As the sky began to brighten, Liu Cong emerged from the tent. Before him stood the unyielding fortress, despite two days of relentless assault. Along the path from the main camp to the base of the walls, bloodstains covered the ground, with siege engines scattered in disarray. Charred wood resembled jagged bones, and from a distance, it seemed one could almost hear the pitiful cries of soldiers beneath the burning siege engines.
Liu Cong glanced at the scene before shifting his gaze to the city walls. Despite the order for a citywide massacre, this small fortress proved more challenging to conquer than he had imagined.
The moat at the city’s base had been partially filled, allowing siege ladders to approach, yet scaling the walls remained an insurmountable challenge. Nightly skirmishes occurred three to five times, mostly as feints, but sometimes escalating into serious engagements. Such constant turmoil left the defending soldiers utterly exhausted. Despite these efforts, the city remained unchanged, with even the bed-crossbows’ bolts remaining unspent.
Liu Cong couldn’t help but wonder how many soldiers were stationed in this fortress. At times, he questioned whether there were truly five or six thousand troops within; otherwise, how could they withstand such a relentless assault? Yet, how many troops did Shangdang command in total?
Rubbing his frozen cheeks against the morning chill, Liu Cong issued the command, “Spread the word, have breakfast, and continue the siege!”
He cared little about the exact number of defenders in the fortress. In these days, the scouts and reconnaissance horses hadn’t rested for a moment, continuously observing the neighboring Liang residence and the distant Xuan family. The focus was on whichever side showed signs of movement. Once they mobilized, the elite cavalry of the Han would immediately engage, catching them off guard. Field battles were different from sieges, and the Xiongnu excelled in such scenarios. He eagerly awaited the Shangdang forces to emerge from their defensive position.
However, if they chose to disregard the fate of Gaodu, it wouldn’t matter. Tianjing Pass had already fallen, advancing south along the winding Yangchang Slope into the heartland of Henan. The Western Army should have reached Henan by now. If the Shangdang forces refused to appear, leaving some troops to continue the siege and defend the rear, the main army could directly enter Taihang Pass.
As long as news arrived that Taihang Pass was open, it would be his cue to march south.
Nevertheless, with the intensity of the conflict and Tianjing Pass changing hands, he doubted the Shangdang defenders could remain passive. Perhaps in these two days, they would be compelled to send reinforcements to rescue Gaodu.
That would be the long-awaited direct confrontation—a massive battle to completely crush the Shangdang forces!
Glancing once more at the uneven and pockmarked wall, damaged by siege engines, Liu Cong snorted coldly and turned back towards his tent.
※
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Perched on towering cliffs and deep ravines, a mountain road meandered and twisted, spanning the mountain’s summit. The pass was only three steps wide; let alone traveling by vehicle or horse, walking swiftly posed the danger of falling into the mountain stream. The ancient saying “decide the danger of the sheep’s intestines, block the throat of Taihang” referred to this crucial military route controlling the Si County region and serving as the vital pass.
Yet, at this moment, a group of armored soldiers hurried along the path towards Henan. Just yesterday, Tianjing Pass, which had long been in the hands of Shangdang forces, fell to an unknown force alongside the Xiongnu.
The battle wasn’t an easy one. Tianjing Pass was perched on a cliff, with cliffs on both sides, making it impregnable. Not to mention the numerous traps and barriers set up in front of the pass. With three thousand soldiers, it took Liu Wang two days to finally conquer this critical pass.
Most of the hundred defenders at the pass perished, with some abandoning the defense and fleeing along the mountain road toward Si County.
Liu Wang did not opt for a pursuit through the night. Instead, after a night of rest, he led his troops towards Si County. Opening Tianjing Pass was not enough; the exit on the Si County side needed resolution. The difficulty of assaulting the pass from the mountain path was evident, but Liu Wei felt no fear. Near the pass, there would always be open ground, not just the narrow mountain path. Given the opportunity to deploy his forces, he could always break through this small city gate!
