.

"Wu...Wu Kaka!"

"You're being kind by letting me go today!"

"I, Park Jung-hee, will remember this debt!"

"If one day, on the battlefield, I am the one who defeats you!"

"I...I will let you go this time! I will definitely repay your kindness today!"

Park Jung-hee took a deep breath and gripped the cigarette and chocolate tightly in his hand.

After saying that, he didn't even dare to look Wu Wanli in the eye. He turned around abruptly and ran wildly into the depths of the wilderness, away from Shuiyuan City, without looking back.

"How much benefit can winning over Park Chung-hee, who served as South Korean president for nearly 20 years, bring to China?"

"Perhaps it can't compare to Zhuge Liang's subjugation of Meng Huo, but it's still worth looking forward to..."

Wu Wanli watched Park Jung-hee's departing figure and murmured to himself.

"Wanli, you made the right move. The US Air Force in Suwon is about to collapse!"

"The American artillery is currently blocking the south gate with fire, and flames are raging, so we can't get in for the time being."

At this moment, Liu Hanqing walked over and pointed to the sky.

"Once the Air Force wins the battle and bombs the US artillery positions and command posts, we can then attack from the other sides."

Wu Wanli looked at the fierce battle in the air and said with a calm expression.

In the southeastern airspace of Suwon City, dark clouds were torn apart by the roar of engines.

More than 100 Chinese Air Force fighter jets painted with red stars rushed towards the remaining 40-odd US F-86 Sabre fighters with overwhelming force.

“Buzz buzz buzz buzz…”

Wang Wei piloted the "Wanli No. 1" into the flank of the battlefield like a ghost, but did not immediately join the melee.

He led a squadron of fighter jets to climb sharply, using the cloud cover to quickly lock onto the American fighter jets below.

While the US lead aircraft was yelling "triangular formation defense" over the radio, Wang Wei's wingman suddenly dove down to feign an attack and draw fire, while he launched a near-vertical attack from an altitude of 8,000 meters!
"kill!"

Wang Wei roared and slammed his finger down on the trigger.

The machine gun fire chain precisely locked onto the engine compartment of the US lead aircraft, and the flames of the US aircraft exploding in mid-air became a signal light on the battlefield.

Without its syndicate, a U.S. Air Force squadron collapsed instantly.

Peter, on the other hand, launched a frontal assault from the MiG-15 "Aid Korea No. 1".

In stark contrast to Wang Wei's tactics, the Soviet-made fighter squadron he led used a wedge formation to break through the American defenses, using the sturdiness of the aircraft and its climb advantage to force the enemy into close-quarters combat.

The moment the two Sabre planes locked onto Petrov's tail, he suddenly slowed down and rolled, and the American planes were unable to stop in time and rushed ahead.

"Eat a cannonball!"

Peter slammed the fire button, and the machine gun shattered the tail of an enemy plane.

Besides the two of them, other air forces were also carrying out highly efficient massacres of US warplanes.

Before long, the battle turned into a one-sided affair, and the remaining American troops hurriedly attempted to break out towards the Han River.

Wang Wei saw through their intentions and led his team straight to their retreat route.

However, four US Sabre fighter jets suddenly emerged from the low-altitude clouds and pounced on Wang Wei.

Seeing this, Peter quickly swooped down with his wingman to break the encirclement, and machine guns weaved a net of fire around the porthole of the Wanli No. 1.

"Comrades! You owe me a bottle of vodka!"

Peter looked at the American warplane he had shot down and laughed loudly into the radio.

"No problem, but I suggest you try Fenjiu from China, it tastes even better!"

Wang Wei looked at the defeated US Air Force and laughed heartily.

Three minutes later, the final air battle ended, and there were no more enemy figures in the skies above Suwon City!

After taking down the American warplanes over Suwon, Wang Wei and his men did not linger. Instead, they quickly rushed into the airspace within Suwon and headed straight for the command post of the U.S. 187th Airborne Regiment.

