A muffled thud echoed through the vast expanse of heaven and earth. The awe-inspiring sound, not only emanating from the war drums but also from the unique rhythm produced by the charging cavalry in their armored splendor.
Liu Cong squinted his eyes, observing the heavily armored cavalry charging at the forefront, and couldn’t help but reveal a proud smile. After capturing Henan, Liu Yuan acquired funds and provisions, promptly crafting eight hundred sets of horse armor. Clad in armor, both man and horse became a formidable force known as the armored cavalry. With riders and steeds enveloped in heavy armor, not even the iron pellets hurled by thunderous cannons or crossbows could threaten these cavalry charging into the fray. This time, he specifically requested five hundred sets of armored cavalry equipment from his father, aiming to break through the formidable defense of the Shangdang forces, layered three or four deep!
Back when Yuan Shao possessed three hundred sets of horse armor, it left Wei Wuyan envious. Now, with so many heavy riders, wouldn’t they be invincible?
The resounding hoofbeats showed no signs of hesitation, surging with the momentum to overwhelm mountains and seas, charging toward the Jin army!
In the opposing central army, Zhang He shouted sternly, “Front troops, retreat, form the chariot formation! Raise the shields!”
No one could withstand the armored cavalry’s charge. Once these terrifying riders, clad even in armor on their horses, launched their assault, it was an unstoppable force. Unless deer-horned barriers were set up in advance, mere shields and long spears couldn’t withstand the force of their charge!
Upon hearing Zhang He’s command, several squads of soldiers immediately pushed the large carts beside them, flying along the passages within the various military formations, charging forward.
The heavy cavalry was not as fast as the light cavalry, but their imposing force was extremely shocking. Just five hundred riders galloping created a ground-shaking effect, sending shivers down one’s spine. Faced with such a cavalry charge, timid soldiers might find it difficult to stand their ground. However, these Shangdang troops managed to rush out, fortifying their position by overturning a dozen large carts in front of them, and planting them firmly in the mud to create a simple defense line. As the cart wall rose from the ground, the front troops also stepped back twenty paces in unison, raising tall wooden shields.
Armored cavalry could dominate and break through enemy formations, but in the face of carts loaded with provisions, they were helpless. The mounted knights had to rein in their horses, slowing their pace. Once these heavy cavalry soldiers came to a halt, their intimidating power diminished significantly unless they moved the carts and accelerated their horse speed again.
However, as the armored cavalry stopped, the light cavalry behind them did not cease their advance. Thousands of light riders bypassed the makeshift cart wall, drawing bows and releasing arrows!
This is also the greatest utility of cavalry. Harass the enemy formation, seize the opportunity to break through. However, this densely packed arrow rain was blocked by the front row of wooden shields. At the same time, the Jin army’s infantry formations unleashed a volley of bows and crossbows, initiating a counter-shooting. In this aspect, both sides had their advantages. The Jin army had shield formations to block and could intercept most of the arrows. The agile movements of the Xiongnu cavalry allowed them to quickly close and escape the range. Surprisingly, the offensive and defensive efforts on both sides were evenly matched. Even if someone occasionally got hit by an arrow, they could be swiftly replaced. The formation remained unbroken, and the cavalry suffered minimal losses.
In the rear, Liu Cong furrowed his brows. The Shangdang forces were still proving to be a formidable opponent! Facing the guerrilla warfare of the cavalry, they could still handle it with such agility, truly causing a headache. However, soon his brow relaxed. Did this resolute and cautious strategy not indicate that the Jin army was unprepared? As long as there were no troublesome schemes, his forces maintained the upper hand, with cavalry at their side. They could drag the enemy to their demise!
Advertisement
“Left-wing, flank around, attack the enemy’s flank!” Liu Cong calmly issued the order.
The rhythmic sound of horns began to play. In response to the command, a detachment of cavalry moved toward the flank of the Jin army. Typically, military formations would have shields and spear formations facing the front, making the sides comparatively weaker. However, the Jin army was different. When the cavalry group charged towards the flank, they discovered shield formations on the sides as well, and even more archers and crossbowmen than on the front.
