Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 373 Another Blitzkrieg on Seoul! Threatening the UN Command!

"kill!!!"

"Kill all the American imperialist wolves!!!"

The loud roars of the soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade and the Eighth New Army, accompanied by the clicking sound of weapons being pulled back, propelled them towards the bottom of the valley!

At the bottom of the valley, the remnants of the US 7th Division's vanguard regiment were on the verge of collapse due to the shock of their commander being killed in the bombing.

The faces of the American soldiers were stained with gunpowder, blood, and despair. Many of them had discarded their heavy equipment and huddled together in a daze.

The burning wreckage of tanks and vehicles crackled and popped, billowing thick smoke and suffocating the air with a pungent smell of burning and blood.

However, the U.S. military is, after all, an elite force that has experienced the bloody battles of the Pacific.

Even with the death of the supreme commander, battalion and company-level officers instinctively stepped forward, attempting to rebuild order on the brink of destruction and perpetuate their survival instinct.

"Stay calm! Don't panic! Anyone who doesn't want to die, obey orders!"

Major Johnson, the battalion commander of the first battalion, had a hoarse voice like a broken gong, and the bandage on his left arm was already soaked with blood.

He grabbed an M3 submachine gun that had fallen to the ground and fired a burst into the air, the sound of gunfire briefly drowning out the chaos.

"Contract! Move towards the center! Use the tank wreckage and rocks as cover! Establish a circular defensive line! Quickly!"

He roared as he kicked the soldiers who were slumped on the ground.

Lieutenant McLean, the 2nd Company Commander, his face covered in blood and one ear half-shaved off by shrapnel, was still desperately trying to muster his last strength: "Heavy machine guns! And the breathing machine gun crews!"
Set it up! Block off the east slope!

Infantry! Take up advantageous positions and engage in crossfire!

We can't let them latch onto us so easily!

Driven by his shouts and the butt of his rifle, the remaining heavy machine gun units were barely managed to be reassembled.

The two remaining M1919 heavy machine guns were dragged behind several huge rocks and the wreckage of a Pershing tank with its tracks blown off, their muzzles trembling as they pointed at the waves of Chinese People's Volunteer Army pressing down from both sides.

Several daring veterans spontaneously collected the scattered grenades and piled them up at the edge of the bunker.

Several junior officers from the Third Battalion also took the initiative to gather the fleeing soldiers.

They used the relatively concave terrain at the bottom of the canyon and the scattered vehicles and boulders as natural barriers to drive the soldiers to build makeshift resistance points.

Sandbags were dragged out of the broken truck and piled up haphazardly.

The rifleman lay prone in the shell crater, using the shadows of the wreckage for cover.

The surviving U.S. military officers maintained a final vestige of discipline with pistols and shouts.

Despite the hasty organization, driven by their will to survive and the forceful actions of their junior officers, the remaining American soldiers quickly shrank into a defensive circle, and the makeshift fire network began to sporadically spew fire.

Bullets whizzed down at the volunteer soldiers charging from the high ground. Although not as fierce as at the beginning, they were still accurate and deadly.

The first few soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade groaned and fell to the ground, halting the charge on the east side.

On the west side, the attacking front of the New Eighth Army also encountered fierce resistance.

The American troops, using Garand rifles and positioned behind rocks, provided precise bursts of fire, suppressing the advancing Chinese People's Volunteer Army skirmishers.

Wu Wanli stood in the concealed command post on the eastern high ground, leaning slightly forward, his high-powered artillery scope pressed tightly against his brow bone.

Smoke and fire were billowing at the bottom of the canyon, but the retreating formation of the American troops was exceptionally clear to him.

On the map deep within my consciousness, dense red dots representing American soldiers are relentlessly converging towards the center, forming a constantly shrinking defense zone.

"Commander, the American troops have all huddled together!"
Their firepower is considerable; charging in head-on would be too costly!

Liu Hanqing said.

Wu Wanli remained motionless, his voice as cold as iron, carrying an unwavering determination: "It's just right that you're all curled up in a ball! It saves us the trouble of chasing you around!"
Order Thunder God—coordinates XXX (core gathering area), concentrate all firepower and give me precise coverage!

Three rapid shots, not a single one can miss!

Blow their turtle shells apart!

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Hanqing immediately agreed.

Before long, the order was instantly transmitted to the artillery positions in the rear via field telephone.

With one hand on his hip, Lei Gong hoarsely roared at the artillery observers, "Radar adjustment!"
Direction due west, focus fire point XXX!

High-explosive rounds loaded! Three rapid-fire rounds—fire!

"put!"

"put!"

The gunner's roar rang out in a relay.

