Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 296 The Soviet Union said they would only provide six divisions with Soviet weapons if we crossed the Han River at least three times? I crossed the Han River four times in 50,000 li!

Seongnam City, inside the UN Command Headquarters
"General! Urgent telegram from Washington! Presidential order!"

A young staff officer almost stumbled in and shouted.

"Read!"

Ridgway turned around abruptly and said sternly.

To: General Ridgway, Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command, and his Senior Advisory Group.

Given the recent dramatic changes in the situation on the Korean battlefield, especially the performance of Wu Wanli and his "Steel Seventh Brigade"...

A near-inhuman, destructive force capable of rewriting the rules of the battlefield.

To eliminate this unprecedented and significant threat to the greatest extent possible, His Excellency President Truman authorizes the following adjustment to the highest policy—effective immediately.

"The highest level of surrender conditions has been updated: Wu Wanli is granted the rank of Commander of the South Korean Army Group, commanding 100,000 South Korean troops!"
He was also awarded the rank of division commander of a regular U.S. Army division!

They were promised full authority, resources, and respect within the Allied system commensurate with the aforementioned position.

If Wu Wanli accepts the offer of amnesty, he will take direct command of the United Nations Command.

The U.S. military staff officer took a deep breath and read quickly.

"Wow—"

In an instant, a low gasp rippled through the UN command post.

The offer of a 100,000-strong South Korean army group commander was already an astonishingly high price to pay. Although it had been proposed before, now the powerful military position of a regular US division commander has been added on top of that!
what does this mean?
This means that once Wu Wanli agrees, he will immediately have the enormous power to command 100,000 South Korean troops plus a fully equipped and well-equipped US heavy division!

This is no longer an attempt to persuade someone to surrender; it's a blatant power grab, presented in the manner of bestowing a military title upon an American general!

"Oh, God……"

"Why did President Truman value this Chinese man named Wu Wanli so much?!"

Van Fleet's eyes widened suddenly, and he blurted out.

He knew the value of a main US division and could not imagine handing such a force over to an enemy that they had been besieging yesterday.

Li Qiwei's taut jawline twitched slightly, his mind churning with turmoil.

Just how much did Truman value Wu Wanli's talent that he was willing to offer such an unprecedented price?
Could it be that Wu Wanli's brilliant achievements in capturing key towns and annihilating the airborne and supplementary regiments were too shocking?

Or is it that shocking kneeling incident that just came out, in Tokyo Bay, that completely shattered the White House's psychological defenses?

A very subtle crack appeared on Chu Yunfei's calm face, and his fingers immediately stopped tapping.

Although it was anticipated that Wu Wanli's achievements would shake the core of the West and even provoke stronger retaliation, he was directly granted the substantive position of US Army division commander.

The hefty price and the extravagant spending far exceeded his expectations.

"Decisive Order: If Wu Wanli refuses this exorbitant offer to surrender, or fails to provide a clear response within three days, it will be considered an automatic refusal!"
The President authorizes His Excellency the Commander-in-Chief to mobilize all available forces and resources of the United Nations Command, sparing no expense, to immediately and with all efforts encircle and annihilate Wu Wanli's Steel Seventh Brigade!

"We must completely annihilate all their forces! We must find them alive or dead!"

"During the encirclement and suppression, all attack plans involving the Chinese People's Volunteer Army blocking forces, such as Li Yunlong's troops, in the Han River area of ​​Incheon were immediately frozen and switched to full-scale defense!"

All forces are focused on one objective—to blockade, cut off, and annihilate Wu Wanli!

The United States will unconditionally prioritize and guarantee any amount of ammunition consumed for air, ground, and sea support needed!

This is the President's top directive, taking precedence over all other battlefield objectives on the peninsula!

The voice of the US military staff officer rang out again, carrying a chilling tone as if announcing a final verdict.

"boom!"

At that moment, it was as if a bomb had exploded in the command room!

Freeze any offensive, even a small one, from other directions, and focus solely on Wu Wanli!
what does this mean?
This means that, faced with the tenacious resistance of Li Yunlong and his troops along the Han River, the UN forces will no longer attempt to break through their defenses to rescue other points or conduct deep strikes.

Instead, they used all their spearheads, all their firepower, and all their mobile forces to block off every path Wu Wanli could take to escape south or move toward the main defense line, like an iron gate!
Regardless of the cost, the sole aim is annihilation!

Ridgway's pupils suddenly contracted, and he clenched his fists.

This order is tantamount to handing over the strategic initiative in the rest of the western front to others, just to gain a kill point, which is extremely risky!

But he understood Truman's logic: the destructive power that Wu Wanli had demonstrated had transcended the gains and losses of a single front.

A commander who can capture four cities in ten days, annihilate more than 10,000 enemies, and even increase the strength of the Chinese naval fleet by more than ten times, poses a potential threat that could overturn the entire Korean War!

Its value... or rather its "negative value" to the UN forces, certainly outweighed the passivity of the local defense lines.

Van Fleet recovered from his initial shock, replaced by a cold calculation and a hint of excitement.

Concentrating superior forces and firepower to tackle the toughest challenges—isn't this the essence of his "Van Fleet ammunition quantity" principle?

Now, the president has given him the authority to fire without limit!
The U.S. military staff officer paused briefly, then took out another intelligence briefing from his file folder, containing a photocopy of a Chinese newspaper, and continued in a strained voice:
"General, Chief of Staff, Mr. Chu..."

