Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 368 A Letter Home! Cutting Off the White Hidden Realm! The Cavalry Division's Misjudgment!

The heavy whistles of the transport ships blared over Gangneung Port, one after another, crashing against the collapsed cliffs of Fort Hill, drowning out the roar of the waves.

The dock was bustling with people. The last batch of exhausted soldiers from the Seventh Steel Corps and the new elites from the Eighth New Army who had come from the replenishment battalion were boarding the sides of several captured American transport ships in single file.

Anchorage outside the harbor, the silhouette of a giant ship moves slowly in the twilight.

The massive hull of the Wanli aircraft carrier cleaved through the dark blue sea, carving a wide white wake.

The bow of the ship stands tall, and the newly painted August 1st Army emblem gleams with a dark red light in the last rays of the setting sun.

To its side and rear is the HMS Dauntless, struggling to be towed out of port, its hull still bearing huge bullet holes and charred marks.

This once invincible flagship of the fleet is now a prisoner, silently following behind the victors like a huge, moving trophy, signifying the outcome of that earth-shattering naval battle.

Further away, several captured US destroyers and frigates were slowly adjusting their formation around the transport ships carrying the army soldiers.

Meanwhile, in the command center of the Wanli-class destroyer's island superstructure, the lights were on full display, and the faint glow of various instruments shimmered against the calm, metallic sheen.

Detailed maps of the east coast of the Korean Peninsula were spread out on a huge nautical chart table.

Navy Chief Xiao Zhenhua stood with his hands behind his back in front of the porthole, gazing at the fleet returning to its positions outside, while Captain Li Hongbo focused intently on checking the navigation data.

Xiao Zhenhua's Type 50 naval officer uniform was made of dark navy blue woolen fabric and was tailored very neatly.

A golden sash draped diagonally across his chest, and his cuffs were embroidered with intricate rank insignia featuring a wheel and anchor chain.

Li Hongbo's captain's uniform was more professional, without a sash, but equally meticulous, with his navy blue military cap placed neatly on a corner of the chart table.

"Report! Chief Wu and Political Commissar Liu have arrived!"

The Chinese naval soldiers on duty at the gate announced the news in a loud voice.

Upon hearing this, Xiao Zhenhua and Li Hongbo turned around at the same time.

The heavy, watertight steel door leading to the bridge was pushed open from the outside, and a cool breeze carrying the smell of the sea rushed in.

The scene in the passageway was startling.

Two rows of upright Chinese naval soldiers, dressed in brand-new sailor uniforms.

The dark blue woolen coat featured a wide, square shawl collar with striking white trim, a black ribbon at the neckline symbolizing the vast sea frontier, and a prominent rectangular badge on the chest that read "Chinese People's Volunteer Army Navy".

He wore straight-leg trousers of the same color and shiny black leather shoes.

They wore brimless navy blue sailor caps, with the striking white words "Chinese People's Volunteer Army Navy" and the golden anchor badge above the brim gleaming under the overhead lights.

Every soldier stood like a steel nail driven into the deck, their young faces honed by the sea breeze and battles, their eyes bright as stars.

They were filled with high morale and sincere respect for the legendary commander before them.

When Wu Wanli and Liu Hanqing appeared at the door, two rows of Chinese naval soldiers simultaneously raised their right arms in salute.

Their movements were perfectly synchronized, their arms taut and their gazes intensely fixed on the newcomer.

That solemn posture, that instantly concentrated spirit, was like an invisible, powerful current that filled the entire passage.

Wu Wanli's military uniform still bore traces of the dust and gunpowder smoke from the fierce battle at Paotaishan outside Jiangling City.

The pale yellow-green cotton uniforms of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, worn smooth at the elbows and patched with barely noticeable stitches, stood in stark contrast to the brand-new dark blue uniforms of the surrounding sailors.

Meeting the soldiers' burning gazes, he deftly raised his hand in return, his movements precise and powerful.

Liu Hanqing, who was following behind, had a slightly complicated expression and quickly raised his hand to salute as well.

Wu Wanli lowered his hand, said nothing more, but his gaze swept over each young and resolute face, and he nodded slightly.

Then, he led Liu Hanqing through the silent salute of the soldiers, striding through the passageway filled with reverence and strength, and into the brightly lit command room.