A rain of arrows forced this light cavalry to retreat. Seeing the first wave of attacks thwarted, the cavalry did not hesitate to pull back, intending to create distance and launch another charge. The large carts in the front were moved aside, and the armored cavalry adjusted their direction, preparing for another assault.
At that moment, a wailing whistle emanated from the enemy camp. As if startled by the signal, the infantry formation that had just raised shields to face the enemy, like shifting sands, quickly withdrew. This change in formation was daring to the point of almost reckless! This was in the front line, facing cavalry! Weren’t they afraid of being attacked during the retreat?
However, it didn’t happen.
Before the Xiongnu elite riders could react, the Jin army swiftly retreated thirty paces. Behind the human wall, a row of anti-cavalry barriers was revealed. The soldiers in the rear took advantage of the cover provided by the front-line human wall to create this makeshift defense. This was even more surprising than the change in formation! What if the front-line soldiers couldn’t withstand the powerful enemy; wouldn’t their retreat path be cut off by their own people?
But with such bold actions happening right before their eyes, even the Xiongnu elite riders were momentarily bewildered.
“They want to retreat!” Liu Cong was not startled by the scene before him; on the contrary, he quickly discerned the enemy’s intention.
Advertisement
This wasn’t a posture indicating a desire for a fierce attack. Shangdang didn’t have many troops; they couldn’t afford a pitched battle. So, after encountering his cavalry, their first reaction was to retreat while conserving their strength. A group of foot soldiers attempting to withdraw under the gaze of cavalry was no easy feat. However, it did happen. Well-versed in military strategy, Liu Cong knew the historical accounts from the Han era and was well aware that renowned generals like Li Ling could retreat quite a distance even when surrounded by multiple times the number of cavalry.
We can’t let them escape so easily! We certainly can’t be led by the nose and fall into their trap like this!
Liu Cong made a decisive decision: “Order the rear forces to accelerate. Cavalry, surround and shoot! Don’t let them escape!”
This was the best course of action. Faced with such defenses, the combination of infantry and cavalry could significantly increase efficiency. Whether it was anti-cavalry barriers or wagon formations, they could be maneuvered by foot soldiers to create space for heavy cavalry to charge into the fray. As the heavy cavalry tore through the enemy formation, the infantry would follow, launching a close-quarters assault. Meanwhile, the light cavalry would break through the flanks. This Jin army would inevitably be defeated and routed.
With a new command, the light cavalry maneuvered around the anti-cavalry barriers in front, surrounding the hedgehog-like formation, and began shooting. The foot soldiers in the rear, panting, caught up, with half of them pressing forward alongside the armored cavalry towards the enemy formation. Except for the 5,000 cavalry surrounding the central army, this force of 15,000 infantry and cavalry against a formation of 10,000 infantry had a success rate of around eighty to ninety percent.
Liu Cong tightened the reins, and his heartbeat quickened. Not to mention defeating the enemy, wiping them out entirely seemed entirely possible! Without this elite force guarding them, Shangdang would be nothing more than a prize within reach, easily obtained.
Watching the densely packed enemy soldiers in front of him, Zhang He also let out a deep sigh of relief. General Yi’s orders had finally been fulfilled.
“Order, ignite the fire dragons!” Zhang He solemnly commanded his trusted aide at his side.
The order quickly disseminated, and several ballistae were rolled out and set up in the formation. Several crossbowmen calibrated the distance and height, igniting the rockets on top. With a sharp buzzing sound, dozens of rockets soared into the sky, heading towards the Xiongnu formation.
No one paid much attention to these rockets. Although the appearance of the ballistae was somewhat surprising, the heavy cavalry was currently stationed five hundred paces away, waiting to charge into the fray. The infantry, in order to move the anti-cavalry barriers, had not formed a particularly dense formation. Why would they launch rockets at this moment? If they had fired them when the armored cavalry charged earlier, they might have taken down a few!