Though Yangchang Slope was perilous, it spanned only forty miles, a day’s march for the troops. Liu Wang was prepared, waiting only to cross Yangchang Slope and immediately halt the army, launching an attack while it was still dark. Could he not take the pass after a swift assault and spend another day if needed?
But just after covering a dozen miles, a scout ahead returned in panic, “General, there’s a small city ahead!”
What?! Liu Wang was greatly surprised. This was Yangchang Slope! At the mountain’s summit, the pass was only three steps wide, just enough for a vehicle to pass. How could a city be built here? When was this city gate constructed?
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Yet, at this moment, they were already on the mountain road, with no room to turn back. Liu Wang gritted his teeth, “Three men in a row at the front, shields up. Archers at the rear!”
They had to seize the opportunity and attack! A city built on this mountain road likely wouldn’t be too large. Even if it harbored fleeing soldiers from Tianjing Pass, there shouldn’t be many stationed there. They just needed to break through!
However, when Liu Wang truly laid eyes on the city gate, he couldn’t help but mutter in dismay. On the narrow mountain path, a small city was nestled against the mountain. It was less than forty paces long from east to west and even narrower in width, around twenty paces. Yet, it was entirely paved with blue stones, standing over two zhang high, resembling an inverted bowl, strategically positioned in the narrow passage.
To the left was a cliff covered in dense vegetation, and to the right, a deep abyss. How could they conquer a city gate capable of garrisoning a hundred troops in such a situation?
“Charge!” Liu Wang roared.
There was no other choice. What else could they do but charge to their utmost?
The elite Xiongnu soldiers clenched their teeth, holding shields and bows, rushing toward this suddenly appearing city. Inside the city, a Liang family commander stood with hands behind his back, coldly ordering, “Sound the horn!”
He had waited for a day, anticipating the moment these Xiongnu would fall into the trap. While Tianjing Pass was a perilous gateway, it wasn’t the only one on the mountain road. Since the Liang family took control of Taihang Pass, they had constructed several defensive structures on this mountain road. This bowl-shaped city was just one of them.
Defending the gate against the enemy, how could closing the gate feel as satisfying as driving away a dog? Nevertheless, to dispel any doubts the enemy might have, the fierce battle at Tianjing Pass cost him dearly. Over seventy lives were lost in one go, a substantial number for a commander like him. The pent-up frustration could finally be released!
The mournful sound of a bullhorn echoed, and the surrounding canyons responded with echoes as if the mountains themselves were acknowledging this eerie noise, sending shivers down the spine.
Advertisement
Liu Wang shouted sternly, “It’s just a trick by the enemy! Pay no attention! Charge! Charge quickly!”
Dozens of steps meant the lives of hundreds, allowing no room for hesitation!
However, with a swift whoosh, a long feathered arrow came from the side cliff, hitting a soldier in the midst of the formation. The soldier fell backward, nearly tumbling down the cliff.
“There’s an enemy on the mountain!”
Without anyone saying it, Liu Wang also knew that enemies were positioned on the cliffs beside them. But how was that possible? How many men and horses could a small mountain path conceal? And where had they set up their camp?
No one answered his questions, but more arrows rained down. On the city walls, the commander shouted loudly, “Release the arrows! Annihilate these bandit soldiers completely and avenge our brothers!”
The Bowl-shaped City was just one pass along Taihang Pass. On a nearby mountain ridge, there was a fortified camp garrisoned by over five hundred troops. With soldiers and horses lying in ambush, how could a mere two or three thousand people break through the mountain pass guarded by them?
On the narrow path, the Xiongnu were already in disarray. Whether struck by arrows and perishing or being pushed and falling off the cliff, some couldn’t even turn around to escape. The sounds of battle cries and cries of despair were absorbed by the mountains, echoing incessantly.
※
“The Jin army is on the move?” Upon hearing the scout’s report, Liu Cong’s spirits lifted!
Indeed, these Shangdang forces couldn’t stay put!