……

Not long after, when Wang Wei piloted his fighter jet to the position and locked onto the command post of the 187th Airborne Regiment flying the US flag through the aiming scope, a burning passion ignited in his heart.

"Dive attack!"

After Wang Wei finished speaking into the radio, he suddenly pushed the control lever.

“Buzz buzz buzz buzz——”

Like eagles breaking free from their restraints, the fighter jets tore through the clouds at an almost vertical angle, swooping down towards the building that symbolized the authority of the U.S. military!

The other Chinese Air Force fighter jets followed closely behind, swooping down toward their target with a dual flame of revenge and construction.

Inside the Suwon Castle Command Post

"Sir, our air force has been defeated! Chinese fighter jets are heading our way! Run!"

A U.S. soldier shouted in a panic.

"What, the, fuck!?"

"How could it be so fast?!"

"It's one thing for the Chinese Air Force to defeat our Air Force, but how could they possibly be so precise as to head straight for our command post?!"

"Has God sided with China?!"

"The airborne regiment commander, Trappnell, roared angrily."

Before he finished speaking, a sound that was many times sharper than the shelling, like the shriek of death, came from afar and instantly filled the entire command post!

"Air raid—!"

The screams of the chief of staff of the 187th Airborne Regiment were drowned out by the deafening sound of the explosion.

Trappnell's pupils contracted sharply, and all the color drained from his face. He could even see the belly of the plane outside the window, trailing a flame, rapidly enlarging!
That speed, that precise trajectory, is simply incomparable to that of a clumsy propeller plane!
"Boom——!!"

The first heavy aerial bomb, like a hammer, precisely pierced through the church's thick stone roof and exploded with a deafening roar in the command center!

Then, the second, the third...

Wang Wei's fighter jets almost grazed the command post before dropping bombs.

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

The massive shockwave and flames instantly tore the sand table, map, radio, and even the living human bodies inside to shreds!
Colonel Trappnell only had time to feel a blast of scalding air slam him against the wall before being buried by hot steel fragments and flying bricks.

In the moments before his consciousness faded, he was left with only endless bewilderment and fear.

The chief of staff of the U.S. airborne regiment was torn to pieces when the shockwave arrived, without even being able to scream.

Within seconds, the entire command post was reduced to a pile of rubble mixed with the smell of burnt flesh and blood, and flames soaring into the sky.

Almost simultaneously with the destruction of the command post, another group of fighter jets led by Peter swooped down on the American artillery positions in the west of the city with overwhelming force.

This location was equipped with heavy artillery, making it a key firing point for the US military to massacre the Chinese People's Volunteer Army in urban warfare.

U.S. artillerymen, urged on by their officers, were frantically operating their guns in an attempt to cover suspicious targets in the distance.

"Waaaaaahh ...

In an instant, the alarm blared.

The U.S. artillery officer looked up sharply, only to see the blue sky obscured by the swooping fighter jets!
"It's the Chinese Air Force! They're about to dive-bomb!"

"Quickly, take off! Find cover—!"

Before the US artillery officer's shouts could finish, the shells began to fall.

"Whoosh—Boom!"

"Boom! Boom! Boom!"

High-explosive and napalm bombs rained down on the artillery positions with deadly precision.

American artillerymen who didn't have time to take shelter in the bunkers were blown away by the shockwave like fragile stalks of wheat and crashed heavily to the ground.

The howitzers and self-propelled artillery were either directly blown to pieces or burned fiercely in the orange-red flames of the petrol bombs, producing a series of loud explosions.

The ammunition pile was detonated, triggering a more violent secondary explosion that engulfed nearby bunkers and the gunners who had narrowly escaped the first volley of bombardment.

The American artillerymen on the ground were terrified. They dropped their weapons and scattered like headless flies, but there was nowhere to hide.

The shockwave from the explosion kicked up dust, thick smoke, and flames, turning the entire position into a veritable hell on earth.

The air was thick with the smell of gunpowder, molten steel, and nauseating barbecue.

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

Meanwhile, outside Suwon Castle, in the makeshift fortifications...