Advertisement
However, these arrows weren’t aimed at the enemy; instead, they landed in another direction. The dozen or so supply wagons placed in front of the formation had not been completely removed, just shifted slightly to create a passage. After all, they were filled with provisions, and in case of victory, they could be taken away as military resources. At this moment, these wagons were only about two hundred paces away from the Shangdang army formation, well within the range of the ballistae!
The burning rockets landed on the supply wagons, and in an instant, the wagons turned into fireballs, followed by a booming explosion. The sound resembled thunder striking the ground, and it continued without interruption, causing nearby soldiers and horses to panic. The intense flames, along with wood debris and metal pieces, flew onto the nearby infantry, injuring many and causing them to fall.
While people could still maintain some control, the same couldn’t be said for the horses. The armored cavalry, being too close to the exploding supply wagons, already wearing horse armor and now out of control, began to charge wildly, even the riders on top struggled to rein them in. In the blink of an eye, the infantry surrounding the explosion, already affected, were trampled again.
“What’s going on?!” Liu Cong, in the distance, widened his eyes in shock.
Another thunderstorm? No! These were concealed weapons released by the Jin army! What kind of object ignited by the fire could create such thunderous sounds? It must be Liang Zixi’s doing!
He had long suspected the frequent thunderstorms, and now he finally had concrete evidence. However, at this moment, the formation under attack had already been completely disrupted, and it was not the time to dwell on these thoughts. Wait a minute! Liu Cong abruptly turned his head. “Where are the scouts sent out?”
Before he could get an answer, the sound of hooves had already started. From the distance, a cavalry unit charged towards them!
They hadn’t gone far at all! They were waiting for this moment of chaos! Liu Cong gritted his teeth in frustration and angrily shouted, “Sound the horn! Order the light cavalry to return quickly!”
Surprisingly, the number of enemy cavalry was greater than expected, around four thousand or so. Could it be that the group of servant-slaves who had defected to Jinyang back then had also joined them? However, Liu Cong was not afraid; he still had several thousand light cavalry at his disposal, plus the five thousand infantry guarding the central army. This force would be sufficient to withstand this cavalry onslaught!
Unexpectedly, before those cavalries could charge to the front, someone suddenly exclaimed, “That’s not the Jin army! They’re Xianbei people!”
The Xianbei people had distinct attire and hairstyles from the Central Plains, and they were fierce in battle, even the Xiongnu had to avoid their sharpness. Initially, when Sima Teng had the assistance of the Tuoba Xianbei, he even drove Liu Yuan out of Bing County for a time. Now, facing so many Xianbei cavalry, how could the soldiers below not panic!
Why were there Xianbei people? A chill ran down Liu Cong’s spine. Since they invited the Xianbei, why would this group of Shangdang soldiers still need to appear weak? Why put on such a display? Right, they didn’t want to just drive him away; they wanted complete annihilation! A decisive and final blow!
“Hold them off for me!” Drawing his horse knife from his waist, Liu Cong shouted sternly.
It must be held off. As long as the central army could hold its ground, he had confidence in retreating. He still had cavalry and even armored cavalry at his disposal! He still had the strength to resist!
“Finally, they’ve arrived!” On Zhang He’s usually gentle and smooth face, a resolute expression appeared. “Beat the drums! Charge the entire army!”
Advertisement
Although the task of luring the enemy had been accomplished, the battle was far from over. In front of them were still thousands of Xiongnu infantry. Now that the cavalry had retreated, it was time for them to deal with this group of equally matched opponents and turn the routed troops to counterattack the enemy camp!
With the urgent beat of the drums, the Shangdang soldiers, who had just hidden behind the anti-cavalry barriers, reorganized once again. Like geese spreading their wings, they swiftly bypassed the anti-cavalry barriers, forming squads of a hundred, arranging themselves in spear formations, and rushed towards the still unsettled Xiongnu forces. Red banners fluttered, and the battle cries shook the heavens. Soon, the face-to-face confrontation turned into a rear chase.
On the vast wilderness, two gigantic whirlpools were taking shape, grinding all the flesh and blood caught within, transforming into complete and thorough demonic entities!
