The sound of hooves approached from afar, galloping towards the camp. Yiyan dismounted, tossed the reins to a subordinate, and walked into the large tent. Inside, several individuals were gathered around a makeshift sand table, finely adjusting and studying the terrain. Hearing footsteps, Zhang Bin looked up and asked, “General Yi is back? How is the situation with the Bai Xianbei?”
Yiyan approached with large strides, using his riding crop to draw a line on the sand table. “The enemy’s vanguard has bypassed the Huto River and is closing in on our forces. They should arrive by tomorrow at the latest. Including the rear forces, there should be no fewer than five thousand.”
“Can five thousand light cavalry be stopped?” Zhang Bin inquired.
“Yes,” Yiyan nodded without saying much.
This time, they had brought a total of one thousand cavalry and three thousand infantry. It was a challenging task to face five thousand Xianbei cavalry with this force. However, upon seeing Yiyan’s nod, Zhang Bin felt a sense of relief. Although they hadn’t interacted for long, he was well aware of the military tactics of the general before him. If he said it could be done, it would undoubtedly be accomplished.
“The fighting force of the Bai Xianbei is unlikely to exceed ten thousand. Previously, we already defeated two thousand under the walls of Jinyang. This time, their main force should be here, and their rear must be vacant. As long as Tuoba Yilu leads his troops to the old camp of the Bai, we can surely defeat the enemy in one fell swoop!”
The Bai Xianbei were a nomadic tribe, and in the face of danger, they were likely to seek refuge as a whole clan. However, whether it was the Bing County or the Tuoba tribe, they were unable to cope with the consequences of elongating the front line, so swift action was necessary. After discussing with Yiyan, Zhang Bin proposed this strategic plan. The Bing County troops would act as bait in the front, holding the enemy’s main force, while Tuoba Yilu would lead a surprise attack on the rear, completely annihilating these rebels. In this way, the threat to the heartland of Bing County would be eliminated, successfully completing the mission.
However, such an arrangement would undoubtedly put immense pressure on the Bing County troops acting as bait. In case of their defeat and the enemy’s reinforcement, Tuoba’s forces would face a pincer attack. Eventually, it was Yiyan who stepped forward to dispel Tuoba Yilu’s concerns. Now that the enemy had deployed, victory or defeat depended on tomorrow’s battle!
“Adjutant, you’ll stay in the camp tomorrow, taking care of the rear,” Yiyan said casually as if sensing Zhang Bin’s inner tension.
Zhang Bin chuckled. To be honest, his expertise lay more in strategy, and he had never truly been on the battlefield. While the words suggested he would look after the rear, in reality, it was a way of keeping him out of the way to avoid hindrance.
Nevertheless, he had no resentment towards such thoughts and nodded in agreement, “The rear forces will have me; I hope the general returns victorious!”
On the second day, just as the sky was getting dimly bright, soldiers rode out from the main camp. This group consisted entirely of infantry, marching not very fast but with a surprisingly dense formation. They resembled a moving castle, slowly advancing across the wilderness. After covering no more than ten miles, scouts brought news that the enemy was less than three miles ahead.
Advertisement
Three miles were inconsequential for cavalry, almost within reach in the blink of an eye. It was practically a textbook encounter battle. As if stunned by this ominous report, the Jin army hastily shifted to a nearby hillock. Before they could even set up camp, a vast number of cavalry emerged from the distance, charging towards them like a tidal wave.
Xianbei scouts were always vigilant; how could they not have detected this group of enemies? After confirming that there was no rear guard or ambush, the leader immediately led the troops forward. The five thousand light cavalry galloped, resembling surging muddy waves, their momentum alone sending chills down one’s spine. A small hillock, not even settled for a camp, how could it withstand the onslaught of the Xianbei cavalry? Just charge up!
Suhi Wei, on horseback, looked at the enemy soldiers who raised long spears, trembling behind their shields and revealed a mocking smirk. These Bing County soldiers were simply foolish. Although they occupied high ground with the hillock, the surroundings were all wilderness. How could they only guard against the front?
