Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 377 Wu Wanli Leads the General Offensive! Bloody Battle Against the Turkish Brigade!
Located about 60 kilometers southeast of Seoul, Guangzhou City guards a vital transportation hub in the southeast.

On the city wall, the star and crescent flag of the Turkish brigade of the UN forces fluttered in the wind.

(PS: It really is called Guangzhou, and it truly is the southeastern gateway to Seoul. This is not fiction.)

Outside the city, the headquarters of the Independent Guerrilla Division was located in a sheltered mountain valley.

Division Commander Li Xinghua, Political Commissar Zhang Zhenhua, along with Wang Hu, commander of the First Regiment of Hanjiang, Li Tiezhu, commander of the Second Regiment of Hengcheng, and Zhao Peng, commander of the Third Regiment of Suwon, were gathered around a simple map spread out on an ammunition box.

On the map, the outline of Guangzhou is drawn with exceptional clarity using red and blue pencils.

Several key high points, railway stations, bridges, and factory areas on the outskirts were highlighted.

Li Xinghua's voice was deep and powerful as he pointed heavily at the map: "Comrades, Guangzhou must be taken!"

This was to secure the southeastern gateway to Seoul ahead of schedule, buying time for Commander Wu and Chief Li's main force to advance into Seoul!

The enemy was the Turkish Brigade, known as the "Wolves of Anatolia," well-equipped and relying on strong city fortifications; they were a tough nut to crack.

But soldiers from our 'Steel Seventh Brigade' can overcome any obstacle!

Political Commissar Zhang Zhenhua looked around at everyone and added, "The division commander's determination is an order."

Guangzhou is of extremely important strategic location. Taking it would threaten Seoul and disrupt Ridgway's decisive battle plan.

Remember, we are the seeds of the Seventh Steel Brigade, soldiers trained by Commander Wu Wanli!

This battle can only be won, not lost!
"Go and prepare. In half an hour, launch a fierce attack on Seoul according to the planned schedule!"

The three regimental commanders, their eyes sharp, roared in unison, "Yes, sir!"

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

Half an hour later, the battle began.

The primary objective of the Independent Guerrilla Division was to eliminate the outposts surrounding Guangzhou, thus clearing the way for the subsequent siege.

The "Eagle's Beak" hill in the north of the city is named for its resemblance to an eagle's beak. It is strategically located and overlooks the main road leading to Guangzhou. It is the first line of defense carefully constructed by the Turkish delegation.

A ring of fortifications was constructed at the top of the hill, equipped with heavy machine guns, mortars, and even two American-made 75mm recoilless rifles, providing extensive firepower coverage.

Wang Hu lay prone at the attack launch position, his voice carrying through the whistling wind to every soldier's ears: "First Regiment, listen up!"

"First Battalion, launch a feint attack from the front to draw enemy fire!"
Second and Third Battalions, covertly approach the enemy from the left and right ridgelines!

Demolition team, follow the Second Battalion, blow up any firing positions you see!

Remember, use the three-man cover system, alternating cover, and don't become a target for the enemy!

"Yes!"

The soldiers responded in hushed tones, their eyes burning with fighting spirit.

With three red signal flares launched into the sky, the First Battalion launched a feint attack.

The soldiers advanced in skirmish lines, their submachine guns and rifles firing fiercely at the high ground, creating a powerful momentum.

Sure enough, the Turkish troops on the high ground were immediately drawn in, and their light and heavy machine guns spewed fire.

Bullets rained down, kicking up dust and scattering gravel in front of the position. Several soldiers at the forefront were unfortunately hit and fell.

Just as the Turkish firepower was drawn to the front, the Second and Third Battalions, like two arrows released from a bow, pounced upwards from the relatively gentle ridgelines on the left and right sides.

The soldiers used rocks, shell craters, and sparse bushes as cover, working in groups of three, taking turns leaping, firing, and providing cover.

The demolition team soldiers strapped explosive charges and demolition tubes tightly to their bodies and, under the cover of their comrades' fire, crouched low and quickly climbed upwards.

However, the Turkish defenses were more robust than anticipated.

They had clearly received rigorous training from US military instructors, and their firing positions were cleverly designed, with almost no blind spots in their crossfire network.

