Steel Soviet Union

Stalin spoke very firmly, leaving Zhukov only a little room for maneuver.

But for Zhukov, even if there is just a little room for maneuver, he must work hard to achieve the final result he wants.

He breathed a sigh of relief while organizing his words. When he spoke again, Zhukov was still as calm and composed as ever.

"If you agree to withdraw the 1st Guards Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment, Comrade Stalin, I hope that Malashenko can be transferred to the Tank Corps Academy as a senior instructor, and that he can be a core team member to directly participate in and guide the development of future tanks of our Red Army. Development planning recommendations.”

"This is not only my personal opinion, but also Comrade Kogin's suggestion."

"A few days ago, I received a letter from Comrade Kotin in his personal name. In the letter, he asked me about the whereabouts of Malashenko. He tried many channels but could not contact Malashenko. There were some designs. He hopes to listen to Malashenko’s opinions and opinions. He told me in his letter that he benefited a lot from the last meeting between the two of them.”

"Comrade Kotin believes that if Malashenko is properly trained and receives some systematic tank design professional teaching, he is very likely to grow into an excellent tank designer. He has been tested on the front line and has rich practical experience. Experience, and at the same time, a graduate of tank corps school has enough cultural knowledge to do this job.”

"There is no one more suitable for training than him. This is what Comrade Kotin told me in his letter. In addition to these, I personally think that if Malashenko is allowed to serve as a senior instructor at the Tank Corps School, his combat experience will inevitably Being able to raise the combat quality and skills of our recruits to a higher level is a huge benefit to the overall strategy. Comrade Stalin, I think this is very worthwhile.”

While Zhukov was explaining what he was thinking, Stalin had already picked up the pipe on the table and knocked it lightly, filled it with tobacco again, reached out and struck a match and started puffing again. .

"Actually, you want to move Malashenko out of Stalingrad by himself. The First Guards Heavy Tank Breakthrough Regiment is just an addition. Am I right? Zhukov."

""

Zhukov didn't expect that his little trick of getting through would be able to deceive his loving comrade. At best, he just made his words sound more pleasant and less harsh. However, the final result of not being able to block even one sentence still made Zhukov feel... Somewhat frustrated.

In terms of playing politics and playing tricks, Zhukov was the difference between a baby and a strong man in front of Stalin.

"You are right, Comrade Stalin."

After being exposed by his loving father, Zhukov simply stopped hiding things and spoke out his true thoughts on the spot, as if pouring beans out of a bamboo tube.

"At this point, Malashenko is more important than a regiment-level unit. Of course, it is far more than that. To be precise, I think that as long as Malashenko can be put in a position where he is suitable to perform, , His role may be worth two, three, or even several divisions.”

Stalin did not directly deny the refutation of Zhukov's words, and of course he did not admit or agree with him on the spot. He just held his hand on his pipe and continued with that poker face expression that most people could not see through.

"Go on, I'm listening, Zhukov."

"Yes, Comrade Stalin."

It is not easy to convince a loving father. Zhukov had been fully mentally prepared before coming, and the temporary difficulties he encountered were completely within his expectations.

"The core point I want to express is, Comrade Stalin, Malashenko does not have to continue fighting on the front line. He can play a greater role in the rear, in schools, in design institutes, and in many places. position.”

"Our motherland is in an extremely difficult and turbulent period. I think we should allow all comrades to be able to reasonably use their talents. Special methods should be implemented in special times. Comrade Stalin, this is the core of what I want to tell you. View."

After hearing this, Stalin, who had basically determined what Zhukov was thinking, took off the pipe from his mouth, gently held it in his hand, knocked it against the corner of the table, and then spoke back.

"Your idea is right, in theory, Zhukov"

Before Zhukov, who was overjoyed, could smile with joy, his loving father poured a basin of cold water on the spot.

"But the most suitable place for Malashenko to play his best role is not in the rear. He is not a tank school instructor and certainly not a tank designer. He is a tank hero who shoulders his own mission and the glory bestowed upon him by his motherland. "

"The motherland needs him to continue fighting on the front line. As I have told you personally before, heroes living around you can inspire and motivate more than corpses lying in the cemetery! The closer the distance, the greater the effect. The better!”

"Now we can put it another way. Heroes fighting on the front line can play a greater role than unknown people in the rear. If you don't believe it, just ask on the streets of Moscow to see if our people know Malashenko. It is better to know more about Comrade Ke Jing, the answer is undoubtedly. "

"Of course, as you said, we are in a special period of turmoil in the motherland. The people, soldiers, commanders, and everyone need to follow heroes as role models! It is best for this heroic role model to kill countless enemies, but it is The enemy cannot be killed, smashed, or eliminated by any means. It is best to be close enough to the soldiers. At this point, there is no more suitable candidate than Malashenko.”

"Even you, Zhukov, you are not as close to the soldiers as Malashenko is to the soldiers, what do you think?"

Zhukov's idea was not wrong. Of course, this did not mean that Stalin's idea was for his own selfish interests.

To be precise, both of them are right, but their different starting points determine the final results of their thinking.

At least until his later years, Zhukov, who was in World War II, was still a very pure soldier.

All the thoughts in Zhukov's head are considered from the perspective of maximizing military strategic interests. In other words, whatever is more beneficial to the long-term development of the Red Army, Zhukov will strongly recommend and support this matter to express his position. ideas.

Soldiers only consider what they are supposed to do as soldiers. They neither interfere nor interfere with political matters. No matter how big a problem arises, they can just pretend they don't see it and continue to do what they should do.

It was not without reason that Stalin was able to give Zhukov such great trust and power.