Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 392 Panic at the UN Command! Chu Yunfei: Am I about to meet Brother Yunlong?
Hanjiang Defense Line Headquarters

Major General Thor turned around abruptly: "Communications officer!"
The order was given to the 1st Battalion of the 3rd Regiment to immediately advance from their reserve positions and fill the gap between the 7th Regiment of the Han Army and Company A!

The ROK 2nd Division Reserve Regiment pushed into the ruins on both sides of the central highway!

Concentrate all the anti-tank guns at the highway intersection! Quickly!
It's alright if the Seventh Steel Division has broken through; Eren leading the pursuit is enough!

But we must reorganize our defenses before the arrival of the Chinese eastern front assault group!

"Yes, sir!"

The chief of staff of the U.S. Third Division immediately agreed.

……

The command was delivered like a cold whip.

On the Han River defense line, the remaining American and South Korean soldiers were like worker ants being driven away.

Soldiers pushed and pulled heavy sandbags, frantically piling up makeshift shelters among the broken walls and ruins.

The anti-tank gun barrel was being painstakingly adjusted behind the rubble, the gunners' faces covered in mud and sweat, their eyes filled with a mixture of fear and despair.

Engineers, carrying heavy explosive charges and barbed wire, charged toward the gaps in the defenses torn open by artillery fire, like huge wounds, amidst the officers' harsh shouts.

The only sounds in the air were heavy breathing, the grating sound of metal clashing, and the faint muffled sounds coming from the Chinese army in the distance.

Saul grabbed the high-powered binoculars handed to him by the staff officer next to him, pressed the lens firmly against his eye socket, and strained to look at the opposite bank.

At first, it was a few barely perceptible, darker gray lines wriggling on the horizon.

Immediately afterwards, the gray color rapidly expanded and spread, rapidly encroaching on the riverbank on the north side of the Han River.

That wasn't fog, nor was it smoke.

That's a person.

It's steel.

It is an endless, silent torrent of war.

The camera shook violently.

Thor clenched his teeth, forcing himself to keep the focus steady.

In the field of vision, there were countless earthen-yellow figures.

What was even more unsettling was the sight of captured vehicles scattered among the crowds, swaying slightly as they marched, and the trucks towing heavy artillery, struggling to clear a path through the throng.

The wheels and tracks rolled over the frozen riverbed, kicking up dust that shot into the air, engulfing everything behind them.

At this moment, only a much larger, more imposing outline can be seen.

silent.

There were no shouts, no bugles, only silent and unwavering progress.

This silence was more terrifying than any roar of a charge.

Thor felt a chill instantly shoot up his spine from the soles of his feet and straight to the top of his head.

My palms were sweating profusely as I held the binoculars, and the edges of the lenses were even fogged up by my rapid breathing.

"My God! How many of them have come...?"

He abruptly put down his binoculars and roared at the equally pale-faced staff officer beside him, "Get me connected to General Ridgway immediately!"

Tell him that at least 100,000 of the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army have already reached the riverbank!
The Han River defense line needs all support!

"Yes, sir!"

The chief of staff of the U.S. Third Division nodded emphatically and ran toward the radio station.

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

The command post of the Volunteer Army's Eastern Front Assault Group was located deep within a huge shelter on a back slope on the north bank.

"Urgent telegram from the Seventh Steel Brigade! The Central Army has successfully broken through the Han River defense line!"
The Seventh Steel Brigade is launching an assault on Seoul!

A staff officer from the Chinese People's Volunteer Army rushed in excitedly with a telegram, shouting.

"what?!"

"It's done?!"

Exclamations erupted almost simultaneously.

Kong Jie, who was smoking a cigarette and bending over to study the enemy's firing positions on the eastern section of the Han River, suddenly straightened up, the movement so large that it almost knocked over the enamel mug on the table.

He snatched the battle report, and after reading it, his rough voice boomed like thunder through the bunker: "That was awesome! That was fucking awesome!"
Hahaha... That kid Wu Wanli, he made a fool of those bastards in the UN forces!

Look! Look!
Let that kid Pinghe lead the Korean soldiers, carrying the banner of our Seventh Steel Brigade, and make a show of force on the east bank of the Han River!
Hey! That old bastard Saul actually believed it! He sent all his precious reserve troops to plug the gaps!