There was no need for his command; the vanguard charging ahead had already circumvented the hillock from the front and surged upward from both sides. Surrounded on all sides, just one charge would be enough to rout the enemy!
However, as the healthy horses took only two steps, they suddenly seemed to go mad, jumping and neighing. Even the most seasoned knights couldn’t control them and fell from their horses.
“Stop! Halt quickly, there are caltrops!”
Someone realized and shouted loudly, warning the others to be cautious. It turned out that, besides the front, the hillock and its surroundings were densely covered with iron caltrops for trapping horses. Under the frenzied charge, how could the horses not go crazy with injured hooves?
Suhi Wei cursed inwardly, but before he could give orders, a rain of arrows descended from the hillock!
Advertisement
Archers were always the elite of the army, with only nomadic tribes like the Xianbei and Wuhuan able to have everyone skilled in archery, and proficient in mounted archery. In the Jin army, and even among the Xiongnu, there wouldn’t be a large proportion of archers. However, today, on this small hillock, such a dense volley of arrows was shot, as if everyone there was carrying a bow!
Caught off guard, the vanguard charging ahead was showered with arrows, causing chaos. The hillock, though only a few yards higher, was enough to give the Jin army the advantage in range!
“Retreat! Retreat quickly!” Suhi Wei roared! Previously aiding Liu Hu, they had already lost two thousand warriors. If they lost all the forces they had now, the tribe would be unable to establish itself on the grasslands!
Being seasoned warriors, the Xianbei cavalry’s assault immediately slowed down. Those scattered around the hillock regrouped beside Suhi Wei, forming a formation.
Squinting at the hedgehog-like hillock, Suhi Wei spat, “Attack from the front!”
Since the enemy left a defensive passage, the best method was a direct frontal assault. Even if it was a trap, what could these few thousand Jin soldiers do? They had multiple times the number of cavalry; sheer numbers would crush them!
Immediately, a trusted subordinate took the command and led the troops charging forward. The passage was narrow, allowing only three or four hundred riders to rush in at most. These fiercely robust barbarians each raised their horse shields, charging against the pouring rain of arrows.
From the elevated position, arrows could be shot over three hundred paces. However, a mere three hundred paces, even at a gallop, only took a few breaths. There were constant cries of agony and horse whinnies, but this short distance was still traversed by the pounding hooves. Two hundred paces, one hundred paces, fifty paces… It looked like the frontmost cavalry was about to crash into the fragile military formation. Suddenly, the military formation on the hillside flickered, and around a hundred long spears thrust out!
These were not ordinary soldiers’ spears but genuine cavalry lances, over two yards long, the spearheads gleaming with a dazzling cold light, piercing towards the cavalry in front. These were not something mere horse shields could defend against. The cavalry that had just managed to charge through the deadly zone collided head-on with the forest of spears, once again falling from their horses!
“Keep going! Break through them!” Suhi Wei’s face changed, and he shouted loudly.
Advertisement
How many people could a cavalry lance withstand? Since they were already engaged in close combat, why not use their numerical advantage to overwhelm them? However, what they didn’t anticipate was that the forest of spears remained steadfast, and another rain of arrows descended! The soldiers on the hilltop were divided into two formations, one fighting in the front, the other shooting arrows from the back, completely unshaken by this fierce assault.
With just one attempt, Suhi Wei realized this method wouldn’t work and immediately called back his troops. However, over three hundred people were left stranded on the hillock.
And that’s not the end of it. Seeing them withdrawing, several squads of Jin soldiers on the hillock actually dragged over the dead horses and human corpses, stacking them in front of the formation. The cold flesh and blood formed a barrier, creating a defensive line of corpses. To attack again, they would have to cross these bodies first.
