Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 290 The Soviet Union is shocked! Ten Soviet-equipped divisions for Wu Wanli! The Soviet Union sends additional submarines and technical guidance!
Beijing, China-Soviet arms control conference

"Snapped!"

When Secretary-General Wang presented the battle reports of the liberation of Suwon and the annihilation of more than 10,000 enemy troops to Soviet advisor Vladimir.

In an instant, this usually composed Slav showed an expression of disbelief and loss of composure for the first time.

The warm tea on the table splashed out due to his sudden leaning back, leaving a deep stain on the snow-white tablecloth.

Ten days!?

"My God, Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade only took ten days!!!"

"I did specify a thirty-day timeframe..."

Vladimir muttered to himself, his fingers turning slightly white from gripping the report tightly.

Outside the window, the cold winter wind of Beijing swept through the bare branches, making a whistling sound.

But inside the West Flower Hall of the Political and Martial Arts Academy, all was silent at this moment.

On the long sandalwood desk lay the urgent telegram from the Ministry of Personnel, still smelling of ink.

At this moment, like a stone thrown into water, it stirred up a storm in the heart of Soviet advisor Vladimir.

His grey eyes, which had witnessed countless power struggles between major nations, were fixed on the bold lead characters of "Recovery of Suwon," as if trying to see through the paper to the battlefield.

Ten days!

The clash of steel, the cry of life, the burning city...

This cold, precise military intelligence report, condensed into its core, shattered all of Vladimir's previous strategic maneuvers.

Suwon was no ordinary stronghold; it was the heart of the western front, which the UN forces had been cultivating for six months.

Fortified positions, elite airborne troops, and integrated land and air defense are all crucial to the U.S. military's overall defense depth chain!
The telegram beneath his fingertips trembled slightly, betraying the turmoil in his heart.

The fall of Suwon meant that a bloody gaping hole had been torn in the UN forces' defense system on the western front.

"Comrade Vladimir?"

Secretary-General Wang's calm voice broke the silence.

He sat opposite me, dressed in a simple gray Zhongshan suit. A wisp of white steam rose from the blue-and-white porcelain bowl in his hand, obscuring his calm and deep gaze behind his glasses.

He appeared to be calmly awaiting a response, but in reality, he was walking on thin ice.

Every dialogue with representatives of powerful neighbors is a negotiation about the future destiny of the nation, and the invisible swords and shadows never cease.

The victory at Suwon was hard-won and must be carefully weighed down.

We must neither succumb to the pressure from powerful nations nor miss the opportunity for development.

Vladimir finally looked up from the telegram, his usual diplomatic smile vanishing, replaced by an eerie gleam.

It was a mixture of shock, a hint of jealousy, and the excitement of meeting a worthy opponent.

"Incredible..."

"At a meeting of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, we joked that if the Soviet Union had had such a genius general in blitzkrieg, it would have pushed the German army into the Atlantic Ocean long ago!"

"Today, I would like to venture a request to your country!"

He shook his head, downed the vodka in his glass in one gulp, and suddenly burst out laughing, the wrinkles at the corners of his eyes appearing even deeper in the flickering lamplight.

"any request?"

Secretary-General Wang frowned slightly and asked in a humble yet assertive manner.

"Secretary-General Wang, if you don't want to believe me, then just think I'm joking."

"If your country is willing to part with... I mean, Comrade Wu Wanli came to guide the Soviet military for fifty years."

"The great Soviet Union can immediately allocate light weapons and equipment to ten fully equipped Soviet-armed divisions!"

"All Mosin-Nagant Model 1944 rifles, equipped with Degtyarev light machine guns and ample ammunition!"

"This could arm so many loyal soldiers! Enough to build a powerful strategic reserve!"

Vladimir leaned forward, his voice deliberately relaxed, and tapped his fingers lightly on the table as he spoke.

The charcoal brazier in the warm room crackled softly, and the air was filled with the scent of ambergris and a hint of vodka.

Secretary-General Wang put down the covered bowl in his hand, and the porcelain bottom made a very slight tapping sound against the table.

His gaze, like ice crystals hidden beneath a calm lake, stared directly into Vladimir's "passionate" blue-gray eyes.

"Comrade Advisor, it's windy in Beijing today, and my ears are ringing. Did you just say that ten Soviet mechanics engineers could be exchanged for one Wu Wanli?"

"Perhaps you haven't fully woken up yet, or maybe that can of vodka last night was a bit too strong?"

He spoke at a measured pace, tapping his index finger lightly three times on the table as if by accident. His calm question, however, was like a blunt knife slicing through the previous atmosphere of feigned banter.

Vladimir's smile froze for a moment, and his hand, which was about to refill the white porcelain wine pot, hung in mid-air.

This subtle, direct rebuke of indecent behavior is extremely rare in diplomatic settings, and the atmosphere suddenly became tense.

Secretary-General Wang slowly stood up, and his upright shadow spread across the wall of the warm pavilion.

"Comrade Vladimir, first and foremost, he is our hero, a national hero, not an object that can be traded."

"Then please consider this carefully: when Wu Wanli was eating potatoes at Chosin Reservoir, he dared to use his flesh and blood to fight against the muzzle of an American tank."

"He led his comrades, fighting their way from the deadly ground where temperatures were tens of degrees below zero all the way into Seoul, into Incheon, and into Suwon!"

"From the USS Missouri battleship to the USS Enterprise aircraft carrier, and now to every inch of scorched earth in Suwon, his name is written!"

"Ten Soviet mechanics!?"

"The Mosin-Nagant is good, and the Degtyarev machine gun is excellent!"

"Could we trade it for a top-of-the-line American-made battleship?"

"Could it be exchanged for a world-class aircraft carrier?"

"How much air and tank firepower are the Americans blasting at him right now?"

"Do you think the light weapons of ten divisions can compare to the fleet he carried back to China and the American equipment he tore off the hands of the Americans?!"

Secretary-General Wang's final rhetorical question resonated like a stone falling to the ground, creating a silent echo in the warm pavilion.

Vladimir opened his mouth, but his throat was so dry that he couldn't make a sound.

The face that had been so spirited just moments before was now flushed, whether from the alcohol or embarrassment, it was hard to tell.

He suddenly tilted his head back and poured the forgotten wine into his glass, letting out a sharp cough as he choked.

"Ha...cough cough...this..."

"Secretary-General Wang... your calculations are even more astute than those of the treasury manager at the Bank of Moscow!"

"Okay, okay, this joke seems to have been a bit too... direct."

