Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 297 The Soviet Union adds six artillery regiments, and Wu Wanli prepares to unleash the divine move!
Shihinai

"Oh!"

The door was kicked open!

"Commander Wu... Wu Wanli has replied!"

A young staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, panting heavily, shouted in a hoarse voice as he met the gazes that suddenly focused on him from everyone in the room.

"What's it? Read it quickly!"

The Chief of the General Staff reacted incredibly quickly, almost stepping right up to the staff officer and speaking.

"Commander Wu Wanli has called: the Seventh Steel Corps has decided to cross the Han River four times!"

The volunteer army staff officer took a deep breath, suppressed the trembling in his throat, and raised his voice.

"Four crossings?!"

boom--!
This word struck like a hammer blow into frozen air.

The operations chief's hand slipped, and the enamel mug lid fell to the ground with a clang, rolling a few times before coming to a stop. The crisp sound was particularly jarring in the deathly silence.

All the staff officers stopped flipping through documents and gesturing on maps, and raised their heads in unison, their faces frozen in the same shock and bewilderment.

Even the CEO's fingers, which were gripping the pencil, unconsciously tightened, and his knuckles turned slightly white.

"Has he gone mad?!"

Or did I mishear?

Comrade Wu Wanli is actually planning a fourth crossing?

Is the encirclement of 100,000 UN troops a joke?!
Did he burn those foreign devils' planes and cannons like straw?!

Upon hearing this, the head of the logistics department of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army slammed his hand on the table and stood up abruptly, staring wide-eyed as he asked.

"reason!
What was the reasoning behind Wu Wanli's proposal of the Fourth Crossing?
Just to show off a bit of reckless courage and outnumber the Soviets?

Chief Chen did not respond immediately, but instead frowned and asked with unfathomable eyes.

"Reporting to Commander Chen!"

Captain Wu's telegram made it very clear!

The Four Crossings were by no means a matter of spite or competitiveness!

He analyzed that the main force of the UN forces is setting up defenses layer by layer along the main crossings of the Han River, weaving a three-crossing pocket net waiting for us to fall into it a third time!

If the Seventh Steel Brigade deploys according to the "Three Crossings" strategy, it's tantamount to jumping into the enemy's strongest position!

Only by actively disrupting the enemy's deployment!

They smashed through the so-called "iron wall" built by the UN forces along the Han River from an unexpected place!

This is a bloody path fought for survival, not a numbers game of bravado and violence!
Furthermore, the Seventh Steel Corps also had Korean soldiers, who could serve as the spark to ignite a prairie fire!

They moved around and used surplus weapons and ammunition that they couldn't take with them to establish guerrilla units!
This is also very effective for future strategies, rather than simply running away!

He even had his next objective set: he wanted to immediately cross the Han River a second time, launch a surprise attack on the American forces, and recapture Suwon!

The volunteer army staff officer felt the gazes of the crowd, and a layer of cold sweat seeped out on his back. He quickly straightened his back and replied.

"Hiss..."

The Chief of the General Staff gasped sharply, his eyes flashing with an astonishing intensity as he stared intently at the familiar landmark of Suwon City on the map!
"Mizuhara?! He dares to set his sights on Mizuhara again?!"

He practically lunged at the map table, tapping his index finger heavily as he asked.

Suwon!

This strategically vital town on the western front!
It had just been seized by the Seventh Steel Brigade with lightning speed not long ago, and under immense pressure, it abandoned the guerrilla detachment.

Perhaps the UN forces have already deployed a large number of troops and built unprecedentedly strong fortifications!

However, at this seemingly most insane and impossible point, the strategic nerves honed by the Chief of the General Staff over decades of battlefield experience were suddenly jolted!

Suwon... a trap... the most dangerous place...

In a flash, an idea flashed through his mind like a thunderbolt piercing the night sky!

"I understand!
Unconventional tactics and unexpected attacks! A surprise counterattack—the US military might not be able to react in time!

Ridgway and Van Fleet, all their ambushes and pre-arranged positions were probably deployed with consideration of the other three sides!
Suwon, a place that had just been ravaged by bloodshed, might just be the blind spot in the face of the entire US military's impenetrable defenses!
We couldn't have imagined it, and the enemy certainly couldn't have imagined it either!