The background of the presidential decree can perhaps be found in this special edition published by China's People's Daily.

We deciphered and compiled a summary of the content.

He unfolded the briefing, pointing to a photograph of a Chinese warship fleet printed on it, with the blurred riverbank and low-rise buildings faintly visible in the background:

"Titles: 'Wu Wanli achieves remarkable feats in capturing Suwon and Yokogakure, naval strength greatly enhanced by receiving Soviet-supplied warships!' 'Chinese Navy enters Tokyo Bay, Japanese Emperor Hirohito kneels in welcome! The glory of the Chinese fleet shines across Asia!'"

The temperature inside the command center seemed to have dropped a few degrees.

The U.S. military staff officer continued, "The briefing detailed how General Wu Wanli commanded the 7th Steel Brigade to accomplish a series of almost impossible tasks in a very short time, including liberating Suwon and capturing Hengcheng."
This directly led to the Soviet Union delivering a complete naval battle group to China, including destroyers, cruisers, and, most importantly, several submarines, in accordance with the agreement!

He took a deep breath, his voice carrying a belated realization: "And it was precisely because of the military achievements of Wu Wanli that the naval fleet's combat power increased dramatically overnight."

Therefore, China has the confidence and strength to directly enter Tokyo Bay, Japan!

The photos and text details show that on the flagship's deck, under the watchful eyes of countless cameras and Western journalists, Emperor Hirohito of Japan, along with a group of officials, knelt before the Chinese fleet!

This instantly placed the Chinese navy in a position of unprecedented influence in Asia!

After he finished speaking, the command post fell into a deathly silence.

Absolute silence...

Only the radio's buzzer continued to ring hoarsely, like a dying gasp.

Ridgway and Van Fleet finally understood the reason!

No wonder Truman offered a double bargaining chip: the commander of 100,000 South Korean troops plus a US division commander!

Wu Wanli's value has transcended the significance of a single battlefield commander!

He's like a crazy strategic value converter!

The victory at Suwon secured a promise of naval aid from the Soviet Union.

Within ten days, Hengcheng will be captured again, and this massive amount of aid will immediately become a reality!
He not only struck the ground troops, but also...

It directly altered the balance of naval power in the Far East, stripped Japan of its last remaining dignity, and allowed the five-star red flag to fly high over Tokyo Bay!

The source of all this is the 187th Regiment that was completely annihilated in Suwon, and the 9th Division of South Korea that was defeated in Hoengseong!

Wu Wanli is using the bones and flesh of the United Nations to build the keel and shells for China's navy!

Ridgway's face turned ashen; he finally understood Truman's anger and willingness to do anything!
This is no longer a matter of saving face; it's a shake-up of naval deterrence!
A person who can make the Japanese Emperor kneel at a core symbolic site—their symbolic significance and actual destructive power are worth suppressing with all our might!
If this "achievement" continues to expand and spread internationally, it will become widely known.

The blow to the morale of the UN forces and the shake to the confidence of the Allies will be a hundred times more fatal than losing Seoul!
"Fuck! That damned Wu Wanli! He... he actually..."

Ridgway, halfway through his speech, couldn't find the words to describe the humiliation and threat it brought on both tactical and strategic levels.

A complex expression appeared on Chu Yunfei's face, a mixture of amazement, solemnity, and a hint of barely perceptible pride.

Although he had to position himself as an advisor, his heart, belonging to China, was pounding fiercely at this moment because of this shocking good news from his motherland.

It turns out that Wu Wanli's achievement was not a tactical victory, but a world-shaking move that could shake up the East Asian landscape!
To make the Emperor kneel?
Should the Soviet-made ships be commissioned?
Asia's No. 1 Navy?

Even if this is only temporary and symbolic, it outweighs the actual gap in combat strength.

It makes perfect sense for Truman to offer such leverage and issue such a decisive order.

He suppressed the turmoil in his heart, his eyes becoming even more profound, and a new plan quickly took shape in his mind.

He must exploit the UN forces' fear and decision-making inertia to steer the UN forces' encirclement and suppression as far as possible, and help Wu Wanli gain more chances of survival!
"The president's order is clear: surrender, and he will be given the position of commander of 100,000 South Korean troops plus a US division commander position!"

reject?

Then let's gather all our fists and smash him into mincemeat!
"Hold fast to all other directions on the western front, and remain calm while waiting for the right moment to act!"

VanVleet, you analyze the situation. If he doesn't agree to surrender, where will he charge next?
How do we execute the president's ironclad orders? Where are the strongholds, and where might there be loopholes?!

Ridgway asked.

Van Fleet's spirits lifted, and he immediately strode to the map, measuring distances and locations with his hands as he analyzed:

"General, Mr. Chu!"
To their north lies the formidable Han River, currently firmly blocked by the main force of the US 24th Division!

One of their regiments had just suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of the Seventh Steel Brigade on the outskirts of Chengnan City, but their main force was still intact, and their defensive line had been tightened even more!
The Seventh Steel Brigade has already crossed the river to the east bank. If they want to cross back and get closer to our main defense line, they will have to break through the impregnable walls of the Twenty-Fourth Division!

In addition, the US 2nd Division has moved south from the north and is maneuvering at high speed, with the goal of blocking any attempt by the 7th Steel Brigade to flee north and join forces with the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, such as Li Yunlong's troops.

Therefore, this area to the north is nothing to worry about!

