Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 318 Chiang Kai-shek is shocked: Their navy can't be coming for me, can it? The British Governor is shocked: They're pressing in?
Taiwan Island, Shilin Official Residence

"Wangzai Dumplings!!! (I'm sleeping!!!)"

Hearing the urgent knocking at the door, Old Jiang spoke with a hint of anger in his Fenghua accent.

"Father, I am Wei Guo..."

At that moment, a familiar voice of Chiang Kai-shek came from outside the door.

"Darling, there's no need to get so angry. Maybe something urgent has happened?"

The noblewoman standing nearby heard this voice and said something.

"Come in."

Old Jiang took a deep breath, waved his hand, and sat down on a mahogany chair to speak.

Young Chiang walked in, saluted Old Chiang, and then sat up straight.

“Weiguo, this is at home, not at your Munich Military Academy. There’s no need to strictly adhere to military etiquette.”

Looking at the upright figure sitting opposite him, Old Jiang spoke softly.

"Do not.

My father is not only my father, but also my supreme commander.

Xiao Jiang said.

"Say whatever you want to say."

Old Chiang said.

"In my opinion, the repeated defeats of the UN forces in the Korean War were all due to poor command at the front."

President Truman repeatedly ordered Ridgway to use appeasement to win over Wu Wanli.

Ridgway offered to recruit him and his 7th Steel Corps under his command, assuming the position of US Army Division Commander and ROK Army Group Commander, but Ridgway refused.

Our Nationalist Army advisor, General Chu Yunfei, reported that Ridgway often ignored his advice.

This Ridgway, nicknamed "Iron Egg" and "The Fox of the Steppes," was nothing more than someone who always carried grenades on his shoulder, and was cautious and cowardly; in reality, he was utterly mediocre!

Young Chiang handed the latest battle report to Old Chiang, and said angrily.

"Colonel Jiang Weiguo, you cannot casually talk about a U.S. Army general with a distinguished military record!"

Upon hearing this, Chiang Kai-shek immediately reprimanded him.

"Yes!

But you should still take a look at the battle report. 100,000 UN troops couldn't wipe out 50,000 Steel Seventh Brigade.

Wu Wanli led the Seventh Steel Brigade across the Han River four times, capturing several cities before finally retreating!
This is simply... utterly ridiculous!

Young Chiang handed the battle report to Old Chiang and sighed.

Upon hearing this, Old Jiang quickly took it and looked at it. The noblewoman next to him also couldn't help but lean closer to take a look.

Under the stark white light, the case file was opened, and the glaring words, like poisonous thorns, pierced deeply into Chiang Kai-shek's eyes:
"The Seventh Steel Brigade captured several cities in succession and crossed the Han River four times..."

"The majority of the more than 1,000 American special garrison in Pyeongtaek was annihilated..."

"US Army Colonel Brown... his remains have not been recovered..."

"The US vanguard fleet was completely annihilated, and subsequently, five more destroyers have been confirmed sunk or severely damaged and rendered combat ineffective..."

Every line, every word, silently screams the devastating defeat of the UN forces.

Wu Wanli led the Seventh Steel Brigade and actually cut through the encirclement of 100,000 troops with surgical precision, crossed the Han River four times, captured fortified cities one after another, and finally left right under the noses of the US vanguard fleet!

"boom!"

Another muffled sound.

Old Jiang, who had been holding a half-full cup of tea, slammed it heavily onto the table.

The tea at the bottom of the cup sloshed violently, splashing onto the shocking battle report.

His deep-set eyes no longer held simple shock and anger, but rather a sense of awe and an indescribable absurdity.

The lady stood beside Chiang Kai-shek, her carefully maintained face drained of all color, and her slender fingers resting on the edge of the dossier trembled slightly.

US military!

The U.S. military, equipped with the most advanced tanks and artillery and possessing absolute air superiority!
They were beaten so badly by the "Steel Seventh Brigade," which was considered an upgraded version of the "local Eighth Route Army"!
"How could Truman tolerate a general like Ridgway commanding the three armies!"
He not only destroyed the elite troops of the U.S. Army, but also the face and confidence of the entire free world!
And they even appointed a former enemy general as a US division commander? In addition, he was also put in charge of the South Korean military?
Did Ridgway still want to salvage the situation by offering such a servile surrender?

This is an utter disgrace! It demonstrates the absolute depths of incompetence and folly!

Even the noblewoman couldn't help but curse.

"Father! Think about it carefully again! Review these specific combat details!"
Think back to when we were in Xuzhou and Bengbu. What were we facing back then?
It's nearly a million troops!

It's a gathering of top-tier generals!
Which of them is not a powerful force with increasingly sophisticated equipment? Which of them is not the main force among the main forces?

Which of our elite troops fought against that kind of enemy?

And now! Now look at the US military!

Look at the so-called UN forces under the command of this "old iron man" Ridgway!
A hundred thousand people!

The sky was filled with planes, the ground was like a tide of tanks, and the number of artillery pieces was ten or even a hundred times that of their Seventh Steel Brigade!
What are they facing?
One Steel Seventh Brigade, plus several scattered guerrilla units!

