The commanding flag above swayed wildly, making a clamorous sound as the fierce wind whipped it. The fluttering banners and flags should have been a source of pride, but now, they only served to agitate Liu Cong’s mind. They were on the verge of defeat! The enemy had seized the perfect opportunity.
Taking advantage of the disruption caused by the thunder that startled the light cavalry, they charged into the central army defended by infantry, easily disrupting the formation into chaos. Subsequently, they split into two groups, with one half confronting the hastily returning light cavalry, and the other half circling, once again breaking through the already chaotic central army.
This back-and-forth immediately turned the five thousand soldiers into headless flies. It was only at this moment that Liu Cong realized this group of troops was not entirely composed of Xianbei people; there were also half of them from the Shangdang cavalry. However, these Jie warriors were no less formidable than the Xianbei, wielding hand crossbows that proved even more devastating. Faced with the Xianbei iron cavalry, the Xiongnu cavalry found it impossible to gain any advantage and were even overwhelmed by the retreating troops from a distance.
Witnessing the battlefield descend into indescribable chaos, any military commands became futile. It was impossible to rally the panicked routed troops who only sought to escape for their lives. The towering flag overhead was no longer a stabilizing talisman for military morale but had become a symbol that could lead to one’s demise.
“Roll up the big flag, retreat to Gaodu!” Liu Cong finally made a decisive decision.
Now was not the time to salvage the situation; more importantly, it was about how to survive and escape! With the enemy’s numbers similar to their own, they couldn’t encircle or annihilate them. Even during chaos, many of the troops could escape. These were still elite soldiers in the army, and they might spontaneously return to Gaodu, waiting for the next military command. As long as he could survive, he could lead these soldiers through the Taihang Pass and head to Henan.
If he could turn the situation around in Henan, and win several battles, there might still be a chance to make amends. However, despite his hopes, Liu Cong could only crouch on his horse, fleeing in haste with a few hundred personal guards. The once proud commanding flag had been rolled up and concealed. Fearful of pursuers recognizing him, his personal guards even removed their cloaks to cover his armored figure…
The winter wind blew harsh and cold, but it couldn’t extinguish the raging fire within Liu Cong’s heart. How many times had he fled in such a sorry state? Was Shangdang destined to be a nightmare he could never conquer? This time, he had made thorough preparations, even bringing armored cavalry. However, now, let alone victory, he feared he might not even recover those precious horse armors!
“General! Pursuers are coming from behind!” a guardsman shouted.
Liu Cong abruptly turned around, witnessing a group of five hundred enemy soldiers catching up.
“Go around! Shake them off!” Without any hesitation, Liu Cong roared.
He didn’t realize what he had just said. The enemy only had five hundred riders, while he had eight hundred. However, the extra three hundred couldn’t instill any sense of defense in him; he only wanted to escape faster. This time was different from the previous ones. Had he fallen into a trap? Liu Cong couldn’t say for sure. Could he win if he faced the enemy head-on?
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His steed urged even more urgently. Liu Cong had no other thoughts; he just wanted to shake off the pursuers quickly and return. The lingering smell of blood at the tip of his nose never went away, making it hard for him to discern if it came from his nearby guards or the enemies behind.
As they rounded a mountain pass, preparing to traverse a narrow mountain path, a sudden heavy impact and the neighing of horses came from the front. Liu Cong forcefully pulled the reins, his eyes widening in shock and anger.
Rocks and wood tumbled down from the mountain, directly hitting the front of the formation. Dozens of scouts became a bloody mess, falling from their horses. More horses whinnied in fear, unwilling to move forward.
An ambush was set up ahead! They, like rabbits pursued by hounds, had charged headlong into a trap!
“Hahaha!” Liu Cong burst into a mad laugh, the sound carrying both despair and deep resentment. “Sons! Follow me, let’s fight our way back!”
He was not a rabbit; he never was! He was the most gifted and favored prince of the Han Empire! Flowing in his veins was the noble blood of Modu Chanyu! He was an eagle! A fierce tiger! The true heir destined to inherit the throne from his father! How could he be a foolish rabbit caught and ensnared by others?
Liu Cong turned his horse, and took off his bow, intending to ride and shoot alongside his guards, breaking through the enemy lines. However, before he could draw the bowstring, a feathered arrow flew through the air, heading straight for his chest!
Liu Cong tried to block it; he was wearing armor, and the thick chestplate could easily stop a crossbow bolt. Yet, whether it was his arm or his breastplate, none could withstand the power of that arrow.