Watching the organized movements on the hillock, even Suhi Wei, a seasoned warrior who had been through countless battles, felt a chill down his spine. Was he facing the Jin army? Or was this the powerful military of the Great Han from hundreds of years ago, capable of suppressing the flourishing Xiongnu, causing livestock not to breed, and women to lose their luster?
“Leader! What should we do?!” It wasn’t just Suhi Wei; even his trusted subordinates anxiously asked.
“Continue the charge! Exhaust their arrows!” This situation was so similar to the battle when the renowned general Li Ling surrendered to the Xiongnu. Even without having read historical records, Suhi Wei chose the most appropriate course of action.
This Jin army had no reinforcements, and the number of arrows they carried was limited. Once they shot all their arrows, they would become like a hedgehog without spikes, a ready prey. Facing this probing attack, the Jin army couldn’t relax their vigilance. Once they let their guard down, the enemy cavalry could immediately turn from a probing force to the vanguard of an attack. If they didn’t want to die, they had to stand firm!
Are they trying to buy time? Then let’s accompany them in this delay! Suhi Wei firmly gripped the reins in his hands. This time, he must completely eliminate this group of Jin soldiers and avenge the hatred for his fallen kin!
However, as much as he thought about it, when the real battle started, it was much more challenging than Suhi Wei had anticipated. The Jin army seemed to carry twice the number of arrow pots each, and they engaged in this prolonged conflict. Luring the enemy also required horsepower and stamina. From dawn until dusk, with multiple nighttime camp assaults, until the afternoon of the next day, the enemy’s arrow formation showed no signs of exhaustion.
It was only then that Suhi Wei realized there were not only bows but also many crossbows in the enemy formation. With soldiers taking turns to rest, this Jin army seemed tireless, resisting their attacks. However, even so, how could they possibly hold out for three days? A faint unease grew in Suhi Wei’s heart as he realized he might have overlooked something.
This is not good! They are clearly trying to stall for time!
With a sudden realization, Suhi Wei snapped back to attention! The Jin army came to attack them; how could they present such a determined defensive posture? This time, he brought the majority of warriors from the tribe. If someone were to sneak attack the rear camp, how could the remaining soldiers hold on?
“Immediately, return to the camp!” Suhi Wei made a decisive decision and issued the order. After a day and night of fierce fighting, with losses of seven to eight hundred people, Suhi Wei had no intention of fighting for victory anymore. The tribe was their foundation; even if they won, what would it matter if there were losses in the tribe? They had to rush back!
Despite being exhausted, both man and horse, in a life-and-death situation, there was no room for the slightest hesitation. All Xianbei soldiers cast their fatigue aside and charged toward their own camp. The foot soldiers left behind in exhaustion were miles away from catching up with the cavalry, but those chasing after them were not foot soldiers.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Like muffled thunder, iron hooves tore through the silent wilderness. When that cavalry suddenly appeared on the flank and launched a fierce attack, despair flashed in Suhi Wei’s eyes.
Advertisement
The enemy had arrived, a cavalry force of only a thousand, while he still had four thousand troops. However, how could four thousand weary and resentful soldiers withstand this well-rested cavalry?
“Kill! Charge out for me!” Suhi Wei shouted hoarsely, his eyes bloodshot. These people couldn’t encircle them. As long as they broke through the ambush, there was a slim chance for them to go back and rescue the elderly and young in the tribe. Just break through!
However, the killer intent in those gray-blue eyes left them no chance. The iron riders, like steel blades tearing through flesh, mercilessly penetrated the cavalry formation. In less than a quarter of an hour, the Bai Xianbei was completely torn apart. Those warriors, battle-hardened and resilient, abandoned their swords, crouched low on their horses, and fiercely whipped their mounts. Like scared dogs with their tails between their legs, they scattered in all directions.
The sounds of neighing horses, human shouts, and rising dust filled the air. However, the leader of the Bai Xianbei, lying in a pool of blood, his eyes wide open, could no longer witness the scenes that had brought him despair.