The results of it? !

The 7th Regiment, an elite reinforced infantry regiment, was ambushed and surrounded in the canyon west of Shuainan, and was forced to flee in panic!
The most ridiculous and shameful thing was that all six warships were sent to the bottom of the sea to feed the fish right at the entrance to Pyeongtaek Port!

Xiao Jiang sighed and said.

The air in the study felt as if it had been sucked out.

The noblewoman's lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to refute, but the words "six ships sunk" on the file felt like a red-hot branding iron burning into her eyes.

Xiao Jiang took a deep breath, as if he wanted to inhale all his grief and anger into his lungs. Without warning, he slammed his fist on the thick oak table!
"Boom!"

The dull thud was like a heavy hammer striking a drum, shaking so much that a few shards of glass fell from the broken teacup.

"If it were our army back then, even in the most difficult and desperate times, when we were out of ammunition and reinforcements!"
Even when Commander Hu Lian was heavily besieged in Shuangduiji, he fought a bloody battle in Nianzhuang and refused to retreat!
Our firepower back then was more than twice as bad as that of the UN forces today.
I dare to make a solemn pledge, and I dare to guarantee it with my life!

Let alone Wu Wanli, who dares to rampage with just a few captured broken tanks!
Even those who had distinguished themselves in battle back then, like Li Yunlong and Kong Jie!
If we provide them with ten or eight tanks for support, we can make them do what they did to the US military today, like the "Four Crossings of the Han River" and the long-distance raid!
What kind of gameplay involves striking straight into the enemy's heart and swiftly attacking their core nexus?
They placed their troops in a desperate situation with no rear and no stable supply lines!
Before us, on the battlefield of Wanjialing, commanded by Commander Xue Yue!
At Kunlun Pass, where General Du Yuming was stationed!

Even if you were personally in charge of any major battle in the later stages of the Battle of Shanghai, Wu Wanli, even with nine lives, could never have done it!

What kind of tactic is this used by the US military?
This is an utterly foolish, piecemeal tactic!
Wave after wave, they personally fed their best elite troops into Wu Wanli's open pocket and meat grinder!
Send mechanized forces with air superiority to their deaths in enemy-pre-selected mountainous or canyon terrain!

On open ground, the enemy, who was outnumbered, launched a blitzkrieg counterattack with tanks!

Send your fleet into the range of the enemy's coastal defense guns and their newly assembled naval main force to get beaten up!

If this isn't incompetence, what is?
What else could it be but utter incompetence?
This is simply courting death!

It was Ridgway and his generals' folly that led them to hand over their trump cards to the slaughter!

Xiao Jiang said.

Deathly silence, utter deathly silence, like a cold tide, instantly engulfed the entire space.

The shocking casualty figures are now being forcefully reinterpreted amidst the screams.

"Songhu... Xue Yue... Du Yuming..."

A few words, broken and low, were squeezed out of Old Jiang's throat with difficulty, as if they were ground up between his teeth and then spat out.

"That's enough, there's no need to continue..."

Was Ridgway mediocre? I don't think so.

It is not that they lack strategy, nor that our army was incompetent in the past.

The opposing generals and troops were simply too strong! Unreasonably strong! Beyond the norm!

It's not that we're bad, it's that the other team is too strong.

They are stronger than we are, and even beyond the comprehension of Americans.

Chiang Kai-shek sighed and murmured aloud.

"boom--!"

In an instant, the wooden door was slammed against the wall with tremendous force, making a heart-stopping noise!

"Report—!"
President, urgent military intelligence!
Urgent telegram from the Northeast China Sea!
Our Navy's Keelung radar station has just detected it!
Seventy nautical miles northeast of Taiwan, the electronic signals of a massive fleet are hurtling towards us at nearly twenty knots!
Preliminary radar signature analysis indicates that the signal from the other side is extremely clear and strong!
The main echo cluster contains at least two large surface combat platforms with a capacity of 10,000 tons or more!
It is very likely an aircraft carrier or a large battleship!
There were also echoes from several small and medium-sized ships!

The sheer scale of it is a force we've never encountered before!

At this moment, an officer dressed in a crisp, standard-issue Nationalist Navy colonel's uniform loudly reported.

boom!
This news was like a bombshell detonating in the study!
"what?!"

Old Jiang suddenly stood up, his movement so forceful that the tall mahogany chair slid backward with a creak!

His anger, which had just subsided, was instantly replaced by an even greater panic, and a chilling shiver ran up his spine to the top of his head!
How many nautical miles?!

Which direction?!

Explain yourself clearly!

Old Jiang's voice was sharp and shaky with fear, and he instinctively pressed his palm against the table to support his body.

The noblewoman's face turned deathly pale in an instant, and her slender body swayed uncontrollably.

She barely managed to stand by grabbing her husband's shoulder with her slender hand. Her elegant and reserved facade crumbled completely, leaving only deep fear and disbelief.

Xiao Jiang was also struck dumb!

But he was a soldier after all, and he suppressed his shock and rushed to the almost exhausted naval captain.