"I was mistaken. Such a brilliant tactician, let alone the 10th Division with light equipment, even fifty T-34 tanks would probably not be enough."

"But speaking of the fleet..."

"Now that Suwon has been liberated, the cruisers and destroyers that we Soviet Union promised are naturally valid."

"Our Far East Fleet has set sail, and cruisers and destroyers will also sail together to the high seas of the Sea of ​​Japan to await handover."

"But..."

"The western front of Suwon was hit hard, but isn't the eastern front too quiet now?"

"These guys in the UN forces probably haven't had enough of the iron fist!"

"The Soviet leader spoke with me on the special line last night. He said that if Comrade Wu Wanli can really break through Suwon, then we can take advantage of the situation and deliver another heavy blow on the eastern front!"

"For example... Hengcheng!"

Vladimir pointed heavily at Hengcheng and said with a smile.

Upon hearing the words "Hengcheng," Secretary-General Wang's hand holding the covered bowl paused almost imperceptibly, causing the water to ripple slightly.

He took a breath discreetly, waiting for the other person to continue.

"Don't worry, as the elder brother of the Red camp, the Soviet Union will definitely provide assistance, encouragement and support for the heroic achievements of the Red camp members in resisting American imperialism."

"Our meticulously prepared submarines! Six in total!"

"They've already been labeled as ready to be shipped to the Far East..."

"If Comrade Wu Wanli can once again wield his steel fist and capture Hengcheng, a key hub on the eastern front, he can remove the hard thorn that the US military has driven into the eastern front of Korea!"

"Six submarines, along with cruisers and destroyers, will be delivered together in the high seas of the Sea of ​​Japan. The fleet will be transferred!"

"Not only that, the Soviet Union will also send some experts to guide your country until you can actually replicate a similar submarine!"

What do you lack most?

"It seems that your country's shipyard on Huludao Island in Liaodong is not progressing very well?"

"Aircraft carriers and 10,000-ton heavy cruisers are money-devouring behemoths; don't even think about seeing their keels for at least ten years!"

"Only submarines!"

"Hundreds of tons of steel shells, dozens of soldiers! They learned the fastest! They built them the fastest! They used them the most ruthlessly!"

"As I just mentioned, Soviet technical experts will be able to come along and offer some guidance..."

"Although it is definitely a relatively basic model, it is like lighting a lamp for the blueprints of your Chinese naval defense industry!"

"For the Soviets, this is just the price of throwing away six more old submarines!"

What did we get in return?

"It was Comrade Wu Wanli's iron fist in Hengcheng that completely shattered the face of UN Commander-in-Chief Ridgway!"

What a mess it would be for the headlines of the free world's newspapers!

"The light of the red camp shone brightest on the eastern battlefield!"

"For the Soviet Union, the cost of a negligible naval submarine was exchanged for a dominant position in global public opinion, a win-win situation!"

"For your country, this is the most tangible springboard for the leapfrog development of the Chinese navy and military industry!"

Vladimir smiled and looked at Secretary-General Wang.

As soon as he finished speaking, the air in the warm room seemed to ignite.

The charcoal fire crackled softly, and sparks flew to the edge of the copper basin, instantly dimming it.

Vladimir's analysis, cloaked in self-interest, pierced like a sharp icicle into the deep blue sea in Secretary-General Wang's heart, a sea that represented the aspirations for the development of the Chinese Navy.

Chinese submarines!

This word kept reverberating in Secretary-General Wang's mind, carrying the alluring weight of cold steel.

Vladimir's calculations were meticulous, and he didn't even try to hide the naked geopolitical maneuvering involved.

The Soviet Union needed this earth-shattering victory, won by the Chinese, to serve as a powerful testament to the ideological struggle within the Soviet Union's global strategy, just as the light of the red lighthouse pierced through the thick fog and illuminated the entire Eastern world.

The stakes, however, are the six submarines that symbolize underwater power.

How much of a deal?

The Soviet Union suffered almost zero losses, but gained global fame by tearing the Stars and Stripes apart.

This thought caused Secretary Wang's gaze behind his glasses to turn cold for a moment.

He took a deep breath; what surged in his chest was not the impulsive rush of hot blood, but the heavy burden weighing on his shoulders.

China needs these six submarines!

It wasn't just submarines; the Soviet advisors also mentioned guidance from Soviet technical experts!

This seemingly insignificant starting point will determine whether the newly established republic's coastal defense can break through from zero to one, and leap from the blueprint of hope on the boundless beach to a brand new starting point beneath the blue sea.

Suddenly, Secretary-General Wang stood up!
The mahogany armchair beneath him made a sharp scraping sound as the sudden movement caused it to scrape against the bluestone floor.

Vladimir was taken aback by the sudden burst of intense power in his eyes and instinctively leaned back in his chair.

The smooth, confident smile that had been on his face just moments before froze and vanished.

"Comrade Vladimir! Your proposal carries immense weight!"

"But this is no longer something that the two of us can decide over tea in the warm room!"

"I will immediately report to the Party Central Committee and the Volunteer Army Headquarters!"

Secretary-General Wang took a deep breath and said.

The brief silence in the room was abruptly shattered by Secretary-General Wang's powerful, resonant voice.

"Secretary-General Wang, you made that decision quickly!"

"However, Wu Wanli and his Steel Seventh Team had just fought a bloody battle at Shuiyuan, and their steel blades were still worn and dull."

"Hengseong is not Suwon. It's quite a distance from your Seventh Steel Brigade, not to mention it's separated by a tributary of the Han River."

"The Americans have been slapped a few times, and now they're all red-eyed. They'll definitely intensify their crackdown."

"But I must remind you that this request is time-limited. After all, the arrival time of the navy is predictable, and it is impossible for them to stay in the Sea of ​​Japan indefinitely."

"We must take Hengcheng within ten days!"

"Even if they manage to capture Hengcheng after these ten days, our fleet will only be handed over to cruisers and destroyers according to plan."

Vladimir smiled and offered a reminder.

"The Chinese People's Volunteer Army has always marched with determination, fought with loyalty, and risked their lives for the future!"

"Those who have braved the icy and snowy Changjin Lake know that the word 'cannot' doesn't apply to them!"

"I still need to report to the Central Committee and the Headquarters of the Volunteer Army for the final decision, but I believe the Seventh Steel Brigade can do it!"

Secretary-General Wang's eyes flashed with confidence as he immediately spoke.

"no problem!"

"Ten days later, the coordinates of the high seas were sent to your naval command on time."

"Our fleet is about to depart; we await the good news from the Seventh Steel Squadron at Hengcheng!"

