Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 366 Li Yunlong: Breaking out from anywhere doesn't matter! I'm going to break through the UN forces head-on!
Command Center

"Li Yunlong's punch went deep enough and was dangerous enough."

With 100,000 troops stranded behind enemy lines, their supply lines stretched like noodles.

The UN forces were not fools, and Ridgway was no pushover either.

There has been some progress on the western front, while the eastern front is now in the midst of a full-scale offensive.

"Old Chen, Li Yunlong is one of your favorite generals, what's your take on the current situation?"

The boss frowned and pointed his rough fingers hard at the flat spot.

Chief Chen stood beside the general, leaning slightly forward as he scanned the dangerous protrusion on the map: "The general is right."

On the eastern front, it seemed that Wu Wanli's stunning victory at Jiangling and Li Yunlong's rapid infiltration had created a situation where the enemy's front line was convex in the west and concave in the east, and the UN forces did indeed show signs of contraction on the western front.

But we must be clear that this contraction is passive and limited!

Our army fought a very tough battle on the western front. We achieved some results, but we annihilated too few enemy units, far from crippling them.

The UN forces can regroup at any time by relying on the strong fortifications and powerful firepower around Seoul.

They even turned east, completely sealing Li Yunlong's fate.

At this moment, Commander Chen's finger traced several blue dotted lines pointing from the western front to the Jiaping area on the eastern front: "Once the western front is freed up, Ridgway will never let go of this excellent opportunity to encircle and annihilate our eastern front assault group!"
Li Yunlong is now riding on the back of a tiger.

Minister Hong of the Logistics Department pushed up his reading glasses that had slipped off his nose, and the logistics supply list in his hand, which was crumpled from being squeezed, seemed to weigh a ton.

He raised his head, his wrinkles appearing even deeper, and his voice was weary: "Boss, Chief Chen, now is not the time to consider expanding our gains!"

An urgent telegram from the forward command: reports from various corps and armies have been compiled and sent to me; the situation is very bad.

The entire corps' ammunition reserves, especially heavy artillery shells, anti-tank rockets, and submachine gun ammunition, will not last much longer at the current high-intensity consumption!

Food, medicine, and clothing are all below the warning line.

The new recruits who were brought in lacked experience in fighting the U.S. military and had to go to the front lines to fill in gaps as soon as they got off the train.

Although Comrade Wu Wanli sent a batch of soldiers and supplies, it is certainly impossible to restore the original combat strength in a short period of time.

Without them sharing the burden, the situation at Li Yunlong's place would immediately collapse!

To be honest, if it weren't for Comrade Wu Wanli destroying the Seventh Fleet and annihilating the US Second Division in Jiangling, delivering a fatal blow to the enemy and forcing Ridgway into temporary disarray,

We are now probably...forced to prepare contingency plans for a complete shutdown!

Minister Hong's words were like a cold boulder thrown into an already oppressive pool, stirring up heavy ripples.

In the command center, apart from a few core generals who remained silent in front of the map, the staff officers' low, anxious whispers hummed incessantly.

Worry was written on everyone's face as their eyes darted back and forth between the huge battle map and the alarming logistical list.

The joy of victory had long been overshadowed by the harsh reality, and the brilliance of the Jiangling victory seemed unable to penetrate the huge logistical cloud that now hung over the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.

Chief of Staff Xie took a deep breath and slammed a newly translated intelligence document, the ink still seemingly warm from the radio waves, onto the edge of the combat table with a dull thud.

The sound wasn't loud, but it strangely drowned out the buzzing discussions, instantly drawing everyone's attention to it.

"The difficulties are not limited to what we are facing now, comrades!"

Breaking news from intelligence agencies and international channels: Washington is furious and reacting extremely swiftly.

First, the United States has begun an emergency mobilization to train and rebuild a new U.S. Second Division and to begin forming a completely new Seventh Fleet.

This... poses a limited threat to the progress of our current fifth campaign; the Americans are too far away to be of immediate help.

By the time they regroup, the Fifth Campaign will probably be over.

Secondly, the core battle group of the U.S. Navy's Pacific Fleet's Second Fleet has been ordered to set sail!
Its firepower far surpasses that of the Seventh Fleet, which Comrade Wu Wanli has already sent to the bottom of the sea!

"boom!"

It was as if a bomb had exploded in the command center.

The staff officers could no longer remain calm; their horrified whispers instantly turned into gasps of alarm.

