Changjin Lake: From Xinxingli to Seoul

Chapter 68 The Chinese People's Volunteer Army's Might Shakes the Western Powers!
Tokyo, Japan, National Assembly Building
"General MacArthur, please allow me to express my sincerest respect to you."

"It was you who brought new prosperity and development to Japan and led the Japanese people out of the wrong path of war."

The Japanese Emperor raised his glass with a forced smile and said ingratiatingly.

Thank you.

"Mr. Emperor, you are a friend of America."

MacArthur, his eyes behind his sunglasses glancing at the Emperor, took a puff of his pipe, and said.

The Emperor sensed this disrespect and his face instantly turned somewhat ugly, but he still awkwardly continued to force a smile.

In the guest seating area below

Upon seeing this, a group of high-ranking Japanese political officials felt both angry and ashamed, but there was nothing they could do.

Meanwhile, high-ranking U.S. military officials were seen embracing Japanese girls, pointing at the Emperor above, and laughing wildly.

After World War II, defeated Japan was like a mangy dog ​​with its spine broken.

Their countries were almost entirely under American military rule.

MacArthur, who held the Japanese Emperor in his hands, had clearly become the de facto ruler here.

"ladies and gentlemen."

"Today we are honored to be here at this grand banquet to meet the wise and brilliant General Douglas MacArthur, who has made outstanding contributions to human peace, and His Majesty the Emperor."

"Let us raise our glasses and toast to the enduring friendship between the United States and Japan!"

At this moment, a gentleman, with a smile on his face, spoke loudly.

These words only made the insult even more obvious.

"idiot!"

"How dare you show such disrespect to the Emperor!"

A high-ranking Japanese official couldn't help but smash his wine glass and stand up, cursing angrily.

"Your Majesty, is someone questioning the friendship between the United States and Japan?"

"I believe that such a person's existence would harm the Imperial Family and the development of Japan."

MacArthur's sharp gaze swept across the area below, and he asked calmly.

"Drag him away and shoot him!"

The Emperor clenched his fists, shouting as if his heart was bleeding.

Soon, the Japanese official was dragged outside.

"boom!"

As a gunshot rang out, all the Japanese at the banquet lowered their heads, some even weeping silently.

"The banquet continues."

MacArthur raised his glass triumphantly and said.

"Now, Red China is openly provoking and interfering in the situation in North Korea."

"Free nations formed the United Nations forces and sent troops to Korea."

"The Allied forces are unstoppable and have already reached the vicinity of Chosin Reservoir!"

"The army of Red China is vulnerable and will eventually be completely defeated!"

"This will be another great achievement for General MacArthur!"

The gentleman cleared his throat and continued his praise.

"Believe me, everyone, the Chinese peasant army has no chance of resisting in the slightest. The Allied forces will reach the Yalu River ahead of schedule!"

"And the young men of America can all go home for Christmas!"

MacArthur then stood up and loudly proclaimed.

At that moment, thunderous applause erupted from below.

However, amidst the applause, a few discordant voices rang out.

"Have you heard? The Allied forces suffered an unprecedented and crushing defeat at Chosin Reservoir?"

"That's what the AFP reporter said."

"Of course, before the United States blocked the news, our war correspondents had already taken photos as evidence!"

The Reuters reporter said arrogantly.

"Damn it, as an American, I don't want this to happen."

"But as a journalist, this is a blockbuster story that will make the newspaper a bestseller!"

"I laughed," an Associated Press reporter said.

"It can't be covered up sooner or later, so why let the Soviet newspaper Pravda publish it first?"

Reuters reported that...

"Freedom of the press must not be interfered with!"

"We plan to release it first thing tomorrow morning; we're just gathering one last piece of news information now."

"I laughed," an AFP reporter said.

"Let's raise a glass and drink to this news extravaganza!"

A Reuters reporter said.

"cheers!"

Several Western journalists, eager to stir up trouble, exchanged knowing smiles and toasted.

……

"Ring ring ring ring ring..."

Just then, a telephone rang urgently in the side hall.

"Fuck you!"

"what happened?"

MacArthur felt a surge of anger and immediately cursed.

"General, this is a call from the front lines at Chosin Reservoir in Korea."

"Major General Smith has urgent military intelligence to discuss with you."

"I said with some difficulty," a U.S. military officer said.

"Urgent military situation?"

MacArthur had a bad feeling and quickly walked to the side hall to answer the phone.

"General Mike, after the Polar Bear Regiment was completely annihilated, the main force of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army launched a fierce attack and captured Gaiyu-ri. We can't hold it anymore!"

"The main forces of the Allied forces on both the eastern and western fronts of Chosin Reservoir are now surrounded by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army. We should retreat!"

"That's what Major General Smith said urgently on the other end of the phone."

"Fuck you!"

"The Polar Bear Regiment was completely wiped out, but the main force of the 1st Marine Division is still intact!"

"Retreat is not permitted! Retreat is treason! You will be taken to a military court and executed!"