"If he succeeds, all six submarines will be delivered together!"

"If he fails, we will deliver the cruisers and destroyers we won from capturing Suwon as scheduled!"

"Whether Comrade Wu Wanli can create another miracle, we in the Soviet Union are watching with bated breath!"

As he spoke, Vladimir stood up and extended his heavy hand to Secretary-General Wang across the large rosewood table.

"We'll see!"

Secretary-General Wang gripped the handshake firmly, his eyes like those of a beacon gazing at a giant ship cleaving through the deep sea, as he spoke.

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

Inside the headquarters of the Korean War front

"report!"

In an instant, a hurried sound broke the silence.

A young volunteer army staff officer practically rushed in, clutching a newly translated telegram in his hand, his face flushed with a mixture of disbelief and extreme excitement.

"Read!"

The boss didn't even look up, his voice remaining calm and steady, as if he had anticipated another report of a stalemate at the front.

"Urgent telegram! Urgent telegram from the Seventh Steel Corps Headquarters!"

"Our unit was attacked by US airstrikes during a crossing operation on a tributary of the Han River!"

"Commander Wu Wanli made a critical decision and directed the anti-aircraft artillery units to set up an ambush."

"At the same time, Commander Wu Wanli personally shot down two enemy planes circling at low altitude with his rifle! This enraged the American aircraft group and lured them into the airspace where our anti-aircraft artillery had been pre-positioned for ambush!"

"After fierce air combat, our unit successfully annihilated the attacking US Air Force formation using anti-aircraft artillery fire!!!"

The volunteer army staff officer took a deep breath, his voice trembling slightly with excitement.

"what?!"

For a moment, the leaders within the headquarters almost unanimously questioned him.

The boss suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and his hand, which was tightly gripping the red and blue pencils, froze in mid-air.

Incredulity instantly filled Chief Chen's usually refined face, and he involuntarily leaned forward.

"Shoot down an enemy plane with a rifle? And annihilate an entire squadron?"

"Nonsense! How could that be!"

The Chief of the General Staff reacted the fastest, rushing to the staff officer and snatching the telegram from him. As he spoke, his eyes scanned each word with sharp intensity.

"Chief!"

"It's absolutely true!"

"The telegram records in detail that when the enemy planes made their final dive and strafed the troops crossing the river, Commander Wu raised his gun and opened fire!"

"The first shot hit the pilot of the enemy plane on the left, and the second shot killed the co-pilot and bombardier of the enemy plane on the right!"

"Both planes immediately lost control and crashed into the river!"

"The US aircraft group was enraged upon seeing this and retaliated by descending to a frenzied altitude, which just happened to enter the ambush zone that our army had set up on the riverbank!"

"Commander Wu Wanli directed concentrated anti-aircraft artillery fire, and two salvos destroyed the subsequent group of American warplanes!"

"In short, it was Commander Wu Wanli who used himself as bait to lure in the American aircraft group, and then used anti-aircraft artillery fire to wipe them out!"

The volunteer army staff officer was sweating profusely as he pointed to the telegram and explained in detail.

"hiss……"

The Chief of the General Staff gasped, repeatedly checking the details of the telegram.

"Give me a clear explanation of the specific tactics, artillery deployment, and timelines, without missing a single word!"

The boss slowly put down his pencil, his sharp eyes fixed on the staff officer: his voice was not loud, but it carried an invisible pressure.

"Yes!"

"The situation was extremely critical at the time. Most of my artillery detachment had already crossed the river, and the guard battalion was on its way to cross!"

"Two squadrons of US fighter jets launched a surprise attack and destroyed the No. 3 main pontoon bridge!"

"Follow-up troops were blocked, and personnel and equipment were exposed on the open river!"

"Commander Wu first made a remarkable contribution by shooting down an American warplane with his rifle, thanks to his extraordinary courage and superb marksmanship!"

"Moreover, it also served to intimidate the enemy and cause them to lose their rationality!"

"Then Commander Wu ordered the anti-aircraft artillery group of Lei Gong's unit, which had already crossed the river, to make full use of the camouflaged positions in the jungle on the high ground on the east bank and to deliberately show weakness by firing only half of its firepower for the first time."

"Only when the enemy aircraft group has dived to an altitude of less than 200 meters and is preparing for a second strafing attack should we open fire!"

"Reports indicate that the suddenness and precision of the anti-aircraft artillery fire caught the US military completely off guard!"

"The lead aircraft was shot down in the first round and exploded in mid-air! Immediately afterwards, our firepower covered its flight formation, and the enemy aircraft were hit, caught fire and crashed one after another!"

"The entire battle, from engagement to its conclusion, lasted no more than ten minutes!"

"Commander Wu Wanli led the Seventh Steel Brigade to create a military miracle by annihilating an entire U.S. Air Force formation using land-based methods!"

"This is an unprecedented case in Chinese history!"

"Commander Wu Wanli has once again become the first person in Chinese military history to achieve a miracle!"

The volunteer army staff officer immediately straightened his chest and quickly recounted the details of the battle report.

When the staff officer finished his report, his rapid breathing was clearly audible.

All eyes were focused on him, yet it was as if they were piercing through him.

Through the battle reports, they seemed to see the breathtaking scene above the tributary of the Han River, where artillery fire tore through the sky and burning steel fell.

But Wu Wanli dared to raise his rifle, as calm as a statue, pull the trigger, and use himself as bait to annihilate the entire US Air Force formation!

"God!"

"This is more than a miracle! It's like a god descending to earth!"

"This requires much more than just marksmanship!"

"This is dancing on the edge of a knife, creating a way out out of thin air in a desperate situation!"

"A calm and decisive action in the face of danger! An arrogant display of keen insight into the enemy's plans!"

"More importantly, it's that kind of steely courage—the kind that remains unfazed even when Mount Tai collapses before you, the kind that's willing to risk everything!"

"Not one can be missing! Not one can be missing!"

"Sharpshooters may exist, tacticians may exist, but only those who can connect all these elements and complete this incredible gamble in a life-or-death race against time..."

"Besides Wu Wanli, where else in this world can you find a second one?!"

The Chief of the General Staff's hand holding the telegram trembled slightly. He slowly raised his head, looked at the General and Chief Chen, his face still showing shock but also great respect. He spoke in a strained voice.

"A miraculous victory unlike any seen in history! Unbelievable!"

"The result of the army annihilating an entire US Air Force squadron with its firepower is equivalent to many of our air defense companies!"

"His personal bravery, combined with tactical maneuvering, had a decisive impact on the course of the entire battle!"