"Can the Chinese Navy defeat the main force of the Pacific Fleet, which far surpasses the Seventh Fleet in combat power?"

"Perhaps... our navy's supply lines will be completely cut off!"

"It's not just the navy; there must be a large number of carrier-based aircraft as well. Li Yunlong's eastern assault group is in even greater danger..."

The immense pressure was like a physical iron clamp, tightly constricting everyone's heart.

The isolated forces on the eastern front are in grave danger, the stalemate and attrition on the western front are depleting their logistical support, and now this naval hammer hanging overhead...

The air in the command center seemed to freeze, making even breathing difficult and heavy. Only the electric fan whirred futilely, stirring up the suffocating heat.

Deputy Chief of Staff Li adjusted his glasses. He was known as the "iron-fisted strategist" in the headquarters, and his expression was extremely solemn at this moment.

He picked up a baton and pointed to the area south of Jiaping on the map, enclosed by a blue arc: "The threat posed by Chief of Staff Xie is future, but the danger facing Li Yunlong is imminent."

"Boss, Chief Chen, please look here..."

He gestured rapidly with the tip of his baton across several key passes and transportation hubs south of Jiaping, continuing:
"According to aerial reconnaissance and feedback from ground troops, the main force of the US 1st Cavalry Division has broken through Chuncheon, cutting off the retreat route of Li Yunlong's assault group!"
Its intention is self-evident: to cooperate with the new 1st Marine Division and US troops that may be drawn from the western front to complete the encirclement of the 100,000-strong assault group on the eastern front!

Li Yunlong's troops, after continuous high-intensity combat, were extremely fatigued, their ammunition was drastically reduced, and the wounded could not be evacuated.

Although their forwards were close to Gapyeong, their backs were still south of Chuncheon!

With the battle lines stretched out and the troops dispersed, the flanks were completely exposed to the hammer of the enemy's mobile forces, leaving them with no effective protection.
The trap Ridgway set up is starting to close!

Deputy Chief of Staff Li's voice carried a cold, penetrating quality, starkly exposing the immense danger on the eastern front to everyone.

He put down his baton and said in a deep but clear voice, "In my personal opinion, we have achieved a major victory in this battle that exceeded our expectations."

The complete annihilation of the US Seventh Fleet, the systematic destruction of the US 2nd Division, the severe damage to the South Korean 6th Division, the capture of a massive amount of equipment, and the great deterrence of the enemy have demonstrated the power and prestige of our nation and military! The strategic objectives have been achieved.

Given the current situation of being cut off from supplies, surrounded by powerful enemies, and in an extremely dangerous predicament for Li Yunlong's troops, it is advisable to... know when to stop!
Immediately organize Li Yunlong's group to break through and retreat to a safe area in an orderly and rapid manner, and move closer to the main force on the western front!
Preserving our strength is the best policy.

If the fighting continues, and a large number of elite troops are lost on the eastern front, the consequences will be unimaginable!

"Deputy Chief of Staff Li is right!"

"We can't hesitate any longer! Comrade Li Yunlong must be withdrawn immediately!"

"Boss, make a decision! Saving lives is the top priority!"

"It's time to withdraw from the western front; we can't hold on any longer..."

Deputy Chief of Staff Li's analysis was like igniting the final fuse, and the command center was instantly filled with the urgent, anxious, and even slightly panicked shouts of the staff.

The immense pressure and the fear of the annihilation of Li Yunlong's group caused even these battle-hardened staff officers to lose their usual composure.

The air was filled with the sounds of discussion, suggestions, and even arguments, and a sense of anxiety and unease permeated the atmosphere.

"Quiet!"

A deep, sharp shout, not particularly loud, resounded like thunder in the noisy command center, carrying the authority honed by countless battles.

All sounds stopped abruptly.

The staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army seemed to have been put on pause, falling silent instantly, their eyes all turning to the source of the sound—the commander-in-chief standing at the head of the map.

The boss neither slammed his fist on the table nor glared angrily.

He slowly raised his head, his deep, ancient eyes sweeping across the entire room as he said:

"Difficulties? Who doesn't know that?"
How many days of hard fighting and how much bloodshed did we shed on the western front? Do you think I, as the commander, don't know the details?

On the eastern front, Li Yunlong's 100,000-strong army was stranded outside, and their supply lines were about to be cut off.

Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade had just finished fighting Gangneung, their bones were practically brittle from the battle, yet they sent a telegram saying they were going to fight Chuncheon again.

Can't I see these things?
I was the first to receive the reports from the Logistics Department and the General Staff Headquarters!

The United States has sent another large fleet, with gun barrels thicker than our water tanks. Chief of Staff Xie put this news on my desk!
But just because there are difficulties in front of us, should we shrink back?
Does that mean we have to give up the victories we've fought for and the initiative on the battlefield?

Would they have to hastily withdraw Li Yunlong's 100,000 troops like a burden, leaving them to be relentlessly pursued and beaten by the enemy, suffering heavy losses?
Comrades, our army has fought from Jinggang Mountain to northern Shaanxi, from Taihang Mountain to the Yellow River, and from Huaihai to the south bank of the Yangtze River. Have we not experienced enough difficulties?!

I ask you, are the difficulties we face now comparable to the bloody battle of Xiangjiang back then, where mountains of corpses and seas of blood resulted in only 30,000 of the 80,000 Red Army soldiers surviving after crossing the river?
It was comparable to the Four Crossings of the Chishui River. Hundreds of thousands of enemy troops were chasing and blocking us. We had no way forward and were pursued by enemy troops. Airplanes bombed us from the sky and bullets rained down on the ground. Every step we took was like dancing on the edge of a knife.

Is it comparable to climbing snow-capped mountains and crossing grasslands, where countless people freeze or starve to death?!
We've overcome all those obstacles!
Today, we have airplanes and artillery, logistical support, and a million-strong, battle-hardened army from both China and North Korea. Why are we intimidated by the difficulties before us?!

"Boom!" The boss slammed his clenched fist into the battle map at Jiaping's position, producing a dull thud.

The pencil lines on the map trembled slightly.

The sound seemed to strike everyone's heart, causing all the staff officers to shudder and look up sharply.

The pallor of anxiety on their faces faded, replaced by a complex mix of ignited emotion, a blend of shame and fervor.

Many veteran staff officers' eyes instantly reddened, as images of climbing snow-capped mountains and crossing grasslands, gnawing on tree bark and swallowing grass roots flashed through their minds.

Yes, we've overcome those inhumanly dire situations. No matter how difficult this battle is, can it be as difficult as when we were out of ammunition and food and surrounded by enemies?

A surge of scalding heat dispelled the gloom and fear that had just permeated the air.

The boss's gaze remained sharp, but his tone softened slightly, carrying an unwavering resolve: "Difficulties, of course, must be faced squarely!"
Logistics is the lifeline!
Intelligence is a guiding light!

Your concerns are valid!

It is precisely because of the difficulties that we need to use our brains and think of solutions, and we need to show the same spirit we had back then—the spirit of daring to bring down the emperor!

Instead of being intimidated by difficulties and losing your composure first!

Relay my orders!

First, immediately issue an order to the 100,000-strong assault group on the eastern front, instructing them to maintain their battle formation and remain vigilant.

The existing 15th Army and part of the 12th Army will serve as the rearguard, relying on favorable terrain to provide alternating cover and gradually withdraw!

The goal is to seek an opportunity to break out and join up with the main forces on the western front, the 19th Army Corps and the 3rd Army Corps!

The specific retreat route and timing were to be decided by him based on the enemy situation.

But the principles are: speed! stability! Preserve our strength to the greatest extent possible!
Tell him that I only want soldiers who survive, not 'heroes' who hold out in one place!
Second, send a telegram to Wu Wanli!

The Battle of Jiangling was brilliantly fought!

They demonstrated the might of our nation and our military!
But there's no time to celebrate now!

Order the Seventh Steel Corps, the Eighth New Army, and the Ninth Chao Army to quickly complete the necessary rest and replenishment!
At the same time, immediately move towards Chuncheon!

At all costs, provide support and assistance to Li Yunlong's group in their breakout!

Like a sharp knife, stab the enemy surrounding Li Yunlong hard and relieve the pressure on Li Yunlong from the front!
We must strike with the same surprise and force as we did against the Seventh Fleet in Jiangling, leaving Ridgway unable to defend himself!
Third, while ensuring the safe breakout of Li Yunlong's group and the safety of Wu Wanli's troops, commanders of all units should pay close attention to the evolving battlefield situation!

Seize every possible opportunity!