A feint to the east while attacking the west, luring the tiger away from the mountain!
He's taken the art of war from his ancestors and made it shine across the land!

Kong Jie's ecstasy was like a raging fire, instantly igniting the entire command post.

Upon hearing this, Li Yunlong abruptly raised his head, snatched the telegram, quickly scanned it, and exclaimed, "Well done! You didn't embarrass me! Hahahaha..."

Hearing this, Ding Wei leaned over and looked at it carefully again, then looked up and glanced at the excited crowd:

"Wu Wanli's move was risky!"

That was extremely dangerous!
Have you noticed?
The troops responsible for the feint attack on the eastern section of the defense line, drawing the American reserves there, were the routed soldiers of the Korean Sixth Army behind enemy lines.

However, the telegram clearly stated that it was led by the Pinghe reconnaissance detachment, and that elite commanders from our Seventh Steel Brigade had been placed in to assist in the command!

what does this mean?
This means that the forces Wu Wanli deployed for the feigned attack on the eastern front were not purely remnants of defeated troops.

He was using the elite officers and key personnel of the 7th Steel Brigade to organize this demoralized North Korean force, to imitate the fighting style of the main force, and to create momentum!

The sole objective is to convince Saul and the UN command that this is the main attack direction of our Steel Seventh Brigade!
Let's see the results!

Look at the reaction speed and lethality of this unit!

Even though the 6th Army behind enemy lines in Korea had just suffered a defeat, its main force was still intact and its numbers were still considerable!
Moreover, this time, it was our Steel Seventh Brigade's core members who were responsible for battlefield organization and command!

Even if it's not a complete transformation, its combat power is far beyond what it used to be!
The results of it?
In a very short time, they were defeated and collapsed again by this attacking US force!
The collapse was so rapid that even Pinghe and his men were almost caught up in it!
What does this mean? "

His gaze, sharp as a sword, swept across the face of every general:
"This shows that the reserve force that the UN forces have transferred is not an ordinary mobile force at all!"

I suspect this is the elite of the elite, prepared to launch a fatal blow against Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade at the most critical moment!

They are well-equipped, well-trained, heavily armed, and have an extremely strong assault capability!
The UN forces left them there, waiting for our main force to charge in and then use this force to smash our sharpest spearhead!
But they never expected that Wu Wanli would dare to play such a big game!
If we dare to use a newly integrated North Korean defeated army unit reinforced with our army's backbone, we dare to launch a feint attack to lure this elite reserve force!

Even more unexpectedly, Wu Wanli personally led the main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade, directly attacking the central junction of the Han River defense line, which appeared to be the most fortified!

Ding Wei took a deep breath and concluded, "This is not a clever scheme, it is using force to overcome all methods!"

It means putting yourself in a life-or-death situation, and then using absolute will and execution to forge a path to survival!
Courage! Strategy! Both are indispensable!

Wu Wanli won this big bet!

"hiss--"

A collective gasp of shock rose from the bunker.

Previously, they had only witnessed the euphoria of a successful breakthrough, but now, stimulated by Ding Wei's cold analysis, they truly felt the danger Wu Wanli was in.

Kong Jie's mouth gaped open, and he couldn't close it for a long time, muttering, "My God!"
This kid's risking his life, trying to crash into the UN forces' impenetrable wall!

A sense of shock and admiration welled up in Zhao Gang's heart: "It's not just courage..."

It is an accurate understanding of the battlefield situation, a thorough grasp of the characteristics and psychology of both sides' forces, and above all, an absolute trust in the combat effectiveness of one's own troops!

He knew that the Seventh Steel Brigade, this sharpest blade, could pierce even the thickest shield!

Commander Qin slammed his fist on the table: "That's right!"
They really got some fighting spirit!

The Seventh Steel Brigade is capable of fighting tough battles!

"We have demonstrated our military might! We have demonstrated our national power!"

Commander Wei added excitedly.

