Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 302 The UN forces' fortress siege, a focused attack! Wu Wanli defies all opposition and breaks the deadlock with his wisdom!

Seongnam City, UN Command Headquarters

"General! Top urgent telegram! From Suwon!"
Suwon Castle... has fallen!

Just an hour ago!

The entire city has fallen into Chinese hands!

Before the regimental headquarters communications were cut off, Commander Wilson sent only a very brief distress signal…

At that moment, a U.S. military staff officer rushed in and said.

"boom!"

In an instant, the news was like a thunderbolt from the heavens, exploding above the heads of all the senior officers in the command post!
Ridgway's calm expression froze instantly, replaced by disbelief and utter astonishment.

He abruptly turned to the communications officer, his eyes behind his glasses fixed intently on the other person.

"What did you say? Suwon has fallen?!"

"Then...which unit is currently surrounded by our heavy forces on the Han River front, and is cooperating with the main force of the Volunteer Army north of the river to 'break out'?!"

Li Qiwei asked with wide eyes.

"General! Han River! Han River front!"
The enemy suddenly stopped their attack!
All the "Steel Seventh Brigade" units that had attacked our defense line on the south bank of the Han River broke off contact, quickly retreated, and disappeared into the night!
On the north bank of the Han River, Li Yunlong's main force... ceased shelling!

The battlefield...the battlefield suddenly fell silent!

Almost at the same moment, another U.S. military staff officer, clutching his still-ringing headphones, stumbled in, shouting with the same immense panic.

Dead!

A deathly silence instantly engulfed the command hall!
Only the occasional ticking of the telegraph and radio remained, like the footsteps of death.

Chu Yunfei had already guessed, but when reality was ruthlessly revealed, the strong impact still made his pupils suddenly contract.

It worked!
Wu Wanli succeeded!

A brilliant move: "Sound from the South, False Sound from the North"!
His heart was pounding in his chest; an indescribable sense of pride mixed with immense excitement nearly broke through his outward composure.

He immediately lowered his eyelids, trying to remain calm, but his clenched knuckles had already turned white.

Lieutenant General Van Fleet stood frozen in place, the red pencil in his hand falling silently onto the smooth map table.

His weathered, always calculating face was now filled with immense astonishment and a sense of utter defeat at being completely fooled.

He wasn't without suspicion that the attack from the Han River might be a feint, after all, Wu Wanli was known for his cunning, but such massive air support, ground assault, and artillery barrage...

Everything is incredibly realistic!
Even VanVleet was successfully deceived!
He mobilized all his precious reserves, thus altering the entire operational plan for the Incheon Han River area...

The losses are simply incalculable!
"Prisoners! We've captured a few escaped prisoners!"

It's been approved! They're not the Seventh Steel Brigade!

They are... a unit left behind by the Seventh Steel Brigade!
The main force inside is North Koreans!

They're just using the name of the Seventh Steel Brigade to lure us in! At most... at most, they only have a few thousand people!"

The U.S. military staff officer said.

Wow!
If the fall of Suwon was a thunderclap, the ceasefire on the Han River battlefield was like a sudden downpour.

The prisoner's confession was like a hailstorm, crashing down on the heads of every senior U.S. military officer present!
Everyone is stunned!
After a brief silence, a sense of humiliation at being manipulated and a surge of rage erupted in the chests of every American general!
"Foolish! Stupid!"

(Idiot! Moron!)
Ridgway suddenly swung his arm, slamming his fist hard onto the heavy wooden map table with a loud "thud"!
His previously restrained demeanor vanished, his face flushed red with rage, and the veins on his neck bulged.

"We have deployed our most valuable air power and our most elite ground reserves!"

The entire Han River defense line was stretched to its limit!
The results of it? !

We were completely outmaneuvered by a small North Korean force of a few thousand men, armed with some tattered flags?!

Like a puppet, I was manipulated by that damned Wu Wanli!