A muffled thud echoed through the vast expanse of heaven and earth. The awe-inspiring sound, not only emanating from the war drums but also from the unique rhythm produced by the charging cavalry in their armored splendor.
Liu Cong squinted his eyes, observing the heavily armored cavalry charging at the forefront, and couldn’t help but reveal a proud smile. After capturing Henan, Liu Yuan acquired funds and provisions, promptly crafting eight hundred sets of horse armor. Clad in armor, both man and horse became a formidable force known as the armored cavalry. With riders and steeds enveloped in heavy armor, not even the iron pellets hurled by thunderous cannons or crossbows could threaten these cavalry charging into the fray. This time, he specifically requested five hundred sets of armored cavalry equipment from his father, aiming to break through the formidable defense of the Shangdang forces, layered three or four deep!
Back when Yuan Shao possessed three hundred sets of horse armor, it left Wei Wuyan envious. Now, with so many heavy riders, wouldn’t they be invincible?
The resounding hoofbeats showed no signs of hesitation, surging with the momentum to overwhelm mountains and seas, charging toward the Jin army!
In the opposing central army, Zhang He shouted sternly, “Front troops, retreat, form the chariot formation! Raise the shields!”
No one could withstand the armored cavalry’s charge. Once these terrifying riders, clad even in armor on their horses, launched their assault, it was an unstoppable force. Unless deer-horned barriers were set up in advance, mere shields and long spears couldn’t withstand the force of their charge!
Upon hearing Zhang He’s command, several squads of soldiers immediately pushed the large carts beside them, flying along the passages within the various military formations, charging forward.
The heavy cavalry was not as fast as the light cavalry, but their imposing force was extremely shocking. Just five hundred riders galloping created a ground-shaking effect, sending shivers down one’s spine. Faced with such a cavalry charge, timid soldiers might find it difficult to stand their ground. However, these Shangdang troops managed to rush out, fortifying their position by overturning a dozen large carts in front of them, and planting them firmly in the mud to create a simple defense line. As the cart wall rose from the ground, the front troops also stepped back twenty paces in unison, raising tall wooden shields.
Armored cavalry could dominate and break through enemy formations, but in the face of carts loaded with provisions, they were helpless. The mounted knights had to rein in their horses, slowing their pace. Once these heavy cavalry soldiers came to a halt, their intimidating power diminished significantly unless they moved the carts and accelerated their horse speed again.
However, as the armored cavalry stopped, the light cavalry behind them did not cease their advance. Thousands of light riders bypassed the makeshift cart wall, drawing bows and releasing arrows!
This is also the greatest utility of cavalry. Harass the enemy formation, seize the opportunity to break through. However, this densely packed arrow rain was blocked by the front row of wooden shields. At the same time, the Jin army’s infantry formations unleashed a volley of bows and crossbows, initiating a counter-shooting. In this aspect, both sides had their advantages. The Jin army had shield formations to block and could intercept most of the arrows. The agile movements of the Xiongnu cavalry allowed them to quickly close and escape the range. Surprisingly, the offensive and defensive efforts on both sides were evenly matched. Even if someone occasionally got hit by an arrow, they could be swiftly replaced. The formation remained unbroken, and the cavalry suffered minimal losses.
In the rear, Liu Cong furrowed his brows. The Shangdang forces were still proving to be a formidable opponent! Facing the guerrilla warfare of the cavalry, they could still handle it with such agility, truly causing a headache. However, soon his brow relaxed. Did this resolute and cautious strategy not indicate that the Jin army was unprepared? As long as there were no troublesome schemes, his forces maintained the upper hand, with cavalry at their side. They could drag the enemy to their demise!
Advertisement
“Left-wing, flank around, attack the enemy’s flank!” Liu Cong calmly issued the order.
The rhythmic sound of horns began to play. In response to the command, a detachment of cavalry moved toward the flank of the Jin army. Typically, military formations would have shields and spear formations facing the front, making the sides comparatively weaker. However, the Jin army was different. When the cavalry group charged towards the flank, they discovered shield formations on the sides as well, and even more archers and crossbowmen than on the front.