As the soldiers of the Second Battalion approached the mountainside, a hidden bunker behind a boulder suddenly opened fire, and the crossfire formed by two heavy machine guns instantly cut off the Second Company's assault formation.

The first few demolition experts and the soldiers providing cover fell in pools of blood in an instant.

The second battalion commander's eyes were bloodshot: "Damn it! Rocket launcher! Smash that bunker for me!"

A rocket launcher operator, carrying a captured American-made bazooka, quickly searched for a firing position under the cover of two soldiers.

However, the Turkish army was clearly prepared. The bunker's firing ports were narrow and its position tricky. The rockets flew over, but only exploded into a burst of fire on the boulder, failing to damage the bunker in the slightest.

Instead, it exposed the position of the rocket launcher operator, attracting a barrage of bullets, and the rocket launcher operator and a covering soldier were killed on the spot.

"No! A direct assault would result in too many casualties!"

Mortar company, target the bunker area on the left flank of Eagle's Beak Peak, fire rapidly for three minutes!
"Infantry guns, aim at the exposed firing positions on the right flank and fire!"

"Wang Hu, the commander of the Hanjiang First Regiment, roared."

"Tum! Tum! Tum!"

Mortar shells whistled as they slammed into the left flank of the high ground, the explosions kicking up plumes of smoke and dust that temporarily suppressed some of the firepower.

The infantry guns roared up, and the shells landed precisely near a machine gun nest on the right flank, sending dirt and rocks flying.

Taking advantage of this brief respite, the soldiers of the Second and Third Companies launched another charge, and the demolition team also took the opportunity to get close to several firing positions.

"Boom! Boom!"

Several loud explosions followed, and the two earth and wood firing points on the left were blown into the air by explosive charges.

But the sturdy bunker on the right was still firing wildly.

A demolition team leader named Li Erwa, his body strapped with explosives, suddenly lunged from the side into the blind spot of the bunker while his comrades drew fire with their lives as cover.

He lit the fuse and roared as he pressed his body firmly against the firing port!
"Boom——!"

With a deafening roar, the bunker was completely destroyed, and flames and thick smoke shot into the sky.

Li Erwa used his young life to open a passage for his comrades.

"Avenge Erwa! Charge!"

Upon seeing this, the nearby soldiers roared in fury, stepping over the bloodstains of their comrades, and pounced on the top of the hill like tigers.

The First Battalion also took the opportunity to intensify its frontal offensive.

The Turkish army was shocked by this reckless fighting style, and the resistance of the circular position began to waver.

After nearly four hours of fierce fighting, Eagle's Beak Peak was finally captured by the Hanjiang Regiment.

The battlefield was filled with smoke and littered with corpses, the bodies of Turkish soldiers mixed together with those of Chinese People's Volunteer Army martyrs.

Wang Hu climbed to the high ground and looked at the casualty report, his fists clenching so tightly they cracked: nearly a third of the battalion had been killed or wounded, with more than a company killed or seriously wounded! The demolition team, in particular, was almost completely wiped out.

However, the capture of Eagle's Beak Peak meant that the roadblocks leading to the north gate of Guangzhou had been cleared.

Meanwhile, battles broke out in the south of the city at Hengcheng Railway Station and its surrounding area.

Li Tiezhu, the commander of the Second Regiment of Hengcheng, was known for his meticulous thinking and flexible tactics.

The railway station area he faced had complex terrain, with platforms, warehouses, railway tracks, and several sturdy station buildings, which the Turkish army used to construct multiple layers of defense.

Instead of launching a direct assault on the main station building, Li Tiezhu turned his attention to the warehouse area surrounding the railway station and an abandoned railway tunnel.

"The First Battalion launched a feint attack on the station to draw the enemy's attention."

Second Battalion, bypass from the west and take that warehouse area for me!

Third Battalion, send a reinforced company to secretly infiltrate through the abandoned tunnels. Their target is behind the platform; they'll pierce the enemy's rear!

Li Tiezhu gave the order.

"Yes!"

The battalion commanders below readily agreed.

After the battle began, the First Battalion engaged in fierce firefights with the Turkish troops in front of the station building.

The Turkish army relied on reinforced concrete station buildings and sandbag fortifications, and its firepower was fierce.