This is simply a shame!
This is the biggest joke since the start of the Korean War!!

Li Qiwei's body trembled slightly as he roared angrily.

This was not just a mistake on the battlefield, but a blatant provocation and humiliation of his authority and ability as the new Commander-in-Chief of the United Nations Command!
The thought of how President Truman in the White House in Washington and MacArthur in Tokyo would view this poor performance nearly overwhelmed him with a profound sense of shame.

"But... but how could Mizuhara have been lost so quickly?"

Van Fleet's voice was extremely dry, filled with deep confusion and a lingering sense of relief.

As a seasoned veteran, he suppressed his anger at being fooled and tried to clarify the key points.

"Even if our main force is diverted, Suwon City still has Wilson's reinforced regiment, as well as the remnants of Park Jung-hee's Third Division!"

They held their ground, relying on the city's fortifications; how could they possibly have collapsed overnight...?

No, they fell even before we received any distress signals?

Van Fleet frowned and quickly asked.

"General...the last fragments of the radio communication sent from the remaining radio monitoring posts at the front, and a few surviving officers risked their lives to report them on other radios."

It mentions...it mentions that when the Seventh Steel Brigade captured Suwon last time, they planted an inside agent inside the city!
While the Seventh Steel Brigade was attacking the city, they suddenly launched attacks in various parts of the city, destroying the command post, communications station, ammunition depot, etc.

It caused enormous chaos and panic…

The U.S. military staff officer, holding the urgent telegram from Suwon, trembled as he handed over the telegram paper, which seemed to weigh a ton, and added with difficulty.

boom!
This final explanation shattered the last glimmer of hope in Van Fleet's heart.

"An inside man...Hanjiang Detachment..."

The hidden plan laid during the last attack on Suwon... I see!

Van Fleet sighed and murmured.

He finally understood why the fortified city of Suwon had collapsed overnight.

This was not the result of a brute-force attack, but rather a carefully planned, coordinated effort from within and without, a victory achieved from both sides!
Wu Wanli was a man who not only excelled in military strategy on the front lines, but also mastered espionage and covert operations!

This is no longer a tactical victory, but a crushing defeat through strategic planning and psychological warfare!
"Despicable! Treacherous and cunning!"

Shameless scoundrel!

All they do is resort to these despicable schemes and tricks!
They dared not engage in a fair and square duel in the slightest!
This is the true nature of the Chinese military!

They don't deserve to be called soldiers!
They're just a bunch of thugs who only know how to stab people in the back from the shadows!

General Chu, am I right?!

Li Qiwei turned his anger towards Chu Yunfei, his tone filled with displeasure and a sense of testing.

"General Ridgway is right!"
They are most adept at using such despicable means to coerce the people, plant spies, and coordinate attacks from within and without—these are all their usual tricks!
This kind of behavior is truly despicable!

Chu Yunfei sneered inwardly, but his face quickly revealed a perfectly measured expression of agreement and indignation as he spoke in a deep voice.

His tone was extremely indignant, perfectly befitting a former high-ranking KMT general who vehemently hated the other side.

His performance was flawless, and even the seasoned Ridgway and Van Fleet did not notice anything amiss.

"Scolding won't help now!"

Ridgway forced himself to calm down, his violently heaving chest revealing that his inner anger was far from subsided.

He roughly pushed aside several staff officers blocking his way, rushed to the huge situation map, and fixed his gaze on the water point that had been remarked in glaring red.

"We've lost face! But what about substance?"
If this damned ghost army is allowed to continue causing trouble, who can bear the responsibility?

Washington's wrath will burn us all!

You bunch of bastards!

What are you all good for?!

The intelligence work is a complete mess!
Their strategic judgment is complete rubbish!

Now, immediately, immediately!

Give me a solution!
Use every available resource!

We can operate by sea, land, and air!

Wipe out this damned Seventh Steel Brigade completely on the south bank of the Han River!