The captured American-made howitzers suddenly lurched backward, unleashing a series of deep, thunderous roars!
The scorching shells whistled through the air, carrying the shriek of death, heading straight for the heart of the American forces' tightening defensive perimeter!

Boom! Boom! Boom!

The explosion suddenly erupted in the heart of the US military concentration area!

The first shell landed precisely less than ten meters from Major Johnson's makeshift command post!
A massive fireball, carrying mud, rocks, shrapnel, and human remains, shot into the sky!

The violent shockwave swept across like an invisible wall.

Major Johnson felt an irresistible force slam into his chest, sending him flying and crashing heavily onto a charred tank side plate, blood gushing from his mouth and nose.

Immediately afterwards, the second and third shells followed, landing almost exactly on the same spot as the first one!
The terrifying orange-red fire cloud expanded violently, instantly engulfing the newly erected M1919 heavy machine gun and a large area around it.

The steel machine gun was twisted into a pretzel, and the operator's limbs were torn to pieces.

The hastily stacked sandbag fortifications were blown away like pieces of paper.

The American soldiers behind them were thrown into a meat grinder, and were either killed or injured by the shockwave and high-speed flying shrapnel.

Thick black smoke and dust billowed and rose, obscuring the view.

Driven by their survival instincts, the American soldiers dropped to the ground, instantly disrupting and disintegrating the newly established firepower rhythm!

Wu Wanli's lips tightened, showing no emotion whatsoever, and he continued to give the order: "Attention everyone—accelerate the general offensive!"
The firepower team continues to exert pressure!
Infantry, advance in echelons! Get close! Bayonets clashing!

The final order to launch the general offensive was like igniting the fuse of an explosive device!

The Seventh Steel Brigade and the New Eighth Army, having prepared their attack forces for a long time, launched a desperate assault from the east and west flanks towards the chaotic American remnants at the bottom of the valley.

On the west side, Quan Douguang, the commander of the New Eighth Army, waved his fists and roared orders in Korean and broken Chinese.

The soldiers of the New Eighth Army, relying on the pre-prepared strong fortifications, unleashed their full firepower.

The Soviet-made rotary machine guns emitted a continuous, low roar, and the long belts of ammunition sprayed out a wide fan-shaped net of fire, sweeping down swathes of American troops moving westward.

More Mosin-Nagant rifles and PPSh submachine guns erupted in a dense barrage of fire, bullets swarming down into the valley like locusts.

Several Soviet-made mortars roared, their shells landing precisely behind the American troops, blocking their retreat and kicking up clouds of deathly dust.

On the east side, the Seventh Steel Corps Firepower Detachment, under the personal command of Yu Congrong, took the lead in launching an attack.

Several M1919 heavy machine guns roared deadly from their advantageous positions on the slope, their bullets relentlessly suppressing the remaining American firing positions at the bottom of the valley, sending sparks flying from rocks and dust billowing from the bunkers.

At the same time, the assault detachment led by Gao Daxing, as the spearhead of the general offensive, launched its operation.

The soldiers did not rush down in a swarm, but deployed strictly according to the three-three tactic, forming multiple sharp little arrows in groups of three.

The first group of soldiers crouched low, using rocks and shell craters as cover, and leaped forward quickly while firing their weapons to draw the American forces' positions and firepower.

The second group of soldiers followed closely behind, leaping up suddenly in the instant their own firepower and the first group's cover were drawn.

Using the terrain, they rushed forward quickly, and when they got close enough to throw the grenades, they threw the grenades they had prepared at the bunkers or firing positions where American troops were gathered!
The third group of soldiers, like the sharpest blade on a dagger, immediately engaged in a final mopping-up operation with a barrage of submachine gun bullets or bayonets at the moment the explosion occurred!

Multiple such groups advanced side by side, providing cover for each other and taking turns charging, fiercely breaking into the crumbling US defenses from different directions.

Although the U.S. military suffered heavy losses and its command system was on the verge of collapse, the surviving battalion and company officers and some veterans who had been tested by war did not give up the fight, and their ferocity as cornered beasts was fully unleashed.

Major Johnson, who miraculously survived the deafening shelling, struggled to his feet from the rubble, picked up a blood-stained M1 Garand rifle, and roared while coughing up blood: "Hold on!"
Don't let them get close!

Aim and fire!

As he spoke, he endured the excruciating pain, raised his gun, aimed, and fired a precise burst, knocking down a volunteer soldier who was throwing grenades.

Lieutenant McLean, his face covered in blood and dragging a leg wounded by shrapnel, directed the last few machine gunners who were still able to fight to move a light machine gun behind a huge crevice in the rocks.

"Fire! Block off that area!"

Despite the intermittent firing, the flames still posed a threat to the charging Chinese People's Volunteer Army, and two soldiers who tried to get close were hit by bullets and fell.