The First Battalion's feint attack was very effective, and they even organized several small-scale assaults, which effectively kept the main force of the defending enemy at bay.

The Second Battalion, taking advantage of the momentum created by the First Battalion, quietly moved to the outskirts of the warehouse area. This area was defended by a reinforced platoon of Turkish troops.

The second battalion commander observed that although the warehouse buildings were sturdy, there were gaps between them, and the guards seemed somewhat lax.

"Demolition team, prepare! Third Company, attack from the left; Fourth Company, flank from the right; Fifth Company, provide covering fire! Move quickly!"

The battalion commander immediately gave the order.

As the order was given, several demolition teams, under the cover of machine gun fire, quickly approached the outer wall of the warehouse.

"Boom! Boom!"

Several muffled thuds were heard, and several large holes were blasted open in the brick wall.

Soldiers from the Third and Fourth Companies surged through the breach like a tide, engaging in close-quarters combat with the hastily deployed Turkish troops.

Although the Turkish troops put up a fierce resistance, they were quickly divided and annihilated by the overwhelming numerical superiority and rapid assault of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, and the warehouse area quickly changed hands.

Almost simultaneously, the reinforced company dispatched by the Third Battalion, led by a North Korean guide familiar with the terrain, successfully infiltrated through the abandoned tunnel and stealthily reached the rear of the platform.

This is precisely where the Turkish army's defenses are relatively weak.

The reinforced company suddenly charged out like tigers descending a mountain, heading straight for the Turkish machine gun positions and command post on the platform.

The Turkish troops on the platform were thrown into chaos.

With enemies on both sides, the battalion on the front also seized the opportunity to launch a real and fierce attack.

The Turkish troops on the platform were quickly overwhelmed by the three-sided attack, and the remnants retreated into the fortified main station building to put up a stubborn resistance.

Seeing that the time was ripe, Li Tiezhu ordered the entire regiment's mortars and heavy machine guns to suppress the main station building with firepower, while simultaneously carrying out a demolition.

However, the Turkish army reinforced the doors and windows of the main station building with sandbags and steel plates, so the demolition was not very effective.

Worse still, the Turkish troops inside the building not only had formidable firepower, but also used the windows on higher floors to attack approaching Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers with Molotov cocktails and grenades, causing considerable casualties.

The battle reached a stalemate.

As darkness fell, Li Tiezhu grew increasingly anxious. Continuing the stalemate would not only increase casualties but could also attract reinforcements from the enemy within the city.

He noticed several tanker trucks filled with gasoline drums parked beside the platform, and a bold plan came to mind: "Mortars, aim at those tanker trucks! No need for precision, just spread fire! Quickly!"

"Boom, boom, boom..."

Shortly afterward, several mortar shells whistled down. Although they did not hit the tanker truck directly, the shockwave and shrapnel from the explosion pierced some of the oil drums, and gasoline began to gush out.

"Rocket launcher! Fire! Fire at the oil leak!"

Li Tiezhu roared.

A rocket launcher operator aimed at the leaking gasoline and pulled the trigger.

“Whoosh—Boom!”

The rocket accurately hit the flowing gasoline.

"Boom——!!!"

A devastating explosion occurred! A massive fireball shot into the air, instantly engulfing several nearby carriages and igniting the leaking gasoline, creating a raging inferno.

The scorching heat and flying burning debris not only engulfed the approaching Turkish soldiers but also severely shook the will of the defenders inside the main building.

The thick smoke from the fire also severely hampered their vision and firing.

"Now! Charge in!"

Seizing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, Li Tiezhu ordered his troops to launch a general offensive.

Under the cover of flames and thick smoke, the volunteer soldiers shouted as they rushed into the main building of the station and engaged in a final hand-to-hand battle with the panicked Turkish troops.

As night fell completely, Hengcheng Railway Station and its surrounding area were finally brought under the complete control of the Second Regiment.

However, the cost was equally heavy, with nearly a quarter of the 2nd Regiment suffering casualties, especially the troops responsible for infiltration and assault.

The train station was reduced to ruins, and the flames illuminated half the sky.

The area east of the city, which was under the command of Zhao Peng, the commander of the 3rd Regiment of Suwon, had relatively open terrain. The enemy had built a defensive line relying on an abandoned textile factory area and several residential areas.