At all costs! I want to see Wu Wanli's head on my desk!

Ridgway roared angrily.

The immense pressure made the air in the entire command center almost freeze.

The U.S. military staff officers were sweating profusely, exchanging rapid glances, their brains racing.

But faced with the elusive Seventh Steel Brigade, which had just delivered a resounding slap to their face, no one could offer any effective suggestions for the time being.

Everyone knows that if they were to besiege Suwon now, they would likely be facing another empty city, or an even more deadly trap.

There was a long silence, broken only by heavy breathing and the sound of maps being turned.

Finally, Lieutenant General Van Fleet let out a long breath, his eyes regaining their cold, calculating glint. He spoke slowly, breaking the suffocating deadlock.

“Anger will not solve the problem, General.”

We must admit that Wu Wanli was a very formidable opponent.

He not only possessed extraordinary courage, tactical creativity, and troop cohesion, but also an extremely formidable ability to make strategic predictions and deceive on the battlefield.

Encirclement and suppression, and mobile encirclement and annihilation, have had little effect on such a highly mobile force with a high degree of autonomy.

He always manages to appear where we least expect him, slippery as an eel, or deliver a heavy blow to our pre-planned battlefield.

As Van Fleet spoke, he walked to the map, picked up a thick blue pen representing the U.S. military, and drew several circles and lines around the Seventh Steel Brigade, especially in the north, west, and south directions.

"However, he is not invincible."

Their fatal weakness lies in their extreme exhaustion, their heavy reliance on spoils, and their inability to maintain a stable logistical supply!
Their liberation of Suwon and acquisition of supplies could only provide temporary relief.

More importantly, their numbers!
The entire Seventh Steel Brigade, plus some guerrilla support, had a total strength of at most ten thousand men, and continuous fierce battles would inevitably result in losses!
No matter how skilled they are, they cannot withstand a continuous, multi-pronged attack from superior forces in a confined area!

"Instead of exhausting ourselves chasing after their shadows, let's use our overwhelming resources and manpower to strangle them!"

Van Fleet took a deep breath and said.

"Tell me the specific plan."

Upon hearing this, Li Qiwei seemed to realize something and quickly pressed for an answer.

For a moment, all the staff officers, including those who had just been trembling with fear and defeat, held their breath and focused their attention on Van Fleet.

Van Fleet paced to the large situation map, his gaze shifting between key locations such as Suwon, the Han River defense line, Hoengseong, Pyeongtaek, and Incheon with a complex expression.

"General, Wu Wanli's meticulous thinking, decisive actions, and skillful deception are rare in any battlefield I have ever experienced."

Encirclement and suppression, attempting to capture this 'eel' across a vast area, has proven to be inefficient and extremely risky.

He will use the terrain, the cover of night, and the openings we expose during the pursuit to constantly wear us down, and even give us new 'surprises' like Mizuhara.

However, his weaknesses are equally fatal.

The warehouses in Suwon can alleviate their supply difficulties temporarily, but not in a lasting way, especially after we cut off their access routes.

Their troop size, under the overwhelming superiority of their striking power and the blockade of their supplies, will be like a noose that keeps tightening.

Instead of being led by the nose and running around in circles, we should use our resource advantage and troop strength to completely change the rules and the playing field, leaving him nowhere to escape.

Since he is so adept at mobile warfare and guerrilla warfare, we will use the encirclement and suppression tactics that the National Revolutionary Army has used and succeeded in to deal with him.

We should no longer pursue the goal of encircling and annihilating them in a certain place in a short period of time.

Instead, we should immediately establish a deep, interconnected network of bunkers and fire support points along key roads, passes, and high ground around Suwon!
It's like building a moving, ever-shrinking prison wall on a plain.

At the same time, all possible routes for him to obtain supplies or break out must be immediately blocked!

Let the water, the bait he just 'swallowed', become the iron coffin that ultimately suffocates and sinks him!
The warehouse in Suwon Castle is now both his supply depot and the anchor point for his final operation!