Driven by the officers' shouts and their survival instincts, the American soldiers fought a desperate resistance, clinging to their last remaining cover.

The steady bursts of fire from the Garand rifle, the rapid bursts of fire from the M3 submachine gun, and the exploding sounds of grenades tracing arcs through the air... all intertwined.

Every close-range assault by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army was accompanied by fierce fighting and casualties.

Wu Wanli stood on high ground, calmly observing the entire battlefield.

The resistance from the U.S. forces exceeded his initial expectations. The remaining troops concentrated at the western pass relied on the favorable terrain and rock crevices to form several stubborn strongholds.

These strongholds slowed down the advance of the New Eighth Army and hindered the general offensive from the east and west.

Time is the deadliest enemy right now!
If U.S. air support arrives, or if the retreating troops of the 1st Marine Division change course upon hearing the news, the consequences will be unimaginable!
"Lei Gong! Extend the artillery fire! Cover the enemy's rear area at the western pass and cut off their escape route to the west!"

Yu Congrong! Force your way through the gap in the collapsed rock wall on the left!

"Throw it into their ribs! Disrupt their formation!"

Wu Wanli took a deep breath and continued to give the order.

……

The order was quickly and resolutely carried out.

The muffled sound of artillery fire came from the rear artillery positions, slamming heavily into the canyon passage further behind the western pass, sending up plumes of smoke and debris that completely extinguished the last hope of the American troops to escape westward.

A fierce glint flashed in Yu Congrong's eyes, and he roared, "Comrades, follow me!"

He took the lead, personally leading the elite troops of the fire support brigade out of the bunker, using the thick smoke and chaos at the bottom of the valley as cover to skillfully avoid the frontal fire.

Then they plunged down through a gap in the rock wall formed by the shelling, fiercely plunging into the relatively weak flank of the American defenses!
This fierce flanking attack instantly disrupted the last remaining formation of the American troops.

With their flanks under heavy attack, the American soldiers instinctively panicked, their firepower began to disperse, and the officers were overwhelmed.

The New Eighth Army and the Seventh Steel Corps Assault Detachment, which were under tremendous pressure, immediately sensed the change.

"The enemy is in disarray! Charge!"

Gao Daxing keenly seized the opportunity, let out a roar, and led the assault team soldiers in an even more ferocious attack.

On the other side, the soldiers of the New Eighth Army also roared and charged forward at full speed despite the sudden decrease in frontal fire!
In an instant, the entire US military defense system was completely torn open by this powerful punch from both inside and outside!
The distance between the attacking and defending sides rapidly shortened amidst the tug-of-war of blood and fire.

Thirty meters... twenty meters... ten meters...

The gleaming bayonets, illuminated by the billowing smoke and firelight, flashed with a chilling light!
The final battle erupted!

With no way out, the American soldiers, under the desperate shouts of their officers and the threat of death, also raised their bayonets, wielded their entrenching tools and rifle butts, and met the charging Chinese volunteer soldiers.

Gao Daxing took the lead, his PPSh submachine gun emptying its magazine, making a hollow "click" sound.

Without hesitation, he used the scorching hot gun barrel as an iron bar, and with the momentum of his charge, he smashed it hard into the wrist of a tall American soldier who was trying to stab him with his bayonet!

The cracking sound of bones breaking was clearly audible, and the American soldiers screamed as they dropped their rifles.

Without pausing, Gao Daxing pulled out the entrenching tool from his waist, his arm muscles bulging, and with all his strength, he slashed the sharp blade into the other man's neck!

Hot blood splattered all over his face and body like a fountain.

Without even wiping his eyes, his bloodshot eyes were already locked on his next target: a U.S. lieutenant who was shooting at him with a pistol!

A young Chinese volunteer soldier collided with a U.S. sergeant with a full beard.

Both men, bayonets at their heels, were stabbing each other at extremely close range!

The Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldier's bayonet pierced the sergeant's abdomen, while at the same time, the American sergeant's bayonet was deeply embedded in the soldier's chest!
The intense pain instantly distorted their movements, and their strength rapidly dissipated.

A resolute glint flashed in the eyes of the young Chinese volunteer soldier. He abandoned drawing his sword, lunged forward, and with his last bit of strength opened his mouth and bit down hard on the exposed throat of his opponent!

Blood instantly filled his mouth, and the two of them fell heavily to the ground as if they were conjoined twins, twitching a few times in the pool of blood before stopping breathing.

Chaotic, brutal, and bloody hand-to-hand combat unfolded in every corner of the valley.

Corpses lay piled upon each other, blood pooled into streams, seeping into the scorched earth, and the air was thick with an overwhelming stench of blood.

