Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 329 Li Yunlong is shocked! Cooperating with Wu Wanli's strategy! Successfully transforming and taking over the defense of Yuantongli with Wang Yousheng.
Hidden outside Yangkou City, the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's Eastern Front Assault Group.

"That was awesome! Awesome! Old Li! Old Zhao! Old Ding! Old An!"

"Look at this! Look at this battle report!"

Kong Jie strode in excitedly and shouted loudly.

In an instant, four pairs of eyes focused on him and the telegram in his hand.

Li Yunlong raised an eyebrow and smiled:

"What treasure made you, Kong Erlengzi, so happy?"
Did they pick up Ridgway's stray dog?

Kong Jie ignored Li Yunlong's habitual teasing, strode to the map table, slammed the telegram page on the table with a "smack," and pointed precisely to the location in Yuantongli, saying:

"Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade has captured Yuantongli!"
Not just defeated, but completely annihilated! Annihilate the entire South Korean 3rd Division!

"what?!"

Ding Wei was the first to react, and asked in surprise, his body already leaning forward, his eyes fixed intently on the telegram.

Zhao Gang immediately picked up the telegram, adjusted his glasses, quickly scanned its contents, and then handed it to An Changsen, who had also come over. His face was instantly filled with shock and admiration as he said:
"Completely annihilated? How long has it been?"

From the moment they launched their attack to breaking through the first line of defense, and then... the speed of their advance..."

"Master Han is not just for show."

Even if it were the puppet South Korean army, relying on pre-established fortifications for defense, it would still take our 27th Army several more days to attack.

The Seventh Steel Brigade's ability to attack fortified positions is simply too strong..."

Li Yunlong grabbed the telegram, scanned it word by word, and laughed heartily:

"Good job, lad! Well done!"
I knew he hadn't disgraced his old unit, the 27th Army!
This is how my soldiers should be!

"It's more than just not embarrassing!"
Look at the results!

Let's see how these kids fight!

Firepower, infantry-tank coordination, accuracy of artillery fire coverage, and the thoroughness of subsequent mopping-up operations!
The soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade are all tough guys who have been through mountains of corpses and seas of blood. Their tactical and technical skills are top-notch!
Wu Wanli's command was impeccable!
Qianli is a fierce fighter, but Wanli is simply... surpassing his master!

A born fighter!

Kong Jie said.

The staff officers and radio operators in the command post were also shocked by the news. Suppressed whispers instantly filled the air, and everyone's fatigue seemed to be washed away by the surge of this good news.

Kong Jie, still not finished expressing his praise for the Seventh Steel Brigade, suddenly jabbed his finger hard at a point southwest of Yuantongli on the map, and raised his voice again: "Old Li! Everyone! It's not over yet!"

"What do you think Wanli's next move is after he's defeated Yuantongli?"

Li Yunlong's eyes narrowed, his smile vanished, and he stared intently at the spot Kong Jie was pointing to, asking, "Where?"

"Fupingli!"

Kong Jie uttered three words decisively.

"Fupingli?"

Zhao Gang immediately turned his attention to the map and quickly found the inconspicuous but significant location marker.

Yes! Fuping Village!

This is the shortest, flattest, and most efficient passage connecting Yangkou City and Huachuan City!

This is the shortest retreat route for the US military!
It is also their most convenient logistical lifeline!

The location is absolutely terrible!

Whoever controls Fupingli controls the vital valves of these two heavily armed US troop groups!
Wu Wanli had just finished fighting Han Sanshi, and probably hadn't even finished cleaning up the battlefield yet, but he had already pointed his steel knife at Fupingli!

If the Seventh Steel Brigade can successfully launch a blitzkrieg, it will be a true blow to their very foundation!
Ridgway and McLaren are absolutely furious!

With the loss of Fupingli, a large part of the rear mobility and supply channels of the US 2nd Division and the 1st Marine Division on the flank of Yangkoucheng were cut off!

They are bound to descend into chaos!

When the order to retreat is given, the battle formation will be thrown into disarray, and gaps will appear on the battlefield!

Wanli and his Seventh Steel Brigade, this sharp and hard knife, definitely have the ability to seize this gap and stab it in hard!