He grabbed the other man's collar with both hands, his gaze sharp and piercing like a hawk's, and demanded in a stern voice:

"Where did this fleet come from?!"
What are the specific characteristics of the ship's design?

How is the escort operation going?

Explain it to me in detail!
Not a single word can be wrong!

The naval captain was almost suffocating from being choked by Chiang Kai-shek. He was both shocked and frightened, and repeatedly said, "Report...report!"
The radar data is clear!
Absolutely no mistake!

The target formation consists of multiple large core echo bodies, and its signal characteristics are extremely similar to those of large Soviet and American warships!
But... but it has two giant active search radar sources, with power far exceeding that of ordinary cruisers or even heavy cruisers!

However, they didn't seem hostile; instead, they openly announced their intention to bring back tech talent from Hong Kong Island.

A clear announcement...heading to Hong Kong Island?!
In just a few dozen seconds, countless pieces of information and speculations flooded his mind like a storm!
"When did their navy become so powerful?!"
"Wei Guo, you're in charge of intelligence, what's going on here?!"

Old Jiang was filled with unimaginable shock and a deeper fear, and suddenly turned to Young Jiang to ask.

Xiao Jiang's face was ashen. He quickly walked to the table, his mind racing to retrieve all the known fragments of intelligence. His voice was low and urgent as he spoke:
"Father! According to our latest, top-secret intelligence analysis, their navy has achieved extremely impressive results in the recent Korean War!"
Some ships of the US fleet suffered heavy losses during operations near Pyeongtaek Port!
We have solid intelligence indicating that the flagship that Wu Wanli led the Seventh Steel Brigade to board when they withdrew from Pyeongtaek Port was the newly named aircraft carrier 'Wanli'!

In addition, the Soviet Union, for its own ulterior motives, secretly transferred one cruiser, four destroyers, and six submarines to its navy.

"I see."

Old Chiang gave a low hum and nodded.

"Father?"

Xiao Jiang hesitated in his voice, but seeing the change in Lao Jiang's expression, he couldn't help but take a step forward and speak.

Old Chiang waved his hand, interrupting Young Chiang's attempt to speak, and shook his head, saying, "Don't panic. Think about it, this official announcement clearly states that we are heading to Hong Kong Island."

A truly ruthless person would never reveal their true intentions first.
This is clearly... just passing by.

Therefore, there's no need to pay them any attention.

Let them pass by; don't cause trouble and avoid unnecessary friction.

Upon hearing this, the naval captain's tense body relaxed as if a rope had been cut.

He immediately straightened his back, snapped to attention, and his panicked expression turned into a relieved and respectful one. "Yes! The president is wise!"

"Your subordinate will immediately relay the military order!"

Having said that, he didn't dare to delay for even a moment and strode out the door.

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

Before long, without any friction, the Chinese navy successfully advanced towards Hong Kong Island.

At this time, on the Wanli aircraft carrier

"Wanli, the British Governor-General Louis Mountbatten has not given any response. It seems he intends to renege on his promise."

Chief Xiao Zhenhua said with a slightly cold expression.

"Who cares if they respond now? If they don't want to talk now, then let them talk to the battleship's cannons and the aircraft carrier's planes!"

Wu Wanli snorted coldly.

"well said!

China is not the China of the past; the days of foreigners lording it over China are gone forever!

Captain Li Hongbo said with a sense of relief.

"There was a time when we would send troops directly to look for someone who had disappeared, and that was during the Han Dynasty."

At that time, foreign countries would be eager to kneel down and serve the Han envoys, otherwise they would be waiting for their country to perish!

All we're doing is getting back the scientists and talents who have been detained, and they dare not return them?!

Chief Xiao, we are in the right in this matter and must not back down, lest we discourage our returning compatriots!

Wu Wanli took a deep breath and said firmly.

"Send an ultimatum to the British Governor: if they insist on not returning the prisoners, don't blame us, the Chinese navy, for sailing over to demand their return!"

Commander Xiao Zhenhua gave the order with a hint of anger.

"Yes!"

A naval communications officer straightened his back and said with a sense of pride and satisfaction.

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

Hong Kong Island, inside a special prison
British Governor Mountbatten dipped his barbed leather whip into a barrel of brine, filling the cell with the pungent smell of blood and brine.

Zhao Qingyang was suspended from the stone wall by iron chains, his tattered shirt stuck to his bloodied back.

"Snapped!"

The whip tip tore open the newly formed scab, and Zhao Qingyang's body jerked violently. He let out a muffled groan and bit his bleeding lips tightly.

"The Americans have treated you so well that you've forgotten your own worth, haven't you?"
Qian Xuesen put you in the lab, do you really think you're some kind of genius?
Without the equipment from American laboratories, how could you Chinese understand what a wind tunnel is?

What is fuel-to-propulsion ratio?
Tell me, what mission did the intelligence agency on the other side give you?
What blueprints were stolen?
Sign and put your fingerprint on this, and I'll spare your life!

"Governor Mountbatten said."

Zhao Qingyang spat out a mouthful of bloody saliva and said:

"I learned my own skills."

I'm back to build our airplane!

And our rockets!
My motherland is not the Qing Dynasty...

Your methods won't work!