Amidst the exclamations of praise, An Changsen, the political commissar of the 12th Army, frowned and pointed to the red arrow on the map representing the breakthrough direction of the Seventh Steel Brigade: "Wu Wanli's attack was indeed beautiful, earth-shattering!"
But now he's all alone, plunging headlong into the heart of Seoul, where the UN forces have deployed a large number of troops!

His rear flank was completely exposed!
Behind them lies a breach in the Han River defense line, which has just been torn open but could be plugged at any moment.

Seoul is ahead!
UN forces could attack from both the east and west at any time!

Not to mention that elite force that was transferred to the east; once they realize what's happening, they'll definitely chase after him like mad dogs!
No matter how capable the Seventh Steel Brigade is, they are still made of flesh and blood. How will they replenish their ammunition?
What should be done with the wounded?
Being isolated behind enemy lines...that's too dangerous!"

An Changsen's words were like a sharp needle, instantly piercing the exhilarating atmosphere that permeated the command center.

Actually, there was something else he didn't say—what would happen to his daughter Anjing if Wu Wanli were to sacrifice himself?
Everyone's attention was once again focused on the lone red arrow on the map, and their excitement and admiration were quickly replaced by solemnity and worry.

Deep behind enemy lines, surrounded by enemies on all sides, and cut off from supplies... these were all swords hanging over the heads of the Seventh Steel Brigade.

Li Yunlong suddenly raised his head and waved his hand: "Danger?"
Afraid of birds!
If Wu Wanli dares to blunder, I'll lead a massive army to meet him!

Even if the sky falls, we old guys will hold it up!

Relay Lao Tzu's order!

Set up every single cannon barrel that can still breathe and aim it at those sons of bitches across the Han River!

All artillery units, smash them down hard!

Coverage! Saturation coverage!
The objective is to penetrate the entire depth of the Han River defense line, especially the two flanks of the central breakthrough point!
Blow those bastards who try to fight back back into their mothers' wombs! Not a single shell should be left!
I want to hear a sound!
We need to see that not even a mouse can survive on the opposing defense!
Furthermore, immediately send a telegram to the General Headquarters! Urgent! Top Secret!

It is said that the Seventh Steel Brigade of the Eastern Front Assault Group successfully broke through the central junction of the Han River defense line today!

The Seventh Steel Brigade is advancing rapidly towards the core area of ​​Seoul, and the American troops are in a state of complete disarray!
The fighter plane is fleeting!
Our group's four main armies have now pressed forward across the entire front and are launching a general offensive against the remaining enemy forces along the Han River defense line!

In order to expand the results of the battle, consolidate the breakthrough, ensure the flank security of the 7th Steel Brigade, and ultimately liberate Seoul, we earnestly request the leaders of the Volunteer Army Command to coordinate the support of our Air Force forces as soon as possible.

And please coordinate with the navy to come and provide support!

After giving the order, Li Yunlong took a deep breath and glanced at every senior commander in the bunker: "Comrades!"

Wu Wanli and his Seventh Steel Brigade have already pierced the chests of the UN forces with bayonets!
Now, it's our turn!

Use our cannons! Use our bayonets! Use these four soldiers to crush us!

Crush the Han River defense line! Roll towards Seoul! To support the Seventh Steel Brigade!

Plant the red flag atop the walls of Seoul!

Commanding officers of all units, return to your command positions immediately!

Once my artillery fire extends, the entire army—comprehensive offensive!

"Yes!!!"

A deafening roar exploded inside the bunker.

Kong Jie, Ding Wei, Commander Qin, Commander Wei, Zhao Gang, An Changsen, and all the staff officers and guards present no longer had any doubts.

They grabbed their hats, pistols, and documents, and like arrows released from a bow, rushed out of their bunkers and headed towards their respective command posts amidst the chaos of battle.

Outside the shelter, the sky was just before dawn, with a pale, fish-belly white tinge appearing on the eastern horizon.

The tremors from deep within the earth grew increasingly violent, as if a sleeping giant had fully awakened.

Suddenly— "Whoa—"

The sharp, soul-tearing sound of cannonballs piercing the air came from afar, growing louder and louder, instantly filling the entire world!
Shells soared into the air from countless carefully camouflaged ravines, dense forests, and reverse-slope artillery positions behind the north bank, slamming heavily into the defense line on the opposite bank of the Han River!

