Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 400: Seoul Taken in Three Days! Eight Hundred Elite Chinese Troops Dared to Attack?
Shihinai

The boss stared at the red attack line between Uijeongbu City and Goyang City, which was firmly blocked by blue arrows, his brows furrowed.

The operations director's voice was hoarse as he tapped the sand table model with his thin pointer: "Commander, Chief Chen!"
The US 24th and 25th Divisions on the western front, along with two South Korean divisions and the British 27th Brigade, totaling 70,000 to 80,000 elite troops, were heavily fortified with the defenses of Goyang and Uijeongbu, making their firepower configuration extremely comprehensive.

Our seven armies, totaling over 200,000 men, launched numerous attacks on the western front, but we just couldn't break through!

The casualties were too great…

At this moment, the command post was filled with a heavy silence, with only the intermittent hum of a few Soviet-style radios in the corner.

The head of the logistics department pushed up his thick glasses and immediately replied, "General, Chief Chen, these difficulties are true, but there are more than just these."

Now, the logistical situation is... extremely urgent.

As he spoke, he opened the worn-out hardcover notebook in his hand: "The Eastern Front Assault Group plus the seven armies on the Western Front, plus the reserves, that's hundreds of thousands of troops!"

Food supplies, at the minimum ration, can only last for a few days at most.

The artillery shells, especially the large caliber ones, are being fired heavily in Gaoyang, and the stockpile is almost empty.

Gasoline... needless to say.

The railway line was bombed into pieces, and the motor transport teams dared not move during the day. They relied entirely on people and horses to carry supplies at night, but it was a drop in the ocean!
If this continues, forget about attacking; in a few days, we'll be forced to retreat across the entire front!

Otherwise, once the UN forces recover and concentrate their strength to counterattack, we risk being divided and surrounded!

Upon hearing this, a young staff officer of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army couldn't help but mutter under his breath: "On the eastern front... when will Commander Li and Corps Commander Wu finally be able to break through that iron shell of the Han River?"

If they win, these problems can be turned around!

These words were like a spark falling into a haystack, and suppressed discussions immediately buzzed among the staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army.

Chief Chen remained silent, his gaze fixed on the small area on the map that represented the Han River defense line and Seoul.

Upon hearing the logistics minister's report and the staff officers' discussions, he frowned, turned to the commander-in-chief, and said in a serious tone: "Commander-in-chief, the western front is deadlocked, logistics are in dire need, and time is indeed out of our hands."

Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli's side are the only fulcrum that can leverage the entire battle situation.

They have to be fast! Faster! Otherwise…

He didn't finish his sentence, but the heavy pressure had already weighed on everyone's shoulders.

Just as this suffocating tension was about to reach its peak—"Report!"

A shout, breathless yet unusually high-pitched, rang out!
Everyone's eyes immediately turned to the doorway.

Chief of Staff Xie practically slammed open the heavy wooden door and rushed in!
His cotton military uniform was covered in mud and ice, and his face was red from the cold, but he still reported loudly: "Commander! Chief Chen! We... we've opened it!"
The Han River! We've breached the Han River defense line!

"what?!"

The boss suddenly turned around, and his weathered eyes suddenly shot out a piercing light.

Commander Chen jumped up from his chair almost simultaneously, and the Minister of Logistics and the Director of Operations also widened their eyes.

All the staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army stopped what they were doing and held their breath.

Chief of Staff Xie took a deep breath and reported clearly and quickly: "I just received an urgent telegram from Li Yunlong's unit!"

After Wu Wanli led the main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade across the Han River, he did not head straight for Seoul!

Instead, they left Pinghe's reconnaissance detachment to hold off the tens of thousands of elite pursuing troops led by US Major General Allen in a valley!

"and then?"

Chief Chen pressed for an answer, his body instinctively leaning forward.

Chief of Staff Xie's eyes gleamed with disbelief: "Then Comrade Wu Wanli led the main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade and launched a surprise attack without anyone noticing!"
They came from behind the Han River defense line, like a red-hot dagger, piercing straight into the enemy's heart!
With overwhelming force, they launched a lightning-fast raid on the headquarters of the US 3rd Division's Han River defense line!

"boom!"

It was as if a thunderbolt had exploded in the command post, and the staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army were instantly thrown into chaos!