"My God! Listen! Listen!"
A yellow-skinned monkey, just out of the clutches of a whip, is talking to me about his homeland.

Give me back my navy?

Are you referring to those sampans where even the paint can't be applied evenly?

Or were they just a few old, dilapidated ships that were taken over from the Soviets?

wake up!
The world's naval power lies with Britain and the United States!

The Royal Navy of the British Empire!

United States Pacific Fleet!
We are the masters of the ocean!
Crushing your few wrecked ships is easier than stepping on ants!

As for the bones of your new China? Ha!

How long has it been since the Opium War?
Have you forgotten how your emperor signed the treaty under our gunboats?
Have we forgotten the treasures we took from the Forbidden City?

Your bones have long since become as soft as tofu!
You expect them to come and save you?
They'll be so scared they won't dare utter a sound!

If you obediently sign this confession and admit that you are a spy, I might take pity on you and spare your worthless life to guard the orchard!

Sign it! Immediately!

Governor Mountbatten, panting heavily, slammed a printed confession onto Zhao Qingyang's bloodstained face and roared.

Zhao Qingyang used all his strength to lift his head. His face was covered in blood and sweat, but his eyes burned with a fierce stubbornness: "Dream...!"

Even if you kill me... I will never... betray my country!
The motherland... will send someone!
Our navy... will definitely come!

"Stubborn fool!"

Mountbatten was completely enraged, and his last bit of patience ran out.

The violence in his eyes was almost tangible. He raised the salt-soaked leather whip high, his thick arm muscles bulging, ready to deliver a final, devastating blow to Zhao Qingyang that would break his spine.

"boom--!"

In an instant, the cell door was violently smashed open by a tremendous force!

A young British soldier, completely ignoring the governor's posture as he prepared to carry out the execution, cried out in a shrill voice filled with extreme fear: "Your Excellency! Emergency! The Chinese Navy... the Chinese Navy fleet!"

Upon hearing this, Mountbatten turned around abruptly and roared furiously, "Get out! You idiot!"
What kind of damn fleet is this? Get out of here!
"Can't you see I'm interrogating a serious criminal?!"

The British soldier was trembling violently, but he stubbornly refused to retreat, his voice trembling with tears as he said:
"Your Excellency! This is China's final ultimatum!"

It was sent from China's flagship aircraft carrier, the "Wanli"!

Plain text telegram! Repeated broadcast!
They demand that we release Zhao Qingyang immediately and unconditionally! Immediately!

"An aircraft carrier? The Wanli?"

Mountbatten's face twitched, as if he hadn't heard clearly, or as if he had heard an extremely absurd word.

His knuckles turned white as he gripped the whip, trying to suppress the sudden chill that rose in his heart with a louder voice: "Absurd! Another bluff!"

That's all the Chinese people know!
What about radio interference?

How could their signal possibly get in!
"Get them out of here!"

"No! Your Excellency! It's true!"
Their signal is incredibly strong!
Repeated broadcasts are interfering with our frequency band!
They possess warships such as the aircraft carrier "Wanli" and the battleship "Dongfanghong"...

They were very firm and specifically demanded Zhao Qingyang!

They also said this wasn't a request, it was an order!
Release them within one hour! Otherwise…

"Or what?!"

Mountbatten's voice rose unconsciously, with a slight tremor that he himself was unaware of.

The British soldier swallowed hard, his eyes practically overflowing with fear, and said, "Otherwise... they said they'd sail the fleet to the outskirts of Victoria Harbour and come in to take people away!"

They also stated that all those who obstruct them will be considered hostile and will bear the consequences themselves!

Governor Mountbatten sneered and waved his hand dismissively, as if swatting away a fly:

"Fools! With them?"

A few wrecked ships dare to come to the port of the British Empire demanding people? Wishful thinking!

Where is our HMS Hereford, the destroyer stationed in Hong Kong?
How many frigates are left?
Tell them to go outside the anchorage and stop them!
Let's scare those arrogant yellow-skinned monkeys!
Tell them to get out of here right now! Otherwise…

However, before he could utter his threat, he was interrupted by a British soldier who spoke with a sob in his voice:
"We can't stop them, Your Excellency!"

Just received urgent communication decryption!

They have actually clashed with the U.S. Navy!

The Americans suffered a crushing defeat!

The Chinese Navy... annihilated the vanguard fleet sent by the US Navy!

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, Mountbatten's cold smile instantly froze and shattered.

"Absolutely true, Your Excellency!"

The US Navy's heavy cruiser USS Chicago was sunk by the super battleship Dongfanghong with a single shot!
The light cruiser HMS Manchester was attacked by a group of Chinese carrier-based aircraft in a dive attack, and several 500-pound bombs hit the deck, blowing it to smithereens!

There are also four US destroyers!

Two ships were ambushed by China's elusive submarines, whose torpedoes, like sharks, sank one ship with a single bite!

Another ship fared even worse. It was first riddled with bullets by the main guns of a Chinese destroyer, and then shredded into pieces by machine gun fire from diving aircraft!
Within half an hour, six advanced warships were completely annihilated by the Chinese Navy!