"We commanders might be able to come up with such a method, but we don't have the capability to shoot down fighter jets!"

"In such an emergency, if you try to find the sharpshooters in the army to relay the plan before starting, it will be too late!"

"This is a true military genius!"

"A young genius who combines the bravery of Xiang Yu with the wisdom of Zhuge Liang!"

Chief Chen slowly took off his glasses, pressed his throbbing temples hard, and sighed with deep emotion.

The boss didn't say anything, but slowly sat back down in his chair.

In his eyes, which had been weathered by life and possessed a profound wisdom, the sharp glint had been replaced by a deep, ocean-like approval and an indescribable pride.

He picked up the enamel mug on the table and took a sip of water. The water rippled slightly, revealing the turbulent emotions churning within him.

"Beautiful!"

"This battle demonstrated the unprecedented might of our Volunteer Army!"

"They forged the indomitable backbone of the soldiers of New China!"

"Comrade Wu Wanli showed the world through his actions that nothing is impossible in the face of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army!"

"This achievement is something that the entire headquarters and all the Chinese people should be proud of! It should make them excited!"

After a long pause, he put down his cup, tapped his finger heavily on the small red flag on the table that marked Wu Wanli's location, and said, word by word, with unwavering resolve.

His voice wasn't loud, but it was filled with undeniable power, penetrating the entire silent command post and the hearts of everyone present.

It was a heartfelt and profound respect and a sense of pride in the rise of one's own nation's armed forces.

The air was filled with the excitement of surviving a disaster and a surge of pride. The staff officers and combatants looked at each other, their eyes shining with fervent admiration and exhilaration.

While the entire headquarters was still immersed in the immense shock of annihilating the American air formation and the awe-inspiring admiration for Wu Wanli's extraordinary abilities,

Before the excitement of that miracle had subsided, the wooden door of the command post was once again slammed open with a "bang"!

"Report! Urgent telegram from the Central Committee! Top Secret! Urgent!"

Another volunteer army staff officer rushed in like a whirlwind, shouting his report without even saluting, waving another translated telegram in his hand, his face extremely serious due to the impact of running and the contents.

This sudden intrusion and the urgent, top-secret notification instantly brought the still-amazed atmosphere in the command post back to the cold reality.

The expressions of the three men, the General, Chief Chen, and the Chief of the General Staff, who had just relaxed, suddenly tightened!
"Read!"

The boss's voice regained its usual calm as he spoke.

"We have just received notification from the Soviet side that a supplementary resolution has been reached regarding the delivery of equipment captured from the West Fleet in Pyeongtaek and Suwon, as well as assistance to our military in receiving Soviet-style fleets!"

"The Soviet side promised that if Comrade Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade could capture and take actual control of Hengcheng, a key town of the puppet Korean regime, within ten days of receiving the telegram!"

"In addition to the cruisers and destroyers originally promised, the Soviet Union will also donate six submarines to us free of charge!"

"At the same time, a team of no fewer than fifteen senior submarine experts will be dispatched to my country for a year to provide unconditional guidance for my country's submarine imitation project!"

"Including but not limited to core subsystems such as hull design, special steel smelting process, torpedo guidance technology, batteries, and underwater acoustic equipment!"

"If the Wu Wanli Division fails to achieve its objectives within the specified timeframe, it will only deliver cruisers and destroyers as originally agreed, and the aforementioned submarine and technical support clauses will be automatically void!"

"Please discuss this immediately, make arrangements quickly, and hope that the Wu Wanli troops will create a miracle!"

The staff officer stood at attention and quickly recited the instructions.

In an instant, this news was like cold water poured into a boiling oil pan!
The fervent atmosphere that had just been stirred up in the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army due to Wu Wanli's miracle was instantly extinguished by the contents of this telegram, followed by an even more intense reaction!

"Ten days?!"

"Take Hengcheng?!"

"The Soviet Union really dared to open their mouths!"

"Where is Hengcheng? It's on the east bank of a tributary of the Han River!"

"Not only are we separated by the turbulent river, but we also have to face the pursuit of the US 1st Cavalry Division, the main force of the 24th Division that may be coming to reinforce us, and the puppet South Korean 9th Division stationed in Hengcheng!"

"Let's take another look at the terrain along this route!"

"Mountainous terrain! Layer upon layer of peaks! Few roads and bridges!"

"This is putting people in a difficult position!"

The Chief of the General Staff was the first to cry out, his hand pointing at the map trembling slightly.

"This demand... is practically using an impossible task as a bargaining chip!"

"Although Hengcheng is not as central as Suwon, it is still an important transportation hub and military post on the eastern front!"

"Although the defending forces are mainly South Korean troops, it's still a division! Not just an airborne regiment from Suwon!"

"The Seventh Steel Brigade's long-distance raid stretched their supply lines, making it difficult to carry heavy weapons. Moreover, they were attacking a fortified city amidst a fierce enemy counterattack... The cost was unimaginable!"

"The Soviet Union knew that what China wanted most was more than just submarines!"

"It's not just about the blueprints for surface ships and those few vessels! It's about sending experts to guide submarine technology!"

"It is the key to establishing our own... underwater dragon production line!"

"This is the core that can completely change the balance of power at sea!"

"This temptation...is too great!"

"If Wu Wanli finds out, he will definitely risk everything, including himself and the Seventh Steel Brigade, the nation's sharpest weapon, in a desperate fight!"

Chief Chen took off his glasses and wiped them vigorously. After putting them back on, his brows furrowed deeply, and he spoke in an extremely solemn tone.

After hearing these words, the boss fell silent.

He slowly walked to the large map of the Korean War, his gaze sweeping over the red flag representing Wu Wanli's unit, and then moving inch by inch to the black circle on the map that marked Hengcheng.

On the map, the blue arrow representing the US pursuit force, the blue area representing the Hengcheng garrison, and the blue pennant representing the South Korean blocking force... are all subtly encircling that lone red arrow from all directions.

The ten-day deadline, along a virtual path on the map that was only a little over a hundred kilometers in a straight line, turned into a long, hellish battle of blood and fire.

At this moment, a heavy silence fell over the command post.

The amazement at Wu Wanli had barely faded when they were enveloped by an even more daunting requirement and a tremendous temptation that could overturn the fate of a naval power.

The staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army dared not utter a sound. Looking at the gloomy faces of their commanders, they felt as if a huge rock was pressing on their hearts.

"Six submarines and fifteen Soviet submarine experts providing guidance for a year would be almost enough for us to successfully reverse engineer them..."

"Damn it! Our navy really needs it!"