In particular, we can take advantage of the fact that our troops on both the eastern and western fronts are converging on the central area to create local battlefields!
"Look for an opportunity to wipe out an entire US division!"

These words caused the previously rising excitement in the command center to freeze instantly.

A look of astonishment and disbelief flashed across the eyes of many of the staff officers.

Even key generals such as Chief Chen and Logistics Minister Hong frowned slightly.

Breaking out safely under such difficult circumstances was already a risky move, let alone planning to annihilate an entire US division during the retreat?
This is practically like trying to retrieve treasure from an avalanche!

The boss clearly understood everyone's doubts and said in a deep voice, "I know, this may sound impossible, even risky."

But comrades, the situation on the battlefield is constantly changing!
If the enemy wants to encircle and annihilate us, they will inevitably have to mobilize! They will have to pursue! They will have to block us!

As long as we command properly and our troops are tenacious, there may be weak links in the enemy's pursuit chain, such as isolated units or units that become separated from other units!
Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli were both valiant generals who were adept at seizing opportunities and dared to fight tough and fierce battles!

The main forces on the western front, the 19th Army Corps and the 3rd Army Corps, are also capable of taking on tough challenges!

If they coordinate well on all sides, they can take advantage of the chaos caused by our "contraction and convergence" and the enemy's eagerness for quick success.

It's not entirely impossible that we could concentrate our superior forces in mobile warfare and wipe out one of their divisions!
Comrades, this is not about being ambitious and seeking quick success; it is for the prosperity and strength of our motherland!
Whether the Soviet Union's latest aid program will be received free of charge or require us to pay a huge price to repay depends on whether we can break another arm of the US imperialists on the Korean battlefield!

The directive from above is very clear: If there's an opportunity, fight resolutely! If there's no opportunity, don't force it! Safety is the top priority!

My boss will not gamble with the lives of his soldiers!
But if an opportunity arises, it must not be allowed to slip away due to fear of difficulty!

The boss's gaze finally landed on Chief Chen's face: "Old Chen, judging from your expression, you probably think it's too difficult to coordinate with the main force on the western front to encircle and annihilate them."

It will definitely be difficult, but we are now 'pushing back our fists', not 'taking a beating'!
Pulling back your fist is so you can throw it out more easily!
Tell Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli that breaking through is an ironclad order!

Having successfully broken through, keep your eyes peeled and your knives sharp!

Find opportunities while in motion!

Like a cheetah, you must not only avoid traps but also seize the opportunity to pounce and bite through your prey's throat!

Let them decide on the specifics of the battle from the front lines!

Whether to fight or retreat, the battlefield commander has the authority to make a decision on the spot!
Shiji doesn't do remote control!

My only request is this: preserve yourself and eliminate the enemy!
If we can annihilate a division, we must spare no expense!
Even if there's no real chance, a safe retreat is still a victory!

The doubt in Chief Chen's eyes was gradually replaced by a sharp glint.

He met the boss's gaze, nodded slowly, his expression solemn and firm: "Understood, boss!"
Breaking out is the primary objective; annihilating the enemy is secondary.

But if an opportunity arises, we will strike with lightning speed, living up to the expectations of our motherland, and strive to acquire Soviet heavy industrial equipment, technology, and funds free of charge! After thinking for a moment, the commander-in-chief finally issued the order: "As for the western front, I order Comrades Yang Dezhi and Chen Xilian: From this day forward, all corps and armies on the western front must intensify their offensive efforts!"
Don't be afraid of casualties, don't be afraid of attrition! Give them a good beating!

Stick to VanVleet's key players so that he can't spare a single player to help from the East!

The fiercer and more intense the fighting on the western front, the less pressure Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli will face on the eastern front, and the greater their chances of a successful breakout!
"Keep Ridgway's attention firmly focused on the west, so he can't attend to both ends!"

"Yes!"

Chief Chen, Chief of Staff Xie, and all the staff officers in the command hall responded in unison and left.

The staff officers quickly returned to their posts, and the sounds of radios ticking, telephones ringing, scribbling notes, and short, forceful commands rang out again.

Commander Chen strode to the communications office and personally dictated the top-secret telegram to Li Yunlong, Wu Wanli, and the commanders of the various corps on the western front. Every word carried immense weight.
"...The Eastern Front Assault Group must unite as one, quickly seek opportunities to break through and join forces with the Western Front main force."

The Seventh Steel Division immediately moved towards Chuncheon to fully support the breakout of the assault group.