Boom boom boom boom boom——!!!
The first wave of massive explosions sounded like millions of war drums beating simultaneously!
One after another, bright orange fireballs burst forth across the Han River defense lines, creating a terrifying sea of ​​fire in an instant!

The earth trembled and groaned violently! Soil, gravel, steel fragments, and severed limbs were thrown high into the air by the violent blast waves and torn to shreds!
Thick, choking black smoke rose up like a curtain of hell, instantly obscuring the faint light that had just appeared and swallowing the entire south bank of the Han River!
....................................

Meanwhile, inside the UN Command headquarters

A young U.S. Army staff officer practically burst through the heavy oak door: "Report!"
Urgent telegram from the Han River front!

Urgent report from Major General Saul!

The central defense line... the central defense line has been breached!
The main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade...the main force tore open a breach from the center!

"what?!"

Van Fleet turned around abruptly, his determined glint in his eyes freezing instantly, turning into incredulous horror.

He rushed forward, almost snatching the telegram from the staff officer's hand.

Li Qiwei's composure cracked like ice, and he slammed the scalding hot coffee cup in his hand onto the thick carpet with a loud crash: "How could this happen?"
Where's Allen's 'hammer'?!

Upon hearing this, the American staff officer swallowed hard: "The enemy used a feint attack tactic; we've been tricked!"

General Saul confirmed that the enemy used a portion of the elite 7th Steel Brigade to coerce the remnants of the Korean 6th Army, and launched a fierce attack on the eastern section under the banner of the 7th Steel Brigade and its main force designation, regardless of casualties!

The firepower is extremely fierce!

Based on this, General Saul determined that this was the main direction of Wu Wanli's attack, so he urgently ordered General Allen's "Iron Hammer" troops to move to the eastern flank of the battlefield.

Just as 'Iron Hammer' left the central defense zone and turned eastward, the enemy's artillery fire suddenly shifted, covering the core support points of our entire central defense line!
After the shelling, the main force of the Steel Seventh Brigade, with tanks and armored groups as the vanguard, pressed directly from the center!
We were caught off guard, and our defenses were torn apart in an instant!

Now, the Seventh Steel Brigade has broken through the Han River defense line and is rushing straight towards Seoul at top speed!

General Allen's 'Iron Hammer' troops are rushing back to reinforce, attempting to pursue and catch up with Wu Wanli from the rear!

"hiss--!"

Eckelberg gasped, swayed, and instinctively grabbed the edge of the table to steady himself.

"Oh, God……"

A U.S. military staff officer in a corner gasped in shock as his pencil snapped in two.

VanVleet slammed his fist on the edge of the sand table: "Useless! Thor, that idiot!"

Are your eyes on your butt?!

Can't even tell if the main force is feinting?!

And what about Allen? Where's his battlefield instincts?!

The meticulously woven strategic network of "luring the enemy deep into our territory and then spreading out from the center" was cleaved in two by the enemy in the most ruthless and direct way.

The plan to deplete the enemy's manpower has completely failed.

The Seventh Steel Brigade not only didn't lose much blood, but instead, with overwhelming force and almost complete sharp teeth, it pierced directly into Seoul's throat!

In the corner, Chu Yunfei's hand holding the coffee cup trembled almost imperceptibly, and a few drops of cold brown liquid splashed onto the back of his hand.

He lowered his eyelids, concealing the turbulent emotions surging within his eyes.

He had anticipated Wu Wanli's tenacity and cunning, but he never expected that this man would have such courage.

They actually dared to infiltrate their precious elite troops into the remnants of the North Korean army to carry out a near-suicidal feint attack, just to exchange for the main force to deliver a fatal blow to the enemy's capital!
This unwavering resolve and decisiveness suddenly ignited a burning passion within Chu Yunfei, stirring up the complex emotions he felt for his country's soldiers deep within his heart.

He suppressed his turbulent emotions, his face still showing that detached indifference, only the knuckles of his fingers gripping the cup turned slightly white from the force.

Ridgway's gaze swept over the faces that were filled with fear, anger, or pallor: "Gentlemen, the plan... has encountered an unexpected problem."