His troops need rest, to consolidate their gains, and to transfer the wounded and the spoils; all of this will take time.

We must finish this cage as quickly as possible, before he gets a chance to catch his breath and organize the next operation!

Their mobility was completely rendered useless in the face of this layered, advancing fortress and barrage of fire!

Then, we will concentrate our most elite mechanized assault troops and launch a thunderous and focused attack from the channels reserved in the bunker line in the selected direction!
Break through at one point, tear apart their defenses, then divide them up, and finally annihilate them!
Like peeling an onion, peel away their outer layers of resistance, one by one, until you finally crush the core!

Van Fleet looked at the battle map and finally analyzed and explained.

This logically clear and interconnected strategic explanation perfectly matched Ridgway's current mentality of desperately trying to reverse the defeat and seek a fatal blow.

A ruthless glint finally appeared on his face, which was contorted with rage, as if he had taken control of the situation and seen the way forward.

"Fortress advance... chain tightening... focused assault..."

Li Qiwei muttered these words to himself, his ruthlessness growing stronger in his eyes.

He turned around abruptly, his gaze sweeping across the entire room before finally settling on Chu Yunfei, who was dressed in a crisp Nationalist Army general's uniform.

General Chu!

You are a veteran of the Chinese battlefield and have a deep personal experience with this encirclement and suppression tactic!
How feasible is Lieutenant General VanVleet's strategy in dealing with the cunning and trapped "Steel Seventh Division"?
You have the most say! Speak frankly!

Ridgway immediately asked.

Instantly, all the senior officers in the command hall focused their attention on Chu Yunfei.

Ridgway's gaze was sharp as a knife, Van Fleet's was scrutinizing, and the other U.S. military officers' eyes held a mixture of doubt and expectation.

Chu Yunfei knew in his heart that any hesitation or logical flaw at this moment could become a fatal weakness that exposed him.

He had to appear outwardly to completely agree with this strategy, and even to be more "hateful" and eager to see Wu Wanli executed than the Americans, in order to completely eliminate any possible doubts.

At the same time, deep down he was rapidly assessing every key point of the plan, looking for any loopholes to exploit, and thinking about how to pass on the deadly trap information to Wu Wanli without arousing suspicion.

"General Ridgway! General Van Fleet is brilliant!"
Wu Wanli was completely different from the so-called "main force" of the Volunteer Army.

His troops were highly flexible in organization, with seamless vertical communication and an astonishing degree of independence.

This gave him exceptional guerrilla capabilities and battlefield deception skills, but it was also his greatest weakness.

As General Van Fleet aptly pointed out, they were extremely reliant on battlefield spoils and impromptu supplies, and severely lacked stable logistical support!
Once we firmly compress their main force into a limited area and cut off their material flow to the outside world, it will be like strangling a venomous snake!
The fortress advances, pressing forward relentlessly!
This is exactly the method that our National Revolutionary Army used to deal with their elite guerrilla forces on the domestic battlefield!
Bunkers block the roads, cut off supplies and ammunition, and compress space!

Make their skillful maneuvering and penetration techniques disappear!

On a fixed and constantly compressed front, the gap in the quality of its soldiers and the huge disadvantage in its weapons, especially its assault weapons, will be magnified infinitely!
General! Time is of the essence! We must act immediately!

We must not allow him to gain a foothold in Suwon! We must not give him time to use his tricks to escape again!

This encirclement and suppression plan hit the nail on the head, and the timing was perfect! A moment's delay would have caused immeasurable harm!

Chu believes this is feasible! It must be implemented immediately!

Chu Yunfei took a deep breath and put on a serious expression.

He delivered this impassioned, insightful, and urging speech with utmost eloquence.

Ridgway and Van Fleet exchanged a quick glance, both seeing approval and determination in each other's eyes. Chu Yunfei's analysis not only confirmed their judgment but also reinforced the urgency of implementing this strategy.