However, after a fierce house-to-house battle, the textile factory area in the east of the city was eventually captured by the Suwon Third Regiment.

Zhao Peng's tactics were well executed, resulting in relatively few casualties for the Third Regiment, but it still came at the cost of several hundred men.

Thus, after a day of bloody fighting, the Independent Guerrilla Division successfully cleared the main outer positions in the north, south, and east of Guangzhou, but also paid a heavy price.

The division's 20,000 combat-ready soldiers were reduced to just over 16,000, ammunition consumption was enormous, and the soldiers were exhausted.

But Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua did not hesitate and decided to strike while the iron was hot and launch a general offensive against Guangzhou immediately.

They knew that the longer the war dragged on, the better the Turkish defenses would become, and American reinforcements could arrive at any moment.

Soon, the Independent Guerrilla Division concentrated all available artillery and conducted a half-hour barrage against the south and east gates of Guangzhou.

Shells whistled as they slammed into the city walls and fortifications, kicking up clouds of dust. As the artillery fire spread, the resounding bugle calls echoed across the battlefield.

"For our motherland! For victory! Charge!"

Amidst the shouts of commanders at all levels, the First Regiment of Hanjiang and the Second Regiment of Hengcheng, as the main attacking forces, launched a desperate charge against the city wall from the south and east gates respectively.

The 3rd Regiment of Suwon served as a reserve force, while also being responsible for guarding and containing other directions.

The soldiers charged forward, shouting as they charged through the hail of bullets raining down from the city walls.

The Turkish army's resistance was exceptionally fierce.

On the city wall, machine gun emplacements, like the forked tongues of venomous snakes, frantically spewed fire, weaving a web of death.

Mortar shells and grenades rained down on the charging troops like hail.

Even more fatally, the Turkish army had clearly learned from the loss of the outer positions and constructed concealed firing points on the reverse slope inside the city wall.

When the volunteer soldiers finally reached the city wall after suffering heavy casualties, these concealed firing positions suddenly opened fire, inflicting a devastating blow on the charging troops from the flanks and rear.

Wang Hu's regiment charged most fiercely towards the south gate, with dozens of soldiers scaling the city walls and engaging in a fierce hand-to-hand battle with the Tu army.

However, the Turkish army was strong and had a continuous supply of reserves, which quickly divided and surrounded the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers who had climbed the city.

Subsequent troops were suppressed by the dense firepower from below the city and were unable to provide effective reinforcements.

The warriors who scaled the city walls were outnumbered and ultimately all perished heroically.

Wang Hu, the regimental commander of the Hanjiang First Regiment, watched helplessly as his soldiers fell one by one.

On the east side, Li Tiezhu's Second Regiment also encountered fierce resistance.

The Turkish army even used several light tanks deployed in the city to bombard the charging infantry with direct fire.

The Second Regiment's attack formation was shattered by tank gun and machine gun fire.

Li Tiezhu organized a demolition team to try to destroy the tanks, but the Turkish infantry provided excellent cover, and the demolition team members fell one after another on the way to the charge.

The battle lasted less than two hours before the Independent Guerrilla Division's offensive was completely contained.

Corpses littered the ground beneath the city walls, and the charging waves crashed against the sturdy walls and blazing fire.

The troops suffered extremely heavy casualties, and their morale was severely damaged.

Looking at the horrific scene through his binoculars and listening to the casualty figures reported by each regiment, Li Xinghua felt as if his heart was being torn apart, and he had no choice but to painfully issue the order to retreat.

The first siege ended in a crushing defeat for the Independent Guerrilla Division.

The troops withdrew to rest and regroup, the air thick with the somber mood of defeat and the grief of losing comrades. ...

The atmosphere was heavy in the makeshift division command post.

Li Xinghua forcefully stubbed out his cigarette, breaking the silence with a hoarse voice: "Tell me everything!"
Damn it, back in the Fourth Campaign, we followed Commander Wu across the Han River four times, infiltrating and dividing the enemy!

Which of the Americans' 1st Marine Division and 1st Cavalry Division wasn't utterly routed by us?
Why is it that today, when facing this Turkish brigade, our 20,000 men are struggling to break through their 8,000-strong tortoise shell?
He even chipped a whole mouthful of teeth!