While ensuring a safe breakout, all units must be highly vigilant against the ever-changing battlefield, closely coordinate with the main forces on both the eastern and western fronts, and seize opportunities during maneuvers and transitions.

If the enemy has gaps in its coordination, such as advancing alone, exposing its flanks, or being out of sync, we must act decisively and with overwhelming force, concentrate our superior forces and firepower to completely annihilate an entire US division!
This is what the nation hopes for, and it is of great importance to the fate of the nation!

The opportunity to fight is fleeting, and the forward command has given you full authority to make decisions on the spot!
But remember this: if you lose land but save people, you will save both people and land!
Safety is the top priority!

If there is no opportunity to take advantage of, the best course of action is to quickly disengage and preserve our strength!
All units on the western front must, with the utmost determination and the fiercest offensive, relentlessly confront the enemy in front of them and support the overall situation!

The commander awaits your report of victory!

The radio waves, carrying this heavy expectation and unwavering trust, pierced through the smoke-filled skies of North Korea and flew towards the two heroic units at the heart of the storm.

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

Twenty miles outside of Jiaping City, the headquarters of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army's Eastern Front Assault Group, built with logs and sandbags, was shrouded in smoke in a mountain valley.

Li Yunlong kicked the ammunition box, his knuckles banging loudly against the map-covered tabletop.

Kong Jie frowned, his cigarette burning his fingers, and said, "Old Li, this Jiapingcheng stuff is weirdly spicy!"
Back in Chuncheon, the 1st New Marine Division wasn't this tough!
Damn it, it's like they've changed the crew. Their firepower is ridiculously strong, and their command is slippery too.

We've fought several rounds, but we haven't even managed to breach the outer defenses!

The air was heavy, and the smell of tobacco carried a hint of tension.

Commander Qin of the 15th Army slammed his helmet heavily on the table, causing several enamel mugs to bounce.

"The American devils' artillery fire was like a never-ending rain, and the warplanes in the sky were buzzing. Bombs were exploding right behind us!"

Lao Tzu's troops launched several assaults, but they were all pushed back, suffering considerable casualties!

Commander Wei of the 60th Army swallowed hard and replied in a hoarse voice, "Commander Qin is right. This dragging on isn't going to work."

Or... should we launch another strong attack?
"Concentrate your firepower and let my 60th Army launch a main attack!"

"Commander Wei, charging forward at the cost of too much!"
The artillery shells used to cover the attack have already been used up by more than half!

If we're going to fight, it has to be a one-shot deal, a complete and utter destruction—smashing it open and leveling it off in one fell swoop!

There will be no second chance!
Old Li, I'm not trying to boost the enemy's morale, but Jia Ping is someone we really need to think carefully about.

Zhao Gang shook his head and looked at Li Yunlong.

Ding Wei, the commander of the 12th Army who had been silently staring at the map, suddenly raised his head and said, "Old Zhao's concerns are true."

What happens when the shells are all used up?
Even more critical is the battlefield situation!

The 1st American Cavalry Division has blocked Chuncheon to the north, completely cutting off our retreat route!
To the west, the main UN forces, including the US 7th Division, are pressing down on us like an anvil!

To the south, Jiaping remains a tough nut to crack!

To the east lies the sea. Latest intelligence indicates that the main force of the American Pacific Fleet is rushing towards us at full speed!
Our army of over 100,000 is being squeezed from several sides, and our supply lines have long been cut off. If we continue to drag this out..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone in the command post felt a chilling coldness.

The shadow of being surrounded and annihilated has never loomed so heavily over us.

Just then, the curtain was suddenly flung open, bringing in a biting gust of cold wind.

A young but exhausted staff officer practically burst in, clutching a telegram tightly in his hand, his lips pale.
"Report! Urgent telegram from the Generalissimo's Office!"

In an instant, all eyes were focused on it.

The staff officer read aloud quickly: "Commander-in-Chief of the Volunteer Army has instructed: The enemy's 1st Cavalry Division has taken control of the Chuncheon Pass, and the main force of the Pacific Fleet is rapidly approaching. The Eastern Front Assault Group is in an extremely dangerous situation."

In order to preserve their strength, Li Yunlong's troops were ordered to immediately seek a favorable opportunity in the direction of Jiaping and organize their troops to break through towards the main force on the western front!

The headquarters has given strict orders to the western front troops to intensify their attacks and provide full support!