"To the east lies the sea!"
General, they did indeed show off their power by driving into Tokyo Bay, but they were still quite a distance away.

Even if they can send reinforcements immediately, it will still take time!
Our pursuers didn't just set off now; by the time the Chinese Navy arrived, the Seventh Steel Brigade would already be surrounded!
So there's no problem with the east side!

To the west is a tributary of the Han River that flows from north to south!

General, Mr. Chu, please allow me to make an analogy!
In Chinese history, how powerful and ruthless was Shi Dakai, the Wing King of the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom?
In the end, they were worn down and annihilated on the banks of the Dadu River! Why?

Pursuers were behind them, and swift currents and sheer cliffs stood in front of them!

This is Jedi!
If Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade dares to cross the river again, he will be in the same desperate situation!

It's nothing more than drinking poison to quench thirst. After all, this is our heavily fortified western front, and we have plenty of time to compress the encirclement!

At that time, we can order the pursuing troops to keep up with them, and telegraph the US 3rd Division, South Korean troops, and other units in Pyeongtaek to encircle them at full speed!
If he dares to cross the river, he is courting death, and we will crush him into dust!

This is practically a second Dadu River delivered right to our doorstep by God!
Shi Dakai's fate serves as his example!

Van Fleet's voice carried a sense of historical destiny as he spoke.

Ridgway's tightly furrowed brows seemed to relax slightly under Van Fleet's confident interpretation.

Indeed, the northern route is protected by the 24th and 2nd Divisions, the eastern side is the dead end of the sea, and the western side is a tributary we just crossed.

Crossing it once is already a risk, how can you expect to turn back and cross it again?
Faced with intensified air strangulation and more ground troops closing in?
It's simply suicide!

A renowned general like Wu Wanli would not choose a path that inevitably leads to his death.

"So... your only concern is the south?"

After thinking for a moment, Li Qiwei immediately asked.

"Exactly! General! The only fatal flaw lies in the south!"
Where is the vast central and southern heartland of the Korean Peninsula!
There are no towering mountains or great rivers to obstruct the way; the terrain is relatively complex, and towns and villages are scattered throughout.

He is now a frightened mad tiger. He just devoured our reinforcement regiment and then used his routed troops to overwhelm the 3rd Regiment of the 9th Division of the Han Army, and swiftly captured Hengcheng!
Although we captured a lot, we also lost a lot of ammunition and manpower!
He either needs time to catch his breath and regroup, or he needs more space to maneuver us and wait for the right opportunity!

If we let him lead this fierce armored force and highly mobile infantry southwards!
If they were to roam freely among the mountains, valleys, and plains of North Chungcheong Province, North Jeolla Province, and even North Gyeongsang Province, the consequences would be unimaginable!

First, he will turn the entire rear area of ​​the UN forces in South Korea into a boiling pot of porridge!

Our supply lines, outposts, airports, command posts, and local administrative offices will become fish on his chopping board!

Second, our main enemy is definitely not the 7th Steel Brigade, but the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army!

If we are dragged out for too long, our army becomes exhausted, and our strategic deployment becomes chaotic, the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, having rested and replenished its troops, could suddenly launch the Fifth Campaign...

Then I can confidently assert that the UN forces are doomed to defeat!

Chief of Staff Van Fleet sighed and finally spoke.

It's not just a matter of tactical concerns right now, but also an impact on the overall strategic situation.

Van Fleet recounted the story vividly, yet Ridgway's brow remained furrowed.

"Wu Wanli's military tactics are unpredictable. His actions at Chaodingqiao and Hengcheng have proven that he can turn the impossible into the possible."

And to the north, there is Li Yunlong's troops, who are like wolves eyeing the Han River!
If he knew that Wu Wanli was surrounded here, he would likely lead his fearless troops to fight to the death!

The chain reaction caused by such desperate reinforcements should not be underestimated...

Ridgway sighed, looking at the battle map with great hesitation, unable to make a decision for a long time.

Just then, Chu Yunfei's voice rang out, as if tearing a hole in the heavy air.

At this moment, Chu Yunfei had already thought of his explanation: how to both sway the UN forces' decision and help Wu Wanli fight for his life, while also ensuring that he himself remained unsuspected.

That means going along with Van Fleet's words and getting Ridgway to make a decision without hesitation!
"General Van Fleet's analysis is incisive and insightful!"
General Ridgway's concerns were certainly valid; there is no absolute certainty on the battlefield.

However, facing a formidable enemy like Wu Wanli, without taking risks, it would be impossible to create an opportunity to completely annihilate him!
Now that the Seventh Steel Brigade has fled eastward, they have become bandits, merely repeating the fate of the Chinese figure Shi Dakai!

The northern route is blocked, there is no way to the east, crossing the river to the west is a dead end, and fleeing to the south is the only way out, but also the most dangerous situation!

However, this opportunity is also a godsend for our UN forces!
The key is how to block this only path to survival!
I completely agree with General Van Fleet's assessment that the Seventh Steel Brigade would pose an immeasurable threat if it were to head south.

Therefore, the south must never be his gateway to life, but must become his final grave!

If we lock him down here, we can achieve our goal in one fell swoop!
As for possible rescue attempts from the north?
If Wu Wanli is held up here by our main force, any rescue from the north will be nothing more than moths to a flame!

We have sufficient reserves and time to deal with and crush any foolish attack from the north bank of the Han River!

Chu Yunfei pointed to the battle map and analyzed the situation logically and with evidence.