"Fighting like this might actually work!"

The Chief of the General Staff analyzed.

"Hiss... Now that you mention it... it really seems like the only way out of this desperate situation?"

"Suwon... They can defend the ground, but they can't defend against our audacity!"

"We can only think of the south as the only way out. We estimate that the UN forces can also think of this and have deployed heavy troops in the south accordingly. If we fight in this way, we may end up hitting the westernmost vulnerable side of the US forces."

Several young staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army exchanged heated glances and whispered among themselves.

The previously suffocatingly heavy atmosphere was overwhelmed by an indescribable sense of exhilaration.

The operations chief's tense lips finally relaxed. Looking at the point of Suwon on the map, his eyes were complicated, filled with worry, yet also with a faint glimmer of hope.

The strategy of crossing the river four times, a game with a slim chance of survival, suddenly revealed a sliver of an almost impossible opening after the Chief of the General Staff's thunderous revelation!
"Commanders, I haven't finished yet. In fact, Commander Wu Wanli's decision to fight this battle was not only based on tactical considerations, but also on strategic military considerations."

He said that when the Soviet Union set the goal of crossing the Han River three times, they probably didn't really believe he could achieve it.

If there were another response of crossing the Han River four times, the Soviet Union would likely agree to any additional demands made.

Chief Wu Wanli proposed changing the light weapons aid reward for the six Soviet-equipped divisions to include a Soviet-made howitzer battalion, field artillery battalion, and anti-aircraft artillery battalion in each division.

He said what's the point of having only light weapons? We need heavy artillery and anti-aircraft guns!

In addition, 800 transport trucks, along with supporting repair and ammunition manufacturing plants, are needed to ensure the logistical and maintenance support for these six Soviet-equipped divisions for an extended period of combat!

The volunteer army staff officer added with a smile.

Hahahahahahahaha...

This kid's appetite is even more accurate and ruthless than the gun in his hand!

Not only do we have to obediently deliver the light weapons and equipment of six Soviet-equipped divisions to the Soviets!

Still not enough? They specifically requested additional production lines for howitzers, field guns, anti-aircraft guns, and ammunition, as well as 800 large trucks!
Listen to that! What a huge appetite!

This is clearly an attempt to take a bite out of the Soviet Union's wealth!

I've fought wars my whole life, and I've never seen anyone as audacious as him, or as shrewd as him!
They're taking advantage of the big brother like a sucker!
That was a brilliant move! I really hope he succeeds!

Chief Chen laughed heartily.

"Since this four crossings is a desperate gamble, why not listen to Wanli and place another heavy bet on this gamble?"
This increased demand might not be wishful thinking after all!
The Soviets themselves probably would never have believed that anyone could cross the Han River four times under heavy encirclement!

If we send someone to negotiate now, and present Wu Wanli's plan and demands for the four crossings...

The Soviets were surprised, and they might have really thought we were daydreaming!

They might even loosen their stance and add some leverage, just to show their interest!

It's a success! We've made a fortune!
No, it won't cause any real loss to the Seventh Steel Brigade!
After all, Wu Wanli said that his tactical considerations indeed included that kind of fighting style!

The operations director was also caught up in the atmosphere, picked up the lid of the teacup that had fallen to the ground, and spoke up.

"Hahahahaha...

If Wu Wanli had dared to propose such a plan just a few months ago, you would probably all have thought it was wishful thinking!

But now?

Everyone must be holding onto hope, thinking about the miracles Wu Wanli had performed so far!
The Chief of the General Staff's eyes almost saw sparks flying from the Suwon marker on the map!
Even you, Lao Chen, are starting to agree on how to use these four crossings to squeeze money out of our Soviet big brother!
The change happened quietly.

It wasn't because Wu Wanli suddenly gained some kind of divine power, but because of the miracles he achieved through the bloodshed of the Seventh Steel Brigade.

He's now saying he's going to cross the Han River four times, leading his thousands of brothers to crash into the UN forces' impenetrable fortress of 100,000, and he's even thinking of taking another bite out of the Soviets...