"Comrade Wanli! Comrade Hanqing!"

Xiao Zhenhua greeted him with a loud laugh, extending his hands warmly, his face beaming with undisguised admiration and excitement.
"We've been waiting for you! You've seen the grandeur of our new fleet as you boarded the ship, haven't you?"

He couldn't find the most fitting word to describe this peculiar force composed of captured ships, so he could only use the word "new," his tone filled with emotion.

Captain Li Hongbo followed closely behind, raised his hand in salute, and said in a loud voice, "Commander Wu! Political Commissar Liu! Welcome aboard!"

"Commander Xiao! Captain Li!"

The fleet is impressive in scale, and the morale of the comrades is high; this is the result of the naval comrades' tireless efforts day and night.

Wu Wanli raised his hand in return, speaking with a resolute yet calm expression, without a trace of pride.

"I don't deserve it, I don't deserve it!"

The battle of Jiangling was earth-shattering!
Comrade Wu Wanli, Comrade Liu Hanqing, let me speak from the bottom of my heart.

Without your risking your lives on the shore to capture Paotaishan, without your precise command and the bloody battles fought by the Seventh Steel Brigade and the New Eighth Army brothers...

Our navy would find it impossible to even get close to Gangneung Port, let alone completely annihilate the US Seventh Fleet!
An entire US fleet was annihilated, and its flagship aircraft carrier and main battleships were captured!
"From the day the navy was born, we never even dared to dream of it!"

Li Hongbo excitedly added, "Chief Xiao is right!"
Looking at the world, only the navy of the People's Republic of China has achieved such a feat to this day!

In the Pacific War, Japan's surprise attack on Pearl Harbor was ruthless, but it only severely damaged the Pacific Fleet. The Americans recovered and launched a counterattack.

Post-war Soviet Union, for the time being, may not have had such an opportunity to fight to the death at sea with the American fleet.

This is our first batch!
Being able to participate in this battle is the greatest honor of my life, Li Hongbo!

Wu Wanli shook his head slightly, his tone still calm and composed, without the slightest hint of taking credit: "You two are too kind."

The victory at Jiangling was not achieved by one person alone, nor could it have been accomplished by the army or navy alone.

This is a true testament to the three armies risking their lives!

On the fortified hill, every gun position we controlled on the shore was stained with the blood of the martyrs of the Seventh Steel Brigade and the Fifth Logistics Regiment.

The port defense line was breached by soldiers of the New Eighth Army and the North Korean Ninth Army who braved enemy fire.

The fierce air and sea battle was a battle in which Wang Wei and his comrades risked their lives to fight for that precious bit of air superiority.

It was the naval officers and soldiers who, aboard the Wanli and a series of escort ships, charged and intercepted the American artillery fire!
Without the united hatred of all commanders and soldiers, without the support of millions of people in the rear, and without the decisive decisions of the Party Central Committee and the leaders of the Volunteer Army Headquarters, we would not have been able to capture Jiangling, let alone stand here.

Victory belongs to all the soldiers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army! It belongs to the people who supported us!

Liu Hanqing stood slightly behind Wu Wanli, gently pushed up his glasses, and with a sincere smile on his face, continued the conversation: "Wanli is right, but he is still too modest."

Commander Xiao, Captain Li, I am truly unworthy of such praise, but I, Liu Hanqing, am deeply ashamed and unworthy of it.

The specific military command of the Jiangling Campaign, from the determination to launch a lightning attack on the port area to the deployment to control Paotaishan, and then to the key nodes of cooperating with the navy to blockade the port, was all carefully considered and decided by Comrade Wan Li.

As the political commissar, my duties included battlefield mobilization, logistical support, and ideological work.

The brilliance of the art of conducting shone brightly in Comrade Wan Li.

At best, I benefited from his success, experiencing a great victory that will surely be recorded in military textbooks.

Xiao Zhenhua and Li Hongbo exchanged a glance and nodded, clearly admiring the two men for their modesty in not taking credit for their work.

Then the group exchanged pleasantries and chatted about preparations for landing in Kaping and the enemy situation. Inevitably, the topic turned to the largest trophy.