His clear and forceful arguments finally dispelled the last trace of hesitation in Ridgway's eyes.

This astute advisor, hailing from China, must have a deeper understanding of Wu Wanli's combat style and psychology.

His support is worth far more than that of others.

Very good!
Since you both think so, then I won't hesitate any longer. Pass on my orders!

First, order the 1st Cavalry Division to gallop at top speed and firmly pin down the pre-planned Luopanling-Qingsong Pass line in the south!
Construct a deep, tiered defense line, hold all passages to the interior of the peninsula, block the doors, and never allow a single Chinese soldier to cross!

Second: Order the 24th Division's northern Han River defense line not to retreat an inch!

We must stand firm like nails! Withstand any pressure from the north!

Third: Contact General MacArthur!
Please urge him to speed things up and coordinate naval and air forces to provide full support!
We need more aerial reconnaissance and ground attack capabilities, while simultaneously deploying all available strategic reserves and warships to the west coast of the peninsula!
The Volunteer Army is resting and reorganizing; we must be faster!
Before Wu Wanli's possible southward advance causes disaster, or before the Volunteer Army launches its fifth campaign, we must make all necessary preparations!

Ridgway slammed his hand on the table and gave the order in a firm and powerful voice.

"Yes, sir!"

Van Fleet immediately accepted the order and strode out the door to make the arrangements.

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

Meanwhile, inside the headquarters, a heated discussion was taking place concerning the Seventh Steel Brigade.

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief and other leaders, we have just received the latest intentions from the Soviet Union, which have been relayed from the domestic authorities!"
They issued a challenge, claiming that if Deputy Commander Wu Wanli could lead the Seventh Steel Brigade across the Han River tributary at least three times before successfully evacuating...

They even provided additional, free light weapons and equipment to our six full-strength Soviet-equipped infantry divisions!

The volunteer army staff officer reported.

The moment the words were spoken, the air in the command center froze instantly; you could hear a pin drop.

Everyone was stunned by the Soviets' seemingly generous but actually insidious request.

"Nonsense! This is pure nonsense!"
what is this?
This is a blatant scheme to take advantage of someone's misfortune!
It's like making someone dance while they're in shackles!

What is the current situation of Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade?
The US military was watching them from all sides, and Ridgway and Truman wished they could devour them alive!

To be able to successfully break through and find a way out is an incredible feat, a miracle!
Now, the Soviet Union has provided six divisions of Soviet-equipped light weapons, and they want to cross the Han River tributary at least three times while being heavily surrounded by enemy forces.
All they gave us were six divisions of Mosin-Nagant rifles, PPSh submachine guns, and some machine guns and mortars. They wouldn't even give us rocket launchers or tanks!
This isn't a challenge, it's a death sentence!
The pressure is too great; this pressure will crush Comrade Wu Wanli and the entire Seventh Steel Brigade!

Commander Chen felt sorry for the pressure on the Seventh Steel Brigade, so he couldn't contain his anger and slammed his fist on the table.

Chief Chen's words immediately resonated with many.

"Commander Chen is right!"
These conditions from the Soviets were simply unacceptable!

This is completely gambling with the lives of Comrade Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade!

Six divisions equipped with Soviet weapons?
You've heard a lot, but don't forget that Comrade Wan Li risked his life to achieve the great victory at Incheon, and then captured four more cities in succession, managing to bring out aircraft carriers, battleships, submarines, and cruisers!
Aircraft carriers and battleships, which one isn't more valuable than these six divisions of Soviet-equipped ships?

We cannot be greedy for such petty gains and break the sharpest blade of our Volunteer Army!
Absolutely not! Let's just refuse outright!

The operations director of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army immediately stood up and responded firmly.

"Yes! That's absolutely right!"

"The Soviets just want to wear down our strongest fighting force!"

"This battle can't be fought like this, it's too disastrous!"

"Comrade Wanli and his men are already facing extreme danger in their breakout attempt. To force them to cross the river three more times? Even a god couldn't do it!"

"We can't sacrifice people just for equipment!"

Many of the volunteer army staff officers present echoed this sentiment, and the meeting room was filled with anger at the Soviet Union's scheming and deep concern for the safety of Wu Wanli's troops.

Nearly 70% of people tend to reject this harsh condition.

Just then, the Chief of the General Staff of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, who had been listening intently, coughed a few times.

Everyone knew he wanted to speak, so the noisy conference room instantly fell silent.

"I understand how my comrades feel."

The conditions offered by the Soviets were indeed extremely harsh and clearly calculated.

The difficulties that Chief Chen mentioned all exist, and they are all true.

But shouldn't we also remember what Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade were?
From the moment he led the Steel Seventh Company in the breakout at Chosin Reservoir, to later cutting off the enemy's retreat at the Water Gate Bridge, to the capture of Seoul, the victory at Incheon, the capture of four cities in succession, the swift seizure of the Chojeong Bridge, and the lightning strike on Hoengseong...

He has created one miracle after another in military history.

Every single time, it was a desperate situation where they fought their way out with extraordinary courage and wisdom.
Which of the battles he fought was something we could have predicted beforehand?
I think, maybe... just maybe!
Faced with this seemingly impossible task, Comrade Wu Wanli, with his tactical genius, might not have been unable to find a way to break the deadlock.

I still have confidence in his abilities and his potential to create miracles.

The Chief of the General Staff did not immediately refute Chief Chen's concerns, but instead spoke with a calm and analytical tone.