That fleet... it's the one currently blocking the waters off Hong Kong Island!

"boom!"

Every word spoken by the British soldier was like a heavy hammer blow to Mountbatten's heart.

He swayed violently as if struck by lightning.

The face, which had been flushed red with rage, faded visibly under the dim gaslight of the cell, turning ashen white.

Large, cold beads of sweat instantly appeared on his forehead, the tip of his nose, and even his temples.

He could no longer hold the whip in his hand, and it fell to the ground with a "thud".

"The Dongfanghong battleship sank the Chicago with a single shot?"

Governor Mountbatten muttered to himself absentmindedly, his eyes unfocused, as if his soul had left his body.

The terrifying image of the "Dongfanghong" warship's massive, frighteningly thick cannons spewing flames from their muzzles flashed uncontrollably through my mind.

And the horrific sight of the massive USS Chicago breaking apart and sinking amidst flames and thick smoke.

The fate of the US fleet, like the most ominous prophecy, hung coldly over his head.

"Your Excellency! Your Excellency! Please give me your instructions!"

The British soldier saw that the governor seemed to have lost his soul and cried out urgently.

Zhao Qingyang raised his head from his chains, his eyes unusually bright as he stared at the distraught governor, a smile playing on his lips.

The colonizer, who was so arrogant just moments before, is now in such a sorry state that his previous beliefs are proven more powerfully than any words!
The shouts of the British soldiers were like a thunderclap, jolting Mountbatten back from the brink of collapse!
The immense fear instantly transformed into an even stronger instinct to maintain the last vestige of dignity of the Imperial Governor.

We can't back down!
Especially in front of a Chinese prisoner!
"Instructions?"
What's the panic!
The Imperial Navy... isn't completely wiped out yet!
fast!
Send a top-secret telegram to London immediately!
A report without omitting a single word!

The Chinese Navy's ultimatum, and the US military's losses in the Battle of Pyeongtaek!
Requesting local... no!

We request that the Combined Fleet respond with an immediate and forceful stance!
What exactly are the Chinese trying to do? Are they trying to provoke the British Empire?!

Order all units in the port to reach maximum alert!
Get the destroyer HMS Hereford out immediately!

And those two frigates, HMS Ampton and HMS Plymouth!

Move all of them to the outermost edge of the anchorage!

Lined up in a row!

Raise the highest level of combat readiness!
Raise the main guns!
Aim at the direction of their shipping lanes!
But you are absolutely not allowed to fire a single shot!
Just hold them off and block the flight path!
If you're using verbal warnings to drive them away, follow the standard procedure!

Remember! It's 'block'! Not 'fire'!
Anyone who dares to fire the first shot and start a conflict, I'll be the first to send them to a military court!

Go quickly! "

Governor Mountbatten took a deep breath and gave the order, his face pale.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the British soldiers at the entrance turned and ran, quickly disappearing into the cold, dark passageway.

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

Soon, the waters off Hong Kong Island
Inside the bridge of the aircraft carrier Wanli, Commander Xiao Zhenhua's sharp gaze pierced through the porthole and fell upon the narrow entrance channel to Victoria Harbour ahead.

The six ships of the Royal Navy's Harbour Island Squadron, in a last-ditch effort, lined up horizontally in the middle of the waterway, forming a steel barrier in an attempt to block the shipping lanes.

The flagship cruiser HMS Hermes is in the center, flanked by the destroyers HMS Coventry and HMS Sheffield.

Behind them were three smaller escort gunboats: the Agincourt, the Black Prince, and the Frobisher.

On the deck of every British ship, figures scurried about, sailors ran between gun emplacements, the gun covers had all been removed, and the thick, black barrels were pointed diagonally at the sea, but at a very low angle.

Xiao Zhenhua understood that this was an extremely contradictory stance.

The cannon was positioned extremely low, clearly to avoid accidental discharge, yet the cannon was being stubbornly held back, unwilling to back down.

The fleet staff quickly reported the details of the enemy's formation and the crucial information of their guns being lowered.

"Reporting to the commander, the British fleet has still not made any proactive communication or indicated that it would give way."

The communications officer's voice broke the oppressive silence in the bridge.

Xiao Zhenhua withdrew his gaze and glanced at Wu Wanli beside him, who was completely focused on the Tianyan map.

Wu Wanli frowned slightly, his gaze quickly sweeping across the real-time position, course, and harbor depth and topography data of the British warships on the virtual map.

He looked up and said in a clear and steady voice, "Sir, they don't dare to open fire; they just want to buy time."

"Trying to waste time?"
We don't have time to waste with them.

Every second Comrade Zhao Qingyang stays in prison increases the danger he faces.

Send them a warning!

Chief Xiao Zhenhua said in a resolute tone.

"Yes!!!"

Captain Li Hongbo responded.

…………

Not long after, the first warning was issued:
"This is the Chinese Navy's Wanli aircraft carrier strike group."

My formation is currently carrying out an emergency humanitarian mission.

We demand that the obstruction to the waterway be lifted immediately so that our fleet can enter Victoria Harbour to pick up the Chinese nationals who have been illegally detained by you.