Tear open an even bigger hole!
Those fighter jets, wow, just thinking about them is exhilarating!

This is absolutely a great opportunity to take a big bite out of the enemy, or even severely damage their entire force!

Kong Jie said with excitement in his eyes.

At this moment, the entire command center fell into a brief silence.

Kong Jie's words were like a powerful lightning bolt, cleaving through the gloom of the fierce battle on the front lines and illuminating a tempting prospect for the battlefield.

Even the usually composed Zhao Gang and Ding Wei were deeply moved at this moment.

An Changsen repeated in a low voice, "Fuping Village... blitzkrieg... strike at the heart of the matter..."

Li Yunlong did not speak immediately. His eyes, tempered by countless battles, were fixed on that point in Fupingli, as if he wanted to burn through the map.

His lips, twitching silently as he held the cigarette, slammed his hand on the map a few seconds later, dropping the cigarette without even bothering to pick it up.

"Good! Very good!

Wanli has a sharp eye!

After the battle of Yuantongli, the captured equipment was piled up like a mountain. Logically, it would be time to rest and regroup the troops.

But he didn't!

Not only did it not stop, but it also spotted the vital spot in Fuping Village, more than ten kilometers away, and stabbed it with a knife!

This isn't reckless bravado; it's battlefield insight!

That's a seasoned judgment!
This kid has truly surpassed his master!
He's bold and decisive, and what's even more impressive is that he gets to the point. I admire him!

Li Yunlong nodded repeatedly.

Zhao Gang nodded vigorously, his tone full of certainty:

"It's not just about command ability; this profound strategic vision and keen sense of seizing opportunities are invaluable qualities for any commander!"
After a hard-fought battle, they were not blinded by the results, but calmly and quickly identified the next more strategically valuable point of attack.

Such clarity and decisiveness are truly admirable.

After this battle, the status and evaluation of the Seventh Steel Brigade and Comrade Wu Wanli will be beyond dispute!

Ding Wei also raised his head and solemnly replied:

"Wu Wanli will definitely become a commander-type talent in the future!"

From the amazing deductions and battle plans at the headquarters meeting, to the immediate shift of troops to Fuping Village after the annihilation battle of Yuantong Village...

This process is interconnected, bold yet meticulous, unconventional yet focused on the core issues.

Such foresight and such courage are truly admirable!

An Changsen also sincerely praised: "Victory is achieved through speed, and strength is overcome through skill."

The Seventh Steel Brigade took these eight words to the extreme.

They are like a finely forged warhammer, not only hard and sharp in itself, but also able to strike the enemy's most vulnerable joints with precision!
It's so beautiful!

Faced with the unanimous and generous praise from his old comrades for Wu Wanli and the Seventh Steel Brigade, Li Yunlong's pride was almost overflowing.

But his duty as head coach made him quickly suppress these emotions, and his eyes sharpened like an eagle's as he said:
"Alright! Save the good words for when you're done fighting!"

The news that Lao Kong brought was a godsend!

We can't just stand by and watch; we have to make good use of Wanli's sharpest weapon!

The situation on the battlefield is now in our favor!

Quan Douguang's New Eighth Army and Lin Zhengshun's Dawn Ninth Army are, according to the pre-arranged plan, launching a powerful feint attack to contain Hwacheon's New First Marine Division!
These two North Korean units, although their equipment is far inferior to ours, are definitely the elite among the North Korean comrades and can fight tough battles!

Their current mission is to use feints, like nails, to pin the new 1st Marine Division of Hwachon down there! Make sure they can't move!

Our main focus now should be on what's in front of us—the Second Teachers' College in Yangkou City!

Now, Wanli is leading the Seventh Steel Brigade to attack Fupingli. As Lao Kong aptly put it, this move is like cutting off the fuel supply at the root of the problem!

They directly grabbed the vital point in the back of the Second Division of the United States!

So, how will the US Second Division respond?

There are only three paths!
First, he went out of the city to rescue Fupingli!
This is the most likely option for the Second Division of the United States, and it's also what we most hope to see!
As long as his main force leaves Yangkou City, this solid tortoise shell, and ventures into the wild, that will be a tremendous opportunity!
My 27th Army's main Soviet-equipped force plus your 12th Army's main Soviet-equipped force!