The sound of hooves approached from afar, galloping towards the camp. Yiyan dismounted, tossed the reins to a subordinate, and walked into the large tent. Inside, several individuals were gathered around a makeshift sand table, finely adjusting and studying the terrain. Hearing footsteps, Zhang Bin looked up and asked, “General Yi is back? How is the situation with the Bai Xianbei?”
Yiyan approached with large strides, using his riding crop to draw a line on the sand table. “The enemy’s vanguard has bypassed the Huto River and is closing in on our forces. They should arrive by tomorrow at the latest. Including the rear forces, there should be no fewer than five thousand.”
“Can five thousand light cavalry be stopped?” Zhang Bin inquired.
“Yes,” Yiyan nodded without saying much.
This time, they had brought a total of one thousand cavalry and three thousand infantry. It was a challenging task to face five thousand Xianbei cavalry with this force. However, upon seeing Yiyan’s nod, Zhang Bin felt a sense of relief. Although they hadn’t interacted for long, he was well aware of the military tactics of the general before him. If he said it could be done, it would undoubtedly be accomplished.
“The fighting force of the Bai Xianbei is unlikely to exceed ten thousand. Previously, we already defeated two thousand under the walls of Jinyang. This time, their main force should be here, and their rear must be vacant. As long as Tuoba Yilu leads his troops to the old camp of the Bai, we can surely defeat the enemy in one fell swoop!”
The Bai Xianbei were a nomadic tribe, and in the face of danger, they were likely to seek refuge as a whole clan. However, whether it was the Bing County or the Tuoba tribe, they were unable to cope with the consequences of elongating the front line, so swift action was necessary. After discussing with Yiyan, Zhang Bin proposed this strategic plan. The Bing County troops would act as bait in the front, holding the enemy’s main force, while Tuoba Yilu would lead a surprise attack on the rear, completely annihilating these rebels. In this way, the threat to the heartland of Bing County would be eliminated, successfully completing the mission.
However, such an arrangement would undoubtedly put immense pressure on the Bing County troops acting as bait. In case of their defeat and the enemy’s reinforcement, Tuoba’s forces would face a pincer attack. Eventually, it was Yiyan who stepped forward to dispel Tuoba Yilu’s concerns. Now that the enemy had deployed, victory or defeat depended on tomorrow’s battle!
“Adjutant, you’ll stay in the camp tomorrow, taking care of the rear,” Yiyan said casually as if sensing Zhang Bin’s inner tension.
Zhang Bin chuckled. To be honest, his expertise lay more in strategy, and he had never truly been on the battlefield. While the words suggested he would look after the rear, in reality, it was a way of keeping him out of the way to avoid hindrance.
Nevertheless, he had no resentment towards such thoughts and nodded in agreement, “The rear forces will have me; I hope the general returns victorious!”
On the second day, just as the sky was getting dimly bright, soldiers rode out from the main camp. This group consisted entirely of infantry, marching not very fast but with a surprisingly dense formation. They resembled a moving castle, slowly advancing across the wilderness. After covering no more than ten miles, scouts brought news that the enemy was less than three miles ahead.
Advertisement
Three miles were inconsequential for cavalry, almost within reach in the blink of an eye. It was practically a textbook encounter battle. As if stunned by this ominous report, the Jin army hastily shifted to a nearby hillock. Before they could even set up camp, a vast number of cavalry emerged from the distance, charging towards them like a tidal wave.
Xianbei scouts were always vigilant; how could they not have detected this group of enemies? After confirming that there was no rear guard or ambush, the leader immediately led the troops forward. The five thousand light cavalry galloped, resembling surging muddy waves, their momentum alone sending chills down one’s spine. A small hillock, not even settled for a camp, how could it withstand the onslaught of the Xianbei cavalry? Just charge up!
Suhi Wei, on horseback, looked at the enemy soldiers who raised long spears, trembling behind their shields and revealed a mocking smirk. These Bing County soldiers were simply foolish. Although they occupied high ground with the hillock, the surroundings were all wilderness. How could they only guard against the front?
