The battle at Bukhan Mountain was definitely the most difficult battle since the First Marine Division entered the war.
That's how it is in a mountain attack. There are no fancy tricks. You have to fight for every inch of land and advance bit by bit.
And because it is an attack from the rear, it often does not receive much fire support and can only rely on the soldiers to fight bravely.
"Shields forward!"
The company commander poked his head out from behind the mound, looking very embarrassed, as black as coke. But on a battlefield where life and death were at stake, how could he care about his own image?
The most important thing is to capture the position in front of you.
The previous few charges were beaten down by the defenders above.
The enemy was condescending and fired arrows at will, causing many casualties. However, due to the angle, the muskets below could not hit.
In desperation, the company commander had no choice but to request support from the battalion headquarters and mobilized shield soldiers.
More than a dozen shields as tall as a man's shoulder were lined up in a row and began to move up the steep mountain road little by little.
Of course, the defenders noticed the threat and fired two waves of arrows, but without any effect, and immediately switched to throwing stones.
Stones of different sizes were thrown down from above one after another, hitting the shields with a clanging sound. However, what stunned the Koreans was that these shields were actually unscathed.
According to their experience, ordinary wooden shields will definitely break after being hit by stones.
What they didn't know was that although the shield in Xia Jun's hand was also a wooden shield, its outward surface was covered with a layer of iron, so it was not afraid of being hit by stones at all.
The three soldiers holding the shield together barely withstood the defenders' rain of stones and advanced for more than thirty meters.
But don't underestimate such a small distance, which can already allow the Xia army to threaten the defenders.
"Grenade, prepare to throw!"
Now the gap between the top and bottom is only more than 20 meters. Although Xia Jun's muskets cannot hit the enemy, the grenades can.
The soldiers of the Xia Army had already suppressed their anger. At this moment, they all exerted their strength and threw all the grenades they were equipped into the defenders' fortifications.
The explosions were continuous and swept through every corner of the fortification, and the tragic screams of the defenders could be clearly heard.
The fire coverage caused by grenades caused a large-scale loss of troops in the defenders.
"Brothers, rush!"
The opportunity was fleeting, and the company commander immediately ordered and led the entire company of soldiers to rush into position.
The remaining enemies above had not yet woken up from the aftermath of the explosion, and were faced with Xia Jun's sharp bayonets.
After three hours of fighting, the Xia army finally captured Beihan Mountain and created a gap.
This company that ascended first provided great help to the entire army.
Because from their perspective, they can have a clear view of the entire defender's defense line.
As the intelligence continued to be transmitted back, Xia Jun's artillery finally had a place to use.
Following Zuo Mengeng, everyone in North Korea looked at the grand scene of the artillery positions that stretched for several miles roaring together, and they were all envious.
When will North Korea have such military prowess?
"Your Highness, after the restoration of Korea, I wonder if I can ask you to go to the country to train the army to protect the country and the people?"
Shen Jiyuan made the request, which also represented the wishes of the vast majority of North Korean people.
This country is really too weak. It has suffered too many invasions in recent years, and it is particularly eager to have a powerful army.
Zuo Mengeng was certainly happy to see this request come true.
"The blood of the two countries of the Xia Dynasty is thicker than water, and they cannot distinguish each other. Moreover, the war with the Manchu and Qing Dynasties will not end in a short time, and North Korea still needs a lot of help in many aspects. What I mean is that the armies of the two countries of the Xia Dynasty should unite Fighting side by side, what do you think?"
Everyone in North Korea was extremely happy to hear that Xia was preparing to deal with the Manchus thoroughly.
"I have my wish, but I dare not invite you."
Both Kim Sang-hyun and Shen Qi-yuan hope that Xia Jun can stay in North Korea for a long time. Only in this way can the security of North Korea be protected.
Seeing that North Korea had no objections, Zuo Mengeng immediately seized the opportunity.
"The king plans to establish a joint operations headquarters to uniformly command the military operations of the Xia Dynasty coalition forces. Only in this way can we cooperate closely and improve combat efficiency."
The Xia Dynasty allied forces were actually under the same command system. After all, the current North Korean army was all trained and organized by the Xia Dynasty, and they had long been accustomed to the Xia army's combat methods.
But no matter what, they are still nominally North Korean troops and should be under the control of the North Korean government.
This time Zuo Menggeng planned to bring the issue to light and completely take control of the North Korean army.
When they heard that they were going to hand over military power, everyone in North Korea was naturally suspicious.
But the top priority is to eliminate the forces of the Manchu Qing Dynasty and Li Jie, so that Korea can complete its restoration.
The other issues are no longer important compared to this one.
Jin Sangxian, Shen Jiyuan and others discussed it and quickly gave an answer.
"I just hope that the Lord will take pity on me because Korea is suffering so many disasters so that we can win a battle and save the Korean people from disaster."
Zuo Mengeng cupped his hand and gave him a compliment.
"If you all understand righteousness and have justice in your heart, what can't be accomplished? Let's see our army sweep across all directions and Liuhe, and we will be invincible."
At this point, the North Korean army has been included in the Xia Army system, both nominally and actually.
In the future, Xia State can more easily add sand into it and firmly control this armed force.
As long as the military power is in hand, there is no fear that the situation in North Korea will be out of control.
The sound of artillery became more fierce, the attack continued, and the defenders' positions were lost one after another, and they were completely untenable.
On the afternoon of the third day, the red flag was finally planted on the most important position on Bukhan Mountain.
"Report, the 37th Company of the 9th Battalion of the 3rd Marine Regiment has captured Muak Ridge, and we can already see Gyeongbokgung Palace."
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the royal palace of North Korea. It is located in the north of Seoul. It is backed by Bukhan Mountain and is protected by mountains on the east and west sides. To the south, it is flat and extends to the Han River.
The mountain ridge to the west of Gyeongbokgung Palace is the remaining branch of Bukhan Mountain.
This place is now captured by the Xia army, which means that the passage to Hanyang has finally been opened.
Sure enough, with the change of ownership of Mu Yueling, the defenders knew that their defeat was certain, and finally stopped struggling and started to retreat one after another.
Li Eun-taek led the main force to withdraw from Bukhan Mountain Fortress and headed all the way towards Uijeongbu.
Another group of defenders passed through Hanyang and ran eastward.
As for Hanyang, Li Enze has no intention of clinging to it.
The surrounding mountains did not block the Xia army's attack. Hanyang's low city wall alone meant that it was impossible to defend.
"Everyone, Han Yang has recovered, how about you go into the city with me?"
Zuo Mengeng was in high spirits.
After all, this is the first time in my life that I have set foot in the capital of another country, and it has great significance.
Jin Sangxian, Shen Qiyuan and others celebrated each other, no longer hesitant as before.