Our two soldiers immediately unleashed a fierce punch from the flanks and behind!

They cut off his troops who were leaving the city to rescue Fupingli! At the same time, Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade was a full-fledged American-equipped main force!
Once they take Fupingli and establish a foothold, they can immediately turn their guns around and encircle the Second Division of the US Army from the direction of Fupingli!

We'll attack from both the east and the west. Even if the Second Division of the US Army is made of iron, we'll still make them suffer!

Take a big bite out of him, or even severely injure or devour a portion of his main force, crippling him!
Secondly, instead of saving Fupingli, he chose to run along the road from the more distant Zhangmuli direction!

This road is much longer than Fupingli, and it is narrow and difficult to travel. The logistics are also very slow!
If he chooses this route to retreat, it means he's truly afraid!

Running in the open field? Field warfare? Mobile warfare?

Damn it, is this the strength of the Second Division of the United States?

No, he's delivering meat to our door; that's our specialty!
If he runs towards Zhangmu, our 27th and 12th Armies will immediately pursue him!

I'll lead the main force to chase after them and fight! I'll force them back and hold them off!

If the Seventh Steel Brigade can quickly resolve the issue at Fupingli, they should immediately take a shortcut to intercept Zhangmuli!
Even if we can't capture his entire division at once, as long as we stick close to him, stick to him, and beat his rear guard!

Bomb his convoy, take out his stragglers and stragglers, and bite off as much of the fat meat as you can!
Let McLauren cough up blood once, and he'll remember our iron fist!

Thirdly, they should act like cowards, hiding their heads and holding onto Yangkou to the death!

This is the most cowardly choice, and also the option that consumes the most of our time.

Trying to hide in the city and wait it out? No way!
He thinks he's drawn all our main force to the walls of Yangkou? Dream on!
I will immediately dispatch a highly skilled infiltration force to raid Zhangmuli!

At top speed, I'll also shut down this long and narrow Zhangmuli line, which is only used as a backup route! Cut it off completely!
At that time, Yangkou City will truly become an iron coffin surrounded on all sides!
The nearby Fupingli and the distant Zhangmuli are both gone. It's not just that the escape route is gone, but also the supply lines are gone.

Ammunition supplies can't be brought in, and the wounded can't be evacuated!
Even if he can hold out, I have plenty of time and methods to wear him down little by little, until he's a dead army!

Old Kong, Old Zhao, Old An, Old Ding, what do you think? Can this game be played like this?

Li Yunlong finished explaining his three countermeasures in one breath, his eyes gleaming as he spoke.

Kong Jie was so excited that he was the first to clap his hands and say:

"That was great, Lao Li!"

These three roads have all been laid out for them!

It all depends on which option Kaiser, the commander of the Second Division of the United States, chooses!
No matter which path you choose, you'll be skinned alive!
I agree with Lao Li's plan!

Zhao Gang carefully studied the three paths on the map and their corresponding strategies, a look of conviction on his face as he said:
"The strategy was clear, and the essence of the Steel Seventh Brigade's blitzkrieg at Fupingli was grasped, with excellent support."

No matter what the enemy chooses, we have mature solutions to counter and respond, turning passivity into initiative and maximizing the conversion of the advantageous situation created by Wu Wanli into actual results.

I agree with Lao Li's playing style.

An Changsen immediately added, "Old Li's strategy is intricately linked and extremely adaptable."

We made full use of the superior strength and firepower of our main Soviet-equipped force and the PLA's expertise in mobile warfare, and deployed the 7th Steel Brigade, our sharpest weapon, in the most critical positions.

No objections! Let's fight it out!

However, Ding Wei did not immediately express his agreement like the others.

He crossed his arms and stared intently at the map, especially at Huachuan City to the west and the vast rear area. His brows were slightly furrowed, and a hint of worry crossed his face.

As soon as An Changsen finished speaking, he shook his head, his voice steady yet serious:
"Old Li, your strategy was indeed brilliant, making the most of the huge gains from the blitzkrieg at Fupingli."