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A crisp sound rang out as the arrowhead penetrated the iron armor, leaving only a quivering cluster of white feathers. Liu Cong looked at the arrow feathers in disbelief, his figure swaying before tumbling from his horse.
Beside the mountain path, Yiyan put down his sturdy bow and drew his cavalry saber. No need for many words, a contingent of elite riders closely followed him as they charged toward the bewildered enemy.
A quarter of an hour later, one of the guardsmen raised his blade, beheading an enemy and presenting the severed head to Yiyan: “General, this is the enemy chieftain’s head!”
Yiyan bent down, casually hanging the severed head on his horse: “Tidy up a bit and join up with the main army.”
This skirmish involved some risks, but without it, the massive Xiongnu army with ten thousand riders would surely have escaped. Finding the enemy chieftain in the well-defended central formation was not an easy task, especially amidst the chaotic battle. It was impossible to lure the enemy into a trap.
Only by killing this man could they inflict a painful blow on the Xiongnu and make them more cautious.
“How did the siege on Gaodu’s enemy forces go?” Yiyan turned his horse, asking in a deep voice.
“Yesterday night, our forces launched a surprise attack and have already crushed the Xiongnu cavalry besieging the city,” the guardsman immediately reported.
The Liang household’s forces were not idle. After Liu Cong led his troops away, they took advantage of the night to launch a surprise assault, defeating the fatigued besiegers who had been attacking the city for several days.
Yiyan nodded and inquired, “What about the Taihang Pass?”
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“We blocked the enemy at the Bowl City and, after eliminating them, recaptured the Tianjing Pass.”
“Good.” Yiyan didn’t ask further, urging his horse to return.
On the desolate plain after the battle, only the Shangdang cavalry and countless corpses remained. After the commander fled, the remaining forces suffered a complete rout, leaving no one alive. As for those who couldn’t escape, not a single captive was taken; they were all mercilessly slain. The aftermath painted a grim picture reminiscent of the Battle of Changping.
Seeing Yiyan returning on horseback, Tuoba Yulu eagerly greeted him, “General Yi, did you manage to slay the Xiongnu chieftain? He’s Liu Yuan’s son, quite formidable!”
He could see the severed head hanging from Yiyan’s horse and couldn’t help but marvel at the brilliance of the strategy. This time, they had lost a prince of the Han Dynasty, and he wondered if Liu Yuan would go mad with anger.
Yiyan said indifferently, “Even if it was Liu Yuan himself, I would still take his life.”
These words were indeed arrogant, but coming from this general, they didn’t feel overly presumptuous. Tuoba Yulu smirked and curiously asked, “By the way, what did you set up in front of the formation? Why could we hear thunder in broad daylight? I heard that Lord Liang summoned thunder and meteors before; was it the same today?”
Yiyan didn’t answer that question, instead asking, “How many enemies escaped?”
“Probably around eight to nine thousand. The cavalry fled more, but the heavy cavalry all stayed,” Tuoba Yulu answered with a smile.
Although very curious about the tricks used by these Shangdang people, he refrained from pursuing the matter further since the other party didn’t want to disclose it. However, this time, working together with Yiyan in battle, he realized why the troops from Bing County were so formidable. Besides the thunderfall, the fact that every cavalryman was equipped with a hand crossbow, along with the presence of numerous crossbowmen and siege crossbows, made people shudder. Archers and crossbowmen were always the bane of light cavalry, explaining why they could effortlessly defeat the nomadic slaves of the Bai Tribe. If it were him attacking, Tuoba Yulu quickly dismissed the idea; his uncle would never attack Bing County, at least not while Lord Liang was in charge.
“This victory is thanks to General Tuoba’s assistance. I will report everything to our lord,” Yiyan said courteously.
He had no say in the matter of rewards, but upon hearing this, Tuoba Yulu was satisfied. The title of Grand Chanyu that Lord Liang had mentioned before had already been granted by the court. This time, fighting against the Xiongnu, they should not be mistreated. As for the foundation of Bing County, they could explore it slowly.
Not caring much about these Tuoba people, Yiyan dealt with the issues of the routed soldiers and the defense of Gaodu before returning to Lu City. Cui Ji personally came out to welcome him.
“General Yi, you’ve once again achieved great merits!” Cui Ji had heard about the killing of Liu Cong. This news was even more uplifting than repelling the Xiongnu army and would undoubtedly suppress those with sinister motives. With such military achievements, even if Sima Yue himself came in person, he wouldn’t be able to find fault.
“Magistrate Cui, you are too kind.” Yiyan bowed slightly.