As soon as he finished speaking, Wang Hu, the commander of the First Regiment of the Han River Regiment, said with red eyes, "Commander! How can these be the same?"

What kind of soldiers were we back then?

It's the Seventh Steel Brigade!

He was a veteran Chinese soldier who survived countless battles under General Wu's command!

It was equipped entirely with American weaponry, including cannons and machine guns!

We have our own planes helping us from the sky! Look at us now!

Our North Korean brothers are brave in battle and fearless in the face of death!

How long has the training lasted?

Their tactical awareness is far from adequate!
Infantry-artillery coordination? Demolition assault? Urban warfare coordination?

The difference is not just a tiny bit!
What about our equipment?

They have some American-made weapons, but they can't even gather enough to give each person a decent rifle!

Heavy firepower is even more pathetic!

Li Tiezhu, the commander of the Second Regiment of Hengcheng, a man who usually didn't talk much, also spoke up in a low voice: "Old Wang is right."

We cannot treat these North Korean brothers as if they were the same as the original Seventh Steel Brigade.

They did their best, but their actual strength is what it is.

Guangzhou's defenses are too strong, the enemy's firepower is too fierce, and we don't have enough means to break through the city walls.

If we launch another strong attack like today, the casualty rate will be too high, and the troops... I'm afraid the troops won't be able to withstand it.

If it collapses, the consequences will be unimaginable.

Zhao Peng, the commander of the 3rd Regiment of Suwon, pushed up his glasses. He was the relatively calm one among them and added, "The opinions of the division commander, political commissar, Commander Wang, and Commander Li are very practical."

Our current troop composition and equipment level are indeed not suitable for carrying out such high-intensity frontal assaults.

The Turkish brigade is no pushover; we witnessed their fighting spirit and defensive tactics from the outskirts and in the recent siege.

I suggest we consider changing our strategy. For example, could we try a siege, or find other weaknesses?

Upon hearing this, Political Commissar Zhang Zhenhua stood up, walked to the map, and pointed heavily at the location of Seoul: "Comrades! We don't have time to wait!"

According to the latest intelligence, Commander-in-Chief Wu Wanli and Commander-in-Chief Li Yunlong are leading the main force of the Eastern Front Assault Group, along with the Seventh Steel Brigade and the New Eighth Army, a total of 100,000 troops, and have swept through Jiaping!
They crushed the New 1st Marine Division and are now marching straight towards Seoul!
The Battle of Seoul is about to begin!
What kind of place is Guangzhou?
It is the southeastern gateway to Seoul!

It is the key to the key!
The more territory we capture here, the more enemy troops we eliminate, the less pressure our detachment and their men will face outside Seoul, and the more precious time we can gain!

If we can capture Guangzhou ahead of time, then Commander Wu and Commander Li Yunlong can directly attack Seoul!

Just think about it, the rest of the U.S. military, Freeman's 1st Cavalry Division, and troops transferred from the Western Front, are rushing to Seoul day and night!
time!

Every minute and every second was crucial to the outcome of the Battle of Seoul and the success or failure of the entire Fifth Campaign!

We are here not for a single city, but for the entire war effort!

Zhang Zhenhua's words struck everyone's hearts like a heavy hammer.

Wang Hu, Li Tiezhu, and Zhao Peng all lowered their heads, their faces burning with embarrassment.

They were well aware of Guangzhou's importance.
The heavy casualties weighed heavily on their hearts.

Division Commander Li Xinghua took a deep breath, looked around at his three old subordinates who had followed him through thick and thin, and were also his old comrades-in-arms from the Seventh Steel Brigade, and said: "The political commissar is right."

We can't afford to waste time.

However, the difficulties are also very real.

But comrades, don't forget who we are!

We are the people who stayed behind from the Seventh Steel Brigade!
The blood of Steel Seven flows in our bones!

We stayed behind to fight as guerrillas, facing countless dangers, but we didn't back down!
Now that the troops are assembled and the battle has progressed to this point, we can no longer afford to back down!
I, Li Xinghua, will be a member of Steel Seven for life!

I don't want to let Captain Wu down!

We don't want the old leaders to think that we, the seeds they left behind, are cowards! We don't want us to be considered useless!