"My God! The headquarters? It's been taken down?"

A staff officer of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army exclaimed in surprise.

"A surprise attack! This Comrade Wu Wanli is incredibly audacious!"

Another staff officer slapped his thigh excitedly.

"Where's that old bastard Thor? Have they caught him yet?"

Someone asked eagerly.

Chief of Staff Xie nodded vigorously, speaking even faster, his voice trembling with excitement: "Not just the command post!"

They then rushed towards the core stronghold of the Han River defense line—the core position of the 37th Field Artillery Regiment!
The artillery fire from the 7th Steel Brigade was incredibly precise, and the outer defenses of the US forces crumbled instantly!

The main force of the Seventh Steel Brigade, like tigers among sheep, captured the artillery position in one fell swoop and seized countless heavy artillery pieces!

The command center and core of firepower for the entire Han River defense line were ripped out by Wu Wanli with a single stroke!

He pointed forcefully to the center of the Han River defense line on the map: "When the Seventh Steel Brigade destroyed the enemy's command center and paralyzed its artillery, Li Yunlong commanded the main force of the Eastern Front Assault Group to launch a general offensive on the entire Han River defense line!"

The US 3rd Division and the ROK 2nd Division are leaderless, their command is chaotic, their fire support has been cut off, their defensive lines have collapsed instantly, and they are now in complete disarray!

"Good! Well done!"

Wu Wanli! What a divine intervention! What a brilliant counterattack! Well done!

The boss slammed his fist on the wooden table covered with a map, making the teacups jump and make a crisp clinking sound.

Chief Chen slapped Chief of Staff Xie on the shoulder and burst into laughter: "Hahaha! Good lad!"

Using a feint attack on the eastern section to draw the enemy's reserves while the main force breaks through the center—that's incredibly audacious!

They still dare to launch a counterattack, striking straight at the enemy's heart!
That courage, that grasp of timing on the battlefield, is simply genius!

He ripped the knot of the Han River apart!

The head of the logistics department was so excited his voice trembled: "We've broken the deadlock! Boss, Chief Chen!"
With the Han River breached, the gates of Seoul were wide open!

The entire flank and rear of the US forces on the Western Front are now exposed to our forces!

This seemingly hopeless game is now alive!

The operations director excitedly waved his fist: "It's more than just alive! It's a complete upheaval!"

The 70,000 to 80,000 elite American troops in Goyang and Uijeongbu are now in trouble!

Wu Wanli's hammer blow shattered the Han River and stunned Van Fleet and Ridgway!
Quickly! Immediately report the battle situation to the command headquarters of the 19th and 9th Army Corps on the western front!
Tell them, the Han River has been breached!
The fighter jets are right in front of us! Give them a good beating!
"Keep the enemy on the western front pinned down and prevent them from redeploying to relieve Seoul!"

The staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army responded with a resounding roar, their excitement overflowing. The entire command post was like a boiling pot of oil.
"That's satisfying! So satisfying! Let those American devils taste what it's like to have their escape routes cut off!"

"The battle that Captain Wu fought was so well-done that even textbooks couldn't describe it!"

"With the stalemate on the eastern front broken, the pressure on the western front has been greatly reduced. Now it's our turn to put the pressure on them!"

Chief of Staff Xie, a smile playing on his lips, watched the commotion in the command post. He waved another telegram and announced loudly, "Commander, Chief Chen, everyone! The good news... isn't over yet!"

The boiling command post fell silent instantly, and everyone looked at Chief of Staff Xie with incredulous anticipation.

besides?

The Han River defense headquarters and artillery positions were captured, and the American troops collapsed and fled. This was already a tremendous victory!
What else could there be?
Chief of Staff Xie, facing the burning gazes of the crowd, spoke with the excitement of witnessing a miracle: "Just as our naval fleet was on its way to the west coast of Korea, our reconnaissance planes suddenly made a major discovery!"
The massive carrier-based aircraft of the U.S. Pacific Fleet are swarming towards the Han River battlefield, darkening the sky!
Their intention is clear: to use devastating air power to bombard our troops who have broken through the Han River!
"Weld back together the opening we painstakingly created!"

A collective gasp filled the command post.