Nothing boosts confidence more than the full endorsement of a former enemy general who is well aware of the enemy's weaknesses and has a "firm" stance.

"Alright! Pass on my orders!"

After thinking for a few seconds, Ridgway finally made up his mind and shouted.

In an instant, the entire command center entered its most efficient operating state.

All the communications staff picked up their notebooks and pens, ready to take notes.

"First, the front of the Han River, that is, the north side, will continue to be the responsibility of the 24th Division!"
The 24th Division and all attached units, including all ROK Army brigades, must continue to maintain a tight defense and reinforce their fortifications!

I want to ensure that not even a fly can get into the entire north bank of the Han River, and to strictly prevent any possible attempt by the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army on the north bank to cross the river to provide support!

Its core mission is to block the main force of the Seventh Steel Corps from heading north!

Second, the Second Division was ordered to immediately advance at least 15 kilometers eastward and northward overnight, based on the existing fortifications around Hengcheng!

Select key points to construct the first layer of large, robust outer support points!

Utilize the terrain to control the main roads!
Not a single step back!

Not a single mouse can be let go!

If you lose Hengcheng, you'll have to pay with your head!
We must not allow them to capture Hengcheng and obtain supplies again!

Third, the southern front is under the full responsibility of the 1st Cavalry Division!
The 1st Cavalry Division immediately dispatched at least one reinforced mechanized regiment, along with a tank battalion and an engineer company, and set off at full speed toward the southern flank of the 7th Steel Brigade!

Utilize the hilly area south of the Seventh Steel Brigade to establish a strong blocking line!

The main force of the 1st Cavalry Division will serve as a reserve force for the southern campaign, ready to rush to the aid at any time!

Their task is to tie the bottom of the pocket tightly!

"Fourth, the western front is the responsibility of the Third Division!"
The 3rd Division was ordered to leave an reinforced regiment in Pyeongtaek, attached to a part of the Marine Corps, to defend Pyeongtaek Port and surrounding key locations!

Ensure the absolute security of the port and prevent the Chinese People's Volunteer Army from launching another large-scale landing operation in Pyeongtaek!

Another main force of the 3rd Division immediately joined forces with the Turkish Brigade and the British 27th Brigade, which were assembled east of Incheon!
Form a special task force, under the unified command of senior officers left behind by the 3rd Division, to prevent Chinese troops from launching a rescue operation in Incheon!

We must completely block their westward escape route!

Fifth, besiege Suwon and advance step by step!
The General Staff immediately formulated a detailed plan for advancing the fortress network!
The first chain ring is centered on Suwon Castle, with a radius of fifty kilometers!

Each unit, at top speed, is targeting major highway and railway intersections, passes, and high ground within a 20-30 kilometer radius of the city's outskirts in the three directions of Suwon: east, north, and west!

Construct a large, systematic cluster of bunkers with mutual fire support! Each cluster should have no fewer than four core strongholds, forming a battalion-level support point!
Meanwhile, troops from various combat lines were deployed to these fortified areas!

The South Korean army ordered all available troops to fully support the construction of fortifications and provide perimeter security, while the main force was to be deployed to Sunam Castle for defense!
To reiterate, elite South Korean troops have been deployed to reinforce the defenses of Sunam Fortress, south of Suwon; this might prove useful later!

This network of bunkers must be largely completed within 48 hours!
Achieve basic firepower blockade capability within 72 hours!

Ridgway took a deep breath and gave the order loudly.

"The bunker complex must be equipped with sufficient anti-tank weapons, heavy machine guns, mortars, and even light field artillery!"
Stockpile ammunition and at least a week's worth of supplies!

Communication must be absolutely uninterrupted!

Connect them together, and make them an insurmountable chain of death!

Van Fleet added in a low voice from the side.

Sixth! Each unit shall independently form key assault corps!