Your first reaction wasn't to question whether he was crazy, but to think, 'This kid might actually be able to do it!'
This weighty trust was forged by him risking his life, the lives of thousands of people in the entire Seventh Steel Brigade, and through countless bloody battles!

The morale of everyone in our headquarters has been changed by his sharp edge! We've become more daring and willing to fight!

The boss glanced at everyone's reactions and said with a smile.

These words were like an invisible warm current, yet also like a heavy hammer blow, striking the hearts of everyone in the command post.

The boss clearly articulated the subtle shift in his attitude towards Wu Wanli, from doubt to a hidden expectation.

The staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army straightened their backs, their eyes flashing with pride and excitement.

Chief Chen's smile was tinged with emotion and respect.

The Chief of the General Staff nodded slowly, his expression solemn.

The operations chief took a deep breath, his eyes becoming even more determined.

Yes, that thick wall of "empiricism" has been broken!

"In that case, let's do as Wu Wanli says! Issue the two orders immediately!"

First, send an urgent telegram to the capital, reporting Wu Wanli's entire plan, strategic intentions, and especially his bold "increase" request in detail, without omitting a single word!
Tell the comrade in charge of negotiations to be mindful of the appropriate level of discretion and to argue their case based on reason!
Didn't the Soviets believe that a fourth crossing was impossible? They used that "impossible" argument to their advantage!
Tell them that we Chinese are determined to forge a path to survival even in the face of the impossible!

As for whether or not to give them these chips, let them decide for themselves!
Second, immediately draft a telegram and send it to the headquarters of the Seventh Steel Corps!
Telegraphed by Wu Wanli, Brigade Commander of the Seventh Steel Detachment, and Liu Hanqing, Political Commissar, and all officers and soldiers:

The strategy of crossing the river four times was incredibly bold, which deeply moved Zhi Si, who also understood its profound meaning.

However, this is merely a challenge, not a life-or-death mission! Surrounded by 100,000 powerful enemies, with danger lurking everywhere, what you bear on your shoulders is not only Soviet heavy weaponry, but also the sharp edge of the Republic's long journey!

Preserving the life force of our army should be the highest principle!
One crossing is enough; there's no need to strive for the feat of crossing four times!

Regardless of the outcome, the General Headquarters will always prioritize the safety and well-being of all officers and soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade!

Save people! Save people! Save people!

As long as the green hills remain, there will always be opportunities to cultivate talent.
Please convey this message to Comrade Wanli:
Go forth boldly! Return alive! The entire nation, both military and civilian, eagerly awaits the triumphant return of our heroes!
The boss repeatedly emphasized the order to "save people."

The slight commotion caused by excitement in the command center subsided instantly.

The excitement on the faces of the volunteer army staff officers froze, replaced by a heavy solemnity.

The smiles of Chief Chen and the Chief of the General Staff also turned solemn.

"Yes!"

"I'll go and personally oversee the power generation right away!"

The Chief of the General Staff snapped to attention and solemnly replied.

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

Within the capital

"Comrade Secretary-General Wang, it has been thirty-seven hours since you received our 'cooperation proposal'."

Regarding whether the Seventh Steel Brigade is capable of completing the test of 'crossing the Han River tributary at least three times and successfully withdrawing,' your side should already have a clear assessment.

Forgive my bluntness, but based on the results of 78 simulations conducted by our General Staff, the probability of the 'Steel Seventh Brigade' suffering a devastating blow during the three crossings is an astonishing 93.7%.

A narrow escape from death?
No, it should be said that there was almost no chance of survival!
Moscow fully understands the difficulties and enormous risks you face.

That's why we also provided another viable option.

We suggest adopting a more flexible and pragmatic approach to complete this military aid mission, rather than relying on that general named Wu Wanli.

Then you can directly purchase the basic light weapons equipment of these six Soviet-equipped infantry divisions with gold or grain of equivalent value.

This includes the Mosin-Nagant rifle, the Degtyarev light machine gun, the PPSh submachine gun, and the corresponding ammunition.

Of course, if your country is unable to pay the full amount immediately, our great Soviet Union is willing to provide preferential military aid loans.

A ten-year term with an annual interest rate of 11.5% is already an extremely generous offer. Your country only needs to agree, and these sophisticated weapons can be quickly transported through Manchuria to Andong, arming six powerful Soviet-equipped infantry divisions!