The terrifying power of US carrier-based aircraft is something that every soldier who experienced air raids in the Korean War remembers with lingering fear.

If this group of US carrier-based aircraft were to land over the Han River, the consequences would be unimaginable!
Chief of Staff Xie's voice suddenly rose, full of power: "At this critical moment, Comrade Xiao Zhenhua, the naval commander, made a decisive order."

He ordered the fleet to abandon its original support mission, immediately turn around, and sound the highest level of combat alert!
All carrier-based aircraft scrambled! All anti-aircraft guns are on combat alert!
Objective—Intercept a group of US carrier-based aircraft!
"At all costs, keep them at sea; we must not allow them to reach the Han River battlefield!"

The staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army were deeply moved and clenched their fists.

They seemed to see that young Chinese naval fleet, resolutely facing an enemy several times its size on the vast Yellow Sea.

Chief of Staff Xie's tone turned serious: "The battle was exceptionally fierce!"
According to an urgent report from the Navy, the flight deck of the aircraft carrier "Renmin" was blown open and caught fire, and the battleship "Dongfanghong" was hit in multiple places!

Carrier-based pilots fought fiercely in the skies, battling to the death with American ace pilots!

Our destroyers released smoke screens amidst the barrage of enemy aircraft diving down and wove a web of fire with their anti-aircraft guns!

Between the sea and the air, the battle raged fiercely, with bloodshed and sacrifice every single second!

The naval officers and soldiers are using their lives and their steel to buy time for victory on the Han River front!

The command post was solemn, and the faces of the volunteer army staff officers were filled with respect and tension.

Chief of Staff Xie's voice became impassioned again, with an incredible penetrating power: "At the critical moment when the navy was under tremendous pressure, a telegram sent from before Wu Wanli's attack was delivered to Navy Chief Xiao and copied to the headquarters at the same time!"
In his telegram, Wu Wanli decisively ordered: All the main land-based air force aircraft that were originally scheduled to reinforce the Han River battlefield—all those capable of taking off—to immediately change course!

Rush to the Yellow Sea battlefield at full speed!
Support the naval fleet and work together to destroy the US Pacific Fleet's carrier-based aircraft!

"boom!"

This order struck like a second thunderbolt, once again shaking the command post!

"A strategic vision that integrates land, sea, and air..."

A staff officer of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army muttered to himself, his eyes wide open, seemingly stunned by the massive battlefield coordination.

"How...how could Comrade Wu Wanli think so far ahead?"

Another volunteer army staff officer exclaimed in disbelief, his face filled with disbelief.

Chief of Staff Xie waved his arms excitedly: "Upon receiving this order, Commander Xiao immediately contacted the land-based air force commander!"
The two hundred MiG fighter jets led by Comrade Wang Wei, which had already taken off and were heading towards the Han River, received orders in the air and immediately headed straight for the Yellow Sea airspace for fierce battle!
When this new force suddenly joined the battlefield, the battle situation over the Yellow Sea was instantly reversed!

Our military has achieved overwhelming air superiority in certain areas!
The Navy's carrier-based aircraft, land-based MiG fighters, and the fleet's air defense network worked closely together to launch a deadly attack on the chaotic American aircraft formation!
This battle nearly crushed the U.S. Pacific Fleet, an air force intent on destroying the gains of the Han River campaign!

The boss erupted in deafening cheers, his eyes gleaming as if he had become ten years younger: "Good! Well done!"

The navy demonstrated national power and military might! The air force provided timely and effective support!

Chief Chen was equally excited, slamming his fist on the table: "A stroke of genius!"
Wu Wanli's vision extends beyond the Han River and his own small territory, the Seventh Steel Brigade!

His mind was like a panoramic view of the entire Korean battlefield!

This kid… his head is filled with the entire scales of war!

The head of the logistics department was so excited that he took off his glasses and wiped them vigorously: "A miracle! It's truly a miracle!"

The navy held firm! Air force support has arrived!

This decisive victory, achieved through a combined sea and air force operation, preserved the fruits of victory on the Han River!
They saved the warplanes that the soldiers had won with their blood!

The staff officers of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army were completely excited, and the clamor of their discussions almost lifted the roof off the tunnel:

"My God! Is this some kind of divine intervention? Hundreds of miles away, one hand mobilized the Seventh Steel Brigade to break through the Han River, and the other hand suggested that the Air Force rescue the Navy?"