There was no need for his command; the vanguard charging ahead had already circumvented the hillock from the front and surged upward from both sides. Surrounded on all sides, just one charge would be enough to rout the enemy!
However, as the healthy horses took only two steps, they suddenly seemed to go mad, jumping and neighing. Even the most seasoned knights couldn’t control them and fell from their horses.
“Stop! Halt quickly, there are caltrops!”
Someone realized and shouted loudly, warning the others to be cautious. It turned out that, besides the front, the hillock and its surroundings were densely covered with iron caltrops for trapping horses. Under the frenzied charge, how could the horses not go crazy with injured hooves?
Suhi Wei cursed inwardly, but before he could give orders, a rain of arrows descended from the hillock!
Advertisement
Archers were always the elite of the army, with only nomadic tribes like the Xianbei and Wuhuan able to have everyone skilled in archery, and proficient in mounted archery. In the Jin army, and even among the Xiongnu, there wouldn’t be a large proportion of archers. However, today, on this small hillock, such a dense volley of arrows was shot, as if everyone there was carrying a bow!
Caught off guard, the vanguard charging ahead was showered with arrows, causing chaos. The hillock, though only a few yards higher, was enough to give the Jin army the advantage in range!
“Retreat! Retreat quickly!” Suhi Wei roared! Previously aiding Liu Hu, they had already lost two thousand warriors. If they lost all the forces they had now, the tribe would be unable to establish itself on the grasslands!
Being seasoned warriors, the Xianbei cavalry’s assault immediately slowed down. Those scattered around the hillock regrouped beside Suhi Wei, forming a formation.
Squinting at the hedgehog-like hillock, Suhi Wei spat, “Attack from the front!”
Since the enemy left a defensive passage, the best method was a direct frontal assault. Even if it was a trap, what could these few thousand Jin soldiers do? They had multiple times the number of cavalry; sheer numbers would crush them!
Immediately, a trusted subordinate took the command and led the troops charging forward. The passage was narrow, allowing only three or four hundred riders to rush in at most. These fiercely robust barbarians each raised their horse shields, charging against the pouring rain of arrows.
From the elevated position, arrows could be shot over three hundred paces. However, a mere three hundred paces, even at a gallop, only took a few breaths. There were constant cries of agony and horse whinnies, but this short distance was still traversed by the pounding hooves. Two hundred paces, one hundred paces, fifty paces… It looked like the frontmost cavalry was about to crash into the fragile military formation. Suddenly, the military formation on the hillside flickered, and around a hundred long spears thrust out!
These were not ordinary soldiers’ spears but genuine cavalry lances, over two yards long, the spearheads gleaming with a dazzling cold light, piercing towards the cavalry in front. These were not something mere horse shields could defend against. The cavalry that had just managed to charge through the deadly zone collided head-on with the forest of spears, once again falling from their horses!
“Keep going! Break through them!” Suhi Wei’s face changed, and he shouted loudly.
Advertisement
How many people could a cavalry lance withstand? Since they were already engaged in close combat, why not use their numerical advantage to overwhelm them? However, what they didn’t anticipate was that the forest of spears remained steadfast, and another rain of arrows descended! The soldiers on the hilltop were divided into two formations, one fighting in the front, the other shooting arrows from the back, completely unshaken by this fierce assault.
With just one attempt, Suhi Wei realized this method wouldn’t work and immediately called back his troops. However, over three hundred people were left stranded on the hillock.
And that’s not the end of it. Seeing them withdrawing, several squads of Jin soldiers on the hillock actually dragged over the dead horses and human corpses, stacking them in front of the formation. The cold flesh and blood formed a barrier, creating a defensive line of corpses. To attack again, they would have to cross these bodies first.