Five minutes to evacuate the shipping lane!

Repeat, five minutes, evacuate the shipping lane!

In an instant, radio waves spread across the sea.

The listening equipment on HMS Thousand Mile clearly captured a brief communication disruption from the British flagship HMS Hermes, which appeared to be communicating in a panic.

But the entire fleet formation remained motionless, with the cannons still lowered and pointing towards the sea, and not a single ship showed any sign of yielding or moving.

Five minutes passed in the tense standoff.

Xiao Zhenhua lightly slammed his fist on the command platform: "Issue again! Second warning! Escalate the wording!"

The second warning, carrying an even stronger sense of pressure, was sent: "British Fleet of Hong Kong Island: This is our second and formal warning!"
Your actions have seriously hindered the execution of our legitimate mission and constitute a substantial threat!

You have three minutes to unconditionally clear the main channel from all obstructing vessels!
Otherwise, you will be solely responsible for all serious consequences arising therefrom!

This time, the British ships were more agitated.

The HMS Sheffield's smokestacks emitted an even thicker column of black smoke, seemingly adjusting its boilers to increase output, but it still did not break away from the formation.

Further away, on the escort gunboat "Agincourt", the barrels of several secondary guns seemed to have been slightly raised, but were quickly lowered again.

The communication lights on the Hermes flashed a few times, as if there was a response being transmitted internally, but the overall position of the fleet remained unchanged.

Three minutes ticked by.

Xiao Zhenhua's patience has reached its limit.

He didn't look at Wu Wanli immediately, but Wu Wanli had already spoken. His voice wasn't loud, but every word was firm and resounding: "Commander, things shouldn't happen more than three times."

The British governor and fleet commander are gambling with their lives. We cannot give them any more chance to delay.

Let's take the lead and charge straight in!
"Use the mass and tonnage advantage of the Wanli and Dongfanghong to tear a breach! They dare not ram it."

A fierce glint flashed in Xiao Zhenhua's eyes as he made up his mind.

He grabbed the fleet's public address microphone, and his voice was instantly amplified to every warship in the formation:
"Attention all combat personnel! Final warning—Highest level ultimatum in plain text! Send immediately!"

The third warning was like a thunderbolt:
"Commander of the British Fleet on Hong Kong Island, this is an ultimatum! Our tolerance has reached its limit!"
With only ten seconds left in the countdown, if all ships do not immediately and unconditionally evacuate the main channel and ensure our safe passage, the Chinese People's Navy will take all necessary measures to clear the obstacles on its own!
Ten! Nine! Eight! ..."

The cold, merciless ten-second countdown echoed through the wireless communication channel.

This time, instead of using specific minutes, the immense pressure of a ten-second countdown crashed down on the bridge of every British ship like a tsunami.

The countdown echoed clearly in the headphones of both parties' listening devices.

Through the binoculars, one could clearly see chaos in the bridge command room of the HMS Coventry, with some people seemingly arguing fiercely and others shouting incoherently in the direction of the SS Wanli.

However, as the last syllable of the countdown fell, the word "zero!" tolled like a death knell, and the six British ships in their horizontal formation seemed to be nailed to the sea, not one of them moving an inch!
They actually believed that the powerful aircraft carrier battle group would be deterred by their "blockade" and give up!
"Good! This is their own choice!"

Relay my order! The aircraft carrier Wanli and the battleship Dongfanghong!

All ships on high alert! Double-pronged attack formation—ram them!

Commander Xiao Zhenhua gritted his teeth and gave the order.

“Woo-woo-woo!!!”

In an instant, the piercing and shrill battle alarm sounded simultaneously on the aircraft carrier Wanli and the battleship Dongfanghong, tearing apart the calm of the sea and striking the hearts of all the British officers and men!

This is not a drill!
This is not a warning!
This is the roar of the Chinese Navy!

Beneath the massive and blunt bow of the Wanli-class aircraft carrier, four enormous propellers suddenly unleashed a heart-stopping roar!

Thick black smoke billowed from the chimney, and the powerful steam turbines pushed their output to the limit.

This behemoth, with a full load displacement of over 25,000 tons, began to accelerate with a resolute and rapid pace!
Like a mobile fortress, it charged towards the left flank of the British ships' line of arms!

Almost simultaneously, the Dongfanghong battleship, located a little further to its side and rear, also sounded its horn.

Its sturdy and heavy hull, which was over two hundred meters long, roared with engine noise, and its huge triple 406mm main gun turrets were not pointed at the British ship.

But its towering steel body ploughed up a huge trail on the sea, its target pointing directly at the right side of the British fleet!
The two giant ships were not moving in parallel, but rather like two huge arrows, with the Wanli ship to the left and the Dongfanghong ship to the right, forming a high-speed advancing arrowhead formation!
Behind them, Chinese naval cruisers and four high-speed destroyers followed closely, forming a tight single-column formation.

All naval guns were raised, radars were operating at full power, and all types of air defense weapons were disarmed.

With unwavering resolve and unstoppable momentum, the entire formation charged straight toward the vulnerable and hesitant British fleet array that was attempting to block its path!