"Air, land, and sea coordination! Even textbooks wouldn't dare write it like this! But he actually did it!"

"Genius! An absolute military genius! That strategic vision, that decisiveness... it's simply..."

"Naval Commander Xiao is also outstanding! He made decisive decisions and dared to fight! The navy of our new China has a tough backbone!"

Praise poured in like a tide to Wu Wanli, who was far away on the front line of the Han River, and the naval officers and soldiers who fought bloody battles in the Yellow Sea.

In the minds of the staff officers of the Volunteer Army, Wu Wanli's name had instantly transformed from a fierce general into a strategic master capable of controlling the grand chessboard of war.

Just as everyone was filled with excitement and jubilation, and immersed in the immense joy of the victory at the Han River and the combined air and sea triumphs—

"Boss! Commander Chen!"

The logistics minister's voice, tinged with anxiety and heaviness, was like ice water poured over everyone's heads.

The enthusiastic atmosphere in the command post froze instantly. Everyone looked at him.

The logistics minister's face showed lingering excitement, but even more so, a sense of solemnity.

He reopened the worn-out hardcover notebook, pointing to the numbers on it: "The dawn of victory is just around the corner, but the logistics system is stretched to its limit and could snap at any moment!"

He raised his head, his gaze sweeping over the commander-in-chief, Chief Chen, and all the staff officers, his tone heavy and clear: "The great victory at Han River needs to be consolidated!"
Seoul is right in front of us; we need to launch a fierce attack!
The western front is deadlocked, and continued pressure is needed!
Hundreds of thousands of troops, with food and supplies for men and horses, and the constant roar of guns and cannons, the consumption was astronomical!

He paused, then emphasized, "Grain reserves have been depleted over the past few days and transportation has been difficult."

Even with the strictest minimum rations, it would only be enough to support the frontline troops for a few days!
If we don't retreat within a few days, we might have to fight on empty stomachs!

"Artillery shells, especially large-caliber shells, are needed for continuous fire support on the western front in the direction of Goyang and Uijeongbu, as well as on the Han River battlefield where a breakthrough has just been achieved!"
Current inventory levels cannot withstand the depletion caused by high-intensity combat...

Gasoline is in extremely short supply!

The transport convoy couldn't get moving, and there was simply no way to provide follow-up supplies!
Without fuel, tanks can't move, cars can't run, and heavy artillery can't be towed away. Even if we win a great victory, it will be difficult to sustain!
The situation is very clear.

The victory at the Han River and the air and naval victories opened the door to Seoul for us and greatly deterred the enemy forces on the western front.

However, this window of opportunity is very short!

We must take Seoul before our logistics completely collapse, and cut off the retreat routes of the main UN forces on both the eastern and western fronts!
otherwise……"

He didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood the consequences.

If the offensive stalls due to logistical difficulties, the UN forces will inevitably launch a fierce counterattack, and the risk of being cut off and encircled on both the eastern and western fronts will increase dramatically.

The fruits of victory that were within our grasp may vanish, or we may even be forced into a strategic retreat with huge losses.

The command post, which had been as hot as boiling water, instantly cooled down.

The excitement and elation on the faces of the volunteer army staff officers quickly faded, replaced by solemnity and contemplation.

The joy of victory did not disappear, but the immense pressure of reality weighed heavily on everyone's hearts like a boulder.

The smile on the boss's face faded. He walked to the huge battle map, his gaze sweeping over Seoul, the Han River defense line, and the Goyang Uijeongbu on the western front, before finally settling back on the point representing Seoul.

Chief Chen frowned, deep in thought.

The limits of logistics are a cold, hard reality.

The maximum time that logistics can support them is also their final deadline to capture Seoul and secure victory!
The operations chief and his staff quickly gathered around the map, exchanging their opinions in hushed tones:

"Time is too tight! Seoul's defense system is complete, and there are also elite US military guard units..."

"But with the defeat of Sol and the collapse of the Han River defense line, the enemy's morale will inevitably waver! This is the perfect opportunity!"

"We must send Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli on a desperate attack! If we capture Seoul, the enemy's rear on the western front will be cut off, and they will inevitably collapse!"