Half an hour later, the vanguard regiment of more than 3,000 elite soldiers of the US 7th Division was completely annihilated.

Some of the surviving soldiers were leaning on their rifles, breathing heavily, their chests heaving violently.

Some were silently checking their weapons and replenishing their ammunition.

Wu Wanli walked down from the command post on the high ground, his boots making a dull sound as he stepped over the sticky blood and mud.

Lei Gong, Yu Congrong, Gao Daxing, Liu Hanqing, Quan Douguang and others were all exhausted or even injured, but they quickly gathered around Wu Wanli.

"Wanli, according to the preliminary count, the Seventh Steel Brigade suffered 673 casualties, including 406 killed and 137 seriously injured and unable to continue fighting."

The New Eighth Army suffered 5,182 casualties, with 3,095 killed and over 800 seriously wounded.

Quan Douguang nodded and added, "Wu Kaka, it's not that we fought badly, it's mainly the American troops' casualties during the retreat and resistance phase and the final general offensive."

The enemy, cornered and fighting desperately, maintained a fierce barrage of firepower, especially machine guns and close-range grenades.

This number made the air freeze instantly.

It's not that they fought badly; it's already quite good that they managed to achieve this level of casualties with a force that is mostly composed of North Korean soldiers.

Even in the face of a great victory, every single point of victory was earned with the blood of comrades.

Wu Wanli waved his hand, his voice not loud but exceptionally clear: "Understood. Report the battle situation in detail to Commander Li Yunlong."

More than 3,000 men of the vanguard regiment of the US 7th Division and some armored units in Qingping Gorge have been annihilated, and our army is currently cleaning up the battlefield.

The Seventh Steel Brigade and the main force of the New Eighth Army will immediately reorganize their troops, carry necessary equipment, and converge on Jiaping as quickly as possible to join forces with the main force.

"Yes!"

Liu Hanqing immediately understood that this was a race against time; he couldn't afford to rest his exhausted troops, he had to seize the window of opportunity.

He answered loudly, turned around and ran to the communications office to send out the weighty yet hopeful report of victory.

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

The atmosphere was heavy in the command center conference room in Jiaping City.

At the head of the conference table, Li Yunlong, who had just been jolted awake by the shockwave of the artillery shell, was still somewhat pale, with a blood-soaked bandage wrapped around his head.

Kong Jie, who was sitting on the left, also had bruises on his body, but he grinned as if nothing had happened.

On the right, Zhao Gang frowned, his eyes filled with worry about the casualties of the troops and thoughts about the future.

On either side were Ding Wei of the 12th Army, a fierce general known for his long-term strategic vision, who was sharpening a pencil with a knife, his eyes fixed on a simple battle map.

Commander Qin of the 15th Army was as steady as a mountain, his fingers habitually tapping on the table.

Commander Wei of the 60th Army took a deep breath, his face showing deep regret and exhaustion at failing to stop the breakout of the 1st Marine Division.

At the end of the table were the key figures who had made significant contributions to the battle: Wu Qianli, commander of the 81st Division; Zhang Dabiao, commander of the 80th Division; and Zheng Qigui, commander of the 180th Division.

Li Yunlong, his voice hoarse, was about to begin outlining the next steps for encircling and annihilating the remnants of the newly bypassed 1st Marine Division when the conference room door was suddenly pushed open with a bang.

Duan Peng practically rushed in, clutching a newly translated telegram in his hand: "Report! Urgent telegram from Commander Wu Wanli! Great victory at Qingping Gorge!"

"what?"

Li Yunlong suddenly stood up, which aggravated his injury, causing him to wince in pain, but he didn't care.

Kong Jie reacted the fastest, snatching the telegram, glancing at it, and then his loud voice boomed like thunder: "Hahahaha! That's awesome! That's fucking awesome!"
Old Li! Old Zhao! Old Ding! Great news! Incredibly great news!
Wu Wanli, that kid, led the Seventh Steel Brigade to Qingping Canyon and wiped out the vanguard regiment of the damned US Seventh Division, which had been sent to provide support. More than three thousand men were wiped out!
Annihilated them all! Not a single one escaped! They even destroyed quite a few tanks and armored vehicles in the process!

A great victory! An absolute great victory!

In an instant, a single stone stirred up a thousand waves!

"Completely annihilated?!"

The knife in Ding Wei's hand fell to the table with a "clatter," and he suddenly stood up, his eyes flashing with disbelief.

Zhao Gang immediately pressed, "Is it confirmed that it was the vanguard regiment of the US 7th Division? All three thousand men were annihilated?"

"The telegram is written very clearly! It was personally signed by Wu Wanli!"