The sea breeze whistled in their ears, but at that moment, the sailors on the British ship heard more of their own heavy breathing and the frantic beating of their hearts.

When they saw the two giant Chinese naval ships accelerating toward them, most of the British naval commanders were completely bewildered.

"They wouldn't dare? How could they possibly dare?!"

This horrifying question lingered in the minds of many, to the point that most ships' first reaction was not to evade, but to freeze in disbelief!

"Are they crazy?! They're going to crash into us?!"

"My God, it's sped up!"

"Look at the Dongfanghong! That monster is coming!"

"Holy crap! Are they serious?!"

The bridge communication channels of the British ships were filled with screams and panicked shouts in various languages.

The oppressive feeling intensified as the distance rapidly closed.

The cannons that had been positioned in a confrontational stance now appeared so powerless and ridiculous.

Many junior officers and sailors turned pale, staring intently at the massive Chinese warship hurtling towards them like a wall, instinctively reaching for anything solid nearby.

As the massive hull of the Dongfanghong drew ever closer, revealing even the details of its paint and welds, an overwhelming sense of terror instantly overwhelmed the nerves of John Dawson, captain of the nearest destroyer, the HMS Sheffield!
He saw with his own eyes the half-meter-thick steel plate on the bow of the Dongfanghong ship gleaming with a cold, destructive luster under the sunlight!

"Hard left! Full speed, hard left! Evade!! Evade—!"

Captain Dawson roared madly at the cockpit, his voice distorted and torn apart by extreme fear!
He had only one thought in his mind: he absolutely must not collide with that battleship!

If it were to collide with the ship, the 2,000-ton HMS Sheffield would be instantly crushed and torn apart like a matchbox!
A sharp steering alarm sounded on the bridge of the HMS Sheffield.

Like a startled mackerel, it suddenly and desperately turned to starboard, unleashing full power in an attempt to escape the deadly steel wall.

However, this deadly panic maneuver did not come without a price!
In the tense and already somewhat disorganized narrow waterway, the HMS Sheffield veered sharply to the right, ending up blocking the channel.

At this moment, due to the panic and some incoherent small movements of the entire British fleet, the HMS Coventry on the left flank was also extremely nervous when it saw the Chinese fleet rushing towards it.

But the captain was still hesitant about whether to stick to Governor Mountbatten's strict order not to back down, and subconsciously made a slight right turn.

This is an attempt to maintain its position within the formation, awaiting orders from the flagship...

"Whoosh—clang—sizzle—creak—!!!"

Disaster strikes at this very moment!

The captain of HMS Coventry watched helplessly as HMS Sheffield suddenly cut across after issuing a piercing turn warning!
He didn't even have time to issue the "evasion" order!

A tremendous metallic clang and tearing sound, accompanied by a dull thud, suddenly exploded!

Before the stunned eyes of all the witnesses, the HMS Sheffield, due to a sharp turn to starboard, rammed the port stern of the HMS Coventry into its fatal starboard bow!
"Boom!!!"

The starboard waterline of the HMS Coventry looks like a huge slit cleaved open by a giant axe.

Even more terrifying is that the point of impact was directly below the engine room of the Coventry!
The sharp bow of the HMS Sheffield pierced through like a chisel!
The HMS Coventry let out a desperate groan as a fountain of black oil and seawater gushed out from the massive breach.

The ship was violently pushed to the left by the force of the impact, and a tilt began to appear.

Countless loosely secured debris and cables flew up from the deck, accompanied by the piercing screams of soldiers—there must have been casualties in the cabins.

HMS Sheffield also suffered severe damage. Its port bow was severely crushed and damaged in the violent collision with the sturdy hull of HMS Coventry, with steel plates torn and buckled, leaving a large hole.

Worse still, the massive impact caused its left propeller shaft to twist and deform, and the ship, losing its balance and most of its power, began to drift uncontrollably sideways on the water!
At this moment, due to its sudden right turn to avoid the attack, it gave up the space where the ship was lying horizontally to the escort gunboat "Agincourt" that was originally behind it!
The out-of-control, drifting HMS Sheffield crashed heavily into the foredeck of the gunboat HMS Agincourt, which was attempting to reverse and avoid a collision!
"Bang—Crack!!!"

An even more violent impact was heard!

This time, the collision involved a much larger difference in tonnage.

The not-so-thick foredeck of the HMS Agincourt was crushed by the hard sides of the HMS Sheffield like a road roller!

A pitiful 120mm naval gun, along with its base, was completely crushed into twisted scrap metal and rolled into the sea after being knocked away!
The bow structure was severely twisted and deformed, and the hull was damaged and flooded.

A desperate cry came over the radio from the "Agincourt": "Bow deformed! Gun mounts 1 and 2 completely destroyed! Foredeck severely flooded!!"

Two consecutive impacts within just a few seconds!

The engine room of the destroyer HMS Coventry was severely damaged, fuel was leaking, and it was listing heavily due to flooding.

The other destroyer, HMS Sheffield, suffered a deformed bow and damage to its propeller shaft, resulting in a near loss of power.