But the war continues!
Seoul is still in our hands!

Now, I need your opinions. What should we do?!

Upon hearing this, Deputy Chief of Staff Eckelberg abruptly stood up straight and spoke rapidly, like a machine gun: "General!"
The most urgent task is to stabilize the core!

Wu Wanli's Seventh Steel Brigade broke through too quickly, and our Han River defense line is now in imminent danger!

No more hesitation!

I suggest that we immediately abandon all outer positions of the Han River defense line and order Major General Sol's remaining troops to retreat towards Seoul at all costs!

At the same time, all the garrison troops in the city, including the headquarters guard regiment, the military police, and logistics personnel who could carry guns, were ordered to enter the core pre-set positions!

Relying on the strong barricades and buildings of Seoul, they deployed defenses layer by layer and resisted house by house!

Retreat, hold your ground, and wait for reinforcements from the 1st Cavalry Division and the 7th Infantry Division on the outer lines!
This is the safest and most secure strategy!
Otherwise, given Wu Wanli's momentum, Seoul... Seoul might really fall to him in one fell swoop!

As he spoke, cold sweat beaded on his forehead, and his eyes were filled with fear of the city's fall.

Upon hearing this, Chief of Staff Van Fleet immediately retorted sharply: "Contraction? Fortification?"

Eckelberg, you've been scared out of your wits by the Chinamen!
Abandon the Han River defense line?

Did they hand over the outer perimeter to Li Yunlong's main force that followed up from behind?

Then let 100,000 Chinese troops surround Seoul like an iron barrel?
Wu Wanli did break in, but he went in too fast!

Both Saul and Allen's reports confirm that he engaged in a fierce head-on clash with our most elite US and South Korean forces when he broke through the central defense line!
His tanks and armored vehicles will never be undamaged!
His infantry paid a bloody price when they tore through our steel defenses!
He's now completely isolated!
A lone army, suffering heavy casualties, exhausted, and far from its main force!

And what is Allen's 'hammer'?
It's Delta Force!

It is our sharpest dagger!
Add to that the fully equipped armored infantry regiment of the US 3rd Division!
They were right behind Wu Wanli, relentlessly pursuing him!

He turned abruptly, his gaze fixed intently on Ridgway: "General! An opportunity! A golden chance!"
Instead of passively taking a beating, it is better to take the initiative!
I suggest that the Seoul Garrison Command be immediately ordered to dispatch its most elite guard regiment to launch a preemptive strike from within the city!

They blocked Wu Wanli's advance towards Seoul head-on!

We don't need to annihilate him, we just need to hold him off for one to two hours!
Buy time for Allen's troops!

As long as Allen's 'hammer' comes crashing down from behind..."

VanVleet made a fierce encirclement gesture with both hands: "Side attack from both sides!"
The Seventh Steel Corps, the sharpest spearhead of the China Eastern Railway Group, will be completely smashed and crushed on the outskirts of Seoul!

If we can defeat Wu Wanli and capture their military flag, it will be a devastating blow to the morale of Li Yunlong's main force!
At that time, riding high on our great victory, we were well-rested and ready to defend the new Han River defense line, waiting for the arrival of the 1st Cavalry Division and the 7th US Infantry Division to launch a coordinated attack from within and without!

General, this is the key to victory!

A glorious victory that could turn the tide of the entire Eastern Front!

His words were filled with an almost blind confidence, as if he could already foresee Wu Wanli's downfall.

Ridgway's brows furrowed into a deep frown as his gaze shifted repeatedly between the massive battle map and the faces of his two capable assistants.

Eckelberg's "safety" is like a thick layer of ice, seemingly secure but potentially leading to a passive and vulnerable situation.

Van Fleet's "high-stakes gamble" is like a scorching flame; if successful, it will shine brightly, but if it fails...

The heart of Seoul will be directly exposed to the enemy's bayonets.

The immense pressure made his temples throb.

His gaze involuntarily fell once again on that silent figure—Chu Yunfei.

This advisor's "inclusive" approach led to the current situation, and his judgment of Wu Wanli was once accurate.

Li Qiwei's voice carried a hint of weariness and anticipation: "Advisor Chu, what's your view on the current situation?"
Eckelberg advocated for a defensive retreat, while VanVleet advocated for proactive pincer attacks.