Xiao Zhenhua pointed to the colossal silhouette of the USS Intrepid aircraft carrier outside the window, his tone becoming more relaxed: "By the way, Wanli, Hanqing, we should give this behemoth a new and impressive name."

It would be good to have a formal title in the telegrams sent to the Central Committee.

We can't keep calling it "Intrepid," it's the name of the Americans, after all, and I don't like it.

Li Hongbo immediately perked up, his eyes shining: "Commander Xiao is right!"
This is a symbol of our complete annihilation of the US Seventh Fleet and capture of their flagship alive!

It's incredibly significant!

These standards represent a significant step forward in the rejuvenation of our nation!
How about... calling it Fuxing (Rejuvenation)?
It's both catchy and meaningful!

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing pondered for a moment, then a solemn expression appeared on his face: "The idea of ​​revival is excellent, and its symbolic meaning is strong, however..."

Our war was the War to Resist US Aggression and Aid Korea, to Protect Our Homes and Defend Our Country.

Millions upon millions of Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers forged today's victory with their blood and flesh.

This aircraft carrier is the battle flag they won with their lives.

How about calling it the Volunteer Army bugle?

Its simplicity and profound history remind everyone who steps upon it of who fought this war, for whom they fought, and with what sacrifices they achieved victory.

For a moment, the command room fell silent.

"Revival" and "Volunteer Army"—both names carry a heavy weight.

Xiao Zhenhua and Li Hongbo both turned their gazes to Wu Wanli, awaiting his opinion.

Wu Wanli did not speak immediately, but walked to the huge porthole, his gaze falling on the dark blue sea outside, and then on the transport ship with its lights twinkling.

Amidst the shadows of the ships, he seemed to see the figures of his army brothers crowded on the deck, about to plunge into the next fierce battle, their young faces covered in mud and gunpowder.

His gaze swept across the hazy outline of Jiangling Port, as if piercing through time and space to see further into the distance.

The factories in the rear that roared day and night, the farmers who worked hard in the fields, the elderly who saved money and donated goods, and the countless eyes that silently hoped for the return of the victorious.

After a long pause, he turned around, his facial features incredibly clear and resolute under the lights of the command room, and his voice rang out steadily and clearly:

"Rejuvenation is the goal, and the Volunteer Army is the cornerstone of the front line."

But what truly supports all of this is the people, the millions upon millions of ordinary people.

They toiled and produced goods in the rear, they sent their sons and husbands to the battlefield, and they endured all the hardships brought by the war.

Without their support, which involved tightening their belts, and without their most basic patriotism and spirit of sacrifice, the Volunteer Army could not have persevered in the freezing cold, and we could not have created a miracle in Jiangling.

War is fought by the army, but the real force that determines victory or defeat lies among the people.

This ship is an iron fist formed by the combined strength of the Chinese people.

Therefore, I think we should call it the People's Express.

"People's Express..."

These three words, like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, stirred up huge ripples and echoes in the hearts of everyone in the command room.

"People's Express!"

Xiao Zhenhua slapped his thigh suddenly, his eyes flashing with intense light, his excitement overflowing.
"Excellent! What a fine People's Daily!"

Comrade Wanli, your name is... brilliant!
This is more than just the name of a ship; it's the foundation of our nation and the source of our victory!

He nodded vigorously, his eyes filled with unprecedented respect and admiration as he looked at Wu Wanli.

"Having accomplished such earth-shattering feats, yet remaining so clear-headed, never forgetting his roots, and giving the highest honor to the people... No wonder!"
No wonder Hanqing's father wanted to take you as a student!

He truly is a top-notch soldier, a hero deeply rooted in the hearts of the people!

Xiao Zhenhua's sentiments came from the bottom of his heart, his tone filled with admiration and a sense of natural agreement.

Liu Hanqing took a deep breath, filled with immense joy and a sense of relief and pride that he himself was unaware of:
"Wan... Wanli! Can you hear me?"
This...this is wonderful! This is absolutely wonderful!
Then wouldn't we be able to stay together after the war?!

We can even study and work together!
Let's dedicate our lives to the cause of socialism in China!

He spoke quickly, with an unprecedented excitement and anticipation, as if he could see the road ahead where they would fight side by side suddenly becoming clear.

Wu Wanli's calm was finally shattered, and his heart was filled with turbulent emotions!