However, there are two major hidden dangers, like swords hanging over our heads. If they are not resolved, all our efforts may be in vain!
First, how long can the new 8th Army and the 9th Army of Korea hold back the newly formed 1st Marine Division in Hwacheon City?
Indeed, both of these units are main forces within the Korean People's Army, possessing tenacious fighting spirit and being elite troops. There is no doubt about that!
However, they were facing one of the U.S. Army's most elite heavy divisions, the newly formed 1st Marine Division!
Fully equipped, with fierce firepower and strong air-ground coordination capabilities!

Their equipment, heavy firepower, and sustained combat capability are vastly inferior to those of the US military!

They are now relying on their bravery and surprise to launch feint attacks, which can indeed temporarily confuse the enemy and keep them firmly pinned down.

But how long exactly is this 'temporary' period?
Once they determined that the main attacking force in the Hwacheon direction lacked follow-up, truly lethal strike capabilities...

More importantly, if we really take down Fupingli, and the news reaches Iverson's ears, he will definitely not sit idly by and watch his flanks and escape routes be cut off!
Even at the cost of heavy casualties, he would most likely forcefully draw a powerful mobile force from the Huachuan direction and charge out at all costs!
What are their goals?
They're heading straight for Fuping Village! To relieve the siege!
Or, even more viciously, they might not charge head-on, but instead send out an elite force to flank or even stab the Seventh Steel Brigade of Wu Wanli in the back!
At that time, Fuping Village had just changed hands and was not yet firmly established, facing attacks from all sides!
As for us, our main force is tied up by the US Second Division under Yangkou City. How can we quickly provide support?
It's too far away to reach them!

This crucial move by Fuping Village might actually become bait for the enemy to turn against us!

After Ding Wei finished speaking, the atmosphere in the command center suddenly became heavy.

The excitement on Zhao Gang and An Changsen's faces quickly faded, replaced by a grim expression.

Li Yunlong forgot to light his cigarette, his brows furrowed as he stared at the marker representing Huachuan City on the map.

Ding Wei didn't stop; his finger moved again, pointing to the wider rear of the battle line, the area where US reserve forces might be active:

"Secondly! What about Ridgway's trump card reserve team?"

Don't forget our old rival, Ridgway!

This man was more composed and focused more on the use of reserves than MacArthur!

He still holds at least two trump cards: the complete 1st Cavalry Division and the US 7th Infantry Division!

These two new forces, highly mechanized and heavily armed, are mobile forces on the battlefield and Ridgway's trump card for turning the tide of battle!

They're just waiting for us to make a move, waiting for us to show a weakness, waiting for a place where they need to plug the hole and fight back!

Will they just sit idly by and watch us take down this crucial point, Fupingli?

We watched helplessly as our corps fought a fierce battle on the western front while the US 2nd Division and even the 1st Marine Division on the eastern front were in dire straits.
If we cannot capture Fupingli, cut off Zhangmuli, and consolidate the surrounding area before Ridgway's reserves arrive...

So, when the tank onslaught of the 1st Cavalry Division or the 7th US Division arrives, the situation could very well spiral out of control!

No matter how capable Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade was, it couldn't withstand the attack of two elite armored forces of the same strength!

Our campaign plans on both the eastern and western fronts could be disrupted!
So hurry! Hurry! Hurry!
We must race against time!

Not only must we force the US Second Division to make a choice, but we must also stab our own knife and draw blood before the US strategic reserves can react!
Time is our greatest enemy!

No step can be delayed!

Ding Wei's words were like a bucket of cold water poured on the feverish headquarters that was excited about Wu Wanli's great victory and Li Yunlong's brilliant strategy.

Upon hearing this, the excitement on everyone's faces was quickly replaced by solemnity.

Li Yunlong suddenly raised his head, his eyes sharp and piercing, and said, "Old Ding! You've just poured cold water on me at the perfect time!"

Damn it, I almost got carried away by the victory!
That's right! We have to be fast! As fast as lightning!
The core of Lao Tzu's arrangement just now lies in the word 'speed'!

Procrastination leads to a dead end!

Old Kong, contact Quan Douguang and Lin Zhengshun immediately!