The bow of an escort gunboat (the Agincourt) has collapsed, its main guns have been destroyed, and the front section is flooded!
Oil slicks, debris, and twisted steel floated on the sea, amidst the shouts and alarms of British soldiers.

The British fleet, which had been barely maintaining its "ready for battle" facade, completely collapsed and descended into chaos!

On the bridge of the cruiser HMS Hermes, the commander's radio headset was filled with a cacophony of wailing distress cries:
"Coventry report flagship!"

The starboard side is severely damaged below the waterline!
The engine room is destroyed!

Massive flooding! Complete loss of power!
Urgent request for leak sealing! Request for rescue!!

"HMS Sheffield reporting!"

The port bow is severely damaged! The shaft system is deformed!
We've lost control! Drifting! Unable to navigate!
Repeat, unable to navigate!

"Agincourt reporting!"

The foredeck collapsed! Flooding has started!

"All the cannons are destroyed! We need reinforcements!!"

"Black Prince reporting!"
The Chinese fleet did not slow down!
Their aircraft carrier is about to enter the waterway!
What do we do?! Requesting instructions from the flagship!

The British fleet commander looked at the mess before him, with several warships in a state of chaos, on fire, flooded, and spinning in circles.

Looking at the "Wanli" aircraft carrier, which showed no signs of slowing down, his face instantly turned ashen, and sweat soaked through his collar.

A tremendous fear gripped him, contrary to what Governor Mountbatten had said: "The Chinese are just bluffing and dare not do anything real."

He saw two rows of fully armed soldiers from the Seventh Steel Brigade standing solemnly like pine trees on the deck of the Wanli!

A feeling even more terrifying than being hit spread through me!
He practically screamed at the communications soldier, "Quick! Generate power!"

Send a top-secret, plaintext telegram to the Chinese fleet! Immediately! Right now!!
To the Chinese Navy: Ceasefire! Ceasefire!
Our fleet shall immediately cease all obstruction operations!
On behalf of the British Fleet of Hong Kong Island, I urge your fleet to cease its advance immediately!
We are willing to immediately and unconditionally clear the main channel for you!
Your fleet may temporarily berth at Pier 3 and the anchorage within Victoria Harbour!

All matters can be resolved through negotiation!
Please stop immediately!

Regarding the release of your personnel, please allow us to immediately contact the Governor's Office to consult with your representatives!

Please stop immediately!

This telegram pleading for mercy was received by the communication equipment on the Wanli at almost the same time.

In the command room of the Wanli, looking at the chaotic situation of the British ships on the Tianyan map on the screen, as well as the clear "peace request" telegram, Wu Wanli calmly turned his gaze to Xiao Zhenhua.

He quickly assessed the situation in his mind: two British ships were heavily damaged, one was lightly damaged and rendered incapable of fighting, and the other three had no will to fight and their formation had completely collapsed.

The physical barriers have been removed, and the other party's concessions in communication have been presented to us.

Continuing to press forward and pressure facilities in the harbor may inflict greater humiliation on the other side, but it also increases the slight risk of accidental clashes and could provoke an already submissive opponent to take unpredictable actions.

The current situation is enough to teach London and that governor a lesson they will never forget.

"Sir, the British fleet has essentially collapsed and surrendered."

With the initial objective achieved, the fleet can be ordered to change formation and approach the port area slowly in a deterrent posture, docking at the berths 'promised' by the British.

In this way, the last shred of hope of the other side can be completely shattered, and the most direct pressure can be exerted on the Governor's Office at any time.

As long as the fleet's cannons were pointed at the Governor's Mansion, Mountbatten wouldn't dare lay a finger on Comrade Zhao Qingyang.

Wu Wanli said.

Xiao Zhenhua's cold, hard facial features relaxed slightly.

He glanced at the chaotic, oil-stained British fleet, then at the urgent telegram filled with words like "please," "cease advance," and "willing to negotiate."

Wu Wanli's judgment was accurate and reasonable. Under the current circumstances, the most direct and effective solution was to enter the port in a high-pressure but orderly manner, as the absolute victor, which would force the other side to release the people immediately.

Xiao Zhenhua nodded slowly, then grabbed the fleet's internal communication microphone, and said with unquestionable authority and the decisiveness of a victor:
"Attention all ships! This is fleet command!"

The British fleet has indicated it will give way and requested that our side stop for negotiations.

Order: Wanli and Dongfanghong, switch to lead ship mode! All ships, reduce speed!
The cruisers and destroyers immediately changed formation!

The assault column was transformed into a single-line escort formation, flanking the core ships on both sides!
Target – Victoria Harbour on Hong Kong Island, the area around Pier 3 and the anchorage as described by the British side, proceed at low speed!
Once again, all ships are strictly ordered to lower their main guns, secondary guns, and anti-aircraft guns to zero elevation and maintain alert!

Maintain combat readiness, but without my explicit order to fire, no ship is permitted to actively aim or fire! No provocative actions are allowed!
No accidental firing or friction is permitted! Anyone who disobeys will be subject to military law!
Repeat: No firing! No friction! Remain calm and collected!
"Fleet, proceed slowly and orderly into port as instructed!"

(End of this chapter)