"If we could mass-produce submarine battle groups, even if we weren't ready to launch an attack, at least our coastal defenses would be more secure!"

"But the problem is... this is a fucking impossible mission!"

"A lightning raid in ten days took Hengcheng!?"

"Is the enemy a scarecrow!?"

"Are Wu Wanli and the others made of iron and don't need to rest?"

"We just finished fighting at Suwon, and now we're engaged in a bloody battle at Jiangdu, annihilating the US air force squadron!"

"Even if Wu Wanli is truly a divine general, and the soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade are heavenly warriors, they still need to catch their breath!"

"Let them take down another Hengcheng within ten days... Isn't that forcing them into a battle with a slim chance of survival?"

"No matter how capable Wu Wanli is, he's still made of flesh and blood!"

"Even the Seventh Steel Brigade, no matter how brave, can't withstand this kind of limit!"

"Boss, about this matter..."

After an unknown amount of time, Chief Chen punched the location of Suwon on the map, his voice filled with regret.

"no!"

"No matter what, we have to give it a try!"

"These conditions are too harsh!"

"Our navy desperately needs these submarine technologies!"

"Surface ships are an overt deterrent, but this kind of deterrent has been developing for far too long!"

"Submarines are a silent national asset underwater, and also the fastest way for our new China to enhance its naval capabilities!"

"This is a matter of whether we can safeguard our vital maritime borders!"

"The Soviets... they've identified our weakness! They're using this to taunt us!"

"Boss! Hengcheng... we have to take it!" "We don't have to give a death order, but we have to try!"

"We can have Li Yunlong and his men do their best to support Wu Wanli and his men!"

The Chief of the General Staff interrupted Chief Chen, speaking with absolute certainty.

"Support? How do we provide support?"

"This distance! It's separated by the entire Han River front!"

"Our main force is tied down by the enemy in the area around Incheon and north of the Han River!"

"The navy's aircraft carriers and battleships are still far away in Incheon Port in the west, resupplying and preparing to head north to pick up warships provided by the Soviet Union. How can they support Hoengseong in the east?!"

"The Air Force is consuming a lot of aircraft and ammunition, and it also has to cover Li Yunlong and Ding Wei's blocking action. How much practical help can it give them?!"

"The main force can't get there, and the supplies can't be transported!"

"Are we supposed to let these thousands of people charge in by sheer willpower?"

"That's not attacking Hengcheng, that's sending them charging into a meat grinder!"

"We need submarines, but we need Wu Wanli even more! We need the heroic spark of the Seventh Steel Brigade even more!"

"What's the use of submarines without them?!"

Upon hearing this, Chief Chen adjusted his glasses and immediately spoke.

The two argued back and forth, their gazes turning to the silent CEO.

The air inside the command post seemed to freeze, with only heavy breathing remaining.

The CEO remained standing before the map, his back as silent and solemn as a mountain.

His finger traced the blood-stained path repeatedly between the two points representing Mizuhara and Yokojo, then slowly moved across the high seas of the Sea of ​​Japan, representing the warships that were about to be received.

Finally, his finger rested on the word "submarine," a word that was both alluring and incredibly heavy.

He certainly wanted that submarine too.
Why would they want the technology that could change the fate of the nation?
But as the Chief of the General Staff said, this is gambling with the most precious pillars of the nation on a slim chance of a miracle!

"Let's end this argument!"

After a long pause, the general finally turned around, took a deep breath, and glanced at Chief Chen and the Chief of the General Staff before speaking in a voice that carried an unquestionable authority.

Upon hearing this, everyone held their breath and waited for the CEO's final decision.

"Draft a telegram and send it to Comrade Wu Wanli!"

"First: To Comrade Wu Wanli and all officers and soldiers of the Seventh Steel Corps, we convey the warmest congratulations and highest respect from the Volunteer Army Headquarters!"

"With their iron will, fearless courage, superb tactics and personal bravery, they annihilated the entire US Air Force formation in one fell swoop, creating a miracle in the war between the Army and a powerful air enemy!"

"This is an unprecedented victory in the history of our army! You have demonstrated the power of our nation and our army! You are truly an invincible force!"

"The Central Committee and all the staff of the General Headquarters are proud of you! We hope you will continue your efforts and make new contributions!"

"Second: Inform the Soviet Union about exchanging the capture of Hengcheng for six additional submarines and core expert technical support."

"This mission has extremely high objectives, an extremely tight deadline, and difficulties far exceeding those of ordinary tasks!"

"Third: It is clearly stated that this task is by no means a death order!"

"The headquarters is well aware that your troops have been fighting continuously, and that your men and horses are exhausted, the enemy situation is fierce, and the terrain is complex."

"A fierce assault on Hengcheng is fraught with danger!"

"Your unit should independently assess the current enemy-friendly situation, your own casualties and resupply status, and the actual conditions upon arrival at the attack area! You shall decide whether to proceed!"

"Whatever choice you make, Zhiji will fully trust and support you! There will be absolutely no criticism!"

"Fourth: It is emphasized that even if Hengcheng is not attacked, our army will still receive cruisers and destroyers from the Soviet Union as originally agreed!"

"This is an established achievement. The Seventh Steel Corps' contribution to the liberation of Suwon is enough to significantly enhance the nation's naval strength!"

"Comrade Wu Wanli must prioritize preserving our manpower and ensuring the safe withdrawal of our troops. Do not be lured by the submarine and attempt a forced attack! Do not gamble everything!"

Fifth: The General Headquarters will allocate resources to provide support to the greatest extent possible!

"Order Li Yunlong's troops to intensify their offensive in the Anyang direction on the western front, drawing away the enemy's reserves!"

"Order Ding Wei's troops to strengthen their feints in the direction of Seoul on the east bank!"

"Order the Air Force to provide full protection for your unit's transfer route when conditions permit!"

"But...to be frank, the enemy's blockade is extensive, making air support extremely difficult!"

Sixth: Reiterate the supreme principle—preserve yourselves at all costs!

"Completing the mission is icing on the cake! Getting away unscathed is a lifeline in the snow!"

"In the hearts of the General Headquarters and the people of the motherland, the safety of Comrade Wu Wanli and all the officers and soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade is more important than the six submarines! More important than any warship!"

"The value of your tribe is immeasurable! You must cherish it!"

The commander surveyed the command post and finally issued the order, his words clear and distinct.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately agreed.

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

In winter, the Korean Peninsula is swept by a biting north wind that cuts across the bare mountains and the dirt roads covered with a thin layer of ice.