Wang Hu, the regimental commander of the First Regiment of the Han River Regiment, suddenly raised his head, his fierce eyes filled with tears: "Commander! I, Wang Hu, am not a coward!"
My whole ball of energy is enough to keep me from being blinded! It's just that…”

Li Tiezhu, the commander of the Second Regiment of Hengcheng, also stood up, veins bulging on his face: "No, not at all!"
Damn it!
The worst case scenario is death!
Back then, I followed Captain Wu across the Han River four times, risking my life. When have I ever been afraid?

It's the same now! So be it if you die!
"It's better to have Captain Wu come and take our bodies away if we're killed in action than to die later and not even be able to return to our motherland!"

Zhao Peng looked at the two excited regimental commanders, and then at the unwavering determination in the eyes of the division commander and political commissar. He took a deep breath and said, "Since the decision has been made, let's fight!"

The three groups from Suwon had no objections whatsoever!

Even if there are mountains of knives and seas of fire ahead, we'll charge forward!
However, tactically, we need to think of other ways to minimize unnecessary sacrifices.

Li Xinghua slammed his fist on the table: "Good! That's the spirit I've been looking for!"

We, the men of the Seventh Steel Brigade, will die on the front lines!
Old Zhao is right, we can't just charge in headfirst; we have to use our brains.

Political Commissar, look…

Just as the atmosphere at the division meeting shifted from somber to tragic and resolute, and everyone was preparing to discuss a new siege plan, the simple wooden door of the command post was suddenly smashed open with a "bang".

A young North Korean communications officer, his face covered in dust but unable to conceal his extreme excitement, panted and shouted excitedly in accented Chinese: "Report! Commander! Political Commissar! They're...they're here!"
Captain Wu Wanli!
Commander Quan Douguang!
And...and Commander Li Yunlong!

They...they led the main force of the Seventh Steel Corps, the New Eighth Army, and the main force of the Eastern Front Assault Group!

They've...they've reached behind our lines!

"what?!"

Everyone in the command post stood up abruptly, their faces instantly filled with shock and elation, followed by an indescribable sense of shame.

Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua exchanged a glance, both seeing complex emotions in each other's eyes.

To my delight, my long-awaited old commander and old unit appeared at the most critical moment!

What worries us is that, despite having captured the outer positions, Guangzhou is still in enemy hands, and our troops have suffered heavy casualties. We are too ashamed to face anyone.

Li Xinghua quickly suppressed the turmoil in his heart and decisively ordered: "Quickly! Old Wang, Old Li, Old Zhao!"

You three, go back immediately and organize the troops!
First, second, and third regiments, take turns attacking, keep launching feint attacks on Guangzhou!
The gunfire must not stop!

Bring the bugle call every now and then!

The Turks in the city will think we're about to launch another all-out attack!
We absolutely cannot let them rest!

They need to be kept on high alert at all times!

The political commissar and I went to greet the leaders!

"Yes!"

The three regimental commanders responded in unison, their eyes blazing with renewed passion, and they turned and strode out of the command post.

Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua straightened their uniforms, which were covered in gunpowder and dust, took a deep breath, and led a few guards, walking quickly toward the direction from which the main force had arrived.

……

A relatively open clearing in the woods behind the Independent Guerrilla Division's position has now become a temporary frontline command center.

Jeeps and trucks of all models were parked full, radio antennas stood in rows, and staff officers hurried along, passing on orders and documents.

A powerful aura of impending battle swept over us.

As Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua approached, they saw a group of familiar figures gathered around a map spread out on the hood of a jeep, discussing something.

The leader stood as straight as a javelin, and the sharp and steady look between his brows was none other than Wu Wanli, the captain of the Seventh Steel Brigade whom they had been thinking about day and night!

Near Wu Wanli, Li Yunlong, Kong Jie, Ding Wei, and others were also standing nearby.

Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua quickly stepped forward, stood at attention, and saluted: "Reporting to our leaders!"
Independent Guerrilla Division Commander Li Xinghua (Political Commissar Zhang Zhenhua) reporting for duty!

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone's attention immediately focused on them.

A barely perceptible flicker of excitement crossed Wu Wanli's eyes.

Li Yunlong looked them up and down, then laughed heartily: "Good! Good lads! Li Xinghua! Zhang Zhenhua! It's you!"