"Yes! Our army on the western front should also seize this opportunity to launch a more intense offensive, hold the enemy firmly in place, and absolutely not allow them to divert their forces eastward to reinforce Seoul!"

"Commander Xiao from the Navy wants to fight a decisive battle at Incheon, but the risk is too great. We must remind him to know when to stop and preserve his strength..."

After a brief silence, the boss suddenly raised his head, looked around at everyone, and gave the order decisively:
The situation is clear!
The logistical support for an offensive has a limit of only a few days!

These next few days are crucial in determining the outcome of the Korean War; we must achieve victory in one decisive battle!
Relay my orders!

First, a telegram is sent to Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli: The Eastern Front Assault Group and the Seventh Steel Brigade must work together to overcome all difficulties and take Seoul within three days!
Second, the 19th and 9th Corps, a total of seven armies, on the western front gave us a great morale boost!
Accelerate the offensive pace, hold back the main UN forces on the western front, and even seek a breakthrough!

Third, the navy should be cautious. If there is a chance of a major victory, then a decisive battle can be fought. But if the situation is not good, they should retreat in time.

Finally, Old Chen, you're more educated, so why don't you write a commendation telegram for Comrade Wu Wanli and that kid Li Yunlong? It should be sent to the entire army!

After a moment's thought, Chief Chen replied directly, "Yes!"

The commendation telegram from the General Headquarters was addressed to Li Yunlong of the Eastern Front Assault Group, Wan Li of the Seventh Steel Brigade, and all officers and soldiers, as well as Xiao Zhenhua's Navy unit:
I. I am delighted to learn that your unit, with the Seventh Steel Brigade as its vanguard, has achieved remarkable feats on the Han River battlefield!

Wu Wanli made a quick decision, using the feigned attack of the defeated Korean troops on the eastern section to lure the enemy, while he personally led the main force to strike directly at the central junction.

Furthermore, with a swift counterattack, they launched a lightning strike on the enemy's Han River defense line headquarters, destroying its leadership and seizing the core position of the US 37th Field Artillery Regiment, causing the US-ROK defense line to collapse!
The ingenuity of this tactic, the courage of its men, and the magnitude of its results are truly exemplary! II. Xiao Zhenhua's naval force, with its inferior strength, fought a bloody battle against the US Pacific Fleet's carrier-based aircraft in the Yellow Sea!
Fleet officers and soldiers risked their lives, using carrier-based aircraft and their own flesh and blood to build a barrier in the sky and prevent enemy aircraft from rushing towards the Han River battlefield.

Furthermore, by coordinating with the land-based air force, we ultimately annihilated the enemy's elite air force and protected our land troops, achieving a great victory in the overall situation!

Third, Li Yunlong took command of the Eastern Front Assault Group and launched a general offensive without hesitation, which echoed the surprise attack of the Seventh Steel Brigade and finally broke through the natural barrier of the Han River!
In this battle, the coordinated efforts of the land, sea, and air forces were seamless, with both conventional and unconventional tactics employed, fully demonstrating the iron will, wisdom, and courage of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army!

This is a special commendation!

I hope your unit will not be arrogant or complacent, but will build on this great victory and continue its efforts!
Order: Li Yunlong and Wu Wanli, leading the Eastern Front Assault Group and the Seventh Steel Brigade, are to recapture Seoul within three days!

Cut off the enemy's retreat and secure victory!

All soldiers should take you as their role models and fight bravely to annihilate the enemy!
Today"

After Chief Chen finished speaking, his tone was resolute.

The command post was filled with solemnity. The generals knew that this telegram was not only a praise for the soldiers who had fought valiantly, but also a decisive order for the Battle of Seoul!

The commander-in-chief's eyes shone brightly as he said in a deep voice, "Deputy Commander Chen's draft is excellent! The commendation telegram shall be issued to the entire army immediately!"

Comrades, logistics are in dire need of attention, and time is of the essence!

Three days! Just three days!

Tell them Seoul must be taken; this is a death order!

The group's expressions turned solemn, and they replied in unison, "Yes! We guarantee to complete the mission!"

The telegram, carried by radio waves, bearing the commander's affirmation and the most urgent military orders, flew to the front lines amidst the flames of war.