The mission is to break through the imprisonment once it tightens, break in, and divide and annihilate the enemy!
I want to see the regimental flag of the Seventh Steel Brigade become a trophy of war, and Wu Wanli's head hanging on my command vehicle!
Seventh! Intelligence and Blockade!

Utilize all means! Double the intensity of aerial reconnaissance! Provide round-the-clock coverage of Suwon and the surrounding area!

Any signs of ground troop buildup or supply transport should be immediately marked and used to guide air strikes!

Strictly seal off the water sources and grain depots near the Seventh Steel Brigade!
Anyone attempting to smuggle supplies into the city will be killed on sight!

Completely sever the last blood vessel that it was maintaining!
Action! Let those damned Chinese ghosts disappear from this world completely!

Washington is watching! History is watching!

Li Qiwei finally swung his hand sharply, as if slashing down a sword hanging overhead.

"Yes, sir!"

In an instant, a thunderous response resounded throughout the hall.

The massive war machine of the UN Command began to operate with unprecedented, frenzied efficiency.

Staff officers hurried about, loudly repeating orders, telephones rang incessantly, and radio channels were clogged with calls.

The radio crackled with activity as encrypted messages were sent like snowflakes to various UN forces on the front lines.

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

At this moment, inside the headquarters of the Seventh Steel Brigade in Suwon City.
"Although we achieved a great victory and liberated Suwon again."

However, if we fail to make progress and continue mobile warfare, the main force of the UN forces that have returned will completely lock us down.

So we must continue fighting, we must keep fighting outwards!

As for where to attack, and in what direction, do you have any ideas?

Wu Wanli looked at the battle map and asked slowly.

Actually, he already had a preliminary idea in mind, but he still wanted to give everyone a chance to practice.

After all, if he were to go to South Vietnam to fight monkeys in the future, his comrades would all have to be able to stand on their own.

"I think Suenam Fortress, south of Suwon, is easier to attack!"
According to the intelligence gathered by the informant captured in the city, and the results of our detachment's reconnaissance.

The troops stationed in Suyun were a newly formed regiment temporarily replaced by the puppet South Korean army and a small number of defeated American soldiers. Their morale was low, and they were practically being given away for free!
Taking it would not only allow us to replenish our ammunition and food supplies, but also deter the enemy forces on the southern front—it would be a very convenient move!

Liu Hanqing thought for a moment and then spoke.

"That's right, Political Commissar Liu is absolutely right!"
Although the brothers had just fought at Suwon, their muscles and bones were still warm!

"While the puppet South Korean army hasn't firmly established its foothold, let's launch a fierce attack and guarantee that Shuennam will immediately fall under Chinese control!"

Gao Daxing’s hoarse voice carried a fierce edge.

"It is a fact that most of the new recruits in the puppet South Korean army are able-bodied men and their morale is low."

With our existing ammunition reserves, plus the howitzers captured in Suwon, we can plow through the outer defenses of Sunam in ten minutes.

"Then artillery fire will bombard the area, and the assault teams will follow, aiming to storm the city center within three hours."

A piece of meat delivered right to your mouth will get cold if you don't eat it.

Yu Congrong replied with a hint of excitement, tapping his fingers on the edge of the drawing board.

"The artillery is fine; we have enough shells."

From Suwon to Sunam, the terrain is open, which is perfect for armored advances and artillery fire extension.

This deal is worthwhile.

Lei Gong nodded upon hearing this, stroking his stubble as he spoke.

All eyes were fixed on Wu Wanli's calm, iron-like back.

The flickering oil lamp in the command post cast tiny golden rays on his epaulets, illuminating the location of Shuainan City on the map, which indeed resembled an alluring fertile land.

"Shuinan City is a piece of rotten flesh."

Wu Wanli shook his head and said.

carrion?

Everyone was startled when they heard this.

“In some places, fighting can only relieve the hunger and thirst temporarily, but it will become a noose that tightens around one's own throat!”