Tell them that Wu Wanli has taken Yuantongli and is now rushing towards Fupingli, which controls the nearest retreat route and the most convenient supply line for the Second Division of the United States!
Tell those two soldiers to use every ounce of their strength they have!
Feint attack turns into full-scale assault! No fear of casualties! Full firepower! Use as many cannons as possible!
At all costs, hold back the new 1st Marine Division in Huachuan City!
Create the illusion that I'm going to send my entire army to attack Huachuan!

Under no circumstances should any unit of the 1st Marine Division be allowed to leave the Hwacheon area!

Tell them, whoever let someone escape, I'll fire him! This is a death order! "Yes, sir! I'll send the message right away!"
"Increase the intensity of our feint attack to the maximum, making it impossible for them to move an inch!"

Kong Jie knew the weight of his responsibility, and immediately turned to the communications department after speaking.

"Old Ding! Old An!"

Your 12th Army and my 27th Army will immediately proceed with the enhanced offensive plan!
Bomb out all the big-caliber artillery!
Heavy artillery, bring it on!

The target is the core position outside Yangkou City!
Give me a series of assaults, the bigger the better, I'll take care of how much ammunition I expend!
The sole purpose is to make the Second Division of the US Army in Yangkou City believe that my main force will break through the city tomorrow!
Force them to move their reserves and tanks to the outskirts of the city!

Give it your all, make it real, attract the attention of the Second Division of the United States, and create the safest and fastest environment for Wu Wanli to advance!

"To prevent the US 2nd Division from reacting prematurely and sending assault troops to reinforce Fupingli and strengthen its defenses, which would make things difficult for that kid Wu Wanli."

"understand!"

Upon hearing this, Ding Wei and An Changsen responded in unison.

"Old Zhao, you're in charge of troop mobilization and political mobilization!"

We need to let everyone know that the Seventh Steel Brigade has made a great start!
Now it's our turn to shine!
Everyone, pay close attention!
This battle is crucial to the entire Eastern Front and even the overall situation of the Fifth Campaign; we must fight with all our might!

Li Yunlong thought for a moment and then said.

"Don't worry! Morale is guaranteed to be high!"

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang nodded firmly.

Just as Li Yunlong took a deep breath, preparing to formally issue the military order to launch the second phase of the entire campaign, Kong Jie had already returned after sending the telegram.

Kong Jie had just stepped into the core area when he suddenly seemed to remember something important and quickly said, "Wait, Lao Li, there's something else I almost forgot!"
In his telegram, Wu Wanli specifically mentioned that after they captured Yuantongli, they annihilated the main force of the Han Third Division and seized a massive amount of weapons and equipment!
This included firearms, ammunition, food supplies, and even a number of heavy artillery pieces belonging to South Korean divisions, such as 105mm howitzers!
The Seventh Steel Brigade already has enough heavy weapons. There aren't enough people to use any more, and it's impossible to carry them all or have time to process them!
It would be a waste to leave it unattended, and it might be sabotaged by stragglers or enemy agents!

Therefore, they requested that we send someone to take over as soon as possible!
Who should be sent for this reception mission? How many people should be sent? This needs to be decided immediately!

The battle in Yuantongli has just ended, and it is necessary to clear out the remaining enemies and stabilize the situation. A considerable number of people are also needed for takeover and transportation.

It's both a logistical takeover and a defense of the newly captured key stronghold.

Upon hearing this, Li Yunlong thought for a moment, then frowned and said, "Let the newly appointed regimental commander Cheng Gong and deputy regimental commander Wang Yousheng take the Provisional Logistics Fifth Regiment to take over!"

Success is a great honor, so I'll give him the task of guarding this important military stronghold!

Their Provisional Logistics Regiment No. 5 also has over a thousand soldiers; that's more than enough to guard the Yuantongli armory!

"this……

"Old Li, could we reconsider the possibility of a successful transfer?"

"Bang!"

Li Yunlong abruptly stopped tapping his fingers, slammed them heavily on the table, and said, "Be careful?"
Old Zhao, don't you know what he did to succeed?
With a major battle imminent, what did he do?
In order to advance their own careers, they were the first to leave our Seventh Steel Brigade!

What is the Seventh Steel Brigade?
That was the main force of our Chinese People's Volunteer Army, the spearhead at the forefront!

But he's the one who backs down when we need him most!