His words were like pebbles thrown into a lake; while they couldn't completely dispel everyone's fear of the risks, they did prompt some of the younger staff officers to think things through more calmly.

"The chief of staff is right. Deputy Chief of Staff Wu is indeed good at turning the impossible into the possible."

"Perhaps there really is a way to mobilize the enemy and find an opportunity to cross the river while they are in motion?"

"But that's on the condition that they can withstand the first wave of encirclement and suppression..."

Soon, several staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army also stood up and expressed similar views.

The discussion shifted again, with voices expressing both support for Wu Wanli's abilities and concerns about the immense pressure he was under.

"Wait, the Soviet Union's demand for three crossings of the Han River tributaries..."

Does "at least three" include the previous battle outside South City that they had successfully navigated?
In other words, does this count as the last time we crossed the river?

Just as the argument reached a stalemate, the boss frowned slightly and asked a crucial question.

"Reporting to the commander-in-chief, according to the telegram, the Soviet advisors explicitly demanded that 'the Han River tributary be crossed at least three times.'"

And it was specifically emphasized that 'previous battle examples can be included'!
In other words, the time when Commander Wu Wanli and his men seized the pontoon bridge outside the city's south gate and used it to cross the river counts as the first time!

Upon hearing this, the volunteer army staff officer holding the telegram immediately lowered his head to carefully check the telegram and the translated manuscript, and then answered affirmatively.

"That makes things clear."

The chief of staff's considerations are reasonable. Wu Wanli has indeed created countless miracles, and his potential cannot be easily dismissed.

Chief Chen, the operations director, and their comrades are absolutely right to express their concerns!
The top priority at present is to preserve the vitality of this heroic unit and to protect Wu Wanli, this precious military genius of the Party and the people!

The safety of Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade is more important than any weapons or equipment assistance, even if it's provided free of charge!

The Soviet Union's "challenge," along with the promised reward of "providing free aid to six Soviet-equipped divisions," was telegraphed to Comrade Wu Wanli in its entirety.

Remember, the telegram must clearly state the situation—the Soviet Union's requirement is to cross the Han River tributary at least three times, and confirm that the previous crossing already counts as one.

But it should be emphasized that this is merely to tell him that there is such an optional task and possible additional rewards!
The decision-making power and the right to choose are entirely in his hands!

Let him make his own judgment and decision based on the actual situation on the battlefield, the enemy's deployment, and the current status and capabilities of the Seventh Steel Brigade!
Strategic initiative and tactical decision-making power are completely handed over to frontline commander Wu Wanli; the headquarters will never interfere!
Zhi Si's opinion was only one: at all times, "preserving ourselves and preserving our strength should be our top priority!"
The Soviet-made weapons in these six divisions were icing on the cake; we were very fortunate to have them, but we have no regrets about losing them!

Our real treasures are our talents, and the Seventh Steel Corps, an iron army capable of fighting tough and fierce battles!
Wu Wanli and his soldiers' lives will always come first, do you understand?

After thinking for a moment, the boss finally gave the order.

Tasks can be explained, but never forced.

Rewards can be fought for, but human lives are at stake.

The decision rested with Wu Wanli, and the core principle was to preserve their fighting strength.

"Yes, sir! I understand perfectly! I'll personally draft the telegram and send it to Comrade Wu Wanli immediately!"

Without the slightest hesitation, the chief of staff immediately agreed and quickly left the conference room to convey this crucial instruction.

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

Meanwhile, in Hengcheng
The soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade, who had been engaged in continuous high-intensity raids and bloody battles, were now exhausted.

There are still many intact houses in Hengcheng, but the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who entered the city did not disturb any of the North Korean people.

Silently, they leaned against the cold walls, using their luggage as pillows, and slept on the ground along the streets and under the eaves. Despite the biting wind and the hard ground, not a single person knocked on the tightly closed doors.

The only sounds on the street were tired snores and the occasional rustling of patrolling soldiers' footsteps.

Wu Wanli walked down the street, his body still smelling of gunpowder and dust from the fierce battles.

Looking at the faces of the soldiers sleeping soundly on the cold ground, yet still maintaining their orderly ranks, he was filled with emotion.

As a time traveler, he knew that this was discipline ingrained in the very bones of the People's Army, but every time he witnessed it with his own eyes, it deeply moved him and filled him with sincere admiration.

This is truly a kingly army!

"Captain, we found an empty, intact courtyard. It seems the owner has fled."

"We've set up a temporary command post there; why don't you go and rest there?"

Battalion Commander Shi Qian quickly walked to his side and reported in a low voice.

"Since my comrades are all here, then I will be here too."

Wu Wanli shook his head without hesitation, his voice not loud but unusually firm.

He looked around, walked straight to the closed gate of a house, found a relatively clean stone step to sit down, took out the captured American beef cans, and pried open the lid with a knife.

The crisp sound of metal scraping against metal carried far through the quiet street.

Seeing this, the other awake soldiers also took out their own rations, which were also canned food and biscuits that had been captured.

There was no scrambling, no noise, only the quiet sounds of people eating and replenishing their energy.

Someone began to sing a line in a low voice, though it was soft, it was full of power.

More and more voices joined in, merging into a deep and orderly wave of sound, singing a song that every soldier had deeply engraved in their hearts.

"Every revolutionary soldier must firmly remember the Three Main Rules of Discipline and the Eight Points for Attention..."