This place seems to be sparsely defended. What can we gain if we take it?
A little food, a little space to catch one's breath.

But what's the price?

We just captured Suwon, and our location has already been exposed.

Realizing they've been tricked, the main UN forces will surely turn around and charge with bloodshot eyes!
As long as we make this move in Shuainan, it's like we've nailed ourselves to this spot!
The moment we stop in Shuen for such a paltry gain, Ridgway's millstone will immediately begin to turn!
Press down from the north, squeeze from the east, crush from the west, and block from the south!
We will be completely trapped in this dead zone, dozens of miles away, and become prisoners in his pocket!

"By attacking Suwon, which is so close to the south, we're essentially not making any movement at all. What's the difference between that and holed up in Suwon, waiting for the UN forces to come and besiege us?"

Wu Wanli slammed his palm down on the area representing Shuainan, making a dull thud, and said.

For a moment, the command post was deathly silent; even the crackling of the burning oil lamp wick could be clearly heard.

The fervor that had been fueling the clamor for attacking Shuinan instantly froze, and a chill crept up everyone's spine and neck.

The massive encirclement drawn up by Wu Wanli seemed to have already taken shape in the invisible battle map, pressing down heavily.

"So what... what should we do next?"
To guard Suwon?

"I'm afraid it won't last long..."

Liu Hanqing said in a somewhat dry voice.

His gaze swept across the terrain surrounded by formidable enemies, and for the first time he felt a sense of suffocation on a strategic level.

The feeling of being trapped in a corner is more chilling than charging into battle.

All eyes turned to Wu Wanli again, filled with confusion and anticipation.

"The only way to break this millstone is to break its frame!"

The enemy thinks we'll either hold our ground or flee south. We need to show them a third option!
Get moving!
"Continue crossing, this is the third time we've crossed the Han River!"

Wu Wanli looked at the map and said.

"Crossing the Han River for the third time in such a short time?!"

Captain, we've only crossed twice already!
The men and horses were utterly exhausted; they had just been soaking in the Han River, and now they had to cross it again?

Gao Daxing almost cried out, his tired face filled with disbelief as he spoke.

"We're taking advantage of the time when they think we're too afraid or shouldn't be doing it!"

Ridgway understands magnetic tactics and always tries to stick to us and wear us down.

I won't give him that chance!
The third crossing of the Han River was intended to appear as a genuine northward crossing of a tributary of the Han River!
It's not about 'wasting time' or 'doing nothing', but about making a big splash!
We must adopt the posture of being willing to pay any price to force a crossing of the Han River, turn back north, and fight our way back into the embrace of the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army!
This gives the American devils the illusion that the previous incident was to allow the Hengcheng Detachment to break through the American river defense fortifications first, paving the way for us.

At the same time, let them be too clever for their own good, thinking that we are going to use a feint attack followed by a real attack, and that our real intention is to join forces with Commander Li Yunlong and his troops north of the Han River.

Wu Wanli said.

"Actually, it was just a false crossing...pretending to cross back to the north bank of the river?"

Yu Congrong's pupils dilated instantly, as if he had caught a fleeting spark, he murmured.

No! It could be true!
If the UN forces really don't care about us, then we will just head north, cross the river, and join forces.

The Soviet Union was asking for a challenge, not a dead-end mission, but the UN forces were desperate to keep us here. Would they really let us through?
And they actually make this gesture, but their purpose is not to help others!

It's all about 'creating momentum'!
We need to create the illusion that we were forced to choose the most difficult and direct way to break through and head north!

Make as much noise as you want!

This is actually an open strategy; we can handle whatever Ridgway chooses!

Wu Wanli spoke with absolute certainty, his finger emphatically tapping the marked location on the Han River on the map before quickly flicking it away.

"Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"
That old fox Ridgway, what kind of magnetic tactics are these, sticking to and stalling us?

We immediately put this 'stickiness' to good use!