From a moral standpoint, he made a grave mistake! A terrible mistake!
This isn't a job transfer; this is forgetting one's roots!

It was during the most difficult time when the Seventh Steel Brigade had just finished the Four Crossings of the Han River, suffered heavy casualties, and lacked key personnel. It was like stabbing the brothers in the heart!
He certainly didn't break any military laws, and no one can say he broke any laws.

But what I hate most are these kinds of scum who stand naked on the legal grounds but throw their hearts and souls into the latrine!

A flicker of pain crossed Zhao Gang's face. How could he not understand Li Yunlong's anger at this moment?
The Seventh Steel Brigade was an iron-blooded and powerful force built up by Wu Wanli, a team that had been pulled back from the brink of despair countless times.

For Li Yunlong, an old soldier who regarded his soldiers as brothers and valued the honor of the army above his own life, the prospect of successfully "finding a better job" was something he deeply resented.

"Old Li, don't get agitated."

I understand all the reasons you've given me.

Comrade Chenggong's choice, from the perspective of human relationships and morality, did indeed hurt the feelings of his comrades.

However, as you know, we are now facing a situation where the enemy is a heavily armed American division, and the pressure on us is unprecedented.

Your transfer of him to the Provisional Fifth Logistics Regiment was probably based on considerations of the existing force deployment.

Although the Fifth Logistics Regiment is currently positioned relatively far back, it is still within our battle lines. Perhaps we can turn the tide during the general offensive against the US Second Infantry Division.

But if we actually went to Wontong-ri, with the North Korean army following behind, and the closest enemy force being the South Korean 5th Division which dared not advance, we probably wouldn't have much of a chance.

Judging from his previous performance in desperately capturing the chief of staff of the US First Brigade, he is a fierce general.

If he stays in the Fifth Logistics Regiment for too long without getting any fighting opportunities, I'm really afraid he'll become useless..."

"A chance to turn things around?"

Old Zhao, I put him in the Fifth Logistics Regiment and never intended to give him a chance to turn things around!
What does the Fifth Logistics Regiment do?

Managing warehouses and escorting ammunition and provisions—they're far from the front lines!
What kind of comeback can be achieved in a place like this?

Sending him there is a way of telling him about his ilk and their followers:

Deserters, traitors, trying to climb up the ranks by stepping on the shoulders of their old units? No way!
My army won't tolerate this kind of person!
Go to the back and reflect on your actions!

Still hoping to redeem themselves through 'meritorious service' and achieve fame and fortune? Dream on!

Li Yunlong's words were resolute and unequivocal.

Zhao Gang frowned even more deeply, took a deep breath, and said from a different angle:

"Old Li, no one is perfect, who can be without fault?"

Remember when you disobeyed orders and insisted on breaking out of Yujialing? The commander was so angry in the command post that he slammed his fist on the table and threw down a stool, pointing at your name and saying he would shoot you!
That murderous aura would send shivers down anyone's spine.

Who pleaded for you later?
They are the old brigade commander and the old chief of staff!

They were willing to risk their own lives to vouch for you, Li Yunlong!
This resulted in you being sent to a clothing factory to do embroidery as a form of self-reflection.

You probably know better than I do how it felt to be sidelined.

Upon hearing this, Li Yunlong's seated figure trembled almost imperceptibly.

Of course he remembers.

Those were some of the darkest days of his military career, as he went from a formidable battlefield general to a factory director in charge of embroidery.

He wanted to quit countless times, but in the end, it was the earnest advice from the old brigade commander and the old chief of staff that made him persevere and truly begin to reflect on some of his recklessness and arrogance.

Zhao Gang caught Li Yunlong's momentary pause and immediately continued, "And then?"

The army needs manpower, especially fierce generals like you who can fight tough battles and are willing to use their brains.

The organization examined you and ultimately transferred you out of the clothing factory, allowing you to return to your post as regimental commander. They also asked you to bring Zhang Dabiao with you to the Independent Regiment!
Old Li, think about it yourself, has the organization given you a chance?

Did they give you a chance to prove yourself again?
If the commander had made a firm decision at the time and dealt with the matter according to battlefield discipline, or if the old brigade commander and the others had stood by and done nothing...