The acceptance of him as a student represents the old man's deep expectations, his affirmation of Wu Wanli, and the best opportunity for growth!

After all, a fierce general like Kong Jie, who was completely illiterate, wouldn't have been of much use after the war.

But with guidance, surely we can strive to work on the atomic bomb and missile projects, or even learn and promote mechanized and information-based warfare, which require a high level of education?
This was almost equivalent to opening the door to a completely new world for him, a path of technological and cultural development that he, as an ordinary person, was not qualified to participate in after the war.

A tremendous shock, like an icy tide, instantly overwhelmed his heart, almost suffocating him.

He felt the strength of Liu Hanqing gripping his arm, a strength that conveyed the brother's heartfelt joy and unreserved blessings.

Wu Wanli's heart pounded violently in his chest. He forced himself to take a deep breath of air mixed with the salty smell of engine oil and seawater, trying to suppress the turmoil in his heart.

He gripped Liu Hanqing's hand tightly in return, conveying a silent sense of excitement and gratitude.

Wu Wanli tried his best to maintain his composure, but the undisguised shock and sudden glint in his eyes ignited instantly, as if a spark had been thrown into them:

"Hanqing, I never thought that someone as ignorant as me would have the opportunity to study hard and improve every day!"

Seeing this exciting scene, Xiao Zhenhua smiled with satisfaction and understanding.

He coughed softly, breaking the atmosphere filled with immense surprise and endless possibilities, his tone becoming relaxed yet carrying a hint of elder's concern:

"Yes, Comrade Wanli."

This matter is of great significance.

An uneducated layman is different from a warrior armed with knowledge and revolutionary ideology.

As he spoke, Xiao Zhenhua turned and walked to a small, locked filing cabinet next to the chart table. He opened it with a key and took out a letter that was sealed in a kraft paper envelope without a stamp. There was a clear red stamp on the envelope.

He took the letter but did not hand it directly to Wu Wanli. Instead, he walked up to Liu Hanqing with a gentle smile on his face: "Hanqing, this was entrusted to me by your father. He asked me to give it to you personally."

Here, take it.

Xiao Zhenhua gently placed the weighty letter into Liu Hanqing's still trembling hands, which were still trembling with excitement.

The kraft paper envelope felt slightly heavy in my hand.

Liu Hanqing's body visibly shuddered again, as if he had been scalded.

He looked down at the familiar, vigorous, and uniquely styled handwriting on the envelope—it was his father's own handwriting!

In an instant, all sounds seemed to fade away: the faint hum of the instruments in the command room, the sound of waves crashing against the ship outside the window—all disappeared from his ears. His fingertips touched the slightly rough texture of the envelope, and an indescribable warmth and sorrow rushed to his nose, his eyes instantly reddening.

A letter from home is worth a fortune when war has raged for three months!

Liu Hanqing almost trembled as he tore open the seal and pulled out a few thin sheets of paper.

Unfolding the letter, the handwriting that comes into view is not the usual neat regular script, but a unique style of calligraphy that is unrestrained, vigorous, and powerful yet controlled!

The handwriting reflects the person; it exudes a powerful and majestic spiritual strength.

The contents of the letter are clearly displayed before my eyes:
The report of the great victory at Jiangling has been received.

You and Comrade Wu Wanli fought side by side, commanding with composure, leading the Seventh Steel Corps, the Eighth New Army, and the Ninth North Korean Army in a bloody battle, capturing Paotaishan, annihilating the US Seventh Fleet in the harbor, capturing its flagship, and then encircling and annihilating the main force of the US Second Division, capturing its commander.

The significance of this battle lies not only in the large number of enemy troops annihilated and the abundant spoils captured, but also in breaking the enemy's fierce naval and air power and demonstrating our national prestige and military might to the world!

You have aspired to serve your country since childhood, and today you have finally put that aspiration into practice with your heroic deeds, living up to your family's teachings and the organization's years of nurturing.

My son, you are a true man!
However, the battlefield is dangerous, and guns and cannons have no eyes.

Your wife was overjoyed and wept upon hearing the good news. However, in the dead of night, she would often lean against the door and look out, worrying about your safety. She would toss and turn in bed, her tears soaking her pillow.