A rain of arrows forced this light cavalry to retreat. Seeing the first wave of attacks thwarted, the cavalry did not hesitate to pull back, intending to create distance and launch another charge. The large carts in the front were moved aside, and the armored cavalry adjusted their direction, preparing for another assault.
At that moment, a wailing whistle emanated from the enemy camp. As if startled by the signal, the infantry formation that had just raised shields to face the enemy, like shifting sands, quickly withdrew. This change in formation was daring to the point of almost reckless! This was in the front line, facing cavalry! Weren’t they afraid of being attacked during the retreat?
However, it didn’t happen.
Before the Xiongnu elite riders could react, the Jin army swiftly retreated thirty paces. Behind the human wall, a row of anti-cavalry barriers was revealed. The soldiers in the rear took advantage of the cover provided by the front-line human wall to create this makeshift defense. This was even more surprising than the change in formation! What if the front-line soldiers couldn’t withstand the powerful enemy; wouldn’t their retreat path be cut off by their own people?
But with such bold actions happening right before their eyes, even the Xiongnu elite riders were momentarily bewildered.
“They want to retreat!” Liu Cong was not startled by the scene before him; on the contrary, he quickly discerned the enemy’s intention.
Advertisement
This wasn’t a posture indicating a desire for a fierce attack. Shangdang didn’t have many troops; they couldn’t afford a pitched battle. So, after encountering his cavalry, their first reaction was to retreat while conserving their strength. A group of foot soldiers attempting to withdraw under the gaze of cavalry was no easy feat. However, it did happen. Well-versed in military strategy, Liu Cong knew the historical accounts from the Han era and was well aware that renowned generals like Li Ling could retreat quite a distance even when surrounded by multiple times the number of cavalry.
We can’t let them escape so easily! We certainly can’t be led by the nose and fall into their trap like this!
Liu Cong made a decisive decision: “Order the rear forces to accelerate. Cavalry, surround and shoot! Don’t let them escape!”
This was the best course of action. Faced with such defenses, the combination of infantry and cavalry could significantly increase efficiency. Whether it was anti-cavalry barriers or wagon formations, they could be maneuvered by foot soldiers to create space for heavy cavalry to charge into the fray. As the heavy cavalry tore through the enemy formation, the infantry would follow, launching a close-quarters assault. Meanwhile, the light cavalry would break through the flanks. This Jin army would inevitably be defeated and routed.
With a new command, the light cavalry maneuvered around the anti-cavalry barriers in front, surrounding the hedgehog-like formation, and began shooting. The foot soldiers in the rear, panting, caught up, with half of them pressing forward alongside the armored cavalry towards the enemy formation. Except for the 5,000 cavalry surrounding the central army, this force of 15,000 infantry and cavalry against a formation of 10,000 infantry had a success rate of around eighty to ninety percent.
Liu Cong tightened the reins, and his heartbeat quickened. Not to mention defeating the enemy, wiping them out entirely seemed entirely possible! Without this elite force guarding them, Shangdang would be nothing more than a prize within reach, easily obtained.
Watching the densely packed enemy soldiers in front of him, Zhang He also let out a deep sigh of relief. General Yi’s orders had finally been fulfilled.
“Order, ignite the fire dragons!” Zhang He solemnly commanded his trusted aide at his side.
The order quickly disseminated, and several ballistae were rolled out and set up in the formation. Several crossbowmen calibrated the distance and height, igniting the rockets on top. With a sharp buzzing sound, dozens of rockets soared into the sky, heading towards the Xiongnu formation.
No one paid much attention to these rockets. Although the appearance of the ballistae was somewhat surprising, the heavy cavalry was currently stationed five hundred paces away, waiting to charge into the fray. The infantry, in order to move the anti-cavalry barriers, had not formed a particularly dense formation. Why would they launch rockets at this moment? If they had fired them when the armored cavalry charged earlier, they might have taken down a few!