Wu Wanli and the soldiers of his Seventh Steel Brigade witnessed this devastating air strike firsthand.

As the iconic fighter jet swooped down and whistled through the sky, many veterans instinctively sought cover, assuming it was another raid by those pesky American warplanes.

But the next second, they saw the bright red insignia on the fighter jet's fuselage!
Those aren't enemy planes, they're Chinese fighter jets!
"Look! It's our air force!"

"My God! That was a devastating blow! And the aim was perfect!"

"That was the command post! That was fucking awesome!"

"Artillery positions! See that?! They're all blown to bits! Those damn American artillerymen are finished!"

Some veterans who had fought many battles experienced the darkest moments when they entered Korea, with only American planes ravaging overhead and watching their comrades sacrifice one after another without being able to fight back.

Watching the Chinese fighter jets soaring freely in the sky, destroying the enemy's core nodes as easily as cutting melons and vegetables, hot tears welled up in his cloudy eyes.

Those were tears of humiliation that had been suppressed for far too long, and tears of pride and excitement at seeing one's country and army finally become strong enough to retaliate in kind!
Soon, the artillery positions in the west of the city were completely transformed into a hellish landscape, and the command post in the city center was reduced to ruins.

In the sky, the fighter squadron led by Wang Wei and Peter gracefully performed a victorious somersault at low altitude, the sunlight reflecting off the silver wings with dazzling brilliance, as if paying tribute to the heroic Chinese People's Volunteer Army on the ground.

Wu Wanli stood on a temporary command post, a sharp smile finally appearing on his usually stern face.

The time has come!

He suddenly drew the signal pistol from his waist, pointed it in the direction of Suwon Castle, and pulled the trigger without hesitation!
Thump—!

A dazzling red signal flare pierced the smoke-filled sky, like the sounding of a bugle call for an absolute charge!
"Seventh Steel Brigade, launch the general offensive!"

Wu Wanli picked up the walkie-talkie and gave the order with an air of authority.

The order was transmitted instantly throughout the entire army via walkie-talkie.

Soon, the vanguard assault team, which was already prepared, poured in like tigers released from their cages through the various breaches that had been blown open!
Yu Congrong, Pinghe, Gao Daxing and other detachment leaders took the lead and led the Steel Seventh Brigade soldiers who surged in like a tide, rushing into Suwon City through various breakthroughs!
The US military's command system was completely destroyed, its core artillery positions, which were the key to victory, were wiped out, and its core defensive fortifications were bombed to pieces.

More importantly, their morale completely collapsed in the face of Wang Wei Peter's devastating air strikes and the sudden ground onslaught!
Resistance within the city became sporadic and chaotic. Many American and South Korean troops at various strongholds surrendered or fled before the soldiers of the 7th Steel Brigade even reached them.

The Seventh Steel Brigade's attack was extremely swift and efficient.

The soldiers worked in perfect coordination, operating in squads and platoons, skillfully alternating and covering fire, quickly infiltrating and dividing the enemy lines, seizing high ground, eliminating enemy firing positions, and wiping out the remaining enemy forces.

The powerful assault force, like a red-hot iron piercing butter, advanced unstoppably through the chaotic defenses of Suwon Castle.

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

When Wu Wanli's army broke through Suwon City, the American fighter group that had been transferred from Suwon received desperate cries from the front and the devastating news that the Suwon command had lost contact.

"We've been breached!"

"The command post has been destroyed!"

"The artillery is gone!"

The American pilots in the cockpit frowned, their eyes filled with disbelief and fear.

The core of Suwon City was destroyed in a short time by the precision strike of the Chinese Air Force, and the powerful Chinese army had already rushed into the city, and its fall was imminent.

Nobody wants to be the next target of those terrifying Chinese jets, or to be turned into a turkey by captured anti-aircraft guns on the ground.

"Command silence! Attention all squadrons, Mizuhara has fallen! Ineffective close air support unavailable! Repeat, unavailable support!"