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After the pleasantries, they entered the main hall together and carefully discussed the current affairs. With the transition from military to civilian matters after the war, and with winter farming not yet complete, the troops temporarily stationed here needed further arrangements.
“However, by killing Liu Cong this time, I wonder how the puppet Xiongnu faction will react. General Yi might have to stay in Shangdang for a while,” Cui Ji, being more considerate than Yiyan anticipated, reminded him. After all, Liu Cong was Liu Yuan’s legitimate son, and the repercussions needed to be carefully considered.
Yiyan didn’t think Liu Yuan was the kind of person who would go all out for revenge on behalf of his son. Among the Xiongnu, losing a child was not uncommon due to frequent warfare. On the contrary, the effective repulsion of the Xiongnu forces by Bing County and the killing of their commander was the real cause for concern. If everything went as expected, a few months of stability should not be an issue.
“When the summer harvest brings new crops and recruits, our lord will have nothing to fear from these mere Xiongnu.”
Seeing Yiyan indifferent, Cui Ji smiled and shook his head. “By the way, Young Lord Rong has been waiting for news in the mansion these days. If General Yi has the time, it wouldn’t hurt to visit him.”
At these words, Yiyan raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t oppose the idea. After all, before he came to Shangdang, his lord had specifically instructed him to take good care of Liang Rong.
Seeing Yiyan’s acquiescence1, Cui Ji also breathed a sigh of relief. Currently, the civil and military officials around the lord, intentionally or unintentionally, were all trying to build closer relationships with Liang Rong. Only Yiyan remained somewhat aloof, not bothering much with the future ‘heir.’ Yiyan had even taught Liang Rong archery, making him somewhat of a mentor. Regardless, Cui Ji, as Liang Rong’s mentor, still hoped he could establish a good relationship with the lord’s closest trusted military commander.
Coincidentally, this battle in Shangdang had piqued Liang Rong’s interest. If Yiyan could take the opportunity to impart some military wisdom, it would be an efficient way to achieve results. Who could be a better mentor for Liang Rong than Yiyan, the one who experienced the battle firsthand?
However, even with Cui Ji’s encouragement, Yiyan didn’t meet Liang Rong until two days later.
The commanding flag above swayed wildly, making a clamorous sound as the fierce wind whipped it. The fluttering banners and flags should have been a source of pride, but now, they only served to agitate Liu Cong’s mind. They were on the verge of defeat! The enemy had seized the perfect opportunity.
Taking advantage of the disruption caused by the thunder that startled the light cavalry, they charged into the central army defended by infantry, easily disrupting the formation into chaos. Subsequently, they split into two groups, with one half confronting the hastily returning light cavalry, and the other half circling, once again breaking through the already chaotic central army.
This back-and-forth immediately turned the five thousand soldiers into headless flies. It was only at this moment that Liu Cong realized this group of troops was not entirely composed of Xianbei people; there were also half of them from the Shangdang cavalry. However, these Jie warriors were no less formidable than the Xianbei, wielding hand crossbows that proved even more devastating. Faced with the Xianbei iron cavalry, the Xiongnu cavalry found it impossible to gain any advantage and were even overwhelmed by the retreating troops from a distance.
Witnessing the battlefield descend into indescribable chaos, any military commands became futile. It was impossible to rally the panicked routed troops who only sought to escape for their lives. The towering flag overhead was no longer a stabilizing talisman for military morale but had become a symbol that could lead to one’s demise.
“Roll up the big flag, retreat to Gaodu!” Liu Cong finally made a decisive decision.
Now was not the time to salvage the situation; more importantly, it was about how to survive and escape! With the enemy’s numbers similar to their own, they couldn’t encircle or annihilate them. Even during chaos, many of the troops could escape. These were still elite soldiers in the army, and they might spontaneously return to Gaodu, waiting for the next military command. As long as he could survive, he could lead these soldiers through the Taihang Pass and head to Henan.
If he could turn the situation around in Henan, and win several battles, there might still be a chance to make amends. However, despite his hopes, Liu Cong could only crouch on his horse, fleeing in haste with a few hundred personal guards. The once proud commanding flag had been rolled up and concealed. Fearful of pursuers recognizing him, his personal guards even removed their cloaks to cover his armored figure…
The winter wind blew harsh and cold, but it couldn’t extinguish the raging fire within Liu Cong’s heart. How many times had he fled in such a sorry state? Was Shangdang destined to be a nightmare he could never conquer? This time, he had made thorough preparations, even bringing armored cavalry. However, now, let alone victory, he feared he might not even recover those precious horse armors!