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

Vulture Valley, south of Seoul

Major General Allen stood outside the makeshift frontline command post, his eyes gleaming with a feverish excitement.

In the telescope's field of view, the Delta Force elites and the US 3rd Division's elite troops were like two heavy battering rams, constantly pounding on the Chinese army's defensive lines on both sides.

Gunfire, explosions, dying screams, and sporadic counterattacks suppressed by artillery fire mingled together.

"Increase the intensity! Push them up! Crush them!"

Two hours!

No, I want to see that damned red flag disappear from the hillside within an hour and a half!
"I want Wu Wanli's head!"

Major General Allen, holding the walkie-talkie, shouted loudly.

"General! General! Urgent telegram! Highest priority from UN Command!"

Suddenly, an American staff officer scrambled over, his face ashen, and shouted.

Allen's fury, interrupted, froze on his face, then quickly turned into impatience: "What is it?!"

The staff officer practically shouted, his voice trembling: "General, it's an urgent order personally signed by General Ridgway!"

The Han River defense line headquarters and the core positions of the 37th Artillery Regiment have been captured!

Wu Wanli led the main force of the true Steel Seventh Brigade in a counterattack!

Major General Sol's Han River defense line has completely collapsed!

General Ridgway ordered us to immediately disengage and proceed to reinforce the retreating US 3rd Division and ROK 2nd Division along the Han River!

"What did you say?!"

Upon hearing this, Major General Allen turned around abruptly, snatched the telegram, and quickly scanned it.

After reading it, a chill instantly shot from the soles of my feet to the top of my head, dispelling all the fervor and excitement.

The thin telegram in his hand felt incredibly heavy at that moment.

We've been tricked! Utterly and completely tricked!

A chilling clarity, instantly sensing danger, pierced Allen's spine like a high-voltage current.

He suddenly looked up, his bloodshot eyes fixed on the smoke-filled hillsides on both sides.

Intense fighting was still taking place there, with flames from gun barrels clearly visible.

But now, these tenacious resistances have instantly lost their "main force" aura in his eyes, turning into naked bait!

A huge trap!

The goal was to firmly pin his elite "Iron Hammer" force to this damned valley, thus buying precious time for Wu Wanli's lightning strike on the Han River defense line!

The command post was destroyed, the artillery positions were lost, and the backbone of the entire Han River defense line was broken!

Thor, that idiot!

Allen gritted his teeth, crumpled the telegram into a ball, and slammed it to the ground: "Retreat!"

Everyone retreats!

Change course, target the eastern flank of the Han River defense line!
At all costs, provide support for Sol and Han Ershi!
Quick! Get moving!

Allen's orders were quickly relayed.

At the bottom of the valley and on the hillside, the "Iron Hammer" troops, which had been advancing like a tidal wave, suddenly stopped.

The fervor of victory on the faces of the American soldiers froze instantly, replaced by bewilderment and astonishment.

The chain of attack groaned and creaked under the forced twist of the order, and countless figures began to clumsily turn around at the officer's stern rebuke.

The engines of American tanks and armored vehicles roared dully as their tracks crushed rocks and corpses that could not be dragged away, before hastily turning to retreat.

Meanwhile, on the high ground
Behind a charred boulder, Wu Jin, a soldier from the reconnaissance detachment of the 7th Steel Brigade of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army, suddenly poked his head out, his eyes wide open.

He stared in disbelief at the spectacular yet chaotic scene in the valley below.

The dark mass of American troops abandoned their offensive positions like a receding tide, their tanks belching black smoke, and their infantry surged haphazardly toward the valley entrance like ants carrying food.

"Damn it, they really left!"

They can't fight anymore! We won! We won!

"I can... I can finally take a breather! My eyelids are practically glued shut..."

He excitedly patted his comrade next to him, who was also covered in gunpowder and mud, his voice hoarse but filled with childlike joy.

However, after taking several photos without any response, Wu Jin realized something and quickly went closer to check, only then confirming the sacrifice of her comrade.

"Steel Seventh Brigade, over 20,000th soldier, Li Jun..."

He silently put away his comrade's keepsake and murmured to himself.

In fact, the list of casualties of the Seventh Steel Brigade had already been distributed to the lower-level organizations for record-keeping.

After all, Wu Wanli's notebook didn't have enough space, so he could only record the names of officers and outstanding soldiers.