Kong Jie nodded and slammed the telegram onto the center of the table. Chief Qin and Chief Wei were instantly moved and gathered around.

Wu Qianli, the older brother, clenched his fists excitedly, his eyes shining with pride.

After the shock came immense elation!
"Great job! Well done!"

That felt so good! It really felt so good!
This is equivalent to disarming the 7th Infantry Division!

Li Yunlong slammed his hand on the table as he spoke, making the teacups bounce around, and he even forgot the pain in his head.

Ding Wei was the first to calm down from his euphoria. He quickly picked up a pencil and slammed it down on the map, pointing to the location of Qingping Canyon: "Wait!"
Comrades, this is not as simple as annihilating a vanguard regiment!
Where is Qingping Canyon?
It is the throat of the area where the six thousand remnants of the New Marine Division fled to the main force of the US 7th Division!

The fastest and most direct route!

After landing, Wu Wanli rushed over and set up an ambush without stopping, which meant that he not only eliminated the reinforcements, but also completely blocked the nearest escape route for the New Marine Division!
Moreover, the dam was blocked with the corpses of enemy reinforcements!
Now, if that old bastard Iverson wants to run away, he can only take a long detour, either heading north into more dangerous mountain valleys or going in a big circle to the south!

This detour will delay things by at least a day or even longer!
At this time…

The command center fell silent instantly, with only the heavy breathing of the crowd remaining.

Everyone, including Li Yunlong, was deeply impressed by the tactical coordination and strategic vision demonstrated by Wu Wanli's series of actions!
"Hiss... Cut off the enemy's retreat, intercept their reinforcements, and cut off their escape route... Kill three birds with one stone!"
"This Wu Wanli is simply...a divine army descending from the heavens!"

Chief Qin gasped and nodded.

"A stroke of genius! A true stroke of genius!"

Zhao Gang couldn't help but admire him, his eyes filled with respect.

Upon hearing this, Wu Qianli felt a surge of excitement rush to his head. His younger brother's achievements filled him with pride, and his sense of accomplishment was almost overflowing.

But in this situation, he could only suppress his excitement and nod vigorously.

"Wow! This kid is a fucking genius at warfare!"

After finishing his sentence, Li Yunlong took a swig of cold water, his eyes filled with admiration and satisfaction.

After his excitement subsided slightly, Ding Wei, the "strategist," habitually started to "nitpick," pointing to the location of Qingping Canyon on the map with a hint of regret: "However, it's still a pity."

"pity?
Old Ding, what's there to regret about such a great victory?

Kong Jie asked in confusion upon hearing this.

Ding Wei shook his head and pointed to the map: "Look, doesn't this situation resemble the situation of my old unit, the Fourth Field Army, back in Heishan and Dahushan?"

The Fourth Field Army commanders prepared a meal there for the Fifth, Sixth, and Tenth Columns, intending to entertain Liao Yaoxiang's corps as guests.

The results of it?
Good heavens, Hou Jingru's army has also joined in the fun, making us 'two tables of guests'!
The troop strength was immediately insufficient for in-depth defense.

How similar Wu Wanli's situation is!
His intention in hosting the banquet in Qingping Canyon was probably to also invite the remnants of the 1st New Marine Division, who were the "second table of guests."

Unfortunately, he had limited troops at his disposal.

The canyon was not deep enough for him to split his forces and build a defensive point like "Tower Hill" to cut off and hold back part of the US 7th Division vanguard regiment and the remnants of the 1st New Marine Division.

He had no choice but to act quickly and decisively, concentrating his forces to eliminate the vanguard regiment, the most prominent and threatening group of "guests."

This choice was absolutely right!

But it also means that they have temporarily missed the best opportunity to wipe out the remnants of the 1st Marine Division in one fell swoop in the canyon.

Next, taking on the newly formed 1st Marine Division, which is scattering and trying to escape, will be much more difficult.

Ding Wei's insightful analysis caused the crowd's initial excitement to subside slightly, forcing them to confront the realities of the situation.

Once the remnants of the 1st Marine Division are scattered into complex mountainous terrain, mopping them up is indeed time-consuming and laborious, relying on air resupply and sophisticated equipment.

"Old Ding, you're just throwing cold water on things!"

Kong Jie protested, but his confidence was clearly waning.

"This isn't about pouring cold water on things, it's about seeing reality clearly."

Ding Wei said seriously.

However, Kong Jie suddenly revealed a mysterious smile and chuckled: "Hehe, Lao Ding, do you think that kid Wu Wanli is like you, only good at regretting things?"

He'd already figured out his next move long ago!
Here, there's another one!

Wu Wanli's predictions and strategic opinions on the upcoming situation!

Upon hearing this, everyone's attention returned to the present.