Where would Li Yunlong be today, sitting here commanding thousands of troops?
And back then, when the monk was killed by the Black Cloud Stronghold, you led your entire regiment without saying a word to surround and annihilate the Black Cloud Stronghold, which was already preparing to be reorganized into an allied force.

While this is emotionally satisfying, the fact that you were only demoted to battalion commander is thanks to the protection of your former chief of staff, brigade commander, and even political commissar.

As leaders of troops, we cannot be too harsh or absolute towards comrades who have made mistakes, especially those who have gone astray in their thinking.

Sometimes, lending a hand or providing a slope can save a person and also restore the fighting capacity of the troops.

Comrade Chenggong did not defect to the enemy, nor did he go to another army; instead, he stayed in his old unit of the 27th Army.

I think this kid is just a bit too eager for quick success; he's not a bad person at heart.

Zhao Gang's words struck Li Yunlong like a heavy hammer.

Those memories that had been deliberately buried deep within surged up instantly.

The commander's fury, the anxious and earnest gazes of the old brigade commander and the old chief of staff, the frustration of being demoted despite having just broken through the Sakata Regiment, the smell of cotton and machine oil permeating the clothing factory...

These images flash back in a fast-paced manner.

A deeper silence fell over the command room, broken only by the faint crackling of the burning lamp wick.

Li Yunlong pursed his lips, as if he could see the naive young man who stood in front of the boss a long time ago, his neck stiff and waiting for his fate.

After a good ten seconds, Li Yunlong slowly and deeply took a breath and said, "Alright, Lao Zhao, I'll give you this slope!"

However, he still has to take the Fifth Logistics Regiment to Yuantongli. But I will add 500 elite combat personnel, plus the original Fifth Logistics Regiment, for a total of 2,000 troops!
Lao Tzu added eight words to it: "Guard the key routes and wait for the right opportunity to act!"
Orders must be clearly written down; adherence is fundamental and an absolute task!
Under this premise, allow him to "wait for an opportunity"—whether to attack or defend and counterattack, let him decide for himself!
Let's see what he's made of!

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang immediately nodded and said, "Understood!"
I personally drafted this order to ensure that the wording was accurate and conveyed correctly.

Li Yunlong hummed in agreement, his expression softening slightly, but then he said in a deep voice, "In addition, there are a few other things."

First, immediately draft a commendation telegram and send it to Wu Wanli of the Seventh Steel Brigade!

Tell him that he led the Seventh Steel Team to a very good performance in the previous stage!
We repelled several probing attacks by the US military, demonstrating our might!

However, it must be emphasized that their logistical support must be resolved immediately!
Our Eastern Front Assault Group and even the entire Chinese People's Volunteer Army are now facing extreme resource shortages!
The logistical support capabilities are currently severely inadequate and cannot keep up with the high-intensity combat needs of the Seventh Steel Corps, which is equipped with all-American weaponry!
The division is already doing everything it can to guarantee basic rations and light weapons ammunition!
Especially their heavy equipment, those tanks, those large-caliber artillery!

Tell Wu Wanli that if he doesn't want his tanks to be stuck on the battlefield as sitting ducks, and if he doesn't want to see his artillery rendered useless and only able to watch helplessly, then he should find a way to solve the problem himself!

The staff officers took notes rapidly upon hearing this, their foreheads beaded with sweat.

The predicament described by Li Yunlong is a stark reality.

As the main force, the Seventh Steel Brigade possessed captured American-made equipment, tanks, and heavy artillery, making its firepower truly formidable.

However, the entire logistics system is under tremendous pressure, and prioritizing the most basic rations and ammunition for the front lines is already an all-out effort.

The supply of fuel and artillery shells needed for heavy equipment is indeed running out.

Li Yunlong returned to his seat, scanned the room, and continued, "I've already given the other orders."

Quan Douguang's New Eighth Army and Lin Zhengshun's North Korean Ninth Army launched a fierce attack on Hwacheon's New First Marine Division, which tied them down.

Our 12th and 27th Armies launched a fierce attack on the US 2nd Division in Yangkou City, drawing their attention to support Wu Wanli's 7th Steel Brigade.

Do you understand now?

"understand!"

Upon hearing this, everyone responded in unison.