However, the total number of soldiers who sacrificed their lives is still determined periodically.

Regardless, the battle was ultimately won.

The pent-up fatigue and pain surged up instantly, and many soldiers collapsed in their bunkers, panting heavily, their faces showing a longing for a brief rest.

The suffocating atmosphere of killing intent in the air seemed to ease slightly as the American troops withdrew.

"Everyone thinks we've already won?!"
Look in their direction!
They're not heading towards Seoul! They're heading towards the Han River defense line!

They were there to meet up with Saul's routed soldiers!
Go and block our captain's path!

Pinghe roared hoarsely.

The officers at the company and platoon level around them, who had been relaxed just like the soldiers, were suddenly shaken and their faces changed instantly.

The deputy commander spoke urgently, his voice hoarse with the strain of battle and filled with anxiety: "Commander! But... but our men..."

He surveyed the devastated battlefield around him, his voice lowering, heavy with sorrow: "We fought our way from Vulture Gorge all the way here, enduring 'Iron Hammer' for a full day and night..."

Of the brothers who can stand up, there are only a few hundred left!
Everyone has reached their limit!
The gun barrels are red-hot, and half of our heavy firepower is gone!
I really... really can't chew anymore!

"Even if we can't chew it, we have to chew it!"

Pinghe abruptly interrupted him, then pulled out a telegram, slightly damp with sweat, from the pocket close to his body.

Above is a brief telegram hastily transcribed in pencil by the telegraph operator.

He unfolded the note, his voice like a taut bowstring, clearly reaching the ears of every officer and striking the heart of every soldier:

"Urgent telegram from Chief Wu!"

The command post of the Han River defense line has been captured by our troops! The artillery positions have been taken!

Commander Li Yunlong is directing the Eastern Front Group to advance across the entire front!

The enemy at the Han River is on the verge of collapse! Victory is in sight!

He waved the telegram in his hand, his eyes sharp as he swept over the shocked and exhausted faces: "The US military now needs to regroup the routed troops before our main force completely wipes them out or scatters them!"
These defeated soldiers can be used as shields to delay Commander Wu's pursuit and buy time for the American troops in Seoul to reorganize their defenses!

Letting them pass is like releasing a tiger back into the mountains; it's like making Captain Wu and Chief Li's punches land on cotton!
What have we shed so much blood and sacrificed so many good comrades here for?
Isn't it all about pinning down this venomous snake and creating an opportunity for the main force to deliver a fatal blow?
Now that the snake's head has retreated, it thinks it can escape with its fangs? Don't even think about it!

His voice suddenly rose, carrying a power that pierced the soul: "Even if it means death, you must bite their tails with your teeth!"

Hold Allen off for an hour! Half an hour! Even ten minutes!

Give Captain Wu more time to expand his gains!

This is our investigation team's last and most important mission!

A deathly silence enveloped the small hilltop.

Only the roar of American tank engines below the mountain and the faint sound of artillery fire in the distance reminded that the battle was not over.

The struggle, worry, and extreme exhaustion on the officers' faces melted away quickly under Pinghe's words, like thin ice smothered by the blazing sun.

The deputy detachment leader abruptly raised his hand to wipe away the dried blood and sweat mixed with dirt from his face, and the hesitation in his eyes was instantly replaced by an almost tragic determination.

He was the first to speak, his voice hoarse but unusually firm: "The squad leader is right!"
Our investigation team has never had the word "backup" in its bones since the day it was formed!
We let the enemy escape; we are sorry for our fallen comrades!

beat!
Even if it means fighting to the last man, we absolutely cannot let those damned Americans ruin the Captain's grand plan!

"Yes! Attack!"

"Even if your head falls off, you'll still have a big scar! Twenty years from now, you'll still be a hero!"

"Let's fight those bastards! We'll crush their bones!"

The other officers, whether they were composed veterans or young platoon leaders, all had an almost frenzied fire burning in their eyes.

Guilt was ignited, transforming into a burning fighting spirit.

Exhaustion, casualties, and ammunition shortages were all forgotten at this moment.

An aura of fearlessness and determination instantly swept across the entire position.

The same light shone in the eyes of every surviving soldier.

That was the resolve to turn oneself to ashes for a greater victory.

