NOVEL NEXT Chapter 282: Winning
October 3, 1898
Pyongyang, Chinese-Russian Joint Command Center
General Yuan Shikai paced the wooden floors of his temporary headquarters, a commandeered mansion overlooking Pyongyang's central district. The atmosphere inside was tense, thick with cigarette smoke and the grim silence of exhausted officers. Maps and reports lay scattered across tables and desks, each detailing the disastrous setbacks of the last few days. The swift and decisive Amerathian-Japanese-Korean counterattack had severely disrupted Yuan's carefully planned offensive, and now his troops had been forced to retreat back toward Pyongyang.
The doors opened abruptly, and Russian General Alexei Mikhailov entered swiftly, his face darkened with frustration. "General Yuan," he began sharply, "we must act immediately. The enemy forces have retaken Kaesong, cutting our southern supply lines. Your withdrawal has compromised our eastern flank as well."
Yuan stopped pacing, turning calmly to face the Russian officer. He knew precisely what this confrontation meant—growing tension between the allied forces under immense pressure. He chose his words carefully, his tone measured and firm.
"General Mikhailov," Yuan said deliberately, "my troops have done everything possible under extraordinarily difficult conditions. Amerathian reinforcements were greater and faster than anticipated. The responsibility for this setback is not ours alone."
Mikhailov's eyes narrowed slightly, but he softened his voice, recognizing the delicate nature of their alliance. "I'm not assigning blame, General Yuan. But we must consolidate our defenses immediately. Amerathian and Japanese forces are now poised to march directly on Pyongyang. If they succeed, the entire northern Korean front collapses."
Yuan exhaled slowly, aware of the stakes. He gestured toward a strategic map pinned to the wall, tracing defensive lines around the city. "Our remaining divisions will fortify defensive positions around Pyongyang. I've ordered the 2nd and 5th Divisions to construct new trenches and earthworks on the southern and eastern approaches. We have sufficient artillery ammunition and reserves to hold a prolonged siege."
"Artillery alone won't be enough," Mikhailov replied firmly. "Our troops are demoralized from the rapid withdrawal, and the enemy's morale is clearly surging. We need immediate reinforcements and fresh supplies from our northern depots. Without additional troops, we risk losing everything we've gained."
Yuan considered carefully. "Additional reinforcements from Beijing and Vladivostok are already en route," he finally admitted, though reluctantly. "They will arrive within ten days. Until then, we must rely on defensive tactics and guerrilla actions to slow the Amerathian advance."
Mikhailov stepped forward, studying the map closely. "We can still blunt their momentum if we act decisively. I'll deploy my available infantry divisions west of Pyongyang, engaging their flank as soon as they move northward. It might delay their main attack long enough for your reinforcements to arrive."
Yuan nodded in agreement. "My cavalry regiments will conduct raids and harassment operations along their supply lines near Kaesong. If we can disrupt their supplies and communication, we may yet regain some advantage."
Both generals stared silently at the map for a long moment, each knowing clearly that these actions might only delay the inevitable—but delay was precisely what they needed most.
October 4, 1898
Kaesong, Amerathian-Korean Joint Operations Base
In Kaesong, Captain Edward Harris and General Lee Sang-hoon quickly transformed the captured city into a bustling forward base. Amerathian engineers repaired roads, cleared debris, and fortified strategic points against potential Chinese counterattacks. Medical tents overflowed with wounded soldiers from both sides, while quartermasters hurriedly cataloged captured supplies and munitions.
General Caldwell arrived in Kaesong late in the afternoon, escorted by his personal staff. He immediately sought out Harris and Lee to coordinate the next phase of their advance toward Pyongyang.
"Gentlemen," Caldwell began firmly, "this victory at Kaesong is critical. We've disrupted their southern supply line, but the Chinese and Russians won't remain passive. Our next move must be decisive. What's your current situation?"
Captain Harris spoke first, straightening slightly despite visible fatigue. "Sir, we've secured Kaesong completely. Our troops are rested, though ammunition and supplies remain tight. However, we've captured substantial quantities of enemy artillery and munitions. We'll be able to resupply somewhat from their own stores."
Caldwell nodded approvingly. "Good. General Lee?"
Lee stepped forward, his uniform still dusted with dirt and grime from the previous day's fighting. "My men are eager to push forward. The Korean troops have high morale after retaking our territory, and we're ready to continue north immediately."
Caldwell unfolded a detailed map on the makeshift table, pointing decisively at their next objectives. "We'll advance in two primary columns. Harris, your Amerathian infantry will push directly north along the main route toward Pyongyang. General Lee, your Korean units will flank westward, aiming to isolate any Chinese or Russian forces attempting to threaten our western flank."
Both officers nodded sharply, clearly understanding the stakes and the strategy.
October 5, 1898
Near Sariwon, Northern Advance
Before dawn the next day, Amerathian and Korean troops resumed their northward advance. Captain Harris led the main column, his infantry moving steadily along the road north from Kaesong. Despite occasional sniper fire and skirmishes with enemy scouts, the advance proceeded methodically, bolstered by artillery support carefully positioned along their line of march.
General Lee's Korean troops moved swiftly westward, their lighter infantry units engaging in frequent small-scale clashes with Chinese cavalry attempting harassment tactics. Lee personally led several mounted patrols, aggressively pursuing and scattering enemy cavalry detachments.
Further east, Japanese forces under General Okada maintained relentless pressure against Russian positions, preventing Mikhailov from effectively repositioning forces westward. This ensured the Amerathian-Korean columns advanced with minimal interference, rapidly approaching the critical city of Sariwon, another key defensive and logistical hub halfway between Kaesong and Pyongyang.
By midday, forward scouts reported significant enemy defenses hastily erected around Sariwon. Harris and Lee quickly coordinated artillery bombardments, targeting enemy fortifications precisely. As shells exploded violently across enemy trenches and defensive positions, Amerathian and Korean infantry surged forward decisively, rapidly closing the distance.
Heavy fighting erupted throughout the afternoon, with enemy soldiers resisting stubbornly despite artillery bombardments. Harris personally led repeated infantry charges against entrenched Chinese positions, finally breaking through key points late in the evening. By sunset, Sariwon's defenses had largely collapsed, enemy troops retreating in disarray toward Pyongyang.
October 6, 1898
Amerathia Presidential Palace, D.C.
Matthew Hesh read new telegrams from Korea quietly, feeling cautious optimism rising again. Collins entered, sensing Matthew's mood immediately.
"More good news, sir?" Collins asked carefully.
Matthew nodded, still cautious. "They've taken Sariwon. The Chinese retreat toward Pyongyang continues."
Collins smiled briefly, relieved. "Then our troops have momentum."
"Momentum indeed," Matthew agreed slowly. "But Yuan Shikai won't surrender easily. Pyongyang will be the decisive fight."
Collins nodded solemnly, recognizing the truth. "Do you need anything else, sir?"
Matthew shook his head slightly, eyes focused sharply. "Just continue providing whatever Caldwell and our allies require. This war isn't over yet—but we're finally winning."
Collins quietly exited, leaving Matthew to reflect silently. Each success brought him closer to securing lasting peace, but Pyongyang loomed ahead—a fierce battle awaited, demanding greater courage and sacrifice than any before.