Kong Jie cleared his throat and read aloud: "The key points of Qingping Gorge are now under our control. If the main force of the US 7th Division intends to defend the New Marine 1st Division to the death, they will have to take a long detour to the west or south to provide support."

This is one of them.

Secondly, if the US 7th Division is afraid of our military might, or believes that the new 1st Marine Division is beyond saving, it may directly abandon the support and retreat to Seoul to hold its ground.

Recommendation 1: Our 7th Steel Corps and the main force of the New 8th Army will leave a portion of their elite troops to firmly guard the Qingping Gorge and block the passage, delaying the possible return of the US 7th Division and any enemy attempting to pass through.

Second, the majority of the Seventh Steel Corps and the main force of the New Eighth Army moved at full speed toward Jiaping to join forces with the main force of the assault group.

Third, after the joint operation, our army should take action based on the movements of the US 7th Division:

If the main force of the US 7th Division were to be deployed in full force, taking a detour to try and support the remnants of the New Marine Division 1, then the area around Seoul would be left undefended!

Our army should seize this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, deploy all its main forces, and launch a lightning attack on Seoul, heading straight for the UN command headquarters!
This is the best strategy, which can shake their eastern front and even their overall deployment in one fell swoop!

If the US 7th Division remains holed up in Seoul and does not move, abandoning the 1st New Marine Division.

Our army should concentrate its overwhelming forces to encircle and annihilate the remnants of the New Marine Division, which is now isolated and exhausted from taking a detour, as quickly as possible!
Eliminate the threats on the eastern flank and rear, then retake Seoul! This is a strategy of seeking victory while maintaining stability.

After meeting with the commander, a detailed report on the enemy situation and specific deployment suggestions will be given.

Wu Wanli.

After reading it aloud, Kong Jie looked at everyone triumphantly: "How was that?"
Does this kid have a big appetite?
Is the idea wild or not?

The command post was completely silent; you could hear a pin drop.

Ding Wei's hand holding the pencil froze in mid-air, his mouth slightly open.

Chief Qin and Chief Wei's eyes flashed with a sharp light.

Zhao Gang clapped his hands and exclaimed, "Great! Comrade Wu Wanli has guts! He has ideas!"
This line of thinking is clear, and the approach is well-founded!

They've passed the buck to the Americans, letting them choose how they want to die!

Li Yunlong burst into laughter, exclaiming triumphantly, "Hahahaha!"
Damn it, these are the soldiers I, Li Yunlong, have trained!
Dare to dream! Dare to do!

Ding Wei snapped out of his daze, a genuine smile of admiration appearing on his face, without a trace of regret: "Brilliant!"

It’s really high!

This kid has a sharp strategic vision! He used a variation of the "besieging the city and attacking the reinforcements" tactic with the momentum of "attacking the enemy's forced defense and striking straight at their heart"!

Seoul... UN Command Headquarters... What a grand gesture!

However, it perfectly aligns with battlefield logic!

If successful, the entire passive situation will be completely reversed!

As Wu Qianli listened to the lavish praise bestowed upon his younger brother, a surge of pride welled up within him, a hundred times more exciting than if he himself had won a battle.

Zhao Gang pushed up his glasses, a confident look on his face, and added a crucial piece of information: "Moreover, Wu Wanli's plan is not just a pipe dream."

Old Li, we had a plan in place!
After the US troops broke out from the west gate, you ordered a delay in the pursuit. I immediately sent Comrade Tan Ziwei to lead the 79th Division to catch up!
They are now sticking to the remnants of the 1st Marine Division like glue, constantly harassing them and slowing down their detour, creating favorable conditions for our subsequent encirclement and annihilation!
"As long as Wu Wanli's troops can arrive in time, and with Tan Ziwei's delaying tactics, wiping out the New Marine Division is entirely feasible!"

Upon hearing this, Chief Qin, Chief Wei, and the others' eyes lit up!
All the steps seemed to be cleverly connected by Wu Wanli and the existing troop deployment!
Regardless of which path the US 7th Division chooses, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army will maintain the strategic initiative!
"Brilliant! One thing leads to another!"

"In this way, whether the 7th Division moves or not, the initiative is in our hands!"

"This kid has completely figured out the enemy's thoughts!"

Based on their own military experience, everyone sincerely praised the feasibility and ingenuity of the Wu Wanli Plan.

The atmosphere of the meeting shifted from somber to one of high spirits and excitement.

"it is good!

Now that this kid has drawn up the path, we old guys shouldn't just sit idly by!

While this momentum is still going strong, immediately analyze the specific details of the next steps for me!

How do we attack Seoul?
How to encircle and annihilate the New Marine Division 1?
How should the troops be deployed?

How to ensure logistical support and ammunition supply?