In matters concerning family, country, and the world, it is difficult to balance loyalty to one's family and filial piety.

Your dedication to the country is the greatest act of filial piety.

I only hope that my son will be careful in his conduct, take good care of himself, and not disappoint his family's concerns.

In your letter, you repeatedly mentioned your comrade-in-arms, Comrade Wu Wanli.

Judging from his battle at Jiangling, his strategy was insightful and his courage was overwhelming.

His will is as firm as a rock, and his achievements can shake the world.

What is particularly commendable is that he is not arrogant despite his great achievements, does not change his true nature despite his fame, cares for his soldiers, and is rooted in the people.

This is truly a pillar of our nation, a talent with a promising future!

It is a great fortune to work with him and fight alongside him.

We must deeply understand that on the revolutionary road, comrades who share the same ideals and are loyal to each other are especially precious, even more so than brothers.

You should treat them with sincerity, humbly learn from their strengths, and work together to overcome these difficult times.

This friendship, forged in the crucible of war, will only grow stronger with time, making them lifelong friends, comrades, and pillars of support.

Currently, the Korean War is still raging, and the US imperialists have not given up their desire to destroy us.

I hope that my son, Comrade Wu Wanli, and all comrades-in-arms will guard against arrogance and impetuosity, unite closely, be flexible and adaptable, and make new contributions.

Always remember: the source of all strength lies in the people.

The key to all victories lies in fighting for the people.

Personal honor and disgrace, gains and losses, are as insignificant as a feather when placed before the interests of the people.

Only by merging oneself into the torrent of history and dedicating one's life to the magnificent cause of the liberation of the people can one achieve immortality.

I hope my son will fight bravely on the front lines and create new glories!

This family letter is written with vigorous strokes and a powerful style.

The poem begins with family matters, recounting in detail the constant worry his wife, Shulan, has for him.

The words convey a father's endless concern and expectations for his son who is far away on the front lines of war.

This warmth instantly touched the softest spot in Liu Hanqing's heart.

Then, the tone shifts abruptly, replacing the tenderness of an ordinary father with a grand and fervent revolutionary passion.

The letter highly praised the historical significance of the Battle of Jiangling, and every word was powerful and resounding, filled with the older generation's heartfelt joy at the victory and their high respect for the soldiers who fought and bled.

The praise for Wu Wanli was lavish, using weighty terms like "pillar of the nation," revealing the author's admiration and expectations.

At its core lies the profound teaching and exhortation: "The source of all strength lies in the people. The foundation of all victory lies in fighting for the people."

"Personal honor and disgrace are as light as a feather when placed before the interests of the people."

These words, powerful and penetrating, are filled with the strength of faith and profound wisdom that sees through the world; they are true maxims that have been tested by blood and fire.

Every word carried a heavy weight, like molten iron, poured into Liu Hanqing's soul.

Liu Hanqing could no longer control herself; scalding tears streamed down her face like a burst dam, instantly blurring her vision.

He suddenly lowered his head, his shoulders trembling uncontrollably.

He clutched the letter, which carried his father's boundless love, profound expectations, and deep philosophy, tightly in his hand.

The once heartwarming scenes are now intertwined with the hellish battles at Paotai Mountain and the furious roars of comrades who sacrificed their lives.

His father's profound expectations and teachings, as deep as the sea and as majestic as a mountain, resonated in his soul like a resounding bell.

Longing, guilt, pressure, the excitement of being recognized, anticipation for the future, and camaraderie with comrades...

Countless emotions surged like a raging tide, completely breaching the dam of his reason.

The command center was silent.

Xiao Zhenhua and Li Hongbo watched silently, their eyes filled with understanding and respect.

Soldiers shed blood but not tears, but at this moment, who can blame a soldier who is overwhelmed with emotion upon receiving such a letter from home on the front lines of life and death?

Wu Wanli stood in front of Liu Hanqing, looking at his brother who had fought side by side and risked his life for him, and at this moment he burst into tears like a lost child.

Liu Hanqing's shoulders trembled helplessly, and tears silently soaked the family letter that carried thousands of words.

A deep and profound emotion surged and churned violently within Wu Wanli's chest.

Wu Wanli understood Liu Hanqing's feelings all too well.

