Chuikov stood up, didn't speak, just swept his gaze over everyone in the room, and when he saw me, he smiled at me. When everyone's attention was focused on him, he bowed his head and asked Abramov: "Comrade Military Commissar, you have just heard the battle plan proposed by Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina. So, now we should talk about it, can you tell us what you think of her combat deployment, and what are the loopholes? ”

Abramov also stood up, holding the edge of the wooden table with his hands, leaning forward slightly, and said with a smile: "Comrade commander, I think the plan proposed by Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina is too whimsical. As soon as he said this, the room was in an uproar, and the commanders began to whisper to each other again. As soon as Chuikov raised his hand, the voice in the room was immediately calmed, and then he politely said to Abramov: "Comrade Military Commissar, please continue. ”

Abramov nodded and continued: "As we all know, what we have always emphasized is that in battle, we will first fight a strong enemy in order to deter a weak enemy in order to achieve the final combat intent. But what about Comrade Oshanina? But she ridiculously proposed the way to let go of the strong enemy and fight the weak enemy first. Judging from the common sense of commanders that we have learned in the various military academies, the plans put forward by Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina are all wrong and unrealistic, so I do not think there is any need to discuss them at all, and continue to carry out the original operational plan. After saying that, he nodded at Shumilov and Chuikov, and then sat down.

When I heard that the battle plan I proposed was completely denied, I still felt quite lost in my heart, and I must know that the battle method of attacking the weak enemy first. History proves that when the enemy is strong and we are weak. is very effective. Besides, I'm in the whole plan. The factor of encircling the point and sending reinforcements has also been added, which greatly increases the probability of success of the entire plan.

Chuikov did not comment on Abramov's statement, and turned his gaze to another military commissar, Serdyuk, and asked with a smile: "Comrade Serdyuk, what do you think?" ”

Serdyuk got up and looked at me and said amicably: "Although I have not had much time with Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, I have the impression of it. She was an excellent commander with a lot of courage and experience. I'm done talking. After Serdyuk finished speaking, he immediately sat down. In his speech, he did not mention anything about the plan I put forward, and did not deny or support it, which was tantamount to a disguised abstention.

Chuikov turned his gaze to Chief of Staff Raskin again, and before he could speak, Colonel Raskin had already stood up and preemptively replied: "Comrade Deputy Commander, I think that the battle plan proposed by Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina is very suitable. ”

After hearing this, Chuikov was stunned for a moment, and then asked rhetorically: "What is it for?" Can you explain your reasoning? ”

Raskin glanced at Commander Shumilov, who was sitting in the center, and saw that he was just looking at him with a blank face. There was no exit to stop him, so he boldly said: "Comrade Military Commissar was right just now. It is our army's consistent combat style to only fight a strong enemy and not a weak enemy, and to deter a weak enemy by fighting a strong enemy. At present, the Germans have mastered our habitual way of fighting, and if we still fight only the Germans and not the Romanians in tomorrow's counterattack, if we cannot eat the enemy in one bite, the battle may fall into a stalemate, and when their reinforcements arrive, then we may fall into a siege. So I propose that in tomorrow's battle, Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina's operational plan be adopted. ”

When I saw Colonel Raskin sitting down, Chuikov still didn't express any opinions, and I couldn't help but panic in my heart, secretly saying that this Chuikov is doing something, obviously you and Shumilov can discuss things that can be decided, but you still have to ask the opinions of the main members of the headquarters one by one in front of so many people.

Chuikov bent down and approached Shumilov, and after whispering a few words to him, he straightened up again, looked at the divisional commanders in front of him and asked: "Commanders and brigade commanders, you can talk about your views on the operational plan designated by the group army and the operational plan of Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina. ”

As soon as Chuikov's words were finished, the first to stand up was General Biryukov, who was the highest-ranking of these division commanders and brigade commanders, and he was the first to speak, and the others would not have any opinions. With a smile on his face, he said: "Comrade commanders, Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina once held the post of regimental commander in my division. To tell the truth, when she first arrived, I still looked down on her very much, thinking that for female commanders, the logistics department was the most suitable post, and coming to the front line would not only help, but even cause chaos. I wanted to refuse, but because she was personally arranged by Commander Chuikov, I had no choice but to accept it. His words caused a chuckle in the room.

I also smiled bitterly, and said in my heart that when I first went, I guessed that General Biliukov had arranged for me to be the regiment commander, and I was a little reluctant, if it wasn't for Chuikov's forcible arrangement, I guess I would have been rejected by him a long time ago.

Biryukov went on to say: "I didn't expect that on the first night of her tenure, she did something that I didn't expect. She sent a unit to attack the German baggage camp at night, annihilating the defenders without casualties, and capturing enough weapons and ammunition to arm two regiments. ”

"I can prove this incident that General Biryukov once reported to me when receiving the equipment." Chuikov wasted no time in standing up for me.