The discussions in front of the telegraph machine and the central government's decision were far beyond the reach of the people.

For Wu Wanli and his exhausted but resilient team on the banks of a tributary of the Han River, the race against time was a matter of life and death—the capture of Chaoding Bridge!

One day and one night, 241 li!
This means that, aside from the possibility of small groups of enemy harassment, they must march at near-maximum speed, forward, forward, and forward without stopping!

The heavy howitzer barrels were dismantled and the captured vehicles and strong soldiers took charge of the task.

Wu Wanli walked at the very front of the group. His figure, which was not particularly tall, was like an unyielding flag at that moment.

He knew all too well the harshness of the journey. The 241-mile mountain road, ice, and ravines, and the forced march under enemy cover, would be a devastating drain on his physical strength.

But the opportunity is fleeting. Chaoding Bridge is the pre-planned crossing point and a key node that affects the overall situation. The US pursuers could close in and encircle us at any time!
Soldiers from the guard battalion and artillery detachment on the east bank of a tributary of the Han River gritted their teeth and embarked on a journey that was even more challenging and longer than a frontal assault on the battlefield.

On the west bank, Yu Congrong, Pinghe, Gao Daxing, and the other two detachments were also rushing on their way.

For the first few dozen miles, the team was able to maintain its formation, their heavy, orderly footsteps striking the frozen ground.

But as the sun began to set, the shadows lengthened, and the temperature plummeted, making it difficult for everyone to walk.

A young artilleryman, only eighteen or nineteen years old, named Little Stone, was responsible for carrying the heavy breechblock components.

His thin body swayed in the cold wind, and his steps became increasingly unsteady.

Sweat had already soaked through his cotton-padded clothes, and then froze into an icy shell in the cold wind, sticking to his body with a bone-chilling cold.

His lungs felt like bellows were being torn apart, and every breath of cold air he inhaled smelled of blood.

My vision started to go black, and the world spun around me.

"Pfft!"

A muffled thud rang out, particularly jarring in the otherwise silent and oppressive marching column.

Little Stone fell heavily onto the frozen mud, his equipment and all. His cheek was scraped, the blood freezing instantly, and he became disoriented.

"Someone has fallen!"

The veteran next to him exclaimed in a low voice, and the group stirred slightly.

Wu Wanli stopped and turned around almost at the same time as the sound of him falling to the ground, and rushed back in long strides.

"Step aside!"

He pushed aside the soldiers who surrounded him, knelt down beside Xiao Shitou, and quickly checked his breathing and pulse.

Fortunately, it was just fainting from exhaustion.

"Remove his heaviest equipment and distribute the lighter loads to everyone!"

Wu Wanli's voice was low and urgent, without the slightest hesitation. At the same time, he used his arms to flip the unconscious Xiao Shitou over and carried him on his back.

"Commander-in-Chief, I'll take over..."

Upon seeing this, the prehistoric creature nearby hurriedly stepped forward.

"I'll handle it! Execute the orders!"

Wu Wanli gave a low, unquestionable shout, lifting the small stone upwards to adjust its center of gravity.

Beneath his ordinary military-style cotton coat, the muscles in his shoulders and back instantly bulged, as if bearing the weight of a thousand pounds.

The little stone's cold forehead pressed against his sweat-dampened nape, its breath as faint as a whisper.

Wu Wanli, carrying the small stone on his back, took another step. His steps remained steady and powerful, as if he were carrying not a person, but a heavy responsibility.

"Comrades! Do you see that?"

"No one will be abandoned; the commander-in-chief will personally carry his comrades on his back!"

"why?"

"Because we are what kind of army?"

"We are the Chinese People's Volunteer Army led by the Party!"

"He's a comrade! He's a brother!"

"We will never abandon or give up on any of our comrades!"

"No matter how difficult these 241 miles are, we must wade through them!"

"For victory, for survival, for revenge for our fallen comrades! Keep marching!"

Liu Hanqing's voice rang out at the right moment, hoarse yet incredibly inspiring.

"Remember, no matter who falls down next to you, carry them on your back without hesitation!"

"Never abandon, never give up, that's why we are the Seventh Steel Brigade!"

As Wu Wanli carried the small stone on his back, he added loudly.

"Yes!"

"Never abandon! Never give up!"

"Never abandon! Never give up!"

The somber slogans quickly spread throughout the ranks, coalescing into an indomitable torrent.

As the soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade looked at Wu Wanli's unusually determined back and at their unconscious comrade on his back, a surge of passion welled up in their cold limbs and bones.

In an instant, all the fatigue seemed to be briefly suppressed by this tragic and indignant emotion.

They bit their lips, clenched their fists, widened their bloodshot eyes, and took steps with their already numb and swollen legs, closely following the moving flag in front of them.

The mountains grew higher and higher, and the roads became steeper and steeper.

The team's pace was forced to slow down when crossing a snow-covered ridge.

The north wind, carrying snowflakes, lashed my face like sandpaper.

The snow was up to my calves, and every step required tremendous effort.

The artillerymen struggled even more, as the heavy components were stuck deep in the snow, requiring several people to pull them even a little.

Wu Wanli always walked at the front. The small stone on his back did not wake up, but the weight of his body continued to drain the commander's strength during the long journey.

Sweat dripped from the brim of his hat, condensing into frost on his eyebrows and eyelashes.

His breathing became heavy, and the white breath he exhaled from his mouth and nose condensed and did not dissipate.

Night fell, and the chill was biting.

The marching speed of the troops inevitably slowed down.

In the silent night, apart from the howling wind, there was only heavy breathing, like a broken bellows, interspersed with the muffled thuds of soldiers falling and struggling to get up.

No one spoke; all their strength was focused on fighting against the earth, the cold, the heavy equipment, and their leaden legs.

After continuous high-intensity marches, the real test of endurance arrived.

Many soldiers gritted their teeth, relying entirely on their willpower to keep going.

Some people walk along and then close their eyes, move a few steps by instinct, and are then woken up by someone else.

My legs felt so heavy, as if they didn't belong to me, and my joints ached so much that I could hardly bend them.

In a short time, the distance between the front and back of the team grew larger and larger.

"Captain, I...I can't take it anymore!"

Another volunteer soldier couldn't hold on any longer and slid down against a dead tree by the roadside, panting heavily with unfocused eyes.

Wu Wanli stopped and handed the little stone, who had been unconscious for a long time and was slightly waking up and sobbing, to Shi Qian beside him.

"Drink some water!"

Wu Wanli poured the last mouthful of warm water from his canteen into the soldier's mouth, and then stuffed the can of beef that he was reluctant to eat into his hand.