MacArthur was startled, then roared in extreme anger.

"General, the situation at Chosin Reservoir has deteriorated to the point of no return!"

"Your judgment is wrong. The fighting strength of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army is definitely not that of the Nationalist government army that we aided back then!"

"If we don't retreat now, the 1st Marine Division and even the entire main force of the US military will be left in this cold winter forever!"

In this life-or-death situation, General Smith disregarded social status and shouted into the phone.

"Shit!"

"Did God don a steel helmet and join the war to help the Chinese People's Volunteer Army?!"

"How could the Chinese army possibly have such strong combat capabilities!"

MacArthur slammed his fist on the table in disbelief.

"General, during the Battle of Xinxingli, a single company of the Chinese army was able to break through the defenses of the Polar Bear Regiment, carry out a decapitation strike, and even destroy the Polar Bear Regiment's artillery positions."

"The East is not under God's jurisdiction..."

"But I have to be responsible for these American guys. I won't retreat, but I'll advance south. That's it!"

After Smith finished speaking, he immediately hung up the phone.

"A single company of the Chinese army... can turn the tide of a medium-sized battle?"

MacArthur put down the phone, looking somewhat dejected, a hint of confusion flashing in his eyes.

"Pong-"

At that moment, the Emperor, who was not far away, heard the news and his wine glass instantly fell to the ground, shards of glass flying everywhere.

MacArthur reacted instantly and looked downstairs with a hint of panic.

"Kacha kacha——"

A series of white lights flashed by, and the reporters instantly captured the expressions of the Japanese Emperor and MacArthur.

The Japanese guests, on the other hand, all wore expressions of disbelief.

In their view, World War II was lost to the United States, not China.

So they fawn over America like grandsons because they admire the strong.

And now, the world's number one superpower in their eyes has actually been defeated by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army!
These Japanese people looked terrified, as if their faith had collapsed for the second time.

"General MacArthur, we have heard your phone conversation."

"Are you saying that the Polar Bear Regiment's crushing defeat was caused by a single Chinese company?"

A Reuters reporter asked bluntly.

"General MacArthur, has your Christmas offensive failed?"

"What kind of explanation will you give to Congress and the people?"

An Associated Press reporter asked.

"Has the combat effectiveness of the Chinese People's Volunteer Army surpassed that of the UN forces?"

Was the situation at the Battle of Chosin Reservoir beyond saving?

"Could you provide more details about that Chinese company?"

An AFP reporter, seemingly enjoying the spectacle, remarked.

……

"Shut up!"

"Kick them all out!"

MacArthur roared angrily.

"Ladies and gentlemen, due to unforeseen circumstances, the banquet has been cancelled early. Please return home."

Seeing this, the gentleman quickly stepped in to save the situation.

Soon, a team of American soldiers stormed into the banquet hall and escorted everyone out of the Capitol.

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

November 29, 1950, night
The most frenzied night for major media outlets around the world since the end of World War II.

That night, news about national confrontations was no longer about the struggle and comparison between the two superpowers, the United States and the Soviet Union.

Instead, the news that the Chinese People's Volunteer Army had intimidated all the Western powers exploded! AFP reported: "The Chinese army defeated the United States! The world's first case of a backward agricultural country defeating an advanced industrial country!"

The French Gazette: "China's strength needs to be re-examined and reassessed!"

The Washington Post: "The Polar Bear Regiment was wiped out by a single company of Chinese troops!"

The New York Times: "Chinese People's Volunteer Army has surrounded the main UN forces, and the US Christmas Offensive has failed!"

The Oxford Gazette: "The Chinese army is growing stronger! A cold winter! The main force of the Allied forces is in despair!"

People's Daily: "The Seventh Steel Company, an invincible company!"

"Comrade Wu Wanli, a great volunteer soldier!"

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

Beijing, China; Nanhai Compound

"Xiao Wang, please send this calligraphy I wrote to Huzhou, Zhejiang!"

"This is a gift for Comrade Wu Wanli!"

"Yes!"

Xiao Wang carefully picked up the words, took a closer look, and was suddenly shocked.

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

In a heavily guarded mansion on a small island in the southeast.
"Darling, don't think too much, have something to eat."

A refined and elegant lady, holding a bowl of sweet soup, spoke.

"I do not understand……"

"The combined forces in this battle are 800,000 to 600,000!"

Why did we lose?

The bald man looked at an old battle map and spoke with a worried expression in a Fenghua accent.

"Principal, Principal!"

"The United States actually lost the war!"

"They were defeated by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army at Chosin Reservoir!"

An officer strode in and said.

"The Americans have also lost?"

The bald man suddenly looked up and asked in surprise.

"Yes, Principal, please don't be too sad..."

The officer felt a pang of anxiety and quickly offered words of comfort.

"nonsense."

"Must I be overwhelmed with sorrow at this very moment?"

"I just feel that our defeat back then was not unjust!"

A smile appeared on the bald man's face as he spoke loudly.