"I'll say a few words too," said Colonel Sazhen, commander of the 229th Division, who stood up to speak this time, with a smile on his face, "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina arrived at our division just in time for us to jump out of the enemy's encirclement. On the night of the breakout, our course of action was discovered by enemy scouts, who brought in artillery fire and blocked our way through the breakout. At this time, it was Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina who took the initiative to ask for help and led the troops to eliminate the enemy's artillery positions. Subsequently, she transferred the commanders and fighters who had served as artillerymen, turned the muzzles of the guns and opened fire on the enemy's camps, destroying several enemy tank and infantry camps in one company, and greatly weakening the enemy's attack on the 62nd Army after dawn. ”

Then Colonel Lyudnikov, Colonel Kuropatenko, Kolobtin, and others, who had dealt with me, spoke one after another to express their support for my plan. Colonel Smirlov, the commander of the Marine Brigade who originally raised objections, saw that there were so many heavyweight commanders to help, and he was no longer stubborn. Instead, they chose silence.

After seeing that everyone who could speak had spoken. Only then did he make a concluding remarks: "I have just listened to the speeches of many commanders. I am deeply struck by the fact that it seems that everyone is very much in favor of adopting the new combat plan proposed by Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina. Speaking of this, he paused, lowered his head and asked Shumilov: "Comrade commander, do you see if we have reported this operational plan to the headquarters of the Front?" ”

Hearing Chuikov say this, my heart beat faster and faster, knowing that what they were about to adopt was my battle plan. If I can win this battle, I will be able to make a name for myself. It is better than going to the temporary guest role of regiment commander and division commander, with the effect of fighting more than a dozen vicious battles.

Unexpectedly, Shumilov thought about it, but shook his head and said: "No, Comrade Chuikov." Our operational plan has already been reported to the Front Army Command and cannot be changed at will. ”

When Chuikov heard him say this, although he was a little anxious, in order not to affect Shumilov's image in front of his subordinates, he still tried to control his emotions and tried his best to say in a calm tone: "Comrade commander, this plan of Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina. It is significantly stronger than our original combat plan. I propose that this plan be immediately reported to the Front Command and left to Commander Gordorf to decide. ”

Shumilov sat still. To put it mildly: "Comrade Chuikov, you have known General Gordorf for more than ten years, do you think he is a flexible person?" ”

After hearing this, Chuikov fell silent, sat in his position with his ass, and did not speak for a long time.

Shumilov looked at him as if he did, then stood up and said: "Although the new plan sounds good, it is unlikely that it will be approved by the front command. Tomorrow's counter-assault, let's still carry out the original plan. Colonel Ruskin, you go ahead and finish the original plan. ”

Raskin agreed, got up and walked to the map. Just as he was about to start the deployment mission, Chuikov stood up and raised his hand to stop him: "Colonel Raskin, wait a minute. Then he turned to Shumilov and said: "Comrade commander, I beg you to report Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina's battle plan to the Front Command and General Zhukov respectively, and after they have all replied, we will decide which battle plan to adopt, is that okay?" ”

After hearing this, Shumilov pondered for a long time, raised his hand and beckoned to Raskin, and said: "Comrade Colonel, you come here." Now you go to the communications room next door and report Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina's battle plan to the Front Headquarters and General Zhukov respectively, as General Chuikov said. When you get a response, come back and report back to me. ”

Raskin said yes, turned and walked out of the headquarters, heading to the communications room next door.

Seeing that Shumilov had adopted his opinion, Chuikov let out a long breath, and then beckoned to me and said, "Comrade Oshanina, come here and explain to us your operational ideas again." ”

I walked to the map again, picked up the explanation stick, and explained my operational plan to the group of middle and senior commanders below: "Commanders, please take a look. First of all, the deployment I have just made is based on the location of the divisions on the map, which has the advantage that the troops do not have to travel long distances to reach the new location, and can maintain their physical strength to cope with the coming brutal battle. Secondly, the troops responsible for attacking the Romanian army will attack with the 137th tank brigade as the lead, followed by the 138th and 157th infantry divisions, and after the tanks break through the enemy's positions, our infantry will rush up and completely destroy the enemy. Third, the 214th and 229th Divisions deployed in the Reynok area could not be passive defensive, and could send small forces to launch a feint to contain the frontal German army, so that when they reinforced the Romanian army, they would not send all their forces. Fourth, the 154th Marine Brigade and the 29th Infantry Division, which were responsible for ambushing the enemy's reinforcements, immediately divided into two routes and advanced to Reynok and Orlovka respectively to reinforce the friendly forces that were fighting there. ”

Shumilov looked at the red and blue arrows on the map representing both sides of the enemy, frowned and asked: "Even if the German army in the Reynoch area is divided into half, there is still one regiment left, can we eat them?" ”

I nodded and said in the affirmative: "Comrade Commander, I think our troops are fully capable of such a task. ”

Shumilov turned to Chuikov and said: "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina is right, but I don't know how to fight after the fight. What a sight to be. Comrade Chuikov. We are here waiting for a reply from our superiors. If the new battle plan is rejected, then it will still be carried out according to the original plan. ”

Hearing Shumilov say this, I couldn't help but sweat, knowing that the operational plan reported by the commander of the Ludao Army and the plan proposed by an ordinary officer are usually used by the superiors of those high-ranking commanders, because in their minds, the higher the rank, the more comprehensive the issues considered.