Isn't this wiser than sending General Wu Wanli and his brave but precious soldiers to attempt a nearly impossible task?

After Vladimir finished speaking, he leaned back in his wide chair, picked up the porcelain cup on the table, and slowly sipped the dark black tea.

For a moment, the only sound in the conference room was the sloshing of the tea in Vladimir's cup.

The air seemed to freeze, and an immense, invisible pressure pressed down on Secretary-General Wang from the Chinese side.

The Soviet Union had a very clever plan: once China accepted this high-interest loan, the Soviet Union would both make money and export military equipment to China.

Secretary-General Wang listened quietly, appearing unusually composed compared to Vladimir's carefully crafted aggressive demeanor.

At that moment, he didn't look at the copy of the memo; he simply pushed up his round-framed glasses, revealing an unusually deep and serene gaze behind the lenses.

As Vladimir's words faded, it seemed that he had also finished the last sip of his black tea.

Just as Vladimir was about to put down his teacup and issue an ultimatum, Secretary-General Wang finally spoke.

"Comrade Vladimir, I am very grateful to your country for sharing the simulation data and the alternative solutions you provided."

We received a telegram from the headquarters regarding the feasibility assessment of Comrade Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Corps he led in carrying out the mission of "Crossing the Tributaries of the Han River Three Times".

The report clearly states that Comrade Wu Wanli and his Seventh Steel Brigade are not only fully confident at the strategic level in carrying out the mission of "crossing the Han River tributary three times and successfully withdrawing"!

Moreover, Comrade Wu Wanli believed that conducting only three crossings of the Yangtze River would be insufficient to address the fundamental changes in the current situation between the enemy and ourselves.

In order to maximize the surprise and shock effect of the campaign and ensure the absolute safety of the main force of the 7th Steel Brigade, the 7th Steel Brigade of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army decided—

We're raising the mission execution standard from your initial estimate of "at least three crossings of the Han River" to a more proactive goal—"four crossings of the Han River!"

Secretary-General Wang said with a polite smile.

boom--!
However, his words were like throwing a match into solidified gasoline!
"Bang!"

The exquisite bone china cup in Lieutenant General Vladimir's hand slipped suddenly and slammed onto the thick mahogany table.

The scalding dark tea, mixed with tiny shards of porcelain, splashed everywhere, soaking his expensive woolen robes and leaving them in a mess. It also drenched the Russian map on the table, which was marked with the results of the "Three Crossings" calculation.

But he couldn't care less about any of that!
The carefully cultivated composure and sense of superiority in control of the situation that I had just been feeling have completely vanished!

He was as if struck by an invisible lightning bolt, and his whole body sprang up from the chair with a "whoosh"!

Those grey-blue eyes were wide open, almost bursting with extreme, incomprehensible, and utterly absurd shock!

"Wh-what?!"

Comrade, what... what did you just say?!

Four...four times crossing the Han River?!

This is impossible!

This is absolutely impossible! "

Are you all crazy?!
It was utter military suicide! Sending that precious elite force to their deaths!

This is so…

Ivan! Map! Quick!
That…that simulation report on the four river crossings! Bring it out now!

Vladimir realized he had lost his composure and quickly stopped talking, turning to Ivan beside him to give him a briefing.

Ivan suddenly snapped out of his daze and hurriedly bent down to search through the scattered documents on the ground. His fingers were so nervous that they wouldn't obey his commands, and he tore several maps to shreds.

Finally, he pulled out a thin document.

That was a supplementary appendix to the "Theoretical Limits in Extreme Cases" submitted by the Soviet simulation bureau when it submitted the Third Crossing Report.

The conclusion marked above in bold is: “Simulation results of the fourth Yangtze River crossing operation: almost absolutely impossible (99.99%)”.

Vladimir snatched the document and slammed it down on the document labeled with Soviet aid equipment in front of Secretary-General Wang, as if waving a royal decree!

"Look! Open your eyes and look! Comrade!"
This is the final conclusion reached by our Soviet simulation bureau!
It's not a matter of over 90% risk with the third crossing!
The chance of failure for the fourth crossing is almost 100%!
Any commander, even if he were a reincarnation of Marshal Zhukov, a hero of the Soviet Union, would ultimately only have the name of the entire 7th Steel Brigade engraved on the monument to the fallen soldiers!