It wasn't just the excitement of receiving a letter from home; it was the tremor in my heart caused by the understanding and profound expectations of my parents.

It is the immense relief and sense of injustice that comes after fighting on the front lines with a heavy responsibility and sacrifice, finally receiving affirmation from the closest and most respected person!

It is the most intense outburst of patriotism in one's flesh and blood!
Wu Wanli stepped forward, opened his arms, and hugged Liu Hanqing, who was still sobbing!

This is the most solid and direct support and comfort that a comrade-in-arms can offer to another brother!

"Hanqing! Wipe your tears!"

The war isn't over yet; the Americans are still waiting for us to deal with them in Gapin!
You are the political commissar of the Seventh Steel Brigade, the backbone of our tens of thousands of comrades!
We won the Battle of Jiangling! We destroyed the American Seventh Fleet! We captured their division commander alive!
This is an undeniable fact! It's an achievement earned through hard-fought battles!

Your father is proud of you! Proud of the entire Seventh Steel Brigade! This is something we earned with our lives!

Wipe away your tears! Stand up straight!

We will continue to win the battles to come!
Win even more beautifully!
After defeating all enemies, we will return home triumphantly to face our people!

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing's shoulder twitching subsided, and a surge of heat welled up from the bottom of his heart.

The expectations in his father's letter, his wife's waiting, the sacrifices of his comrades, the mission ahead... all of these transformed into a boiling fighting spirit at this moment!

"Wanli! You're right!"

Save your strength to defeat all enemies, and we will surely win!
Imperialism and capitalism, like the Americans, are paper tigers that go against the tide of history and try to enslave the people of the world by relying on their superior ships and cannons. They are destined to be completely defeated by the Chinese people and the people of the world!
Victory will surely belong to us! To the people!

Liu Hanqing nodded emphatically.

Xiao Zhenhua stood aside, watching the two young generals who were supporting each other tightly.

One was as steady as a mountain, the other as passionate as fire; one was covered in the marks of battle, the other had tears still on his face but his eyes were as firm as iron.

Their uniforms were covered in the dust of the battlefield, and their faces bore the marks of a fortitude and hardship beyond their years.

An indescribable warmth and immense sense of relief instantly surged into the heart of this battle-hardened naval commander.

His eyes also felt slightly hot, and his throat bobbed.

Over the years, from the Changbai Mountains and the Heilongjiang River to the Yangtze and Yellow Rivers, and now to this foreign land aboard a steel warship, he has seen too many outstanding soldiers.

But what he saw before him, the friendship, sense of responsibility, and pure, burning patriotism of these two young people, made him see the backbone and hope of this ancient nation's rebirth from the ashes!
"Okay! Okay!"

Xiao Zhenhua slammed his hand on the table twice, his voice booming, filled with barely suppressed excitement and emotion.

"The future of the nation and the hope of the army—with such patriotic young people like you, who are willing to risk their lives for the motherland, how can we not achieve the great cause of national rejuvenation?!"
Why fear being surrounded by powerful enemies?!

As he spoke, he walked over to the two men, patted them on the shoulder with one hand each, and his gaze swept back and forth between Wu Wanli and Liu Hanqing's faces.

"Seeing you all makes this old body of mine feel full of energy again!"

I wish I were twenty years younger, so I could go with you to Gapyeong, to Seoul, and drive those imperialist robbers back into the sea!

Upon hearing this, Wu Wanli turned to Navy Chief Xiao Zhenhua and made a firm request: "Chief Xiao, you don't need to be twenty years younger, the Navy can help us right now!"

"Order the fleet to dock immediately!"

"Reach the shore? Now?"

Xiao Zhenhua was taken aback by what he heard, and Captain Li Hongbo and Liu Hanqing also looked at him with puzzlement.

Li Hongbo unfolded the nautical chart and pointed to the current sea area: "Comrade Wanli, we have only reached this position now, and there is still a distance to the planned landing area for Jiaping."

Now, the only place they can land is on the coastline between Chuncheon and Gapyeong.

This location is too far north; it's not our original landing point, so it's not very meaningful.

"It has to be here!"
I will send an elite force to land here and then directly advance into Shirogane-ri, southeast of Chuncheon!
The objective is to cut off the retreat and supply lines of the Chuncheon 1st Cavalry Division!

