Stalin, apparently approving the Soviet intelligence and reconnaissance work, said to Zhukov: "Comrade Zhukov, now we might as well use our imagination a little, just imagine, what Hitler is doing now, we have to put a bag of fleas into his collar in the cold...... Go to the sheep meadow to catch some fleas, and then order them to bite Hitler to death. ”

Zhukov couldn't help himself, and laughed like a child, saying that he felt fleas messing with his back. He continued: "I have never believed in any whims, in any unpredictable prophet, but, to be honest, Comrade Stalin, did we not have a pre-war exercise on the strategic map of a campaign directed by Timoshenko and Meretskov, in which our 'Blues' side won because I had already guessed the minds of Timoshenko and Meretskov. It can be seen that it is indeed very beneficial for us to understand the psychological state of the enemy. ”

"So, now guess what Hitler was thinking?" Stalin said, an elusive look flashing in his eyes, which were slit, and the familiar golden glow disappeared under the thick and crappy eyebrows, "Now is your life-and-death 'drill'...... We are going to go up the Dnieper, and let Hitler gnaw on the mud at the beginning. To do this, be sure to give it your all. ”

The German High Command has not yet been informed that the massed divisions of the Soviet Army are preparing a counter-assault in the direction of Smolensk. However, the actions taken by the German army in recent days were also huge in scale, far exceeding the original plan, and at the beginning of the development stage, the Soviet high command was thrown into disarray, and all the attempts of the Soviet army came to naught. Becoming a bubble, but it does not mean that hope is shattered.

The German Supreme High Command was well aware of the Red Army's indomitable defensive operations, that the Soviet commands at all levels were well commanded and that they were accustomed to turning the tide of the war, and that the commanders of the Red Army at all levels were good at maneuvering forces and weapons on a wide front. So, he turned to another way out and explored new principles of campaign strategy.

"Guess what, Comrade Zhukov, Comrade Voroshilov, Hitler would have arrived in the territory of the USSR occupied by the Germans by special train, under heavy guard? His troops, according to Hitler, had won a glorious victory, and would he not have come to meet with his most brilliant strategists and military thinkers? In order to dispel the doubts in his heart, and then strengthen his so-called God-given faith? Stalin looked at Zhukov and Voroshilov and said with a smile.

"It is quite possible, Comrade Stalin." Zhukov replied with a smile, "So we have to prepare the 'flea bag' in advance." ”

At this moment, Voroshilov's mind was like lightning and thunder, and he did not answer Stalin, but figured out what the "important task" of the heroic crew of four women and one man might be.

Zhukov's answer further confirmed his suspicions.

And Stalin said this in front of him, obviously wanting to give himself another chance, right?

In general, Stalin was still sympathetic to incompetent commanders, like Dmitry. Grigolievich. There are not many extreme examples of Pavlov being shot immediately because he lost. Konev, Andrey. Ivanovich. Yeremenko was dismissed several times by Stalin for his defeat, but each time he was given the opportunity to prove himself again. Far from it, Rotion. Yakovlevich. Malinovsky, who was the commander of the Southern Front this year, lost almost the entire front, and was given the opportunity to command an army group even after being dismissed and demoted.

In that case......

"Comrade Voroshilov, are you listening to me?" Stalin's voice interrupted Voroshilov's thoughts.

"Yes, Comrade Stalin." Voroshilov quickly stood up, pretending to return the folder to Stalin, and came to the table, "If you agree, I am willing to help Comrade Zhukov and perfect this 'flea bag'. ”

Voroshilov was very smart, he knew that Zhukov was a direct supporter of the secret operation of the "521" car crew, and if he made another plan, he would inevitably offend Zhukov, and Zhukov was now entangled in important military affairs and had no time to take care of the details of this operation, and if he helped Zhukov with all his might, so that the "521" car crew could complete the mission, he would not only be able to greatly improve relations with Zhukov, but also regain Stalin's trust.

In any case, this kind of task is much easier than commanding the defense of Leningrad......

"Hehe, it seems that Comrade Voroshilov is very interested in throwing a pack of fleas into Hitler's collar, well, it is up to you to assist Comrade Zhukov!" Stalin smiled and gave Voroshilov a further hint, "Of course, flea bags don't have to be thrown at Hitler, if you dare to come to our territory with big names like Himmler, Goering, or Hess, you can also think about it." ”

"I understand what you mean, Comrade Stalin." At this point, Voroshilov thoroughly understood Stalin's plan, and he, the "commander-in-chief of the partisan movement", was now going to play a real role.

"By the way, I heard that you brought with you a whole plane of Russian art treasures, all taken from the German fascists, didn't you?" Stalin asked.

"Yes, Comrade Stalin." Voroshilov remembered the purpose of his visit, and quickly replied, "Some of them were taken back by our valiant fighters from the most ferocious German SS, do you remember the '521' crew?" He did not forget to mention the origin of these works of art here, showing that he knew the exploits of the "521" crew, "After their tanks were destroyed by the fascist army, they went to seize the enemy's tanks and captured an armored car, which contained the most precious part of the 'Amber Palace', which I brought with me." ”

"It is very good that these treasures of Russian art must not fall into the hands of the enemy." Stalin smiled and nodded, looking back at Zhukov, "Can we give these girls and boys a little more reward?" ”

"What do you think would be a better reward for them?" Zhukov smiled and glanced at Voroshilov, "They want to get new tanks the most, and now there are 4 of them." ”

"I've heard that they all like to use short knives." Stalin smiled slightly, and looked at Voroshilov with that kind of "see through everything" gaze, "I happen to have a few very good knives made by Caucasian craftsmen here, give them as a reward, and Comrade Voroshilov will bring them to them." ”