We've all witnessed the miracles that young man Wu Wanli created in Suwon, in the capture of Chaoding Bridge, and in the blitzkrieg of Hengcheng!

We deeply admire them! That was courage and wisdom beyond the ordinary! But these miracles have their limits! Human power has its limits!
Crossing the Han River four times?

It's impossible for him! It's impossible for the Seventh Steel Brigade!
Unless they are all ghosts! Or perhaps they have divine intervention!

Vladimir's roar echoed in the empty conference room, carrying with it hysterical despair and an unquestionable conclusion of "authority."

Several advisors to the Soviet delegation also turned pale, exchanging glances filled with panic and worry about the lieutenant general's loss of composure. They thought the Chinese had gone mad.

Faced with the violent reaction reminiscent of a volcanic eruption in Vladimir and the glaringly bright red deduction, Secretary-General Wang showed no anger whatsoever, not even a furrowed brow.

He gently brushed the massive Soviet simulation report aside, the movement as natural as brushing away a fallen leaf.

The eyes behind his glasses showed no sign of wavering; instead, they shone with a sharp, all-knowing light, as if he had everything under control.

"Since your country, based on its own strong military science capabilities, has clearly determined that crossing the Han River four times is a nearly impossible task at the purely operational level..."

Therefore, we would like to make the following suggestions!
If the 7th Steel Detachment of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, under the leadership of Commander-in-Chief Wu Wanli, had successfully completed four crossings of the Han River tributaries and achieved the safe withdrawal of its main force!
Therefore, we request that, in return for the success of this challenge, your company, in addition to providing six fully-equipped Soviet-armed infantry divisions with a full set of light weapons, make the following major upgrades and strategic-level supplementary equipment to each division!

First, strengthen the core firepower!
Each Soviet-equipped division will be equipped with a full battalion of 122mm howitzers, with a total of 24 guns, all brand new!

It is equipped with a sufficient number of high-explosive shells, armor-piercing shells, and special shells for attacking bunkers!
Second, each division will be equipped with an additional 37mm automatic anti-aircraft gun battalion, with a full complement of 36 guns.

The artillery is in good condition! All auxiliary equipment is complete! And it is equipped with a sufficient quantity of armor-piercing incendiary tracer rounds!

Third, each division needs to be equipped with a field artillery battalion, with a full complement of 24 guns and sufficient ammunition, mainly for anti-tank purposes!

Fourth, additional ammunition production lines and repair facilities were built for China to support these weapons, ensuring that these six Soviet-equipped divisions could maintain their long-term combat effectiveness!

Fifth, an additional 800 transport trucks were allocated to the Volunteer Army for logistical support!
All of the above assistance is provided free of charge!

Secretary-General Wang smiled, adjusted his glasses, and said...

The moment Secretary Wang calmly uttered "gold or grain," Vladimir's eyes instantly lit up with burning excitement.

Secretary-General Wang!
Are you saying that if Comrade Wu Wanli's plan to cross the Han River four times ultimately fails... China is willing to pay for the equipment in full, in gold or grain, at the completely international market price?

Vladimir swallowed hard and quickly confirmed.

"Yes, Comrade Vladimir."

The prerequisite, of course, is that you agree to our proposed list of reinforcements and requests.

The agreement is bidirectional.

Risk and opportunity go hand in hand, don't they?
We are confident that we can create miracles, but we also respect the rules.

Regardless of the outcome, this attempt at military-technical cooperation between China and the Soviet Union will lay a foundation for mutual trust.

Secretary-General Wang said with a smile.

Mutual trust! Absolute mutual trust!
Comrade, your proposal demonstrates great sincerity and courage!

I must immediately report this revolutionary cooperation proposal to Moscow via radio!

Please wait a moment! It will only take a short while!

"Vladimir said quickly."

Before Secretary Wang could even fully nod, he rushed toward the heavy oak door and quickly disappeared into the depths of the corridor.

The sunlight streamed in at an angle through the window, and dust particles danced in the beams of light.