At the same time, he ordered Wu Wanli's troops to open up the rendezvous route!

Furthermore, the commander emphasized that if a favorable opportunity is seized during the breakout, superior forces can be concentrated in motion to strive to annihilate a main US division!

This move is crucial to the overall national strategy of securing large-scale, unconditional industrial aid from the Soviet Union! It's extremely urgent!

As the last word fell, the cramped command post fell into a deathly silence.

The contents of the telegram were like a massive boulder crashing into a deep pool, creating not ripples, but a heavy, deathly silence.

Break through! Abandon the offensive and settle the matter! Abandon the grand goal of advancing to the foot of Seoul and joining forces with the main force on the western front!
Li Yunlong slowly straightened up, not immediately looking at the original telegram, his gaze fixed intently on the battle map.

The sweep continued from Gapyeong all the way to Chuncheon, then across the numerous enemy and friendly insignia on the western front.

Kong Jie, Ding Wei, and the others all had unusually solemn expressions, exchanging silent glances.

Having fought half my life, I understand the weight of this order—it's about giving up the meat that's already in our mouths to charge into the enemy's bayonet formation!
"Damn it!"

Li Yunlong suddenly let out a suppressed growl, grabbed the telegram from the staff officer's hand, glanced at it briefly, and then slammed it back onto the table!

"The commander told me to break out, but he didn't specify which way to break out, did he?"

Relay Lao Tzu's order!

The entire army is preparing to launch the final general offensive!

Objective—Take down Gaping City!

Li Yunlong suddenly raised his head, his eyes bloodshot, and said resolutely.

"what?!"

"Old Li! Are you crazy?!"

"How can I disobey the orders of the Commander-in-Chief..."

The command center erupted into chaos!

Kong Jie, Ding Wei, Commander Qin, Commander Wei, and even Zhao Gang were all so shocked that they stood up.

Zhao Gang rushed in front of Li Yunlong, his voice filled with unprecedented anxiety and sternness: "Old Li! Calm down!"

This is the order from the commander!
Have you considered the consequences of disobeying orders on the battlefield?!
Preserving strength for a breakout is a strategic consideration!

"The overall situation? I am the overall situation right now!"

Conserve strength?

You think you can conserve your strength by diving into a bayonet formation? Dream on!
Look carefully, everyone!

According to intelligence, the 1st Cavalry Division is stationed in Chuncheon to the north!
The Americans' trump card, a full 20,000 fierce soldiers, guarded that turtle shell of Chuncheon!

Even if Wu Wanli is a good fighter, he just finished dealing with a tough opponent in Jiangling with heavy casualties. How big of a gap can he tear open for us?
To charge the 1st Cavalry Division?
That's like throwing an egg against a rock! You might get hurt and still not make it through!
The west side is even less likely!

The US 7th Division, the US 24th Division... hundreds of thousands of UN troops were crammed there!

That's an impenetrable fortress! Why would we charge in there?
Sending food to the Americans? Do they want us to die already?
The sea is to the east!

Just recently, Shiji told us that the main force of the American Pacific Fleet is on its way!
Their carrier-based aircraft can drop bombs on our heads like hail!

Can our few naval transport ships really hold hundreds of thousands of troops?
That's a sitting duck! A dead end!

At this point, Li Yunlong's finger heavily pierced the map, pointing to the city of Jiaping marked with "New Marine Division 1"!

"This is the only place! Jiaping!"
What is guarding this place?
It's that new 1st Marine Division whose spine I broke in Chuncheon!
The old, elite 1st Marine Division died at Chosin Reservoir long ago. This is the new 1st Marine Division, and its combat effectiveness is just so-so!
It's just a cobbled-together shell of a product!
Their veterans were all killed, and most of the replacements were new recruits!

How much better are their equipment than they were in Chuncheon?!

It looks fierce now, but that's just a trapped beast baring its teeth!
It's the thinnest and most fragile layer of skin in our iron barrel enclosure!

Break through it! Take Gapin!

With one foot flattening the ground, I can push a bayonet right up to Seoul!
We'll push right up to the noses of those damn UN commanders!
"What do you think will happen then?"

Li Yunlong suddenly straightened up, his body seemingly growing taller in an instant, and a breathtaking battlefield heroism erupted from him:
"The whole of Seoul is going to be in an uproar!"
The entire UN forces' front line was shaking violently, as if it had been cramped!
What western front? What northern front? They all need to be redeployed to reinforce them!