The voice of the US Air Force squadron commander, tinged with frustration and a hint of relief, echoed through the various US military aircraft.

"All units, immediately halt operations! Change course!"

"Find the nearest airport to land! This isn't an order, this is survival!"

As a result, the American aircraft group, which had originally been preparing to return to Suwon with great momentum, made a huge turn in the air and fled in a panic away from Suwon.

We've already used up most of our bombs and fuel, and with Suwon about to fall, there's no point in going back now.

Suwon, the logistical heart and largest machine gun stronghold painstakingly built by the US military, was finally completely liberated by the heroic Chinese People's Volunteer Army!
Before the smoke of battle had completely dissipated, bright red battle flags had already been planted atop Suwon Castle.

The soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade erupted in thunderous cheers, and the warehouses and camps in the city became their new territory.

Liu Hanqing, Yu Congrong, Pinghe, Lei Gong, and Gao Daxing surrounded Wu Wanli, their faces beaming with barely suppressed excitement.

"Hahahaha! That's great!"

"That was fucking awesome!"

"Commander-in-Chief, look at this! Suwon City truly lives up to its reputation as the logistical heart of the US military!"

"Look at all those canned goods, snacks, and ammunition boxes piled up. I bet our Seventh Steel Brigade can comfortably hold out for half a year!"

Yu Congrong pointed to the mountain of supplies piled up in the distance and said excitedly.

"It's truly a bumper harvest!"

"What a pity! If we could bring back these captured vehicles and heavy equipment, along with those tanks and armored vehicles, we could arm a mechanized division!"

Pinghe smiled, his usually composed face breaking into a sharp gaze as he swept over the captured American trucks on the street and the military crates piled up at the entrance of the ammunition depot.

"We've finally captured it! Taking Suwon will give us a great account to the Volunteer Army and the Soviet Union!"

"Once we got the cruisers and destroyers that the Soviet Union promised, the framework of our new China's navy was set up."

Lei Gong took out his pipe, took a puff, and squinted at the direction of the Han River to the north.

Although Gao Daxing didn't say anything, he puffed out his chest, and his excitement as the main force of the assault was self-evident.

"Don't be too happy yet!"

Wu Wanli's voice was cold and deep, instantly pouring ice water on this heated scene.

He surveyed the crowd, his gaze sharp as a hawk's, piercing through the joy of victory.

"Taking Suwon is only the first step; the hardest part is yet to come."

"We have now had our teeth pulled out of the tiger's mouth. Next, more than 100,000 UN troops will see us as a thorn in their side."

"Hold on?"

"Don't even mention half a year, it's uncertain even if it takes ten days!"

"The hardest part is how to break through the encirclement of more than 100,000 UN troops, and how to carry these gains out of the encirclement!"

"After so many battles, our Steel Seventh Brigade should only have about 8,000 soldiers left."

"Eight thousand against one hundred thousand, do you still think you should be smug?!"

"With the capture of Suwon, we have cruisers and destroyers. The framework of the Chinese navy is now in place. This is excellent!"

“But I have to take all my comrades from the Seventh Steel Brigade home.”

"No matter how many there are in the end, I will do my best!"

Wu Wanli took a puff of his cigar, looked at the battle map, and said calmly.

His words struck everyone like a heavy hammer.

The laughter abruptly ceased, the excitement quickly faded, and it was replaced by a heavy sense of vigilance and deep reflection.

Yes!

The capture of Suwon was a great victory, but it also meant leaving our isolated army stranded in the heart of the enemy's heavily fortified territory!
The Seventh Steel Brigade is surrounded by enemies on all sides!
"The deputy commander-in-chief is right!"

"The most urgent task is to find a way out!"

"Seongnam City, located on the south bank of the Han River to the north, is a crucial ferry crossing point leading to the Han River!"

"If we can take Seongnam City quickly in one fell swoop, we can cross the Han River, join forces with the troops north of the river, and work together to evacuate north!"

After a brief silence, Liu Hanqing spoke first, his tone calm and pragmatic.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes focused on the location of Seongnam City on the map, which is the middle city connecting Suwon and the Han River.