“How many troops do they have? Where are they coming from? Do they have cavalry?” Liu Cong rapidly inquired.
“The enemy has around ten thousand troops, coming from the direction of Liting. They should reach Xianshi tomorrow. No sign of cavalry has been spotted,” the scout hastily replied.
“This is a bait,” Liu Cong sneered.
Shangdang indeed had cavalry, and the number was quite substantial, likely around two thousand. Among them were not only Jie people but also the elite Xiongnu cavalry that had surrendered earlier. Liu Yao suffered a defeat by that group of defectors, returning in a sorry state. Liu Cong’s own infantry, especially, was caught off guard by those peculiar long spear cavalry.
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However, that was all in the past. The troops he prepared this time were entirely capable of countering their tactics. As long as his marching speed was fast enough, intercepting the Jin army halfway, catching them off guard without the opportunity to set up camp and deploy thunderbolt cannons would be enough to secure victory!
“Leave five thousand troops to continue the siege. The rest, follow me to confront the enemy!” Liu Cong rose tall, issuing the command loudly.
Although a mixed formation of infantry, he had around ten thousand elite cavalry. Just this cavalry force alone could exert pressure on the Jin army, not to mention the other infantry!
Winning with fewer numbers depended on luck. Ultimately, in military operations, it came down to the balance of forces. The elite troops he brought were all the cream of the Han, not allowing the Jin army to act recklessly!
Xianshi was only fifty to sixty miles away from Gaodu. If both armies advanced simultaneously, they would soon come face to face. However, Liu Cong was cautious and didn’t march at full speed. After covering only a dozen miles, he set up camp to rest. On the second day, after a night of preparation, the formidable Xiongnu army appeared south of Xianshi. The scouts brought back news as the Jin army, weary from a day’s journey, was rushing to meet them, and they were only infantry!
A mere three miles separated the two sides, and both scouts could clearly ascertain the enemy’s situation. According to common practice, they should have immediately set up camp, organized their forces, and then engaged in battle. After all, with a massive army exceeding ten thousand, just organizing the formation would take a considerable amount of time.
However, Liu Cong didn’t follow the norm. “Cavalry, attack first! Infantry, form up and march, then follow up!”
This is the advantage of cavalry. Enemies who hastily arrive and can’t set up camp are like vulnerable lambs in front of cavalry. The Xiongnu were already adept at such tactics, and the designated battlefield for the imminent clash was a vast open plain—no valleys, narrow paths, or ambush points—perfect for cavalry charges. Without the ability to showcase their expertise in setting up camp, how could this Jin army have any ability to counter?
As for the elusive enemy cavalry that disappeared, there were still ten thousand infantry left behind in the rear, marching in formation. Even if they intended to ambush, they wouldn’t be able to handle this tough nut!
A gleam of brilliance flashed in Liu Cong’s eyes. Xianshi was truly living up to expectations! Back in the Warring States period, this place had another name: “Changping”! The location where four hundred thousand Zhao soldiers lost their lives, today it would see even more Jin troops!
Under Liu Cong’s command, the Han army split into two segments—front and rear. Ten thousand cavalry charged forward, galloping towards the enemy. For cavalry, three miles was just a moment. When the enemy came into view, there were no defensive formations, only freshly arranged military formations.
The enemy commander was quite perceptive; they had already set up their military formation in advance. If facing someone less astute, they might have considered setting up camp. Nevertheless, even with this awareness, it would be of no use.
Liu Cong loudly commanded, “Beat the drums, charge the formation!”
With the drum’s resounding order, the elite Xiongnu cavalry surged forward like a rolling dark-brown dragon, heading straight for the enemy.
Author’s note:
It’s mentioned that confusing Taihang Pass and Taihang Mountain is easy. To avoid confusion, the term “Tianjing Pass” will be used instead.
The city built in the story is the future Bowl-shaped City. Most of the passes in Taihang Mountain were constructed after the Tang Dynasty, so for the people involved, it was indeed quite astonishing.