"I told you so! Who else could have pulled out such a large force behind enemy lines besides you tough guys from Steel Seven?"

A warm feeling washed over Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua, but it was quickly replaced by a deeper sense of shame.

Li Xinghua straightened his chest, but his voice was strained: "Reporting to the commander! We...we are ordered to persist in the struggle behind enemy lines and develop our forces."

The Independent Guerrilla Division consisted of the Han River 1st Regiment, the Hengcheng 2nd Regiment, and the Suwon 3rd Regiment. The division originally had more than 20,000 troops, but after the war, about 14,000 remained.
Upon learning that the leaders had marched into Seoul, we had originally intended to capture Gwangju, the southeastern gateway to Seoul, ahead of time, to clear obstacles for the main force.

But...we are powerless!
"We only cleared the outer defenses. We just launched an attack... but suffered heavy casualties and failed to breach the city... Please punish us, sir!"

As they spoke, Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua lowered their heads.

However, to their surprise, the expected criticism or even rebuke did not come.

Li Yunlong waved his hand and shouted in a booming voice: "Discipline? Disciplinary my ass!"

Twenty thousand people! My God!
You've raised an army of 20,000 men deep inside the enemy's heart! That's an incredible feat!

Back then, my independent regiment managed to raise a force of over ten thousand men despite the Japanese invaders' sweeps.

Not to mention Kong Erlengzi and Lao Ding, they're not even as good as me!

"You guys are so capable, bringing so many people to help us, I'm overjoyed!"

Wu Wanli stepped forward, patted Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua on the shoulders, and looked towards the still-smoke-filled city of Guangzhou in the distance. He said in a deep voice, "Xinghua, Zhenhua, you did a great job! Very good!"
To be able to build such a combat-effective force in such a short time and under such difficult conditions!

Moreover, they took the initiative to attack Guangzhou, the southeastern gateway to Seoul, which was heavily guarded, thus tying down the enemy. This in itself was a huge success!
You are innocent; you have done a great service!

Ding Wei nodded in agreement, "Yes!"
Guangzhou is a tough nut to crack, and Turkey is no pushover either.

Your ability to capture the outer perimeter has greatly weakened the enemy and created favorable conditions for subsequent operations!

Now is a time when we need manpower, and your fresh blood has arrived just in time!

Kong Jie, Zhao Gang, Commander Qin, Commander Wei, and others nodded in agreement, their faces showing approval and satisfaction.

Li Yunlong said directly, "Damn it, I was just worried that I needed time to adjust my deployment, and your 20,000 men are a lifesaver!"

You've solved my immediate problem! Well done!
No wonder he's from the Seventh Steel Brigade!

The leaders' generous praise and affirmation were like a warm current that dispelled the gloom and shame in Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua's hearts.

They looked up, their eyes shining again.

Just then, Wu Wanli stepped forward, his eyes fixed intently on Li Yunlong: "Commander, Guangzhou must be taken as soon as possible; time waits for no one!"
I request that my Seventh Steel Brigade, in coordination with the Independent Guerrilla Division, immediately launch a general offensive against Guangzhou, with me personally leading the command!

As soon as this statement came out, everyone was stunned.

Although he knew that Wu Wanli was brave, the main force of the Eastern Front Assault Group was currently gathered, and it seemed unnecessary for him, the commander-in-chief, to personally lead the assault on Guangzhou.

Kong Jie frowned and said, "Captain Wu, your courage is commendable."

However, with our main force already here, taking Guangzhou shouldn't be a problem.

You're going there yourself, aren't you...?

Li Xinghua quickly replied, "Reporting to Deputy Commander Kong! Fellow commanders!"

The frontal battlefield in Guangzhou is limited in width, and outside the city, there are more than 10,000 troops from our Independent Division continuously launching feint attacks to contain the enemy.

Deploying too many troops would only lead to overcrowding, hindering their operations and increasing unnecessary casualties.

Given the current situation, the most effective solution is to deploy another elite assault force to cooperate with our independent division and concentrate our forces to launch a fierce attack on a single point!
The Seventh Steel Brigade... is the most suitable choice!

As he spoke, he looked at Wu Wanli, his eyes filled with trust and expectation.

Zhang Zhenhua added, "Yes, sir."