Secretary-General Wang remained seated, picked up the blue-and-white porcelain cup on the table, slowly sipped the slightly cool tea, and looked out at the courtyard.

His mind was clear; Vladimir's excitement was genuine.

This precisely confirms that the Soviet leadership generally did not have a high opinion of Wu Wanli's four crossings of the Han River.

In that case, the Soviet Union would be very likely to agree.

Time ticked by, and the only sound in the room was the steady ticking of the clock, which only served to emphasize the long wait.

Nearly twenty minutes passed, and just as the waiter quietly came in to refill the water, the sound of rapid and forceful footsteps echoed down the corridor once again.

The door was flung open, and Vladimir strode in.

"Comrade, Moscow has agreed to the Sino-Soviet special weapons technology assistance program!"
This is the preliminary agreement text drafted in accordance with your request. Please take a look.

However, to ensure the smooth execution of the agreement, several key points need to be clarified and written into the core clauses of the final text.

First, the Seventh Steel Corps, under the command of Wan Li, must successfully cross the tributary of the Han River at least four times in a row. Of course, the previous successful crossing also counts as one!
Second, the time limit!
Within thirty calendar days from the effective date of this agreement!

Wu Wanli must lead his troops to complete all four river-crossing missions and achieve the aforementioned strategic objectives!
If the deadline is missed, the agreement will also be considered invalid!
Finally, if the Seventh Steel Brigade fails, you must purchase these weapons and equipment within ninety days of the failure ruling taking effect!
The specific pricing method shall be subject to Annex III of the Agreement, "List of Reference Prices for International Market Floating Prices and Conversion Details"!
The gold had to be 999% pure, and the grain had to meet the Soviet Union's first-class state reserve standards!

Comrade Secretary-General, these clauses were personally reviewed and approved by our Soviet high-ranking comrades!

If you and your government deem this unacceptable, then we can explore a more moderate and less risky alternative approach to this 'deal.'

Vladimir's words were firm yet gentle, full of confidence, as if he had already secured victory.

Secretary-General Wang's expression remained almost unchanged. He took the heavy draft agreement, pulled out his gold-rimmed glasses from his pocket, and slowly put them on.

His gaze slowly moved across the densely packed clauses, his fingers occasionally tracing patterns on the paper.

The room was eerily quiet, save for the rustling of papers turning and the ticking of the clock.

Vladimir held his breath, waiting for the other side's reaction. He couldn't glean any information from Secretary Wang's face, which was as deep as an ancient well.

After a long while, Secretary-General Wang put down the documents and took off his glasses.

"Comrade Vladimir, history is always written by challenges that seem impossible to accomplish."

The goddess of victory favors only those who have the courage to challenge and create miracles.

For your simulation model, crossing the Han River four times might be a dead end.

But for the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, and for China, which is determined to forge a future of national self-reliance and strength.

It is a road.

A road to victory, forged through thorns with willpower, wisdom, and iron will!

We accept this challenge!

Secretary-General Wang took a deep breath and said.

Vladimir's heart pounded uncontrollably.

The steely will and domineering pride contained in Secretary-General Wang's calm words made him feel a little flustered for a moment.

No way?
Could Wu Wanli really do that with the Seventh Steel Brigade...?

The following process was concise and efficient. Senior military staff and interpreters from both sides were immediately summoned to the conference room to conduct a final check and polishing of every punctuation mark and every technical term in the agreement text.

Finally, all the details were settled.

Two identical original copies of the Sino-Russian bilingual agreement, each carrying a huge stake, were placed at opposite ends of a mahogany table.

Sunlight streamed through the high window, landing precisely on the gold-embossed emblem on the cover of the agreement, gleaming with a breathtaking brilliance.

Vladimir took a deep breath, straightened his tie, and picked up his specially made gold-plated fountain pen.

Secretary-General Wang also picked up that heavy Parker gold pen.

The two pens fell simultaneously, their tips rubbing against the specially made parchment, producing a subtle yet thrilling rustling sound.

After the signing was completed, Secretary-General Wang and Vladimir put down their pens and stood up almost simultaneously.

Across the long table, two hands representing the interests of their respective countries finally clasped together.

May the friendship between China and the Soviet Union last forever!

"Happy cooperation!"

(End of this chapter)