If we cross the river in a grand manner, the main force of the UN forces will definitely send troops to encircle and suppress us!
Then their troops will fall into chaos again, creating weaknesses and gaps!

Lei Gong slammed his fist on his thigh, his beard bristling with excitement as he spoke.

"right!

The UN forces' biggest misconception was that we had nowhere to escape and could only fight like cornered beasts, or that if we managed to break through, we would inevitably head south to seek a way to survive.

The captain's bluff of crossing the Han River tributary three times, making it appear as if he was truly going to cross the main Han River to the north, was a move that completely disrupted the entire game!

All the pieces will start circling around that illusory 'crossing point' on the eastern defensive line!
When they rush towards the eastern section of the river defenses in a state of panic and confusion, our main force can then prepare for the fourth crossing of the Han River…

Pinghe picked up the conversation, his thin face gleaming with a sharp light as he spoke.

"I understand! I completely understand!"

In this way, we have completely seized the strategic initiative!

No matter how brilliant Ridgway is, we'll still lead him by the nose!
We are exhausted now, but when we get moving, when they start moving around in a daze, that exhaustion will be transferred to them!

The enemy ran themselves ragged, while we found a chance to survive through maneuver!

Upon hearing this, Yu Congrong immediately became excited.

"The direction must be changed, the ferry crossing must be deviated, and the operation must be kept absolutely secret. Pass on my orders!"
First, Pinghe, the captain of the reconnaissance detachment, immediately led the reconnaissance detachment forward with a radio.

Objective: To find two crossing points, one visible and one hidden, in the waters between Geunggok-ri and Wolpyeong-ri in the upper reaches of the Han River.

A suitable crossing point must have a wide field of vision, deep and fast-flowing water, and the ability to place a large number of decoys to facilitate crossing, making it easy for enemy reconnaissance aircraft to lock onto it.

The key is the secret crossing point!
The water flow needs to be gentle, and the banks should be able to conceal large groups of people. Ideally, a ford or pontoon bridge support point should be found.

Second, Hanqing, before dawn, you will perform this 'Mingdu Grand Opera'!
At that time, all radio stations will be restarted immediately, and the following telegram will be sent: 'Chief Command: The main force of Steel Seven is determined to cross the Han River at the Shiting Ferry in the eastern section of the Han River and return to the north bank!'
The enemy has heavily fortified the area, and the situation is extremely critical.

We once again request that the Jiangbei side spare no effort to organize powerful artillery fire to suppress the enemy forces on the west bank of the Shiting Ferry, and send elite troops to support their crossing of the river!
If our troops do not successfully cross the river, then it can be concluded that our troops... have shed their last drop of blood in the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea!

They immediately instructed the logistics and engineering departments to cut down trees in and around Suwon City on a large scale, and to collect large quantities of door panels, vehicle tires and other items to make semi-finished rafts.

Make sure to leave a trace so that the enemy can detect our large-scale preparations for crossing the river!

Third, Yu Congrong and Gao Daxing, from this moment on, put the troops into the highest level of combat readiness!
Be ready for a bloody battle!
"Fourth, Lei Gong, you will personally lead all the artillery pieces that can still follow the movement, regardless of size!"

Each unit is assigned a reinforced company to be responsible for mobile loading or pushing.

If there aren't enough cars, then people will pull and carry them on their shoulders!

When crossing the river, even if it's just a cannon carried across by several people, we must bring it!

This is the iron fist that will tear open the next encirclement! Your task is the most important and crucial!

"Comrades, in this four crossings of the Han River, we must play a vital role, as part of the overall strategy of the Korean War!"

The capture of Suwon marked the second successful crossing, and now the third crossing is about to begin!
This is a groundbreaking and earth-shattering move!
"Success or failure hinges on this moment, act now!"

Looking at the battle map, Wu Wanli gave the order with a chilling aura.

"Yes!!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone responded with high morale.

(End of this chapter)