What's your opinion?

As soon as these words were spoken, all eyes instantly focused on the corner.

Chu Yunfei slowly raised his head and met Li Qiwei's gaze.

He knew perfectly well that the final moment was fast approaching.

Chu Yunfei gently put down his coffee cup, bowed slightly, and spoke with deliberate humility and distance: "Commander-in-Chief, Van Fleet and Eckelberg are both veterans of the battlefield."

Their analyses are all based on rich experience and the current reality.

Wu Wanli's courage and military skills... truly far exceeded my expectations.

At such a critical moment, when the fate of Seoul is at stake, the enemy situation is extremely tense and constantly changing. It is truly difficult for me to grasp every subtle change on the front lines.

Making hasty comments risks being seen as mere theoretical discussion and potentially misleading the overall situation.

Such momentous decisions are best left to the Commander-in-Chief to make; this humble officer... will obey.

His words were impeccable, acknowledging Wu Wanli's prowess while completely distancing himself and pushing the crucial decision-making power back to Ridgway.

A humble attitude implies detachment.

A fleeting hint of disappointment flashed in Li Qiwei's eyes, quickly replaced by a deeper solemnity.

Chu Yunfei's "uncertainty" is, in a sense, also an answer—even this Chinese man who knows his opponent best is not confident about the pincer attack plan!

He walked slowly in front of the huge floor-to-ceiling window with his hands behind his back. The hazy outline of Seoul outside the window looked heavy and fragile in the night.

Every step felt like stepping on the tense nerves of everyone in the command center.

Time ticked by, the oppressive atmosphere suffocating.

Finally, after a long, agonizing silence, Ridgway abruptly stopped and turned around:

"Give me the order!
First: Telegraph Major General Sol, commander of the Han River defense line, that the Han River defense line must not be lost!
We must gather all remaining forces, rely on the remaining strongholds, and defend our current positions at all costs!
Even if it means fighting to the last man, we must hold Li Yunlong's main force of the Chinese Eastern Front Group firmly on the other side of the Han River to buy time for Seoul!

Tell him that the safety of Seoul rests on his shoulders!
Second: Order the Seoul Garrison Command and its guard regiment to cancel all proactive attack plans and put all personnel into a state of first-level combat readiness!
Construct a ring-shaped, in-depth defense system, relying on all the pre-built fortresses, barricades, and sturdy buildings within the city!

Without my direct order, no unit is permitted to step outside the core defense zone!
Seoul must be as solid as an iron barrel!
If you cannot hold the position, you will be court-martialed!

Third, an urgent telegram to Major General Allen!

He was ordered to personally lead the entire Delta Force and the U.S. 3rd Division Armored Infantry Regiment to pursue the Chinese 7th Steel Brigade at full speed, at all costs!

Bit him! Engage him! Defeat him!
I don't care about casualty figures, I just want the results!
We must defeat or even annihilate Wu Wanli's main force before he reaches the gates of Hancheng!
If Wu Wanli's troops are defeated, the Seoul garrison can launch an attack to cooperate with Allen and expand the victory!
If General Allen wins, I will personally apply to the President for the Medal of Honor on his behalf!

"Yes! General!"

Van Fleet and Eckelberg stood at attention almost simultaneously and shouted their orders.

"Don't delay, convey the message immediately!"

Ridgway waved his hand, severing the last trace of hesitation.

"As ordered!"

The U.S. military communications staff rushed to their respective communications stations like tightly wound machines.

The command room was instantly filled with urgent English instructions, sharp radio calls, and the frantic clicking of typewriters.

Chu Yunfei picked up the now-cold coffee again, the icy coldness seeping into his heart through his skin.

He turned his head slightly, his gaze falling once more on the red arrow on the sand table that stubbornly pierced the heart of Seoul, and an idea suddenly popped into his mind.

If Seoul falls and the UN headquarters is destroyed, it seems he will be able to meet with Brother Yunlong again.

Brother Yunlong, when are you going to pay me back the equipment you owe me for that entire battalion?

Chu Yunfei smiled slightly and murmured to himself.

(End of this chapter)