Taking over Seongnam City will allow us to directly cross the Han River and join forces!
"Taking over Chengnan City and joining forces with Jiangbei is a good idea."

“Seongnam City is right on the Han River, too close to Seoul. The main forces of the US 1st and 24th Cavalry Divisions are deployed nearby.”

"The U.S. military has just lost Suwon, its lifeline. Ridgway must be frantically mobilizing troops to counterattack and blockade it."

"The enemy is on high alert and surrounded by heavy troops. The window of opportunity for us to calmly attack and cross the river south of the city is too short!"

"The space for tactical maneuvering has been compressed to its limit."

"A direct assault would result in heavy casualties and a low success rate; it's a tough nut to crack."

Wu Wanli pointed to the location of Chengnan City with his finger, then slowly shook his head, his brows furrowed.

"Since the south of the city is difficult to attack and the risk of breaking out is too great, why should we insist on stirring up this hornet's nest?"

"Couldn't we try a different direction? Perhaps the west, south, or east would be less stressful?"

Lei Gong exhaled a puff of smoke and asked with a worried expression.

"Run in a different direction?"

"Lei Gong, look at the map."

"After we entered Suwon, the 2nd US Division could be attacked at any time by crossing the north-south tributary of the Han River to the east."

"To the west are the US 1st Cavalry Division and the British Brigade plus the Turkish Brigade, and to the north is the US 24th Division stationed along the Han River."

"Although the enemy is temporarily weaker in the south, it is unprotected and far from our main force, making it an isolated force venturing into the more dangerous plains."

"The positions of several elite US divisions have long formed a pocket and several lines of blockade around Suwon, blocking almost all the decent 'gaps'."

“If we don’t move, they will gradually tighten their grip until they strangle us.”

"Therefore, we must act!"

"And we must wage mobile warfare! Like stirring up a stagnant pool, we must completely disrupt the enemy's deployment and mobilize all their 'nails'!"

"The enemy outnumbers us several times over; if we try to encircle and annihilate them separately, we will inevitably expose our weaknesses."

"As long as we can tear open a gap, we can jump out!"

"Right now, the place that can best mobilize the enemy and drive them to desperation is precisely this strategic location in the north—Chengnan City!"

Wu Wanli's lips curled into a sharp smile as he suddenly raised his head, his eyes blazing with fighting spirit.

"Mobile warfare...waiting for an opportunity?"

"Does that mean if we can take the south of the city, we'll cross the river; if we can't, we'll use it to mobilize the US military, and then we'll find an opening to break out through mobile warfare?"

Liu Hanqing pondered this familiar yet infinitely possible word, his gaze thoughtfully returning to the map of Chengnan City.

"That's right!"

"I have my own plans on how to fight."

"Comrades, the battlefield is ever-changing, and opportunities are fleeting."

"Remember, we are the hunters, not the prey!"

"Hanqing, immediately compile a detailed report on our army's glorious victory in capturing Suwon, annihilating the main force of the US 187th Airborne Regiment and the defending enemy of the ROK 3rd Division, and send it to the Volunteer Army Headquarters via radio!"

"Let the commanders know the results of the battle as soon as possible, so that we can ask the Soviet Union for the warships back as soon as possible!"

"Also, send a telegram to Commander Ding Wei in Jiangbei!"

"Immediately launch a large-scale feint attack on the enemy on the north bank of the Han River! The bigger the show, the better!"

"By tying down more U.S. troops, we can create opportunities and space for our maneuvering on this south bank!"

"Organize a team to inventory the vehicles and carryable equipment seized in Suwon!"

"Destroy what you can't take with you, don't leave it for the enemy! Quickly resettle the wounded and take care of supplies!"

"In fifteen minutes, proceed towards Chengnan City!"

Wu Wanli said in a strong and resonant voice.

"Yes!!!"

Upon hearing this, the officers and key personnel of the Seventh Steel Corps immediately responded in unison.

(End of this chapter)