"All these issues need to be addressed with a plan right now!"

Li Yunlong made the final decision, and the command center immediately sprang into action.

The heated discussion resumed, with the generals gathered around the map, pencils flying and spittle flying as they spoke.

"The key to raiding Seoul lies in speed..."

"The New Eighth Army suffered heavy casualties, but their skeletons are still intact..."

"Logistics! The supplies captured in Gaping must be inventoried immediately and prioritized for the rapid response column..."

"The location of the harassing troops needs to be precisely coordinated..."

"Artillery preparation time..."

"The direction of the feint attack..."

"How to deal with a possible aerial strangulation by the US military..."

The meeting lasted for a long time, and a detailed operational plan framework, based on Wu Wanli's strategic vision, combined with the actual situation on the Jiaping battlefield, and taking into account both possibilities, gradually became clear.

Although many details still need to be perfected, the general direction has been clarified, and the troop mobilization and preparation instructions have been initially drafted.

Just as the debate was subsiding and everyone was preparing to catch their breath, the meeting room door was knocked on urgently again.

"report!"

"Come in!"

Li Yunlong roared.

A young messenger rushed in, his face flushed with excitement and covered in dust. He stood at attention, saluted, and his voice trembled slightly with emotion: "Reporting, sir! Comrade Wu Wanli has led his troops to the outskirts of Jiaping City!"

"So fast?!"

Even Li Yunlong was taken aback.

From Qingping Gorge to Jiaping, the entire force consisted of exhausted troops after fierce battles, making their speed nothing short of astonishing!
"Great! You've come at just the right time!"
Quickly! Get them in here right now!
No, wait...

We can't be impolite, let's go!
Let's go to the door to welcome our 'surprise hero' and 'great hero'!

Li Yunlong was overjoyed and immediately said...

The command center immediately became lively.

Li Yunlong, Kong Jie, Zhao Gang, Ding Wei, Commander Qin, Commander Wei, along with several division commanders including Wu Qianli, Zhang Dabiao, and Zheng Qigui, straightened their military uniforms and strode towards the entrance of the command post with smiles and anticipation.

Outside the gate, the afterglow of the setting sun cast a tragic golden hue over the ruined city of Jiaping.

In the distance, a well-trained but disciplined and menacing army was rapidly approaching.

At the very front of the group, two figures stood out. On the left was Liu Hanqing, displaying the characteristic competence of a chief of staff, yet also a hint of weariness.

On the right is Wu Wanli.

His military uniform was covered in gunpowder and dust, and was torn in several places. His face showed the weariness of days of fierce fighting, but his eyes were like cold stars, and his steps were steady and powerful, revealing a sharp spirit that had survived a hundred battles.

Quan Douguang followed behind, determined to lag behind Wu Wanli by one step.

Upon seeing Li Yunlong and the others, Wu Wanli and Liu Hanqing were visibly taken aback, then quickly stepped forward, stood at attention, and saluted.

"Report! Wu Wanli has been ordered to lead his troops to join forces! Please give instructions, sir!"

"Hahaha! Good! Good lad!"

Li Yunlong stepped forward laughing, completely disregarding any formalities between superiors and subordinates, and punched Wu Wanli in the shoulder.

"Well done! The battle at Qingping Gorge has showcased the might of our Chinese soldiers!"

Kong Jie even opened his arms and gave Wu Wanli a bear hug: "That was awesome! So awesome!"

I'm here in Jiaping City gnawing on bones, and you've gone out to make dumplings!
It's still ground beef! Well done!

Ding Wei smiled and patted Wu Wanli on the shoulder forcefully: "Your strategic concept is both bold and ingenious! You are a promising young man!"

Zhao Gang then grasped Wu Wanli's hand and said sincerely, "Comrade Wanli, you've worked hard!"
We've read your telegram; your idea is excellent and has opened up a new chapter for the entire situation!

Chief Qin, Chief Wei, and others also stepped forward to express their congratulations and praise.

Wu Qianli stood a little behind, watching his younger brother being surrounded by this group of renowned generals and praised without reservation, and his eyes even became a little hot.

He tried his best to maintain his authority as a teacher, but he couldn't suppress the smile on his lips.

Faced with the overwhelming praise from his superiors, Wu Wanli showed no arrogance whatsoever. He maintained the upright posture of a soldier, and spoke clearly and calmly: "Reporting to my superiors!"
Victory belongs to all the soldiers who fought and bled!
The soldiers of the Seventh Steel Brigade and the New Eighth Army exchanged their blood and lives for the opportunity to fight.

But now is not the time to celebrate!

He abruptly changed the subject, his expression instantly becoming extremely serious, his gaze sweeping over the generals: "Han Qing and I marched at full speed, while also ordering forward reconnaissance units and intelligence personnel to do their utmost to gather information on the movements of the US 7th Division."