Watching the organized movements on the hillock, even Suhi Wei, a seasoned warrior who had been through countless battles, felt a chill down his spine. Was he facing the Jin army? Or was this the powerful military of the Great Han from hundreds of years ago, capable of suppressing the flourishing Xiongnu, causing livestock not to breed, and women to lose their luster?
“Leader! What should we do?!” It wasn’t just Suhi Wei; even his trusted subordinates anxiously asked.
“Continue the charge! Exhaust their arrows!” This situation was so similar to the battle when the renowned general Li Ling surrendered to the Xiongnu. Even without having read historical records, Suhi Wei chose the most appropriate course of action.
This Jin army had no reinforcements, and the number of arrows they carried was limited. Once they shot all their arrows, they would become like a hedgehog without spikes, a ready prey. Facing this probing attack, the Jin army couldn’t relax their vigilance. Once they let their guard down, the enemy cavalry could immediately turn from a probing force to the vanguard of an attack. If they didn’t want to die, they had to stand firm!
Are they trying to buy time? Then let’s accompany them in this delay! Suhi Wei firmly gripped the reins in his hands. This time, he must completely eliminate this group of Jin soldiers and avenge the hatred for his fallen kin!
However, as much as he thought about it, when the real battle started, it was much more challenging than Suhi Wei had anticipated. The Jin army seemed to carry twice the number of arrow pots each, and they engaged in this prolonged conflict. Luring the enemy also required horsepower and stamina. From dawn until dusk, with multiple nighttime camp assaults, until the afternoon of the next day, the enemy’s arrow formation showed no signs of exhaustion.
It was only then that Suhi Wei realized there were not only bows but also many crossbows in the enemy formation. With soldiers taking turns to rest, this Jin army seemed tireless, resisting their attacks. However, even so, how could they possibly hold out for three days? A faint unease grew in Suhi Wei’s heart as he realized he might have overlooked something.
This is not good! They are clearly trying to stall for time!
With a sudden realization, Suhi Wei snapped back to attention! The Jin army came to attack them; how could they present such a determined defensive posture? This time, he brought the majority of warriors from the tribe. If someone were to sneak attack the rear camp, how could the remaining soldiers hold on?
“Immediately, return to the camp!” Suhi Wei made a decisive decision and issued the order. After a day and night of fierce fighting, with losses of seven to eight hundred people, Suhi Wei had no intention of fighting for victory anymore. The tribe was their foundation; even if they won, what would it matter if there were losses in the tribe? They had to rush back!
Despite being exhausted, both man and horse, in a life-and-death situation, there was no room for the slightest hesitation. All Xianbei soldiers cast their fatigue aside and charged toward their own camp. The foot soldiers left behind in exhaustion were miles away from catching up with the cavalry, but those chasing after them were not foot soldiers.
Thud! Thud! Thud! Like muffled thunder, iron hooves tore through the silent wilderness. When that cavalry suddenly appeared on the flank and launched a fierce attack, despair flashed in Suhi Wei’s eyes.
Advertisement
The enemy had arrived, a cavalry force of only a thousand, while he still had four thousand troops. However, how could four thousand weary and resentful soldiers withstand this well-rested cavalry?
“Kill! Charge out for me!” Suhi Wei shouted hoarsely, his eyes bloodshot. These people couldn’t encircle them. As long as they broke through the ambush, there was a slim chance for them to go back and rescue the elderly and young in the tribe. Just break through!
However, the killer intent in those gray-blue eyes left them no chance. The iron riders, like steel blades tearing through flesh, mercilessly penetrated the cavalry formation. In less than a quarter of an hour, the Bai Xianbei was completely torn apart. Those warriors, battle-hardened and resilient, abandoned their swords, crouched low on their horses, and fiercely whipped their mounts. Like scared dogs with their tails between their legs, they scattered in all directions.
The sounds of neighing horses, human shouts, and rising dust filled the air. However, the leader of the Bai Xianbei, lying in a pool of blood, his eyes wide open, could no longer witness the scenes that had brought him despair.