The singing penetrated through the cracks in the doors and entered every household in Hengcheng with their doors tightly shut.

Inside the door, countless pairs of eyes peered through the cracks, filled with fear and doubt.

The South Korean army's frenzied propaganda before their retreat still echoed in their ears: "That Chinese unit is a beast in a desperate situation, lacking food and ammunition. If they invade, they will become a raging flood, burning, killing, and looting!"

This fear froze them in their tracks like ice.

In the courtyard of an ordinary farmhouse, the husband, Park Guk-chang, cautiously peered out through the crack in the door.

When he saw the young man sitting quietly on the stone steps in front of his house, eating a can of food, and then when he saw the densely packed soldiers on the street, ready to fight but not committing any offenses, he gasped.

"Soon-ae... come and see... them... they actually... didn't break down the door, didn't steal anything, they were just sleeping and eating on the cold ground... their discipline is simply amazing..."

His voice trembled with disbelief as he turned and whispered to his wife, Kim Soon-ae, who was also extremely nervous and holding their daughter.

"Wait... let's see... maybe... it's just a disguise after entering the city... who knows what will happen."

His wife, Kim Soon-ae, was pale and tightly hugged her youngest daughter, who was extremely thin due to prolonged hunger. Her voice trembled as she spoke.

The South Korean military's propaganda left a deep shadow on her mind.

Before he could finish speaking, his youngest daughter, Zhiying, in his arms, turned bright red from prolonged hunger and the intense tension she was feeling.

Then she suddenly let out a weak groan, her body went limp and she fell backward, her small head hitting the not-so-thick door with a "thud"!

The accident happened too fast!
The bolt was knocked open by the unexpected force, and the small door creaked open!

Park Guk-chang and Kim Soon-ae were terrified. Everything went black before their eyes, and they almost collapsed to the ground—it was all over!
If this door opens, the whole family will be in trouble! There are so many soldiers outside...

However, the reaction outside the door was faster than that of the terrified couple.

Almost the instant the door opened, Wu Wanli, who was sitting on the stone steps, suddenly turned his head, his sharp eyes instantly locking onto the thin figure falling backward.

He sprang up like a cheetah, rushing into the courtyard in one stride, just before Zhiying's small body was about to fall to the ground.

Those unusually steady large hands firmly supported the child's thin shoulders and back.

Time seemed to freeze for a second.

Park Guk-chang and Kim Soon-ae, standing outside the compound, were stunned into silence as they stared in horror at Wu Wanli, the Chinese commander who was so close to them and still exuded the aura of battle.

"Captain, just let us know if you need anything!"

"Captain, I have some extra food here too."

"..."

The other soldiers who were awake in the courtyard also stood up instantly.

But without orders, no one moved an inch; they just looked over with concern and said...

Wu Wanli carefully held the little girl, who was already somewhat delirious, in his arms.

It was so thin and bony that it was heartbreakingly light.

He frowned and immediately pulled out a freshly opened can of beef from his pocket, which contained golden fat and chunks of meat.

"Quick, give her some water."

He carefully tore off a plump piece of meat and held it to the little girl's mouth. With his other hand, he took off his water bottle and brought it to Zhiying's lips, speaking in a low but unusually gentle voice.

"Captain?"

"The commander-in-chief of the Seventh Steel Corps of China?"

Park Guk-chang muttered to himself, but his body was completely frozen, the immense fear instantly replaced by the unimaginable scene before him.

The commander-in-chief of the legendary "Desperate Force," which was said to be invincible and instilled fear in the US and South Korean forces.

At this moment, she was kneeling on one knee, holding their dying child, and personally feeding the child precious, warm beef?!

When the warm broth and water stimulated Ji-young's chapped lips, her survival instinct made her unconsciously suck and chew.

Seeing her daughter's instinctive reaction to eat, Kim Soon-ae could no longer control herself and burst into tears.

"Thank you, General! Thank you, General! You saved my daughter!..."

She pulled her husband down to her knees with a thud, kowtowing repeatedly to Wu Wanli, tears mixed with dust smearing her face, her words tumbling out incoherently with excitement.

Wu Wanli quickly waved his hand, signaling them to get up: "Sister-in-law! Brother! Get up! You mustn't!"

He looked at the little girl in his arms and saw that her expression had softened a bit, so he stuffed the remaining half can of meat and a pack of compressed biscuits into Kim Soon-ae's hands.

"Take this, for the children and for you to eat."

Wu Wanli smiled gently and said.

This shocked not only Park Guk-chang and his wife, but also the neighbors who were secretly watching.

Scared?
camouflage?

How could this be a disguise?
The Chinese army commander not only did not harm their children, but also gave them his precious food!
That heavy can, filled with glistening chunks of meat, was an unimaginable treasure in North Korea, where resources were extremely scarce!
One, two, and the bolder neighbors tentatively opened a crack in the door.

When they saw that the Park family of three was not only safe and sound, but also holding precious food in their hands, their doubts melted away like ice and snow under the spring sun.

An elderly man with a white beard trembled as he pushed open the door and bowed deeply to Wu Wanli and the soldiers outside. Then, more and more doors opened.

Someone brought out the last bit of rice cake they had left, and someone else brought out hot water...

Fear completely transformed into gratitude and admiration.

Looking at the soldiers' exhaustion and their neat sleeping or sitting postures, they felt a mixture of pity and warmth in their hearts.

Furthermore, since there were many Chinese soldiers of Korean ethnicity in the army, and a small number of Koreans who understood Chinese, language was not a problem.