"stand up!"

"Sitting down will really be the end of it!"

"Think of your parents, think of our fallen comrades!"

"Chaoding Bridge is just ahead!"

Wu Wanli's voice was hoarse and cracked, yet every word was like a knife, striking the heart of the soldier on the verge of collapse.

The bewildered look in the eyes of the volunteer soldier gradually focused, and a fierce determination surged within him.

He used all his strength to support himself on the tree trunk and stood up, swaying slightly.

"The commander-in-chief is right... I'm going!"

The volunteer soldier's voice was weak, but resolute.

After the minor incident, the troops continued their march.

After an unknown period of running, the precipitous outline of Chaoding Bridge finally appeared in the pervasive morning mist.

The turbid tributary of the Han River flowed murmured beneath the bridge, and a chill swept over us.

"Stop!"

Wu Wanli raised his almost immobile arm and gave the order.

His command was like heavenly music; the entire exhausted team seemed to have all their strength drained away in an instant, collapsing in a flurry.

Ignoring the ice and snow on the ground, someone lay down straight down.

Some people leaned against the cold rocks, too weak to even move a little finger, only breathing heavily, their chests heaving violently.

Some people were greedily drinking the icy river water from their kettles, choking and coughing repeatedly.

Some people even fell into a deep sleep.

"can not sleep!"

"Everyone, stay awake!"

"If I'm too tired and just fall asleep, I might not wake up!"

Liu Hanqing, struggling with his exhaustion, shouted hoarsely.

"Get up and stretch your arms and legs!"

"Drink some water! Chew some food!"

He and the soldiers who could still walk shook the soldiers who were about to fall into a deep sleep one by one and shouted.

Wu Wanli also leaned against a boulder, took off his hat which was already covered in frost, and vigorously rubbed his throbbing and numb temples.

His legs felt like they were filled with lead and broken glass, and every heartbeat brought on aches and pains throughout his body.

His face was covered in a thick layer of grime, a mixture of gunpowder, dust, and sweat, and his lips were cracked and bleeding.

He closed his eyes, forcing his brain to race as he considered the impending battle.

"Wanli, good news!"

"Yu Congrong, Lei Gong, and Pinghe led the main force and arrived at the west bank of Chaoding Bridge as planned!"

After a while, Liu Hanqing ran over quickly, his face showing a mixture of relief and anxiety.

"What about other situations? How many US troops are there on the East Coast?"

Wu Wanli suddenly opened his eyes and asked with a sharp look in his eyes.

"According to intelligence and reports from observations on the west bank and scouts sent to the east bank before the crossing, the situation is not good."

"The U.S. replenishment regiment did indeed construct defensive fortifications on the high ground east of the bridge. It numbered about 3,000 men and was equipped with a considerable number of machine guns and mortars. Several tanks and armored vehicles could even be seen parked in concealed positions not far away."

"The worst part is that all the planks of Chaoding Bridge have been removed! Only seven thick iron chains are left across the river!"

"The US military is clearly trying to prevent us from 'seizing' the territory and turn us into their target!"

Liu Hanqing quickly reported.

"Only the iron chains remain..."

"Hmph, the Americans are certain we can't get through here, and they want to trap us here completely."

"The main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade is still on the west bank. Directly crossing under the enemy's concentrated firepower would be suicide!"

"The terrain on the east bank is treacherous, and the enemy has a commanding view. Even if we were all heavenly soldiers, it would be difficult to withstand the casualties if we directly attacked these three thousand garrison troops from the front."

"Time...we can't afford to waste. The 1st Cavalry Division from the west and the pursuers from the south could close in at any moment."

"We cannot allow the main force on the west bank to bear the casualties and pressure of a strong attack alone!"

"We must proceed as planned and disrupt the enemy's rear on the east bank!"

"It's not enough to let Yu Congrong and his men cause trouble in the west; we are the real spearhead here!"

Wu Wanli thought for a moment and then spoke.

"Wanli, you're right!"

"Only by attacking from both the east and the west can we disrupt their plans!"

"But we don't have many people here, and we've come from a long way and are exhausted..."

"To be honest, it's quite risky for a few hundred people to charge into an entire American regiment..."

Liu Hanqing wholeheartedly agreed.

"But the US military thinks that if our main force is causing trouble in the west, our rear on the east bank will definitely be relaxed."

"They are a supplementary regiment, and they haven't been transferred here for long. They may not be tough nuts to crack."

"Our guard battalion is elite, and the artillery detachment's artillery is still intact!"

"The key lies in surprise, speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness!"

Wu Wanli said with an increasingly determined look in his eyes.

"Commander-in-Chief! Urgent telegram from the Sergeant General!"

A weathered staff officer staggered up to Wu Wanli and handed him a translated telegram.

Wu Wanli quickly unfolded the telegram, and Liu Hanqing also came over.

The telegram first conveyed the congratulations and high praise from the leaders of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army for their brilliant achievement of annihilating American warplanes with anti-aircraft artillery on a tributary of the Han River, followed by a crucial message.

The Soviet Union proposed that if the 7th Steel Detachment could capture Hengcheng, a strategic hub on the eastern front, within ten days, it would send six additional advanced submarines in addition to the cruisers and destroyers already promised, and dispatch experts to guide the submarine imitation project!
The head of the mission emphasized that this task was not a death order.

Hengcheng must be attacked, but it is imperative to "make decisions based on the actual situation," and "preserving our strength is of paramount importance," and we will provide full support!
"Take Hengcheng within ten days..."

"Wanli, the conditions in the Soviet Union... are too difficult!"

"Hengcheng is an important town on the eastern front, and its garrison is definitely large, so its defenses must be very tight!"

"Ten days?"

"We haven't even crossed the Chaoding Bridge yet!"

"Moreover... once this mission is launched, our tactics are completely locked down!"

“Originally, attacking Hengcheng was a proactive choice depending on the situation. If the timing was unfavorable, we could also force a crossing of the Han River from the south of Hengcheng, or even break out of the encirclement by moving south.”

"If we accept this death order now, then we have no choice but to bite the bullet and take on Hengcheng, this tough nut to crack!"

"The risk is too great!"

After reading it, Liu Hanqing frowned, his face turned pale, and he spoke with anxiety and resentment.

Wu Wanli did not answer immediately, but read the telegram carefully again.

His gaze fell on the words "preserving manpower is of paramount importance", "not a death order", and "make your own decision".

The cold wind rustled the telegram paper. His face was hidden in shadow, making his expression impossible to discern.