Wu Wanli said.

Liu Hanqing immediately sketched out the battlefield situation in his mind and pondered, "Cut off the White Hidden Realm?"

Tactically, it could indeed threaten Freeman's 1st Cavalry Division's flank and rear, disrupting his plans.

But... sending only 1,000 veterans from the 7th Steel Brigade plus 3,000 Korean soldiers from the New 8th Army, a total force of only 4,000, is that enough to attack such an important stronghold?

"We don't really intend to wipe out the 1st Cavalry Division with just this few men!"
Freeman wasn't a fool. No matter how fiercely the North Korean army fought on the Chuncheon front, they were still just North Korean troops.

He likely deduced that our main force had already crossed the sea route.

But if you add this one blow—an elite volunteer army unit suddenly appears behind him at the key point of Shirogane and launches a fierce attack!

What do you think Freeman and the UN command will think?

Wu Wanli smiled and said.

Liu Hanqing's eyes suddenly lit up, and he blurted out, "They will misjudge!"

They thought our main target wasn't Li Yunlong in Jiaping at all, but rather to coordinate with the Chaojiu Army to launch a pincer attack from the north and south, and wipe out his cavalry division!

"Yes! That's exactly right!"
The goal is to make Freeman suspicious and hesitant to launch a full-scale attack on Li Yunlong, the commander of Jiaping, and he might even be forced to retreat and withdraw his troops to protect himself!

This is the only way to truly confuse the enemy and cover our landing operation in Gapin!

Wu Wanli nodded.

"Wonderful!"

Xiao Zhenhua thought for a moment, then a look of realization appeared on his face.

This tactic, a mix of feints and real attacks, directly targets the enemy commander's blind spot.

"So, who will lead this infiltration and raiding force?"
We need a commander who can stand alone, is resolute and decisive, and has extensive experience in leading troops!

Wu Wanli looked at Liu Hanqing and asked.

Without hesitation, Liu Hanqing immediately recommended: "Comrade Chenggong!"
He was wounded during the Battle of Fupingli and stayed behind to recuperate. He has now almost fully recovered.

Then they came along with the reinforcements arranged by the commander!

He was also a good commander, especially known for his decisiveness and ability to think and act boldly!

Wu Wanli instantly recalled Cheng Gong's past combat performances and, without the slightest hesitation, nodded immediately: "Good! Comrade Cheng Gong!"
Commander Xiao, please order us to dock immediately!
"Comrade Chenggong, lead 1,000 veterans of the 7th Steel Brigade and 3,000 soldiers of the New 8th Army, immediately land and launch a forced march to Baiyinli!"

Without further doubt, Xiao Zhenhua immediately turned around and decisively issued a series of orders to the command center: "Order the entire fleet to immediately move towards the nearest coastline! Prepare landing equipment!"
Notify Comrade Chenggong to lead the designated troops to assemble on the deck and prepare for the emergency infiltration mission!
After the troops landed, the fleet immediately set sail and continued at full speed towards the designated waters off Gapin!

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Li Hongbo immediately agreed.

The atmosphere inside the bridge instantly became tense yet orderly.

With a long blast of the ship's horn, the massive fleet adjusted its course, cleaved through the waves, and sped toward the predetermined coastline.

On the deck, having received the order, the four thousand high-spirited soldiers quickly assembled.

After a short rest and replenishment, the veterans of the Seventh Steel Corps still had sharp eyes, while the new recruits of the Eighth Army, though still somewhat inexperienced, were also inspired by the excitement of being about to engage in battle.

The vibrations of the ship docking were felt, and the cabin door opened.

He successfully became the first to leap onto the landing craft, waving his hand and shouting, "Quick! Get ashore, follow me!"

Then, like arrows released from a bow, the four thousand soldiers vanished swiftly in the direction from the coast to the inland.

Watching the successful troops disappear from sight, Xiao Zhenhua decisively ordered: "Collect the landing craft! Full fleet, set sail!"
Target—the closest waters to Jiaping! Full speed ahead!

The Chinese naval fleet once again broke through the waves, carrying the main force and Wu Wanli's even grander strategic intentions, heading towards the sea area that would determine the fate of the eastern front.

(End of this chapter)