"General! Please let the soldiers come inside and rest! The ground is too cold!"

"Yes, yes! Let's go inside and warm up!"

"We believe you! You're such good people!..."

The old man spoke loudly, his voice earnest.

The high wall built between the military and the people, constructed out of fear and lies, collapsed with a deafening roar.

The simple and honest North Korean people pulled and tugged at their "benefactor" into their warm homes.

Amidst repeated expressions of gratitude, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers were settled on warm heated floors by the Korean mothers and fathers, and covered with old but clean quilts.

The streets quickly emptied, and the air was no longer filled with hostility and coldness, but with a deep and unbreakable bond between the military and the people.

Wu Wanli politely declined the warm kang (heated brick bed) that Park Guochang's family insisted on giving up, and instead sat down in the main room with several other key staff members, intending to discuss the next direction of the relocation.

This hard-won, brief period of tranquility is all the more precious.

However, a burst of hurried footsteps shattered this tender moment.

"Reporting to the Commander-in-Chief! Urgent telegram from the Volunteer Army Headquarters!"

A staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army stormed open the courtyard gate, sweat dripping from his face, and said in an urgent voice that there was no time to lose.

Wu Wanli stood up abruptly, his eyes instantly regaining the sharpness of his battlefield gaze.

In an instant, the warm atmosphere of the residential houses seemed to be immediately replaced by the tense military situation.

"understood!"

"Immediately summon Gao Daxing, Yu Congrong, Liu Hanqing, Lei Gong, Ping He... key cadres to this meeting immediately!"

He gave a brief and forceful command.

"Yes!"

The volunteer soldier immediately agreed.

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

"Now that everyone's here, let's read out the urgent telegram from the Commander-in-Chief."

Wu Wanli sat cross-legged on the ground, leaning against the cold wall, and closed his eyes to rest.

"A message from the Commander of the General Staff to Wu Wanli, Captain of the Seventh Steel Brigade, and all officers and soldiers:"
I. Following urgent consultations, the Soviet side put forward new 'cooperation proposals'.

If the Seventh Steel Brigade can complete at least three crossings of the Han River tributaries without being completely surrounded and annihilated, then...

If completed, the Soviet Union is willing to provide the Chinese People's Volunteer Army with light weapons and equipment equivalent to six fully-equipped Soviet-armed infantry divisions free of charge.

The Soviet side emphasized that the previous successful attempt also counted as a test, and that this requirement was a non-mandatory tactical challenge.

Third, after collective discussion, the core leadership of the General Headquarters concluded that this task was extremely demanding.

The enemy UN forces have launched an unprecedented and focused attack on our forces. The tightness of their blockade and the strength of their firepower are unmatched in ordinary encounter battles.

The tributaries of the Han River, in particular, could become a trap for enemy forces to surround and hunt them down.

In view of this, the headquarters clearly instructed: convey this situation truthfully, and leave the task selection entirely to your department, especially Comrade Wan Li, to make an independent decision based on the actual battlefield situation.

The primary objective, and even the highest principle, is to do everything possible to ensure the safety of the core members of the Seventh Steel Brigade and Comrade Wan Li himself!

Always remember that the value of your unit's very existence far exceeds any external equipment assistance!

If the risks are assessed as too high, this challenge may be rejected outright, and the Command will not pursue the matter further! (End of telegram)

The volunteer army staff officer standing nearby took a deep breath, unfolded the telegram, and read it aloud clearly.

As the staff officer's voice faded, the command post fell into a deathly silence, broken only by the faint crackling of the burning kerosene lamp wick.

The heavy words crashed into everyone's heart like boulders, stirring up huge waves.

"Damn it, our Steel Seventh Brigade has been fighting for so long, even if we're made of iron, we're all worn out!"
I'd barely had a chance to relax before my butt got too warm!
This is absolutely an impossible task!

Yu Congrong was the first to lose his temper. He stood up abruptly, his face flushed red with excitement and anger, and said...

"That makes sense!"
Captain, we were on the verge of death when we crossed the river before!

The 24th Division to the north is a tough nut to crack, and to the east lies the sea, which we cannot cross.

"We might as well go south!"

Gao Daxing said with deep concern.

"Captain, this is too difficult."

Every choice of crossing point, every window of opportunity for deployment, could be a do-or-die battle.

Pinghe also sighed and said.

"Cannons can blast open city walls, but they can't blow up the Japanese planes and bombs on the water."

Ammunition, especially high-explosive and armor-piercing rounds, was consumed too much during the battle of Hengcheng, and replenishment could not keep up.

"Why not save the ammunition and fight those bastards head-on to break through!"

Lei Gong's concerns directly address the sustainability of logistical support and firepower suppression.

Liu Hanqing did not immediately join the wave of opposition. He frowned and quickly reviewed the contents of the telegram in his mind.

He particularly emphasized the words "three times," "non-coercive," "option," and "preserving strength," while keenly observing Wu Wanli's state beside him.

Wu Wanli listened quietly, his face showing not a trace of panic or impatience as he was swayed by the immense difficulties and opposition from the crowd.

His face even showed an expression of extreme focus and confidence.

A bold guess suddenly exploded in Liu Hanqing's mind!

"Wanli, you haven't said a word since the meeting started."

Shiji said the choice was in our hands and agreed that we should refuse.

But the way you look... there's absolutely no hint of 'no' in your eyes!