Pinghe looked at his wounded but fiercely fighting subordinates and nodded heavily.

He shouted towards the buglers behind him, "Bugler! Sound the charge!"

The next second, the bugler immediately puffed out his cheeks and started blowing.

"Beep beep-be ...

The sharp, resounding bugle call, signaling a resolute charge, suddenly pierced the heavy smoke and tension above Vulture Gorge!
This familiar bugle call, etched into the depths of one's soul, is like a powerful stimulant injected into the body of a dying warrior!

In an instant, all the figures behind the bunkers on the hillside, in the shell craters, and on the scorched earth seemed to be suddenly straightened by an invisible force!

Eight hundred warriors!

Eight hundred steel warriors, covered in blood, exhausted but with bloodshot eyes, leaped out from behind their bunkers amidst the rousing bugle calls!
"kill--!!!"

"For the new China! Charge!!!!"

The roaring sound, like a mountain collapsing and a tsunami crashing down, converged into a destructive torrent that drowned out the roar of the engines below!
They were no longer a lone army waiting for reinforcements, but transformed into eight hundred sharp knives of revenge.

With the utmost determination, they launched a fearless counterattack against the massive American forces that were retreating in panic down the mountain!
There were no orderly ranks, only skirmish lines like a raging torrent bursting its banks, carrying the momentum of mutual destruction, fiercely rushing towards the unsuspecting American troops!
"What the hell?!"

At the bottom of the valley, Major General Allen, who was directing his troops to quickly retreat, looked back at the hillside in disbelief.

The loud, piercing bugle calls and deafening battle cries were like ice picks, stabbing hard into his eardrums.

Through the telescope, the Chinese troops who had just been crushed to the point of barely breathing by his "iron hammer" suddenly pounced down like mad tigers!
This was completely beyond his understanding of the logic of war!
Being followed and harassed during a retreat is common, but how dare they launch a mass charge with such a disparity in troop strength?
This is tantamount to suicide! It's a provocation! It's the most blatant insult to his elite "Iron Hammer" unit!

However, in this situation, the US rearguard forces simply couldn't react in time.

They were busy packing up their equipment, turning their vehicles around, their formation was chaotic, and their spirits were low. They never expected that such a group of "madmen" would suddenly appear from behind.

From their elevated position, the Chinese People's Volunteer Army soldiers rained down their last grenades and Molotov cocktails like hail.

A barrage of submachine gun and rifle bullets swept across the dense crowd like a whirlwind.

The narrow valley floor instantly turned into a death trap!

Flames from the explosions rose one after another in the retreating ranks, mingling with screams, curses, and the crackling sounds of vehicles being hit and catching fire.

Within minutes, the rear guard company's resistance was completely crushed, and at least two hundred American soldiers fell in pools of blood and flames.

The two jeeps and an ammunition truck that were bringing up the rear burst into flames, becoming an obstacle to the retreat of the following troops.

"Fuck! Fuck!!"

Looking at the chaos behind him and the soldiers lying dead on the ground, a surge of anger rushed to the top of his head.

Disgrace! Utter disgrace!

It wasn't just the casualties, but also the opponent's arrogant provocation that disregarded the difference in strength, which severely trampled on his pride!
He couldn't swallow this breath no matter what!

Just then, the chief of staff, holding up his binoculars, shouted urgently, "General! Something's wrong!"

That's all the troops they have!
"At most...at most eight hundred men, and there are no reinforcements! They're courting death!"

Through the telescope's view, the Chinese soldiers rushing down the hillside were now completely exposed on the relatively open edge of the valley floor.

The scattered figures falling one after another under the fierce counterattack clearly demonstrated their extremely limited troop strength.

Eight hundred people?
Allen snatched Rooney's binoculars and checked for himself.

That's right!

Within sight, the scattered, charging red figures numbered no more than eight hundred!

That earth-shattering counterattack just now was actually launched by a mere eight hundred remnants of the army?
"Damn it, how dare eight hundred Chinese soldiers launch a counterattack?"
Do they think they're Spartan warriors?!

Never mind... There are only so few people, we can eat them up first and then go provide support!

The entire army turned around and annihilated this Chinese force in one fell swoop!

Allen gritted his teeth and immediately waved his hand to give the order.

(End of this chapter)