The Seventh Steel Brigade is a formidable force with extensive experience in siege warfare. Under the personal command of Commander Wu, they are sure to breach the city in one fell swoop!

Li Yunlong stroked his chin, looked at the distant Guangzhou city where cannons roared, then looked at Wu Wanli whose gaze was as firm as iron, and suddenly slapped his thigh: "Good!"

Ok, deal!
Wu Wanli, I'm entrusting the task of breaching Guangzhou to you and your Seventh Steel Brigade!

"Working in conjunction with the Independent Guerrilla Division, let's smash that damn brigadier commander Aziz's turtle shell to pieces!"

"Yes! Promise to complete the mission!"

Wu Wanli stood at attention and saluted, his voice resolute.

Li Yunlong grinned and turned to his bodyguard Duan Peng, shouting, "Duan Peng! Bring me the wine!"
"Bring me that pot of freshly boiled sweet potato liquor!"

Upon hearing this, Duan Peng quickly brought over a military water bottle, with wisps of steam rising from its spout.

Li Yunlong unscrewed the lid of the pot, and a rich aroma of wine immediately filled the air.

He poured a large bowl of scalding hot wine and presented it to Wu Wanli with both hands: "Come on, Wu Wanli! I'll toast you with a bowl!"
I wish you a resounding success!
"After taking Guangzhou and launching a blitzkrieg against Seoul, let's celebrate with a night of drinks!"

Looking at the steaming bowl of wine in front of him, Wu Wanli did not hesitate at all, nor did he take the bowl. Instead, he said loudly, "Comrades! Put the wine aside for now!"

"Once I, Wu Wanli, have taken Guangzhou and returned with Aziz's head, then we can drink!"

Wu Wanli's words, coupled with the scene and the steaming bowl of wine, gave all the veterans present, who had experienced countless battles, a sudden jolt!
A glint of surprise flashed in the eyes of Zhao Gang, Kong Jie, Ding Wei, and the others.

This heroic scene is just like the legendary tale of Guan Yu warming wine before beheading Hua Xiong.

The difference is that the commander-in-chief Wu Wanli in front of us is not going to kill Hua Xiong, but the Turkish brigade defending the fortified city!
The goal is not to breach Sishui Pass, but to break through the southeastern gateway to Seoul!
"Excellent! What a brilliant 'warm wine breaks through a fortified city' strategy!"
Wu Wanli was filled with boundless pride! How magnificent!

Ding Wei couldn't help but clap his hands in admiration.

"Comrade Wanli, you will surely return victorious!"

Zhao Gang also said solemnly.

Kong Jie patted Wu Wanli heavily on the shoulder: "You're a real man, now it's your turn!"

Upon hearing this, Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua were so moved that tears welled up in their eyes.

Looking at their revered former leader, they felt as if they had returned to the days when they followed him in the bloody battle of Incheon and the four crossings of the Han River, their hearts filled with unparalleled confidence and admiration!
Wu Wanli did not continue speaking, but suddenly turned around and gave a standard military salute to Li Yunlong, Kong Jie, Zhao Gang and other leaders.

After the ceremony, Wu Wanli said no more and strode towards the direction where the Seventh Steel Brigade was assembled.

His figure stood tall and straight amidst the billowing smoke and deepening twilight, like a sharp sword about to be drawn and cut through all obstacles!

Li Xinghua and Zhang Zhenhua watched Wu Wanli's departing figure, their hearts filled with fervor.

Division Commander Li Xinghua turned around simultaneously and shouted at his respective guards, "Quickly! Notify Wang Hu, Li Tiezhu, and Zhao Peng!"
Stop the feint attack and adjust the deployment!
Prepare to coordinate with the Seventh Steel Brigade for the general offensive on Guangzhou!

In front of the temporary command post, Li Yunlong held the still-warm bowl of wine, looked in the direction where Wu Wanli had disappeared, grinned, and his eyes gleamed: "Damn it, this kid is just like me when I was young!"
I'll keep this bowl of wine warm for you, waiting for you to come back!!!

Kong Jie, Zhao Gang, Ding Wei, and the others looked at Wu Wanli's departing figure and smiled at each other.

The prelude to the Battle of Seoul has already begun in the most exciting chapter beneath the walls of Guangzhou!

(End of this chapter)