Only then will the stagnant waters of the entire battlefield be truly stirred up!
Only with 100,000 elite troops can we find a gap in this chaos!
Only then can we truly find the 'mobile warfare' aircraft we need!
Only then can we, as ordered by the headquarters, wipe out an entire division in one fell swoop!

Fight it head-on, fair and square!

This is the real breakthrough!

This is the path I, Li Yunlong, should follow!

Dead silence! Utter dead silence!

Even the crackling of the fire seemed to have disappeared.

Kong Jie's mouth was open, and he didn't even notice the cigarette ash falling onto his clothes.

Ding Wei's eyes were sharp as knives as he stared intently at Jiaping's location on the map, his breathing becoming heavy.

Commander Qin and Commander Wei's chests heaved, their fists clenched, and the extinguished flames of war in their eyes were reignited by Li Yunlong's earth-shattering analysis, burning ever brighter!
The anxiety and worry on Zhao Gang's face had not completely faded, but his professional soldier's keen sense allowed him to also catch the almost crazy flashes of brilliance in Li Yunlong's strategy.

By putting oneself in a desperate situation, one can achieve a miraculous comeback. By striking from the most unexpected direction, one can deliver a devastating blow and disrupt the entire game!

This is indeed... the most powerful and most likely solution to create miracles in desperate situations!

But the price of disobeying orders...

"Old Li, that's true."

But I'm worried that someone might accuse you of disobeying orders later. You can't very well become the factory manager of the Jiangnan Textile Factory then..."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gang reminded him in a slightly softer tone.

"Old Zhao, Old Li is right this time!"
That's exactly what we should do!
Which way of breaking through doesn't count as breaking through?

The headquarters' orders only said to break through, not that we had to cower in the enemy's trap! Attacking Jiaping was the breakout!

Kong Jie immediately said.

"Wonderful! Absolutely wonderful!"

Old Li's move turned the tables and gave him the initiative!

To attack Jiaping is to strike at the heart of the enemy!
When things get chaotic at the front, we have room to maneuver!
Forget about breaking through, we might actually be able to take a big chunk out of the enemy!
This move is a risky gamble, but if successful, the entire game will be won!

Old Li, you're still the same Li Yunlong who fought head-on against the Sakata Brigade in Northwest Shanxi!

Ding Wei looked at Li Yunlong with excitement in his eyes.

Commander Qin and Commander Wei exchanged a glance and nodded emphatically at the same time.

Commander Qin immediately said, "Commander Li sees through it!"
The new 1st Marine Division is a pushover!
"Attack it! It's a hundred times better than ramming the impregnable walls of the 1st Cavalry Division!"

Commander Wei gritted his teeth and added, "That's right!"
We'd rather die on the charge than be suffocated in a cage by the enemy!
"Let's go for it, even if it's a draw!"

All the pressure instantly fell on Zhao Gang.

He glanced at the generals, their emotions running high and their fighting spirit boiling, and then at Jiaping City on the map, which was firmly held by Li Yunlong's will.

Finally, his gaze fell on Li Yunlong's face, which was slightly distorted by excitement and determination, weathered yet incredibly resolute.

Zhao Gang took a deep breath, slowly nodded and said, "Okay, I'll listen to Lao Li!"
If they hold me accountable, I'll take the blame too!

Zhao Gang was, after all, a soldier and a political commissar.

Faced with the ultimate decision to fight, he chose to stand with his commander and his troops, even if it meant facing certain death.

This nod was like opening the floodgates of a dam.

The tense atmosphere in the command center was instantly replaced by a scorching aura of attack!

"it is good!

All departments, return to your posts immediately and prepare!
Give me your 'family fortune'!
Organize a suicide squad! Select assault troops!

Tell every soldier that this is a life-or-death battle for our Eastern Front Assault Group, which numbers over 100,000 men! There is no turning back!
If we take Gaping, we'll have a way out!
That would threaten Seoul! That would break through the encirclement!

That way, we can force the Americans to fight a decisive battle on the battlefield we've chosen!

When the bullets run out, use bayonets! When the bayonets bend, bite them with your teeth!
"I just want to flatten it!"

Li Yunlong slammed his fist on the table, his voice filled with heroic spirit.

"Yes!"

Inside the command center, a thunderous chorus of agreement immediately erupted from the crowd.

(End of this chapter)