Latest intelligence analysis shows that the main force of the US 7th Division has not retreated to Seoul!
They are speeding southwest, with a clear objective: to desperately protect the remnants of the 1st Marine Division!
Its vanguard has likely already approached the area where the 1st Marine Division is currently being held back!

He paused, then emphasized his point, throwing out an even more explosive judgment: "Moreover, based on the deployment of its troops and the unusually active radio activity in the area, the US 7th Division likely pre-planned ambush positions en route!"
Their real purpose was not merely to provide support, but to use the remnants of the 1st Marine Division as bait to set up a trap!

The primary target is most likely the main force of the 79th Division, commanded by Tan Zi, which is currently on a mission to pursue and delay them!
I reckon they want to wipe out our 79th Division!

These words were like a block of ice thrown into the previously enthusiastic atmosphere, freezing everyone's smiles instantly.

"what?!"

The smile on Li Yunlong's face vanished without a trace, and his eyes suddenly turned sharp as knives.

"The 7th Division is planning a counter-ambush?"

Ding Wei's brows furrowed into a knot.

"Wanli is right, we didn't consider this point. Tan Ziwei's 79th Division is in danger!"

Zhao Gang nodded and said.

Tan Ziwei's 79th Division is one of the main forces of the 27th Army and is currently a key force in containing the new 1st Marine Division!

Facing the shocked and solemn gazes of the crowd, Wu Wanli resolutely made his suggestion: "Commander! The situation is urgent! I suggest:
1. Immediately order Tan Zi to become the division commander. The main force of the 79th Division shall leave behind an elite infantry regiment, carrying the division's radio, to disguise itself as the main force of the division and continue to carry out harassment and delay missions to confuse the enemy.

Then the remaining main force must, in the shortest possible time, at a forced march speed, secretly disengage from the current contact and immediately withdraw to Jiaping!

We absolutely cannot let the US 7th Division surround us like dumplings!
Second, the main force of our assault group, including the troops we brought with us, which have assembled in Jiaping, shall immediately undergo emergency rest and replenishment!
We must make sure the soldiers have a hot meal, replenish their ammunition, and treat any emergency injuries!
At the same time, the commanding officers of each unit immediately conducted pre-battle mobilization!

Third, after the rest and reorganization, the main force of the entire army abandoned the original plan to gradually encircle and annihilate the 1st Marine Division or wait for the movement of the 7th Division of the United States to become clear!

We changed our battle plan, using the Seventh Steel Brigade and the elite troops of the New Eighth Army that I brought as the spearhead of the attack, and concentrated all our forces to immediately launch a surprise attack on Seoul!
Objective: UN Eastern Front Command!

To catch them off guard, completely disrupt the enemy's deployment, and create a decisive opportunity for the overall victory!
Now is the perfect time! With the US military's attention focused on the direction of the New Marine Division, the defenses of Seoul and its surrounding areas are inevitably relatively weak!

We're heading straight for Seoul! And immediately! We'll set off after only six hours of rest!
Wu Wanli's groundbreaking suggestion was even more urgent and daring than the previous strategic concept! It was practically dancing on the edge of a knife!

Everyone was shocked, and their heartbeats, which had just calmed down, started racing again.

Seoul, that was the core area where the enemy's heavy troops were concentrated!

A blitzkrieg? Easier said than done!
However, these generals, who had gone through countless bloody battles with Wu Wanli and knew how accurate his judgment was, were only briefly taken aback before realizing the great potential of this suggestion!

A wolf-like glint flashed in Li Yunlong's eyes. Without the slightest hesitation, he slammed his fist into the door frame beside him: "Damn it! You've got guts!"
I love your ruthlessness!
Relay my orders!

First, immediately send a telegram to Tan Ziwei!
He was ordered to leave an elite regiment of the 79th Division's main force to continue harassing the enemy, and to make sure the performance was convincing!

The radio station maintains a division-level communication rate!
All other troops, immediately, at full speed, withdraw to Jiaping!

Even if the sky were to fall on the road, don't stop!

Anyone who dares to delay will be court-martialed!
Second, all armies, divisions, and units! Immediately organize an emergency rest and recuperation!
The logistics department should prioritize supplying all edible and usable ammunition to the front-line combat troops!
Especially the Seventh Steel Corps and the New Eighth Army!

Then the entire army must complete its assembly and prepare for a surprise attack!
Third, the operational objective has changed: after a brief rest, the main force of the entire army will head towards Seoul!
Execute the command!

"Yes!!!"

Upon hearing this, everyone immediately responded with great enthusiasm.

(End of this chapter)