As the sky began to brighten, Liu Cong emerged from the tent. Before him stood the unyielding fortress, despite two days of relentless assault. Along the path from the main camp to the base of the walls, bloodstains covered the ground, with siege engines scattered in disarray. Charred wood resembled jagged bones, and from a distance, it seemed one could almost hear the pitiful cries of soldiers beneath the burning siege engines.
Liu Cong glanced at the scene before shifting his gaze to the city walls. Despite the order for a citywide massacre, this small fortress proved more challenging to conquer than he had imagined.
The moat at the city’s base had been partially filled, allowing siege ladders to approach, yet scaling the walls remained an insurmountable challenge. Nightly skirmishes occurred three to five times, mostly as feints, but sometimes escalating into serious engagements. Such constant turmoil left the defending soldiers utterly exhausted. Despite these efforts, the city remained unchanged, with even the bed-crossbows’ bolts remaining unspent.
Liu Cong couldn’t help but wonder how many soldiers were stationed in this fortress. At times, he questioned whether there were truly five or six thousand troops within; otherwise, how could they withstand such a relentless assault? Yet, how many troops did Shangdang command in total?
Rubbing his frozen cheeks against the morning chill, Liu Cong issued the command, “Spread the word, have breakfast, and continue the siege!”
He cared little about the exact number of defenders in the fortress. In these days, the scouts and reconnaissance horses hadn’t rested for a moment, continuously observing the neighboring Liang residence and the distant Xuan family. The focus was on whichever side showed signs of movement. Once they mobilized, the elite cavalry of the Han would immediately engage, catching them off guard. Field battles were different from sieges, and the Xiongnu excelled in such scenarios. He eagerly awaited the Shangdang forces to emerge from their defensive position.
However, if they chose to disregard the fate of Gaodu, it wouldn’t matter. Tianjing Pass had already fallen, advancing south along the winding Yangchang Slope into the heartland of Henan. The Western Army should have reached Henan by now. If the Shangdang forces refused to appear, leaving some troops to continue the siege and defend the rear, the main army could directly enter Taihang Pass.
As long as news arrived that Taihang Pass was open, it would be his cue to march south.
Nevertheless, with the intensity of the conflict and Tianjing Pass changing hands, he doubted the Shangdang defenders could remain passive. Perhaps in these two days, they would be compelled to send reinforcements to rescue Gaodu.
That would be the long-awaited direct confrontation—a massive battle to completely crush the Shangdang forces!
Glancing once more at the uneven and pockmarked wall, damaged by siege engines, Liu Cong snorted coldly and turned back towards his tent.
※
Advertisement
Perched on towering cliffs and deep ravines, a mountain road meandered and twisted, spanning the mountain’s summit. The pass was only three steps wide; let alone traveling by vehicle or horse, walking swiftly posed the danger of falling into the mountain stream. The ancient saying “decide the danger of the sheep’s intestines, block the throat of Taihang” referred to this crucial military route controlling the Si County region and serving as the vital pass.
Yet, at this moment, a group of armored soldiers hurried along the path towards Henan. Just yesterday, Tianjing Pass, which had long been in the hands of Shangdang forces, fell to an unknown force alongside the Xiongnu.
The battle wasn’t an easy one. Tianjing Pass was perched on a cliff, with cliffs on both sides, making it impregnable. Not to mention the numerous traps and barriers set up in front of the pass. With three thousand soldiers, it took Liu Wang two days to finally conquer this critical pass.
Most of the hundred defenders at the pass perished, with some abandoning the defense and fleeing along the mountain road toward Si County.
Liu Wang did not opt for a pursuit through the night. Instead, after a night of rest, he led his troops towards Si County. Opening Tianjing Pass was not enough; the exit on the Si County side needed resolution. The difficulty of assaulting the pass from the mountain path was evident, but Liu Wei felt no fear. Near the pass, there would always be open ground, not just the narrow mountain path. Given the opportunity to deploy his forces, he could always break through this small city gate!