Advertisement
However, these arrows weren’t aimed at the enemy; instead, they landed in another direction. The dozen or so supply wagons placed in front of the formation had not been completely removed, just shifted slightly to create a passage. After all, they were filled with provisions, and in case of victory, they could be taken away as military resources. At this moment, these wagons were only about two hundred paces away from the Shangdang army formation, well within the range of the ballistae!
The burning rockets landed on the supply wagons, and in an instant, the wagons turned into fireballs, followed by a booming explosion. The sound resembled thunder striking the ground, and it continued without interruption, causing nearby soldiers and horses to panic. The intense flames, along with wood debris and metal pieces, flew onto the nearby infantry, injuring many and causing them to fall.
While people could still maintain some control, the same couldn’t be said for the horses. The armored cavalry, being too close to the exploding supply wagons, already wearing horse armor and now out of control, began to charge wildly, even the riders on top struggled to rein them in. In the blink of an eye, the infantry surrounding the explosion, already affected, were trampled again.
“What’s going on?!” Liu Cong, in the distance, widened his eyes in shock.
Another thunderstorm? No! These were concealed weapons released by the Jin army! What kind of object ignited by the fire could create such thunderous sounds? It must be Liang Zixi’s doing!
He had long suspected the frequent thunderstorms, and now he finally had concrete evidence. However, at this moment, the formation under attack had already been completely disrupted, and it was not the time to dwell on these thoughts. Wait a minute! Liu Cong abruptly turned his head. “Where are the scouts sent out?”
Before he could get an answer, the sound of hooves had already started. From the distance, a cavalry unit charged towards them!
They hadn’t gone far at all! They were waiting for this moment of chaos! Liu Cong gritted his teeth in frustration and angrily shouted, “Sound the horn! Order the light cavalry to return quickly!”
Surprisingly, the number of enemy cavalry was greater than expected, around four thousand or so. Could it be that the group of servant-slaves who had defected to Jinyang back then had also joined them? However, Liu Cong was not afraid; he still had several thousand light cavalry at his disposal, plus the five thousand infantry guarding the central army. This force would be sufficient to withstand this cavalry onslaught!
Unexpectedly, before those cavalries could charge to the front, someone suddenly exclaimed, “That’s not the Jin army! They’re Xianbei people!”
The Xianbei people had distinct attire and hairstyles from the Central Plains, and they were fierce in battle, even the Xiongnu had to avoid their sharpness. Initially, when Sima Teng had the assistance of the Tuoba Xianbei, he even drove Liu Yuan out of Bing County for a time. Now, facing so many Xianbei cavalry, how could the soldiers below not panic!
Why were there Xianbei people? A chill ran down Liu Cong’s spine. Since they invited the Xianbei, why would this group of Shangdang soldiers still need to appear weak? Why put on such a display? Right, they didn’t want to just drive him away; they wanted complete annihilation! A decisive and final blow!
“Hold them off for me!” Drawing his horse knife from his waist, Liu Cong shouted sternly.
It must be held off. As long as the central army could hold its ground, he had confidence in retreating. He still had cavalry and even armored cavalry at his disposal! He still had the strength to resist!
“Finally, they’ve arrived!” On Zhang He’s usually gentle and smooth face, a resolute expression appeared. “Beat the drums! Charge the entire army!”
Advertisement
Although the task of luring the enemy had been accomplished, the battle was far from over. In front of them were still thousands of Xiongnu infantry. Now that the cavalry had retreated, it was time for them to deal with this group of equally matched opponents and turn the routed troops to counterattack the enemy camp!
With the urgent beat of the drums, the Shangdang soldiers, who had just hidden behind the anti-cavalry barriers, reorganized once again. Like geese spreading their wings, they swiftly bypassed the anti-cavalry barriers, forming squads of a hundred, arranging themselves in spear formations, and rushed towards the still unsettled Xiongnu forces. Red banners fluttered, and the battle cries shook the heavens. Soon, the face-to-face confrontation turned into a rear chase.
On the vast wilderness, two gigantic whirlpools were taking shape, grinding all the flesh and blood caught within, transforming into complete and thorough demonic entities!