You're thinking about how to fight!
right? !

"Don't you... already have a way to break this deadlock?!"

Liu Hanqing looked at Wu Wanli and asked.

Swish!
All eyes instantly focused on Wu Wanli, who was sitting quietly.

Yu Congrong, Gao Daxing, Pinghe, Lei Gong, and even the staff officer reading the telegram, all held their breath, waiting for the potentially earth-shattering answer.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Wu Wanli finally slowly opened his eyes.

Those eyes, like stars refracted in fire, shone with a captivating light, surging with a calm fighting spirit and an almost arrogant confidence!

"three times?"

"What's so special about crossing a tributary of the Han River three times?"

"I'm going to lead you across the Han River four times!"

Wu Wanli suddenly stood up and said, while clenching his right fist and swinging it down hard, the resulting gust of wind causing the kerosene lamp flame to flicker wildly.

"what?!"

"Four crossings?!"

"Commander-in-Chief! Are you insane?!"

In an instant, the command center erupted into chaos!
They were just saying three times was impossible, and now the captain wants to do it four times?!

This isn't insane, this is suicidal!
"Captain! This is too risky!"

"Even once would be tough! Four times? How many holes could our ten thousand or so people possibly fill?"

Gao Daxing hurriedly tried to dissuade him.

"Commander, the enemy has laid a trap and is just waiting for us to run into it!"
Four crossings of the river?

How is this possible! "

Yu Congrong also said anxiously.

"Commander-in-Chief!"
The North Han River defense line is heavily guarded by the 24th Division, and to the east lies the sea, beyond the reach of the main naval force!
The west side is Ridgway's main defensive pocket!
If we don't go through the south gate but through the west gate, how do we manage to cross the river four times?

Where is the crossing point?
How to control the pace of the operation?

Every step is a bottomless abyss!

Pinghe advised in a low voice.

Even Liu Hanqing, who trusted Wu Wanli the most, felt as if his heart was being gripped tightly by an invisible hand!

He never expected that Wu Wanli would be so arrogant!
Four crossings?!
Is this going to cause a major upheaval?!

Faced with a flood of opposition filled with genuine concern, Wu Wanli's arrogant confidence did not diminish in the slightest; instead, it gained a touch of calm sharpness.

His sharp gaze swept over familiar faces, finally settling on the densely drawn map depicting the enemy and friendly forces.

"Quiet!"

Wu Wanli gave a low shout, carrying absolute authority, instantly silencing all discussion. The command post fell silent again, with only heavy breathing remaining.

He walked to the map and pointed precisely at the Hengcheng marker representing the current location of the Seventh Steel Brigade.

“I am aware of the difficulties you have mentioned.”

The enemy has heavily fortified the area, and there are formidable enemies everywhere. Every step is fraught with danger.

I know these things better than you do!

But tell me, which battle has our Seventh Steel Brigade fought since its establishment been easy?

Which breakout attempt was without risk, like dancing on the edge of a knife? The more the enemy tries to trap us, the more they try to systematically encircle and wear us down, the more we must move!

Moreover, we must act in ways that exceed their expectations!
They were so busy that they were dizzy and disoriented, unable to attend to everything!

We know the south is easier to traverse, and the US military knows it too!

Rather than passively retreating south and being surrounded, it's better to launch a spectacular counterattack and retake Suwon!
"Pull another gaping hole in the enemy's heart!"

Wu Wanli slammed his hand on the table and said loudly.

The command post was completely silent. Everyone was stunned by this incredible idea, which was both absurd and full of astonishing courage and tactical logic!
What audacity! What arrogance! What...suffocating audacity!

"hiss……"

Liu Hanqing gasped, not out of fear, but because the grand vision and the enormous fighter jets it contained made his hair stand on end!

He instantly understood Wu Wanli's strategic ambition: this was by no means just about completing the mission and retreating to save his own life!

This is to turn the passive situation into the active one, to use offense as defense, and to create chaos before the enemy's strangulation net is completely tightened, thus completely disrupting the deployment rhythm of the UN forces!

If Suwon could be captured again, it would be tantamount to another resounding slap in the face to Truman and Ridgway! Its political and military deterrent power would far exceed that of a successful "safe" breakout!
A long silence fell over the temporary command post as everyone immersed themselves in simulations.

"This……"

"It sounds... kind of interesting? But is Mizuhara really that empty-headed? What if..."

Gao Daxing opened his mouth wide, his worried expression replaced by a complex mix of shock and barely concealed excitement, and spoke first.

"After thinking about it, this is indeed an opportunity!"

Commander! If we act quickly enough, Suwon could indeed be the weakest link on the western front right now!
But if you're just one step off, it will be utter destruction!

Pinghe stared intently at the location of Suwon on the map, quickly deduced the timeline and possible movements of the enemy forces, and then spoke.

"Then do it!"

"I don't quite understand, but if the captain is so sure, then there must be no problem!"

Yu Congrong slapped his thigh, his anger replaced by a wild fighting spirit, and said.

"I know it's difficult, but since I, Wu Wanli, dare to say it, I'm confident I can win!"

Believe me!
I'll definitely lead you guys and make it look great!
The first step of the four crossings of the Han River was to take advantage of the emptiness on the west flank, launch a counterattack, and then cross the Han River a second time to capture Suwon!

Wu Wanli's voice was not loud, but it carried the power of thunder and the magic of conviction.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately responded loudly.

(End of this chapter)