Though Yangchang Slope was perilous, it spanned only forty miles, a day’s march for the troops. Liu Wang was prepared, waiting only to cross Yangchang Slope and immediately halt the army, launching an attack while it was still dark. Could he not take the pass after a swift assault and spend another day if needed?
But just after covering a dozen miles, a scout ahead returned in panic, “General, there’s a small city ahead!”
What?! Liu Wang was greatly surprised. This was Yangchang Slope! At the mountain’s summit, the pass was only three steps wide, just enough for a vehicle to pass. How could a city be built here? When was this city gate constructed?
Advertisement
Yet, at this moment, they were already on the mountain road, with no room to turn back. Liu Wang gritted his teeth, “Three men in a row at the front, shields up. Archers at the rear!”
They had to seize the opportunity and attack! A city built on this mountain road likely wouldn’t be too large. Even if it harbored fleeing soldiers from Tianjing Pass, there shouldn’t be many stationed there. They just needed to break through!
However, when Liu Wang truly laid eyes on the city gate, he couldn’t help but mutter in dismay. On the narrow mountain path, a small city was nestled against the mountain. It was less than forty paces long from east to west and even narrower in width, around twenty paces. Yet, it was entirely paved with blue stones, standing over two zhang high, resembling an inverted bowl, strategically positioned in the narrow passage.
To the left was a cliff covered in dense vegetation, and to the right, a deep abyss. How could they conquer a city gate capable of garrisoning a hundred troops in such a situation?
“Charge!” Liu Wang roared.
There was no other choice. What else could they do but charge to their utmost?
The elite Xiongnu soldiers clenched their teeth, holding shields and bows, rushing toward this suddenly appearing city. Inside the city, a Liang family commander stood with hands behind his back, coldly ordering, “Sound the horn!”
He had waited for a day, anticipating the moment these Xiongnu would fall into the trap. While Tianjing Pass was a perilous gateway, it wasn’t the only one on the mountain road. Since the Liang family took control of Taihang Pass, they had constructed several defensive structures on this mountain road. This bowl-shaped city was just one of them.
Defending the gate against the enemy, how could closing the gate feel as satisfying as driving away a dog? Nevertheless, to dispel any doubts the enemy might have, the fierce battle at Tianjing Pass cost him dearly. Over seventy lives were lost in one go, a substantial number for a commander like him. The pent-up frustration could finally be released!
The mournful sound of a bullhorn echoed, and the surrounding canyons responded with echoes as if the mountains themselves were acknowledging this eerie noise, sending shivers down the spine.
Advertisement
Liu Wang shouted sternly, “It’s just a trick by the enemy! Pay no attention! Charge! Charge quickly!”
Dozens of steps meant the lives of hundreds, allowing no room for hesitation!
However, with a swift whoosh, a long feathered arrow came from the side cliff, hitting a soldier in the midst of the formation. The soldier fell backward, nearly tumbling down the cliff.
“There’s an enemy on the mountain!”
Without anyone saying it, Liu Wang also knew that enemies were positioned on the cliffs beside them. But how was that possible? How many men and horses could a small mountain path conceal? And where had they set up their camp?
No one answered his questions, but more arrows rained down. On the city walls, the commander shouted loudly, “Release the arrows! Annihilate these bandit soldiers completely and avenge our brothers!”
The Bowl-shaped City was just one pass along Taihang Pass. On a nearby mountain ridge, there was a fortified camp garrisoned by over five hundred troops. With soldiers and horses lying in ambush, how could a mere two or three thousand people break through the mountain pass guarded by them?
On the narrow path, the Xiongnu were already in disarray. Whether struck by arrows and perishing or being pushed and falling off the cliff, some couldn’t even turn around to escape. The sounds of battle cries and cries of despair were absorbed by the mountains, echoing incessantly.
※
“The Jin army is on the move?” Upon hearing the scout’s report, Liu Cong’s spirits lifted!
Indeed, these Shangdang forces couldn’t stay put!