“General! Pursuers are coming from behind!” a guardsman shouted.
Liu Cong abruptly turned around, witnessing a group of five hundred enemy soldiers catching up.
“Go around! Shake them off!” Without any hesitation, Liu Cong roared.
He didn’t realize what he had just said. The enemy only had five hundred riders, while he had eight hundred. However, the extra three hundred couldn’t instill any sense of defense in him; he only wanted to escape faster. This time was different from the previous ones. Had he fallen into a trap? Liu Cong couldn’t say for sure. Could he win if he faced the enemy head-on?
Advertisement
His steed urged even more urgently. Liu Cong had no other thoughts; he just wanted to shake off the pursuers quickly and return. The lingering smell of blood at the tip of his nose never went away, making it hard for him to discern if it came from his nearby guards or the enemies behind.
As they rounded a mountain pass, preparing to traverse a narrow mountain path, a sudden heavy impact and the neighing of horses came from the front. Liu Cong forcefully pulled the reins, his eyes widening in shock and anger.
Rocks and wood tumbled down from the mountain, directly hitting the front of the formation. Dozens of scouts became a bloody mess, falling from their horses. More horses whinnied in fear, unwilling to move forward.
An ambush was set up ahead! They, like rabbits pursued by hounds, had charged headlong into a trap!
“Hahaha!” Liu Cong burst into a mad laugh, the sound carrying both despair and deep resentment. “Sons! Follow me, let’s fight our way back!”
He was not a rabbit; he never was! He was the most gifted and favored prince of the Han Empire! Flowing in his veins was the noble blood of Modu Chanyu! He was an eagle! A fierce tiger! The true heir destined to inherit the throne from his father! How could he be a foolish rabbit caught and ensnared by others?
Liu Cong turned his horse, and took off his bow, intending to ride and shoot alongside his guards, breaking through the enemy lines. However, before he could draw the bowstring, a feathered arrow flew through the air, heading straight for his chest!
Liu Cong tried to block it; he was wearing armor, and the thick chestplate could easily stop a crossbow bolt. Yet, whether it was his arm or his breastplate, none could withstand the power of that arrow.
Advertisement
A crisp sound rang out as the arrowhead penetrated the iron armor, leaving only a quivering cluster of white feathers. Liu Cong looked at the arrow feathers in disbelief, his figure swaying before tumbling from his horse.
Beside the mountain path, Yiyan put down his sturdy bow and drew his cavalry saber. No need for many words, a contingent of elite riders closely followed him as they charged toward the bewildered enemy.
A quarter of an hour later, one of the guardsmen raised his blade, beheading an enemy and presenting the severed head to Yiyan: “General, this is the enemy chieftain’s head!”
Yiyan bent down, casually hanging the severed head on his horse: “Tidy up a bit and join up with the main army.”
This skirmish involved some risks, but without it, the massive Xiongnu army with ten thousand riders would surely have escaped. Finding the enemy chieftain in the well-defended central formation was not an easy task, especially amidst the chaotic battle. It was impossible to lure the enemy into a trap.
Only by killing this man could they inflict a painful blow on the Xiongnu and make them more cautious.
“How did the siege on Gaodu’s enemy forces go?” Yiyan turned his horse, asking in a deep voice.
“Yesterday night, our forces launched a surprise attack and have already crushed the Xiongnu cavalry besieging the city,” the guardsman immediately reported.
The Liang household’s forces were not idle. After Liu Cong led his troops away, they took advantage of the night to launch a surprise assault, defeating the fatigued besiegers who had been attacking the city for several days.
Yiyan nodded and inquired, “What about the Taihang Pass?”
Advertisement
“We blocked the enemy at the Bowl City and, after eliminating them, recaptured the Tianjing Pass.”
“Good.” Yiyan didn’t ask further, urging his horse to return.
On the desolate plain after the battle, only the Shangdang cavalry and countless corpses remained. After the commander fled, the remaining forces suffered a complete rout, leaving no one alive. As for those who couldn’t escape, not a single captive was taken; they were all mercilessly slain. The aftermath painted a grim picture reminiscent of the Battle of Changping.
Seeing Yiyan returning on horseback, Tuoba Yulu eagerly greeted him, “General Yi, did you manage to slay the Xiongnu chieftain? He’s Liu Yuan’s son, quite formidable!”
He could see the severed head hanging from Yiyan’s horse and couldn’t help but marvel at the brilliance of the strategy. This time, they had lost a prince of the Han Dynasty, and he wondered if Liu Yuan would go mad with anger.