Time passed little by little in a long wait. The longer I waited, the more apprehensive I became. Just when I was anxious like an ant on a hot pot, the chief of staff, Raskin, hurriedly ran in, handed Shumilov a telegram, and at the same time whispered: "Report to Comrade Commander, the command of the Front Army has called, the new plan will not be adopted, and the counter-assault operation will be carried out according to the original reported plan." ”

Shumilov pushed the telegram in front of Chuikov and said in a steady tone: "Look, Comrade Chuikov. This is a call back from the command of the Front. I'm not mistaken, General Goldov, no matter how plausible the new plan is. He will stubbornly stick to the original battle plan. ”

After reading the contents of the telegram, Chuikov turned his head to look at me and said helplessly: "Comrade Oshanina, there is nothing to do with you here, go back to your seat." ”

Hearing him say this, my heart sank suddenly, and sure enough, it was still vetoed. I said yes, leaned the baton against the wall, and turned back to my seat. Colonel Smirlov, who was sitting next to me, saw my dejected appearance, raised his hand and gently patted me on the shoulder, and said in a friendly manner: "Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina, I now think that your plan is quite good and very feasible. Although it was not adopted this time, don't be discouraged, I think there will be a chance in the future. ”

My eyes were fixed on Raskin, who was explaining the battle plan in front of the map, and although I could see his lips moving, I could not hear a word of what he said.

When he put down the baton and stood upright in front of the map, Shumilov left his seat and walked in front of him, then turned to face us and made the last speech: "Comrade commander, are the tasks clear? ”

"Clear, Comrade Commander." The division and brigade commanders present replied in unison.

"Now that it's all clear, then you can immediately go back to your respective units and arrange tomorrow's counterattack."

As soon as Shumilov finished speaking, all the commanders stood up in unison. Seeing that everyone was standing up, I was embarrassed to sit any longer, so I stood up with him. When they were heard shouting "Yes!" in unison! I also whispered.

Just as everyone was about to leave, an officer ran in in a panic and shouted at the same time: "Report to Comrade Commander, urgent telegram from the Front Command!" ”

Hearing the word urgent telegram, the commanders who were walking out stopped one after another, trying to find out in time what important orders were to be given by the front army headquarters.

Shumilov took it and looked at it, his face immediately changed drastically, and he stuffed the telegram in his hand to Chuikov. Chuikov took it and only glanced at it a few times, and immediately smiled. He raised the telegram in his hand and said to everyone: "Comrade commanders, please return to your positions for the time being, I have important things to announce." ”

In this way, except for Chuikov and Shumilov, everyone returned to their positions in a daze, waiting for Chuikov to announce the so-called important matter.

Chuikov took the telegram and said loudly: "Comrade commanders, the headquarters of the Front has just sent us a telegram saying that the combat plan formulated by Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina has been approved, and the counter-assault to be carried out after dawn will be based on the new plan. ”

Hearing the news, everyone was like a fried pot. What a strange thing it is that in the telegram from the headquarters of the Front just now, there was still opposition to the new combat plan. It's only been a long time, and another telegram with diametrically opposed opinions has come in, which really confuses people.

Some people who were anxious asked anxiously below: "Comrade commander, didn't the front army headquarters oppose the new plan just now?" How did it turn into consent in a blink of an eye, what the hell is going on? ”

"Yes! Oh, yes! Comrade commander, tell us what the hell is going on? "A large group of people who can't figure out the state are agreeing.

Shumilov looked at the officer standing next to him with a grim face, and asked in a stiff tone: "What the hell is going on?" Why did you receive two telegrams from the Front Command in such a short period of time, with completely different contents? ”

The communications officer was frightened by Shumilov's attitude, and he timidly replied: "There is also a telegram from Moscow, which was sent by General Zhukov himself. ”

"You idiot, why don't you show it to me quickly." Shumilov yelled at the other party in a fit of rage, I guess if it weren't for so many people present, this communications officer might have been beaten up by Shumilov.

The communications officer opened the folder in his hand, took out another telegram from it, carefully handed it to Shumilov, and then straightened up and stood aside.

After reading the telegram, Shumilov, while handing it to Chuikov, said: "Comrade Chuikov, I understand everything. Our new plan was rejected by the Front Command, but it was approved by General Zhukov. I guess it was Comrade General Gordorf who personally communicated to General Goldov and persuaded him to carry out a counterattack according to the new plan. If that were the case, it would explain why we had received two telegrams with very different contents in such a short period of time. ”

With a knowing smile on his face, Chuikov nodded and said: "Comrade commander, you are right. Now that the Front Command has agreed to Lieutenant Colonel Oshanina's plan of operations, then our counterattack will be carried out according to the new plan. (To be continued......)