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

Hagaru-ri, 1st Marine Division Command Post
"How are the wounded? Have they all been taken away?"

Major General Smith sighed and said.

"Sir, a group of wounded soldiers were just brought to the airport when they were captured by the Chinese People's Volunteer Army..."

The U.S. Chief of Staff lowered his head and said.

"What?"

"Where are Colonel Richie and his troops?!"

"How could the Chinese People's Volunteer Army have appeared at the airport so quietly!"

Smith roared.

"Sir, I don't know what methods the Chinese army used, but the airport has been lost..."

"The original plan to send away the wounded and allow the other soldiers to retreat more easily has also... fallen through."

The US Chief of Staff felt a pang of sadness and said.

"You! Hey..."

Smith picked up a document, intending to throw it at the US Chief of Staff, but after thinking about it, he decided against it.

"Pass down the order: use all remaining armored forces as the vanguard and break through to the south with all your might..."

Major General Smith, as if all his strength had been drained, slumped into his chair and said weakly.

"Yes, sir!"

Upon hearing this, the US Chief of Staff immediately agreed.

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

After daybreak, the 1st Marine Division assembled all its armored forces and broke out to the south.

The 20th and 27th Armies launched a fierce attack, but under the relentless bombing by American aircraft and the desperate assault by American armored forces, they ultimately failed to capture it.

Hagaru-ri, Airport

"Company commander, the American devils have retreated!"

"It's only because we have so many prisoners and warplanes that I could have gone and had my fill of hunting them down!"

Yu Congrong said resentfully as he chewed on his luncheon meat.

"It's better if we don't go. With so many prisoners and even two regimental commanders, those American devils won't dare to bomb us!"

Wu Wanli took a bite of chocolate and said.

"Finally finished."

"Our Seventh Steel Company worked the hardest to break through the tortoise shell in this corner!"

Gao Daxing said with considerable pride.

"The war isn't over until this entire American force is annihilated."

Wu Qianli looked at the battle map hanging on the wall and said.

"Brother, I estimate there will only be two themes for the upcoming battles."

"A force to ambush and kill American troops along the way!"

"One option is to send troops to infiltrate the rear and try to cut off their retreat."

Wu Wanli looked at the map and said.

"Company Commander, Wanli is right!"

“It’s easy to see if you analyze the map.”

"The key to the blockade lies in the positions of Hill 1071 and Xiaogaoling, which are crucial to the southward escape route!"

"The key to cutting off the retreat route lies in the only way to Xingnan Port: the Shuimen Bridge!"

"It all depends on what tasks our superiors assign us."

Mei Sheng agreed.

"No matter what the mission is, the Seventh Steel Company will definitely do its best to complete it!"

Wu Qianli touched the gun in his hand, his gaze firm.

"Reporting to the company commander, Commander Kong Jie has come to inspect in person!"

At this moment, Pinghe rushed in and said.

"All personnel line up, ready to welcome the commander!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Qianli immediately gave the order.

"Yes!"

Upon hearing this, the core members of the Seventh Steel Company immediately stood up straight and formed two rows.

Just then, Kong Jie walked in with several officers.

"salute!"

Wu Qianli shouted loudly.

Upon hearing this, the members of the Seventh Steel Company immediately saluted in respect.

"Hey, hey, there's no need for that, everyone sit down and rest."

"You are the great heroes of the 27th Army!"

"You fought the hardest battle!"

Kong Jie smiled and gestured for them to stop, then said...

"Commander, look at the momentum of the Steel Seventh Company! They truly deserve to be called a fierce and powerful force!"

Upon seeing this, the chief of staff immediately praised him.

"Hahaha...yes!"

"But even a fierce and powerful army is not made of iron."

Kong Jie glanced at the tired faces of Wu Wanli and the others, and said with a hint of heartache.

"Which one is the company commander?"

Upon seeing this, the chief of staff quickly asked.

"Reporting to the commander, this is me!"

Wu Qianli took a step forward and said.

"What the commander means is, your Steel Seventh Company has made so many contributions and fought so many tough battles, do you need a rest?"

the chief of staff asked.

"As long as the motherland needs us, the Steel Seventh Company will continue to fight!"

Wu Qianli said with a firm gaze.

"Okay!"

"No wonder they have the revolutionary heritage! Their awareness is truly high!"

"There are still two tough battles to fight. After thinking it over, I still think the Seventh Steel Company is the most reliable."

Kong Jie said with a look of admiration.

"Please give instructions, sir!"

Wu Qianli said.

"Wu Qianli, you are the company commander."

"Wu Wanli, you are the number one hero."

"Which do you think is more suitable for the current situation of the Steel Seventh Company: the Third Company taking over the defense of Xiaogaoling, or the Third Battalion working together to destroy the Shuimen Bridge?"

Kong Jie smiled slightly and asked.

"Ding--"

"The Seventh Steel Company is facing a combat decision. System activation selected!"

At that moment, the cold system notification sound in Wu Wanli's mind also rang out.

(End of this chapter)