“How many troops do they have? Where are they coming from? Do they have cavalry?” Liu Cong rapidly inquired.
“The enemy has around ten thousand troops, coming from the direction of Liting. They should reach Xianshi tomorrow. No sign of cavalry has been spotted,” the scout hastily replied.
“This is a bait,” Liu Cong sneered.
Shangdang indeed had cavalry, and the number was quite substantial, likely around two thousand. Among them were not only Jie people but also the elite Xiongnu cavalry that had surrendered earlier. Liu Yao suffered a defeat by that group of defectors, returning in a sorry state. Liu Cong’s own infantry, especially, was caught off guard by those peculiar long spear cavalry.
Advertisement
However, that was all in the past. The troops he prepared this time were entirely capable of countering their tactics. As long as his marching speed was fast enough, intercepting the Jin army halfway, catching them off guard without the opportunity to set up camp and deploy thunderbolt cannons would be enough to secure victory!
“Leave five thousand troops to continue the siege. The rest, follow me to confront the enemy!” Liu Cong rose tall, issuing the command loudly.
Although a mixed formation of infantry, he had around ten thousand elite cavalry. Just this cavalry force alone could exert pressure on the Jin army, not to mention the other infantry!
Winning with fewer numbers depended on luck. Ultimately, in military operations, it came down to the balance of forces. The elite troops he brought were all the cream of the Han, not allowing the Jin army to act recklessly!
Xianshi was only fifty to sixty miles away from Gaodu. If both armies advanced simultaneously, they would soon come face to face. However, Liu Cong was cautious and didn’t march at full speed. After covering only a dozen miles, he set up camp to rest. On the second day, after a night of preparation, the formidable Xiongnu army appeared south of Xianshi. The scouts brought back news as the Jin army, weary from a day’s journey, was rushing to meet them, and they were only infantry!
A mere three miles separated the two sides, and both scouts could clearly ascertain the enemy’s situation. According to common practice, they should have immediately set up camp, organized their forces, and then engaged in battle. After all, with a massive army exceeding ten thousand, just organizing the formation would take a considerable amount of time.
However, Liu Cong didn’t follow the norm. “Cavalry, attack first! Infantry, form up and march, then follow up!”
This is the advantage of cavalry. Enemies who hastily arrive and can’t set up camp are like vulnerable lambs in front of cavalry. The Xiongnu were already adept at such tactics, and the designated battlefield for the imminent clash was a vast open plain—no valleys, narrow paths, or ambush points—perfect for cavalry charges. Without the ability to showcase their expertise in setting up camp, how could this Jin army have any ability to counter?
As for the elusive enemy cavalry that disappeared, there were still ten thousand infantry left behind in the rear, marching in formation. Even if they intended to ambush, they wouldn’t be able to handle this tough nut!
A gleam of brilliance flashed in Liu Cong’s eyes. Xianshi was truly living up to expectations! Back in the Warring States period, this place had another name: “Changping”! The location where four hundred thousand Zhao soldiers lost their lives, today it would see even more Jin troops!
Under Liu Cong’s command, the Han army split into two segments—front and rear. Ten thousand cavalry charged forward, galloping towards the enemy. For cavalry, three miles was just a moment. When the enemy came into view, there were no defensive formations, only freshly arranged military formations.
The enemy commander was quite perceptive; they had already set up their military formation in advance. If facing someone less astute, they might have considered setting up camp. Nevertheless, even with this awareness, it would be of no use.
Liu Cong loudly commanded, “Beat the drums, charge the formation!”
With the drum’s resounding order, the elite Xiongnu cavalry surged forward like a rolling dark-brown dragon, heading straight for the enemy.
Author’s note:
It’s mentioned that confusing Taihang Pass and Taihang Mountain is easy. To avoid confusion, the term “Tianjing Pass” will be used instead.
The city built in the story is the future Bowl-shaped City. Most of the passes in Taihang Mountain were constructed after the Tang Dynasty, so for the people involved, it was indeed quite astonishing.