Yiyan said indifferently, “Even if it was Liu Yuan himself, I would still take his life.”
These words were indeed arrogant, but coming from this general, they didn’t feel overly presumptuous. Tuoba Yulu smirked and curiously asked, “By the way, what did you set up in front of the formation? Why could we hear thunder in broad daylight? I heard that Lord Liang summoned thunder and meteors before; was it the same today?”
Yiyan didn’t answer that question, instead asking, “How many enemies escaped?”
“Probably around eight to nine thousand. The cavalry fled more, but the heavy cavalry all stayed,” Tuoba Yulu answered with a smile.
Although very curious about the tricks used by these Shangdang people, he refrained from pursuing the matter further since the other party didn’t want to disclose it. However, this time, working together with Yiyan in battle, he realized why the troops from Bing County were so formidable. Besides the thunderfall, the fact that every cavalryman was equipped with a hand crossbow, along with the presence of numerous crossbowmen and siege crossbows, made people shudder. Archers and crossbowmen were always the bane of light cavalry, explaining why they could effortlessly defeat the nomadic slaves of the Bai Tribe. If it were him attacking, Tuoba Yulu quickly dismissed the idea; his uncle would never attack Bing County, at least not while Lord Liang was in charge.
“This victory is thanks to General Tuoba’s assistance. I will report everything to our lord,” Yiyan said courteously.
He had no say in the matter of rewards, but upon hearing this, Tuoba Yulu was satisfied. The title of Grand Chanyu that Lord Liang had mentioned before had already been granted by the court. This time, fighting against the Xiongnu, they should not be mistreated. As for the foundation of Bing County, they could explore it slowly.
Not caring much about these Tuoba people, Yiyan dealt with the issues of the routed soldiers and the defense of Gaodu before returning to Lu City. Cui Ji personally came out to welcome him.
“General Yi, you’ve once again achieved great merits!” Cui Ji had heard about the killing of Liu Cong. This news was even more uplifting than repelling the Xiongnu army and would undoubtedly suppress those with sinister motives. With such military achievements, even if Sima Yue himself came in person, he wouldn’t be able to find fault.
“Magistrate Cui, you are too kind.” Yiyan bowed slightly.
Advertisement
After the pleasantries, they entered the main hall together and carefully discussed the current affairs. With the transition from military to civilian matters after the war, and with winter farming not yet complete, the troops temporarily stationed here needed further arrangements.
“However, by killing Liu Cong this time, I wonder how the puppet Xiongnu faction will react. General Yi might have to stay in Shangdang for a while,” Cui Ji, being more considerate than Yiyan anticipated, reminded him. After all, Liu Cong was Liu Yuan’s legitimate son, and the repercussions needed to be carefully considered.
Yiyan didn’t think Liu Yuan was the kind of person who would go all out for revenge on behalf of his son. Among the Xiongnu, losing a child was not uncommon due to frequent warfare. On the contrary, the effective repulsion of the Xiongnu forces by Bing County and the killing of their commander was the real cause for concern. If everything went as expected, a few months of stability should not be an issue.
“When the summer harvest brings new crops and recruits, our lord will have nothing to fear from these mere Xiongnu.”
Seeing Yiyan indifferent, Cui Ji smiled and shook his head. “By the way, Young Lord Rong has been waiting for news in the mansion these days. If General Yi has the time, it wouldn’t hurt to visit him.”
At these words, Yiyan raised an eyebrow, but he didn’t oppose the idea. After all, before he came to Shangdang, his lord had specifically instructed him to take good care of Liang Rong.
Seeing Yiyan’s acquiescence1, Cui Ji also breathed a sigh of relief. Currently, the civil and military officials around the lord, intentionally or unintentionally, were all trying to build closer relationships with Liang Rong. Only Yiyan remained somewhat aloof, not bothering much with the future ‘heir.’ Yiyan had even taught Liang Rong archery, making him somewhat of a mentor. Regardless, Cui Ji, as Liang Rong’s mentor, still hoped he could establish a good relationship with the lord’s closest trusted military commander.
Coincidentally, this battle in Shangdang had piqued Liang Rong’s interest. If Yiyan could take the opportunity to impart some military wisdom, it would be an efficient way to achieve results. Who could be a better mentor for Liang Rong than Yiyan, the one who experienced the battle firsthand?
However, even with Cui Ji’s encouragement, Yiyan didn’t meet Liang Rong until two days later.