The silence lasted for several seconds, as if time had frozen.

"Submarine squadrons... are the real trump card that the new Chinese navy can develop in a short period of time."

"If successful, it means my unlimited submarine project can break through the deadlock much faster. This deal... is worth it!"

Wu Wanli's voice was unusually calm, carrying an air of unwavering certainty.

"Hanqing, don't panic. Who said we're going to be locked down? Have you forgotten our current objective?"

Looking into Liu Hanqing's anxious eyes, Wu Wanli smiled faintly and said...

Attack Chaoding Bridge? Break open the Dongdu Channel…

Liu Hanqing was taken aback, and then said.

"Correct!"

"By capturing the Chaoding Bridge and eliminating or driving away the US reinforcement regiments on the east bank, we will have a bridgehead for crossing the sea to the east!"

"Once we cross the Han River, we will no longer be an isolated army confined to the narrow triangle area of ​​Seongnam and Suwon!"

"We could have easily shifted the battlefield to the east!"

"Our original goal was to seize the opportunity, march eastward, and take Hengcheng when the time was right!"

"The Soviet Union's mission simply clarified the tactical objectives we were already planning to carry out, and added more weight to them!"

"It did not change our basic direction of attacking Hengcheng, but it turned our original strategy of acting according to circumstances into a determination to win!"

"Moreover... Chief Zhisi said it wasn't a death order."

"Opportunity always favors the prepared and those who dare to fight."

"Taking Chaoding Bridge now is the first step in paving the way for conquering Hengcheng!"

Wu Wanli took a deep breath of the cold air and said in a resolute voice.

"You're right, we can definitely give it a try!"

"We've already achieved so many miracles, one more won't make a difference!"

Liu Hanqing was convinced by Wu Wanli's composure, confidence, and clear strategic vision. All his doubts vanished instantly, and a surge of pride welled up in his heart.

"Our soldiers can still fight!"

"The founding army was truly elite..."

Wu Wanli straightened up, his spine as upright as a javelin despite his deep exhaustion.

His gaze swept over the guards who were making the most of their last few minutes to rest, stretch their limbs, and check their weapons.

Their faces bore an undeniable weariness, yet their eyes remained as sharp as eagles'.

The gunners were carefully wiping the cold gun barrels and checking the ammunition.

"Give me the order!"

"Tell Yu Congrong and his men to lead the artillery detachment in a fierce attack on the west bank in ten minutes!"

"Pretend to be like someone who's about to storm the Chaoding Bridge, and give me the impression that we're going to lay the planks across to the other side!"

"Make a big splash and launch a fierce attack!"

"We must draw all the attention of the American troops on the other side to the west end of the bridge, making them think that our main force is going to force its way across the suspension bridge!"

"Order Lei Gong to adjust the artillery target!"

"His cannon, based on my analysis of intelligence reconnaissance and the confessions of prisoners captured by the scouts, is aimed at the predetermined coordinates of the American artillery positions that I have analyzed!"

"Ten minutes after the fire support detachment began its assault, which was when our guard battalion reached the position of the US armored forces."

"I want to hear the thunder god's cannonballs accurately and fiercely strike my predetermined target!"

"We must destroy the US artillery support in one fell swoop!"

"Order Pinghe! Closely monitor the battlefield, paying particular attention to US military support!"

Wu Wanli said with an air of dominance.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing quickly took notes with a pen and paper.

"Hanqing, this battle... cannot be turned into a war of annihilation."

"Strike fast, accurately, and ruthlessly!"

"We beat them until they were hurt and scared!"

"It forced their commander to abandon this bridgehead position, and forced them... to ask Hengcheng for reinforcements!"

Wu Wanli paused, a sly glint in his eyes.

"Wanli, you mean...?"

Liu Hanqing's eyes suddenly lit up, and he immediately looked up and said.

"That's right!"

"Let the Thunder God destroy their artillery, then let the artillery detachment launch a strong attack and our rear attack work together to cripple this reinforcement regiment!"

"They terrified their commander! His only hope was the well-equipped and powerful Hengcheng garrison, which was closest to him!"

"As long as he's willing to ask for help, as long as he can draw troops from Hengcheng to come to our aid... then our chance will come!"

"By maneuvering the enemy and dividing them into smaller groups, we are confident that we can eliminate the outer defenses of Hengcheng, and even..."

"To create an opportunity for us to finally capture this fortified city!"

"The Hengcheng that the Soviets want is not only the foundation we are laying for them, but also the foundation we are building for ourselves!"

"It's much more worthwhile to lure out more of the main South Korean forces to the open field, to a pre-arranged battlefield, than to launch a direct assault on their tortoise-like position!"

Wu Wanli smiled slightly and said quickly.

"Wanli! That was a brilliant move! Absolutely brilliant!"

"One link leads to another!"

"It will not only relieve the immediate siege and open up the passage, but also overcome the difficulties in the middle stage, attract and mobilize the Hengcheng garrison, and lay the groundwork for the long-term goal of capturing Hengcheng!"

"Killing three birds with one stone, achieving three goals with one arrow!"

"I'll go and relay the order immediately!"

Liu Hanqing immediately understood the brilliance of Wu Wanli's game and sincerely admired him.

Wu Wanli nodded, straightened his uniform one last time, tightened his belt, and reloaded his empty Mauser pistol.

He took a deep breath and walked up to the guards and artillerymen.

After a short rest, the soldiers drank some cold water, ate some dry rations, and regained some of their spirits.

"Comrades!"

"You've worked the hardest, traveled the farthest! And now, you still have one last deal to make!"

"Ahead! On the other side of Chaoding Bridge! That's the so-called supplementary regiment of American imperialism!"

"They dismantled the bridge planks, waiting for our main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade to go and die! What do you say?! Do you agree?!"

Wu Wanli's voice was not loud, but it carried an unquestionable authority and a powerful appeal.

The wind and snow were very loud at the time, and they were far enough away that the American troops would not hear them.

“No!!!”

In an instant, a deep but furious roar rolled in the throats of Lei Gong and the other warriors.

"it is good!"

"Artillery! Wait for my signal, bombard them to the coordinates I've analyzed!"

"Comrades of the Guard Battalion!"

"Get ready to be my spearhead!"

"Use bullets to cut through the last obstacle on this path beneath our feet!"

Wu Wanli looked at the soldiers and gave a final pep talk.

"kill!"

"kill!"

"kill--!!!"

The deep, guttural shouts echoed in the howling, fierce wind of the valley, like thunder before a storm.

(End of this chapter)