Meanwhile, the Fifth Logistics Regiment Command
"Commander Chenggong, aren't you full of vigor and ambition now that you've just taken office?"

Zhao Gang walked in and asked with a smile.

"Political Commissar Zhao? Why did you come here in person!"

Please sit down. What do I have to be so proud of...?

Commander Li Yunlong doesn't like me, and I can't go back to the Seventh Steel Brigade now.

Do you think I'm a particularly disliked traitor?

Cheng Gong was initially surprised and gave up his chair, then said with a wry smile.

"What do you think?"

Zhao Gang adjusted Chenggong's military cap, sighed, and asked.

"Political Commissar Zhao, to be honest, my father wanted me to succeed when he named me this."

I also want to work hard to succeed and change my fate of being stuck in a remote mountain village.

I heard Political Commissar Liu Hanqing say that a soldier who doesn't want to be a general is not a good soldier.

If I could, I would also like to try my best to become one.

I neither formed cliques for personal gain nor violated military discipline, and I never hesitated to charge into battle in every fight.

When I captured the chief of staff of the US 1st Brigade, he was out of bullets, and they still had several fully armed guards.

But I fixed my bayonet and charged forward, thinking that this might be the only chance I'd ever have in my life to make a name for myself.

They eventually managed to capture a chief of staff alive, but unfortunately they didn't capture Freeman, who I heard is now the commander of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Come to think of it, I'm one of those people who's been chasing after the future commander of the US 1st Cavalry Division.

Unfortunately, Commander Li Yunlong doesn't like me now, and Chief Wu probably doesn't like me either.

I guess... I don't have a chance anymore.

Success's eyes welled up with tears as he spoke with a wry smile.

"Actually, Captain Wu doesn't dislike you. It's just that he has to consider the feelings of other comrades when he does what you did in that situation, so he can't protect you."

When I learned about the situation in China near the end of my celebration banquet, I chatted with your Captain Wu.

He said he didn't want you to go astray and even gave you a chance.

After you brought it up, he pretended not to hear and asked you one more time, never expecting you to be so stubborn.

Zhao Gang patted Chenggong on the shoulder and said.

"I……"

Upon hearing this, Cheng Gong recalled the scene from back then and was slightly taken aback. So Wu Wanli was trying to persuade him to stay?

"Don't be discouraged. You have never betrayed the motherland and the people. At most, you have only betrayed the Seventh Steel Brigade in terms of morality and reason."

Comrade Wu Wanli even told me that if Commander Li Yunlong wanted to completely sideline you, he hoped I could put in a good word for you.

But he didn't say he'd bring you back immediately. He said you really needed time to temper your temperament, and he'd let me give you a chance to prove yourself elsewhere, depending on the circumstances.

Zhao Gang sighed and said.

"Captain Wu, he..."

Upon hearing this, Chenggong's eyes widened, and he was suddenly jolted, a wave of regret washing over him as tears streamed down his face.

During the agonizing nights of the past few days, he even had nightmares about Wu Wanli scolding and even hitting him.

Unexpectedly, Wu Wanli actually pleaded with Zhao Gang on his behalf and even made plans for his future growth and development.

This is both gratitude and kindness; success will remember it.

Just like his fellow villager Xu Mumu, who couldn't offer him much help, but would be the first person he thought of when something good happened.

"Commander of the 5th Logistics Regiment has successfully obeyed the order!"

Seeing that the time was almost right, Zhao Gang immediately shouted loudly.

"To!"

Successfully wiping away her tears, she gritted her teeth and responded loudly.

"You and Wang Yousheng will lead the Provisional Fifth Logistics Regiment to Yuantongli to take over the equipment of the Third Division of the Han Army and the wounded of the Seventh Steel Brigade!"
Commander Li Yunlong specially allocated 500 elite troops to us, saying that you can hold Yuantongli and wait for an opportunity to strike!

"Do your best, Comrade Chenggong!"

Zhao Gang handed the order to Chenggong and said solemnly.

"Yes!

Even if it costs me my life, I will never let the organization down, never let the country and the people down, never... never let Captain Wu down!

Successfully, his eyes red, he accepted the order and responded loudly as if he were receiving a new life.

(End of this chapter)